New Delhi, Jan 16 : The elections to the Babarpur Assembly constituency will not be just another seat for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party but a battle of prestige as well amid the party fielding its city convenor Gopal Rai for the February 8 polls.

After party chief Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leader Manish Sisodia, all eyes will be on the Babarpur constituency when the results will be announced on February 11.

Rai's importance can be seen with the number of responsibilities he has been given in both the Aam Aadmi Party and its government in Delhi. He is a member of Political Affairs Committee; member of the National Executive; Delhi State Convenor; Delhi Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, General Administration Department, Irrigation and Flood Control and Labour.

The Babarpur MLA was different from other AAP leaders as he has been in politics since his college days. He is among the most visible leaders from the AAP who had led the party in public meetings.

Rai alone had done a Jan Samvad Yatra in each of the 70 Assembly constituencies between September 1 and October 3, 2019 -- much before the city even got the election feel.

He was also a prominent face of the party for the 'Aapan Purvanchal' -- an initiative to connect with people of Purvanchal. The aim of the campaign -- from October 6 to November 20 -- was to connect with the voters and explain to them the good work done by the AAP.

A known fiery orator, Rai came into limelight during the Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement. On December 13, 2013, the fourth day of Hazare's indefinite hunger strike for passage of Jan Lokpal Bill, a verbal spat between former Army chief V.K. Singh, now a BJP MP, and Rai took place. The Gandhian activist had asked Rai to leave the venue.

Rai later played a key role in building the AAP. He was associated with Kejriwal since his India Against Corruption days.

The Babarpur Assembly constituency, a home to rural and urban sections, including Balbir Nagar, Chhajjupur, Ghonda Extn, Harijan Basti, Indira Niketan, Janta Mazdoor Colony, Kabir Nagar, Kardam Puri, Maujpur, New Jafarabad, North Ghonda and Yamuna Vihar, had elected the BJP four of the five times between 1993 and 2013.

The constituency has elected Naresh Gaur of BJP in 1993, 1998, 2008 and 2009. Vinay Sharma of Congres had won the seat in 2003. AAP was formed in 2012 and changed the picture of Delhi politics. However, Rai could not win in 2013 even when the party bagged 28 seats and formed a government for 49 days with help from the Congress.

Rai, who came third in 2013 with just 22.37 per cent votes, became the MLA from the seat when he bagged 59.14 per cent votes in 2015. Later in 2017, he became the Delhi State Convenor of the AAP.

A densely populated area, the constituency has 2,15,907 voters with over 99,000 females. The constituency has a sex ratio of 850 - above the state's gender ratio of 824. The constituency is considered a Muslim majority seat, but has never elected a Muslim leader.

While the AAP is trusting its tested name, the BJP and the Congress have not named their candidates yet, but the contest will be worth watching.

The AAP had bagged 67 of the 70 Assembly seats in the 2015 polls in Delhi.

The fate of the contenders will be revealed on February 11 when counting takes place.

(Nivedita Singh can be contacted at nivedita.singh@ians.in)
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CINCINNATI and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bon Secours Mercy Health and Lirio, LLC today announced their new strategic partnership at the 38th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, initiated by a direct investment from Bon Secours Mercy Health in Lirio's innovative behavior change AI platform. John Starcher, president and CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health will join Lirio's board of directors.

Lirio Bon Secours Mercy Health

"Together with Lirio, Bon Secours Mercy Health is leveraging leading edge technology to continuously learn from our patients, families and community members, which will allow us to translate that learning into personalized health programs and communications that empower individuals to make healthy decisions and take healthy actions," said Justin McGoldrick, M.D., chief clinical research and innovation officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health. "This will be central to our health system's enhanced ability to improve the overall health of the communities we serve."

Lirio and Bon Secours Mercy Health will co-develop new behavior change programs that influence health decision-making for those at risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. These programs will eventually be marketed and sold to other health systems globally under commercial terms agreed to between both parties.

Bon Secours Mercy Health will license and deploy existing Lirio behavior change programs, such as women's health programs and programs that encourage the use of digital engagement tools like patient portals.

"Bon Secours Mercy Health has a bold vision for extending care beyond the hospital into the community and addressing root causes of poor health," said Mike West, Lirio's chairman and CEO. "We are excited to co-develop new behavior change programs that target at-risk populations proactively and preventatively in ways that both improve care quality and achieve operational efficiencies. By effectively utilizing large volumes of population health data, we can activate consumers by guiding them with personalized, data-driven health journeys."

Bon Secours Mercy Health will now have access to Lirio's deep talent pool of behavioral scientists, data scientists and AI researchers to join forces with its clinical experts in population health, data analytics and various community partnerships that address social determinants of health.

About Bon Secours Mercy Health

Bon Secours Mercy Health is one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry's quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours Mercy Health provided care for patients more than 10.5 million times in 2018 through its network of more than 1,000 care sites, which includes hospitals, as well as home health agencies, hospice, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Consistent with its commitment to serve each patient with dignity, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides nearly $2 million per day in community benefit. The mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit https://bsmhealth.org/

About Lirio

Lirio is a behavior change AI platform that moves people along their unique journey to better health through person-centered communication. The company brings together the power of behavioral science with artificial intelligence to learn the most effective way to communicate with people in a particular context. That insight is applied to create personalized behavior change programs for health systems and large employers resulting in improved engagement and outcomes. For more information, visit https://lirio.com

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This article by Jeff Schogol originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues.

An Army Special Operations Command soldier died on Tuesday during a free fall training exercise.

Master Sgt. Nathan Goodman, 36, died "during a routine military free fall" near Eloy, Arizona, according to a release from Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, USASOC spokesman.

Goodman, who grew up near Chicago, enlisted in July 2002; in 2005, he transferred to the Army National Guard, going on to become a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant in 2007. At the time of his death, Goodman was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group as an Operations "Team" Sergeant for a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, according to the release.

Goodman had deployed four times -- twice to Africa, once to Iraq, and once to Kyrgyzstan. Throughout his service Goodman was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and many other awards.

Col. Nathan Prussian, commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group, called Goodman "a beloved member of 3rd Special Forces Group and an exceptional leader in the Special Operations community.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his Family during this difficult time and our priority now rests with taking care of them and our soldiers."

The incident is currently under investigation, Bymer said.

More articles from Task & Purpose:
'1917': Mistaken Destiny

Anyone with half a brain knows that there's no such thing as a war movie  that there are only antiwar movies, of which director-writer Sam Mendes' "1917" is an iconic example. They also know that this harrowing, R-deserving delve into the bowels of humankind destroying each other with whatever new, technological device available to them, is a symptom of a species not yet civilized.

So of course, exiting the theater after receiving this booster shot of a reminder that thou shalt not kill, a cynically overwhelming shadow took center stage of my thoughts. Doubtless, all through this country, in hollows from hinterland to urban ghetto, and all through the landscape in-between, a percentage of father-son pairings who've ebulliently imbibed the excitement of "1917's" sanctioned bloodletting, just can't wait to sign up for the next carnage. "Geez. Won't it be great, Dad? Fight some enemy we're told we hate, maybe even get wounded, come home, and get addicted to opioids. Everybody makes out."

I'm thinking it might have something to do with the recently posited anthropological theory that the first modern humans, perhaps heeding in advance Stephen Stills' advice to "Love the One You're With," occasionally mated with Neanderthals. And from there it's only a stone's throw of reason to believe that the earlier derived group hadn't yet quite developed either the taste or ability to diplomatically settle disputes. Hence, this nagging appendage of a habit to every so often slaughter our fellow human being either over a piece of land, an insult or because they don't believe in the same, all-forgiving, charitable deity as we.

The thought is impressed midway in the film when George MacKay's splendidly played Lance Corporal Schofield explains to a British Army superior the mission he started out on with his pal, Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman). They've got to get through enemy lines, across all manner of labyrinthine trenches, and through dauntingly dangerous forests and fortified villages, to an outpost that's being suckered into a suicide assault by the Germans. When Schofield informs that he has the General's written orders for the Brits' Colonel Mackenzie to stand down and thus avoid the trap that would murder 1,600 men, the war-weary officer cautions him, "Make sure there are witnesses -- some just like to fight."

Haunting scenes pervade throughout the horrific adventure, with special attention to bodies strewn in every nightmarish manner across rivers and on the obscene insult to nature that is called No Man's Land, stuff too ugly in its bloated denigration of the human form to even contemplate, let alone visualize. I'd like to think that even a percentage of those perhaps misunderstood Neanderthals would be opposed to employing their bloodthirsty brethren to win their well-heeled bigwigs a monopoly of pelts.

Shock and marvel combine in our appreciation of the award-worthy art direction, phenomenal cinematography and special effects that provide a near seamless, non-stop chronicle of the death-defying mission the two young soldiers undertake. The art and technology in the name of realism is formidable. But for all the blood and gore splashed across the silver screen, even the most seemingly realistic f/x falls short of the true horror. That dad and son just champing at the bit to be in the jaws of war have no idea.

So, we employ our movie magic to impress how those powers that be see our self-featured heroes as no more than cannon fodder. But while going a long way to exemplifying just how unimaginably terrible combat is, and rightfully preaching to the choir of folks who would resist all but the most unavoidable, righteous conflicts, such as defeating a Hitler or one who features himself as such, an analogy occurs. Imagine the filmic wizardry is your dear Aunt Sonia, whom you meet at a funeral. While it's great to see her, your parting words are inevitably, "... next time at a happier occasion, maybe a wedding, a bar mitzvah, a new baby, something good."

But for all the mesmerizing visions that pain the creases in our brain, an iteration of what filmmaker Peter Jackson so indelibly purveyed in his breakthrough documentary "They Shall Not Grow Old" (2018) hammers home the overriding tragedy of all the civilizations that ever were. We snuff out our young lives, rob them of potential joys, and delete, in a perverse rationalization not even worthy of the second-class politicians who proffer them, what great invention they might have brought forth in the hopes of the perfection our better souls seek.

So, this is tough duty, which begs the question: Do I skip all the mental turmoil that awaits in the theater, fully confident that my pacifist sentiment is solidly intact, or, as the cineaste anxious to witness director Mendes' cutting-edge contribution to this unfortunately necessary genre, do I include "1917" on my moviegoing calendar?

"1917," rated R, is a Universal Pictures release directed by Sam Mendes and stars, George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman and Daniel Mays. Running time: 119 minutes
We are extremely excited to be able to expand and offer this type of professional office space now in Port St. Lucie East and provide customers with a myriad of options when it comes to their business needs, states Jamie Willard, VP of Operations at W Executive Suites.

W Executive Suites, LLC, a leader in commercial executive office space, today announced that the company has opened a second location in Port St. Lucie East to better serve its customers. With 23 brand new furnished executive offices now available at 10570 S US Highway in Port St. Lucie, Florida; growing businesses have options when it comes to executive office space. W Executive Suites is helping the Florida business community work smarter with state-of-the-art office space in two prime locations on the Treasure Coast. W Executive Suites proudly opened its doors in December 2018 with its first set of 27 executive offices and multiple conference rooms being unveiled in Port St. Lucie West at 1860 Fountainview Blvd., Suite 100. The company then expanded in the summer of 2019 with an additional 23 fully furnished offices and recently launched a new coworking membership that can now be shared between office buildings.

W Executive Suites offers turnkey Class A office space that not only comes fully furnished, but includes dedicated receptionists/phone number, and an official business mailing address inclusive of all utilities and janitorial services. The company specializes in streamlining the process of setting up a new office. Business owners reap the benefits of having an office right out of the box with options that includes virtual packages and/or full-time conventional office agreements. In addition, coworking memberships are available as a cost-effective solution for Florida businesses. This type of coworking solution provides access to a professional office setting with the amenities of a traditional office at a comparable lower rate. As an added benefit, coworking memberships now include the option to utilize coworking space at both W Executive Suites locations in Port St. Lucie West and East.

We are extremely excited to be able to expand and offer this type of professional office space now in Port St. Lucie East and provide customers with a myriad of options when it comes to their business needs, states Jamie Willard, VP of Operations at W Executive Suites. The goal of W Executive Suites is to create a first-class office environment in both locations to help businesses work smarter. W Executive Suites will be offering new tenants $250 off their first months rent for all signed agreements by February 14th at all locations. See why businesses throughout Florida are choosing W Executive Suites for all their business needs. For further information, visit http://www.wexecutivesuites.com.

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W Executive Suites located in Port St. Lucie West and East provides turnkey fully furnished office space inclusive of all services with flexible terms and pricing designed to accommodate companies of all sizes. W Executive Suites is helping businesses work smarter by providing a professional office environment at cost effective rates; making it an easy choice for businesses to call home. In addition to conventional office space, virtual office packages are available that are perfect for mobile or start-up businesses. Conference rooms are also available that provide a comfortable atmosphere for meetings and all the tools businesses need to conduct business in a professional setting. For further information on W Executive Suites, visit http://www.wexecutivesuites.com or contact 772-207-4900.

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This file photo shows the Nimitz Gate entrance to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. Military officials say 3 civilians were arrested after a live mortar round was found in their vehicle as they tried to enter the base without authorization.

Three civilians were arrested at Hawaii's Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam after a security guard spotted a live mortar round in a vehicle waiting to enter the main gate late Tuesday, military officials said.

The guard at the main Nimitz Gate had ordered the vehicle to turn around when he detected the smell of marijuana and saw the ordnance in plain sight, according to spokesman Charles Anthony. The vehicle was attempting to enter the base without authorization.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely removed the round that Anthony described as an explosive device and a deadly weapon. He said no firing device was found in the car and it is unknown how the men obtained the device.

Anthony said the round could be modified and triggered by something other than a traditional mortar tube, but no detonation system was found in the vehicle.

A base spokesman said the three occupants of the vehicle were civilians, Hawaii News Now reported. Anthony said the individuals were in the custody of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

All gates to the base were closed for about two hours, according to a statement.

Anthony said hundreds of people, usually lost, end up at the base gate each day and are turned around if they do not have authorization to enter.

In December, an active-duty U.S. sailor opened fire on three civilian employees at the base's naval shipyard, killing two of them. Officials have said the sailor, whose submarine was docked at Pearl Harbor, then took his own life.

The shooting happened days before dignitaries and veterans attended the bases ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

In a separate incident, a lockdown ended at Tennessee's McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on Wednesday afternoon after a report of a suspicious person who appeared to be armed turned out to be a misunderstanding, officials said.

A student had reported seeing a suspicious person with what looked like a weapon, said Lt. Col. Travers Hurst, a spokesman at the airbase near Knoxville.

Story continues

There has been heightened concern about gun violence on military bases after shootings at military installations in Florida and Hawaii killed five people in December.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pearl Harbor base: 3 arrested with live mortar in vehicle at main gate
The Democratic-led House of Representatives voted yesterday to send two formal charges against Donald Trump to the Senate, clearing the way for only the third impeachment trial of a US president to begin in earnest next week.

Politicians voted 228 to 193 to give the Senate, controlled by Mr Trump's fellow Republicans, the task of putting him on trial on charges of abuse of power for asking Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and of obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and documents sought by Democratic politicians.

The vote, which also approved a team of seven Democratic politicians named by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as prosecutors, was largely along party lines.

The 100-seat Senate is expected to acquit Mr Trump, keeping him in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that under the US Constitution would require a two-thirds majority.

But Mr Trump's impeachment by the House last month will remain as a stain on his record and the televised trial in the Senate could be uncomfortable for him as he seeks re-election on November 3, with Mr Biden a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to challenge him.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Ms Pelosi said before the vote.

Ms Pelosi launched the impeachment inquiry in September after earlier resisting such a move centred on Mr Trump's actions to impede a federal investigation that documented Russian interference in the 2016 election to boost his candidacy.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Trump nemesis who served as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles for six years, was selected to head the team of House "managers".

The White House has yet to unveil its defence team. The trial will overseen by US Chief Justice John Roberts.

Mr Trump, during a White House signing ceremony for a China trade deal, took a few shots at what he called the impeachment "hoax".

He excused House politicians who needed to go to vote on impeachment and singled out for praise every Republican senator in the audience, whose support he will need at the trial.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Mr Trump "expects to be fully exonerated", saying: "President Trump has done nothing wrong."

Opening statements in the trial are expected next Tuesday, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose fellow Republicans will set the rules for the trial.

A pivotal event in Mr Trump's impeachment was a July 25 telephone call in which he asked Ukraine's president to open a corruption investigation into Mr Biden and his son, as well as a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election.

Democrats have called this an abuse of power, because Mr Trump asked a foreign government to interfere in a US election for his own benefit at the expense of national security.

Republicans argue that Mr Trump's actions did not rise to the level of impeachable offences. They have accused Democrats of using the Ukraine affair to nullify Mr Trump's 2016 election victory.

Democrats also accused Mr Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391m (350m) in security aid to Ukraine as leverage to pressure Kiev into conducting investigations politically beneficial to him. The money - approved by Congress to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists - was eventually provided to Ukraine in September. "The president considered that his private ATM machine, I guess," Ms Pelosi said of the aid.

Mr Schiff (59), spearheaded the investigation and he is a frequent target of Trump attacks. Mr Trump in December called Mr Schiff "a deranged human being".

Mr Schiff wants Republicans to allow more evidence and witnesses at the trial. Mr McConnell has resisted the idea of calling witnesses, saying senators should only consider evidence amassed by the House. Democrats want Mr Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton summoned as a witness. Other witnesses have said Mr Bolton was a vocal critic of the effort by Mr Trump's administration to pressure Ukraine.

No US president has been removed as a direct result of impeachment.

The House impeached Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998, but the Senate did not convict them.

Mr Clinton's trial lasted five weeks. If the Trump trial is conducted along those lines, the proceedings would occur even as the first nominating contests of the 2020 presidential race are held.
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A Maine legislator is calling on the states legislative body to push the U.S. Congress to make banking and insurance accessible to legalized cannabis businesses.

Republican Rep. John Andrews of Paris, Maine, said he intends to introduce a resolution to the Maine Legislature calling for Congress to make the moves. Many legal cannabis businesses operate mostly with cash and with no insurance because of federal regulations, Andrews said.

A copy of the resolution will also go to President Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and each member of Maines delegation, Andrews said.

Andrews said lack of access to banking and insurance has the ability to hold back businesses in the state, and the federal government should respect state law. Maine voters legalized marijuana with a statewide vote in 2016.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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JOHANNESBURG  Researchers say they have successfully created another embryo of the nearly extinct northern white rhino in a global effort to keep the species alive. Just two animals remain, and both are female.

The viable embryo is just the third to be created in a lab with eggs taken from the females and inseminated with frozen sperm from dead males, according to Wednesdays statement. The embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen to be transferred into a surrogate mother  a southern white rhino  in the coming months.

Its amazing to see that we will be able to reverse the tragic loss of this subspecies through science, Kenyas wildlife minister, Najib Balala, said in the statement by the Kenya Wildlife Service and conservationists from Kenya, the Czech Republic, Germany and Italy.

The ultimate goal is to create a herd of at least five animals that could be returned to their natural habitat in Africa. That could take decades.

The two remaining female northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, are hosted by Kenya. The three viable embryos have been created with eggs from Fatu.

Now the team will make every effort to achieve the same result for the 30-year-old Najin before it is too late for her, said Thomas Hildebrandt with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research in Germany.

The procedure has proven to be safe and can be performed regularly before the animals become too old, the new statement said.

The next step is to select female southern white rhinos among those at Kenyas Ol Pejeta Conservancy to serve as a surrogate mother, Kenyas wildlife minister said.

Decades of poaching have taken a heavy toll on rhino species. The animals are killed for their horns, which have long been used as carving material and prized in traditional Chinese medicine for their supposed healing properties.

The last male northern white rhino was a 45-year-old named Sudan, who gained fame in 2017 when he was listed as The Most Eligible Bachelor in the World on the Tinder dating app as part of a fundraising effort. Sudan, named for the country where he was born in the wild, was euthanized in 2018 because of age-related ills.

Cara Anna is an Associated Press writer.
Feathr, a Gainesville, FL-based marketing technology company, closed an $11m Series B funding round.

The round was led by Fulcrum Equity Partners with participation from several existing investors including Freeman Digital Ventures, Florida Gulfshore Capital, and Florida Opportunity Fund (managed by Arsenal Venture Partners).

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate enhancements of its product offerings as well as expand its team.

Led by Aleksander Levental, CEO, Feathr provides a marketing technology platform that enables thousands of professionals in the association and event industries to leverage data to create personalized and effective marketing. The companys platform currently drives membership growth, attendee acquisition, and sponsor promotion for its clients. Today, more than 500 associations and event organizersfrom global market leaders such as Informa to regional organizations such as the Texas Society of Association Executivesuse Feathr to market thousands of events, initiatives, and member programs to more than one hundred million customers around the world.

FinSMEs

16/01/2020
A 29-year-old woman, whose thighs and genitals were scalded when coffee was spilled in her lap at a McDonalds drive-through takeaway in Clondalkin, Co Dublin, has been awarded 30,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Ciara Corboy, of Oatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, told Judge Francis Comerford that in November 2017 while being handed a large Americano at the drive-through restaurant at The Mill Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, a lid that had not been properly secured to the cup had come off causing her to be scalded in her thighs, groin and private parts.

Barrister Noel Cosgrove, counsel for Ms Corboy, said she had suffered extensive burns and, while having been treated with gel in the restaurant office, later had to attend St James Hospital on six occasions to have her wounds treated. The hospital had provided her with a nappy-type dressing to wear.

Mr Cosgrove, who appeared with James McSweeney Solicitors, said the defendant, Gerla Restaurants Limited, Lucan, Co Dublin, had denied negligence in a full defence and had pleaded contributory negligence on Ms Corboys part.

Ms Corboy said she had been accompanied in her car at the time by her then partner, Ms Amanda Garvey, who had applied first aid gel to her wounds while she was being treated in the restaurant office.

She said she had experienced excruciating pain at the time and had suffered ongoing pain for at least six weeks after the accident. She and her partner had been unable to have any intimate relations for almost eight months.

Corboy denied in cross-examination by Ms Moira Flahive, counsel for Gerla Restaurants, that she had put the large coffee cup between her legs in her car which had caused the lid to pop off. She said that while waiting to be served her car had been in gear and her feet had been on the clutch and brake but denied the spillage had been caused by her car jolting forward.

Judge Comerford said he accepted that McDonalds training policy of providing a cup carrier with every hot drink that was handed out of the service hatch had been breached by the staff member involved. He felt training procedures should have been followed and had not been on this occasion, which tipped the decision in Ms Corboys favour. He said CCTV coverage of the incident showed the car moving following the spillage.

The judge said it was a difficult case to value from a point of view of general damages. Ms Corboys injuries had not fully resolved for up to eight months and photographs of her wounds were indicative of a stressful and painful injury.

They were bad burns in an extremely sensitive area and I accept there would have been some impact on sexual activity for five months or so after the incident, Judge Comerford said.

He said that while the injuries had been highly stressful and painful there had been no evidence of any permanent consequences as a result of them and therefore no necessity for damages into the future.

There was also a high degree of indignity involved in the way things occurred and from the photographs it is clear there was some blistering which required ongoing dressings having to be applied, Judge Comerford said.

He felt that despite the effects of the injuries not having lasted for a long period the court was of the view Ms Corboy should be awarded the sum of 30,000 damages together with her legal costs.
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
Update 3.20pm: A homeless woman in her 20s has died in a Dublin city hostel.

The death, which is being treated as a personal tragedy, occurred on Wednesday in the Phoenix Lodge hostel, sometimes referred to as Judge Darleys, which provides 24-hour emergency accommodation for homeless people.

It is understood the next of kin have been informed, however the identity of the young woman is not yet known.

A spokeswoman from The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) said: On behalf of the Dublin local authorities, we would like to express condolences to the family and friends of the young woman, who tragically passed away yesterday evening.

The Gardai and DRHE staff were in attendance.

Inner City Helping Homeless CEO Anthony Flynn says the hostel, which is not run by an NGO  but a private contractor, should be investigated to clarify if staff were trained to supervise vulnerable people, and mandatory inspections should be implemented for homeless accommodation.

The lack of wrap around support services, in hostels, particularly in private hostels facilities, wed be calling for training for staff in those facilities as private operators dont generally have people that are trained in social care, he said.

In most facilities, the individuals working will be there as security rather than trained to deal with someone who had such issues.

The fact is, weve issues around peoples dignity, stability, the current system doesnt take into account that we need long term accommodation for people that are homeless and not one night only beds.

The staff that are in there are trying their best in difficult circumstances, most dont have the training thats required to deal with people that have substance abuse or mental health issues.

The system is in complete turmoil, it needs an overhaul, our dependency on private operators provide services that were looking for, is not adequate in trying to deal with the issues that people have.

We need a review of this facility; Who were the staff who were in that facility yesterday? Had they appropriate training to deal with issues that this girl had?

Ive asked for that, and Ill continue to try and find some better inkling into what happened.

My thoughts and prayers are obviously with the family.

The system is just not working, were managing the situation instead of trying to eradicate the situation.

The homeless crisis, currently the worst in the history of the state, has shown no signs of abating in recent days as the country faces a General Election on February 8.

Fine Gael party sources say they are braced for housing to be a major issue on the doorsteps, and in the two days since the election was called, more widely-publicised issues around homelessness have come to the fore.

On Tuesday, a homeless man was left seriously injured following an incident in Dublin city centre.

The man was sleeping in a tent near the Grand Canal when it was removed by an industrial vehicle during works to tidy the canal walkway.

The man was rushed to St Vincents Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was then criticised for allegedly politicising the incident on Wednesday, in which he called on the Fianna Fail lord mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, to account politically for the incident.

Later that day, video emerged of a voter asking Mr Varadkar what he planned to do about exploitative landlords by a member of the public while on a canvas, in which the Taoiseach could be seen walking away from the young woman as she was speaking.

On Thursday morning, ICHH were called to reports of an elderly woman who had slept in the rain.

Mr Flynn said the woman, who is 67, who suffers from dementia, had been soaked to the bone and was transported to hospital.

She has mental health issues, she was found in a horrid state in a laneway in Dublin 1, he said.

We need radical change.

Earlier:

By Greg Murphy

A young homeless woman has died in emergency accommodation in Dublin.

The woman, believed to be in her late 20s, passed away yesterday evening at the Phoenix Lodge hostel in the city centre.

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the woman.

Inner City Helping Homeless CEO Anthony Flynn said: Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased woman and her family this morning and the hostel staff that were present last night.

"We are putting people into inhumane conditions at the most vulnerable time of their life. "

He added: "People deserve dignity and stability, but the current system, in spite of staff trying their best in difficult circumstances, is simply unfit for purpose.

"We cannot continue to compound peoples suffering at the most vulnerable time in their life.

Gardai say they are treating the death as a personal tragedy.

The news comes as a homeless man, who was injured yesterday when the tent he was sleeping in was lifted by a utility vehicle, continues to recover in hospital.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday visited the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, including the solitary confinement cell occupied by Veer Savarkar and paid tributes at the martyrs' column.

He urged the Central as well as the State governments to organise visits for students to the Cellular Jail and other historical places associated with the freedom struggle.

Naidu later described his visit to the solitary confinement cell of Veer Savarkar as a "humbling experience". In his Facebook post, he said that Veer Savarkar's life is a great inspiration for the youngsters.

Stating that the Cellular Jail was a reminder of the hard won and precious freedom achieved by a number of freedom fighters, Naidu added that a visit to the Cellular Jail would inspire the younger generation.
It all began when Don Miguel Gonzalez first emigrated from Jalostotitlan, Jalisco Mexico to the United States in the early 1960s seeking the American Dream. His small shoe making shop burned down and he realized he had to make a move to the United States to keep supporting his large family. He would return home every year and finally brought his whole family to the U.S. in 1976. In the United States, Don Miguel and his children spent years working for others: welding iron, seamstress work, washing dishes and driving trucks.

Finally, Don Miguel took out a loan and Miguel Jr. sold his home to buy a liquor store called Northgate in the city of Anaheim, which opened on January 2, 1980. From day one, Don Miguel and his 13 children worked in the store dedicating countless hours to make the store successful. They hired their first associate a year and a half later.

The matriarch of the family who was fondly known as their CEO (Chief Emotional Officer), Dona Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez, didn't work inside the stores, nevertheless she was highly instrumental in keeping the family business together. Today, more than 36 of third generation Gonzalez' work for the company.

The Gonzalez family did not have the money in 1980 to change the store's original signage. When they raised the needed capital, they decided to keep the name when they realized "Northgate" reflected an even greater significance: 'La puerta del norte' alluding to their own family's journey up north to make a better life for themselves.

NORTHGATE GONZALEZ MARKET TODAY

Northgate Gonzalez Market has grown to nearly 6,000 associates serving hundreds of thousands of customers each week and has stores in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, and recently ventured into the Inland Empire by opening a store in Riverside, Calif. this past November.

"Through the years, we have continuously been blessed with the opportunity to live the American dream courtesy of our loyal customers, associates and our family members," said Miguel Gonzalez, co-president of Northgate Gonzalez Market. "We are constantly excited at the community's overwhelming response and welcome each time we open a new store. Our business goal has always been to expand our grocery brand into key markets and provide opportunities to offer local consumers a fresh, new, exciting and authentic shopping experience with a beautiful and innovative format with customer service that exceeds everyone's expectations."

The company plans to celebrate its 40th Anniversary with several exciting programs for their customers and communities where the markets are located, including the owners surprising loyal customers throughout the entire year by offering to pay their groceries.

"Forty years ago, the Gonzalez family, including mother, father and 13 children after leaving their mother country Mexico opened a small grocery store in Anaheim to pursue the Great American Dream," said Ruben Smith, Board Chair of the Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA). "Today with 41 Supermarkets they are the Titans in the Latino grocery store industry and are the catalyst in assisting many others to achieve the American Dream. LFIA is proud to honor your family and your success and can only dream about what the Northgate Family will achieve in another 40 years."

Education is paramount to the owners. When the youngest brother, Oscar Gonzalez, earned his Master's in Business Administration it was a game changer for the family-owned business. In 2000, the Gonzalez Reynoso family founded the "Familia Gonzalez-Reynoso Foundation" awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships every year to deserving students.

Customers have come to love Northgate Gonzalez Market foods that made them famous  scratch-made bolillo rolls, freshly made carnitas, fire-roasted split chicken and freshly made corn tortillas  made in house from masa that is still made from stone-ground corn every day.

The company offers its customers a full-service supermarket with a large meat department, bakery, tortilleria, fresh produce, and prepared foods in addition to a sizeable section of domestic and imported Latin American grocery goods to provide a Mexican homeland experience. Northgate Gonzalez Market is best known for many of its 40-year old signature items like marinated carne asada, chorizo, and their famous carnitas.

About Northgate Markets:

Northgate Gonzalez Market is a premier Southern California supermarket chain headquartered in Anaheim, Calif. Northgate Market operates 41 high-volume stores in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties, providing the highest quality merchandise, fresh and prepared foods and personal service. Learn more at www.northgatemarket.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephen Chavez

(310) 486-4104

[email protected]

SOURCE Northgate Gonzalez Market

Related Links

www.northgatemarket.com


The use of antipsychotics is associated with increased risks of head and brain injuries among persons with Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland. The risk increase was highest at the initiation of antipsychotic use. The results were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS).

"As adverse effects, antipsychotics may cause sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and arrhythmias which all may lead to falls. Among older persons, falls are the most common reason for traumatic brain injuries," Researcher Vesa Tapiainen from the University of Eastern Finland explains as a possible mechanism for the association.

Community-dwellers with Alzheimer's disease who used antipsychotics had a 29% higher risk of head injuries and a 22% higher risk of traumatic brain injuries when compared to community-dwellers with Alzheimer's disease who did not use antipsychotics. Among persons with Alzheimer's disease, antipsychotics are commonly used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. According to clinical care guidelines, treating the cause of these symptoms, such as pain, is the first line option and secondly non-pharmacological treatments should be prioritized. The use of antipsychotics should be restricted to most severe symptoms (such as severe aggression, agitation or psychosis). Following care guidelines and by carefully considering benefits and risks of adverse effects and events could possibly lower the incidence of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

The study was conducted using the nationwide register-based MEDALZ cohort which includes Finnish community dwellers with a newly diagnosed Alzheimer's disease in 2005-2011 (70,719 persons). Persons were excluded if they had a prior head injury, antipsychotic use within one year prior to antipsychotic initiation or if they fulfilled other exclusion criteria of this study. The final study population was 21,795 persons who initiated antipsychotic use and 21,795 persons who did not use antipsychotics. Medicine use was extracted from the Finnish Prescription Register. Chronic diseases, use of other medications and socioeconomic position were taken into account.

###

The study was funded by the Academy of Finland and the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim.

Contact information: Vesa Tapiainen, Doctor of Medicine, Ph.D. Student, School of Pharmacy, tel. +358 50 912 1140, vesa.tapiainen(at)uef.fi

Professor Sirpa Hartikainen, School of Pharmacy, tel. +358 40 355 3784, sirpa.hartikainen(at)uef.fi

Professor, Academy Research Fellow Anna-Maija Tolppanen, School of Pharmacy, tel. +358 50 575 9530, anna-maija.tolppanen(at)uef.fi

Reference:

The Risk of Head Injuries Associated With Antipsychotic Use Among Persons With Alzheimer's disease. Vesa Tapiainen, Piia Lavikainen, Marjaana Koponen, Heidi Taipale, Antti Tanskanen, Jari Tiihonen, Sirpa Hartikainen, Anna-Maija Tolppanen. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2020 Jan 7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16275.
TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin, overtook both Facebook and Messenger to become the worlds second most downloaded app in 2019. The short video platforms operated by ByteDance had an incredible year in 2019 and is second only to WhatsApp in terms of overall app downloads.

According to Sensor Towers ranking, both TikTok and Douyin amassed a total of 740 million downloads last year. In addition, it did not consider third-party app stores that are primarily used in China as Google Play Store is blocked in the country.

The report from Sensor Tower included worldwide downloads from the Google Play Store, iPhone and iPad. However, the market analyst does not count pre-installed Apple and Google apps for its ranking.

However, the short-video platform is facing challenges from established players who are embracing the short content format as well as upstart rivals. One of TikToks smaller rival is Likee, a short-video platform owned by Bigo, a Singapore-based technology company. Likee was listed in the top 10 spots with over 330 million installations worldwide. Sensor Tower claimed half of total Likee downloads came from India alone.

Tech in Asia reported, Meenakshi Tiwari, an analyst at Forrester, said, Short video has been popularized by TikTok for sure, but bigger social networking platforms like Facebook and Instagram are aware of it and are doing something about it.

Tiwari also noted that despite the apps immense popularity and rapid expansion, monetization still remains the biggest challenge for TikTok. Chinese counterpart Douyin takes a minimum 5 percent commission for advertisements produced through its official channel. However, unlike Douyin users who are able to generate income through ads, TikTok users reportedly do not rake in a lot of moolah.

Operating in markets like India is also proving challenging for the short video platform. In its first transparency report published in December 2019, TikTok revealed that most request to restrict or remove content on the platform in the first half of 2019 came from India.
A gang of lawyers conspired to scam the taxpayer out of millions of pounds in legal aid payments, a court heard.

Barrister Shahid Rashid, 59, together with solicitors Razi Shah, 49, and husband and wife Rasib Ghaffar, 50, and Kareena Maciel, 47, are said to have falsely claimed 1,856,584 in costs for a Bournemouth Crown Court trial in 2011.

Also accused in the conspiracy are solicitors Azhar Khan, 48, Joseph Ameyaw-Kyeremeh, 69, and legal clerk Gazi Khan, 49.

Azhar Khan and Gazi Khan are further accused of fraudulently claiming nearly 9 million in legal aid relating to two 2012 trials at the Old Bailey and Isleworth Crown Court.

Civil judge Razi Shah and Joseph Ameyaw-Kyeremeh at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday

Southwark Crown Court heard that the group managed to successfully claim 469,477 of public money in the first conspiracy.

Prosecutor John McGuinness told the jury that while most crown court defendants use legal aid, some of them pay privately for their defence.

But if the defendant who is privately represented is cleared of the charges, they are entitled to claim back their costs through a defendant's cost order.

'The three counts we are going to be considering are all about claims that were made because there was an existence in the case of a defendant's cost order,' he said.

'If there is an acquittal of the privately paying client at the crown court, at the end what happens is that the advocate asks the judge to grant the defendant, that he has been representing, a defendant's cost order which enables the acquitted defendant to apply for his or hers legal costs to be reimbursed to them.

Rasib Ghaffar outside Southwark Crown Court on Thursday

'What happens is that the money comes from public money, of what are known as 'central funds',' said Mr McGuiness.

'For each of those claims a determining officer is appointed to look at the claims to assess what work had actually and reasonably been done and they decide how much to pay out.'

The court heard that Mohammed Faruk Miah and Mohammed Chunu Miah were on trial for employing illegal immigrants in their two restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole and money laundering charges related to that.

They were part of a case involving six defendants, namely two of their brothers and a company and partnership they owned.

'A deal was done between the prosecution and the defence.

'Two of the brothers pleaded guilty to certain charges against them brought against them and the prosecution was content with the pleas of guilty from the other two brothers.

'As a result, the prosecution agreed it would not proceed to trial against the two brothers named in the indictment and against the partnership and the company,' said Mr McGuinness.

'The prosecution effectively dropped the case against the other four.

'The other four said that they were private claimants.

'Because we are private claimants not having the benefit of legal aid we are obligated to pay for our own legal costs.

'Following the acquittals they were each granted a defendant's cost order.'

Immigration judge Kareena Maciel (left) and Gazi Khan (right) outside Southwark Crown Court today

The court heard that the two brothers who pleaded guilty were on legal aid, but the acquitted brothers claimed they paid for their own defence and that of their company and partnership.

'When you look at the material, not only those two brothers had legal aid but Mohammed Faruk Miah and Mohammed Chunu Miah also had legal aid authority was asked to withdraw or revoke the legal aid.

'As the result of it being taken away they switched to being private claimants,' said the prosecutor.

'The prosecution's case is that happened because effectively resulted in a deal and those who were involved, all seven defendants, effectively put their heads together to make those false claims for reimbursement of private costs that had not actually been incurred.'

The court heard that a similar false claim was made by the two Khans relating to the case of Amy Trihn in front of the Old Bailey.

'She was also a defendant who had the benefit of legal aid in those criminal proceedings but she switched from being a legal aid claimant to being a private claimant and therefore, the prosecution say, a false claim had been made on her behalf,' he added.

Jurors heard that in the Isleworth case of Jason Stewart, the defendant was in fact genuinely paying for his own costs.

But instead of claiming the 16,000 that Mr Stewart had paid his legal team, after his acquittal, the Khans tried to claim around 159,000 instead.

Defence work claimed for in the Miah crown court case was 'falsely backdated' and included periods where no work could have happened, the court heard.

Rashid's clerk Gazi Khan, also acted as costs draftsman, namely being responsible for drafting legal aid payment claims.

One of the legal service providers he is said to have made claims from is Farah Flores Associates, which is run by his Martha Khan.

Two of the four solicitor firms that that allegedly made false claims, in which Razi Shah was the principle partner received 260,000 despite only entering the case seven days before it was concluded.

One of the defendants in the Bournemouth trial had been granted legal aid on 6 July 2011 despite being billed over 300,000 by Ameyaw-Kyeremeh's firm alone, the court heart.

But that legal aid was withdrawn following his request just a month later.

'Some time around about the end of August it would appear that Chunuh Miah, or somebody on his behalf, has asked that his legal aid be withdrawn,' said Mr McGuinness.

'It doesn't make sense if you are a defendant in criminal proceedings to give up the benefit of a legal aid order in order to pay a much higher sum.'

The court heard that the defendant's brother had similarly asked for his legal aid to be withdrawn.

Their lawyers are said to even have claimed costs for the period when the legal aid had been in place.

Mr McGuinness added that the only possible reason was a 'dishonest' one, relating to the four defendants' acquittal on the 9 September that year.

He added that the co-conspirators 'knew the score' and the fact a deal was about to happen allowing them to claim back the costs of privately represented defendants.

Jurors were told that legal aid claims are assessed by a public body called the National Taxing Team made up of determining officers.

But the defendants' claims came under scrutiny when the officer noticed that they were for very large amounts without breaking down the type of work being claimed.

Gazi Khan, from Isleworth, Azar Khan, from Pinner, Middlesex, Ameyaw-Kyeremeh, from Croydon, Ghaffar and Maciel, from Malford Grove, east London, Rashid, from Langley, Berkshire and Shah, from Windsor, all deny conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

Gazi Khan and Azhar Khan deny two further counts of fraud.

The trial continues.
An off-duty Birmingham police officer foiled a robbery attempt Wednesday night at a KFC in Ensley and a search is underway to capture the suspect.

Around 5:40 p.m., the off-duty officer working an extra security detail inside the KFC called for assistance after the would-be robbery, according to Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams.

The suspect, who did not notice the off-duty officer inside the establishment, brandished a weapon at KFC employees at 1800 20th St. Ensley and demanded money.

Thats when the officer drew his gun on the suspect. An altercation ensued and the officer discharged his weapon, Williams said.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and escaped through the drive-thru window. He may be injured, Williams said.

Police were searching for the suspect Wednesday night, including K-9 officers in the area.

The officer was not hurt in the incident and neither KFC employees nor customers were injured during the robbery attempt.

Police are asking for anyone to contact them if they have any information or see anything suspicious, such as a person who looks injured or seems out of place.

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation into the incident since an officers weapon was discharged.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday depart Abuja for London, UK, to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit.

The President will leave Nigeria, three days earlier to attend the summit which will hold on Monday, January 20, 2020.

This was made known by Bashir Ahmed, the presidents aide on new media, via his Twitter handle on Thursday evening.

Read Also: Aisha Buhari Shares Video Of Daughter Waving From Presidential Jet Amid Criticisms

He tweeted: President @MBuhari will depart Abuja Friday for London to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit holding on Monday, January 20, 2020.

See tweet below
BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose on Thursday said that January 23, which is the birth anniversary of Indian nationalist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, should be observed as 'Patriots Day', or 'Desh Prem Diwas'.

Chandra Kumar Bose, who is a descendant of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, said that the battle for India's freedom started with the Sepoy Uprising in 1857 and the final assault against British imperialism was carried out by Azad Hind Fauj.

"Many revolutionaries sacrificed their lives by going through the gallows. However, the final onslaught on British imperialism was the battle of Azad Hind Fauj under the leadership of Netaji. The subsequent Indian Army (INA) trials held at Red Fort in 1946 destroyed the alliance of British Forces and the British High Command, due to which they relinquished India," he said.

He said there has been a long demand for January 23 to be declared Patriots Day or 'Desh Prem Diwas' in memory of Netaji, who was addressed as 'Patriot of Patriots' by Mahatma Gandhi.

"As we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Gandhi, it would be befitting that we celebrate January 23, 2020, as Patriots Day. We have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it must be done and we are absolutely sure that the NDA government would allow it," he said.

Bose said the Prime Minister has been giving honour to heroes who have been neglected over the years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Setting aside the dumb title cards, however, it is undeniable that Joker has struck a chord with all sorts of audiences, all of us living through our moment of populist resentment and anger. It is a worldwide hit, topping charts in territories around the globe. Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck has served as an image of rebellion and uprising in protests from Hong Kong to Lebanon. And it's clearly a hit with the tastemakers in Hollywood, given that the Academy itself is the one that propelled Joker to its year-leading 11 nominations; perhaps they appreciate that someone did something different with the form and format of comic book movies.

Dan Kois' response in Slate was representative. "From its dumb yellow title card to its antihero's dumb delusions of grandeur to its dumb absolute belief in its own transgressiveness, Joker is just as stupid as can be," Kois eloquently stated, perfectly capturing the hyper-articulate rage that has met Todd Phillips' movie's success.

Despite earning festival plaudits  winning the famed Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival  and grossing more than $US1 billion ($1.45 billion) at the box office (a record for an R-rated feature  MA+ in Australia) by the reaction to the 11 Oscar nominations Joker received on Monday, you'd have thought the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had gone around slapping the mothers of every critic and entertainment industry reporter.

Some of the critiques of Joker are understandable  it's derivative of early Martin Scorsese, borrowing riffs from Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy; Phoenix does the most acting but not necessarily the best acting  but these complaints miss the forest for the trees. Joker has won hearts and minds around the globe because it so strikingly reflects the unsettled moment in which we live.

Consider Fleck's distinctive tic in this movie, an inability to control his laughter in the face of emotional uncertainty. Fleck's choking, gasping guffaws are difficult to watch not solely because they reveal a man in pain but because they suggest a lack of bodily control mirroring the loss of societal control surrounding him. But that tonal difficulty, the inability to properly gauge how to respond to a world that has stopped making sense, represents the responses we see so often in social media and elsewhere. Inadvertent laughter masking impotent rage, Fleck is like a nihilistic rage-tweeter brought to life on the big screen.

Phoenix's boiling, burping cry-laughs are the only reasonable response to a world that has largely failed him, one in which social institutions have broken beyond repair. Of all the complaints about this film being some sort of reactionary screed, an incel's lament about the state of the world, it is more frequently stridently progressive. From the literal kill-the-rich message that permeates the picture to its condemnation of police violence, Joker is about the economic and social anxieties roiling our fair land on a day-to-day basis.

Joker is a superhero movie that held up a mirror to an era in which division and social hatred are becoming parts of everyday American life. Credit:AP

Beyond the individual elements, there's a structural critique at the heart of the movie, a suggestion that social collapse is as much the fault of local government's inability to care for those who cannot care for themselves. The city is drowning in trash, unable to pay for garbage removal to get the bags of filth off the street. Fleck himself is a victim of child abuse; city protective services proved unable to save him from his mother or her lovers. He is in need of psychological care, which is cut due to budget constraints. He is made to feel small by the media, his hero mocking him in front of the world.
Imagine you are getting married to the love of your life and on your wedding day, you find out that she cheated on you with your best friend. Or that your husband ran away with your girl friend. While even the mere thought of it will pain a lot, nothing can come even remotely close to the pain that imam from Uganda is going through.

Two weeks into his marriage, this imam found out that his wife was actually a...man. Honestly, we don't even know whether it counts as cheating or not, but it's outright bizarre that it took him two weeks to figure that out. We have so many questions right now, but more than that we feel so bad for this guy who not only lost a wife but also got suspended from his duties for absolutely no fault of his.

 Twitter

27-year-old Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, who was a cleric at the Kyampisi Masjid Noor mosque, got married to a woman called Swabullah Nabukeera in a traditional Islamic ceremony, in December. All was going well, until two weeks later his wife was caught stealing their neighbour's TV and clothes. When the cops were called and a female officer started searching her, that's when he got caught and the guy confessed that his real name is Richard Tumushabe.

Reportedly, he married the imam to steal his money. Now I am sure you're wondering how did the imam never find out about his wife's 'obvious' secret? Well, according to him, he and his wife never had any sexual relationship because his wife said she was menstruating. What's more, his wife also "refused to undress while they slept". The guy even fooled the imam's friends and relatives since she usually wore a hijab, and "had a sweet soft voice and walked like a woman".

Poor Mutumba never realised he got married to a man, he is now traumatised and needs counselling and he also got suspended till the matter is getting investigated. The world truly is unfair.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to enact new protections against age discrimination in the workplace, approving a bill that supporters say will give older workers the same safeguards other protected groups enjoy.

The days news on Capitol Hill was dominated by the House vote to send articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the U.S. Senate. Late in the day, though, the House took up the age discrimination bill with far less fanfare.

The House voted 261 to 155 to approve a bill known as the Protect Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA). Every Democratic representative who cast a vote supported the bill, joined by 34 Republicans.

Supporters say the bill would restore protections older workers lost in a 2009 Supreme Court ruling, which established that older workers must demonstrate the age was the decisive factor  not just a contributing factor  when suing for age discrimination.

Thats a higher standard than required for discrimination based on race, gender or disabilities. And supporters of the bill approved Wednesday say its higher than Congress intended when it established protections against age discrimination in 1967.

Ive heard from workers, many in the technology industry, who believe they have been dismissed or denied employment because of their age, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, said on the House floor Wednesday.

A longtime advocate of strengthening age-discrimination protections, Bonamici said the burden of proof for complaints filed with the EEOC makes the outcome of such cases highly uncertain.

This bipartisan bill simply returns the burden of proof to what it was for decades before the Supreme Courts 2009 ruling, Bonamici said.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported in December on numerous obstacles older workers face when seeking redress for age discrimination, including the higher standard required to prove age discrimination in court.

Additionally, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is dismissing more age discrimination cases with no reasonable cause than at any point in the past two decades. And the amount of money the EEOC is recovering for complainants is at its lowest point since 2008.

The EEOC is in its fifth year investigating age discrimination complaints against Intel following mass layoffs at the chipmaker in 2015 and 2016.

Investigations by The Oregonian/OregonLive found Intel laid off workers over 40 at double the rate of younger workers in 2016. Employees over 60 were eight times more likely to face layoffs that year than those under 30.

Yet the EEOC has given no indication on how long its Intel investigation will continue, or what kind of resolution complainants can expect. Despite the long investigation, some laid-off Intel workers say the agency hasnt interviewed witnesses who could substantiate their claims.

Supporters hope a new law will make it easier for workers to resolve their age discrimination claims. The bill approved Monday wouldnt address past allegations of age discrimination but could remove obstacles to workers making their case in the future.

First, though, the bill has to pass the Senate and win the presidents signature.

With the House in Democratic hands and the Senate controlled by Republicans, the current Congress has been famously unproductive. There was a modicum of bipartisanship in Wednesdays vote, though, suggesting there might be an opening to move the bill forward.

Every member of Oregons congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill, including the states only Republican member of Congress, Rep. Greg Walden. So did Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, who represents Vancouver.

Overall, Republicans voted 34-154 against the bill. But the bill has a Republican co-sponsor in the Senate -- Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley.

Oregon lawmakers considered similar legislation in 2019 with a bill that would outlaw employment practices that caused a disproportionate, adverse impact on a class of persons who are protected from unlawful discrimination.

That legislation appeared to address mass layoffs like Intels. It would also prohibit employers from asking jobseekers about their age or graduation year until they have screened applicants to gauge their suitability for a job.

The Oregon bill didnt get a vote last session and backers dont plan to try again until 2021. During next months short session, though, advocates are hoping to pass legislation that would convene employers, older workers and lawmakers in a task force to studying new protections.

Oregon Business & Industry, the states largest business organization, said in a statement that it is open to further discussion but noted state law already includes broad protections from discrimination.

OBI is focused on efforts at the state level and will continue to engage in conversations with Oregon AARP to better understand their concerns, Sandra McDonough, the business groups CEO, said in a written statement.

-- Mike Rogoway mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699

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Music Media Through A Teens Eyes

The way in which new and undiscovered music is covered by the music media has changed in recent years, with independent blogs no longer wielding quite the same power they once did. That said, certain publications still hold a significant amount of sway when it comes to artist exposure, and the taste-making of the listening populace.

Guest post from AWAL

Something miraculous happened between 1.5 and 2.8 million years ago. Scientists swear it. 2001: A Space Odyssey swears it, too. Humans, slowly transitioning from upright primates to fire-wielding cave artists, developed bullshit detectors. Way back when, during simpler times, this meant not falling for ancient pick & rolls. Rival homo sapiens trying to swipe your clobbered rodent dinner by tossing sticks in the air? Not today, our clever ancestors replied. Not. To. Day.

In 2019, youll find a gentler descendant of this social mechanism governing public support for pretty much anything art-related. Natural selection has fortified and sharpened our emotional intelligence  so much so that we can now not just perceive whether someone is full of shit, but also discern whether someone gives a shit. And where one person gives a shit, others form a line behind them. Boston-bred writer Seamus Fay gives many shits, which is increasingly important in a volatile music media landscape where hot takes and flavors of the month often box out the surfacing of (and continued support for) fresh faces. The new school logic goes like this: If an early adopter reads about a new artist and the writer articulates why they should care, the reader just might. The result: engaged fandom.

Fay, still riding out his teenage years, founded his own site halfway through high school. Its sole purpose? Document the music makers grinding it out across New England and treat them like theyre the stars they could one day become. His local coverage gave many rising acts their first thoughtful press look; eventually, it unlocked access to more eyes and ears. With his mission unchanged, Seamus started bringing his passionate, detailed coverage of emerging artists to influential platforms like Lyrical Lemonade and Pigeons & Planes. Look around the internet and youll find dozens of kids forging similar paths. To them, it doesnt matter who cosigned or what the PR team looks like or how many streams you have. If the musics special and the story resonates with them, its getting covered. Blogs might not be the rain-making titans they once were, but theyre far from dead. The kids will be alright.

Blogs are still invaluable, says Tim Larew, a writer and artist manager who left a lasting mark on Bostons hip-hop scene during his studies there. The playlist game is a completely different space and not all artists are cut out for it  especially not early in their careers without a machine behind them. Quality journalism will always be an important outlet for helping artists build their narrative and bridge it to the world.

Artists live a life without the validation or positive reinforcement found in traditional lines of work. With that in mind, young, caring writers play an integral role in upholding a healthy music ecosystem, one that goes well beyond one-off premiere looks.

I think one underrated aspect of these long-form pieces, these thoughtful write-ups, is that its motivation for artists, Larew continues. Sometimes a spot on New Music Friday or Most Necessary, though appreciated, can feel manufactured. Dropping a song in the playlist may be strategic, but it doesnt require much effort. Theres no faking a thoughtful writeup. When an artist knows theres someone out there  even if its just one writer  that understood what they were going for and cared enough to help convey and translate that to their (or the publications) audience that is special. It makes a lot of artists want to keep going.

Its definitely important to acknowledge that blogs dont have the position they used to  of being groundbreaking sources that break new artists, says Eda Yu, whos written for VICE, i-D, and other publications. But as the landscape has changed, their value has also shifted. Theyre places you can read cohesive stories about your favorite artist, or maybe uncover other interesting facts you didnt know. For me, covering smaller, especially historically marginalized artists is a responsibility of having my platform. I made a commitment early on in my career as an arts and music journalist that I would always try to hold space for those stories  and Im excited to see media move towards a place where they do so too.

Seamus, Eda, and writers like them dont take the power they have for granted. They get it, after all: Aspiring music journalists and aspiring artists have more than a thing or two in common.

The teens and twenty-somethings who refuse to regurgitate press releases and attempt to put themselves in the artists shoes can single-handedly help those artists find their core fans. The readers-turned-listeners are as likely as any to wind up buying a ticket or copping the latest hoodie. Quiet Luke, a do-it-all New Yorker architecting 21st century blues thatd make David Lynch blush, explains the lasting value of a blog post from someone like Fay.

Quiet Luke

Seamus has a great ability to understand the packaging that music is presented in, but also see past that and unravel the delicate thing inside  what actually makes a piece of music special  and he handles both with great care, Luke tells us. As the world fullfils the frenetic prophecy that file sharing and shuffle play divined, as playlists and social media like TikTok become omnipresent, blogs ultimately become less relevant as gatekeepers, but a thoughtful writeup can still greatly affect the perception of a song or artist, and thats still important.

He takes the time to not only engage with, but also develop a relationship with the artists and music he writes about, adds South Carolina artist Kyle Lux, who caught Fays attention with the cruise-control R&B hes been drip-feeding audiences in recent months. Hes genuine and always carries intent and his stories are a testament to that.

No one needs to tell those born around (and especially after) the year 2000 about the dwindling appetite for lots of words. BUT. But. Excessive amounts of anything breed a little resistance. We all know about the 10s of 1000s of new releases landing on DSPs daily. Access is a good thing, but the sheer volume of it all also means lots of skimming and skipping tracks, lots of remembering a songs name but forgetting the name of the artist who made it, lots of unappreciated talent. Sincerity, even if only for a small portion of the listening population, can pierce the haze of consumption overload.

Writers like Seamus are so important because they are excited, Larew says. They care. I met Seamus when he was 15. He was in the crowd at the first ever Cousin Stizz show in Boston in 2015  a 200 cap, sold-out venue  and introduced himself as someone from the area who started a blog because of how excited he was by what was going on in the local scene. He dove in head first, and within two to three years, before he was even in college, hed become a voice that mattered in that same scene. Theres no money or machine fueling that  thats someone doing what hes doing because he loves it, and wants to contribute to artists potential growth and careers. Music media will continue to transform but it will always matter and never die as long as people like Seamus  and the younger versions of him he inspires  are around.

Caring about the music first and foremost (not the A&R credit, not the management team involved, not the IG following or TikTok views) is far from commodity. When Fay investigates the sources of future classics in Atlanta, or Yu spotlights gifted, underrepresented creators, perceptions shift and scenes blossom, however slightly. Elujay, perhaps Oaklands finest supplier of summertime energy that Bjork could (and should!) vibe to, sums it all up.

Blogs are imperative when they give a glimpse into the artists mind and arent just repeating a Spotify bio. When theyre thoughtful, it motivates me, and it inspires me when I read about how other artists made their songs, what prompted their initial rise, struggles, etc. Seamus keeps it real and transparent and is super thorough. Its always pleasant to hear about the artist background from a first-hand account.

Years of industry premiere-chasing inflated the value of first looks. When their impact dipped, the sweeping claims about blogs diminished influence followed. We might be far removed from the good ol days, when a 2Dopeboyz post meant 1000s of mixtape downloads, but exclusivity was never really the point, and helping others make sense of abundance is still a full-time job. Few people have watched the ups and downs of music media as closely as Alex Gardner, who left the UK after graduating from uni to help build Pigeons & Planes. Last year, the site relaunched as a channel on complex.com, abandoning the content rat race that daily news demands to go all in on essays and artist discovery.

Thoughtful coverage of new and emerging artists is more important than ever in this landscape of playlists, viral stars, and constant streams of social content, Alex tells us. Its easier than ever to make music and share it but harder than ever to cut through the noise. Yet the stories from the fringes and the underground are often the most interesting, and can tell us much more about the future of music than another softball superstar cover story. There will always be people like Seamus who want to help tell such stories, and were happy to provide a platform for them at P&P.

Hes incredibly plugged in with brand new artists/scenes and hes constantly putting us on to new music, Gardner says of Fay. Hes discovering things incredibly early and has a great ear for what is going to have a lasting impact rather than being a passing trend. More importantly, however, he approaches his work in an open-minded way with a passion for sharing and discovery. Its not about music media or clout but because he cares about music. I get the sense that even if nobody was reading anything he wrote, Seamus would still be digging through SoundCloud or YouTube to find the next moment of magic in a song.

Elsewhere online, just a hop, skip, and search away, COLORS tries to uphold that same commitment to unproven or budding acts. What started as a simple-enough YouTube channel has become a go-to artist breaker for teams everywhere, making it more and more common to see bonafide stars here, but goliaths still share real estate with the folks who will one day replace them. Brandon Payano helps source and book emerging artists for COLORS Studios and echoes Gardners views.

Little Simz 2019 Colors performance

Right now, theres a community of us that realize how intentional we can be in giving emerging talent a platform to showcase their dreams to an audience thats actually looking to discover music without it feeling forced. With COLORS, we try to make sure that for every Doja Cat, Common and Earthgang video, you get the chance to discover a Sho Madjozi, ICECOLDBISHOP, and Baby Rose at the same time. The dynamic of that type of curation is pretty thought-out from the moment we even begin pitching and discussing artists being on the platform. Social media has easily allowed for platforms like R&B RADAR, Rotation Weekly, Level, NOT97 and more to really put a spotlight on up-and-coming artists in really engaging ways that actually keep you within the environments theyre creating; adding playlists, brief editorial and entertaining conversations via podcasts, all about great music.

Nothing more, nothing less. Keep scrolling for our full interview with Seamus Fay.

In The Weeds With Seamus Fay

Question #1 coming in hot: When did you first explore the world wide music blogosphere?

Pigeons & Planes was one of the first blogs that I started spending lots of time reading. End of middle school, early high school. It was a place worth visiting to try and find new artists. A few years ago, I found one artist, Tunji Ige, on their site and loved him right away. It was an interview, around the time Day2Day came out, that remix with Michael Christmas and Makonnen. My favorite [Laughs]. The article was about Tunji making music out of his dorm room  way before the whole bedroom pop phase. It validated what Tunji was doing and made the fact that it was all in his dorm seem cool. Not unofficial or amateur.

Tunji Ige

The next step was seeing Tunji at a show. Michael Christmas was opening for him. Kaido was opening for him. Other Boston artists like Jefe Replay and Plad Finesse were there. When I saw the way people reacted to artists from Boston, it caught my attention because I had no idea this was all happening so close to home. I started digging through SoundCloud and got a bit obsessive, googling a million things. I got a sense of what was happening around the city and wanted to help make a home for it, something like Pigeons but local.

Within a week of that show I signed up for WordPress and sent the login info around to all of my friends, like, Lets do this together. This was Graduation Music. But no one really cared [Laughs]. It just became my own thing. I started by writing about You Can Do It Too by Pharrell, which was an old song. It was just a way for me to freak out about all of these songs I loved that my friends didnt know yet. I was trying to cover all of the Boston music I was learning about too, and it ultimately felt right to focus on that. I started asking to interview artists who I was seeing at shows and thats when I really caught the writing bug. Thats when Graduation became helpful and added value to people. This was junior year of high school.

Day2Day deserves a spot in music history. Origin story for the name Graduation?

I was in a study hall in 8th grade and just doodled logos and words. Graduation was always a cool word to me. I originally used it as a placeholder. I just needed a name, and I didnt really tell anyone about it for awhile either. It was an outlet for myself first and foremost. So the name was whatever. I never talked about it at school or marketed it at the start.

Were there startup costs associated with it? Did you have to stop doing other stuff?

WordPress is free if you let them run ads on your site and if you keep wordpress in the URL address. I wanted to make it a little more official so I paid like $40 to remove that, and then I made it .org instead of .com because it seemed super official to me, which was dumb [Laughs]. People searching graduationmusic.com would come up empty handed. I think it ended up being $59.99 a year to turn this interest of mine into something real. That little bit of money helped me take it more seriously.

At the beginning, Id write a post or two before bed, after school. Then I sort of got addicted to it when it became more about spotlighting emerging artists who I thought deserved more attention. It took an hour or two a day back then, and it felt right, it felt good. The time I put in wasnt even a thought. It felt productive, like I was building something. When you see even a few more people reading the site every day, it was enough to encourage me to keep going. I tried to maintain a balance, though. I never shut out my friends or whatever.

It took a lot of hard work to balance everything, but I wasnt paying any bills when I started in high school. I had free time even after school and work to go to shows, writer, etc. Its a fortunate situation that isnt a reality for a lot of people, and many people in the media are coming from a place of privilege. Its something we all have to be conscious of, extending opportunities to the people who dont have the same privilege someone like myself did.

Now youre in college and the same thing can be said. Im sure the pressures you have to juggle to still run the site are mounting. Stakes are a bit higher.

In its own small way, by the time I got to college, Graduation had enough people reading where it started to matter a little bit in the area. People appreciated the posts and the writing and maybe because of that it was never a doubt in my mind that Id do writing and school as best as I could. There are days where I know I dont have the time to write something. If I dont, I just feel weird when I go to bed [Laughs]. My parents or my sister read stuff from time to time and they know Im not focused on school when a lot of posts are going up. Im like, Dont worry! I wrote them a few days ago! Im studying! If my grades ever drop, they might shut me down for a day or two [Laughs]. It does help focus you, though. If you have 10 hours to fill before an exam and you only need six to actually study, youll still probably stretch it, be unfocused. The responsibility of the site actually helped me manage my time.

That you still didnt see it as a commitment really emphasizes your values. You wanted to build a communal place and just tried to do a couple things really well  like-minded people earnestly, thoughtfully writing about special artists in and around Boston. It wasnt about ad revenue or national exposure. You saw the glory in staying local and it became an invaluable stepping stone for so many.

A lot of what we did at Graduation honestly came from face-to-face run-ins, saying hi to people at shows and sending early articles to artists and managers and different people in the area. DM discussions and back-and-forth comments. We never really tried to do marketing. It felt like a tight circle, all word of mouth, and I think that works for anything if youre really just trying to appreciate what other people are doing. I didnt watch any sites come up so I had no blueprint for traffic or numbers or money, which honestly helped. The thought behind it, however vague, was if I really care about writing about artists and try to contextualize and understand where theyre coming from, people will care back.

Feedback from artists and managers and friends sort of validated that. Probably a month after Graduation started, I met [manager/writer] Tim Larew at a show. [Tim helped unify many players in the Boston scene during the early 2010s and works with Boston artists Cousin Stizz and Michael Christmas.] I really looked up to him and just meeting him as a kid in high school meant a lot to me. A year later, hes in my corner, giving me advice and support. Its also that sort of thing, however small, that drives me to keep at it.

I think that focus on whats around you, whos around you, theres something to learn there for artists who are trying to foster hometown support. Graduation Music was like your first mixtape in a way. It helped put you on the map at home. It helped define what you stood for. It introduced you to your day-one supporters. It doubled as a proof of concept that you could really do it and wanted to keep growing. Now as a result youre writing for bigger sites like Pigeons and Lyrical Lemonade, and the thoughtfulness and the spirit you bring is still clear as day. Was it an adjustment for you, making that jump to bigger sites?

People have noticed that I try to put a lot of thought into every write-up, which is something Im grateful for, and Ive been able to keep that and refine that at a place like Lyrical Lemonade. Its been amazing to watch Lyrical Lemonade grow after the last year. There have been a few writers I was friends with who we were able to bring on. Theres an amazing person Jack Gregory from Nashville who wrote for Elevator. Hes adding another puzzle piece to it. The writers are all reading each others stuff, so we push each other in that way. Mutual motivation.

There are no rules. Everyone trusts each others taste. If you love something, whether it has 10,000 plays or 10,000,000, write about it. Ill end up writing about some artists second account where they post demos. It doesnt matter how big or small they are if its great. At Lyrical, there isnt a big editorial approval process. We all know what the site is about and we trust what we each think is special so its sort of free reign. Theres an artist Elujay who I like a lot. After I wrote about him, I sent him the link, and he was like, Oh thats so crazy, I didnt think I was hip-hop enough for Lyrical Lemonade, and that was crazy to me. In the last year or two its become more open to more genres. Hip-hops the predominant theme but hip-hop is everywhere so the genre doesnt really matter. The hands-off editorial approach of Elevator and Lyrical has let newer writers naturally shift the focus to become more open.

Whyd you decide to try and make the jump to more established platforms when you did? Howd you get through the door?

I came to accept that the best way I could keep helping new artists was to work at places with more reach.

With Lyrical, I pretty much emailed the editor Elliot Montanez and was like, Hey, Ive started this blog. If you want me too I can also write for you. He was like, Cool, heres a log-in. [Laughs]. It wasnt exactly like that, but more or less. Eventually, they were like, Oh, this is actually cool. I decided to blindly shoot my shot and thankfully they were open to it.

With Pigeons, I submitted a drafted piece about Key! and his influence in Atlanta and beyond. But before that, in January of 2018, I emailed Pigeons randomly  their submission email. I was like, Hey, Im a writer, heres my site, let me know if you want me to do stuff. But thats just not how it works usually. Like, heres an overwhelming amount of my work, I have no ideas for you, what do you think? [Laughs] I never got a response because it made no sense. After I learned more, I sent the Key! article. A complete idea. The subject was direct. Like, Pitch: followed by the name of the article. And I knew covering Key! would make sense for them.

When youre looking at different cities, different regions, do you discover Graduations counterparts? Rising sites or young writers focused on whats happening in their own backyards?

100 percent. Jack Gregory is all things Tennessee. Nashville especially, where hes from. Fresh Fruit Only covers lots of music from Florida. Jake Caramanno, this kid from Philly who champions the citys artists on Elevator, hell DM me about artists I never would have known otherwise. And Im hopefully doing something similar for people in Boston. To give people everywhere a window into where you come from is so important. Donna-Claire from DJBooth is one of my favorite writers, someone I often look to for inspiration. Caitlin LoPilato is also fantastic! The blog world seems to be a primarily male space, so I think its important that blogs are conscious of representation and welcoming different perspectives.

That said, I think almost every writer can do a better job adapting to and understanding tastes around the world, just as a general rule of thumb. COLORS is the god platform in terms of embracing any style from any part of the world. They have one A&R, Yano [Brandon Payano] whos such a great person and so good at tapping into different types of music. Borders are being blurred  look at Bad Bunny in the U.S.  and its only going to keep moving in that direction. I try my best to familiarize myself with whats happening. Were in London now which is crazy because so much music being made here is amazing. The R&B here is amazing with artists like Hope Tala. Its like being a global citizen of music. Language barriers seem to mean less and less now.

Hope Talas latest ep, Sensitive Soul

Theres not enough time to hear everything. In conversation with artists, managers, A&Rs, whoever else, what sorts of things move you to dive in and what sorts of things make it harder for you to take something seriously? Do you have pet peeves?

Context always helps. Just sending someone a link to a song on SoundCloud isnt the most compelling thing. Hearing a bit about the artist as a person, what theyre about, that helps. I dont like it when people talk about their influences when theyre sending music. Especially when they bold the influences  Im influenced by Justin Bieber  to make it look like that person was involved somehow, but they just like listening to Bieber [Laughs]. Its kind of gimmicky. Anything that feels transactional is a missed opportunity.

Is there a story behind the song or the project? What do you want listeners or viewers thinking about after they hear or see your work? What can you tell a writer about you or your work to help emphasize that? That helps the writing process and helps the writer communicate to other potential listeners why they should care. Random Twitter DMs that start and end with Listen to my song, not saying hi or introducing yourself in any way, its just not a real human interaction.

It helps to understand that writers dont have infinite time, so being thoughtful doesnt hurt. Relatedly, getting mad at a writer for not covering a song, coming at them, thats counterproductive. If writers wrote about every single song they listened to there wouldnt be a point. I think its always good to ask for feedback in those situations. If youre sincere and a good person you can keep that line of communication open and actually form meaningful bonds. Its also just one persons opinion.

Beyond that, I love it when artists themselves are submitting their music. When they get big, a publicist will do it, but I like talking directly with an artist because you get a better sense of who they are and why theyre doing what theyre doing.

Lots of writers find themselves managing as a result of feedback back-and-forths.

Its definitely out in the open now. Ive never actually managed anyone, but you see lots of people doing it and I do have the kind of relationship with different artists where I give feedback and we talk. On one hand you dont want to take advantage of that sort of thing, but I also think to be writing about music in 2019 you need to be invested in understanding the artists as best as you can. My favorite interviews are usually when the writers known the artist for a long time and can capture their presence with words. If youre not a bad person and youre just trying to spotlight special music, I think its possible to balance all of that. Especially if people are being upfront about it. Most writers are interested in it now I think, managing. Ultimately writers are really just passionate music lovers. You have to be passionate to take the time to blog about something and show others. I know its tricky but its sort of a logical step  if you really love something, you want to add more if you can.

Where do you think blogs sit in the artist marketing totem pole?

Blogs are often a bit late to start covering buzzing artists, so I always try to couple any blog research with alternative taste-making platforms to look for new music. Lately Ive been into regional YouTube channels such as 4Sho Magazine, HalfPintFilmz, etc. Ive been trying to keep tabs on the TikTok world too, mainly through Spotify playlists that track any songs starting to move on the platform.

Whether theyre already making a dent or no one knows their name yet, who are a handful of Boston artists who everyone reading this should spend time listening to? (P.S. Reader, if you made it this far, we owe you a trophy.)

Lord Felix is definitely one. Hes from Brockton, Massachusetts. I just think he has impeccable taste and hes worked so hard to get better and try new things. Its inspired me as a writer to do the same. Felix is in the group Van Buren, and thatd be a second one. Seeing them come together and do two hometown shows at the House of Blues was special. Their collective energy, no egos, it really makes me so excited, in addition to loving the music. Another artist from the greater New England area is Lonny X from Connecticut. Hes actually done random blogging here and there. Hes just a hustler [Laughs]. He runs his own label, too. He tries to be great in everything he does. Also, one more would be Connis, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, hes a super talented artist who pushes everyone else too. He supports everyone. Theres so many special artists, you just have to look and listen.

Keep up with industry news and dive deep into artist stories with AWAL Weekly, our weekly newsletter.

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For years, June Leuenberger wondered about the last moments of her mother, whose battered body was found at the bottom of a dirt pit in Saucier, Mississippi, in 1978.

I wake up every single day of my life thinking of my mother, the 57-year-old Gulfport, Mississippi, resident tells PEOPLE.

Her mother, Julia Critchfield, was strangled to death at the age of 36, when Leuenberger was just 15 and needed her mom so much.

Calling Critchfield her best friend, she says, I was very, very, very close to my mother. Words cant express the pain and anguish Ive felt ever since the murder.

Though Critchfield was killed more than 40 years ago, Leuenberger says, I talk to her and will tell her, I have dreams of the horrors you went through.

RELATED: FBI Hopes to ID Victims of Americas Deadliest Serial Killer Women Were Missed and Loved

Ever since the horrible day she learned her mother had been killed, shes also dreamt of the day she and her family would find out who ended Critchfields life, thinking that would ease some of the pain theyve endured.

A sample of Samuel Little's eerie drawings of his many victims. | FBI

That day finally came in 2018 when Samuel Little confessed to the killing, giving authorities graphic details only the killer would know.

Her mother was one of 93 victims Little has confessed to murdering since he began opening up to Texas Ranger Jim Holland in 2018.

So far, authorities have verified 50 of Littles confessions.

Now known as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, Little is serving three life sentences in a California prison for killing three Los Angeles women in the 1980s.

Along with the confessions, he has also produced a series of macabre drawings of more than 30 of his presumed victims, all of whom are women. The sketches are on the FBIs website, and authorities are hoping the public can help make identifications.

For more on Samuel Little and his victims, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this weeks issue, on newsstands Friday.

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Little did not draw a picture of Critchfield, as far as Leuenberger knows. He has been charged with murder in connection with her death, local outlet WLOX reports.

But none of the events of the past two years have given Leuenberger the relief shed imagined for so long.

People said I would get closure when I found out who did it and that he couldnt come do anything to me, etc., she says. Thats so not true.

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Leuenberger and her family agreed not to seek the death penalty for Little in exchange for learning the truth about the murders of their mother and other victims, she says.

But given the pain she is still going through, she says, I want him dead now.

Now that I have this so-called peace when you find out whos done it  now that I know what that feels like  its not doing me any favors by knowing, she says.

It opened up a whole other door of pain.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 16 (ANI): BJP workers on Thursday staged a protest in front of Ghatkopar police station here against Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut over his remarks concerning Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji.



The protesters demanded action against Raut who had also made remarks against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but withdrew them on Thursday.

BJP leader Ram Kadam slammed Raut over his remarks concerning Udayanraje Bhosale, who is now in the BJP.

"Shiv Sena has been doing politics for 50 years in Maharashtra by taking the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. To grab power in the state, they abandoned Hindutva, they later lost their affection towards Veer Savarkar, and now they have also lost the love of Shivaji Maharaj," Kadam told ANI.

"We strongly condemn Raut's remarks. Shivaji Maharaj is like a God to us and our sentiments have been hurt. We demand that an FIR be filed against Raut and he should be arrested immediately. He should take back his statements and apologise," he said.

Raut had stoked a controversy by asking Bhosale to prove that he is a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj.

Referring to Raut's remarks that Indira Gandhi used to meet underworld don Karim Lala, Kadam asked why Congress leaders had not immediately reacted to remarks of the Shiv Sena MP.

"The question is where are Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and why are they tolerating such insults to Indira Gandhi. There are lakhs of Congress members in India, should they tolerate such insults just to remain in power?" he asked.

Raut on Thursday withdrew his remarks that Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala. He withdrew the remarks after objections from Congress leaders. (ANI)


CHICAGO  With federal investigators scrutinizing the activities of lobbyists at Chicago City Hall and the state Capitol, Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants the General Assembly to pass legislation banning public officials from working as lobbyists at other levels of government.

But to do that, lawmakers will have to decide what, exactly, counts as lobbying and who would be required to register as a lobbyist. The difficulty lawmakers face in answering those questions became apparent Wednesday at the second meeting of a state ethics commission created late last year in response to the issues raised during the ongoing federal investigation.

Aside from state government, only a handful of Illinois nearly 7,000 units of government have any kind of disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence decision-making by public officials. Both the city of Chicago and Cook County require lobbyists to register and have active online databases making that information public.

In DuPage County, lobbyists have been required to register for decades, but the county governments online database shows only seven registered lobbyists, the last of whom registered in 2017.

State Sen. Elgie Sims, a Chicago Democrat who co-chairs the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, said the challenge for lawmakers is finding a cohesive way to define and track lobbying across units of government without chilling the interactions between constituents and their governmental officials.

I believe it would be naive of us to think thats not happening, that these discussions arent happening and those interactions arent happening outside of Chicago, outside of Cook County Sims said.

Sims, an attorney, has been registered as a lobbyist at City Hall and has reported being paid nearly $13,000 in the past two years by consulting firm Gartner for lobbying city officials, according to city records. Hes said that work always took a back seat to representing his constituents in Springfield.

Under a Chicago ordinance approved late last year, Sims and other elected officials will no longer be allowed to lobby at City Hall and city officials will no longer be allowed to lobby other units of government.

The fact that state lawmakers could lobby on behalf of clients at City Hall was thrust into the spotlight by the arrest of state Rep. Luis Arroyo in October. The veteran Northwest Side Democrat, who subsequently resigned, was charged with allegedly bribing a state senator to support sweepstakes gambling legislation that would have benefited one of Arroyos lobbying clients at City Hall.

Im opposed to people who hold public office lobbying other levels of government, Pritzker said last week. That doesnt sound right to me. Theres too much undue influence that a mayor can have on a state legislator or vice versa. And so weve got to look into: How do we effectuate that?

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Good-government groups that testified at Wednesdays hearing said the Chicago ordinance, which takes effect in April, can serve as a model for the state.

At a minimum, Illinois should implement a ban on state legislators lobbying other localities, said Alisa Kaplan, policy director at Reform for Illinois. This would reduce conflicts like the one in Arroyos case and eliminate the possibility that state legislators will use their public position to exert inappropriate pressure on local officials for the benefit of their private clients.

Kaplan and other advocates also pushed lawmakers to institute a cooling-off period for retiring lawmakers before they can become lobbyists. Its a fairly common practice in Springfield for lawmakers to begin working as paid lobbyists shortly after leaving the legislature.

Others who testified at the hearing -- including Steve Berlin, executive director of Chicagos Board of Ethics -- encouraged lawmakers to consider crafting legislation so that individuals would only have to register if they were paid more than a certain amount for lobbying work or devoted a certain percentage of their time to lobbying public officials.

When youre regulating lobbying and the influencing of government decisions, I think you really ought to be focusing on those people who are doing it for a living -- thats my personal opinion, Berlin said.

The ethics commission has until March 31 to deliver recommendations to the General Assembly on changes to the states lobbying and government ethics laws.

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Egypt said Thursday it would release staff from Turkey's state agency Anadolu a day after detaining them for spreading "false news" and working with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Police had raided their Cairo office Tuesday and formally detained four staff members Wednesday at a time of rising tensions between the rival nations.

The interior ministry charged that the bureau was a front for a "Turkish troll farm... intent on broadcasting false about the country's political, economic, security and rights situation".

The ministry said the employees were working "with the aim of distorting the image" of Egypt and said their cases had been referred to the prosecution.

It published the full names of those arrested -- three Egyptian journalists and one Turkish citizen, who handled the office's finances.

But on Thursday evening, the prosecution said it would release not one, but two Turks, who would be deported via their embassy.

In a statement, prosecutor general Hamada Sawy said authorities would also release "three Egyptians on a bail of 10,000 Egyptian pounds" (USD 650).

Anadolu said Thursday that "one of our four employees who had been held in custody in Egypt" had been freed.

"We are awaiting the release on bail of our other employees," chief editor Senol Kazanci said in a statement.

Asked about the case at his daily press conference, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric voiced support for freedom of the press, calling for the release of the detainees.

Turkey has summoned Egypt's charge d'affaires to protest the raid.

The Turkish and Egyptian governments have been fierce rivals since Ankara strongly supported Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood administration that was overthrown in a 2013 military ouster.

Egypt outlawed the Islamist group in the same year.

Ankara and Cairo are also on opposing sides of the Libyan conflict.

Turkey supports the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, which is under siege from forces loyal to eastern-based general Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States, an ally of both Turkey and Egypt, said it had seen news reports on the raid and arrests.

"If true, we call on the Egyptian government to release the detained journalists and allow for a free and open press in Egypt," a State Department spokesperson said.

New York-based rights group Committee to Protect Journalists slammed the arrests, saying "journalists operating in Egypt should not have to work in fear that they will be used to settle political scores between countries".

"Authorities must immediately release the Anadolu News Agency staffers arrested yesterday and stop using false news charges to harass and silence the media," CPJ added.

Egypt ranks third in the world in terms of the number of journalists in detention, behind China and Turkey, according to CPJ.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORWALK  A state police trooper has been placed on administrative assignment after fatally wounding a New Haven teen who allegedly brandished a knife while carjacking a ride-share driver in Norwalk.

Murbarak Soulemane, 19, was identified by state police as the person killed in Wednesdays officer-involved shooting.

Trooper Brian North fired his weapon after he saw Soulemane with a knife, state police said. The other troopers involved in the incident  who state police said did not fire their weapons  were identified as Trooper Joshua Jackson and Trooper First Class Ross Dalling.

North and Jackson have each been with state police for four and a half years. Dalling has been with state police for seven and a half years.

In accordance with department policy, Trooper North has been placed on administrative assignment, state police said.

The agency released information about the incident late Thursday afternoon, detailing what led to the deadly shooting.

It started around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when Norwalk police pursued the stolen car from the parking lot of an AT&T store on Main Avenue and then onto the Route 7 connector before ending the chase  which reached speeds of 90 mph  when they approached Interstate 95.

We determined that it wasnt safe to pursue him, Norwalk Police Lt. Jared Zwickler said. The risks outweighed the benefits.

Norwalk supervisors called off the pursuit, but a be on the lookout broadcast was issued to state police and other nearby departments with a description of the vehicle.

The bulletin  issued at 4:36 p.m.  also indicated that the driver was armed with a knife, state police said.

In a statement released Thursday, Melvin Medina, public policy and advocacy director of the ACLU of Connecticut, condemned state police for the pursuit, calling high-speed chases a dangerous and deadly pandemic.

It is deeply concerning that despite the legislature taking action to try to rein in these deadly police decisions, 2020 has begun with (police) chasing and killing another person, Medina said. When police choose to chase someone in a car, they are escalating a situation and endangering the lives of police, pedestrians, and all motorists on that road.

But state police pointed to the vital information that Norwalk provided about Soulemane being armed as the reason they pursued the vehicle.

The agency said its pursuit policy, adopted in September 2019, prevents troopers from normally chasing stolen vehicles unless the person has committed, is trying to commit or will imminently commit a crime of violence  actual or threatened.

The policy also allows troopers to pursue a vehicle if there is a need to take the person into custody in a timely manner because of the potential for harm to the public if they arent apprehended, state police said.

Soon after the alert was relayed, Troop G barracks in Bridgeport received 911 calls about a white Hyundai driving recklessly on Interstate 95 northbound. The vehicle was driving both along the right shoulder and center median at a high rate of speed, state police said.

At 4:46 p.m., the teen was seen on state Department of Transportation cameras driving in the median at high speeds just before Exit 22 of I-95 northbound.

State police dispatch monitored the driver until troopers were able to get behind the vehicle near Exit 36.

Troopers attempted to stop the Hyundai and the driver struck two state police cruisers and continued northbound before exiting the highway off Exit 43 onto Campbell Avenue into the town of West Haven, state police said.

On Campbell Avenue, the Hyundai hit a civilians vehicle and state police boxed in the driver.

Troopers, aided by West Haven police, ordered the driver to get out of the vehicle, state police said.

A Taser was used on Soulemane but it was ineffective, state police said. It was unclear which officer used the Taser.

When the driver displayed a weapon (later determined to be a knife), a trooper on scene discharged his assigned duty pistol, striking the driver, state police said.

West Haven and state police rendered medical aid to Soulemane after the shooting until medics took over and transported the teen to Yale New Haven Hospital. Soulemane later died from his injuries.

No one else was injured.

The police-involved shooting is under investigation by Connecticut State Polices Central District Major Crime Squad. The New London States Attorneys Office will oversee the state police investigation.

Still, Medina voiced concerns in his statement about state police pursuing the vehicle after Norwalk called it off.

Why, after Norwalk police deescalated the situation by calling off their pursuit, did Connecticut State Police decide to escalate by chasing this driver? Did state police follow Connecticut law, which prohibits police from shooting into a moving car unless there is imminent threat of death to the police employee shooter or another person, and which prohibits police from putting themselves in front of a car, unless approved by their employer? he questioned.

Medina called on state police to release the footage of the pursuit and the fatal shooting. Under state law, police are required to release footage of pursuits and use-of-deadly-force incidents within 96 hours.

State police said Thursday the agency plans to release the video footage and dispatcher audio linked to the incident in the coming days.

The gunshots from the Wednesday shooting were heard at two businesses on either side of the West Haven underpass where the shots rang out  Little Guy Discount Rental at 860 Campbell Ave. and Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 784 Campbell Ave.

Valvoline automotive technician, Josh Young, of Hamden, said he was under a car working when he jumped up from the sounds of about seven shots.

Of course, I was worried. Stuff like that doesnt happen around here, Young said, noting he still didnt know the full story by Thursday afternoon.

Prior to the carjacking, Soulemane allegedly walked into the AT&T store with a knife in his hand and began to argue with store employees, Zwickler said.

Zwickler said the teen tried unsuccessfully to steal an iPhone 11 before leaving and getting into a ride-share car that was waiting outside the store.

Police said the man demanded the drivers cellphone once he got into the car. When the driver refused, he allegedly slapped the driver and stole his vehicle.

The manager of AT&T declined to comment when reached on Thursday.

Staff writer Pam McLouglin contributed to this story.

State police ask anyone with information on the shooting to call 860-706-5656.

Editors note: Connecticut State Police initially identified the 19-year-old shot dead by police as Soulemane Murbarak. On Friday afternoon, the agency clarified that his name was Murbarak Soulemane.
[January 15, 2020] FMLS and MGMLS Announce Partnership to Greatly Extend Listing Exposure, Software Capabilities and Training Offerings

ATLANTA and MACON, Ga., Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) and the Middle Georgia Multiple Listing Service (MGMLS) announced a new agreement today that benefits homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals throughout the state of Georgia. Under the partnership, property listings will be shared in the native MLS system throughout the expansive FMLS network as well as the middle Georgia network. This dramatically increases exposure throughout the state, which helps agents and brokers market and sell properties with more efficiency for potentially faster sales. "This expands the market opportunity for both MLS'," according to Jeremy Crawford, President and CEO of FMLS. "There's a lot of movement between markets, and this makes the process much easier." In addition, FMLS will extend new, state-of-the-art technology tools to MGMLS members, with products such as Cloud CMA, Showing Time, Down Payment Resource, and Remine Pro and Docs. "With nearly 46,000 members, we can purchase software much more affordably per user and extend that volume buying power to MGMLS's members," Crawford concludes. Suzanne Beers, MGMLS' Executive Director added, "We are very excited to have greater exposure to our listings in the greaer Atlanta area and new technology choices. We will also be able to access the FMLS Training Institute, which provides high-quality and accredited real estate training as a free MGMLS member-benefit." The FMLS Institute currently offers 33 of GREC's mandated 36 hours of continuing education necessary to maintain a real estate license.



"As more consumers start their home buying and selling process online, this allows us to have better access to the latest real estate data in the most efficient technology and training tools. This opens the door to more referral business between brokers and agents, which helps everyone," Beers continues. The new agreement is effective today with many new products and services being rolled out in second quarter of 2020.

About FMLS

First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) was founded 62 years ago by four brokers who wanted to share real estate listings and connect buyers and sellers. Today, FMLS is one of the largest MLS' in North America, serving nearly 46,000 real estate professionals and Realtors in Georgia. Depending on the opportunity, FMLS may be willing to extend its software and real estate services to other like-minded organizations in Georgia and beyond. For more information, contact Steve Mapes at [email protected]. About MGMLS

Originally called "Macon Multiple Listing Service", Mid Georgia MLS was founded in 1970 by five local brokers. Their goal was to make the listing of all member companies available to members and their agents. From this humble beginning MGMLS has grown to cover the middle Georgia area which includes 21 counties and is the premier MLS and data services provider for real estate professionals in central Georgia. MGMLS will celebrate 50 years in business this May. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fmls-and-mgmls-announce-partnership-to-greatly-extend-listing-exposure-software-capabilities-and-training-offerings-300987785.html SOURCE FMLS

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On Wednesday, a few hours after the conclusion of Putins annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that his government would resign, effective immediately. Putin has nominated Mikhail Mishustin, an almost unknown figure, to be Medvedevs successor and has asked the current cabinet to remain active until he has picked their successors within the next week. Mishustins nomination is set to be confirmed by the Duma (parliament) on Thursday.

The unexpected resignation of the entire Russian government comes amid staggering social tensions and escalating war tensions between the US and Iran which threaten to draw in the entire South Caucasus region and Russia itself. The global resurgence of the class struggle, in particular, is sending shock waves through the oligarchy which has engaged in massive assaults on the working class in recent years, while vastly enriching itself.

Putins state of the nation address which preceded the announcement of the governments resignation was dominated by desperate attempts to promise remedies to a social crisis for which the Kremlin and the oligarchy bear direct responsibility.

Putin described the raising of incomes as the top priority of the government, promised a series of measures aimed at providing more state support to poor families, in particular, in order to facilitate a reversal of the long-standing decline of the Russian population. Thus, he proposed a monthly payment of 5,500 rubles ($89,50) per child between 3 and 7 to families with multiple children. He also demanded that, starting 1 September 2020, schools offer free food to children from first through fourth grade.

He furthermore declared that salaries for doctors, teachers and state employees had to be paid based on his 2012 May decrees. Recent years have seen a number of protests by teachers, doctors and paramedics, in particular, many of whom receive wages that place them below the official poverty level of just $150 per month. Putin also addressed the acute medicine shortages for life-threatening diseases like cancer and other illnesses like schizophrenia which have affected untold thousands last year and angered millions. He promised that the state would take over payments for several drugs and asked the government to organize the import of critical medicines that are not registered in Russia.

Putin also proposed a number of changes to the Constitution. These include a formal, slight increase the powers of parliament, allowing it to approve the nomination of the Prime minister by the president, and an increased role of the State Council which Putin currently heads. The proposed changes are believed to be designed to ensure that Putin, who played a leading role in Russian politics for two decades, can continue to play a leading role beyond the end of his last term in 2024.

Putin stressed that Russia had to remain a presidential republic with the main military and political powers effectively lying with the president. He proposed changing the requirements for presidential candidates from a minimum of 10 years of permanent residency in Russia to 25 years. This move was clearly intended to undermine the legal basis for members of the liberal opposition, many of which have lived for a longer period in the West or are still residing there. Putin also advocated banning any kind of foreign citizenship not just for presidential candidates but for all running for or holding official government office on a federal or regional level. Putin, who is now serving his fourth term as president, also suggested to limit the terms a president can serve to two.

He announced a national referendum on these proposed constitutional changes with media reports suggesting a bill might be proposed before the summer of 2020.

Underlying the sharp political crisis within the Russian oligarchy are growing class tensions and the escalating war crisis in the Middle East.

The reshuffling of the government is not least of all aimed at deflecting mass social anger about far-reaching austerity measures all the while ensuring that the basic course will continue.

In 2018-2019, Medvedev government, with the full support of Putin, rammed through a reform raising the retirement age, against the opposition to this measure by 90 percent of the population. In what has been the most dramatic assault on living standards of the working class since the 1990s, the age of retirement for men was raised from 60 to 65 and for women from 55 to 60, effective since 2019 (see: Russian Duma rams through pension reform amid mass opposition).

The pension reform has been overwhelmingly perceived as a blatant act of plunder by the state and has been a critical factor causing a dramatic decline in the popularity of the government and Putin himself. According to the polling agency VTsIOM, 30.9 percent of Russians trusted Putin in November 2019 down from 70 percent in 2014. The same poll indicated that only 22.5 percent trusted Medvedev. Other leading politicians, including defense minister Sergei Shoigu and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, enjoyed the trust of only 13.1 and 11.2 percent of the population respectively.

The assault on pensions has come on top of a decline in real incomes, growing poverty and further austerity measures. Real incomes for the vast majority of Russians have plummeted five years in a row and are, according to a report in the Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 6.4 percent below their level in 2013. Prices for most food items have risen on average by 50-80 percent in 2015-2019. One in eight Russians now officially live on less than $150 a month. The actual number is likely to be much higher. According to the newspaper Vedomosti, 27 percent of those aged 18 to 30, 34 percent of those aged 31 to 40 and 38 percent of people aged above 60 perceive themselves to be extremely poor.

The Russian government has engaged in far-reaching austerity over the past years, forcing the working class and lower middle class to shoulder the burden of the economic crisis in the country that has been dramatically exacerbated by the US and EUs economic sanctions in the wake of the Ukraine crisis in early 2014. Since 2012, spending in health care has been slashed by 16 percent and in education by 14 percent. An estimated 80 percent of Russian schools are now housed in unsafe or poorly maintained buildings and hundreds of hospitals have been shut down in recent years, leaving entire sections of the population, especially in the countryside, without immediate access to medical care.

Meanwhile, Russias leading oligarchs, all of which have close ties to the government and Putin, in particular, have been massively expanding their wealth. According to Bloomberg, Russias richest men Vladimir Potanin alone increased his personal fortune by $8.5 billion within one year. Vagit Alekperov, the head of Russias largest independent oil producer Lukoil, added $6.2 billion, and now owns $22.3 billion. In all, the 23 richest Russians collectively increased their personal wealth by 21 percent, or $52.9 billion.

Even though Russian economists see the economy plunging into a recession, with almost zero growth in the manufacturing sector in the last quarter of 2019 and a decline in oil production, Russia was the best performing equity market in the world last year. Companies registered with the Moscow stock exchange increased their payout of dividends from 1.8 trillion rubles in 2018 to 2.7 trillion rubles in 2019.

Putins nomination of Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister, who has overseen the Federal Tax Agency since 2010, and has ties to representatives of international finance capital through his previous position as the head of the investment management company UGF Capital, makes clear that the new government will continue and escalate the social attacks on the working class.

In addition to these growing class tensions and prospects of a further deepening of the economic crisis, the oligarchy is feeling besieged by the escalation of the drive to war by US imperialism. The killing of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani at the beginning of the year was met with a remarkably muted response by the Kremlin who had had close ties to Suleimani. It further fueled ongoing heated debates about the foreign policy orientation of the country under conditions where an open war by the US with Iran threatens to draw in Russia directly and spill over to its borders in the South Caucasus.
WELLINGTON, Ohio  The FBI and police are searching for a male who robbed a bank at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon.

A news release from the FBI says the suspect, wearing a mask and armed with a revolver, entered the Fifth-Third bank on East Herrick Street at about 3:45 p.m. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured in the incident.

Anyone with any information can contact Wellington police at 440-647-2244, the FBI at 216-522-1400, or Crime Stoppers. Reward money is available for information leading to the successful identification and prosecution of the suspect. Tips can remain anonymous.

The robber was armed with a handgun and escaped with an undisclosed amount of money, according to the FBI.Cleveland FBI

To comment on this story, visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments page.

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WASHINGTON  Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts was sworn in Thursday to preside over the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Roberts, wearing his black judicial robe, was escorted into the chamber by four senators. The two Republicans were Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the chairman of the Rules Committee, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The Democrats were Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the longest-serving senator, and Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

Senators, I attend the Senate in conformity with your notice for the purpose of joining with you for the trial of the president of the United States," Roberts said. I am now prepared to take the oath."

A summary of the day's impeachment news: Right to your inbox! Sign up for On Politics here

The longest-serving Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, administered the oath to Roberts. "God bless you," Grassley said. "Thank you," Roberts replied.

A roll call of senators sitting at their mahogany desks was held before Roberts arrived. After he was sworn in, Roberts recited the trial oath to swear in senators, who stood at their desks and raised their right hands.

"Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States now pending, you will do impartial justice, according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?" Roberts asked.

"I do," senators replied in unison. Senators were called in alphabetical order by their last names to sign the oath book.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., recited unanimous agreements setting deadlines for trial documents. The House has until 5 p.m. Saturday to file its trial brief, the White House until noon Monday to file its trial brief, and the House until noon Tuesday to file its rebuttal.

Story continues

"The Senate sitting as court of impeachment is adjourned until Tuesday Jan. 21 at 1 p.m.," Roberts said, gaveling the session closed.

Trump blasts impeachment as a 'hoax'

Trump slammed his impeachment as a distraction from two of the biggest trade deals in the history of the country that were reached this week. He signed a deal with China on Wednesday, and the Senate gave final approval Thursday to a trade deal with Canada and Mexico.

"I think it should go very quickly," Trump said of the impeachment trial. "This is a hoax. It's a shame."

Trump said he was impeached because Democrats are trying to win the 2020 election.

"Hopefully, they're not going to win," he said.

Trump defended his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who is accused of smearing Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, before the president removed her.

"Certainly, Rudy is one of the great crime fighters in the history of our country," Trump said. "He's a very straight shooter."

Senators note solemnity of trial

Senators remained quiet for the arrival of Roberts and the swearing-in of senators for the trial.

"I thought, 'This is a historic moment.' You could have heard a pin drop," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. "I think the gravity of what we're undertaking, I think, was sinking in for all of us."

"It was much more sobering than I even thought it would be, raising our hands, hearing the impeachment articles read and hearing the words: impeachment of the president of the United States," Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said. It was "a very somber moment for me."

Articles of impeachment read aloud

Seven House lawmakers, who are called managers and who will prosecute the case against Trump, carried the articles of impeachment to the Senate and read the charges aloud to formally begin the third trial of a sitting president.

The House managers were recognized at 12:06 p.m. and were escorted to the well of the Senate. The lead manager, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., read the articles aloud as senators sat at their mahogany desks.

Senators find ceremonial start to trial 'sobering'

Feinstein said after the 15-minute session that it felt sobering to sit on the floor as Schiff spoke.

Until you're in that chamber and it's totally filled and there's something stark and unusual before you, its sort of business as usual, she said. And then you go in to this stark and unusual procedure. And it's a very major endeavor.

Many senators studiously took notes on yellow legal pads or notebooks from their desks.

They help me remember the information that's being presented," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. "I was a note taker in school, so I like to write as I listen."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said her notes could come in handy  both for her and her colleagues.

I was just writing everything down because this is an important proceeding. I'm a lawyer, former prosecutor, Klobuchar said. I like to write notes, and one of the things you find out when you write everything down is then everyone comes over and says, What did they just say. 

Senators aren't likely to make a decision about calling witnesses at the trial until after the House managers and White House lawyers give their opening arguments and senators pose written questions. One of the managers, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said after returning to the House that it wouldn't be a proper trial without calling witnesses.

I hope the senators have open minds, but the proof is so airtight, Nadler said. The fact that they are seriously saying they dont want to hear witnesses and they may not want to hear witnesses is a sign that they are trying to conduct a cover-up."

The ceremonial start of the trial came amid heightened security throughout the Capitol. As the managers carried the articles through the Rotunda, the area beneath the central dome, which is typically full of tourists on a weekday, was cleared of people except for reporters and a few lawmakers who came to watch.

As the impeachment articles made their way from the House to the Senate for a second time, many more Capitol Police stood guard in the corridors, some of whom did random checks of press badges for reporters.

Click 'play' above to hear more about the seven impeachment House managers.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives at the Capitol on Jan. 16, where Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead House manager, formally read the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

Pelosi: Trump administration 'broke the law'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., cited a government watchdog report Thursday that says the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violated federal law by withholding congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine.

The OMB, the White House, the administration  I'm saying this  broke the law," Pelosi said.

Trump withheld $391 million from Ukraine while he urged that country's president to investigate one of Trump's political rivals. The Government Accountability Office report says the suspension of the money violated the Impoundment Control Act.

Trump said he was justified in fighting corruption in Ukraine.

"This reinforces again the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate," Pelosi said.

Lev Parnas, a Ukraine-born associate of Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said that he worked on their behalf in Ukraine and that Trump knew what he was doing to pressure Ukraine into investigating former Vice President Joe Biden.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said that Trump did nothing wrong and that Parnas, who is under indictment for alleged campaign-finance violations unrelated to Ukraine, seeks to reduce his prison time.

Pelosi was asked at her weekly news conference whether Parnas should be called as a witness at the Senate trial and whether he would be credible. Pelosi said she would rely on lawmakers prosecuting the case.

There seems to be documentation that would validate what Mr. Parnas is saying," Pelosi said. "But that all has to be subjected to scrutiny."

House impeachment managers, who will prosecute the case against President Donald Trump, walk the articles of impeachment across the Capitol on Jan. 15, 2020.

McConnell mocks House ceremony

Hours before the managers arrived, McConnell criticized the signing ceremony Pelosi held Wednesday before sending the articles to the Senate. He noted the numerous pens emblazoned with Pelosis name in gold ink that she used to sign the document, then handed out as souvenirs.

The pens literally came in on silver platters. Golden pens on silver platters. A souvenir to celebrate the moment, McConnell said. As though this were a happy bill signing instead of the gravest process in our Constitution.

He mocked Democrats for posing for pictures afterward.

It was a transparently partisan performance from beginning to end," McConnell said.

What is the trial about?

A two-thirds majority of the Senate would be required to convict and remove Trump, which is unlikely in the chamber where Republicans outnumber Democrats 53 to 47.

The articles accuse Trump of pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden while withholding a valuable White House meeting and $391 million in military aid.

Trump and his Republican defenders said he has the authority to conduct foreign policy and sought was justified in seeking to fight corruption in Ukraine. Republicans noted that Zelensky never announced an investigation, but Trump met with him and released the aid anyway.

They have a hoax going on over there. Lets take care of it," Trump told congressional Republicans who attended a White House ceremony Wednesday announcing a China trade agreement.

Grisham said "this sham, illegitimate impeachment" reveals Pelosi is more focused on politics than on the American people.

"President Trump has done nothing wrong," Grisham said. "He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him and expects to be fully exonerated."

The House voted Wednesday to send the articles to the Senate. Pelosi was criticized for delaying the move after the House approved the articles Dec. 18, but she said the delay opened the door to more evidence, such as documents from Parnas and the offer of testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton.

Pelosi called the impeachment patriotic, rather than political, personal or partisan.

"This is as serious as it gets for any of us," Pelosi said. "Only the vote to declare war would be something more serious than this."

McConnell said House Democrats have "taken a dangerous road" by weaponizing impeachment because they want to remove Trump. McConnell said any future president could be threatened by impeachment over policy differences with Congress.

"Going about it in this subjective, unfair and rushed way is corrosive to our institutions. It hurts national unity, McConnell said. And it virtually guarantees that future houses of either party will feel free to impeach any future president they do not like."

The House managers  seven lawmakers chosen by Pelosi  will serve in a role similar to prosecutors in the trial by presenting the evidence against Trump. Schiff is the lead manager, joined by Nadler and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; Val Demings, D-Fla.; Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Jason Crow, D-Colo.; and Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas.

All of the managers are lawyers except for Demings, who was Orlando's police chief. Jeffries, the Democratic Caucus chairman, is the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House. Crow is the only manager who doesn't serve on one of the committees that investigated Trump. He is a former Army Ranger who was a lawyer in private practice.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces the impeachment managers at the Capitol on Jan. 15: Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y.; and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; Val Demings, D-Fla.; Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Jason Crow, D-Colo.; and Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas. Schiff was named the lead manager.

I think this is a diverse group," said Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee that helped investigate Trump. Engel noted that two first-term lawmakers were chosen  Garcia and Crow  and said a larger number of managers would have been unwieldy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate formally opens impeachment trial against President Donald Trump
The Senate will soon be seated as a court of impeachment to hear charges that Donald Trump abused his office by withholding $391 million in military aid to Ukraine in order to force that countrys president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and a discredited conspiracy theory positing that Ukraine  not Russia  interfered in the 2016 election.

He is also accused of obstructing Congresss investigation into whether hed done so by ordering aides to neither testify nor turn over documents to impeachment investigators.

The start of the trial comes after a month-long delay initiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who took the unprecedented but constitutionally permissible step of postponing handing off the articles of impeachment to the Senate after the upper chambers Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would be coordinating the conduct of Mr Trumps trial with the White House Counsels office and the presidents other lawyers.

Ms Pelosi said at the time that the delay was necessary in order to obtain assurances that the rules Mr McConnell would put forth for Mr Trumps trial would provide for testimony by a number of witnesses who Mr Trump had ordered to not cooperate with the Houses impeachment inquiry.

Those potential witnesses include White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Mulvaney aide Robert Blair, Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey, and Ambassador John Bolton, Mr Trumps former national security adviser.

All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Show all 6 1 /6 All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Alan Dershowitz Dershowitz is a controversial American lawyer best known for the high-profile clients he has successfully defended. Those clients have included OJ Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. One longtime Harvard Law associated told the New Yorker Dershowitz "revels in taking positions that ultimately are not just controversial but pretty close to indefensible." Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Ken Starr Starr became a household name in the 1990s as the independent counsel who led the investigation that led to Bill Clinton's impeachment. That investigation began as a look into a real estate scandal known as Whitewater, and eventually led to impeachment after Mr Clinton lied under oath about having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. AP All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Jay Sekulow Sekulow is the president's longtime personal attorney, and, now, personal lawyer in the White House. He has been accused by former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas of being "in the loop" during the Ukraine scandal. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pam Bondi Bondi is the former attorney general in Florida, and a longtime backer of the president's. She made a name for herself in Florida for taking hyper partisan stances on issues, and her penchant for publicity. She is likely to be a prominent public-facing figure during the trial. AFP/Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pat Cipollone Cipollone is the White House counsel, and leading the president's defence team. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Rudy Giuliani While not officially named as one of the president's impeachment lawyers, it is hard to ignore Giuliani's outsized role in this process. The former mayor of New York has been making headlines for months as he defends his client, and for his apparent role in the effort to compel Ukraine to launch the investigation into Joe Biden. We'll see how he figures in the actual trial, which he has said he would like to be a part of. Reuters

Mr McConnell has so far refused to make any such assurances, and has instead declared that the conduct of Mr Trumps trial would closely track the procedures used during the 1999 impeachment trial of then-president Bill Clinton.

During Mr Clintons trial, all 100 senators agreed to not make any decision on whether or not to call witnesses until theyd heard opening arguments from the House managers  members appointed to prosecute the case against the president  and from the presidents attorneys. Senators later voted to compel videotaped testimony from several witnesses, including former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

While many Republicans criticised Ms Pelosis decision to withhold the articles as an abuse of power which some Trump allies said meant the president had not yet been impeached, the 28 days between the Houses vote to impeach Mr Trump and the transmission of the articles of impeachment to the Senate have seen breathtaking new evidence emerge and one significant witness declare that hed testify if called.

What weve learned since the House voted to impeach the president.

Since the Houses impeachment inquiry began on 24 September, Republicans in both the House and Senate have complained that Democrats lack firsthand testimony and documentary evidence  the same evidence that Mr Trump has ordered executive branch officials not to provide to impeachment investigators.

While Mr Trumps subordinates have stonewalled Congress, outside actors have been able to use the courts and the US Freedom of Information Act to uncover new evidence which sheds more light on both the details of how funding to Ukraine was withheld, by whom, and their motivations for withholding it.

Just four days after the House voted to impeach the president, White House emails released as part of a lawsuit pursuant to FOIA revealed how the Office of Management and Budget ordered the US Defence Department to stop releasing military aid to Ukraine just 91 minutes after the presidents July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Mr Trump responded to his counterparts request to purchase more US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles by telling him: I would like you to do us a favour, though by investigating the 2016 election conspiracy theory and the family of Mr Biden.

He added that Mr Zelensky should contact his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani for assistance.

On 2 January, the legal blog Just Security published unredacted versions of some of those emails which showed how OMB officials told Pentagon officials that the order to withhold Ukraines military aid came at the clear direction of Mr Trump, and that OMB officials ignored concerns that continuing to withhold obligation of the funds would prevent them from being spent on Ukraines defence at all.

Two days later, Mr Bolton thrust Democrats demand for witnesses back into the spotlight when he declared that he would  if subpoenaed  testify against his former boss after a judges ruling in a similar case left him no way to legally decline a Senate subpoena. An attorney for Mr Bolton has said his client, who resigned from Mr Trumps administration on 10 September, has personal knowledge of information relevant to the inquiry.

It is thought that Mr Boltons testimony could be highly damaging to Mr Trumps defence. During the House Intelligence Committees public impeachment hearings, Bolton aide Dr Fiona Hill testified that her boss, a Yale-educated attorney, advised her to speak to White House lawyers after a meeting with Ukrainian officials, during which Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland said that Mr Zelensky could secure a public Oval Office meeting with Mr Trump by announcing the investigations which the president desired.

According to Dr Hill, Mr Bolton called the arrangement a drug deal and said he wanted no involvement with it.

 Mitch McConnell announces Trump impeachment trial will begin 21 January

Last minute evidence dump casts puts spotlight back on Trump lawyer

But even after Mr Boltons testimony became a possibility, the biggest bombshells were yet to come. Just one day before the House would send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, House Democrats released yet more evidence gathered from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani who has been indicted for violating campaign finance laws.

A handwritten note in his handwriting shows that the goal of Mr Parnas, who was working for Mr Giuliani on Mr Trumps behalf, was to get Mr Zelensky, then Ukraines president-elect, to announce an investigation into Mr Biden.

While Mr Trumps Republican defenders have claimed that the presidents decision to withhold aid to Ukraine and request the announcement of an investigation into Mr Biden was made pursuant to the presidents foreign policy priorities, a letter from Mr Giuliani to Mr Zelensky shows the former New York City mayor knew he was acting as Mr Trumps personal attorney, for Mr Trumps personal benefit.

 Fiona Hill: 'What we're seeing here as a result of all of these narratives is this is exactly what the Russian government was hoping for'

The letter, dated 10 May 2019, is printed on stationery belonging to Mr Giulani and undermines the defence offered by Trump allies who say the president was using him as a back channel to advance legitimate foreign policy interests.

It says: I am private counsel to President Donald J Trump. Just to be precise, I represent him as a private citizen, not as President of the United States.

Mr Giuliani wont be participating in Mr Trumps trial defence, but a senior administration official said the White House lawyers who, along with Trump attorney Jay Sekulow, will take the lead are confident that theyll be able to easily make a case to acquit the president.

These are the weakest articles of impeachment that have ever been passed, the official said, adding that the Houses investigation had found no violation of any law and that the idea that it is obstruction of Congress for the president to assert constitutionally protected privilege is absurd.

Were happy that were going to have a chance to vindicate the president ... so the country can move on, the official said.

Whats next?

Now that the House managers have delivered the articles of impeachment to the Senate, that body will convene on Tuesday 21 January as a court of impeachment presided over by John Roberts, the Chief Justice of the United States.

Recommended Marie Yovanovitch receives standing ovation after Trump attacks her

Unlike normal Senate proceedings, during which few senators are present on the senate floor, all 100 members will be required to be seated at their desks to hear testimony. And in what will be a painful twist for a group of normally loquacious politicians, they will have to remain silent and will only be able to submit questions or motions in written form.

Current rules governing impeachment state that the body will convene each day at 1pm, but that could change if enough senators vote to alter the schedule.

It wont only be senators whose routines will be altered by impeachment. Reporters who cover the Senate will be subject to a whole host of restrictions for the duration of the trial.

Instead of being able to question senators as they move about the Capitol, reporters will be confined to the same sort of pen which Trump campaign events use to prevent journalists from speaking with rally attendees. The only time reporters will be permitted to question senators will be if the politicians themselves choose to approach the pen area.

The restrictions are the brainchild of Senate Rules Committee Chair Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican and close Trump ally.

 Donald Trump says John Bolton 'would would know nothing about what we're talking about' ahead of impeachment trial

In a statement, the Standing Committee of Correspondents, which represents journalists accredited to cover the US Congress, said Mr Blunt and Capitol security officials rejected the committees suggestions on how to manage the large influx of press expected to cover the trial without an explanation of how the restrictions contribute to safety rather than simply limit coverage of the trial.

These potential restrictions fail to acknowledge what currently works on Capitol Hill, or the way the American public expects to be able to follow a vital news event about their government in the digital age, they said.
Iran's former crown prince entered the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, to a standing ovation on Wednesday before calling on the U.S. to support the will of the Iranian people  to bring down their government.

Between the lines: Some might question Reza Pahlavi's status as a spokesperson for the Iranian people. He hasn't stepped foot in Iran since his father, the shah, fled the country in 1979.

Pahlavi says he doesn't want to regain the Peacock Throne, but he hopes to help Iran become a secular democracy, and a U.S. ally.

to regain the Peacock Throne, but he hopes to help Iran become a secular democracy, and a U.S. ally. His message to President Trump: Stop offering Tehran dialogue and treating the regime as legitimate.

Stop offering Tehran dialogue and treating the regime as legitimate. His message to Ayatollah Khamenei: "The people have had it. ... It's time for him to let go and step down and allow the people of Iran to free themselves."

Pahlavi argues the way to bring down the regime is through a massive labor strike and by peeling away disillusioned regime members.

He insists the regime is about to fall, in part because "the fear has begun to dissipate" among its opponents.

In the room: Pahlavi answered audience questions with a disarming smile  though it vanished when he was asked whether he should apologize for his family's role in Iran's 1953 coup.

Iranians may never agree about the past, Pahlavi said, but "we need safeguards for the future."

Go deeper:
IDX building located in Sudirman central business district, Jakarta, Indonesia (PHOTO: Getty Creative)

By Lee Miller and Anuchit Nguyen

(Bloomberg) -- Indonesia, Southeast Asias largest economy, is finally poised to take the title of the biggest equity market in the region.

Its market value of US$529 billion has nearly matched that of slumping Thailand, which snatched the top spot from Singapore in May, buoyed by a strengthening baht. With its currency giving back some gains and economic growth trailing forecasts, the SET Index is the regions only benchmark to decline in the past three months.

In contrast, Indonesias Jakarta Composite Index has gained 5.5% in U.S. dollar terms during that period. President Joko Widodo is embarking on a new round of infrastructure projects and pursuing reforms to stimulate the fourth-most populous country in the world.

Indonesia did hold the most-valuable crown for several short periods between January and April of last year. Before 2019, Singapore was Southeast Asias leader the vast majority of the time since at least 2003, when Bloomberg began compiling the data.

There is a big opportunity in Indonesia, said Vincent Mortier, deputy chief investment officer at Amundi Asset Management, which manages about 1.56 trillion euros of assets. It has a growth story, political landscape and valuations. He rates Thailand underweight because of its weak economy, he said.

Indonesias PT Bank Central Asia now ranks as the regions biggest company by value, at about US$62 billion, ahead of Singapores DBS Group Holdings Ltd. and Thailands PTT Pcl.

To be sure, the biggest Southeast Asian market ranks 21st globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Moreover, eight individual companies are worth more than the market of either Thailand or Indonesia, including three trillion-dollar firms: Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp.

Bloomberg calculates market capitalisation using only actively traded, primary stocks on each countrys exchanges, excluding securities such as exchange-traded funds.

 2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Germanys top diplomat on Thursday travelled to Libya hoping to meet the influential Khalifa Haftar, a general, as part of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the country.

It is essential that both sides of the Libyan civil war take part in a peace process organised under the auspices of the United Nations, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, before departing for his previously unannounced trip to Benghazi, in northern Libya.

Reports say the pressure is on Germany, ahead of an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, to bring rebel leader Haftar and his rival, Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, to the table.

Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 overthrow of long-time dictator, Moamer Gaddafi.

The oil-rich country has two competing administrations: the UN-backed government of Mr al-Serraj in Tripoli and the other, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, allied with Mr Haftar.

On Wednesday, a German government spokesperson said it remained unclear whether the two would attend on Sunday.

Talks between Messrs Haftar and al-Serraj earlier in the week in Moscow ended in disappointment, with a ceasefire deal left unsigned.

Mr Maas called the Berlin conference the best chance for launching peace talks.

He is representing his fellow EU foreign ministers in Thursdays planned meeting with Haftar.

Our message is clear: This conflict cannot be won be anyone militarily, Mr Maas said.

European countries are eager to de-escalate the Libya conflict since the chaos in the North African country made it a major transit point for migrants on their way to Europe via the Mediterranean.

(dpa/NAN)
[January 16, 2020] The Aliera Companies Reaches Agreement With Colorado Division of Insurance

The Aliera Companies, a holding and management company that provides compliance, accounting, human resources, and training services for its subsidiaries, today announced the Colorado Division of Insurance vacated its cease and desist order against the company. More specifically, Aliera and its subsidiaries may continue operations in the state and will continue serving current Colorado members enrolled in Trinity HealthShare ministry programs; however, the company agreed to no longer market health care sharing ministry programs (HCSMs) in their state. "We are grateful the agreement allows the company to pursue other business in Colorado while continuing to administer and service Trinity's current membership," said Chase Moses, president of The Aliera Companies. "While we fully cooperated with the division's inquiry, it's disappointing that in Colorado we are unable to provide future HCSM services on behalf of ministries. We remain optimistic however about the company's future in the state, as it serves an instrumental role in our business model and continued success."



To that end, Aliera argued the state lacked jurisdiction, a position it maintained throughout the disagreement. Aliera fully believes programs offered by Trinity, an IRS recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit health care sharing ministry, does not constitute insurance. The company further contended that Trinity programs were neither marketed nor sold to appear as insurance.

About The Aliera Companies Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, The Aliera Companies, through its various partners and subsidiaries, drives the evolution of various industries, from IT solutions and platforms to healthcare delivery systems. The company invests in state-of-the-art technology platforms, top-performing sales teams, creative advertising and management services. The flexible structure and highly experienced management teams afford each subsidiary the opportunity to scale quickly, diversify and grow. The company employs more than 300, with operations in Atlanta and Dallas. For more information, visit alieracompanies.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005759/en/

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Koo Hyun-mo, newly appointed KT CEO



By Kim Hyun-bin





Can new KT Corp. chief executive Koo Hyun-mo change the nature of the telecom dinosaur?



In terms of the overall corporate structure, KT is a rare breed of South Korean telecom operator, in terms of its business portfolio, as the country's No. 2 telecom operator doesn't just sell telecom-oriented services but also offers non-telecom products.



Such collective pushes have so far brought underwhelming results. Its stock prices have been flattened because the corporate efforts for business diversification apparently failed to attract investors. KT is still heavily dependent upon the wholly-saturated, highly-competitive and thinner margin telecom business here.



Now, the new corporate CEO Koo Hyun-mo himself is feeling just like he is going to do "something different" as KT officials said the CEO is better-positioned to pursue "active communication" with KT employees, corporate board members and executives as he is the first KT insider in 12 years to lead the business group.



While he is subject to approval from shareholders with a meeting slated for March before commencing the position, it's very unlikely he will be denied the post.



Focus will be on how he will apply strategy to make the corporation function well. KT is battling with its two bitter local rivals  SK Telecom and LG Uplus  for bigger stakes in the growing fifth-generation (5G)-oriented telecom services. Also, shareholders are asking top KT management to offer higher dividends for their investment in the corporation.



"Koo is facing challenges on multiple fronts in various aspects in swiftly acquiring technologies relating to the fourth industrial revolution and his key priority is how to help KT see progress in the 5G network business," a KT official said.



Having served as the chief of KT's customer and media division, Koo is better known as a "hidden force" in strengthening the company's presence in the Internet-based TV market and successfully launching the company's Over The Top (OTT) platform.





Business expansion or profits?



New growth opportunities for the country's three major telecom companies rely on how swiftly they acquire technologies and personnel that suits the Fourth Industrial Revolution including 5G, AI, big data and Internet of Things (IOT). Last year, the three telecom companies became the world's first to commercialize the 5G network. KT took 30.4 percent of 5G subscribers, accounting for 1.32 million people in November.



Unlike its somewhat impressive outreach in these segments, results in terms of corporate profitability weren't satisfactory. Hit by the increased spending to promote its 5G services and build base stations supporting the advanced telecom system, KT suffered a 15.4 percent decline in operating profit during the third quarter of last year from a year earlier.



"Koo has a lot of pressure on his shoulders becoming the first in-house CEO in 12 years as his performance could dictate whether to appoint another insider as CEO in the future," an official from one of the major telecommunication company said.



KT recently announced plans to invest 300 billion won for AI over the next four years in accordance with its plan for some synergy between 5G and AI.



Another point is whether or not he will be aggressive in pursuing acquisition deals for corporate sustainability. For example, KT tops the pay-per-view segment accounting for 31.31 percent of the market last year, but it is being chased by SK Telecom and LG Uplus as the rivals have been catching up quickly by expanding their presence via acquisition deals.



KT previously attempted to acquire some stakes in overseas telecom service companies, however, the efforts failed to generate any results. In order to hedge investment risks, KT was turning its eyes to team up with partners for joint collaboration in businesses the company is eyeing.



On Thursday, KT said in a press release that it reshuffled the corporate structure in a way to boost its presence in "customer-oriented" and "digital transformation" segments.



Such initiatives are set to be pushed by multiple company presidents in terms of highlighting the beauty of "collective efforts" for management efficacy. KT appointed one president, two vice presidents, five executive directors and 21 directors through the reshuffle.



Aides close to the outgoing CEO Hwang Chang-gyu had been forced to leave the corporation. "Koo and Hwang were not in good shape as Koo is outspoken," an industry source told The Korea Times.



The new KT chief executive is one of seven incumbent and former executives including the outgoing CEO Hwang, who are under prosecutorial investigations for corruption charges.




A congresswoman from Connecticut is urging federal officials to conduct a full and thorough investigation of an accident that killed a worker last week at Pilgrims Pride in Guntersville.

Initial reports indicate Gabriel 'Seth" Brutley fell Jan. 6 from a material lift, which is similar to an elevator for freight and materials. Further details have not been made available.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) sent a letter earlier today to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Loren Sweatt, who leads the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That agency conducts investigations and levies fines against employers who create dangerous working conditions. DeLauro represents the area around New Haven, Conn., a seat shes held since 1991.

This tragic fatality comes after several other troubling incidents in recent years, according to OSHAs own records, DeLauro wrote.

Four serious injuries that resulted in amputations or hospitalizations have occurred at the Guntersville plant since 2016. In April 2019, it received permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase line speeds from 140 chickens a minute to 175. Advocates for workplace safety have fought against speed increases, arguing that they put workers at risk. The poultry processing industry already has higher-than-average rates of workplace injury.

Increased line speeds can impact all workers in the plant, and, as you are aware, there is a growing body of data documenting the association between faster line speeds and worker injuries, DeLauro wrote.

A spokeswoman for Pilgrims Pride said the line speed increase was not related to Brutleys death, which occurred off the production line. A spokesman for OSHA said the agency has opened an investigation.

All workers have a right to a safe workplace, and no worker should ever have to sacrifice their life for a paycheck, DeLauro wrote. The agency must make sure that this fatality, and all worker fatalities, receives the resources and comprehensive attention it deserves.
The scene unfolded in the beautifully restored Monte Vista home that Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez once shared with his wife, Bertha, and their eight children.

A political fundraiser was under way, and Rep. Beto ORourke, then running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Ted Cruz, had the floor.

The host, Dr. Erika Gonzalez (whos unrelated to the Henry B. clan) had gathered together successful, young Mexican American professionals interested in politics  people much like herself.

Unlike previous generations of Mexican Americans, who worked at the grass-roots level, those gathered in her home flexed political power by opening their wallets.

While they listened, an older, smaller Mexican American guard watched like proud godparents. From their vantage point, they saw in this new guard the fruits of their long labor.

For Gonzalez, 43, the gathering was just one moment in a busy life that includes a medical practice, two clinics, two research centers, and memberships and chairmanships in a wide swath of professional, political and civic organizations.

Youre going to be hearing more about her this year.

This month, she began a one-year tenure as board chair of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Joining her at the helm is the chambers new president and CEO, Diane Sanchez. She replaced Ramiro Cavazos, now president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

Its not the first time the local Hispanic chamber, the nations oldest, has been led by two Latinas. It happened once before, and there have been at least nine women board chairs.

Gonzalezs chairmanship is likely to enhance whats already an impressive personal brand. It will also broaden her impact, especially on medical issues. Shell help the chamber see through a younger lens, and an already influential chamber is likely to be influenced by Gonzalez and the members shell draw.

She says shes giddy about her new role.

Like Sanchez, Gonzalez has national and local leadership experience, as well as academic achievement and military service. Her familys story is one of Mexican immigrant success.

Her parents were born in Mexico. Her mother, a dentist, ran a practice in Villa Acuna, Coahuila, just across the border from Del Rio. Her father retired from the Air Force as a physicians assistant.

Gonzalez was born a military brat in Wichita Falls. By 6, she was at St. John Bosco Catholic School on the citys West Side. She went to Health Careers High School in the Northside Independent School District.

She graduated from St. Marys University, magna cum laude, in 1998 and from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2002.

Today shes CEO, president and founder of South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals. She has 30 employees.

A pediatric residency at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, was followed by a fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB. She left the Air Force medical corps after 10 years with the rank of major.

It left an indelible mark.

My love for civic service comes from my military service, Gonzalez said.

It was the closest she has come to practicing what she calls social medicine, in which patients receive the most appropriate tests and treatment without regard to their ability to pay.

In private practice, she has treated patients on the South Side who lacked insurance coverage for the treatment they needed. .

Bexar County has had the states highest rates of hospitalizations linked to childhood asthma. Gonzalez says child deaths in San Antonio related to asthma were completely preventable.

Gonzalez has taught at the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center, now known as UT Health San Antonio.

Resumes like hers dont always include civic work, let alone political involvement, and she acknowledges that historically, physicians havent been engaged.

She hasnt operated that way. Her most recent work has been as chair of the Mayors Commission on the Status of Women, which has stood out in the last year for its strong voice and leadership.

Shes a director of Texas Lyceum, a bipartisan group that seeks to identify the states next generation of leaders, and she is a national committee member of the Latino Victory Project, a political action group that works to get more Latinos elected.

Most notably, last year she was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar, a six-month program sponsored by the nations presidential libraries. The program selects mid-career professionals and puts them in the same room with former presidents and their staffs. The goal is to develop national leaders.

She was one of 58 scholars chosen. Too few have been from San Antonio, she said, adding: We need to change that.

Her political involvement has been about pushing a progressive healthcare agenda and seeking more resources for womens health and mental health.

Her first public act as chair of the Hispanic chamber will be to host legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta at the Feb. 11 Chairmans Breakfast at the Pearl Stable. Tickets are $45.

Each new chair of the chamber selects a theme to reflect his or her agenda.

Gonzalez chose The Power of Our Voice, El Poder de Nuestra Voz to describe a platform that will focus on how small business owners can harness their power through access to capital, education and growth. Helping small businesses use digital technology is a goal, too.

Huerta might be viewed as an unusual choice, but Gonzalez doesnt see it that way. At a critical time for Latinos, she thinks we need to hear from an inspirational voice about overcoming struggle.

Now more than ever, in a state where such voices need to rise up, what better example, she said.

Gonzalez is part of another bit of Hispanic chamber history. Its 2021 chair-elect is Denise Hernandez, an executive for True Flavors Catering/La Fruteria.

For the first time in the chambers 91-year history, in which the majority of chairs and CEOs were male, one Latina chair will be succeeded by another.

eayala@express-news.net | @ElaineAyala

Elaine Ayala is a columnist covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eayala@express-news.net | Twitter: @ElaineAyala
[January 16, 2020] Safe Systems Issues New White Paper: "Moving Beyond the ACET - Next Steps All Credit Unions Should Take to Improve Cybersecurity Posture"

Safe Systems, a national provider of fully-compliant IT, compliance and security services for community banks and credit unions, has issued a new white paper: "Moving Beyond the ACET - Next Steps All Credit Unions Should Take to Improve Cybersecurity Posture," now available for download on its website. As cybersecurity attacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, credit unions need to be both proactive and vigilant in their approachto managing threats effectively and compliantly. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) developed the Automated Cybersecurity Examination Tool (ACET) to help credit unions assess their cybersecurity readiness. While completion of the assessment represents a crucial first step, simply completing it does not ensure that a credit union is fully prepared for a cyber event. Safe Systems' latest white paper explains the next steps that all credit unions should take after completing the assessment to improve their cybersecurity posture and maintain regulatory compliance.



"Completing the ACET is an important starting point to help credit unions assess their cybersecurity preparedness but to truly be prepared, they must understand their strengths and weaknesses and create an action plan to effectively prevent attacks," said Darren Bridges, president of Safe Systems. "We developed this white paper to highlight the importance of the NCUA's assessment tool and share how credit unions can use the results to address gaps and vulnerabilities, successfully meet examiner expectations and develop a strong cybersecurity program." About Safe Systems

Safe Systems was founded in 1993 to provide compliance-centric IT and security solutions exclusively to financial institutions. The company has become one of the leaders in the industry, managing hundreds of financial institutions representing more than $61 billion in combined assets, 1,100 locations and more than 20,000 network devices. Safe Systems' IT network management services are the bridge between the core and other third-party applications. These cost-effective solutions include IT support and managed services, internal network/cloud design and installation, hosted email, business continuity and disaster recovery, compliance consulting, security services, and IT and compliance training. Safe Systems helps financial institutions to significantly decrease costs, increase performance, and improve their compliance posture. For additional information about Safe Systems, Inc., please visit www.safesystems.com or call 770.752.0550. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005640/en/

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The United Nations (UN) has reportedly urged members of the crypto community not to go to an international conference to be held in North Korea next month.

News agency Reuters, which has seen an upcoming report by UN sanctions officials, reports that attendees of the conference, which will take place in capital Pyongyang between February 22 and 29, are likely to violate UN sanctions.

The warning comes after former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith was arrested last year for allegedly assisting North Korea to evade international monetary sanctions.

Last week, he was formally indicted in New York for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Griffith, 36, was apprehended upon his return from a cryptocurrency conference in North Korea.

If Griffith is convicted, he faces a maximum jail term of 20 years.

Virgil Griffith North Korea Sanctions Evasion USA Ethereum

Former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith

While Griffith claims he was in North Korea to deliver a conference speech, FBI investigators have accused the 36-year-old developer of helping North Korea to learn technical aspects of blockchain technology.

The US Attorneys Office for the SDNY gave a statement in December 2019 claiming Griffith had been formally warned on more than one occasion not to travel to the secretive Asian state, which officials described as one of the United States foremost adversaries.

North Korea is attempting to exploit cryptocurrencies to get around US sanctions, and hackers from the country are believed to be behind a rash of crypto crimes.

Since the beginning of 2019, North Korean agents have reportedly attempted five major cyber-thefts worldwide, including a successful $49 million theft from an institution in Kuwait.

Kim Jong-uns regime recently angrily denied North Korea has been using an army of hackers to siphon off $2 billion from the worlds crypto exchanges and banks.

The post UN warns against North Korea crypto conference appeared first on Coin Rivet.
Renee DeVera Gilyard was found dead early Wednesday in the bathtub of her East Germantown home. Read more

With a duffel bag of cash and a stolen credit card, 17-year-old Xavier Johnson took friends on a shopping spree Wednesday. They drove through West Philadelphia in the car of the foster mother Johnson had allegedly stabbed to death hours before, law enforcement sources said.

They had breakfast at McDonalds, then went shopping for sneakers at Foot Locker  a $270 pair of Jordans for him, $70 Champions for a buddy.

I killed a lady for all this [stuff] and I took everything she had, Johnson told his friends, the sources said.

Minutes later, the teens crashed the car with police on their tail.

Those details emerged Thursday as Johnson was charged with the fatal stabbing of his foster mother, 64-year-old Renee Gilyard, and the earlier stabbing and beating death of Jimmy Mao, 20, who previously lived with Johnson in another foster home.

Homicide Capt. Jason Smith said at a news conference that both Gilyard and Mao were brutally tortured and then murdered by Xavier Johnson." The motive in both incidents was robbery, he said. Johnson allegedly stole a debit card from Gilyard and a PlayStation and cash from Mao.

Before her death, Gilyard, a mother of two sons, one of them a Philadelphia police officer, had grown concerned in recent days by Johnsons behavior, the sources told The Inquirer. She had planned to ask child welfare officials to place him somewhere else, they said.

Instead, she was found dead early Wednesday in the bathtub of her East Germantown home.

Investigators believe Johnson killed Mao before stabbing Gilyard, though they arent certain when. Maos body was found Wednesday night in a duffel bag at the bottom of a ravine in West Philadelphia.

Johnson has been in police custody since Wednesday morning, when he allegedly crashed Gilyards SUV with three other teens after the shopping spree.

Police are continuing to investigate whether Johnson was also involved in the disappearance of 16-year-old Jacob Merritt-Richburg, an acquaintance of Maos who has been missing for more than a week.

Even amid a particularly deadly start to the new year in Philadelphia  23 homicides in 15 days  the killings stood out, and they raised questions about how officials handled Johnsons time in the child welfare system.

Heather Keefer, a spokesperson for the citys Department of Human Services, said she could not comment on Johnsons case.

Ill be all right

Gilyard had lived on the 300 block of Mechanic Street for decades, said neighbor Madeline Harris, and was a block captain who frequently worked on her yard.

She began serving as a foster mother 20 years ago, Harris said, and took in only teenage boys  more comfortable talking sports than worrying about girls.

I think she could just communicate better with the boys, Harris said. I remember at first I said, Renee, are you sure you want to be taking these young men? She said, Mad, Ill be OK. Ill be all right. 

Johnson had been in Gilyards care for just days before she expressed concern to her son Quin, sources said. She was frustrated that Johnson repeatedly missed his 11 p.m. curfew, and on Monday night she called police to report a burglary at her home.

Gilyard told a responding officer that Johnson had missed his curfew but still managed to get into the locked house. Gilyard said Johnson could stay the night, sources said, but she planned to contact a foster care agency to have him placed somewhere else.

Investigators believe Johnson killed Gilyard sometime early the next morning. During the day Tuesday, Johnson hung out with friends in an abandoned West Philadelphia house, flush with cash and telling them he was looking for weed.

Later he asked a friend to drive him back to his foster mothers house and park at the end of the street.

Johnson went inside and stuffed some belongings into bags, sources said, knocking over a picture frame on his way out the door.

Later that night, sources said, Johnson told his friends hed gotten into a fight with his foster mother and did what he had to do, sources said. There was no turning back, he said.

Failed escape

Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, police again responded to Gilyards home, this time after relatives could not reach her. The first-floor bathroom door was locked. Gilyard was in the tub, stabbed in the neck. She had defensive wounds on her hands, sources said, and there were bloody footprints leading to her bedroom, where her purse had been emptied on the bed.

As police searched for her stolen car, Johnson and his friends spent Wednesday morning shopping, using Gilyards Police and Fire debit card along the way.

Soon the cops were on their tail. Johnson told his friends he wasnt getting caught, they later told police.

The teens smashed into a flatbed truck on Sansom Street and were taken into custody. Gilyards debit card was in Johnsons jacket pocket, sources said.

Hours later, police found Maos body near the 5800 block of Angora Terrace, the last place he was seen in December. He had stab marks on his face and neck, police said, and his body had been placed in a bag and tossed to the bottom of a hill.

On Jan. 7, Maos brother told police hed received text messages demanding a ransom for Maos safe return. Johnson was interviewed, police said, but they did not say if that was before or after the ransom messages were sent.

Officials have not said if Gilyard had been told of Maos disappearance  or Johnsons potential role in it.

Back on Mechanic Street, Gilyards neighbor, Harris, tried to comprehend the loss of a woman she said gave so much to children.

Losing her and imagining a kid so full of hate and rage at 17 years old, its scary, Harris said. Not just for me, but for the world.
The five-star cruise ship Quantum of the Seas brought over 6,700 passengers and crew members to Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, marking the third cruise liner to have arrived in Vietnam in the first two weeks of 2020.

Vacationers aboard the Quantum of the Seas spent their time in southern Vietnam visiting attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring beach province of Ba Ria  Vung Tau before departing for their next destination that same evening, according to travel company Saigontourist, the coordinator of the day-long program in Vietnam.

The cruise groups itinerary included visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Museum of Vietnamese History, the Reunification Palace, and the Saigon Central Post Office.

They also visited several cultural sites, including the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, the Giac Lam Pagoda, and the cluster of stores on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in District 5 known for selling traditional Chinese medicine.

In Ba Ria  Vung Tau, visitors were introduced to the local distilling industry and participated in a rice paper making workshop with locals.

They also visited local religious attractions, including a 32-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ built atop a local mountain peak.

The stop in Vietnam was wrapped up in the evening of the same day as the cruise ship departed Phu My Port in Ho Chi Minh City at 7:00 pm.

This past weekend, on January 11 and 12, Saigontourist welcomed the Spectrum of the Seas  the Quantum of the Seas sister ship  and its 6,750 international visitors and crew members to the central cities of Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An as well as the south-central beach city of Nha Trang.

Just two weeks into 2020, Vietnam has already welcomed more than 16,500 international visitors and crew members from a total of three modern cruise ships, marking a great start to the new year in terms of cruise arrivals.

According to travel companies, international cruise passengers prefer activities where they can interact with locals, such as visiting traditional handicraft workshops, cooking classes, and tasting local cuisines.

Cruise arrivals account for less than two percent of all international tourists to Vietnam, but that figure has been on the rise.

In 2019, the number of cruise ship passengers reached 264,000, accounting for 1.5 percent of all arrivals and an increase of 22.7 percent year-on-year.

However, this ratio remains low compared to the potential of Vietnams cruise tourism when taking into account its long coastline and world-famous beaches.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Mark DAmico exits the U.S. Courthouse in Camden, N.J., on Thursday after his arraignment on a new set of federal fraud and money laundering charges. Read more

Mark DAmico, the former South Jersey man federally charged last week on additional offenses in the GoFundMe scam that raised more than $400,000 purportedly to benefit homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr., pleaded not guilty Thursday to new federal fraud and money-laundering offenses during an appearance in Camden.

We will fight the charges and go to trial, his lawyer, Mark Davis, said as he and DAmico waited in the third-floor hallway before the hearing.

Never plea, said DAmico, 40, formerly of Bordentown.

DAmico was first charged federally in October and pleaded not guilty to one count each of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering. Last week, a federal grand jury indicted him on the two conspiracy charges plus counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

On Thursday, Davis pleaded not guilty on his clients behalf before U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman on the 16 indicted charges. DAmico faces a maximum sentence of 260 years behind bars.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender told Hillman the lawyers are looking at a possible October trial date.

In December, DAmico pleaded guilty in Burlington County Superior Court to a state felony charge of misapplication of entrusted property in the GoFundMe scam. His sentencing on the state charge was deferred until the outcome of his federal case.

Asked after Thursdays hearings why he had pleaded guilty in Superior Court, DAmico, who said he moved to Philadelphia last year, explained: Trials are expensive. Davis is representing him as a private attorney in the state case but is a court-appointed attorney for him in the federal case.

Under agreement with county prosecutors, DAmicos state sentence would run concurrently with whatever sentence he may receive in his federal case.

DAmico is accused of conspiring in 2017 with his former girlfriend, Katelyn McClure, to create the GoFundMe account with a fake feel-good story about how the homeless Bobbitt gave his last $20 to McClure when she ran out of gas on the Girard Avenue exit ramp of I-95 in Philadelphia.

The account, supposedly to help Bobbitt, a Marine veteran, went viral and drew 14,000 donors. Bobbitt got some money, but DAmico and McClure allegedly went on a spending spree with the rest, buying a BMW and expensive handbags, taking vacations, and gambling, authorities said.

After the scam was exposed, GoFundMe said it would reimburse all the donors. DAmico, McClure, and Bobbitt are supposed to repay the crowdfunding company.

McClures attorney, James Gerrow, has alleged that DAmico was the mastermind behind the scam and said McClure was an unwitting accomplice. DAmico has denied the claim.

McClure, 29, of Burlington County, and Bobbitt, 36, of Philadelphia, have pleaded guilty in federal and state court to charges related to the scam. They await sentencing in federal court, and McClure also awaits sentencing in Superior Court.

Bobbitt, who pleaded guilty in Superior Court to conspiracy to commit theft by deception, was sentenced last March to five years probation and ordered to enroll in a drug-rehabilitation program.
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EastEnders resumed filming for its 35th Anniversary Special on the River Thames on Wednesday night, as it seemed that things took a dramatic turn as one character fell overboard during the wild boat party.

Leading the cast was Jessie Wallace's Kat Slater who was wrapped up in a leopard print faux fur coat, while Jake Wood and Scott Maslen seemed to take charge of the rescue mission as they climbed in a life boat.

Currently it is unclear which character takes a tumble overboard into the Thames, but EastEnders bosses have confirmed that the anniversary week next month will see the death of a major character.

Jovial: Jessie Wallace was in high spirits as her character Kat Slater on Wednesday night, as filming resumed for EastEnders' 35th Anniversary Special on a boat on the River Thames

Exciting: Scott Maslen and Jake Wood also appear to team up as brothers Jack and Max Branning as they climbed into a lifeboat to film a rescue mission. It is currently unclear which character takes a tumble overboard

Jessie joined a slew of cast members filming the heart-stopping scenes on a luxury river boat in the Thames, as one character's life hangs in the balance after they appear to fall overboard.

She was wrapped up against the chilly climes in her leopard print faux fur coat as she filmed scenes with her on-screen beau Kush Kazemi (played by Davood Ghadami).

Kat also seemed to be enjoying the party, as she wildly danced around the boat's edge to her boyfriend's amusement, although it is unclear whether this was a break from filming.

Jovial: Jessie was in high spirits as she played Kat in the midst of the wild boat party, wrapped up in her character's signature leopard print faux fur coat

Funny: Her behaviour sparked an amused reaction from her beau Kush Kazemi who appeared to be deep in conversation during the scenes

Energetic: Kat will join a slew of EastEnders stars that are set to take centre stage in the dramatic Anniversary scenes, which see many enjoy a river boat party after the Queen Vic wins a Best Pub competition

What's going to happen? The dramatic anniversary episodes will air next month, and it seems that Kat will feature prominently in a more comedic scene with her beau Kush

Lavish: It is the second night the stars have been seen filming on the boat in the Thames, after bosses confirmed an epic stunt for the Anniversary scenes

Playful: Kush (played by Davood Ghadami) certainly seemed amused by his girlfriend's behaviour as they filmed the scenes together on the boat's edge

While it wasn't clear which actor - or their stunt double - fell into the water, onlookers have claimed that one actor could be heard screaming 'Mick!'

During filming it certainly seemed that Mick's aunt Tina was in a distraught state, and could be seen rushing to help Max and Jack with their rescue in the lifeboat.

Mick Carter is played by Danny Dyer, and is married to Linda, who has already featured prominently in the filming as her alcoholism reaches a new low.

Statement: Luisa Bradshaw-White (Tina Carter) was clad in one of her signature bright pink ensembles during the scenes, which onlookers claimed could reveal Mick Carter is the character to fall overboard

Helping hand: In the scenes, Tina appears to throw herself into the rescue mission as she climbs into the lifeboat with Max and Jack

In we go! She is helped into the boat as they race against the clock to find who has ended up in the water, after bosses claimed a major character will be killed off in the Anniversary Special

Hard to miss: Tina was certainly a sight in the dark in her pink faux fur legwarmers with a matching coat and a leopard print dress

Off we go! The trio seem ready to speed out onto the river to find who has fallen overboard, and it remains to be seen whether the character will survive

Close call? Jack also seems to come close to suffering a tumble on the life boat as he teams up with Max for the rescue

The couples' marriage has already reached breaking point in recent weeks as Linda struggled to control her drinking, making a scene on Christmas Eve before disappearing for the entire day.

Of course fans are no aware that Linda was involved in the plot to kill Keanu Taylor, and is aware that he is actually alive and went on the run in scenes that aired earlier this month.

In the week of anniversary episodes, viewers will see the same 24 hours told from different perspectives as the Carters invite the residents of Albert Square to a boat party to celebrate winning the Best Pub award.

It comes after EastEnders bosses confirmed that one major character will be killed off during the dramatic anniversary scenes, as things take a dramatic turn during the boat party.

Teaming up: The Carters has been in crisis in recent weeks as Linda Carter continues her downward spiral into alcoholism, despite Mick's attempts to get her to quit drinking

Teaming up: As ever the Branning brothers are on hand during the dramatic rescue mission, with actors Jake and Scott seen heading down to the life boat to film the scenes

Jovial: Donning a life vest over his coat, Scott was in equally high spirits as he prepared to film the scenes in character as Jack Branning

Who will be? Given the vast number of cast members who could be seen on-set during filming, it has been difficult to guess who could meet such a grisly fate

Big episode: A spokesperson for EastEnders told Metro : 'As we journey out of Walford to the banks of the Thames, the week's episodes will be set over 24 hours, with each episode telling the day's events from a different perspective'

Upsetting: They continued: 'As the party sets sail, tensions escalate for one family, causing an incident onboard and leading to disastrous consequences'

Given the vast number of cast members who could be seen on-set during filming, it has been difficult to guess who could meet such a grisly fate.

A spokesperson for EastEnders told Metro: 'As we journey out of Walford to the banks of the Thames, the week's episodes will be set over 24 hours, with each episode telling the day's events from a different perspective. As the party sets sail, tensions escalate for one family, causing an incident onboard and leading to disastrous consequences.

'Trouble has been brewing for the Mitchells since before Christmas. With Sharon's due date looming, past actions come back to haunt them all  sending deadly ripples through the family, and those they are close to.

'With the Truemans, Fowlers and Whitney Dean also set to take centre stage, Walford is anything but still-waters, as dark secrets are set to be exposed, feuds are set to be ignited and battle lines drawn for many families. More than one person will be left with blood on their hands this February and as one life ends, another begins'

Big scenes: 'Trouble has been brewing for the Mitchells since before Christmas. With Sharon's due date looming, past actions come back to haunt them all  sending deadly ripples through the family, and those they are close to,' they added

Joining forces: Max and Jack Branning seem to lead the heart-stopping rescue mission as they climb into the life boat to rescue the character who has taken a tumble overboard

Huge special: Executive Producer Jon Sen also said: 'For the 35th anniversary we wanted to entertain the EastEnders audience on the iconic river which has heralded the start of the show for 35 years'

Almost time: Jake Wood - who plays Max Branning - gave fans a taster of the upcoming anniversary special, saying: 'We've obviously got Christmas coming up  and the 35th anniversary early next year. I think the fans will be delighted by that'

Iconic: Jake added: 'It'll be some of the best stuff that we'll ever get a chance to shoot. I've seen some of the scripts coming up and they're amazing. The show is in a very strong place at the moment and I'm really proud to be part of it'

Executive Producer Jon Sen also said: 'For the 35th anniversary we wanted to entertain the EastEnders audience on the iconic river which has heralded the start of the show for 35 years.'

Jake Wood - who plays Max Branning - recently gave fans a taster of the upcoming anniversary special, telling Digital Spy: 'We've obviously got Christmas coming up  and the 35th anniversary early next year. I think the fans will be delighted by that.

'It'll be some of the best stuff that we'll ever get a chance to shoot. I've seen some of the scripts coming up and they're amazing. The show is in a very strong place at the moment and I'm really proud to be part of it.'

EastEnders continues tonight at 7:30pm on BBC One.

Hard at work: Much of the soap's cast and its large crew battled the elements to film the scenes on the London riverboat, and fans will get to see the anniversary episodes in February
Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's lawyers on January 16 exchanged heated arguments with the prosecution in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court which is hearing terror financing charges against the JuD chief.

While the arguments against Saeed continued, a similar case against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) spokesperson Yahya Mujahid and others was adjourned till January 23.

Saeed's lawyers Naseeruddin Nayyar and Imran Fazal Gull, and Deputy Prosecutor General of Punjab Abdur Reauf presented their arguments for more than five hours in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Lahore, a court official told PTI.

"Heated arguments were exchanged between the defence and prosecution lawyers during the hearing on Thursday," he said.

The hearing in Saeed's case was adjourned till Friday, the official said.

The ATC-II also held hearing in terror financing case against senior JuD leader Abdul Rehman Makki and its spokesperson Mujahid and adjourned the proceedings till January 23, he said.

Saeed was produced before the ATC in high security. Journalists were not allowed to enter the court premises for the coverage of the proceedings.

On Wednesday, Saeed's lawyers presented their arguments for six hours before the court, saying he had no connection with the terror financing charges and the piece of land acquired in the name of the trust (by him and others) was used for setting up seminaries and mosques.

On Tuesday, the JuD chief recorded his statement before the ATC in two terror financing cases against him in which he pleaded "not guilty".

The cases of terror financing have been registered against him in Lahore and Gujranwala cities on the application of Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab police.

Cross examination of prosecution witnesses against the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and his three close aides by the defence counsel has already been concluded. The ATC indicted Saeed and others in December in terror financing case.

The Counter Terrorism Department had registered 23 FIRs against Saeed and his accomplices on the charges of terror financing in different cities of Punjab province and arrested him on July 17. He is held at the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

Saeed-led JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

His indictment followed growing international pressure on Pakistan to stop militant groups from collecting funds in the country and to take immediate action against those still involved in militant activities.

The international terror financing watchdog FATF has decided to keep Pakistan on its 'Grey' list for failure to curb funnelling of funds to terror groups LeT, JeM and others.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which kept Pakistan on the Grey List for an extended period till February 2020, had warned in October that Islamabad would be put on the Black List if it did not comply with the remaining 22 points in a list of 27 questions.

Saeed, a UN and US designated terrorist, has USD 10 million American bounty on his head.
A 600 crore rehabilitation package has been pledged by the government of India for the resettlement of Brus. A quadripartite agreement will be signed on Thursday by Home Minister Amit Shah.

The signing of the agreement will affect the lives of over 34,000 Brus who had settled in Tripura after several fled ethnic cleansing in Mizoram in 1997.

Other signatories include state governments of Tripura and Mizoram, which will be signed by Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga.

Tripura royal Pradyot Debbarman, who had appealed to the Centre to help rehabilitate the Brus in Tripura instead of Mizoram, is another signatory. He had argued that many Brus were displaced due to the construction of a hydroelectricity project at Tripuras Dumbur in 1975.

Another set of signatories are Bru NGOs Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Forum (MBDPF), Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Coordination Committee (MBDPCC), Mizoram Bru Indigenous Democratic Movement (MBIDM), Bru Tribal Development Society (BTDS), and Bru Displaced Welfare Organisation (BDWO).

Their respective signatories are A Sawibunga (MBDPF), Laldingliana (MBDPCC), Paritosh Chorkhy (MBIDM), Vipin Kumar Reang (BTDS), and Zomdari Reang (BDWO).

Land rights for the displaced Brus will be part of the agreement. In the last round of discussions, the Brus had refused the Centers offer as land rights were not on the table.

Other guarantees include fixed deposits of 4 lakh for each family, a monthly sum of 5,000 and free monthly ration for the first two years and schools in all cluster villages.

It is unlikely that an autonomous development council, on the lines of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), will be agreed upon.

The agreement will be a breakthrough in the 22-year-old impasse. In the last decade, the government of India has made over nine attempts to repatriate the Brus. Last year, among the 4,477 families who were recognised as displaced people, 289 families were repatriated in Mizoram.
Proper structures must be instituted to ...
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 12:44:30|Editor: xuxin

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Clerk of the United States House of Representatives Cheryl L. Johnson (2nd, R) and appointed impeachment managers carry the two impeachment articles from the U.S. House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate after the engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 15, 2020. The U.S. House of Representatives officially sent impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate on Wednesday evening to allow a trial to get underway. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday evening sent impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate, making Trump the third president in U.S. history to face trial in the upper chamber.

IMPEACHMENT DELIVERY

The Democrat-run House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to appoint and authorize seven managers for the Trump impeachment trial and to send two impeachment articles to the Republican-majority Senate.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 228-193 largely along party lines. Only one Democrat, Collin Peterson of northern state Minnesota, bucked the party line and voted against the resolution.

Hours later, Pelosi signed the impeachment articles at an engrossment ceremony. The newly-appointed House managers then immediately walked across the Capitol to deliver the charges to the Senate.

They were met in the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who received the impeachment articles but said the upper chamber would formally accept them at noon on Thursday. The two articles are expected to be read from the Senate floor at the time.

The managers are Adam Schiff of California, Jerry Nadler of New York, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jason Crow of Colorado, Zoe Lofgren of California, Val Demings of Florida, and Sylvia Garcia of Texas, said Pelosi. All are Democratic lawmakers. Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, was named as the lead manager.

In response, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham claimed Pelosi has been "focused on politics instead of the American people."

"President Trump has done nothing wrong. He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated," Grisham said in a statement.

"Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats," Trump tweeted Wednesday morning.

After the House vote, as part of the opening of the trial, the Senate will send a summons to Trump asking him to appear, which the president's legal team will answer as a formality, according to a CNN report. However, Trump is not expected to appear but can be represented by his attorneys.

PARTISAN FIGHT AHEAD

McConnell said on Tuesday that the Senate trial on Trump impeachment is likely to get underway on Jan. 21, although the upper chamber is expected to transform into an impeachment court as early as Thursday.

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts is expected to arrive in the Senate on Thursday afternoon, when he will be sworn in to preside over the trial, and will then swear in all 100 senators who will serve as jurors and swear an oath to deliver "impartial justice."

"By unanimous consent, we have just laid some of the groundwork that will structure the next several days," McConnell said on Wednesday afternoon, prior to the House's handing over of the impeachment articles.

"This is a difficult time for our country," McConnell said.

It remains unclear if any witnesses will be called. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and other Democrats have pressed for witnesses like former National Security Advisor John Bolton to be called to testify during the trial, while McConnell has argued against their demands.

Senate Democrats need at least four Republicans to vote in favor of witnesses. So far, only three have signaled they are open to calling witnesses.

Bolton announced last week that he would be willing to testify publicly if the Senate subpoenaed him.

"If McConnell makes this the first trial in history without witnesses, it will be exposed for what it is and that is an effort to cover up for the president," Schiff said earlier on Wednesday.

McConnell has previously said that he wants to pass two resolutions, one at the outset of the trial about the rules, and the other passed after opening arguments and questions from senators, which would determine who will be called as witnesses, similar to the trial of former President Bill Clinton.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone is expected to lead Trump's defense, with the president's personal attorney Jay Sekulow at his side on the Senate floor, said a CNN report.

Trump was impeached by the House on charges of abusing power and obstruction of Congress in mid-December. He was alleged to have pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching investigations that could politically benefit him. Furthermore, the White House allegedly tried to cover it up after Pelosi initiated an impeachment inquiry in September.

A whistleblower raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine in an anonymous complaint last summer. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, repeatedly calling the impeachment "a hoax."

Under the U.S. Constitution, the House shall have the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments.

Conviction can only happen in the Senate and requires at least two-thirds of its members, or 67 senators, to vote in favor after a trial. Currently, the Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents.
The Chinese government has welcomed the first phase of the deal with Washington and stated that both sides need to resolve the main issues, AP reported.

The first phase of the trade deal suggests that Beijing and Washington can find suitable and effective solutions to relevant issues through dialogue, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

It is imperative that both parties work together, adhere to the principles of equality and mutual respect, strictly abide by the agreement, consider each others main problems and work diligently to implement the agreement, he said adding that Beijing wants the tariffs imposed earlier on most of Chinese exports to the US to be lifted, which could not be done within the deal signed the day before. Trump's administation noted that sanctions some sanctions should remain even after the deal signed.

President Donald Trump has already noted he plans to visit Beijing to begin the second phase of talks, but economists believe that their remaining issues are so complex that a deal is unlikely to be reached before the US presidential election in November.
Three far-right Israeli political parties joined forces late Wednesday, seeking to strengthen their hand in a coming election after a left-leaning alliance was announced earlier in the week. Israel is gearing up for its third election in less than a year after neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his centrist challenger Benny Gantz were able to form a majority government following two polls last year. Whoever is tasked with forming a government will need to win the support of small parties, which can wield major clout in coalition negotiations. Under Israel's system of proportional representation, parties may form joint electoral lists to boost their chances of being selected as coalition partners. On Tuesday, Defence Minister Naftali Bennett's New Right party struck a deal with the National Union faction of Transport Minister Bezalel Smotrich. On Wednesday night, just before the deadline for filing electoral lists, they were joined by the national religious Jewish Home party, led by Education Minister Rafi Peretz. The trio will run under the name Yamina ("Rightward" in Hebrew). Left out in the cold was Jewish Power -- the extreme-right party which many view as racist -- despite Netanyahu's reported push for them to be included in Bennett's alliance. "I will not include on my electoral list someone who has in his living room at home a picture of a man who murdered 29 innocent people," Bennett wrote on Facebook Wednesday. Video shot in Jewish Power leader Itamar Ben-Gvir's home in the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron shows a photograph of Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein, who killed 29 Muslim worshippers with an assault rifle in 1994 before being beaten to death by survivors. Ben Gvir, who lives in a Jewish settler enclave in the mainly Palestinian city, has been quoted as saying that the picture is there out of respect for Goldstein as a doctor he says saved Jewish lives. Israeli media reported that Ben-Gvir had offered to take down the picture if Bennett allowed him into his alliance. Data released by Israel's National Elections Committee on Thursday showed Jewish Power registered to run alone, with an optimistic 17 candidates on its list. In the September election, Jewish Power failed to reach the threshold of 3.25 percent of the vote reqired to enter parliament. The other three far-right parties presented a joint list and won seven seats. On Monday, the left-wing Labor-Gesher and Meretz parties announced they were joining forces for the next election. Israel's four Arab-led parties registered as running together, as they did in September, as the Joint List. A total of 30 lists were submitted, the National Elections Committee said.
In a first, a group of five students from Chandigarh University has invented a belt, which they call "QueenBelt", in a bid to protect women against heinous crimes.

The belt is equipped with an electronic circuit, which has a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a mobile SIM card. It can be wear after applying a conductive tape inside the cloth and can only be opened with a four-digit pin.

If someone tries to open it forcefully, the system automatically sends a message to family members and police. The belt has a chargeable battery and a life of one month.

Javtesh Singh, one of the students who invented the smart belt said they have got patent of the device and are working for its commercial selling.

"QueenBelt is a smart safety belt which provides safety to women. It automatically detects sexual assault and rape cases. The belt immediately informs the woman's family and law enforcement agencies. We have also got a patent on the belt. We are also working on a commercial belt," he told ANI.

Explaining the working mechanism of the safety belt, Singh said that the emergency contact also receives the victim's location transmitted via the GPS tracking system, which can be tracked using a mobile app.

Another student Aanchal said that the belt will help women who travel late at night.

"When anyone tries to cut the belt forcefully, an SMS automatically will be sent emergency contacts. It will help in reducing rape cases case," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JUNEAU, Alaska - A review commissioned by the Archdiocese of Anchorage found credible evidence of sexual misconduct by 14 people who served in the archdiocese dating to 1966, a church leader announced Thursday.

The findings were made by a commission that the archdiocese said included a former police chief and two former prosecutors, one of whom is also a retired judge. The commission was charged with reviewing personnel files of clerics and religious men and women who served in the archdiocese dating to 1966, as well as reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct of lay volunteers and employees reported to the archdiocese.

Half of those identified as credibly accused are now dead, the report states.

The report, which had limited details, included allegations of sexual misconduct involving vulnerable adults or those younger than 18 and viewing child pornography. Allegations against four of the 14 individuals identified came while serving in another diocese, according to the report.

Bishop Andrew Bellisario, at a news conference in Anchorage, addressed the victims, saying it is with great shame that I stand here today, as a representative of the church, to offer this apology to you.

The church is trying to be as transparent and accountable as possible and sees the release of names as an opportunity for people to come forward for healing, he said.

A 2018 announcement citing creation of the commission said the final report could include findings of any individuals who, through gross negligence, failed to adequately respond to sexual misconduct. Bellisario said no such findings were made.

However, I think we all know ... that if things would have been done the way we do them today, as opposed to the way they did them in the 70s, the 80s and the 90s, I think this list would be very, very small, possibly, maybe, even nobody on that list, which would be our goal, he said.

Maria Bahr, a state Department of Law spokeswoman, said the information in the report, which the department received Thursday, alone is not enough to evaluate any particular case, especially when many of these cases appear to be decades old.

The department will co-ordinate with our law enforcement partners concerning any additional information that should be requested from the Archdiocese in order to properly assess the viability of any potential criminal investigations, she said.

The definition of vulnerable adult used for the report is someone who is infirm, unable to exercise personal freedom even on occasion and has a limited capacity to understand or resist the crime.

Among those named and listed as dead are Rene Astruc, Francis Murphy, Bernard Oosterman, Gerard Ryan, Robert Wells, Francis Cowgill and Angus McDonald.

Cowgill and McDonald are among the four the commission determined had credible evidence of misconduct while serving in another location, along with Tim Crowley and James Murphy. Cowgill, who died in 2000, was named in a review previously released by the Diocese of Juneau.

According to the report,

Astruc, who died in 2002, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor and vulnerable adult; the report includes the date of 1976;

Francis Murphy, who died in 2012, was accused of sexual misconduct involving minors, 1966-1979;

Oosterman, who died in 2011, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor, 1978;

Ryan, who died last year, was accused of sexual misconduct involving minors, 1971-1972;

Wells, who died in 1992, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor, 1977-1986;

 Cowgill was accused of sexual misconduct involving minors, 1956-1964; and

McDonald, who died in 1988, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a vulnerable adult, 1976.

The report identifies the others as Stanley Allie, Manuel Castro, Michael Hornick, James Laudwein, Robert Leising, Crowley and James Murphy.

Crowley declined comment Thursday. A man who answered a listing for James Murphy did not respond to the allegations. Attempts by The Associated Press to reach the other five men Thursday were not immediately successful.

According to the report:

Allie, retired in 2000, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a vulnerable adult around 1986;

Castro, a lay employee whose employment ended in 2013, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a vulnerable adult, 2011, and sexual misconduct involving minors outside of the Archdiocese of Anchorage;

Hornick, dismissed as a priest in 2014, was accused of sexual misconduct involving minors and vulnerable adults, 1970s-2000s;

Laudwein was accused of sexual misconduct involving vulnerable adults, 1989;

Leising was accused of viewing child pornography, 2015;

Crowley, laicized in 2015, was accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor, 1980s; and

James Murphy was accused of sexual misconduct involving minors, 1965-1971.

___

Associated Press researchers Randy Herschaft and Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that Davinder Singh should be tried by a fast track court and if found guilty, should be given the harshest punishment.



"DSP Davinder Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with Indian blood on their hands at his home and was caught ferrying them to Delhi. He must be tried by a fast track court within 6 months & if guilty, given the harshest possible sentence for treason against India," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

On January 15, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said it is recommending to the Central government that Davinder Singh, who was arrested while travelling with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, should be sacked.

"He has been suspended. We are recommending his sacking to the government. We cannot share right now what has been revealed during the interrogation," Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said.

Yesterday, the NIA Director-General met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla with regard to the investigation into the matter.

Sources said that a team headed by an IG level officer will go to Jammu and Kashmir for the investigation soon.

The probe team will investigate Davinder's link with terrorists. The NIA will also register a case after seeking details from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, sources added. (ANI)
Majority of churchgoers, especially evangelicals, share political opinions of clergy: study

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A majority of churchgoers say they share the opinions of their clergy when it comes to politics, and evangelical Protestants are more likely than others to align with their spiritual leaders, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center.

The analysis, based on data collected in 2019, shows that 62% of Americans who attend religious services at least a few times a year generally agree with their clergy about politics.

Evangelical Protestants are particularly likely to do so (76%), compared with fewer who say this in the historically black Protestant (65%), mainline Protestant (58%) and Catholic traditions (53%), Pew said.

While the study did not say how frequently politics is discussed in church, it noted that respondents to the survey were generally satisfied with the amount of political talk they hear from the pulpit.

Among Americans who attend worship services a few times a year or more often, 72% say there is about the right amount of political discussion in sermons, while fewer say theres too much (11%) or not enough (14%), Pews Claire Gecewicz noted.

Among U.S. adults who attend religious services a few times a year or more often, however, a significant minority, 45%, were not sure if the clergy at their congregation are Democrats or Republicans. Some 27% say their clergy are a mix of both, while 16% of respondents who felt they knew the political affiliation of their religious leaders say they are mostly Republican, while 11% identified their religious leaders as Democrats.

The study also noted that a majority of Americans in general feel churches should keep out of political matters even as evangelical Christian voters remain a loyal voting bloc for President Donald Trump.

Many Americans are uncomfortable not only with clergy endorsing candidates from the pulpit at election time, but also with churches and other houses of worship speaking out on day-to-day social and political questions. Overall, more than six-in-10 U.S. adults say places of worship should keep out of political matters (63%); only 36% think they should express their views on day-to-day social and political issues, Pew added.

Evangelical Christians and historically black churches disagree with that position. They were found to be the only major U.S. religious groups that believe churches should express their social and political views. Only about a third or fewer in other religious groups share this view, the study said.

Many evangelicals believe President Trump has been a strong supporter of the churchs role in society.

Televangelist Paula White was named last year as a staff member at the White House working in the Office of Public Liaison with the Faith and Opportunity Initiative established by the president in May 2018.

The Faith and Opportunity initiative was established by executive order to assist faith-based and other organizations in their efforts to strengthen the institutions of civil society and American families and communities.

These organizations lift people up, keep families strong, and solve problems at the local level. The executive branch wants faith-based and community organizations, to the fullest opportunity permitted by law, to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, programs, and other federal funding opportunities. The efforts of faith-based and community organizations are essential to revitalizing communities, and the federal government welcomes opportunities to partner with such organizations through innovative, measurable, and outcome-driven initiatives, Trump wrote in part in the order.

The Orlando Sentinel's editorial board vehemently opposed White's appointment, however, and declared in an editorial that religion was being weaponized in politics.

Were particularly appalled  though not surprised  by Paula White. Not because shes a conservative but because of her naked use of religion as a weapon. Shes trying to frighten believers with apocalyptic consequences if they dont get in line behind this president, the board wrote referring to comments made by White that Christians will have to answer to God if they vote against him in 2020.

Unfortunately, the national attention on these self-promoting evangelical opportunists risks overshadowing the selfless work of Christian churches and missions that help people who are hungry, poor, sick and homeless.  Evangelical leaders  some of them, anyway  exploit elements of religion not to further the cause of faith but to achieve a political end. Its not hard to figure out why: Paula White and her kind will never be more visible or relevant in politics than they are with Donald Trump in office. Thats why they go about the cynical work of weaponizing religion, in contrast to the many Christians who quietly go about the hard work of growing their faith and using it to aid the afflicted, the board added.
A state prison inmate who was tossed into an unsanitary dry cell for nine days after a guard saw him eat a peanut M&M can sue over the experience, a federal appeals court panel has ruled.

Two of the three judges on that panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit decided Briaheen Thomas can pursue a civil rights suit against the state over the duration he was confined in the dry cell in the state prison at Rockview while jail officials searched his feces for nonexistent drugs.

Judge Joseph A. Greenaway Jr. filed a dissenting opinion, arguing that his colleagues didnt go far enough. Greenaway said Thomas has a case for cruel and unusual punishment for the conditions he endured in the dry cell.

As Judge David J. Porter noted in the circuit courts majority opinion, Thomas was sent to the dry cell after a buddy gave him a bag of M&Ms and he ate one during a contact visitation session in May 2015.

A guard who saw Thomas eat the M&M and chase it with a soda apparently believed Thomas was taking an illegal drug. Prison officials said it is a common tactic for visitors to try to smuggle drugs to inmates in candy bags, Porter said.

The dry cell Thomas was confined in was just that. There was no water in the toilet or sink, so prison officials could inspect Thomas bowel movements.

Thomas, now 45, of Philadelphia, tried to speed the process by agreeing to take laxatives. He also consented to an X-ray that showed no contraband, just a bullet lodged near his spine from an old wound, Porter noted.

Yet after four days and 12 bowel movements, the prisons Program Review Committee decided to keep Thomas, who was serving time on an illegal gun possession conviction, in that cell for another five days.

Porter concluded that whether the committee had any real justification for extending Thomas stay in the dry cell is a matter for a jury to decide. So, he and Judge Patty Shwartz partially overturned a ruling by U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann, who had dismissed Thomas suit against jail officials. Porter and Shwartz let stand Branns decision that Thomas cant sue over the conditions he endured in that cell, however.

Thats where Greenaway dissented. He called the conditions Thomas experienced inhumane and deplorable.

While in the dry cell, Thomas was only allowed to wear a paper-thin smock, which did not fit him, Greenaway wrote. The smock was not replaced for a clean one for the duration of his time in the dry cell.

Thomas wasnt allowed to have a blanket, so he was always cold, the judge wrote. His mattress was dirty and he was denied a pillow. The light was on in his cell 24/7, Greenaway wrote, and Thomas was continuously handcuffed in a painful position.

We should be pushed over the precipice when we note that these conditions forced Thomas to violate his religious obligations as a Muslim to cleanse himself before daily prayers, the judge added.

Greenaway did agreed with his colleagues that prison officials are not entitled to legal immunity from Thomas suit.
Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo claim governments policy of a Ghana Beyond Aid does not mean Ghana does not need any aid.

He said even Germany needs aid and America needs aid.

The senior minister told participants of the 71st Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana in Accra.

According to him, the policy is geared toward streamlining the kind of aid Ghana would accept.

We must decide the priority sectors for the aid we require, we wont have aid imposed on us, he said.

The government began the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda in 2017 with the aid of moving the country toward self-sufficiency.

In 2019, a policy document was launched by the government which is expected to guide the vision set for the policy.

According to the document, this vision was to address to become a prosperous and self-confident Ghana that is in charge of her economic destiny; a transformed Ghana that is prosperous enough to be beyond needing aid, and that engages competitively with the rest of the world through trade and investment.

---Myjoyonline.com
WASHINGTON  Much attention has been focused on Washington in recent weeks as the impeachment hearings have played out. The president may have been impeached, but there is one unimpeachable fact regarding our nations capital. It has developed quite the reputation for world-class cuisine. From sizzling steaks to spicy Afghan kebobs, Washington has it covered.

I found out for myself on a recent visit dedicated to eating (with a few sightseeing jaunts to work off the calories.) Making my base the newly refurbished Dupont Circle Hotel (part of the Doyle Collection, which also has properties in London and Dublin), I found it ideally situated for exploring all the nations capital has to offer.

The renovation has given the hotel a touch of class befitting its location in the Embassy Row area. In addition to a stunning lobby and well-designed guest rooms, it has a fine dining restaurant, The Pembroke, described as "cut from a different cloth" by Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.

I dont know what kind of cloth he was referring to, but my dinner of red snapper with forbidden rice, red curry and coconut veloute accompanied by whole Boston lettuce with Dijon vinaigrette and grilled asparagus with lemon chili exemplified chef Harper McClures farm-to-table fare tinged with global influences.

The Pembrokes ambiance is equally alluring. Designed by world-renowned decorator Martin Brudnizki, it boasts plush salmon-colored leather sofas, marble tabletops and a glass wall overlooking a seasonal terrace.

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While I liked the restaurant, I was enchanted by the bar, a throwback to the classic cocktail lounge of the 1940s and 50s with dim lighting, discreet seating and soft music that provides a backdrop for conversation rather than drowning it out with ear-shattering music as so many of todays bars do.

With atmosphere to spare plus classic cocktails (you can even sign up for a mixology class with the bartenders), its no wonder the Pembroke has become a sort of clubhouse for the Dupont Circle set.

Watergate watering hole

Washington is no stranger to a cocktail culture. After all, it was Kentuckian Henry Clay who introduced the mint julep to the barkeep at the venerable Willard Hotel two centuries ago (they still use his recipe today), but it was another hotel that provided me with a unique experience.

The Watergate in Foggy Bottom is infamous for being the site of the scandal that led to the resignation (before he could be impeached) of President Richard Nixon. If no one is occupying Room 214  aka the Scandal Room  curious visitors can get a peek at where G. Gordon Liddy and E. Howard Hunt orchestrated the break-in at Democratic National headquarters, then located next door to the hotel.

Theres nothing scandalous about the craft cocktails expertly presented by head mixologist Kal Lemma in the hotels Kingbird bar. Kal, a native of Ethiopia, is nothing short of an alchemist when it comes to turning unusual ingredients into a perfectly mixed cocktail and then pairing it with dishes from the kitchen.

For example, for a Nougat de Canard, a lusciously layered duck leg confit, foie gras and almonds, he whipped up a specialty cocktail combining Duck Fat-washed Frapin cognac; sweet potato, fennel and red pepper syrup; lemon juice; ginger and anise tincture, Averna Amaro; Bergamot citrus; exotic spices, duck fat, lemon, egg whites and biscotti foam.

No doubt if they had downed a few of these, Liddy and Hunt would have been unable to focus on masterminding the break-in.

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Power lunch ... and brunch

Its romantic to think of the corridors of power being dark, dingy back rooms in shadowy buildings, but in truth, perhaps more of the nations business is conducted in trendy restaurants than in Senate and House chambers.

The place for a power lunch in D.C. is Charlie Palmer Steak on Constitution Avenue. With its proximity to the Capitol, its known as "Congress dining room." Legislators sit around the central fountain and nosh on jumbo shrimp cocktails, Jerusalem artichoke bisque, grilled Spanish octopus with avocado puree, and of course, the signature steak cuts. If their expense accounts are sufficiently large, theres the 44 Farms Bone-on Ribeye ($66) with a choice of five sauces,

Another power dining spot is the Lafayette Restaurant at the Hay-Adams Hotel, where select tables offer a framed view of the White House from the windows. Subdued and elegant in decor, the menu perfectly complements the setting.

Known for their Sunday brunch, I found it lived up to the hype. Over a glass of chilled Taittinger Brut champagne, I pondered a menu that featured dishes such as Lobster Omelet with White Beech and Shiitake Mushrooms; Crab Cake Benedict with Tarragon Hollandaise; Brioche French Toast with Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Caramelized Pears and Toasted Almonds and Ricotta Pancakes with Lemon Mascarpone, Toasted Almonds and Fresh Berries.

In the end, the pancakes won, and they were so filling that to my disappointment, I wasnt able to indulge in the very indulgent dessert cart.

Oyster heaven

Dont presume you need a coat and tie (and a Secret Service agent) to fully experience some of D.C.s best eating. Theres plenty of lip-smackingly good spots that cater to John Q. Public. One of the best is The Salt Line right on the Potomac riverfront within walking distance of Nationals Park, home of the 2019 World Series champs.

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The experience here is that of a New England seafood house influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake. That means hearty clam chowder; coddies (salt cod and Yukon Gold potatoes with yellow mustard and crackers); Johnny Cake (honey butter, smoked whitefish salad and marinated salmon roe), and for the really hungry, a Watermans Platter featuring fried fish, oysters, shrimp and scallops accompanied by fries, onion rings and cole slaw.

The raw bar is epic, with seafood towers constructed from oysters, clams, lobster, crab, shrimp and a seafood charcuterie of the chefs daily specialties. If there are two of you, the Kraken, priced at $100, should suffice. If there are more, youll have to shell out $155 for the Leviathan.

For a completely different experience, make your way to the Adams Morgan District for lunch at Lapis Afghani Restaurant. Always packed with lively locals looking for a reasonably priced ethnic meal, you may have to wait for a table and it may be tightly squeezed into a corner when you do get one, but believe me, its worth it.

Some may find the decor a bit kitschy, but I found it charming with colorful Oriental rugs and brass fixtures. It feels as if youre in a modest home, which in a sense you are. The owners were forced to flee Afghanistan four decades ago after the Soviet invasion, leaving behind all their possessions. Lapis feels like their American home.

I started with Aushak, afghan dumplings stuffed with leeks and topped with ground beef, yellow split peas and strained garlic yogurt. From their dessert menu  cleverly labeled Sweetistan  I chose the pancakes with rosewater, cardamom and pistachios and drizzled with warm rosewater syrup. This was so good that  had I been in town another day  I likely would have gone back.

Finally, if youre looking for the perfect spot for a nightcap (and maybe some tasty noshes to go with it), check out the bar at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. With its stylish decor  I loved the glass bubbles in the courtyard designed for intimate dining; 24 different cuts of prime beef and celebrity diners (it was a favorite of the Obamas), its no wonder this is a coveted ticket to come by  as well as an expensive one. As the name would suggest, one thing thats sure to appeal is its impressive list of bourbons.
A major healthcare conference in San Francisco this week has sparked a debate about the California citys homeless crisis as wealthy executives and investors complain of feeling 'unsafe'.

The city rakes in $51m (39m) each year from the annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference despite growing concerns about the citys homeless population among attendees of the healthcare industrys leading conference, according to Bloomberg News.

The nearly 10,000 attendees have regularly criticised San Franciscos homeless crisis, Bloomberg reported, with one CEO describing it to the news outlet as the Bill Clinton of cities.

San Francisco has squandered its place in the sun, said John Price, CEO of the genetic engineering company Greffex Inc. San Francisco is the Bill Clinton of cities. It squandered itself with its flaws.

Selin Kurnaz, CEO of Massive Bio, also told Bloomberg she has felt increasingly unsafe in San Francisco while attending the conference over the years.

Ive been coming to JPM for five years, and the homeless situation has gotten much worse, she said. I feel unsafe walking around at night, especially as a young woman.

New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Show all 8 1 /8 New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Nearly 1,000 people slept in Times Square on Saturday night. The demonstrators were part of the World Sleep Out, which saw events in 52 cities over the weekend. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity The World Sleep Out raises funds for charity. As demonstrators slept in sleeping bags around the world, the charity group worked to raise its goal of $50m (38m) in funds to combat homelessness. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Participants sprawled out on cardboard and yoga mats. Im nervous about the rats, Jeanette Guzman, who came to the sleep out from Queens with her entire family, told The Independent. But we want to feel what its like, and what homeless people go through sleeping on the streets  and also to raise funds. Getty Images for The World's Big New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Will Smith met with participants and performed in Times Square. The actor spoke about his film, The Pursuit of Happiness, and performed the hit theme song from his TV series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also attended the sleep out. Ill tell you what: if you look around New York City, there are loads and loads of vacant luxury apartments that we didnt need  while there are 60,000 people homeless, said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who was in attendance at the event and spoke to the crowd about housing being a human right. Getty Images for The World's Big New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Josh Littlejohn said the city's "can do" spirit helped the event come to life. To my great surprise and real delight, they signed off on us closing down the entire stretch of Times Square, he said. Its kind of one of those things thats been happening a lot with this campaign, very serendipitous. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity Participants came from all over to help raise funds. Joshua Mazediak-Amey, who was from the UK and with a group of interns at the United Nations attending the Times Square event, told The Independent: I believe its important that those who work for the UN show the fact that were committed to actually getting on the ground and being with people  that we are willing to come and be a part of things when theyre sort of on-the-ground movements like this opportunity tonight. Getty Images for The World's Big New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise money for homeless charity The group told The Independent nearly 1,000 people slept in Times Square on Saturday night. The World Sleep Out aims to raise $50m (38m) in donations for charities including the Malala Fund, the Institute of Global Homelessness and more. Mr Littlejohn has also established a new charity called the Worlds Big Sleep Out Trust. All of the donations raised in the US as part of the trust would be managed by UNICEF USA. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Oracle Corporation, which hosts a premier industry event called the OpenWorld conference annually in San Francsico, announced it would relocate this years event to Las Vegas, citing street conditions and hotel pricing.

My dream would be that theyd see this as an opportunity to reflect on the humanity of others, Kelly Cutler, an organiser with the Coalition on Homelessness, told the news outlet.

Recommended New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise funds for homeless charity

She added: I feel like its a missed opportunity when people are just seeing the homeless as a nuisance and trash and seeing the solution as just sweeping them away.

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan, told Fox Business in an interview on Tuesday that, while the financial institution would become deeply involved in San Francisco, complaints from attendees were not quite that bad.

He said those attending the event know where theyre going and plan for it the same time of the year, while acknowledging the city has faced an increasing issue of homelessness.

Despite city officials launching new efforts to tackle the problem of homelessness  including major initiatives and spending over $300m (230.1m) in its efforts  San Francisco has housed 27,000 homeless people throughout the past 15 years, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Homelessness has reportedly increased somewhat in recent years across San Francisco, though it remains lower than record-levels recorded in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the citys overall population has reportedly increased by more than 100,000 people over the last 15 years.
Ronald Burge, Jr., a commander with the Dixmoor Police Department, is charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct over the incident at his police station in October

An Illinois cop, who is also the police chief's son, has been charged after he allegedly slammed a 66-year-old woman's face into a wall and dragged her through the precinct as he was arresting her.

Ronald Burge, Jr., a 31-year-old commander with the Dixmoor Police Department, is charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct over the incident at his police station in October.

Prosecutors say Burge Jr. attacked Carla Bourgouis after she came to the police station and got into an argument with officers about the arrest of her grandson.

She started taking photos as her grandson was being taken into custody and refused to hand over her cell phone when Burge Jr. demanded it.

Surveillance footage showed Burge Jr. chasing after Bourgouis as she ran out of the station and across the street with her cell phone.

Prosecutors with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office say Burge Jr. had his gun in his hand as he grabbed hold of the woman and had his arm across her chest and neck.

Burge Jr., who is 6-foot-3, then allegedly dragged a 5-foot-3 Bourgouis back inside the station and, at times, her feet were dangling off the ground.

The officer allegedly handed his gun to a colleague back inside the station before he slammed Bourgouis' face into a hallway wall three times.

Prosecutors say Burge Jr. attacked Carla Bourgouis after she came to the police station and got into an argument with officers about the arrest of her grandson. Surveillance showed her in the doorway taking photos as her grandson (in white shirt) was being arrested

Surveillance footage showed Burge Jr. chasing after Bourgouis as she ran out of the station and across the street with her cell phone

Video courtesy of WGNTV

He is also accused of shoving her into a counter despite prosecutors saying she was showing no resistance.

'He hit my head against a brick outside the village and then he took me inside the village hall and then bumped my head several times,' Bourgouis told CBS2.

'I thought I was going to lose it... I thought I was going to pass out.'

Bourgouis was subsequently put in a holding cell for 11 hours before being charged with the misdemeanor offense of resisting an officer.

Prosecutors eventually dismissed the charge against her.

Burge Jr. handed himself in on Tuesday after the state's attorney's office issued a warrant for his arrest.

His father, Dixmoor Police Chief Ronald Burge, slammed the charges and claims his son is the victim of a politically-motivated attack.

The police department has since released portions of the surveillance footage from the station that Burge Sr. says proves his son was not in the wrong.

Burge Sr. accused the attorney's office of not being truthful.

The police chief said his officers had earlier been called out to a fight between about eight of Bourgouis' family members at a home that had spilled out onto the street.

He said several family members were taken to the station and Bourgouis' grandson was charged.

Bourgouis claims the officer slammed her face into a wall and dragged her through the precinct as he was arresting her. She took the above photos of her injuries after the ordeal

His father, Dixmoor Police Chief Ronald Burge, slammed the charges and claims his son is the victim of a politically-motivated attack. He said he stands by his son 100 percent

Burge Sr. said Bourgouis became 'very belligerent' and surveillance video showed her trying to enter a restricted area within the station to take photos after her grandson was led away by officers.

'As he entered the station, she grabbed the door attempted to enter the station. He turned around and stated: 'What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be in here. You're under arrest',' Burge Sr. said of the incident.

'When he proceeded to turn around, she ran out of the station. He followed her. Her family members followed him. The officers in the station realized there was something going on and they ended up across the street in the parking lot.'

The police chief claims Bourgouis grabbed his son's 'private parts and refused to let go'.

'At that point, he picked her up, because at that level, she's causing damage,' Burge Sr. said, adding that his son did have his gun drawn because her family members were coming towards him.

Burge Sr. confirmed that there was a struggle inside the station.

'He was attempting to hold her against the wall. He had his arm on the wall. Her head hits the wall; he doesn't slam her into the wall,' he said.

'To be clear, I stand by my son 100 percent.

'I'm very proud of my son and I think it is unfair for someone to attack someone's character and their career over something that is not true.'

Burge Jr. was hired in June 2017 as a part-time officer before taking on a full-time position in the November.

Prosecutors say he was promoted to a commander rank a month later.

Burge Jr. is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail for aggravated battery and official misconduct.
President Donald Trump, gestures as he and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He prepare to sign a U.S. China trade agreement, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, in Washington. Read more

WASHINGTON  The White House violated federal law in withholding security assistance to Ukraine, an action at the center of President Donald Trumps impeachment, a federal watchdog agency said Thursday.

The Government Accountability Office said in a report that the Office of Management and Budget violated the law in holding up the aid, which Congress passed less than a year ago, saying the President is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law.

The aid in question was held up last summer on orders from Trump but was released in September after Congress pushed for its release and a whistle-blowers complaint about Trumps July call with the Ukrainian leader became public.

The independent agency, which reports to Congress, said OMB violated the Impoundment Control Act in delaying the security assistance Congress authorized for Ukraine for policy reasons, rather than technical budgetary needs.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law, wrote the agency's general counsel, Thomas Armstrong, in the report.

Capitol Hill Democrats seized on the report as evidence of a lawless White House. led by Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who is a key figure in the impeachment investigation of Trump. He is still officially the OMB director.

The OMB, the White House, the administration broke  I'm saying this  broke the law," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Congress makes funding decisions, and the Trump Administrations illegal impoundment of these vital national security funds was a brazen assault on the checks and balances inherent to our democracy," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. Given that this illegal conduct threatened our security and undermined our elections, I feel even more strongly that the House has chosen the right course by impeaching President Trump. No one is above the law."

OMB has argued the hold was appropriate and necessary.

We disagree with GAO's opinion. OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the President's priorities and with the law," said OMB spokeswoman Rachel Semmel.

Trump was impeached last month on charges of abusing his power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals, as he was withholding the aid, and for obstructing Congress' ensuing probe. The Senate is set to begin its trial on Thursday.

The GAO finding concludes that the White House budget office withheld the funds for an unauthorized reason in violation of the Impoundment Control Act, a federal law that requires the executive branch to spend money that is appropriated by Congress.

The impoundment control law is rigorously adhered to by career officials in agency budget offices, who can face severe trouble for violating it.
Michael Reynolds resigned from the NYPD after he was convicted of launching into a racist tirade toward a black woman and her children. He is being sued for $5million

A black mother in Tennessee left terrified after an off-duty NYPD officer drunkenly barged into her home is suing the officer for $5million, according to a federal lawsuit.

Conese Halliburton shared in her federal suit against former New York Police Department Officer Michael Reynolds that she has suffered 'extreme emotional injury' ever since the incident on July 9, 2018.

'Approximately eight minutes after invading Ms. Halliburtons home, terrorizing Ms. Halliburton and her minor children, hurling racial slurs at them, an threatening them with deadly force, Officer Reynolds casually returned to the Airbnb where he was staying when it became clear to him that police were about to arrive,' the suit reads. 'Upon leaving Ms. Halliburtons home, a companion of Officer Reynolds yelled out and asked him: Did you make her strip?'

According to the suit, Reynolds identified himself as an officer in order to avoid arrest once Tennessee authorities arrived at Halliburton's home.

The suit says: 'Despite claiming that he did not know why he was not arrested on the spot for his outrageous criminal misconduct, Officer Reynolds acknowledged the existence of an unwritten rule of professional courtesy that police officers tend to try and help out other police officers.'

'By invoking his authority as a fellow police officer, Officer Reynolds sought to  and was able to  benefit from that unwritten rule of professional courtesy and avoid arrest.'

The officer barged into Conese Halliburton's home - where she had lived for the past 40 years - while she was with her four sons; two of which were 8 and 11 at the time

Reynolds, of Manhattan North, was caught on surveillance footage walking down the street around 2.30am in the Nashville neighborhood

The officer barged into Conese Halliburton's home - where she had lived for the past 40 years - while she was with her four sons, two of which were 8 and 11 at the time.

'In order to prevent Officer Reynolds from coming down the hall toward her any further, two of Ms. Halliburtons children got between their mother and Officer Reynolds and pushed against him while Ms. Halliburtons youngest child clung to his mother in fear. Still, Officer Reynolds refused to leave their home,' the suit reads.

The suit does name NYPD Officer Thomas Geberth as having been the officer whose bachelor party it was. He is said to have made threats to Halliburton's neighbors

Halliburton is said to have 'suffered from extreme emotional injury ever since,' having endured a panic attack and severe vomiting when police first arrived at the scene.

The suit does name NYPD Officer Thomas Geberth as having been the officer whose bachelor party it was. He is said to have made threats to Halliburton's neighbors after they confronted the group of officers about their behavior.

Halliburton is seeking $1,250,000 in compensatory, consequential and incidental damage and another $3,750,000 in punitive damages.

Earlier this month Reynolds had been told to go to NYPD headquarters at One Police Plaza so that officials could begin their disciplinary case against him.

The result of which would have certainly led to him being fired, a police source explained to the New York Daily News.

Reynolds, who has been on modified duty, resigned on January 2. He will not receive a pension or health benefits.

Halliburton is seeking $1,250,000 in compensatory, consequential and incidental damage and another $3,750,000 in punitive damages

'His actions are wholly inconsistent with the values and standards the New York City Police Department expects and demands of its officers,' said Acting Deputy Commissioner Devora Kaye, the NYPD's top spokesperson.

The announcement came after more than 12,000 people signed a petition calling Reynolds to be fired following his conviction.

The petition - called 'Fire Racist Criminal Michael J Reynolds from the NYPD' - highlights the now- 26-year-old's racist tirade toward a black woman after kicking in the door to her Nashville home in July 2018.

'Michael J Reynolds needs to be fired immediately,' the petition declares.

Last month, Reynolds was sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years' probation after pleading no contest to three counts of assault and one count of aggravated criminal trespassing, the Tennessean reports.

The officer barged into Conese Halliburton's home on July 9 while she was with her four sons - two of which were 8 and 11 at the time.

Reynolds, of Manhattan North, was later caught on surveillance footage walking down the street around 2.30am in the Nashville neighborhood.

In the video, a man's voice is then heard shouting: 'Try to shoot me, I'll break every bone in your f**king neck. You f**king n***er.'

Last month, Reynolds was sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years' probation after pleading no contest to three counts of assault and one count of aggravated criminal trespassing

The man eventually left and a short time later Nashville police arrived but were unable to find him.

Halliburton said she confronted the Airbnb guests with her neighbor the next day. She shared that her four sons were at her home at the time of the incident.

During his trial, Reynolds shared that he had been suspended from the job for 30 days and added that he was also decommissioned. Reynolds remains with the department, however.

'Because our criminal justice system is profoundly broken, 'It ended with Reynolds getting [only] about two weeks in jail and three years probation,'' the petition against Reynolds states.

'To make matters worse, this racist criminal is still employed by the NYPD. There is no reasonable argument for leaving a violent, racist, convicted criminal on the police force, armed with a gun in New York City.'

Reynolds apologized for his part in the incident, explaining that he and two other NYPD officers had traveled to the area to celebrate his best friend's bachelor party.

'We appreciate Judge Fishburn for taking this caseand the attempted cover upso seriously,' attorney Daniel Horwitz said, according to WTVF.

'However, we remain disgusted by every additional day that goes by without the NYPD terminating Michael Reynolds as an officer. Mr. Reynolds is a criminal and a racist who has no business carrying either a badge or a gun,'
CROWN POINT  A father who allegedly was high on heroin when his two young sons drowned in the Kankakee River in 2018 may be considering a plea offer.

Eric J. Patillo, 35, of Thayer, appeared Wednesday before Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas with attorney Robert Varga.

Varga said he's met with Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter and top Deputy Prosecutor Barbara McConnell and is now seeking a follow-up meeting with McConnell, who was not available until February.

Cappas granted Varga's request for Patillo's case to be continued until March 18 while plea negotiations continue.

Patillo has been in custody since his arrest in August 2018 on two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, both level 1 felonies.

He's accused of using heroin Aug. 21, 2018, before taking his sons  Evan Patillo, 2, and Levi Patillo, 4  to a boat launch on the Kankakee River in southern Lake County.
[January 16, 2020] Kaseya Ends 2019 with Over $2 Billion Valuation, Highest Revenue Growth in Company History, and Multitude of Cutting-Edge Product Innovations

NEW YORK and MIAMI, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaseya , the leading provider of complete IT infrastructure management solutions for both managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments, today announced record growth for 2019, with well over $300 million in annual bookings  driven by continued adoption and demand for Kaseya IT Complete, the industrys most comprehensive, fully integrated IT management platform for MSPs and SMBs. These record sales showcase an organic growth rate of approximately 30 percent for the company, while adding over 5,000 new customers in 2019.

Other highlights fueled by the companys stellar execution in 2019 include the acquisition of leading dark web monitoring and security vendor ID Agent , the development of six leading-edge, customer-centric products, the launch of a new multi-million-dollar Compliance business unit, and an expansion to Kaseyas already global footprint. This strong performance recently escalated Kaseya to the ranks of the coveted cybersecurity unicorn club, closing the year with a valuation over $2 billion. In 2019, we upped the ante through substantial investment in our customer-base and by developing new demand-driven products that completely revolutionize how MSP and IT professionals adapt to todays complex technology demands, said Fred Voccola, CEO of Kaseya. As a customer-centric company, the success of our customers drives every decision we make. While were not perfect, I think we have done  and continue to do  a very good job of listening and innovating on behalf of our over 40 thousand-strong customer-base. I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments and humbled by the dedication from our more than 1,200 employees who work hard every day to personally drive the success of our customers. Together with this team, I look forward to even greater success in the year ahead. Milestones in Kaseyas Corporate Momentum: The acquisition of leading dark web and identity monitoring provider ID Agent further bolstered Kaseyas integrated IT Complete Suite with new security offerings.

$10 million investment to strengthen Kaseyas Compliance business unit dedicated to helping MSPs guide their customers through complex regulatory standards - one of the largest opportunities for recurring revenue for MSPs in the industry today.

Completion of a $500 million investment. This allowed Kaseya to earn the coveted unicorn status among cybersecurity tech cmpanies with a current valuation of over $2 billion.

The appointment of industry veteran Ronan Kirby as president and general manager of Kaseyas EMEA division allows the company to double down on growth, customer service and investment in the rapidly growing region, with Europe remaining one of Kaseyas fastest growing markets.



Product Launches and Expansions: The launch of two first-of-its-kind compliance automation tools  Compliance Manager for Cyber Insurance and Compliance Manager for HIPAA helps MSPs and SMBs fully streamline complex liability claims and HIPAA compliance processes, leading to more profitability for MSPs.

 Compliance Manager for Cyber Insurance and Compliance Manager for HIPAA helps MSPs and SMBs fully streamline complex liability claims and HIPAA compliance processes, leading to more profitability for MSPs. Kaseya delivered the industrys highest margins for channel partners with the Unitrends Xtra channel partner program - a 75 percent higher payback for partners backup and disaster recovery business compared to competing providers. In addition, the program allows partners to earn recurring revenue every time a customer purchases other products from the Kaseya IT Complete solution portfolio over the next three years.

with the Unitrends Xtra channel partner program - a 75 percent higher payback for partners backup and disaster recovery business compared to competing providers. In addition, the program allows partners to earn recurring revenue every time a customer purchases other products from the Kaseya IT Complete solution portfolio over the next three years. The launch of Powered Services 2.0 offered the most comprehensive framework of go-to-market offerings in the industry , giving MSPs a critical edge to differentiate and build new recurring revenue streams across security, compliance, and backup.

, giving MSPs a critical edge to differentiate and build new recurring revenue streams across security, compliance, and backup. The launch of a powerful new add-on for IT Glue, Network Glue, brought network discovery, documentation, and diagramming to the next level, moving the manual work of IT teams into an automated topology map for maximum efficiency.

Network Glue, brought network discovery, documentation, and diagramming to the next level, moving the manual work of IT teams into an automated topology map for maximum efficiency. Kaseyas new direct-to-cloud backup solution, Unitrends Cloud Backup, offered MSPs unparalleled file recovery and protection from viruses, hackers, corruption and accidental deletion without the hassle of managing local backup storage. Community Growth:

Kaseya had over 7,000 IT professionals attend its global series of Connect IT events.

The events spanned 45 cities and three continents including its Connect IT Global conference held annually in Las Vegas, Connect IT Europe held in Amsterdam, Netherlands and its inaugural Connect IT APAC conference in Sydney, Australia. Industry Recognition:

Throughout 2019, Kaseya and its family of products received a multitude of top industry accolades highlighting its unparalleled innovation, service and leadership, including: Kaseyas EVP of corporate marketing, Taunia Kipp, selected as one of The Software Reports Top 50 Women Leaders in SaaS

Kaseya VSA named Best RMM Offering with Kaseya IT Complete taking home Most Valuable Software at the European MSP Innovation Awards

Kaseya recognized as one of CIO Bulletins 30 Great Places to Work in 2019

ID Agent Vice President of Channel Success and Powered Services, Dan Tomaszewski, recognized as one of CRNs 100 People You Dont Know But Should

Kaseya BMS recognized as the Best SaaS Product for Business Management by the SaaS Awards

Kaseyas RapidFire Tools named Security Solution of the Year at the European IT & Software Excellence Awards

Kaseyas Unitrends recognized as the Editors Choice for Company of the Year at the Storage Awards

Kaseyas Unitrends honored with a Gold Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year for Computer Hardware and a Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year for Computer Software

Kaseyas Unitrends named Most Innovative Managed Service Offering for Storage by the Managed Services and Hosting Awards

Kaseyas RapidFire Tools recognized as a ChannelPro 2019 SMB All Star

Kaseya recognized as one of CIO Bulletins 10 Most Influential Companies of 2019 About Kaseya

Kaseya is the leading provider of complete IT Infrastructure Management Solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT organizations. Through its open platform and customer-centric approach, Kaseya delivers best in breed technologies that allow organizations to efficiently manage, secure, and backup IT. Kaseya IT Complete is the most comprehensive, integrated IT management platform comprised of industry-leading solutions from Kaseya, Unitrends, RapidFire Tools, Spanning Cloud Apps, IT Glue and ID Agent. The platform empowers businesses to: command all of IT centrally; easily manage remote and distributed environments; simplify backup and disaster recovery; safeguard against cybersecurity attacks; effectively manage compliance and network assets; streamline IT documentation, and automate across IT management functions. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Kaseya is privately held with a presence in over 20 countries. To learn more, visit www.kaseya.com . Media Contact

Katy Hoeper, PR Manager

Walker Sands

[email protected]

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Locals in leafy Marlborough are furious after a rumoured new Raymond Blanc Brasserie turned out to be a Bite Me chicken shop with the slogan 'Get Plucked'.

Fed-up locals had heard one of the French chef's popular eateries would open in Wiltshire.

But instead of the upmarket eatery a burger and chicken restaurant called 'Bite Me' sprung up instead - with the tagline 'Chicken. It's Our Plucking Business'.

Pictured: The sign of the shop that has riled Marlborough locals, with one saying it offends her every single day

The diner's branding ruffled some feathers in the leafy market town - with one resident labeling it 'offensive' and 'just not the right thing for Marlborough'.

A spokesman said they were surprised by the reaction and countered that a branch in Dubai had received no such complaints.

Resident Daisy Southend said: 'I come out of my front door and see this. I find it really rather offensive and it irritates my eyeballs on a daily basis.

'We were told this restaurant was going to be a Raymond Blanc Brasserie - not this tacky burger joint. I feel we agreed to one thing and got another. It's just not the right thing for Marlborough.'

This is the street that was hoping for an upmarket restaurant but instead got a chicken shop

Bite Me sells a range of what it describes as upmarket mini burgers and operates as a franchise business across the world. The signage is part of their international branding and is used on all its premises.

A Bite Me spokesman said: 'I am honestly surprised by this reaction. The restaurant is proving very popular, and has been full most nights since it opened. And is is very popular with an over 60s age group.

'We have just opened a branch in Dubai, which is quite a conservative place, and we haven't had anyone complain there!'

The Brasserie Blanc chain said it was 'in talks' to open on Kingsbury Street at the time of the original planning application being submitted.

Pictured: A Brasserie Blanc, the chain that was rumoured to be on the way to Marlborough

This was approved in February 2018. But the company has said since it had no intention of moving to the town.

The original planning application also included the renovation and conversion of the old barn behind the spot.

A spokesman for Bite Me added that work is scheduled for later this year to increase the capacity of the restaurant.
Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7. That means it will no longer provide updates or security patches for the 11-year-old operating system, and the hundreds of millions of PCs still using it are vulnerable to attack.

One-third of PCs around the world run Windows 7, according to NetMarketShare.

So, if you're one of those people impacted, what can you do?

Good news, for starters: You don't have to throw your computer or laptop out of the window(s). It's still usable, but it's less secure. Microsoft is warning users in a special website that they will be at "greater risk for viruses and malware" because it will no longer provide security updates or fixes.

Microsoft is suggesting you do one of two things:

First, upgrade your existing equipment to Windows 10. The $139 version is good enough for most PCs -- even some older ones that still run Windows 7. There's also a Windows 10 Pro version for $199 if you use it for business purposes.

To check if your computer will be able to run Windows 10, Microsoft has published a compatibility guide that will help you determine whether your specifications meet the minimums for the latest version of Windows. For example, your PC needs at least 32 GB of hard drive storage space, 1 GB of RAM and a processor with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz. Those aren't exactly stellar specs, but some older Windows 7 PCs won't make the cut.

It your computer can't run Windows 10, it might be time to buy a new one. Even if you missed the flurry of holiday deals, Microsoft notes that computer prices are considerably lower than they were five to 10 years ago, when Windows 7 was in its heyday. Microsoft has created a quiz to help you find the right computer.

If you're not going to do either of these things, well, good luck to you. The internet is filled with malware that might infect your Windows 7 machine, so keep your browser updated. Google Chrome said it will continue providing updates to browsers running on Windows 7 PCs until July 2021. Microsoft also said it will provide security updates for its Edge browser for around the same time, according to a report. (CNN Business didn't immediately hear back to confirm the date.)

Still, browser updates alone aren't sufficient to protect your computer against hackers and bad actors. Operating systems have zillions of lines of code, and despite more than a decade of fixes and patches, holes and bugs continue to become apparent. Now that Microsoft has stopped updating Windows 7, those bugs will live on forever, ready to be exploited by bad actors.

This is not a hypothetical. The massive WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 left millions of Windows XP computers vulnerable to attack. Microsoft ultimately relented and issued an emergency patch for the then-16-year-old operating system, but it has not updated it since. Hackers exploit the most vulnerable parts of the internet, and Windows 7, with its millions of users, will quickly become one of those.

So get Windows 10 or a new Windows 10 PC. Or buy a Mac. You'll be a lot safer when you do.
Chhattisgarh Assembly on Thursday unanimously ratified the Constitution (126th) Amendment Bill, which proposes to extend quota to SC/STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years.

A special one-day session of the House was held to ratify the bill, passed by Parliament on December 11.

Earlier in the day, the opposition BJP and Ajit Jogi- led Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) boycotted the address of Governor Anusuiya Uikey in the House.

BJP leaders said the session should have been extended like in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh where a two- day special session has been convened on January 16-17.

"We can't be part of such a practice, that breaks the established tradition of the House. So we decided to boycott the Governors address," former chief minister Raman Singh said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes on January 20 in relation to an ongoing probe against the airline. The central probe agency has also summoned the entire top leadership of the airline, both past and present.

The action comes more than a year after Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Board of Investigation (CBI) started investigating allegations regarding irregularities of funds and even criminal misconduct by AirAsia when it was lobbying for its operational licences in India. AirAsia's top brass has been summoned under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Along with Fernandes, AirAsia Group President Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, aka Bo Lingam, and businessman Arun Bhatia, who held substantial equity in the airline, have also been summoned. Senior group executive S Ramadorai, as well as former CEOs Naresh Algan and Mittu Chandiliya have also been asked by the agency to join the probe.

In May 2018, the ED had registered a money-laundering case against AirAsia officials and others for allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence for its Indian venture AirAsia India Limited. The central probe agency had pressed charges under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe whether tainted funds were used to create illegal assets.

The ED had said it would look into the money trail of the accused named in the case. The agency's office in Mumbai has been probing a separate case against the airline and its executives under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The probe registered in 2018 was initiated on the basis of the claims of ousted Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry's allegations that fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore, were carried out in an instance involving AirAsia.

The CBI, in its criminal FIR, had booked Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, also known as Bo Lingam, former Deputy Group CEO of Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, and R Venkataramanan, Director AirAsia India Ltd, Bengaluru, besides companies AirAsia India Pvt Ltd and AirAsia Berhad.

The CBI FIR had alleged that Venkataramanan was lobbying with the government to secure mandatory approvals, some of them through non-transparent means, including the then FIPB clearance, no objection certificate, and the attempt for removal or modification of 5/20 rule.

The 5/20 ruled mandated that an airline needs to have five years of flying experience and 20 aircraft to be eligible for international flying licence. At the time the case was registered, AirAsia had only 18 aircraft. It was replaced with 0/20 rule by the Cabinet in June 2016.

Fernandes wanted it to fly internationally from the day of getting flying permit granted in May, 2014, the CBI FIR alleged. He and his local Indian partner Tata Sons through their nominee Venkataramanan would lobby in government to get all approvals including FIPB clearance and amend or remove existing 5/20 rule for international operations, the CBI FIR had alleged.

The CBI has also named Rajender Dubey, Director of Singapore-based HNR Trading pvt Ltd, Sunil Kapur, Chairman Total Food Services, Mumbai and Deepak Talwar, Principal and Founder DTA consulting, New Delhi and the company HNR Trading as alleged lobbyists who used their influence to get 5/20 rule relaxed before General Elections of 2014.

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A Bangladeshi worker walks in front of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center under construction at Purbachal, near Dhaka, Jan. 10, 2020.

Dhakas city development authority is close to finishing a Chinese-backed exhibition center  part of a project touted as Bangladeshs biggest new planned township  officials said, although Bangladeshi courts have denied permission for the halls construction.

The agency is carrying on with building the exhibit center in the heart of the future high-tech township known as Purbachal, the projects director said, despite court orders handed down over the years, including one issued by the Supreme Court as recently as October.

Yes, the construction has been going on. Hopefully, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center will be opened in July this year, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, the agencys official in charge of overseeing the centers construction, told BenarNews.

He said a Chinese firm was building the structure on a 26-acre subdivision.

Construction on the hall began in July 2016 and its estimated overall price tag is 13 billion taka (U.S. $153.3 million), officials said. The Chinese government is providing Dhaka with a grant of 6.2 billion taka ($73.1 million), while Bangladesh will cover the remainder of the costs for the exhibit center, Bangladeshi officials said.

True, the court did not allow us to build the Bangladesh-China Exhibition Center. We are planning to go to appeal against the court orders, Ujjwal Mallick, another official with the agency officially known as the Capital City Development Authority (RAJUK), told BenarNews without further explanation.

He was responding to a question about why construction was still happening, although both the High Court and Supreme Court had ruled against it, court papers show.

Very friendly relations

Last year, the Chinese and Bangladeshi governments announced that China would play a major role in building the new township on the outskirts of Bangladeshs capital, a project being developed on 6,150 acres.

Once complete, the township will feature a high-rise tower, 62,000 apartments, office buildings, an industrial park and shops, according to information posted on RAJUKs website.

In November, the agency announced that it had awarded a contract to a Sino-Bangladeshi joint venture company, United Delcot Water Ltd, for the construction of the townships water distribution system.

The firm building the exhibition center is the Chinese State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC), one of the worlds largest engineering firms.

The Chinese have been constructing the center for us as we have very friendly relations with China, Mallick said.

A BenarNews correspondent visited the construction site of the exhibit hall last week, but a CSCEC official refused the reporter permission to enter the premises and ordered him to leave.

The ruling by the courts that denied RAJUK permission to build the hall dates back to 2013.

They stem from complaints filed by Bangladeshi environmentalist and human rights advocates, who allege that the city development authority is potentially violating a host of environmental regulations and laws by adding the exhibit hall as part of a set of changes to the townships overall design.

The design changes included an iconic high-rise tower, the exhibition center and a stockyard.

The High Court and the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, in separate orders, declared the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center illegal. But the construction has been going on unlawfully, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), told BenarNews.

Her group is one of two organizations that petitioned the courts to block the center from being constructed.

RAJUK modified the Purbachal design to build the exhibition center, the high-rise iconic tower and the Purbachal central stockyard. The center and other two buildings will harm environment, she said.

Rajuk could face contempt of court, she added.

Court actions

In March 2014, Bangladeshs High Court issued a decision instructing RAJUK not to efface, subtract, vary, modify or otherwise change the core forest, forest, lakes or canals, urban green, parks, playgrounds, play lots, green belt and other environmental-oriented spaces of the project without any permission of the court.

The High Court then allowed the project to go forward, but stipulated that only the Iconic Tower could be built on the 26-acre parcel of land, according to court documents seen by BenarNews.

In 2015, BELA appealed the high courts decision before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

In a decision handed down on Oct. 10, 2019, an appellate bench of the court reiterated that only an Iconic Tower may be constructed provided that RAJUK must be vigilant, cautious, and circumspect about the ecological balance and biodiversity of the area.

It goes without saying that the rampant felling of trees and indiscriminate filling up of canals, lakes, ponds, etc. will definitely threaten the ecosystem and biodiversity of the areas, Justices M.I. Chowdhury and Md. Asharful Kamal said in their verdict.
As the cannabis stocks trade at multi-year lows, the market is looking to grasp at any positive news from the upcoming earnings season. Any positive news from Q4 sales or insights on the Cannabis 2.0 rollout in Canada will breath some relief into the market.

The North American cannabis industry has plenty of catalysts by midyear 2020, but the related companies were built for robust revenues and much larger markets. The keys to watch in the upcoming earnings reason are the ability of cannabis companies to generate profits from the current market opportunities and not the previous grand expectations.

Several big catalysts for cannabis revenue growth in 2020 include CBD in the U.S., Cannabis 2.0 rollout in Canada, additional retail stores in Ontario and the approval of recreational cannabis in U.S. states such as Illinois. Not to mention, the U.S. always has the potential for the federal government to approve cannabis allowing for the ultimate prize for cannabis companies and investors alike.

The market projections for the global cannabis market reaching $200 billion in the future should stand. For now, cannabis stocks in Canada and the U.S. have to focus on maintaining liquidity to survive and eventually thrive in the disappointing sales ramp in North America and around the globe. A lot of the Canadian issues should resolve themselves over the next few quarters, but the illicit market remains a formidable competitor and investors shouldnt assume the profit picture improves dramatically in the near term with so much competition.

Weve delved into three cannabis companies that recently reported quarterly results through November 30 with commentary covering the early part of January. Using TipRanks' Stock Comparison tool, we lined up the three alongside each other to give us an idea of what the Street thinks is in store for the trio in the year ahead.

Aphria (APHA)

The most influential earnings report of early January was Aphria. The company is one of the larger Canadian cannabis LPs and provides a good indication of market demand into the first couple of weeks of January.

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The good news is Aphria grew net cannabis revenues by 9% sequentially for the quarter ending November 30. The bad news is that the cannabis company cut FY20 revenue guidance by an astounding $75 million.

The revenue cut wasnt a huge shock to the market considering the Ontario regulators pushed new retail store openings out until April and Aphria has a fiscal year ending in May. This timing issue combined with vape bans in Alberta and Quebec and the possibility of a major revenue ramp up this fiscal year was near impossible.

For FQ2, the company reported revenue declined by C$5.5 million to C$120.6 million. The major revenue hit came from a reduction of distribution revenue in Germany.

The stock dipped 8% on the news to $5 based on the revenue cut and the hit to EBITDA targets. Aphria now expects FY20 EBTIDA of only C$35 million to C$42 million, down from an estimate of over C$90 million.

The company remains one of the rare Canadian companies generating positive EBITDA due to reasonable operating expenses, but the market needs to absorb this revenue cut before the stock can rally this year.

All in all, Wall Street is split between the bulls and those who are more cautious on the cannabis player, with TipRanks analytics exhibiting APHA as a Moderate Buy. Out of 4 analysts tracked in the last 3 months, 2 are bullish on Aphria stock while 2 remain sidelined. With a return potential of 23%, the stock's consensus target price stands at $6.36. (See Aphria stock analysis at TipRanks)

OrganiGram (OGI)

OrganiGram had one of the better reports in the cannabis sector in the last few quarters. The stock has soared over 45% on the news, yet OrganiGram isnt even back to the highs from November.

For the quarter ending in November, the Canadian cannabis company reported net revenues of C$25.2 million. The amount beat estimates, but the company is still below the revenue levels from mid-2019 and the beat occurred due to low calorie wholesale revenues of C$9.5 million.

The rally is more of a relief that the numbers didnt get worse despite investor knowledge that monthly cannabis sales in Canada have slowly improved throughout the year. In addition, OrganiGram generated quarterly EBITDA of C$4.9 million for a 9% EBITDA margin.

The company has a fully diluted market cap of $500 million with a FY21 sales target in the $170 million range. The stock trades at a reasonable 3x forward sales, but OrganiGram only has a minimal C$34 million cash balance and already has C$85 million in debt.

The company forecasts having enough capital to fund operations and capital expenditure plans, but those plans include rolling out Cannabis 2.0 products in 2020 and further facilities. Investors should expect OrganiGram to take advantage of this stock rally to $3 to utilize the at-the-market equity program to raise the C$32 million available under the program after raising C$23 million subsequent to quarter end.

Where does the Street side on this cannabis producer? It appears mostly bullish. Out of 10 analysts polled by TipRanks in the last 3 months, 6 are bullish on OrganiGram stock while 3 remain sidelined and one is bearish. With a return potential of nearly 43%, the stocks consensus target price stands at $4.73. (See OrganiGram stock analysis at TipRanks)

KushCo (KSHB)

KushCo provided an alternative view to the cannabis sector as the company is focused on providing products and services to the U.S. cannabis market. The company took a revenue hit in the last quarter from the health concerns in the U.S. vape market.

Quarterly revenues were up 38% from last year to $35 million, but the numbers were down from the $47 million reported in the prior quarter. KushCo missed analyst estimates by a wide margin as customers reduced vape inventory levels in fears of bans by state regulators.

The company still guided to full year revenues of $240 million in expectations that customer orders catch up over the remaining three quarters of the year. KushCo laid off 53 people in order to improve the profitability picture after reporting a $12.5 million loss in the quarter, but the employee reduction only saves ~$4.3 million in annual savings.

The stock has a minimal market valuation of $175 million, but the tough market and limited margins should leave investors on the sidelines here. KushCo continues to lose too much money and only ended the November quarter with a cash balance below $15 million.

To find good ideas for cannabis stocks trading at fair value or better, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.
The protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have taken a shape of a movement. Across the country, citizens are protesting against the law and National Register of Citizens (NRC), demanding an immediate rollback.

The protests in Shaheen Bagh in Delhi have entered their second month and inspired by the peaceful gathering, women, in hundreds, are now protesting in Bihars Gaya and Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj.

In Mangaluru, hundreds of people today boarded boats from Ullal's Kotepura to join a massive protest against the amended Citizenship Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Adyar.

People travelling through boats and steamers decorated with national flags, raised slogans during their journey through the Netravathi River.

The innovative mode of transportation was used by the protesters to reach the venue, as it not only saved time but was also more convenient for the fishermen, as large number of people from this community joined the protest, said a report by news agency ANI.

The protesters docked their boats at the shore, which was barely 500 metres from the site of protest, being held at Shah Ground in Adyar.

The distance between Kotepura to the Shah Ground is approximately 15 kilometres but protesters would have to walk more five kilometres to reach the venue because of heavy traffic.

Due to protest, the national highway was also blocked and resulted in huge traffic snarls on routes leading to agitation site.

BCCL

In Delhis Shaheen Bagh, the Sikh community prepared langar for the protesters on Wednesday.

A Twitter handle -- Shaheenbaghofficial/@Shaheenbaghoff1 -- wrote, "The women of Shaheen Bagh making 'Kadha Prasad' as a Sikh delegation joined the protest today at eight in the morning."

Protesters from Punjab, including members of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) joined the ongoing sit-in at Shaheen Bagh where people, largely women from the minority community, are demonstrating against the CAA and NRC.
RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Ralph Northam is declaring a state of emergency and temporarily banning weapons from the Capitol grounds in advance of a gun-rights rally planned for Monday, citing "threats of armed confrontation and assault on our Capitol."

From Friday evening to Tuesday night, firearms, sticks, bats, chains and other weapons will be prohibited on Capitol Square and throughout the Capitol complex, said Northam, a Democrat.

Monday is the state's traditional citizen lobbying day, and gun-rights groups are organizing a large demonstration to oppose several far-reaching bills being advanced by the Virginia General Assembly's new Democratic majority.

The rally has drawn interest from militias and extremist groups across the country, raising security concerns in Richmond.

Northam asked that nonessential state employees not come to work Monday, a state holiday during which legislative staffers would normally be on duty because the legislature is in session.

The governor - flanked by Democratic Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, state, Capitol and city police leaders, and state Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran - began his announcement by stating his belief in the right to debate, assemble and bear arms.

But he said authorities had "received credible intelligence," some gathered via "dark web channels used by white nationalists outside Virginia," about groups with "malicious plans" such as "storming our Capitol" and "weaponizing drones" over Capitol Square.

"This includes out-of state militias and hate groups from across the country," Northam said. "They're not coming to peacefully protest. They're coming to intimidate and cause harm." He said information circulating on the Internet is being "fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories."

The governor took pains to distinguish between the extremists he said were latching onto the planned rally and the law-abiding gun-rights activists who for years have "peacefully assembled" at the Capitol.

"Hundreds of Virginians do this every day," he said, mentioning the crowd that flocked to the Capitol without incident earlier this week for a lobby day organized by the National Rifle Association. That event was held on the first business day after a Democratic-majority legislative committee banned weapons inside the Capitol and an adjacent legislative office building.

"No one wants another incident like the one we saw in Charlottesville in 2017," said Northam, referring to the deadly violence that followed a "Unite the Right" rally that centered on opposition to removing a Confederate statue in the university town. "We will not allow mayhem and violence to happen here."

House Republicans, who last week were sharply critical of the ban on guns inside the Capitol, had a more complicated reaction Wednesday. They called the threat of violence real, pinned any danger on outside "agitators," heaped praise on law enforcement and took a swipe at Northam.

"While we fully expect this to be peaceful, there are legitimate concerns of a few bad actors hijacking the rally," House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said in a written statement. "Law enforcement says those agitators are acting on their own volition and are not part of the busloads of Virginians visiting the Capitol. While we are grateful for the precautions taken by law enforcement, the Governor's actions will unfortunately impede the ability of people to exercise not only their Second Amendment rights, but their First Amendment rights as well."

Senate Minority Leader Thomas Norment, R-James City, and other GOP leaders issued a joint statement questioning Northam's authority to impose the ban and saying that the restrictions for the Capitol and grounds "may be serving to heighten rather than assuage tensions."

State Republican chairman Jack Wilson was particularly critical: "Northam and the rest of the Virginia Democrats have made their session goal crystal clear: a disarmed, vulnerable, and subservient citizenry," he said.

Monday's rally is being organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, one of many grass-roots groups that turn out every year for the citizen lobbying day. The organization expects a much larger crowd this year, with the legislature advancing measures that would require background checks on all firearms purchases, allow law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others, let localities ban weapons from certain events and government buildings, and cap handgun purchases at one per month.

Gun control became a dominant issue in the 2019 elections in Virginia, following a deadly mass shooting in a Virginia Beach and a decision by the then-GOP-controlled legislature to swiftly adjourn a special session Northam called to address gun legislation in the aftermath.

Northam called on the VCDL to "follow the NRA's example and make your event peaceful. Please do not dishonor Virginia or your cause."

The league's rallies have not spawned violence in the past.

In recent weeks, VCDL President Philip Van Cleave has encouraged supporters to leave intimidating long guns - including assault-style rifles such as the AR-15 - at home. He has welcomed out-of-state militias but warned them not to get into confrontations with gun-control activists. And he has tried to keep other incendiary issues out of his event.

"This is not about [Confederate] flags, statues, history, etc. Just guns," he wrote in a statement to supporters.

Asked what more VCDL can do, Northam said he wanted the group to keep pushing out that message.

Van Cleave said Wednesday that Northam is to blame if the event erupts into violence, accusing the governor of putting law-abiding rally participants at risk by forbidding them from bringing weapons.

"You're saying there could be problems, and you want us to be disarmed, the good people?" he said. "The governor was the one who started all this. He's the one who declared war on gun owners."

Security has been unusually tight during the General Assembly session that kicked off last week. State Police have been out in force, providing backup for the Capitol Police, who normally patrol the square. Crews have been erecting steel crowd-control barricades around the manicured Capitol grounds in recent days.

The teenagers who normally work in the House and Senate as pages were given the day off Monday, the first business day after a joint House-Senate committee on Friday banned weapons from the Capitol and legislative office building.
The new facility aims to support medical tourism in Thailand

Europ Assistance, a part of the Generali Group that is one of the world's leading insurers, has announced the opening of their new office in Bangkok, Thailand to provide its world-renowned travel and medical networks to the region and complete the presence of the Generali Group in Thailand. This is part of their overall plan to accelerate their presence in the region after operating in both China and India over the past thirty years.

Additionally, by having experienced teams on the ground with deep knowledge of the Thai market, Europ Assistance will be able to provide a higher level of client support in local languages. This will allow Europ Assistance to expand its partnerships with local airlines, travel agents, insurance providers, and banks.

While the initial focus will be on growing its local travel and medical network, Europ Assistance plans to offer its full suite of services in Thailand. There are also future plans to strengthen the local team's capabilities in order to continue offering premium services to current customers and potential partners in the region.

Philippe Demangeat, CEO Southeast Asia at Europ Assistance, said, "Thailand has a vibrant, bustling economy and we are excited to solidify our presence in the region. We are establishing this new foothold to support the increase in local demand for our services. We are confident that Thailand will remain a long-term strategic hub for Europ Assistance, allowing us to continue our commitment to better serve both customers and businesses across the region."
Dr Manik Saha was appointed as the new chief of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Tripura unit on Wednesday, four years after the presidentship of chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

Announcing the name of new party chief at BJP state office, Union minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told reporters, Elections to the partys booth, mandal and district level were concluded properly. The process of state-level party election ended with the name of Dr Manik Saha.

The organisational elections to different levels had started a few months ago.

Chief minister Deb welcomed Dr Saha and urged him to start working together with all the party workers. The BJP got 36 seats out of 60 in 2018 Assembly elections. Our alliance partner Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura got eight seats. I urge our new party president to start preparations for the next Assembly polls in 2023 soon to ensure victory in all the Assembly seats, Deb said.

When I became the president, I had a small team. Many doubted us saying that we are inexperienced and could not make any difference. But we have proved successfully that this small team had dislodged the 25-year-old Marxist government, said Deb.

Deb came to Tripura in 2015 as in-charge of Mahajansampark Abhiyan. Later, he became president of BJP on January 6, 2016. His tenure was scheduled to get over in January, 2019, but was extended till August last year due the parliamentary elections.

Our former president and chief minister said to ensure hundred per cent victory in 2023 Assembly polls. We will surely try to meet his expectation. Thats why, I appeal to all my party workers to work united to meet the target, said Dr Saha.

Saha, a renowned dental surgeon of the state, had joined the BJP in 2016.
Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren versus Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders! The matchup true blue Democratic believers have been pining for. Two senators, both of whom are currently on course to lose to Joe Biden, mano a mano debating the issues facing the counterr, on what was said in a private meeting between the two last year. Ding! Ding! Ding! Sanders has vehemently denied dismissing a female candidates ability to win the presidency in 2020 during his discussion with Warren, who, for her part, has said the opposite about the conversation. Well, since the primary season is now 43 months long, even an unresolvable dispute is better than no dispute at all, so take it away, guys! And they did.

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During the latest Democratic debate Tuesday night on CNN, Sanders reiterated his denial, in more miffed terms this time, and then everyone moved on, agreeing to disagree, right? Wrong. The two candidates engaged in what appeared to be an awkward non-handshake moment onstage after the debate came to an end. It was hard to tell what exactly went down, but fear not! CNN, being a highly specialized global broadcaster of images and sound, unearthed the audio, it says, from backup recordings from the microphones Sanders and Warren were wearing, which it then synchronized with the footage.

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CNN has just published the audio of the tense conversation between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren after yesterday's debate pic.twitter.com/EUdIyIkroW  Matt Bevan  (@MatthewBevan) January 16, 2020

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Heres what went down. In the preamble to the tete-a-tete, as is custom, both senators cordially congratulated other competitors on their debate performance. Joe, good job, Warren said to Joe Biden, shaking hands. Good to see you. Good job, Pete [Buttigieg], Sanders said. Good job, Amy [Klobuchar]. And then Warren sought out Sanders at the center of the stage.

I think you called me a liar on national TV, Warren said.

What? Sanders responded.

I think you called me a liar on national TV, Warren repeated.

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Lets not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion, Sanders said. Anytime, Warren interjected. You called me a liar, Sanders continued. You told meall right, lets not do it now.

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And there you have it. Sanders supporters are furious because Warren is clearly a conniving opportunist orchestrating a center-stage hit to take Bernie down! And, if you read the internet, CNN is very clearly in cahoots! Warren supporters, meanwhile, are 100 percent sure that Bernie Sanders is a latent sexist! He always has been! Thats why many of them voted for him last time!

Meanwhile, everyone else is Tom Steyer. Just a self-funding billionaire running for president, trying to say good game before heading offstage for some orange slices and Gatorade. I dont want to get in the middle, Steyer interjected awkwardly into the shade. I just wanted to say hi, Bernie. Yeah good, Sanders replied. It was a treat to see you, Steyer continued. OK, Sanders said.
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Maattu Pongal is the third day of the four-day Pongal festival. Though the name of the festival is specific to Tamil Nadu, it is also celebrated in other south Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. (Image: Network18 Creatives)
Tom Black, chair of the BMAs Northern Ireland Council, said an extra 400 medical students a year graduating in Northern Ireland were needed (BMA Northern Ireland/PA)

Funding for a medical school at Ulster University will help fill massive staffing gaps in general practice, doctors said.

A growing and increasingly elderly population with more complex health needs poses challenges which require more medics in Northern Ireland, the BMA said.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has announced 60 million in ring-fenced money for a graduate entry medical school at the universitys Magee campus in Londonderry as part of the powersharing deal.

NEWS: BMA Northern Ireland Chair welcomes funding for new medical school https://t.co/hyNJi6g4Ed pic.twitter.com/PSRhPKUQaN  BMA Northern Ireland (@BMA_NI) January 16, 2020

Tom Black, chair of the BMAs Northern Ireland Council, said: We need approximately 400 extra medical students a year graduating in Northern Ireland, who will then go on to work as doctors here who can treat this growing patient need.

Currently we only have approximately 230 graduating from Queens Universitys medical school each year.

The emphasis in this medical school will be on general practice, and it is well known that we have massive staffing gaps in this area across Northern Ireland, particularly in the west of the country.

Northern Ireland needs GPs working in local communities and medical students are more likely to stay and work in the areas in which they study, the BMA added.

Dr Black said: So a medical school based in the North West will help address the medical workforce issues we have on this side of Northern Ireland.
Both countries have issued threats of war ever since Ethiopia announced plans to build the dam in 2011 - AFP

Egypt and Ethiopia have struck a preliminary deal to end a row over the construction of a giant dam on the Nile, potentially averting a war between two of Africas biggest military powers.

Following talks in Washington brokered by the US government, Egypt agreed in principle to drop its opposition to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam after receiving assurances that its water supply would not be threatened.

The breakthrough follows years of recrimination, with both countries periodically resorting to threats of war ever since Ethiopia announced plans to build the dam in 2011.

With 95 percent of its population living in the Nile Valley, Egypt has always been acutely sensitive about the flow of a river on which it has depended for its very existence since the dawn of civilisation 5,000 years ago. The worlds longest river is the source of nine-tenths of Egypts fresh water.

Arguing that it was granted ultimate control of the Nile under safeguards implemented by Britain in 1929, Egypt says the Renaissance Dam  which will be the world seventh largest on completion  could cause vital downstream reservoirs to dry up.

Ethiopia, in whose highlands the Blue Nile rises before meeting the White Nile in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, argues that the dam will transform the lives of its 110m people, providing many of them with electricity for the first time and allowing the country to industrialise.

Hopes for a resolution to the crisis were raised last year after Ethiopia, which had previously resisted international mediation, agreed to US involvement after Egypts president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, made a personal appeal to Donald Trump, his US counterpart.

Mr Trump instructed the US treasury department to work with the World Bank to find a solution.

Following talks in Washington, officials from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agreed to allow the dam, which has largely been completed, to be filled in stages every July and August, the Ethiopian rainy season, so long as the impact on downstream reservoirs is monitored.

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The subsequent stages of filling will be done according to a mechanism to be agreed, the US treasury department said in a statement.

A final deal could be signed at the end of the month, although analysts warn that differences between Egypt and Ethiopia remain, particularly over how long it should take to fill the dams reservoir, which will be the size of Buckinghamshire.

Sudan has sided with Ethiopia in the row, believing the dam will help regulate the flow of the Blue Nile and reduce downstream flooding.
China's top political advisor Wang Yang and President of the Swiss National Council Isabelle Moret held a meeting Thursday in Beijing on further cooperation and development of bilateral ties.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the two countries, which forged diplomatic relations 70 years ago, should continue to uphold the principle of equity, mutual respect, innovation, cooperation and win-win results, and inject new impetus to China-Switzerland relations.

The CPPCC National Committee is ready to facilitate friendly exchanges with people from all walks of life in Switzerland, Wang said.

Moret said Switzerland will also work with China to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and promote mutual understanding and friendly ties between the two peoples.
Banks are likely to be conservative about paying Lunar New Year bonuses though many reported a big jump in profits last year.

An executive at private mid-sized lender Sacombank, who asked not to be named, told VnExpress that his bank has yet to complete its bonus assessments, but like every year the bonuses would be based on individual performances. This year they would be "higher than last year but not too much."

At its review conference in late December, Sacombank had estimated its 2019 pre-tax profits to be VND3.18 trillion ($137.33 million), up nearly 45 percent.

An executive at VietinBank, one of Vietnams three large state-owned lenders, said the Tet bonuses had been determined but declined to reveal details.

The banks employees had worked hard in 2019, helping it achieve its highest profit ever of VND11.5 trillion ($496.49 million), an increase of 83 percent from 2018, he said.

"The bonuses this year are calculated to boost the morale of employees who did well, fulfilled or exceeded targets."

But he also said the average bonus would be higher than last year but not "dramatically higher."

Vietcombank, another of the three state-owned lenders, too reported record profits of VND22.7 trillion ($980.2 million). It was also the bank with the highest profit last year.

But its management has said that as a public bank it cannot be too aggressive with Tet bonuses though it achieved excellent results last year.

At the 2019 review meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, State Bank of Vietnam Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu said several banks were very profitable last year and exceeded their targets.

But they also need to retain their earnings for restructuring or improving their financial capacity, and so cannot be too generous in paying bonuses and dividends, he said.

This is especially true for banks with state ownership whose remuneration policies are strictly controlled by the government, he added.

All 11 banks which had published their results at the time of writing reported rising pre-tax profits, with private lender SeABank topping the list with an increase of 123 percent.
Although coming from a disadvantaged background, experiencing violence within the family, having a negative school environment or consuming violent media such as films and computer games have little or no direct influence on potential criminal behaviour among adolescents and young adults. These factors do often result in young people regarding violent acts as harmless and spending their time with friends with similar attitudes - and this, in turn, is clearly linked to crime.

These are two of the most important results of the long-term study "Crime in the modern City" headed by criminologist Prof. Klaus Boers (University of Munster, Germany) and sociologist Prof. Jost Reinecke (University of Bielefeld, Germany). The study - funded over a period of almost 20 years by the German Research Foundation (DFG) - is the only long-term study in Germany, and one of the few internationally, to examine delinquent behaviour from late childhood through to early adulthood. The study differs from previous ones predominantly inasmuch as the latter included one-off interviews which provided 'snapshots' but said nothing about the development of criminal behaviour.

Between 2002 and 2019 the researchers questioned around 3,000 people in Duisburg aged from 13 to 30 - initially every year, and later every two years - not only on crimes they had committed themselves, but also on attitudes, values and lifestyles. The researchers gained insights into the dark field of crime as a result of the young peoples' reports of offences which do not appear in any official statistics. In addition, they evaluated (light-field) data relating to convictions and cases which were dismissed. The information and the data contained in the study relate exclusively to Duisburg - although the researchers are convinced that many of the results can be applied to other German cities.

Overview of the most important results:

Occasional acts of theft or low-level violent crime are not unusual, especially in boys, from late childhood (28 percent) to mid-teens (25 percent) - but they are also committed by girls (22 percent and 14 percent respectively for the two age groups). However, from the end of adolescence onwards, most of the young people no longer display delinquent behaviour - with girls stopping earlier than boys. "This sharp reduction in juvenile crime is normal, and its success is due to standard educational processes and socialization," says Klaus Boers. "With attentiveness on the part of parents and teachers, and with the youngsters being among friends and in clubs, things sort themselves out in the end."

Young people accept social norms especially when society reacts in a pedagogically appropriate way to any infringements of the rules, says Boers. For this reason, he adds, something that is welcome and which makes sense is the fact that criminal law relating to juveniles allows for public prosecutors and courts to give priority to the corrective efforts undertaken by parents, teachers and other groups and to drop cases involving short-term offences committed by young people. This is one reason, Klaus Boers says, why, since the first decade of this century, crime amongst juveniles has decreased by one-third, and violent crime by as much as one-half. "A so-called zero-tolerance strategy - in other words, convictions for minor first offences - would counteract such positive developments," comments Jost Reinecke.

It's a small group of habitual offenders that are the problem. They account for five to eight percent in their respective age groups and commit half of all offences and three-quarters of all violent crimes in these age groups. Habitual offenders are active predominantly in adolescence, but the vast majority of them leave delinquency behind them at the end of this period of their lives. Nor does being an habitual offender in early years necessarily lead to a development of long-term delinquency. Half of such offenders active in late childhood commit noticeably fewer crimes in adolescence. These findings - which have been confirmed in international studies - support the theory that preventive measures and treatment programmes can also make habitual offenders turn their backs on crime.

What is especially helpful, says the report, are good relationships, based on attentiveness and trust, between schoolchildren, teachers, family members and friends. In contrast, only rarely does any contact with the police or the courts which ends in leniency have an immediate effect on adolescents' further behaviour. In the case of more drastic measures, the solidarity provided by cliques - with their particular attitudes - may be strengthened. Anyone who is known to the judicial system, the report continues - regardless of the actual extent of any offences they go on to commit - runs a higher risk of again being the focus of attention.

According to the report, adolescents who are the children of immigrants* do not commit more theft than young Germans. Girls with a Turkish heritage - a group for which the researchers in Duisburg had a good quantity of data available - commit fewer offences than German girls. In the 1990s, however, male adolescents from immigrant families committed substantially more violent crimes and they were more frequently habitual offenders. It was only in the first decade of this century, however, that no significant differences could be observed any longer between male juveniles with a German, Turkish or eastern European background. This could be attributed to successful integration of third-generation immigrants into the education system. Moreover, as regards young Germans who have social deficits comparable to those of youngsters with a Turkish heritage, both groups show similar levels of violence.

Conclusion: Even problematic offenders frequently stop committing offences - and, especially, violent crimes - at the latest when they reach early adulthood. This positive development can be supported by means of pedagogical measures and appropriate reactions on the part of the police and the courts. There is a good chance that these young people can build positive ties and attitudes in later life.

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* Adolescents who are the children of immigrants: children of migrant labourers; not refugees arriving since the 2010s.

Original publication (in German language):

Boers, Klaus & Reinecke, Jost (Hrsg.). 2019. Delinquenz im Altersverlauf. Erkenntnisse der Langzeitstudie Kriminalitat in der modernen Stadt. Munster: Waxmann-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-8309-4017-3
Three Russell Simmons (above) accusers shared how they were allegedly raped by the media mogul in a sit down interview with CBS

Three of Russell Simmons' accusers are opening up about how the media mogul allegedly sexually assaulted them and how they kept silent about the attacks for years.

In a sit down with CBS This Morning Drew Dixon, Sil Lai Abrams and Alexia Norton Jones detailed how the music executive and film producer came on to them and allegedly raped them.

The women's cases will be told in full for the first time in a yet-to-be titled new documentary set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival at the end of the month.

They're just three of some 16 women who have accused Simmons of sexual assault or rape.

'I did not want to come forward. It was the last think I wanted to do. Everyone said don't do it, it's going to ruin my life,' Sil Lai Abrams said on the morning show.

'I was helping him cover it up for 22 years and I thought, let me see what it just feels like to let it go,' Drew Dixon said.

In a sit down with CBS This Morning Drew Dixon, Sil Lai Abrams and Alexia Norton Jones detailed how Russell Simmons allegedly raped them

Alexia Norton Jones said Simmons raped her on their first and only date back in 1991. 'This was a very swift attack...he raped me right up against the f***ing wall'

Sil Lai Abrams occasionally dated Simmons when she was young, but that part of their relationship was over when he allegedly raped her in 1994 when she was too drunk to consent, leaving her suicidal

Dixon said she was working for Simmons in 1995 when he allegedly attacked her. She said: 'He showed up naked, wearing a condom and tackled me to his bed, while I screamed and fought and said, "No," and cried. That's rape'

Simmons, an American entrepreneur who co-founded the hip hop music label Def Jam Recordings, was first accused in November 2017 of sexual assault. After that a slew of other accusations, some by women who were 17 at the time of the alleged assaults, came forward to accuse Simmons of sexual harassment, assault or rape.

He has denied all those allegations, saying all his encounters were consensual.

Dixon said she was working for Simmons in 1995 when he allegedly attacked her.

'I literally worked for him. He was ordering me a car, and he told me to come upstairs and pick up a demo. I thought I would be in his apartment for five total minutes. That's it. And he showed up naked, wearing a condom and tackled me to his bed, while I screamed and fought and said, "No," and cried. That's rape,' Dixon recalled.

'This is violently tackled and raped  while saying no and fighting and crying,' she added.

Sil Lai Abrams occasionally dated Simmons, but that part of their relationship was over when he allegedly raped her in 1994.

'He'll say, "Yes, we had a sexual relationship," but he cannot address the fact that I was too drunk to consent, and that the next day I called him up, screaming. And I attempted suicide. He knew,' she revealed.

'And I told him why, that he had ruined my life, and that I had nothing,' she added.

Jones said she knew Simmons in her early 20s before he hit fame. She said he raped her on their first and only date in 1991.

'This was a very swift attack, and what was going through my mind more than anything was, "Why?"' she said. 'Because I liked Russell. And I, you know, I would've just kissed him. I would've made out with him. I would've  he didn't have to attack me.'

'He raped me right up against the f***ing wall. Excuse my language. But he  that's what he did. I had to keep this secret,' she said, her voice choking with tears.

The women said they were encouraged to come out with the #MeToo movement where women started to accuse big figures such as movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct and assault.

'It was like carrying a malignant cancer,' Dixon said on silently carrying the burden of the assault for years. 'I'm just relieved to be done enabling him essentially by not telling people what he did.'

Simmons, an American entrepreneur who co-founded the hip hop music label Def Jam Recordings, was first accused in November 2017 of sexual assault. After that a slew of other accusations, some by women who were 17 at the time of the alleged assault, came forward to accuse Simmons of sexual harassment, assault or rape

Drew Dixon pictured above in the documentary that will air at the Sundance Film Festival at the end of the month. 'I hope that black women and girls become more visible as a result of this documentary,' she said on the film

'It felt like this portal opened suddenly, where women were being believed, and I wondered if that would apply to black women,' Dixon added.

With this documentary, the women hope they can encourage others to speak out against a culture of assault and harassment, especially women of color.

'I hope that black women and girls become more visible as a result of this documentary,' Dixon said.

All three women filed a police report against Simmons decades after the alleged crimes took place. They were filed beyond the statue of limitations to prosecute.

Simmons faces no charges.

The accusations have hit Simmons, a pillar of hip hop and big name in Hollywood and the fashion world, hard. He stepped down from his position in Def Jam Recordings and lost a deal with HBO where his name and likeness were removed from his stand up comedy specials.

Russell released a statement in light of the allegations maintaining that all his encounters and relationships have been consensual and described himself as a former 'playboy'.

Just this week Oprah Winfrey stepped away from being executive producer of the documentary about the Simmons accusations. Winfrey left the film citing creative differences but said in a statement that she supported the accusers

'I have issued countless detailed denials of the false accusations against me, including pages of sworn witness testimony including family members, clergy, journalists and mutual friends who were present at every stage. These denials have been validated by my passing 9 prosecution-grade lie detector tests,' he said.

'I have admitted to being a massively unconscious "playboy" which today is appropriately titled "womanizer." Continuing to live my life honorably as an open book for decades, devoid of any kind of violence against anyone, as has been documented and examined in detail worldwide since the very early days of hip hop, which is my life's testimony and work. What I won't do is engage in a shootout of attacks and counter-attacks,' he continued.

'The social change from today's activism is more important to the world my daughters will inherit than any dirt from false accusations from nearly 40 years ago,' he added.

Just this week Oprah Winfrey stepped away from being executive producer of the documentary about the Simmons accusations. Simmons had launched a private and public campaign to question her involvement in the movie.

'He is a media mogul. He has millions of followers. I have, like, a thousand ...And he is using that muscle to try to drown out our voices,' Dixon said.

Winfrey left the film citing creative differences but said in a statement that she supported the accusers.

'There is more work to be done on the film to illuminate the full scope of what the victims endured... I want it to be known that I unequivocally believe and support the women,' Winfrey said.
OTTAWAA former Canadian Forces engineer who disappeared after he was accused of being a neo-Nazi has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on firearms charges and appeared in a United States courtroom on Thursday.

The arrest and court appearance were the first public signs of Patrik Mathews since he disappeared at the end of August amid allegations of having been a recruiter for the right-wing hate group called The Base.

Dressed in a brown T-shirt and camouflage cargo pants and sporting a heavy beard, Mathews was asked by Judge Charles Day in a U.S. District Court in a Maryland suburb of Washington if he understood the charges against him.

Those charges include one count of transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony and one charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Each charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, three years of probation and a $250,000 fine.

Understood, Mathews replied simply. He offered the same reply when informed of his rights by the judge.

Mathews was arrested along with two other men: Brian Mark Lemley, 33, and 19-year-old William Garfield Bilbrough IV. Both are U.S. citizens and also appeared in court.

Bail hearings have been set for Wednesday, when prosecutors are expected to ask that Mathews remain behind bars.

Mystery had surrounded Mathewss whereabouts since he disappeared in August amid allegations of being a neo-Nazi.

At the time, Mathews was a combat engineer with the 38 Canadian Brigade Group in Winnipeg, though the military said then it was investigating his alleged links to The Base and fast-tracking his request to be released from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The RCMP were also reportedly conducting their own investigation, though the Mounties have not confirmed the report. They had previously seized a number of weapons from a house in Beausejour, Man., about 60 kilometres east of Winnipeg, where Mathews lived.

Shortly after he disappeared, Mathewss truck was found abandoned on a rural property in southern Manitoba near the U.S. border. The RCMP said it was treating his disappearance as a missing-person case.

In a statement Thursday, the RCMP said it was aware of Mathewss arrest but would not comment on an investigation in another country.

The charges against Mathews were laid out in a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Maryland on Thursday, which alleges Mathews crossed illegally from Manitoba to Minnesota on Aug. 19.

Mathews is alleged to have made his way to Michigan. Prosecutors say on Aug. 30, Lemley and Bilbrough, who are also described as members of The Base, picked him up and took him to Maryland. Lemley previously served in the U.S. Army.

On Nov. 3, according to the allegations, the three men drove from Virginia to Maryland, where Bilbrough lived. Lemley and Mathews eventually continued to Delaware, where Lemley rented an apartment in which the two have resided since that time.

Lemley and Mathews are then alleged to have assembled a functioning assault rifle from parts in December, and all three are accused of having made a psychedelic drug known as DMT.

Furthermore, Lemley, Mathews and Bilbrough discussed The Bases activities and spoke about other members of the organization, according to the prosecutors. Mathews also allegedly showed the assault rifle to Bilbrough, who examined the assault rife and returned it to Mathews.

The U.S. Attorney goes on to allege that Lemley and Mathews bought 1,650 rounds of ammunition earlier this month and then travelled from Delaware to a gun range in Maryland, where they shot the assault rifle and retrieved a bulletproof vest.

Both Lemley and Bilbrough face charges for transporting and harbouring Mathews, while Lemley is charged with transporting a machine gun in interstate commerce and for providing a firearm and ammunition to Mathews and transporting a firearm with the intent to commit a felony.

The statement alleges that within The Bases encrypted chat rooms, members have discussed, among other things, recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organizations military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices.

In court Thursday, assistant U.S. attorney Tom Windom, the lead prosecutor, showed grainy, stylized photos that he said showed Bilbrough and other Base members lined up, firing-squad style, aiming firearms down range.

Windom said Bilbrough discussed a desire to fight with nationalists un Ukraine and had compared the group to al-Qaida  whose name means The Base in Arabic.

The prosecutor also said Bilbrough and Mathews smashed their mobile phones and dumped the pieces in a toilet when federal agents showed up.

After the hearing, lawyer Robert Bonsib, representing Bilbrough, rejected Windoms argument that his client poses a flight risk.

I didnt hear him say my client had a passport, I didnt hear him say that hes ever travelled internationally  all hes ever done is travel to a couple of states in the United States, Bonsib said. I think this 19-year-old young man should be released.

The New York Times reported the three men had talked about travelling to a pro-gun rally next week in nearby Virginia. The rally coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S., which commemorates the assassinated civil-rights activist.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a tweet Wednesday there was credible intelligence from law-enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the pro-gun demonstration planned for Monday.

In Canada, the accusations against Mathews in August and his disappearance put a spotlight on concerns that right-wing extremists have been trying to infiltrate the Canadian Armed Forces.

Several sailors associated with the far-right Proud Boys group disrupted a Mikmaq ceremony in Halifax in 2017. A military-intelligence report in 2018 said 30 active service members belonged to hate groups or had made racist statements.

The report also revealed some extremist groups have encouraged their members to seek military training and recruit service members.

With files from James McCarten in Maryland and Jim Bronskill in Ottawa.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:09:30|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority not to indulge in presumptuous self-conceit and miscalculate the situation.

Further moves to create tensions and turbulence across the Taiwan Strait will bring the island to a treacherous situation, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, in response to remarks on cross-Strait relations by Tsai Ing-wen in the BBC interview.

Taiwan has never been a country but a sacred and inalienable part of China, Ma said, warning that attempts to challenge the iron-clad fact will only end in disgrace and ruin.

"We remain as firm as a rock in our resolve to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never allow anyone, any organization, or any political party, at any time or in any form, to separate any part of Chinese territory from China," said Ma.
Strides Pharma Science announced that its stepdown wholly owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global, Singapore, has received approval for Loratadine Softgel Capsules, 10 mg (OTC) from the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA). The product is a generic version of Claritin LiquiGels Capsules, 10 mg, of Bayer HealthCare LLC.

Strides is focusing on building a private label business in the US by leveraging its portfolio of products across soft gels, tablets, capsules and other proprietary formats.

Loratadine Softgel Capsules, 10 mg (OTC) is part of Strides niche and small volume product portfolio with limited competition in the US private label market. According to IRi data, the US market for Loratadine Softgel Capsules, 10 mg (OTC) is approximately US$ 50 Mn with only one other generic approval. The product will be manufactured at the company's Oral dosage facility at Bangalore.

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138 coal-burning plants in the United States were either shut down or replaced with natural gas plants between 2005 and 2016, which saved 26,610 Americans from pollution-related deaths.

Those findings come from a new survey conducted by Jennifer Burney, a researcher at the Policy Design and Evaluation Laboratory at UC San Diego.

Burney took data on emissions from the Environmental Protection Agency for every county in the United States and compared it to mortality rates for those same counties, drawn from the Centers for Disease and Control.

Jennifer Burney from UC San Diego found that mortality rates declined in counties across America that had seen coal plant closures, accounting for 26,610 saved lives between 2005 and 2016

'On average theres a reduction in mortality rates when these coal-fired plants get shut off,' Burney told Mashable.

Burney used the mortality rates from before the coal plants had closed and calculated how many people would have died had the rates remained where they were with the plants open, leading her to the figure of 26,610 people.

The effects seemed to extend to areas as far as 124 miles around the plant.

It wasnt just human lives that were impacted; the study found plant life benefited from the closures as well.

Burney estimated around 570 million bushels of corn, soybeans and wheat were saved through coal-plant closures, providing a major boost to local farmers.

When coal burns it releases a variety of airborne toxins and carcinogens, and it also produces carbon dioxide, which helps trap heat in the atmosphere and contributes to atmospheric warming.

According to Burney's calculations a significant amount of plant life was also saved by the coal plant closures, leading to an additional 570 million bushels of corn, wheat, and soybeans

Burning coal accounts for around 25 percent of all the energy produced in America, and energy production is nearly the only purpose for coal burning today

Researchers estimate around 50,000 Americans die every year from conditions tied to coal pollution

A huge majority of the coal burned in the United States is used to generate electricity and accounts for around 25 percent of the countrys total energy production.

At the same time, coal-burning is tied to around 50,000 deaths a year in America, thanks to complications resulting from pollution from coal-burning plants.

There really is no rational reason why we should be burning coal anymore, Michigan Technological Universitys Joshua Pearce told Mashable.

If you care about American lives, and money, it just doesnt make sense.
On Wednesday, both chambers of Virginia's General Assembly passed resolutions to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The Equal Rights Amendment is a proposed amendment to the Constitution, which would guarantee equal rights to men and women. Each chamber still needs to pass each other's resolution, but that is expected to happen within the next week. Virginia would then become the 38th state to ratify the amendment.

The ERA was passed by Congress in 1972, and three-fourths of the states needed to ratify it. The seven-year deadline was extended to 10 years, but by 1982, only 35 states had ratified the amendment, falling short of the 38 necessary. Over the last three years, two more states have ratified the amendment: Nevada and Illinois.

Critics say that because the deadline passed so long ago, the ERA cannot be ratified, but advocates argue that Congress can amend the deadline. "There's no time limit on equal rights," Virginia state Sen. Mamie Locke (D) said.

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Around 50 lakh pilgrims from different parts of the country, and neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal, took a holy dip on the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Around 50 lakh people had congregated here for the pilgrimage, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday.

"Like the Kumbh Mela, we have the Gangasagar Mela in #Bangla. Just got the good news that the number of pilgrims attending has touched the 50-lakh mark. Am so proud and happy to share this news with you," Banerjee tweeted on Wednesday evening.

Every year on Makar Sankranti, lakhs of Hindus flock to the Sagar Island in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district to take the holy dip and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni temple.

"Last year, we had a record number of 20 lakh pilgrims visiting the island. This year, that record has been broken. It was peaceful and the pilgrims have also appreciated our arrangements," an official said.

Security has been beefed up in the island, around 100 km from Kolkata, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is monitoring the situation, officials said.

Besides deploying senior officers, around 10,000 police personnel and volunteers have been posted for the gathering -- the Gangasagar Mela.

Security officials are also keeping a watch on the waters and patrolling is being done, they said.

Drones and around 1,000 CCTV cameras have been put up, and several watch towers set up.

The West Bengal government, for the first time this year, is using an air ambulance at the Sagar Island, officials said.

Pilgrims also visited at several ghats in other parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata and Howrah.

Amid tight security, thousands of people participated in the rituals at Babughat, Doi ghat, Baje Kadamtala ghat, Saradamani ghat, Ratanbabur ghat, Bagbazar ghat and Kumartuli ghat, all on the banks of the Hooghly river in Kolkata, they said.

In the districts as well, thousands of people took a dip at sunrise.

Makar Sankranti marks the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

It is known by various names in different parts of the country and in West Bengal it is celebrated as Poush Sankranti.

Image courtesy: PTI


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about Kala Pharma's completion of enrollment in STRIDE 3 trial, Rockwell Medical's license and supply agreements with India-based Sun Pharmaceutical and upcoming regulatory catalyst of DURECT.



Read on.



Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc. (KALA) has completed enrollment in its phase III clinical trial for EYSUVIS, its product candidate for the short-term treatment of dry eye disease.



The trial, dubbed STRIDE 3, is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study, comparing EYSUVIS to vehicle (placebo), each dosed four times a day (QID) for two weeks in approximately 900 patients with dry eye disease.



The top-line results from the STRIDE 3 trial are expected during the first quarter of 2020.



Kala expects that data from the STRIDE 3 trial will serve as the basis for the resubmission of the EYSUVIS NDA to the FDA.



The U.S. regulatory agency refused to approve EYSUVIS last August and had indicated that efficacy data from an additional clinical trial will be needed to support a resubmission.



KALA closed Wednesday's trading at $5.49, up 4.17%.



Shares of Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) plunged more than 15% on Wednesday.



On January 14, 2020, the Company announced that it is withdrawing its New Drug Application for Oxycodegol as the Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee did not recommend approval of the drug candidate.



Oxycodegol, also known as NKTR-181, was proposed for the management of chronic low back pain in adult patients with pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.



NKTR closed Wednesday's trading at $23.49, down 15.99%.



Rockwell Medical Inc. (RMTI) has entered into license and supply agreements with a wholly-owned subsidiary of India-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for the rights to commercialize Triferic in India.



Approved in January 2015, Triferic is indicated to replace iron and maintain hemoglobin in hemodialysis patients via dialysate during each dialysis treatment.



As part of the agreements, Rockwell Medical will receive an upfront fee and will be eligible for milestone payments and royalties on net sales.



Rockwell has developed multiple formulations of Triferic - Dialysate Triferic and I.V. Triferic. The FDA has approved only the Dialysate Triferic formulation. The I.V. Triferic is under FDA review, with a decision expected on March 28, 2020.



RMTI closed Wednesday's trading at $2.79, up 20.26%.



On January 16, 2020, the Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to review DURECT Corp.'s (DRRX) resubmitted New Drug Application for POSIMIR, a post-operative pain relief depot.



POSIMIR, a nonopioid, locally-acting analgesic, is designed to be administered directly into the surgical site to deliver the anesthetic bupivacaine for up to three days after surgery.



The FDA had issued a Complete Response Letter for POSIMIR in February 2014.



DRRX closed Wednesday's trading at $2.54, up 3.25%.



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The government may increase on several products like paper, footwear, rubber items and toys in the forthcoming Budget with a view to promote 'Make in India' and boost manufacturing growth, sources said.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry in its Budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry has proposed rationalisation of basic customs or import duty on over 300 items from different sectors, including furniture, chemicals, rubber, coated paper and paper boards, they said.

For new pneumatic tyres of rubber, it has proposed to hike to 40 per cent from the current 10-15 per cent.

Similarly on footwear and related products, the ministry has suggested increase in duty to 35 per cent from the current 25 per cent.

"There is a significant increase in imports of undervalued and cheap footwear. Hike in the duty will help address the issue of price competition. Majority of imports are coming from ASEAN countries, with which India has a free trade agreement. It is also suspected that China is re-routing large quantities of footwear through these countries," the sources said.

The ministry has proposed to increase import duty on wooden furniture to 30 per cent from the current 20 per cent.

For coated paper, paper boards and hand made papers, it has suggested doubling the duty to 20 per cent.

However, it has asked for removal of import duty on waste paper and wood pulp, which is currently at 10 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

The paper industry has expressed concerns about cheap imports and surge in inbound shipments.

"This has significant negative impact on coated paper manufacturing industry. Increase in duty will help domestic industry to compete with global players. It would also protect local manufacturers and ensure sustained growth of domestic paper industry," one of the sources said.

For wood, metal and plastic toys, the ministry has suggested increase in import duty to up to 100 per cent from the current 20 per cent.

Import of these toys increased to USD 304 million in 2018-19 from USD 281.82 million in 2017-18 from China and Hong Kong.
(ANSA) - Milan, January 15 - A Milan appeals court on Wednesday acquitted the former CEO of Eni, Paolo Scaroni, currently president of AC Milan, and the Italian oil company in a trial focusing on an alleged $197 million kickback for infrastructure unit Saipem.

All the other defendants were acquitted, including Saipem managers.

The confiscation of $197 million from Saipem was revoked.

Eni lawyers said "it was an insubstantial theorem that (the prosecutors) carried forward, and which has now been dismantled".

Scaroni's lawyer Enrico de Castiglione said "this is the word 'end' to this complicated affair".


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Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has encouraged Vietnam to increase its imports of Indonesian seafood and has invited the country to invest in several Indonesian fisheries, including Natuna where foreign poachers often operate.

Retno was in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday for a short stopover before joining the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Thursday in the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Retno met Nguyen Thi Thu Sac, general director of Hai Nam Company Limited, a fish company based in Ho Chi Minh City, on Wednesday.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

The process of accommodating internally displaced people (IDPs) from Azerbaijans Lachin district was launched in two of three settlements created in Takhtakorpu village of Aghjabadi district for 645 families and fully prepared at the end of 2019, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani State Committee for Refugees and IDPs.

The Azerbaijani State Committee for Refugees and IDPs held a draw.

The creation of new settlements built to improve the living conditions of IDPs located in Takhtakorpu village is envisaged upon the changes in the state program in accordance with the Azerbaijani presidents decree #1346 dated February 21, 2011.

A land plot of 572 hectares was allotted upon the corresponding resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers. At the preliminary stage, three settlements were created for 645 families of IPDs on 134 of 572 hectares. The customer of design and construction is the Azerbaijani Fund for Social Development of IDPs.

The IPDs who previously temporarily resided in Vagazin, Garakechid and Sheylanli villages have been accommodated in the settlements. The families from Vagazin will be accommodated in 256 houses, families from Garakechid - in 245 houses and families from Sheylanli - in 144 houses.

Each private house has a personal plot of 0.12 hectares. In total, 62 one-room houses, 260 two-room and three-room houses, 63 four-room houses were built in three settlements.

Three schools, including two schools for 192 pupils and one school for 108 pupils, were built in the settlement. An administrative building, a first-aid post were also built. The corresponding engineering and communication networks were created. The landscaping work was carried out.

A 330/110/10-kilovolt substation was reconstructed to provide new settlements with electricity. A new closed substation was built. Some 11 pieces of 10 / 0.4 kilovolt transformers with a capacity of 400 watts were installed.

Water tanks, into which water is pumped from the Upper Karabakh Canal through new pipelines, were built. Some water is directed to a water treatment plant to supply the settlement with drinking water and other part will be used for irrigation.

Some 106 hydrants were installed on the territory of the settlements. The closed drainage networks and closed water reservoirs were created to reduce the groundwater level. Eight drainage pumps were installed.

The appropriate measures have also been carried out to provide the settlements with gas. Each house has a gas-fired heating boiler. Two boiler houses were built in each of the settlements for heating schools and a first-aid post.

The landscaping work was carried out in each settlement. Some 19 sanitary treatment sites were built. A territory of 2.3 hectares was landscaped.
Ryanair has already closed three bases in the Canary Islands and says more shut downs in Spain cannot be ruled out if there are new delays in deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which is banned from flying after two accidents killed more than 300 people.

Ryanairs Marketing Director, Kenny Jacobs, explained that the airline had planned to deliver up to ten 737 MAX planes for this summer, although that number could be reduced after revisions by the regulators.

Ryanair currently has nine bases at 26 airports in Spain and employs around 3,000 people which does not include the bases at Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote which were shut down on January 8 because of the problems with the 737 MAX.

Boeing 737 Max planes at Washington airport. Photo: Reuters

"The only reason for the closure of bases is the delay in deliveries of 737 MAX, which has caused the closure of seven Ryanair bases in Europe" said Kenny Jacobs.

The delays are likely to cause a 1.5% drop in Ryanair traffic to Spain this year, with a 3% drop predicted at three Catalan airports but a 1.5% growth is forecast in Madrid.
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg slammed as bullshit the suggestion that he is implicated in a corporate price fixing scandal that ensnared a client of the consulting firm he worked for.

Youve been on the front lines of corporate price fixing, New York Times reporter Binyamin Appelbaum remarked when the South Bend, Ind. mayor sat down with the papers editorial board on Thursday. Youve had direct experience in many of the things that make a lot of young people very angry about the way that this country is operating right now. You dont seem to embody that anger.

So the proposition that Ive been on front lines of corporate price fixing is bullshit. Just to get that out of the way, Buttigieg hit back.

You worked for a company that was fixing bread prices, Appelbaum said.

No, I worked for a consulting company that had a client that may have been involved in fixing or was apparently in a scandal. I was not aware of the Canadian bread pricing scandal until last night, the mayor argued.

Buttigieg worked for the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, which he left in 2010 to run for office, eventually becoming mayor of South Bend in 2012.

In 2017, the Canadian supermarket chain Loblaws admitted to engaging in a wide-ranging price-fixing scandal spanning over a decade that involved the prices of bread at its stores. During his time at McKinsey, Buttigieg spend six months in Toronto analyzing the effects of price cuts on various combinations of items across hundreds of stores for Loblaws.

Last year, Buttigiegs campaign said he was not directly involved in the scandal but was simply part of a team that ran analytics and put together a model to help this supermarket chain determine how much  and in what stores they could make certain items more affordable in order to gain new customers.

Buttigieg has fielded accusations in recent weeks from other 2020 candidates that he is too cozy with the corporate world, a top issue for candidates like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who called out the mayor for holding a private fundraiser in a wine cave with wealthy donors.

More from National Review
The Election Commission has temporarily frozen the 'two leaves' symbol of the Kerala Congress (Mani) as it is inquiring into the dispute between two factions claiming ownership of the party, a senior EC official said on Thursday.

New Delhi: The Election Commission has temporarily frozen the 'two leaves' symbol of the Kerala Congress (Mani) as it is inquiring into the dispute between two factions claiming ownership of the party, a senior EC official said on Thursday.

"Based on the representation received from one of the factions of KC (M) led by Jose K Mani, which apprehended that the other faction led by PJ Joseph may misuse the symbol for the ensuing polls, the Commission has decided to freeze the symbol till 20 January when the next hearing is scheduled," an EC official said.

Sources said if no decision is taken on the dispute on 20 January, the order to freeze the symbol may be extended. The order has been issued under clause 15 of The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Jose Mani, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Kerala and son of KC (M) founder KM Mani, confirmed to PTI that he had indeed made the request to the EC to freeze the symbol "for the time being" to prevent the other faction from misusing it in the ensuing polls.

The full commission  Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra  began the hearing into the dispute on Monday.

Both the factions are claiming that they represent the original KC(M) after the death of KM Mani in April, 2019. Mani was also a former minister of Kerala.

PJ Joseph, who is the KC (M) MLA from Thodupuzha, is heading the other faction and is the party's working chairman.

KC (M) is the third largest partner of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). After KM Mani's death Jose Mani anointed himself as the new chairman antagonising Joseph.

Party sources said the EC should bring an end to the dispute at the earliest as the Assembly by-election to Kuttanad in Alappuzha district is due and so are the polls to the local bodies.

The vacancy in Kuttanad was caused due to the death of MLA and NCP state president Thomas Chandy (72) on 20 December, 2019. As per the rules, the seat has to be filled up within six months. NCP is part of the ruling LDF in Kerala.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 14:17:39|Editor: huaxia

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chief of the Chinese side of the China-U.S. comprehensive economic dialogue, show the signed China-U.S. phase-one economic and trade agreement during a ceremony at the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States formally signed their phase-one economic and trade agreement here on Wednesday, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump inking the papers in the White House.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chief of the Chinese side of the China-U.S. comprehensive economic dialogue, first conveyed a message of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Trump.

The conclusion of the phase-one economic and trade agreement is good for China, for the United States and for the whole world, Xi said in the message read out by the vice premier.

"It also shows that our two countries have the ability to act on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and work through dialogue and consultation to properly handle and effectively resolve relevant issues," read the message.

In the next step, the two sides need to implement the agreement in real earnest and optimize its positive impact, so as to make even greater progress in China-U.S. trade and economic cooperation, the Chinese president said.

To maintain healthy and steady growth of China-U.S. relations serves the interest of both countries and requires joint efforts from both sides, Xi said.

In that spirit, Xi voiced hope that the U.S. side will treat fairly Chinese companies and their regular economic, trade and investment activities, and give support to the collaboration between enterprises, research institutes, and schools and colleges of the two countries, as it will help enhance mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides.

"China is prepared to work with the United States in that direction. And I will stay in close touch with you personally," Xi said. "I believe that under our guidance, China-U.S. relations will deliver more results and bring greater benefits to our peoples in the year ahead."

The Chinese vice premier, in his remarks, called the agreement mutually beneficial and of win-win nature. "It will bring about stable economic growth, promote world peace and prosperity, and is in the interest of producers, consumers, and investors from both countries," he said.

Liu noted that the phase-one deal is in line with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and that it is neither directed at nor will affect the lawful rights and interests of any third party.

Liu expressed the hope that both sides will work together under the principle of equality and mutual respect, strictly honor the agreement, accommodate each other's core concerns, and ensure a good implementation of the phase-one trade agreement.

"It is the pressing need and will also play an important role in the growth of bilateral economic and trade relations in the future," he said.

Speaking of the Chinese economy, Liu pointed out that it is transitioning from high-speed growth to high-quality development while a massive domestic market is taking shape.

China welcomes investors from around the world, including those from the United States, and will expand the import of quality products and services from countries around the world, he said, adding that China will open further to the world.

For his part, Trump called the signing of the phase-one economic and trade agreement a milestone, and a boon to the United States, China and the whole world.

Describing China as a great nation, Trump also expressed his admiration for Xi's wisdom and leadership.

Relations between the United States and China are very important, said the U.S. president, stressing that the two sides are working together closely in economy and trade, along with a wide range of other areas, which will help promote world peace and prosperity.

Trump also said he looks forward to another visit to China in the foreseeable future.

Approximately 300 people, including U.S. officials, all members of the Chinese delegation and representatives from various U.S. sectors, attended the signing ceremony.
CINCINNATI - Bernard Bernie Diederich, a longtime journalist in the Caribbean region who braved dictators and disasters, has died in his adopted homeland of Haiti. He was 93.

His oldest son, J.B. Diederich, said the man who covered civil wars, coups, earthquakes and hurricanes across the islands and Central America died peacefully at home Tuesday afternoon in the arms of his wife of 57 years, Ginette. Diederichs career as a reporter and historian spanned seven decades.

Bernie was everywhere in the region, an expert on decades of strongmen and political unrest, Shirley Christian, a former Associated Press chief in Chile who covered the Caribbean for The Miami Herald, said by email. Everyone who travelled with Bernie or ran into him around the region came away with countless Bernie stories and memories  most of them true, as far as I know.

Among them: after the U.S.-led invasion in 1983 of Grenada following a bloody coup on the island that hosted American medical students, Diederich was in a small band of journalists who slipped into the island by boat while the Pentagon was trying to keep reporters away. He was later credited with helping U.S. Marines locate a slain comrades body and with going to a hilltop prison to inform political prisoners that they were free to go because their guards had fled under fire.

Diederich was also known for his close friendship with the famed English novelist Graham Greene, whose Haiti-set 1966 The Comedians was made into a movie starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Diederich wrote a book about Greenes experiences in the region, among 22 he authored.

He was honoured in 1976 with a Maria Moors Cabot award from Columbia University for coverage of the Americas.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Diederich sailed away on a tall ship during World War II, spending time when he could reading books and contributing to the ships newsletter, his son said. He settled in England for awhile, then bought a sailboat with friends meaning to see the world. After stopping in Haiti in 1949 to deliver some cargo, Diederich went ashore in search of his stolen camera and was enchanted by the island nation, his son recounted in a phone interview Thursday from Haiti.

Diederich started the English-language weekly newspaper, The Haitian Sun, and was a free-lance reporter for The Associated Press and other news organizations. He ran afoul of the dictator Francois Papa Doc Duvalier and was arrested in 1963 by the much-feared TonTon Macoute paramilitary and put on a plane to the Dominican Republic. J.B., an infant at the time, said the family was fortunate to be allowed to leave.

Diederich had also covered another long-reigning dictator, Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republican, and wrote a book about his 1961 assassination titled Trujillo: The Death of the Goat.

Diederich later became Mexico bureau chief for Time magazine, and covered the region through a tumultuous era of East-West conflict and insurrections.

In recent years, Diederich, who also mentored many younger journalists, focused on writing books about Haiti that were translated into the Haitian Creole as a way to preserve his knowledge of the country.

I think my father wanted to be remembered as someone who cared for the Haitian people and for the people of the Caribbean, J.B. said. He was a person who believed in the truth and he made a big effort to treat everyone with a quality of respect.

Diederich is survived by his wife, sons J.B. and Phillippe, daughter Natalie, and seven grandchildren. He will buried Saturday, with a rock from New Zealands Makara Beach in his hand, near the church where he was wed.

___

Sewell, now Cincinnati correspondent, covered the Caribbean for The AP in the 1980s.

___

Follow Dan Sewell at https://twitter.com/dansewell
A senior Nomads bikie has claimed he turned to male prostitution to fund his serious meth addiction.

Alexander Victor Miller, 30, fronted the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday after allegedly being caught with 15 grams of meth and $11,000 in cash over the weekend.

Police allege the cash was ill-gotten but Miller's defence lawyer Kate Gunther told the court her client had earned the money as a sex worker.

Ms Gunther said the 30-year-old, who holds the second-highest rank in the Nomads' Canberra chapter, was embarrassed by his 'debasing' line of work.

Alexander Victor Miller, 30, the sargeant-at-arms for the club's Canberra chapter fronted court on Thursday after being caught with 15 grams of meth and $11,000 in tainted cash

His defence lawyer told the court the $11,000 was from Miller's role as a male prostitute

Miller was a truck driver before losing his licence for drug driving, which had forced him to turn to the sex trade, Ms Gunther told the court.

'Sex work is not his passion, as you would probably expect  he does not enjoy it, in fact he considers it to be debasing himself,' she said.

She said Miller had a serious drug addiction and used meth daily.

Miller fronted court earlier this week for a series of minor traffic charges which resulted in him being fined and disqualified from driving.

Ms Gunther said Miller's girlfriend had agreed to support him if granted bail.

Magistrate Louise Taylor refused, however, saying he had an 'appalling' history of not complying with court orders.

Miller was remanded in custody to appear in court on January 30.

Earlier this week Miller fronted court on Tuesday for a series of minor traffic charges which resulted in him being fined and disqualified from driving
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to favour Delhi over other states. He asked her to see to it that the model code of conduct doesnt deter her from making announcements that would be beneficial to the national capital.

Kejriwal made this statement on January 16 while addressing concerns surrounding the date of the Delhi elections (February 8), that would be held within a week of presenting the Budget (February 1). Well-wishers of the party are worried that the Budget announcements would influence the electorate to choose the Bharatiya Janata Party over AAP.

Kejriwal, however, stated that Delhis development shouldnt stop at any cost and that the party would do nothing to try and postpone the date the Union Budget will be presented.

He went on to say that he is not worried if the Budget will sway the voters and urged the Centre to announce as many schemes as possible for the benefit of Delhi instead.

The incumbent CM further said: We want the Budget to be presented on February 1 and we want the Centre to make several announcements about Delhi so that people benefit, and Delhis development is fast-tracked.

The AAP supremo even suggested the Central government to pump in more money to the three BJP-run municipal corporations so that their work is fast-tracked. He also announced that he would make his stance on this clear by writing a letter to the BJP government at the Centre, reported the Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party, in its campaigns, has been pitching for a triple-engine government for better development of Delhi. They have been claiming that if the same party governs the states, its respective civic bodies, and the Centre, it becomes easier to implement and execute development plans.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Turnspire Capital Partners LLC ("Turnspire"), a special situations-focused private equity firm, announced today that, through an affiliate, it has acquired the assets of MPI Holdings, LLC ("MPI" or the "Company"). Turnspire also announced that Trevor Myers, an accomplished and respected automotive executive and a Turnspire Executive in Residence, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of MPI.

Founded in 1969, MPI is North America's leading Tier 1 supplier of high-precision, fineblanked metal components, and is a leader in safety and mission-critical automotive and industrial parts. Across five strategically located plants in the U.S. and Mexico, MPI's product portfolio is comprised of highly engineered metal components with unparalleled dimensional accuracy and dependability in critical applications. MPI's automotive customers include several large original equipment manufacturers and global Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

Turnspire Partner Abel S. Osorio said, "We are excited to bring MPI's world-class fineblanking capabilities, well-positioned facilities and highly skilled workforce into the Turnspire portfolio. MPI is conservatively capitalized, with ample resources to invest in transformative process improvements, R&D, significant organic growth and to fund strategic acquisitions. MPI remains committed to providing current and future customers with world-class product quality and customer service."

Mr. Myers said, "I'm honored to join such a storied and remarkable company. Over decades MPI has established itself as the leading supplier of formed metal products in the North America automotive industry with a persistent focus on quality and customer service. Turnspire's operational support and strategic guidance will enable MPI to better serve both new and existing markets while rapidly expanding into adjacent markets that benefit from fineblanked processes."

"Turnspire relentlessly seeks opportunities where we are uniquely positioned to collaborate with our Executives in Residence and network of operating experts to create the most value, and we are thrilled to acquire MPI and bring in an executive of Trevor's caliber as CEO," said Turnspire's Managing Partner Ilya Koffman. "I have known Trevor for well over a decade and have seen him drive domestic and international growth, customer diversification and substantial operational improvements."

Mr. Myers previously served as President and CEO of Cloyes Gear from 1997 to 2017. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Cloyes, HHI Holdings, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association and NAPA Supplier Council. Mr. Myers has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan.

Chapman & Cutler LLP served as legal counsel to Turnspire.

Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to MPI Holdings, LLC. Haynes and Boone, LLP served as legal counsel to MPI Holdings, LLC.

About MPI

MPI is North America's leading manufacturer of high-precision, fineblanked metal components for mission-critical and safety-critical automotive and industrial applications. Fineblanking is a dual-pressure stamping process for cutting, shaping and machining of highly engineered metal components that produces parts with uniform flatness, unparalleled dimensional accuracy, and near-net finish. The process is ideal for manufacturing geometrically-complex automotive components. In addition, MPI has a wide variety of inhouse secondary operations and light assembly capabilities to provide a turnkey solution to global customers. MPI's high quality parts are critical to the following automotive systems: engine, chassis, axles, exhaust, transmission and seating. MPI also offers unique solutions to the complex and micro fineblanking needs of the medical and industrial markets. For additional information, please visit www.mpiproducts.com.

About Turnspire Capital Partners

Turnspire Capital Partners invests in high-quality businesses that have reached strategic, financial or operational inflection points and stand to benefit from our hands-on, operationally focused approach. Turnspire's investment philosophy is predicated on creating value through operational improvements rather than through financial leverage. Turnspire strives to make each of its companies best-in-class in their respective industry niches, and then to grow the businesses through organic initiatives or strategic acquisitions. For additional information, please visit www.turnspirecap.com.

CONTACT:

Mark Semer

Kekst CNC

212-521-4802

SOURCE Turnspire Capital Partners LLC

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http://www.turnspirecap.com


Board Chairman of Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Rex Omar, wants Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) organisers to uphold its ban on dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy.

The duo was sanctioned with a ban and stripped off all awards after their supposed misunderstanding led Stonebwoy into pulling a gun on stage at the 2019 VGMA.

According to Rex Omar, VGMA should hold on to principles governing their institution and the decision to restrict the two from partaking in their awards scheme.

I believe principles are very important in making a decision so when we do, we should stick to it. If they want to be principled in making these decisions they should realize what happened that day is wrong and it is still wrong now, the veteran highlife artiste said on 3FM.

Reacting to pardon requests on the grounds that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale are big boys in the industry, Rex Omar said even though he admires the duo, they are not bigger than the industry.

No matter how big you are, you are not bigger than the industry; we have had bigger artistes in Ghana before. If we allow them to become bigger than the industry then we have no industry, he emphasised.

To him, the ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy is to send a signal to up-and-coming artistes that attitudes like that are wrong.

---Adomonline.com
MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gladstone Commercial Corporation (GOOD) (Gladstone Commercial) announced today that it has signed a lease with Benedictine Heath System (BHS) at 6499 University Avenue, Gladstones office property in Fridley, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Construction of building improvements will begin immediately and include significant common area upgrades in addition to tenant improvements for the tenant. BHS is one of the largest Catholic senior care organizations in the United States. Benedictine owns and manages skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living communities across the upper Midwest and offers services in such areas as therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, home health care, adult day and transitional care. BHS signed a ten-year lease for 35,757 square feet, or approximately half of the 72,428 square foot office building.



We are excited to bring BHS to our Fridley building, said Matt Tucker, Senior Managing Director and Northeast/Midwest Regional Head for Gladstone Commercial. This is the first step in repositioning this high quality office property as a multi-tenant building. We are encouraged that we were able to lease half of the building before the expiration of the prior tenants lease.

It has been a pleasure working with the BHS staff and our great team of consultants including KimbleCo and Genesis architecture while continually supported by our great CBRE property management team, said Karen Priesman, Senior Asset Manager for Gladstone Commercial. This lease eliminates significant 2020 rollover risk, bringing a high credit tenant into our tenant base contributing to greater weighted average lease term in our portfolio. We thank CBREs Vice President Jerry Driessen for his efforts in bringing BHS to the building and Julie Kimble for representing the Landlord.

About Gladstone Commercial (GOOD)

Gladstone Commercial is a real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, owning, and operating net leased industrial and office properties across the United States. As of September 30, 2019, Gladstone Commercials real estate portfolio consisted of 109 properties located in 24 states, totaling approximately 13.1 million square feet. For additional information please visit www.gladstonecommercial.com .

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For Broker Submittals:

Southcentral: Northeast/Midwest: Buzz Cooper Matt Tucker Senior Managing Director Senior Managing Director (703) 287-5815 (703) 287-5830 Buzz.Cooper@gladstonecompanies.com Matt.Tucker@gladstonecompanies.com Southeast/Southwest: Brandon Flickinger Managing Director (703) 287-5819 Brandon.Flickinger@gladstonecompanies.com

Investor or Media Inquiries:

Bob Cutlip President  Gladstone Commercial Corporation (703) 287-5878 Bob.Cutlip@gladstonecompanies.com

All statements contained in this press release, other than historical facts, may constitute 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. Words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers should not rely upon forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Gladstone Commercials business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, funds from operations or prospects to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties are disclosed under the caption Risk Factors of the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019 and certain other filings we make with the SEC. Gladstone Commercial cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For Investor Relations inquiries related to any of the monthly dividend paying Gladstone funds, please visit www.gladstonecompanies.com .

SOURCE: Gladstone Commercial Corporation
Chen Zhiyuan kneels to propose to his girlfriend Wen Lihong at Ganzhou West Railway Station in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, January 14, 2020. Chen Zhiyuan, a 27-year-old staff member of Yingtan section of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd., and Wen Lihong, a 23-year-old staff member of Ganzhou West Railway Station, have been in love for two years. Due to their busy works, they can only meet each other once a month. On this Tuesday, Chen was assigned to work at Ganzhou Railway Station and had to turn back to Nanchang in the afternoon. He had only 15 minutes to meet with his girlfriend at Ganzhou West Railway Station before boarding the train. Chen grasped this opportunity to propose to her girlfriend and got accepted, which was witnessed by passengers. [Xinhua/Hu Chenhuan]

Chen Zhiyuan (R) helps his girlfriend Wen Lihong wear a scarf at Ganzhou West Railway Station in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, January 14, 2020. Chen Zhiyuan, a 27-year-old staff member of Yingtan section of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd., and Wen Lihong, a 23-year-old staff member of Ganzhou West Railway Station, have been in love for two years. Due to their busy works, they can only meet each other once a month. On this Tuesday, Chen was assigned to work at Ganzhou Railway Station and had to turn back to Nanchang in the afternoon. He had only 15 minutes to meet with his girlfriend at Ganzhou West Railway Station before boarding the train. Chen grasped this opportunity to propose to her girlfriend and got accepted, which was witnessed by passengers. [Xinhua/Hu Chenhuan]

Chen Zhiyuan puts a ring on his fiancee Wen Lihong's finger after the proposal at Ganzhou West Railway Station in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, January 14, 2020. Chen Zhiyuan, a 27-year-old staff member of Yingtan section of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd., and Wen Lihong, a 23-year-old staff member of Ganzhou West Railway Station, have been in love for two years. Due to their busy works, they can only meet each other once a month. On this Tuesday, Chen was assigned to work at Ganzhou Railway Station and had to turn back to Nanchang in the afternoon. He had only 15 minutes to meet with his girlfriend at Ganzhou West Railway Station before boarding the train. Chen grasped this opportunity to propose to her girlfriend and got accepted, which was witnessed by passengers. [Xinhua/Hu Chenhuan]

Wen Lihong waves goodbye to her fiance Chen Zhiyuan at Ganzhou West Railway Station in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, January 14, 2020. Chen Zhiyuan, a 27-year-old staff member of Yingtan section of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd., and Wen Lihong, a 23-year-old staff member of Ganzhou West Railway Station, have been in love for two years. Due to their busy works, they can only meet each other once a month. On this Tuesday, Chen was assigned to work at Ganzhou Railway Station and had to turn back to Nanchang in the afternoon. He had only 15 minutes to meet with his girlfriend at Ganzhou West Railway Station before boarding the train. Chen grasped this opportunity to propose to her girlfriend and got accepted, which was witnessed by passengers. [Xinhua/Hu Chenhuan]

Chen Zhiyuan gives his fiancee Wen Lihong a hug at Ganzhou West Railway Station in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, January 14, 2020. Chen Zhiyuan, a 27-year-old staff member of Yingtan section of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd., and Wen Lihong, a 23-year-old staff member of Ganzhou West Railway Station, have been in love for two years. Due to their busy works, they can only meet each other once a month. On this Tuesday, Chen was assigned to work at Ganzhou Railway Station and had to turn back to Nanchang in the afternoon. He had only 15 minutes to meet with his girlfriend at Ganzhou West Railway Station before boarding the train. Chen grasped this opportunity to propose to her girlfriend and got accepted, which was witnessed by passengers. [Xinhua/Hu Chenhuan]

(Source: Xinhua)
(Bloomberg) -- Huawei Technologies Co. broke into the top 10 recipients of U.S. patents last year, according to an analysis of filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the latest sign that Chinese companies are aggressive in pursuing the U.S. lead in global technology.

The telecom companys 2,418 patents, along with 2,177 new patents issued to display-screen maker BOE Technology Group, help propel China into the rank of fourth-biggest recipient of U.S. patents, behind Japan and South Korea but ahead of Germany for the first time, according to the analysis by Fairview Researchs IFI Claims Patent Services.Chinas growing rapidly but theyre still way behind the U.S. in terms of patents, said Larry Cady, a senior analyst with IFI.

International Business Machines Corp. retained its title of top recipient of patents for the 27th year, with a record 9,262 patents, far ahead of No. 2 Samsung Electronics Co. and No. 3 Canon Inc.

Overall, the patent office issued 333,530 patents, an all-time high and a 15% jump after a decline in 2018. Cady said the increase likely reflects efforts to release a bottleneck over what can qualify for a patent, such as in the fields of artificial intelligence.AI, cloud computing, blockchain and security were among the top areas for IBM, the Armonk, New York, company said. The IBM patents reflect the work of more than 8,500 inventors over 45 states and 54 countries, the company added.

While IBM may be consistently the top recipient of patents, its holdings arent the largest, IFI found. That title belongs to Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea, with Canon Inc. of Japan the second-largest corporate owner of patents. The difference, Cady said, is that IBM doesnt keep all of its patents.

We really look at new patents as an indication of innovation and we regularly review and prune our patent assets, said Jason McGee, chief technology officer for IBM Cloud Platform. We may get rid of ones that we dont think are strategic or could be better served with someone else.

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IBM also announced that its joined the License on Transfer, or LOT, Network, which was co-founded by Red Hat Inc. IBM bought the software company for $34 billion last year.

Group members pledge that all network members will get a license to any patent that ends up with whats known as a patent assertion entity, meaning a company that doesnt make products and whose sole purpose is to extract royalties from those who do. The group helps protects automakers and retailers who are just entering the technology arena thats often marked by lawsuits.

If you want to be any successful company, you have to be a successful high-tech company, said Ken Seddon, head of the LOT Network.

Overall, the list of top recipients is dominated by American and Asian technology companies. Behind IBM, Samsung and Canon are Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., LG Electronics Inc. and Apple Inc. topping the list after Canon. Ford Motor Co., which broke into the top 10 last year, was just ahead of Amazon.com Inc. and then Huawei.

While the numbers are small, the fastest-growing patent classifications were in the gene-splicing technology known as CRISPR, hybrid plants, 3-D printing and cancer therapies, the analysis showed.

Many of the patents issued to Huawei relate to things like high-frequency transmission that are needed for the next generation of wireless technology known as 5G.

President Donald Trumps administration in May moved to restrict U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei. The administration has said Huawei gear could be used for spying -- an allegation the company denied.

The U.S. is kind of at a funny position with Huawei -- were threatening them with limiting access to technology and access to the markets, Cady said. At the same time, 5G is rolling out and theyre the dominant in 5G.

To contact the reporters on this story: Susan Decker in Washington at sdecker1@bloomberg.net;Christopher Yasiejko in Wilmington, Delaware, at cyasiejko1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jon Morgan at jmorgan97@bloomberg.net, Elizabeth Wasserman, John Harney

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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A Bulgarian man has been found dead at his home in London, sparking the capital's third murder probe of 2020.

Police were called to the scene in Croydon by the London Ambulance Service at around 8.50am on Monday morning, following reports that a man had been found dead inside his house.

Krasimir Kartikov, 60, was named as the victim found at the property on Whitehorse Road.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the Bulgarian native died of multiple injuries.

Krasimir Kartikov (pictured above), 60, was named as the victim found at the property on Whitehorse Road

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our investigation is moving quickly but we are keen to speak to anyone who saw or spoke to Krasimir after 4pm on the afternoon of Saturday, 11 January.

'We would also ask anyone who may have been in the Whitehorse Road area to think back as to whether they heard any kind of disturbance or saw anything unusual that Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday.

Police are pictured outside the property in Croydon on Monday 13th January

'Krasimir's family are understandably devastated at the death of their loved one and we are committed to finding out exactly what happened that night and bringing the person or persons responsible to justice.'

His next-of-kin have been informed and there have not yet been any arrests made.

On January 3 police in the Finsbury Park area of the city were called after a man was stabbed.

Pictured: =Takieddine Boudhane who was stabbed in Finsbury Park in North London

Algerian national Takieddine Boudhane had been living in the UK for three years and had worked as a delivery driver for Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Also on January 3, police launched another murder investigation after the remains of a 53-year-old man were found in Barnes.

He was identified at William Algar.

A post-mortem examination carried out at Kingston Mortuary on Sunday, 5 January, gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
Advertisement

She has become the face and voice for body positivity.

And Lizzo flaunted her famous physique in a gold lame bikini as she hit Piha beach in Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday.

This all comes after celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels questioned why fans were celebrating the 31-year-old's body, and expressed concerns her larger size was having a negative impact on her health.

Soaking up the sun! Lizzo flaunted her famous physique in a gold lame bikini as she hit the beach in Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday

Lizzo was in high spirits as she splashed around the waves in her flashy gold bathing suit, gold chain necklace, and circular shades.

Adding an extra touch of glam were her long pink, French tip nails.

Whether she was splashing around the water or posing for photos with her pals, the Juice singer was obviously having the time of her life.

Lizzo looked like she was in a state of awe as she raised her arms gloriously into the air while strolling into the water with her friend.

Making a splash: The Juice singer cooled down as she strolled through the shallow surf

Life's a beach! Lizzo was in high spirits as she splashed around the waves in her flashy gold bathing suit, gold chain necklace, and circular shades

Oh yeah! The hit-maker gloriously raised her arms up into the air

Let's go girls! The singer took in the natural beauty alongside her gal pals

The songstress was the picture of relaxation as she enjoyed a day of recharging her batteries amid her hectic work schedule.

The natural beauty of the location made it a prime place for picture taking as well.

Lizzo and her friends took full advantage of this, striking poses in front of the ATV and taking photos of the hit-maker on all fours on the sand.

Walk this way: The Truth Hurts singer put on a cheeky display in her revealing metallic bathing suit

Making waves! The 31-year-old was having a blast at the beach amid her busy singing schedule

Fun in the sun! The Good As Hell hit-maker let her hair down as she hit the beach

Among the posts that made it to Instagram was a video of Lizzo twerking with her pals beside a rock face.

The video was posted just days after celebrity trainer Jillian questioned why fans were celebrating her body.

The voluptuous performers physical appearance was recently questioned by Australian star Michaels, who felt her larger size was having a negative impact on her health.

Lizzo hit back by letting her hair down with a choreographed twerk on New Zealand's Piha Beach.

Va va voom! The chart-topper crawled on all floors as she struck poses for her friends

Strike a pose! Lizzo struck a like-worthy pose for her friends

Hold still! A pal took a photo of the singer kneeling on the sand

Taking to Instagram, the singer shared a short video of herself and a group of backing dancers performing the energetic dance move to Saweetie hit My Type.

Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, also shared an array of body positive snaps in which she showed off her curves while touring the stunning beach with her small entourage.

In one, the star - who recently completed seven tour dates across Australia and New Zealand - shows off her body in front of a rock face, while others capture her reclining on the sand close to the shoreline.

Start your engines! The Grammy nominated songstress struck confidently for her friends in front of an ATV

Her ride or dies! The hit-maker was joined by her companions for the snap

Ignoring critics: This all comes after celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels questioned why fans were celebrating Lizzo's body, and expressed concerns her larger size was having a negative impact on her health

Recharging her batteries: No doubt some fun in the sun with her pals was in order for the busy chart-topper

Captioning the shots, she wrote: 'I love you. You are beautiful. You can do anything. (Repeat).'

Lizzo appeared to be responding to Jillian after she questioned the body positive movement associated with plus-size celebrities including Lizzo and model Ashley Graham.

Reflecting on Lizzo's impact, Michaels - a former star of Australian body transformation show The Biggest Loser - told M2DM by BuzzFeed News that she was perplexed by the emphasis on her weight.

Ready for her beach day! The singer headed towards the shore sporting an artistic pair of bottoms

Here we go: Lizzo was in a defiant mood as she twerked on a New Zealand beach, just days after personal trainer Gillian Michaels questioned why fans were celebrating her body

Let's dance: Lizzo pulled on a skimpy gold lame bikini and letting her hair down with a choreographed twerk on New Zealands Piha Beach

She said: 'I love her music, 100 percent  but why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? That's what I'm saying. Why aren't we celebrating her music?

'Cause it isn't gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes - I'm just being honest. 'Theres never a moment where Im like: Im so glad shes overweight!'

The remarks were skewered by many on social media, with many defending Lizzo for her body positivity and infectious self-esteem.

Hitting out: Lizzo appeared to be responding to Australian star Jillian Michaels, who recently claimed the performer's larger size was having a negative impact on her health

Don't mind me: Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, also shared an array of body positive snaps in which she showed off her curves

'I dont really give two s***s about Jillian Michaels,' one user wrote, 'but we celebrate Lizzo because Lizzo unapologetically celebrates Lizzo and encourages everyone to celebrate themselves, so Jillian can f*** all the way off to whatever washboard ab mountain of misery she sits atop.'

Others pointed to a toxic element in Michaels' admonishment that leads to eating disorders.

'If I had been exposed to more Lizzo and less Jillian Michaels when I was younger, maybe I wouldn't have spent half my life hating my body,' writer Ashley Fairbanks said.

Stay strong: 'I love you. You are beautiful. You can do anything. (Repeat),' she captioned the images

Letting her hair down: Lizzo struck a series of poses while visiting the beach, a popular haunt among surfers and holidaymakers

Amid the pushback, Michaels took to Twitter to state her case, saying that she has nothing against Lizzo, but is concerned for her well-being.

'As I've stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy and equally deserving,' Jillian wrote. 'I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity  heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few.

'I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.'

Well earned break: The star was taking some time off after recently completing seven tour dates across Australia and New Zealand

Revealing: Lizzo regularly shares revealing, body positive images with her Instagram followers
PHILADELPHIA and ATHENS, Greece, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hill International (NYSE:HIL), the global leader in managing construction risk, announced today that it has been selected by Fraport Greece (FG) to provide project management support and on-call technical support services under a three-year framework contract related to the upgrade, maintenance, management, and operation of 14 airports in Greece.



Following an international privatization process concluded in December 2015, FG entered into a concession agreement with the Greek State for managing, operating, and developing 14 regional airports in Greece for a period of 40 years. Specifically, these airports include mainland and island gateways at Aktion, Chania (Crete), Corfu, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kos, Lesvos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, and Zakynthos. Since entering the concession agreement, FG has been carrying out a capital expenditure program in excess of 415 million for the modernization, development, and/or expansion of these airports infrastructure. Work ranges from the refurbishment of existing terminals to the construction of new landside and airside facilities with the goal of improving operational processes, safety, and travel experiences.

These airports form a transit web throughout Greece, says Manolis Sigalas, Hill International Vice President and Managing Director for Southern Europe. As tourism in Greece continues to surge, these upgraded hubs will help meet the demands of the industry. The airports will also facilitate regional travel and create jobs for local communities. This is an investment of national significance.

For the duration of the framework contract, Hill will support FGs in-house divisions for the management of the infrastructure works related to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Certification compliance program for all airports, the commercial development program, the management of works associated with the environmental compliance program, and the provision of related contractual advice, among other things.

FGs capital expenditure program will bring about much-needed upgrades for Greeces tourist and transit infrastructure, as well as the resultant financial benefits for the country, says Raouf Ghali, Hill International Chief Executive Officer. By upgrading and expanding facilities, FG is improving processes and the overall customer experience. We are delighted to be supporting this client as they bring Greeces airports into the 21st century. This assignment is a testament to the breadth and depth of services that Hill can provide on airport projects across Europe and internationally.

About Hill International

Hill International, with approximately 2,700 professionals in more than 50 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as the eighth-largest construction management firm in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com .

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is our intent that any such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Except for historical information, the matters set forth herein including, but not limited to, any statements of belief or intent, any statements concerning our plans, strategies, and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations, estimates, and assumptions reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including that unfavorable global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, our backlog may not be fully realized as revenue, and our expenses may be higher than anticipated. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

Hill International, Inc.

Elizabeth J. Zipf, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Vice President

Hill International, Inc.

One Commerce Square

2005 Market Street, 17th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 309-7707

elizabethzipf@hillintl.com
New trivago study of global C-suite and founder sentiment indicates EU firms are growing more competitive in tech and are increasingly attracting top global talent

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - January 16, 2020 - The majority of leaders at global technology companies in the U.S. and Europe foresee economic trouble in the next two years, yet they remain confident about their own business success. In addition, most tech leaders view Europe as a growing force in the industry that is competing more effectively and attracting a growing pool of top talent from around the world. This is according to a new survey of more than 1,000 C-suite executives and founders of tech firms in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France commissioned by trivago, a global leader in accommodation search.

The research is designed to take the pulse of tech leaders on critical issues ranging from the global economy and the startup scene to business risks and talent. Key findings indicate that European tech firms are becoming more competitive, attracting the best and brightest global talent and offer a more diverse working environment.

At least 80% of those surveyed expect a recession or prolonged downturn within the next two years. Eighty-one percent of respondents feel these problems are likely to occur in the U.S. Yet leaders are enthusiastic about their businesses. Nearly two-thirds (61%) are very confident about where their business sits in their industry.

Increased Tech Competition from Europe

The survey found that Europe's technology sector is perceived as a growing economic force with a positive long-term outlook and an edge in the "war for talent." Fifty-nine percent of respondents "definitely" agree that European tech startups have increased competition against the U.S. over the past five years. This momentum is unlikely to slow anytime soon. When asked what region has a stronger long-term growth trajectory, more respondents cited Europe (44%) than the U.S. (41%). Meanwhile, 56% feel that European companies are "definitely" challenging U.S. firms for the best and brightest people.

"It is interesting to see where global technology leaders feel competition is coming from," said Axel Hefer, CEO, trivago. "One of the keys to the success story of trivago is our diverse workforce made up of talents from across the globe and our ability to attract talent globally. When thinking about what drives success in a company, we believe having different mindsets, experiences, perspectives and cultures are key factors. This is why it's not so surprising to see that European tech startups are bringing in more top talent, increasing the competition against the U.S. based companies, while they see their businesses thrive and grow in global influence."

The War for Talent

Both the vision and business models of European tech startups may be giving them advantages over their U.S. counterparts when it comes to recruiting and growth, the trivago survey suggests. Technology leaders feel that European companies are superior to U.S. firms when it comes to these factors:





Having a greater focus on brand (97% agree)

Benefiting from higher online marketing and sales activity in the region (93% agree)

Focusing on international markets more quickly (85% agree)

Spending more time on development before going to market (80% agree)

Diversity may be another key benefit for EU companies; 84% of leaders feel the EU's working culture is attractive to global talent. However, a key advantage for U.S. firms is that they are less risk averse. Nearly nine in 10 leaders feel EU startups are more cautious than U.S. startups.

Global Risk Factors

When asked about growth risks, tech leaders surveyed cited these top concerns: lack of talent (52%), data security (52%) and government regulation (51%). In the U.S., regulation is clearly the biggest risk. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of tech leaders feel regulations have made it more difficult to access funding over the past five years. In the U.K. and France, lack of talent is the most serious concern. In Germany, both regulation and data security lead the list of risks.

"The technology industry is critical to the economies of both the U.S. and the E.U. in driving innovation, jobs and growth," said trivago's Hefer. "It's important to us that we keep a pulse on the industry as it changes at such a rapid pace. The findings reflect many of the pain-points and concerns we faced starting out and becoming a fast-growing global tech company, and currently face today. For us, it is unsurprising that concerns over the wider economy are high in the minds of tech leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. However, while the wider economy is still a concern, we are enthusiastic that a majority of the leaders we surveyed have great confidence in the prospects of their own companies and of the overall industry."

/// ENDS ///

About this research:

This survey was conducted by trivago in conjunction Censuswide, who surveyed 1,009 C-level executives and founders from technology companies in the U.K., U.S., France and Germany. Respondents' organizations ranged from fewer than 10 employees to over 2,000. Fieldwork was carried out between 9th October to the 29th October. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society. All survey panellists are double opted in (with an opt-in and validation process) in line with MRS and ESOMAR standards.





About trivago

trivago is a leading global hotel search platform focused on reshaping the way travelers search for and compare hotels and alternative accommodations. Incorporated in 2005 in Dusseldorf, Germany, the platform allows travelers to make informed decisions by personalizing their hotel search and providing them access to a deep supply of hotel information and prices. trivago enables its advertisers to grow their businesses by providing access to a broad audience of travelers via its websites and apps. As of June 30, 2019, trivago has established 55 localized platforms connected to over 3.5million hotels and alternative accommodations, in over 190 countries.





For more information, trivago's earnings releases and other financial information are available at ir.trivago.com or visit company.trivago.com/press for all corporate news.

Contacts:

Press Contact: Stephanie Lowenthal, stephanie.lowenthal@trivago.com

Investor Relations: ir@trivago.com

Forward looking statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words such as "believe," "expect," "plan," "continue," "will," "should," and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For additional information factors that could affect our forward-looking statements, see our risk factors, as they may be amended from time to time, set forth in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

As used herein, references to "we", "us", the "company", or "trivago", or similar terms shall mean trivago N.V. and, as the context requires, its subsidiaries
People at work and school always look forward to the weekend. But having seven days in a week has been the case for a very long time that no one even asks the reason behind it. Our busy lifestyles prevent contemporary society from thinking, and reflecting life's simplest, particular observations.

The summation of our time is due to the movements of the planets, moon, and stars. A day is completed with one full rotation of the Earth around its axis. The revolution of the Earth across the solar system takes 364 and  days that makes one year.

Most of these divisions of the passage of time make sense based on the movements of the Earth and Sun (days and years), as well as the fluctuations of the moon (months), but what is the real reason behind having 7 days in a week?

A straightforward answer is the Babylonians broke down the lunar month into more manageable chunks of seven days, while the Greeks and Romans made various other changes to arrive at what we have today.

Some experts believe the ancient Babylonians settled on a seven-day week because the ancient Babylonians believed the number seven had a mystical significance to it.

In the first civilizations of the Middle East, Mesopotamian astrologers designated one day for each of the seven most prominent objects in the sky visible to the naked eye. They adopted the number seven because they observed seven celestial bodies - the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Today's Gregorian calendar is ultimately based on the phases of the Moon and it takes the Moon around 29.5 days to cycle through all Moon phases. It made sense to break it down into smaller segments, so the Babylonians rounded the Moon cycle down to 28 days and divided this time into 4 periods each with 7 days, using leap days to stay in sync with the Moon phases in the long-run.

Moreover, the rituals implemented every seven days may have given rise to the seven-day week.

In a seven-day week, the Babylonians held the seventh day of each week as holy, much like the Jews did and still do today. They held the final seventh day of the month as a day of rest and worship.

The phases of the Moon do not exactly coincide with the solar calendar, with each cycle 27 days and seven hours long, and there are 13 phases of the Moon in each solar year.

Meanwhile, other civilizations selected different numbers -- just like the Egyptians, whose week was 10 days lengthy; or the Romans, whose week lasted eight.

Because of the lunar cycle, the Babylonians would have three seven-day weeks in a row, followed by one week of 8-9 days, to account for the lag.

The Jews also adopted a seven-day cycle, because the Lord took 7 days to create the universe as reported in Genesis.

Then came the Greeks who also used a seven-day week based on celestial bodies, which were then named after their gods (Sun, Moon, Ares, Hermes, Zeus, Aphrodite, and Cronus).

RELATED ARTICLE: Moon's Surface is Changing, Forming Faster the Previously Thought
Senator Hope Uzodinma, newly-inaugurated governor of Imo state has ordered a probe into the administrations of three former governors of the state.

Ikedi Ohakim, Rochas Okorocha and and the newly sacked governor, Emeka Ihedioha are those to be investigated.

This order was given by the governor during his inaugural speech immediately he was sworn-in.

Read Also: Ihedioha In Tears As Supreme Court Sacks Him As Imo Governor (Photo)

Uzodinma also ordered the Accountant General of the state to forward to him within four days from Wednesday, a comprehensive financial status of the state from May 29, 2010, till date.

The governor also ordered all Permanent Secretaries of all the ministries in the state to within the same period forward to him the status of all the contracts awarded and the immediate stoppage of payment of all ongoing contracts in the state.

The governor noted that his administration was anchored on rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

Uzodinma said although he had forgiven those who conspired to rob me of hard-earned victory, he said he will revive the state and make it work again.
A man has been killed after his apartment building was hit by a metal plate when a chemical plant exploded 3km away.

The victim, named only as Sergio, died in his home in Torreforta, in Catalonia, Spain, when the one-tonne shrapnel collapsed his building on Tuesday, authorities said.

Residents added they saw "a ball of fire" across the sky after the accident at the Quimicas del Oxido de Etileno (IQOXE) chemical plant in Tarragona.

The blast also killed a factory worker and left another eight injured.

Officials said it was caused by an explosion of a 20-tonne tank full of ethylene oxide, adding there had been no leaks of toxic substances to the surrounding area.

Firefighters spray water after a large fire broke out after an explosion at a factory in Tarragona, Spain (Reuters)

While the blaze has been brought under control, local authorities said they had yet to identify the second victim at the factory.

They tweeted: There is structural risk in the area and work is being done to stabilize the area and safely reach the victim.

Prime minister Pedro Sanchezs office said he was in touch with Catalan authorities and Madrid was ready to provide the necessary support due to this serious event, which has caused several injuries and substantial material damage.

A man was killed two miles away when shrapnel from the blast struck his building (Reuters)

A spokesman for IQOXE, owned by Spains CL Grupo Industrial, said the company had opened an internal investigation into the explosion.

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Spokesman Jose Luis Morlanes said: We deeply regret the loss of one of our co-workers and the suffering of those who are injured.

The factory began operations in June 2017 and had been operating normally, he added, prior to Tuesdays explosion of a 20-tonne tank full of ethylene oxide.

The civil defence agency, which initially advised people nearby to stay indoors as a precaution, said air quality tests carried out on Wednesday had not shown any risk.

IQOXE is a producer of ethylene oxide, a highly flammable gas used to make, among other things, ethylene glycol used in computers and vehicles.
S adiq Khan today warned the Labour party not to fall into the trap of an anti-London agenda as it attempts to rebuild support in its former Northern heartlands.

The Labour Mayor was using his biggest set-piece speech of the year to fight back against the fashionable position of redirecting government cash from the capital to the regions.

It comes after Boris Johnson pledged to repay communities in the Midlands and the North that voted Tory in last months general election. This is feared to have put the London to Birmingham leg of the HS2 rail line, and funding for Crossrail 2, in jeopardy.

There is pressure for Labour to be seen as less London-centric as it elects a new leader.

Mr Khan, in an address to the London Government dinner at Mansion House tonight, will argue that attempts to re-balance government spending by cutting the capitals funding will harm the country as a whole. This fashionable, anti-London agenda isnt just a problem in the Tory party, he will say.

My party, the Labour party, clearly faces the same forces and pressures, particularly after the general election result. In recent years, weve already seen London excluded from several government funding pots  and this is only set to get worse.

Clipping Londons wings is not the answer if you want to help other cities and regions to soar.

London generates 150 billion a year in taxes but receives 116 billion back in public spending, according to City Hall research. Spending on rail and roads per passenger journey in London is below the national average.

Mr Khan will seek to frame the May 7 mayoral election as a battle for Londons soul. He claims advances in equality and diversity  which he calls London values  are under threat from political correctness gone mad, and vowed to defend them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran is now more important than ever, said EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell, as he met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif on 16 January 2020 in New Delhi, Trend reports citing the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Reportedly, during the meeting, Josep Borrell underlined the continued interest of the European Union to preserve the agreement, which is now more important than ever, in light of the dangerous escalations in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Both partners agreed to remain in close touch and continue their engagement in the coming weeks. High Representative Borrell and Minister Zarif met in the Indian capital on the margins of the Raisina Dialogue 2020, which is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Their meeting follows a series of contacts they had since the start of the current crisis on 3 January, reads a message from EEAS.

In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions against Iran in November of the same year.

In order to preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal stated in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed.

On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories having not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal.

On Sept. 5, Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA.

On Nov. 5, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.

Recently, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. Iran no longer faces any restrictions on its nuclear program.

Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Irans last which is fifth step in reducing its commitments in (JCPOA doesnt mean withdrawal from the agreement.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister added that the nuclear deal can be continued and this depends on the willingness of other parties.

---

Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn
Rebel Congress Legislator in Puducherry N Dhanavelou was on Thursday suspended from the party on charges of indulging in 'anti-party activities.'



Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference here, PWD Minister and PCC president A Namassivayam said Dhanavelou had been indulging in 'anti-party activities' violating basic principles of party discipline.

He said the suspension of the legislator came into 'immediate effect'.

Namassivayam along with the Chief Minister V Narayanasamy returned from Delhi on Wednesday after apprising Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi of "continued anti-party activities of Dhanavelou."



The PCC leader said "on the recommendation of the high command Dhanavelou has been placed under suspension."Namassivayam said a show-cause notice would be served on Dhanavelou seeking his explanation which would enable the party's Disciplinary Committee to go in for next course of action.

Dhanavelou elected from Bahoor constituency would be asked to submit his reply to the cause notice in a week's time.

Namassivayam alleged Dhanavelou had been making attempts to topple the Congress government in collusion with the opposition AINRC and BJP.

The PCC leader also accused the Bahoor MLA of meeting independent legislator from Mahe N Ramachandran at one stage to seek his support to dethrone the Narayanasamy-led Congress government here, which the latter rejected.

Namassivayam also said that he and the Chief Minister had placed before the AICC leaders a detailed report about Dhanavelou's "anti-party activities" for some time now and now the high command had recommended his suspension.

Dhanavelou came out with serious allegations against the Congress government in the union territory recently.

The rebel MLA also met Lt Governor Kiran Bedi at her office and apprised her of various "corrupt practices and scandals" indulged in by the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

Asked if Dhanavelou would be disqualified as an MLA, the Chief Miniser who was present at the press conference said, "Let us wait for the explanation from Dhanavelou in response to the show-cause notice which would be sent to him.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rocky Johnson, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Hollywood star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has passed away.

The WWE confirmed Wednesday that Johnson, known as the 'Soul Man' had died at age 75.

Further details are unknown.

R.I.P.: WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, the father of pro wrestler and Hollywood star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, has died at age 75, the WWE announced Wednesday

Johnson - born Wayde Douglas Bowles - began his wrestling career in the mid-1960s, according to THR.com, but only found fame a couple of decades later when he joined the WWE in 1983.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his famous son in 2008.

In a statement, the WWE said the organization was 'saddened' to hear of his passing and that 'WWE extends its condolences to Johnsons family, friends and fans'.

A host of pro wrestling stars took to social media to pay tribute to Johnson, calling it 'a sad day for wrestling'.

Tribute: The WWE, in a statement, described Johnson, known as the 'Soul Man', as 'physically imposing and wildly charismatic' and said they were 'saddened' at news of his passing

'He found his greatest success when he teamed up with Tony Atlas as The Soul Patrol. The two men became the first African-American World Tag Team Champions in WWE history'

Six-time world heavyweight champion Booker T described Johnson as 'one of the men I looked up to' as he paid his condolences on Twitter

WWE stars Mick Foley, Kalisto and Brian Myers all expressed sadness at the news of Johnson's death

Dana Brooke said her 'heart goes out' to The Rock and his family

The organization recapped Johnson's career, describing him in his heyday as 'physically imposing and wildly charismatic'.

'He had several memorable rivalries with the likes of Greg The Hammer Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis,' the statement continued.

'He found his greatest success when he teamed up with Tony Atlas as The Soul Patrol. The two men became the first African-American World Tag Team Champions in WWE history when they defeated The Wild Samoans on Dec. 10, 1983.'

Johnson is survived by his son Dwayne, his two children Curtis and Wanda from his first marriage and his widow Dana Martin whom he married in 2004.

Johnson retired from wrestling in 1991. He's pictured with The Rock and his ex-wife and The Rock's mom Ata at the Hollywood star's hand and footprint ceremony in Hollywood in 2015

Johnson, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, retired from wrestling in 1991. He then helped train his son Dwayne who followed him into the sport

Dwayne made his WWF debut in 1996, achieving huge success before turning his sights on Hollywood where he has established himself as one of the industry's biggest stars

The Rock's first acting gig was playing his father in an episode of That 70s Show during its first season in 1991; pictured with Topher Grace and Laura Prepon

Johnson, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, retired from wrestling in 1991.

In 1970, he married his second wife Ava Matia, a member of a famous Samoan wrestling family. Their son Dwayne was born in 1972.

Dwayne followed his father into the sport, achieving huge success before turning his sights on Hollywood where he has established himself as one of the industry's biggest stars.

Johnson helped train Dwayne to be a pro wrestler and was a well-known sight at his son's bouts.

The Rock initially debuted in the WWF as Rocky Maivia in 1996, taking the ring names of his father and grandfather. However, in 1997 he started referring to himself in the third person as The Rock and the name stuck from 1998 onwards.

On March 29, 2008, Dwayne had the honor of inducting his dad into the WWE Hall Of Fame in Orlando, Florida

The Rock, pictured in December, initially debuted in the WWF as Rocky Maivia in 1996, taking the ring names of his father and grandfather. However, in 1997 he started referring to himself in the third person as The Rock and the name stuck from 1998 onwards

In March last year, The Rock shared a long post to his Instagram in which he spoke about his relationship with his father.

Revealing he had bought his dad a new house, he wrote: 'Great chat with my old man. Felt good to my cold (heart) to hear him express his love.'

He explained: 'Hes a weathered soul and like all weathered souls, theres often a harsh storied path that got them there.

'Well for my pops that path started at 13yrs old when his mom kicked him out of his house on Christmas day and forced him to live on the streets (very true and f****d up story) so his reality of compassion and love was forged thru pain and toughness.'

The Rock added: 'He raised me with that tough physical love and used to beat my a** in the gyms and on wrestling mats. I hated it then as a little boy, but grateful for it today as a man.'

The Rock, who has been on an eight-day tour across the U.S. promoting his new Teremana tequila brand, has yet to comment publicly on his father's passing.
Arson investigators are looking into the cause of a fire on the West Side that injured one firefighter.

The San Antonio Fire Department was called out to the 1500 block of SW 19th Street just after 9 p.m. Wednesday for a structure fire. When crews arrived on scene, the single-story home was fully involved in flames, officials on scene said.
After the Amber Alert broke through the airwaves and notified the public of the abduction of an 11-year-old girl walking home from her bus stop in Springfield, the community sprung into action to find her.

The tips coming in were amazing, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said at a late-night press conference Wednesday.

Police were searching for a blue Honda believed to be involved in the kidnapping. Civilians spotted this car and helped us out immensely, Clapprood said.

One of those civilians was a couple stopping at a convenience store in Springfield.

Amanda Disley said she saw something suspicious in the vehicle and called 911, telling her husband to put the car in drive and follow him.

Its him, its him, Disley said in a panicked 911 call that she recorded on video and shared on Facebook. Theyre doing 100 mph right now.

Disley and her husband followed as the pulled past their car and sped off down the road past Kennedy Middle School.

Hes blowing through red lights, Disley said.

Theyre turning on the street trying to avoid me, said Disley to the police dispatcher. Theyre trying to lose me; theyre trying to ditch me.

About six hours after the Springfield girl was abducted coming home from school on Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police troopers pulled over a blue Honda heading eastbound on the Massachusetts Turnpike and found the girl inside, said David Procopio, state police spokesman.

The call made to dispatch by Disley, "definitely helped the police catch Rodriguez, according to Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh. She posted the exchange and the chase on her Facebook page.

Miguel Rodriguez, 24, was found in the vehicle and arrested in connection to the abduction, police said.

Troopers flooded the area after a motorist called 911 to report seeing a car matching the description put out by the Amber Alert. The car was located by troopers in a work zone and pulled over, Procopio said when announcing at about 7:30 p.m. that the girl had been found.

His family told MassLive that Rodriguez has had a history of schizophrenia and paranoia and felt that at some point he would have problems with the authorities. They never imagined it would be this like this, however.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Springfield District Court.

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SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation today announced a strategic investment of 100 million (US $110 million) in a new partnership with Arrival, a UK-based electric vehicle startup.

Through the partnership, Hyundai and Kia plan to introduce competitively priced small and medium-sized electric vans and other products for logistics, on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle service companies. Arrival's scalable electric platform can be adapted for multiple vehicle categories and types which Arrival, Hyundai and Kia will explore for the development of a range of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV).

The partnership with Arrival will help Hyundai and Kia meet the rapidly growing demand in Europe for eco-friendly commercial vehicles, and accelerate the brands' transformation from car makers to clean-mobility providers.

Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group, and Denis Sverdlov, Chief Executive Officer of Arrival, signed a contract for investment and the joint development of electric vehicles at the headquarters of Hyundai and Kia in Seoul. Of the total investment, Hyundai will contribute 80 million; Kia 20 million.

"The eco-friendly vehicle market in Europe is expected to grow rapidly due to the introduction of further environmental regulations," said Biermann. "Through the joint development of electric commercial vehicles with Arrival, we will be able to gain a competitive advantage and progressively establish our leadership in the global eco-friendly vehicle market, with Europe at the forefront."

Arrival's CEO Sverdlov added: "Arrival has created a game changing product category - Generation 2 Electric Vehicles. Hyundai and KIA make world-class vehicles with uncompromising quality. This strategic partnership will empower our companies to scale Generation 2 Electric Vehicles globally."

For more information about strategic investment, please visit our media website: globalpr.hyundai.com / kianewscenter.com

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group
State Corrections Secretary John Wetzel has seen a steady drop in the state prison population in recent years and wants that trend to continue.

Due to criminal justice reforms in recent years, the state prison population has dropped by nearly 4,400 since 2012, according to Department of Corrections data. Over that span, the crime rate has dropped 29 percent, the department notes.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 07:10:59|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CHICAGO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures ended mixed on Wednesday, as market participants started to look into a U.S.-China trade deal just signed in Washington.

The most active corn contract for March delivery was down 1.5 cents, or 0.39 percent, to settle at 3.875 U.S. dollars per bushel. March wheat gained 4.75 cents, or 0.84 percent, to settle at 5.7325 dollars per bushel. March soybeans fell 13.5 cents, or 1.43 percent, to end at 9.2875 dollars per bushel.

China and the United States formally signed their phase-one economic and trade agreement on Wednesday, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump inking the papers in the White House.

Market participants are examining the deal, which they hope will increase U.S. crop sales to China.

However, facing stiff competition from their South American peers, U.S. soy growers and CBOT traders are uncertain if the trade deal can lead to large sales to China, the world's top soybean buyer.

Chicago wheat futures, which had gained almost 20 cents per bushel in the past six sessions, extended gains amid rising international prices and relatively tight global supply, said market analysts.
Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

Connecticut-based private equity firm Stone Point Capital has closed its eighth flagship fund - Trident VIII - on $7 billion, surpassing a $6.5 billion hard cap.

The General Partner and affiliated entities committed more than $350 million.

Trident VIII received strong support from Stone Point's existing investor base and first-time commitments from several leading institutional investors.

The Fund held its final closing with its institutional investors during the second half of 2019 and plans to start its investment period during the first half of 2020.

"We are pleased to announce the closing of Trident VIII and are grateful for the significant support from our limited partners," said Chuck Davis, CEO of Stone Point Capital.

"Our latest fund will continue the proactive sourcing strategy that the Trident Funds have developed and executed for more than 20 years," added Chuck.

"We believe our exclusive focus on the financial services sector, entrepreneurial investment approach, long-tenured team and strong network of relationships will continue to position Stone Point Capital to attract talented management teams and work in partnership with them to create value for our investors," said Jim Carey, a Senior Principal of Stone Point Capital.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal counsel for Stone Point Capital in connection with the formation of Trident VIII.

Stone Point Capital has raised ......................

To view our full article Click here
[January 16, 2020] Red River Promotes Ross Woodley to Chief Programs Officer

Red River, a technology transformation company, has announced the promotion of Ross Woodley to Chief Programs Officer (CPO). As CPO, Woodley will continue to oversee Red River's Strategic Programs business, as well as the other business units within the Consulting Services division. Woodley previously served as president of the company's Consulting Services division, after joining the company in 2016 as its vice president of Strategic Programs. "In the three years he has spent overseeing our Strategic Programs, Ross has gained unique and invaluable insight into our capabilities, resources and productivity, and how we can better align to meet the growing needs of our customers," said Rick Bolduc, Executive Chair of the Board of Directors. "This practical perspective, combined with his vision and leadership, will be a tremendous asset to our executive team." One year ago, Red River announced the creation of its Consulting Services Division with Woodley as its president. In that time, Woodley has led hi team to define its place in the market, support Red River's Program business, accelerate its technology adoption capabilities, expand application development capacity and enhance its cloud services business. Under his leadership, Red River was awarded two new strategic programs: the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMS), a 10-year, $46 million contract with the State of California; and CBOSS (News - Alert), a subcontractor award with Accenture to accelerate IT modernization efforts for the Department of Energy (DOE).



Prior to joining Red River, Woodley spent five years with Dell (News - Alert) EMC where he was the director of COCOM/Defense Agency/MHS Strategic Program Pursuit and then an account executive for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Ross retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, last serving as the director of Washington Operations, United States Joint Forces Command, Washington D.C. This announcement is the latest in a series of recent additions to Red River's executive team, including: Tim Rod, Chief Technology Officer; Jason Juranek, Chief Financial Officer; and Jenn Hood, Senior Vice President of HR.

About Red River Red River brings together the ideal combination of talent, partners and products to disrupt the status quo in technology and drive success for business and government in ways previously unattainable. Red River serves organizations well beyond traditional technology integration, bringing more than 20 years of experience and mission-critical expertise in security, networking, analytics, collaboration, mobility and cloud solutions. Learn more at redriver.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005757/en/

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Theres a reason these two are coming back to emcee an awards show in 2021. Photo: Getty Images

When the Academy Awards ceremony airs next month, it will proceed without a host for the second year in a row. In 2019, the Oscars went without an emcee as a matter of semi-last resort; after the Kevin Hart debacle, a replacement was never found. This year, producers decided to stick with that approach, a route the 2019 Emmy Awards also took with less-than-stellar results.

As I noted after the Emmys, awards shows actually do benefit from having hosts. They just need ones who know how to use their time wisely, particularly at the beginning of a ceremony, which sets the tone for the evening. Thats why, even without an official host, the Oscars turned to Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph to kick off the event last year. And thats why, after Ricky Gervaiss dismal return to his previously held role as Golden Globes host earlier this month, NBC announced earlier this week that Fey and Poehler, who also hosted the Golden Globes on three prior occasions, will do it again a year from now.

Are Fey and Poehler the only people on Earth who are good at hosting awards shows? No. To cite just one other example of goodness, John Mulaney and Nick Kroll did a great job presiding over the Independent Spirit Awards in 2018. Mulaneys Frances McDormand joke is still one of the greatest things Ive ever heard at an awards show: I bet a fun way to commit suicide would be to cut in front of her in line, then turn around and go, Hey, lady: Relax.

But Fey and Poehler are the established bests at it. To understand what makes them so good, its instructive to go back and look at their performances, something I have done at least 20 times over the past five years. (You read that correctly. While the rest of you stare at TikTok or online porn, I rewatch old Golden Globe clips for fun.) Hosting again in 2021 will be a major moment for them. If they pull it off, it could put to rest the idea that awards shows can proceed just fine without any masters guiding the ceremonies.

A big reason that Fey and Poehler are so skilled at this admittedly niche job is that theyve known and worked with each other for a very long time. Not only do they, as well as whoever else is assisting them, write good material, they also know precisely how to time their deliveries and play off of each other with natural ease. As we learned when the Globes tapped Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh to co-host in 2018, you cant just put two likable, talented people together and expect everything to magically work. Co-hosts need to have chemistry and a similar sensibility, and Poehler and Fey have an abundance of both.

They also know how to make cynical cracks about the industry without alienating the members of that industry. That doesnt mean they go easy on their peers. In 2014, after noting how much talent was in the room that year, Poehler jokingly told Matt Damon, to his face, that he was a garbage person compared to everyone else in attendance. The year after that, Fey essentially called Joaquin Phoenix a hypocrite without specifically using that word. Joaquin Phoenix is nominated for Inherent Vice but obviously he isnt here tonight because he has said publicly that awards shows are, quote, total and utter bull oh, hey Joaquin! she said in the opening monologue, waving at Phoenix, who stood up and waved back. By the way, its amazing how many of the jokes from five or six years ago could still work in 2020, including this gem, from Fey, at the end of the 2014 monologue: Were gonna get this show done in three hours, or as Martin Scorsese calls it: act one! That was a joke about The Wolf of Wall Street. It works even better as a joke about The Irishman.

Fey and Poehler have a unique ability to pull their car up pretty close to mean without actually parking in its spot, a place where Ricky Gervais tends to rev his engine interminably. The subtext, if not outright text, of Gervaiss most recent opening Golden Globes speech was, Youre all assholes for being here. The subtext of the Poehler and Fey appearances: Were all assholes for being here, and so are you for watching this at home, but fuck it. Lets have some fun. Both approaches involve snark, but the latter is somehow snarky and inclusive at the same time.

That inclusiveness came through in all of the Poehler/Fey ceremonies because their fellow actors were repeatedly willing to play along with their gags, and not just in a Sure, Ill jump into Ellens Oscar selfie kinda way, but by becoming drivers of the jokes. When Fey and Poehler pointed out that Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for both a TV role (Veep) and a film role (Enough Said) in 2014, had opted to sit in the film section, the camera cut to Louis-Dreyfus smoking, wearing sunglasses and waving away a selfie with Reese Witherspoon.

When Poehler and Fey returned to the stage after having lost the best actress in a comedy to Lena Dunham, they pretended to be drunk and said things in the room were getting sloppy. Look how drunk Glenn Close is, Fey pointed out, to prove their point. Then the camera cut to Close doing one of the weirdest impersonations of a drunk person to ever air on live television.

These are small, silly moments, but they add to the sense that everyones at a party together, which is the vibe you want to get from watching an awards show while youre sitting at home in pajama pants eating pizza. More importantly, Fey and Poehler do all of this efficiently. Their Golden Globe asides  remember when they each dressed up as Damian Francisco and Darcy St. Budge, the stars of Dog President, during the announcement of the nominees for outstanding actors in a limited series or TV movie?  were always baked into the existing structure of the ceremony as opposed to appended to it. Consequently, those moments added some laughs without adding a ton of extra time, unlike, say, delivering pizza to the Oscar attendees or bringing a bus full of unsuspecting tourists into the Academy Awards ceremony, ideas that Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel made mildly funny but were ultimately not worth the return on their investment.

But perhaps the greatest assets that Fey and Poehler have is the fact that they are women. In 2017, nearly all the major awards shows  the Golden Globes, the Oscars, the Emmys, the Grammys  were hosted by late night TV personalities, all of whom happened to be white guys. As this weeks Oscar nominations and the ensuing heated conversation about them prove, there is also still a white, male stronghold on who gets nominated for many of the key awards season honors. For these reasons, among others, hosts who represent people marginalized by the system  and by that I mean pretty much anyone who isnt a straight, white man  are the ones best equipped to speak to the current moment.

Poehler and Fey have proven more effectively than anyone that their status as slightly lower-class Hollywood citizens  i.e. women  enables them to make jokes that call the industry on its b.s., especially sexism, in a way that a Jimmy or a James or a Ricky cant. At the Globes in 2013, 2014, and 2015, some of their most hilarious, successful jokes were the ones about gender.

Like this one from Fey: For his role in Dallas Buyers Club, [Matthew McConaughey] lost 45 pounds. Or what actresses call being in a movie.

And this from Poehler: Boyhood proves there are still great roles for women over 40, as long as you get hired when youre under 40.

This from Fey, in 2014: [Gravity] is the story of how George Clooney would rather float away in space and die than spend one more minute with a woman his own age.

And then this from Fey in 2015, after Clooney finally settled down with a spouse: George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin this year. Amal is a human rights lawyer who worked on the Enron case, was an advisor to Kofi Annan regarding Syria, and was selected for a three-person U.N. commission investigating rules of war violations in the Gaza Strip. So tonight, her husband is getting a lifetime achievement award.

In retrospect, the fed-up undertone in all these quips seems like foreshadowing for the explosion of the #MeToo and Times Up movements that would dominate the Golden Globes conversation in 2018, taking place three years after the last time Fey and Poehler hosted. Crowd shots of the audience during those previous ceremonies capture images of Kevin Spacey, Les Moonves, and Harvey Weinstein, all sitting there, enjoying themselves, blissfully unaware that they would ever face a reckoning for their behavior.

Fey and Poehler even incorporated Weinstein into a bit. In 2015, Poehler dressed up as Feys son from a previous relationship, Randy, who was forced to serve as Mr. Golden Globe. When Fey noted that Randys father is somewhere in the audience, Poehler wandered around the audience, pointing first at Idris Elba  Is it him?  and then at Weinstein. Is it him? she asked and the entire room started laughing because Weinsteins reputation around women was an open not-so-secret secret. Poehler may have slyly been attempting to shine a light on that, but in 20/20 hindsight, the laughter in the room reeks of complicity.

Poehler and Fey tip-toed and sometimes stumbled a bit as they tried to deal with situations like these. When Woody Allen received the Cecille B. Demille Award in 2014, the only joke they made involved the fact that both Allen and Scorsese, a previous recipient of the same honor, were both men with big glasses.

In 2015, as more of Bill Cosbys accusers were beginning to go public, they did make a few jokes about Cosby drugging women. I put the pills in the people, Fey said in a Cosby voice while some of the stars in the audience looked on, aghast. The jokes belittled Cosby, which is appropriate under the circumstances, but also belittled the nature of his crimes at the same time.

Now we obviously know the full breadth of what Cosby did, and what Weinstein did, and what so many other men have done while many in Hollywood looked the other way. In the years since Poehler and Fey hosted the Globes, only one woman  Sandra Oh  has hosted or co-hosted one of the most widely watched award shows in movies and TV: the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards, and the Emmys. Watching what Poehler and Fey do in 2021 will carry even more significance for that reason.

Fairly or not, awards shows have become litmus tests for the film and television business. As the response to this weeks Academy Award nominations prove, we look at who is nominated for Oscars and other awards as states of the union on the progress Hollywood is (or is not) making toward becoming more inclusive. Awards shows are not the only measure of that, of course, but they do serve as one metric. Poehler and Feys appearance at the Golden Globes next year will serve as another state of the union, one that assesses how far these women will go in this (theoretically) new era to take jabs at the industry, and how willing people will be to laugh at themselves if and when they do.
Moscow, Jan 16 : Mikhail Mishustin, Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed Prime Ministerial candidate, has said that some changes were planned in the new government, an official said on Thursday.

"Mishustin said that he would discuss candidates for the positions of ministers, including with factions. He said there would be some changes (in the composition of the new Cabinet)," Deputy Chairman of the State Duma (lower house of Parliament) Sergei Neverov told TASS news agency.

The development comes after, Putin, un his State of the Nation address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday, suggested amending the country's Constitution, including vesting the State Duma with powers to approve the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and federal ministers.

Putin instructed Dmitry Medvedev's outgoing government to continue its duties until a new Cabinet was formed.

The State Duma will hold a plenary session on Thursday to consider Mishustin for the position.
(Natural News) Children have been coming home from school afraid for their future, afraid for their lives. Some kids now believe they have less than ten years to live because of something that has been pounded in their heads  a political dogma called climate change. Children are being told that nothing is being done to address rising temperatures and carbon emissions. They are told that civilization will soon collapse if we dont take action now. Climate change sensationalism is terrorizing kids, making them believe that they are going to die before they become adults. Teaching kids about environmental stewardship is a good objective, but filling their brains with climate sensationalism and predictions about the end of the world can have a traumatic and lasting effect on their thinking and their life.

Sensationalized climate doom is terrorizing the minds of the next generation

A young girl named Greta Thunberg was given the world stage at a United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019. The girl was used as a pawn by a powerful group that wants all Nations to be subservient to their agenda of economic and climate control. The young Thunberg was allowed to give a desperate, outlandish speech about the end of the world, and then the speech was popularized by the mainstream media. The speech demanded that world leaders act to put an end to carbon emissions or else the world faces mass extinction. Thunberg went on to blame every adult who doesnt agree with her for ruining her future and destroying the planet.

She was both criticized and praised for her tirade. Time Magazine named Thunberg the Person of the Year even though her speech was all hypothetical apocalyptic doom. Other publications pointed out the immaturity of the young girls tirade and how irrational, unrealistic, bratty, and demanding it was. The speech is having a negative, lasting impact on children.

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A report from Toronto gives a glimpse of whats happening to the minds of children. An eight-year-old named Joylaea Blazevic came home from school one October afternoon and frantically told her mother that she only had eight years left to live. The school, Elmbank Junior Middle Academy, aired the infamous Thunberg speech in the library that day. According to the girls mother, the broadcast confused her daughter and scared all her friends. Young Joylaea also told her mother that one of her classmates shouted, I dont want to die! The rest of the children exhibited similar responses, afraid for the future, afraid for their lives.

Climate change alarmism offers no hope  only fear. Climate change activists are not leading by example. Instead, they make large-scale demands based on fear, and this has detrimental effects on the minds of children.

According to the National Post, the schoolchildren were forced to watch a video of a carbon clock. The clock counted down from eight years, suggesting the children have less than a decade to live. The video warned that eight years is the estimated amount of time it will take to emit enough carbon to warm the world by 1.5 degrees Celsius  setting off a catastrophic string of events that will cause mass extinction of humans.

Psychologists warn that children are high impressionable at this age. Children this young are highly impressionable concrete thinkers who interpret what they hear very literally, says Pediatrician Dr. Michelle Cretella. Between the ages of 7 and 11, children gradually become able to understand specific examples of cause and effect, but they still struggle with abstract ideas and putting issues in context.

The school staff defended their showing of Greta Thunbergs sensationalist, apocalyptic speech and arrogantly disregarded what is best for the childrens mental health and well being.

Every awareness-raising lesson needs to plant seeds of hope, not rob pupils of their peace of mind, said Pauline Gallagher, retired Glasgow school teacher. Ramming political theories down childrens throats to scare them is far from education. Climate change sensationalism goes beyond brainwashing; pushed on young children, it is psychological terrorism!

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

TheNationalPost.com
"The plan to separate was rooted in our commitment to value creation from our portfolio of iconic brands," Gap interim president and CEO Robert Fisher said in a statement. "While the objectives of the separation remain relevant, our board of directors has concluded that the cost and complexity of splitting into two companies, combined with softer business performance, limited our ability to create appropriate value from separation."

Its shares shot up more than 9% in after-hours trading on the news.

The apparel maker also announced that Neil Fiske, president and CEO of the Gap brand, is departing.

Gap Inc. has called off plans to split Old Navy into a separate public company, the company announced in a press release Thursday.

"The work we've done to prepare for the spin shone a bright light on operational inefficiencies and areas for improvement," he added.

Gap's plans to spin off its once-star Old Navy brand  which were first announced last February  were called into question with the ouster of former Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck in late 2019.

The San Francisco-based retailer announced in November that Peck was stepping down from the position he had held since 2015. Peck was replaced temporarily by Fisher, the son of Gap's founders Donald and Doris Fisher.

Gap said Thursday that it intends to appoint a new CEO to oversee its full portfolio of brands, which includes Banana Republic, Athleta and Hill City.

With Peck's abrupt departure, analysts and investors began to doubt that a looming split of Old Navy and Gap would go through  especially with the recent under-performance at Old Navy. The hope, with the split, was that Old Navy could shine on its own, without being dragged down by Gap's weaker-performing namesake brand and Banana Republic.

But Old Navy's sales have slumped in recent quarters. The brand that sells budget apparel faces heightened competition from the likes of H&M, TJ Maxx and Target.

Gap also on Thursday provided Wall Street an update on its financials, following the all-important holiday season. It didn't, however, disclose exact holiday sales figures.

The retailer said it is now calling for total same-store sales and net sales in fiscal 2019 to fall on the high end of previously issued outlooks  of down mid-single digits and down low-single digits, respectively.

Gap said that "as a result of better than anticipated promotional levels over the holiday period"  particularly at Old Navy  it now is calling for adjusted earnings per share in fiscal 2019 to be "moderately above" a previously issued range of $1.70 to $1.75.

Gap is set to report fourth-quarter and full-year earnings on Feb. 27.

The company, which has a market value of $6.9 billion, has watched its stock fall more than 25% over the past 12 months.
Markets finished last year on a high note, with annual gains between 22% on the Dow Jones and 35% on the NASDAQ. But just because the markets overall did well, it does not mean that every individual stock saw big gains. Energy stocks, in particular, had a difficult year.

According to David Rosenberg, chief economist and strategist of Rosenberg Research and Associates, In a world where everything looks so expensive, energy stocks look downright cheap. At the same time, he sees the current low prices as a prime time to buy in. He believes that energy stocks are ready for gains.

Defending this belief, Rosenberg points out several factors. First, that US shale companies, which have underperformed the markets due to low oil prices, are working hard to bring investors back in. These companies need capital infusions to maintain operations, and their best path to that is finding a way to push share prices back up.

Second, the sudden easing of US-Iran tensions in the Middle East has eased fears of renewed conflict that could constrict the flow oil in world trade. While such tensions would inflate oil prices, their easing promotes safer shipping and renewed exploration in the theater  both better for the industry in the long run.

As Rosenberg puts it, In the energy space all that has to happen is for something bad not to happen and there will be a positive rerating as the end-result.

TipRanks, a company that collects and collates reams of real-time information on Wall Streets publicly traded stocks  and analysts  has the data necessary to test this hypothesis. Setting the Stock Screener filters to show only stocks from the basic materials sector, with a Strong Buy analyst consensus and upside potential of 20% or more, we picked three energy stocks that Wall Streets agree are ready to start climbing.

Callon Petroleum Co. (CPE)

Well start with Callon Petroleum, a small-cap oil and gas exploration and development company focused on the Permian Basin of West Texas. Over the past decade, the Permian formation has become North Americas largest proven energy reserve and has pushed the US into position as the worlds top oil producer.

Story continues

Over the course of 2019, while the oil industry was ramping up production, low prices put a damper on profits. CPE shares slipped 26% during the year on falling revenues.

The falling revenues and share depreciation came even as the company was managing to beat analyst expectations on reported earnings and revenues. In Q3, the most recent reported, CPE showed EPS of 19 cents, 5.5% above expectation, and revenues of $155.4 million, 2% over the forecast. It was the third time in a year that CPE had beaten the EPS forecast.

This could explain CPEs positive indication from TipRanks measurement of investor sentiment. Purchases of the stock are up in both the past 30 days and the past week  a very positive sign for Callon.

The company caught the attention of RBC Capital analyst Brad Heffern. Heffern was attracted by Callons placement in Texas most productive oil region, as well as the companys potential for increasing free cash flow. He wrote, We like the company's strong asset positions in the Permian and Eagle Ford Basins we think CPE has successfully transitioned from a Permian pure play growth story, to sustainable corporate return model with asset diversification, centered around sustainable growth and free cash flow generation. As CPE transitions to a free cash flow model, we would expect the company to ultimately consider implementing a dividend or returning cash to shareholders through a repurchase program.

Heffern put a Buy rating on CPE, with an $8 price target. His target suggests room for an eye-opening 94% upside growth potential this year. (To watch Hefferns track record, click here)

Currently, Callon sells for $4.22, a bargain price. The average price target of $7.33 shows the stocks potential  an impressive 74% upside. The Strong Buy analyst consensus rating is based on 8 Buys against a single Hold. (See Callons stock analysis at TipRanks)

QEP Resources, Inc. (QEP)

Our second stock, QEP, is another exploration and development company, working in crude oil, natural gas liquids, and dry gas deposits. With headquarters in Denver, Colorado, QEP has oil and gas operations in both the Texas Permian Basin and North Dakotas Williston Basin.

Ending 2018, QEP had proven reserves of 658 million barrels of oil equivalent, and in Q3 2019 produced 8.4 million barrels. The production breakdown for the quarter was 67% oil, 16% natural gas liquids, and 17% dry gas. During the same quarter, QEP bet the forecasts on EPS despite slowing production outputs. QEP had a strong cash position at the end of Q3, also, with $92.4 million on hand and borrowing against its revolving credit line.

QEP shares dropped steadily in 2019, but turned up sharply in December. That gain mitigated the years loss, holding it to 21%. The recent tensions in the Middle East hurt the oil industry generally, including QEP shares  but QEP has not lost as much in January as it had gained the month before.

Piper Sandler analyst Kashy Harrison was impressed with QEPs overall position. Harrison believes the company has a solid foundation to improve the balance sheet, and that its prospects going forward depend more on management execution than anything else. He writes, We think QEP looks cheap as long as it executes on the forward outlook. Notably, recent execution from new management coupled with a conservative approach toward forward guidance improves our confidence in the outlook We expect FCF generated in the near-term will primarily clean up the balance sheet

Harrisons Buy rating is backed up with a $6 price target, indicating room for a 54% upside. (To watch Harrisons track record, click here)

Like CPE above, QEP sells for a bargain price  this time, just $3.89. The average price target of $5.63 suggests room for a robust 44% upside. The Strong Buy analyst consensus rating is based on 4 reviews, including 3 Buys and 1 Hold. (See QEPs stock analysis at TipRanks)

Goodrich Petroleum Corporation (GDP)

Third on our list is a micro-cap company, of just $105 million market cap, based in Texas and Louisiana. Unlike the companies above, Goodrich does not operate in the Permian Basin it is focused on the Eagle Ford formation of East Texas. The company also has operations in Louisiana, where the majority of its operations are focused on natural gas exploitation in the Haynesville Shale.

Goodrich saw strong production in Q3 2019, the most recent reported, with natural gas output reaching 136 million cubic feet per day in the quarter. This was a 61% year-over-year increase. Earnings came in at 14 cents per share based on $2 million net income, missing the forecasts however. The companys higher output overbalanced lower gas prices to generate the positive earnings and avoiding a net loss.

The third quarter may have been adequate, but 2019 as a whole was not good for GDP shares. The stock lost 32% during the year, and has started 2020 with further losses. The result is an energy company with a depressed share price  and rising output on expanding exploration areas. This solid base has attracted attention from Wall Street analysts.

Writing from Roth Capital, John White is impressed with Goodrichs management. He said, after the quarterly earnings call, [The] 2020 plan continues GDPs allstar execution and prudent management practices, focused on cash flow and balance sheet strength while still achieving production growth.

White puts an $18 price target on GDP, implying a whopping 110% upside growth potential and supporting his Buy rating. (To watch Whites track record, click here)

Northlands Jeff Grampp agrees that GDP is a Buy proposition. He weighed in at the same time, and wrote, The company's 2020 development program assumes 13 gross (5.8 net) wells are placed to sales (72% of net wells operated) with an average lateral length of 8,500 feet We think the new guidance implies an attractive financial position for GDP. FCF is expected to yield ~16% at the midpoint. Additionally, leverage is expected to end 2020 at ~1x and there is solid downside protection with 45%-50% of natural gas production hedged.

Grampps Buy rating is supported by a $13 price target  which indicates his confidence in 51% growth to the upside. (To watch Grampps track record, click here)

Goodrich has a unanimous Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 3 Buy reviews from Wall Street. Shares are cheap, at just $8.56, and the $15 average price target suggests an upside potential of 72%  most impressive indeed. (See Goodrichs stock analysis at TipRanks)
The aides of a Yobe Emir who were killed in an Ambush in Kaduna state have been buried in Potiskum. Thousands of well-wishers, friends and family members came out in large numbers for the funeral of the four aides of the Emir of Potiskum killed along Kaduna highway on Wednesday.

The Emir however escaped unhurt in the attack.

The funeral was held at the expansive arena of the Emirs palace in Potiskum.

It was also gathered the Emir receiving medical attention in Kaduna after the attack but his brother Emirs from Tikau, Damagum attended the funeral.



Hassan Mohammed, one of the sons of the Emirate, informed the traditional title holder in the emirate, Makaman Potiskum, Alh. Abubakar Maina Kaina was also killed in the attack with three other guards in the ill-fated attack on the monarch.

It is not clear how the Emir escaped the attack but unconfirmed information indicated that the Emir may have been traditionally fortified over such incidents.

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L ove Island bosses have quashed claims Ollie Williams early exit had anything to do with negative headlines about him in the press.

Wednesday nights episode saw Ollie announce his decision, telling his fellow Islanders that he had realised he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend.

However, fans soon speculated over whether Ollie had been tipped off about claims he once ran a hunting business hitting the headlines.

Former Islander Curtis Pritchard was among those claiming this could be the case too, telling Heart Radio: His family might have contacted producers and asked for him to leave, you just don't know.

Love Island 2020: Series 6 - In pictures 1 /126 Love Island 2020: Series 6 - In pictures ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Siannise ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Paige plays the couple challenge. ITV Connagh and Mike chat. ITV ITV Sophie interrupts Connagh, Mike and Nas' chat. ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Twins Jess and Eve on their double date ITV Leanne and Mike chat after his date ITV ITV Rex Features ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Love Island contestants were flabbergasted as it was revealed XX's favourite sex position was the butter churner ITV2 Eve and Jess Gale ITV Laura Whitmore ITV Leanne Amaning and Mike Boateng ITV The girls around around the fire pit ITV Shaughna enters the villa ITV Paige and Ollie ITV Sophie ITV Shaughna and Callum ITV Siannise and Nas ITV Sophie and Connor ITV ITV Leanne enters the villa ITV ITV ITV ITV

"They might have seen all the hate he was getting and decided to pull him out."

However, a Love Island spokesperson has denied this was the case.

They told the Sun: "Ollie made the decision to leave off his own back and explained his reasons for doing so in his quote.

"He was not made aware whilst he was in the villa of any press stories running around him but as with all Islanders, since leaving the villa he has now been briefed as to what has been written and said about him as part of our duty of care.

We will be supporting Ollie as he leaves the villa."

A source previously denied pictures of Ollie posing with dead animals were from sport hunting trips, instead claiming he was doing conservation work.

They said: Ollie was involved in the culling of sick animals who were a threat to the health of the herd.

"There is a very big and important difference between trophy hunting and the conversation work Ollie has previously been involved in.

"At no point has Ollie organised or booked anybody to go to Africa to shoot game."

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Ahead of the 2019 series, ITV introduced new guidelines around duty of care and how Love Islanders are assisted in the wake of their departures from the show.

All contestants now receive bespoke social media training and advice on finance as well as eight therapy sessions and proactive contact for 14 months after the series has ended, with additional help provided where necessary.

The current series of Love Island marks the first time the show has been filmed in South Africa, with a Cape Town abode being used instead of the usual Mallorca location.

We may be just days into the series but theres been no shortage of drama and sparks look set to fly again tonight, thanks to the arrival of two more bombshells.
T ributes have been paid to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's father and WWE hall of fame wrestler Rocky Johnson following his death aged 75.

Figures from the wrestling industry were among those to express their sadness after Johnson, known as "Soul Man", death was announced late on Wednesday.

Johnson was a trailblazer in the ring and was the first African-American WWE tag team champion. He retired in 1991 and his son Dwayne continued his wrestling legacy before becoming a major Hollywood star.

Announcing his death, the WWE said in a statement it "extends its condolences to Johnson's family, friends and fans". No cause of death was given. Figures from the wrestling industry have paid tribute.

Mick Foley, whose ring identities include Mankind and Dude Love, tweeted: "I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the fans who loved him. A very sad day for wrestling."

Booker T Huffman, whose ring name is Booker T, said: "One of the men I looked up to and one of the best to ever do it. God rest his soul."

Matt Hardy, who wrestled alongside his brother Jeff as the Hardy Boyz, wrote: "Saddened to hear about the passing of Rocky Johnson. Rocky was always extremely friendly and kind to me every time I interacted with him over the years. My condolences and thoughts go out to his family."

And Dana Brooke said: "My heart goes out to the family of @TheRock and may prayers be sent your way during this time! I am sorry for your loss!"

Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock - In pictures 1 /32 Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock - In pictures Lauren Hashian and Dwayne Johnson attend the premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle" Getty Images Dwayne Johnson with his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw and Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Universal Pictures Dwayne Johnson and John Cena at the 25th Anniversary of Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden, New York, America Rex Features Dwayne Johnson leaves his hotel in New York SplashNews.com Dwayne Johnson arrives on the red carpet for the Time 100 Gala AFP/Getty Images Dwayne Johnson receives the Generation Award at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards Reuters Dwayne Johnson accepts his Generation Award onstage during the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards AFP/Getty Images Dwayne The Rock Johnson NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Neve Campbell and Dwayne Johnson in "Skyscraper" Kimberley French/Universal Pictures via AP Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman and Dwayne Johnson attend the European Premiere of "Rampage" Dave Benett Dwayne Johnson attending the European premiere of Rampage PA Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch Photo credit: Frank Masi Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, and Karen Gillan in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian attend the 89th Annual Academy Awards in 2017 Getty Images Dwayne Johnson with his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 Getty Images Dwayne Johnson with his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 Invision/AP Dwayne Johnson accepts the award for favorite premium series actor at the People's Choice Awards in 2017 Invision/AP wayne Johnson poses at the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana" Reuters Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) in Moana Disney Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart Warner Bros Splash News Dwayne Johnson poses for a selfie with fans during the world premiere of San Andreas at Odeon Leicester Square PA

Johnson, born in Nova Scotia, Canada, began his wrestling career in the mid-1960s but found wider fame when joining the WWE in 1983.

He was known for his rivalries with the likes of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis, and enjoyed success when he teamed up with Tony Atlas as The Soul Patrol.

The two men became the first African-American World Tag Team Champions in WWE history when they defeated The Wild Samoans in December 1983.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 13:36:34|Editor: mingmei

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- As China-Mexico ties are at their peak, it's time for Mexican companies to explore new partnerships with their Chinese counterparts, experts have said.

A bilateral high-level business group known as GANE, which means "win" in Spanish, has held seven meetings and shed light on how Mexican companies can approach the Chinese market, said Mexican Ambassador to China Jose Luis Bernal at an event called "China Day" in Mexico City on Monday.

"The best way to approach this market is to create new value chains and new chains of productive partnerships, not just in manufacturing sectors, but also by creating shared strategies for market growth and long-term complementarity," Bernal said.

"We're talking about fruits, vegetables, juices, meats, fish and seafood, alcoholic beverages, building materials and chemicals, synthetic fibers, mining and so on," Bernal added.

Established in 2013, GANE aims to bolster mutual trust and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries and solve problems in bilateral trade and investment.

The mechanism has proved effective, said Bernal, adding that at least three Chinese automakers are preparing to produce vehicles in Mexico.

Mexico and China have maintained "good relations" for years, which is conducive to consolidating their political and economic ties, said Mexico's Deputy Economy Minister Luz Maria de la Mora, who also attended the event.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador put in place policies to shape the commercial pillars of innovation, inclusion and diversification, laying the foundation for stronger cooperation, she said.

"Our relationship with China is in a way perfectly aligned with these goals," de la Mora said.

The Chinese market is 10 times larger than Mexico's domestic market, providing huge opportunities for the Latin American country, she said.
The Daily Beast

Fox News White House correspondent and perpetual nemesis of Jen Psaki thought he had Joe Bidens press secretary cornered on Monday when he asked her why the president is still referring to COVID-19 as a pandemic of the unvaccinated when so many people are getting breakthrough infections. He was wrong.I understand that the science says that vaccines prevent death, Doocy began, before undercutting that basic truth. But Im triple-vaxxed, still got COVID. Youre triple-vaxxed, still got COVI
Severe droughts happened simultaneously in the regions that supply water to Southern California almost six times per century on average since 1500, according to new University of Arizona-led research.

The study is the first to document the duration and frequency of simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources -- the Sacramento River basin, the Upper Colorado River Basin and local Southern California basins.

The report highlights what a previous researcher dubbed "perfect droughts" -- when the precipitation or streamflow in all three water sources falls below the median for two or more years. The most recent perfect drought lasted from 2012 to 2015.

Concurrent droughts lasting multiple years in all three sources of water for Southern California pose "the most serious challenge to water management," the authors write in the Journal of American Water Resources Association.

The researchers used the annual growth rings of trees to reconstruct the climate history of the three water sources back to the year 1126. For the period 1906 to 2017, the amount of annual precipitation and streamflow was recorded by instruments.

"Such a reconstruction of the water supply for Southern California has not been done before," said first author Connie Woodhouse, a professor in the School of Geography and Development.

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The California Department of Water Resources, or CADWR, wanted to know the past frequency and duration of severe droughts in the major sources of Southern California's water supply and funded the study.

The team found perfect droughts were not unusual and were evenly distributed in time since about 1400, with about five to six such droughts per 100 years, Woodhouse said. More severe and longer-term droughts occurred during the warmer 11th and 12th centuries.

"California Department of Water Resources has a long history as a water resources department of using paleodata to help its understanding of drought," said co-author David Meko, a research professor of dendrochronology in the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research.

Woodhouse and Meko's co-author is Erica Bigio, who was a member of the research team while at the University of Arizona and is now a lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The researchers also tested whether specific oceanic or atmospheric circulation patterns could be linked to the occurrence of perfect droughts. The only pattern they found was that perfect droughts coincided with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast that pushes storm tracks north of all three sources of water.

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Woodhouse and Meko previously studied droughts in the Sacramento River Basin and the Colorado River Basin for CADWR using tree rings to reconstruct streamflow patterns back to the 10th century or earlier. The agency asked the team to expand on previous studies to include water sources in Southern California.

Each annual growth ring of a tree reflects the growing conditions, including temperature and precipitation, during that year. By taking either pencil-thin cores from living trees or cross-sections of dead trees, scientists piece together the patterns of annual rings to reveal growing conditions going back centuries. The climate information in tree rings also reflects variations in streamflow, making it possible to develop reconstructions of past streamflow.

Groundwater is one of the water sources for Southern California. There are not enough historical instrumental records of groundwater records to develop a reconstruction going back centuries, so the team used precipitation as a proxy for groundwater.

To determine past precipitation for Southern California going back 890 years, Bigio led the team in collecting additional tree-ring records from mountain ranges including the San Bernardino, San Gabriel and San Jacinto mountains.

The team also checked whether perfect droughts coincided with specific atmospheric or oceanic conditions, which was a new approach, Meko said.

"The California Department of Water Resources wanted this long-term information to help with planning," he said. "The broader question is what causes these simultaneous droughts in these different basins."

The researchers found that no one atmospheric or oceanic circulation pattern, such as El Nino, corresponded with severe droughts in all three basins.

The team did find that perfect droughts occurred in Southern California when the storm tracks shifted north. Woodhouse said several different atmospheric circulation patterns can cause that shift.

Longer and more severe droughts in all three basins occurred in the 11th and 12th centuries, a time period when the climate was warmer, she said.

"We had a nine-year perfect drought and a seven-year perfect drought -- and they were pretty much West-wide," Woodhouse said.

The researchers write in closing that, given the projected changes in water availability due to warming, "perfect droughts such as 2012-2015 may become increasingly common, with the potential for even longer events to occur."
Share price of IRCTC hit the four-digit mark for the first time ever a day ahead of launch of India's second private train Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Tejas Express. The train will be operated by IRCTC. This is the first time IRCTC share hit the Rs 1,000 mark since the Indian Railways stock made its market debut in October last year. IRCTC share price rose up to 2.02% to Rs 1,005 compared to the previous close of Rs 985.50 in afternoon trade today.

0.75 lakh shares of the firm changed hands amounting to turnover of Rs 7.48 crore on BSE. Market cap of the firm rose to Rs 15,920 crore.

Also read: Second Tejas train to be launched on Ahemdabad-Mumbai route next year

On January 13 this year, the state-run company said that Ministry of Railways has given its approval to IRCTC for operating 82901/82902 Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Tejas Express (6 days a week). The train will see its inaugural run on January 17, 2020 and start its commercial run from January 19, 2020.

IRCTC also operates Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express. The stock is up nearly three times its IPO issue price.

The Indian Railway firm made its market debut on October 14 with IRCTC share listing at Rs 644 on BSE and Rs 626 on NSE against the issue price of Rs 320.

Against the listing price of Rs 644, the IRCTC stock made an intraday high of Rs 743.80 on both the bourses, with 15.50% intraday gain clocked on the BSE, and 18.80% hike against the listing price on NSE. Bids were invited in a price band of Rs 315 to Rs 320 during the IRCTC IPO which was held from September 30 to October 3.

The allotment of shares for the initial public offer (IPO) of IRCTC was held from October 9 to October 10. The IPO received bids for 225.39 crore shares compared to the issue size of 2.01 crore shares. The public issue was a part of the government's divestment programme for the financial year 2019-20.

Also read: Train tickets to get costlier from January 1 as railway ministry hikes basic passenger fare

The government which owned 100% in IRCTC sold 12.6% stake in the firm. After the IPO, government's stake in the firm fell to 87.4%. The issue involves sale of 2.01 crore equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each in a price band of Rs 315 to Rs 320. The attractiveness of the firm's business can be gauged from the fact that IRCTC enjoys monopoly across its area of operations and is backed by the government.

IRCTC is engaged in internet ticketing, catering, packaged drinking water and travel and tourism. IRCTC has also diversified into other businesses, including non-railway catering and services such as e-catering, executive lounges and budget hotels.

By Aseem Thapliyal
Scientists may have solved one of the great Leonardo da Vinci painting mysteries  why the glass orb in the Salvator Mundi painting (dated to around 1500 CE) shows no signs of the refraction and reflection of light that might be expected. The answer, according to computer models run by a team from the University of California, Irvine, is that in the painting Jesus is holding a hollow rather than a solid orb, which would have appeared the way that da Vinci depicted it, ScienceAlert reports.

This idea of a hollow orb has been mooted before by art historians, alongside alternative hypotheses involving rock crystal, but now an advanced 3D rendering has shown that da Vinci's daubing accurately represents a hollow glass object. "Our experiments show that an optically accurate rendering qualitatively matching that of the painting is indeed possible using materials, light sources, and scientific knowledge available to Leonardo da Vinci circa 1500," write the researchers in their paper.

The robes of Christ shown behind the orb in Salvator Mundi (Latin for "saviour of the world") aren't distorted or magnified, while there are also three white spots painted on the surface. Some historians have suggested that da Vinci deliberately painted the orb in an unrealistic way. However, using a computer graphics technique known as inverse rendering  where three-dimensional details of a scene are extrapolated from a two-dimensional image  the scientists were able to recreate what da Vinci painted hundreds of years ago.

Based on the team's calculations, the orb had a radius of 6.8 centimetres (2.7 inches) and was 25 centimetres (9.8 inches) in front of the subject of the painting. The orb couldn't be more than 1.3 millimetres (0.05 inches) thick, the analysis suggests. The shadows in the painting suggest a strong light source from above, as well as more general diffuse light, according to the computer models. The research has yet to be peer reviewed, but the computer analysis matches what's on the canvas.

From the folds of Christ's gown as they pass behind the orb, it seems da Vinci had a solid knowledge of how glass orbs worked  indeed he was known to be studying optics at the time. Most of the folds aren't distorted, but one does show some changes behind the orb. The painting  which sold for $450 million in 2017, making it the most expensive painting in the world  is still surrounded by plenty of controversy, with several scholars suggesting that da Vinci only contributed certain sections to the painting, or that he wasn't involved at all.

That the glass orb is accurately depicted adds credence to the claims that da Vinci did indeed have a hand in the composition  and that he used his knowledge of optics and lights to produce a true representation. "This analysis suggest that Leonardo understood these optical properties of hollow balls and how to avoid distracting optical distortions from the rendering of the folds of the subject's robe," write the scientists in their paper.
"Spartan Mosquito is proud to bring the Pro-Tech Eradicator to communities in Togo that desperately need innovation," Spartan Mosquito Chairman of the Board Jeremy Hirsch said. "We know we can have a meaningful impact on the catastrophic disruption in the region that is caused by mosquitos."

The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene in Togo will help coordinate local implementation, including distribution of the technology and collection of quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate efficacy. Spartan Mosquito is supplying 10 square miles of Pro-Tech Eradicators at no charge to communities throughout Togo, with an anticipated impact of relief for tens of thousands of people.

"We are so pleased to partner with Spartan Mosquito to promote effective new mosquito-control solutions in Togo," The Minister of Health and Public Hygiene Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa said. "Innovations like the Spartan Mosquito Pro-Tech Eradicator are critical to combatting mosquito-borne illnesses in West Africa."

Based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Spartan Mosquito has proven and sustained success in mosquito control and developed its Pro-Tech Eradicator technology as the next generation of its popular and effective original Eradicator product.

The Pro-Tech Eradicator uses naturally occurring borate and simple, easy installation to eliminate 95% of mosquitos in the radius of control. The Pro-Tech Eradicator is currently in its final stages of EPA review and approval.

Spartan Mosquito has made an ongoing commitment to local communities all over the U.S. and the world to help municipal governments and individual property-owners to use the Eradicator technology to effectively and efficiently improve the quality of life for everyone.

Based on data from the World Health Organization, there are 500 million cases of mosquito-borne diseases every year  millions die each year  with 90% of those happening in Africa.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. ATCHA-OUBOU Tinah, MD-MPH

Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Program

Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene Republique of Togo

SOURCE Dr. ATCHA-OUBOU Tinah, MD-MPH Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP)
The study of therapies and interventions to expand healthy human lifespan has been limited by a lack of animal models: traditional vertebrate models such as the mouse live too long to get rapid results, while the most popular model, a roundworm called C.elegans that lives for only three weeks, is rungs away from humans on the evolutionary ladder.

In recent years, however, scientists have developed the African turquoise killifish as a model to bridge this gap. Its short lifespan of only four to six months offers rapid insight into the effectiveness of anti-aging interventions, while its biological traits, including vertebrate-specific genes and organs and a complex immune system, are directly relevant to the study of human aging.

Thanks to a $75,000 grant from The Cotswold Foundation, the MDI Biological Laboratory will add the African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) to its growing roster of animal models, thus strengthening the institution's longstanding tradition of engaging in comparative research to gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in aging and regeneration.

The African turquoise killifish is the shortest-lived vertebrate to be bred in captivity. Using it as a model we will be able to rapidly identify and test the genes, gene pathways and environmental manipulations governing aging and longevity, which in turn could lead to new therapies to extend healthy human lifespan." Aric Rogers, Ph.D., MDI Biological Laboratory faculty member

The new model's ability to regenerate means it can also be used as a platform to study how regenerative ability declines with age, thus allowing the institution to build on its new research focus on the interface between aging and regeneration. That focus was established in 2019 with the addition of a course on the interrelation between these fields that will be repeated in 2020.

We are deeply grateful to The Cotswold Foundation for its support of our initiative to become a leader in the unexplored scientific territory at the interface of aging and regeneration. Because it is a vertebrate, the African turquoise killifish will open doors to new insights into why aging occurs in humans." Hermann Haller, M.D., MDI Biological Laboratory president

A native of East Africa, the African turquoise killifish was first identified as a new species in 1969. Though prized by aquarium enthusiasts for its brilliant coloration, it wasn't until 2003 that it attracted the notice of scientists in search of an animal model for aging occupying the space between invertebrates and longer-lived vertebrate models such as the mouse and zebrafish.

An advantage of the new model is that it shares many symptoms of aging with humans, including loss of muscle mass, decline in immune function, even loss of memory. The initial research at the MDI Biological Laboratory, to be conducted by Rogers, Voot Yin, Ph.D., and Sam Beck, Ph.D., will focus on charting the progress of these age-related degenerative changes.

Once the scientists have identified the biomarkers of aging in the new model, they will pursue additional funding to use it to study the interface between aging and regeneration. Rogers anticipates it will eventually be employed as a model by a number of faculty members, as well as by visiting scientists and by students enrolled in courses in these areas.

"The MDI Biological Laboratory has always been committed to the idea of using the animal model that is best suited to the study of the biological problem at hand," Rogers explained. "With this exciting new model, we will have the ability to explore aging in an animal that ages in a similar manner to us, but at a much faster pace. The only limit to discovery will be our own creativity."

The African turquoise killifish is not entirely new to the institution: in recent years it has been introduced during summer courses on aging and regeneration by visiting faculty members Dario Riccardo Valenzano, Ph.D., of the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany, and Itamar Harel, Ph.D., of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Valenzano and Harel have been leaders in the development of the colony management techniques, laboratory protocols and genetic tools required to establish the African turquoise killifish as an animal model. Both are former post-doctoral students in the laboratory of Anne Brunet, Ph.D., at Stanford University School of Medicine, one of the pioneers in the use of the new model.

The African turquoise killifish is not to be confused with another valuable model, the Atlantic killifish (Fundus heteroclitus), or mummichog, which inhabits tidal estuaries such as Northeast Creek near the MDI Biological Laboratory. Atlantic killifish from Northeast Creek have long been used by MDI Biological Laboratory scientists to study kidney disease, adaptation to toxic pollution and more.
Burma Xi Jinping Calls for Concrete Planning and Implementation of Chinese Projects Ahead of Myanmar Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Dec. 2, 2019. / Reuters

YANGONChinese President Xi Jinping published an article Thursday in Myanmars state-owned newspapers stressing that Myanmar and China need to deepen result-oriented Belt and Road cooperation and move from the conceptual stage to concrete planning and implementation of Beijings infrastructure projects across Myanmar.

One day before Xis visit to Myanmar, the article appeared with his byline under the title Writing a New Chapter in Our Millennia-Old Pauk-Phaw Friendship. The term pauk-phaw was coined in the 1950s to describe the supposedly friendly and close relationship between China and Myanmar.

In the article, he said practical cooperation from both sides was important for implementing the development projects that make up the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

Efforts need to be made to promote the three pillars of the CMEC, namely the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City, Xi wrote.

We also need to deepen practical and mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as connectivity, electricity, energy, transportation, agriculture, finance and livelihood to deliver more benefits to both peoples, the Chinese president wrote.

In his nearly 1,300-word story, Xi said he looks forward to renewing Chinas pauk-phaw ties with Myanmar and discussing future cooperation during the upcoming visit.

Myanmar became an official member of Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative after signing a 15-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) in September 2018. The estimated 1,700-kilometer-long CMEC will connect Kunming, the capital of Chinas Yunnan Province, to Myanmars major economic hubsMandalay and Yangonand to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Myanmars Rakhine State.

Unveiled in 2013, the BRI is Xis signature foreign policy project. The project aims to build a network of roads, railroads and shipping lanes linking at least 70 countries from China to Europe, passing through Central Asia, the Middle East and Russia, to foster trade and investment.

Under the CMEC, Myanmar has agreed to implement nine projects including the Kyaukphyu SEZa key strategic component that provides China with direct access to the Indian Oceanas well as three border economic cooperation zones in Kachin and Shan states. In November 2018, Myanmar renegotiated the share ratio agreement and signed a framework agreement for the Kyaukphyu SEZ.

The Myanmar government agreed to build the border economic cooperation zones in 2017 when State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Beijing to attend a forum on the BRI. The zones are located in Chinshwehaw, in Shan States Laukkai Township, which is part of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone, as well as Muse, also in Shan State, and Kanpiketi, in Kachin States Special Region 1, which is currently under the control of the New Democratic Army-Kachin militia, a border guard force allied with the Myanmar military.

Chinshwehaw and Muse are already major trading hubs along Myanmars border with Chinas Yunnan Province. Kanpiketi currently does regular trade with China as well. The total cost of construction for the zones has not been calculated yet.

The Myanmar government has also signed a framework agreement for the New Yangon City, which will include a new town, industrial park and urban development, with the New Yangon Development Company (NYDC) and the Hong Kong-listed China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The proposal for the project has been submitted to the Union Economic Committee, but the government has yet to officially announce whether the project will be given a green light.

With Myanmar as an important partner country of BRI, our two sides have capitalized on the convergence of our development strategies, Xi wrote Thursday.

Myanmar occupies a unique geographical position in the BRI, lying at the junction of South and Southeast Asia, and between the Indian Ocean and southwestern Chinas landlocked Yunnan Province.

We have signed cooperation documents on building the [CMEC] and established a joint CMEC committee to oversee steady progress, the Chinese president wrote.

In April 2019, Myanmar and China signed an MoU for CMEC cooperation for 2019 through 2030 at the second BRI forum in Beijing.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries. Myanmar was the first non-communist country to recognize the communist Peoples Republic of China after its foundation in 1949.

Both sides have already made several homages in art and films to celebrate the anniversary. According to the Chinese president, Myanmar and China have designated 2020 as the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism.

We need to bring new impetus to our mutually beneficial cooperation by deepening trade and economic exchanges, Xi wrote.

Meanwhile, according to Myanmars government investment agency, China is the countrys second-largest foreign investor and its largest trading partner.

The Chinese presidents article did not discuss the fact that China has taken on a central role in Myanmars peace process, especially with some of the ethnic armed groups active along its border. The Chinese president wrote that China supports Myanmar in advancing the peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue, but did not elaborate. The two sides may work together to ensure peace and stability along our border, he wrote.

In 2013, China played a role in the first peace talks held between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar government representatives, held in Ruili, a town on the Chinese side of the border.

Since 2017, China has acted as an official peace broker between the military and members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee, an organization that includes the KIA, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

China supports the efforts of the Myanmar government to promote peace and reconciliation, and supports Myanmar in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity in the international arena, he wrote. Myanmar, for its part, has given China staunch support on issues involving Chinas core interests and major concerns.

Amid allegations that the treatment of the Rohingya and the Myanmar militarys operations in western Rakhine State amount to genocide and war crimes, Beijing has continued to offer strong support to Myanmar. In 2018, China voted against the UN Human Rights Councils move to establish a body to investigate claims of genocide in Rakhine.

Xi will arrive on Friday in Naypyitaw to seek commitments from Myanmars leaders for BRI projects in Myanmar. During the visit, the two countries plan to sign a dozen agreements including issues such as the implementation of the Kyaukphyu SEZ, border cooperation zones, trade, road upgrade projects, trade relations and social and economic development assistance.

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A helicopter carrying peacekeeping forces in Mali (Source: news.un.org)

At the meeting, UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre LaCroix presented the UN Secretary Generals report on the political and security in Mali and the operation of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSMA) in the country, reported VNA.

Ambassador Quy shared the concern of the UN Secretary General and other countries over the situation in Mali, and condemned attacks against civilians, security forces in Mali and MINUSMA.

He also appealed to the concerned sides to fulfill their task of protecting innocent people, especially women and children, enhance womens full, practical and comprehensive engagement in political and economic process in Mali, and support the operation of MINUSMA and efforts of the international community in assisting the Malian government to preserve international peace and security.

Hanoi expects to welcome nearly 32 million tourists this year

Hanoi city Department of Tourism aims to attract more than 8.2 million foreigners and nearly 23.8 million domestic visitors this year, representing year-on-year increases of 17 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

Tourists to Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi (Source: hanoimoi.com.vn)



The capital expects to raise the number of tourist arrivals by over 10 percent from last year to nearly 32 million in 2020.

Hanoi ranked 15th among the worlds best 25 places selected by readers of the TripAdvisor website. The Mastercard Asia Pacific Destinations Index gave the city the 15th position among the top 20 destinations in the region.

In addition, it was also named one of the worlds cheapest places for travel in the 2019 Backpacker Index by Price of Travel, the worlds largest database of travel costs./.
The young people who influence the trends of today will be the decision-makers of tomorrow, and must be encouraged to consider how their everyday decisions can have a positive impact on the environment  and the world.

Thats according to Director General of the EPA, Laura Burke, launching The Story of Your Stuff, an EPA competition aimed at secondary school students, which seeks to empower young people to make environmentally conscious decisions about their stuff and everyday activities.

Now in its fourth year, the competition brings together curiosity, creativity and science, and aims to get young people thinking about sustainability, climate action and environmental protection, and to spread the word among their friends and family. Entrants are tasked with highlighting the environmental impact of an everyday item or activity by creatively telling its story through a visual medium. Students can chose to investigate the story of any everyday item or activity, such as a pencil or a bottle, or their journey to school, or their energy use.

Entrants to the competition will be in with a chance to win 500 for themselves and 500 for their school, while a new Climate Topic Prize will be awarded to the entry that best addresses key climate considerations, such as carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions or climate action. The top five shortlisted entrants, their classmates and their teacher will be invited to a showcase finale event in UCD in early April, where, as well as seeing the work of the other finalists, theyll also delve in to the world of science through workshops with students and staff of the colleges science faculty, and hear from The Story of Your Stuff Ambassador (to be revealed), before the winning project is announced.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Burke said: Many young people are rightly concerned about the climate and environmental emergency now facing us worldwide, something that has been well flagged by evidence from scientists, including the EPA. Urgent transformational change is now required to meet these challenges, based on what the evidence is telling us. The EPA is calling on second-level students to enter The Story of Your Stuff competition and to use their artistic talents to create stories to inspire others to make low carbon and environmentally conscious consumption choices.

All of us, younger and older, have a responsibility to take ownership of environmental issues in our personal lives. We can ask questions, identify solutions, adopt the necessary changes and support those who are addressing the broader challenges involved. Actions on a personal level to reduce carbon consumption often have associated benefits too, such as healthier lives and more engagement with others. If we begin to embrace the necessary changes now, we can also start to imagine a better future for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Entrants are encouraged to use the resources of the EPA website, particularly the EPAs Irelands Environment web resource to assist them in their research. The site offers easily accessible information about local environment, environmental indicators, reports and research on topics such as climate change, water, air, biodiversity and waste management.

Last years winners were Shurooq Azam, Aldiana Hoxha, Kar Gong Leong and Tomi Ayibiowu from Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin 15, who made a video on the story of a toothbrush.

EPA lead for The Story of Your Stuff, Colette Ryan said: The Story of Your Stuff competition gets people thinking, talking and making changes. The quality of the entries each year is so impressive and a testament to the wonderful students who take the time to explore the story of their stuff and to the teachers who guide them, and the competition is a highlight of the year for all of us at the EPA. We look forward to seeing the projects from this years entrants.

Competition guidelines and tips are available at www.storyofyourstuff.ie. The deadline for entries is Monday, 9th March 2020.
A Delhi court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a social worker accused of instigating a crowd to pelt stones at cops during anti-CAA protest in east Delhi's Seemapuri

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a man, who, according to the police, had allegedly instigated a crowd to pelt stones at cops during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in east Delhi's Seemapuri.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra granted the relief to Haji Tahir, a social worker, on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety of like amount and asked him to join the investigation as and when required by the police.

The court further directed him to not indulge in any activity that may disturb public peace.

During the hearing, the investigating officer told the court Tahir allegedly instigated the crowd at Seemapuri to pelt stones at the police during a protest against the amended citizenship law on 20 December.

The police said they visited his house twice but found it locked. They said they had also obtained non-bailable warrants against him.

When the court asked if there was any evidence to substantiate the allegations, the police said they do not have any CCTV footage or video clip to show that Tahir instigated the crowd.

Advocates Zakir Raza and Abdul Gaffar, appearing for Tahir, told the court that he has been falsely implicated and he went to the spot along with the Station House Officer (SHO) and offered roses to the police officials.

The counsel submitted a video clip which showed that Tahir was giving roses to the police officials and the SHO was appreciating him for the gesture.

Tahir is a social worker and earlier DCP North-East had issued a commendation card for him which was submitted to the court, Raza told the court.

The police had said in the case FIR that despite telling him repeatedly not to hold protest against the citizenship law, Tahir had led a protest march of around 1000-1500 protestors at Seemapuri on December 20.

The competent authority had not given permission for the march and despite warnings to call off the protest, they continued to raise slogans against the citizenship law, the FIR has alleged.

The police told the crowd that it was an unlawful assembly and asked them to disperse, the FIR said.

It further alleged that when the police tried to stop them from marching forward, the protestors started pelting stones targeting them and a public bus which was passing from there.

Several police officials were injured and the Additional DCP of Shahdara district had to fire in the air to control the violent crowd, the FIR claimed.
An individual health insurance policy is a standard health insurance product that only covers a single person (the policyholder) for expenses on medical exigencies. If you get hospitalised due to a sudden illness or accident, the policy will cover the expensive medical treatment (pre and post hospitalisation), ambulance charges, diagnostic tests, room rent, medicines and daily cash benefits, etc. against the maximum sum insured defined in the policy. There could be sub limits on some expenses, though. Some health policies also cover domiciliary treatment, that is, treatment at home under medical supervision.

Individual health insurance is a must-have product for young people who are yet to start their families. Coverage to other family members can be extended in the following years. A family person with serious health risks should prefer individual health policy over family floater because of higher coverage requirement. Individual health insurance assures substantial sum rather than floating sum assured in a family floater plan.

When it comes to buying a health policy, most people may do it as a formality focussing more on tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act than on details of the policy. The main purpose of buying a health policy, however, should always be to get a sufficient health cover lest you opt for a wrong policy having insufficient coverage.

Sum Assured

A health cover of at least Rs 3-5 lakh is must for individuals looking for a health plan. Naval Goel, CEO & Founder of PolicyX.com says since there are low chances of you registering a claim at an early age, you are highly probable to enjoy the no-claim bonus or cumulative bonuses. "It means your sum insured may rise year-on-year up to 200 per cent," he says.

All health policies come with a waiting period of two-four years for pre-existing illnesses and certain ailments such as cataract, hernia, sinusitis may not be covered under first year of the policy. If you buy an individual policy at a young age, it will help you pass through the waiting period during which you are unlikely to claim for any such illnesses.

Besides, if you are only relying on corporate health policy provided by your employer, you must consider buying a separate plan. "Even if you are covered in a group mediclaim policy by your employer, it is always a good idea to go for a separate policy as the employer-provided policy will no longer be effective when you will leave the job and when you will retire in the future," says Amit Chhabra, Head- Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com.

How to select a policy

You must know that low premium should not be the only criterion to zero in on a policy. Reputation of the insurer and its claim settlement ratio are much more important because you are in it for a long haul. Besides, it is important to check the renewability of the plan. You must choose a plan that offers lifetime renewability because buying a new policy in old age is difficult than renewing the existing one.

Among other features, you must run a comparison on available health policies on the basis of value of cover, hospitals included/excluded in cover, limit on hospital ward rent, cashless facilities, waiting period, pre-existing diseases, ambulance cover, genetic related diseases coverage, mental health coverage and outpatient coverage et al, says Varun Gera, CEO & Founder, HealthAssure.

"OPD coverage, hospital ward rent, mental health inclusions and genetic diseases are some of the lesser known features that insurers offer," he adds.

A few health insurance plans offer cover against allopathic treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), says Goel of PolicyX.com. He adds that some health insurers may pay you a lumpsum to cover additional costs - such as loss in income or compassionate visits by family members - resulting from prolonged hospitalisation, as defined in the policy document.

Earlier this month, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) mandated general and health insurers to offer a standard individual health insurance product 'Arogya Sanjeevani' with a maximum sum insured of up to Rs 5 lakh. Insurers are supposed to make it available from April 1, 2020.

Popular individual health insurance plans:

Mistakes to avoid

If you are a person living in tier-II or tier-III cities, the premium should comparatively be lower than that for a person living in a metro city on the same policy. This is because many health insurers price their policies according to city zones. "City-specific health insurance makes sense if insured have restricted income and if their city of residence has reputed hospitals, well-equipped for treating the majority of ailments and diseases," says Indraneel Chatterjee, Principal Officer & Co-Fouder, RenewBuy.com.

"What they must keep in mind is that some insurers restrict coverage if a policyholder from a lower zone moves to zone-one city for advanced treatments," he cautions.

Secondly, you must always disclose lifestyle habits that you might have such as smoking and drinking and also your medical history while buying a policy. Non-disclosure of existing medical conditions or lifestyle habits may lead to the rejection of the insurance claim at the time of need.

Gera of HeathAssure advises that cashless claim is the best option to get your claim settled. "For a reimbursement claim one has to source all documents from the hospital and submit to the insurer or third-party administrator. It might cause delays and require additional documents along with answering to many queries," he says.

How to earn discounts on health policies

There are three ways through which you may earn discounts or additional benefits on the policy:

Opting for multi-year policy: Usually, a health insurance policy is for a year, but there are many insurers who provide health plan for a policy term of two-three years. "Buying a policy for longer policy term will allow the insured to avail discount on the premium along with being insured for a wider span," says Sekhar of Renewbuy.com.

Opting for voluntary co-payment: There is a compulsory and voluntary co-payment clause under various health insurance policies. "On opting for a voluntary co-payment, the insurer offers discount on premium. Higher the co-payment share, higher will be the discount offered on the premium," Sekhar says.

Wellness benefits: Most insurers now offer discounts on premium if you achieve a set number of steps in a year. Some insurers provide a fixed sum of money annually for wellness or fitness services such as a gym membership. In fact, Irda recently came up with 'Exposure Draft on Guidelines on Wellness and Preventive Features/Benefits'. It says that insures will provide the policy holders redeemable vouchers for yoga centre, gym memberships and even for buying protein supplements.

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The students and teachers of Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon, had something to celebrate last week as one of their two projects in the final of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition was Highly Commended at the 56th annual event.

Transition Year students, Ruth Farrell, Ciara Gavigan and Ellen Costello, entered their project under the Social & Behavioural Sciences category of the competition.

What factors influence the educational aspirations of girls from the Midlands? was the question the girls asked in their project and the judges were impressed.

A second group from the school, Duileach Ryan, Brendan Finnan and Eoin Farrell entered a project entitled Improve Accident and Emergency Experience for Patients and Hospital Staff with a simple Queuing system - a very topical project considering the current crisis in Irish hospitals.

We were extremely proud of having two projects at this years exhibition, said principal of the school, Josephine Donohue.

Many people dont appreciate how difficult it is to get to that stage, so we were absolutely thrilled to get to projects in the exhibition.

And, Ms Donohue added, the students were thrilled to be able to attend the exhibition last week - bringing home an award was a bonus.

Read more: Ballymahon students win an award at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
In a continuing effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the Tennessee Valley Authority is considering building a giant solar farm in north Alabama.

The federal utility said Thursday it holds a two-year purchase option on 3,000 acres in Lawrence County. TVA will conduct an array of studies on the site to determine the solar farm's feasibility.

Solar expansion plays a substantial role in all futures, TVA said in the executive summary of its long-term integrated resource plan approved last year.

And in 2018, TVA announced plans to build what would be Alabamas largest solar farm in Colbert County to power the under-construction Facebook data center in Huntsville.

"We committed to more renewables in the Integrated Resources plan that was approved by the TVA Board in August 2019 and we are excited to explore this potential solar site in Alabama to continue growing our carbon-free energy generation," TVA said in a statement Thursday.

The site of the potential Lawrence County solar farm is along Alternate Highway 72 (Alabama Highway 20) between Courtland and Hillsboro.

During the two-year purchase option, TVA will conduct investigative activities such as technical, environmental and cultural reviews that will determine if the property is suitable for the large-scale solar project. Following those reviews, TVA will make an assessment on completing the land purchase.

TVA said utility-scale solar could help attract high-paying jobs and investment into the area.

TVA said its energy production is almost 60 percent carbon free.
Mike Braun (Ind), Ted Cruz (TX), and Tom Cotton (Ark) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday, asking him to investigate the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and its affiliated organization, NIAC Action, for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

The letter read: FARA requires persons acting as agents of foreign principals in a political or quasi-political capacity to make periodic public disclosure of their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. FARA does not compel any American to refrain from certain types of speech; rather, it helps guarantee transparency and accountability in our political system.

The NIAC, registered in 2002, describes itself as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advancing interests of [the] Iranian-American community, but the senators argue that it should be registered as an Iranian agent for its efforts in arranging meetings between members of Congress and Irans ambassador to the United Nations.

This relates to meetings arranged in 2008 by NIAC founder Trita Parsi between members of Congress and then-ambassador to the UN Mohammad Javad Zarif, the current foreign minister.

Former FBI associate deputy director Oliver Revell, who is quoted in the senators letter, flagged this as a concern, while other former FBI agents said the NIAC took part in pro-Iranian lobbying.

The senators wrote: NIACs former acting policy director Patrick Disney admitted in internal emails that he and the organizations legislative director spend more than 20 percent of their time conducting lobbying activities.

They said that even though the NIAC describes itself as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting greater understanding between the American and Iranian people, its innocuous public branding masks troubling behavior.

NIAC and NIAC Action, support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, something that provided Iran with the money to build missiles, oppress its people, and start wars. The US pulled out of the deal in 2018, calling for a new deal to be negotiated.

The Senators wrote: We ask that the Department of Justice evaluate whether an investigation of NIAC is warranted for potential FARA violations and to ensure transparency regarding foreign attempts to influence the US political process.

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Washington: The Senate impeachment trial on whether to remove US President Donald Trump from office formally began on Thursday even as a congressional watchdog found that the White House broke the law by withholding security aid for Ukraine approved by Congress.

The assessment from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office was a setback for Trump, but it was unclear if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key questions such as whether witnesses will testify or new evidence will be considered remain unanswered.

Democrat Adam Schiff, who heads a team of seven House of Representatives members who will serve as prosecutors, appeared on the Senate floor to read the two charges passed by the House on December 18 that accused Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine.

US Chief Justice John Roberts, wearing his black judicial robe, took an oath to preside over the trial and then swore in the assembled senators who will serve as jurors, asking if they would "do impartial justice."
Dutch Quarter:--- Minister Irion and Martin Luther King Jr. school would like to thank Gyenuar Lopez from The AC Company, for servicing the air-conditioners at the school free of charge. Upon hearing about the issues the school was facing, Mr. Lopez took it as a call to action, spending the day donating his time and services.

Mr. Lopez thought it important to have the air-conditioners serviced to avoid further allergy complications due to dust build-up over the last couple of years. Mr. Lopez owns The AC Company which operates from 106 A.T. Illidge Rd. You can contact them via telephone at +1 721-584-4444.
United Nations, Jan 17 : The UN projects India's economy to grow by 5.7 per cent in the current fiscal year and expects it to rise to 6.6 per cent in the next.

The projection in the UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects report released on Thursday are higher than the 5 per cent made by the World Bank earlier this month.

The UN growth estimate for the current fiscal is drastically lower than the forecast of 7.6 per cent made in last year's report in January and 7 per cent in the May update.

The head of UN's Global Economic Monitoring Branch, Dawn Holland, told IANS that although there has been a steep decline in growth, India was still one of the high performers globally.

She said that it was expected to improve its growth rate in the coming year because of the steps being taken.

According to the report, only China has a higher growth rate than India among the world's large economies with a 6 per cent forecast for the current calendar year.

Briefing the media about the report, UN's Chief Economist Elliott Harris presented a dire picture of the global economy last year when the world's gross product growth rate dropped to 2.3 per cent, the lowest in a decade.

He said that rising tariffs and rapid shift in trade policies were responsible for the lower growth rate with the United States-China trade disputes playing a significant part.

In South Asia, Bangladesh is forecast grow by 8.1 per cent this fiscal year and 7.8 in the next, while Pakistan's growth rate estimated at 3.3 per cent for 2019-20 is projected to slip to 2.1 per cent next year.

Associate Economics Affairs Officer Julian Slotman, the UN's pointperson for Indian and South Asia, said in an interview to IANS that "a huge decline in investment and in private consumption" were the major reasons for the economic slowdown in India.

External factors have also contributed to the lower growth, he said.

"Globally we have seen a large impact of trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, but also other major economies, that have affected growth rates across the globe and also, of course, India which is a very open economy, that has a lot to gain from international trade," he said.

In India, he said, acethe government has responded to those issues by announcing some stimulus steps, which we do expect to improve economic growth in 2020 going forward. However, fiscal stimulus in itself will not be enough." He mentioned two areas where India could do better: Labour and green energy.

"The labour markets are not performing optimally with high levels of informality (and) gender barriers that effectively limit the participation of women," he said.

In addition a high number of youth are neither working nor undergoing training, he said.

"This is something the government will have address, to both improve long-term economic growth and to reach (the UN's) sustainable development goals," he said.

Access to clean and affordable energy is another major area for improvement, both to improve growth in the long-term and to reach green energy goals for sustainable development, Slotman said.

Moreover, "India being an importer of energy has much to gain from improving access to clean and affordable energy" even if it has to put up with high upfront costs, he added.

Another barometer of economic growth in India and the world will be coming out on Monday when the International Monetary Fund releases its World Economic Outlook report, (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)
Conway Reacts to Allegations From Lev Parnas: Hes Desperate

Lev Parnas has suspect motivations, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said in reaction to allegations made from the associate of President Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

Hes desperate. Hes been indicted. He had to post bail. I guess he lied to them, too, about his wealth, apparently, Conway told reporters in Washington on Thursday, responding to a question about why Parnas is coming forward now.

Hes desperate, and it looks like hes facing some serious criminal charges.

Conway referred to the Department of Justice challenging some claims by Parnas, calling them 100 percent false.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

Referencing media outlets promoting former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti as solid sources, Conway told reporters to resist pushing unverified claims.

I would caution people, its always [that] if theyre against Donald Trump, theyre credible, theyre legitimate. It doesnt matter if theyve been indicted, if theyre about to be indicted, Well put them on TV, well quote them, well give them accolades, attention,' she said.

I would just caution against that, because being against Donald Trump doesnt mean you are honest or trustworthy.

Conway said that the Trump administration is looking into past statements made by the media about Parnas.

Think of what youre doing, folkshonestly, youre respectable peoplethink of what youre doing, she said. Where its constantly, youve been berating and denigrating Rudy Giuliani for years nowthats questionable itself. But now one of his associates, who I assume you would have had the same opinion about, and probably have expressed itwere researching that now, that should be delicious once completednow, all of a sudden, hes the second coming. So be a little careful.

President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has coffee with Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnas at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Sept. 20, 2019. (Aram Roston/File Photo/Reuters)

Parnas, 47, was charged last year with making illegal contributions to politicians and a political action committee. He pleaded not guilty in October 2019. Giuliani has distanced himself from Parnas and said he wasnt aware of any wrongdoing.

Parnas submitted documents to the House of Representatives, which released some of them this week.

House Democrats said the documents are additional evidence to be included as part of the official record that will be transmitted to the Senate along with the Articles of Impeachment. The documents include phone records, texts, and flash drives.

Parnas appeared on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday night, making a series of unsubstantiated claims. CNN is being sued over reporting a claim from Parnas and Parnass lawyer, Joseph Bondy, about Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).

Parnas is clearly a fraudster and a hustle, Nuness lawsuit stated.

House leaders also talked about Parnas in dueling press conferences Thursday morning. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said This man lacks all credibility.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

This is the same pattern Ive seen before with Cohen, with Avenatti, McCarthy added. The media tries to building something into it. Just to show that he went on and on and the nature of what he spoke, this is the same man that said Devin Nunes was in Vienna when he was not. So he doesnt have any credibility.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), though, said that under other circumstances, if somebody like Parnas came forward and there was evidencethere was reason to believe that some of that was factualthere would be a special prosecutor appointed.

But Attorney General William Barr, Pelosi said, would not appoint a special prosecutor because hes implicated in all of this.

Still, even Pelosi sounded a note of caution with regard to the veracity of the claims.

There seems to be documentation that would validate what Parnas is saying, she added, but that all has to be subjected to scrutiny.
by Larissa Faw , January 16, 2020

The One Club has scheduled this years global Portfolio Night for May 20, with 22 agencies in 23 cities around the world so far signing on as host cities. Additional locations will be added in the coming weeks.

Attendance varies by city, but each venue averages between 50-100 aspiring creatives who present their portfolios before a panel of judges. These participants typically include recent college graduates looking to break into the industry and people who've already spent maybe a year or two at an agency and want outside feedback on their portfolio.

Portfolio evaluations come from mentors selected by each agency/organization host. For a large agency host, it will mostly be members of their creative teams. In some cases, particularly if a smaller agency is hosting, it can be a mix of the host agency's creatives plus creatives at other agencies in the city.

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At the end of the evening, the host agency in each city selects one Portfolio Night participant with the best portfolio to become a Portfolio Night All-Star. The One Club will then pay for flights and hotel for all of these All-Stars to travel to New York to work for a week as a team on a creative brief for a major global brand.

This unique global event that serves as a high-visibility opportunity for agencies and creative directors to give back to the industry by guiding the earliest steps of future copywriters, art directors, designers and technologists, says Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club for Creativity.

Hosts for confirmed cities to date are Arnold (Boston), BETC (Paris), Brokaw (Cleveland), Cairo Ad School (Cairo), Circulo de Creativos (Buenos Aires), Clube Criativos de Portugal (Lisbon), DDB Colombia (Bogota), Dieste (Dallas), Dotwell (Shenzhen), Goodby Silverstein & Partners (San Francisco), GTB (Detroit), Happiness Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), i2mago (Guangzhou), Inbrax (Santiago), Kyoorius (Mumbai), Lanfranco & Cordova (Lima), McGarrah Jessee (Austin), Publicis (Seattle), Serviceplan (Beijing), Tank (Montreal), Team Dubai/B&W (Dubai) and VMLY&R (London and New York).

The program began in 2003.
[January 16, 2020] NAVSUP FLC, Norfolk awards Noble $30M IDIQ contract to operate two stores at NSA Crane in support of Naval Facilities Command Public Works Department

ROCKLAND, Mass., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Sales Co. Inc. announced a $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, fixed-price contract award by Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk VA. Noble was chosen from five competitive solicitations submitted. Under this contract, Noble will operate two commercial retail stores at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane, Indiana. These Noble Storefronts will provide onsite bench stock, automated forecasting, demand planning, inventory management, supplier onboarding, and customer service to authorized purchasers within the Naval Facilities Command Public Works Department. Noble will also maintain a customized e-commerce website for customers on base.



Tom Noble, CEO, issued a statement; " We are honored to be awarded this contract and humbled by the trust that the Navy has extended to us. Noble's combination of world-class people, global supply chain, and cutting-edge technology will allow us to assist NSA Crane with cutting costs and increasing productivity."

The contract includes a five-year base period with an option to extend services for six months. All work will be performed in Crane, Indiana. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00189-20-D-0009). Noble provides supply chain management, logistics, mission support, and technology/e-commerce solutions for the U.S. military, federal, state, and local governments. Our global footprint includes operation centers, distribution centers, and consolidation points positioned to expedite delivery and enhance product availability. A distributor of 11,000 manufacturers, Noble stocks over one million items in warehouses throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. Noble reduces the cost of readiness while maintaining the ability to respond to today's challenges rapidly. Visit us at https://www.noble.com/ Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) is the U.S. Navy's global supply and logistics enterprise, providing the Navy, Marine Corps, Joint and Allied Forces with supplies and logistics services needed to support their mission. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk is the U.S. Navy's largest Fleet Logistics Center, providing supply and logistics support on the Norfolk waterfront and 37 additional installations across 13 states. NSA Crane is the third-largest U.S. Navy base geographically. It is a modern leader in diverse and technical products aimed at meeting the needs of today's warfighter. Noble Storefronts support NAVSUP's mission at each of our Naval base locations. Our Storefront Programs reduce government-owned inventories and the cost of readiness. Learn more https://www.noble.com/mission-support Media Contact: Cela Libeskind, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navsup-flc-norfolk-awards-noble-30m-idiq-contract-to-operate-two-stores-at-nsa-crane-in-support-of-naval-facilities-command-public-works-department-300988325.html SOURCE Noble Supply & Logistics

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At a glance, you wouldn't see anything wrong in La Estancia, a leafy suburb of Guadalajara, in the Jalisco state of Mexico. None, except the dozens of "for sale" signs posted outside the houses.

According to an article by the BBC, residents began to exodus in May, after the local police found a decomposed body in a home on a quiet side street. In the same road, authorities found a corpse and three severed heads after they were informed by a kidnap victim who escaped from one of the houses last month.

In 2019, more than 15 murder and mass burial sites have been discovered within homes in Guadalajara. Meanwhile, in 2018, Jalisco recorded 2,420 killings which is more than five times the figure for 2008. In general, there have been 40,000 people reported missing in Mexico since 2006.

The most recent discovery was on Tuesday, January 14, on the outskirts of the city of Guadalajara where bodies of at least 29 people have been found in a mass grave.

In another BBC report, Mexico revised the figure of people who had disappeared since 2006 from 40,000 to 60,000 last week.

Private properties create legal barriers which is taken advantage by criminals as a burying site for their victims. This makes it even harder for search parties to locate the victims as they can no longer rely on shovels and instead require diggers and drills to bore through concrete.

What also made the searching difficult as well as the rise in statistics of missing victims is the lack of coordination from the residents of Guadalajara who are often too afraid to report suspicious activity to the police. While there are some locals who reported hearing screams or smelling decaying flesh, most haven't tried to call the police.

"You can feel the fear...it's palpable," said one La Estancia resident who asked not to be named due to safety concerns.

Despite the efforts of Mexico's government in deploying troops to combat drug cartels since 2006, the frequency of mass graves being uncovered continue to rise.

A study led by journalists Alejandra Guillen, Mago Torres and Marcela Turati found at least 1,978 clandestine burial sites were unearthed between 2006 and 2016. In 2016, an anonymous individual has tipped the authorities about wooded area in the eastern state of Veracruz where at least 298 bodies and thousands of bone fragments were eventually recovered.

Across Mexico, informal investigations conducted by desperate parents who have taken up the task of digging for the remains of their missing children have led to shocking discoveries.

According to The Outline, in 2010, gang culture in Mexico transformed after the rise of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or CJNG) which came to dominance amid a shocking wave of violence in Jalisco. It was reportedly behind massacres, deadly ambushes of security forces and a rocket launcher attack on a military helicopter in 2015.

Aside from CJNG, the Nueva Plaza, a rival group which split from the CJNG in 2017, have also sparked violence across the city.

"[These gangs] rent from landlords who have no idea what the property is being used for," a police official said.

The police official also warned the burial tactic could soon spread to other cities, as gangs from Jalisco continue to strengthen their grip across Mexico.
In Mississippi, inmates, their relatives and activists said that phones are often brought in by corrections officers and case managers, and the devices, usually pay-as-you-go burner phones, can cost upward of $300 inside. Elsewhere, visitors have sneaked them in, and there have been documented cases of phones being shot over prison fences with potato guns and deposited by drones.

State officials in Mississippi have resorted to a range of measures, including seeking court orders to get service providers to shut down specific devices. In a statement, the Mississippi Department of Corrections said that it also used technology to interrupt cellular signals, regularly conducted shakedowns and used dogs to sniff out the devices.

Mississippis prisons have been rocked by an outbreak of violence and disorder in recent weeks. Five inmates have been killed, including three at Parchman, and many others have been injured. In the chaos, two inmates escaped but were later caught. For several days, all of the prisons were locked down.

Critics said the unrest reflected a pattern of problems in state prisons, which are stretched thin under the weight of an inmate population still swollen from the tough-on-crime measures of the 1980s and 1990s. Some elected officials and civil rights groups, in a complaint calling for a federal investigation, described extreme staff vacancies despite having the third-highest incarceration rate in the country.

State leaders have acknowledged the severity of the concerns, and corrections officials have warned of a brewing crisis as they press lawmakers for more funding. On Monday, Ms. Hall, the corrections commissioner, issued a statement reiterating concerns over Unit 29 at Parchman, quoting a letter she had sent in August describing a facility that was unsafe for staff and inmates due to age and general deterioration.
As a Muslim organisation affiliated to RSS, Muslim Rashtriya Manch was holding a public address to explain the provisions of Citizenship (Amendment) Act at New Delhi on Thursday, the event was interrupted by a mob that rose up to shout anti-CAA slogans.

This unfolded immediately after the margdashak of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Indresh Kumar climbed on the stage. The spokesperson and the National Media Incharge-Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Yaser Jilani condemned the attack.

Yaser Jilani claimed that these anti-CAA protesters were hiding in the crowd and they had planned the sudden agitation to disrupt the event. Visuals show Indresh Kumar entering the stage and hugging the panellists. As soon as this happens, around five people stood up with Reject CAA, NRC, NPR pamphlets and started chanting slogans.

Read: Sikhs from Punjab join as anti-CAA, NRC stir at Shaheen Bagh enters second month

Yaser Jilani on ruckus at MRM event

Talking about the people who could be behind the disruption of the event, Jilani said, This was a life-threatening attack on Indresh Kumar. This was a planned attack by the agents of Vadra-Congress, who sell a religion. They are selling a religion in the name of Biryani in Shaheen Bagh. They are trying to run a religion through the womens shoulder in Shaheen Bagh, the attackers were none other than these people."

Read: Mani Shankar Aiyar admits, 'Yes I came from Pakistan on Jan 13', after Shaheen Bagh attack

Disregarding the attack and the attackers, Jilani added, Believe me, if you attack a person who is like a messiah, who works for the rights of Muslims, you are not respecting your religion. Nothing is more shameful than this act. We condemn this attack.

Yaser Jilani further stated, You can see the video footage. First, these people hid their faces behind caps and beards. They did this so no one could recognize them. After you came inside, you tried to attack a person during the event. You are betraying your nation and your religion by doing this. If something would have happened to our messiah, what would have Indian Muslims done?

Read: Congress, AAP, Left & AIMIM in tug-of-war as politicians overrun Shaheen Bagh protest

Anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh

An indefinite protest at Shaheen Bagh had started on December 15 with people demanding that the government withdraw the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a possible pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC). ]

On Wednesday, hundreds of Sikh farmers from Punjab joined the anti-citizenship law protestors at South East Delhi's Shaheen Bagh. They prepared langar or the holy meal for the people who have been indefinitely protesting in the place.

Read: SENSATIONAL: Mani Shankar Aiyar went to Pakistan's Lahore before Shaheen Bagh, claims BJP
This is an opinion column.

If it saves one life.

Thats state Sen. Cam Wards mantra after sharing plans Tuesday to introduce a bill during the upcoming legislative session proposing an amendment to our arcane, outdated and embarrassment of an Alabama Constitution that would strip bail from those charged with specific serious crimes.

The idea being that some peoplewhile still innocent, at least theoretically, until proven guiltyshould not be walking our streets while awaiting trial for murder, rape, kidnapping, sodomy, sexual abuse or torture, and human trafficking. (Capital murder defendants are already denied bail.)

The idea being that because numerous crimes, especially homicides, are retaliatory the bail restriction just might keep the defendant alive.

The idea that some victims we came to know and mourn ourselves might be alive today, others may not have been victimized by violence.

If it saves one life.

The Alabaster Republican was motivated, he says, by the October death of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard. Ibraheem Yazeed is charged with the kidnapping and murder of the Auburn-area college student; he was out on a $280,000 bond after being charged in a previous case with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of robbery and one count of attempted murder.

The woman awaiting trial as a co-defendant in the kidnapping and murder of Kamille Cupcake McKinney, also last October, was out on bond, too, after being charged with kidnapping her three children from DHR in a previous case.

Then just Tuesday, two Birmingham brothers, both out on bond for murder, were arrested for allegedly shooting two people in Bessemer in December.

State Rep. Chip Brown, R-Mobile introduced a similar bill last March; it passed the House but died in the dark of the state Senate. He plans to reintroduce it, too, during this session.

I hope one of them passes. (It takes a three-fifths vote in the House and Senate.) I hope our lawmakers display rare bipartisanship and allow us to vote on changing our abomination of a state Constitution.

So do Yashiba and Elijah Blanchard, Aniahs parents (full disclosure: close friends, too). In a statement released on their behalf, the couple shared they hope state legislators utilize their resources and power to enact legislationthat protects citizens in similar circumstances [as their daughter].

Not everyone agrees, and I understand. I understand their trepidation and angst. Because, on the surface, the measure seems like reform in reverse, a Michael Jackson moonwalk, critics charge, that could lead to more people being left behind bars before their day in court.

There is no evidence proving that though, not in the handful of states that enacted similar laws. Not in Arizona, where someone charged with a felony can be denied bail if the court finds after a hearing  that there is clear and convincing evidence that the person charged poses a substantial danger to another person or the community

Both bills to be introduced in Montgomery next month contain similar language requiring prosecutors to meet some standard before bail can be denied.

The way you have to do these bills, you have to make them narrowly tailored, Ward, who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told me on Wednesday. You cant say any violent offenders or you run into constitutional problems.

This is probably a small number of people were talking aboutextreme cases. I dont think well see a huge spike in [bail denial] for any population.

Three statesNew Jersey, Alaska, and New Yorkhave variously abolished cash bonds, relying instead on a point system to determine if a defendant should be released, held or something in between. Like, say, house arrest. Last year, California eliminated cash bail altogether.

I hope debate on the Alabama bills spark a wider, and more vital, effort to finally reform a system never intended to be a $2 billion industry nationwide that overly incarcerates those who simply cannot afford to pay. And truly, a system that does not anymore guarantee a court appearance than those released without a cash bond.

Never intended to penalize the innocent (and poor)-until-proven-guilty, as it does now. Never intended to be all-but extortion. (AL.coms Anna Claire Vollers reports more than 75 municipal courts in Alabama over the past few years have reformed their bail practices so that poor people charged with minor offenses dont have to remain in jail when they cant afford to post bond.)

In its origins, during Englands Anglo Saxon period (410-1066), money bail was simply a means to settle disputes. No money changed hands. A defendant only had to demonstrate their ability to pay the victim if the defendant ran offa surety, usually a relative, guaranteed payment.

It didnt start to become an industry until the early years of the 20th century when it became harder to find a relative willing to sign and easier to skip town. Then the courts stepped in, requiring bonds to be paid in full before release.

By the mid-1960s, the bail bond industry was an entrenched component of a system just beginning to be fueled and fed by the systemic targeting of African Americans for what would now be considered relatively minor, victimless drug offenses.

Or, better yet, an epidemic worthy of treatment, not judicial mistreatment.

In Norman Pannell vs United States, a bail bonding case argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit in 1963, Judge J. Skelly Wright stated in a concurring majority opinion:

Certainly the professional bondsman system  is odious at best. The  professional bondsmen hold the keys to the jail in their pockets. They determine for whom they will act as surety  who in their judgment is a good risk. The bad risks, in the bondsmen's judgment, and the ones who are unable to pay the bondsmen's fees, remain in jail. The court and the commissioner are relegated to the relatively unimportant chore of fixing the amount of bail.

Now the immeasurably very important chore of protecting us all and continuing to reform our broken system falls to our state lawmakers, then, hopefully, to us.

If it saves one life, Ward says, Its worth, it.

A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama (and beyond), Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj
Phillips Temple CME Marks 113th Anniversary

For more than a century, Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has spread the Gospel throughout South Los Angeles and now, Pastor Bernard Jackson and his congregation are preparing to observe their 113th anniversary.

The celebration takes place on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m., in the historic sanctuary located at 973 E. 43rd St., in Los Angeles. The theme is In Partnership with God for 113 Years and the scriptural reference is Mark 6:8.

This is a momentous occasion for Phillips Temple and we want the L.A. community to celebrate this exciting milestone with us, said Jackson. Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, presiding prelate of 11th Episcopal District, will bring an uplifting message to help you grow in your walk with Christ.

Carter was elected and consecrated as the 55th CME bishop in 2006. Previously, he served as a presiding elder in Mississippi and as pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church in Fort Worth, Texas for 10 years. He also led parishes in Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

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A native of Corinth, Mississippi, Carter earned his B.A. degree from the University of Mississippi, Master of Music Education from Delta State University, Master of Divinity from Howard University, and Doctor of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

To learn more about the anniversary service, call Phillips Temple CME Church at (323) 233-4783.
Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said Thursday that the 'one country, two systems' framework under which the city enjoys freedoms unknown in China could continue after a 2047 deadline if loyalty to Beijing is upheld.

Lam's comments at the Legislative Council appeared to be an appeal to those in the city who see Beijing as tightening its control over the semi-autonomous territory's civic, economic and political life.

Hong Kong has been wracked by often violent anti-government protests since June, although they have diminished considerably in scale following a landslide win by opposition candidates in races for district councillors late last year.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's comments appeared to be an appeal to those in the city who see Beijing as tightening its control over the semi-autonomous territory's civic, economic and political life. Lam is pictured speaking at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Thursday

Under the 'one country, two system' principle which will last for 50 years until 2047, Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unknown in mainland China, but many locals feel their freedoms are eroding. The overhead view above shows thousands of people gathered in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay area ahead of a planned pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on January 1

Hong Kong has been wracked by often violent anti-government protests since June. Above, a protester holds an umbrella as police fire tear gas during a protest in Hong Kong on January 1

Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise that it would maintain its own capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.

'Only if we insist on implementing the "one country, two systems" principle and practice it continuously and fully... then I think there will be enough grounds for "one country, two systems" to move ahead smoothly and there would be no change after 2047,' Lam said.

'We have to uphold the principle of "one country." Only by doing this, can "one country, two systems" be moving forward smoothly.'

While suggesting the 'one country, two system' principle could continue, Lam also gave her condition - that the city must stay loyal to Beijing. Above, Lam appears on a TV screen while speaking during a question and answer session at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong today

Mr Roth claimed Hong Kong immigration officials had cited only 'immigration reasons'. When he asked the immigration officer whether the decision was being made in Beijing or Hong Kong, she insisted it was being made in Hong Kong, Mr Roth said. In the picture above, pro-democracy protesters gather ahead of a planned march in Hong Kong on January 1

Lam's comments echo language from China's Communist Party leaders, who say Hong Kong's unique system is predicated on respect for Chinese sovereignty over the territory. Protesters are seen reacting after riot police shot tear gas during a rally in Hong Kong, on December 24

Lam's comments echo language from China's Communist Party leaders, who say Hong Kong's unique system is predicated on respect for Chinese sovereignty over the territory. Beijing routinely accuses political opponents in Hong Kong of seeking to split the territory from the mainland with the backing of foreign forces.

The pro-democracy protests were sparked by proposed legislation that could have seen suspects extradited to face trials seen as unfair and possible torture in China. While the legislation was eventually scrapped, the movement grew to adopt new demands, including calls for universal suffrage and an independent investigation into police conduct.

While Lam has rejected those points, she said Thursday she hoped to announce next month the formation of a committee to look into the root causes of the unrest. Academics, experts and social leaders have been recruited to the Independent Review Committee, although some are reportedly reluctant to join out of fear of personal attacks or online harassment if their personal information is leaked by opponents.

Lam also fended off accusation of violence conducted by riot police. She said that police were merely performing their duty to maintain public order and had deployed 'minimal force.' Pictured, Lam speaks during a question and answer session at the Legislative Council today

Along with political concerns, the skyrocketing cost of housing and increased economic competition from mainland China are believed to have fuelled the protests.

During the contentious legislative session, Lam repeatedly defended police action as angry lawmakers demanded to know why her government isn't responding to public demand for an independent investigation into alleged police brutality during the protests.

She said that police were merely performing their duty to maintain public order and had deployed 'minimal force.' The government says complaints against police are being handled by the force's own investigative division.

At one point, a lawmaker asked Lam, a practicing Catholic, whether she was afraid of going to hell. When she dodged the question in her reply, he asked her 'When are you going to die?'

Several opposition lawmakers were ordered to leave the meeting after repeatedly interrupting Lam.
Scientists have announced the landmark discovery in Ethiopia of a nearly complete skull of an early human ancestor that lived 3.8m years ago - a species boasting an intriguing mixture of apelike and human-like characteristics.

The fossil, dubbed MRD, which provides insight into a pivotal period for the evolutionary lineage that eventually led to modern humans, belongs to the species Australopithecus anamensis which first appeared 4.2m years ago.

This species is considered the direct ancestor of Australopithecus afarensis, the species best known from the famous partial skeleton nicknamed Lucy.

She was unearthed in 1974 about 56km from the site in the Afar region of Ethiopia where the MRD skull was found in 2016. Lucy dates from about 3.2m years ago.

MRD and Lucy together stand as watershed fossils for illuminating early human ancestors.

"We are talking about the most complete cranium of an early human ancestor ever found in the fossil record older than 3m years," said Cleveland Museum of Natural History paleoanthropologist Yohannes Haile-Selassie, who made the find.

Expand Close The ancient skull of our human predecessor. Photo: Dale Omori/Cleveland Museum of Natural History/Handout via Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp The ancient skull of our human predecessor. Photo: Dale Omori/Cleveland Museum of Natural History/Handout via Reuters

MRD's species, which was bipedal but may also have been able to move around in trees, was much smaller than modern humans. Its skull measures about 20cm front to back and is 11.5cm wide.

Previous research suggested the species reached about 5ft tall, but the researchers did not give a height estimate for what they believe is an adult male.

It hails from a time between 4.1m and 3.6m years ago, when early human ancestor fossils are exceptionally scarce.
January 31 will be a big day. We leave the European Union. In fact, we wont really, as Britain will continue to pay billions into the EU budget and obey EU law during the transition period, which Boris Johnson has assured us wont last longer than a year.

But lets not quibble. Symbolically we are leaving, even if technically were not. Brexiteers will be happy in varying degrees. I suspect quite a lot of Remainers wont be particularly unhappy. But some will.

So should Big Ben, which is undergoing restoration along with the tower in which its housed, be revived at a supposed cost of 500,000 so that it can strike 11 bongs at 11pm? The reason its not 12am, incidentally, is that were an hour behind Europe. We leave at midnight European time.

And should church bells up and down the country ring out in joy to celebrate our release from the EU after 47 years  doubtless causing grief and anguish to some of our fellow countrymen who voted Remain?

A view on the clock face of 'Big Ben' in Central London, Britain, 15 January 2020. Brexit campaigners have lead lobbied for the bell inside the tower to chime, for the first time since restoration work has taken place, on 31 January 2020 to mark the UK leaving the European Union

Brexiteer Tory MPs are flexing their muscles. Bishops are expressing alarm. Nigel Farage is planning to throw the party to end all parties in Parliament Square.

Meanwhile, a Lib Dem peer by the name of Lord Greaves thinks official celebrations to mark Brexit could upset Remainers and EU citizens, and lead to scenes reminiscent of Nazi Germany. A touch over the top? A teeny-weeny bit exaggerated?

In short, the manner of our departure threatens to be as divisive and fractious as the nightmarish past three-and-a-half years have been.

May I suggest a way forward that recognises the immense significance of January 31 without rubbing the noses of committed Remainers in the dirt? It involves letting Big Ben bong, and keeping nationwide bell-ringing to a minimum.

he new cable being attached to the chiming bell with Big Ben behind Rehang of the chimming bells, St Stephens Tower, Houses of Parliament, Westminster

Big Ben is a national symbol. When it strikes the hour  though it is mostly silent during the absurdly prolonged four-year restoration of the Elizabeth Tower  it marks out time for the British State.

No one thinks, on hearing the inimitable sound of Big Ben, of celebration. It is just formidably there  through wars, successive governments and political upheavals, as it was when our grandparents were alive, and their grandparents before them.

That is why, even while the tower that houses it is being lengthily restored (I expect the Chinese could build a dozen brand new replicas in four years), Big Ben has been allowed to strike on Remembrance Sunday and New Years Eve.

Why not on the day we leave the European Union? Our departure is a huge national event, whether you like it or not, and that is what Big Ben is in the business of noting.

A banner placed by anti Brexit campaigners outside Parliament in London, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. The Big Ben bell of Britain's Parliament has been largely silent since 2017 while its iconic clock tower undergoes four-years of renovation

Theres no doubt that during the May administration the authorities did their damnedest to ensure Big Ben wouldnt ring out on Brexit day, which was originally intended to be March 31 last year.

Speaker John Bercow (who was chairman of a body called the House of Commons Commission, which oversees such matters) was predictably opposed.

Unfortunately, even in the Boris Johnson era, the powers that be have been doing their best to ensure there are no bongs on January 31.

The new Commons Commission first of all announced that pressing Big Ben into temporary action would cost 120,000. That figure quickly rose to an implausibly high 500,000.

Speaker John Bercow (who was chairman of a body called the House of Commons Commission, which oversees such matters) was predictably opposed

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Commission seem to be doing their utmost to throw as many spanners as they can find into the works

A temporary floor that was expensively installed to allow Big Ben to herald the New Year has been removed, and would have to be replaced. Why? Surely a sensible person in favour of enabling the bells to ring would have kept the floor in place.

One way and another, the new speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Commission seem to be doing their utmost to throw as many spanners as they can find into the works.

Nevertheless, encouraged by Mr Johnson, a crowdfunding scheme to raise the money is now under way, though the foot-dragging Commission says it would be unprecedented for it to accept public donations.

The Commission has also indicated that it will need two weeks notice to get Big Ben bonging. That means the money-raisers  Tory MP Mark Francois is among the prime movers  need to get their skates on.

Tory MP Mark Francois (pictured above) is among the prime movers. The Commission said it needs two weeks notice for the bell to ring

I hope the money is raised  though I doubt whether as much as half a million pounds is really needed  and that someone will put a couple of fireworks under the cant do Speaker and the hidebound Commission.

Its not the biggest issue in the world, of course, but it seems right that the nations clock should observe such a historic occurrence in the nations life.

Ringing church bells across the country is another matter. This traditionally happens at the end of a war, or to commemorate such an event, as happened in 2015 on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

It is an act of celebration and, for the religious, an occasion to give thanks to God, and to offer prayers to Him, after being delivered from a great danger.

A lot of people will think Brexit is just such an occasion  an opportunity to rejoice at escaping from the restrictive maw of Brussels. That is certainly how I feel.

Pictured above is a GoFundMe page from different parts of the country that are raising money for Big Ben to bong

The trouble is that some of our fellow citizens think differently. For them, January 31 will be a day of mourning. I hope time will prove their fears unfounded. I believe Britain will prosper, and Im sure people will continue to visit Europe as easily and naturally they have always done.

But at this precise moment a lot of triumphalist bell-ringing wouldnt represent sensitive behaviour by exultant Leavers towards morose Remainers.

In any case, it simply wont happen. I know that in my home town of Oxford (70 per cent Remain) not a single church bell will clang. Its a lot more likely that the EU flag will be flown at half-mast.

That said, if people want to ring bells in overwhelmingly Leave areas, why shouldnt they be allowed to do so, as long as the local vicar is agreeable?

Perhaps a peal of bells will ring out from the beautiful parish church of Boston in Lincolnshire, in which town 75 per cent of the population voted Leave.

Such festivities, where they occur, should be organised spontaneously and locally, and without any taint of braggadocio. Brexiteers should remember that not everyone shares their euphoria.

By the way, Remainer bishops  some of whom have been laying down the law against bell-ringing  would do well to keep out of it. They should also remember that research suggests a higher proportion of Anglican churchgoers voted Leave than the general population.

Nationally, let it be Big Ben that ushers in this momentous change in its dignified and inscrutable way. If I were a Remainer, I think I would welcome it.

Somehow that familiar bong would tell me that a new era had opened and that, at any rate for the foreseeable future, there was no going back. A reason, at least, for hoping for the best.

As for Brexiteers, better ring church bells across the country in ten years time when their dreams have been fulfilled. This is not the moment for crowing if this countrys terrible divisions are going to be healed.
It seems Erin Molan doesn't want to move on from the festive season.

The Channel Nine presenter accidentally revealed she still has her Christmas tree up, despite the holidays finishing three weeks ago.

In a photo shared to Instagram Stories on Thursday night, the white artificial tree was clearly visible in her living room.

How long is too long? Erin Molan accidentally revealed on Instagram that she still has her Christmas tree up, despite the festive season finishing three weeks ago

The Christmas tree was still decorated with tinsel and baubles, and surrounded by her one-year-old daughter Eliza's toys.

The photo also showed Erin's television, on which Thursday's episode of 20 to One, which she hosts with comedian Nick Cody, was playing.

While many people are undecided about how long Christmas trees should be kept up for, most would argue that January 16 is too late.

Awkward: Erin's Christmas tree was still decorated with tinsel and baubles

It was a difficult 2019 for Erin, who experienced health problems and was also involved in a supposed feud with one of her colleagues.

In October, she broke her arm after falling down her staircase at home and spent 10 days recovering in hospital.

She later said on 2GB radio that the accident had happened in the middle of the night as she was heading downstairs to fetch a bottle for Eliza.

Rough year: It was a difficult 2019 for Erin, who broke her arm in October after falling down her staircase at home and spent 10 days recovering in hospital

The injury came at a particularly bad time for Erin, who was already facing a barrage of headlines due to her 'feud' with Andrew Johns.

Andrew, who is considered one of the all-time great NRL players, apparently found Erin 'difficult to work with' at Channel Nine and disliked her 'giggling'.

'He just doesn't like working with her,' a source previously told Daily Mail Australia.
Bihar Assembly election is due in October 2020. Eyeing to the elections, opposition parties RJD, Congress, RLSP, among others have already launched their political campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.

New Delhi: Ahead of polls in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address his first mega rally in Kharauna in Vaishali district in favour of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Thursday afternoon.

The BJP has been engaged for last 15 days to make this mega rally a grand success to show the party's strength in state and to give a message to the Opposition that people of Bihar stand firm with CAA.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister for State Home affairs Nityanand Rai said: "Public is very excited to listen to Shah. A large number of people will gather at the venue to listen to him and will give thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister from a historic place Vaishali for Citizenship Amendment Act."

Bihar BJP President and third time Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Jaiswal told ANI that people of Bihar in favour of the citizenship law. "People will teach a lesson to those parties doing politics in name of CAA, in the upcoming Assembly election in 2020," he said.

The Opposition in Bihar have been protesting against the CAA, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).

On 13 January, Opposition parties, including RJD and CPI (ML) MLAs, had held a protest outside the Bihar Legislative Assembly against the CAA, NRC and NPR holding placards that read, "A resolution must be passed against NRC, NPR and CAA in the state Assembly."

Bihar Assembly election is due in October 2020. Eyeing to the elections, opposition parties RJD, Congress, RLSP, among others have already launched their political campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected review petitions filed by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices against its October AGR judgement, where it had directed telecom service providers to pay a whopping Rs 92,640 crore in dues, interest and penalties to the government by January 23.

While Bharti Airtel has said that it is evaluating filing a curative petition against the verdict, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices have not reacted to the development yet.

ALSO READ: Disappointed with SC dismissing AGR review plea; may file curative petition, Airtel reponds

While respecting the Honble Supreme Courts decision, we would like to express our disappointment as we believe the long-standing disputes raised regarding the AGR definition were bonafide and genuine, Airtel said in a statement.

The industry continues to face severe financial stress and the outcome could further erode the viability of the sector as a whole. The industry needs to continue to invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum and introducing New Technologies like 5G. The money now required to pay punitive interest,

penalty and interest on the penalty which forms nearly 75 per cent of AGR dues would have better served the digital mission of the country. We are evaluating filing a curative petition, the telecom major added.

In its October 24 judgement, the Supreme Court had sided with the Department of Telecoms (DoT) view that adjusted gross revenues (AGR) should include receipts from the licence holders non-telecom businesses too.

ALSO READ: Telcos free up funds as AGR due deadline nears

AGR is the basis on which levies like licence fees and spectrum usage charges (SUC) are collected and the SC had directed telcos to pay pending licence fees, including interest and penalties, worth Rs 92,640 crore within three months of the order. According to the DoT, telcos also owe another Rs 55,055 crore in pending SUC charges arising from the SC-mandated definition of AGR.

Among the worst affected by the verdict are Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, which are now faced with bills worth Rs 35,586 crore and Rs 53,038 crore respectively.

The verdict saw the two post record losses for the second quarter of FY20, with Airtel setting aside Rs

28,450 crore and VIL Rs 25,680 crore as provisions toward meeting AGR payments. Their cash balances at the end of September 2019 had stood at just Rs 20,800 crore and Rs 15,700 crore respectively.

The two have, over the past few weeks, begun gearing up to face the cash outflow. Airtel this week raised over Rs 14,000 crore in order to meet its cash requirements. The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds for any payments that may be required to be made arising out of the judgment in respect of the definition of adjusted gross revenue (AGR)," it had said.

But, while Airtel is expected to be in a position to cough up the money, its rival Vodafone Idea may not be. Last year, promoters Aditya Birla Group had indicated that they would not be in a position to infuse any more capital and may have to wind up the business in the absence of government relief.

While the recent tariff hikes have improved profit margins and the Centres moratorium on spectrum payments have reduced future cash outgo, analysts say that the absence of further relief may see VIL exit the business. The recent price increase... is insufficient to fund the annual Capex and cash interest

requirement... Further, it continues to face survival risk in the event of no relief on its AGR liability, analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services had said in a recent note.
Lekoil, a London-listed Nigerian oil company, said on Monday that it had signed a loan agreement with people masquerading as representatives of Qatars sovereign wealth fund.

It said it had paid around 600,000 US dollars (460,000) in good faith to Seawave Invest Ltd, a firm registered in the Bahamas, to introduce it to the Qataris and advise Lekoil on the process. Lekoil later discovered that it had apparently been duped.

Although Seawave Invest Ltd does not name any of its staff members, four men are pictured in several photographs on its website. No names or any kind of context are attached to the pictures.

One photograph is dated July 2017, the other four are from September the same year.

One of the men has been identified by the PA news agency as John Cecil, an Indian businessman and chief executive of Kallo Inc, a medical company. His picture matches an image on the Kallo website.

Kallo is listed on a stock exchange in the US and has a market capitalisation of 13 million US dollars (10 million). However, on its website, OTC Markets, a stock market which lists Kallo shares, said: Warning! This company (Kallo) may not be making material information publicly available.

A filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2017 revealed that Kallo had not made any sales for eight years.

Dear Sir, SEEKING YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. We have substantial monies from the Qatari Investment Authority waiting in a most trustworthy foreign bank. The said money of $200m can be accessed with small fee of $600,000 sent via WesternUnion in the next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/FGjUNVFRNg  Robert Smith (@BondHack) January 14, 2020

There is substantial doubt that we can continue as an ongoing business for the next 12 months unless we obtain additional capital to pay our bills. This is because we have generated no revenues from our operations during the last eight years, the document said.

In the SEC filing, Kallo listed a number of African projects it is involved with, and revealed that Seawave Invest Ltd Bahamas was arranging project financing. It did not reveal which of the projects Seawave was involved in.

Others Kallo said had helped arrange project financing were Nova Capital Global LLC and Grissag AG. On its website Seawave lists Grissag as one of its partners.

Kallo lists two phone numbers on its website, one in Canada and one in the US. PA repeatedly called both, but did not get an answer. The US number was not in service.

There is no indication that Kallo or Mr Cecil were part of the alleged scam against Lekoil.

Next to the man thought to be Kallo chief executive Mr Cecil in the photographs are three other men, none of whom is identified by name.

A bottle of Belaqua-branded water is seen in one photograph. Belaqua is a Ghanaian brand, making it likely the meeting took place in that country.

Bismarck Abrafi is listed on LinkedIn as Seawaves managing director. He has not responded to an email to his Seawave email address, or to a message on LinkedIn.

Mr Abrafi bears a resemblance to one of the men who met Mr Cecil in the photographs on Seawaves website, but PA was unable to positively identify him.

According to records on Open Corporates, a Dutchman called Bismarck Abrafi is connected to one other company that is inactive. Nata Petroleum Ltd is a UK-registered company that stopped trading in 2010.

Mahlet Yohannes is listed on LinkedIn as the manager of business development at Seawave. According to her profile, she lives in the United Arab Emirates, studied in Sweden and at the University of Wolverhampton, and speaks English, Swedish and Amharic  the official language of Ethiopia.

Ms Yohannes has not responded to a message on LinkedIn.

According to the profile, she has been Seawaves manager of business development since January 2016 and held identical titles at Bio-Power SA and Osam Energy Ltd in 2016 and 2017.

Osam, where she started a month before Seawave, according to the LinkedIn profile, is an oil, gas and property company. It lists its address in Accra, Ghana.

A company called Biopower is listed on Seawaves website as a partner.

Lekoil has launched an investigation into what happened.
Residents wait at a rest area after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a mobile station in Hong Kong on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Few of the citys older residents have been fully inoculated, leaving them highly vulnerable as the city battles an outbreak of the new variant.
A nimal experts in Australia have issued a warning after a rescued koala "drowned to death" after drinking water from a bottle.

Several heart-warming posts have emerged on social media showing rescuers coming to the aid of thirsty marsupials by giving them bottled water.

But an animal rescue centre has spoken out against the practice after one of the rescued animals, Arnie, died after being given water in the incorrect way.

Experts say that, when koalas take in too much water by holding up their head rather than being hunched over a bowl, the water can get into their lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.

Animalia Wildlife Shelter said Arnie was initially saved after losing his mother in a bushfire in Victorias East Gippsland.

Lots of rescuers are trying to help, but giving Koala's bottled water can be deadly / Oakbank Balhannah CFS via AP

But rescuers gave him water from a bottle rather than a bowl of water, which turned out to be fatal for the animal.

He was found by some very caring people who did what any human would do when they find a distressed animal, and offered him a drink from their bottle of water, the group wrote on Facebook.

Wildfires have continued to devastate areas of Australia / AP

They were just trying to help. They didnt know that it is dangerous for Koalas to drink this way. They didnt know that Koalas usually get most of their water via the gum leaves that they eat and they dont often drink water, but when they do, they are face down and lapping small amounts with their tongue.

They didnt know that when a Koala holds it head up and takes in too much water, it can easily get into their lungs and cause Aspiration Pneumonia, which is usually fatal. This is exactly what happened to little Arnie.

The shelter said the incident was heartbreaking for everyone involved and prompted them to issue a warning to raise awareness.

It also advised to never force a koala to drink, but to tip water from a bottle into a bowl on the ground if giving water.

It added: If it is safe to do so then catch it in a blanket and transport to the nearest shelter, otherwise take note of its location and let someone know the details.

Please note that Koalas can cause nasty injuries so if the Koala is resisting do not try and pick it up. If you are nowhere near help then the best way to hydrate koalas is to place a bowl of water on the ground or pour water into your hat/helmet. Cup etc and hold near to Koalas mouth so that it can lap at it facedown.

The shelter said that the marsupials are arboreal and nocturnal and are usually very stressed if they are at the point of allowing human interaction so selfies must not be taken which could cause more upset.
Iran accuses Europe of yielding to 'high school bully' Trump in nuclear row Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets his Iran's counterpart Javad Zarif in Moscow

By Parisa Hafezi and John Irish

DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) - Iran said on Thursday three European states had succumbed to "high school bully" Donald Trump when they triggered a dispute mechanism in a nuclear pact the U.S. president opposes, a step that could eventually lead to reimposing U.N. sanctions.

The pact, known as the JCPoA, was agreed in 2015 between Tehran and world powers, offering Iran sanctions relief if it curbed its nuclear work. Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed U.S. sanctions, saying he wanted a tougher deal.

Iran has responded by scaling back its compliance with terms of the pact, saying this month it rejected all limits on uranium enrichment, although it says it wants to keep the deal in place.

Britain, France and Germany triggered the accord's dispute mechanism this week. London said it was now time for a "Trump deal" to replace it, while Paris said broad talks were needed.

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Washington had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European automobile imports if the three European capitals did not formally accuse Iran of breaking the nuclear agreement.

"Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs. It won't work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully?" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Two European diplomats confirmed Washington had threatened tariffs but said leaders of the three European states had already decided to trigger the mechanism before that.

Another diplomat said a suggestion that the Europeans were acting in response to Trump's threat risked "discrediting the Europeans, but then Trump doesn't really care about that".

PROTESTS

The nuclear dispute lies at the heart of Iran's long-running standoff with the West that spiralled into open conflict this month when Washington killed an Iranian general in Baghdad and Tehran responded with missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq.

Story continues

While on alert for U.S. reprisals, Iran shot down a civilian airliner by mistake, triggering days of anti-government protests at home. Anger at the state has continued at victims' funerals.

"Death to the dictator," mourners shouted as they buried two victims of the plane disaster in the city of Sanandaj on Thursday, videos posted online showed, referring to Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Frances foreign ministry spokeswoman did not comment on reports of U.S. threats, but noted that the Europeans had been threatening to trigger the dispute procedure for months. She said the European countries had made clear they do not want to leave the accord, but to find a way to resolve differences under it, and that Washington understood that position.

Henry Rome, analyst on Iran with Eurasia Group risk consultancy, tweeted that while the Europeans had been planning to trigger the dispute procedure anyway, the perception that they "quickly bent to Trump threat is very damaging and a huge propaganda victory for Iran".

The European Union said on Thursday its top diplomat, Josep Borrell, held "frank" talks with Zarif a conference in India.

The Europeans have long opposed Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal. The dispute mechanism begins a diplomatic process that can end with U.N. sanctions on Iran "snapping back" into place, although the Europeans say that is not their aim.

Facing unrest at home and pressure from abroad, Khamenei will deliver a sermon at prayers on Friday, the first time he has addressed the prominent weekly gathering in eight years.

U.S. sanctions have added to the Iran's challenges, driving up prices as the currency crumbles in value.

"Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress," President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday, adding Iran was now enriching more uranium than before the 2015 deal.

The most recent reports from the U.N. nuclear watchdog say Iran has exceeded some limits on enriched uranium, but suggest it is still far from returning to pre-deal capacity.

Enriched uranium can be used to create material for nuclear warheads. Iran denies Western accusations it wants such weapons.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Peter Graff)
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking at boardroom diversity, through an industry lens, technology, media, and communications (42% of companies within that industry) and life sciences and health care (38% of companies within that industry) companies have the greatest percentage of boardroom diversity according to new data from the "Missing Pieces Report," a multiyear study published by the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD), in collaboration with Deloitte.

Since launching "Missing Pieces Report: The 2018 Board Diversity Census of Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards," last year, the Alliance for Board Diversity and Deloitte have examined the data from another angle  taking a look at the Fortune 500 in alignment with their respective industries, which are classified as: consumer; energy, resources and industrials; financial services; life sciences and health care; and technology, media and telecommunications. Industries leading in having boards with greater than 40% diversity include: technology, media and telecommunications (42% of companies within that industry); and life sciences and health care (38% of companies within that industry).

"Steady progress has been made over the years with diversity being linked to greater innovation, better financial outcomes and increased transparency by Fortune 500 companies. The industry data allows for a deeper understanding of untapped opportunities to increase diversity in the boardroom," said Deb DeHaas, vice chairman and national managing partner, Deloitte Center for Board Effectiveness. "While increases in boardroom diversity over the last two years are encouraging, there is still much more work to be done."

Viewing the numbers by industry allows for a deeper conversation about where headway has been made and where there are more opportunities for diversity in the boardroom. Key findings for the Fortune 500 include:

Technology, media and telecommunications (42% of companies within that industry) lead all industries in having boards with greater than 40% diversity. They are followed by life sciences and health care (38% of companies within that industry). Energy, resources and industrials companies have an opportunity to increase board diversity from the current rate of 20%.

The percentage of board seats held by minority men is strongest in the life sciences and health care industry (15%).

The percentage of board seats held by minority women is strongest (6%) in the consumer industry, followed closely by technology, media and telecommunications (5.8%). Conversely, minority women held 3.8% of board seats with financial services; 3.6% with energy, resources, and industrials; and 2.5% in the life sciences and health care industry.

Minorities in the technology, media and telecommunications industry hold more board seats than Caucasian/White women (18.8% versus 17.2%).

Across all industries, African American/Black directors hold the largest percentage of board seats among all minorities, and they have a particularly strong representation in life sciences and health care (10.1%), followed closely by financial services (9.6%).

With Caucasian/White people holding more than 80% of the total number of board seats in the Fortune 500 in each industry, there's an opportunity to increase diversity in the boardroom.

Though the pace of change is still slow in relation to shifting demographics in the U.S., when the "Missing Pieces Report: The 2018 Board Diversity Census of Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards," was released, the number of Fortune 500 companies with greater than 40% of board members who are women and/or minorities has nearly tripled since 2010. Looking at boardroom diversity through the industry lens may spark additional conversation on where specific progress is happening and where there is opportunity for more work to be done.

"As companies face industry disruption, cyber risk, regulatory uncertainty, and more, they will need to leverage the board as a strategic asset in navigating a complex business environment. There is a valuable opportunity for forward-looking boards to embrace the wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives diversity brings," said Linda Akutagawa, chair for the Alliance for Board Diversity and president and CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). "Taking a broader look at diversity and what those candidates bring to the boardroom could provide organizations with a competitive edge."

As reported when the Missing Pieces data was released on Jan. 16, 2019, Fortune 500 board representation of women and minorities saw an all-time high at 34% (1,929 board seats), compared to 30.8% in 2016 (1,677 board seats)  Total minority representation also increased to 16.1% (912 board seats) from 12.8% in 2010, the first year Fortune 500 data was captured. Other key findings for the Fortune 500 include:

African American/Black women gained 32 seats in 2018, an increase of 26.2% from 2016. African American/Black men gained 26 seats in 2018, an increase of 8.5% from 2016.

Hispanic/Latino men gained 21 seats in 2018, an increase of 14.3% from 2016. Hispanic/Latina women gained four seats in 2018, an increase of 9.8% from 2016.

Asian/Pacific Islander men gained 25 seats in 2018, an increase of 20.3% from 2016. Asian/Pacific Islander women gained 17 seats, an increase of 38.6% from 2016.

To download the full report, "Missing Pieces Report: Industry View,"which includes additional data on board diversity in the Fortune500, please visit http://www.deloitte.com/us/2018missingpiecesindustry and http://theabd.org/.

Research Methodology

The Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) and Deloitte utilized a census methodology for the 2018 Board Diversity Census. The Board Diversity Census counts Fortune 500 board directors to provide a measurement of the representation and progress of women and minorities in business leadership and to allow for comparable statistics based not on a discrete list of identical companies but on the Fortune-listed companies in the given years for which the census was conducted.

The Board Diversity Census analyses are based on companies on the Fortune 500 list published in 2018. ABD examined Fortune 500 companies because they are recognized and serve as the most influential businesses in the United States, ranked by revenue each year.

For the purposes of this study, extensive research was conducted to confirm the gender, race and ethnicity of board directors. To ascertain each company's total number of directors and board composition, Deloitte reviewed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) annual filings submitted as of June 30, 2018, including the proxy statements and Form 10-K or Form 10-K/A. For insurance companies that do not submit annual filings to the SEC, Deloitte obtained information from the National Association of Insurance Companies (NAIC) regulatory database of annual statements submitted as of June 30, 2018. Fifteen certain data fields (e.g., board chair, lead director, committee chair) are not typically identifiable in filings from insurance companies. In addition, the annual shareholder meeting had to have occurred by June 30, 2018. If these two conditions were not met, Deloitte referred to the most recent filing that satisfied those parameters. For additional information on the research methodology, please reference the report's appendix.

About the Alliance for Board Diversity

Founded in 2004, the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) is a collaboration of four leadership organizations: Catalyst, The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). Diversified Search, an executive search firm, is a founding partner of the alliance and serves as an adviser and facilitator. The ABD's mission is to enhance shareholder value in Fortune 500 companies by promoting inclusion of women and minorities on corporate boards. More information about ABD is available at www.theabd.org.

About Catalyst

Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership  because progress for women is progress for everyone.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 5,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today's marketplace  delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Now celebrating 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's more than 312,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.

About Diversified Search

Diversified Search is the largest female-founded firm in the executive search industry, providing management advisory services focused on talent optimization and leadership. Additionally, of the top 50 executive search firms in the U.S., it is the only major firm with an African-American president & CEO. The firm has offices in 11 U.S. cities and worldwide cross-sector capabilities as the exclusive U.S. partner of AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent search firms with 57 offices in 34 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. In 2019, Diversified Search was ranked seventh in Forbes magazine's annual ranking of the best 200 executive search firms in the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.diversifiedsearch.com/.

About The Executive Leadership Council

The Executive Leadership Council, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1986, is the preeminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Comprised of more than 800 current and former black CEOs, board members and senior executives at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com.

About HACR

Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Our mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate social responsibility and market reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy and Governance. For more information, please visit www.hacr.org.

About LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics)

Founded in 1982, LEAP's mission is to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders through leadership, empowerment and policy. LEAP works to meet its mission by: Developing people, Informing society and Empowering communities. LEAP is the only Asian and Pacific Islander organization dedicated to cultivating a robust pipeline of leaders by encouraging individuals to assume leadership positions at work and in the community, and ultimately, to become role models for future leaders.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

SOURCE Deloitte

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RICHMOND, Va. - A Circuit Court judge upheld Gov. Ralph Northam's temporary ban on firearms in Capitol Square ahead of Monday's gun rights rally, which is expected to draw thousands of armed activists from around the country.

From Friday night until Tuesday, weapons of any kind will be prohibited on the grounds of the Capitol under a state of emergency. Northam, a Democrat, said the precaution was necessary because of "credible intelligence" that militias and gun rights advocates are threatening violence at the rally.

"This is the right decision," Northam said in a statement about Richmond Chief Judge Joi Jeter Taylor's ruling on Thursday afternoon. "These threats are real - as evidenced by reports of neo-Nazis arrested this morning after discussing plans to head to Richmond with firearms."

Earlier Thursday, the FBI arrested three alleged members of a white supremacist group on gun charges, in part out of concern over the potential for violence at the planned rally in Richmond. The three were to appear in court in Maryland.

Northam announced the gun ban Wednesday and it was quickly challengedin court by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), the rally's primary organizer, as well as Gun Owners of America.

Taylor held a whirlwind hearing Thursday afternoon and promised to rule quickly, to allow time for appeals.

Arguing for the pro-gun groups, lawyer David Browne told the judge that Northam's order was "an unconstitutional restraint on rallygoers" that violated state law and infringed on protesters' rights to arms, assembly and speech.

Taylor rejected that argument. "The Second Amendment right to bear arms is not unlimited," the judge wrote, citing a federal case that upheld a ban on weapons on U.S. Postal Service property.

The gun rights groups filed an appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court late Thursday.

"Basically I didn't hear anything in her ruling that made any sense in our case, so on to the next level," Philip Van Cleave, president of the VCDL, said earlier in the day.

A Democratic-controlled rules committee last week imposed a permanent ban on carrying guns inside the Capitol and a legislative office building; the court case heard Thursday did not challenge that ban.

Led by Northam, Democrats who gained majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly in last fall's elections have pledged to enact a package of gun-control measures this year.

The Senate passed three gun-control bills on Thursday, sending them to the House for its consideration. They would require background checks on all firearms sales, cap handgun purchases at one per month, and let local governments ban weapons from government buildings, parks and certain events.

Two Republicans, Siobhan Dunnavant of Henrico and Emmett Hanger Jr. of Augusta, joined Democrats to support the background check bill. The others passed on party lines, 21-19.

A proposed ban on assault weapons has stalled as some Democrats waver on particulars. A "red flag" law allowing authorities to temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat was approved in a Senate committee but has not yet been taken up by the full chamber.

The prospect of Democratic action, after 26 years of Republican control had effectively blocked all gun restrictions, has stirred anger among gun advocates in Virginia and beyond.

In recent weeks, militias and extremist groups around the country have urged thousands of people to descend on Richmond on Monday to protest. Law enforcement officials say they've been monitoring threatening language on websites and social media, including promises of violent insurrection and civil war.

Organizers are trying to get more than 50,000 people to attend, and law enforcement authorities are taking that prospect seriously.

"To those who would come here intending to incite violence I simply say stay home. Don't come to Virginia. Don't come to Richmond," state Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, whose solicitor general had defended the ban, said Thursday in a statement.

Browne, the lawyer for the VCDL, told the judge Thursday that he did not dispute the governor's decision to declare a state of emergency. "We understand why he did that in order to have additional resources to manage an event that's expected to be very large," Browne said.

But Browne cited a law passed by the General Assembly in 2012 that prohibits the governor from using an emergency declaration "to in any way limit or prohibit the rights of people to keep and bear arms."

He insisted that the VCDL intends the rally to be peaceful but acknowledged that "I don't think anybody can predict what is going to happen at an event that is several days away."

Like Northam, Browne invoked the specter of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, in which armed militias clashed with counterprotesters and one young woman was killed when a white supremacist ran his car into a crowd of people.

But Browne said Northam's actions "ironically would increase the chances of another Charlottesville-type event," by restricting armed attendees to the streets around Capitol Square, where they would be more likely to clash with opponents.

Virginia Solicitor General Toby Heytens said that Northam's "targeted, limited" ban does not infringe constitutional rights; that protesters will be free to speak and hold signs; and that public safety is a paramount concern.

Taylor ruled that Northam has the authority to impose the ban as part of his duties to ensure safety around the Capitol. When a governor declares an emergency, she wrote, previous decisions established that " 'courts must give deference to the professional judgment' of those tasked with making 'complex, subtle, and professional decisions.' "

- - -

The Washington Post's Laura Vozzella contributed to this report.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / RESAAS Services Inc. (TSXV:RSS)(OTCQB:RSASF), a technology platform for the real estate industry, is pleased to announce it will be participating in the AlphaNorth Capital Investment Conference taking place January 17-19, 2020 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas.The conference introduces select growth-stage companies to active top-level capital finance individuals through scheduled one-on-one meetings. Participants on the investor side include top brokers, portfolio managers, institutional investors and high net worth individual investors active in growth stocks and looking for new opportunities for themselves and their clients.The event will feature senior participants from BMO Nesbitt Burns, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, CIBC Private Wealth Management, CIBC Wood Gundy, Echelon Wealth Partners, Gravitas Securities, Haywood Securities, Industrial Alliance Securities, Leede Jones Gable, Mackie Research Capital, PI Financial, PowerOne Capital Markets, Richardson GMP and Scotia Wealth Management.RESAAS' Chief Operating Officer, Sascha Williams, and VP Capital Markets, Don Mosher, will host individual investor meetings to discuss the Company's recent news, successful 2019 and growth strategy for the year ahead.To arrange a one-on-one meeting with the Company at the event, please contact investors@ resaas.com ###About RESAAS Services Inc.RESAAS is a technology platform for the real estate industry that enables real estate brokerages, franchises and associations to bring real-time communication, new business opportunities and unique data to their agents on a global basis.Visit www.resaas.com for more information.For further information contact:Don MosherRESAAS Services Inc.Tel: +1 (604) 685-6465Email: don.mosher@resaas.com The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.The statements made in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from RESAAS Services Inc.'s expectations and projections.SOURCE: RESAAS Services Inc.
Lawrence Elbaum, Partner and Co-Leader of Shareholder Activism at Vinson & Elkins LLP

When it comes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, activist investors tend to focus much more on the G than the E or S  and only after they have found an economic thesis for increasing shareholder value. Looking ahead, activists may gradually make more ESG issues part of their campaigns as the proxy advisors have begun to incorporate such concerns into their reports. Thats according to Lawrence Elbaum, Partner and Co-Leader of Shareholder Activism at Vinson & Elkins LLP, who spoke to CorpGov after participating on a panel entitled What Should Issuers Care About at the 2019 Corporate Governance Forum. He also said he has observed more companies resolving issues with activists before fights become public, in part because issuers take precautionary measures such as hiring specialist attorneys, investment bankers, and corporate communications firms to help conduct introspective analyses. He also said that companies are well advised to acknowledge shortfalls in areas such as total shareholder return (TSR) or capital allocation  and explain why a particular strategy remains sound  before they become centerpieces of activist campaigns. He also presented three considerations issuers should be careful not to miss ahead of an M&A announcement. The full interview is below:

CorpGov: There has been much discussion of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues recently. To what extent have activists focused on ESG? Are they bringing it up privately if not in the context of a proxy fight?

Mr. Elbaum: Companies typically do not hear about ESG issues unless the activist has already identified an economic thesis to unlock value for shareholders. Once the economic thesis has been identified, then the company will most often start initially hearing from the activist about the G in ESG, arguing that poor governance led to a destruction in shareholder value. We hear less about the S in ESG, unless the activist has identified tabloid-worthy material, in which case, well probably hear about this material privately before it is used publicly to exert pressure on the company. It is not the norm for activists to build campaigns against companies where the E in ESG is the centerpiece, but I suppose if the activist can link environmental shortcomings of a company to loss of value for shareholders, then presumably this could become a key and compelling campaign issue. Now that the proxy advisory firms are focusing more on the E in ESG in their reports, we should expect to see activists incorporating environmental themes more prominently into future campaigns.

Story continues

CorpGov: Whats been going on behind the scenes? Have activists tried to negotiate more privately and even avoided making their stakes in companies secret?

Mr. Elbaum: Each year, we see more campaigns getting resolved before activists take their fights to the court of public opinion. 2019 was no exception. One reason this is happening is that boards are preparing in advance and more frequently. They are hiring specialists, such as law firms, investments banks, boutique advisory firms, proxy solicitors and corporate communications firms in peace time before the threat of activism is imminent to look at themselves and their companies through the lens of the activists. As a result, they are channeling their activists from within, which many times sets into motion a chain of events, such as board, corporate governance and business enhancements, that can convince a true shareholder activist that the company is not a worthy target.

CorpGov: Does TSR (total shareholder return) continue to be the most important factor in proxy fights and do you see that changing? At a minimum, are companies managing to train a focus on longer-term TSR rather than a few quarters?

Mr. Elbaum: TSR on an absolute basis and relative to industry and proxy peers is always a good benchmark. However, activists are not just looking at TSR on a 1, 3 and 5 year basis, as ISS and Glass Lewis are known to do. In fact, boards and management teams are increasingly being taken to task by activists for having bad TSR quarter-to-quarter. This year, we saw an unprecedented number of companies facing activists within a year from their IPO or spin-off from another public company. Activists are also taking companies and boards to task for revising guidance downward and for capital allocation blunders. One of the worst reactions to TSR, guidance and capital allocation blips is when companies and their boards fail to acknowledge that performance is lagging. Companies are well-advised to give a mea culpa when one is warranted and to clearly articulate why a hiccup occurred, how the board and management were prepared for it and not caught flatfooted and how the go-forward strategy still works and will lead to value maximization. Bringing on activism defense specialists once it looks like the company will experience a road bump is a good way to get out in front of many of the issues an activist might raise before a public spectacle is made.

CorpGov: What should companies do to prevent investor uproar ahead of announcing M&A deals?

Mr. Elbaum: There are three considerations that companies often miss before announcing an M&A transaction, most often in all stock deals or deals involving both stock and cash.

As part of regular, peace time engagement with shareholders, engage in dialogue with them about the types of M&A, if any, they would like to see the company pursue and also about their views on M&A, in general. It is important to understand your shareholders  your owners  investment theses and to set their expectations as well. Often times, boards and management teams do not undertake this exercise until they are actually on a roadshow trying to get a shareholder vote across the finish line on a deal  when it is often too late to flip unsupportive shareholders. Companies have one chance most often to explain the deal rationale and bona fides to shareholders. This normally takes place when the deal is announced and there is a joint earnings call, press releases and investor deck from target and acquirer. These investor-facing events and materials are normally the last items the parties focus on while advisors scramble to get a transaction signed. Frequently, companies are simply not prepared with a refined message about the transaction due to this time crunch. Companies are well-advised to begin work on these items as early as possible and to rehearse. It can be very difficult to rehabilitate even the greatest transaction that is not initially communicated properly to investors and the market. Companies should not rush into a deal because they are dealing with public or private activism. Boards should be focused on getting the best deal with the best terms for shareholders, while being completely agnostic about how a consummated deal might affect their directorships. And by following steps 1 and 2, boards will be much better positioned to demonstrate that M&A was not self-serving or reactionary, but part of a thoughtful, ongoing and deliberate process to maximize value.

Mr. Elbaum is co-leader of V&Es Shareholder Activism practice based in New York City. In this role, he draws upon approximately 15 years of experience as a securities and governance attorney and business advisor to counsel senior management and boards of public companies with respect to proxy contests and other shareholder activism campaigns, such as merger contests, shareholder proposals, consent solicitations, withhold the vote/vote no campaigns and short attacks. Mr. Elbaum also advises these clients concerning complex corporate governance matters, strategic investor relations and related litigation and investigations in the U.S. and abroad.

Over the past several proxy seasons, Mr. Elbaum has defended over 100 companies and their boards facing shareholder activism campaigns. In the last year alone, he has been a lead activism defense attorney in connection with the defense of the boards and C-suites in connection with over 30 shareholder activism campaigns brought by some of the most high profile activists in the world. He also represents select investors in connection with their activism campaigns and white squire investments. Mr. Elbaum is also considered to be a thought leader in the shareholder activism industry and is frequently sought after to sit on/host panels at conferences and for quotes in widely distributed publications. For example, over the course of the past year alone, he has participated in panels for National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Women Corporate Directors (WCD), The Boule (Sigma Pi Phi), Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), and The Directors League. In addition, Mr. Elbaum is often quoted and/or interviewed by activism reporters for The Wall Street Journal, Thomson Reuters, The Deal, 13D Monitor and Activist Insight, among other publications.

CorpGov Contact:

John Jannarone, Editor-in-Chief

editor@corpgov.com

www.CorpGov.com

Twitter: @CorpGovernor
Ofcom has been urged to investigate whether the controversial programme 'How to Steal Pigs' breached a broadcasting code.

Channel 4 has received widespread criticism from farmers and industry groups who said the programme, aired on Tuesday 14 January, showed 'blatant criminal activity' on farms.

Mitsubishi Motors, one of Channel 4's sponsors, did not associate itself with the show following pressure from the National Pig Association (NPA) and UK farming unions.

Now the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has asked Ofcom to look into whether Channel 4 breached Rule 3.1 of the Broadcasting Code by broadcasting material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder.

Chair Julia Mulligan has written to Ofcom Interim Chief Executive Jonathan Oxley highlighting the concerns.

In her letter she says: The NPA and the four UK farming unions, including the NFU  who are NRCN members  are among those who expressed their worries to Channel 4 ahead of broadcast that the programme glamorised and condoned crime and violence in rural areas.

The broadcaster insisted the programme did not glamorise or condone illegal activity.

We do not agree. We believe the programme itself, and particularly the title and promotion ahead of broadcast, explicitly glamorises illegal activity and, therefore, we would be grateful if Ofcom would consider whether it has breached Rule 3.1 of the Broadcasting Code, she said.

We understand that broadcasters often give titles to programmes which are intended to create debate, but we believe this goes beyond that.

It comes as the group's most recent rural crime survey found over two-thirds of farmers and rural-specific business owners have been a victim of crime over the past 12 months.

Nearly half (48 percent) said their quality of life is being moderately or greatly affected by crime.

Ms Mulligan said: Farmers are all too often living in fear of being targeted by crimes such as those seemingly normalised and glamorised by this programme.

And farmers do not live on their farms on their own. Farms are home to families, they are at the heart of rural communities.

Rural crime is not a joke. Offences must not be trivialised. Victims do not deserve to be belittled.
About 11:30 p.m., the man was driving south on Damen Avenue when he hit the rear of the bus, which was traveling north on Damen and turning west onto Taylor Street in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on the West Side, police said. After hitting the bus, the mans car jumped the median and continued southbound in the northbound lane before hitting a pole.
Government needs to encourage business take the lead



The employment trend for 2019, released by Statistics Korea, Wednesday, points to a distinct improvement in new jobs. It deserves a favorable evaluation that the number of newly employed recovered the 300,000 mark on the monthly average for the first time in two years, and the employment rate jumped to 60.9 percent, the highest in 22 years.



Considering various adverse factors, such as the estimated economic growth rate of a mere 2 percent last year and the decline of the economically active population, the Moon Jae-in administration seemed to do its best in job creation. When the private sector's ability to generate employment hits bottom amid a severe business slump, the government should play the role of a reliever.



Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki appeared pleased with what he described as the "V-shaped rebound" of the job market, citing improvements in three major indices  the number of newly employed, the employment rate and the jobless rate. There is an explicit limitation, however, to creating jobs through the issuance of government bonds.



However, equally important is the quality of employment. The number of employed people increased by 377,000 among those in their 60s, but fell by 53,000 and 162,000, respectively, among people in their 30s and 40s. These figures indicate that decent jobs decreased while short-term jobs surged. But this is no time to pop the champagne. The 2019 jobs report points to the direction in which the policymakers should go.



Above all, they should provide decent jobs for new entrants into the labor market, while keeping those in their 30s and 40s from being crowded out of it prematurely. More specifically, government officials ought to push for regulatory reforms far more actively than before so that private businesses feel like making new investments. It should also concentrate administrative support on galvanizing the services sector that has ample capacity to hire more.



At the same time, policymakers need to minimize adverse effects the Fourth Industrial Revolution may have on the job market as robots replace people in simple tasks. The government ought to put its catchphrase of "growth through innovation" into practice, not letting it end up once more as a mere slogan.








A celebrity Foot Reader who is a regular on British television is coming to Laois to give a foot reading seminar.

Jane Sheehan, who describes herself as TVs celebrity Foot Reader, promises to share the secrets of the hidden meanings in feet and toes.

Foot reading (or solestry) is described as analysing the structure and texture of the feet to understand emotions and personality.

She will reveal the techniques used to read personality traits and emotions in the feet in two special workshops in Ireland, one in the Golden Egg Holistic studio in Portlaoise in Laois and another in Limerick in March.

Jane is a regular on ITVs This Morning and has also featured on BBCs Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show It Takes Two. Her book, Lets Read Our Feet, is reportedly the number 1 best seller on Amazon.

"We are all used to changing our facial expressions and hiding our true feelings, but we cant do that with our feet  they tell the truth. Simply by analysing the shapes of feet and toes, we can tell an awful lot about a person. Anyone coming to my workshops will not only learn something of use to their clients, but also learn about themselves via their feet. They love hearing the anecdotes I use to illustrate the points and they love applying the knowledge to their own life story and often

during the classes there are moments where you can see the students moved to delight when they realise that the blemish Im interpreting also relates to a long term client of theirs and gives them an insight that will help progress their treatment. she said.

Jane has been teaching her skills to reflexologists and other therapists for over 15 years. Foot reading is an additional skill adopted by holistic therapists to help them work with clients at a new level of understanding.

As well as therapists, Jane sees many individuals attending her classes in order to develop a deeper self-awareness and make changes and improvements in their own well-being.

Anyone attending one of Janes workshops is promised to expect to holistically enhance their knowledge, by learning an unusual skill that will allow them to consider their own personal development and growth from a completely unexpected source whilst having lots of fun and insights about themselves in the process.

The Laois seminar is on February 29 and March 1 and costs 280 for two days or 140 per day, with people advised to bring their own lunches.

See details of the Laois seminar here.
A 30ac stud farm at Rathbane, Kilteel, near Naas in Co Kildare, is one of the most compact and well-equipped equestrian properties to come on the market for some time.

Comprised of a bungalow residence and a range of equestrian facilities, it is guided at 975,000 by Goff's Country. Located 16km south east of Naas and 7km from Blessington, the property is close to classic Kildare stud farm country and is within 25 minutes' drive of racecourses at Naas, Punchestown and The Curragh.

Located just outside Kilteel Village, the property is accessed through a lovely cut-stone entrance with electric gates. A gravel driveway leads through young beech, sycamore and chestnut trees past the house to the yard.

The house is a typical rural bungalow extending to 2,314 sq ft. Set on an elevated site, there are lovely views across to the Wicklow Mountains , while the immediate site is made up of neat gardens and lawns.

In very good condition, the residential accommodation includes a porch, an entrance hall, a kitchen/dining area, a family room and a utility. There are four bedrooms, one of which has ensuite facilities, and a family bathroom.

The holding is a purpose-built equestrian facility with a modern set-up in a central courtyard that includes two large sheds, a four-column hay barn and an American barn with 12 stables, along with a tack room and feed room.

Expand Close Compact: The property is located at Rathbane, Kilteel, and is a short drive from The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown racecourses / Facebook

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Whatsapp Compact: The property is located at Rathbane, Kilteel, and is a short drive from The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown racecourses

All-weather arena

There is also a wash-bay and a log cabin currently used as an office, with two steel sheds at either side. According to the auctioneers, the crowning glory of the property is a huge 60m x 80m all-weather sand arena which is described as "a dream for all equestrians".

Ideally located, with the M7 and the M9 just 6km away, there are regular bus transport services to Dublin, the airport and regional routes.

Summarising the property, Andrew Nolan of Goffs says it is "a well-located turn-key equestrian facility on c30 acres of top-quality land".
Jack Wilkinson, nine, has turned his anxiety into a range of t-shirts to help raise money for charity after horrific bullying left him wanting to take his own life

When Jack Wilkinson could no longer cope with relentless bullying and cruel taunts, he wrote a desperate note to his Year 2 teacher and left it on her desk.

'God, please take me', the seven-year-old penned in his neatest handwriting.

Just weeks before, he was beaten for 10 minutes by a classmate in the playground after long being a target of bullies.

His mother Kristy Sturgess told Daily Mail Australia that Jack was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at a young age and had been struggling with ongoing taunts and cruelty.

While other children had previously told him he was 'crazy' and teased him, the bullying became physical and extremely violent when he began Year 2.

'There's always been kids who had decided Jack was an easy target because of his reactions,' she said.

'They would say things, call him names, tell him he was crazy.

Ms Sturgess said by the time Jack was six or seven, he was coming home from school in tears, begging not to go back.

The north-west Sydney mother said her son was tripped over by a bully on his first day of Year Two.

'That was one of the first signs it was going to be an extremely tough year for Jack,' she said.

In Year Two, Jack's existing anxiety was worsened after he was physically attacked by another child, who had been bullying him

When Ms Sturgess picked him up, he had scratches on his body and a mark from where a plastic fork had been stuck into him on his shoulder (pictured)

The young boy was once 'punched in the head', until eventually the bullying culminated into a full-on attack.

'Jack was physically hit and kicked in the playground for nearly 10 minutes, and was stabbed with a plastic fork in the back,' Ms Sturgess explained.

Ms Sturgess said her other son, Jack's twin Hunter, told her the beating had gone on for ten minutes before adults arrived to pull the boys apart.

'I remember getting to pick Jack up [that day], and he was limping and holding his shoulder, in tears,' she said.

'He had bruises on his legs, and a fork mark in his shoulder. I just broke down in tears.

'That was the final straw for Jack after going through such a hard few years.'

His mother, Kristy Sturgess (left) said at the age of seven, Jack wrote on his pillow he 'didn't want to be alive', and wrote a note to his teacher saying 'God, please take me'

Jack had always enjoyed drawing, and Ms Sturgess said she found art therapy was very helpful for her son (pictured centre with his brothers). They then decided to turn his drawings into a t-shirt line that raised money for Kid's Helpline

Jack has been drawing for years and has found it helpful when he needs to take his mind off a problem

Ms Sturgess said Jack, who was aged just seven years old at the time, saw no hope for his future.

'He was seven, and he was just done.'

At home, he wrote on his pillow in texta: 'I don't want to be alive'. When he returned to school a few weeks later, he left a note for his teacher.

'God, just take me,' it read.

Over the next few months, Ms Sturgess worked tirelessly to help her son regain the little confidence that had been completely destroyed by his ordeal.

The family sought support from external counsellors and programs, including art therapy, to help Jack cope with his anxiety and resolve the trauma from his bullying.

Jack said he felt better when he was able to talk to someone about his problems, and wanted to make sure other kids had the same opportunity

Jack had always loved to draw, and found it helped him cope when he felt overwhelmed or upset.

Ms Sturgess, who owns a clothing manufacturing business, sat down with her son and asked: 'Would you like to do more with these drawings?'.

The pair decided to turn some of Jack's favourite artworks into t-shirts, and sell them online to help raise money for Kid's Helpline.

Ms Sturgess said supporting the children's organisation, which offers counselling over the phone or online 24 hours a day, was a way to help people like her son.

She said she recognised not everyone had the same support Jack did, and some children needed a place to go where they could be anonymous and receive help.

'You don't expect [what happened to Jack] to happen, but these things are happening, and a lot of the targets are kids suffering from these disorders [like anxiety],' she said.

'What Kid's Helpline offer, the support they offer, there are some kids who don't have that.

'It's about letting people know mental health isn't a taboo thing to talk about - it's okay not to be okay and there are people you can speak to confidentially.'

His mother said Kid's Helpline was a godsend to children who might not have as strong a family network as her son did, and needed extra support

For Jack, knowing he had someone to speak to during his ordeal, and as he continues to learn to manage his anxiety, has proven to be a huge comfort.

'It makes me better when I talk to someone,' he said in a statement on his website.

'And when I know theyre doing something about the bad things, it makes me feel safe.

'Now, I feel pretty good. But other people are going through the same things as I did and having a hard time. It would be nice for them to be able to talk to Kids Helpline.

'It would be nice, theyd have a friend, and wouldnt be as sad or scared.'

To follow Jack's journey, follow him on Facebook or Instagram. To get a t-shirt, head to his website.

If you are aged 5 to 25, or a parent or carer, and need confidential 24-hour support, contact Kid's Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or head to their website.
Germany's defence minister on Thursday confirmed a report that the United States was threatening to impose a 25 per cent tariff on European car exports if it continued backing the Iran nuclear deal.

"This expression or threat, as you will, does exist," Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told a conference during a visit to London after a report in the Washington Post newspaper.

The US daily said that Trump made the threat if Britain, France and Germany did not formally accuse Tehran of flouting the 2015 nuclear deal.

China, the United States and Russia were also signatories to the agreement but Trump in 2018 unilaterally pulled the United States out and reimposed tough sanctions on Tehran.

Tehran responded by restarting aspects of its nuclear programme that the deal had sought to limit.

London, Paris and Berlin on Tuesday announced they had triggered a dispute mechanism under the agreement in an effort to force Tehran to abide once more by its terms.

But Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the trio on Twitter of having "sold out remnants of #JCPOA (the nuclear deal) to avoid new Trump tariffs".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington on Dec. 18, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Trump Plans on Traveling to Davos During Impeachment Trial

President Donald Trump will travel to the World Economic Forums annual meeting during the Senate impeachment trial, a White House adviser said.

That is the plan. The plan is for the president to go to Davos. He read the delegation, and hes got a lot to talk about, Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to Trump, told reporters outside the White House in Washington on Thursday.

She said Trump is likely to take on the perils of socialism right there in Davos and talk about what happens when you  recalibrate, rebalance these major trade deals. She added that a lot of the worlds economy can exhale now that China and the U.S. have completed phase one of the trade deal.

The forums meeting will take place in Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 21 to Jan. 24. The Senate impeachment trial is expected to start on Jan. 21.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway walks to a brief press conference with reporters outside the White House in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The forums website lists Trump among the speakers.

Conway also noted that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal was expected to be passed by the Senate on Jan. 16.

Hell continue to talk about the stock market, getting NATO members to pay up, to provide for the common security. And elsewise, hell talk about the global economy, Conway said.

Hes got a great message to deliver there in Davos, and the plan is for him to be there.

Conway said the Houses impeachment cases gaps have prompted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to repeatedly call for new witnesses and documents.

The impeachment articles signed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are being carried out by the House SAA Paul Irving, right, and House clerk Cheryl Johnson, left, over to the Senate side followed by impeachment managers on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

He wants the Senate to play clean-up and fill in the many, many gaps and big holes in the House process. But thats not the way it works, she said.

I didnt say that there wouldnt be witnesses, or [that] there will. Well see what the Senate decides. But, again, youre trying to backfill empty space and blank canvasses that were provided by the House. Wheres the extortion and the bribery?

She also alleged that Democrats impeached Trump because theyre struggling in the 2020 race.

Lets stop lying. Lets stop pretending that this is about the Ukraine call. This is about getting the president. If they had any faith in all those white people who are left on the Democratic debate stage running for president, if they had any faith they could beat Donald Trump at the ballot box they would put all their energy into that, but instead they want to get the president now. And they cant, hell be acquitted in the Senate, he wont be removed from office, and hell be re-elected.
Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing

VIEW GALLERY - 38 IMAGES

TEAM is a memory company that has kept us pretty busy over the years. With hands-on kits like the Vulcan, DARK ROG, DARK PRO, Night Hawk, and Night Hawk RGB, special edition Xcalibur RGB, we have seen many varying speeds and heat spreader designs. One thing we noticed along the way is that no matter the speed chosen or the aesthetics, TEAM has been offering great value for the performance that is delivered. That is not to say other manufacturers do not provide the same, but they are in the top five on our list, as to who you should look to when it comes to replacing or buying new DDR4.

In the list of previous kits we have examined, it started with a couple of sticks from the DARK lineup at TEAM, before our latest kits arrival, there were three in total. While we had our hands-on the DARK ROG and DARK PRO, we seem to have missed out on the vanilla DARK kits. However, it is the DARK series that gets the latest addition, and like the rest, are RGB-less, which should appeal to a bunch of the RGB haters out there! On top of that, we also have in our hands a kit which is elusive in the real-world, as we could not find them listed at the usual spots, but, we were given all of the information to deliver to our readers, so you can see the potential of more high-speed memory kits, especially on the AMD side of things, of which these new DARK sticks are designed to work with!

The DARK Z Alpha kit is the newest in the game for TEAM, and we have put them under the gun to do what they can, and see how well they stack up. While we have expectations as to how these should perform on the Intel side of the fence, their neighbors, AMD, well, we have not had many kits to test there at higher speeds so far. It should be interesting to see how this all goes down as we put the T-Force DARK Z Alpha 4000MHz kit through its paces and see for ourselves just how well they can do for the average users out there!

The specifications for the DARK Z Alpha are pretty basic, but we can see a few things of interest. Yes, they are 288-pin unbuffered and non-ECC as much of what we test is, but as you can see below that, you can get these in two by 8GB kits or two by 16GB kits. Speeds range from 3200MHz with 16-18-18 timings, through 3600MHz with 18-22-22 timings, and the 4000MHz kit we have with 18-22-22 timings as well. Voltage for the use of XMP and DOCP is 1.35V across the board. Dimensionally the sticks stand 43.5mm tall, and while the length and width are listed, they are much less critical. The heat spreaders on the sides of the sticks are made from aluminum, and at this time, we found links for red, gray, and black variants within the DARK Z Alpha lineup. The warranty is listed as lifetime, which typically means they will support customers past the EOL mark, where limited lifetime usually means for the run of the product, and not after.

There is but one issue with the kit we have in hand, and we cannot find it yet on this side of the pond! There are 3200 and 3600MHz kits out in the wild, just not the 4000MHz kits. However, sifting through sites for price comparisons, the most affordable kit of 4000MHz RAM with 16GB of density to match what we have, pricing starts at $111 and work their way up to near $500! While we saw no actual retail listing to confirm the MSRP, we are told that we should expect the DARK Z Alpha that we have in our hands to be $99 flat! Compared to the lower-priced kits, aesthetically and by feature set, you are still getting a great deal with the cost, but we still have to see just how well they perform!

TEAM T-Force DARK Z Alpha Today Yesterday 7 days ago 30 days ago $64.99 $64.99 $63.10 $62.99 Buy * Prices last scanned on 1/11/2022 at 8:43 am CST - prices may not be accurate, click links above for the latest price. We may earn an affiliate commission.

Packaging and TEAM T-Force DARK Z Alpha

The T-Force DARK Z Alpha comes in a clamshell package, with the "clean" side of the RAM on full display, resting on a cardboard insert to add additional style and offers a place to put any textual information. With the name of the kit ran across the top, and the RAM in the middle, leaves us with the "Compatible with AMD" sticker at the bottom-left, and the product sticker at the right, displaying density, speed, timings, voltage, and the part number for the 16GB kit.

On the back of the packaging, TEAM explains the TF logo, what the colors mean, and what the wings stand for, which falls just below Lifetime Warranty notation at the top-right. The lower section of the cardboard insert offers a list of seven features listed on the left, while company information, the model number, and a QR-code are provided at the right.

Along with the memory, there is some literature where images show how to install it and another section on warranty details, and we also get a case badge. As to the T-Force DARK Z Alpha sticks, TEAM starts with black PCBs, and as you can see, we got them with black aluminum heat spreaders. The spreaders are highly stylized with fins at the top, many angles and indentations used, two round dots at either end, with a chrome TF logo in the middle and the DARK Z Alpha name painted on them in the lower-right corner of the spreaders.

On the other side of the sticks, we find that the heat spreaders are the same, but with two omissions. Rather than the TF chrome logo, we see the product sticker, and the name of the kit does not appear on this side. As to that sticker, it carries the individual stick part number, the density of said stick along with its type and speed. The timings and voltage follow, and we also see they are made in Taiwan, and there are serial numbers present, should you need to contact TEAM for any issues.

The top edge of the spreaders reminds us of the G.Skill Ripjaws designs, but rather than a flat or lowered center section, in the DARK Z Alpha, the center is raised. Painting T-Force in the middle of the sticks identifies them as definitely not G.Skill, and we do like the aesthetic appeal of these non- LED bearing sticks.

Opting for software to tell us what is under the hood, Thaiphoon Burner tells us this kit was made week 41 of 2019, and that we have A2 revision, 8-layer PCBs. What most care about is the IC, and on the right, it shows us that TEAM went to Hynix for the chips, more specifically, the H5AN8G8NAFR-UHC that we last saw in some Apacer Panther Rage sticks.

When building test rigs, we try to mute the colors so that the product being tested can stand out, but on the X570, the DARK z Alpha blends right into the mix of black, gray, and white that the build contains. From this view, we can see a lot of the styling, but while the TF logo is muted, the bright white T-Force on the top and the DARK Z Alpha on the sides pop out and are easily recognized as to what they are.

In our Intel build, we find a lot of similarities in the way it blends in with the build, but this time the TF logo is plainly visible, and we even have part of Nick Shih's autograph is reflected in it. With the gap between them on AMD, or stacked next to each other on this Intel system, we like the look of the kit, and we can see where these could be a massive hit for those looking for DDR4 without any sort of lighting.

Test System Details

To obtain the following CPU-Z images as well as the performance seen in the charts, we are using this AMD system to do so. For this system, we were helped by ASUS, Corsair, and GIGABYTE. Shout outs go to them for supporting us!

After clearing CMOS and getting into the BIOS to set DOCP, we can see that the T-Force DRAK Z Alpha does indeed run as intended. Our C8H motherboard automatically changes the VDIMM to 1.35 while still keeping the SOC voltage at 1.08V while delivering the 4000MHz at 18-22-22-42 1T rated speed and timings shown on the packaging.

After running the DOCP benches, we then move to attempt to lower the timings. In this attempt, we did not get far, but for a 4000MHz kit of DDR4, we are pleased to see that we could get them down to 16-21-21-42 1T with full stability at 1T command rate. At this time, we did bump the VDIMM to 1.45 and the SOC to 1.18V.

Using the same voltages as we used for the low-timings benches, we opted to reset the DOCP timings and look for maximum speed. While we did get to 4400MHz in Windows, it was not stable enough for testing, so we opted to run them at 4333MHz with full stability. Still, pretty impressive for as little as we had to do to get here.

Chad's AMD DDR4 Dual-Channel Test System Specifications

To obtain the following CPU-Z images as well as the performance seen in the charts, we are using this Intel system to do so. For this system, we were helped by Corsair, and are using the same card from GIGABYTE seen in the AMD rig. Shout outs go to them for supporting us here as well!

Enabling XMP on the Intel system delivers us 4000MHz of speed with 18-22-22-42 timings, but this time it defaults to the 2T command rate. As for the voltages, our X299 OCF motherboard swapped the VDIMM to 1.35V as expected, but also took the VCCIO and VCCSA to 1.35V for this kit, based on the speed. 1.20V on both VCCIO and VCCSA seemed to work with stability for us, but we left it as-is for testing purposes.

Since the VCCIO and VCCSA were already jacked up to where we feel should be max for daily use, we went back to the BIOS and adjusted only the VDIMM to the 1.45V cap we use. In doing so, we see the same timings reached when trying to lower them here as we did on the AMD system. 16-21-21-42 seems to be the bottom of this kit, even when opting for the 2T command rate.

Overclocking for maximum speed is somewhat hampered on the Intel system. While the BIOS could use some love for the newer memory coming out, we tried all sorts of dividers and bus speeds, all to find that the best we could get with the DARK Z Alpha was the 4133MHz we see in this screenshot.

Chad's Intel DDR4 Dual-Channel Test System Specifications

AMD Performance

Read performance in AIDA 64 is impressive. Roughly 500MB/s faster than any other kit in the chart comparing DOCP to DOCP runs. Lowering the timings took a slight loss to the DOCP run, but at 4333MHz, we gained only 220 MB/s, which is less than expected. Even so, it is hard to deny the DARK Z Alpha with chart-topping results!

The next box in AIDA 64 covers write results, and in this section, we can see that the Vengeance LPX is slightly better. However, when it came to overclocking this RAM, we do see improvements. Lowered timings do not offer much, roughly 340 MB/s boost. However, at 4333MHz, we got over 800 MB/s advantage over DOCP.

Copy performance shows the DARK Z Alpha in a similar light to the write results, behind the Vengeance LPX. What is impressive is the jumps we go with our attempt to clock this kit! Lowering the timings, we see a 2950 MB/s boost in the results, and raw speed at 4333MHz delivers an increase to the tune of 5300 MB/s.

When it comes to latency, the DARK Z Alpha is not that great out of the box, where we saw 81.4 nanoseconds, but slightly better than the LPX. Reducing the timings helps a bit, taking us into the high 70s, and raw speed increase gets us to 75.8 ns.

Using DOCP out of the box, when it comes to Super Pi, they falter with a next to a last-place finish, some ten seconds slower than the LPX. Dropping the timings a bit was a huge benefit, removing thirteen seconds from the DOCP run. Overall, speed delivered the best results, but sadly, they are no better than the Xcalibur kit, which ran at only 3600MHz!

Fire Strike physics is a weird beast, as anything slightly out of tune will wreak havoc on the results, and is reflected in our chart. While the DOCP run delivered a second-place result, and sort of overclocking to the DARK Z Alpha results in worse scores.

PCMark 10 did not like the DARK Z Alpha at all, as using the DOCP profile netted us the last place result! While overclocking does help a bit, it is sad that a 3000MHz kit tops the chart, and our 4333MHz test and lowered latency test both fall way short of that mark!

7-Zip also shows the DARK Z Alpha in a poor light. Next to last out of the box is nothing to write home about, and clocking the kit does help, but again delivers average results.

Sticking with the trend of the last few benchmarks, Cinebench R15 also did not appreciate the TEAM memory. Second to last again, and while lowering the timings helped some, higher speed delivered the worst results in the chart.

Handbrake is also a deal killer, in our opinion! Next to last for the fourth time in a row now is not impressive, to say the least. However, this is a test where clocking the RAM can and does help a ton, but still, get beat by the TOUGHRAM at 3600MHz.

Intel Performance

While we expected better results for our XMP run at read performance, we ended up with mediocre numbers. Lowering the timings delivers an advantage of over 2000 MB/s, while the overall increase in speed to 4133MHz is worth only 150 MB/s more.

Write performance is some of the worst we have gotten using the XMP profile on any of the memory in the chart! Changing the timings or increasing speed helps, but not enough to impress us.

The copy performance is very similar to what we just saw with write performance, lackluster at best! Down near the bottom is the XMP run, and while clocking the sticks does help, they get beat by many of the kits, and only one of them is faster, the rest are considerably slower.

Latency is much better than we saw with the AMD system, and the DARK Z Alpha comes in right in the middle with the XMP run. Latency can be improved quite a bit with overclocking, taking this kit much closer to the top of the chart this round.

Seventeen seconds from the lead, the TEAM kit is lacking in performance for Super Pi as well. Not a single kit higher on the chart is faster than the DARK Z Alpha, and no matter which way we opted to try to clock the kit, we ended with very similar results.

The results for 3DMark Fire Strike are quite surprising! We had no thoughts of the DARK Z Alpha doing this well from what we saw in all of the other tests, but it pulls off a first-place finish right out of the box, only enabling XMP. However, counterproductive to the results, overclocking in this test was worth a considerable loss in points.

PCMark 10 has our XMP run third from the bottom of the chart, which is disappointing again. Lowering the timings helped with points, and trying 4133MHz offered a few more, but still further down the list than it should be considering what we are dealing with.

7-Zip hammers this kit as well, leaving TEAM at the bottom of the chart, again! We were able to reduce the run by twenty-four seconds with overclocking, but they are still nearly forty seconds out of the lead!

Cinebench results for the XMP run are near the bottom of the chart, as we have come to expect now. While the points difference is small from best to worse, overclocking the TEAM DDR4 shows some merit in the results shown in green.

At this point, we are out of synonyms for poor results as we see the DARK Z Alpha at the bottom of another chart. However, if you like to clock the memory, it has its advantages with an eighteen-second reduction opting for lower timings, and another thirteen seconds on top of that if opting for 4133MHz of speed.

Final Thoughts

With what TEAM has delivered, we found many things we appreciate when it comes to DDR4. It comes from a company in which we have found their products to be quite good in the past, and left us with expectations of what we assumed this RAM could do. We have no issues with the aesthetics either! We got a blacked-out kit of memory using brushed black aluminum heat spreaders, which are highly stylized. We like that the T-Force name is painted on the top edges, we like that the DARK Z Alpha is painted on the viewable side, and the reflective chrome logo in the center is the cherry on top. However, once past the visual appeal, it seems that TEAM was not looking to make this memory anything special beyond the bragging rights of the 4000MHz speed offered in the T-Force DARK Z Alpha kit we have in our hands!

In our AMD test system, things started well with a few results we could get behind, but once we passed AIDA 64, only 3DMark Fire Strike shows this kit in a good light, the other six tests were not impressive. On the Intel rig, things got even worse for the DARK Z Alpha! This time around, there is only one test, 3DMark Fire Strike that seemed to play well with this kit, the other nine benches shows this ran to be sub-par. While visual appeal is a huge factor, for us, the bottom line is performance, as we will gladly take something ugly that kills it in our charts. What we have here is the opposite. We have something attractive to look at, there is a complete lack of illumination, but once beyond that, we honestly have little good to say about it.

At this moment, we still cannot locate this kit on this side of the pond. We do see the slower speed version on offer, but as to the 4000MHz DARK Z Alpha we have, there are no legit listings to reference. While not always right, in this instance, you get what you pay for! With the lowest pricing for a 16GB kit of 4000MHz memory at $99, something had to give to make this happen. While we have no issues in the past with Hynix ICs being a deal killer like this, it is possible they ICs are just poor quality, to begin with, and TEAM did the best they could with what they had. However, if it were our money, we would be looking to G.Skill, Patriot, Crucial, or another TEAM kit. As cool as they look, and as well as they were a perfect visual fit for both of our test systems, after seeing the results, it is hard to advise you go out and spend the money to get beat by a 3000MHz kit!
A peculiar theme park in the Hague celebrates the history of the Netherlands through a series of miniature models. The Madurodam features little canals, old-fashioned windmills, tiny tulips and, amid it all, an homage to Royal Dutch Shell, the oil giant that is the biggest company in the country and, by revenue, the second largest publicly traded oil-and-gas company in the world. Theres a Shell drilling platform, a Shell gas station and a Shell natural-gas field, complete with a drilling rig. The display is at once oddenergy infrastructure in a childrens theme parkand entirely fitting: Shell has been, for decades, one of the most powerful players both in Dutch politics and on the global economic stage.

But that could soon change. As concerns grow over the existential challenges posed by climate change, Shell must grapple with its own existential crisis: How should a company that generates most of its profits by serving the worlds enormous appetite for oil navigate a long-term future in which shifting political and economic tides threaten to make fossil fuels obsolete?

The pressure to abandon oil and gas is already in force. In recent years, protesters have swarmed Shells headquarters; advocates representing 17,000 Dutch citizens have sued the company; and powerful investors successfully coerced executives to say they will reduce emissions. In 2015, countries around the world promised to aggressively tackle greenhouse-gas emissions, in order to meet the target laid out by the Paris Agreement: goals that require buying and burning significantly less oil and gas.

Shell CEO Ben van Beurden has a birds-eye view of the situation from his corner office at the companys global headquarters in the Hague. We have to figure out what are the right bets to take in a world that is completely changing because of societys concerns around climate change, he says.

Story continues

Projections from energy companies show demand for oil could peak and fall in the coming decades; some outside analyses suggest demand for oil could plateau as soon as 2025. Markets are already jittery about the industry: energy was the worst-performing sector on the S&P 500 index in 2019. In 1980, the energy industry represented 28% of the indexs value, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). Last year, it represented less than 5%. The shift away from oil looms so large that Moodys warned in 2018 that the energy transition represents significant business and credit risk for oil companies. The heads of the Banks of England and France said in an op-ed that any company that does not change strategically to the new energy reality will fail to exist. On Jan. 14, Larry Fink, founder and CEO of investment giant BlackRock, wrote in an open letter that climate change has become a defining factor in companies long-term prospects.

As oil flirts with the prospect of decline, energy executives are at odds over what to do. Some firms, like ExxonMobil, are positioning themselves to squeeze the last lucrative years from the oil economy while arguing to shareholders that they will be able to sell all their oil. Shell and a handful of others are beginning to adapt.

Under van Beurdens leadership, Shell is charting a path that will allow it to continue to profit from oil and gas while simultaneously expanding its plastics business and diversifying into electrical power. By the 2030s, the 112-year-old fossil-fuel giant wants to become the worlds largest power company. As part of this strategy, Shell has worked to present itself as environmentally friendly. Last year, it committed to reduce its emissions by as much as 3% by 2021, and by around 50% by 2050, tying its executives compensation to the cuts.

Shells moves earned some applause among environmentalists, but the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the U.N.s climate-science body, concluded in 2018 that to keep temperatures from rising to levels that would bring a wide range of catastrophes, countries must halve their greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 and hit net-zero emissions by 2050. That would mean more than incrementally reducing emissions; it means keeping vast reserves of oil already discovered in the ground.

Van Beurdens strategic response shows that years of political and economic pressureespecially from governments and investors responding to a sustained public outcrycan push even the most powerful interests to change. Whether climate activists can harness this mounting pressure to compel Shell and other oil companies to transform the global energy economy may be the weightiest question of our time.

Shell CEO Ben van Beurden says the energy industry must evolve | Erik Tanner for TIME

Executives at Shell knew decades ago that burning fossil fuels would cause the planet to warm, and that once climate change became a global issue, their firm would need to change. Last year, I sat down with van Beurden for a wide-ranging interview and asked him how he felt about Shell knew, the activist mantra that accuses the company of failing to act on climate change despite knowing the consequences. He was sanguine: Yeah, we knew. Everybody knew, he said. And somehow we all ignored it.

In the 1990s, he explained, Shell publicly acknowledged climate science and said the world needed to act to combat the problem. But at the time, neither governments nor consumers seemed too concerned about emissions, and the demand for oil was growing like gangbusters to fuel a global economic expansion. So the company dutifully responded to market demands: it produced and sold oil to turn a profit.

Nearly three decades later, Shells business model is shifting by the same market-driven calculus. Despite advertising that depicts the oil giant as environmentally friendly, its decision to reduce reliance on oil is not born of benevolence. Its reacting to market forces. A 2019 McKinsey report predicts that declining gas consumption in the transport sector, because of factors like fuel efficiency and electrification, could lead oil demand to begin decreasing in the early 2030s. The future of energy needs to evolve as something else, van Beurden says. And we find a role for ourselves in it.

The shift away from oil is not just a macroeconomic calculation. In 2018, Climate Action 100+, a powerful group of global investors that now represents $41 trillion in assets, delivered an ultimatum: either Shell committed to short-term emissions-reduction targets, or it risked losing the support of some of its largest shareholders. While Climate Action 100+ held little formal power over Shell, the investors could wreak havoc within the company by opposing management in shareholder votes, a process where shareholders can force management to take specific actions. In an extreme case, the investors could ditch their Shell stockwhich would undermine share prices, tank the companys valuation and drag down executive pay. Politics might be pretty confused and babbling at the moment, says Anne Simpson, director of global governance at CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the U.S., and a steering-committee member at Climate Action 100+. But money talks.

Meanwhile, a Dutch-led group of investors known as Follow This actually went ahead with a series of activist shareholder resolutions that, if they had garnered the support of 75% of shareholders, would have required the company to take aggressive climate action. While the resolutions failed, the threat was real.

By December 2018, Shell relented and, a few months later, made the commitment to reducing emissions as much as 3% by 2021. Significantly, the commitment included end-use emissions: the company was agreeing to take responsibility not only for its own operations, but also for how consumers use Shells products. The activist investors claimed victory. The only reason Shell has made this leap forward is because investors started supporting our resolution, Follow This founder Mark van Baal told me.

Shells public commitment was part of a broader rebranding effort. For decades, Shell and other oil-and-gas companies portrayed themselves to consumers as essential to modern life. Their products power your car and warm your house. But over the years, that image has soured. The 2010 BP oil spill and a series of journalistic exposes of the industrys misbehavior stole headlines. Shell faced reports of corruption in Nigeria, where it has significant drilling operations, including its alleged complicity in government human-rights abuses. Organizers say that in September 2019, more than 7 million people marched around the globe, skipping school and work to demand that their governments take action to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The U.K. declared a climate emergency and prominent members of the U.S. Congress called to eliminate the countrys fossil-fuel emissions by 2030. In July, the head of OPEC, the oil cartel that in 2018 accounted for more than 40% of the worlds crude-oil production, called climate activists the greatest threat to our industry.

Widespread public criticism of Big Oil is perhaps especially damaging to Shell. Unlike many of its competitors, Shell purchases much of its oil from other companies, then slaps the Shell brand on it, rather than digging the stuff out of the ground itself. That means that its consumer reputation matters more than, say, Occidental Petroleums. Shell also faces scrutiny as a Netherlands-based company. While U.S. firms like ExxonMobil contend with a relatively conservative political environment in Texas, Shell is headquartered in the Hague, a city where youre more likely to get hit by a bicycle than a car. In Amsterdam, 40,000 people took to the streets last spring to demand action on climate change, and some protesters carried signs with a version of the Shell logo fashioned into a middle finger. In London, protesters demonstrated outside Shells offices, graffitiing the walls with slogans like crime scene and Shell kills.

Their own company is built on the death and destruction of nature and of people all around the world, says Farhana Yamin, a lawyer turned activist who glued herself to the cement outside Shells London headquarters last April. The National Theatre in London dropped Shell as a sponsor in October, just as it declared a climate emergency, and the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth is suing Shell for reneging on its duty of care obligation under Dutch law. All of these initiatives add to the pressure, says Freek Bersch, a campaigner at Friends of the Earth Netherlands.

Van Beurden certainly feels the heat. In recent regulatory filings Shell listed its societal licence to operate, industry lingo for how society views the company, among its key concerns. Shell executives now need to ask ourselves more questions than just, Hey, is this legal or not?' van Beurden says. They have to consider how society sees their brand.

Extinction Rebellion protests outside Shells London office in April 2019 | Tolga AkmenAFP/Getty Images

To witness exactly how Shell is changing, I visited one of its biggest ongoing investments: a chemical facility outside of Pittsburgh estimated to cost $6 billion. When its completed, the nearly 400-acre site will churn out more than a million tons of polyethylene every year, the base for a host of plastic products that may become anything from packaging to toys to medical devices to car parts.

Activists describe the facility as an environmental nightmare. Studies have found plastic in tap water, in food products, and in the bellies of sea birds and whales. And plastic production is a significant driver of climate change. The chemical sector is responsible for 18% of industrial carbon-dioxide emissions, according to a 2018 report from the International Energy Agency. Emissions are expected to grow 30% by 2050. But, for Shell, the investment is emblematic of its future business model. As the company rethinks its business, it plans to expand in plastics.

Shells other big bet outside of oil is natural gas, which is also controversial. When burned, natural gas produces less carbon than oil or coal does, but its still much more polluting than renewable sources, like solar or wind. But Shell is all-in: in 2016, the company maneuvered a $53 billion takeover of BG Group, an oil-and-gas company that focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG), and two years later Shell announced it would fund a $31 billion LNG-export terminal in Canada along with other partners. Shell is widely known as one of the worlds leading natural-gas producers. The company argues that natural gas is necessary to back up clean-energy sources like wind and solar and to feed growing demand for energy in the developing world.

The companys least contentious area of change is its investment in the power sector, delivering electricity to homes and businesses. While the power sector is widely seen as essential to reducing emissions, critics point out that its a tiny portion of Shells portfolio. Shell is now spending up to $2 billion a year building out its capacity to supply electricityjust a sliver of its roughly $25 billion capital expenditure, which is predominantly spent exploring and drilling for oil.

But Shell is rethinking its oil business, too, in recognition that its most expensive drilling ventures wont work in the future if oil demand slows. In 2015, it ended its effort to drill in the Arctic, and in 2017 it sold off billions of Canadian oil-sand assets. Meanwhile, Shells total oil reserves have slowly declined compared with its competitors. In December 2018, ExxonMobil had more than 17 years of oil reserves stored, BP had nearly 15 and Chevron more than 11, according to Bloomberg data. Shell maintained only 81/2 years of reserves.

Analysts say its too early to tell whether Shells strategy to reduce reliance on oil will pay off for shareholders in the long run. Last year, Shell, while continuing to pay large dividends, bought back stock, helping maintain its share price. The maneuver kept the companys stock valuation roughly level, but its hardly a workable long-term strategy. Across the sector, companies have to figure out who they are in this changing market, says Tom Sanzillo, director of finance at the IEEFA. They are not the profit center that they used to be, and they probably never will be.

The viability of sticking with oil, even as major world economies promise to move away, is uncertain. Both ExxonMobil and Chevron are staying the course, hoping to outlast their competitors. But Shell and others are moving to adapt. BP, for instance, has also invested in natural gas and power, while ConocoPhillips has prioritized short-cycle project times to help it stay economically competitive. Occidental has dropped money into a method of drilling that allows it to store CO2 in the ground, a bet that it can offset some of the regulatory costs of CO2 emissions within its own operations. And in December, the Spanish oil giant Repsol committed to being carbon-neutral by 2050 and wrote down many of its oil assets on the grounds that their value will diminish as oil fades.

Meanwhile, the landscape for the planet remains bleak. To keep average global temperatures from warming more than 1.5C above preindustrial levels, oil companies would have to agree to keep trillions of dollars of oil assets in the ground. So while Shell and others are taking steps in the right direction to reduce total emissions, they are still barreling into a catastrophically climate-changed future. Shell is doing a lot of the right things, says a senior energy official, who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely. The question is: What award do you get for being the best-painted deck chair on the Titanic?

A Canadian oil-sand site in 2013 that Shell later sold | Brent LewinBloomberg/Getty Images

Last spring, Shell announced that it was leaving American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, an influential oil-industry trade lobby. The groups position on climate change, Shell said, was incompatible with its own. Shell cited AFPMs lack of support for the Paris Agreement and for carbon pricing.

The news made a splash. Shell appeared to be firing a shot across the bow to other powerful lobbying groups: the politics on climate change is shifting. Get with the program or get left in the dust.

It was the latest in a series of similar moves. In recent years, Shell, as well as Exxon and BP, left the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative political group, over its stance on climate change. In 2014, Shell and other major global oil companies convened to form the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative to fund clean-energy ventures, and in 2017, a consortium of global Fortune 500 companies, including Shell, Total, ExxonMobil and BP, joined with a handful of green groups to launch the Climate Leadership Council to advocate in the U.S. for a carbon tax that reflects the conservative principles of free markets and limited government. A related lobbying group has spent several million dollars lobbying Congress for the proposal. Critics largely dismiss these efforts as too little, too late. They question the companies sincerity and suggest they may abandon their support when push comes to shove. And, given the scale of the challenge, many argue that the time has long passed for incremental initiatives.

But given the central role the oil-and-gas industry plays in both politics and the global economy, its hard to imagine the world tackling climate change unless the industry either loses its political power or stops roadblocking climate solutions. The rise of the oil industry is intrinsically intertwined with the rise of modern capitalism and the 20th century market economy. Oil provided the resources to power the near nonstop GDP growth of the postwar era. That history offers the modern oil industry immense political power, which it has used to block any legislation, including climate initiatives, that would curb its profits. In particular, Big Oil has spent decades funding campaigns to discredit the science linking greenhouse-gas emissions to warming and later spent millions more on messages that downplayed the catastrophic significance of climate change. For the most part, they have been successful both in blocking bills that would have curbed emissions and in securing government support for their business. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.), who wrote a book on corporate influence in government, told me he doesnt think theres ever been such political might assembled on one issue in the history of the Congress as oil-and-gas interests fighting climate-change regulation. Globally, fossil fuels receive roughly $5 trillion annually in government subsidies, a figure that includes the cost of environmental damage caused by industry thats left to everyone else to clean up, according to a 2019 International Monetary Fund paper.

But if Big Oils roots are deep, belief is growing across the globe that the industrys untouchable status needs to end. Beyond activists, public opinion in the U.S. continues to turn against fossil fuels. According to a 2019 Gallup poll, 60% of U.S. adults, including the vast majority of Democrats and a large share of Republicans, support policies aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, both of whom are polling at the top of the Democratic presidential primary, have promised to ban frackinga move that (though unlikely) would transform the industry overnight. And, across the Atlantic, a Green Deal in the E.U. unveiled late last year proposes, among other things, to create a new tax on imports that could hit oil companies. Even the Shell display at Madurodam, that strange miniature theme park in the Hague, has been condemned by activists.

Basic economic factors also loom large. This year, analysts expect that many overleveraged oil firms in West Texas will likely go bankrupt, and those that stay afloat will face withering headwinds. Production of low-cost shale oil means some established companies will need to continue to reassess their portfolio to turn a profit. Meanwhile, both geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disagreements over trade continue to rattle the industry: global operations require safely and efficiently moving vast amounts of oil across borders.

Despite the gathering momentum to wean the economy off fossil fuels, were not there yet. Analysts predict oil will continue to dominate the global economy into the early 2030s. And even as this transition takes place, Big Oil will likely continue to wield outsize political influence. In the U.S., the coal industry is a shadow of what it once was as companies struggle to turn a profit, but the Trump Administration continues to work on behalf of its barons.

Oil executives would, at any rate, prefer to avoid coals fate. In his office in the Hague, van Beurden considers the uncertainty facing his company over the next decade: souring public perception, shifting consumer behavior, the risk of becoming activist investors next target, political leaders bold promises to dramatically reduce emissions. In this environment, van Beurden says, companies like Shell must be ready to adapt. Its the time we live in, he says. I have to find a way to make the most of that.
Senators sworn in to serve as jurors at the impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump.

The United States Congress opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Thursday, with House Democrats reading the formal charges from the well of the US Senate before the swearing-in of all 100 senators as jurors for only the third impeachment trial in US history.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! said the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order.

Seven legislators prosecuting the charges, led by Representative Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Representative Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day. Its the start of ceremonial protocol that shifts the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

Schiff, standing in the well of the Senate usually reserved for senators, began reading the resolution, Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Later in the day, Chief Justice John Roberts administered the jurors oath to senators who swore to deliver impartial justice.

The events, unfolding during an election year as Trump seeks another term, will be a test not only of his presidency but also of the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances. Several senators are running for the Democratic Partys nomination to challenge Trump in November.

New evidence emerges

The president calls the impeachment a hoax, even as new information emerges about his actions towards Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the presidents actions towards Ukraine.

Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Pelosi said, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

In this image from video, Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, speaks as the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump begins in the Senate [Senate Television/AP Photo]

Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congresss ensuing probe. In advance of the proceedings, the Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber Thursday decrying Pelosis decision to hand out souvenir pens after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the Houses entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

Witnesses?

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer renewed his partys request that the trial include new witnesses and documents not available for the House impeachment proceedings.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? Schumer said.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident, he said. The House of Representatives have accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that. Still, an eventual vote to acquit Trump is considered highly likely.

On Wednesday, in a dramatic procession across the US Capitol, House Democrats carried the charges to the Senate.

Today, we will make history, Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. This president will be held accountable.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler and other House impeachment managers, walk to the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill [Matt Rourke/AP Photo]

Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall, filing into the Senate back row as the clerk of the House announced the arrival: The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorising managers of the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of United States.

Opening arguments are to begin next week after the Martin Luther King Jr holiday on Monday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, ending a weeks-long delay to deliver the charges with a tally reflecting the nations split.

The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this sad saga that tried to remove the president from office with the weakest case.

The presidents team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

The seven-member prosecution team is led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Representative Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosis top lieutenants.

On Wednesday, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with House subpoenas for testimony and documents.

The challenge is to get a fair trial, Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press. It shouldnt be a challenge  if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial, theyll want a fair trial. Thats obviously not where Mitch McConnell is coming from.

House managers

The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshman legislators  Crow  a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia  a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of President Richard Nixons impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected legislator during Clintons.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy towards Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

Any four senators could force an outcome. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  The body of the man whose death, 7,000 miles away in Iraq, unleashed a geopolitical crisis lies in an unmarked grave below a mound of moist earth, on plot E-233 at the Greater Sacramento Muslim Cemetery. His grieving widow remains behind closed doors.

It has been almost three weeks since Nawres Waleed Hamid, a naturalized citizen who grew up in Iraq, became the latest American to die in the United States nearly two-decade-long military entanglement in the Middle East. His death in a rocket attack in December in Kirkuk, where he was working as a translator for the American military, was quickly seized upon by President Donald Trump, touching off a chain of events that for several days set the world on edge.

An Iran-backed militia was blamed for Hamids death, and Trump responded by ordering the killing of a prominent Iranian general, prompting retaliatory missile strikes by Iran against U.S. troops inside Iraq.

Though tensions between Iran and the United States may have lessened since that moment when the nations edged close to war, in Sacramento a sense of unease remains.

Citing Hamids death as a reason for military action against Iran  calling him an American contractor without mentioning that he was an immigrant  made the presidents posture especially stinging to some Muslims here, who have felt marginalized and vulnerable in recent years as the Trump administration has clamped down on immigration.

That an Iraqi American Muslim immigrant was used as a pretext for military action in the Middle East is ironic, said Basim Elkarra, the executive director of the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. It was shocking.

Like Elkarra, many people in Sacramentos sizable Muslim community are angry over Hamids death, but have mostly chosen to keep their outrage private. Partly, that is because Hamid kept a low profile, with one foot in the United States and one in Iraq, and few people in the Sacramento area knew him personally. Hamid studied in California to become an American citizen yet returned to Iraq to work  something he kept silent about with his circle of acquaintances.

Still, the reticence and angst offer a glimpse into how many people in Sacramento are wary of attracting attention because of their ties to the Middle East and fears over racist attitudes toward Arab immigrants.

Even for a U.S. citizen like Hamid, for example, going to work for the American military in Iraq can be as controversial as it is lucrative, and not something to showcase. In Iraq, Iraqis who work for the U.S. military have long been targeted as traitors by anti-American militias, and have sometimes been killed. Even in Sacramento, going back home to work can be difficult: Iraqis in the city may be proud American citizens, but many are still critical of U.S. policy in Iraq, blaming the United States for the violence and destruction of their homeland.

You could be a translator at a time of peace for the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland, and there would be no issue, said Mounir Kaddoura, an American of Palestinian heritage who runs the funeral home in Sacramento that prepared Hamids body for burial.

Kaddoura said the Muslim immigrants he knows love America but are tired of endless wars in the Middle East and want U.S. forces out of the region.

But God forbid, if someone was attacking California, Id grab a gun and fight, he said.

Many in Sacramento are reluctant to even discuss Hamids death, for fear of retribution against relatives in Iraq, where armed groups are known to monitor digital media.

People are afraid to comment online about the political situation because it can affect their families back home, Elkarra said.

The Sacramento Valley is home to some 75,000 Muslims, according to Elkarra, including thousands of Iraqis and Afghans who fled wars. There are more than 20 mosques in the region, serving different sects and ethnicities, as well as countless cafes, restaurants and grocery stores that cater to Middle Eastern immigrants. One such place is the Babylon City Market, a deli and grocery store whose shelves are stocked with dates and Middle Eastern candies and where workers bake diamond-shaped bread, common in the bakeries of Baghdad.

The store is Iraqi American-owned, but manning the cash register was a young Afghan immigrant. The manager, Ahmed Adnan, moved to Sacramento when he was 9, a few years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. He said he felt unconnected to the mayhem in his homeland because he was so young when he left.

Ive not been through the misery, he said.

The number of new arrivals has dwindled substantially during Trumps presidency, and the possibilities for family members back home to join their relatives in America have been curtailed.

Its not openly discussed, but everyone knows hes a racist, and against Muslims and asylum-seekers, said Sajad Janmohamed, a retired doctor who runs the Muslim cemetery in Sacramento, in reference to Trump. Its so cruel. Jesus was an asylum-seeker.

Janmohamed hastily arranged for Hamids funeral on Jan. 4 after Hamids body arrived from Iraq. On the morning of the funeral, a message went out on a WhatsApp group that many area Muslims belong to, asking for attendees.

He was the only person I knew here, Noor Al-Khalil, Hamids widow, said in an interview with The Sacramento Bee, which first reported his burial. It still doesnt feel real. It has been difficult to accept that he is no longer here.

The exact circumstances of Hamids death on Dec. 27 are still mysterious. Khalil said that he had stopped responding to her telephone messages, and then a representative from his employer appeared on her doorstep, bearing the grim news.

The company, Valiant Integrated Services, issued a brief public statement, calling the death tragic and describing Hamid as a consummate professional who was cherished and valued by his colleagues.

Angela Pruitt, a spokeswoman for the company, declined to provide any further details about Hamids work.

He was the second interpreter working for the company to be killed in the Middle East in 2019. Ghadir Taher, a 27-year-old Syrian-American from East Point, Georgia, died in a suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria, last January.

The company paid for Hamids burial, The Bee reported.

Hamid studied computer science at American River College, a community college near Sacramento, between 2013 and 2018 but did not graduate, according to Scott Crow, the spokesman for the college.

Khalil, a medical technician, declined to be interviewed by The New York Times.

She said in the interview with The Bee that the couple had two sons, aged 8 and 2. She was pregnant with the first when the couple arrived in the United States in 2011, she told the paper, and her husband was naturalized in 2017.

For the moment, she said, she plans to stay in their adopted homeland to raise her children.

What would I return to in Iraq? she was quoted as saying.

At the quiet funeral, Janmohamed was struck by how few friends of Hamids were in attendance, and by the empty stare of his wife. It was almost like she wasnt there, he said.

To make the funeral arrangements, Janmohamed dealt with a Virginia man who said he was a friend of Hamids and had worked with him in Iraq, but offered no other details about the manner of Hamids death or the work he did in Iraq. The man insisted that he remain anonymous, especially to the press.

He said, Dont give my name to anybody, Janmohamed said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
On Dec. 29, a sheriffs deputy knocked on the door of a tidy storybook home in Celebration, Florida, in the shadow of the Walt Disney World resort, to check on the family inside.

A relative had called from out of state saying shed been unable to reach the family of five: Anthony Todt, 44, his wife, Megan Todt, 42, and their children, Alek, 13, Tyler, 11 and 4-year-old Zoey.

No one answered the door, but the deputy left when he found nothing suspicious.

Now authorities say Megan and the children may have been dead inside the pristine home when the deputy came to check on them.

Its not unreasonable to believe that the bodies were there, based on what weve seen in the home and based on his statements, Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson said at a press conference Wednesday.

RELATED: Florida Dad Arrested After Wife, 3 Kids, Dog Are Found Dead in Disney-Developed Home

Still unable to reach anyone in the family, on Jan. 6, they were reported missing. Concerned loved ones created a Facebook group called Looking for the Todt Family, writing that they were Worried sick! and Praying for their safe return.

Anthony Todt | Osceola County Sheriff

Their worst fears were confirmed Monday, when sheriffs deputies accompanied federal agents from the Department of Health and Human Services to serve a warrant on Anthony for an unrelated charge and discovered the bodies of the mother, children, and the family dog, Breezy, inside.

Anthony was taken into custody on Monday morning. On Wednesday, the Osceola County Sheriffs Office charged him with multiple counts of homicide and one count of felony animal cruelty.

Three children and a mother have lost their lives at the hands of a supposed husband and a father, and their family dog, Gibson said. This is despicable.

Pausing to hold back tears, he said, We grieve along with the victims family and friends, along with the community for this tragic loss of innocent lives.

He added, I cannot understand what would cause a person to commit such evil and horrendous acts.

Story continues

Anthony and his family moved to Celebration from Colchester, Connecticut, though its unclear how long theyd lived in the Disney-developed dream town, which Disney no longer owns.

Authorities are investigating why Anthony allegedly murdered his entire family and are holding back on their cause of death until autopsy results are released.

RELATED: 4 Bodies Found Inside Disney-Developed Home in Florida, and Deaths Are Suspicious

But court records show that Anthony was deep in debt. Over the years, liens had been placed on a condo the family owned in Celebration, just blocks from their rental home at 202 Reserve Place. The estimated value of the condo, according to Zillow, is $209,000.

On Dec. 22, the landlord of the familys condo at Reserve Place filed an eviction notice, serving the family on Dec. 26  just one day after Christmas.

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A longtime physical therapist and owner of Family Physical Therapy in Colchester, Anthony was also being investigated by the federal government for alleged Medicaid and insurance fraud, WESH-TV reports.

The Office of the (Connecticut) Attorney General can confirm we have an open False Claims Act investigation into Anthony Todt, a spokeswoman told WESH. Beyond that, we are unable to comment or provide further details.

Todt also owed $99,000 to creditors in New York, USA Today reports.

Todt has not yet entered a plea. It is unclear if he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

He remains held in Osceola County Jail.
A ngela Merkel has said Brexit is a "wake-up" call for the rest of the European Union.

The German Chancellor, who is set to stand down next year, said Britain's imminent departure from the EU is a sign the bloc needs to up its game.

But she defended the EU's core principles, saying it has acted as a "life insurance" policy for smaller countries.

During an interview with the Financial Times, Ms Merkel urged the EU to become more attractive, innovative, creative, a good place for research and education... Competition can then be very productive."

She warned that Brexit was a "wake up call" for Europe.

Boris Johnson pictured with Angela Merkel in August / Stefan Rousseau/PA

But she remained positive on the bloc's role, saying: "I see the European Union as our life insurance.

"Germany is far too small to exert geopolitical influence on its own, and thats why we need to make use of all the benefits of the single market.

Ms Merkel also argued that international institutions like the EU were essentially a lesson learnt from the Second World War, and the preceding decades".
[January 16, 2020] Audax Private Debt Provides Financing to Support Olympus Partners' Investment in Soliant Health

Audax Private Debt announced that, as Joint Lead Arranger, it provided a senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of Soliant Health ("Soliant"), a leading healthcare services outsourcing platform, by Olympus Partners, a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for growing companies across a broad range of industries. Headquartered in Tucker, GA, Soliant provides healthcare placement and staffing services for the education, nursing, pharmacy, and life sciences segments across the United States. The company identifies and recruits highly-skilled healthcare professionals across a wide range of specialties and connects them with healthcare providers, primarily on a temporary basis. "As one of the nation's largest healthcare staffing companies, Soliant has a well-deserved reputation for pairing talented caregivers and clinicians with a wide array of leading hospitals and educational providers," said Blake Loweth, Managing Director at Audax Private Debt. "The company provides strong value for its customers, healthcare professionals and employees, and we look forward to supporting the Soliant team and Olympus as they continue to grow the business." About Audax Private Debt Audax Private Debt has invested over $19 billion across more than 775 established middle market companies in support of over 220 private equity sponsors. Our platform offers a range of fiancing solutions, including first lien, stretch senior, unitranche, second lien, subordinated debt, and equity co-investments. We provide financing certainty, add-on investment capability, and the experience and collaborative approach to work with portfolio companies. Based in New York, our experienced team of investment professionals has built lasting relationships, establishing Audax Private Debt as a trusted name and leader in the U.S. middle market. For more information, visit the Audax Private Debt website www.audaxprivatedebt.com.



Audax Private Debt is an integral part of Audax Group, a leading alternative investment manager headquartered in Boston with offices in New York and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has raised over $26 billion in capital across its Private Debt and Private Equity businesses. About Soliant

Soliant (www.soliant.com) is a healthcare services outsourcing platform. The company identifies and recruits highly-skilled healthcare professionals across a wide range of specialties and connects them with healthcare providers in the education, nursing, pharmacy, and life sciences segments, primarily on a temporary basis. Soliant has approximately 500 employees and is headquartered in Tucker, GA with offices in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, California and Texas. About Olympus Partners Founded in 1988, Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for companies needing capital for expansion. Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries including business services, food services, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services, industrial services, and manufacturing. Olympus manages in excess of $8.5 billion mainly on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005447/en/

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WASHINGTON - The impeachment of President Donald Trump is the Senates challenge now.

Directed by the Constitution, House officials and prosecutors somberly carried the articles through the dimly lit Capitol to the Senate on Wednesday evening, triggering a trial unlike any since President Bill Clintons in 1999. He was acquitted.

Look Thursday for a series of striking ceremonial matters to set up the Senate as a court of impeachment. Oaths will be taken. An oath book will be signed. And the seven House prosecutors, called managers, appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi will make an appearance in the well of the Senate to present the articles.

Then the senators will be commanded to surrender their phones, pay attention and not talk  a whole other level of challenge, especially for the four Democrats running for president ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses.

What to watch when the Senate opens for impeachment business:

HOUSE MEMBERS IN THE SENATE

At noon Thursday, the seven House managers will again cross the Capitol and be escorted into the well of the Senate, this time to formally present the articles of impeachment. They charge Trump with abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to help him politically and obstructing Congresss probe into what happened.

The prosecution team is led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff of California and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York, who oversaw the impeachment investigation and hearings. The others are Reps. Zoe Lofgren of California, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Sylvia Garcia of Texas.

All have backgrounds in the law. Their challenge is to persuade four Republicans to join all Senate Democrats in demanding that the trial include new documents and witnesses most in the GOP senators would like to avoid. Even that modest goal could prove difficult.

Watch for the managers to start dividing up topics and arguments as the team prepares to lay out its case.

___

OATHS

In another extraordinary visual, Chief Justice John Roberts will make an appearance in the chamber. Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley of Iowa will administer Roberts oath as the courts presiding officer. Roberts, in turn, will swear in the senators, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

___

IMPARTIAL JUSTICE

The senators will swear to administer impartial justice on the articles, or charges. But already, the senator-jurors are questioning whether thats possible.

McConnell has given his flat-out answer.

Im not an impartial juror, he declared last month. The process is inherently political.

He also said hes co-ordinating tightly with the White House, a statement Democrats said was proof of McConnells partiality. Republicans, meanwhile, have pointed out that Democrats have widely spoken of their disdain for Trump and cast doubt on his fitness for office.

Late Wednesday, McConnell laid out how he sees the challenge for senators.

We will pledge to rise above the petty factionalism and do justice for our institutions, for our states and for the nation, he said.

___

THE SENATE MATH

100: The total number of senators.

53: The Republican majority.

51: The number of senators who must agree on almost anything to make it happen during an impeachment trial.

Four: The number of Republican senators who must join Democrats to get to the magical 51.

2/3: The proportion of senators required to convict and remove a president from office. So 67 members of the Senate would have to vote to convict if every senator is voting.

___

THE GANG

Watch the moderates for an emerging gang of three to four who could influence the outcome on such matters as whether to subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. That vote wont be taken for days if not weeks.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has been meeting with a small number of GOP colleagues who want to consider witness testimony and documents that werent part of the House impeachment investigation. Watch Republican Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for signs of whether this group can stick together and force the Senate to consider additional material.

___

THE FOUR

Senators love to talk. So the impeachment trial rule against speaking or consulting their phones on the Senate floor has the potential to chafe.

None moreso, however, than the four Democratic senators forced to decamp from Iowa less than three weeks before the elections leadoff caucuses. Look for Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Michael Bennet of Colorado to send surrogates to Iowa or make short trips back and forth.

Ive told them this trial is your responsibility as senators and scheduling is not going to influence what we should do, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told The Associated Press in an interview last month. He said none of them objected. There are benefits of running as a senator, Schumer added, and there are liabilities.

___

FULL SWING

The Senate is pausing for the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Arguments begin Tuesday.

Trumps team will be led by White House counsel Pat Cippolone.

___

Follow Kellman at http://www.twitter.com//APLaurieKellman
A dramatic new departure for Aer Lingus cabin crew means they will wear the trousers when it comes to their dress code from February 10.

From that date, they will swap their washed-out green uniforms for a more subtle collection of 25 'Kenmare green' and navy pieces with a bit of added stretch.

This big step for Aer Lingus means female staff can wear trousers for the first time and there's no need for make-up.

It's a long way from the days when the requirements for the coveted role of air hostess included being beautiful, 20-something and weighing between seven-and-a-half and nine stone.

Female cabin crew may rejoice at the prospect of new levels of comfort, but the new uniform guidelines will help shield the airline from potential legal action from members of the 4,000-plus workforce.

Employers who impose standards of dress on women without requiring the same from men, or vice versa, can present an open goal for discrimination cases on the grounds of gender.

It has become less of an issue as workplaces have become more relaxed.

Yet there still appear to be bosses who hold on to images with echoes of the wardrobe from 'Mad Men'.

High-heeled shoes are an outstanding point of contention. Last week, a senior UK judge indicated they are still a big issue as she steps down from the Supreme Court.

Court president Baroness Hale (74) said she was aware of firms with an "outdated" policy of banning women wearing flat shoes at work.

Things may not have changed much - at least in Britain - since 27-year-old Nicola Thorp was sent home from a temp role with accountancy firm PwC a few years ago for refusing to adhere to a high-heel stipulation by temp agency Portico.

It was argued she signed appearance guidelines that included wearing make-up. When she asked if men were also expected to wear heels, she said she was "laughed at". She has since donated her flats to a museum.

Ronnie Neville, partner in Mason Hayes & Curran's employment and benefits department, said employers may still be entitled to have different rules for men and women regarding dress code, such as the requirement for men to wear a tie or be clean-shaven.

But this comes with a caveat, namely that the difference in treatment must not amount to discrimination on the gender ground. In a case involving Dunnes Stores, the Labour Court found it was unfair that an employee with a well-maintained goatee was required to be clean-shaven. It found the goatee was neat and did not offend conventional standards, so to prescribe unconventional standards was discriminatory on gender grounds.

The position may be different if there are health and safety considerations.

"What is important is that the requirements for men and women, when compared to each other, are equal in terms of prescription and conventional standards," he said.

"But at the same time, employers must realise that as society becomes increasingly progressive over time, conventional standards will change, so views and rules on dress code will also need to be adapted"
STRATFORD  Decades before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, Stratford residents were among those leading the fight for womens suffrage  and this week the town began a yearlong celebration of some of its most notable women to mark the centennial.

The Town Councils monthly meetings this year will feature presentations highlighting notable Stratford women, ranging from suffrage activists to contemporary leaders.

On Monday Mayor Laura Hoydicks daughter, Paige, a senior at Marist College, began the celebration by reading a biography of Vivianna Olivia Snowden, a pioneer Methodist Episcopal Church pastor.

Snowden, who went by the name Anna Oliver in her professional life, was born in New Jersey in 1840 and moved to Stratford to live with her sister on Academy Hill around 1885.

She died in Maryland in 1892, broken in health and spirit, believing she had failed in her attempts to gain equal suffrage for women, Paige Hoydick said. However, Annas niece, Lillian Snowden, took up Annas fight for equal suffrage after the turn of the 20th century and became one of Stratfords leading suffragettes.

The town would go on to host a number of large gatherings as the movement gained steam, according to early 20th century newspapers unearthed by the Stratford Historical Societys David Wright, who is preparing the biographies to be read during the council meetings.

For example, the Oct. 17, 1912 Bridgeport Evening Farmer reported that no expense has been spared to make the suffrage meeting at Redmens Hall tonight a glowing success.

The organization referred to is one of Americas oldest fraternal organizations, a fact reflected in its now-culturally inappropriate name, which played host to many prominent womens suffrage meetings in its hall on Church Street.

This will be the third big suffrage meeting in the town and it signifies that Stratford is the banner suffrage town in the state, the Evening Farmer reported.

Four years later, the newspaper reported June 28, 1916, more than 300 suffragettes from throughout Fairfield County paraded the principal streets of the town today in honor of the first annual suffrage convention.

The houses on the thoroughfares through which the parade passed  Elm Street, Judson Place, Main Street and Church Street  were decked in gala attire.

The suffragettes listened to a speech from Katharine Martha Houghton Hepburn  mother of the legendary actress and then the president of the Connecticut Womens Suffrage Association  who the Farmer referred to only as Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn.

Its highly likely that these Stratford Suffrage leaders had been inspired, at least in part, by Anna Oliver, Paige Hoydick said during Mondays Town Council meeting.

The mayor thanked Wright and the historical society before introducing her daughter Monday.

As a student leader in her own right, I was really happy that she was able to read the first biography, the mayor said.

Recognizing this centennial provides an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate a milestone in our republic, both nationally and here in town, Hoydick said in announcing the towns celebration of the centennial. For more than 100 years, Stratford has seen strong, passionate, capable female leaders. The stories being presented are remarkable.

Anyone wishing to nominate a woman from Stratfords history to be recognized can send an email to Wright at dwright@townofstratford.com.

Were certainly open to suggestions, he said.

In addition to the monthly presentations at council meetings, the Stratford Library is partnering with the Baldwin Center and Stratford Lifelong Learners to host Votes for Women, a presentation showcasing Connecticut women who fought on a local, state and national level for womens right to vote.

The event, to be presented by the Connecticut Womens Hall of Fame, is scheduled for Feb. 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Center.

For more information, visit www.TownofStratford.com/19thAmendment.
I just received the most bizarre email from 5th District Rep. Jahana Hayes asking the question whether I support war with Iran.

The email insults everybody with even a modicum of intelligence and contains multiple blatant falsehoods.

The only ones talking about war with Iran are Hayes, her Democrat comrades and the propaganda arm of the DNC: the mainstream media.

Iran did not release retaliatory drone strikes, as Hayes states in the email. They launched land-based ballistic missiles, not cruise missiles from drones, although I am hardly surprised that she doesnt know the difference.

The escalation was totally on the part of the Iranians.

Hayes narrative conveniently left out the fact that this started when an American Muslim was murdered by rockets fired from Iranian-controlled Hezbollah militia.

President Trump responded quickly by striking the Hezbollah militias that have been attacking Americans, including the militia that injured four Americans and killed not just a contractor but also our brave countryman, Nawres Waleed Hamid.

Irans Chief Terrorist (as designated by President Barack Obama) Soleimani responded by ordering an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The evidence that Soleimani was behind this attack and conspiring with the Hezbollah militia were the words Soleimani is our leader scrawled on the Embassy walls during the attack as well as his meeting with the Hezbollah militia leader in Baghdad (in violation of the UN ban on his travel outside Iran); most likely to coordinate additional attacks on the American Embassy. Remember 1979, anyone?

President Trump responded to the attack on American soil by striking Soleimani and the Hezbollah militia leader behind the attack, sending a clear message to Iran that they will pay if Americans or American soil is attacked directly or through their proxies.

Iran then made a feeble attempt to save face by sending some missiles into the desert but only after warning the Iraqis (and by extension, the Americans) so there would be no more deaths for Americans to avenge.

Our President responded to that by increasing sanctions on Iranian leaders. That doesnt sound like war to me. It sounds like de-escalation.

The country of Iran was not attacked! That is a lie Democrats are promoting for political purposes!

As Commander in Chief, the President of the United States of America has the sole power to protect Americans and American interests in an emergency.

Congress has the sole power to declare war but, in an attempt to dodge responsibility for such, has delegated some of their power to the President through the War Powers Act.

If Rep. Hayes and her comrades in Congress dont like the War Powers Act  repeal it!

I find it mind-boggling that Jahana Hayes hatred for our President makes her unwilling (or is it unable?) to see the facts as they transpired.

Michael Barnes is a resident of New Milford.
The BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday engaged in a war of words over the "delay" in hanging of the Nirbhaya case convicts, with the saffron party blaming it on the Delhi government's "complicity" and "sympathies" for them, while the AAP accused its rival of "misleading" the people, saying law and order is the Centre's domain.

BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said all the four convicts would have been hanged by now, had the AAP government acted quickly and served notices to them immediately after the Supreme Court rejected their appeal against death sentence in 2017.

"If they have not been hanged yet, it is due to the AAP government's negligence... This delay of over two and a half years is due to the complicity of Delhi's AAP government. It has sympathies with these convicts, and this (delay) is a result of that," he told a press conference.

Hitting back, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the BJP leader has spoken a "lie" and made "insensitive" comments.

"Whatever delay is taking place, the BJP is responsible, and that is why instead of misleading people, the Union minister should apologise for ignoring such a sensitive matter," he told reporters, adding that law and order in the national capital falls under the Centre's domain.

Javadekar said the Delhi government should have served notices on the convicts within days. Justice would have been delivered by now, he said.

The four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape-murder case will not be hanged on January 22 as scheduled, with the Delhi government on Wednesday telling the high court that the execution has to be postponed in view of the pendency of a mercy petition by one of them.

As authorities and the victim's mother contended that the four men were "frustrating" and "intentionally" delaying the legal process by filing curative and mercy pleas in stages to postpone their execution, the Delhi government recommended rejecting Mukesh Kumar Singh's mercy plea to the President and forwarded it to the Lieutenant Governor.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that the action was taken at "lightning speed".

The four convicts -- Mukesh (32) Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) were to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail. A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on January 7.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to spend more time in North America could be considered unlawful, a constitutional expert has warned.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's plan to live in Canada has captivated the nation as they negotiate an abdication deal with the Queen on money, titles and establishing their international commercial brand.

But critics have said that the couple are simply not welcome to settle in Canada, suggesting their presence would cost taxpayers 7.6million [$10million] and would cause a constitutional crisis.

The Globe and Mail, the countrys biggest newspaper, suggested their move to Canada would 'break an unspoken constitutional taboo'.

And now a constitutional expert has said that Canada's supreme court could be asked to rule on whether it is lawful to allow them to live in the country claiming there 'is no constitutional role of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's plan to live in Canada has captivated the nation as they negotiate an abdication deal with the Queen on money, titles and establishing their international commercial brand (pictured, the couple in London last week)

Michael Behiels, an emeritus professor of political and constitutional history at Ottawa Univeristy and fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, said their decision to move could end up in the Supreme Court of Canada.

He told The Times: 'They can visit Canada on behalf of the Queen but they can't take on any other royal family responsibilities or live in Canada permanently or part-time.

'I hope that [the] Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet fully respect the nature and scope of Canada's Constitution Acts of 1867 and 1982'.

Concern over their move has been raised because no British royal has ever settled there and the nation prides itself about not having any aristocracy with anyone offered a peerage in the UK expected to renounce their Canadian citizenship first.

Nearly three quarters of Canadians do NOT want to pick up cost of Harry and Meghan living in the country Nearly three quarters of Canadians do not want to pay for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to the country or to pay for their security arrangements, a new poll has found. The new poll for the non-profit Angus Reid Institute in Canada has revealed that Canadians don't seem too keen on the idea of lumping the bill themselves. A new poll for the non-profit Angus Reid Institute in Canada revealed that 73 per cent of Canadians do not want to pay for Harry and Meghan's security Seven-in-ten (73 per cent) said that they would prefer Canada not pitch in any money. For one-in-five (19 per cent), some cost sharing is appropriate, while only a handful of Canadians would willingly pay for all costs (3 per cent). Just 14 per cent said they would be 'very pleased' to see the couple spending a significant time in Canada. While 50 per cent said they did not care either way. When asked about the Royal Family as a whole one-in-five said it is less relevant now than it has been previously. While 41 per cent said they feel the monarchy is completely irrelevant now. But, despite this, many have been watching the drama unfold. Asked if they have been following these events, 70 per cent say yes. Older Canadians are much more engaged in the latest machinations of the monarchy than younger ones. Advertisement

But respected broadsheet the National Post said yesterday that denying Harry, Meghan and Archie a home would be 'all-too-typical' of the North American nation, branding it 'Canadian cheapness at its worst'.

It comes after Canada's biggest newspaper declared the couple are not welcome in a scathing editorial last night in which it said: Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.

The editorial condemned the couples vague and evolving plan to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, adding: The Trudeau governments response should be simple and succinct: "No"

The Globe and Mail, a conservative paper that traditionally supports the monarchy, wrote: If they were ordinary private citizens, plain old Harry and Meghan from Sussex, they would be welcome.

But this countrys unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in our constitutional system, means that a royal resident  the prince is sixth in the line of succession  is not something that Canada can allow. It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo.

The editorial said Canadas relationship to the monarchy was different from Britains, adding: Our royals dont live here. They reign from a distance. Close to our hearts, far from our hearths'.

The Globe and Mail said it was not a question of money, writing: It goes deeper than the possibility of the feds having to find a few million extra bucks.

The newspaper has been inundated by letters and emails from readers, many of them also opposed to the Sussexes long-term presence in the country.

One critic wrote: 'Meghan and Harry: If you are reading these comments, please take them to heart and stay in Britain', another said: 'If they propose to freeload on the Canadian taxpayer, then no thanks. I see no need to subsidise the royal soap opera'.

Another angry reader said: 'As an immigrant from the United Kingdom and now every bit a Canadian, it seems to me the height of condescension that Harry, a UK citizen, and Meghan, a US citizen, seem to take it for granted that they may live as long as they please in Canada without having to go through any formalities. And worse, that the Canadian citizens should pay or his security staff while he loiters in this country'.

One more cynical view, repeated a number of times by readers, said: 'They dont really want to move to Canada. I think Meghan wants back to Los Angeles, thats the real, final destination'.

And a new poll in Toronto, a city Meghan lived for seven years, has found that her husband (pictured with Archie in Canada during their six week break there over Christmas) is, after the Queen, regarded as their favourite Windsor

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in Mille Fleurs, $14.1 million waterfront mansion near Victoria, British Columbia. She has been staying there since she left the UK last week

There was some support, however, with one fan saying: 'Of course they can live here. Long-standing traditions often come to an end. I think it would be great to have Harry and Meghan live here'.

Canadians are split over the royal issue, with some furious about reports their government has offered to pick up the tab for Harry and Meghans security  which will cost millions of pounds a year.

The Canadian finance minister has insisted that no such discussions have taken place.

A poll published in the Toronto Sun has found that Harry is the city's favourite royal as the Sussexes consider where to settle. Harry and Meghan courted in the city and will be drawn to returning.

But nearly three-quarters of people were opposed to paying towards their costs and while support for his grandmother the Queen is 'deep, broad and strong', two thirds said the royal family is losing or has lost its relevance and 45 per cent said Canada should not continue as a constitutional monarchy.

The news comes as an expert revealed the cost of security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be as much as $10million (7.6million) annually.

While another warned the issue of their protection cannot be ignored, citing the death of Diana in Paris as a prime example of what can happen if royal security lapses.

Chris Matthews, formerly of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and who worked in the protection of visitors to Canada such as the Royal Family, has estimated the security measures required for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be similar to those of the Prime Minister.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured last week)

But he warned, in an interview with The Globe and Mail, Canada's biggest newspaper, that security would be more costly as they would have to set it up from scratch.

He said: 'They need personal body guards all the time. You have to pay those peoples' salaries. You've got to pay for the vehicles they travel in and the aircraft they travel in. You have to pay for the communications equipment they require because it has to be sophisticated so that you can't listen to it.'

Mr Matthews also warned that their residence would need to have fences installed, alongside CCTV and alarms - adding to the cost of their security.

His figure is only an estimate of course, and other estimates have put the figure at a much lower cost.

Earlier this week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed taxpayers in his country should pay for Prince Harry, Meghan and their son Archie's protection while they are there.

Mr Trudeau has assured the Queen that the family will be safe while in his country, with Canada expected to pay around half of an estimated 1million ($1.3million) annual bill - a figure based on the cost of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's current UK security bill.

If the Duke and Duchess do decide to spend the vast majority of their time in Canada however, their security arrangements cannot be ignored, a source with direct experience of handling royal affairs has warned.

Others have suggested the cost of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security wouldn't be too much of a burden on the Canadian taxpayer (Prince Harry is pictured in a video uploaded to the Sussex Royal Instagram account yesterday)

Speaking to the National Post, the source said the 'nightmare scenario' of something terrible happening to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Canada makes it impossible for Canada to just ignore the issue.

'We don't want Diana in a tunnel in Paris,' the source said. But if they have decided to withdraw from Royal duties, then the cost of their security could be difficult to justify, they added.

The news comes it emerged after Harry and Meghan were forced to withdraw a claim they were 'internationally protected people' entitled to bodyguards wherever they go.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the claim on their website Sussexroyal.com when it launched last Wednesday.

But the phrase was deleted hours later.

Yesterday a legal expert said the couple made a mistake in presuming they would get protection wherever they live if they are no longer carrying out royal duties.

Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, added: 'Their naivety beggars belief. I have never heard of the phrase ''internationally protected people''.

As far as I can see there is no such thing when you are no longer performing royal duties.'
Media and mining tycoon Kerry Stokes has become the latest business magnate to donate to the bushfire cause, vowing to give $10 million to bushfire relief and rebuilding efforts through his businesses.

Seven Group Holdings, which includes Seven West Media, mining equipment maker WesTrac, Coats Hire and SGH Energy, and Mr Stokes' private investment vehicle Australian Capital Equity will contribute $5 million each to fire-fighting efforts and the rebuilding of communities and infrastructure, the billionaire said in a memo to Seven Group's staff.

The memo, signed by Mr Stokes and his son Ryan, who is Seven Group's managing director and chief executive, said the company could "make a difference".

Seven Group Holdings chairman Kerry Stokes. Credit:Trevor Collens

"We are all distressed by the devastating impacts of the bushfires occurring across the country  particularly in NSW and Victoria as well as South Australia," the email said.
First pictures from upcoming true crime drama The Serpent reveal Jenna Coleman as a French serial killer's partner.

The actress, 33, will play Canadian tourist Marie-Andree Leclerc in the series which tells the story of con man and killer Charles Sobhraj.

Joining the Victoria star for the BBC show are Ellie Bamber, 22, who will play Angela Knippenberg and Billy Howle, 30, who is cast as junior diplomat Herman.

In character: Jenna Coleman, 33, will play tourist Marie-Andree Leclerc in new BBC and Netflix show The Serpent which tells the story of killer Charles Sobhraj (played by Tahar Rahim)

Jenna's character Marie-Andree was Sobhraj's partner during the time he committed the crimes in 1970s.

Sobhraj, who will be played by Tahar Rahim, 38, was the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal's 'Hippie Trail' in 1975 and 1976.

Psychopath and master of disguise, by 1976 serial killer Sobhraj was Interpol's most wanted man and had arrest warrants on three different continents.

However it wasn't until Herman (Howle), a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, walked into Sobhraj's intricate web of crime that an extraordinary chain of events was set off which saw Sobhraj brought to justice for his terrible crimes.

Roles: The Trial Of Christine Keeler star Ellie Bamber, 22, will play Angela Knippenberg in the new show and Billy Howle, 30, is cast as junior diplomat Herman who hunts the serial killer

New pictures from the production show Jenna and Tahir walking together while both wearing large sunglasses and colourful suits.

Another snap reveals Ellie and Billy sitting in a car during a tense conversation, with the actress sporting a patterned top and short blonde bob.

On joining The Serpent, Jenna said: 'The Serpent intoxicated me into the dark seductive world of Charles Sobhraj.

Lead: Tahar will play Sobhraj and said he had 'dreamed of portraying since I read a book about him when I was seventeen years old' (pictured in Paris in April)

'I'm so looking forward to delving into hippie trail depths and bringing to life this unfathomable real life story alongside Tahar, Billy, Ellie, Tom, Richard and the wonderful cast and production team for the BBC and Netflix.'

While Billy added: 'When I heard about the story behind The Serpent, I couldn't believe what I was reading.

'What an interesting role, in a fascinating story, with a brilliant team behind it - shooting in such a great part of the world, as well. I feel really fortunate to be a part of this project.'

Jailed: Charles Sobhraj (pictured in 2014 with Nepalese police) preyed on Western tourists visiting Asia and was known as The Serpent and The Bikini Killer

New project: Jenna said the new show's story 'intoxicated me into the dark seductive world of Charles Sobhraj'

Ellie said: 'I'm so honoured to join forces with Billy, Jenna, Tahar and The Serpent's incredibly accomplished cast and production team. Discovering the Knippenbergs' story has been every bit as inspiring as it is fascinating.'

French actor Tahar was previously confirmed as playing the lead role, but this is the first time he has been seen in character.

He said: 'I am thrilled to play Charles Sobhraj in The Serpent, a role I have dreamed of portraying since I read a book about him when I was seventeen years old.'

The series is filming on location in Thailand and will premiere on BBC One in the UK, and on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland.
PRISTINA -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is suing his Kosovar counterpart for alleged defamation over comments concerning a land swap between Kosovo and Serbia.

Rama filed the lawsuit for unspecified damages in the Basic Court in Kosovos capital, Pristina, against outgoing Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, a spokesman for the court confirmed to RFE/RL on January 16.

The lawsuit alleges Haradinaj's defamatory statements against Rama "harmed the honor, reputation, and dignity of the plaintiff," according to the Oath Of Justice, the website of the Kosovo Institute of Justice.

It said the comments, made in October in a series of interviews, were related to the stalled process of normalizing Kosovo-Serbia relations.

Reacting to media reports about the legal case, Haradinaj late on January 15 rejected the lawsuit as completely unfounded.



I will prepare a response to the lawsuit within the legal deadlines! he wrote in a Facebook post.

This is just a political diversion aimed at stimulating a media spectacle to avoid his responsibilities, he said.

Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008 in a move rejected by Belgrade.
The man had been in Wuhan, a city in central China where the new coronavirus originated. It is the second case discovered outside of China after the hospitalization of a woman in Thailand. Asian governments take precautions in anticipation of the Lunar New Year, when the influx of Chinese tourists will increase.

Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A Chinese man tested positive in the first confirmed Japanese case of pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus from China. Tokyos Ministry of Health and government sources report that health authorities in Wuhan, central China, diagnosed the virus - known as 2019-nCoV - to 41 people, including one patient who died.

Japan is the second infection discovered outside of China after a case in Thailand. The news comes a few days before the Lunar New Year, a peak period for Chinese tourists traveling abroad: health officials from all over Asia are now on high alert and are taking preventive measures.

The first Japanese case of new pneumonia concerns a man in his thirties, residing in the prefecture of Kanagawa (south of Tokyo). The man developed a fever on January 3 while in Wuhan and was hospitalized in Japan on the 10th, but was discharged two days ago because he had recovered and is now recovering from home. He no longer has a fever but has a slight cough. On his return to Japan, the man passed the airport quarantine test because he had taken medicine.

Meanwhile, Asian governments are taking precautions ahead of the Lunar New Year when the influx of Chinese tourists increases. According to protocols introduced more than 15 years ago during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, foreigners arriving in Japan will be invited to visit a medical facility if they feel unwell. Elsewhere in Asia, health officials have stored protective equipment, preparing isolation beds and even boarding trains to individually check passengers for the virus.

Yesterday, the Vietnam Ministry of Health confirmed that two Chinese visitors to Wuhan were placed in solitary confinement after arriving two days ago in Da Nang with fever-like symptoms. Indonesia has stepped up the selection of travelers entering airports and seaports, focusing in particular on passengers traveling from China through Singapore to the islands of Batam and Bintan. Thermal scanners have been installed in all accesses to the country, to check visitors' temperatures.

In Thailand, authorities earlier this week confirmed the first coronavirus case outside China when a Wuhan woman was hospitalized in Nonthaburi near Bangkok. She was admitted on arrival with symptoms including fever, sore throat and headache.

According to the Thailand Tourism Council, around 800,000 Chinese tourists are expected in the country during the Lunar New Year. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to monitor the four Thai airports where daily flights from Wuhan arrive - Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, Chiang Mai and Phuket - adding Krabi airport in southern Thailand to the list of sensitive airports.
A Luxembourgish citizen borrowed the vehicle of an acquaintance (without asking for permission) in Germany to drive to the Grand Duchy.

The Luxembourgish man took his acquaintance's car, without getting the owner's permission, on Tuesday evening to drive to Luxembourg. The incident was reported to the German police, who then informed their Luxembourgish counterparts of the situation.

The Grand Ducal police began searching for the vehicle and was able to locate it in the Bonnevoie neighbourhood of Luxembourg City. The police seized the vehicle to return it to its owner and the man, who did not have a driver's license, was fined.
The charges against Donald Trump were read out Thursday on the US Senate floor as the historic impeachment trial of the US president got underway.

"In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional oath... Donald J. Trump has abused the powers of the presidency," Representative Adam Schiff said as he began reading from the first article of impeachment.

Trump "is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors," added Schiff, who is one of the House managers tasked with prosecuting the case against the president.

"Using the powers of his high office, President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election," Schiff added.

With the Senate formally accepting the two articles of impeachment, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts was to be sworn in at 2:00 pm (1900 GMT) Thursday to preside over the trial that will address Trump's conduct regarding Ukraine.

Roberts then swears in the 100 senators, who together will serve as a court of impeachment for what is expected to be the next two weeks.

All 100 senators are required to remain seated -- and silent -- during the trial, and the Senate Sergeant of Arms, Michael Stenger, issued such a warning at the beginning of the proceedings.

"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye," Stenger announced. "All persons are commanded to keep silent, on pain of imprisonment, while the House of Representatives is exhibiting to the Senate of the United States, articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States."



The formal proceedings carry deep historical significance, as it marks only the third time an impeachment trial has been held for a US president.

"A chill ran down my spine when Schiff said the words 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' Heavy times," tweeted Democrat Senator Chris Murphy after leaving the chamber.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Iran is enriching more uranium than it did before it agreed to the landmark nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments under the nuclear accord  signed with the United States, China, Russia, Germany, France and the United Kingdom  in retaliation for Washingtons withdrawal from the pact in 2018 and its reimposition of devastating sanctions.

Earlier in the week, the UK, France and Germany challenged Tehran over breaking the limits set out in the agreement by triggering a dispute mechanism. Some analysts suggested that could spell the end of the accord.

We are enriching more uranium before the deal was reached  Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress, Rouhani said in a televised speech.

He added the nuclear programme is in a better situation than it was before the nuclear deal was signed.

Iran has only modestly increased its nuclear activity after the US pullout. In recent months it boosted its enrichment of uranium to 4.5 percent  higher than the 3.67 percent limit set by the agreement, but far from the 20 percent enrichment it was engaged in before the deal.

Uranium must be enriched to 90 percent to be used in a nuclear weapon.

Rouhani defended the 2015 nuclear deal in his speech saying: We have proven in practice that it is possible for us to interact with the world.

A lot of concern





Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, from the Royal United Services Institute, said the comments over the past few days indicate that posturing by the European nations and Iran is fully under way.

She added it has yet to be confirmed how much enrichment the Iranians actually carried out.

There is going to be a lot of concern after the announcement by the Iranian president, but we have to keep in mind the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] has control over oversight on nuclear activities, so there isnt anything going on that the international community wouldnt be aware of  We should really wait for the IAEAs assessment, Tabrizi told Al Jazeera.

The European nations announced they triggered the dispute mechanism provided for in the historic agreement in order to force Tehran to honour its commitments under the accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

On Thursday, the European Unions top diplomat Josep Borrell held direct talks with Irans Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in New Delhi.

Borrell said the bloc is still committed to saving the deal.

In a frank dialogue, they discussed the latest developments around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the EU said in a statement.

The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a conference were the first following a series of telephone calls since a US drone strike killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on January 3.

Borrell said the nuclear deal is now more important than ever in light of the dangerous escalations in the Middle East and the Gulf region.





Prevent military confrontation



Tensions in the region have simmered in recent months after a series of attacks in the Gulf region that the US blamed on Iran and aligned groups, despite denials from Tehran.

Fears of a military escalation soared in early January after the assassination of Soleimani in Baghdad, prompting Iran to fire a barrage of missiles at a military base housing US troops in Iraq.

In his speech on Thursday, Rouhani said the Iranian retaliation  which caused significant material damage but no casualties according to the US military  strengthened Iranian deterrence against the threats by US President Donald Trump.

But despite the continuing tensions, Rouhani said Tehran was working daily to prevent military confrontation and war and dialogue with the world remained possible.

The 2015 nuclear deal imposed restrictions on the Iranian nuclear programme in exchange for a reprieve from international sanctions.

After unilaterally withdrawing, the US has reimposed a range of sanctions on Tehran and called for negotiations over a new accord.

Iran has rejected the idea of negotiating a new deal while it is under sanctions.

In response to the US move, Tehran has begun enriching uranium above the cap agreed in the deal and taken further steps to enhance its nuclear programme, while also accusing the European parties to the deal of failing to live up to their own commitments to provide economic relief to Tehran.

Al Jazeeras Assed Baig reporting from Tehran said Rouhani had sent a defiant message to the world, saying Iran is reducing commitments, but also adding the reductions are reversible if European countries return to their obligations to that deal.

Hes saying to European countries that they need to stand up to the US, Baig said.

These sanctions have hit Irans oil sector, the banking sector and the economy and he accepted this  that Irans oil exports have been reduced, but the economy is still working, according to Rouhani.
STAMFORDA Norwalk man was sentenced to five years in jail and required to take anger management courses for attacking another man with a machete during a road rage incident in Norwalk in 2016.

On Tuesday Steven Valerin, 50, of Aiken Street, was sentenced to 15 years prison with the execution of the sentence being suspended once he serves five years after pleading guilty Tuesday to first-degree assault.

After serving his jail sentence, Valerin will have to serve five years of probation, during which time he could be made to serve all or part of his suspended 10-year jail sentence if he violates probation. Valerin also pleaded guilty to unrelated charges of failure to appear in court, threatening, criminal trespass and operating under the influence.

Valerins attorney, John Gulash, declined comment after the hearing. Unable to post bond in his cases, Valerin has already served 15 months of the jail sentence.

Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning said that on Oct. 1 2016, Norwalk police were called to an accident on Random Road where a man was bleeding from the neck.

Once police got to the scene they talked to the girlfriend of the injured man who said she was driving a 2000 Jeep Wrangler north on Plymouth Avenue when they came upon a white Escalade traveling south, according to a five-page arrest affidavit.

Because the road was so narrow, both vehicles ended up stopping front bumper to front bumper with no contact. The driver of the Escalade got out of his vehicle and in response the womans boyfriend got out of the passenger seat and the two met face to face, according to the affidavit.

At that point, the Jeep drivers girlfriend said she noticed a large machete in one of the hands of the other man. Words were exchanged and suddenly the other man ran to his Escalade, and the Jeep drivers boyfriend yelled to her to call 911.

It was then she saw that her boyfriends throat had been cut, the affidavit said.

The Escalade then sped off in reverse, but the girlfriend of the wounded man gave chase, and after it turned around she struck the Escalade on the passenger side, causing significant damage, but lost sight of the vehicle as it was headed to Union Avenue.

The woman turned around and picked up her boyfriend and called police. The man was treated for a large cut on his neck that was about five inches long, about one-quarter of an inch wide and appeared very deep, police said. The cut was right next to his carotid artery, they said.

Three months after the assault, the victim called police to tell them that he saw the man who cut him with the machete and took a picture of the Esclade he was driving and the vehicles license plate. That led police to Valerin, who had been pulled over in the same vehicle by Norwalk police about six weeks after the road rage incident. Police found a mug shot of Valerin, who fit the general description given by the man and his girlfriend on Plymouth Street.

The victim then picked Valerins picture out of a photo lineup of eight pictures, police said.

When police called Valerin in for an interview, he asked if the man was injured seriously. When the officer insisted that the victim was badly hurt, Valerin blurted out, Na, he wasnt hurt that bad, Manning said.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
A man has been quarantined here with a mystery strain of corona virus just days after his return from the Chinese city of Wuhan, authorities said on Thursday.

Sukraraj Tropical Hospital's Director Dr Basudev Pandey confirmed that a person is kept under observation and various tests are being carried out to determine whether he has been infected.

"The suspect has not shown any symptom so far. The only thing is he returned from China," Pandey confirmed to ANI over the phone.

Doctors have warned that the virus responsible for the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan could also enter Nepal.

The pneumonia is believed to be caused by a new strain of corona virus and has killed one person. Forty-one people were diagnosed with pneumonia believed to have been caused by the new virus, according to The Himalayan Times.

The Health Organisation has alerted Nepal about the prevention of transmission of the virus. However, the country lacks proper health centres and laboratories for the treatment and diagnosis of such highly infectious diseases.

"The possibility of infection is high among the Nepali population because of migration. People coming from China and those going to China from Nepal risk contracting and spreading the disease," said Dr Baburam Marasini, former director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division.

"If anyone suffers from such infection then s/he should be transported in such a way so as to prevent the disease from spreading. But we even lack proper ambulance service to transport such patients. They should be transported in double cab ambulance, which we don't have," he was quoted as saying.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
She said the teenagers burst into laughter, writing that I walked away knowing that I had been the punch line of their locker room talk.

After Ms. Donahue published her account on Wednesday, Mr. Lucido first said his comments were blown out of proportion, but later posted a message on Twitter: I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue.

But he has not reached out to her personally, Ms. Donahue said in an interview Thursday.

I have been asked a few times, do I want a better apology, and I think my biggest takeaway from this is, I have already called him out once about how to talk to women, she said. I should not have to tell him how to fix the situation.

Nathan Maus, the principal of De La Salle Collegiate, released a statement saying the comments do not represent De La Salle nor the values and conduct we instill in our young men.

We are very sorry the reporter was put in this position and we have met with the boys who were on the tour to discuss the improper nature of this situation, Mr. Maus said.

The senators remarks generated criticism from some members of the legislature, and led the Senate leaders to ask for an investigation.

Mr. Ananich, the minority leader, said in an interview Thursday that once such a request is made, the Senate Business Office can begin its investigation. Punishments in such cases can range from sensitivity training to removal from chairmanships, he said.
Boris Johnson is bracing for a last-ditch demand from Donald Trump for Britain to block Huawei from the 5G project.

Downing Street expects a call from the President by the end of the week amid high-level US opposition to the Chinese tech firm getting a role in the phone network upgrade.

Earlier this week American officials warned the move would be 'madness', saying it would be a security risk that could jeopardise intelligence sharing between the close transatlantic allies.

But Mr Johnson used an interview to suggest he is still minded to go ahead, insisting Washington needed to 'tell us what the alternative is'.

The White House has gathered a dossier to brief Mr Trump ready for a call to the PM in the coming days, according to the Daily Telegraph.

UK government sources have cautioned that shutting Huawei out of the project completely could push up costs for consumers and delay completion by years.

Boris Johnson (pictured in Downing Street yesterday) has said he does not want to compromise on security but insisted Britain 'deserved the best technology'

Downing Street expects a call from Donald Trump by the end of the week amid high-level US opposition to the Chinese tech firm getting a role in the phone network upgrade

A decision on 5G is expected later this month during a meeting of the National Security Council.

The PM will be given two options  block Huawei entirely, or allow it access to 'non-core kit' only such as antennae.

US officials warned earlier this week that Britain could see its 'sovereignty under threat'. They also said the UK's intelligence-sharing relationship with America could be cut off.

Mr Trump is said to be 'concerned' about the prospect of Britain using Huawei because he 'doesn't want anything to come between' him and Mr Johnson.

But British officials have raised concerns that blocking Huawei could lead to higher bills for consumers and delay the introduction of 5G.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said: 'I have talked about infrastructure and technology. We want to put in gigabit broadband for everybody.

'Now, if people oppose one brand or another, then they have to tell us which is the alternative.

'On the other hand, let's be clear, I don't, as the UK Prime Minister, want to put in any infrastructure that is going to prejudice our national security or our ability to co-operate with Five Eyes intelligence.'

Six US officials, including deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, flew to the UK on Monday.

The team was sent to lobby the Government, believing there is still time to persuade Mr Johnson to block Huawei.

In a briefing following talks with Cabinet ministers, one official said it would 'be nothing less than madness to allow Huawei to get into next generation tele- communication networks and vacuum up personal data'.

Huawei has flatly denied that its involvement would pose a security risk.
The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has expressed sadness over the attack on the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum, Umara Bauya, on Tuesday along the Kaduna-Zaria road.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how 30 people were killed and about 100 kidnapped when armed men in military uniform attacked the convoy.

The police initially claimed only six people including four aides of the Yobe emir were killed.

In a statement signed by the Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, the governor prayed for the deceased and their families.

He also called on security operatives to step up their game and route out criminality, banditry and robbery in the country.

The attack has caused the death of four of the emirs staff, including a driver and three courtiers. Many other innocent motorists were also fatally and severely affected, the commissioner said.

His Excellency Governor Bunis thoughts and prayers are with His Highness the Mai Pataskum, the families of his deceased staff and those who sustained injuries as a result of the callous and criminal attack.

The governor prays Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant eternal repose to the souls of the departed and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. He also wishes for those who were injured fast recovery.

His Excellency Governor Buni calls on security agencies to continue to step up effort to tackle banditry, robbery and other criminal activities and assures them of the continuous support and partnership of the government and people of Yobe State.

The Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Muhammadu Idrissa, in a statement through his media assistant, Mohammed Abubakar, also condemned the attack on the convoy of the Potiskum emir.

We are deeply saddened by the news of the gun attack, which was carried out against the convoy of His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya.

We once again condemn this heinous gunmen attack and wish Allahs mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery to the injured and convey our condolences to the Pataskum Emirate Council and entire people, the monarch said.

In another development, hundreds of thousands of residents, friends, and family members attended the funeral of the slain aides at Potiskum.

The funeral which was held at the open air arena at the emirs palace was attended by the emirs of Tikau and Damagum.

An official of the Potiskum emirate said the emir is undergoing treatment, for injuries sustained during the attack, at an undisclosed hospital in Kaduna.
The Union Home Ministry has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the modalities for the Census 2020 and the National Population Register (NPR); West Bengal govt says the state won't attend it

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the modalities for the Census 2020 and the National Population Register (NPR), officials said.

Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai will chair the meeting which will be attended by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Chief Secretary and Census Directors of all states.

The meeting will discuss the modalities for the house listing phase of the census and NPR, to be carried out from 1 April to 30 September, a home ministry official said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has already announced that her state will not take part in the meeting.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-15 23:07:07|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China expressed the hope Wednesday that Britain will take an objective and fair position, make an independent choice in line with its own interests on the issue of 5G, and provide a fair, just, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine press briefing when answering a question concerning the U.S. pressure on Britain to ban the use of Huawei's 5G technology.

Geng noted that Huawei has been operating in Britain for many years, investing billions of pounds, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, setting up joint research centers and actively fulfilling social responsibility.

He urged the United States to stop generalizing the concept of national security, smearing and blaming China and suppressing Chinese companies unreasonably.

"What is the real intention of the United States to slander China and suppress Chinese enterprises? I believe any country that upholds an objective and fair position can clearly see," Geng said.
CoPAC and the Shaking Ray Levi Society will present Minimal Disturbance (Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky), Luciana Arias (from Argentina) and Evan Lipson on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. It will be at Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 for ages 25 and under, and available here.



Review for the performers:

This evening will be a feast for the senses, featuring astounding improvisational sounds from Minimal Disturbance, accompanied by dancer Luciana Arias (from Buenos Aires) and special guest contrabassist Evan Lipson. The event will end with a book reading from Jack Wright from his acclaimed tome about improvisation, "The Free Musics," along with a question-and-answer session.

The improvisational duo Minimal Disturbance, featuring saxophonist Jack Wright and pianist Ron Stabinsky, has the ability to shift from near-classical to near-jazz to nearly insane, bringing in bits of melody from virtually anywhere, kicking and screaming.

Ron Stabinsky is a member of the notorious jazz band Mostly Other People Do The Killing (now a trio with Moppa Elliott and Kevin Shea), and in 2018, he joined the reunited rock band Meat Puppets and toured with them. In 2016 Ron finally released his first solo album, Free for One, the culmination of more than a decade of evolving his improvised solo language. It received four stars in DownBeat and tied for number one debut of the year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.

At 77, Jack Wright is one of a small number of musicians in North America who have played free-form improvised music exclusively for four decades. He is an original and virtuosic saxophonist, a recognized improviser who is deeply lyrical, despite his wide distance from the mainstream.

After being a history lecturer and revolutionist in the late sixties, Mr. Wright has been playing freely improvised saxophone exclusively in the U.S. and Europe and has been dubbed the Johnny Appleseed of Improvised Music by the legendary guitarist Davey Williams. He is among the few true believers in absolutely free, unrestrained, unstructured, unselfconscious improvisation, played at soberingly high levels of musicianship.

Luciana Arias is a contemporary experimental artist, dancer and choreographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, currently traveling throughout Europe and the Americas, making art and performing for brave, extraordinary audiences. Her art is challenging, requiring remarkable venues and communities to bring it to life, and it asks questions and brings awareness to issues such as women's health, sexual identity, consent and human trafficking.

Evan Lipson has operated as a musician since adolescenceintuitively seeking the liminal realms in which intellect and instinct, history and myth, and creative and destructive force intersect. Lipson most frequently tours playing bass with Roughhousing (featuring Zach Darrup and Jack Wright). He is also active with Virtual Balboa (featuring Ben Bennett and Zach Darrup), a collaborative duo with dancer Luciana Arias, and The Flying Luttenbachers. Mr. Lipson has recently composed music for several films, as well as a number of collaborations with Duplex Planet-creator David Greenberger. He also may or may not have some degree of affiliation with an organization known as MEINSCHAFT. Past units include Normal Love, Satanized, Wrest, Hisswig, and Dynamite Club.

For more information visit the Facebook page, the Minimal Disturbance website and the Luciana Arias website.




Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said his government will bring out a White Paper in the state assembly's Monsoon Session to expose the "fraud committed" by the Akalis in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with private players.

He was speaking after the governor's address on the first day of the two-day special session of the assembly.

"The White Paper, to be brought out in the Monsoon Session of the state assembly, will reveal all the documents signed by the previous SAD-BJP government in the state as well as the power plants set up by them which had caused an undue burden on the state," he told reporters.

"The Akalis are slippery characters," Singh said, adding that after messing with the state's economy through various destructive measures, including the PPAs, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was trying to use the issue against his government to promote vested political interests.

The main opposition party, AAP, on Wednesday had sought adoption of a resolution in the assembly session, seeking scrapping of the power purchase agreements signed by the previous SAD-BJP regime.

The SAD had on Wednesday met Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore, urging him to direct the Congress-led government to recommend a CBI probe into alleged Rs 4,100 crore "scam".

Akalis had accused the Congress-led government of not pursuing the case against release of coal washing charges to private plants in the Supreme Court and asserted that it was during their regime, the state power regulator Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Corporation (PSERC) and Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) had ruled in favour of state-owned power utility.

Through coal washing process, impurities like ash, soil, rock are removed from coal.

Notably, power rates in Punjab increased by 36 paise a unit from January 1 for domestic consumers due to the coal washing charges.

Meanwhile, the chief minister asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of Punjab and its people, and it would ensure that nothing detrimental to them is pursued.

Terming the opposition's walkout during the governor's address as "extremely unfortunate", the chief minister lamented that such behaviour in the House had become a way of life.

He said the walkout was expected but attacked the AAP and the SAD over their decision to disturb and interrupt the governor's address while he was talking on the vital religious subject of the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Germanys defense chief has made a surprise visit to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi military leaders amid uncertainty over the status of foreign troops in the country.



Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauers arrival late on January 15 comes as Berlin looks to maintain the Bundeswehr training mission in Iraq.



Troops from Germany and some others that are part of the U.S.-led military coalition that has been aiding Baghdad in the fight against Islamic State (IS) and other terror groups have pulled out of Iraq after the United States killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in an air strike in Baghdad in early January.



That attack led Iran to fire missiles at military bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq.



Germany has still has some 90 soldiers in Irbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region where the Bundeswehr soldiers help train local Kurdish forces.



The Kurdish regional government has said it wants German troops to remain in the area and continue their training mission.



Iraqi lawmakers have voted for a resolution ordering the government to end the presence of foreign troops linked to the anti-IS mission.



However, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said the Iraqi government has signaled to Berlin that it wants Germany to maintain its military operations in Iraq.



Meanwhile, Germany's parliament on January 15 voiced support for the presence in Iraq, with a large majority of lawmakers voting against a bill drafted by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opposition party that was seeking to withdraw the troops.

Based on reporting by dpa, AP, and TASS




Haiti - Hunger Index 2019 : Haiti worst performance of the American continent





In the Global Hunger Index 2019 (GHI 2019), the German NGO Welthungerhilfe, attempts to capture the progress and setbacks in the fight against hunger by combining four indicators : undernourishment , wasting children, stunted children and infant mortality.



In the GIH 2019 index, Haiti is ranked 111th out of 117 countries and has the 7th highest GHI scores this year, among all the countries present.



The index reveals that Haiti suffers from an alarming level of hunger with a score of 34.7, down 8 points compared to the year 2000 (42.7). This score is due to its rate of undernourishment 49.3% against 57.1% in 2000, the 3rd highest value in the 2019 report, which emphasizes that about half of the Haitian population is not able to regularly meet your basic calorie needs.



According to GIH 2019, Haitis score in 2019 is in the upper part of the "serious" category (scores between 20.0 and 34.9) and is the worst performance in the entire American continent. The countries that do worse than Haiti are all African and suffer from an alarming level of hunger: Central African Republic (117th out of 117 countries with a score of 53.6) behind Yemen (116th, 45.9), Chad ( 115th, 44.2), Madagascar (114th, 41.5) and Zambia (113th, 38.1).



17 countries on the American continent are classified in the "low hunger level" category, including Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, among others (score 9.2 and 39)



The high poverty rate, low agricultural productivity, high level of environmental degradation and agriculture dependent on the rainy season, are the main factors, according to the 2019 index, which contribute to food insecurity in Haiti.



In its conclusions, the GIH 2019 recommends "The Haitian government and the international community must increase resources and interventions to focus on the persistent gaps linked to children's food and nutrition, while tackling the problems of wider societies that currently limit the food and nutrition security of the population as a whole."



TB/ HaitiLibre


















The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) is looking to raise up to $3 billion (about Rs 21,000 crore) from overseas borrowing in next financial year (2020-21), a top official said.

The bank has raised $1.7 billion (about Rs 11,900 crore) of overseas borrowing through bond issuances and foreign loans in current financial year.

"As a going concern, not only I have to refinance my borrowing but I also need to have fresh borrowings for new business to come up. For any typical year, our gross borrowing requirement is $1.5-3 billion. The next fiscal also it is expected to be up to $3 billion," Managing Director David Rasquinha said.

He was speaking to reporters after listing of the bank's recently raised $1 billion bond on India International Exchange (India INX) platform.

On January 6, the bank raised $1 billion through a 10-year 144A/Reg S bond, priced at CT10+150 basis points.

This was the third such issuance of 144A/Reg S bond by the bank under its $10 billion global medium term notes (GMTN) programme.

In April to January, the bank raised $1.7 billion of foreign currency funds and is looking to raise another $800 million from the overseas market.

"Our total foreign currency borrowing would be $2-2.5 billion in FY20," the bank's chief general manager and CFO Harsha Bangari said.

In August last year, the export finance institution raised $300 million equivalent from issuance of Samurai bond and another USD 50 million from social impact bond.

It has also raised $350 million in foreign loans so far in FY20.

The bank's $1 billion bond issuance attracted a total order book of over $2.7 billion, achieving more than 2.7 times subscription from 184 high-quality investors.

In terms of geographic distribution, 44 per cent bonds were distributed in Asia, 36 per cent in the US and 20 per cent from EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.
Probe into police investigator murder case completed

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

12:21 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  Investigators have completed their probe into the murder of the Interior Ministry Transport Departments major case investigator, police lieutenant colonel Yevgeniya Shishkina, according to the news release on the Russian Investigative Committees website.

An alleged killer is Abdulaziz Abdulazizov, born 2000. He and his accomplice are charged with organized murder and illegal ammunition trafficking. The murder was allegedly organized by Yaroslav Sumbayev, a defendant in a case against members of a hacking group engaged in fictious return of train and air tickets, who had illegally received over 17 million rubles (about $300,000), the statement reads.

Shishkina was shot dead near her place of living in the Moscow Region on October 10, 2018.

According to Yelena Syropyatova, the lawyer for the victims son, the defendants pled guilty.

The defendants communicated alleged instigators of the crime through the Internet, the attorney told RAPSI earlier. There is evidence that they have received 1 million rubles ($15,500) for the murder, she has added.

They were arrested in St. Petersburg in early March and transported to Moscow, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia.
South Dakota reports highest active case count since pandemic started

Tuesday's report included testing conducted over the weekend. Another 4,110 people tested positive for the disease.
Jay R. Jordan / Houston Chronicle

Bellaire High School students will be required to enter the school Thursday through a single entry point, where administrators will check bags, according to an email to parents Wednesday night from the Houston Independent School District.

The change comes one day after a 19-year-old student, Cesar Cortes, was killed in what officials describe as an accidental shooting on campus. Cortes' 16-year-old friend has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the death.
(Natural News) The next great frontier in resource extraction is located deep beneath the waters of our worlds great oceans. But experts warn that the reckless dredging of our delicate, underwater ecosystems could be the straw that finally breaks the camels back, environmentally speaking.

In an in-depth piece he wrote for The Atlantic, Wil S. Hylton warns about the impending launch of historys largest mining operation, which threatens to deliver what could potentially amount to a type of final death blow for the health of our saltwater terrain.

While its been known since at least 1868 that our underwater sea beds are loaded with many of the same precious metals, gems, and minerals as what exists here on land, the technology to dig it all up is only just now making its debut.

According to Hyltons research, oceanographers have identified copper, nickel, silver, platinum, gold and even gemstones hiding within the vast networks of rock and dirt that comprise the varied ocean floor terrain. And very soon, massive mining enterprises will begin to hoover it up all without prejudice, and with minimal government oversight.

Thats because most of these mining operations will take place in international waters where there are few restrictions on methods of extraction. While a group known as the International Seabed Authority (ISA), based out of a pair of drab gray office buildings at the edge of Kingston Harbour, in Jamaica, according to Hylton, is the one lone buffer in all of this, the group has very little oversight, let alone power, to ensure that our oceans arent inscrutably raped by greedy miners who couldnt care less about what they leave in their wake.

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The metals, gems, and minerals these miners are trying to access are not only inherently valuable, but theyre also needed to continue churning out things like smartphones and electric cars, both of which require rare-earth minerals to manufacture.

It is thus critical for the future of our tech-driven society that more and more of these natural resources get plucked up in order to continue making cheap electronics, which is why this is all now coming on the radar.

Will deep sea mineral mining kill our oceans?

The ISA is technically classified as an autonomous regulatory body with its own secretary general who convenes his own general assembly once a year. During this typically week-long event, representatives from 168 member states convene to discuss ideas about how to protect the seafloor against irreversible mining damage.

Another reason for this convention is to determine which extraction companies are to receive permits for their operations, as well as where they will be allowed to mine. This process is supposedly in the process of being codified as part of a new underwater Mining Code.

But will it be enough? And more importantly, will ISA members ever come to a full agreement about general standards for its regulatory framework? Because as it currently stands, theres only a hodgepodge of recommendations, it sounds like, even as some of the largest and most powerful mining companies in the world prepare to unleash mining hell in the deep sea.

At full capacity, these companies expect to dredge thousands of square miles a year, Hylton warns. Their collection vehicles will creep across the bottom in systematic rows, scraping through the top five inches of the ocean floor.

Ships above will draw thousands of pounds of sediment through a hose to the surface, remove the metallic objects, known as polymetallic nodules, and then flush the rest back into the water, he further explains. Some of that slurry will contain toxins such as mercury and lead, which could poison the surrounding ocean for hundreds of miles.

Be sure to check out Hyltons full report on deep sea mineral mining and its threat to the environment at The Atlantic.

You can also keep up with the latest news about toxic contamination at ToxicChemicalsNews.com.

Sources for this article include:

StrangeSounds.org

TheAtlantic.com

NaturalNews.com
I will stop at Nothing until you, your family, your friends, your entire WORTHLESS LATIN RACE IS RACIALLY EXTERMINATED! Mr. Lin wrote to the woman on Facebook in June, according to a criminal complaint.

In another message, Mr. Lin wrote to the woman, who was from Spain, that he was acting under the authority of Hitler and God to DECLARE SPANISH AND ALL SPANISH SPEAKING PEOPLE ILLEGAL.

In July, he wrote, I thank God everyday President Donald John Trump is President and that he will launch a Racial War and Crusade.

Eventually, Mr. Lin began to discuss kidnapping the woman and injuring her co-worker.

He asked an associate to trick her into renting a house, where she would be ambushed, according to the criminal complaint. Mr. Lin said he would pay the associate $25,000 after he drove the chained woman to Seattle, where Mr. Lin was arrested in August. Because she is Hispanic and hates whites, Mr. Lin asserted, I doubt the F.B.I. would care much about her.

The messages Mr. Lin sent to the woman came from two Facebook accounts opened under assumed names. But the woman told the F.B.I. she believed that they had, in fact, come from Mr. Lin because he often discussed mass shootings and his admiration for Hitler during his frequent visits to the restaurant where she worked in Key Biscayne, Fla.
[January 16, 2020] IT Solutions Firm CBTS Partners With Hawaiian Telcom to Launch Hawaii Office

CBTS, a leading technology provider that delivers communications, cloud, infrastructure, and consulting solutions to clients across North America, announced today that it is joining forces with Hawaiian Telcom to support enterprise customers across the state. Hawaiian Telcom manages Hawaii's largest next-generation fiber network, and offers world-class communications and networking solutions. CBTS is a leading IT services provider to over 3,000 enterprise clients across North America. CBTS supports clients in all industries, including dozens of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies. Kevin Paul, Senior Vice President of Advanced Services at Hawaiian Telcom, will lead the CBTS initiative in Hawaii. CBTS, like Hawaiian Telcom, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell (News - Alert) Inc. "I am excited to lead this new initiative that will leverage Hawaiian Telcom's fiber network and bring CBTS' cutting-edge IT solutions to enterprise organizations across Hawaii," Paul said. "CBTS offers the agility, flexibility, and customer focus of a smaller company, coupled with the ability to deliver the resource scale and capabilities required by large organizations." CBTS has more than 1,800 employees, including 800 certified engineers. Its technology partners include Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Dell EMC (News - Alert), and IBM. Joining forces with CBTS enables Hawaiian Telcom to tap into the depth and breadth of CBTS' experience while leveraging its established relationships and reputation as a trusted technology expert in Hawaii. Hawaiian Telcom's sales team, led by Jason Fujita, Vice President of Sales, will work cloely with the CBTS Hawaii team and continue to serve local businesses.



"CBTS' scale and experience enhance our ability to serve our business customers," said Fujita. "Early collaborations have resulted in transformative projects such as modernizing corporate IT and cybersecurity, which strengthen our role as Hawaii's Technology Leader." "CBTS looks forward to helping enterprise organizations in Hawaii drive business outcomes through our cloud, communications, infrastructure, and consulting solutions," said Jeff Lackey, Chief Operating Officer of CBTS. "Like our colleagues at Hawaiian Telcom, CBTS is committed to delivering clients with an outstanding customer experience. We are delighted to partner with Hawaiian Telcom, and to have Kevin Paul leading this effort."

To learn more about the CBTS launch in Hawaii, please visit this website. ABOUT CBTS CBTS serves enterprise and midmarket clients in all industries across the United States and Canada. From Unified Communications (News - Alert) to Cloud Services and beyond, CBTS combines deep technical expertise with a full suite of flexible technology solutions that drive business outcomes, improve operational efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce costs for its clients. For more information, please visit www.cbts.com. About Hawaiian Telcom Hawaiian Telcom, established and headquartered in Honolulu since 1883, offers a full range of services to business and residential customers including Internet, video, voice, wireless, data network solutions and security, colocation, and managed and cloud services - all supported by the reach and reliability of its next generation fiber network and 24/7 state-of-the-art network operations center. With employees statewide sharing a commitment to innovation and a passion for delivering superior service, Hawaiian Telcom is proud to be Hawaii's Technology Leader. For more information, visit hawaiiantel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005864/en/

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(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ambition to get a full trade deal negotiated with Brussels by the end-of-year deadline is "just not possible", the EU's trade commissioner said on Thursday.

Phil Hogan said that negotiators were "certainly" not going to be able to tie up everything on the future relationship between the bloc and the UK in the time frame.

The comments of the EU's top trade negotiator came after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met with the prime minister in Downing Street last week.

Hogan said von der Leyen came out of that meeting thinking "we have to prioritise" on aspects of the agreement if the UK is to exit the transition period at the end of 2020.

"Certainly by the end of the year we are not going to get everything that's in the 36-page document on the future relationship agreed because Prime Minister Johnson decided we are going to have everything concluded by the end of the year," he told the Global Counsel conference.

"It's just not possible. Especially if we have to make a decision about the transition by July 1."

Johnson has repeatedly insisted the UK will not ask for an extension by the summer deadline to make that request.

Hogan, a former Irish minister and an ally of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said the EU was "certainly open to suggestions" on how to manage the situation politically but added that the "wisest thing" would be to not set deadlines.

"I think we've seen that putting ourselves into timelines in the last few years have not been that helpful, especially in the way it played out in the House of Commons," he said.

A Downing Street spokesman pointed out that the Political Declaration committed both sides to the timetable.

"The prime minister has been clear on this throughout there will be no extension to that," the spokesman said.

Hogan made the comments to former EU trade commissioner Lord Mandelson at an event at the RSA in central London, where he was appearing on a video-link from Washington DC.

In the US, Hogan has been discussing transatlantic trade with president Donald Trump's representatives.

He advised that the UK can ignore American threats that it will not share intelligence if Britain accepts technology from Chinese firm Huawei in its 5G networks.

"I think that's a bit of sabre-rattling. I don't think that will actually happen at the end of the day," Hogan told the Labour peer.

"I think everybody has an interest in making sure that we are safe and I think the US a at the end of the day, you can call their bluff on that one."

By Sam Blewett, PA Political Correspondent

source: PA

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - American and Taliban negotiators appear to be making progress in Qatar, where the two sides are meeting to see about restarting peace negotiations, Pakistan's foreign minister said Thursday.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said "a good development" occurred Thursday and that the "Taliban have showed their readiness to accept the demand for reduction in violence." Speaking in a video statement released by the Foreign Ministry, Qureshi added, "I believe that this is a step forward towards the peace agreement."

Separately, the Associated Press reported that Taliban officials said the group gave the U.S. envoy in the talks "a document outlining their offer for a temporary cease-fire in Afghanistan that would last between seven and 10 days.".

The U.S. demand for a reduction in violence fhad stalled the resumption of formal peace talks for months. Both sides had appeared just days away from signing a peace deal in September before the nearly year-long diplomatic effort was called off by President Trump in a surprise tweet.

Trump said he made the decision following a Taliban attack that killed a U.S. service member.

Since then, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has been looking for a way to restart negotiations, first by facilitating a prisoner exchange and now by demanding a reduction in violence.

Talks restarted in November after an unannounced Trump visit to Afghanistan on Thanksgiving, but they were "paused" in December following a brazen Taliban attack on a highly fortified U.S. base.

Another Taliban attack earlier this month claimed the lives of two U.S. service members when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb. A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, touted the attack on Twitter, saying the blast shredded the vehicle and killed the "invaders."

The office of Afghanistan's president has demanded that the Taliban agree to a cease-fire and described the announced "reduction in violence" as inadequate, according to presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi.

Former intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, a close ally of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, criticized the terminology "reduction in violence" as too vague. "We don't have [reduction in violence] in the dictionary of war & peace," he said in a Twitter post Thursday.

"Here is how the Talibs interpret it," he wrote. "'We kill some people instead of more people. We do one urban bombing per week instead of several.' CEASEFIRE exists in all cultures. STOP KILLING HUMANS. Simple."

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A peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban would pave the way for the withdrawal of thousands of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a key campaign promise that Trump wants to keep. But drawing down the troops will also increase pressure on Afghan government forces, who continue to struggle to carry out operations without close U.S. support.

The U.S. military command in Kabul has already begun reducing troops despite the stalled peace efforts. In October, Gen. Austin "Scott" Miller, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said the number of troops in the country had been reduced by 2,000, calling the move "part of our optimization." His spokesman said it was not part of any drawdown.

About 13,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, according to a U.S. military spokesman in Kabul, Army Col. Sonny Leggett. When Miller took command in Afghanistan last year, troop levels were at 15,000.

- - -

The Washington Post's Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad and Sharif Hassan in Kabul contributed to this report.
Two divergent travel trends marked the American continent. In the first eight months of 2019 outbound travel from North America grew with 4.5 per cent higher than the global average, while at minus three per cent outbound trips from Latin America witnessed a relatively strong decline. Overall year-on-year figures reveal a 3.5 per cent increase in outbound travel from the Americas as a whole. Destinations in Europe were clearly more in demand than trips to Asia. City breaks are still displaying above-average growth. For 2020 the World Travel Monitor forecasts a continuous growth, at three per cent. The World Travel Monitor is based on the results of representative interviews with more than 500,000 people in over 60 countries worldwide. It has been compiled for more than 20 years and is recognized as the most widescale continuous survey of global travel trends.

American continent displays two trends

In the past the American continent benefited from Latin Americas outbound travel boom. Initial results for 2019, however, display a completely different trend. While the North Americans outbound trips increased at an above-average rate of 4.5 per cent, the Latin Americans outbound trips virtually collapsed with minus three per cent.

Looking at the trends in individual countries, the following can be observed: In North America the driving force was outbound trips of US-Americans with a strong increase of six per cent compared to the previous year period. Juan Alberto Garcia Lopez of IPK International explained the decline in outbound trips from Latin America thus: In addition to some countries in South America, such as Argentina, the high-volume source market Mexico was the main reason for this negative development, with a five per cent decline in outbound travel.

Strong increase in trips to Europe

At seven per cent, travel to Europe is showing strongly above-average growth overall. Europe not only achieved the highest growth rate among North Americans, but was also up among Latin Americans. Trips to Spain and Italy were particularly in demand. These countries registered strong growth in visitor numbers, at 11 and 10 per cent respectively. Even the UK, which recently suffered a drop in visitors, was able to attract more visitors from America.

Compared to trips to Europe, outbound trips within the American continent, however, increased at a much lower rate of three per cent. Trips to Asia also only achieved three per cent growth.

Holiday trips on the rise

As regards reasons for travelling abroad, holiday trips are becoming more popular on the American continent. Compared to the previous year period the holiday segment grew by five per cent and now occupies just over 60 per cent of the market. In contrast business trips fell by one per cent.

City breaks as growth driver

A look at the various holiday types shows different trends. At ten per cent, city breaks once again reported above-average growth. Holidays in the country also recorded a strong growth, at nine per cent. At six per cent, the cruise market likewise witnessed a very positive development, followed by round trips, which increased by five per cent. In contrast, sun & beach holidays suffered a decline in popularity among Americans, falling by one per cent compared to the previous year period.

Positive outlook for 2020

IPK International expects outbound trips from North America to grow by three per cent in 2020, slightly less than in 2019. As far as outbound trips from Latin America, the market is expected to recover in 2020 by reaching one per cent growth. These forecasts are based on the findings of the World Travel Confidence Index of IPK International, which as part of World Travel Monitor polls peoples travel intentions for the next 12 months.

Further conclusive results showing 2019 travel trends will be published in future press releases. Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the final findings of the World Travel Monitor for 2019 at the ITB Future Day of the ITB Berlin Convention along with forecasts for 2020.

Image Credit:  Messe Berlin
Gov. Phil Murphy made it clear Wednesday that he would sign a bill into law that would no longer allow parents to cite religion as a reason to avoid getting their children the vaccinations required to attend school in New Jersey.

If that were to come our way  I dont talk about prospective bills in specifics  but I think weve given a pretty strong indication that thats something that we would support, the Democratic governor told reporters during an unrelated event in East Brunswick.

Murphys comments come two days after a planned vote on the measure (S2173) in the state Senate fell apart for the second time in a month, as hundreds of parents staged another loud protest outside the Statehouse in Trenton.

But Democratic leaders of the state Legislature have vowed to pass the bill in the new two-year legislative session that began Tuesday, saying it would help ensure children are better protected from diseases because mainstream science supports vaccination. They also argue that no major religions oppose vaccines.

Lawmakers have already reintroduced the proposal, which would have to pass both house of the Democratic-controlled Legislature  the Senate and Assembly  before Murphy can sign it into law.

Though it passed the Assembly last month, leaders say theyve been one vote short of passing the bill in the Senate.

The measure would allow only children with verified medical conditions to be exempt from vaccine laws.

Opponents say the legislation would strip away parental rights, as well as their freedom of religion. Some protestors also say they dont trust the government and pharmaceutical companies when it comes to their childrens safety.

Murphy said in December that the safety of all nine million residents is job No. 1 for me" and that his administration bases its decisions on science and fact. He also said recognizes the passions on this on both sides and would not definitively say whether hed sign the bill.

After Mondays vote was canceled, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, called on Murphy to be more specific.

You cant hide behind words," said Sweeney, who often clashes with the governor. This is a public health issue. As the governor, he should be very clear in his position. You should either support it or you dont.

The bill gained momentum after an outbreak of measles in New York last year.

A reporter asked Murphy on Wednesday whether he views the rise of measles a public health threat and, if so, why he hasnt made a push for this bill the way he lobbied for a measure he signed into law that allows undocumented immigrants in New Jersey to obtain drivers licenses.

Im not sure whether Im qualified to say whether this is a public crisis or not, Murphy responded. Thats not a judgement that I would make.

Obviously, its important, and the safety and security of the 9 million folks who call this state their home is job No. 1 for me personally  and in particular and especially our kids and vulnerable populations, he added.

Secondly, Ive been pretty clear that we make our decisions based on science and data, and well continue to, the governor continued.

After the bill fell a vote short of passing the state Senate last month, lawmakers made amendments to the measure  the largest of which would give privately run day care centers and schools in the state the option to accept unvaccinated children.

But while that gained the support of a Republican state senator, leaders said the bill was still one vote short Monday.

Critics said the changes are still a problem because many parents cant afford to send their children to private schools.

Its unclear whether the original bill, the amended version, or another compromise will move forward in the new session.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.

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A heart wrenching image has captured the moment a koala discovered her friend dead in the river before burying her head in her fur.

The image was taken on Wednesday on Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, and shows a dead koala lying dead in the shallows of the water.

In the picture another marsupial can be seen with her head pressed into her fur.

The heart wrenching moment a koala seemingly buries her face in her fur after discovering her friend dead at the edge of a watering hole on Kangaroo Island was captured on film (pictured)

The charred forest floor on Kangaroo Island is littered with corpses of animals incinerated by the blazes that swept through two weeks ago.

The surviving koala was rescued by wildlife carers from the Humane Society's Animal Rescue team as the picture was taken.

Humane Society International sent a team to the island to help rescue wildlife from the scorched area after one-third of the island was destroyed.

Almost half of Kangaroo Island has been razed by fire and an estimated 80 percent of koala habitat wiped out.

HSIs senior specialist in disaster response Kelly Donithan told One Green Planet the scenes she faced on the island were devastating.

'These are some of the toughest scenes Ive ever witnessed as an animal rescuer: the bodies of charred animals as far as the eye can see,' she said.

'But as we set out each day on search and rescue, were still finding animals alive, injured, dazed or traumatised, and its such a relief to be able to give them immediate life.'

Steven Selwood, South Australia Veterinary Emergency Management team leader at the hospital, says around 46,000 koalas were thought to be on the island before this year's bushfires.

It is estimated as few as 9,000 remain, Selwood says, describing the figure as 'pretty devastating'.

The sad image was taken on Wednesday as animal rescuers from the Humane Society International's Animal Rescue team were on the island helping to save as much wildlife as possible

'The fires here were particularly ferocious and fast-moving so we're seeing a lot less injured wildlife than in other fires,' he said.

'A lot of the wildlife was incinerated.'

Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the country's koala population had taken an 'extraordinary hit' as a result of bushfires that have raged for months.

She suggested they could be listed as 'endangered' for the first time.

Kangaroo Island is the only place in Australia where the population is entirely free of chlamydia -- a sexually transmitted infection also found in humans that is fatal to koalas.

That has made them a key 'insurance population' for the future of the species -- and even more crucial now that large numbers have died in bushfires on the Australian mainland.

This widespread destruction has left rescuers with a tricky proposition -- what to do with the animals once they have recovered.

For now, that issue is on the back burner as teams of vets work overtime to save as many as possible.

'He's going to need another week (to recover) and will need to be kept caged after that,' Hutchinson tells AFP as he wraps a pink bandage around Number 64's paw.

'Because there's no habitat for him to go back to at this time.'
Open Doors: Over 9,000 churches, Christian buildings attacked in past year

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WASHINGTON  Leading Christian persecution watchdog nongovernmental organization Open Doors USA released its 2020 World Watch List Wednesday, an influential annual data report that this year highlights a drastic increase in attacks against Christian buildings and the imprisonment of Christians.

The report, first launched in 1992, ranks the worst 50 countries in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians and is based on data compiled by Open Doors operations in 60 countries.

This years list names a number of repeat offenders such as North Korea, China, Iran, Somalia, and Eritrea as well as newly added countries where radical Islamic extremism wreaked havoc on Christian communities in 2019.

Open Doors rolled out the 2020 report at a briefing attended by representatives of the Trump administration, Congress, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and prominent human rights activists.

The 2020 World Watch List will provide you with the most credible grassroots data on Christian persecution. But it is much more than that, Open Doors USA CEO David Curry explained. Its going to sound the alarm.

The report finds that about 260 million Christians experience high levels of persecution in the top 50 countries on the list, an increase of about 6 percent from the 2019 report.

The report also states that 9,488 churches or Christian buildings  or an average of 25 per day  were attacked during the 2019 reporting period (Nov. 1, 2018, to Oct. 31, 2019). By comparison, Open Doors noted in last years report that 1,266 churches or Christian buildings were attacked.

Also, the number of Christians detained without trial, arrested and imprisoned increased from 2,625 in the 2019 report to 3,711 in the 2020 report.

The 2020 report, however, indicates a decrease in the number of Christians killed for their faith. At least 2,983 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons during the last reporting period. That is an average of eight Christians killed per day. By comparison, an average of 11 Christians was killed per day (4,136) during Open Doors 2018 reporting period.

Curry told The Christian Post the drop in killings Open Doors was able to document for this years report was due to the Islamic terror group Boko Haram killing fewer Christians in Nigeria (No. 12).

Curry said during the news conference that Nigeria still represents the most violent country in the world for Christians as far as the organizations data can track.

The difference this year is primarily because, in Nigeria, Boko Haram has changed its tactic, Curry said. They have gone from assassination and these kinds of things to roadside assaults on Christians and kidnappings. So we have seen a jump in those kinds of things. But Boko Haram is also spreading its wings into Cameroon and into Chad but also into Burkina Faso.

Rise of violence on sub-Saharan Africa

The reports findings come as violent Islamic extremism spiked in sub-Saharan Africa in 2019, particularly in areas where government control is weak.

The increase has led to the closure of churches and caused hundreds of thousands to flee from their homes and villages.

One of the countries listed on the World Watch List this year that wasnt in 2019 is Burkina Faso.

The West African country that was once considered to be relatively peaceful rose 33 spots in Open Doors rankings from last year and is now ranked No. 28. The northeast part of the country has been dealing with the rise of extremist violence since 2016. But attacks spread and escalated exponentially in 2019.

Estimates have suggested that over 250 people were killed by Islamic extremist groups in Burkina Faso in 2019. There were reports of several attacks on Christian churches and worshipers, including a December attack on a church service that killed at least 14.

The United Nations reported that Burkina Faso is one of the fastest-growing displacement crises in Africa as hundreds of thousands have fled in the face of spiraling insecurity. Nearly one-third of the Burkina Faso population is affected by the crisis.

The government has a responsibility to protect soft targets. We know that they are going to try to attack churches, Curry said. They need to protect those churches and allow Christians to worship freely. Christians are afraid to go to church in the northeastern part of Burkina Faso right now. We really need the civic government to protect Christians in their communities.

Similar countries included in the report are the Central African Republic (No. 25), which is dealing with the fighting of rebel Islamic militants who target Christians, and Mali (No. 29). Niger was also added to the World Watch List this year, ranking No. 50.

Civil war-ridden Cameroon (No. 48) was added to the World Watch List this year amid reports of attacks by radical Islamic extremists against Christians communities. Cameroon is also dealing with the spread of Boko Haram.

Locals in rebel-supporting, English-speaking regions have accused nomadic Fulani herdsmen radicals of carrying out deadly attacks against civilians after encouragement from government actors.

As difficult as the issue has been to cover, from a religious freedom aspect, it is great to see this because most of the events [in Cameroon] have been considered to be other issues like an insurgency, Scott Morgan, a human rights activist who has broadly covered issues in Africa, told CP in reaction to Cameroon making the World Watch List.

The crisis started as an education issue, so it is not easy to view the Cameroon conflict as specifically a religious freedom issue, he added. But as we are seeing with some of the countries in the Sahel, we are starting to see that issue making people nervous here in Washington. We are reaching out to the embassies and other concerned groups and we are looking forward to doing something on that in the near future.

Fulani violence against Christian farming communities in Nigeria continued in 2019. One human rights group estimates that at least 1,000 Nigerian Christians were killed by Fulani radicals or Boko Haram militants in 2019 while over 6,000 have been killed since 2015.

I think it is wrong to look at [Fulani] as simply having territorial issues, Curry said. They have an ideology that is historically been radicalized and they have an agenda to push Christians out of these communities. The cover story that somehow these are their ancient lands and so forth doesnt justify unlawful behavior against Christians who live there.

The Nigerian government has long faced criticism for its inability to control the violence.

The great tragedy of Nigerias ineffectual response to Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen is now parts of Cameroon and those other areas like Burkina Faso are greatly affected, Curry said.

Who are the top 10?

The top 10 countries on the 2020 World Watch list are the same ones included in the top 10 last year.

North Korea held the top-sport on the list for the 18th consecutive year as the Kim regime continues to imprison thousands of Christians in labor camps while the underground church community continues to grow.

North Korea is followed by Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Yemen, Iran and India, where Hindu persecution against Christians has greatly increased since the Bharatiya Janata Party rose to power in 2014.

Open Doors notes that in the Islamic Republic of Iran, at least 69 Christians were arrested during the 2019 reporting period. According to Curry, 114 Christians in Iran were arrested in the days before Christmas 2018. Curry said the arrests are a continuation of the Iranian governments attempt to crush the growing house church movement.

These are courageous people standing up against the power that exists there in that country, Curry said. Iran has put its full faith into persecuting Christians.

In Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka moved from No. 46 to No. 30 on the 2020 World Watch List after suicide bombings last Easter carried out by Islamic extremists killed over 250 and injured 500 others at three churches and three hotels.

[They were] dressed up in their Sunday best and taking their kids [to church], but they didnt come home, Curry said. There are repercussions for things like that: 176 children, in that case, lost one or both parents.

China, which has been criticized heavily for its mistreatment of various religious groups and detention of hundreds of thousands of Muslims, ranked No. 23 on the list in 2020. In 2019, China ranked No. 27.

China has imprisoned countless pastors and Christians for worshiping in unregistered house churches. According to Curry, 5,596 churches in China have been shut down, many of which are because they refuse to put up surveillance cameras in their churches.

Curry stressed in the briefing that China represents the greatest threat to human rights as it seeks to control the Chinese people and churches through surveillance.

Churches must be sacred places, he said. If the government was monitoring you, your every move, scoring your citizenship based on how often you went to church or didnt go to church, how would you feel? Thats whats happening in China.
(TNS)  University of South Florida students are locked in a race with a finish line in the sky.Theyre in a competition to launch a rocket past the Ka\u0301rma\u0301n Line. Thats 62 miles up, where the air thins to the point that a conventional aircraft cant fly. Its often considered the boundary of outer space. The first student-led, amateur team to cross it by Dec. 30, 2021 wins the Base 11 Space Challenge.The contests goal, says Base 11, is to foster engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and create a more diverse pipeline the aerospace industry, which is facing a critical talent shortage due to impending retirements and the under-representation of women and minorities in the field.The prize for the winning team is $1 million. The competition: University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles and Purdue, among other universities with high-ranking academic programs in aerospace engineering.USF doesnt have an aerospace program. Javian Hernandez and Jackson Stephenson, president and vice president of the USF Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry, or SOAR, the student club for rocketry enthusiasts thats entering the competition, study mechanical engineering. Other members major in physics or chemistry.SOAR also doesnt have a big budget or many donors. They dont have the manufacturing capabilities of a full-on machine shop that many universities with an aerospace program have.Like these right here, Hernandez, 21, said, pointing to some steel plates for a rockets frame. Just to have them laser cut, or water jet cut, would take about two hours, but instead we had to take an angle grinder and work for like four or five days just to cut these.But they do have a dedicated group that loves shooting things into the sky.Weve already been working on this project for a year and a half. You have to have a passion for it.Stephenson, 22, joined the club the second day of his freshman year. I wanted to do aerospace engineering," he said, "but the schools were just too expensive, so I came to USF and Ive done my best to kind of create an aerospace program through extracurricular activities.USF might be a longshot to win, but theyve got exactly the right guy on their side. Professor of mathematics Manoug Manougian is the clubs faculty advisor and director of USFs STEM Education Center.Hes been called the father of the Lebanese space program, which might not mean much, until you consider he wasnt some high-level government rocket scientist at the time. He was a 25-year-old math instructor at a tiny liberal arts college who brought together some student enthusiasts in 1960. They started from scratch and launched rockets into space at a time when few countries had done so.It was a feat so outstanding at the time  the first rocket launched in the Middle East  that for a moment, all of Lebanon paid attention. Then other nations including the U.S. and Russia started watching, too. Lebanon even put one of their rockets on a postage stamp. And when it was over, it was like everyone forgot for 50 years.Growing up in Jerusalem when warring parties dominated the region, Manougian found tranquility in science fiction. I was fascinated with space, flying carpets and Jules Verne.As the Soviet Union launched Sputnik and U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced plans for the moonshot, Manougian became a passionate follower of the real-life space race. He earned a bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin and was offered a position teaching math and physics at a newly-established school then known as Haigazian College in Beirut, Lebanon. The student body numbered about 200.Because of his own interests, and in an effort engage his students in math, physics and chemistry, Manougian put up a flyer seeking members for a club that would become the Lebanese Rocket Society. He quickly found an enthusiastic group eager to launch rockets. Being at the smallest college in one of the smallest countries in the Middle East," Manougian said, did not phase us.They used spare pipes salvaged from local shops as rocket parts. The undergrads would be covered in powder, mixing chemicals themselves trying to find a suitable rocket fuel. They had little established information to go by, but they inched along, and after some early failures successfully launched Cedar I in 1961 and reached 1,000 meters. They followed it up with Cedar II, which went up 2,300 meters.A sudden sensation, they were invited to meet with Lebanese president Fuad Chehab. They were given funding, access to military workshops and a launch site overlooking the Mediterranean Sea where they could send up rockets aimed in a direction that wouldnt upset neighboring countries (though they did get complaints from Cyprus).Newspapers covered their efforts, which became a point of national pride. One paper ran a political cartoon featuring caricatures of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and President Kennedy standing next to large rockets. In between them stands a Lebanese general holding a tiny rocket, and offering to defeat the Russians for Kennedy. Crowds came to watch launches and celebrated their success in the streets.Cedar III crossed the Ka\u0301rma\u0301n Line into outer space. The postage stamp featuring Cedar IV was released on Lebanese independence day in 1964. They made it to Cedar VIII before the program was shut down in 1967.At 84, Manougian has an incredibly precise memory for the days of the Lebanese Rocket Society. In his USF office are black and white photos of him with students and various government officials standing near Cedar rockets, which grow in size and sophistication.In one he poses with four men in suits who appear a little older than him at the time. These two guys are CIA agents who started coming around, Manougian said, pointing at the photo. Later I showed them this photo and asked, Who were those other two guys? Oh, those are KGB agents, they told me."The Lebanese Rocket Society got help from the military, and the program ended due to fears it would appear they were developing weapons. But Manougian says his group never once wavered from its first founding rule: Rockets are for space exploration and not for wars and killing.After the rockets, Manougian returned to the U.S., finished a doctorate degree at the University of Texas and was eventually offered a job at USF. He knew nothing about the city, but he did remember one thing. In Jules Vernes From the Earth to the Moon, the rocket blasts off from Tampa.Manougian became a distinguished faculty member over the decades, and the story of the Lebanese Rocket Society "went into oblivion, he said. It wasnt like he talked about it. Not until more than 50 years had passed, when some filmmakers came across an old postage stamp and wondered, why would a Lebanese stamp have a photo of a rocket? Their documentary The Lebanese Rocket Society featuring Manougian was released in 2011. People at USF heard the story for the first time. It made sense that USFs rocket club asked Manougian to be their mentor and advisor.USFs SOAR club has its work cut out. The Base 11 rules require that the rocket that crosses the Karman Line be single-stage and liquid-fueled. No amateur club has ever come close to such a feat. SOAR hit a milestone in 2019 with the launch of Taurus I, its first multi-stage rocket, which set a club record by reaching 11,168 feet. The clubs president at the time was Stephanie Bauman, who has since graduated and gone on to a graduate program at Oxford University.The Base 11 competition, which stretches into 2021, will be a significantly bigger challenge.Manougian isnt involved with the engineering of the rockets that SOAR develops. Thats all the students. His role, he says, is to support the program, help them promote and secure funding. But he is an inspiring presence.On a recent afternoon he watched the club performed a injector flow test. Mrudit Trivedi, the clubs chief of rocketry, checked different nozzles and settings on a checklist and Stephenson hit the button. Water sprayed out from the spot where soon, hopefully, a flame will shoot from the engine. The test went well. Manougian sat quietly nodding in approval.It was a small step forward into uncharted territory for the club. They have a long way to go, but SOAR has already given their rocket a name: Cedar IX.
A surprise is expected in former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan's criminal case in the near future - the Armenian Constitutional Court has applied to the Venice Commission and the ECHR on the issue of immunity and Article 300.1, the Hraparak daily writes.

According to the newspaper's source, the ruling is due between March 23-24, with the Commissions decision expected until late February, Tert.am reported.



The source added that the opinion of both institutions has no legal force. "Yes, they are advisory, but no state body, the court will make a decision even against the advisory opinion. They are such prestigious organizations that they will not go against them. After receiving the opinions, the Constitutional Court must decide whether or not the law (indictment) complies with the Armenian Constitution. If it decides that it does not comply, the charge should be dropped," the source noted.

Asked about the possible arrest of chair of the Constitutional Court Hrayr Tovmasyan, the source ruled out such a possibility, citing a breach of the immunity principle. They have already trespassed the immunity norm, but I don't think they will arrest him amid fears of an international uproar," the newspaper cited the source as saying.
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Ahead of the Assembly elections, the Delhi Congress on Thursday said if it comes to power, it will launch a scheme under which people who save water will get a cashback.

Delhi Congress president Shubhash Chopra said if the Congress comes to power, it will give 30 paise per litre water saved.

He said the money will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev, govt resign under new Putin plan

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday that his government was resigning to give President Vladimir Putin room to carry out the changes he wants to make to the constitution.

Medvedev made the announcement on state TV sitting next to Putin who thanked Medvedev, a close ally, for his work, state news agency Tass said.

Media reports said Putin wanted to appoint Mikhail Mishustin, the head of Russias Federal Tax Service, as the new prime minister.

Reports say possible candidates may also include Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, economy minister Maxim Oreshkin, or energy minister Alexander Novak.

The move is allegedly intended to help President Putin carry out sweeping constitutional changes he spoke about during his annual address just hours earlier.

In his annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow on Wednesday (15 January 2020), Putin proposed a nationwide vote on sweeping changes that would shift power from the presidency to parliament, which also means Russia will get a new, powerful, prime minister.

Medvedev would take a new assignment as deputy head of Russia's Security Council, which Putin presides.

Putin asked for the outgoing government to remain at work until a new government was appointed.

For my part, I also want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work, I want to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved, Putin told a meeting of ministers, according to Tass.

Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full, Putin said.

The Russian leader proposed a national vote on constitutional changes that would push power toward the prime minister and the parliament, and away from the presidency. Its seen as potentially limiting the power of Putins successor if he steps down in 2024.

After those amendments are adopted ... there will be significant changes not only to a variety of constitution articles, but to the balance of power, namely to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of power, Tass quoted Medvedev as saying.

Putin, 67, has led Russia for two decades as either prime minister or president, shifting between the roles in the current Russian constitution that prevents someone from serving more than two consecutive terms as president.

But the latest move could be a way for him to circumvent or scrap that rule entirely as his fourth term in office is due to end in 2024.

With the changes, Putin hopes to be choose loyalists to be put in power positions in his new government while preparing to transition to a PM position with enlarged powers in 2024.
Its odd that a building was ever named after Thomas Scott, an insignificant Canadian loyalist foot soldier in 1869-70 Red River. But 117 years after it was erected in Winnipegs Exchange District, the dilapidated three-storey Thomas Scott Memorial Orange Hall on Princess Street may soon have a date with the wrecking ball due to serious structural problems.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its odd that a building was ever named after Thomas Scott, an insignificant Canadian "loyalist" foot soldier in 1869-70 Red River. But 117 years after it was erected in Winnipegs Exchange District, the dilapidated three-storey Thomas Scott Memorial Orange Hall on Princess Street may soon have a date with the wrecking ball due to serious structural problems.

Thomas Scott was among dozens arrested by the Metis following a dramatic armed standoff at John Christian Schultzs home in the town of Winnipeg in December 1869. (Manitoba archives)

Scott, who was born in Clandeboye, Ireland, around 1842, came to Red River in the summer of 1869 from Ontario, just when Louis Riel and the Metis resistance was beginning to take shape. He worked briefly on a road construction project in northwestern Ontario, where he was fined four pounds after being convicted of threatening to drown the foreman on the job.

A growing number of Canadians began trickling into Red River at the time, in anticipation of its annexation to Canada. An unmarried, transient Scott was among them.

The so-called Canadian loyalists in Red River, led by John Christian Schultz, opposed the Metis resistance. They were apoplectic when Riel and his men blocked lieutenant-governor designate William McDougall from entering the territory in November 1869. The Canadians made several failed attempts at organizing armed rebellions against Riel and his provisional government. For that, many were captured and held as political prisoners at Upper Fort Garry, which the Metis had seized.

Prisoners frequently escaped the fort, were recaptured and, in some cases, escaped again. Scott was among dozens arrested by the Metis following a dramatic armed standoff at Schultzs home in the town of Winnipeg in December 1869. He escaped the fort in January, but was recaptured with others the following month after another failed attempt to overthrow the provisional government.

This time, he didnt get out alive.

Scott made no meaningful contribution to anything during his short stint in Red River. He wasnt a leader among the Schultz crowd and played no significant role in organizing its failed armed rebellions. He was a nobody, a transplant from Ontario looking for some future opportunity possibly to arise with Canadian annexation. Scotts only real claim to fame was his execution by Riels provisional government.

Plenty has been written about Scott, then about 28 years old. Hes been branded a bigot, a racist and a drunk, although the historical record is sketchy, if non-existent, on many of those characterizations. He certainly was no friend of Riel and the Metis. There are varying accounts of how he heaped verbal abuse on Metis guards. He allegedly struck one of them, which formed part of the charges that led to his conviction of "insubordination" against the provisional government.

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On March 4, 1870, after a trial of just a few hours the day before (Scott had no representation and had little grasp of the proceedings, conducted in French) he was walked outside the walls of Upper Fort Garry and executed by firing squad.

It was only after his execution that Thomas Scotts name took on martyr-like proportions. Schultz, who fled to Ontario, and others from the Canada First movement (a secret society of Anglo-Saxon Protestants) as well as the Orange Order in Ontario (an anti-Catholic fraternity of Protestants) vowed to avenge Scotts death. They used the execution to whip up opposition in Ontario against Riel and the Metis, casting them as murderers and enemies of the Queen. Suddenly, Thomas Scott became a household name and the face of the Orange Order.

The Orange Order in Winnipeg saw fit to name its new building in the Exchange District after Scott three decades later as if he truly was a martyr. (Mikeala MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Theres some question whether Scott was even a member of the Orange Order. Had he been  and had Riel and others in Red River known about it and saw Scott as a significant player among Canadian loyalists  they may have thought twice about executing him. They couldnt have possibly known Scotts killing would have triggered the furor it did in Ontario.

Nevertheless, the Orange Order in Winnipeg saw fit to name its new building in the Exchange District after Scott three decades later as if he truly was a martyr, or made a significant contribution to anything.

Its always a shame to lose a heritage building. And if the one at 216 Princess has to be demolished, it will be regrettable (especially since it appears to have been preventable). But there will be no loss in Thomas Scotts name coming down with it. He never deserved to have a building named after him in the first place.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 04:28:44|Editor: yan

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RABAT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan national airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will launch on Thursday the first non-stop flights between Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca and Beijing Daxing International Airport.

The flight will be operated by B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with a capacity of 302 seats, including 26 in business class, RAM said in a statement.

The duration of the flight will be less than 13 hours, with three frequencies per week, it said.

The statement noted that departure from Casablanca will be scheduled every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

As for return flights from Beijing, it will be scheduled every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

A big Moroccan delegation, including officials, businessmen and journalists, will take part in the inaugural flight.

According to Moroccan officials, the new link will strengthen trade and economic relations between Morocco and China as well as human and cultural exchanges.
FINLAND, Minn., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Organic Consumers Association (OCA) today issued the following statement upon learning that Ben & Jerry's will no longer claim on product packaging that its ice cream comes from "happy cows":

"The removal of misleading 'happy cow' claims is a victory for consumers and an indication that Ben & Jerry's can't back up those claims," said OCA International Director Ronnie Cummins. "But this is just one small step toward more honest representation of the Ben & Jerry's brand. OCA will continue, through our own ongoing litigation against Ben & Jerry's and its parent company, Unilever, to push for Ben & Jerry's either to live up to its remaining marketing claims, or to remove all claims that have no basis in fact."

OCA sued Ben & Jerry's in July 2018 for the deceptive labeling, marketing, and sale of its ice cream. OCA alleges that, contrary to Ben & Jerry's representations of humane sourcing and environmental responsibility, the ingredients are sourced from typical factory farms and some of the products contain traces of glyphosate, an environmentally harmful biocide and the key ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller.

In January 2019, the District of Columbia Superior Court rejected Ben & Jerry's motion to dismiss OCA's lawsuit, brought under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). OCA is represented by Richman Law Group.

In October 2019, a class action lawsuit alleging similar claims was filed in the U.S. District Court in Vermont. In a motion to dismiss the Vermont lawsuit filed earlier this week, Ben & Jerry's revealed publicly that it is removing the "happy cows" statement from its packaging.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots organization advocating on behalf of millions of consumers for safe, healthful food and a clean environment. Visit: https://www.organicconsumers.org/.

SOURCE Organic Consumers Association

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https://www.organicconsumers.org/


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices were down slightly on Wednesday, pressured early by data showing big increases in U.S. refined products but recovered some of the losses later by the signing of a Phase 1 trade deal between Washington and Beijing.

Brent LCOc1 futures lost 49 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at $64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 ended 42 cents, or 0.7%, lower at $57.81.

The bullish impetus that we had expected off of todays weekly EIA report failed to develop and as a result, the complex appears headed for lower levels than we had anticipated despite the late session recovery, Jim Ritterbusch, president of trading advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates, said in a note.

Under the Phase 1 trade agreement, China will buy $18.5 billion more in U.S. energy products in the first year and $33.9 billion in the second.

However, commodity traders and analysts remained cautious - struggling to map out how China will reach the eye-popping amounts it is committing to buy from the United States.

Trump said he would remove all U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports as soon as the two countries completed Phase 2 of their trade agreement, adding he does not expect there to be a Phase 3 pact.

Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago, said prices pared early losses on optimism surrounding the U.S.-China trade deal and expectations that oil demand is going to continue to be solid.

Earlier, oil prices fell to their lowest in over a month after the U.S. government reported big increases in gasoline and distillates inventories and a record crude output.

U.S. gasoline stockpiles last week rose to their highest since February, while distillate inventories jumped to their most since September 2017, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

I think they were able to look past the build in gasoline and distillates, realizing that it will probably work itself out in the next couple of weeks, Flynn said.

The EIA report also showed crude production for the week ended Jan. 10 rose to 13 million barrels per day (bpd) and a much-bigger-than-expected draw in crude inventories.

Both oil benchmarks were also hit by a report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that said the producer group expected lower demand for its oil in 2020 even as global demand rises, as rival producers grab market share. Output in the United States was expected to touch another record in 2020.

The continued accommodative monetary policies, coupled with an improvement in financial markets, could provide further support to ongoing increases in non-OPEC supply, OPEC said.

OPEC and some non-OPEC allies such as Russia have been curbing production to prevent an oil glut and support oil prices above $60 per barrel. Their current deal expires in March.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:04:06|Editor: yan

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's education authority Thursday made public its punishment for unlicensed after-school training program providers in provinces including Guangdong, Shanxi and Sichuan.

Training service providers involved were suspended or shut down, according to a circular issued by the office of the education supervision commission of the State Council.

The move is to warn after-school training program providers about the consequences of business irregularities, it said.

The supervision commission also urged local authorities to impose tough punishments on training providers with irregularities and improve the long-term mechanism to regulate the private education market, the circular said.

Daily regulation should be intensified, said the circular, highlighting precautionary measures like tightening supervision of the course contents, teachers' qualifications and program rates.

Training service providers should be put on a blacklist or white list based on their operation so that students' parents can choose qualified institutions easily, it added.
Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to release five more leaders of different political parties from preventive custody on Thursday (January 16). Notably, these leaders were detained after the abrogation of Article 370 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre on August 5, 2019.

The leaders who will be released on Thursday include Salman Sagar of National Conference, Altaf Kallo, Mukhtar Bhat and Nizamuddin Bhat of Peoples Democratic Party and Showkat Ghani.

It may be recalled that several leaders have been released from preventive custody in last few weeks. Sources told Zee Media that more leaders would be released soon.

Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to be shifted from Hari Niwas to a bungalow at Gupkar near his residence cause of harsh winter. The NC leader was taken into preventive custody on August 4 just a day before the scrapping of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Centre also decided to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - on August 5, 2019. Sources said that the bungalow where Omar Abdullah will be shifted is being readied as he still a Special Services Group (SSG) protectee.

The news of shifting of Omar Abdullah comes on a day when the Centre has announced that a group of 36 Union ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this week in order to make people aware of the positive impact of Centre's decision to scrap Article 370. The Union ministers will also inform people about the steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre for the welfare of the people of region after the abrogation of Article 370.
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The White House is continuing business as usual even as the Senate prepares for Donald Trump's impeachment trial, providing a slate of counter programming to the images from Capitol Hill filling television screens.

And, during a key part of the trial process on Thursday, the president was scheduled to be in the Oval Office for a major announcement designed to please part of his base ahead of this November's election.

As Chief Justice John Roberts is scheduled to swear in senators for the at 2 p.m., Trump was set to announce new guidelines for prayer in public schools, a move that will please evangelical voters.

However, the White House the event would be delayed to later in the day, an indication the president will be watching Roberts administer the oath to senators.

The White House is continuing business as usual even as the Senate prepares for Donald Trump's impeachment trial

The White House will offer images to counter ones from Capitol Hill; above Rep. Adam Schiff reads the articles of impeachment to the Senate

Trump's impeachment trial begins as the president can tout back-to-back victories on trade. Both he and his staff have been bragging about Wednesday's signing of the China trade deal and the Senate passage of the USMCA on Thursday.

The USMCA is Trump's replacement for NAFTA and an agreement he has been pushing Congress to ratify.

'Thats the most important thing going on in the Senate today,' White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters at the White House Thursday ahead of the vote.

White House aides expect a big signing ceremony for USMA given its importance to the president, who has pushed repeatedly for Congress to pass it. The House approved it in December shortly after it voted in favor of the two articles of impeachment.

Additionally, President Trump will attend a fundraising dinner for his re-election campaign in Florida on Friday and he will keynote the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention on Sunday in Austin, Texas.

Then he'll leave for two days at the World Economic Forum in Davos, spending time with his fellow world leaders in Switzerland on Tuesday when the Senate formally begins his impeachment trial - another bit of counter programming to offer.

'From the time the president was sworn in, he has been moving faster than DC could fathom,' a senior administration official told DailyMail.com on Thursday.

White House officials have kept a positive spin on the administration's accomplishments as impeachment dominates the news cycle.

Conway pointed to the rising U.S. stock market, the global economy, the trade deals, and the United States getting NATO leaders to pay more in dues - which she said the president will mention in his speech to leaders in Davos.

President Trump will be at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week - he last attended in January 2018

White House Counselor told reporters President Trump has many accomplishments to brag about when he's in Davos next week

'Hes got a great message to deliver there in Davos and the plan is for him to be there,' she said.

As for President Trump, he spent Thursday morning involved in one of his favorite activities - tweeting, sending off 15 tweets or retweets on a range of topics including his USMCA deal, the China trade deal he signed and the impeachment trial.

For all the bragging of accomplishments, impeachment remained on the mind of those in the White House.

Trump cited a quote from Fox News host Laura Ingraham on the impeachment trial in one of his tweets: ''There is no crime here. I just think this whole thing should be rejected out of hand. I wouldn't waste a minute of taxpayer dollars or time on this. Entertaining this Impeachment is a joke.' Laura Ingraham.'

And White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham bragged about the president's China and USMCA deals as the House impeachment managers read the articles against the president on the floor of the Senate.

'After yesterdays historic trade deal w China & USMCA passed today, the dems are now reading their sham articles of impeachment, which they manufactured in order to stop @realDonaldTrump from his continued success on behalf of [symbol of American flag]. Hes working - theyre whining,' she wrote on Twitter.

Trump also spent Thursday morning bragging about his China trade deal, claiming it's good news for farmers.

President Donald Trump got a double trade victory after his deal with China on Wednesday but all eyes were on the impeachment ceremonies

The U.S. Senate passed the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement on Thursday just before launching full bore into impeachment procedures

'The farmers are really happy with the new China Trade Deal and the soon to be signed deal with Mexico and Canada, but I hope the thing they will most remember is the fact that I was able to take massive incoming Tariff money and use it to help them get through the tough times!,' he wrote.

He will tout both his China trade deal and his USMCA plan in his speech to farmers on Sunday, his third appearance at the American Farm Bureau Federations convention.

But first he'll be in the Oval Office Thursday afternoon to announce that states will be required to report instances in which the right to pray has been denied in public schools.

He will be surrounded by students from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths for event, which takes place on National Religious Freedom Day.

The new guidelines come as the president is courting evangelicals for the November election after a leading Christian magazine called for his removal.

'President Trump is committed to making sure that people of faith, particularly children, are not subjected to illegal punishment or pressure for exercising their constitutionally protected rights,' Joe Grogan, the head of the president's Domestic Policy Council, told reporters on a call Thursday morning.

In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court banned school-sponsored prayer in public schools but students can meet and pray on school grounds as long as they do so privately.
"Russia is an old friend, it had to give a statement that it was not invited in the group of foreign diplomats that visited Kashmir," Azad said.

Srinagar, Jan 16 (IANS) Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has hit out at the government for not including Russia in the foreign diplomats' delegation that visited Kashmir earlier this month.

He said only those member countries were invited that will forward the government's narrative.

He alleged that only those ministers and politicians met with the foreign delegation in Kashmir who have already held meetings with the government in Delhi.

"They allowed only those politicians to meet with the delegation who have been to Delhi and held talks with them," Azad said.

Azad, who is on a one-day visit to Jammu, said after the abrogation of Article 370 thousands of crores of rupees were lost in the tourism, fruit, and transport sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.

"The upcoming delegation of ministers is coming to see the destruction caused by economic losses after abrogation of Article 370," Azad said.

More than 30 ministers of the Modi government are reportedly visiting Kashmir later this week.

zi/kr
Donald Trump knew all about efforts to dig up dirt on Joe Biden in Ukraine and to undermine the US ambassador to the former Soviet state, one of his personal lawyer's associates has said.

In his first television interview since being indicted for campaign finance violations, Florida-based businessman Lev Parnas  an ally of the president's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani  told MSNBC: "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."

Mr Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives on 18 December over his alleged efforts to pressure the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to announce investigations into Mr Biden and his son Hunter, who had been on the board of an energy company in Ukraine called Burisma.

On Wednesday the House formally handed the articles of impeachment  alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  to the Senate, which will now hold a trial of the president. In theory it could see him removed from office, although this is extremely unlikely as the upper chamber is controlled by his fellow Republicans.

Mr Parnas, who has been cooperating with authorities since he and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, were arrested last year, told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow that Mr Trump "was aware of all my movements".

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

He said: "I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials.

"I mean, they have no reason to speak to me. Why would President Zelensky's inner circle or Minister Avakov or all these people or President Poroshenko meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work."

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He said the president was specifically aware that their efforts in Ukraine were focused on discrediting Democrats. He said: "Yeah, it was all about Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, and also Rudy had a personal thing with the Manafort stuff. The black ledger. And that was another thing that they were looking into, but it was never about corruption. It was never  it was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden."

Paul Manafort, Mr Trump's former campaign manager, was jailed on charges of bank and tax fraud last year. He had extensive business connections in Ukraine.

Mr Giuliani has repeatedly claimed that he was operating in Ukraine on Mr Trump's behalf although the president himself has been more guarded.

In November Mr Trump distanced himself from his lawyer in an interview with disgraced former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly.

No, I didnt direct him, Mr Trump told the conservative media personality, when asked if he had told Mr Giuliani to put any heat on Ukrainian officials. But hes a warrior. Rudys a warrior. Rudy went. He possibly saw something.

You have to ask Rudy, he said, when pressed on why his personal lawyer was in Ukraine, where US officials have testified he had been working on behalf of the president as a part of an alternate diplomatic channel.

Mr Giuliani has admitted he wanted the US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, "out of the way".

She was abruptly recalled last year following a smear campaign against her. It has been alleged that she was forced out because she was standing in the way of efforts by Mr Giuliani, Mr Parnas and others to dig up or fabricate dirt on Mr Trump's political opponents ahead of this year's election.

Mr Parnas gave the television interview a day after his lawyer submitted a series of documents from his client to Congress. These included claims that Mr Giuliani told Ukrainian officials he was working for Mr Trump and that Ms Yovanovitch may have been under surveillance by a Republican donor named Robert Hyde.
The photo shows the night view of the Pudong New District in Shanghai. Korea's budget carrier Eastar Jet will open a new regular Jeju-Shanghai route on Jan. 17. / Korea Times file



By Jun Ji-hye



Air carriers here have been rushing to launch new routes in their diversification strategy aimed at expanding global networks and improving operating profits amid lower travel demand to Japan and a worsening industry environment, company officials said Thursday.



Budget carrier Eastar Jet will open a new regular Jeju-Shanghai route on Jan. 17 that will operate four days a week.



The new flights will depart from Jeju International Airport at 22:30 and arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 23:20 local time. The return flights depart from Shanghai at 6:10 local time.



Eastar Jet began sales of tickets for the Jeju-Shanghai route, Jan. 6.



The company said 70 percent of those who have purchased the tickets were Chinese, raising expectations that the new service will attract more Chinese travelers to Jeju Island.



"Jeju has implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, thus the resort island is in a favorable position to attract Chinese visitors," an Eastar Jet official said. "We will continue to secure additional slots for the Jeju-Shanghai route to enhance competitiveness."



Air Seoul, a budget carrier unit of Asiana Airlines, opened a new route to Nha Trang and Hanoi in Vietnam in December.



Before this, the company launched the new route from Incheon to Zhangjiajie of China in October, hoping to achieve more than 14 billion won ($12 million) in annual sales from the route.



This year, the carrier plans to launch new services to Taiwan, China's Shandong Peninsula, Vietnam's Qui Nhon and Russia's Vladivostok.



Asiana Airlines, the nation's second-largest air carrier, has also consistently launched new routes to diversify sources of revenue.



In December, the carrier launched a new service to Nha Trang, with its inaugural flight to the Vietnamese city departing from Incheon, Dec. 16.



The company has also launched irregular operations to Lisbon at the end of October, Melbourne and Cairo in December.



"We are considering converting irregular operations into regular routes in accordance with demand," an Asiana Airlines official said.



Among foreign carriers, Taiwan's budget carrier Tigerair Taiwan launched a new Incheon- Taipei route, Jan. 3, in a bid to enhance its presence.



The flights depart from Incheon three days a week, with the company planning to operate the service everyday beginning March 29.



Vietnam's budget carrier VietJet Air will launch a new Incheon-Can Tho route, Jan. 17.



Can Tho, located in southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta region, has recently become a popular travel destination, with the number of travelers visiting the city reaching 8.8 million last year.


by Wayne Friedman , January 15, 2020

Although advertising revenues at Spotify have risen 30% since 2016, they will still be a fraction of its overall revenue picture for years to come, according to one media analyst.

Currently, Spotify is estimated to be getting around $650 million to $700 million a year in advertising revenue -- which is about 10% of the music streaming platforms overall $6.8 billion revenue in annual revenue.

Todd Juenger, media analyst for Bernstein Research, says key emerging markets for Spotify will limit big advertising growth.

The average CPM [cost per thousand viewers] for users in emerging markets are close to one-tenth of those realized in U.S. and Europe. Recent major growth -- the revenue/ad-supported user in North America and Europe -- was around 50%, says Juenger.

Given that we expect in the future most of the companys users will come from emerging markets -- and those will be over-represented by the ad-supported tier given they have much lower paid conversion rates -- we see the revenue/user contracting [emphasis added] due to mix effects.

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Juenger's forecast is that about 80% of Spotifys ad-supported users will come from emerging markets, versus 45% currently.

Currently, 55% of ad-supported users come from North America and Europe -- down from 70% in 2016.

As of the third quarter of 2019, Spotify had 141 million advertising-supported users, and 113 million premium subscription users.

Juenger also worries that advertising-supported user revenues will produce lower gross margins -- less than 20%. Hence, the contribution of ad supported to revenue is small -- and to profits even smaller.

Looking at advertising from Spotify podcasts -- still a young business-- Juenger estimates that revenues will climb to $347.9 million by 2030 from $11.3 million this year.
Security camera footage shows a two-storey building smash onto the pavement just seconds after two people walk past it.

The dramatic collapse took place at a store undergoing renovation work in Washington DC's Trinidad neighborhood on Wednesday.

Shocking footage shows the facade of the store crumble onto the ground, missing two passing pedestrians by seconds.

Conveniently, firefighters returning to their station following a call-out were passing by the building and stopped to help close down the area.

Two women walk past the two-storey building in Washington DC's Trinidad neighborhood just moments before it is about to collapse on the street

The two women run away as the building starts to crumble on the ground. Debris is sent flying across the pavement as the bricks come crashing down

The firefighters immediately hop out of their vehicle to warn others of the danger and make the area around the collapse safe.

The District fire department said on its Twitter page that one person was injured in the collapse after they were hit by falling debris from the building.

The video was captured by Andy Feliciotti, who lives across the street.

He shared the footage on his Twitter account saying: 'Well this is kind of crazy, my security camera picked up a building randomly collapsing today.

'The people on the street were walking on the spot 10 seconds earlier.'

Conveniently, firefighters on their way back from a call were passing by the building moments after it collapsed. The crew exited their vehicle and made the area safe

The Instagrammer and YouTuber later shared pictures of the sidewalk being cleared on rubble.

Dozens have commented on his footage, including several who joked about how quickly the fire department arrived.

One said: 'Wow that fire truck was there in record time.' While another added: 'Boy the fire department is on the ball.'
Kilo Fund Management, LLC ("Kilo") today announced the launch of the Kilo Hedged Commodity Credit Fund (the Fund). The Fund offers tailored precious metal financing and hedging solutions to US businesses that use gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Working with the Fund, companies in the jewelry, bullion dealing, and industrial manufacturing sectors have a non-bank financing partner with deep roots and commitment to the metal leasing business.

Cordillera Investment Partners, a Bay Area based investment group that is backed by endowments, foundations, family offices, and wealth advisors, provided a $25 million cornerstone equity commitment to the Fund. Additional equity commitments were provided by family office investors and Kilo principals.

East West Bank, a market leader in structured finance entered into a multi year committed credit facility for the fund. The facility provides the flexibility for the initial $20 million credit commitment to rise as the Fund deploys capital.

The capital provided by our equity partners and East West Bank will fuel continued momentum in our quest to be the leading non bank provider of precious metal financing to US based mid market companies. We are grateful for the investment that the East West Bank and Cordillera teams made to understand our vision, and their support for what we are building, said Wade Brennan, Kilo Group CEO.

"We seek to invest in niche, non-correlated assets outside of traditional asset classes," said Ashley Marks of Cordillera Investment Partners. "Kilos model fits that criteria. We look forward to seeing the capital work in this space."

We are pleased to have structured a robust senior credit facility for Kilo, which provides bespoke financing against an asset class that until recently has been dominated by major banks. We have been impressed by the level of expertise demonstrated by Kilos management team and look forward to being a part of the companys growth, said Mark Parsa, Senior Vice President of East West Banks Structured Finance Group.

About Kilo Fund Management: A subsidiary of Kilo Capital Corporation, the company is an NFA registered Commodity Pool Operator responsible for managing regulated commodity credit funds. Through its subsidiaries the Kilo group offers precious metal leasing, secured lending, hedging services. The Fund is closed to new investors; this press release is not intended as a solicitation. For more information please see kilocapital.com and kilofutures.com. All inquiries can be directed to contact@kilocapital.com or 866.967.7528
KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia - Sam Mitchell balanced himself on a eucalyptus branch 30 feet above the ground as his meaty right fist clutched a koala, which wailed like a pig with breathing problems. The dark gray marsupial batted its 3-inch black claws in the air helplessly, and minutes later Mitchell crawled down. He and the animal were safely on the ground.

Across much of Australia, volunteers and professionals are fighting to contain widespread blazes, with many also taking risks to save wildlife being killed by the millions. Kangaroo Island, a popular tourist destination and wildlife park off Australia's southeast coast, has been home to some of the worst damage to the nation's biodiversity. Fires have overrun nearly half of the 1,700-square mile island, and rescuers including Mitchell have been going tree to tree, trying to save what they can.

"There's not much that isn't threatening koalas at the moment," said Mitchell, who has owned and run the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park the last seven years.

In terms of human fatalities, Australia's blazes this year have been less severe than some previous bush fires, with roughly 27 people killed this season compared with 75 during the nation's 1983 "Ash Wednesday" inferno. But the impact on wildlife this year has been far more devastating.

Scientists estimate that, so far in Australia, fires have killed from hundreds of millions to more than 1 billion native animals. The toll illustrates that, while humans can adapt somewhat to intensifying fires - through better emergency planning, more fire crews and "home hardening" - delicate ecosystems are far more vulnerable.

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"Most Australian landscapes are in tune with small-scale summer fires, but not the fires of the proportion and intensity that we are observing now," said Katja Hogendoorn, a professor at the University of Adelaide's school of agriculture, food and wine.

"These incomprehensibly large and devastating fires are caused by a combination of lower rainfall and higher temperatures, both consequences of climate change, and here to stay and worsen, unless drastic action is undertaken worldwide," she added. "As the driest and hottest continent, Australia is at the forefront of this environmental disaster."

Accurate numbers on animal losses are hard to come by as the disaster continues to unfold, with some fire officials saying blazes will continue to burn into March. But already the damage to natural heritage has become clear. The endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart, a mouselike marsupial, relies on low-lying vegetation for protection from birds. That largely is gone, as is most of the home of the glossy black cockatoo. Much of the landscape is black and smoldering.

"We're not sure if they'll be able to come back. It might be the breaking point for them," said Michaela Haska, the wildlife park's head keeper, speaking of the splashy colored cockatoos. Males are blackish brown, with red tail bands; females are dark brownish with some yellow spotting.

On Kangaroo Island, Mitchell's 50-acre property is surrounded by burn scars but was miraculously untouched by the blazes, and skies that had been choked for days with smoke were clear on Monday. For weeks, the wildlife park has become a refuge for animals rescued by volunteers and passers-by.

The carcasses of animals litter the shoulders of the roads that run across the island's rugged landscape. Most are dead, and others are in such bad shape they uncharacteristically move toward humans, either unable to see or starved and disoriented.

At the park, there's a pop-up tent where crews tend to medical equipment including IV drip bags, bandages, gauze and saucers filled with iodine. Nearby are laundry baskets where koalas are nestled, their burned paws wrapped and bandaged.

Three weeks ago, the scene at the park Mitchell and his wife, Dana, own was much different. Their low-slung ranch-style home had a small setup of cages and pens in the back for about 20 koalas and other animals, which was enough to treat an irregular stream of ailing wildlife while they could continue to operate their park, cafe and other attractions for tourists.

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But then the fires came. Two grew moderately out of lightning strikes on Dec. 20 and were on their way to being controlled when a third lightning strike on Dec. 30 created a monster blaze. Within five days, it consumed about a third of the island and, according to Mitchell, about 80% of the koala's island habitat.

The fire has destroyed 65 homes here, some of them during a single night last week when winds carried embers over firefighters and overwhelmed their defenses.

A father and son trapped in their car were killed along a main highway and laid to rest this week. Firefighters on other fronts that night had to make difficult choices of which homes to save and which to abandon.

"It makes it hard, because you got locals there that want you to help them but realistically, in the end, my crews lives are in danger and I've got to protect them from something that we might not come out of," said Gary Jenkins, a volunteer firefighter who battled the flames. "It was probably one of the worst things I have been through."

Some are calling the Australia fires an animal apocalypse, a preview of what could happen in California as fires intensify and burn hotter, as they are expected to do under many climate change scenarios.

That prospect concerns many fire ecologists, who long preached that California and other Western states have a long fire history, with flora and fauna adapted to survive - and even thrive after - seasonal fires.

"We have a saying that pyro-diversity begets eco-diversity," said Dominick DellaSala, chief scientist with the Ashland, Ore.-based Geos Institute, who has studied forest fire ecology extensively in the western United States.

But the recent super-hot fires in California, and the widespread wildlife deaths in Australia, have some scientists questioning if these unnaturally intense blazes pose a threat to the conventional wisdom, at least in Australia.

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Derek Lee, principal scientist with the Wild Nature Institute and a researcher at Penn State University, said he is skeptical of the "1 billion" animals killed in the fires, but he acknowledges that something in Australia is out of whack. Others say there is a long history of wildlife dying in fires in California, but the impact has gotten little attention until now.

Robert Fisher, a California-based supervisory scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey, said that wildlife often die in big blazes, but those losses are overshadowed, or not reported, because of the threat to the human population.

In the 2009 Station fire in Los Angeles, he said, "I saw thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dead animals ... deer, fish, turtles."

Fisher couldn't explain why there's been so little focus on the animal carnage in American fires. He speculated the cause has something to do with the past loss of iconic creatures in the United States, which no longer has the equivalent of koalas, emus and kangaroos.

"We already wiped out the buffalo and grizzlies. Can you imagine if thousands of grizzlies were burned? People would be going crazy," he said.

At the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, the koala rescued by Mitchell had been spotted by homeowners a day earlier.

They lost track of him but then spotted the creature. They immediately messaged the park team on Facebook, and within minutes the team had alerted Mitchell, "We got another one."

Mitchell said the rescue belies the fate of many other creatures have perished without notice. Visitors, he said, might drive around and think a few koalas have survived.

"They're going to die of starvation. There's a lot of koalas that are sitting in trees that they wouldn't be normally sitting in," he said.

"People think they're OK, but they're not going to be in another week's time."

---

(c)2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
HOLYOKE  The Ordinance Committee has recommended granting a special permit to Holyoke 420 to operate a recreational marijuana retail establishment at 380 Dwight St.

All cannabis applicants must gain local approval before the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission grants an operating license.

Holyoke 420 plans to open Holyoke Cannabis at the Dwight Street location. The committee held a public hearing on Holyoke 420s special permit application.

City Councilor Rebecca Lisi, the Ordinance Committees new chair, opened the hearing. Councilors Linda Vacon, Terence Murphy and Juan Anderson-Burgos joined Lisi.

Attorney Blake Mensing, the co-owner of Holyoke 420, said he assists cannabis companies through the local permitting and state licensing processes. I hope that is indicative of the commitment to compliance that we have, he told the committee.

Mensing said the company proposes to open a 1,900 square-foot store, with 800 square-feet dedicated to customer space. The store would have five-points of sale and obey city security ordinances.

The Holyoke Police Department signs-off on security plans, which included Holyoke 420s application.

Mensing explained to Lisi the business would only serve customers directly and not engage in non-retail sales. Customers 21 years and older would present a valid identification upon entering the store and while making the purchase.

There will be multiple layers of age verification. But there will be no wholesale sales done from the premises, Mensing said.

While Holyoke Cannabis will not grow marijuana on-premises, Mensing said he and his partners are independently pursuing growing licenses.

Mensing expects a few hundred customer transactions daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. operating hours. Were also hoping to benefit from some of the public transport options in close proximity to the train station, a couple of bus stops, he said.

The proposed store is also near the Ernest Proulx Municipal Parking Facility on Dwight Street. Mensing said the lease entitles Holyoke Cannabis to 8 parking spaces with the option to secure 12 more spots.

Mensing expects the company would hire 20 employees spread out over several shifts. We intend to have a Spanish-speaking staff member on the floor at every shift, obviously in recognition of the population here, he said.

Mensing added that the company would prepare for an initial crush of customers in the stores opening days. If the customer volume remained high, he would speak with the Holyoke Police Department about hiring traffic details.

Were very sensitive in not being a congestive force in terms of drawing people in, Mensing said. The company would require its employees to park at the garage.

Terrence Bernard, one of the owners of 380 Dwight St., said tenant Canna Provisions is repaving the parking lot, which should be completed in April. Canna removed a small building on the property.

Lisi said the applicant must submit a traffic mitigation plan to the City Engineer 45 days in advance of retail sales. Mensing said the company turned in the traffic plan before Tuesdays hearing.

Mensing said the security plan requires Holyoke Cannabis to hire an armed guard. The company would hire a private security firm. He felt uncomfortable by using an armed guard in the store.

You have to be one of the worlds most foolish criminals to attack one of these stores. Therere cameras every square inch, Mensing said. Thats not to say someone couldnt try, but thats the police departments acknowledge about that potential risk.

Ward 3 Councilor David Bartley said he could not recall any cannabis applicant required to hire armed security. He was taken aback by the requirement. Again, the Holyoke Police Department approves all security plans.

I dont know the rational other than they (HPD) told us, and we said sure, Mensing said.

The special permit contains the following additional conditions:

Holyoke 420 must submit a traffic mitigation plan to the City of Holyoke, screen an on-site dumpster, pay and remain up-to-date on all local, state, and federal taxes and hire 30% of residents in nonsecurity jobs.

Also, hiring preference to be given to retired Holyoke police officers and retired officers outside the city for security positions. Marijuana consumption on the premises is not allowed, and there will be no residential or individual marijuana deliveries.
Today, yet another airline announced that it will fly away from Oakland International Airport: JetBlue. As the low-fare aviation darling struggles to remain profitable competing in a world filled with monolithic major carriers, it announced a series of cutbacks to California flights today.

In a statement, the carrier said, "Effective April 29, 2020, JetBlue will end service at Oakland International Airport (OAK) where it currently serves New York-JFK, Boston and Long Beach. JetBlue will continue to serve Bay Area travelers from airports in San Francisco and San Jose. In addition, JetBlue will reduce or eliminate flights on a half dozen short-haul routes in Long Beach as well as additional flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando."

The cuts will be especially painful for Oakland International, which has seen a rash of recent retrenchments, primarily from international airlines such as Norwegian Air, British Airways and Level.

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Without JetBlue, Oakland will no longer offer nonstop service to the New York City area, the country's largest air travel market. Southwest will be the only carrier offering nonstops between Oakland and Long Beach. JetBlue will also cut its nonstops from Long Beach to both Sacramento and San Jose.

Why the cutbacks? In a press release announcing new service between New York-JFK and Guatemala City, Bozeman and Nashville, the carrier said the cuts were made "to enable the new city, multi-route expansions and frequency additions," as it redeploys aircraft by "adding flights on some existing routes and reducing flights on others that are not meeting expectations."

RELATED: Oakland lands new nonstop to South Florida airport

JetBlue is one of many airlines, namely Alaska Air, having trouble competing in the hyper-competitive intra-California market.

There's no word yet on how this reduction might affect JSX, a JetBlue partner which operates out of a private terminal at Oakland International.

When asked about an end date for the new seasonal service, a Spirit spokesperson said, "September 8, but there is always potential for extension or year-round depending on success of the route."

Perhaps JetBlue's exit could pave the way for United to jump back into the Oakland market, a move the Chicago-based carrier has been mulling over in recent years. A nonstop from Oakland to Newark or other United hubs could help fill some big gaps in Oakland service.

In a 2019 one-on-one interview with United's new CEO Scott Kirby (then United's president), he said, "Oakland is on our list. I'm not sure when we are going to add it, but we are going to get back into the East Bay. We have not decided the timing yet, but we are absolutely planning to get back into Oakland."United stopped flying between Oakland and Denver in 2012 withending a 75-year run with flights to multiple destinations.

Update: In a statement about the loss of JetBlue, Oakland's director of Aviation Bryant Francis said, "JetBlue Airways has been an important part of the OAK airport family for 20 years, so clearly todays news is disappointing. The fact that several of JetBlues local team members have been onboard for most of this time speaks volumes to the type of employer it is. ... While we understand the fluidity of our industry, we remain grateful for the opportunity to have served as the airlines initial Bay Area base. "

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Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for the last time in Birmingham in 1967.

The two Jefferson County deputies who arrested him have both died since 2016, but both recounted their memories of the day of the famous arrest.

Former Jefferson County Commissioner David Orange, who was assistant sheriff when he arrested King, died on Jan. 19, 2016. He was 85.

Retired Captain Dan Jordan, who found out when he arrested King that they were born on the same day, died on Feb. 1, 2019. He was 90. Jordan did an interview with The Birmingham News in 2016 in which recalled when he and Orange arrested King.

Orange wrote a memoir, From Segregation to Civil Rights and Beyond: A Story of the Southland, that recounted the arrest of King.

Orange wrote that he and Jordan went to Atlanta and boarded a plane carrying King and his associates to Birmingham in October 1967. They were sitting a few rows behind King, planning to lay low until the airplane landed, but the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth recognized them.

Come here, Dr. King, I want to introduce you to the men who are going to arrest you when you get to Birmingham, Shuttlesworth told King as he walked down the aisle of the airplane. Shuttlesworth then introduced King to Orange and Jordan, and they flew on to Birmingham, where the airport is now named after Shuttlesworth because of his pioneering civil rights activism in the city.

No handcuffs

As soon as he got off the plane, we arrested him, Jordan recalled in the 2016 interview. Jordan said he and Orange never put handcuffs on King.

Orange and Jordan arrested King and four others at the Birmingham airport as they exited the plane. To avoid a crowd gathered at the county courthouse in downtown Birmingham, Orange and Jordan took King to the county jail in Bessemer.

He was in the back seat, Jordan said. We knew he was a great man. We knew we werent dealing with a crackpot. He was already famous.

King had years earlier been arrested for parading without a permit and was convicted in Birmingham City Court and sentenced to five days in jail. The case was appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the conviction. King knew that if he entered Alabama again, he could be arrested and jailed. He announced in Atlanta that he would return to Birmingham and surrender. It would be the last of 29 times he was arrested on misdemeanor charges for his civil rights activism.

Jefferson County Sheriff Mel Bailey, who was in office from 1963-96 and was considered much more moderate than the notorious former Birmingham Public Safety Commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor, wanted to avoid a possible riot when King turned himself in.

King became worried when he saw the cruiser pass downtown Birmingham. "I truly believe that Dr. King thought that we were going to do something dreadful to him and say that he had tried to escape," Orange wrote. "We quickly allayed his fears when we told him that he would be placed in the county jail in Bessemer. He did not like the idea, but he was in no position to argue the point."

Shared birth date

Jordan, who was a lieutenant at the time, said that when they booked King at the Bessemer jail, he noticed that he and King were born on the same day, Jan. 15, 1929. They talked about the coincidence.

When they were writing down Kings name, I suddenly realized we were born on the same day, Jordan said. I told him about our being born the same time.

King and his brother, the Rev. A.D. King, were booked into the jail in Bessemer on Oct. 30, 1967.

They stayed about eight hours in that Bessemer jail, Jordan recalled.

The next day, Orange and Jordan took King and his brother to the county jail in downtown Birmingham and had a pleasant chat on the way, Jordan recalled.

I heard Dr. King talking to the officer in charge, Jordan said. He said, Are you aware that they sent me from Birmingham to Bessemer? Ive got to take my medicine. I left my medicine down in Bessemer. Go and get that medicine. Sheriff Bailey said, Were going to shorten this down. Its not going to be five days. I believe they cut it down to three days.

Jordan recalled that King was on the fifth floor of the jail.

Sheriff feared assassin

"Sheriff Bailey told news reporters that Dr. King had been taken to Bessemer because we feared that there might be an assassin in the crowd at the Birmingham courthouse and the change was to protect the life of Dr. King," Orange wrote. King was assassinated about six months later, on April 4, 1968, in Memphis.

The Jefferson County Commission this year announced plans to preserve the jail spaces in both the Birmingham and Bessemer courthouses where King was held.

On Jan. 9, the commission approved a resolution to preserve and memorialize the remaining jail cell from the old Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, located on the seventh floor of what is now the Jefferson County Courthouse.

The three days King spent in the Birmingham lockup in 1967 are believed to be the last time he was jailed before his assassination.

Saving old jail cells

The commissions resolution is the first step toward eventually creating a memorial and interpretive display in the seventh-floor jail area at the courthouse.

Its not known exactly where in the old jail King was held. The county converted most of the seventh floor to storage and HVAC infrastructure in the 1990s, but left a small area with two adjoining pale green cells, an isolation chamber and some equipment.

As the first African-American sheriff to be elected to represent Jefferson County, it is very important to my administration to memorialize the work of Dr. King and other Civil Rights activists, Sheriff Mark Pettway said.

Pettway keeps in his office the framed page from the Jefferson County Jail docket book that indicates King and his brother A.D. were booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Oct. 30, 1967.

I want to educate citizens about the countys history, Pettway said. I want the general public to better understand what the movement provided for all of us and not just a few.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

The most famous time King was arrested was in 1963, when he spent eight days in a Birmingham City Jail cell and wrote the Letter from Birmingham Jail, addressed to white moderate clergy who had asked him to delay demonstrations against city segregation until Birmingham could implement its new mayor-council form of government.

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will, King wrote. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.
Last week, the Mississippi Supreme Court upheld Willie Nashs sentence: 12 years for possession.

Of a cellphone.

Read it twice, if you want. It wont make any more sense the second time around.

Nash, it should go without saying, is African American. And his victimization by Mississippi justice lends a certain pungent perspective to an event that occurred simultaneously.

Meaning the wide-screen release of Just Mercy, the film adaptation of attorney Bryan Stevensons book by the same name. In it, Stevenson fights to free Walter McMillian, an African-American man who spent six years on Alabamas Death Row for the murder of a young white woman, convicted solely on the coerced testimony of a white jailhouse snitch whose story was so far-fetched to the point of being comical. Never mind that well over a dozen black witnesses placed McMillian miles away at the time of the crime.

If your temptation is to say that that was awful, but it happened 30 years ago and things have changed since then, well, tell it to Willie Nash. Hes a husband and father who, while confined to the Newton County Jail on a misdemeanor, passed his smartphone to a guard asking for some juice, i.e., a charge. The guard confiscated the device. It turned out that Nash, obviously unbeknownst to him, was not allowed to have it in jail. Whoever searched him had apparently missed it.

For this, in 2018, Nash was sentenced to 12 years. Now the Mississippi Supreme Court, while conceding the sentence is obviously harsh, claim it is not grossly disproportionate.

For what its worth, that bizarre ruling came just days after federal prosecutors recommended former national security adviser Michael Flynn get six months (they had previously asked for probation) for lying to the FBI in a federal investigation.

So ... six months for lying to the feds. Twelve years for having a cellphone. Of course, Flynn, it should go without saying, is not black. As numerous studies attest, American justice treats black people more harshly. Richard Pryor famously said that courts give black folks time like its lunch ... You go down there looking for justice, thats what you find: just us.

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery By Another Name, Douglas Blackmon recounts how, after the Civil War, law enforcement was pressed into service as a surrogate for slavery, which had theoretically ended.

Black men were systematically arrested on ludicrous, trumped-up charges, then leased to de facto owners who forced them to work under conditions worse than slavery. For black people, the justice system came to be  and remains  less about justice than about the control of a despised population.

So Willie Nash is no aberration.

No, he is the latest victim of a just us system that promiscuously discards black life, a three-card-monte , thumb-on-the-scale, ace-up-the-sleeve shell game of a system where justice evades and eludes, but the chance of going away for years for nothing lies ever in wait like explosives in a minefield.

It wears you out, living in a minefield. Twelve years? For a cellphone? Seriously?

If that seems insane to you, there are petitions seeking a pardon or clemency for Nash at Change.org for you to sign. For those who prefer the more direct approach, the phone number for incoming Gov. Tate Reeves is 601-359-3150.

Tell them what Fannie Lou Hamer said about getting sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Tell them to send Willie Nash home to his family.

And tell them its past time for slavery, in all its permutations, to end.

Let my people go.

Leonard Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Herald. Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@miamiherald.com.

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Angela Merkel has said that Brexit is a wake-up call for the EU and Europe will need to start doing things differently.

In an interview with the Financial Times two weeks before Britain leaves, Germanys chancellor said the bloc needed to up its game to compete.

She said that the EU must become more attractive, innovative, creative, a good place for research and education... Competition can then be very productive.

Ms Merkel has previously said little about Brexit. Last year, she broke her silence to say that Britain would be a potential competitor to the EU after it left.

In the interview, she defended the principles of the European project and issued a veiled warning that the UK could suffer from diminished influence outside the union.

I see the European Union as our life insurance, she said.

Germany is far too small to exert geopolitical influence on its own, and thats why we need to make use of all the benefits of the single market.

Ms Merkel argued that international institutions such as the EU were essentially a lesson learnt from the Second World War, and the preceding decades, the memory of which is fading.

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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

Germanys leader since 2005 and a contemporary of Tony Blair, Ms Merkel is serving what she has said will be her last term as chancellor.

Having already stepped down as leader of the centre-right CDU party to make way for a successor, she has said she will not contest the next Bundestag elections, which are scheduled for 2021.
An Alabama man faces charges of making terrorist threats in connection to an incident at a childrens clothing store.

Kevin Andy Pangle, 23, of Centre was arrested by Fort Payne Police on Jan. 14. The arrest stems from an Oct. 15, 2019 incident when a note was found inside The Childrens Place stating that a bomb would go off and blow everyone up inside the business.

According to Police Chief Randy Bynum, handwriting samples were collected at the store and Pangle was identified as the lead suspect.

Pangle is being held at the DeKalb County Detention Center on $7,500 bond.
[January 16, 2020] GCC Nations Need to Strengthen Investor Protection and Financial Transparency to Attract More Investment, Milken Institute Report Finds

As Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations ramp up efforts to attract investment and diversify their economies, member states lag in critical areas that handicap their progress, according to the 2020 Milken Institute Global Opportunity Index. The Global Opportunity Index (GOI), published annually by the Milken Institute, considers economic and financial factors that influence foreign investment activities, as well as business, legal, and regulatory policies that governments use to drive investment. It is a pivotal year for the GCC. Saudi Arabia assumes the presidency of the G20 and Dubai hosts Expo 2020, highlighting the region's growing economic development. Claude Lopez, Ph.D., and Joseph Bendix, authors of the report, examined regional trends and data that compare GCC nations to upper-middle-income countries. They found that GCC countries rank favorably in several areas, including the cost of opening a business, the burden of labor regulation and taxes, the age and health of the working population, among others. However, serious deficiencies exist in policies that offer protection for investors-including the recovery and resolution process-and transparency regarding the quality and quantity of information available. The authors studied the data in the context of public efforts by GCC countries to adopt economic plans addressing barriers to future development, such as Saudi Vision 2030 or Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. "The over-arching goal of these national plans is to diversify the economy away frm oil by modernizing the legislative framework and enhancing the business environment of the region," the authors write, noting, "The credibility of these economic roadmaps, especially in the eyes of international investors, lies in their implementation."



Rank of GCC countries in the 2020 Global Opportunity Index United Arab Emirates (26 overall) Qatar (38) Bahrain (42) Oman (53) Kuwait (58) Saudi Arabia (66) The GOI assesses 146 countries in five categories, including 1) Business Perception; 2) Financial Services; 3) Institutional Framework; 4) Economic Fundamentals; and 5) International Standards and Policy.

In their analysis, the authors note significant progress made to date and the growing prominence of GCC countries among investors. For example, they point to the inclusion of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in the main emerging market indices. "This trend will help spotlight the region to global investors and funds," they write. "However, the inclusion in these global indices means extra scrutiny from investors and new challenges  especially information disclosure. The delays in Aramco's IPO illustrate the importance of these components when dealing with international investors." Dr. Lopez is available for interviews on these and other topics related to international economics. She may be contacted directly at [email protected] These issues will also be discussed at the upcoming Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, set for February 11-12, 2020, in Abu Dhabi. The complete Global Opportunity Index, along with the report, Global Opportunity Index 2020: Focus on the GCC Countries, is available online at http://globalopportunityindex.org About the Milken Institute The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank determined to increase global prosperity by advancing collaborative solutions that widen access to capital, create jobs, and improve health. We do this through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented meetings, and realistic policy initiatives. For more information, visit www.milkeninstitute.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005252/en/

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Actor Shefali Jariwala, who is currently on the ongoing reality show Bigg Boss 13, had a visitor recently on the show. Her husband and actor Parag Tyagi entered the house and went on to threaten Asim Riaz.

In a promotional video doing rounds online, Parag is seen entering the house. Watching him coming towards her, Shefali gives up her chance to win captaincy during an ongoing task to meet him. However, after exchanging initial greetings, he tells her that he needs to talk to Asim. Aap Himanshi ko do hafte se jante the. Kisi ne onchi awaz me baat kari to aap kud pade. Mere saath 10 saal se hai Shefali, mai use 10 saal se pyar karta hu. Koi use kuch kare mai faad dunga. (You knew Himanshi since two weeks but whenever someone spoke loudly to her, you used to jump on him. Shefali is with me since 10 years, I love her since 10 years. If anyone does anything with her, I will kill him). He greeted Paras Chhabra with a hug. While Paras is an old friend of Parag, Asim is a new acquaintance for both.

Also read: Kalki Koechlin on being friends with ex-husband Anurag Kashyap: You can love a person and not be able to live with them

Parag Tyagi Ne Di Asim Ko Dhamki pic.twitter.com/guR4bACnba  Bigg Boss Fever (@BiggBossFever) January 15, 2020

Fans were upset that Parag chose to target Asim when even Paras did not respect his wife, Shefali. You are nothing #paragtyagi till yesterday, who used to abuse your wife and you, you are embracing her #AsimRiaz a lion dont underestimate him, Keep away Good for you, one fan wrote.

You are nothing #paragtyagi till yesterday, who used to abuse your wife and you, you are embracing her#AsimRiaz a lion dont underestimate him,

Keep away Good for you. https://t.co/1ytb3Wy92O  Asim_Friends_Squad (Danish)  (@Danishwish) January 15, 2020

Another one wrote, #paragtyagi flipper jst like his wife......the man who said vulgar things about her wife get respect from him and the man who jst dnt want to talk with her wife get a threat...waah parag bhai waah.... Itni body show off ka liya ...mard khn sa hue app.

#paragtyagi u r totally you wrong. Asim hadnt told anything to ur wife its she that want to talk with him, another Asim fan tweeted.

Inside the house, both Paras and Asim initially shared a friendly bond with Shefali. However, her growing closeness and friendship with Asim irked Paras who even mocked her relationship and loyalty in her marriage. Later, Asim and Shefali also fell apart when the former felt that she was faking her friendships.

Bigg Boss had introduced the captaincy task titled Jaadugarni Ki Pariksha on Wednesdays episode. Shehnaaz Gill, Mahira Sharma, Shefali and Arti Singh were locked in a set-up of a haunted forest. Temptations, in form of family members, entered the house and if the contestants went ahead to meet them, they would be out from the captaincy race. Artis brother Krushna Abhishek was seen entering the house with his twin sons on Wednesdays episode.

Shehnaazs father will also be seen visiting her when he will ask her to stay away from Sidharth Shukla. Mahira Sharmas mother will also enter the house and ask Paras to avoid kissing her.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
In this Monday Nov. 27, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle pose for photographers during a photocall in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London. The British royal family is wrestling with the future roles of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan. Read more

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were stepping back from their duties as senior royals, it triggered a number of interesting reactions on this side of the pond.

Some Americans lifted their noses in the air and said, We fought a revolution not to have to pay attention to these people. Not interested. (Of course, these were the same folks who kept commenting on social media about how not interested they were when no one asked for their opinion in the first place.)

Some people argued whether Harry was a henpecked husband who should not let his commoner wife drive a wedge between him and the rest of the Windsors, while others took Meghans side and argued that she had been unfairly treated by those stuffy old Brits and had every right to pen her own Declaration of Independence.

But there was one reaction which troubled me, because it was both predictable, and designed to put people on the defensive: calling all critics of the Duchess racist.

There is no denying that the British press can be cruel to members of the royal family. Remember when they called Fergie the Duchess of Pork and ridiculed the looks of Camilla Parker Bowles? And of course many people, including Prince Harry, blame the press for having essentially hounded Princess Diana, literally, to death.

While they havent gone to that tragic extent with Meghan, they have been very harsh, making unfavorable comparisons with Kate Middleton and essentially nit-picking every aspect of her life.

And there have been some clear incidents of racism, especially when a BBC journalist likened Harry and Meghans new baby Archie to an ape. That should not be tolerated.

But it is possible to criticize Meghan Markle without being racist. The fact that I dont like Meghan Markle has nothing to do with her skin color. It has to do, as someone once said, with the content of her character.

Meghan has shown a capacity for mean-spiritedness in cutting off communication with family, simply because they embarrassed her. Her treatment of her father, with whom she is voluntarily estranged, is particularly cruel.

And certainly, her decision to step back from royal life after such a short time raises questions about gratitude. After all, the Royal Family threw her an amazing wedding (with public money), renovated her exquisite home (with public money), sent her on two fabulous world tours (with public money), and showered her with praise whenever she appeared at public outings.

In fact, it is this public generosity that is at the root of another Meghan criticism. Her unprecedented insistence on privacy is something that the British do not expect from their royals. Unlike Diana, Fergie, Kate, and pretty much every other royal mother, Meghan refused to be photographed coming out of the hospital with Baby Archie. Its not like the Brits paid for the baby, but they did have an expectation of seeing him.

As a society, we cannot get to the point where criticizing someone who happens to be black or another minority is viewed as being all about race.

Meghan Markle is a world leader and a public figure. While that doesnt take away her right to any privacy, it also does not exempt her from criticism. Dismissing genuine critiques about her is unfair because it both silences legitimate criticism of a persons character while, at the same time, diminishes the impact of real racism.
As Sri Lanka tightens norms on Madrasas, why it is time to take a look at the ones in India

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa ordered the Muslim Religious Affairs Department to register all Madrasas with the department. He also instructed officials to re-evaluate the curricula of all Madrasas and prepare an updated curriculum.

The problem relating to the un-registered Madrasas in India has been spoken about for long. Even in the recent spate of arrests relating to the Islamic State case in South India, it was found that a few members had taken shelter in a Madrasa.

The biggest problem pointed out to by the security agencies that there are several Madrasas in India that are unregistered. Some have a radical approach and this could well end up becoming radicalising centres.

Shut madrasas to check ISIS influence on Muslim children: UP Shia board chief writes to Modi

Last year the Shia Waqf Board chairman, Waseem Rizvi wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to shut down primary level Madrasas in order to check the influence of Islamic State on Muslim children.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

He suggested that children be allowed to take admissions into Madrasas only after they complete their high school. It can be seen that children are soft targets for running any mission and at this point of time ISIS is a dangerous terror organisation which is gradually getting hold over the Muslim population across the world. If Madrasas are not shut down, about half of the country's population will become supporters of the ISIS ideology in 15 years' time," Rizvi said in the letter.

In 2016, at a school in Mallapuram, some of the students had approached their headmaster and sought for a change of their biology teacher. They clearly told the headmaster, that they would not take lessons from a woman.

In another incident, a 14-year-old boy in Kerala returned home and told his parents that he would no go to school as he did not want to mix with students of other faiths.

Intelligence Bureau officials, who have been tracking the growth of Salafi faith in Kerala, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and other states tell OneIndia that outfits which subscribe to the ISIS ideology have been targeting children at a very young age. These children are more vulnerable and tend to pick up the ideology, without even questioning it.

Pakistan to bring 30,000 madrasas under government control

Officials say that there is a deadly cocktail of the Wahhabi school of thought and online Islam, which is being used to drive across the agenda among children. The moderate Muslims have shunned this, but the problem lies with the youth, who are being told to follow Online Islam, which only preaches a radical school of thought.

India is facing a problem of plenty when it comes to radicalisation. The Saudi-ISIS influence is big and has worked for them in select states. The problem does not stem from Saudi Arabia alone.

In 2014, India had flagged concerns about the activities of the madrasas along the Indo-Nepal border.

It was pointed out that these Pakistan funded madrasas were carrying out anti-India propaganda and were providing safe haven to terrorists who were trying to sneak into India. India also did not rule out the possibility of inter-lineages between these madrasas and a number of Mandarin learning centres along the India-Nepal Terai belt.

The Lashkar-e-Tayiba module:

Last year, the National Investigation Agency busted a module of the Falah-i-Insaniyat, which was pumping in money into India. It was found that the money was being sent in the name of Muslim welfare, but in reality, it was a defence fund to be used to carry out terror activities. Several religious leaders came under the scanner and it was found that the money was being used to fund madrasas as well, in a bid to radicalise youth and children.

The NIA also last month busted a module, which was ISIS-inspired in Delhi and UP. Several persons arrested were religious teachers of various madrasas. The NIA said that they were plotting a major attack ahead of Republic Day. However, the scanner on the madrasas came right back as many of those arrested were part of it.

In July 2018, the NIA arrested one Abdus Sami, a madrasa owner from Seelampur in Uttar Pradesh.

Kerala: Madrasa teacher arrested for sexually abusing several minors

Adbus Sami had been delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches in the support of 'Caliphate', NIA officials said. He had launched a few websites wherein his speeches have been uploaded. Abdus Sami has been allegedly instigating and motivating youth for anti-national activities and has visited various parts of the country in order to deliver his 'Takreer and Bayaan' (speech and statement), the NIA officials said.

He ran a trust and madrassas and some of his financial transactions in this connection had allegedly been found to be of suspicious nature.

The network:

NIA officials say that in recent times, they have come across several such cases, where the funding had been enhanced for madrasas. The source of the funding has been the bigger concern. Either it is coming from Wahhabi groups in Saudi Arabia or through the FIF in Pakistan.

NIA officials say that Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief, Hafiz Saeed, through his financial wing, FIF was trying to establish a network in the Delhi-NCR region and in a bid to achieve this he was funding several madrasas as well. It was found that the funds were reaching madrasas in the Mewat, Haryana, where hate would be taught to the students. A set of teachers had been arranged, who through their sermons would misguide the students.

Investigators learnt that the funds were sent in not only to fund the madrasas but also to transport it to other states to carry out terror-related activities. The intention is to radicalise as many youth and children as possible and get them prepared for anti-India activities over the years.

Rizvi had pointed out in his letter to the PM that the support to the ISIS is clearly visible in Kashmir where children are being alienated from people of other religion in the name of Islamic education.

"In rural areas of the country too, primary Madrasas in the name of donations are harming the future of our children and promoting fundamentalist thinking... this is damaging both the country and Muslim children," he said.
Due to the fact that privately-owned vehicles all over the world are becoming more affordable, a problem often arises in large cities - vehicles cannot move freely. Scientists have been searching for a solution to this problem for a long time. Since the late 1950s, the theory of traffic flows has turned into a separate branch of applied mathematics. It is in recent decades that the relevance of such studies has grown several times.

'In Russia, transport engineers historically take on the problem of traffic management,' said Alexander Krylatov. 'At the same time, they specialise more in solutions related to design changes of particular sections of the network. They do not have competencies in the field of system-related increases in traffic performance. With ever-increasing traffic flows, even if engineers manage to achieve local improvements, after a while the flows rearrange and the same traffic jams appear in other places.'

'With ever-increasing traffic flows, even if engineers manage to achieve local improvements, after a while the flows rearrange and the same traffic jams appear in other places.' Alexander Krylatov, Professor at the Department of Mathematical Modelling of Energy Systems at St Petersburg University, Doctor of Physics and Mathematics

Alexander Krylatov together with Victor Zakharov, Professor at the Department of Mathematical Modelling of Energy Systems at St Petersburg University and Doctor of Physics and Mathematics, have written a monograph. It presents new mathematical approaches to traffic optimisation, as well as possible ways to implement them. The mathematicians' monograph was published by Springer, an international publishing house.

The principles that the scientists recommend using as guidelines were formulated in 1952 by John Glen Wardrop, an English mathematician and transport analyst. The first of them - the principle of equilibrium - is a mathematical construct that makes it possible to simulate systems, in particular traffic, assuming that each driver pursues only their personal goals. That is why the models created with its help are based on the fact that behind any changes in traffic flows there should be the selfish behaviour of car owners.

The second principle - the Wardrop system optimal - states that there is the possibility of directive management of all vehicles. However, the authors of the monograph give specific importance to the first principle. They believe that the drivers' behaviour can be influenced indirectly - through a change in road infrastructure. Mathematical models make it possible to predict how this will change traffic on each local section of the network.

The authors note that the drivers' navigation systems have a great influence on traffic flow management. In their opinion, the most effective situation will emerge if all drivers use the same system and receive information on suitable routes from a single centre. Otherwise, if one of the major navigators announces without warning that it will redirect its users so that the traffic situation in the city improves and the other navigators do not support it, the changes will still remain at the local level - the system will readjust and the problem will not be solved.

Traffic optimisation is also possible using roadway widening or narrowing, which is especially important in cities with an already existing network. In such cases, it is often impossible to extend the road from one intersection to another one. Moreover, the construction of road junctions is not always efficient.

Where the road is difficult to physically widen, it is efficient to use other methods such as a ban on parking throughout the route. Additionally, science can help create dedicated lanes for electric transport if the city administration wants to motivate drivers to switch to green cars. It is possible to create separate special routes for them and it will be much easier to get around using them.

'Every year, a considerable budget is allocated for improving roads. The mathematical theory of traffic assignment suggests a set of solutions for the efficient management of these funds,' the scientist said. 'The mathematical approach in this case is superior to the engineering and economic one. It makes it possible to analyse the entire transport network, with respect to the complex laws of the mutual influence of its individual elements on each other. We have done a lot of work in the field of simulating traffic flows and networks. Now we want to pass on to the stage of putting our ideas into practice.'

One of the ways to use mathematical models can be the development of digital twins of transport systems based on these models. These simulations, implemented in the form of software applications, will become an extremely useful thought tool in the hands of transport engineers.

'By building digital twins of the transport system and using them to optimise flows, it will be possible to achieve a balance between the demand for using the system and the infrastructure capabilities. It is unlikely that this can be done without economic digitalisation,' added Victor Zakharov.

###
Lim Tae-hoon, director of the Centre for Military Human Rights Korea (CMHRK) speaks during a press conference, Thursday, at the center headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Lim called on the military to allow "transgender" officers to continue their military service after receving sex change operations. Yonhap





By Jung Da-min







The Republic of Korea Army is planning to review whether they will discharge an Army officer who received a sex change operation to become a woman.







The officer, whose identity was withheld, was diagnosed with gender dysphoria at a military hospital in June last year. The officer informed their unit of their intention to receive the operation, and after getting permission for temporary leave, underwent the operation in Thailand in December, according to the Centre for Military Human Rights Korea (CMHRK), Thursday.







After returning to the unit in northern Gyeonggi Province, the officer took a medical test at the hospital, which diagnosed them with a class-three mental and physical disorder. According to military law, those with class-one to class-seven disorders are to be discharged from the military. Before the officer went on leave, the hospital gave notice that there would be a possibility of not being able to continue military service.







According to Army officials, the officer expressed hope of being able to keep serving in the military as a female officer. The Army will soon determine if the officer should be discharged.







According to military law, there are no specific regulations for those who receive sex change operations after joining the military. The Army said the issue of whether to keep such people in the military should be discussed at a legislative level as it requires a national consensus.







The CMHRK expressed full support for the "first transgender officer."







The center called on the Army to keep the officer in the military, saying not only the officer but also the officer's unit wants them to continue to serve in the military. The officer has asked a local court to allow a gender change from male to female on their family registration, it said.







"Transgender people are allowed to serve in the military in the United States," Lim Tae-hoon, director of the CMHRK, said in a press conference. "There are quite a few officers in the South Korean military who consult with hospitals or relevant organizations to have gender reassignment surgery."







The CMHRK also launched a fundraising effort to cover expenses for the officer's legal consultation and possible legal battle.


Two-fifths of the respondents to a survey about the encryption law passed by the Coalition Government last year say they have lost sales or other commercial opportunities as a result of the law being in place.

The survey, carried out by the public policy and business innovation website InnovationAus in collaboration with the telecommunications lobby group Communications Alliance, the IT industry lobby group ITPA and StartupAUS, also found that 61% of the respondents had been advised of concerns around the bill by either domestic or international customers.

Conducted from 5 December to 12 December, the survey received input from a total of 70 respondents. Among these 42% were either founders, chief executives or managing directors, 10% developers and 5% legal staff. Nearly 70% of the companies covered were technology firms headquartered in Australia, while 10% were multinational technology firms.

Among the industries covered were software and software-as-a-service (33%), communications (14%) and cyber security (14%).

Practically all respondents said their assessment of the impact of the law on the reputation of Australian tech firms in the global market would be negative, with 51% said it would be "very negative" and another 44% choosing "somewhat negative".

While 3% were neutral on this question, not a single respondent said the law would have anything close to a positive iimpact

The law, officially known as the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018, was passed on 6 December 2018, after a number of hearings conducted by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. Several amendments were proposed but none were adopted before the Labor Party voted along with the government to pass the bill.

Soon after, a review of the law by the PJCIS was announced with a reporting date of 3 April. But the only thing that this committee did was to put off any decision on amendments, instead asking the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Dr James Renwick to review the law and report back by 1 March 2020.

Half the respondents to the survey said their businesses were directly affected by the law, with another 25% indirectly affected. Fifty-seven percent said they were less likely to carry out development work in Australia after the law took effect, with 30% saying the law had no effect on a decision of this nature.

A shade more than half (51%) of respondents who represent industries with development operations within the country said they were less likely to hire technical workers for their local setups. A further 40% said there would be no change on this score.

The survey question that garnered the most responses was what question Dr Renwick should be asking, and of whom, during his review. One asked: "Why is it unacceptable for other nations, such as China, to force their legally domiciled companies to spy for them  but when the Australian Government does it, it's okay?"

Another queried how much "jurisdiction shopping"  companies trying to move operations offshore  had occurred since the bill was passed, and suggested that this be asked of "technology companies based in Australia looking to sell their software or hosting services internationally".

And a third posed a curly query: "How can we guarantee to our customers that their data held in Australia is safe?"

InnovationAus publisher Corrie McLeod said the survey was meant to give Australian industry a voice to share insights into the law's impact.

Given the nature of the legislation, it can be very difficult to get a good picture of the impact of the law on the Australian tech industry," she said.

"Weve seen throughout the consultation process, and the weeks and months following the passing of the bill, that many organisations directly affected by the legislation were concerned about speaking publicly on the negative impacts.

Encrypted communication is a huge issue for law enforcement and the balance between the privacy of citizens and effective policing of criminal activity is top of mind for governments, technology companies, citizens and privacy organisations all over the world.

These are not straight-forward challenges. The purpose of this survey is to inform the discussion about the impact of the legislation on the Australian tech sector and provide the view from our industry.

The full survey can be accessed here.
According to research published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, 35% of all high school seniors had vaped over the previous year. Thats nearly double the 18% who were vaping just two years ago, an incredible increase over such a short period.

At the same time, the number of youth who smoke traditional cigarettes continues to decline.

Two reasons for this trend are the easy access to vaping products and the prevalence of flavored vaping products like root beer float, cotton candy and gummy bear that appeal to children.

San Francisco has already moved to ban e-cigarettes, and the state is also contemplating a flavor ban. But to curb youth vaping nationwide, these issues must be addressed by Congress.

Easy access

The rate at which teens are adopting e-cigarettes is dramatic. Despite a 70% decline in the use of cigarettes among high school students since 1997, the use of tobacco products overall has not noticeably declined in recent years because of e-cigarettes.

Thats because a common misconception among teens is that e-cigarettes contain only flavoring and are not harmful to their health. But most e-cigarettes also contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful to developing brains.

The most commonly used brand among minors, Juul, has the same amount of nicotine in one cartridge as 20 cigarettes. And there is scant evidence to suggest that smokers end their nicotine addiction by switching from cigarettes.

Despite the rapid spread of these devices and the recent spike in deaths and illness attributed to their use, there is a shocking lack of regulation on the use and distribution of e-cigarettes. Manufacturers of these devices arent subject to the same safety standards as other tobacco products, and that needs to change.

I led a group of senators last year in introducing a bill to require online sales of e-cigarettes to meet the same requirements as traditional cigarettes, including age verification at time of purchase and delivery.

Studies show that one of the easiest ways for underage users to purchase e-cigarettes is online where there is no proactive verification that buyers meet age verification requirements. This bipartisan bill would put in place regulations identical to those faced by online tobacco retailors. A companion to this bill has passed the House, and it should be voted on in the Senate without delay.

Flavored vaping products

Another similarity to regular cigarettes is the effort to market them directly to kids - in this case, through the use of mint, candy, fruit, or chocolate flavored products.

One survey by the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes for Health found 80% of youth who vape do so because they like the flavors, and 81% had a flavored e-cigarette the first time they tried it.

The Trump administration recently announced a partial ban on flavors, but it doesnt go far enough to prevent underage vaping. The administrations ban applies solely to disposable cartridges, exempting menthol and tobacco flavored cartridges along with vaping tank devices that can be refilled. While Juul and other cartridge products are the most popular with children right now, this partial ban will only shift underage users to the exempted flavors and refillable devices not covered by the ban. Scott Gottlieb, President Trumps own former FDA commissioner, said the proposed ban fell short of the measures necessary to keep children from vaping.

If were going to stop underage vaping, we have to get rid of all flavored vaping products, regardless of the method used to inhale it.

Several states have already moved to enact temporary bans on the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes. The city of San Francisco - the home of Juul - has banned the sale of e-cigarettes altogether and a statewide ban on all flavored tobacco products, to include traditional tobacco, has been proposed.

Congress can take further action by enacting a similar ban on all flavored vaping products nationwide.

My colleague Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has introduced a bill in the Senate that would put in place such a ban. Im proud to co-sponsor it. Its time we prohibit these flavors nationally as we did with flavored traditional cigarettes, and we should vote on that bill immediately.

Lung illness

Easy access to vaping products and a lack of regulation has led to a public health crisis.

In addition to a youth vaping epidemic, weve now seen a mysterious lung illness leave more than 2,500 people sick and 55 dead. It seems this illness is connected to illicit THC products, but we simply do not know enough to rule out other sources like legally sold e-cigarettes.

Thats because anyone can currently manufacture and sell vaping devices, and put whatever they want in the cartridges or tanks, without having to prove they wont harm users.

Thats all the more reason to subject these devices to an FDA approval process before theyre sold. We shouldnt take a trial-and-error approach with the health of so many Americans in the balance.

Clearly, these devices have serious health consequences and we must fully study those consequences so the public can make an informed decision before deciding to use vaping products.

We have faced the menace of addictive, nicotine-based products with serious health risks before, and the decrease in tobacco use, especially by children, is one of the top public health successes of the past half century. We should respond with the same rigorous regulations before more children are addicted and more Americans fall ill or die from vaping.

Dianne Feinstein is Californias senior U.S. senator.
If Iran can easily target U.S. installations in the Middle East with ballistic missiles, imagine what China could do as it continues to make long-term military and technology investments, argues one lawmaker.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, warned an audience Wednesday at the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium outside Washington, D.C., that without adapting to threats in real time or tearing up strategic plans in favor of new ones, the National Defense Strategy -- which fixates on "great power competition" with a near-peer rival -- becomes moot.

"Like Michael Corleone, just when we think we are out of the Middle East, it keeps pulling us back in," he said, referencing the film "The Godfather." "But there is an underappreciated story playing out in the Middle East that I believe has dangerous implications for our force posture in the Pacific."

Gallagher, a former Marine, said that fixed U.S. bases are vulnerable -- sitting ducks prime for attack. The barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles that struck Iraqi air bases at Al Asad and Erbil last week is one example of the military's susceptibility to catastrophic consequences, he said.

Related: Air Force Wants to Make its Moves More Stealthy by Hiding in Plain Sight

"Given the small number of large fixed bases we have in [Indo-Pacific Command], the warning signs are flashing red," he said. "If weaker adversaries are using less sophisticated weapons to catch us off guard in [Central Command], China could do far more damage in INDOPACOM."

The National Defense Strategy prioritizes deterring adversaries by denying their use of force in the first place. Gallagher said he has ideas on how to potentially dissuade the enemy faster, especially if the U.S. can make China "worry" about a constantly shifting array of locations.

"We can accomplish this with small teams of [forward-deployed] Marines equipped with ground launch missiles of intermediate ranges, dispersed and constantly moving throughout the first island chain," he said.

Given the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Gallagher said there is incentive to develop intermediate-range conventional missiles "as rapidly as possible."

"Some of these missiles can be loaded on mobile, fast-moving platforms such as autonomous JLTVs (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles)," he said.

"We could scatter CONEX boxes across the first island chain. Some of these boxes would have anti-ship, anti-air and perhaps even land attack missiles; others wouldn't. In the tradition of [Gen. George] Patton's 'Ghost Army,' we would leverage deception and keep the adversary on its toes and force it to account for both real and decoyed targets  which could be frequently on the move," Gallagher said.

The practice would prevent the Chinese from even attempting a successful strike, staving off any possible battle or even war, he added.

Gallagher -- who sees himself as a "China hipster," pointing to the country as a national security issue before the U.S. saw its actions as a threat -- said the Navy must look at how it works with the Marine Corps and other sister services to achieve his deterrence concepts.

The congressman said future operations are inherently tied to acquisition practices, which need overhaul, and the annual budget, which pressures officials to make tradeoffs on equipment and systems year after year.

"Congress will have to make tough choices and help the Navy-Marine Corps team rebalance investments away from systems that don't help us [accomplish deterrence, denial] in INDOPACOM in an integrated way," he said.

It's a strategy both Democrats and Republicans can agree on, he said.

"I think regardless of whoever wins the White House in 2020, this is the new consensus position within the national security community," Gallagher said. "That China's our top priority and our biggest threat, and that's going to require a lot of change."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Read more: Coast Guard Wrapping Up Study on Why Minority Members Leave the Service
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Further showers and storms are expected across Queensland on Thursday after an overnight soaking along a large part of the state's east coast and somecentral and southern areas.

One south-west Queensland resident said "there were kids running around in the street" and the town had "come alive" after decent rainfall on Wednesday evening, the first residents had seen for six months.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rosa Hoff said there was a chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain for a large section of the Queensland interior for the remainder of Thursday.

"In particular, severe storms are likely to occur from the central coast to southern-central district ... it is possible we could see heavier rainfall totals as well," she said.
Jason Fochtman, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle

Montgomery County officials are reminding residents their 2019 property taxes must be paid by Jan. 31 to avoid any penalties or interest.

Making it easier to pay, the Montgomery County Tax Office has several ways to pay those taxes including online by credit, debit or e-Check; by phone; in person; and by mail. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment online to pay taxes in person at The Woodlands and Conroe locations.
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up for Next China, a weekly email on where the nation stands now and where it's going next.

In her first term, President Tsai Ing-Wen secured more than $10 billion in high-profile U.S. weapons to defend Taiwan against China. Over the next four years, it may be more important to acquire less glamorous, but nimbler weapons to prevent Beijing from considering an invasion.

Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party views Taiwan as an independent nation, spent her first four years in office successfully securing high-tech arms commitments from President Donald Trump, including more advanced F-16s and battle tanks. Now shell need to show whether she can use that base to build a more credible deterrent against any attack by an increasingly powerful China.

The challenge is real. Taiwan has long been vulnerable to the ever-present threat of a military incursion from the mainland -- which considers it a province -- amid fears it could be absorbed by Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his desire for unification and continued to dramatically outspend Taiwan on defense. The investment has also eroded the U.S.s ability to intervene in any conflict.

Thats raised the stakes -- and the urgency -- for Tsai after her landslide election victory Saturday over China-friendly challenger Han Kuo-yo. The win cleared a path for Tsai to continue deepening defense ties with the U.S. to offset both Chinas military gains and its campaign to lure away Taipeis few remaining diplomatic allies.

Biden, Hailing Tsais Victory, Urges Stronger Ties With Taiwan

Her bigger challenge may be transforming Taiwans own military and defense systems into a strong enough deterrent to repel an initial Chinese invasion, upgrading indigenous anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles and other weapons.

Many of the things Taiwan needs at this point are not things that require the U.S. to sell them, said Scott Harold, a senior political scientist at Rand Corp. That includes a continuing commitment to the sorts of survivable, low-profile and networked defenses that can survive an initial Chinese attack and be resilient and lethal for weeks or months, Harold said.

Story continues

Porcupine Strategy

Western defense analysts have advocated a porcupine strategy for Taiwan that would deter Beijing from military action by making it too painful for China to invade. That would mean focusing Taipeis military investments on elements of its armed forces capable of surviving an initial precision bombardment from Chinese forces, hardening key facilities and concentrating on a standing army equipped with short-range, defensive weapons.

We have to let Xi Jinping and the Chinese government understand: If they choose some military way to invade Taiwan, the cost will be so high that they cant afford it, Wang Ting-yu, a DPP lawmaker heads Taiwans national defense committee, told Bloomberg Television. The United States wants to help us? Thank you. But we understand, the responsibility is on our shoulders.

Taiwan is set to receive a raft of U.S. weapons systems in Tsais second term, including some $8 billion of more than 60 F-16 warplanes from Lockheed Martin Corp. and around $2 billion of M1A2T Abrams tanks from General Dynamics Corp. Tsai has also ordered the construction of attack submarines built domestically by CSBC Corp., Taiwan.

The high-profile U.S. sales, which Beijing views as a violation of American commitments to withdraw from Taiwan, symbolize Taipeis dependence on U.S. security assurances. The potential for an intervention by the U.S. -- and possibly Japan and European nations -- has been a significant factor preventing from China from military action.

Security Dilemma

The U.S. was quick to congratulate Tsai on her election win, with Secretary of State Michael Pompeo calling Taiwan a model for the Indo-Pacific region and a force for good in the world. Pompeo praised what he said was her commitment to maintaining cross-Strait stability in the face of unrelenting pressure.

Despite those considerations, Tsai must grapple with the strength of a rival that spends an estimated $250 billion on defense annually, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute -- about 25 times what Taiwan spends. Chinas coast is also bristling with increasingly long-range and sophisticated missiles that would be capable of wiping out most of the islands runways and fighter jets at the start of any conflict.

Still, a Chinese invasion would be far from simple: A landing force capable of subduing an island of 23 million people would be spotted well in advance and Taipei has been building up defenses on potential landing beaches for decades. The Taiwan Strait is also known for its rough waters.

Those considerations lead security experts to advocate that Taiwan focus on asymmetric weapons -- including nimble mobile missile systems that could shoot down Chinese jets and relocate quickly before being annihilated by missiles -- rather than expensive, vulnerable warplanes and tanks.

That cache would include less glamorous, but potentially more useful weapons like Stinger missiles, on which Taiwan has spent more than $220 million, as well as enhanced training for reservists and investments in command, control and communications networks. That also includes an need to protect VIPs in a clash -- a situation highlighted by the loss of Taiwans top uniformed military officer, General Shen Yi-ming, when his American-made Black Hawk helicopter crashed earlier this month.

Her administration will continue to seek to enhance Taiwans military capabilities through both U.S. weaponry and development of indigenous defense systems, said Zhang Baohui, a professor of political science and director of the Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

--With assistance from Samson Ellis and Stephen Engle.

To contact the reporter on this story: Iain Marlow in Hong Kong at imarlow1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Brendan Scott at bscott66@bloomberg.net, Karen Leigh

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 16 (ANI): The Sikh community in the United States on Wednesday described as a "historic milestone" their identification as a separate ethnic group and said the procedure will help in recording an accurate number of their people in the decennial US Census report.

The US Census board has included Sikhs as a separate Ethnic Group. For the first time, this minority group will be counted and coded in the decennial US Census.

"A separate code recognises the unique identity of Sikhs and gives us an opportunity to have an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States to better serve the community's needs," said US Census Deputy Director Ron Jarmin.

Advocated by United Sikhs, a non-profit organisation based in the US for more than two decades, this development will also be instrumental in addressing major Sikh issues which included bias, racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes against the community.

"This historic announcement is the result of decades of advocacy by the United Sikhs group at the national level on behalf of the Sikh community. Being involved in this civic engagement will help ensure an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States. Census data will help in tracking and measuring hate crimes against the community. It will also ensure an equal and accurate representation of Sikhs. This is useful in providing access to members of Congress and other essential government services for the needs of the community," said Jasmit Singh, Advocacy Director of the United Sikhs.

Jasdeep Singh, another prominent voice of the community and the founder of 'Sikhs of America,' welcomed the US Census Board's decision, saying, "A lot of hate crimes after 9/11 were attributed to the Sikh community, and there were no boxes to check. As Sikhs, we were lumped in as south Asian, Middle Eastern, so we could never get our voice heard. This would give a number and identity to the Sikh community."

"A long-awaited demand of the Sikh community has been met. The main category in the census is the country of origin and for many of us, that will always be Asian Indian. But when it comes to religion or ethnicity the new Sikh identity will come in place," he told ANI.

One of the many formal partners of the US Census Bureau, the Sikh Coalition -- a US-based think tank -- also raised census awareness and participation of the Sikh community as a separate group.

"The Sikh Coalition is partnering with the Census Bureau because Sikhs have traditionally been a 'hard to count' population in the United States," said Satjeet Kaur, Sikh Coalition Executive Director.

"Our community matters and we want to make sure that Sikh families are appropriately counted and accurately resourced wherever they are across the United States," Kaur added.

In the lead-up to the mid-March mailing of initial census forms, the Sikh Coalition will recruit and train volunteers at Gurdwaras across the country who will help community members submit their census information online in a safe and supportive environment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:00:55|Editor: ZX

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TOKYO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Japanese lawmaker Anri Kawai's election campaign office is suspected of trying to conceal payments made to staff members during her upper house election campaign last summer that were illegally high, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

Kawai, 46, wife of former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai, won a seat for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in last July's upper house election.

Her office however may have tried to hide illegally high payments made to staff during the campaign by splitting the amounts over two receipts, the sources said.

Her office is suspected of paying staff members double the legal amount, with daily allowance payments made to a group of staff members campaigning on her behalf totaling 30,000 yen (273 U.S. dollars).

The payments may be in violation of Japan's election law and could be considered a form of bribery, the sources said.

In a bid to conceal the potentially illegal payments, Kawai's campaign office is suspected of producing separate receipts to be signed by the staff members, to make it look as though the payments were below the legal threshold of a 15,000-yen daily allowance.

Prosecutors searched her offices and those of her husband on Wednesday.

Investigations are continuing to find out who instructed the receipts for the payments to be divided, with some of the campaign staffers having already admitted to prosecutors of their own volition that they had received 30,000 yen per day for their campaign work.

After the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine first reported about the scandal, then Justice Minister Kawai resigned last October.

The pair, however, have both said they would not step down as lawmakers or LDP members.
The typical American probably has never read an environmental impact statement, but these documents have nonetheless become a traditional example of bureaucratic red tape, the kind of thing that stops a big project over some animal youve never heard of. Theres a good reason for this: The things are ridiculous, and theyre one of the reasons it takes so long to build infrastructure in this country.

And the Trump administration has proposed a rule that could cut them down to size.

EISs are part of the process that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), enacted in 1970, requires federal agencies to undergo when deciding whether to go through with a big project theyre involved with, such as a bridge or pipeline. (The substantive environmental rules come from other statutes, such as the Clean Air Act.) These reports were intended to be accurate and helpful summaries of how the projects would affect the environment, but things got out of hand. Today, on average, an impact statement runs over 600 pages and the process takes half a decade. And there are often lawsuits after the fact, which the statements drafters anticipate by padding the documents with legalese.

Its not just some crazy right-wing talking point that this is unreasonable. As the administrations proposal documents, past administrations stretching back decades have decried the situation and taken some steps to speed things up. Jimmy Carter issued an executive order requiring EISs to be concise, clear, and to the point. A study in the Clinton administration highlighted the length of NEPA processes, the extensive detail of NEPA analyses, and the sometimes confusing overlay of other laws and regulations. There has been a constant flow of guidance documents, handbooks, and the like urging officials to keep it brief. But the core regulations implementing NEPA havent been changed in about 40 years.

So the administrations proposed rule attempts once again to impose some common sense. There will be a presumptive time limit of two years for the federal government to complete an impact statement (and one year for the more cursory environmental assessment), with a 300-page limit on the document itself (75 pages for assessments). More projects will be deemed small enough to escape review. And when multiple agencies are involved in a review, the rule will clarify whos in charge and require closer cooperation.

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On the more controversial side, the environmental effects that NEPA requires agencies to consider will be limited to those that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the proposed action or alternatives; they will not include the cumulative effects of infrastructure on climate change, though a Trump official told the New York Times that the rule wouldnt outright forbid consideration of greenhouse gases. This puts the NEPA process in its proper place: We certainly do need to take steps to fight climate change, but at the same time, it makes little sense to have federal agencies making wild guesses about the global harms of each individual transit and energy project. If you want to discourage carbon emissions in a systematic way, have Congress impose a carbon tax or regulate emission levels directly, rather than having the executive branch swat down infrastructure improvements on a case-by-case basis. And if Congress does want to take the latter approach for some reason, it should say that explicitly, rather than counting on the executive bureaucracy to read speculative climate-change concerns into a law passed half a century ago.

(And by the way, if Congress doesnt like what the president is doing, its free to clarify, rewrite, or  as some conservatives have suggested  repeal NEPA. Remember, NEPA only spells out a review process; without it, all the other federal and state environmental laws would continue to apply.)

The most important question, of course, is whether the administration can actually pull this off. This is only a proposal; a final rule wont come out for months, and if past is precedent, activists will try to take that down in court. Once the rule is in effect, for it to make any difference, agencies will have to respect those presumptive time limits without availing themselves of the rules exceptions too promiscuously. And as soon as next year, Trump could be replaced by a Democrat without the same zeal for hacking away red tape.

Ironically, but unsurprisingly for a notice of proposed rulemaking, the plan itself is an example of how tedious and unreadable a government document can be. The PDF runs 47 pages, spelling out in agonizing detail how the new rule will change existing regulations. Copy editors will be glad to hear the administration wants replace the word insure with ensure, consistent with modern usage; those who want to know about new responsibilities for senior agency officials, such as approval to exceed page or time limits, are told to check the proposed wordings of  1501.5(e), 1501.7(d), 1501.8(b)(6) and (c), 1501.10, 1502.7, and 1507.2.

Is the government capable of running as smoothly and writing as clearly as the administration wants it to? I guess well know soon enough.

More from National Review
On Wednesday, Estonia Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where he conveyed his country's support for India's candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-22.

Reinsalu called his meeting with the External Affairs Minister "very marvelous." saying that there was "no political agenda because India and Estonia's political relation is cloudless." The two foreign affairs leaders met on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi.

Read: 'Nehru gave it to China', laments Maj Gen Bakshi as Russia backs India for UNSC membership

They extensively discussed various issues of mutual interest for further deepening the partnership between India and Estonia, said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. The ministry said that Reinsalu's visit will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Estonia.

Read: HUGE: Russia backs India for permanent UN Security Council seat; FM gives big endorsement

India's flagship global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina Dialogue began on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the inaugural session at which seven former heads of state or government will share their views on important challenges facing the world.

The three-day conference will see the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including from Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan, and the European Union.

'Corporation in the digital field'

Estonia Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu also called India a 'rising star' in the global economy, stating that his country was looking for cooperation with New Delhi in the digital and cyber fields. "I know you are improving the system in India and we would be most delighted to share our experience. We should deepen our experiences," said Reinsalu.

"We would like to see cooperation in the digital and cyber areas [with India] because of the inspiring spirit of Indian entrepreneurship. We see India as a rising star in the global economy," said Reinsalu.

(With Agency Inputs)

Read: Raisina Dialogue: World leaders praise PM Modi's leadership with respect to global issues

Read: EAM Jaishankar highlights key focus of Indian Foreign Policy at Raisina Dialogue 2020
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:49:02|Editor: Wang Yamei

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VIENTIANE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway Company (LCRC) has outlined the basic requirements for Lao people applying for jobs in the operation of the China-Laos railway, which is slated for completion in 2021.

Applicants must be able to speak basic Chinese and have a college degree or higher, while preference will be given to those holding a degree in engineering.

Other preferred skill areas include electricians and technicians, transport management and engine repair, local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday quoted Director General of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education under the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, Nouphanh Outsa, as saying.

Officials in charge of the China-Laos Railway Company (LCRC), a joint venture to operate the railway, met with the department to discuss preparations for recruitment.

The company announced recently that as many as 600 Lao nationals will be selected and recruited in three batches for the operation of the railway. The successful applicants will be sent for professional training in China.

The company and the department are considering setting up a committee to supervise the recruitment process, according to Nouphanh.

The first recruitment session is expected to accept 200 people who will go to China's Kunming for training in March or April, taking courses that last 15 to 18 months.

"The challenge is to find sufficient numbers of people with adequate qualifications to fill the job vacancies," Nouphanh said.

Although many Lao nationals have completed courses in China and can speak Chinese, some took courses in fields that are not preferred. In addition, many have taken courses in Lao colleges studying the preferred areas of specialization but do not speak Chinese, he added.

Selection of the first batch of trainees will see the strict application of criteria that require applicants to have taken high level courses in the preferred fields.

To ensure an adequate supply of trained personnel for operation of the railway in the long term, the Lao government is planning to build a railway vocational technical college with the assistance of the Chinese government. Work has already begun on the design of the college which will be built in Lao capital Vientiane and more than 30 teachers have been sent for training in China before taking up posts at the college.

It was reported previously that construction of the China-Laos railway created more than 32,000 jobs for Lao workers.

The China-Laos Railway is a strategic docking project between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Laos' strategy to convert itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub.

The 414.332-km railway, with 198-km tunnels and 62-km bridges, will run from Boten border gate in northern Laos, bordering China, to Vientiane with an operating speed of 160 km per hour.

The project started in December 2016 and is scheduled to be completed and opened to traffic in December 2021.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 12:37:29|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "Writing a New Chapter in Our Millennia-Old Pauk-Phaw Friendship" was published Thursday on three Myanmese newspapers ahead of his state visit to this Southeast Asian country.

An English version of the full text of the article, carried by Myanma Alinn Daily, The Mirror and The Global New Light of Myanmar, is as follows:

Writing a New Chapter in Our Millennia-Old Pauk-Phaw Friendship

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

As we mark the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations, it gives me great pleasure to pay a state visit to Myanmar at the invitation of President U Win Myint. I visited this beautiful land in 2009, and was deeply impressed by its serene landscape, diverse cultures and hardworking people. With the upcoming visit, I look forward to renewing China's "pauk-phaw" ties with Myanmar and discussing our future cooperation.

China and Myanmar are close neighbors connected by shared mountains and rivers. Our people have lived alongside each other for thousands of years. In Myanmar language, pauk-phaw means siblings from the same mother. It is an apt description of the fraternal sentiments between our two peoples, whose close ties date back to ancient times. As early as the 4th century B.C., our ancestors began to trade with each other through the "Gold and Silver Road" linking China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces with Myanmar and India. In the heyday of China's Tang Dynasty in the early 9th century, the Prince of Pyu led a troupe of dancers and musicians on a visit to Chang'an (the capital of Tang Dynasty known today as Xi'an). Their enchanting performance was celebrated by Bai Juyi, the foremost Chinese poet of his time, in an ode to music from the kingdom of Pyu. Soon after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Myanmar was the first of countries with a different social system to recognize New China. The elder statesmen of our two countries have since made enormous efforts to develop China-Myanmar relations. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, who visited Myanmar nine times, is still fondly remembered for celebrating Thingyan Festival together with the people of Myanmar while dressed in traditional local attire.

Throughout the 70 years of our diplomatic ties, China and Myanmar have together championed and put into practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Our relationship has been marked by mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual support. It has become a prime example of equality, win-win cooperation and common development between countries of different sizes. Our close ties have delivered real benefits to people in both countries.

-- We have further cemented political mutual trust. In the 1960s, Myanmar became the first among China's neighbors to settle the boundary issue with China in the spirit of equal consultation, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation. Today, our two countries enjoy close high-level exchanges, and our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is growing steadily. China firmly supports Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. China supports the efforts of the Myanmar government to promote peace and reconciliation, and supports Myanmar in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity in the international arena. Myanmar, for its part, has given China staunch support on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns.

-- We have further expanded our practical cooperation. The economies of China and Myanmar are highly complementary, promising great room for cooperation. China has long been Myanmar's largest trading partner and most important source of investment. Our bilateral trade reached 16.8 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2019. More and more agricultural and livestock products from Myanmar are making their way to Chinese kitchens. Fruitful cooperation is taking place in infrastructure construction and many other fields. With Myanmar as an important partner country of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), our two sides have capitalized on the convergence of our development strategies. We have signed cooperation documents on building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and established a joint CMEC committee to oversee steady progress.

-- We have further strengthened people-to-people bonds. Our vibrant cultural, religious and personnel exchanges provide solid support for deepening our pauk-phaw friendship. China's national treasure, the Buddha tooth relic, was displayed four times in Myanmar for public obeisance. With donations from Myanmar, a Myanmese-style shrine has been built at the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan province of China. With the help of Chinese doctors and nurses, many cataract patients in Myanmar have had their sight restored and children with congenital heart disease have received proper medical care. Popular Chinese films and TV programs have found a wide audience in Myanmar.

This year, China will achieve its First Centenary Goal of ushering in a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Myanmar is making continuous progress in economic and social development. As we mark the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, it is important that we carry forward our traditional friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so that we will bring China-Myanmar relations into a new era.

-- We need to draw a new blueprint for bilateral ties by strengthening strategic communication. Our two sides may continue to harness the vital role of high-level exchanges in guiding our relations, step up communication and coordination at all levels and share development experience. It is important that we continue to show strong mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests. By deepening our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with a strategic and long-term perspective, we will make the idea of building a community with a shared future take root in the hearts and minds of our people. China supports Myanmar in advancing the peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue. The two sides may work together to ensure peace and stability along our border.

-- We need to bring new impetus to our mutually beneficial cooperation by deepening trade and economic exchanges. Our two sides need to deepen results-oriented Belt and Road cooperation and move from a conceptual stage to concrete planning and implementation in building the CMEC. Efforts need to be made to promote the three pillars of the CMEC, namely the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City. We also need to deepen practical and mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as connectivity, electricity, energy, transportation, agriculture, finance and livelihood to deliver more benefits to both peoples.

-- We need to add new substance to our pauk-phaw friendship by scaling up exchanges and mutual learning. Our two sides have designated 2020 as the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism. Myanmar's charming natural scenery and fascinating cultural heritage will surely attract more and more Chinese tourists. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, the two sides will host a string of events to expand exchanges and cooperation on education, religion, media, movies and TV programs. Such joint events will help strengthen public support for China-Myanmar friendship, thus cementing and re-energizing our pauk-phaw friendship.

-- We need to make new progress in regional peace and stability by enhancing coordination and cooperation. Confronted by rising unilateralism and protectionism, our two countries need to strengthen coordination and collaboration in the multilateral fora, such as in the United Nations and within the framework of East Asia cooperation and Lancang-Mekong cooperation. In this new era, we need to champion the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, encourage efforts to foster a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

In China and Myanmar, people have similar sayings to the effect that more exchanges will bring families and friends closer together. In this 70th anniversary year, China-Myanmar relations stand at a new starting point. Let us work hand in hand to build an even closer China-Myanmar community with a shared future and write a new chapter for our millennia-old pauk-phaw friendship.
Hugh Grant has backed Harry and Meghan's move to Canada, saying that the tabloid press are responsible for 'murdering' his mother.

Mr Grant told a US radio show: 'I'm rather on Harry's side. The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother, now they're tearing his wife to pieces. I think as a man, it's his job to protect his family, so I'm with him.'

The Hollywood star was referring to Princess Diana's fatal car crash in Paris in 1997 when her chauffeur was pursued through a tunnel by paparazzi.

It comes just months after Harry made an extraordinary attack on the press in which he described his 'deepest fear' was his 'wife falling victim to the same powerful forces' that his mother faced.

Mr Grant, who was speaking on a US radio show, said: 'I'm rather on Harry's side. The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother, now they're tearing his wife to pieces. I think as a man, it's his job to protect his family, so I'm with him'

How Diana died: In the early hours of August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales and her lover Dodi al-Fayed, were driven out of the back entrance of the Ritz Hotel in Paris in a Mercedes W140. The driver, Henri Paul, the deputy head of security at the al-Fayed-owned Ritz had been off-duty but was summoned to drive Diana and al-Fayed to their apartment. Paul, who was drunk, lost control of the car at the entrance to the Pont de l'Alma tunnel and the vehicle collided with a pillar at an estimated speed of 65 miles per hour. None of the occupants were wearing seat belts. Diana was rushed to hospital and later died of her injuries. Al-Fayed was declared dead a short time later, while Paul died at the scene. Diana's bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor. An inquest in London in 2008 ruled that Diana and al-Fayed had been unlawfully killed by the grossly negligent driving of Paul and paparazzi photographers pursuing them. Advertisement

In a statement in October, Harry said: 'My deepest fear is history repeating itself. I've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person.

'I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.'

In the same month Meghan told ITV during the Sussexes tour of southern Africa that friends had warned her about the British tabloids 'destroying' her life.

'When I first met my now husband, my friends were really happy because I was so happy. But my British friends said to me: "I'm sure he's great. But you shouldn't do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life."'

On Monday, the Queen revealed that the couple were going to spend time between Canada and the UK during a 'transition period' as they set out to become 'independent.'

Mr Grant, who gave evidence at the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, has been a constant campaigner against newspaper intrusion.

The Love Actually star told the radio host his own relationship with the British tabloids was 'very poor.'

In a statement in October, Harry launched an attack on the media, saying: 'I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces' (pictured: with Meghan for their engagement photo in November 2017)

It comes as rapper Stormzy also made strident claims while talking to a broadcaster while across the Atlantic.

Speaking on the Hot 97 radio station this week, the musician Eamonn Holmes to 'get the f*** out of here' after the This Morning host called Meghan Markle 'uppity'.

The Grime star said: 'This whole royal family thing, I had no idea it was so deep.

'I'm not super into the royal family... I look at it and I think, Meghan, she's a sweet girl, she's a sweet woman, she's a lovely woman.

Speaking to radio station Hot 97, Stormzy has slammed Eamonn Holmes after his comments about Meghan Markle

'She does her thing, I ain't heard her say nothing crazy, and they just hate her.'

The 26-year-old rapper then directly referenced comments previously made by Mr Holmes, who had called her 'uppity', and then in a further tirade 'manipulative', 'awful' and 'spoilt'.

He said: 'Bro, she's black, that's what you're talking about ... Just get the f***k out of here.'

He continued: 'If I told someone write a list as to why you hate Meghan Markle, the list is rubbish.

'There's nothing credible to it but there's an obsession with the Royal Family.'

The Blinded by Your Grace hitmaker has previously spoken out about racism in the UK.

The rapper previously suggested he would find accepting an MBE or OBE uncomfortable because of Britain's 'dark' colonial legacy.

He has also been critical of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the content of his journalism before he entered politics.

Stormzy told Italy's La Repubblica: 'If the top person can openly say this racist thing - the 'piccaninies' remarks, 'watermelon smiles', comparing Muslim women to a letterbox.

'If that is our figurehead, the top man, the leader we have to follow and he openly says these things, he encourages hate.'
Bentley hasnt announced a release timetable for the Mulsanne 6.75, but with the Mulsannes production run ending this year, expect the 6.75 Edition to arrive within the year.

Bentley is bidding adieu to the Mulsanne luxury sedan in the most fitting way possible. The British automaker is launching a special edition Mulsanne called the 6.75 Edition. Only 30 units of the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition and, in keeping with Bentleys tradition of dressing up its special edition models to the nines, the limited-run Mulsanne comes with enough exclusive touches in the exterior and interior to justify its special edition billing.

The British automaker is saying goodbye to its flagship model the only way it knows how

What is the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition?

The Bentley Mulsanne has had an eventful 10-year run as Bentleys undisputed flagship model.

But like all things old and new, the aging Mulsanne has to step down and vacate its place atop the automakers model hierarchy. The Mulsannes departure isnt at all surprising, and if youve been paying attention to recent automaker trends, neither is Bentleys decision to pay homage to its flagship model. This is where the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition takes center stage.

The 30-unit special edition model is Bentleys farewell ode to the Mulsanne. Its decked with many exclusive details and features, covering significant real estate in the exterior and interior of the Bentley limousine. Now that the Mulsannes watch has ended, the 6.75 Edition serves as the models final curtain call before the third-generation Flying Spur takes its place atop the Bentley model lineup.

What Takes Over as Bentleys Flagship Sedan?

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The departure of the Bentley Mulsanne leaves a gaping hole atop Bentleys model lineup. Thats the bad news.

The good news is that the hole will be filled up soon by the Bentley Flying Spur. Its a great alternative  is the Flying Spur even an alternative?  to the Mulsanne for several reasons.

First, were talking about the third-generation Flying Spur, which was only unveiled in June 2019. Having an all-new model sit at the top of Bentleys lineup is a good move for the British automaker, especially if said model will follow in the footsteps of the Mulsanne. The third-generation Flying Spur fits that bill. Its been completely overhauled and is now built on a brand-new platform. It carries a more posh and luxurious design and it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor.

Most importantly, the third-generation Flying Spur comes with multiple engine options, though, for now, Bentleys signature 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine will be the only powertrain available. That mill produces 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to a dual-clutch transmission and a launch-control program, the new Flying Spur can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 207 mph.

2020 Bentley Flying Spur drivetrain specifications Configuration 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI Capacity 5950 cc / 363 cubic inches Induction 2x twin-scroll turbochargers, direct intercooling Power 626 HP Torque 664 LB-FT Bore x stroke 84 mm x 89.5 mm / 3.3 x 3.52 Top speed 207mph (333 kph) 0-60 mph 3.6 s

Eventually, Bentley will branch out the Flying Spur to include a version that will be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that produces 542 horsepower.

Another version, potentially a plug-in hybrid, is also reportedly in the works. Weve seen spy photos of this particular model doing test runs shortly after the third-gen Flying Spurs debut back in June 2019. Whats also unclear at this point is the kind of setup it will carry. Bentley currently doesnt have its own plug-in hybrid powertrain so theres a good chance that it could source that setup from a model like the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The hybrid Panamera relies on a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, an electric motor, and a 14-kWh battery pack.

All told, the setup produces an impressive 677 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque.

Only time will tell if this setup finds its way into the new Bentley Flying Spur, but if Bentley really wants the model to shine and get comfortable as the new flagship, a hybrid version doesnt sound like a bad idea at all.

What Makes the 6.75 Edition Stand Out Compared to Other Mulsannes?

From the outside, the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition looks just like any other Mulsanne. Of course, the standards by which the Mulsanne sits on is absurdly high so even if you didnt think this was a special edition model, the mere fact that its a Mulsanne should be enough to capture your attention.

Dont get it twisted, though. The Bentley Mulsanne Speed-based 6.75 Edition is loaded with exclusive touches.

It all starts in the exterior where the luxury limousine comes with chrome-trimmed headlights and taillights. The grille, exhaust outlets, and Bentleys Flying B logo, on the other hand, are all decked in a dark tint, creating a nice contrast with the chrome trim. The grille, in particular, is called Mulliner Serenity, in case youre interested in that particular tidbit. The Mulsanne 6.75 Edition also rides on a set of 21-inch five-spoke wheels with gloss black pockets. Pop open the hood and youll find a neat surprise there, too. The engine intake is dressed in black instead of the traditional silver.

Step inside the special edition luxury limousine and youll be greeted by what is arguably one of the most luxurious car interiors in the auto industry. Im not going to spend too much time drooling over the plush leather that covers most of the cabins surface area. I will point out that the seats come with the 6.75 Edition embroidery.

Thats as clear a sign as any that this is no ordinary Bentley Mulsanne.

In keeping with the theme, Bentley  or is it Mulliner?  designed the ventilation controls to look like an engine oil cap. Theres also a cutaway of the power plant on the face of the clock and gauges on the center console, adding more unique identifiers to the models special edition identity. The best part, though, is the welcome light setup. Open the door of the Mulsanne and the welcome lights project the 6.75 Edition logo on the ground.

While I didnt expect Bentley to give the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition an aftermarket vibe with those welcome lights, it goes without saying that the setup exudes the kind of special edition identity that Bentley is known for. Ill be the first to say that the 6.75 Edition isnt the most eye-catching special edition model Bentley has done in recent memory, but it is a tribute to the Mulsanne, one of the most unassuming luxury cars in the market. In that sense, it is fitting that the exclusive touches arent as flashy as we thought theyd be. Most are understated to the point that even if you dont notice them, their presence looms large, just like the Mulsanne.

How Many Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Editions Will be Built?

Only 30 units of the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition will be made.

Its not a huge production number by any stretch, but then again, this is Bentley were talking about. Rarely does the British luxury car brand create a special edition model that exceeds 100 units. Thats part of the prestige of owning a Bentley, and when you consider that the 6.75 Edition is effectively a swan-song tribute to the Mulsanne, dont be surprised that there are only 30 units that will be made available. If you think about it, 30 units might actually be too many for a special edition model like this. Pricing details have yet to be revealed, but just as sure as the days are longer in the summertime, expect the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition to fetch more than the standard $300,000 Mulsanne.

Does the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition Have Any Performance Upgrades?

The Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition does not come with any power and performance enhancements. That shouldnt come as a shock to all of you. A lot  if not all  of special edition Bentleys in the past didnt receive any engine upgrades so why should this particular SE get one? Considering that the 6.75 Edition gets its name from the sedans 6.75-liter V-8 engine, it would seem counter-intuitive to present a tuned-up version of the same V-8 engine in a special edition model thats partly around to celebrate the said engine.

As such, the Mulsanne Speeds power-packed V-8 engine will still produce 530 horsepower and a whopping 811 pound-feet of torque. If you think thats not enough power for a car of this stature, youll need to reevaluate your life choices. The 530-horsepower Mulsanne Speed can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 mph. Mind you, were talking about a luxury sedan that weighs a hair short of 6,000 pounds. For the Mulsanne Speed to hit those performance numbers while packing the weight it does is nothing short of remarkable. The Mulsanne 6.75 Edition does not need any power and performance upgrades. Not by a long shot.

Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition specifications Engine 6 Litre V8 Horsepower 530 HP Torque 811 LB-FT 0-60 MPH / 0-100 KM/h 4.8 secs / 4.9 secs Top Speed 190 mph / 305 km/h

Final Thoughts

It seemed like it was only yesterday when Bentley launched the Mulsanne. I remember reading the press release Bentley sent my way and wondered if it was smart for the British luxury car maker to go all-in on a flagship luxury limousine at a time when the auto industry was still trying to get back on its feet. Well, call me wrong because I am. Not only did the Mulsanne succeed, but it also thrived as Bentleys ultimate model for a clean decade. A few updates happened over the years, but Bentley was able to keep the Mulsanne fresh enough to sustain its production life. Thats a testament to Bentley and also the Mulsanne. So its fitting, even deserved that the Mulsanne gets a proper curtain call in the form of the 6.75 Edition.

The special edition Mulsanne isnt the flashiest SE Bentley has rolled out in recent years, but its status and identity is secure. The Mulsanne will ride off into the sunset soon, leaving its mark in a segment where not a lot of people thought it would last long enough to accomplish it.
Prostate cancer deaths have passed 12,000 a year for the first time.

The toll has risen by more than a quarter in less than 20 years, official figures show.

By contrast, the number of annual deaths from breast cancer dropped by nearly 1,600 between 1999 and 2017, from 12,947 to 11,371. Annual prostate deaths have risen by nearly 2,600 in the same period, from 9,460 to 12,031  a 27 per cent increase.

Our ageing population is the main reason, with older men more likely to develop the disease. However, the number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer has also risen  yet the number of deaths has fallen.

The graph above shows the difference in breast cancer and prostate cancer rates in the UK

Experts say delays in diagnosing prostate cancer mean that, for thousands of men, the disease is only spotted when it is too late to act. Just 47 per cent of cases are diagnosed before the cancer has spread outside the prostate  the stage at which it is easiest to treat them. The government target is 75 per cent.

Another issue is lack of awareness, with men far more likely to ignore symptoms than women. However, a more fundamental problem is screening. Tests for breast cancer are routine, with middle-aged women invited for scans every three years. By contrast, tests for prostate cancer are notoriously inaccurate.

Advances in MRI scanning show huge promise, but these tests are expensive and are still being trialled. For now, men are left with the PSA blood test. This is far from accurate and may lead to a painful biopsy which can also be unreliable.

'Id never heard of it before my diagnosis' Brian Harrison was only diagnosed with prostate cancer after a chat with his chemist while he waited for a prescription. I said I was fine, no complaints... just that I was getting up a lot in the night to go to the loo, the 69-year-old grandfather recalled. The pharmacist recognised this as a warning sign and suggested Mr Harrison should have a blood test. Brian Harrison is pictured above with his dog Thankfully, after 37 sessions of radiotherapy, the retired airport worker is still here to enjoy life with wife Joanna in Birmingham. I had never even heard of prostate cancer, he said. Now I want to get the word out  men need to get checked out. Advertisement

Angela Culhane, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK  which compiled the figures on annual death tolls from government databases  said: By 2030, prostate cancer is set to be the most commonly diagnosed of all cancers in the UK. Before we reach this point, we must ensure that as many of these men as possible have their prostate cancer caught early and successfully treated.

The fact that deaths from the disease are still reaching record highs serves as a stark reminder of the work yet to do.

The Daily Mail has been campaigning for more than 20 years to improve prostate cancer treatments and diagnosis. Nearly 48,000 men are now diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year. In 2018 the Government pledged an additional 75million for research, swiftly followed by another 10million in funding from the NHS.

Awareness has also risen. After the Mail relaunched its campaign in 2018, celebrities including broadcaster Bill Turnbull and Stephen Fry went public with their own diagnoses.

Mr Turnbull said: Since I went public with my illness, Ive had the opportunity to meet so many brilliant people who are doing their bit to fight prostate cancer.

However, more still needs to be done. We must keep up the momentum until prostate cancer is no longer a danger to thousands of men every year.

An NHS spokesman said: The survival rates for prostate cancer is now at a record high of 86 per cent  despite the NHS dealing with an ageing population and an increase in the numbers of people diagnosed.

Some of the latest developments in MRI scanning for prostate cancer diagnosis are already being rolled out as part of [health service] ambitions to catch three quarters of all cancers at an earlier stage, when they are easier to treat.
Two Ocean County men were charged with selling the dose of heroin and fentanyl that killed a 41-year-old Atlantic County woman last year, authorities said Wednesday.

Frank Vitalo, 46 and Anthony Wood, 34, were arrested Friday at Vitalos Little Egg Harbor Township residence, Atlantic County First Assistant Prosecutor Cary Shill said in a statement.

The men face charges of strict liability for drug-induced death and heroin offenses in the death of Christina Bicki, who died March 19, 2019 in Galloway Township.

It was determined through an investigation that Vitalo and Wood sold Bicki a fatal dose of heroin/fentanyl, the prosecutors office said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear if the men had retained attorneys in the case. Officials said they were taken to the Atlantic County Jail ahead of a detention hearing set for Thursday.

Bicki was a mother of five and was described in her obituary as, a caring, driven and funny woman. She enjoyed music, was an awesome cook and loved her Miami Dolphins.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Former Bachelorette star Lee Elliott launched a blistering personal attack on MAFS 'villain' groom Dean Wells this week.

On Wednesday, Lee hit out at Channel 10 for casting a 'sexist and chauvinist' in the 2020 lineup for Dancing With The Stars.

Responding to Lee's post, Dean told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday: 'I am as far from any of those things as a person can be.'

EXCLUSIVE 'I am far from any of those things!' MAFS star Dean Wells (left) hits back at The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott (right) for calling him 'sexist and chauvinist'

Lee, who won Georgia Love's heart on The Bachelorette 2016, was clearly frustrated by the inclusion of Dean, who is known for his old-fashioned views on gender roles.

'When did this country start celebrating intolerable, sexist, chauvinistic [people]?' he wrote over a promotional image of the DWTS cast.

Dean, who once described himself as an 'alpha male', sparked controversy in 2018 when he said in a MAFS trailer that men should be in control in relationships.

He later cheated on his 'wife', Tracey Jewel, with another bride, Davina Rankin.

Controversy: Dean (right), who describes himself as an 'alpha male', sparked controversy in 2018 when he said in a MAFS trailer that men should be in control in relationships. He later cheated on his 'wife', Tracey Jewel, with another bride, Davina Rankin (left)

Reality stars at war: The Bachelorette's Lee (left) slammed Dancing with the Stars for casting a 'sexist and chauvinist' like Dean from Married At First Sight (right)

Making his point: Lee made sure that Dean (far right) was the only star in view when he shared the post, so his followers didn't think he was referring to anyone else

Dean said of Lee's comments: 'Everyone's entitled to their opinion. However, if he had ever actually met me, he would know that I am as far from any of those things as a person can be.

'I don't judge anyone based on gender, ethnicity, sexuality or any other such traits.

'I am choosing to ignore negativity and focus on the challenge of learning to dance and hopefully raising money for my nominated charity, the BridgIT Water Foundation. That's what it's [the show] all about,' he said.

'I am choosing to ignore negativity and focus on raising money for charity': Dean said Lee's comments were not going to affect him

'Dancing with the Stars is such a great show and I am honoured and humbled to be chosen amongst such a talented bunch of people,' Dean said.

Bachelorette Angie Kent, NRL star Beau Ryan, radio presenter Ed Kavalee and Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Lattanzi are also part of the 2020 cast.

Dancing with the Stars premieres Sunday, February 9 on Channel 10
At a time when many humans are striving towards saving the flora and fauna on the planet, 100-year-old Diego too has chipped in to contribute to this noble cause. The giant tortoise has used his legendary libido to help scientists save his species from the verge of extinction, and is now all set to return to the wild on the Galapagos Islands, the BBC reported.

Diego was among the 14 males selected to take part in a tortoise breeding programme on the Santa Cruz Island in California, US. Diegos sex drive was said to be one of the main reasons for the success of the programme.

Of the more than 2,000 giant tortoises bred since the 1960s under the programme, the centurion tortoise fathered an estimated 800.

After the end of the programme, Diego is all set to return to his native island of Espanola in March, the Galapagos National Parks service (PNG) said.

Of the 1,800 tortoises on the island, Diego is believed to have fathered at least 40 per cent of them.

Around 50 years ago, only two males and 12 females of Diegos species lived on Espanola. To save the species -- Chelonoidis hoodensis -- Diego was brought from Californias San Diego Zoo.

Diego is at present quarantined before his return to Espanola, one of the oldest parts of the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands, 906 km west of continental Ecuador, are a Unesco World Heritage site, visited by hundreds of tourists who wish to see its biodiversity.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speak as Tom Steyer looks on after the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 14, 2020. Six candidates out of the field qualified for the first Democratic presidential primary debate of 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

New Audio Reveals What Was Said During Tense Exchange Between Sanders and Warren

What was said during the tense exchange between Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) after the Democratic presidential debate Tuesday night was revealed about 24 hours later.

Warren and Sanders clashed during the debate over Warrens claim that Sanders told her privately that a woman cant become president. They did not shake hands after the debate.

Warren approached Sanders, ignoring his outstretched hand while speaking to him. It wasnt clear what was said until CNN, a host of the debates, released the audio Wednesday night.

I think you called me a liar on national TV, Warren tells Sanders immediately after approaching him.

What? Sanders said.

I think you called me a liar on national TV, Warren said.

You know, lets not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion, Sanders said.

Anytime, Warren said.

You called me a liar, Sanders continued. You told meall right, lets not do it now.

Tom Steyer, a billionaire activist who is running for president, was standing nearby as the pair spoke.

Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speak as Tom Steyer looks on after the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 14, 2020. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo)

I dont want to get in the middle. I just want to say Hi Bernie,' Steyer said.

Sanders campaign declined to comment to The Epoch Times. Warrens campaign has not responded to a request for comment.

The post-debate meetings between presidential contenders have been largely cordial during the Democratic primary race, which features a number of longtime friends and allies. Warren and Sanders have refrained from attacking each other during the race until the claim was leaked that Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that a woman couldnt win the presidency. Sanders issued a statement denying the claim while Warren said in a statement that Sanders did tell her that.

Asked by a debate moderator if he told her a woman couldnt become president, Sanders said no. I didnt say it, he said. He laid out why people shouldnt believe the claim, referencing how he was saying 30-plus years ago that a woman should be president and that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee in 2016, won the popular vote against then-candidate Donald Trump.

Youre saying that you never told Senator Warren that a woman could not win the election? CNN moderator Abby Phillip asked.

That is correct, Sanders said.

Phillip then turned to Warren.

Senator Warren, what did you think when Sanders told you a woman could not win the election? Phillip asked.

The camera showed Sanders laughing in disbelief while Warren answered: I disagreed before calling Sanders her friend.
I believe the meeting that the My Step faction of the National Assembly of Armenia had with Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was rather fruitful. This is what head of the faction of the National Assembly Lilit Makunts told reporters today.

I think it is good that deputies hold working discussions with government officials on a regular basis because they allow us to discuss the issues that are accumulated, but the most important part of this meeting was that we were trying to understand how we can use the platforms of parliamentary diplomacy more effectively and combine our actions to achieve the maximum results, she stated.

Makunts said the faction plans to meet with Armenias acting police chief soon.
"As I got into marketing of the facility, I discovered things that were devastating: The use of temporary staff was alarming," he said. "The sum total of temporary help going back to 2018 was $971,000. My calculation is that it's about $1.3 million. That's paying double time for regular time salary.

"So let's just slice it in half and divide it by a 12% cap rate, which is what buyers are looking for. That's about $5.4 million of value that was just vaporized. So, $19 million minus $5 million. There came a point when I thought we wouldn't get any offers on the facility. I believe $6 million is a really good deal."

Giannini said he expects the transition to go smoothly and that all employees will likely be retained by Aperion Care. Whether they will be retained as temporary employees will be revealed in the details of the contract.

Giannini then took aim at an editorial in the Quad-City Times and Dispatch-Argus, saying public disclosure of the buyer and the price could jeopardize the sale.
The Himachal Pradesh government has again suspended Inspector General of Police ZH Zaidi, DGP Sitaram Mardi said Thursday but refused to disclose the reason for the suspension.

When asked why Zaidi was suspended, the DGP said he has been suspended by the home secretary, "talk to him to know the reason why he was suspended". Zaidi was posted as CEO of the state wakf board.

Previously, Zaidi was suspended in 2017 after his arrest in connection with the custodial death of a Nepalese national in the Gudia rape and murder case and then reinstated in November last year.

Sources said he has been suspended again after IPS officer Soumya Sambasivan recently told a CBI court in Chandigarh that she was being pressured by Zaidi to change her statement in the custodial death case.

Eight police personnel, including IG Zaidi and DSP Manoj Joshi, were arrested by CBI on August 29, 2017, while DW Negi was arrested on November 16, 2017.

Suraj, an accused in the Gudia rape and murder case, was killed in the Kotkhai police station in July 2017.

The 16-year-old girl had gone missing in Kotkhai on July 4, 2017, and her body was found from Halaila forests two days later. The autopsy had confirmed rape and murder.

Following a public outcry, a special investigation team, headed by Zaidi, was set up by the then Congress government. The SIT arrested six persons and after the custodial death of Suraj, the High Court had handed over the investigation of both cases to CBI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Jan. 16 warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority not to indulge in presumptuous self-conceit and miscalculate the situation.

Further moves to create tensions and turbulence across the Taiwan Strait will bring the island to a treacherous situation, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, in response to remarks on cross-Strait relations by Tsai Ing-wen in the BBC interview.

Taiwan has never been a country but a sacred and inalienable part of China, Ma said, warning that attempts to challenge the iron-clad fact will only end in disgrace and ruin.

"We remain as firm as a rock in our resolve to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never allow anyone, any organization, or any political party, at any time or in any form, to separate any part of Chinese territory from China," said Ma.
Evening Standard

Here are all the bank holidays you should note in 2022. What bank holidays are planned for the Queens Jubilee and is there an extra day? In celebration of the Queens 70th year as monarch, bank holidays have been rearranged to allow for four consecutive days of celebration.
Connective power can be a remedy to heal this divisive world and a force to build a more prosperous global community. And China's practice over the years has proven its viability.

BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- World political and business leaders will flock to the snow-capped Swiss town of Davos next week for the 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, sharing their ideas on the theme "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World."

Three years ago at the same spot, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark speech at the 2017 WEF, and also addressed the United Nations Office at Geneva, calling for concerted efforts to champion globalization and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Guided by such a vision, China has worked to bring the world together to solve the most unprecedented problems challenging peace and development today.

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2018 shows the logo of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

CONNECTIVE POWER

The world has witnessed unprecedented changes over the past three years, adding to uncertainty about the future.

In March, at a global governance forum co-hosted by China and France in Paris, Xi raised "four deficits" in global affairs, namely a governance deficit, trust deficit, peace deficit, and development deficit.

With trade protectionism the norm and trade tensions striking a nerve, the slowing-down of global growth is edging towards a new decade low. In October, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its expectations for world economic growth to 3 percent for 2019, the slowest pace since the 2008 global financial crisis.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Gita Gopinath (2nd L) attends a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 15, 2019. The IMF lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2019 to 3 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"Rising trade and geopolitical tensions have increased uncertainty about the future of the global trading system and international cooperation more generally," the IMF said in its October report.

Beside of protectionist moves, unilateralism is also on the rise and has been eroding international solidarity. A prolonged Brexit has drained Britain and its European partners. Washington has abandoned its due responsibilities on the global stage with its withdrawal from international agreements, such as the Iran nuclear deal, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the Paris climate agreement.

Meanwhile, in a complex and interconnected world, countries find themselves facing more common challenges in maintaining effective state governance, safeguarding regional peace, narrowing the income gap, and adapting to changes emerging from a new round of technological revolution.

No one can stand up alone to these challenges, and isolationist and protectionist actions will only worsen the situation.

Connective power, against this backdrop, can be a remedy to heal this divisive world and a force to build a more prosperous global community. And China's practice over the years has proven its viability.

Guests attend the signing ceremony of an agreement on the cooperation between Asian think tanks during the consensus conference for the second Hongqiao International Economic Forum on China's 70-year Development and the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2019 (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

NETWORKS OF CONNECTION

In his Davos speech in 2017, Xi stressed the need to pursue a model of open and win-win cooperation. In practice, China has been an important player in fostering connective power on the global stage.

From the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the two editions of the China International Import Expo, China has offered platforms of opportunities and a road to prosperity for its partners.

The BRI, proposed in 2013, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa -- on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.

China has twice held the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to facilitate investment and collaboration along the routes. China has thus far signed 199 cooperation documents with various countries and international organizations via the forums, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last month.

The BRI reduces shipping times for both BRI and non-BRI economies, which translates to significant reductions in trade costs, according to a report by World Bank economists published in 2018.

China also seeks to dovetail the initiative with the development priorities of several Asian, African and European nations. The Piraeus Port in Greece, under cooperation with China, has been built into the largest port in the Mediterranean region and one of the fastest growing container terminals in the world. The project has created jobs for locals and boosted the Greek economy, previously hit by a long debt crisis.

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 16, 2019 shows the Piraeus port, Greece. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

Connecting countries through culture and people-to-people exchanges is also an important driver for human progress and global peace and prosperity.

Frequent high-level exchanges in recent years, along with major events such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations held in Beijing in May, have seen more diversified cooperation to support exchanges of tourists, youth, think tanks, and museums across borders.

China is also a firm defender of multilateralism, calling for concerted efforts at the policy level to improve global governance on various international occasions. Through concrete actions, it has pushed to improve the rules-based global multilateral trading system, and bolster coordination on combatting terrorism, cyber security, and climate change, to name a few.

The opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

GLOBAL RESONANCE

Using connective power to tackle pressing global issues has gained traction from scholars and experts across the world.

"Anything which helps make the world more safe ... should surely be welcomed, and in today's global environment which we maintain by being, and staying, 'connected,' this initiative by China deserves to be welcomed most warmly," Anthony Glees, a professor of international relations and security at the University of Buckingham, told Xinhua.

"It could be seen as a realistic attempt to recognize that there are issues and tensions that could become fissile but that together, through diplomacy, they are capable of resolution," Glees said. "Two heads are always better than one, a dozen heads even more so."

Some leaders of foreign parties, who were here to attend the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, visit an exhibition displaying China's outstanding achievements over the past five years in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Europe, including Britain, has benefited from Chinese investment as illustrated in the BRI, he said, adding that Chinese investment will be key for a Brexit Britain to develop new industries and infrastructure.

In turbulent times, China remains at the vanguard of protecting the common interests of most countries. It remains committed to promoting fairness and justice, and safeguarding multilateralism to build a community with a shared future.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis once commented that Greece has come to understand the true meaning of "friends" through cooperation with China on the Piraeus Port.

Energy is the mainstay of every development aspiration, said Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, a professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, and "any agenda or initiative that aims to create ... energy interconnection should be given the highest priority if we have to create a better interconnected world."

China can play a vital role in terms of promoting global energy interconnection, said the scholar, adding that massive initiatives require transnational cooperation and commitment from every potential stakeholder.

An Asian culture carnival is held during the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) at the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

Charles K. Armstrong, a professor with the Department of History at Columbia University in New York, told Xinhua that "China is contributing enormously to the global economy and new technological developments."

"It has become a catalyst for connection and exchange throughout Eurasia and beyond, in the spirit of pluralism and peaceful co-existence of different political, economic and social systems," he said.
January 16 : Today on Jan 16, 2020, Bollywood will celebrate one of the most handsome, fittest and talented actors of the lot- Sidharth Malhotra. As he turned 35 years of age, he also surprised movie buffs with a stunning poster of Shershaah. Since the Army Day happened to be on Jan 15, along with Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, we think he and his team had selected a pretty auspicious date to drop the poster.

The actor captioned his Insta post with a long message that read, An absolute honor to be able to paint the big screen with the shades of bravery & sacrifice. Paying an ode to the journey of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) and bringing the UNTOLD TRUE STORY with #Shershaah. Releasing 3rd July 2020.

Latest: In Pics: Fans gift a portrait painting to Sidharth Malhotra, and makes his b'day extra special

The film has been directed by Vishnu Varadhan, producers are Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Shabbir Boxwala, Ajay Shah and Himanshu Gandhi.

From his usual hot, rowdy like and naughty characters that he had played in the past, this look of a valiant army soldier is commendable and he seems to have merged into character smoothly. The poster also revealed that the film Shershaah will be released by July 3, this year.

Image Source: IANS News Sidharth Malhotra picture

Though his previous film Marjaavan did not do as well as expected, people loved the way he carried out his action sequences. This time too, we hope that he performs and goes overboard from our expectations. Sidharth holds a titular character in the film as the story ins based on the true-life story of Kargil War hero- Vikram Batra. He was awarded the prestigious Param Vir Chakra which is Indias highest war gallantry award.

The poster shows Sidharth in action, and surely passes on the brave and even the patriotic vibes across. Hopefully, this war based movie will be a turning point in the life of the Student of the Year actor, just like the film Uri made Vicky Kaushal a favorite actor of many people.

Moving on, Sidharth Malhotra had conducted a splendid party blast last night with many actors and producers in Bollywood. From Karan Johar to Rakul Preet, actors celebrated his poster release and a new film in style.
This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people around the world and details how they earn, spend and save their money. Wendy Gonzalez has big goals: The 24-year-old is saving for a home, has set her sight on business school and plans to grow and monetize her YouTube channel to help pay for the MBA. She's well on her way to getting there, with over 1,000 YouTube subscribers and $25,000 earmarked specifically for a down payment. "I've been saving since I was 15," Gonzalez tells CNBC Make It. That's when she got her first job, working at Cold Stone Creamery. "Being raised by immigrant parents, I was always told, you need to save every penny. And so I've always had that mentality  that you should strive to save for the future." Gonzalez, who lives with her boyfriend, Chris, in Pasadena, California, about 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, knows better than anybody that the future is unpredictable: In August 2019, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After a successful surgery in October, she's now cancer-free.

Gonzalez lives in Pasadena, CA on an $80,000 salary CNBC Make It

"I've realized that health is one of the biggest priorities that we should put first in our life," she says. She also experienced first-hand the importance of having an emergency fund. Her health insurance plan covered the entire cost of her surgery, but her savings account allowed her to feel financially secure during a trying time. "If I didn't have a good health plan, I did have enough savings that could have covered my surgery," and that feels good, she says. "I've learned that, one: You should always take care of your health. And, when you're healthy, you should always strive to have some type of savings for a rainy day."

What she earns

Gonzalez makes $80,000 a year working as a logistics supervisor for an auto tech company. She started as a part-time employee while finishing her last year at UCLA. "I feel that I live comfortably with $80,000 in LA, especially because I am splitting costs with my boyfriend, but there's always room for more growth and higher pay," she says. "My goal is to make roughly $95,000 a year." Besides her 9-to-5 job, she earns an additional $500 to $700 a month as an online ESL teacher. Gonzalez wakes up at 3:30 a.m. to teach for two hours before heading into the office for her full-time gig. The extra money goes straight to savings. "I don't count that as part of my yearly salary," she says. "I just look at it as money to invest and save." She also has a YouTube channel called Invested Millennial, which she uses to share her experience investing in the stock market: "I don't see a lot of women on YouTube talking about investing  a lot of them are focusing on budgeting and saving, which is amazing, but I think we need more women talking about the power of investing." Gonzalez's YouTube channel, Invested Millennial, has just over 1,000 subscribers. She doesn't currently make any money off of YouTube, but her goal is to monetize the channel and reach a larger audience. Eventually, she hopes to earn enough from YouTube to live comfortably while pursuing her MBA: "I would love to make YouTube videos and be a business student at the same time."

What she spends

Here's a look at how Gonzalez budgets her income. These numbers reflect her spending activity as of October 2019.

Gonzalez and her boyfriend live in a one-bedroom apartment in Pasadena. "It's definitely not in the L.A. area," she says. "You have to drive out here, but we love it. It's a very peaceful and quiet community." They split the $1,795 rent down the middle and both pay $898 a month, which comes out of their joint account. Gonzalez and her boyfriend work at the same company and when they get paid twice a month, they automatically transfer $500 each to the joint account. That $2,000 per month is enough to cover rent, utilities and Wi-Fi.

Wendy Gonzalez lives in Pasadena, CA with her boyfriend and dog, Techno CNBC Make It

After graduating from UCLA debt-free, thanks to a combination of financial aid, fellowships and scholarships, Gonzalez splurged on a BMW. "I felt like I deserved a nice car," she says. Expenses add up, though: Between her monthly car payment ($720) and gas (roughly $90 per month), she spends about $810 on transportation. Looking back, "I regret buying the BMW," she says. "It's a nice car, it drives amazing, it looks great, but I don't really need that type of car in my life  and now that I have bigger financial goals, the car is really setting me back."

Gonzalez splurged on a BMW after graduating debt-free CNBC Make It

She has about $33,000 left on the loan and wants to pay it off as quickly as possible so she can focus on saving for a home. That means making a higher monthly payment: "My plan is to pay roughly $1,000 to $1,200 a month and that money will come from my side hustle, any money I earn from YouTube and whatever money is left after I pay my other monthly expenses."

Gonzalez pays just $20 a month for health insurance through work, and her dental and vision plans are free. She and her boyfriend also split pet insurance for their dog and pay $20 each. Her car insurance bundle is $327 a month, and it includes two life insurance policies (one for her and one for her mom).

Gonzalez and her boyfriend spend about $100 per person on groceries per month and another $50 on takeout. That's low, admits Gonzalez, but the couple gets free food from their parents. "My mom lives very close to us and every weekend she'll bring us homemade food. That saves us about three days of eating our own groceries." Plus, they're conscientious shoppers and stick to shopping mostly at Trader Joe's in an effort to save more money.

The only monthly subscription Gonzalez pays for is Netflix. She used to have others, like Spotify, Hulu and a meat delivery subscription called ButcherBox, but after establishing specific savings goals, she cut back. She's a member of LA fitness, but her boyfriend covers the cost: "He was able to get a family plan, so he added me to his membership, and he pays for that."

Gonzalez and her boyfriend, Chris Wendy Gonzalez

Utilities and Wi-Fi: $62 (splits with boyfriend)

Dog food and toys: $50

Credit card annual fee: $46 (pays $550/year for an American Express Platinum card)

Phone plan: $42

Beauty: $30

What she saves

Gonzalez socks away about $1,000 a month. Where she chooses to put it depends on the month: At the beginning of 2019, she focused on maxing out her Roth IRA and put all of her monthly savings in that account. Once she reached the $6,000 maximum contribution limit, she started saving her $1,000 in two separate accounts: half went into a high-yield savings account and the other half went into a brokerage account. She plans to use the same strategy in 2020.

Gonzalez graduated from UCLA debt-free Wendy Gonzalez

Her brokerage account, which she opened in December 2018 and uses to invest in individual stocks, has grown significantly in just one year: She initially invested $14,000 and it's now at about $21,000. She has around $25,000 in her high-yield savings account, which she plans to use for a down payment one day. This money could also be used for emergencies if one arises, she says. Her employer offers a 401(k) plan and she'd like to eventually contribute to it, but for now, all of her retirement-specific savings go into her Roth IRA.

Planning for the future

Gonzalez knows that her future goals  getting an MBA and owning a home  are expensive. That's why she's starting to prepare now. She's cut back on expenses like subscriptions and put traveling on hold to free up more cash to save. And after she pays off her BMW, she plans to put all the extra savings toward her home fund. As for the cost of business school, she's confident she can whittle it down through scholarships. "One of the reasons why I'm not worried about the costs associated with business school is because I was able to finish a four-year degree at UCLA debt-free, and I was able to do that through scholarship opportunities and work-study programs. I feel like, as an MBA student, there's even more money to help you get your degree  you just have to look for the opportunities." She would like to begin traveling more, too: "Prior to starting my hardcore investing and saving journey, I was able to travel all around the world. I'd been to Dubai, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, London. But now that I live with Chris and we want to save together and work toward our goals together, I haven't had a chance to travel. My goal is to definitely travel more, but to do it for free." She uses a travel rewards card that costs $550 a year and is saving up her points for a 2020 European vacation. "Hopefully we'll get to do that for free or, if not free, at least for half the cost, with points," she says.

What the experts say

CNBC Make It asked Fred Egler, certified financial planner at Betterment, to comment on what Gonzalez is doing right with her money and where she could improve.

Fred Egler, CFP at Betterment Betterment

Her savings rate is impressive

Gonzalez is saving a good amount of money and on a regular basis, which is great, says Egler. "It's tough to pinpoint how much a person should save just based on income and age because it really depends on your specific financial goals," he says. "She's saving about 15% right now. Being able to put away that amount of money on a regular basis is definitely impressive." It's also smart that she has a side hustle and is thinking about how to monetize her YouTube channel. "Having money coming in from various sources at the same time can do a couple things: It not only can make you more financially fit, but it can be more fulfilling from a life perspective, in that you've got things that you're interested in that you're actually earning an income on," Egler says.

It's OK to opt out of a 401(k) and save in a Roth IRA

Saving in a Roth IRA makes sense for the 24-year-old, says Egler: "Based on her income, she's eligible to do that and it's useful, especially if she feels like she's going to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement." With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax money, so you can withdraw the contributions and earnings tax-free once you reach 59. The reason this type of account is a particularly good option for Gonzalez, and anyone early in their career, is because younger workers are likely earning less today than they will in the future. That means you're in a lower tax bracket and paying less in taxes than you will later on.

Wendy Gonzalez, 24 Wendy Gonzalez

If she's eventually able to put away more for retirement, saving in a 401(k) plan in addition to an IRA is a good option because the contribution limits are much higher ($19,500 for 2020). While her employer doesn't offer a 401(k) match, if that ever changes, she should enroll in the plan and contribute at least enough to get the full match, notes Egler. After all, matching funds are essentially free money.

She should separate her emergency fund and home fund

Rather than lumping together her emergency money and down payment fund, Egler suggests she keep them in separate accounts: "You want to make sure you have that money set aside so that if something does come up  an unexpected health expense or you lose your income  you can actually use it for its intended purpose, which is an emergency." Plus, if you're planning on being a homeowner, "expenses inevitably come up," he says. "You definitely want to have an emergency fund established separately because you might need to tap into that anyway." It's smart to have separate accounts for all of your individual savings goals, he adds. Egler recommends people aim to save anywhere from three to six months of living expenses. For Gonzalez, that would mean having $8,000 to $16,000 set aside just for emergencies.

She should be more specific with her homebuying goal
1. Yes. The downtown area needs a good draw. Some quality taverns would be a plus.

2. Yes. Too many storefronts are vacant. Bars could help to bring in needed revenue.

3. No. Putting a number of bars downtown is just asking for trouble. Dont change things.

4.No. Several churches have located downtown. Putting bars close by would be a bad fit.

5. Unsure. It would depend on how the law is written and what standards are enacted.

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A pilot was caught on camera glimpsing the ground at the very last second before landing his plane in thick fog.

Enrique Moresco, 24, recorded the time-lapse footage as he flew from Alicante to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

In the 26-second long clip, which was actually filmed over a 12-minute period, Mr Moresco can be seen guiding his Boeing 737 through the thick layers of cloud.

He turns the aircraft sharply to the left as he appears to also be battling with turbulence which causes the nose of the plane jiggles from side to side.

The plane then lowers in altitude and continues to glide forward until suddenly the runway at Rosalia de Castro Airport comes into view.

The tarmac is lined with green, amber and red guiding lights which can be seen glaring through the rain.

Enrique Moresco, 24, recorded the time-lapse footage as he flew from Alicante to Santiago de Compostela in Spain

In the 26-second long clip, which was actually filmed over a 12-minute period, Mr Moresco can be seen guiding his Boeing 737 through the thick layers of cloud

The plane touches down safely nonetheless and the video ends shortly afterwards.

Mr Moresco shared the video on his Twitter account shortly after.

He said: 'For pilots, it is very common, especially in the winter season, to encounter these kinds of situations.

'In Spain, there are many foggy regions, and not just in the north.

'For us, it is easier when something like this happens in Galicia, for example, as their airports are better prepared for this kind of weather than Jerez or Seville.

He turns the aircraft sharply to the left as he appears to also be battling with turbulence which causes the nose of the plane jiggles from side to side

The plane then lowers in altitude and continues to glide forward until suddenly the runway at Rosalia de Castro Airport comes into view

'We do not land blind, there are security protocols that allow us to land if the fog is 49 feet (15 metres) high.

'In this case, the fog disappeared at around 98 feet (30 metres) in height.'

'Foggy conditions are limiting, but do not require emergency manoeuvres.'

The tarmac is lined with green, amber and red guiding lights which can be seen glaring through the rain

The plane touches down safely nonetheless and the video ends shortly afterwards. Mr Moresco shared the video on his Twitter account shortly after

Other social media users were quick to comment.

One, Lasednagaia, said: 'Oh my God, what an adrenaline moment! Very precise in low visibility conditions. This is trusting completely in the plane's technology, right?'

Mr Moresco replied and said: 'We place confidence in the plane's instruments but there has to be a point where we can see the runway otherwise we should abort our approach.'
There was an alarming increase in crew kidnappings across the Gulf of Guinea, the International Chamber of Commerces International Maritime Bureaus (IMB) said in its annual piracy report.

In 2019, IMBs Piracy Reporting Centre received 162 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships worldwide, in comparison to 201 reported incidents in 2018. The incidents included four hijacked vessels, 11 vessels fired upon, 17 attempted attacks, and 130 vessels boarded, according to the latest IMB figures.

The number of crew kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea increased by more than 50% from 78 in 2018 to 121 in 2019. This equates to over 90% of global kidnappings reported at sea with 64 crew members kidnapped across six separate incidents in the last quarter of 2019 alone. The region accounted for 64 incidents including all four vessel hijackings that occurred in 2019, as well as 10 out of 11 vessels that reported coming under fire.

We remain concerned that this region has recorded an unprecedented rise in crew kidnaps. These latest statistics confirm the importance of increased information exchange and coordination between vessels, reporting and response agencies in the Gulf of Guinea Region. Without the necessary reporting structures in place, we will be unable to accurately highlight the high-risk areas for seafarers and address the rise of piracy incidents in these persistently vulnerable waters, Michael Howlett, Director of the ICC International Maritime Bureau, said.

Similarly, the Singapore Straits experienced a rise in armed robbery attacks with 12 reported incidents in 2019, including 11 in the last quarter of 2019. The same region accounted for just three incidents for the entirety of 2018.

IMBs latest figures also report that vessels were successfully boarded in 10 incidents across the region last year. Despite this rise, IMB considers the intensity of the attacks in the Singapore Straits to be low level and usually limited to armed robbery from the vessel.

This is a distraction and potentially dangerous for the crew in control of the vessel whilst navigating through these congested waters, continued Howlett.

Armed robbery attacks in Indonesian ports are down from 36 incidents in 2018 to 25 in 2019. Dialogue and coordination between the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP) and the IMB PRC has led to a decrease in regional incidents, according to the report.

Elsewhere, in the Indian sub-continent, Bangladesh reported zero incidents for 2019. This is the first time since 2015 that no piracy or armed robbery incidents have been reported around Bangladesh.

Across the Indian Ocean, Somalia reported zero piracy incidents, yet the IMB PRC advises that vessels and crews remain cautious when traveling through the region. In particular, the report warns that Somali pirates continue to possess the capacity to carry out attacks in the Somali basin and wider Indian Ocean.

Story by https://worldmaritimenews.com
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: BJP and Jana Sena Party (JSP) have formed an alliance to emerge as the third alternative in Andhra Pradesh with the ultimate target of forming government in the state in 2024.

JSP Chief Pawan Kalyan and BJP state president Kanna Lakshminarayana in a joint press conference on Thursday in Vijayawada announced the decision after nearly four hours of intense discussions.

JSP after its inception in 2014, had formed a pre-poll alliance with BJP though it has not contested the elections. Later, before the 2019 elections, it has distanced itself from BJP and contested elections in alliance with the Left Parties. It managed to secure just one seat.

It was all due to a communication gap under special circumstances. Now, for the future of Andhra Pradesh, JSP has allied with BJP unconditionally, as it strongly feels the need of Prime Minister Narendra Modis guidance for the State. Both parties will fight together in Local Bodies elections and in 2024 general elections. It will be our alliance which will form the Government in 2024, Pawan Kalyan explained.

He said a joint coordination committee will be formed to chalk out the action plans to tackle state and national-level problems and expose the failure of the YSRC government in the state. He exuded confidence of Andhra Pradesh having blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah.

BJP state president Kanna Lakshminarayan said they wholeheartedly welcome Jana Sena allying with BJP in the State and described it as a historic development. We together will fight against dictatorial tendencies and unilateral ways of Jagan Mohan Reddy Government in the State, he said.

BJP party AP state in-charge Sunil Deodhar described the BJP-JSP alliance in AP as the auspicious beginning. He said Sankranti marks the long days and short nights with Sun starting his journey North and today in Andhra Pradesh, the new alliance of BJP-JSP marks the blooming of Lotus, a new beginning. There is no question of any alliance or understanding with TDP or YSRC, he clarified.

Extending their support for the demand to continue Amaravati as the Capital city of Andhra Pradesh, both parties said they are in favor of decentralized development and not decentralized administration. We will fight it out against the YSRC government on the issue. It can not make unilateral decisions. If needed we will take legal recourse, Kanna Lakshmi Narayana said and Pawan Kalyan echoed the opinion.

On the issue of Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan said the question needs to be asked to YSRC which has 20 MPS and TDP which has 3 MPS. On Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), JSP chief said it is meant to safeguard the interests of minorities in Islamic countries, who are being discriminated against and nothing to do with taking away citizenship of Muslims in India.
As the Long Beach Unified School District commits to keeping classes in-person, the city a new testing site opens for LBUSD employees and students only. The city is also ramping up its own testing efforts with a new 3,000-person per day testing site.
Cardi B recently got a big boost to her political ambitions as American Senator Bernie Sanders lauded the rapper for her concern towards the country and her humble beginnings.

He said that Cardi can bring her valuable experiences into which she gained while struggling from poverty, reported TMZ.

Sanders, a presidential hopeful told TMZ that, "Cardi B is deeply concerned about what's happening in the country. She knows what it's like to live in poverty and struggle, and it would be great for her to bring that experience to "

Cardi has been quite vocal about her political views and has even gotten into an online altercation on Twitter with the American right-wing journalist Tomi Lahren due to her anti-Donald Trump stance.

The pop star has since long been a Bernie supporter and even interviewed Democrat politician in August last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - The National Union of Journalists of Cote d'Ivoire will organize in Yamoussoukro on Saturday the traditional annual evening to honour outstanding journalists in reporting, investigation, review and interview
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced that the Tennessee Distillers Guild (TNDG) is joining Spirits United as a partner to expand the grassroots network in Tennessee.

"The Tennessee Distillers Guild represents some of the greatest and oldest spirits brands, and we couldn't be prouder to have them join us as Spirits United partners to protect the heritage of those iconic brands and the vitality of the industry," said Chris Swonger, President & CEO, DISCUS and Responsibility.org. "The distillers spirits industry provides over 21,000 jobs and $2.8 billion in GDP for Tennessee, and we'll utilize the Spirits United platform to ensure lawmakers hear our collective voices on legislative issues that matter most to Tennessee distillers."

Sara Beth Urban, Executive Director of TNDG, stated, "Tennessee Whiskey is enjoyed by consumers across the nation and around the world. It makes perfect sense for us to partner with Spirits United to ensure that the people who appreciate our products can easily access and responsibly consume the world-class spirits made in Tennessee."

"The members of the Tennessee Distillers Guild work tirelessly to craft exceptional products that have immeasurable impacts on local communities and the state as a whole. The positive effects are easily illustrated by the success of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, which has brought over 6 million visitors to Tennessee distilleries," said Guild president, Kris Tatum. "We know that our industry is stronger when it speaks with a collective voice, and by partnering with Spirits United, we can be more effective in our state legislature and on Capitol Hill."

The platform, which launched in August 2019, is gaining momentum throughout the beverage alcohol industry with partners including the American Distilling Institute, TIPS, Texas Whiskey Association, Texas Distilled Spirits Association, the Kentucky Distillers' Association, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, and Techniques for Alcohol Management.

About Spirits United

Spirits United underscores a strong commitment to responsibility as its foundation. Through Spirits United's social media content and information on its site, spirits advocates are encouraged to join industry efforts to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving, and to promote the responsible consumption of beverage alcohol. Spirits United is an inclusive community for anyone and everyone over the age of 21. To join Spirits United, visit spiritsunited.org.

Media Contact:

Sara Beth Urban

[email protected]

SOURCE Tennessee Distillers Guild
An 18-year-old man was charged with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Treshawn Boyd in Dorchester on Saturday, police said.

Daventy Walker was arrested shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday for the alleged murder of Walker. The Mattapan resident is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Dorchester District, the Boston Police Department said in a statement.

Police responded around 8:26 p.m. on Saturday to a double shooting near 51 Washington Street and found two male victims with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to the hospital, where Boyd was pronounced dead, the statement said.

The second persons injuries are not life threatening, police said.

The Boston Globe reported Boyd was shot near where his father, Jamil Harmon, was stabbed to death in 2010 on Blue Hill Avenue.

The Boston Police Department is continuing to review the facts surrounding Boyds death. The department urged anyone with information on the incident to call homicide detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Pathophysiological underpinnings of the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are still poorly understood, according to Leonard A. Jason, a DePaul University psychology professor who has studied chronic fatigue syndrome primarily in adults for the past 30 years.

"We need to know what causes one of the most debilitating health conditions, which is ME/CFS. The best way to figure this out is to identify healthy individuals and then observe what occurs when they are infected with something that might be triggering the disease, such as a virus, like Epstein-Barr virus, the cause of infectious mononucleosis, then to see who recovers and who does not and why," said Jason, a principal investigator of a new five-year, $2.8 million study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, one of the National Institutes of Health.

This study may help identify risk factors that make certain individuals more likely to develop ME/CFS after an infection and may provide additional insights into biological causes of this debilitating disease." Vicky Whittemore, program director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

One aim of the new study is to assess the natural history of and risk factors for the maintenance of ME/CFS following infectious mononucleosis (IM).

"Psychological, autonomic, and biological risk factors predispose people to developing ME/CFS following IM. We will determine which of these factors, if any, is also important for maintaining ME/CFS over time," noted Jason, director of the Center for Community Research in DePaul's College of Science and Health.

Working with Jason as co-principal investigator is Dr. Ben Z. Katz, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Katz is also a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has collaborated with Jason and his group since the late 1990s and has identified the incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome following infectious mononucleosis in adolescents.

Jason and Katz have considerable experience with and helped develop the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke common data elements for ME/CFS. Their work together has been able to launch a series of NIH-supported epidemiologic and prospective studies.

One of the starting points for this new research is data collected during a recently completed study from more than 4,500 healthy college students. The new study -; "Maintenance and Incidence of ME/CFS following Mono" (NS111105-01 A1) -; will investigate that data in addition to new data. Jacob Furst, a professor at the School of Computing in DePaul's College of Computing and Digital Media, will assist with the analysis of the complex data set, noted Jason.

Aside from following those already identified with ME/CFS following IM, the researchers will also determine prospectively the incidence of ME/CFS in a sample of diverse college students whose ME/CFS was not triggered by IM in the previous data. They also will conduct qualitative in-depth interviews with follow-up participants that will explore perceptions of the following: major life changes, fluctuations in employment status, changes in somatic symptoms, changes in coping strategies, changes in physical and mental status, and the evolution of support systems to determine which if any of these factors are also important for the development and maintenance of ME/CFS in young adults.

While several studies have examined the relationship between infectious mononucleosis and the development of ME/CFS, it is unclear which psychological and biological variables are potential risk factors contributing to the development and maintenance of ME/CFS following IM, because few if any prospective studies have collected baseline data before the onset of IM, according to Jason.

This new study is unique, said Jason, in that it focuses "on a demographically diverse sample of college youth, using a prospective and longitudinal design following a known trigger (IM)."

Jason, who has secured more than $46 million in research grant support during his 45-year professional career at DePaul, hopes that by identifying risk factors in predisposing patients to developing and maintaining ME/CFS may help uncover underlying mechanisms of disease.
Jennia Fredrique Aponte & Sol Aponte The goal of the Anatomy series is not only to entertain, but to elevate and inspire REVOLTs global audience. - Jennia Fredrique Aponte

REVOLT TV announced its plans to renew its deal with Full Frequency Media to create four new installments of its popular Anatomy of docu-series, with the first new special premiering in February 2020.

The Anatomy of series premiered its first two installments earlier this year with Anatomy of a Queen in March (in honor of Womens History Month) and Anatomy of a King: The Art of Fatherhood which premiered on Fathers Day in June. Following the success of these powerful projects, REVOLT TV renewed its deal with husband & wife production duo Sol & Jennia Fredrique Aponte of Full Frequency Media, to extend the concept into a docu-series in 2020. The program seeks to tell intimate and uplifting stories of women and men exemplifying Black Excellence in varying forms across business, fashion, art, family, love and more.

REVOLT boldly represents youth culture from an elevated, authentic, and unapologetic Hip Hop lens, giving a platform to creatives to push the boundary of the culture, inspiring excellence, and empowering our community to change the world, said Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, Head of Content for REVOLT. The Anatomy of series of specials does just that by highlighting influential culture movers and shakers who epitomize innovation and excellence.

The third installment of the Anatomy series, and first of the new 2020 run, entitled Anatomy of Black Love is slated to premiere on Valentines Day and will feature power couples Michael Jai White and Gillian White, Eric Bellinger and La'Myia Good-Bellinger, Sol Aponte and Jennia Fredrique Aponte and more. In the signature Anatomy of style, the program will feature highly stylized images alongside intimate interviews, as the couples speak candidly about subjects in the culture that are rarely discussed or explored authentically on-screen.

The goal of the Anatomy series is not only to entertain, but to elevate and inspire REVOLTs global audience, says director Jennia Fredrique Aponte.

The premiere will be accompanied by a viral digital and social media campaign designed to inspire the Black community to celebrate, appreciate, and honor Black love.

For more information on the REVOLTs upcoming series please click here. Eager fans can learn more, join in and follow the social conversation across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

About REVOLT TV

REVOLT is unapologetically Hip Hop, leading and living Hip Hop culture. REVOLT is the voice of the culture across platforms, engaging Millennial and Gen Z audiences, on REVOLT.tv, across social, TV and live events, through original and live content. Attracting over 50 million young people, REVOLT is accessible 24/7 on digital, TV and on demand. Founded by Sean Diddy Combs, REVOLT launched in broadcast in October 2013 and is available on DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse TV, Charter Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon FiOS, CenturyLink, Altice/Suddenlink, Frontier Communications, Comporium and Cincinnati Bell, Atlantic Broadband, Hotwire, as well as OTT platforms DIRECTV Now, Sling TV, Fubo TV and Philo TV. REVOLT is also available internationally in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, Nevis, Anguilla, Monserrat, Bermuda, Aruba, St. Maartens, Trinidad and the U.S.V.I. Check local listings at https://revolt.tv/listings.

About Full Frequency Media

Full Frequency Media is an award-winning full service production company specializing in the creation, development, packaging and distribution of media content across all platforms. The companys is led by two-time Emmy nominee Sol Aponte and wife Jennia Fredrique Aponte, award-winning writer/director and Sony Directors Program alum.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The mother of a 9-year-old girl who took her own life filed suit Thursday blaming the fourth-graders death on educators she accused of ignoring the girls complaints about months of bullying by a boy.

Administrators and teachers at U.S. Jones Elementary School in the west Alabama town of Demopolis showed deliberate and blatant indifference to bullying McKenzie Adams endured before killing herself at her grandmothers home in December 2018, the lawsuit claimed.

One white boy in particular taunted the black girl with racial and gender based slurs, the lawsuit said, but McKenzie wrote in her diary that another boy also harassed her.

The child, her mother and her grandmother all complained but school officials didnt act to stop the bullying, the suit claimed. Instead, a teacher told McKenzie to tell it to the wall because I do not want to hear it, the lawsuit said. Rather than punishing the main bully, the teacher disciplined the girl for telling on him, it claimed.

The boy who bothered McKenzie the most told her to kill herself, instructed her how to do it and said she would be better off dead the day she took her life, the lawsuit said. The suit did not name the alleged bully.

The girls mother, Jasmine Adams, is listed as a plaintiff along with the childs grandmother, Janice Adams. Filed in U.S. District Court in Mobile, the complaint accuses school officials of failing to follow state and federal law meant to guard against bullying.

The ultimate consequence of this lack of interest and empathy was the tragic death of a 9-year-old, Diandra Debrosse Zimmerman of Birmingham, the familys lead attorney, said in a statement.

The suit seeks an unspecified amount of money.

A lawyer for the Demopolis city school system, which was named in the lawsuit along with superintendent Kyle Kallhoff, two elementary administrators and a teacher, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Demopolis is located in rural western Alabama about 110 miles (177 kilometres) southwest of Birmingham.
Protesters gathered outside a police station in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 15 demanding the release of over 50 people arrested the previous day during violent clashes with security forces.

This video shows the crowd cheering and shouting outside the Emile Helou Police Station.

Tear gas was later used to dispel the crowds, according to reports.

The demonstration called for the release of over 50 people who were arrested during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Beiruts commercial Hamra district on January 14, according to The Daily Star.

Protesters smashed the windows of several banks and damaged ATMs on January 14 as anti-government protests continued in the city, local media reported. Credit: Lina Mounzer via Storyful
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / ParcelPal Technology Inc. ("ParcelPal" or the "Company"), (CSE:PKG)(FSE:PT0)(OTC PINK:PTNYF) ParcelPal is pleased to announce that it secured an agreement with one of Canada's most innovative and eco-friendly corporations, Eco Eats Inc. (www.ecoeats.ca) ("Eco Eats") for provision of delivery and logistics services. Under the terms of the agreement, ParcelPal will provide Eco Eats and their customers daily scheduled fulfillment of wholesale food transportation as well as on demand delivery to consumers to commence by end of January 2020.

Planning, due diligence, and integrations tasks have been complete, and the program will consist of ParcelPal providing delivery across the Greater Vancouver Area for Eco Eat corporate and social partners. The program will make on-demand delivery available to consumers choosing to avail themselves of Eco Eats socially and eco-friendly food options. In response to increased demand and new service offerings ParcelPal, effective immediately, has launched a new certified food safe refrigerated service for scheduled deliveries in the Greater Vancouver Area. ParcelPal anticipates future growth in this segment to be substantial and with Eco Eats as the anchor anticipates solid revenue and operational profitability of this service by Q2 2020. ParcelPal and Eco Eats both anticipate growth into future Canadian and International markets within calendar year 2020.

President and CEO Kelly Abbott States, "We are thrilled to be able to extend our service offerings through this agreement with Eco Eats, a Company with a solid approach to providing an eco-friendly platform that brings consumers food they love and coordinates food donations and logistics for non-profits so everyone eats. The expansion will allow ParcelPal to tap into new as well as existing markets. We look forward to providing all partners with effective technology and logistics needs to become their fulfillment partner of choice across Canada in the coming quarters."

About Eco Eats Technologies Inc.

We are a national eco-friendly platform that brings food you love and coordinates food donations so everyone eats! Our values are core to our organization to make the world a better place in a creative and innovative way that makes finding great food easy and fun to eat! In addition we help give extra food in a safe way for a non-profit community partner nearby to eat and enjoy.

About ParcelPal Technology Inc.

ParcelPal is a leader in the growing technology and logistics industry. ParcelPal seamlessly connects consumers to businesses, where they have access to the goods they love, anytime, anywhere. Customers can shop at partner businesses and through the ParcelPal technology receive their purchased goods within an hour or the same day. The Company offers on-demand delivery of merchandise from leading retailers, restaurants, medical marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon and soon in major cities Canada-wide.

ParcelPal Website: www.parcelpal.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") or any other securities regulatory authority has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release that has been prepared by management.

CSE - Symbol: PKG

FSE - Symbol: PT0

OTC - Symbol: PTNYF

Investor Inquiries: investors@parcelpal.com

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward looking statements relating to the Proposed Transaction, and the future potential of ParcelPal. Forward looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "intends", "anticipates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risk that the Proposed Transaction will not be completed due to, among other things, failure to execute definitive documentation, failure to complete satisfactory due diligence, failure to receive the approval of the CSE and the risk that ParcelPal will not be successful due to, among other things, general risks relating to the mobile application industry, failure of ParcelPal to gain market acceptance and potential challenges to the intellectual property utilized in ParcelPal. There can be no assurance that any forward looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

The Company cannot guarantee that any forward looking statement will materialize and 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 only update or revise publicly any of the included forward looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities laws.

SOURCE: ParcelPal Technology Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573267/ParcelPal-Signs-Partnership-Agreement-and-Launches-with-Eco-Eats-Canada
Bill de Blasio's reputation risked turning stale after the New York Mayor tweeted that his favorite bagel was whole wheat, 'toasted' with extra cream cheese from a Park Slope, Brooklyn bakery.

The only problem was, the said joint insists they never toast their bagels because they are already served warm after being baked fresh.

'New York City has the best bagels in the world. But our BEST bagel? Bagel Hole in Park Slope. No contest,' de Blasio posted in his original tweet to celebrate National Bagel Day. 'Whole wheat. Toasted. Extra cream cheese.'

It didn't take long before bagel-loving New Yorker's ended up coming down hard on the foodie faux pax-prone mayor.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio came in for criticism after he announced his choice of bagel

The Big Apple mayor tweeted in honor of National Bagel Day that his bagel of choice was, 'Whole wheat. Toasted. Extra cream cheese'

Twenty minutes later, the mayor posted the exact same tweet but with the word 'toasted' gone

The Mayor identified Bagel Hole of Park Slope, Brooklyn as serving up New York's best bagels, but the baker owners were quite to point out they never toast because they are already warm

The mayor declared his favorite bagel to be whole wheat, toasted with cream cheese

The criticism was thicker than a layer of cream cheese and quickly saw the mayor deleting and then reposting the exact same tweet 20 minutes later, only this time omitting the word 'toasted' from his posting.

Bagel Hole told the Daily News that they never toast because the bagels are made hot. 'We do not toast,' an employee insisted.

'What can I say, I must have a hole in my memory,' de Blasio said.

The mayor went on to state that he doesn't go to the Seventh Avenue venue quite as often as before.

'Don't get there as much as I used to, but it was our go-to when the kids needed a bite before Little League,' de Blasio wrote.

'Why would he delete that tweet? I don't mind toasted bagels,' asked one New Yorker to the Daily News. 'If you like toasted bagels, just say you like toasted bagels.'

'In the 20 years I lived across the street from EssABagel, they never had a toaster and would scoff if you asked. The best bagels on earth don't need no toastin',' @SpikeMcManus tweeted in response.

'Did he just pick a spot he knew was popular? Not toasting is what everybody knows about Bagel Hole,' said another user @kevinpost.

Twitter users were quick to criticize the mayor's choice of bagel and with a few noting how he even deleted a re-posted the tweet after coming under fire for saying he liked them toasted

'This is a schmear campaign against the mayor's preferences,' de Blasio spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein playfully joked.

Bagel Hole opened in Park Slope in 1985 and its bagels are considered some of the best in the city according to Eater.

The bakery makes its bagels by first boiling them in water before baking them to give a crispy exterior.

'We bake them here and they're already hot,' Bagel Hole's assistant manager Raul Perez told The New York Post. 'It's the old-fashioned way,' he said.

Perez said the mayor was at Bagel Hole a few weeks ago and ordered two whole wheat bagels with cream cheese but did not ask for them to be toasted.

Wednesday's Twitter fumble was the latest embarrassing dining disaster concerning the mayor who infamously ate pizza with a knife and fork in 2014 on Staten Island.

In 2014, the mayor was photographed eating pizza with a knife and fork on Staten Island

'In my ancestral homeland, it is more typical to eat with a fork and knife,' he said at the time. 'I've been to Italy a lot and I picked up the habit for certain types of pizza.'

Last year the mayor was spotted eating a microwaved, gas-station burrito after becoming stranded by a blizzard in Iowa.

In 2015, the News also reported how one of de Blasio's aides complained about the mayor's preference for his sickly-sweet coffee order of a double espresso with four sugars each morning.

'I cringe every time I have to get it,' she wrote in an internal email.
Brexit Technical Notice  The Implementation Period

There will be no change to the way in which citizens and businesses interact with the European Union until the Implementation Period comes to an end on 31 December 2020.

This means, for example, that Gibraltar-issued identity cards, passports, pet passports, EU Health Cards and driving licences can continue to be used in the same way as they have until now for the duration of the Implementation Period.

Ratification and Implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement

The UK Parliament is in the process of adopting legislation providing for the implementation as a matter of domestic law of the politically endorsed agreement on the withdrawal of the UK and Gibraltar from the EU (the Withdrawal Agreement). The Bill introducing such legislation, namely the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill 2019-20, is on track to complete its passage through both UK Houses of Parliament in time to allow for the UK to formally ratify the Withdrawal Agreement ahead of 31 January 2020.

The EU will also complete its own formal approval processes ahead of this date

In parallel, and since the Withdrawal Agreement applies to Gibraltar, HM Government of Gibraltar has already published a Bill which will allow for the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement in Gibraltar under Gibraltar law. This will be debated by the Gibraltar Parliament next week, prior to 31 January 2020.

Entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement

Subject to completion of the above-described ratification procedures, the now highly likely scenario is that Withdrawal Agreement will enter into force at midnight on 31 January 2020.

The Implementation Period

Despite the above, it is important to understand that the Withdrawal Agreement provides for an Implementation Period which will start on 1 February 2020 and end on 31 December 2020. The

Implementation Period, sometimes also referred to as the transitional period or transitional phase, will apply to Gibraltar.

During the Implementation Period, EU law shall be applicable to and in Gibraltar to the same extent as EU law has been applicable to and in Gibraltar to date. Crucially, this means that until 31 December 2020 there will be a period of continuity.

Throughout this time, Gibraltar, its citizens and its businesses will, for all intents and purposes, be treated as they have done until now under EU law.

Consequentially, Gibraltar will also be required to apply and observe EU law in accordance with its status under the EU Treaties until 31 December 2020.

The only changes during the Implementation Period will affect the manner in which the UK is represented in the EU at an institutional level. Therefore, since the UK will no longer be part of the EU decision-making process after the 31 January 2020, the UK will not be represented in the EU institutions, agencies and bodies after this date. For example, this will mean that UK MEPs (including the six MEPs for the South West of England & Gibraltar) will be required to stand down as from 31 January 2020.

Practical effect of the Implementation Period

It is worth reiterating that the practical effect of the Implementation Period is that the status quo will remain until 31 December 2020. Therefore, during this time the current regime that applies to the way in which Gibraltar residents cross the land border with Spain will be the same as indeed the rights enjoyed by British Citizens in the EU and the way businesses established in Gibraltar do business with either the UK or the EU. This applies in relation to every area where EU law is engaged and applies equally to EU citizens exercising EU rights in Gibraltar.

This means that, for example, Gibraltar-issued identity cards, passports, pet passports, EU Health Cards and driving licences can continue to be used in the same way as they have until now for the duration of the Implementation Period.

What will happen during the Implementation Period?

The Implementation Period will act as a bridge to the new relationship with the EU. It will give citizens and business in the UK, Gibraltar and the EU time to prepare and make necessary adjustments in light of whatever the new relationship which may apply as from 1 January 2021 may be. The Implementation Period will also allow time for the negotiation of the future relationship in line with the Joint Political Declaration of 19 October 2019. The UK Government has provided assurances that it will negotiate the future agreements implementing the Joint Political Declaration also on behalf of Gibraltar and HM Government of Gibraltar is fully engaged with the UK Government ahead of this process.

Can the Implementation Period be extended?

The Withdrawal Agreement allows for the UK and the EU to agree to a single extension of the Implementation Period for a period of up to 1 or 2 years. A decision to extend the Implementation Period would need to be adopted prior to 1 July 2020. In this context, it should be noted that the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has stated that the UK Government does not intend to seek an extension of the Implementation Period beyond 31 December 2020.

What happens after the end of the Implementation Period?

The relationship with the EU will be governed by agreements reached on the future relationship with the EU.
Old allies Jana Sena and BJP came together once again and announced an alliance on Thursday, seeking to emerge as the "third alternative" in Andhra Pradesh.

The reunion of the two parties, which comes after a separation of three years due to what they termed "communication gap," may alter the political scenario in the state, where the local body elections are round the corner.

Describing it as a "historic and important development," Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and state BJP president Kanna Lakshmi Narayana announced the alliance at a press conference, after a four-hour-long meeting of leaders of the two parties in Vijayawada on Thursday.

They exuded confidence that the partnership would clinch power in the state in 2024.

Right from the upcoming polls to the local bodies, the alliance will go on to fight the 2024 general elections as well.

"Our alliance is intended to protect the state," they said.

Alleging that the YSRC government completely failed the people in a very short time, the alliance leaders promised to fight against its policies.

The state BJP chief said the Sena agreed to ally with his party "unconditionally" in the interest of Andhra Pradesh and its people.

A coordination committee would soon be constituted with leaders of the two parties to carry forward their agenda.

Pointing to the "communication gap" beween his party and the BJP, which led to a fallout three years ago, Kalyan said, "We held a series of discussions over the past few months and bridged that gap. Thus, we are back in alliance."



The actor-turned-politician held talks with BJP working president J P Nadda in New Delhi on January 13.

"BJP was our first (political) ally," Kalyan recalled.

The Telugu film star claimed that the people of AP were yearning for a third alternative, vexed with the "dynastic, despotic and corrupt" of both TDP and YSRC.

"The BJP and the Jana Sena will be the third alternative that people are looking for. We will emerge as a formidable force by 2024," Kalyan noted.

"We have over four years time to strength ourselves in the state and we will certainly clinch power in 2024," he asserted.

BJP state in charge Sunil Deodhar stressed that there was no question of any realignment with the TDP.

"We have already made it clear that the TDP is no longer welcome. There will not be any type of alliance with either the TDP or the YSRC," he added.

As soon as the Sena was founded in March 2014, Kalyan supported the BJP-TDP combine in the elections in AP and Telangana.

The Sena remained out of contest in the two states.

Two years down the line, it fell out with the BJP and the TDP for various reasons and allied with BSP and the Left parties for the 2019 elections.

Sena bit the dust in the elections to both Lok Sabha and Assembly in the state last year, managing to win just one seat in the 175-member Assembly.

Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao, former Union Minister Daggubati Purandeswari, MLC Somu Veerraju represented the BJP while Political Affairs Committee chairman Nadendla Manohar, retired bureaucrat Rama Mohan Rao and others attended the meeting on behalf of the Sena.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinonye Chukwu, right, writer/director of "Clemency," poses with cast members Alfre Woodard, center, and Wendell Pierce at the premiere of the film at the during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Park City, Utah. Read more

When she ambled around Temple University as a graduate film student a decade ago, you would not see Chinonye Chukwu in a crimson Alexander McQueen jacket, skirt, and belt, and Manolo Blahnik boots.

But thats how you see her in the December issue of Vogue, the kind of magazine layout that comes with the territory when your career is as red-hot as that outfit.

Chukwus new movie Clemency opens here Jan. 17, and the day before, she will host a 7 p.m. screening of the film (followed by a Q&A) at the Ritz Five, packed with friends and mentors from her days at Temple, where she presented a rather more modest fashion profile.

Im sure my professors are looking at that photo and thinking, what the.? said a laughing Chukwu, who completed her masters in film in 2010.

Temple and Philadelphia, she said, were crucial to her development as a person and as a filmmaker, which reached a new level this year when she became the first black woman director to win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, for Clemency, the intense drama of a death row prison warden (Alfre Woodard) slowly unraveling under the inhuman pressure of preparing condemned men, including one played by Aldis Hodge, for lethal injection.

The film missed out on an Oscar nomination, but has earned Independent Spirit Awards for both Chukwu (writer), Woodard (actress), and another for best picture.

Chukwu was still trying to figure herself out as a person and as an artist when, at Temple, she made the pragmatic but ultimately life-changing decision to take a teaching job to help pay the bills during grad school.

I can honestly say that nothing helped me develop my craft, and get me focused, like helping young people do something theyd never done before, said Chukwu, who taught a few screenwriting classes, but also (as a teaching assistant) some elementary school kids at now-defunct Joseph C. Ferguson in North Philly.

My first semester there, a lot of them tested me, and I almost quit. I said I dont think I can do this. But I realized they were pushing me away because they actually wanted me to stay, particularly the black girls, because they saw themselves in me. And during that initial teaching experience, I realized for the first time that I was living for more than just myself. And that helped me look at my work and the world in a new way, said Chukwu, who was born in Nigeria and followed her oil-industry parents to Alaska before going to college in Chicago and finally to Temple.

She looked into the wider world for stories, and became transfixed by the 2011 execution of Georgia inmate Troy Davis, a case that led her to do intensive research on the reality of death row. In the months and years to come, she interviewed wardens and workers, and came to see that the job of preparing men for death, and killing them at the behest of the state, had taken a severe toll on so many. She knew wardens who quit or retired and joined the ranks of death penalty protesters outside prisons.

All this was folded into the character of Bernadine (Woodard), who in Clemency has supervised the executions of 11 men with a by-the-book bureaucratic efficiency and practiced stoicism that conceals a growing inner moral and psychological turbulence.

Though Chukwu had a few indie films under her belt (not then a McQueen), the Clemency script was a hard sell, particularly since Chukwu insisted on the warden being a black woman, as she had written her.

Everybody loved the script but they either wanted the protagonist not to be a black woman, or they found the subject matter too" commercially risky, said Chukwu, who shopped around for more than three years with Woodard attached before finding a Malaysian company looking to make its first U.S. feature.

Even then, she worked with a budget that gave her a scant 17 days to shoot. Still, Chukwu was thrilled for a chance, at last, to make the movie that matched her vision, without compromise.

That wouldnt have been the film that I wanted to make, Chukwu said. And I think it adds such a layer of complexity to see a black woman in that role, with Bernadines authority, with her incredible challenges, [who is] not defined by a [domestic] relationship or the emotional needs of a man. Not Mammy-fied."

Changing the race or gender of the warden, she said, would have changed the movie in important ways. Also, she wanted to place the audience in unusual cinematic territory, in the company of a black female protagonist whos capable of taking life.

Chukwu is hustling around the country helping to roll out Clemency to a wider audience, but shes also hard at work on new projects. Chukwu has just signed to direct the first two episodes of the 10-part HBO series Americanah, based on the novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which tells the story of a Nigerian woman (Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo) who immigrates to America.

Shes also working on a biography of Elaine Brown  another Temple student, raised in Philadelphia (she graduated from Girls High), and the first women to lead the Black Panthers, from 1974 to 1977, experiences recounted in her memoir A Taste of Power.

Brown now lives in California, where Chukwu tracked her down to get permission to proceed with the project.

Look, I wouldnt do this project unless she looked me in my face and said yes. So I met with her, and that was an epic meeting. It went on for nine hours, and it was great, and at the end of the nine hours I had her blessing. I wrote the script and thats all I can say for now. But things are moving, and its exciting.

.
Election rules differ from state to state, and many sets of local officials oversee voting, making them targets for hackers who wish to sow chaos and undermine faith in the electoral process.

The F.B.I. announcement comes nearly a year after state officials and senators in Florida, one of the nations most important swing states, criticized the bureau for failing to do more to alert them that Russian hackers gained access to voter registration data in two counties in 2016. F.B.I. officials have told lawmakers that they found no evidence that the hackers had altered any data, but they could not unequivocally say that no manipulation had occurred.

The F.B.I. declined to say whether the hacks in Florida prompted its changes. Law enforcement officials have learned from a number of experiences in designing the new policy, a senior Justice Department official said, adding that the aftermath of the 2016 election convinced them that election certifiers needed to be as informed as those who operate ballot boxes.

Russian hackers targeted election systems in all 50 states in 2016, according to the Senate Intelligence Committee, a far-reaching effort that went largely undetected by federal and local election officials at the time. Some officials and security experts worry that the 2016 effort was a trial run to identify voting system weaknesses that could be exploited this November.

When Americans register to vote and cast their ballots, the information is recorded and counted by a hodgepodge of back-end databases, electronic polling software and other technology that hackers could compromise.
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP)  A former southern Illinois priest who pleaded guilty last year to distributing child pornography and processing methamphetamine was sentenced Tuesday to nine years in prison.

Gerald Hechenberger formerly pastored Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah. He was arrested at the church in January 2018 after police received a tip from the organization Internet Crimes Against Children. Investigators seized electronic devices and found drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and several images and videos of child pornography in the priests possession.
Thousands of supporters of Gambias former dictator Yahya Jammeh demonstrated Thursday on the outskirts of the capital Banjul, demanding his return from exile.

The protest came days after the former autocrat was heard in a leaked audio recording insisting that the tiny West African state guarantee his right to return.

Jammeh ruled Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years, but fled in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relative unknown Adama Barrow.

Calls for his return from Equatorial Guinea have grown recently as tensions heighten over Barrows decision to stay in office for five years  reversing a previous pledge to step down after three.

On Thursday, thousands of supporters of Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party gathered in Sukuta, a town 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Banjul, an AFP journalist said.

We need him one hundred percent. We are ready to die for him, said 26-year-old protester Ismaila Colley, referring to Jammeh.

Before Jammeh left here for exile, there was an agreement for him to come back into the country after three years.

Thousands of Gambians protested last month demanding that Barrow step down, and similar protests are planned for January 19 or 20.

Barrow supporters have also held counter-demonstrations.

The ex-presidents supporters argue he has a right to return under a joint statement from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, published at the time of his exile.

The organisations committed to working with the Gambian government to ensure Jammehs security and rights, in particular his right to return.

Maimuna Jaju, a 23-year-old businesswoman, told AFP that people were experiencing hardship under Barrow.

This is why we want former President Jammeh to come back and take over the mantle of leadership, she added.

In the audio recording leaked last week, the ex-president said he supported Thursdays protest.

The fact of the matter is to meet the authorities and make it very clear to them that the agreement must be implemented, Jammeh said in the recording.

Barrows cabinet has said that Jammeh can return as a citizen but cannot run for president again.

The former autocrat is accused of numerous human rights abuses.

Since January 2019, some 190 witnesses have appeared before a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) set up to investigate abuses under his rule.
Cesar Cortes always wanted to be a soldier.

The 19-year-old Bellaire High School senior and Army recruit  killed Tuesday in what officials described as an accidental shooting on campus  was a respected member of the schools JROTC 20th Battalion, whose mournful ranks filled Evelyn Park on Wednesday to honor him.

According to authorities and witnesses, he was fatally shot while another JROTC member showed him a gun.

Jordan Koy, dressed in black, often buried his face in his hands as he spoke of Cortes, the friend who always pushed him to work harder. The two of them were ticking down to June 29 when they would ship off together to basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia, he said.

It's just shocking to see that taken away from him, the 18-year-old said. He had a great career ahead of him.

CHARGES EXPLAINED: District attorney says fatal shooting was accidental

The shooting was not believed to be intentional, according to authorities. The suspected 16-year-old shooter  whose identity was not made public because he is a minor  was apprehended Tuesday night and has since been charged with manslaughter, rather than murder, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said at a news conference.

Though accidental, the shooting added a sense of insecurity on campus and comes after a threat of violence communicated to students in September and the discovery of a gun on campus in October. Some students now want tougher security measures, including the use of metal detectors.

Cortes and his classmate were not involved in a dispute, Ogg continued. The two were in the same battalion and friends, she said.

He did not, based on the evidence, intend to kill his friend  but he did. Thats reckless, Ogg said. This young person is going to have to live with that for the rest of their life.

Ogg said a second person, also unidentified, had also been detained, but they were released and are not being considered a suspect. The individual was initially apprehended because they had had contact with the accused gunman, she said.

It was too late

During the Evelyns Park gathering, Koy recalled the moments leading up to the shooting in the JROTC facility and how he saw his classmate with the weapon. The teen was showing Koy and Cortes the gun. Koy entered a changing room and heard a gunshot ring out.

Cortes then cried out that he had been shot, Koy said.

He waited in the changing room until the alleged shooter had left the room. By then, Cortes was on the ground and the color was fading from his face.

I didnt want that to be my last moment with him but it was, Koy said.

VIGIL: Bellaire community mourning after fatal shooting

It was still routine outside the school where 16-year-old Alex Osorio was waiting for Cortes to take him home. He kept calling the teen but he never picked up. And then news of the shooting hit.

Osorio called Cortes parents and quickly bumped into his father as law enforcement swarmed the school. The two of them rode to Ben Taub Hospital together, Osorio said.

Cortes father ordered Osorio to look for a parking spot as he ran inside the hospital. About 20 minutes passed before he found one and by then Cortes father had told him it was too late.

At a candlelight vigil Wednesday night at Evelyns Park, Dylan Cortes, the dead students brother, addressed the crowd on behalf of family members, many of whom were at the gathering..

I will miss him, and he did not die in vain, he said. Because I will live forward for him and my family.

Pistol still missing

Bellaire investigators expressed concern Wednesday evening that the weapon used in the shooting had not been found. It was not yet known how the teen obtained the gun, which Bellaire Police Lt. Greg Bartlett described as a .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol. It was not part of the JROTC program, officials said.

Several people reported having seen the teen with the pistol at school that morning, but no one relayed that information to law enforcement until after Cortes was killed, Bartlett continued.

"Unfortunately, kids tend to be tight-lipped to protect other students," he said, "But then we end up with a result like this from time to time."

The teen, who has refused to talk to Bellaire investigators since his arrest, had stashed the weapon in his waist band, Bartlett said.

Immediately after the shooting, the teen left the school but where he went has not been discerned. Police have not yet searched his familys home.

Bartlett asked that if any Bellaire residents find the weapon, that they not touch it and to call the authorities.

We all knew this was coming

The shooting occurred in HISDs largest high school, a highly-regarded pillar of the district known for its strong academic achievement and diverse student body.

Among the districts 23 comprehensive neighborhood high schools, Bellaire routinely ranks at or near the top for SAT scores and college enrollment rates. Bellaire also reported among the fewest discipline issues among HISD high schools, district data shows.

Bellaire had two instances of weapons possession on campus in 2018-19, with the rest of the district reporting 26 cases, according to HISDs annual discipline data.

Grace Bandercan, who had known Cortes since middle school, joined classmates at Evelyn Park to grieve and brainstorm ideas for tackling campus security ahead of a return to class Thursday. Stacks of poster boards were strewn across picnic tables as roughly 50 students penned messages of support for Cortes, some of which will be displayed during a demonstration outside Bellaire on Friday.

"I feel like we all knew this was coming," Bandercan said. I feel like the school really tries to ignore gun violence.

Bandercan said she wants Bellaire to implement metal detectors, a clear backpack mandate and more police visibility.

Currently, HISD does not regularly use metal detectors at campuses or require clear backpacks. About 200 police officers are spread across the districts 280 campuses, with Bellaire receiving enough funding to cover costs for one officer this year.

Several local districts made significant security changes following the May 2018 shooting at the Houston areas Santa Fe High School, which left 10 people dead and 13 injured. Cy-Fair ISD, the regions second-largest school district, instituted a policy requiring clear backpacks in schools. Clear Creek ISD, the regions 11th-largest district, hired an additional 15 officers to patrol their schools.

HISD officials did not institute extensive changes at the time. District officials have said they plan to install security vestibules at campuses, many of which already have them in place.

Late Wednesday, school administrators notified parents that on Thursday students are to enter the campus through a single entry point and have their bags checked. In the same message, parents were told more long-term changes are in the works

In an earlier statement, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said additional police officers, crisis counselors and administrative staff will be present at Bellaire when classes resume Thursday.

Unfortunately, HISD is not immune to the plague of gun violence afflicting school campuses nationwide, Lathan said. We are committed to vigilantly protecting students and staff at our schools. HISD will continue to evaluate our security measures, as we regularly do, in order to maximize the safety of our children and staff.

Julian Gill contributed to this report.

nicole.hensley@chron.com

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
A plan to improve public transit by rerouting money from a popular program aimed at protecting the Edwards Aquifer has hit rough waters.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff want to redirect $40 million a year from a 1/8-cent sales tax that pays for aquifer protection, linear parks and creekways to VIA Metropolitan Transit for better bus service and other transit initiatives.

San Antonio voters would have the final say, because they have to decide whether to renew the tax.

To clear the way for a vote in November, Nirenberg has sought to find a new source of money for aquifer protection but has struggled.

He just seems to be all over the place and scrambling, said Annalisa Peace, executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. And its driving us nuts.

Nirenberg and Wolff are seeking funds for transportation initiatives outlined in the ConnectSA strategy, which would create the citys first high-frequency bus route with dedicated lanes among other goals.

When Nirenberg first unveiled the sales-tax shift proposal in November, he suggested the city ask state legislators for bond money to buy conservation easements that prevent development over sensitive areas that feed into the aquifer  a long shot in a Republican-dominated legislature hostile to cities and counties.

Then it was suggested aquifer protection could be handled by San Antonio River Authority with a property tax increase. But board members shot that down before Thanksgiving.

A few weeks later, Nirenberg asked city-owned San Antonio Water System to take on the program.

But the utilitys CEO Robert Puente told SAWS board members this week that preliminary estimates show the utility would have to cut the program in half, frustrating local environmentalists.

And SAWS officials are skeptical about assuming responsibility for protecting the aquifer at all.

Latest target

The maneuvering even has made a target of Pre-K 4 SA, the citys early childhood education program. Voters also are set to renew the sales tax that pays for that program this year. But its board has asked the City Council to put the vote on the May ballot to improve its chances of passing  rather than in November, when it would share the ballot with the transit vote and a hyper-partisan presidential election.

On Thursday, state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, urged Nirenberg to tap Pre-K 4 SA, not aquifer protection funds, for public transit.

In a letter to Nirenberg dated Wednesday, Larson noted that legislators set aside $780 million last year for full-day kindergarten in public school districts across the state.

It appears that all local school districts will be able to provide the services that Pre-K 4 SA currently provides, Larson wrote.

But House Bill 3 doesnt require districts to provide full-day kindergarten, and the additional funding is limited to students from low-income households. It also wasnt made part of the states per-student formula for school funding, so lawmakers will need to reallocate it in the 2021 legislative session if they want it to continue.

In the past year, Pre-K 4 SA has been positioning itself as an option for middle class families that dont qualify for free pre-K under state eligibility requirements but who cant afford high-quality private schools.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 of the citys 4-year-olds are in families that fall in this gap, Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray has said.

For his part, Nirenberg brushed off Larsons suggestion.

The last thing this city needs to do is divest itself from the great strides weve been making in education, particularly in early childhood education, Nirenberg said.

The mayors focus is on SAWS to fund aquifer protection.

Though he said its not a done deal, Nirenberg is confident the utilitys board ultimately will sign on.

Im not nervous about finding a home for the Edwards Aquifer protection program when it expires in 2021, Nirenberg said. Weve already found it. Its at the San Antonio Water System. And our goal now is to figure out how it can be done and win support for that at SAWS.

Popular program

Part of the thorniness of Nirenbergs proposal to reroute the aquifer tax funding stems from the water programs popularity with voters. The sales tax that funds the program has won with healthy margins at the polls since 2000.

We strongly disagree with redirecting funding away from securing land around San Antonio to protect our water supply in favor of funding mass transit, Larson told Nirenberg in his letter.

Nirenberg rejected that notion.

To suggest that whats before us is water or transit is a false choice, Nirenberg said. This is not an either-or circumstance.

But the programs popularity coupled with the fact the proposed sales tax shift only would cover a portion of the $2.7 billion in public transit improvements proposed by San Antonio leaders will make the shift a hard sell, said Christian Archer, a veteran political strategist who worked on the aquifer campaigns.

Im not saying we dont need it, Archer said. But its a much harder sell because its not, pay an 1/8 cent, you get this. Its pay an 1/8 cent and you get a portion of this big massive issue.

Nirenberg acknowledged the proposal isnt a simple one.

No one should have expected this to go without tough questions being asked, Nirenberg said. But they are being answered.

Thats a sentiment echoed by Wolff.

I think there were some stumbles, no doubt about it, Wolff said. But Id say the race is not over yet.

Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio city government and politics. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
A close associate of Donald Trumps personal lawyer has claimed the US president knew exactly what was going on regarding the situation in Ukraine.

Lev Parnas alleged that he delivered an ultimatum in May to the incoming president of Ukraine that no senior US officials would attend his inauguration and all American aid to the country would be withheld if an investigation into Joe Biden was not announced.

Mr Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, made several potentially explosive claims in a television interview.

The day after Mr Parnas claimed he delivered the message, the US State Department announced that vice president Mike Pence would no longer be attending the inauguration of Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskiy.

He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the presidentLev Parnas

Mr Parnas alleged that Mr Trump ordered Mr Pence to stay away at the behest of Mr Giuliani to send a clear message to the incoming Ukrainian administration that they needed to take seriously the demand for an investigation into Mr Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate seen as a potential threat to Mr Trumps 2020 re-election.

Mr Parnas claimed that every communication he had with Mr Zelenskiys team was at the direction of Mr Giuliani, whom he regularly overheard briefing Mr Trump about their progress by phone.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, said Mr Parnas, a Soviet-born Florida businessman facing a raft of criminal charges related to alleged campaign finance violations.

He was aware of all my movements. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president.

If true, Mr Parnass account undercuts a key Republican defence of Mr Trump deployed during the ongoing impeachment fight  that Mr Trumps withholding of vital military aid to Ukraine last summer was not a quid pro quo for Biden investigations because Mr Zelenskiy did not know the money was being held up.

Expand Close The US House of Representatives voted to send two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate (Susan Walsh/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Mr Giuliani called Mr Parnass statements sad.

I feel sorry for him, Mr Giuliani said. I thought he was an honourable man. I was wrong.

Asked directly if Mr Parnas was lying, Mr Trumps lawyer replied: Im not responding yet.

Mr Parnas claimed he also heard Mr Giuliani and another Trump-aligned defence lawyer, Victoria Toensing, briefing attorney general William Barr by phone about their efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government to announce the investigation into Mr Biden and his son Hunters business dealings.

Barr was basically on the team, Mr Parnas said.

This evening, the Houses Managers delivered articles of impeachment against President Trump to the U.S. Senate ahead of its upcoming trial. #DefendOurDemocracy pic.twitter.com/b635WnVkxB  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 16, 2020

The Justice Department said in September that Mr Trump had not spoken to Mr Barr about having Ukraine investigate the Bidens and that the attorney general had not discussed Ukraine with Mr Giuliani. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said on Wednesday that Mr Parnass claims were 100% false.

The new accusations came as House Democrats made public a trove of documents, text messages and photos from Mr Parnass smartphones that appear to verify parts of his account.

A federal judge earlier this month ruled that Mr Parnas could provide the materials to Congress as part of the impeachment proceedings. Democrats voted in December to impeach Mr Trump for abuse of power and for obstruction of Congress.

A House committee chairman said on Wednesday his panel will investigate what he says are profoundly alarming text messages among the newly disclosed materials that have raised questions about the possible surveillance of former ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch before she was ousted by the Trump administration last spring.

The messages show that a Robert F Hyde, a GOP candidate for Congress from Connecticut, disparaged Ms Yovanovitch in messages to Mr Parnas and gave him updates on her location and phone use.

Eliot Engel, a New York Democrat who chairs the House foreign affairs committee, said that the messages are profoundly alarming and suggest a possible risk to Ms Yovanovitchs security in Kyiv before she was recalled from her post.

These threats occurred at the same time that the two men were also discussing President Trumps efforts, through Rudy Giuliani, to smear the ambassadors reputation, Mr Engel said.

He said the committee staff flagged the information for the State Departments Bureau of Diplomatic Security and is seeking assurances that proper steps have been taken to ensure the security of Ms Yovanovitch and committee staff. He said he also wanted to know what, if anything, the State Department knew about the situation.

This unprecedented threat to our diplomats must be thoroughly investigated and, if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Mr Engel said.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (725 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Can you believe it's still 2020?

We've packed a lot of news into the first three weeks of the year. Australia is burning. A plane carrying 176 people, including 57 Canadians, was shot out of the sky just after takeoff from Tehran amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a.k.a. Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced they'd be stepping back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family and, later, that they are peacing out to Canada, where they will live part time.

The coverage about that last item has been breathtaking in both its disproportionate volume and its whiplash tone, oscillating between outrage (but our taxes!) and breathless excitement. The New York Times suggested the royal couple will inject some "razzle dazzle" into "the sprawling, bone-chillingly cold country." On social media, Tim Hortons offered the royal couple free coffee for life, as though that's an enticing offer. Bless.

I've also seen a few grave comparisons to Prince Edward's abdication of the throne in 1936, which is a rather dramatic overstatement of what's happening here. That decision changed the course of history. This decision, as far as the fate of the monarchy is concerned, amounts to little more than a change of postal code.

Besides, it's not like it's William we're talking about. Harry probably isn't going to be king. (Though, I mean, at this point, neither is Charles. If I was a betting woman, I'd wager that we'll be celebrating the Queen's 110th birthday in 2036. So long as Earth is still here, that is.) The stakes are relatively low. Why not let the sixth in line and his family have the chance at a different life?

The couple's decision to step away from royal life has been dubbed Megxit by some. (Mark Lennihan / The Associated Press files)

Even Harry's grandmother, at least publicly, seems remarkably cool with his decision. "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family," the Queen wrote in a statement this week. "Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family."

Their wish is not difficult to understand or respect, despite the many column inches spent parsing it. Setting aside the arguments about the allocation of Canadian tax dollars to this move and whether or not they can ever be independent, Harry and Meghan are making an admirable decision for their family. It takes guts to buck what's expected of  and for  you, especially when the blueprint is generations old. It takes guts to admit that something isn't working, especially when that thing looks good, from the outside at least, on paper. And it takes guts to make a choice that prioritizes the safety and health of your partner.

Harry has not exactly kept his displeasure with the British media, and the sexist and racist way it covers Meghan, a secret. After their son Archie was born, a BBC broadcaster tweeted out a photo of a well-dressed chimpanzee with the caption "royal baby leaves hospital" (he was later fired). When her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, eats an avocado for morning sickness, it's adorable. When Meghan eats avocado toast, the Daily Mail explores "How Meghan's favourite avocado snack is fuelling human rights abuses, drought and murder." When Kate cradled her baby bump, she was the picture of motherhood. When Meghan did the same, it was called "annoying." Two women, cast by the press as diametrical opposites.

The figures of Harry and Meghan were moved from their original positions next to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, at Madame Tussauds in London last week. (Victoria Jones / PA files)

After Archie's birth, Meghan gave an interview to British reporter Tom Bradby about her postpartum life. She struggled to hold back tears when he asked her that most simple and human of questions: Are you OK?

"Not many people have asked if I'm OK,"

So perhaps it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that the coverage of the couple's decision to make a break for it has been decidedly anti-Meghan, their decision framed as something "she's" doing "to" the royal family. She's been accused of coming between two brothers and splitting up a family. She's frequently been compared to Yoko Ono. Even the term Megxit is steeped in sexism. As BuzzFeed's Sandi Rankaduwa points out, the term, "while quippy, puts the onus of the duke and duchesss joint decision on Meghan."

Harry is just as much a part of this decision as Meghan is. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / WPA Pool files)

Really, it's a Sussexit. Harry is just as much a part of this decision as Meghan is. After all, he knows, more than anyone, the devastation a cruel and constant spotlight can cause. He had a front-row seat to how the media relentlessly pursued his mother, Princess Diana. He was only 12 when she was killed in the 1997 car crash in Paris, which he's long blamed on paparazzi. Forgive him for wanting to say goodbye to all that.

jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @JenZoratti

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Turkeys foreign ministry has summoned the senior Egyptian diplomat in the country to protest against a raid by Egyptian police on the Cairo office of Turkeys state news agency, Anadolu.

On Tuesday, Egyptian security forces shut down the agencys security cameras and internet and searched the premises overnight, the agency reported.

The workers passports, mobile phones, and computers were confiscated, it said, adding no explanation was given to the agencys lawyer.

Turkey condemned what it called an act of harassment and intimidation against the Turkish press, and called for the immediate release of those arrested.

This act of violence against Anadolu not only shows the Egyptian leaderships hostile stance towards the freedom of the press, but also once again shows its grave conditions on democracy and transparency, the ministry said.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 2013 military coup in Egypt ousted President Mohammed Morsi whose Muslim Brotherhood administration was supported by Turkey.

The two countries have also been at odds over maritime jurisdiction and offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

In recent years, Egyptian authorities have jailed dozens of Egyptian reporters and occasionally expelled foreign journalists from the country.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a US-based watchdog, Egypt remains among the worlds worst jailers of journalists, along with Turkey, China and Cameroon.
NEW HAVEN  The Board of Education has some studying to do.

The need to learn more is a result of a settlement between the state and civil rights attorneys this month that will allow 600 student residents of Hartford to enroll in better-funded magnet schools in that city and will provide an additional $2.3 million to the school system.

Now, New Haven school officials want to know whether schools here are entitled to a piece of the funding and how that could be accomplished.

The establishment of magnet schools in many of Connecticuts largest urban school districts was born out of the 1989 lawsuit Sheff v. ONeill, which alleged that the states schools were racially segregated and educational resources were spent inequitably. Magnet schools were designed as tools of voluntary desegregation  with additional state funding, magnet schools were designed to attract white suburbanites into enrolling in urban schools.

I want to figure out what theyre getting, so we can advocate for New Haven, New Haven Board of Education President Darnell Goldson said to district leaders at a committee meeting this week.

The Elm City has 16 intradistrict magnet schools. Although those schools receive additional funding from the state for enrolling students  $3,000 for every resident student and about $7,000 for every student from another district  it is based on two conditions: the population of a school must be no less than 25 percent suburban students and enroll no less than 25 percent of students of color.

Although the citys magnet schools enroll a large enough number of suburban students, many of those students are minorities ; legally, the school district may not give preference to white suburban students. Recognizing the difficulty of meeting those racial isolation standards, the state gave New Haven a two-year reprieve on being fined for failing to meet the standard in 2019. In September, the state discussed allowing New Haven to fill 700 vacant magnet seats with resident students for an extra $2.1 million in funding.

I dont know entirely whats in the settlement, Id like to know to help us prepare our campaign for magnet school changes in the future, Goldson said.

He said he would like to see more seats for local students, more funding for suburban students and to see the racial isolation standard changed as a definition for desegregation.

If were educating them, we should have some more resources for our students, he said.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey said she did not know specifics of the states settlement with Hartford, but she knows there has been an effort to consider economic desegregation as a measure.

Its difficult for New Haven to achieve the racial isolation standards, but were trying, she said.

Goldson recommended that staff convene a meeting with officials from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education to understand how the city could leverage the recent Sheff agreement to benefit the district.

A spokeswoman for CABE said: The Sheff lawsuit settlement only applies to the Hartford area schools. Any impact on other districts will depend on action by the legislature.

According to the Connecticut Mirror, Gov. Ned Lamont hinted to reporters that the desegregation efforts might reach other cities.

You lit a fire and we are going to take this around the state, Lamont told lead plaintiff Elizabeth Horton Sheff during a press briefing.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Aspiring nurses at Thomas Edison State University are able to experience real emergency situations thanks to a ride-along program developed through a partnership with the Trenton Fire Department.

The new program is offered to students enrolled in the universitys accelerated second degree BSN program and gives them the opportunity to ride along with first responders in addition to classroom-based course work.

Theyll get to see first-hand pre-hospital," said Trenton Fire Director Derrick Sawyer. A lot of times if youve never seen the pre-hospital part of the service delivery, when we bring these patients to the hospital theres a lot of questions that are going to be asked. Now being part of that experience, they wont have those questions.

Nursing student Priscilla Maldonado said the program gives students the chance to see the population they will be treating as nurses.

The Clifton native said the program has taught her to remain calm and has shaped her vision for her future as a nurse. I always had an interest in the emergency room, but doing the ride along program definitely assured that I definitely want to be an emergency room nurse because I like the excitement and the busyness of that department, she said.

During a typical shift, students accompany fire department and EMS personnel on medical calls where they check patient vital signs and assess the environment. The students learn about emergency assessments and prioritizing patient care to gain a better understanding of the decision-making process during an emergency situation.

For Maldonados first ride along experience, EMS personnel responded to an overdose called in by a family member. She said she admired the way the medical personnel worked together to bring help their patient.

Sawyer said the program is something he would like to continue and even expand. I think there are other things we can do -- like blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, community health fairs at the station -- and bring the nurses in and provide other services to the members of our community.

India Duke can be reached at iduke@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Inja_NJ.

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The digital transformation of the Australian Public Service represents a strategic opportunity for enabling knowledge and skills transfer across the broader Australian economy, according to the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

The ACS, the professional association for Australias technology sector, made its comments on Wednesday when welcoming the Federal Governments response to technology-related findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (APS).

In its August submission to the APS review, the ACS recommended the public sectors human capital be recognised and treated as a strategic asset with recruitment, investment and training to prepare for emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science.

The ACS says it also welcomes the governments agreement with the reports recommendations to establish an APS model and to standardise performance management - and hopes adoption of these proposals will increase the public services recognition of ICT roles and improve renumeration of technically qualified IT workers.

ACSs submission also called for the government to recognise that risk assessment, risk management, and technology governance accountabilities cannot be outsourced, and it encourages the government and the APS Secretaries Board to consider this as they in further reviews of the capabilities of the public sector.

Yohan Ramasundara, ACS President, said: As we stated in ACS 2019 election manifesto, public sector employment makes up 19% of the nations workforce and the APS is an enabler of technology and knowledge transfer for the broader economy.

So, the technology aspects of the APS review are important beyond the bounds of the public sector.

Its particularly heartening to see the governments commitment to invest in the public sectors data and digital skills and, as stated in our 2019 election manifesto, we would also like to see APS recruitment strategies include specific targets for emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber security.

That view was underscored by the 2019 Digital Pulse report, which found that skills development was the highest priority in addressing Australias skills shortage. This shortage is expected to see the economy needing an additional 100,000 ICT workers by the end of 2024.

In its response to the APS review, the government committed to invest in skills across the data, digital and procurement professions with the Secretaries Board to implement a government-wide learning and development strategy to target investment in learning and development, emerging leaders and future skills needs.

ACS also welcomed the governments recognition on the importance of ensuring privacy and security while sharing data across agencies. noting that the effective use of data and sharing between government agencies will support better services for Australians, and better policy, programs and research.

However, to maintain Australians confidence and trust in providing data to government agencies, it is essential to assure citizens their privacy will be protected, Ramasundara said.

This was a key recommendation of ACS recent Privacy Preserving Data Sharing Frameworks report which described a framework for privacy-preserving data sharing.

According to the ACS, the government-wide audit of government ICT systems and the development of a longer-term APS technology blueprint is essential for the effective and efficient digital transformation of government and the integration of services.

Along with data sharing and skills development, the ACS says it is delighted to see the governments commitment to a better services roadmap to integrate government services, and delivery of the Digital Transformation Strategy to make it easier for business to interact with Government.

The governments response to the report is an important step in preparing Australias government services for the third decade of the 21st Century, said Ramasundara.

Proper execution of agreed actions and related programs/projects hold the key to APS success in generating new value to the public, continuing relevance and improving trust through transparency.

We look forward to assisting the Government, APS and the Secretaries Board in delivering on these crucial commitments.
By Heekyong Yang

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said on Thursday DuPont will invest $28 million in the country to produce advanced photoresists and other materials by 2021, a move that will help reduce its reliance on Japan for the products used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Amid a bilateral row over wartime laborers, Japan in July imposed curbs on exports of three materials including photoresists to South Korea, prompting a scramble among South Korean tech firms to diversify their supply chain.

Last month, Japan reversed the curbs on exports of photoresists, although tighter curbs on the two other materials - fluorinated polyimides used in smartphone displays and hydrogen fluoride used as an etching gas when making chips - remain.

"Although Japan has recently eased export controls of photoresists, which is partial progress, but it is not a fundamental solution," South Korea's Industry Minister Sung Yoon-mo said in a statement.

A trade ministry official said DuPont will invest in two existing factories in South Korea and build a new one.

Photoresists are thin layers of material used to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers. Japan produces around 90% of photoresists.

The ministry official said Dupont's Korean subsidiary currently produces photoresists, but not ones needed to make chips with an advanced technique known as extreme ultraviolet or EUV lithography.

The new investment will also go towards the production of CMP pads, which are polishing pads used during the semiconductor manufacturing process, the ministry said.

A representative for the U.S. industrial materials maker was not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Hyunjoo Jin and Edwina Gibbs)
LaunchDarkly pioneered the category of feature management and has quickly become the de facto standard to reliably deploy software at scale...

Funding to further develop its feature management platform to accommodate the surge in demand.

LaunchDarkly, the feature management platform software teams use to build better software faster, announced today $54 million in additional funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners from their Century Fund for growth-stage companies, with participation from Threshold Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Uncork Capital, Vertex Ventures and Bloomberg Beta. With this vote of continued confidence, LaunchDarkly has received a total of $130 million in funding to date.

The investment will be used to address the surge in demand LaunchDarkly has seen for its feature management platform. Companies like IBM, TrueCar, and fuboTV are using LaunchDarkly to control feature lifecycles, eliminate risk from deployment processes, and increase efficiency throughout development cycles.

LaunchDarkly pioneered the category of feature management and has quickly become the de facto standard to reliably deploy software at scale, says Ethan Kurzweil, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners. We are excited to support Edith, John and the LaunchDarkly team as they invest in transforming the way that software is built and launched, allowing companies to be more nimble and product-driven."

In 2019, the company served more than 1 trillion features flags a day for more than a thousand customers, an increase of 500% over 2018. The spike was driven by the increasing pressure companies are experiencing to move quickly, innovate faster, and deliver exceptional user experiences. This demand is expected to continue as more teams strive to deliver these results without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

Dynamic feature management is rapidly becoming the next big innovation in software development, allowing companies of all sizes to ship code faster with less risk, says Josh Stein, Managing Partner of Threshold Ventures. Its been amazing to see the impact LaunchDarkly is having, and were excited to see how the platform and the team continue to grow in 2020.

In April 2019 LaunchDarkly held its first conference, Trajectory Conference, in downtown Oakland. Attendees heard talks from industry leaders from organizations like Slack, Microsoft, Datadog, AWS, and IBM. LaunchDarkly will host the Trajectory Conference again on April 29-30, 2020.

LaunchDarkly continues to improve its core platform, including offered add-ons to core feature management functionality:



Experimentation - enabling teams to test ideas in production

Data Export - empowering teams to extract data into external analysis tools

Mobile Monthly Active User Packs - for feature management on mobile devices

The team has added multiple new languages, including Roku and C/C++, and enhanced integrations with GitHub, HashiCorp, and Slack.

"LaunchDarkly is creating an entirely new category called feature management," says Scott Raney, General Partner at Redpoint Ventures. "Edith, John, and the team are solving some of the most difficult problems developers and product teams face and we couldn't be more excited to continue on this journey!"

LaunchDarkly will also continue to invest in expanding its team. In 2019 LaunchDarkly grew its team in its Oakland headquarters, opened a sales and customer success hub in New York City, and hired sales, customer success, and developer advocates across North America. In 2020 LaunchDarkly will open sales offices in Sydney, Australia, and an engineering hub in London, UK.

About LaunchDarkly

Founded in 2014 by Edith Harbaugh and John Kodumal, LaunchDarkly is the feature management platform that software teams use to build better software, faster with less risk. Development teams use feature management as a best practice to separate code deployments from feature releases. With LaunchDarkly, teams control their entire feature lifecycles from concept to launch to value. Serving over 1 trillion feature flags a day, LaunchDarkly is used by teams at Atlassian, Microsoft, and CircleCI. Learn more at https://launchdarkly.com.

About Bessemer Venture Partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is the world's most experienced early-stage venture capital firm. With a portfolio of more than 200 companies, Bessemer helps visionary entrepreneurs lay strong foundations to create companies that matter, and supports them through every stage of their growth. The firm has backed more than 120 IPOs, including Pinterest, Shopify, Yelp, LinkedIn, Skype, LifeLock, Twilio, PagerDuty, SendGrid, DocuSign, Wix, and MindBody. Learn more at https://bvp.com.
An independent inquiry into Britain's biggest ever maternity scandal is looking at 900 cases, according to a health minister.

The Ockenden Review was set up to look at services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust.

Many families allege that babies died or were left with lifelong brain injuries as a result of poor care at the Shropshire trust.

A leaked 33-page interim report in November last year described a 'toxic' culture where mistakes were covered up and lessons not learnt.

Nadine Dorries confirmed the increased number of potentially relevant cases to the independent review, led by Donna Ockenden, in a Commons debate on the issue.

It had been previously thought the review was looking at more than 600 cases linked to poor care, going back 40 years, but Ms Dorries said it 'wasn't 600 at all' in relation to the interim findings and the number is greater.

The health minister added that she has asked to meet with the interim chief executive of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust to see that steps that have been put in place are working

Ms Dorries also revealed that the Ockenden Review is now expected to conclude at the end of the year.

Conservative former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was 'deeply shocking' to hear of the new details.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Dorries said: 'The original terms of reference covered the handling of 23 cases, the terms of reference have since been updated and were published in November to reflect the expanded scope of the review.

'The review team will be in touch over the following weeks with the affected families to ensure they are appropriately supported throughout the process because I am afraid I have to inform (Conservative MP Lucy Allan) and the House that the additional cases have been identified and a total number stands now at 900 cases and that may be relevant to review.

Nadine Dorries confirmed the increased number of potentially relevant cases to the independent review, led by Donna Ockenden, pictured, in a Commons debate on the issue.

'A small number of those are going back 40 years.'

She added: 'But I'm sure the honourable lady will understand that now, unlike Morecambe Bay which I think was a small number of cases, 900 cases in terms of a review will take considerably longer in terms of time. And that is why there has been no report so far.

'And also, in terms of the interim findings, it wasn't 600 at all, the number is greater and it is appropriate that while this very important body of work is taking place that we don't influence it or comment on it, and that we let Donna Ockenden get on with her work which is vitally important and essential.'

Ms Dorries admitted that this announcement is 'a huge increase from the original number of cases'.

'We're supporting her in doing that with the additional support that she needs now due to the additional numbers that have been identified,' she told MPs.

Mr Hunt said: 'Does she also recognise that whilst it will take more time, from the families' point of view, they would also like to see it resolved as quickly as possible?'

Ms Dorries replied: 'The Department is liaising closely with Donna Ockenden in terms of support, her support, what she needs going forwards, to conclude this as soon as possible for the sake of the families.

Ms Dorries also revealed that the Ockenden Review is now expected to conclude at the end of the year, she told the Commons

'But as Mr Hunt will understand, the review cannot be rushed, it has to be done properly and thoroughly and we have to get to the bottom of this and that is why Donna Ockenden is being supported in the way that she is. Anything she needs, she will have to get this review concluded successfully.

'In terms of the conclusion of the review, we are expecting it to conclude at the end of the year, at which point the Government will work closely with NHS England and Improvement to consider the next steps.'

The health minister added that she has asked to meet with the interim chief executive of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust to see that steps that have been put in place are working.

Ms Dorries said: 'While still more work is needed, staffing has increased, morale and governance have improved and I expect the CQC to keep a close eye and a close watch on what is going on.

'To ensure that the tragic cases that the Ockenden review is listening to are not repeated anywhere else, that has to be the objective of this. Women deserve a better maternity experience and that is what we are determined to achieve.'
DUBAI/PARIS: Iran said on Thursday three European states had succumbed to "high school bully" Donald Trump when they triggered a dispute mechanism in a nuclear pact the US president opposes, a step that could eventually lead to reimposing UN sanctions.

The pact, known as the JCPoA, was agreed in 2015 between Tehran and world powers, offering Iran sanctions relief if it curbed its nuclear work. Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed U.S. sanctions, saying he wanted a tougher deal.

Iran has responded by scaling back its compliance with terms of the pact, saying this month it rejected all limits on uranium enrichment, although it says it wants to keep the deal in place.

Britain, France and Germany triggered the accord`s dispute mechanism this week. London said it was now time for a "Trump deal" to replace it, while Paris said broad talks were needed.

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Washington had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European automobile imports if the three European capitals did not formally accuse Iran of breaking the nuclear agreement.

"Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs. It won`t work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully?" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Two European diplomats confirmed Washington had threatened tariffs but said leaders of the three European states had already decided to trigger the mechanism before that.

Another diplomat said a suggestion that the Europeans were acting in response to Trump`s threat risked "discrediting the Europeans, but then Trump doesn`t really care about that".

PROTESTS

The nuclear dispute lies at the heart of Iran`s long-running standoff with the West that spiralled into open conflict this month when Washington killed an Iranian general in Baghdad and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq.

While on alert for US reprisals, Iran shot down a civilian airliner by mistake, triggering days of anti-government protests at home. Anger at the state has continued at victims` funerals.

"Death to the dictator," mourners shouted as they buried two victims of the plane disaster in the city of Sanandaj on Thursday, videos posted online showed, referring to Iran`s top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Frances foreign ministry spokeswoman did not comment on reports of U.S. threats, but noted that the Europeans had been threatening to trigger the dispute procedure for months. She said the European countries had made clear they do not want to leave the accord, but to find a way to resolve differences under it, and that Washington understood that position.

Henry Rome, analyst on Iran with Eurasia Group risk consultancy, tweeted that while the Europeans had been planning to trigger the dispute procedure anyway, the perception that they "quickly bent to Trump threat is very damaging and a huge propaganda victory for Iran".

The European Union said on Thursday its top diplomat, Josep Borrell, held "frank" talks with Zarif a conference in India.

The Europeans have long opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal. The dispute mechanism begins a diplomatic process that can end with U.N. sanctions on Iran "snapping back" into place, although the Europeans say that is not their aim.

Facing unrest at home and pressure from abroad, Khamenei will deliver a sermon at prayers on Friday, the first time he has addressed the prominent weekly gathering in eight years.

US sanctions have added to Iran`s challenges, driving up prices as the currency crumbles in value. "Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress," President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday, adding Iran was now enriching more uranium than before the 2015 deal.

The most recent reports from the U.N. nuclear watchdog say Iran has exceeded some limits on enriched uranium, but suggest it is still far from returning to pre-deal capacity.

Enriched uranium can be used to create material for nuclear warheads. Iran denies Western accusations it wants such weapons.
Alejandro Giammattei Falla, a retired surgeon was sworn in as the new President of Guatemala on Tuesday. According to international media reports, the swearing-in ceremony was attended by six heads of state from Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Ecuador.

The 63-year-old Giammattei became the 11th president of Guatemala since it became a democratic country in 1986. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, Colombian President Ivan Duque and President Lenin Moreno of Ecuador, attended Giammatteis swearing-in. Reportedly, the United States also sent a delegation to the ceremony, including acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

Read: Protesters Throw Eggs, Yell 'murderer' At Ex-Guatemalan President: Reports

Swearing-in ceremony

The power transfer ceremony was held at the Miguel Angel Asturias National Theatre where Giammattei received the presidential band by the outgoing President, Jimmy Morales. According to reports, Giammattei, in his inauguration speech thanked the people of Guatemala and said that throughout his life he has had to see death head-on and that is how he learned how to serve people. Giammattei also dubbed the previous government as "waste".

Read: Trump Backs Contender Bernie Sanders Over Prospect Of Female US President

Giammattei spoke extensively on his future plans for the country and priorities. The new President said that he would promote the legal initiative to declare criminal gangs operating in the country as "terrorist groups". Apart from that, he also spoke of education reforms and pledged to eradicate malnutrition. Giammattei further said that he must relentlessly strive to deliver a legacy of prosperity and progress within four years. Guatemala is among the 10 most violent countries in the world and 16 per cent of the country's population is poor.

Read: US President Donald Trump Likely To Make His Maiden Visit To India In February: Sources

Alejandro Giammattei won the election in the second round of presidential election since no candidate won a majority in the first round held on June 16, 2019. Sandra Torres of National Unity of Hope (UNE) was running against Giammattei as Jimmy Morales of national Convergence Front (FCN) was barred from contesting election for a second four-year term. Giammattei of Vamos won 57.95 per cent of the total vote, while Torres got only 42.05 per cent vote in the election.

Read: Ukraine President Speaks To Iran Counterpart Rouhani About Downed Jet; Reads Him Riot Act

(with inputs from agencies)
NA Standing Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong (front, third from left) at a plenary session of the APPF 28 in Canberra, Australia (Photo: VNA)

The high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA), led by Standing Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, took an active part in the event and co-sponsored two resolutions on trade and digital economies.

In his closing speech, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia Tony Smith affirmed that after nearly 30 years, the APPF has substantially contributed to the building of friendship, solidarity and cooperation in the region and illustrated its role as a straightforward, constructive and mutually respecting forum with the aim of ensuring peace, stability, prosperity and harmony in the region.

The APPF 28 discussed a number of issues at the three plenary sessions on politics and security, economy  trade, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. At the meeting of the women parliamentarians, participants looked into the improvement of women and girls access to education, innovation and technology, and the promotion of womens empowerment during the decision-making process at all levels.

On the sidelines of the APPF 28, NA Permanentt Vice Chairwoman Phong had bilateral meetings with Chairwoman of the Lao NA Pany Yathotou, President of the Cambodian NA Samdech Heng Samrin, and Deputy President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines.

Meeting with Chairwoman of the Lao NA Pany Yathotou, Ms Phong expressed her delight at the increasingly substantive development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and states.

She noted in the time ahead, the two sides will continue working together to implement cooperation programmes and hold meetings to share information about and experience in the fields of both parliaments concern. Phong voiced her belief that with efforts and high determination of the countries leaders, ministries and sectors, bilateral cooperation programmes will be fruitful.

Chairwoman Pany Yathotou spoke highly of Vietnams assistance to the construction of the Lao NAs building, noting that she hopes relevant agencies of both sides will coordinate well to accelerate the construction progress and complete the building on schedule with quality ensured.

She also asked the two sides to soon organise experience sharing workshops on tax management, customs, prosecution, land, policies for ethnic minority groups, and full-time parliamentarians.

Talking to President of the Cambodian NA Samdech Heng Samrin, Phong underlined that Vietnam always considers the bilateral relations as a precious asset that needs to be maintained and passed down to future generations. Therefore, they should increase educating people, especially the young, on the traditional relationship, solidarity and all-round cooperation.

She also called for more external activities of the countries parliamentary friendship groups and friendship associations, along with people-to-people diplomatic activities.

Expressing his delight at the sound bilateral cooperation in all fields, Heng Samrin thanked Vietnam for supporting Cambodia during the times in the past as well as the national development process at present. He also appreciated its financial assistance for the construction of the building of the Cambodian NAs Secretariat and committees.

The Cambodian NA leader highly valued the recent signing of the supplementary treaty to the 1985 Treaty on the Delimitation of National Boundaries and the 2005 Supplementary Treaty, and the protocol on land border demarcation between Vietnam and Cambodia. He described the documents as historic achievements, helping to build a border of peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Heng Samrin also noted with satisfaction the bilateral trade of USD4 billion in 2019, expressing his hope that the figure will reach USD5 billion soon.

Talking to Deputy President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines, NA Permanent Vice Chairwoman Phong applauded the APPF 28s theme and Australias professional organisation of the meeting.

She highlighted the growing relations between the countries and thanked Australia for supporting Vietnam over the past years. Particularly, she spoke highly of the Australian Government and parliaments favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the nation.

Sue Lines appreciated the Vietnamese communitys contributions to her country and voiced her wish to further promote cooperative ties between the two countries, including between their parliaments./.
Analysts are bullish on the company's newly appointed CEO, Sundar Pichai. In a surprise announcement in December 2019, Alphabet founder Larry Page announced plans to step down as CEO, along with co-founder and president Sergey Brin.

Apple was the first to hit the market cap milestone in 2018. Then, Microsoft and Amazon followed. Apple and Microsoft are still valued at more than a trillion dollars while Amazon has since fallen below the mark.

Google parent-company Alphabet has hit $1 trillion in market capitalization, making it the fourth U.S. company to hit the milestone.

Pichai had already been the CEO of Google, which includes all the company's core businesses -- including search, advertising, YouTube and Android -- and generates substantially all its revenue and profits. But he reported to Page, who also oversaw other businesses making long-term bets on experimental technology like self-driving cars and package delivery drones. Now, he's in charge of the whole conglomerate, although Page and Brin still have control over most of the company's voting shares, giving them significant influence in major decisions.

Optimism also comes from the company's growth in its Cloud business, which  while still far behind the leader Amazon and runner-up Microsoft  doubled its revenue run rate from $1 billion to $2 billion per quarter between Feb. 2018 and July 2019. The company expects similar growth in the year ahead as it continues pouring extensive resources, including tripling its sales force and boosting its Google Cloud Health segment. However, the business does face challenges as it contends with issues surrounding trust perceptions.

Some analyst firms have also noted the company's stabilized advertising business.

In December, Stifel hiked its price target for Alphabet to $1,525 from $1,325, a 14% upside. Shares of Google's parent company rose nearly 1% after Bank of America raised its price target on Alphabet's stock in January, saying it sees a healthy advertising business for Alphabet among other things.

That would be a reversal from recent trends: Last spring, Alphabet closed its worst day since April 2010 after reporting slowing advertising numbers. The stock dropped 7.5%, shaving more than $67 billion from its market cap.

Then, during its third-quarter earnings, it missed earnings per share expectations and showed slowing profit. The company's stock fell as much as 4% in after hours trading, but eventually recovered at 2%.

The company also faces a number of cultural clashes including a fresh investigation by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board and various state and federal antitrust probes.

With a roughly $620 billion valuation, Facebook appears to be the next likely trillion-dollar tech contender.

Alphabet reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 earnings on Feb. 3.
PARIS - A French filmmaker has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of an actress when she was 15.

Director Christophe Ruggia received the preliminary charge Thursday of assault of a minor by a person in authority, the Paris prosecutors office said.

Ruggia had been detained Tuesday for questioning about allegations last year made by actress Adele Haenel concerning events in the early 2000s.

Ruggia, who denies the claims, was placed under judicial control, meaning he was freed but must regularly report to officials. Preliminary charges can be thrown out at the end of the judicial investigation.

Haenel, now 31 and an accomplished actress, says the director repeatedly touched her inappropriately during and after filming of the the movie Les Diables in the early 2000s. She told French media that she didnt file a legal complaint because she didnt trust the French legal system.

The investigation is unusual in France, which hasnt seen a wave of accusations of sexual misconduct by men in positions of power like the #MeToo movement that shook Hollywood and U.S. politics.
By Martin Petty

MOGO, Australia (Reuters) - When everyone else in the Australian town of Mogo fled the flames that tore through surrounding bushland, Chad Staples didn't consider abandoning his family.

By family, he means giraffes, rhinos, lions and gorillas among the 200 residents of Mogo Zoo, which he and 15 staff battled to defend last week from raging bushfires that ravaged dozens of homes and vehicles across the tiny tourist town on New Year's Eve.

When they knew the fires were coming, Staples and his team made a plan to keep flames at bay and save the 65 acre (26.3 hectare) private zoo and its 40 species, including shifting some primates into their own living quarters.

"There's no way we would leave the animals behind. These are family - not things," said Staples.

The survival of the zoo's six zebras, two rhinos, six giraffes, four gorillas, three tigers and six lions, among others, is among the few positive stories to come out of a devastating fire season that has so far killed 26 people.

At Mogo Zoo, staff spent New Year's Eve dousing the grounds with hundreds of thousands of litres of water as the fires approached, shifting quickly as winds changed.

Flaming trees collapsed close to animal enclosures as the fire jumped over a stream on two sides of the grounds. The sky turned red and Mogo was in darkness by noon, Staples said.

A local fire service official stopped by at the zoo and told them no one would be able to come rescue them.

"They were busting a gut to save everyone else," said Staples, who described conditions as "apocalyptic".

"I've never felt heat like that or seen fires that look like that and I never want to see that again."

After the fires, the zoo arranged police escorts to get trucks through roadblocks to make urgent deliveries of hay, vegetables and water to keep the animals alive, he said.

The zoo animals were among the lucky ones. University of Sydney ecologists on Wednesday doubled their estimate of the number of animals killed or injured in the fires to 1 billion.

Story continues

The 170-year-old town of Mogo was badly hit by some of the fiercest fires seen yet this season, with homes, cars and buses reduced to shells, mangled metal and collapsed rubble.

Gayle Smith, 68, who runs an organic nursery, described her astonishment that her wooden home had survived having defended it from multiple small fires before eventually fleeing.

"It was mindbending. I felt relief and disbelief seeing it was still here," she said.

Thousands of people have already been left homeless by the fires that have scorched through more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land - an area the size of South Korea.

Staples said the zoo was saved because of the staff's good preparation. A big worry, he said, was losing power for electric fences around the enclosures.

"The last thing you want if you're a firefighter is a lion on the loose," he said.

(Reporting by Martin Petty in Mogo; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Great Minds v. Office Depot. Concerned the interpretation of permitted, non-commercial activity under the As 2019 came to a close, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its decision in. Concerned the interpretation of permitted, non-commercial activity under the





In both cases, Great Minds sued a copy shop for reproducing - for a profit - their Eureka Math curriculum on behalf of public schools or school districts that had paid the copy shop for the reproductions; while the schools are free to use and reproduce the curriculum for noncommercial uses, Great Minds contends that the copy shops are violating the CC BY-NC 4.0 license through commercial use by reproduction for profit. Let's explore how courts on both coasts rejected Great Minds' argument, finding for the copy shops.

Background

developed the Eureka Math curriculum between 2012 and 2014, originally for the New York State Education Department (the curriculum was initially named "Engage NY.") Proudly advertised as the "Most Widely Used Curriculum in America" on their website, Great Minds released Eureka Math under a Creative Commons license, allowing for noncommercial reproduction and sharing of the curriculum. Great Mindsbetween 2012 and 2014, originally for the New York State Education Department (the curriculum was initially named "Engage NY.") Proudly advertised as the "Most Widely Used Curriculum in America" on their website, Great Minds released Eureka Math under a Creative Commons license, allowing for noncommercial





This case concerns the use of the curriculum by several public schools and school districts in California; in particular, Office Depot had solicited their copying services toward the school districts in question. While those schools were compliant licensees of the curriculum through noncommercial use, Great Minds contended that copy shops like Office Depot became "downstream recipient" licensees through reproduction; because this reproduction was for profit and commercial, Great Minds argued that such copy shops needed to pay royalties, pursuant to  2(b)(3) of the License:

"To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from [the licensee] for the exercise of [these NonCommercial] Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when [Eureka Math] is used other than for NonCommercial purposes"

Separate Licensing Agreement

In 2015, Great Minds discovered that Office Depot was reproducing the curriculum on behalf of various public schools and school districts in California; avoiding litigation, the two parties agreed to a separate licensing agreement "whereby Great Minds permitted Office Depot to make the copies in exchange for royalty payments." This produced a stasis on the West Coast that lasted until 2017.







Eastern District of New York ruled in favor of FedEx Office and Print Services in a case with nearly identical facts, save for the separate licensing agreement. The decision was later upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018. Office Depot stopped paying royalties on June 10, 2017, relying on the opinion of Judge Hurley: In February of that year, theruled in favor of FedEx Office and Print Services in a case with nearly identical facts, save for the separate licensing agreement. The decision was later upheld by thein 2018. Office Depot stopped paying royalties on June 10, 2017, relying on the opinion of Judge Hurley:

"As the school districts are the entities exercising the rights granted by the License, it is irrelevant that FedEx may have benefited by having been hired by them to act, viz. make copies, in their stead ... Nor can the reservation of rights contained in the License be read to preclude a licensee from hiring someone to make copies of the Materials so the licensee can use them for a 'nonCommercial' purpose." Judge Hurley paid particular attention to the language of the License, which defined "Share" (for which permission is granted for noncommerical purposes) as the provision of the material "by any means or process," a term intended to give broad latitude to licensees to reproduce the curriculum for permitted use .

Litigation - District Court, Central District of California

On October 11, 2017, Great Minds filed suit against Office Depot, alleging copyright infringement and breach of contract; before the year ended, Office Depot filed a motion to dismiss the copyright infringement claim, which was ruled upon on January 18, 2018. The court found similar broad latitude afforded by the words "any means or process," a latitude sufficient to allow the licensees (the schools and districts) to employ third parties in the reproduction of the curriculum for noncommercial uses.

Further, Judge Walter of the Central District was unpersuaded by the contention that Office Depot became a licensee through soliciting their copy services to the schools and districts in question. The Judge noted that the License offered three relevant permissions:



1) "reproduce and use the Materials for NonCommercial purposes,"

2) "expressly permits the schools to provide those Materials to the public 'by any means or process,' and"

3) "does not prohibit the schools from outsourcing the copying to third party vendors."



Taking these three facts in consideration, Judge Walter ruled that none of Office Depot's actions were outside the scope of the License, thus dismissing the copyright infringement claim.

Appeal to the Ninth Circuit

On November 8, 2019, the Ninth Circuit heard Great Minds appeal from the dismissal of the copyright infringement claim; this came a year and a half after the 2nd Circuit affirmed a similar dismissal in Great Mind's appeal against FedEx. The Ninth Circuit issued an affirming opinion on December 27th, as 2019 came to a close.





The court noted that reproduction by the school and district licensees was permitted by the license, while "if Office Depot were itself a licensee, commercial copying of Great Minds material would fall outside the scope of the License and infringe Great Minds copyright." As a result, the question as issue was whether or not, by the licensees using Office Depot's services to lawfully exercise the rights of the license, Office Depot had themselves become licensees.





The court ruled that Office Depot was not a downstream recipient licensee, citing to a "consensus in courts" that third-party agents employed by licensees to exercise the lawful rights of the license do not themselves become licensees by virtue of providing their services to the licensee. Rather, "[i]ts activities remain within the ambit of the schools and school districts license."





The court rejected Great Mind's argument that there was a volitional element to Office Depot's services, noting the unwanted consequences that would result from the court drawing the line of distinction sought by Great Mind's council.

"(1) a teacher may copy Eureka Math on an Office Depot-owned copy machine for a fee in-store, but cannot hand the materials to an Office Depot employee to be copied;

(2) a school may pay a copy machine provider a monthly fee to keep a machine on site to copy Eureka Math, but cannot pay Office Depot employees to make the same copies; and

(3) a school may permit teachers to copy Eureka Math on school-owned or leased machines, but cannot pay a high school student to make the same copies."

The court deemed these hypotheticals "absurd results," prompting a holding that "[t]he License extends to all employees of the schools and school districts and shelters Office Depots commercial copying of Eureka Math on their behalf."

Comment
Smith & Wesson owner American Outdoor Brands said on Wednesday Chief Executive Officer James Debney has left the company after the board found that he engaged in conduct "inconsistent with a non-financial company policy."

The company declined to provide more details on the policy that Debney had violated.

Debney did not respond to a request for comment.

He was set to lead the company after the spin-off of its Smith & Wesson firearms unit from its outdoor products and accessories business, a plan that was announced in November last year.

The company on Wednesday named executives Mark Smith and Brian Murphy as co-CEOs, with Murphy set to head the outdoor division after the separation, which is expected to take place later this year.

Murphy was president of the outdoor products and accessories unit and Smith the president of the manufacturing services unit, the company said.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Here are some stocks that are in the news today:

Results Today: Tata Metaliks, South Indian Bank, Karnataka Bank, Rallis India, Cyient, Hathway Cable & Datacom, Sanathnagar Enterprises, Roselabs Finance, Rishabh Digha Steel & Allied Products, Fervent Synergies and Dhruv Estates are among the companies that will release their December quarter numbers on January 16.

December exports at USD 27.36 billion versus USD 25.98 billion, MoMImports at USD 38.61 billion versus USD 38.11 billion, MoM

Trade deficit at USD 11.25 billion versus USD 12.12 billion, MoM

Government increases gold base import price to USD 497/10 gm from USD 487/10 gm and cuts silver base import price to USD 573/kg versus USD 575/kg

Reserve Bank of India: Michael Patra takes charge as RBI deputy governor for 3 years

Den Networks: The company reported a net profit of Rs 12.3 crore for Q3FY20 against a loss of Rs 31.2 crore in Q3FY19.

Revenue from operations for the quarter came at Rs 318 crore for the said quarter against Rs 308 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

Indian Oil Corporation: The company has informed the exchange regarding the issue of unsecured debentures on private placement basis.

Reliance Industrial Infrastructure: Company's net profit jumped 12.6 percent YoY to Rs 2.46 crore in Q3FY20 against Rs 2.18 crore in Q3FY19.

Asian Paints: CCI will probe anti-trust moves of the company against JSW Paints.

Alps Industries: Allahabad HC dismissed the winding-up petition filed by Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Torrent Pharma: Board will consider raising funds via equity on January 27.

Kotak Mahindra Bank: Lender sold its entire stake of 5.56 percent in Equifax Credit Info Services.

Sterlite Tech: Q3 profit fell 43.1 percent to Rs 91 crore, revenue declined 11.5 percent to Rs 1,203 crore QoQ.

Dishman Carbogen Amcis: The board will meet on January 16 to consider 'employees stock option plan' and buyback of shares.

Yes Bank acquires 10.25% stake in Sical Logistics via pledge invocation

SBI approved divestment of entire equity stake (7.41%) held in Equifax Credit Information Services Pvt Ltd (ECIS)

Mangalam Cement: Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) plant consisting of capacity of 5.15 MW out of total capacity of 11 MW has been commissioned

IOC issues 20,000 Unsecured, Rated, Taxable, Redeemable, NCDs aggregating to Rs 2,000 crore on private placement basis

ICICI Bank: Kisan Rural Finance to raise fresh capital from new investor

Deccan Health Care: The board will meet on January 16 to consider and approve the preferential issue of shares.

UCO Bank: The board will meet on January 16 to consider and approve the preferential issue of shares.

GAIL (India): The board will meet on January 16 for a general-purpose.

Simbhaoli Sugars: Of the total outstanding amount, default as on December 31 stood at Rs 1,041 crore.

Unitech: MCA submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court proposing a management takeover of Unitech - CNBC-TV18 sources.

Peninsula Land - Supreme Court dismissed Special Leave Petition filed against an associate of the company

DFM Foods' promoters of the Company along with certain other shareholders have entered into share purchase agreements with AI Global Investments wrt transfer of their shareholding

Bank of India executed a share purchase agreement for sale of its entire equity stake of 3.50% in Equifax Credit Information Services

Union Bank Of India executed a share purchase agreement for sale of its entire equity stake of 4.17% in Equifax Credit Information Services
Headquarters of Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland.-Photo BIS

In addition to the central banks of Kuwait and Morocco, the three new additions will bring the number of BIS members to 63.

The BIS  popularly known as the central bank of central banks  said it would also increase collaboration in its work as a forum for international co-operation and as a hub for central banks and other financial authorities.

"Reviewing membership at regular intervals ensures that the membership base remains in keeping with the bank's global profile and its mandate to promote global monetary and financial stability," Jens Weidmann, chair of the BIS board of directors, said.

The membership of two of the central bank committees based at the BIS  the Committee on the Global Financial System (CGFS) and the Markets Committee  is also being expanded.

The CGFS, a central bank forum for monitoring and analysing broad financial system issues, will invite Argentina, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Thailand to join. This will take the number of central bank members to 28.

The Markets Committee, which monitors financial market developments, will invite Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, South Africa and Turkey to join. This will take the number of central bank members to 27.

GEM Chair Mark Carney said that, following the expansion, emerging market economies (EMEs) would make up about two fifths of the membership of each committee.

"In the last decade, EMEs have become much larger and ever more connected to the global financial system. Having a representative range of views on financial market and monetary matters will benefit the citizens of EMEs and advanced economies alike," he said.

The BIS is an international financial institution owned by central banks which fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank for central banks.

The BIS, which is based in Basel, Switzerland, carries out its work through its meetings, programmes and through the Basel Process  hosting international groups pursuing global financial stability and facilitating their interaction. It also provides banking services, but only to central banks and other international organisations.
[January 16, 2020] CyberLink and VIVOTEK Announce Strategic Partnership Combining Facial Recognition and IP Surveillance Solutions

CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a pioneer of AI and facial recognition technologies, announced a strategic partnership with VIVOTEK (3454.TW), the global leading IP surveillance solution provider, adding CyberLink's FaceMe AI facial recognition engine to VIVOTEK's IP surveillance solutions. The new collaboration will be showcased in VIVOTEK's booth (#SAD37) at Intersec 2020 in Dubai, January 19-21, 2020. CyberLink's FaceMe AI Facial Recognition Engine will be integrated into VIVOTEK's network cameras and back-end video management software, enabling security operators to receive accurate facial recognition alerts based on both blacklists and whitelists. "The demand for facial recognition is booming, driven by the latest IoT and AIoT innovations, and enabling a wide array of scenarios across industries such as security, home and public safety, retail, banking and more," said Dr. Jau Huang, CyberLink's founder and CEO. "Each application is dependent on the performance of the cameras used to capture faces. CyberLink is pleased to partner with VIVOTEK, a world leader in surveillance cameras, and to integrate FaceMe into VIVOTEK devices to provide accurate and reliable solutions to the market." "Founded in 2000, VIVOTEK has been dedicated to the IP surveillance industry for 20 years. Entering the era of AIoT, we will continue global partnerships to accelerate and enhance video applications by joining force with industry-leading analytic software providers," said Owen Chen, Chairman of VIVOTEK. "By partnering with CyberLink, we are very pleased to see our partnership being elevated to a new chapter today, further enhancing our goal to provide advanced video value for users around the globe." Powered by deep learnig and neural network algorithms, CyberLink FaceMe is one of the most accurate AI facial recognition engine. In a recent Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), CyberLink has ranked 12th among all participants in FRVT 1:1 (WILD 1E-4), confirming that FaceMe is a world-leading facial recognition engine.



The NIST FRVT WILD 1E-4 dataset consists of faces extracted from surveillance camera footage or photos, encompassing a wide array of real-world situations including a range of capture angles, poor lighting, or partially covered faces. The image variability simulates real-world use cases where systems would be required to accurately identify individuals in multiple different settings. About VIVOTEK

VIVOTEK Inc. (TAIEX: 3454) was founded in Taiwan in 2000. The Company markets VIVOTEK solutions worldwide, and has become a leading brand in the global IP surveillance industry. Its comprehensive solutions include network cameras, video servers, network video recorders, PoE solutions, and video management software. Through the growing proliferation of IoT, VIVOTEK aspires to become the Eye in IoT by drawing on its expansive technological capabilities in image and audio. The Company has established offices and subsidiaries in the United States (California), Europe (Netherlands), India (Delhi), Middle East (Dubai), Latin America (Mexico), and Japan (Tokyo) in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively. To create a sound industrial ecosystem, VIVOTEK has expanded strategic alliances with leading international software and hardware partners and works with over 183 authorized distributors across 116 countries. For more information, please visit www.vivotek.com. About CyberLink Founded in 1996, CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW) is the world leader in multimedia software and AI facial recognition technology. CyberLink addresses the demands of consumer, commercial and education markets through a wide range of solutions, covering digital content creation, multimedia playback, video conferencing, live casting, mobile applications and AI facial recognition. CyberLink has shipped several hundred million copies of its multimedia software and apps, including the award-winning PowerDirector, PhotoDirector, and PowerDVD. With years of research in the fields of artificial intelligence and facial recognition, CyberLink has developed the FaceMe Facial Recognition Engine. Powered by deep learning algorithms, FaceMe delivers the reliable, high-precision, and real-time facial recognition that is critical to AIoT applications such as smart retail, smart security, and surveillance, smart city, and smart home. For more information about CyberLink, please visit the official website at www.cyberlink.com All companies and product names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the sole property of their respective owners. Copyright  2020 CyberLink Corp. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005671/en/

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India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

IMAGE: A security personnel checks a vehicle as others stand guard during snowfall in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

India's Permenent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said, "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," Akbaruddin said.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, had described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."

A top European diploamt said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair."

Akbaruddin further said that "Pakistan's practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and kashmir.

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that".

Zhang later said China "has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: " I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful".

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J-K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

India's decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in October for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held "successful" talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapura, signalling a recalibration of bilateral ties.
Thieves are snatching laptops from unsuspecting victims with alarming audacity and violence, officials say, driven by a lucrative Bay Area black market where crooks can fetch $500 for a new Apple computer that could end up in Asia.

Two recent high-profile Oakland crimes  a deadly laptop grab at Starbucks and a bus-stop shooting sparked by a computer theft  offer a glimpse into a growing regional trend that has put people on edge.

Ive been hugging my laptop a little closer, said Caroline Steel, 23, while working on a Mac at Haus Coffee in San Franciscos Mission District. Signs warning patrons of computer snatchers went up in June after the coffee shop was hit repeatedly by thieves, a barista said.

Property crimes involving electronic devices have risen nationwide in recent years along with the skyrocketing value of tech products that people carry everywhere, said Oakland police spokeswoman Johnna Watson.

Whether you are walking down the street with it in your hand or youre somewhere with a laptop at a table, thats like having $1,000 or $2,000 sitting on a table, Watson said.

But the trend is particularly troubling in the Bay Area. Reported laptop thefts increased by nearly 40% last year in Berkeley, with 85 in 2019 and 61 in 2018. BART officials reported 1,266 robberies and thefts of electronics, mostly cell phones, in 2019. But few other agencies track these crimes separately. San Francisco and Oakland police were unable to provide numbers for laptop thefts.

We are outpacing the rest of the state in our increase in this type of crime, said Marisa McKeown, a deputy district attorney in Santa Clara County who heads the Criminal Strategies Unit. The Bay Area is not the only place with electronics  but our offender population has gotten very good at (stealing them).

Auto burglary numbers provide an almost direct comparison to computer thefts because laptops are the No. 1 item stolen from cars.

San Franciscos auto burglaries increased nearly 44% from 20,661 in 2016 to 29,736 in 2017, according to a 10-year study conducted by McKeowns crime analysis team. Los Angeles, with more than four times the population, had roughly 18,000 auto burglaries in 2017. The number of auto burglaries in Oakland jumped from 6,308 in 2016 to 8,545 in 2017, according to the study.

Thieves snatch laptops from cars, stores or cafes and quickly exchange them for cash at local fencing operations, McKeown said. New Apple laptops  the hot commodity right now  can go for up to $500 or $600 apiece, while off-brand or older laptops could get $50 to $100. The electronics get shipped as far as Australia and the Middle East.

Lt. Steven Nowak, an Oakland criminal investigator, said criminals target low-hanging fruit  easy crimes with high profits.

Laptop safety tips Many people sit at cafes, parks or libraries with laptops vulnerable to the quick hands of a thief. Here are a few tips from law enforcement officials on how to protect yourself and your belongings: Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Watch for people eyeing your belongings and never leave them unattended. Do not leave a laptop or other items in your vehicle. The windows could be smashed and your belongings could be stolen. Do not fight back if a thief grabs your laptop or other electronic device. The person could be armed, and the altercation could turn dangerous or deadly. Buy a laptop security cable, which can be purchased for $10 or $20 to deter thieves from quickly snatching your computer. See More Collapse

Imagine being 19 years old, making $1,000 a day only working four to five hours, he said.

Its difficult to prevent these burglaries and thefts, so McKeown said law enforcement agencies are strategically targeting fencing operations. Agencies are cracking down on the sale of stolen goods.

In November, Fremont police busted a Hayward electronics business and recovered 1,800 stolen electronic devices. An unprecedented bust in December of a San Francisco fencing operation recovered stolen laptops and other goods valued at $2.5 million.

What were doing is going after the people who are funding this crime, McKeown said.

On Friday, Brian Veivia opened his door after he heard a loud bang in his North Oakland neighborhood. A man outside lay facedown at a bus stop screaming for his life.

I opened the door to our house and heard a man yelling, Somebody help me! I dont want to die like this  it wasnt worth it! Veivia recalled.

The 33-year-old former paramedic dashed outside with his medical bag and heard the victim telling dispatchers over the phone what happened moments before: He was sitting at the bus stop working on his laptop when a masked man approached and asked for the computer.

It was unclear if the victim refused or didnt comply fast enough, Veivia said. But either way, the guy shot him and took his laptop, he said.

Veivia gave the victim gauze to cover the hole where the bullet had pierced his hip. The victim was taken to the hospital, and police confirmed on Tuesday that he was in stable condition.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Veivia is careful in his neighborhood, especially at night when he walks home from BART or walks his dog. He puts his phone away and takes out his headphones.

Things like that  just to make sure Im not looking like an easy target, he said.

Oakland Councilman Dan Kalb, who represents the district where Fridays shooting occurred, said he hopes to work with police to fill vacancies in the department and increase visibility of officers to deter criminals. Nowak said the department is increasing patrols for better visibility in high-crime areas and working to educate people to better protect themselves.

Kalb said he has seen an increase in strong-arm robberies and thefts in his district in the past few months. Businesses and cafes along College and Telegraph avenues have reported thefts of electronics, he said.

Its frustrating to everybody, Kalb said. People need to be able to feel safe in their neighborhood.

The bus-stop shooting came two weeks after 34-year-old Shuo Zeng of Oakland was killed when he tried to recover his laptop from thieves who snatched it in a Montclair Starbucks and then ran him over in the getaway car as he tried to stop them.

Tim Branyen, another Haus Coffee customer, said reading about that incident made him wonder what he would do if his laptop were snatched. His instinct would be to chase the crook, he said, but then reconsidered.

Maybe my lifes a little more important than a laptop that can get replaced, the San Francisco tech worker said.

Haus Coffee barista Mike Luangrath said people should not chase thieves.

Its not worth it, Luangrath said.

Anna Bauman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: anna.bauman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @abauman2
A man from Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh, who currently works in a BPO firm in Punjab, has said that he got the shock of his life when he received an Income Tax Department notice, asking him to pay Rs 3.49 penalty for the alleged transactions of Rs 132 crore done in 2011-12.

Ravi Gupta, who works an assistant manager with a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Ludhiana, said that in the notice issued last month, the I-T department asked him to explain the transactions of Rs 132 crore made in a bank account opened in Mumbai using his Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Gupta said that in 2011-12 he worked at a BPO in Indore, drawing an annual salary of Rs 60,000.

He claimed that some fraudsters might have opened a bank account using his PAN, but he had no clue about it.

"The I-T office in Gwalior issued the notice to me on December 17 (2019), in which it asked me to pay Rs 3.49 crore penalty by January 17. The notice came as a shock to me," Gupta said on Thursday.

He said that although he raised the issue with the I-T officials in Gwalior saying he was not aware of the transaction, they were not ready to budge.

Gupta said he then launched his own "investigation" and was shocked to find that the Surat-based diamond company operated from a place in Mumbai, which was close to the office of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi, both accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.

He said he found out that the transactions worth Rs 132 crore were carried out by a Surat-based diamond company and the bogus bank account was closed after several transactions.

When asked why he did not lodge a complaint with the police in this connection so far, Gupta said the police in Gwalior and Ludhiana asked him to approach their counterparts in Mumbai.

"But I am scared to go to Mumbai as the fraudsters, who opened the bank account using my PAN, might harm me," he said.

"An IT official has told me that if I fail to pay the penalty, the house I had purchased on loan will be attached and my salary will be diverted to the government treasury," Gupta said.

When contacted, I-T department official in Gwalior, Narendra Kumar Sharma, refused to comment saying he was not authorised to speak on the issue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man wanted in Lebanon for allegedly fundraising for Islamic State has been charged with attempted murder in Sydney over accusations he shot at a group of home invaders.

Police say a group of armed men jumped over the fence of Revesby man Adnan Baradaaji's home in November last year and threatened him.

Strike Force Evaline officers make an arrest on Thursday morning. Credit:NSW Police

Mr Baradaaji, 35, then allegedly went into the house and picked up a gun, which police say he then used to fire shots at the alleged intruders who fled.

"A series of shots were fired between the two groups," Detective Chief Inspector Darren Sly said at Bankstown Police Station on Thursday.
 Flash

A symposium entitled "China's Development Path in the New Era from Multiple Perspectives" was held at the University of Cambridge on Jan. 14, aiming to offer an understanding of the dynamics, opportunities and challenges involving the country today and focusing on a collection of works, such as Zhejiang, China: A New Vision for Development.

Over 50 scholars and experts from China, France and the United Kingdom, representatives of overseas Chinese and media representatives attended the event.

The symposium was organized by Cypress Book Co. (UK) Ltd. and Sinolingua London Ltd., co-organized by the Global Century Press and the Cambridge Chinese Community Center.

Xie Xiaocheng, managing director of Cypress, and Chai Wenjing, managing director of Sinolingua London, made welcome speeches at the opening, sharing their thoughts on China's development path from their own experiences and expressing the hope that the symposium would enable a deeper understanding of what was happening.

Ingrid Cranfield, president of Global Century Press and Li Jinzhao, founder of the Cambridge China Centre, also spoke briefly.

Three keynote speakers shared their thoughts and research discoveries on China issues. Dr. Joel Ruet, president of The Bridge Tank and an expert on the country's economy and foreign policy, spoke about the comprehensively deepening reform program it was undertaking. He thought that the collection of works provided a vivid intellectual chronicle of China's reforming theoretical system in the new era.

Based on corpora of Zhejiang, China: A New Vision for Development in Chinese and English editions, Prof. Chang Xiangqun FRSA, president of Global China Academy, analysed the theoretical and practical application of the governance system and China's capacity for governance at the provincial level.

Dr. Geng Zhi, lecturer at the Confucius Institute at Queen Mary University of London, spoke about the great contribution of language and cultural exchange to the establishment of a community with a shared future for humanity, and practice in China's development path is practised in the new era.

During a Q & A session, participants actively interacted with the speakers.

A "China book around the world" exhibition was held in Cambridge during the symposium, displaying titles relating to China's economy, politics, culture, education and social sciences, gaining great attention.
Three Alabama residents were charged this week in connection with alleged abuse that involved locking children in wooden cages.

On Wednesday, the Lee County Sheriffs Office arrested James H. Bond, 69, Pamela Deloris Bond, 66, and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, after conducting a welfare check on a Smiths Station, Alabama, home. Authorities had received information about a potential child abuse situation at the residence on Monday.

According to the sheriffs office, investigators found two wooden cages that had hasp latches and locking mechanisms. Upon further investigation, the team learned that children had been locked in the cages on multiple occasions.

Four children were in the home at the time of the welfare check, ages 3, 4, 10 and 11. A fifth child, 8 months, also lived at the residence but wasnt present at the time.

All five children were removed from the home and are now in the care of the Lee County Department of Human Resources.

RELATED: Arizona Parents Charged with Child Abuse After Baby Dies, Siblings Found with Bugs in Their Ears

Cage | Lee County Sheriff's Office

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Cage | Lee County Sheriff's Office

RELATED: Florida Girl, 14, Installs Video Camera to Prove Alleged Abuse by Dad, Who Now Faces Charges

Pamela is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age, two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

James is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Mann is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment.

It was not immediately clear whether the three had obtained obattorneys.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriffs Office at 334-749-5651 or the Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Holiday In The Wild (Credit: Netflix)

Rob Lowe reckons that more people saw his Netflix film Holiday In The Wild than saw Martin Scorsese's The Irishman.

The former 'brat pack' star made the claim while speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour in California, per The Wrap.

Read more: Netflix reveals 2020 slate

Asked if he preferred working for streaming platforms over network TV, he said: I just did a movie for Netflix that was the number one movie that they had.

A little stupid Christmas elephant movie and it beat  take that Martin Scorsese.

The Irishman (Credit: Netflix)

The romcom was released on Netflix in November, and found Lowe starring as a charter pilot in Africa who bonds with a soon-to-be divorced woman  played by Sex and the City's Kristin Davis  over an inujured baby elephant in Zambia.

It was unloved by critics, though The Guardian called it 'cheesy, stupid but... quite charming'.

But where Lowe is getting his figures from remains a mystery.

Read more: The most exciting movies coming in 2020

Scorsese's The Irishman was a smash for the streaming studio, racking up 13.2 million views in its first five days on release, according to Nielsen, and 26 million in its first week, according to Netflix itself.

The streamer also released details of its most-streamed titles of 2019 on Monday this week, and strangely Holiday In The Wild didnt feature in the top 10.

Heres the top 10 in full, according to Netflix (which does not currently allow independently verified figures), with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston comedy landing in the top spot.

1. Murder Mystery

2. Stranger Things 3

3. 6 Underground

4. The Incredibles 2

5. The Irishman

6. The Witcher

7. Triple Frontier

8. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

9. The Umbrella Academy

10. The Highwaymen
Presiding officer Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in members of the Senate for the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Thursday. Read more

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump with quiet ceremony Thursday, senators standing at their desks to swear an oath of impartial justice as jurors on the presidents fate. House prosecutors recited the charges, and Chief Justice John Roberts presided in his black Supreme Court robe.

The trial, only the third such undertaking in American history, is unfolding at the start of the election year, a time of deep political division in the nation. Four of the senators sitting in judgment on Trump are running for the Democratic Party's nomination to challenge him in the fall.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!" intoned the Senate's sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order at noon.

Senators filled the chamber, an unusual sight in itself, sitting silently under strict rules that prohibit talking or cellphones, for a trial that will test not only Trump's presidency but also the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances.

The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer, and Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court to the Capitol. He has long insisted judges are not politicians and is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than an active participant.

"Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand," Roberts said.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators responded they would, and then they lined up to sign an oath book.

Trump faces two charges after the House voted to impeach him last month. One, that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump is also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

The president insists he did nothing wrong, and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House: It's totally partisan. Its a hoax.

Eventual acquittal is expected in the Republican-controlled Senate. However, new revelations are mounting about Trump's actions toward Ukraine.

The Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

At the same time, an indicted associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, has turned over to prosecutors new documents linking the president to the shadow foreign policy being run by Giuliani.

The developments applied fresh pressure to senators to call more witnesses for the trial, a main bone of contention that is still to be resolved. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with subpoenas from Congress requesting witnesses or other information.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? asked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident," he said. The House of Representatives have accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the new information from Parnas: "This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and formally read the articles of impeachment.

Seven lawmakers, led by Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

All eyes were on Schiff as he stood at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the united States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, he began, reading the nine pages.

The other House prosecutors stood in a row to his side.

Republican House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took a far different view of the charges and proceedings.

He opened the chamber decrying Pelosi's decision to hand out "souvenir pens on Wednesday after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the House's entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. 'It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

GOP Sen. James Inhofe was absent, home in Oklahoma for a family medical issue, his office said. He plans to take the oath as he returns when the full trial begins next week.

The president's team expects a trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

The president suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that.

It would take a super-majority of senators, 67 of the 100, to convict the president. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 to dismiss the charges against Trump.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider additional witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

The House managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshmen  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando, and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation for President Richard Nixon's impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clinton's.

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
BJP leader Tom Vadakkan on Wednesday slammed Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his visit to Pakistan. He said that Aiyar is not a messenger of peace but kind of terrorism that exists in India. Vadakkan also said that the Congress party should apologise for the former parliamentarian's remarks.

Speaking to the media Vadakkan said, "He (Mani Shankar Aiyar) is not a messenger of peace but kind of terrorism that exists in this country."

Cornering Aiyar over his speech at Shaheen Bagh, Vadakkan said, "From Lahore to Shaheen Bagh on January 13 what is the message that Mani Shankar Aiyar is carrying from Pakistan? He did meet the aide of Pakistan Prime Minister (Imran Khan) that is a fact. What is the message he is spreading and why this rush to Shaheen Bagh? And what is this ... he is talking about? Is he referring to the Indian Army, Indian Parliament, Indian Government? These are questions Congress must answer and apologise for his statements."

READ | Stunning Twist: Mani Shankar Aiyar Met Imran Khan's Aide In Pakistan; Sonia Gandhi Knew

Further lashing out at Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for his claim that the Centre had offered him safe passage to India in exchange for his support on the abrogation of Article 370, Vadakkan called Naik a new light of the "Naya Congress" (New Congress).

"Now, the terrorist evangelist Zakir Naik is the new light of Naya Congress. If they are inspired by him if their thoughts are for him. People of India very closely watching them. Is he is a new hero of Naya Congress is what people are asking? If he has become a senior leader of new Congress then people are understanding where the Congress' future is heading too," he said.

READ | Mani Shankar Aiyar's Latest Pakistan Tryst Lands Him In A Soup, And Not For The First Time

Manishankar Aiyar confirms Pak visit

In a telephonic conversation with Republic TV on Wednesday, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar confirmed that he was in Pakistan's Lahore, days before addressing the indefinite Shaheen Bagh sit-in at the National Capital. He admitted that he returned from Pakistan on January 13. In Lahore, speaking at a session on "Is Liberal Democracy Dead?" Mani Shankar Aiyar accentuated the need for India to act carefully under the current emerging circumstances. He spoke how Hindutva, a recently emerged concept, had captured India in 2014. Further stating that the women and students of India are resisting it. He lauded the all-women protest of Shaheen Bagh at the event.

The Congress leader said, "I went there a few days back. I came from Pakistan on the 13th. Yes, I visited Lahore." Republic accessed a video dated January 13, which does hint at Aiyar participating in an event in Lahore. In the past, Aiyar has also been accused of making anti-BJP statements on Pakistan soil.

READ | Mani Shankar Aiyar Admits, 'Yes I Came From Pakistan On Jan 13', After Shaheen Bagh Attack

Mani Shankar Aiyar joins Shaheen Bagh protests

Earlier, it was revealed that Aiyar had visited Lahore just before he joined the Shaheen Bagh protests against the CAA. In his speech, he levelled an indirect attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He appealed to the crowd that he was ready to make sacrifices for the larger cause. In his address at Shaheen Bagh, Aiyar remarked, "Whatever I can do personally for you, I am ready to do that. Jo bhi qurbaniyan deni hon, usme main bhi shaamil hone ko tayaar hun. Ab dekhein ki kiska hath mazboot hai, Hamara ya uss (wo) kaatil ka? (Whatever sacrifices need to be given, I am ready for the same. Now let's see whose hand is strong, ours or that murderer's?)"

READ | Shivraj Singh Chouhan Slams Mani Shankar Aiyar, Accuses Him Of Speaking For Pakistan

(with ANI inputs)

(image: PTI)
At first blush, there looks to be very little in common at FTSE 100 quoted firms ABF, Pearson and Whitbread.

ABF is doing well on the back of sales at Primark and a turnaround in sugar. Pearson is having a torrid time after six profit warnings in five years as it seeks to make the transition from printed textbooks to digital teaching. It finds itself on the brink of being tipped out of the FTSE.

And shrunken Whitbread has been hurt by uncertainty over business bookings and is waiting for the Brexit bounce.

ABF has resisted the temptation to put all its eggs in one basket in spite of suggestions from the analyst and activist communities that it could release value by splitting off Primark

The three firms are connected by deep family roots. In the case of Whitbread and Pearson, this is vestigial and only shows in the names on the letterhead.

At ABF, where the Weston family and charitable interests hold 54.5 per cent of the stock, the founding dynasty is still very much in control.

The result of strong family involvement is that ABF does not find itself under siege from short-term investors seeking constant gratification.

Whitbread received a terrific price from Coca-Cola for Costa Coffee when put under pressure by investors. That might have relieved the company from its debts and resolved a lingering pension problem.

But it also meant that chief executive Alison Brittain could not fall back on Costa's expansion prospects when hospitality went through a bad patch.

The drama has been even greater at Pearson. On paper, it may have looked a fine strategy to invest in digital and focus on core textbook publishing and education franchises.

Elsewhere in publishing, Relx has been brilliant in making that transition and now sits high up the FTSE with a market value of 38.6billion.

Pearson has been discarding creative and media enterprises  the Financial Times, the Economist, Penguin, Madame Tussauds  over a sustained period of time.

It finds itself wholly dependent on education publishing, the vagaries of US state budgets and the textbook and examination buying cycle.

Former chief executive Marjorie Scardino once told me there were important synergies in owning prestige brands such as the FT because of the doors it opened to selling textbooks and digital teaching materials in fast growing Asian markets.

ABF has resisted the temptation to put all its eggs in one basket in spite of suggestions from analysts that it could release value by splitting off Primark.

Ownership of several unrelated activities means that when sugar, its foods brands (Twinings, Jordans and Ovaltine to name three) are having a hard time, or vice versa, ABF weathers the storm. It's too late for Pearson or Whitbread to heed the lessons.

But doing the splits can leave the mother ship vulnerable.

Mercy flight

It was predictable that Michael O'Leary of Ryanair would join Willie Walsh of BA-owner IAG in shouting from the roof tops about the iniquity of the rescue of Flybe.

O'Leary has a good turn of phrase and his description of a 'billionaires bail-out' will get the juices flowing for opponents of the Government's intervention. His most telling point is that Flybe is a serial bankrupt, and would be again.

But when questioned as to whether he would take on the Flybe routes, O'Leary was more evasive.

Sajid Javid's bail-out is in the broader national interest of making sure the harder-to-reach bits of the UK have good transport links.

There is a cogent case for the Chancellor to offer all the UK airlines a break on airline passenger duty for domestic flights in the Budget. That could be achieved for about half-a-mile of Crossrail track.

But it is a very different case from challenging the political judgement of a newly-elected government with a big majority.

Glasgow kiss

A big question of recent months is what the governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney will do when he finally steps down from office in March 2020 after three postponements.

There have been all manner of suggestions, ranging from managing director of the IMF to a shot at Canadian politics and a role in digital money (which he has firmly ruled out).

Now we know. As well as being the UN's unpaid climate change guru, he has agreed with Boris Johnson to take on the demanding role of preparing the UK and the world for the COP26 environmental summit scheduled for Glasgow in November.

'Weel done.'
Fans remember Shalita Grant as ATF Agent, Sonja Percy, on NCIS: New Orleans. Her character joined Dwayne Prides (Scott Bakula) NOLA team. Percy worked alongside Special Agent Christopher LaSalle (Lucas Black) who referred to Grants Percy as City Mouse to his Country Mouse.

Since Grants 2018 departure, shes taken her platform to speak out about Hollywoods lingering issues with representation and why leaving NCIS: New Orleans was a necessary step to regaining her self-image.

Shalita Grant says working on NCIS: New Orleans post-Katrina was challenging

Actress Shalita Grant visits Build to discuss NCIS: New Orleans at Build Studio | Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005, causing catastrophic damage to New Orleans with nearly 2,000 fatalities. Shalita Grant joined the NCIS: New Orleans cast in 2015  10 years after the storm  but says the effects still lingered.

In a previous interview with Vice, Grant wasnt only speaking to the physical damage of The Big Easy.

Were dealing with some of the grit of New Orleans without dealing with the politics because thats not what the [NCIS] franchise is about, she said.

But its hard to do anything in New Orleans and not really talk about whats happened, and whats happening. As much as I love New Orleansthe people, the culture, and everythingthere is an underbelly.

The Julliard-educated, Tony-nominated actress referred to challenges working in a city that is overwhelmingly black, was mirrored by the juxtaposition of Confederate monuments.

For people who are oppressed every day, walking past [a monument of] Jefferson Davis on his horse, with his back long and straightthat says something. That does something, she said.

Grants experience with Hollywood was eye-opening

After her 2013 critically-acclaimed theater work in the Christopher Durang comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Grant couldnt get a job.

The star had over 50 auditions before suddenly landing two TV dramas: NCIS: New Orleans for CBS and the Civil War serial drama Mercy Street for PBS.

Frankly, I thought Id hit the ceiling in my career, she previously told Gold Derby. Nobody gave a d*mn. No one cared. They could not care any less in a lot of instances, so it was really like starting over that first year.

On the short-lived Mercy Street, Grant played Aurelia Johnson, a young contraband (escaped slave) employed as a laundress at the hospital, according to PBS. The role is a drastic change from Agent Percy on NCIS: New Orleans, but Grant relished in it.

I just wanted to do something that felt prescient and timely, especially because right now its so topsy-turvy, Grant said. I think on some level, we all wanted to believe that we were further along than we thought we were.

Mercy Street changed Grant

The former NCIS: New Orleans actress further explained that playing Aurelia challenged her for a few reasons.

Most of the cast is white. My character is supportingshes not even a lead. [The cast] would all go out to dinner, and sometimes it was like schooling people on what it means to be black, she said.I didnt go out a lot, because it was hard to be in those spaces and not continue to feel badly.

Grants feelings extend beyond her time on Mercy Street. She pointed out that by even mentioning her feelings on race in Hollywood, shed be deemed controversial.

It is especially controversial to point out just how oppressed black women are. People think, Yeah, but Oprah! or, Yeah, but Beyonce! It shatters me; its crazy to me. [Black women] might be a part of pop culture, but we are also jokes, we are buffoons, she said.

NCIS: New Orleans gave Grant a new perspective on race in Hollywood

Grant has publically spoken about the working conditions she faced on the set of NCIS: New Orleans. Her admissions revealed the show didnt accept Grants Type 4 Natural Hair. Grant said it decimated her self-image.

She explained, an elitist institution such as Julliard, guarded her against some discrimination that others (who didnt have that level of education) might face.

There is a sort of [sense that] well, you are one of us now, because you have been indoctrinated into who we are, into the culture,' she said. Youre a black face in a white space, and somebody thinks youre the waiter, and youre like, Scuse you! real quick, and theyre like, Oh my God, Im so sorry!'

She expanded on how those experiences continued the longer she auditions for new work.

Black women are erased, and its reflected in Hollywood, and it hurts. Even being a light-skinned actress, I know that I am a palatable version of blackness. For dark-skinned women, they have it even harder, she said.

She continued saying,  Love interests, for example  I still get to go into those castings. They look at me and say, You could potentially do this. Somebody could find you attractive.'

Now, Grant works with The Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond. The organization offers undoing racism workshops and try to give a well-rounded understanding of what racism is.

Why Grant wanted to portray Agent Percy a very specific way

Grant left the set of NCIS: New Orleans in 2018, but her character is remembered by many. Grant told Essence she hoped Agent Percy could be a positive image for young black girls.

Sonja Percy is a very strong, dynamic woman, and shes not afraid to say what she thinks and stand for what she believes. I love how physical she is: Shes shooting and running and tackling just like the guys are, she said.

I hope to be one of those many images for this generation to see on television, kicking butt and taking names. Im not the Black character, but Im a human being, and Im just as dynamic as the people I share the screen with.

Fans miss Agent Percy on NCIS: New Orleans. However, the star is on a bigger mission: spread positivity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity for women of color everywhere.
NIA special court will hear arguments on charge/ scrutiny of documents against Kashmiri Separatist leader Yasin Malik, Masrat Alam, Asiya Andrabi, Shabbir Shah, Rashid Engineer on March 13 in connection with a terror funding case.

Malik and Asiya Andrabi were produced from judicial custody physically before NIA special Judge Praveen Singh while others were produced through video conferencing.

Masrat Alam is currently lodged in Delhi's Mandoli Jail and rest four other accused are lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail.

The Court has taken cognizance of the NIA charge-sheet filed against five persons including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik in a terror funding case for allegedly raising funds through Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

"The NIA in its charge sheet had established the role of Pakistan High Commission in supporting the separatists and creating unrest in the Kashmir Valley through the transfer of funds," an official release said.

"Besides Malik, those who have been named in the charge sheet are founder and president of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) Shabir Ahmed Shah, chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League Party Masarat Alam, founder and self-styled chief of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) Syeda Aasiya Andrabi and Zahoor Ahmad Watali," it read.

The NIA alleged that the five accused allegedly carried out "criminal conspiracy and waged war against the government by carrying out terrorist and secessionist activities" in the region.

"It has also been found that Yasin Malik has been getting funds from foreign countries through hawala channels for causing unrest and insurgency in Kashmir," the charge sheet stated.

"It was the part of a well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched with the active support, connivance, and funding from Pakistani agencies and terrorist organizations to achieve their nefarious objective of securing secession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir from India," the agency revealed.

NIA has used their e-mails as well as videos, TV interviews, public speeches, etc., obtained from open source as evidence."In one of his speeches Yasin Malik is claiming that he had visited the Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Muree, Pakistan occupied Kashmir and addressed LeT cadres," NIA said.

The investigation by the agency also revealed that the five accused had hatched a conspiracy to "cripple the administrative machinery and create disaffection towards the administration."

"These separatists are working in a systematic and organised manner on the instructions of their Pakistani handlers and have set up a network of their cadres at the village, block and district level," stated the charge sheet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A former child star who earned fame starring alongside Blake Lively and America Ferrera in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants has proudly defended herself as a 'Christian gun owner' after revealing her beliefs have earned her hatred from critics online.

Jenna Boyd, 26, who is from Bedford, Texas, took to the popular social media app TikTok to reveal the three topics for which she receives the harshest criticism - while taunting her haters with a sassy snapback.

'Honestly, I really only get hate for about three things,' she confessed to the camera. 'One, being a gun owner. Two, running my skincare business, and three, being a Christian.'

Child star: Jenna Boyd, 26, first gained attention starring in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants with Blake Lively and America Ferrera, and she now stars in Netflix's Atypical

Opening up: On TikTok, Texas native Boyd spoke about the three reasons she receives hatred online: being a gun owner, a Christian, and a skincare entrepreneur with Rodan + Fields

Boyd went on to detail the comments she will receive, but said she remains unbothered by the criticism - and even took the opportunity to laugh in the face of the hatred she receives.

'People say all kinds of things like, How do you sleep at night? And, yall, all I can tell you...if you really you want to know, its after Ive said my prayers with some bomb night cream on my face and with a loaded 38 special underneath my bed,' she continued.

There's only a few instances when Boyd, who earns money through skincare MMC Rodan + Fields, has publicly shared being a gun owner, but it apparently has still encouraged commenters to attack the star.

After sharing the video on TikTok, Boyd received an influx of comments that ranged in criticism from her owning a gun to pride in the actress for speaking her mind on the issue.

Most people confessed they had no issue with Boyd being a Christian, but her being a gun owner was a problem for some.

'Gun owner? Sorry I really like u and I won't ever judge someone's religion or whatsover but I'm gonna unfollow bc I won't ever support this,' a former follower wrote.

Frustrated: 'People say all kinds of things like, How do you sleep at night?' Boyd said during the video. But she was unwilling to let negative comments bring her down

Her passion: She's previously shared images of herself on the gun range and holding guns

Divided: Followers remained divided in the comments about Boyd being a gun owner

Her roles: Besides appearing in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (pictured) and Atypical, Boyd previously starred in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star

Another person commented: 'This is not a personality trait sister.'

Boyd also gained support from followers who also owned guns or respected people who owned them.

'Omg I love you even more now that i know you're a christian & you own guns,' one fan wrote.

Hollywood, in general, is known for being on the more liberal side when it comes to politics, so Boyd speaking out her pride in being a gun owner goes against what people typically hear from celebrities in the industry.

Besides appearing in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Atypical, Boyd previously starred in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star with actor David Spade when she was younger.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): India will extend invitations to all members of SCO including Pakistan as well as to the observer states for 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting later this year, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday.



"It is now a public knowledge that India will be hosting the SCO council of heads of government meeting later this year. The meeting is held annually at the Prime Minister's level and it discusses the SCO's program and multilateral economic and trade co-operation. As per the established practice and procedure within SCO all eight members of SCO, as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," said Kumar when asked whether Pakistan will be invited for the meeting.

India for the first time will host the next meeting of the SCO members states' heads of government. Kumar, while addressing a weekly briefing, said that all heads of the government of member states including Prime Minister Imran Khan will be invited as per the standard procedure.

The announcement by the MEA comes a day after Pakistan with the help of China tried to raise the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council.

SCO is an intergovernmental organisation founded in Shanghai.

The SCO currently comprises eight Member States -- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, four Observer States interested in acceding to full membership -- Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia -- and six "Dialogue Partners" -- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

In June 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Imran Khan attended SCO summit in Bishkek. During the summit, Modi made a veiled attack on Pakistan while addressing the plenary session, stating that the countries which support and finance terrorism must be held accountable. (ANI)






"We are very pleased to have our newest Smartstream technology, the 1.6L T-GDi engine with our world's-first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology recognized to the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list and a repeat award for the Kona EV powertrain," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "These accolades reinforce Hyundai's commitment in leading the industry's most diverse powertrain lineup and we are excited to continue our product onslaught and powertrain innovations with 13 eco-friendly vehicles in the U.S. by 2022."

Hyundai's all new Smartstream 1.6L Turbocharged DOHC 4-Cyl., including Hyundai's in-house CVVD technology is featured in the all-new 2020 Sonata. The 1.6L powertrain includes 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,5004,500 rpm and achieved an EPA estimated 31 mpg combined.

Hyundai Motor Group developed the world's first CVVD technology featured initially in the all-new Sonata. CVVD optimizes both engine performance and fuel efficiency while also being eco-friendly. The valve control technology regulates the duration of valve opening and closing according to driving conditions, achieving a 4 percent boost in performance and a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency according to internal Hyundai estimates. Furthermore, the technology reduces emissions by 12 percent.

CVVD takes technology in a new direction by adjusting how long a valve is open. Until now, an internal combustion engine's performance and efficiency have been governed by variable valve control technology that adjusts the timing of valve opening and closing and depth of the valve's opening, with engine power produced through the fuel intake-compression-expansion-exhaustion cycle.

When the vehicle is maintaining a constant speed and requires low engine output, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to end of the compression stroke. This helps to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. On the other hand, when engine output is high, such as when the car is driving at a high speed, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for combustion, enhancing torque to improve acceleration.

Typical variable valve control technologies manage the timing of the valve's opening and closing (as in Continuously Variable Valve Timing - CVVT) or control the volume of air admitted by adjusting the depth of the opening (Continuously Variable Valve Lift - CVVL). Previous variable valve control technologies could not regulate valve duration.

According to Tom Murphy, managing editor at Wards, "Appearing first in the all-new Sonata sedan, this clean-sheet 4-cyl., is part of a family of new Hyundai engines. It's an absolute gem  stout, refined, punchy, a delightful daily driver and it's the world's first application of continuously variable valve duration." He further added, "It's constantly altering how much air enters the combustion chamber based on throttle inputs and driving conditions. Hyundai's system actually has VVT and CVVD working in tandem, allowing intake valves to remain open for shorter or longer spans, independent of whether they open early or late."

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 NACTOY SUV of the Year) features a class-leading 258 miles of range. The electric CUV offers youthful design, sporty driving character, leading safety technology and advanced infotainment features in an affordable, compact footprint along with an abundant suite of standard safety equipment. Additionally, the Kona's Electric battery is covered by Hyundai's industry leading Lifetime Battery Warranty.

According to Christie Schweinsberg, Wards editor, "As we noted last year for its inaugural win, the Kona's robust Li-ion pack, liquid-cooled and operating at 356V, enables relatively long-distance travel similar to an ICE-powered vehicle and lessening the need to stop and charge. For instance, one can travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara in a Kona Electric (218 miles [315 km]) on its EPA-estimated range, so long as accelerator inputs  and use of the HVAC system  are somewhat restrained."

She further commented, "Despite all the luxury BEV newcomers in 2019, the mass-market Kona still has one of the longest-range lithium-ion battery packs in the industry."

The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb. ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels. The powertrain inverter has a power density of 25.4 kVA per liter. The battery system is liquid cooled and operates at 356 volts. Battery pack energy density is 141.3 Wh/kg (greater than Chevy Bolt), with a total battery system weight under 1,000 lbs. In addition, Kona Electric EPA estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined.

This is the 26th year for Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement, world-class technologies and those rare engines or electric propulsion systems that are so compelling that they help sell the vehicle. This year, 26 entries were competing for the prestigious recognition and were chosen from 2019 and 2020 model year vehicles. To be eligible, a new or significantly modified engine or propulsion system must be on sale in a production vehicle during the first quarter of 2020, with a base price capped at $64,000.

The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems is the ultimate list that defines the industry's outstanding powertrains. Since the list began in 1995, Hyundai has been honored twelve times: the Tau V-8 was in 2009 (4.6-liter), 2010 (4.6-liter) and 2011 (5.0-liter); the Gamma I-4 in 2012; the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2015; the Nu (2.0-liter plug-in Hybrid) in 2016; the four-cylinder Turbocharged DOHC (1.4-liter); the (3.3-liter) in 2018 and the Kona EV and NEXO Fuel Cell propulsion systems in 2019. The 2020 awards ceremony took place at the WardsAuto Engine & Propulsion Summit on January 16, 2020, in Detroit.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assuranceour promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and the majority sold in the U.S., are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Please visit our media website at www.HyundaiNews.com

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(Kitco News) Credit Suisse looks for gold to perform well in 2020, although the Swiss bank doesnt look for quarterly average prices to stray far from current levels.

Among mining stocks, the bank looks for the best performers to be companies that can generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders.

In an outlook report released late Wednesday, analysts said they look for the precious metal to average around $1,540 an ounce this year, peaking at $1,560 in the first quarter and then gradually easing to $1,525 by year-end. As of 10:38 a.m. EST, spot metal was at $1,549.60 an ounce.

Despite near-term optimism about global stocks by investors, Credit Suisse said it anticipates a mostly risk-off skew due to continued uncertainty about the U.S.-China trade war, Brexit, and lingering fears of a global economic slowdown or recession.

This uncertainty is leading to most central banks around the world cutting rates, which is supportive of gold prices (lower yields lead to higher gold), Credit Suisse said. In the U.S., the Fed has indicated a pause in rate cuts, but this stance could change quickly, as we saw last year, if economic fundamentals weaken.

The risks to strong gold prices, analysts said, would be if central bankers around the globe pause on rate cuts and if historically high speculative bullish positions begin to reverse.

The bank said gold fared well in 2019 due to low or negative bond yields, as well as central-bank buying as countries diversified away from the U.S. dollar.

Currently over ~US$10 trillion worth of bonds globally are negative-yielding, Credit Suisse said. Low/negative yields support gold prices as the opportunity cost for holding gold diminishes and gold screens as a more attractive safe-haven asset.

Central banks have been net buyers of gold for 10 consecutive years, and Asian central banks still have very low gold holdings, which could mean countries like China continue to switch Treasury holdings into gold.

Meanwhile, in the mining sector, analysts said they expect the best-performing gold stocks in 2020 to be those for companies that can generate meaningful free cash flow (FCF) at current gold prices and return capital to shareholders through increased dividends and buybacks. Investors have become wary of companies that try to grow through acquisitions, Credit Suisse said.

At current gold prices, the focus appears to be on controlling costs, growing margins, and harvesting cash flow for shareholders, to satisfy existing shareholders and attract generalists, Credit Suisse said, noting that several companies have increased dividends or announced share buybacks.

Keeping with the quality and FCF theme, our top picks are Agnico Eagle, Newmont, and Endeavour Mining, as these companies are poised to generate significant FCF in 2020 and return capital to shareholders, and have lower financial/operational risk vs. peers, Credit Suisse said.
Police are investigating threats made to Love Island star Ollie Williams from animal rights activists - after MailOnline revealed his family have installed 24-hour security at their home.

Officers are hunting down those who left a disturbing message threatening to harm the 23-year-old which was left on an answer machine at his family estate in Cornwall.

Ollie sparked a fierce backlash when photos emerged of him posing next to slaughtered animals on a trophy hunt in Africa.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: We are currently investigating alleged threats made to a former contestant on the ITV2 show Love Island.

Enquiries are ongoing at this time.

Police are investigating threats made to Love Island star Ollie Williams from animal rights activists - after MailOnline revealed his family have installed 24-hour security at their home

Officers are hunting down those who left a disturbing message threatening to harm the 23-year-old which was left on an answer machine at his family estate in Cornwall

Local Security firm Coast 2 Coast is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the house - even photographing the registration plates of every visiting car

Ollie quit the ITV2 show after just three days following the backlash.

A family source confirmed to MailOnline: There has been a threat. It was in the form of a message left on an answer machine on the estate. The Police have been informed and are investigating who is behind it.

His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams are currently away from their Cornish home, a property on the edge of the sprawling 2000-acre Lanhydrock estate near Bodmin.

Local Security firm Coast 2 Coast is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the house - even photographing the registration plates of every visiting car.

Danger: Animal rights activists left threats on an answer machine message on their Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall (above - family home not pictured) after images of Ollie emerged posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa

Controversy: Love Island viewers have been in uproar after photos of the heir to the 2,000-acre Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall emerged of him proudly posing beside a warthog, water buffalo and giant eland to promote his hunting business

Controversy: Ollie quit the ITV2 show after just three days following the backlash- his exit will be shown on Wednesday's episode

A well-placed source said: The guards are not just there to keep the press at bay.

There has been some threats made against Ollie and his family from animal rights activists after images of him on trophy hunts were made public.

There has been a security presence at the family home today and there will be for the foreseeable future. It is round-the clock and the guards are working in shifts to keep watch.

Terror: His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams have also alerted Devon and Cornwall Police, who are now investigating

Everyone who visits is having their details recorded and the registration plates of their vehicles photographed as a precaution.

Ollie, 23, was pictured posing with a dead warthog, water buffalo and a giant eland  listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The now deleted snaps were said to have been uploaded on to the Instagram account of Ollies hunting business, Cornish Sporting Agency.

Local animal rights activists groups condemned the threats today.

The Cornish branch of Action against Foxhunting said: We do not condone threats of violence of any kind.

Our aim in AAF is ending fox hunting forever, and not targeting individuals. If any of our members were involved in the allegations it would be seen as misconduct against our aims and dealt with accordingly.

The West Cornwall Hunt Saboteurs said they too did not condone violence or threats of any kind.

However, a spokesperson said that while Love Island is of no concern to us or our work Ollies links to hunting had put himself up for discussion and therefore exposed himself to scrutiny.

Cornish Sporting Agency is listed on Companies House as a hunting, trapping and related service activities and is registered at the Lanhydrock estate, now controlled by the National Trust after being given away by Ollies great-great uncle in 1953.

Defiant: A petition calling for his removal from Love Island was signed by 35,000 people and Ofcom said that Ollie was the subject of more than 400 complaints

He's off! Ollie said he quit the show realised he was still in love with Laura Nofer, who he split from last year (pictured together at Royal Ascot in June 2018)

In one of the photos, Ollie is seen kneeling beside one of the animals with the caption: Youve gotta love it when you put your binos up and see a bull like this on the other end!

The Cornish Sporting Agency, which was taken offline in November 2018, offered hunting trips to countries like Mozambique and South Africa as well as bird shooting in the South West of England and deer stalking in New Zealand.

Sources close to Ollie claim the photos were of him culling sick animals and that it was untrue that he is involved in hunting for sport. Instead he has been described as a passionate conservationist who has worked with an anti-poaching unit in Mozambique.

However a petition calling for his removal from Love Island due to his links with trophy hunting was signed by 35,000 people and Ofcom said that Ollie was the subject of more than 400 complaints from outraged viewers.

Denial: Sources close to the contestant previously denied any suggestion that he has hunted for sport after pictures emerged of Ollie posing alongside a variety of dead animals

Among those criticising him were TV adventurer Ben Fogle who said: I have spent many years exploring the subject of big game animal hunting.

And, although it is often excused by hunters as a tool for conservation, I find it difficult to stomach the notion of hunting for pleasure.

I dont think it is respectful to pose next to a dead animal that you have just shot. Wheres the empathy in that?

Wildlife TV presenter and co-host of the BBCs Springwatch Chris Packham added: What on earth are ITV thinking about giving this man a platform?

You cant give a platform to people who are killing wildlife for fun.

ITV refused to comment.

Love Island continues on Wednesday on ITV2 at 9pm.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.

"We hope China can understand the opinion and will expressed by Taiwanese people in this election and review their current policies," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. She did not elaborate.

China considers democratic Taiwan its own territory and has tried military threats and economic inducements to get the island to accept its rule. Taiwan says it is an independent country, called the Republic of China, its official name.

(Reporting By Yimou Lee and Felice Wu; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
A boat carrying at least 66 suspected Rohingyas were intercepted by Indian authorities on Monday near Tarmugli Island of the UT of Andaman and Nicobar, which is located at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Quoting officials, it was reported that the boat carrying suspected Rohingyas allegedly left from neighbouring Bangladesh over two weeks ago.

The police at Port Blair received a call from locals about suspicious boat movement near Tarmugli Island. Following which search teams were immediately dispatched to trace the suspicious boat. On Monday evening, police were able to locate and seize the boat and all 66 on board were detained. According to police, among the detained were 27 women, 24 men and 15 children, and they were reportedly moving towards Malaysia from Bangladesh. The authorities are further investigating the matter to determine the origin of the detained persons.

READ | United Nations Asks To "assist" The Supreme Court's On Rohingya Deportation

Risking their lives to reach Malaysia

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimated that around one lakh Rohingya risked their lives on smugglers boats in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, with the hope of reaching Malaysia between 2012 and 2015. Malaysia is a wealthy, Muslim majority country and has expressed sympathy over the persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar.

READ | Should Rohingyas Get Citizenship And Not Hindu Refugees, Asks Giriraj Singh

Who are Rohingyas?

Rohingyas are an ethnic minority in Myanmar residing in the Rakhine state of the country. While most of the Rohingyas are Muslims, very few are also Hindus. The Buddhist majority nation of Myanmar claims that Rohingyas are residents of Bangladesh and that some have formed insurgent groups like Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. However, the Rohingyas claim they are citizens of Myanmar and have faced brutal repression from Myanmar's military, and have been denied citizenship. Suu Kyi has denied the genocide of Rohingyas and called it "lies".

READ | SC To Hear In March Pleas Against Rohingyas' Deportation

READ | Now, United Nations Files Plea In SC On India's Decision To Deport Rohingyas

(With inputs from agencies)
E2e Wyoming Hosts Meeting in Laramie Jan. 21

The Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) hosts an e2e Wyoming meeting in Laramie Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Bonds Brewing Co., located at 411 S. Second St.

E2e, an educational networking program designed to improve the climate for the startup and growth of entrepreneurial companies, is a monthly program that meets on the third Tuesday of the month, with locations alternating between Coal Creek Tap and Bonds Brewing Co. in Laramie.

The meeting will include networking time, but it will be more informal since the new format took effect last year. The meeting will include a few announcements and a speaker who will talk about 10 minutes. The focus will be on having more local entrepreneurial engagement.

Administered by the University of Wyomings Office of Research and Economic Development, the WTBC is a not-for-profit business incubator that provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for success.

To register for the e2e meeting, call the WTBC front desk at (307) 766-6399 or email wtbcdesk@uwyo.edu.
Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular film series today. It has made billions of dollars worldwide and won over 400 awards. Because of its popularity, Lord of the Rings also ended up turning a number of its actors into household names.

One star, in particular, has accomplished something that many people in the world can only dream of: He was officially knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Read on below to find out who this is and how he came to be a knight.

Ian McKellen was knighted in 1991

Sir Ian McKellen | Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images for Cannes Lions

Ian McKellen was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1991. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. His official title is now Sir.

Its easy to see why McKellen was chosen to be knighted. He has been an active member of the acting world since the 1960s.

McKellen started out by performing in theater shows before moving on to appear in TV series and movies. Some of his most popular films include Richard III (1995), The Da Vinci Code (2006), and Sherlock Holmes (2015). Of course, he is also known for playing Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Ian McKellen only accepted his knighthood because of this one thing

Being knighted seems like something most people would accept without a doubt. However, McKellen once shared that he actually would have turned it down had it not been for the fact that he came out as gay in 1988.

I will always be glad that I didnt accept the knighthood until Id come out of the closet, McKellen told the Daily Mail. If youre lying about that central part of your nature, can you be trusted?

McKellen has actually been a strong supporter of LGBT rights in the United Kingdom. He co-founded the lobby group Stonewall and is an active patron of organizations like FFLAG, LGBT Foundation, and GAY-GLOS. He is also known to support various Pride festivals.

Ian McKellen also considered turning down the knighthood for another reason

While McKellen did not turn down the knighthood on account of his sexuality, he did think about something else at the time as well. In another interview, McKellen shared that he thought the system was a bit unfair.

Its a very strange system isnt it? McKellen said. Actors are more likely to get them than fire chiefs or people who have spent their lives doing charity work, which is a bit unfair, isnt it?

He considered that it wouldnt be bad to continue being known as Mr. McKellen and that if everyone else turned down the knighthood offer, the system could be abolished. However, McKellens friends encouraged him to accept it anyway, especially since being knighted could do a lot to help the causes he has been fighting for.

He revealed: I was very involved with the gay rights movement at the time and I called up three friends to ask them what they thought. The first said that having a knighted, openly gay man added a little more weight to ones ability to push a door.

The next one said, Well, Ian, you deserve it,' McKellen continued. And the third? He said, Go on Ian, youll love it. There was a bit of all three involved in the decision.

Ian McKellen does not like to flaunt his title

Not everyone gets the chance to have a title, but McKellen does not enjoy flaunting his knighthood.

Back in 2010, he shared that he does not like to be addressed as Sir Ian McKellen. For him, it is simply important for him to be treated the same as the other actors that he works with.

I dont like to see it in the theater, either, McKellen said. You dont want to be separated out from your colleagues. On the whole, I ask people to drop it.
Incredible, secret firefighting mission saves famous dinosaur trees Sydney Morning Herald (JH).

New Bone-Eating Life Form Discovered in Bizarre Alligator-Corpse Study Live Science

U.S. Crude Oil Production to Reach Record High in 2020 and Norway Offers 69 Continental Shelf Production Licenses Maritime Executive

Merkel Spends Big to Kickstart Germanys Stalled Coal Exit Bloomberg zu

One in four countries beset by civil strife as global unrest soars Guardian. And by global is meant global:

Students singing a Bengali version of the Chilean song, "The Rapist is You" at a protest to oppose Modi's visit to Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/ybVreEg5RO  Shoaib Daniyal (@ShoaibDaniyal) January 11, 2020

Brexit

The Conservative party should care about inequality FT

India

Syraqistan

Number of evacuees due to Taal Volcanos unrest now at over 40,000 CNN Philippines

Southeast Asia rubber fungus has auto industry bracing for shortage Nikkei Asian Review

The Problem of Asia in 2020 Asian Review of Books

China?

Guatemalan leader says Mexico plans to contain new caravan Reuters

Trump Transition

Impeachment

2020

LAffaire Joffrey Epstein

Virgin Islands allege Jeffrey Epstein trafficked girls as young as 12 as recently as 2018 Miami Herald. I sure would liike to know more about the very wealthy people in Epsteins Rolodex.

Sports Desk

Why Asia loves the low-key but rising sport of badminton Nikkei Asian Review. All badminton is based on deception. A great sport!

Imperial Collapse Watch

We Are Not Who We Think We Are Foreign Policy

Detroit homeowners overtaxed $600 million Detroit News

Mold, foundation cracks, sinking houses: How a Florida Habitat for Humanity neighborhood fell apart Scalawag

Why Your State Is Growing or Stalling or Shrinking NYT

Class Warfare

How Dubious Science Helped Put a New Jersey Woman in Prison For Killing a Baby in Her Care The Appeal

The case for  making low-tech dumb cities instead of smart ones Guardian. Important and interesting.

Antidote du jour (via):



On the Nuxalbari Tea Estate, Darjeeling, India.

Bonus antidote:

"No one ever commanded a cat. You can shout at a cat, and it may vanish through the window, or ignore you and begin washing its tail, or stare at you in pained surprise. But it will never apologise, never promise not to do it again." ~C.R.Milne #SundayMotivation #CatsOfTwitter pic.twitter.com/VIgUBPEsy2  A.A.Milne (@A_AMilne) January 12, 2020

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India's import of palm oils declined by 8.64 per cent to 7,41,490 tonnes in December 2019, Industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said on Thursday.

India, the world's leading vegetable oil buyer, had imported 8,11,700 tonne palm oils in December 2018.

The country's total vegetable oil imports declined to 11.28 lakh tonne in December 2019, compared to 12.11 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

The share of palm oil is more than 60 per cent of the country's total vegetable oil imports. According to SEA, import of palm oils has declined, while that of soft oils have risen due to a reduction in the duty difference between the two oils.

Among palm oil products, import of crude palm oil (CPO) declined to 6,31,824 tonne in December 2019, from 6,70,244 tonne in the year-ago period, as per the SEA data.

The shipment of RBD palmolein dropped to 94,816 tonne, from 1,30,459 tonne, while that of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) rose to 14,850 tonne from 10,997 tonne in the said period.

Among soft oils, import of sunflower oil declined to 1,97,842 tonne in December 2019 from 2,35,824 tonne in the year-ago period.

However, the shipment of soyabean oil rose sharply to 1,68,048 tonne from 85,404 tonne in the said period.

SEA said the government on January 8, this year banned the import of RBD palmolein to regulate excessive import of refined palm oils.

The import will now be subjected to license, to be issued by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The SEA has made a representation to the government to cap import of refined palm oils at 50,000 tonne a month and restrict issue of licence for import of palm oil and refined palm oil.

Going forward, India is likely to buy more palm oil from Indonesia as the government has issued an informal advisory to refiners not to buy the commodity from Malaysia following its remarks on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue, according to government and industry sources.

Against India's monthly requirement of about 19 lakh tonnes, SEA said currently the country has a stock of 13.75 lakh tonnes of edible oils which can meet the requirement for 22 days.

India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, and a small quantity of crude soft oil, including soyabean oil from Argentina. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia.
Isn't Kim Kardashian sweet?

The 38-year-old reality star pulled out all the stops for her daughter Chicago West's second birthday on Tuesday night.

The Minnie Mouse-themed children's party appeared to be the best tea party ever as the tables were set with ornate floral tea sets, roses of varying pink shades, and desert towers including French macarons.

Artsy: Kim Kardashian pulled out all the stops for her daughter Chicago West's (pictured) second birthday on Tuesday night

Sweet treat: Perhaps the coolest thing of all was the three-tiered Minnie Mouse cake which was sent from Disney Junior, 38-year-old Kim revealed Thursday

Beach fun: Kim shared some stunning bikini photos from her earlier trip to Cabo San Lucas on the night of the party

Perhaps the coolest thing of all was the three-tiered Minnie Mouse cake which was sent from Disney Junior, Kim revealed Thursday.

Attendees could also channel their creative side as there were easels for painting and guests could even have their own faces painted.

During the actual party, Kim's youngest half-sister Kylie Jenner, 22, posted some sweet shots of Chicago to her Insta Stories.

The Disney fan Chicago had on a pair of Minnie Mouse ears, despite having the same ears and bow painted on her face.

She also had on a loose white T-shirt to cover up her birthday clothes as she painted on a canvas.

Wonderland: The Minnie Mouse-themed children's party appeared to be the best tea party ever as the tables were set with ornate floral tea sets, roses of varying pink shades, and desert towers including French macarons

Beautiful: There were also flower-shaped plates

Aren't you sweet? The cake featured a top layer of Minnie Mouse's face and torso while the second tier was her pink polka dot skirt, and the bottom was white with the nickname 'Chi' in gold letters

Quite the spread: The dessert table was chock full of goodies

Brand synergy: There was a pink 'Chicago' in Disney font emblazoned over the dessert table and under a balloon arch

'Oh twodles': The cupcakes featured intricate designs and looked delicious

Kylie also posted photos of the cake and snacks, most of which were in shades of pink.

Chi got a multi-tier cake with Minnie Mouse pasted to it, along with lovely blue and pink frosting roses.

The party was set up like a tea party, with disposable paper tea cups and saucers, along with mouse-shaped Rice Krispies treats and frosted cookies.

Kourtney Kardashian celebrated Chicago's birthday with a cute photo that appeared to be from a different date.

Her daughter Penelope wore a gray dress and white cowboy boots and she held Chicago, who wore a white satin dress.

Painting her masterpiece: Her aunt Kylie Jenner shared photos of Chicago hard at work on a painting while wearing Minnie Mouse ears, with a second set painted on for good measure

Adorable: Khloe Kardashian also shared a video of daughter True Thompson with Minnie Mouse face paint

Sweet: Khloe shared a cute selfie from the party with True

Hanging out: Khloe donned a black knit beanie as she was cheek-to-cheek with her only daughter

Kris Jenner also shared some adorable throwbacks of her granddaughter.

One image featured Kris holding Chi while her mother MJ held Khloe's daughter True.

Another featured the adorable baby with her older brother Saint, who flashed a devious smile.

One funny shot with Kim showed Chicago mimicking her mother's unimpressed expression.

Cousins: Kourtney Kardashian celebrated Chicago's birthday with a cute photo that seem to be from a different date. Her daughter Penelope wore a gray dress and white boots and she held Chicago, who wore a white satin dress

Three generations: Kris Jenner also shared some adorable throwbacks of her granddaughter. One image featured Kris holding Chi while her mother MJ held Khloe's daughter True

Sibling love: Another featured the adorable baby with her older brother Saint, who flashed a devious smile

Like mother, like daughter: One funny shot with Kim showed Chicago mimicking her mother's unimpressed expression

Kylie also shared a hilarious photo of herself and her daughter Stormi, who'll turn two on February 1.

She held the toddler while dressed in a black and pink patterned shirt and leather pants.

Stormi had on a long black T-shirt and had a tiny Louis Vuitton bag resting on her arm, and both wore the thin sunglasses the KardashianJenner clan often favor.

'Don't talk to me or my daughter ever again,' Kylie joked in her caption, a play on a popular meme.

Motherdaughter time: Kylie also shared a hilarious photo of herself and her daughter Stormi, who'll turn two on February 1. She held the toddler while dressed in a black and pink patterned shirt and leather pants

Stylish ladies: Stormi had on a long black T-shirt and had a tiny Louis Vuitton bag resting on her arm, and both wore the thin sunglasses the KardashianJenner clan often favor
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Research Council applauds President Trump's announcement today that his administration will protect religious organizations and reinforce the freedom of public school students across the country to pray and express their religious beliefs. Local education agencies receiving federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) must certify in writing to its state educational agency that "it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools as detailed in this updated guidance." The administration also issued nine proposed rules that protect religious organizations from being discriminated against by the federal government.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

"President Trump and his administration are taking on the bullies that have been intimidating school officials and bullying students with their often baseless lawsuits. No longer will students have to stand alone in their defense of their religious freedom as these anti-faith organizations seek to rob students in public schools of any form of religious expression. He is also stepping up to protect religious organizations from government discrimination. This is a president who is putting freedom back in Religious Freedom Day.

"For years, we've watched secularists pressure school administrators into telling students that they can't pray, read their Bibles, or talk about their faith in class. Some school officials are willing participants in the secularists' intimidation campaign while others fear the lack of funding to fight threatened lawsuits. Now the tables are turned. The onus is now on states to certify that they are compliant with U.S. Department of Education guidelines which protect students' religious freedom. If schools fail to protect religious freedom, they now run the risk of losing federal funding.

"With this and his other announced rules, President Trump is continuing the drumbeat of religious freedom and the long march toward restoring religious freedom in the public square. No doubt, his announcement today will further galvanize both the attention and support of people of faith," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council

Related Links

http://www.frc.org


HURON COUNTY  After spending more than 35 years working in the same building, District Court Administrator Elaine Moore has decided to retire.

I was never bored, Moore said.

Moore, with a degree from Ferris State University in office administration, started her career in the Huron County building in 1984, working as a secretary at the Michigan State University Extension Office.

Right after I graduated, I came back to Huron County, because this is where I grew up, Moore said. When I started in the extension office Bob Johnson was the extension director at the time. They hired me as the ag secretary. The extension office was a stepping stone to get in the county building.

Moore said despite growing up on a farm, the extension office offered plenty of additional learning about the agricultural industry.

However, after a few years she made her transition into the court system, first by working for the prosecutors office.

I had a lot of college debt and the court system piqued my interest, she said. At the prosecutors office I was child support investigator/office manager/legal secretary  jack of all trades I guess. We established paternity and support.

When Moore was at the prosecutors office, Karl Kraus was the county prosecutor.

Reflecting back, Moore attributed a lot of her knowledge of the court system to her time at the prosecutors office.

I had a lot of respect for him, she said. Judge Kraus had an excellent memory. He could say, 'I want you to go to this year and pull out this file,' and he would be spot on. It amazed me with the number of cases they prosecuted that he could remember things like that.

After Kraus was elected as district judge, he recruited Moore to move to district court, where she would work as a probation officer.

I give him a lot of credit, she said. He obviously saw a lot in me that I didnt even realize, by recruiting me to come down and be a probation officer, she said. I remember asking him if he thought I was qualified and could do that. He was a very knowledgable and patient person. You always knew he supported every decision I made along the way.

When the county changed the court recorder position to full-time in 1998, Moore made the transition.

It was something new to learn in the court, a new aspect of it, she said.

Moore said Kraus encouraged her to become the district court administrator when her predecessor retired.

He said it was another opportunity for you, however, you will be an at-will employee, she said.

Thankfully, Judge David Herrington chose to keep Moore in her position when he was appointed by the governor in 2008.

He was very good to work for, Moore said.

Moore said her familiarity with the county helped during the transition when Judge Herrington was appointed.

He depended on me a lot, she said. Judge Kraus and Judge Herrington were both excellent to work for. I always said when I started at the county building that I wouldnt work for an elected official, because I am not that politically involved. All but three and a half years I worked for elected officials.

Moore said she felt fortunate to have the opportunity to work and retire in the community she called home. Her children have also had a similar opportunity, by leaving the community to attend college before moving back home to raise their families.

Moore said under Judge Herringtons leadership, the courts are working hard to stay current with technology and unify.

Judge Herrington has a lot of foresight, she said. He is always working to bring the courts up with the times, stand up for the employees and get the courts more unified. He does a very good job. I have been very fortunate with all of my bosses.

Moore said working in the courts was always challenging because living in small communities, it would be common to run across people in the court system that you knew.

It is hard because sometimes you would see people you knew, she said. If it was a friend or a relative, we did pretty good trying not to have anything to do with it.

Moore said the courts are in good hands with the new administrators that are taking over.

There are a lot of good things going on, she said. I have met a lot of great people, had a lot of great bosses and coworkers and I am definitely going to miss the people, but I am ready to move on.

Moore said she looks forward to retirement, but she plans to stay very involved in the community through her family, church, schools, and hobbies.

Right now it feels like I am on vacation, she said.

In addition to Moores time in the county, she also was a longtime member of the Michigan Court Administration Association, where she held several roles, including president and most recently a director. Replacing Moore as 73-B District Court Administrator is Megan Shedd, who previously was Moores assistant administrator.
The cost of security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be as much as $10million (7.6million) annually, an expert has said.

Another warned the issue of their protection cannot be ignored, citing the death of Diana in Paris as a prime example of what can happen if royal security lapses.

Last week, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked a crisis in the British monarchy by announcing they wanted to reduce their royal duties and spend more time in North America, while also becoming financially independent.

But concern has been raised over how they will do this. On Monday, after crisis talks held at Sandringham, the Queen announced: 'There will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.'

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017)

A source said the 'nightmare scenario' of something terrible happening to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Canada makes it impossible for Canada to just ignore the issue. 'We don't want Diana in a tunnel in Paris,' the source said (Diana is pictured)

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

Now a security expert has warned it could cost as much as $10million annually.

Chris Matthews, formerly of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and who worked in the protection of visitors to Canada such as the Royal Family, has estimated the security measures required for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be similar to those of the Prime Minister.

But he warned, in an interview with The Globe and Mail, Canada's biggest newspaper, that security would be more costly as they would have to set it up from scratch.

He said: 'They need personal body guards all the time. You have to pay those peoples' salaries. You've got to pay for the vehicles they travel in and the aircraft they travel in. You have to pay for the communications equipment they require because it has to be sophisticated so that you can't listen to it.'

Mr Matthews also warned that their residence would need to have fences installed, alongside CCTV and alarms - adding to the cost of their security.

Others have suggested the cost of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security wouldn't be too much of a burden on the Canadian taxpayer (Prince Harry is pictured in a video uploaded to the Sussex Royal Instagram account yesterday)

His figure is only an estimate of course, and other estimates have put the figure at a much lower cost.

Earlier this week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed taxpayers in his country should pay for Prince Harry, Meghan and their son Archie's protection while they are there.

Mr Trudeau has assured the Queen that the family will be safe while in his country, with Canada expected to pay around half of an estimated 1million ($1.3million) annual bill - a figure based on the cost of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's current UK security bill.

His comments come as The Globe and Mail also, in a scathing editorial, slammed the Royal couple of thinking they could split their time between the countries.

It said: 'Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.'

Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted before Christmas that Harry, Meghan and eight-month-old Archie 'were among friends, and always welcome here'.

But yesterday the nation's most influential newspaper condemned the couple's 'vague and evolving plan to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family', adding: 'The Trudeau government's response should be simple and succinct: No.'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House which they visited on return to the UK last week after spending Christmas in Canada with baby Archie

The Globe and Mail, a conservative and generally monarchist newspaper, indeed Canad's bestselling paper, has condemned the decision as upsetting a delicate constitutional position (pictured: David Walmsley, editor-in-chief of the The Globe & Mail, from left, Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Tom Mulcair, leader of the New Democratic Party, and Conservative Leader Stephen Harper in 2015)

If the Duke and Duchess do decide to spend the vast majority of their time in Canada however, their security arrangements cannot be ignored, a source with direct experience of handling royal affairs has warned.

Speaking to the National Post, the source said the 'nightmare scenario' of something terrible happening to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Canada makes it impossible for Canada to just ignore the issue.

'We don't want Diana in a tunnel in Paris,' the source said. But if they have decided to withdraw from Royal duties, then the cost of their security could be difficult to justify, they added.

But others have suggested the cost of their security wouldn't be too much of a burden on the Canadian taxpayer.

In an editorial, Matt Gurney of Canadian newspaper the National Post warned that the Royal couple's decision to relocate to Canada had 'revealed one of the ugliest elements of the Canadian national character'.

He labelled the country a 'nation of cheapskates', admitting that although there is 'no hard estimate of what the cost to the Canadian taxpayer might be if the royal couple relocate to Canada' it would not be significant.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in Mille Fleurs, $14.1 million waterfront mansion near Victoria, British Columbia. She has been staying there since she left the UK last week

He said: 'If we take the lower-end estimate of $1.7 million a year, the costs of securing the royals would work out to be roughly 4.5 per capita. Not quite a nickel. A year.

'If we take the higher-end figure cited by the Globes expert, the cost explodes to a whopping  27 per Canadian per year, or just over two pennies per month.'

He said that if the county had a 'healthier respect' for its own institutions and 'took itself seriously enough as a country' then it wouldn't be debating such an issue.

The news comes it emerged after Harry and Meghan were forced to withdraw a claim they were 'internationally protected people' entitled to bodyguards wherever they go.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the claim on their website Sussexroyal.com when it launched last Wednesday.

But the phrase was deleted hours later.

Yesterday a legal expert said the couple made a mistake in presuming they would get protection wherever they live if they are no longer carrying out royal duties.

Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, added: 'Their naivety beggars belief. I have never heard of the phrase ''internationally protected people''.

As far as I can see there is no such thing when you are no longer performing royal duties.'
Gov. Newsom Breaks Record with Tens-of-Billions Spending Plan for Public Schools

On January 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his record $222 Billion state budget for 2020-21. The $84 billion he allocated in it for K-12 schools and community colleges represents a historic high level of funding for education in California.

The proposed investment in K-14 education is 3.03 percent or $3.8 billion more than last year. Total K-12 expenditures from all sources in the budget are projected to be $17,964 per pupil.

While state spending on education is at its highest level numerically, Governor Newsom expressed that none of us is spiking the ball because education outcomes for many students are not where it should be or can be.

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According to Newsom, We are making progress, but it is stubborn and slow. We have disparities that are being closed and disparities that are persistent.

The achievement gap is being closed for Latinx students, students with disabilities, low income students, and African American students in some metrics. Latinx students narrowed their gap in English language arts scores and high school graduation rates. Students with disabilities made the greatest gains in math and English language arts. African American students showed the largest graduation rate gain among student groups.

Where progress has been slow has been with students with disabilities, youth in foster care, homeless youth, and African American students continuing to score below the state standard on English language arts and math tests.

Newsom was very candid in pointing out that 23 low-performing, high-poverty school districts have an over-representation of African American students.

It seems self evident that we should focus and concentrate our efforts in those areas in order to address .the substance of the vexing issue as it relates to academic achievement for African American students.

We have to start getting serious and do something about it. We believe the biggest achievement boost is fully prepared teachers, Newsom said.

The governor is proposing $900.1 million to be invested in workforce investment grants, professional development grants for existing teachers, and teacher recruitment strategies.

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The plan is to build a diverse teaching workforce of stable, prepared professional teachers, including more teachers that look like their students. Thats incredibly important as related particularly to African-American achievement, Newsom said.

The budget includes $100 million to fund $20,000 stipends for new teachers who choose to teach in high-need schools. This addresses the stubborn fact that high-poverty schools have three times as many unprepared teachers.

$300 million in grants is being made available to close the academic achievement in the lowest-performing districts.

Another $300 million is proposed to expand community schools to address students physical and mental health needs by establishing public-private partnerships with community services. The funds will also be used to promote parent engagement.

Special Education in the state of California is in a crisis, according to Newsom. About $900 million dollars is being allocated to increase base funding for Special Ed students, support specific teacher training, fund early diagnosing and intervention and pay for studies on how districts are delivering services to respond to the learning needs of those students.

The budget calls for establishing a new Department of Early Childhood Development to consolidate under one roof the various efforts to implement the governors Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, a policy initiative he announced last year.

Newsom is committed to adding 10,000 full-time preschool slots this year and providing universal preschool for all low-income 4-year-olds by the end of next year.

Education leaders reactions to the governors 2020-21 state budget presentation has been mixed.

The Governor mentioned that students should have teachers that look more like them, and we couldnt agree more. We look forward to having the opportunity to invest in our teacher workforce and the pipeline of future teachers coming into the profession, specifically teachers of color and in the fields of science, math, and special education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said.

State Board of Education President Linda Darling Hammond said, Some students spend the year in classrooms staffed by highly trained, highly prepared teachers. But many others do not. These disparities are particularly grievous for low-income students of color. The 2020-21 budget investments in educator recruitment and professional development will help place California on solid footing moving forward as we work to build, train and support the kind of high-quality educator workforce all our students need and deserve.

California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd expresses some cynicism.

Despite Californias economy consistently expanding  now being ranked fifth-largest in the entire world  we have some of the most underfunded schools in the country, he said. We rank 39th in the nation in per-pupil funding. We boast the most overcrowded classrooms in the entire country.

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said, Californias public schools will remain woefully underfunded, especially when compared with the rest of the nation.

This budget proposal does not go far enough in funding supports for our most vulnerable students, Beutner added. Including students whose families are experiencing homelessness and students with special needs.

The governors presentation begins the formal state budget process. Over the next several months, the California legislature will hold hearings on the budget and special interest groups and the public will have an opportunity to comment on various budget proposals. In mid-May the Governor will release a revised budget plan reflecting changes to spending. The budget will be finalized by the end of June 2020.
Dave DeWalt, Vice Chairman, Advisory Board, Cybereason I am thrilled Dave is joining our Advisory Board as Vice Chairman at a time when Cybereason is growing rapidly and expanding its market share. Daves experience in scaling security companies will be instrumental in taking us to the next level, said Lior Div, CEO and Co-founder, Cybereason.

Cybereason, creators of the leading Cyber Defense Platform, today announced that Dave DeWalt has joined the company as Vice Chairman of its Advisory Board. In his role, he will be a strategic advisor and help accelerate Cybereasons go-to-market strategy.

Dave is a trailblazer in the cybersecurity industry and I am thrilled he is joining our Advisory Board as Vice Chairman at a time when Cybereason is growing rapidly and expanding its market share in the endpoint protection platform market. Daves experience in scaling security companies will be instrumental in taking Cybereason to the next level, said Lior Div, CEO and Co-founder, Cybereason.

Dave is a veteran CEO, advisor, and investor who has led companies, from startups to the Fortune 500, on transformational journeys of success. Hes the former CEO of FireEye and of McAfee with more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity.

Today, he works on boards and advises multiple companies. DeWalt has spoken at the World Economic Forum on the issue of cybersecurity and given keynote speeches at several technology industry conferences.

Cybereason is driving a massive transformation of how sophisticated cyberthreats are prevented in the EPP market, a multi billion dollar industry and I am thrilled to be joining the companys Advisory Board as Vice Chairman. I have admired Cybereason from afar and believe that their unique approach to enterprise cyber solutions is the best in the market, said DeWalt.

Cybereason proved many times that it has the right people, technology, services, and experience to stop sophisticated attackers, be it criminals or nation state backed adversaries across multiple verticals, industries, and regions. Adding Dave as an advisor to the company enhances our expertise even more to further serve our customers, added Lior Div.

About Cybereason

Cybereason, creators of the leading Cyber Defense Platform, gives the advantage back to the defender through a completely new approach to cybersecurity. Cybereason offers endpoint prevention, detection and response and active monitoring. The solution delivers multi-layered endpoint prevention by leveraging signature and signatureless techniques to prevent known and unknown threats in conjunction with behavioral and deception techniques to prevent ransomware and fileless attacks. Cybereason is privately held and is headquartered in Boston, with offices in London, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Asia-Pacific and continental Europe.

Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/

Follow us: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Media Contact:

Bill Keeler

Senior Director, Global Public Relations

Cybereason

bill.keeler@cybereason.com

(929) 259-3261
by Tanya Gazdik , January 15, 2020

JetBlue plans to go carbon-neutral on all domestic flights by offsetting emissions starting in July. The airline also plans to start flying with sustainable aviation fuel on flights from San Francisco in mid-2020.

These commitments underscore JetBlues aim for a more sustainable business, according to the company.

Air travel connects people and cultures, and supports a global economy, yet we must act to limit this critical industrys contributions to climate change, said Robin Hayes, CEO, JetBlue, in a statement. By offsetting all of our domestic flying, were preparing our business for the lower-carbon economy that aviation -- and all sectors -- must plan for.

The airline plans to offer ways for the airlines customers and communities to connect with these carbon offsetting projects.

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Since 2008, JetBlue has already offset more than 2.6 billion pounds of CO 2 emissions in partnership with Carbonfund.org. JetBlues new carbon offsetting partners now also include established experts in the space  EcoAct and South Pole.

This expansion is expected to offset an additional 15-17 billion pounds (7 to 8 million metric tons) of emissions per year  the annual equivalent of removing more than 1.5 million passenger vehicles from the road.

The airline industry is one of the few industries that has collectively committed to an international emissions reduction goal, said Hayes. Carbon offsetting is a bridge to, not a silver bullet for, a lower carbon future. Reducing and mitigating our greenhouse gas emissions is a fundamental aspect of our business plan and our mission to inspire humanity.

JetBlue selects projects around the globe that will offset the use of jet fuel. Many projects operate in less economically developed countries where a bigger community impact can be made. Emissions reduction projects reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere in at least one of three ways: avoiding greenhouse gas emissions in favor of renewable sources, removing emissions from the atmosphere, and destroying emissions when possible.

Some of the projects JetBlue supports with carbon offsets are focused on forest conservation, landfill gas conversion and solar/wind farms.
The skipper of a Navy guided-missile destroyer that returned from a busy deployment less than a year ago has been relieved of his post.

Cmdr. Bob Bowen, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Decatur, was fired Thursday "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," U.S. Third Fleet officials said in a release.

Bowen, who took command of the Decatur in May 2018, was relieved by Capt. Dan Cobian, commander of Destroyer Squadron 21.

According to the release, Cmdr. Jerry Jackson, who previously commanded the Destroyer Sampson, has assumed command of the ship until the planned fleet-up of Cmdr. Derek Rader, Decatur's executive officer. Bowen, officials said, will be temporarily reassigned to a command at Decatur's homeport of San Diego.

Related: Air Force Two-Star Fired Amid Investigation into Misconduct Allegations

Officials did not immediately provide more information about what prompted Bowen's firing. The Decatur completed its last deployment, to the Pacific, in April 2019. During that deployment, the ship participated in a rescue of fishermen in waters off Sri Lanka.

The ship also made headlines in October 2018, when it had a frightening near-miss with a Chinese destroyer, which reportedly came within 45 yards of the Decatur while making what the Navy described as "aggressive maneuvers."

A Navy official told Military.com that that incident had nothing to do with the relief. Bowen's firing was also not due to personal misconduct, the official said.

A command investigation was completed in mid-December ahead of Bowen's relief, according to Cmdr. John Fage, a spokesman for U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Bowen, a native of Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a graduate of the Naval War College who has previously served on the Joint Staff and on the staff of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, according to his official biography.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards).

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

Read more: China's Antics Are a 'Game-Changer' for the Navy and Marine Corps, 4-Star Says
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New details have emerged of how a former child actor who once appeared in Power Rangers used his young daughter to lure a couple into taking him out on their boat only to throw them overboard in a 2004 murder plot to steal their money.

Skylar Deleon was 14 when he appeared in one episode of the 1993 series of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The troubled son of a convicted drug dealer, he had been abused as a boy and turned to a life of crime.

Now 40, he is in prison for murdering Tom and Jackie Hawks in Newport Beach Harbour in a plot to steal their money.

He had answered an ad the couple placed in a newspaper in an attempt to sell their 55ft yacht, Well Deserved.

Skylar responded to it with his then pregnant wife Jennifer Henderson and his toddler daughter Haley, pretending to be a prospective buyer.

Scroll down for video

Jackie Hawks, 47, and Tom Hawks, 57, were murdered on their yacht in 2004. They were grandparents and were moving to be closer to their family when Skylar Deleon killed them. They are shown a year before their deaths

Skylar Deleon was sentenced to life without parole in 2009. He remains in prison aged 40. His wife Jennifer was pregnant at the time of the murders. She was also jailed for life

In previously unseen footage of his police interview, Skylar Deleon is shown holding his daughter while being quizzed about the murders he committed

He then went with two male accomplices on a test sail but once at sea, overpowered them with tasers, forced them sign over their assets to him in legal documents then tied them to the boat's anchor and tossed them overboard, drowning them. Their bodies were never found.

Days afterwards, Deleon tried to empty the couple's bank account.

It is unclear how much money they had when they died. They had bought their boat for around $300,000.

Deleon had already committed another murder; that of Jon Jarvi, a man he'd met in prison and murdered in Mexico after receiving $50,000 from him for a fake investment opportunity.

Never-before-seen video of Skylar's police interview after the Hawks' murders will be aired in a 20/20 special on Friday in which he is seen holding his baby daughter while being quizzed over their disappearance.

His daughter spat up on him and squirmed in his lap as police asked him what he knew about Tom and Jackie's then disappearance.

He feigned obliviousness, insisting he was telling the truth - that they had all come back safely.

At the time the murders, Deleon's TV and film career had dried up.

He became prone to forgetting lines as he got older and the work stopped. He enlisted in the Marines Corps but left just 15 days later and then turned to a life of crime which involved stints in jail for burglary.

In 2003, he killed Jon Jarvi after luring him to Mexico on the pretense of an investment opportunity.

The couple had recently become grandparents and were selling their boat to purchase a house and settle closer to their family when they were murdered brutally

The Well Deserved, the 55-yacht which Tom and Jackie had saved years to buy and enjoy in retirement

He told Jarvi - who had been in jail himself for selling counterfeit jewelry - to come up with $50,000 for the deal.

Jarvi remortgaged his house and sold some belongings.

After giving Deleon the cash, he had his throat slit and was left at the side of a Mexican highway.

In December 2004, he answered an ad that had been placed by the Hawks in a newspaper.

Skylar was a child actor and once appeared as an extra in an episode of Power Rangers in 1993

The couple were happily retired and well off but they wanted to sell their yacht and move closer to their grandchildren.

At Deleon's trial, prosecutors laid bare how he presented himself as a family man in his first meeting with the couple.

He the enlisted John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Alonso Machain to come with him on at test sail with the couple.

It was during that outing that they overpowered the couple, tying them to the anchor before tossing it overboard.

Deleon and his accomplices returned to shore and moored the boat, saying nothing to anyone about what had happened to the couple.

When family and friends noticed they were gone and that the boat had not been returned or moored in its normal way, they contacted the police.

Deleon and his wife insisted that they had completed the purchase of the boat and that they did not know where the couple was.

When police looked further into the couple and realized Deleon was a convicted felon, they became more suspicious.

But it was only when a public appeal a month later revealed that the couple's Honda had been left in a mobile home by Deleon that he was arrested.

Then, the notary who Deleon said had witnessed the sale of the yacht to him in a marina parking lot revealed that she had lied to cops and backdated the paperwork in exchange for cash.

The accomplices then confessed. All are serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

ABC's 20/20 episode about the killings will air on Friday at 9pm.
A short street in a busy area downtown would revert under a city proposal to its original name honoring an 1800s merchant, local leader and Tejano soldier of the Texas Revolution.

The Historic and Design Review Commission supported the renaming of Savings Street, which runs east-west, is two blocks long and is just south of the Central Library.

If the action is approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council, the street will revert to its original name: Rodriguez Street.

The street is believed to have been named for merchant and rancher Ambrosio Rodriguez, a Canary Islands descendant and participant in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. That battle near Houston resulted in the capture of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, securing independence for Texas.

A memo prepared by the citys Office of Historic Preservation noted that Rodriguez, a city alderman and the leader of a prominent local family, had personal wealth that included ownership of enslaved people.

On ExpressNews.com: HDRC approves first phase of Alamo plan

Rodriguez and his family owned many properties in downtown San Antonio, including several around the west end of Savings Street.

Historians say Rodriguez served under Capt. Juan Seguin, and was a close friend of Gen. Sam Houston. He and his wife had eight children before he died in 1848.

In 1965, at the request of the Travis Savings and Loan Association, the city changed the street name to Savings. The association opened its new headquarters at Savings and Main streets in 1967, but relocated in 1985 and was acquired by International Bank of Commerce in 1991. The street runs from Flores to Soledad Street and intersects Main Avenue.

The city applied for the change to return the name to Rodriguez Street. Under a 2011 negotiated court settlement between the city and Conservation Society of San Antonio, involving a name change from Durango Boulevard to Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, the HDRC now reviews all street name changes within the area of San Antonios original city limits.

The commission also Wednesday approved plans to renovate a one-story limestone farmhouse at 4101 Swans Landing on the Northeast Side, include window repairs, roof replacement and addition of a public restroom, sidewalks, drinking fountains and 27 parking spaces, under the citys 2017-2022 bond program.

The farmhouse was built in 1871 by Alphonse Perrin, a New York native who became a local justice of the peace.

Although no specific plans for the house have been announced, the city intends to rehabilitate it for new use by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, according to a report prepared for RVK Architects by the UTSA Center for Cultural Sustainability. The planned Perrin Homestead Historic Center is located in District 10.

The Conservation Society of San Antonio, whose members recently toured the site with Councilman Clayton Perry, supports the project as a means of preserving a rare and outstanding example of limestone farmhouse construction in San Antonio.

The plans for the rehabilitation and restoration of this landmark property are thoughtful and appropriate, society President Patti Zaiontz wrote in a letter to the commission.

On ExpressNews.com: HDRC acts to protect 1909 Lavaca house

In other business, a proposal by the preservation office to give a historic landmark designation to a 1909 Queen Anne-style house at 214 Lotus St. was postponed until the Feb. 5 meeting of the HDRC.

The commission had unanimously supported a finding of historic significance in September for the house in the Lavaca neighborhood south of downtown, siding with preservationists over the property owners arguments that it is not habitable and should be replaced with new housing units.

The city now is seeking a change in the zoning for the property to include a historic landmark overlay, making it eligible for tax incentives on substantial rehabilitation work.

Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
Rum maker La Hechicera reveals first 'experiment' in special-edition range

Lauded Colombian rum maker La Hechicera has launched the first in a new series of 'experimental' releases.

Serie Experimental No. 1, The Muscat Experiment, a rum blend, went on sale in UK luxury off-trade last month including Harvey Nichols and online retailer Ocado.

The 'experiment' began 12 years ago in Barranquilla when Miguel Riascos Sr filled 16 rum barrels with his favourite wine, curious to see the effects. The barrels lay forgotten for 12 years until his son, Miguel Riascos Jr, opened them and discovered the result - a wine with notes of walnut, prunes and leather.

He emptied the barrels and filled with with a blend of rums, aged 12 to 21 years, and left the liquid to age for several months to create Serie Experimental No. 1.

Mr Riascos Jr hopes the limited-edition range will help La Hechicera to target the premium end of the rum market, which currently only accounts for around 15 per cent of sales of the spirit.

"This type of innovation is part of an ongoing effort by our master blender Giraldo Mituoka Kagana to create the best possible liquids and to highlight La Hechiceras versatility and scope," he said.

Behind every successful blend there are many blends that never see the light of day and, even though they are amazing in their own right, they are not replicable. What we have set out to do is very openly share those experiments and those stories with our customers and consumers.

In total 7,200 bottles of Serie Experiment No. 1, The Muscat Experiment will be available in the UK, US and selected European countries including France, Germany, Italy and Belgium as well as in global travel retail.

It has an ABV of 43% and a 700ml bottle retails at around 60.

16 January 2020 - Bethany Whymark
Some surgeons said they are considering early retirement because of the pensions tax situation (Chris Ison/PA)

High earners could end up being given pension tax breaks as part of efforts to get doctors to take on more shifts, The Times has reported.

The Treasury has refused to comment on whether it is preparing to give tax relief worth hundreds of millions of pounds to people earning more than 110,000 a year in a move designed to tackle the issue of doctors turning down additional shifts because taking on extra hours can see them hit with an increased tax bill on their pension contributions.

But what are these pension rules and why are they leading to doctors turning down shifts?

 What is the tapered pension allowance?

Expand Close George Osborne introduced the changes (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Rule changes introduced by former chancellor George Osborne, which came into effect in 2016, mean that people who earn more than 110,000 face higher taxes on pension contributions.

The tapered annual allowance is a taxation threshold which restricts the amount of pension growth individuals are allowed each year before tax charges apply.

It gradually reduces the allowance for those on high incomes, meaning they are more likely to suffer an annual tax charge on contributions and a lifetime allowance tax charge on their benefits.

The tapered annual allowance means that for every 2 of income above 150,000 a year, 1 of 40,000 annual allowance is lost.

The minimum reduced annual allowance someone can have is 10,000.

 Why is it affecting doctors?

NHS leaders have said the new pension rules mean senior doctors are effectively incentivised to cut their hours or quit their jobs.

The rules mean doctors have been turning down additional shifts because taking on extra hours can see them hit with an increased tax bill of tens of thousands of pounds.

A poll for the British Medical Association (BMA) last year found that six out of 10 of the 4,000 consultants in England responding to the survey revealed early retirement plans, with many blaming the penalties caused by pensions arrangements.

A further poll of GPs, also by the BMA, found that some 42% of GPs had reduced the number of hours spent caring for patients because of actual or potential pension taxation charges, and a further third (34%) were planning to.

Similar numbers of hospital consultants (70%) said they had or would do so in the next 12 months.

 How is this affecting patients?

NHS Providers, the membership organisation for NHS trusts, said last year that NHS waiting lists were soaring because senior doctors were refusing to take on extra work in order to protect their pensions.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimates that one third of consultants and GPs may be reluctant to take on extra shifts on top of their contracted hours because they risk breaching limits on tax relief.

A YouGov survey commissioned by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and published last year found that 68% of consultant surgeons in England were considering early retirement because of the pensions tax situation.

Some 64% had been advised to work fewer hours in the NHS to avoid crippling tax bills, while 69% have reduced the amount of time they have spent working in the NHS as a direct result of pension rules.

The poll of 1,890 consultant surgeons found 61% have been advised to refrain from taking part in measures to cut waiting lists, while 31% have been advised to retire early.

 What is the Government doing about it?

The DHSC launched a consultation in September on proposals that will allow senior clinicians to maximise the amount they can put towards their pension without becoming liable for large additional tax payments.

Among the proposals was that senior doctors be allowed to choose a personalised pension growth level at the start of each tax year and pay correspondingly lower contributions.

A further option to fine-tune their pension growth towards the end of the tax year, when they are clearer on total earnings, would allow them to top up their pension pot to the maximum amount without hitting their tapered annual allowance limit, the department said.

The department said it wanted to introduce the proposals in time for the start of the new tax year, with the consultation closing in November.

However, NHS chief executive Simon Stevens wrote to doctors leaders last year spelling out how clinicians can opt to pay any tax bill caused by the pensions cap from their pension pot without having to find the funds upfront.

The NHS is then committed to making up the difference in annual payments when they retire.

The Times reported on Thursday that the proposed Treasury plan would involve raising the threshold from 110,000 to 150,000, which could reportedly free up 90% of consultants to take on extra shifts and help cut NHS waiting lists.
County Mayor Coppinger,

I hope you will sign the bill allowing Bridge refugees to settle in Chattanooga. Although not personally involved with the Bridge resettlement program, I do know a family of refugees that arrived here within the past year through this program. The father works at a poultry processing plant and is the sole supporter of his family.

Contrary to what some people say, they do not live like kings and queens. They are self-supporting and have been indoctrinated into the U.S. culture by volunteers.

Every day these refugees say they are "in heaven" because they are in a free country and do not have to fear for their children's lives any more. When the refugee family came here they did not even know what a stove was as they had been living in a refugee camp with an outdoor fire for a stove, no running water and no toilets.

Chattanooga is becoming a "go-to" city so let's keep this city moving forward and show everyone our true giving spirit in giving people a second chance. We need to show the world that Chattanooga has a heart -- even Grinch changed his heart.

Vicki Hill

* * *

Contrary to the belief that refugees will not cost taxpayers additional stress upon arrival to our county, the average family of five, two parents and three children, will cost $10,000 over eight months, plus health care coverage for all. If the health care coverage were only $600 per month for the family of five, which would be a bargain, the cost for this family for eight months would be $14,800 before any other benefits.

Why should the hard working, tax-paying citizens have this money come out of their pockets when we cant take care of the homeless that are now sleeping on our streets?

Oh well, just thoughts from a Grinch.

Michael Mansfield

* * *

In all fairness, the refugee and immigration issue is a growing industry facilitated by Democrats. The homeless issue is growing social industry facilitated by Democrats. It seems that to get into line at the soup kitchen and work your way up is the American way and not go to the front of the line ahead of the next that is in line already.

The homeless services in Chattanooga are deplorable, as funds are handed out to nonprofits to make profits off of and the homeless population are forever in the rain instead of real bona fide quality intent to access a hand up. But, what is offered is money swallowed up by 'providers' as it will be in California where $1.4 billion are allocated for the homeless crisis they socially manufactured which became a city, county, and state crisis.

In California migrants and refugees can get a state welfare check, plus. In Tennessee they get a old building, a business loan and grant. 'What is wrong with that'/ well, what's wrong with dealing out some money to Americans? The Democrats humiliate so-called minorities into thinking they will have more by over-populating for welfare, and that is the way it is with refugees, who otherwise might be in genuine plight but the Democrats or the entire government wants to play money games around and cause more refugees around the world like the welfare families and homeless ones plight in social manufacturing of plight.

While 'Rome burns' figuratively in these political gambits, 'Nero' the Democrats wanted to take down Confederate historical persona and direct blame toward the unbreakable past, rather than betterment of the present and future for Americans.

Robert Nix
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") announced today that CEO Stephen J.J. Letwin has announced his intention to retire following a successful decade at the helm of IAMGOLD and P. Gordon Stothart, President and COO, will succeed Mr. Letwin in the role of President and Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2020. Mr. Letwin and Mr. Stothart have worked closely since Mr. Letwin's appointment as CEO a decade ago. This long shared tenure provides for an effective and seamless transition of leadership. The transition is part of the ongoing succession planning by the Board of Directors. Mr. Letwin will continue to be available to assist in the transition post-retirement as a consultant, particularly in the area of government relations.

Steve Letwin was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and director of the Board of IAMGOLD on November 1, 2010. Specializing in corporate finance, operational management, and mergers and acquisitions, Mr. Letwin brought to IAMGOLD over 30 years of experience from the highly-competitive resource sector. During his time with IAMGOLD, he aligned the Company with a vision of an intermediate, pure gold play, managed government relations with our partners in Suriname, Burkina Faso and Senegal, and led corporate strategy.

Don Charter, Chair of IAMGOLD's Board of Directors, stated, "On behalf of the Board of Directors of IAMGOLD, I would like to thank Steve for his many and significant contributions over the past decade, of which there are too many to list. We recognise and appreciate his efforts in working with our stakeholders across the globe, successfully engaging the capital markets, local communities, government and our own employees. His active, hands-on approach to government relations set him apart in this industry and was key to our ability to operate and expand in the countries in which we are located, establishing the Company's reputation as a reliable and engaged partner. As he departs, the Company is in a strong financial position with an enviable pipeline of development and exploration projects upon which the Company will continue to build".

Gordon Stothart joined IAMGOLD in December of 2007 and has over 20 years of mining industry experience. As COO, Mr. Stothart oversaw all aspects of operations and project development. Prior to joining IAMGOLD, Mr. Stothart managed and developed three major copper projects in South America and provided oversight of the large scale Antamina and Collahuasi mines. Mr. Stothart was appointed Chair of the Mining Association of Canada in June 2019. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1987 with a Double Major in Mining and Mineral Process Engineering.

"We are very pleased to announce Gord's appointment to the role of CEO," said Mr. Charter. "His deep knowledge of both the Company and the mining industry combined with his collaborative leadership style and adaptability to new challenges will serve him and the Company well. Gord is highly respected within our industry and focussed on achieving success for all of IAMGOLD's stakeholders. He is the right successor to Steve, with the leadership and vision to build upon the Company's successes."

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD (www.iamgold.com) is a mid-tier mining company with four operating gold mines on three continents. A solid base of strategic assets in North and South America and West Africa is complemented by development and exploration projects and continued assessment of accretive acquisition opportunities. IAMGOLD is in a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

For further information please contact:

Indi Gopinathan, Investor Relations Lead, IAMGOLD Corporation

Tel: (416) 360-4743 Mobile: (416) 388-6883

Martin Dumont, Senior Analyst, Investor Relations, IAMGOLD Corporation

Tel: (416) 933-5783 Mobile: (647) 967-9942

Toll-free: 1-888-464-9999 info@iamgold.com

Please note:

This entire news release may be accessed via fax, e-mail, IAMGOLD's website at www.iamgold.com and through Newsfile's website at www.newsfilecorp.com. All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov.

Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique de presse, veuillez consulter le http://www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51542
SRINAGAR: In a major breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have busted a terror module linked to Pakistan-backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad. Five terrorists linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror module were also arrested by the J&K Police.

The operation was conducted after receiving specific inputs that some JeM operatives were planning a major terror attack on fast approaching Republic Day - January 26.

Those arrested have been identified as Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh of Sadarbal Hazratbal, Umar Hameed Sheikh of Asaar Colony Hazratbal, Imtiyaz Ahmed Chikla alias Imran of Asaar Colony Hazaratbal, Sahil Farooq Gojri of Ellahibagh Soura and Naseer Ahmed Mir of Sadarbal Hazratbal.

Those arrested are:-Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh of Sadarbal Hazratbal,Umar Hameed Sheikh of Asaar Colony Hazratbal,Imtiyaz Ahmed Chikla @ Imran of Asaar Colony Hazaratbal,Sahil Farooq Gojri of Ellahibagh Soura & Naseer Ahmed Mir of Sadarbal Hazratbal.  J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) January 16, 2020

The arrested JeM operatives revealed that the module had earlier carried out two grenade attacks - one in Hazratbal - on the security forces.

Live TV

A large cache of arms and ammunition have also been recovered from them which includes - gelatin rods/sticks 143, secondary explosives 07, silencer 01, detonators 42, body vest laden with explosives and ball bearings 01, walkie talkie with remote trigger of IED - 01, CD drive - 01 partially damaged, desi small firearm - 01.

Hammer (Engraved with MMT sold seal on it) -01, HiW(Hi-Waote) batteries - 03, battery charger - 01,on-off switch - 01, pouch - 01, coils -03, expolsive type material - 03 packets, ruck sack bag (American Tourister) - 01, tape rolls - 04 and Nitric acid bottle 2.5 litres - 01.

The arrested JeM terrorists are being interrogated for more information.

The development holds significance in the ake of intelligence warning that LeT, JeM were plotting a terrorist attack in India with help from Pakistan's spy agency ISI.

The intelligence sources had revealed that Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) general secretary Aamir Hamza, along with LeT and JeM commanders, met JeM chief Masood Azhar's brother Maulana Omar in Bahawalpur of Punjab province in Pakistan.

Both the JeM and Let have devised a strategy to launch an attack, the intelligence sources claimed.

Earlier, sources in the Delhi Police had claimed that the ISI was plotting a terrorist attack either in Delhi or Gujarat ahead of Republic Day (January 26).
Garvan Walshe is a former National and International Security Policy Adviser to the Conservative Party. He runs TRD Policy.

This is the Islamic Revolutions Gerald Ratner moment. The mullahs rule is based on three articles of faith that time turned into lies: that Iran is a democracy; that the people who run it are holy men; and that Iran is besieged by enemies against whom an expensive military industrial complex must be maintained to ensure that Irans enemies are fighting over there in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, not over here in Iran itself.

Qasem Soleimani led that the sharp end of that military industrial complex: the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), established to protect the revolution from a regular Army considered loyal to the Shah, converted into a huge force that managed the proxy forces Iran used to build influence across the region, and fight an undeclared war against the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel. His assassination was merely a spectacular coup in an ongoing conflict.

The downing of Ukrainian Airlines flight PS752 has become the most serious threat to the regime since the rigging of the presidential election in 2009 to give Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term in office.

It is a mistake to compare the death of Soleimani with a terrorist leader like Osama bin Laden or drug kingpin El Chapo Guzman. They were in charge of autonomous organisations. Soleimani, for all his bravado, was the servant of of an institutionalised theocracy now entering its fifth decade. Americas public bragging about killing him may have required some equally spectacular revenge, but the Iranian system is too robust to be thrown off course by the removal of one general, however skilled.

Their response has been to plug the gap in the IRGC command structure, exploit his funeral for propaganda purposes, and otherwise continue to pursue what they see as Iranian interests. They tried to divert Iraqi anger, which had been mounting against Iran, towards the United States, but this was taking advantage of the backlash against the assassination to pursue the long-term goal of expelling US troops. The assassination also gave Iran cover to further breach the JCPOA nuclear deal, which had outlived its usefulness to them once the Trump Administration withdrew from it. These should not be understood as responses or retaliation, but the Iranians learning from the ancient American proverb: if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

The fog of war has started to obscure the formal act of spectacular retaliation: the use of ballistic missiles (as opposed to rockets) to attack American bases in Iraq. One story has it that the Iranians warned the Iraqis who warned the United States about it hours in advance; another that the CIA had picked up intelligence, and dispersed a warning to troops in theatre; a third that the attack caught troops off-guard, giving them 15 minutes to wake up and run to the bases bomb shelters.

Certainly, the narrative that Iran conducted an attack designed to avoid casualties, as though it were the IRA phoning in a coded warning to Waterloo train station, is too neat. Messages could be passed to the US, but how could they be sure, particularly in this administration, that they would be taken seriously? Is it wise to rely on a military bureaucracy to transmit the warning to the right place in time? (Answer: No) Even if a casualty-free attack had been the plan, it was a plan with a significant risk of going wrong, and provoking a spectacular counter-attack from the United States.

It was in this atmosphere that a jumpy air-defence commander gave the order to fire twice at the Ukrainian Airlines jet, killing all on board, and provoking the fateful cover-up by the authorities (the unfortunate man whose video first provided external evidence that a missile hit the plane has been taken in for questioning). The incident has now been tossed into the crucible of Iranian politics, a system where in December the regime killed 1,500 people protesting against the government.

Iran is twice divided: between the people and the regime establishment; and within the establishment between hardline and reformist factions, which the Supreme Leader must balance. His own politics are adamantine, but he has to allow reform some success as a safety valve, without yielding reformists so much power that they actually reform the system. The reformist president Hassan Rouhani has proved too weak, shifting opposition from within the system back out onto the streets.

Thus Rouhanis call for a special inquiry into events surrounding the shooting down of the airliner (think of something more like a French-style investigating magistrate than a British public inquiry, because the presiding judge would have the power to put people in prison) both to exact revenge against the Revolutionary Guards, whom he accuses of jailing his brother, and sabotaging the nuclear detente which was to bring economic relief; and also to show the furious public the system can deliver if the right people are put in charge.

How far the inquiry will be allowed to go is a matter for the Supreme Leader. Restrict it too much, and it will be clocked for a whitewash. Allow it to do its work and it might take down too many of his own supporters.

This explains the apparently bizarre situation where the President and Foreign minister are accusing their own government of lying about the plane. The message they hope to send is that its not their part of the system that shot it down. But the message received is that the system has admitted its run by lying crooks who cover up murder. And it is when regimes admit their own lies that they are at their most fragile.
Vermont-Slauson EDC Helps Minority Businesses Move to Next Level

Small businesses have friends at the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) and they want to help South L.A. minority-owned companies become successful.

In operation for more than 30 years, VSEDC offers planning, training, access to capital and other tools to aid both start-up ventures and established owners in moving their enterprises to the next level, whether its acquiring a building or developing a business plan or opening a second location.

Whatever stage your business is in, Vermont Slauson can assist you, said Joseph T. Rouzan III, president and CEO. And he has the statistics to back up his words.

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In 2018, VSEDC distributed $5.1 million in small business loans, assisted 310 companies and instructed 529 people attending its various training classes. Through partnerships with the private sector and collaborations with local governments, the nonprofit is poised to significantly increase those numbers.

Another advantage is VSEDCs certification as a Community Development Financial Institution, noted Rouzan. The designation means that the U.S. Treasury Department recognizes the organization as qualified to provide affordable financial services and loans, from $500 to $500,000, to low-income communities like South L.A.

As a CDFI, we can receive funds from banking institutions to loan out to local communities and the beauty of it is when we get money from banks, we can distribute funds to our local businesses and are able to underwrite those loans with less rigid conditions, explained Rouzan.

Banks are not concerned with job creation, but VSEDC is. Also, banks may not be bothered with people that have a 620 FICO score, but we might still fund the loan. You complete our courses and our training and then we help you prepare a business plan that creates two full-time and two part-time jobs, he said, who added that as a CDFI, VSEDC can provide loans for considerably less than the commercial market lending rate.

VSEDC also operates the South Los Angeles Business Source Center through a contract with the city that is designed to help L.A. small businesses grow and remain competitive. To take advantage of the programs resources, an applicant has to either live in Los Angeles or operate a business in the city.

But small business owners in surrounding cities can utilize VSEDC programs, too. Thanks to a new banking partner, the nonprofit can fund entrepreneurs in other parts of L.A. County such as business owners in Compton, Inglewood and Culver City.

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In addition, all types of businesses can participate in VSEDC programs. Their registered clients include restaurants, tech firms, mobile retailers, food trucks, graphic designers, beauty salons, automotive shops and shoe repair businesses.

The majority of the business courses are free and many workshops are available in both English and Spanish. The curriculum spans from sessions on Introduction to Entrepreneurship to Business Succession Planning to Tax Preparation and Social Media/Digital Marketing. VSEDC contains a youth entrepreneurship component as well with 110 teenage attendees and 30 young people enrolled in the coding classes.

To further expand opportunities for South L.A. youth, VSEDC will renovate another property the group owns in South L.A. to include a technology center, said Rouzan. The 10,000-square-feet building was acquired years ago by VSEDCs founder, the late Marva Smith Battle-Bey, and is currently used as a low-rent incubator for new businesses.

Thanks to Marvas incredible foresight, we own that property free and clear and the Annenberg Foundation provided a grant to beautify the building with new paint, carpeting and air conditioning, he said.

But, I also wanted new computers for the kids, so Annenberg told us about a new grant offered by the Best Buy Foundation. We competed for it and were one of seven finalists and we won the $500,000 grant to bring a technology center to South Los Angeles, recalled Rouzan.

The facility is now in the final design stage and construction will start this spring. Youth will be able to take classes in robotics, digital photography, animation, virtual reality and building drones. The center will include two sound studios and the Best Buy Foundation will replace all equipment each year.

We had a booth at the 2019 Taste of Soul called A Taste of Tech and we registered nearly 200 kids for our technology center classes, he said.

Inviting small business owners to consider VSEDC for assistance in 2020, Rouzan insisted, We want to lend our expertise and even offer financing to help you scale up your business in the new year!
There will be more and better jobs under a Fine Gael Government that is the only one that can get the best Brexit deal according to the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.

The Taoiseach made his comments at the launch of Fine Gaels economic plan which will mean generating more jobs and putting more money in peoples pockets.

The Fine Gael plan focuses on four pillars:

1. A job for everyone who needs one: There has never been so many people at work in Ireland but Fine Gael knows thats not enough and will create almost 200,000 new jobs across the country by 2025.

2. Investing in infrastructure: Infrastructure investment has risen to 8.2 billion from 4.6 billion between 2017 and 2020 and will further increase this investment to nearly 11 billion by 2025.

3. Keep wages increasing: Workers wage packets have increased steadily under Fine Gael  the average national wage has grown by 3,350 since 2017. The Fine Gael plan will continue to put more money in peoples pockets.

4. Responsible management of the economy: This is so we can have an insurance policy for our country. There was a 1.5 billion surplus last year but its not enough so the Fine Gael plan will generate a surplus of 4 billion by 2021.

The Taoiseach said: There are 2.3 million people at work in Ireland, more than ever before. Incomes are rising, poverty is falling and our economy has never been stronger. But we know thats not enough. We need more jobs and better jobs. Jobs that are well paid and secure, and allow for a better work life balance.

Fine Gael will help to create almost 200,000 new jobs by 2025. Well continue to manage the economy well, which will allow us to reduce taxes so you can keep more of your hard earned money and invest more in schools, hospitals, roads and public transport. Well also continue to increase our financial buffers so we are better protected for any shocks that might face the country.

We can only do all this, if we secure a good trade deal in the next phase of Brexit, to keep our economy strong and protect our jobs and our livelihoods, he said.

Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, stated that Fine Gael will never go back to Fianna Fails if I have it, I spend it approach: Too many of our communities and citizens still bear the scars of the economic crash. Under Fine Gael, our economy has grown, there is a job for everyone who wants one and wages have risen. But we know thats not enough so we will build a new and better future for the country by delivering on four pillars.

First, we will deliver more and better jobs. By 2025, we will deliver nearly 200,000 additional jobs right across the country and in key public sector roles like nurses, teachers, doctors and Gardai. We will ensure that there is a job for everyone who needs one. Not just more jobs, but better jobs through our Future Jobs plan, by embracing new technology, improving productivity, upskilling and reskilling as we move to a zero-carbon economy.

Second, our economic plan will increase investment in infrastructure steadily over the next five years to reach nearly 11 billion a year in 2025  well ahead of the European average.

We will use these resources to keep investing in our countrys future. This will be done through initiatives like the National Broadband Plan, Metrolink and Dart expansion and in a national retrofitting programme.

Third, we will put more money in peoples pockets. The average national wage has grown by 3,250 since 2017. Under Fine Gael, workers will continue to see improvements in their take home pay through both wage increases and changes in income tax bands.

And we will also negotiate a pay deal with the public sector this year that recognises the crucial contribution of our state employees, while also ensuring the stability of the public finances.

Fourth, we will keep our finances safe. We achieved a surplus of 1.5 billion last year, compared to a deficit of 23.5bn a decade previously when Fianna Fail was in Government. But its not enough, so we will use our strong economy to get to a surplus of nearly 4 billion by 2021.

Running a surplus like this makes sense as it protects us from any fall in the tax take from multi-nationals, which is a clear risk once global tax rules change. And we also reduce our public debt level to around 85% of national income by 2025 and then to 60% by 2030.
Astronomers have spotted strange gas-like objects close to a monstrous black hole at the centre of our galaxy, a finding that may lead to deeper understanding of the forces creating stars and other cosmic entities in the universe.

"These objects look like gas and behave like stars," said study co-author Andrea Ghez from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US.

According to the study, published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, the strange new objects look compact most of the time, and stretch out when their orbits bring them closest to the supermassive black hole.

The study said these objects take from about 100 to 1,000 years to complete a revolution in their orbits around the black hole named Sagittarius A*.

In previous research, the astronomers identified two unusual objects at the centre of Milky Way, which they named G1 and G2, and collectively called G objects.

They believe that G2 may have been two stars that had been orbiting the black hole in tandem, and merged into an extremely large star, cloaked in thick gas and dust.

As the scientists continued to monitor G2, they found that it had a strange signature.

"We had seen it before, but it didn't look too peculiar until it got close to the black hole and became elongated, and much of its gas was torn apart," Ghez said.

"It went from being a pretty innocuous object when it was far from the black hole to one that was really stretched out and distorted at its closest approach and lost its outer shell, and now it's getting more compact again," she added.

One of the features of the G objects, the scientists noted, was that some of their stuff which got pulled off by the black hole, inevitably had to fall into the extremely dense region.

"When that happens, it might be able to produce an impressive fireworks show since the material eaten by the black hole will heat up, and emit copious radiation before it disappears," said study co-author Mark Morris from UCLA.

In the current study, the astronomers have reported the existence of four more objects -- G3, G4, G5 and G6 -- and have determined each of their orbits.

Based on their observation of these objects, the scientists believe they were once binary stars -- a system of two stars orbiting each other -- which later merged due to the strong gravitational force of the supermassive black hole.

According to the astronomers, such merging of two stars may take more than a million years to complete.

"Black holes may be driving binary stars to merge. It's possible that many of the stars we've been watching and not understanding may be the end product of mergers that are calm now," Ghez said.

She said the findings may help understand how galaxies and black holes evolve.

"The way binary stars interact with each other and with the black hole is very different from how single stars interact with other single stars and with the black hole," Ghez added.

While the gas from G2's outer shell got stretched dramatically, the dust inside its gas did not get stretched much, the astronomers noted.

"Something must have kept it compact and enabled it to survive its encounter with the black hole. This is evidence for a stellar object inside G2," said study lead author Anna Ciurlo from UCLA.

However, the scientists do not know what this stellar object could be, and continue to probe the region for more insights.

They have identified a few other cosmic entities that may be part of this new class of objects, and are continuing to monitor them.

According to Ghez and her team, the centre of the Milky Way galaxy is an extreme environment, unlike our less hectic corner of the universe.

"The Earth is in the suburbs compared to the centre of the galaxy, which is some 26,000 light-years away. The centre of our galaxy has a density of stars 1 billion times higher than our part of the galaxy," Ghez said.

"The gravitational pull is so much stronger. The magnetic fields are more extreme. The centre of the galaxy is where extreme astrophysics occurs -- the X-sports of astrophysics," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT) rang in the new year by celebrating a milestone. The gym operator and franchiser opened its 2,000th location on Dec. 31, in Colorado Springs. This capped off an impressive year of opening 261 new locations for 15% unit growth. Now the company has its sights squarely set on the next milestone: its 3,000th location. With over 1,000 new locations currently in its pipeline, this milestone could be reached in the next three to five years.

But more than just continuing to expand the brand by opening new locations, Planet Fitness is also trying to overcome misconceptions by the public regarding fitness. The company recently sponsored an independent study that came back with four widely-held fitness myths. Dispelling them could lead to increased gym membership.

What are the myths?

The company's Bullfit Report addresses four common myths about fitness. First, according to the report, as little as 10 minutes of exercise can yield results, not the 95 minutes that the average person thinks are required. Second, you don't need to work out five days a week for it to be effective; any time you spend exercising is beneficial. Third, head-to-head fitness challenges don't work. And fourth, most people are not motivated by common catchphrases like "No pain, no gain," but some inspirational phrases (like "Investing in yourself") can be highly motivating.

At the beginning of 2015, just prior to Planet Fitness's IPO, the company had 918 locations and 6.1 million members. That works out to over 6,600 members per location. As of the third quarter of 2019, it had 1,899 locations and 14.1 million members. That means the number of members per location has increased to over 7,400.

Planet Fitness estimates that 80% of people 14 years and older in the U.S. and Canada still don't belong to a gym. This is the crowd that it targets. It has built its empire quickly by making its gyms "Judgment Free Zones," catering to the casual gym-goer who doesn't want to feel intimidated by bodybuilders.

This strategy has proved effective. But there's still plenty of room for the company to continue growing its members-per-location metric. One way it can do this is by using the Bullfit Report to bust the myths that prevent folks from joining a gym in the first place.

How many more locations?

As already mentioned, Planet Fitness now has 2,000 locations (primarily in the U.S.) and over 1,000 locations already in development. But just how much further can this growth-stock story run? CEO Chris Rondeau reiterated during the Q3 earnings call that the company is targeting 4,000 locations in the U.S. alone. That means Planet Fitness is still just halfway through with its domestic growth, despite its strong growth over the past five years.

Furthermore, Planet Fitness has a largely untapped international growth opportunity. In 2017, it signed a franchise agreement in Panama, and in 2018, it signed one for Mexico. More recently, the company signed a franchise agreement to open a minimum of 35 locations in Australia. Even though this shows some effort, international expansion is still a small part of the Planet Fitness story.

It may simply be an issue of focus, with Planet Fitness giving full attention to its thriving U.S. operations. But this could start to change within the next couple of years. On the Q3 earnings call, Rondeau commented that chief development officer Ray Miolla is approaching two years at Planet Fitness, and in about another year, Miolla's "international focus will be quite a bit stronger."

For now

Investors should celebrate the 2,000th Planet Fitness milestone. A lot can go wrong while expanding, but the company is pulling it off quickly and efficiently. For now, investor attention should remain on U.S. operations, where it would be great to see membership per location continue to increase. Any drop in this metric in coming quarters would be a major red flag.

Also, there's no reason to fret that the growth-via-expansion story is coming to an end. Planet Fitness believes it can still double the number of U.S. locations compared to today, and its current development pipeline already covers half of that future expansion. When the time comes, it will turn its attention to the rest of the (ahem) planet.




Raj Kapoors daughter and Shweta Bachchan Nandas mother-in-law, 71-year-old Ritu Nanda passed away yesterday. A lot of people from the film industry turned up to pay their last respects to in New Delhi yesterday including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Armaan Jain and several others.

Amitabh Bachchan wrote a heartfelt note on Ritu Nandas demise on his blog. It read, "That silent knock at the workplace .. the hurried expression of worried concern .. the hours that sleep in most parts of the World that seek the midnight .. shuffled steps, soft anxious and disturbed conversations .. and then within a blink .. the lights go out .. .. she has gone .."



He further added, polite conversation, of reminisce, of association, of happy time spent together, of the fight and struggle for the ailment for years .. and most of all the loneliness of them that are left behind .. the vacuum .. the emptiness .. the presence that filled up the entire home .. lost and gone .."





Our condolences are with the family.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a series of bilateral meetings with several foreign dignitaries, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.

In his meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar held a detailed exchange of views on key regional and international issues, including the situation relating to Iran, Syria and Libya.

Lavrov briefed Jaishankar on priorities for Russia as current chair of BRICS and the SCO whose summit meetings would be held in Russia in July.

Jaishankar accepted Lavrov's invitation to participate in the next RIC meeting to be hosted by Russia, the MEA said in a statement.

The ministers also reviewed key issues in various areas of India-Russia bilateral cooperation, including implementation of decisions taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September last year.

Jaishankar also met Mahmud and held discussions on furthering connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

"Pleased to meet Bangladesh Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud. Good to note that our initiatives on media are being taken forward. A good discussion on furthering connectivity," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also met Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu and held discussions on digital cooperation and global issues.

"Warmly welcomed FM @UrmasReinsalu of Estonia. A very productive conversation on digital cooperation and global issues. Look forward to our working together," he said in another tweet.

He met a delegation from the US and spoke about opportunities for further cooperation.

"Received the US delegates at #Raisina2020: Deputy NSA Matthew Pottinger, @LisaCurtisHF, @State_SCA Alice Wells. Spoke about our shared agenda and opportunities for further cooperation," Jaishankar said.

He also met National Security Advisor of Afghanistan Hamdullah Mohib and discussed the current situation and bilateral relations.

"Met Afghan NSA @hmohib. Discussed the current situation and our bilateral relations," he said in another tweet.

Jaishankar met Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid at India's flagship global conference Raisina Dialogue. "Nice to meet FM @abdulla_shahid of Maldives at #Raisina2020. Opportunity to take stock of our relationship," he said in a tweet.

He also met Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland QC and discussed addressing developmental challenges.

"Good to catch up with @PScotlandCSG, Secretary General @commonwealthsec. Discussed addressing developmental challenges," he tweeted.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Shannon Neal of Dayton, Nevada, used to cry after she put her daughter, Sierra, to bed. "I thought, what if I wake up and she's gone? I lived every day thinking she might die." But these are brighter days. This week, the Neals board their 7th Miracle Flight to the medical care that's saving Sierra's life.

Sierra Neal, 13, of Dayton, Nevada, boards her 7th Miracle Flight to life-saving medical treatment on January 20, 2020. As the nation's leading medical flight charity, Miracle Flights provides free plane tickets to children and adults who need access to complex medical care not available in their local communities. Founded in 1985, the Las Vegas-based organization provides more than 600 commercial flights each month to help patients like Sierra reach medical facilities across the U.S.

Since birth, 13-year-old Sierra has battled a host of serious medical conditions: an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata, which attacks the hair follicles; severe eczema; asthma; and life-threatening food allergies so numerous Shannon carries a list to keep track. For years, Sierra bounced in and out of hospitals. She took 27 prescription pills a day. Sometimes Shannon had to call an ambulance when an allergic reaction sent Sierra into anaphylactic shock. Steroids made her swollen; alopecia left her hairless, her scalp covered with bald patches. Eczema caused skin infections so extreme, she was once hospitalized for a month.

"Even when I wasn't in the hospital, I felt too tired to do the things I like to do, like playing with my animals and cheerleading," says Sierra.

When Sierra was 8, a doctor in Reno suggested she see a specialist at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, in Palo Alto, Californiaa distance that for Shannon seemed financially insurmountable. "There was no way I could afford to fly us there, and my car couldn't make the trip," she says. "I didn't know what we were going to do."

At the doctor's recommendation, Shannon contacted national nonprofit Miracle Flights for help. Miracle Flights provides free plane tickets to families like the Neals, who need financial assistance reaching medical care far from home.

On December 3, 2014, Shannon and Sierra boarded their first Miracle Flight to Lucile Packard. Five years later, Sierra has a full head of hair that's grown almost to her shoulders. Her skin is clear; she hasn't been in the hospital in over a year. And instead of taking 27 pills a day, she takes an injection twice a week.

"We got the best care ever," says Shannon. "Miracle Flights gave me the option to find care when there was nothing in my rural area. I can't imagine where we would be without them."

Shannon and Sierra now continue their medical journey with annual check-ups from a specialist in Las Vegas. They depart on their 7th Miracle Flight on Monday, January 20.

To help Sierra and other children reach the life-saving care they need, or to request a flight for a loved one, visit miracleflights.org.

About Miracle Flights

Miracle Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free medical air transportation to children and adults via commercial airlines throughout the United States. The organization, founded in 1985, has provided 129,703 flights and currently books more than 600 flights per month. To request a flight, learn more or donate, call 800-359-1711 or visit miracleflights.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Press Contact: Erika Koff: (702) 261-0494 or [email protected]

SOURCE Miracle Flights
Bernie Sanders has spent years convincing voters that his Soviet honeymoon, his support for the Nicaraguan Sandinistas, his admiration for Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez were all a misunderstanding. See, it's Denmark, Danish-style socialism he wants for America, not a second Venezuela. He was really quite reasonable in intentions all along.

It was exposed as garbage the other day, when James O'Keefe released an undercover video of a top-line paid Iowa staffer, Kyle Jurek, praising gulags, re-education camps, burning cities, beaten cops, and killing anyone who resists the "revolution" as the plan all along. Worse still, he said the Bernie campaign was loaded with such people, and Bernie's moderate claims were a mask. So much for Bernie's rebranding bid.

Ordinarily, that would be a firing offense. The guy just undercut Sanders's carefully cultivated public relations persona to win voters and made Sanders look like Mao recrudescent, Stalin reborn, and Pol Pot's ghost, something worse than even what most suspicious Republicans have ever came up with.

Sanders's response?

Nothing. No firing. No denunciation of all the sick plans and praise for the world's most odious dictators. A quick dismissal of the whole thing as "political gossip," and not by Bernie himself, but by another Iowa staffer.

"The hundreds of thousands of Iowans we've talked to this caucus season don't care about political gossip; they care about making healthcare a human right, taking on climate change, making college affordable, and ending endless wars. That's our focus," said Ms. [Misty] Rebik in the tweet.

That's an astonishing thing to dismiss, given the extremism of Jurek's statement.

A normal candidate would want to get away as far as possible from a guy like this. A sane person would denounce all the sick and violent sentiments at a minimum. Yet O'Keefe's outfit noted the curious unwillingness of Sanders to get rid of Jurek or at least condemn the sentiment here:

"Gossip" is when someone says something about you. Self-incrimination is when you say it yourself. https://t.co/cuM8bXszrL  Jack Cashill (@jackcashill) January 15, 2020

The only action, in fact, is Sanders staffers locking Their twitter accounts, including even those on the public relations team.

If this were President Trump, the first thing out of his mouth would be, "You're fired!"

But Bernie, who commands unusual loyalty among his staff and voters, is choosing to stay loyal to the staffer with these Pol Pot fantasies. The kindest explanation might be that he cynically imagines that no one is going to care and he could use the man's talents or else maybe needs the Antifa vote. The less kind explanation comes from Jurek himself.

A subsequent O'Keefe video had Jurek declaring that the Sanders campaign is actually full of people like himself, and in one O'Keefe tape, he rolled off a string of first names.

That suggests that maybe Sanders can't fire Jurek because they're all like that, and he'd actually have to fire his entire Iowa operation.

There's also a third detail: Jurek himself said that Sanders is faking it about the "democratic" socialism, because he too is the real thing. So much for deniability: it sounds as though he has the same views.

It raises questions about the whole picture Sanders stands for. Violence has been a part of the Sanders operation for years. Recall that it was a Sanders staffer, James Hodgkinson, who attempted to assassinate GOP congressional leader Steve Scalise and wounded him badly with gunfire. John Hinderaker at Power Line has some excellent observations about that here.

Sanders escaped blame for it on the grounds that any campaign could have a crazy staffer. But the Iowa stuff tells a story of apparently all crazy staffers, hell-bent on gulags, re-education camps, Kulak-targeting, burning cities, murdered resistors, and all the things that really happened in every country that ever became a socialist hellhole.

This is scary stuff, calling for your vote based on a cute grumpy grandpa personality fronting for the sick horrors of socialism. Once in, there are no outs; just ask a Venezuelan. The Democrats are apparently looking for a means of rigging Sanders out, but given that socialist Sanders becomes a "Democrat" only at election time, they never should have let him in to start with. Now he's the frontrunner, and he's showing what he's made of. O'Keefe says Jurek still has his job, and Iowa moves apace. The only thing left is to expose him, and for that, O'Keefe has done a tremendous public service.

Image credit: Twitter screen shot.
They're in the midst of filming the long-awaited fourth series of Netflix's The Crown.

But Olivia Colman proved she was the Queen Of Hearts as she paid a visit to Salisbury District Hospital with her on-screen son Josh Connor on Thursday.

The Oscar-winning actress, 45, delighted patients with her surprise visit along with co-star Josh, 29, as they chatted to some of the parents and children being cared for as part of the hospital's charity Stars Appeal.

Sweet: The Crown star Olivia Colman proved she was the Queen Of Hearts as she paid a visit to Salisbury District Hospital with her on-screen son Josh Connor on Thursday

During their visit, Olivia (The Crown's Queen Elizabeth II) and Josh (Prince Charles) visited the hospital's neo-natal unit, which cares for ill or premature newborn infants, and even held one of the girls to her mother's delight.

The stars also visited the Pembroke Unit, which specialises in cancer care, and the Breast Cancer Unit, where Olivia happily posed for a selfie with one patient.

Olivia and Josh were also presented with a Stars Appeal t-shirt, and also visited some of the children being cared for in the hospital.

Lovely: The actress paid a visit to the neo-natal unit to visit some of the ill and premature children being cared for, and even got a cuddle with one little girl

Happy: The British actress chatted to some of the parents who have children being care for at the hospital

Smile! Olivia posed for a selfie with one patient, as they visited the Pembroke Unit for cancer care and the Breast Cancer Unit

Sweet: She said: 'I have never really been on a visit to a hospital before, but there was such a beautiful positive atmosphere [at Salisbury]. Properly extraordinary. We will come back!'

Speaking about the visit, Olivia told The Salisbury Journal: 'I have never really been on a visit to a hospital before, but there was such a beautiful positive atmosphere [at Salisbury]. Properly extraordinary. We will come back!'

Josh added: 'We are filming The Crown, series four just up the road at Wilton House, and so we heard about the Stars Appeal and we wanted to stop by.'

The stars were invited to visit the hospital by Lord Pembroke, who is president of the charity and also owns Wilton House, where series four of The Crown is currently being filmed.

Amazing: Olivia and Josh (right) visited the hospital to see the work of its charity Stars Appeal, as they are filming series four of The Crown at Wilton House just minutes away

Cute: The Oscar-winning actress met one mother and her newborn baby on the neo-natal unit, which specialises in care for ill and premature babies

Nice: Olivia and Josh are set to reprise their role as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles in series four of The Crown

Happy to meet you! She also met with some of the hospital's older patients in the hospital, as guests of Lord Pembroke who is the President of the Stars Appeal

Smile! Olivia happily posed for a selfie with some of the patients, who were clearly thrilled by the star-studded visit

Coming soon: The next series of The Crown is expected to introduce Lady Diana Spencer and display the early years of her marriage to Charles

Currently a release date for the next series is yet to be confirmed, although Olivia is set to reprise her role as The Queen.

Her incredible awards success has continued into 2020, which has already seen her receive a Golden Globe for Best Actress In A TV Drama for her acclaimed performance.

Series Three depicted the Royal Family in the 1960s and 70s, as they faced various turmoils, including the Aberfan disaster, and the turbulent end of Princess Margaret's (Helena Bonham Carter) marriage to Anthony Armstrong-Jones (Ben Daniels).

Charles also featured prominently ahead of his investiture of The Prince Of Wales, as well as his early romance with Camilla Parker-Bowles (Emerald Fennell).

The next series is expected to introduce Lady Diana Spencer and display the early years of her marriage to Charles, with the eventual Princess set to be played by Emma Corrin.

Thrilled: On the visit Josh added: 'We are filming The Crown, series four just up the road at Wilton House, and so we heard about the Stars Appeal and we wanted to stop by'

Beaming: Josh's character Prince Charles featured prominently in The Crown's third series as it documented his early romance with Camilla Parker-Bowles
New Delhi: India will not allow imports without HSN codes, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.



In trade parlance, the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) of codes is an international system for the systematic classification of goods.



At present, traders need to mention HS Codes in the Bill of Entry (BoE) while importing goods into the country.



India, currently, maintains eight-digit HSN Codes for goods.



The development assumes significance as imports had surge in the category of "Others", and goods falling under this category do not have an HSN code.



Speaking at the 6th National Standards Conclave on the subject of Standards for Trade Facilitation, Goyal stressed that the government is committed to establishing standards of Indian products and services to world class levels.



This, he said, will enable India's exports to be accepted globally due to the quality of goods and services.



Besides, the minister stated that the time has come to get out of the mind set of subsiding exports and adopt the mantra of 'zero defect, zero effect' in order to ensure that emerging India will be the destination for quality products and services.



He said that the new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act is relooking at all standards for goods and services in order to balance the interests of consumers with that of the industry.



This move will enable the culture of quality to take root in the country and production or import of substandard products and services will not be tolerated any longer, he said.



Goyal also added that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) entered with other countries have not led to the growth of India's trade and business because of the poor quality of the products and services that get restricted with non-tariff barriers.



Reacting to the minister's announcement, Sandeep Shah, Partner, NA Shah Associates LLP said: "The government should enhance the 8-digit HSN code to 10 or 15 digit so that more specific code can be attributed. Unless the government adopts this method, it is quite possible that essential supplies which are used by hospitals or other industries which are critical may lend up paying very high duty.



"The government should release the draft code before implementing the higher tariff to avoid unintended consequences."



In terms of consequences, Ranjeet Mahtani, Partner, Dhruva Advisors, in a statement, said: "Products and services that remain within the 'others' category, could henceforth be subjected to a higher duty (for goods) and therefore costs, besides administrative inconvenience in the form of licenses and permissions."



"This proposal will impact India's trade patterns, when it has been concerned with bulging import bill, and there have been discussions on levy of a Border Adjustment Tax on imports, to adjust for non-creditable local levies to support Indian manufacturing."
The S.S.A. provides no persuasive medical or scientific data to explain why these conditions can be expected to improve sooner, nor any data to show that beneficiaries stay on disability too long. It only offers some unsubstantiated hope that more frequent reviews will mean that those terminated will re-enter the employment market  hardly a likely outcome.

Despite congressional inquiries, the S.S.A. refuses to release internal data on how many are expected to lose benefits from the new disability reviews. The agency does project it will save $2.6 billion in reduced payments from those terminated, but will also spend an additional $1.8 billion in increased administrative costs. Is a vague hope of some cost savings worth the risk that many will be unfairly denied support?

In reality, there is likely to be an ideological basis for the reviews, as suggested by the writings of Mark Warshawsky, the deputy commissioner for Retirement and Disability Policy, who was appointed in 2017. While at George Mason Universitys Koch-family-supported Mercatus Center, Mr. Warshawsky and a co-author urged the elimination of work-related factors such as age, language ability and education level, notwithstanding that the S.S.A. must consider these factors under the Social Security Act in assessing ability to work. These factors are often especially important for older adults, one group singled out for increased review. Mr. Warshawsky and the same co-author have even questioned the agencys already strict medical criteria for eligibility, asserting that some disabling diseases are now more livable. But improved survival rates for once terminal conditions like cancer do not necessarily correlate to peoples ability to do full-time, substantial employment  the test for receiving benefits.

While a reasonable review process is needed and is already in effect, the proposal is far from reasonable. Arbitrary reviews every two years are excessive. Reviews are burdensome and costly for mentally or physically impaired beneficiaries. For people with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, the stress of the process exacerbates their existing disabilities. People who miss a step are terminated for noncooperation. Very few lawyers are able to take disability review cases, leaving people with disabilities to go it alone. More red tape and appeals are certain.

The Social Security Administrations new plan caps off a long list of harmful disability measures that have fallen below the radar of the public and media: allowing the agency to disregard the opinion of the claimants treating physician; proposing to remove the inability to speak English as a factor relevant to accessing a job; and making it virtually impossible for children with conditions like asthma to qualify under the already very strict medical disability criteria. Other rules, following Mr. Warshawskys views, are in the pipeline, including ones adversely impacting older Americans, as The Wall Street Journal recently reported.

The proposal is now open for public comment and will be until Jan. 31. Will the more than 42,000 comments already filed convince the agency to withdraw these plans? Or will the White House step in when they see a total of 3.3 million disability beneficiaries in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida? A disability benefits purge might just be deemed untimely for an election year.

Jonathan M. Stein is a former legal aid lawyer in Philadelphia.

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One of the Japanese lawyers for former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn has stepped down from that job after Ghosn fled the country.

Junichiro Hironaka had been representing Ghosn in his defense against various financial misconduct allegations. His move, announced Thursday, was widely expected after Ghosn fled to Lebanon late last month.

Hironaka said in a statement that the entire team working on the case at his office will quit but did not outline reasons. He has said before he has felt some empathy for Ghosn's reasons for escape, while stressing he had hoped to win vindication in court.

Hironaka is respected for winning innocent verdicts in high-profile cases in this nation where the conviction rate is higher than 99%.

Among the cases he has handled is that of Atsuko Muraki, a welfare ministry official accused of falsely approving a group to qualify for mail discounts. She was acquitted in 2010.

In a conference last week in Beirut, Ghosn insisted again that he was innocent of the charges of underreporting his future compensation and of breach of trust in diverting Nissan Motor Co. money for his personal gain.

He said he fled because he felt he could not expect a fair trial in Japan.

Ghosn's flight while he was out on bail awaiting trial, means his case will not go on in Japan. Interpol has issued a wanted notice but his extradition from Lebanon is unlikely.

Ghosn has accused Nissan officials and Japanese officials of conspiring to bring him down to block a fuller integration of Nissan with its French alliance partner Renault SA of France.

Ghosn, who has signed on an international team of lawyers, has expressed willingness to stand trial in Lebanon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
EDWARDSVILLE  A jury deliberated late into Wednesday over the fate of defendant Caleb Lenhardt.

Jurors were deciding between verdicts of first degree murder, which carries a sentence between 20 to 60 years, and reckless homicide, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years. However, Madison County Circuit Judge Kyle Napp announced at approximately 5:45 p.m. Wednesday that the jury was being sent home and deliberations will continue 9 a.m. Thursday.

You know this was not an accident, you know, you saw it, lead Madison County Assistant States Attorney Crystal Uhe said in her closing argument.

Lenhardt, 22, is charged with first degree murder, aggravated battery and failing to report a traffic crash involving injury or death. Currently free after posting $100,000 cash, Lenhardt is accused of backing up and striking Katie Bunt, 21, who died from her injuries, in a parking lot in the 400 block of Belle Street in Alton.

Trial witnesses have said Lenhardts car jumped the curb and became stuck on a parking block, with Bunt pinned beneath.

There is nothing to prove he knew anything, he didnt say anything, he didnt see anything,  defense attorney Scott Rosenblum told the jury in his closing argument.

Rosenblum has claimed all along that the death was an accident, but the state believes it was intentional.

 

Read previous stories from the trial:

Mother of Lenhardts child and friend of woman hes accused of murdering testifies, trial nears end

I started to go unconscious, witness says, in struggle with Lenhardt before deadly downtown Alton incident

Jurors see horrific video of Lenhardts car revving, before plowing into group, killing woman

Former girlfriend says Lenhardt was calm as car hit women  others say otherwise in Day 2 of trial

It was an accident when Lenhardts car plowed into Alton crowd, killing woman, his attorney claims
HERMISTON, Ore., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Basin Bioscience designed and built its sole-source, closed loop industrial hemp operation fully expecting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin regulating cannabidiol producers and products.

The fast-growing CBD industry has attracted a wide variety of operators who bring a mix of passion, skill and expertise to the field in an effort to find a business and manufacturing model that works. The result of the industry's experimental approach, however, has been CBD products of varying degrees of quality  and consumer confusion.

As a consequence, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented regulatory guardrails in October 2019. Columbia Basin Bioscience (CBB) expects the FDA to follow suit, providing CBD producers with specific quality and content standards and strict manufacturing practices.

With the goals of producing high quality, high purity CBD distillate oil and isolate that will meet or surpass eventual regulation, CBB made significant investment in its industrial hemp farm and processing facility that started operations in late 2019.

CBB has millions of pounds of hemp farmed under the care of CEO and third-generation farmer Alan Cleaver and his team on their 2000+ acres of land in Oregon. It is carefully harvested, dried on site in the world's largest, purpose-built hemp dryer and moved to CBB's processing facility by CBB's own transporters. There are no external farmers, transporters, processors or storage used, ensuring that the end product has unprecedented purity and nothing unknown has been introduced.

"A set of good manufacturing practices for processing industrial hemp and manufacturing CBD distillate and isolate products will help stabilize the industry and ensure that the consumer gets the product he or she believes they are buying," said Sean Groer, CBB's co-founder. "We've built our sole-source, closed-loop supply chain with the belief that increased regulation will come soon."

Although there are no clearly articulated industry standards, CBB is putting in place a set of high standards that all of the industry can live with, while also delivering a reliable, high quality supply of CBD oil and isolate that is critical to customers.

Cleaver, who's spent his life growing regulated and globally competitive crops, knows the discipline, traceability and transparency required to satisfy requirements of the FDA and USDA.

"One must use extreme care during all points in the life cycle of hemp from seed to sale. Drying, transporting, storage and processing all introduce potential points of entry for contaminants into the crop. I've been operating FDA regulated businesses for the past 25 years  I know what it takes to eliminate all of that uncertainty, so we built CBB to manage everything ourselves, from the beginning to the end," Cleaver said.

"We believe strongly that CBD has a place on retail shelves," says Groer, "and that the future of pure CBD products is brightest under a proper regulatory framework."

About Columbia Basin Bioscience

Based in Hermiston, Ore., Columbia Basin Bioscience is redefining the standards of quality, transparency and certainty in the CBD industry, all at a scale that is unprecedented in the CBD industry. Led by noted Oregon farmer and agronomist Alan Cleaver, Columbia Basin Bioscience's facilities consist of over 2,000 acres of organic industrial hemp production, proprietary purpose-built dryers, a 168,000 square foot extraction facility, and an ISO-certified lab environment. For more information, www.cbbioscience.com.

Contact:

Sean Groer

Co-founder

Phone 1-541-224-6820

Email [email protected]

SOURCE Columbia Basin Bioscience

Related Links

http://www.cbbioscience.com


NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP ("Scott+Scott"), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, continues investigating whether certain directors and officers of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. ("Advance Auto Parts") (NYSE: AAP) breached their fiduciary duties to Advance Auto Parts and its shareholders. If you are an Advance Auto Parts shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew with Scott+Scott for additional information toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].

Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of Advance Auto Parts's board of directors made, or allowed Advance Auto Parts to make, false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) integration issues surrounding Advance Auto Parts's Carquest acquisition resulted in systemic inefficiencies and cannibalization of sales; (ii) increased competition was negatively impacting sales; and (iii) as a result, Advance Auto Parts's statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On May 24, 2017, Advance Auto Parts reported a quarterly decrease in gross profit, "primarily driven by investments in the customer, inventory optimization efforts and supply chain expense deleverage due to the comparable store sales decline[,]" and a 2.7% decline in quarterly comparable store sales. On this news, Advance Auto Parts's share price fell from $140.66 per share on May 23, 2017, to $133.02 per share on May 24, a decline of 5%.

On August 15, 2017, Advance Auto Parts disclosed, in part, that "[c]omparable store sales for the quarter were flat." On this news, Advance Auto Parts's share price fell from $109.32 per share on August 14, 2017, to $87.08 per share on August 15, a decline of 20%.

What You Can Do

If you are an Advance Auto Parts shareholder, you may have legal claims against Advance Auto Parts's directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].

About Scott+Scott

Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio.

Attorney Advertising

CONTACT:

Joe Pettigrew

Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP

230 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10169

(844) 818-6982

[email protected]

SOURCE Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP

Related Links

http://scott-scott.com


[January 16, 2020] Invoca Named Overall Leader in G2 Enterprise Grid Report for Inbound Call Tracking for 5th Straight Quarter

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Invoca , the leader in AI-powered call tracking and conversational analytics, today announced that customer feedback on software review site G2 has again made the company the Overall Leader in the G2 Enterprise Grid Report for Inbound Call Tracking . Invoca has held this position in the last five G2 reports, and with an overall score of 93, Invoca is over 20 points ahead of the nearest-scoring call tracking platform. In addition to being named the Overall Leader in enterprise call tracking, Invoca also topped the Enterprise Relationship Index  which is determined by ease of doing business with a company, quality of support, and the likelihood that users will recommend to others  and is the Momentum Leader in the report, determined by a combination of social, web, employee, and review data that G2 has deemed influential in a company's momentum. Invoca also has the largest Market Presence and received the highest Satisfaction score among inbound call tracking products. On G2 , 96% of users rate Invoca 4 or 5 stars, 97% of users believe the cmpany is headed in the right direction, and users said they would be likely to recommend Invoca at a rate of 90%.



"One of our core values at Invoca is to light our customers' way to success," said Nancy Steele, Senior Director, Customer Experience. "Everything we do is driven primarily by the success of our customers, and we accomplish this through the right mix of focused listening, guidance, and state of the art technology to help them get the highest value from our partnership. The results of the latest G2 report reinforces and validates our continued commitment to our customers." In a G2 review, Jonathan Pogact, VP of marketing at Drips, said, "Invoca provides companies with best-in-class tools and insights so they can make data-based decisions to save money and scale." And Trisha Finney, principal marketing consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, said, "...Implementation was a breeze. The Invoca staff is incredibly supportive and always willing to find solutions to our unique business needs."

The G2 Grid report represents the democratic voice of real software users. G2 rates products from the inbound call tracking category algorithmically based on data sourced from product reviews shared by G2 users and data aggregated from online sources and social networks. "Rankings on G2 reports are based on data provided to us by real users," said Michael Fauscette, chief research officer, G2. "We are excited to share the achievements of the products ranked on our site because they represent the voice of the user and offer terrific insights to potential buyers around the world." Technology buyers can use the Grid to help them quickly select the best products for their businesses and to find peers with similar experiences. For vendors, media, investors, and analysts, the Grid provides benchmarks for product comparison and market trend analysis. To learn more, download the G2 Enterprise Grid Report for Inbound Call Tracking . About Invoca

Invoca is an AI-powered call tracking and conversational analytics company that brings the depth of marketing analytics traditionally limited to digital consumer interactions to the world of human-to-human selling. With Invoca, marketers can use real-time call and conversational analytics to maximize the return of their paid media campaigns in Google and Facebook, and improve the buying experience by enriching customer profiles in Salesforce and Adobe Experience Cloud. With Fortune 500 customers and deep partnerships with the technologies marketers use every day, Invoca has raised $116M from leading venture capitalists including Accel, Upfront Ventures, H.I.G. Growth Partners, Morgan Stanley, and Salesforce Ventures. For more information, visit www.invoca.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/invoca-named-overall-leader-in-g2-enterprise-grid-report-for-inbound-call-tracking-for-5th-straight-quarter-300988099.html SOURCE Invoca

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Brian Cox speaks onstage at the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Succession star Brian Cox has been dropped as a patron for a Dundee centre for the elderly after he endorsed the use of cannabis.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, the 73-year-old described the drug as "great" and that he would "recommend it to everyone".

Chairwoman for the Mid-Lin Daycare Centre Joyce McIntosh has expressed "disappointment" at the actor's words, explaining that the drug problems in Dundee meant the centre had to distance itself from Cox.

Read more: Actor Brian Cox urges action on new Scottish film studio

Dundee is drug-ridden we just cant support Brians views on cannabis," she told The Courier. "We are shocked and disappointed.

I couldnt actually believe it when I read the papers  he has a CBE and all these awards and honorary positions, and next thing, were seeing that hes telling people to get stoned.

Brian Cox poses in the press room during the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

Its absolutely ridiculous and its setting a bad example for young people.

It comes after Cox picked up the award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama at the Golden Globes for his role as Logan Roy on HBO hit Succession.

He's also recently admitted to being a huge fan of Netflix show The Crown, declaring he was "completely hooked" by the royal drama.

Although he's claimed to have a connection to the royal family himself as he's shared he was once "touched up" by Princess Margaret when he was a young man in his early 20s.

He said of the late Countess of Snowden: She was an extraordinary creature.
CEO of one Wales leading brands to discuss history and future of Penderyn whisky at event in Wrexham

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 16th, 2020

A chief executive who helped build Penderyn whisky into one of Wales leading brands is to talk about work, whisky  and the companys plans for North Wales in a university lecture this month.

Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn, will be giving the lecture at Wrexham Glyndwr Universitys Nick Whitehead Theatre on January 28th.

During the talk, Stephen will discuss how the Penderyn brand was built, how the companys original distillery site, in the Brecon Beacons, proved a major tourism draw  and how they expect their new North Wales distillery, set to open in Llandudno in 2021 after a 5 million investment, to welcome even more visitors.

He has been with Penderyn since 2005, which was a year after they first started bottling, explained Penderyn spokesman, Jon Tregenna.

The Visitor Centre has always been an important part of the business, as nothing markets the brand as much as tasting the whisky and we saw over 43,000 visitors in 2019.

Penderyn and Wales are embedded together. When we go out into the world we talk about Wales as that is one of our points of difference to Scotch and Irish whiskies.

Penderyn has become an iconic Welsh brand, but its hard to manufacture that  it comes from an honest approach, a great product, a positive outlook, social media presence and an awareness of what is going on in Wales.

Having developed their brand over two decades, the company are now looking to build their presence across Wales.

Discussions about the proposals for their Llandudno site at a tourism conference piqued the interest of Dr Marcus Hansen, programme leader for Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

He said: When I heard of Penderyns plans for North Wales, I was really excited  they are a great addition to North Wales food and drink tourism offering and very good news for the industry regionally.

I spoke to Stephen straight away to invite him to Glyndwr to tell our students, staff, and visitors more  and Im really looking forward to welcoming him here at the end of the month!

With the proposals for Llandudno well underway, tourism professionals, students, and members of the public at the lecture will be able to hear more about the way Penderyn hope to build their brand in North Wales  as well as some tips for students hoping to develop careers in food and drink tourism.

Our Llandudno distillery will have a Visitor Centre and that will be vitally important, added Jon.

We anticipate seeing well above the numbers we see in our Brecon Beacons distillery as Llandudno is a tourist resort, and our current distillery has very little public transport  a bus every two hours.

Hopefully a lot of our visitors will be people who might not ordinarily visit Llandudno  whisky fans from Manchester and Liverpool, for example  so by increasing footfall in the town it should help other businesses. 

And for those looking to break into the industry, Jons advice is to get to know their region well  something which Glyndwrs Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management degree seeks to instil in all its students.

He added: I think that graduates interested in Food & Drink Tourism should have a strong feel for the area they promote, and a passion to push things through. A creative use of language and being able to communicate easily is also essential.

Penderyn has become a major brand and itd be great to create tie-ins with the university across a variety of platforms, such as business, food hygiene  and maybe, one day, there might be a distilling degree?

The free lecture by Mr Davies will be held at Wrexham Glyndwr Universitys Plas Coch Campus on Mold Road between 11.30am and 1pm on Tuesday, January 28 and is open to the general public and industry professionals as well as Glyndwr students.

You can book your place to attend the lecture, here. More information about Wrexham Glyndwr Universitys BA (Hons) in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management, can be found here.
Two teenagers are facing child endangerment charges after allegedly letting a 2-year-old inhale from a vape while they were babysitting.

Pennsylvania State Police received a tip Sunday about a video posted on Snapchat that showed the incident, according to a press release.

Police said that while a 17-year-old female was babysitting the toddler last week, the 2-year-old grabbed hold of a vape pen from a nightstand. But instead of taking the vape pen away, the teen and her friend, 18, instead recorded a video of the toddler taking an inhale before breaking into a fit of coughs and starting to cry, police allege.

The two girls  who are both unrelated to the toddler  appear to be laughing in the background of the video, which was obtained by local Pennsylvania station WPXI.

The vape that the toddler inhaled from did not contain THC, police said, but did contain three percent nicotine.

Vape | Getty

RELATED: Texas 15-Year-Old Becomes the Youngest to Die from Vaping-Related Lung Injury

The childs mother had no idea that her son had gotten hold of a vape pen until the authorities contacted her days after the babysitting session on January 9.

Im disgusted, the toddlers mom, who chose not to reveal her or her sons identity, told WPXI. Im very upset.

Im in disbelief that they would even laugh, or have something like that in reach of a childs possession, she added to the outlet.

Police said that the charges against the two teens are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing.

RELATED: FDA Announces Ban on Fruit and Mint E-Cigarette Flavors That Appeal to Kids

The negative health effects that vaping can cause is a growing concern in the United States.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration announced a ban on fruit and mint-flavored e-cigarettes, as well as vaping products specifically targeted to minors or whose marketing is likely to promote use by children.

There have been 57 confirmed e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) deaths across 27 states and the District of Columbia as of January 7, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control released last week.
Ames & Gough, an insurance broker and risk management consultant specializing in serving design professionals, law firms, associations/nonprofits and other professional service organizations, has appointed Matt Gough as president and Brett Gough as chief operating officer. Along with CEO Dan Knise, who was elected to the additional role of chair, the two executives will lead the firm into its fourth decade.

Founded in 1992 by Marshall Ames and Gary Gough, Ames & Gough has grown steadily over the years. Today, its 15 equity partners and more than 40 professionals serve the risk management and commercial insurance needs of professional services clients throughout the U.S.

As the firms president, Matt Gough will be responsible for the firms day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, client service, accounting, HR, technology and market relations. At the same time, he will continue to oversee Washington, D.C., operations.

He joined the firm in 2001 and has worked with many of the brokers design-firm clients. He also has led new business development and managed the firms contractors professional liability insurance program.

Brett Gough will assist in running the firm with a focus on firm-wide sales, marketing and client service. In addition to his appointment as COO, he will retain the title of executive vice president and will continue to manage the firms Boston, Mass., operations.

He joined the firm in 1995 and has been responsible for business development, as well as servicing the risk management and insurance needs of large design-firm clients.

As chair and CEO, Knise will focus on the firms strategy and future initiatives and will continue to work directly with some of the firms largest clients. He also will mentor the firms up-and-coming professionals. He joined Ames & Gough as president in 2005 and has nearly 40 years of senior leadership experience in the insurance industry.

Established in 1992, the firm has offices in Boston, Mass.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia, Penn.; and Washington, D.C.

Source: Ames & Gough

Topics Leadership
One San Antonio bar is proving that making a difference can be fun, using alcohol to help raise money to help with the fallout from the devastating Australia wildfires.

The Green Lantern, a speakeasy-style bar on the North Side, is selling a new drink through the end of February with half the proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

"The drink has been blowing up, it has been great," said Riamond Lomeli, the bartender who invented the drink.

The Koala Cocktail, which sells for $12, is made with the bar's house-infused spicy tequila, strawberry vodka and lime for a simply sweet drink with a little bit of heat.

READ ALSO: San Antonio Zoo creates Australia wildlife fund, matching the first $5k donated

"The thing about this cocktail is not only is it going to a good cause, but you can't get it anywhere else," Lomeli said. "Because we infuse our own liquor, you can't just go to another bar and say 'hey, can you make me that drink too?'"

With a sunset hue and a Tajin-lined rim, the cocktails are as eye-catching as they are delicious. The drinks even come with a paper Australian flag, floating on a dehydrated lime.

"But we also wanted something simple and easy so we could get the drinks out quickly because we want to have a lot of people ordering them so we can make a bigger donation," she continued.

A highlight of the cocktail is the stuffed koala bear that "climbs" the stem of the glass that customers can take home. Lomeli said the customers have been going crazy for the mini marsupial.

"People love it, we have had people on our Facebook page saying they want to come to San Antonio just for that," Lomeli said.

She said she came up with the drink after seeing the viral videos of people saving koalas from the wildfires and wanted to do something to help.

"I am an animal lover and we see the catastrophe while we are over here sitting in our nice bed in the AC while people and animals over there had to evacuate," Lomeli said. "And watching that, I just wanted to donate, but I wanted to do it on a bigger scale."

So she and the bar's general manager, Mike Sanmiguel, went to The Green Lantern's owner to pitch him the idea and he loved it. She said they started selling the cocktail that night.

"I think this really sheds a light on what a bar can do and it feels good to be able to make a difference," Lomeli said.

Although the only promotion the drink had was through a Facebook post, the Koala Cocktail was so popular they sold out of stuffed koalas the next night.

"The feedback has been great, people just want to help and this shows the love they have for the cause," Sanmiguel said. "Even after we ran out of koalas, people still wanted to donate and get the drink."

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
[January 16, 2020] Rippe & Kingston Launches the LMS Mobile App for Legal Professionals

Rippe & Kingston, a leading provider of financial and practice management solutions for law firms, continues to drive innovation in the legal industry with the release of a new mobile application that makes it easy to accurately track hours and maximize revenue, giving legal professionals the freedom to focus on what matters most - their clients and practice. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005410/en/ Tom Obermaier, Chief Executive Officer of Rippe & Kingston (Photo: Business Wire) The app, Rippe & Kingston LMS Mbile ("LMS Mobile"), enables attorneys to quickly capture every minute of their billable and non-billable time while on the go through an intuitive and predictive platform that syncs directly with the Rippe & Kingston Legal Management System. LMS Mobile's standout features include native time entry capabilities; options for immediate time release; voice dictation functionality; and the ability to easily add new clients and matters. The app eliminates the administrative burdens and inefficiencies associated with traditional methods of accounting for time, resulting in enhanced law firm productivity and profitability.



"Rippe & Kingston is continually on the lookout for the next big idea or breakthrough in legal tech and we're excited to bring our latest tool to market," said Tom Obermaier, Chief Executive Officer of Rippe & Kingston. "With LMS Mobile, we've solved a set of problems busy lawyers and firms are all too familiar with - how to ensure accurate timekeeping and provide billing transparency to clients." LMS Mobile is the latest in a series of innovative tools and technologies introduced to the legal industry by Rippe & Kingston, a technology company with 40 years of experience solving the unique and evolving challenges faced by legal professionals. The app was designed with extensive input and feedback from a diverse array of customers to guarantee it meets the needs of law firms of every size.

Professionals attending Legalweek New York, to be held February 3-6 at the New York Hilton Midtown, are invited to visit Rippe & Kingston's booth (#325) in Rhinelander Hall for a demonstration of LMS Mobile's numerous capabilities. LMS Mobile is available to all existing Rippe & Kingston clients through the App Store and Google Play. Rippe & Kingston is the fastest growing legal tech solutions provider in the U.S. With 40 years of experience delivering critical first to the legal industry, Rippe & Kingston is recognized as a leading provider of financial and practice management software to law firms nationwide. With a community of more than 40,000 members and counting, Rippe & Kingston continues its vital mission to ease the management burdens of legal professionals while maximizing the performance of their practice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005410/en/

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The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been passed by Parliament after a thorough debate in both Houses. It is the product of a fully democratic exercise.

The continued opposition from political parties, civil society activists, retired government servants and students to CAA makes little sense to those who have no political axe to grind, no ideological bias, are capable of thinking on their own about the reasons for the amendment and do not believe that protests through open letters to the government are free of political party preferences.

Historical concerns

The status and condition of religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is well known. The number of Hindus and Sikhs in these countries has declined steeply over the years. Even today, we have instances in Pakistan of Sikh girls being abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Many Sikhs moved out of Afghanistan during Taliban rule. A significant number of Hindus have migrated from Bangladesh to India before 1971 and afterwards, even if Sheikh Hasinas government today is protective of minorities.

As far back as 2003, when this writer was Foreign Secretary, we had officially communicated to Bangladesh that in our estimation there were about 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants in India. The then Khaleda Zia government was unwilling to acknowledge any such migration and made frivolous responses.

The Opposition is playing the dangerous game of mobilising Muslims to stage street protests to capitalise on the existing perception that the government is anti-Islamic. (Photo: Reuters)

Now, should we differentiate between non-Muslim minorities fleeing Islamic countries because of religious discrimination, physical insecurity and uncertainty about their future, and Muslims migrating to India illegally for better economic opportunities and politically supported demographic infiltration? A rational distinction can be made between Hindus and Sikhs and other minorities seeking their future in India, because they have nowhere else to go, and Muslims from Islamic countries who do have alternative options.

The CAA does this by fast-tracking the acquisition of Indian citizenship by Hindus and Sikhs and others, regulating their status in India and extending all the benefits of citizenship to them. Illegal Muslim migrants can theoretically go back to their country of origin without fear of religious discrimination and physical insecurity, or some other interim solution can be found, once they are properly identified, which is an exercise for later.

The huge hullabaloo over the CAA is difficult to understand unless it is a cynical campaign to rouse communal passions in India under the garb of protecting the secular nature of the Constitution and safeguarding Indian democracy. The Opposition is playing the dangerous game of mobilising Muslims to stage street protests with violence in tow to capitalise on and deepen the existing perception that the Modi-led BJP government is anti-Muslim.

Communal agenda

The secular argument has been carried to an absurd length in demanding that even persecuted Muslims in Islamic and other countries such as the Ahmadis and Rohingyas should be eligible for Indian citizenship.

The Rohingyas, as Bengali-speaking Muslims, can be settled in Bangladesh as a fraternal Muslim country. Seen here are the Rohingya people in their camp in Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

The Rohingyas have entered India illegally but no Ahmadi has fled Pakistan for safety in India. So, why is the Ahmadi red-herring being drawn? Why not include the Shias in Pakistan targeted by Sunni jihadi groups, the Yazidis and other victims of the Islamic State, or, further away, the victims of Boko Haram from North Africa to prove our secular credentials? Is the Opposition demanding that the Ahmadis who might enter India illegally at some future date should be eligible for Indian citizenship as well? How would this be possible when the cut-off date in the CAA is December 31, 2014? The Rohingyas, as Bengali-speaking Muslims, can be settled in Bangladesh as a fraternal Muslim country. Malaysia, which is fast becoming an Islamic state that feels concerned about Kashmiris, could accept them, just as it has accepted Zakir Naik.

NRC vital to security

Those clamouring against the CAA in the name of secularism and democracy do not want Hindus, Sikhs and others to benefit from CAA, even if for one time unless the Muslims are also accommodated. Implicitly, they support grant of citizenship to the several million Bangladeshi Muslims who have entered India illegally.

This is the reason why both the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population Register (NPR) are being vehemently opposed. Established democracies have a detailed database of citizens, with citizenship verification through several means, including national identity cards. This is a vital aspect of sovereignty, national security and governance. Why does the move to establish an NRC abridge Indias democracy in particular? With our porous borders, terrorism concerns and the reality of illegal migration, India desperately needs a citizenship register.

The irony is that with similar social conditions  the absence of birth certificates, poverty and illiteracy  Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal have citizenship rolls. They found methodologies to deal with these issues, as we too will. Unfortunately, the debate on CAA (the false secular argument) and NRC (the Assam experience, but from which lessons can be learnt) is becoming too poisoned for the nations good.

(Courtesy of Mail Today)

Also read: Who is (not) a citizen of India?
The US Senate on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to approve a new North American trade pact, handing President Donald Trump a second back-to-back trade win just as his impeachment trial was beginning in Washington.

After a brief debate, lawmakers voted 89-10 in favor of a bill allowing the US-Mexico-Canada agreement to take effect, overhauling trade relations among the three countries.

The USMCA bill faced some opposition -- including from Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who said it failed to address the threat of climate change -- and Republican Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who complained that it erected barriers to free trade.

Given that the USMCA was negotiated at his instigation, Trump's signature is not in doubt, however.

In split-screen drama and with the vote scarcely concluded, House lawmakers who will serve as prosecutors in Trump's trial gathered in the well of the Senate bearing articles of impeachment which were later read aloud to the chamber -- setting the historic proceedings in motion.

The second straight day of good on the trade front offered a welcome boost for the embattled president, who faces a tough re-election fight 10 months from now.

Adoption of the continent-wide agreement comes less than a day after Washington and Beijing reached a separate partial deal, pausing a damaging trade war between the world's top two economies and letting farmers and businesses breathe a sigh of relief.

In an internet video, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador hailed the USMCA's Senate passage, calling the "very meaningful" as it signaled "more confidence in Mexico" and would lead to growth and investment.

The USMCA is billed as an update to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump had long lambasted as a job killer and threatened to scrap outright.

House lawmakers voted last month to adopt the USMCA after winning changes to the text, including stronger guarantees that Mexican labor reforms can be enforced, as well as changes governing medications and environmental standards.

"Today, the Senate passed a USMCA that has been transformed by Democrats' leadership," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

Mexican lawmakers adopted those changes last month while Canada has yet to vote on the text, the final step for it to enter into force.

Trump had long blamed NAFTA for the offshoring of American jobs, and negotiations for what would become the USCMA began in August of 2017.

Mexican and Canadian officials likewise conceded that the 26-year-old NAFTA, ratified in an era before the rise of digital commerce, was in need of an update.

The new treaty was signed by the three countries in November 2018.

The earlier NAFTA created a vast free-trade zone across North America, leading to radical shifts in the makeup of industries in the three countries and vastly increasing cross-border exchanges in goods, services and people.

While the agreement produced winners and losers in some areas, economists say overall it increased growth and raised the standard of living in North America.

The new deal changes content rules on auto manufacturing and requires higher salaries for some Mexican auto workers.

It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protections and dispute settlement for investors, as well as tougher labor provisions that require reforms to Mexico's labor laws An analysis by an independent US trade commission in April showed the USMCA was likely to have a "moderate" positive effect on the US economy -- largely by reducing uncertainty about the rules governing trade.

On the other hand, it could also result in lower US auto production and sales, according to the US International Trade Commission.

But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said the agreement should result in billions more in investments in the auto sector and purchases of parts, citing commitments made by manufacturers, as well as hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

Businesses and the agricultural lobby in recent months had urgently pressed lawmakers to advance the new treaty and help end trade uncertainty.

US trade with Canada and Mexico supports 12 million American jobs and 49 of 50 US states list Mexico or Canada among their three top export destinations, according to the US Chamber of Commerce.

Canada and Mexico together represent 40 percent of the growth in US goods exports. Trade with those two countries reached $1.4 trillion in 2018.

Trump aides believed the bill's success vindicated the president's maximum pressure strategy, including the use of punitive tariffs to extract concessions from trade partners.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YEREVAN.  Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: [PM] Nikol Pashinyan has not participated in the Christmas liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin since his tenure, as the Etchmiadzin Cathedral has been under renovation for a long time. Now the works [there] are paralyzed as the government delays the decision to recognize as charity the works being in the cathedral as a cultural object and to exempt from taxes.

By the way, it should be reminded that the day before it became known that in March 2019, a committee headed by [Deputy PM] Tigran Avinyan had amiably recognized as charitable all Soros foundation projects over $3 million, and exempted the organizations collaborating with it, including the media, from taxes.
This article originally appeared on Food52.

When I first came across a pulled pork sandwich stuffed with jackfruit, I was utterly horrified.

Shredded jackfruit smothered in barbecue sauce is the complete antithesis to the sunny yellow bulbs of fruit I ate fresh out of hand called nangka, and the spiced curries I devoured on family trips to Indonesia.

As exotic-fruit mania crescendos with the jackfruits newfound status as trendy meat substitute in the West, its provenance is getting left in the dust.

In an article in The Guardian, writer Zoe Williams calls jackfruit a spectacularly ugly, smelly  pest-plant which people consumed only if they had nothing better to eat. She goes on to imply that its current popularity rests entirely on the rising vegan trend.

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Williams couldnt be more wrong.

On the contrary, a good portion of the worldthink Southeast and South Asiahas adored jackfruit for centuries.

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Native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, the jack tree belongs to the Moracaea family that includes breadfruit and figs. It grows easily in the wild, and while its being touted as a vegan miracle in the West, jackfruit is an abundant food source for millions in Asia, not just vegans.

Nutrient-dense jackfruit is packed with calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and potassium. This whole food is also rich in plant-based fiber and free from saturated fats or cholesterol. It isnt, however, comparable to beans and tofu in the protein department.

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When I first came to the U.S. in the early 1990s, I could only find jackfruit at Asian markets, and never fresh. Two decades later, companies like Uptons Naturals and The Jackfruit Company started discovering the wonder food that is jackfruit. Now you can buy shelf-stable jackfruit doused in barbecue sauce, teriyaki, or curry at your local grocery store. You can even find fresh jackfruit at some Whole Foods Markets these days.

Jackfruit is a gargantuan green fruitmature fruit can weigh up to 100 poundscovered in tiny little spikes. Like papaya, its sold in two stages of development: young and unripe, or mature and ripe.

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They are used very differently.

Young and unripe jackfruit is your fruit of choice if youre looking for a savory meat substitute. Its pale green and starchy, and meat-like in texture. Treated like a vegetable, unripe jackfruit is very versatile and absorbs the flavors of the spices its cooked with. Other than seasoned and prepackaged, jackfruit is also available canned in brine with an Asian label slapped onto it, and more recently under the Trader Joes brand.

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While vegans in the U.S. seek unripe jackfruit as a meat substitute, writer Madhushree Ghosh points out,No Indian looks for meat substitutes if theyre vegetarian. Thats a western concept.

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In South Asia, jackfruit is both an everyday ingredient as well as used to make celebratory dishes, especially when feeding a crowd.

The dish that comes to Ghoshs mind is echorer (jackfruit) shobjee. This is considered a very upper class delicacy in Bengal, Ghosh says. In this hearty curry, the unripe jackfruit is robust, fibrous and has the texture of (shredded) chicken. No wonder jackfruit is also called gaach patha, or tree goat in Bengali. Cook it right and it tastes like mutton.

Ghosh remembers her Baba teaching her to cut a whole jackfruit. The concept of cutting the unripe jackfruit is a challenge, she says. The resin between the seeds is sticky and gets on clothesjust a messy process. But to be able to cut the pieces, slice the seeds and soak them in salt water before cooking needs a teacher to master it.

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In other parts, many traditional jackfruit recipes are far from vegan.

Indonesian-style jackfruit stew, called gudeg, is sweet, sweet, sweeta trademark of Javanese cooking. Jackfruit is braised for hours with coconut milk, palm sugar, and spices like coriander, galangal, salam leaf, and served with chicken, boiled eggs, and krecek (buffalo skin crackling).

Leela Punyaratabandhu, the mastermind behind She Simmers (a Thai home cooking blog), highlights tam khanun as an iconic northern Thai dry curry. In addition to ginger, garlic, shallots, and julienned makrut lime leaves, the boiled jackfruit is combined with minced pork or pork rinds.

Betty Ann Quirinos father grew langka, the Tagalog name for jackfruit, on their farm in the Philippines.

The trees were huge and the langka fruit were enormous, Quirino remembers.

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Quirinos mom cooked unripe jackfruit often as a vegetable side dish or an entree in itself. Sometimes with coconut milk and bird chiles, sometimes adobo-style. One dish she remembers fondly is langka kadios, jackfruit cooked with pork cubes and soft peas only available in the Visayas region.

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My mother made use of langka a lot for daily meals and merienda (snacks), she tells me. I think she even tried to pickle some langka. Thats how much fruit we had!

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When it comes to merienda and desserts from other cultures, mature jackfruit is used. The sweet, golden-yellow bulbs have a slightly rubbery texture, and theyre sold skin-on in halves or quarters at Asian markets. This is the form you eat out of hand or toss into sweet drinks and desserts. For convenience, jackfruit is also available canned in syrup.

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However, this form may be a little too close in smell and taste to jackfruits tropical cousin, the durian, for some.

Quirino, who authored How to Cook Philippine Desserts, Cakes and Snacks, says her mother would boil jackfruit strips in syrup until soft before adding to halo-halo or fill lumpia wrappers with langka and plantains for turon ng saging.

Jackfruit has traveled the world and back. Langka smoothies are a popular refreshment in Vietnam, and the national drink of Indonesia, es teler, is milky and sweet, studded with jackfruit slices, avocado bits, coconut flesh, and jellies. In Kerala, where every household has a jack tree, the fruit is used wherever possible. Ripe jackfruit preparations include milkshakes, juices, sherbet, and sweets like halwa and barfi.

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Truth be told, I doubt my mother fed us jackfruit because its a wonder food, but rather because cooking and eating it is part of our culture. As Ma likes to say, Were Indonesian. We eat Indonesian food.

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NEW DELHI - India on Thursday asked China to avoid raising the Kashmir dispute at the United Nations Security Council, insisting it is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

The government issued a statement Thursday, a day after China requested a review by the U.N. Security Council of the U.N. observer mission in Kashmir.

``China should reflect on a global consensus on Kashmir and avoid raising it at the United Nations, Indias External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.

Most countries on the 15-member council have urged India and Pakistan to cool the dispute and resolve it between themselves. But on Wednesday, Chinas U.N. ambassador warned against further escalation of strife between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region and expressed hope that a Security Council meeting called by Beijing might help both countries seek a solution through dialogue.

Kumar said India has raised the matter with China in the past.

The latest flareup in conflict was sparked by a decision by Indias Hindu nationalist-led government to end the semi-autonomous status of Muslim-majority Kashmir on Aug. 5.

A harsh crackdown ensued, with New Delhi sending tens of thousands more troops to the already heavily militarized region, imposing a sweeping curfew, arresting thousands and cutting off virtually all communications.

Authorities have since eased several restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and cellphone services, but Internet service is yet to be restored in the Kashmir valley.

Also Thursday, Indias External Affairs Ministry said India will invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend the 19th council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization which will be hosted by India later this year.

``As per the established practices and procedures within SCO, all eight members of SCO as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited (by India), the ministry said.

India and Pakistan both became full members of the SCO in June 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to promote multilateral economic co-operation.
Former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott will appear in Olay's Super Bowl LIV ad alongside actress Busy Phillips, YouTube personality Lilly Singh, actress Taraji P. Henson and Katie Couric. (Image credit: Olay)

A former NASA astronaut is starring in a Super Bowl ad to help "make space for women."

Nicole Stott, who logged more than 100 days on three flights to the International Space Station, is set to appear in Olay's 30-second Big Game spot to promote the skin care company's partnership with the nonprofit organization Girls Who Code.

"On a mission to #MakeSpaceForWomen," wrote Stott on Facebook. "Thanks to Olay for encouraging and supporting young women in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics]."

Related: Astronaut twins Mark and Scott Kelly scramble Earth's lights in Alexa Super Bowl ad

The campaign aims to increase the number of women in science and technology fields, including computer science, to close the gender gap that exists today. For every post on Twitter that includes the hashtag #MakeSpaceForWomen through the day after Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 2), Olay will donate $1 (up to $500,000) to Girls Who Code.

"Join our crew and tweet your support!" wrote Stott.

A teaser for the ad released by Olay on Wednesday promoted the campaign and the Super Bowl LIV (54) commercial.

"Today, Olay launches its very first space mission," says veteran journalist Katie Couric in the 19-second online video, which features Stott, actress Busy Phillips and YouTube personality Lilly Singh as astronauts wearing Olay-styled spacesuits.

The Olay #MakeSpaceForWomen campaign will raise awareness and money for Girls Who Code. (Image credit: Olay)

Olay said the ad was inspired by the first all-woman spacewalk last October and the teaser's release was timed with the second such extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the space station on Wednesday. The teaser does not show the orbiting laboratory, but does feature an animation of a rocket lifting off that resembles NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), but with "OLAY" emblazoned on its side.

"Why are these women in space? Find out when Olay's mission is launched on 2.2.2020," says actress Taraji P. Henson as the video ends.

Henson portrayed NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson in the 2016 movie "Hidden Figures." In the Olay ad, Henson plays a mission controller, while Couric delivers the news of the mission.

"Olay has found a way to champion and empower women during a very historically male-dominated advertising space  the Super Bowl. We still have a long way to go in achieving gender equality across a range of industries, so I'm excited to share the importance of getting more girls into STEM with the biggest audience of the year," said Couric.

Stott said that she was excited to be featured in the Olay commercial, appearing alongside "other fearless trailblazing women."

"As a woman in STEM, I know what it's like to be one of only a handful of women in a room  or on a space station," Stott said in a statement released by Olay. "It's important for everyone to know that the spaceship doesn't care if you're a boy or girl."

"That's why I'm thrilled Olay has launched their mission in space to encourage more young women to be fearless in pursuit of a career in STEM. I hope you're inspired to use the hashtag #MakeSpaceForWomen to support Girls Who Code!"

In addition to raising donations for the cause, Olay fans who use the hashtag #MakeSpaceForWomen and the hashtag #Sweepstakes, as well as follow @OlaySkin on Twitter, will have the chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Entries can also be made on the Club Olay website. The deadline to enter the contest is Monday, Jan. 20.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.

Koch  who will also celebrate her 41st birthday in space later this month  is expected to return to Earth this spring, along with two of her Expedition 61 crewmembers, European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov.
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Millions are bracing for a powerful winter storm that is on track to impact 22 states across the US, bringing heavy snow and ice that's likely to disrupt holiday weekend travel.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the storm will hit portions of the Central Plains, Upper Midwest and the Northeast though Sunday.

It has already dropped up to two feet of snow in the Northwest while bringing 80mph wind gusts.

Portions of a road through rural mountain communities northeast of Seattle reopened on Thursday, allowing some supplies into an area that has been without power for days because of a series of winter storms that brought several feet of snow to parts of western Washington.

Scattered power outages were reported early Thursday, including in and around the small towns of Skykomish and Baring on US Highway 2, which runs across the Cascade Mountain range.

On Wednesday, crews cleared power lines and trees that had fallen across the roadway, allowing some residents who had been without power for nearly a week to leave and for supplies to be brought in.

'On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 10,' said Baring resident Charlie Preston. 'It's hell.'

Scroll down for video

The powerful storm has already dropped up to two feet of snow in the Northwest (pictured) Skykomish, Washington, while bringing 80mph wind gusts to the area

Scattered power outages were reported early Thursday, including in and around the small towns of Skykomish and Baring on US Highway 2, which runs across the Cascade Mountain range. Utility workers are seen fixing broken and downed power lines between Gold Bar and Skykomish, Washington, on Wednesday

But authorities warned it could be several days before power is fully restored to the area about 60 miles northeast of Seattle.

'Realistically, I'm not expecting power here for another three or four days,' Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek told The Seattle Times.

Puget Sound Energy spokesman Andrew Padula said the problem that crews are facing is that as soon as one downed line is repaired, 'another tree comes down and takes it out again because of the heavy snow'.

Washington Gov Jay Inslee said the state Emergency Management Division brought food, water and fuel to that area between Gold Bar and Skykomish and that they were also offering voluntary evacuations.

'We will work to provide whatever these communities need. The safety of Washingtonians in this region is paramount,' he tweeted.

The Seattle metro area didn't see much new snow Wednesday, but on the Olympic Peninsula northwest of the city people were digging out after getting hit with several feet of snow.

Icicles form along Highway 2 near Skykomish, Washington, are seen on Wednesday after the powerful winter storm hit the area

Snow covers the land by Steven's Pizza in Skykomish, Washington, along Highway 2, Wednesday. Volunteers brought food and supplies here for local Skykomish residents stranded without power or access to food

Sophin Long waits for a tow from a friend after losing control in snow on I-5 before the 300th St NW exit north of Arlington in Seattle on Wednesday

Reports from Port Angeles ranged up to 20 inches of snow. North of Seattle, Mount Vernon tallied eight inches of snow while Anacortes recorded 12 inches.

In Oregon, many schools were delayed because of concerns about icy roads.

Two people southwest of Mt Bachelor were rescued after they drove to Cultus Lake and became stranded after experiencing car trouble, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Brad Barron, 33, walked several miles in the snow Tuesday until he was able to get a cellphone signal and call for help, the sheriff's office said.

It took rescuers nine hours to reach them but both Barron and his wife were found cold but in good condition, officials said.

After several days of freezing temperatures forecasters say warmer weather will arrive by Saturday, melting snow but increasing the threat of flooding.

Several states are under winter storm advisories and warnings (depicted above) into the weekend

The storm started in the Northwest with Washington state and Northern California receiving up to three feet of snow

By Saturday, several states could see freezing rain along with heavy snow in portions of the Northeast

In the Central and Midwest regions, the NWS said that travel is likely to be impacted due to snow and ice covered roadways.

Significant snow accumulations are most likely in portions of Minnesota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan.

'Strong winds may lead to blowing and drifting of snow in some of these areas as well,' the NWS tweeted.

In the southern Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley, forecasters said there will be possible 'impactful freezing rain accumulations'.

On Saturday and Sunday, snow and ice accumulations will hit the Northeast and New England.

Parts of the Northeast will get heavy snow and gusty winds beginning Thursday.

Another storm will develop Thursday night over the central US bringing snow and ice from the Plains through the Northeast into the weekend.

Philadelphia, New York and Boston may only see 1 to 2 inches of snows but other cities in Pennsylvania, Central New York and New England could see a foot of snow.

Children play in the snow on Tuesday in Edmonds, Washington, after the state received heavy snow that's now moving to the East

Sidestreets from the highway had packed snow including a newly plowed 300th Street NW just off I-5 near Arlington in Seattle on Wednesday
A Connecticut man was sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail, according to federal authorities.

Erick Suarez, 31, of New Britain, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to a total of 97 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, federal authorities said in a release from the office of Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

The case started when the Drug Enforcement Administrations Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service began in 2017 investigating a drug trafficking organization that was sending Priority Mail parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and elsewhere, the release said.

The investigation into the case revealed that Suarez coordinated shipments of cocaine from individuals in Puerto Rico to addresses in New Britain, Hartford, Newington, East Hartford and Bridgeport, as well as Springfield, Mass., the release said, citing court documents and statements made in court.

Investigators identified more than 50 suspect parcels that were mailed from Puerto Rico, and intercepted five of the suspect parcels, each of which contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine.

Investigators arrested several members of the cocaine trafficking ring in April 2018, including Jerry Rodriguez, also known as Bebo, of Hartford, the release said. A search of Rodriguezs residence revealed approximately 400 grams of cocaine, approximately 160 grams of heroin, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.

Also in April 2018, investigators searched Suarezs residence, as well as two storage units used by Suarez and one storage unit used by Rodriguez in West Hartford, the release said. The search of Suarezs storage units revealed more than $50,000 in cash and a search of Rodriguezs storage unit revealed additional items used to process and package narcotics.

Suarez was arrested on April 12, 2018 and on April 18, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Suarez, Rodriguez and five other individual with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the release said. Suarez pleaded guilty on Sept. 10, 2019.

Suarez has been detained since his arrest. Rodriguez has pleaded guilty and is detained while awaiting sentencing, the release said.
The father of one of the students killed during the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, two years ago has called for the resignation of a local city council member in Virginia after seeing him show up to a government meeting with an AR-15 strapped to his chest.

Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, was killed during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, tweeted that Portsmouth councilman Nathan Clark should resign for his behaviour.

Mr Clark had shown up with the gun on Tuesday night, where he voted in favour of a resolution to declare Portsmouth a Second Amendment constitutional city. In a letter Mr Clark brought to the meeting, he claimed he wore the weapon because he was a law enforcement officer and that he wanted to make a point about responsible firearm ownership.

Councilman Nathan Clark resign, Mr Guttenberg tweeted. Citizens you represent should not be forced to accept him engaging in open intimidation with his AR-15.

He continued, referencing a letter Mr Clark wrote explaining he planned no harm to anyone with his firearm: You gun lunatic, in spite of your letter, nobody knows your intent. My daughter did not know someone carrying an AR-15 would kill her.

March for Our Lives  in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives  in pictures March for Our Lives  in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives  in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty

The contentious display in Portsmouth comes as communities across Virginia have rallied against gun control bills in Richmond, which Democrats in control of the state legislature and governors mansion favour.

It also comes just a month before the second anniversary of the shooting in Parkland, which killed Jaime and 16 other people, including 13 fellow students. Three administrators were killed killed alongside those students in that shootout on Valentines Day.

The trial for the alleged gunman, Nikolas Cruz, is expected to begin later this month, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for the former classmate who opened fire on the school.

The shooting sparked a renewed effort to lobby for gun control measures across the country, with several surviving students coming together to launch the March for our Lives movement that culminated in a massive rally in Washington to support gun control.
By Barani Krishnan

Investing.com - The United States left tariffs intact on China despite today's historic trade deal, giving the safe-haven crowd a reason to buy gold on Wednesday. Palladium, meanwhile, ticked to another record high, reinforcing its position as the worlds costliest metal.

Gold futures and bullion rebounded from two-straight days of losses as markets vexed over Washingtons decision to keep duties on some $360 billion of Chinese goods, despite the phase one agreement inked between President Donald Trump and Chinas Vice Premier Liu He at the White House.

Gold futures for February delivery on New Yorks COMEX settled up $9.40, or 0.6%, at $1,554 per ounce.

Spot gold, which tracks live trades in bullion, was up $8.74, or 0.6%, at $1,554.86.

There are still politically worrisome headlines and one of them is that the U.S. tariffs on China are staying despite the deal between the two countries, said George Gero, precious metals analyst at RBC Wealth Management in New York. This basically means the trade war isnt over, and thats an incentive for the safe-haven crowd to seek a hedge in gold.

Analysts said gold also attracted a bid as the U.S. Congress voted to send articles of impeachment against Trump to the Senate, approving seven members to serve as prosecutors in his trial.

Speculators also pushed palladium prices to new peaks on continuous worries of a supply squeeze in South Africa and Russia, which are top producers of the auto-catalyst metal.

Spot palladium was up $62.35, or 2.8%, at $2,256.73 per ounce at 3:30 PM ET (20:30 GMT). It earlier hit an all-time high of $2,262.88.

Palladium futures settled up $41.80, or 2%, at $2,165.10, after touching a record high of $2,178.20.

Palladium led gains across commodities in 2019, rising 55%. Year to date, it is up 13%.

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BEIRUT  Under growing pressure at home and abroad, Iranian leaders attempted Wednesday to calm domestic anger over the downing of a passenger jet last week, while lashing out at European nations that have formally accused Iran of breaking the 2015 agreement to curb its nuclear program.

In Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani criticized  and appeared to threaten  Britain, France and Germany for officially accusing Iran on Tuesday of reneging on its commitments under the nuclear deal, a step that further isolates Iran internationally and that could lead to renewed U.N. sanctions.

The European countries, signatories to the deal, have tried to salvage the agreement since President Trump pulled out in 2018 and imposed a series of economic sanctions on Iran, kick-starting the current high tensions. They said Tuesday they still hoped to preserve the deal, but Rouhani accused the Europeans of siding with the United States and urged them to uphold the deal.

Today, the American soldier is in danger; tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger, Rouhani said in a speech, Agence France-Presse reported.

The Europeans and the United States would only aggravate tensions in the region if they continued pulling back from the deal, he warned. You will suffer if you take a wrong move, he said, according to Press TV, a state-run news agency.

The nuclear deal, which was intended to keep Iran from building an atomic bomb, imposed limits on its ability to enrich uranium. In response to U.S. sanctions, Iran has repeatedly breached those restrictions, despite European pleas to return to compliance.

But Rouhani seemed to leave a sliver of room open for further negotiation Wednesday, noting that Irans recent steps to increase its nuclear activities were reversible. If the United States softened its punishing stance toward Iran, we are prepared to reciprocate, he said, according to Press TV.

Comments from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Wednesday suggested that the United States was looking in the opposite direction, citing what he called very direct discussions with the European signatories to the nuclear deal.

We look forward to working with them quickly and would expect that the U.N. sanctions will snap back into place, he said on CNBC.

The Europeans decision to invoke the deals formal dispute resolution process arrived at a flammable moment for Iran, after weeks of domestic and international tumult. Anti-government protests broke out in several cities last month, but the targeted killing by the United States of a top Iranian general this month temporarily united the country behind its leadership, and Iran fired missiles at bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation.

On Jan. 8, a Ukraine International Airlines flight to Kyiv crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people abroad. After claiming for three days that the disaster had resulted from mechanical failure, Iran acknowledged that its own anti-aircraft missiles had shot the plane down.

Vivian Yee is a New York Times writer.
The man is the third person with pneumonia and a travel history to Wuhan to have been placed under observation here. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Thursday (16 January) that it had been notified of a 69-year-old Singaporean man with pneumonia who had travelled to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where a mysterious virus has afflicted dozens and left one person dead.

He has been admitted for further assessment and treatment, and isolated as a precautionary measure. His condition is stable, said MOH.

The man is the third person with pneumonia and a travel history to Wuhan to have been placed under observation here. Earlier tests conducted on two Chinese nationals  a three-year-old girl and 26-year-old man  found that they did not have the same strain of virus as that detected in Wuhan.

In the latest case, the ministry said that the man had not visited the Huanan seafood wholesale market linked to the Wuhan pneumonia cluster.

Investigations to establish whether the suspect case is linked to the Wuhan pneumonia cluster are ongoing, said MOH.

Since the first case of infection was detected in China on 24 December, 59 people have been infected with the virus  which has since been "preliminarily determined" to be a new type of coronavirus, and from the same family as the deadly Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

A 61-year-old man in China has since become the first person to die of the virus.

Related stories:

Wuhan virus outbreak: Second suspected case not linked to China cluster

China believes new virus behind mystery pneumonia outbreak

Wuhan virus outbreak: 3-year-old girl's case not linked to China cluster, says MOH

Temperature screening at Changi Airport for travellers flying from Wuhan from 3 Jan over pneumonia concerns
New Delhi: The BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC) met on Thursday to finalise the partys candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls. The list is likely to be announced on Friday.

Those at the meeting included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, and Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari besides working president JP Nadda. They held consultation at the party headquarters here over the names of probables for the February 8 elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari was also part of the meeting.

The meeting came days after the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday named all its candidates.

The BJP had won only three assembly seats in the previous assembly elections, while the AAP had won 67.

The elections will be a triangular contest, with the Congress the third major player as political watchers believe the BJP and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP are likely to be the main rivals in most of the seats.

While Kejriwal is relying on populist schemes, like free electricity and water besides free ride for women in government-run buses and his work to boost education and health infrastructure, the BJP is planning to oust him from power on the Modi government's decision to grant ownership rights to people living in unauthorised colonies and planks like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The saffron party has accused the AAP government of allegedly failing to fulfil most of its promises and has tried to corner it over violence during anti-CAA protests in the city.
IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, right, and Mizoram CM Zoramthanga, left, during signing of an agreement for permanent settlement of displaced Bru tribals, in New Delhi, on Thursday. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo

More than 30,000 displaced Bru tribals from Mizoram, who have been living as refugees in Tripura since 1997, will permanently settle in Tripura and an agreement was signed in this effect on Thursday.

The deal was signed by representatives of Bru, the central, Tripura and Mizoram governments in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at North Block in New Delhi.

Under the agreement, over 30,000 Bru tribals will live in Tripura permanently, Shah said.

The Bru tribals have been staying in Tripura in different relief camps after they fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes between Bru and Mizo communities.

An agreement signed in July 2018 for repatriation of the Bru tribals to Mizoram did not materialise as majority of the community members refused to go back to Mizoram. So far, only 328 families have returned and settled in Mizoram.

"A 23-year-old problem, which has been lingering for so long, has reached its logical conclusion. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have been solving one after another complicated problem," Shah said.

Under the pact, Rs 4 lakh will be given to each Bru family in a fixed deposit account, Rs 5,000 per month for two years, a plot of land in Tripura and ration for two years.

For all such assistance, the central government will provide Rs 600 crore.

"The Bru people, who have been living in sub-human conditions in different camps, can now live in their own homes permanently. They will enjoy equal rights of any Indian living in Tripura with voting rights. They will now live honourably," Shah said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma besides Tripura royal scion Pradyot Deb Barman were present at the event.

Sarma, who was a key person in hammering out a solution between the Bru people and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram, said the conflict resolution exercise has been going on in the Northeastern region and Thursday's agreement was part of it.

"Some more good news are in the offing," he said without elaborating.

Zoramthanga said with this agreement, a long-drawn problem has come to an end.

Deb described the pact as 'historic' and thanked the prime minister and the home minister for its successful conclusion.
[January 16, 2020] HanesBrands Renews U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership to Support Environmental Stewardship

HanesBrands today announced that the company has renewed its partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005497/en/ HanesBrands partners with the U.S. EPA's SmartWay Transport program to support environmental stewardship. Since 2008, the company has reduced carbon emissions from transportation by more than 50%. (Graphic: Business Wire) Hanes, which has been a program partner for three years, recently submitted its data on shipping and energy-conservation efforts associated with the transportation of raw materials and distribution of finished products. The SmartWay Transport program reviewed and validated this information before approving the company's partnership renewal. Since 2008, Hanes has reduced carbon emissions from transportation by more than 50%, helping the company achieve a total 34% reduction in carbon emissions across its supply chain operations. "We're very proud to participate in the U.S. EPA's SmartWay Transportation program, as it is integral to being successful in our overall environmental sustainability program," said Robin Hager, director of global logistics, freight and customs. The SmartWay Transport program was developed in 2003 by the U.S. EPA, industry stakeholders and environmental groups. Annually since its inception, the partnership estimates that the program has helped save nearly 280 million barrels of oil, or more than 5.3 billion gallons of gas, along with $38 billion in fuel costs. Additionally, emissions have been reduced by 134 million tons. Hanes uses SmartWay's tools and innovative approaches to assess the environmental and energy efficiency of shipping within its supply chains and help reduce uel use and associated emissions. SmartWay has more than 3,000 partners, including manufacturers, shippers, logistics companies, and truck, rail, barge and multimodal carriers.



For more information on Hanes' environmental sustainability efforts, visit the Hanes for Good website (www.hanesforgood.com/environmental-responsibility). To learn more about the SmartWay Transport Partnership, visit the EPA website (www.epa.gov/smartway). HanesBrands

HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) is a socially responsible leading marketer of everyday basic innerwear and activewear apparel in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. The company markets T-shirts, bras, panties, shapewear, underwear, socks, hosiery, and activewear under some of the world's strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Bonds, Maidenform, DIM, Bali, Playtex, Bras N Things, Nur Die/Nur Der, Alternative, L'eggs, JMS/Just My Size, Lovable, Wonderbra, Berlei, and Gear for Sports. More information about the company and its award-winning corporate social responsibility initiatives may be found at www.Hanes.com/corporate. Visit our newsroom at https://newsroom.hanesbrands.com/. Connect with the company via social media: Twitter (News - Alert) (@hanesbrands), Facebook (News - Alert) (www.facebook.com/hanesbrandsinc), Instagram (@hanesbrands), and LinkedIn (News - Alert) (@Hanesbrandsinc). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005497/en/

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Mongabay- India

by Mayank Aggarwal

After sustained pressure from both civil society and courts over the past few years, the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019. Now, one year later, in January 2020, there is progress reported on increasing the number of air quality monitoring stations. However, in terms of controlling pollution, progress has been slow, feel experts.

The central government had launched NCAP as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across India in a comprehensive manner, with targets 20-30 percent reduction in Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) and PM2.5 concentrations by 2024, keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.

However, when it was launched, it had come under heavy criticism for its targets not being legally binding.

Under NCAP, 102 non-attainment cities have been identified based on ambient air quality data for the period 2011-2015 and WHO (World Health Organisation) report 2014/2018. The city-specific action plans which include measures for strengthening the monitoring network, reducing vehicular/industrial emissions, increasing public awareness, etc. have been prepared and approved for ground implementation for all 102 non-attainment cities, said Indias environment minister Prakash Javadekar while replying to a query in parliament in December 2019. Non-attainment cities are those which were found to be consistently violating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) during the 2011-2015 period.

Javadekar, also said that for the cities with million-plus population and PM10 concentration more than 90g/m, the ministry has earmarked Rs. 100 million (Rs. 10 crores) in the current year for various components such as installation and commissioning of continuous ambient air quality monitoring systems, creating green buffer zone along the roads, mechanical street sweepers, mobile enforcement units, water sprinklers, public awareness and capacity building activities.

For the cities with population less than 500,000, funds of Rs. one million (Rs. 10 lakhs) per city has been allocated and for cities with a population of 500,000-one million, Rs. two million (Rs. 20 lakhs) per city has been allocated, said Javadekar.

Under the NCAP, at state level, a steering committee that is headed by the chief secretary, a monitoring committee headed by principal secretary (environment) and an implementation committee headed by either district magistrate or commissioner of the municipal corporation have been constituted for implementation and monitoring of the city-specific action plans to reduce air pollution.

Explaining further, an official of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said it is only the first year of the plan.

Things are moving slowly as all the basics are being put in place. Once the allocation is done for all cities and the technology solutions are finalised, the work will get streamlined, said the MoEFCC official, wishing anonymity.

Efforts to combat air pollution need to be scaled up

Though the government claims it has been doing its part to control the pollution by looking at long term solutions, the central and state governments once again came under the scanner in the winter season of 2019 when the air quality in Delhi and adjoining regions crossed emergency levels.

In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India had pulled up the central and state governments for failing to control air pollution due to stubble burning. It had asked governments if they feel ashamed that people are no longer safe even in their houses. The court had even asked if it is feasible to shift to hydrogen-based fuels to check air pollution.

On January 10, 2020, the climate and energy news aggregator site, CarbonCopy launched an NCAP monitoring dashboard to track the progress of Indias national air pollution management plan, across a range of parameters like budget spending and improvement in PM levels.

According to CarbonCopys NCAP dashboard (based on information obtained under the Right to Information), Rs. 2.8 billion (Rs. 280 crores) have been disbursed to 28 non-attainment cities by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) so far, which include cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

While Hyderabad has spent the maximum of Rs. 78 million (Rs. 7.8 crores) on increased monitoring efforts among all 28 cities, Ahmedabad is trailing at eight million rupees (Rs. 80 lakhs) on installation and commissioning of CAAQMs (Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations). Meanwhile, Raipur is leading the way with green paving activities worth Rs. 42 million (Rs. 4.2 crores), while Surat has spent five million rupees (Rs. 50 lakhs) on this activity so far as the only effort one year since NCAP came into effect, according to a statement by CarbonCopy.

Delhi has not made it into this list so far, said the statement.

This is of particular interest as Delhi and its adjoining regions, over the past few years, have become infamous for resembling a gas chamber in the winter season when the air quality deteriorates to emergency levels. Repeatedly, studies have shown that high levels of air pollution lead to a loss of over a million lives every year.

Aarti Khosla, who is the director of CarbonCopy said, Air pollution is no longer an unseen unknown phenomenon as its public health effects are being experienced far and wide.

China is the closest example for India on how it controlled its emissions and penalised polluters to control the airpocalypse in Beijing from 2012 to 2017. If India wants to create a success story in air pollution management and mitigation, proper implementation, enforcement and execution in NCAP is crucial to that effect, Khosla cautioned.

This tracker is meant to add transparency in tracking implementation. While India is one of the few countries which is on track to meet its international climate commitments, the countrys highest health burden due to air pollution make it imperative for India to address this problem at its root cause and urgently, said Khosla, in a statement.

Can low-cost air quality monitoring sensors help?

Professor Sachchidanand Tripathi of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, who is involved in the implementation of NCAP, explained to Mongabay-India that there are a lot of things that are happening but there is certainly scope for more.

What we have done is to create a national network of IITs, top universities and labs which is going to provide scientific inputs and technical support for the implementation of the NCAP. After the first round of allocation of money in the last one year, several states have already moved towards conducting source apportionment studies in non-attainment cities, said Tripathi while adding that the central government would soon hold a meeting to review the progress made so far under the NCAP.

Tripathi also revealed that they have also made progress in the development of low-cost air quality monitoring sensors which has received an encouraging response from the government. This can provide invaluable help as the conventional way of monitoring will take a long time. There is this broad agreement that we need to move fast with the idea of scaling up of monitoring air quality, Tripathi added.

He stated that they have developed and implemented a new technology for dynamic source apportionment in Delhi. He explained that whereas conventional method takes two years to provide source apportionment results, the new technology provides it in almost real-time and additionally, it provides more granular information.

This article was originally published on Mongabay.com.

Mongabay-India is an environmental science and conservation news service. This article has been republished under the Creative Commons licence.
With the release of the Afghanistan Papers, it is clear the United States had, and still has, no clear Afghan strategy, poorly defined objectives, wasted vast sums of money, and we, the American Public, were consistently lied to by U.S. officials about the status of the war in Afghanistan throughout three White House administrations, including the current one.

This only further exemplifies why we need a man of truth, dignity, grit, and sustained determination in the White House. Bernie Sanders has remained consistently at odds with our nations military industrial complex, which Eisenhower had warned against in the 50s. Sanders has been against the unnecessary Afghan and Iraq wars from the very beginning.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raise doubts over the fairness of a National Investigation Agency probe in the conduct of a Jammu and Kashmir police officer who was arrested with two alleged militants in his car.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raise doubts over the fairness of a National Investigation Agency probe in the conduct of a Jammu and Kashmir police officer who was arrested with two alleged militants in his car. Rahul said that the 'best way to silence' the accused, Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Davinder Singh, would be to hand over the investigation to "another Modi", who had probed the Gujarat riots.

Rahul was referring to NIA chief YC Modi, who is a 1984 batch officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre and had previously served in the Central Investigation Bureau. He was also part of a Supreme Court-appointed SIT (Special Investigation Team) that probed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. He said, "In YK'S care, the case is as good as dead (sic)."

The best way to silence Terrorist DSP Davinder, is to hand the case to the NIA. The NIA is headed by another Modi - YK, who investigated the Gujarat Riots & Haren Pandyas assassination. In YKs care, the case is as good as dead. #WhoWantsTerroristDavinderSilenced And why??  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 17, 2020

He also used the hashtag "#WhoWantsTerroristDavinderSilenced" along with it.

Rahul's comments come merely a day after he questioned the prime minister's silence on Singh's arrest.

On Thursday, Rahul sought to know Singh's role in the Pulwama attack and how many terrorists he had helped, demanding that the officer be tried by a fast-track court and given the harshest punishment for treason.

"Dy SP Davinder Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with Indian blood on their hands at his home and was caught ferrying them to Delhi, the Congress leader tweeted.

DSP Davinder Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with  blood on their hands at his home & was caught ferrying them to Delhi. He must be tried by a fast track court within 6 months & if guilty, given the harshest possible sentence for treason against .#TerroristDavinderCoverUp pic.twitter.com/gc2BlhBOwM  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 16, 2020

Rahul attached a picture along with his tweet that dubbed Singh a terrorist and raised several questions.

"Government silent on terrorist DSP Davinder Singh. Why are PM, HM and NSA silent on Davinder Singh? What was Davinder Singh's role in Pulwama attack? How many other terrorists has he helped? Who was protecting him and why," Rahul asked in the photo attached to his tweet.

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh West, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and said it raises disturbing questions critical to India's national security.

"It seems rather odd that he not only evaded detection but was entrusted with extremely sensitive duties like escorting foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir under the prevailing circumstances. Whose orders was he working under? A full investigation must be made. Helping terrorists plan attacks on India is treason," Priyanka said on Twitter.

The Congress has already said that there is a larger conspiracy behind the arrest of Davinder Singh and sought to know his links with the Pulwama attack and has demanded an independent probe.

With inputs from PTI
Researchers have discovered for the first time that Neanderthals made tools from seashells, not just from those lying on the shore, but may have also gone diving to collect them from the seabed.

According to a study, published in the journal PLOS on Thursday, Neanderthals, often thought to be the inferior cousins to modern humans, may have retrieved seashells to make tools from waters as deep as 13 feet.

Researchers, including those from the University of Colorado at Boulder in the US, assessed more than 170 shell tools found in an Italian cave.

Based on patterned abrasions found on the surface of these shells, the scientists could distinguish between those which were picked up by the Neanderthals from the seashore, and those that were collected from under water.

Taking a closer look at the tools, they found that nearly three-quarters of the shells had opaque and slightly abraded exteriors, as if they had been sanded down over time, indicating that these had washed up on a sandy beach.

The rest of the shells, the study noted, had a shiny and smooth exterior.

According to the scientists the shiny shells, which were also a little bit bigger, may have been plucked directly from the seafloor as live animals.

"It's quite possible that the Neanderthals were collecting shells as far down as two to four metres. Of course, they did not have scuba equipment," said study co-author Paola Villa of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

"The fact they were exploiting marine resources was something that was known. But until recently, no one really paid much attention to it," Villa said.

The cave site, Grotta dei Moscerini, located on the western coast of Italy, was discovered in the late 1930s, the study noted.

In 1949, archaeologists unearthed dozens of seashells in this place, and subsequent research revealed that the cave's Neanderthal inhabitants had sharpened or modified many of the shells into thin cutting tools, with some dating back to more than 90,000 years ago.

"At Moscerini 23.9 per cent of the specimens were gathered directly from the sea floor as live animals by skin diving Neanderthals," the scientists wrote in the study.

According to Villa, the human cousins may have had a much closer connection to the sea than many scientists thought.

She said the Neanderthals used stone hammers to chip away at the shells, belonging to a local species of mollusk called the smooth clam, forming edges that would have stayed thin and sharp for a long time.

"No matter how many times you retouch a clam shell, its cutting edge will remain very thin and sharp," Villa explained.

The findings of the current study strengthens the hypothesis that some Neanderthal's may have known to swim.

An earlier study had identified bony growths on the ears of a few Neanderthal skeletons, the researchers said.

These features, called "swimmer's ear," are seen even in modern-day humans who practice aquatic sports, the study noted.

Put together, the findings of the two studies add to the evidence that Neanderthals may have been as flexible and creative as their human relatives -- a contrast to their representation in popular culture as crude cave-dwelling people who lived by hunting or scavenging mammoths, the researchers said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Thursday filed an application in the Supreme Court, seeking a stay on the operation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which came into force on January 10.

IUML, the first petitioner to move the Supreme Court against CAA, filed the intervention application in its writ petition against CAA, citing the Uttar Pradesh government's decision recommending to the Centre a total of 40,000 illegal migrants who can avail citizenship under this new law.

The application urged the apex court to "pass orders staying the operation of the notification dated January 10, issued by the Union of India directing the coming into force of the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 from January 10 till such time the present writ is pending before the court".

The application stated that if the operation law is not stayed, then the issue will become "fait accompli" as once citizenship is granted under this legislation, it cannot be taken away.

It also cited the pendency of the cases challenging the new law in the apex court.

"The operation of the Amendment Act, including such procedures under the Amendment Act for granting citizenship to illegal migrants be stayed until the matter is decided by the court," said the application.

In the separate application, the Kerala-based party sought clarity on the linkage between the National Register of Citizens and the National Population Register exercises are linked against the backdrop of conflicting statements issued by different ministers in the government on this issue. "Therefore the respondent Union of India must clarify their stand and halt any proceedings in relation to the said NRC and NPR process till the present writ is pending before this court," the application said.

On December 18, 2019, the top court issued a notice to the Centre and sought its response by on nearly 60 pleas challenging the CAA's legality.

The hearing on the matter is slated on January 22.

The anti-CAA petitions include those filed by the IUML, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

The CAA grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- who migrated to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh till December 31, 2014, following religious persecution.
SPRINGFIELD  Miguel Rodriguez stood in court to face aggravated kidnapping and other criminal charges on Thursday morning, hours after police chased him down on the Massachusetts Turnpike to rescue a terrified 11-year-old.

Massachusetts State Police issued a rare Amber Alert late Wednesday afternoon after witnesses reported he forced the child into the back seat of his Honda in broad daylight. It was around 1:30 p.m. on Lafayette Street in Springfield where the girl was walking home from her school bus stop, investigators said.

A series of 911 calls touched off a frantic search for the child, led by Springfield Police Capt. Trent Duda and joined by Massachusetts State Police. An astute couple tailed the car down the pike several hours after she went missing, keeping police apprised. Rodriguez was apprehended near Sturbridge.

Family members of Rodriguez told MassLive he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and often exhibited bizarre behavior.

His appearance in Springfield District Court was brief. Wearing a white hooded jumpsuit, Rodriguez pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping, intimidation of a witness and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Rodriguez threatened to stab the child if she screamed or tried to jump out of the car, according to police.

Defense attorney Michael Gillingham tried to waive his clients presence for the arraignment, arguing that bail concerns werent relevant.

Counselor, Ill determine whats relevant, Judge Michele Ouimet-Rooke said.

The judge ordered a competency evaluation today, and set a dangerousness hearing for Jan. 22.
Fifth & Federal Station in Lynchburg is celebrating their third anniversary with Whiskey Winter Fest!

Several distilleries are participating in the special event. They include:

- Silverback Distillery

- Bondurant Brothers Distillery

- Virginia Distillery

- Ragged Branch Distillery

- Catoctin Creek Distillery

- Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

There will also be a whiskey educational course with subjects like Virginia whiskey history and tasting whiskey like a pro.

The party runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, January 18.

For more information, please visit the
MOSCOW -- When Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly announced a raft of constitutional changes during a speech on January 15, Georgy Satarov had few doubts that the declaration concealed ulterior motives.



A former aide in the 1990s to Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, Satarov was one of the architects of the constitution Russia adopted in 1993. While he conceded that the document was ripe for change, he suspected the ultimate aim of Putin's proposal was to enable him to remain Russia's real arbiter after his final presidential term expires in 2024.



"This is the start of the project of power transition, ahead of time," Satarov said in a telephone interview. "And the changes Putin proposed to the constitution have another goal: to ensure the stability and manageability of that transition."



Replacing Yeltsin

It was a bloody political fight that paved the way for Russia's current constitution to be adopted in 1993. A power struggle between the maverick Yeltsin and a parliament determined to impeach him ended only when the military stormed the parliament building to arrest leaders of the resistance. Some 200 people were killed in the skirmishes that the standoff set in motion.



The document ultimately voted through in a referendum that December enshrined a set of laws and principles inspired, among others, by the French Constitution that professed respect for human rights and democratic values and mandating a limit of two consecutive four-year terms for any future president.



But if the authors aimed at instituting checks and balances in the exercise of power, they would be disappointed.



"The constitution is contradictory," Viktor Sheinis, one of the document's other co-authors, told Meduza. "It allows for an expansion of the powers of the president, of the executive branch, of the legislative and judiciary. We have sort of a 'teeter-totter' where first one and then another side or branch ends up on top."



Putin, who replaced Yeltsin in 2000, dutifully stepped down as president after two consecutive terms in 2008 to be replaced by then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. But before Medvedev vacated the presidency in favor of Putin's return for another two terms in 2012, he amended the constitution to extend presidential terms to six years.

That allowed Putin, who was re-elected for a fourth term in 2018, to remain in power until 2024 and become Russia's longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin.



But it also left open the question of what comes next.



Putin's political future post-2024 has emerged as the key political mystery in Russia since his resumption of the presidency in 2018. Officials soon began hinting at the possibility of amending the constitution again, in comments that tested the waters of public opinion and made clear to many observers that something was afoot.



"Our constitution has shortcomings," Valery Zorkin, the Constitutional Court chairman wrote in October 2018. "They include the lack of an adequate balance in the system of checks and balances, bias in favor of the executive branch, and an unclear distribution of powers between the president and the government."



Putin himself has been vague on the issue, hinting in December that the constitution could be changed to rephrase a clause that states no individual can serve beyond two consecutive presidential terms. The ambivalent comment, uttered during his annual press conference in Moscow, threw Russia watchers into a heated debate about its practical implications.

State-Of-The-Nation Speech

But it wasnt until his state-of-the-nation address on January 15, usually a predictable summary of the year that had passed and a prognosis of the one to come, that the Russian president appeared to end the speculation. His proposal for constitutional changes -- which will be put to a national vote of some kind before May 1, according to Russian media reports on January 16 -- include bestowing new powers upon Russia's parliament to appoint the country's prime minister and buttressing the role of the State Council, a largely ceremonial body headed by Putin himself.

Within hours of that announcement, Medvedev had been replaced as prime minister by technocrat Mikhail Mishustin and appointed to a new role as deputy chairman of the Security Council, another body headed by Putin himself. This appointment prompted speculation that the Security Council could become the new nexus of power after 2024.



"[Putin] wants to be sure that the future president will continue his policies, but he also wants to be able to get involved in decision-making," Tatyana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, told RFE/RL. She dismissed the notion, advanced by some, that Putin was eyeing a return to a premiership with newly expanded powers.



Under the proposed changes, she said, "the prime minister will become more dependent on [parliament], and the president will be able to dismiss the prime minister. Putin wouldn't want to expose himself to this risk."



As an elderly statesman who has relinquished the office of president after overseeing Russia's resurgence as an international power broker, she said, "he won't want to get involved in everyday politics."



Instead, Putin may rely on his leadership of a beefed-up State Council, the expanded prerogatives of which are yet to be sketched out. If true, the move would echo the transition engineered in neighboring Kazakhstan by Nursultan Nazarbaev, the strongman president who resigned after nearly 30 years in March but retained leadership of the ruling party and the country's influential Security Council.



"Putin will have to find a successor, and this successor will be given space to work," said Stanovaya. But she added that Putin will want to retain levers of influence over the position.



Medvedev was widely viewed as a placeholder when he replaced Putin in 2008, a protege who wielded little real power. But the two men clashed publicly in 2011 over Russia's decision not to veto a UN resolution on coalition air strikes in Libya, and were riven over other issues. Putin undid many of Medvedev's initiatives after he returned to the presidency.



"To avoid conflicts with the future successor, like Putin had with Medvedev, Putin wants mechanisms that will oblige the future president to agree major decisions with him," Stanovaya said. Using leadership of an enhanced State Council or Security Council could be the answer.



Satarov, who at 72 stays involved in politics as president of an independent anti-corruption watchdog in Moscow, admitted that the 1993 constitution suffers from "birth trauma" and could be improved. But he's wary of the ways its loopholes could be exploited for political gain.



"There is an imbalance of power [written into the constitution], but it shouldn't be changed the way Putin suggested," he said. "That has nothing to do with any natural or logical political idea. It has to do with a concrete political project."
[January 16, 2020] Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. Investment Banking Expands with a New Managing Director

The investment banking team at Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. announced the addition of Andrew Chidester as managing director as the firm continues to expand its investment banking resources. Chidester brings with him more than 25 years of investment banking and corporate finance expertise in food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, building products, healthcare and business services. He will continue Benjamin F. Edwards' investment banking focus on selling middle-market companies and will be based in Chicago. Previously, Chidester worked as a managing director in Investment Banking for Matrix Capital Markets Group, Amherst Partners, and Duff & Phelps, Inc., all in Chicago. He also served as vice president with Brown Gibbons Lang and Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein in their Midwest Private Equity Group. Chidester holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Music from Carleton College, an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Master of Science in Accounting from DePaul University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is qualified as a FINRA General Securities Representative (Series 7) and a Uniform Securities Agent (Series 63). "We are pleased to extend our investment banking presence to Chicao. The hiring of Andy Chidester provides us with the capacity needed to grow our business well into the future," said Benjamin F. (Tad) Edwards IV, chairman and CEO of Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. "Our pipeline of potential business is strong and our personalized service and informed and insightful advice continue to set us apart."



Formed in 2013, the investment banking team at Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. continues to be primarily focused on selling middle-market companies. About Benjamin F. Edwards

With a tagline of "Investments for Generations," Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. Founded in 2008 by Benjamin F. (Tad) Edwards IV, the firm opened its first office location in 2009 and currently has 73 offices in 27 states, more than 600 employees, and more than $26 billion in assets under management (AUM). A subsidiary of Benjamin Edwards, Inc., Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. is a national wealth management firm that provides a wide-array of financial products and advisory services, as well as investment banking services. In addition, the holding company encompasses Edwards Wealth Management, which is a corporate Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm that delivers a comprehensive, best-in-class, back-office platform to independently-owned advisory firms. For more information about Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., please visit the firm's corporate website, benjaminfedwards.com, or follow the company on Twitter.com/GrowWithBFEC. Note to Editors: Photo available on request. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005197/en/

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Internet of Things

ASU Collaboratory to Focus on Connected Environments

Arizona State University has partnered with Cox Communications to launch the Connected Environments Collaboratory, an incubation center and convening space devoted to connected environments and the Internet of Things.

Part of the collaboratory's mission is to drive the development of Arizona's Smart Region infrastructure and engage "city leaders and citizens, nonprofits, faculty, student researchers, industry experts and visiting scholars to build the metropolis and regional infrastructure of the future," according to a news announcement. The focus will be on solving real challenges within the Greater Phoenix community with next-gen Internet of Things solutions: for example, applications for more sustainable buildings, learning experiences in augmented and virtual reality, technologies to overhaul transportation infrastructure, and more.

Cox will roll out a comprehensive wired and wireless network on the ASU campus, and work with the university to utilize Cox's gigabit network and extend its fiber infrastructure throughout the region.

"We are eager to see the Cox Connected Environments Collaboratory at ASU drive smart region applications that combine people, connected devices, data and processes to improve community operations and the citizen experience," said Lev Gonick, chief information officer for Arizona State University, in a statement.
- In a TUKO.co.ke poll, 70% of respondents said Kuria was more influential than Kiunjuri who scored 30%

- Section of social media users, however, felt the duo has same level of influence over Mt Kenya residents

- Others did not mince their words and stated that the two derived their popularity from launching missiles at opponents

- Kiunjuri was recently ousted from Cabinet by the President and a section of Mt Kenya residents celebrated

A freshly conducted poll has established that more Kenyans believe Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is more prominent in Mt Kenya politics than fired Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri.

The poll conducted by TUKO.co.ke saw 70% of respondents throw their weight behind combative Kuria while the remaining 30% were inclined to Kiunjuri.

READ ALSO:

In the poll, 70% of respondents said Kuria was more influential than Kiunjuri who scored 30%. Photo: UGC.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: COTU boss Francis Atwoli dismisses luhya leaders opposing Kakamega BBI meeting

Over 2,300 people cast their votes on the Facebook poll conducted on Tuesday, January 14.

Some respondents were more detailed and went ahead to provide reasons for their choice.

Others, however, declined to vote stating in the comments area that the duo was not influential in any way and all they thrived in was launching political salvos at perceived enemies.

READ ALSO: Esther Passaris invites lady who dissed Stivo Simpleboy for sleepover

READ ALSO: 8 photos of woman who snatched husband from Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei

A Facebook user identified as Ndirangu Kabuchi who also did not vote argued that both Kuria and Kiunjuri were reputable leaders in Mt Kenya.

Kabuchi was, however, emphatic the former CS could not show his vibrancy as he had been constrained by the state job which prevented him from politicking.

"They are both fearless leaders, Kuria advantaged because he is been in politics, Kiunjuri equally fearless but clipped by civil service rules, very eloquent in Gikuyu language but struggles in English delivery as opposed to Kuria," Kabuchi reacted.

Both Kuaria (r) and Kiunjuri (l) are supporters of DP William Ruto. Photo: Moses Kuria.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Busia boy, 16, walks 87km to join Form One in Maseno School

The poll came even as a section of political pundits said the move by President Uhuru Kenyatta to fire Kiunjuri from Cabinet was going to reshape politics in Mt Kenya region.

Some said the decision had removed wind from the sail of Deputy President William Ruto led Team Tanga Tanga which now has to go back to the drawing board to restrategise.

Removal of Kiunjuri was perceived as loss of influence in the Cabinet by the DP.

Moses Kuria (r) during a past event attended by DP Ruto. Photo: William Ruto.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Polisi wafutilia mbali mkutano wa Mudavadi-Wetangula uliokuwa ufanyike Mumias, kisa BBI

Kiunjuri is an ardent supporter of the DP and has been in his team making inroads for the second in command's 2022 state house bid.

Experts think his association with Ruto and politicking claimed his job.

Here are other comments on the poll:

Maina Paul - They are just money sycophant, No one in his right mind can follow these two. To where?

Peter K Kariuki - Politics you win with propaganda, I don't think Kiunjuri can beat Kuria in that field

Charles Subano - Both of them are brilliant influential so amazing. Glory to God.

Mwangi Njuguna - Both, because Kuria has been shouting the problems facing Mt Kenya farmers, and it was the main agenda in the President's Big Four. Kudos Moses Kuria, You are true njamba ya ruriri.

Paul Wanjohi - The two are just overrated. Politics is local and especially Kenya politics.

Yule Msee - My candidate is Peter Kenneth, unfortunately, he is not here.

Elijah Chege Ndungu - None qualifies to be Mt Kenya kingpin...Both are loose canons.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

For any action there will be reaction - Kiunjuri | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
A curious 'regime change' happened in Russia today as the Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev and his whole cabinet resigned.

This morning President Vladimir Putin held his yearly speech to the Federal Assembly of Russia (English transcript). Putin spoke about Russia's demographic situation, its weaponry and the celebration of the upcoming 75th anniversary of its second world war victory.

But the most important part was about constitutional changes. A summary via TASS:

Putin has suggested a putting up a package of constitutional amendments for a plebiscite. At the same time, the Russian president stated that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia. Putin also suggest stipulating the supremacy of the Russian Constitution over international norms in Russia. The time has come to make some changes to the nations fundamental law that would directly guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space. What does this mean? It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution, Putin emphasized.

It seems that the European Court of Human Rights has pissed off Russia once too often. The court is associated with the Council of Europe which has 47 member states including Russia. It has several times judged in the favor of renegade oligarchs in exile and the 'western' supported wannabe opposition in Russia.

Putin then proposed additional changes to the constitution. These were probably the points that led to Medvedev resignation:

Putin agrees that the same person should not hold the post of the head of state for more than two consecutive terms. "I know that our society is debating the constitutional provision that the same person should not hold the office of President of the Russian Federation for more than two consecutive terms. I do not believe that this question is of fundamental importance, but I agree with this," Putin said.

The TASS interpretation that Putin 'agrees that the same person should not hold the post of the head of state for more than two consecutive terms' is not supported by Putin's statement. Currently the Russian constitution does include a two consecutive terms limit. Does Putin want to keep it or lift it? The official English transcript of the speech also has a slightly different wording:

I know that people are discussing the constitutional provision under which one person cannot hold the post of the President of the Russian Federation for two successive terms. I do not regard this as a matter of principle, but I nevertheless support and share this view.

What exactly is the view Putin is supporting here. A term limit, as TASS seems to imply, or none, as the New York Times rumors? If the term limit is lifted then Putin could run again for a third consecutive presidency. Medvedev, who was said to have hoped to again become president, would probably dislike the second interpretation.

More from TASS:

The president has also suggested complementing Russias Constitution with a special requirement that a candidate running for the post of head state should be a resident of Russia for no less than 25 years and have neither foreign citizenship nor an overseas residence permit, not just at the moment of the election, but never before in the past. Under the Constitution today, any Russian citizen who has lived in the country for no less than ten years can be elected as Russias president.

That a presidential candidate should never have had a resident permit in a foreign country is a curious restriction. Putin has lived in east-Germany between 1985 and 1990. He was an officer of the KGB at that time but I am sure that the KBG took care to have resident permits from the host country for its undercover officers. However, the change would not effect Medvedev.

Additionally to the above Putin proposed to amend the constitution to expand the powers of parliament and the federal state council, which currently has little to say. From his speech:

What is the situation like now? In accordance with articles 111 and 112 of the Russian Constitution, the President only receives the consent of the State Duma to appoint the Prime Minister, and then appoints the head of the Cabinet, his deputies and all the ministers. I suggest changing the procedure and allowing the State Duma to appoint the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and then all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers at the Prime Ministers recommendation. At the same time the President will have to appoint them, so he will have no right to turn down the candidates approved by the Parliament. (Applause.) All of this means drastic changes to the political system.

The move would give any future President less power than Putin currently holds. But why would Putin weaken the position of the president if he would want to run for another term?

The resignation of Medvedev as prime minister was completely unexpected and seems politically unnecessary. Media connected it to the constitutional changes Putin proposed:

Before announcing the resignation of the cabinet, Medvedev met with Putin to discuss his state-of-the-nation address, which took place earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlins press office said. In his address, Putin proposed several amendments to the constitution. Medvedev explained that this cabinet is resigning in accordance with the Article 117 of the Russian Constitution, which says that the government can offer its resignation to the president, who, in turn, can either accept or reject it. In this context, it is obvious that, as the government, we must provide the president with a capability to make all decisions, which are required to implement the proposed plan, Medvedev said.

Putin accepted the resignation and announced that a new position for a Deputy Chairman of the Security Council would be created and that Medvedev would take up that position. The Russian national security council is chaired by the president himself and includes the prime minister, the heads of the federal council and state duma, the ministers of defense, foreign and internal affairs, as well as the heads of the security services.

Medvedev is thereby not sidelined but gains a position in which he is Putin's deputy in important internal and external affairs.

In the evening Putin announced that he appointed Mikhail Mishustin, the head of Russia's Federal Tax Service, as the new Prime Minister. The 53 year old native of Moscow is practically unknown to the wider public. He is a curious and surprising choice.

Even Russian analysts near to Putin seem not to know if Putin and Medvedev had planned today's 'regime change' or if it was a totally spontaneous move by a pissed off Medvedev. They also seem unsure if Putin wants to leave in 2024 or if he wants to stay for another term.

We are thus left to make our own bets.
A 68-year-old California woman who's been missing for almost a week was found alive Wednesday in her SUV that was buried under snow, officials said.

Paula Beth James of Oroville, California disappeared Jan. 9, triggering a Silver Alert. The Butte County Sheriff's Office said James has medical conditions that may have disoriented her.

Her tracks were covered in snow, said Dan Newman, who works for Butte County Search and Rescue. We knew if we were going to find her and find her alive, we were going to have to do it really quickly.

A sheriff's helicopter was searching near Butte Meadows around noon Wednesday and spotted a Toyota 4Runner that matched the description of James' SUV buried in snow, the sheriff's office said.

Thats when we got excited this was hopefully her, Newman said.

Two people exited the helicopter after it landed. They hiked to the SUV. Inside the SUV, they found James alive.

It really is a needle in a haystack, Newman said. The vehicle had a lot of snow on top. On top of that, being a silver car, it doesnt really have any contrast against the snow.

The sheriff's office said a search and rescue team with a tracked vehicle suited for snow conditions pulled James out of her SUV.

She was in good spirits, Newman said. She was very excited to see us and we were just as excited to see her.

She was then taken to the hospital around 2:45 p.m.

Officials said James was conscious and talking when she arrived at the hospital. Her condition has been stabilized.

Family members said they are happy that James was found and are waiting updates.

"Everyone was just so relieved and so thankful," said niece Erin Powell. "My initial reaction was like, 'Yes!' Yes, it was so exciting."

"We're told she's in good spirits. She's doing good," niece Jennifer Horace said. "We're really hopeful for a positive, seamless recovery."

Horace said doctors are still running tests to make sure James is OK.

"We're just all waiting patiently by the phone for all updates, and all positive updates, and spending time together and smiling for the first time in a week," Horace said.

The sheriff's office said detectives, deputies and pilots spent more than 100 hours searching for James.

"It's just been so great to see how many good people there are out there," Horace said. "You see so many negative stories and its such a scary world, and to see so many people not knowing (James), not knowing the families, take time out of their day ... It's been amazing."

It is unclear how long James was in her SUV.
Used since 1984 when late Rajiv Gandhi became the PM, the current residence was built over 12 acres of land, based on designs by New Delhis chief architect Edwin Lutyens.

However, with a new redevelopment blueprint on the table, the PMs residence is now expected to move to the South-West corner, behind South Block on Raisina Hill.

Arnab Dutta reports.

If you are troubled by traffic restrictions around 7, Lok Kalyan Marg -- the prime ministers residence -- when the PM moves out for his daily visit to South Block, you may get some respite soon.

Vacating the decades-old official residence that has been the home of nine prime ministers, the PM may move to a new home by 2024.

Used since 1984 when late Rajiv Gandhi became the PM, the current residence was built over 12 acres of land, based on designs by New Delhis chief architect Edwin Lutyens.

However, with a new redevelopment blueprint on the table, the PMs residence is now expected to move to the South-West corner, behind South Block on Raisina Hill.

To cut down on travel time -- from residence to office that are 2.8 km apart -- a new prime minister's office will come up at South-East corner, behind South Block.

The blueprint for redevelopment of the central vista, the ambitious plan that includes the setting up of a new Parliament building, bringing all central ministries closer, and redeveloping the existing heritage structures in and around the central vista -- has many such proposals to alter the layout of Lutyens Delhi.

According to Bimal Patel, head of HCP Design and Planning -- the firm that has bagged the contract for creating the blueprint -- the project is in line with the original plan created by Lutyens.

Consolidating, rationalising and synergising government functions through better office infrastructure is at the heart of this project, he said.

Apart from accommodating all ministries, bringing the PM and vice presidents residences within the central vista are key facets.

Similarly, the V-Ps residence will be behind North Block.

To accommodate and modernise Parliament, instead of refurbishing the existing building (used since 1947), a new building will be developed inside Parliament complex.

A triangular structure will be set up on a 13-acre plot, which is currently used for car parking.

Besides a Lok Sabha hall three times the size of the current one, a Rajya Sabha hall and a lounge will also come up.

Unlike the current Parliament, however, the Lok Sabha in the new one could be used for joint sessions.

With a regular seating capacity of 900, divided into 450 pairs of seating units, it has been designed to accommodate 1,350 people for joint sessions.

Designed in line with the Egyptian parliament, the Lok Sabha hall will provide 50 per cent more space to each member of Parliament.

The existing Lok Sabha hall can only accommodate 552 MPs.

The current Parliament building is not equipped to have air conditioning, Internet Broadband and parking. The new structure will address these problems, said Patel.

Fit with acoustic design elements, the new building will have moulded spires and dissimilar window structures representing Indias diversity.

At present, 22 of the 51 union ministries are located in and around the central vista.

According to the blueprint, 10 modern buildings along both sides of the Rajpath spread will house all ministries.

Besides integrated underground parking lots, these building complexes will have underground transit passages directly linked to the Delhi Metros yellow and violet lines.

To further cut down traffic congestion on the 3-km-long central vista -- spread between India Gate and Raisina Hill -- pedestrian underpasses will replace traffic signals.

Patel says his plan has followed Lutyens Ridge to River model to commemorate 75 years of Indias independence in 2022.

Starting from the ridge of Raisina Hill -- the central Delhi plan will connect the area with Yamuna River -- where a memorial will be set up to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

In addition, apart from a 48-acre biodiversity park housing all endangered and rare Indian spices behind the Presidents estate, North and South Block will be thrown open to the public.

These two buildings, once converted into museums on Indias history along with the biodiversity Park, will open up 75 acres of land for public to mark the 75th anniversary, he said.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have, by and large, taken turns in government since the foundation of the State.

Note, I did not say run the economy because, during those administrations, each of them has clearly shown they do not have the ability to run the economy.

Both have allowed boom-and-bust policies to continue right up to the present day, purely for their self-interest in maintaining power.

With the General Election, we will be treated to the same promises from Fianna Fail, who lost our sovereignty and destroyed the economy.

Fine Gael will also promise quick fixes for the A&E trolley crisis, outrageous insurance premiums, soaring rents and a housing shortage.

Just as we heard from both parties prior to the last election.

If only we had the same political accountability and, more importantly, the moral code that we see in the United Kingdom, where people must either resign or are sacked when there are major failings.

Anthony McGeough

Kingswood Heights, Dublin

We can expect a sleepy start to General Election day

Since the General Election is on a Saturday, will Leos early risers be having a lie-in?

John Williams

Clonmel, Co Tipperary

They are only rearranging the deckchairs on SS Ireland

It looks like the two main parties are dead set on not only rearranging the deckchairs

on SS Ireland, but also switching the ministerial occupants, and attendants, currently sitting in them, with as much ineffectiveness as they have managed in their roles to date.

Liam Power

Dundalk, Co Louth

Reduced planning control will bring more monstrosities

Why do commentators continue to call this current Dail paralysed (Ian ODoherty, January 14)?

The bad governance of the last 20 years clearly means that we need checks and balances to limit the scope for excess by the powerful.

This applies to both the public and private sectors, as it does to those elected and appointed.

One failure of the last Dail is the way in which the planning system has been reduced to a limited form of building control. This completely disregards good planning in much the same way as Fianna Fail did when building Ballymun in response to a 1960s housing crisis.

The result is that we will have lots of Murphy monstrosities to remind us of the incompetence of our over-centralised government. Spare us that kind of paralysis.

Donal OBrolchain

Drumcondra, Dublin

Ban is an insult to all married Catholic people

The controversy of ordaining married men in the Amazon region of South America is further proof of the deep divisions within the Catholic Church at this time of Pope Franciss pontificate (Irish Independent, January 14).

Married priests have been a feature of the Eastern Orthodox Church from the beginning of Christianity and also of 23 Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite.

Indeed, the first Pope, Peter, was married as it is recorded in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke that Jesus cured his mother-in-law of a serious illness.

Ironically, 11 years ago, Pope Benedict XVI authorised Anglican married priests to maintain their rites and rituals if they joined the Roman Catholic Church.

This controversy in the present Catholic Church on whether married men should be allowed to be ordained is not only a further source of division but is an insult to all Catholic married people, whether men or women, who are deemed unfit to be priests because of a Vatican theology which values and idolises virginity and celibacy as higher states of life over marriage.

Brendan Butler

Malahide, Dublin

In the beginning was the word: drop the chastity vow

Surely the time has come for the Roman Catholic Church to drop the chastity  not to mind celibacy  vow for the religious life.

According to my copy of the Douay Bible, Old Testament Book 1, Genesis, Chapter 1, Verse 28 reports the first time God spoke to man, having created him  V.27  male and female.

Those first words were increase and multiply. No ifs or buts, increase and multiply.

Cal Hyland

Rosscarbery, west Cork
The Jharkhand government has warned villagers and picnickers of presence of a tigress in and around Dainmari jungle in East Singhbhum district after pugmarks of the big cat were spotted in the forest, an official said here on Thursday.

Pugmarks of the tigress and a cub were detected in the jungle in Ghatsila sub-division on Monday after locals had informed officials that one of their cattle went missing while another managed to escape with injuries, Divisional Forest Officer Abhisekh Kumar said.

"Though no one has sighted the tigress and the cub, we have advised villagers not venture into the forest to collect firewood or set free their cattle for grazing," he said.

A search operation has already been launched to catch the tigress and the cub, Kumar said.

"We have also advised villagers not to keep their cattle in the open during nights and light fires outside their homes as a precautionary measure," the official said.

The Dainmari jungle is around 5 km from Burudih dam, which is a popular picnic spot.

"We have also warned picnickers of the possible presence of the big cat in the forest," Kumar said.

He also said, "The tigress was suspected to have sneaked into the jungle along with its cub from adjoining Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha."



Last week, pugmarks, suspected to be of a tiger, were spotted in a mustard field in Lakshmanpur village near Malabati forest in West Bengal's Jhargram district, adjoining Jharkhand.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Anthony Kirtley, 30, snatched laptops, computer monitors and power tools worth about 5,500 from an education centre in Sunderland. (Northumbria Police)

A burglar who ransacked an education centre for equipment has been convicted  after he dropped a blood-soaked tissue at the crime scene.

Anthony Kirtley, 30, raided the Learning Curve Group premises in Sunderland during summer 2019.

He snatched several laptops, computer monitors and power tools worth about 5,500 and caused a further 3,500 worth of damage inside the premises on Pallion Industrial Estate.

But in his haste Kirtley left behind a blood-stained tissue and a cupboard door smeared with his DNA, which he had ripped from its hinges.

He was subsequently arrested and charged by police.

Kirtley, of Cossack Terrace, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to burglary at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on 10 January.

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PC Sophie Harkness of Northumbria Police said: Kirtley showed a total disregard for the community where he lives as he smashed his way into the centre which is used by students to better themselves by learning new skills and gaining qualifications.

He then ransacked the building, ripped items off the walls and stole thousands of pounds worth of electronic goods.

As a result of his selfish and reckless actions, he deprived others of key educational materials and a number of scheduled sessions had to be cancelled due to the extent of the damage.

In his haste to escape detection after getting his hands on an array of stolen property, he left a number of clues behind at the scene which ensured we identified him as the culprit and turned up at his door.

Kirtley is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 5 February.
The head of the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is under investigation after misconduct allegations were made against him and has been removed from his position.

Gen. Arnold Bunch, head of Air Force Materiel Command, relieved Maj. Gen. William Cooley from his post Wednesday "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead," the command said in a release, adding that the move is related to the ongoing investigation.

Derek Kaufman, spokesman for AFMC, told Military.com that Cooley has been temporarily reassigned as the special assistant to Bunch while officials look into the allegations.

Kaufman added that the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is looking into the matter, but could not comment on the nature of inquiry. However, a military lawyer previously told Military.com that when "OSI embarks on an investigation, it is inherently a criminal investigation."

Related: Marine Command Group at Major Recruiting Station Fired for Failing to Meet Mission

"The Air Force takes any misconduct allegation seriously," Bunch said in the release. "I expect our leadership to uphold the highest standards and live up to the Air Force's core values."

Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien has been appointed as the new AFRL commander, officials said in the release. Dertien was previously AFRL's vice commander from July 2016 to May 2017.

"I have great confidence in Brig. Gen. Dertien and in the professionalism of the entire AFRL workforce," Bunch said. "Together, they will remain focused on implementing the U.S. Air Force Science and Technology 2030 Strategy and ensuring AFRL is best postured to support the National Defense Strategy."

Cooley became the AFRL commander in May 2017, according to his official Air Force biography. Prior to his role in Ohio, Cooley was the program executive for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

In April, Cooley unveiled the service's S&T 2030 Strategy following a 12-month review to analyze how and where the service could strengthen or foster new relationships with the science community, academic universities and industry partners.

"To ensure that we have confidence in and understand how to employ these new technologies and capabilities, we have to demonstrate them in a relevant environment, build prototypes and perform experimentation," he said at the time. "This will build confidence in these new technologies for our warfighter."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Read more: Army, Navy Leaders Disagree over Who Is More Relevant in the Pacific
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County court programming is serving as an effective framework to be emulated statewide and nationally due to the efforts of a long-standing partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Jeremy Jewell, PhD, and his published research now appearing on IllinoisCourts.gov.

For nearly two decades, Jewell, a professor of psychology in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, has shared his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical child psychology, juvenile delinquency, risk assessment, and program evaluation with the Madison County Probation and Court Services Department.

Through this active partnership, Jewell has offered research-driven service to Madison County by creating and implementing programs aimed at helping probation clients improve their ability to manage anger and increase compassion for others. Other endeavors have included the measurement of program effectiveness in the Adult Drug Court and Veterans Court.

Jewells published analyses and outcomes from this work have now been shared online by the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, as academically-sound resources for individuals and courts nationwide.

Dr. Jewell has been instrumental in the implementation of evidence-based practices throughout the Madison County Probation and Court Services Department, noted Department Director Jackie Wiesehan. Our goal is to provide effective programming to our clients that will change criminal behavior and reduce recidivism. Dr. Jewell has been able to evaluate what we do to ensure our actions are effective. The Department has been awarded numerous federal and state grants with Dr. Jewells assistance. Because of the research he provides, we have been able to expand both our Drug Court and Veterans Court to better serve those in need of drug treatment in our community.

My collaborative role has expanded over time, Jewell explained. For the last 10 years, we have expanded the implementation of our Compassion Approach to Learning Meditation (CALM) program for detained youth to five days a week. Ive also helped assess and improve the effectiveness of the Adult Drug Court and am now working with the Veterans Court.

Our programs aim to improve anger management and increase compassion, so that clients will be less likely to commit crimes in the future, he added. The court-involved population, especially juveniles as well as substance abusing adults, is interesting to me because although they have all committed crimes, they also usually have been victims of abuse and trauma themselves.

So, while they may have broken the law, theyve also been victims and deserve good treatment. Programs that help these individuals also benefit others by decreasing future crime in our community.

According to Madison County Juvenile Detention Center Program Coordinator Scott Elliff, Jewells programs have provided rewarding, enriching and educational experiences for area youth, center staff and the SIUE undergraduate students who he mentors and involves in program implementation.

We cant thank Dr. Jewell enough for providing our facility with such an array of beneficial programs, including individual client counseling, outcome measures, psychological assessments and staff trainings, Elliff said. He freely offers his time and resources to improve the quality and therapeutic effectiveness of the services we provide.

The CALM program, in particular, he added, continues to afford our youth effective methods to manage stress, anxiety and anger while detained, as well as coping skills to take with them wherever they may go. Regarding individual counseling, it is encouraging to see how his graduate students easily develop rapport and express concern for their respective clients in the Juvenile Detention Center. Center youth look forward to and benefit from these sessions.

The sharing of published research on the Illinois Courts website is highly valuable for users.

We are trying to understand which trends that occur in national research studies might also occur locally, Jewell explained. For example, we know that drug court is an effective program nationally, but we have also confirmed its effectiveness in Madison County. In addition, we are trying to understand if there is anything happening locally that may be different than national trends. For example, our research on Madison County drug court clients found that those who are older and have more serious charges are more likely to graduate from drug court, which is different than other studies from across the U.S.

To view Jewells research and other court-involved publications, visit probation.illinoiscourts.gov/data/illinois-publications.
FBI Arrests 3 Members of Extremist Group The Base in Maryland

Reports say they were planning to travel to Virginia for pro-gun rally

The FBI announced it arrested three alleged members of an extremist group in Marylandabout a day after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency at the state capitol amid alleged threats during a rally at the capitol next week.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, the FBI arrested Brian Mark Lemley of Maryland, William Garfield Bilbrough of Maryland, and Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews and charged them with the interstate commerce of weapons and, in the case of Lemley and Bilbrough, transporting illegal aliens.

The three were part of a group called The Base, which the FBI described as a racially motivated violent extremist group.

The three men had discussed traveling to a pro-gun rally Monday in Richmond, Virginia, and were preparing for a potential race war, law enforcement officials told The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The New York Times, and other news outlets.

The Department of Justice has not responded to a request for comment about the suspects plans to travel to the Richmond rally.

The FBI said it had monitored encrypted chats among Base group members, where they talked about creating a white ethnostate and carrying out violent acts against minorities and other groups.

They also discussed starting military-style training camps and ways to make improvised explosive devices, the FBI said, while noting that Lemley previously served as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army. Mathews, who was in the United States illegally, was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army.

Officials said that in December, Lemley and Mathews obtained firearms parts to manufacture an assault rifle, and later, the three allegedly attempted to manufacture a controlled substance, DMT, at Lemley and Mathewss apartment.

Furthermore, Lemley, Mathews, and Bilbrough discussed The Bases activities and spoke about other members of the organization. Mathews also allegedly showed the assault rifle to Bilbrough, who examined the assault rifle and returned it to Mathews, the statement added.

It comes a day after Gov. Northam declared a state of emergency to ban firearms and other weapons on the state capitol grounds ahead of the gun-rights demonstration next week.

We have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies that there are groups with malicious plans for the rally that is planned for Monday, Northam told reporters on Wednesday. Intelligence shows the threat of armed militia groups storming our capitol, he added.

Northam said officials received reports of out-of-state militia groups and hate groups planning to travel from across the country to disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence and are coming to intimidate and to cause harm.

According to a statement on the governors website, the emergency declaration prohibits weapons on the grounds of the capitol for several days, ending on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
The Jana Sena Party headed by popular Telugu film actor Pawan Kalyan formally forged an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and vowed to build a third political force in the state as an alternative to the ruling YSR Congress party and main opposition Telugu Desam (TDP).

Pawan Kalyan, who met BJP national working president J P Nadda in New Delhi on Monday, held talks with the BJP leaders from Andhra at a hotel in Vijayawada to work out a joint political strategy in the state.

Addressing a press conference later, the Jana Sena chief said people were looking at a third alternative to the YSRC and the TDP and the new alliance would fulfil their aspirations. We are confident that the Jana Sena-BJP combine will form the next government in Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Stating that his party had decided to work together with the BJP in the larger interest of the state Pawan Kalyan said, Our alliance will begin with the local body elections in the state next month and will continue till the next general elections.

He said the alliance would work towards ending dynasty politics and corrupt, tyrannical rule in the state. The YSR Congress party government has miserably failed to live up to the expectations of the people and destroyed their dream capital of Amaravati, he said.

Stating that he only had a communication gap with the BJP in the past, the Jana Sena chief said he owed nothing to the Communist parties with which he had an alliance during the last elections.

BJP general secretary in-charge of Andhra affair Sunil Deodhar said it was a historic day in Andhra politics. He alleged that former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and present chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had miserably failed to provide good governance to the state. We shall put an end to dynasty and corrupt politics in the state, he said.

He made it clear that Jana Sena would be the only alliance partner of the BJP and that there was no question of having any understanding with the TDP or the YSR Congress party in any manner.

BJP national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the BJP-Jana Sena combine would work towards overhauling state politics. We shall emerge as an alternative political force in Andhra Pradesh. In many states, the BJP started with a clean slate and captured power later. You are going to see a similar revolution in AP in the coming years, he said.

While the TDP preferred to remain tight-lipped over the Jana Sena-BJP alliance, YSRC official spokesperson and MLA Ambati Rambabu said it didnt make any difference in state politics, as both Jana Sena and the BJP were insignificant forces that hardly influenced the electorate in the state.

It is very natural for political parties to forge alliances. So, the YSRC does not attach much importance to it, he said.

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New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): With polling on the 70-member Delhi Assembly just weeks away, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) has decided to activate its cadre to aid in the formation of a government that has an eye on welfare of population in the capital with focus on wellbeing of Hindu population as well.

A mass public contact and awareness programme would be launched in which over 30,000 neighbourhood meetings will be held across the city.

The aim would also be to highlight the policies being pursued by the incumbent state government led by Arvind Kejriwal, sources said.

"We will tell people who are against the welfare of Hindus. Who has not given their assent to action on tukde-tukde gang? Who is supporting Shaheen Bagh? And Aam Aadmi Party government's stand on the CAA," they said.

Sources pointed out that on most of these issues the Arvind Kejriwal government stand was 'not in favour of the nation's interest'.

They stated that the RSS, the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will hold over 30,000 small public meetings in the capital aimed at reaching out to the masses.

"The purpose of this public contact programme would be to connect with the youngsters, senior citizens and others across Delhi. The RSS cadre will be activated to ensure that the AAP's stand on these important issues is brought before the people," sources added.

According to sources, the Sangh has clarified that it would not be seeking votes for any political party.

"Our only plea would be that the vote should be for the establishment of a government which aims for Hindu welfare and welfare of the population in general," sources added.

At these meetings, the Sangh is also unlikely to criticise the freebies that are currently being offered by the AAP government.

"The subsidies are not going to be reversed. The government that comes to power should continue these subsidies," sources added.

In Delhi, where 70 seats are at stake will go to polls on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11. The contest is a direct fight between the BJP and the AAP.

The BJP is trying hard to regain lost ground and is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the revival of its fortunes. The party has been out of power in the Delhi assembly since 1998.

Though BJP has been regularly winning the Lok Sabha and Municipality polls, the victory has been elusive for the BJP in Delhi Assembly.

On the other hand, the AAP is trying to regain control of the Assembly where it had secured an overwhelming 67 seats in the 2015 Assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that mobilization will commence shortly for its 2020 winter diamond drilling program at its flagship 35,705 hectare Moore Uranium Project, located approximately 15 kilometres east of Denison Mine's Wheeler River project and near regional infrastructure on the southeast side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Company is planning to carry out 2,500 metres of drilling in 7 to 9 diamond drill holes to follow up on the success of the drill programs completed last year. This fully funded and permitted drill program will test both unconformity and basement-hosted targets along the high grade Maverick structural corridor. Of particular interest are potential underlying basement feeder zones to the unconformity-hosted high grade uranium present along the Maverick corridor. These targets have seen limited historical drill testing.



Moore Uranium Project Claims Map:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/MooreLakeRegionalTenure.jpg

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour Resources, states: "We are excited to get the next phase of drilling started at our flagship Moore uranium project which will serve as an important near term catalyst for the company. The high grade uranium mineralization discovered during previous drill programs illustrates the strong discovery potential at Moore and recent geophysics and geological modeling have yielded some of highest priority drill targets to date at the project. We will be drill testing these targets on the Maverick corridor with a focus on basement-hosted targets as well as testing notable shallow targets that could further enhance the mineralizing system. To complement this drill program, and add additional news flow and discovery potential, Skyharbour's partner Orano Canada Inc. plans to complete a winter exploration program at the Preston Project while the Company's other partner Azincourt Energy is planning to commence a drill program shortly at the East Preston Project."

Winter 2020 Dill Program at the Moore Uranium Project:

Given the success of Skyharbour's drilling at the Moore Project over the last several years, the Company will be commencing a 2,500 metre winter diamond drilling program. Drill targets will include unconformity and basement-hosted mineralization along the Maverick structural corridor. The Company specifically plans to expand the high grade mineralization recently discovered at the Maverick East Zone and to test the Goose and Viper target areas along strike with a focus on basement-hosted mineralization. Only 2 km of the total 4 km long Maverick structural corridor has been systematically drill tested leaving robust discovery potential along strike, as well as at depth in the underlying basement rocks which have seen limited drill testing to date.

Moore Uranium Project Maverick Corridor:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Moore-Lake-Maverick-Corridor-Map-v1.jpg

Maverick East Target:

At Maverick East, recent drilling by Skyharbour intersected significant clay alteration and localized high grade uranium mineralization extending from the unconformity into the basement rocks. Hole ML19-06, drilled in the Maverick East Zone during the last drill program in 2019, intersected 0.62% U 3 O 8 over 12.0 metres, and included a high grade basement-hosted intercept of 2.31% U 3 O 8 over 2.5 metres. The focus will be on down dip and strike extensions of the Maverick East target. Past drilling has confirmed the presence of uranium mineralization over broad intervals in excess of 80 metres strike length in both the sandstone and basement rocks. It appears that the mineralization is plunging in a northeasterly direction and tends to be basement dominated to the northeast. Highlights of the Maverick East Zone also include hole ML-202 which returned 1.79% U 3 O 8 over 11.5 metres, including 4.17% U 3 O 8 over 4.5 metres and 9.12% U3O8 over 1.4 metres.

Moore Uranium Project Main and East Maverick Zones Drilling Map:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Maverick-Detail-Map.jpg

Skyharbour recently completed an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Magnetometer Survey ("UAV-MAG Survey") by Pioneer Aerial Surveys Ltd. ("Pioneer"). The UAV-MAG survey successfully identified high-priority cross-cutting features and structures along the Maverick corridor. Identification of these features has better defined drill targets for this upcoming drilling program at Moore. In addition, refinement of the Company's geological and structural model regarding the northward plunging mineralized zones at Maverick East is now complete and has greatly assisted in drill targeting the basement rocks of the Maverick East Zone, along strike and down dip of the current mineralization.

Maverick Structural Corridor - Northeast Extension Targets:

Drilling to the northeast of the Maverick and Maverick East mineralized zones will be within the remaining 2 km of the Maverick Structural Corridor, and include the Goose and Viper target areas approximately 500 metres and 1.5 kilometres along string to the northeast respectively. A large proportion of this trend has been tested by a series of broadly spaced drill holes and/or fences with significant untested gaps. Virtually all of the holes exhibited extensive sandstone and basement alteration and geochemical enrichment similar to that found within the Maverick and Maverick East Zones. Narrow intercepts of uranium mineralization were identified in numerous locations along this portion of the corridor. Many of these mineralized intercepts occur at the unconformity, but in a few key areas significant strongly altered basement structures within prospective graphitic and metasedimentary units were the host for this mineralization, with only limited drilling of the basement at depth completed.

Moore Uranium Project Regional Drill Targets Map:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Moore-Lake-Property-Wide.jpg

At the Viper Zone, historical drilling encountered basement-hosted mineralization in hole ML-161 which returned 1.0 metre of 0.083% U 3 O 8 and was accompanied by significant pathfinder element enrichment, clay alteration and structural disruption approximately 100 metres below the unconformity. Hole ML17-08 drilled by Skyharbour in 2017 also encountered significant clay alteration and structural disruption with localized silicification and pathfinder element enrichment. In addition to the drilling results, the recent UAV-MAG survey indicates a prominent magnetic low associated with this target. The mineralization in hole ML-161 has never been followed-up down-dip, and thus represents a high-priority target for further drilling.

Several new targets within these relatively untested areas of the corridor have been highlighted by the recently completed UAV-MAG survey which successfully identified notable, cross-cutting features and structures along the Maverick corridor.

Uranium Market Commentary and Update:

The uranium market has shown notable signs of recovery over the last several years with increasing uranium prices and improving sentiment, and this recovery is expected to accelerate amid recent news and sector developments. Analysts that cover the sector have stated that this could be a sustained upswing as they are currently seeing some of the best fundamentals since pre-Fukushima which should be supportive of higher uranium prices as a major supply-side response is playing out while the sticky demand-side continues to improve. The spot uranium price is approx. US $24.50 / lb U 3 O 8 which is still well below the average all-in global cost of production and significant price appreciation is needed to justify this production as well as developing new mines to ensure sustainable and secure supply to meet growing global demand. Furthermore, the fuel cycle market restructuring has continued with conversion and enrichment seeing notable price increases during 2019 which could spill over into the uranium market at some point.

Mine closures, production curtailment and project deferrals continue while almost fifty new nuclear reactors have come online in the last six years. Nuclear utility procurement in late 2019 increased to levels not seen in years and the major production cuts and depleting mine reserves appear to be working their way into the uranium market and driving prices higher. The two largest producers, Cameco and KazAtomProm, announced large supply cuts in 2017 and 2018 including Cameco's suspension of operations at the world's largest uranium mine, McArthur River. Additionally, several new uranium holding companies and funds have emerged including Yellow Cake PLC and Tribeca Capital Partners to purchase physical material effectively taking further spot supply from circulation. Lastly, Cameco will have to source millions of pounds of uranium in 2020 to fulfill their contracts, much of this could be from the spot market which would be supportive of prices in the near term.

The recent climate protests have dominated headlines and this should ultimately lend itself to improved sentiment for nuclear power as the only source of reliable, clean baseload electricity for today's modern society. On the demand side, there are 442 operating nuclear reactors and 54 new reactors under construction globally with hundreds more planned, ordered and proposed. China continues to be at the forefront of demand growth and has the largest reactor pipeline including 47 operating reactors, 12 under construction and another 212 planned or proposed, making up a significant portion of the global pipeline of non-operating units.

Moore Uranium Project Overview:

In June 2016, Skyharbour secured an option to acquire Denison Mine's Moore Uranium Project, on the southeastern side of the Athabasca Basin, in northern Saskatchewan. The project consists of 12 contiguous claims totaling 35,705 hectares located 42 kilometres northeast of the Key Lake mill, approximately 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project, and 39 kilometressouth of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Unconformity style uranium mineralization was discovered on the Moore Project at the Maverick Zone in April 2001. Historical drill results include 4.03% eU 3 O 8 over 10 metres including 20% eU 3 O 8 over 1.4 metres, In 2017, Skyharbour announced drill results of 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. In addition to the Maverick Zone, the project hosts other mineralized targets with strong discovery potential which the Company plans to test with future drill programs. The project is easily accessible by air and in winter via ice roads which simplifies logistics and lowers costs.

Moore Lake Uranium Project Geophysics Map:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/MooreLake-Basic-geo-revamp.jpg

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Richard Kusmirski, P.Geo., M.Sc., Skyharbour's Head Technical Advisor and a Director, as well as a Qualified Person.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with six drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, to acquire 100% of the Moore Uranium Project which is located approximately 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced stage uranium exploration project with high grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone. Drill results have returned up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres, including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Skyharbour has signed option agreements with Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy whereby Orano and Azincourt can earn in up to 70% of specific segments of the Preston Project through a combined $9,800,000 in total exploration expenditures, as well as $1,700,000 in total cash payments and Azincourt shares. Preston is a large, geologically prospective property proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which contains a NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U 3 O 8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO 2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high-grade surface showing with up to 68% U 3 O 8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco, where high-grade uranium mineralization has been identified. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/SYH_Landpackage_2014.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd..

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

"Jordan Trimble"



Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Simon Dyakowski

Corporate Development and Communications

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Telephone: 604-639-3850

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
Fifteen people have been killed in an attack on a Fulani village in central Mali, security and local officials said on Thursday, in a fresh bout of apparent ethnic violence in the war-torn country.

Armed men attacked Sinda village between Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday morning, said a security official who requested anonymity, adding some victims had their throats slit in their sleep.

A local elected official, who also declined to be named, said that other villagers were killed after being stopped by a group of traditional hunters known as the Dozo.

"Or at least, they were dressed like them," he said, referring to the group. Terrified villagers buried the dead on Thursday, a local teacher told AFP.

Islamist militants launched an insurgency in northern Mali in 2012, stoking a conflict that has since spread to the centre of the country and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

The conflict has frequently taken on an ethnic dimension, with attacks targeting Fulani people often perceived as being close to jihadists.

Radical preacher and jihadist leader Amadou Koufa, for example, is Fulani and has recruited from the ethnic group, who are traditionally nomadic herders.

Deadly clashes between Fulani and the sedentary Bambara and Dogon ethnic groups have increased.

Around 160 Fulani died in March last year in Ogossagou, near the border with Burkina Faso, in a massacre blamed on a Dogon militia.

In June, around 75 Dogons were killed in the villages of Sobane Da, Gangafani and Yoro, in an attack blamed on Fulani militants.

There had been a lull in ethnic violence since August, since armed Fulani and Dogon groups from central Mali agreed a ceasefire.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China will boost purchases of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the worlds two largest economies, defusing an 18-month row that has hit global growth

Beijing/Washington: China will boost purchases of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the worlds two largest economies, defusing an 18-month row that has hit global growth.

Key world stock market indexes climbed to record highs on news of the deal, before stalling on concerns it may fail to ease tensions, with numerous thorny issues unresolved. Oil prices rose, helped by expectations of more Chinese purchases of US oil and gas.

While acknowledging the need for further negotiations with China to solve a host of other problems, President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a win for the US economy and his administrations trade policies.

Together, we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers, farmers and families, Trump said in rambling remarks at the White House alongside the US and Chinese officials on Wednesday.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He read a letter from President Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader praised the deal as a sign the two countries could resolve their differences with dialogue.

While markets seemed to take this deal as a risk-on signal, we should all be aware that headlines about trade, particularly US-China trade, are going to be a constant feature of 2020, said Hannah Anderson, Global Markets Strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management in Hong Kong.

The centrepiece of the deal is a pledge by China to purchase at least an additional $200 billion worth of US farm products and other goods and services over two years, above a baseline of $186 billion in purchases in 2017, the White House said.

Commitments include $54 billion in additional energy purchases, $78 billion in additional manufacturing purchases, $32 billion more in farm products, and $38 billion in services, according to deal documents released by the White House and Chinas Finance Ministry.

Liu said Chinese companies would buy $40 billion in US agricultural products annually over the next two years based on market conditions which may dictate the timing of purchases in any given year.

Beijing had baulked at committing to buy set amounts of US farm goods earlier and has inked new soybean contracts with Brazil since the trade war started.

Although the deal could be a boost to US farmers, automakers and heavy equipment manufacturers, some analysts question Chinas ability to divert imports from other trading partners to the United States.

The deal does not end retaliatory tariffs on American farm exports, makes farmers increasingly reliant on Chinese state-controlled purchases, and does not address big structural changes, Michelle Erickson-Jones, a wheat farmer and spokeswoman for Farmers for Free Trade, said in a statement.

Trump, who has embraced an America First policy aimed at rebalancing global trade in favour of US companies and workers, said China had pledged action to confront the problem of pirated or counterfeited goods and said the deal included strong protection of intellectual property rights.

Washingtons insistence on enforcement mechanisms with real teeth could tear the deal apart if any tariffs are re-imposed for non-compliance.

US Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi said Trumps China strategy had inflicted deep, long-term damage to American agriculture and rattled our economy in exchange for more of the promises that Beijing has been breaking for years, in a statement.

Earlier, top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Fox News the agreement would add 0.5 percentage point to US gross domestic product growth in both 2020 and 2021.

Aviation industry sources said Boeing Co (BA.N) was expected to win a major order for wide-body jets from China, including its 787 or 777-9 models, or a mixture of both.

The deal touted new wins for US companies looking to access Chinas $40 trillion financial sectors, but many of the changes were already in the works with Beijing stepping up the pace of opening up in the past year.

Chinas central bank said Chinese financial institutions are completely capable of coping with foreign competition and it will strengthen financial supervisions as the sector is freed up.

Tariffs to stay

The Phase 1 deal cancelled planned US tariffs on Chinese-made cellphones, toys and laptop computers and halved the tariff rate to 7.5 percent on about $120 billion worth of other Chinese goods, including flat-panel televisions, Bluetooth headphones and footwear.

But it will leave in place 25 percent tariffs on a $250-billion array of Chinese industrial goods and components used by US manufacturers, and Chinas retaliatory tariffs on over $100 billion in US goods.

Market turmoil and reduced investment tied to the trade war cut global growth in 2019 to its lowest rate since the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund said in October.

Trump, who has been touting the Phase 1 deal as a pillar of his 2020 re-election campaign, said he would agree to remove the remaining tariffs once the two sides had negotiated a Phase 2 agreement.

Weve already begun discussions on a Phase 2 deal, Vice President Mike Pence said in a Fox Business Network interview.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar on his birth anniversary.

"I bow to the great Thiruvalluvar on his jayanti. His rich thoughts and literary works give strength to millions. He inspires us to work towards social equality, justice, and compassion," he said.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also paid his tributes.

"Remembering great Tamil Poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar on his Jayanti today. Thirukkural, authored by him, provides guidance to mankind on how to lead a noble life. Considered one of the greatest classics in Tamil literature on morality, values and ethics, the treatise on a variety of subjects, including governance remains relevant for all times," Naidu said in tweets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey has lifted the ban on Wikipedia with the Constitutional Court releasing Wednesday a detailed explanation of its December ruling that said the more than two-year-old ban violated rights of freedom of expression, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

Turkish authorities had blocked the online encyclopedia on April 29, 2017, prompting Wikipedia's parent organization, the Wikimedia Foundation, to file a case against the ban with the country's Constitutional Court.

A lower court in Ankara sent its decision to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority for further action.

The Constitutional Court based its ruling on decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, European Council and U.N. about freedom of internet and expression.

It underlined that Wikipedia had millions of users and the site helped the users to easily access important information.

A lower criminal court had blocked the website in 2017 due to articles and comments alleging Turkey was aligned with various terrorist groups.

The Constitutional Court said that though access to the content on Wikipedia had been denied, almost all the referenced sources remained accessible.

It stressed that due to its open structure, Wikipedia articles could include subjective information and be used for malignant intent.

Wikipedia's volunteer editors have changed or removed several articles including information about Turkey after it was blocked in the country, it further noted.

The ruling also said that Turkey's courts had not initiated any investigations or hearings on the writers of the controversial information, for which the website was blocked.

It concluded that administrative and judicial authorities had not been able to demonstrate that the restriction on accessing the website was justified.

The court added: "For these reasons, it was concluded that the decision to block access to the Wikipedia website did not comply with the requirements of the democratic social order."

Six members of the Constitutional Court had voted against the decision.
Officials from East Mediterranean countries agreed to cooperate to overcome major challenges in the region that have led to geopolitical and economic crises

Officials of member countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) meeting in Cairo on Thursday finalised the forum's policy foundation framework that would upgrade it to an international government organisation, a statement by Egypt's petroleum ministry said.

The ministerial meeting, the third for the forum that was established last year, was attended by the ministers and representatives of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Palestine, and Jordan. Representatives from the European Union and the World Bank attended the meetings, alongside guests from the US and France.

The framework of the EMGF, once completed, will be sent to the European Union to be reviewed, then it will be signed by the founding members, the statement noted.

Addressing the members of the forum, Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Molla said the East Mediterranean countries agreed to "cooperate to overcome major challenges and developments in the region that have resulted in geopolitical and economic problems with the aim of continuing the development of natural resources in the region."

The forum aims at "alleviating political tensions and promoting peace and stability" through economic and regional cooperation among the participating countries, the Egyptian minister said.

During the meeting, France requested to join the East Mediterranean Gas Forum as a member, and the US expressed interest to join as "a permanent observer," the ministry said in a separate statement.

On the sidelines of the gathering, the Egyptian minister discussed with the Cypriots counterpart steps to set up a planned pipeline connecting Cyprus Aphrodite gas field to Egypts Idku liquefied natural gas plant under a 2018 agreement. El-Molla discussed potential investment opportunities in gas exploration in Egypt in talks with his Greek counterpart.

The forum was created in January 2019 to "create a regional gas market, optimise resource development, cut the cost of infrastructure, offer competitive prices and improve trade ties, Egypt's petroleum ministry said at the time.

The second ministerial meeting of the organisation, based in Cairo, was held in November 2019 where members agreed to work to promote gas reserves in the region, estimated at 122 trillion cubic feet.

The East Mediterranean countries will meet next in Cairo in the second quarter of this year, the ministry said.

Mediterranean countries neighbouring Turkey were incensed by a maritime deal signed between Turkey and the Tripoli-based government of Libya in November, under which Ankara claimed vast areas of the sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country will begin exploring for gas in the Eastern Mediterranean this year. He added in remarks earlier on Thursday that it is now "legally impossible" for exploration and drilling activities or a pipeline in the areas between Libya and Turkey without the latter's approval. On Wednesday, Israel began exporting natural gas to Egypt to be processed at Egyptian liquefied natural gas factories before being re-exported to Europe. Earlier this month, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed an agreement to set up a pipeline in the East Mediterranean to ship gas to Europe, a project that Turkey opposes.

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Elazzi writes some laugh-out-loud lines in the first half as Danny's sister, Josephine (the baby's mother, played by Nisrine Amine), his mother, Dana (Deborah Galanos) and his Uncle Mark (Johnny Nasser) frenetically and chaotically prepare for the $10,000 christening.

From this, the half-way mark in James Elazzi's 90-minute play, the audience should be sharing Danny's hurt, disappointment and frustration  but it doesn't quite work. Elazzi handles this pivot point and its aftermath adroitly enough, but our sympathies have already been claimed elsewhere.

Danny's revelation to his Lebanese-Australian family that he's gay is met with fury and contempt  not just because it's supposedly a "phase" or a "disease", but because he dared to raise this just before his eight-month-old nephew's christening.

Meanwhile, Aunt Fatima from Lebanon is on speaker-phone, compounding the comedy and punctuating the frenzy, as cakes, cards, flowers, almonds, hair and a new statue of the Virgin Mary all take centre stage.

Stealing our affections away from Danny (Antony Makhlouf) is his mother: partly thanks to Galanos' brassy performance, and partly to her having the best lines.

"One day you'll find a nice girl you can tolerate," she reassures Danny before he has come out. "My son will not marry a woman that makes him unhappy. If they don't like it, they can pave the ocean."

When Danny has revealed his secret, the snappish Josephine rounds on him with, "Were all stuck in our miserable worlds. Why can't you do the same?". It's such a witheringly funny line as to undermine Elazzi's intent.

It's not that we feel no sympathy for Danny, but that we can't feel enough to make the play's second-half work as well as the first.
Amnesty International on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to allow peaceful demonstrations against the CAA in Varanasi, the former's Lok Sabha constituency, and uphold people's right to protest.

The global human rights body also sought an independent probe into all cases of police brutality and prosecution of those responsible for violence against protestors.

There is an ongoing crackdown on peaceful protests in Varanasi and the UP government continues to use excessive force to intimidate and harass those critical of the Citizenship Amendment Act, Amnesty International India (AII) executive director Avinash Kumar said in a statement.

After interviewing over two dozen people from different parts of Varanasi and gathering corroborating evidence, AII calls on Modi and Yogi to intervene and end the gross violations of right to peaceful assembly in the city and other parts of UP, he said.

"(Though) Modi has said criticism makes a democracy strong, there is a total disregard by the state to those who are protesting against the CAA. Permissions for peaceful protests have been denied, protestors have been arrested, the state police have used excessive force and state officials openly threaten and intimidate protestors," Kumar claimed.

Stressing that protesting peacefully is not a crime but a right, the statement said the PM must "lead the way and set an example" by showing that peaceful dissent in his constituency is not being crushed. He must ensure that the "UP government sets up an independent investigation into all cases of police brutality. Those responsible must be prosecuted", the statement said.

The organisation said it found that between December 11 and 23, 2019, more than 70 people were arrested for peacefully protesting in the state and that the police indiscriminately cane charged peaceful protestors and innocent bystanders.

"It led to the death of an eight-year-old child who was crushed to death and resulted in over a dozen injuries," Kumar said.

Interviews with the families of the arrested persons also show that police used violence during arrests. They were also harassed and intimidated in jail and most of them were kept in custody for over 15 days despite securing bail, the AII alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The European Union's trade chief today warned it will be impossible for the bloc and Britain to hammer out all of the details of their post-Brexit relationship by the end of 2020.

Phil Hogan, the EU's trade commissioner, said it was 'just not possible' to finalise a comprehensive trade deal by December as he put Brussels on a collision course with Boris Johnson.

The UK will leave the EU on January 31 and will then enter into a standstill transition period when trade talks will take place.

That transition period is due to expire at the end of December and Mr Johnson is adamant that he will not agree to an extension.

But Mr Hogan suggested it was 'unwise' to stick so rigidly to the deadline as he said doing so would likely mean the UK and EU parting ways with some issues still to be resolved.

Phil Hogan, the European Commissioner for Trade, said today it was 'just not possible' to finish post-Brexit talks with the UK by the end of 2020

The terms of the Brexit divorce deal agreed by Mr Johnson with Brussels last year dictate that the transition period can be extended by up to two years if both sides agree.

A decision on extension must be taken by the middle of this year but while the EU is open to pushing back the deadline, Mr Johnson has refused to countenance such a move.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, met Mr Johnson for talks last week and concluded the UK's desire to treat the end of 2020 as a hard deadline meant both sides will have to prioritise some issues over others.

Mr Hogan said today that negotiators were 'certainly' not going to be able to tie up everything on the future relationship between the bloc and the UK in the current time frame.

He said: 'Certainly by the end of the year we are not going to get everything that's in the 36-page document on the future relationship agreed because Prime Minister Johnson decided we are going to have everything concluded by the end of the year.

'It's just not possible. Especially if we have to make a decision about the transition by July 1.'

Mr Hogan, a former Irish minister and an ally of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said the EU was 'open to suggestions' on how best to manage the talks.

But he said the 'wisest thing' to do would be to avoid setting firm deadlines.

Mr Hogan's comments put the EU on a collision course with Boris Johnson, pictured in Downing Street yesterday, with the PM adamant that he will not agree to the Brexit transition period being extended beyond the end of 2020

Mr Hogan said: 'I think we've seen that putting ourselves into timelines in the last few years have not been that helpful, especially in the way it played out in the House of Commons.'

That comment is likely to prompt anger in Number 10 given that both the EU and UK agreed to the terms of the transition period in the divorce accord.

Mr Hogan made the comments to former EU trade commissioner Lord Mandelson at an event at the RSA in central London, where he was appearing on a video-link from Washington DC.

In the US, Mr Hogan has been discussing transatlantic trade with president Donald Trump's representatives.
By 2025, an estimated 75 billion internet of things (IoT) devices are predicted to be in use worldwide. This includes the growing number of connected medical devices, such as pacemakers, that patients rely on to sustain life. While some regulation related to securing healthcare data exists, governance related to protecting the devices themselves is inadequate despite the increasing risk of malicious attacks on these digitally-accessible medical technologies.

Medgadget has previously spoken with emerging cybersecurity companies who recognize the risks of compromised medical technology and are building solutions to address the challenge. To learn more about the regulatory landscape surrounding IoT, Medgadget spoke with Natali Tshuva, CEO of Sternum, an Israeli startup offering multilayered cybersecurity for embedded IoT protection. We also had a chance to hear more about Sternums IoT cybersecurity solutions which currently serve healthcare as well as other industries where connected devices are becoming increasingly prevalent.

See Sternums commentary on the FDAs Content of Premarket Submissions for Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices draft guidance here.

Medgadget: The dialogue around healthcare security usually includes references to HIPAA compliance and HITRUST certification. Can you give us some grounding in how those standards apply to IoT device security and what it means for an IoT technology company to claim that it has achieved either standard? Are there other regulatory standards to which IoT device companies currently must adhere?

Natalie Tshuva, CEO, Sternum

Natali Tshuva: To understand the relevance of these regulations in medical IoT, its essential to differentiate between health technology security as it pertains to protected health information (PHI) and the security of medical IoT devices themselves. HIPAA addresses PHI and HITRUST addresses information security risk management and privacy, but neither address the security of actual IoT devices. Additionally, neither address on-device security, hardening devices against cyber attacks, reporting cyber incidents, or preventing malicious code from running on a device. This does not mean, however, that the standards set out by these regulations are not important, and we hope these regulations evolve to include guidance for IoT device cybersecurity.

That said, there are other regulatory standards concerning IoT device security, for example, standards by the FDA and NIST in the US, and ENISA in the EU. While these standards do touch on important points such as real-time monitoring, none are mandatory and most are still in the process of being drafted and established. With billions of IoT devices now in use, this is the time for regulations and industry standards to be put into place to ensure security and device integrity. Regulators have put an incredible amount of resources into achieving these standards so far. I think to further this mission the industry needs one to two mandatory standards or regulations that are clear and precise when it comes to IoT device security. These regulations should send a clear message to device manufacturers that security is a fundamental requirement. These regulations should be based off of traditional cybersecurity solutions, but adjusted to fit the unique nature of IoT.

Medgadget: Despite the existence of some regulations, what gaps or risks still exist?

Tshuva: The cyber risks IoT device manufacturers face remain significant. This is what motivated us to develop our product in the first place. We looked at the medical sector, as well as multiple other industries, and saw how billions of IoT devices were connected to the internet, yet proper end-to-end security solutions that protected these devices were largely non-existent. The guidelines set out by HIPAA and HITRUST are focused on PHI and do not touch on proper on-device security protocols. We cannot wait for regulation to catch up to the constantly evolving cybersecurity threats we face today.

IoT Cybersecurity should not only mean protection of PHI on networks (which HIPAA and HITRUST are largely focused on and which exclude IoT devices that are not part of a network or contain PHI). It needs to include total protection of IoT devices themselves, including preventing hacks, knowing if your device experienced a breach, and stopping denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Hackers have learned how to exploit vulnerabilities within an IoT device in order to bypass encryption. Robust cybersecurity solutions must be one step ahead of these hackers by ensuring immunity to vulnerability exploitation on a device and enabling visibility into potential future attacks. This includes protection and monitoring of third party code that OEMs and enterprises cannot control. Without effective cybersecurity solutions in place, the results of a hack on a sensitive medical device could be lethal, particularly if devices are manipulated to not act as they should.

Medgadget: What are the risks to device companies who fail to properly secure their technologies? What are examples of IoT-specific breaches that have resulted in significant harm?

Tshuva: IoT device companies must be aware that cyber risks do not solely threaten the connected devices themselves but have become the gateway of choice for an increasing amount of network intrusions. With 75 billion IoT devices predicted to be in use in the coming years, its critical to include security solutions on the devices themselves. Network protection is proving incapable of adequately preventing cyber breaches from IoT devices. And when we are dealing with high-value IoT medical devices such as pacemakers, cyber attacks could ultimately be lethal. There is also, of course, the physical and financial ramifications of cyber attacks.

The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 is an example of the risks posed to connected devices in the medical industry. In addition to the tens of hospitals in the UK and unnamed medical facilities in the US that were hit hard by the massive malware attack, the ransomware also appeared on a Bayer Medrad device used to improve imaging in the radiology department of a US hospital. The device, connected to the hospital network, only demonstrates how one vulnerable connected device could spell trouble for an entire system. Also in 2017, we saw the FDA warn that implantable cardiac devices designed by St. Jude Medical were at high risk.

Medgadget: Turning our attention to Sternum, how does the company solve some of the challenges youve identified?

Tshuva: We tackled these challenges by creating a multilayered cybersecurity solution that offers real-time, on-device protection for individual IoT devices. We understood right away that other security solutions were hyper-focused on two things  patching every vulnerability on the device itself and attempting to protect the entire network. Yet its nearly impossible to identify every weak point on a device and its not effective for enterprises to simply ignore endpoint protection. This is especially true for distributed devices, like homecare medical devices, as it is impossible to deploy a network security solution into these unmanaged and uncontrolled environments.

Our product suite offers on-device, real-time protection from both known and unknown threats, ensuring immunity to vulnerability exploitation. Simultaneously, our solution focuses on the monitoring of a company or OEMs device fleets, enabling visibility into all devices and potential future attacks. First, our Embedded Integrity Verification (EIV) operates like an on-device firewall  it validates each and every operation within the IoT device to ensure overall device integrity at all times, including protection of sensitive data within it. Second, our Real-time IoT Event Monitoring System (RIEMS) provides first-of-its-kind visibility from within individual IoT devices (including 3rd party components) so that OEMs, enterprises, and consumers are immediately alerted to indications of any cyber breach, as well as prevented attack attempts. Both EIV and RIEMS work symbiotically: while RIEMS continuously collects and monitors cyber and operational events, EIV proactively prevents attack attempts in real-time.

Medgadget: Who are Sternums customers? How do those customers gain peace of mind that the IoT solutions they deploy are secure?

Tshuva: Sternums customers include a number of OEMs in various sectors including healthcare, industry 4.0, smart cities, and energy. Our product solution is designed for OEMs who produce IoT devices, enterprises that implement them, and end-point consumers who ultimately use them. Since our solution is uniquely embedded throughout the devices code (including 3rd party components), we are empowering IoT devices with self-protection techniques to armor themselves with real-time prevention from cyber attacks. Our product also gives users unprecedented visibility into their entire device fleet. This means OEMs and medical companies can track devices activities, receive alerts on mitigated attacks or attempted breaches, and manage 3rd party code, all via a simplified interface.

Medgadget: How easy is it for an IoT device company to integrate with Sternums solution? What is the range of IoT devices with which Sternum can be integrated?

Tshuva: The integration process is very simple. Our flexible internet of medical things (IoMT) security solutions can be integrated into existing R&D environments and work seamlessly with any operating system and/or development process. We are a software-only solution, meaning that no special hardware, operating system, or additional platform is required. Once our solution is integrated, customers are able to continuously protect the entirety of their code automatically, including newly added code and third-party components. Monitoring capabilities are also embedded automatically and utilize existing connectivity within target IoT devices to deliver real-time alerts.

Sternums solution is capable of being installed on any IoT device in any industry, including medical, industry 4.0, smart cities, and energy sectors. As a high-diversity and platform-agnostic solution, Sternum currently stands as the only on-device, real-time cybersecurity solution supporting all types of real-time operating systems (RTOS).

Medgadget: How does Sternum differentiate against other competitors in the IoT cybersecurity market?

Tshuva: Our competitors can be split into two main groups: network-based solutions that do not address the need for on-device security and endpoint-focused secure-development tools, like MedCrypt, that lack real-time protection or deep visibility after an IoT device is deployed. What makes us unique is the fact that we offer both innovative on-device, real-time protection and unprecedented visibility into the device. We are the only on-device, real-time cybersecurity solution supporting all types of RTOS. Plus, when utilizing Sternums EIV solution, our cyber attack prevention rate is nearly perfect.

Medgadget: Sternum services other industries outside of healthcare. Did Sternum start in healthcare and how did Sternum get to where it is today providing cybersecurity solutions for multiple verticals?



Tshuva: We did start in healthcare! It was immediately obvious to me how vulnerable lifesaving medical devices are to potentially fatal hacks. The IoMT industry craved a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that could defend medical devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps by mitigating known threats, while simultaneously adapting to and combating new ones. Existing solutions were either too focused on the security of PHI or protecting entire hospital networks, as opposed to securing medical IoT devices themselves. We created a multilayered approach that ensured the on-device security the medical industry needed. We soon realized our solution could be applicable to big markets outside of medical so we decided to expand.

Link: Sternum homepage
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:52:03|Editor: huaxia

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Wang Yang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with President of the Swiss National Council Isabelle Moret at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang and President of the Swiss National Council Isabelle Moret held a meeting Thursday in Beijing on further cooperation and development of bilateral ties.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the two countries, which forged diplomatic relations 70 years ago, should continue to uphold the principle of equity, mutual respect, innovation, cooperation and win-win results, and inject new impetus to China-Switzerland relations.

The CPPCC National Committee is ready to facilitate friendly exchanges with people from all walks of life in Switzerland, Wang said.

Moret said Switzerland will also work with China to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and promote mutual understanding and friendly ties between the two peoples.
Two Mississauga men have been charged in American federal court for their alleged role in a five-year global smuggling scheme to export aircraft parts, semiconductors and other equipment and aid Pakistans nuclear program, the U.S. Department of Justice says.

The men, Muhammad Ahsan Wali, 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh, 82, are among five men accused of operating a front company that sought to smuggle American goods to two Pakistan agencies that have been black-listed by U.S. national security, according to a indictment that was unsealed in a New Hampshire federal court Wednesday.

The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistans weapons programs, said John C. Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, in a news release.

This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable.

The men were originally charged by a federal grand jury in October. They have not yet been arrested, according to the news release.

Prosecutors say they were associated with the company Business World, based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, which allegedly used a network of front companies to disguise two restricted Pakistan agencies as the final destination for U.S.-sourced goods.

According to the indictment, the exports included goods like electronic components, satellite communications equipment and sensors.

According to prosecutors, the goods were ultimately received by and paid for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission  which were blacklisted by U.S. national security in 2014 and 1998, respectively.

Between September 2014 and October 2019, the indictment outlines 38 separate exports from the U.S. involving 29 companies around the country. None of those companies has been found to be complicit in the illegal exports, according to the release.

Office of Export Enforcement agent William Higgins said agents will vigorously pursue illegal trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.

Muhammad Kamran Wali, 41, of Pakistan, Ashraf Khan Muhammad, of Hong Kong, and Ahmed Waheed, 52, of the United Kingdom, are named as the other three defendants.

The five men have been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act.

David Venn is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @davidvenn_

Read more about:
A 13-year-old schoolgirl has become pregnant by a boy aged ten in Russia, local media reported.

The children study at different schools in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in Siberia but are understood to have been friends since they were younger.

The pregnant girl is planning on keeping the child and her family are supporting her in the decision, according to TBK.

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances and the girl's school have said they will be offering every assistance possible.

Little is known about the boy, but social media accounts showed the pair were listed as 'married' on on their profiles

In a statement the police said: 'On January 13, 2020, the police received information from doctors of the Federal State Budget Healthcare Institution KB No. 51 of the city of Zheleznogorsk that a 13-year-old schoolgirl was pregnant.

'The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Khakassia have launched an investigation and a decision will follow.'

Little is known about the boy, but social media accounts showed the pair were listed as 'married' on on their profiles.

A local paediatrician Nikolai Skorobogatov has expressed doubts over whether the boy is indeed the father.

'Theoretically, this is possible,' the doctor told KRSK. 'I don't know anything about this particular case, but I feel the boy could have been blamed while another has impregnated the girl.

'All this, of course, is very easily verified with the help of an examination, which will certainly be carried out.'

Krasnoyarsk the capital of the Krasnoyarsk Territory in Siberia, Russia (stock image)

In 2009 the UK was stunned by the case of Alfie Patten, a 12-year-old boy who claimed to have had a child by his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, then 15.

It prompted a national debate about morality and teenage pregnancy with then Tory leader David Cameron saying it raised 'worrying' questions about modern Britain.

But DNA tests later revealed that Mr Patten was not the father, but a 15-year-old boy called Tyler Barker.
Britain's worst rapist is one step closer to dying behind bars after the Attorney General referred his case to the Court of Appeal.

Reynhard Sinaga, 36, was locked up for a minimum of 30 years last week after being convicted of carrying out 159 sex attacks on 48 different men in Manchester after tricking them into taking a date rape drug.

Lawyers for the Crown Prosecution Service urged Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to look into whether Sinaga's sentence should be upped to a whole-life tariff.

Today, Mr Cox QC has announced he is sending his case to the Court Appeal, where judges could re-sentence him to ensure he is never released.

Reynhard Sinaga, 36, was locked up for a minimum of 30 years last week after being convicted of carrying out 159 sex attacks on 48 different men in Manchester after tricking them into taking a date rape drug

The Attorney General said: 'After carefully considering the details of this case, I have decided to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

'Sinaga carried out an egregious number of attacks over a prolonged period of time, causing substantial pain and psychological suffering to his victims.

'It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.'

Sinaga a 'perpetual student' studying for a PhD in Manchester thanks to his rich family, picked up drunk and vulnerable men by posing as a 'good Samaritan' and offering help, Manchester Crown Court heard during his trial.

Passing sentence, Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said a whole-life order had never been made before in a case other than one involving murder, but despite the 'vast scale' of offending making Sinaga's a borderline case, she would 'shrink back' from passing a whole-life term.

However, she added: 'In my judgment, you are a highly dangerous, cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released, but that is a matter for the Parole Board.'

Richard Littler QC, defending Sinaga, submitted that the legal authorities did not support the passing of a whole-life sentence in the defendant's case.

He said the Court of Appeal has never imposed a whole-life order for a discretionary life sentence and, to date, whole-life terms had not been passed in non-homicide cases.

Britain's worst rapist is one step closer to dying behind bars after Attorney General Geoffrey Cox (pictured outside Downing Street on Tuesday) referred his case to the Court of Appeal

Court of Appeal (pictured) judges will decide whether to re-sentence him to a whole-life term

Mr Littler said: 'This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it cannot accurately be described as a violent crime.'

Police established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them, but 70 of them remained unidentified.

After reporting restrictions were lifted and Sinaga was publicly identified following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said it had seen a 'very positive response' with multiple calls made.

It is thought Sinaga laced his victims' drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy.

The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinaga's phone.

He was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017  136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
There are roughly 3.5 million Muslims in the United States, and many of them call metropolitan Detroit home.

The Taylor Community Library, 12303 Pardee Road, will be hosting an event on the impact of Islamophobia.

Responding to Islamophobia will feature panelists from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who will join library staff for a discussion.

Citing a rise in Islamophobic sentiments, the group says the goal of the event is to address the impacts that negative attitudes have on our Muslim neighbors here in Taylor and discuss ways to forge a more welcoming community together.

According to FBI statistics, there were 188 reported hate crimes committed against Muslims in 2018.

The discussion, set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23, will feature three guest speakers from CAIR:

Imam Mikail is the assistant director at Al-Ikhlas Training Academy, a non-profit Islamic school in Detroit. He also is a former police chaplain and is a member of the Michigan Imams Council.

Isra Daraiseh is a community activist from Flint who advocates against anti-Arab and Muslim discrimination. She works with the National Network of Arab American Communities, through ACCESS, a non-profit.

Amy Doukoure is the staff attorney of the Michigan chapter of CAIR.
NEW DELHI : The Pulwama attack in February last year may have established the firm resurgence of the Jaish-e-Mohammad as the most lethal terror outfit in the valley. In the months that followed, the dormant Hizbul Mujahideen caught up and has now started breathing new life into its armed cadre.

The Indian Army on Wednesday gunned down the Hizbul Mujahideens district commander Harun Hafaz, in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district. While Hafaz was wanted for several terror incidents including killing of political activists, his elimination was unlikely to stall the Hizbuls growth, forces said.

The last lethal commander was Burhan Wani, who was eliminated in 2016. Since then theyve had a series of commanders who have all been eliminated by the forces. These commanders dont really matter," said a senior security force official on condition of anonymity.

While intelligence inputs have indicated a presence of as many as 220 militants in the valley, officials believe almost 80% of them are home-grown militants from the areas of Shopian and Pulwama."

The Union home ministrys statistics claim that 20 terrorists have been killed since the dilution of Article 370 on 5 August 2019. The officials stated that the re-activation of armed cadre of groups such as the Hizbul is a direct result of having had enough time to lie low, recruit and train the militants in Kashmir itself," as well as lack of commandeers coming in from Pakistan.

Because the Indian Army has beefed up the anti-infiltration network across the LoC, Pakistan cannot send in its militants. However, even though the home-grown Kashmiri militants are keeping the fire burning in the valley, Pakistan does not fully trust them because of which it is still trying to keep the smaller Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba camps alive in Kashmir and training certain commanders to steer the groups," an intelligence official said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 06:50:57|Editor: yan

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ROME, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The ambitious plan to protect the Italian canal city of Venice from severe flooding went through its first dry run this week and had good early reviews.

Venice, in Italy's northeastern coastline, was battered by record flooding in November 2019. Waters rose 1.87 meters (74 inches) above normal, leaving two people dead and causing more than 1 billion euros (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) in property damage, including harm to some of the city's cultural riches.

Flood risks are not new to Venice, which is made up of 118 small islands divided by canals and lagoons.

Starting in 2003, the Italian government began the development of a complex set of gates aimed at keeping water levels from rising too high in the city. But the 5.5-billion euro project, called MOSE -- an acronym for Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico (Italian for "Electromechanical Experimental Module") -- was not yet ready to reduce the impacts of last year's flood.

Based on the first full-scale test of MOSE this week, the project soon will be ready. The test moved 20 of the 78 water gates designed to block water level rise at four key junctures.

"If an emergency presents itself again, we will be able to raise the barriers and save the city from the worst damage," Italian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Paola De Micheli told reporters this Monday.

Over its 17-year history, the MOSE project has been plagued by delays (its original completion date was in 2016). But according to Monica Ambrosini, a senior official with the Venezia Nuova Consortium, which oversees the MOSE project, if rounds of tests go according to plan, it should be fully operational sometime between June and October this year -- well ahead of the latest deadline of having it operational by the end of next year.

"The gates are all in place," Ambrosini told Xinhua. "The only thing we lack now is the mechanisms used to raise and lower the gates. They'll be ready soon."

That was not the case on Nov. 12, when flooding with the highest water levels in 50 years and the second-highest ever recorded hit the city. Some of the gates were operational, but Ambrosini said that raising just some of the gates would have made the problem worse.

"Ultimately, if some were raised, the water level would have ended up the same but the flow of water through the inlets where the barriers were not raised would have sped up," she said.

According to Giuseppe Passoni, a professor of environmental and land plan engineering at the Politecnico University in Milan, MOSE should solve most of the flood-related problems Venice could face. MOSE's architects say the gates should be able to withstand water level rises of as high as 3 meters (118 inches), well above the all-time record of 1.94 meters of water level rise recorded in 1966.

"Once MOSE is fully operational it will only be necessary to properly maintain it, and make sure there are no secondary problems," Passoni said in an interview. Another challenge, the professor said, will be to make sure the gates are not raised too often, or if they are, enough oxygen will be pumped into the Venice lagoon to make sure it can still support fish and plant life.

"If the lagoon were walled off for good it would quickly become stagnant because of a lack of oxygen in the water," Passoni said.
Lau A Hong is wanted by Vietnamese police of trafficking 250 kg of meth from the Laos border. Photo courtesy of the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs, Prostitution Prevention and Control.

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Lau A Hong, one of two men found trafficking nearly 250 kg of meth in central Vietnam.

At 8:30 a.m. on December 21, 2019, local police stopped a pickup truck with two people traveling from a border gate with Laos on National Highway 12A near a commune in the central province of Quang Binh, and requested to check its trunk.

However, the suspects accelerated their vehicle and tried to escape the police. The pickup hit the guardrails of the road and stopped, but the two men fled into the jungle bordering Laos before the police were able to approach the vehicle.

Police seized 248.99 kg of methamphetamine from the vehicle.

The two suspects were later identified as Lau A Hong, 26, and Vang A Lu of Na U Commune from the northern Dien Bien Province.

The police did not provide further information or comment on why an arrest warrant was issued for only one of the two suspects.

Vietnam is a key trafficking hub for drugs from the Golden Triangle, an intersection of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, and the world's second largest drug-producing area, after the Golden Crescent in South Asia.

Despite Vietnam's tough drug laws including death sentences for making, smuggling and trading in drugs, drug busts have become increasingly frequent in recent years.
The parking lot at the DeFelice Marine Center, the heart of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium of some two dozen institutions, was once high and dry. It now floods several dozen times a year, occasionally causing the facility to close because of the difficulty of getting across the lot and into the building. Officials predict that, without action, the lab might need to shut down several dozen days each year within the next 10 to 15 years. The corrosive saltwater attacks the structure and has risen up through the soil into buried electrical cables, at one point causing a blackout. Some floods are accompanied by droves of fiddler crabs that sometimes find their way into the elevators.
Wes Sykes has been going to Cheatham and Moore Barber Shop for at least 25 years now, ever since he moved to Indianapolis.

He goes to the same barber every time, too: Bill Barnett, whos worked at Cheatham and Moore since 1968.

Bill is the nicest person Ive ever met, Sykes, 75, said as he got his hair trimmed on a rainy afternoon. Hes genuinely nice. Everybody likes him. Hes sincere and transparent, and I really enjoy his company.

Barnett smiled, laughed and said its friends like Sykes who make him appreciative of all the years hes spent cutting hair.

Thats the thing about Cheatham and Moore. It seems everyone has roots in the business that stretch decades deep, and theres pride in being part of an establishment that keeps it family-friendly.

Swearing isnt allowed, and theres a sign that reads NO PROFANITY hanging on the wall in case anyone needs a reminder.

The conversation here is always informative, Sykes said never vulgar.

Thats the way city-county council member Monroe Gray Jr. remembers it from when he worked there.

That has always been the policy, said Gray, 76, who started working there when he was 25 and left about 20 years ago. Total respect. A lot of families there.

Cheatham and Moore recently celebrated 40 years at its current location at 3828 N. Illinois St.

Leodis Moore Sr., whos owned the business since 1999, joined the original owner, Owen Cheatham, in 1965 when the shop was on Clifton Street on the north side. Cheatham retired in 1999 and sold his share of the business to Moore, whos now the sole owner.

You wouldnt be ashamed to bring your son or daughter, your mother or father, your preacher, your teacher, Moore said. You just wouldnt be ashamed to bring anybody here because we dont allow a lot of things.

Moore said the barber shop isnt a Christian business but that theres a Christian atmosphere.

You can read your Bible and talk about it in here, he said.

Moore likes to think of the business as more than a barber shop where you can get a haircut for $16 and then start getting a little discount when you turn 65 and another one when you turn 72.

Moore likes talking about some of the athletes and politicians who have sat in his chairs over the years  Pacers great Reggie Miller, for example  but he also said he doesnt publicize those patrons because he wants Cheatham and Moore to be known as a place that serves common people.

Along with Moore and Barnett, who have been at the barber shop for a combined 107 years, Moores son, Leodis Moore Jr., has been in the business for about 35 years.

In 2016, Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Homecoming Committee inducted the elder Moore into the organizations Hall of Fame.

Your business has devoted hours encouraging, helping and mentoring young men, the recognition reads.

The plaque is hanging on the wall at Cheatham and Moore, along with numerous other pieces of history.

Its been a good history, Moore said. Were trying to keep it that way.

Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.

Wes Sykes gets his hair cut by Bill Barnett at Cheatham and Moore Barber Shop, which recently celebrated 40 years at its location on North Illinois Street. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick)
Phase 1 of trade deal resets many equations- China commits to $200 billion worth of additional imports from the US- But most of the import tariffs remain. To be reviewed after US Presidential poll- Deal improves trade outlook for 2020

-

India seen as a significant gainer from trade diversion

The announcement of Phase 1 trade agreement between the US and China is a whiff of fresh air that perhaps signals the beginning of the end of a bruising trade war that has roiled global markets over the past two years.

It brings in several commitments from China for higher trade and transparent dealings after the US raised concerns about intellectual rights, technology transfer and a host of other issues.

Though doubts still linger about enforceability of the commitments, as of now, it has defused the conflict to a large extent. We also believe that the development improves global trade outlook and reduces equity risk premium, which in general is supportive of global equities.

For Indian equities, export-oriented sectors with exposure to the US in particular should gain because of continuation of elevated import tariffs between the two largest economies for a major chunk of goods. Sectors such as metals, chemicals and pharma can capitalise on the import substitution opportunity in the US. Hence, investors can position themselves accordingly.

US trade deficit with China to reduce

A big takeaway from the Phase 1 deal is commitment of China to purchase an additional $200 billion worth of US goods and services over the next two years. What are the implications? This would lead to more than 50 percent increase in US exports to China on an annual basis.

Chinas increased imports of US goods and services are expected to continue on this same trajectory for several years after 2021 and should contribute significantly to the rebalancing of the bilateral trade relationship. According to Reuters, $200 billion worth of additional exports to China would consist of $80 billion of manufactured goods, $50 billion of energy supplies, $30 billion of agriculture products and $35 billion of services. This can significantly reduce the overall trade and services deficit of the US versus the rest of the world from the level of $628 billion in 2018.

Table: US Trade in Goods and Services

Source: www.census.gov

Whats more?

There has been some progress on contentious issues, including technology transfer and intellectual property rights (IPR). China has agreed to end its long-standing practice of forcing or pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese firms in lieu of market access.

To sweeten the deal, the US has removed Chinas designation as a currency manipulator in its semi-annual currency report. The US Treasury now says China has committed to refraining from competitive devaluation as part of the Phase 1 trade deal.

Sceptics are worried still

Chinas pledge shows a likely sharp jump in its imports from the US in times to come. But thats easier said than done. The big question is, how does China go about the execution part, which may substantially reset its trade ties with other key partners. Second, its agreement and enforcement on prickly issues remains a key factor to watch.

Coming to the US side, there is no major rollback in trade tariffs. As a rider, the US has agreed to shelve tariffs on another $160 billion of Chinese goods which were scheduled to take effect from December 15, 2019. Additionally, it has reduced by half the 15 percent tariff it imposed on $120 billion of Chinese goods on September 1 last year.

So, in totality, the US retains higher tariff on imports worth of $370 billion from China. This includes duty of 25 percent on $250 billion Chinese goods and 7.5 percent for the remainder $120 billion. Average tariffs on both sides are in the vicinity of 20 percent, a far cry from the pre-June 2018 level.

Chart: US-China trade tariffs (average rate)

Source: Peterson Institute of International Economics

Much of the additional tariffs appear to be a new normal for both for the near term. News reports suggest that any reduction in tariff may be considered in Phase 2 of trade negotiations, which may conclude after the US presidential elections in November 2020.

Takeaways

To be sure, the trade pact has eased the woes for global stocks and substantially reduces the risk premium. In the past, various international agencies have termed the trade war as a drag on global growth and saw it as a prime reason for the resultant uncertainty. We believe that the current round of US-China bonhomie, along with the clarity on Brexit deadline after the UK election, has lifted that cloud of trade uncertainty for 2020.

At the same time, a good part of higher import tariffs would continue to remain on both sides. That means there is an opportunity for other countries to benefit from trade diversions. According to a UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) report, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mexico, Korea and India are among the key beneficiaries from the trading spat as importers in the US and China turned to import substitution from these countries. India particularly has benefited from higher exports to the US for chemicals, metals and precision instruments.

Table: Trade diversion benefit for countries/sectors in H1 of 2019

Source: Trade and trade diversion effects of United States tariffs on China, UNCTAD  November 2019

Its also a matter of interest to track sectors or companies from global cyclicals such as pharma APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and chemicals that eye gains from the ongoing trade dynamics. A policy push for job creation and renewed thrust for Make in India will definitely be an icing on the cake.

For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research page

Moneycontrol Research analysts do not hold positions in the companies discussed here
Bringing Olli to the Piedmont capital, the first deployment of its kind in Italy, is the result of collaboration at the international level between the City of Turin, ITC-ILO, Reale Mutua and Local Motors. Turin was one of the winners of Local Motors' Olli Fleet Challenge, a contest between European cities to determine the best short-term urban use case for testing the self-driving shuttle. Through May, employees and guests of the UN ITC-ILO campus will be able to take a ride on Olli, while the self-driving vehicle can gather valuable data and insight from operating in real urban conditions.

The vision of this initiative goes far beyond the implementation of self-driving technology, as it aims to offer a global solution to prepare for the shifting needs of mobility in the future. The deployment carries a light environmental impact as Olli will be charged with an ample supply of clean energy from partner IREN, which recently expanded its business model into the field of electric mobility. Self-driving technology, which shifts responsibility from a human driver to artificial intelligence, is an innovation that can be thoroughly studied and tested due to a significant contribution from main sponsor Reale Mutua.

One of the unique characteristics of Olli is the way its components are produced, which includes 80% 3D-printed parts. This is an important aspect for the city of Turin, as it is currently in the process of refining similar technology at the Competence Centre for Industry 4.0. The research and innovation involved in the project around topics such as artificial intelligence, user experience and mobility are supported by the University of Turin and, specifically, its centre for transdisciplinary innovation, ICxT.

Olli's deployment at the United Nations campus will also involve a support team consisting of young citizens and university students. Olli is designed to be easily accessible to the disabled, and this functionality will be further explored in collaboration with Turin's disability manager office.

"Since 1964, the International Training Center (ITC-ILO) has had the mission of building decent work conditions and social justice for all. The Olli deployment is an example of how the world of work is changing every day under the pressure of technological, social and environmental innovation factors, and therefore is an excellent opportunity for us to explore the dynamics of the 'future of work,' the context in which we will be called to continue our mandate."

Yanguo LIU, ITCILO Director

"Driving innovation, supporting it and making our country an attractive and competitive place in the field of new technologies is an essential step in our growth and development. Today in Turin, we see the impact of an important milestone that many cities are achieving thanks to the public-private partnership. As a government, we are working hard to ensure that new technologies can be used as real support for our citizens. And I am sure this moment is getting closer."

Paola PISANO, Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation

"The deployment of Olli, the self-driving shuttle, which begins today, can be seen running along the avenues of the Turin campus of the United Nations. It marks a new success for Turin that - through teamwork involving public institutions, universities and the business world - created the conditions to propose itself as an urban laboratory equipped for testing technologically innovative solutions. This launch is something extremely attractive for companies with a strong social impact and, especially an element that should never be underestimated  particular attention to environmental sustainability."

Chiara APPENDINO, Mayor of Turin

"The mobility of the future implies a necessary paradigm shift, which goes far beyond technology. It has new impacts on environmental sustainability and for citizens, new value-added services - such as new insurance models - forms of collaboration between innovation and ecosystem partners, new production systems such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing, new skills to be created and professionalism to be defined. The systemic vision that characterises this trial makes us proud. Our 'Turin City Lab' innovation strategy can only aspire to grow with international projects like this, making our city a fertile and attractive place/city for ideas, innovation and investments for local and foreign players. Welcome to Turin, Olli."

Marco PIRONTI, Councillor for innovation of the Municipality of Turin

"As the University of Turin, we are partners and supporters of the launch of the Olli trial on the ITC-ILO campus in Turin. Our involvement stems from the priority we give to research through interdisciplinary innovation centres like ICxT. These are centers focused on highly interdisciplinary matters such as artificial intelligence, user experience, and mobility of the future. For this reason, we are very proud to be able to provide a new study and research opportunity to teachers and students who will be trained and involved in the Olli project. Research is the driving force of UniTo and is, for our University, closely related to the quality of the teaching."

Stefano GEUNA, Rector of the University of Turin

"Local Motors is thrilled that our first Olli deployment in the EU is on the ITC-ILO, Turin campus. ITC shares our strong belief in equality and inclusivity," said Vikrant Aggarwal, President of Local Motors. "This partnership offers an opportunity to enhance the mobility experience to those dedicated to promoting social justice, and we are confident that collaborating with ITC-ILO will demonstrate the benefits of inclusive mobility. We look forward to continuing our work together to improve access to mobility in Turin, greater Italy, and Europe."

Vikrant AGGARWAL, President of Local Motors

"We are very proud to contribute to an innovative project for Italy that promotes the trial of vehicles for urban transport capable of autonomous driving and low environmental impact thanks to their electrical power supply. The mobility paradigm is changing at an ever increasing pace, and we at Reale Group have been among the first in Italy to take an interest in the technical-insurance issues related to the world of self-driving vehicles. Reale Mutua plays two roles within the initiative: as a main sponsor, concretely supporting the development and diffusion of this new technology, and as an insurer providing third party insurance for potential damage caused by the vehicle during the deployment on the campus."

Luigi LANA, President of Reale Mutua

"Iren has always been interested in innovative projects that can generate value for the region and contribute to the improvement of the services offered to its citizens. The subject of electric mobility, including elements of innovation such as self-driving, is of the utmost interest to our group. Through IrenGo, our business line is dedicated to e-mobility. In recent months, we have developed several sustainable mobility projects in the areas in which we are present, to the benefit of the environmental quality of our cities and consequently to the lives of their citizens."

Renato BOERO, President of IREN

"For CIRFOOD, sustainability and innovation are essential, because we believe they are fundamental ingredients for the long-term success of a company. Every year we invest in projects to promote the culture of food, the prevention of waste, the reduction of the ecological footprint on the planet; as well as to enhance the contribution of our people by promoting good practices for an increasingly sustainable daily life and future, in line with the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, a point of reference also for our company."

Chiara NASI, President of Cirfood

"'The Future is Now!' It is precisely because of the desire to act now that Olli's launch is a good match for the innovation path that our company has been following for ten years. Technological development, digitalization and attention to the environmental impact are aspects that have been a prominent part of our corporate culture and that project us into the future. With 90 years of experience behind us, we want to continue to be leaders in the years to come, when self-driving will lead to radical changes in our sector. We therefore wanted to be an active part of this project from the beginning: the future is now and we are there."

Giovanni BIANCO, Manager of Autolinee Nuova Benese

City of Turin Press Office

Luisa Cicero tel. +39 01101121932 mobile +39 3462356935

[email protected]

Reale Mutua Press Office

Elisabetta Rua tel. +39 011 4312309

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Fotis Dulos attempted to run over wife 2 years before she went missing: Nanny originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Fotis Dulos, the Connecticut man who is charged with murdering his estranged wife, allegedly had a fraught history of aggression toward her, including chasing her around the house and attempting to run her over with his car.

After a dispute with her estranged husband in August 2017, Jennifer Dulos contacted New Canaan police to say Fotis Dulos called her a bad mother and said she belongs in an asylum. What police were not told at the time was that, according to a babysitter, Fotis Dulos had tried to run over Jennifer Dulos with a car.

MORE: Inside the Fotis Dulos, Jennifer Dulos murder case: Possible grave and nanny's account

The previously undisclosed information appeared in more than 400 pages of search warrant applications obtained Wednesday by ABC News.

According to the search warrants, the babysitter, Lauren Almeida, "was present to witness Fotis Dulos chasing his wife through the house. She finally came running into the bedroom and slammed the door closed. She braced herself against the door as her husband kept pounding trying to open it. He seemed to calm down when he realized Almeida and one of his children were also in the room."

PHOTO: Police in Connecticut are looking for Jennifer Dulos, 50, who was last seen on Friday, May 24, 2019. (New Canaan Police Department)

Almeida also told police, "Jennifer did not want to call the police as she was very afraid of her husband and he threatened to take the children permanently to Greece."

Dulos was charged with murder on Jan. 7. His former girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, and his friend and lawyer, Kent Mawhinney, have been charged as accomplices. Dulos has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence.

MORE: A Connecticut mystery: A timeline of the Jennifer Dulos, Fotis Dulos case

Norm Pattis, Dulos' lawyer, released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying he was reviewing the documents.

"Were beginning our review of the warrants and are relieved to see that the state police were listening to what we had to say," Pattis said in the statement. "The state dropped its theory that Mr. Dulos was motivated by animus regarding the divorce because it learned we were right  there was no such motive. I am stunned that the police never asked to speak to Mr Dulos. We may well have been able to persuade them to drop the case altogether. We would have sat for an interview. Were looking forward to the trial and will press for one as quickly as possible.

Story continues

Authorities allege Jennifer Dulos was killed at her home on May 24, 2019, between 8:05 a.m. and 10:25 a.m, after she returned from taking her children to school.

The search warrants also outline the large amounts of blood police found in Jennifer Dulos' garage.

PHOTO: Fotis Dulos appears in court in Stamford, Conn., Jan. 8, 2020. (ABC News)

Blood was located on both garbage cans inside the garage; blood spatter was noted along the driver's side door of the Range Rover parked in the center bay; partial bloody shoe impressions were noted on the concrete floor; and droplets of blood were on the front of the vehicle.

Police called it evidence of "a significant assault as well as clean-up efforts."

Jennifer Dulos' body has not been recovered. The couple's five children are being cared for by Jennifer's parents and Fotis Dulos is barred from seeing them.

ABC News' Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.
Tri-State COVID cases surge, but number falls in Washington County

While the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Tri-State area skyrocketed in the past week, the number cooled slightly for Washington County.
Germany announced on Thursday that it would spend $44.5 billion to quit coal  but not for another 18 years, by 2038.

The move shows how expensive it is to stop burning the worlds dirtiest fossil fuel, despite a broad consensus that keeping coal in the ground is vital to averting a climate crisis, and how politically complicated it is.

Coal, when burned, produces huge amounts of the greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for global warming.

Germany doesnt have shale gas, as the United States does, which has led to the rapid decline of coal use in America, despite President Trumps support for coal. Germany also faces intense opposition to nuclear power. After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, that opposition prompted the government to start shutting down the countrys nuclear plants, a transition that should be complete by 2022.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday presided over the signing of an agreement between the Central government, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives here to end the 23-year old Bru-Reang refugee crisis.

Briefing the media, Shah said that a permanent solution has been reached to the long-standing issue of rehabilitating thousands of Bru-Reang people in Tripura and they can now look towards a bright future.

He said that under the new agreement around 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura and would be aided by the Centre through a package of around Rs 600 crore to help their rehabilitation and all-round development.

The people would get all the rights that normal residents of the states get and they would now be able to enjoy the benefits of social welfare schemes of the Centre and State governments, the minister said.

A Home Ministry release said the "historic agreement" was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the progress of the northeast and the empowerment of the people of the region.

It said the since taking office, the Prime Minister has initiated numerous policy-level interventions that have improved infrastructure, connectivity, economic growth, tourism and social development of the region.

The settlement has been reached after detailed discussions by the union government with the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura and the representatives of Bru tribes.

The Home Minister informed that under the new arrangement, each of the displaced families would be given 40x30 sq ft residential plots, in addition to the aid under the earlier agreement - a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh, Rs 5,000 cash per month for two years, free ration for two years and Rs 1.5 lakh aid to build their house.

The government of Tripura would provide the land under this agreement.

Shah mentioned that the northeast was seeing fast-paced development under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

He talked about the recent surrender of 88 armed insurgents of the NLFT (SD) group and their assimilation into the mainstream.

"This major step, along with the Bru-Reang agreement today, is important milestones in bringing fast-paced development to the State of Tripura. Soon lasting peace would be established in the whole of the North East under Prime Minister's leadership," he said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, NEDA Chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma, TIPRA (The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance) Chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and representatives of Bru tribes were among those present.

The release said that following ethnic tensions in 1997, around 5,000 families comprising around 30,000 Bru-Reang tribals were forced to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura. These people were housed in temporary camps at Kanchanpur in North Tripura.

The central government has been making sustained efforts to permanently rehabilitate these refugees since 2010 and has been assisting the two state governments in taking care of the refugees.

Till 2014, 1622 Bru-Reang families returned to Mizoram in different batches.

An agreement was signed between the union government, the two state governments and representatives of Bru-Reang refugees in July 2018 due to which aid given to these families was increased substantially.

Subsequently, 328 families comprising of 1369 individuals returned to Mizoram under the agreement.

There had been a sustained demand of most Bru-Reang families that they may be allowed to settle down in Tripura.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Wednesday, during a speech at the White House announcing a new trade deal with China, Donald Trump described how he helped South Dakota governor Kristi Noem get around environmental concerns that had kept fireworks away from Mt Rushmore for nearly a decade.

The ban was instituted in 2009, after scientists and park rangers worried the growing number of dead trees in the park, attributed to an infestation of the southern pine beetle, posed a major fire risk.

After Noem was elected as the states governor in the 2018 election, she reached out to the White House for help getting around the ban.

On Wednesday, Donald Trump described how he helped the republican governor of South Dakota deal with environmental concerns about wildfires at Mt. Rushmore caused by fireworks

'She said, Do you think we could get fireworks back at Mount Rushmore? Trump said, according to a CNN report.

They haven't been there for like 20 years, and I said, Why? Environmental reasons. You mean you can't have fireworks because of environmental reasons?' She said, Yeah.'

What can burn, it's stone? Trump recalled thinking. Nobody knew why. I called up our people and in about 15 minutes, we got it approved and you're going to have your first big fireworks display at Mount Rushmore and I will try to get out there if I can.

In 2010, the US Forest Service estimated that the southern pine beetle had killed at least 10,000 trees in Black Hills National Forest, which park officials worried could be ignited by anything from a lightning strike, stray cigarette butt, or loose spark.

Our fuel loads would be so tremendous that [a] catastrophic firestorm would sweep right over the top of the memorial and it would be a catastrophic loss of all facilities, park ranger Bruce Weisman told NPR.

Around 25 percent of the trees in the Black Hills National Forest, where Mt. Rushmore is, had been killed by beetle infestation by 2014

Park rangers had been concerned that the rising number of dead trees in the national park around Mt. Rushmore could fuel a 'catastrophic firestorm would sweep right over the top of the memorial'

By 2014, researchers estimated that as many as 25 percent of the trees in the parks forests had been killed by the beetle.

The beetles kill trees during their procreation process, burrowing below the bark to embed its larvae.

In the process, the beetles frequently introduce a fungus, which in combination with the burrowing, gradually prevents water from traveling up and down the tree trunk, delivering nutrients from the roots to the leaves.

Over time, moisture gradually drains out of the tree as a result and the dried out trunk becomes an increased fire risk.

At its peak, the pine beetle infestation had been observed in more than 448,000 of the parks 1.2 million acres.

In response to the infestation, the Obama administration committed $75 million to fight the beetle infestation in South Dakota, largely through a pesticide program.

By 2017 the forest service said territory with active beetle infestation had been reduced to just 2,100 acres, and the average number of dead trees attributed to the beetles was less than four per acre.

The widespread tree death was driven by southern pine beetle infestation, which kills trees when it burrows underneath to lay its larvae and often introduces a destructive fungus in the process

After $75 million in federal funding to fight the tiny beetles from the Obama administration, their populations had fallen significantly in the park, but many cautioned the declines were temporary as their populations continued to grow in other areas

Yet, some researchers said the reduction was temporary, pointing to other areas across the northern United States and Canada where the beetle populations had continued to grow.

A 2018 report from the Colorado State Forest Service said the beetle had killed more than 834 million trees in that state alone.

In a statement announcing the return of the fireworks project, Noem said that since the 2009 infestation crisis the forest had 'gained strength' and advances in pyrotechnic safety would justify the return of fireworks.

'There is no more fitting place in all the nation to celebrate our democracy than from Mount Rushmore,' Noem wrote.

'We are grateful to President Trump and Interior Secretary [David] Bernhardt for helping us make this happen.
Jamaicas iconic reggae act, Shaggy sent major shockwaves round the world of music lovers last week after claiming to Daily Star that he turned down a feature offer for Barbadian bad gal Rihannas forthcoming studio album.

According to Shags claim: [Rihannas team] approached me for the Rihanna project. Theres a lot of great people involved, but for me, I didnt need to audition to be on the record, Ill leave that to younger guys. But from what I hear it should be good.

However, there appears to have been some miscommunication between the two camps now that an alleged representative from Riris team shut down the reggae-fusion icons claim.



The individual for Rihanna reportedly spoke with the Jamaica Irie FM morning show where they shared Riris side of the story, according to music blog 18 Karat Reggae. We are working on an album, not a talent show, so why would [Rihanna] require Shaggy or any other artist to audition? the representative asked.

The representative continued, after Rihanna had already gathered all the material for the album, Shaggy contacted her asking to be a part of the album. She explained to him that the album was pretty much completed and they were just working on mixing, mastering and deciding which songs to actually use.

The spokesperson clarified Riri extended Shaggy an open invitation to send over some music, regardless, to see if she could work something out.

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Regular readers of Eclectablog may remember my personal Affordable Care Act (ACA) story  and the many others I shared over the last few years. Theres no denying that the ACA is saving lives and keeping people healthier. Theres also no denying that just like every other policy or law enacted by Barack Obama during his presidency, Donald Trump will stop at nothing to destroy his achievements, no matter how many people he hurts, or even kills, in the process.

Despite promises to help people like me with pre-existing conditions  even going so far as to falsely claim he saved those protections, when he has done the exact opposite  Trump is behind a full-throttle attack on health care that began virtually as soon as he took office.

His lie about saving protections for people with pre-existing conditions is so egregious that even the typically conservative Detroit News ran a story entitled, Fact check: No, Trump didnt save pre-existing conditions.

As the story reinforces, Trump has been pressing for full repeal, backing the lawsuit that was recently decided by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, at least whenever it was politically convenient for him.

On December 18, 2019, that courts ruling in the health care repeal lawsuit Texas v. United States struck down the ACA individual mandate  which requires everyone who can afford it to purchase health insurance, so everyone chips in to keep costs low for us all  and remanding the case back to the North Texas District Court. This decision could eventually lead to the entire ACA being struck down, which would have disastrous consequences for millions of Americans, including me. Ultimately, this is going to be up to the Supreme Court and lives are literally on the line. With a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, this is truly frightening for millions of us.

Heres what ACA repeal would mean to me. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 25 years old. Although its unusual to develop type 1 diabetes after childhood, it does happen, and I need two kinds of insulin  five injections every day  plus other medication, testing supplies and regular doctors visits to stay healthy and alive.

Ive been self-employed since 1992, and back then individual insurance was expensive and hard to find. The year before individual insurance became available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting January 1, 2014, I was paying nearly $1,400 per month in premiums.

For 2014, I purposely chose a plan on healthcare.gov that was as close as possible to the coverage I had, from the same insurer, for comparisons sake. My monthly premiums dropped by nearly $900 a month, to $530, and I did not qualify for a tax credit to help pay for coverage. So that savings was entirely the result of the ACAs consumer protections. And even with annual price increases, which are far less than they used to be, I still pay less in premiums than I did before the ACA. I have a reasonable deductible, low co-pays and very few out-of-pocket costs, other than the criminally high cost of my insulin  even with insurance  but thats a story for another time.

Because of the ACA, I can no longer be discriminated against because I have a pre-existing condition or because Im a woman, both of which were true before the ACA. I can also find a much more affordable plan as a self-employed person than I ever could before, and people who qualify for tax credits will pay far, far less.

Thanks to the ACA, I dont have to worry about being denied coverage or facing a lifetime cap on how much will be covered if I should get seriously ill or injured. I take really good care of my health, but anything can happen. However, these protections that help millions of Americans could soon be overturned because of the Trump administration and the judicial benches at all levels that he continues stacking with appointees who share his views.

If the ACA is struck down, the cost of my insurance premiums would undoubtedly skyrocket. Considering I was paying $1,400 a month in 2013, before the ACA, I shudder to think what the cost would be now. Without the ACAs consumer protections, I could be charged hundreds more each month for living with diabetes, being a woman and being self-employed. Without coverage, Id never be able to afford the insulin that keeps me alive. I need two bottles of insulin each month, and the monthly price without insurance would be more than $2,000. And that wouldnt include the appointments with my primary care doctor, diabetes specialist and eye doctor  just three of many specialists people with diabetes need to make sure they dont develop complications such as kidney failure, blindness or circulatory issues that can lead to stroke, heart attack or amputation. The number of specialist doctors I need right now is limited, because my good health regimen has kept those complications at bay, but if I dont take my insulin and get regular check-ups, as a 55-year-old woman my risk of all these complications is very real. Any one of those complications could render me a person with a disability who needs financial assistance from the government. Worst of all, the bottom line is that I will die without insulin.

I was lucky I could afford insurance before the ACA, but it might be very different today. Plus, what happens to the 20 million Americans who could only afford health insurance because of the ACA? Or the 135 million who receive protections for pre-existing conditions because of the law?

I can tell you what would happen: We would all get sick or sicker. Many of us would die. Many would be forced to return to the practice of turning to the ER for routine care, which is far less common under the ACA. Emergency rooms must, by law, take any patient  and if they cant pay, guess who does? The rest of us. Or the hospital takes a loss and must eventually close its doors, or taxes in the area go up. And that doesnt even begin to address the issue that the insurance markets have started to stabilize  as evidenced by my premiums going down slightly this year  but would be thrown into chaos if the ACA were overruled.

Americans have rallied before to protect our care, using our voices to encourage our elected officials to refuse to pass what would have been a disastrous repeal and replace law, the American Health Care Act, in 2017. This sham law wouldnt have helped anyone other than Republicans seeking to score points with voters by pretending they actually care about their constituents health.

The time has come to take action again. We must hold the Trump administration and our elected officials accountable. Call and write your representatives and send a letter to the President. Make as much noise as you can because we must be heard demanding that those elected to represent us protect our care. Millions of lives literally depend on it.

Image credits: Top, Amy Lynn Smith; middle via Twitter; bottom,Ted Eytan https://www.flickr.com/people/[email protected]?rb=1.
Sobler is an up-and-coming playwright whose plays include The Secret Annex, about Anne Frank, and Certain Woman of an Age, a collaboration with former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau. In Sheltered, she boldly gives the two acts very different timbres, eschewing sleek-play conventions for the sake of greater impact and meaning. (Theater J is mounting the scripts second production, following the 2018 world premiere at Atlantas Alliance Theatre.) The Providence dinner party features tense moments that illuminate both the Bloom marriage and Evelyn and Robertas relationship, but the scene also comically conjures personal foibles and social awkwardness. Early on seen rhapsodizing about Thornton Wilders then-contemporary play Our Town, Martin soon reveals a harder side, dismissing the threat to European Jews, making anti-immigrant comments and cruelly deriding his wife. But, drolly, he fails to notice Robertas ability to manipulate him  and he hogs the cheese puffs.
WASHINGTON - An angry split among liberal Democrats broke into the open Wednesday as two prominent presidential candidates exchanged accusations of dishonesty, raising fears among party leaders of a repeat of the internecine bitterness that many Democrats say contributed to President Donald Trump's victory in 2016.

The dispute simmered all day between Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., over whether he had told her that a woman cannot win the presidency. Social media users identifying themselves as Sanders supporters used snake icons to symbolize Warren's ostensible duplicity, played up her Republican roots and circulated a #NeverWarren hashtag.

Warren's backers, while taking a less aggressive tone, nonetheless revived questions of whether many of Sanders' supporters are sexist and whether he contributed to the party's disastrous 2016 loss with a display of self-centered petulance.

The clash intensified when CNN released audio Wednesday evening of a sharp exchange between the two that unfolded following Tuesday's Democratic debate. "I think you called me a liar on national TV," Warren can be heard saying. Sanders replies: "You know, let's not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, we'll have that discussion."

Warren then says, "Anytime." That prompted Sanders to respond, "You called me a liar. You told me - all right, let's not do it now."

Increasingly alarmed liberal leaders scrambled to make peace. "Many of the voices in the progressive community are warning we cannot have a knife fight in a phone booth, or a circular firing squad," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

That message, she said, is being sent to the Sanders and Warren camps "privately and publicly."

The two senators have been circling each other warily for more than a year - each seeking to woo rather than alienate the other's voters - as many in the party remain traumatized by the 2016 feud between Sanders and Hillary Clinton.

This time, the Democratic presidential contenders have largely kept the peace - until now, with less than three weeks to go before the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3.

Warren, during Tuesday's Democratic debate, repeated her assertion that in a 2018 private conversation, Sanders told her a woman could not win the White House; he again forcefully denied it. But while the two were cordial during the event, Warren afterward avoided shaking Sanders' hand, and they appeared to have a testy exchange, providing more grist for Wednesday's back-and-forth.

It was clear the exchange was heated, but it wasn't known what it entailed until CNN, which had sponsored the debate, released the audio in the evening.

All day, Republicans, seeing an opportunity, sought to stoke the Democratic hostility. President Trump weighed in on Sanders' side, much as he had egged on Sanders' supporters in 2016.

"I don't know him, I don't particularly like him, he's a nasty guy - but I don't believe he said this," Trump said at a rally Tuesday night.

Even relatively centrist Democrats worried about the potential for vitriol to disrupt the party's ability to defeat a president they consider toxic. "We can't have it," said former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe. "People want to beat Trump, and I do think that is a motivating factor for all of us to come together."

He added, referring to the hard-fought Democratic primary contest, "I hope it doesn't go on too long."

Both campaigns had telegraphed a desire to de-escalate tensions in the hours before Tuesday's debate, making the exchange between Sanders and Warren all the more striking.

Asked earlier Wednesday what the two were talking about, Sanders quipped to an MSNBC reporter, "the weather."

Representatives for the Warren campaign declined to comment.

After the two candidates separated Tuesday night, they both shook hands with other candidates - Warren with former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sanders with billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.

Steyer, who found himself between Warren and Sanders as they spoke, told MSNBC's Chris Matthews that he did not know what they had said to each other.

"All I was trying to say, to both Senator Warren and Senator Sanders, was, 'It's great to see you, thank you for participating in this.' And whatever they were going on with each other, I was trying to get out of the way as fast as possible," said Steyer.

After the content of Warren and Sanders' exchange became public and started ricocheting across social media, Sanders aides took to Twitter urging supporters to not divert their attention from the issues the senator has championed throughout the campaign.

"Tonight, half a million people will sleep on the streets in the richest country in the world," wrote Bill Neidhart, a top Iowa staffer for the Sanders campaign. "Stay focused."

Throughout the day, the rift between the two liberal candidates was amplified on social media, where an outpouring of anti-Warren sentiment stoked fears of a replay of 2016, when intraparty divisions were exploited by Russian actors aiming to boost then-candidate Trump.

Snake emoji flooded the comment sections under Warren's recent tweets and Instagram posts. The privacy settings of commenting accounts often obscured their identity, making it unclear who they were and whether they were even based in the United States.

No similar online crusade seemed to take shape against Sanders, even as his supporters decried his treatment by the moderators of Tuesday's debate in Des Moines, Iowa, and his subsequent reception on cable news.

On Twitter, #NeverWarren and #WarrenIsASnake began trending - reprising labels that have been used since at least July. (A trending hashtag does not indicate that users widely agree with it but rather that it is being broadly discussed, including by some who may strongly object to the label.)

The anti-Warren epithets also gained traction among pro-Trump activists who organize around the president's "Make America Great Again" rallying cry. "#NeverWarren," wrote one user with "Cult 45" in her bio. "Never any Democrat!"

Conservatives with large followings, such as representatives of Turning Point USA, which trains students to undertake conservative activism, also joined in to promote the anti-Warren attacks.

The speed with which conservatives seized on the rift alarmed liberal activists, who warned Democrats not to play into Republican hands.

"I think that people who support Sanders or Warren should refrain from going to battle with each other," said Charles Lenchner, a co-founder of the "People for Bernie" campaign. "This should be true even if staffers or principals or surrogates make the mistake of feeding into that conflict."

Some supporters of the two candidates tried to tamp down the flames. "We saw what was happening yesterday and the day before that and the day before that," said Nina Turner, a national co-chair for Sanders's campaign. "You don't need me to enumerate it. All I'm saying is, sometimes good folks do bad things. We have to make sure we don't fall into these traps."

That echoed Sanders himself, who at Tuesday's debate said, "I don't want to waste a whole lot of time on this because this is what Donald Trump and maybe some of the media want."

Turner was joined at an event in Iowa on Wednesday by Cornel West, another of Sanders's surrogates. "It's about solidarity and integrity," he said on his way out of the event.

Adam Green, a Warren ally and co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, tried to minimize the tense moment onstage, saying that "most actual voters" do not care about whether there is a personal rift between the senators.

"Some pundits, bored with issues that voters care about, are focusing on the exit from the stage that impacts zero people's daily life," Green said.

But in Iowa on Wednesday, voters were still chewing over the events of the past few days and seemed eager to share their opinions.

Trevor Golnick, a sophomore at Iowa State University who plans to caucus for Sanders, said he wasn't sold on Warren's account of the 2018 meeting. "I think it was really disingenuous, personally," he said.

"Seeing her body posture and the way she reacted - she didn't seem very honest, in my opinion," he said. But Golnick said he would vote for Warren if she is the nominee.

Iowans watching TV after the debate, however, saw late-night host Stephen Colbert take a shot at Sanders enthusiasts and suggest they are sexist.

"If you want to see Bernie say nice things about female presidential candidates, go to YouTube," Colbert said during his opening monologue on CBS's "Late Show" on Tuesday night. "If you want to see his supporters saying terrible things about them, go to the comments section."

In Washington, some Democratic lawmakers and strategists privately fretted over the dispute Wednesday, worrying that it would divide the party and create new fissures on the left.

One top Democrat who knows both candidates said Warren and Sanders have more in common than any other pair of prominent contenders, presenting both advantages and drawbacks for the respective roles in the race.

Others explained the raw moment as an unscripted glimpse into the candidates' emotions, which are running high as the campaign approaches a moment of truth when voting actually begins.

"It's hard to project an image of unity a couple of weeks before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primaries," said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who is preparing to endorse Warren.

"It was obviously a tense moment," Raskin said. "I've spoken to a number of members of Congress today who want to be sure the rivalry is robust and uninhibited, but it doesn't lead to the kinds of bruised feelings and burned bridged that took place in 2016."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:24:59|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police cracked over 7,200 criminal cases of online gambling and detained 25,000 suspects in 2019, the Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.

The police seized and froze more than 18 billion yuan (about 2.62 billion U.S. dollars) of gambling-related money last year, said Li Jingsheng, an official with the ministry, at a press conference.

More than 1,100 Chinese suspects involved in cross-border online gambling were handed over to Chinese police from overseas in 2019, said Li, adding that the police destroyed the networks of foreign casinos soliciting gamblers in China.

The ministry also unveiled 10 typical cases of cross-border online gambling.

In one case, police in south China's Guangdong Province arrested 112 suspects and froze 112 million yuan of crime-related money after destroying a criminal gang that operated online gambling in last September.
AS THE Philippines grandest festival draws nearer, Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu launches a weeklong series of colorful displays, enriching heritage activities and gastronomic dining offers to celebrate Cebus very own Sinulog.

Throughout the week, Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu showcases the islands rich heritage and strong Christian faith with a variety of installations. Guests are invited to visit a replica of the Magellans Cross Shrine at the lobby, housing a collection of images of the Senor Santo Nino, and the hotels very own visual rendition of the Child Jesus by Cebuano artist Anthony Fermin done during a live painting at the hotels opening in 2012.

Event sponsor Casa Gorordo Museum also opens its doors to a pop-up, where tour guides share about the well-preserved Filipino home. Museum tickets and childrens activities are also available at the booth.

As the Sinulog weekend comes in, guests witness a show of talent and tradition at the lobby. From Jan. 17 to 19, Casa Gorordo Museums Cultural Dancers will perform live with an appearance of Quest Hotels Sinulog Queen at 2 p.m.

On Jan. 19, Casa Gorordo Museum stages a Sinug or traditional prayer dance at 7 a.m., an educational performance combining drama and dance that sheds light on the history of the Sinulog festival. To pump up the volume, drum beaters Infinity Tribe will have an electrifying performance at 5 p.m.

Quest Hotel Cebus all-day dining restaurant Puso Bistro & Bar sets a hearty Cebuano spread of seafood and lechon for the Sinulog Fiesta Buffet from Jan.17 to 19. The festivities continue to the Pool Bar for a sunny and tropical vibe. The Unlimited Grill barbecue promo is available at the Pool Bar from Jan. 17 to 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. The outdoor gastronomic delight kicks-off with a live performance by Cebuano musician and Awit Award winner Melody Hodgson on Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. On fiesta day, Jan. 19, Unlimited Grill is upgraded with a spread of Cebuano street food staples.

It is an exhilarating fiesta celebration throughout the Sinulog weekend at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu. (PR)
Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 16 (ANI): China yet again managed to hold an informal closed-door consultation on Kashmir in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York earlier on Wednesday, almost five months after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 in August.

The UNSC's closed-door meeting was called to discuss an issue relating to an African country. China made a request to deliberate on the Kashmir issue under the agenda of "Any Other Business Points."

No other UNSC member, barring China, commented on the meeting after it ended given that it was an informal consultation.

China's ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, warned against further escalation between India and Pakistan's over Kashmir and hoped that the Security Council meeting would encourage both countries to seek a solution through dialogue.

He told reporters after the closed-door meeting that China remains "concerned about the situation on the ground" in Kashmir.

"I'm sure the meeting will help both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and encourage them to approach each other and to have dialogue and to seek means to seek solutions through dialogue," Zhang said.

Members of the UNSC speaking on condition of anonymity said that China wanted a review of the UN observer mission in Kashmir. But an overwhelming number in the 15-member council urged for de-escalation of tension and said that the dispute is bilateral and should be resolved by India and Pakistan.

It should be noted that this is China's second attempt to get the Kashmir issue on the agenda for consultations at the United Nations. However, it was thwarted by other members led by the United States and France.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin took to his official Twitter handle to post a picture of the Indian flag fluttering among those of other countries at the United Nations headquarters.

"Today @UN...our flag is flying high. Those that launched a "False Flag" effort got a stinging response from our many friends...," he posted.

Meanwhile, French diplomatic sources told ANI that their country's position remains "unchanged" and the matter must be settled bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan media had reported that the UNSC will meet on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Kashmir.

"France has noted the request of a UNSC member to raise Kashmir issue again in this body. France's position is unchanged -- Kashmir issue must be settled bilaterally as we have stated on several occasions and will continue to reiterate to our partners on UNSC," sources said.

In December last year, France had vetoed the move to convene a meeting on Kashmir. That meeting had been called by China after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a letter to the UNSC on December 12, had expressed concern over a possible further escalation of tension between New Delhi and Islamabad after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5.

The UNSC had met on Kashmir in August last year, the first such meeting in decades after India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

China, in the meeting, had strongly criticised the move to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Mostly sunny and bitterly cold. It will feel like it's in the single digits and low teens..

Tonight

Partly cloudy and extremely cold. Wind chills around or below 0 degrees.
By Zhu Wenqian, China Daily | Jan. 16, 2020

Qatar Airways said it would move to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport this summer, and is actively expanding flights to more Chinese cities, fueled by strong travel demand.

Starting January, the national carrier of Qatar started codeshare cooperation with China Southern Airlines on flights between Guangzhou and Doha, as well as Beijing and Doha.

In December 2018, Qatar Airways acquired a 5 percent stake of Guangzhou-based State-owned China Southern. Qatar Airways said it hopes to have deeper cooperation with China Southern, which will gradually move all of its flights to Daxing airport.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates 45 weekly flights from its capital Doha to seven cities in China -- its third-largest market behind India and the United States. The cities are Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu and Hong Kong.

Among passengers who fly to Doha, 90 percent will transfer then fly to their final destinations. The number of transfer passengers from China has been growing fast, the carrier said.

Qatar Airways also signed a new MoU with China Youth Development Foundation on Tuesday. It will donate another 500,000 yuan to improve the facility and learning environment of the Qatar Airways Hope School in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, which was built in 2010 after the devastating 8.0 magnitude earthquake in 2008.

Qatar Airways was the first foreign carrier to build a hope school in Sichuan in the aftermath of the earthquake that destroyed over 7,000 schools. It is also the first and only Middle Eastern carrier to have participated in Project Hope, one of the most influential philanthropic programs in China.

"Just as we remain committed to the Chinese market, we remain committed to creating opportunities for children in rural China to reach for the skies," said Marwan Koleilat, senior vice-president for Asia-Pacific at Qatar Airways.
pyramid scheme

A pyramid scheme is an investment scam. Often they are business opportunity scams that solicit people to pay to distribute products or services. They, in turn, recruit additional distributors. Many people think of supplement sales when they think of a pyramid scheme. Heres how one works.

Pyramid Scheme Legality

Pyramid schemes are illegal in many countries, including the United States. The Federal Trade Commission regularly prosecutes people and companies that promote pyramid schemes. As a result, may companies refund sizable amounts to defrauded investors.

Sometimes companies successfully prosecuted as pyramid schemes close down or change the way they do business. Meanwhile, some pyramid scheme operators face prison times. However, that outcome occurs less often.

How a Pyramid Scheme Works

pyramid scheme

The pyramid promoter first recruits. Then, investors pay money for rights to sell a product or service. If the scheme involves selling a physical product, the investors usually purchase an inventory of the products.

Investors can now recruit other investors. As a result, initial investors receive rewards based on the income from later investors. Also, they obtain rewards based on how investors recruited even later perform.

As later investors recruit more investors, the number of total investors can grow very rapidly. And as more and more investors join, the revenues from entry fees and product sales can mount quickly. As this happens, financial returns to the promoter and sometimes the earlier investors can also mount very rapidly.

The speed with the number of investors grows is what must bring every pyramid scheme down, however. For instance, say the initial promoter recruits 10 investors. These 10 each recruit 10 investors, and so on. After eight repetitions, a ninth requires 1 billion investors, or more than three times the population of the United States.

First Level: 1 x 10 = 10.

Second Level: 10 x 10 = 100.

Third Level: 10 x 100 = 1,000.

Story continues

Fourth Level: 10 x 1,000 = 10,000.

Fifth Level: 10 x 10,000 = 100,000.

Sixth Level: 10 x 100,000 = 1,000,000.

Seventh Level: 10 x 1,000,000 = 10,000,000.

Eighth Level: 10 x 10,000,000 = 100,000,000.

Ninth level: 10 x 100,000,000 = 1,000,000,000.

Pyramid Scheme Clues



If youre thinking that a pyramid scheme sounds a lot like multilevel marketing, you are not the only one. In fact, regulators have attempted to prove that many well-known multi-level marketing companies are pyramid schemes.

In 1979, multilevel marketer Amway prevailed over the FTC in a legal case by showing that it did not fit the definition of a pyramid scheme. Other companies have fared worse. In 2019, multilevel supplement marketer Advocare paid $150 million and changed to single-level distribution after the FTC took it to court.

Pyramid schemes typically contain three characteristics:

The promoter of the scheme promises investors a high return in a short time.

Participants never sell a real product or service.

It focuses on recruiting new participants, who usually must pay large upfront fees.

Once classic pyramid scheme is TelexFree. The Massachusetts company defrauded more than $3 billion from hundreds of thousands of investors around the world. TelexFree claimed to sell telecommunications services. It was actually totally dependent on fees from new distributors and went bankrupt when the flow of new investors dried up. In 2017, the former president was sentenced to six years in prison.

Pyramid Scheme Issues

Some pyramid-type schemes are clearly fraudulent once their inner workings are revealed. For instance, Bernie Madoff operated a type of pyramid scheme called a Ponzi scheme. Instead of misrepresenting new distributors signup fees as product sales revenues, Ponzi schemes misrepresent new investors initial deposits as investment returns.

Its not always clear whether multilevel marketing operations are technically pyramid schemes. Even experts may disagree. To protect yourself, the FTC advises erring on the side of caution if any of the pyramid scheme signs are present.

To do due diligence, investors can check with groups like the Direct Selling Association or Better Business Bureau. State attorneys general or consumer protection divisions may also have information. Speaking with other people who have been recruited as distributors or investors is another recommended part of due diligence.

The Bottom Line

pyramid scheme

Some of the oldest and most commonly encountered scams include pyramid schemes. They continue to crop up on a regular basis. Investors and opportunity-seekers should be careful about giving money to any promoter who seems to promise too much, too fast. Thats especially true if the emphasis is on recruiting new investors or distributors.

Investment Tips

If you arent sure about an investments legitimacy, consider consulting a financial advisor. Finding the right financial advisor to assist with identifying legitimate investment opportunities doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. If youre ready to be matched with local advisors that will help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

It can take time and effort to check out a company to make sure its not a pyramid scheme. However, its a lot easier to avoid giving money to a scam than to get it back later on. It may pay to do your homework.

Photo credit: iStock.com/fizkes, iStock.com/Nosyrevy, iStock.com/Ngampol Thongsai

The post What is a Pyramid Scheme? appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Is there anything Donald Trump has in common with Baby Yoda?

Two eyes, they both have? All right. Ill give you that. What else? Baby Yodas real name is The Child and Trumps nickname is The Toddler? A bit of a diagonal stretch, but OK. Anything else? No? In fact, come to think of it, its impossible to imagine two creatures in this or any galaxy with less in common.

But here we are, early in 2020, and the MAGA meme machine is rumbling in overdrive, trying to snatch poor Baby Yoda. Donald Trump Jr., the bearded doofus who melted his silver spoon into a rusty goblet that runneth over with idiocy, shared an image on Instagram in which his dads face is morphed with Baby Yoda.

Thats like superimposing El Chapo onto Bambi.

But the thinking behind this visual abomination is easy to grasp:

Hey, the world now loves Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian. So lets reverse-age our hero and cram his flapping jowls into Baby Yoda to make, THE MAGALORIAN!

On Tuesday night, outside Trumps latest unhinged rally in Milwaukee, an ABC reporter spotted a MAGA-slash-Baby Yoda T-shirt for sale that read, Great America Keep. It did not sell well, likely because 95 per cent of Trump fans didnt get the gag since theyve always sounded like the original Yoda: Shoot them possums, get my shotgun so we can. To be waterboarded with hot sauce, Hillary Clinton deserves.

By the way, as a sidebar, what is the deal with Trumps newfound hatred for efficient toilets, showers and dishwashers? Its bizarre. What is this maniac doing in the lavatory that requires 15 flushes? Is Adderall a super-floater? Why is he convinced new dishwashers need to run eight times per load to remove spaghetti stains? And did you hear him say this: The new light bulb costs you five times as much and it makes you look orange.

Mr. President, with respect, do not blame General Electric because you now resemble a steaming pile of sweet potatoes at sunset. If youre going to spend hours each week entombed inside in a tanning bed with goggles to protect your beady peepers, Im afraid your skin is sure to take on the hue of a radioactive pumpkin.

Whats next? Are you going to condemn glove makers for inaccurate sizing info because your hands are no bigger than Chuckys? Im sorry the Small feels like oven mitts! But you know why Melania is always dramatically letting go whenever you try to hold hands in public, as she did this week? Your tiny fingers feel like five salamanders wiggling in her palm. Its disgusting. It freaks her out.

Crap, Ive lost my train of thought. Right. Trump memes based on Baby Yoda.

This needs to stop! Listen to me carefully, you brainwashed, Big Mac-gobbling, democracy-hating, pickup-driving, deportation-loving, no-passport-having, Trump-obsessed lunatics who inhabit a parallel universe: BABY YODA IS NOT YOURS.

Baby Yoda is adorable. Baby Yoda was one of the sweetest additions to the culture in 2019. Baby Yoda is a force for all that is good and decent. Baby Yoda has about as much in common with your hero as Mr. Clean does to atom splitting.

So leave Baby Yoda out of your web games and political insecurities. Whats wrong? Did you get tired of the memes in which Trump is Superman or the Incredible Hulk? I get it. A Steinway hurtling across the sky would be far more aerodynamic than Trump flopping through the clouds in his fluttering cape. And I dont remember Captain America ever sucking back his third chocolate shake while watching Fox and wishing Melania could be as aroused in his presence as Lou Dobbs. I get it.

But come on, MAGA. This is a step too far. Baby Yoda is apolitical. Baby Yoda occupies a neutral space. Baby Yoda is for everyone. Baby Yoda would never almost start a war with Iran. Baby Yoda would not play footsie with North Korea for cheap photo ops, and then get bored and treat North Korea like an unwanted booty call. Baby Yoda is not into disastrous tariffs or rage tweeting. Baby Yoda understands the power of alliances. Baby Yoda is not a pathological liar. Baby Yoda is not a laughingstock on the world stage.

Now, Trumpville, if Disney Plus releases a new Star Wars spinoff that includes a Baby Jabba the Hutt character, by all means, have at the memes. Or maybe just keep it old school and stick to Darth Vader. That would make sense.

But keep your photo-manipulating paws off Baby Yoda.

Baby Yoda was the feel-good, breakout cutie pie of 2019. Baby Yoda gave us hope.

Donald Trump, in any year, in any galaxy, will always be on the dark side.

So stop fighting reality and into the light, come.

Read more about:
He signed up in November to appear in the next Guy Ritchie movie, Cash Truck.

And Scott Eastwood began work on the vigilante thriller in Surrey on Thursday, in a far-from-glamorous car park.

The son of movie legend Clint sported a beard for the role, and wrapped up against the British January chill in a navy bomber jacket.

On location: He signed up in November to appear in the next Guy Ritchie movie, Cash Truck - and Scott Eastwood began work on the vigilante thriller in Surrey on Thursday

Scott, 33, wore a sweater and blue slacks underneath as he headed across the car park to film scenes.

The movie is based upon the 2004 French film - Le Convoyeur - by Nicolas Boukhrief.

Le Convoyeur followed a security guard hired for an armored truck company who becomes close to his colleagues - a group of paranoid, depressed and substances addicted men.

The security guard studies each one on the sly - clearly with hidden motives.

Cold? The son of movie legend Clint sported a beard for the role, and wrapped up against the British January chill in a navy bomber jacket as he stepped out in the far-from-glamorous car park

Quick change: Scott, 33, later changed into a baby blue Tee and dark trousers

Scott said: 'I am excited to work with Guy Ritchie. I have been a fan of his since Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels'

He added: 'Guy's films are iconic and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to learn from such a gifted filmmaker. I am also looking forward to re-teaming with Jason Statham who is one of the all-time great action stars'

Scott joins Jason Statham - who is playing the security guard in question, known as 'H'.

Also in the cast are Josh Hartnett, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Laz Alonso and Niamh Algar.

The story is set across different timelines and between various character's perspectives.

Busy: Scott wrapped The Outpost with Orlando Bloom prior to starting work on Cash Truck. He has worked before with Statham when they both starred in 2017's The Fate Of The Furious

Co-stars: One of the female stars of the film was seen arriving in a car

Clocking off? The movie is based upon the 2004 French film - Le Convoyeur - by Nicolas Boukhrief

New project: Le Convoyeur followed a security guard hired for an armored truck company who becomes close to his colleagues - a group of paranoid, depressed and substances addicted men

The English-language version - which has been penned by Ritchie too - is set in Los Angeles, with the truck company responsible for transporting hundreds of millions of dollars around the city.

Scott wrapped The Outpost with Orlando Bloom prior to starting work on Cash Truck. He has worked before with Statham when they both starred in 2017's The Fate Of The Furious.

Scott said: 'I am excited to work with Guy Ritchie. I have been a fan of his since Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels!

Larking about: One of the actresses on set seemed in great spirits between scenes...

For moi? Which may have had something to do with the bunch of flowers she was presented with

Remake: The English-language version - which has been penned by Ritchie too - is set in Los Angeles, with the truck company responsible for transporting hundreds of millions of dollars around the city

Co-starring: Laz Alonso was spotted at the film base heading to a nearby house

Stellar cast: Deobia Oparei was also seen on location

Between scenes: Ritchie's latest film also features Jeffrey Donovan

'Guy's films are iconic and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to learn from such a gifted filmmaker.

'I am also looking forward to re-teaming with Jason Statham who is one of the all-time great action stars.'

McCallany - known for his role in Netflix's Mindhunter - plays Bullet, who leads the transportation team.

Bullet employs H onto the team, unaware who he could actually be.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Representative Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) chaired the first Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism hearing of the year, focusing on the rise in anti-Semitic domestic terrorism.

The hearing, held Wednesday, was titled "Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism based on recent incidents across the United States, including the December attack in Rockland County during a Hanukkah celebration.

According to recent data from the FBI, the number of anti-Semitic murders were the highest in 27 years in 2018.

The horrific rise in anti-Semitic domestic terrorism is an issue that has deeply affected my district, my community, and the whole New York City area, said Rose, who is the first Jewish member of Congress from Staten Island.

John Miller, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism for New York City Police Department, explained how citizens need to take a stand against anti-Semitism alongside law enforcement.

[A] lasting solution to bigotry and hatred will never be grounded solely on law enforcement and heightened security. That will only be achieved when every citizen works collectively to educate each other and to reinforce our shared values of tolerance and unity," explained Miller. "New York City and the NYPD will continue to be at the forefront of this movement.

During the hearing, Nathan Diament, executive director of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations in America, explained, "It is important to realize that these offensive incidents targeted at Orthodox Jewry are amplified and accelerated by the broader surge in anti-Semitism we are experiencing in the United States.

Diament commended President Donald Trump, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey on speaking out on anti-Semitism and attempting to enact change.

All parties involved called for a change in legislation to help protect Jewish citizens and control hate speech.

Rose has spoken out about the issue of anti-Semitism several times.

He was an original co-sponsor of the amended Domestic and International Terrorism DATA Act that was recently signed into law.

The legislation will require the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to produce an annual report on domestic terror incidents and how the government is responding.

During the hearing, Rose assured that action would be taken to continue to discourage anti-Semitic behavior.

Jewish people have been coming to America since before it was even called America in order to freely practice their religion, escape persecution, and build a better life for their families," Rose explained. "Yet now we are under assault by extremists, many of whom are emboldened to act and often encouraged by content on social media platforms. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed  the time now is for action.
Founded four decades before the nations capital, Georgetown is in the National Register of Historic Places, becoming the first historic district in the city in 1950. Georgetowns history is so revered that the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has jurisdiction over the design of buildings within the neighborhood. Any building within the boundaries of the historic district is subject to review by the Old Georgetown Board, which must approve any alterations visible from a public space.
The Ministry will review the petition after the Delhi government on Thursday rejected his mercy plea and forwarded the file to Lt Governor Anil Baijal's office.

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received the mercy petition of 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder case convict Mukesh Singh from the Delhi Lt Governor's office and it is under process, officials said on Thursday.

A Delhi court on Thursday had directed the Tihar Jail authorities to submit a report regarding the pendency of the mercy petition of Mukesh, one of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora asked the jail authorities to submit a report under Section 840 of the Delhi Prison Rules stating the action taken regarding the mercy petition of Mukesh and regarding the postponement of the date of execution.

However, the judge refused to change the date of execution as of now.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had refused to interfere with the death warrant issued against the four convicts.

Mukesh had moved the Patiala House Court, appraising the court regarding the pendency of the mercy petition before the President and seeking postponement of the execution date.

Judge Arora had issued notice to Nirbhaya's parents and the state.

The 23-year-old woman was brutally gang-raped and tortured on December 16, 2012, which later led to her death. All the six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar Jail.

The remaining four were convicted and sentenced to death by a trial court in September 2013, and the verdict confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014 and upheld in May 2017 by the Supreme Court, which also dismissed their review petitions and curative petitions.

rak/vd
A 21-year-old Mexican cartel assassin, known for flaunting her curves and dangerous weapons on social media has been gunned down in a shootout with authorities, according to new reports.

Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel, also known by her alias La Catrina, was shot in the neck as Mexicos army, National Guard and Michoacan state police raided the safe house where she stayed with several armed members of the murderous Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to Britains The Sun.

A frightened and disheveled Esquivel collapsed behind a wall and was found with her face and clothes covered in blood, The Sun said.



Footage taken during the gun battle showed her struggling to breathe on the ground as a cop attempted to calm her down while she awaited a helicopter flight to the hospital, the site said.

Calm down, kid. The helicopter is coming for you, the officer says in the footage. It is coming now, easy, easy, you are going to be OK. Try to hang on.

Esquivel succumbed to her injuries several minutes after the helicopter took off.

The hitwoman who shared her nickname with the female skeletal figure associated with Mexicos Day of the Dead was regarded as one of the leading figures in the cartel, according to The Sun.

She led a team of hitmen within the New Generation Cartel that killed more than a dozen state cops during an Oct. 14 ambush in Michoacan states Aguililla municipality, the outlet reported.

At the time of her death, she was responsible for paying other cartel members and coordinating assassinations, extortion and kidnappings, according to the report.

She joined the criminal organization in 2017 after falling in love with another leader, Miguel El M2 Fernandez, who was also arrested during the raid, according to the report.

Since then, she rose up the ranks, and put her glamorous lifestyle on display.

Its current leader is Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, who is wanted by both US and Mexican authorities.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Love Island star Shaughna Phillips' mum has been trying to play cupid with her and former-winner Jack Fincham.

Jack - who won the show in 2018 alongside now-ex Dani Dyer - gave his support to 25-year-old Shaughna after the contestant she is coupled up with, Callum Jones, was picked to go on a date with new girl Eve Gale.

Jack, 28, said in an Instagram story video to his 2.2million followers: 'Listen don't worry Shaughna love I wouldn't leave you.'

Mum's the word: Love Island star Shaughna Phillips' mum has been trying to play cupid with her and former-winner Jack Fincham

He also posted: 'Well @shaugnaphillips I'm gonna have a look at flights to South Africa now.'

This comes after democratic services officer Shaughna said Jack was her celeb crush before going into the South African villa.

'Jack Fincham is a bit of me on toast,' were her precise words.

After Jack's flirty comments Shaugna's mother Tracy, 52, wrote on Instagram: 'If only Shaughna knew'. She followed this with a heart emoji and the words: 'Much love to @jack_charlesf.'

Jack, 28, said in an Instagram story video to his 2.2million followers: 'Listen don't worry Shaughna love I wouldn't leave you'

Under the bus? Jack gave his support to 25-year-old Shaughna after the contestant she is coupled up with, Callum Jones, was picked to go on a date with new girl Eve Gale [pictured on said date]

Shaughna sadly lost her father Eddie in 2016 from cancer, and has a quote on her wrist which reads: 'Hanging out in the clouds under the moon.'

Her father's signature is also included in the touching tattoo.

After his tragic death Shaughna wrote on Instagram: 'My dad hated tattoos and said he would never let me get one, so it was only right I didn't listen to him and went and got one with his signature on it.'

Someone's keen: Jack has teased he is on his way to South Africa after learning Love Island newcomer Shaughna name dropped him as her ideal man

On his way: Jack joked he was off to look at flights to South Africa, while sharing a screengrab of Shaughna's interview to his Instagram story on Wednesday

After Jack and Dani were crowned Love Island winners they moved in with each other, shortly after arriving back into the UK, once filming had wrapped.

They then split several months later.

While Dani rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, who she had dated prior to her Love Island debut, Jack appeared on E4 series Celebs Go Dating in the hope of finding love again.

Stunning: Democratic services officer Shaughna leads the glamour in the villa this time round

Round two? Jack previously starred on Love Island's 2018 series where he was crowned a winner alongside his ex-girlfriend Dani Dyer, who he split from last year

On the show he candidly discussed his split from Dani and insisted he wishes his former flame 'nothing but the best'.

Jack told dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson: 'If we had lived in Love Island forever, we'd have been fine. We rushed it straight away, we moved in together. I did want to, but I wish we had waited.

'I let her rush me a little bit. We had a genuine connection in there and I think anyone can see that.'

Jack shared his desire to move on, as he continued: 'Honestly, and I mean this, I wish her all the happiness in the world. I'm not a bitter person... one hundred per cent I'm over Dani and now I want to go and meet someone.'

Love Island continues nightly on ITV2 at 9PM.
Mark Carney, outgoing governor of the Bank of England, is to be financial adviser to the PM for UN climate talks (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Outgoing Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been given a key role as an adviser to Boris Johnson for major UN climate talks in the UK this year.

The Prime Minister said Mr Carney would be an invaluable addition to the team for the COP26 summit, which is being held in Glasgow in November.

Mr Carneys role as finance adviser for the talks will be to help the UK Government mobilise ambitious action from across the financial system ahead of the talks.

The meeting is being seen as key in increasing countries ambitions to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to meet pledges made under the international Paris Agreement to tackle climate change.

Mr Johnson said: Hosting COP26 in Glasgow will be a golden opportunity for the UK and the global community as we push for as many countries as possible to follow our lead and commit to ending their contribution to climate change by 2050.

PM @BorisJohnson has appointed Mark Carney as his Finance Advisor for @ukcop26. Mark will help reshape finance for a sustainable world. pic.twitter.com/5xC72CLcUt  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 16, 2020

Mr Carney, who recently warned of the threat of climate change to businesses, said: The combination of these critical meetings and the UKs global leadership in financial services provides a unique opportunity to address climate change by transforming the financial system.

To seize it, all financial decisions need to take into account the risks from climate change and the opportunities from the transition to a net zero economy.

Mr Carney was also recently made the UN secretary-generals special envoy on climate action and climate finance.

Under his leadership, the Bank of England launched stress-testing on Britains biggest banks and insurers to find any cracks in their preparations for global warming.

And he has warned firms that their assets could become worthless if they do not wake up to the climate crisis.

The talks in Glasgow are seen as the most crucial round of UN climate negotiations since the Paris Agreement was agreed in the French capital in 2015.

The deal, which comes into force this year, commits countries to cutting emissions to curb global warming at well below 2C and pursue efforts to prevent temperatures rising more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

But on current pledges of national action the world is on course for around 3C of warming by 2100.

The UNs climate science body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, published a report in 2018 which warned of the damaging impacts of temperatures rising above 1.5C.

And it warned that the world would need to cut carbon emissions to net zero  so no more is being put into the atmosphere than is being removed  by 2050.

The UK has passed a law committing the country to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by mid-century, though advisers have warned it is currently off track to meet its climate goals.
Theres a hilarious trend sweeping Chinese social media these days and people cant get enough of it. Videos of people sneaking in their own raw ingredients into hotpot restaurant and dropping them into bowls of simmering broth have been going viral since December.

If youre ever been to a Chinese restaurant, you probably know all about the hotpot. A staple of Chinese cuisine, it basically consists of a simmering pot of soup stock and a selection of raw ingredients that patrons drop into the stock to be cooked right at their table. Hotpot restaurants are all the rage in China, and they usually offer all the raw ingredients you need for a delicious meal, but a new trend has people sneaking in their own ingredients, which range from mushrooms and herbs to whole chickens and fish.

A compilation video posted on a Vietnamese Facebook page shows all kinds of hilarious scenes of people pulling out hotpot ingredients from their bags and dropping them into the hotpot when waiters arent looking. While some protagonists try to be as inconspicuous as possible, sneaking in small ingredients, others are clearly only doing it for the views, dropping giant fish or birds into the hotpot.

The new trend has been getting mixed responses on social media, with some finding it hilarious, and others claiming that it promotes illegal activity and affects restaurants bottom line.



If you can buy your own ingredients, you can cook your own hotpot at home. Dont make jokes like this at restaurants, one person commented.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is meeting the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss climate finance, Johnsons spokesman said, Trend with reference to Reuters reports.

Carney, due to become the United Nations special envoy for climate change next year when he steps down from the bank, has previously said the financial sector has been too slow to address the risks from climate change and that politicians need to effect change now.

Johnson will also attend a summit on Libya in Germany on Sunday, the spokesman said.
Ridership on the Hartford Line, which connects rail commuters traveling between New Haven and Springfield has passed the 1 million mark, according to Connecticut Department of Transportation officials.

The service  launched on June 18, 2018  transported its one-millionth rider during the busy Thanksgiving travel period in late November.

Passenger rail use has been growing at a rate of 25 percent year-over-year, according to the Connecticut DOT. Now a year and a half into its operations, the Hartford Line is expected to exceed 750,000 passenger trips during its second year  outpacing the 666,960 passenger trips originally forecast.

Weve been breaking ridership records since opening weekend, Connecticut DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. This new service is a huge win for the state. The Hartford Line helps both the Connecticut economy by creating jobs and spurring transit oriented development, while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion on our highways.

Passengers in Springfield utilize the revitalized Union Station to board these trains to Connecticut.

(The ridership) announcement reinforces my belief that the public will continue to take advantage of expanded rail service along the Knowledge Corridor," said U.S. Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., who has long championed expanded rail service. "These numbers have exceeded all expectations and will only grow as service expands between Springfield, Hartford and New Haven. The data also strengthens the argument for east-west rail, a project I have supported for decades.

In a statement, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the growing popularity of the rail service is another reason why Connecticut should expand the Hartford Line  something he has proposed in a 10-year, multi-modal transportation plan.

"Central and northern Connecticut should have had a commuter rail line for decades  quite frankly its astounding that it wasnt until a year and a half ago that the region finally got one, and these numbers show that people want more options to travel by rail, Lamont said.

Lamont has proposed:

Adding a second line of rail tracks along the Hartford Line north of Hartford to increase the frequency of service in the region;

Adding train stations in Enfield and Windsor Locks;

Creating a connection from the new Windsor Locks train station directly to Bradley International Airport; and

Adding new digital displays at each Hartford Line station to provide real-time passenger information regarding train times and each trains origin and destination.

The growth is not limited to the Connecticut DOTs Hartford Line.

Amtraks New Haven-Springfield route  which works in concert with the Hartford Line  reported 26.5% passenger increase from 286,477 in fiscal 2018 to 362,442 in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

Nationally, Amtrak reported a 2.5% boost in ridership systemwide for a record-breaking 32.5 million customer trips, a year-over-year increase of 800,000.

Springfields Union Station, built in 1927 but left derelict for years, has been fully renovated at a cost of $103 million and hosts both CTrail and Amtrak trains.

Recently, a new elevator was added to the completely rebuilt and handicapped-accessible Plattform C, which will open following an Amtrak inspection.

Platform C didnt open with the rest of the station in June 2017 because the original platform was too narrow to meet modern handicapped-accessibility standards and the station was unable to get a last-minute exception to federal rules.
The citizen-led redistricting commission Michigan is currently working to form could serve as a model for other states, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Wednesday.

The new process means Michigan gets the opportunity to draw its districts in a new way, but its also an opportunity for us to show the rest of the country that this is possible, that when citizens are given the pen and the paper and the technology and the power to draw districts, they take it, they embrace it, and they do it well and that fair and competitive districts are the result, Benson said.

She spoke to a group at a forum hosted by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University about the redistricting process, fielding questions and giving an update on her progress in getting applications for the commission created by the ballot proposal that put a new redistricting process in the constitution last year.

The new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will be comprised of 13 members, including four people who affiliate with the Republican party, four who affiliate with the Democratic Party and five who dont affiliate with either.

Benson urged people to apply for the commission, an effort she kicked off last year.

Thousands have already applied, she said, and the Secretary of State is also inviting 250,000 randomly-selected Michiganders to apply by mailing them applications.

Benson told reporters afterward her office has gotten more than 5,000 applications in various states of completion, as some still need to be notarized to go forward.

Benson told reporters afterward that the citizen selection process makes Michigan unique among states, though California is the closest parallel. But Michigan can be an example for other midwestern states, she said.

We feel that the success of this process will encourage them to recognize how citizens can play an important role, Benson said.

Thats not to say the new process is perfect -- shes run into things that, if she were part of it, she might have done differently, Benson said. But she is staying beholden to the language out of respect to the citizens who came up with it and expects to do some analysis once the process is over with advice for whoever oversees the next cycle of redistricting.

In my view the baseline is funding. Funding to hire staff to review the applications, funding to do the outreach, I mean thats probably the most critical component and thats been the biggest fight that weve been engaged in, Benson said.

One thing shed like to find is a way to guarantee a clear source of funding for the commission in the future.

I think that that would be probably the most important tweak I would make so that legislators who dont like the commission cant find ways to mess with the Department of States budget in order to cut the commissions funding, Benson said.

Last year, the Department of States budget got caught up in the legislative process as lawmakers and the administration debated the commissions funding.

Benson told attendees of the forum that her role was secondary to the one the commission itself will play.

We are simply the administrators of a process that citizens created and citizens will lead, she said.
On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump abruptly dived into a long-running battle between Apple and the FBI over iPhone encryption:

We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2020

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Trumps demand that Apple step up to the plate is in reference to the FBIs current attempts to break into two iPhones. They belonged to a second lieutenant in the Saudi Air Force who investigators believe killed three people in a shooting at a Pensacola, Florida, naval base in December. (He was killed by police when they arrived to respond to the shooting.) Attorney General William Barr publicly admonished the company on Monday, stating: So far, Apple has not given any substantive assistance. This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that the public be able to get access to digital evidence once it has obtained a court order based on probable cause. Apple claims that it has already assisted the FBI in retrieving gigabytes of information for the investigation, including iCloud backups, transaction data, and account info. The bureau, however, is pressing the company to weaken the iPhones encryption in order to gain full access to the devices.

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Apples iPhones take advantage of a security measure known as encryption, which scrambles the info held in the device and makes it unintelligible unless you have a string of code known as a key to decipher the data. By entering a PIN code, or scanning a fingerprint or face, a user enables the key to unlock whats held in the phone. Apple radically improved data encryption with the release of iOS 8 in 2014, making the iPhone 5S and subsequent models much harder to crack.

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That same year, the company announced that it would not undermine security protections to grant the government access to iPhones. Since then, Apple has perpetually sparred with the FBI over encryption. While the FBI has argued that gathering all available information from suspects phones is crucial to high-stakes investigations, Apple maintains that creating a back door for its encryption would weaken the security of all of its customers devices. The first prominent clash over the issue came in 2016, when the bureau brought Apple to court in an abortive attempt to force the company to unlock an iPhone 5C used by a shooter responsible for the deaths of 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in 2015. The same fight erupted after the shooting of a Texas church in 2017.

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Trump and Barrand Barrs predecessor, Jeff Sessionshave taken a more aggressive stance on Apple than the previous administration did. Former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder had both generally called for a better balance between privacy and physical safety in the debateimplicitly calling on tech companies to soften their encryption stancesbut didnt wade in directly.

During the investigation into the San Bernardino shooting, which coincided with the 2016 election, then-candidate Trump called for a boycott on Apple products. Yet his very public attempt to leverage U.S. trade policy in his Tuesday tweet also adds another wrinkle to the dispute. Apple CEO Tim Cook has had a particularly friendly relationship with the president, whose 2017 tax cuts have saved the company tens of billions of dollars and whose tariffs have spared Apple products in the trade war with China. The encryption affair may test Cooks attempts to remain on Trumps good side.

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Apples response to the pressure has also been somewhat surprising. According to the New York Times, people within the company are frustrated that the Justice Department hasnt spent enough time trying to get into the iPhones with third-party tools. (Apple did not respond to an inquiry about this reporting.) Companies like Cellebrite and Grayshift have long offered iPhone hacking services to governments around the world. The FBI reportedly used Cellebrites technology to access the San Bernardino shooters phone, and, according to Bloomberg, the bureau should be able to use the same methods with the phones in the Pensacola case. Indeed, the Pensacola suspect had an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 7, older models with weaker security; researchers recently discovered a security flaw in the chips of iPhones released between 2011 and 2017, which includes both those devices.

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While it may seem strange for Apple to prefer that the FBI consult a service that exploits weaknesses in its devices security features, this may actually be the least harmful solution to the current predicament. It is a worse problem for the government to pressure and demand that Apple stop innovating on security, says Jennifer Granick, who serves as surveillance and cybersecurity counsel for the ACLU. Attack and defense are always in relationship to each other in cybersecurity. Theres always going to be advances in defense and advances in attack. The offense usually has the upper hand. Forcing Apple to purposefully build a back door to its encryption would hobble the defense side of this equation.

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Also, if it becomes clear that the company is not actually making its product as secure as possible, users may lose trust in features that actually do safeguard their privacy. For fundamental cybersecurity practices, we trust the integrity of what developers tell us about how they work, says Jake Laperruque, senior counsel at the Project on Government Oversights Constitution Project. If developers are purposefully weakening security measures, users have a harder time trusting patches and software updates, which may in fact have a legitimate purpose.

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To be sure, phone hacking tools like those from Cellebrite and Grayshift are dangerous and can be easily abused; authoritarian governments have used them to crack down on journalists and political dissidents. Yet, if law enforcement really wont relent on accessing the contents of the Pensacola shooters phones, hacking in this case is the lesser of two evils. As Sharon Bradford Franklin, the policy director for New Americas Open Technology Institute, notes, Whereas government hacking involves the exploitation of unintentional vulnerabilities in particular products, a backdoor mandate would require building known vulnerabilities into every product, so the impact is much greater and more problematic. (New America is a partner with Slate and Arizona State University in Future Tense.) Finding and figuring out how to take advantage of these vulnerabilities is much more expensive and time-intensive than just waltzing through a back door put in by the manufacturer, but tech advocates say the privacy threat is not worth the convenience. This likely explains, though, why Barr and law enforcement officials are pressing Apple to weaken the iPhone encryption when they could most likely just go to a third party to get the job done.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Washington: The historic impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump got under way on Thursday with the arrival in the Senate of the seven House managers to formally present the two charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, presented the articles and detailed the two charges against Trump - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The impeachment charges centre on the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including former vice president Joe Biden.

The impeachment articles are formally known as House Resolution 755, "Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for High Crimes and Misdemeanours."
Prosecutors agreed on Wednesday to the release from prison of Manvel Grigorian, a retired Armenian army general facing a string of criminal charges, following a reportedly serious deterioration of his health condition.

A Yerevan court judge presiding over the ongoing trial of Grigorian and his wife Nazik Amirian ordered him freed during an emergency hearing initiated by the trial prosecutors. A member of an interagency government commission monitoring Grigorians health told the court that the once powerful general is now in a life-threatening condition which is not compatible with arrest.

The 63-year-old Grigorian, who suffers from multiple diseases, has been treated in a Yerevan hospital in recent months. He was transferred to the hospitals intensive care unit on Tuesday.

Grigorians lawyers have repeatedly demanded his release on health grounds. Both the court and the prosecutors rejected those demands until now.

Grigorian, who had served as Armenias deputy defense minister from 2000-2008, stands accused of illegal arms possession, embezzlement, extortion and tax evasion. Some of these charges were also brought against his wife. The couple continued to deny any wrongdoing when it went on trial in May 2019.

Grigorian was arrested in June 2018 following searches conducted at his properties in and around the town of Echmiadzin. Investigators found there many weapons, ammunition, medication and field rations for soldiers provided by the Defense Ministry.

They also discovered canned food and several vehicles donated by Armenians at one of Grigorians mansions. An official video of the searches conducted by the National Security Service (NSS) caused shock and indignation in the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:08:39|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke over phone with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong on Thursday, and the two leaders agreed to make joint efforts to cement bilateral relations.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties, and is also of great importance in the socialist causes of both countries, noted Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Xi said that as both the Chinese and Vietnamese people are preparing for the traditional Spring Festival, he is pleased to have this phone conversation with Trong, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee.

"In recent years, I have kept close contact and exchanges with Comrade General Secretary Trong, and we have reached a series of important consensus on the development of relations between our countries and between our parties," Xi added.

The sound development of China-Vietnam ties, Xi said, has injected new impetus to the socialist causes of both countries and made positive contributions to regional and global peace and development.

China and Vietnam are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners with a closely interconnected future, Xi said, adding that the socialist causes of both countries are developing vigorously while facing increasing risks and challenges.

The Chinese leader said he is ready to strengthen strategic communication with his Vietnamese counterpart and jointly draw a blueprint to guide the development of China-Vietnam relations in the new era.

"We need to continuously consolidate political mutual trust, carry forward our traditional friendship, and strengthen the foundation of our bilateral ties," Xi suggested.

Meanwhile, the two neighbors should properly handle and solve their differences with the larger picture in mind and from a long-term view, and secure a favorable external environment for both countries' development, he added.

They also need to seize the opportunities and build on the momentum to comprehensively lift the level of exchanges and cooperation, promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and continuously expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation, so as to enable the people of both countries to enjoy a stronger sense of fulfillment and happiness, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that the CPC and the CPV not only serve as the leadership core for their respective socialist causes, but also play a key leading role in guiding China-Vietnam relations.

Noting that the CPV is about to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its founding, Xi, on behalf of the CPC and the Chinese people, expressed warm congratulations to the CPV and the Vietnamese people.

The CPC, Xi added, stands ready to join hands with the CPV to open new prospects for the two countries' socialist causes as well as their relations in the new era.

Trong, for his part, said he is glad to talk with Xi over phone ahead of the Spring Festival and the 70th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties.

He extended congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and on the great achievements China has made during the past more than 40 years of reform and opening-up.

He also thanked China for its long-running valuable support and assistance for Vietnam's national liberation and socialist cause.

Over the past 70 years, Vietnam-China ties have generally maintained positive momentum of development, Trong said, adding that facing new circumstances and missions, Vietnam hopes to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations.

He called for joint efforts to strengthen political mutual trust and exchanges of governance experience, promote practical cooperation in economic and other fields, consolidate the public support for bilateral friendly cooperation, and enhance communication and collaboration on multilateral occasions.

Xi and Trong also exchanged Spring Festival greetings to each other and jointly wished the people of both countries a happy new year.
The sister of Belgian King Philippe, Princess Astrid, is slated to visit Nepal on January 19 for a seven-day visit to the Himalayan nation.

During her stay, she is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari. She will have separate meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, and Minister for Health and Population, Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, said the ministry of foreign affairs in a statement.

Princess Astrid will also be visiting Kailai, Nawalparasi and Chitawan districts. In Kailali, she will join the opening ceremony of a new Tuberculosis Centre and meet with leprosy and tuberculosis affected people. She will visit the Midpoint Hospital at Nawalparasi, which is the provincial reference centre for MDR tuberculosis and leprosy.

These facilities have been supported by the Damien Foundation, a Belgium-based NGO with Princess as the honorary chairperson.

The visit will contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relations and expanding the areas of cooperation between Nepal and Belgium, read the statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nearly seven years ago, two boys were diagnosed on the same day at the Medical University of South Carolina with identical rare brain tumors. They both lived in Mount Pleasant.

There were other children who had been diagnosed with cancer, too. Over the years, pediatric cancer cases seemed to be cropping up around town. It got people talking to each other on social media. And, in 2017, the online chatter captured a television reporter's attention.

"Eleven cases of rare tumors, most in three neighboring Mount Pleasant subdivisions," reporter Alex Heaton told viewers on Charleston ABC affiliate WCIV Channel 4. "Is it the water? ... Is it the air, or simply more awareness of rare brain diseases as the population grows?"

The three-minute segment aired June 26, 2017.

No one could have guessed it at the time, but the segment sparked a 38-day crisis that sent health experts and water-safety staff scrambling to manage a public relations mess.

The story quickly escalated from local TV to national news. Attorney Erin Brockovich, famously played by actress Julia Roberts 20 years ago in an Oscar-winning feature film, chimed in on the controversy.

There are more unanswered questions about Mount Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolinas water quality than there are answers, Brockovich posted on Facebook two weeks after the first TV spot aired.

From the get-go, officials assured the public they should not worry. The water was clean and there was no cancer cluster in Mount Pleasant, the state health department repeatedly said. But that didn't stop parents from panicking about their children's health or real estate agents from fearing what might happen to home values in some of the Charleston area's most desirable neighborhoods.

"There was just lots and lots of misinformation," said Clay Duffie, general manager of Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

Duffie was fishing with a friend when he first heard about the TV story. An official from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control called him on a boat.

"Weve got a problem with accusations," Duffie remembered the DHEC official told him.

"I said, 'Yeah, I hear you,'" Duffie responded. "We initiated the crisis communications plan the very next day."

Unlike some public health statistics  such as flu deaths and hospitalizations which are reported on a weekly basis  cancer incidences and deaths take years to compile.

DHEC, which is responsible for making these numbers publicly available, still hasn't reported any information related to childhood cancer cases occurring from 2017 to 2019. But the data has been updated since the cancer cluster scare of 2017 and it shows there is no cause for concern in the Lowcountry. In fact, the number of childhood cancer cases in Charleston County has declined in recent years.

In 2004, 23 children in Charleston County were diagnosed with some type of cancer. By 2016, that number had fallen to 13.

"I was skeptical of (a cancer cluster) all along. Im a data person. I wanted to see numbers that were proof," said Erin Benson, whose son, Sam Lee, was one of the two boys diagnosed with the same rare form of terminal brain cancer at MUSC. Sam died in 2016.

"When your kid is diagnosed with something that youd never imagine, you absolutely need to blame something. There has to be a reason, right?" Benson said. "Looking for a villain is a super-normal human response. Im glad that there is no villain in this case, at least as far as we know. I think that would be worse."

Heaton, who now works as an attorney, referred all questions about the 2017 report to Cathy Hobbs, WCIV's news director. Hobbs declined to comment.

Cluster 'alarms'

Andrew Lawson is a distinguished professor of biostatistics at the Medical University of South Carolina and has spent his career studying cancer clusters in the United States and Europe.

He said "cluster alarms," like the one sounded in Mount Pleasant in 2017, are common.

"In fact, cluster alarms arise almost daily in California," he said.

The alarm raised in Mount Pleasant didn't meet the definition of a cluster for several reasons, he said. Many of the children under scrutiny had been diagnosed with different types of cancer. And it was likely that their families had moved into Mount Pleasant from other areas of the country, Lawson said.

"The Mount Pleasant area has a large amount of immigration," he said.

Cancer clusters do exist, he said, but they aren't always related to environmental sources.

"There are potentially a lot of different causes," he said. "Especially childhood brain cancer, its not very clear."

To actually prove that a cluster of cancer cases is linked to an environmental source, he said, public health officials must be able to establish that the patients were exposed to the source and they must identify the obvious "causative agent."

"Its actually quite hard to prove, to definitely prove, a link to an environmental source," he said. "You might be strongly suspicious ... but its very difficult to prove it."

In the original TV segment, WCIV reported that DHEC was examining its cancer data but could not immediately provide answers.

Gary Schwitzer, who formerly ran the medical news unit at CNN, criticized the TV station for rushing to air the segment without more information from health officials. In 2005, he founded a website called Health News Review, which offers critical analysis of health care coverage in the media.

"You cant rush to judgment and you cant rush to publicizing without knowing the landscape, without knowing the science and without knowing what it might mean and what it might not mean," Schwitzer said. "Even if this (cancer cluster) was real, there was nothing in a 24- to 48-hour time frame that dictates the rush to broadcast before you can get state and federal agencies to weigh in."

On June 28, two days after the first TV segment aired, DHEC announced it had analyzed the data and determined no cancer cluster existed in Mount Pleasant.

"In our minds, that was good news, naturally," said Michael Saia, a spokesman for Charleston Water System. "We thought that might be the end of it."

'Fear first, facts second'

Water officials in Mount Pleasant and Charleston bore the brunt of public criticism during the crisis. Some residents, wanting to make sure their drinking water was safe, started buying test kits online and questioning water officials about the results. Those home-based tests fell short of industry-accepted standards, Saia said, and could not be considered reliable.

"It was one of the most challenging situations and, I got to say, one of the most rewarding situations. We learned a lot," said Duffie, of Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

Duffie's department issued press releases and held public meetings through the crisis. Likewise, Charleston Water System, which sells some of its water to Mount Pleasant, had to manage its message carefully.

"We knew our water was completely safe," said Kin Hill, CEO of the Charleston Water System. "We dont just meet the regulatory requirements for our water, we exceed them."

Duffie estimated Mount Pleasant Waterworks spent about $106,000 during the crisis on overtime and extra water sampling costs. The department has since changed some of its practices in response to the alarm. It flushes school pipes after holidays, for example, to ensure that children are drinking clean, fresh water, Duffie said.

Saia, the spokesman for the Charleston Water System, estimated the department spent $60,000 on "unrequired" testing and has since implemented a new protocol to test the water for contaminants beyond those that are required by the Environmental Protection Agency. All of those results are published online. None of them exceed regulatory limits.

"We had some parents who were really genuinely concerned for their kids. We recognized the sensitivity in the whole situation," Saia said. But he criticized the initial TV report for causing undue alarm. "It seemed like it was fear first, facts second."

A spokeswoman for the state health department told The Post and Courier the 2017 cancer incidence data would be ready later this month.
Kane Williamson will be leading the New Zealand side for the upcoming five-match T20I series, as the selectors announced the 14-member squad.

Williamson had gotten injured before the third Test against Australia and had to miss the last match of the series in Australia.

He had also missed last year's T20I series against England due to a hip injury.

But the batsman has recovered in time, and he is line to play all the five-matches against the Men in Blue.

In a surprise call-up, Hamish Bennett has also been called back in the side. He last played for the Kiwis in 2017.

Bennett has so far played just one Test and 16 ODIs.

"We are delighted to have Hamish back in the fold for what will be a huge series against India. Over the past few seasons, he's consistently been one of the top domestic white-ball bowlers and we have been impressed how he's been able to evolve his game," Kiwi selector Gavin Larsen said in an official statement.

"We all know he brings good pace and bounce but it's the clever variations he's added that make him such a well-rounded T20 bowler," he added.

Matt Henry (left thumb), Tom Latham (right pinky), Seth Rance (achilles), Doug Bracewell (knee), Will Young (right shoulder), and Adam Milne (ankle) are all injured and hence have not been considered for selection.

New Zealand T20I squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Hamish Bennett, Tom Bruce (games 4-5), Colin de Grandhomme (games 1-3), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

India and New Zealand are slated to play five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.

The first T20I will be played on January 24.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Saturday, a drove of three dozen Union ministers are to descend on the newly-created Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Their job is to promote development plans the Centre has for J&K after the reduction in the former states status, and the severe political and communications clampdown which accompanied the drastic action effective from August 5 last year, setting off serious uncertainties.

In the past five months, little development efforts have been noticed by the Kashmiri people, though much official hype was created around tourism possibilities, especially in the Valley.

None of this has materialised. Faith in official pronouncements appears to be at an all-time low. Greater energy by the Centre seems to have been expended on crafting a new politics for Kashmir  after locking up prominent politicians of Valley-centric political parties, including three former chief ministers of the state  rather than on doing anything to give concrete shape to development plans.

The key question is: Is development possible in the absence of mobile telephony, which was the case for much of the time since August, and the snapping of the Internet? The Supreme Court recently grappled with this question but did not offer justice, although it held that cutting off the Internet for an indefinite period was impermissible.

The official reason for cutting off Kashmirs links with the outside world was that this was necessary to curb terrorism. This is what the government sought to impress upon the international community. And now a non-Muslim decorated police officer has been discovered to be mixed up with terrorists. The default line is for people of the Valleys majority Muslim community to be suspected of terrorism. To what extent terrorism has been eradicated on account of disrupting communications and locking up politicians can only be tested once all curbs are removed. But will they be removed any time soon? If not, then is it possible to posit any meaningful development activity and economic acceleration? These are key questions worthy of debate.

Sending to Kashmir Union ministers  a cast of characters who have little knowledge or interest in the region except to routinely revile it in communal terms as being a hotbed for militancy  to spread the message of development at a time when practically all economic indicators in the country are showing negative results  cannot possibly be taken seriously, at least not by J&K residents. The only likely explanation is that the ministers visit is a part of a massive propaganda exercise that is especially aimed at an international audience.

While Indian politicians have been prevented from visiting Kashmir, and obstacles have been placed in the path of journalists, in the past two months the government has organised conducted tours for members of European Parliament of the far-right persuasion and a clutch of foreign ambassadors in New Delhi. With US President Donald Trump expected in India sometime soon, the planned visit of a horde of Central ministers seems little more than a shoddily choreographed mind-bending exercise.
U.S. soldiers with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment patrol a new ditch they have dug to protect the base from attack in Iskandariya, Babil Province, Iraq, on July 19, 2011. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Iraq Prime Minister Leaves Decision Whether to Oust US Troops to Next Government

Iraqs prime minister said he would leave a decision on whether to expel American troops from the country to his successor after the Iraqi Parliament voted to oust them.

I request that the president, parliament, and political parties nominate a new prime minister, a new government that has full authority because these difficult, complicated circumstances, especially with pulling of the troops  that needs a government with full authority so it can go forward, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi Wednesday, according to an Associated Press translation.

Earlier in January, the Iraqi Parliament voted to expel all American troops after the United States killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a targeted airstrike in Baghdad. In recent days, Iraq has been torn between its close relationship with Tehran and its military partnership with Washington after Soleimanis death and Irans retaliatory move to launch missiles at Iraqi bases days later.

In a meeting, Abdul-Mahdi called on the president, Parliament speaker, and political parties to nominate a candidate to take over his role as prime minister and form a new government to make a decision on several thousand American troops stationed there.

These complex conditions are difficult, particularly after the resolution of the Parliament for the withdrawal of forces and  this all requires a government of full authority so the country can take a step forward, he said, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has dismissed the parliamentary vote and defended the U.S. militarys presence in Iraq.

As for the activity today with respect to Iraq, weve been in their country. Weve been supporting Iraqi sovereignty. Weve been continuing to take down the terrorist threat against the Iraqi people, Pompeo told Fox News Sunday earlier this month. He added that officials are confident Iraq wants American troops to remain there.

The Trump administration has also warned that Iraq would face financial penalties if it attempts to expel the troops. Last week, U.S. officials told Iraqs government that its access to its central bank account at the New York Federal Reserve might be denied if troops were booted out. According to the WSJ report, $250 million in military aid could also be cut.

Following the Soleimani strike, the American-led coalition in Iraq announced it would suspend its counterterrorism mission and training of security forces.

Our first priority is protecting all coalition personnel committed to the defeat of [ISIS]. Repeated rocket attacks over the last two months by elements of Kataib Hezbollah have caused the death of Iraqi Security Forces personnel and a U.S. civilian, the U.S.-led coalition to defeat the ISIS terrorist group said in a statement. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also said around that time that some American forces are being repositioned inside Iraq.
OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has shut down British Columbias attempt to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

The B.C. government wanted to require provincial permits before heavy oil could be shipped through pipelines in the province.

In 2018, it asked the B.C. Court of Appeal if such permits were in bounds. Last May that court said no, ruling they would violate Ottawas authority under the Constitution to approve and regulate any pipeline that crosses a provincial border.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed.

We are all of the view to dismiss the appeal for the unanimous reasons of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, Chief Justice Richard Wagner said.

The decision was issued from the bench after several hours of hearings Thursday in Ottawa.

It removes one of the remaining obstacles for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which seeks to twin an existing pipeline running between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.

The twinned pipeline, with roughly twice the capacity of the original, would carry only diluted bitumen, a heavy crude produced in Albertas oilsands. The existing pipeline is to continue to ship mainly refined petroleum products like gasoline, and light crude.

Canadas Natural Resources Minister Seamus ORegan welcomed the ruling.

It is a core responsibility of the federal government to help get Canadas resources to market and support good, middle-class jobs, he said in a statement.

We know this is only possible when we earn public trust and work to address environmental, Indigenous peoples and local concerns, which we are doing every step of the way on TMX.

Federal lawyers argued B.C.s attempt to require provincial permits for heavy oil to flow through pipelines was a clear imposition on the constitutional authority given to Ottawa over interprovincial pipelines.

Several of the judges on the Supreme Court agreed in their statements and questions throughout Thursdays hearing, before issuing their quick dismissal.

B.Cs New Democrat government was elected in 2017 partly on a promise to oppose the expansion but the province had limited options because of the Constitution.

Still, B.C. argued it has jurisdiction to protect the environment within its borders and, since its land and people would bear the brunt of any damage from a spill if the pipeline ruptured, it should get a say in what can flow through it.

B.C. Premier John Horgan expressed the provinces disappointment in a statement.

Our government takes our responsibility to defend the interests of British Columbians seriously he said. When it comes to protecting our coast, our environment and our economy, we will continue do all we can within our jurisdiction.

The case had national implications for any project that crosses provincial boundaries, prompting Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec to all seek intervener status. All but Quebec sided entirely with the federal government.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney took immediately to Twitter to express gratitude for the court decision.

We are very pleased with this outcome and look forward to construction continuing on the Trans Mountain Pipeline, he wrote.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said it is pleased, but not surprised, by the unanimous ruling.

This is a project that has undergone historic levels of consultation, reviews and court challenges, and at each turn has been found to be in the best interests of all Canadians, Tim McMillan, president and CEO of CAPP said in a release.

It is time to unite behind the completion of this nation-building project so Canadians can start to benefit from selling our responsibly produced resources to global markets.

Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, also received intervener status in the case. Lawyer Kegan Pepper-Smith said the courts decision will leave communities and the environment vulnerable to toxic diluted bitumen spills.

Ecojustice is also deeply concerned that the court refused to confirm that governments at all levels have both a right and a constitutional duty to protect the environment, he said.

This case was the catalyst that led to the federal governments decision to buy the existing pipeline in May 2018 for $4.5 billion from Kinder Morgan Canada. The company said the political risk that the project would never get built was too much to bear and was planning to halt the expansion.

The federal Liberals argue the pipeline is needed to get more Canadian oil to foreign markets beyond the United States and bought the existing pipeline with a view to completing the expansion once the legal and political challenges were out of the way.

It intends to sell it back to the private sector after the expansion is complete.

The expansion project has faced multiple legal and political barriers since Kinder Morgan first submitted its application for the pipeline to the National Energy Board in 2013.

Construction on the project halted in August 2018, after the Federal Court of Appeal ruled Ottawas decision in 2016 to approve the expansion had not included proper Indigenous consultation or fully taken into account any impact on marine life from additional oil tankers that would result from the project.

Cabinet approved the expansion a second time last June after undergoing additional consultations and environmental review. Construction restarted in August.

Six Indigenous communities and several environment groups filed a second legal challenge, but the court agreed to hear only the concerns from the Indigenous communities.

Two of those communities withdrew their challenge after signing agreements with Trans Mountain Corporation, the Crown agency now running the pipeline. The case involving the other four was heard in December but no decision has yet been issued.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo is all set to launch its latest addition to the F-series, Oppo F15, in India. The launch event for Oppo F15 will be held in Delhi at 12 pm on Thursday. You can catch this event live on the smartphone manufacturer's official Youtube channel and Facebook page.

The all new Oppo F15 will be much lighter than its predecessors. The smartphone will be 7.9 mm in thickness and will weigh 172 grams. Apart from being a lightweight smartphone, the Oppo F15 also is expected to be great for those who love to click pictures. This smartphone is rumoured to feature a quad camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor. The device is likely to be powered by a 4000mAh battery and support VOOC Flash Charge 3.0. According to the Amazon India page for Oppo F15, this phone is expected to provide 2 hours of talk time with 5 minutes of charging.

Freedom, fun or flair, #FlauntItYourWay like @TheAaryanKartik and watch heads turn wherever you go with the all-new #OPPOF15 and its stellar 48MP AI Quad Camera, 7.9mm Sleek Design, super fast In-Display Fingerprint 3.0, and more! Know more: https://t.co/8SoCGQ2rw0 pic.twitter.com/ZVwSX7GuX5 - OPPO India (@oppomobileindia) January 15, 2020

Are you ready to #FlauntItYourWay? @rannvijaysingha and @TechnicalGuruji are coming to launch the stylish and stunning #OPPOF15! Don't forget to tune in on 16th January at 12 PM. Stay tuned for more!https://t.co/DxXIg9Xr1r pic.twitter.com/mxHhu7xhFJ - OPPO India (@oppomobileindia) January 15, 2020

The latest Oppo F15 will unlock in about 0.32 seconds with its in-display fingerprint sensor. Oppo claims that F15 unlocks 12.5 per cent faster than its competition. The phone has a 4.3 per cent higher unlock success rate when compared to its predecessors. Oppo F-15 will have 8GB RAM and a storage space of 128GB. The price of Oppo f15 have not been disclosed yet. However, the phone is expected to be priced between Rs 15,000 to Rs 22,000, according to several media reports. The phone is expected to compete with the likes of Redmi Note 8 Pro on the lower end and Realme X2 in the upper end.

Also read: Xiaomi to focus more on Mi sub-brand in India; premium flagships expected in 2020

Also read: Vivo Z1 Pro, Z1x prices slashed; here's all you need to know
Countries with strong economies  such as the US  may suffer more severe flu seasons, scientists claim.

Analysis of data found that for every one per cent increase in employment rates, there is a 19 per cent bump in flu-related doctors' visits.

Job growth means more people are in the workplace, which could increases the spread of flu between people, experts say.

Retail and healthcare workers are said to be most at risk because they are more likely to be in contact with lots of people.

The researchers at Ball State University, Indiana, said monitoring economy growth could be a way of preparing for an upswing in flu cases.

Employers have also been urged to encourage sick days so people don't feel forced to come into work when they are ill, which could spread bugs.

Each one per cent jump in employment rate correlates with a 19 per cent bump in flu-related doctors' visits, scientists found (stock)

Unemployment has steadily been declining in both the UK and US since 2011. In 2019, 96 per cent of adults were working, figures show.

Dr Erik Nesson, an associate professor of economics and co-author of the study, said a thriving economy can be negative for public health.

'It seems to be a place where higher economic activity is detrimental to people's health,' Dr Nesson said on January 15, CBS News reports.

The study, published in the journal Economics & Human Biology, was led by Dr Sarah Markowitz , an economics professor at Emory University.

Influenza data from the CDC for the years 2010/2011 to 2016/2017 was collected, covering 48 states in the US.

Each week during flu season, doctors submit data on how many patients visited with flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough and sore throat.

Figures were compared with detailed statistics on employment numbers collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Spread of flu was linked with higher employment, particularly in sectors with high interpersonal contact.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE FLU AT WORK The Centers for Disease Control and Protection advise to: Find out about your employers plans if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.

Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.

Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.

Train others on how to do your job so they can cover for you in case you or a family member gets sick and you have to stay home.

If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Advertisement

A growth in employment combined with deadly flu seasons in recent years should prompt employers to consider their sick day policies, Dr Nesson said.

'Employers should consider differences in the lost productivity from many employees becoming infected with influenza versus the lost productivity from a few infected individuals taking sick leave,' he said.

'Workers concerned about missing pay or losing their jobs as the result of staying home from work due to illness will be less likely to heed early signs of influenza infection and stay home.

'Since a person may be infectious while experiencing mild symptoms, this greatly increases the probability that the virus will spread to other workers in the firm.

'This implies that firms should consider more generous sick day policies, particularly during the flu season.'

Flu seasons cover the winter months but there is no consensus among scientists for why this is.

Transfer of the virus happens through droplet spread - when a person sneezes or coughs, their infected mucus stays in the air and can be picked up by someone else.

Keyboards, water coolers, bathrooms and other office equipment such as telephones can all harbour germs.

Dr Nesson said using public transportation and carpools, working in offices, putting children in daycare, and having frequent contact with the public, all contribute to the spread of flu.

Flu activity is high in the US this year. The death rate is nearly double what it was last year, federal health officials warned this week. About 4,800 people have died, an increase of 65 per cent since the New Year began.

So far, about 9.7million people have fallen ill and 87,000 people have been hospitalised, according to figures from the CDC.
LONDON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopes for a good US/UK trading relationship post Brexit were boosted by a new survey of US consumers by Moneypenny into the power of regional accents, which revealed that 13.3% said the British accent would make them most likely to buy something, which was second only to the Southern US accent cited by 20.2%. In contrast only 6.7% said a Spanish accent would clinch a sale from them, while 5.2% voted for a French accent and only 2% voted for an Irish accent.

The enduring power of the special US/UK relationship was also seen in the fact that 16.5% of US consumers said the British accent was most pleasant to listen to, second again to the Southern US accent (22.5%) and way ahead of the French (7%), Irish (6.33%) and Spanish accents (1.8%).

More than a third of US consumers in generation Z (aged 18 - 24) are big fans of the British accent, as 37.7% said it is most attractive accent, while the Southern US accent came in second at 18.75%. From all generations surveyed, the British accent still beat the French accent in terms of attractiveness at 13.5% vs 10.7%.

Of those who have changed the nationality of the voice of their digital assistant, such as Siri or Alexa, a British accent was top choice, cited by 11% of consumers. Again, the Generation Z consumers showed their love of a British accent, as 37.7% of them said they had changed their digital assistant to a British voice.

The survey also suggested enduring perceptions of the famous British reserve, as when asked which accent is most associated with being friendly, only 3% voted for a British accent, while 51.7% said the Southern US accent was most friendly. However, for Generation Z 18.75% said the British accent is most friendly, in equal first place with the Southern US and Mid-western accents.

Joanna Swash, Global CEO of Moneypenny commented: 'As one of the world's largest outsourced communications firms, based in Charleston, North Carolina, and London and Wrexham in the UK, we spend a lot of our time thinking about voice calls and how different accents effect our customers' customers when we answer their calls. We were pleased to confirm the power of the Southern accent across the US and how many Americans perceived it as the most friendly voice to hear. We were also pleasantly surprised to see how popular the British accent is among US consumers and this should be a welcome boost to any British companies wanting to do business with the US.'

http://www.moneypenny.com/

About Moneypenny



Moneypenny is the world's leading outsourced communications provider, delivering telephone answering, live chat, switchboard, and multichannel customer services. Moneypenny works with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from sole traders right up to multinational corporations. Between the UK and the US, Moneypenny has over 750 staff, a figure that is growing at a rapid rate. Its offices are London and Wrexham, UK and in Charleston, USA. The company was founded by a brother and sister team in 2000 and currently handles over 15 million customer communications a year for 13,000 businesses. Moneypenny is proud to have won the Queen's Award for Enterprise and has been recognised six times in The Sunday Times '100 Best Companies to Work For.'

SOURCE Moneypenny

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The minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, has said that exploration of solid mineral must remain on the exclusive list in the Nigerian Constitution to enable the country maximise its benefits.

Mr Adegbite, an architect, spoke in Lagos Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists.

Items in the exclusive list in the Nigerian Constitution can only be legislated upon by the federal government while the states are allowed to make laws on those on the concurrent list.

Mr Adegbite said the federal government is reaching out to the states to create a win-win situation.

With our focus on minerals, every governor is discovering that they have minerals in their domains and, of course, they want to corner that, to create revenues for themselves. We have been reaching to governors to say that it is safer and best to follow the constitution, allow the federal government to explore these minerals, just like they are exploiting oil and gas now.

The money comes to the federation account and of course, is shared through FAAC. Also, there is now derivation in mining as well, whatever is found in your jurisdiction, you get 13 per cent of that value, just like in oil and gas, that is already happening and states are benefitting from this.

So its an ongoing process, where we are trying to sensitise the governors to cooperate with us. Also, the federal government has allowed state governments to participate in mining through SPVs, not as governments but as corporate bodies. So state governments are encouraged to form corporate bodies, and there are quite a number of them now, in fact, almost every state now has a company through which they do mining.

These corporate bodies can approach the ministry to get the requisite licence for exploration and of course to do mining. They could partner with other people and a few states are already doing that.

The minister said the government has set up a committee to harmonise the positions of the various levels of government to ensure a cordial working relationship between them.

Its an ongoing, work-in-progress to get the federal government and state governments and even the local governments to work together, he said.

Because we dont want investors coming into Nigeria, we give them licences from the ministry, when they get to the states where they are going to work they meet another set of barriers imposed by the state governments and often by the local government itself. This, of course, chases investors away.

Mr Adegbite noted that Nigeria is losing millions in revenue because the downstream mining sector is not properly regulated.

What we have is a lot of artisanal miners and, if I may say, a few illegal miners who go out there and mine and whatever they wean from the fold, they export in raw form. People are exporting iron ore, lead, tin, zinc and all that without any value added.

So we are developing a downstream policy to encourage everybody, investors, to come in, to build beneficiation plants. If you mine gold, you dont have to export it just like that, gold can be refined to its pure form and then you can sell in gold bars.

He further said there is a presidential initiative where the Central Bank of Nigeria would be buying gold that is produced in Nigeria.

This is, of course, very good for investors, miners because you have that option. You can either sell your gold to the CBN or take it abroad. But selling to the CBN is better for you because you are going to avoid the cost of transporting out of the country and they are going to buy at the international price. The CBN has agreed to keep about 10 per cent of the foreign reserve in gold.

Mr Adegbite said his ministry has issued two refining licences, in Mowe (in Ogun State) and Abuja.

They are both coming on stream very soon. They will refine the gold to the pure form, 99.99%, and of course to sell those gold bars anywhere in the world. This will help us in mitigating these illegal trades in our minerals. Right now, minerals are being exported out of this country without recourse to anybody. It is economic sabotage.

You only have to pay a royalty which is five per cent maximum. And once you pay it, the ministry gives you an export permit which you can tender anywhere. This policy will crystallise before the first quarter. We are already in talks with customs and immigration in mitigating this illegality.
It was no surprise that J.R. Romano, the Republican state chairman, asked Robert Hyde Wednesday to drop out of the 5th U.S. House race, where Hyde is one of four candidates vying to unseat Democrat Jahana Hayes.

Hyde responded back to Romano that hell do no such thing  and tweeted JR RINO should resign from the @CTGOP ASAP.

Just what the party needs, a human hand grenade with glue on it.

Romanos message to Hyde  who burst into the news Tuesday night as an apparent apparatchick in President Donald Trumps murky Ukraine operations  came later than it should have. Thats due to the tradition of party leaders staying neutral, at least publicly, until a winning nominee emerges.

Hyde, simply put, is not now nor has he ever been a serious candidate for Congress and no one should treat him like one. Its clear Hyde only launched his candidacy as a gratuitous tactic to boost his standing in the world of Republican black-ops skullduggery.

Even there, some signs show hes just a poser, a selfie-shooting neophyte with a checkbook and a large physical presence. But a new cache of documents released by House Democrats showed he was tracking former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, apparently for President Donald Trumps back-channel efforts to turn Ukraine into a reelection tool.

Worse, Hydes texts showed him calling Yovanovitch a bitch in a way that reasonable people could take to imply a threat to the former Connecticut resident and ousted U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Thats consistent with Hydes shady past, much of it documented by my colleague, Emilie Munson in Hearsts Washington bureau.

He indicates his role model is Trump. Instead, I think of Hyde, an affable fellow in person, as an aspiring G. Gordon Liddy, the former FBI agent who led the White House Plumbers team under former President Richard M. Nixon  culminating in the 1972 Watergate break-in.

He had already drawn the ire of Connecticut political leaders in both parties in mid-December, with off-color remarks about Sen. Kamala Harris ending her bid for the White House. The top two elected Republicans in the state called on him to end his campaign.

His political crime, however, is not the offensive comments that mirror Trumps twisted, misogynistic world view. Nor is it his involvement in an international political scandal directed by a president who was impeached for the deeds. Nor is it the various run-ins hes had with law enforcement agencies, some of them very serious.

No, Hyde is guilty of something much worse in politics. Hes a sideshow who cant win and can cost other GOP candidates a shot at victory in a race Republicans could actually win.

I have asked Rob Hyde to end his bid for Congress, Romano said in a tweet at 1:30 p.m., after he was besieged by reporters and, we presume, desperate local party officials looking to remove a cancerous tumor.

His campaign is a distraction for the Democrats to raise money and falsely label all Republicans with his antics. In my view he is not helping other Republican candidates or @realDonaldTrump.

Romano told me he sent a text message to Hyde, telling the landscaper and construction contractor-turned lobbyist, I think its time to end the campaign.

Romano didnt get the response he wanted. His inclination would be that hes not going to do that, Romano said, declining to read Hydes return text to me. Romano added theres not much more he can do as party chairman.

We couldnt reach Hyde all day but he tweeted that he would have extensive comments at 7 p.m. He appeared on America This Week with Eric Bolling, a conservative show, and did not talk about his campaign.

But this could become a three-ring gift to Democrats if the party doesnt persuade Hyde to end this charade. Hyde, in a tweet, accused Romano of not supporting Trump, which is like calling Rachel Maddow a Republican.

Romano, to say the least, has no aversion to controversy. But as he put it, because of Hyde, Republicans were not talking Wednesday about how they held a state House seat in Tuesdays special election. Were not talking about how good the Trump economy is doing, were not talking about how bad the Connecticut economy is doing.

He had already delivered a sharp rebuke to Hyde on Dec. 17, after Hydes offensive tweet about Harris. He had even returned Hydes $1,000 in contributions to the state party  a rarity for a donor whos not in trouble with the law.

In the district, to say Hyde is an unknown among politicos is an understatement. Kevin Beal, Republican chairman in the town of Simsbury, where Hyde is listed as a voter, said hes barely met Hyde and that Hyde has had zero role in the local party. Other members of our party have said the same thing. We really dont know who he is, Beal said Wednesday.

Beal, speaking before Romanos tweet, took pains to say its early in the campaign but he couldnt help mentioning that other Republicans look very strong. It is, in fact, a race the GOP can win against first-term Rep. Jahana Hayes, who burst on the scene as a political neophyte after Sen. Chris Murphy backed her over an establishment candidate in 2018.

Republicans ran a weak candidate for that open seat, former Meriden mayor Manny Santos. This time around, theres evidence they wont make that mistake again. The possible frontrunner is Dave Sullivan, a former federal prosecutor who hasnt held elected office but has very close ties throughout the district.

I met Hyde on Sept. 7 at the state Capitol rally for gun rights. Dressed in a suit and unloosened tie on a summer day, he told me he was the first declared candidate in the 5th. He talked about the Second Amendment and public policy in the cartoonish way of anti-government activists.

He insisted we take a picture together and I was game.

Turns out, I should have been honored. He has collected pictures of himself with Trump, Rudy Giuliani and other Republican operatives in Trumps underground gang, the one that forced Yovanovitch out. One of those characters, Lev Parnas, who faces federal criminal charges, was Hydes contact in the Ukrainian mission if the latest cache of messages is true.

Parnass lawyer denied his client was involved in surveillance of Yovanovitch Wednesday, and ascribed the tweets to Hydes dubious mental state.

Hyde was scarce Wednesday at the address where he apparently lives, where my colleague Ken Dixon found a Hummer and a 1950s Cadillac in the driveway of the upscale, raised ranch. No sign of him at his Avon office. His cell phone had a recording, Senator Hyde is unavailable.

Dixon also reported that Hyde had raised no campaign funds as of his most recent filing.

Maybe someday Hyde will be the next G. Gordon Liddy, who served time in jail and became a radio host and cult figure for the government-is-out-to-get-you set.

For now, Hyde is a cloudy piece of the puzzle of Trumps disgraced Ukraine operations. Thats where he should stay  not in a U.S. House race where real candidates are airing real issues.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido has come under fire for allegedly humiliating a female journalist at the state Capitol by telling her a group of high school boys 'could have a lot of fun with her'.

Allison Donahue, a 22-year-old reporter with the Michigan Advance, was outside the Senate chamber in Lansing on Tuesday to ask Lucido a question as he was meeting with a group of visiting high school male students from De La Salle Collegiate in Warren.

Donahue tried to interview the 59-year-old Republican for a story she was working on, where it was revealed he was a part of a violent, anti-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Facebook group.

He said he'd catch up with her after showing the group of visiting students around, saying, 'You've heard of De La Salle, right?'

Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido has come under fire for allegedly humiliating 22-year-old journalist Allison Donahue on Tuesday by telling her a group of visiting high school male students 'could have a lot of fun with her'

Donahue replied saying she hadn't.

'It's all all boys' school. You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you,' he said.

The group of 30 teenagers proceeded to burst into laughter. Outraged Donahue walked away, thinking to herself, 'I had been the punchline of their "locker room" talk.'

'Im 22 years old and one of the youngest current Capitol reporters. The senators insinuating comments about the "fun" I might have with a group of teenage boys was belittling and it came from a place of power,' Donahue wrote in piece for the Michigan Advance.

Lucido has served as a state senator since 2019. He also served two terms in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018. He's now playing with the idea of running for governor in 2022.

Lucido has served as a state senator since 2019. He also served two terms in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018. He's now playing with the idea of running for governor in 2022.

The incident took place on Tuesday at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday

Donahue said although she felt burned by his comment, she waited for him to finish speaking with the teens so she could conduct her interview.

But before she let the interview end, she called him out for his inappropriate comment.

'Before I let him walk away, however, I knew I needed to speak up about the comment he made to me earlier. The situation made me embarrassed, it made me feel small and it made me want to walk away from the Capitol and tell my editor that Lucido wasnt available to comment,' she said.

'Maybe he truly means that he never intended to cause harm with his comments, but that doesnt excuse how we normalize this behavior from men in power,' Donahue wrote in an op-ed about her experience

'At the very least, I wanted to give Lucido the chance to take it back and apologize. He did not,' she added.

She told Lucido: 'I also wanted to make a comment. I thought the comment that you made was unprofessional in front of the group of boys, saying that I would have fun with them, I dont know what you were insinuating, but '

The senator then cut her off and defended his comment.

'De La Salle, I went there, and its an all male school and anytime we had dances we had to invite the girls over for dancing or socializing, its very awkward for a lot of these boys. So if you took it any way other than that,' he said.

'The fact that they have Regina school, an all girls school, get together. They do this, and they have dances and they have social days. It was awkward for me when I went to college and I first met a woman, I didnt even know how to act around a woman,' he added, rambling on.

'I was just saying I'm at work. And you wouldn't have said it to any of my male colleagues or anyone who presented to be older than I am,' Donahue replied.

Lucido reassured her that the comment wasn't personal, and was simply how he talks to young women.

Donahue shared this tweet after the story was published saying: 'I didn't want to stand up for myself after that. It's awkward and in rare cases is it ever taken well and the comments apologized for. But I've stayed silent before'

Following the article published Wednesday, Sen. Lucido tweeted an apology saying: 'I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue'

'I said it to an all girls school last week, "How would you like to have all the boys from the Senate come over?" It was nothing disingenuous. It was no harm,' he insisted.

Donahue said his comments still offended her and she felt compelled to write the op-ed about her unsettling experience.

'Maybe he truly means that he never intended to cause harm with his comments, but that doesnt excuse how we normalize this behavior from men in power,' she said.

'But it mattered to me that I wrote this, because maybe Sen. Lucido, and likely many other men in power, will think twice about making comments like this anymore to the young girls who visit the Capitol on a field trip, or the female reporters who are there to get a quote for a story or their female colleagues who are there to do their job,' she said.

Following the article published Wednesday, Sen. Lucido tweeted an apology saying: 'I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue.'
A former teen fugitive jailed on suspicion of pistol-whipping three Colorado Springs hotel workers escaped from his cell and assaulted a man who is expected to serve as a key witness at an upcoming death-penalty trial, authorities say.

Quinn James Scaggs, 18, is accused of tying a jail-issued mug to a pillowcase on Oct. 1 and using it as a flail to attack fellow El Paso County jail inmate Gustavo Antonio Marquez, allegedly calling him a snitch as he inflicted a head wound requiring three staples to close.

Scaggs was charged Jan. 6 with assault with a deadly weapon, witness retaliation, escape and several other felonies, court records show.

Marquez, 21, is the man whose confession unraveled a gang plot and 2017 execution-style shooting deaths of Coronado High School students Derek Greer, 15, and Natalie Cano-Partida, 16, authorities say.

In April 2018, Marquez pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for his role in the deadly plot. As a condition of his deal, Marquez agreed to testify against others he said were involved, including a man who will face the death penalty at a trial set to begin in March.

Hes a snitch and I got to smash him out, Scaggs allegedly bragged under questioning after attacking Marquez in a high-security ward at the jail, an El Paso County sheriffs deputy said in an arrest affidavit.

The assault is the latest example of an inmate bypassing the lock on his cell  informally called popping locks  to cause mayhem in custody.

The practice has persisted for years, despite attempts by the Sheriffs Office to reinforce security, clearing the way for inmates to seek reprisals against states witnesses, settle personal scores, and to attack or threaten jail guards.

In 2018, the Sheriffs Office logged 200 instances of inmates defeating locks on their cells, up from 126 one year earlier, The Gazette reported in October.

More than a decade ago, the county spent roughly $100,000 replacing locks and some doors and door jambs. Other upgrades have been made since, according to information from the Sheriffs Office.

Scaggs was booked into the county jail in August, two months after allegedly escaping the Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center in Golden. He is suspected of climbing through a window of his ground-floor room and using a makeshift rope of knotted-bed sheets to get over a fence.

He had been sent to the Denver-area juvenile jail after a string of burglaries in Colorado Springs, authorities say. Before his escape, he allegedly attacked a teacher and two other youth residents at the facility, according to CBS4 in Denver.

His weeks on the run ended after back-to-back armed robberies in Colorado Springs, in which authorities say Scaggs pistol-whipped one employee at the Marriott Hotel, 2570 Tenderfoot Hill St., and two workers at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 105 N. Spruce St. He fled with money after both crimes and was arrested by police SWAT three days later at a home in Colorado Springs.

At the jail, Marquez was classified as segregated from all, meaning that other inmates in his ward were kept in their locked cells during periods he was permitted to move throughout the ward to exercise, watch TV, use the telephone, have video visits and take showers, Deputy Kevin Sypher, a jail investigator, said in the affidavit.

A jail security camera captures the moment Scaggs first popped his cell door lock, at about 12:22 p.m. A minute later, he is seen leaving the cell dangling a flail fashioned from a 13-ounce plastic cup.

He approached Marquez swinging the flail and hit him repeatedly, the affidavit said, telling him, Youre a snitch, homie.

Two days after the assault, he admitted to Sypher that he ran up on Marquez and beat him in reprisal for working with authorities, the affidavit said. Its unclear why the Sheriffs Office waited more than a month to pursue charges.

Marquez remains held without bond at the El Paso County jail, said sheriffs spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby, although his name does not appear on the jails online inmate search tool. Scaggs is temporarily being housed elsewhere, she said, though she would not say where or why. His bond is $250,000, she said.

Marquez, who has yet to be sentenced, faces 32 to 38 years in prison in exchange for cooperating with authorities.

Police say he helped crack the mystery behind the killings of Greer and Cano-Partida, who were abducted from a party in Colorado Springs, driven to remote area south of Fountain and made to kneel for execution-style shootings.

Marquez was arrested about a week after the March 12 killings  while wandering on South Academy Boulevard high on methamphetamine  and freely described the crimes, authorities say.

The details he provided  including his account of helping to abduct the teens  led to the arrests of nine other people. Most have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles, including one of the assassins, Diego Chacon, 21, who pleaded guilty in December 2018 to the fatal shooting of Cano-Partida.

Chacon, who was sentenced to 65 years a month later, said he passed a pistol to the man who killed Greer but did not identify him. His plea bargain did not require him to testify.

Cano-Partida was targeted because of gang members suspicions that she had been furnishing information to rivals that led to back-to-back shootings at residences affiliated with their gang in Colorado Springs. Greer was allegedly abducted and killed because he was with her that day, authorities have said.

Marco Antonio Garcia-Bravo, 23, is scheduled for a March 2 trial. Jury selection alone could take up to two months, and the evidence phase of the trial is expected last at least two more months.

The death-penalty trial approaches as Colorado lawmakers mull a potential repeal of capital punishment here.

An El Paso County jury rejected the death penalty the last time prosecutors sought to impose it, at the trial of Glen Galloway, who was found guilty in back-to-back killings in a bid to get revenge against his ex-girlfriend, Janice Nam. He also killed Marcus Anderson in an apparent effort to keep him quiet before Nams murder.

Galloway was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 171.5 years, marking the third consecutive time that a Colorado jury rejected the death penalty.
Briefing the media, Shah said that a permanent solution has been reached to the long-standing issue of rehabilitating thousands of Bru-Reang people in Tripura and they can now look towards a bright future.He said that under the new agreement around 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura and would be aided by the Centre through a package of around Rs 600 crore to help their rehabilitation and all-round development.The people would get all the rights that normal residents of the states get and they would now be able to enjoy the benefits of social welfare schemes of the Centre and State governments, the minister said.A Home Ministry release said the "historic agreement" was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the progress of the northeast and the empowerment of the people of the region.It said the since taking office, the Prime Minister has initiated numerous policy-level interventions that have improved infrastructure, connectivity, economic growth, tourism and social development of the region.The settlement has been reached after detailed discussions by the union government with the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura and the representatives of Bru tribes.The Home Minister informed that under the new arrangement, each of the displaced families would be given 40x30 sq ft residential plots, in addition to the aid under the earlier agreement - a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh, Rs 5,000 cash per month for two years, free ration for two years and Rs 1.5 lakh aid to build their house.The government of Tripura would provide the land under this agreement.Shah mentioned that the northeast was seeing fast-paced development under the leadership of the Prime Minister.He talked about the recent surrender of 88 armed insurgents of the NLFT (SD) group and their assimilation into the mainstream."This major step, along with the Bru-Reang agreement today, is important milestones in bringing fast-paced development to the State of Tripura. Soon lasting peace would be established in the whole of the North East under Prime Minister's leadership," he said.Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, NEDA Chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma, TIPRA (The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance) Chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and representatives of Bru tribes were among those present.The release said that following ethnic tensions in 1997, around 5,000 families comprising around 30,000 Bru-Reang tribals were forced to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura. These people were housed in temporary camps at Kanchanpur in North Tripura.The central government has been making sustained efforts to permanently rehabilitate these refugees since 2010 and has been assisting the two state governments in taking care of the refugees.Till 2014, 1622 Bru-Reang families returned to Mizoram in different batches.An agreement was signed between the union government, the two state governments and representatives of Bru-Reang refugees in July 2018 due to which aid given to these families was increased substantially.Subsequently, 328 families comprising of 1369 individuals returned to Mizoram under the agreement.There had been a sustained demand of most Bru-Reang families that they may be allowed to settle down in Tripura. (ANI)
A transgender woman will receive a 9,000 payout in a settlement with Debenhams after pursuing a sex discrimination case against the brand.

Ava Moore from County Down, Northern Ireland, applied for a job as a temporary sales assistant in the run-up to Christmas 2018.

Ms Moore was invited for an interview and performed well, but did not get offered the job.

Ava Moore

The former hairdresser said she was formally notified she didnt get the role, but then later received an anonymous email saying the reason why was because she was transgender.

The employer had been made aware of Ms Moores gender history when she had to disclose her birth certificate during the interview process.

London's first Trans pride Show all 32 1 /32 London's first Trans pride London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Londons first Trans Pride in September Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent London's first Trans pride Angela Christofilou/The Independent

Ms Moore said her confidence was rocked by the email and that she subsequently felt no matter how well-suited she was for the job, her gender was more important to the employer.

I thought I had completed a good interview which had included interacting with customers on the sales floor. This job was exactly what Id been looking for and I thought that Id be really good at it.

However, during the course of the interview I felt a change in the atmosphere after I provided my birth certificate which discloses my gender history and the fact that I am a transgender woman.

The Equality Commission, which supported Ms Moores case, said: A job should go to the person who does best at interview and in selection tests.

The company confirmed that Ava performed well at interview and in interacting with customers  and she says she told them she was willing to work the hours required.

The more open and inclusive the recruitment process, the more likely it is to avoid unlawful discrimination and increase the likelihood of getting the best and most qualified people for the job.

Debenhams has not accepted liability for the case but has agreed to the payout.

Recommended NikkieTutorials comes out as transgender in new video

In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Debenhams said: We have agreed a settlement on the basis of no liability on the part of Debenhams.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting equality and diversity within the business and throughout the sector.

Decisions on recruitment, training, promotion and employment conditions are based solely on personal competence and performance.

Debenhams will be working with the Equality Commission to review its equal opportunities policies, practices and procedures.

The case was taken under the Sex Discrimination Order (1976), which makes it unlawful to discriminate against transgender people in Northern Ireland.
Toronto Crime Stoppers may have decided to stop handing out rewards for tips, but the Halton chapter says it wont be following that example anytime soon.

Colin Jessome, executive director of the Halton chapter of the crime-prevention charity, confirmed on Jan. 10, that Halton Crime Stoppers would continue to offer rewards for tips that lead to arrests.

That said, Jessome noted he would be keeping an eye on Toronto Crime Stoppers to see how their decision plays out.

Well see how they fare for the next year to two years. I think it will take that long to realize if the tips are increasing or decreasing, not only in volume but in quality, he said.

I cant wait to see what happens. If people are stepping up the same as they are now, more so or less.

Toronto Crime Stoppers Chair Sean Sportun announced Jan. 6 that, effective immediately, there would be no more cash rewards for tips in Toronto.

That charity has now adopted the slogan, Doing whats right is its own reward. Crime doesnt pay. Neither do we.

Sportun has said the money previously used to pay rewards will now be used to support communities in need.

Jessome said the move by Toronto Crime Stoppers caught him by surprise, noting he found out about it at the same time as everyone else.

While Jessome says he is skeptical at the moment that Toronto will succeed using this strategy, he acknowledged that, for many, a reward is not what motivates them to come forward and report a crime.

Our board of directors approved $10,050, in 2019, in total for rewards, and only $1,900 was actually claimed, said Jessome.

So, 35 rewards were granted throughout the year, and only six of those were collected. Thats about 17 per cent.

People who do not call Crime Stoppers for the reward appear to have a number of possible motivators.

Jessome said some callers let it slip that they are a neighbour of the person they are reporting on.

He suspects a few others may be drug dealers themselves who are calling Crime Stoppers to get rid of their competition.

RELATED STORIES GTA Toronto Crime Stoppers stops giving rewards, says will invest in communities instead

The majority of callers keep their motivations for reporting a crime to themselves and while many choose not to take the reward thats offered, Jessome says thats not a reason to remove that option.

There are people who do collect those rewards and those were some good cases that got closed because of those rewards and tips, he said.

They are taking a bold move, Toronto is, because anybody who would have given a tip based on a reward just wont give a tip.

Jessome noted the Crime Stoppers experience in Canada is radically different from America, where 80 per cent of the tipsters offered a reward do collect.

Anyone who wants to report a crime anonymously in Halton can do so by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
"La entrega de las casitas calientes es una muestra de que el Estado ya no permanece ausente en el interior del pais. La distancia y la geografia no pueden alejarnos de la poblacion. El compromiso del Gobierno es trabajar, construir y avanzar al lado de ustedes", @VicAZeballos. pic.twitter.com/7I0hw2Cdba
- The elders want the government to clear the air concerning what sin Miguna committed

- They have faulted the government for deporting Miguna after branding him as unruly

- According to them, unruly people should be corrected within the state and not banished to other countries

- Miguna says he has spent over KSh 3 million trying to return to Kenya but the government has issued a red alert against him

- In 2018, the elders sided with the government's move to deport Miguna arguing the lawyer was to blame for all his problems

A group of elders from 13 clans of Kano, Kisumu county, have called on the government to speedily facilitate return of deported lawyer Miguna Miguna.

The elders, who also comprise of Miguna's relatives, accused the government of doublespeak concerning the fate of Miguna.

READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna: High Court orders AG Paul Kihara to appear in court over deported lawyer's woes

In 2018 the elders sided with the government's move to deport Miguna. Photo: Miguna Miguna.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: High Court gives State one day to respond to Miguna's citizenship case

Led by Kano elder Austin Adiko, the seniors said they failed to understand why the state deported Miguna, a Kenyan citizen, for being unruly yet it had institutions set to deal with wayward characters.

"If it is true that Miguna is a bad character...who said that bad characters should be transferred from Kenya to Canada? Who crafted such a policy that requires a country to transfer its bad characters to other countries?

Can't that government deal with such characters within their jurisdiction? As Kano people, we are not happy," said Adiko whose sentiments were echoed by elder Abednego Namu.

READ ALSO: Polisi wafutilia mbali mkutano wa Mudavadi-Wetangula uliokuwa ufanyike Mumias, kisa BBI

Muguna was deported after swearing-in Raila Odinga as People's President. Photo: ODM Party.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: CS Magoha asks teachers to admit needy Form One students without fees

Miguna's cousin James Onyango disagreed with the government's claims that Miguna was a rogue citizen

Onyango said the state inflicted more pain on the advocate by pledging not to interfere with his return but still went ahead and violated three court orders.

"What sin did he commit? Let the government tell us. The government committed a sin to him by refusing to respect the court orders," Onyango said.

In a separate story by TUKO.co.ke, the elders, shortly after Miguna's deportation in 2018, side with the government stating that the advocate caused all his woes.

READ ALSO: Kenyan newspapers review for January 16: William Ruto, Kiunjuri were visiting chicken farm in Sudan as Uhuru fired Agriculture CS

Miguna was ejected from a Nairobi bound flight after it emerged a red alert had been issued against him. Photo: UGC.

Source: UGC

The self declared National Resistance Movement (NRM) Kenya general nearly made it into the country but was ejected from a Nairobi bound flight after it emerged a red alert had been issued against him.

Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna termed him as an unruly passenger adding that he needed to apply for a new passport since the previous one had expired.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

Kenyans' reactions to Miguna Miguna's denial of entry into his homeland | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
OTTAWA - Canada's competition watchdog is looking into a complaint about the data-harvesting practices of the main federal political parties.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (727 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jim Balsillie, Council of Canadian Innovators, arrives to appear as a witness at a Commons privacy and ethics committee in Ottawa on Thursday, May 10, 2018. Canada's competition watchdog is looking into a complaint about the data-harvesting practices of the main federal political parties. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Canada's competition watchdog is looking into a complaint about the data-harvesting practices of the main federal political parties.

In its complaint to the commissioner of competition, the Centre for Digital Rights flagged what it calls the large-scale misuse of big data and targeted digital advertising of the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic parties.

The centre, established by businessman and philanthropist Jim Balsillie, released a letter Wednesday from the Competition Bureau saying it had begun an investigation of the complaint.

Information about prospective voters is helpful to political parties for everything from door-to-door canvassing to shaping platforms. In the age of algorithms and vast databases, there are new concerns about how parties use such information to track and target people.

The centre says the parties' use of personal information undermines the trust of Canadian voters "in the marketplace of goods, services and ideas" and contravenes the prohibition on deceptive marketing in the Competition Act.

It argues that while a political party conducts "a different shade of business" from a company that sells regular products or services, it is not excluded from competition law, said Bill Hearn, a lawyer for the digital-rights centre.

The centre has also filed complaints with the federal privacy commissioner, the B.C. information and privacy commissioner, the federal telecommunications regulator and Canada's elections commissioner.

It awaits responses from those agencies.

The centre is pushing for revision of the federal privacy law covering the private sector, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, to apply expressly to political parties, constituency associations, candidates and candidate nomination contestants.

Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Even now, the centre argues, the federal parties use and disclose the personal information they collect from Canadians for purposes a reasonable person would consider contrary to their respective privacy policies, a violation of the requirements under the privacy law that people give "meaningful consent" for what happens to their data.

The digital-rights centre will "go to the courts" if privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien decides he lacks authority to investigate the complaint, Hearn said in an interview. Therrien is not the ultimate arbiter of the jurisdictional question, he said  the courts are.

An internal analysis by the privacy commissioner found last year that the major political parties failed to ensure people gave valid consent to the collection and use of their personal information.

The policies also fell short on setting out specific limits on use of the data, details of how long information is kept, the use of security safeguards on storage systems and the ability of people to see the collected information to check its accuracy, said a report on the findings.

The Canadian Press obtained a copy of the internal report, completed in late August, through an access-to-information request.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2020.
2019 is when Netflixs constant deluge of new stand-up started to feel normal. When the streamers weekly release model started up a few years ago it felt destined to failwere there really enough good comics with enough good material to keep up a weekly schedule of hour-longs, in addition to the specials released throughout the year by HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Amazon, and whoever else? The expectation was that comedians who werent quite ready for an hour would wind up getting one anyway just to fill up all the slots in all the available outlets. And then, when that steady stream started to really pour, it became a little overwhelming. So much stand-up, every single week. Netflix did pull back a little in 2019, but thats not the only reason this new stand-up ecosystem finally felt normal last year; its also not just familiarity. I took some flak throughout the year for repeatedly noting that comedy is better than its ever been, but I dont see how anybody could disagree with that statement. So many comedians who never would have had an opportunity at the spotlight in the past are taking advantage of the extreme amount of content now needed to keep the TV industry spinning by producing great specials that maybe wouldnt have existed just a decade ago. The stand-up renaissance continued apace in 2019, and heres the proof.Garrett Martin

My name is Allen Strickland Williams and Im going to tell you 21 jokes. Nobody is better equipped to take advantage of a half-hour special than a one-liner comic. Despite his limited runtime, Strickland Williams set feels like a full-fledged hour as its peppered with short, precise jokes free from unnecessary exposition or throwaway commentary. Not everything is a quick quip though, the comedian slyly makes a case for why nighttime is better than daytime on one of his lengthier bits to open the special on a high note and perfectly sets up a well-paced half-hour of silly comedy.Olivia Cathcart

The latest special from Ron Funches starts with a guest appearance from Ric Flair, the greatest pro wrestler of all time, whos so flashy that he makes those megachurch prosperity gospel preachers seem downright ascetic. Flairs not just there because Funches is a fan, but to act as a living symbol of the confidence that Funches aspires to. If Giggle Fit is any indication, Funches is running pretty close to that mark. Funches is in the best shape of his career, physically, mentally and comedically, in what is easily his most assured special yet. His unique delivery is as inherently funny as ever, and his bits on his son Malcolm and how his weight loss has effected his relationships with friends and dates are personal yet relatable. Like Funches himself, Giggle Fit is a delight.Garrett Martin

Mike Birbiglia employs callbacks regularly in The New One, his one-man play about becoming a father, but with a significance that these references usually lack in lesser performances. Yes, occasionally theyre just for laughs, but in the shows most meaningful moments, Birbiglia harkens back to earlier jokes to demonstrate how hes grown from a man all but sure he doesnt want to be a father, to a dad that embraces his new, utterly changed life. He tracks this progression in tandem with his love for his couch, represented onstage by a stool. Its a funny, appropriate modern metaphor; the couch symbolizes the state of his life and, coincidentally, is where he spends much of his time. Soon it is commandeered by his daughter Oona, who loves sleeping on it, and likewise his marriage and daily routine arent as they used to be. The show is well-crafted in every dimension. The title itself can refer to his new couch, his newest family member (Oona quite literally means one) and his new life.Clare Martin

Wanda Sykes has never been one to dance around a point, and lands many direct hits throughout Not Normal, her new special for Netflix. The title refers to the state of the nation under Trumps presidencyIts not normal that I know that Im smarter than the president, she saysand material about Trump dominates the first section of the hour. Trumps presidency hasnt aged him, she argues, but its aged us. The tough thing about comedians addressing Trump is that it still feels that this must be addressed at some point in order for the special to be valid. The perfunctory-ness of this trend and the common approach it generates does often affect the performances. One of the successes of this special is that it largely avoids this, and though some jokes at Trumps expense can still feel like the kind of surface-level late night barbs that feel ineffective after a few years of being inundated with them, Sykes generates her criticisms from an extremely sharp place, and it shows.Graham Techler

Ice Thickeners lives up to its name. Heller skips the small talk, diving right into topics like politics, exercise, therapy and masturbation. While such content is nothing out of the ordinary in stand-up world, thats not necessarily a drawback here. Theres a reason we all ruminate on relationships and mental health and the state of our worldtheyre universal concerns. She doesnt plumb the subjects she covers too deeply, but Heller makes these well-trodden paths silly and insightful, frequently throwing out lines that feel instantly GIF-able. Her analogies for Trumpincluding him as Air Bud or an enchanted toilet/train conductorare particularly inventive. Her focus on politics in the special only extends to her contemplation of a Trumpian world, but her feminist perspective is pervasive throughout. In a set all about getting down to brass tacks, Heller jokes that not only does she not care what men think, but that she flat-out hates them. Its the type of comedic misandry that is both laughable and, in this day and age, utterly believable. Hellers clearly a comedian ready to be center stage after over a decade of stand-up.Clare Martin

Nate Bargatzes new Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid, brings with it a proportional helping of the fidgety energy that made his episode of Netflixs The Standups so enjoyable. Its a special filled with quiet, shifty confrontations with authority, all of which leave Bargatze displaying the nervous confusion of a smart kid who knows what the adult in the room is saying doesnt make sense, but also doesnt know if its worth it to correct them. Its this disbelieving attitude that makes Bargatze an extremely agreeable presence, especially since he doesnt put the kind of spin on the ball that would turn the approach sour or smarmy. This all makes The Tennessee Kid a real leisurely Sunday Brunch of a special.Graham Techler

In her new Netflix special, Joke Show, Wolf jumps into her set immediatelyno introductions, no opening goofs to ease us in, just straight into an otter rape bit. Its about as jarring as it sounds, but in Wolfs seasoned hands, her most abrasive jokes are also the funniest. Part of why this works is her quick connection with the audience. Shes not necessarily going to hold our hands, but shes ready with a flashlight to guide us through the dark places shes taking us, and its always worth the journey (no matter how vaguely uncomfortable).Clare Martin

I cant tell you how refreshing it is to have a special from a voice of reason who actually comes across as reasonable. Too often, a comic will position himself as someone who tells it like it is in order to present a reactionary argument as tough love. Roy Wood Jr. has always avoided this kind of condescension, even as he adopts a firm position, as he certainly does in No One Loves You. This is the kind of political comedy that actually addresses the countrys divide, as opposed to simply mining it for material. I wish we had more of that, and I hope Wood has more of it for us.Graham Techler

Feelings is an incredibly low-key affair. Filmed at the Chicago Cultural Center instead of a traditional theater or club, it lacks the sound of bombastic laughter found in most specials. Even the biggest laughs often get muted by the tall ceilings of the beautiful room. But rather than hinder the show, they leave the focus on Youssef as he bounds from topics that are seemingly trivial to deeply personal examinations of his life as an American Mulsim. No other special in stand-up history has been so equally horny and spiritual, often at the same time. Hes constantly thinking about sex like most 20-somethings, often even as hes tied to God. When a woman finds his continued attendance at Friday prayers after the Mosque shooting in New Zealand hot, Yousseff finds a newfound confidence. In the same spirit, his parents lack of sexual education training leaves him terrified of the consequences of unprotected sex. Its beautiful how relatable the material is to anyone who grew up in a conservative religious tradition. The relatability of Feelings is its biggest strength. When someone says why does this comic have to talk about race they often ignore the reality that mainstream white comics are also talking about race and ethnic experiences. Weve just been trained to accept the white point of view as an unspoken cultural default. People who complain about comics talking about race or identity are just asking why arent they talking about me. As a Southern Baptist white male, the commonality between our experiences made the moments I couldnt relate to hit that much harder.

Ive never watched another stand-up special that made me think about going back to church. It made me question if faith was easy to abandon because Id never been forced to confront it. Feelings is deceptively subtle but deeply funny.John-Michael Bond

My Favorite Shapes starts with Torres discussing his favorite shapes. He sits at a conveyor belt that he operates with a foot pedal, presenting different objects and props and describing them in increasingly absurd ways. One is an oval that sadly stares at its reflection wishing it was a circle; another is a random collection of geometric objects that Torres says is an exact scale model of Tilda Swintons apartment. At one point we hear excerpts from a cactuss diary, and anybody who struggles with mental health or self-doubt will relate to it. Most of these descriptions share a tone familiar from Torress SNL work, like Wells for Boys and Diego Calls His Momgoofy, sad, and surreal, but a recognizable enough version of real life to make immediate sense.

Torres eventually does stand up and move about the stage, but it never has the energy or pacing of a traditional stand-up set. When he does impressions, theyre not of people but of objects and concepts, like a Britta filter, or the curtain that separates first class from coach. He has a skill for mining the ridiculous out of quotidian objects, almost like hes updating the bland observation humor of somebody like Jerry Seinfeld into a form of comic magic realism. Theres a bit where he presents shapes of animals hed like to see at the zoo, and one of them might be the most perfect joke for understanding his point of view: its a porcupine who had its quills removed so it wouldnt injure its lover, and now no longer recognizes itself. Torres loves instilling animals and inanimate objects with the sadness and insecurities of humans, in a way thats both very specific and yet universal, and also never corny.Garrett Martin
According to actress Adele Haenels allegations, Christophe Ruggia first harassed her when she was 12.

French film director Christophe Ruggia has been charged with sexual assault of a minor, Paris prosecutors said on Thursday, in a case involving an actress cast in one of his films nearly two decades ago.

Prosecutors also said Ruggia was placed under judicial supervision.

Jean-Pierre Versini-Campinchi, a lawyer for Ruggia, said the filmmaker denied any misconduct.

Actress Adele Haenel, who is now 31, has alleged that Ruggia assaulted and harassed her between 2001 and 2004 after she was cast in a Ruggia-directed movie called Les Diables, or The Devils.

According to Haenels allegations, published in French media outlet Mediapart in November last year, she was first harassed when she was 12 years old and the abuse continued until she was 15.

The Paris prosecutors office opened a preliminary probe in November into sexual assault of a minor under 15 by a person of authority, and sexual harassment.

The French film establishment has been rocked by rape accusations against directors Roman Polanski and Luc Besson.

Earlier this month, Frances culture minister said that writer Gabriel Matzneff, accused of raping and seducing children, should be stripped of a special state pension.
Efacec was selected for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M) of a 41 MWp solar plant, located in Metoro, north of Mozambique. With an area of about 138 hectares, this infrastructure has a production capacity of 68 GWh per year. The operation of this solar power plant is expected to start in the end of 2020.

It will be the Solar Power plant with the highest installed capacity in Mozambique to date, making it a flagship project for Efacec, that operates in Mozambique for more than 20 years, reinforcing the brand presence in the market and in the region.

The project is being developed and managed by Neoen and is jointly owned by Neoen and EDM through the company Central Solar Metoro.

The agreement includes the supply of full EPC, including the interconnection in High Voltage to the EDM's substation and associated guarantees for the performance of solar power plant, as well as a long term contract for the O&M of the plant.

This plant contributes to the achievement of Mozambique goals for the diversification of the Energy Mix targets and decentralisation of the energy generation, with the aim to give an access to energy to 100% of the population by 2030.

The generated energy will be sold through a Power Purchase Agreement contracted with EDM.

Efacec develops solutions for solar systems, including self-consumption, hybrid systems and large-scale PV plants on a turnkey basis. Efacec positions itself as a main player in the energy sector, with about 300 MW installed worldwide and 133 MW under O&M.

About Efacec

With a comprehensive presence in the value chain of Energy, Mobility and Environment, Efacec acts as a solution provider, EPC contractor (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and O&M service partner. Efacec is present in strategic markets such as Europe, the United States of America, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Maghreb and Southern Africa.

About Neoen

Neoen is one of the world's most dynamic independent producers of renewable energy. With a capacity close to 3 GW in operation or under construction, Neoen is a high-growth company. Neoen is notably active in France, Australia, Mexico, El Salvador, Argentina, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, Zambia and Jamaica. In particular, Neoen operates Europe's most powerful solar PV farm (300 MWp) in Cestas, France, and the world's largest lithium-ion power reserve (100 MW/129 MWh storage capacity) in Hornsdale, Australia. Neoen is targeting more than 5 GW capacity in operation or under construction by 2021. Neoen (ISIN Code: FR0011675362, ticker: NEOEN) is listed in Compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris
Regulatory News:

Korian (Paris:KORI), the European leader in the care of the elderly and fragile presents its financial communication agenda for 2020 :

Publications and events Date 2019 Full-Year revenue and results 27 February 2020 SFAF (analysts) meeting (Paris) 28 February 2020 2020 First Quarter revenue 29 April 2020 Annual general Meeting (Paris) 28 May 2020 2020 Half-Year revenue and results 30 July 2020 2020 Third Quarter revenue 28 October 2020

This agenda is given for information, it is subject to change if necessary.

Unless exception, publications will be released after the close of Euronext Paris.

ABOUT KORIAN

Korian, an expert in care and support services for the elderly, manages Europe's leading network of long-term care nursing homes, specialised clinics, assisted living facilities and shared housing for seniors, home care and hospital home care services.

For more information, please visit our website: www.korian.com

Korian has been listed on Euronext Paris Section A since November 2006 and is included in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Health Care, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid Small and MSCI Global Small Cap

Euronext Ticker: KORI ISIN: FR0010386334 Reuters: KORI.PA Bloomberg: KORI.FP

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005688/en/

Contacts:

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Sarah Mingham

VP Investor Relations Financing

sarah.mingham@korian.com

Tel: +33 (0)1 55 37 53 55

Carole Alexandre

Deputy Head of Investor Relations

carole.alexandre@korian.com

Tel: +33 (0)7 64 65 22 44

PRESS CONTACT

Marjorie Castoriadis

Head of Media Relations

marjorie.castoriadis@korian.fr

Tel: +33 (0)7 63 59 88 81
A sixth form academy which got just one student into Oxbridge in 2014 has now seen a remarkable 51 pupils receive offers to study at the two elite institutions - rivalling top fee-paying schools.

Brampton Manor Academy in East Ham opened its sixth form in 2012 with the specific aim of transforming progression rates to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities in the east London area.

The vast majority of the 51 successful students are from ethnic minority backgrounds, are the first in their family to attend university, or qualify for the pupil premium for disadvantaged children - meaning their parents earn below 16,000,

Last year the school made headlines with 41 offers of Oxbridge places, and has now broken its own record.

Mr Sam Dobin, director of the schools sixth form, puts the still-unusual success down to teachers working to actively dispel the myth that you have to look or speak a certain way to get a place at Oxford or Cambridge among their diverse student body.

He said: Oxbridge simply want the students with the most academic ability and potential, and we instil within our students the confidence to make applications knowing that their talent and hard work will be rewarded.

Mr Sam Dobin, Director of the schools sixth form, puts the still-unusual success down to teachers working to actively dispel the myth that you have to look or speak a certain way to get a place at Oxford or Cambridge / Brampton Manor School

Melissa Rybicki Villalba, who is in receipt of free school meals, is one of the successful pupils. The 18-year-old has an offer to study Natural Sciences at Kings College, Cambridge.

She speaks English as a second language and will be the first in her family, who moved to the UK from Ecuador in search of a better life, to go to university.

Ms Villalba said: This has proved to me if you put your mind to something you can achieve it.

My family was delighted, with my mum phoning round family in Ecuador to let them know; it was just unbelievable for someone from our background to achieve this. I felt I owed it to my family to succeed, for all their support and everything they sacrificed for me.

Analysis from the Sutton Trust revealed that eight private schools took 1,310 places at Oxbridge from 2015 to 2017, while 2,894 state schools sent 1,220 pupils during the same period.

In 2019 fee-paying Westminster School, which charges up to 31,491 per year for day pupils, received 88 offers of places, while Eton College sent 68 pupils to the institutions.

Melissa Rybicki Villalba, 18, is one of the successful pupils / Brampton Manor School

In a move seen as attempting to combat its privileged image, The University of Oxford made 69.1 per cent of its offers to state school pupils this week - its highest proportion to date.

Harris Westminster Sixth Form, which opened in 2014 with a similar aim to Brampton Manor, has a third of its intake qualify for the pupil premium. It is sponsored by fee-paying Westminster School, and requires an Oxbridge-style interview and entrance exams before pupils are accepted.

This week 25 students received offers from The University of Oxford, and 19 from the University of Cambridge. Headteacher James Handscombe praised the emphasis that both Oxford and Cambridge have placed on outreach.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 18:49:18|Editor: zh

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KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 90th Mekong River joint patrol led by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand started on Thursday from Jingha Port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The patrol, also the first joint patrol in 2020 and expected to last six days, will involve joint inspections, visits and an anti-drug publicity campaign, covering key waters including the Golden Triangle, an area notorious for drug production, according to the provincial public security department.

The four countries just held their 2019 annual working meeting in Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, before the operation, and reached several consensuses on cooperation in 2020. A joint meeting of commanders was also held in the city of Jinghong, Yunnan.

The joint patrol program started in December 2011 after a gang hijacked two cargo ships and killed 13 Chinese sailors in Thai waters on Oct. 5 that year.

So far, a total of 13,943 officers and 738 vessels have participated in the 89 missions, covering a range of more than 46,000 km. A total of 124 merchant ships were rescued and thousands of merchant ships escorted.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping among China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Inchcape Plc (INCH.L), a multi-brand automotive distributor and retailer, Thursday said it has agreed to acquire German automaker Daimler AG's (DDAIF.PK) Mercedes-Benz passenger car and private vans distribution operations in Colombia. The business is currently operated by Daimler Colombia S.A. The transaction enterprise value is currently undisclosed. In Colombia, Inchcape will become the Mercedes-Benz distributor of passenger cars and private vans, adding to its Subaru, Hino and JLR operations. In November last year, Inchcape announced its agreement to acquire Autolider, the distributor of certain Daimler brands such as Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles, Freightliner and Fuso in Uruguay and Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles in Ecuador. The company said in a statement, 'This acquisition represents Inchcape's 12th Distribution business win since 2016 and highlights the compelling proposition Inchcape can provide to OEM partners. It follows the Retail-only disposals announced this year which will generate c.250m of proceeds on completion.' 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.
Washington: For the first time, Sikhs in the US will be counted as a separate ethnic group in the 2020 census, an organisation of the minority community said on Tuesday, describing it as a milestone moment.

President of the Sikh Society of San Diego Baljeet Singh said the Sikh community's efforts have come to fruition.

This has paved the way forward nationally not only for the Sikh community but also for other ethnicities in the United States, he said.

Describing this as a milestone, the United Sikhs said that this will be the first time the minority group will be counted and coded in the decennial US Census.

A delegation of the United Sikhs has held several meetings with the US Census in the recent past with the last one being on January 6 in San Diego.

It's clear that a separate code is needed to ensure an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States, recognising a unique identity, said US Census Deputy Director Ron Jarmin.

Working with United Sikhs, we understand how this change affects the national Sikh community, leading us to add this code for the 2020 Census, said Shagufta Ahmed with the Census Bureau and Office of Management Budget.

According to the United Sikhs, the current estimates of Sikhs living in the US are at 10 lakhs.

Sikhs meet the criteria for representation in the US Census as a distinct ethnic group and have a distinct unified appearance, culture, language, food and history.

The United Sikhs has advocated for the separate coding for more than two decades and filed commentary with the US Federal Register advocating for Sikhs to be added as an ethnic group, in large part, so that action can be taken to address major Sikh issues such as bullying, intimidation and hate crimes against the community.

With the 2020 census approaching, many historically undercoded communities will be at-risk for being under-counted and under-served, said Ruben Singh, United Sikhs Census Manager.

We look forward to collaborating with our census partners and other Sikh organisations and institutions to address the unanticipated challenges of the 2020 Census, he said.

Meanwhile, the Sikh Coalition has partnered with the Census Bureau for the 2020 census.

This is because Sikhs have traditionally been a 'hard to count' population in the United States, said Satjeet Kaur, Sikh Coalition executive director.

Our community matters, and we want to make sure that Sikh families are appropriately counted and accurately resourced wherever they are across our country, she said.


By Park Si-soo



Will South Korea accept a transgender person in the military?



The Army is examining a "keep or drop" case involving a petty officer who underwent sex-change surgery in Thailand last year while on leave.



The officer  who is also seeking to change his legal gender to "female"  is recuperating from the surgery, hoping to stay in the military.






The four convicts - Mukesh (32), Vinay (26), Akshay (31) and Pawan (25) - were to be hanged on January 22 (Photo Credit: Composite Image)

New Delhi:

The four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case are unlikely to be hanged on January 22. Tihar Jail authorities have asked the Delhi government to postpone the hanging of four convicts in the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case, and sought a fresh date for the purpose, according to reports. It comes as the mercy petition filed by one of the convicts reached Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday.

Earlier, a Delhi court on Thursday commented that it seemed impossible to execute the death warrant on January 22 in view of the pending mercy plea. It directed Tihar jail authorities to file a proper report by Friday about the status of scheduled execution of convicts. Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora passed the directions on Thursday after the jail authorities said they have written to the Delhi government on the issue in view of pending remedies.

A convict has to be given at least 14 days' notice before his execution after all his legal remedies are exhausted.

Mukesh Singh's Mercy Plea

The court was hearing a plea by one of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, Mukesh Kumar Singh, seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President.

The lawyer appearing for Mukesh told the court that there are subsequent developments that necessitate setting aside the death warrants.

Mukesh's counsel moved the trial court immediately after the Delhi High Court declined to entertain his plea to set aside the January 7 order issuing his death warrant and asked them to approach the lower court.

The four convicts - Mukesh (32), Vinay (26), Akshay (31) and Pawan (25) - were to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail. A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on January 7.

Mercy Plea Reaches MHA

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry received the mercy petition of Mukesh Singh from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, recommending its rejection, officials said on Thursday. The MHA will now forward the plea to the President of India with it recommendation.

The 23-year-old paramedic student, referred to as Nirbhaya, was gang raped and brutally assaulted on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a moving bus in south Delhi by six persons before being thrown out on the road. She died on December 29, 2012 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

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Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was sworn into office on Wednesday night as Governor of Imo state, ...





Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was sworn into office on Wednesday night as Governor of Imo state, has described his Supreme Court victory as rare.





In his inaugural speech, he said the victory was a reminder that God is forever faithful and does not abandon those who trust in him.





He thanked the Supreme Court for restoring the peoples confidence in the judiciary and the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as well as the partys central working committee for their efforts in ensuring that justice prevailed.





It is a historic judgement which has assured Nigerians and Imo in general that the judiciary remains the hope of the common man. This victory is for all Imo people, it is victory against impunity, victory for justice, he said.

Uzodinma said he had forgiven all his political enemies and would carry everyone along during his administration.





He said his government would focus on 3 Rs, reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery to ensure good governance.





I will respect the principle of separation of powers and allow the other arms of government to operate independently for a better Imo. God bless Imo state, he said.





Uzondinma was sworn in by the Imo Chief Judge, Justice Pascal Nnadi with his team of over 30 judges from the state judiciary at exactly 7.25 pm. His Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku took his oath of office by 7:15 p.m.





The ceremony took place at the Heros Square in Owerri on Wednesday.





Justice Nnadi while performing the swearing in said: In line with section 185 (2) and Section 187 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and with the powers vested on me by the constitution, I hereby swear in Sen. Hope Uzodinma as the sixth democratically elected governor of Imo state.





The inauguration was attended by former Gov. Rochas Okorocha of the state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, and Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume.





Others are the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and serving members of the Federal House of Representatives from Imo, Mr Chike Okafor and Mr Kingsley Uju.





Also in attendance were the Ministers of State for Education, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, and his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dr Uche Ogah.





Others were traditional rulers, members of the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Mr Chiji Collins, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, heads of security agencies and religious leaders.
An Ooltewah woman is facing up to 20 years in prison after she pled guilty to making a video depicting her sexually abusing a child and another showing her sodomizing a dog.

District Judge Curtis Collier accepted the guilty plea from Teela Moore Hendrix. It was a slow affair as she was in tears throughout the plea. Ms. Hendrix, 34, was found to be in possession of the disturbing videos a short while after she tried to ram through a car containing her husband and her children.



Ms. Hendrixs prison sentence could range from 5-20 years, with the ensuing probation lasting from five years to life. Ms. Hendrix may also be required to pay a fine.

Ms. Hendrix said she had visited a website that deals with abusing of children and animals. She said she traded the videos with others who visit the website. She said she met a man through the site who said he was sexually abusing his nine-month-old daughter. She said she traded videos with the man from North Carolina.

When asked about her mental state, Ms. Hendrix told jJdge Collier about her bipolar disorder, something she said she has dealt with since she was a teenager.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, and have been on multiple medications since then and seen several psychologists, said Ms. Hendrix.

She added, When (my medication) works, I dont have crying spells. I want to be outgoing, what I think a normal person would feel like.



Ms. Hendrix will be sentenced on June 8.
This Nov. 22, 2015 file photo shows Justin Bieber at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Bieber has announced he has Lyme disease. The pop superstar from Stratford, Ont., says on his Instagram account that while some people have been criticizing his looks and accused him of being on drugs, they "failed to realize" he was recently diagnosed with the chronic illness. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File
A 68-year-old California woman with dementia who disappeared nearly a week ago was found alive on Wednesday in her snow-covered car.

Paula Beth James was located after a helicopter with the Butte County Sheriffs Office spotted a vehicle that matched the description of her car, the sheriffs office said in a press release on Wednesday. James was alive inside the car in the remote Butte Meadows area after going missing on Jan. 9.

According to the press release, James car was found covered in snow. The sheriffs offices search and rescue team responded with a Sno-Cat, and James was transported to a local hospital. She is currently in stable condition, authorities said.

Members of the sheriffs office spent more than 100 hours searching for James, authorities said.

We are all grateful for this fortunate outcome and wish her a speedy recovery, the sheriffs office said in the press release.

The sheriffs office had previously said that James suffers from dementia and may have become disoriented.

Butte County Sheriff

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According to CNN, authorities said James was visibly cold when she was found. The outlet reports that Butte Meadows saw temperatures in the low 30 degrees this week, and a winter storm is expected in the area soon.

She was awake and conscious. And she looked at them and she said, Im very cold, I hope you brought a blanket,  James stepdaughter Laura Powell told KTXL.

Her family told the outlet that James stayed warm in the snow-covered vehicle by occasionally turning on the car for heat and using blankets and floor mats from inside the vehicle.

RELATED: Utah Man Gets Locked Inside 24 Hour Fitness Gym  and Has a Photo Shoot While Waiting for Help

It just felt like we were doomed, Powell told KTXL. So, it was just literally a miracle that those guys found her in just the nick of time.

She added: I just am so thankful for the relief that everyone is going to have tonight knowing that shes safe and warm and fed and well get to bring her home soon.
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to fill up 819 posts of various categories in the Elementary Education Department, an official spokesperson said.

The approval was given in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

The 819 posts include 532 JBT, 35 language teachers, 133 shastries, 104 TGT (arts), 8 TGT (non medical) and 7 TGT (medical) on contract basis to ensure availability of teachers in educational institutions, the spokesperson said.

The cabinet also approved the recruitment of 1,578 para workers, which include 417 para pump operators, 287 para fitters and 874 multipurpose workers for 394 new drinking water/ irrigation schemes of the Irrigation and Public Health Department, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A miffed Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday said he was not a "rubber stamp" and hit out at the state government for not informing him before moving the Supreme Court against the amended Citizenship Act.

The government had moved the apex court on Monday against the new law, saying it was contradictory to constitutional ethos.

"Courtesy demanded, protocol demanded that they should have informed the governor first," Khan told reporters in Thiruvanathapuram.

Locking horns, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retorted: "This is a democratic country and one must understand the democratic system. Earlier, during the British Raj, there were resident commissioners to check local chieftains."



"However, there is no resident commissioner above the state assembly," Vijayan said, hours later while addressing an anti-CAA rally at Malappuram without making any reference to the governor's outburst.

Kerala has been at the forefront of the anti-CAA agitation and became the first state to pass a resolution in the assembly seeking the CAA's scrapping and move the apex court against the amended law saying it was contradictory to Constitutional ethos.

Khan has been at loggerheads with the LDF government since it convened a special assembly session to pass a resolution seeking the Citizenship Amendment Act's scrapping.

Khan on Thursday made his displeasure public, saying protocol demanded that as a Constitutional head he should have been informed first before the top court was moved and termed the government's act "improper."



"I am the constitutional head of the state, and I come to know through newspapers that the government has challenged the constitutional validity.

But protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," Khan said.

Though he said he had no problems with the government approaching the top court, it was "improper" that the constitutional head was not informed, he added.

On reports that he had not signed the ordinance with respect to the amendments to Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 1994 to increase number of constituencies in Local self-governments, Khan said he was not a 'rubber stamp' as the Constitution expects him to "apply his mind and to ensure that the process of ordinance was not used for some extraneous purposes."



The governor also dismissed the passing of the resolution and questioned how a state government could use a "constitutional body" (Assembly) to denounce an Act of "another constitutional" body (Parliament).

"But this is breach of protocol, breach of courtesy and I will also look whether without the approval of the governor, the state government can go to the Supreme Court, I will have to look into this issue also...they should have informed me," Khan said.

After a section of the media came out with reports that the governor had refused to sign the ordinance on the local self-government ward reorganisation, which had recently received the cabinet approval, Khan said he had only raised certain questions as he has to be satisfied.

"I consider myself under the law and nobody else is above the law. Law will have to be respected, enforced and clearly I am not a rubber stamp," he said.

The governor further said he had also raised certain questions on the desirability of having an ordinance when the Assembly was going to meet in a few days time.

Meanwhile, LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan said the governor's stand was "provocative."



Instead of delivering his constitutional responsibility, the " political stands" taken by Khan was "strange", he said.

"The state government which was elected democratically is functioning as per the government policies and Khan's stand was unbecoming of the constitutional post he was holding," Vijayaraghavan added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sub Rosa: Evin Dogu '02 creates community through bread

Local and fresh: Dogu and her brother source ingredients for their pastries and breads locally as much as possible. Photo by Eric Lusher Photo - of - Hide Caption

The following story originally appeared on the W&M Alumni Magazine website. - Ed.

Its 6:30 a.m. in Richmond, Virginia, and in Sub Rosas small corner storefront in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, something magical is happening. Evin Dogu 02 is pulling the first batch of pastries for the day out of the big wood-fired oven. What was just lumps of dough minutes ago is now golden, fragrant, layered and crispy.

The cafe has the heavenly smell of sugar and bread and coffee. Dogu takes a deep breath. This is the calm before the storm  at 7, customers will begin pouring into the bakery for their breakfast. The few cafe tables will quickly fill with people enjoying a fig and manchego croissant or a slice of quiche with their morning latte. The peaceful bakery will become filled with voices talking and laughing, the sound of the espresso machine, the clink of cups and forks.

For now, Dogu turns back to the hot brick oven to put in the next round of pastries, followed by the first of many loaves of bread. Her day started at 4:30 a.m. and wont end until late in the evening. She owns this business with her brother, Evrim, and they have 12 employees, but the siblings are a constant part of the day-to-day operations. Its long hours, but its worth it.

The energy coming from the customers is so motivating, she says. They are here because they want something tangible to eat, to drink, to take home. Weve become a part of peoples lives.

Sub Rosa makes five types of loaf breads (including light and whole rye, polenta and a rotating grain option) and two types of Pide flatbread (topped with either olive oil, sesame, and nigella seeds or rosemary and sea salt). Their sourdough breads are naturally leavened  risen with the naturally occurring yeasts in the air  and all their breads use organic and regional grains. Their pastries vary by the day and include all manner of sweet and savory treats.

Everything they make is baked in the 7.5-foot-deep, 8-foot-tall oven, which has two connected levels where fires are built each night. Then, in the morning, the ashes are raked out and the baking can begin. The temperature is different on each level and cools throughout the day, ready to bake different types of delicious foodstuffs. Each night, the doughs are mixed to rise to bake the next day.

Their baked goods are garnering national acclaim. Last year, Evin and Evrim were James Beard Award semifinalists and are nominated again this year. They are frequently listed as one of the reasons Richmond is a foodie city.

Their name, Sub Rosa, is a Latin phrase mean- ing confidentiality. It comes from the origins of the bakery, when word-of-mouth was everything. Around 2010, Evrim was using the brick oven in his fathers restaurant at night to bake bread, which hed sell at Richmonds Birdhouse Farmers Market. It was so popular he had a subscription list  only those who knew the secret of how to sign up for the bread could enjoy the bounty of this nighttime baking.

Dogu was an early subscriber.

I loved the bread! says Dogu. Id never had any bread like that. He started talking about how he wanted to open a storefront. Could we do this thing together?

Hence, Sub Rosa was born.

Dogu and her brother grew up in Louisiana, in a Turkish household where savory pastries were always part of teatime and bread was part of every meal. They moved to Northern Virginia when Dogu was in high school, and her dad opened a chain of Mediterranean restaurants, where Dogu worked front-of-house.

Moving to Virginia meant a dream of Dogus could finally come true: attending William & Mary. When she was a kid in Louisiana, her class had taken a school field trip to Washington, D.C., and stopped in Williamsburg. Dogu fell in love with W&M.

William & Mary was such a perfect fit. Theres many times in my life where I havent felt like its been the perfect fit  other jobs or places Ive lived or friends Ive had  but I felt that at William & Mary, and I feel that now, too, Dogu says.

She applied early decision and became an education major, switching to psychology to take advantage of all the social science classes W&M had to offer.

During her junior year, she studied abroad for a semester in Rome  a place where she expanded her appreciation and palette for pastries and coffee.

Evin has great love and appreciation of both food and people. At a time when most of us were content dining on pizza and ramen, Evin was relentless in her search for more delicious, nutritious and exciting fare, says Amanda Abrell 02.

After graduation, Dogu accepted a position as a New York City Teaching Fellow. After two years, she decided to take on a new adventure  Istanbul. There, she taught, visited her extended family, wrote restaurant reviews and took the occasional pastry class. But when she returned to Northern Virginia and ate her brothers bread, somehow, owning a bakery together just felt like the right next step.

Dogu started interning at bakeries to learn more, Evrim found the storefront, and the rest is history.

Everything all together shapes who you are and where youre going to go. I always admired at William & Mary the people who always knew what they wanted to do, but Ive never been like that, she says. There wasnt any single moment that led me here  Ive heard of other bakers who grew up baking with their mom when they were kids, and it wasnt like that for me. I just ate such great food and had access to such great pastries  I feel really lucky.

At William & Mary, Dogu made lifelong friends with her hallmates, classmates and professors.

As a student at W&M, Evin embraced the ability to be part of and also play an active role in crafting a positive and supportive community. You could tell she valued making meaningful, personal connections. This, and of course her cherry pistachio croissants, have no doubt played a role in her success, says Kathleen McCarthy 02.

Now, Dogu is invested in her growing community of Church Hill. Dogu envisions Sub Rosa as more than just a bakery, but also a community gathering place. Sub Rosa has hosted musicians, fundraisers and authors. Other restaurateurs stop by to chat and buy their bread.

Theyve built up a base of loyal customers, too. A few months after they opened, a fire tore through their storefront, causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage. A customer started a GoFundMe page for them, generating enough donations to reopen.

This sense of community has stood out to Gul Ozyegin, the Margaret L. Hamilton Professor of Sociology, and Gender, Sexuality, and Womens Studies, one of Dogus professors at William & Mary with whom shes stayed in touch.

I am a great admirer of Evin and her kind, com- passionate personality. She exemplifies one of the best that William & Mary has offered to global society, says Ozyegin. Besides being exciting, innovating and talented in multiple realms, Evin has a true passion for inclusive community building, for pushing boundaries, and for wanting to create spaces and opportunities that will have transformative power to change other peoples lives positively.

The community spirit can also be seen in their breads. The Dogus buy from local businesses whenever possible, a commitment made back in Sub Rosas farmers market days when they got to know many local farmers. Evrim manages those connections and is working on expanding Sub Rosa to a wholesale location as well.

Dogu describes Evrim as the more easy-going sibling, coming up with the big ideas and working hard to make them happen without losing his sense of humor. Evrim describes Dogu as a perfectionist, providing balance to their team. As the general manager, she takes care of a lot of the day-to-day operations.

The hardest part of working together is not being able to relax and just enjoy each others company, he says. The most positive part is that because you are working so hard together on a common vision, it doesnt matter how differently you see the same issue, you have respect for each other.

Its true, admits Dogu. Even sometimes when were hanging out outside the bakery, theres a little bit of pressure, should we be talking about the business now? The only reason somethings not happening, within reason, is because youre not putting in the energy or the time to make it happen.

You just have so much potential in your hand when youre the owner of a business. Its up to you to use it.
TORRINGTON  The plea hearing of a man accused of threatening two New Milford men with a gun after allegedly killing his own brother in Bethel two months ago was continued Wednesday to Feb. 26.

Matthew ODell, of Bethel, is expected back in state Superior Court in Torrington that day to plea on three felony and three misdemeanor charges stemming from a Nov. 11 incident in New Milford.

The 40-year-old is also facing a murder charge out of Bethel, where police say he fatally shot his 42-year-old brother, Richard ODell, in the head at the home they shared with their mother on Apollo Road.

The mother found her older sons body when she returned home the evening of Nov. 11, according to police.

She initially thought he had taken his own life, but Bethel police said they quickly determined he was the victim of a homicide  and that a handgun was missing from the home.

Hours before the body was discovered, ODell was arrested in New Milford after police say he threatened the two men with the gun and tried to steal a truck belonging to one of them in a Railroad Street parking lot.

The New Milford men  both in their 60s  fought and subdued ODell, who was armed with a small black handgun, according to police.

The owner of the truck ODell allegedly tried to steal said he believes the weapon jammed  otherwise I wouldnt be talking with you today, the 65-year-old told The News-Times.

ODell was charged with first-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, carrying a pistol without a permit, disorderly conduct, illegally carrying a firearm while under the influence and attempt to commit second-degree larceny  the first three of which are felonies.

He was arrested by Bethel police two days after his arrest in New Milford and charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled back in state Superior Court in Danbury for the charge on Jan. 28.

He is being represented by public defenders in both his Bethel and New Milford cases.
House music godfather and Chicago legend Frankie Knuckles would have turned 65 this weekend, so of course theres a full day  and night!  of activities to celebrate the late, great musician. The festivities kick off with Frankie Knuckles and the Power of Liberatory Space, a talk with DJ Duane Powell about how Knuckles and his music helped create safe spaces for marginalized social communities, followed by a Sunday Service dance party with Powell as DJ. The afterparty keeps going later at SmartBar with a full lineup of DJs and hosts. Discussion 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday and Sunday Service 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave., early arrival recommended for discussion, free; eventbrite.com; Afterparty 9 p.m. Sunday-4 a.m. Monday, SmartBar, 3730 N. Clark St., $20 advance, $25 door; etix.com
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:15:10|Editor: ZX

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The outgoing 12th Chinese medical team pose for photos with Chinese and Namibian officials in Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, on Jan. 16, 2020. The outgoing 12th Chinese medical team stationed in Namibia managed to administer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to over 20,000 patients during their one year and a half tenure at the Chinese Acupuncture Department of Katutura State Hospital as well as other facilities in the country. (Photo by Musa C Kaseke/Xinhua)

WINDHOEK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The outgoing 12th Chinese medical team stationed in Namibia managed to administer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to over 20,000 patients during their one year and a half tenure at the Chinese Acupuncture Department of Katutura State Hospital as well as other facilities in the country.

Namibia's medical officials together with Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Yiming on Thursday commended the outgoing team at the welcoming ceremony of the incoming Chinese team at an event held in Windhoek.

In her opening remarks, acting chief medical superintendent of Katutura State Hospital, Mwadina Shiweda praised the work administered by the outgoing team led by Chu Hailin, as it contributed immensely to the country's public health care system.

"Their efforts were welcomed by the patients, especially the elderly who upon hearing of TCM's effectiveness, often opted for TCM rather than modern medication," she said.

Despite some challenges experienced by the team, they managed to overcome and portray exceptional professionalism, she said, adding that it was a pleasure and privilege for the local team to work hand in hand with the Chinese, she added.

"We look forward to working with the new team," she said.

Namibia Health Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, welcomed the cooperation between the two countries, citing that 90 percent of Namibia's public health care is dependent on partnerships.

"Namibia has benefited greatly and the number of patients of more than 20,000 translates that," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador, Zhang Yiming said the China Namibia medical team has become a showcase for China-Namibia friendship, noting that TCM is fast becoming a household service in the medical field as it continues to gain popularity.

Zhang further welcomed the 13th Chinese medical team led by Fang Lianqiang.

The first agreement between China and Namibia in the area of health was signed in 1996 and the specific protocol for acupuncture services was extended every two years since 2010 at the request of the Namibian government.
Bioengineering is a boundary-busting industrial discipline, straddling the crossroads between engineering, biology and medicine.

The result can be a medical device that prevents diseases or improves  or even saves  patients lives. Just look at cardiac pacemakers, X-ray machines and artificial kidneys.

Bioengineering can also produce high-performance, super-strong fabric, even artificial human tissue.

Over the past two decades, the discipline has grown rapidly in universities around the world. The spur is the medical challenges brought by ageing populations, says the Imperial College London bioengineering career page which shows that graduates find work in nine sectors including research, healthcare and general engineering.

Related training may involve computer science, materials science, chemistry and more, states the explainer displayed by the leading American public research hub UC Berkeley.
Kate Wolffe/KQED via AP

A group of homeless mothers was evicted from an empty house in Oakland on Tuesday morning. But unlike so many others facing eviction in America, they were not alone.

At about 5:15 am Tuesday, Alameda County Sheriffs deputies broke down the door of a house on Oaklands Magnolia Street, which had been reinforced from within, and removed the residents. Officers arrested two women and two men, according to the sheriffs Office.

The women had occupied the place for months, shining a spotlight on the Bay Areas acute housing shortage even as nearby tech companies raked in historic profits and occasionally made sweeping promises to throw cash at the problem. The scene outside the house in the hours leading up to the eviction suggested that even if the mothers had been ousted, theyd won plenty of attention for their cause.

Throngs of supporters rallied at the house Monday evening, and a few kept watch through the night. A GoFundMe for the arrestees bail after the Tuesday eviction quickly surged past its initial goal of $2,000 to nearly $24,000 by the afternoon. The arrestees faced charges of resisting arrest and obstruction, and had been released by about 6:30 p.m. eastern, according to an affiliated Twitter account.

Dominique Walker, a woman had also been living in the house, was not there at the time, nor were any of the children who had been living there with the mothers, according to the sheriffs department. Last Friday, a judge had ordered the women be evicted within five business days.

Weve built a movement of thousands of Oaklanders who showed up at a moments notice to reject police violence and advocate for homes for families, Walker said in a statement late Tuesday morning. This isnt over, and it wont be over until everyone in the Oakland community has a safe and dignified place to live.

They came in like an army for mothers and babies, she said. Im angry my sisters are in handcuffs.

Meanwhile, California governor Gavin Newsom visited a homeless shelter in Los Angeles as part of his weeklong homelessness tour, according to his offices Twitter account. Newsom is promoting a $1 billion plan to address the issue, which includes using empty properties owned by the state as shelters, according to ABC News.

Story continues

In the days leading up to the eviction, it wasnt just the usual activist crowd but also local lawmakers who expressed solidarity with the mothers. Oakland City Council President Rebecca Kaplan urged the company that owns the house, Wedgewood, to sell it to a local nonprofit to end the confrontation. Wedgewood, based in Redondo Beach, California, had previously said it would pay to house the women elsewhere for two months, an offer they called an insult.

California Democratic Senator Nancy Skinner told the Associated Press January 7, I want to thank Moms 4 Housing for taking that house and for demonstrating that nowhere, nowhere should there be a vacant house anywhere in California when we have the housing crisis that we have.

Wedgewood took a dimmer view of the protest in a statement delivered after the judges Friday ruling.

Its a violent, unsuccessful strategy to forcibly take and break into somebody elses home. This is not the way to solve homelessness, said Sam Singer, a spokesman for the company.

After the eviction, the company released another statement, inveighing, Wedgewood is pleased the illegal occupation of its Oakland home has ended peacefully. That is what the company has sought since the start.

The mothers, whose group was dubbed Moms 4 Housing, said their goal was to highlight the failures of developers even as the Bay Area grapples with an historic homelessness crisis and sky-high housing prices. The homeless population in Oakland has grown by 47 percent since 2017, and in a March 2019 estimate, real estate brokers pegged the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oakland at $2,320 per month.

Even the Alameda Sheriffs Department felt the need to nod to the success of the movement in complicating their job.

Weve seen a tremendous amount of attention, protest, and momentum out on Magnolia avenue, said Ray Kelly, a public information officer with the Sheriffs office. That put our office in a very tricky position in regards to dealing with the situation.

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Midway through the bombshell speech that Russia analysts were already combing for clues to President Vladimir Putin's political future, he took a small victory lap.



Putin touted his accomplishments in stabilizing the country after the chaos of the 1990s:



"We restored our state's unity," he said in the January 15 state-of-the-nation address. "We have overcome the situation when certain powers in the government were essentially usurped by oligarch clans. Russia has returned to international politics as a country whose opinion cannot be ignored."



And then he laid down a small, but significant marker that signaled potentially a substantial shift in Russian policy:



"I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country's main law, changes that will directly guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal framework," he said.



International treaties, he said, and rulings of international courts "can be valid on Russian territory only to the point that they do not restrict the rights and freedoms of our people and citizens and do not contradict our constitution."



For analysts paying close attention, it appeared to be another step for the Kremlin away from the system of international law and rules in place since World War II.



And it follows other moves the Kremlin has taken to pull Russia away from existing global structures, prompting a longtime Kremlin aide to write in 2018 that Russia now faces "100 years (200? 300?) of geopolitical solitude."

Shift To Autarky?

A shift toward autarky -- the political science term that describes a system that does not rely on external trade or assistance -- is how several Russian observers called it.



"The autarkic component can be felt," Dmitry Oreshkin, a longtime political analyst wrote in a commentary. "It is clear that investments from outside will not come to us, they will have to take them from within the country."

"What is changing is everything that involves the further deepening of the sovereignty of the country, right up to its isolation from the world and the nationalization of the elite," Andrei Kolesnikov, an analyst with the Moscow Carnegie Center, said in an op-ed article following Putin's speech.

The Kremlin for years has chafed at the litany of cases Russia has fought, and lost, at the European Court of Human Rights. Russia has had the highest number of judgments against it for several years running, according to court statistics.

Whereas human rights activists say this high number is reflection of longstanding problems in Russian courts, Putin, and some of his nationalist allies, have argued it is an infringement of Russia's sovereignty.



That sentiment increased markedly in the wake of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula -- a seizure that was rejected by the United Nations and nearly all of its members. Western nations, including the United States, the European Union, and others, punished Russia with economic sanctions. Russia was suspended from the Council of Europe.



In 2015, the lower house of the Russian parliament passed a law that gave the government permission to ignore rulings by international courts.



But as Russian law experts said at the time, the law violated Russia's own constitution.

On January 16, a day after the speech, Putin repeated his criticism of the European court, saying it sometimes makes "clearly illegal decisions."



A year later after the law was passed, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague classified the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine -- which pits Ukrainian government forces against separatist fighters equipped and funded by Russia -- as an "international armed conflict" between Russia and Ukraine. That ruling was essentially a legal finding that, contrary to Moscow's denials, the Russian government was a combatant in the war.



Russia was not a member of the court, having never signed the relevant treaty. But Putin still responded by rejecting the finding and announcing Moscow had no intention to ever join it.



Other international tribunals that have handed down rulings against Russia include the Stockholm arbitration court, which ordered Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom to pay Ukraine nearly $3 billion. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ordered Russia to pay $50 billion to former shareholders of Yukos, the private oil company that was dismantled and absorbed by the state-owned company Rosneft.



In an interview, Georgy Satarov, director of the Moscow-based think tank INDEM, sarcastically responded to the argument that Russian courts have supremacy over international law.

"How can someone dispute the decision of our courts on issues important to us?!" he told the newspaper Novyie Izvestiya. "It is unacceptable! This, of course, is an increase in autarky. We ourselves know what to do. No need to teach us. Our dirty tricks are our dirty tricks. And they do not concern you."



Even after the Crimea annexation, Putin tried to emphasize Russia's integration with the global community, telling a group of Russian and foreign policy scholars that Moscow was committed to integration with the outside world.



"We have no intention of shutting ourselves off from anyone and choosing some kind of closed development road, trying to live in autarky," he said in the October 2014 speech. "We are always open to dialogue, including on normalizing our economic and political relations. We are counting here on the pragmatic approach and position of business communities in the leading countries."

Economic Headwinds

Legal isolation aside, there's also the continuing discussion of the go-it-alone approach to the economy.



Since the imposition of Western sanctions, Russian planners sought to find way to protect the country, in the event it gets involuntarily cut off from global financial institutions.

The Crimea sanctions resulted in major Russian banks being blocked from accessing foreign credit markets, as they tried to refinance loans on their balance sheets. The Kremlin stepped in to bail out several, including by extending low-interest loans.



Some lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have even called for legislation that would cut off Russia from the global banking transaction system known as SWIFT. In response, Russia has sought to build its own parallel system.



Russian fiscal planners and the Central Bank have made the country one of the strongest in the world in terms of its budget, its currency reserves, and its conservative outlook. But the economy overall faces rising headwinds and problems from a shrinking, aging population.

In his own comments to Novyie Izvestiya, Oreshkin criticized the Kremlin thinking, likening it to the 1920s-era New Economic Policy, which sought to rebuild the Soviet economy after the turmoil of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Civil War.



"To take investments from within the country, you have to print money," he said. "And so that this money does not flow abroad, converting into currency or gold, apparently, it will be necessary, as was done at the end of the [New Economic Policy], to limit the possibility of exchanging rubles for foreign currencies."



He also argued that was why the Kremlin decided to replace Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev with Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the Federal Tax Service.



"It is for these purposes that a person like Mishustin, who led the customs, who managed the tax extraction, and who has experience in creating such structures and keeping them under tight control, is good," Oreshkin said.



Discussions of Russian isolation aren't new. As recently as December, Sergei Karaganov, a Kremlin-allied analyst and former policy adviser, called for "selective autarky with the shock development of a number of key scientific and technical sectors."



Nor are they limited to political analysts and outside observers.



In 2018, Vladislav Surkov, an influential, long-time Kremlin adviser, raised the prospect of new isolation for Russia in an essay published in the journal Russia In Global Affairs, titled The Solitude Of A Half-Blood.



"Russia without doubt will engage in trade, attract investments, exchange know-how, and fight wars...compete and cooperate, cause fear, hatred, curiosity, sympathy, and admiration," Surkov wrote. "But without false goals or self-denial."

"Solitude does not mean complete isolation," Surkov wrote, but he said Russia's openness would be limited in the future.

After the 2014 split with the West over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, Surkov wrote, Moscow faces "100 years (200? 300?) of geopolitical solitude."
Every since Rajniesh Duggall debuted with 1920, the horror genre hasnt left him. In Lucknow, recently, to shoot for horror-comedy Khali Bali, the actor said, I am now exploring different elements in the horror genre. I am doing this horror comedy, supernatural thriller and recently, someone came up with a musical horror film. At the end of the day, its interesting. But, there is certainly something about horror and that it comes more to me and interests me too.

Khali Bali stars Dharmendra, Madhu, Vijay Raj, Rajpal Yadav, Hemant Pandey, Kainaat Arora, Barjendre Khala and Asrani.

I am playing an advertising agency owner, who is also a producer and director. So, he is making a film, in which his girlfriend is playing a role. There is an element of spirits which viewers only come to know on watching the movie. Its a situational comedy which will have horror elements in it, he said.

He has also wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming series The Ghost Thesis which is also in the same genre. The Ghost Thesis is not about ghosts and all but about the paranormal mind games. Its a tiff between a professor (Shishir Sharma) and his prodigy, who I play. We shot the series near Rajkot in Gujarat. It will probably stream on Gemplex platform.

The actor clarifies, In fact, I have done just three horror films 1920, Saansein and Mushkil. People think I have done a lot of them as most of my other films were thrillers and the audience got the impression that it was in the horror genre, he said.

Khali Bali was his second film in Lucknow. I have shot Direct Ishq here and in Varanasi. This time, we enjoyed the winter chill a lot. We were shooting in the Old City and weather was just wonderful  cloudy and with fog. We had a perfect outing followed by basket chat in Hazratganj, he said.

He has shot Mandali which is based on Munshi Premchands short story. We have shot the film in Mathura and Gokul. Its a political drama around Ram-Leela. I am playing a politician, he said.

Currently, his TV Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran is on air. We shot the entire 52 episodes before it went on air. Its only that its been shown now. I enjoyed this TV stint a lot and it gave me lot of knowledge about Bhagwat Mahapuran and have learnt a lot from it. I purely did the show to my parents and myself and they are great Krishna bhakts to the level that they now stay in Vrindavan. In fact, during the shoot of Mandali I got to spend a lot of time with mother, he said.

Rajniesh has another project that he expects to shoot here. There is something lined-up in Lucknow which we will probably shoot in March. Things have been finalised but are yet to be locked and this time I hope to shoot for a month here, he said.
Captain Kim Yeon-koung of the women's national volleyball team will leave Korea on Saturday to return to her Turkish club, Eczacbas VitrA.

Kim sustained an abdominal injury during the Asian Olympic qualifiers in Thailand while successfully leading Korea to victory in all five of its matches to secure a ticket to this summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

It will be the country's third consecutive Olympic appearance.

She is expected to discuss her injury leave and rehabilitation schedule with the club.
The Trump administrations decision to withhold almost $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine while President Donald Trump pushed for investigations into a political rival broke federal law, a government watchdog agency said Thursday.

The Government Accountability Office says the White House Office of Management and Budget violated the law in holding up the assistance, which had been approved by Congress and remains at the center of Trumps impeachment.

The funding freeze concerned Pentagon officials as well as diplomats and career foreign service members who believed the aid was crucial at a time when Ukraine, an ally, faced aggression from Russia.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law, the report concluded.

The GAO said the Trump administration provided very little information regarding the aid and that its review remained ongoing.

We will renew our request for specific information from (the State Department) and OMB regarding the potential impoundment of (foreign military financing) funds," GAO wrote.

GAO said it considered a reluctance to provide a fulsome response to have constitutional significance." The agency argued that the State Department and OMB officials must turn over more information to the oversight agency to meet the required oath of all federal employees to uphold and protect the Constitution and its core tenets, including the congressional power of the purse.

The House impeached Trump last month on charges of abusing his power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, and of obstructing Congress by blocking the release of records and instructing potential witnesses not to testify.

Several current and former Trump administration officials testified that the military aid and a White House meeting with the Ukrainian president were put on hold as Trump pushed for an investigation into Biden.

Trump and Republican allies have blasted the impeachment case as a hoax. The president said he applied no pressure on Ukraine and was solely focused on resolving persistent corruption issues in the country. He adds that he has campaigned on reducing the United States burden when it came to military aid.

Democrats are pushing for more key witnesses who can testify on the presidents actions with Ukraine at the upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate. Opening statements are expected Tuesday, lawmakers said.

News of GAOs report comes after Ukrainian officials announced they had opened an investigation into whether the former American ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, was illegally surveilled before she was ousted by the Trump administration earlier this year.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, has said in recent interviews that Yovanovitch was seen as a block to Trump administration efforts to push Ukraine to investigate Biden and Burisma, a gas company whose board members included Bidens son, Hunter.
Academic papers have become an essential requirement for many people around the world. Numerous people join institutions every year in pursuit of these documents. To attract as many students as possible, the competition among these centers of excellence is high. If you are looking for top universities in the Philippines, look no more.

Image: unsplash.com, @satriaperkasa

Source: UGC

With the demand for education in the Philippines being on the rise, several students are keen on the institutions they want to join. Infrastructural development, research successes, and competent and qualified staffs determine the ranking of institutions. So, which are these top best centers of excellence in the Philippines?

What is the best university in Philippines?

The are several good centers of higher learning in the country. It has over 2300 academic institutions you could consider joining. Some of these institutions in the Philippines offers online courses as well. Meaning, you can take your classes while anywhere on your computer.

When deciding on the academic center to join, there are many factors to consider. Some may include the courses, places, and modes of study.

1. University of the Philippines - Diliman

Image: facebook.com, @University of the Philippines

Source: UGC

This is one of the prestigious centers of higher learning in the country. It ranks at the top in the Philippines and 72nd among the best in the entire Asian continent.

The world ranking places it at number 356. It is in Quezon City and serves as a home of several colleges of excellence, which offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.

READ ALSO: Top 10 most handsome Filipino actors

2. Ateneo de Manila University

Image: facebook.com, @Ateneo de Manila University

Source: Facebook

The institution is located in Quezon City. It is one of the Filipino Catholic academic institutions with a grade school, a high school, as well as offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some of the courses the center is known for include Arts, Medicine, Law, Education, Government fields, Sciences and Management.

3. De La Salle University

Image: facebook.com, @De La Salle University

Source: Facebook

De La Salle stands out as one of the top institutions not only in the Philippines but also in Asia and the world at large. In 2019, the institution was listed by Times Higher Education in the University Impact Ranking 2019.

4. Technological University of the Philippines

Image: instagram.com, @emmant.ramos

Source: Instagram

It is among the oldest centers of higher learning. The Philippine Commission established it in 1901. The institution enrolls students in industrial, vocational, and technical fields.

5. The University of Sto. Tomas

Image: facebook.com, @University of Sto. Tomas

Source: Facebook

It was established in 1611, making it the oldest in the country. The institution ranks as the largest Catholic institution in the world. It has been visited four times by three Popes. Once by Pope Paul VI, twice by John Paul II and once by Pope Francis.

6. Holy Angel University

Image: facebook.com, @Holy Angel University

Source: Facebook

Holy Angel is a private Roman Catholic institution majoring in imparting its students with holistic development. It began as a high school but later transformed into a center of higher learning.

READ ALSO: Here are the Philippines most beautiful women

7. Ateneo de Davao University

Image: facebook.com, @Ateneo de Davao University

Source: Facebook

The institution was established in 1948, and the Society of Jesus currently manages it. The center's objective is to keep high academic excellence while teaching Christian values. Students are trained to reach high ethical standards.

8. University of San Carlos

Image: facebook.com, @University of San Carlos

Source: Facebook

This is a high ranking and good academic center outside Manila. It records top passing rates for CPA exams, pharmacist licensure, Chemical Engineering licensure, and many more. One of its notable alumni is the fourth president of the Philippines, Sergio Osmena.

9. University of Manila

Image: facebook.com, @The University of Manila - College of Education

Source: Facebook

It is a private institution located in Sampaloc District of Manilla and was established on October 5th, 1913. Among the notable courses offered here are foreign languages such as English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean, and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

10. University of the East

Image: facebook.com, @University of the East(UE)

Source: Facebook

This is another private institution situated in Manila. It was founded in 1946 and has branch campuses in Caloocan City and Quezon City. Courses offered here include diplomas, together with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in accountancy, business, information technology, dentistry, education, engineering, medicine, fine arts, among others.

11. University of Baguio

Image: facebook.com, @University of Baguio

Source: Facebook

The institution is located in Baguio. It was founded on August 8th, 1948, and ever since, it has steadily established itself as one of the best centers of higher learning in the country. It was granted independent status on March 11th, 2009, becoming the first non-sectarian in the CAR to attain such status.

12. University of Caloocan City

Image: facebook.com, @University of Caloocan City - UCC

Source: Facebook

It was formerly called Caloocan City Community College and was founded on July 1st, 1971. It is located along Congressional Road, Caloocan in the Philippines. It is a top-ranking institution that offers competitive courses.

13. National University Manila

Image: facebook.com, @National University-Manila

Source: Facebook

This is one of the top academic centers in the Philippines. It is also one of the oldest institutions, having been established on August 1st, 1900. It is a private non-sectarian co-educational research center located in Manila.

14. Central Philippine University

Image: facebook.com, @Central Philippine University-CPU

Source: Facebook

The institution has grown over time and remains focused on its mission. It is the only one in Iloilo City with an independent status. It has a certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, declared by Iloilo as a tourism site. Every year, it accepts applications of as high as 30,000 students.

It offers courses such as Education, Medicine, Arts, Engineering in its numerous schools.

15. Mapua University

Image: facebook.com, @Mapua University

Source: Facebook

The institution has grown to become one of the best IT school in the country as well as in the Asian continent. Don Tomas Mapua founded it on January 25th, 1925. It was named after the founder who was the first registered architect in the Philippines.

Philippines is known around the world for its relentless support for education. Some of its colleges have among the top. It is therefore, a dream study destination for many students. If you are looking for top universities in the Philippines, the names above represent some of the finest.

READ ALSO: 10 most successful Korean actors

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 03:46:39|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Photo taken on Jan. 15, 2020 shows a fireball exploding during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City. Israeli warplanes carried out on Wednesday night air strikes against military positions in the Gaza Strip in response to earlier firing of rockets from the Hamas-ruled enclave into southern Israel, eyewitnesses and security sources said. (Photo by Mohammed Dahman/Xinhua)

GAZA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes carried out on Wednesday night airstrikes against military positions in the Gaza Strip in response to earlier firing of rockets from the Hamas-ruled enclave into southern Israel, eyewitnesses and security sources said.

They said that Israeli warplanes hovered over the Gaza Strip, and then several explosions were heard in northern Gaza city after Israeli air-to-ground missiles hit a military post that belongs to Hamas militants.

Medical and firefighting teams were on alert and rushed to the targeted posts. No injuries were reported, but severe damage was caused to the military posts and facilities that were bombarded by the Israeli missiles.

The airstrikes against military posts in the Gaza Strip were carried out a few hours after militants fired earlier on Wednesday afternoon four makeshift rockets that landed on empty fields in southern Israel, no injuries were reported.

In Gaza, no one claimed responsibility for the rockets attack. However, Israeli media, quoting the Israeli army, accused the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement for being behind the rockets attack.

An Israeli army spokesman said that four rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, where sirens were turned on and the Israeli army's Iron Dome air defense system intercepted two of the rockets and the other two landed on empty fields.

The rockets were fired into Israel in spite of having calm understandings brokered by Egypt, the United Nations and Qatar between Israel and Hamas-led military wings in the Gaza Strip.
Indonesia wants to buy submarines from Turkey

Last November, Indonesian defense minister Subianto paid an official visit to Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar.

Indonesia is considering the purchase of submarines from Turkey or Germany, a Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

DEFENSE MINISTER HAD VISITED THE SUBMARINE FACTORY

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is in the process of comparing the equipment from the two countries, said Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak.

"The minister is still contemplating whether to buy it from Turkey or Germany. Currently he is visiting Germany, he said.

After the visit, he will report to President Joko Widodo.

The spokesman added that geopolitical and geo-strategic issues were Indonesia's main concerns in acquiring submarines.
03/10/2020









NOTE:This event has been postponed as of March 10 and will be rescheduled to later this year.









LOWELL, Mass.  The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center is kicking off its annual M2D2 $200K Challenge, an international pitch competition that showcases and provides support for the innovative ideas of early-stage medical device, diagnostic and biotech companies.





M2D2 assists entrepreneurs in these sectors with all aspects of moving new products and technologies from concept to commercialization. The center is a joint venture of UMass Medical School in Worcester, which provides medical expertise and assistance with clinical trials, and UMass Lowell, which offers expertise with the engineering and business side of product development and commercialization.





Applications are now open for the M2D2 $200K Challenge, which offers assistance to medical device and biotech entrepreneurs whose winning inventions capture the imagination of a panel of expert judges.

The contest is a great opportunity for early-stage life science startups to promote their technologies on a global stage. Judges and sponsors are drawn from premier biotech and medical-device companies. Beyond exposure, the winning startups gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and consulting services, said Steven Tello, UMass Lowells vice provost of graduate and professional studies. A member of M2D2s executive board, Tello is a key leader behind UMass Lowells many entrepreneurship initiatives, which assist the universitys students and startups around the world.





Since it was founded in 2007, M2D2  which operates business incubators in Lowell and Worcester and offers networking opportunities and other programs for startups  has worked with more than 100 client companies, which in turn have secured more than $50 million in external funding for their ventures.





Many of those companies have been competition winners, as the challenge typically fields more than 100 entries each spring. This year, 15 finalists will be selected to pitch their inventions to the judges. Entrepreneurs interested in applying to compete may do so at www.m2d2challenge.com . The entry deadline is Sunday, Feb. 16.





Now in its ninth year, the competition remains as fresh and exciting as ever. Its amazing to learn about groundbreaking ideas to improve patients health and then help make these emerging products and technologies take shape, said Mary Ann Picard, M2D2s director of operations.





The value of the competitions prizes has grown over the years as the contest has evolved. Winners will share $200,000 in in-kind services and will have the opportunity to use M2D2 facilities including lab and meeting space, as well as engineering, product development, legal, regulatory, clinical and business services.





This years sponsors include Amgen, Argenta Advisors LLC, Asahi-Intecc USA Medical, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, MPR Associates Inc., Mintz, Omni Components Corp., RQMIS and Sarepta Therapeutics.





In support of Amgens mission to serve patients, we are excited to once again collaborate with M2D2 on the annual $200K Challenge to identify promising new science and technologies that address unmet clinical needs, said Amgen Senior Manager Dan Groszmann.





Previous winners include Versatope, which is developing a universal flu vaccine; EnLiSense, a startup working to produce portable and wearable diagnostic devices; and LaunchPad Medical LLC, which is pioneering an injectable adhesive to repair bones.





Being a competition winner gave LaunchPad Medical a real boost. Immediately, we were able to gain exposure, which really helped, as we were able to raise investment from angel investors. Then, we moved into M2D2 and began to realize the wonderful environment of the incubator space and the UMass system, said LaunchPad Medical CEO Brian Hess.





Finalists in the contest will be selected in early March and will compete before a panel of expert judges at UMass Lowell on Wednesday, March 25. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 7. Full details on the competition are available at www.m2d2challenge.com





About M2D2
Belarus has plans to resume gas talks with the Russian Federation by the end of January, Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich said.

"We have plans to hold talks in January. We have enough of gas. Our people will not be left without gas," BelTA cited Karankevich as saying.

The respective protocol was signed by Belarus and Russia on December 31, 2019. The price Belarus pays will remain at $127 per thousand cubic meter of gas in January-February 2020.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Denmark Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod on the Raisina Dialogue 2020 sidelines and held discussions on the prospect of a 'Green Strategic Partnership' between the two countries.



"Very productive talks with FM @JeppeKofod of Denmark. Explored the prospects of a Green Strategic Partnership. Agreed on the importance of multilateralism in world politics," Jaishankar tweeted.

Kofod is visiting India to attend the Raisina Dialogue-- India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

The flagship conference jointly organised by the MEA and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability in a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades. (ANI)


By Scott Reeves, China Daily | Jan. 15, 2020

Boeing's decision to temporarily halt production of the 737 Max aircraft is likely to disrupt the supply chain and could reduce the GDP of the United States by as much as half a percentage point this year, analysts said.

Most of the disruption will occur in the first quarter as parts suppliers cut or halt production and, in some cases, lay off workers as companies struggle to reduce costs. The supply chain is global, but will hit hardest the US companies that supply most of the parts and labor, Moody's Investors Service said in a research report on Monday.

However, the knock to the US economy may be softened by the phase one trade agreement between the US and China, expected to be signed on Wednesday in Washington. Nevertheless, US government officials said they are prepared for the worst.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Max shutdown could shave half a percentage point off the US economy, although he still expects it to grow by at least 2.5 percent this year.

"There's no question that the Boeing situation is going to slow down the GDP," he told Fox News on Sunday.

"Boeing is one of the largest exporters, and with the 737 Max (shutdown), I think that could impact GDP as much as 50 basis points this year. We've been looking at 2.5 to 3 percent (annual growth, but) it may be closer to 2.5 because of the adjustment in the Boeing numbers."

The worldwide grounding of Max flights in March 2019 following two crashes that killed a total of 346 people has cut Boeing's market value by about $50 billion and cost airlines as much as $1 billion in lost revenue. Boeing is negotiating settlements with its customers and with family members of those killed in the Indonesian and Ethiopian crashes.

"There will likely be at least some divergence of interests between Boeing and the supply chain once the Max is ungrounded," Moody's said. "Suppliers will seek to resume and increase production more quickly while Boeing will seek to increase more gradually to a level that allows it to fulfill its longerterm order book but more notably permits it to clear out as much of the inventory built up since the March 2019 grounding as possible."

Boeing has stored about 400 completed but undelivered Max jets. Last April, Boeing announced it would cut production to 42 planes a month from 52, a reduction of about 20 percent.

When manufacturing resumes, Moody's estimates current orders of about 4,500 planes will keep the assembly lines busy for seven to 10 years depending on the rate of production.

Moody's identified 24 companies likely to be affected by the production shutdown, including Spirit AeroSystems, producer of the fuselage and parts of the wings for the Max. Earlier this month, the Wichita, Kansas-based company announced it would lay off 2,800 workers.

GEM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Paris-based Safran, has cut production to about 30 engines a month to keep the supply chain intact. Boeing has announced that it will reassign workers at its plant near Seattle rather than lay them off.
[January 15, 2020] A Decade After Deepwater Horizon, the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference Explores Future Directions of Marine Oil Spill Research

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 2020 marks the 10- year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster and is an important milestone for scientific research in the Gulf of Mexico. The culmination of a decade of dedicated research has increased our knowledge of marine oil spill science, Gulf ecosystems, and the impacts of the spill on those ecosystems and communities. Join scientists at the eighth annual GoMOSES conference February 3-6, 2020, in Tampa, Florida, as they discuss what we have learned during this decade of research and what we still need to discover. The conference, organized by a diverse group of partners, will bring together hundreds of experts from academia; local, state and federal agencies; nongovernmental organizations; and industry. Kicking off the conference will be an opening plenary featuring the chair of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Research Board, Dr. Rita Colwell, followed by 28 scientific sessions with over 425 presentations to discuss the latest oil spill and ecosystem scientific discoveries, innovations, technologies, and policies. For more information view the online program. Many of the presentations at the conference focus on the integration of research into oil spill and resource management practices. A few examples include: Remote Sensing Techniques for Oil Spill Monitoring and Storm Damage Assessment in an Operational Context

F. M. Monaldo, University of Maryland, College Park , MD



While impossible for a single ship to patrol the entire Gulf to identify a spill as it occurs, a satellite can easily monitor the large area. The authors will discuss new tools using satellites to detect areas with spilled oil and provide oil thickness estimates. Incorporating these tools into NOAA's oil spill response tool kit will help with rapi situational assessment and optimize deployment of rescue and oil remediation.









While impossible for a single ship to patrol the entire Gulf to identify a spill as it occurs, a satellite can easily monitor the large area. The authors will discuss new tools using satellites to detect areas with spilled oil and provide oil thickness estimates. Incorporating these tools into NOAA's oil spill response tool kit will help with rapi situational assessment and optimize deployment of rescue and oil remediation. Comparative Risk Assessment of Response Alternatives for the Deepwater Horizon Spill

D. French-McCay, RPS Ocean Science, South Kingstown, RI



The DWH oil spill was unique both in the scale and depth of dispersant application, spurring research and discussion of the impacts of dispersants and best practices for future spills. This talk presents a new Comparative Risk Assessment tool that provides a cost benefit analysis of response alternatives on different components of the Gulf ecosystem and their associated values to a diverse set of stakeholders. The goal of simulating these response alternatives for the DWH spill is to help inform decision-making processes for future disasters.







The DWH oil spill was unique both in the scale and depth of dispersant application, spurring research and discussion of the impacts of dispersants and best practices for future spills. This talk presents a new Comparative Risk Assessment tool that provides a cost benefit analysis of response alternatives on different components of the Gulf ecosystem and their associated values to a diverse set of stakeholders. The goal of simulating these response alternatives for the DWH spill is to help inform decision-making processes for future disasters. Synthesis of Sea Turtle Dive Patterns in the Gulf of Mexico : Getting to Abundance Through Aerial Correction Factors

K.M. Hart, National Park Service, Corpus Christi, TX



The Gulf is home to several species of sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles, as well as the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Due to the lack of baseline data of sea turtle distribution and behavior in the Gulf of Mexico , it was unclear at the time of the DWH oil spill what the impact of the spill would be on these animals. New satellite survey data of tagged sea turtles enable the combination of diving depths with surfacing locations to provide insights into sea turtle behavior, filling a critical gap in understanding for any future incidents.





The Gulf is home to several species of sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles, as well as the critically endangered ridley sea turtle. Due to the lack of baseline data of sea turtle distribution and behavior in the , it was unclear at the time of the DWH oil spill what the impact of the spill would be on these animals. New satellite survey data of tagged sea turtles enable the combination of diving depths with surfacing locations to provide insights into sea turtle behavior, filling a critical gap in understanding for any future incidents. Using Hopanes and Steranes for Assessment of Petroleum Contamination in Marine Invertebrates

H.M. Hamontree, University of South Florida , St. Petersburg, FL



One of the main concerns when examining the impact of an oil spill on marine life is understanding how oil is integrated into the organisms themselves. Though advances have been made in the identification of oil "fingerprints" in sediments and tar balls, researchers have thus far been unable to identify the source of oil in an organism's tissues. In this study, scientists were able to successfully identify similar oil source indicators in animal tissues. Using these new insights into biomarkers, researchers were able to successfully identify levels of MC252 contamination from the DWH oil spill in tissue samples from deep-pelagic shrimp collected from the Gulf of Mexico after the spill. Not only does this research provide insight into marine invertebrate oil exposure, but also the transfer of these chemicals through the food web. The registration fee will be waived for credentialed members of the media. Please contact Abby Ackerman ([email protected]) for details. Onsite registration is available. GoMOSES is made possible by the generous support of many organizations. For more information, visit the conference website (www.gulfofmexicoconference.org) and follow us on Facebook (@gulfscienceconference) and Twitter (@GulfConference, #GoMOSES). Contact:

Abby Ackerman

202.448.1252

[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-decade-after-deepwater-horizon-the-gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill--ecosystem-science-conference-explores-future-directions-of-marine-oil-spill-research-300987578.html SOURCE Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

A ceasefire monitoring exercise on the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in Azerbaijan's Aghdam district, conducted by the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Jan. 16, in accordance with its mandate, ended without incidents, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk, his field assistants Simon Tiller and Martin Schuster carried out the monitoring exercise from the territory of Azerbaijan.

The Personal Representative`s field assistants Ghenadie Petrica and Mihail Olaru carried out the monitoring on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan occupied and controlled by the armed forces of Armenia.

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, 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 Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
India on Thursday delivered an unusually blunt message to China for its attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, asking it to seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from taking such action in the future.

India also slammed Pakistan for trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue with the help of China, saying Islamabad's 'desperate' measures to 'peddle' baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario about the Valley lacked credibility.

"Pakistan can avoid this global embarrassment time and again by putting their energy in something constructive," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

China, an 'all-weather ally' of Pakistan, on Wednesday made a fresh bid to raise the Kashmir issue at an informal closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York.

Noting that the meeting concluded without any outcome, Kumar said an overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that the top decision making body was not the right forum to discuss the Kashmir issue.

"China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in future," Kumar said, replying to a question on why India has not reacted strongly to Beijing raising the Kashmir issue at the UNSC.

"I suggest that this question should be posed to the Chinese side as well," he said.

Kumar said the views by overwhelming majority at the UNSC reflected the global consensus that if there was any issue between India and Pakistan, then it should be discussed bilaterally.

"An effort was made by Pakistan through a member of the UNSC to once again misuse the platform of UNSC for discussing a bilateral matter," he said.

"The overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The informal closed-door meeting, therefore, concluded without any outcome," he said.

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

"We sincerely hope that the message has gone across loud and clear to Pakistan that if, at all, there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally," Kumar added.

Asked how many member countries out of 15 opposed the move, the MEA spokesperson said an overwhelming view was that the UNSC should not to be misused by Pakistan through a member. However, he did not give specific number of countries.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J-K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

After the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told PTI that 'we once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others. We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today'.

On his part, Chinese envoy Zhang Jun in New York said,"I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful."
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, sought to justify lying about whether Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752.

In a TV address Wednesday, he said had Iran immediately told the truth, its air defense network would have been left "crippled."

A Revolutionary Guard Corps missile shot down flight 752 on January 8. It took until January 11 for Iran to admit what really happened.

At first, Iranian officials apologized unreservedly for the crash. But in the days since, some have sought to justify the action, or shift the blame.

Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories.

An Iranian general defended his government's decision to lie for days about whether it shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing 176 people.

General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, whose troops oversaw the missile system that shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, said that Iran covered it up to defend national security.

He made the statement in a television address on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Hajizadeh said that Iran denied the shoot-down "for the betterment of our country's security, because if we had said this, our air defense system would have become crippled and our guys would have had doubted everything."

General Amir Ali Hajizadeh Iran Revolutionary Guard

Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error, rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working.

Hajizadeh is part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful paramilitary force which answers directly to the country's supreme leader and is considered more hardline than its elected government.

His remarks are a significant turnaround from four days ago, when he said publicly that he felt such shame over the shootdown that "I wish I could die."

It was a Revolutionary Guard missile system which fired at flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, minutes after it took off in the early hours of January 8.

Story continues

Iran insisted for three days that the crash was due to a mechanical fault. On the fourth day, Iranian officials admitted shooting the plane down.

Political and military leaders apologized unreservedly, promised to prosecute those involved, and insisted that the shootdown was a mistake.

Iran Ukranian air crash

The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

Officials said that soldiers mistook the plane for an enemy cruise missile in the confused aftermath of an Iranian bombardment of US troops stationed at a military base in Iraq.

However, in the days since Iran admitted to the shootdown, some military leaders have started to row back on the absolute admission of guilt from the government.

On Tuesday, the deputy head of Iran's Armed Forces General Staff gave an interview in which he appeared to suggest that the US could have hacked Iran's weapons systems at the time of the crash.

According to a translation by Kian Sharifi of the BBC Monitoring service, General Sardar Abdullahi raised the prospect of "electronic warfare" having played a part in the shootdown.

Iran Ukraine plane crash candlelit vigil Tehran

AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi

According to the AP, the crash has also exposed gaps between Iran's government and the Revolutionary Guard.

AP reported that Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, said that he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani only found out that the plane crash was due to Iranian missiles on Friday January 10, two days after the attack.

The Revolutionary Guard would have known straight away, raising the possibility that they hid the truth from their own government until after Western governments began publicly describing it as a missile strike.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Over the last decade, changes in antibiotic usage have led to significant research and development of alternative products to manage enteric challenges, such as coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis, which were traditionally managed with antibiotics. Independently published research has shown that select phytogenic molecules can reduce the impact of enteritic pathogens  such as Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens  on poultry performance. Additionally, probiotics have been shown to promote a healthy intestinal microbial balance in poultry which may support the overall health and performance of the animal.

"With more than 50 percent of commercial poultry raised without antibiotics today, producers are challenged to manage flock health with fewer tools, avoid overuse of current solutions and maximize their long-term efficacy," said Rachel Tonda, Associate Product Manager, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health  North America. "As a novel phytogenic feed additive, VANNIX C4 offers producers a new tool to support and rotate into gut health management programs, helping to promote performance and preserve the efficacy of current products."

VANNIX C4 differs from conventional phytogenic feed additives on the market today:

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VANNIX C4 joins the existing line of "Knock Out" solutions in the Kemin Gut Health Triple Check: CLOSTAT, CLOSTAT WS and KEM SAN. Knock Out solutions are designed to support intestinal balance by inhibiting or eliminating harmful pathogens for healthier and better-performing flocks.

For more information about VANNIX C4, visit Kemin.com/VANNIXC4.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies and textile industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.



Media Contact:

Emily Claghorn, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, [email protected], 515-559-5428

 Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2020. All rights reserved.  Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A.

Certain statements, product labeling and claims may differ by geography or as required by government requirements.

SOURCE Kemin Industries

Related Links

http://www.kemin.com


Alek Minassian appeared in court briefly Thursday as lawyers continue to work to confirm the trial date for the driver in the Yonge Street van attack.

His lawyers plan to argue he was not criminally responsible when he drove a rented van down a busy sidewalk on Yonge Street on April 23, 2018, killing 10 pedestrians and injuring 16 others.

The judge-alone trial in front of Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy is tentatively scheduled to begin in early March.

Looking grey and gaunt, Minassian, 27, sat hunched over in the prisoners box during the short proceedings.

Prosecutor Joseph Callaghan told Molloy he has received hospital records the Crown had been seeking. Another court date in front of Justice John McMahon is scheduled for Jan. 27 where it is hoped a realistic trial start date will be confirmed.

Molloy agreed to convene court again Jan. 31 for another update.

Minassian has admitted to police in a videotaped statement that he was responsible for the mass murder.
T he worst rapist in British legal history could have his sentence extended after the Attorney General referred his case to the Court of Appeal.

Reynhard Sinaga, a 36-year-old Indonesian student, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years after drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester apartment.

But after lawyers for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) wrote to the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox on Thursday, he referred the case to the Court of Appeal.

He could then be re-sentenced to a rare, whole-life term and would never be released if senior judges deem his sentence too lenient. 

The bedroom floor, where dozens of rapes took place, in the home of Sinaga / PA

Speaking about the case, the Attorney General said: After carefully considering the details of this case, I have decided to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

Sinaga carried out an egregious number of attacks, over a prolonged period of time causing substantial pain and psychological suffering to his victims.

It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.

Sinaga, 36, a perpetual student studying for a PhD in Manchester thanks to his rich family, picked up drunk and vulnerable men by posing as a good Samaritan and offering help, Manchester Crown Court heard during his trial.

Bottles of alcohol which were used to spike victims / PA

Passing sentence, Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said a whole-life order had never been made before in a case other than one involving murder, but despite the vast scale of offending making Sinagas a borderline case, she would shrink back from passing a whole-life term.

However, she added: In my judgment, you are a highly dangerous, cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released, but that is a matter for the Parole Board.

Reynhard Sinaga leaving Montana House to prowl the streets for victims

Richard Littler QC, defending Sinaga, submitted that the legal authorities did not support the passing of a whole-life sentence in the defendants case.

He said the Court of Appeal has never imposed a whole-life order for a discretionary life sentence and, to date, whole-life terms had not been passed in non-homicide cases.

Mr Littler said: This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it cannot accurately be described as a violent crime.

CCTV of the serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga on Princess Street, Manchester / PA

Police established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them, but 70 of them remained unidentified.

After reporting restrictions were lifted and Sinaga was publicly identified following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said it had seen a very positive response with multiple calls made.

It is thought Sinaga laced his victims drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy.

The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinagas phone.
He said hed verified that the recent complaint, submitted in December by a group calling itself the Calumet Park Patrol Officers of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 302, had come from less than a handful of police officers and did not represent the view of the entire department, which had about 20 full- and part-time members last year.
The owners of the vacant home where a 14-year-old boy was found dead three weeks after he went missing, are 'heartbroken' after police said he got trapped trying to enter through the chimney.

Harley Dilly's body was discovered Monday at the property across the street from where he live in Ohio but the son of the owners has revealed there was no fireplace and only eight-inch openings in the brick chimney.

'There was no openings in that chimney other than, like eight-inch diameter openings in different places throughout. You know, on the first floor and the second floor for a stovepipe to go into it,' Jim told Fox 8.

'The chimney hasn't been used in years, so there used to be a gas stove that went into it and there's been nothing since.'

Harley Dilly, 14, went missing December 20 and was found dead in the chimney of a vacant house across the street from his home in Port Clinton, Ohio on Monday

The owners' son Jim said there was no fireplace and only 'eight-inch diameter openings in different places throughout' the chimney that hadn't been used in years

Openings were for a gas stovepipe in the rarely-used home the family has owned since it was built in 1852

Jim - who did not want to share his last name - said the family had owned the home since it was built in 1852.

They used it on weekends during the summer but it's currently under renovation. No one had been there since mid-November and they didn't plan on returning until early spring.

Amid a hunt for the teen, he didn't think Dilly would be able to access the house because it was locked up.

His parents were shocked when police called asking for keys to the property and asking about layout details.

'I was quite confident that there was no way anybody got in that house or they would have been able to tell because it was pretty secure,' Jim told Fox 43.

Jim's parents are in their 80s and live in Avon 60 miles away from Port Clinton.

The owners and Jim did not know the boy or his family.

'Our family is heartbroken over this. Not just because it was in our house, but because of the  the outcome is not what everyone hoped for.'

The owners have not thought about plans for the home and are thinking of the community first.

'Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the Dilly family and the whole Port Clinton area,' Jim added.

Amid a hunt for the teen, Jim didn't think Dilly would be able to access the house because it was locked up. Police believe 4ft 9in, 100lb Dilly 'climbed an antenna tower to the roof and entered the chimney' before getting trapped between the first and second floors

Investigators have a drone up over the house in Port Clinton where they searched for Harley Dilly. Theyre looking at the chimney. pic.twitter.com/nKIZchUMmN  staceyfreyfox8 (@staceyfreyfox8) January 14, 2020

His parents were shocked when police called asking for keys to the property and asking about layout details. Port Clinton Police Chief Rob Hickman (right) during a press conference on Tuesday

Dilly went missing on his walk to school December 20.

When they finally entered the property cops found his jacket on the second floor and his glasses next to the brick chimney which police said 'is between the second and third floors and is 9 by 13 inches'.

Police believe 4ft 9in, 100lb Dilly 'climbed an antenna tower to the roof and entered the chimney'.

His personal items appeared to be pushed through a flue on the second floor however a blockage between the first and second levels 'trapped Harley'.

Authorities used a drone to look inside the chimney and 'were seen removing a portion of the home's wall,' the Beacon Journal reports.

A sledgehammer and bags of evidence were taken out and a coroner was on the scene for seven hours Monday.

'The house had previously been checked multiple times  We had no reason to believe anyone was in the house,' Police Chief Robert Hickman explained about why it took so long to find the child. 'This is not the outcome anyone wanted.'

The house in Port Clinton, east of Cleveland, had a lock box and deadbolt.

'There is no evidence of forced entry. There was a lock box, doors were secured,' the police chief said in the news conference Tuesday. 'Since there is a lockbox and anyone can go in and out of the house, we went inside to check the house.

Cops said it 'appears to be an accident'.

They said early on in the investigation that there was no evidence to suggest Harley was abducted but they were not yet ruling that out.

Law enforcement officers walk around a vacant house, Tuesday in Port Clinton, Ohio

Law enforcement officers investigate a vacant house on Monday the day he was found and his red jacket (right) and glasses were located inside

In this Monday, January 13 photo, Ravin Pinkelton arranges candles in the shape of a heart at a vigil for the teen

The day Dilly went missing it was a chilly 18 degrees and he was only wearing a thin sweatshirt underneath the padded coat.

He was seen on video leaving his home on the 500 block of E. 5th Street at 6.08am.

His disappearance was reported the day after he never made it to school.

Authorities first thought the teen may have run away from home, because he sometimes spends a night away from home if he gets upset.

Volunteers and authorities searched through neighborhoods in the city along Lake Erie with help from K-9 teams and helicopters.

Police also had asked residents to review their home security footage, hoping that might offer clues about what happened.

His disappearance came about a month after police were called to Harley's family home after receiving reports of a 'family issue'.

Officers who responded to the home had to calm the boy down but gave no additional information about the incident.

Detectives told Live PD on A&E that Harley had a strict schedule for eating foods, he bathed several times a day and often stayed around his home.

They said the teen's cellphone was broken when he left his home.

Hickman previously said Harley's family has fully cooperated throughout the investigation and quashed suggestions that they were involved in his disappearance.

Dilly, 14, vanished in Port Clinton, Ohio, on December 20 when he was last seen heading to school in chilly 18 degree weather

Police previously said Harley's family (pictured with his mother Heather) has fully cooperated throughout the investigation and quashed suggestions that they were involved in his disappearance
Maine's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has granted certification to the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) interconnection project.

Hydro-Quebec is pleased with the decision. LUPC commissioners have determined that the NECEC meets a series of regulatory criteria, notably in terms of environment and recreational development. This certification is a prerequisite for a permit from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

"Other authorizations are required for this project but this is a step in the right direction" said Hydro-Quebec CEO Eric Martel.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Maine Public Utilities Commission have already given the project the go-ahead.

Remaining authorizations required for the construction of the interconnection are:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

United States Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Department of Energy

ISO New England, which oversees the operation of NE's power system

Contact:

Lynn St-Laurent

Media Relations

Hydro-Quebec

514 289-6638
A billionaire art collector has been fined 44million and sentenced to 18 months in prison for trying to smuggle a Picasso out of Spain on his yacht.

Jaime Botin, 83, the great grandson of the founder of Spain's largest bank Santander, was rumbled by French customs when his yacht arrived on the island of Corsica in 2015.

They discovered Picasso's 'Head of a Young Woman', a 1906 painting valued at 22million, stowed away on the vessel by the ship's captain.

Prosecutors argued Botin had been attempting to sell it abroad, in breach of rules over paintings of cultural significance to Spain. But Botin denied the charges and claimed he was simply taking it to Switzerland for safe-keeping.

Jaime Botin, 83, the great grandson of the founder of Spain's largest bank Santander, was rumbled by French customs when his yacht arrived on the island of Corsica in 2015 (pictured: outside the court in Madrid in 2017)

Botin had inquired about selling the painting, which depicts a woman with sharp features and long black hair, to Christie's in 2012.

But the London auctioneer had replied that Botin would require permission from the Spanish government for it to go on sale, Madrid's High Court said in its ruling on Thursday.

Despite this, the court said, Botin took the painting to the Mediterranean port city of Valencia and ordered the captain of his yacht to 'hide it from authorities'.

The painting resurfaced in 2015 when French customs, working in tandem with Spanish authorities, discovered it in the yacht captain's cabin during a stopover in Corsica.

The verdict, which can be appealed, also transferred ownership of the painting to the Spanish state.

The painting, which depicts a woman with sharp features and long black hair, is worth 22million

Botin's lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Botin was chairman of Bankinter from 1986 to 2002. He maintains a significant interest in the bank through Cartival, an investment vehicle shared between him and his sons.

Cartival is the largest shareholder in Spain's fifth-largest bank by market value with a stake of 23%.
A series of avalanches have reportedly killed at least 77 people and injured nearly 100 more in Pakistan, trapping people in their homes and preventing them from receiving aid.

The severe winter weather, which was triggered by heavy snowfall, occurred this weekend in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to the Associated Press.

Seventy-seven people have so far been killed, and 94 have been injured, CNN reported.

More than 100 homes were destroyed or damaged in the avalanches, and the severe snow has cut victims off from being able to receive aid, the BBC reported.

Samina Bibi, 12, was at home in Kashmir and huddled around a fire with her family when an avalanche hit without warning, Reuters reported.

She was buried beneath the snow for 18 hours before she was rescued and taken to the hospital, though she lost several family members in the incident, including two siblings.

RELATED: San Diego Nurse Was Hiking Taal Volcano with Her Friends Just Hours Before It Erupted

I thought I would die there, she told Reuters, adding that she was screaming and shouting for help as she was trapped.

Her mother Shahnaz Bibi said the family didnt even hear so much as a rumble before the avalanche hit, and that it happened in the blink of an eye.

CNN reported that many villagers used shovels in search and rescue attempts to try and find possible victims whod been buried beneath the snow.

RELATED: Thousands of Panicking Residents Flee as Philippines Volcano Spews Lava and Ash Near Manila

Helicopters have also been used in order to airdrop food and supplies, as many roads remain blocked by snow.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan flew to Kashmir to visit the affected areas, and stopped by a military hospital in Muzaffarabad, the regions capital, according to the AP.

The severe snowfalls and landslides in AJK have caused misery & deaths. I have asked the NDMA, the military & all our federal ministers to immediately provide all humanitarian assistance on an emergency footing to the affected people in AJK.  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 14, 2020

He tweeted that the snowfalls and landslides in the region have caused misery & deaths, and called on a series of agencies for help.

I have asked the NDMA, the military & all our federal ministers to immediately provide all humanitarian assistance on an emergency footing to the affected people in AJK, he wrote.
Armed with rods and sticks, a group of men attacked the students of a boys' hostel inside the Visva-Bharati university campus on Wednesday night leaving several of them injured, police said on Thursday.

Two persons - identified as Achintya Bagdi and Saber Ali - were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the attack, an officer of Santiniketan police station said.

An SFI member was hospitalised and several others suffered minor injuries in the attack that took place a week after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta was heckled by Left- leaning students after he came to deliver a lecture on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act last week.

"Two groups of students clashed inside the campus. It was not linked to politics. The security officer and others went there to sort out the matter," the central university's Public Relations Officer Anirban Sarkar said.

When produced before a Bolpur court, Bagdi and Ali were remanded to nine days' police custody.

Assistant Public Prosecutor of Bolpur court Phiroj Pal said, "An incident happened last night at Visva-Bharati. Two students were allegedly assaulted. On the basis of a complaint, police arrested the two."



Claiming that Bagdi and Ali are former students of the university, SFI Visva-Bharati unit leader Somnath Sau alleged that a group of outsiders beat up Swapnanil Mukhopadhyay and several other members of the SFI and other Left-leaning students with rods and sticks at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday.

Mukhopadhyay was treated at a hospital located within the campus and discharged later.

Sau alleged that the attackers said the assault was a fallout of the demonstration the Left students held during Dasgupta's visit to the campus January 8.

Dasgupta, Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and others had to remain confined for around eight hours to a building of the central university outside which hundreds of Left-leaning students staged a sit-in, accusing the politician of promoting hatred among communities.

Sau claimed that Bagdi - one of the two arrested - was earlier a leader of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad but is now associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

ABVP Birbhum district coordinator Ramesh Paramanik, however, said, "Neither Achintya Bagdi nor Saber Ali are associated with the ABVP anyway. It is known to all that they lead the TMCP at the Visva-Bharati."



Alleging that the SFI was responsible for the fracas, the ABVP claimed that some of its members were first attacked by the SFI and threatened them not to carry out any activity in the campus.

Admitting that Bagdi is a leader of the TMCP, its district president Suranjan Chatterjee said, "A group of outsiders, probably from the Jadavpur University, tried to enter a boys' hostel with the help of Left-leaning students of the Visva Bharati and our workers protested."



West Bengal Higher Minister Partha Chatterjee said the ABVP has been carrying out attacks in institutes in the country to suppress democratic protests and the incident at Visva Bharati is the latest instance.

Violence had broken out at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi on the night of January 5, as armed masked men attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus. The ABVP and the Left students' bodies are blaming each other for the incident.

A senior teacher of Visva-Bharati said, members of the Left-leaning faculty will meet soon to chalk out a protest programme against the violence at the campus of the university, which espouses the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore.

The SFI organised protest rallies in Kolkata during the day to protest against the attack on students of Visva- Bharati.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Donald Trump repeated on Thursday that he doesn't know Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, and dismissed photos of the two of them taken together as pictures at a fundraiser.

The president said over and over again during an Oval Office event on school prayer that he doesn't know Parnas, an associate of Giuliani who is facing charges of illegal campaign donations to a Super PAC that supports Trump.

'I don't know him,' Trump told reporters. 'I don't know Parnas other than I guess I had pictures taken, which I do with thousands of people.'

'I don't know him at all, don't know what he's about. Don't know where he comes from. Know nothing about him,' he said. By one count he denied knowing Parnas 14 times.

Shortly after his denials aired, Parnas' attorney released yet another new image of them together, this time a video of them speaking at Mar-a-Lago. He used the soundtrack of Together Again on the video.

Donald Trump repeated on Thursday as many as 14 times that he doesn't know Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani

You sure they didn't speak Mr. President: Lev Parnas' attorney released this video of them together at Mar-a-Lago

'I don't believe I've ever met him.' The House Intelligence Committee released this photograph of the two together in a document dump Wednesday

Have we met? I'm sure we haven't! President Trump dismissed a photos of him and Parnas as just taken at a fundraiser

You'll have to help me out, I don't believe we're acquainted: Igor Fruman and Lev Parnas (second and third from left) pictured with Vice President Mike Pence, President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani. Pence also denied he knew 'the guy'

No, total stranger, so sorry: President Donald Trump alongside Lev Parnas in Florida before his election

Really, I can't place him at all: Yet another picture of the two together, this time in the Trump Hotel in D.C. has been released by Lev Parnas' attorney

And who are you? No, I'm sorry, never met you. Lev Parnas and Trump at Christmas time in an undated photograph

I take thousands of photos: Lev Parnas and Donald Trump have not yet reached that number of pictures together, but there are certainly more than one

Great to make your acquaintance for the first time: Lev Parnas and Donald Trump at the door of what appears to be Mar-a-Lago

Shortly after he made his comments, Parnas' attorney Joesph Bondy released a video of Trump with Parnas at Mar-a-Lago in 2017. Bondy, who had posted photos of Parnas with Trump and members of the first family, vowed to post more if the president denied knowing his client. The soundtrack to the video 'Together Again' by Janet Jackson.

'@realDonaldTrump, the I dont know him at all, dont know what hes about, dont know where he comes from, know nothing about him guy, w Lev Parnas & Roman Nasirov, former head of Ukrainian Fiscal Service, at Mar-a-Lago 2017,' Bondy wrote. He added the hashtags: '#LevRemembers #LetLevSpeak #TheyAllKnew'

Nasirov was indicted in 2017 for stealing $2 billion hryvnias (UAH) ($75 million) in tax revenue. He was ordered to pay compensation.

Trump, meanwhile, said repeated he only met Parnas at a fundraiser where it's common for a political candidate to take pictures with donors.

'I don't even know who this man is other than I guess he attended fundraisers so I take a picture with him. I'm in a room, I take pictures with people. I take thousands and thousands of pictures with people all the time. Thousands during the course of a year, and oftentimes I'll be taking a picture with somebody, I'll say I wonder what newspaper that one's going to appear in. I don't know him. Perhaps he's a fine man. Perhaps he's not. I know nothing about him,' Trump said.

He added that he's also never spoken to him.

'I don't know him. I don't believe I've ever spoken to him. I meet thousands of people,' he said. 'I had never had a conversation that I remember with him.'

And he said of Parnas: 'I don't need the help of a man that I never met before.'

Trump wasn't the only administration official denying having met Parnas. Vice President Mike Pence told reporters traveling with him in Florida: 'I dont know the guy.'

The president also said he didn't know anything about a letter Rudy Giuliani, his personal attorney, sent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in May requesting a meeting.

Giuliani had written to Zelensky in capacity as Trump's personal attorney and requested the sit down. It was revealed in a tranche of documents released by the House Intelligence Committee this week.

P.S. WE DON'T KNOW HIM EITHER SAY KELLYANNE AND PENCE....

No, I don't believe we have: Mike Pence was the latest to say 'I don't know the guy,' with an inevitable picture emerging

We've never met, of course we can have a photograph: Lev Parnas' attorney tweeted this image just after Kellyanne Conway climbed aboard the fast-moving denial train

Lev Parnas with Rudy Giuliani in December 2018 at President George H.W. Bush's funeral service

I don't know about this either: DOnald Trump said he knew nothing about this letter in which Rudy Giuliani said he acted with the 'knowledge and consent' of the president in Ukraine

Lev Parnas with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump

'I don't know anything about the letter,' Trump said. 'I didn't know about his specific letter but if he wrote a letter, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Rudy was always -- it was very important to Rudy that I be a great president and that's okay with me.'

The introductory letter from Giuliani to Zelensky on personal letterhead states it's written in my capacity as a personal counsel to President Trump and with his knowledge and consent.

The letter is dated May 10, right after Zelenskys election. The former New York City requests a personal meeting days later on a matter he doesnt identify.

The released documents also show notes scribbled on Ritz Carlton stationary from the Ritz Carlton in Vienna, presumably by Parnas, who was both a client and associate of Giuliani in his efforts to pressure the new Ukrainian president to investigate the Bidens.

'Get Zalensky to announce that the Biden case will be investigated,' reads one notation in large lettering, using another spelling President Volodymyr Zelensky's name.

Trump has said repeatedly he doesn't know Parnas nor another indicted Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman.

Parnas attorney Joseph Bondy has released numerous photos of Parnas and Trump and Parnas and Trump family members.

Parnas has been on a media tour in recent days to talk about his work in the Ukraine with Giuliani. The White House has accused him of trying to stay out of prison.

Parnas said Wednesday that the actions taken with the Ukraine where 'all about the 2020' presidential election and keeping Trump in office.

'That was the way everyone viewed it,' Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper. 'It was all about 2020 to make sure he had another four years.'

'I mean, there was no other reason for doing it,' he added.

His statement disputes the president's claim that his request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden stemmed from concerns about corruption.

Lev Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper the actions taken with the Ukraine where 'all about the 2020' presidential election and keeping Donald Trump in office

Trump is facing two counts of impeachment on allegations he with held nearly $400 million in military aid to the Ukraine to pressure them into investigating his political rivals. He has denied the charge.

But the latest revelations from Parnas come after the House Intelligence Committee released a trove of documents showing Parnas and Giuliani's attempt to meet with Zelensky along with Parnas' conversations with Republican donor Robert Hyde, now a congressional candidate, about then-Ambassador the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

Parnas also charged that Republican members of Congress, who during the impeachment hearings argued President Trump was trying to end corruption in the Ukraine, knew what was going on.

'They all know. They have a conscience,' he said, adding 'it's a shame.'

He told CNN his work for Giuliani was all about getting Zelensky or former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to announce an investigation into Biden or Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company that had Hunter Biden on its board until last year.

'As far as I know, the only thing we cared about - and we were the team - was to get Zelensky or Poroshenko or somebody to make the press release announcement into the Biden investigation.'

CNN's Anderson Cooper asked him: 'What's fascinating about what you just said is it's not to launch an investigation. ... It's to make an announcement of an investigation. That's what mattered.'

'Right,' Parnas agreed. 'Because nobody trusted them to do an investigation.'

He also claimed Vice President Mike Pence was aware of what was going on but added: 'I'm not sure if he knew everything.'

Cooper asked him how he knew all these things.

Parnas said it's because he talked to Giuliani every day.

'Because we would speak every day. I knew everything that was going on. I mean, after Rudy would speak with the president or come from the White House, I was the first person he briefed. I mean, we had a relationship. We were that close. I mean, we were together from morning tonight. He took me - I mean, every interview he would do, I would be sitting over there while he was doing the interviews,' he said.

Parnas also claimed Republican members of Congress - like Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan - who defended Trump knew the Ukraine campaign was not about fighting corruption

Parnas worked with Giuliani to try and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to talk about the Bidens

Parnas added that 'everybody that was close to Trump knew that this was a thorn in the side.'

He also said former National Security Adviser John Bolton would be a good witness to the events.

'I think Bolton is an important witness. I think we could fit in all the dots. Because he was on the ground there and he was over here,' Parnas said.

He added: 'I'd be very willing to testify.'

Pence aide Marc Short told DailyMail.com that Parnas would say anything 'in the hopes of staying out of prison.

'Democrat witnesses have testified under oath in direct contradiction to Lev Parnas statements last night. This is very simple: Lev Parnas is under a multi-count indictment and will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison. It's no surprise that only the liberal media is listening to him,' he said.

Short didn't elaborate as to which witnesses he was referring to and how they contradicted Parnas.

White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway dismissed Parnas as an attention-seeker.

'Nobody on TV like that is under oath. And he obviously is desperate to get attention,' she told reporters at the White House Thursday morning.

And White House press secretary Stephanie Grishman made a similar charge against Parnas, who, along with colleague Igor Fruman, has been charged with making illegal campaign donations to a super PAC supporting the president.

'These allegations are being made by a man who is currently out on bail for federal crimes and is desperate to reduce his exposure to prison,' she told NBC News in a statement.

'The facts haven't changed  the president did nothing wrong and this impeachment, which was manufactured and carried out by the Democrats has been a sham from the start,' Grisham said.

Additionally, Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, one of the president's fiercest defenders during the impeachment hearings, admitted he did know Parnas after originally denying it.

'I was in shock when I was watching the hearings and when I saw Devin Nunes sitting up there,' Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.

He added he was also curious as to why Derek Harvey, a Nunes aide he said he worked with on the shadow campaign in the Ukraine, was present at the hearing.

'They were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden,' he said.

'It's hard to see them lie like that when you know it's like that scary because you know, he was sitting there and making all statements and all that when he knew very well that he knew what was going on,' Parnas said. 'He knew what's happening. He knows who I am.'

Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, one of the president's fiercest defenders during the impeachment hearings, admitted he did know Parnas after originally denying it

Trump asked the Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, which he claims was part of concern about corruption in that country

Rudy Giuliani told The Washington Post he felt sorry for Parnas

Nunes told Fox News Wednesday evening that, after checking his phone records, he did have a 'random' conversation with Parnas.

'I just didn't know the name  this name Par-nas,' Nunes said. 'You know now that he had called my cellphone and I didn't know his name, I didn't remember the name, but I did remember going back where I was at the time  you can do that now, you actually know where you physically are  checked it with my records.'

'It was very clear. I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things. And I said, 'Great, just talk to my staff,'  which is normal, standard operating procedure,' he added.

Parnas also told Maddow he was not freelancing when he collaborated with Giuliani in an effort to get Zelensky to investigate the Bidens.

'President Trump knew exactly what was going on. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president,' Parnas said.

'I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials. I mean, they have no reason to speak to me.

'Why would President Zelensky's inner circle, or Minister [Arsen] Avakov, or all these people, or [former Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko] meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.'

Giuliani told The Washington Post he felt sorry for Parnas in a message that suggested Parnas wasn't telling the truth.

'We all make mistakes,' Giuliani said in a text message to the newspaper. 'I feel sorry for him and his family.'

Parnas also claimed that Trump canceled Vice President Mike Pence's planned appearance at Zelensky's inauguration last May after Ukrainian officials refused to announce an investigation into the Biden family.

Pence denied the charge and said he didn't know Parnas.

'I dont know the guy,' Pence told reporters traveling with him in Florida and called Parnas' charge that he was aware that all outreach to Zelensky was about getting Ukraine to investigate the Bidens 'completely false.'

Parnas' interviews came hours before Chief Justice John Roberts is to swear in 100 U.S. senators who are to act as a jury weighing two articles of impeachment against the president.

Parnas and his lawyer Joseph Bondy spoke to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow in an interview aired Wednesday night

Parnas said his work in the Ukraine was with the consent of Rudy Giuliani and the president. A trove released Tuesday revealed a Giuliani letter to the president of Ukraine seeking a meeting and citing Trump's consent

The impeachment inquiry was sparked by allegations the Trump administration tried to pressure Zelensky to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

Parnas, who is accused of federal campaign finance violations, has submitted a trove of documents to the House Intelligence Committee pertaining to his dealings in the Ukraine, a portion of which were made public on Tuesday.

The documents included a letter in which Giuliani requested a private meeting with Zelensky, stating that he had Trump's 'knowledge and consent' to make the request.

Speaking to Maddow, Parnas insisted that Trump was aware he and Giuliani were working on the effort in Ukraine specifically to hurt Joe Biden, a current favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination.

'It was never about corruption, it was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden,' he said.

Parnas also said he had no doubt that Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop.

Parnas said he had no doubt that Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop about efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens

Parnas and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, were arrested in October on campaign finance charges for allegedly making $325,000 in illegal straw donations to a Trump super PAC.

Asked why he decided to speak out now, Parnas told Maddow: 'I want to get the truth out. I feel it's important for our country. I think it's important for me.'

Trump has previously denied knowing Parnas or Fruman, despite photos Parnas posted on Facebook in 2018 of himself with the president and his son Don Jr.

Asked about Trump's denial, Parnas said: 'He lied. He knew exactly who we were.'

Parnas said that he was 'absolutely' working for the president in his capacity as a legal aide to Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer.
If the state of Texas had its way, the state would be in the process of taking over the Houston Independent School District.

But a judge temporarily blocked the takeover on Jan. 8, with the issue now set to be decided at a trial in June.

The ruling temporarily spares Houstons public school system from joining over 100 school districts in the nation that have experienced similar state takeovers in the past 30 years.

The list includes New York City, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Orleans, Baltimore, Oakland and Newark. Houston is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh largest in the U.S.

While the state of Texas claims the planned takeover is about school improvement, my research on state takeovers of school districts suggests that the Houston takeover, like others, is influenced by racism and political power.

States fail to deliver

State governments have used takeovers since the late 1980s to intervene in school districts they have identified as in need of improvement. While state administrations promise that takeovers will improve school systems, 30 years of evidence shows that state takeovers do not meet the states promised expectations. For instance, a recent report called Michigans 15-year management of the Detroit schools a costly mistake because the takeover was not able to address the school systems major challenges, which included adequately funding the school district.

But while the takeovers dont deliver promised results, as I show in my book, they do have significant negative political and economic consequences for communities, which overwhelmingly are communities of color. These negative consequences often include the removal of locally-elected school boards. They also involve decreases in teachers and staff and the loss of local control of schools.

Despite the highly problematic history of state takeovers, states have justified the takeovers on the grounds that the entire school district is in need of improvement. However, this is not the case for the Houston takeover because by the states own standards, the Houston school system is not failing.

Low threshold for state intervention

Following a 2015 law, HB 1842, the state of Texas was granted authority to take over a school district if a single school in that district fails to meet state education standards for five or more years. The bill was passed by the Republican controlled state legislature with Democratic support. However, Democratic state lawmakers representing Houston argue that the law was a mistake and urged for it to be revised.

Although the state has given the Houston Independent School District a B rating, it plans to take over Houston schools because one school, Wheatley High School, has not met state standards for seven years. According to state law, the state can take over a school district or close a school if it fails to meet standards for five years.

The Houston Independent School District has 280 schools. The district serves over 200,000 students. It employs roughly 12,000 teachers. Wheatley High School serves roughly 800 students and has roughly 50 teachers.

In addition to citing Wheatleys underperformance, the state has also cited school board dysfunction as evidence for the takeover. According to the state, several board members met to discuss the replacement of the interim superintendent without calling an official meeting, which allegedly violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. By justifying the removal of the locally elected school board because a group of board members strategized in private, the state is setting a standard and expectation of politics and governance that no school board, city council, state legislature, or Congress can meet. In fact, in her decision to temporarily halt the state takeover of the Houston schools, Travis County District Judge Catherine Mauzy stated, If we applied some of [the state's arguments] to the Texas Legislature, I don't know where we'd be. Finally, the state has also argued that although the district has received a B rating, many students in the district are not meeting grade-level expectations and are failing to graduate. Despite these challenges, schools that have underperformed for many years have improved in a number of key indicators, including graduation rates, despite the state of Texas ranking among the lowest in the U.S. in allocating resources to the neediest students in the state.

So why would a state take over a school district that has earned a B rating from the state? And why base the takeover on the performance of one school that represents fewer than 1 percent of the districts student and teaching population?

To understand the logic of the planned state takeover of Houston schools, it pays to understand the important role that schools have played in the social, political and economic development of communities of color. Historically, communities of color have relied on school-level politics as an entry point to broader political participation. School level politics may involve issues like ending school segregation, demanding more resources for schools, increasing the numbers of teachers and administrators of color, and participating in school board elections.

The process of gaining political power at the local level  and eventually state level  often begins at the schools, particularly the school board. For instance, before blacks and Latinos elect members of their communities to the city councils, the mayors office, and state legislatures, they often elect members to the school board first.

Political representation at stake

In Texas, communities of color are politically underrepresented. Although black people, Latinos, and Asians represent nearly 60 percent of the population in Texas, their political power at the state level is not proportional to their population. Whites make up 64 percent of the state legislature. The Republican Party controls the governorship, state House of Representatives and state Senate, but only 4 percent of all Republican state legislators are of color. Communities of color in Texas have filed lawsuits arguing that they have been prevented from gaining political representation at the state level by Republicans through racial gerrymandering and voter identification laws that disenfranchise black and Latino voters.

However, despite years of systematic exclusion of people of color, the political landscape is changing in Texas. Texas is increasingly urbanizing as a result of population growth in the states cities. Since urban voters are more likely to vote Democratic, the growth in the urban population may potentially alter political dynamics in the state. Also, while African Americans have solidly identified with the Democratic Party in Texas, Latinos have not. But that, too, is changing. Polls show that Latino support for Republican presidential candidates in Texas went from a high of 49 percent during George W. Bushs reelection in 2004, to 35 percent for McCain in 2008, 29 percent for Romney in 2012, to a low of 18 percent for Trump in 2016.

Houston, as the largest urban center in Texas, is at the forefront of this challenge to the Republican grip of state power in Texas. Houston schools, in particular, are representative of the states demographic and political future. The nine-member Houston school board is reflective of the community it serves. It has four Latinos, three African Americans, one Asian and one white. This, in my view, is what has put the Houston public school system and school board at the forefront of a battle that is really about race and political power.

The Houston public school system is not failing. Rather, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Education Commissioner Mike Morath and the Republican state legislature are manufacturing an education crisis to prevent people of color in Houston from exercising their citizenship rights and seizing political power.

Morel is an assistant professor of Political Science at Rutgers University Newark.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Letting 'slower' passengers like those with children board aeroplanes first really is faster than boarding the back rows first, randomly or fastest first, a study has found.

A team of researchers led from Norway used space-time geometry techniques to explore the factors that lead to a speedy take-off or an agonising delay on the tarmac.

They calculated boarding times based on the chains of passengers that get in each others way as they try to settle in their seats.

The more passengers that can sit down at the same time  so-called 'parallelism'  the less congestion builds up and the faster boarding can proceed.

Slower passengers need more time to stow their luggage and sit down  so having faster ones begin to board as the slower ones finish settling increases parallelism.

This, in turn, speeds up the overall boarding process and reduces the risk of delayed departures that can have a knock-on effect across the global air travel network.

Scroll down for video

Letting 'slower' passengers like those with children board aeroplanes first really is faster than boarding back-to-front, randomly or fastest first, a study has found

Statistician Sveinung Erland of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and colleagues decided to tackle the aircraft boarding problem using so-called 'Lorentzian geometry'.

This space-time geometry is the same branch of mathematics that underpins Albert Einstein's famous theory of general relativity.

The team considered the known connection between the microscopic dynamics of a set of interacting particles and the corresponding broader-scale properties  a relationship which is a key theme in statistical physics.

Or, translated into the context of the boarding process, they considered the relationship between the interaction of embarking passengers in a line and the overarching time that it will take for everyone to be seated.

'The ability of a passenger to delay other passengers depends on their queue positions and row designations,' the team wrote in their paper.

'This is equivalent to the causal relationship between two events in space-time.'

In their model, the researchers treated boarding as a two-part process, with the passengers occupying a one-dimensional line down the aisle and ultimately settling into a matrix of seats.

Researchers led from Norway used space-time geometry techniques to explore the factors that lead to a speedy take-off or an agonising delay on the tarmac

Firstly, passengers move down the aisle until either they reach their assigned row, or are temporarily blocked by other travellers in front of them.

Once each passenger has reached their row, the model next considers how long they will need to stand in the aisle to stow their hand luggage in an overhead compartment and then sit down.

Putting these steps together, the model can determine whether individual passengers will end up blocking each other based on their relative positions in line and how far apart their seat allocations are.

Overall, the time it takes for the full passenger complement to be seated depends on exactly where in line each is located, which row they are heading for, and how long it takes each to stow their luggage and sit down.

They calculated boarding times based on the chains of passengers that get in each others way as they try to settle in their seats. The more passengers that can sit down at the same time, the less congestion builds up and the faster boarding can proceed

The researchers found that the queue of embarking passengers can be imagined as a series of waves  with each wave representing groups of passengers that can all take their seats at the same time.

'Hence, the boarding time is the product of the aisle clearing time times the number of wave fronts needed to seat all passengers,' the researchers explained.

To calculate this quickly, the model uses so-called 'blocking chains'  series of passengers that block each other in turn and are equivalent to the causal chains of events in space-time geometry.

The longest blocking chain during embarkation will determine the overall boarding time  which in turn will equal the sum of the aisle-clearing times of each passenger in the chain.

Starting from one of the passengers that will be seated last and working forward  considering in turn the nearest traveller in the queue that can block the current one until reaching a passenger in the first wave  the longest chain length can be found.

Overall, the time it takes for the full passenger complement to be seated depends on exactly where in line each is located, which row they are heading for, and how long it takes each to stow their luggage and sit down

With this approach, the researchers were able to test various boarding strategies airlines might employ  from letting slower passengers embark first to boarding in random orders.

They came to the seemingly counter-initiative finding that it is around 28 per cent more efficient to let the slower passengers board an aircraft first in comparison with letting the faster ones embark first.

'This is a universal result, valid for any combination of the parameters that characterise the problem,' the team wrote.

Such parameters included 'the percentage of slow passengers, the ratio between aisle-clearing times of the fast and the slow group, and the density of passengers along the aisle.'

With this approach, the researchers were able to test various boarding strategies airlines might employ  from letting slower passengers embark first to boarding in random orders. They came to the finding that it is around 28 per cent more efficient to let the slower passengers board an aircraft first in comparison with letting the faster ones embark first

The findings are comparable to a similar study conducted by the American physicist Jason Steffen in 2011.

Professor Steffen tackled the problem differently, using a so-called 'Markov chain Monte Carlo' algorithm that used random changes to iteratively find the best solution to a given scenario.

From this, he concluded that the best approach  dubbed 'the Steffen method'  uses boarding in waves where adjacent-seated passengers are separated from each other in the embarkation line, minimising crowding in the plane's aisle.

Field tests demonstrated the success of this strategy, which is twice as fast as boarding back-to-front (as most airlines do at present) and 2030 per cent faster than random boarding.

The key to both the Steffen method and the findings of Professor Erland and colleagues is that boarding occurs faster when more passengers can take their seats simultaneously  a principle Professor Steffen refers to as 'parallelism'.

'The more parallel you can make the boarding process, the faster it will go,' he told Ars Technica.

'It's not about structuring things as much as it is about finding the best way to facilitate multiple people sitting down at the same time.'

WHAT IS THE STEFFEN METHOD? The 'Steffen method' claims to be the optimum way for airlines to have their passengers board planes. It was devised by American physicist Jason Steffen in 2011 using a so-called 'Markov chain Monte Carlo' algorithm that used random changes to iteratively find the best solution to a given scenario. From this, he concluded that the best approach  dubbed 'the Steffen method'  uses boarding in waves where adjacent-seated passengers are separated from each other in the embarkation line, minimising aisle crowding. This could be achieved, for example, by having travellers board aircraft in groups where their seats are separated by a particular number of rows, or by boarding the windows first, then middle, then those on the aisle. The key to the Steffen method is that boarding occurs faster when more passengers can take their seats simultaneously  a principle Professor Steffen refers to as 'parallelism'. Advertisement

In the slowest-boards-first strategy espoused by the recent study, parallelism is achieved because the first of the faster passengers can take their seats while the last of slower passengers are still being seated.

In contrast, letting the faster passengers board first can result in the fast passengers already being seated before the first of the slow passengers can follow suit  reducing the parallelism of the boarding.

'That's the lesson of this [latest] result,' Professor Steffen told Ars Technica.

'If you're going to pour a bunch of passengers into a vessel like this, and you're dividing them up into slow people versus fast people, it's better to get the slow people out of the way first and then let the fast people trickle in.'

In reality, there are compounding factors that make real boarding more complex  such as competition for limited overhead luggage space, difficult passengers, the movement of the cabin crew and preferentially boarding first class travellers.

Nevertheless, studies like these are still useful starting points, Professor Steffen insisted.

'It gives you a quantifiable result to consider when crafting policy,' he told Ars Technica.

'And it's counter-intuitive information, which makes it even more valuable because it shows where your intuition can lead you astray.'

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Physical Review E.
WASHINGTON - The Senate overwhelmingly approved a new North American trade agreement Thursday that rewrites the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico and gives President Donald Trump a major policy win before senators turn their full attention to his impeachment trial.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

President Donald Trump, gestures during a signing ceremony with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to sign a U,S, China trade agreement, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

WASHINGTON - The Senate overwhelmingly approved a new North American trade agreement Thursday that rewrites the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico and gives President Donald Trump a major policy win before senators turn their full attention to his impeachment trial.

The vote was 89-10. The measure goes to Trump for his signature. It would replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, known as NAFTA, which tore down most trade barriers and triggered a surge in trade. But Trump and other critics blamed that pact for encouraging U.S. companies to move their manufacturing plants south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labourers.

Passage of the trade bill, which has come to be called USMCA, came one day after Trump signed a new trade agreement with China, easing trade tensions between the economic powers.

Quite a week of substantive accomplishments for the nation, for the president and for our international trade," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., shortly before the vote.

The final vote occurred just moments before Congress opened an impeachment trial, with House Democrats reading the formal charges from the well of the Senate. With the trial and an election year, Congress is not expected to pass many major bills. The trade bill gives lawmakers from both parties the chance to cite progress on an important economic issue before the November vote.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks during an event to sign an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement, at the national palace in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 10. 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Trump campaigned in 2016 on ripping up trade deals that he said added to the nations trade deficit and cost the country manufacturing jobs. He promised he would rewrite NAFTA if elected, a pact he described as the worst trade deal in history. He can now go to swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and tell voters he followed through on that pledge.

But in the Oval Office, Trump fretted that the impeachment inquiry was overshadowing his trade deals when it came to top stories of the day.

Today, we just had passed the USMCA. Its going to take the place of NAFTA, which is a terrible deal, and the USMCA will probably be second to this witch hunt hoax," Trump said.

Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland, left, Mexico's top trade negotiator Jesus Seade, center, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, sign an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement, at the national palace in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 10. 2019. Observing from behind are Mexico's Treasury Secretary Arturo Herrera, left, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, second left, Mexico's Labor Secretary Maria Alcade, third left, and The President of the Mexican Senate Ricardo Monreal. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Mexico has already approved the agreement. Canada is expected to do so in coming months, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government long insisting it would wait for U.S. approval before proceeding.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., was a rare voice in speaking against the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It will mean higher prices for American consumers, who will have to pay more money for a car and therefore will have less money available for any of the other things they would like to consume," Toomey said. It will probably lead to an increase or acceleration in the shift to automation.

The agreement aims to have more cars produced in the United States, where workers earn an average of at least $16 an hour. It also secured changes that require Mexico to change its laws to make it easier for workers to form independent unions, which should improve worker conditions and wages and reduce the incentive for U.S. companies to relocate their plants.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, left, Mexico's Economy Minister Graciela Marquez, center, and Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard stand during a ceremony to sign an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement, at the national palace in Mexico City, Tuesday, Dec. 10. 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

While the administration completed its negotiations with Canada and Mexico more than a year ago, Democrats in the House insisted on changes that they said made it more likely Mexico would follow through on its commitments. As part of those negotiations, the administration agreed to drop a provision that offered expensive biologic drugs  made from living cells  10 years of protection from cheaper knockoff competition. Democrats overwhelming opposed that provision.

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Republicans and the president have complained about how long it took to complete the negotiations, but the talks resulted in a rare mix of support for a trade agreement.

The AFL-CIO, an association of trade unions, endorsed the measure, as did scores of business and farm groups. Getting the Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO to both endorse this trade deal was no easy feat, and it took both sides good faith efforts to get us here," said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.

President Donald Trump smiles during an event on prayer in public schools, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

The biggest holdouts were environmental groups, which continue their opposition, saying the deal doesnt address climate change. Indeed, they contend the agreement would contribute to rising temperatures.

Despite the fact that it includes very good labour provisions, I am voting against USMCA because it does not address climate change, the greatest threat facing the planet," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Among the senators still seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, Bernie Sanders was the lone no vote.

The International Trade Commission projected in April that the trade agreement would boost the economy by $68 billion and add 176,000 jobs six years after taking effect. That's barely a ripple in a $21 trillion-a-year economy, but many senators noted that key industries in their state supported the agreement.
Kanye West is putting in a lot of money to build his family a protective bunker in Wyoming.

RadarOnline exclusively learned of this new project of the rapper, citing that Kanye is building the underground bunker "to escape any danger."

Building A Family Home

According to tipsters, the 42-year-old rapper has become too paranoid that he shelled out $15 million and purchased a second ranch in the Cowboy State. The long term goal was to build his family home and a bunker below their dream home.

An insider source told RadarOnline that the paranoid husband and father is laying out a huge amount of money for a state-of-the-art shelter beneath the main house where he and his family can stay away from all types of danger.

"He wanted to keep himself and his family safe from any type of danger," the source added.

Kanye is sparing no expense to make this bunker a new and comfortable space for his reality star wife Kim Kardashian and their four children. The plan was to have enough provisions to last them for months without worrying about not having enough food or water.

What could be making Kanye West so paranoid?

The Paris Robbery

Kanye West may be known to shell out big bucks to ensure that his family is safe, especially after what happened to his wife Kim Kardashian while she was in Paris.

Three years ago, Kim was robbed of some of her most precious jewelry pieces. She became a target of robbers after she showed off her ritzy jewelry collection in her social media accounts.

The robbers had carefully watched her every move until they had a chance to jump her in her hotel suite while her bodyguards were not in sight. Kim was completely alone when it happened and felt helpless.

During an interview with E! True Hollywood Story, Kim said that the robbers wanted her ring and all the other jewelry pieces she had, so she gave in everything. " I didn't fight back," Kim narrated. She further added that they wrapped her mouth and her eyes with duct tape before they left with the goods.

At that time, Kim was sure she was going to die. All she could tell herself was to calm down and pray for help to come.

The Big Change

After the robbers left, Kim was able to get her hands out of the ties and call for help. She suffered severe trauma that she had developed anxiety issues that made it difficult to sleep through the night. But then, the Paris robbery had taught Kim an important lesson: she got herself a turnaround to focus more on family and less on material things.

The Paris incident clearly affected Kanye West, too. His desire to keep his family safe at all times may be fueled by his trauma of what happened to his wife.

Apart from the huge leap he took in terms of religion, it looks like Kanye has truly become the family man that he has always hoped to be.
E xtinction Rebellion activists have turned Siemens's London base into a "crime scene" as part of a climate protest.

The group, also known as XR, branded the company "climate criminals", as it hit out at its decision to fulfil its contract to provide signalling for a rail line to a controversial new coal mine being built in Australia.

Dozens of protesters, many dressed in forensic suits, have set up a mock police cordon at the building and a banner is being brandished which reads "climate change kills children".

Lorna Greenwood, an Extinction Rebellion member, said in a statement: If Siemens supports the Adani coal mine itll be a stain on their history forever.

"After the hell on earth what were witnessing in Australia, there are no acceptable excuses or justifications for furthering climate and ecological disaster."

The mine is being set up by India's Adani group in the outback and criticism from green groups has mounted over Siemens's decision to support it, with climate change a pressing topic in the nation due to the raging wildfires.

However, its CEO previously said "there is practically no legally and economically responsible way to unwind the contract without neglecting fiduciary duties".
The UK on Thursday called for more action by Pakistan to counter terror emanating from its soil against the backdrop of a majority of the members of the UN Security Council rejecting an effort by Islamabad to rake up the Kashmir issue with Beijings backing.

Gareth Bayley, the UK prime ministers special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said all options are on the table if Islamabad fails to implement the Financial Action Task Forces (FATF) action plan to counter terror financing and crack down on terrorists operating from Pakistani soil.

India strongly criticised Pakistan and China for raising Kashmir during closed-door consultations at the UN Security Council on Thursday, saying Islamabads attempts to peddle baseless allegations lacked credibility. While India has directed its criticism of recent efforts to raise Kashmir at the UN mostly at Pakistan, the external affairs ministry also called on China not to persist with such actions given the lack of support from the world community.

Chinas effort to discuss Kashmir at the UN Security Council, the second such move since December, ended without any outcome after members of the body such as the US, the UK and France made it clear the issue should be handled bilaterally by India and Pakistan, people familiar with developments said.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, a think tank event backed by the external affairs ministry, Bayley said: It is absolutely clear terrorist groups are operating from within Pakistan. They pose a serious challenge to the government of Pakistan and to South Asias regional stability.

Britain has engaged hard on this issue with the top Pakistani leadership and underlined the importance of action against proxy groups, terrorism and extremism, he said.

So far, there is definitely some progress that has been made, there is so much more progress that needs to be done. We say to Pakistan...a step change is required and Prime Minister [Imran] Khan and army chief [Gen Qamar] Bajwa have made very clear commitments (which) can be seen on public record, Bayley said.

Most of this progress has been in terms of legislation on counterterrorism financing and remittances, and detentions and arrests, and the FATF is scrutinising evidence provided by Pakistan. Bayley cautioned that all options are on the table if Pakistan fails to deliver on its commitments to the FATF and doesnt keep moving in a sustainable, significant and non-reversible direction.

During a regular news briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar referred to the move by Pakistan and China to misuse the platform of UN Security Council and said: The overwhelming majority of the UNSC were of the view that the UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan.

The informal closed-door meeting of the Security Council ended without outcome, and this highlighted that Pakistans desperate measures to peddle baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario lacked any credibility, Kumar said.

He said, We sincerely hope the message has gone out loud and clear to Pakistan that, if at all, there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally. Pakistan could avoid global embarrassment by refraining from such acts in future, he added.

Kumar also said China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in the future.

Indias concerns on issues such as Kashmir have been discussed at high level meetings, taken up at different levels with China and New Delhis perspective was well known to Beijing, he said.

People familiar with developments pointed to external affairs minister S Jaishankars remarks at the Raisina Dialogue on Wednesday about the need for India and China to find equilibrium and understanding on issues affecting their relations, and said this reflected New Delhis desire to improve ties with Beijing.

The minister said the two sides must get along, but China should realise they cannot go on raising such issues on behalf of Pakistan, said a person who declined to be identified.
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Urkund, a Swedish education technology firm with expertise in plagiarism prevention and text-similarity detection, announced today the launch of its North American operations, Ouriginal, Inc., based in Chesterfield, MO.

Founded in 2000, Urkund is the Nordic, European and Indian market leader, and second worldwide for plagiarism prevention and text-similarity detection services. The company provides its web-based subscription services to academic, corporate and governmental entities to promote originality verification while deterring research and academic misconduct.

Ouriginal Inc., will be led by seasoned educational technology executive Eric Gibbs, President, North America. "I'm thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to build out the U.S. based team to support Urkund's North American footprint and expansion," said Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs brings nearly 20 years of educational technology industry experience, previously serving in high growth leadership roles at Aplia, Cengage Learning and Turnitin.

The announcement of the new U.S. subsidiary comes on the heels of being awarded the nationwide contract to supply all universities in India with its plagiarism prevention software. "We are incredibly proud of the recent success and feedback we are receiving from the U.S. and Canadian education markets. Urkund's global expansion is the result of a strategic growth plan, developed in conjunction with Scandinavian Investment Fund, Procuritas," said Andreas Ohlson, CEO of Urkund. "We welcome Eric to the executive team and look forward to transforming his deep knowledge of the North American educational market into actionable results."

About Urkund

Urkund supports academic institutions, secondary schools, and corporations in their institutional effectiveness and quality initiatives by delivering a fully automated system for checking text originality and preventing plagiarism. The software is fully integrated into all major learning management systems and uses advanced machine learning to deliver test-winning accuracy. With 20 years at the forefront of promoting academic integrity, Urkund now serves over 5,000 institutions in more than 80 countries worldwide. Urkund is privately owned and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Visit www.urkund.com to learn more.

Contact: Carl-Fredrik Wallgren, CMO Phone +46-70-279 39 59 Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/urkund/r/urkund--leader-in-plagiarism-prevention-launches-american-subsidiary,c3009817

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/19093/3009817/1175135.pdf Press release (PDF)

SOURCE Urkund
Norm Pattis said Thursday he intends to request a probable cause hearing on behalf of his client Fotis Dulos in terms of the charges brought against him in relation to the homicide and disappearance of his estranged wife Jennifer Dulos.

There is a low probability of success given the fact a judge has already signed the warrant, but it is a chance to hold Mr. Dulos accusers accountable, Pattis said Thursday.

Fotis Dulos was charged Jan. 7 by Connecticut State Police with capital murder, murder and kidnapping.

Charged that same day were Fotis Dulos ex-girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, and his former attorney, Kent Douglas Mawhinney. The two were each charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Troconis and Fotis Dulos were previous charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in the May 24 disappearance of Jennifer Dulos.

Fotis Dulos next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22, according to Pattis. At that time, he said, he will request a probable cause hearing for his client.

There is a low probability of success given the fact a judge has already signed the warrant, but it is a chance to hold Mr. Dulos accusers accountable, Pattis said Thursday.

Pattis said his client is determined to meet these allegations head on as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday, 469 pages of documents detailing the evidence in the Jennifer Dulos homicide were unsealed.

Those documents included search warrants, details about domestic violence incidents and more.

We're looking forward to the trial and will press for one as quickly as possible, Pattis said in a statement Wednesday in regards to the released documents.

According to previously released arrest warrants, Jennifer Dulos was last seen on a neighbors security camera at 8:05 a.m., returning to her Welles Lane home in New Canaan after dropping off her children at a nearby school.

Police believe Fotis Dulos was lying in wait and attacked her in the garage, the warrants indicate.

The search warrants also revealed that Fotis Dulos 2015 black Chevrolet Suburban was was spotted on a residential security camera parked on Thurton Drive, a dead-end street about 600 feet southwest of Jennifer Dulos Welles Lane home.

Police took 19 swabs from that vehicle, including ones from what appeared to be bloodlike stains, the warrants said.

Lisa Backus contributed to this report.
China's foreign ministry on Thursday praised the signing of a Phrase 1 trade deal with the United States, saying it was "beneficial to both countries and the world".

"It also shows once again that China and the United States can find an appropriate and effective solutions to relevant issues through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect," said Geng Shuang, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The United States and China reached a trade deal Wednesday which is expected to ease tensions between the world's two biggest economies.

The deal is set to offer large export opportunities for US farms and factories, and promises to do more to protect American trade secrets.

Still, the Phase 1 agreement did not address Washington's fundamental differences with Beijing, which is relying on massive government intervention in the economy to turn China into a technological power.

Geng did not directly comment on prospects for Phrase 2, saying only that "it is imperative that both parties work together" on the Phrase 1 deal.

Geng also praised former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev who resigned on Wednesday.

The resignation came hours after President Vladimir Putin engineered a surprise shake-up of Russia's leadership Wednesday, proposing changes to the constitution that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024.

"The resignation of Mr. Medvedev and the Russian government is Russia's internal affairs. As a friendly neighbour, China fully respects it," Geng said.

Also on Thursday, the spokesman noted that China had received reports of a case of a Chinese tourist infected with a new strain of coronavirus in Thailand.

The outbreak of the virus has been traced to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where it affected several dozen people who had been to a major meat and seafood market.

"China has been in communication with Thailand," Geng said. "I would also like to stress that after the epidemic situation in Wuhan, the Wuhan health department has been continuously introducing information to the public.

Finally, Geng sounded cautionary tones on any potential reforms of the United Nations Security Council that could bring in India or Brazil as permanent members, saying that "there are still huge differences between the members."

"The reform of the Security Council is of great importance, and it also concerns the long-term development of the United Nations and the core interests of all member States," Geng said.

Geng's comments come after the Russian Foreign Minister on Wednesday made a strong pitch for making India and Brazil permanent members, a longstanding aspiration of both countries.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : The value of movable assets of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who filed his nomination papers for the February 8 Assembly polls on Thursday, has declined by Rs 17,736.

While his self-acquired immovable properties remained roughly the same as in 2015, worth of his wife's properties increased from Rs 8.70 lakh in 2015 to Rs 65 lakh in 2020.

In the affidavit filed with the Election Commission, Sisodia, contesting again from the Patparganj seat in east Delhi, said his moveable assets were worth Rs 4,74,888 as of January 16, 2020 against Rs 4,92,624 for January 18, 2015.

The Minister for Education and Finance also said in July 2018, his wife Seema Sisodia, a housewife, purchased a property in Mayur Vihar Phase-2 at Rs 65 lakh.

In his 2015 affidavit, Sisodia had said his wife had purchased a property in Pandav Nagar in March 2008, costing Rs 8.70 lakh. Interestingly, though the AAP leader was staying in the government accommodation at Mathura Road, he used this property as his postal address in both the affidavits.

The approximate value of her self-acquired immovable property was Rs 20 lakh in 2015. In the 2020 affidavit, he said the approximate market value of the self-acquired immovable property of his wife was Rs 65 lakh.

Sisodia had stated in his 2015 affidavit that he had bought a property in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, at Rs 5.07 lakh in April 2001. The approximate market value of the self-acquired immovable property in 2015 was Rs 12 lakh.

In his 2020 affidavit, he mentioned the same property. But the approximate market value of self-acquired immovable property in 2020 jumped to Rs 21 lakh.

While he owned a Maruti Swift (a 2013 model) in 2015, he or his family don't own any vehicle, as per his 2020 affidavit.

Also, the gold holding of Seema Sisodia remained unchanged at 50 grams.
Pawan Kalyan (Image: PTI)

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena on January 16 entered into an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh, CNN News18 has reported.

The development came after a meeting between the two parties at Vijayawada concluded.

According to the news channel, the two parties said they will work together for the upcoming elections in Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier, Jana Sena Political Affairs Committee chairman Nadendla Manohar had said the two parties would be holding a "crucial meeting" to chalk out their future course of action in the state.

The meeting is a follow-up to the interaction between BJP national working president J P Nadda and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in New Delhi two days ago.

Jana Sena, which was formed in March 2014, supported the BJP-TDP combine in the general elections that year but subsequently fell out with the two parties.

Eventually, the TDP too parted ways with the BJP and they fought the 2019 polls separately and lost comprehensively.

Both parties will now launch a joint agitation against the capital relocation and also fight the coming elections to local bodies together, sources said.
Alt-right and white nationalist protestors at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Photo: Shay Horse/NurPhoto via Getty Images

On Wednesday afternoon, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Lobby Day, a pro-gun rally at the state capitol in Richmond which has attracted the attention of far-right agitators. According to the executive order, Virginia pro-gun groups and outside protestors threatening violence intend to storm the state capital to rail against recent gun control legislation. The available information suggests that a substantial number of these demonstrators are expected to come from outside [Virginia], may be armed, and have as their purpose not peaceful assembly but violence, rioting, and insurrection, Northams order states.

Called in an attempt to preclude a second Charlottesville  where alt-right and white nationalist groups clashed with counter-protestors at the Unite the Right rally in 2017, leaving one dead and over 30 injured  the state of emergency will be active from Friday, January 17 through Tuesday, January 21. The rally itself will take place on Martin Luther King, and guns will be banned from the capitol for the event.

NEW  White nationalist militia threats cause Va. Gov. Northam to declare STATE OF EMERGENCY.

 Heres Executive Order 49:

 Credible intelligence evaluated, pro gun groups plan to assemble MONDAY and storm capitol

 Weaponize drones also a threat #breaking @WUSA9 pic.twitter.com/bzRnvhI98O  Mike Valerio (@MikevWUSA) January 15, 2020

The protests are in response to a round of gun-control bills expected to pass in the newly-blue state legislature; after flipping the state senate in November, Democrats have trifecta-control in Virginia for the first time since 1994. The package passed by the house and headed to the senate would require background checks for all gun purchases; restrict handgun purchases to one-per-month; let cities ban firearms from specific events and government buildings; and allow police to temporarily take guns away from individuals legally considered a risk to themselves or others. Pro-gun activists have already protested at the state capitol, where firearms have already been banned.

The dissent is expected to come to a head at Mondays Lobby Day, organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League. Though the gun rights group has made a (limited) effort to reduce the tension by encouraging protestors to leave their long guns at home, far-right actors outside the state are reportedly planning to flock to Richmond this weekend. (Promoting the event online, they delighted in the opportunity for boogaloo, a far-right term for violence that could spark revolution.) According to the Daily Beast, at least four notable attendees of the Unite the Right rally will be at the Richmond demonstration. One of them, Joshua Shoaff has urged his Facebook audience of 540,000 to join him at the Virginia capitol:

Shoaff, a Tennessee resident, has gone further than most other right-wing personalities in his calls for violence in Richmond. In a December broadcast, he advocated for the hanging of Rep. Donald McEachin, an African-American congressman, after McEachin suggested Northam could use the National Guard to enforce new gun laws.

I hope to see you personally on Lobby Day, because I would love nothing more than to tell you to your face that youre a coward, youre a tyrant, committing treason, Shoaff said in a December livestream. And as a good friend of mine said just a few minutes ago, treason is punishable by death. Im not telling you that Im going to kill you, Im telling you that your acts constitute treason, and the punishment for treason is hanging in the middle of the street.

In an interview with the Daily Beast, he added: If you think that our founders were against hanging tyrants, then you really need to study, bro. Shoaff, who brought 37 followers of the paramilitary group American Warrior Revolution to the Unite the Right rally, was banned in 2018 from armed protest in Charlottesville.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

Azerbaijan, which does not have access to the world ocean, has become one of Eurasias international transport centers, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said receiving Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, Trend reports.

As is the case with all other spheres in Azerbaijan, transport sector developed well last year, Ilham Aliyev noted. This development is manifested in real projects and is also reflected in the reports of international organizations. Suffice it to say that a record figure was reached in the construction of roads last year - 1,300 kilometers of roads were built. Thus, intercity traffic improved and the construction of trunk roads was continued. The roads of hundreds of schools were improved and reconstructed.

The Davos World Economic Forum has praised the work Azerbaijan is doing in the transport sector, the Azerbaijani president said.

In general, Azerbaijans transport infrastructure ranks 31st in the world according to the Davos report, Ilham Aliyev added. This is a fairly high indicator. In terms of this indicator, we are ahead of several developed countries. In terms of the quality of roads, we are in 27th place in the world. According to the efficiency of railway transport, we are in 11th place and for air transport in 12th place.

In other words, this essentially shows that the work recently done in the transport sector deserves the highest praise, said the Azerbaijani president. Along with this, very important interstate projects were implemented last year. The commissioning of a new automobile bridge on the Azerbaijani-Russian border was a major event, because the previous bridge was built in the 1950s and had practically become unserviceable.

The new bridge will serve the development of both transport and trade relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, Ilham Aliyev noted. At the same time, it is an integral part of the North-South transport corridor. Currently, a new highway is being built to the Russian border and the bulk of this highway will be commissioned by the end of the year.

In parallel, there are plans to build a new highway from Astara to the Iranian border, the Azerbaijani president added.

This issue has been agreed with the Iranian side, Ilham Aliyev said. Thus, trucks will be able to directly move in the direction of Iran without entering Astara. In addition, a new automobile bridge will be built. A few years ago, a new railway bridge was built between the two countries, which is of great importance for the functioning of the North-South transport corridor.

Of course, more goods were transported along the North-South transport corridor last year, the Azerbaijani president added. This is natural because there has been a lot of recovery in this direction since the commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Goods are being transported not only from the eastern direction, but also from Russia to Turkey and Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan, and the volume of cargo will grow every year. Thus, Azerbaijan, which does not have access to the world ocean, has become one of Eurasias international transport centers.

This year's investment program provides for sufficiently large funds for the development of the transport sector, said Ilham Aliyev.

At the same time, specific projects related to the construction of roads and railways will be implemented, the Azerbaijani president noted. The Laki-Gabala railway should be commissioned this year. At the same time, we are starting to design and build the Baku-Yalama and Khudat-Shahdag railways. Thus, we will significantly improve the quality of existing railways and train speeds will increase accordingly.

We also attach great importance to the development of urban transport, said Ilham Aliyev. This year, an additional 300 modern buses will be delivered to Baku and work in this direction will be continued in the future. At the same time, on my instruction, new taxis should be delivered. We must make sure that there are modern taxi services in all our cities, first of all, in large ones.

It is necessary to set up modern taxi stations, train drivers and arrange for their medical examination, the Azerbaijani president noted. As in all areas, in this area too, we must move from cash to card payments and install taximeters. So not only in Baku, but first of all in all large cities, and at the subsequent stage in other cities as well.

This also applies to bus transport because currently bus service in Baku and Sumgayit meets modern standards, said Ilham Aliyev.

But this is not the case everywhere, the Azerbaijani president added. Low-quality buses with expired service life are still functioning in Baku. For this purpose, we deliver 300 buses to our country every year. According to the information provided to me, the bus sector in Ganja is outdated. How many buses operate in other cities, how many should be purchased? Of course, first of all, this issue should be resolved in the capital  the city of Baku. But other cities should not be ignored either.
Jeff Bezos can sell dreams even when Amazon's businesses are under the lens of different regulators in India.

On January 15, the Amazon founder said his company will try to export India-made goods worth $10 billion by 2025.

Amazon exported Made-in-India goods worth just $1 billion in the year to April 2019. It took Amazon four years to reach the $1 billion target after it started the so-called Global Selling Programme in India in May 2015.

Earlier, Amit Agarwal, senior vice president and country head, Amazon India, had said in a statement that the American e-commerce player expected export of India-made goods to grow to $5 billion by 2023. Now, Bezos has made the target 10 times in five years. That's quite ambitious.

Well, it is not just a target. By announcing this, Bezos has just sold a billion dollar dream to millions of Indian small and medium businesses and budding entrepreneurs who can now look at selling their products across more than 180 countries where Amazon operates. Under its Global Selling Programme, Amazon already has 50,000 Indian exporters who list more than 140 million products that are Made-in-India on its platform.

There's more. About 5,800 Indian small and medium businesses export through Amazons International B2B programme that was started in 2018.

To reach the $10 billion mark in exports from India, Amazon will need more Indian exporters on its global selling programme, and definitely more products. That would essentially help existing small and medium enterprises grow faster, and create space for new entrepreneurs across India. According to Amazon's internal numbers on exports from India, a large chunk of exporters comes from small towns like Darjeeling, Ranchi and Sanganer.

Bezos also wants to pump in $1 billion in digitising Indian small and medium businesses, or bringing SMBs into the online commerce system. So, with its growth in India and globally, Amazon is creating opportunities for small and medium businesses in India.

That's the good news. But bear in mind that announcement also appears timed to soften the protests against Amazon's presence in India. Brick-and-mortar retailers have been repeatedly alleging that the American online retailer has hurt their business by its deep discounting practices. Their lobby, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has alleged that Amazon has flouted foreign direct investments (FDI) regulations by influencing the prices of products sold on its online marketplace.

Remember that the draft national e-commerce policy released in February 2019, which was followed by a few notifications, had barred e-commerce marketplaces from operating inventory-led models and prohibited them from selling products directly to consumers. Restrictions on the inventory-led model are designed to prevent e-commerce marketplace operators from influencing prices through heavy discounts.

These allegations led to India's antitrust watchdog the Competition Commission of India (CCI) intervening and conducting a study that outlined its plan to "bring out clear and transparent policies on discounts" for e-commerce companies operating in the country.

To be sure, the fact remains that e-commerce still accounts for just around 5 percent of total retail in India. So, the quantum of business lost for brick-and-mortar retail may not be too big as yet. At the same time, Amazon has created a new market for Indian small and medium retailers -- exports to more than 180 countries. Without Amazon, it well may have been difficult for small and medium companies across India to tap such a diverse variety of markets across 180 countries.

Whether Amazon has violated FDI (foreign direct investment) norms, or if deep discounts are really hurting Indian retailers with physical stores are questions that the regulators need to find answers for. Besides, discounts always benefit consumers.

That being said, helping SMBs and violation of laws, if any have occurred as alleged, should not be linked in any way. Remember that at the end of the day, as Made-in-India products are sold more through its platform, Amazon also gains through commissions and fees. It is a pure business decision and should be seen as such.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) awarded the Purdue Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program the prestigious 2020 Model Entrepreneurship Education Program Award at its annual conference held recently in New Orleans.

Purdues cross-campus entrepreneurship program was one of three finalists that emerged from a three-stage application process that began in the fall of 2019. Nathalie Duval-Couetil, the founding director of the certificate program, made the final presentation at the USASBE annual conference, where she highlighted program elements that have been key to its success.

Purdue's entrepreneurship program universally impressed the judges with their student-centered, data-informed, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship education. It is so hard to build bridges and break down silos in academia, and that's the biggest challenge to embracing the interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship education, said Eric Liguori, USASBE immediate past president and executive director of Rowan Universitys Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Purdue demonstrated a comprehensive, well-executed program that is bold, boundary-spanning, and inclusive.

Started in 2005, Purdues Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program has grown into one of the largest multidisciplinary entrepreneurship programs in the country, serving approximately 2,000 students from over 168 majors across Purdues West Lafayette campus each year.

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program empowers students in all majors to turn their innovative ideas into action, whether they choose careers in startups, industry or nonprofit organizations, said Duval-Couetil, director of the program and associate director of Purdues Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship. The program is designed to turbocharge a students degree by providing them with knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to create new ventures or generate value in established organizations.

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program was also recently named a Top 50 Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Program by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2017, it won the Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award as part of the Deshpande Symposium Awards for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Innovation is a core value at Purdue and through this program, our faculty and staff are helping students from every corner of our campus focus their entrepreneurial drive, collaborate with others who share their innovative spirit, and learn how to move ideas and concepts from design to reality, said Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. We couldnt be prouder of our Purdue entrepreneurs who have gone on to create successful startup businesses and the intrapreneurs whose creative ideas are improving businesses and organizations across Indiana and the world.

For more information on the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, visit purdue.edu/entr.

Writer: Kasie Roberson, 765-494-3386, roberso7@purdue.edu

Sources: Nathalie Duval-Couetil, 765-494-7068, natduval@purdue.edu

Jay Akridge, purdueprovost@purdue.edu

Eric Liguori, liguori@rowan.edu
New mapping technique using powerful x-ray technology will provide clear and detailed images of the brain and aid development of more effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases

Singapore, 15 January 2020 - Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) are working as members of an international team to produce a first-of-its-kind ultra-high resolution 3D comprehensive map of the human brain's neural network. The effort involves teams from Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Australia and China have also expressed interest to be part of the project. Initiated at NUS, the Singapore team, comprising researchers from the local scientific community, will use synchrotrons - extremely powerful x-ray sources - to trace the complex and intricate networks that cover the brain.

Associate Professor Low Chian Ming from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anaesthesia is a co-founding member of this international consortium, and leads the team from Singapore. The team will work to construct the map of the human brain and coordinate the data management for this endeavour.

The work will link the synchrotron facilities in the Asia Pacific region under a collaboration called Synchrotron for Neuroscience - Asia Pacific Strategic Enterprise (SYNAPSE), which is expected to involve more than 1,000 researchers. Launched today at the NUS Shaw Foundation Alumni House Auditorium, the founding members of the initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to work together to complete their brain map project by 2024. Faster, crystal clear images of the brain

Each participating facility will work on a portion of the same brain. Using synchrotron x-rays, the SYNAPSE partners will image the brain network on a scale of 0.3 micro-metres, with an image being taken at the speed of 1 cubic millimeter per minute. The overall data acquisition and processing speed is more than 10 times faster than any other current method (such as super-resolution microscopy or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), according to Assoc Prof Low. He estimates that it will take the SYNAPSE collaboration about four years to map a human brain; other methods would take as long as the lifespan of an average person.

SYNAPSE will complement the structural map constructed from x-ray imaging with subcellular and molecular information from other advanced imaging techniques such as infrared spectromicroscopy, super-resolution visible-light three-dimensional microscopy and cryo-electron tomography. This coordinated approach will provide ultra-small structural details of the entire brain, analogous to the detailed features of Google Earth images. By contrast, other current maps of the human brain only capture certain specific areas. SYNAPSE will enhance the understanding of the structure of the brain and the composition of its various structures, clarifying the normal functions and helping to identify the causes of brain diseases.

As mapping a human brain will generate a huge amount of data, a second MOU was signed today by the SYNAPSE members to implement a High Performance Computing network to rapidly process, store, mobilise, access, and analyse such data. Singapore, which will leverage the petascale supercomputing resources at the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC), will be the data hub of SYNAPSE. The data hub will link all the SYNAPSE partners via the established high-speed 100G international network connections of the Singapore Advanced Research and Education Network (SingAREN).

In parallel, the Singapore team will conduct its imaging work at the Singapore Synchrotron Light Source (SSLS) facility located in NUS.

"Globally, brain mapping has gained impetus due to the growing impact of brain diseases. What we are setting out to do is a world-first enterprise. The images captured with unprecedented speed, clarity and granularity by SYNAPSE will form an extensive human brain map. They will show how neurons are connected and how they interact to result in cognition and intelligence. Our findings could potentially contribute to effective treatment for increasingly important neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia," Assoc Prof Low explained.

An International Advisory Board (IAB) including experts from neuropathology, electrophysiology, cell biological approaches and imaging has also been established to support SYNAPSE and assure its scientific excellence.

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, thousands of people lost their homes along the Florida Panhandle. Rescue groups from across the country rushed to help, opening food kitchens, establishing temporary accommodation, and giving hope to those caught up in the October 2018 tragedy.

One Mobile County resident had a different idea of how to help. Gleyndon Kern, who lives in the Bayou La Batre area, heard from his mother that two of her elderly friends in Florida had lost everything in the hurricane and were effectively homeless.

He wanted to help.

Kern turned to Little Custom Homes, a celebrated Arkansas-homebuilder that had set up a factory in Bayou La Batre in Feb. 2018. He put down a $78,250 deposit on the two homes.

What drew me to the company was it could build a house in about two to three months, said Kern in an interview with AL.com. Most homes take six to eight months, so this company was perfect for housing the two people I wanted to help. I was going to let them live rent free for as long as they needed.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mobile County Commissioner and U.S. House candidate Jerry Carl talked positively about the potential the company might have in ending blight and believed it could start a regional market for small, affordable custom homes. Bayou La Batre Mayor Terry Downey and senior members of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce were also there that day to help promote the new business. It was to create 40 new jobs in a place that desperately needed the work.

What they didnt know was the principle owner of the company, William Joe Denton III, had already left a trail of debt around the country and was facing severe financial problems, according to court documents obtained by AL.com from New York, Alabama and Arkansas.

Denton is being pursued for combined debts of $550,000, not including the $230,000 he owes building suppliers and individuals who made down payments on homes that were never built, according to court records.

Most of the $550,000 is owed to capital investment companies in New York.

County Commissioner Jerry Carl said he worked hard to support the company and Denton, but was ultimately glad he was gone. We fought and fought to make that business a success, then we fought for the citizens who didnt get their homes, he said. We havent missed him and dont need people like that in our community.

The biggest concern now is making sure our fine citizens and businesses are made whole, he added.

In eight separate Alabama court filings against Denton and his company he is accused of taking large deposits on homes and receiving building supplies without making delivery on the homes or paying for supplies. In every case, Denton did not respond to accusations, and as a result default judgment was made against him in Mobile courts. Four of the cases are still active and default judgments are being sought.

In some instances, he took down payments from customers and accepted building supplies when he was already in severe financial trouble.

Its good to win the case, but it means very little when there is no money to go after and the owner of the company hasnt contacted anyone to explain whats going to happen, said Kern. "Its a lost cause at the moment.

Kern also said that he should have seen the red flags. On one visit to the factory he spoke to another customer who had just signed a deal on a house that was currently under construction in the huge Bayou La Batre Factory. (The building once hosted 600 employees for the Lee Jeans company). Kern told him that the house he had just bought was actually one of the two hed already put a down payment on. After a heated discussion, they approached a manager at the factory who explained that it was just some internal confusion and all the homes were currently being built.

They also made promise after promise, even after the deadline for construction was past, Kern added.

When AL.com visited the factory in Bayou La Batre in mid-January, it looked like it hadnt been used in a long time. The shell of a custom home sat on cement blocks at the rear of the building, while the cabs of two rusting hauling trucks with Arkansas plates also looked like they hadnt been used for some time.

While Denton is the primary person named in all court filings, there is one other person mentioned in contracts with customers. New Jersey-based real estate investor Justin Massimo is named, including on Kerns housing contract. Kern said Massimo came in as an investor who was supposed to help save the company. Another defendant, Simplifi Housing LLC out of New Jersey, is also named as a defendant in Alabama court filings. The CEO of that company is a man named Salvatore Gaglio. The company is registered in New Jersey but not in Alabama.

AL.com was unable to reach Gaglio.

Denton and Massimo did not respond to comment for this article, but a legal representative of Dentons in Arkansas spoke to AL.com.

Investors were supposed to come in with capital, said David Burnett, who also said that Massimo had promised to invest $750,000 into the company. He never fully honored that commitment.

To date, Burnett said five customers had bought homes that had never been completed but was unable to say how many contracts had been finished by the company in total.

Burnett also said that Denton wasnt just a businessman who had fled off with other peoples money but had run into genuine financial issues that had also affected his own personal life. Theres no mischievous activity taking place here, just a business that didnt work out, said Burnett. Hes been completely overwhelmed by the lawsuits and was low on funds and wasnt able to hire attorneys to answer the cases against him.

As of March 2019, Dentons family home in Wilson, Arkansas, was in default, according to court records, suggesting that Burnetts analysis of events could be accurate.

Denton is apparently looking for loans from family and friends to help pay his debts, added Burnett.

Little Custom Homes is still a registered business in Alabama, according to the Alabama Secretary of State website.

Despite alleged broken promises and a failing business in Arkansas and Alabama, Massimo pitched the business idea to political leaders in the city of Carrabelle, Florida, in Feb. 2019.

Speaking at an event in Florida at that time, Massimo said that he believed the county was a good place to build because of the damage from Hurricane Michael.. Obviously theres been a terrible natural disaster and some demand is related to that. Were very confident that theres demand there and well be there for a long time.

This was at the same time he was supposed to be completing the build on Kerns two homes, for hurricane survivors.

To date, the Arkansas factory has also closed, while the one set to open in Franklin County was never realized.

Little Custom Homes did, however, deliver the shell of one building to Kerns land when they were still functioning. He hopes to take legal possession of it in the coming weeks and turn it into a home.

Ill end up putting a lot more money into this project than I originally thought, said Kern. Its something Id prefer to forget about.
Omicron variant of COVID-19 identified in Antrim, Charlevoix counties

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has been identified in one Antrim County resident and one Charlevoix County resident.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 10:33:16|Editor: xuxin

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Truong Hoa Binh, a politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnam's deputy prime minister, delivers a speech at a reception held by the Chinese embassy in Hanoi celebrating the 70th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Jan. 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Di)

HANOI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Hanoi held a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties on Wednesday.

Truong Hoa Binh, a politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and deputy prime minister, and representatives from CPV, Vietnamese government, military and other sectors attended the reception.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo said the China-Vietnam relations have been growing mature over the past 70 years, despite wind and rain.

Xiong said China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors "connected by mountains and rivers, as close as lips and teeth."

Stressing that the China-Vietnam relationship is at a "new historical start," Xiong underlined the importance of staying committed to the traditional friendship, increasing political mutual trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and properly managing disputes.

With efforts of both sides, the China-Vietnam relations are expected to bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to world peace, stability and human progress, he said.

Speaking at the reception, Binh said the friendship fostered by the older generations of two countries' leaders has become a precious treasure shared by the two countries.

He said the Vietnamese side sincerely hopes to work with the Chinese side to promote the steady, sound and sustained development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Based on the achievements of bilateral relations, the Vietnamese side believes the two countries will continue to consolidate and deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, promote exchanges and cooperation in different fields, realize the common aspirations of the two countries and peoples, and make contribution to peace, stability and development of the region and the world, Binh said.

More than 400 people from both countries attended the reception.
Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said on Thursday he was "very satisfied" with the governance structures now in place both at the French carmaker and at its Japanese partner Nissan.

"We have a board overseeing the alliance which is made up of people who are all extremely in favor of the alliance (...) there is a common desire to associate our strategic plans and a real desire to make this alliance a success", Senard told reporters.

Renault and Nissan executives have been at pains to soothe fears their 20-year-old alliance was on the brink of collapsing, after the partnership's former boss-turned-fugitive Carlos Ghosn derided it as dead in the water without him.
An Algerian man is lucky to be alive after fishermen came to his rescue when he got stranded trying to swim from East Timor to mainland Australia.

The man was identified as Haminoumna Abdul Rahman and it was believed he tried to flee the country because his visa had expired.

However instead of being deported from East Timor (Timor-Leste) it's alleged he attempted to swim to Australia on Saturday instead.

An Algerian man was rescued by fishermen near East Timor after he attempted to swim from the country to mainland Australia after his visa had allegedly expired (stock photo)

The man allegedly took to the waters of the Timor Sea on Saturday before becoming lost and being sent in completely the wrong direction (file photo)

A short time after embarking on his journey the Algerian national was in dire straits in the Timor Sea, Coconuts Bali reported.

Heavy seas and bad weather carried the man North West towards East Nusa Tenggara instead of south east towards Australia.

He was able to find land when he washed up on the coast of the Malaka regency, a 200km drive from where he entered the sea, trapping him.

Fishermen from the area spotted the man after he had been stranded overnight and immediately took him to a local hospital to be treated.

The publication reported the man was on the verge of 'passing out' when he was rescued.

'When he was found by local residents, this Algerian man was extremely weak,' Albert Neno, chief of Malaka Police said.

After he recovered it was reported Rahman was taken to the immigration office in Atambua.
Unlike the other allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, the Shiromani Akali Dal remains unruffled by the ferment over the controversial Citizenship ( Amendment) Act. But, at the helm of the countrys oldest regional party, now in its centenary year, Sukhbir Singh Badal, 58, has to look over his shoulders for other reasons: An internal revolt led by Akali stalwart and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa who, recently joined by his son and MLA Parminder Singh, has emerged as a rallying figure for anti-Badal Akalis and disparate Sikh factions , all fancying themselves as a third force in Punjab politics.

The unfolding upheaval, now potentially at a tipping point, poses the most serious challenge that Sukhbir has faced since his elevation as the party president in 2008. Which explains why he has lately been in an overdrive to keep his flock together and burnish his Panthic credentials. Combative against rivals and cautious on the

citizenship law, Sukhbir spoke to Hindustan Times at his sparsely-furnished MLA flat in Chandigarh on

Wednesday. Edited excerpts:

You are an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre. Is there is a case for reconsidering the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act ( CAA) in view of opposition parties concerns and street protests across the country?

I am not for a re-think. My partys view is that CAA should mention minorities instead of naming religious communities. Nobody in the country should feel that they have been omitted or left out.

But, other NDA allies, chiefly Nitish Kumar and Naveen Patnaik who had supported the bill in the Parliament, have refused to implement CAA?

I cannot comment on other allies or on their agenda and why are they changing their decision now because every state has its own perspective. Akali Dal has been sticking to its position right from the beginning. In Punjab, there may not be a case of Pakistani Muslim seeking Indian citizenship due to persecution, but we are for considering that on case-to-case basis. Even if we put the Muslims on the list of communities eligible under the CAA, it does not make any difference, but will earn you the goodwill.

But, you only expressed an opinion and never took a stand on inclusion of Muslims.

We are suggesting that even now. We fought for the Sikhs of Pakistan and Afghanistan who stand to gain

citizenship. We cannot jeopardise their rights now.

The Amarinder Singh government has taken a clear stand against CAA-NRC and NPR, saying it will not implement in Punjab?

Captain saab ( chief minister Amarinder Singh) cannot take any stand. He is governed by the direction of the Gandhi family.

His government is likely to bring a resolution against the CAA in the assembly session. What will be Akalis stand?

That is just a PR exercise. We will stick to the position that we took in Parliament. That is, we should include Muslims in the CAA beneficiaries.

What do you make of unrelenting protests across the country?

Lot of politics has started coming into it. Now, it is one-upmanship. It is difficult to judge the real sentiments of the people because everybody has jumped onto the CAA bandwagon. Everybody is looking at his own interest now.

Should the Modi government reach out to dissenters? As an ally, what will be your advice?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a seasoned politician. May be they are trying (to reach out). How can I advise? They themselves have a lot of advisers. Why should I get into it?

There is a perception that the CAA represents an aggressive Hindutva which has accentuated a sense of anxiety among minorities, especially Muslims.

Look, this country belongs to everybody. Sikhs are the most liberal of them. Our Guru made a sacrifice for other religions. Going by the philosophy, a Muslim is as Indian as a Hindu or a Sikh. That is the idea of India. No government should make anybody feel insecure. I gave example of my father Parkash Singh Badal in the Parliament. Every community felt that he is their leader. He developed religious places of all communities. These are the ways which give people confidence. It is duty to the government to make every community feel that it is part of India.

The opposition says the CAA goes against the secular grain of the Constitution.

A lot of political games have started at this moment. Every political party has jumped in to take advantage of the situation from all sides. In such a khichdi, the common mans views are not coming out. Let there be a stop to all this. If the politics (over CAA) continues, it will create more problems for the nation.

How satisfied is the Akali Dal with the current consultative mechanism in the NDA?

Consultation should be more than what it is now. Because lot of issues crop up in a nation as complex as India. Even I have requested the BJP president that the NDA constituents should meet regularly. If not all of them together, they can be called individually or region-wise, because each partner has its own issues. That way, a lot of feedback can come up.

Perception is that the BJP is taking Akalis for granted?

Nobody can take us for granted. The Akali Dal has its own history and commitments. Our relationship with the BJP is perfect. We have no problem. It has nothing to do with politics of give or take. That is why our relationship has not got into crisis like the one the BJP had with the Shiv Sena. We respect their turf and they respect ours.

SAD is facing a fresh bout of rebellion led by its veteran face Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and his son Parminder. How do you look at their challenge to your authority?

Their action is a blessing in disguise for the party. They were long discarded by the people. Churning takes place in every party. But, we have gone from strength to strength. Both Dhindsa and Ranjit Singh Brahampura had credited me for winning the assembly elections in 2007 and 2012. They are the ones who had proposed and seconded my name as the party president. My father never said no to them for anything. Nor did I. Sangrur and Tarn Taran were the traditional Akali bastions. But, in last 30 years, they became the most unsafe constituencies for Akalis. That was because of non-performance and autocratic conduct of Dhindsa and Brahampura.

But, they accuse you of running party undemocratically like a dictator.

If all senior leaders are in the core committee and Mr Dhindsa himself was in it, how can he say it is undemocratic? What is the parameter for a politicians credibility? If he wins elections, it means people like him. If he doesnt, they dont like him. Dhindsa saab, who now calls himself a tall leader, has been a serial loser for last thirty years. He had lost even in 1997 when the party had swept the assembly polls. But, every time he lost, Badal saab still put him in the position of power  whether it was chairmanship of power board or planning board.

Last time, we had promised a Rajya Sabha seat to Daljit Singh Cheema because he was denied the ticket. But, when Dhindsa lost, he demanded the Rajya Sabha nomination which my father agreed to, denying Cheema his due. Was the party undemocratic then? Likewise, when Parminder lost the Lok Sabha elections last year from his familys home turf, I made him the leader of legislature party. Was I dictator then? The dictatorship of Dhindsa saab can be judged from the fact he didnt allow his son to take a decision on his political future and told him that either you leave the Badals or I will disown you.

Your detractors say the Akali Dal under you abandoned the Panthic ideology and agenda.

Did they say all this when they were enjoying power as Akalis? They have stabbed Panth in the back and are now projecting themselves as more Panthic than us. Dhindsa saab is now aligning with Paramjit Singh Sarna who is a Congress member. He is saying all this under frustration. The Brand Dhindsa was built by the party. He wants me to resign for the partys defeat in 2017. Did he resign as secretary general when he lost six elections? Did Parminder resign when he lost the Lok Sabha polls by two lakh votes and came third in is bastion Sangrur. I and my wife won the Lok Sabha polls. So, who is Panthic? Those elected by the Panth or ones rejected?

Is the SAD staring at another split?

Not at all. When Manpreet Badal left us, everyone said the party will split. Individuals cant destroy a party. The Shiromani Akali Dal is bigger than thousand individuals. If I leave the party, Sukhbir Singh Badal will be finished but SAD will be there. If someone wants to be a human bomb and destroy the party, we will give our life but never allow that.

But, the Dhindsas and Taksalis want to free SAD from the Badals and revive its old glory.

My father has served the party for seven decades and became chief minister five times because of his credibility with the people and the Panth. I have been chosen the party president for the third time by delegates elected by 47 lakh members. Why do they need to free Akali Dal from an elected president? Why dont they start their own party ? Lets see how many people go with them. They are not Akali Dal Taksali. They are Akali Dal nakli(fake).

Do you see the breakaway Akalis forging a third front ahead of the 2022 assembly polls?

Today people go on credibility. If you look at the list of Taksali leaders, they never won elections in 30 years. People had a very bad experience with the third front in 2017. People want future of Punjab. Can you name one thing that Amarinder Singh has done for the state in last three years? When in power, we never said khazana khaali (empty coffers). This is the defence of incompetent rulers.

The probe into the sacrilege cases is still hanging over your head.

We are not scared because we have not done anything wrong. Lies will always be lies.

Captain has hinted that he is here to stay and may again lead the party in the 2022 assembly polls.

I am very happy for him. People of Punjab will decide whether they want him to stay or not. And the way he is performing, they have surely made up their mind to retire him.

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SOUTH ROXANA  An Arkansas man was charged Thursday afternoon in Madison County Circuit Court with five felony counts following a high speed chase that caused injury to another person Thursday morning.

Multiple jurisdictions police officers arrested Christopher W. Hamby, 30, a convicted felon from Jessieville, Arkansas, after a police pursuit that began at approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Alton. Hamby is being held at the Madison County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail. He charged with armed violence, unlawful possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, criminal damage to property over $500 and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

An Alton Police vehicle began to pursue a full-size Ford pickup truck, driven by Hamby, with Arkansas license plates after the truck allegedly ran a stop light on Illinois 140 at Stanley Road, almost striking the officers car.

Unknown to the officer at that time, Bethalto Police had already pursued the vehicle earlier, but it apparently eluded them.

Alton Police pursued the car into Alton and down College Avenue at reported speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. At more than one point in the chase the pickup truck driver drove into oncoming traffic while attempting to flee police.

The pursuit continued through Upper Alton, down Brown Street and Milton Road and into East Alton and Wood River, when a Wood River officer spotted the suspect driving recklessly and tried to stop him. Hamby disregarded any attempts to stop the vehicle, driving recklessly into a school zone and throwing items from the vehicle. The pickup also struck a car at Illinois 111 near Acton Avenue. The driver of that car was not injured.

The pursuit continued southbound on Illinois 111 through Roxana and into South Roxana where the truck crashed after hitting a Toyota Rav4 with two people inside at Broadway. Hamby was then taken into custody by officers from South Roxana, Roxana and Wood River. Roxana firefighters and an Alton Memorial ambulance responded to the scene and transported one passenger from the Rav4 to a local hospital.

A search of Hamby and the truck he was driving recovered methamphetamine and ammunition. A .40 caliber firearm was recovered on a street where Hamby threw items from the vehicle. The firearm matched the ammunition Hamby possessed.

Illinois State Police were called to work the accident scene on Illinois 111 at Broadway in South Roxana. Illinois 111 in the area was closed for about 30 minutes while officers worked the scene.
Russian lawmakers on Thursday quickly approved the appointment of a new prime minister, a day after President Vladimir Putin kicked off an unexpected reshuffle of his inner circle that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024.

Moscow: Russian lawmakers on Thursday quickly approved the appointment of a new prime minister, a day after President Vladimir Putin kicked off an unexpected reshuffle of his inner circle that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024.

Mikhail Mishustin, the chief of Russias tax service, met with lawmakers from various factions in the State Duma ahead of the confirmation vote in the Kremlin-controlled lower house. Mishustin vowed to focus on social issues and improve living standards.

We have all the necessary resources to fulfill the goals set by the president," he said. The president wants the Cabinet to spearhead economic growth and help create new jobs. Raising real incomes is a priority for the government.

Mishustin succeeds Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin associate who was Russias prime minister for eight years. Medvedev resigned hours after Putin proposed sweeping changes to the constitution. Medvedev served as president in 2008-2012, keeping the seat warm for Putin who continued calling the shots as prime minister when he was forced to step down from the top job due to term limits.

Under Medvedev, the constitution was amended to extend the presidential term from four years to six, although it limits the leader to two consecutive terms. Putin has kept his long-time ally Medvedev in his close circle, appointing him to the newly created post of deputy head of the presidential Security Council.

The 53-year-old Mishustin is a career bureaucrat who has worked as the tax chief for the past 10 years, keeping a low profile and showing no political ambitions. He has won a good reputation among experts who praised him for boosting tax collection and streamlining Russia's rigid tax administration system.

The reshuffle sent shock waves through Russia's political elites, who were left pondering what Putin's intentions were and speculating about future Cabinet appointments.

A constitutional reform that Putin announced in a state-of-the-nation address indicated he was working to carve out a new governing position for himself after his current six-year term ends in 2024, although it remains unclear what specific path he will take to stay in charge.

Putin has been in power longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin, who led from 1924 until his death in 1953. Under the current law, Putin must step down when his current term ends.

Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members. The president currently holds the authority to make those appointments. At the same time, Putin argued that Russia would not remain stable if it were governed under a parliamentary system.

The president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, to name top defense and security officials, and to be in charge of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies, he said.

In his address, Putin said the constitution must also specify the authority of the State Council consisting of regional governors and top federal officials. Observers speculated that Putin might try to stay in charge by shifting into the prime minister's seat again after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority.

Others suggested that he could also try to continue pulling the strings as head of the council and could even shift into a new position before his term ends. Another potential option is a merger with neighboring Belarus that would create a new position of the head of a new unified state.

That prospect that has been rejected by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an autocratic ruler who has been in power for more than quarter century. Later on Thursday, Putin is expected to attend a meeting of the working group to draft constitutional amendments.

Putin said that the constitutional changes need to be approved by a public vote, but officials said it doesn't imply a referendum and it wasn't immediately clear how it will be organised.
New Delhi: Following Beijings raising of the Kashmir issue on Wednesday at Pakistans behest for informal consultations at the UN Security Council that ended in a damp squib, India lashed out at China on Thursday, asking it to seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in future. New Delhi said the overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan and that the informal closed-door meeting, therefore, concluded without any outcome.

Hitting out at Islamabad as well, India said it sincerely hopes that the message has gone across loud and clear to Pakistan that if at all there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally, adding that Pakistan can avoid this global embarrassment time and again by putting their energy in something constructive. The MEA said it once again highlighted that Pakistans desperate measures to peddle baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario lacked any credibility.

Sources said no other country at the UNSC backed China which means that 14 out of the 15 UNSC members backed the Indian position. Sources also said Beijing seems to be under tremendous pressure from Islamabad to keep raising the issue informally at the UN. This is the third time China has attempted to raise the matter. The first was in August last year, soon after India revoked Article 370, when the UNSC informally discussed the situation in Kashmir. The second attempt was made in December, but China backed off.

On why China was repeatedly insisting on raising the Kashmir issue for informal consultations at the UNSC, external affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said: I suggest that this question should be posed to the Chinese side as well. China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in future.

Commenting on the issue, the MEA said: An effort was made by Pakistan through a member of the UNSC to once again misuse the platform of UNSC for discussing a bilateral matter. The overwhelming majority of UNSC members were of the view that the UNSC was not the right forum for such issues, and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The informal closed-door meeting, therefore, concluded without any outcome. It once again highlighted that Pakistans desperate measures to peddle baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario lacked any credibility. We sincerely hope that the message has gone across loud and clear to Pakistan that if at all there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally. Pakistan can avoid this global embarrassment time and again by putting their energy in something constructive.
Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's lawyers on Thursday exchanged heated arguments with the prosecution in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court which is hearing terror financing charges against the JuD chief.

While the arguments against Saeed continued, a similar case against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) spokesperson Yahya Mujahid and others was adjourned till January 23.

Saeed's lawyers Naseeruddin Nayyar and Imran Fazal Gull, and Deputy Prosecutor General of Punjab Abdur Reauf presented their arguments for more than five hours in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Lahore, a court official told PTI.

"Heated arguments were exchanged between the defence and prosecution lawyers during the hearing on Thursday," he said.

The hearing in Saeed's case was adjourned till Friday, the official said.

The ATC-II also held hearing in terror financing case against senior JuD leader Abdul Rehman Makki and its spokesperson Mujahid and adjourned the proceedings till January 23, he said.

Saeed was produced before the ATC in high security. Journalists were not allowed to enter the court premises for the coverage of the proceedings.

On Wednesday, Saeed's lawyers presented their arguments for six hours before the court, saying he had no connection with the terror financing charges and the piece of land acquired in the name of the trust (by him and others) was used for setting up seminaries and mosques.

On Tuesday, the JuD chief recorded his statement before the ATC in two terror financing cases against him in which he pleaded "not guilty".

The cases of terror financing have been registered against him in Lahore and Gujranwala cities on the application of Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab police.

Cross examination of prosecution witnesses against the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and his three close aides by the defence counsel has already been concluded. The ATC indicted Saeed and others in December in terror financing case.

The Counter Terrorism Department had registered 23 FIRs against Saeed and his accomplices on the charges of terror financing in different cities of Punjab province and arrested him on July 17. He is held at the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

Saeed-led JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

His indictment followed growing international pressure on Pakistan to stop militant groups from collecting funds in the country and to take immediate action against those still involved in militant activities.

The international terror financing watchdog FATF has decided to keep Pakistan on its 'Grey' list for failure to curb funnelling of funds to terror groups LeT, JeM and others.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which kept Pakistan on the Grey List for an extended period till February 2020, had warned in October that Islamabad would be put on the Black List if it did not comply with the remaining 22 points in a list of 27 questions.

Saeed, a UN and US designated terrorist, has USD 10 million American bounty on his head.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Head of Russian Federal Tax Service Mishustin Accepts PM Post Proposal

Sputnik News

19:15 15.01.2020(updated 20:07 15.01.2020)

This comes after the outgoing Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced the resignation of the government.

The head of the Russian Federal Tax Service Mikhail Mishustin has accepted President Putin's proposal to become the country's new prime minister, a statement by the Kremlin press service said.

The State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, will consider on Thursday the appointment of Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister, the parliamentary press service said.

"The council of the State Duma has corrected the chamber's agenda for January 16 to consider the prime minister candidature," the press service said.

According to the State Duma deputy speaker Sergei Neverov, the United Russia faction in parliament will hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss Mishustin's candidacy for the post of prime minister.

"We will hold a meeting of the faction tomorrow at 9 a.m. [06:00 GMT]. The topic of the meeting is the candidacy for the post of Prime Minister proposed by our moral leader, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. It is necessary to approve the prime minister as quickly as possible, as he will have to form a new cabinet. All the tasks that were outlined by the president in his address to parliament require a speedy solution," Neverov said.

Meanwhile, Sergei Mironov, the chair of the Just Russia party, said that all factions of the Duma will meet with Mr Mishustin on Thursday morning. He added that the Just Russia party will back his candidacy for the post of prime minister.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced the resignation of the country's government following President Vladimir Putin's state-of-the-nation address which proposed significant changes to a number of articles of the Constitution. Among other things, Mr Putin suggested some limits to the president's appointment powers, allowing parliament a greater role in appointing members of the government. He also suggested banning high-ranking officials from holding dual citizenship and foreign residence permits.

A Sputnik

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Citizens can now film and record traffic police officers, as long as they are not interfering with police duties, according to a new circular that took effect on Wednesday.

Hanoi chairman queried over recording ban at public liaison offices

A citizen films a on-duty traffic police in HCM City.  Photo luatvietnam.vn

Circular 67, which was issued by the Ministry of Public Security, replaced circular 54 issued in 2009 to ensure transparency in the work of maintaining traffic order and safety.

A representative of the ministrys Traffic Police Department said citizens can report the violations of traffic police officers and send video clips or photos directly to the department or local traffic police via their web portals.

Leaders of violating traffic police officers must be responsible for examining and handling violations according to the law.

In HCM City, the citys Department of Road and Railway Traffic Police, told Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper that all citizens complaints involving the work and attitude of the traffic police could be sent via the hotline 0994.676767 or email csgt-dbds.ca@tphcm.gov.vn.

In addition, people can report directly to the headquarters of the department in Tran Hung Dao Street, Cau Kho Ward in District 1.

Citizens must provide their personal information or bring personal papers and take legal responsibility for the accuracy of their report.

According to transport experts, traffic police must diversify channels of receiving feedback and suggestions from citizens, especially through social networks.

Recently, videos showing traffic police officers displaying inappropriate attitudes towards motorists have been posted on social networks instead of being sent to agencies.

Most of these cases were verified and handled later.

On December 6, 2019, a 15-second clip appeared on social networks recording a traffic police officer in HCM City losing his temper and cursing while talking to a traffic violator in the Pham Ngu Lao  Nguyen Thi Nghia Intersection in District 1.

According to the city's Traffic Police Department, the officer in the video clip was identified as Vuong Van V, who worked for Ben Thanh Traffic Police Unit.

When the officer pulled the vehicle over, the driver refused to work with him and filmed him.

The police officer lost his temper and cursed. He was given a warning about his attitude.

In addition, agencies must publicise the results of handling traffic police who violate regulations to create confidence among citizens and encourage them to monitor and report violations.  VNS
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A Georgia company has shown city officials drawings for a 202-bed student apartment development at the site of the 109-year-old Temple Concord in Syracuse.

Landmark Properties, of Athens, Georgia, has not yet submitted formal plans for the development. However, representatives of the company presented preliminary drawings to the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board for a 7- and 8-story student housing development at the synagogue property at 910 Madison St.

The development would require the demolition of a portion of the east wall of the temples sanctuary, but it would leave the rest of the sanctuary building intact.

Two additions to the temple -- a 1920s educational and administrative wing on the northeast corner of the temples social hall and a 1960s addition attached to other east side of the educational and administrative wing -- would be demolished.

In their place, Landmark Properties would construct an L-shaped building that would wrap around the sanctuary.

The long leg of the "L" would be seven stories tall and border the southern side of the sanctuary. Fronting University Avenue and positioned forward of the new building would be a two-story glass box building that John Harding, a senior associate principal of Cube3 Architects, said would provide a modest background to the temple, according to the minutes of the boards meeting.

The short leg of the "L" would attach to the east, or rear, portion of the sanctuary building. It would be eight stories tall, but its roof would be the same height as the long leg of the "L" because it would be built on lower ground.

Preliminary drawing by Cube3 Architects and presented to the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board shows proposed 7- and 8-story student housing development at the Temple Concord site at 910 Madison St. in Syracuse.

A mix of modern and more traditional materials would be used on the new buildings exterior to provide a visual hierarchy to the site and reduce the visual impact of the new construction.

Landmark Properties, which owns and manages 64 student housing projects across the country, totaling more than 24,500 beds, reached a deal with the Temple Society of Concord last summer to buy the temple complex for $9 million. The purchase is contingent on the company obtaining city approvals to build student apartments on the site.

The preservation board has scheduled a public hearing Feb. 6 on whether the entire temple complex should be designated a protected site. Such a designation would require the developer to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the board before making any exterior alterations to the buildings, including demolition.

After the temples membership approved the sale in July, Central New York preservationists expressed concerns that a redevelopment of the property would result in the destruction of the sanctuary. It opened on the southeast corner of Madison Street and University Avenue in 1911 and serves as home to the ninth oldest active Jewish congregation in the U.S. and the oldest in Central New York.

At its meeting Nov. 21, Preservation Board members said they were pleased the developer planned to maintain the majority of the sanctuary building but encouraged the designers to retain the full east wall of the sanctuary, including the sanctuarys bimah, a raised platform where the Torah is read and services led. They said the wall was an important architectural feature and suggested maintaining the full interior of the sanctuary provide greater opportunities for new uses for the space.

No details were disclosed about the future use of the sanctuary. The board said reuse of the space must be a priority consideration of the project.

The granite structure with a columned portico reminiscent of many Greek Doric temples in Greece and Southern Italy was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, a designation that provides tax incentives to maintain its exterior appearance.

If the sale goes through, the temples congregation plans to move to temporary quarters while it makes plans for a new permanent home. Temple officials cited financial challenges faced by the 180-year-old congregation as the primary reason for agreeing to the sale.

See also: Central NYs oldest Jewish congregation votes to sell historic synagogue for student apartments

6 A look at Syracuse's historic Temple Concord

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One day after being briefly detained by security forces during public vigils and protests in Iran, the UK envoy Rob Macaire was called to the foreign ministry on Sunday.

Iran summoned him to complain about his attendance at an "illegal" rally in Tehran to commemorate those killed in a Ukrainian airliner mistakenly downed by the country's military forces, Iranian Foreign Ministry's website reported.

"Today, Rob Macaire was summoned because of his unconventional behavior of attending an illegal rally on Saturday," the report said.

The Ukrainian airliner was downed in the early morning of January 8 as it took off from Tehrans international airport, bound for Kyiv with 176 people aboard. All perished in the subsequent crash.

Iranians decided to hold vigils and protests Saturday afternoon to voice their anger at the government for initially denying the armed forces shot down the plane. For three days, Islamic republic officials were insisting no one fired at the aircraft.

Britain said earlier that its ambassador in Iran had been briefly detained on Saturday, which Iranian media said was because he was inciting anti-government protests.

"Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations!" Macaire tweeted later. "Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of [flight] #PS752 tragedy," he wrote. "Normal to want to pay respects - some of victims were British."

Protests that started Saturday continued on Sunday and expected to grow to more rallies later in the evening.

With reporting by Reuters, DPA
A Long Branch man who admitted last year to killing his 16-year-old girlfriend after their break-up is moving to withdraw his guilty plea.

Bryan Cordero-Castro, 21, filed the motion in Monmouth County Superior Court earlier this month, his attorney Adam Weisberg said, though he declined to discuss his clients reasoning.

Cordero-Castro pleaded guilty two months ago to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and an attempted escape charge for killing Madison Wells, an ex-girlfriend who police said Cordero-Castro was stalking in the hours leading up to her death. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Tina Wells, Madisons sister, said her family hopes a judge rejects Cordero-Castros request to back out of his guilty plea.

"We want this over with. We do not wish to go to trial and see pictures of Madison dead, Tina Wells said. I do not want to live that terrible night all over again.

She believes the plea agreement he made with the prosecutors office was already too lenient. At his sentencing, prosecutors plan to recommend a 30-year sentence for the aggravated manslaughter charge, and a five-year consecutive sentence for the attempted escape charge.

According to Wells, Cordero-Castro believes he received ineffective legal representation, and did not understand the terms of the plea deal.

Weisberg, Cordero-Castros lawyer, said no date has been set for a judge to consider the motion.

We think he got lucky with 35 years and for him to think he deserves less is truly disgusting, Wells said.

Authorities have said Cordero-Castro visited one of Wells family members homes several times on Sept. 8, 2018 in search of Madison, before she finally agreed to talk with him outside a Van Pelt Place residence. He stabbed Wells at about 10:40 p.m. that night and she stumbled back into the homes living room, where emergency responders found her with stab wounds to the chest.

Cordero-Castro tried to call or text Wells more than 230 times in a nine-hour span before he stabbed her, according to authorities. The two began dating in November 2017.

Madison Wells, 16, was stabbed to death in Long Branch.

Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Students pursuing accounting degrees in the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) get a chance this semester to build their tax preparation skills and aid the surrounding communities as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS.

The tax preparation services are open to community members and fellow students by appointment only from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 4 through March 5 in room 109 of Newton Oakes on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a message for Lisa Nash, lecturer of accounting at UNG and a CPA, at 706-867-3082. The IRS provides a list of "what to bring" to a VITA site so that taxpayers can be prepared for their appointment. Nash will also discuss the list of items to bring at the time of making the appointment.

VITA offers free tax services to people who generally make $54,000 or less. Students prepare 1040 forms with schedules A, B, C-EZ, D, along with basic tax credits. Federal and state returns are prepared while taxpayers are present. Nash reviews all returns before she files them electronically with direct deposit available, if desired.

"The experience students receive in the VITA program is invaluable. Students have the opportunity to encounter real clients, with real tax documents, confusion and ambiguity," said Dr. Anne Duke, department head of Accounting and Law at UNG. "We have the opportunity to teach students about truly caring for clients, listening, and helping make sound and legal decisions. Students with VITA training are very much more prepared for employment in public accounting after graduation."

The students, under Nash's direction, are certified by testing through the IRS.

"Being able to apply what we've learned in a controlled environment with real clients is a great thing to put on your resume," said Gabriella Santangelo, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing an accounting degree. "It's something employers will be excited to see."

This is Nash's fourth year supervising the VITA tax preparation program at UNG. The program has generally served 75 to 80 taxpayers per filing season, but Nash hopes for more than 100 participants this year.

Whitney Coles, a senior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, looks forward to the experience.

"I'm just really excited to help the people who are in need," Coles said. "I really love helping others and doing community service. Offering a tax service will be a great experience. The face-to-face interaction will give us perspective on how taxes are done and helping people in general."

Coles' combination of math acumen and an outgoing personality make accounting, and this service, a natural fit for her.

"I get to deal with numbers, which I like, and I get to interact with people," Coles said. "Meeting with people and getting to see that smile on their face will definitely bring joy to me."

While the opportunity certainly will build the students' technical skills, Santangelo is also eager to improve her ability to communicate the tax rules and regulations in plain terms for people who may have a language barrier or disabilities.

"The tax law for 2019 did not see as many overwhelming changes as 2018 filing season, but there are always small changes that impact taxpayers and many of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes are still being implemented," Nash said. "Payroll withholding tables have changed, so taxpayers often need to consider adjustments to withholding for the next year."

In addition to a bachelor's degree in accounting offered on UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses, UNG also offers a Master of Accountancy. Please contact Duke for more information at anne.duke@ung.edu.
(Alliance News) - Commercial aircraft leasing company Avation PLC on Thursday said it has delivered a second new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft to Braathens Regional Airways AB, a Norwegian-owned Swedish airline.

The Singapore-based company said the second aircraft, as with the first one, was financed with a "Green Loan" provided by Deutsche Bank. Avation acquired the aircraft from French-Italian manufacturer Avions de Transport Regional GIE.

Avation's Chair Jeff Chatfield said: "Avation is pleased to complete this delivery of a second aircraft to Braathens. We are also pleased that this aircraft was again financed via our Green Loan initiative."

Shares in Avation were trading 0.9% higher at 300.62 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.

By Tapan Panchal; tapanpanchal@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Kolkata, Jan 16 : How did the BJP set a target of winning over half of the Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal ahead of last year's general elections? The state party had in fact settled for a very modest target of 11 seats in its initial presentation before the central leadership, and there was utter disbelief and confusion in the party ranks as national President Amit Shah went on to scale up the target.

State party chief Dilip Ghosh on Thursday gave an insight into the goings-on in the party organisation in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in April-May last year when the BJP bagged 18 of the 42 seats to record its finest performance in the eastern state.

Addressing party functionaries after his unanimous re-election as Bengal party President, Ghosh said the preparations had started after the 2016 Assembly polls.

"We had then listed 21 parliamentary constituencies, exactly half of the total seats. We were not at all sure we will win all of them. But we thought we had the capability to fight for victory in these seats.

"As we started our work, the organisation grew, and the list went up to 25, then to 27. So we told the central leadership we can win 11 seats in the LS polls," said Ghosh.

"The national President said 'you have to say the target is 11'. And he said the same in public meetings. Then after a year, he publicly raised the target to 23. Our workers came to me saying 'how can we achieve it if he increases the target daily'," said Ghosh.

"When we started saying the target will be 23, the journalists asked me how we can even think of getting so many seats. I said we will achieve it. In the end, we won 18. We lost two-three seats by a few votes due to our inexperience," he said.

Recounting the time when he took over as the state party President, Ghosh said that four years back, they could enrol 42 lakh members. "We did not even have booth committees then. But we all tried. Booth committees were formed and their numbers grew." He then turned to the latest enrolment drive, giving the audience another interesting tale of the party getting nearly one crore members.

"This time when I was asked by our central leadership, even before discussing with the party, I said we will get one crore members. I only went by my intuition. Journalists here asked me how you can reach such a figure. I said we will reach our goal. We now have 98 lakh members," said Ghosh.

A long-time pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Ghosh is a comparative newcomer to politics. He was deputed to the BJP by the RSS in 2014, and made a state General Secretary.

Then one December morning in 2015, he received a call from Shah.

"Ghosh babu, you are being made state party president," Shah said, and the call got cut before the man in Bengal could even respond.

"Then I had less than a year's experience in politics. I had no idea about the role of the president. During these four years I have tried to understand it. But even before I could understand my role, I was asked to fight the Assembly election in 2016 from Kharagpur and people made me an MLA.

"Three years later I became an MP, as I continue to understand the president's chair," he said.

Saying his party was engaged in a tough duel in Bengal against the might of a "cruel" administration and ruling party, Ghosh said, "We are fighting the battle of Mahabharata, which will end in West Bengal after travelling through other parts of the country. We are all soldiers in this battle," he added.
The past decade of conflict in the Middle East has exposed a gap in the understanding of freedom and of what the idea means in the varying communities, societies, and countries of the region. This misunderstanding has been between the Middle East and the rest of the world (primarily the West), between countries within the region, and within countries themselves, as the concept of freedom has continued to develop over the past century in the region. As layers of non-freedom have been peeled back, new barriers to freedom emerge. While this misunderstanding of an idea is not uniquely the cause of the regions turmoil, it is indeed in the background of most conflicts there, particularly those defined as an oppressed people against a dictatorial regime or aggressive enemy.

Early in the 20th century, freedom in the Middle East was primarily thought of as freedom from colonization  e.g. the freedom of the Turkish people from being divided up by Greece, Russia, France, etc., and the freedom of the Arabs from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and then from European colonialism, and so on and so forth. The success in gaining freedom from colonialism led directly to the nationalist era in Middle Eastern politics, which in many ways has lasted to today, though it is arguably weaker than it has been since its inception, at least in the Arab countries of the region. Nationalism in its modern form is mostly a foreign concept to the Middle East, existing seriously only since the mid-19th century or so. It is an attempt to import a model that worked in Europe  the nation-state  into a region with a fundamentally different national and social history.

More so than Europe, the Middle East is a patchwork of ethnicities (nations) living on top of, rather than next to, one another. While the European nation-state often subjected those at the periphery to adopt the national identity of the center  as the culture and language of Paris and Madrid, for example, were imposed on Basques and Catalans  in the Middle East such various groups often live within the same city and overlap in ways that make it impossible to draw a map separating people along ethnic lines. The creation of the nation-state in the Middle East led to a zero-sum game of winners and losers, with competing groups fighting for absolute control over the same territory. After a successful military campaign against Greece, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, Turkey won its independence and created a state of, by, and for the Turkish people. Through genocide, they eliminated other populations living in the same geographical space  the Armenian, Greek, Assyrian, Syriac, and Chaldean Christian communities that formed a demographic threat to the Turkishness of Turkey. The Kurdish population, which became demographically dominant over areas once mixed with Christians, has been suffering the same fate as Turkeys attempt to Turkify every corner of the country continues.

Story continues

Since the de facto elimination of Turkeys Christian population, the Turkish state has made token gestures of outreach to the remaining minuscule communities, because they no longer represent a serious threat to the Turkishness of Turkey. Promoting the small remaining minorities allows Turkey to maintain its standing in the international community, even as it continues its campaign to Turkify public and private life. Last year, for example, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a big show of announcing the construction of a new Syriac Orthodox church in Istanbul. Erdogan is unlikely to make the same gesture to the Kurdish community in the near future, although Kurds had a lot of hope in Erdogan and his AKP (Justice and Development Party) when they first took power. As the situation stands today, however, Kurdish nationalism and Turkish nationalism are competing forces that cannot exist side by side, and Turkish nationalism is one and the same as the state of Turkey. And so the Kurdish struggle for freedom in Turkey, as in Iraq, Syria, and Iran, remains a national (ethnic) struggle for collective freedom.

In the Arab-majority countries of the Middle East, the postcolonial trajectory went strongly in the direction of pan-Arab nationalism. Arabs in the 19th century had come to resent Ottoman (Turkish) rule over Arabs. The nahda, or renaissance, the intellectual reawakening of the Arab world in the 19th century, started as a cultural movement but by the turn of the 20th century had taken on a political tone as well. In Le Reveil de la Nation Arabe (1905), one of the founding texts of the political Arab nationalist project, Negib Azoury (writing in French, probably showing that his primary audience was foreign governments, soon to become colonial rulers over the region) laid out the vision: The Arab countries to the Arabs, Kurdistan to the Kurds, Armenia to the Armenians, the Turkish countries to the Turks, Albania to the Albanians, the Islands of the Archipelago to Greece, and Macedonia split between the Greeks, the Serbs, and the Bulgarians. In World War I, this idea of (collective) Arab freedom culminated in the support of Hussein bin Ali, the sharif of Mecca, for the British side against the Ottoman Empire, in exchange for the promise of (collective) Arab freedom after the war, in the form of a unified Arab nation with Hussein as monarch. The Brits, however, abandoned the promise, and the Arab world, split between French and British colonization and influence, was divided into the countries we know today. Freedom meant Arab freedom from the Ottomans first, then from the British and French.

As the countries won independence from the European colonial powers, the powerful appeal of pan-Arab nationalism grew across the region, whose people felt that the contemporary map represented an arbitrary division of Arab people (nation). The most potent manifestation of this sentiment as a political project was the United Arab Republic, in which Syria and Egypt joined to form one country from 1958 to 1961. While the project was supposed to be the first step toward the unity of the Arab world, the reality was that Syria became an Egyptian colony under Gamal Abdul Nasser. The unity project was undone by a coup of Syrian officers who restored Syrias independence.

Although Syrian governments continued to proclaim Arab unity as their stated objective, particularly after the Baath party came to power in 1963, pan-Arabism was essentially dead as a practical political project, living on only as a sentiment to rally the masses. Syrias situation was similar to that of many other Arab countries. The ideological struggle that characterized the first several decades after independence from European colonization was replaced by authoritarian dictatorships still espousing Arab unity, but focusing inward on the project of subjugating non-Arab peoples to Arab domination, and of subjecting all dissenters  Arab or otherwise  to the authority of state (often one and the same as the ruling party).

Ethnic struggles (such as that of the Kurds) for collective freedom remained potent, but now the majority-Arab populations of countries such as Syria and Iraq identified a new barrier to freedom: dictatorial regimes and their leaders. Dissent was suppressed to terrifying degrees, resulting in various forms of resistance emerging from different corners: liberal democrats, Islamists, ethnic and religious minorities, majorities not in power, etc. Also contributing to this new understanding was the importation of liberalism with its emphasis on individual rights. Again, people sought to bring to the Middle East a model that worked in Europe, where governments treated citizens as individuals and guaranteed their rights regardless of their religious or ethnic identity. The first barrier to freedom was removed, that of foreign domination, but, peeled away, it only exposed further layers of oppression. The principle of individual rights has a powerful appeal, however, and wont be written off by people in the region even as the Middle East descends further into chaos, and, viewed from the outside, events seem to be driven more by ethnic and sectarian divisions than by struggles for liberal democracy.

In Syria, for example, where the struggle for collective Arab freedom from Turkish and European colonization had succeeded, those dissatisfied with Baathist rule transitioned to a struggle for different freedoms. For some, the struggle was for individual freedom, such as political freedoms and freedom of expression. For others, the struggle for religious freedom was paramount. In practice, that latter struggle often meant the replacement of authoritarian pseudo-secularism with authoritarian and majoritarian religious rule. In 2011, those two struggles  for individual freedoms and for religious freedoms, causes often integrated in the minds of those who fought for them  moved against their common enemy: the oppressive Baathist state. Their proponents did not, however, have a shared vision for the post-Baathist Syria, and, of course, the lines between the two strains of thought were blurry. Did freedom mean individual rights, particularly in the political realm? Or an increased role for the majority-Sunni religion in the public realm? In working against Baathist repression, what the liberal intellectual elite sought was very different from what, say, the Muslim Brotherhood sought.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, non-Arab ethnic groups continued to pursue the collective freedom that Arabs had already gained. In Iraq, the Kurds had fought a long, on-again, off-again battle for collective rights against the Iraqi state. Working to secure the rights of their people to be recognized as non-Arab populations, Kurds and Syriacs in northeastern Syria founded several new political parties. In 2003, the PYD (Democratic Union Party) was founded to represent Kurdish political rights, though Kurdish political parties had long existed. Likewise, the Syriac Union Party was founded in 2005, seeking recognition for the Syriac (Christian) minority to be recognized as non-Arabs.

For these movements, the struggle for freedom was primarily a struggle for the recognition of the existence of non-Arab peoples within the Syrian Arab Republic, as the country is officially known. From 2012 onward, these parties came to power in Syrias northeast and eventually formed the Autonomous Administration, which governs the areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance representing multiple ethnicities. The most fundamental principle of the Autonomous Administration has been that each ethnic or religious community has the right to exist within a common polity. Critics see it as a Kurdish nationalist project disguised as pluralism and simply replacing the existing Arabistan with a Kurdistan, but its defenders say it is the only system to recognize the equality of the Kurdish, Syriac, and Arab communities (alongside smaller minorities including Armenians, Turkmen, and Circassians). More so than the Syrian opposition, it has also recognized that Syrians see themselves first as members of a group and then as individuals, at least on a political level. And individual rights can be guaranteed only when the rights of the various collectives within Syria have been firmly established.

This project was protected by the Western military presence in Syrias northeast but now faces an existential threat from both Turkey and the Syrian government. Following President Trumps decision  now again reversed  to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, Turkey invaded the area (or, more accurately, Turkish threats of an invasion prompted the U.S. withdrawal). Turkeys opposition to the Autonomous Administration comes primarily from the fear that this model could embolden the Kurdish community, whose collective rights continue to be denied by the Turkish government. The majorities in Turkey (Turkish) and Syria (Arab) have little sympathy for Kurdish aspirations and demand minority submission to the larger nationalist project. It is no surprise, then, that the largely Kurdish political party in Turkey, the HDP (Peoples Democratic Party), quickly denounced the attempted military coup of July 2016 in Turkey, despite their strong opposition to Erdogans AKP government. Had the coup succeeded, they would merely have been switching one Turkish nationalist oppressor for another. Likewise, the Kurdish community of Syrias northeast was slower to call for the fall of the regime in 2011, as a simple switch from the Baathist regime to the opposition would have been trading one Arab nationalist entity for another, so deeply is pan-Arabism engrained in the Syrian national psyche, regime and opposition alike.

The conundrum, then, for those calling for and seeking freedom in the Middle East is that, as layers of nonfreedom are peeled back, new layers of nonfreedom appear. Sometimes the layers remain unpeeled and their contradictions unexposed. For Palestinians, for example, the struggle for freedom remains a collective one, and the barrier to that freedom remains Israel and Zionism. But if those barriers were removed, perhaps in the form of an independent Palestinian state, would the Palestinian people be free? Maybe yes, maybe no. They would find themselves in the same situation as that of their Arab neighbors who have long had freedom from a colonial power. Still, they can hardly be considered free, if the last decade of unrest in the region is any indication that the people have not considered the status quo to be freedom, however defined.

Each country in the Arab world has its own distinct history and unique political structure, so generalizations across the region are difficult. However, it is striking to note that, almost without exception, the Arab countries with a monarchical system have not experienced serious threats to the states power since the start of the Arab spring: Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Bahrain is a tricky example, but it can be included as well for now.

In contrast, the republics of the region have all seen either governmental collapse or serious threats to the states hold on power: Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iraq. Here, Lebanon presents a tricky example, but ongoing protests there against the government show that the system in Lebanon is vulnerable as well; it can be included here, despite its unique demographics and history, which set it apart from other countries in the region.

This contrast between the monarchies and the republics (a couple of anomalies notwithstanding) opens up the question of legitimacy and power and of how they relate to freedom: Is it possible to create a legitimate system that guarantees the rights both of the individual and of the various collectives in these diverse countries? The monarchies have created legitimacy but are mostly not free. Some of the republics, including Iraq and Lebanon, are free to a point of anarchy. Finding the right system, one that can provide both freedom and legitimacy, is the primary task facing the Arab world today, and is relevant to non-Arab countries of the region as well.

A legitimate political system that can guarantee freedom remains elusive in the Middle East. Identifying such a system, and figuring out how to implement it, should be the primary task of serious thinkers in the region. Can protesters in Beirut and Baghdad provide an answer to the problem? It is probably not on the front of their minds as they dodge bullets from their elected governments. However, the success or failure at creating a legitimate, free political system will determine the future of the region more than anything else as the Middle East enters the third decade of the 21st century, stumbling along, bloodily.

More from National Review
Taylor ruled that Northam has the authority to impose the ban as part of his duties to ensure safety around the Capitol. When a governor declares an emergency, she wrote, previous decisions established that  courts must give deference to the professional judgment of those tasked with making complex, subtle, and professional decisions. 
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Washington: The United States on Wednesday resumed joint military operations with Iraq that had been put on pause after the US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad, the New York Times reported.

Two US military officials quoted by the paper said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations in order to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group.

Washington began the pause on January 5 two days after the strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport.

The same day of the suspension furious Iraqi lawmakers voted to expel the more than 5,000 US troops that are in Iraq.

It was not immediately clear if anyone in the Iraqi government had approved the resumption of the joint military operations, the Times reported.

The Pentagon said it had no information to provide concerning a resumption when contacted by AFP.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that Iraqi leaders have told him privately they support the US troop presence, despite public appeals for them to leave.

"They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter terror campaign," Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University.
An Interstate 10 freeway dubbed the North Bay Express connecting Virginia Street in Mobile to Daphne without any exits leading motorists to the Spanish Fort Causeway is under consideration as an alternative to the I-10 Mobile River Bridge project.

The expressway, which would be a new four-lane highway adjacent to the existing Bayway, would be much cheaper than the states $2.1 billion I-10 project, costing around $1.2 billion.

The freeway, like the original I-10 project, would include a new 215-foot-tall bridge over the Mobile River.

But the new proposal doesnt require demolishing the existing Bayway, nor would it include tolling the George Wallace Tunnel  both sensitive issues that eventually led to the I-10 Mobile River Bridges downfall.

Whats unclear is if the new freeway would be assessed a toll, or whether the project would be crafted as a public-private partnership (P3) as the previous I-10 proposal.

Concerns about the alternative proposal have surfaced along the Eastern Shore in Baldwin County because of a lack of exists onto the Causeway.

It would be detrimental to the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County as a whole to have an expressway that didnt exit at mid-Bay, said Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan.

McMillan said that the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization  which voted in August to remove the I-10 project from its short-term transportation improvement plan, or TIP  has been meeting with the Mobile MPO. The two groups, he said, are in conversations over a new way to do the bridge scenario.

Thus far, Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys office hasnt been included. Ivey, who declared the previous I-10 project as dead after the Eastern Shore MPOs vote in August, has since said its up to local officials to resurrect the project.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, late last month, said he feels disappointed over what he said was the Eastern Shore MPOs vote to kill it.

He also said its up to McMillan and Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood  who is chairman of the Eastern Shore MPO  to support an alternative plan. The Eastern Shore MPOs policy board next meets at 10 a.m. on Jan. 22 at Daphne City Hall.

There is a much greater impact that this has on the region and I hope we can overcome some self-serving interests to do the right thing and that is to get the bridge built," said Stimpson.

Haygood said hes hopeful that both MPOs can get together and meet and discuss an alternative plan. He said its paramount for coastal Alabama to speak in a harmonious way and not a divisive way regarding the project.

Haygood said he would like hold a joint MPO meeting to further the discussions.

Wed be happy to facilitate that, said Haygood. We are working within the region to make sure that we have that consensus and try to make sure there is a comfort level to try and move it forward so everyone is comfortably politically as well.

State Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, has been working with the MPOs in crafting a project alternative. But Albritton said he doesnt see much movement coming in the months ahead.

This is in the hands of the MPOs, said Albritton. Were going to be waiting on the MPOs to do something or nothing. There are concerns on both sides so I dont know were prepared or ready to move on anything. Were still split apart in Mobile, the Eastern Shore and in Montgomery.

Albritton said he doesnt anticipate anything surfacing until after the spring legislative session, which typically runs until May.

With the session coming in, I dont know there will be room in the agenda to deal with it, he said.

Alabama Auditor Jim Zeigler, who oversees an anti-toll Facebook page and led the opposition to the previous project last year, said his group plans to carefully study the latest proposal.

We will attempt to have some input from local drivers and businesses before it ever becomes a done deal, he said.

This story was updated at 2:34 p.m. to include a statement from state Sen. Greg Albritton. It was also updated at 2:45 p.m. to include a statement from Auditor Jim Zeigler.

This story was updated at 5:38 p.m. to included comments from Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood.
NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb today provided the following statement in support of the signing of the Phase One trade agreement between the United States and China:



"Chubb welcomes and supports the successful completion of the Phase One trade agreement between the United States and China. We congratulate the governments of both nations for achieving this important confidence-building step. We urge the U.S. and China to expeditiously move to the important Phase Two negotiations, taking into account the interests of both countries while reconciling important differences. At Chubb, we have confidence in the long-term potential of the Chinese insurance market, and this agreement should expand market access for American business in financial services, including insurance."

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

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Its hard to understand how property tax assessments and STAR rebates work. Its even harder to explain them clearly. Hardest of all is writing about these dull, complicated topics in such a compelling way that the people in power actually do something to fix them.

Were proud to say that three stories by reporters Tim Knauss and Michelle Breidenbach recently got results.

First, the city of Syracuse revised more than 3,000 assessments  the most in two decades  after their reporting and data analysis showed homeowners in distressed neighborhoods were paying a larger share of property taxes than homeowners in wealthier neighborhoods. The disparities resulted from the citys poor track record of reassessing properties based on current market values.

This year, at Mayor Ben Walshs direction, City Hall stepped up property appraisals. It changed twice as many assessments as usual. Most went up to reflect higher property values, but many homeowners got their tax assessments reduced.

We dont expect cheers from homeowners who will end up paying more in property taxes, but fair is fair. Homeowners who have been paying too much certainly deserve a break. We look forward to hearing more from Walsh about how he intends to even out tax assessments  the first citywide revaluation since 1996, perhaps?

Breidenbachs reporting on the states school tax relief program known as STAR has shown how confusing and complicated it has become over the years. The latest changes by the Cuomo administration turned STAR into a tax credit. Trouble is, the state sends a check to property owners regardless of whether they are current on their taxes. Thats free money for tax cheats.

On Tuesday, at a legislative hearing in Albany, Assembly Member Sandy Galef, D-Ossining, grilled an official from the state Tax Department over the practice of cutting checks to tax-delinquent homeowners. Andrew Morris, executive deputy commissioner for the tax department, said the law didnt allow checks to be withheld.

Galef asked him: Should we pass one that does?

Morris responded that he was not in a position to tell the Legislature what to do.

Well do it. Fix the STAR program, legislators. Listen to the common-sense solutions offered by local government assessors who also testified at the hearing. One suggested that the state cross-check local tax rolls before sending out STAR checks. That sounds like a capital idea.

Third, Knausss dogged reporting on abuses of a the lucrative 485-a tax break led the Syracuse Common Council to clamp down.

The 485-a program, passed by the state but administered locally, was meant to encourage developers to save old buildings and find new uses for them. Instead, developers of luxury student housing demolished old buildings and built new ones in their place. They saved millions in property taxes as a result.

The council recently passed a law excluding from the 485-a program projects that involve demolishing 60 percent or more of an existing building. A second law asks the state Legislature to clarify how much of a building needs to be devoted to commercial space to qualify for the tax break. This comes after Knauss reported that one apartment developer installed vending machines to qualify  clearly not the intent of the law.

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The Taliban have offered a brief ceasefire to the US, two insurgent sources said Thursday, a move which could allow for the resumption of talks seeking a deal for Washington to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Washington has for weeks been calling on the militants to reduce violence, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave the country in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight. "It is an offer for a ceasefire either for seven or 10 days," a senior Taliban official who requested anonymity told AFP, adding that the offer was made to US negotiators in Doha. "It has been finalised and given to the Americans. It is going to pave the way for an agreement." A second insurgent source, based in Pakistan, confirmed that the offer had been handed to the US. The Taliban have yet to release an official statement, and Washington has not said whether it has received any offer from the insurgents or what its response will be. The Taliban and the US had been negotiating the deal for a year, and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar, but were paused again following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan, which is run by the US. On Saturday, two Americans were killed in a Taliban-claimed bomb blast targeting a US forces vehicle in southern Kandahar. The insurgents' offer, if accepted by the Americans, could see the negotiations begin again. Graeme Smith, a senior consultant with International Crisis Group, called the reports of a temporary ceasefire a "positive signal", saying a recent reduction of attacks in urban centres has added weight to the process. "The Taliban have been sending an even bigger message with their actions in recent months. Two months have passed with no major Taliban attacks in any urban zone. That pause in attacks on cities is unprecedented over the last dozen years," said Smith. - 'Positive progress' - The Taliban have only observed one ceasefire in their nearly two decade fight with the US, when the insurgents agreed to a brief three-day truce in June 2018 to mark Eid, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It saw Taliban fighters celebrating with ordinary Afghans in the streets, sharing ice creams and posing for selfies, raising hopes of a post-conflict Afghanistan. Many analysts argued that the ceasefire proved the Taliban had widespread control over their rank and file fighters -- although it was only with Afghan forces, not the US. The claim from the insurgent sources came hours after Pakistan's foreign minister said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence. "Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement. He gave no further details. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- an American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. A deal would then hopefully pave the way for intra-Afghan talks. Many observers agree that the war can no longer be won militarily, and that the only route to a lasting peace in Afghanistan is for an agreement between the Taliban and the US-backed government in Kabul. The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans. emh-sjd-str-ds/st/ecl The US-Taliban talks were aimed at allowing Washington to begin withdrawing troops in return for various security guarantees
Health erstwhile Apollo Munich Health Insurance will merge with through a share swap deal.

The board of director of and HDFC ERGO Health at its meeting on January 15, approved a scheme of arrangement and amalgamation between the two entities, HDFC Ltd said in a regulatory filing.

Mortgage lender HDFC Ltd is promoter of general insurance firm HDFC ERGO.

The scheme envisages amalgamation and will lead to dissolution of HDFC Ergo Health without winding up, it said.

"The board of directors of HDFC ERGO and HDFC ERGO Health at the meeting also approved the share exchange ratio of 100:385 that is for every 385 shares of Rs 10 each of held in HDFC ERGO Health as on the record date, 100 shares of Rs 10 each of HDFC ERGO would be allocated," the company said in the filing.

Post completion of the said merger, HDFC will hold 50.58 per cent stake in HDFC ERGO, it said.

Earlier this month, HDFC ERGO got regulatory approvals for acquiring a majority shareholding in Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co Ltd.
: Coast Guards of India and Japan took part in a joint exercise 'Sahyog-Kaijin' off the Chennai coast on Thursday as part of strengthening the bond of the two countries.

One ship of the Japanese Coast Guard and four ships and an aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard took part in the exercise.

Led by Commanding Officer Captain Kiyoshi Harada, the 'Ehigo PLH08' and the four ships and a Dornier aircraft of Indian Coast Guard participated in the drill in the Bay of Bengal around 50 nautical miles off Chennai.

The highlight of the drill was the scenario of the interception of a hijacked ship and subsequent rescue of crew in a joint operation led by both the Coast Guards, a press release said.

The exercise marked demonstrations of search and rescue, external fire-fighting and sharing of best practices, the release said.

According to an official, the apprehension of a pirate vessel MV Alondra Rainbow by the Coast Guard in November 1999 off the west coast of India marked the beginning of regular interaction between the Coast Guards of India and Japan.

The apprehension of the vessel brought out the significance of a coordinated operation thereby encouraging the policy- makers to have a series of conferences and meetings to discuss issues of various crimes at sea.

The Japanese ship 'Echigo' undertook a goodwill visit to Chennai Port following the the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the two Coast Guards in 2006.

The joint exercise, in its 19th edition, was witnessed by the Japanese Coast Guard Commandant Takahiro Okushima, Indian Coast Guard Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan.

A vessel from National Institute of Ocean Technology also participated in the exercise.

The visit of Japanese ship, which arrived here on January 13, focuses on further strengthening ties, mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards, enhancing interoperability in communication, search and rescue procedures and sharing of best practices.

The exercise is also mutually beneficial and strengthens the existing bilateral relationships, enabling both Coast Guards to work together to protect shared interests.

Various activities were conducted during the visit of the Japanese ship and they included sporting and cultural interactions between personnel of both the Coast Guards.

During the exercise, the Coast Guard personnel of both the countries interacted, exchanged views and methods in the field of anti-piracy, search and rescue operations.

Following the signing of the memorandum of cooperation in November 2006, the Coast Guards were exercising jointly on waters of each other annually.

The first combined exercise witnessed the participation of Japan Coast Guard ship PLH Shikishima.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its an ancient story, still relevant to the modern day.

For more than two centuries, the British Museum in London and the Acropolis Museum in Athens have been fighting over ancient marbles that once adorned the Parthenon in Greece.

Its an issue that can get heated, admitted British Museum spokesperson Hannah Boulton.

About half of the marbles are in the British Museum and half remain in Athens. Fragments are also in the Louvre and other museums in Europe.

The 2,500-year-old sculptures depict Greek gods, like the head of the horse that drew the chariot of the Greek moon goddess, Serene. The frieze shows the people of Athens in religious procession. Some carved panels show centaurs, who were half man, half horse.

Origins of the Dispute

In the early 1800s, the Scottish nobleman Lord Elgin removed half of the marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, when the city was ruled by Turkey. Elgin, who was the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, took them back to the UK.

The British Parliament found them to be legally acquired in 1816, bought the marbles from Lord Elgin, and presented them to the British Museum.

The museum stands by Parliaments decision today, saying that Lord Elgin had permission to remove the marbles.

This debate isnt new. Very soon after Elgin had taken the sculptures, there were calls for them to be returned, said Boulton.

It was entirely legal by the standards of the day, she added.

Greece wants the marbles back in Athens. So does the British Committee for the reunification of the Parthenon marbles.

The vice-chair of the committee notes there is a lack of documentation.

Did he [Elgin] seek and was he given permission to really seriously dismantle the Parthenon? That is what we will never know I suspect, said Paul Cartledge, Professor of Greek Culture at the University of Cambridge.

I personally think its a fruitless, legalistic argument. Im much more interested in why the British government thought it was correct for them to buy the marbles that Elgin brought back to London, he said.

Why did they think that was okay and confer trusteeship on the British Museum? That seems to more more like the act of an imperial power rather than a custodian of a universally admired and loved artwork.

The Greek Prime Ministers Appeal

The Greek Embassy in London said that the Greek prime minister made an appeal to to reunite the Parthenon marbles that were brutally removed from the monument in Athens.

The country hopes to reunite the marbles in Athens in 2021, to mark 200 years of Greek independence.

This appeal is addressed to all parts involved, as well as Britain, where the majority of the sculptures were transported, a spokesperson from the Greek Embassy wrote in an email.

In 2015, the Greek government commissioned a team of international lawyers to advise them on the return of the marbles.

Among them was Amal Clooney and Geoffrey Robertson.

Elgin was a thief, said Robertson.

In Athens there is a wonderful new museum, itself an architectural wonder, which is waiting with the half that Elgin left, the half of the marbles to be reunited with the rest of the marbles, he said.

The UK governments Department for Culture, Media, and Sport said in a statement that the decision lies in the hands of the British Museum.

Museums operate without political interference. Decisions relating to exchanges and partnerships with other institutions are taken by the executive and trustees of the museum, a spokesperson wrote in an email.

Boulton said the British Museum would be open to loans of the marbles.

Wed be happy obviously to have conversations about loans and about lending, not just to Athens but to other places, she said.

The row has been raging for over two centuriesand it looks like itll continue in the years ahead.

Reporting by Jane Werrell in London.
Nigerias main opposition party, PDP, has called for the immediate review and reversal of the decision of the Supreme Court on the Imo State governorship tussle.

The party made this known on Wednesday at a press conference at the partys secretariat in Abuja.

Addressing journalists, the partys national chairman, Uche Secondus, said this would be in the interest of justice.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor of Imo State.

The apex court declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

Mr Uzodinma originally came fourth in the election while Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) and Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) came second and third respectively.

The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad gave the unanimous decision on Tuesday in Abuja.

MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE?

Mr Secondus while delivering the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) said after a thorough examination of all the issues relating to what he described as miscarriage of justice by the Supreme Court, the party resolved that the apex court, as presently constituted under Justice Mohammed Tanko, has become heavily compromised, lost its credibility and is now annexed to execute ignoble agenda of the APC-led federal government against the Nigerian people.

That the judgment of the Supreme Court voiding the lawful election of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (who scored 276,404 votes) and awarding fictitious votes to declare Hope Uzodimma of the APC, who scored 96,458 votes as governor of Imo state, is highly irrational, unfounded, a provocative product of executive manipulation and a recipe for crisis, which should not be allowed to stand.

With the verdict, the Supreme Court executed a coup against the PDP and the people of Imo State as well as other Nigerians, and such must not be allowed to have a place in our democracy.

Mr Secondus further stated that the chief justice must provide Nigerians with answers to some pertinent questions.

He said the Supreme Court, in a host of cases, the latest and most celebrated being Atiku V Buhari & Ors, consistently decided that for a petitioner to succeed in an allegation of infraction of any provision of the Electoral Act especially one complaining about malpractice, as in this case, wrongful exclusion of votes, the petitioner must call witnesses polling unit by polling unit.

The question is, how many witnesses did Uzodinma/APC call from the 388 polling units from where the Supreme Court allocated votes to him? Mr Secondus asked.

He further stated that the so called results from the 388 lolling units were rightfully rejected, in line with several decisions of the Supreme Court, by the Tribunal and Court of Appeal as it was merely dumped on the tribunal in a Ghana Must Go bag, by a policeman who had no mandate of the police to testify at the tribunal.

The Tribunal did not even open the Ghana Must Go bags as there was no basis to do so. It is one of the great wonders of the world how the Supreme Court opened the bag, counted the results and added them to only the APC Candidate.

What is more perplexing is the fact that INEC produced a schedule of reasons why results were not produced from the 388 units.

Indeed election did not even take place in most of the units for one reason or another, like violence, etc and so no result could possibly be obtained from those units. The results were not merely rejected or cancelled by INEC.

None of the candidates or their counsel, except perhaps APC, as we speak, are aware of the number of votes scored by each party from the 388 polling units. The Tribunal or Court of Appeal did not mention or ascribe any figure from the units to any party in their decisions.

In fact, in the cross examination of the APC Candidate, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, he could not read any figure from the Oluwole results. He said that the figures were not clear. And so it beats our imagination where the Supreme Court conjured and manufactured the figures it used in declaring Uzodinma/APC as duly elected.

But the law is settled as decided by the same Supreme Court in Buhari v. INEC (2008); that weight can hardly be attached to a document tendered in evidence by a witness who cannot or is not in a position to answer questions on the document. One of such persons the law identifies is the one who did not make the document. Such a person is adjudged in the eyes of the law as ignorant of the content of the document.

The party also said it wondered how the APC couldnt win at least a seat of the state house of assembly which was held on the same day as the governorship.

As already known, there was only one accreditation for the 2 elections. The APC did not win any of the 27 seats in the Imo State House of Assembly.

The above further questions and confronts the rationale for the judgment of the Supreme Court on Imo State.

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How then did the Supreme Court arrive at its decision to allocate results to void a lawful governorship election and imposed an unelected person as governor?

The fact is that, the Supreme Court, as presently constituted under Justice Tanko, has lost its credibility and no longer commands the respect and confidence of Nigerians.

If the people no longer repose confidence in the Supreme Court, then our democracy, national cohesion and stability are at great risk.

The PDP also stated that it had intelligence before the verdict on the Imo Governorship that the hierarchy of APC had decided that they must use the Supreme Court to capture the states won and controlled by the PDP such as Imo, Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa and Benue.

Our party has it in good authority that Justice Tanko and his panel are working on instruction from certain forces in the Presidency to use the Supreme Court to take over states lawfully won by the PDP and award them to the APC.

The PDP therefore advises Justice Tanko not to allow himself to be used to push our nation to the path of anarchy and constitutional crisis as any further attempt to subvert justice in the pending petitions on Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue, Adamawa as well as Kano and Plateau states will be firmly and vehemently resisted.

In other to avoid an imminent breakdown of law and order, the PDP demands that Justice Tanko Mohammed immediately steps down as CJN and chairman of the National Judicial Council as Nigerians have lost confidence in him and a Supreme Court under his leadership.

Justice Tanko must not head the panel to determine the remaining election petitions before the Supreme Court.

In the light of extraordinary circumstances that vitiates that judgment as a product of manipulation and a clear coup detat against the will of the people of Imo State, we demand that the decision of the Supreme Court on the Imo Governorship Election be reviewed and reversed in the interest of justice.

Furthermore we demand that Justice Tanko Mohammed, the CJN and his colleagues on the Imo Governorship Panel recuse themselves from the remaining cases involving PDP in the Supreme Court.
Turkey will start exploring for gas in the eastern Mediterranean this year, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Thursday, after signing a maritime deal with Libya.

"We will start search and drilling activities as soon as possible in 2020 after issuing licences for the areas," Erdogan said during a two-hour speech in the capital.

He added that Turkey's seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis would soon be deployed.

Ankara angered neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean with an agreement signed with the Tripoli government in November, which claimed extensive areas of the sea for Turkey.

Greece says the deal fails to take into account the island of Crete, while Turkey has already upset Cyprus by sending ships to search for oil and gas off the divided island.

Erdogan said it was "no longer legally possible" for any search and drilling activities or a pipeline without Libya or Turkey's approval.

Earlier this month, Greece, Cyprus and Israel signed a deal to construct an EastMed pipeline to ship gas to Europe, despite Turkey's vehement opposition.

Turkey and Libya also signed a security deal in November which was followed by the deployment of Turkish forces in the north African country.

While Turkey supports the UN-recognised government of Premier Fayez al-Sarraj, countries like Egypt and the United Arab Emirates back Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar in his assault against Tripoli.

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CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Data Center Liquid Cooling Market by Component (Solution and Services), End User (Cloud Providers, Colocation Providers, Enterprises, and Hyperscale Data Centers), Data Center Type, Enterprise, and Region - Global Forecast to 2024", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market size is expected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2019 to USD 3.2 billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.6% during the forecast period.

The key factors driving the growth of the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market include increasing need for energy-efficient cooling solutions, growing demand for compact and noise-free solutions, need for lower operating costs, and need for better overclocking potential.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Data Center Liquid Cooling Market"

121  Tables

29  Figures

149  Pages

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Based on solutions, the Indirect liquid cooling segment to hold the largest market size during the forecast period

Indirect liquid cooling is usually possible through liquid-cooled cold plates mounted onto the chips. Indirect liquid cooling solutions are usually able to remove over 70% of the heat generated using liquids that do not come into direct contact with the equipment. Indirect liquid cooling solutions can be categorized into single phase and two phases.

Based on services, the installation and deployment services segment to hold the largest market size during the forecast period

Installation and deployment service providers also provide services related to rapid transition from primal air-cooled infrastructure to efficient liquid-cooled infrastructure. These services can be used by small as well as large organizations for assistance in the deployment of reliable data center liquid cooling solutions in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, they act as one-stop shop for hassle-free deployments accompanied by minimum downtimes caused due to change in existing cooling infrastructure. These services are increasingly being used by organizations worldwide.

Speak to Our Expert Analyst:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=84374345

Based on regions, North America to account for the largest market size during the forecast period

North America is estimated to dominate global data center liquid cooling due to the presence of large number of data centers in the region and the rise in popularity of technology. The adoption of cloud-based computing and big data analytics requires highly efficient data storage capabilities. Moreover, an increase in demand for green initiatives for ecological data center solutions and substantial growth of power density have fueled the growth of the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market in North America. Furthermore, the presence of technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple add to the growth of the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market in North America.

The Data Center Liquid Cooling Market comprises major providers, such as Asetek (Denmark), Rittal (Germany), Vertiv (US), Green Revolution Cooling (US), Midas Green Technologies (US), Allied Control (Hong Kong), Schneider Electric (France), Chilldyne (US), CoolIT Systems (Canada), Submer (Spain), Iceotope (UK), Fujitsu (Japan), Aspen Systems (US), DCX The Liquid Cooling Company (Poland), Ebullient (US), Aquila Group (US), ExaScaler (Japan), Cooler Master Co (China), Asperitas (Netherland), Liqit.io (Ukraine). The study includes the in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies.

Browse Adjacent Markets: Data Center and Networking Market Research Reports & Consulting

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Data Center Cooling Market by Solution (Air Conditioning, Chilling Unit, Cooling Tower, Economizer System, Liquid Cooling System, Control System, and Others), Service, Type of Cooling, Data Center Type, Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/data-center-cooling-solutions-market-1038.html

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STAMFORDIn a sign that a case against a California man accused of illegally obtaining and cashing a $30,000 check from Purdue Pharma may be falling apart, a Stamford judge refunded the mans $25,000 cash bond Wednesday and ordered that he be allowed to sign a promise to appear in court while his case is pending.

But Judge Gary White would not allow the man, Emmanuel Mong, 24, of San Mateo, to leave Connecticut and return to his SurveyMonkey job, where he works as a systems engineer. He also remains on an ankle monitor.

It may be this defendant is not the person who committed this crime, White said during a hearing in a fourth-floor courtroom Wednesday morning. But you are telling me that he wants to return to California. But if he is the man police think he is, it will be extremely hard go get him to return.

Mongs criminal defense attorney, Alan Friedman, told White that his clients arrest was the result of someone stealing Mongs identity and opening a bank account in Mongs name and cashing the Purdue Pharma check. He said Mong wants to go home to his job and would return for any court dates. Mong is under severe financial burden staying in Stamford, a city he has never visited, and living in a hotel, his attorney said.

A senior assistant states attorney did not object to Mong leaving the state and told White that the promise to appear was warranted in this case. He also said he and the police are reviewing the case against Mong.

There is a possibility that Mr. Mong was not the one who cashed the check, Stamford Financial Crimes Sgt. Steven Perrotta said. There certainly is a possibility that he is not that person. It is certainly possible that Mr. Mong is not the person in the surveillance video and until we are able to speak to him, it will be difficult to figure out what happened.

Mong said he was disappointed in the judges decision not to let him return home.

Mong was trying to catch a plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport back to his native Nigeria on Dec. 16 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers told him he was wanted on a Stamford arrest warrant charging him with first-degree larceny and held on a $250,000 court appearance bond.

With the help of his Livermore, California, church, Mong posted the bond and was freed. From there, he voluntarily flew to Connecticut and turned himself over to Stamford police one week ago, Valdes said at Wednesdays court hearing.

Friedman said that at the time Mong is alleged to have cashed the Purdue Pharma check, he was a full-time student at Claflin University in South Carolina, where he had a 4.0 grade average and graduated with honors.

The pastor at Mongs church, Idowu Omotayo, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Graceland, said the congregation was moved to help when hearing of Mongs arrest.

In a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon, Omotayo said Mong was congregant and diligent volunteer in the churchs media and transport departments.

He is a dedicated church member and that is why we were so shocked when we heard what happened, Omotayo said. Everyone in the church chipped in. There was $5,000 here and $10,000 there. Everybody dug into their pockets to help.

Omotayo said the congregants raised $190,000 for Mongs bond and the church put up the remaining $60,000 in order for him to be freed in Seattle. Mong was then freed in Stamford after posting a $25,000 cash bond, which Judge White refunded Wednesday.

We have no doubt they will erase this because this is unimaginable that he committed this crime, Omotayo said. We are all praying that the truth will prevail and he had nothing to do with what is going on in Connecticut.

Friedman said that unfortunately there seems to be a bias against Nigerian people who are alleged to commit crimes in this area. He said he had additional documentation to prove that a man already in federal custody and under indictment in the Southern District of New York took Mongs identity and used it to open the account and cash the check.

Friedman said the Stamford States Attorneys Office has been exceedingly professional, cooperative and diligent in responding to the information he has given them showing Mongs innocence so far.

In my 28 years of practicing law, I have never had a case that was so completely crystal clear that my client is innocent, Friedman said. It is really unfortunately he was caught in this mess. He is a really good kid. It is sad.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
The Best of Texas wants you to know that a poor turkey has lost his testicles for you to enjoy.

The organization, which hosts festivals around Texas, said in a Facebook post not to let the turkey's testes be wasted in vain at its first Texas Testicle Festival from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday in Bankersmith Hall in Fredericksburg.

Testicles from calves, lambs, roosters, turkeys and other animals are considered delicacies in other parts of the world. And that's what the festival is celebrating  people who enjoy eating animal testicles.

Joe Bachmeier, an organizer with the event, said the festival will include turkey, lamb and veal testicles. The organs were imported from professionals that performed the removal of the testicles. They will be battered, fried and grilled at the festival.

If you don't want to try the testicles, hungry visitors can choose from burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, artisan pizzas, gourmet hot dogs and pork ribs.

READ ALSO: Barbacoa & Big Red Festival adds a second day in response to criticisms of last year's event

Bachmeier said they are expecting several hundred people to attend the event, which will include lawn games, a full bar, live music and a small petting zoo for kids.

Tickets for the festival range between $5 and $35 and are available for purchase at bankersmithtexas.com or at the festival gate located at 7905 Old San Antonio Road.

"This event is just to celebrate the testicle festivals that happen nationwide," Bachmeier said. "We think its a really fun event people will enjoy. Plus, it's at a really cool venue."

Although the hall has a Fredericksburg address it is located in a town that was established in 1913 that later became a ghost town.

Priscilla Aguirre is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre
To the Editor:

Re Gone With the Windsors, by Maureen Dowd (column, Jan. 12):

Calling on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to rise above racist taunts as the Obamas did totally misses the sad and tragic point. British tabloids are notoriously vicious and personal, nothing like American newspapers of record. Nobody should be forced to live with such daily abuse.

Princess Diana faced much the same thing, without the racist twist, and found it unbearable. The Windsors did nothing to protect her from the tidal wave of defamatory distortions and outright lies flowing nonstop from these loathsome rags.

Harry believes that his primary duty is to his wife and child, and is drawing the line. Good on him. There are plenty of other Windsors in the immediate line of succession to continue the royal show.

Vaughn A. Carney

Hamilton, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Wouldnt we all love to be part-time royals as Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, seek to be? Wouldnt we all love to keep the royal titles, live in glorious housing on the grounds of Windsor Castle and attend only the royal duties we choose?
As South Korea is looking to reduce its over-reliance on crude oil imports from the Middle East, it has increased its oil imports from the United States in recent years, which mitigates, to an extent, Koreas exposure to a potential disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, IHS Markit said on Thursday.

South Koreas diversification from oil supplies from the Middle East intensified as the U.S. slapped sanctions on Iranian oil exports and South Korea stopped importing oil from Iran.

Meanwhile, after the U.S. lifted a ban on oil exports at the end of 2015, American oil has started flowing to destinations in Asia.

South Koreas plan to diversify its oil supplies and to reduce its reliance on the oil flows in the Strait of Hormuz has started to take shape faster than previously expected, Fotios Katsoulas, Liquid Bulk Principal Analyst, Maritime & Trade, IHS Markit, said in an analysis.

Yet, South Korea has a long way to go to diversify and any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz will have the Asian oil importer struggling, Katsoulas noted.

The Strait of Hormuz is the most important oil chokepoint in the world with daily oil flows averaging 21 million bpd, or the equivalent of 21 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption. According to EIA estimates, 76 percent of the crude oil and condensate that moved through the Strait of Hormuz in 2018 went to Asian markets, with China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore the top destinations.

Just three years ago, South Korea imported 74 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East. In 2018, this share dropped to 68 percent and then further down to 64 percent in 2019, according to IHS Markit data.

Last year, South Korea was Asias major importer of crude oil from the U.S.

This year the trend is set to continue, unless the U.S.-Asia route becomes uneconomical, due to rising freight rates after the U.S. sanctioned Chinese shipping firms for knowingly dealing with Iranian oil, IHS Markits Katsoulas says.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The "Malta Corporate Aviation" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This international event will explore the latest developments in the business aviation sector of Malta as a regional hub in the Mediterranean. The conference sessions will provide the platform for high-level debate, exchange of ideas and information as well as extensive networking opportunities for aviation executives from Malta and around the world.

Global growing traffic and aircraft demand present a challenge for the industry. This event will explore the latest developments in the aviation sector of Malta and new business opportunities and challenges for operators and manufacturers. It is a unique opportunity for all participants to debate the future of this sector, discuss different business models, enhance their knowledge about the regional market, learn about the regional infrastructure developments, and network with leading experts.

Participating companies will represent business aircraft operators and manufacturers, FBO operators, safety and security experts, financing companies, and sectors such as insurance, software technology, airport infrastructure, aircraft registration and other areas that contribute to the development of aviation in Malta.

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Marco Ciliberti, Director, Aeronautica Malta

Nick Godwin, Managing Director, Commsoft

George Mangion, Partner, PFK Malta

For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cjq46y

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Unforeseen circumstances could change all that. An economic slump could drive one or both of them back to the bargaining table. Mr. Trump has torn up trade deals before. Americans could elect a less trade-hawkish leader in November.

But so far, both countries have shown they are willing to take the economic hit. The American economy, job market and stock market have only improved since the trade war began nearly two years ago, though many question how long that can last. On the political front, many Democrats have pushed Mr. Trump to be harder, not softer, on trade with China.

In China, the trade war has been only one factor behind the slowing economy. Beijing seems comfortable with its ability to handle the problem.

In recent weeks, advisers to the Chinese government have emphasized discussion of steps Beijing can take  like helping the job market or finding new trading partners elsewhere  instead of the steps that it cant. Even as Chinas exports to the United States have plunged, its sales elsewhere, particularly to poor countries, have stayed strong. Beijing has looked hard in recent months to open even more markets.

Also, complaining about the deal could make China look weak, an unpalatable position in a country where the Communist Party portrays itself as the savior from a century of humiliation by foreign powers.

Chinese state media and economists on Thursday welcomed the agreement as a respite for what has been two years of almost unrelenting focus on the trade issue by the government and many in the general public. Wednesdays pact will provide at least a truce in the trade war, said He Weiwen, a prominent Chinese trade economist and former Commerce Ministry official.
B rexit Party chairman Richard Tice today hit out at "bureaucrats" after an "unprecedented" fundraising plan to chime Big Ben on January 31 appeared to stall.

The Nigel Farage ally and arch-Brexiteer made the comments amid speculation that public donations to fund the reported 500,000 cost of ringing the bell would be rejected.

Those who are backing the move to sound the bell on the planned departure date from the EU have begun donating to the cause.

However, Parliament bosses have now suggested they could reject such a funding scheme, despite the PM touting the concept of people being able to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong".

Mr Tice said it was a "ridiculous attitude" for "bureaucrats" to reject the plans. He also said he was confident the money could be raised as "Big Ben chiming is the sound of the mother of all democracies".

"We need a can do positive approach as we leave the European Union," he told BBC Radio 4.

He also said he was confident the money could be raised - though the most successful on GoFundMe had garnered around 61,000 as of this morning.

Boris Johnson says they are 'working up a plan so that people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong'

This is some way short of the half a million it has been said the action would cost. The bell is currently decommissioned while renovation work is being carried out at Elizabeth Tower.

Previously, Brexiteers have also suggested the contingency plan of playing the sound over speakers as they host their Brexit celebration.

A House of Commons spokesman said: "There has been a suggestion that the cost of striking the Bell could be covered by donations made by the public. This would be an unprecedented approach.

"The House of Commons has well established means of voting through the expenditure required to allow it to function, and to preserve its constitutional position in relation to Government.

"Any novel form of funding would need to be consistent with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure."

The PM's official spokesman said Mr Johnson was focusing on Government plans to mark the date.

He said: The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations.
Security video from the business showing the burglary View Photo

View Video

Sonora, CA  DNA results may be exactly what police need to catch an accomplice to a burglary in December.

Last week police released details of the arrested of one of the suspected burglars, 40-year-old Storm S. Corral, a Sonora transient. Police say he allegedly cut a hole in the ceiling of a Sonora business on Mono Way from the vacant space above to gain access, as reported here.

The video in the image provided by police shows Corral caught on surveillance video exiting the business. Regarding a possible accomplice, Chief Turu VanderWiel updates, We have a person of interest that we would like to find and interview. We dont have anything solid yet.

Chief VanderWiel added that they are not ready to reveal that persons identity stating, We dont believe hes a danger to the community. Even though hes clearly capable of larcenies but no indication hes a danger.

The Chief shares they are awaiting on other evidence that could finger the accomplice, We do hope that DNA evidence may help us find that accomplice as well.

Chief VanderWiel would not reveal specifics on that evidence except to say it is items collected at the burglary scene. He advises that it could take several weeks to months before they get the results, asking again that anyone who may have information related to the incident to call police at 209-532-8141.
At a nearby coffee shop after the panel, Czollek explained how the weight of the past motivates him. I am one of the few Jews that has a history in Germany from before the Second World War, he said. His grandfather survived more than one concentration camp and spent several years in exile in China before returning to East Germany in the late 1940s.

The only Jewish relative I have is my aunt, Czollek said. My father died when I was young. The thread is extremely thin. Sometimes I think the things I do are to reconnect with that thread.

Czollek, who has a Ph.D. from the Center for Anti-Semitism Research at the Technical University of Berlin, has also written several volumes of poetry, one of which went on sale in September, and is a co-editor of Jalta, a twice-yearly journal on contemporary Jewish culture, which published its first special edition in conjunction with the Jewish Literary Festival. Translations of some of Czolleks poems are online, though none of his books have been fully translated into English.

The European Jewish Congress estimates that about 200,000 Jews live in Germany today, but most migrated to the country from the former Soviet Union after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Czolleks generation of German Jews  those who are millennials today  were some of the first who could attend Jewish schools from first grade through high school. Having Jewish spaces in which to form critical ideas, he said, is a prerequisite for thoughts like de-integration to emerge.
BBC bosses are asking people applying for jobs where their parents went to school and what they do for a living.

The bizarre 14-page application form for a job in the corporation's London headquarters asks jobseekers several questions on their background, but also asks for information about their families.

Applicants are asked what type of school their parents went to and whether they have a degree.

They are asked to indicate whether the schools their parents attended were 'state-run, non-selective' or 'independent or fee-paying'.

The bizarre 14-page application form is for jobseekers wanting to get a job at the BBC in London (pictured)

They must also answer whether their parents had a 'modern professional occupation', such as being a teacher, or if they were ever 'senior managers' or are unemployed.

You are given the option of ticking the 'prefer not to say' box, however.

The BBC said that they are aiming to make the company more diverse, having previously announced its attention to relocate 3,000 jobs outside of London.

A BBC spokesman said: 'It's important the BBC represents the whole of the UK, so to help improve socio-economic diversity we are asking applicants about their background.

'While it has no impact on the success of a job application and is not visible to the person hiring, collating this data is the first step in ensuring the BBC is recruiting from as wide a group of people as possible.'

Some of the questions on the 14-page application form, which asks for information on applicants' parents

Earlier this week, BBC director-general Lord Hall announced that the corporation wants two-thirds of its jobs to be based outside London by 2027.

The pledge comes just a month after the broadcaster was accused of catering to a pro-Remain metropolitan 'bubble'.

If the plans are agreed, 3,000 jobs could be relocated to other parts of the UK, including many new roles in the north of England, a BBC source said.

Writing in the Financial Times, Lord Hall said: 'A decade ago, a third of the BBC was based outside London.

Today it is half. By 2027, I hope at least two-thirds of the BBC will be outside the capital.'
The Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Mac Williamson, tweets USA Todays Bob Nightengale. Hell be in Major League camp this spring and would earn a modest $700K salary if he makes the big league club. Hes represented by CAA Sports.

For years, the Giants hoped that Williamson, now 29, would eventually seize an everyday spot in an outfield corner. But despite a strong Triple-A track record and some occasional flashes of potential, Williamson mustered a tepid .203/.282/.348 line with 17 homers, 10 doubles and a triple in 483 plate appearances over the life of 160 MLB games. Williamson didnt get a prolonged opportunity at regular at-bats in San Francisco or in Seattle after the Mariners picked him up, and it seems unlikely that hell have such an opportunity in a crowded Nationals outfield.

Juan Soto, Victor Robles and Adam Eaton comprise a strong starting unit in D.C., while Michael A. Taylor and Andrew Stevenson are on hand as reserve options. Newly signed slugger Eric Thames, too, has corner outfield experience.

The Nationals upper-level outfield depth is rather thin, however, which also prompted the club to pick up center fielder Carlos Tocci on a minor league arrangement. If Williamson isnt able to crack the roster as a bench bat, he could head to Fresno as a depth option in Triple-A, where hes a career .265/.343/.487 hitter in 1156 plate appearances.
Malang Trailer Reaction | Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu | #Malang

After the thrilling trailer and the soulful 'Chal Ghar Chalen' song, the makers of Malang have released the title track of the film featuring the lead pair- Aditya Roy Kapur and Disha Patani and we must tell you that it's quite catchy.

Disha took to her Twitter page to drop the link of the song video and wrote, Get ready to fall in love and unleash the madness within you with #MalangTitleTrack  Song out now http://bit.ly/Malang_Title_Track #Malang."

Watch the song video here.

The love song is sung and composed by Ved Sharma with its lyrics by Kunaal Vermaa & Harsh Limbachiya. While talking to Times Of India, Ved said, "It is a vibrant and romantic number with a Sufi touch. A lot of inspiration for this song was drawn from one of Amir Khusro's dohas; there's a deep meaning to his words. The biggest challenge for me was to bring out Aditya's character through the song. Mohit sir wanted the vocal tone to match that of Aditya's as well as the vibe of the character he plays in the film."

The title track begins with Aditya and Disha's character meeting at a music festival. Soon, they bond and fall in love as they travel across Goa on a bike, smoke and drink on beachside restaurants. Their dreamy romance ends up with Aditya fighting with other prisoners in jail.

Directed by Mohit Suri, Malang is touted to be a romantic thriller which stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani, Anil Kapoor and Kunal Kemmu. The movie will be hitting the big screens on February 7, 2020.

Did Kriti Sanon Walk Out Of Mohit Suri's Malang? Here's The Truth

Malang Song Chal Ghar Chalen: Aditya Roy Kapur-Disha Patani's Love Ballad Is Soothing To The Ears
A transgender woman from Newry has been awarded 9,000 after taking a sex discrimination case against Debenhams.

Ava Moore attended an interview for Christmas work in 2018 at the Debenhams store in Newry.

She was rejected for the job despite a positive interview in which she had sold an item to a customer.

Ms Moore also received an anonymous email alleging she was turned down for being transgender.

The case was settled with the help of the Equality Commission although Debenhams accepted no liability.

The retailer said it was an "equal opportunities employer committed to promoting equality and diversity within the business and throughout the sector".

"Decisions on recruitment, training, promotion and employment conditions are based solely on personal competence and performance, it added in a statement.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Moore said the victory was "bittersweet" and hoped it would inspire others to come forward.

"I was all geared up and ready to go," she said of the 2018 interview.

"Everything was going great, I sold something, which is very uplifting and made me feel like 'I've still got it'."

Having worked in hairdressing and fashion for 16 years, she said the job would have been a perfect fit.

She said the atmosphere "went very cold" when managers asked for her birth certificate, which shows a change in name and gender.

"It went from 'welcome to Debenhams' to very quiet.

"I left the interview room to walk through a canteen full of gawpers and starers, almost like people ready to burn the monster.

"I was very disheartened and it has knocked my confidence."

Shocked by the anonymous email, she resolved to "stand up and fight".

"I'm happy it's settled and resolved, but I hope it gives other people hope just to get up and do it," she said.

Asked if Northern Ireland was a welcome place for transgender people, she added: "In my experience, it's getting there, with the help of kindness and manners and being polite to everybody, not just trans people, everybody."

Ms Moore has since found another job outside of retail.

"I'm very blessed with the staff and a manager who is very kind and respectful to me," she said.

Dr Michael Wardlow, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission, praised Ms Moore's bravery.

He also called on employers unsure of their obligations to reach out for advice.

"We have very few cases coming forward with people as brave as Ava, who live in a marginalised community like those who are transgender," he said.

He noted a recent Northern Ireland Life and Times survey in which 21% of those interviewed said that they were prejudiced against the transgender community.

"What we have here is a blatant case of discrimination where a young woman went for a job, she performed well and at the end of the day, she didn't get the job," he said.

"We've got a settlement but she said this is a bittersweet thing, (but) Debenhams are going to work with the Equality Commission."

Dr Wardlow said issues of disability, sex and race accounted for most complaints to the Equality Commission, but a "very low" figure of around 2% related to LGBT issues.

"We've had one or two transgender cases in the past few years," he said.

"Partly that's because people are still being subterranean, we're not having the conversation about this.

"Until we actually start talking about it and being comfortable with a society that has to live with difference, we're going to continue to have (discrimination).

"But people like Ava draw us out and say that, together: 'Actually, we don't have to take this'."

Addressing employers, he said: "The lesson is straightforward. We could be talking about someone in a wheelchair here, someone of colour.

"We could be talking about a man that's discriminated against where a woman is appointed. You should appoint on merit, prejudice has no role at the table in employment."

Ms Moore's case was taken under the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against transgender people.

The Equality Commission has said it offers advice to a wide range of employers on how to recruit fairly and avoid anti-discrimination laws.

This includes online resources, advice and information by phone, email or in person and a programme of free training in equality law and employment.
E xtinction Rebellion climate activists have blockaded Shell's HQ in Aberdeen.

The group's protesters, from its Scotland faction, arrived at the oil giant's premises at around 6.30am and said they intend to stay there all day.

Members have secured the entrances with lock-on equipment and the main way in is blocked with a purple boat.

They said their intent was to shut the building down to disrupt business and to hold Shell to account over its contribution to climate change.

Police were called to the scene at around 6.45am on Thursday.

One of the protesters, who gave his name as Paul, 43, from Aberdeenshire, said: "If the whole world reaches zero carbon emissions by 2030, we only have a 75% chance of staying below (an increase of) 2C.

"These are terrible odds; and by committing to continued production decades into the future, Shell is literally destroying our future.

"The more successful fossil fuel companies like Shell are, the worse our future is going to be. We have to stop them carrying on as if their product does no harm."

Another activist, who gave his name as Joseph, told Northsound News the group wants to push for a transition from oil to renewable energies as he feels there could be an economic hit on the area if the industry crumbles.

"It would be such a shame to see all of this collapse if we don't manage the transition right now and start making changes now, to a better future," he said.

Police said officers were at the scene of the protest.

Chief inspector Davie Howieson, local area commander for Aberdeen South, said: "The road was blocked from around 6.45am on Thursday, January 16, and road users are advised to avoid the area for the time being.

"We are liaising with both Shell and the protest organisers, Extinction Rebellion."

A Shell spokesman said the company agreed urgent action was needed on climate change.

He said: "The heightened awareness of climate change that we have seen over recent months is a good thing. As a company, we agree that urgent action is needed.

"What will really accelerate change is effective policy, investment in technology innovation and deployment, and changing customer behaviour.
VANCOUVERA new study has found that sepsis  not heart disease or stroke  is the leading cause of death in the world.

Sepsis is responsible for one in five deaths worldwide and killed 11 million people in 2017 alone, according to one of the studys co-authors, Dr. Niranjan Tex Kissoon, a professor of pediatrics and critical care medicine at the University of British Columbia.

The study, published in medical journal The Lancet and titled Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 19902017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study, found nearly twice as many deaths than previously thought were caused by sepsis.

Sepsis remained under the radar for so long because previous studies only looked at sepsis rates in resource-rich countries, where the survival rate is much higher, said Kissoon, the only Canadian author of the study.

So what is sepsis?

It occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection and starts attacking the body. Sepsis itself is not contagious, but it is a life-threatening illness triggered by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.

If left untreated, it can cause organ failure and even death. Sepsis can become severe and turn into septic shock in a matter of hours, making early detection key to survival.

Picture this: A patient is in bed with the flu. Within a matter of hours, they begin to deteriorate. Breathing becomes shallow and hands start to turn blue. What started as an infection has turned into sepsis and is now attacking internal organs.

At this point, you have little time, said Kissoon, who has worked in hospitals across Canada for 35 years. This is not a disease where you can sit around and come back in an hour.

Doctors dont know exactly what causes sepsis among certain patients, but people with compromised immune systems like children and seniors are more vulnerable.

Sepsis is the final common pathway to death and disability for all infections, said Kissoon.

The mortality rate of sepsis is 20 to 30 per cent in Western countries, according to a 2016 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. About four out of every 1,000 patients are admitted to a Canadian hospital with sepsis.

In Canada, sepsis is the 12th leading cause of death, according to the Canadian Sepsis Foundation.

Children in Africa are nine times more likely to die from sepsis, compared to those who live in North America, said Kissoon.

He has also treated patients in sub-Saharan Africa  and it was his work there that led him to help initiate this study three years ago.

Kissoon and researchers from around the world reviewed the cause of 110 million deaths from 1990 to 2017, using data stored with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, based in Seattle, Washington. About 90 per cent of sepsis-related deaths in children worldwide happen in low or middle-income countries, he said.

Factors like higher infection rates, suboptimal care and lack of follow up mean patients are more likely to develop sepsis and that they are more likely to die from it, said Kissoon.

Theres no doubt across the board its because of poverty and lack of access and transport to health care, he said.

Sepsis is a disease of the poor and socially disadvantage.

Kissoon, who is also vice-president at Global Sepsis Alliance, is working with the World Health Organization to create guidelines to help low-income countries address high sepsis rates. That could mean everything from devoting more resources to health care to improving data collection practices.

But all countries could benefit from better data collection of sepsis cases, said Kissoon. He suspects some sepsis-related deaths go unrecorded because the initial reason for hospital admission could be another issue, like liver disease or pneumonia. And in Canada, residents in rural areas may be more susceptible to sepsis, he suggested.

The best thing individuals can do is be aware of possible symptoms of sepsis, said Kissoon.

Early signs of sepsis include a temperature above 101 F (38 C), a temperature below 97 F (36 C), increased breathing rate, increased heart rate and an existing infection.

If the child is not feeling well, if they are sleepy all the time, or having tremendous breathing problems  those are signs and symptoms that would point to this is more than the usual disease, said Kissoon.

These symptoms apply to everyone, not just children, he said. Seniors and those who have undergone chemotherapy are also more vulnerable to sepsis.

Kissoon acknowledged that it can be difficult for health care professionals to spot and treat sepsis, adding its very easy to overlook.

Patients with other life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest or kidney failure have specialists they can call on to help, but thats not the case with sepsis.

It can affect everybody and there is no one discipline that is in charge of sepsis, said Kissoon, adding that its important that the public is aware of some of the common signs of sepsis.

When they come, with an infection or are not feeling well, they can ask the question, Doctor, have you considered sepsis? 

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The lighting industry has dropped its challenge to Californias new efficiency standards for lightbulbs, which took effect this month while the Trump administration was rolling back similar requirements nationwide.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the American Lighting Association filed dismissal requests Tuesday with a federal judge in Sacramento, who had rejected their attempt to block the new state standards. In her Dec. 31 ruling, U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller said federal law appeared to allow California to set stricter standards, and that Congress had recognized the states history of leadership in energy efficiency regulations.

The Electrical Manufacturers Association said Wednesday it was dropping the suit in order to focus on a separate case, in federal court in New York, over the legality of the Trump administrations cancellation of new lightbulb efficiency standards nationwide. The association, representing nearly 325 manufacturers, supports the administrations rollback, which is being challenged by California, 14 other states and the District of Columbia.

The California rules require most types of newly sold lightbulbs to emit at least 45 lumens of light for each watt of electricity they burn. The effect is to ban sales of standard incandescent bulbs, which produce 15 to 20 lumens per watt, and halogen bulbs, which are in the same range.

Fluorescent bulbs emit more than 60 lumens per watt, and LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, generate more than 80 lumens. Both cost more than incandescent bulbs but last much longer.

In her ruling, Mueller said U.S. law allowed California to adopt its own 45-lumens standard if the federal government had not met specific deadlines. She said President Barack Obamas administration did not meet those deadlines, including a Jan. 1, 2017, date for final efficiency standards, clearing the way for California to set its own rules.

The Obama administration eventually adopted a nationwide 45-lumens standard that had been scheduled to take effect this month but was halted by the Trump administration. The states, in their November lawsuit, said the rollback violated a 2007 federal law, was environmentally damaging and would cost U.S. consumers $12 billion a year in energy savings by 2025.

The suit challenges the rollbacks for five types of lightbulbs: three-way incandescent lamps, shatter-resistant bulbs, floodlights, candelabra bulbs and incandescent reflector lamps. The states also have filed arguments opposing the Trump administrations refusal to increase efficiency standards for common pear-shape incandescent bulbs, standards that California imposed on its own in 2018.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which joined the states in their lawsuit, said he is confident of a ruling that would declare energy-wasting incandescent and halogen bulbs can no longer be sold in all 50 states, as envisioned by Congress.

In the California case, Horowitz said, the lighting industry finally came to its senses and dropped its challenge, meaning that all bulbs sold in California must now be efficient ones. When the old bulbs are fully replaced, he said, Californians will save as much as $2.4 billion a year in utility bills.

Clark Silcox, general counsel of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, said in a statement that the Trump administrations Energy Department had provided a sound explanation for why the expanded (energy efficiency) definitions were not consistent with Congress intent in the 2007 law.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Israel has announced that it will open seven new nature reserves in the occupied West Bank, the first time it has made such a move in 25 years.

The controversial decision sparked a backlash from Israeli rights groups and the Palestinian leadership, which has vowed to lodge complaints with the United Nations and international courts.

Naftali Bennett, Israels defence minister, confirmed the new sites and said the move was a big boost for the land of Israel. He added that 12 existing reserves will also be expanded, including Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves 70 years ago.

Mr Bennett, who heads the pro-settlement New Right party, said the reserves will be located in Area C, which makes up 61 per cent of the West Bank and is under total Israeli control.

The lands will include the Jordan Valley, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he planned to annex in September.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law and detrimental to a widely accepted two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestine conflict.

Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights Show all 7 1 /7 Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights An Israeli soldier stands next to signs pointing out distances to different cities on Mount Bental, an observation post in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Reuters Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights Druze people take part in a rally in Majdal Shams near the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria Reuters Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights Israeli Druzes sit together watching the Syrian side of the Israel-Syria border on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Reuters Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights A European member of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) using binoculars to look towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights AFP/Getty Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights A file photo taken on October 19, 1973 shows Israeli Defence Minister General Moshe Dayan (R) looking towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, four days after the beginning of the Yom Kippur War AFP/Getty Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights A file photo taken on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on September 5, 2014 shows members of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone (UNDOF) using binoculars to look towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights AFP/Getty Trump backs Israels annexation of Golan Heights Members of the United Nations peacekeepers standing on a watch tower during a visit by the Israeli Defence Minister in 2018 AFP/Getty

According to Israeli rights group Peace Now, which monitors settlement expansion, more than a third of the proposed location of the new reserves is on private Palestinian land, making it illegal even under Israeli law.

Mr Bennett was quoted as saying: Today we provide a big boost for the land of Israel and will continue to develop the Jewish communities in Area C with actions, not with words.

I invite all the citizens of Israel to tour and walk the land, to come to [the West Bank], sight-see, discover and continue the Zionist enterprise.

Mr Bennett said it would be the first time such a decision was taken since the Oslo Accords were signed in the 1990s.

He is likely to be trying to rally support as he seeks re-election to the Knesset in the forthcoming 2 March vote.

The Palestinian Authority was quick to condemn the latest move, accusing Mr Bennett of "erecting a new colonial umbrella to fight the Palestinian presence in those areas".

The Palestinian foreign ministry said it would lodge complaints over the "dangerous announcement" at the UN and in international courts.

The Foreign Ministry condemns in the strongest terms Bennetts colonialist and expansionist decisions and affirms that the so-called nature reserves are just another scheme for the appropriation and seizure of Palestinian land, the ministry said, as reported by Palestinian news agency WAFA.

This goes, in the end, for the benefit of shoring up settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Peace Now said the move was part of restricting Palestinian access to their lands and normalising the annexation of parts of the West Bank.

The group added that Israel has 96 nature reserves and 14 national parks in the West Bank, despite it being a violation of international law.

Brian Reeves, a Peace Now spokesman, said 31 Israeli settlements or outposts were built partially or entirely within these reserves.

These reserves serve a larger function of keeping land off-limits to Palestinians. Nature reserves and national parks have also been used to prevent Palestinian construction, Mr Reeves told The Independent.

Under international law, any Israeli building or designation in the West Bank is illegal. But 38 per cent of these lands are on private Palestinian land adding a second layer of illegality under Israels own laws.

They are trying to slowly take over Area C as if this wasnt occupied territory. No two-state solution could envision 61 per cent of the West Bank being part of Israel.
Gazprom Armenia might submit a bid to the Public Services Regulatory Commission to raise the natural gas tariff for consumers. This is what Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission Garegin Baghramyan told Lragir.am newspaper.

He stated that even though the statement on no price increase concerns the price of natural gas sold on the border, this doesnt mean that Gazprom Armenia cant submit a bid to the Commission.

In late 2019, there was news that Gazprom Export LLC and Gazprom Armenia CJSC have signed an additional agreement on supply of Russian natural gas according to which the price of natural gas sold to Armenia wont change and will stay at the same level in 2020.

When the price of natural gas sold on the border rose in 2019, Armenias government officials declared that the natural gas tariff wouldnt go up for consumers, and it didnt.

Today journalists asked Garegin Baghramyan if the government is still negotiating with Gazprom Armenia to make sure there is no increase in the natural gas tariff, and Baghramyan said the government is still negotiating. He added that there is still no bid, but there might be. He also couldnt say how high the new natural gas tariff would be.
THE student who died after being stabbed on Bandon Road last night has been named locally as Cameron Blair, from outside Clonakilty.

The 20-year-old was a student of Cork Institute of Technology and was a former student of Bandon Grammar School.

This morning, Bandon Athletics Club released a statement, saying he had been a member of the club for a number of years. He competed at local and national level, winning medals at West Cork, County, Munster and National levels.

The statement continued:  In 2017 he helped the men's team to a 2nd place finish at the National league promoting them to Premier. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The club expressed its deepest sympathies to his family.

He was also a member of Bandon Rugby Club.

Cllr Shane O'Callaghan said people in the area are stunned at the news.

"The reaction locally is one of absolute horror and disbelief," he said.

"The Bandon Road area where the incident occurred is a quiet residential area where there is quite a lot of elderly residents and some student accommodation.

"It is such a terrible tragedy that a young 20-year-old man would be killed in such circumstances and I can only imagine what his poor family must be going through at the moment."

This story first appeared on EchoLive.ie

Earlier: Gardai appeal for information after young student killed in Cork stabbing

Members of the Garda forensic team taking pictures of the house on the Bandon Road. Picture: Dan Linehan

By Sean O'Riordan, Eoin English and Greg Murphy

Gardai have launched an investigation after a young man was fatally stabbed in Cork city last night.

The man is understood to be in his late teens or early 20s and is from West Cork and believed to be a student at CIT.

He suffered what is understood to have been a stab wound to the neck during an incident on the Bandon Road, on the south side of the city.

There are reports that the injured victim staggered along the road before collapsing outside the chipper.

The alarm was raised shortly before 9.30pm and three ambulances rushed to the scene.

The man received medical attention at the scene and was rushed in a critical condition to Cork University Hospital.

Medical staff at the hospital continued resuscitation efforts but the man was pronounced dead a short time later.

A number of areas on Bandon Road have been sealed off by Gardai, including a house.

The local Coroner and the office of the State Pathologist has been informed and a post mortem is scheduled to take place today.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact Togher Garda Station on 021-494 7120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.
just the ticket: Neil Basnett, left, and Philip Mannion in Holiday Destinations new Guild Street base. Photos: Mark Williamson

Based in a chic and welcoming office in Stratford-upon-Avon, travel consultancy Holiday Inspirations devise tailor-made holidays using their incredible knowledge and expertise built up over many years. Here Neil Basnett tells Gill Sutherland about the business and shares some tips on dream destinations.

Spending time in Holiday Inspirations new Guild Street office is an absolute treat. The travel consultancy is run by partners Neil Basnett and Philip Mannion, who between them have nearly 80 years experience of putting holidays together. The couple have been together 32 years, having met while working at Thomas Cook in the 1980s.

The businesss new base  at number 10  is testament to their undoubted good taste in all things. Its artfully decorated, comfortable and with a groaning drinks trolley ready to quench thirsts and warm the cockles of visitors.

Both Neil and Philip talk with such knowledge and enthusiasm about amazing-sounding destinations, my only regret during my visit is that they arent planning my next holiday!

Neil is a great raconteur, and regales photographer Mark and myself with stories of his many years in the travel business over coffee. Meanwhile Philip is also super friendly and funny, and offers his own sage observations from the sidelines  but its Neil that mainly answers our questions.

Tell us how you got started in the business.Like a lot of people I first started at Thomas Cook, and worked at Berkeley Street in London, the head office before the company moved to Peterborough. In those days people joined Thomas Cook because the training was so good. I had three months sitting with a consultant watching how it was done, then a two-month intensive training course, followed by an interview with the regional manager, lastly a six-month probation period  so it was nearly a year before I was considered a fully qualified travel consultant and ready to work with clients.

Holiday Destinations Guild Street base

You must have met a lot of interesting people.One of the places I worked was the House of Commons. I loved that, it was one of the best placements I ever had. Officially, in the Palace of Westminster, it was known as the Transport Office  and staffed by Thomas Cook. We booked for all the MPs and all the lords. There were some very awkward customers! The worst I had was Sir John Nott, the defence secretary during the Falklands; another fiery character was Gwyneth Dunwoody. In the main people were lovely  Harold Wilson and Betty Boothroyd were both adorable.

In those days Concorde was flying to Washington and New York, and the tickets were 8,000 each in 1979. The biggest booking I ever made was to fly the Northern Ireland secretary and 40 staff to New York. It was such a fascinating place to work. On the rare occasion we were quiet I would go up to the chamber and watch them scream and shout at each other! But when they came in to see you in the office they were all best buddies see you in the Strangers Bar that sort of thing. It was the best club in London.

I was there for three years. I was there when poor old Airey Neave was blown up in the underground car park, and when Margaret Thatcher was first elected.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

What came next?I became assistant manager at the branch in Kensington, then Bayswater  my first managers job. Id been working in London 13 years and realised I was wasting three hours a day commuting. So we moved down to Newbury in Berkshire to open a new Thomas Cook branch there. That was a real success and I was approached to manage a new branch on Corporation Street, Birmingham. My last branch was Norwich, it was huge with 32 staff. By then I was getting restless, and sadly Thomas Cook had changed from travel agent to holiday shop. It became about selling holidays, getting customers in and out the door as quickly as possible.

A job came up at Tana Travel in Stratford, which specialised in tailor-made holidays to Africa, and I took that.

My father had worked for the Bank of England and in my teens he got a posting out to Kenya so I carried on at school here and at the end of term I was on the lollipop special, as the flight was known as it was full of expat kids  a whole load of rampant teenagers, heading off to Nairobi. During my fathers three years there I developed a love for Africa. So when the Tana job came up I jumped at that and came here, that was in 1989. I was there 23 years and when it closed in 2012 it broke my heart.

And thats when Holiday Inspirations emerged?Yes, I maintained the client database, and so took that with me. Ive been booking some clients holidays for 25 years  and as far as they are concerned they are not dealing with Tana or Holiday Destinations, but Neil or Phil.

I was also running the Elite Travel Group, a consortium of independent travel agents, as chief executive. Last year I decided to resign from Elite because I realised what I actually love doing is meeting clients and designing holidays. So we decided to create our base at Guild Street, previously wed seen clients at their homes or meet at a wine bar or coffee shop. Now they book an appointment, and we only see one set of clients at a time, where they are not hurried and we can carefully go through what their requirements are.

Tell us about the service you offer.We are a travel consultancy  our market is not what have you got cheap this weekend because to be honest with the internet you dont need an agent for that.

Its bespoke tailor-made holidays that we are known for. If I do a holiday to India, for example, I work with local ground handlers so if people have got any problems, no matter what time of day, they can phone a local company. Once booked via me, I want to guarantee that someone will meet them off the train, say, escort them to the hotel, and ensure the hotel are expecting them  even if its 3am in the morning. And yes you could possibly do all that on the internet but youve got no security and its also the financial side  everything we do has 100 per cent protection. Were covered by all the appropriate travel bodies: ABTA, IATA and CAA/ATOL.

And what kind of clients come and see you?There is a perception that its the younger market that are the ones that book everything on the internet, whereas actually I find its the so-called silver or grey market that book a lot online  because they have the time to do it.

Weve had younger clients wanting to book a villa, and theyve looked at so many they get in a muddle, and theyll just want us to sort that out for them. In a way its the cash rich, time poor clients that we suit.

Is the internet your enemy?!A lot of my older clients like me to put together an itinerary for them  whether its Australia, New Zealand or South Africa or wherever. They will check out all the hotels Ive chosen online themselves. Wretched Tripadvisor has a lot to answer for, one bad review can put people off! But we work with the internet and will make changes.

Were aware people can just check prices on the internet so we do have to make sure our prices are competitive. But I say to clients dont look at what youre paying but what youre getting  you may see a seemingly better price for a hotel room but have you got the full sea view or are you overlooking a car park?

Your expert knowledge must make all the difference.Yes, we booked a holiday for a young couple yesterday  she wanted to treat him for a birthday trip. So I put together an itinerary for a trip to Porto, which included a tour and trip to the wine estates, then a lovely river trip up the Douro River, and staying at a wonderful vineyard. The lady said oh it's so much better than I had found  so its things like that, where our knowledge kicks in.

Theres no way as a travel agent you can know everywhere in the world, but you need to know which operators to turn to  for a lot of destinations I do work with my own ground handlers.

Where have you travelled to recently thats impressed you?In September I went to Kazakhstan which I had never been to before. I didnt know it was the ninth biggest country in the world, and its got the worlds second deepest river canyon after the Grand Canyon; its also got national parks, wildlife and all these ancient historical monuments. I made lots of new contacts so now I can say to clients would you consider going to Central Asia, which I wouldnt have been able to confidently suggest before.

You must have travelled to some amazing places, are there any on your bucket list that youve not been to?Theres still a few gaps! My number one on the bucket list for many years was Machu Picchu in Peru, and I was lucky enough to go on an agents trip five years ago  and that was absolutely stunning. On the way back from Cusco we went on Belmonds Hiram Bingham train, which is like the Orient Express, and that was lovely.

Next on the bucket list is Angkor Wat, the temple in Cambodia.

Where are your favourite places in the world?I love India  Ive been there six or seven times for my two weeks of detox. I love Kerala right down on the southern tip. A lot of people go to Goa but the beaches can get crowded, but Kerala has empty beaches populated by the odd fisherman  its a best kept secret.

Philip knows a lot about the Caribbean and the Middle East, more than I do  he loves Dubai, Im not so keen  so Phillip would deal with those destinations.

Wheres the best beach youve ever seen?Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. I was lucky enough to go there ten years ago. You take a little plane from the largest island Rarotonga and fly over the pacific ocean for an hour, then you realise the plane is coming down  and you think hang on theres no land, what has the pilot seen that we haven't?! Then suddenly through the clouds you see this coral atoll with these islands inside it  and absolutely beautiful turquoise water. Ive never seen anything like it, that to me was paradise on Earth. Mauritius has got beautiful beaches, and so does the Caribbean, dare I say it, the beaches in Benidorm are also stunning  but that is the best beach destination I have ever been to. Usually people go there as a stopover to New Zealand.

Where else would you recommend?One place that people dont tend to think of is Costa Rica. Its a fairly small country in Central America and one of the safest countries in the world  theyve never had an army, and theyre very proud of that. It allows for so many different types of holiday. On the Caribbean side you get all the turtles that come in, and there are crocodiles, sloths and the biggest, most amazing butterflies. Theres everything from beautiful beaches to volcanoes.

I designed a holiday recently to Costa Rica for a couple who had run out of ideas of where to go. When they came back they said: Neil, weve just returned from paradise, and we would have never thought of it.

That must be great when you get that feedback.Were selling dreams. You need to get it right, and so we get to know our clients, and ask them the right questions. Sometimes if its a tailor-made itinerary we will get it right first time and they will book  other times we will make tweaks to make sure its perfect for them.

We get virtually 100 per cent happy feedback. I still get a buzz out of finding a perfect holiday  its an interesting job and I love it.

Find out more at www.holidayinspirations.org.uk or call 01789 293737
A Christian school in the US has reportedly kicked out a pupil after she celebrated her birthday with a rainbow cake while wearing a rainbow jumper.

Whitefield Academy in Louisville, Kentucky expelled the girl in an email over a picture which demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance counter to their beliefs, her mother told local media.

Kimberly Alford said the message included a Facebook post of her 15-year-old daughters birthday celebrations, which shows Kayla smiling next to a multi-coloured cake.

Rainbows are associated with LGBT+ pride, but Ms Alford claimed the cake did not hold any symbolic meaning for her daughter, a now-former student at the private school.

I ordered the cake, she didnt, she told The Washington Post.

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Rainbows dont mean youre a certain gender or certain sex or sexuality.

The picture followed a series of lifestyle violations, the Christian school reportedly said in their email.

Bruce Jacobson, the headteacher, called media reports the pupil was expelled over just a social media post inaccurate.

In fact, she has unfortunately violated our student code of conduct numerous times over the past two years, he told local newspaper the Courier-Journal.

Kayla had previously gotten into trouble for taking e-cigarettes to school, according to her mother.

Our code of conduct is on par with other private Christian schools in our area, the school said.

Its handbook says the school has the right to discontinue enrolment if a pupils home environment is different from the Biblical lifestyle the school teaches, including on the subject of homosexual orientation.

It says such differences mean it will be difficult for the school to cooperate with the home and achieve the goal of a student becoming Christ-like.

Atheist parents launched a legal challenge against a school in the UK this summer, claiming children were being indoctrinated by Christian assemblies.

They dropped the case after Burford Primary School in Oxfordshire said they would put on other activities during collective worship.
The reform process in Uzbekistan is off to a bad start in 2020.



A former diplomat who attempted to commit suicide was convicted of being a spy in a closed trial and a genuine opposition party was told by the justice minister to forget about ever participating in Uzbekistans political system.



Kadyr Yusupovs case was strange from the start.



On the morning of December 3, 2018, the 67-year old Yusupov threw himself on the tracks at a subway station as a train approached.



He was luckily only hospitalized with broken ribs and a concussion. Police did not call his family about the incident until the evening and soon after family members arrived at the hospital, so did two employees of the State Security Service (SGB).



Yusupovs son, Temur, told RFE/RL that the SGB had questioned Yusupov for more than one hour and taken notes of what he had said.



By 9 p.m., the SGB employees told Temur his father had confessed to spying for "the West." They asked him if they could take his fathers computer and wanted him to sign a document agreeing to the seizure.



Temur declined both requests and the SGB agents then got a warrant and removed many items from Yusupov's apartment.

Yusupov was discharged from the hospital on December 10, 2018, and was immediately taken into custody. His family would not see him again until January 9, 2020, when a military court convicted him of treason and sentenced him to 5 1/2 years in prison.



Yusupovs family says the career diplomat takes medication for schizophrenia. Temur said the disorder runs in the family and that Kadyr Yusupovs older brother suffers from it also.



Temur said that just before the subway incident his father, recently returned from a trip to China, had been unable to sleep and spoke about having hallucinations. Temur said the incident at the subway station left his father further disoriented and in such a condition could have admitted to anything.



To make matters worse, the investigation and trial process were shrouded in secrecy.



Human Rights Watch reported Yusupovs lawyer had a meeting with Yusupov right after he was taken into custody but was unable to see his client again for nearly five months. Before the second visit, the attorney "signed a nondisclosure agreement on the case and cannot discuss it with anyone except the clients family."

Family Threats



The family remained silent until they were informed about the treason charge against Yusupov. At that point, Temur said the family decided they had to go public.



Temurs brother Babur, who lives in Britain, was on Sky News to talk about the case and family members used social networks and contacted diplomats to draw attention to Yusupovs case.

As a result, Uzbek authorities started pressuring the family.



According to HRW, "Yusupov said that between December 2018 and late March 2019, two State Security Services officers entered his cell two or three times each day and threatened that if he did not admit his guilt, they would rape him with a rubber baton, rape his wife and daughter, and arrest his two sons, including a son who lives abroad, by means of extradition." HRW said prison staff also withheld medicine from Yusupov.



A Eurasianet report also noted the trial for all intents and purposes wrapped [up] by October but the date for the reading of the verdict was postponed several times.

Yusupov worked in Uzbekistans diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, including international organizations based in Vienna, before retiring in 2009. More recently, he was an adviser to the Association of Uzbek-China Trade, so the charges Yusupov was spying for the West seem odd.



Temur said that prior to the suicide attempt, authorities had not shown any interest in Yusupov.



Even the prison sentence of 5 1/2 years seems light given the serious charge of treason for which Yusupov was convicted. Temur said there was no indication the SGB or anyone else was interested in his fathers activities until after the suicide attempt.



No Justice For Erk



On January 10, the day after Yusupov was convicted and sentenced, representatives of the Erk Democratic Party met with Justice Minister Ruslanbek Davletov, reportedly the first time since 1997 that a justice minister had met with Erk party members.



Erk is an opposition party founded in 1990 and registered by the Justice Ministry on September 3, 1991, two days after Uzbekistan declared independence, making it the first registered political party in Uzbekistan.



Erk leader Muhammad Solih ran against Soviet-era appointee Islam Karimov in the December 29, 1991 presidential election, taking an amazing 12.7 percent in a poll many decried as heavily rigged.



It was the last time Solih, or any genuine opposition figure or party, would ever run in an Uzbek election. Solih had to flee the country in 1993 and continues to live in exile.



Erk leader in Uzbekistan Otanazar Oripov led a delegation that included Agzam Turgunov, Salavot Umrzakov, Hamidulla Nurmatov, and Sanjarali Imamov to meet with Davletov and inquire if the party could openly resume its activities.



Davletov told them not to bother.



According to Turgunov, the justice minister said, This party is part of the past, forget about it."



It was not the first time Erk had tried to get official permission to restart political activities inside Uzbekistan.



In April 2018, then-SGB chief Ikhtiyor Abdullaev (who was sentenced to 18 years in prison in September 2019) said "the nongovernmental parties Erk and Birlik [Movement]" had contacted the Justice Ministry. He added that "their main goal is to legalize their activities and tomorrow, destroy peace and harmony in our country."



Uzbekistan held parliamentary elections on December 22 and one of the main criticisms going into the poll was that the race again included only pro-government parties and excluded any real opposition parties or even independent candidates.



The chairman of Uzbekistans Central Election Commission, Mirzo-Ulughbek Abdusalomov, addressed the issue on the day of the parliamentary elections, proclaiming that both Erk and Birlik could be registered.

And on December 27, Mirziyoev spoke about the inclusion of opposition parties in Uzbek politics, adding that they should not be groups from outside the country, but parties that know the problems of the people, who have lived through these problems, who have been drinking the water and eating the bread here.



Erk and Birlik have members who qualify based on those criteria, but Uzbekistan is apparently still not ready for authentic opposition, despite the promises of officials.



Since Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, officials have uttered the constant refrain that Uzbekistan is changing, and long-overdue reforms are being implemented with more on the horizon.



But the disturbing case of Kadyr Yusupov and the situation surrounding the refusal to register the Erk party closely resemble the old practices that Mirziyoev's government has so often promised to leave behind.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued directions to at least 52 cooperative banks in Pune to strengthen their cyber security, in light of the rising number of online heists being reported in the city.

The directions have been issued to protect the deposits of several thousand bank investors which are the targets of the online predators. The directive issued on December 31, 2019, has made it mandatory for the cooperative sector banks to comply with the guidelines mentioned within three months- the deadline of which ends on March 31.

Accordingly, the cyber crime department of the Pune police has also asked the banks to further boost their critical cyber security infrastructure and comply with the directions.

According to cyber crime officials, any delay in compliance of the directives will result in strict action by the RBI and concerned agencies as the directives have been issued to protect the deposits of the bank customers.

The RBI has suggested a four-step security structure to be put in place by the banks. The first being creation of basic cyber security infrastructure; second, the banks must take extra precaution and care of the account holders using netbanking transactions and third, there should be very strict security arrangement for those banks engaged in high internet usage and ATM switch facilities and the fourth being those banks engaged in sharing data centres with other banks, who must concentrate on strengthening their security.

The RBI does not give permission to conduct internet banking to those banks whose turnover is less than 25 crore. Police Inspector Jayram Paigude of the cyber crime police station said, The banks must immediately update their security so that online predators dont target and siphon off the money. It is seen that co-op banks dont pay attention towards cyber security and hence, this is a very vital component of their security which must be addressed at the earliest. We have also issued directions to them. The cooperative banks must immediately comply with the RBI order, he said.

Maharashtra Urban Co-operative Bank Federation President Vidyadhar Anaskar said, The directives issued by the apex bank are mandatory and all banks must comply with the same. This will bring down the attacks on the banking security and interests of the depositors can be protected at all times, he said.
An American bartender has sparked a fierce debate online after he claimed customers were expected to leave a tip after dining at restaurants in Australia.

Noah, from California, moved to Sydney four years ago after working various hospitality jobs in the US.

He now works in Bondi serving specialty cocktails and craft beer at a popular upscale restaurant near Sydney's iconic beach.

Noah took to social media on Wednesday to share a 'Guide to Tipping in Australia' after admitting the practice, or lack thereof, had been 'bothering' him for years.

An American bartender in Sydney sparked a debate online after he said customers should leave a tip after dining at restaurants in Australia

Unlike the US, where hospitality workers are trained to provide excellent service in exchange for tips because they are paid lower wages, Australians are all paid a living wage, regardless of the industry

The post was aimed at Americans who he claimed have gained a reputation for being poor tippers Down Under for assuming the custom only exists back home.

Poll Do you think customers should tip at bars and restaurants in Australia? Yes No Maybe Do you think customers should tip at bars and restaurants in Australia? Yes 41 votes

No 798 votes

Maybe 70 votes Now share your opinion





Contrary to popular belief, Noah said many Australian waiters and bartenders 'strive' to get tips on the job because they are only paid an hourly wage.

'It's super embarrassing how few Americans tip here in Australia if I'm being honest!

'[A] lot of them assume people don't tip here or make a 'living wage' and therefore don't tip. Try living in Sydney of what you get paid hourly in a restaurant LOL,' he said.

'As a hospitality professional for over 15 years in both the states and Australia I can assure you that Australian hospitality workers are working for and striving towards getting tips, at the very least at high-end venues.

'If you go to a nice restaurant, get expert and detailed service by a professional server, and at the end of your meal when asked to pay the bill are presented with an option to tip; THAT MEANS THE SERVER IS HOPING YOU WILL GIVE ONE!!! It's not some magical useless screen that you have to get past to pay your bill lol.'

In a separate post shared hours earlier, one person shared their own version of a tipping guide in Australia urging Americans to refrain from doing so

Noah suggested customers leave leftover change or if paying by card, to add an extra dollar on top of their drink.

He also said tipping was highly encouraged at craft cocktail bars and upscale eateries, where service tends to be prioritised.

'The people working in these bars (including myself) take great pride in what they are doing and also have spent years gaining knowledge and perfecting their trade!!

'I will end by saying it is never compulsory to leave a tip, and if you didn't good service then by no means do you have to.

'But please, please start erasing the bad stigma Americans have been given here in the hospitality community! Australians tip in Australia, you should too.'

Noah suggested customers leave leftover change or if paying by card, to add an extra dollar on top of their drink

Noah's claims caused a debate among Australians and Americans, but both agreed the practice was not commonplace.

Unlike the US, where hospitality workers are trained to provide excellent service in exchange for tips because they are paid lower wages, Australians are all paid a living wage, regardless of the industry.

'All my Australian friends have always told me to absolutely not tip here!' one American woman said.

'I don't tip anymore specially if I'm with a whole bunch who is not tipping. I do make an exception if I feel like the server has gone above and beyond (which is weird here to be honest) and/or if I feel like me and my entourage have given the server a lot of work (maybe someone in the table was being very picky and making the server go back and forth).

'One of the things I like about Australia is the no tipping culture so I will be bummed if now I have to start tipping here too.'

'I beg to differ. Australians arrogantly and defiantly make a big deal about the fact that servers here are paid a living wage unlike their US counterparts.

'It's understandable that Americans would be under the impression that there is no need to tip here,' another said.

'Australia does not have a tipping culture, they are remunerated accordingly and do not expect a tip, hence why they are so pleasantly surprised if you do leave one. You can do it if you want to sure, but please don't create an expectation for Americans that this is the done thing here in Australia,' a woman added.

In a separate post shared hours earlier, one person shared their own version of a tipping guide in Australia urging Americans to refrain from doing so because it could present a tax fraud issue or conflict with workplace award rates.

'The people you are used to tipping (servers, barbers, taxi drivers, etc) are all getting paid fair living wages, the same as all the people who you don't tip like retail workers, fast food workers, etc.

'It will drive wages down and then people won't be guaranteed to get their minimum award wages as base pay.'




Bricks produced using fungal mycelium, yard waste and wood chips as a part of a NASA-funded myco-architecture project. Similar materials could be used to build habitats on the moon or Mars.

Fungus could be very much among us when humanity sets up shop on the moon and beyond.

NASA researchers are investigating the potential of mycelia  the mass of nutrient-absorbing, widely branching underground threads that make up much of a fungus's bulk  to help construct outposts on the moon and Mars .

"Right now, traditional habitat designs for Mars are like a turtle  carrying our homes with us on our backs," project principal investigator Lynn Rothschild, of NASA's Ames Research Center in California, said in a statement.

This is "a reliable plan, but with huge energy costs," she added in a NASA statement . "Instead, we can harness mycelia to grow these habitats ourselves when we get there."

Video: How fungus among us could build moon bases

Related: How Living on Mars Could Challenge Colonists (Infographic)

Rothschild and her team are conducting their research with the aid of funding from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, which seeks to encourage the development of potentially game-changing exploration technologies.

And the myco-architecture project could indeed be game-changing, if everything works out. (There's certainly no guarantee that it will, however; the project is in the early stages.)

"Ultimately, the project envisions a future where human explorers can bring a compact habitat built out of a lightweight material with dormant fungi that will last on long journeys to places like Mars," NASA officials wrote in the same statement. "Upon arrival, by unfolding that basic structure and simply adding water, the fungi will be able to grow around that framework into a fully functional human habitat  all while being safely contained within the habitat to avoid contaminating the Martian environment."

A researcher holding a petri dish containing mycelia  the underground threads that make up the main part of a fungus  growing in simulated Martian soil. (Image credit: NASA/Ames Research Center/Lynn Rothschild)

There could be many different manifestations of off-Earth "mush-rooms." For example, one habitat concept would consist of three layers, NASA officials explained. On top would be water ice, which may be sourced locally. (Both the moon and Mars are known to harbor the stuff.) The ice would shield the habitat's human occupants from harmful radiation and would also provide resources to the tiny denizens of the middle layer  photosynthesizing microbes called cyanobacteria. These creatures would produce oxygen for the astronauts and nutrients for the fungal mycelia, the chief constituent of the bottom layer.

That basal layer provides the main structure of the habitat. The mycelia that make it up would be heavily processed, baked into sturdy bricks. This would kill the fungus, ensuring that none could escape and proliferate in the alien wilds . But as a second safeguard, any fungi used in this manner would be genetically altered to make them incapable of surviving beyond the base, NASA officials said.

The mycelia could do more than just serve as walls and ceilings, however. Fungi could also help filter water for off-Earth pioneers and extract minerals from their sewage, NASA officials said. And, like many technologies developed for space exploration , myco-architecture could end up having significant applications here on Earth as well  perhaps helping to reduce the huge carbon footprint of the construction industry, for example.

A stool constructed out of mycelia after two weeks of growth. The next step is a baking process process that leads to a clean and functional piece of furniture. The myco-architecture project seeks to design not only for habitats, but for the furniture that could be grown inside them as well. (Image credit: 2018 Stanford-Brown-RISD iGEM Team)

"When we design for space, we're free to experiment with new ideas and materials with much more freedom than we would on Earth," Rothschild said. "And after these prototypes are designed for other worlds, we can bring them back to ours."

Rothschild and her colleagues aren't the only researchers working on novel and efficient habitat designs. For example, teams around the world are investigating the potential of 3D printing to construct habitats out of native Mars or moon material, spurred in part by competitions such as NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge .

Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, " Out There " (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate ), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a 63-year-old woman with a suitcase in New York.

Cops took Michael Lee into custody Wednesday night, two weeks after Esther Guzman was left with a swollen face and bruised eyes.

In surveillance video from the scene near 10th Avenue and 51st Street, the suspect is about to cross paths with the woman when he suddenly lunges forward and punches her.

Guzman said the stranger began yelling insults before delivering blows and throwing her to the ground in the Hell's Kitchen neighorhood at 12.01am on January 1.

Esther Guzman, 63, was assaulted in New York with a suitcase containing a speaker January 1

The local business owner, who has lived in the Hell's Kitchen area for more than 50 years, was left with a swollen face and bruises

Michael Lee, 44, was arrested Wednesday night on charges of assault, harassment and criminal possession of a weapon, after a two-week hunt

The clip shared by police shows the man swing a rolling suitcase containing a speaker at the victim.

'He was cursing, he was fighting with someone on the corner,' Guzman told ABC 7. 'He took the boom box that he had, and hit it.'

He continues to strike the woman while she's on the ground, as she held on to a small rolling luggage item of her own.

The suspect then nonchalantly walks away but cameras captured the suspect's image.

'I was bleeding, I don't know what to do - good thing I didn't lose my conscience. I was scared he was going to come back,' she added.

Then the swelling set in.

'My eyes went "boom",' Guzman told NBC 4. 'I got a big bump here on my eyes, but the time I know I was bleeding, I came home, left my luggage and I took a cab to the emergency room.'

In a surveillance video the man swings luggage at the victim and punches her several times

Guzman returned to the scene of the crime to obtain video from the incident. He is seen walking away after the assault

Guzman  who is a local business owner - then returned to the scene of the crime herself to obtain video from the incident in a desperate bid to make sure her attacker was removed from the streets.

She said she was afraid to leave her home of more than 50 years.

Crimestoppers also asked the public for help detaining the man.

Meanwhile a local store owner said Lee had visited since the assault and is a regular customer at his business, where Guzman also shops.

'I had an encounter with him, along where he lives and I told him to never come back here anymore,' Mohammed Altareb said. 'He's come by several times and we called the police but they never arrived on time.'

According to reports, Lee is known for blasting music around the Midtown Manhattan area.

He was arrested in the vicinity at 7.50pm Wednesday on charges of assault, harassment and criminal possession of a weapon.

Lee has since been released from custody.
Russian PM Medvedev announces government resignation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 4:43 PM

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced his resignation after President Vladimir Putin proposed a series of constitutional reforms.

Medvedev said the government resigned because the reform proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power.

Medvedev said his government's resignation gives room to the president to carry out the changes he wants to make to the constitution.

Putin has ordered the government to fulfill its responsibilities until a new government is appointed.

He has offered Medvedev to oversee Defense and security affairs in a new Security Council role.



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A Canadian tourist who fell down the stairs of a double decker tourist bus in Dublin has sued in the High Court.

Susan Riches (63) claims the accident happened when the bus jerked after pulling in for St Patrick's Cathedral.

She claims she suffers post concussion syndrome and has migraines after she was propelled down the stairs, hitting her head, suffering lacerations and breaking a finger.

The court was told it was her case she was thrown headlong down the stairs.

Nightmares

Ms Riches was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and suffered nightmares and flashbacks and says she now has a significant fear of stairs and escalators.

The bus operators and owners have claimed the bus had not stopped at the cathedral but was stopped in traffic and had not reached the tour stop.

They say it was an unfortunate accident, but claim it was the tourist's fault.

Ms Riches and her husband Patrick were in Dublin for the first time on the last leg of a transatlantic cruise.

She said they docked in Dublin and got a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus on April 30, 2018.

"At St Patrick's I headed for the stairs. I took a step and the bus turned and jerked and I flew through the air," she said.

"I hit my face. I ended up on the floor. I felt in shock and I was bleeding."

Ms Riches has sued Last Bus Ltd and Citi Bus Ltd, both with offices at Moorhill House, Brannockstown, Co Kildare, and Park Fly Ltd and Dockstop Ltd, both with offices at South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin.

She claimed there was a failure to have regard for the safety of passengers they ought to have known were disembarking.

There was also an alleged failure to warn the passengers the bus was going to be further moved as they disembarked.

The claims are denied.

It is contended there was contributory negligence by Ms Riches and she should have had regard for her own safety.

Finbarr Fox, for the defendants, put it to Ms Riches in cross examination that the driver communicated to passengers to remain in their seats until the bus stops.

Ms Riches replied: "I don't remember that. I was really taken with Dublin and the sights."

The case before Mr Justice Bernard Barton continues.
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a public gathering at the city of Yazd, some 410 miles southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, on Nov. 10, 2019. (Office of the Iranian Presidency via AP)

Iran President: More Uranium Being Enriched Than Before Obama-Era Deal

Iran is now enriching more uranium than before the 2015 deal with major world powers to curb its nuclear program, placing the broken agreement in further jeopardy, claimed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a speech.

We are enriching more uranium before the deal was reached  Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress, Rouhani said on Thursday in a televised speech, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the official name for the 2015 deal brokered by the Obama administration. He did not elaborate on how much more uranium is being enriched.

The deal was signed by the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in a group known as the P5 + 1 after several years worth of negotiations. President Donald Trump has long been a critic of the agreement and directed the United States to withdraw in 2018, while noting that the reduction in sanctions included in the deal has allowed Tehran to pursue its military aspirations in the Middle East.

Over the past five years, Iran has gradually scaled back on its commitments, and in early January, Tehran announced it would no longer abide by its limits after the United States carried out an airstrike that killed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. The Islamic regime has repeatedly breached the terms of the deal over the years.

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom announced they would trigger a mediation and called on Iran to meet its commitments.

We have therefore been left with no choice, given Irans actions, but to register today our concerns that Iran is not meeting its commitments, the foreign ministers wrote earlier this week. However, the three foreign ministers of the country said they would remain committed to the agreement.

This handout image shows a view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on August 21, 2010. (IIPA via Getty Images)

Rouhani on Thursday accused the three European countries and the United States of backing away from the accord. We didnt sit around, when they (P5+1) reduced their commitment (to JCPOA), we also reduced our commitment, Rouhani said. Id like to say the current situation is not an easy one, but we are aware that world security, world politics and the world economy are closely connected, he added.

The European Unions top diplomat Josep Borrell, on Thursday held a frank dialogue with Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in New Delhi, India, according to the EU. Both partners agreed to remain in close touch and continue their engagement in the coming weeks, it said in the statement.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated after Soleimanis death, which the United States said was in retaliation for Iran-backed proxy militia attacks on U.S. assets in Iraq that led to the death of an American contractor. President Donald Trump and other top Defense Department officials have said intelligence was obtained that showed Soleimani was planning attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and American facilities.

Iran, in retaliation, fired around 20 missiles at Iraqi bases holding American troops and personnel. The next day, Trump, after announcing that there were no injuries or deaths in the attack, opted for more sanctions on Iran, rather than military escalation, targeting several top-level officials and its industry.
Cork Airport, Irelands fastest growing and most punctual airport, generated 904 million for the Irish economy in 2019, according to findings in an economic impact study released today. The report, conducted by global management consulting firm InterVISTAS Consulting, revealed Cork Airport also contributed to the employment of 12,180 people in Ireland, equivalent to 10,740 full-time jobs, earning a total of 457 million.

The findings of the study come as Cork Airport recorded a fourth consecutive year of growth in 2019, with passengers growing by 8% to 2.6 million. It is now entering its fifth consecutive year of growth, with 2.7 million people forecasted to travel through the airport in 2020, up a further 5% on last year.

Speaking on the role Cork Airport plays in the local economy, Cork Airports Managing Director, Niall MacCarthy said: The last economic impact study of Cork Airport was conducted in 2015 and it is fantastic to see the airports positive contribution to the Irish economy is continuing to grow significantly. Not only does Cork Airport support 12,180 jobs locally, it also contributed 904 million to the Irish economy in 2019. This figure alone highlights just how crucial Cork Airport is to the economy here across the south of Ireland.

Mr MacCarthy added: In total, Cork Airport directly supports 2,200 jobs at the airport itself with daa employees, airlines, ground transport, handling, maintenance, food and beverage, logistics companies, Government agencies and hotels. Of the total Gross Value Added by Cork Airport to the economy, 173 million of that is a result of these direct jobs, and each one of those 2,200 people have made Cork Airport the success it is today as it continues to be Irelands fastest growing airport.

InterVISTAS Consultings economic impact study also found Cork Airports connectivity score  an indicator of an airports access to the global air transport network  is the second highest in the country. There are over 50 routes on offer from Cork Airport to the UK and Continental Europe, along with multiple daily long-haul connections worldwide through major European hub airports served from Cork. Among the three new routes already announced for Cork Airport for 2020 is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines new daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol, from March 30 offering connectivity to the airlines extensive network of 170 destinations worldwide.

Additional new flights for 2020 announced to date also include Ryanairs direct flight to the Croatian coastal city of Zadar; and a twice-weekly service to Katowice, Poland. The latter is an extension of the airlines winter schedule route which is currently operating.

Head of Aviation & Commercial Business Development at Cork Airport, Brian Gallagher stated that the range and density of Corks network provides the region with high levels of connectivity.

Some of the worlds biggest companies choose to do business in Cork and the surrounding counties due to our exceptional connectivity. Along with four daily departures to Heathrow, connecting to the extensive British Airways world network, we have double daily flights to Manchester connecting to Virgin Atlantic and Etihad networks. We also have double daily departures to Paris CDG with Air France and Aer Lingus in peak months.

We also offer 12 weekly departures to Amsterdam with Aer Lingus, and from March 30, we will welcome KLM Royal Dutch Airlines new daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This year, we are also delighted to have a second daily Cork to Paris-Charles de Gaulle flight commencing with Air France. As Air Frances global flight network spans across five continents  from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, Johannesburg to Cuba, this will make long-haul options from Cork Airport even easier and more convenient, he added.
Hrayr Tovmasian, the embattled chairman of Armenias Constitutional Court, held a video conference with the head of the Council of Europes Venice Commission on Wednesday three weeks after being indicted by Armenian law-enforcement authorities.

In a statement, the court said Tovmasian discussed in detail with the commission president, Gianni Buquicchio, and other officials from the Strasbourg-based watchdog recent events that unfolded around the Constitutional Court. It gave no details.

Tovmasian was charged with two counts of abuse of power late last month. Prosecutor-General Artur Davtian said he unlawfully privatized an office in Yerevan and forced state notaries to rent other premises de facto belonging to him when he served as justice minister from 2010-2014.

Tovmasian rejected the accusations as politically motivated. He claimed that the Armenian government warned him this summer that he will be prosecuted if he refuses to step down.

Armenias Investigative Committee recommended the charges in late October. Just hours later, Buquicchio issued a statement expressing serious concern over what he described as the Armenian governments open conflict with the Constitutional Court.

I call on all sides to exercise restraint, mutual respect and constructive institutional cooperation in order to de-escalate this worrying situation and re-establish the normal operation of the constitution of Armenia, said Buquicchio.

The Armenian authorities have repeatedly accused Tovmasian of breaking laws and maintaining ties to the countrys former leadership toppled in the 2018 Velvet Revolution. The parliament dominated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians allies demanded his ouster in a September resolution. The Constitutional Court rejected the demand on October 15.

The authorities also make no secret of their desire to replace six other judges of the 9-member court, who were also installed by the former Armenian governments. In early December the National Assembly passed a government bill offering them financial incentives to resign before the end of their mandate. None of the judges has accepted the lucrative early retirement so far.
In Some Cases, Even Lives Are At Risk

It Doesn't Take Much To Fool Many People On The Net

There Are Easy Steps You Can Take, However, To Spot A Fake

Battling Bots

(TNS)  Israel threatened to nuke Pakistan. Pakistan threatened to strike back.The two countries crept toward nuclear war in 2016 after a bogus article was posted by a now-defunct "news service" website backed by Iran.Flash forward to 2020 and experts predict even more frequent and sophisticated disinformation campaigns to undermine American institutions and public safety."We are at war  an information war," said Claire Wardle, executive chair of First Draft, a nonprofit that works with news organizations to combat disinformation. "We certainly should worry about people, including journalists, unwittingly sharing misinformation, but far more concerning are the systematic disinformation campaigns.""This isn't a political issue," Wardle added. "Anyone who cares about their community, and wants people to make informed decisions should care about this. If we don't take information pollution seriously, it will have grave implications for our societies. Divisions will grow and people will turn inwards to small groups of people who just reinforce existing views."Police in Burlington City, New Jersey, recently had to dispel rumors on Facebook that an officer shot a 10-year-old boy."Obviously some people  not all, but some  are trying to fuel an anti-police rhetoric," said police Chief John Fine. "I've got officers out on a crime scene, trying to interview witnesses and dealing with family. And, we've got people on social media saying the victim was shot by a cop."Since September, First Draft has led 300 journalists through training programs to prepare for 2020 disinformation campaigns, Wardle estimated. "Over the next three months, we will be training 500 more, with the hope that they will act as ambassadors in their own newsrooms and communities so that many hundreds of people will be trained on these techniques ahead of the election.At the global and national levels, the Associated Press started the weekly series "NOT REAL NEWS," debunking a seemingly bottomless trough of false content worldwide.With so much false content spreading so fast, we need your help. This newsroom is committing resources to battle disinformation at the local and state levels.See something sketchy in a local Facebook group? Get an unusual letter or a robocall that raises eyebrows? Report the details to us. We'll investigate the claims and report on our findings.Americans have chosen social media as their No. 1 source for news. It's content they don't trust.An October 2019 survey of 1,032 adults conducted by the Associated Press and University of Chicago found that the greatest number of Americans  54%  got their news from social media yet only 11% trusted the news they obtained there.Two years ago, "Get Out" film director Jordan Peele created a fake video of President Obama giving an address to the nation. Peele was able to make the president do and say anything in footage that appeared an authentic address from the White House.Following a national emergency, someone could post a fake video of an address from any current president. And, it could start a panic, experts warn.Free tools allow you to verify photos and video, and this might have prevented the latest smear campaign against 16-year-old Greta Thunberg.Since gaining international attention as a climate change activist, Thunberg has been attacked by anti-environmentalist groups, which aim to cast her as mentally unstable or an outright fraud.Recently, they used a misleading video that's still trending on social media with thousands of daily viewers. It started Dec. 7.Sports shooter Emmy Slinge, of Stockholm, posted a 18-second video of herself at the gun range.Four days later, multiple Twitter accounts re-posted that same footage, claiming it was Thunberg wielding a AR-15 semiautomatic rifle.The content falsely identifying the shooter as Thunberg currently has more than 3 million views on Twitter."Every time we passively accept information without double-checking, or share a post, image or video before we've verified it, we're adding to the noise and confusion," added Wardle, a former research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. "The ecosystem is now so polluted, we have to take responsibility for independently checking what we see online."Like the Thunberg smear, most fakes are copies or composites of old photos and video ripped from the net, experts say.For example, you could take any one of the thousands of images from the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri and re-post that content online today, claiming it's a current photo of protests in any American city.To verify an image, save the photo to your computer and upload it to Google Images. Google Images will then search the net for other photos with similar characteristics, allowing you to spot fake and re-purposed content.Free online tools allow you to check the "metadata" of images taken by cellphones and digital cameras. This data can show the date and time the photo was taken. Newer cameras often contain data showing the GPS coordinates where the images or video was shot.In addition to Google Images, the free service TinEye tracks where images appear online. Verefix shows the metadata behind an image, and Amnesty USA offers a free YouTube DataViewer.For those using the internet browser Google Chrome, you can also install RevEye Reverse Image Search, which analyzes images on the page in your Chrome browser.Doctored images aren't the only thing to be wary of on the 'net.Chances are you're friends with a robot.On Dec. 20, Facebook's head of security policy announced it had removed accounts with "inauthentic coordinated behavior" that "automate posting at very high frequencies and direct traffic to off-platform sites."With free tools, you can spot them. But, it won't be easy.Facebook announced it had removed some 3.3 billion fake accounts  a figure three times the population of China.The social media giant estimates 5% of its accounts aren't real people.At Indiana University, researchers with the Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research created "Botometer," a program to spot your social media friends and followers who are likely robots.Some of the social media you encounter is generated by robots formed by companies and government agencies. For example, in December, Twitter said it removed nearly 6,000 fake accounts created by the Saudi government.Unbeknownst to some users, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter control what you see with operating algorithms designed to show you the most popular content.Even this popularity can be hacked, experts say.In December, researchers working with NATO said they were easily able to purchase thousands of fraudulent comments, likes and views on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, increasing the chances that certain content would go viral.Fake accounts were also used to propagate some of the most viral content of 2019  like the bogus claim that President Trump's grandfather was a pimp, and his father was a member of the KKK.The claims weren't new or true, but that didn't stop the bogus report from going viral.Bots are typically newborns. Many have profile photos that are stolen from other locations on the net. (You can use the Google Image search to see if a bot's profile photo appears in other places on the net.)Other free tools show when a website or account was first created, who registered the site and whether it's based in the United States.Among them, the website WhoIs.com, provided by New York-based NTT Communications, lets you pull up details about any website domain address.Finally, if you see something on the net which seems suspect, check with multiple news sources to see if it's been reported elsewhere.
A suspected drunk driver who was arrested over a fatal crash that killed a recent graduate has been released without bail despite a lengthy criminal history.

Jordan Randolph, 40, was charged with Felony DWI after the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in Long Island, New York.

Jonathan Flores-Maldonado, 27, died after his 2015 Ford was hit by Randolph's 2014 Cadillac on a parkway in Brookhaven, authorities say.

Randolph 'attempted to flee the scene on foot', but 'after taking a few steps, (he) fell to the ground where he was placed into custody', court documents show.

He has 12 previous criminal convictions, including three DWIs since 2011, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

He was also said to have been busted on New York's Day for not having a court-ordered breathalyzer in his vehicle and later released.

But the judge was forced to release Randolph under controversial bail reform laws that eliminates pre-trial detention and money bail for the wide majority of misdemeanor and non-violent felony cases. He is due back in court on January 23.

Jordan Randolph, 40, pictured after his arrest, was charged with Felony DWI after the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in Long Island, New York

Jonathan Flores-Maldonado, 27, pictured left with a loved one on his graduation day, died after his 2015 Ford was hit by Randolph's 2014 Cadillac on a parkway in Brookhaven, police say

Randolph 'attempted to flee the scene, pictured, on foot', but 'after taking a few steps, (he) fell to the ground where he was placed into custody', court documents show

Flores-Maldonado's stepdad Philip Beyernheimer told CBS: 'We just identified him and his remains, so that he can be released to be cremated and that's all because of a bail reform law.

'Its time to say, hey, you know what? We made a mistake. Now, lets correct it before this tragedy happens to somebody else.'

Flores-Maldonado graduated from Buffalo State College with biology degree in May 2019. His cousin, Dylan Page, said the decision to release Randolph left his family 'flabbergasted', labeling the decision 'absolutely ridiculous'.

Page told WIVB4: 'The past few days for my family have been devastating.

'We were flabbergasted that someone who crashed a car into someone and killed them was able to walk free and walk right past us, out the courtroom, while we're heading home to plan his funeral.

'It's absolutely ridiculous. We need to do something about it as soon as possible. The longer it goes on, the more people are going to be hurt.

He added: 'I love him dearly. It's barely even hit me. I can't believe that I'm not going to see, not only my cousin, but one of my best friend's ever again.'

Carolyn Beyernheimer, the victim's cousin, added: 'So I'm asking Gov. [Andrew] Cuomo, now is not the time to dig your heels in. You have to do a 180 on this because how many deaths do you really want for good, hard-working citizens.'

His mother Lillian Flores said: 'Jonathan was the first. Let him be the last.'

Flores-Maldonado graduated from Buffalo State College with biology degree in May 2019. His cousin, Dylan Page, said the decision to release Randolph left his family 'flabbergasted', labeling the decision 'absolutely ridiculous'

Jordan Randolph, pictured, has 12 previous criminal convictions, including three DWIs since 2011, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office. He was also busted on New York's Day for not having a court-ordered breathalyzer in his vehicle and later released

Daniel Potts, the chair of the Biology Department at Buffalo State, said: 'Jonathan always had a pleasant and professional demeanor in class and in our labs. He had a bright future.'

The family have set up a GoFundMe page to help with his funeral costs.

Reform supporters argue the bail law will prevent poor people from languishing in jail for low-level crimes while their cases work through the system.

They say it will also create a fairer system and stop prosecutors from using incarceration to pressure a defendant into a plea agreement. Being free also allows a person to better prepare for their case, advocates said.
The global anti-aging hair products market is poised to grow by USD 710.67 million during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of almost 3% during the forecast period. Request Free Sample Pages

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005279/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global anti-aging hair products market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 117-page research report with TOC on "Anti-Aging Hair Products Market Analysis Report by Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), by Geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America), and Segment Forecasts, 2019 2023".

https://www.technavio.com/report/global-anti-aging-hair-products-market-industry-analysis

The growing demand for natural and organic anti-aging hair products and the rising preference for do-it-yourself hair care products over synthetic hair care products are factors anticipated to boost the growth of the market.

The demand for natural and organic ingredients in anti-aging hair products is increasing due to their superior quality over most synthetic products. Natural and organic products have no harmful side effects and are thus safer. They do not contain non-biodegradable substances such as chemicals and petroleum derivatives, paraffin, mineral oil, and propylene glycol. Natural and herbal hair colors are ammonia-free and less harmful. Some of the natural hair color brands in the market are L'Oreal Paris Prodigy by L'Oreal, Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity by Henkel AG Co. KGaA, and Clairol Natural Instincts by Procter Gamble. Thus, the growing demand for natural and organic anti-aging hair products is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

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Major Five Anti-Aging Hair Products Market Companies:

Coty Inc.

Coty Inc. is headquartered in the US and operates the business under various segments such as Consumer Beauty, Luxury, and Professional Beauty. The company sells anti-aging hair products such as shampoos and colorants under brands such as Wella and Nioxin.

Henkel AG Co. KGaA

Henkel AG Co. KGaA is headquartered in the US and offers products through the following business units: Adhesives Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry Home Care. The company sells anti-aging hair products such as shampoos and colorants under brands such as Schwarzkopf, Syoss, and Alterna.

L'Oreal

L'Oreal is headquartered in France and operates under various business segments, namely Professional products, Consumer products, L'Oreal luxe, and Active cosmetics. The company offers a wide range of anti-aging hair products under different brands Garnier and L'Oreal Paris.

Procter Gamble

Procter Gamble is headquartered in the US and offers products through the following business segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric Home Care, and Baby, Feminine Family Care. The company offers a wide range of anti-aging hair products under the brand, Pantene.

Unilever

Unilever is headquartered in the Netherlands and offers products through the following business segments: Personal Care, Home Care, and Foods and Refreshment. The company offers a wide range of anti-aging hair products under the brand, Dove.

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Anti-Aging Hair Products Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023)

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Online

Anti-Aging Hair Products Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023)

APAC

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Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Related Reports on Consumer Staples include:

Hair Color Spray Market Global Hair Color Spray Market by distribution channel (offline and online) and geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America).

Hair Wigs and Extension Market Global Hair Wigs and Extension Market by product (human hair wigs and extension; and synthetic hair wigs and extension) and geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America).

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Disease That Killed Millions of Chinas Pigs Poses Global Threat

CHICAGOBettie the beagle, a detector dog for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, picked up the scent of pork on a woman arriving from China at Chicagos OHare International Airport.

Soon the dogs handler discovered and confiscated a ham sandwich in the purse of a passenger who had flown on a China Eastern Airlines flight from Shanghai.

The danger? That the food might be contaminated with African swine fever and spread the disease to the United States. China has lost millions of pigs in outbreaks of the disease, pushing its pork prices to record highs, forcing purchases of costly imports and roiling global meat markets.

Its very likely it may come here if we arent more vigilant, said Jessica Anderson, the handler for the pork-sniffing dog and an agricultural specialist for the border protection agency.

Bettie is among an expanded team of specially trained beagles at U.S. airports, part of a larger effort to protect the nations $23 billion pork industry from a disease that has decimated Chinas hog herd, the worlds largest. Governments worldwide are scrambling to shore up their defenses as the disease spills over Chinas borders, according to Reuters reporting from nine countries. The efforts underscore the grave threat to global agriculture.

Jessica Anderson, an agricultural specialist for U.S. Customs Border and Protection, works with a beagle named Bettie to sniff out banned pork products at OHare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. on Oct. 9, 2019. (Tom Polansek/Reuters)

African swine fever has spread to Southeast Asia and eastern Europe, with cases found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Korea, Myanmar, the Philippines, Poland, Belgium and Bulgaria. Around the globe, those countries and others that have so far sidestepped the epidemic are cracking down on travelers, increasing cargo screenings and banning meat imports.

Pork-producing countries stand to lose billions of dollars if the disease infects their industries because outbreaks devastate farms and shut export markets. African swine fever does not threaten humans but theres no vaccine or cure for infected pigs.

If the disease enters the United States, the top pork-exporting nation with 77.3 million hogs, the government would struggle to protect the industry, participants in a four-day drill in September told Reuters.

If this gets in, it will destroy our industry as we know it, said Dave Pyburn, the National Pork Boards senior vice president of science and technology.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) simulated an outbreak in Mississippi that spread to the nations top pig-producing states, including North Carolina, Iowa and Minnesota. Veterinarians, farmers and government officials gathered at command centers where they tested their capacity to swiftly detect, control and clean up after an outbreak.

The experience showed the United States needs to increase its capacity to quickly test pigs for the disease and to dispose of the animals without spreading it, said Pyburn, who participated in the drill.

In China, the top global pork consumer, the disease has been devastating. The exact number of hog deaths is not known. Rabobank estimated the country lost up to 55 percent of its pig herd last year. But the Chinese government has reported smaller losses in the countrys $1 trillion hog sector since the first case in August 2018.

Global Response

The U.S. government is fielding dogs at airports and seaports, conducting outbreak-response drills and adding capacity to test pigs. France and Germany are killing hundreds of thousands of wild boar that might carry the disease. France also erected 132 kilometers (82 miles) of fencing to keep out wild boar and is planning stricter sanitary rules for pig farming, including requirements to disinfect trucks that transport swine.

Thailand culled pigs in a province close to Burma (also known as Myanmar), where the disease has been found. South Korea ordered soldiers on its border with North Korea to capture wild boar, while Vietnam used troops to ensure infected pigs were culled.

Australia expelled travelers from Vietnam for smuggling pork and banned imports of pork products. Australia also deployed advisors to Pacific islands in an attempt to protect its closest neighbors from African swine fever. If such efforts fail, it could cost the country more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.4 billion) over five years, according to Australian Pork Limited, an industry group.

It is certainly the biggest threat to commercial raising that we have ever seen, and arguably the biggest threat to any commercial livestock species weve seen, said Mark Schipp, Australias chief veterinary officer.

U.S. officials plan to suspend domestic shipments of pigs among farms and to slaughterhouses if African swine fever is detected. The USDA and states could issue orders halting the movement of livestock in certain areas as a way to contain the disease.

The USDA said in a statement to Reuters that the September drill highlighted shortcomings in its guidance to states detailing when and how to limit the movement of pigs. The government is also increasing the number of laboratories it uses to test for African swine fever.

We have identified some gaps, said Amanda Luitjens, who took part in the drill and is animal welfare auditor for Minnesota-based pork producer Christensen Farms. The thought of it making it to the United States is scary.

Jessica Anderson, an agricultural specialist for U.S. Customs Border and Protection, shows a pork sandwich confiscated from a traveler arriving from Shanghai at OHare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. on Oct. 9, 2019. (Tom Polansek/Reuters)

Bans on Garbage Feeding

Travelers transporting meat represent the biggest risk for African swine fever to spread to the United States because the disease can live for weeks in pork products, Pyburn said.

Contaminated food can be fed to feral pigs or livestock in a practice known as garbage feeding, which the USDA says has caused outbreaks of swine diseases around the world. U.S. farmers are supposed to obtain a license to feed pigs with food waste that contains meat and cook it to kill disease organisms.

African swine fever can also spread from pig to pig, from bites by infectious ticks and through objects such as trucks, clothing and shoes that have come into contact with the virus.

China banned the transportation of live pigs from infected provinces and neighboring regions in an unsuccessful bid to contain its outbreaks. It also culled pigs and outlawed the use of kitchen waste for swine feed.

The disease has been detected in food products seized at airports in South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and northern Ireland.

African swine fever is thought to have arrived in the Philippines through contaminated pork smuggled from China. The Philippines is now conducting mandatory checks on carry-on luggage of passengers from countries with outbreaks.

Pig farmer Han Yi wipes his tears as he speaks to Reuters on his farm at a village in Changtu County, Liaoning Province, China on Jan. 17, 2019. (Ryan Woo/Reuters)

The government of the province of Cebu in central Philippines banned imported products and those from the main Philippine island of Luzon to avoid swine fever. More than 60,000 pigs have died or been culled in Luzon because of the disease. The Philippines Department of Agriculture also banned garbage feeding that included leftover food from airports, airlines and seaports.

In the United States, low inspection rates at ports of entry increase the likelihood for illegal pork to enter the country undetected, the USDA said in a report assessing the risk from African swine fever. The agency works with Customs and Border Protection to alert all U.S. ports each time a new country is confirmed to have the disease, requesting increased scrutiny on travelers and shipments.

But Customs and Border Protection estimates it needs 3,148 people to specialize in agricultural inspections at entry points like airports and only has about 2,500.

The U.S. Senate last year authorized the annual hiring of 240 agricultural specialists a year until the workforce shortage is filled, and the training and assignment of 20 new canine teams a year. The government approved 60 new beagle teams to work at airports and seaports last year, for a total of 179 teams, according to USDA.

Those teams face a daunting challenge, said Senator Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat who introduced the legislation with other lawmakers.

Every day, millions of passengers and tens of thousands of shipping containers carrying food products cross our nations borders, he said, any one of which could do significant damage to Americas food supply and agricultural industries.

By Tom Polansek
These are those who cheer for a man who saw very fine people on both sides in Charlottesville, Va. These are people who see no problem with the separation of migrant families. These are people who abide by the president employing white nationalists in his administration.

I am quite frankly suspicious of the candidate who actively appeals to these people. Their continued support for Trump isnt just some small mistake they made, like picking up a zucchini instead of a cucumber at the market.

No, their Trump support is a value statement, one that turns on the denial of other peoples rights to freedom, equality and safe existence.

How can a person appeal to me and to that person simultaneously and do so with integrity and honor?

At the same time, transformational change sounds good and smart in theory, but it simply isnt most Trump-resisting Americans most urgent concern. Removing Trump is. Furthermore, the federal government is notoriously inefficient and problem-prone. It would most likely take it decades to carry out a single large-scale change and tweak it until it worked properly. It is impossible for me to believe that any candidate could manage major change in multiple areas at the same time.

This is not to say that the proposals of the progressive candidates dont have merit. They do. Their goals are the right ones for the Democratic Party and the planet. But this election will not likely be the proving ground for these proposals.

In this cycle, it is hard to sell reorganizing the whole country to people who are simply afraid that Trump is going to destroy the whole country.

That is a reason that Tuesday nights debate got a bit too far down into the weeds for me. Indeed, although the ability of candidates to make sustained arguments has improved and the number of people allowed on the stage has shrunk, there remains a sort of nerdy gladiator feel to them that numbs with numbers.
A coalition of 24 Civil Society Organisations has advised President Muhammed Buhari to relieve Prof. Itse, Sagay (SAN) of his appointment as the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

Hajia Zainab Mohammed, National Secretary of the organisation, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mohammed said Sagays removal would be the only option to stop him from inflicting further damages to Buharis administration.

Mohammed also said the PACAC chairman should also be probed for his alleged anti-government activities.

The statement said: This has become necessary to stop him from further embarrassing the government with his negative utterances in the past five years.

You cannot constitute yourself into an internal opposition and remain with the same government you are meant to serve.

Constructive opinions or observations should be conveyed to necessary agency of the administration in a civilised manner rather than consistently washing dirty linens in the public.

The Coalition of 24 Civil Society Organisations view Sagays antecedence as antithesis to the ideals of the president. This is a deliberate act to run down the government.

The national secretary of the C24 said Sagay had allegedly plotted to create disunity amongst the various anti-corruption and security agencies.

She said it was unthinkable for Sagay to canvass the removal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission from the control and supervision of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Mohammed explained that such campaign was counterproductive in the administrations anti-graft war.

She said Sagays under-current manoeuvres were meant to embarrass the administration, adding that no individual should be allowed to sow seed of disunity among anti-graft agencies and their supervising organs of the government.

The statement added: As chairman of PACAC, there is nothing wrong with innovative ideas if he considers them necessary, but that he should have done without necessarily going public.

The AGF has a good working relationship with all the security agencies under his jurisdiction.

The EFCC and the ICPC have not complained of any marginalisation by the Attorney General.

If there are any grey areas, it should be an internal matter rather than castigating the administration in the public.

This is unacceptable and must be addressed by President. Any employees of the government found inconsistent with its policies should be weeded out immediately.

This administration is putting in so much effort through the office of the Attorney General and should not be rubbished by activities of persons with hidden agenda.

The national secretary further explained that Sagay had expressed unhappiness with alleged frequent attempts by Malami to stiffen the freedom of the anti-graft bodies under his supervision.

She said Sagay had specifically canvassed support for the reappointment of Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC chairman.

Mohammed said: Our investigation reveals that Sagays son may currently be under the employment of the EFCC. So his actions may clearly be for selfish interest.

Using privileged positions to get favour is an act of corruption and insubordination to President Buhari and the Nigerian public.

Moreover, those who crafted the act establishing the EFCC, ICPC and other similar agencies were aware that without checks on the activities of such agencies could turn them into bullies.

The AGF is also not an Island to himself as he confers with the Presidency for his actions.

It was also surprising that Sagay, as an anti-corruption champion could express worries that the office of the AGF is desirous of creating an agency that would keep custody of all recovered assets.

To our understanding the suggestion became necessary for transparency and accountability on the management of recovered assets.

Nigerians are asking questions on the whereabouts of our recovered loots by the government and the answer can best come from the establishment of a central pool for the custody of such assets for transparency and accountability.

There is nothing wrong for such proposed agency to also investigate, arrest and prosecute offenders.

After all, we have the Nigeria Police before the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU and others were created. The more we have such agencies the more we fight crime better in the country.

On the Federal Governments ban on the establishment of Operation Amotekun by the South West governors, Mohammed said Sagays open call for the governors to revolt against the ban was shocking.

She said: The pronouncement of the Attorney General of the Federation that the outfit is illegal is the position of the government Sagay serves.

While we are not justifying the correctness or otherwise of such pronouncement by the government, it is odd by all standard for an appointee of same government to kick against such policy statement so brazenly.

He has other options to explore rather than this level of embarrassment.

We are therefore calling Mr President to as a matter of urgency relieve Prof. Itse Sagay of his appointment and an appropriate committee be set up to probe his activities so far against the government.

We commend the Attorney General, Abubakar Malami (SAN) for his competence and capacity in discharging his duties so far.
EDWARDSVILLE  Two educators from Edwardsville School District 7 are planning to retire and start a new chapter in life.

Liberty Middle School Principal Beth Crumbacher and Edwardsville High School (EHS) Principal Dennis Cramsey have decided to retire at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

This is a unique middle school, said Crumbacher. We pride ourselves on community service and helping to shape these kids into contributing members of society. The majority of these kids will stay in this community to keep it polished and all of us, our whole staff, do an outstanding job.

We all have that shared dream to make these great kids into great young adults, Crumbacher said. I am so happy to have worked with people that shared my vision to help these kids become that contributing member of society.

She added that once you fall in love with working with children, the feeling can never stop, as proven by her years spent at the district.

I started in 97 when the new middle school concept was brought in and I was a principal at Columbus and then an administrative role at the high school and now here, she said.

Crumbacher looks to continue being an educator after she retires by volunteering at schools her grandchildren attend in Missouri. She is also considering working at a hospital to help kids in need.

Though she will miss Liberty Middle, Crumbacher said she is excited to have more time to be with family.

Excellence breeds excellence and I have no doubt they will find the perfect fit, she added.

To Cramsey, working at District 7 has been about working with colleagues he has met along the way. He said it feels bittersweet to be leaving alongside a teacher he has worked with and admired for years.

Beth is the epitome of compassion for kids and I am grateful to have worked side by side such an educator, he said. I feel blessed to have been part of such a premier district and community.

Cramsey has been the principal at EHS since 2011. To help the schools next principal to find their way and continue forging a path for the high school, Cramsey offered some advice.

My biggest focus point has been teaching a culture of respect and honoring those kids who exemplify that, he said.I would love to see that tradition continue.

Cramsey is not sure what the next chapter of his life will look like but he did hint at continuing work as an educator.

You cant fill the shoes, but one can grow into them, he said.

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Nancy Spina and Director of Curriculum for District 7 Cathy Wright will join Cramsey and Crumbacher in retirement as well.
Gardai looking for clues after the homeless man was badly injured. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Eoghan Murphys election campaign poster close to the scene of the incident, which has now been taken down. Photo: Mark Condren

A homeless man suffered life-changing injuries when the tent he was sleeping in was removed by an industrial vehicle during a clean-up operation in Dublin.

It is understood the tent was lifted by a grab lorry at the Wilton Terrace and Leeson Street junction along the Grand Canal on Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses heard screaming and alerted the workmen.

The man - who is in his 30s - was yesterday moved to intensive care at St Vincent's University Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition after emergency surgery.

It is believed he may have been paralysed in his left leg, a source said last night.

The incident happened when Waterways Ireland was removing tents in the area.

Inner City Helping Homeless chief executive Anthony Flynn demanded a full investigation, saying "answers need to be provided".

"Somebody's life could have been taken," he told the Herald.

"Eviction notices were being issued to people living in tents along the canal, which is absolutely ludicrous.

"Appropriate checks clearly weren't put in place to make sure someone wasn't in the tent."

Dublin City Council said Waterways Ireland was removing tents that were placed in a "precarious and dangerous location".

"The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive is liaising with the hospital and every support is being provided. Our thoughts are with the man at this time," a spokesperson said.

Saddened

"The executive has been engaging with the individual for some time and accommodation remains available to him."

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said his election campaign poster, which was photographed at the scene, had since been removed.

"I was saddened to hear of the incident," he said.

"My thoughts are with this poor man. I've demanded a full report into the incident which is under garda investigation.

"My campaign poster which was located at the scene has been removed."

Waterways Ireland said it is co-operating fully with the garda investigation.

"Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council/Dublin Regional Homeless Executive work in co-operation to remove tents along the canals in Dublin where they have become a public safety hazard," a spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are very much with the individual who was injured."
A new study from Finland sheds fresh light on how melanoma cells interact with other cells via extracellular vesicles they secrete. The researchers found that extracellular vesicles secreted by melanoma cells use the so-called hedgehog signalling pathway to intensify the malignant properties of the cells they are targeting. The discovery can help in the development of better treatment and diagnostics for melanoma. Published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, the study was carried out in collaboration between researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki.

Many of the mechanisms regulating the function of our body have remained unchanged throughout evolution. This means that the same genes regulate the development and function of all multicellular animals. One example of such gene survival is the so-called hedgehog signalling pathway. The gene family associated with this signalling pathway gets its unique name from a mutation it caused in fruit fly larvae, making them look spiky, just like a hedgehog. The most common of the three hedgehog genes found in mammals, the Sonic hedgehog gene, was aptly named after the famous video game character. In mammals, members of the hedgehog gene family are essential regulators of fetal development, but they are also associated with stem cell division in later stages of development and even in adults. Recent studies suggest that their expression is also associated with many different types of cancer, including skin cancers. Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, and it is becoming more and more common.

Extracellular vesicles carry signals between cells -- and they can also carry packaged drugs

Traditionally, signalling in the body is thought to take place via freely circulating signals, such growth factors and hormones. According to a more recent view, however, it is believed that some signals are packaged for transportation to protect them against breakage and to ensure their delivery to the correct address. Extracellular vesicles are small, bubble-like packages made of cell membrane, serving as natural carriers of signals in the body. They regulate the function of the body already during the fetal stage, via breast milk and also later in life as our tissue regenerates. Cancer cells, too, use extracellular vesicles to deliver signals and to modify their environment, making it favourable to growth. Extracellular vesicles can also be used as diverse carriers of drugs to combat diseases and to repair tissue damage -- and this is why they are being studied so actively at the moment.

In the newly published study, the researchers discovered a new link between extracellular vesicles and hedgehog molecules. They found that vesicles secreted by melanoma cells intensify the malignant properties of the cells they are targeting, such as division and spreading, via the hedgehog signalling pathway. The researchers used cultured human melanoma cells and normal skin cells, confirming their findings from the cell culture by analysing tissue samples from patients with melanoma.

"It is quite a coincidence that these signal-carrying vesicles originate from cells that are also known as hedgehog cells due to their microscopically small, spike-like protrusions. These protrusions, however, don't have anything to do with fruit fly larvae; instead, they are typically found in cells that are active in producing hyaluronan, the most common sugar molecule in the extracellular matrix," Docent Kirsi Rilla from the University of Eastern Finland says.

"Hyaluronan also plays a key role in vesicle mediated signalling, as hyaluronan found on the surface of vesicles protruding from the cell surface facilitates their binding to the target cell."

The hedgehog signalling pathway holds great promise as a target for drug therapy in melanoma and other cancers. The regulation mechanism now discovered by the researchers can be made use of in the development of better diagnostics and drug therapy for patients with melanoma.

Docent Rilla's research group has been studying the biology of extracellular vesicles since 2013.
Mumbai varsity sends professor on forced leave for criticising Rahul Gandhi

The Mumbai University has sent the director of the Department of Academy of Theatre Arts Yogesh Soman on forced leave and initiated an inquiry against him over complaints of alleged remarks made against former Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The university is reported to have received several students union members alleging that Soman had made objectionable remarks against Rahul Gandhi and also claiming to be against women in general.

Some students of the theatre academy, along with NSUI, AISF and Chhatra Bharti had sat on a dharna in the Kalina campus of the varsity on Monday seeking action against Soman.

Soman is reported to have posted a video on his Facebook and Twitter accounts on 14 December, addressed to Rahul Gandhi, in which he allegedly stated: You truly arent Savarkar. You dont have any qualities of Savarkar. The truth is, you arent a true Gandhi either. You dont have any of the values.

He had made the video after Rahul Gandhi, at Congress Bharat Bachao Rally in New Delhi in December, had said that he would not apologise, amid a controversy over his rape in India remark.

My name is not Rahul Savarkar, it is Rahul Gandhi. I will not apologise for having said something right. Modi should be the one asking for forgiveness from the nation. Modis assistant Amit Shah should be asking for forgiveness, Gandhi had said at the rally.

"Chhatra Bharti Students Union and activists of AISF had started the agitation from 13 January. It was only after the intervention of MLC Kapil Patil, the Mumbai University general secretary issued a letter at 11:30 pm stating that Soman was being sent on forced leave," said Shridhar Pednekar, Mumbai unit president, Chhatra Bharti, on Tuesday.

The protest was withdrawn after action against Soman.

Further, registrar Ajay Deshmukh, in a letter, informed the students that a fact-finding committee will be set up to investigate the matter and a report will be sought within four weeks, The Indian Express reported.

We are not related to NSUI. We only want to request the VC that our new director should be appointed on the basis of a solid vision and reputed personality. Most of our faculty cant teach. Soman has been recruiting his peers from Pune, where he hails from. He is unapproachable and unfriendly. We will continue to fight till Soman tenders his resignation, The Indian Express quoted Apurva Ingle, cultural secretary of Chhatra Bharati, as saying.

Meanwhile, NSUI vice president Ajay Mishras letter mentioned that Somans video had insulted the Congress leader. He claimed that Soman was behaving like a political advocate in the university, and this could provoke clashes among students. The letter requested the V-C to take strict action against Soman and sack him, The Indian Express reported.
Labour leadership front-runner was embroiled in a Women's Rights row over abortion today after the leak of a letter to church leaders suggesting she supported a tightening of the law.

The Salford and Eccles MP said 'I personally do not agree' with the law allowing terminations up to birth if a women is carrying a disabled child, and 24 weeks if they are not disabled, in a letter to a Roman Catholic church before December's election.

But her campaign team blasted the Red Roar website which obtained the letter, saying it was 'selectively quoted by the fake news peddlers' at the site.

They said the 40-year-old Catholic left-winger 'unequivocally supports a woman's right to choose and has only ever voted in favour of extending the right to abortion'.

Feminist politicians criticised Ms Long-Bailey's comments in the letter.

Labour leadership rival Jess Phillips said: 'I always have and always will trust women to make the decisions about their bodies.

'For me that isn't just a passive view, it has taken struggle and effort for that right to choose to exist. I will continue to be active in that struggle.'

The Salford and Eccles MP said 'I personally do not agree' with the law allowing terminations up to birth if a women is carrying a disabled child, and 24 weeks if they are not disabled

Sophie Walker, the founder of the Women's Equality Party, said: 'Women's equality starts and ends with control over our own bodies.

'It would be deeply worrying if Labour's front-runner and potential first woman leader did not trust women to make their own decisions.'

Ms Long-Bailey is in front in the race to become Labour leader, a shock poll revealed last night.

The docker's daughter aiming for Labour's top job Ms Long-Bailey, 40, is the hard-Left daughter of a Salford docker, groomed to take the helm of the Corbynite project by self-declared Marxist John McDonnell. She grew up in Old Trafford, Manchester, where she was exposed to left-wing politics from a young age. Her father Jimmy worked as a docker at Salford Quays and trade union representative at Shell at a time when workers' collectives wielded enormous power and threats of staff walkouts struck fear into ministers. On graduating from a Catholic high school, she worked in a pawn shop - an eye-opening experience which she says taught her 'more about the struggles of life than any degree or qualification ever could'. After holding down other jobs such as a call-centre operator, a furniture factory worker and a postwoman, she eventually studied to become a solicitor. Advertisement

The survey put the hard-Left Corbynite ahead of Sir Keir Starmer, the moderate ex-director of public prosecutions.

Labour's business spokesman is the choice of leading figures such as John McDonnell and Diane Abbott. But she has had a slow start to her campaign while Sir Keir has the support of Britain's largest union, Unison.

The survey by Survation and the LabourList website of 3,835 party members between January 8 and 13 found that if the election took place today, Mrs Long-Bailey, would win 42 per cent.

She Ms Long-Bailey was asked questions by the Deanery of St John the Evangelist in her Salford constituency in December, and it posted her answers on its website.

One question was: 'Discrimination on grounds of disability or gender are illegal in this country except in the case of termination of pregnancy, would you support removing this discrimination?'

She replied: 'It is currently legal to terminate a pregnancy up to full-term on the grounds of disability while the upper limit is 24 weeks if there is no disability.

'I personally do not agree with this position and agree with the words of the Disability Rights Commission that ''the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally''.'

In another section she was specifically asked whether she supported lowering the time limit, which pro-life groups including the Catholic Church advocate.

The mother-of-one replied that she tried to 'understand the agonising decisions many feel forced to make and what support they would need'.

And she added: 'My main concerns are about the lack of support, guidance and the lengths many may feel forced to go to.

'Gone are the days of back street abortion clinics and now I fear that many may look to the internet to procure dangerous and unregulated products, without the advice and support they may desperately need, putting themselves in danger and making a life altering decision without counselling or knowledge of the real emotional implications it will have.

'That is why I think that we do need to have a discussion about what a comprehensive, safe, properly regulated approach would be.

Ms Long-Bailey answered questions from the Catholic diocese of Salford before the election in December

'One which also seeks to provide the advice and support to those who may feel forced to think about taking such a life changing decision.

Corbynite group Momentum backs Long-Bailey for leader Momentum has said its members have overwhelmingly backed Rebecca Long-Bailey for Labour leader, and have also voted for Angela Rayner for deputy. The campaign group said 70.42 per cent of respondents to a ballot voted to throw resources behind Ms Long-Bailey in the contest. Critics said the ballot was rigged because Miss Long-Bailey was the only name on it, with members not given the option to back another candidate. The group's supporters were in favour of supporting Ms Rayner, but she was backed by a slim majority of 52.15 per cent. This may worry her camp, with many senior Labour figures backing her rival Richard Burgon for the post. Advertisement

'The Labour manifesto states simply that ''we will uphold women's reproductive rights and decriminalise abortions.''

'We have not stated that time limits will be reviewed, and definitely not that they should be increased.

'Labour would propose a wide public consultation on the detail of new laws and regulations and of course I will play my part in that discussion in ensuring that your views are heard.'

Last July year Ms Long-Bailey voted in favour of legalising abortion in certain circumstances in Northern Ireland under law changes brought in that also decriminalised same-sex marriage.

But in October 2018 she abstained in two votes that sought to extend abortion rights in the province, which had tougher laws on abortion that the rest of the UK.

A spokesman for Ms Long-Bailey said: 'Rebecca's response to the Deanery of Salford clarified the existing law and current Labour policy, stating that abortion procedures should be properly regulated, and that women's reproductive rights and the decriminalisation of abortion should be maintained.

'Rebecca's response was also a reflection of her own personal agreement with the Disability Rights Commission  that ''the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally''  rather than her view on policy.

'During any proposed public consultation a wide range of views would of course be heard, and it is Rebecca's duty as an MP to ensure her constituents are able to respond.'
What just happened? If you use 2FA for your online accounts, good for you. If you use a physical key fob, even better. Android devices gained the ability to be used as physical authentication keys last year. Now, iPhones using Google's Smart Lock app can have the same functionality, albeit with some limitations.

Google just pushed an update to its iOS "Smart Lock" app that allows iPhones to act as a physical two-factor-authentication (2FA) key. Now when logging into first-party services in Chrome, a notification is sent to the phone so users can verify their identity through the Smart Lock app.

The authentication key is sent via Bluetooth rather than messaging the user a code, which could be intercepted. This method also thwarts SIM-swapping attacks since the scammer would have to have physical access to the device. SIM swapping is arguably 2FA's main weakness since attackers can generate 2FA codes after they have control of the victim's number. Despite that, it is still one of the best ways to protect your online accounts. It is made even stronger by using physical authentication methods.

It uses the Secure Enclave as a security key, it's pretty cool.  Filippo Valsorda (@FiloSottile) January 14, 2020

This functionality has been available on Android devices since last April, but is the first appearance on the iPhone.

It uses the iPhone processor's Secure Enclave, which stores encrypted security keys on the device. Secure Enclave was introduced with the iPhone 5S, so it will not work on earlier models. The Smart Lock app also requires iOS 10 or later to work. Google updated its 2FA Security Key support page with setup and usage instructions.

After users have added their iPhone's authentication key to their Google account, they can sign into any Google service, such as Gmail, as long as they are browsing with Chrome and have their phone nearby. Alternative browsers like Microsoft's Edge or Apple's Safari are not supported. The Verge notes that if you try using it in these browsers, you will be prompted to insert a key fob.

Google was not forthcoming on whether support was coming for other browsers.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (R) and his wife Jane Roberts leave the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Feb. 20, 2016. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Senate Impeachment Trial Starts Thursday With Roberts, Senators Being Sworn In

The Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will start on Jan. 16 with the swearing-in of senators and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the trial.

Senators will hear from Trumps team and House managers, who will try to sway them to vote to either acquit or convict Trump on charges of obstructing Congress and abusing the office of the president. Senators, who arent allowed to speak during the trial, will submit written questions through Roberts after hearing the sides present their cases.

The Senate will meet at noon.

Both sides are expected to start presenting their cases next week, after the Senate votes on initial trial guidelines. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that hes secured the votes to start the trial on guidelines very similar to those used in the 1999 trial of President Bill Clinton.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) joined by Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) (L) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), tells reporters he has secured enough Republican votes to start President Donald Trumps impeachment trial and postpone a decision on witnesses and documents Democrats want, at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 7, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Democrats want to insert whether to call witnesses into the initial vote but the Clinton guidelines would push a vote on witnesses back until after senators hear from Trumps team and the House managers.

A simple majority vote is required in the Senate, which is held by Republicans 53-47, to approve different aspects of the trial or dismiss the impeachment articles. A supermajority is required to convict Trump or remove him from office. At least one Democratic senator, Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), has said hes open to voting to acquit Trump.

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18, 2019. No Republicans voted for impeachment and four Democrats broke from their party.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) withheld the impeachment articles from the Senate for nearly a month until announcing impeachment managers on Jan. 15. The House approved sending the articles to the Senate in another sharply partisan vote and the managers walked the articles over to the Senate.

President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Steve Helber/AP Photo)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), second from right, gives pens to (L-R) House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.), after she signed the resolution to transmit the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate for trial on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo)

Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson carries the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Its not clear how long a trial will last. Some senators have signaled it could last as long as two months while others have pegged it as lasting several weeks. The White House said Wednesday it expects the trial to last two weeks, with no witnesses called.

Something that could affect the length of the trial: Chances of convicting Trump are low. Four Democratic presidential contenders will be in Washington for the trialSens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). The Iowa caucuses are on Feb. 4. Voters in other states will be heading to vote later in the month.

Those candidates are making plans to campaign at night or over video. Sanderss campaign adviser Jeff Weaver said that Sanders would fly at night before returning to Washington.

Theyre not going to be meeting at night [for the trial], so we can obviously fly from D.C. to states and hold events in the evening and fly back, you know, so he can be back in the morning to do his work in the Senate, Weaver told NBC.

Hes an energetic candidate. He has a very vigorous schedule, and, you know, he can do that.

(L-R) Tom Steyer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) listen as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) (3rd R) speaks during the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Klobuchar has mentioned campaigning through video conference and Skype while Bennet has focused on New Hampshire, a state much easier to travel to from Washington than Iowa.

Asked during Tuesdays debate how big a problem it is to have to be in Washington leading up to the Iowa caucuses, Warren said, Look, some things are more important than politics.

I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. It says that no one is above the law. That includes the president of the United States. We have an impeachment trial. I will be there because it is my responsibility, she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:43:43|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have taken an important step in the right direction by formally signing their phase-one economic and trade agreement in Washington Wednesday.

The hard-won deal signed by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump came after 13 rounds of high-level consultations and more than 20 telephone consultations between the chiefs of the negotiation teams from both sides over nearly two years.

The text consists of the preamble and eight chapters on intellectual property, technology transfer, trade in food and agricultural products, financial services, macroeconomic policies and exchange rate matters and transparency, expanding trade, bilateral evaluation and dispute resolution, and final provisions.

A closer look at the deal would find the appearance of the phrase "the parties shall" which uses the collective reference of the Chinese and U.S. governments in almost all the articles, an indication that the text is based on equality and mutual respect and maximizes balance.

"The deal reflects not only the interests and demands of the U.S. side but also those of the Chinese side," Zhang Yuejiao, former chair of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO), told Xinhua. "It is a balanced deal in the interests of the two countries."

The deal mainly covers three major aspects: deepening two-way trade cooperation, further easing market access and continued improvement in the business environment. Under the deal, the two sides will establish the bilateral evaluation and dispute resolution arrangement to resolve issues in economic and trade relations in a fair, expeditious and respectful manner. The U.S. side also pledges to cancel some of its additional tariffs on Chinese products.

Noting that the deal will see the U.S. side make the switch from hiking to cutting additional tariffs, Gao Lingyun, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said: "The signing of the deal came at the right time and it will help provide a more stable external environment for China to accomplish its great cause of national rejuvenation."

The deal is generally equal and mutually beneficial as it fully addresses the reasonable concerns of both sides, Gao said.

In terms of deepening two-way trade cooperation, China and the United States are committed to scaling up trade in sectors including manufactured goods, agricultural products, energy and services.

"The two economies are highly complementary," said CASS researcher Dong Yan. "There is great potential in developing the two countries' trade given the extremely large size of their economies and markets."

Enhancing two-way trade cooperation is expected to boost the confidence of the global market and maintain stability in global industry and supply chains.

Zhang Yansheng, a researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said: "Both sides have refuted claims of 'decoupling' with concrete actions, which is conducive to consolidating the foundation of their relations and increasing certainties for the stability and development of the global economy."

The deal stipulates the principles of China's expansion of imports from the United States. The U.S. side will take appropriate steps to facilitate the availability of U.S. goods and services to be purchased and imported into China, and the Chinese side will make purchases based on commercial and market considerations.

Enterprises are the ones that carry out the procurement, and the most important responsibilities of the Chinese and U.S. governments are to create conditions for normal and legitimate economic and trade exchanges between enterprises, Zhang Yansheng said.

He also noted that China had repeatedly expressed its willingness to encourage Chinese enterprises to follow WTO and market rules in negotiating import agreements with U.S. enterprises and ensure that the agreements will not discriminate against goods and services from other countries and regions.

In terms of trade in food and agricultural products, experts said while implementation of the deal will significantly increase China's imports of agricultural products from the United States, the surge will not deal a blow to China's agriculture industry or the country's food security.

China is the world's largest importer of agricultural products, accounting for one-tenth of the world's total farm produce trade.

Noting that China's population is 1 billion more than that of the United States while its arable land is about 66.7 million hectares less, Zhang Yansheng said the two countries have broad space for agricultural cooperation and expanding imports will help fill the gap in China's domestic supply.

Commenting on the deal's arrangements on intellectual property protection and technology transfer, Zhang Yuejiao said: "Related texts of the agreement reflect the aspiration shared by both sides to provide high-level intellectual property protection for enterprises and peoples of the two countries."

"They also comply with the existing Chinese laws and regulations as solid progress has been made in intellectual property protection in recent years," Zhang Yuejiao said.

China's efforts to strengthen intellectual property protection aim to create a more enabling business environment for all enterprises including U.S.-funded firms and protect the legitimate rights and interests of all market entities, said Gao Lingyun, stressing that the U.S. should also provide protection of the same level to Chinese enterprises.

Under the agreement, China and the United States will be committed to providing fair, effective and non-discriminatory market access in sectors including banking, securities, insurance, electronic payment and financial asset management.

"China's commitments regarding financial services are consistent with the independent and orderly opening up of its financial sector in recent years," said Cheng Dawei, a professor with the Beijing-based Renmin University of China.

Both sides also agreed to respect each other's autonomy in monetary policy in accordance with its domestic law, recognizing that flexible exchange rates where feasible can serve as a shock absorber.

Ding Zhijie, director of the Foreign Exchange Research Center of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, said that the deal was a result of consultation with mutual respect, reflected a consensus on multilateralism and provided a model of exchange rate policy coordination between major countries.

The deal stipulates that the two countries shall refrain from competitive devaluations and not target exchange rates for competitive purposes, including through large-scale, persistent, one-sided intervention in exchange markets.

Experts said they believe the text effectively offers an agreed definition of currency manipulation. Cheng Dawei said Washington's dropping its wrongful accusation of China as a currency manipulator helped clear the way for the signing of the agreement.

Since both sides announced their agreement on the text of the phase-one deal on Dec. 13, global economic and financial markets have responded positively. Analysts expected the deal to further boost market expectation, restore confidence and stabilize the financial markets in both countries and across the world.
Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday appeared before a special CBI court in Ranchi to record his statement in connection with fodder scam case related to illegal withdrawal of Rs 139 crore from Doranda treasury in Bihar during 1990-96.

Lalu reached the court at around 10:30 am in heavy security cover. During the hearing which lasted almost there hours, 32 questions were asked to him.

According to his counsel Prabhat Kumar, "Lalu Yadav answered all the questions. Questions similar to all previously asked in four cases. He (Lalu) expressed that he is innocent and has been framed in all cases."

"Next date of hearing is on January 20. The defence side will produce its merits. The court may give its verdict in two months," he added.

RJD supremo Yadav is currently undergoing treatment at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). He went through a full medical check-up in his ward before being taken to the court of CBI special judge SK Sashi.

Lalu Prasad Yadav is already convicted in case number RC 20, 38, 64 and 68 A/ 96. According to chargesheet filed in the case, a total of 180 accused were named which have been reduced to 111.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
IMAGE: Members of Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parshad (TMC students' wing) draw an anti-CAA/NRC/NPR graffiti on a road in Kolkata on Wednesday. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo

Armed with rods and sticks, a group of men attacked the students of a boys' hostel inside the Visva Bharati university campus on Wednesday night leaving several of them injured, police said on Thursday.

Two persons -- identified as Achintya Bagdi and Saber Ali -- were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the attack, an officer of Santiniketan police station said.

A Students' Federation of India member was hospitalised and several others suffered minor injuries in the attack that took place a week after Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta was heckled by Left-leaning students after he came to deliver a lecture on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act last week.

"Two groups of students clashed inside the campus. It was not linked to politics. The security officer and others went there to sort out the matter," the central university's Public Relations Officer Anirban Sarkar said.

When produced before a Bolpur court, Bagdi and Ali were remanded to nine days' police custody.

Assistant Public Prosecutor of Bolpur court Phiroj Pal said, "An incident happened last night at Visva Bharati. Two students were allegedly assaulted. On the basis of a complaint, police arrested the two."

Claiming that Bagdi and Ali are former students of the university, SFI Visva Bharati unit leader Somnath Sau alleged that a group of outsiders beat up Swapnanil Mukhopadhyay and several other members of the SFI and other Left-leaning students with rods and sticks at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday.

Mukhopadhyay was treated at a hospital located within the campus and discharged later.

Sau alleged that the attackers said the assault was a fallout of the demonstration the Left students held during Dasgupta's visit to the campus January 8.

Dasgupta, Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and others had to remain confined for around eight hours to a building of the central university outside which hundreds of Left-leaning students staged a sit-in, accusing the politician of promoting hatred among communities.

Sau claimed that Bagdi -- one of the two arrested -- was earlier a leader of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad but is now associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

ABVP Birbhum district coordinator Ramesh Paramanik, however, said, "Neither Achintya Bagdi nor Saber Ali are associated with the ABVP anyway. It is known to all that they lead the TMCP at the Visva-Bharati."

Alleging that the SFI was responsible for the fracas, the ABVP claimed that some of its members were first attacked by the SFI and threatened them not to carry out any activity in the campus.

Admitting that Bagdi is a leader of the TMCP, its district president Suranjan Chatterjee said, "A group of outsiders, probably from the Jadavpur University, tried to enter a boys' hostel with the help of Left-leaning students of the Visva Bharati and our workers protested."

West Bengal Higher Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said the ABVP has been carrying out attacks in institutes in the country to suppress democratic protests and

the incident at Visva Bharati is the latest instance.

Violence had broken out at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi on the night of January 5, as armed masked men attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus.

The ABVP and the Left students' bodies are blaming each other for the incident.

A senior teacher of Visva-Bharati said, members of the Left-leaning faculty will meet soon to chalk out a protest programme against the violence at the campus of the

university, which espouses the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore.

The SFI organised protest rallies in Kolkata during the day to protest against the attack on students of Visva Bharati.
HAMILTON  Out with the old, in with the new.

Mayor Jeff Martin has reshaped the upper echelons of township government by appointing a highly qualified black woman to serve as Hamiltons interim business administrator.

T. Missy Balmir, a government affairs professional with significant political and strategic planning experience, will enforce rules and regulations for the efficient management of Hamilton Townships municipal government in her new job, Martin announced Wednesday.

Balmir previously served as an advisor to New Jersey U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and once worked in powerful positions under former Gov. Jon Corzine. She also served as co-chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committees Black Caucus and has developed close ties with State Senate President Steve Sweeney and former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer.

I am excited and eager to work with Mayor Martin, Balmir said Wednesday in a statement, to make a positive difference in Hamilton Township and to help accomplish his goal of ensuring that our municipal government delivers quality services to residents.

Martin, a Democrat, also announced the appointment of infrastructure expert Chris Markley to serve as Hamiltons director of public works. A longtime public employee, Markley previously served as Mercer Countys superintendent of public works.

I am honored to be a part of Mayor Martins team, Markley said Wednesday in a statement, and excited to bring my experience to an already great Public Works Department in Hamilton Township.

After taking office Jan. 1, the Democratic mayor has slowly assembled his leadership team, installing several new directors and ousting former business administrator Dave Kenny and former public works director David L. Carothers in favor of Balmir and Markley.

Both Kenny and Carothers served under former Republican Mayor Kelly Yaede, who ran unsuccessfully for re-election last November.

Missy and Chris are two extremely qualified professionals that I am very pleased to have as part of my leadership team, Martin said Wednesday in a press statement. I am confident that the residents of Hamilton Township will be well-served thanks to their experience, dedication and commitment to public service.

Balmirs tenure in the Martin administration will presumably be short given her interim employment status, but she inherits all of the duties and powers of the business administrator position.

Markleys responsibilities as the public works director require him to oversee and maintain Hamiltons roadways and municipal properties.

Both Balmir and Markley must obtain Hamilton Councils consent to be confirmed as cabinet officials in Martins administration. The all-Democratic governing body is expected to approve of Martins nominees.

Hamilton Council last week consented to the appointments of Fred Dumont and Kathleen Fitzgerald as department directors.

Dumont oversees Hamiltons Department of Community Planning and Compliance, and Fitzgerald runs the townships Department of Health, Recreation, Senior and Veterans Services.

Fitzgerald effectively replaced Jeff Plunkett, the former township health director facing two counts of third-degree animal cruelty and one count of second-degree official misconduct in connection with the townships infamous euthanasia scandal.

Dumont replaced Richard Williams, a Yaede-era director who was serving dually as a department head and municipal engineer.

Martin intends to appoint Louis Sancinito and Shelia Ellington as municipal court judges, The Trentonian has learned. The mayor declined to comment on the record, but sources confirmed Sancinito and Ellington will replace current chief Judge R. Douglas Hoffman and municipal Judge Kenneth Lozier.

Hamilton department directors earn about $122,000 per year; the business administrators annual salary exceeds $147,000; the chief presiding municipal magistrate collects about $85,000 per year; and the subordinate municipal judge earns approximately $81,600 per annum, according to Hamilton Township ordinances passed in 2016 and 2017.

Mayor Martins annual salary is approximately $120,000.

Staff writer Isaac Avilucea contributed to this report.
SAN FRANCISCOAfter a night of big wins at the recent Str8UpGayPorn Awards, NakedSword Originals has dropped the first installment of the brand new series The Gay Simple Life.

This one-of-a-kind feature, shot on location in Tulsa, Okla., and stars Falcon exclusive Josh Moore along with Calvin Banks. The first episode is now playing exclusively on the Netflix of Gay Porn, NakedSword.com.

This was truly one of the most fun and rewarding shoots of my entire career, said acclaimed NakedSword Director mr. Pam, who helmed the project. The candid moments, insanely hot sex, the reality style challenges, this series has it all! The entire cast and crew had an incredible time!

 was totally overwhelmed by the way the locals in Tulsa embraced us and played such a role in this movie, it was really amazing and I'm grateful to all of them, she added.

Two high-maintenance, big city hunks, Falcon Exclusive Superstar Josh Moore, and fan favorite Calvin Banks, leave behind the comforts of their glamorous porn star lives and head off to rural America for a taste of The Gay Simple Life. Given little information other than to be prepared for an adventure by acclaimed director mr. Pam, Josh and Calvin are dropped smack dab in the middle of America: Tulsa, Okla.

Upon arriving they learn that they must share a room with bunk beds and will be tested each day through a series of challenges by local gay Tulsa residents and visiting guest porn stars Ricky Larkin, Cade Maddox and Dakota Payne. As Josh tries to master The Big Rig Truck Driving Challenge, Calvin sneaks off into the back of the semi to ride Ricky Larkin raw. Watch and find out if these city slickers head for the (Beverly) hills or if they rise to the challenges and embrace The Gay Simple Life.

In Episode One, Josh Moore and Calvin Banks are sound asleep in their shared country bedroom when the camera crew and sexy, nearly naked, porn star Ricky Larkin wake them for the first day's task, the Big Rig Driving Challenge. The boys gay-up the drab overalls they were given and hit the road to a red-neck nudist campground in Sparks, Okla.

The owner Robert, his mutt, and truck driver Cowboy Clay show the guys the lay of the land. After some heavy petting with the donkeys and a not-so-friendly emu, they come face-to-face with an 18-wheeler big-rig truck. Calvin, having the worst driving record in the history of porn, and Josh, being from the UK where they drive on the opposite side of the road, accept the challenge. While Josh is taking his stab at the wheel, Calvin cozies up to guest star Ricky and demands cocktails. Josh and cowboy Clay head out of the cab on the search for margaritas while Calvin seduces Ricky into pounding his hot ass bareback in the sleeper cabin, making for an epic pairing to kick off the year in gay porn.

Ricky finds every way possible to drill himself into Calvin's eager hole in the confined space, Ricky bangs Calvin raw until they're both glistening with sweat. Ricky sprays a hefty load onto Calvin's back before plowing the jizz back in is butt, until Calvin can't hold back any longer and unleashes a cum bath from his massive dick all over Ricky's face. Driving a big rig might be scary as fuck, but taking Ricky's big cock and hot load  not a problem at all for Calvin.

Day One is complete and somehow everyone is still alive, wondering what will be the next challenge will be in The Gay Simple Life. Stay tuned for next week's episode to see what they get into next.
Fans of Spiritos  and there are a lot of them  cant catch a break.

Months after the Elizabeth restaurant closed temporarily amid health code violations, news broke that the longstanding Italian institution is up for sale. The same outpouring that came this summer during the two-week closure returned. People took to Facebook to hope and pray their favorite pizza and ravioli wasnt going away for good.

The future for Spiritos, a fixture in the citys Peterstown Italian neighborhood since 1932, is unclear. But it was never more obvious that I needed to pay Spiritos a visit while I still could.

Yes, the way some people are embarrassed to admit they havent seen The Godfather or read The Catcher in the Rye, it is my great shame that I spent decades living in New Jersey and eating copious amounts of Italian food without making the trip to 714 3rd Ave. for the ravioli and pizza Ive been hearing about for years.

Hey, better late than never, right?

It took me all of 30 seconds in the wood-paneled dining room to realize why Spiritos has such ardent supporters. The rich aroma of marinara sauce filled the air. Dim lighting from the ancient chandeliers made it hard to see just how filled the cramped green wooden booths were with diners (upon further review the place was plenty full). Weathered Spiritos family photos decorate the walls. It felt like stepping into a scene from Goodfellas or The Sopranos. Its hard to imagine any restaurant encapsulating the vibe of the classic red sauce Italian spot better than this  then again, NJ.com did have it No. 3 on its list of old-school restaurants.

The vibe was right, but what about the food?

Their pizza, about the size of a bar pie but with a thicker crust, was propped up on the top of a napkin dispenser. The best pizza Ive ever had it was not  Al Santillo is slinging better pizza across town  but it was unquestionably tasty. Sweet, flavorful sauce supported by a crust sturdy enough to pick up without flopping: the ultimate distinction.

Pizza at Spirito's in Elizabeth.

The chicken parmigiana was served double-decker style on a silver dish, sporting a similar sweet sauce atop a tender chicken cutlet. This dish is as steeped in Italian-American folklore as any, and the Spiritos take on it scratches the itch.

Chicken parm at Spirito's in Elizabeth.

But the dish I had heard people rave most about was their ravioli. And the fluffy little pockets of creamy ricotta did not disappoint. The texture of the dough, the rich taste of the filling and the balance of the sauce all combined to create some of the best damn ravioli I have ever tasted.

Yes, the dining room is dingy, the drinking glasses are tiny and the plates show clear signs of decades of use. No, they dont have butter for your bread. Yes, you still have to walk through the kitchen to get to the mens bathroom, giving you a birds eye view of your food being prepared. And no, it isnt the best Italian food you can find in New Jersey.

But to hold these points against Spiritos would be to miss the point. The most important item on their menu isnt pasta or pizza  its nostalgia. For better or worse, there is no food more tied to this states identity than Italian, and generations of Union County residents grew up eating theirs in these uncomfortable booths from the curt, matter-of-fact wait staff. A trip to Spiritos feels like a trip back in time, and not just because it looks Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci would eat here in The Irishman. Its the ultimate comfort food, the restaurant version of visiting an old friend.

Ownership has been mum on the sale  calls to Mike Spirito were not returned when NJ Advance Media reported on the sale  and my waitress didnt seem to think it was happening anytime soon. But if and when it does happen, I hope any changes they make dont take away from the charm of this gem of an Italian restaurant.

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The Army on Thursday paid tributes to three soldiers who were killed in an avalanche near the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Army paid befitting tributes to Late Naik Rameshwar Lal, Late Gunner Ranjit Singh and Late Sepoy Chandrabhan Chaurasiain a solemn ceremony at BB Cantonment here, " an official said.

He said MajorGeneralG S Kahlon, Chief of Staff, Chinar Corps and all ranks paid homage on behalf of a proud nation.

In a show of solidarity, representatives from other security agencies also joined in to pay their last respects, he added.

"Late Naik Rameshwar Lal,Late Gunner Ranjit Singh andLate Sepoy Chandrabhan Chaurasiawere part of a patrol from a forward post along the Line of Control. The patrol was hit by an avalanche on 13 January 2020, but were promptly rescued by the search teams. They unfortunately succumbed to their severe medical conditions," the official added.

Lal (29) had joined the Army in 2009. Hailing from villageShind Purain Rajasthan, he is survived by his wife.

Singh (25) was a resident of Sidhpur village in Punjab and had joined the Army in 2014. He is survived by his wife.

Chaurasia (28) had joined the Army in 2015. He belonged to Dumahivillage in Uttar Pradesh and is survived by his wife.

The official said that the mortal remains of the soldiers were taken to their native places where the last rites will be performed with full military honours.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China Continues Nationwide Crackdown on Rights Lawyers, Activists

2020-01-15 -- China is continuing a nationwide crackdown on rights activists, detaining lawyer Chang Weiping at an unknown location, while pressing "terrorism" charges against Zhang Baocheng, activists told RFA.

Chang was detained by police in the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi and placed under "residential surveillance" at an unknown location on state security-related charges, his family said.

Chang was taken away by state security police while visiting a friend's home in the provincial capital Xi'an, the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network said in a statement on its webiste.

He is being held incommunicado in an unknown location on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power ... and can be held for up to six months without being charged nor granted access to a lawyer," the group said.

"He is at great risk of being tortured."

The provincial justice bureau stripped Chang of his license to practice law last month, and his wife was informed of his status by phone on Tuesday.

An official who answered the phone at the justice bureau in Chang's home city of Baoji said he had "violated the relevant rules and regulations."

"There were violations of rules and discipline in Chang Weiping's practice," the official said, but declined to comment on Chang's detention.

"This has very little to do with [politically] sensitive cases [taken on by Chang], and we don't know if he was taken away," the official said.

Unable to appeal

Chen Yue, director-general of the "China Human Rights Lawyer Concern Group" in Hong Kong, said Chang was only informed of the loss of his license when he was already under surveillance and unable to do anything to appeal the decision.

"What they're not saying is that that he didn't have any redress," Chen said. "His license was canceled on Dec. 31, but they only announced the decision in January."

"He couldn't be notified of it, so he lost the option of seeking redress, so really it's a disguised way of ensuring he will never be able to practise law again," she said.

Chang Weiping had worked on several cases deemed politically "sensitive" by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in recent years, representing rights activists, death penalty cases, and discrimination lawsuits.

Four lawyers remain in custody, with three in "residential surveillance at a designated location," a practice described by United Nations human rights experts as enforced disappearance by another name.

Beijing-based lawyer Ding Jiaxi was detained on Dec. 26 in Beijing by police from the eastern province of Shandong, where authorities are coordinating the nationwide operation.

Rights activists Zhang Zhongshun, Dai Zhenya, and Li Yingjun were detained a day later by Shandong police in their hometowns in Shandong and Fujian.

Nationwide crackdown

Chinese police launched a nationwide operation detaining at least eight people and questioning others, following a Dec. 13 meeting of liberal-minded activists and lawyers in the southeastern province of Fujian.

Authorities in the eastern province of Shandong set up a police task force after the meeting in the Fujian port city of Xiamen, and had detained eight people in Fujian, Shandong, Beijing, Hebei, Sichuan, and Zhejiang by Jan. 1, CHRD said.

Hubei rights activist Liu Jiacai told RFA he is on the run after attending the gathering in Xiamen, and hopes to flee China and seek asylum overseas.

"I have been on the run since," he said. "We did not violate any current laws. We acted legally, but the actions taken by the authorities have scared me."

"I want to escape from this country," Liu said from hiding.

Terrorism charges

Meanwhile, authorities in the Chinese capital have indicted Beijing-based New Citizens' Movement activist Zhang Baocheng on "terrorism" charges after he posted items to social media regarding the mass incarceration of Uyghurs in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Zhang faces charges of "promoting terrorism and extremism" and "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," with online posts being submitted in evidence by the prosecution, according to a copy of the indictment seen by RFA.

The indictment accuses him of posting online commentary containing "false content" between 2018 and 2019 that was judged to be "anti-party, anti-government, and bringing national leaders into disrepute."

Zhang is also accused of "distributing videos relating to violent terrorism and extremism."

Zhang's wife, Liu Yifan, who is currently in the U.S., said some of the content was related to mass incarceration camps in Xinjiang.

Zhang may have angered someone powerful when he showed public support for jailed rights activist and website editor Huang Qi by helping his mother, fellow activists said.

Beijing-based activist Li Wei said the indictment was a form of retaliation against someone who had always fought for human rights.

"This is all about freedom, human rights, and the rule of law," Li said, adding that he too is under close surveillance and has been keeping a low profile.

"Sooner or later it may be my turn," he said. "That is definitely a very big possibility."

Zhang was previously sentenced to two years' imprisonment on April 18,

2014 by Beijing's Haidian District People's Court, which found him guilty of "gathering a crowd to disrupt public order."

New Citizens' Movement activists Li Wei and Ding Jiaxi, who called publicly on Chinese officials to reveal details of their wealth, and veteran democracy activist Zhao Changqing were jailed at the same time on the same charge.

Dozens detained

Dozens of people linked in some way to the New Citizens Movement were detained around 2014, with at least seven activists linked to the movement handed formal jail terms, rights groups said at the time.

Movement founder Xu Zhiyong was China's highest-profile dissident to be sentenced to jail since 2009, when Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo was ordered imprisoned for 11 years for subversion after helping organize the "Charter 08" petition calling for sweeping political change and a constitutional government.

In May 2012, Xu penned an article titled "China Needs a New Citizens Movement," which is believed to have spurred the loose nationwide network of activists to action.

The article called on responsible citizens to oppose corruption and work to support disadvantaged groups, as well as holding political meetings and collaborating to achieve these goals.

Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Norway accused numerous dating behemoths of illegally selling sensitive user data, prompting a new online privacy scandal. A Wednesday research paper titled Out of Control presents a comprehensive case against Grindr, Happn, OKCupid, and Tinders apparent lack of care for a prominent piece of EU legislation.

These companies have been ignoring the General Data Protection Regulation for nearly two years and now risk crippling fines, said the Norwegian Consumer Council, the watchdog that commissioned the probe from its countrymen at cybersecurity firm Mnemonic.

The investigation revealed everything from lax data management practices to nefariously convoluted terms of use. Furthermore, the aforementioned quartet still isnt even directly asking users for consent before disseminating their sensitive information to dozens of partners and clients.

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The 20-page report already raised vocal concerns on social media, especially as it also places significant blame on Twitter. It turns out the social media platforms advertising unit MoPub was a slow-to-react enabler of that privacy-violating behavior.

In a public reaction to the ordeal, Tinder and OKCupids parent, Match Group, denied allegations of illegal business practices. Unsurprisingly, Happn and Grindr also appear less than keen on admitting to any wrongdoing.

The dating giants arent the only ones engulfed in the newest digital privacy debacle; the full summary of out-of-control mobile apps is as follows:

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GDPR: all bark and no bite?

Somewhat ironically, the watchdog that brought these issues to light doesnt even come from one of EU member states. Regardless, the NCCs paper isnt critical of Brussels for not doing a better job at enforcing GDPR.

While perfect implementation was always impossible, the likes of Grindr and Tinder are hardly fringe digital players. The firms behind the problematic apps that Oslo identified boast hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

In other words, if they can fly under the regulatory radar, its difficult to imagine who cant.

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The EU Commission has yet to signal intent to look into the troubling research. GDPR entered into force 20 months ago but has so far yielded mostly noise and minor fines, at least relative to its spirit.

By far its biggest result to date is a $230-million penalty against British Airways. Imposed half a year back in reaction to a massive data breach, even that victory now seems as mere theater.

The airline eventually made the most of the Brexit drama, essentially enlisting the UK governments help in indefinitely prolonging the process led against it.

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In theory, if even a fraction of the newly outlined accusations are verified, Match Group could face a maximum fine of around $400 million. Thats because GDPR aims to sanction digital privacy abusers based on their revenues, i.e. figures they cant easily manipulate.

Regardless, the current state of data protection and GDPR enforcement in Europe is lacking at best. It consequently doesnt exactly inspire optimism in privacy activists across the Pond where the situations arguably even more dire.
A growing number of girls as young as 11 are being tricked or coerced into sharing selfies of themselves being sexually abused online, a charity that removes such content said on Wednesday.

The UK-based Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said it responded to more than 37,000 reports of online child sex abuse recorded by the victims themselves in the first 11 months of 2019 - most of whom were girls estimated to be aged 11 to 13.

In a fast-growing form of online sex crime, abusers pressurise girls to record themselves naked or performing sex acts on their computer webcams, which abusers may then re-share, said the IWF.

Todays data demonstrates the alarming rate at which self-generated imagery is increasing, especially among young girls  often in domestic settings, said Susie Hargreaves, chief executive of IWF.

These are images and videos where girls have been groomed, coerced and tricked into performing sexually over webcam, in what is fast becoming a national crisis.

Selfie abuse accounted for nearly a third of the material that IWF acted to remove and trace, the charity said as it launched a campaign to educate young men in Britain to recognise and report child sex abuse.

I know first-hand what it is like to suffer sexual abuse and the long-term impact it can have, said one victim, named only as Rhiannon, who was sexually assaulted in her home at the age of 13 after being groomed online by a fake modelling scout.

My message to anyone who comes across online content that they suspect is of someone under-18 is to do the right thing and report it, she said in a statement.

It is illegal to take, share or possess explicit images of under-18s in Britain.

The new figures were released a month after a survey of 450 police officers based in the United States and dozens of other countries found that the majority of live-streamed child sex abuse via webcam was generated by the victims themselves.

Half the officers said most victims appeared to be producing the videos voluntarily, while a third said most cases involved victims induced to sexually abuse themselves online through coercion or deceit, said the report by IT firm NetClean.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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She was recently honeymooning in Mozambique.

But Hilary Duff is back home in Los Angeles where she was glimpsed Wednesday showing off her svelte gams in a pair of stylish leggings.

Sweeping her signature blonde hair up partly into a bun, the 32-year-old hinted at her trim midriff in a grey crop top.

Off she goes: Hilary Duff is back home in Los Angeles where she was glimpsed Wednesday showing off her svelte gams in a pair of stylish leggings

She accessorized with a stylish black leather purse and a pair of dazzling hoop earrings, grabbing an iced coffee as she headed on her way.

Her outing comes as the revival of her star-making Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire hangs in the balance amid a showrunner shakeup.

Terri Minsky, who created the original series, was slated to run the reboot for Disney Plus but Variety reported last week that she is off the project.

Out and about: Sweeping her signature blonde hair up partly into a bun, the 32-year-old hinted at her trim midriff in a grey crop top

Hanging in the balance: Her outing comes as the revival of her star-making Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire hangs in the balance amid a showrunner shakeup

Hindsight: Terri Minsky, who created the original series, was slated to run the reboot for Disney Plus but Variety reported last week that she is off the project

Her replacement has yet to be hired and the show is on hiatus, after beginning production this past November.

A Disney spokesperson told Variety of the issue: 'Fans have a sentimental attachment to Lizzie McGuire and high expectations for a new series.'

Said the spokesperson: 'After filming two episodes, we concluded that we need to move in a different creative direction and are putting a new lens on the show.'

Premise: Hallie Todd, Adam Lamberg, Jake Thomas and Robert Carradine of the original series are all back for the revival, which sees Lizzie on the cusp of her 30th birthday

Sadie, Sadie: Hilary was off in Mozambique with her second husband Matthew Koma, whom she married at her Los Angeles home just before Christmas

Hallie Todd, Adam Lamberg, Jake Thomas and Robert Carradine of the original series are all back for the revival, which sees Lizzie on the cusp of her 30th birthday.

Hilary was off in Mozambique with her second husband Matthew Koma, whom she married at her Los Angeles home just before Christmas.

She and Matthew share a one-year-old daughter called Banks, and Hilary also has a seven-year-old son called Luca by her first husband Mike Comrie.
ABB and Volvo to electrify Gothenburg's city streets

Group release | Zurich, Switzerland | 2020-01-16

Image courtesy of ElectriCity

Starting in 2020, 157 new Volvo electric buses will start trafficking the streets of Gothenburg, Molndal and Partille, powered by charging infrastructure solutions from market leading provider, ABB. This landmark announcement represents an important step towards achieving a sustainable public transport solution for the 180 million trips made by bus in the region each year.

In line with the Swedish government's vision that Sweden should be climate neutral by 2050, public transport company Vasttrafik expects to have electrified all city traffic in Vastra Gotaland by 2030.

Volvo Buses and ABB are helping to realize that aim with the supply of 157 new electric buses and supporting charging infrastructure to bus operator Transdev.

With services scheduled to commence in December 2020, the new electrified lines will mean a total of 220 electric buses to transport Gothenburg's residents and visitors by the end of the year.

"Volvo Buses is a leader in electromobility and solutions for sustainable public transport. Together with ABB and our partners, we have created a common holistic transport solution that will make public transport in Gothenburg quieter and emission-free", says Hakan Agnevall, President, Volvo Buses. "The solution shows that electric buses are not only something for the future, but already today provide cities with public transport that is sustainable and financially viable."

19 new high-power electric chargers will be installed during the second half of 2020 before the new buses go into operation, and another two stations are planned for the future.

The buses in Gothenburg, Molndal and Partille will be charged by 450kW high power Panto Down chargers from ABB. A modular solution based on OppCharge, an open interface for direct current (DC) electric bus charging, the solution offers high-power charging via an automated rooftop connection. ABB will supply a complete solution that includes both the charging stations and all the necessary grid connection hardware via ABB's cable distribution cabinets.

The buses will be recharged in just three to six minutes at charging stations along the routes. The high-power chargers, a part of ABB's innovative ABB Ability offering of digital solutions and services across all business areas, delivers web-enabled connectivity that allows network operators to perform remote monitoring and configuration of charge points and also minimizes downtime and increases efficiency.

"The sustainable transformation of bus traffic in Gothenburg is an example of how ABB is pursuing its Mission to Zero, with the goal to develop innovations that will contribute to a zero-emission future. We have the products and solutions to deliver electricity from generation to the point of consumption in a safe, smart and sustainable way", says Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB's global business for E-mobility Infrastructure Solutions.

With room for 150 passengers and an 88 percent reduction in CO2 when transitioning to electricity, the new buses combine high passenger capacity with low environmental footprint.

ABB is a world leader in electric vehicle infrastructure, offering the full range of charging and electrification solutions for electric cars, electric and hybrid buses as well as for ships and railways. ABB entered the EV-charging market back in 2010, and today has sold more than 13,000 ABB DC fast chargers across over 80 countries. ABB recently received the Global E-mobility Leader 2019 award for its role in supporting the international adoption of sustainable transport solutions.

ABB offers products and services that provide a crucial contribution to increased sustainability in industry. More than half of ABB worldwide sales are generated with technology that contributes to the elimination of the causes of climate change. It is the goal of ABB within the scope of Mission to Zero to increase the sales share of solutions and systems for increased sustainability to 60 percent by the end of 2020.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability digital platform. ABB's Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
Discount shoe retailer Payless ShoeSource says it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Associated Press reports the company will relaunch its e-commerce site in the United States and also reopen some stores that closed last year, but no additional details were given.

Payless ShoeSource filed for bankruptcy in 2019, the second time in less than two years, resulting in the closure of all 2,300 U.S. stores. The company first filed for bankruptcy in April 2017.

Payless ShoeSource is known for its affordable shoes and accessories, and still operates stores in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Its products are also currently offered on Amazon.

Based in Topeka, Kansas, Payless ShoeSource was founded in 1956.

Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips

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Model couple Cheyenne Tozzi and Marlon Teixeira welcomed their first child together in September 2018.

But it appears they may have quietly split.

Break-up rumours started swirling on Tuesday, when Marlon shared a tribute to their one-year-old daughter, Dahlia De La Lune, on Instagram. Tellingly, he did not mention his girlfriend.

End of the road? Model couple Cheyenne Tozzi and Marlon Teixeira welcomed their first child together in September 2018 - but it appears they may have quietly split

Marlon uploaded a series of photos and videos of his little girl, but did not include a single reference to Cheyenne.

'Nothing compares to the happiness of being by your side,' he captioned the post, adding the hashtags #MyHeart and #GoodVibesOnly.

Interestingly, both Marlon and Cheyenne no longer follow each other on Instagram.

Where's Cheyenne? Rumours started swirling on Tuesday, when Marlon shared a tribute to the pair's one-year-old daughter, Dahlia, on Instagram. Tellingly, he did not mention his girlfriend

Evidence: Interestingly, both Marlon and Cheyenne no longer follow each other on Instagram

The couple have also not appeared on each other's Instagram accounts for more than a year.

Cheyenne, an international model who starred on Foxtel's The Face as a mentor in 2014, was never engaged to Marlon.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Cheyenne Tozzi and Marlon Teixeira for comment.

Absence: The couple have also not appeared on each other's Instagram accounts for more than a year. Pictured: Marlon and his daughter, Dahlia

The pair debuted their relationship in August 2017, after being introduced by their mutual friend Jordan Barrett.

They welcomed their daughter, Dahlia, in September 2018.

Cheyenne was previously engaged to Jon Adgemis, KPMG's head of mergers and acquisitions, before splitting in March 2017.
Even as Goa commemorated 'Opinion Poll Day' on Thursday, which kept the identity of the state intact, concerns are being raised in certain quarters about the tourist paradise losing its distinct character due to inflow of migrants.

In the first-ever public referendum in independent India, Goa voted to remain a separate entity on January 16, 1967, refusing the idea of its merger with neighbouring Maharashtra.

When we campaigned against the merger in the run-up to the Opinion Poll, the idea was to nurture Goa as a model state for the entire country.

"The concept was to save identity of the state, renowned writer and journalist Uday Bhembre, one of the stalwarts of anti-merger movement, told PTI.

He said considering the increasing dilution of Goas identity, fear looms large whether the main objective of staying "independent" is being defeated.

Bhembre said policies of subsequent Goagovernments, which encouraged migration into the state, is one of the reasons for erosion of the state's identity.

The locals who have been selling their properties to "outsiders" are also equally responsible for this dilution of identity", he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar, who held Goans responsible for increasing erosion of the state's identity.

I would hold everyone responsible for it. Goans are responsible and also politicians, each one has contributed in their own way, Chodankar said.

Chodankar said a small state like Goa should be beware of "big landsharks" which are increasingly purchasing valuable assets which should have been preserved for posterity.

BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Narendra Sawaikar said migration in and out of the state cannot be controlled as it has been a part of development process.

But what is important is that we should be able to preserve our identity amidst this migration, he said.

Sawaikar said it is for the locals to preserve the identity and culture of Goa, notwithstanding the influx of people from other states, which is bound to happen.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shelly Lopez said she is traveling from Wisconsin to California to figure out what led up to the suspicious death of her 11-year-old son, Roman Lopez.

I don't know what happened to him. I don't know if he was in pain. And I don't know if he was missing me or what was going on, she said.

Lopez said she is the biological mother of the 11-year-old Placerville boy who was reported missing Saturday and found dead hours later.

I want to find out what happened to my son, Lopez said.

Lopez, who lives in Wisconsin, said Romans father had primary placement. She said she did not know that they had recently moved to California until her friend saw an article online about her sons death.

"It was my mom and my sister and a family friend, and they sat me down and my mom, she said, 'It's Roman,'" Lopez cried.

Lopez said Roman was born in Wisconsin and primarily lived with his father as she recovered from injuries she suffered while serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

She said the last time she saw her son was two to three years ago after he moved with his father to Michigan and then to Pennsylvania.

Roman was a really smart, goofy, little boy, she said. He loved trains and he loved cars and he loved being in the water. He was a little water bug.

Lopez said she can not reach Romans family in California and called police for information.

The detective said he couldn't tell me anything either because they are just investigating it, she said. Why didn't anybody let me know? Why didn't they even know I existed? People in that town didn't even know that I was his mother. There are so many things that are wrong with this situation and don't add up and don't make sense.

She plans to travel to Placerville to get answers and to hopefully bring her sons body home.

There are so many different stories out there, and I don't know what the truth is and I want to know, I want to know what happened to my son," Lopez said. "I want to know what his final moments were. Why he was, where he was. If anybody knows anything, any little thing would help. I just want to know what happened to my son.
Son of Latin American Anglican bishop detained by ICE, denied asylum

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The son of an Anglican bishop based in Latin America who was detained by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement last year has been denied asylum.

Josue Alvarado Guerra, 34, the son of Bishop David Alvarado of the Diocese of El Salvador, was denied asylum earlier this month and is awaiting possible deportation.

Alvarado Guerra originally left El Salvador for the U.S. after being threatened by a San Salvador gang for refusing to work with them, according to the Episcopal News Service.

ENS noted that he worked as an undocumented laborer in the U.S. for a period of time until Nov. 27, 2019, when he was detained in Ohio, where he is presently being held.

The Episcopal Church has been actively supporting Guerra. In addition to some bishops writing in support of the detainee, the Rev. Aaron Gerlach of Old Trinity Episcopal Church in Tiffin has been visiting him and offering pastoral support.

My sense is hes been scared from day one about being deported back to El Salvador, said the Rev. Margaret DAnieri, the canon for mission for the Diocese of Ohio, in an interview with ENS.

Bishop Alvarado has implored the U.S. to not deport his son back to El Salvador, arguing that it would be dangerous for him to return.

If he returns, the gangs will go after him again, Alvarado said, Reuters reported. He fled because of the threats.

Even though theyve signed deals between the Central American governments ... and the United States that they are safe countries, we know that theyre not so safe.  We live here under a structure of violence going back many years because of the gangs.

Under the Trump administration, there has been an increased effort to deport people who illegally entered the country as well as reduce the number of refugees resettled on an annual basis.

Last September, the administration released a fact sheet announcing their intention to lower the refugee resettlement cap to 18,000 for fiscal year 2020 (Oct. 1, 2019  Sept. 30, 2020), the lowest it has been since the program was created in 1980.

This proposed ceiling takes into account the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis on our border and the massive asylum backlog, which now includes nearly one million individuals, stated the fact sheet.

The overwhelming backlog is completely unsustainable and needs to be addressed before we accept large numbers of refugees.
A court is to consider increasing the prison sentence given to a man believed to be Britain's most prolific rapist.

Reynhard Sinaga was given a minimum term of 30 years for 136 counts of rape earlier this month.

The court heard that the Indonesian student lured 48 male victims to his Manchester flat while posing as a good Samaritan, before drugging them with spiked drinks and attacking them.

Complaints over Sinagas sentence were made under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, which allows anyone to ask for punishments for certain crimes to be reconsidered.

The attorney general, Geoffrey Cox, said: After carefully considering the details of this case, I have decided to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Show all 11 1 /11 Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Reynhard Sinaga was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for life and must serve a minimum of 30 years after he was convicted of offences against 48 men Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed The bedroom floor, where dozens of rapes took place, in the the home of Reynhard Sinaga Sinaga, who was convicted on 159 sexual offences including 136 counts of rape in Manchester between January 2015 and May 2017, drugged 48 men and filmed himself sexually violating them while they were unconscious in his city centre apartmen Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed A general view of the night club Fifth in Manchester where Reynhard Sinaga watched and picked up men that he later raped Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed CCTV grab of Reynhard Sinaga on Princess Street The Indonesian student posed as a good samaritan, offering the men a place to sleep or more drink, the court heard Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Reynhard Sinaga, middle, appearing in the dock at Manchester Crown Court on the day he was charged Julia Quenzler /SWNS.COM Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed A general view of the apartment Montana House next to the night club The Factory Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed The living room at the home of Reynhard Sinaga His victims  who were mostly heterosexual  had little or no memory of the assaults, which Sinaga filmed on his mobile phone. The men left the flat unaware they had been violated. Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed The iPhone 4 taken by a victim and used to convict Reynhard Sinaga Sinaga was caught after one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off, before taking his phone to the police Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Bottles of alcohol which were used to spike victims in the home of Reynhard Sinaga Sinaga is thought to have laced alcoholic drinks with a drug such as GHB, known as liquid ecstasy, to incapacitate his victims Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Greater Manchester Police has urged anyone who believes Sinaga may have approached them on a night out to come forward. Officers say he may have been committing crimes for 10 years Greater Manchester Police/PA Reynhard Sinaga: Most prolific rapist in UK history jailed Mobile phones found in the home of Reynhard Sinaga When Greater Manchester Police examined the attackers multiple digital devices, they found 3.29 terabytes of graphic material  the equivalent of 250 DVDs  depicting sexual assaults. Jurors who had to watch some of the mobile phone footage were later offered counselling Greater Manchester Police/PA

Sinaga carried out an egregious number of attacks over a prolonged period of time, causing substantial pain and psychological suffering to his victims.

It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.

Police initially counted 195 victims in videos that Sinaga took of himself carrying out the assaults while they were unconscious, including many who have not been identified.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police are attempting to speak to 70 potential victims, and said more people who may have been abused by Sinaga had phoned a dedicated helpline after he was jailed.

Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said the true scale of Sinagas perverted crimes may never be known. Detectives from Greater Manchester Police were attempting to speak to 70 potential victims who had not yet been identified, and said more people who may have been abused by Sinaga rang a dedicated helpline after he was jailed.

I am unaware of any other case of sexual offending of this scale and magnitude, she told the 36-year-old when passing sentence on 6 January. The true scale of your offending may never be known.

Details of the case, the UKs largest ever rape prosecution, were made public when reporting restrictions were lifted after the end of four trials.

Sinaga was already serving a life sentence at HMP Manchester for convictions in the first two trials, but his minimum term was increased to 30 years when the last one concluded.

 UK's most prolific rapist Reynhard Sinaga leaves home in search of victims

Manchester Crown Court heard how he went out in the early hours of the morning looking for drunk young men who were alone around nightclubs near his flat.

His victims  mostly heterosexual  had little or no memory of the assaults, and he was only caught after a man regained consciousness and fought him off.

The court heard that many victims suffered from trauma and lasting psychological damage, including two who had attempted suicide.

Sinaga was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017  136 counts of rape, 14 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration.

His mother, Normawati Sinaga, has claimed she did not know her son was gay and believed his victims had made up the story.

She added: We are a good Christian family who do not believe in homosexuality. He is my baby.
On the morning of July 24, 1943, Lieutenant Commander L.R. Daspit and the submarine Tinosa launched what may have been the most frustrating attack of the United States World War II submarine campaign against Japan. Alerted by cryptanalysts in Hawaii that the 19,000-ton Tonan Maru No.3 was cruising on an easterly course from Palau to Truk, Daspit set a course to intercept the enemy vessel. She and her sister ship, Tonan Maru No.2, were originally built as whale factory ships but had been converted to oil tankers for wartime use. They were two of the largest vessels in Japans precious merchant marine fleet.

As he manuevered his submarine into a favorable attack position, Daspit calculated Tonan Maru No.3s speed to be 13 knots. Curiously, the heavily loaded tanker had no surface or air escort and was not zigzagging as an anti-submarine measure. After taking up a position from which her torpedo tracks would be nearly perpendicular to the targets course, Tinosa launched a spread of four torpedoes. Only two small geysers of water erupted alongside the vessel, however. To Daspits dismay, the tanker did not explode or begin to list, but rather turned away and put on speed. Tonan Maru No.3s abrupt course change left the submarine in a poor firing position, but Daspit fired the remaining two torpedoes from his forward tubes by instinct. Both weapons struck the ship aft at obtuse angles and exploded, causing the ship to stop and begin to settle slightly by the stern. Although dead in the water, the well-compartmented tanker was in no immediate danger of sinking. Although fire from Tonan Maru No.3s deck guns forced Tinosa to remain submerged, the Japanese could do nothing to prevent the next salvo of torpedoes.

Repositioning to correct the poor firing angle, Daspit placed Tinosa in a textbook attack position, approximately 875 yards off the tankers beam, and launched one torpedo. The soundman reported a straight and normal run. At impact, the skipper saw only a disappointing splash alongside the vessel. The torpedo was a dud.

Undaunted, the skipper ordered that every remaining torpedo be inspected before he continued. Each weapon was found to be in perfect working condition. Another torpedo was fired with great precision, yet the submariners were rewarded with only a deafening silence.

After seven more torpedoes were launched at the stationary target without success, Daspit wisely decided to save his 16th and final torpedo and take it back to Pearl Harbor for a complete overhaul. By methodically eliminating all possible factors except the ordnance, Daspit refocused attention on the Mark XIV torpedo, and he even returned with the perfect specimen to illustrate what had been the bane of the submariners existence for the past year and a half.

For 18 months, several flaws had combined to render the Mark XIV torpedo, upon which submariners lives and success depended, virtually impotent. From the onset of Mark XIV production, inherent defects had existed within the design of the torpedo and the Mark VI magnetic influence exploder mechanism. Each flaw that was discovered and corrected exposed another malfunction. As Theodore Roscoe, author of the official naval history of submarine operations, put it, The only reliable feature of the torpedo was its unreliability.

After the initial Japanese naval onslaught in late 1941, the U.S. Southwest Pacific Command was established. Rear Admiral Charles Lockwood assumed command of all former Asiatic fleet submarines and divided the flotilla between the Australian harbors of Brisbane and Perth/Fremantle. Unlike a number of flag officers who held a wide variety of posts during their careers, Lockwood considered himself a true submariner. He proved to be an extremely pragmatic commander and a widely respected leader, which served him and his country well during the dark months after Pearl Harbor.

As yet unaware of their torpedoes faults, submarine skippers reported an alarming number of prematures, duds and inexplicable misses during the first full year of the war. Frustrated captains watched helplessly as their torpedo wakes passed under sterns or just aft of targets. In response to repeated requests by field commanders, the Bureau of Ordnance conducted check firings to evaluate the depth control of the Mark XIV. By February 1942, the bureau reported a variance of four feet in depth control during the initial 880 yards of a run. Since four feet of depth would make little difference when engaging a capital ship, and most attacks took place at the 1000-yard range, the bureau concluded that the torpedoes were not at fault; rather, it must have been the crews inexperience and errors that were causing failures. The bureau further argued that even if a torpedo did slip under a shallow-draft target, the magnetic detonator would activate the warhead. Faced with such apparently sound arguments, the submariners could only redouble their fruitless efforts. After five months of desperate action, little tonnage to show for their sacrifice and continued pleas from his skippers for reliable torpedoes, Lockwood decided to conduct his own tests.

Lockwood and his amateur scientists bought 500 feet of net from a local fisherman and moored it in deep water just outside Frenchmans Bay near Albany, Australia. A Mark XIV was obtained from an incoming submarine, Skipjack, whose crew was more than willing to part company with it. Lockwoods men modified the Mark XIV by replacing the warhead with an exercise head. This replacement head contained a calcium chloride solution that made its weight exactly the same as the warhead. The modified torpedo was loaded into a submarine, and Lockwood ordered a series of test firings.

Set to run at 10 feet, the torpedo was launched from a distance of approximately 900 yards. When divers inspected the net, they discovered the torpedo had cut the net 25 feet below the surface of the water. The next day, two additional torpedoes cut the net at eight and 11 feet deeper than set. Since he believed this extra depth had also kept the magnetic detonator from working, Lockwood ordered all of his skippers to adjust their torpedo depth settings accordingly. Most captains, not taking any chances, set their torpedoes for zero depth. Lockwood and his staff realized, however, that the malfunctioning torpedo needed to be corrected, not merely jury-rigged.

Later in July, the Bureau of Ordnance responded to Lockwoods tests by announcing they were flawed and thus not conclusive. The Stateside bureau claimed improper trim conditions had been created when the field testers used an exercise head that was shorter than the warhead. Undaunted, Lockwoods team lengthened their exercise head to warhead length and immediately produced the same incriminating evidence.

In response, Commander James King was brought out of retirement and made chief of the bureaus Research and Development section to address the depth-control problem. King had earlier been responsible for adding the extra TNT to the Mark XIV warhead and for designing the torpedos turbine engine, the best in the world. He immediately began to conduct tests similar to Lockwoods, launching torpedoes into nets from submarines, not barges, as had been the common practice. Not surprisingly, King achieved the same results as Lockwood. On August 1, 1942, he advised the fleet that the Mark XIV ran approximately 10 to 12 feet deeper than set.

The initial culprit was the depth-control mechanism. This intricate device sets the tension of the depth spring to correspond with the water pressure at the desired running depth. The two controlling elements within the depth mechanism are the hydrostatic valve, or diaphragm, and the pendulum. Ideally, when the torpedo reached the prescribed depth, the force exerted on the diaphragm by the water would equal the force exerted on the diaphragm by the spring. The setting was adjusted and indicated on a graduated dial called the depth index wheel.

On older torpedoe models and early Mark versions, the hydrostatic valve was located in the middle section of the weapon, just behind the warhead. To increase range and speed, this space eventually became filled with additional parts and fuel. As a result, the valve was moved farther aft. This revised layout was originally perceived as a benefit because the depth control mechanism would be closer to the rudders it controlled. Its final location was the tapered section of the torpedo near the tail. No one realized that by placing the valve at a slight angle to the weapons longitudinal axis, it would cause a corresponding change in how the valve reacted in determining depth control. This variance was minimal under what were considered to be normal testing conditionsshallow depths, weak currents and calm seas.

Further complicating the problem, it was later found that the depth-recording instrument used by the bureau to check the reliability of all hydrostatic valves was miscalibrated. Years later, technicians discovered that the recording instrument and the misplaced valves erred in the same direction and amount. The bureau had been cursed with pure bad luck. Two completely different devices, each responsible for checking the other, deviated identically for vastly different reasons. This unfortunate coincidence explains the bureaus initial testing results and its rejection of Lockwoods evidence. It was a very peculiar and costly twist of fate.

Adding insult to injury, earlier improvements by Commander King, although well-intentioned and initially successful, added to the depth-control riddle. When the additional 115 pounds of TNT were squeezed into the Mark XIV warhead, the exercise heads were not correspondingly altered to reflect the change. The extra explosive had been packed into the warhead by increasing density, so although the water-filled exercise head continued to occupy the same space as the warhead, it no longer had the same weight. Thus, the Bureau of Ordnance was using one version of the Mark XIV for testing and issuing quite a different Mark XIV.

The problem of designing identical torpedo heads was solved by using Lockwoods calcium chloride solution, which correctly matched the warhead in size and density. The hydrostatic valve problem was alleviated when a new, calibrated depth-control valve was designed and installed on all Mark XIV torpedoes. Once these improvements brought the Mark XIV up to the correct depth, however, the Mark VI magnetic detonator presented additional problems. The Silent Service was no closer to having a reliable torpedo than it had been eight months earlier.

During World War I, the Germans had developed a mine with a magnetic detonator. With continued improvement, it became a very effective weapon in World War II. The key to the secret detonator was a compass needle that moved when acted upon by the hull of a steel or iron vessel. When the magnetic needle swung, it activated an electrical contact that exploded the mine. Between the wars, every major navy attempted to duplicate the magnetic exploder in its standard submarine torpedoes. Conventional theory held that if a torpedo could be exploded under a ship, as opposed to alongside, the damage would be much greater. Ideally, one or two torpedoes detonated directly under a vessel would be enough to break the ship in half.

By 1925, the Bureau of Ordnance had completed a basic magnetic detonator. Unlike its distant German cousin, the American model was not activated by a compass. Instead, the bureau used induction coils that generated an electromotive force, which changed when the torpedo passed through or under a targets magnetic field. Vacuum tubes magnified the change within the coils to release the firing pin. The design was extremely complex for its day, but that complexity compromised the detonators reliabilityas did the secrecy imposed by the bureau.

The bureau felt that the Mark VI magnetic detonator constituted a secret weapon by the late 1930s. The detonator was cloistered from all but a select few until the spring of 1941, when war seemed imminent. The bureau feared that knowledge of its existence would influence the design and construction of a potential enemys fleet, primarily Japans. In April 1941, Mark XIV torpedoes with Mark VI detonators were finally issued to the fleet, although security restrictions continued. Only commanding officers and torpedo officers were allowed access to the secret weapon and its manual. Common sense, however, dictated that enlisted torpedomen should also be allowed access, because they were expected to maintain and service the ordnance. Yet when war struck seven short months later, few if any men in the Pacific theater understood the inner workings of the detonator, and since only a few knew what a Mark VI would do under perfect working conditions, even fewer could recognize a malfunction. As with the Mark XIV torpedos depth mechanism, it would take the rigors and sacrifices of combat to expose the detonators fatal defects.

During the opening months of the Battle of the Atlantic, the Germans discovered that their updated magnetic torpedo detonators were malfunctioning in waters near the Arctic Circle. They correctly theorized that the Earth is a large magnet whose magnetism varies by location. They understood that different magnetic fields would surround a ship depending on its longitude and latitude. By mid-1941, the Germans had deactivated their magnetic exploders and were relying solely on contact detonators. The British soon followed suit. In a struggle as paramount as the Battle of the Atlantic, neither side could afford unreliable or ineffectual ordnance. American submariners, on the other hand, were just beginning a similar naval conflict in which they would not have reliable torpedoes for 18 months.

By August 1942, the faulty depth mechanism had been isolated and corrected, and the Mark XIV was striking more targets. Curiously, however, skippers began to report a large percentage of duds and prematures. Frustrated captains and crews now suspected the mysterious Mark VI detonator.

The submariners attempted to make in-field adjustments, in the process trying to accumulate sufficient evidence to warrant deactivation. Admiral Lockwood, now in charge of all Central Pacific submarines from Pearl Harbor, would have ordered immediate deactivation had it not been for the possibilities and flexibilities the Mark VI theoretically offered. When dealing with shallow-draft escort vessels, the under-the-keel shot was a must, and it was accepted that such a detonation against any size vessel was most effective. Early in 1943, however, the Bureau of Ships released a study contradicting that assumption. The study, based on Atlantic convoy sinkings, concluded that broadside hits that created instability were the most effective attacks against merchantmen, which lacked the armor belt and compartmentation of warships.

Since Japans lifeline was her merchant marine fleet and because the Bureau of Ordnance would only suggest slight technical adjustments to the Mark VI, Admiral Lockwood determined that the magnetic feature was more a liability than an asset. On July 24, 1943, he ordered his submarines to deactivate the Mark VI magnetic influence detonators and fire for contact hits only.

As later tests illustrated, the failure of the Mark VI design was twofold. In broad terms, the magnetic theory advanced by the Germans months earlier was correct. Depending on location, the magnetic field around a ship varies, and there were definate variances between the waters around New England where the Mark VI was tested and the southern Pacific. Additionally, internal construction flaws increased the chances of unreliable performance. Brush riggings, located on the generator that supplied power to operate the magnetic exploder, were discovered to be inadequate, and leaky base-plate castings allowed water into the exploder cavity. Having endured two major malfunctions in their primary weapon over a year and a half of disheartening combat, U.S. submariners eagerly abandoned the Mark VI detonator in favor of the contact mechanism. Fate, however, was to test their mettle one more time.

The contact devices name alone suggested reliability and consistency. Although less advanced than the magnetic feature, however, the contact exploder was still a complex device with numerous parts capable of perplexing malfunctions. In fact, a malignant flaw in the contact mechanism had been hidden while other malfunctions were slowly and painstakingly resolved.

When Tinosa arrived in Pearl Harbor, her 16th torpedo was given a complete inspection. After an all too familiar examination, the torpedo was declared to be in perfect working order. Commander Daspit had received the same report from his chief torpedo man prior to launching more than 10 torpedoes on 90-degree tracks at a stationary target, yet each torpedo had failed to detonate. Was the 16th torpedo an exception? Admiral Lockwood sought to answer this question with the type of common sense test that identified the depth control problem.

Captain C.B. Momsen suggested loading inspected torpedoes, including Tinosas 16th, into a submarine, then firing them against the vertical cliffs off the island of Kahoolawe. The first torpedo that failed to detonate would be recovered and carefully dissected for clues. Lockwood agreed and assigned the submarine Muskellunge to the task.

Maneuvering as close to a 90-degree track as possible, the submarine fired three torpedoes against the rock cliffs. The first two exploded, but the third threw up the familiar geyser of compressed air and water. Divers carefully retrieved the activated yet unexploded torpedo. The valuable dud was then hauled back to Pearl Harbor for examination.

The technicians removed the contact mechanism and discovered that the device had correctly released the firing pin, but the pin had not struck the fulminate caps with sufficient force to set them off. Curiously, the stud guides that directed the firing pin into the primer caps were severely bent and deformed. With the weak link apparent, experiments began to focus on the malfunction.

Lockwoods men replaced the TNT in several warheads with cinder concrete and attached the normal contact mechanism. Test torpedoes were then dropped 90 feet along a wire suspended from a crane into an empty drydock where they landed squarely on steel plates. A direct, 90-degree hit produced a dud seven out of 10 timesa 70 percent failure rate almost two years into the war. By adjusting the target plates to a 45-degree angle, the failure rate was cut in half. At a still greater angle, the exploders worked without fail. Lockwood immediately directed his boats at sea to launch their torpedoes from large, obtuse angles. They were ordered to improvise, to use anything but the textbook 90-degree track.

The internal failures of the contact mechanism can best be understood through the forces at work in a live torpedo. When a 3,000-pound torpedo traveling at 46 knots struck the hull of a ship, incredible forces were unleashed. The initial force of deceleration equaled approximately 500 times the force of gravity. Transferred to the firing pin, this force appeared as friction between the pin and the guides along which it traveled for accuracy. These stud guides were exposed to nearly 190 pounds of pressure from the contact and resulting deceleration. The firing spring was unable to overcome this tremendous friction and pressure with enough force to drive the firing pin successfully into the primer caps. When a torpedo struck a glancing, angled blow, the force of impact was lessened enough to allow the spring to push the pin into the caps, causing detonation.

The solution turned out to be relatively simple. The Pearl Harbor workshops designed and mass-produced modified firing pins from the propeller blades of Japanese aircraft downed in the December 7, 1941, attack. The new pins were made as light as possible in order to reduce the friction on the stud guides. Testing this handiwork, Lockwood ordered the submarine Halibut, armed with modified exploders, to repeat the Kahoolawe tests. Each torpedo was again set to run as close to 90-degrees as possible to fully test the new pins. Six out of seven torpedoes exploded. Although one still failed, it was a significant improvement from a 70 percent failure rate.

During the 1930s, the Bureau of Ordnance had conducted similar tests designed to ensure a reliable contact mechanism in time of war. The Newport Torpedo Station flung torpedoes against steel plates over sand and discovered then that the firing pins failed to strike the caps with sufficient force. Their solution was to increase the strength of the firing spring. The tighter spring seemed to solve the problem, but it did so at the speed of 1930s torpedoes. Torpedo speeds had increased to 46 knots by World War II, and this increase created greater impact forces. The increased speed essentially negated the strengthened spring. If Tinosas torpedoes had been set for slower speeds or obtuse angles, Tonan Maru No. 3 would not have escaped. It took almost two years of wartime trials and tribulations, but American submariners were finally equipped with reliable and effective torpedoes.

The Bureau of Ordnance and the Newport Torpedo Station were guilty of designing and issuing an entire generation of faulty torpedoes. Peacetime budget constraints and a preservationist attitude toward ordnance combined to create an interwar regimen under which the vast majority of scientists and submariners who rotated through Newport never heard or saw a torpedo explosion. To compound this error, both organizations proved incapable of making the transition from peacetime apathy to wartime demand and accepting incriminating combat evidence suggesting major ordnance flaws. Their blind faith and anemic testing may have saved money and material before the war, but it certainly cost lives during the war. Because of this logistics fiasco, veteran submariner and historian Paul Schratz said he was only one of many frustrated submariners who thought it a violation of New Mexico scenery to test the A-bomb at Alamagordo when the naval torpedo station was available. Legitimate fault for this debacle must be assigned for the sake of those survivors and their fallen comrades who endured the struggle and won the war.

Perhaps Admiral Lockwood encapsulated the submariners long frustration best when he suggested at a wartime conference in Washington that, If the Bureau of Ordnance cant provide us with torpedoes that will hit and explode then for Gods sake, get the Bureau of Ships to design a boat hook with which we can rip the plates off a targets side. Although his submarines never had to resort to such measures, history has tended to overlook their early months of struggle, focusing instead on the final two years of their campaign.

What must never be forgotten is the fact that just over 50 years ago, submariners were forced to engage the enemy for 18 months with ordnance that proved to be at least 70 percent unreliable. Often, Japanese merchantmen would enter port with unexploded Mark XIV torpedoes thrust into their hulls. Despite the problems with ordnance, American submariners, a mere two percent of U.S. naval personnel, sank more than 1,178 merchant vessels and 214 warships, totalling more than 5,600,000 tons. They sacrificed 52 submarines, 374 officers and 3,131 enlisted men from their close-knit ranks. The Silent Service suffered 40 percent of all naval casualties in the Pacific, yet managed to destroy 55 percent of all Japanese ships. American submarines succeeded where the Germans had twice failedin the systematic and complete blockade of an island nation.

One can only speculate as to the wars outcome had there been reliable torpedoes available from the onset. As for the American submarine campaign against Japan, we must always honor its sacrifices, take pride in its accomplishments and continue to learn from its mistakesmistakes that fostered a scandal described by Clay Blair, Jr., as the worst in the history of any kind of warfare.

This article was written by Douglas A Shireman and originally appeared in the February 1998 issue of World War II magazine. For more great articles subscribe to World War II magazine today!
Four staff members of the Turkish state news wire, Anadolu Agency, were detained in Cairo and are being held in an undisclosed location in the latest escalation between the Turkish and Egyptian administrations.

The two governments have been at odds since the 2013 coup over former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi by current leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Though few details have emerged regarding a Tuesday evening raid on the agency's Cairo bureau, media professionals say the move may be linked to developments in Libya, where Turkey and Egypt are backing opposing sides in an ongoing civil war.

These arrests have nothing to do with our journalistic activities, Metin Mutanoglu, Anadolu's editor-in-chief, told Al-Monitor.

He called for the immediate release of the staff members and said that Egypts Interior Ministry had identified the Anadolu Cairo office as a cell house for a terrorist organization, calling the statement direct proof that these arrests are politically motivated.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a statement Thursday alleging Anadolu was an illegal company founded by the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been outlawed in Egypt since Morsis ouster. The ministrys spokesperson, Ahmed Hafez, said the news agency spreads false and fabricated information in Egypt to distort the countrys image domestically and abroad.

During a televised interview Wednesday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu denounced the detentions of three Egyptian staffers and one Turkish citizen. Cavusoglu claimed the Egyptian government was resentful of Turkey for seeking to open an international investigation into Morsis death in prison and called on Western nations to condemn Egyptian officials.

"Western countries, who try to teach everyone about human rights and freedom of the press, lose their voice when such things happen in countries they can manipulate, Cavusoglu said on CNN Turk. The whole world would rise up if a similar case occurred in Turkey.

In response to the detentions, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned Egypts Ankara charge daffaires Wednesday and claimed in a statement the act reveals once again not only the negative approach of the Egyptian administration toward freedom of press, but also its grave situation in terms of democracy and transparency.

The Associated Press reports Egyptian security forces shut down security cameras and internet access in the Anadolu Cairo office before conducting an overnight search of the premises. The detained workers passports, cell phones and computers were confiscated.

Ibrahim Altay, editor-in-chief of the pro-state newspaper Daily Sabah, said the detentions were unacceptable and completely arbitrary.

Nobody knows [the staff members'] whereabouts and the families of these people are fearing for their lives, Altay told Al-Monitor. There is a lack of transparency here, and I am afraid we all need to be concerned about this because of the Egyptian government's previous [actions], he said, referring to past crackdowns on critical news organizations such as Al Jazeera and more recently Mada Masr.

The raid, which has been condemned by international press freedom organizations, comes ahead of Libya peace talks in Berlin Sunday. The Turkish government, in addition to providing operational and material support for the UN-recognized government of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, is reportedly facilitating the transfer of Syrian rebel soldiers to Libya to defend Tripoli. Turkish officials have denied the news.

The Egyptian administration views Sarraj as sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood and has backed eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter, along with the United Arab Emirates and Russia, in his ongoing offensive on Tripoli.

Egyptian and Turkish foreign policy disputes also extend to the eastern Mediterranean, where Cairo has allied with the governments of Israel, Cyprus and Greece, forming the EastMed Gas Forum to develop offshore gas fields and eventually export regional energy resources to European markets via an underwater pipeline.

Ankara and the Tripoli officials signed agreements Nov. 27 claiming large tracts of the eastern Mediterranean where the proposed gas pipeline would pass between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete.

Despite the possible political motivations behind the detentions, deputy director at the International Press Institute Scott Griffen said, Any journalist, any media organization that is critically covering the Egyptian government is a potential target in the media crackdown, which [has left] Egypt with very few independent news organizations.

IPI denounced the raid while highlighting the Egyptian governments brutal campaign against the press since 2014. The press freedom watchdog reports that 61 journalists are currently behind bars in Egypt. In the same statement, IPI noted at least 90 journalists are imprisoned in Turkey, which the organization claims is the worlds leading jailer of journalists.

Griffen told Al-Monitor the Anadolu staff members must be released, theres no question about that," adding, "This is a serious attack on press freedom. On the other hand, we also note the hypocrisy in the Turkish governments statements about press freedom, a right it does not guarantee in its own country.
Crude oil futures gained 0.78 percent to Rs 4,132 per barrel on January 16 as participants increased their long position after US President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed Phase One of the trade deal. The breather comes after an 18-month long trade war between the world two largest economies.

In crucial data, US oil inventory for the week-ended January 10 fell by 2.55 million, compared with analyst expectation of a drop of 474,000 barrels, according to the US Energy Information Administration data.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in its monthly oil market report raised 2020 global economic growth to 3.1 percent from 3 percent.

In the futures market, crude touched an intraday high of Rs 4,138 and an intraday low of Rs 4,110 on the MCX. In the January series, it has touched a low of Rs 3,825 and a high of Rs 4,670.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil delivery for February contracts rose Rs 26, or 0.63 percent, to Rs 4,141 per barrel. The same for January gained Rs 28, or 0.68 to Rs 4,128/bbl.

The value of the January contract traded so far is Rs 2,397.34 crore and February contract is Rs 206.84 crore.

Motilal Oswal expects crude to find support at Rs 4,050 levels.

At the time of publishing, West Texas Intermediate crude was marginally up 0.36 percent to $58.02 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, gained 0.52 per cent to $64.33 per barrel.
Throughout 2019, Wildfire Credit Union employees have enthusiastically volunteered to pay to wear jeans in support of a number of local non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

In 2019, Wildfire employees raised over $16,000. Below are the non-profits that benefited from the Jean Days:
UN investigators on Thursday called for thousands of children of jihadists who fought for the Islamic State group to be repatriated from Syria.

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in a report that the children were in a particularly precarious situation since they often lacked official papers.

This, in turn, jeopardises their rights to a nationality, hinders family reunification processes and puts them at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse, the report said.

The UN says around 28,000 children of foreign fighters are living in Syrian camps  20,000 of them from Iraq.

Thousands more are believed to be held in prisons, where teenage children are being detained alongside adults.

Commission chair Paulo Pinheiro said the detention of children with adults was a terrible violation, urging the relevant governments to take action to stop this.

All this delay in not taking these children from these prisons is outrageous. Its a scandal, he said.

Following the collapse of the self-proclaimed caliphate of IS last year, foreign fighters from nearly 50 countries were detained in Syria and Iraq.

Many of their relatives are held in the overcrowded Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, home to around 68,000 and where more than 500 people  mostly children  died in 2019.

The UN commission called on governments to recognise papers issued by non-state actors such as the IS group and witness testimonies to allow the children to obtain official documents.

UNHCR human rights official Marie-Dominique Parent told the European Parliament in November that roughly 700 to 750 children with European links were being held in camps in northeast Syria, with 300 of them said to be French.

Some countries have started to repatriate the children  with or without their parents  on humanitarian grounds.

But the UN investigators criticised the practice of revoking citizenship of suspected IS fighters used by countries including Britain, Denmark and France.

Its report said the practice had negatively impacted children, including their ability to exercise basic human rights.

States have well-defined obligations to protect children, including from statelessness. Failing to abide by such fundamental principles would be a clear derogation of duty, Commissioner Hanny Megally said.

The report also criticised plans by some countries to repatriate children without their mothers, saying it could run counter to the principle of the best interests of the child'.

The UN set up its Commission of Inquiry on Syria to investigate human rights abuses shortly after the outbreak of the conflict in 2011.

In its report on Thursday it also accused the Syrian government of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and torture.
President Donald Trump, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 25, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

White House Violated Law in Freezing of Ukraine Military Aid: Legal Opinion

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violated the law when it withheld military aid to Ukraine that was approved by Congress, the Government Accountability Office said in a Jan. 16 legal opinion.

The OMB froze the congressionally approved $250 million appropriated to the Department of Defense for security assistance to Ukraine to review corruption issues in Ukraine, President Donald Trump said. The office withheld the funds by issuing a series of documents, nine in total, that pushed back giving the funds to Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said in December 2019 that the aid didnt have any impact on U.S. national security.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in the legal opinion (pdf) that the delay in transmitting the funds, which were eventually given to Ukraine, violated the law.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law. OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA, Thomas Armstrong, the GAOs counsel, wrote in the legal opinion.

The White House didnt immediately return a request for comment.

I havent had a chance to read that report but Im really glad that Ukraine got its aid and got it within the deadline, Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters outside the White House Thursday morning. And its much higher than they ever got under the Obama administration.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) holds up a copy of the Trump-Ukraine Impeachment inquiry report and a copy of the Constitution of the United States in the Longworth House Office Building in Washington on Dec. 12, 2019. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

The OMB told the Government Accountability Office that the funds were frozen to make sure the money wasnt spent in a manner that could conflict with the presidents foreign policy. The budget office said the delay didnt violate the ICA because it constituted a programmatic delay. A policy development process is a fundamental part of program implementation, so its impoundment of funds for the sake of a policy process is programmatic, the office said.

The GAO said the assertions have no basis in law because programmatic delays only occur when an agency is taking necessary steps to implement a program, but because of factors external to the program, funds temporarily go unobligated.

Here, there was no external factor causing an unavoidable delay, Armstrong stated.

The GAO said it was also reviewing whether the OMB violated the law in withholding security assistance funds meant for Ukraine from the State Department.

House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that the legal opinion confirmed what congressional Democrats have understood all along: President Trump abused his power and broke the law by withholding security assistance to Ukraine.

Congress makes funding decisions, and the Trump administrations illegal impoundment of these vital national security funds was a brazen assault on the checks and balances inherent to our democracy. Given that this illegal conduct threatened our security and undermined our elections, I feel even more strongly that the House has chosen the right course by impeaching President Trump. No one is above the law, she added.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) added that the legal opinion demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump administration illegally withheld assistance from Ukraine and the public evidence shows that the president himself ordered this illegal act.

This bombshell legal opinion from the independent @USGAO demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump Administration illegally withheld assistance from Ukraine and the public evidence shows that the president himself ordered this illegal act. pic.twitter.com/bkwyQ4Vk3K  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) January 16, 2020

The Government Accountability Office describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress.

The agency examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, reliable information to help the government save money and work more efficiently, it states on its website.

But Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) alleged bias, saying early Thursday that the office is run by someone confirmed to a 15 year term in 2010 under a Democrat President, Democrat controlled Senate and Democrat House, referring to Gene Dodaro, who became the head of the office in 2012 after being nominated by President Barack Obama.

Just like Pelosi, Schiff, and the Dems in Congress, the GAO ignores that the President has been hugely concerned about corruption in Ukraine for a long time, which is entirely consistent with US law and US policy. Its also important to get other nations to contribute more, he said.

Lets see a GAO report on Pres Obama delivering $1.7Bil in pallets of cash to Iran in the middle of the night as cash ransom in a hostage swap. I dont recall any Congressional notification or approval before that Obama foreign policy decision not authorized by Congress.
The star of the event was a milk product from China created by Sanyuan Foods, a leading brand in the Chinese food industry. The packaging of the new milk product is culturally inspired by the national treasures housed within "The Palace Museum", giving us a sense of the cultural charms of the East. "Sanyuan Forbidden City Milk" features creative and artistic packaging. The package design was created by Swiss designers who drew their inspiration from international pop art, new Fes, De Stijl art, and elements of traditional Chinese musical instruments. At the conference, the intense color combinations of the packaging took everyone's breath away.

What we see here is not just a milk product that comes from China, but more of a dialogical cultural exchange between China and Italy. Mr. Stefano De Martino, former Vice President of the City Council of Milan, Ms. Giuseppina Merchionne, Executive Chairwoman of the Belt and Road Communication and Cooperation Center in Italy, Mr. Mario Dll'orto, Art Consultant of the EU-China National Culture and Art Centre, Mr. Pansisa Firippo, Consultant for the China Italy Geographical Indication Development Association, and Mr. Alesantlo Rosso, professor at Milan's Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, attended the conference. Among them, Mr. Stefano De Martino has visited China 80 times and was awarded the honorary title of Ambassador of Friendship with the Chinese people. Martino expressed his pleasure to see that "civilized, open, and inclusive China" was receiving more and more international support.

On the verge of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Italian diplomatic relations, the two countries continue to share mutual benefits and win-win results, making new contributions to promote China-Europe connectivity and intercommunication, and even world development and prosperity. Sanyuan Foods and other outstanding Chinese enterprises will also make efforts and contributions to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples of the two nations, and enhance friendship between the two countries. We look forward to seeing more outstanding Oriental brands that present the world with more creative works of art.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077835/Sanyuan.jpg

SOURCE Sanyuan Foods
L ondoners have among the shortest commutes of major European capitals, a study shows.

The average trip from home to work was 45 minutes in the capital, the same as Lisbon, and less than Madrid (46 minutes), Athens (47 minutes), Paris (49 minutes) and Rome (52 minutes).

Only Berliners had a shorter commute among European capitals analysed, with journeys there taking 43 minutes on average.

The research was compiled by journey planner app Moovit, which has 680 million users worldwide.

The Israeli tech company used open-source data from rail operators, buses and walking routes.

The report also reveals Londoners have Britains longest commutes. The capitals 45-minute average compared with 44 minutes in Birmingham, 39 minutes in Scotland and 34 minutes in the South-West.

Five per cent of London workers commute for more than two hours, with a further 18 per cent travelling between one to two hours.
IAEA Mission Expected To Belarus In February Over Nuclear Power Station Under Construction

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

A mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will head to Belarus in February to evaluate the preparedness of the country's national infrastructure for a nuclear power station under construction in the town of Astravets near the Lithuanian border.

The Belarusian Energy Ministry said on January 15 that the mission will start its work on February 24.

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka signed off on the nuclear power plant back in 2008, partly to lessen the country'' dependence on Russia to meet its energy needs.

The nuclear power plant, however, is being built by Russian companies contracted by Rosatom and Moscow is jointly financing the project, which has had cost estimates ranging from $5 billion to $22 billion.

The construction site has witnessed a series of mishaps, including the dropping of a 330-ton nuclear-reactor casing in July 2016. It was only more than two weeks after the incident that the Belarusian Energy Ministry confirmed there had been an "emergency situation" at the construction site.

The planned site of the Astravets plant has been a concern for Lithuania ever since the project was announced in 2008. The Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, is less than 50 kilometers away, meaning that Minsk is at odds with IAEA recommendations made after the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan that plants should not be built within 100 kilometers of major population centers.

Belarus expects to have the two 1.2 gigawatt VVER 1200 reactors online in 2020, according to the Astravets website.

With reporting by BelTA and AFN.by

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iaea-belarusastravets-nuclear -inspection-february/30379352.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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In a throwaway world politicians should be under no illusion they too may be viewed as perishable goods with a shelf-life based on satisfaction.

In the early days of any campaign it's crucial for candidates to connect and establish empathy and understanding on issues. The vicissitudes of the hustings are sufficiently parlous without shooting yourself with the starting gun, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar appeared to have done yesterday.

Commenting on news a homeless man was in a serious condition in hospital after his tent was removed by what is believed to have been a mechanical claw, Mr Varadkar said he was "concerned".

Unfortunately, however, he went on to call on Paul McAuliffe, the Fianna Fail Lord Mayor of Dublin, to make a statement on the incident.

Immediately he found himself hamfistedly denying that he was attempting to make the incident political. "No, I didn't mention blame at all," he insisted.

"I think it is reasonable that the Lord Mayor of Dublin, who is politically accountable for Dublin City Council, should also make a statement. I am sure he would be willing to do that." Seemingly Mr Varadkar momentarily forgot he is the leader of the country. After laying a trail to the door of the Mansion House, he claimed he was always loathe to comment on any individual cases.

To say Mr Varadkar's comments were ill-advised is to put it charitably. Mr McAuliffe responded by saying he was "disappointed" with the Taoiseach's response. "A man was seriously injured and yet An Taoiseach appeared to be more interested in appointing blame to somebody else," he noted.

After nine years in office Fine Gael has drawn enormous criticism for the fact there are 10,000 homeless people here.

It is a statistic that clearly sits uneasily with a Government narrative of full employment and economic overdrive. The Government has had successes but it must not recoil from its failings.

It is to be hoped the Taoiseach's response will serve as a cautionary tale as the election proceeds.

Ambrose Bierce's view of politics as "a strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage", should be kept in mind, amid the predictable blizzard of promises.

Fianna Fail has pledged to "deliver solutions on health and housing where Fine Gael had failed".

Labour took itself down to the infamous Glass Bottle site described by party leader Brendan Howlin as "an emblem of failure, a disaster created by Fianna Fail". Both larger parties have fashioned slogans they hope will fit the public mood: Fine Gael's "A Future to look forward to", or Fianna Fail's recycled "An Ireland for All", will either take root or wither by the roadside in the coming weeks.

But electorates grow wary when campaigning becomes a permanent condition, and governing an afterthought. Voters find favour with those who can deliver practical solutions for the next generation, and not just the next election.
The third in a series of student blogs by Michigan Techs representatives at COP25 in Madrid.

The United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) met to negotiate global climate policy for its 25th year in Madrid, Spain from Dec. 2-13, 2019. I arrived in Madrid without expectation and full of gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event. I left Madrid with an understanding that so much more than policy negotiations happen at such conventions. Theyre a space in which people from around the world can come together to share their initiatives, learn about different cultures and unite around a common goal: acting to ensure a healthy social, environmental and economic future.

United States Representation

One of the big questions I had was how the U.S. would be represented with the earlier announcement of the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The U.S. delegation was led by Marcia Bernicat, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary with the U.S. Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In addition, the We Are Still In (#wearestillin) organization sent a subnational delegation comprised of state and local government leaders, businesses, universities and others to run the U.S. Climate Action Center pavilion. The pavilion was a great place to learn about action being taken in our home country. At one panel discussion, a member of our research team on the INFEWS Food-Energy-Water Conscious project, Tim Smith from University of Minnesota, was one of the speakers. It was such a unique experience to network with other Americans at COP25. Other U.S. initiatives were discussed with members of industry such as Mars, Inc. and Impossible Foods, Inc., as well as public figures including Michael Bloomberg and actor Harrison Ford.

The Power of Young People

It was nearly impossible to get a glimpse of Greta Thunberg through the crowds, especially as she had just been declared TIME Magazine Person of the Year. She admits that while she is not a scientist, she listens to the scientists, and that it is time for all of us to do the same. Her efforts have ignited passion among the worlds youth and she uses her spotlight to offer a voice to those from marginalized populations.

The author at COP25. Daignault is a civil engineering PhD student. Image Credit: Jessica Daignault

Young people represent the next generation of scientists, negotiators and policy makers. Members of our group had the opportunity to meet with Ronald Jumeau, ambassador to the U.S. from the Republic of Seychelles. Ambassador Jumeau puts tremendous faith and trust in young people. He invites youth to be a part of the national delegation and allows them to speak on behalf of the Republic of Seychelles. He encouraged us to get involved at whatever level we can and inspired ideas for new initiatives in our own small communities.

In addition to our meeting with Ambassador Jumeau, fellow Michigan Tech student William Lytle and myself were fortunate enough to meet with Foreign Service members at the United States Embassy in Madrid. We were briefed on climate and sustainability-related initiatives in Spain; the embassy was extremely welcoming and open to our questions.

It Is Time for Action

Negotiations occur throughout the convention, sometimes open to observation and others behind closed doors depending on the topic. Perhaps most impressive are the halls in which the plenaries take place. These spaces hold a different atmosphere, as countries make their statements and express both progress and concerns. For many nations, climate change impacts are visible today and there is no time to wait for action. The urgency can be heard in their statements, as their actions alone cannot bring change and support from the global community is required.

It is impossible to summarize all that I saw and heard during the second invigorating week of COP25, but I can say this: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is about more than greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and rising global temperature. Climate change cannot be addressed without considering social justice, gender equality, capitalism, freshwater and ocean resources and impacts to biodiversity. There must be transparency and accountability in the negotiation process, and the voices of minority populations must be heard. While progress has been made toward achieving a reduction in carbon emissions, there is still much to be done.

At the closing plenary, Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci was quoted: I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. The entire room of national representatives, press and nongovernmental organizations applauded the sentiment. The time for talk is over. It is time for climate action.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
At least 21 people were killed in Syrias rebel-held Idlib province as government forces and their Russian allies intensified an air offensive on the countrys northwest.

A new ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey, which support opposing sides in Syrias nearly nine-year conflict, went into effect on Sunday but violence has continued, according to rescue workers operating in opposition-held areas.

The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, said air raids and barrel bombs on Wednesday struck a vegetable market in the town of Ariha, as well as repair workshops in an industrial area, a few hundred metres away from the market.

At least 19 people were killed in the attacks on the market and the nearby shops, including a Civil Defence volunteer, Ahmed Sheikho, a spokesman for the group, told Al Jazeera.

A man was also killed in the village of Has as a result of a Syrian government air raid, Sheikho said, while a young girl succumbed to wounds sustained in a previous attack, which took place before the latest ceasefire was implemented.

At least 82 people were wounded in the attacks on Wednesday and the death toll is likely to increase, according to the White Helmets.

21 innocent people have lost their lives today, and 82 others have been injured, as a result of the regime/Russian terrorist attacks on #Idlib and #Ariha market and many other places in northern #syria. The number of dead will climb as many are critically injured. pic.twitter.com/OSbgkynMz2  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) January 15, 2020

The bombardment engulfed several vehicles in the industrial zone, leaving the charred corpses of motorists trapped inside, an AFP news agency correspondent said.

Mustafa, who runs a repair shop in the area, told AFP he returned to find the shop destroyed and his four employees trapped under the rubble. It was not immediately clear if they had survived.

This is not the neighbourhood I left two minutes ago, Mustafa said.

People inspect destruction caused by government air raids in the town of Ariha, Idlib province [Ghaith Alsayed/AP Photo]

The attacks come days after a brief lull. The ceasefire brokered by Moscow, which supports the Syrian government, and Turkey, which backs the rebels, faltered on Tuesday night when air raids hit a string of towns in the southern part of Idlib province.

Since December 1, about 350,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced by the renewed offensive, the United Nations said on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest situation report that the humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate as a result of the escalating hostilities.

The short-lived ceasefire follows a previous truce announced in late August, after attacks by the government killed more than 1,000 civilians in four months, according to the UN.

Residents and rescue workers said many towns and villages in the provinces southern region are now empty as a result of the Russian-backed Syrian government offensive which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people since it began in April.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday said in a statement the world body is increasingly concerned about the safety of civilians.

The UN urges all parties, and those with influence over those parties, to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law, he said.

The UN, which is responsible for delivering most of the aid to Idlib, has warned of the growing risk of a humanitarian catastrophe as people flee the fighting towards the overcrowded Turkish border area.

There are already about one million displaced people living near the border, with official camps already at full capacity.

Sara Kayyali, a Syria researcher for Human Rights Watch, said nearly four million civilians are essentially trapped in Idlib due to the relentless bombardment.

Its likely that many of these attacks on protected civilian infrastructure, where there is large civilian presence and no real military target, are likely to be war crimes, Kayyali told Al Jazeera.

Although human rights organisations are scaling up their operations, they simply cant keep up with the demands, she said.

Kayyali noted that numerous families are now left out in the open, in the middle of freezing weather with no tents, no shelter, no food.

If theyre not being bombed, theyre dying because theyre hungry, she said.

Government-led attacks have mainly struck areas close to the strategic M5 highway, one of the most important arteries in Syrias transport network before the war erupted.

The Syrian government has been battling to take control of the road, which links the capital, Damascus, with the northern city of Aleppo, something that would allow it to connect cities under its control and boost trade.

The northwestern region is home to nearly three million people, about half of whom were transferred there in large groups from other parts of the country which had been held by rebels and were retaken by pro-government forces.

The war in Syria has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions since it began in 2011 with the repression of anti-government protests.
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Specialist firefighters have saved the world's last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney, officials said Thursday.

Firefighters were winched from helicopters to reach the cluster of fewer than 200 Wollemi pines in a remote gorge in the Blue Mountains a week before a massive wildlife bore down, National Parks and Wildlife Service Director David Crust said.

The firefighters set up an irrigation system to keep the so-called 'dinosaur trees' moist, and pumped water daily from the gorge as the blaze that had burned out of control for more than two months edged closer.

Firefighting planes strategically bombed the fire front with fire retardant to slow its progress.

Environment news in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 Environment news in pictures Environment news in pictures Davos 2019: David Attenborough issues stark warning about future of civilisation as he demands practical solutions to combat climate change Sir David Attenborough has issued a stark warning about climate change to business figures gathered in Davos, telling them that "what we do now...will profoundly affect the next few thousand years". On the eve of this year's World Economic Forum, the renowned naturalist told the audience that the worlds of business and politics should "get on with the practical solutions" needed to prevent environmental damage. "As a species we are expert problem solvers. But we've not yet applied ourselves to this problem with the focus it requires. "We can create a world with clean air and water, unlimited energy, and fish stocks that will sustain us well into the future. But to do that, we need a plan," he said. The broadcaster made his speech after receiving a Crystal Award, which is awarded by the forum to "exceptional cultural leaders". AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures At least 60% of wild coffee species face extinction triggered by climate change and disease Two decades of research have revealed that 60 per cent of the worlds coffee species face extinction due to the combined threats of deforestation, disease and climate change. The wild strain of arabica, the most widely consumed coffee on the planet, is among those now recognised as endangered, raising concerns about its long-term survival. These results are worrying for the millions of farmers around the world who depend on the continued survival of coffee for their livelihoods. As conditions for coffee farming become tougher, scientists predict the industry will need to rely on wild varieties to develop more resilient strains Alan Schaller Environment news in pictures Warming Antarctic waters are speeding the rate at which glaciers are melting The Antarctic ice sheet is losing six times as much ice each year as it was in the 1980s and the pace is accelerating, one of the most comprehensive studies of climate change effects on the continent has shown. More than half an inch has been added to global sea levels since 1979, but if current trends continue it will be responsible for metres more in future, the Nasa-funded study found. The international effort used aerial photos, satellite data and climate models dating back to the 1970s across18 Antarctic regions to get the most complete picture to date on the impacts of the changing climate. It found that between 1979 and 1990 Antarctica lost an average of 40 gigatonnes (40 billion tonnes) of its mass each year. Between 2009 and 2017 it lost an average 252 gigatonnes a year. This has added 3.6mm per decade to sea levels, or around 14mm since 1979, the study shows Nasa/Getty Environment news in pictures Greater Manchester to ban fracking, paving way for confrontation with government over controversial industry Greater Manchester is to effectively ban fracking, raising the prospect of fresh confrontation with the government over the controversial industry. All of the regions 10 councils are to implement planning policies which create a presumption against drilling for shale gas in their areas, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced. Campaigners said the move was the latest sign that the tide was turning against fracking, which has been the subject of multiple legal battles across the country. Critics of fracking say it poses environmental and health risks. Drilling at the UKs only operational fracking site, run by Cuadrilla in Lancashire, has repeatedly been halted due to earth tremors. But ministers support the industry and last year unveiled plans to accelerate the development of new drilling sites Ross Wills Environment news in pictures Japan confirms plan to resume commercial whaling in its waters from next year Japan will resume commercial whaling next year for the first time in more than three decades, in a move that has provoked strong criticism from campaigners and the international community. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said his nation would leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume hunting the marine mammals in Japanese waters. However, he stated the activity would be limited to Japans territory and the 200 mile exclusive economic zone along its coasts. This means controversial scientific trips to Antarctica in which Japanese vessels killed hundreds of whales, as well as activity in the northwest Pacific, will stop in 2019 AP Environment news in pictures COP24: Environmental groups criticise morally unacceptable climate deal reached after major Poland summit Diplomats from around the world have agreed a major climate deal after two weeks of United Nations talks in Poland. But climate campaigners warned the deal  effectively a set of rules for how to govern the 2015 Paris climate accord  agreed between almost 200 countries lacked ambition or a clear promise of enhanced climate action. Activists cautiously welcomed elements of the plan, saying important progress had been made on ensuring that efforts to tackle climate change by individual nations can be measured and compared. But environmental groups were also highly critical of the agreement, warning it lacked ambition and clarity on key issues, including financing for climate projects for developing countries. The COP24 deal, which is aimed at providing firm guidelines for countries on how to transparently report their greenhouse gas emissions and their efforts to reduce them, was confirmed on 15 December, after talks overran Reuters Environment news in pictures Unprecedented changes needed to stop global warming as UN report reveals islands starting to vanish and coral reefs dying Greenhouse gas emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030 to avert global environmental catastrophe, including the total loss of every coral reef, the disappearance of Arctic ice and the destruction of island communities, a landmark UN report has concluded. Drawing on more than 6,000 scientific studies and compiled over two years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings, released this morning, warn enormous and rapid changes to the way everyone on Earth eats, travels and produces energy need to be brought in immediately. Though the scientists behind the report said there is cause for optimism, they recognised the grim reality that nations are currently nowhere near on track to avert disaster AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures Africas three biggest elephant poaching cartels exposed using DNA from illegal ivory shipments DNA taken from massive shipments of ivory has been used to identify the three largest wildlife trafficking gangs operating at the height of Africas elephant poaching epidemic. Ivory tends to be shipped around the world from African ports in bulk, and scientists have used genetic evidence gleaned from intercepted batches to reveal their origins. Led by Dr Samuel Wasser from the University of Washington, they traced a number of these shipments to three cartels operating out of Kenya, Uganda and Togo. Evidence collected by Dr Wasser has already helped convict ivory kingpin Feisal Mohamed Ali, and as his team joins the dots between shipments they plan to shore up the cases against more of the continents most prolific smugglers Art Wolfe

That helped just to slow the intensity of the fire as it approached the site, Mr Crust told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The Wollemi pine is a particularly important species and the fact that this is the only place in the world where they exist and they exist in such small numbers is really significant, he added.

Recommended Firefighters save group of koalas from Australian bushfires

The energy and environment minister for New South Wales, Matt Kean, said the operation had saved the stand, although some plants had been singed.

These pines outlived the dinosaurs, so when we saw the fire approaching we realised we had to do everything we could to save them, Mr Kean said.

The Wollemi pine had only been seen in its fossilised form and was thought t be extinct before the stand was found in 1994.

The fire that threatened it was brought under control this week after razing more than 510,000 hectares (1.26 million acres). The fire also destroyed 90 per cent of the 5,000-hectare (12,400-acre) Wollemi National Park, where the rare trees grow, Mr Crust said.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel use fire hoses to dampen the forest floor near Wollemi pine trees. in early January (NSW National Parks and Wildfire Service/Ap)

The exact location of the stand remains a closely guarded secret to help authorities protect the trees. The Wollemi trees' survival is one of the few positive stories to emerge from the unprecedented wildlife crisis in southeast Australia.

The fires have claimed at least 28 lives since September, destroyed more than 2,600 homes and razed more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres), mostly in New South Wales state. The area burned is larger than the US state of Indiana.

But the fire danger has been diminished by rain this week in several areas. The first green buds of regrowth have already emerged in some blacked forests following rain.

The Associated Press
EDWARDSVILLE  The Greater St. Louis Area Council for the Boy Scouts of America will host its annual University of Scouting event at Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Morris University Center, Peck Hall and Science East on Saturday.

Approximately 1,000 scouts and adults are expected to attend and receive training for all levels of scouting.

The University of Scouting is designed to provide knowledge about many areas of the Boy Scouts of America and its programs.

University of Scouting is a day-long event that offers the widest variety of training opportunities, in all program areas, all in one place, said the event chancellor, Cory Reeves.

University of Scouting will offer more than 130 classes. Among the wide variety of courses offered are leadership training, special needs scouting, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) topics, teaching and training, scouting skills and merit badges. The class schedule is available at www.scoutingevent.com.

Attendees will find just about anything to do with scouting, Reeves said.

A welcome ceremony begins the agenda at 8:45 a.m. A vendor fair also will be available Saturday.

For more information about the Boy Scouts of America, visit www.scouting.org. To contact the Greater St. Louis Area Council, call 314-361-0600 or visit www.stlbsa.org.

SIUE provides students with a high-quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make their communities better places to live.

Situated on 2,660 acres of woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi Rivers rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 13,000.
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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:54:45|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The leading Party members group of the State Council held a meeting Monday to study the important speech given by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC.

The meeting was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the State Council's leading Party members group.

Stressing the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the meeting called for better implementation of major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee.

The meeting urged transforming the government's functions by deepening reforms that streamline administration, delegate power, improve regulations and upgrade services, noting that checks on and oversight over the exercise of power should be strengthened.

The meeting also stressed reducing government expenditures, cutting taxes and acting against bureaucratism and the practice of formalities for formalities' sake.

More efforts should be made to improve Party conduct and build a clean government, the meeting said, adding that a State Council meeting will be held this year to make arrangements on clean governance and anti-corruption work in the government system.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Sun Chunlan, Hu Chunhua, Wang Yong, Xiao Jie and Zhao Kezhi attended the meeting.
CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill CEO Brian Niccol has been selected by the editors of Restaurant Business as the 2020 Restaurant Leader of the Year, an honor that puts him in the company of industry luminaries such as Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich, Inspire Brands CEO Paul Brown and longtime Taco Bell and Yum Brands chief Greg Creed.

Niccol was chosen because of his success in leading Chipotle forward without forsaking the uniqueness that made the proudly disruptive brand such a stunning initial success. In less than two years on the job, the veteran marketer and brand leader has rebuilt the leadership team, relocated the company to facilitate a shift in its culture and embraced a number of innovations to boost throughput, from new menu items to alternate ways of handling takeout orders. Yet he emphasizes that Chipotle will remain a culinary-driven concept dedicated to food with a differencethe foundations of the 26-year-old concept since Day One.

Members of the new C-suite say Niccol has brought focus and a disciplined openness to change. Both consumers and investors have responded positively, setting sales and Chipotle's stock price on a climb again. Yet they and Niccol are quick to stress that Chipotle's reinvigoration is just beginning.

"A lot of smart people wondered if Chipotle could bounce back after responding to a series of problems in a way that many observers took as arrogance," said Sara Rush Wirth, RB's content director. "Brian has dashed those assertions by recapturing Chipotle's magic without turning the brand into a typical fast-food joint, as many fans had feared."

Niccol came to Chipotle from Taco Bell, where he served successively as CMO, president and CEO during one of the Yum Brands holding's most successful runs. Earlier, he oversaw Yum's domestic Pizza Hut business as brand general manager. He started his career with Procter & Gamble, with responsibility for marketing Pringles and its Scope mouthwash brand.

Colleagues say Niccol is as much of an inspiration as a dad and husband as he is as a business leader. They note that he still takes his weekly turn in driving his children's carpool group to school.

"This man is a true leader, in every sense of the word," said Wirth. "We're proud to salute him as our 2020 Restaurant Leader of the Year."

Niccol will be honored at a special session during the Restaurant Leadership Conference, RB's annual gathering of C-suite-level chain and franchisee leaders. This year's conference will be held March 22-25 in Phoenix.

Contact: Britta Baarstad, [email protected]

About Winsight, LLC

Winsight, LLC is a business-to-business information company serving the restaurant and noncommercial foodservice, convenience and petroleum retailing and grocery industries. Winsight provides research and analytics, branding solutions, face-to-face opportunities, lead generation initiatives, and content marketing services through products including subscription data products, reports, research tools, research programs, fully custom studies, conferences, custom marketing services, meetings, print and digital trade media.

Winsight, LLC is a portfolio company of Pamlico Capital.

To learn more, www.winsightmedia.com.

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State AG lists top 10 consumer complaints

Attorney General Josh Stein today shared the top 10 consumer complaints that his office received in 2019.

He also released the North Carolina Department of Justices 2019 annual report, which delves into the departments work to protect people from crime and fraud, protect taxpayers, and defend the state of North Carolina over the past year.



Bad actors are always trying to use fear and confusion to take advantage of people, said Attorney General Josh Stein. Their actions are unconscionable and often illegal. My office will continue to investigate consumer complaints and do everything in our power to hold scammers accountable and make North Carolinians whole again.



The 2019 annual report discuss NCDOJs work to prevent crime, handle criminal appeals and certain criminal cases, support victims and survivors, defend state agencies, protect the environment, analyze evidence and assist in law enforcement investigations, and train and certify law enforcement officers.



Im incredibly proud of my colleagues and their work to serve North Carolinians, said Attorney General Josh Stein. Over the past year, they have continued to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to integrity and excellence, and we are safer for their public service to protect and defend North Carolina, its people, and their rights.



Last year, people in North Carolina filed 14,462 consumer complaints. In the course of mediating those complaints, NCDOJ secured consumer refunds of nearly $580,000, of which more than $293,000 went to refund elder fraud victims.



The top 10 consumer complaints of 2019 are:

1. Telemarketing/Do Not Call: Telemarketing complaints are related to robocalls, spoofed calls, and calls that violate the Do Not Call Registry. NCDOJ received 1,545 telemarketing complaints. In August, Attorney General Stein unveiled the Anti-Robocall Principles, an agreement between 51 attorneys general and 12 phone companies to fight robocalls through prevention and enforcement.

2. Lenders/Credit: Lender and credit complaints involve issues with mortgage lenders, creditors, debt adjustors, credit reporting and recovery, and collection agencies. NCDOJ received 1,477 lender and creditor complaints.

3. Motor Vehicles: Motor vehicle complaints involve issues related to car rentals, sales or purchases of new and used cars, and car repair issues. NCDOJ received 1,381 motor vehicle complaints.

4. Elder Fraud: Elder fraud scams cover a range of scams that target older adults, including imposter and sweetheart scams. NCDOJ received 1,249 elder fraud complaints. The Department helped to secure more than $293,000 in refunds to victims of elder fraud.

5. Home Repair: Home repair scams involve home improvement, repair, construction, and care. NCDOJ received 1,215 home repair complaints.

6. Health Care: Health care complaints include health services and products, and hospital, doctor and healthcare-provider services. NCDOJ received 783 health care complaints.

7. Cable TV/Satellite: Cable TV and satellite complaints are related to cable TV and satellite service providers with a state-issued franchise. NCDOJ received 780 cable TV and satellite complaints.

8. Landlord-Tenant: Landlord-tenant complaints involve disputes over the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. NCDOJ received 680 landlord-tenant complaints.

9. Telecommunications: Telecommunications complaints involve issues with cellular providers and other telephone companies. NCDOJ received 675 telecommunications complaints.

10. Home Furnishings/Appliances: Home furnishing and appliance complaints include issues with furniture companies and appliance repair. NCDOJ received 421 home furnishings and appliance complaints.



North Carolina consumers can visit ncdoj.gov to learn more about ways to protect themselves from scams and fraud. People can also request a presentation for a group or organization about public safety issues, scams and frauds, and ways to prevent crime and protect yourself and your information. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, file a complaint with our Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.


Independent Commission of Enquiry is probing 2017 crackdown that led Rohingya to flee and UN has said was genocide.

Yangon, Myanmar  An inquiry set up by the government of Myanmar to investigate the 2017 crackdown that prompted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee the country is expected to report this month, but activists and independent observers are sceptical about the story it will tell, despite promises of accountability from the countrys civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Accountability through domestic criminal justice is the norm, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said last month when she took the stand at the International Court of Justice in The Hague to defend the country against charges of genocide against the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Only if domestic accountability fails, may international justice come into play.

The Myanmar military has been accused of genocide by the United Nations and others for the brutal crackdown on the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority, which prompted more than 740,000 to flee.

A UN fact-finding mission report estimated at least 10,000 were killed.

Addressing the ICJ, Aung San Suu Kyi said an internal investigation by the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) was underway and that the commissions report would shed light on what really happened in 2017.

There is currently no other fact-finding body in the world that has garnered relevant first-hand information on what occurred in Rakhine in 2017 to the same extent as the Independent Commission of Enquiry, she said.

Rosario Manalo, a diplomat from the Philippines, was appointed to chair the four-member ICOE [Nyunt Win/ EPA]

The government has rejected the findings of the UN and severely restricted the ability of neutral observers and journalists to investigate. As the public awaits the findings from the ICOE, human rights activists and the Rohingya themselves expect little.





We do not believe the Commission of Enquiry, which was formed by the genocidal Myanmar government, because the government is not sincere to investigate any crimes committed against the Rohingya community, Khin Maung, executive director of the Rohingya Youth Association, told Al Jazeera.

Concerns about independence

There have been concerns about the independence of the ICOE from the very beginning.

Zaw Htay, a spokesman for the presidents office, said the commission was created to respond to false allegations made by the UN Agencies and other international communities.

ICOE head, Philippine diplomat Rosario Manalo, has stated there would be no blaming of anybody, in spite of the fact that the panels website states that it means to assign accountability for any violations.

It is not a diplomatic approach, and a very bad approach, in fact, to be doing finger-pointing, blaming, to say youre accountable, Manalo said, adding: That is not looking for peace.

Also on the panel are Kenzo Oshima, a former Japanese ambassador to the UN, and Myanmar officials Mya Thein and Aung Thun Thet.

The latter is also a member of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine (UEHRD), which the UN fact-finding mission has accused of consolidating the consequences of war crimes by building infrastructure on land abandoned by the Rohingya when they fled.

Khin Maung noted that if the government truly wanted to address the situation, it would not have stifled independent investigation or banned UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee from the country.

Aung San Suu Kyi retains strong support within the country; protesters took to the streets to back her as she defended Myanmar against charges of genocide at the ICJ [File: Myat Thu Kyaw/Reuters]

Lee began her final fact-finding mission on January 15 but will visit only Thailand and Bangladesh during a week of meetings and investigations.

We lost trust in Myanmar government, he said, adding that it was unreasonable to expect the very institutions that committed crimes to investigate themselves.

John Quinley III, senior human rights specialist for Fortify Rights, said the Myanmar government had shown time and again it was not able to hold perpetrators accountable.

Myanmar has set up many domestic commissions and none have conducted a serious, impartial investigation into the atrocities against the Rohingya. Domestic mechanisms have been exhausted and there is a need for international justice, he said.

No reference to Rohingya

The ICOE website defines the commissions mandate as: Investigate the allegations of human rights violations and related issues following terrorist attacks by ARSA with a view to assigning accountability for any human rights violations and related issues that may have occurred.





The commissions position reflects the government line  blaming the instigation of violence on ARSA rather than interrogating the militarys actions and downplaying decades of discrimination against the Rohingya.

Nowhere does the word Rohingya appear on the ICOE website  except in reference to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an armed rebel group.

Many in Myanmar call the Rohingya people Bengali, believing them to be illegal immigrants, even though the minority group has lived in Myanmar for many generations.

The ICOE did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment.

David Mathieson, a Yangon-based independent analyst, said it is highly improbable that Myanmar is capable of investigating any of its conflict areas fairly.

Rather than holding rights abusers accountable, Mathieson believes the true purpose of the report is sanitising a crime scene.

The ICOE is an exercise in exculpating the military by admitting some abuses, pinning the blame on the Rohingya terrorists, and saying the scale of Western reporting was exaggerated, he said via email, adding that these kinds of piecemeal admissions distract from the larger culture of abuse and impunity that permeates the Myanmar military.

Northern Rakhine villages in flames on September 3, 2017, as hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh [Bernat Armangue/AP Photo]

Both the UN fact-finding mission and the International Commission of Jurists have concluded that the ICOE cannot be seen as reliable.

Risk of further harm

Mathieson said while there was some level of anticipation over the report, he expects those who believe the violence was overblown by western reporting and rights activists will welcome any kind of report if it backs this view regardless of its accuracy.

Nevertheless, some diplomats and civil society groups are hoping for something of substance from the ICOE. At a recent lecture at Yangon University, US Ambassador Scot Marciel said the report was an important step and he hoped it would provide new information that the government would acknowledge and follow up on.

In a recent interview with Bangladeshi media, Japans ambassador to the country said it was indispensable for Myanmar to adopt the ICOEs recommendations.

But in a statement soon after the commission was established in 2018, the International Commission of Jurists warned that giving any recognition to [the report] was likely to undermine and delay effective international measures for justice and accountability.

Mathieson is also concerned the report has the potential to do more harm than good, saying that those in the diplomatic community supporting its release may not have considered the full consequences.

I think depending on the quality of the report, the political results will be an emboldened military that will be given a green light to continue an entrenched culture of operational savagery, and a belligerent approach to political and peace concessions, he said.
A mother-of-two had half of her tongue and a chunk of her neck removed after a persistent mouth ulcer turned out to be cancer.

Karen Liesching-Schroder, from Rochford, Essex, initially thought 'it was nothing to worry about' when she developed the sore on the right side of her tongue in 2014.

But when the ulcer did not go away after 18 months, the 47-year-old went to hospital where they ran tests to check if it was malignant.

Her biopsy came back negative and the school nurse claims she was told 'not to worry, nor return' as it would eventually go away.

However, several months later, Mrs Liesching-Schroder was forced to make another appointment when she was left in immense pain and unable to eat.

Further tests revealed the ulcer was a symptom of underlying tongue cancer and medics had to remove the tumour before it could spread and become deadly.

They also had to slice off a chunk of her neck gland as the disease had started to migrate to the tissue behind her throat.

Karen Liesching-Schroder, from Rochford, Essex, had half of her tongue and a chunk of her neck removed after a persistent mouth ulcer turned out to be cancer

The mother-of-two initially thought 'it was nothing to worry about' when she developed the sore on the right side of her tongue in 2014

Mrs Liesching-Schroder shows off her tongue after having the right side of it removed to prevent the cancer from spreading

The mother wore a custom made mask for radiotherapy to protect her face and surrounding tissue from being damaged during the treatment

Mrs Liesching-Schroder was shocked at the diagnosis because she has never smoked and rarely drinks alcohol  two risk factors for the disease.

She underwent an operation to remove part of her tongue and neck gland in March 2016, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.

Speaking publicly about her ordeal for the first time, she said: 'I was naive and never imaged it would be anything sinister as I am healthy and never smoked before.

'I associated mouth cancers to elderly men who smoke so I was shocked when I was diagnosed. Especially after the ulcer 18 months before came back with the all clear.

Mrs Liesching-Schroder was shocked at the diagnosis because she has never smoked and rarely drinks alcohol  two risk factors for the disease. Pictured with her daughter Naomi

She underwent an operation to remove part of her tongue and neck gland in March 2016, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy (she dawns the scars after the op)

The school nurse (with her husband Ian, 61) has struggled with slurred since the op but has been going to speech therapy for over a year

WHAT IS TONGUE CANCER? Tongue cancer is a form of head and neck cancer. Although the exact number of sufferers is unclear, around 12,000 people are diagnosed with a form of head and neck cancer every year in the UK. And 51,540 new patients are diagnosed annually in the US. Cancer can develop in the oral tongue - the front two-thirds that is visible when you poke your tongue out at someone - which is classed as mouth cancer. Or it can start in the base of the tongue near the throat, which is a form of oropharyngeal cancer. Symptoms may include: Red or white patch that does not go away

Persistent sore throat

Ulcer or lump on the tongue that does not ease

Pain when swallowing

Numbness in the mouth

Unexplained bleeding

Ear pain (this is rare) Most head and neck cancers have no clear cause, however, smoking, excessive drinking and the HPV virus are risk factors. Early cancer (when the growth is smaller than 4cm and contained in the tongue) can be removed via surgery. Radiotherapy may also be required. Advanced cancer may require surgery to remove the entire tongue, as well as chemo and/or radiotherapy. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement

'The doctor said if it comes back - which it did in August 2015 - to not worry nor return. But the pain worsened, and I was unable to speak, eat nor drink so I went to the doctors and explained how even soothing gels weren't getting rid of my ulcer.'

Mrs Liesching-Schroder added: 'I barely looked inside my own mouth as I feared what I might see so when the nurse described it as a hole in my tongue - I was shocked.

'I had another biopsy in February 2016 - I wasn't expecting to hear the word "cancer". I have been a runner for 10 years so I didn't think this would happen to me.

'Running throughout was a big part of my journey giving me a different focus from the cancer.'

Although the exact number of tongue cnacer patients is unclear, around 12,000 people are diagnosed with a form of head and neck cancer every year in the UK. And 51,540 new patients are diagnosed annually in the US.

Mrs Liesching-Schroder had the right side of her tongue removed and a chunk of her neck gland to prevent the cancer from spreading. She was in remission after six weeks of radiotherapy.

But in November 2016 she had another scare when a large ulcer formed in her mouth.

Doctors reassured her it was just oral thrush - a harmless infection that is easily treated with antibiotics.

She added: 'I am sharing my story so people do not think they are fine because they are healthy and non-smokers because it can happen to anyone.

'I am very lucky that they caught the cancer quick enough. I was worried when I developed multiple ulcers under my tongue which was oral thrush that had come back.

'I had another operation to remove the ulcers under my tongue and I had to take morphine for four months.

'There was a chance of my teeth being removed or my tongue being reconstructed. People have many misconceptions about mouth cancer as it isn't spoken about enough.'

She added: 'I have problems swallowing as the radiotherapy has damaged the base of my tongue.

'I have lost confidence as my speech is sometimes slurred but I had speech therapy last year to help with both swallowing issues and confidence.'
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Plans for Big Ben to bong the UK out of the European Union descended into farce last night.

Just two days after Boris Johnson backed the idea of the bell ringing at 11pm on January 31st and called for public donations to cover the cost, Downing Street admitted defeat.

Senior government sources blamed intransigence by the House of Commons authorities who have raised a string of objections  and claimed the cost of bringing the bell out of mothballs could be 500,000.

Andrea Leadsom, pictured, today announced she had donated 10 to the online appeal to pay for Big Ben's bongs to sound on January 31 at 11pm

Conservative MP Mark Francois is angry Big Ben will not bong on Brexit day. He said he would pay 1,000 towards the 500,000 cost of sounding the bell at 11pm on January 31

The announcement sparked fury from Tory MPs behind a fundraising campaign which had raised more than 120,000 in less than a day.

On Tuesday Mr Johnson said he could not justify using taxpayers money to restore the bell for one night and suggested the public could bung a bob for a Big Ben Bong.

More than 9,000 people have donated cash, including Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom who handed over 10. She wrote on Twitter: I admit Ive donated a tenner. #LoveBigBen. The Big Ben must bong for Brexit campaign.

Former party leader Iain Duncan Smith condemned the House of Commons Commission and urged Mr Johnson to stop sitting on the fence.

On the eve of the single biggest change that Britain will undergo  arguably since the end of the Second World War  the House of Commons Commission, it appears, is determined to leave Big Ben mute.

This bell has rung out at all the critical moments in our nations modern history. But that it should be silenced now verges on the absurd.

Somehow they managed to find time to clang the bell to welcome in the New Year which is of far less significance. They must rethink this and allow that bell to ring.

He added: I urge Downing Street to make a clear statement that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet want Big Ben to signal the moment when our great country officially leaves the EU.

Former defence minister Mark Francois, who has pledged 1,000 of his own money, said the PM would be mad to back down.

As the Prime Minister effectively initiated this campaign live on TV two days ago and as we are clearly going to hit the target, he would be mad to back away from it.

House of Commons officials claimed it would cost 500,000 to temporarily bring back the bell for one evening

Yesterday the Daily Mail reported Downing Street sources saying the idea of restoring the bell for January 31st was dead, and Mr Johnsons spokesman appeared to confirm the news, pointing the finger of blame at the Commons authorities.

The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations, he said. I think the PMs focus is on the events which he and the Government are planning to mark January 31.

A Government source blamed the intransigence of Commons officials, saying: We went to the House authorities saying how can we make this happen? and they came back with a whole series of unhelpful comments.

Its very difficult for us to say to people they should contribute money when the whole thing might still be turned down by Parliament. If they do raise the half a million pounds then the Commons authorities are going to have a very big decision to make.

Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, who is chairman of the commission, set himself firmly against the idea saying the cost would be 50,000 a bong  and argued only people who live in Westminster would get to hear the bell.

Officials also warned of the legal and ethical problems of accepting public donations, calling it unprecedented.

The extraordinary cost is made up of 120,000 to reinstall and test the temporary bonging mechanism. That also includes the cost of building a temporary floor in the belfry and then removing it again. They also said the Brexit bongs would delay renovations by up to four weeks at a cost of 100,000 per week.

Last night another Commons source said No10 could have pushed the issue by forcing a vote in Parliament.

The issue came up before the Commission and it was explained the cost and delay involved to the restoration of Big Ben and the Tower. If the Government really wanted it they could put forward some sort of motion and they could vote on it. That would overrule the commission.

The appeal, run by the Stand Up 4 Brexit campaign, launched on Wedneday morning on the GoFundMe website and by last night 9,000 donors had handed over 140,0000 towards the 500,000 target.

Writing on the site, one donor told the PM to get it done.

I find it unbelievable that this wasnt arranged ahead of time and at reasonable expense just like it has been with every other significant event. Just get it done!
A group known as the Serve With Skirts Movement has asked the federal government to allow female corps members wear skirts during thei...





A group known as the Serve With Skirts Movement has asked the federal government to allow female corps members wear skirts during their mandatory service year.





The protesters said the wearing of trousers by females evokes immorality.









On Wednesday, members of the movement converged at the Unity Fountain in Abuja carrying placards which read: There is a difference between the world and the daughters of God, Our sisters cannot dress like men, they should be decently covered and We are not worldly we are true children of God among others.

Speaking with TheCable Lifestyle, Udochi Emmanuel Baba, a lawyer and one of the leaders of the movement, said so many female corps members have been embarrassed and harassed because they refused to wear trousers.





Baba said the law establishing the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has not clearly stated what the uniform should be.





The reason why we are here today is because year after year our female corpers posted to various states are being embarrassed, they are decamped, de-kitted and sent out of the camp on the grounds that they are putting on trousers and we know that it is a breach of their fundamental human rights as provided for in section 38 (1) of the constitution of our country, she said.









These trousers they are showing in the banners here, are evoking immorality in the camps and we cannot take it anymore. This was not so in the beginning, way back in the 1970s and 1980s we had our mothers wearing skirts and we want to go back to that.





We have asked for exemption severally. NYSC has not given that as an option, they have made it a compulsory one-year service for everyone below the year of 30 and they are mandated to wear those clothes.





When asked what they will do if their requests are not met, the lawyer said: We may ask need to ask for redress in the court.





Narrating her ordeal, Patience Noble, a corps member, said she has not graduated from the scheme since 2016 when she was deployed to serve in Ebonyi.





I was posted to Ebonyi state for my NYSC and when I got there, I told them that I will want to wear my skirts and serve the nation. As a citizen of my country, I have the right to serve the nation just like every other graduate has, she said.





They insisted that I wear this trouser or leave the camp. During the camp there were lots of insults and humiliation  one of military tore the skirts I was wearing on my body.









The corps member said she was told that she would not be given a certificate until she wears a trouser.





In December 2017, Amasa Firdaus, a law student at the time, was not called to the bar because she allegedly broke the dress code by wearing a hijab.





After an outrage, Firdaus was finally called to the bar in July 2018  after seven months.








To kick-start the new year, Acko Drive, a one-stop online solution for buying a new car, is launching a contest Acko Drive Bumper Carnival.

Acko Drive - a first-of-its-kind product from Acko Technologies and Services P Ltd - was launched in April 2019. It is a one-stop solution for the best first-hand car buying experience, right from guaranteed best deals on new cars to getting the car delivered to the doorstep. The service is available in selected cities  Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune.

As a part of the campaign #AckoDriveCARnival, Acko Drive is asking its users to participate in the contest under the same hashtag on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To participate, all one has to do is to register here- http://bit.ly/2snCogZ

The winner of the contest will receive a brand new Hyundai Venue car. Also, the first 100 entries will get a 25K worth AckoDrive voucher and every entry will be eligible to get a 10K voucher. The selection of the winner will be purely random on the basis of a draw, but referring other people to the contest would increase ones chance to win.

The contest opens on January 14, 2020 and closes on January 20, 2020. The winner of the contest would be announced by January 31st, 2020.

Speaking on the campaign, Kavita Chowkimane - VP Marketing, Acko said, As a young and growing brand we plan to run on-going campaigns that are fun & interesting for our consumers. Through this campaign, we want to engage with everyone who is looking to buy a new car and give them a real chance to save big on their car purchase. Plus everyone who participates has a real shot at winning a brand new car for free

Price haggling is the biggest friction, for a new car buyer during the final phase. At AckoDrive we make sure the customer gets a great buying experience with the Best Price Guarantee.This contest is a step towards strengthening the relations between AckoDrive and the new car shoppers., said Sagar Das, Head of Business, Acko Drive
Meghan Markle has been accused of being more worried about the "unflattering" effect of the publication of extracts from a letter that she wrote to her estranged father than any breach of her data protection rights.

The claim is made in a legal document submitted to the High Court by the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, responding to Meghan's legal action over an article featuring parts of a handwritten letter to Thomas Markle.

Papers from the duchess's solicitors have previously said the "true sentiment" of the letter was Meghan's concern about her father's welfare and his exploitation by tabloid newspapers which he should stop talking to.

Sin

But Associated Newspapers' legal team said in its document: "If the claimant had been or was concerned about her father and his welfare, she would not have cut her father, a sick 75-year-old man, out of her life for the perceived sin of speaking to the press about his daughter who had become a famous royal duchess."

Meghan "caused or permitted", the legal paper claims, her close friend Jessica Mulroney to contact the duchess's former commercial adviser who gave an interview to the Mail on Sunday, in a bid to ensure "a more favourable article was published".

Ms Mulroney, a Canadian stylist and TV star, wrote to Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne "putting pressure on her to withdraw or change statements", claims the legal team for the publisher.

Mr Markle is the main witness for Associated Newspapers and if the case reaches a full court hearing, both Meghan and her father could be called to testify against each other, with the Daily Mail reporting that the retired lighting director would be prepared to face her in court.

The duchess is seeking damages from Associated Newspapers for alleged misuse of private information, copyright infringement and breach of the Data Protection Act.

The publisher's document alleges: "The claimant's real claim in this action is transparently not that the defendant has processed her personal data without consent, which all media publishers do on a regular basis, but that she does not like the effect of what the defendant has published because she considers it to be unflattering."

The papers shed light on the relationship between Meghan and her father, with Mr Markle claiming he contributed tens of thousands of dollars to her education.

Debts

He claimed that the duchess sent him only occasional "modest" financial gifts after landing a role in the hit TV series Suits, even though he was still paying off her college debts.

The publication of the document comes during a major crisis that has engulfed the royal family around the future roles of the Sussexes.

Queen Elizabeth has agreed for them to begin a transition period of living in Canada and the UK as they step back as front-line royals and become financially independent.

Meghan, who flew back to Canada before senior royals met at Sandringham to discuss the Sussexes' future, has been photographed visiting a women's centre in Vancouver.
Remember when former Mayor Julian Castro declared his vision for 2010 as the Decade of Downtown for San Antonio? What if we call 2020 the Decade of Family?

Not original to me, but borrowed from a bold proclamation by Unicity, a movement to unite the Mission City.

What progress has been made to revitalize downtown, attract new businesses, develop the economy and retain natives? Hundreds of millions have been invested, and it is certainly paying off in some incredible ways. But, unfortunately, family well-being has had little improvement in the past decade, according to SA2020 outcomes.

So, lets talk about 2020.

Family is the backbone of society. Almost every community ailment we point to can be traced back to the breakdown of the family.

In the past 30 years, the deterioration of family is evidenced everywhere. We are living in the most fatherless generation in history, which should be considered pandemic:

The poverty rate is more than twice the average than that for all families.

90 percent of runaway and homeless youths are from fatherless homes.

75 percent of imprisoned men grew up without a dad.

71 percent of high school dropouts do not have a father at home.

63 percent of youth who die by suicide are from fatherless homes.

These children are 20 times more likely to have a behavior disorder.

GLOO, a data analytics company, reports that the most important factor driving behavior across economic lines in San Antonio is family, unlike most metro areas, where money is the driving factor.

Clearly, family is very important to us, but we have work to do in family well-being.

We see the damaging effects of illiteracy, homelessness, poverty and crime. Despite being a fast-growing city, we still have a huge economic disparity between the wealthy and the poor.

We must examine the root cause, which I would argue stems from family deterioration more than any other singular cause. Addressing fruit issues alone will not alter the root. We can prune and weed, but we need to address the root cause.

What if we focused on strengthening and preserving the family? What is possible in the next 10 years?

My unscientific guess is that poverty would decrease, literacy and graduation rates would increase, child abuse and substance dependency would decline, and crime would be reduced.

Lets face it: As Mother Theresa said, If you want to heal the world, start with family.

The approach of Chosen, a nonprofit, to victims of abuse and neglect doesnt only address the child; our holistic approach is foremost to equip the parents. It is the relationship that brings healing.

Unicity recently asked: What would it take to make San Antonio the best community to raise a family?

Answer: It would take a movement  it would take each of us.

We have to wade into the mess of peoples lives and offer our very selves to make a generational change.

Its easy to ignore struggles that seemingly dont touch us and settle into our comforts, but the reality is that our neighbors struggles do touch us. They are shaping the world we will leave our children and grandchildren.

2020  Decade of Family. Are you in? To join, visit decadeoffamily.org.

Jenni Lord is the CEO of Chosen, a nonprofit that helps children heal from trauma by strengthening families.
No, Windows 7 isnt dead.

No, you dont need to buy a Win10 computer.

No, you dont need to upgrade.

No, you dont need to install the latest Win7 patches right away.

No, Microsoft isnt withdrawing its unofficial nod-and-a-wink free upgrade from Win7 to Win10. At least, not right away.

No, the old Win7 patches arent disappearing.

No, your Internet Service Provider wont kick you off your network for using Win7.

No, we dont know if Microsoft will release any more free security patches for Windows 7. They did for XP when WannaCry appeared, years after XP went end-of-life, but past performance isnt necessarily indicative of future results.

No, running Win7 after Jan. 14 doesnt put [your] company and staff data at risk, as well as that of suppliers, partners, and customers, because security patches will no longer be available.

No, your Win7 computer wont be pwned by the bad guys any time soon, if you exercise even a modicum of common sense.

No, Office 2010 wont stop working on Win7. In fact, itll keep getting patches (on an unpatched Win7!) until Oct. 13.

No, Microsoft Security Essentials wont get updated. You need to move to a different antivirus.

Microsoft

Yes, you need to stop using Internet Explorer. But you likely made that switch years ago.

Yes, you can buy official Win7 security patches  sign up for the Extended Security Updates  but the first year costs $61 per system and you have to jump through a lot of hoops (see Gregg Keizers Last-minute answers about Windows 7's post-retirement patches and Susan Bradleys Hunting for an elusive Win7 ESU license, paywalled).

Yes, there are alternative ways to patch Win7.

Yes, if you tell the full-page Your Windows 7 PC is out of support advertisement  the screenshot above  to go away (Dont remind me again), it really does go away. At least for now.

Yes, all of your major software  notably including all major browsers  will continue to work with Win7, at least in the short term. Turbotax wont work next year, but thats their problem, and it works fine this year for tax year 2019.

Yes, the new "Chredge" version of Edge will run on Win7. Nobody knows how long MS will continue to support it.

Yes, expect a lot more annoying, wildly inaccurate Win7 misinformation from many quarters.

That should cover about 90% of the drivel currently being bandied about regarding Windows 7.

Heres what Microsoft says about the Jan. 14 end-of-life:

Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. This 10-year period has now ended, and Microsoft has discontinued Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 was January 14, 2020. Technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC are no longer available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.

Gag me with a RAMDAC. Microsoft hasnt provided technical assistance for Win7, officially, since January 2015. And the last time we had a useful Win7 software update was a decade ago? Sure feels like it. Service Pack 1 was released on Feb. 22, 2011.

Just because we wont get free security patches in February doesnt mean you should stampede to get the January patches installed now. Nothings going away. Your files are still where you left them. Chillax.

Back in 2018, over on AskWoody, we started looking at a Win7 official patch alternative called 0patch. Theyve been micro-patching Windows  unleashing specific, narrowly focused fixes for Windows vulnerabilities  since 2016. Mitja Kolsek, CEO of Acros Security and co-founder of 0patch says:

We expect the first micropatches [for Win7/2008 R2] will be issued sometime after the February Patch Tuesday, after we have reviewed what was patched in Windows 7 ESU, and whether any other vulns might affect Windows 7 / Windows Server 2008 R2.

There are alternatives.

And finally, Yes, you should move to something other than Win7. Eventually.

We take Seven Semper Fi seriously on AskWoody.com. See Susan Bradleys no-bull FAQ. And Thx @LHiggins.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Ximen Mining Corp. (TSXV:XIM)(1XMA.F)(XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") wishes to announce that it is planning a comprehensive exploration program for 2020 at its 100% owned historic Amelia gold mine property at Camp McKinney in southern British Columbia.

In 2019, Ximen assembled a land position covering 1718 hectares surrounding and including the historic Amelia gold mine (see figure below). Historic production from the Cariboo-Amelia was 81,602 ounces of gold, 32,439 ounces of silver, 113,302 pounds of lead and 198,140 pounds of zinc. The average recovered gold grade was 24.68 grams per tonne gold (from BC Minfile).

Image showing Amelia property and main gold-quartz vein (red).

Historic data indicates excellent potential in the historic mine, as indicated in the diagram below.

Long section view of the Amelia mine showing historic drifts and shafts (black) and target areas (green).

For 2020, Ximen is planning geochemical and geophysical surveys followed by diamond drilling. The goal is to locate extensions and parallel veins. Permitting will commence imminently.

Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Ximen Mining Corp. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, approved the technical information contained in this News Release.

The Company also announces that it has closed its non-brokered private placement by issuing 468,500 units for gross proceeds of $140,550. Each Unit consists of one common share at a price of $0.30 and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase, for a period of 18 months from the date of issue, one additional common share of the Issuer at an exercise price of Cdn$0.45 per share. The Company announces May 9, 2020 as the hold expiry date for this tranche of the private placement. The net proceeds from the private placement will be used for the further exploration on the Company's British Columbia mineral properties and general working capital.

Story continues

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Christopher R. Anderson"

Christopher R. Anderson,

President, CEO and Director

604 488-3900

Investor Relations:

Sophy Cesar,

604-488-3900,

ir@XimenMiningCorp.com

About Ximen Mining Corp.

Ximen Mining Corp. owns 100% interest in three of its precious metal projects located in southern BC. Ximen`s two Gold projects The Amelia Gold Mine and The Brett Epithermal Gold Project. Ximen also owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project adjacent to the past producing Huldra Silver Mine. Currently, the Treasure Mountain Silver Project is under a option agreement. The option partner is making annual staged cash and stocks payments as well as funding the development of the project. The company has recently acquired control of the Kenville Gold mine near Nelson British Columbia which comes with surface and underground rights, buildings and equipment.

Ximen is a publicly listed company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XIM, in the USA under the symbol XXMMF, and in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Stock Exchanges in Germany under the symbol 1XMA and WKN with the number as A2JBKL.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval and the exercise of the Option by Ximen. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the possibility that the TSX Venture Exchange may not accept the proposed transaction in a timely manner, if at all. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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.

SOURCE: Ximen Mining Corp.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/573265/Ximen-Mining-Plans-2020-Exploration-Program-for-100-Owned-Amelia-Gold-Mine-Property-Southern-BC




The World Economic Forum has urged business leaders to step into the void left by governments in tackling climate change.

For the first time, the worlds business elite has placed issues related to the environment in all top five spots on its list of concerns about the next decade, according to WEFs annual Global Risks Report.

However, WEF risked accusations of hypocrisy ahead of its annual meeting in Davos next week, where some of the rich and famous will arrive at the Swiss ski resort by private jet.

The World Economic Forum has urged business leaders to step into the void left by governments in tackling climate change - but it didn't stop them flying in on private jets

Rachel Kennerley, climate campaigner at Friends Of The Earth, urged delegates to avoid private jets. As the leaders of the worlds most polluting countries and companies they should look at cutting those emissions as a priority, she said.

As bushfires rage in Australia, and California repairs damage caused by wildfires, the WEF is now encouraging company bosses to come together in creating measures to minimise further damage to the environment.

If leaders wait until geopolitical turbulence has calmed, the report added, time will run out to address some of the most pressing economic environmental and technological challenges.

WEF president Borge Brende said: The political landscape is polarised, sea levels are rising and climate fires are burning.

This is when world leaders must work with all sectors of society to repair and reinvigorate our systems of co-operation, not just for short-term benefit but for tackling our deep-rooted risks.

The top five concerns on business leaders agenda are:

Extreme weather events with major damage to property and loss of lives;

Failure by businesses and governments to mitigate or adapt to climate change;

Human-made environmental damage, such as oil spills and radioactive contamination;

Major biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse;

Major natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

The WEFs annual meeting will host some of the worlds most powerful figures, from Donald Trump and Prince Charles to climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, central bankers and bosses of businesses such as Unilever and BP.

Though many will fly in by private jet, the WEF claims the event will be carbon neutral due to a range of carbon-offsetting measures it has taken.

The focus on climate risks comes after Blackrock, the worlds largest asset manager, announced measures this week to encourage investors to plough more of their money into environmentally friendly companies.

Paul Morozzo, climate finance campaigner at Greenpeace, said last night: Its not enough to identify how grave the climate emergency is.

The banks and financial institutions jetting into Davos next week have made trillions pumping money into climate-crashing fuels such as oil, gas and coal.

Its time to stop funding the crisis and start backing the solutions. That means immediately ending support for fossil fuels we cannot afford to burn.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has also been pushing for governments, investors, lenders and businesses to pay attention to the financial impact which climate change might have.
[January 16, 2020] AdExchanger to Forecast New Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies of 2020 at Industry Preview

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry Preview, an annual two-day conference centered around what the marketing technology industry can expect over the next 12 months, including trends, new opportunities, and key issues, officially kicks off in New York City on January 28  29, 2020. Hosted by AdExchanger, an award-winning integrated media company devoted to data-driven digital marketing, the show presents a lineup of 50 top speakers and luminaries delivering crucial insights for businesses and players in the marketing, media and advertising ecosystem. Leading the agenda on Day 1, Scott Galloway will discuss developments from Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google  and potential threats impacting organizations and digital leaders today. Other highlights include a fireside chat with Andrew Smith, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who will share what businesses need to know about the FTC's enforcement agenda this year, and an interview with new WPP CEO Mark Read who will reveal how the world's largest advertising giant will position itself for growth in 2020. There will also be a CMO panel with Bibie Wu of Del Monte Foods and Charisse Hughes of Pandora, who will shed light on how product companies are adapting to new retail realities, as well as a finance-focused CMO panel that will hear from Citi's Jennifer Breithaupt and BlackRock's Frank Cooper III. Finally, to close the show on Day 2, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder of e-Marketer Geoff Ramsey will summarize the six most important trends for 2020 based on data.



"In our seventh year of putting on Industry Preview, the marketing sector is responding to a dramatic set of new challenges and opportunities, from a suddenly transformed privacy regime to entirely new consumer platforms and behaviors," said Zach Rodgers, Executive Editor of AdExchanger. "The information and expertise being shared here makes this conference uniquely important to leading marketers, publishers and technology platforms providers." Taking place at the Grand Hyatt New York, Industry Preview 2020 will play host to hundreds of marketers, agencies, publishers, technologists and service providers. This is the first of AdExchanger's three signature events of the year, with the second and third being AdExchanger's programmatic conferences. PROGRAMMATIC I/O San Francisco will be held May 11-12, 2020 while PROGRAMMATIC I/O New York will be on September 29-30, 2020. For more information or to register, visit www.adexchanger.com.

About AdExchanger

Founded in 2008, AdExchanger is an award-winning integrated media company  which includes publishing and three large industry conferences devoted to the data-driven, digital marketing space. The company produces Industry Preview, which provides an exclusive look at the year ahead in digital marketing technology, as well as two bi-coastal, leading conferences in programmatic media, known as PROGRAMMATIC I/O. In 2017, AdExchanger was acquired by Access Intelligence, a business-to-business media and information company serving the media, PR, broadcasting & cable, healthcare management, defense, chemical engineering, satellite and aviation markets. For more information, visit www.adexchanger.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adexchanger-to-forecast-new-opportunities-challenges-and-strategies-of-2020-at-industry-preview-300988312.html SOURCE AdExchanger

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On Thursday, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not participating in the Central government's upcoming meeting on the National Population Register (NPR) and said that she should understand her constitutional duties. Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday had said that her State will not take part in the meeting convened by the Centre on National Population Register (NPR) in New Delhi on January 17. She also dared West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to "dismiss" the State government for not toeing the line of the Centre.

Read: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to lead delegation to Oman, pay homage to Sultan Qaboos bin Said

"Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal and not the leader of the entire country. At least she should understand her constitutional duties," Naqvi said. Earlier Naqvi had asked Mamata to "stop provoking people" to protest over CAA and NRC and "focus on protecting her own house."

Read: BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: Opp parties 'conspired to hijack peace' by spreading lies

'Student movement shouldn't be anarchist movement'

On being asked about JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh's comment on Kashmir where she said that "our Constitution is snatched from us," Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "Student movement is a good thing but it should not be made into an anarchist movement." After the Congress questioned the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, the Minister said, "This is the same Congress party that used to cry at the death of Osama bin Laden. Congress always supports terrorist leaders and their activities. They are the voice of Pakistan." Senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh was suspended on Monday even as it emerged that he had sheltered three terrorists, arrested along with him, at his residence right next to the Army's XV Corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, officials said.

Read: J&K cop Davinder Singh's arrest revives pro-Afzal Guru voices

Read: Union Min Naqvi hits back at Mamata for attacking the PM, asks her to 'stop provoking people'

(With Agency Inputs/Image credit: PTI)
Four candidates have a constitutional obligation to serve as jurors, forcing them off the trail ahead of Iowa caucuses.

Four Democrats running to challenge United States President Donald Trump in Novembers general election have a new headache to deal with  a mandatory obligation that will keep them off the campaign trail for at least two weeks, if not longer.

As sitting US senators, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet are constitutionally obligated to be in Washington, DC, for the duration of Trumps impeachment trial, which is expected to begin in earnest next week.

That means sitting in silence in the US capital while the others in the race, including frontrunners former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, spend the last few weeks before critical caucuses and primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire out actually campaigning.

Polls in Iowa put Biden, Sanders, Warren and Buttigieg within five points of each other  essentially a dead heat. The picture in New Hampshire is not that different, with Biden leading Sanders by less than two points.

Most of the candidates have been cautious about criticising the timing of the impeachment trial, insisting that justice is more important than politics. Reports suggest, however, that some are grumbling privately about House Speaker Nancy Pelosis decision to withhold the articles of impeachment, passed by the House in December, from the Senate until this week.

Before he dropped out of the race earlier this week, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker was the most open among the Democrats about how much the impeachment timing would have hurt him. A big, big blow is how he described it to the Associated Press earlier this month.

If this trial lasts two weeks, that is literally dozens of events we wont be able to do, Booker said at the time.

The trial in the Senate is to fully get under way as early as Tuesday and to continue six days a week  Sundays exempted  until it is concluded. On Tuesday, Republican senators hinted that it would continue well past the Iowa caucuses on February 3.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who controls the Senate calendar, could conceivably allow the process to drag out even further just to make life difficult for the Democratic opposition.

Asked about whether the diversion would be a problem for her in Iowa at the seventh Democratic debate in Des Moines Tuesday night, Warren repeated what she has said before  that some things are more important than politics, and the impeachment of a sitting president is one of those things.

I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, she said. It says that no one is above the law [and] that includes the president of the United States. If we have an impeachment trial, I will be there because it is my responsibility.

Will the impeachment trial help Biden?

More conspiracy-minded politicians in Washington, DC suggested that Pelosis decision to withhold the articles of impeachment was deliberate.

If you look at the true political nature of why Pelosi withheld the articles, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said at a news conference on Tuesday, it was to harm one campaign and harm another.

McCarthy said Biden should suspend his campaign during the trial out of fairness to the other candidates, a suggestion Democrats laughed off.

We will not take campaign advice from Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries snapped in response.

Another Republican, Senator Marsha Blackburn, has gone as far as to suggest that the four Democratic senators should recuse themselves from the trial altogether.

Democratic 2020 United States presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks as former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders listen during the seventh Democratic 2020 presidential debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa [Shannon Stapleton/Reuters]

While Biden may benefit from the extra face time in Iowa and New Hampshire, it remains to be seen whether the impeachment effort overall will be a plus or minus for Biden, who himself is partially at the centre of the impeachment itself.

His name, along with that of his son, Hunter Biden, will be at the top of Republican talking points during the case. Some have suggested the former vice president stands to gain from being portrayed as enough of a political threat to Trump to justify strong-arming an ally. The entire impetus for the impeachment revolves around Trumps attempt to get Ukrainian officials to investigate his potential challenger in the 2020 race.

But constant Republican harping about Biden and corruption and Ukraine during the hearings could also backfire. Some Republicans have gone so far as to suggest that Biden and his son should testify in the inquiry, a prospect Biden has dismissed.

The reason I wouldnt [testify] is because it is all designed to deal with Trump doing what hes done his whole life, Biden told the Des Moines Register in a December interview. Trying to take the focus off him. Not a single person, not one single person, not even that thug [Rudy] Giuliani and his crony compatriots have said I did anything other than my job.

About the only bright spot for Bidens challengers in the Senate is that they will be front and centre for a story that is sure to command the attention of the nation. Whether the TV face time is enough to offset the lost campaign time will only become apparent after the results are in from Iowa and New Hampshire.
On Tuesday night, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 announced a tentative agreement with the private bus contracting firm Transdev to end a strike by 130 bus drivers at the Cinder Bed Road bus in suburban Washington, D.C. If the deal is ratified, workers could return to work as soon as Friday.

The Transdev employees have been on strike since October 24 of last year against the cost-cutting practices of the corporation. Current Transdev workers are paid nearly $12 per hour less than their counterparts in the publicly-run Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, despite operating the same buses and serving routes formerly served by WMATA. In addition, they are forced to pay $6,000 a year in health deductibles, while WMATA workers pay no deductibles, in addition to dealing with unsafe and grueling work conditions.

Transit workers rally in front of bus garage in Northern Virginia in October

The union has not given workers any details about the contract offer. Instead, they will be made to attend a stage-managed all-day listening session today at the local headquarters, where local leaders will present the contract in the best possible light, after which they will be promptly made to ratify the contract as soon as possible, before workers have had a chance to study the entire agreement. Any vote rushed through under such conditions could only be a sellout.

In comments to WTOP News, the union claims that the offer will [improve] health care and retirement plans and provide substantial wage increases. However, ATU 689 president Raymond Jackson, Jr. declined to give specifics, claiming that the union did not want to immediately share details of the deal so that the [sic] could first communicate those details to members.

Throughout the nearly three-month struggle, the ATU has sought to isolate striking Transdev workers to a single picket in Northern Virginia, while keeping more than 8,000 public sector members at work. The ATU has combined this with toothless appeals to WMATA to terminate its contract with Transdev, which have fallen on deaf ears.

The ATU also called off a strike launched last month at the parallel Fairfax Connector line, which is also operated by Transdev, before they even reached a tentative agreement. Recent comments by workers under the bargaining updates on the ATU Local 1764s social media account shows that Connector workers have yet to be paid for the four days they spent on strike last month.

While the ATU has worked to isolate the Transdev strikers from their counterparts at WMATA, transit workers on the public system face similar attacks on their standard of living and deteriorating service quality. Based upon the stipulations placed upon WMATA by the three jurisdictions it serves (Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland), the transit system is required to keep its operating budget costs below a 3 percent yearly increase, which leads inevitably to cuts just to maintain regular operations.

On Monday, WMATA released a tentative budget for its planned extension of the Silver Line subway service from Washington, D.C. to Dulles International Airport in suburban Virginia. According to the Washington Post, the $60 million plan will be partially paid for by [freeing] up money within its budget through one-time sales of excess properties and savings in staffing expenses, i.e. laying off workers and selling off public assets to private interests.

In addition, local government officials overseeing WMATA are seeking to shift the costs of service to riders through fare increases, limiting bus routes and cutting services after hours.

Transdev workers on strike in Northern Virginia

A contract signed between WMATA and the ATU last month covering the public systems 8,000 public transit workers demonstrated the drive to cut costs. The contract allows WMATA to raise the cost of healthcare for retirees while delivering a 25 percent wage cut for newly hired cleaning staff.

Previously, WMATA general manager Paul J. Wiedefeld angered transit workers by violating the contract with ATU Local 689 in July 2018 when he hired out cleaning services to private companies. At the time, WMATAs 8,000 workers voted by 94 percent to launch strike action, which the ATU ignored. This allowed Wiedefeld to continue contracting work out. Only three weeks later, he contracted out the Cinder BedRoad bus garage to Transdev. But under the current contract, Wiedefeld is hoping to save expenses by attacking WMATA workers directly.

The WMATA-ATU contract promises that once Transdevs contract expires the transit system will hire in the striking Cinder Bed workers as employees of the public system. However, they will be forced to buy back any pension pay they received while at Transdevessentially paying for their pensions twiceand must go through WMATAs standard hiring process, meaning they are not guaranteed to be hired at all.

The treacherous policies of the ATU follow a well-worn pattern which the unions as a whole have long followed. The United Auto Workers union used similar tactics to isolate and betray the nationwide strike last year by 48,000 General Motors workers. The year before, the Teamsters union rammed through concessions at UPS, even though a majority voted against the tentative agreement.

This is bound up with the transformation, completed many decades ago, of the trade unions into adjuncts of management, whose financial and social interests are opposed to the workers they claim to represent. In New York City, for example, a recent contract offer promoted by the Transport Workers Union would give it a share of the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys profits, in exchange for forcing workers to accept overtime.

In opposition to the sellout drive of the ATU, World Socialist Transit Workers Newsletter urges the formation of rank and file committees, independent of the union. Transdev workers must turn to their WMATA counterparts and other local transit systems to prepare for a general strike within the region.

Appeals should be made to the working class throughout the D.C.-area to support the fight to win decent pay and services, while the committees should fight to expand the struggle to other regions.
Britain's worst paedophile, Richard Huckle (pictured), was allegedly strangled to death with a guitar string before having condoms shoved down his throat

Britain's worst paedophile was allegedly strangled to death with a guitar string in his prison cell before having condoms stuffed down his throat.

Richard Huckle was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of 71 offences against children aged between six months and 12 years.

He was found dead at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire on October 13 last year, after reportedly being stabbed with a makeshift blade.

However, according to a source who spoke to the Sun, the 33-year-old paedophile was also strangled.

The source added that condoms and biros were then shoved down his throat.

On Monday a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Huckle's murder. Police said: 'A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man at HMP Full Sutton on October 13, 2019.

'A file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and we are awaiting their decision regarding charges.'

He was found dead at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire on October 13 last year, after reportedly being stabbed with a makeshift blade

The paedophilic freelance photographer, from Ashford in Kent, awarded himself 'Pedopoints' for different acts of abuse against 191 youngsters, and sold images of his depravity on the dark web.

In online posts, Huckle bragged that it was easier to target impoverished children in Malaysia than those from wealthy Western backgrounds.

He was arrested when he was stopped at Gatwick Airport en route to spend Christmas with his family in 2014, after Australian authorities tipped off the UK's National Crime Agency.

The 33-year-old paedophile was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of 71 offences against children aged between six months and 12 years

At the time of his arrest, he was writing a guide to teach fellow paedophiles how to abuse children and avoid detection.

Officers seized his encrypted laptop and managed to uncover more than 20,000 indecent pictures and videos although there were other files they were unable to crack.

The Old Bailey heard Huckle, a former member of a baptist church in Ashford, used his religion as a 'stepping stone' for grooming children in a Christian community.
NRG Energy, one of the biggest and most questionable beneficiaries of New Yorks ill-fated Empire Zone program, will get another $6 million from taxpayers after a state Tax Appeals Tribunal sided with the company over the state.

The state has already given NRG Energy $218 million to subsidize two shuttered coal plants near Buffalo and the Oswego Harbor Power plant, which rarely runs.

The $6 million dispute goes back to 2009.

That year, New York kicked NRG Energys Oswego Harbor Power plant out of the Empire Zone program, saying the company was earning more in state tax credits than it spent on wages, benefits and plant investments.

The state had paid out $28.6 million in credits for the Oswego plant between 2002 and 2008 in exchange for creating only four jobs, according to reports the company filed with Empire State Development.

Then-Gov. David Paterson and state legislators passed a new law in 2009 in an attempt to clean up the program and save the state some money. NRG Energy and hundreds of other companies lost their tax breaks.

For the first time, the state asked companies to prove they had made an investment as least as large as the states lucrative tax breaks.

Before that, the state allowed companies into the program without creating new jobs. Dozens of companies, nicknamed shirtchangers, simply changed their names and took big tax breaks for rehiring the same employees.

The 2009 law didnt just take away future credits. It took away tax breaks for the previous year.

NRG was out future tax breaks. But it also meant a loss of $5.8 million for the previous year  the amount the company would have claimed in property tax breaks for 2008.

The company objected to taking away credits retroactively, saying it had no forewarning of the dramatic change that would occur to the program and that it had met the previous program requirements each year, according to the tribunals decision.

In December 2019, the tribunal sided with the company, saying the state had violated its due process rights. The tribunal is an independent body made up of three commissioners that hears disputes between the tax department and taxpayers.

The state tax department will have to write a check to NRG Energy for $5.8 million. Empire Zone tax credits were refundable, which means the state pays companies even if they dont owe taxes.

The company declined comment.

The decision follows a similar 2013 Court of Appeals ruling that favored five companies, including James Square Associates, the real estate company that owned the James Square Health and Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse.

More than 500 companies did not pass the 2009 test and were kicked out. Since then, dozens of companies have argued their way back in and others were given immunity because they were manufacturers. Others took the issue to court.

A spokesman for the state tax department said he could not comment on the number of times the state has had to repay companies it tried to kick out of the Empire Zone program in 2009.

Empire State Development, which administered the program, referred the question to the tax department.

We believe the decision is limited to its facts and we believe it speaks for itself, tax spokesman James Gazzale said of the NRG case.

The state shut the Empire Zone program down to new applicants in 2010, but companies that got in are still taking credits. Empire Zones are likely to cost state taxpayers at least $3 billion by the time the last tax credit is claimed, according to an analysis by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

Read more:

Search our database to see who took Empire Zone credits from 2001 to 2015.

Empire Zone case study: NY taxpayers paid $190M for power plants that later closed

2006 report on Empire Zones waste and abuse

2006 report on shirt-changers

Post-Standard wins lawsuit, exposes Empire Zones data (2007)

Look up the latest real estate sales from 2017 to 2020 in Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties.

Contact the author: Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186.

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
The USD 2.6 billion bilateral trade between India and Pakistan has not ever been a significant contributor to the larger economies of the estranged neighbours. But trade suspensions and restrictive customs regimes in the wake of escalated tensions have had a deleterious impact on the economies of border areas in both countries.

As things stand today, Amritsar district is losing 30 crore it earned each month through the Attari-Wagah border trade. That works out to 75 lakh loss per day, directly affecting 9,354 families, including those of traders (1,724) and others dependent for livelihood on trucks (4,050), customs house agents (126), labour (2,507), dhabas and vendors (176), fuel stations (32), tyre repair and mechanic shops (51), weigh bridges (8), vehicle parking (80) and other ancillary activities (600).

These findings are part of a study by the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF).

Its authors, Afaq Hussain and Nikita Singla, travelled to border areas of India and Pakistan, taking guidance from trade experts and diplomats to put together the findings.

After the Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir in February that prompted India to carry out airstrikes on a terror camp in Pakistans Balakot, New Delhi withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Islamabad. It subsequently raised customs duty to 200% on all goods received from across the border, making unviable businesses dependent on Pakistani imports.

The BRIEF report also dwells on the state of border economies in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the post-Balakot ban on cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade because of security and other reasons.

The cross-LoC trade was more of a Confidence Building Measure. Between 2008-19, ~7,500 crore trade, mostly on barter terms, was recorded across the LoC, generating 1.7 lakh job days and freight revenue of ~66.4 crore for transporters.

A segment-wise break-up of monetary loses from the ban shows that traders lost Rs15 crore worth of profit and transporters 5.5 crore besides wage losses to the tune of 2.4 crore.

If one takes the big picture, this is mere collateral damage. But the report contains moving accounts by people who lost businesses and their only sources of livelihood.

Marriages were called off and student drop-out rates spiked as families have no money for paying the school fee, said Kulvinder Sandhu, who leads the Truck Operators Union at Attari in Punjab. When trade was open, around 800 families invested 300 crore on the purchase of 1,700 trucks. They have nowhere to go now

The story does not end with human sufferings.

A concomitant rise in the crime rate has made life less safe in Amritsar. Besides, the high customs duty on imports from Pakistan (USD 500 million out of a total of USD 2.6 billion bilateral trade) has rendered four imported commodities dearer: dry dates, rock salt and cement and gypsum.

The 200% duty on imported dry dates actually translates into 1,600% increase for a 24-tonne vehicle, the BRIEF report says. The price of this poor mans dry fruit has increased by 250-300% as Pakistans share of its imports stood at 99%.

Catalogued accounts of traders, and truckers show that trade disruptions have directly or indirectly impacted 52,000 members of the suffering families.

Their demand for a rehabilitation package has not yet received an attentive ear either from the Centre or the state government.

(vinodsharma@hindustantimes.com)
A six-year-old boy has raised a whopping $29,000 for Australian wildlife devastated by the massive bushfires.

Owen Colley from Hingham, Massachusetts, was heartbroken after finding out wildlife have been widely affected in the Australian bushfires.

His mother Caitlin then drew a koala and the pair created clay koalas for anyone who donates more $50 or more to help the struggling animals.

Owen is creating clay koalas for those donating $50 or more to help Australian wildlife

The young six-year-old from Massachusetts thanked all those who have already donated to the cause

'We're seeing all of the donations coming in and we're like, ''Oh my gosh, we don't have the clay'',' Ms Colley told CNN.

'We have every intention to fulfil every koala, it just won't happen by tomorrow. It's a six-year-old using his little hands to make the spaces and the ears, so it does take time.'

The money raised will be donated to Wildlife Rescue South Coast Incorporated.

Each koala takes three-four minutes for Owen to make using silver Sculpey clay, to create the head, and adding white clay for the ears and black clay for the face.

They are then placed in the oven at 275 degrees and sit in there for 17 minutes.

A kangaroo escapes the fire as the fire front approaches a property on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights

As donations continue to flood the Colley's, Owen is ecstatic to learn that he has raised enough money to feed 2,200 joeys for a month.

'I want them to know more about Australia and I want them to know more about what animals are in Australia,' he told the publication.

Owen's father Simon, is Australian and the family have lived in the country before leaving for the US.

Mr Colley said his son is proud of the Australian connection and is eager to come back and visit the country.

His parents are pocketing the shipping costs of the clay koalas which are going around to all 50 US states.

Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with koala rescued at a burning forest near near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Tuesday, January 7, 2020

An estimated one billion animals have been killed as massive bushfires ravage across Australia.

Firefighters are working around the clock to save the wildlife who are in direct threat of death and losing their homes.

Nearly one-third of Australia's koala population have died and more than 800million animals have been killed by bushfires in New South Wales alone.

You can donate to Owen's cause on GoFundMe.
Tokyo (AFP) - Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said Thursday.

It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand.

Japan's health ministry said a man who had visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported a persistent fever.

Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was infected with the new virus.

"This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement.

"We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment."

The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan.

The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.

Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1.

Japanese authorities said the man had not visited the market and that it was possible he had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan.

- Outbreak in Japan 'unlikely' -

Health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita told reporters that the risk of the disease spreading from the patient was considered low, with careful checks done on those who had been in close contact with him.

"At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home.

Story continues

Officials declined to give further information on the man, including his nationality, citing privacy concerns.

Local media said the patient was a Chinese national in his 30s living in Kanagawa, just southwest of Tokyo.

Public broadcaster NHK said he had already recovered and was resting at home, as quarantine officials at Tokyo's Narita airport boosted health checks on all travellers.

The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution".

Hinoshita said Japan would need to be on guard ahead of the Lunar New Year, a popular travel period in China.

"It is expected that Japan will see many visitors from China," he said.

It is not yet clear whether the mystery virus can be transmitted between humans, but on Wednesday authorities said it was possible it had spread inside a family.

The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market.

And WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another".

Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  President Rodrigo Duterte has named the person who will take the helm of the Philippine National Oil Company  Exploration Corporation.

Speaking at the Philippine Air Force Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in Pasay City Thursday, Duterte said former PAF chief Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez would take over the PNOC-EC.

"Today we look back at the achievement of of the PAF under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez. I also congratulate General Briguez for a job well done in his outstanding tour of duty as the commanding general of PAF for his years of distinguished service," the President said.

"Now is good as any other time to tell you that from here he will be heading an office, a critical one. I fired for corruption, pinalitan ko, and he's going to head the exploration division of the Philippine National Oil Company," he added.

Duterte did not say when Briguez would assume the post.

The post is important as the PNOC-EC may represent the country in working groups for the Philippines' planned joint oil and gas exploration with China in disputed areas.

The terms of reference of the two countries' Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on oil and gas development, earlier seen by CNN Philippines, shows Beijing had appointed state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation as its representative in all working groups.The Philippines, on the other hand, will assign the company that has an existing service contract with the government in the areas of joint exploration, which have yet to be determined. If there are no such enterprises, the PNOC-EC will represent the country.

In October, the President asked former PNOC-EC chief executive officer Pedro Aquino to resign, with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo saying Duterte has lost confidence in Aquino.

Aquino heeded Dutertes call, submitting his resignation letter on the same day.

In November, Duterte said he would be appointing "another general" to a PNOC post, but did not mention if it was the one left vacant by Aquino's resignation.

Briguez has not released a statement regarding his new appointment.
BRYAN, Texas, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of six community organizations in the Bryan-College Station area were awarded a sum of $22,500 in grants from the BBVA USA Foundation during a breakfast presentation on Thursday.

The foundation check, presented by BBVA USA Bryan-College Station City President Amos McDonald, were given to the Blinn College Foundation, the Brazos Valley Certified Development Corporation, Brenham ISD Education Foundation, Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity, Voices for Children, Inc., and Walker Montgomery CDC. The money was donated for various purposes, including a facility maintenance training program, a financial fitness center, and new construction projects, among other items.

"The organizations that received these grants all have a common denominator," said McDonald. "They all have exemplary track records of focusing on what the community needs, and being proactive in delivering those needs. BBVA does business in multiple markets across its U.S. footprint, and in each of those markets, we are committed to investing in those areas and their development. It's my privilege to hand these checks to organizations that have that same mission."

The breakfast, held at the Center for Regional Services, included 75 people from multiple organizations, and bank leadership in the College Station-Bryan market. The donation allocation for each grant recipient is as follows:

Blinn College Foundation ($2,500) - Provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn College students, and expands educational opportunities for communities throughout the Blinn College District.

- Provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for students, and expands educational opportunities for communities throughout the District. Brazos Valley Certified Development Corporation ($7,500) - Provides quality services and products to the residents and businesses of our community in such a way as to maximize the affordability of safe and decent housing, especially for the low income.

- Provides quality services and products to the residents and businesses of our community in such a way as to maximize the affordability of safe and decent housing, especially for the low income. Brenham ISD Education Foundation ($2,500) - Generates and distributes resources to Brenham ISD to enrich and expand programs needed to meet the District's stated mission of excellence in education.

- Generates and distributes resources to Brenham ISD to enrich and expand programs needed to meet the District's stated mission of excellence in education. Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity ($2,500) - Brings people and the community together to build safe, affordable homes in the local area.

- Brings people and the community together to build safe, affordable homes in the local area. Voices for Children, Inc. ($5,000) - Improves the lives of children in foster care through powerful volunteer advocacy. VFC trains and supports community volunteers to be the voice for children in court, in schools, at home and in the community.

- Improves the lives of children in foster care through powerful volunteer advocacy. VFC trains and supports community volunteers to be the voice for children in court, in schools, at home and in the community. Walker Montgomery CDC ($2,500) - Expands affordable housing in the area for low- to moderate-income families.

The grants are also part of the bank's overall commitment to community development across its U.S. footprint. In October 2019, BBVA USA pledged to put nearly $15.5 billion in lending, investments and services toward supporting its communities over the next six years in an aim to boost economic development in the areas it serves.

In 2019, BBVA gave a total of $44,685 to 13 organizations in the Bryan-College Station area. That figure represents both grant and sponsorship giving. The $22,500 donation is a major milestone for the market, its communities, and also for the relatively new city president in Amos McDonald, who was hired to his current position in April.

A sixth generation Texan, McDonald joined BBVA in 2008 and progressed within the company, taking positions in Austin and Houston. In Austin, he served as a District Sales Manager for Austin and Central Texas. He then quickly advanced to the Small Business Sales Specialist for South and East Texas. His most recent position was the District Retail Executive for the Texas region.

McDonald is also active in his community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Bryan/College Station, Bryan Rotary, Brazos Valley Food Bank, 1 Million Cups-College Station, American Red Cross - Heart of Texas, Startup Aggieland, and the Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation.

For more BBVA news visit, www.bbva.com and the U.S. Newsroom .

Additional news updates can be found via Twitter and Instagram .

For more financial information about BBVA in the U.S., visit bbvausa.investorroom.com .

About BBVA

BBVA Group

BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States. It is also the leading shareholder in Turkey's Garanti BBVA. Its purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs: provide the best solutions, helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team. Its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society.

BBVA USA

In the U.S., BBVA is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 641 branches, including 330 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 63 in Arizona, 61 in California, 44 in Florida, 37 in Colorado and 17 in New Mexico. The bank ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (6th). In the U.S., BBVA has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ranked 8th nationally in terms of dollar volume of SBA loans originated in fiscal year 2018.

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Jordan Thomas Crampton (pictured) pleaded guilty to looting a home in Batlow, NSW, which had been abandoned due to bushfires

A teenage drug addict has admitted to looting homes left abandoned when their owners fled town as bushfires raged.

Jordan Thomas Crampton stole jewellery, a watch and gun ammunition from a home in Batlow, in south-west New South Wales, about 4.30pm on January 3.

Most residents in the tiny town had evacuated hours earlier after receiving a warning that an out-of-control bushfire was about to hit.

Crampton, 19, faced Young Local Court this week where he pleaded guilty to nine charges relating to looting and drug possession.

The court heard Crampton had travelled to Batlow from his home in the nearby town of Tumut.

After looting the home Crampton found keys to a Ford Falcon and led police on a car chase, but it was called off due to safety concerns several moments before he crashed into a tree (above)

While ransacking the home he found keys to a car parked in the garage, and despite being both unlicensed and under the influence of drugs, hopped behind the wheel.

Minutes later police noticed him driving erratically and tried to pull him over.

Crampton ignored their lights and sirens and led police on a high-speed chase that they were forced to abandon due to safety concerns.

Officers eventually found the smashed-up car sideways across the road, having hit a tree moments earlier.

Inside the vehicle they found a backpack containing the jewellery, watch and .22 rim-fire ammunition, plus a drug pipe, the court heard.

Crampton's solicitor Duc Vo told the court last week his client would be admitting to all charges against him, The Young Witness reported.

'In relation to the matters which occurred in Batlow about three days ago I've been instructed to enter pleas of guilty to all charges - sequences one to nine,' Mr Vo said.

Crampton will remain in custody until his next court date on February 18.

Batlow and surrounding areas in south-west NSW were among the hardest hit by the Border Fire which raged in the early days of January.

Most residents evacuated the tiny town after warnings that fires were about to hit, leaving the homes empty (Pictured is a Batlow home under threat from fire on January 4)

David Harrison was killed while defending a home in the rural township on January 4.

Mr Harrison, 47, had travelled to the area from Goulburn - two-and-a-half hours away - to help his good friend Geoff defend his home.

In addition to Mr Harrison's death and the loss of dozens of properties, thousands of animals were killed in the intense blazes.

Shocking videos taken on the morning after the fires hit the area showed the roads into Batlow were lined with thousands of burnt animal carcasses.

An incredible one billion animals are estimated to have died across Australia in fires over recent months.
More than 5,200 motorbikes took the HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway last year even though there is a ban on two-wheeled vehicles operating on the route,

according to the Vietnam Expressway Services Engineering Joint Stock Company (VECE).

A motorbike runs on the HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway.  Photo news.zing.vn



The motorbike drivers took the expressway following Google Maps and ignoring signs along the expressway, the VECE told online newspaper Zing.

More than 3,600 motorbikes drove on HCM City-Dau Giay route and more than 1,600 ran in the opposite direction.

All of the drivers were blocked when they reached tollbooths, where they received instructions on how to get to other roads.

The VECE has tried several ideas to stop the problem, including increasing inspections, assigning more workers at the tollbooths to give directions, and co-operating with traffic police to punish those who intentionally took the expressway.

One of the most important measures should be Google Maps updating its directions, while should not be too dependent on maps or ignore the signs, which is a compulsory part of obtaining a driving licence.  VNS

Hanoi to build digital traffic map for drivers as congestion worsens Hanoi is planning to build a real-time digital traffic map system similar to Google Maps within the year, according to the citys transport department.
A rctic Bath, Sweden

Arctic Bath, Sweden

An extraordinary, newly opened spa in  yes, in  Laplands Lule river, Arctic Bath floats during summer and freezes into the ice in winter. With just 12 rooms, its the height of Scandi minimalism: all rustic, wooden architecture and a (seriously bracing) open-air plunge pool. Not exhilarating enough? Then try a night of bear-spotting under the midnight sun. Go between September and March for great views of the Northern Lights. Rooms from 770, half board (arcticbath.se)

Six Senses Shaharut, Israel

Six Senses Shaharut

The sweeping views of the vast landscape are almost the most restorative thing about Six Senses Shaharut, which opens in April in Israels Negev Desert. Almost  the spa, outdoor cinema and camel stables are pretty breathtaking, too. Looking for the ultimate luxury switch-off? Try here. (sixsenses.com)

Breac House, Ireland

Breac House

One for design lovers, Breac House is a modern retreat with meditative views, situated on the dramatic coast of Donegal. Guests enjoy restorative seaweed baths and are encouraged to throw themselves into the Atlantic for an even more invigorating dip. Rooms from 233 (breac.house)

Shou Sugi Ban House, USA

Shou Sugi Ban House

The embodiment of all things wellness, Christy Turlington welcomed the new decade at Shou Sugi Ban House in The Hamptons, where the vibe is intimate and super-luxe. This Japanese-style temple to slowing down offers every treatment imaginable: think craniosacral massages and micropuncture facials. Rooms from 580 (shousugibanhouse.com)

Grotta Giusti, Italy

Grotta Giusti

Yes, you may be going to Grotta Giusti in the Tuscan hills for its namesake grotto, the thermal cave that acts like a natural steam room. But if you see a trip to Italy as incomplete without spaghetti, youll be pleased to hear theres an excellent restaurant, plus wine and chocolate tastings during the evenings and cocktail-making classes. Rooms from 175 (grottagiustispa.com)

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

When it comes to spas, the Swiss know their stuff: at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz the treatment list makes full use of the thermal waters for which the town is famous. With more than 25 drinking waters on offer, plus an H2O sommelier, youll come home fully refreshed. Rooms from 415 (resortragaz.ch)

Reawaken Retreat, France

Reawaken Retreat
BRIDGEPORT  A gunshot wound victim showed up at a city hospital Wednesday night with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Shortly before 6 p.m., the citys emergency communications center got a call from St. Vincents Medical Center about a shooting victim.

Hospital personnel told emergency responders that a gunshot wound victim just arrived at 5:56 p.m. The victim suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm, police said.

Police confirmed around 6:15 p.m. that the gunshot wound victim was shot in the 500 block of Capitol Avenue.

Crime scene being maintained, Detective Bureau on scene, police said.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bridgeport police tips line at 203-576-TIPS.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on January 16 said China should seriously reflect on global consensus and refrain from actions such as raising the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in future.

This comes after China had, on January 15, made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

The attempt had, however, failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

"Effort was made by Pakistan through a UNSC member to misuse the forum. Overwhelmingly, members said it was not a forum for this. Pakistan's desperate measures to present an alarming scenario had no credibility," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"The matter, if at all, should be discussed bilaterally was what members said. China should reflect on this global consensus and refrain from taking such action in future," Kumar said.

After the failed attempt, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

Akbaruddin told news agency PTI: "We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today."

In August 2019, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J&K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J&K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a Union Territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.
CHICO, Calif. - Happening on Thursday, the Chico Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 82nd annual dinner and business awards event.

This year's theme is moving Chico forward. The event is a chance for the Chamber to recognize members for their economic contributions to the community.

The chamber is also setting sights on the future. Action News Now asked the chamber President and CEO what key items are on tap for the coming year.

They said the goals are workforce housing, labor retention and recruitment, and tackling the conditions of city roads.

Chamber members will delve deeper into goals, at the business summit and state of the city event, on Friday, January 24, at the Chico CARD Center.
ATHENS, Greece, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Aquavita International S.A., for one of its Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Astarte. The gross charter rate is US$11,750 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum fourteen (14) months to about sixteen (16) months. The charter is expected to commence on January 18, 2020.



The Astarte is a 81,513 dwt Kamsarmax dry bulk vessel built in 2013.

This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$4.94 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Upon completion of the previously announced sale of one Panamax dry bulk vessel, the m/v Calipso, Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet will consist of 41 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 13 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.2 million dwt with a weighted average age of 9.58 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Company managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Ukraine has opened two criminal cases over possible surveillance of former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

Ms Yovanovitch, who testified in the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, has called for an investigation into whether she was spied on before she was ousted by the president.

Newly released electronic messages between Robert Hyde, an obscure Republican candidate and Trump donor, and Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Mr Trumps personal lawyer, appear to show the former boasting about tracking the ex-ambassador.

Denis Lenets, a spokesman for Ukraines interior ministry said Kiev had no intention of interfering in US domestic affairs, but could not ignore the possibility that a crime was committed on Ukrainian soil.

The House Intelligence Committee published information alleging Marie Yovanovitch was illegally monitored during her time as US ambassador, he said. Her electronic gadgets may also also have been interfered with by private individuals working under the direction of US citizens.

The documents show Mr Hyde referring to Ms Yovanovitch as that b**** and appearing to discuss how to remove her from her position.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

If you want her out, they need to make contact with security forces, the congressional candidate told Mr Parnas.

In a statement published on its site, the interior ministry said it would be looking into whether a crime had taken place.

If so, there will be a corresponding reaction, the statement read. Or it [will be concluded] that this was simply bravado ... in an informal conversation between two US citizens.

Ms Yovanovitch, a career diplomat, served as US ambassador to Ukraine before she was removed from her post in mid-June. In Kiev, she had forged a reputation supporting reforms and anti-corruption efforts. Her active diplomacy made her the enemy of shadowy figures in the Ukrainian and US elite.

 Marie Yovanovitch receives standing ovation after Donald Trump attacks her amid impeachment testimony

The diplomat subsequently became one of the key witnesses in Donald Trumps impeachment inquiry, which focussed on the apparent decision by the US president to withhold military aid from Ukraine in an attempt to force it to investigate Democratic candidate and potential presidential rival Joe Biden.

Mr Trump explicitly criticised the former ambassador in the now-famous July 25 phone call with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, describing her as the woman and bad news.

It was a terrible moment, she recalled while giving evidence to the impeachment committee in November. A person who saw me actually reading the transcript said that the colour drained from my face.
New Delhi:

Was arrested Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh involved in 2001 Parliament attack? This is the question that the security agencies would be probing, a latest report on Thursday said. According to an NDTV report, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh said that nobody is above the law and everything can be probed. The remark gains significance amid the ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency. Now-suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police, Davinder Singh was arrested on Saturday in a car along with three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The links between Davinder Singh and the 2001 Parliament attack are not new. Earlier, Afzal Guru, the prime accused in the case had alleged that it was Singh who had sent him to Delhi and made other key arrangements just before the attack.

The letter

In a letter to his lawyer, which is being widely quoted by media reports, Afzal Guru had claimed that Davinder Singh tortured him and was forced to help one of the terrorists that carried out the attack on Parliament under pressure from Singh. The letter is detailed in Arundhati Roys book The Hanging of Afzal Guru and the strange case of the attack on Indian Parliament.

In the letter, Guru had said that he started facing trouble after his failed separatist bid and returned to Kashmir. He had written in his letter how the STF started torturing him. He had claimed that it was the STF that provided him with the phone that was found on the body of one of the terrorists killed in the attack.

Torture at STF camp

They took me to Humhama STF camp where D.S.P. Dravinder [Davinder] Singh also tortured me," Guru wrote, adding, "One of his torture inspector as they called him Shanty Singh electrified me naked for 3 hours and made me drink water while giving electric shocks through telephone instrument."

"Ultimately I accepted to pay them 10,00,000 Rs. for which my family sold the gold of my wife. Even after this they could manage only 80000 Rs. Then they took the scooter too which was just 2-3 months old which I bought for 24000 Rs. Thus after getting 1 lakh rupees they let me free. But now I was a broken person [sic]," Guru wrote in the letter to his lawyer.

Davinders role

The specific input that the security agencies will now be probing is the claim made by Afzal Guru in his letter about Singhs role. "D.S. (Davinder Singh) told me that I had to do a small job for him that has to took one man to Delhi as I was well aware about Delhi and has to manage a rented house for him (sic)," Guru writes in his letter.

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PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pendleton Woolen Mills, the lifestyle brand with roots as a Pacific Northwest woolen manufacturer since 1863, announced that as of January 1, 2020, it has successfully re-acquired its outerwear license from Item House Inc. and has retained the team that has helped elevate Pendleton's outerwear line. This transaction is the culmination of a long and successful partnership for two Pacific Northwest companies. Pendleton is focused on leveraging the technical fabric and outerwear expertise of Item House to expand on Pendleton's history of innovation in fabric and apparel suited for the outdoors.

Item House has been a licensee of Pendleton's since 1999. The core Item House team will remain in Tacoma, Washington as a Pendleton Woolen Mills satellite office.

"We are very excited to continue the outerwear innovation and growth we have witnessed throughout our partnership with Item House," said John Bishop, president and chief executive officer of Pendleton. "This is an investment in an important product category. We're looking forward to leveraging the expertise that our new team members have in technical fabrics and sourcing across other Pendleton lines. Our teams have been working together for years and our cultures mesh nicely."

"We are thrilled to see Pendleton continue to build on the outerwear momentum and take the offering to an even higher level," said Greg Davis, president of Item House. "Since our founding in 1956, Item House has been creating outerwear with a focus on quality, design and trends, which is aligned with Pendleton's history and vision."

The re-acquisition is an expansion of the iconic apparel and outerwear that Pendleton has been creating since the early 1900's. The transition will be seamless and is effective with the fall 2020 product line. The fall line has been a joint development and will feature a full range of outerwear for men and women.

About Pendleton Woolen Mills

Pendleton Woolen Mills is a heritage lifestyle brand and the leader in wool blankets, apparel and accessories. Founded in 1863 and located in Portland, Oregon, Pendleton weaves iconic designs in two of America's remaining woolen mills located in Pendleton, Oregon and Washougal, Washington. With six generations of family ownership, Pendleton is focused on their "Warranted to Be a Pendleton" legacy, creating quality lifestyle products with timeless classic styling. Inspiring individuals from the Pacific Northwest and beyond for over 150 years, Pendleton products are available at Pendleton stores across the US, select retailers worldwide, and on pendleton-usa.com.

Contact

April Rodgers, PR Specialist, Pendleton Woolen Mills

503-754-3597, [email protected]

SOURCE Pendleton Woolen Mills
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A new SAFE Navigation Center in San Francisco's Upper Market Area announced Wednesday will help Mayor London Breed accomplish her goal of opening 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of 2020.

The new navigation center, located at 33 Gough St., would provide 200 beds for people experiencing homelessness.

The facility is slated to open by the end of year.

Breed made the announcement during a visit to the site of another upcoming navigation center, the Transitional Age Youth Navigation Center, located at 888 Post St.

"Opening up these shelter beds would not be possible without the commitment of our service providers, community partners, and dedicated city staff," Breed said in a statement.

She said, "I'm proud we are on track to deliver on our promise to open 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of this year--the largest expansion in the last 30 years--but we know we need to do more.

"There are still thousands of people living on our sidewalks and our open spaces and we can no longer allow our streets to be the floor of our homeless response system.

"We have to make sure we are expanding our homeless response system across the entire spectrum of interventions, including housing, behavioral health beds, shelter, and other places. This is how we can create a place for everyone in need," she said.

"Having a safe place to sleep inside is a critical step in the journey out of homelessness. I am thrilled that we begin 2020 with expanded shelter and additional housing coming online," Jeff Kositsky, director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, said.

In addition to opening a total of 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of the year, Breed is also hoping to open at least 2,000 placements for people experiencing homelessness, including placements in permanent supportive housing, scattered-site supportive housing, master leased housing, behavioral health beds, and expanded shelter and drop-in center capacity.

According to Breed's office, since she first announced her goal to open 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of 2020 back in 2018, the city has opened 566 beds, with another 499 on the way. The 499 beds in the pipeline include 24 at the Jelani House, set to open next month; 200 beds at the new Bayview SAFE Shelter, opening later this year, 75 beds at the 888 Post St. location, and 200 beds at the newly announced Upper Market SAFE Navigation Center.

During a 2019 Point in Time Count, volunteers counted more than 5,000 homeless people in the city. About 3,400 of those people are able to find nightly temporary shelter through traditional shelters, stabilization beds, Navigation Centers and transitional housing.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
STAMFORD  A movement that started on the fringes is picking up steam in Connecticut, drawing a crowd of almost 150 to the public library in Stamford Wednesday night to hear about the alleged adverse affects of 5G technology.

Organized by the only state representative to vote against accelerating 5G wireless facilities in Connecticut, David Michel, D-Stamford, the forum  titled What You Should Know About 5G  featured three different guest speakers. Each of them railed against the widespread deployment of wireless technologies.

One attendee at Wednesdays forum compared 5G to vaccines, and suggested both are harmful to human health, drawing more applause than almost any other comment of the night.

The speakers may have convinced at least one former skeptic with voting power to change her mind.

I regret that in the last days of session we didnt ask more questions, said state Rep. Anne Hughes, D-Easton, a close friend of Michels who attended the forum in Stamford. Weve got no business rushing into this. What are the downsides of slowing it down?

5G wireless internet is expected to be 100 times faster than the current fourth-generation technology and has been touted by Gov. Ned Lamont as critical for economic and workforce development.

When state representatives voted in June on House Bill 7152, Michel was the only member who opposed it. The law established a council on 5G technology, charged with developing guidelines and reviewing requests from carriers for installing wireless service facilities. It also called for making highways and public rights-of-way available for the new technology.

Speakers at the Stamford forum included Frank Clegg, the former president of Microsoft Canada; Patti Wood, founder of the nonprofit Grassroots Environmental Education; and Devra Davis, an epidemiologist who is founder of the Environmental Health Trust. They all argue that not enough independent research has been done on the subject.

Proponents of 5G similarly say theres no peer reviewed clear scientific evidence that 5G is harmful to human health.

Earlier this month, Lamont announced a partnership with AT&T that will upgrade internet access on Metro-North commuter trains between New Haven and Greenwich to the industry standard of 4G and create the infrastructure for the eventual transition to next-generation, high-speed 5G. The event, at the Norwalk train station, drew a handful of protesters with similar health and environmental concerns.

In December, the Federal Communications Commission concluded a six-year inquiry into whether its radio frequency standards should be updated  and voted unanimously to maintain its existing standards for radio frequency exposure limits. That cleared the way for 5G.

Weve spent the last four months analyzing recommendations and reports from experts across the state and the country in order to come up with the best, most responsible policies for the state, said Nick Simmons, Lamonts manager of strategic initiatives who is overseeing the administrations policy approach to 5G. We take any type of health concern very, very, very seriously and would never rush into deployment if we werent 100 percent confident in the research thats already out there that says the exposure limits set by the FDA are safe.

Michel, who is from France, made the point that some European nations are moving more cautiously into 5G technology.

kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:25:23|Editor: ZX

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration violated the law by withholding congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine last summer "for a policy reason," the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a top government watchdog, said Thursday.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) withheld some 214 million U.S. dollars in funds appropriated by Congress to the Defense Department for security assistance to Ukraine "for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act," said the report.

"The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA," the watchdog concluded.

The report came one day after the Democrat-run House of Representatives sent impeachment articles to the Senate for a long-awaited trial, accusing President Donald Trump of abusing power and obstruction of Congress, charges related to the withholding of that aid to Ukraine.
The killing of the Iranian general affected all of the Middle East, including Libya, where an ongoing proxy war threatens to upend the country and destabilize the whole region.

In Libya the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi in 2011 caused the United States government to adjust its overall strategy there. Like its predecessor, the Trump administration has retreated diplomatically from Libya and allowed other nations to fill the leadership vacuum. The United States engagement in Libya has been limited to a counter-terrorism strategy, specifically working with the official ruling government of Libya to target the remnants of the Islamic State that had a significant toehold in Sirte, a coastal city near Tripoli.

But the government is under siege in a nascent civil war led by the rogue general Khalifa Haftar, an American citizen and reportedly a former CIA asset. He enjoys the support of Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia and Jordan. The United Nations had hoped to end the civil war by developing a long-awaited peace process in the spring of 2019. But that optimistic timetable was scuttled April 2 when Haftar launched an invasion of Tripoli to topple the government, which is recognized by the United Nations and the U.S.

During this conflict, the government has been supported by Turkey, whose parliament recently voted to deploy military advisers to Libya. Many nations have denounced international intervention in Libya, but such interventions have been fueling the dispute for years. Sadly, a U.N. arms embargo has not been enforced and each side has its own military backers.

Government leaders I have met have been urging the U.S. government to help broker a peaceful resolution. The Libyans see the United States as the lone honest broker, one strong enough to keep the other countries in line. Such a peace would solve the political disputes between East and West Libya, allow the creation of a permanent government and assist in the redevelopment of Libya.

This would seem to be ripe for an American administration bereft of international diplomatic wins. President Trump could use his unique brand of personal diplomacy to bring closure to this conflict, particularly since he has good relationships with the leaders of other major players in the region, including Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Turkey. Just this week Russia and Turkey have jointly called for a ceasefire to be effective on Jan. 12, 2020. That was swiftly denounced by Gen. Haftar. However, this ceasefire may take hold, as many of the fighters and the countries backing each side appear ready for a new phase.

The Libyan conflict could provide an opportunity for the Trump administration to engage in direct diplomatic talks to find workable solutions. The development of a clear, pragmatic and predictable foreign policy can provide stability to an otherwise unstable region. With a new national security advisor in place, the Trump Administration should re-engage an inter-agency process that will convene the departments of state, defense, homeland security, commerce and energy, to name a few. To provide a more concentrated coordinating function, Trump should appoint a presidential envoy to lead this effort. But time is short, and the time to act is upon us.

As a nation, Libya has significant resources. However, it lacks the technology, workforce and financial wherewithal needed to fully develop those resources and rebuild cities, restore critical infrastructure and maintain security. If the United States were to provide diplomatic solutions and creativity, we could expect to gain a share of the potential economic development in that country. Such an economic win should appeal to the mercantilist foreign policy of the Trump administration. It would also enhance the administrations global stature on the world stage during a re-election year.

Lets negotiate a peaceful end to this eight-year conflict that can be a winner for both our economy and the Trump administration and serve as a model for future diplomatic efforts that are badly needed in the Middle East.

Baker is a former special assistant to President George W. Bush and principal of Baker Global Advisory, an advisory and consulting firm focused on emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Delhi government has sought suggestions from all the stakeholders for formulating a new excise policy for the next financial year.

According to an official, the excise department has issued a public notice asking the stakeholders to put forward their suggestions on the same.

"The department has initiated the process of finalisation of the excise policy for 2020-2021. All stakeholders have been requested to submit their suggestions," the official said.

He added that the notice was issued last month.

The government had ordered closure of the departmental stores selling wine and beer last month.

The decision was taken following several violations by the departmental stores and it would impact 125 such outlets in the national capital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SWAT officers massed at a Garfield apartment building Wednesday after police received a report of shots fired in the area.

The incident began at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday and drew troops of officers from Garfield, the Bergen County SWAT team and the Bergen County Sheriffs Office K-9, who took up positions outside a house on the corner of Pierre Avenue and Maple Street, Garfield police Capt. Richar Uram said in a statement.

During the response, several Garfield schools were put into shelter in place during the incident, the statement said.

Later, at the scene, Garfield Police Chief Raymond Kovach confirmed that nobody had been injured or taken into custody.

Kovach said that the area was not known for crime and said that the investigation was focused on "inside the apartment building.

No further information was made public Wednesday afternoon.

Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Candidate filings for city council and school board elections on May 2 in Bay Area communities are underway and will continue until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.

In Webster, the mayoral seat, held by Donna Rogers, is open for election, as is City Council Position 6, occupied by Martin Graves.

For a candidates packet, stop by City Hall, 101 Pennsylvania Ave. For more information, call 281-332-1826 or visit www.cityofwebster.com.

Clear Creek ISD

At Clear Creek Indepdent School District, trustee positions in districts 2 and 3 are up for election this year. Position 2 is held by Win Weber and Position 3 by Arturo Sanchez.

To secure a spot on the ballot, candidates must pick up and submit an information packet at the CCISD Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St., League City, or request one by emailing Jena Brown at jenabrown@ccisd.net . For more information, call Brown 281-284-0181.

Kemah

City Council elections are scheduled in Kemah, where positions 1, 3 and 5 will be on the ballot. Teresa Vazques-Evans is in Position 1, Kyle Burks in Position 3 and Isaac Saldana is in Position 5.

Candidate packets can be picked up at City Hall at 1401 Hwy. 146. For more infomation call 281-334-1611.

Dickinson ISD

Trustee district positions 1 and 2 are open for election to three-year terms. Mike Mackey is trustee for District 1, and Veanna Veasey is in the District 2 seat. Completed forms must be filed in the Education Support Center, 2218 FM 517 E, Dickinson.

For more information, call Robert Cobb at 281-229-6102 or message him at rcobb@dickinsonisd.org.

Dickinson

In the city of Dickinson, the positions of mayor and City Ccouncil positions 1, 3 and 5 are open for election.

The term of office for these positions is three years. Candidate application forms are available in an election packet at https://bit.ly/2QZHOIN, and additional information can always be found by contacting City Secretary Alun W. Thomas at 281-337-6217 or via email at athomas@ci.dickinson.tx.us. His office is at City Hall, 4403 Highway 3, Dickinson.

El Lago

El Lago City Council positions 2, 4 and 5 are up for election in May. Jeff Michalak holds Position 2, Kim Kuehnel is in Position 4 and Ann Vernon is in Position 5.

Candidate packets are available at City Hall. Contact City Secretary Rachel Lewis for filing information by calling 281-326-1951, ext. 111 or via email at citysec@ellago-tx.gov. For requirements to be a candidate and other election information, visit https://bit.ly/2NsknFu.

Nassau Bay

Nassau Bay City Council positions 2, 4 and 6 and the mayors post will be on the ballot in the May 2 election. The mayor is Mark Denman. Incumbents for the City Council positions are Ashley Graves in Position 2, Bryce Klug in Position 4 and Matt Prior in Position 6.

An election packet is available at https://bit.ly/30qKJgl. Candidate applications may be picked up at the City Secretarys Office, 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200.
But they hit on a simple and elegant solution: an insurance plan, rather than any kind of handout. Workers would contribute with every paycheck and receive a monthly stipend in the mail upon reaching retirement age. In the debate that followed the proposal, some people asserted it changed the very fabric of America. A representative of the National Association of Manufacturers testified before Congress that Social Security would represent "ultimate socialist control of life and industry."

Arguments over funding continued even after Social Security became law, yet so did FDR's resolve. A year after the complex program passed, it was ready to register the American public. Or at least most of the American public: Self-employed professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, were not invited to participate, on the theory that they could provide for their own retirement. And domestic workers and field hands were excluded, a stipulation debated today  was it because of tacit racism or the pragmatic considerations of withholding taxes?

Worker participation began with filling out a short application, initially at the post office, to receive a paper card. Critics likened the process to the social engineering used in fascist nations, notably Nazi Germany, predicting that American workers would be forced to wear metal tags on chains around their necks and charging that "surveillance is a part of the plans of the Roosevelt administration." In fact, workers weren't chained to anything aside from an extra tax on earnings, but they did receive a number. At first, some confused American workers applied over and over again, receiving a handful of numbers, and they were soon asked to return the extras. From the point of view of the administrators, the beauty of Social Security was simple, as well as entirely new: Each insured American had one number, and each number had one American.

So many people applied during the program's first weeks in November 1936 that clerks and typists were added by the thousands in big cities. If the managers couldn't keep up, neither could the program's publicists. Every new development or statistical benchmark was heralded as a modern miracle. The first card was issued to John D. Sweeney Jr., the son of a wealthy New York manufacturer, who was at the Princeton Club in Manhattan on December 1 when the news broke. Seeing the swarm of reporters clamoring to meet him, "he considered leaving by the club's rear entrance," according to one journalist. Sweeney finally stayed and answered questions: an instant Social Security celebrity.

Though Sweeney received the first card, he didn't receive number 001-01-0001: That honor went to Grace Owen in New Hampshire. In fact, it would have been impossible for someone outside New Hampshire to hold that memorable number. The first three digits on a Social Security card identified the state or region of the applicant. The second two grouped the cardholder within the state or region, and the last four tallied the individuals in the group. For most people during the first months, the program was an exciting prospect, but the numbers themselves were fairly forgettable. In 1936, the most valuable possession for any American was a good name. A reputation, a life story or a signature were all based in that name, not some anonymous numerals.






BEIRUT  Carlos and Carole Ghosn, the former first couple of carmaker Nissan, are united again in Beirut. They hold hands in the street and whisper together in a mix of Arabic and French. They kiss.

But the pair's most visceral display of unity comes when they talk about Carlos Ghosn's former home.

"I'm done with Japan," said Carole Ghosn in an interview with her husband in a private house in Beirut.

Two weeks ago, Carlos Ghosn made a dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan, where he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds. He denies all charges.

Shortly after Ghosn appeared in Beirut, Japanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Carole on suspicion of alleged perjury related to the misappropriation charge against her husband.

"What they're accusing me of is a bit of a joke," said the 54-year-old Lebanese-American national, who spent many years as a fashion designer in New York and whose children live in the U.S. city.

"I testified for hours and they told me you are free to go, and now, nine months later ... this comes up. They are vindictive. This has nothing to do with the law."

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Carlos Ghosn was even more adamant. "I spent 18 years in Japan; I never suspected this brutality, this lack of fairness, this lack of empathy."

Tokyo prosecutors have said his allegations of a conspiracy are false and that he has failed to justify his acts.

The plan to flee to his childhood home of Lebanon developed quickly with a small group of people, a "reasonable price" and utter secrecy, he said.

"The first rule if you want to do something like is that no member of your family should be aware because they become very anxious," he added.

Story continues

Asked whether she would have dissuaded him from escaping, Carole Ghosn blurted: "Yes!"

But then she paused, looked at her husband and added: "No. I mean, actually, let me rephrase. If you told me this at the beginning, I would have said, 'No, of course not. You're going to fight this and prove your innocence.' ... But then, with time, we saw how the prosecutors were behaving ... I said 'Oh my God, my husband is never going to get a fair trial,' and I was desperate."

"I'm happy he did it," she said.

Japan's justice minister has said Ghosn's escape from his trial could constitute a crime.

Human rights focus

Beirut has no extradition agreement with Japan, and Ghosn's legal team is pushing for him to stand trial in Lebanon. But Ghosn said last week that he does not want his own case to hurt relations between Lebanon, which is currently in the throes of an economic crisis, and the world's third-largest economy.

The Ghosns have been attempting to focus the narrative on the question of human rights  and what they say is the inhumane way that Ghosn was treated after his arrest in late 2018. Ghosn says he was held in isolation, given only limited access to his lawyers. His Japanese attorneys this week said that records showed he had been interviewed by the Japanese, without a lawyer present, for an average of 7 hours each day for the 130 days he was jailed. Some days the questioning lasted 11 hours.

Ghosn's biggest complaint: He was prevented from seeing or speaking to his wife. The couple had been married for two years  second unions for both  when Ghosn was first arrested. He says they spoke for only two hours in nine months.

"They wanted to break me, they wanted to put me into a situation where life was miserable," he said.

Japan's Justice Minister Masako Mori has called the accusations "absolutely intolerable."

During his arrest, Carole Ghosn said she sought the support of Human Rights Watch, hired a high-profile human rights lawyer in Paris, and appealed directly to President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to help her husband's case.

Carlos Ghosn said he was determined up until late last year to stay in Japan and see through the investigation and his trial. On Christmas Day, he said, he realized the legal cases could last five years, and he decided to bolt.

The Ghosns said their life in Beirut consists of working with their legal team and spending evenings with friends.

Both have their regrets  including, for Carole Ghosn, throwing a lavish party at the 17th century palace in Versailles, France, for her 50th birthday. The party has become part of a separate investigation in France to establish if the venue was obtained improperly by the Ghosns (which both deny), and has also prompted criticism of the couple as leading an extravagant lifestyle.

"It was a beautiful event, and now it has turned out to be a big disaster," said Carole Ghosn. "Now, I look at it, it's unfortunate  I wish we never did it."

Both said they would be happy to stay in Lebanon for the rest of their lives, if that was necessary.

As for returning to Japan?

"Never," said Carole.

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Imogen Heap to Host Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony

Innovative musician and artist advocate Imogen Heap will host this years Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony.

The Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony features the many awards that will not be included in the nighttime CBS broadcast.

Nicola Benedetti, Chick Corea, Im With Her, Angelique Kidjo and Yola are among the performers to be streamed live via GRAMMY.com on Sunday, Jan. 26th from 12:30  3:30 PM PT

Presenting the first GRAMMY Awards of the day will be current nominees Luis Fonsi, Nathalie Joachim, Kimie Miner, PJ Morton, Esperanza Spalding and former Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam.

Cheche Alara will serve as musical director. The live stream of the Premiere Ceremony will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 90 days following the event.

Honoured to be contributing to the @RecordingAcad #Grammys this year as the host for the Premiere Ceremony. Amazing, really, thank you. See you in LA! Xx



: @thealexandra_a pic.twitter.com/8C4SaidzBt  Imogen Heap (@imogenheap) January 16, 2020

Heap and all of the Premiere Ceremony performers are nominated this year, as are most of the presenters.

Benedetti for Best Classical Instrumental Solo (Marsalis: Violin Concerto; Fiddle Dance Suite); Corea for Best Latin Jazz Album (Antidote); Fonsi for Best Latin Pop Album (Vida); Heap for Best Musical Theater Album (The Music Of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child  In Four Contemporary Suites); Im With Her for Best American Roots Performance (Call My Name) and Best American Roots Song (Call My Name); Joachim for Best World Music Album (Fanm Dayiti); Kidjo for Best World Music Album (Celia) Miner for Best Regional Roots Music Album (Hawaiian Lullaby); Morton (with Jazmine Sullivan) for Best Traditional R&B Performance (Built For Love), Best R&B Song (Say So) and Best R&B Album (Paul); Spalding for Best Jazz Vocal Album (12 Little Spells) and Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals (12 Little Spells (Thoracic Spine)); and Yola for Best New Artist, Best American Roots Performance (Faraway Look), Best American Roots Song (Faraway Look) and Best Americana Album (Walk Through Fire).

The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on the CBS Television Network from 8:0011:30 p.m. ET/5:008:30 p.m. PT. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit the Recording Academys social networks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 11:20:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The approval ratings among South Korean political parties showed a mixed picture ahead of the April parliamentary election as minor parties were set to be splintered and combined, a weekly poll showed Thursday.

According to the Realmeter survey, support for the ruling Democratic Party declined 4.1 percentage points over the week to 37.0 percent this week.

The main conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party garnered 32.4 percent of support this week, up 1.1 percentage points from a week earlier.

The minor right-wing New Conservative Party, a splinter group of the minor conservative Bareun Future Party which was established earlier this month, ranked third in its first approval rating survey with a 5.3 percent support.

Support for the minor progressive Justice Party shed 0.7 percentage points over the week to 4.8 percent this week, and the Bareun Future Party's support score slipped 1.0 percentage point to 3.7 percent.

Support for the center-left Party for Democracy and Peace rose 0.3 percentage points to 2.2 percent, while the far-right Our Republic Party's approval score remained at 1.5 percent.

The Minjung Party, created in 2017 and seen as far-leftists, was first included in the weekly survey, winning a support score of 1.5 percent.

The Alternative New Party, a splinter group of the Party for Democracy and Peace, gained 1.1 percent of support in its first approval rating poll by the pollster.

Ahead of the April general elections, the country's political parties were set to be splintered and combined.

Expectations ran high for minor parties to get more parliamentary seats in the National Assembly amid the revised election law, called a mixed-member proportional representation.

Under the amended law, voters cast two votes that include one for a lawmaker in their single-seat constituency and the other for a political party.

With the vote for a political party, minor parties were expected to win more parliamentary seats than before.

The poll results were based on a survey of 1,506 voters conducted from Monday to Wednesday. It had plus and minus 2.5 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level.
The board for the Texas agency charged with regulating air quality on Wednesday approved a $12,000 penalty against German Pellets for burning wood and smoke odors during a 102-day fire in 2017 at a Port Arthur terminal.

However, the majority of the members didnt let the meeting end without expressing their displeasure at the outcome.

At the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality meeting, Commissioner Bobby Janecka and Chairman Jon Niermann questioned agency staff on a variety of issues that arose from the small penalty, including why certain periods for observing hazards created by the fire lasted for just two hours on some days and why the company was being penalized for four separate events instead of one issue that continued for months.

Niermann also asked what could actually be done by the commissioners should they have decided the fine was unsatisfactory, considering it already was agreed to in bankruptcy court, complete with a signature from German Pellets counsel and the Texas Attorney Generals office acting as counsel for TCEQ. As a result of that agreement, German Pellets several months ago paid the penalty that wasnt approved until Wednesday.

Niermann also questioned German Pellets attorney on how the company knows the right preventative measures have been put in place if the root cause has yet to be determined.

Despite not ultimately getting a definitive answer on what action the board could take, the three commissioners unanimously approved the penalty  an amount Port Arthur Community Action Network President and CEO John Beard called a slap on the wrist.

In April 2017, a fire started at one of the ports five metal silos leased by German Pellets to store thousands of tons of sawdust pellets. The Port Arthur Fire Department spent a total of 102 days on scene, conducting regular air monitoring and continuously spraying water to control hot spots.

The silo collapsed in early June of that year, and a second silo began heating up two weeks later. It was kept under control and didn't ignite.

After the fire, German Pellets lawyer, C. Davin Boldissar said, the company took various safety measures recommended by a consultant and the Port Arthur fire marshal in an attempt to prevent a similar event in the future.

The Port Arthur facility has since been sold to Estonia-based Graanul Invest with its subsidiary, Woodville Pellets LLC for $63 million cash plus additional capital assets and assumed liabilities as a part of bankruptcy proceedings that started in 2016.

Because the fire happened a few years ago, TCEQ was using a different formula to assess fines at the time the penalty was determined  one which ultimately delivered a fee lower than it likely would be if calculated today, a member of agency staff told the commissioners during the meeting.

Im glad that weve adjusted our approach to these types of events, Niermann said. I dont think where we landed on here is where we want to be. I do think this order is legally defensible. I just dont think its the best place for us to be on the policy.

He also said he was disappointed that the facilitys new owner hadnt made an effort to assure residents or TCEQ that it intends to be a responsible neighbor.

The company did not respond to a request for comment made by The Enterprise.

Beard, who attended the meeting in Austin, afterward said that the agency still didnt do enough.

They admitted the penalty was too low, but they didnt do anything, he said.

Just as surely as they did something at the last meeting, we thought they were going to do the same thing again, he said, referring to last months decision by the commissioners to send a host of violations at TPC Groups Port Neches plant to the Texas Attorney Generals Office for investigation and, likely, for fines to be assessed that are higher than TCEQ legally can put on a facility.

The violations seemed relatively minor and happened prior to the Nov. 27 explosions and fire, however the commissioners at the time noted they werent sure that the violations werent ultimately related to the disaster. The explosions also were referred to the Texas Attorney Generals office.

Today, they just really let us down, Beard he said.

But there are plans at work in Port Arthur to give the city more control over problems at local refineries and plants.

Beard said this week, the citys 14-person charter change committee unanimously accepted his proposal to create a city Office of Environmental Compliance.

The office would hold local plants accountable to keep explosions, fires and other issues from happening. He said that differs from many cities and the countys current plan, which seems to focus more on emergency response than prevention.

Its unclear if the city council ultimately will accept the proposal, although Beard said hes going to urge the members to accept the committees recommendations to change the charter in totality.

We are the citizens, this is our input and our process. Whether you disagree or agree, thats fine, he said. Its whole hog or nothing at all. If they dont, theyve wasted our time.

He expects the proposed changes, which the committee put together over the past three months, will come before the council late this month or early next month. It will be the first time the city has updated the charter since 2012.

Jacob Dick contributed to this story.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

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Makoto Shinkai, the director of Your Name, is back with another magical realist anime love story. Photo: Courtesy of Toho

The animated Tokyo of Weathering With You is caught in the grip of a seemingly endless downpour. Rain sheets down on the waterlogged city with a dreary consistency, transforming its sidewalks into seas of puddles, and obscuring its citizens under slow-moving streams of umbrellas. On the news, the unrelenting precipitation gets described first as unseasonable, then as record-breaking, and finally, when it gives way to typhoon warnings and bursts of snow in August, as dangerous. But even when the storm gets severe enough to start driving people from their homes, its spoken about with a resigned acceptance that feels terribly familiar. Its the acceptance that a recent misery might just be the new normal. I feel sorry for children nowadays. We used to have beautiful springs and summers, one character muses. The weather is the weather, and, regardless of how human behavior may have altered it, it has to be lived with. Unless, of course, you happen to find yourself with the power to change it, the way one of the characters in Weathering With You does  a miraculous talent that turns out to be accompanied by a terrible choice.

Weathering With You comes from writer/director Makoto Shinkai, whose body-swapping romance Your Name became a global phenomenon, the highest-grossing anime feature of all time. Like his monster 2016 hit, Shinkais latest is a teen love story shot through with touches of magical realism  in this instance, revolving around a young womans ability to temporarily cause the clouds to part and allow sunshine through. It brims with emotions and wears its watery heart on its sleeve, but its a decidedly minor-key, more melancholy affair than its predecessor; its characters contend with homelessness, being orphaned, sex work, and gun violence. To say that its an allegory about climate change feels both true and a little reductive. Maybe its more fair to call it one about young people contending with an awareness that their futures may have been sacrificed by the generations before them.

The films hero, Hodaka (Kotaro Daigo), is a 16-year-old runaway whos fled to Tokyo from the isolated island on which he grew up. Hes got some savings, but not much of a plan  too young to legally work, he crashes in a manga cafe and asks advice from internet forums. He meets Hina (Nana Mori) when she gives him a free burger at the fast-food restaurant where she works. Later, to her annoyance, Hodaka attempts to rescue Hina from some men in the red light district. Shes a teenager herself, one who lives alone with her younger brother Nagi (Sakura Kiryu), and they need money. But shes harboring a secret, one that she shows Hodaka up on the roof of an abandoned building. When she prays, the rain briefly gives way to bright sunlight  a gift she acquired after a mysterious incident when she was keeping watch over her dying mother the year before. Hodaka, whos since found himself a crash pad with a disreputable but good-hearted writer named Keisuke (Shun Oguri), thinks they can monetize this ability, and the two set up a website and go into business summoning sunshine for around $30 a pop.

This is, to put it lightly, a busy set-up. Like Your Name, Weathering With You toggles between the mystical (a foreboding legend about a weather maiden) and the mundane (Hodaka retrieving his passed-out-drunk boss from a bar), but with an amount of detail that can be disorienting. Still, the lived-in tangibility of its Tokyo, which is portrayed with immense fondness and little romanticism, is what makes the films best trick so effective. When Hina prays, the sun spills through the clouds, glinting off windshields, turning the sides of skyscrapers golden, creating islands of light in the cityscape where suddenly life seems more bearable. Shinkai has a more commercial sensibility than that of the other anime auteurs, like Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon, whose work has managed to break through into the American mainstream. (Shinkai is, among other things, not shy about product placement.) But at his best, hes capable of evoking a sense of ecstatic yearning that feels uniquely his, and also uniquely adolescent. Weathering With You comes across as YA in the best possible sense, in that the films audience never has to stretch too far to get back to the feeling of being the age of its characters.

Theyre characters who struggle for sanctuary in a present thats less unfriendly than indifferent. Hinas ability, and the price it exacts, serve as an expression of both her personal martyrdom and of a generational kind  shes essentially given the opportunity to turn back the clock for everyone, at her own expense. Theres a touch of The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas to Weathering With You that makes the direction it ultimately veers off into both surprisingly abrupt and darkly pragmatic. Its also, in its own way, optimistic. Maybe, the film suggests, before anyone can think about saving the world, they have to figure out how to live in it.
Winter storm blows into the North State

Due to the winter storm that is hitting the North State this Thursday, some schools have followed up with Action News Now announcing their closure for the day. We have heard from seven schools this morning. For a list, CLICK HERE.

68-year-old Butte County woman found after 6 days missing

After missing for over six days, a happy ending arrived. Butte County Sheriff's Office rescue teams found 68-year-old Beth James, Wednesday afternoon; spotting her SUV from a helicopter. It was buried in snow about 150 yards off skyway, above Butte Meadows. James is in stable condition at Enloe Medical Center. Action News Now is working to find out more about how James ended up where she was.

The latest: Impeachment trial

Eleventh-hour developments in the Impeachment trial from an associate of President Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. New evidence claims the president knew about an effort to make the Ukrainian government investigate his political rival Joe Biden and his son. Today, the Senate formally receives the impeachment charges.

Chico Chamber of Commerce to host annual dinner and business awards

Happening today, the Chico Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 82nd annual dinner and business awards event. This year's theme is moving Chico forward. The event is a chance for the chamber to recognize members for their economic contributions to the community.

Paradise Town Manager announces her last day

After 35 years on the job, Paradise Town Manager Lauren Gill said she's stepping down. Gill announced her plans to retire at Tuesday night's town council meeting. Councilwoman Melissa Schuster said the announcement of Gill's retirement was planned, and not brought on by the Camp Fire. The council approved hiring a professional recruiting firm to help find a new manager before Gill leaves in September.

Red Bluff man shares mail theft story

A Red Bluff man is sharing his experience of being the victim of mail theft. Allen Stevens said someone stole his credit card and DMV registration information. It happened at his home near Craig Avenue. Stevens said he wasn't even aware of just how common mail theft was until someone targeted him.

California governor restarts giant water tunnel project

A project to pump water from northern to southern California, using an underground tunnel, is getting new life. Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has issued a notice of preparation for the project, which would move H20 from the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta to our neighbors in the south. Last year, Newsom halted a similar project that would have built two tunnels for the same purpose. The new proposal, which has yet to have a price tag attached, is for one tunnel and would carry less water. The Sierra Club of California opposes the idea of citing its impact on the environment.
The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL) in Maharashtra on Thursday said that its mini-lab in Solapur will start functioning from Friday, which will help the police expedite their investigation.

In the last one year, four mini-labs have become operational in the state. The Solapur mini lab will be the fifth one. Similar facilities were commissioned in Thane, Chandrapur, Ratnagiri and Dhule in April last year, an FSL official said on Thursday.

The department of biology and toxicology will play a vital role in this new facility, he said.

"After the launch of the Solapur mini lab, the burden on Aurangabad and Pune labs will be reduced. We had referred around 5,000 cases to the toxicology and biology department in these two labs," Dr K V Kulkarni (Director) of the Kalina FSL told PTI.

"The police personnel have to travel 200 kms with forensic samples to Pune and Aurangabad labs, which is time- consuming. The new facility in Solapur will speed up the police investigation and help in increasing the conviction rate," he said.

The state currently has mini laboratories at 12 places- Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, Amravati, Nanded, Kolhapur, Thane, Chandrapur, Ratnagiri and Dhule. The Solapur facility will be the 13th such.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Malaysia will use diplomatic channels as it moves to resolve concerns over palm oil exports after India imposed some curbs last week, a minister said on Thursday.

"This year, we foresee more challenges in some of our major markets, Teresa Kok, Malaysia's minister of primary industries, told an industry conference.

A key concern was India's imposition of restrictions on RBD palm oil, she added, referring to refined palm oil.

"Despite these developments, the ministry will continuously engage these markets, including through diplomatic channels to seek amicable solutions to restore market confidence and further strengthen existing and potential markets."
The Congress leader's remark comes after Raut on Wednesday claimed that the former prime minister used to go and meet yesteryear don Karim Lala, who operated in smuggling, narcotics, gambling, forced property evictions, and extortion rackets in Mumbai for over two decades.

In a sharp retort, Congress leaders Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora on Thursday asked Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to withdraw his "ill-informed" statement that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi met underworld don Karim Lala.

Describing Gandhi as a "true patriot", Deora, the former Mumbai Congress chief, said she never compromised on India's national security.

He also said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no longer alive.

"As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the

legacies of deceased Prime Ministers," he said in a tweet.

Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security. As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers  Milind Deora   (@milinddeora) January 16, 2020

In a veiled attack on Raut, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam cautioned him from continuing "false campaign" against Gandhi or he would have to repent.

Noting that the Shiv Sena MP often shared "poetry of others", Nirupam said it would be better if Raut focuses on entertaining Maharashtra with such poetic stuff.

"It will be better if Shiv Sena's Mr Shayar (poet) focuses on entertaining Maharashtra by sharing light-hearted poetry of others. He will have to repent if he carries out false campaign against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ji. He should withdraw the statement he gave about Indiraji yesterday," Nirupam tweeted in Hindi.

     .   -       

            

               Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) January 16, 2020

As the brouhaha grew, Raut on Thursday sought to clarify his remarks, saying he had always stood up for Indira Gandhi when she was attacked by people.

"The respect that I have always shown towards Indira Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and the Gandhi family, despite being in Opposition, nobody has done it. Whenever people have targeted Indira Gandhi, I have stood up for her.

He added, "Many political people used to come to meet Karim Lala; times were different back then. He was a leader of the Pathan community, he had come from Afghanistan. So, people used to meet him over the problems faced by the Pathan community."

The Congress leader's remark comes after Raut on Wednesday claimed that the former prime minister used to go and meet yesteryear don Karim Lala, who operated in smuggling, narcotics, gambling, forced property evictions, and extortion rackets in Mumbai for over two decades.

"There was a time when Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, Sharad Shetty used to decide who would be Police Commissioner of Mumbai and who would sit in the 'Mantralaya'. Indira Gandhi used to go and meet Karim Lala. We have seen that underworld, now it's just 'chillar'," Raut had said.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune, Raut claimed, "When (underworld don) Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)."

Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to the early eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

The Shiv Sena leader also claimed that he has photographed the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim and has even threatened him.

"I have conducted a photo session of Dawood Ibrahim and others. There are a few people in the country who have seen and talked to Dawood Ibrahim. I have seen him, talked to him several times and even threatened him but that was a different time," Raut had said.

With inputs from agencies
Orange Jordan, a provider of telecommunications services in Jordan, officially launched its mobile e-wallet service, Orange Money, at a special event this week.

The event, which was attended by government officials, alongside the companys management and strategic partners, celebrated the launch of the financial solution, which recently acquired an e-payment license from the countrys Central Bank.

Thierry Marigny, Orange Jordans CEO, said that the e-wallet service will enable users to conduct financial processes, anywhere and at any time, with ease. Raslan Deiranieh, Orange Moneys chairman, explained that the company has signed an agreement with Gate to Pay, a specialist in tailoring creative and secure fintech solutions, which has developed the e-wallets software and an anti-money laundering system, issuing prepaid VISA cards.

Orange Money has also signed an agreement with the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, through which the bank will settle Orange Money services and will enable users to withdraw and deposit cash directly from the banks ATMs.

The company said that it seeks to offer a comprehensive set of services, not only for Orange Jordans customers but also for users of any telecom services inside Jordan via the e-wallet, which enables users to pay bills, transfer money, shop online, and recharge mobile prepaid credit.

It's been a busy start to 2020 for the Orange brand in the region. Last week saw Orange officially inaugurate the Orange Middle East and Africa operational head office in Morocco.

The new headquarters is located in Casablanca Finance City Tower (CFC) in the heart of Casablanca and offers videoconference and telepresence rooms, enabling teams to remain connected to other countries in the region, as well as what the company calls a Social Hub, which will supervise and monitor the digital activity of Orange and the industry in general in Africa and the Middle East in real time.
RTE and Irish Aid Launch New Touring Exhibition, 50 Countries, 50 Stories

Press release

Produced by KMF Productions, the RTE television series What in the World? has filmed in over 50 countries across the globe. To mark that milestone, as well as almost two decades on the air, RTE and Irish Aid have commissioned a brand-new travelling exhibition, 50 Countries, 50 Stories.



MCd by RTEs Colm O Mongain, guests viewed the new dedicated exhibition, which brings a wide range of stories together for the first time. Throughout 2020, Irish audiences will have the chance to see this free exhibition as it tours libraries across the country.



Says Peadar King, producer and presenter of What in the World?: RTEs global affairs series What in the World? has been bringing astonishing stories into Irish homes for almost 20 years. From stories of hope and inspiration to stories of oppression and suppression, the series has examined lives lived amongst serious and persistent poverty, and a wide range of complex social and political situations across the developing world.



Colm O'Callaghan, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual said: 50 countries is a remarkable record; of storytelling, of investigation and of insight. To see it all translated into this fine travelling exhibition says something compelling about the unique role of public media in educating, informing and enlightening. Exceptional stories are beautifully captured in this ambitious exhibition, ambitious not only in the breadth of stories covered, but also in the range of destinations we will cover in libraries around the country.



Ciaran Cannon T.D, Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, said: What in the World? gives a voice to those in the majority world, and demonstrates how our fellow humans are confronting the myriad problems they encounter on a daily basis, many of which threaten their very survival. Irish people have a long tradition of reaching out in solidarity. Our own national story, our history and our experience of development informs our development programme. This exhibition offers people all over Ireland the opportunity to learn and to consider the complex global contexts that underpin a world in need of our assistance and our understanding.



The event also marked the launch of a new book, War, Suffering and the Struggle for Human Rights by Peadar King.



What in the World? 50 Countries 50 Stories is presented by Irish Aid, KMF Productions, and RTE. The exhibition opened this evening in Dublins Kevin Street library and will tour the following libraries nationwide:

 Kevin St., Dublin, 15-31 January

 Blanchardstown, Fingal 1-15 February

 Tallaght, Dublin, 17-28 February

 Portlaoise, Co Laois, 29 February-14 March

 Dun Laoghaire, 16-30 March

 Westside, Galway City, 2-18 April

 Killarney, Co Kerry, 20 April-1 May

 Mullingar, Co Westmeath, 5-18 May

 Louth,19  31 May

 Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, 8-20 June

 Kilkee, Co Clare, 4-19 July

 Mallow., Co Cork 29 July-12 August

 Kilkenny, 13-31 August

 New Ross, Co Wexford, 1-12 September

 Ashbourne, Co Meath 14-28 September

 Donegal, 30 September-13 October

 Tullamore, Co Offaly, 14-27 October

ENDS

PRESS OFFICE

JANUARY 15 2020

Notes to Editor About What in World? / KMF Productions

The first of the What in the World? series was launched in 2004. Since then it has become RTEs pre-eminent global affairs series. Initially, the focus was on human rights violations (Breaking Stones, India) resource exploitation (Fish and Ships, Senegal), and indigenous rights (The United Colours of the Mapuche, Argentina). These issues continue to feature in the series. More recently, the focus includes the devastation of war (A Deserted People, Western Sahara) and climate change (Requiem, Greenland). The What in the World? series has been overseen by RTE commissioning editors Mairead Ni Nuadhain, John MacMahon and Colm OCallaghan, and produced and directed by Mick Molloy and Peadar King of KMF Productions. About Irish Aid

Irish Aid is the official development assistance programme of the Irish Government, and a leader in the fight against world hunger and poverty. Ireland is committed to reaching those furthest behind and contributes to initiatives in around 130 countries each year. Through their support for international development, Irish citizens continue to be instrumental in helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world to build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. RTE

RTE is Irelands national public service media organisation and is one of the longest serving public service broadcasters in Europe. A not-for-profit organisation, RTE exists to meet the media needs of Irish citizens with over 94% of the population using one or more of its services each week. RTEs vision is to champion Irish culture by captivating audiences with trusted, engaging and challenging content; celebrating Irelands diversity; and cultivating Irelands talent. RTE operates the most popular television, radio and online services in the country; it endeavors to meet the needs of audiences of all ages; and with diverse programming including; news and current affairs, music, drama, arts, childrens programming, documentary, live performance, live sport and Irish-language programmes. RTE One and RTE2 television typically air at least 18 of the top 20 programmes broadcast by any channel available in Ireland every year and over 2 million listeners tune into RTE radio services each week. RTE remains one of the most trusted organizations in the country with 81% of people considering RTE to be an important part of Irish life. MORE

Joseph Hoban, Head of Communications and Corporate Engagement, RTE, 086 8128662.

*Photos will issue directly to photo desks

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"All the fellows envy us our Pilot - he is grade A believe me... at a moment, [he] had my confidence. He is just a kid, but when he drives that "truck" he takes on a maturity that merits admiration and respect in my eyes." - S/Sgt. Frank G. Thompson, 1944

Not since Anne Frank's diaries has a window into the day-to-day life of World War II been opened to the world - this time that life belongs to an ordinary soldier. Frank G. Thompson wrote his family almost daily from the day he reported for duty in 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946, but his voice was trapped in a box in the basement of his family home for over 70 years. It wasn't until 2014, almost 50 years after his death, that his words were discovered by his daughter who never really knew him. An Unexpected Coddiwomple: The story of a father's sudden death, a box of W.W.II letters, and a daughter's life transformed, was published by W. Brand Publishing, LLC, and released August 6, 2019. Early reviewers have learned history from a primary source, laughed and cried on an emotional roller coaster while reading #AnUnexpectedCoddiwomple. It's a story of family, duty, faith, and a life transformed. Its a story of love.

https://app.prweb.com/ViewAttachment.aspx?EID=SgvqR8yd%2bHSO2YkY270Q7ZfSdxsSwGgciXUcdQGkS5g%3d

Destined to become the next seminal first-person narrative, S/Sgt. Frank G. Thompson's letters are a departure from the servicemen exploits of contemporary books and movies. His story takes a different approach, a more personal and intimate one. In his letters, his voice comes through loud and clear. He shares his observations, thoughts, emotions, faith, and his honesty. In a way, he could have been a "World War II everyman" with his day by day accounting of the everyday life of enlisted men during the war.

From basic training, to technical training, and throughout combat training, Frank's letters share his feelings and frustrations, his fears and his follies. From his first postcard home about the "grade A redheads" he encountered, to his final telegraph, "ON THE WAY HOME SOON - LOVE, FRANK," his daughter spent the better part of three years with him, both literally and figuratively, typing roughly 350,000 words, submerged in World War II and getting to know a man she's wanted to know her whole life - the father who died when she was only four years old. Who she came to know was a thoroughly decent human being - a loving son and brother, a devoted friend, a competent and dedicated fellow crewman, a good soldier, a true patriot, and a man faithful to God and country.

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During the author's second year of typing letters she became curious about her father's pilot. Throughout her father's combat training and then during his time in Europe, he'd spoken very highly of his pilot, "All the fellows envy us our Pilot - he is grade A believe me... at a moment, had my confidence. He is just a kid, but when he drives that "truck" he takes on a maturity that merits admiration and respect in my eyes." Many letters her father had written from Europe were signed by 1Lt. Roger W. Sundin, most likely a form of censorship. One evening in August, 2016, she decided to do an internet search and try to find out whatever happened to "Big Sundin."

Her searches lead her to a marketing firm in Boston, Massachusetts whose founder had the pilot's exact name only with the suffix Jr., which showed promise since the pilot hailed from Rhode Island. Deciding it was worth an inquiry she emailed the founder. The next day, she received a reply from Roger Jr., "You have indeed found the right family...and my father will be celebrating his 93rd birthday next week." Overwhelmed at finding Big Sundin, and learning that he was alive and well, and living independently with his wife, both in their 90s, Roger Jr. orchestrated a meeting between them and the story took on a life of its own.

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It was a comment Ms. Thompson's mother made, "His letters read more like a book than letters," that started Thompson thinking about sharing her father's story with the world. However, it was some very direct encouragement from Big Sundin who, on one of her visits in 2017, issued a direct order, Just write the damn book! Spoken like the U.S. Army Air Corp Officer and World War II veteran he was, he added, Heck, Ive told everyone it's going to be a movie. And so, in 2019, she did just that. After years of writing, typing letters, traveling, and researching, she followed that order given by Big Sundin and wrote the damn book!

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The historical significance and the cultural emersion found within the 500+ handwritten letters is truly what make this book so important. In addition, Thompson wanted to bring her father back to life and introduce him to the world 54 years after his death while at the same time recognize Roger for his heroics in performing the "perfect ditching" that saved the lives of his entire crew. Had he not done so, her father and her entire family would not exist.

"For years, we never spoke of him," Thompson says about her father, "which I realize now was a complete shame. But we really never knew him until now." Frank's story of growing up in a single-parent household during the depression, sent off to war in his early twenties, surviving beyond all odds B-17 air combat over Germany in World War II, and becoming a medical doctor upon his return home, clearly demonstrates the conviction and ambition of The Greatest Generation. It's through her fathers own words, Thompson uncovers truths about her parentage that had been buried with him in 1965, revealing decades of mysteries that culminate with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.

Readers interested in learning more about Ms. Thompson and An Unexpected Coddiwomple may follow her blog through her author Facebook page @lorettothompsonbooks or her website lorettothompson.com. Books are available for purchase at the following e-tailers: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Walmart.com, Target.com and are also available for order through your local library. Ms. Thompson is also available for author talks and presentations at schools, museums, book clubs, and organizations. The book trailer video may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/372257505.

Inquiries regarding book promotion and events should be directed to j.brand@wbrandpub.com.

About Loretto Thompson: Loretto is a career marketing professional with a special penchant for writing. Since 2014, she has been typing, traveling, and researching the storypast and presentof AN UNEXPECTED CODDIWOMPLE. She is an accomplished painter and lives in Niagara Falls, New York in a "tiny house" nestled along the Straits of Niagara. https://www.lorettothompson.com/

About W. Brand Publishing: Independent boutique publisher specializing in memoirs, purpose-driven non-fiction, childrens, and fiction. For more information on how the award-winning team at W. Brand Publishing puts a twist on publishing by using traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing models, check out https://www.wbrandpub.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate overwhelmingly approved a new North American trade agreement Thursday that rewrites the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico and gives President Donald Trump a major policy win before senators turn their full attention to his impeachment trial.

The vote was 89-10.

The measure goes to Trump for his signature. It would replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, known as NAFTA, which tore down most trade barriers and triggered a surge in trade. But Trump and other critics blamed that pact for encouraging U.S. companies to move their manufacturing plants south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican laborers.

Passage of the trade bill came one day after Trump signed a new trade agreement with China, easing trade tensions between the economic powers.

"Quite a week of substantive accomplishments for the nation, for the president and for our international trade," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., shortly before the vote on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. Lehighvalleylive.com/2019Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

Republican Pa. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., was a rare voice in speaking against the agreement. It will mean higher prices for American consumers, who will have to pay more money for a car and therefore will have less money available for any of the other things they would like to consume, Toomey said. It will probably lead to an increase or acceleration in the shift to automation.

Toomey said in a statement: "Outside of a few necessary modernizations and modest market access improvements for Pennsylvanias dairy farmers, USMCA is a step backwards and I could not support its passage.

Trump campaigned in 2016 on ripping up trade deals that he said added to the nation's trade deficit and cost the country manufacturing jobs. He promised he would rewrite NAFTA if elected, a pact he described as "the worst trade deal in history." He can now go to swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and tell voters he followed through on that pledge.

Mexico has approved the revised trade deal. Canada is expected to do so in coming months, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government long insisting it would wait for U.S. approval before proceeding.

The agreement aims to have more cars produced in the United States, where workers earn an average of at least $16 an hour. It also secured changes that require Mexico to change its laws to make it easier for workers to form independent unions, which should improve worker conditions and wages and reduce the incentive for U.S. companies to relocate their plants.

While the administration completed its negotiations with Canada and Mexico more than a year ago, Democrats in the House insisted on changes that they said made it more likely Mexico would follow through on its commitments. As part of those negotiations, the administration agreed to drop a provision that offered expensive biologic drugs  made from living cells  10 years of protection from cheaper knockoff competition.

Republicans and the president have complained about how long it took to complete the negotiations, but the talks resulted in a rare mix of support for the trade deal.

The AFL-CIO, an association of trade unions, endorsed the measure, as did scores of business and farm groups. The biggest holdouts were environmental groups, which continue their opposition, saying the deal doesn't address climate change. Indeed, they contend the agreement would contribute to rising temperatures.

Despite the fact that it includes very good labor provisions, I am voting against USMCA because it does not address climate change, the greatest threat facing the planet, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

By KEVIN FREKING, The Associated Press
Two homeless camps north of downtown will be dismantled Thursday after fire destroyed a teepee, the latest in a series of incidents that could have had dire consequences.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two homeless camps north of downtown will be dismantled Thursday after fire destroyed a teepee, the latest in a series of incidents that could have had "dire consequences."

A city spokesman confirmed the Main Street Project and other social outreach providers were working on Wednesday to find alternative shelter for people who live at the camps, which are at the corner of Austin Street and Henry Avenue, and between Lily Street and the Disraeli Freeway.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Debris scattered around the site of the teepee fire gathers snow in downtown Winnipeg Wednesday.

City crews will clean up anything left behind after the sites are vacated, said David Driedger, manager of the city's corporate communications.

Kyle, who preferred not to provide his last name, has lived at the encampment on Austin Street for a few months. He said a neighbour told him the camp was to be taken down.

"I dont know what Im going to do. What can I do?... I guess Ill gather my stuff up and play a bullshit waiting game," he said.

Fires destroy donated teepees in homeless encampment near Disraeli Click to Expand A fire destroyed a teepee in a homeless tent village at the corner of Austin and Henry Tuesday. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 11:26 AM Jan. 15, 2020 Teepees built to provide shelter and cultural support to vulnerable Winnipeggers living in encampments along the Disraeli Freeway are no longer standing after separate fires that turned the two structures into rubble. Firefighters put out a blaze that destroyed a teepee in the middle of a tent community north of downtown near Henry Avenue and Martha Street Tuesday afternoon. Read Full Story

Driedger said recent incidents have shown the risk at the two encampments are too great to mitigate and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has been called to numerous incidents that could have had "dire consequences."

"We recognize this is not an ideal outcome, but hope the individuals will accept the supports they are offered and utilize one of the many open shelter beds in the city, especially considering this weeks extreme cold snap," he said.

On Tuesday afternoon, a teepee that had been erected by community members and Indigenous groups to provide shelter for the dozen or so people at the Austin Street camp, burned to the ground. No one was hurt.

"As a native person, watching a blessed teepee burn down is hard to watch. Its not supposed to happen," said Darren Flett, a 49-year-old member of Peguis First Nation. Flett has slept in a makeshift tent in the area, on and off, for a year-and-a-half.

The teepee had been provided to the camp in late December by family members of Matthew Allan Sutherland, a 28-year-old who lived in transient housing and accessed services in the area before he was killed last year. A fire had burned inside the teepee.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The teepee, pictured in late December, was erected in honour of Matthew Allan Sutherland and served as a warming shelter for homeless people living in a makeshift camp near the Manitoba Metis Federation building.

Flett said he left to go on a coffee run at about one o'clock and when he returned, the person who'd been designated as fire-keeper was gone and the teepee was on fire. Black smoke billowed from the structure; the fire, Flett said, was massive  with flames reaching more than half the height of a nearby hydro pole.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said the cause of the fire is undetermined.

Last week, a nearby teepee  the first of the two erected by a separate grassroots Indigenous group  was also damaged by fire. People living in the camp took it down.

"While only one person was reported injured to date, inspectors and responders identified numerous fire and life-safety hazards at the temporary encampments," Driedger said. "The structures are not built for Winnipegs winter conditions without a heat source. Many of the occupants are using candles, propane heaters or small campfires inside of tents, which is incredibly dangerous. Most of the encampments house a large volume of combustible materials and structures are built using repurposed materials not intended for that use.

"As a native person, watching a blessed teepee burn down is hard to watch. Its not supposed to happen."  Darren Flett of Peguis First Nation

"While the tents pose a high risk to life safety, so too do the teepees in the manner they are currently being used. Those require supervision and guidance from elders in their proper use and maintenance, including how to manage a fire burning within them."

The teepees were installed after police dismantled warming huts donated to the neighbouring encampment; city officials cited bylaw and regulation breaches.

'Wanted to do something special' Mitch Bourbonniere, director of service with Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatawin, was part of the group that erected the teepee that burned Tuesday. He said he was aware the city would relocate the residents of the camp. click to read more Mitch Bourbonniere, director of service with Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatawin, was part of the group that erected the teepee that burned Tuesday. He said he was aware the city would relocate the residents of the camp. "We did the first time as a message and a symbol that we love these folks, and we care about them, and we wanted to do something special for them," Bourbonniere said. "Through the symbolism and safety of the teepee, I think our goal was met. Over the holidays, this camp was visited every night by the Mama Bear Clan group," he said. "For four or five weeks, these folks felt like someone cared about them." Bourbonniere said they don't plan to raise another teepee at the site, but will continue to patrol the area. "Were happy and proud that those teepees stood as long as they did, and were happy and proud that our most vulnerable folks got to feel special and loved, and were relieved that no one was hurt," he said. If were going to put a teepee up, there should be folks that would look after those teepees as well, he added. We can offer teepees as a warming place, as long as there is a host and help to look after the fire and the people. If we were ever to do it again, thats the piece we would have to add. Jenna Wirch, an outreach worker with 13 Moons, an initiative of Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, was the organizer behind the first teepee provided to the encampment. Wirch hopes to provide another teepee to the homeless community in consultation with people who live in the area, elders and Thunderbird House. "I need help," Wirch said. "I can't just do this all by myself. That's what I did before." She called on people to donate teepee poles, canvas and firewood to help their "houseless relatives."  Danielle Da Silva Close

At the time the teepees were erected, the city had allowed the structures to stay standing due to their sacred cultural and ceremonial significance.

"We understand that the teepees were established in a spiritual, healing context, and were donated with the best intentions," Driedger said. "However, to supply teepees and not provide support for their ongoing safe use is to house the homeless in unsafe circumstances.

"It is only through extraordinarily good fortune that there have not been any serious injuries or deaths in the previous fires. We need to learn from the experience of the fires, to date, to ensure the safety of the occupants."

Coun. Sherri Rollins, chairwoman of the city's protection, community services, and parks committee, said the sacredness of the teepees can't be overstated, but she is concerned about safety of the homeless occupants.

"I'm deeply saddened that it burned down. I am deeply relieved that no one was hurt," Rollins said. "Life safety is of the utmost importance in the encampments and it is of utmost importance to the departments that serve the city to protect everyone."

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Rollins said there valid concerns when a fire pit is placed in a camp.

"Important questions and concerns do need to be expressed about the resources that it takes," she said. "In some cases those resources are led within an encampment. In Osborne Village in particular, there are grandmas that look after part of the encampment and there's a real intentional community there.

"I think it's really important to acknowledge the resources that are needed."

 with files from Maggie Macintosh and Ryan Thorpe

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
Whether a sick cell dies, divides, or travels through the body is regulated by a sophisticat-ed interplay of signal molecules and receptors on the cell membrane. One of the most im-portant molecular cues in the immune system is Tumour Necrosis Factor  (TNF). Now, for the first time, researchers from Goethe University have visualised the molecular organ-isation of individual TNF receptor molecules and the binding of TNF to the cell mem-brane in cells using optical microscopy.

Before TNF can bind to a membrane receptor, the TNFR receptor must first be activated. By doing so, the key will only fit the lock under certain circumstances and prevents, among other things, that a healthy cell dies from programmed cell death. "For TNFR1 in the membrane, the binding of TNF is mediated through several cysteine-rich domains, or CRDs," explains Sjoerd van Wijk form the Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Paediatrics and the Frankfurt Stiftung fur Krebskranke Kinder at Goethe University.

In particular, CRD1 of the TNFR1 makes it possible for TNF to "attach". Researchers already knew that TNFR1 molecules cluster in a fashion similar to a dance, in which two, three or more partners grasp hands - with the dimers, trimers or oligomers consisting of single TNFR1 mole-cules - in the case of TNFR1. This kind of "structural reorganization" also takes place when there is no TNF present. "Despite the significance of TNF for many diseases, including in-flammation and cancer, the physiology and patterns of TNFR1 in the cell membrane still remain largely unknown up to now," says Sjoerd Van Wijk, explaining the starting point for his research.

In order to understand the processes in the cell membrane in detail, van Wijk approached Mike Heilemann from the Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at Goethe University. Using a combination of quantitative microscopy and single-molecule super-resolution microscopy that he developed, Heilemann can visualise individual protein complexes as well as their molecular organisation in cells. Together with Ivan Dikic (Institute for Biochemistry II) and Simone Fulda (Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Paediatrics) from Goethe University, Harald Wa-jant from the University Hospital Wurzburg and Darius Widera from University Reading/UK, they were able to observe the dance of the TNF receptors. Financial support was provided by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through the Collaborative Research Centre 807 "Transport and Communication across Biological Membranes".

As the researchers report in the current issue of Science Signaling, membrane TNFR1 recep-tors exist as monomers and dimers in the absence of TNF. However, as soon as TNF binds TNFR1, receptor trimers and oligomers are formed in the membrane. The researchers also found indications for mechanisms that determine cell fate independently of TNF. These findings could be relevant for cancer or and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. "It clear-ly opens new paths for developing novel therapeutic approaches," states van Wijk.

###

Publication:C. Karathanasis, J. Medler, F. Fricke, S. Smith, S. Malkusch, D. Widera, S. Fulda, H. Wajant, S. J. L. van Wijk, I. Dikic, M. Heilemann, Single-molecule imaging reveals the oligomeric state of functional TNF?-induced plasma membrane TNFR1 clusters in cells. Sci. Signal. 13, eaax5647 (2020).DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aax5647
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 06:00:41|Editor: yan

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JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said it carried out retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Thursday night, in the second consecutive day of cross-border violence.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that an attack helicopter struck an infrastructure in the northern Gaza Strip used for underground activities of Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian movement that runs Gaza.

It said the strike was in response to explosive balloons launched earlier on Thursday from the Palestinian enclave into Israeli territory.

Local media reported that the balloons exploded near a military patrol in the vicinity of the fence separating Israel and the besieged enclave. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

On Wednesday night, Israeli fighter jets struck a weapons manufacturing place and a military compound belonging to Hamas in Gaza after four rockets were fired into Israel.

It was not clear which group fired the rockets but the military said it held Hamas accountable for any hostility form Gaza.

The violence came after a month of relative calm as result of the international efforts led by Egypt and the United Nations to achieve an unofficial cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
For all of South Carolinas ethics problems, the wining and dining and too-cozy relationships that used to drive legislative agendas have pretty much dried up since the Legislature passed a law to put some distance between lobbyists and lobbied.

The 1991 law, passed in response to the federal Lost Trust corruption sting, says anyone who gets paid to influence the Legislature must register as a lobbyist and file annual reports with the state. Lobbyists may not spend any money on legislators or other state officials, and they cant donate to political campaigns. The state also limited how much organizations that hire lobbyists can spend on state officials.

Gov. McMaster proposes $430M tax relief in his SC state budget. Will taxpayers see a dime? Gov. Henry McMaster wants to provide nearly $430 million in tax relief in the upcoming state budget, representing about a quarter of the anticipated surplus.

The twin purposes of the law are to prevent lobbyists from using money to make their points and to force special interests to reveal their spending to influence our Legislature.

But while lobbyists no longer wield influence the way they once did at the Statehouse, theyre increasingly using those disturbing methods at the local level, where there are no such restrictions. Columbias State newspaper reported this summer that it found a strong correlation between $32,000 in gifts that officials from Midlands school districts accepted from construction companies, architects and law firms and the contracts those officials awarded for multimillion-dollar projects.

Theres no reason to think the same sort of corrupting behavior is not happening across the state, as local governments and school boards have more money to spend and as cities and counties consider ordinances that would have a big effect on businesses and lobbying organizations.

Editorial: Limit gift-giving to SC school, local government officials Technically, the S.C. ethics law applies to cities, counties and schools as well as state government. But in one important way, it doesnt.

Clearly, its time to impose some restrictions on local lobbying. On Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster proposed just that. His state budget proposal requires anyone who lobbies city or county councils or school boards to register as a lobbyist and abide by the same restrictions as Statehouse lobbyists.

We dont like the Legislature dictating local decisions to city and county councils, such as tax rates and land-use policies. But its perfectly appropriate to standardize policies about how government operates, by deciding for instance that all governments have to release certain types of information to the public and that all elected officials must report any campaign donations they accept, as state law already does.

Its also appropriate for the Legislature to apply the same lobbying rules at the local level that apply at the state level. Indeed, some local governments have attempted to adopt their own lobbying restrictions, but thats duplicative and probably less effective.

Mr. McMaster paired the local lobbyist restrictions with a plan to double the lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200 a year to provide more money for increased investigation and enforcement efforts by the State Ethics Commission.

Editorial: A road isn't enough. This man needs an ethics law named for him It takes a lot to get state officials to take back honors they never should have bestowed to start with, as evidenced by highway signs commemo

Thats a worthy goal, and the pairing means it really is related to the budget, at least technically. But this is a question of what our state policy should be toward lobbyists, not simply how a state agency should spend its money, so it really ought to be addressed through separate legislation.

And while theyre at it, lawmakers should expand the definition of lobbyist to include people who have figured out ways to get around the current definition: lawyers, for instance, who meet with legislators to consult on how to draft legislation, or to explain their work, as well as advertising and public relations specialists and economists and engineers and other professionals who provide their own explanations.

The 1991 lobbying law was a good one. Legislators just need to bring it up to date to cover problems that didnt exist back then.
Over 9,000 attendees are currently inundating San Francisco for the 38th Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference. And according to Bloomberg, they aren't happy with what the city's had in store for them.

Rooms in hotels near the conference are going for as much as $2,000 a night. Meeting tables at the Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel cost $150 an hour. People attending lavish parties in the Tenderloin are voicing concerns about safety while walking around at night.
He was observed walking slowly, reviewing his surroundings and looking into cars and the reflection of store windows. He took circuitous routes to meetings, changing his clothes beforehand, employing an approach that bore hallmarks of intelligence tradecraft, an FBI agent wrote in 2018, the National Law Journal published on January 15.

These bizarre behaviors of Doostdar prompted FBI agents suspicions. Additionally, several documents proved that he and his recruit, Majid Ghorbani, were collecting information about members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) to deliver them to Tehran. Following this unquestionable evidence Doostdar admitted to his service for the Iranian regimes purposes against dissidents, which openly was in violation of U.S. sanctions against the mullahs.

Later, in September 2018, the FBI arrested Ghorbani and tried him with Doostdar. Ghorbani was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

In the two-hour hearing before the U.S. District of Columbia, prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine shed light on covert topics. Ballantine said Doostdar had recruited Ghorbani to photograph and identify MEK members based in the U.S., with the goal of disrupting the group.

It is worth reminding that the Iranian regime has a horrible record of targeting PMOI/MEK members in different countries. In this context, observing members of the mullahs archenemy and getting photographs to endanger the security of the groups members. As the prosecutor highlighted, These are not just pictures. In fact, Tehrans agents were openly assisting the first worlds sponsor of terrorism in the implementation the terror attacks against the opponent group based on what they had been trained by Iranian intelligence services.

Notably, Iranian authorities have massacred 120,000 members and supporters of the PMOI/MEK. The mullahs also assassinated dozens of opponents in Europe and the Middle East. After signing a ceasefire with the Iraqi government, the regime boosted its extraterritorial forces to silence any opposite voice even abroad. They orchestrated more than 450 terrorist attacks against dissidents. 150 operations were conducted against the PMOI/MEK members in Iraq. Since 2003, the Iranian regimes mercenaries orchestrated more than 20 attacks that resulted in around 150 killed among PMOI/MEK members. All the attacks were masterminded by agents of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force (IRGC-QF).

After the relocation of MEK members from Iraq to Albania in 2016, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) in coordination with the IRGC-QF has launched a new effort to assassinate these stiff opponents in Europe and the United States. The case of Doostdar and Ghorbani is merely one of the majors attempts by the MOIS and the IRGC-QF against MEK members outside Iran.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:31:33|Editor: xuxin

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JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel has launched a cybersecurity social network to share cyber-attacks information in order to protect companies and other organizations, the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) announced on Thursday.

According to the INCD, the new network, named Cybernet, is the "first of its kind in the world," aiming to securely and reliably share cyber-attack reports in order to deal with them as they start.

The network was set up by the INCD in collaboration with Israel's leading companies and organizations, as well as the local and international cyber community.

Cybernet includes about 1,000 cyber professionals such as analysts, researchers and information security managers.

The new network is built like a social network, where every user has a personal profile and can post information, even anonymously.

The user can also get information to get a current snapshot of attacks in his sector and in Israel in general.

The information shared also helps members check if an attack has reached their organization, and what can be done to stop it as early as possible.

The network allows viewing reports and alerts, receiving updates on major world events, attending internal chat and discussion groups, obtaining a relevant snapshot of weaknesses and recent alerts, viewing an organization's event handling report, and more.

The reports are being transferred to Israel's INCD's Computer Emergency Response Center in the southern city of Beer Sheva, and from there to the relevant companies.

According to the INCD, "an attack that started at a particular bank, for example, will soon meet other banks in Israel and worldwide. Sharing the information about an attack at it starts, helps to prepare on time."
NEW DELHI: In yet another warning to Pakistan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that diplomatic isolation of any country sponsoring terrorism is very important as he called for collective action to tackle the global menace.

The future of terrorism is going to be as dirty as conventional combat. Terrorism is here to stay, so long as there are states who are sponsoring it, General Rawat said. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital, CDS Rawat said that terrorism will not end till the time there are countries which provide funding to it.

War on terror will continue, and we will have to live with it until we get to the root of it, CDS Rawat added, saying that ''the best remedy to put an end to it is diplomatic isolation.''

Gen Rawat was speaking along with other world leaders at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue organised by India`s influential think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Calling for strict action against countries harbouring terror operators, General Rawat said, ''We've to bring an end to terrorism and that can only happen the way Americans started after 9/11, they said let's go on a spree on the global war on terror. To do that you have to isolate the terrorists, anybody who is sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task.''

We need to isolate terrorism - you cannot have countries which are partnering with you in the global war on terror with you and are yet sponsoring proxies and terrorism. For this, international messaging has to go - like blacklisting in FATF - it was a good measure, General Rawat said.

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This is not for Pakistan, but for all the countries which are doing this, he added. General Rawat also said that the countries need to accept that yes, they are sponsors of terrorism.

Gen Rawat said that he supported a negotiated peace deal between the US and Taliban in Afghanistan. "It must be a negotiated peace deal so that the Taliban stops using terrorism," he added.

They (Taliban) need to understand that have to come to the political mainstream, General Rawat said, adding that these negotiations should be for lasting peace and not temporary. They were in power last time, but they had the power of the gun behind them, he added. You have to change the ideology behind the Taliban. Only then can you bring peace in the region, General Rawat said.

Hinting that the US should maintain its presence in Afghanistan, the CDS said that though Afghan security forces are now equipped to fight back terror groups in Afghanistan they still need support.

Speaking about his role as CDS, General Rawat said that ''CDS is the first among equals but he has got clear and well-defined responsibilities. While he is the first among equals, he has some authority over the three service chiefs except on operational issues.''

Pakistan is under diplomatic pressure to show progress on combating the menace of terrorism. The Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental organisation formed to check financial aid to terrorism, has asked Pakistan to show progress report on this front.

Pakistans Parliament narrowly passed a bill earlier thing month to allow the exchange of information and of criminals with countries - to meet a key requirement of the FATF. It approved amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Act and the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act.

Gen Rawat had recently said that the armed forces stay far away from politics and work as per the directives of the government in power, a remark that came amid allegations that the forces were being politicised. He also said that his focus as the CDS will be to integrate the efforts of the three services and to work as a team.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: Congress opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Thursday, with House Democrats reading the formal charges from the well of the U.S. Senate ahead of the swearing-in of all 100 senators as jurors for only the third impeachment trial in U.S. history.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!" said the Senate's sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order.

Seven lawmakers prosecuting the charges, led by Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day. It's the start of ceremonial protocol that shifts the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

Schiff, standing in the well of the Senate usually reserved for senators, began reading the resolution, Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the united states for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Later in the afternoon, Chief Justice John Roberts was to administer the jurors' oath to senators who swear to deliver impartial justice.

The events, unfolding during an election year as Trump seeks another term, will be a test not only of his presidency but also of the nation's three branches of power and its system of checks and balances. Several senators are running for the Democratic party's nomination to challenge Trump in November.

The President calls the impeachment a hoax," even as new information emerges about his actions toward Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the president's actions toward Ukraine.

Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

"This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Pelosi said, "and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.Ahead of the proceedings the Government Accountability office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber Thursday decrying Pelosi's decision to hand out "souvenir pens after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the House's entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. 'It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer renewed his party's request that the trial include new witnesses and documents not available for the House impeachment proceedings.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? Schumer said.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident," he said. The House of Representatives have accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that. Still, an eventual vote to acquit Trump is considered highly likely.

On Wednesday, in a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats carried the charges to the Senate.

Today we will make history,'' Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. This president will be held accountable."

Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall, filing into the Senate back row as the clerk of the House announced the arrival: The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of United States.

Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, ending a weeks-long delay to deliver the charges with a tally reflecting the nation's split.

The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this sad saga that tried to remove the president from office with the weakest case.

The president's team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.
The Delhi High Court will hear Unnao rape case convict, expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's appeal challenging his conviction on Friday.

Sengar had approached the Delhi High Court, challenging his conviction by the trial court in connection with the Unnao rape case. He has also challenged the trial court's judgment which awarded him life imprisonment in connection with the case.

On December 16 last year, Sengar was found guilty by a Delhi court for raping a minor girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district.

The court convicted him under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 5 (c) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which pertains to penetrative sexual assault committed against a child by a public servant.

A day-to-day hearing was conducted into the case after it was transferred from Uttar Pradesh to the capital on the directions of the Supreme Court after the rape survivor's car met with an accident in which two of her aunts were killed.

The rape survivor and her lawyer had also sustained grievous injuries in the accident. The family had alleged foul play. The girl was airlifted to Delhi's All Indian Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) following the car crash.

Sengar, a four-time BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Bangarmau, had raped the girl at his residence in Unnao in June 2017, where she had gone seeking a job. Later he was arrested and is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 13:44:35|Editor: mingmei

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by Xinhua writers Cui Li and Cao Bin

HANGZHOU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Under an eave of a courtyard stood 69-year-old Fan Chenhai spinning the handle of a stone mill as light-yellow rice milk trickled down into a big wooden barrel beneath.

It was a usual day in the 12th month of the lunar calendar. Fan, a villager in Shuangxikou, a small mountain village in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, got up quite early.

He and his neighbors planned to make a typical local delicacy -- rice cake -- a normal preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.

A special plant growing in the mountain was picked to offer a unique scent to the rice cake. He burned the plant with soybean stalks and poured the ashes into the water, boiling and filtering it before mixing it into the rice milk.

"Grinding requires skill," Fan said. "You must grind steadily in a fixed direction so that the rice milk will not flow backward."

Decades ago, rice cake was a special treat only had during the Lunar New Year, as the locals barely had the time or rice to make the delicacy. With increased income and more spare time, the once vanished custom for the festival has returned.

The government's rural revitalization efforts have improved the living standards of the villagers. Migrant farmers who used to work in cities have flowed back to find new opportunities and start businesses in their hometowns.

After grinding the rice, neighbors gathered in Fan's home to help out with the next step of the process.

According to the local custom, burning three sticks of incense before steaming rice cakes is a salute to the kitchen god, who is in charge of the stove of the human world in Chinese mythology. As the incense burned, Fan and his neighbors prayed for a promising new year.

"It's also called 'cake of a thousand layers'. While there will not be 1,000, dozens of layers will be baked," Fan said. A full spoon of rice milk is poured evenly onto the layer underneath after the latter is steamed solid enough. The operation is repeated again and again. "It takes time and patience."

The atmosphere of the Spring Festival became thicker as the steam filled Fan's kitchen and rose from the chimney.

While Fan steamed the rice cake, two other families in the village were also busy preparing something special.

Ding Baoxiang, 85, lives in an ancient house made with clay tiles and walls, carved wooden windows and a square courtyard. Every Lunar New Year, people gather at his house to make steamed buns.

His steamed buns are even famed in surrounding villages for being soft and sweet. He said the secret lies in using special fermented water.

When the buns are finished, each one must be stamped with red plum blossom patterns on top. Red is believed to bring good fortune and wealth during the festival.

Brine Tofu is another must-have on the Spring Festival dining table for the villagers. After grinding soybeans, Cai Chunying poured the soybean milk into a large pot and boiled it.

After boiling, stirring, adding brine, pouring the soybean curd into a prepared lint-free muslin cloth, twisting and squeezing, the soybean milk transforms into tofu.

"Three, two, one," Cai and her fellow helpers chanted as they turned the tofu bag over together.

In her opinion, making handmade tofu is both laborious and exciting, bringing a sense of ceremony that has become increasingly absent, even in a remote village.

When dishes were made and served, villagers sang and danced joyously and put on performances with local features. Men and women, adults and children all participated in the performances.

They were mimicking the "36 walks of life" in old times, such as harvesting lotus nuts, as well as folklore.

Bamboo tubes, a local musical instrument, were played and folk songs sung on an ancient wooden lounge bridge above a stream. The bridge has been sheltering villagers from rain and accompanied them for hundreds of years as a public space to rest and talk.

The New Year atmosphere will continue into the first lunar month.

(Lin Guangyao contributed to the story.)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (Aequus or the Company), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing and promoting differentiated products, is pleased to announce that a major health authority in British Columbia recently announced a change to their dispensing formulary for tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug that is used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. As of November 4, 2019, the health authority mandated that Sandoz tacrolimus, co-promoted by Aequus, is to be dispensed for all new patients requiring tacrolimus for prophylaxis of organ rejection in the province of British Columbia. Aequus receives a revenue share of the product from its partner, Sandoz.



Aequus and Sandoz have worked tirelessly over the past few years to introduce Sandoz tacrolimus to patients in British Columbia, said Ian Ball, CCO of Aequus. This recent announcement marks a watershed moment for the province, providing long-term cost savings to both the province and patients that will require this treatment for the rest of their lives.

From 2011-2018, British Columbia conducted 2,750 heart, kidney, or liver transplantations  with 440 transplantations performed in 2018 alone. As of 2018, 4,870 people living with an organ transplantation resided in British Columbia, representing roughly 20% of transplant patients in Canada.

This is great news from our home province, said Doug Janzen, CEO of Aequus. Our commercial and market access teams have worked hard to provide the province with an alternative to the branded product, Prograf, which currently sells roughly $20M in product annually in British Columbia. This access will provide an added boost to our already impressive performance of growing Sandoz tacrolimus revenues across Canada and is the second piece of positive reimbursement news that Aequus has had regarding its growing product portfolio so far in 2020.

ABOUT TACROLIMUS

Tacrolimus immediate release is an immunosuppressant used for the treatment and prevention of acute rejection following organ transplantation. Tacrolimus is part of a patients immunosuppressive therapy prescribed chronically in their lifelong management to prevent graft rejection. Tacrolimus is recommended as a first line calcineurin inhibitor treatment by the BC Transplant consensus guidelines and is prescribed in >90% of new kidney transplant patients (OPTN/SRTR 2014). Due to the chronic risk of graft rejection, tacrolimus has been classified as a Critical Dose Drug with a Narrow Therapeutic Index. In Canada, tacrolimus is available in an immediate release form, marketed under the brand name of Prograf in Canada, and in an extended-release form, marketed under the brand name of Advagraf in Canada. Aequus is promoting the first to market and only currently available generic version of Prograf.

ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V:AQS) (OTCQB:AQSZF) is a growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus has grown its pipeline to include several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant, and a development stage pipeline in neurology. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words believe, may, plan, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, potential and similar expressions. Forward- looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as the factors we believe are appropriate. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements relating to:Long-term cost savings; this access will provide an added boost to our already impressive performance of growing Sandoz tacrolimus revenues in Canada. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Aequus, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making the forward looking statements included in this release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including, but not limited to: obtaining positive results of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; general business and economic conditions; the Companys ability to successfully outlicense or sell its current products and in-license and develop new products; the assumption that the Companys current good relationships with its manufacturer and other third parties will be maintained; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Companys ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Companys competitors; and the Companys ability to protect patents and proprietary rights. In evaluating forward looking statements, current and prospective shareholders should specifically consider various factors set out herein and under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Information Form dated April 30, 2018, a copy of which is available on Aequus profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and as otherwise disclosed from time to time on Aequus SEDAR profile. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or a risk that is not currently known to us materialize, or should assumptions underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Aequus Investor Relations

Email: investors@aequuspharma.ca

Phone: 604-336-7906
By PTI

JAMMU: Terror outfits are using encrypted mobile communications and Voice on Internet Protocol (VoIP) to plan infiltrations into India and reactivate their cadre in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir government said on Wednesday.

This is a well-established fact, government spokesman Rohit Kansal told reporters here.

"Sustained efforts are being made by terrorists to infiltrate from across the border, reactivate their cadre and scale-up anti-national activities not only in the Kashmir division but also in some areas of the Jammu division by using Voice on Internet Protocol and encrypted mobile communications, and through various social media applications to coordinate and plan terrorist activities," he said.

VoIP is phone service over the Internet.

Kansal said in light of the constitutional changes made in relation to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year, a number of restrictions were imposed to prevent externally aided terrorists from disturbing the peace and inflicting casualties on citizens.

The government on August 5 last year had revoked the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and split it into union territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Since August 16, 2019, there has been gradual, consistent and progressive removal of restrictions, and most now stand removed, Kansal said.

"Landline and mobile telephones, SMS facilities have been made fully functional. Fixed-line broadband facility exists in the Jammu division while in the Kashmir Division, to facilitate the general public, students, etc, 844 e-terminals have been established, besides 69 special counters for tourists, apart from separate terminals for filling GST returns and application forms for various examinations," he said.

Kansal, who is principal secretary, planning and development, in the Union territory administration, said a number of government departments, including those related to essential services, and state-run hospitals have access to broadband internet services.

The spokesman said after carefully considering all aspects, taking into account the law and order situation, and potential threats to security, the competent authority has decided that all institutions providing essential services such as hospitals, banks and government offices, as well as trade, tourism and travel establishments in Kashmir will be provided broadband facilities.

Existing access and communication facilities in Kashmir will be further enhanced by establishing an additional 400 internet kiosks, Kansal said.

In addition, 2G mobile connectivity on postpaid mobiles for accessing white listed websites such as e-banking will be allowed in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts, he said.

Complying with the Supreme Court's directions issued on January 10, the government on Tuesday evening ordered restoration of 2G mobile internet services on postpaid connections in the five districts in the Jammu division and broadband facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions only for institutions dealing with essential services and tourism, such as hospitals, banks and hotels.

The order, issued by Principal Secretary, Home, Shaleen Kabra late on Tuesday, however, did not restore mobile internet services for the Kashmir division.

"There shall be a complete restriction on social media applications. The full details of facilitations, as well as safeguards, have already been outlined in the government order issued by the competent authority yesterday," Kansal said.

He said the government's endeavour has been and will remain to facilitate as much and as quickly as possible.

"The overall efforts of the government have been not only to ease restrictions effectively and quickly but also to keep the restrictions to a bare minimum, based on the ground situation and to provide people adequate facilitation wherever required", he said.
Stephen Colbert didn't even bother to hide his disbelief Wednesday night as he displayed a copy of a note scrawled on stationery from the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Vienna. It was written by Lev Parnas, a former associate of President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, and one line, in particular, caught the CBS host's eye.

Next to an asterisk, Parnas had scribbled, "get Zalenksy (sic) to Annouce (sic) that the Biden case will be Investigated."

"You don't write the crime down, you dummy," Colbert said, throwing up his arms in mock frustration. He later joked, "It didn't help that the next note was 'Leave paper trail of impeachable offenses' and 'Steal Ritz-Carlton stationery.'"

The note is just one piece of documentation in a trove of materials Parnas supplied Congress that exposes new details about the efforts of Giuliani and his associates to dig up dirt on former vice president Joe Biden.

House Democrats released the collection of text messages and documents late Tuesday, just days ahead of Trump's impeachment trial opening in Senate. Their contents have already been described as "ridiculously incriminating" and a "bombshell."

On Wednesday, hundreds more pages were made public by the House Intelligence Committee.

But for Colbert and his fellow late-night hosts, this week's cache served a different purpose: providing the comics with ample fodder to tear into the apparent bumbling nature of Giuliani's shadow Ukraine campaign, which is now at the center of Trump's impeachment.

"When it comes to Trump crime, the scale goes, 'incriminating,' 'very incriminating,' 'ridiculously incriminating' and 'Rudy on merlot,'" Colbert quipped.

Comedy Central host Trevor Noah was equally bewildered by the Parnas documents, specifically a May 2019 letter from Giuliani, in which he requested a meeting with Ukraine's then-President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky, specifying that he was acting with Trump's "knowledge and consent."

"Seriously? They wrote down the plot of their crime and then kept it?" an incredulous Noah asked. "That is a literal paper trail. Why would you do that?"

"Only Donald Trump would hire henchmen who are also into scrapbooking," Noah said. "They're like a bunch of criminal Martha Stewarts - also known as Martha Stewart."

The materials provided by Parnas, who has pleaded not guilty to federal campaign finance charges, included pages of text messages and handwritten notes documenting his involvement in successful efforts to have Marie Yovanovitch fired as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

The texts largely captured conversations between Parnas and his associate, Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate from Connecticut who is the newest player to emerge in the unfolding drama. In messages, Hyde repeatedly called Yovanovitch a "b----" and suggested that he had her under surveillance in Ukraine.

"Please spell-check your hateful misogynist threats," Colbert said after reading one of Hyde's texts in which the Republican candidate misspelled Trump's name as "Trumo."

"You sound dumber than 'Trumo,'" said Colbert.

Describing one of the documents as a "crime to-do list," the host said Parnas had written, "Do my 'magic' and cut a deal."

"He calls committing crimes, 'Doing my magic?'" Colbert said, before speaking as Parnas: "'Believe me, when I do my magic people disappear. Abra-cadaver, ta-dead!"

On NBC, Seth Meyers also offered a blunt assessment of Parnas and Hyde's ability to be "criminals."

"These guys are a lot dumber than the criminals on TV," Meyers said. "Those criminals are always using burner phones and switching cars, meeting in back alleys. In real life, these guys were texting each other and putting up posters on telephone poles that said, 'Looking for thugs to do crimes. This is for Trump as citizen, not as president. He is my friend. Here is picture of us.'"

Meanwhile, Parnas was implicating the president and Vice President Mike Pence in an explosive interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow that aired Wednesday night. The sit-down was broadcast not long after House Democrats released the second collection of materials from Parnas: pages of photos, messages and calendar entries showing how he used his connections within the Trump world to carry out the Ukraine dealings.

In the interview, Parnas asserted that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on," adding, "He was aware of all my movements." Parnas also claimed that Pence knew about the efforts in Ukraine.

Trump has not publicly commented on the materials released this week or Parnas' MSNBC appearance. But by late Wednesday, the interview had gone viral, with some suggesting wishfully that it could mark the beginning of the end of the Trump administration. Soon, "President Pelosi," referencing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was trending on Twitter.

"Just finished (Maddow's) interview," one person tweeted. "So what time does President Pelosi take the oath of office?
One form of collateral damage  to use an odious term  from the recent Mideast assassination and shootdown, is that they undermined a series of popular protests occurring in Iraq and Iran. Iran alone saw protests against corruption and repression that spread far beyond Teheran, the capital.

True, theres always popular opposition to misused power anywhere (I mean that literally) and you can catalogue a long list in Iran. Whats easier to forget is that the Iranian revolution of 1979 wasnt made or led by mullahs.

It involved a coalition of anti-Shah, anti-U. S. forces who battled among themselves before Islamism won out. And they still felt a need to leave room for a (limited) free press and a (restricted but not meaningless) democratic process.

There are even Iranian theological critics of the regime, like Abdolkarim Soroush, who say Islamist governments contradict Islams core principles.

More striking yet are the popular protests in Iraq, which began last October. They oppose government corruption and foreign interference, by both Iran and the U.S. They include Sunnis and Shiites  which is disorienting if youve been told that everything happening in Iraq, and the Mideast altogether, is down to Muslim sectarian identifications.

In fact, the Iraq protests, with many Shiites, were brutally attacked by Iraqi Shiite militias funded and controlled from Iran, and guided by Qassem Soleimani, whom the U.S. assassinated two weeks ago. And even some of those militias fought internally over whether to support the protesters.

These incipient, popular, apparently non-ideological movements, appeared doomed after Soleimanis assassination and the torrent of popular rage in both countries, against it. Then came the shootdown of 752 and the humiliating admission that Iran had done it  and the protests were back. Whats going on?

It seems to me they bear a kinship to other popular, largely leaderless and essentially non-ideological movements currently roiling other societies.

The mostly rural yellow vests in France, who for over a year have gathered in roundabouts to protest. Theyve stubbornly not gone away and provided the only effective opposition to the arrogant, elitist (and highly ideological, in the sense of neo-liberal) president Macron. Even Frances corrupt, sclerotic, incompetent unions are now trying to ally with the gilets jaunes.

Chiles remarkable The rapist is you! gatherings  equal parts exuberance and fury  which were admired and imitated around the world.

There are other examples but, as I said, theres always popular protest happening. The striking thing about these is how lacking in ideologies  left, right religious  they are. Is it possible that were witnessing the end of ideology?

No, of course not. Someone is always proclaiming the end of ideology. In the 1960s, sociologist Daniel Bell became famous for his book, The End of Ideology. Almost immediately Maoism and similar energies swept the world.

In the 1990s, post-Cold War, Francis Fukuyama wrote The End of History. But the left ideologies that he pronounced dead, were largely replaced by religious ones, and not just in the Muslim world.

Still, there may be some features making this a less ideological age.

One is the climate crisis. It transcends ideas. Even if you say capitalism is to blame, thats academic. There isnt time for deep, long-term transformations. Part of the seething, pervasive anger of the young is directed at their elders whod rather argue over disagreements than do anything about survival.

Another is the form of globalization that the young experience. A student I recently met said, about possible war with Iran, that he and his peers just dont get it.

The many places they come from, the way they mingle freely, the multifarious futures they anticipate, make a thing like going to war for your nation unintelligible. They identify with youth elsewhere in ways that werent true in earlier times. That isnt theory or ideology, its lived life.

(What about U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who attracts the young? Aside from insisting on calling himself a socialist, theres nothing ideological there. Hes a resister and enemy of self-serving power. Thats more a personality than an ideology.)

So an end to ideology? Not a chance. But theres reason to hope we may be moving beyond peak ideology and can soon start sliding down the other side.
The value of movable assets of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who filed his nomination papers for the February 8 Assembly polls on Thursday, has declined by Rs 17,736.

While his self-acquired immovable properties remained roughly the same as in 2015, worth of his wife's properties increased from Rs 8.70 lakh in 2015 to Rs 65 lakh in 2020.



In the affidavit filed with the Election Commission, Sisodia, contesting again from the Patparganj seat in east Delhi, said his moveable assets were worth Rs 4,74,888 as of January 16, 2020 against Rs 4,92,624 for January 18, 2015.





The Minister for Education and Finance also said in July 2018, his wife Seema Sisodia, a housewife, purchased a property in Mayur Vihar Phase-2 at Rs 65 lakh.



In his 2015 affidavit, Sisodia had said his wife had purchased a property in Pandav Nagar in March 2008, costing Rs 8.70 lakh. Interestingly, though the AAP leader was staying in the government accommodation at Mathura Road, he used this property as his postal address in both the affidavits.



The approximate value of her self-acquired immovable property was Rs 20 lakh in 2015. In the 2020 affidavit, he said the approximate market value of the self-acquired immovable property of his wife was Rs 65 lakh.



Sisodia had stated in his 2015 affidavit that he had bought a property in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, at Rs 5.07 lakh in April 2001. The approximate market value of the self-acquired immovable property in 2015 was Rs 12 lakh.



In his 2020 affidavit, he mentioned the same property. But the approximate market value of self-acquired immovable property in 2020 jumped to Rs 21 lakh.



While he owned a Maruti Swift (a 2013 model) in 2015, he or his family don't own any vehicle, as per his 2020 affidavit.



Also, the gold holding of Seema Sisodia remained unchanged at 50 grams.
After Denise Richards' alleged affair with Real Housewives co-star Brandi Glanville was exposed earlier this month, it seemed she was up for a night out with another of the show's stars on Wednesday.

Denise, 48, was seen with Real Housewives Of Miami star Joanna Krupa, 40, as they shared a laugh and headed to dinner at Catch restaurant together.

The pair got glammed up and hit the town, taking a night off from their families - Joanna having recently given birth to her first child on November 2.

Girls night: After Denise Richards' alleged affair with Real Housewives co-star Brandi Glanville was exposed earlier this month, it seemed she was up for a night out with another of the show's stars on Wednesday in the form of Joanna Krupa

Denise went for an all-black ensemble - a satin blouse with leather pants and a matching jacket.

She added strapped high-heels to this ensemble and toted a black leather purse.

She wore her honey locks in light waves around her features and a slick of bronze make-up, accentuated with purple eye shadow and a rosy lip gloss.

Joanna flaunted her post-baby body in a creamy turtle neck sweater dress adorned with a sequin design.

Pals: The pair shared a laugh and headed to dinner at Catch restaurant together

A laugh a minute: The pair got glammed up and hit the town, taking a night off from their families - Joanna having recently given birth to her first child on November 2

Slick: Denise went for an all-black ensemble - a satin blouse with leather pants and a matching jacket

Home time: She added strapped high-heels to this ensemble and toted a black leather purse

Stylish: She wore her honey locks in light waves around her features and a slick of bronze make-up, accentuated with purple eye shadow and a rosy lip gloss

She wore her blonde locks loosely and added edge to the look with black ankle boots.

The 40-year-old PolishAmerican model accentuated her milky complexion with a dash of bronze and pink lip gloss.

The ladies enjoyed a giggle as they headed to their meal, with Denise brushing off the revelations that she had an affair with Brandi, 47.

Svelte: Joanna flaunted her post-baby body in a creamy turtle neck sweater dress adorned with a sequin design

Larking around: The ladies enjoyed a giggle as they headed to their meal

The dramatic revelations happened on a cast trip to Rome in late November, multiple production sources exclusively told DailyMail.com.

The pair had been seeing each other from the beginning of 2019 up until the middle of the year, a source explained.

The former Bond girl had told Brandi that she and her husband Aaron Phypers were in an open marriage, the source said.

No drama tonight please ladies! Denise brushed off the revelations that she had an affair with Brandi

Gal pals: They were out with a couple of friends

The allegations are set to play out in the upcoming season, when her co-stars confront her while they are in Rome. Denise's rep has continued to maintain the allegations are not true.

The ex of Charlie Sheen married Phypers in September 2018. Denise shares custody of her daughters, Sam, 15, Lola, 14, with Charlie.

She adopted daughter Eloise Joni Richards as a single parent in 2011. Aaron legally became Eloise's father in May 2019.

Meanwhile, Joanna gave birth to a daughter, Asha-Leigh Nunes, two months ago.

Rumors: Rumors have been circulating that Denise had an affair with former RHOBH star, Brandi Glanville [pictured]

Mr & Mrs: The ex of Charlie Sheen married Aaron Phypers in September 2018 [pictured September 2019]

Heartwarming: Shortly after welcoming little Asha-Leigh, Joanna shared multiple sweet photos of the two bonding

She shares her new child with her husband Douglas Nunes, president of the 451 Media Group.

The couple got engaged on March 25, 2018, only seven months after Joanna finalized her divorce with her first husband, Romain Zago.

The Dancing With The Stars alumna tied the knot five months afterward in a ceremony held in a Benedictine Abbey in Krakow, Poland, on August 4 of last year.

Joanna was married to the nightclub owner Romain from 2013 to 2017.
Some wines confirm assumptions. Others shock the system.

Good syrah, especially when made using traditional methods like fermenting the grapes with their stems, can be one of those jarring wines. Depending on ones experience and expectations, it can delight or appall.

I adore syrah, and the more extreme, the better. Yet when I recently opened a bottle of Louis Sozet Cornas 2014, a traditionally made syrah wine from the Northern Rhone Valley of France, for dinner, a friend did a double take.

The Sozet Cornas, made in tiny quantities by an aging vigneron, epitomizes how unusual these wines can be. Its set of flavors  peppery, meaty, herbal and earthy  was one my friend had never encountered in a wine before. He was intrigued, but he was not sure whether he liked it. Or whether he didnt like it.

His reaction was a valuable experience. For him, it was an introduction to a radically different sort of wine, which, to his credit, he did not reject out of hand. For me, it was a reminder of how a wine that I have come to know well and love might be perceived from a fresh perspective.
Two Individuals Sentenced in Connection with Work on Behalf of Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 15, 2020



Ahmadreza Mohammadi-Doostdar, 39, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, and Majid Ghorbani, 60, an Iranian citizen and resident of California, have been sentenced to prison terms of 38 months and 30 months, respectively, for their criminal convictions relating to their conduct conducting surveillance of and collecting identifying information about American citizens and U.S. nationals who are members of the group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK).

On Jan. 15, 2020, the Honorable Paul L. Friedman sentenced Doostdar to a prison term of 38 months, 36 months of supervised release, and a fine of $14,153. Ghorbani was sentenced to a prison term of 30 months and 36 months of supervised release.

On Oct. 8, 2019, Doostdar entered guilty pleas to one count of acting as an agent of the government of Iran without notifying the Attorney General, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  951, and one count of conspiring to violate that statute, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  371. On Nov. 4, 2019, Ghorbani entered a guilty plea to one count of willfully violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C.  1705, and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations 31 C.F.R. Parts 560.204 and 560.206.

"This case illustrates Iran's targeting of Americans in the United States in order to silence those who oppose the Iranian regime or otherwise further its goals," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. "The defendants, working for Iran, gathered information on Americans that could then be used by the Iranian intelligence services to intimidate or harm them or their families. These prosecutions should serve as a reminder to anyone here working covertly for Iran that the American law enforcement will pursue you to protect this country, its citizens and the First Amendment principles upon which it was founded."

"The sentences in this case illustrate the high cost to those who act as agents of the Iranian government in the United States or provide services that benefit the government of Iran, especially when those activities target the free speech and peaceful assembly rights of people in the United States," said Jessie K. Liu, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. "We will continue to thwart efforts by foreign governments to endanger our national security and to stifle the freedoms that all Americans cherish."

"The FBI will not tolerate surveillance being conducted here in the United States at the behest of foreign nations like Iran," said Jay Tabb, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI's National Security Branch. "Such activity is intimidating, particularly to individuals who exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and criticize the Iranian government. The FBI will continue to pursue such activity on U.S. soil and disrupt efforts by any individuals who take such actions on behalf of Iran."

As part of his plea, Doostdar admitted under oath that he traveled to the United States from Iran on three occasions in order to meet with Ghorbani and to convey directions for Ghorbani's activities on behalf of the government of Iran. Prior to Doostdar's first trip to the United States, his handler with the government of Iran identified Ghorbani by name, showed Doostdar a photograph of Ghorbani, and told him where Ghorbani worked.

During Doostdar's first trip to the United States in July 2017, Doostdar met Ghorbani at Ghorbani's workplace. Doostdar admitted that, during a subsequent conversation, Ghorbani told Doostdar that he was willing to work for the government of Iran in the United States.

On Sept. 20, 2017, Ghorbani attended a rally in New York City organized by the Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK). The rally consisted of constitutionally-protected activity, including U.S. citizens denouncing the Iranian regime. At the rally, Ghorbani photographed rally attendees, including MEK leaders.

In December 2017, during Doostdar's second trip to the United States as part of the conspiracy, Doostdar met with Ghorbani and collected the rally photographs from Ghorbani. The photographs depicted MEK leaders and included hand-written notes identifying the individuals and listing their positions in the group. Under oath, Ghorbani admitted to attending the September 2017 MEK rally and to photographing and gathering information on rally attendees to provide to Doostdar and ultimately to individuals in Iran. Doostdar paid Ghorbani $2,000 for his work, which Doostdar admitted had been provided by Doostdar's government of Iran handler.

During this December 2017 trip, Ghorbani and Doostdar also discussed Ghorbani's planned travel to Iran in March 2018, and Ghorbani offered to provide an in-person briefing on rally attendees during this trip. Later in December 2017, Doostdar departed the United States for Iran with the photographs and handwritten notes provided by Ghorbani.

In May 2018, Ghorbani traveled to another MEK rally, this time in Washington, D.C., where he again collected information on participants critical of the Iranian regime. Following that rally, Doostdar admitted that he and Ghorbani spoke by telephone and discussed the methods that Ghorbani could use to provide the information collected at that rally to Doostdar in Iran.

Doostdar further admitted that, during his travel to the United States to task Ghorbani with collecting information on U.S. persons on behalf of the Iranian regime, he communicated with his government of Iran handler through another co-conspirator. Doostdar's handler relayed instructions and encouragement and answered Doostdar's questions that came up during his mission in the United States.

The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI's Washington Field Office and Los Angeles Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.

Topic(s):

Counterintelligence and Export Control

National Security

Component(s):

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - District of Columbia

Press Release Number: 20-40

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US House Delivers Articles of Impeachment to Senate

By VOA News January 15, 2020

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has signed the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump and delivered them to the Senate so a trial can begin next week.

Pelosi used a number of pens to put her name on the documents and handed them out to various Democratic committee chairmen whose efforts have led to the president's impeachment.

The impeachment managers  lawmakers who will act as prosecutors  joined the House clerk and sergeant at arms, who hand-carried the articles to the Senate chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the formal acceptance will not to take place until Thursday.

At that time, Chief Justice John Roberts, who will oversee the trial, will be sworn in and then he will swear in the impeachment managers.

Earlier Wednesday, the Democratic-led House voted its approval of the impeachment managers largely along party lines. They include Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler.

As Pelosi announced the impeachment managers at a morning news conference, Trump tweeted the impeachment was "another Con job by the Do Nothing Democrats."

The House impeached Trump last month on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Pelosi put off submitting the articles of impeachment as House Democrats tried to get Senate leaders to agree to allow testimony from new witnesses during the trial.

McConnell has resisted calling witnesses, saying that decision would come later in the trial.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham accused Pelosi of holding the articles of impeachment "in an egregious effort to garner political support."

"She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing," Grisham said in a statement. "President Trump has done nothing wrong. He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated."

Pelosi said if the Senate launches the trial without witnesses, the American people will see it "as a pure political cover-up."

"McConnell and the president are afraid of more facts coming to light," she said.

The trial will begin Tuesday and will likely last several weeks.

Trump is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, as Trump withheld $391 million in military aid that he later released. The president is also accused of subsequently obstructing a congressional probe into his actions.

Trump insists he did nothing wrong and has dismissed the impeachment effort as a "witch hunt."

"While we're creating jobs and killing terrorists, Democrats in Congress are wasting America's time with demented hoaxes and crazy witch hunts," he told supporters at a Tuesday night campaign rally.

No matter what rules are in place for the Senate trial, Trump seems to be safe from the prospect of being convicted and removed from office.

His Republican Party holds a 53-47 majority in the chamber, and conviction requires a two-thirds majority, meaning if all Democrats voted to convict, then 20 Republicans would have to also vote that way for Trump to be convicted and removed from office.

Democrats also released documents that include new details from Florida businessman Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, about Trump's pressure campaign on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials.

The evidence includes a handwritten note from Parnas on stationery from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Vienna that says "get Zalensky (sic) to Announce that the Biden case will be investigated."

Also disclosed was screenshot of a previously undisclosed letter Giuliani sent in May to the then-president-elect, introducing himself as Trump's "personal counsel" and requesting a meeting with Trump's "knowledge and consent."

Communications between Parnas, Giuliani and others about the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovich, who balked at Trump's demand for an investigation of the Bidens, were also released.

This is the third time in the country's 244-year history a U.S. president has been impeached and targeted for removal from office.

Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were both impeached by the House but acquitted in Senate trials. A fourth president, Richard Nixon, resigned in 1974 in the face of certain impeachment in a political corruption scandal.

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NEW HAVEN  Adriane Jefferson, who specializes in professional development programming for young creative professionals and social change is the citys new director of arts and cultural affairs.

Adriane is a thought leader, adviser, and educator about issues of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. She has dedicated her career to creating programs that result in a more equitable, vibrant and sustainable arts landscape, the city said in a statement on the appointment.

Mayor Justin Elickers transition team had recommended an inclusive leader that would address the disparity that the better resourced arts institutions are predominantly white-led and cater to largely white audiences.

In the first 100 days of the administration, the arts goal was to adopt an equity, diversity, and inclusion framework to guide decision-making by drawing on the Connecticut Office of the Arts READI (Relevance, Equity, Access, Diversity, Inclusion) principles in creating the framework.

Jefferson is the creator and innovator of state programs such as The READI Music Conference and The READI Talk professional development series, which has provided access and opportunity to hundreds of young creative professionals across the state who are seeking a career in the arts.

She also has served as the states coordinator for the National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Out Loud program, Make Music Day CT and The Regional Initiative Grant program. She manages a combined program budget of slightly more than $450,000 to foster, support and provide opportunities to the creative community through funding and professional development initiatives.

New Haven is known throughout the state for its theater, music and general cultural amenities.

I believe that to have a thriving landscape of arts and culture, it must be approached through a lens of cultural equity, Jefferson said in the statement. The arts, when utilized to its fullest potential, is a tool that has the power to break down socioeconomic barriers, fight systemic oppression, and provide opportunities in education and employment. It provides platforms to curate meaningful conversations and action-oriented planning around issues of social justice, civic engagement, and cross-sector relationships.

As the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven, I will do as I have always done and lead with a people-first approach. I believe when you are a public servant, your role is to listen, to be accessible, mindful, and responsive to the needs of your constituency, she said. I also believe as a public servant, your role is to inform, to provide resources so that no one gets left behind, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for growth. I am honored to join Mayor Elickers administration and look forward to working with all of the constituents throughout this great city.

More News Green art installation makes New Haven immigrants visible

Elicker said Jefferson brings a strong work ethic, backed with real experience to elevate the arts here in the Elm City. Ms. Jefferson will join our talented, experienced, and diverse team tasked with serving all needs of Elm City residents. I look forward to leading our city with a high moral standard for open and transparent government.

The position has been empty since the death of Andy Wolf, who held the job for six years in former Mayor Toni Harps administration.
New Delhi:

The turf war between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Pinarayi Vijayan came out in open on Thursday. Khan publicly expressed his displeasure over the state governments plea against the Citizenship Amendment Act. I have no issue with them going to Supreme Court but they should have informed me first. I being constitutional head come to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp, Khan was quoted as saying. Fuming over the state governments decision, Khan added, This is breach of protocol and breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the Supreme Court without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me.

CPMs response

The ruling CPM said that Khan was "violating the democratic traditions, constitutional provisions" by making such remarks. CPM leader S Ramachandran Pillai said, The relationship between centre and a state is not that if a master and servant... it is based on the constitution. Each constituent has been given specific powers. He (Governor) should act only on the basis of the constitution and the precedence.

Keralas CAA plea

On January 14, Kerala became first Indian state to challenge the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act in the Supreme Court. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government filed a petition in the top court stating that the citizenship law is unconstitutional. In its plea, Kerala government said that the Citizenship Act is in violation of Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India as well as against the basic principle of secularism. The petition was filed under Article 131. On January 1st, Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution demanding that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to be scrapped. The resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly was first such step taken by any state government. At that time, the Kerala Chief Minister had said that the Citizenship new law was part of a larger agenda against the Muslim community.

Vijayans way

On January 3, Vijayan had also written to his counterparts in 11 states on the need to save secularism and democracy. In a letter to the chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, Vijayan said, "Apprehensions have arisen among large sections of our society consequent to the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The need of the hour is unity among all Indians who wish to protect and preserve our cherished values of democracy and secularism, he said in the letter.

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WASHINGTON  As he seeks to shore up support among evangelical Christians who were key to his election in 2016, President Donald Trump on Thursday announced new federal guidance he has said will "safeguard" students' ability to pray in school.

The guidance, which clarifies that students and parents may report complaints about religious discrimination to state education departments, were announced alongside a series of other proposals Trump administration officials said are intended to protect religious freedom.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump blamed the "far-left" for a "totalitarian impulse" to restrict religion. He heard from several people who said they had been prohibited from praying in school, though the president offered no evidence that the highlighted incidents were politically motivated.

"We will not let anyone push God from the public square," Trump said.

Trump previewed the idea during an address to evangelicals in Florida this month, praising state efforts to expand school prayer and warning against what he described as "hard left" opposition.

It was, in fact, the Supreme Court that cracked down on prayer in schools in the 1960s. Students are permitted to pray alone or in groups in school as long as other students aren't compelled to take part. Administration officials said they want to ensure the constitutional separation of church and state does not infringe on students' constitutional right to practice their religion.

Trump's remarks came weeks after a faith-focused magazine, Christianity Today, founded by evangelical preacher Billy Graham, posted an editorial calling for him to be removed from office. The president blasted the magazine as "far left" but the editorial nevertheless re-opened a debate about Trump's presidency among evangelicals.

More: Trump calls Christianity Today 'far left' after editorial called for his removal

Story continues

In the 2016 presidential election, Trump won 80% of the votes from whites who declared themselves born-again or evangelical Christians, according to exit polling. Trump told an Evangelicals for Trump event in Miami this month that he expects his re-election to generate even more enthusiasm among the Christian faithful than in 2016.

Administration officials said the guidance, which had not been updated since 2003, would clarify that state departments of education must provide a process for people to register complaints about a local school denying a student's ability to pray. The guidance will also remind state officials that they must report lawsuits over the issue of religious freedom to the federal government.

Trump is also proposing rules to roll back an Obama-era requirement that religious social service organizations  such as drug treatment centers  must be willing to make referrals to non-religious providers. Trump signed an order to unwind that requirement in 2018, and the Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday it is moving to implement that order.

Trump officials said the requirement singles out religious organizations for extra regulatory burden. Federal law requires some religious providers to offer a referral in certain circumstances to protect a person's ability to opt out. The Obama administration expanded the requirement to additional providers not covered by law, and Trump is now proposing to undo that expansion.

More: Tennessee school system promotes Christianity, lawsuit claims

Though it was not clear what specifically has sparked Trump's interest in the issue, the president mentioned during his remarks an effort in Tennessee to expand school prayer. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in November against a school district there that it said sponsored prayer assemblies and Bible distribution.

Contributing: Palm Beach Post, David Jackson

President Donald Trump

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump discusses school prayer as he seeks to shore up evangelical vote
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While support for Spelman remained consistent throughout the year, conversations about the future of federal funding for historically Black colleges and universities came to a head during the fall of 2019 after a bill to permanently fund HBCUs stalled in the Senate before eventually being signed into law.

Known as the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act, the law, which received bipartisan support, will provide HBCUs with a minimum of $255 million in permanent annual federal funding.

As Spelman gears up for 2020, the support of donors and permanent federal funding through the $255 million allotted to HBCUs through the FUTURE Act, will allow the College to continue to thrive. In addition to earning its No.1 HBCU status for the 13th year in a row from U.S. News & World Report, the College secured the No. 6 spot on U.S. News' inaugural list of Top Performers on Social Mobility. A hot topic in 2019, the designation is an indication of how a Spelman degree plays a dominant role in moving alumnae from one economic strata to another.

"Social mobility is a critical measure of college outcomes," said Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D. "The recognition that our undergraduate teaching, academic innovation, and overall value contribute to the increased social mobility of our graduates is important as we strengthen programs and develop new initiatives and partnerships to continue providing students with the competitive advantage they need to be successful in this 21st century environment."

Elevating the Spelman Difference

In 2019, Spelman's name could be found at the top of numerous national rankings and members of the College's administrative team were acknowledged for their leadership. The College also received funding to assist in its support of professional development for faculty.

Dr. Campbell led the College to new heights in 2019 while achieving some milestones of her own. Before the turn of the decade, she spoke to Curbed Atlanta about the future of the West End and how Spelman and its partners in the Atlanta University Center have supported educational improvements in the district.

In addition to winning book awards, and lending her arts expertise to numerous public discussions, she formally joined the J. Paul Getty Trust Board of Trustees.

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell Wins Hooks Institute Book Award

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis selected "An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden" as the winner of its 2018 Hooks National Book Award. Written by Dr. Campbell, "An American Odyssey" is a telling biography of the full and vibrant life of artist Romare Bearden. The Hooks Institute's National Book Award is presented to a published nonfiction book that best furthers understanding of the American Civil Rights Movement and its legacy. "It is an honor to receive an award named for the transformative civil rights leader, Benjamin Hooks," said Dr. Campbell, who presented a lecture at the University of Memphis this fall. "I am honored, as well, to join the distinguished lineage of past awardees and to have been among the outstanding finalists for this recognition."

Spelman College President and Arts Historian Named to the J. Paul Getty Board of Trustees

In July of 2019, Dr. Campbell was named to the board of trustees of the J. Paul Getty Trust, an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visual arts.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Campbell to the Getty Board," said David Lee, Ph.D., incoming board chair. "Her wealth of experience and leadership in the arts and philanthropy make her an invaluable addition." Getty's 12-member board, which consists of leaders from a range of industries, works to set policies related to spending, management, governance and grant making. Trustees are elected to four-year terms, and may serve no more than three terms.

Spelman College, Morehouse College & Prairie View A&M University Receive $3M in Grants from Carnegie, Mellon and Rockefeller Foundations to Support Faculty Development

Spelman was among three HBCUs selected to receive a total of $3 million in grant funding to support faculty development. The Carnegie Corporation of New York and The Rockefeller Foundation awarded $1 million to Spelman. Morehouse College and Prairie View A&M University each received $1 million from Carnegie Corporation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, respectively. The grant will support Spelman faculty plans to grow the curriculum in areas of emerging importance while nurturing the trajectory of leaders on campus and in their respective fields, as well as share best practices with the broader HBCU community.

Spelman Remains No.1 HBCU, Ranked in Top 10 for Social Mobility and Innovation by U.S. News & World Report

Spelman earned several top spots on the 2020 U.S. News list of college rankings. For the 13th year in a row, the College was ranked No. 1 HBCU and debuted on two lists, including No. 22 on the list of Best Undergrad Teaching Programs and No. 32 on the Study Abroad list. In addition, the College ranked No. 6 on the inaugural list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which is an indication of how a Spelman degree plays a dominant role in moving alumnae from one economic strata to another. Spelman also made a significant jump to No. 6 on the list of Most Innovative Colleges, up from No. 35 in 2019. The College was No. 57 on the list of National Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 98 on the list of Best Value Colleges, up from No. 104 in 2019.

Provost Sharon Davies Named as One of 35 Top Women in Higher Education

Celebrating women in the academy, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education included Sharon Davies, J.D., Spelman provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, in its 2019 Top 35 Women in Higher Education . In its second year, the list honors the contributions of women to higher education who stand out for their ability to forge solutions to the unprecedented challenges facing the nation's higher education community. Provost Davies, along with representatives from several other UNCF-member institutions, was formally recognized in the magazine's March 2019 issue.

Promoting Academic Innovation

The Atlanta University Center Consortium, the world's oldest and largest association of HBCUs in the country, celebrated more than an anniversary last year. In addition to marking 90 years of excellence in higher education, the AUCC and its member schools implemented key initiatives in STEM and the arts that will benefit students on all three campuses.

UnitedHealth Group Invests $8.25 Million in AUCC Data Science Initiative

Spelman is part of a new initiative designed to prepare students within the AUCC to meet the growing demand for data scientists and data analytics experts. Initial funding by the UnitedHealth Group, a five-year $8.25 million investment in the AUCC and its members - Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Morehouse School of Medicine - will support the launch of the AUC Data Science Initiative. The new initiative will offer technical classes for students who want to specialize in data science or learn data analysis to give them a competitive edge in the job market.

The Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective Launches

Inaugural director Cheryl Finley, Ph.D., took the helm of the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective last year. The program, which is designed for future art historians, curators, museum professionals and those pursuing a career in the visual arts, enrolled its first cohort of students from Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Spelman, desiring degrees in art history and curatorial studies. In addition, the Collective debuted its Early College Program for high school students.

Philanthropist Jon Stryker Awards Spelman With $2 Million Match for Endowed Queer Studies Chair Named After Poet and Activist Audre Lorde

The College will establish a new chair in Queer Studies, backed by a matching gift from philanthropist Jon Stryker of up to $2 million. This first-ever chair of its kind housed at an HBCU will be named after celebrated poet and civil rights activist Audre Lorde and attached to the Comparative Women's Studies Program housed at Spelman's Women's Research and Resource Center. Last year, Spelman began a fundraising campaign to raise $2 million. The chair is expected to be hired in 2021.

Leonard & Louise Riggio Donate $2 Million Gift for New Center for Innovation & the Arts

The College is closer to breaking ground on a new academic facility designed to bring the arts, technology and innovation into close collaboration with one another thanks to Leonard Riggio, founder and former chairman of Barnes & Noble, and his wife Louise who made a $2 million gift toward the construction of the Center for Innovation & the Arts. The Center will be home to a community of innovators, collaborators, artists, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, curators, art historians and scientists.

Delivering the Spelman Promise

In 2019, the College worked to develop programs that will ensure that each and every student who enrolls graduates. From supporting budding healthcare professionals to developing a program to make sure more Black women pursue Ph.D.s in economics, Spelman is working to ensure that students graduate, not just with a degree but, with a competitive edge, prepared to step into leadership roles.

The Department of Defense Funds Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM

The College received a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense to support its continued growth in STEM education. The Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM, which is affiliated with the Office of Research, Innovation and Collaboration, is the first center of its kind and serves as the hub for all STEM undergraduate research and training activities at the College. "The Center aligns with the College's strategic priorities and ensures that our students are empowered and equipped to enter competitive STEM fields," said Dr. Campbell.

Spelman Prepares Students to Succeed in the Healthcare Field

The Health Career Opportunities Pipeline Preparation Program celebrated its 10th anniversary in April 2019. Founded by Rosalind Gregory-Bass, M.D, C'92, director of Spelman's Health Careers Program , chair and associate professor of environmental and health sciences, this unique program supports aspiring health professionals. The concept for HCOPPP grew out of a summer science program funded by the federal government's Health Resources and Services Administration and Health Careers Opportunity Program.

Spelman's Career Pathways Initiative Designed to Give Students a Competitive Edge

The Career Pathways Initiative, Spelman's UNCF grant-funded project, celebrated the third year of its five-year term in 2019. Directed by Tinaz Pavri, Ph.D., division chair of social sciences, and co-directed by Harold Bell, director of Career Planning and Development , CPI ensures that faculty, staff and administrators work together as a team to achieve goals.

Grant From the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Will Support Black Women Economists

Nationwide, there are very few African Americans in economics professions, and fewer than 10 percent of minorities are awarded advanced degrees in the discipline. Through the support of a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, a not-for-profit grant-making institution dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge, members of the Department of Economics at Spelman are working to develop curriculum and programming to address the scarcity of Black women Ph.D.s in economics. The College will utilize the Sloan Foundation award to develop learning modules focused on economics for its annual summer bridge program and launch an initiative that provides financial support to students with an interest in economics graduate programs.

Notable Leaders Share Wisdom With the Spelman Community

Whether they were on campus to receive awards or making a surprise appearance while on a book tour, several notable leaders showed their support for the Spelman community in 2019.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Spelman Class to Discuss "Becoming"

On May 11, Former First Lady Michelle Obama surprised students enrolled in "Black Women: Developing Public Leadership Skills" a course taught by Marilyn A. Davis, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. For nearly two hours, Mrs. Obama discussed her autobiography, "Becoming," which Dr. Davis assigned as a required text in class. "Do not hide your story," Mrs. Obama told the class of 18 students. "Do not hide the truth of who you are." The message that most resonated with Dieudonnne Mundy, C'2020, a political science major, was Mrs. Obama's insistence that students make themselves visible in every space they occupy. "That message came at a perfect time for me. It was really reaffirming," she said.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Delivers Commencement Address to the Spelman College Class of 2019

The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms, current mayor of Atlanta, served as the keynote speaker for the Spelman College 132nd Commencement ceremony. The 60th mayor of Atlanta addressed 474 graduates in the Class of 2019 and 9,000 of their family and friends on Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. Mayor Bottoms also received the National Community Service Award in recognition of her service as a lifelong public servant and commitment to addressing local, state and national issues.

SOURCE Spelman College

Related Links

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Cannabis Industry

Description

Global Cannabis Market is accounted for $10.39 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $154.82 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 35.0% during the forecast period. Some of the key factors propelling the market growth are medicinal properties of cannabis, increasing legalization of cannabis and increasing advances in genetic development and intellectual property of cannabis. However, illegal product in various countries, higher stress on water and sustainable agriculture, strict regulations against usage of cannabis and strong competition with conventional treatment and traditional drugs is hampering the market growth.

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis; C. ruderalis may be included within C. sativa; or all three may be treated as subspecies of a single species, C. sativa. The genus is widely accepted as being indigenous to and originating from Central Asia, with some researchers also including upper South Asia in its origin.

The plant is also known as hemp, although this term is often used to refer only to varieties of Cannabis cultivated for non-drug use. Cannabis has long been used for hemp fibre, for hemp oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent. Some strains have been selectively bred to produce a maximum of THC (a cannabinoid), the strength of which is enhanced by curing the flowers. Various compounds, including hashish and hash oil, are extracted from the plant.

Depending on the Crop Variety, Cannabis Indica segment is estimated to be the significant growing segment Cannabis indica, formally known as Cannabis sativa forma indica, is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family. It is a putative species of the genus Cannabis. Whether it and Cannabis sativa are truly separate species is a matter of debate. Many uses come from Cannabis indica, such as extraction, cultivation, cloth from the fibers, medical uses, and a plant. Cannabis indica produces large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The large amounts of THC makes it most commonly used as a drug, whether it be for recreational or medical purposes.

By geography, Peru provides potential growth opportunities to the forecast market. Peru was the most recent addition to the list of countries which have legalized the usage of Cannabis for medical purposes. Vermont was the latest addition to the list of US states where cannabis is legal for medicinal usage. Canada is expected to follow the steps of Uruguay and attain complete legalization of cannabis, so that it can be used for both medical, as well as recreational purpose. Countries, like Spain, Netherlands, and Italy are also expected to legalize the usage of cannabis for medical purposes, in the near future.

Some of the key players in cannabis market include Scotts Miracle-Gro Co, Canopy Growth Corp, GW Pharmaceuticals PLC, Aurora Cannabis Inc, Aphria Inc, MedReLeaf Corp,Sprott Inc, Insys Therapeutics Inc, CanniMed Therapeutics Inc and Cara Therapeutics Inc.

Request for Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3764388-cannabis-global-market-outlook-2017-2026

Crop Varieties Covered:

 Cannabis Indica

 Cannabis Sativa

 Other Crop Varieties

Usages Covered:

 Medical

 Recreational

Regions Covered:

 North America

 Europe

 Asia Pacific

 South America

 Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

 Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

 Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

 Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

 Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

 Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis etc.

 Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

 Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

 Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

 Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Leave a Query @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3764388-cannabis-global-market-outlook-2017-2026

Table of Content

1 Executive Summary

2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.4.1 Data Mining

2.4.2 Data Analysis

2.4.3 Data Validation

2.4.4 Research Approach

2.5 Research Sources

2.5.1 Primary Research Sources

2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources

2.5.3 Assumptions



9 Company Profiling

9.1 Scotts Miracle-Gro Co

9.2 Canopy Growth Corp

9.3 GW Pharmaceuticals PLC

9.4 Aurora Cannabis Inc

9.5 Aphria Inc

9.6 MedReLeaf Corp

9.7 Sprott Inc

9.8 Insys Therapeutics Inc

9.9 CanniMed Therapeutics Inc

9.10 Cara Therapeutics Inc

List of Tables

Table 1 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Region (2016-2026) (US $MN)

Table 2 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Crop Variety (2016-2026) (US $MN)

Table 3 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Cannabis Indica (2016-2026) (US $MN)

Table 4 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Cannabis Sativa (2016-2026) (US $MN)

Table 5 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Other Crop Varieties (2016-2026) (US $MN)

Table 6 Global Cannabis Market Outlook, By Usage (2016-2026) (US $MN)

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Continued

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An event organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, which is seen to be sympathetic to Hindutva organisation RSS, in support of the CAA was disrupted by protestors here on Thursday.

Protestors raised slogans against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) while several 'Ulemas' (Muslim clergies) along with RSS functionary Indresh Kumar were present on the dais.

The Manch's national co-convenor Khurshid Rajaka said the programme continued after a brief interruption, and Muslim religious leaders sent out an appeal to the community's members not to fall to rumours about the law which, they asserted, had nothing to do with Indian citizens.

Rajaka said Indresh Kumar likened the protestors to "satan" and asked the audience to pray for them.

The Delhi Police said nine protestors were detained and released after a few hours.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BSP supremo Mayawati's decision to appoint Ritesh Pandey as her party's leader in the Lok Sabha by replacing Danish Ali appears to be aimed at winning back the support of the 'Brahmin' community in Uttar Pradesh.

Interestingly, Mayawati has changed her party's leader in the Lower House on four occasions since last year's Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP, which had won ten seats in the 2019 LS polls, had appointed Danish Ali as its leader in the house. Ali was, however, removed a few months later after he deviated from the party line and opposed to the abrogation of Article 370 and Shyam Singh Yadav was appointed as the new party leader.

Mayawati's decision to appoint Yadav was seen as an attempt to woo the 'Yadav' community following the break-up of her alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP). He was replaced with Ali again after the BSP failed to gain the support of the 'Yadav' community in last year's UP assembly bypolls.

According to the political observers here, the decision to replace Ali with Ritesh Pandey may have been prompted by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's efforts to woo the influential 'Brahmin' community in the state.

Priyanka has been striving to reach out to the 'brahmins' in the state through its leaders, who belong to the same caste. The Congress leader has taken up the incidents of killing of the community members in the past few months in the state.

''Mayawati was able to come to power in UP in 2007 by weaving a social engineering formula, that was aimed at bringing together brahmins and Dalits,'' said a political observer here.

He said that Mayawati lost the 2012 polls and was further dented after the 'brahmins' deserted her and shifted to the BJP.

It remains to be seen if Mayawati's efforts to woo the community succeed.
Japan has confirmed its first case of infection from the new China coronavirus, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned hospitals around the world to prepare for the illness.

The health ministry in Japan today said that a man in his 30s close to Tokyo has tested positive for the disease.

It is believed the man, who originates from the Kanagawa prefecture had recently been to the Chinese city of Wuhan.

In Wuhan there has been an outbreak of pneumonia believed to be caused by the new coronavirus strain.

The health ministry in Japan today said that a man in his 30s close to Tokyo (stock image above) has tested positive for the disease

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the new virus could spread and has warned hospitals worldwide.

Scientists are baffled by the virus which has never been seen before. Tests have so far shown it is a type of coronavirus.

Forty-one cases have been contained in the Chinese city of Wuhan since December. One patient has died of the pneumonia caused by the virus.

However, the first identified case outside of the country in Thailand last week raised concerns the virus could cross borders.

A 61-year-old Chinese woman on holiday to Thailand has been struck with the mystery virus that has killed one person and infected dozens in China. She was the first to be diagnosed outside of China and has now returned in a stable condition

The woman, a Chinese national who was on holiday in Thailand, triggered a step-up in surveillance at airports.

Although the virus was initially thought to be transmitted by animals, the WHO said there is now evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Earlier this week, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of WHO's emerging diseases unit, said it had given guidance to hospitals worldwide about infection control in case of spread.

This includes the potential of 'super spreading' in health care settings, which is when a few ill patients can transmit the virus to dozens at a time.

THE NEW CORONIVURS IN CHINA TIMELINE December 31 2019: The WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Around 44 suspected cases were reported in the month of December. January 1 2020: A seafood market was closed for environmental sanitation and disinfection after being closely linked with the patients. January 5 2020: Doctors ruled out severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as being the cause of the virus, as well as bird flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and adenovirus. Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported January 9 2020: A preliminary investigation identified the respiratory disease as a new type of coronavirus, Chinese state media reported. Officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported the outbreak's first death on January 9, a 61-year-old man. January 13 2020: A Chinese woman in Thailand was the first confirmed case of the mystery virus outside of China. The 61-year-old was quarantined on January 8, but has since returned home in a stable condition after having treatment, the Thai Health Ministry said. January 14 2020: The WHO say there is some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus. Two days previously, the UN agency said there was 'no clear evidence of human to human transmission'. January 16 2020: A man in Tokyo is confirmed to have tested positive for the disease after travelling to the Chinese city of Wuhan. Advertisement

Discussing the potential spread of the virus, Dr Kerkhove said: 'This is something on our radar, it is possible, we need to prepare ourselves.'

Some hospitals in China, a tourist hotspot for some 595,000 British tourists each year, have already been directed to report cases of fever in anyone who has travelled to Wuhan in the past 14 days. The city is home to 11million people.

Investigations have identified the respiratory disease as a new type of coronavirus, which cause cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and a fever.

There has been some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus, the WHO said. It has backtracked on its statement on January 12, when it said there was 'no evidence' of such.

The virus was largely speculated to have come from an animal, considering the majority of sickened people worked or visited a seafood market in Wuhan.

But since cases have cropped up without any exposure to the food market, there is reason to believe it can be transferred between humans.

The WHO added that cases have mainly been seen in small clusters among family members, but there is potential for wider spread.

A Chinese woman was quarantined in Thailand with the coronavirus, authorities said on Monday, the first time it has been detected outside China. She was able to return home on Wednesday in a stable condition.

The news came ahead of a flux of Chinese tourists to Thailand for Lunar New Year on January 25.

Other possible cases emerged up in 15 travellers who returned to Hong Kong and following visits to the city in Hubei province. One suspected case was also reported in Singapore.

It was feared the life-threatening SARS, a highly contagious virus, was behind the flurry of cases in Wuhan.

SARS killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s. But no cases have been recorded in the world since 2004.

But SARS, bird flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and adenovirus have now been ruled out following investigations, authorities have said.
Moscow: Russia's ruling party, United Russia, on Thursday unanimously approved Mikhail Mishustin's candidacy as prime minister ahead of a formal parliamentary vote, Anastasia Kashevarova, an aide to parliament's speaker said on social media.

Russia's State Duma, the lower house of parliament, is expected to vote on Mishustin's candidacy later on Thursday. United Russia has a majority in the Duma.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes the day before that would give him scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency, and picked Mishustin as prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev and his cabinet stepped down.
WASHINGTON - The Republican-led U.S. Senate finally passed North America's long-delayed new free trade pact Thursday, its final piece of legislative business before it transforms into a high political court of sorts for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

National flags representing Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. are lit by stage lights at the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, renegotiations, in Mexico City, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Senators on Capitol Hill have finally approved the latest version of North America's free trade pact. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Marco Ugarte

WASHINGTON - The Republican-led U.S. Senate finally passed North America's long-delayed new free trade pact Thursday, its final piece of legislative business before it transforms into a high political court of sorts for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

After passing the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives last month, the so-called implementation bill  the nuts and bolts of precisely how the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be executed, followed and enforced  cruised through the Senate by a margin of 89-10.

Short of the president's signature, which is expected as early as next week, the focus now shifts back to Canada.

The federal Liberal government has been waiting for legislative progress on the American front before introducing its own implementation bill. Mexico ratified the deal back in June.

Officials in the Prime Minister's Office say they expect the agreement to be high on the government's agenda when Parliament resumes Jan. 27, and that the Canadian legislation is ready to be introduced in the House of Commons.

Despite the impending impeachment trial casting long shadows on Capitol Hill, Thursday's vote marked a long-sought win for Trump's trade agenda, his second in as many days. On Wednesday, he signed the first phase of what he's billed as a two-part comprehensive trade agreement with China, with Phase 2 not expected until after the November election.

Trump's long-standing promise to improve on the existing North American Free Trade Agreement was a major cornerstone of his 2016 election win, particularly in parts of the country where farmers and blue-collar workers have blamed their economic struggles on the relentless march of global trade and the exodus of manufacturing jobs to China and Mexico.

"Quite a week of substantive accomplishments for the nation, for the president and for our international trade," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said prior to the vote.

Robert Lighthizer, Trump's top trade diplomat and chief negotiator on the deal, declared that "a new chapter in U.S. trade policy has begun" and that the agreement "the new gold standard against which all future trade agreements will be judged."

The agreement will bring more manufacturing jobs to the United States, enforce labour and environmental standards, and give innovative American industries an advantage, he said in a statement. And it contains a "sunset" provision that will give the U.S. leverage to bend the agreement further in the future, he said.

Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau welcomed the U.S. ratification, saying the new trade deal is good for business.

"It will enable us to help investors to make decisions without concerns around agreements that need to be made," Morneau said Thursday in Calgary.

Not everyone supports the USMCA, however: Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders voted against it, both of them citing the fact the deal does nothing to address climate change.

That's despite a concerted effort by congressional Democrats led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to negotiate an implementation bill that would be more palatable to more progressive lawmakers, including significant changes to how the agreement's stringent new labour standards are enforced.

Pelosi has described the latest version as "light years" better than the original version of the trilateral agreement.

Asked about the dissenting votes, Morneau said there will be always be differing points of view, before suggesting that is something the Liberals will have to contend with in Ottawa too.

"We're encouraged that the U.S. has ratified this, now obviously we need to move forward with our own approach to quickly getting this ratified, recognizing that we need to engage with Parliament to do that," he said.

The new trade era could come into force in either early May or June, depending on precisely when Canada approves it, said Dan Ujczo, an international trade lawyer and U.S.-Canada expert with Dickinson Wright in Columbus, Ohio.

"Our guidance to companies remains the same: USMCA is real; it is not a rebrand but a renovation of North American trade; and the time is now to focus on impacts," Ujczo said.

"If there is any confusion that this is the same old NAFTA, keep in mind Democrats are overwhelmingly supporting this deal while impeaching the president. Clearly, there are differences in USMCA that have got these Democrats on board and those largely are not trade-friendly changes."

The International Trade Commission projected in April that after six years, the agreement would boost the U.S. economy by $68 billion and some 176,000 jobs, particularly in the auto industry, where the USMCA rewrites the rules governing the amount of foreign-sourced metals and components can be used in cars built in America.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.

 Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle
Sick of actually having to answer questions. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Arizona senator Martha McSally responded in caustic and personal terms Thursday morning to a CNN reporter asking a straightforward question about impeachment.

Sen. Martha McSally, a Republican facing a difficult election race, lashed out when I asked if she would consider new evidence as part of the Senate trial. Youre a liberal hack - Im not talking to you. Youre a liberal hack. She then walked into a hearing room.  Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 16, 2020

Shortly after the reporter, CNNs Manu Raju (who is not known for hackery), tweeted about the interaction, McSally went one step further, sharing video of it  and making clear that she didnt have any regrets about her approach.

McSally, who was appointed by Arizonas governor to fill the open seat after Senator John McCains death, lost a 2018 Senate race to Kyrsten Sinema. McSally does not have a reputation as a fire-breather, which makes her attack all the more jarring. But painting the Republican-hated CNN as villainous will likely resonate with the Republican base amid a primary challenge from her right. The winner of that race will face another tough contest this fall against Democrat Mark Kelly,
HOLYOKE  A woman was arrested on multiple gun charges after a shooting that occurred less than a block from the spot where a man was killed late last week.

Leshmarie Marin-Viera, 20, of Holyoke, was arrested at about 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, and charged with possession of a firearm without a license to carry, possession or carrying a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, Police Lt. James Albert said.

Police also arrested Israel Jimenez, 20, of Holyoke, for disorderly conduct, he said.

Police initially responded to a report of shots fired at about 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Sargeant and Walnut streets and found several 9 mm shell casings on the ground near 310 Walnut St. No one was injured in the shooting, Albert said.

Due to the recent gun violence in Holyoke there was a heavy presence of additional law enforcement units on the street and an hour later Holyoke Police narcotics detectives and members of the FBIs Western Mass Gang Task Force located a male and female walking in the rear parking area of 475 Maple St., he said.

Between Thursday and Saturday night two men were killed and two others were wounded in what are believed to be unrelated shootings. Police have arrested two men in the death of Jesus Otero Marrero, 21, of Holyoke and are continuing to search for suspects in the death of Racquese Wright, 21, of Springfield.

Police ordered the man and woman to stop, but Jimenez refused to follow orders and placed his hands in his pockets, even though officers were holding them at gunpoint. Officers Will Delgado, Jared Hamel and another member of the task force exhibited tremendous restraint considering the couple were suspected of having a gun and were soon able to secure the two, Albert said.

Officer Matt Goulding then searched the two and located a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in Marin-Vieras purse and arrested her, he said.

The investigation is continuing and a vehicle which witnesses described as leaving the scene of the shooting was found nearby and was towed by police, he said.
New Jersey officials investigating last months anti-Semitic attack in Jersey City are trying to find out where the shooters got the money to carry it out.

Jared Maples, director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said Wednesday the source of funding for the attack that killed three people at a kosher grocery store was one of the questions investigators hoped to answer.

We expect to learn more about possible funding sources once the investigation has concluded, Maples said in prepared testimony before the House Financial Services national security subcommittee.

The homeland security office is focusing on preventing domestic terrorism as well as responding to them, but its not so easy to detect lone-wolf attacks before them occur.

Most domestic extremist attacks are committed by individuals unaffiliated or unassociated with a larger group network, Maples said. They do not need large amounts of funding to conduct their operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent attacks. The most common tactics in domestic extremist attacks include easily obtainable weapons, such as knives, small arms, and vehicles.I

In the case of Jersey City shooters David Anderson and Francine Graham, authorities have said they believe they acted alone, not as part of an organized group.

Even so, Anderson may have had ties to the Black Hebrew Israelites, which teaches that blacks are the true descendants of the Israelites of the Bible and white Jews are the enemies.

Maples said the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ and New Black Panther Party, both which he described as two black separatist extremist groups,'' are active in the state. Both groups promote violence and hate-based rhetoric against law enforcement, government officials, the Jewish community, and white people, he said.

He said domestic terrorists are taking clues from foreign attackers and turning trucks and knives into weapons of murder.

Theyre that seeing those are effective, Maples said in response to a question from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist.

Gottheimer is the sponsor of legislation named for Darren Drake of New Milford, one of eight people were killed in a 2017 attack. Officials said Sayfullo Saipov, an Uzbek national who gave a Paterson address to authorities, used a rented truck to mow down people on a Manhattan bike path.

The bill would require the Homeland Security Department and the Transportation Security Administration to provide information to rental companies and car dealers to help them identify someone who might be planning to commit a terrorist attack, and to require companies to report suspicious behavior.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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Ghaziabad, Jan 16 : The Greater Noida police have recovered the car of Gaurav Chadel, 8 days after he was found murdered on January 7. The police said Chandel's car was found abandoned on Tuesday.

The Greater Noida police recovered the car from Akash Nagar colony on Tuesday night. The car was 'locked' at the time of recovery.

On January 6, Chandel, who was working as a regional manager in a multi-national company in Gurugram, went missing along with his car when he was returning home on January 7.

A Ghaziabad police official told IANS: "Some fingerprints have been found on the car. These fingerprints were present on the steering, doors and seats. Some of these belong to Chandel while the others belong to an unknown person".

However, the number of criminals involved in Chandel's murder can not be ascertained by the STF which claims that it will crack the case soon.

On January 6, Chandel was talking to his wife over phone and informed her that he has reached near home and will soon be there. After waiting for several hours, the family approached the police but the policemen ignored them saying "will search him in the morning".

Meanwhile, at around 4 a.m., the relatives found Chadel's body with bullet injuries on his head from backside.

The murderer left Chadel's body on the spot and fled with his SUV.

The murder sparked protests in Greater Noida after which three-four policemen were suspended.

Later the probe was handed over to the Special Task Force (STF) which is investigating the case.

(Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan can be contacted at sanjeev.c@ians.in)
ZHARKENT, Kazakhstan -- A court in Kazakhstan has ruled that an ethnic-Kazakh man from China's northwestern region of Xinjiang who is on trial for illegally crossing the border will not be deported to China.



The court in the southeastern town of Zharkent announced its decision in the high-profile case on January 16.



Judge Dinara Quiqabaeva handed a six-month sentence in a labor camp to Tilek Tabarikuly for illegally entering the country, but allowed him to stay in Kazakhstan as his parents are naturalized Kazakh citizens.



The judge added that each day Tabarikuly spent in pretrial detention since October counts for two days in a labor camp, which makes him eligible to be released in less than two weeks.



Tabarikuly testified at his trial that he obtained a residence permit in Kazakhstan in 2016 and went to Xinjiang the following year for education-related purposes, but was stuck there as Chinese authorities confiscated his travel documents.



According to Tabarikuly, he fled China even though it meant illegally crossing the border because he feared he would be treated harshly by Chinese authorities and because his parents were waiting for him in Kazakhstan.



He also asked the court not to send him back to China.



In August 2018, the United Nations said an estimated 1 million Uyghurs and members of other mostly Muslim indigenous ethnic groups in Xinjiang were being held in "counterextremism centers."



The UN said millions more had been forced into reeducation camps. China denies that the facilities are internment camps.



Those conditions have prompted many ethnic Kazakhs from Xinjiang to cross the border illegally in fear of staying in China.



In December, the same court in Zharkent handed a suspended six-month prison sentence for illegal border-crossing to a Kazakh woman from Xinjiang, Qaisha Aqan, and allowed her to stay in Kazakhstan.

Aqan testified at her trial she had to cross illegally into Kazakhstan in May 2018 because local authorities in Xinjiang threatened to place her in an internment camp for Xinjiang's indigenous ethnic groups.



Two other ethnic-Kazakh men, Murager Alimuly and Qaster Musakhanuly, are currently on trial in the remote eastern Kazakh town of Zaisan for illegal border crossing.



The two say they fled Xinjiang fearing that they would be placed in so-called "reeducation camps" like many other representatives of Xinjiang's indigenous peoples.



Also in August 2018, a Kazakh court refused to extradite Sairagul Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh Chinese citizen who was wanted in China for illegal border crossing.

Sauytbay fled China in April and testified that thousands of ethnic Kazakhs, Uyghurs, and other Muslims in Xinjiang were undergoing "political indoctrination" at a network of "reeducation camps."

She added that Chinese authorities had forced her to train "political ideology" instructors for such reeducation camps. This, Sauytbay said, gave her access to secret documents about what she called a state program to "reeducate" Muslims from indigenous ethnic communities.



Although she was not extradited to China, Kazakh authorities did not allow Sauytbay to remain in Kazakhstan. She eventually was granted asylum in Sweden.



Kazakhs are the second-largest Turkic-speaking indigenous community in Xinjiang after Uyghurs. The region is also home to ethnic Kyrgyz, Tajiks, and Hui, also known as Dungans. Han, China's largest ethnicity, are the second-largest community in Xinjiang.
The recent escalation of tension in the Persian Gulf following the assassination of a top Iranian general in a U.S. missile strike in Baghdad has set alarm bells ringing in the region. Iraq has already been dragged into the escalating U.S.-Iran tit-for-tat missile strikes. Given the fact that Afghanistan neighbors Iran and has a large presence of U.S. troops and facilities, the country risks becoming an additional battleground for the U.S.-Iran conflict, with potentially serious consequences for Afghanistan and the region.

BACKGROUND: The killing of Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force of Irans Revolutionary Guards, in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport on January 3 has ratcheted up tensions in the Persian Gulf to unprecedented levels. Although the possibility of an all-out war between the two main adversaries, the U.S. and Iran, has receded somewhat for now, tit-for-tat strikes can be expected in the coming weeks and months. Indeed, within days of Soleimanis assassination, Iran fired over a dozen missiles at airbases in Ain al-Assad in Iraqs Anbar Province and at Irbil in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The two bases house U.S. troops.

The tit-for-tat strikes confirm apprehensions in the region that Iran and the U.S. will increasingly use third countries in the neighborhood as their battleground in the coming months. Afghanistan is understandably concerned over this prospect, fearing that the U.S. could launch attacks on Iran from Afghan soil and that Iran could target U.S. facilities based in Afghanistan. Should the U.S. and Iran target each other from Afghan soil or strike at each others assets in Afghanistan, Kabul will be dragged into the conflict.

Indeed, the U.S. has a far larger presence in Afghanistan than in Iraq, implying a larger number of potential targets. An estimated 14,000 U.S. soldiers are based in Afghanistan, compared to some 6,000 in Iraq. In addition, thousands of U.S. diplomats, civilian and military contractors and aid workers are based in Afghanistan. Moreover, Iran could target numerous U.S. military bases, facilities and installations in the country.

Within hours of Soleimanis assassination, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted to underscore his countrys neutrality in the U.S.-Iran conflict and stressed his opposition to Afghan soil being used against a third country or in regional conflicts. Should Iran and the U.S. use Afghanistan to settle scores, this would have detrimental implications for Afghanistan.

IMPLICATIONS: Soon after the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told Ghani in a telephone conversation that his government expects Irans neighbors and friendly governments to unanimously condemn this evil, criminal act. The message was clear: any move by Kabul that Iran perceives as siding with the U.S. would draw Irans ire and action.

Afghanistan thus faces a dilemma; the parties to the current conflict in the Persian Gulf are the U.S., a global superpower on which Afghanistans security, economy and reconstruction depends, and Iran, a regional power neighboring Afghanistan  the two countries share a border of 900 kilometers  which could create immense trouble for Kabul if it chose to do so. Kabul therefore cannot take sides in this conflict; drawing the ire of either Washington or Tehran could prove very costly for Afghanistan.

In addition to the possibility of missile strikes from Iranian territory, Iran can be expected to utilize its proxies in Afghanistan for attacks on U.S. targets. Although it was strongly opposed to the Taliban between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, Teheran has now been supporting Taliban factions for over a decade, especially in the wake of escalating tensions with the U.S. over Irans nuclear program and the imposition of stronger sanctions on the country. It can be expected to step up the supply of weapons to friendly Taliban factions, and even use them to attack U.S. military facilities and personnel based in Afghanistan. Other potential Iranian proxies in Afghanistan include the Fatemiyoun Brigade, drawn from among Afghan Shia Hazara refugees in Iran, which operates under the aegis of the Quds Force and has been deployed to Syria. Iran could now divert this force to Afghanistan to target U.S. bases and personnel.

If Afghanistan would become a battleground between the U.S. and Iran, the strife-torn country can expect a further escalation of violence, adding a new dimension to the already complex Afghan conflict scenario. In its first media statement following Soleimanis assassination, the Taliban maintained that the recent developments would not negatively impact the U.S.-Taliban peace process as the two sides had finalized a peace agreement that only needs to be signed.

However, even if the U.S. and the Taliban have reached a peace agreement, it remains to be seen whether it will hold. The exit of U.S. troops, whether gradual or precipitous, is an important precondition for the Talibans interest in and commitment to any deal with the U.S.

In the present situation, with the Persian Gulf in crisis, it is highly questionable whether the U.S. will be willing or able to leave Afghanistan. U.S. bases at Bagram as well as in Shindand and Herat near the Afghanistan-Iran border are likely to play a critical role in any armed conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Thus, giving up these bases or downsizing their personnel is particularly strategically problematic at this juncture. Even if Washington will not use these bases to fire missiles into Iran, its continued control over them is necessary to maintain pressure on Iran along its border with Afghanistan. Under these circumstances, it does seem that the U.S. will prefer to slow-walk the peace talks with the Taliban. A quick agreement with the Taliban on a withdrawal of U.S. troops thus hangs in the balance.

Afghanistans emergence as a battleground in the U.S.-Iran conflict would have negative consequences for Iran. It would trigger another wave of Afghan refugees to Iran along with numerous costs, inflicting an additional financial burden on Irans already weak economy. It would also inflame conflicts in Irans already restive eastern provinces. As for the U.S., its hopes of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan would diminish significantly if the security situation worsens.

CONCLUSIONS: The prospect of Afghanistan becoming a battleground in the current Iran-U.S. conflict is fraught with grave consequences not only for Afghanistan, which would see a severe escalation in violence, but also for the U.S. and Iran. In the short-term, both actors may see advantages in taking their fight to Afghanistan, including a larger number of U.S. nationals and facilities that Iran could target and established bases that the U.S. can utilize to project additional military power against Iran. However, in the medium to long-term, a renewed escalation of war in Afghanistan will inflict heavy costs on Iran as well as the U.S.; Afghanistan will become an even deeper quagmire for all parties involved.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Dr. Sudha Ramachandran is an independent researcher and journalist based in India. She writes on South Asian political and security issues. Her articles have been published in Asia Times Online, The Diplomat, China Brief, etc. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Image Source: U.S. Marine Corps accessed 1/16/20
This week's Patch Tuesday marked the end of the line for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 (and 2008 R2). No more fixes will be issued for the two aged operating systems, unless you purchase a pricey extended service license.

On the Windows 7 front, Microsoft has done a good job getting Windows 10 deployed through its aggressive (perhaps too aggressive) upgrade program. According to StatCounter, Windows 10 now accounts for 65% of the worldwide desktop Windows market share, and Windows 7 is down to 27%.

But while Windows 7 has gotten all the attention, Server 2008 actually has a larger share of holdouts, and in some ways, its end-of-life milestone is more significant. At last Julys Inspire show, a Microsoft executive said in an interview with cloud storage provider and Microsoft partner Carbonite that 60% of its current Windows Server installed base was running Server 2008, accounting for 24 million instances.

There are a lot [of customers sticking with Server 2008], says analyst Tim Crawford of research and advisory firm AVOA. You could categorize them into those that either a) use functions specific to WS2008, and b) those that use a version of an application that is only compatible with WS2008. Upgrading is often easier said than done. Especially if the application is a custom app with lots of tentacles.

Server 2008 is based on the Windows Vista codebase, which should be reason alone to jettison it. But Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 are built on Windows 10, which means apps heavily dependent on the OS ecosystem might be hard to move since the internals are so different.

I do work with folks that are still running Windows Server 2008. They understand the ramifications of EOL for support. But most are in a predicament where they arent able to move the applications for a number of reasons, including application compatibility, location, etc.," Crawford says.

For those apps that are challenging to move, he recommends isolating the system as much as possible to protect it, and putting in a plan to do what is needed to the applications to prepare them for movement as quickly as possible.

Microsoft offers and recommends Azure migration, so Server 2008 apps can run in an Azure instance while they are modernized for Server 2019 and then deployed on premises.

Migration should be the paramount effort, because if you are running Server 2008 then you're using hardware that's at least eight years old and potentially 12 years old. Thats ancient in technology terms, and if nothing else, the hardware is going to fail.

One of the headaches for admins is you cannot migrate Server 2008 directly to 2016 or 2019. You have to upgrade to Server 2012 as an intermediate step. So you are better off biting the bullet and migrating the apps to 2019 rather than spending time on two OS migrations.

Microsoft has provided resources for Server 2008 users, including a migration guide and help moving to Azure.
UPDATE: Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the 2020 presidential race on March 1, 2020.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor from South Bend, Indiana, has emerged as a top tier candidate in a crowded field of Democratic challengers.

Buttigieg served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a lieutenant and was deployed to Afghanistan.

Buttigieg served as the mayor of South Bend from 2012 until 2020. If elected, he would be the youngest person to ever hold the office of president of the United States.





Hometown: South Bend, Indiana

Age: 37

Offices held: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana First elected in 2011, reelected in 2015

Personal life: Buttigieg graduated from Harvard. He lives with his husband, Chasten, in South Bend.

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WHAT HES SAYING ABOUT:

Health care

Mayor Buttigieg supports universal health care. His goal is to achieve a Medicare for all who want it plan. Buttigieg says this plan would cut out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare by 50% by the end of his first term.

"Rather than polarize the American people, I will mobilize the American majority that stands ready for the most progressive change to health care in a half centurydelivering Medicare for All Who Want Itwhile also trusting you to decide whether you want it," Buttigieg said at a campaign event in Nevada.

He is also an advocate for the federal government to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies in order to make them more affordable.

Economy/the Workforce

Buttigieg supports raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour for workers to help wages keep up with expenses. By raising the minimum wage to $15 and beyond, we can start taking steps to make sure that the economy is working for all workers, he said.

He says he would pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. The legislation, passed by the House of Representatives in 2019, would ban employers from using an employees salary history to determine wages, ensure that workers have the right to discuss wages without retaliation and require employers to justify any pay discrepancies."





LGBTQ Rights

Buttigieg aims to pass several pieces of legislation to help strengthen LGBTQ rights. The federal Equality Act would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. He says the LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Act would create a task force and address key risk factors for LGBTQ+ deaths by suicide. Buttigieg also says as president he would ban conversion therapy .

Climate Change

Buttigieg plans to create a Green New Deal and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement if elected. His other policy ideas for climate change include setting goals to become a net-zero emissions society by 2050, reach 100% clean electricity by 2035 and create a Disaster Commission within his first 100 days in office.



Guns

The South Bend mayor wants to make background checks universal and establish a nationwide gun licensing system. In addition he wants to place a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

During a debate on CNN in October, Buttigieg emphasized the importance of taking action now: People are dying in the streets right now. We cant wait for universal background checks. We finally have a shot to actually get through. We cant wait to ban the sale of new weapons and high capacity magazines so we dont end up with millions more of these things on the streets.





Criminal Justice Reform

Buttigieg stands for reducing incarceration. He has campaigned to cut the number of people incarcerated by 50% on both the state and federal levels.

It is past time to transform the criminal legal system to one that truly promotes justice, and benefits all of us, he said.

Buttigieg is an advocate for legalizing marijuana and retroactively reducing sentences for drug offenses, along with eliminating incarceration for drug offenses.

His plan includes doubling funding for federal grants for states that commit to meaningful reform.

Immigration

Buttigieg wants to implement common sense immigration reform. The reform, he says, must include immigrants who are living, working and paying taxes, with a way to citizenship. This includes DREAMers.

He also plans to end family separation for immigrants and update immigration laws to reflect current economic and humanitarian needs.

Presidential candidate comparisons:

-- On the issues

-- Fun facts
Russias Ombudsman requests information about Russian pilgrim detained in Ukraine

 RAPSI collage

14:00 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  Russias Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova has turned to Ukrainian Ombudsman Lyudmila Denisova with a request to clarify the facts pertaining to the detention of a Russian disabled pilgrim, a document on Russias Ombudsman official website reads on Thursday.

According to Moskalkova, she received an application to protect the rights of a physically impaired Russian citizen born in 1977. As Russias Ombudsman learned, on January 8 the man was arrested by Ukrainian law enforcement officials at a border crossing point when returning after his pilgrimage to the Kiev Monastery of the Caves and detained until March 3.

Moskalkova expressed her extreme concern over the fate of the Russian citizen and asked Denisova to inform her about the reasons behind such tough measures of restraint applied to the pilgrim, conditions of his detention, the quality and the amount of medical aid provided to him taking into consideration the mans state of health, and how the protection of his rights was ensured.
Donald Trump ran for president as a welfare chauvinist. He backed benefits for white natives and social exclusion for Muslim refugees and Hispanic immigrants. He trumpeted Social Security and Medicare  programs associated with whiteness and white recipients  and slammed Obamacare, which disproportionately benefited black and Hispanic Americans. Trump sensed the deep anxiety of some white Americans  their inextricable fear of racial and economic decline  and promised a government for them and against others.

In office, of course, this government hasnt really worked for them. It has worked for the wealthy and their heirs; for industry and concentrated capital. Trump cut taxes for corporations and slashed regulations on polluters. But his supporters could relish in the anti-immigrant hostility of his administration, as if travel bans and detention camps could actually restore the lost wages of racial advantage rather than build a worse, more precarious world for everyone.

There is, however, at least one place where Trumps welfare chauvinism has taken hold  his multibillion-dollar payments to farmers harmed by the presidents trade war with China. In the context of his larger attack on the social safety net, those payments, a direct subsidy to a narrow group of favored Americans, are the closest thing to the kind of help Trump promised during the campaign.

In early 2018, Trump announced tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods. China responded in kind with large tariffs on American-grown agricultural products. The brunt of those penalties hit soybean growers in the United States, who sell roughly $14 billion worth of their product to Chinese buyers. As the trade war continued, farmers incomes plummeted. In response, the Trump administration announced an assistance plan. Using a New Deal-era law allowing limited agricultural support for struggling farmers, the Department of Agriculture would make direct payments to growers affected by the trade conflict. So far, the administration has distributed roughly $19 billion out of a total package of $28 billion. These payments, notes one analysis, are large enough to constitute the single largest source of subsidies for farmers.

Trump bragged about these payments at a recent rally in Toledo, Ohio, and promised even more for the nations farmers. Were signing a monster, he said. A big, beautiful monster. Forty to 50 billion dollars to our farmers.

But our farmers isnt inclusive of the whole. The vast majority of payments have gone to white farmers, with large landowners the greatest beneficiaries. Its true that most American farmers are white. But disparities exist nonetheless. In Mississippi, for example, 14 percent of farms are run by black operators, but those farmers have received 1.4 percent of the aid that has been distributed in the state.

This is welfare chauvinism, albeit modest in scope. The payments will strengthen Trumps political position  generous compensation to a vocal constituency will buy votes and keep negative stories about his tariffs out of view  as well as signal his commitment to one group of Americans over another.

Contrast the presidents enthusiasm for his farm payments with his disdain for traditional assistance. In December, the Trump administration announced tighter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly known as food stamps. Under the new rules, states will have a harder time waiving work requirements for able-bodied adults in high unemployment areas.

We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand, but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand, Sonny Perdue, the Agriculture secretary, said in a news release. Now, in the midst of the strongest economy in a generation, we need everyone who can work, to work. The change is projected to end SNAP benefits for nearly 700,000 adults, saving $5 billion  or less than a third of the $19 billion the government has spent so far on farmers affected by the trade war.

Theres a real constituency for the white welfare state Trump gestured at during his campaign. Its not a majority, but our election rules (starting with the Electoral College) and the structure of our government (like equal representation of states in the Senate) make it large enough to claim and maintain real political power. And the Trump phenomenon also shows that you dont have to deliver the benefits to hold those voters in your camp. All you have to do is deliver pain to disfavored groups, to target them and make a show of it.

Trump has been too erratic and undisciplined to take welfare chauvinism as far as it could probably go. But it is almost certainly true that somewhere in American politics, theres someone who has paid attention to what Trump has discovered and is planning accordingly.

@jbouie
French former presidential candidate and ex-environment minister Segolene Royal has claimed she is to be fired as ambassador to the North and South Poles for criticising President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

Royal, a former wife of socialist ex-president Francois Hollande, posted a letter on Facebook saying she had been formally notified of her impending dismissal.

"Madam Ambassador, we are considering terminating your position in view of your recent public statements challenging the government's policy with which you, in your capacity as ambassador appointed by the government, are closely associated," read the letter jointly signed by the general secretaries of the foreign and environment ministries.

The missive notes that Royal's role as ambassador "implies a duty to remain discreet about the government's actions" and that a decree terminating her appointment would be discussed soon by the cabinet.

Read between the lines

Royal said she understood from the letter dated January 7 that her dismissal "has already taken place".

"I understand from this letter that the president of the Republic will terminate my position at an upcoming cabinet meeting because I have no intention of renouncing my constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of expression," she wrote.

Royal's appointment by Macron as ambassador to the Arctic and Antarctic in 2017 was seen as something of a consolation prize for the perennial ex-minister, who missed out on several more senior postings.

In recent weeks her position had appeared to be in jeopardy after a flurry of tweets and statements bashing the government and Macron.

Reacting to Macron's announcement in December, in the midst of strikes over pension reforms, that he would foreswear his own presidential pension, Royal tweeted that "the real question" was whether the former investment banker would return to "the globalised business world with its huge golden handshakes" after he left office.

Put up or shut up?

On Sunday, Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne warned the 66-year-old grande dame of French Socialism, who was beaten to the presidency in 2007 by Nicolas Sarkozy, that she had to choose.

"Either she wants to remain ambassador, and obviously there is a duty of discretion, or she wants to speak her mind... In that case she must no longer be an ambassador," Borne told BFM news channel.

Several senior Macron allies had accused Royal of being bent on revenge, after failing to land a plum position in the cabinet or European Commission.

Last month, two MPs had demanded she be summoned by parliament to give an account of her work on the Poles.

Royal had accused her detractors of attempting to silence a critical voice.

In her Facebook post Tuesday she promised to present a full report on her work "in a few days".

(with AFP)
State revenue from oil and gas activity soared to a record $3.1 billion in fiscal year 2019, up 41% from the $2.2 billion generated the year before, according to the latest annual report from the New Mexico Tax Research Institute.

Industry-generated income accounted for 39% of all general fund revenues, the highest share in recent history.

The Tax Research Institute produces the annual report, released Thursday, under contract with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.

NMOGA Executive Director Ryan Flynn said FY 2019 marked the first year that state revenue from oil and gas has ever topped $3 billion.

Weve had historical levels of production for three years in a row now, and thats generating historic levels of state revenue, Flynn told the Journal.

That, in turn, offers unprecedented opportunities for investments in public education, state infrastructure, and public safety, Flynn added.

Public schools and higher education received $1.36 billion from state oil and gas revenue in FY 2019, up $300 million from FY 2018. That includes almost $1.06 billion for primary and secondary education, and $302 million for state universities, colleges and other higher education institutions, according to the report.

Oil and gas revenue provides enough money to support about 29,000 teachers around the state, Flynn said.

Although industry activities are concentrated in the southeastern and northwestern corners of New Mexico, the biggest public education beneficiaries are concentrated in the Mid-Rio Grande Region. Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Valencia counties received a combined $624 million, or nearly half of the $1.36 billion in education-related revenue generated by oil and gas, according to the report.

Bernalillo County was the top recipient with $435.9 million, followed by Dona Ana County with $195.2 million.

The revenue windfall will continue in the new fiscal year that begins in July, with state and legislative economists projecting $797 million in new money for the FY 2021 budget. Thats the difference between current spending levels and projected revenue for the upcoming year.

Those latest projections are down from earlier estimates in August of $907 million in new money, reflecting moderate prices for oil, plus a significant slowdown in production in other U.S. oil and gas basins. But production levels continue to rise on New Mexicos side of the Permian Basin in the southeastern part of the state, where the regions highly-productive geology offers operators some of the nations most-lucrative gushers.

New Mexico currently has 102 active drilling rigs, virtually unchanged from a year ago, Flynn said. In contrast, the Texas rig count fell from about 500 in January 2019 to about 400 now, and Oklahoma from about 100 to 52.

Official year-end production totals are pending, but NMOGA projects output climbed above 300 million barrels last year, up from 249 million in 2018.
In the wake of its disastrous IT migration in 2018, which left millions of customers without access to banking services for days, UK bank TSB is making a raft of moves to shore up its IT capability, including an expanded partnership with the vendor IBM.

Announced yesterday, the mid-sized bank has signed a "long term deal" with IBM Services, effectively outsourcing the build and management of its private cloud environment, core banking platforms and all of the underlying infrastructure to the vendor.

The aim is to shore up the resiliency and security of its IT platforms, as well as enabling the bank to leverage cloud-enabled technology like artificial intelligence to give customers smarter banking applications and services.



[Related: Control your cloud: Data Security and Governance]



This deal follows a 120 million investment commitment over the next three years, which the bank's new CEO Debbie Crosbie made in November. This will include the creation of a dedicated technology centre in Edinburgh, housing 100 new IT roles and scheduled to open in April.

A veritable buffet of suppliers

Since being sold by Lloyds Banking Group to the Spanish group Sabadell in 2015, TSB has run its core systems across a broad set of data centres and works with various third-party providers, creating plenty of IT management headaches.

Suresh Viswanathan took over as chief operating officer at TSB in August last year, joining from rival UK bank Barclays. He has clearly been focused on regaining customer trust in the bank in the aftermath of the 2018 migration, with this deal playing a key part in the broader strategy.

"As we set out our digital strategy it is super imperative that we know what is running in each of these places and when things go pop we can zoom in and fix them, ideally before customers notice," Viswanathan told Computerworld. "Rather than a buffet of suppliers, we use IBM  who host our platform  and make them go deeper on what they manage for us and wider across other cloud infrastructure for a single management platform."

On top of that TSB hopes that IBM can bring the cognitive capabilities of services like Watson to help the bank launch smarter services for customers and "better separate noise from signal", Viswanathan added.

The deal is due to run for three to five years and includes a number of service level agreements and review periods to ensure IBM is meeting the various resiliency and security levels desired by TSB.

As the financial services industry continues its rapid digital transformation, banks need a reliable, resilient and secure technology environment to meet the needs of customers and address complex security and regulatory requirements, said IBM UK and Ireland, global technology services general manager, Tosca Colangeli, in a statement.

Talking its way into the job?

TSB hired IBM to investigate the IT failings which led up to the 2018 migration disaster, leading to a damning report from the vendor which was subsequently published in June 2018.

In the report, IBM identified little to no evidence of "the application of a rigorous set of go-live criteria to prove production readiness".

Read next: IBM 'had not seen evidence' of rigorous testing ahead of TSB migration disaster

Furthermore the vendor suggested how it would have gone about the project if it were in charge. In a similar situation when IBM partnered with a financial organisation to migrate to new a core banking platform, multiple trial migrations were conducted, rolled back and then remediated prior to launch, the report stated.

Viswanathan told Computerworld that this expanded deal was more to do with its strong strategic relationship with IBM, than specifically this engagement in 2018.

"To be honest many of us have come in much later than when these [2018] incidents happened and we have good relationships with IBM and want to engage strategically with the company," he said.

Then there was the additional unpalatable prospect of picking a new partner and having to lift and shift workloads as a result. "We didn't want to put customers through any more inconvenience and furthermore, none had the toolkit or ambitions we were looking for," he added.
A Pakistani TV anchor and his programme was banned by the Pakistan's media watchdog for 60 days on Thursday for letting a Cabinet minister to display an army boot during the talk show to ridicule the Opposition.

Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda appeared on Kashif Abbasi's programme 'Off the Record' on ARY and used a military boot to heap scorn on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for voting in favour of the recently passed Army Act in Parliament.

Senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira and PML-N leader Javed Abbasi, who were co-participants, walked out in protest as the show host just grinned and failed to stop Vawda's antics.

Taking cognizance of the incident, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) took action against the programme and its anchor citing violation of media laws and banned Kashif Abbasi and his show Off the Record for 60 days.

Vawda in a show with Hamid Mir of Geo New on Wednesday defended his action as a mirror to opposition, especially PML-N, for opposing and vilifying army but lying down to support the law.

However, the minister agreed that his action was extreme and he also showed ignorance that it was against laws of PEMRA.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan disliked the boot thing in the show.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
'Reunification by force' sentiment provoked by DPP: spokesperson

Global Times

By Yang Sheng and Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/16 0:43:40

'Reunification by force' sentiment provoked

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan secessionist forces have provoked a growing sentiment in the Chinese mainland to reunify the island of Taiwan by military force, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.

The DPP and Taiwan secessionist forces should reflect on why voices are increasing for military force among mainland residents in recent years, Ma Xiaoguang said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Chinese mainland analysts said more people in the mainland are losing faith in peaceful reunification because they believed previous mainland policies of delivering economic benefits to Taiwan went unappreciated.

With the fast-growing strength of the mainland, especially its overwhelming military power, more and more mainlanders hope the government considers a non-peaceful option, experts said.

They believe reunification by force could resolve the Taiwan question in a more effective and efficient way, the experts said.

Ma's statement came on the same day as Taiwan's "anti-infiltration law" went into force.

It was "an absolute evil law that suppresses Taiwan compatriots' free will and strips them of their right to cross-Straits exchanges," Ma said.

In the long term, such a law could not stop the will of the people and the trend that compatriots of both sides of the Straits need to exchange, cooperate and develop together, he said.

"Peace is precious. Everyone yearns for peace and Chinese people should not fight Chinese people," Ma said. "But first, [Taiwan] should recognize that we are of the same family."

Upholding the 1992 Consensus which adheres to the one-China principle is the "unshakeable foundation" for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, Ma said.

Re-elected Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan was already an "independent country" while interviewed by the BBC on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang replied Wednesday that "There is only one China in the world. The People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

"The one-China principle is a consensus of the international community."

Li Xiaobing, an expert on Taiwan studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, said "The Chinese mainland government has always made great efforts to keep educating the fact to people that people in Taiwan are compatriots, to create conditions for cross-Straits cooperation and peaceful exchanges, but the Taiwan authorities didn't do this in the same way."

After reading Taiwan media and social media networks, many mainland people were shocked at the hostile and insulting messages against the mainland, said experts.

With the pro-independence DPP continually winning elections, more and more mainland people are losing faith in peaceful reunification and begin to oppose the policy of delivering economic benefits to Taiwan.

Asked if mainland residents' self-guided travel to Taiwan could resume, Ma said travel was allowed "under the condition of peaceful and stable cross-Straits relations. We hope to see the relations return to the right track."

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) was once unable to reunify Taiwan without serious casualties, especially when the US was involved in 1995-96, the mainland experts said.

But now the mainland's military strength is increasingly mature and the advantage is more and more overwhelming, they noted.

Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the PLA is now in an absolute dominant position in all aspects over Taiwan's military and two PLA aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, could secure aerial and maritime superiority around the island to prevent intervention by external forces.

PLA amphibious landing docks and assault ships could send armored assault vehicles with hovercrafts onto the island, while also dispatching helicopters to form a multidimensional landing force, Wei said.

The PLA's stealth J-20 fighter "would crush Taiwan's most advanced fighter jet the F-16Vs," Wei said.

The Chinese mainland launched its first Type 075 amphibious assault ship in 2019, which has yet to enter naval service.

More of this type of warship is needed for the PLA to send transport and attack helicopters as well as ground forces across the Taiwan Straits efficiently, analysts said.

The eventual commissioning of multiple Type 075s would be the nail in the coffin of Taiwan secessionists, as the PLA operates rocket artillery and missiles which could be used to suppress the island's military infrastructure and bases once battle starts, the observers noted.

But there is always room for improvement, Wei said.

The PLA should conduct more joint landing operations combining all military branches, Wei said.

This combat pattern is new to the PLA and targeted training is needed, he noted.

Mainland observers stressed that of course the peaceful approach is always best, even when the mainland is perfectly prepared for a military solution.

It would be extremely difficult to realize this peaceful solution without efforts from the Taiwan side, they noted.

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So I put in an application for myself and my children (unfortunately, spouses of descendants are not eligible). That meant gathering evidence about my ancestors and finding proof of their persecution. Because the Nazis kept meticulous records of the Jews who were sent to the camps  records that can be accessed at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem and the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington  I was able to find evidence of the actual transport that carried my grandfather to Auschwitz (Train No. D 901/12), the date my great-grandfathers corpse was shoved into a furnace at Theresienstadt (April 18, 1943), and many other grim details.
YEREVAN.  Maternity hospitals have nothing to do with adoption. Razmik Abrahamyan, Director of the Republican Maternity Hospital of Armenia, said this in a conversation with journalists today.

To the observation that the parents who have lost their children claimed that he himself organized the illegal adoption children, Abrahamyan said: "They are members of a lying and false, fake collection."

Razmik Abrahamyan repeated that the maternity hospitals had nothing to do with adoption.

To the observation that the gravest charges were brought against him, Abrahamyan said: "Let them bring!"

Razmik Abrahamyan is accused of giving a large bribe to Deputy Health Minister Arsen Davtyan, who coordinated maternal and child health care and the funding of the healthcare system through the ministry.
Turkey has been abuzz over the past few years with talk about Arab purchases in the country, suggesting a significant flow of Arab money into real estate investments such as homes, business offices and land and direct investments in banks and industrial and commercial companies. Arabs usually means buyers from wealthy Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. But are Gulf investors really on a buying spree in Turkey?

Most recently, the issue of Arab acquisitions has made headlines as part of a simmering controversy over a government plan to build an artificial waterway in Istanbul as an alternative to the Bosporus. The planned waterway  called Canal Istanbul and dubbed a crazy project by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself when he first announced it in 2011  is designed to link the Black and Marmara Seas in what is touted as an effort to reroute tanker traffic from the Bosporus and thus reduce safety risks for the city. Amid grave environmental concerns over the project, another issue that has come under scrutiny is the ownership of the land along the route, as plots on the would-be shores of the canal are being snapped up.

After Erdogan revived the project last month, details on how land has changed hands in an area of rising prices reached the public's attention. It turns out that Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the mother of the Qatari emir, is among the buyers, having reportedly purchased 4.4 hectares of land in the area. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a member of the main opposition party and a staunch opponent of the project, said that Arab buyers had purchased significant stretches of land along the planned route, drawing attention to plans for residential construction on the banks of the canal. Since 2011, 30 million square meters of land have changed hands along [the route of] Canal Istanbul. The three companies with the largest amount of land are Arab companies, he said.

In response to a parliamentary question, Environment and Urban Affairs Minister Murat Kurum revealed that 11.2 million square meters of land in 59 provinces across Turkey belonged to Arab owners as of February 2019. In terms of location, Istanbul topped the list of the purchases, with 2.5 million square meters, followed by nearby Bursa with 1.2 million square meters, Sakarya with over a million square meters, Kocaeli with 940,000 square meters, Manisa with 607,000 square meters, Eskisehir with 423,000 square meters and the capital, Ankara, with 393,000 square meters. Saudis were the biggest buyers with purchases of 3.5 million square meters, followed by nationals of Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and the UAE.

The Turkish Statistical Institute releases monthly housing figures compiled from title-deed registries. Iraq and Iran stand out in this category, outstripping most Gulf nations. Iraqis bought about 18% of some 143,000 homes sold to foreigners in the 2015-2019 period, followed by Iranians and Saudis with 9% each, Russians with 5% and Kuwaitis, Qataris and Emiratis with less than 5% each.

The financial worth of the purchases could be tracked from the central banks monthly balance of payments data, which includes foreign-exchange revenues from real estate sales. The figure stands at $52 billion in the 2003-2019 period, or $3 billion per year on average. In the same period, Turkeys average exports per year amounted to $130 billion, meaning that real estate sales amount to only 2.3% of export revenues and that the fuss over foreign purchases is rather exaggerated.

In terms of direct investments and company acquisitions, the notion of overwhelming Arab interest seems to be similarly overblown. According to central bank figures, the eight Gulf countries had a share of only about 9% in the $133 billion direct investment stock in Turkey as of 2018. Europe was the undisputed leader, with nearly 77% of direct investments belonging to companies of European origin. The Netherlands alone had a share of some 25%, worth $33 billion. Direct investments from Europes economic giant Germany were worth about $10 billion, or 7.5% of the total.

The direct investments of Gulf countries, meanwhile, totaled about $12 billion. Qatar, whose ties with Turkey have flourished under Erdogan, stands out with a direct investment stock of $6.4 billion, followed by the UAE with $3 billion, Kuwait with $1 billion and Saudi Arabia with some $600 million.

Judging by the overall foreign direct investments of Gulf countries, their investments in Turkey are rather modest. Qatars FDI, for instance, is nearly $60 million, and Turkeys share is around 10%. The Emirati FDI is worth $125 million, with Turkeys share only about 2.5%. The combined FDI of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE is $321 billion, with Turkeys share a mere 3.4%.

The most prominent Gulf investments in Turkey are in the financial sector, focusing especially on interest-free Islamic banking. Lenders such as Al Baraka Turk, Kuveyt Turk, Turkiye Finans and QNB Finansbank represent the Gulfs main direct investments in Turkeys financial sector.

In sum, any media buzz suggesting an Arab buying spree in Turkey is overblown. While real estate sales to foreigners account for less than 3% of Turkeys export revenues, Gulf investors hold only 9% of direct foreign investments in the country. Qatar, which has built a special relationship with Erdogan, represents half of those investments, while the other Gulf heavyweights have been growing aloof to Ankara.
Is coronavirus a bio weapon? Manish Tewari wants you to read this book

Cong slams Union Ministers visit to J&K asks,'Why opposition leaders not allowed?'

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 16: Questioning the Modi government on the move of sending 36 Union Ministers to Kashmir Valley, the Congress on Wednesday asked why are the opposition leaders barred from visiting the Union Territory.

Taking to Twitter, party leader Manish Tewari wrote,"... Ostensibly 36 Union Ministers have been instructed to blitzkrieg Jammu and Kashmir btwn Jan 18 th -23 rd 2020.51 visits in Jammu,8 planned forSrinagar.If this is correct why should opposition be debarred from J&K?.''

36 Ministers running around J&K in 6 days is a sign of Panic not normalcy.Abrogating Article 370 was a blunder & no quick fixes will work

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;

All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again. pic.twitter.com/CaoBoztYSH  Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) 16 January 2020

Senior Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said,''Whom will they meet there? In our experience, 2 foreign delegations have been there, they only meet those people who have been sent there by the central government & told what to say.''

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

Earlier, minister of State for Home G Kishen Reddy had written a letter to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, informing about the scheduled visits. There will be 51 visits to Jammu and eight to Srinagar.

Pakistan-China fail again on raising Kashmir issue at UN

The schedule for the visit of the ministers will also be discussed and finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on January 17.

This will be the second round of visit by the Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state on August 5.
Indigenous Irish companies are making significant investments in Artificial Intelligence (IoT) which are already adding the countrys reputation as a digital leader, says Marcus Doran of Rahi Systems.

Mr Doran is European vice-president for Rahi Systems, a global IT solutions provider. He is based in the companys European sales office in Raheen Business Park, Co Limerick, which has plans for expansion this year, fuelled by client investment in AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart technologies.

Co-founded in 2012 by US-based entrepreneur Tarun Raisoni, Rahi Systems has over 25 offices across the world. In Ireland, the drive to invest in smart tech is evident from multinational corporations right down to small indigenous companies.

I was talking to one small financial company in Limerick this week who wanted to leverage unified communications to reduce their spend and time lost in travel to meetings, said Mr Doran. They could see that a relatively small upgrade to their audio-visual technology would deliver real cost and time savings.

Were seeing that operations with 10-20 people are just as likely as multinationals to invest in new technology. Everybody can see the value of investing in AI, augmented reality and Edge technology.

For instance, retrofitting a building costs far less than you might think. In most cases, youre retrofitting traditional machinery with IoT building blocks, adding mini chips to existing equipment.

Rahi Systems has 25 offices across the world which help client companies achieve efficiencies by combining their products, services and solutions to create integrated IT environments.

Rahi offers a full suite of products in physical infrastructure, storage, compute, networking, power and cooling, and audio / video. It also offers professional and managed services to aid customers in logistics, delivery, set-up, and ongoing support of their technology solutions.

Most companies in Ireland have been very quick to leverage smart technologies to upgrade their workplace, he said. There is so much data gathered in todays workplace that people need the right technologies to make that information meaningful.

Mr Doran said that workplace evolution is happening rapidly and the trends that are driving optimisation primarily involve the movements of traditionally physical tasks to digital spaces.

In order to scale with change and empower productivity, companies must have a workplace strategy that provides a clear roadmap which will enable workplace optimisation and reduce company downtime.

He identified several key digitalisation trends that are already reshaping the millennial workplace of the future in Ireland. He says that companies must have a workplace strategy that provides a clear roadmap which will enable workplace optimisation and reduce company downtime.

Four key digital trends

1. The use of AI technology is set to improve overall employee satisfaction within the workplace through its variety of high-tech functions, while also making it a more enjoyable and productive experience. AI technology will become an eminent role within the workplace as it develops and becomes increasingly current in daily collaborations.

The use of AI technology is set to improve overall employee satisfaction within the workplace through its variety of high-tech functions, while also making it a more enjoyable and productive experience. AI technology will become an eminent role within the workplace as it develops and becomes increasingly current in daily collaborations. 2. There is no doubt that the use of voice technology in the workplace will increase. In early 2019, a Gartner study revealed that by 2021, 25 percent of Digital Workers will be utilising AI voice technology assistants to complete daily tasks.

There is no doubt that the use of voice technology in the workplace will increase. In early 2019, a Gartner study revealed that by 2021, 25 percent of Digital Workers will be utilising AI voice technology assistants to complete daily tasks. 3. Data is now a more highly valued commodity than oil and with this in mind, companies are increasingly shifting towards a more data-driven culture. The up-skilling of employees tech skills that will help them master data-based skills and tasks will be prevalent in 2020.

Data is now a more highly valued commodity than oil and with this in mind, companies are increasingly shifting towards a more data-driven culture. The up-skilling of employees tech skills that will help them master data-based skills and tasks will be prevalent in 2020. 4. The era of Edge devices is here and it is transforming how data is managed and delivered from device to device. The growth of internet connected devices and the new applications which need real-time computing will continue to drive the demand for Edge and the presence of these devices in workplaces will become more prevalent. In parallel with this the growth of Edge devices will further accelerate the adoption of cloud.

AI, Augmented Reality and Edge technology have been buzzwords in the industry for years. Based on our customer demands we can see that AI and Edge technology are the number one technologies that will change the nature of collaboration moving forward, said Mr Doran.

Evolving consumerisation experiences and benefits that traditionally drove retail loyalty are now a reality for employees from an HR Perspective. The bottom line is, employees expect that they will be provided with the necessary tech tools and infrastructure they require in order to successfully fulfil their day to day obligations such as video conferencing and reliable network infrastructures, he concluded.




By Jung Min-ho







A police officer has been fined for sexually harassing a woman while intoxicated.





The Seoul Western District Court ruled Wednesday that the police officer, 31, surnamed Ahn, must pay a fine of 5 million won ($4,300) for touching the stranger against her will on a Seoul street on Aug. 3.





The ruling has also put him at risk of losing his job. In 2018, the National Public Service Law was strengthened against sexual offenses: public servants fined of 1 million won or more for sexual crimes are subject to losing their status.





At a hearing last month, the prosecution requested the court sentence the officer to a year in prison.






Officials from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have reached a preliminary agreement that should help clear the way for the filling and operation of a five billion US dollar dam project on the Nile River.

The three countries wrapped up three days of talks in Washington on Wednesday with the US treasury secretary and World Bank president.

I am encouraged by this weeks meetings in DC regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, & I look forward to good results for the nations of Egypt, Ethiopia, & Sudan. Very glad our @WorldBank Group technical staff were able to contribute to a positive path forward. pic.twitter.com/jDOvyzsztF  David Malpass (@DavidMalpassWBG) January 15, 2020

The discussions involved the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The dam is around 70% complete and promises to provide much needed electricity for Ethiopias 70 million people.

However, Egyptian officials are concerned that filling the reservoir behind the dam could significantly reduce the amount of Nile water available to Egypt.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today it has earned the distinguished U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification for exemplary energy performance in 29 of its data centers in 2019, representing 70 percent of the company's U.S. stabilized and managed portfolio based on sellable IT capacity. This marks the second consecutive year Digital Realty has earned the most EPA ENERGY STAR certifications among all U.S. data center providers.

ENERGY STAR certifications indicate that Digital Realty's data center facilities are performing in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide, demonstrating the company's leadership in championing environmental stewardship and its commitment to meeting and exceeding the EPA's strict energy performance benchmarks. As part of its industry-leading sustainability initiatives, Digital Realty became the first data center provider to join as an ENERGY STAR Partner in 2019, underscoring the company's commitment to measuring and improving the energy efficiency of its data centers.

"We are pleased to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner and to earn these certifications, demonstrating Digital Realty's commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class solutions and energy-efficient facilities," said Digital Realty Chief Executive Officer, A. William Stein. "Our PlatformDIGITAL is one of the largest and most comprehensive data center solutions offerings available anywhere today, and we are committed to advancing our leadership position while addressing environmental impacts and energy performance."

Digital Realty's ENERGY STAR-certified data centers are estimated to avoid 1.2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions and save a total of 1.7 million megawatt hours annually relative to industry-average data centers, enough energy to power 142,000 average U.S. homes for a year. Furthermore, Digital Realty's ENERGY STAR-certified data centers perform more efficiently than 88 percent of data centers based on the EPA industry benchmark.

In addition to ENERGY STAR certifications, Digital Realty continues to deliver sustainably designed facilities. In 2019, Digital Realty earned LEED-Gold certification for four building projects across North America and also earned BREEAM-Excellent certification in the U.K. for the newest data center on its connected campus in Crawley, near London. LEED and BREEAM certifications focus on holistic environmentally responsible and healthy building design and construction practices for new development projects. These five certifications cover 1.1 million square feet and 85 megawatts of data center IT capacity. To date, Digital Realty has earned 65 green building certifications globally, totaling more than 650 megawatts of IT capacity.

"The expansion of our ENERGY STAR and green building certifications reflect the commitment and expertise our data center design and operations teams bring to their work," said Digital Realty Senior Director of Sustainability, Aaron Binkley. "We're proud to bring the benefits of these certifications to our global customer base and we are motivated to make even bigger strides in 2020."

Including these new certifications, Digital Realty's Elk Grove Village and Franklin Park campuses in Illinois now meet the green building standards set by state law to qualify for the Illinois data center tax incentive. Under the new legislation in Illinois, companies must invest, or have invested, at least $250 million, meet green building standards and employ 20 or more full-time employees. The recently enacted tax program creates a 100 percent state and local sales tax exemption for the purchasing of qualified property for each data center.

These data centers offer move-in ready cages and cabinets for customers to accelerate deployments, and also offer close proximity to network, cloud and content providers available within the metro and throughout Digital Realty's Service Exchange.

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty supports the data center, colocation and interconnection strategies of customers across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare and consumer products. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media & Industry Analyst Relations

Marc Musgrove

Digital Realty

(415) 508-2812

[email protected]

Investor Relations

John Stewart

Digital Realty

(415) 738-6500

[email protected]

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to our ENERGY STAR and Green Building Certifications, Illinois tax incentives, and our sustainability program. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Digital Realty

Related Links

http://www.digitalrealty.com


KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo schools is treating for bed bugs after the pest was found in a middle school.

Kalamazoo Public Schools sent a letter to parents Thursday, Jan. 16, alerting the community that staff found bed bugs at Milwood Magnet School, the district said in a social media post.

The recent concern regarding bed bugs at Milwood Magnet School has been taken seriously by both the school and the district, the school said in the post.

The bugs were found Wednesday, Jan. 8, and the school was treated the following Friday after students and staff had left for the day.

The school found an additional bed bug Tuesday, Jan. 14, though no other bugs were found the following day when Rose Pest Solutions inspected the school with bug-detecting dogs, the district said.

The recent concern regarding bed bugs at Milwood Magnet School has been taken seriously by both the school and the... Posted by Kalamazoo Public Schools on Wednesday, January 15, 2020

In a letter sent home to parents Thursday, the district said bed bugs can hitchhike from any infested location into homes and schools. Backpacks and coats are the most common transporter of bed bugs to schools, the district said.

Bed bugs are small, brownish insects, but are visible to the naked eye. They are usually active at night and can be seen along the seams of mattresses or other furniture. For those who react to a bite, the bugs can cause itchy, irritating reactions.

If you have any concerns for you or your childs health due to bed bug bites, please contact a medical professional, the district said.

The district has an established inspection schedule in every building and follows the guidance of the Kalamazoo County Health Department and Rose Pest Solutions in regards to treatment, notification to parents and vigilance, the district said. The school plans to increase the frequency of regularly scheduled canine inspections at the middle school as a precaution, the district said.

The district encouraged parents to routinely check their homes for bed bugs and offered a list of precautions that families can take.

Parents should hang backpacks and coats rather than laying them on bedroom floors, vacuum carpeted areas regularly, avoid buying second-hand upholstered furniture including mattresses and wash second-hand clothing in hot water before wearing.

You should not feel embarrassed if you have bed bugs, the district said. They have nothing to do with sanitation nor are they associated with having a dirty home.
16 Jan 2020, 11:44 AM

India plans cuts to imports from Malaysia, Turkey in Kashmir rowIndia is planning to cut some imports from Turkey and widen curbs on palm oil from Malaysia to oil, gas and other products, government officials said, targeting the two Muslim-majority countries for their criticism of India's policy towards Kashmir. India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, has already effectively stopped importing palm oil from Malaysia by asking Indian importers to look elsewhere.

Opposition spreading negativity, could not find solution to unemployment in 60 years : Amit Shah

Apparently taking on Congress party, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Opposition of spreading negativity, saying no new solution was found to deal with unemployment during its 50-60 years of rule. Speaking at a foundation stone laying function for the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) here, the minister also said the government's target to make India a USD 5 trillion economy was doable.

AGR verdict: Supreme Court to hear telcos' review pleas in closed chamber today

The Supreme Court will hear review petitions filed by telecom companies against its verdict on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) today. The hearing will be conducted in closed chambers at 1:50 pm on Thursday, although Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had called for an open court hearing. The companies have to pay pending AGR dues to the Department of Telecommunications by January 23.

RBI allows users to enable, disable credit, debit cards; modify usage limit

With an eye on the growing number of digital transactions via credit and debit cards, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has floated new features for banks to ensure security and convenience of card users. Under the new rules, banks will be able to issue credit and debit cards that can be used only at ATMs and with PoS devices. The choice of using the cards for contactless and international transactions will lie with the user.

Inspired by physically challenged man's venture, Anand Mahindra sets aside Rs 1 crore for micro-entrepreneurs

Tycoon Anand Mahindra has offered to set aside Rs 1 crore for helping micro-entrepreneurs. Taking to Twitter, the Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman shared a video, which features a Gujarat-based differently-abled man, Vishnu Patel, who makes vehicles using electronic waste and electronics parts.

Xiaomi to focus more on Mi sub-brand in India; premium flagships expected in 2020

Chinese technology company Xiaomi is starting the year 2020 with a renewed focus on its Mi sub-brand and intends to launch products across categories including the ultra-premium smartphones and Mi Home portfolio. Until now, the focus had been on the Redmi series, which has helped the company garner popularity as well as the market share in the Indian market.

US and China tiptoe around holes in new trade agreement

The United States and China signed an initial trade deal on Wednesday that will roll back some tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of U.S. products, defusing an 18-month row between the world's two largest economies but leaving a number of sore spots unresolved.

Also read: ED summons AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, entire top brass

Also read: Budget 2020: Govt likely to raise LTCG tax holding period to two years
The agreement benefits both countries and the whole world, and serves the interest of global producers, consumers and investors, Liu told the media here on Wednesday night after he signed the deal along with US President Donald Trump in the White House.

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has said that the phase-one economic and trade agreement between Beijing and Washington was more than an economic deal, as it also had a bearing on world peace and prosperity.

After the signing of the deal, China will work together with the US side, adhere to the principle of equality and mutual respect, abide by the terms of the deal and strive for the full implementation of the agreement, he added.

The Vice Premier also said that the China-US relationship is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world.

"In the whole process of consultations (with the US side), I strongly feel that the international community as a whole hopes our two countries can settle differences properly and our two peoples also eagerly want us to well address our problems," said Liu.

China and the US formally signed the phase-one economic and trade agreement here on Wednesday after 18 months of barbs and sanctions that have hurt manufacturers on both sides and raised tensions across global markets.

The deal will relax sanctions on China and Beijing in turn, will increase purchases of mainly US farm products.

As of now, the Trump administration has abandoned plans to slap tariffs on an additional $160 billion in Chinese imports and has halved existing tariffs on $110 billion of Chinese imports. The Trump government says China is all set to buy $40 billion a year in US farm products.

Even after the deal is signed, US tariffs on $360 billion in Chinese imports will however, stay in place.

Also addressing the media following the signing, Trump said the agreement fixes the "wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers, farmers and families".

ksk/
[January 16, 2020] Executives from U.S., Canadian, and Mexican Chemical Industries Reaffirm Support for New North American Trade Agreement

Chemical Manufacturers Committed to Leveraging Duty-Free Trade to Spur New Growth, Investment, and Jobs While Exploring Ways to Regulate Chemicals More Efficiently OTTAWA, Jan. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Leading executives representing the U.S., Canadian and Mexican chemical industries today publicly reaffirmed their support for U.S. ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), also known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in Canada and the Tratado entre Mexico, Estados Unidos y Canada (T-MEC) in Mexico. The announcement, led by American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO, Chris Jahn; Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) President and CEO, Bob Masterson; and Asociacion Nacional de la Industria Quimica (ANIQ) President, Miguel Benedetto Alexanderson, comes just hours before an expected U.. Senate vote on USMCA that would bring the agreement one step closer to ratification. The announcement continues years of collaboration among the three associations on North American trade issues, including a joint March 2017 statement on industry priorities for modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).



"We all win under this new agreement," said ACC's Jahn. "Our unanimous support for ratifying USMCA is a testimony to the collaborative, highly integrated North American chemical manufacturing sector that is uniquely positioned to continue to grow and create new jobs under the new North American trade pact. For the United States in particular, companies eyeing the U.S. shale gas revolution and chemical production boom should soon have even greater confidence to invest, knowing that they will be able to trade freely with our industry's largest trading partners in Canada and Mexico," Jahn added. "We're thrilled at the prospect of Canada's ratification of CUSMA to further minimize barriers to North American chemicals trade," added CIAC's Masterson. "Eliminating tariffs and other barriers to trade has changed the conditions of doing business across borders in North America and encouraged regional investment and economic integration. Producers have become more efficient and more productive because they can benefit from vertical specialization and economies of scale. Canadian, Mexican, and U.S. goods  including chemicals, and goods that require chemicals as inputs  are competitive in the global marketplace because they are products of integrated North American supply chains," he said.

"T-MEC strengthens NAFTA's legacy of eliminating tariffs  removing barriers to trade, keeping North American manufacturing costs low, and boosting Mexico's chemicals exports and creating new jobs that depend on those exports," said ANIQ's Benedetto. "In particular, T-MEC will enable Mexico, Canada, and the United States to evaluate where they may be able to cooperate and regulate chemicals more efficiently. We see greater regulatory cooperation as an unqualified win for companies here in Mexico and consumers throughout the region who support a risk-based approach to regulating chemicals and protecting human health and safety and the environment," he said. Fast Facts about the North American Chemicals Industry and Trading Relationship: U.S. Business of Chemistry (in US dollars): The U.S. business of chemistry is a US$553 billion enterprise that provides 542,000 skilled, good-paying American jobs.

enterprise that provides 542,000 skilled, good-paying American jobs. American chemistry supports over 25 percent of U.S. GDP; provides 14 percent of the world's chemicals; and accounts for 10 percent of all U.S. goods exports.

In 2018, U.S. chemical manufacturers exported $46 billion , or one-third of all U.S. chemicals exports, to Canada and Mexico . Around 44 percent of U.S. chemicals exports to Canada and Mexico are to related parties.

, or one-third of all U.S. chemicals exports, to and . Around 44 percent of U.S. chemicals exports to and are to related parties. Nearly a quarter of all U.S. chemical imports are from Canada and Mexico . 64 percent of those imports are from related parties.

and . 64 percent of those imports are from related parties. Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 46,000 U.S. chemical industry jobs. Business of Chemistry in Canada (in Canadian dollars): The Canadian chemical industry is responsible for CA$58 billion in chemical shipments.

Canada traded $65.1 billion in chemical products with the U.S. and Mexico in 2018.

traded in chemical products with the U.S. and in 2018. The Canadian chemistry industry employs approximately 87,900 workers. Business of Chemistry in Mexico (in US dollars): Mexico's chemical industry produced 22,675 tons of chemicals in 2018 and is responsible for $20.4 billion in chemical shipments.

chemical industry produced 22,675 tons of chemicals in 2018 and is responsible for in chemical shipments. Mexico traded $27.7 billion in chemical products with the United States and Canada in 2018. Chemicals trade between Mexico and all of its trading partners was $43.3 billion .

traded in chemical products with and in 2018. Chemicals trade between and all of its trading partners was . The Mexican chemical industry employs approximately 48,148 workers. SOURCE Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

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Other compromises already have been made. In contrast to the New York City law, which applies to all of the citys five boroughs, the revised version of the Chicago ordinance would be limited to four districts or categories: downtown and the densely zoned areas around it, the land covered by the citys lakefront protection ordinance, the large-scale projects known as "planned developments, including those along the Chicago River; and lots next to a city park or open space.
Ukraine said Thursday it had launched a probe into alleged illegal surveillance of former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, who is now a key figure in US President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry.

Trump has denied accusations that he pressured Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, part of the impeachment inquiry that threatens the US leader with removal from office.

Ukraine said it decided to act after fresh documents were released by US Democrats on Tuesday detailing the controversial removal of Yovanovitch, who served as the US ambassador to Ukraine for nearly three years before she was abruptly called back to the United States in May.

The newly-acquired files showed Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani working with Ukrainian-born American Lev Parnas last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden.

They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump.

The Ukrainian interior ministry said on Thursday it could not ignore "illegal activities" on its territory.

"Ukraine's position is not to interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States of America," the ministry said in a statement.

"However, the published references cited by the Washington Post contain a possible violation of the law of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat on the territory of the foreign country," it said.

"Our goal is to investigate whether there actually was a violation of Ukrainian and international law," the ministry added.

"Or whether it is just a bravado and fake information in the informal conversation between two US citizens," it added in the English-language statement.

In November, the 33-year diplomatic veteran during her testimony to Congress said she was subjected to a smear campaign orchestrated in part by Giuliani.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
VILNIUS, Lithuania - Poland and Lithuania are working together to defend themselves against a Russian historical offensive that seeks to minimize Soviet responsibility for the outbreak of World War II, their foreign ministers said Thursday.

Linas Linkevicius of Lithuania and Jacek Czaputowicz of Poland described recent Russian statements that put part of the blame on Poland for start of World War II as disinformation that they perceive as a threat to their nations.

We will not let the Kremlin manipulate history so easily and spread lies, Linkevicius said after meeting Czaputowicz in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials have made repeated statements in recent weeks blaming Poland  which was the first victim of World War II  for some role in sparking the conflict. The Russian comments have also sought to stress Polish anti-Semitism as a trigger for the conflict.

Historians in the West say the Russian claims are baseless.

World War II began in 1939 when Poland was invaded first by Nazi Germany , then by the Soviet Union two weeks later. Right away, the Soviet troops arrested some 22,000 Polish officers who were executed the following year on the orders of Soviet leader Josef Stalin. The dual occupation came days after the two totalitarian states signed a pact with a secret protocol to carve up Poland, the Baltic states and Finland.

They try to revive an image of Stalin as some sort of a good guy and also justify the Molotov- Ribbentrop pact, Linkevicius said. We will not allow this to happen.

Czaputowicz added: We have agreed that our experts would co-operate closely in the area of disinformation so that we can resist those threats together.

A top European Union official a day earlier also came to Polands defence. EU Commissioner Vera Jourova told the European Parliament that she rejects any false claim that paints Poland as a perpetrator instead of a victim of the 1939-1945 war and that she will not tolerate these attacks on Poland.

In another disputed Russian claim, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russias lower house of parliament, the Duma, said this week that Nazi Germanys location of many of its extermination camps in occupied Poland was facilitated by pre-war anti-Semitism.

That is an old anti-Polish stereotype that was debunked by historians long ago.

While anti-Semitism was rampant in pre-war Poland among nationalists and those on the right, there were also Poles who opposed it. Furthermore, historians say the reason that so many death camps were operated on occupied Polish soil is because that is where most European Jews  who were marked for destruction by Hitlers regime  were living. Half of the 6 million citizens that Poland lost in the war were Jewish.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau state museum, the custodian of the site of the most notorious German death camp, recommended that Volodin take its online lessons about Auschwitzs complicated history. Facts can help us to defend ourselves against & prevent shameful falsifying and distortion of history, the museum said Wednesday.

___

Gera reported from Warsaw..
New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) India and Norway said on Thursday the dynamic nature of commercial exchange between the two countries will result in increasing number of companies interested in establishing and gaining access to the markets of the two countries.



During the first Session of India-Norway Dialogue on Trade and Investment (DTI) convened on January 15-16, both sides exchanged views on investment opportunities available in the respective countries as also the facilitations being extended by respective Governments for creating attractive investment environments.



Presentations were also made by the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and Invest India.



The session was based on the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed between India and Norway on January 8 during the visit of Prime Minister of Norway. This was the first meeting after the signing of DTI.



The first Session was preceded by an industry interaction on January 15 with the representatives from Indian industry, where discussions were held on various areas of mutual interest including blue economy, shipping & maritime, ICT, renewable energy, fisheries and MSME.



Representatives from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),fisheries,ICT, renewable energy, electrical equipment, IT and solar energy sectors participated in the industry interaction.



The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Economic Affairs highlighted various policy initiatives of the Government for promoting investment in the country.



Cumulative FDI equity inflows to India from Norway during April, 2000 to September, 2019 were around USD 257 million. While economic exchanges between India and Norway remain satisfactory, there are ample opportunities for further intensification and diversification in mutually beneficial areas and their complementarities.



UNI RSA ADG 1642
A young casino worker has claimed his crippling gambling addiction drove him to steal more than $90,000 worth of poker chips from his own workplace.

Star Casino supervisor Justin Ly, 23, used his senior position to facilitate payouts of cash value chips to a patron, who was in on the ruse, that he was not entitled to in August last year.

Ly pleaded guilty to 13 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception at the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

Star Casino supervisor Justin Ly (pictured), 23, used his senior position to facilitate payouts of cash value chips to a patron, who was in on the ruse, that he was not entitled in August, 2019

After pleading guilty, Ly said that gambling addiction was 'most definitely' what made him steal, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

'When you're in that addiction mood... it made me do bad things,' Ly told the court.

Last year, Ly and a friend came up with a plan to make dealers pay out casino chips that they were not entitled to.

Since Ly was a supervisor, dealers would listen to his instructions.

On 13 occasions in August last year he payed out chips to his co-accused, most of which were worth between $7,000 and $7,500. In total, they made $90,500.

After reports of fraudulent activity, the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad's Casino and Racing Unit launched an investigation in September of last year.

On 13 occasions, Ly instructed dealers to pay out chips to his co-accused, most of which were worth between $7,000 and $7,500. In total, they made $90,500. Pictured: Star Casino

Ly's casino caper was eventually discovered and now the casino supervisor regrets ever taking part in it.

'You will have the biggest regret of your life. It's really hard to turn it around. You affect not just yourself, you affect your family, your friends ... so lesson learned,' he said out of court.

Ly is set to be sentenced at Downing Centre Local Court on February 27.

His co-accused cannot be named for legal reasons and is yet to enter a plea after being charged with the same 13 offences.

However, the man was a no-show at today's hearing because he was at work and had forgotten the matter was listed, the court heard.
We launched our White Label Program to provide the expertise needed to ensure our clients can enjoy the brand and revenue benefits of customized prepaid cards - without having to spend their valuable time and efforts in an area where they are not specialized.

This past November, the leading card and mobile payment industry trade publication, The Nilson Report, announced growth projects for the niche that likely have marketing executives around the globe taking a fresh look at their brand public relations plans to factor in white label prepaid card programs as a driving tactic. They need search no further for expert support than one of the fastest-growing leaders in the field: Axiom Prepaid Holdings. The company is a global provider of end-to-end payment solutions that include Mastercard and Visa prepaid cards.

With spending on goods and services via prepaid, debit and credit cards expected to grow from 2018s $7.2 trillion to $10+ trillion by 2023, Axiom executives say that the number of companies adopting white label prepaid card programs is also on the rise. Afterall, prepaid cards bearing the name and logo of businesses, provide visibility for the brand every single time the card is used. And that visibility is proven to drive customer loyalty, brand visibility and even, revenue. Branded prepaid cards encompass gift cards, travel cards and general use prepaid cards and are used by businesses to pay commissions, reward loyalty, and distribute compensation to their own customers, agents and affiliates while also offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional corporate payroll programs and investment advisory services.

We launched our White Label Program to provide the expertise needed to ensure our clients can enjoy the brand and revenue benefits of customized prepaid cards - without having to spend their valuable time and efforts in an area where they are not specialized, explained Steve Urry, Chairman, Axiom Prepaid Holdings.

Axioms founders have more than 60 years of combined experience in the banking and card issuing industry. Their company builds programs according to client specifications and gets those up and running in as little as four months, while it may take novices years to activate a program. Sophisticated digital tools are at the heart of the companys business model to ensure efficient card program management with an emphasis on security and compliance safeguards vital in the fintech arena.

Each card includes custom card design along with current fee structure, fund distribution channel and mobile and desktop solutions. The programs front-end comprises a website and web portal tied into iPhone and Android apps for card management, sending payments, and any enhanced card services. Its back-end comprises administrative portals, API connections and secure encryption for sign-ups, KYC, sponsor banks, call centers and fulfillment centers.

Axiom has single and multi-currency card white label programs that are used via an app or physical card worldwide. The cards include features like card-to-card payments, ATM access, a rewards program, direct deposit load, generated statements, around-the-clock service, fraud protection, virtual card access and SMS/email alerts.

Its clear that the state of the prepaid card market is very bright indeed and we are here to put our expertise to work to help clients use that to their advantage, added Urry.

-------------------------------------------

About Axiom Prepaid Holdings:

Axiom Prepaid Holdings was born of the desire of two entrepreneurial-minded banking industry veterans to turn the prepaid card model upside down. To make banking simple. To give consumers and businesses around the globe access to innovative, easy-to-use, digitally driven, fun, flexible and secure products and services. Today, Axiom has 9 offices and conducts business in 20 countries. Every day, the Axiom team strives to create 100% turnkey solutions to help cardholders gain economic freedoms and help businesses achieve growth and success. To learn more about Axiom Prepaid Holdings, please visit: http://www.axiompph.com.
[January 16, 2020] 2nd Annual European Master & Multi-Unit Franchising Conference Coming to Vienna January 28-29, 2020

The premier European conference for master, multi-unit, & multi-brand franchising VIENNA and SAN JOSE, California, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Franchise Update Media, in collaboration with MFV/Comexposium, will host their 2nd European Master & Multi-Unit Franchising Conference at the Hotel Savoyen in Vienna, Austria on January 28-29, 2020. Multi-unit, multi-brand, and master franchisees are invited to the two-day conference designed to address common issues and solutions concerning European franchise expansion. This event is a golden opportunity to network with like-minded franchisors, franchisees, and master developers who are primarily interested in growth and adding new units/brands across Europe. "This conference is modeled on our highly successful Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (draws 1700 attendees), held each spring in Las Vegas and now entering its 20th year," said Therese Thilgen, CEO of Franchise Update Media. Content designed for the conference will be segmented into two tracks: the Master Franchising Track and the Muli-Unit/Multi-Brand Track. Master franchising  a key part of this growing trend  continues to be the primary vehicle for brands looking to expand in Europe. The continuing growth of multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees across Europe will also be a major focus.



Over 50 speakers from more than 18 countries will include master franchisees, multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees from brands including McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Orangetheory, Outback, Fastsigns, Brioche Doree and more. More than 50 sponsors from multiple countries will be in attendance and eight European Franchise Associations. This is an exclusive event with limited seating. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.emmfc.com.

ABOUT FRANCHISE UPDATE MEDIA

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for more than 30 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunity and educational websites, print & digital magazines, e-newsletters, annual conferences and independent research all focused on franchising. For more information, visit franchising.com. ABOUT MFV EXPOSITIONS/COMEXPOSIUM

MFV Expositions has been bringing franchise brands and entrepreneurs together for more than 25 years through expos and trade shows. In 2017, the Paris-based Comexposium Group acquired MFV, which included MFV's major franchise trade shows and conferences in the U.S., Mexico and London. Comexposium hosts more than 135 B2B and B2C events across different sectors in more 30 countries. For more information, visit www.mfvexpo.com or www.comexposium.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077536/European_Master_and_Multi_Unit_Franchising_Conference___Logo.jpg

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Chennai, Jan 16 : The Indian Coast Guard is in discussion with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for alloting it the necessary satellite bandwidth for its needs as sending up a dedicated satellite for its use is costly, its chief K. Natarajan said.

Talking to reporters here, he said the Indian Coast Guard - the fourth largest coastal security agency in the world - is moving ahead with its Vision 2025 of having a fleet of about 200 ships and 100 aircraft in order of prevent transnational maritime crimes like drug/arms trafficking, piracy and others.

The blue economy is set to boom and all nations are concerned on protecting their coasts against transnational maritime crimes, he added.

"We in discussion with DoT for satellite bandwidth for our use as it works out economical. Sending up a satellite for our own use is costly." The Director General was here along with his Japanese counterpart Takahiro Okushima to kick off the 19th joint exercise 'Sahyog-Kaijin'.

According to Natarajan, about 50 ships and 16 advanced light helicopters are under various stages of production and the organisation is planning to add more radar stations.

"The first advanced light helicopters will reach us soon," he added.

Presently, the Indian Coast Guard has 145 ships and 62 aircraft and has a budget of about Rs 5,000 crore, he added.

Questioned about the attack on Indian fishermen by neighbouring nations' navies, Natarajan said fishermen go alongwith the fish and each nation will be cautious about those entering its waters.

According to Japan Coast Guard Commandant Okushima, learnings from joint exercises held between the coastal security agencies of two nations is the validation of procedures.

The joint exercise between the Coast Guards of India and Japan began after the apprehension of the pirated vessel MV Alondra Ranbow by the Indian Coast Guard on November 16, 1999 off the west coast of India, said Natarajan.

In this year's joint exercise Japan Coast Guard ship 'Echigo' is participating alonwith Indian Coast Guard's four ships, aircraft and a vessel from the National Institute of Ocean Technology.

On Thursday, the joint exercise involved chasing and securing a pirated vessel using the Indian Coast Guard's Shaurya as the mother vessel, speed boats, helicopters and a Dornier aircraft along with Japan's Echigo vessel, on-board helicopter and speed boats.

The exercise also involved rescue of a 'pirate' who had jumped into the sea by a Coast Guard helicopter and also putting out a mock fire created by the 'pirates' in their escape bid.
UPDATE 3:57 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 - The Plumas County Sheriff's Office said 50-year-old Jorge Ramiro has been found safe after missing for over two weeks.

Ramiro was found in Susanville on Thursday, January 15, deputies said.



This is not a photo of Ramiro's car, but a look-alike This is not a photo of Ramiro's car, but a look-alike

---

PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif. - Authorities are searching for a 50-year-old man from Quincy, California who was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Jorge Alfredo Morquecho Ramiro last spoke to his employer at Cedarling Restaurant located in Quincy., on Jan. 2, but never showed up to work the next day. Authorities said he was in Susanville and was expected to show up for work the following day, but never did.

The owner of Cedarling said the restaurant has been temporarily closed, unrelated to this incident, for a few months. She said Ramiro was a clerk at the restaurant and was a well-liked man among many.

After not seeking him for weeks, Ramiro's roommate reported him as a missing person, the Plumas County Sheriff's Office said.

His vehicle, a blue 2005 Ford Five Hundred with chrome accents and Calif. license plate, 6SNB349 is also missing. However, Ramiro's cellphone and all of his personal belongings are still in his home.

Ramiro is described at a 50-year-old Hispanic, male adult 6'3" and 170 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and his clothing description is unknown, deputies said.

The Plumas County Sheriffs Department is actively conducting an investigation into the whereabouts of Ramiro. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call the Plumas County Sheriffs Office or their local law enforcement agency.

The Sheriffs Office can be reached at 530-283-6300.
The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a man, accused of harassing his wife, on the ground that he bluffed the court by making wrong allegations that his spouse was not capable of establishing sexual relations.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait said in majority of such cases, the court has granted anticipatory and regular bail to the accused persons, but considering the conduct of the husband in this matter, it was inclined not to grant him the relief.

The man had sought anticipatory bail in the case filed by his estranged wife, alleging that she was harassed by him and his parents.

During pendency of the plea, the judge interacted with the estranged couple in his chamber where the man stated that he was in love with the woman for an year before marriage and thereafter they tied the nuptial knot in November 2016.

He claimed that neither before nor after marriage, they had sexual intercourse.

The woman, however, told the court that during their affair and after marriage, they have had sexual relations and she was capable of doing so.

When the court asked the woman whether she was willing to stay with her husband, she had replied in affirmative but the man said he cannot continue the relation as she was not capable of sexual intercourse.

The court directed the medical superintendents of AIIMS and RML Hospital to examine the woman in this regard and as per the medical reports, she was capable of having sexual intercourse.

On receipt of the report, the man agreed to stay with the woman and they lived together for 24 days, the court noted.

"The petitioner (man) is personally present in court today (January 14) and has admitted that during stay of 24 days, they had sexual relations.

"If the petitioner is admitting that they had sexual intercourse during aforesaid period, then this court cannot believe that the petitioner and respondent no.2 (woman) did not have sexual relations at least after marriage. Thus, he has bluffed and misled this court by making wrong allegations against respondent no.2," the judge said, and declined to grant him anticipatory bail.

The man had sought anticipatory bail claiming that the FIR lodged by the woman was a counter of the divorce petition to pressurise him and his family.

He said his arrest would destroy his social status and he will also lose his job and added that he was ready to join the investigation as and when called by the police.

The woman had claimed that certain disputes arose between them after one year of the marriage and alleged that her in-laws used to make sarcastic remarks about the dowry items given in the marriage.

She alleged the man had insulted and slapped her and she was mentally and physically harassed by him and his parents. An FIR was lodged in the matter in December 2018 for alleged offences under Sections 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 406 (criminal breach of trust).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The constitution requires the chief justice of the Supreme Court to preside over the trial, but the role is undefined.

With a Senate trial in the impeachment of US President Donald Trump set to begin in earnest next week, John Roberts, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, has been sworn in to preside over the upcoming proceedings  a role only two of his predecessors have ever filled.

This position has the potential to be largely ceremonial, offering the judicial gravitas of a sitting justice from the highest court in the land to what will largely be a mostly political arena. However, Roberts will also likely have the ability to influence some of the key questions surrounding the rules that will define the upcoming trial  in particular, what evidence will be allowed and the hotly contested issue of whether new witnesses will be permitted to testify and who those witnesses will be, analysts say.

But how Roberts, who was appointed to the prestigious position by Republican President George W Bush and who has since become the sole swing vote on the Supreme Court, will approach the position remains to be seen.

Many point to Robertss recent comments on the importance of maintaining the apolitical nature of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the US and resolves the constitutionality of lower court rulings, as an indication of how he will fulfil his unique task.

Justices serve for life. While they can be impeached, they cannot be fired. These stipulations are meant to elevate the court above partisan politics.

The Constitution requires that a chief judge shall preside over presidential impeachment trials in the Senate. It does not offer further details on the chief justices role  leaving open to interpretation how much chief justices can affect a trial. Such questions can be decided by a Senate vote. Beyond those agreed parameters, the degree of involvement, in the past, has largely been left to the discretion of the individual chief justice.

Impeachment of a US president is an unusual circumstance, Thomas M Keck, a professor of political science at Syracuse University told Al Jazeera. (The chief justice) is there to oversee a trial, which is something that should be well within his comfort zone. But its a trial conducted by elected partisan officials. Its not a court, the US Senate.

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has not yet produced the rules for the upcoming trial.

However, if the rules of the 1999 Senate impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton are any indication, Roberts role will likely allow him to rule on procedural motions, although any rulings can then be overruled by a simple majority. Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the 100-member chamber. He can also send motions directly to a Senate vote without a ruling, under the past rules.

Who is Chief Justice John Roberts?

Roberts was born in Buffalo, New York but spent most of his formative years in Indiana. He attended Harvard University as an undergraduate and then as a law student, becoming the managing editor of the Harvard Law Review.

He later served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, one of only two other chief justices to preside over an impeachment trial.

Roberts also served in prosecutorial and advocate roles for former Presidents Ronald Reagan and President George HW Bush.

In 2003, Roberts was confirmed as a federal judge in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, after being appointed by President George W Bush. Two years later, Bush nominated him to fill the seat of retiring Justice Sandra Day OConnor. But when Rehnquist died, Bush instead appointed Roberts to the role of chief justice.

His whole adult professional life led the Bush administration to have high confidence that he would be a conservative supreme court justice and he has been, said Keck.





When Justice Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018, Roberts became the sole swing vote on a court composed of five Republican appointees and four Democrat appointees.

If you want to map him ideologically on the courts, he is a conservative, centre-right (justice), Adam White, a law professor at George Mason University and a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told Al Jazeera.

On the current Supreme Court, he sits dead set in the middle of the nine justices, he said.

Despite being a conservative, Robertss votes in rulings that upheld key components of former President Barack Obamas signature healthcare policy did not win him many fans among Republican politicians, White added.

In some other key rulings, including a deciding vote striking down a Trump administration move to add a citizenship question on the US census, Roberts has shown a willingness to break from the Republican political agenda, said Keck, who added that Robertss voting history generally remains very conservative.

Roberts has also largely remained out of the national spotlight. However in 2018, in a rare rebuke to a sitting president from a chief justice, Roberts responded to Trumps claim that an an Obama judge had struck down an administration policy that aimed to deny asylum to people who did not enter the US at an official port of entry.

We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges, Roberts said in a statement at the time. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.

What powers does the chief justice have in the trial?

If the Senate trial rules resemble those used during the Clinton impeachment, Roberts will have the ability to rule on any kind of procedural question that comes up: can we introduce this document? Is it materially relevant or not? Can we call this witness? Can we have some extra time? said Keck.

Even though a ruling can be overturned by a simple majority Senate vote, it could still prove influential in the proceedings, he added.

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The fact that the chief justice rules on it first is at least a bit of an extra hurdle, if youre a moderate Republican senator running for reelection, said Keck.

However, given the format, the ultimate decision-makers are whatever moderate Republican senators might or might not be willing to join with Democrats on some of these procedural questions, he said.

How will Chief Justice Roberts approach the role?

The two previous impeachment proceedings, Andrew Johnsons post-US Civil War 1868 trial and Clintons 1999 trial, saw very different approaches from the presiding chief justices, said Alan Baron, a former special counsel to the House of Representative during four impeachment inquiries against federal judges.

Chief Justice Salmon Chase, who presided over Johnsons trial, saw himself as playing a very central role, and from his point of view, this is like a trial, hes a trial judge, and he made all kind of rulings.

Meanwhile, Rehnquist was famously hands-off.

He wasnt a potted plant, but he wasnt exactly a real player, said Baron.

Roberts, in the few public statements he has made in recent times, including his 2019 year-end report [PDF] on the federal judiciary, has called for maintaining the apolitical integrity of the Supreme Court.

He thinks a lot about the courts place in American politics and democracy, and hes given a number of speeches over the years warning people not to think of the court as a political body, not to politicise the court, not to expect the court to settle every political argument, said White.

Experts generally agree that Roberts will try to maintain that neutrality going into the impeachment proceedings. But how such neutrality will be executed is very much up for debate.





Keck argues that in dealing with an administration that has posed a test for many norms and institutions of constitutional democracy and a Republican Senate leadership that has said they will work closely with the White House defence, a light hand from Roberts may not come across as fair.

Being a neutral even-handed judge could theoretically require an effort to put some constraints on the partisan majority, said Keck.

But having as small a role as possible is likely the best way to avoid the appearance of politicisation, argues White.

If he were to sort of be extra restrained and not rule on things, would he be criticised? Hell get some criticism from those who want to see him rule on things, said White. But I think that to really energetically become a participant in the proceedings, that would politicise things much, much more.

Its hard to accuse him of politicisation when what hes doing is restraining himself, not inserting himself.
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg watches as U.S. President Donald Trump enters the United Nations to speak with reporters in a still image from video taken in New York City, U.S. September 23, 2019. REUTERS | Andrew Hofstetter | File Photo

President Donald Trump and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg will both attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week, stirring up a heightened sense of intrigue in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. The 50th edition of the annual January get-together  which draws policymakers and business leaders from around the world  is scheduled to focus on the intensifying climate crisis. Trump is set to travel to the picturesque ski resort after skipping the conference last year due to the partial government shutdown. The U.S. president, who is likely to be one of the star attractions of the event, has often expressed skepticism about the scale of the climate crisis. Since coming to power in 2016, Trump has pulled the U.S.  one of the world's leading carbon emitters  out of the Paris Agreement and sought to roll back over 80 environmental regulations.

His much-anticipated return to Davos will mark the first time he has attended the same event as Thunberg since the pair briefly crossed paths at the United Nations (UN) climate change summit in New York last year. In a widely-shared video on social media, Thunberg could be seen glaring at Trump as he addressed reporters.

What's the context?

The 17-year-old, who was catapulted to fame for skipping school every Friday to hold a weekly vigil outside Swedish parliament in 2018, was recently named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for 2019. She was recognized for the award after sparking an international wave of school strikes  also known as "Fridays for Future." Millions of children took part in rallies around the world to protest against political inaction over climate change. Tweet 1 "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old-fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Trump tweeted on Dec. 12. In an interview with BBC radio's Today program late last month, Thunberg said attacks from the U.S. president and others should be seen as "proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat." When asked what she would have said to the U.S. president if they had spoken at the UN climate change summit, Thunberg replied: "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?" "So, I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time."

'We absolutely need to do things differently'

Thunberg has reportedly pledged to tell global leaders in attendance at Davos to "immediately and completely divest from fossil fuels." She is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks of a panel session entitled "Averting a Climate Apocalypse" on Tuesday. The WEF's theme, officially recognized as "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World," follows a year which reportedly saw the hottest year on record for the world's oceans, the second-hottest year for global average temperatures and wildfires from the U.S. to the Amazon to Australia.

A hotel employee checks a bottle of champagne as he stands on the snow covered bar terrace of the InterContinental Hotel Davos Matthew Lloyd/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro got a temporary restraining order against his child's mother Jen Harley after he claims she attacked him in a recent row in which she claimed he'd cheated on her.

The Jersey Shore star, 34, took his issues to court this week, police told TMZ, after he said that Harley, 32, hit him in the face Saturday evening around 6 p.m. in an ambush that occurred at his home in Las Vegas.

The temporary restraining order Ortiz-Magro obtained remains intact until February 25, according to lawyers for the MTV personality, Scott Leemon and Leonard Levine.

The latest: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, 34, got a temporary restraining order against his child's mother Jen Harley, 32, after he claims she attacked him in a recent row in which she claimed he'd cheated on her

'Regrettably, on Saturday night, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was, again, the victim of a domestic violence incident at the hands of Jennifer Harley,' Leemon told the outlet. 'At that time, Ms. Harley entered his home while he was sleeping and started viciously assaulting him.'

Ortiz-Magro told police that he'd been in a photo shoot earlier in the day and went to his home to sleep, and Harley woke him in a rampage claiming he'd cheated on her, sources told the outlet.

Harley believed that makeup she found in the garbage at Ronnie's home indicated the presence of another woman and, therefore, cheating.

Ortiz-Magro said that in Harley's assault on him, she also tried to poke his eye. Insiders told TMZ that he had a swollen right eye with bruises and cuts in the wake of the attack.

Troubled timeline: It's a disconcerting start to 2020 for Harley and Ortiz-Magro, shares one-year-old daughter Ariana. The pair were snapped in October of 2019 in LA

Bad romance: The pair were seen in 2018 in Miami prior to welcoming their child

Harley was not at Ortiz-Magro's home when police arrived, and investigators continue to probe the incident.

'We have not received any restraining order against her, and if Jenn does get served with one, we will oppose it,' lawyer Lisa Bloom, who began representing Harley last month, told TMZ Wednesday. 'Jenn just wants to raise her baby in peace.'

It's a disconcerting start to 2020 for Harley and Ortiz-Magro, shares one-year-old daughter Ariana.

Troubles: Ortiz-Magro has pleaded not guilty after he was arrested and charged with domestic violence and other infractions following an incident in LA in October

The on-again, off-again couple have been embroiled in legal problems amid a series of violent episodes between the pair in the last few years.

Bloom noted said that 'contact that Ronnie Ortiz had with Jen Harley recently was in violation of the restraining order in effect against him,' which came after a an October incident in Los Angeles in which Ortiz-Magro was arrested and charged with domestic violence and other infractions. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.

They began 2019 on a bitter note after Ortiz-Magro told authorities he was hit in the face by an ashtray Harley lobbed at him at a New Year's Eve bash in Las Vegas.
On behalf of KIT, Thomas Neumann, who is responsible for startups and participations at KIT, received the grant certificate. On the left: Dr. Sabine Hepperle, BMWi. (Photo: Bildkraftwerk)

Green light for the Global Horizon Program. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has acquired EUR 2.2 million funding for the next phase of the EXIST program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). KIT will be made the hub of international technology startups.

Young entrepreneurs from KIT have demonstrated again and again how a good idea can be turned into an innovation for the common good. As society, we depend on their entrepreneurial acting and courageous thinking to reasonably and constructively cope with the challenges of our time, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka. But a successful startup does not develop in a vacuum. Entrepreneurial spirit and specific funding belong together. The EXIST program has proved to be a highly successful instrument in supporting startups and spinoffs at KIT. I am very happy that we can continue to work along this line with the Global Horizon Program at KIT and I congratulate all parties involved in this success.

International uberzeugen (internationally convincing), under this heading, KIT submitted a proposal for funding in the next project phase of four years under the EXIST funding program. And the proposal of KIT convinced the experts. Together with the universities of Mannheim and Heidelberg, KIT plans to connect the startup scenes as well as the founders in Karlsruhe and in the Rhine-Neckar region with the world. The BMWi will fund this Global Horizon Program (GHPro) for strategic internationalization of startup support with EUR 2.2 million in the next four years. In this way, KIT plans to become the single most important interface between technology startups in Southwest Germany and the global markets.

For more than two decades, we have systematically developed startup support at KIT with the help of EXIST, says Professor Thomas Hirth, KIT Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs. During this time, we have not only funded a number of highly successful startup teams, but also established instruments, such as co-working, incubators, and accelerator programs. Now, we will specifically focus on internationalization. Our successful proposal of the Global Horizon Program with strong cooperation partners shows that we are on the right way. Apart from the universities of Mannheim and Heidelberg, associated partners of GHPro are Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HsKA), the Karlsruhe Grunderallianz (startup alliance), the Cyber Forum, and Fraunhofer Venture. DAX companies, such as Merck, SAP, or BASF, have promised their support.

KIT as an International Startup Hub

Within the alliance, the cooperation partners Heidelberg University, KIT, and Mannheim University plan to pool their competencies and develop new offerings. KIT will act as first entry point for startups from the region that wish to open up global markets, talented entrepreneurs, and investors from abroad. KIT already is an internationally visible deep-tech competence center, says Thomas Neumann, who is responsible for startups and participations at KIT and was among the developers of the new concept. As a university, we have excellent international networks. Now, we plan to specifically use and extend them for startup support. KIT pursues more than 1000 collaborative projects in more than 70 countries at more than 450 places, which have largely focused on research and academic education so far.

Find more information about the support of startups at KIT at http://kit-gruenderschmiede.de/ (in German).

About the EXIST Funding Program

EXIST-Potentiale is a funding program of BMWi. It is intended to improve the startup climate at universities and non-university research institutions. In particular, technology-oriented and knowledge-based startups are funded. BMWi supports university graduates, scientists, and students with startup grants, among others, that can be applied for via the participating universities. Since 1998, EXIST has organized competitions to foster a viable and sustainable startup culture.

More information: https://www.exist.de/EN/Home/home_node.html;jsessionid=1D9D5D3BE2562BE21B2B1FB69860B9A1

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
Sue Barr/Getty Images

En espanol | A hospital is usually thought of as a safe place where sick people go to heal from injury or illness. But that perception isn't always accurate.

Even a short stay can put patients at risk for dangerous health outcomes, including falls and infections. Sleep deprivation and disorienting medications can induce delirium; constant bed rest can result in a number of complicated health conditions.

You can do several things, however, to avoid common inpatient health hazards and improve your rate of recovery in the hospital. Experts share their top tips:

Reduce your fall risk

No matter how healthy and active you are at home, it's important to exercise caution when attempting to get up and move around in the hospital, says Sharon O'Brien, a pulmonologist and chief quality and patient safety officer at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. And that's because your fall risk changes dramatically once you are admitted.

You may be on new medications that make you weak or light-headed, O'Brien explains. And tubes and wires from IVs, catheters and monitoring devices could cause you to trip.

Plus you may not be eating and drinking regularly, either because of your illness or because you're fasting for testing, O'Brien says. So the way you navigate at home may not be appropriate for the way you're going to navigate in the hospital.

Falls, especially in older adults, can result in serious physical and cognitive complications  even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, staying in a hospital bed all day can delay healing and lead to frailty, which is why O'Brien says: We want people to get up and walk, but we want to do it in the right way and in the safe way.

Because your balance can be off for a lot of reasons in the hospital, O'Brien recommends calling for help before you get up so that a staff member can lend a hand if you need it. Ask your care team about walkers and other assistive devices to make your stroll stumble-free. You can also request physical therapy, O'Brien says.

If you can't stand up and move around but are able to sit up, transferring from the hospital bed to a chair can help improve mood and aid in recovery, explains Melissa Bartick, a physician who specializes in managing the care of hospitalized patients at the Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"Sometimes, we'll even put people in a chair in the hallways, Bartick says. It's much better than being in the bed in a room.

Stick to your routine

When you're ill, napping on and off all day may feel like the right thing to do, but if you can, try to stick to your normal sleep schedule as much as possible. This can help ward off delirium  a state of confusion and reduced awareness that is common among older hospital patients.

Ask your care providers to open your blinds in the morning to stimulate the brain to get up and go for the day, O'Brien says. Turn on the TV and avoid sleeping pills and sedatives, if you can.

"You've got to really make an effort to preserve that sleep-wake cycle so that people don't get reversed when they're in the hospital, O'Brien adds.

At night, ask your nurses if it's possible to limit the number of overnight interruptions. If you're stable, it may not be necessary for them to take your vital signs in the middle of the night, O'Brien explains.
The consortium led by ENGIE (https://www.ENGIE.com/) and NAREVA has been declared preferred bidder for the construction of the Gafsa photovoltaic power plant, which was launched as an international tender by the Tunisian Ministry of Mines and Energy and STEG (Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et du Gaz").

The consortium will be responsible for developing, designing, financing, building, operating and maintaining the 120 MWp Gafsa photovoltaic power plant over a period of 20 years from commissioning.



This major project is one of the first solar IPP "Independent Power Producer" projects in Tunisia and is partof the renewable energy sector's development programme which is aiming to achieve 30% of the country's renewable energy production by 2030.



The Gafsa plant is expected to supply more than 100,000 Tunisian homes per year and helps avoiding 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.



This project is the first collaboration between ENGIE and NAREVA in Tunisia, after a joint experience in Morocco with the construction of the 300 MW Tarfaya wind farm, one of the largest wind parks in Africa.



Yoven Moorooven, CEO of ENGIE Africa, said: " The successful outcome of this bid further cements our strategic long-term partnership with NAREVA. Tunisia has engaged in an ambitious plan to build new renewable power generation capacity with an objective to install 3800 MW by 2030. The current program has shown very competitive results for the country and we are proud to be part of it."



Said Elhadi, Chairman & CEO of NAREVA said: "We are delighted to develop this solar project that we have won with our partner ENGIE in Tunisia. NAREVA is honored to contribute to the deployment of the Tunisian Solar Plan which is a cornerstone of the country's energy transition policy".

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ENGIE.



About ENGIE:

ENGIE (https://www.ENGIE.com/) is the largest independent electricity producer in the world, and one of the major players in natural gas and energy services. The Group has more than 50 years of experience on the African continent and has the unique ability to implement integrated solutions all along the energy value chain, from centralized electricity production to off-grid solutions (Solar Home Systems, mini-grids) and energy services. ENGIE Africa counts around 4,000 employees, has 3.15 GW of power generation capacity - in operation or construction, and is a leader in the decentralized energy market providing clean energy to more than 4 million people through domestic solar installations and local microgrids.



About NAREVA:

NAREVA is a Moroccan private player specialized in the energy and water cycle sectors. As an independent electricity producer, NAREVA has a portfolio of assets with a total capacity of 3.5 GW, including more than 2 GW in renewable energy. NAREVA now operates five wind farms in Morocco and builds five more as part of the 850 MW Integrated Wind Project. The company is also engaging on the development of several photovoltaic projects including decentralized installations.



NAREVA is also co-developer of the Safi thermal power plant, which has been operational since 2018 with a capacity of 1386 MW.

Media Contact:

ENGIE Africa

Tel. : +32 2 510 70 69

E-mail : africa.comms@engie.com



NAREVA headquarters

Tel : +212 (0)5 29 00 46 23

Email: communication@nareva.ma

www.ENGIE-Africa.com
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey restored access to online encyclopedia Wikipedia after the official publication on Wednesday of a Constitutional Court ruling that the more than two-year block was a violation of freedom of expression.

The detailed version of the ruling published in the Official Gazette opened the way for an end to the ban, put in place in April 2017 due to entries that accused Turkey of having links to terrorist organisations.

Access to the website is set to be restored once the ruling, passed by a 10-to-six majority in the court, has been conveyed to the telecommunications watchdog.

Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organisation that hosts Wikipedia, had applied to Turkey's highest court to challenge the block.

(Reporting by Can Sezer, Daren Butler and Ali Kucukgocmen; Writing by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Stewart, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Decade Resources Ltd. (TSXV: DEC) ("Decade" or the Company) announces that it has received assays for a sampling program on the Del Norte property. The property located 34 kilometres east of Stewart, BC is comprised of 5,830.16 ha in 13 separate claims. Decade geologists as part of the Company due diligence, checked for a south extension to the gold-silver bearing structure identified and to confirm high grade values at the most southerly exposure previously explored.

Sampling includes:

19.6 g/t gold and 3920 g/t silver

7.53 g/t gold and 794 g/t silver

Sampling was carried out in the area of mineralization previously identified as follows:

Surface grab sampling in the area of a historic trench that assayed up to 3910 g/t silver and 19.5 g/t gold.

It was also in the area of the above trench and drilling that intersected 1208 g/t silver and 26.54 g/t gold over 4.05 m.

Highlights of this 2019 sampling are as follows:

Sample Number Sample Type Gold g/t Silver g/t Copper % Lead % Zinc % DNK19-5 grab 19.6 3920 0.58 1.91 2.7 DNK19-7 grab 6.21 87.9 0.20 1.91 2.51 DNK19-10 grab 7.53 794 0.07 3.17 1.7 A19-258 1.1m chip 6.59 91.4 0.32 2.06 2.01

A sample of rusty quartz with no obvious sulphides was collected approximately 350 metres south (across a large snow patch) from the location of the above sampling. The sample which has significant gold and silver values, 0.5 g/t gold and 25.8 g/t silver was very likely taken from the area of structure extension to the south.

Float rocks in the projected area of the northern extension of the zone ( 1000 m north of the initial 2002 discovery) returned assays of 186.2 g/t gold and 40.9 g/t gold

The Company is also divesting of non-core properties that it has in the Stewart area of BC as well as having discussions with potential JV partners. The Company has returned the Crest property to the arm length vendor for acquisition cost plus exploration expenditures.

Ed Kruchkowski, P. Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 is responsible for the contents of this release. E. Kruchkowski is not independent of Decade as he is the president of the Company.

Decade Resources Ltd. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company actively seeking opportunities in the resource sector. Decade holds numerous properties at various stages of development and exploration from basic grass roots to advanced ones. Its properties and projects are all located in the "Golden Triangle" area of northern British Columbia. For a complete listing of the Company assets and developments, visit the Company website at www.decaderesources.ca which is presently being updated. For investor information please call 250-636-2264 or Gary Assaly at 604-377-7969.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DECADE RESOURCES LTD.

"Ed Kruchkowski"

Ed Kruchkowski, President

"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."

"This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements."

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51535
(Newser)  What Allison Donahue wanted was to ask a Michigan state senator whether he was a member of a Facebook group that put up posts advocating violence against Democrats and Muslims. What she got from Peter Lucido, who was hosting students from an all-boys school at the time, was a suggestion that she stick around the state Capitol. "You could have a lot of fun with these boys," he said, "or they could have a lot of fun with you." The high school students laughed at the remark, the Detroit Free Press reports. Donahue, 22, wrote in the Michigan Advance on Wednesday that Lucido's comments "objectified and humiliated me in front of a group of young boys."

story continues below

Lucido said the matter was "blown out of proportion" but did apologize in a statement "for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue." The boys' school, which Lucido attended, said that the comments don't reflect its values and that educators told the students so. "We are very sorry the reporter was put in this position," De La Salle Collegiate said in a statement posted on Twitter. Senate leaders of both parties asked the Senate Business Office to investigate whether Lucido violated any rules. Donahue wrote that she waited a half-hour for Lucido to finish his visit with the students, then again asked him about the Facebook group. She finished the story she'd gone to the Capitol to report and posted it with her first-person account of the day. (Read more sexual harassment stories.)
The ACLU and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Trump administration's asylum agreements that allow Honduran and Salvadoran asylum seekers to be sent to Guatemala.

Why it matters: The "safe third country" agreements with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador would keep more asylum seekers out of the U.S., but critics say the program doesn't inform migrants of their other options and sends them to countries that can't offer security. Only the Guatemala agreement is in effect so far.

The administration is illegally trying to turn away asylum seekers and pass the buck to other countries that cant protect them," Katrina Eiland, an ACLU attorney said in a press release.

The plaintiffs include a Salvadoran man who fears persecution in Guatemala for his sexual orientation as well as a woman who fled Honduras with her young daughter after her husband and sister-in-law were killed by gang members.

Go deeper: Trumps big border wall win isn't a physical one
Yves here. Remember Libra, Facebooks planned entry into the cryptocurrency game? Facebook grandiosely threw a bunch of fintech gimmicks like blockchain and stablecoin and super low cost international transfers into a bag and acted like it would add up to a ginormous business. Facebook does money! Whats not to like?

We havent heard much about the notion of late, and theres a reason. Aside from pretty much every large economy financial regulator going to war with it, the idea was half baked. And then virtually all of its partners who actually knew anything about payment systems, like PayPal, Mastercard and Visa, bolted from the project. As we wrote in October:

Before we go much further, one of the obvious flaws in the Libra project is that Facebook (and too many members of the press) dont understand the difference between a cryptocurrency and a payment system. Facebook seems to have naively believed if it could just launch a really big cryptocurrency, with its big customer base, they would easily be persuaded to trade it among themselves. Ahem, aside from not having considered Who want to have to trade a volatile foreign currency into what I need to use to pay my bills and incur FX transaction costs and tax issues every time I do so, payment systems have to do a hell of a lot more things that just create a pile of something people might if you are lucky buy and sell. You need to provide recordkeeping and anti-fraud protections, adhere to Know Your Customer and anti-money laundering rules (unless you want to be a financial outlaw), and provide information to the tax man. Thats only a partial list

Economists have continued to ponder what if anything newfangled forms of money and transfers might do for smaller and developing economies. This VoxEU post concludes, as we did, that the stablecoin gimmick doesnt solve the problem that people in real economies deal in their local money, and trading in and out of a foreign currency like stablecoin entails costs and risks.

The post also deflates a lot of fintech claims. While it points out that digital money products can be very beneficial within a country, lowering costs, speeding clearing time and thus making it more viable for more people and businesses to participate, the main benefit for international transactions is more efficient linkages to existing payments architecture.

By Erik Feyen, Head Global Macro-Financial Monitoring in the Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice, World Bank; Jon Frost, Senior Economist, BIS; and Harish Natarajan, Lead Financial Sector Specialist in the Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice, World Bank. Originally published at VoxEU

Proposals for global stablecoins have put a welcome spotlight on deficiencies in financial inclusion and cross-border payments and remittances to emerging market and developing economies. This column, part of the Vox debate on digital currencies, argues however that stablecoin initiatives are no panacea. Moreover, they pose particular development, macroeconomic and cross-border challenges for emerging market and developing economies. It remains to be seen whether stablecoins can offer a decisive comparative advantage over fast-moving fintech innovations in these countries that are built on or improve the existing financial plumbing.

From the ancient Indian rupya, to cacao beans in the Aztec empire, to the first paper money in China, the countries that are today referred to as emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) have seen innovation in money and payments for centuries. In recent decades, physical cash and claims on commercial banks (i.e. deposits) have become the main vehicles for retail payments around the world (Bech et al. 2018). Compared to physical cash, commercial bank money provides more safety, enables remote transactions, and allows banks to extend other useful financial services.

Yet for retail users, especially in EMDEs, commercial bank money poses at least three key challenges. First, it requires a bank account  access to which is far from universal. The poor often lack the proper documentation to comply with banks customer due diligence (CDD) requirements. In some cases, they live too far from a bank branch, or find the maintenance costs or minimum balances too onerous. As a result, the poor rely heavily on cash, which perpetuates informality.

Second, despite improvements in recent years, financial institutions in many EMDEs face limited competition. This concentrated market power results in limited innovation and poorer, more expensive financial services. Together with past experiences of financial crises, this contributes to a lack of trust in the formal banking system.

Third, many households in EMDEs depend on low-value cross-border remittances from family members working abroad. Remittances exceed official aid by a factor of three and are on track to overtake foreign direct investment inflows (World Bank 2019). Specialised money transfer operators have emerged to provide near instantaneous transfers, and to reduce the costs for sending money over time. Yet it still costs about $14 on average to send $200 back home (World Bank 2019). This is largely because of the role of cash on both sides of the remittance (cash-in, cash-out). Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals participating in cross-border trade in EMDEs have an even bigger problem. They are dependent on banks and specialised providers that in turn often depend on the slow and opaque correspondent banking system.

Enter Stablecoins

Various crypto-assets claim to address deficiencies in the existing financial system. Many are vying to become a new form of digital money that can be securely sent and received over the internet, by anybody with a phone or internet connection, and with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of an email. Some initiatives target cross-border payments, particularly remittances, in EMDEs. By cutting out financial intermediaries, such proposals aim to empower users and make domestic and cross-border payments more efficient. This may be particularly relevant for country corridors hit by a decline in correspondent banking relationships (CPMI 2016, IMF 2017, FSB 2019a), and for those countries with growing participation in the digital economy but no corresponding growth in access to e-commerce-enabled payment mechanisms.

Crypto-assets have suffered from various impediments, including high price volatility and scalability challenges, which prevent them from being adopted as a mainstream means of payment or store of value, much less a unit of account (see BIS, 2018). In response, a diverse family of so-called stablecoins has entered the fray. Most stablecoins attempt to maintain a stable value relative to a fiat currency (like e-money or a currency board) or a basket of fiat currencies. To maintain a stable value, most initiatives adopt a collateral approach using bank deposits, government securities or crypto-assets (Moin et al. 2019). This would be no small feat as the eventful history of broken currency boards and pegs has shown. Further, stablecoin systems that can tap into the massive user bases of platform companies may employ network effects to drive rapid adoption on a global scale.

However, as pointed out by a recent G7 report and ongoing FSB work, stablecoins pose a wide range of risks related to, among others, legal certainty, financial integrity, sound governance, the smooth functioning of payments, consumer protection, data privacy, tax compliance, and potentially monetary policy and financial stability (G7 Working Group on Stablecoins, 2019; FSB, 2019b). Moreover, stablecoins face many of the same obstacles that other players have faced with transaction accounts. Further, they need to contend with new challenges of their own depending on the scale of adoption and their use as a means of payment or a store of value.

Particular Challenges for EMDEs

Several issues related to stablecoins are exacerbated in EMDEs. Authorities are confronted with six main development,1 macroeconomic, and cross-border challenges (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Particular challenges of stablecoins for EMDEs

First, stablecoin systems could pose severe anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) risks (FATF 2019a). Stablecoin systems need to comply with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to mitigate their use for illicit financial activities. These were recently amended to cover virtual assets service providers (VASPs) such as crypto-exchanges, who will now also need to conduct CDD (FATF 2019b). In their current conception, most stablecoins projects do not seek to link accounts to real-world identities. This raises regulatory arbitrage concerns if significant volumes of transactions occur in a peer-to-peer fashion rather than using VASPs or other financial intermediaries. While this affects authorities around the world, EMDEs may have more difficulty keeping pace and adjusting their surveillance, regulatory and supervisory frameworks, given resource constraints.

Second, like branchless banking and e-money networks, stablecoin systems would need to offer robust and secure cash-in/cash-out functions between stablecoins and fiat currency through physical agent networks  for mobile money this accounts for about 70% of transactions. This is challenging if distribution networks are not equipped to handle crypto-asset or stablecoin transactions, lack geographical coverage or are prone to cyber-attacks. So far, it is unclear whether stablecoin systems would work on simpler feature phones and in locations with poor connectivity, or whether they could better address the challenges posed by a lack of ID for onboarding the unbanked, particularly in remote locations.

Third, fundamentally, stablecoins will fluctuate against local currencies in EMDEs. This inhibits their adoption for daily payments since prices will remain denominated in local currencies in all but the most extreme cases. If used for debt contracts, this is a new form of foreign exchange (FX) lending. FX lending has been at the heart of many financial crises in EMDEs.

Fourth, depending on the prevalence of their use domestically, stablecoins import the monetary policies of the fiat currencies in the basket that may not be optimal for most EMDEs and could thus impinge on their monetary policies. Stablecoin-isation could mean less effective monetary transmission and, in the extreme, countries that face shocks  political, economic or financial  could face deposit outflows from banks and capital flight. This would amplify instability and render policy measures less effective. Countries with large cross-border inflows in stablecoins may face difficulties to maintain international reserves in hard fiat currencies. This has implications for the functioning of FX and interbank markets, which are shallower in EMDEs. Liquidity and redemption shocks may thus create disruptive spillovers.

Fifth, stablecoin systems may combine elements of multiple regulatory frameworks, for example for payment systems, bank deposits, e-money, commodities, FX, and securities. In some jurisdictions, there may be gaps as no specific framework would apply. This may create an unlevel playing field if countries adopt different regulatory approaches. EMDEs may have more difficulty to allocate proper resources to adjust their policy frameworks, adopt proportionate supervision, and engage in coordination across borders.

Sixth, EMDEs will likely act as a host to most entities in a stablecoin system, which may be headquartered elsewhere. As such, authorities may lack control over stablecoin payments that involve residents. When domestically adopted at scale, this could inhibit monitoring of risks and effective oversight of payments to prevent illicit use and foster financial stability, as mandated by international standards. Moreover, it raises questions on consumer protection and redress mechanisms.

Many of these challenges can be addressed, or at least mitigated, by adequate policies. These could include additional resources on AML/CFT supervision, regulations to limit currency mismatches, and further international coordination. Yet, such policies take time and resources to be enacted, and the potential opportunities from stablecoins have to be weighed against the substantial risks.

Technological Advances Are Already Enhancing Inclusion and Efficiency

Fortunately, stablecoins are not the only game in town. In recent decades, technological advances have given EMDEs an opportunity to leapfrog into the digital economy (IMF and World Bank Group 2018). Fintech facilitates the digitisation of money, making accounts and payments services more accessible, safer, cheaper, more convenient, and closer to real time. As a result, in sub-Saharan Africa, the share of adults with an e-money account nearly doubled from 2014 to 2017, to a level of 21%. Globally, 52% of adults used digital payments in 2017, up from 42% in 2014 (Demirguc-Kunt et al. 2018). Across all levels of economic development, the share of unbanked adults and the costs of remittances are falling. Several factors have facilitated these developments.

First, policymakers are facilitating fintech innovation and adoption by updating policy frameworks and promoting digital literacy. Many countries are working on digital ID systems, which provide the opportunity to bring the over one billion undocumented people into the financial sector and promote transaction security. The experience with Aadhaar in India is particularly instructive (DSilva et al. 2019).

Second, authorities are upgrading payment infrastructures with fast payments, allowing banks and eligible non-banks to offer 24/7, near real-time payments (Bech et al. 2017). Moreover, open banking initiatives allow for third party-initiated payment services,2 often de-coupling transaction accounts from banks and empowering customers. This can help boost competition.

Third, there is a global rise of non-bank e-money issuers such as e-commerce platforms or telecom operators with large user bases that benefit from network effects. E-money is a bridge to commercial bank money, as in most countries it needs to be fully covered by commercial bank money. E-money can be conveniently stored on and exchanged from a phone or online and funds can be transferred through digital channels as well as physical agent locations. This is better suited for many consumers in EMDEs, particularly those who live in remote areas.

Fourth, feeling the pressure to innovate, incumbent banks and payment providers are embracing fintech to improve their services so consumers can conduct payments more conveniently, faster and 24/7. For example, many incumbent banks are joining hands, in some cases also with non-banks, to develop fast payment networks and offer access to their deposit-based products via mobile apps (Petralia et al. 2019).

Finally, new fintechs have extended the money transfer operator model for cross-border transfers by connecting to local payment infrastructures and banks or e-money providers on both sides of a transaction. Further, the global financial messaging network SWIFT has launched the Global Payments Initiative (SWIFT gpi) to bring transparency, speed and reliability to correspondent banking transactions.

Conclusion

Stablecoin arrangements aspire to improve financial inclusion and cross-border remittances  but they are neither necessary nor sufficient to meet these policy goals. It is unclear whether they would offer lasting competitive advantage to rapidly evolving digitalization of money and payments services that are built on top of or aim to improve existing financial plumbing. Innovations such as digital ID, e-money, mobile banking, open banking, and Faster Payment system may be adequate in a domestic setting. The development of SWIFT gpi and the integration of Faster Payment systems could help improve cross-border payments, although more work is clearly needed.

Meanwhile, stablecoins face various challenges and pose new risks, particularly in EMDEs. Thus, authorities may consider limiting or even prohibiting the use of stablecoins as a means of payment, and bar regulated entities such as banks and agent networks from holding stablecoins or offering stablecoin services.

Some countries have reacted by accelerating their investigations into a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for consumers. However, a new digital equivalent to cash also raises various challenges (CPMI-MC 2018) and it is not yet clear whether it is necessary or desirable.

Taken together, perhaps the most important contribution of stablecoins thus far is that they have drawn greater  and welcome  attention to the challenges of financial inclusion and more efficient cross-border payments and remittances. This highlights the efforts underway to strengthen monetary and financial stability frameworks; promote an enabling regulatory environment for fintech; upgrade payment infrastructures, particularly across borders; and ensure a global regulatory level playing field through greater collaboration.

Authors note: The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily of the World Bank or Bank for International Settlements. The authors thank Raphael Auer, Stijn Claessens, Sebastian Doerr, Matei Dohotaru, Alfonso Garcia Mora, Leonardo Gambacorta, Marc Hollanders, Yira Mascaro, Tara Rice, Hyun Song Shin, and Mahesh Uttamchandani for comments.

See original post for references
ATHENS, Greece - Greece will block any European peace deal on Libya unless an agreement between the internationally-recognized government in Tripoli and Turkey on maritime borders is scrapped, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned Thursday.

Mitsotakis comments during a TV interview came a day before his scheduled talks with Libyan Gen. Khalifa Hifter, whose forces are battling the Tripoli government. Hifter arrived in Athens late Thursday, and met Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

European Union-member Greece objects to the maritime border deal between the Tripoli government and Turkey, which ignores Greek sea rights in an area that is thought to contain potentially rich natural gas deposits.

Mitsotakis described the Turkish-Libyan deal as unacceptable and illegal in his interview on private Alpha TV, adding that he has conveyed his intentions on blocking a potential peace deal to senior European officials.

Greece, at the level of a (European Union) summit meeting, will never accept any political solution on Libya that does not include as a precondition the annulment of this agreement, he said.

To put it simply, we will use our veto even before the matter reaches the summit, at the level of (EU) foreign ministers, he said.

Relations between regional rivals Greece and Turkey have deteriorated considerably in recent months over undersea exploration and drilling rights in the Aegean Sea, off Cyprus, and in areas off the southern Greek island of Crete that are included in the Turkish-Libyan agreement.

Ankara raised the stakes with moves to explore waters controlled by Greece and fellow EU-member Cyprus, including sending warship-escorted drill ships into waters where Cyprus has exclusive economic rights.

On Jan. 2, Greece, Israel and Cyprus signed a deal to build an undersea pipeline to carry gas from new offshore deposits in the southeastern Mediterranean to continental Europe.

Turkey strongly opposes the project, which would see part of the 1,900-kilometre (1,300-mile) EastMed pipeline pass through waters it claims under its deal with the Tripoli government.

Mitsotakis also said Athens was very disappointed not to have been invited to an international summit on Libya in Berlin on Sunday, and will phone German Chancellor Angela Merkel Thursday to discuss the matter.

It was wrong that we were not invited, MItsotakis said. We have sea borders with Libya and should have been at Berlin.

The meeting in Berlin, to which the United States, Russia, France, Egypt and others have also been invited, aims to bring together many of the countries that have interests in Libyas ongoing civil war.
The increase in activities and threats by terrorist groups in the Sahel region can be largely curbed by stepping up relations between Nigeria and the United States of America, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Mr Osinbajo stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he received the new U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, on a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.

Noting the good relationship between Nigeria and the U.S., the vice president called for an even more robust cooperation.

He observed that apart from poverty, terrorism is a major issue affecting the Sahel region and this is the best chance of making progress on those issues.

Stepping up cooperation with the U.S. in the area of counter-terrorism is something that should be pursued vigorously given the threats of terrorism in the Sahel, according to the vice president.

Responding to the proposition by Mrs Leonard for improved ties between Nigeria and the U.S. including through the restoration of the Bi-National Commission, Mr Osinbajo said there are indeed huge opportunities for improved cooperation between both countries.

The challenges facing us as a country are many but they present opportunities for doing innovative and great things. This is our best chance to making serious progress.

I am certainly looking forward to the Bi-National Commission and hope that important issues concerning our trade relations will be addressed because we have barely scratched the surface, the vice president said.

READ ALSO:

Earlier in her remarks, the U.S. Ambassador, Mary Leonard, said it was an honour to serve in Nigeria and expressed hope that her tenure as Ambassador to Nigeria would be fruitful.

The ambassador said improving trade and investment and resuscitating the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission will top her agenda in the coming years.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
The traffic police in the Madhya Pradesh capital has been asking two-wheeler riders caught without helmets to write down a brief essay to explain the reason for not wearing the headgear while driving.

During the past six days, over 150 violators of helmet rules in Bhopal have written 100-word essay each explaining the reason for ignoring the use of the protective gear, whose use is mandatory under traffic norms, police officials said.

The initiative has been launched during the Road Safety Week that ends on Friday.

Helmets are very essential for protection of riders of two-wheel vehicles.

"During the ongoing Road Safety Week, riders of two- wheelers found without a helmet are being told to write an essay in 100 words to explain as to why they were violating this necessary safety norm, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pradeep Chouhan told PTI.

He said this initiative will continue even after the end of the Road Safety Week (January 11 to 17).

In the last six days, the traffic police in Bhopal have taken out rallies to create public awareness about traffic rules.

During the period, they also distributed pamphlets among the local residents to inform them about traffic rules.

An eye check-up camp for auto-drivers was also organised, an official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New U.S. ambassador to Russia John Sullivan will arrive to Moscow today.



According to the U.S. embassy, "Ambassador Sullivan looks forward to enhancing the overall bilateral relationship and strengthening U.S.-Russian cooperation on several global and regional issues of mutual interest," TASS reported.



Ahead of Sullivans arrival, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Russia had "realistic expectations in connection with the new ambassadors arrival" He also expressed hope that the new U.S. Ambassador to Russia will contribute to breaking the deadlock in the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, including on bilateral issues and arms control.

Sullivan will replace Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August and left Russia in the beginning of October as his mandate expired.
I am a parent and a taxpayer. Unfortunately, my elected officials dont always believe that makes me qualified to choose the best school for my children.

Theyre wrong.

For parents like me, who choose to send our children to cyber charter schools instead of the traditional public schools that were failing them, were always wondering just how much longer well have the freedom to keep making this choice. Every few years, Pennsylvania politicians seem to rediscover the topic of cyber charter schools and raise new concerns about whether the students who attend them are really getting the taxpayers moneys worth.

The newest legislation that has cyber charter parents worried comes from State Representative Curt Sonney, the new chairman of the House Education Committee. His proposed House Bill 1897 would require all 500 Pennsylvania school districts to create and manage their own cyber schools. It overlaps with Senate Bill 34, proposed in January by State Senator Judy Schwank, which would require families to pay out-of-pocket tuition if they want to send their children to any cyber charter school other than the one operated by their local district.

When combined, the purpose of these bills is clear: They seek to force parents to send their children to schools within their existing district, rather than granting them the freedom to know whats best for their own child.

This is alarming, especially for parents like me.

My district, the School District of Philadelphia, is a disaster in my opinion. Their programs are underfunded, their faculty is understaffed, and they cant provide adequate support for special needs students. They can also be unsafe. When my oldest daughter was bullied so badly that she suffered a head injury that impeded her ability to learn, I decided to remove my children from Philadelphias failing school system altogether and find an online alternative.

My daughter, who is on a 504 plan for children with diagnosed disabilities, now receives the special assistance that she was unable to obtain from Philadelphias public schools. When her online instructors realized that she had fallen behind academically as a result of her trauma and the lack of support from her previous school, they strove to get her back on track and caught up to where she needed to be. Their efforts included regular phone calls with me.

My daughter is now excelling in her online classes, as her grades have once again returned to their pre-injury heights. Three years after they first enrolled at the PA Distance Learning Charter School, my two teen daughters are regulars on the honor roll, while my son  who has only ever known cyber education, beginning with kindergarten  is a thriving digital learning native.

After three years of success at their cyber charter, I cannot imagine sending my children back to a traditional public school, or the look on my daughters face if I had to tell her she could no longer attend the school that rekindled her love of learning and helped her feel safe, seen, and appreciated.

I dont think Rep. Sonney or Sen. Schwank would ever tell my daughter to her face that she doesnt deserve to attend the school of her choice, but thats exactly what these bills would imply: That politicians, not parents, know whats best for kids and families.

I dont think our elected officials always understand the human aspect of the bills they propose, or the real effects they would have on the lives of their constituents. I invite the sponsors of these bills to visit failing school districts like Philadelphia and see firsthand why more than 37,000 Pennsylvania parents like me are choosing to send our children to charter schools. If they still believe that taking this choice away from us would be better for our children, I would disagree. But if it came down to it, and we were forced to pay out-of-pocket to keep attending our current cyber charter, I would rather struggle financially to continue sending my children to the school thats actually working for them than to feel trapped within the hopeless failure of a district that isnt working at all.

Annette Mercado is a Philadelphia resident and the parent of three cyber charter students.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 14:24:40|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australia's bushfire crisis has cost the nation's tourism industry one billion Australian dollars (690.7 million U.S. dollars).

According to data from the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), almost 100 percent of bookings in some areas directly hit by bushfires have been cancelled.

More than 60 percent of bookings in regional towns that have not been touched by fires have also been cancelled.

Tourism operators in Canberra, which has not been threatened by fires but has been blanketed in smoke, have reported a 20 percent cancellation rate.

A vast majority of the cancellations came from Australians choosing to stay home, with international visitors so far keeping their plans.

However, industry experts have warned that Australia's reputation as a destination for international visitors will take a hit from coverage of the bushfires.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham, who will meet tourism industry senior members on Thursday, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the government "stands ready" to help the industry recover.

"We'll be updating the tourism industry on what we're doing to correct the misinformation that is out there about the geographical reach of these bushfires and also the targeted activity that is continuing to make sure the world knows Australia is still open for business and that we want tourists to visit," he said.

"We'll also be telling the industry that the government stands ready to help our tourism industry to not only rebuild infrastructure where required but to continue to promote the incredible tourism experiences that are still on offer across Australia in unaffected areas but also in fire-affected areas when it is safe to welcome tourists again." Enditem
China on Thursday said there was a need to find new solutions to the widening trade deficit with India after latest statistics from the Chinese customs revealed that the deficit accounted for more than 60 percent of bilateral trade in 2019.

Indias trade deficit with China was 391.7 billion yuan ($56.8 billion) in 2019, an official from Chinas General Administration of Customs (GAC) said earlier this week, adding that it was important that the two countries strengthen cooperation.

Total bilateral trade was 639.5 billion yuan (about $93 billion) in 2019, up 1.6 percent year-on-year. Chinas exports to India stood at 515.6 billion yuan (about $75 billion), up 2.1 percent, and Indias exports to China totaled 123.9 billion yuan ($18 billion), down 0.2 percent year-on-year, Huang Guohua, a vice director of the GACs analysis department had said earlier this week.

ALSO WATCH | US, China sign Phase 1 of momentous trade deal

Responding to question on the trade deficit and what China was doing to address the problem, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang tried to play the issue down.

Well, you noted the latest data. China values the Indian concerns on the trade imbalance. In fact, we have never stopped improving that. And in fact, we have been making a series of measures on accelerating the reviewing process of the Indian imports into China and in the past 5 years Chinas imports from India increased by 15 percent, Geng said.

According to Geng, in 2019, the trade deficit dropped dramatically.

The trade deficit in 2018, according to the official Chinese data, was $ 57.86 billion while in 2017 it was $51.72 billion.

Whether the drop of little more than $1 billion could be called dramatic is questionable, Geng was optimistic.

And in 2019, the trade deficit has dropped dramatically and in the second CIIE (China International Import Expo in Shanghai), India was the country with the biggest increase in the deals reached, Geng added.

So, our 2 countries have economies that are both growing rapidly and with huge development potentials. We need to view this trade imbalance issue with this developing perspective and find new solutions. President Xi (Jinping) and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi agreed to establish a high level economic and trade dialogue mechanism, Geng added.

Geng further added, Between us, we hope that we can work together and use this mechanism well to enhance our trade and investment cooperation. We can develop in a more balanced way.

Earlier in the week, GACs Huang had said, Chinese products have a strong competitive advantage in the Indian market. We also welcome more high-quality Indian products to enter the Chinese market.

We believe that deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries will help promote the sound, stable and balanced development of China-India trade, he added.
When it comes to "crisis meetings" with the central members of the royal family, all the royal couples always comes in pair to show support. This time, however, Meghan Markle found it unnecessary to join Prince Harry in the meeting called by Queen Elizabeth II.

After the Sussexes' bombshell announcement about their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth II could not help but to immediately look for the best thing to do during that moment -- a crisis meeting.

However, during the four-way conference ordered by Her Majesty, the Duchess of Sussex refused to join either.

Where's Meghan?

After their royal exit announcement, Meghan jetted back to Canada to attend to their son, Archie. Because of the situation, Queen Elizabeth II gave her an option to join the conference via phone call or video.

While she has all the means and time, however, Meghan did not get in touch with the family, giving royal watchers a chance to speculate the real reason behind her refusal.

One report said that the time difference between Britain and Canada became the Duchess' reason why she did not stay join the meeting. Meanwhile, others even claimed that she got banned from calling in because of some personal and security issues.

To calm all the allegations down and to prevent more damages to occur, the palace eventually issued an official statement explaining why Meghan failed to take part even in the Sandringham Summit.

According to Emily Andrews, The Sun's royal correspondent, the palace said that the Sussexes found it unnecessary and unimportant for Meghan to join.

"But we understand Harry was in contact with his wife while at Sandringham, to keep her in the loop," Andrews went on.

What Happened During The Summit?

Her Majesty spent some time to think about Prince Harry and Meghan's decision until she came up with the tough and concrete decision to approve what the two desire.

In a statement released under her name, Queen Elizabeth II said that the whole royal family is supportive of Prince Harry and Meghan's plans to start walking on a new path as currently-family-of-three.

"Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family remaining a valued part of my family," the statement went on.

In the end, regardless of the fact that Meghan was not around during the summit, the outcome turned out to be in favor of her and Prince Harry as they finally got a nod from Queen Elizabeth II.

Now that they received the Queen's acknowledgment, the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer taste the same riches, but they will finally become independent from the royal family -- just like what they want.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and Register of Citizens (NRC) will make the country a Hindu Rashtra.

Speaking at a press conference, Siddaramaiah said: "While we face several issues such as economy, unemployment, poverty, and many other things, was it necessary to talk about the CAA and NRC. The BJP is giving various reasons to people in an attempt to escape from other important issues."

He further stated that the CAA-NRC law was not only against the constitution, but it was also against humanity, and it also badly hurts other communities.

"There are 19 lakh people in Assam detention centres, out of which 8 lakh people are Muslims. What would happen to others? The Home Minister has given some very confusing statements regarding the issue," he said.

"While farmers are committing suicides, atrocities are happening, the economy is in a desperate condition, the government is talking about something else. We will not at all allow our country to become a Hindu Rashtra on the basis of religion," added the senior Congress leader.

Siddaramaiah stated that 'Sarvejana Sukhino Bhavanthu' (Let the people of the world be happy) was their policy, and further said that their agenda was towards a secular country.

Several protests had erupted across the country after the implementation of CAA, which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Nearly three quarters of Canadians do not want to pay for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to the country or to pay for their security arrangements, a new poll has found.

Last week, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked a crisis in the British monarchy by announcing they wanted to reduce their royal duties and spend more time in North America, while also becoming financially independent.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

A new poll for the non-profit Angus Reid Institute in Canada has revealed that Canadians don't seem too keen on the idea of lumping the bill themselves.

Seven-in-ten (73 per cent) said that they would prefer Canada not pitch in any money. For one-in-five (19 per cent), some cost sharing is appropriate, while only a handful of Canadians would willingly pay for all costs (3 per cent).

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured last week)

Seven-in-ten (73 per cent) said that they would prefer Canada not pitch in any money. For one-in-five (19 per cent), some cost sharing is appropriate, while only a handful of Canadians would willingly pay for all costs (3 per cent)

Just 14 per cent said they would be 'very pleased' to see the couple spending a significant time in Canada. While 50 per cent said they did not care either way

The survey was conducted was conducted from January 13-14 this year by a randomized sample of 1,154 Canadian adults.

Among the findings from the survey were that:

Two-thirds (66 per cent) say the House of Windsor is losing or has lost relevance

Nearly half (45 per cent) say Canada should not continue as a constitutional monarchy for generations and generations to come

Prince Harry is the most personally popular member of the Royal Family among Canadians; 69 per cent view him favourably

He and his uncle, the disgraced Prince Andrew, are also most likely to be viewed as celebrities rather than working royals

Quebecers are most likely to say they'll be 'upset' if the Sussexes take up part time residence in Canada (17 per cent)

The main reaction of people in la belle province in ennui: more than half (56 per cent) say they 'don't care'

There is little consensus over what, if anything, might replace the monarch as Canada's head of state

Just over one-quarter (27 per cent) say the prime minister should become head of state, while one-in-five (19 per cent) say the head of state should be the Governor General, but without ties to Britain

Just 14 per cent said they would be 'very pleased' to see the couple spending a significant time in Canada. While 50 per cent said they did not care either way.

When asked about the Royal Family as a whole one-in-five said it is less relevant now than it has been previously. While 41 per cent said they feel the monarchy is completely irrelevant now.

But, despite this, many have been watching the drama unfold. Asked if they have been following these events, 70 per cent say yes. Older Canadians are much more engaged in the latest machinations of the monarchy than younger ones.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017)

A source said the 'nightmare scenario' of something terrible happening to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Canada makes it impossible for Canada to just ignore the issue. 'We don't want Diana in a tunnel in Paris,' the source said (Diana is pictured)

The news comes as an expert revealed the cost of security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be as much as $10million (7.6million) annually.

While another warned the issue of their protection cannot be ignored, citing the death of Diana in Paris as a prime example of what can happen if royal security lapses.

Chris Matthews, formerly of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and who worked in the protection of visitors to Canada such as the Royal Family, has estimated the security measures required for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be similar to those of the Prime Minister.

But he warned, in an interview with The Globe and Mail, Canada's biggest newspaper, that security would be more costly as they would have to set it up from scratch.

He said: 'They need personal body guards all the time. You have to pay those peoples' salaries. You've got to pay for the vehicles they travel in and the aircraft they travel in. You have to pay for the communications equipment they require because it has to be sophisticated so that you can't listen to it.'

Mr Matthews also warned that their residence would need to have fences installed, alongside CCTV and alarms - adding to the cost of their security.

Others have suggested the cost of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security wouldn't be too much of a burden on the Canadian taxpayer (Prince Harry is pictured in a video uploaded to the Sussex Royal Instagram account yesterday)

His figure is only an estimate of course, and other estimates have put the figure at a much lower cost.

Earlier this week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed taxpayers in his country should pay for Prince Harry, Meghan and their son Archie's protection while they are there.

Mr Trudeau has assured the Queen that the family will be safe while in his country, with Canada expected to pay around half of an estimated 1million ($1.3million) annual bill - a figure based on the cost of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's current UK security bill.

His comments come as The Globe and Mail also, in a scathing editorial, slammed the Royal couple of thinking they could split their time between the countries.

It said: 'Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.'

Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted before Christmas that Harry, Meghan and eight-month-old Archie 'were among friends, and always welcome here'.

But yesterday the nation's most influential newspaper condemned the couple's 'vague and evolving plan to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family', adding: 'The Trudeau government's response should be simple and succinct: No.'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House which they visited on return to the UK last week after spending Christmas in Canada with baby Archie

The Globe and Mail, a conservative and generally monarchist newspaper, indeed Canad's bestselling paper, has condemned the decision as upsetting a delicate constitutional position (pictured: David Walmsley, editor-in-chief of the The Globe & Mail, from left, Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Tom Mulcair, leader of the New Democratic Party, and Conservative Leader Stephen Harper in 2015)

If the Duke and Duchess do decide to spend the vast majority of their time in Canada however, their security arrangements cannot be ignored, a source with direct experience of handling royal affairs has warned.

Speaking to the National Post, the source said the 'nightmare scenario' of something terrible happening to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Canada makes it impossible for Canada to just ignore the issue.

'We don't want Diana in a tunnel in Paris,' the source said. But if they have decided to withdraw from Royal duties, then the cost of their security could be difficult to justify, they added.

But others have suggested the cost of their security wouldn't be too much of a burden on the Canadian taxpayer.

In an editorial, Matt Gurney of Canadian newspaper the National Post warned that the Royal couple's decision to relocate to Canada had 'revealed one of the ugliest elements of the Canadian national character'.

He labelled the country a 'nation of cheapskates', admitting that although there is 'no hard estimate of what the cost to the Canadian taxpayer might be if the royal couple relocate to Canada' it would not be significant.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in Mille Fleurs, $14.1 million waterfront mansion near Victoria, British Columbia. She has been staying there since she left the UK last week

He said: 'If we take the lower-end estimate of $1.7 million a year, the costs of securing the royals would work out to be roughly 4.5 per capita. Not quite a nickel. A year.

'If we take the higher-end figure cited by the Globe's expert, the cost explodes to a whopping  27 per Canadian per year, or just over two pennies per month.'

He said that if the county had a 'healthier respect' for its own institutions and 'took itself seriously enough as a country' then it wouldn't be debating such an issue.

The news comes it emerged after Harry and Meghan were forced to withdraw a claim they were 'internationally protected people' entitled to bodyguards wherever they go.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the claim on their website Sussexroyal.com when it launched last Wednesday.

But the phrase was deleted hours later.

Yesterday a legal expert said the couple made a mistake in presuming they would get protection wherever they live if they are no longer carrying out royal duties.

Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, added: 'Their naivety beggars belief. I have never heard of the phrase ''internationally protected people''.

As far as I can see there is no such thing when you are no longer performing royal duties.'
In a case that has recently sent shockwaves through the country, anti-terror cop Davinder Singh was arrested on January 11, along with two terrorists - that he was allegedly accompanying out of Kashmir for a possible terror strike.

While the arrest implies a broader picture of shady, illicit networks of power particularly in the Indian Army - it also demands revisiting Singh's storied and very publicised career as a police officer, and particularly his involvement with 2001's Afzal Guru incident.

Here's a quick lowdown on Singh's career across the last twenty-odd years.

1. The Early Years - 1962 to 1994

 Wikimedia/Gowar Wani

Born in 1962, Davinder Singh has had a long and complex history with Kashmir. He comes from Tral - a small town in Kashmir's Pulwama district that coincidentally happens to be where Hizbul Mujahideen ex-Commander, Burhan Wani is from. It was, and currently is one of the region's major hotbeds for militancy.

 Reuters

Singh spent his college years at Amar Singh College - one of the state's oldest institutes - after which he joined the police force as a sub-inspector back in 1994.

2. Singh's Rise And Fall - 1995 to 2000

 Reuters

During this period, Kashmir suffered from serious insurgency threats, primarily from organisations such as the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. Throughout the mid-late 90s, Singh rose through the ranks of J&K's counterinsurgency wing, and operated out of Srinagar, eventually joining the Special Operations Group, or SOG.

It's said that early on, Singh displayed a great deal of distinction and valour in his work. A CRPF officer recalls how DSP Davinder Singh had bravely fought in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area in the late 1990s - even taking a hit to his leg during an operation in Budgam, just 11 km away from Srinagar. Appreciated by his superiors, he was promoted to the position of Inspector during the late 90s.

The red flags began to show up, eventually. One of Singh's earliest efforts at playing the system involved a drug-peddler smuggling charas out of the region. After nabbing him, Singh then went on to sell the contraband instead of turning it over to the authorities. There were also stories of extortion, and a bizarre case where Singh carjacked a truck containing timber, which belonged to a relative of former CM, Ghulam Mohideen Shah, as per the reports.

While these reports made their way around the J&K Police, little action was taken against Singh. Officials were quoted saying, "It is Davinder Singh's track record in counter-terror operation, which got him immunity. Several inquiries followed no action."

It was only a matter of time before Singh eventually got involved with terror groups.

3. The Afzal Guru Case - 2000-2001

 Reuters

After his experiences as a key inspector in the SOG, Singh developed a reputation for what he described as "torture, interrogation and breaking suspects". In 2000, he managed to get his hands on Afzal Guru, a former militant who was tortured and interrogated at Singh's camp for several days. Singh himself admitted in a 2006 interview that he poured petrol in his arse and gave him electric shocks, but Guru did not end up revealing any information. In a letter published several years later, Guru claimed that he was only let go after his family paid the cop a sum of Rs. 80,000.

The following year, Singh was demoted and transferred to state intelligence from the SOG - a move that happened in the wake of custodial deaths under his command, and a track record of torturing civilians. Within a year, the infamous Parliament terror attack took place.

 Reuters; Indian Army soldiers patrol around the capital's Parliament House, days after a suicide attack by terrorists claimed the lives of 11 guardsmen on 13th December, 2001.]

Afzal Guru explained how in 2001, he was contacted by Singh to carry out a "job" - which involved ferrying a man named Mohammed into Delhi and providing him with rented accomodation. It so turned out that this Mohammed was, in fact, one of the terrorists taking part in the attack.

Eventually, Guru was tracked down and arrested in Srinagar, sentenced to death and was hanged in secret in 2013 - a move that drew massive controversy from human rights groups across the world.

Guru's claims against Singh were ignored by the authorities, and Singh continued to roam freely despite an incredibly serious accusation - even if it came from a terror accused. Despite his record, he was selected for a UN Peacekeeping effort in Kosovo, and was eventually promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police by 2006.

4. The Pulwama Connection - 2017-2019

 Reuters

One of the major probes currently involving Singh is his connection with militants in Pulwama. Back in August 2017, the cop was involved in an encounter where three terrorists engaged in a 19-hour skirmish with a joint force of CRPF and Kashmir Police units. A total of eight men were killed, and for his voluntary participation in squad, Singh was awarded the Sher-E-Kashmir medal - the state police's highest gallantry award. India Today has claimed their sources suggested that Singh was aware of the attacks beforehand and there was definite cause for suspicion.

Recently, the INC had suggested that Singh might have had something to do with the suicide-bomb that killed 40 CRPF troops in early 2019. While Singh was removed from his post in the region earlier in 2018, we're yet to see what Singh's investigation will reveal.

All of which brings us up to speed on Singh's public record - until he ran out of luck this January.

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar has slammed Singh for heinous crimes and has suggested that Singh will be subjected to the same fate he dealt out to suspected militants back when he worked as a counterinsurgency cop.

He is being treated on par with the militants and has been properly arrested, (and) has been brought under remand and his interrogation is on, explained the IGP.
The Congress took a dig at the BJP government on Thursday, saying ministers were indulging in "the art of skulduggery" as they were speaking in different voices and wondered if there was any confusion over the National Population Register (NPR).

"Art of Skulduggery - The BJP's NPR. Piyush Goel -: 'To give Aadhaar is optional'. Prakash Javedekar -: 'Self declaration is enough'. Amit Shah -: 'Voluntary means ok if some info isn't there'. Home Ministry today -: 'Adhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Passport No to be given'. Confused? (sic)," Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet.

The Congress has been attacking the government over the rollout of the NPR. The Opposition, after a joint meeting, has urged the chief ministers, who have opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, not to rollout the NPR in their states.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX:PLL).

What Is Insider Selling?

It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year.

View our latest analysis for Piedmont Lithium

Piedmont Lithium Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Non-Executive Chairman Ian Middlemas for AU$210k worth of shares, at about AU$0.11 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is AU$0.14. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. In this case we're pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices.

While Piedmont Lithium insiders bought shares last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

ASX:PLL Recent Insider Trading, January 16th 2020

Piedmont Lithium is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Story continues

Insider Ownership of Piedmont Lithium

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. From our data, it seems that Piedmont Lithium insiders own 10.0% of the company, worth about AU$12m. We do generally prefer see higher levels of insider ownership.

So What Do The Piedmont Lithium Insider Transactions Indicate?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Piedmont Lithium insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. Therefore, you should should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Piedmont Lithium.

Of course Piedmont Lithium may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Had she worked in the private sector or for a state or local government, she would have had to prove that her age was a determining reason for the denials  a but for cause in the legal jargon. The question for the justices was whether federal workers can win age discrimination suits under a more relaxed standard, showing only that age was one factor among many leading to a negative employment determination.

Justice Elena Kagan, 59, explained the difference between the two standards.

There are two kinds of concepts you can use, she said. They are: Did this thing actually cause the firing or the lack of promotion? Or was this thing around when they made that decision?

The words of the relevant law, said Roman Martinez, a lawyer for Dr. Babb, allowed her to sue under the relaxed standard. The law says that all personnel actions affecting employees or applicants for employment who are at least 40 years of age shall be made free from any discrimination based on age.

If the process for making an employment decision uses age as a negative factor, Mr. Martinez said, quoting the law, its not made free from any discrimination. 

The chief justices question about a stray if stinging remark of O.K., Boomer"  a dismissive retort used by younger people  was meant to test the limits of Mr. Martinezs argument. So calling somebody a boomer and considering them for a position would be actionable? Chief Justice Roberts asked.
Agencies get cracking to trace UP born slain Al-Qaeda chiefs Indian links

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Indian agencies have reached out to their counterparts in Afghanistan seeking more information on the Pakistan wife of slain Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent chief, Asim Umar, who is of Indian origin.

Asim Umar who hailed from Uttar Pradesh took over as the chief of the AQIS in 2014 and was killed in a strike in 2019. His wife is currently in the custody of National Directorate of Security in Afghanistan. She was arrested in September last year and India would want to question her to find out more about Umar's links in India.

Who is AQIS chief Asim Umar, the man behind the radicalisation of UP,Bihar Muslims

Umar was appointed as the AQIS chief due to his Indian origin. His brief was specifically to pick up persons from India, especially in UP and strengthen the outfit. An Indian official told OneIndia that they are working closely with officials in Afghanistan. They have sought to question her and also requested for the case files. These details would help us get more information on the AQIS links in India, the official also pointed out.

The Indian connection:

Umar took over as the chief of the Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) in 2014. He has been referred to as a Pakistani national, but tracing his origins suggests that he was born in Sambal in Uttar Pradesh.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials confirm that this man was of Indian origin and hence was appointed to head the India operations that were announced by the Al-Qaeda in October 2014.

IB officials had been studying the antecedents of Umar since the launch of the India outfit and his origin has been tracked to Uttar Pradesh.

Intelligence agencies questioned SIMI operatives such as Haider Ali an accused in the Patna blasts and found that they were reporting to the Al-Qaeda and Shaikh Umar was very much part of the organisation. Haider Ali, however, did not spill out much details on Umar's nationality but claimed that his India links were extremely strong.

Indian born Al-Qaeda chief killed: Neither Pakistan, nor Taliban can ever be sincere

Since the year 1989, Umar is said to have been in and out of India. He was actively involved with some cadres of the SIMI while in India. However, in the year 1995, he decided to permanently shift base to Karachi and studied at the Jamia-Uloom e Islamia a school.

The IB officer says that they had also been monitoring and scrutinising his videos. The manner in which he spoke Urdu was very Indian like and this gave them further proof of his Indian origin.

Path to terror:

His path to terror was due to Kashmir. He left for Karachi and studied there for some time. His first outfit was the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and he had vowed to take the battle further against the Indian forces. He then returned to Karachi and began teaching at the Jamia Uloom e Islamia. His fierce thought process and his dedication to the cause is what drew the Al-Qaeda towards him and over the years he became the Sharia council chief of the Al-Qaeda. His job was to preach ideology and ensure that more and more youth are drawn towards the cause of the Al-Qaeda.

Although he was based out of Pakistan and Afghanistan he remained in touch with the cadres of the SIMI in India. The SIMI headed by Safdar Nagori had pledged its support to the Al-Qaeda. All through Umar was the man who kept in touch with the Indian cadres of SIMI. Nagori too speaks about his association with a top Al-Qaeda leader.

Umar unlike the rest of the Al-Qaeda always took a keen interest in India. Most of its statements were related to India and the most popular one was, " why is there no storm in your ocean." This statement was directed at India and was seen as an attempt to provoke the Indian Muslims to rise and join the Al-Qaeda.

Can't Bihar produce one Mujahideen:

His other statement was targeted at Bihar where he asked, "can't Bihar produce one Mujahideen. He also made another remark at Uttar Pradesh where he sought to know if there is no mother who can sing a song to her son urging him to become a Mujahideen.

These are particularly interesting statements since they are related to Bihar and UP which are the strongest dens of the SIMI which is now part of the Al-Qaeda and is helping set up the Indian wing.

The fact that he is of Indian origin was the biggest kept secret. Since the past 10 years, he had been sheltered in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His links with the ISI were intact and he had deliberately never shown his face to the media unlike the rest of the Al-Qaeda operatives including Ayman Al- Zawahiri.

This the IB says was a deliberate ploy to avoid the Indian agencies. Several persons questioned in Uttar Pradesh were unable to confirm his origin for the want of a face.

The questioning of Haider Ali and Safdar Nagori held the key to establish the origin of Umar. Both had spoken about the rise of the Al-Qaeda in India and how the outfit was extremely keen on launching operations in India. Both Nagori and Haider Ali told the IB that they were in touch with a man who spoke Urdu the Indian way and all along he told them that at any cost the caliphate needs to be established and India will play a great role.

Both said that the Al-Qaeda had a great potential in India and there were several youths who subscribed to the ideology of the Al-Qaeda and were ready to battle with them. The Al-Qaeda had managed to rope in at least 30 youth from Uttar Pradesh and Bhatkal in Karnataka and each of them has had links with the SIMI.
A drug importation case involving three men collapsed after a Brampton judge found the RCMP illegally wiretapped their communications  a situation made worse by an officer who was found to have falsely testified about the investigation while on the stand.

Superior Court Justice Cynthia Petersen dismissed charges related to cocaine importation against Brano Andrews, Roberto Leyva and Keith Hamid in an oral ruling in October. In a written ruling released this month, she outlined why she threw out all wiretap evidence and also took to task the RCMP officer who swore the affidavits in order to secure those wiretaps.

She found police were careless and misled  though not deliberately  a different judge beginning in September 2016 when seeking the wiretaps, finding they did not, in fact, have reasonable and probable grounds to tap the accused mens private communications.

Compounding this constitutional violation was the fact that the officer responsible for seeking judicial approval of the wiretaps, Const. Kirsten Link, was found to have misled court by falsely testifying in front of Petersen while being cross-examined about the affidavit she swore to.

When asked under cross-examination why details in her affidavit did not match the RCMPs approved and budgeted investigative plan for the case, Link testified there had been a last-minute change in plans that she reflected in her affidavit, though the judge found there was no evidence that the plan had changed. Instead, she found that Link was careless in the drafting of her affidavit but refused to acknowledge her mistake on the stand.

I am deeply troubled by Cst. Links effort to cover up her misconduct by falsely testifying before me that there had been a change of plans that she assiduously reflected in her affidavit, Petersen wrote in her 49-page ruling. She ought to have accepted responsibility for the inaccurate and careless way in which her affidavit was drafted.

After balancing societys interest in a trial with the constitutional violation of the mens charter rights, which the judge said was worsened by Links false testimony, Petersen decided to throw out the wiretap evidence. As a result, the men were found not guilty of the drug charges. A separate charge of breach of trust against Andrews was dismissed.

The price paid by society for an acquittal without a trial on the merits in the circumstances of this case is high, but it is outweighed by the importance of maintaining charter standards and safeguarding charter rights, Petersen wrote.

Asked if Link wanted to comment on the ruling, an RCMP spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment as the Crown has filed a notice of appeal in this case. The spokesperson confirmed Link remains on active duty.

Lawyers Ravin Pillay and Harval Bassi, who represented Leyva, said they were grateful for the judges findings.

This case exposes the dangers of unlawful wiretapping and its devastating impact on constitutional rights, Pillay told the Star. No one is above the law and illegal police conduct, as found here, must be met with significant consequences to prevent its repetition. Indeed, the exclusion of illegally obtained evidence in this case protects us all.

The case dates to January 2016, when an off-duty Canada Border Services Agency officer was spotted by a colleague removing a box from a container that had arrived on a flight from Pakistan. Contrary to CBSA protocol, he was not accompanied by another customs officer, and he travelled to and from the warehouse in a blue pickup truck instead of a marked CBSA vehicle, according to Petersens ruling. He also did not complete the required paperwork for removing the box.

The border agency alerted the RCMP, which began an investigation into whether the employee had committed the offence of breach of trust. According to the ruling, the employees phone records showed he had been in frequent contact with Leyvas phone and with a phone belonging to Andrews, another CBSA employee.

Eventually, the RCMPs investigative plan, according to Petersens ruling, was to gather evidence on the employee and his potential co-conspirators by intercepting his communications.

But if there was limited chatter, the next step was to stimulate communications, which would include emailing a suspicious vehicle alert to CBSA employees with a photo of the blue pickup truck, in the hopes that such an email would prompt the CBSA employee to contact his co-conspirators. Link, who was the warrant officer on the case, was responsible for drafting and swearing the affidavits that led to a judge granting authorization over a number of months for the wiretaps.

The three co-accused men were allegedly intercepted discussing a conspiracy to import cocaine through Pearson airport, according to Petersens ruling. Investigators were able to seize two shipments of bricks of cocaine, and the co-accused were intercepted allegedly discussing their failure to get the missing shipment, the judge wrote.

The big problem with Links affidavit for the wiretaps, Petersen found, was that it gave the impression that police would immediately deploy one of the stimulation tactics  the email about the blue pickup truck  as soon as the wires were installed. But as the judge pointed out, the RCMP investigative plan was to postpone using stimulation tactics; the plan was first to wait and see what communications might be intercepted.

The judge said a correct affidavit would have made clear that absent those stimulation tactics, police did not actually have reasonable and probable grounds to believe that wiretaps on the CBSA employees communications in September 2016 would provide evidence of a possible offence. Therefore, a wiretap authorization would likely not have been granted.

But making matters worse, the judge said, was that Link gave dishonest testimony when cross-examined last year by Pillay about her affidavit. Link denied on the stand that she had misrepresented the investigative plan to the judge who granted the wiretap orders; she testified that there had been a change between when the RCMP investigative plan had been approved and when she swore her affidavit a week later, and that she was reflecting this change in her affidavit.

Petersen rejected her testimony on this point as not credible. The judge said given the need to obtain internal RCMP approval for the investigative plan and the time and effort Link would have devoted to drafting such a lengthy affidavit, she found it implausible that such a significant last-minute change would have been implemented without any documentation of the decision.

Her repeated insistence that there was a change of plans  despite the lack of any documentation to that effect and despite her own inability to recall the specifics of when or why the ostensible change occurred  suggests that she fabricated the story in order to cover up what she recognized was a failure on her part to fulfil her duties as a warrant officer, Petersen wrote.

I conclude, on a balance of probabilities, that she invented the purported change of plans during her testimony to try to detract from the misleading nature of her description of the investigative plan in her sworn affidavit.

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WASHINGTON  The U.S. Army will go back to the drawing board after an effort to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle proved too challenging for the industry, a Pentagon official said on Thursday.

Only one proposal for a replacement vehicle was submitted, and it failed to meet Army requirements.

The U.S Army has embarked on an ambitious modernization task focusing its efforts and funds on six priorities including a better way to precisely fire weapons over a long distance, a new combat vehicle, a new helicopter, better missile defenses and networks.

Today the U.S. Army will cancel the current solicitation for the rapid prototyping phase for the optionally manned fighting vehicle (OMFV), Bruce Jette, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, told reporters at the Pentagon. He said its a tactical pause, because the Army is committed to getting a replacement for the Bradley.

Based on feedback and proposals received from industry, we have determined it is necessary to revisit the requirements, acquisition strategy and schedule before moving forward, Jette said. He did not give a timeline for when the Army would restart the competition.

A new vehicle, which could be self driving, could be worth $35 to $40 billion over the life of the program, according to Jim McAleese, of the defense consulting firm McAleese and Associates.

Jette said that in the past more than 10 companies had shown interest in participating. General Dynamics was the only company to submit a design on time for this phase of the competition. Raytheon recently hired a lobbyist to help position itself.

Mainstream automotive manufacturers have pursued U.S. military contracts in the past, and just last year all three of the Detroit automakers presented military-spec concept vehicles. FCA (in partnership with AM General) floated a Jeep Gladiator-based offering; General Motors and Ford also showed concepts based on civilian truck models as potential light military transport vehicles.

Story continues

The cancellation happens just weeks before the anticipated release of the Pentagons 2021 defense budget. This program was one of the Armys top modernization priorities.

Jette told reporters the Army has asked industry to do a lot in a very compressed time frame.

The Army has recently combed through its own programs and shifted here more than $30 billion from programs in the coming years to invest in top modernization priorities to meet a rising Chinese and Russian threat.

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Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from across the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group.

This weeks Ask a Teacher panel:

Cassy Sarnell, preschool special education, New York

Brandon Hersey, second grade, Washington

Katie Holbrook, high school, Texas

My 5-year-old son is a terror at school. Not your run-of-the-mill disruptive, obstinate student but an aggressive, violent, defiant little terror that is currently about to start his third kindergarten class. There is something about a classroom and learning that makes him act like hes possessed by a demon. This began when he transitioned to 3-year-old pre-K. He did not like the structure of the classroom or the learning and frequently hit other students and the teacher, threw toys and furniture, and ran out of the room or down the hallway. We decided to put him with an in-home nanny instead. He excelled with a nanny and was ready for half-day pre-K last spring at a Montessori school. He did not do well but was generally not overly aggressive. When he started kindergarten at the same school this fall, I was optimistic. But it was clear within a few weeks that his teacher had no tools to get him to comply and pretty much just let him do whatever he wanted, whether that be climbing the walls or sitting in the hallway.

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We decided he needed a more structured environment and chose a public school with a low student-to-teacher ratio. He lasted three weeks. In those three weeks he hit, kicked, threw items in the classroom, refused to participate, was disruptive, yelled, screamed, and at the very end, tried to harm the teacher with a pair of scissors and threatened to harm other students. On Monday, he starts at a new school that is bigger and sounds like it has more resources to help him. We are consulting with the special education office, but I was told it takes about three months to get him approved for special education. The school has said it would make as many accommodations as he needs during that time. I have spoken to the new principal, who has many ideas to help him, and I am cautiously optimistic.

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But I am also terrified. The child they describe is not the charming, sweet, kind, helpful child I know. While he has difficulty dealing with emotions and sometimes throws temper tantrums, he is easy to diffuse most of the time. We started working with a therapist after the issues when he was 3, but stopped after he was put with the nanny. We started again this past fall when he started kindergarten. He has a history of abuse from a day care facility he attended when he was an infant, which the therapist thinks contributes to his behavior in school. We are working through the steps to get him tested for anything else that could be causing this behavior.

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Im at a loss, though. How do I support the teacher? I feel so bad that my son is making a teachers life hell and scaring all the other children. Im especially sad that they dont get to see what a charming, engaging, kind child he is outside of school. I feel like a cliche to say that my kid doesnt behave this way but seriously, my kid doesnt behave this way!

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My Sweet Boy Is Not the Devil

Dear MSBINtD,

You are not the first parent to face a situation like this, and I know from having taught and observed students like yours. And based on what youve said here, I can tell you what a behavior specialist would say is the cause of your sons aggression: Its what we call instructional history. Thats a fancy term for your past learning experiences, and your sons past learning experiences have taught him that if he escalates his behaviors, he gets one-on-one attention. He acted out in pre-K, and he got pulled from pre-K and put with a nanny who catered to his individual needs. At Montessori, he acted out, and he got put into a classroom with a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, which meant more one-on-one attention for him. And because his behaviors can be dangerous to other kids, Im willing to bet that resulted in him gaining one-on-one with a behavior specialist, the teacher, or the administrators.

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Now, pulling him out of those settings was not the wrong moveI lay that information out with no judgment. Im just explaining why his behavior seems so drastically different to his behavior at home. Not every school knows how to handle kids like your son.

What to do? It can be tough to take the first step because the first time someone tries not to give in to those negative behaviors, they can get worse before they get better. My favorite example of this is sleep-training. Many parents use some form of sleep-training with their infants so that the infant can learn to self-soothe. Often, parents report that their baby cries a lot more than usual the first few nights. Babies do this because that behavior (crying) has always resulted in access to what they want (someone to come soothe them). Eventually, if parents hold out, most babies eventually stop crying and sleep through the night more independently and regularly. Behaviorists call this spike before a behavior stops an extinction burst. So, your son may go through (or be going through) an extinction burst. The trick, though, is to not give in. If you give in and then reinforce the behavior, the behavior never goes extinct. It continues, often in an escalated manner.

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The first step is to access special sducation resources, which it sounds like youre already doing. Great work! When you get to a meeting for his special education program or IEP, advocate for two things if theyre not already a part of the conversation. The first is a Behavior Intervention Plan: A BIP is a formal plan that dictates how everyone who interacts with your child is going to address his behavior. Usually, they come with information on how to prevent the behavior using positive behavior modification (rewards systems, special jobs, in-class accommodations, etc.), as well as what to do if the behavior arises. This is important because it ensures that everyone is addressing the behavior consistently, and it gives you the power to advocate for your son accordingly: You can simply say, Please do it this way; its on his BIP. The second thing you should advocate for is some kind of therapy to address his emotional regulation directlyplay therapy or counseling are my two go-to options. It sounds like hes had some therapy before, but if its added to his IEP, the state will pay for it (and therapy is expensive, yall!). And that person can coordinate with the rest of his education team to ensure everyone is on the same page.

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Beyond adding a special education program, communicate with his teachers. A lot of us in special ed have a soft spot for kids that other schools have deemed too difficult or too problematic. Those of us who do this work do it for a reason, and its not the glory or the money. We know when we sign up for special education that sometimes were going to have biters, or chair-throwers, or scratchers, etc. But we go in to work the next day and start over, completely fresh, because its a new day and those kids deserve the best education we can give them. I know its cheesy, but I strongly believe that, and in my experience, most special education teachers do too. As long as you give his new teachers a chance to get to know him, you trust them, and you talk to them about your concerns in a real, sincere way, they will learn to see the boy you get to see at home. And he will learn to show that side of himself at school. Everyone just needs to work together to get there.

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Ms. Sarnell

We live in a small town that is not at all diverse. My 8-year-old granddaughter, who was adopted as an infant, is one of two black students at her K4 elementary school. Both her moms are white, and her older sister is white. She does have a younger brother who has the same color skin as her. I can see that my granddaughter feels different from her classmates and most of her family members, and I am worried that it is negatively impacting her self-esteem. She speaks wistfully of her classmates with blond hair and blue eyes. Every time she enters a function, I can see her look around at all the people. I can only guess she is searching for someone she can relate to, someone with skin as beautiful as hers. She used to tell us that her friends would touch and comment on her hair, especially when her mom re-styled it.

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My daughter has spoken with the principal, who is now the superintendent, about the lack of resources and lack of apparent understanding from staff about issues faced by minority students. I know we cannot change the makeup of the student population, short of attending a different school. However, Id like to see inclusion training for staff, racial representation in print, and a general sense of appreciation for the everyday hurdles these kids face living in a small New England community. How can I help my granddaughter? How can I help the school system in my town implement the varied and excellent resources available on this issue?

Worried Grandma

Hi there WG,

I feel for your granddaughter. My fiancee is also a black woman who was adopted by white parents, and she had a very similar experience. Its never easy being a kid of color in predominantly white spaces, but there are some things you can do to help make her experience a little better. I think an important first step is to get a clear understanding of your granddaughters feelings. Even though shes only 8, youll find kids have a remarkable ability to express these complex thoughts. Id spend some quiet time alone with her and ask how shes feeling about school. You can get specific: Has she noticed any differences between herself and the people she sees at school (teachers or friends)? If so, how do those differences make her feel? If you dont feel confident asking your granddaughter these types of questions, you could talk to your daughter, and mention that it might be helpful for your granddaughter to talk to a counselor about these issues? Therapy could be a great way for your granddaughter to express her feelings in a safe space.

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I would also take some time to think about your role in her life. While its important to think about what you can do for your granddaughter as her grandmother, try to also think of what it means for you to be a white ally for her. One big struggle adopted kids of color face is the environments their parents create. For instance, do you read your granddaughter stories that feature African-American children? Is there African-American art or imagery hanging in your home? Do you watch television shows with mostly African-American casts? Im sure your granddaughter is growing up in a healthy, loving home, but mixed-race families can always learn more about what inclusivity is and how to create space for conversations on culture. Id recommend reading Ibram X. Kendis book How to Be an Anti-Racist.

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Unfortunately, a lot of what you are asking for at the school level, like inclusion training, often has to be collectively bargained by your teachers education association or be a directive from the district. While its the right thing to do, if there is not a push for it by teachers or the community at large, its unlikely to materialize. Id also be cautious because even with culturally competent curriculum, kids of color in white spaces can also feel even more othered if the teacher isnt well-versed in how to deliver the curriculum, or cant properly facilitate the conversations that come after a lesson. You could build a coalition around the issue if you think there are other families who would join, or you could help to find your granddaughter a mentor through an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters (check with your daughter on this first).

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Mentorship played a huge role in both my fiances and my childhood, and its never too early to begin. A mentor could be an older high school kid or a young adult. In my case, I had both. My mentors helped me work through a lot of the anxieties I had as a child, and your granddaughter could have a similar positive experience.

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Mr. Hersey

Im hoping you can offer some advice on handling a couple of girls in my choir club. Its a group of about 20 kids between the ages of 7 and 11. I see them on a Friday after school for a half-hour.

Its an optional extracurricular club, so Im pretty relaxed in general, and I focus on making it fun and satisfying for the children.

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They all love it, but two 8- or 9-year-old girls seem to want to push my buttons constantly. They stand up and dance when I want the group to sing sitting down; they sing the quietest line of a song as loudly as possible; they fall dramatically, resulting in an injury that necessitates a trip to the nurse; or blatantly chat to each other under my nose while everyone else is singing. You get the idea. Sometimes two or three other girls will also go along with these behaviors. While its nothing Id call bad behavior in this relaxed environment, it makes the other children anxious, and it gets on my nerves.

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If I ignore it, it escalates. If I call them on it firmly, it spoils the atmosphere horribly and I know other children get upset. I feel like I could spend more than half my effort and attention constantly asking these girls to just sing and behave like the rest of the group!

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Im not a classroom teacher, and I have no training for this environment. I find myself dreading the class. Im trying to avoid bringing in the head teacher, if possible (shes very supportive, but I worry shed come down like a ton of bricks on these kids). I desperately dont want the girls to be kicked out of the group, but Im fed up with them ruining things for the other 18 who, by and large, are angels.

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I would be delighted to receive any advice you have on handling the little darlings.

Why Wont They Just Sing?

Dear Why Wont They Just Sing?

You need to lay down the law!

I get it: Being the bad guy is no fun. But clearly this behavior is impacting the class, so you need to address it. I appreciate that youre trying to solve it yourself before you go to the head teacher, so here are some ideas:

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1. Make a seating chart. Seat these girls as far away from one another as possible, ideally in such a way that they cant see one other. The key is you have to enforce this each weekthey will try to move back together. Dont let them. It will work better if you assign seats for all the girls, but since the rest are behaving fine, you can keep them where they generally like to be.

2. Have a private discussion with each girl separately. Let them know that youre so excited to share your love of music with them, and you need to see some changes moving forward so that everyone can get the most out of your time together. Be specific about the behaviors you need to see and the ones that need to stop.

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3. These girls have leadership skills, but theyre using them for evil. Try to harness this energy for good. Can they pass out sheet music or help you pick a song to sing? Once when I had a student like this I put her in charge of choosing vocabulary words for the week. Id give her a list of 15 to 20 words, and shed pick out ten to write on the board. She loved it, and she was 15 years old. It didnt change her behavior 100 percent, but it went a long way to improving her presence in class.

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4. Call their parents. Explain the problem behavior and what changes you need to see. Thank them for their support and make sure you say at least one nice thing about each girl.

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5. Bring in the big guns: Ask the head teacher for help. You dont have to put up with shenanigans for the entire session! You can offer one warning and then boot them out for the remaining time.

Finally, do these girls want to be in choir? Its possible they are trying to get kicked out. If thats the case, perhaps their parents need to find them something else to do after school on Fridays that would be a better fit.

Classroom management is not the fun part of teaching, but its absolutely necessary. Good luck! You can do this.

Ms. Holbrook

My son is in pre-K in an inclusion class for kids with developmental disabilities. He was in a 3-year-old program last year for kids with delays, and he progressed well enough to be put in the inclusion class this year. Yay! At his parent-teacher conference, however, his teacher mentioned that he wont be in an inclusion class next year, as the school does not have any beyond pre-K.

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My husband and I are upset and confused, as we thought the goal for our son was to get him ready for regular class with some IEPs to bridge the gap. According to his teacher, the plan in kindergarten is to put him in a special education class and go to the regular class as appropriate. We are already planning to set up a meeting with the teacher to get more information. We are even prepared to move schools if the staff doesnt seem open to trying to help our son mainstream.

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For some background about his disabilities: Two years ago, he tested as delayed in speech, social, and cognitive, but weve seen massive improvements in his abilities since. We also feel that with a more tough love approach than he is getting now, he might advance more in some of his underperforming areas.

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Are we out of touch? Are special education classes nothing to worry about? Our fear is that once he is in them it will be harder for him to get out, especially if he isnt pushed hard and allowed to coast because of his delays. He knows the material but has a Why should I do this? I did it yesterday, kind of attitude right now.



My Kid is Special

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Dear My Kid is Special,

My first reaction to reading your story was that, truthfully, you could be a parent at my school (I dont think you are, but if so, please come say hi?). It was a shock for me as well, going from grade school, where I knew the standard for integration, to preschool, where the rules are very different. If it shocked me, someone who is supposed to know all of the ins and outs of the field, then I hardly think its fair to call you out of touch when most parents are left on their own to find resources and learn about the special education system. Youre not out of touchjust a little out of the loop, unfortunately.

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So heres the inside scoop: The school district may have put your son in an integrated class because he was ready for integrated preschool, but he may not be ready for integrated kindergarten. The demands placed on preschoolers are different than kindergarteners. The academics in kindergarten are a huge change from the pre-academic skills that we work on in preschool. We work very hard on school readiness skills in preschool, but the purpose is to make those skills rote so that kids can learn much more cognitively challenging things. A child who is able to keep up with the pace of instruction during pre-academics while practicing school readiness skills may not be ready for the pace of instruction of academic skills. This is especially true for children with receptive language skill delays, who will require further breakdowns of lessons compared to developmentally typical peers.

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All of which is to say that, in all likelihood, the school made the choice to put him into an integrated classroom for preschool based on his skills, abilities, and needs in social areas, without regard for whether hed be able to carry that through to grade school. One of the benefits of the easier academic load in preschool is that it allows children who may not be successful in an integrated academic setting to spend a larger portion of their time learning social skills alongside typical peers. Arguably the main reason I integrate kids out of my self-contained classroom is that I want them to have a chance to learn social skills that my more restrictive environment cant provide. When I do this, I know theres a chance the students will be self-contained again in kindergarten, and that may disappoint parents. But to me, the worse outcome is denying a child a chance to learn something they could otherwise learn. So I have to stomach that disappointment when parents have brought it to me. It stinks, but its the best I can offer their child.

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On the bright side, self-contained classrooms are always improving. When I was a child, if a student was put in a self-contained room, generally, they did not mainstream out. Nowadays, the vast majority of school districts are working to integrate kids out of self-contained rooms whenever possibleits the law, mainstreaming is cost-effective, and its the goal for most students and families. If a parent asks about integrated opportunities and a school district is disinterested, its typically because theyre not sure the child is ready.

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So, if the plan is to start with self-contained class with push-in opportunities for now, all you need to do is advocate for your child. Ask about integrated opportunities, and make it clear to your case manager or CSE representative (thats the person in charge of special education services) that mainstreaming is a priority for you. They are legally required to place your son in the least restrictive environment for him, so if/when he is ready to learn in an integrated classroom, the state has to provide onefor free, as public optioneven if it means busing him to another district, which is something I see all the time. His teachers will know when he is ready for that, but knowing that it matters to you does tend to mean that the administrators will move more quickly. In the meantime, hopefully you will be able to work with special education teachers in a self-contained setting who are able to give him some tools to be successful when he gets there.

Ms. Sarnell

More Advice From Slate

My son is 6. Among other things, he loves fairies, unicorns, stories about girls, and the color pink. Good for him, right? My son and my daughter have both been brought up to know that everything is for everyone. Only trouble is the other kids havent been brought up that way. Should I keep asking his teacher to try to teach these kids that gender doesnt have to determine what you like?
The pharmacy board is making one change to the purchase restrictions that businesses with the Ohio Medical Cannabis Industry Association requested. The change should make things easier for patients, but it wont take effect for several months  more than a year after patients first complained about it.
The Naga Hoho, the apex body of tribal organisations, on Thursday expressed resentment over the delay in the resolution of the Naga political problem.

"The Naga people have entered another year without any sign of resolving the long-pending political impasse," said Naga Hoho president H K Zhimomi and general secretary K Elu Ndang in a statement here Thursday.

They said the October 31 announcement last year that the talks between the Government of India and Naga groups concluded on a positive note has not failed to bring any progress.

The inconclusive talks are a reflection of the insincerity and lack of political will on the part of the Government of India, they said.

The apex body of the Naga tribal organisations said the Government of India must not backtrack or misinterpret the Framework Agreement (signed in August 2015 between the NSCN-IM and the Centre) and it must be the basis for a solution.

"All intricacies must be resolved on the basis of The Framework Agreement. It must be ensured that the signing of the agreement should be inclusive of all Naga political groups so as to fulfil the desire of people at large," they said.

The organisation maintained that it was unfortunate that the Nagas "were not united" over the issue.

The organisation accused the Union government "dividing the Nagas".

"While trying to meet the common aspirations, all political Naga groups must stand united," the Hoho leaders said.

The Hoho appealed to all Naga political groups to unite and resolve the political issue without any reservation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Russian special services are suspected of involvement in the attack.

Ukraine has appealed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for help to investigate a suspected cyber attack by Russian military hackers on the energy company Burisma, a Ukrainian interior ministry official said on Thursday.

"It is noted that the hacker attack most likely took place in cooperation with the Russian special services," Artyom Minyailo said at a briefing, Reuters said.

Read alsoReuters: Russian hackers targeted Ukrainian company at center of impeachment storm

Energy company Burisma Holdings was at the center of attempts by President Donald Trump last July to ask Ukrainian authorities to announce an investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic U.S. presidential contender Joe Biden.
The Blue Nile river flows near the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam near Assosa, Ethiopia (Elias Asmare/AP)

Officials from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have reached a preliminary agreement that should help clear the way for the filling and operation of a five billion US dollar dam project on the Nile River.

The three countries wrapped up three days of talks in Washington on Wednesday with the US treasury secretary and World Bank president.

I am encouraged by this weeks meetings in DC regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, & I look forward to good results for the nations of Egypt, Ethiopia, & Sudan.



Very glad our @WorldBank Group technical staff were able to contribute to a positive path forward. pic.twitter.com/jDOvyzsztF  David Malpass (@DavidMalpassWBG) January 15, 2020

The discussions involved the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The dam is around 70% complete and promises to provide much needed electricity for Ethiopias 70 million people.

However, Egyptian officials are concerned that filling the reservoir behind the dam could significantly reduce the amount of Nile water available to Egypt.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:55:52|Editor: xuxin

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TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday criticized the Europeans "failure" to live up to their commitments under the Iranian 2015 landmark nuclear deal, also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Britain, France and Germany, three parties to the Iranian deal, claim that Europe has kept its obligations under JCPOA, however, in reality, they have not imported Iran's oil and have not facilitated Iran's international banking actions," Zarif tweeted.

"Exodus of European firms in Iran and failure to even sell 'exempted' food and medicine to Iran can be added to their shortcomings," he added.

He slammed the European states for "submitting" to the U.S. pressures vis-a-vis the Islamic republic.

On Tuesday, the Europeans said that they have taken the step in response as Tehran has backed off nuclear commitments over the past months.

Iran, however, has said that its withdrawal from practical commitments under the JCPOA is a reaction to the U.S. exit from the deal in May 2018 and the subsequent sanctions, and it is also a response to the Europe's sluggishness in facilitating Iran's banking transactions and its oil exports.
The United States has urged a court in Cambodia on Thursday to allow journalists to attend the treason trial of opposition party leader Kem Sokha. Sokha who was arrested in 2017 is accused of plotting to overthrow longtime leader Hun Sen. Along with the American officials, a coalition of 82 Cambodian civil society groups has also urged the court to open the trial for public, independent media and civil society groups.

CNRP banned

Following his arrest, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen cracked down on opposition, civil society groups and media in the run-up to 2018 parliament elections. According to International media, reporters were barred from the morning sessions of the court proceedings which took place on Wednesday and Thursday. The hearings were attended by diplomats and other officials.

Read: Human Rights Watch: Charges Against Cambodian Leader Sokha 'bogus'

Read: Building Collapses In Southern Cambodia, 36 Dead And 23 Injured

Emily Zeelberg, a spokeswoman for US embassy told international media that the US is aware that the Cambodian court officials have excluded media and civil society members from the proceedings and has urged the court to allow them in. She further said that freedom of expression and the press, an active civil society and tolerance of dissenting views are vital components of any democracy.

International media, citing reports from lawyers on both sides said that the court has postponed Kem Sokhas trial proceedings to next week.

Read: Cambodian National Held With Wild Boar Teeth At Bengaluru Airport

Read: Judge Inspects Border Patrol Facility As Trial Continues

A Human Rights Watch official on Wednesday said the trial of a top Cambodian opposition leader on treason charges is "completely bogus". Speaking in Bangkok, Deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division Phil Robertson called on the Cambodian government to "end this charade right now".

Opposition leader Kem Sokha was charged with treason on Wednesday, more than two years after he was arrested in what is widely seen as a politically motivated prosecution. His party was then dissolved by Cambodia's Supreme Court in November 2017. He could be imprisoned for up to 30 years if found guilty.

(with inputs from agencies)
Probe: Gardai at the scene where a homeless man was hurt alongside the Grand Canal in Dublin city centre. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was last night accused of "pathetically politicising" the life-changing injuries sustained by a homeless man when authorities removed his tent from a Dublin canal bank.

Multiple investigations are under way after the man in his 30s suffered serious injuries when the tent he was sleeping in was removed by an industrial vehicle during a clean-up operation along the Grand Canal.

Expand Close Baby blues: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar holding eight-month-old Ella Truell alongside Business Minister Heather Humphreys during the launch of the Fine Gael General Election campaign in Co Monaghan yesterday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Baby blues: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar holding eight-month-old Ella Truell alongside Business Minister Heather Humphreys during the launch of the Fine Gael General Election campaign in Co Monaghan yesterday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

It is understood the tent was lifted by a lorry with a claw at the Wilton Terrace and Leeson Street junction.

Witnesses heard screaming and alerted the workmen who were unaware a man was in the tent.

The man was yesterday moved to intensive care in St Vincent's University Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed the man may have been paralysed in his left leg, a senior source said last night.

The incident happened when Waterways Ireland, the body responsible for maintenance along the canal, was removing tents in the area.

Inner City Helping Homeless chief executive Anthony Flynn demanded a full investigation into the incident and said: "Answers need to be provided."

Expand Close Politically responsible: Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp Politically responsible: Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

"Somebody's life could have been taken. Eviction notices were being issued to people living in tents along the canal, which is absolutely ludicrous. Appropriate checks clearly weren't put in place to make sure someone wasn't in the tent."

The man was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

Mr Varadkar's initial response to the tragic incident sparked the first major controversy of the election campaign.

Mr Varadkar said the man had been offered accommodation in the past and would be again. But his call for Dublin's Lord Mayor and Fianna Fail General Election candidate Paul McAuliffe to make a statement on the matter prompted a furious reaction from the Opposition.

Fianna Fail housing spokesman Darragh O'Brien said he was "taken aback and pretty disgusted" by the remarks.

"The Taoiseach has stooped to a new low by trying to use this tragic event to have a pop at Paul McAuliffe," he said. "It's pathetic and beneath the office he holds. He has totally politicised it. He has used this tragedy as an opportunity to have a go at others. This is what they do in Fine Gael. It's a ridiculous, outrageous politicisation and they should be ashamed of themselves."

Mr Varadkar, who was speaking at the launch of Fine Gael's campaign at a forklift factory in Co Monaghan, insisted he was not apportioning blame by saying Mr McAuliffe was "politically responsible" on the city council.

Last night, the Taoiseach also rejected Mr McAuliffe's claim that his "first thought was to play a political game", insisting his initial response was to "express concern and sympathy" and that Fianna Fail had, in fact, politicised the issue.

"I've never sought to make it [homelessness] a party political issue and I think if anything we've been on the receiving end of that rather the perpetrators of it," he said.

Housing Minister and local TD Eoghan Murphy was also forced to respond yesterday after one of his volunteers put a campaign poster beside the scene of the incident on Tuesday afternoon. "The person who put it up feels really bad and didn't know what had happened. As soon as I realised I sent someone over to take it down," Mr Murphy told the Irish Independent last night.

"I was very upset by it. I was upset for the other people involved in this accident too."

Mr Murphy said no one was politicising the matter and it was not Government policy to remove tents and homeless people from the canal.

In a statement, Dublin City Council said Waterways Ireland had been removing tents placed in a "precarious and dangerous location".

"The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive is currently liaising with the hospital and every support is being provided," a spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are with the man at this time.

"The executive has been engaging with the individual for some time and accommodation remains available to him."

Waterways Ireland said it was co-operating fully with the Garda investigation.

"Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council/Dublin Regional Homeless Executive work in co-operation to remove tents along the canals in Dublin where they have become a public safety hazard," a Waterways spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are very much with the individual who was injured.

"While the Garda investigation is ongoing, Waterways Ireland is obliged to not comment further."

Waterways Ireland has previously issued notices to homeless people along the canal, warning them to remove tents and personal belongings.

In one notice, seen by the Irish Independent, Waterways said: "You are trespassing on lands which are the property of Waterways Ireland.

"Waterways Ireland calls on you to vacate these lands, together with your tents and personal belongings.

"Unless you vacate the property by the date above, we will request An Garda Siochana to take action on this matter to ensure this property is vacated."
Hundreds of people on Thursday gathered at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar here on the occasion of fourth death anniversary of Rohith Vemula, the PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who committed suicide.

People gathered at the site in central Mumbai holding placards and banners.

According to Afroz Malik, one of the participants at the gathering, "We have assembled here to remember Rohith Vemula. People from all communities including Christian, Maratha...are here, we also opposing the central government decision over CAA, NRC and NPR.

Vemula (26) had hanged himself four years ago. He was a member of the Ambedkar Students Association, which fights for the rights of Dalit students.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend





Big delegation from Russia will arrive in Azerbaijan to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of Russias State Duma (lower house of the parliament) Leonid Slutsky said, Trend reports referring to "Election 2020" Independent Media Center established by Azerbaijan's CEC on Jan. 16.

Slutsky noted that the delegation includes members of the Russian Federation Council and Russian MPs.

In addition, Russia will observe the elections as part of international structures, which include Russia, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and other organizations, said the chairman. I have repeatedly observed presidential and parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. Im sure that these elections will also be fair.

The early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will be held Feb. 9.
Washington: One by one, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi picked up pens lined up beside her and used them to sign a bit of her name on the impeachment articles against US President Donald Trump.

The pens that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. Credit:AP

Then she handed each signing pen to the assembled chairmen and House managers who will prosecute the case in the US Senate.

Signing pens are sought after in Washington, often framed and hung in lobbies across the city as trophies of proximity to power. Trump has engaged in the tradition himself.

Before the signing, aides set out two small trays containing more than two dozen black pens emblazoned with Pelosi's signature.
The British official invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to pay a visit in the near future.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and his British counterpart Dominic Raab have agreed to cooperate in investigating the downing of PS752 flight in Iran.

"[I've] met with my colleague Dominic Raab. Appreciate his words about firm and unquestionable support of Ukraine. Exchanged views about ways of cooperating in investigating PS752 and agreed to work together on this and other issues, in particular on defending Ukraine's sovereignty," the Ukrainian foreign minister wrote on Twitter on January 16, 2020.

Read alsoZelensky visits Canada Embassy to commemorate victims of plane crash in Iran

Prystaiko also said Raab had reiterated an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the UK in the near future.

"Agreed to speed up negotiations on a new comprehensive agreement, covering relations after Brexit," Prystaiko tweeted.

The minister also said he had opened his visit to the United Kingdom by meeting Chairman of the Friendship Group for Ukraine John Whittingdale and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat, who are vocal advocates for Ukraine.

"[We] discussed [the] PS752 tragedy and our joint steps towards ensuring justice  and also the situation in eastern Ukraine," Prystaiko said.
A 55-year-old Nigerian man, Olushola Bola Omotosho Dare was yesterday murdered in a money office in the center of Antwerp Belgium.

He was found with multiple knife stabs in his body. The victim is the manager of the office, a Western Union branch in Belgium.

According to a public prosecutors office, two passers-by saw the man collapse around 10.30 a.m. in his shop, The emergency services were alerted but he unfortunately succumbed to his wounds.

The prosecutors office are assuming robbery, but intend to make more investigations to be sure it was indeed a robbery incident. No suspect has been arrested yet.

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Houston is the worst city in America for human trafficking, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. A broader look reveals that Texas is only behind California in the U.S. under the same data.

In response to this unfortunate data, the Texas Restaurant Association on Tuesday launched a program to help combat human trafficking in the state. Its initiative vows to provide training for employees to recognize the signs of trafficking and to know how to alert officials.
A small J.R.O.T.C. gathering turned deadly on Tuesday when a student brandished a handgun that he had brought to a Houston-area high school and pulled the trigger, unintentionally killing an upperclassman who had already enlisted in the Army, the authorities said.

On Wednesday, a Texas prosecutor announced that the 16-year-old suspect and fellow J.R.O.T.C. student at Bellaire High School had been charged with manslaughter. The suspect fled and was captured several hours later, prompting fears of another targeted shooting in a state that has endured a spate of gun violence.

The authorities did not release the suspects name because of his age.

The Bellaire Police Department identified the victim on Wednesday evening as Cesar Cortes, 19, whom the high schools Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps website listed as the Delta Company commander and showed in his dress uniform.

Friends and family members released balloons and held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday for Mr. Cortes, whom they described as a focused young man who was dedicated to a military service career and his physical fitness regimen.
FILM REVIEW: Underwater

Can you admit we must leave? If your nervous, sweaty-browed commander asks you that, its time to flee.

Tapping into imminent-danger fear is the cornerstone of any great thriller. Bring fright, or go home. Nothing in cinematographer-turned-director William Eubanks filmography (The Signal, Love) indicates that hes capable of such a task. No evidence that he can create a sub-sea-level underworld that is realistic or completely fanciful. Still, he attempts, with some success and some failure.

The crew of a mining operation drills at the bottom of the ocean and works and lives in supposedly fortified rigs. The earth shakes. The ground moves. A massive quake catches them off guard. Water floods facilities, killing many. Norah (Kristen Stewart, Twilight), an electrical engineer, systems manager Rodrigo (Mamoudou Athie, Patti Cake$), marine biology student Emily (Jessica Henwick, Game of Thrones), the captain, Lucien (Vincent Cassel, La Haine) and a few others survive.

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Outside communications are cut off. Escape submarines wrecked. The options are few and the outlook bleak. Escape or die.

This viable premise is set in motion by screenwriters Brian Duffield (Insurgent and The Babysitter) and Adam Cozad (The Legend of Tarzan and Jack Ryan: The Shadow Recruit). Cohesive storytelling? They got it covered. Depth? Not much. The storyline weaves its way around the bottom of the deep blue sea in the most generic ways, with an ensemble of characters, who, though very modern, are not indelible.

So why would movie thriller fans stay in their seats? Nail-biting tension, eerie suspense, staccato pacing. Credit the editors (Brian Berdan, William Hoy and Todd E. Miller) for kinetic footage that flashes from face-to-face, object-to-object and scene-to-scene briskly. Rarely lingering more than seven seconds on any image.

Your eyes dont have time to dawdle on the sets (production designer Naaman Marshall former Art Director for The Dark Knight) and costumes (Dorotka Sapinska, The Signal), which is in the films favor. By the time your retina sends a message to your brain that might question a detail, the camera has moved on.

A hue of murky colors (a spectrum of gray/green) makes the overall look unattractive. The visuals arent helped by dim lighting and dull-looking cinematography (Bojan Bazelli, Burlesque, King of New York). Shame on anyone who tries to compare whats on view to Alien(s). Those films were pure eye-candy, in a way that propelled them into an upper stratosphere. That doesnt happen here, its a wasted opportunity.

For 95 minutes, as the survivors careen from place-to-place, cursed by the sea and its creatures, Eubanks displays decent skill and technique within the confines of the production elements. Theres a consistent tone, a solid structure. He keeps the cast invigorated, fueled by anxiety and ready to work cohesively. However, competency shouldnt be confused with brilliance or ingenuity. Given the chance to shine, Ridley Scott and James Cameron couldnt hide their genius. Eubanks cant muster his. At least not yet.

Genre fans, who can feed off the incessant, well-paced suspense up through middle of the film, may lose focus towards the end. Most notably when the tight rhythm dies and mistakes like a philosophical conversation between Norah and Emily brings things to a halt. They may question the plausibility of characters roaming around the bottom of the sea in heavy diving suits yet never displaying any debilitating physical effects. They may balk at the films been-done-before climax

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The special effects on the premises, with leaks, explosions and door jams are fun to watch. The creatures, big and small, are not. Theyre standard-issue limp and indistinguishable from any other horror/thriller. Again, this is where Alien(s) excelled. Their mysterious lifeforms are legendary. In this H2O hell, the build-up is far more intriguing than the reveal. It might have been better for the source of the ominous sounds and vibrations to have remained a mystery until the end (Blair Witch Project).

Stewart is completely believable as a take-charge anti-hero. Shes photogenic and interacts well with the rest of the cast, particularly Athie, Henwick and Cassel. Its a surprisingly natural warrior performance, making her a good candidate for a superhero movie. Henwick takes Emily through the films most dramatic character arc, showing fear and determination in the right places. Cassel, as the alpha who shares ground with Nora, mixes testosterone with sensitivity perfectly. While John Gallagher Jr. (10 Cloverfield Lane) adds a much-needed dose of humor.

If tension, fear and good performances were all it took to make a satisfying thriller, Underwater would be complete. Without visual flair, mindboggling effects, astonishing creatures and an extraordinary climax, it feels underdeveloped.

Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.
A 17-year-old was arrested and charged arising out of an investigation into dangerous driving in which an 80-year-old woman was injured in Blackpool, Cork, on Tuesday.

The juvenile appeared late yesterday at Cork District Court charged with two counts of dangerous driving at Blackpool Shopping Centre on January 14 and stealing a car from Popes Quay Court in Cork on the same date.
To celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti, personnel of the Kadapa sub-division police here on Wednesday donned traditional dhotis, shirts and angavastrams.

Superintendent of Police Anbu Rajan, Deputy superintendent of Police Surya Narayana, circle inspectors and sub-inspectors of Kadapa division wore traditional outfits and welcomed the festival.

Rajan extended greeting to police officers and public on the auspicious occasion and asked them to celebrate the festival with gaiety.

A large number of devotees thronged temples in the district to offer prayers to mark the festival.

Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is a holy day in the Hindu calendar. The day marks the first day of the Sun's transit into Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
'Religious people live longer, happier' lives, evangelist argues in debate against atheist

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Glen Scrivener, director of the evangelistic ministry Speak Life, went head-to-head with famed atheist commentator Matt Dillahunty and argued that religious people are happier and live longer than those who do not believe in God.

The Australian-born Anglican minister and Dillahunty, an American atheist activist and host of the popular Atheist Experience YouTube show, were guests on The Big Conversation on Friday. The show is an online debate series moderated by Unbelievable? host Justin Brierley.

A question asked throughout the discussion was can atheism deliver a better world? Scrivener held the position that intrinsic religiosity, people whose lives are informed by their faith, is the way to live one's best life.

If you ask those people [with an intrinsic religiosity] on any kind of measure of reproduction: how many babies do you have, longer life, are you happier?, their resistance to depression, to recovery from illness, recovery from surgery, resistance to divorce, to suicide, there are any number of factors where an intrinsic religiosity would make society better  they give more money to charity, Scrivener said during the debate.

The minister also noted that people of faith give more to secular charities than secular people do.

He continued, There is a tremendous amount of public benefit for religions to flourish in societies. Those people thrive in a world where, if the government were able to put a magic elixir into the water that could deliver those benefits  longer life, happier, healthier, societies, all of these things have been demonstrated in thousands of studies  it would make society better.

Dillahunty argued in The Big Conversation debate that he doesnt believe quality of life is attributed to religion, but rather having a good community. He insisted that secular people would do the same if they could strengthen their community.

The truth has to do with who we are and it maybe is the case that what people need is the community which religions have done a really good job of building. And its one of the things that secular organizations are working toward doing now, building stronger communities, Dillahunty said.

But we had to fight for just the right to exist and be open and talk about this before we could get to a point of building those sorts of communities, he added.

The self-professed atheist and host of The Atheist Experience then declared that he can prove prayer works.

If youre in a cave and you pray, you are more likely to be rescued. Not because theres some God listening to answer that, but because prayer has a calming effect on you which extends the amount of time that you can be trapped, which extends the likelihood that you can be rescued, Dillahunty asserted.

Scrivener based his claims about happiness and longevity as it relates to religion on several new studies, including those by atheist psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In a paper titled, Moral Psychology and the Misunderstanding of Religion, Haidt says that religious believers in the United States are happier, healthier, longer-lived, and more generous.

The conversation also touched on human value and who determines that if not the Judeo Christian belief system, to which Dillahunty responded by saying that he didnt know.

Scrivener concluded: The consequences of getting rid of this story, especially the Christian story of the God who became weak, is to create a certain callousness in the rest of society, and I think that issue will play out in negative ways about how we treat the least and the last and the lost.

Watch the debate between Scrivener and Dillahunty in its the entirety below:
JERUSALEM - The Israeli military said an attack helicopter struck a Hamas target in the northern Gaza Strip late Thursday in response to the launch of incendiary balloons into Israeli territory earlier in the day.

Israeli police said the balloons touched down in southern Israel and a bomb squad was dispatched. Police said there was an explosion, but there were no injuries.

The Israeli military said its airstrike targeted infrastructure used for underground activities by Gazas ruling Hamas militant group. In Gaza, local reports said the airstrike hit an open area. There were no reports of injuries.

During more than a year and half of mass demonstrations along the Israeli border that began in early 2018, Palestinians frequently launched incendiary balloons and kites into Israeli territory, torching large swaths of farmland.

The balloon launches were halted several months ago, while the demonstrations have been scaled back as Israel and Hamas try to implement an informal cease-fire brokered by international mediators.

Thursdays balloon launch appeared to reflect Hamas unhappiness with the slow pace of the cease-fire efforts, which aim to ease a crippling Israeli blockade of Gaza in return for calm along the volatile border.
Locals and international visitors stroll in the walking zone surrounding the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi's downtown. (Source: VNA)

Taking place on the 3rd day of the New Lunar Year, which falls on January 27, from 10am until 12am, the walk will start in front of the Ly Thai To statue with a brief introduction to the founder of Hanoi.

As the group stroll through the streets bordering Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, the members will discuss legends, points of interest and stories, and touch on architecture and the French influence.

This walk is a neat compact introduction to this part of the city. The organisers hope participants will discover something they did not know before about this famous area.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the 7th conference of the CPA India Region in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday here.

The three-day conference would discuss the reforms in the legislative businesses of the Assemblies for which Birla reached the state capital where he was welcomed by Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Hriday Narayan Dixit.

Dixit said that Birla will inaugurate the conference in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his entire cabinet.

"It is a matter of pride for the state that this conference is being organized in Lucknow. All the Speakers of state assemblies would be present in the conference," he said adding that Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh will also attend the conference as its chief guest.

Governor Anandiben Patel would address the concluding session while Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Lalji Tandon will address the distinguished gathering at the inaugural Session.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Ram Govind Chaudhary will also grace the inaugural session.

Members of Parliament and present and former members of Uttar Pradesh Legislature and other dignitaries will attend the ceremony.

The conference will discuss the capacity building of legislators for scrutinizing budgetary proposals and enhancing the focus of legislators on legislative business.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will deliver the keynote address during the second plenary session.

The budget is the most important economic policy tool of a government and provides a comprehensive statement of the priorities of the Executive.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is comprised of over 180 Branches formed in Legislatures of Commonwealth countries enjoying parliamentary democracy. All the CPA Branches are geographically grouped into nine Commonwealth Regions.

The CPA India Region, which was earlier a part of the CPA Asia Region, became an independent Region from September 7, 2004. The India Region of CPA consists of the India Union Branch (Parliament of India) and 30 States/ Union Territories Branches besides India Union Branch.

Such conferences of the CPA India Region are held once in two years and the 6th Conference was held in 2017 in Patna.

The 7th Conference of CPA India Region is likely to be attended by about 100 Delegates.

The Regional representatives from CPA's Australia Region, South East Asia Region will also attend the CPA India Region Conference.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ugandas export earnings grew both on a monthly and annual basis, with the value of merchandise exports increasing by 5.0 to US$327.30 million in November 2019 from US$ 311.64 million earned in October 2019, according to the Ministry of Finances December 2019 Performance of the Economy Report.

According to the report, the increase in the value of exports follows increased earnings from exports such as coffee, gold, cotton and beans whose volumes increased. Better performance of these export items follows an increase in their respective export volumes.

In Comparison to November 2018 export earnings grew by 10.8 percent in November 2019 to US$327.30 million from US$295.53 million. The report attributes the growth mainly to higher values of gold and maize exports.

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Destination of Ugandas merchant exports

The East African Community (EAC) remained Ugandas top destination for merchandise exports, absorbing about 28.3 percent of the total exports in November 2019 while The Middle East was the second main destination followed by the Rest of Africa.

Ugandas merchant imports fall

The value of merchandise imports decreased both on a monthly and annual basis, the report says. The value of merchandise imports decreased by 3 percent to US$622.51 million in November 2019, from US$651.34 million recorded in October 2019, following a decline in both government and private sector imports.

Government imports declined by 34.1 percent, whereas, private sector imports dropped by 2.3 percent on account of a decline in import volumes, the report says, indicating further that the value of merchandise imports in November 2019 declined by 2.9 percent when compared to the value recorded in November 2018.

Origin of Ugandas merchant imports

Asia, EAC and Middle East remained the largest sources of Ugandas imports, contributing 38 percent, 17.3 percent and 17.1 percent respectively in November 2019. Of the imports from Asia, 80.7 percent were sourced from India, China and Japan. In the EAC region, 95.1 percent of the imports were sourced from Kenya and Tanzania.

According to the report, Uganda traded at a deficit with all regions save for the EAC, the Middle East and the rest of Africa. The country had the largest merchandise trade deficit with Asia, and the biggest surplus with the EAC. The deficit with Asia narrowed to US$168.88 million in November 2019 from US$210.23 million in November 2018, whereas, the surplus with the EAC reduced to US$3.54 million from US$17.34 million over the same period.
Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR), the lone publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the cannabis industry, is adding another asset to its portfolio.

The company announced Wednesday that it has closed the acquisition of a property in Richmond, Virginia. Innovative made the purchase for roughly $11.8 million, not including transaction costs. That amount also does not include potential reimbursement of around $8.0 million once development is completed.

The deal is a sale-leaseback arrangement with a privately held company called Green Leaf Medical, one of five holders of a comprehensive license to grow, extract, and sell medical cannabis in Virginia.

Sale-leaseback arrangements are common in the real estate world; they refer to an investor buying a property from a company then leasing it back to the seller. Cannabis companies find them attractive because they often provide a good source of much-needed funding.

This is not Innovative's first deal with Green Leaf Medical. Previously, the two entered into a sale-leaseback arrangement for a similar property in Pennsylvania.

Once fully developed, the Richmond real estate is expected to boast around 82,000 square feet of industrial space. It will be used by Green Leaf Medical for growing, processing, and distributing medical cannabis under its gLeaf brand.

As of Wednesday, Innovative had 47 properties in 15 U.S. states, covering roughly 3.1 million rentable square feet. Occupancy is just under 99%.

Innovative, considered a unique marijuana stock because it's the only cannabis industry REIT, saw its share price dip by almost 2% on the day the Virginia deal was announced.
WASHINGTON - The fourth annual Women's March on Washington will take to the streets Saturday amid near-freezing temperatures and a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain that could put a damper on the protest's turnout.

The demonstration, expected to be the Women's March's smallest since its historic debut in 2017, will take on a different tone than in past years as its leaders seek to turn over a new leaf with disaffected activists and groups that in recent years have cut ties with the organization.

Instead of a single sleekly produced rally, the Women's March launched a week-long program that includes a story slam, brunch with drag queens and civil disobedience training for activists.

Saturday's march will be the largest event of the week, though a permit issued by the National Park Service last week indicated that organizers are expecting 3,000 to 10,000 participants - a marked decline from recent years.

As of Wednesday, about 5,400 people had indicated on Facebook that they will attend.

District of Columbia police will close streets around the White House, the Ellipse and Lafayette Square beginning about 9:30 a.m. Saturday until about 4 p.m., officials said.

The march, which is scheduled to begin assembling at Freedom Plaza about 10 a.m., will begin its procession toward the White House about 11:30 a.m., according to the group's Park Service permit.

There will be no stage nor formalized rally, but the demonstration will begin with a video featuring several Women's March board members reading the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump that House Democrats delivered Wednesday to the Senate.

"If what brings you to the march is being antiwar or the desire for impeachment or a really deep belief that women should have control of their bodies, that's all what we're mobilizing around," said Rachel O'Leary Carmona, chief operating officer of the Women's March.

Organizers also will review a dance routine that participants will perform in front of the White House while singing along to the international protest anthem "Un Violador en Tu camino" ("A Rapist in Your Path").

The Women's March will be joined by Chilean collective Las Tesis, which created and popularized the song as a means to denounce gender-based violence. It has been performed by groups of women around the world - most recently in front of the courthouse where film producer Harvey Weinstein is being tried on charges of sexual assault.
The meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and Fayez Al-Sarraj of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) in Istanbul on 12 January was unplanned and urgent. It took place against the backdrop of a flurry of European diplomatic activity to forestall a Turkish military presence in Libya and the spectre of another Syria.

The day before Erdogan met with Al-Sarraj, he met with European Council President Charles Michel who had flown to Istanbul in the framework of European efforts to contain the escalation in Libya. A more important meeting took place before that. On Wednesday, 8 January, Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afterwards, they issued a joint statement affirming a common position on the Libyan crisis and the need to work together to promote a settlement based on the UN Security Council resolution to this effect. The same day, Hurriyet, a pro-government newspaper, cited Erdogan as saying that Turkey had sent 35 soldiers to Tripoli, but not to take part in the fighting. Turkey will coordinate, but its troops will not engage in combat, he said.

In their joint press conference, Putin and Erdogan did not broach the subject of Idlib, which is controlled by Turkish backed rebel groups. This is equally significant as it concerns another area in the Middle East where Russia and Turkey are at odds. While the Russian presidents visit to Turkey had been planned, he went there only after an unscheduled detour via Damascus. This was Putins first ever visit to the Syrian capital. Analysts believe this was meant to deliver a message expressing Moscows disappointment with the Turkish regime, firstly due to its failure to fulfil its commitments in accordance with the agreements it made in Astana and in Sochi and, secondly, because of its declining ability to control the militias it has financed and armed.

In what observers believe was also part of this indirect way of slapping Ankaras hands, Moscow seemed pointedly disinclined to restrain Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Not only did the Russian press rejoice in Haftars success in taking control of the strategic town of Sirte, Moscow merely shrugged at Haftars refusal to agree to a ceasefire when the call for a ceasefire was made by Turkey. What could Ankara expect after all it had said and done?

Another important part of the picture was filled in by another important meeting last weekend, this one between Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow. Both leaders share the goal of preventing further escalation in the Middle East, and in Libya in particular. Encouraged by the Putin-Erdogan joint statement, Merkel invited her host to attend the international conference on Libya that Berlin plans to host this month.

So, after weeks of polemics, sabre rattling, playing Genghis Khan and scheming to pour oil on Libyan fires, Erdogan has been forced to moderate his tone and, thanks to a succession of guests who made it clear they disapproved of his war mongering policies, pay more than lip service to a peaceful solution. His foreign minister even said, we have no problem with everyone participating when it comes to a political solution. This includes Haftar, so long as he agrees to a ceasefire.

As he looks around, the Anatolian strongman finds little sustenance for his dream of a Muslim Brotherhood empire with him as godfather. From Syria, the second pillar of this dream to crumble, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that six Turkish-funded militia fighters from Syria were killed in Libya, three from the Mutassim Brigade and three from the Sultan Murad Division. Their bodies have been transported back to Syria. The opposition press in Turkey reported, citing SOHR, that Ankara had promised the families of the deceased mercenaries large sums of compensation.

According to the SOHR, Turkey has sent more than 1,000 mercenaries from Syria to Tripoli and Misrata. Another 1,700 of them are currently receiving training in Turkish military camps. Recruitment operations are still in full swing in Afrin and other areas in Syria that fall in the scope of Ankaras Euphrates Shield operation.

On 8 January, another 260 mercenaries from Syria arrived in Libya. According to local sources, they now carry Turkish passports and receive salaries of around $2,000 (more than four times the minimum wage in Turkey and over eight times the minimum wage in Syria) plus a number of benefits.

Closer to the Turkish heartland, three Turkish soldiers were killed and six others were injured in Libya, in and around the Libyan city of Misrata, AhvalNews site reported on 10 January. The bodies of the dead soldiers have been transported to Misrata airport, it added, without providing further details.

Meanwhile, social media teemed with images of Turkish-made BMC Kirpi tanks abandoned in the field by pro-GNA militias as they fled during the fall of Sirte to the LNA. According to the accompanying commentary, the Kirpi performs poorly, does not hold up well under fire, and its artillery is unwieldy and slow. Libyans have dubbed it Lamees in reference to a characters name in a Turkish melodrama.

Such setbacks have paved the way for concessions and more humiliations. According to the Italian newspaper, La Stampa, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will present to Erdogan a proposal for an honourable exit for Al-Sarraj, whom Ankara backs, and for a third party to act as guarantor for a ceasefire. The newspaper added that the proposal was backed by a European consensus and that it was likely that the Turks would accept it.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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It's an iconic film from the 1990s that launched the careers of some of Hollywood's leading men and it's director Quentin Tarantino.

And chat show host James Corden brought in guest stars Steve Buscemi and Tim Roth to remake a famous scene from heist movie Reservoir Dogs for his Late Late Show episode.

Re-enacting the iconic moment a kidnapped police officer is tortured to the tune of Stuck in the Middle With You, Roth, 58, and Buscemi, 62, reprised their roles as Mr Orange and Mr Pink to take part in comic scene.

Remake: Chat show host James Corden brought in guest stars Steve Buscemi and Tim Roth to remake a famous scene from heist movie Reservoir Dogs for his Late Late Show

Stand-in: Corden took the lead in re-enacting the iconic moment a kidnapped police officer was tortured to the tune of Stuck in the Middle With You

The short sketch began with Roth lying seriously wounded on the floor, as Corden, taking the role of Mr Blonde, appeared out of the darkness holding a barber's razor.

In brilliant resemblance to the cult classic, he turned on an old radio and the Stealer's Wheel hit blared out as a policeman, tied to a chair, attempted to shout out in terror.

But after a dancing across the room, the chat show host stopped, saying 'something isn't quite right' before going back to change the radio station over, putting on YMCA by Village People.

Comic turn: The short sketch began with Roth lying seriously wounded on the floor, as Corden, taking the role of Mr Blonde, appeared out of the darkness holding a barber's razor

Soundtrack to the 70s: In brilliant resemblance to the cult classic, he turned on a radio and the Stealer's Wheel hit blared out as a policeman, tied to a chair, attempted to shout out in terror

'Now I'm feeling it!' shouts Corden as he danced around with the blade.

A bloodied Tim Roth, whose character was mortally wounded, was baffled by the change in tune and rolled over saying 'James, what are you doing?'

'This music is f***ing terrible, it's not really torture, just put something else on. You're supposed to be scaring him. Just put a song on and cut his f***ing ear off.'

Corden apologised and again changed the radio, this time to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, as the camera panned away while he went in to cut the man's ear off.

That's not in the script! A bloodied Tim Roth, whose character was mortally wounded, was baffled by the change in tune and rolled over saying 'James, what are you doing?'

Breakthrough: Tim Roth as Mr Orange in the 1992 original

But seconds later, he revealed he had instead snipped off a lock of his hair.

'Yeah! Hope you weren't too attached to this!' taunted Corden.

'James, you cut off a lock of his hair, I'm bleeding to death. I don't have time for your jazz hands b******, could you get to the torture!'

As Corden continued to flounder, Steve Buscemi appearred as Mr Pink, shouting: 'What the hell is going on? The cops are on our a**.'

Torture: The police officer looked bemused and the constant change in song as he is kept strapped to the chair

The trio then argued over why the the kidnapped officer hadn't been tortured, with Corden claiming he 'can't find the right song'.

Buscemi decided to take control, asking Corden for the knife and going to pick the perfect song to finally torture the policeman to.

But instead the radio blared out the Macarena, with Buscemi and Corden performing a synchronised dance routine as Roth shouted out in frustration.

Change of tune: Buscemi decided to take control, asking Corden for the knife and went to pick the perfect song to finally torture the policeman to

Reservoir Dogs, which was released in 1992, received critical praise and and helped Buscemi and Roth land several large roles.

Roth went on to collaborate with director Quentin Tarantino several times, playing 'Pumpkin', one of the restaurant robbers, in Pulp Fiction, and Oswaldo Mobray in the Hateful Eight.

Asked by Corden if the actors knew they were making something special, Buscemi said: 'I felt like we were doing something amazing, but it didn't mean that it would translate you know?'

Hilarious: But instead the radio blared out the Macarena, with Buscemi and Corden performing a synchronised dance routine as Roth shouted out in frustration

'I've worked on films where you think "oh this will be great" and then nobody sees it.

'But I felt it was special, I felt Quentin [Tarantino] was special, I had never come across someone who was making his first film, and he was so excited and that just made everybody feel like we were working on our first film.

'He was so confident, I've never seen such confidence come out of a first-time director, it was just like "wow, he knows what he's doing".'
Although scientists continually refine cancer treatments, there is still much room for improvement. A new study, carried out in mice, focuses on salt. The researchers have successfully used sodium chloride nanoparticles to destroy cancer cells. Share on Pinterest Injecting salt nanoparticles into mouse tumors restricted their growth significantly. Over the decades, researchers have developed an ever-growing arsenal of drugs to combat cancer. However, many of these drugs are toxic, not only to cancer cells but to healthy tissue. The hunt is still on to find more effective treatments with fewer negative consequences for the rest of the body. Scientists  many from the University of Georgia, in Athens  are looking to sodium chloride, or salt, in nanoparticle form. Sodium chloride is essential for life, but in the wrong place, it can cause cell death. To control this, ion channels on the plasma membranes that surround our cells prevent salt from entering. Maintaining the right balance in the cell between sodium and chloride ions outside and potassium inside drives many processes that help support homeostasis  a consistent cellular environment.

Salt as a Trojan horse The authors of the new study, published in the journal Advanced Materials , tested their theory that Sodium chloride nanoparticles (SCNPs) can be exploited as a Trojan horse strategy to deliver ions into cells and disrupt the ion homeostasis. SCNPs contain millions of sodium and chlorine atoms, but the ion channels responsible for keeping salt out do not recognize them in this form. Consequently, SCNPs are free to enter the cell, and once inside, they dissolve, releasing sodium and chlorine ions that become trapped in the cell. These ions disrupt cellular machinery and rupture the plasma membrane. As the cell membrane breaks open, the sodium and chlorine atoms are released. This, in turn, signals an immune response and inflammation. Using a mouse model, the scientists tested their theory. They injected SCNPs into tumors and charted their growth. They compared the growth of these tumors with those of mice in a control group who had received the same quantity of sodium chloride in a solution, rather than as nanoparticles. The team found that the SCNPs suppressed tumor growth by 66%, compared with the control group. Importantly, there were no signs that the SCNPs caused damage to any of the mices organs.

The importance of safety This method appears to be safe. As associate professor and lead author Jin Xie, Ph.D., explains: After the treatment, the nanoparticles are reduced to salts, which are merged with the bodys fluid system and cause no systematic or accumulative toxicity. No sign of systematic toxicity was observed with SCNPs injected at high doses. Also, cancer cells seemed to be more susceptible to SCNPs than healthy cells. This, the authors believe, might be because cancer cells contain higher levels of sodium to begin with, making them more vulnerable to overload. In recent years, many researchers have investigated whether various types of nanoparticles might be useful in medicine; yet very few have reached the clinic. As the authors of the study acknowledge, Primary concerns are [the particles] toxicity, slow clearance, and unpredictable longterm impact to the hosts. SCNPs, however, are different. The authors explain that They are made of a benign material, and their toxicity is entirely hinged on the nanoparticle form.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit Davos and hold a meeting of the National Investment Council of Ukraine there, a source in the Office of the President has said.

"The president will visit Davos. A meeting of the National Investment Council of Ukraine will be held there," the report reads.

The visit is expected to take place on January 22.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA) announced that a closed meeting of the National Investment Council of Ukraine, chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, will be held at Ukraine House Davos.

On January 21-24, the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos, Switzerland.

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Newscity

Red Flag Laws Meet Opposition

A number of sheriffs across New Mexico are speaking out against proposed red flag gun legislation.

The Associated Press reports that the New Mexico Sheriffs Association says that red flag laws would undermine Constitutional protections.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have reportedly enacted some sort of red flag law that would give courts the ability to temporarily take guns away from people who are considered a threat to themselves or others. But Sierra County Sheriff Glenn Hamilton, a legislative liaison for the sheriff's association, told reporters that existing laws already give police enough power. I would much rather just transport that person than take away one mechanism unconstitutionally and leave him with knives and explosives and anything else that will allow him to carry out his ill will, he said. Other critics have said the laws violate citizens' protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Supporters of red flag laws say they reduce gun violence and the risk of mass shootings.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has spoken in favor of red flag laws like the one Sen. Joseph Cervantes has filed. State Republicans have said they will fight against it.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accounted for 65.16 per cent of the total income generated by six national parties at Rs 2,410.08 crore in FY19. The saffron party was followed by Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPM and BSP. Of the total income generated during FY19, the BJP spent 47.71 per cent or Rs 1,005.33 crore. The Congress generated income worth Rs 993 crore and spent around 51.19 (Rs 469.92 crore) per cent of it.

In an analysis of income and expenditure of national political parties for FY 2018-19, ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms), a non-governmental organisation that works in the area of electoral and political reforms, said the national parties that declared their income for the year included Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

Barring Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), all these parties have submitted details of their audited reports to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Also read: Richest electoral trust donated 85% of its total income to BJP

AITC's total income was Rs 192.65 crore, of which only 5.97 per cent (Rs 11.50 crore) was spent, says the report. CPM declared a total income of Rs 100.96 crore and spent Rs 76.15 crore, almost 75.43 per cent of it. Collectively, all six national parties declared a total income of Rs 3,698.66 crore for the year.

Among all the parties, Trinamool's income spiked 3,628.47 per cent (Rs 187.48 crore) from Rs 5.167 crore in FY18 to Rs 192.65 crore in FY19.

The BJP's income increased 134.59 per cent (Rs 1,382.74 crore) from Rs 1,027.34 crore during FY18 to Rs 2,410.08 crore in FY19. The grand-old party, INC's income saw 360.97 per cent jump (Rs 718.88 crore) from Rs 199.15 crore in FY18 to Rs 918.03 crore in FY19.

Also read: BJP declares income of Rs 1,027 crore during 2017-18: Report

The only party, whose income saw a decline, was CPM. The party's fortunes declined 3.71 per cent (Rs 3.887 crore) from Rs 104.847 crore during FY18 to Rs 100.96 crore in FY19.

The top three sources of income of these national parties are donations, voluntary contributions, and bank interest. The BJP earned Rs 2,354.02 crore (around 97.67 per cent of the total income) from donations; INC Rs 551.55 crore; AITC Rs 141.54 crore; CPM Rs 37.228 cr; and CPI Rs 4.08 crore.

As per the ECI's report last year, the BJP raised Rs 800 crore ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in May alone. Around 55.5 per cent (Rs 356 crore) of its total donation amount came from Tata group's Progressive Electoral Trust. The Congress party, on the other hand, was far behind and raised Rs 146 crore. The second-biggest donor to both the BJP and the Congress was Prudent Electoral Trust, which is funded by Bharti Airtel, DLF and Hero group. The group alone donated a total amount of Rs 67 crore to the BJP and Rs 39 crore to the Congress party.

Also read: BJP raised over Rs 800 crore before Lok Sabha polls; Tata Group top donor

Edited by Manoj Sharma
Report show Chinese willingness of owning house in hometown

By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-01-16 13:52

A report on Chinese urban workers returning to their hometowns to buy a house was released recently by 58.comInc, China's largest classified online marketplace and Anjuke, an online real estate listing unit under 58.com.

The report shows 68.6% of the respondents tend to own a house in their hometown, while 29.8% want to settle down in the cities where they are working.

(Proportion graph of Chinese willingness to own a house in their hometown)

In terms of age group, among people born after the 1980s, 74.0% prefer to return to their hometown city or provincial capital to buy real estate. Offsprings education is the top reason especially for those post-1985 generation, because in their view, education resources in big cities are in shortage.

(Age distribution among people wanting to buy a house in their hometown)

For young people born in the 1990s, 67.5% have a similar tendency to return home, due to the distressing house prices in big cities.

(Popular cities for the returnees)

Popular cities the returned people eye as their destination are mostly the new first tier cities like Chongqing, Xian and Chengdu, which have been developing fast in recent years, and also second tier cities such as Yangtze River Delta region cities -- Xuzhou, Hefei and Nantong. Cities in Northeast China have much less attraction to those returnees, with Harbin being the only city they are willing to return to.
The essence of irony, Henry Fowler wrote in A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, is that it postulates a double audience  one thats in on the joke, and another that isnt. The title of Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnigs new book, A Very Stable Genius, is thus savvy marketing. Its possible to imagine both Donald J. Trumps detractors and his admirers eagerly grasping a copy.

The admirers will not make it past the table of contents. Among the chapter titles: Unhinged, Shocking the Conscience, Paranoia and Pandemonium and Scare-a-Thon. This verbiage makes Rucker and Leonnigs book sound like one more enraged polemic. It isnt. Theyre meticulous journalists, and this taut and terrifying book is among the most closely observed accounts of Donald J. Trumps shambolic tenure in office to date.

Rucker is The Washington Posts White House bureau chief; Leonnig is a national investigative reporter for the newspaper. Both have won Pulitzer Prizes. Their newspapers ominous, love-it-or-hate-it motto is Democracy Dies in Darkness. A Very Stable Genius flicks the lights on from its first pages.

Rucker and Leonnig have composed their book, they write, out of a desire to step out of the churning news cycle and assess the reverberations of Trumps presidency. The result is a chronological account of the past three years in Washington, based on interviews with more than 200 sources.
In a major conspiracy, terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) along with Pakistan intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are hatching a plot to launch a terrorist attack in India. Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) general secretary, Aamir Hamza, along with LeT and JeM commanders met JeM chief Masood Azhar's brother Maulana Omar in Bahawalpur of Punjab province in Pakistan.

Both the JeM and Let have devised a strategy to launch an attack. The terrorists are engaged in their homework ahead of the summers. The development comes days after reports of ISI plotting a terrorist attack in either Delhi or Gujarat ahead of Republic Day (January 26), according to sources in the Delhi Police.

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According to a tip-off, six terrorists absconded from Tamil Nadu, went to Nepal and from there they entered India. They were accused in the murder of K P Suresh, leader of Hindu Munnani for Thiruvallur East district. They are suspected ISIS terrorists.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police on December 9 (Thursday) had arrested three of them. They were arrested after a brief encounter and arms and ammunition were also recovered from them. A few days later, a fourth suspected ISIS terrorist was arrested by the Gujarat Police. However, two others are still missing and they are expected to launch these attacks. They have a foreign-based handler who is helping them.

Basti IG range Ashutosh Kumar had confirmed the report saying that they had received information about two terrorists entering the country and that they were currently in Uttar Pradesh. Intelligence agencies sources had told Zee News that the two terrorists, identified as Khwaja Moinuddin and Abdul Samad were last seen in West Bengal's Siliguri. In September 2017, Khwaja Moinuddin was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Chennai. The sources added that Moinuddin is associated with ISIS and has been active in south Indian states.

The fourth terrorist arrested was brought in the national capital by the Delhi Police and is currently in transit remand. During interrogation, the accused confessed that the handler, helping them, had asked them to launch a major attack before January 26, including a lone wolf attack. It is to be noted that the terrorist speaks in Tamil language and the police had to bring in a translator.

According to sources, Pakistan's ISI wants some radicalized Indian men to commit a terrorist act in the country so that the entire blame will be on the ISIS. After the statement of the four terrorists and information of the technical surveillance of the special cell, ACP Lalit Mohan Negi of the Special Cell came to know that the handler was an ISI official, who disguised as an ISIS member to spread terror in India.

After this information, the security agencies across the country are searching the two terrorists who are still absconding. The Patiala House Court on Monday (December 13) extended the remand of all four terror suspects of the ISIS module, by eight days.

On January 10, the three suspected ISIS terrorists had confessed that they were instructed to launch attacks on police and Army recruitment camps. During the investigation, the suspected terrorists said that they were also ordered to target Hindu as well as RSS leaders across the country including the Delhi-NCR region. Further, they were also asked to target Hindu leaders based on posters displayed across several places in the national capital. The terrorists spoke in code words and the Special Cell decoded them. The team is still questioning the suspects.
Oregon ratified the federal Equal Rights Amendment in February 1973, nearly 47 years before this weeks much-publicized vote in Virginia.

And, after a years-long drive by a lone woman, Oregon voters added a female equality amendment to Oregons state Constitution.

Its unclear what exactly will happen now that the Virginia legislature became the 38th state to ratify the amendment Wednesday. Opponents of the ERA, which that says citizens cant be denied any rights based on sex, say the ratification isnt valid because the 1982 deadline Congress set expired before the required three-fourth of states voted for it.

In 1973, five Oregon groups and a governor's committee formed the Equal Rights Alliance to back ratification of a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination on basis of sex.Bob Ellis / The Oregonian

Back in the 1970s, Oregon was the 25th state to have its legislature ratify what was widely called the ERA, three days after South Dakota and just hours before Minnesota. It managed to do so because a bipartisan group of female lawmakers, including soon-to-be-Appeals Court Judge Betty Roberts and soon-to-be-Secretary of State Norma Paulus, worked together and drew on the strength and optimism of the states womens movement, according to political historians Tara Watson and Melody Rose.

More than 40 years later, in November 2014, Oregon voters added it to the state constitution with more than two-thirds approval. The amendment guarantees "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the state of Oregon or by any political subdivision in this state on account of sex."

It was a crowning achievement for Leanne Littrell DiLorenzo, who for years worked to get it on the ballot and into the Oregon Constitution.

This is really an historic thing that has happened, she said on the eve of the vote. What voters did in Oregon tonight was hugely historic.

-- Betsy Hammond; betsyhammond@oregonian.com; @OregonianPol

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
The cult of Wagyu hits San Francisco The elusive, exclusive beef can now be found at several restaurants, but it's a high-priced experience.

The cult of Wagyu hits San Francisco The elusive, exclusive beef can now be found at several restaurants, but it's a high-priced experience.

Hokkaido snow beef from Japanese producer Chateau Uenae is among the most exclusive meat on the planet, and at Ittoryu Gozu in San Francisco, it gets served in two bite-size cubes on a wooden skewer. The meat is rich in flavor, soft on the tongue and melts like beef-flavored butter. Underneath each bite is a sweetness thats as intense as it is fleeting. The experience is all-consuming, and expensive  $120 to $150 for 10- to 15-course tasting menus that include plates of Wagyu tartare and poached sturgeon.

If you go Ittoryu Gozu, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 201 Spear St., San Francisco. Niku Steakhouse, 5:30-10 p.m., Monday-Sunday. 61 Division St., San Francisco. Hitachino Beer & Wagyu, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, 4:30-11:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. 639 Post St., San Francisco. Alexanders Steakhouse, 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday. 448 Brannan St., San Francisco.

Ittoryu Gozu, which temporarily closed on New Years Eve following a small kitchen fire, isnt alone in its love of Wagyu. San Francisco now has several restaurants whose identities are based around whats called the Rolls-Royce of beef. In the last three years, Gozu was joined by Niku Steakhouse and its sibling concept, the Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse, along with the aptly named Japanese bar and restaurant Hitachino Beer & Wagyu.

The Japanese restaurant chain Wagyumafia, which sells a $185 steak sandwich made with Kobe beef, explored the possibility of opening in San Francisco in 2017. The venture never came together, but that didnt stop Wagyumafia from hosting a Wagyu-fueled dinner in the city that year with a $595 per person ticket price. The dinner sold out.

Despite its growth, there are still a lot of questions around the Japanese beef  from how its imported and what its sometimes intricate labeling means, to why its so expensive. As the general dining public learns more about the meat, San Francisco chefs and business owners are betting big on an industry thats still taking shape.

Albacore tataki with Wagyu garum and kale nori at Ittoryu Gozu restaurant in S.F. Albacore tataki with Wagyu garum and kale nori at Ittoryu Gozu restaurant in S.F. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle 2019 Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle 2019 Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close The big business of Wagyu hits San Francisco restaurants 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

We go through trends, in general, in San Francisco. But its the next natural step in dining, said Marc Zimmerman, the executive chef at Ittoryu Gozu. You started seeing this with pigs about 10 or 12 years ago. Chefs began using whole pigs, the ears, the trotters, and it started showing up on fine dining menus. This is similar.

Counterintuitively, others say the Wagyu focus actually has something in common with another dining concept trending in the Bay Area right now: the high-end meatless movement. A vegan Italian restaurant called Baia is taking over the former landmark fine dining restaurant Jardiniere, and prolific restaurateur Adriano Paganini recently opened the popular Wildseed, a vegan restaurant in Cow Hollow. Gozu business partner Ben Jorgensen said the two movements are not encroaching on each other because they are both based on sustainability.

We use the entire animal in a way thats more natural to life and the way we consume, he said, explaining that the kitchen uses the fat from its Wagyu in many dishes, including a duck egg custard, and the animals bones to make charcoal.

The word Wagyu gets tossed around a lot with Kobe beef but there are distinctions between the two. Wagyu is a more general term that translates to Japanese beef  wa meaning Japanese and gyu meaning beef, and it refers to any of four Japanese cattle breeds from which this revered meat can be sourced: Japanese Black, Japanese Polled, Japanese Shorthorn and Japanese Brown.

Kobe is a type of Wagyu that has to meet strict requirements for such labeling, including being bred in the Hyogo prefecture in Japans Tajima province. Of the more than 1 billion cattle on the planet, only about 3,000 are certified as Kobe each year, according to recent Japanese Wagyu industry data.

Industry folks liken the relationship between Kobe and Wagyu to that of Champagne and sparkling wine. Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the French region of Champagne, and the same emphasis on location distinguishes Kobe beef.

Regardless, any kind of Wagyu fetches a high price, which varies depending on the grade. All Japanese Wagyu is graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association. Scores are given from 1 to 5 based on the beef marbling, meat color, firmness, texture and quality of fat. The most common grading that diners see in upscale restaurants in the U.S. is A5 Wagyu, which is the best.

A pound of Japanese Wagyu strip at the Butcher Shop by Niku can cost upwards of $90. At Alexanders Steakhouse on Brannan Street, a cut of Kobe beef can cost $245. The high cost and exclusivity play a role in Wagyus local popularity, said Guy Crims, the head butcher at Butcher Shop by Niku.

Anything luxe and anything to do with affluence or unattainability or high society, when it can be over the top in a way, gets people interested, he said. People are interested in where its from, and they want to feel like they know the story behind the product.

But demand plays only a small part in the amount of imported Wagyu beef available in the U.S. What truly decides its growth are tariffs. Japan exported nearly 200 metric tons of Wagyu beef, the countrys yearly quota before tariffs, to the U.S. within three months last year. Hitting the quota means the Wagyu tariffs rose from 4.4 percent to 26.4 percent.

Theres also a robust market for American-raised Wagyu-style beef, which can trace it origins to 1976, when a Texas cattleman named Morris Whitney imported four Wagyu bulls from Japan that were ultimately used for research by Colorado State University. The bulls were named Fuji, Judo, Mazda and Ryusho and their semen, crossbred with female Angus cattle and other North American breeds, spawned the market for domestic Wagyu.

Between 1994 and 1997, the U.S. Wagyu market exploded when 200 full-blood Wagyu were imported from Japan for the domestic market. That led to Japan placing an export ban on Wagyu cattle, which some say continues to be the reason for its exclusivity across the country.

But the U.S. industry still found ways to grow. According to recent data, the American Wagyu Association estimates there are 30,000 Wagyu-influenced cattle being raised domestically, though only a small fraction are full-blooded. The American Wagyu Association rates such animals with a grading of F4, which means the cow is at least 93.75% purebred.

Patrick Montgomery, the founder of the 3-year-old K.C. Cattle Co. out of Kansas City, Mo., which sells American Wagyu rib eye, strip steak and filet mignon, among other cuts, said California is his third-largest customer base.

Its the wild west right now, said Montgomery. But I still think theres room in the market for more businesses to sell Wagyu.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
FLINT, MI -- Sloan Museum of Discovery is getting $1 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund to help it with a massive renovation and expansion overseen by the Flint Cultural Center Corporation.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced the Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant award in a news release Wednesday, Jan. 15, the second big award for the project this month.

Sloan also received $250,000 from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to support new exhibits when the facility reopens in late 2021.

By that time, every aspect of the museums 25-year-old static history exhibits are expected to have been rebuilt.

The project is consistent with MEDCs goal of developing unique places to attract talent. The project also meets local objectives by providing improved facilities that allow the entire community to utilize the Sloan Museum as a community hub and gathering place, the announcement says.

An existing 58,000 square feet of space at Sloan is being renovated and another 42,000 square feet of new construction is being added to create the new building.

The state said Sloan attracted 175,000 visitors before the work began and is expected to draw up to 225,000 visitors annually when it reopens, creating 16 new jobs from the $26.5 million capital investment.

In addition to Flint, the city of Caro also received a grant for a downtown redevelopment, the MEDC announced.

Caro received $57,281 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds and an additional $17,000 for a certified grant administrator to assist in the administration of the project, which includes the historic rehabilitation of two storefronts.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : With the crowd chanting "Acche Beete Paanch Saal, Lage Raho Kejriwal" (Five years have gone well, keep at it Kejriwal) , senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia on Thursday held a foot march and bike rally in his constituency, Patparganj, to seek support for the party in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

Sisodia, also the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister, is contesting from the Patparganj assembly constituency for the third time after winning the seat in 2013 and 2015.

Accompanied by scores of party workers, Sisodia met local people to seek their blessings and urged them to re-elect him.

Patparganj, one of the 70 assembly seats in the national capital, goes to the polls, along with the other constituencies in thye state, on February 8.

The Congress and BJP are yet to announce their candidates from the constituency.

Sisodia said he is confident that the party will win the elections.

"We won in 2015 on the basis of our 49-day government in 2013. Now, after working for five years, we are confident that we will be re-elected. We need your support," he said.

He started his roadshow in the Parparganj constituency from the Talab Chowk and interacted with people to thank them for their support in the past five years.

"For the past five years not only was the Parparganj constituency developed, but the entire city has witnessed the benefits of our good work and now the time has come when Parparganj will grow to new heights in the upcoming five years", he said, urging the people of the area to trust AAP and press the voting machine button on the AAP's symbol on polling day to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal the Chief Minister again.

Sisodia's roadshow continued to Mandawali village and from thereon to the Badrinath Mandir and Shri Ram Chowk. The march ended at Talab Chowk and a bike rally was flagged off that started from Alaap Chowk and went to Nirman Vihar as well as Laxmi Nagar.
BLOOMBERGTC Energy Corp. plans to begin pre-construction work on the Keystone XL oil pipeline next month, moving the long-delayed project forward, even as opponents continue to fight it in court.

Heavy construction equipment will be moved to worker campsites and pipeline storage sites in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska in February, the Calgary-based company said in a filing with the U.S. District Court in Montana on Tuesday. The company then plans to start building the part of the conduit that crosses the Canada-U.S. border in April.

The court filing shows that TC Energy is pushing the $8-billion (U.S.) project forward despite continued opposition from environmental activists and some landowners. The pipeline is still tied up in a legal battle in Montana, and the company noted that it needs additional authorizations and permits to build the border-crossing segment.

The 1,900-kilometre pipeline is intended to carry 830,000 more barrels of crude a day from Albertas oilsands to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, easing a pipeline shortage that has hurt Canadas oil industry. Environmentalists have opposed the project, arguing that it would contribute to catastrophic climate change by allowing more oil production.
In this winter of discontent, in every procession, in every demonstration, in every protest -- from Jawaharlal Nehru University to Jamia to Shaheen Bagh to the streets of Mumbai -- the front rows have been occupied by women.

Its been weeks since women have been sitting in protest across the country against the newly-introduced Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens. The protests are a nerve-centre of unwavering voices against what has been perceived as a discriminatory law.

The women -- some housewives, some students with hijabs covering their heads, and others in full-length burqas -- are rallying against the 'Man', in what could also be perceived as a revolution for the 'weaker sex' in India.

Heres a glimpse of some of the wonder women.

Shaheen Bagh

The women of Shaheen Bagh have won the admiration and hearts of many for braving the harshest Delhi winter just to make their voices heard against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

IMAGE: Rehana Khatoon, 28, holds her 20-day-old baby as she takes part in a protest against the new citizenship law at Shaheen Bagh. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

Even though locals in the area are now getting fed up of road closures caused by the sit-in, the women refuse to budge, saying they will continue to sit there and agitate.

IMAGE: Women have been gathering at Shaheen Bagh for over a month, singing songs and chanting slogans of freedom. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

One of the women told a news channel that they dont care that no political leader has come to address them. Neither Kejriwal nor any other politician will come. So we found our own voice. After all, what do politicians care about unemployment, or women sitting here in the bitter cold day after day? It makes no difference to their lives. We know we have to stop depending on those leaders," one of them was quoted as saying.

Jamia, JNU and other colleges in Delhi

While Shaheen Bagh has witnessed peaceful protests, the same cannot be said of universities in the national capital.

And once again, it has been the women who have emerged as heroes.

IMAGE: Women form a human shield around a man beaten by the police during protests against the new citizenship law, at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. Photograph: Ghulam Hussain/Reuters

In mid-December, Jamia Millia Islamia University turned into a battlefield after police and students, who wanted to march to Parliament House to protest the amended Citizenship Act, clashed with each other.

Following the police action, a video of two hijab-clad women trying to save a male friend from getting beaten up has been going viral. The girls -- Ladeeda Sakhaloon and Aysha Renna N -- have since become the face of the Jamia protests.

While some condemned the police's brutality, others praised the brave women who protected their fellow agitators.

The police action quickly led to anger among students in the national capital, bringing them out on to the streets. The students have been unabashed in their protests and have refused to cow down to authority.

IMAGE: A female student argues with a police officer while agitating against police excesses against Jamia students and the CAA in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Park Circus Maidan, Kolkata

Inspired by the Shaheen Bagh protests, a group of women are staging a continuous protest against the Centres new citizenship laws since January 7 at Kolkatas Park Circus Maidan.

IMAGE: A demonstrator shouts slogans as she, along with other demonstrators, attends a sit-in against the new citizenship law, at Park Circus Maidan in Kolkata. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri

Hundreds of women, some with their children, gather every day with posters and placards. Over time, the residents of Park Circus have been joined by others from across Kolkata.

IMAGE: Demonstrators have been sitting at Park Circus Maidan in Kolkata since January 7. They say they will continue to do so at least till January 22, when the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the CAA. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

For a majority of the protesting women, this is their first time participating in a protest. The protestors say they intend to be on an indefinite sit-in, until at least January 22, when the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the CAA.

There is no single organisation visibly spearheading the protests. The participants told me that the ordinary public is leading the movement, and that the only banner they are protesting under is the Indian flag.

Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, the Women India Movement collective organised a protest against the CAA and the proposed NRC in front of the Town Hall and according to reports, some 500 protestors gathered at the venue.

IMAGE: A demonstrator shouts slogans after she was detained during a protest against the new citizenship law, in Bengaluru. Photograph: Nivedita Bhattacharjee/Reuters

The large crowd present erupted in chants of Hum ladhke rahenge (we will keep fighting)".

Several prominent citizens were also present at the protest, including anti-AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila, who reached the protest with her twins.

The Kolam Protests, Chennai

IMAGE: The kolam protest in Chennai. Photograph: Courtesy, Gayatri Kandhadai / Twitter

On December 29, 2019, when a few women in Besant Nagar, south Chennai, drew kolams outside some homes, the daily Tamil traditional erupted into a tool of protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019.

Seeking to nip the protest in the bud even as it threatened to go viral, the police arrested eight residents including five women for the act. The Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was quick to pick up the trend, and its leaders tweeted photographs of protest-laden kolams outside their homes. And it was only a matter of time before #kolamagainstCAA started to trend.
Published January 16, 2020

Students in Southeast Texas Beaumont ISD, one of the states longest-struggling school districts, were suspended at a rate more than six times the state average and far exceeding any other district with at least 1,000 kids last school year, a Houston Chronicle and Beaumont Enterprise analysis of state discipline data shows.

As districts across Texas have scaled back on suspensions and zero tolerance approaches to discipline in recent years, Beaumont has gone in the other direction, administering 46 suspensions per 100 students last year, the states highest rate over the last decade.

By comparison, the district with the states second-highest rate, Port Arthur ISD, issued 31 suspensions per 100 students. In the Greater Houston area, every large district reported fewer than 16 per 100. The state average was 7 per 100.

Beaumonts suspension practices have coincided with dismal academic performance and behavior challenges afflicting the district, which barely eked out a C grade under the states accountability system in 2019. Frequent discipline particularly has impacted Beaumonts black students, who comprise about 60 percent of the districts population but received 87 percent of suspensions last school year.

There has to be a better way, said LaToya Traylor, whose 15-year-old son, Jamerson Bibbins, has received multiple suspensions for fighting and insubordination during his seven years in Beaumont. There are some students who dont have anybody, and they are labeled as problem children. I dont believe any child is bad.

According to Texas Education Agency data, 3,325 out of Beaumonts 19,000 students were suspended last school year, missing a combined 17,500 days of school. About 400 children were banned for more than two weeks, with one student at Smith Middle School receiving 27 suspensions totaling 65 days of missed class.

Administrators cited fighting, insubordination, causing disruptions and skipping class as the most common reasons for suspending students.

In interviews and statements over the past several weeks, Beaumont Superintendent Shannon Allen and Board of Education President Thomas Sigee pledged to implement changes aimed at reducing the districts reliance on suspensions. Both said they were unaware of the districts far-above-average suspension rates until contacted for this story.

Theres no backing away from the fact that those numbers are real, said Sigee, who joined the board in May 2019. When students are suspended, theyre not being educated. Were going to have to formulate a plan to do much better than we are.

Allen, a 23-year veteran of the district who became superintendent in July 2019, said district leaders are working to better implement strategies, such as restorative justice initiatives and the hiring of behavioral coordinators. She also called on residents to serve as stronger role models for children, declaring that the behaviors we see in our schools are a reflection of what we see in Beaumont, Texas.

Were doing a lot, but I will be frank and say we can do better and we will do better, Allen said. We have initiatives in place, and were not consistently following through on the things we have in place.

About 85 percent of Beaumont students quality for free or reduced lunch, nearly 60 percent are black and about 45 percent live in a female-led household with no husband present  three of the strongest indicators researchers repeatedly have found for higher discipline rates nationwide. Black students, in particular, are four times more likely to receive suspensions than their white public school peers, according to federal data.

The district also continues to grapple with the effects of childhood psychological trauma that followed massive flooding from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and Tropical Storm Imelda in September 2019.

Beaumont leaders have exacerbated the districts discipline issues over the past several decade.

Excessive financial mismanagement resulted in widespread layoffs in the mid-2010s, prompting a dramatic spike in the districts suspension rate. In subsequent years, Beaumonts state-appointed governing board and its since-retired superintendent did not comprehensively address discipline in schools, leaving educators unprepared to handle students complex behavioral needs.

These kids are disrupting the classroom to the point where theyre throwing everybody off track, said Krystal Johnson, whose second-grade daughter has experienced bullying at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School. Not only are they affecting her learning, but theyre affecting her emotionally.  Theres never going to be a solution if its not acknowledged.

Beaumont ISD parents listen to Superintendent Shannon Allen as she addresses a crowd of roughly 200 people during a community forum on discipline practices held Nov. 18 at the districts administration building. Among Texas districts with at least 1,000 students, Beaumont ISDs suspension rate ranked first in the state by a wide margin in 2018-19. less Beaumont ISD parents listen to Superintendent Shannon Allen as she addresses a crowd of roughly 200 people during a community forum on discipline practices held Nov. 18 at the districts administration ... more Photo: Kim Brent / The Enterprise Photo: Kim Brent / The Enterprise Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Time out: Beaumont ISD leads state in suspensions, prompting promises of change 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Old vs. new school attitudes

When a child acts out in a Texas public school, state law offers districts several options for exclusionary discipline, the removal of students from the classroom. The choices include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, placement in an alternative campus or expulsion to a juvenile justice academy.

In recent years, out-of-school suspensions have drawn particular scrutiny from educators and researchers, who concluded that taking kids out the classroom harms children more than helps.

A seminal 2011 study by The Council for State Governments and Public Policy Research Institute, using data from millions of Texas children, found that roughly half of students subjected to more than 10 out-of-school suspensions ultimately landed in the juvenile justice system and/or failed to graduate high school.

Instead of being disciplined at school, theyre being put into suspensions or the criminal justice system, and weve got to look at that and roll that back, said state Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, who filed legislation last year to increase state tracking of out-of-school suspension data.

Recent attempts by researchers nationwide to isolate the impact of suspensions have produced mixed results, most often showing they cause small reductions in test scores and graduation rates.

State lawmakers have passed laws aimed at curbing suspensions, limiting their length to three days in the mid-1990s, and banning nearly all of them for homeless students and children younger than third grade in 2017.

Still, state law delegates wide discretion over discipline to districts, only mandating certain punishments for egregious or violent acts, such as assaulting a teacher or selling drugs at school. As a result, campus-level staff decide when and how to punish students in the vast majority of cases. Their decisions can be strongly influenced by administrative attitudes, district policies and training on disciplinary practices.

In Texas City ISD, about 40 miles southeast of Houston, Superintendent Rodney Cavness said he takes an approach considered more old school than many of his peers, setting strict expectations for student behavior. The district issued 24 suspensions for every 100 students in the district last school year, the Greater Houston areas highest rate.

Were not here to raise everybodys kids and deal with everyones societal issues, Cavness said. We dont just kick kids to the curb. Were not going to do that. But when kids are going to become disruptive to other kids trying to learn, thats where I have a problem.

In Everman ISD, south of Fort Worth, administrators issued 7 suspensions per 100 students last school year while serving a student demographic similar to Texas City ISD. Evermans suspension rate has fallen by 79 percent over the past decade as administrators instituted a discipline task force, trained staff on new behavioral programs and held campus leaders accountable for their suspension data.

It has changed the focus and the culture of the district as a whole, said Felicia Donaldson, Evermans assistant superintendent of student services. Were reshaping kids, were reshaping their thought process.

Across Texas, suspensions are down about 30 percent over the past decade, while Beaumonts use of exclusionary discipline has increased.

Most notably, five medium-sized districts that most frequently suspended students a decade ago  Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman and Lancaster ISDs, all located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex  since have combined to slash their rates by 55 percent. Like Beaumont, they all serve some of the states largest percentages of black and lower-income children.

Devastating cuts

In the early 2010s, Beaumont joined its Texas counterparts in cutting back on suspensions.

Then, in 2014, cascading scandals under then-superintendent Timothy Chargois stymied that progress. Poor financial management, lax accounting oversight and the embezzlement of $4 million by two high-ranking employees who served time in federal prison left the hurricane-prone district with no rainy day fund. The Texas Education Agency promptly stripped power from the districts elected trustees and appointed a new school board.

To stave off financial ruin, the replacement board cut the districts campus-level staff by 15 percent, eliminating about 200 teaching positions headed into 2014-15. In turn, Beaumonts suspension rate jumped from 29 to 43 suspensions issued per 100 students that school year.

When something like that happened, you lost the morale, said Helen Sutton-Tegbe, a former assistant principal at Beaumonts Ozen High School. That was very devastating.

Five years later, Beaumonts school board and top administrators have returned the district to solid financial footing, stashing away $53.6 million in its rainy day fund as of June 2019. Rebuilding the districts reserves, however, left little money for bolstering a demoralized teaching force, which remains at 2014-15 levels.

In the half-decade since the cuts, Beaumonts annual teacher turnover rate has more than doubled. About 23 percent of teachers did not return to the district following the summer of 2018, higher than the state average of 17 percent.

In addition, Beaumonts percentage of first-year teachers nearly has tripled during that time, reaching 13.4 percent in 2018-19. The state average was 7 percent.

Educators working in the district also face class sizes larger than the state average, despite serving one of Texas neediest student populations.

During that five-year stretch, Beaumonts suspension rate remained among the states highest, never dipping below 36 issued per 100 students.

We have a high number of teachers with very little experience dealing with some of the behaviors coming into our classrooms, Allen said. Thats just the reality of where we are.

Neglect of discipline

Following the staffing cuts, local and state leadership also did not successfully address the districts festering behavioral issues.

Under former superintendent John Frossard, who led the district from 2015 through the summer of 2019, the district implemented multiple initiatives to reduce behavioral issues, including restorative justice training for seven campuses and expansion of social-emotional curriculum. However, none of the efforts resulted in staff issuing significantly fewer suspensions, which some educators attributed to poor implementation.

Some of the administration would talk a good game, but when a teacher had a problem with one kid and 20 others in the classroom were feeding off that one, sometimes they didnt know what to do, said Michael Renfro, who taught in Beaumont middle and high schools for 22 years before retiring in 2018. It really wasnt a priority.

Frossard, who amicably left the district, said he was encouraged by the progress made during his tenure.

We are not denying that this data could be startling for some, but it is realistic for the challenges that our district faces, Frossard said.

A.B. Bernard, who served on Beaumonts appointed board from 2014 through mid-2019, blamed the districts high suspension rates on poor parenting and overburdened administrators.

I really believe theyre doing the best they can do under the circumstances, Bernard said. If its out of whack with whats going on in other districts, then so be it.

Texas Education Agency leaders did not respond to multiple questions about their role in Beaumonts discipline practices or any interventions in the district. In a statement, the agency only noted its employees are providing training to Beaumont for a restorative discipline pilot program launching in three schools this spring.

Sigee, the districts current board president, applauded Frossards administration and the state-appointed board members for restoring the districts financial stability. Still, he said the districts attention to student discipline has been unacceptable, adding that no superintendent is here only for finances.

It can be fixed

Allens administration took an initial step toward engaging the Beaumont community about discipline in mid-November, holding a public forum attended by roughly 200 people.

The districts message left Karen Young, a district parent liaison for about 15 years who counts about 20 relatives as Beaumont students, hopeful about the districts direction. Young said the district needs several changes to improve student behavior: stronger parenting, a larger teaching staff, more consistent leadership on discipline and better support from the state.

I do feel like (Allen) is in control and shes taking it seriously, Young said. However, I do feel like the system itself is set up or designed so that children who are misbehaving are going to continue to do so. Its going to be a problem as long as we have a shortage of teachers.

District data shows Beaumonts suspension rate is on track to fall by 27 percent this school year, partially attributable to thousands of students missing multiple days of school due to flooding from Imelda. Beaumont United High School, which had the districts second-highest suspension rate last year, was closed for three weeks.

Traylor, the mother of Jamerson, said parents and school leaders both bear responsibility for raising better-behaving children  and argued repeated suspensions are not the solution.

I think if someone really cares enough, Traylor said, it can be fixed.

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Jacob Carpenter joined the Houston Chronicle in June 2017 to cover K-12 education. Prior to arriving in Texas, he spent a year as an investigative reporting fellow for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He reported for the Naples (Fla.) Daily News from 2011 to 2016, covering criminal courts and long-term investigative projects. A native of suburban Detroit, he graduated from Michigan State University in 2010. Follow him on Twitter @ChronJacob. Contact him by email at jacob.carpenter@chron.com.

Isaac Windes is the education reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. Follow him on Twitter @isaacdwindes. Contact him by email at isaac.windes@hearstnp.com.

Designed by Stephanie Lamm and Jasmine Goldband.

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Imperial Valley News Center

San Diego Zoo Global Raises More than $500,000 for Australian Wildlife Relief

San Diego, California - In the last week, San Diego Zoo Global has raised more than a half-million dollars for Australian wildlife relief. This number includes the money raised through the attendance match on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, and on-site donations from members, staff and volunteers who came to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park to donate money in person and through online donations. The nonprofit conservation organization announced efforts to raise funds in the wake of devastating fires in Australia, as it shared the news of koala researchers working to save wildlife in the field.

We are overwhelmed by the support that this initiative has received from our audiences, and inspired that so many people want to join us in saving Australian wildlife, said Paul A. Baribault, president/CEO, San Diego Zoo Global. We know that there will be years of work to help ensure that species like koalas and platypuses can recover from the wildfires that have swept that countryand we are extremely grateful to all of the people who have joined us in our effort to help.

San Diego Zoo Global has been working in collaboration with government officials and conservationists in the field to learn about and conserve Australian wildlife since 1923. San Diego Zoo Global officials continue to gather information from their researchers in the field and colleagues in Australia as they commit to an endeavor they recognize may take years.

It is hard to comprehend the magnitude of the disaster that has occurred, but we are committed for the long term in our support for Australian wildlife, said Shawn Dixon, chief operating officer, San Diego Zoo Global. We are inspired by all of our guests, members, donors, staff and volunteers who have contributed to help us provide for the immediate needs of researchers saving species in the field. The response has been tremendous, and is inspiring us to do more.

Record-breaking high temperatures and severe drought have fueled a series of wildfires that have been raging in Australia for several weeks. More than 15 million acres have been affected so far, with wildfires joining together in some areas to create mega-fire events. In response to the threat facing wildlife and habitats in Australia, San Diego Zoo Global has begun a fundraising campaign to support recovery of koalas, platypuses and other species. For more information, and to support these efforts, visit EndExtinction.org/Help.

As an international nonprofit organization, San Diego Zoo Global works to fight extinction through conservation efforts for plants and animals worldwide. With a history of leadership in species recovery and animal care, San Diego Zoo Global works with partners in science-based field programs on six continents, and maintains sanctuaries and public education facilities in many places. Inspiring a passion for nature is critical to saving species, and San Diego Zoo Globals outreach efforts share the wonder of wildlife with millions of people every year. Current major conservation initiatives include fighting wildlife trafficking and the impacts of climate change on wildlife species; broad-spectrum species and habitat protection efforts in Kenya, in Peru, and on islands worldwide; preventing extinction in our own backyard; and expanding efforts to bank critical genetic resources and apply them to the conservation of critically endangered species.
Military commander signals willingness to attend summit in Germany that includes Pompeo and other major players.

Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar secretly flew to Athens on Thursday for talks as Greece criticised its exclusion from a United Nations-backed peace conference in Berlin this weekend.

The Berlin talks are the latest international effort to end nine months of fighting between Haftars forces based in the east of Libya and the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.

Greece was not invited to take part in Berlin negotiations despite its stated interest, and Athens was angered by the Tripoli government signing a maritime and military cooperation deal with regional rival Turkey.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will attend the Berlin summit, and push for sustaining a fragile ceasefire and getting all foreign powers to withdraw from the conflict in the North African country, according to the US State Department.

Officials from Russia, Turkey, France, China, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom  as well as several African and Arab countries  are also invited.

Greece was reportedly snubbed, with the German government rejecting Athenss claim that it was directly involved in the Libyan conflict. Greece has since signalled it wanted to participate.

In a surprise move, Haftar flew to Athens by private plane on Thursday for meetings not previously announced by the Greek government.

He was taken to a luxury Athens hotel where he was met by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias for an initial round of talks, television footage showed.

Dendias will see Haftar again on Friday at the foreign ministry, and the Libyan strongman is also expected to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis later in the day, sources familiar with the issue told AFP news agency.

Greece has sought a more active role in Libya after the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli signed a maritime and military cooperation memorandum with Turkey in November carving out energy spheres of influence in the Mediterranean.

The Turkish deal claims much of the Mediterranean for energy exploration, conflicting with rival claims by Greece and Cyprus.

Greece expelled the GNA ambassador in protest over the Turkish agreement, and sought to boost links with Haftar. The Greek foreign minister flew to Benghazi to see him last month.

Mitsotakis said on Thursday that it was wrong to exclude Greece from the Berlin talks and that he would talk to German Chancellor Angela Merkel about it on Friday.

He added that Athens would veto at the European Union any Libya peace deal unless the Turkish memorandum that he described as unacceptable and illegal was scrapped.

Ive told European counterparts [that] Greece will never accept any political solution at [EU] summit level [that fails to] nullify this memorandum, Mitsotakis told Alpha TV.

We will veto this even before it reaches a summit council, he said.

The talks in Berlin come as world powers step up efforts for a lasting ceasefire, since Haftars assault on Tripoli in April last year sparked fighting that has killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters, displacing thousands.

Earlier on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Haftar was committed to a ceasefire and was willing to attend the Berlin summit. The pair met in Benghazi before Haftar travelled to Greece.
The DRPA headquarters (on the right), as seen from Riverside Drive and Cooper Street on the waterfront in Camden, New Jersey on December 18, 2019. Read more

Two progressive political groups on Wednesday called on the governors of New Jersey and Pennsylvania to investigate the dealings of the Delaware River Port Authority, concerning two parcels of land that the agency sold or optioned for development projects in Camden.

It is time for a full accounting of the facts and to clean house in an agency that has acted for too long as a tool of special interests," wrote leaders of the two groups, New Jersey Working Families and Pennsylvania Working Families, in a letter addressed to Govs. Phil Murphy and Tom Wolf on Wednesday.

The groups also made that request in person Wednesday morning, when about a dozen activists filed into the DRPAs 11th-floor conference room in Camden, overlooking the waterfront. Seven of them addressed the agencys board, composed of members appointed by the governors of both states.

There are people on the DRPA board, certainly on the New Jersey side  with very, very strong political connections and financial connections to a political machine that, in our opinion, prioritizes the lining of its own pockets and corporate interests over the interests of the public dollar and of public opinion, said Sue Altman, state director of New Jersey Working Families.

Altman said she hoped an investigation would encompass issues related to both land and the awarding of public contracts, and made reference to a long history of abuses and investigations from the 2010s. In 2012, an investigation of the DRPA by New Jerseys comptroller found that a culture of weak policies ... contributed to wasteful spending and mismanagement of funds.

DRPA chief executive officer John Hanson, who stepped into that role in 2014, said the agency would not be the least bit concerned about the prospect of an investigation.

The DRPA has been investigated before, Hanson said during the board meeting. "None of those investigations have ever produced anything, and Im confident that thats what any impartial investigating body would determine yet again.

The letter follows an Inquirer article, published last month, that detailed how South Jersey political power broker George E. Norcross III came to acquire a three-acre parking lot near the Camden waterfront. Both the DRPA and the Camden Redevelopment Agency held rights to the land, which was appraised at $2.3 million.

The DRPAs interest in the land was appraised at $800,000, and in 2016 the agency sold the parcel for that amount to Liberty Property Trust, the onetime developer of a major waterfront project fueled by a controversial state tax-credit program. Liberty later sold the land to Norcross and his business partners for $350,000.

The DRPAs share of air rights crossing adjacent property was appraised at $1.45 million, and the agency received $500,000 from Liberty Property Trust to terminate those rights.

Hanson has defended the sale price of the land, and said the agencys ownership interest in the lot was very specific: It was tied to an abandoned tram project, and the land was scheduled to revert to the Camden Redevelopment Agency in 2026.

As for the air-rights transaction, Hanson said the DRPA was also relieved of costly obligations tied to the original tram project.

Hanson previously told The Inquirer he did not know Norcross was involved in the company that would eventually buy the three-acre parking lot.

An attorney for Norcross has described the $350,000 purchase as part of a swap with Liberty, in which Norcross and his partners gave up their parking rights on another lot.

In their letter Wednesday, the Working Families groups cited a second piece of DRPA-owned land  one that was contemplated for a supermarket development in Camden. The city is one of the poorest in New Jersey, and is considered a food desert.

DRPA board minutes in 2014 show that the agency owned "approximately 9 acres of the 22 acres that comprise the development site for a proposed ShopRite along Admiral Wilson Boulevard.

The supermarket was never built, however; nor was a competing grocery store proposal. A report by Politico last August raised questions about whether that competing proposal was effectively blocked by provisions in the 2013 tax-credit law  legislation that was championed by Norcross and written, in part, by the law firm Parker McCay. The firm is headed by Georges brother Philip Norcross.

The tax-credit legislation, Politico reported, would have enabled the ShopRite to qualify for a tax-incentive award but not the competing proposal.

George Norcross and his political allies have since pushed back fiercely on the supermarket story, amid a swirl of investigations and media reports about the tax-credit program. Both proposed projects failed due to market forces, a spokesperson for State Senate President Steve Sweeney, a close Norcross ally, said last summer.

According to Politico, Philip Norcross law firm represented the ShopRite project. The Working Families letter notes that the law firm does work for the DRPA, as well.

The parcel sits undeveloped today  a testament to the failures of insider dealings at the DRPA to deliver benefits to Camden residents, the letter says.

At Wednesdays DRPA meeting, Camden County NAACP president Kevin Barfield appealed to board members for the agencys help to see how we can move forward with making the supermarket happen.

Why should residents "have to go outside the city to get fresh foods? Barfield asked.

Hanson, along with two other board members, emphasized that the DRPA is no longer permitted to fund economic development projects  a reform measure after public outcry about the agencys spending on projects like the failed aerial tram to connect Camden and Philadelphia.

Hanson said that the original developer of the supermarket site holds an option on the parcel until the end of the year. The agency has to get "fair value from anyone who buys it, he said.

Board chairman Ryan Boyer offered Barfield a public commitment that were willing to meet with you to discuss the option on the land."
Donald Trump threatened the UK with a 25 per cent tariff on its cars unless the British government officially accused Iran of breaking the 2015 nuclear deal, it has been reported.

The secret threat last week, first reported by The Washington Post, which cited unnamed European officials, would have seen the tariff imposed on all European automobile imports to the US unless Britain, France and Germany agreed to the ultimatum.

It came days before the three European Union powers on Tuesday triggered a dispute mechanism under the agreement which does amount to a formal accusation against Tehran of violating its terms. It could lead to the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, but is being framed by the Europeans as the last chance to save the nuclear deal.

Iran said on Thursday the European countries had succumbed to a high school bully.

Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter, using the acronym of the 2015 accord's official title.

Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Show all 23 1 /23 Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University - People hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises Online videos purported to show that Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University AFP correspondents said hundreds of students had gathered early in the evening to pay respects to those killed in the air disaster ISNA/AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University A protester confronts an Iranian police officer AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gathe AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians light candles for victims EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran People burn British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy, in Tehran. Hundreds of Iranian hardliners gathered for a protest against Britain, a day after the UK ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained after attending a a vigil for the victims of Ukraine passenger jet EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protestBritish embassy protest in Tehran Chanting "Death to Britain", up to 200 protesters rallied outside the mission a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran AFP via Getty Images Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protesters chant slogans while holding up posters of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. AP

It wont work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully?

The 2015 pact was agreed between Tehran and world powers, offering Iran relief from sanctions if it curbed its nuclear work. Mr Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed US sanctions, telling Tehran he wanted a more stringent deal on nuclear and other issues.

Iran has responded to the US sanctions by scaling back its compliance with the deal, culminating with an announcement this month that it would reject all limits on production of enriched uranium, although it says it wants to keep the deal in place.

Boris Johnson said a Trump deal could replace the existing one, were it to fail, while Paris said broad talks were needed.

Two European diplomats confirmed to the Washinton Post that the US had threatened tariffs but said leaders of the three European states had already decided to trigger the mechanism before that.

A third diplomat said such US tactics only undermined the Europeans, who are trying to apply pressure independently.

True or not it has the effect of discrediting the Europeans, but then Trump doesnt really care about that, the diplomat said. From the Iranian side, it just proves that only the US matters in this.

The Europeans have long opposed Mr Trumps decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal, but have been threatening for months to trigger the dispute mechanism if Iran did not comply with it.

 Effigy of UK ambassador to Iran set on fire in Tehran

The dispute mechanism begins a complex diplomatic process that can end with UN sanctions on Iran snapping back into place, although the Europeans say that is not their aim.

In triggering the dispute mechanism, the European countries said they were not backing a US policy of maximum pressure on Iran, and they still hope to salvage the nuclear deal.

The nuclear dispute lies at the heart of Irans long-running standoff with the West that spiralled into open conflict this month when Washington killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq.

During that period of high alert, Iran shot down a civilian airliner in what it says was a tragic mistake. It has triggered anti-government protests at home.

Enriched uranium can be used to create material for nuclear warheads. Iran denies Western accusations it wants such weapons and says it wants nuclear material for peaceful purposes.

We are enriching more uranium than before the deal was reached, president Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress.

US sanctions meanwhile have hammered Irans economy. Washington aims to reduce its oil exports to zero.

Additional reporting by Reuters
"Our customers can continue to expect the same curated experience that has long been a hallmark of Holman Motorcars in a spectacular new facility that is truly worthy of these world-class luxury brands, Brian Bates, president and CEO, Holman Consumer Services.

Holman Automotive, one of the largest privately-owned dealership groups in the United States, today announced the grand opening of the all-new Holman Motorcars dealership, located at 900 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The stunning, world-class facility provides a lifestyle-focused experience that seamlessly blends the renowned Holman customer experience with the iconic luxury of the Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce brands to customers throughout the region.

Our new Holman Motorcars dealership in Fort Lauderdale is absolutely breathtaking and its elegance is befitting of the peak of luxury that Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce represent, said Brian Bates, president and CEO, Holman Consumer Services. For more than three decades, Holman Motorcars has provided an exceptional sales and service experience to customers throughout South Florida. Our customers can continue to expect the same curated experience that has long been a hallmark of Holman Motorcars in a spectacular new facility that is truly worthy of these world-class luxury brands.

The new 206,000-square-foot dealership features elevated vehicle display platforms throughout the facility, bespoke architectural detailing, cascading water features, and more than a dozen pieces of custom artwork including several mosaic art walls. Among the design highlights is a chandelier inspired by the historic Silverstone racetrack, an iconic landmark that is considered the home of British motorsports and connects these three preeminent automotive brands. The facility also features two private delivery theaters with video walls and galaxy ceilings that include fiber optic stars and Aurora Borealis inspired LED lighting effects.

Holman Motorcars is home to the full lineup of ultra-luxury vehicles from Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. Aston Martin blends beauty, luxury, and drive dynamics throughout its diverse line of motor cars including the highly-anticipated DBX, the brands first SUV which will be available at Holman Motorcars later this year. Sleek, contemporary styling and agile performance are among the unmistakable trademarks of the Bentley lineup which is highlighted by the iconic Continental GT and the redesigned Flying Spur which is poised to hit showrooms in the coming months. Combining cutting-edge design and the worlds finest craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce embodies the pinnacle of luxury. To commemorate the grand opening of the new facility, Holman Motorcars will unveil a special edition of the Rolls-Royce Dawn featuring the Fort Lauderdale Collection Ocean Breeze signature package.

For additional information about Holman Motorcars and the all-new facility, visit HolmanMotorcars.com. To learn more about Holman Motorcars lineup of ultra-luxury vehicles, please visit AstonMartin.com, BentleyMotors.com, and Rolls-RoyceMotorcars.com.

About Holman Automotive

Holman Automotive is one of the largest privately-owned dealership groups in the United States, with 36 dealership franchises representing 17 brands from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest. Beginning in 1924 as a single Ford dealership, Holman is a family-owned business that focuses on building relationships and investing in people. With values rooted in the principles established by founder Steward C. Holman, the company continues to promote a culture of philanthropy, which supports organizations such as the United Way and others important to the Holman team. Holman Automotive is one of seven businesses owned by Holman Enterprises.

Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Holman Enterprises is comprised of seven business segments that support diverse sectors of the automotive industry: Holman Automotive, one of the largest privately-owned dealership groups in the U.S. with 36 dealership franchises representing 17 brands; Steward Financial Services, an automotive retail finance company; Holman Insurance Services, a commercial and consumer insurance services company; Holman Parts Distribution, a national multi-brand powertrain parts distributor; Auto Truck Group, a truck up-fitting business; ARI, the largest privately-owned fleet leasing and management company in North America; and Holman Strategic Ventures, Holmans corporate venture capital and innovation team. For additional information, please visit HolmanEnterprises.com.
With another round of snow expected Friday and Saturday, the City of Rochester is reminding residents and visitors to follow alternate side parking requirements on city streets.

Alternate Side Parking Requirements:

Alternate side parking requirements are in place citywide from Oct. 1 to May 1 from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Park your vehicle on the side of the street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN .

Park your vehicle on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD .

Cars parked within the round part of a culdesac must follow alternate side parking requirements.

While cars can be parked on both sides of the street in the evening hours, drivers should park their vehicles overnight for the requirements that are in place for the following day from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Posted parking signs must be followed regardless of the calendar date.

This does not apply to metered spaces; however, parked vehicles must still comply with posted signs.

Alternate side parking increases the efficiency and effectiveness of snow removal on city streets. Most importantly, this allows emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances to reach residents in an emergency. Additionally, effective snow removal creates safer roads for everyone, including large vehicles like buses, delivery vehicles, and garbage trucks.

Mike Burns, the Infrastructure Maintenance Manager, said in a press release: "Maneuvering around obstacles like parked cars and garbage cans prevents us from fully clearing the street. Alternative side parking has really made a difference already this season for snow plowing since we can prevent snow and ice buildup that has historically narrowed our streets. Ultimately, it makes for safer travel and maintains space for onstreet parking."

More information, including frequently asked questions and educational videos, are available at rochestermn.gov/winter . These materials are available in English, Somali and Spanish.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that e-commerce firm Amazon was not doing "India a great favour" by investing $1 billion in the country.

Goyal was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue which is a multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi.

He said India allows e-commerce companies to work on the marketplace model where buyers and sellers are free to buy and sell and follow the rules of the marketplace and laws of the country, which clearly say that FDI in multi-brand retail will only be allowed up to 49 per cent.

"... Secondly, they may have put in a billion dollars but then, if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year, they will jolly well have to finance that billion dollars," he replied to a question during a panel discussion at the event.

"So, it is not as if they are doing a great favour to India when they invest a billion dollars," he said.

According to the minister, the company has been investing in India over the last few years, in warehousing and certain other activities.

However, the minister wondered as to how a company employing the e-commerce market-place model makes massive losses.

He said that such losses raise questions, whether the company is indulging in predatory pricing or other unfair trade practices, which will be investigated by authorities.

The minister's statement assumes significance since Amazon's global CEO Jeff Bezos on Thursday announced a $1 billion worth of investment into India.

The e-commerce firm's global CEO is on a three-day visit to India. On Thursday, he announced an investment of $1 billion in small and medium businesses in India.

Bezos also announced that the e-commerce major, through its global footprint, will help SMBs export products worth $10 billion by 2025.

The Amazon CEO's India visit comes at a crucial time as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an enquiry into the business practices of e-commerce majors Amazon and Flipkart.

Traders have staged protests across India against Bezos' visit under the aegis of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). CAIT has been protesting for the past few months against what it calls "deep" discounts offered by the e-commerce platforms.

After the minister's statement at the Raisina Dialogue, CAIT termed it as bold and pragmatic.

"CAIT in its submission to the government has been maintaining that Amazon and Flipkart are bringing FDI in India only to fund their losses arising out of deep discounting and predatory pricing, which is a direct attempt to destroy the ecosystem of Indian retail by trampling upon the livelihood of seven crore traders," CAIT said in a statement.
Equity benchmark indices reversed morning gains on Thursday and traded lower in the afternoon session as global oil prices rose after the United States and China signed phase one of the trade agreement.

Brent was 45 cents or 0.7 per cent higher at 64.45 dollars a barrel while US crude was up by 39 cents at 58.20 dollars a barrel.

Under the deal to call a truce in a trade war between the world's two biggest economies, China committed to buying over 50 billion dollars more of US oil, liquefied natural gas and other energy products over two years.

At 12:30 pm, the BSE S & P Sensex down by 29 points to 41,844 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 12 points at 12,331. Sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were mixed with Nifty metal slipping by 1.43 per cent.

Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service said the US-China pact could help boost bilateral exports and lead to an improvement in confidence as well as investment.

"But the details of the agreement suggest that there remains considerable scope for friction between the two sides," said Michael Taylor, Managing Director of Moody's Investors Service Credit Strategy.

Among stocks, metal majors took a hit with Vedanta down by 2 per cent at Rs 161.25 per cent while JSW Steel and Tata Steel slipped by 1.7 per cent each and Hindalco by 1.4 per cent.

The other prominent losers included NTPC, Coal India, GAIL, Hero MotoCorp, Tech Mahindra and Grasim. But Eicher Motors climbed up by 4 per cent at Rs 21,449.90 per share while Nestle India gained by 2.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, global stocks inched ahead to a record high after the United States and China signed an initial deal to defuse their 18-month trade war, though financial markets were wary as several thorny issues remained unresolved.

The disputes between the world's two largest economies have weighed on global economic growth and hampered investments. Analysts said the deal does not address structural economic issues that led to the full-blown conflict.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Public Utility Commission delayed until later this month consideration of CenterPoint Energys request to raise rates.

CenterPoint, the regulated utility that distributes most of the electricity in the Houston area, told commissioners Thursday morning that it is making good process wrapping up an agreement on the rate case with regulatory staff, large power users and a coalition of cities, but it hasnt yet finalized the documents that the commission would need to consider the arrangement.

In recent regulatory filings, CenterPoint only has said that it reached an agreement with interested parties, but has not disclosed details. The commission must approve the agreement before any rate increase could go into effect.

The utility has asked for a $161 million rate increase that would raise electricity bills $2.38 a month for customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours of power. CenterPoint said it needs the additional revenue to cover the cost of new electrical transmission lines to accommodate Houstons population growth, improve the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid, and make repairs related to Hurricane Harvey.

Patrick H. Peters III, associate general counsel and director of regulatory affairs for CenterPoint, told the three commissioners that the utility hoped to wrap up the agreement and submit it to the commission in time for regulators to take it up on Jan. 31. CenterPoint asked regulators in April to boost its allowed rate of return, a proxy for profits, to 10.4 percent.

The request is part of a review by regulators to determine whether the utility made prudent investments over the past decade and is entitled to an increase in revenue. CenterPoint has 2.4 million customers in the Houston area.

The tentative deal was reached after administrative law judges proposed reducing CenterPoints return on equity to 9.42 percent from the companys 10 percent rate of return, which was set a decade ago. The judges criticized CenterPoint for not being responsive to customers such as the San Antonio based grocery chain H-E-B, which has repeatedly complained about power outages.

CenterPoint said the rate of return proposed by the judges sits below average for electric utilities. The commission approved a return on equity of 9.8 percent for Oncor, the regulated utility in Dallas three years ago. The last time the commission approved a return on equity was in 2018 when it allowed Texas-New Mexico Power Co. to earn as much as 9.65 percent.

H-E-B was among the parties to the agreement, according to CenterPoint. H-E-B did not respond to requests for comment.

Frequent outages

H-E-B said in filings that it began experiencing frequent and lengthy power outages in 2015. H-E-B said in regulatory filings that when it realized CenterPoint wasnt going to fix the problem the grocery decided to install its own on -site generation.

The first location it chose had experienced 33 outages over 28 months and the onsite generation was so successful at fixing the problem that H-E-B expanded onsite generation to more stores. Today, all new H-E-B stores in the CenterPoint service area include on-site generation, according to regulatory filings.

H-E-B said in regulatory filings that CenterPoint has spent more time and resources trying to blame its customer for CenterPoints poor reliability than it has spent trying to fix the outages that H-E-B continues to experience.

CenterPoint told regulators that it devoted significant resources to diagnose and correct issues impacting H-E-B, according to regulatory filings. The utility trimmed trees at 14 locations and replaced equipment, according to testimony from Julienne P. Sugarek, CenterPoints vice president of power delivery.

The last time CenterPoint went before regulators before a full rate review was in 2010.

Consumers pay transmission and distribution rates on top of what they pay for the electricity. The charges are typically separate line items for customers who dont pay bundled prices for electricity. Delivery charges can be more expensive than the actual cost of power.

lynn.sixel@chron.com

twitter.com/lmsixel
US, China sign Phase 1 trade deal

United States and China on Wednesday signed a landmark Phase 1 trade agreement that will end simmering dispute between the two leading economies, at least for the near future.

The initial trade deal will roll back some tariffs on Chinese goods and boost Chinese purchases of US goods and services, defusing an 18-month conflict.

Beijing and Washington see their "Phase 1" agreement as a momentous step after months of staggered negotiations and tit-for-tat tariffs.

"Together we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers, farmers and families," US President Donald Trump said in partisan remarks at the White House alongside Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and other officials.

Trump said with the signing of a new, fully-enforceable Phase 1 trade agreement with China, he is making good on his promise to fix the failed policies of the past and deliver fairer trade for the United States.

This historic agreement will begin to rebalance our vital trade partnership with China and benefit both of our countries. The signing of this agreement will be an incredible boost for American businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and innovators, Trump stated in a White House release.

China has agreed to make significant structural reforms in a wide range of critical areas. Importantly, the reforms included in the agreement are fully enforceable and include a strong dispute resolution system to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.

For the first time, China agreed to end its practice of forcing foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies in order to gain market access.

China will address numerous longstanding intellectual property concerns in the areas of trade secrets, trademarks, enforcement against pirated and counterfeit goods, and more, the release stated.

China also agreed to strong commitments on currency practices like currency devaluations and exchange rates, it said, adding that the agreement will help level the playing field for Americas innovators to compete and win, it added.

The President said the agreement addressed a wide range of trade and investment barriers that have prevented American financial services companies from being able to compete in China.

The agreement also addresses structural barriers that have unfairly limited United States food and agricultural exports and includes significant commitments by China on accepting United States agricultural biotechnology products.

This agreement will begin rebalancing our trade relationship with China and provide new opportunity for American businesses and farmers. As a part of the new agreement, China has pledged to increase imports of American goods and services by at least $200 billion. Chinas increase in United States imports will take place over the next 2 years, and the trajectory is expected to continue even after 2021.

Besides, China will be making purchases of United States manufactured goods, agriculture, energy, and services. Under the deal, China has agreed to purchase between $40 and $50 billion in American agricultural goods each year for two years  providing a massive boost to Americas farmers.

For China, under the Phase 1 deal, arrived at in December, the US has cancelled planned tariffs on Chinese-made cellphones, toys and laptop computers and halved the tariff rate to 7.5 per cent on about $120 billion worth of other Chinese goods, including flat panel televisions, Bluetooth headphones and footwear.

But, it will leave in place 25 per cent tariffs on a vast, $250 billion worth of Chinese industrial goods and components used by US manufacturers.

The eight-part agreement essentially eases the two-year trade wrangling that has disrupted global supply chains and cut global growth. A host of difficult issues, which have been at the heart of the trade battle, including Chinese subsidies to domestic companies and the behaviour of Chinese state-owned firms, will be dealt with in later rounds of talks, which arent expected to conclude until after the US presidential election in November.

Trump, who has been touting the Phase 1 deal as a pillar of his 2020 re-election campaign said he would agree to remove the remaining tariffs once the two sides had negotiated a "Phase 2" agreement. He added that those negotiations would start soon.

He also said he would visit China in the not-too-distant future.
(Newser)  FBI agents on Thursday went to the home of Robert Hyde, the GOP congressional candidate whose newly released text messages suggested he was keeping former US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch under surveillance. Agents next went to Hyde's office, out of which he runs his landscaping business and Connecticut campaign, CNN reports, but would not say why they were there. The FBI, as well as federal prosecutors, are looking into any involvement Hyde may have had in efforts to remove Yovanovitch as ambassador to Ukraine and his relationship with Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, President Trump's personal lawyer.

story continues below

Hyde said this week he was drunk when he sent Parnas texts about following Yovanovitch, per NBC. Parnas said he didn't think Hyde actually had her under surveillance, calling him "weird." Connecticut's GOP has called on Hyde to quit the congressional race and has returned contributions he made to the party, per the Daily Beast. (Ukraine has announced it's investigating the surveillance allegations.)
Hanover Shoe Farms welcomed its first foal of 2020 today (Thursday, Jan. 16) at 2:30 a.m.

The sturdy bay colt is a son of Muscle Hill and the first foal of the Conway Hall mare Abbie Hall 3,1:56.3 ($41,358). Abbie Hall is out of Armbro Archer, thus making her a half sister to iron horse Arch Madness 1:50.2 $4,288,981.

Hanover is expecting approximately 340 foals this season. New arrivals are listed daily on the farm website (www.hanoverpa.com).

(Hanover Shoe Farms)
CINCINNATI, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultimus Fund Solutions  (Ultimus) is proud to announce that it was selected as the fund administration service provider of choice for Segall Bryant & Hamill (SBH), a large independent investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois. SBH appointed Ultimus to convert the firms 17 mutual funds with over $2.5Bn in Assets Under Management (AUM), and provide a suite of services including financial accounting, fund administration, transfer agent, compliance, and distribution. SBH offers fee-based investment strategies through pooled investment vehicles including mutual funds and Collective Investment Trusts (CITs). After an extensive and comprehensive search process, the firm selected Ultimus for its robust and wide-ranging service model, full technology suite, and strong client and project management approach. Ultimus completed the complicated conversion process from SBHs two previous service providers in December 2019.

Throughout our diligence process, we were impressed by Ultimus client-centric approach and investment in technology. Like SBH, Ultimus is an ascending boutique solutions provider, delivering a customized and comprehensive solution for clients, said Philip Hildebrandt, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of SBH. While the impact on our total cost was a factor, our decision to partner with Ultimus was heavily impacted by its strong client references, professional and seasoned staff, and a culture similar to our own.

Were very pleased to be the administrator of choice for SBH. Based on the quality work that we deliver daily to our clients, our responsiveness, and our commitment to technology, we were able to begin a long-term partnership with SBH, said Gary Tenkman , Chief Executive Officer for Ultimus. Our reputation as a high-touch boutique service provider with institutional strength offerings is growing in the industry. Ultimately, it was our client-first approach, which we have in common with SBH, that led to the successful collaboration of our professionals with the SBH team and that also helped seal the deal.

Throughout the step-by-step conversion process for these 17 funds, we worked closely with our Ultimus relationship manager and the project conversion team to make sure our shareholders, board members, fund advisers and investors were kept in the loop, said Jasper Frontz, Principal and Chief Compliance Officer for SBH Funds. Ive been impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of the Ultimus teams and pleased with how relatively seamless the fund servicing conversions were executed both from our perspective and that of our shareholders.

About Segall Bryant & Hamill

Segall Bryant & Hamill (SBH) is an independent investment firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Denver, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Naples, Florida. The firm was established in 1994 and as of September 30, 2019, had over $20 billion in assets under management/assets under advisement. SBH offers a range of investment strategies and customized solutions for institutional and wealth management clients, including domestic, international, and global equity; fixed income; and alternatives. For more information, visit www.sbhic.com .

About Ultimus

Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus) is a leading provider of full-service fund administration, accounting, and investor solutions to support the launching and servicing of registered funds, private funds, and public plans. The company also offers customized structures designed for the unique needs of pensions, endowments, foundations, and other large institutions. Ultimus deep commitment to excellence is achieved through investments in best-in-class technology, compliance programs, organization-wide cyber security efforts, and hiring seasoned professionals.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio with offices in other major cities such as Chicago and New York, Ultimus employs more than 750 seasoned accountants, attorneys, paralegals, application developers, fund administrators, compliance specialists, and many others with years of experience in the financial services industry. Servicing over 1,200 total traditional and alternative funds, Ultimus helps investment managers and fund families flourish in todays increasingly sophisticated and dynamic investment landscape. For more information, visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com .









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Egyptian MP John Talaat described the show as an offense to Jesus and to his mother the Virgin Mary

Related Netflix revives Egyptian adults puppet show Abla Fahita

Egyptian MP John Talaat slammed on Thursday the American streaming service Netflix over its 2019 comedy special 'The First Temptation of Christ,' which depicts Jesus Christ as a homosexual.

Tallat described the show as an offense to Jesus and to his mother the Virgin Mary.

Talaat said in a statement to parliamentary reporters that there must be a binding international agreement that prohibits offending religions, prophets and holy figures, similar to the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.

The purpose of such an agreement would be, according to Talaat, to "shut the door on inciters of hatred, sedition, and the insulting of religious figures."

Talaat asserted that insulting Christ is not considered freedom of speech.

He referred to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that, Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and accordingly, offending peoples beliefs is a human rights violation.

Talaat also praised the Coptic Orthodox Church for its condemnation of the show.

Coptic Orthodox Church spokesperson Bolis Halim told Al-Dostor newspaper last week that the church categorically rejects such films. He also said that freedom of expression should not come at the expense of respecting beliefs, and that the film falsifies reality and twists history.

The First Temptation of Christ is a Brazilian TV comedy special that was released on Netflix on 3 December 2019.

Since its release, the special has received significant backlash from Christians. More than 2 million people have signed a Change.org petition to have the show removed from Netflix.

On 24 December 2019, the headquarters of the Brazilian comedy group Porta dos Fundos, which created the show, was firebombed, according to a statement on their Twitter account.

The group said that the fire was contained and no one was hurt.

The Brazilian Supreme Court overturned last Thursday a ruling by a Rio de Janeiro judge to remove the show from Netflix.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 01:52:27|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Notis Mitarachi (R) and George Koumoutsakos are sworn in as Greek new Minister of Migration and Asylum and Alternate Minister of Migration and Asylum at the Presidential Mansion in Athens, Greece, on Jan. 15, 2020. Greece announced on Wednesday to set up a new Ministry of Migration and Asylum in a bid to effectively address the continuing refugee, migrant influx. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Greece announced on Wednesday to set up a new Ministry of Migration and Asylum in a bid to effectively address the continuing refugee, migrant influx.

Notis Mitarakis, the new minister, pledged fast implementation of the government's strategy to tackle the refugee, migrant challenge.

In his first remarks after his appointment, Mitarakis said the goal is to implement quickly the policy plan drafted in recent months "which is in the right direction," local news site in.gr reported.

George Koumoutsakos, will take over as Alternate Minister for the new body.

"The government, from the first moment, followed a different policy on the refugee-migration issue, with a comprehensive plan based on four axes: guarding the borders, speeding up asylum procedures, increased returns and closed pre-departure centers... What is needed is a faster implementation of this plan," read an e-mailed press statement issued by government spokesperson Stelios Petsas who announced the establishment of the new ministry earlier on Wednesday.

The government's plan which was outlined by Petsas in November, foresees among others the creation of new reception centers on the islands in the Aegean Sea which have received the bulk of refugee, migrant arrivals since 2015, as well as the mainland.

According to the plan, each of the new facilities will host up to 5,000 people. These new centers will replace the overcrowded camps such as Moria on Lesbos island.

A new spike in arrivals in recent months, combined with bureaucratic delays in the assessment of thousands of asylum applications and returns to Turkey, have resulted in overflowing camps where people are in difficult conditions and tension is rising high.

According to the latest data provided by the Greek government this week, Moria camp now hosts 19,111 persons while its capacity is 2,840.

The islands in the Aegean Sea are accommodating 41,845 persons, while hundreds arrive on a daily basis, according to the official figures.

Greece currently hosts about 100,000 refugees and migrants. Many have been stuck in the country since 2016, after the closure of the Balkan route to Central Europe and following the EU-Turkey agreement in 2016 which aimed to stem the influx.

According to statistics from the UN Refugee Agency, in 2019 Greece registered 74,482 arrivals, significantly up from the 50,508 recorded in 2018.

A total of 59,457 refugees and migrants last year crossed the Aegean Sea, while 14,891 people entered Greece from Turkey through their land border in the north.

Under the government plan, thousands of people will be transferred to new facilities in the mainland in coming weeks and months to decongest the islands and the goal is to also increase returns to Turkey of those non-eligible for asylum.

During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Petsas said that tangible results will be seen on the islands in the first months of 2020.
F orecasters have warned of heavy rain, potential thunderstorms and the return of overnight frost as temperatures plunge and winds continue to cause trouble.

Much of the UK can expect a blustery start to Thursday, with downpours sweeping across Scotland and Northern Ireland before battering Wales and south-west England by the afternoon.

The heavy rain is set to continue into Friday with a chance of thunder in places before temperatures plunge as the severe gales seen through much of the week begin to ease off.

Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin said: A blustery day [on Thursday] particularly around the west, where there will be more rain pushing into northern Ireland by lunchtime and then spreading into Wales, south-west England and much of the Midlands by the afternoon.

It comes after a major operation was under way to repair damage caused when Storm Brendan lashed the South-East with 40mph winds and heavy rain.

Storm Brendan: Slough clear-up - In pictures 1 /9 Storm Brendan: Slough clear-up - In pictures PA PA PA PA PA PA PA

Looking ahead to Friday, Mr Deakin said: Tere will be some brighter spells at times but when the showers come along they are likely to be quite heavy, and possibly even thundery as well.

The winds will be easing down a touch again on Friday, and that leads us into a much calmer and quieter spell into the weekend.

But it will be turning much colder. That trend starts on Friday, with those highs [temperatures] back down into single figures and those temperatures will drop off sharply on Friday night.
In the German City Halle, unknown perpetrators shot at the office of SPD member of parliament Karamba Diaby. The politician does not want to be intimidated by this.

The office of SPD member of parliament Dr. Karamba Diaby in the German City Halle (Saale) has been shot at. In the morning, employees of his citizens' office discovered five bullet holes in a window pane. Previously unknown persons had apparently fired a gun at the office of the member of parliament.

Karamba Diaby (Twitter)

@KarambaDiaby

On Wednesday morning, bullet holes were noticed at my citizen's office. An office window with my portrait shows several bullet holes. The police and the State Security are investigating.

Member of the German Parliament Dr. Karamba Diaby

A photo showing bullet holes in the window of the Citizens' Office was shared by the politician on Twitter. He writes: "On Wednesday morning bullet holes were noticed at my Citizens' Bureau. An office window with my portrait shows several bullet holes. The police and Homeland Security are investigating".

One of the employees noticed the bullet holes at around 9.30am and called the police immediately. "We are shocked". There had also been damage before but never in this form.

According to Dr. Diaby, he had once opened the citizens office in Halle in order to talk directly to the people in the centre. Of course I am not indifferent to this, but I am not intimidated. He rejects any form of violence and instead insists on talking to each other. "Violence cannot be a solution."

There is currently no surveillance camera at his citizens' offices. The politician does not like the idea of installing one now. He trusts the investigations of the police and state security to begin with.

The Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, stands by Karamba Diaby

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas reacted indignantly to the incident in Halle. "Simply incomprehensible. Disgusting and cowardly. Full support, also for the whole team", the SPD politician wrote on Twitter. "We will continue to stand by your side for a free, tolerant and diverse democracy. Now more than ever!"

In recent weeks there have been repeated attacks and threats of violence against politicians, as well as paint and arson attacks on buildings and cars of politicians.

Francis Tawiah (Duisburg - Germany)
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is meeting the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss climate finance, Johnson's spokesman said.

Carney, due to become the United Nations special envoy for climate change next year when he steps down from the bank, has previously said the financial sector has been too slow to address the risks from climate change and that politicians need to effect change now.

Johnson will also attend a summit on Libya in Germany on Sunday, the spokesman said.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, writing by Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison)
The US and China moved a step closer to resolving their 18-month trade war after signing a preliminary phase one agreement.

China pledged to import 151billion more goods from the US than it did in 2017, and will strengthen its intellectual property rules to make it easier to prosecute companies which steal ideas.

In turn, the US has agreed to scrap a wave of tariffs it was due to impose last month on Chinese-made goods such as mobile phones, toys and laptops.

President Trump shakes hands with China's vice premier Liu He after signing a U.S. China trade agreement in the White House

It will halve the tariff rate to 7.5 per cent on around 91billion of other Chinese goods such as televisions, bluetooth headphones and shoes.

But the vast majority of tariffs, including 25 per cent charges on an array of Chinese industrial goods and components worth around 190billion, will remain in place until a phase two deal is reached.

Talks on this next stage are set to resume in February.

US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as momentous during a speech in which he covered subjects ranging from fireworks on Mount Rushmore to why items bearing his signature keep turning up on eBay.

He added: Together we are righting the wrongs of the past.

Chinas vice-premier Liu He struck a more sombre tone, echoing a warning from the World Economic Forum earlier in the day as he said China and the US must work more closely together to tackle the worlds problems.

Germanys economy grew just 0.6 per cent last year  its slowest rate for six years  which it blamed on global trade tensions, export weakness and a downturn in the automotive industry.
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney announced Thursday she will not be making a bid for the U.S. Senate, initiating a reelection campaign some predict could one day lead to her becoming Speaker of the House.

In an announcement first provided to the Star-Tribune early Thursday morning, Cheney, who currently sits as the third-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, said she will not seek the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated next winter by Wyomings longtime Sen. Mike Enzi  a move many in the national press had long predicted for Cheney. Enzi announced his retirement in the spring.

Instead, Cheney said, she will be staying put and putting all of her effort toward regaining a majority for Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Nancy Pelosi and the Socialist Democrats in the House of Representatives are threatening our freedom and our Wyoming values every day. They must be stopped, Cheney said in a statement. Our nation is facing grave security challenges overseas and the House Democrats are working to weaken our president and embolden our enemies. Socialists in congress and among the presidential candidates are threatening our liberty and freedom.

I believe I can have the biggest impact for the people of Wyoming by remaining in leadership in the House of Representatives and working (to) take our Republican majority back, she added. I will not be running for the Senate in 2020. I plan to seek re-election to the House of Representatives.

Cheneys decision to avoid a contested Senate race dodges what might have been one of the most bitterly fought primary elections in Wyoming history. Former Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who announced her campaign in a July news conference, has slowly been building momentum throughout the state and, as of Thursday morning, boasts nearly $312,000 in cash on hand, according to the Federal Elections Commission. At the time of Lummis announcement, she said it would be a real barn-burner if Cheney entered the race, and throughout her campaign Lummis has been gently hinting Cheney should remain in the House of Representatives.

As Ive said before, Congressman Cheney has been a great spokeswoman and leader for the Republican Party in D.C., Lummis said in a statement Thursday morning. Her role as House Republican Conference Chair is one she truly excels in and I think her future knows no bounds. Its a tremendous benefit to the people of Wyoming to have John Barrasso in leadership in the Senate and Liz Cheney in leadership in the House.

Also waiting in the wings are figures like GOP financier and former gubernatorial candidate Foster Friess, who has been hinting heavily at a Senate campaign in recent months. Friess maintains a strong conservative coalition across the state as well as a sizable ability to self-fund a campaign.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Cheney told reporters she had not spoken with Lummis in several months and that her decision not to run was one made independent of any other candidate.

I made this decision irrespective of anyone else in the race, she said.

If she did run, however, the second-term congresswoman could have been a formidable opponent. Early polling showed Cheney with a significant advantage in a hypothetical head-to-head match-up against Lummis, and the representatives fundraising efforts in recent months have also been among the strongest of her career, closing out the third quarter of 2019 with more than $758,000 in cash on hand according to the FEC.

For Cheney, Thursdays announcement starts a road to reelection many in Washington see as a potential pathway to speakership in the House of Representatives that began last winter, when the second-term representative was appointed to the chairmanship of the House Republican Conference, the third-highest position in party leadership.

Since then, Cheney has built gobs of momentum in national Republican politics, leading many to assume higher ambitions in the years to come. In the past year, Cheney has quickly risen to a starring role in the House of Representatives, becoming a leading critic of Democratic leadership as well as a close ally of President Donald Trump while taking the helm of numerous Republican causes.

What lies ahead?

Cheneys announcement was anticipated to set off a chain reaction among political hopefuls across Wyoming who have been eyeing her next move. Now set in her position, others could be expected to follow  or decline to run entirely.

Teton County Republican Robert Grady  who has been exploring the prospect of a House or Senate race  was seen as leaning more toward a run for the House of Representatives, while other figures like Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow, a longtime friend of Cheneys, has so far declined to rule out a potential congressional campaign.

Meanwhile, Cheney is well-positioned to remain in leadership and begin efforts to rebuild a Republican majority in Congress that was lost in the 2018 midterm elections. Early on in her leadership role, she showed a willingness to clash with officials in the National Republican Congressional Committee over its candidate recruitment efforts and, in her final interview of 2019, told members of the Wyoming press corps she was confident in the partys ability to swing key districts in the 2020 elections and cut into the fresh Democratic majority.

I feel really good about our chances, Cheney said at the time. The American people are seeing once again that the Democrats cant be trusted. To do something this reckless with one of their most important constitutional obligations, thinking about impeaching the president of the United States, reminds people yet again what happens when theyre in the majority. A number of Democrats hold districts that Trump won around the country, and I feel really good about our chances to get their seats back in the districts where theyve failed to produce for the people who sent them here.

When it came to her future ambitions for leadership, however, Cheney avoided a direct answer to a question posed by a Star-Tribune reporter on whether a potential speakership played into her decision not to run. Instead, she said she was focused solely on reelection, her current term and her partys greater bid to retake the majority.

My decision is very much based on where I can be most effective for Wyoming, she said Thursday. The people of Wyoming have elected me, and its important to recognize the damage that could be done to the people of Wyoming in terms of the policies Democrats in the House are pursuing. Im honored to represent Wyoming, and Im honored my colleagues elected me to be chairwoman of the House Republican Conference and, in that position, am going to fight very hard over the course of the next 11 months here to make sure we do take back the majority. Thats going to be our focus.

The primary election takes place Aug. 18.

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Mr. Pompeo refused, saying the American mission in Iraq was to train Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State, and were going to continue that mission.

The State Department said that the United States would only be willing to discuss appropriate force posture in the Middle East.

Despite the Iraqi governments moves toward expelling the Americans, some Iraqi security officials have opposed the idea, saying they were needed to help fight the remnants of the Islamic State and prevent its resurgence, as well as to support coalition troops from other countries.

If the Americans and most other coalition militaries left, the Iraqis could continue to fight the extremists on their own, but would likely be hampered by a lack of drone-based intelligence and air cover, according to senior coalition military officials.

The Islamic State, which a few years ago controlled a large part of Iraq, no longer controls territory there but remains active in some pockets and claims a few Iraqi lives almost every week.

Removing the United States military from Iraq would take more than a vote in Parliament. According to American officials, it would require the Iraqi government to annul the agreements it has made allowing the American and coalition forces to train, advise and assist in the fight against the Islamic State.

The American-led military coalition in Iraq suspended its counterterrorism mission on Jan. 5, two days after an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy at the Baghdad airport, killing the Iranian commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani; Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy chief of a coalition of Iraqi militias; and eight other people.
British holidaymakers travelling to and from the Costa Blanca faced a second day of chaos as a large fire saw Alicante airport closed for nearly 24 hours.

The airport, the fifth busiest in Spain, resumed operations early this afternoon when firefighters finally managed to extinguish the large fire in its roof.

Crew battled the blaze, which covered some 13,000 sq ft, through the night.

Authorities are still not sure what caused the fire to break out on Wednesday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of passengers and personnel at the busy aviation hub.

Hundreds of passengers and staff were evacuated and flights cancelled as firefighters struggle to extinguish the large fire.

The delay in putting out the fire was blamed on access problems and the 'slow-burning' roof material.

The fire is believed to have started in the roof of the airport - which is the fifth busiest in Spain

Dozens of flights were cancelled yesterday as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze at Alicante airport

An airport spokesman told travellers not to go to the airport to contact their airline for updates.

Yesterday dramatic footage showed flames and thick black smoke at Alicante-Elche while pictures also showed passengers filing out of the building.

Firefighters were called battle the blaze which is thought to have originated inside an office in the terminal building, at 2.30pm.

More than 60 of the 125 flights scheduled to and from the airport on Wednesday were affected.

Around half the 31 flights scheduled to depart from the airport are thought to have been cancelled, with passengers on another 14 taken by bus to nearby airports in Murcia and Valencia so they could fly from there instead.

More than 20 incoming flights were diverted to Murcia and Valencia and ten were cancelled before take-off.

'It's a joke now been outside 2.5 hours... [the] coordination of information [is] terrible,' Tracy Cartland-Ward, 53, who was in Alicante as part of a business course, told MailOnline yesterday.

'Some people have left but my baggage was already checked in. Sadly for some folks it's getting difficult with no water or drinks, no toilets and Costa coffee even putting tables on outside seats to stop people sitting!

Smoke can be seen billowing from the roof of Alicante airport after a fire started in the terminal building on Wednesday

'Oh and to add insult to injury most Ryanair passengers sent a 4 euro voucher for snacks - issuable inside the airport which they can't get into.'

She added that Ryanair has texted passengers to tell them of a possible seven-hour delay and that the airline staff on the ground had been giving out mixed information.

She said that someone told her the airport could be closed for one or two days.

Cameron Stocks, 26, a barrister at Hardwicke Law in London, who was visiting family in Alicante this week, told MailOnline yesterday: 'We haven't been allowed back in yet. We have been told there is a 2/3 hour wait to see if the fire is controllable and then we will be told if flights can depart today.'

A view from the car park shows dense smoke rising from the airport building in Alicante on Wednesday

Firefighters work at Alicante-Elche airport today in Alicante after a fire erupted in the terminal

'There are now a substantial number of police and fire brigade keeping everyone back from the terminal but information is disseminated slowly,' he said.

'There was a lot of confusion to begin with as my group had already passed passport control and were due to board so we were simply herded into a corner.'

Earlier on Twitter he wrote: 'Airport staff are acting nonchalant and have simply herded passengers into a corner of the terminal without a single alarm going off.'

A video posted by Twitter user @sotiridi shows columns of dense smoke filling the sky over the airport. Another, taken by the same person, shows the thick clouds and crackling fires erupting from the roof of the terminal.

Pictured: Flames and smoke billowing outside the window of the terminal in Alicante on Wednesday
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SEATTLE  Two Delridge apartment buildings sold before Christmas for nearly $6.6 million, according to King County records.

The sellers were two Sumner LLCs that acquired the properties in 2017 for about $4.2 million.





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Burma Ethnic Armed Groups Based on Myanmars Border With China Welcome Xi Jinping

Bao Youxiang, chairman of the United Wa State Army, inspects troops on April 17, 2019, during the groups 30th anniversary of making peace with the government. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings trip to Myanmar on Friday, ethnic armed groups based in the northeast region of the country welcomed the diplomatic trip, wishing it success and calling for Xis help to achieve peace and stability.

On Thursday, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), an ethnic armed group based near the Myanmar-China border, issued a statement extending a warm welcome to Xi.

The Chinese presidents trip is seen in part as an effort to boost economic relations along the countries shared border, as well as Chinese investment in other parts of the country under its Belt and Road Initiative and infrastructure projects under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. According to Xi, the key focuses are on implementation of infrastructure projects, especially the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zones deep seaport project in Rakhine State, western Myanmar; the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone in north and northeast Myanmar; and the New Yangon City project.

The KIO added it hopes that President Xis trip, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Myanmar-China diplomatic ties, would strengthen relations between the two countries, as well as help achieve a stable peace and end Myanmars civil war.

The organization called on Xi to help us  having understood the need of the country and the will of the people, [though] there may [be] different views reflected on the statements of the civil society group[s].

The comment may refer to the fact that nearly 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) called on Xi to permanently terminate the suspended Myitsone Dam project in an open letter on Wednesday, saying the project threatens the prosperity of the Myanmar people and that friendly relations between the two countries will deteriorate if it goes ahead. The Myitsone hydropower dam project was suspended under then President U Thein Sein in 2011 following a public outcry.

Like the KIO, two other ethnic armed groupsthe United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Mong Las National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), also known as Shan State Special Region 2 and 4 respectivelywelcomed Xis trip in their respective statements.

All of the groups controlled areas directly border China and each have unique relationships with China in tackling the border issues, thus it is important for the groups to extend welcoming remarks, according to U Maung Maung Soe, a political and ethnic affairs analyst.

These three groups are based along the Myanmar-China border and are not under the control of the Myanmar government. Unlike other ethnic armed groups, the Wa, Mong La and KIA have special direct relations with China, he explained.

Being among the militarily strong EAOs, all of the groups have for decades acquired from China the armaments they use to fight the Myanmar government. During the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of its making peace with the government, held in April last year, the Wa showcased its army, which is equipped with sophisticated weapons systems. China provides arms, ammunition and technical support to the UWSA, which has 30,000 soldiers and 20,000 auxiliary troops, making it one of the strongest ethnic armies in Myanmar.

Chinese-made weapons are also used by other EAOs. In November, the Myanmar military said weapons captured from the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Namhsan Township, northern Myanmar, including RPGs and FN6 anti-aircraft launchers, were Chinese made.

In addition, both the UWSA and KIA locally make arms and ammunition with Chinese technical support and help arm other groups like the Arakan Army.

On Wednesday, the UWSA-led Wa State Peoples Government said in a statement that it wish[es that] the economic, trade and infrastructure building of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor [bring] benefits for the backward areas in northern Myanmar as soon as possible.

It added that attaining peace in northern Myanmar is closely related to the relationship of our two countries and our people. Therefore, The Wa State sincerely hopes that China can play a positive and constructive role in it and that the leaders of our two countries can find a feasible solution fitting the situation of  northern Myanmar The Wa State is willing to make necessary contributions for it.

Mong Las NDAA also expressed hope that Xis visit would help to push forward the peace process, under its Belt and Road Initiative.

U Maung Maung Soe told The Irrawaddy that he does not expect Xi will focus on the details of the Myanmar peace process, as the Chinese presidents priority will be economic and trade issues.

I think he will let the special envoy deal with the issue, rather than he himself personally intervening in peace issues, said U Maung Maung Soe.

Prior to Xis visit, the Chinese special envoy for Asian affairs, Sun Guoxiang, last week separately met the UWSA, NDAA and KIO in their controlled areas.

On Jan. 10 in Laiza, the KIO headquarters, the special envoy met the members of the Northern Alliance, of which the KIO is a member. The Northern Alliance comprises the KIO; the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA); the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA); and the AA. All are currently fighting the Myanmar military.

Although it was billed as one of Chinas regular meetings with its partners in the New Year period, Sun is brokering peace talks between the government and these groups.

The planned peace talks between the Northern Alliance and the governments negotiators this month were postponed to next month, according to U Maung Maung Soe, as one of the groups, Kokangs MNDAA, will be busy celebrating the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls next weekend.

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Xi Jinping Calls for Concrete Planning and Implementation of Chinese Projects Ahead of Myanmar Visit

Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xis Visit
WASHINGTON - Rep. Liz Cheney, a junior but rising GOP leader in the House, is opting to stay on that chambers leadership track rather than run for a Senate seat in her home state of Wyoming.

The move keeps the combative second-term lawmaker positioned to advance in the House GOP hierarchy.

Cheney told her colleagues at a closed-door meeting Thursday that shes staying put. Cheney was a senior State Department official during the administration of President George W. Bush and is the daughter of former Vice-President Dick Cheney, who once occupied the statewide House seat that she now holds.

I believe I can have the biggest impact for the people of Wyoming by remaining in leadership in the House of Representatives and working (to) take our Republican majority back, Liz Cheney said in a statement. I will not be running for the Senate in 2020. I plan to seek reelection to the House of Representatives.

Cheney received a huge standing ovation from her colleagues when she revealed her decision, said Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas.

Cheney is just one of 13 women in a Republican conference dominated by older white men. She is No. 3 in the current GOP hierarchy and seems likely to rise higher in time.

Cheney is also a pugnacious critic of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the only woman to serve as speaker.

Nancy Pelosi and the Socialist Democrats in the House of Representatives are threatening our freedom and our Wyoming values every day. They must be stopped, Cheney said. Our nation is facing grave security challenges overseas and the House Democrats are working to weaken our president and embolden our enemies. Socialists in Congress and among the presidential candidates are threatening our liberty and freedom.

Cheneys decision averts a high-profile primary campaign against former GOP Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who has been in the race for months and has a long history of electoral success in the heavily Republican state. Cheney similarly passed on a campaign to oust popular Republican Sen. Mike Enzi six years ago.

Inside the House, Cheneys decision sets up a potential leadership fight with the second-ranking leader, Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who was gravely wounded in a mass shooting in 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:19:31|Editor: xuxin

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DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police said on Thursday they have arrested 27 Ethiopian illegal immigrants who were in transit to South Africa.

Wankyo Nyogesa, the Coast regional police commander, said they were arrested on January 14 and January 15 after they were found without valid permits to enter the country.

He said preliminary investigations showed that they entered the country through an Indian Ocean illegal port at Mlingotini using a dhow that they abandoned after their mission was completed.

"Their intention was to travel to South Africa," said the police officer, adding that police will hand over the illegal immigrants to immigration authorities for legal action.
Ms. Gatliff also reconstructed the face of King Tut using a plaster skull casting; victims of Gary Ridgway, a Washington state murderer known as the Green River Killer; soldiers who died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn; and members of Imperial Russias Romanov family. Much to her surprise, she was also enlisted to help a living subject, a young salesman who had nearly died after being impaled during a car crash in 1990. Surgeons asked her to help them rebuild his skull, by creating a model of what it was like before the accident.
American troops resumed joint military operations with Iraq on Wednesday, the New York Times reports, citing two anonymous U.S. military officials.

Why it matters: Operations are rebooting two weeks after thousands of protesters and militia fighters swarmed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad protesting U.S. airstrikes in the country, which predated the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

Flashback: The Iraqi parliament called on the U.S. government to expel American troops from the country on Jan. 5 in response to the U.S. airstrike on Soleimani.

The State Department rejected the Iraqi governments request to discuss pulling American troops out last Friday.

Context: Iraqs acting prime minister said in a speech to his cabinet on Wednesday that expelling U.S. troops from the country would follow "an appropriate time line," per the Times  suggesting a non-immediate departure.

What they're saying: A Pentagon spokesperson told Axios' Jonathan Swan that he had "nothing to share" when asked for context on the Times' story.



Go deeper: U.S. to send "additional forces" after embassy in Baghdad attacked by protesters
Volkswagen Chief Executive Herbert Diess said the German carmaker needs to accelerate its transformation to avoid becoming another Nokia, which lost its dominance in the handset market to Apple.

"The big questions is: are we fast enough?," Diess told VW's senior managers following a global board meeting on Thursday. "If we continue at our current speed, it is going to be very tough."

The car was is longer a mode of transport and carmakers are no longer only manufacturers of vehicles, he said.

"The era of the classic carmakers is over," Diess added.
YEREVAN. - The Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia has appealed the decision to release former MP Aleksan Petrosyan from custody. Arevik Khachatryan, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, confirmed this report to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

On January 10, Petrosyan was released on a bail of 30 million drams.

As reported earlier, Aleksan Petrosyan was arrested in connection with a criminal case filed against former Nature Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan. His son, Makar Petrosyan, was also arrested, but was released some time later.

Aleksan Petrosyan is accused of assisting in money laundering.

The Special Investigation Service, however, makes no comment on the case of Aleksan Petrosyan and his son.
Lev Parnas

Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian American associate of Rudy Giuliani, gave MSNBC's Rachel Maddow an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

He told Maddow that President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" when Parnas was carrying out his orders in a pressure campaign against Ukraine's new president.

Parnas, who pleaded not guilty to charges of campaign-finance violations last year, said he "wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president."

"Why," Parnas added, would members of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's inner circle "meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian American associate of President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow in an exclusive interview that aired Wednesday that the president was aware of and involved with his actions connected to a pressure campaign in Ukraine at every step of the way.

Parnas and Giuliani were instrumental in efforts to strong-arm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into publicly committing to investigations that could benefit Trump's reelection campaign.

Parnas and one of Giuliani's other associates, Igor Fruman, were arrested and charged last year with violating campaign-finance laws connected to their work for Giuliani. They pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Parnas has since embarked on a media campaign to cooperate with the impeachment proceedings against the president.

The House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released a trove of explosive documents that Parnas turned over showing the extent to which he, Giuliani, and their other Ukrainian and American contacts went to track the movements of Marie Yovanovitch while she was serving in Kyiv as the US ambassador to Ukraine.

Story continues

Giuliani saw Yovanovitch as a thorn in his side because her anti-corruption agenda thwarted his efforts to coerce the Ukrainian government into digging up or manufacturing dirt against the Bidens. She was sharply critical of Yuriy Lutsenko and Viktor Shokin, two of Ukraine's former prosecutor generals, both of whom have been accused of corruption and are close to Giuliani.

The documents also included handwritten notes from Parnas, one of which described his responsibilities, which included getting Zelensky "to announce that the Biden case will be investigated."

lev parnas note 1

House Intelligence Committee

Possibly crucially for the impeachment trial, Parnas told Maddow that Trump "knew exactly what was going on" and "was aware of all my movements" the entire time.

"I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president," Parnas said. "I mean they have no reason to speak to me. Why would President Zelensky's inner circle, or Minister Avakov, or all these people, or President Poroshenko meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work."

One particularly damning document Parnas turned over to Congress was a letter from Giuliani to Zelensky dated May 10. In it, the former New York mayor told Zelensky, then Ukraine's president-elect, that he wanted to meet in person on May 13 and May 14.

"Just to be precise, I represent him as a private citizen, not as President of the United States," Giuliani wrote. "This is quite common under American law because the duties and privileges of a President and a private citizen are not the same."

rudy giuliani letter zelensky

House Intelligence Committee

One day before Giuliani wrote the letter, The New York Times reported that he wanted to meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Specifically, he wanted the Ukrainian government to investigate Hunter Biden's involvement as a board member of the Ukrainian natural-gas company Burisma Holdings.

"We're not meddling in an election, we're meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do," Giuliani told The Times when asked whether by going to Ukraine and pressing for the inquiry, he was inviting foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Trump and Giuliani's efforts to pressure Ukraine into delivering dirt on the Bidens and Burisma make up the center of Congress' impeachment proceedings against Trump, which charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The president has said his request for Ukraine to investigate the Bidens was linked to an interest in rooting out corruption, which is in the US's national interest.

But Giuliani's newly revealed letter directly undercuts that, as it specifies that he was acting in his capacity as Trump's private attorney; in other words, he was representing the president's personal political interests and not the country's interests.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

In general, record figures have been observed in the current election process of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, compared to the elections held earlier, Chairman of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said at a session on media coverage of elections, Trend reports.

Panahov noted that 1,534 candidates have already been registered.

Panahov also praised the role of the press in covering the elections, adding that there's great activity going on in the pre-election process.

The early parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan on Feb. 9.
(from the right) On January 16, Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group, and Denis Sverdlov, CEO of Arrival, signed an agreement to invest in joint development of electric vehicles at Hyundai Motor Groups headquarters in Seoul.

Arrival, a UK-based electric vehicle startup, raised 100m in funding.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation made the investment jointly. Of the total amount, Hyundai will contribute 80m; Kia 20m.

Led by Denis Sverdlov, CEO, Arrival has developed in-house software, materials, components and other technologies for the development of Generation 2.0 electric vehicles

The investment enables co-development of eco-friendly vans and other products for logistics, on-demand ride-hailing, and shuttle service companies. The partnership takes advantage of Arrivals scalable skateboard platform technology to underpin future Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV) from the two car makers. Through the deal, Hyundai and Kia plan to introduce small and medium-sized electric vans and other products for logistics, on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle service companies.

Arrivals scalable electric platform can be adapted for multiple vehicle categories and types which Arrival, Hyundai and Kia will explore for the development of a range of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV).

FinSMEs

16/01/2020
Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 15 formally put forward Mikhail Mishustin, the little-known head of the countrys Federal Tax Service, to be the new prime minister, the Kremlin said.

Putin submitted Mishustins candidacy to the Russian parliament for approval after the latter agreed to be put forward for the role, the Kremlin said.

Russia's government resigned unexpectedly earlier on January 15 after Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes that could allow him to extend his rule.

The announcement was made by (then) Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

In a televised meeting with the Russian president, Medvedev said the proposals made by Putin -- which he mentioned in his address -- would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned".

"We should provide the president of our country with the possibility to take all the necessary measures" to carry out the changes, Medvedev said.

"All further decisions will be taken by the president." Putin asked Medvedev, his longtime ally, to continue as head of government until a new government has been appointed.

Russian news agencies said Putin thanked Medvedev for his work. They said that Putin will name Medvedev as deputy of the presidential Security Council.

The development comes after Putin proposed tweaking of the Russian Constitution to increase the powers of parliament and the Cabinet, a move that could herald his intention to take a political position that would let him stay at the helm after his presidency ends.

During his state of the nation address, Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members. The authority to make those appointments currently belongs to Russia's president.

"It will increase the role of parliament and parliamentary parties, powers and independence of the prime minister and all Cabinet members," Putin told an audience of top officials and lawmakers, according to reports.

(With inputs from Reuters)
BJP senior leader GVL Narasimha Rao on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her recent comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and questioned why does she want to give citizenship to terrorists of Bangladesh. This comes after the West Bengal CM has opposed the law and has stated that the CAA will not be implemented in the State.

'It exposes her frustration completely'

Reflecting upon Mamata's earlier comments stating that students from across the country have been opposing CAA, GVL Narsimha Rao said, "Mamata Banerjee's recent comments are funny. It exposes her frustration completely. The CAA is with regard to non-Muslim minority in Islamic countries and these countries are also funding parties like Congress and the TMC."

READ | BJP Alleges 'desperate' Electoral Motive In Mamata Banerjee's Meeting With PM Modi

Furthermore, speaking to ANI, Rao added, "The money looted from Sharda scam was also seized from Bangladeshi terrorists." Earlier, on Tuesday, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had said that students across the country are opposing the CAA. "There are 43 universities in Bengal and thousands across the country and it is not one university fighting this battle against CAA but we all are. There have been a lot of incidents of vandalism of public property which is nothing but just cheap publicity. Those who encourage this are equally wrong."

READ | 'Bengal Is No Uttar Pradesh': Mamata Banerjee Hits Back At Dilip Ghosh's Shocking Threat

Left students protests against Bengal CM

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had faced protests by Left students for meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allegedly "diluting the fight against the CAA". The top brass of the Kolkata Police was tight-lipped about the matter. After meeting PM Modi, Banerjee had gone to the sit-in demonstration being held by the TMC's students' wing when scores of Left students' activists reached the spot and shouted slogans seeking an explanation from her over the meeting.

Banerjee had termed the meeting a "courtesy visit" and said that she raised the issue of financial assistance that the state is yet to receive from the Centre. Modi was on a two-day visit to the city to participate in the 150 years celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, amid massive protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed nationwide NRC.

READ | Case Against 150 Unidentified People After Left Students 'gherao' Mamata

READ | Hung Out To Dry By BJP, Dilip Ghosh Attacks Mamata Alleging Free Hand To 'Deshdrohis'
Two brothers have been banned from every pub in their country town after starting a wild brawl outside a nightclub.

Matthew, 24, and Desmond Waites, 20, had to be held back by police officers and bouncers after getting into an alcohol-fuelled fight outside The Zone nightclub in Roma, 470 kilometres west of Brisbane in November last year.

The brothers engaged in fights with several revellers, with Desmond hitting one man so hard he fell unconscious.

Desmond Waites (pictured) was banned from all licensed premises in Roma, Queensland after punching a man outside a nightclub

On Tuesday at the Roma Magistrates Court, Matthew pleaded guilty to one charge of affray in public place while adversely affected by intoxicating substance.

Desmond pleaded guilty to one charge of committing public nuisance in the vicinity of a licensed premises, The Courier Mail reported.

In the early hours of the morning as the two brothers were leaving the nightclub they tried to pick a fight with another patron, the court heard.

The pair were moved on by security but continued to throw fists, with one of Desmond's blows leaving a man unconscious after falling face-first to the ground.

Matthew Waites (pictured left with brother Desmond) was ordered to complete 160 hours after his involvement in the fight

Matthew's defence claimed alcohol had fuelled his behaviour and that he was trying to protect his brother.

Both brothers were banned from all licensed premises in Roma for a year.

Desmond also received a $900 fine.

Matthew was warned that his behaviour could have resulted in him behind bars.

'This is a more serious charge, and you also have a previous conviction for violence,' Magistrate Saggers said.

'This is a criminal charge where prison is considered, but you are showing remorse, so there will be a requirement for community service  I will give you this benefit because you are gainfully employed.'

Matthew was also ordered to complete 160 hours of community service.
Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi was sworn in for a second and final term Wednesday after five turbulent years in office amid two armed insurgencies.

Nyusi, 60, won re-election in October with 73% of the vote, while the opposition alleged irregularities.



The president of Portugal, Mozambique's former colonial power, and the leaders of Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe were among the dignitaries who attended the open-air inauguration in downtown Maputo, capital of the southern African country of 30 million people.



Ossufo Momade, the leader of the Renamo opposition who had protested Nyusi's reelection as unfair, did not attend the ceremony.



"Five years ago, in a ceremony like this, I announced I would be president of all Mozambicans," said Nyusi. "I renew this promise, to work for the Mozambique we all dream for. Our agenda is to develop Mozambique. Our agenda is that this development is not done at the cost of injustice, conceit, or inequality."



The crowning achievement of Nyusi's first term was meant to be the peace agreement signed in August with the armed opposition Renamo. Instead, it triggered fresh violence in central Mozambique by dissidents unhappy with the terms of the accord. More than 15 armed attacks on vehicles in central Mozambique have been reported in recent months, killing 21 people.



Nyusi's government is also battling to contain deadly attacks in the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado by extremists reportedly linked to the Islamic State group. An estimated 300 people have been killed, including by beheading, since the attacks began in 2017.



Cabo Delgado, Nyusi's home province, is home to two giant natural gas projects worth billions of dollars that Mozambique hopes will transform it into a middle-income country. Work has begun on one of the projects, which changed ownership last year from U.S.-based Anadarko to French oil major Total, with the aim to start producing liquified natural gas before Nyusi's mandate ends in late 2024. The second project, led by ExxonMobil, is set to reach a final investment decision this year.



Nyusi is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days. International investors will be watching closely to see if the finance minister, Adriano Maleiane, will be replaced. Maleiane has guided the economy through exceptional difficulties following the discovery of $2 billion in debt taken on by three state-linked security companies, with government guarantees whose validity has been contested.



Maleiane's predecessor as finance minister, Manuel Chang, has been in a South African prison for more than a year contesting extradition to the United States to face charges in connection with the deals.



Last year Mozambique had to restructure its first-ever sovereign eurobond after it failed to make the first payment.



The inauguration comes as the rainy season again brings flooding to parts of Mozambique, which was hit last year by two major cyclones in less than two months, causing hundreds of deaths and major destruction. Recovery continues and widespread hunger has been a concern in the hard-hit rural areas.



Last week, the U.N. migration agency said the latest flooding destroyed the temporary shelters of almost 200 households that had been resettled in the central provinces of Tete and Zambezia.
on Thursday assured India that it is taking a "series of measures" to address India's concern over the mounting trade deficit which last year climbed to $56.8 billion, constituting 60 per cent of the total bilateral trade.

The trade volume between India and declined by about $3 billion last year while India's trade deficit continues to be high amounting to $56.8 billion as both countries experienced economic slowdown, according to the data released by the Chinese customs on Tuesday.

The trade figures released by the General Administration of Customs of (GACC) projected the total trade in Chinese currency RMB-Yuan terms registered a marginal increase of 1.6 per cent year-on-year but in dollar terms it was down by about $3 billion.

GACC Vice Minister Zou Zhiwu, who released the annual trade figures to the media, said China-India bilateral trade totalled to 639.52 billion yuan (about $92.68 billion).

He said it is 1.6 per cent increase year-on-year but in dollar terms the trade has declined from $95.7 billion in 2018 to $92.68 billion dampening hopes of the trade reaching the landmark $100 billion.

Summing up the India-China bilateral trade figures, state-run Global Times on Wednesday said China's trade surplus now accounted for about 60 per cent of the bilateral trade.

Asked about the mounting trade deficit and India's concern, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here that "China values the Indian concerns on the trade imbalance.

"In fact, we have never stopped improving that. And in fact, we have been taking a series of measures on accelerating the reviewing process of the Indian imports into China and in the past five years China's imports from India increased by 15 per cent".

He claimed that the "trade deficit has dropped dramatically" but did not substantiate. He also pointed to India's participation in China's 2nd International Import Expo (CIIE) held in November at Shanghai. India was accorded the "Guest of Honour Country" status at the expo.

Geng said: "India was the country with the biggest increase in the deals reached".

According to the figures posted on the website of the Indian Embassy here, from January to November 2019 the total trade between the two neighbours in the 11 months last year has declined by 3.72 per cent amounting to USD 84.32 billion and the trade deficit for the 11 months stood at $51.68 billion.

Highlighting India's concern over the trade deficit, a note posted on the embassy website said: "while flourishing trade has brought with it all the advantages, it has also led to the biggest single trade deficit we are running with any country".

"Our trade deficit concerns are two-pronged. One is the actual size of the deficit. Two is the fact that the imbalance has continuously been widening year after year to reach $58.04 billion in 2018.

"Growth in bilateral investment has not kept pace with the expansion in trading volumes between the two countries," it said.

The note also pointed to modest investment from China.

"While both countries have emerged as top investment destinations for the rest of the world, mutual investment flows are yet to catch up. According to the Ministry of Commerce of China, Chinese investments in India between January-September 2019 were to the tune of $0.19 billion and cumulative Chinese investment in India till the end of September 2019 amounted to $5.08 billion," the note said.

Cumulative Indian investment in China until September 2019 is $0.92 billion, it said.

However, these figures do not capture the investment routed through third countries like Singapore, Hong Kong among others, especially in sectors such as start-ups, which have seen significant growth in Chinese investment, it added.
An outspoken 15-year-old Claudette Colvin grew tired of following the rules on a March bus trip from her high school to her home in Kings Hill, a community in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.

The teenager, raised by her adoptive parents Q.P. and Mary Ann Colvin, had never quite accepted what was status quo in the tumultuous times of segregation. She wore her hair without pomade and heat, she said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as one form of rebelling against the expectations for black people.

I would go to school with my hair in braids, she said. I didnt understand why others wanted to struggle to make (their hair) straight. That hot comb was torture.

On March 2, 1955, her spirit of revolt would bubble up on a bus route from Booker T. Washington High School. The days of standing over empty whites-only bus seats, drinking out of coloreds-only water fountains and accepting the basic lack of human rights led Colvin to a breaking point. She decided to sit in the empty whites-only window seat. When asked to move, she refused.

It was impulsive on my part, she recalled. I didnt plan to be arrested, but every day I saw white people sitting there, and they werent very friendly. We knew the rules. We had to abide by them every day. It didnt just go for buses  it was everything. But I wasnt going to yield to their demand that day.

With that, Colvin would become one of the catalysts for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the eventual desegregation of buses in the city. Though Rosa Parks refusal to relinquish her seat to white passengers is the story capsuled in history as the turning point for the boycotts, Colvin was the inspiration for Parks demonstration, which would take place about nine months after Colvins.

Rosa Parks wasnt the first one to rebel against the segregated seats. I was the first one, Colvin said.

After her arrest, Colvin and her mother began consulting with womens organizations and the NAACP about legal action to take. The organizers told Colvin and her mother they would need to put another face to the bus boycotts to ensure the publics support.

They wanted the right timing and the right person, Colvin told the AJC. She was a prominent woman with outstanding character.

Colvin was unmarried and pregnant at the time of her arrest, while Parks was married, much older and had strong ties to the NAACP. Even as a teenager, she understood the backlash that could ensue if she was chosen as the bus boycotts poster child.

It didnt hurt me, she said. It was about getting it better regardless whether it was me or her.

Both Colvin and Parks were involved in state-level cases that failed in 1955. Colvins attorney decided that bringing Colvin and four other plaintiffs case would be stronger as a federal civil-action case. With the consultation of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and attorneys Robert L. Carter and Thurgood Marshall, who later became Americas first black Supreme Court justice, civil rights attorney Fred Gray was able to move forward with an appeal. Colvin, along with Aurelia Browder, filed suit against Montgomerys Mayor W.A. Gayle in the groundbreaking Browder v. Gayle lawsuit in the U.S. District Courts in February 1956. Their case was successful, dissolving the unjust bus seating laws in Montgomery. On Nov. 13, 1956, the Supreme Court upheld the District Courts ruling and ordered Alabama and Montgomery to desegregate its buses.

Colvin, who now lives in the Bronx, New York, faced taunts from her white Alabama neighbors after the success of the desegregation suit. She found it hard to secure domestic work with white families, so she moved temporarily to upstate New York, where she trained to become a nursing assistant. She was back and forth between Alabama and New York with her two sons for years. It wasnt until the night of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s murder that Colvin decided she would not return to Alabama.

I dropped everything and started running when I heard that on the news, she remembered of the tragic evening of April 4, 1968. It just hurt me that America portrayed itself as a democratic country, land of the free, home of the brave, but it was so unfair for African-Americans at that time.

It would be decades before Colvins name resonated with the public as a pioneering force in the civil rights movement. Her name first surfaced in 1979 during Black History Month, formerly called Negro History Month. In 1990, then-New York Gov. Mario Cuomo awarded her with the MLK Jr. Medal of Freedom, the states highest honor of recognition for those individuals of outstanding accomplishments in the field of civil and human rights.

Colvin has no qualms about her recognition as an accidental freedom fighter. She sees the continued racial biases that exist in America as an opportunity for millennials to make their own marks in history.

For African-Americans, its still going to be  some people say double hard  Id say four times as hard, she said. Be an opportunist. Take advantage of your resources, because the only way to win is with education, self-esteem, having value in yourself.

Written by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Vast funding goes into research on the impact of climate change and adaptation to it, rather than into trying find out how it can be prevented socially

Researchers from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the University of Sussex analysed USD 1.3 trillion of research funding around the world.

Between 1990 and 2018, less than 4.59% of the funding was spent on climate-related research.

Only 0.12% of the research funding was spent on a critical issue: how to change societies to mitigate climate change.

Vast funding goes into research on the impact of climate change and adaptation to it, rather than into trying find out how it can be prevented socially.

A new study shows that there is a huge disproportion in the level of funding for social science research into the greatest challenge in combatting global warming - how to get individuals and societies to overcome ingrained human habits to make the changes necessary to mitigate climate change.

The analysis argues that despite many of the key climate-change puzzles residing in the social sciences (such as anthropology, economics, international relations, human geography, development studies, political science, psychology etc), these fields receive least funding for climate research.

Academics from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the University of Sussex analysed research grants from 332 donors around the world spanning 4.3 million awards with a cumulative value of USD 1.3 trillion from 1950 to 2021.

According to the study's estimates, between 1990 and 2018 the natural and technical sciences received 770% more funding than the social sciences for research on climate change - USD 40 billion compared to only USD 4.6 billion for the social sciences and humanities.

Only 0.12% of all research funding was spent on the social science of climate mitigation.

Even the countries that spent the most on social science climate research in absolute terms - the UK, the USA, and Germany - spent between 500% and 1200% more on climate research in the natural and technical sciences.

The report's co-authors say funding of climate research appears to be based on the assumption that if natural scientists work out the causes, impacts, and technological remedies of climate change, then politicians, officials, and citizens will spontaneously change their behaviour to tackle the problem. The academics argue the evidence from the past decades shows this assumption does not hold.

With the window of opportunity for mitigating climate change narrow and closing, the researchers recommend more funding is made available for social science research on climate mitigation; improved global research funding coordination and transparency; prioritisation around key questions within the social sciences and an increase in the rigorousness of social science research.

Benjamin K Sovacool, Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Sussex, said: "Most people probably think that because climate change is so severe, responsive research would be a core priority. But the opposite is true. And, oddly, the smallest part of the funding goes into solving the most pressing issues."

Indra Overland, who heads the Centre for Energy Research at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, said: "The one-sided emphasis on the natural sciences leaves one wondering whether funding for climate research is managed by climate sceptics. It's as if they don't quite believe in climate change, so they keep looking into out how it really works, rather than trying to work out how to actually stop it."

The authors recommend:

Funding for climate mitigation needs to match the magnitude of the threat - Global annual damages from climate change has already reached USD 10 to 40 billion from storm surge alone, and it could surpass USD 100 trillion over the next 80 years. Funding for research on climate mitigation should be increased to address the magnitude of this threat.

Improved funding transparency and coordination - There is a need for better global coordination and oversight of funding for climate research. The lack of oversight can cause significant overlaps in funding in some research areas, while other areas are neglected. More research financing organizations need to make their portfolios available online with standardized tags for such things such as project title, summary and discipline.

More rigorous social science research - While more funding is needed for social research on climate change, the social sciences also need to rise to the challenge. Social scientists need to do a better job of ensuring rigor and validity in their research. Social science research needs to show a greater understanding of the natural sciences and the physical world, move away from obscure theoretical debates and avoid focussing on very small groups of people or sample sizes that are difficult to generalize from.

Better alignment with emissions sources and trends - Prioritise truly problem-solving research on the burning mitigation issues.

Do not lose sight of climate change as a global challenge - Although global solutions also depend on understanding the micro level, it is still surprising how little social science research goes straight for the really big issues. Part of the solution could be to organize future research efforts not around disciplines, but around urgent puzzles linked to pressing social challenges related to climate change mitigation and energy systems. This challenges-based approach to research has been relatively successful in other domains, notably national defence.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 00:18:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) speaks during a panel in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 15, 2020. Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday that Turkey is not pessimistic of reaching a permanent cease-fire in Libya, accusing Khalifa Haftar, commander of the east-based army, of not wanting a political settlement. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ANKARA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish foreign minister said on Wednesday that Turkey is not pessimistic of reaching a permanent cease-fire in Libya, accusing Khalifa Haftar, commander of the east-based army, of not wanting a political settlement.

"We are not pessimistic, but the truth is Haftar does not want peace. Haftar does not want a political process ... and seeks a military solution," Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a panel in the capital Ankara.

The Turkish officials were disappointed when Haftar left Moscow without signing the truce agreement, he said, adding Russia is continuing an effort to this end.

"I saw it as a disappointment for our Russian friends as well. They did everything in their power and continue to do so," Cavusoglu stated.

On Monday, Haftar left Moscow without signing the cease-fire agreement that was expected to end the months-long war in and around the Libya's capital.

Mediated by Russia and Turkey, the aim of the negotiations in Moscow aimed to see a permanent cease-fire in Libya. The negotiations came after a truce in Libya which took effect on Jan. 12.

Cavusoglu said the efforts were still going on to have a cease-fire deal before the Berlin summit at the weekend.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to kick off efforts for a truce in Libya during a meeting in Istanbul last week, the minister said.

The cease-fire came after days of diplomatic efforts to get the warring sides to return to negotiations which were interrupted last April by Haftar's offensive on Tripoli.

Germany will host an international conference to achieve a permanent cease-fire between Haftar and Fayez al-Serraj, head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) of Libya.

Also on Wednesday, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar expressed hope that Haftar and Serraj will show up in Berlin.

"We are in favor of cease-fire and peace. We do not want the continuation of clashes. Efforts should be focused on a cease-fire so that Libyan parties can engage in talks for a political solution," he told reporters.

Haftar is intentionally delaying a cease-fire agreement in a bid to undermine the influence of Turkey and Russia ahead of the Berlin peace conference, Akar noted.

"Some powers dislike the Turkish-Russian dominance in pushing for peace. They have given some advice to Haftar. As seen, he did not fully burn the bridges but delayed the cease-fire," he explained.

The Turkish defense minister, however, refuted media reports that Haftar's forces have cancelled the truce in Libya, saying "it's too early to suggest that the cease-fire has fully collapsed."

"We are currently waiting for the conclusion of the efforts of the Russian side," he added.

Elaborating the memorandum of understanding for security and military cooperation signed between Turkey and the Serraj administration, Akar said some Turkish troops are in Libya to provide training and advice to the Tripoli-based government.

The North African country has seen an escalation of turmoil that erupted after a NATO-backed uprising killed the former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Libya is now divided between the GNA in the capital Tripoli and Haftar's forces in the east and the south.

Turkey and Russia are on opposite pages in Libya as Moscow supports Haftar's forces.
Police say they've found a second man responsible for a burglary spree and he's a convicted killer.

Timothy Crews, 59, of Burlington, was arrested Wednesday for what police say is his role in a burglary spree targeting convenience stores. He's accused of aiding in the commission of a felony and driving with a suspended license. Crews is due in court next month.

Police say Crews was helping John Shambo, 56, of Burlington. Shambo is charged with four counts of burglary.

Investigators say the men targeted the Jericho Jolly, the Eden Mini Mart, and the Cupboard Deli and Madonna Mobil in Cambridge.

Crews is well-known to Vermont police.

In 1986, he was convicted of second-degree murder for killing another man with an ax in Westford.

In 2005, Crews pleaded guilty to an accessory charge for helping to dispose of a murdered drug dealer in the woods in Ripton.

In 2011, Crews was charged with receiving stolen property. It was a guitar stolen from Ben Hardy's home in Burlington. It was signed by the members of Pearl Jam and given to Hardy's brother before he died from brain cancer.
India slammed China on Thursday (January 16) for joining hands with Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying Beijing should keep in mind the global consensus over Kashmir issue and should not indulge in such activities in the future.

Addressing a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar also hit out at Pakistan, saying Islamabad has repeatedly sought help from China to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC, but it failed again to garner the support of global community over this matter. He added that China's attempt to help Pakistan failed on Wednesday (January 15) as other countries of the 15-member council understand that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

"An attempt was made by Pakistan, through a UNSC member, to misuse the platform. An overwhelming majority of UNSC was of the view that the UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and it should be discussed bilaterally," Kumar said.

He added that Pakistan repeatedly tries to run fake propaganda that the situation in Kashmir is not normal but they have always failed in their nefarious attempts because the global community does not believe Islamabad's claims. "Pakistan's attempt to peddle baseless allegations, showing an alarming scenario, failed as it lacked credibility," Kumar remarked.

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Responding to Beijing raking up Kashmir issue at the UNSC, Kumar said, "In our view, China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons, and refrain from taking such action in the future."

Commenting on speculations over US President Donald Trump visit to India, Kumar said, "Speculations have been made on this since months. When PM Modi met US President Trump, he had invited him to India...Both the countries are in contact over this. We will share with you as & when we get concrete information."

According to news agency ANI, China`s ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, warned against further escalation between India and Pakistan`s over Kashmir and hoped that the Security Council meeting would encourage both countries to seek a solution through dialogue. He told reporters after the closed-door meeting that China remains "concerned about the situation on the ground" in Kashmir. "I`m sure the meeting will help both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and encourage them to approach each other and to have dialogue and to seek means to seek solutions through dialogue," Zhang told ANI.
Photo: Jo Jo/Unsplash

Looking to mix things up this weekend? From a comedy show to a yacht party, here are a few top options to help you get social around town.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

A Blacc Ass Comedy Show

From the event description:

Enjoy comedians from all over the city. There will be live music and drink specials.



When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-11 p.m.

Where: Basquiat's Bottle, 1198 Fulton St.

Admission: $12

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Hub New Music

From the event description:

Contemporary chamber trailblazers Hub New Music present works by composers Takuma Itoh and Robert Honstein, as well as a NY premiere by Kati Agocs.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Metropolis Ensemble, 1 Rivington St., Floor 2

Admission: $10-$20

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Yacht party cruise



From the event description:

Enjoy views of lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, as well as live DJs and surprise performances. There will be three bars for cocktails, beer and wine.



When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Where: Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 15, 78 South St.

Admission: $25

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Village Nights hosted by Richard Barone: KJ Denhert

From the event description:

KJ Denhert is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, vocalist and bandleader living in Ossining, New York. She is a consummate artist with a rich history  a legend of urban folk and jazz who channels a wide range of influences to create something completely unique.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: North Square, 103 Waverly Place

Admission: $25

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Post Holdings, Inc. (POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today announced it will hold a conference call on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. EST to discuss financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2020 outlook and to respond to questions. Robert V. Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff A. Zadoks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the call.



Post also announced it plans to release its financial results for the first quarter after market close on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing (877) 540-0891 in the United States and (678) 408-4007 from outside of the United States. The conference identification number is 1371013. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of Posts website at www.postholdings.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, February 21, 2020 by dialing (800) 585-8367 in the United States and (404) 537-3406 from outside of the United States and using the conference identification number 1371013. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on Posts website in the Investor Relations section.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice, food ingredient and convenient nutrition food categories. Through its Post Consumer Brands business, Post is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal category offering a broad portfolio including recognized brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats, Pebbles, Great Grains and Malt-O-Meal bag cereal. Post also is a leader in the United Kingdom ready-to-eat cereal category with the iconic Weetabix brand. As a leader in refrigerated foods, Post delivers innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato products to the foodservice channel and the retail refrigerated side dish category, offering side dishes and egg, sausage and cheese products through the Bob Evans, Simply Potatoes, Bettern Eggs and Crystal Farms brands. Posts publicly-traded subsidiary BellRing Brands business is a holding company operating in the global convenient nutrition category through its primary brands of Premier Protein, Dymatize and PowerBar. Post participates in the private brand food category through its investment with Thomas H. Lee Partners in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, a leading, private brand centric, consumer products holding company. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:

Investor Relations

Matt Mainer

matt.mainer@postholdings.com

(314) 644-7618
Blaine Ruppenthal,17, died after experiencing flu-related complications. Image via Facebook.

The number of flu-related deaths continues to climb as Canada enters peak flu-season.

Blaine Ruppenthal, a 17-year-old from Winnipeg, Man. died after spending more than a month in a medically induced coma due to complications from Type A influenza. According to a Facebook group set up by Ruppenthals family, the Kelvin High School senior went into cardiac arrest twice on Dec. 7, 2019, and was being treated with hypothermic therapy.

Blaine Ruppenthal. Image via Facebook/MacKenzie Sawka.

He was a beautiful, smart, kind boy, Ruppenthals aunt Mary-Anne Clarkee told CBC News.

Ruppenthals passing serves as an unfortunate reminder of how quickly the flu can become fatal.

Flu season 2019-2020

Earlier this month, Health Canadas weekly FluWatch report confirmed there have been 560 hospitalizations due to influenza, with 60 admissions to intensive care unit (ICU) and 10 deaths. The report notes a dramatic increase in laboratory flu detections between Dec.15 and Jan. 4, with 9,119 reported cases of influenza occurring, bringing this seasons flu total to 12,547.

ALSO SEE: Grade 12 student in Winnipeg dies from flu complications

A majority of reported flu cases (69 per cent) have been influenza A, which can be further categorized into two subtypes: H3N2 and H1N1. Although Canadians of any age can contract any strain of flu (A,B or C), experts often associate H3N2 with those over 65, while H1N1 is considered to have a more youthful profile.

In Canada and the United States, experts have noticed an increase in cases of influenza type B, which has been linked to a higher hospitalization and mortality rate in children.

Image via Getty Images.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a report regarding an outbreak of influenza type B (B/Victoria) that has eclipsed other strains of flu for the first time in 27 years. The CDC noted that the increase in type B cases is occurring earlier than expected, something also noted by infectious disease experts in Canada.

So far, the CDC estimates there have been 4,800 flu-related deaths in the United States, up 65 per cent from last year, and nearly 87,000 hospitalizations, with months left to go before the end of the 2019-2020 flu season.

Story continues

ALSO SEE: A 4-year-old has gone blind from the flu: How often does this happen?

Flu shots are recommended for everyone six months old or older, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to help protect yourself and prevent the spread of illness. Flu shots can be obtained from your primary care physician, nurse practitioner and participating pharmacies.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get the flu, no matter your age. There are however, a higher risk of complications for people over 65, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, children under five-years-old, toddlers and infants.

Image via Getty Images.

Symptoms

The flu is marked by an abrupt onset of symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weakness, chest, discomfort, headache and chills. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea often occurs in children, but can occur in adults. People may experience stuffy or runny nose, loss of appetite or sore throat, which can often cause them to believe they have a cold.

What to do

The first thing to do is avoid exposing others to the virus, which is highly contagious. Health Canada advises anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to contact or visit their healthcare provider, and take the proper precautions such as wearing a mask, to minimize exposure to others.

Image via Getty Images.

Complications and emergency situations

As the influenza virus attacks the respiratory system, it can lead to inflammation, making it more difficult for oxygen to reach blood vessels. Common complications include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), and brain (encephalitis).The weakened immune system can also allow for secondary infection to occur, increasing the risk of sepsis, which can lead to multiple organ failure.

Immediate medical attention is required should you begin to experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, persistent abdominal pain or pressure, severe muscle weakness, high fever or fevers that last longer than three days, low blood pressure, seizures or dehydration (lack of urine).

The CDC advises parents seek emergency care should their child develop blue lips or face, dehydration (no urine, no tears when crying, dry mouth) fever above 39C (102F) worsening fever or cough or lack of alertness. Children under 12 weeks of age should be taken for immediate medical attention should there be any sign of fever.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!

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Ukraine's Interior Ministry announced it is launching a criminal investigation into possible illegal surveillance of former U.S. ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and the hacking of natural gas company Burisma Holdings, NBC News reports.

Why it matters: The decision comes two days after Democrats released documents that appear to show Lev Parnas, an associate of President Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, indicating he discussed surveilling Yovanovitch in March 2019.

The FBI has been invited to participate in the investigation, AP reports.

The big picture per Axios' Alayna Treene: If anything comes of these investigations, it could give Democrats new ammunition as the Senate proceeds with its impeachment trial.

What they're saying: In a statement, the ministry said, "Ukraine's position is not to interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States of America," but the allegations of illegal surveillance could be a violation of Ukrainian and international law, per NBC.

Flashback:

Yovanovitch testified in November that she was the subject of a smear campaign spearheaded by Giuliani that led to her firing.

Former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, was a director of Burisma Holdings. The impeachment inquiry started following allegations that Trump threatened to withhold aid from Ukraine if they didn't investigate Burisma.

Go deeper: Yovanovitch urges Ukraine probe after Parnas phone records release
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 01:46:20|Editor: yan

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LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Merseyside Maritime Museum, part of the National Museums Liverpool (NML), will open a new gallery on March 28 to explore stories of seafarers and passengers sailing from Liverpool, the NML announced Thursday.

Entitled The Life on Board, the gallery "will reveal the dangers, joys, cultures and community at the heart of seafaring, from the 1700s to the present day," said a NML spokeswoman, adding that an Archives Center featuring collection of maritime and slavery records will also be included.

"Life on Board will provide us with the opportunity to display more than 250 fascinating objects. From ship models and figureheads, to examples of fine tableware and clothing, they help to tell new and important stories about our great seafaring past and present," said Ian Murphy, head of Merseyside Maritime Museum.

The gallery will also explore the style and comfort of passenger travel, looking at the "floating palaces" of the early 20th century.

Between 1830 and 1930 about 40 million people left Europe in search of a new and better life. About 9 million of them sailed from Liverpool, mostly travelling to North America, Australia and New Zealand. Early links with the Far East also made Liverpool home to Europe's oldest Chinatown.
The government may increase customs duty on several products like paper, footwear, rubber items and toys in the forthcoming Budget with a view to promote 'Make in India' and boost manufacturing growth, sources said

New Delhi: The government may increase customs duty on several products like paper, footwear, rubber items and toys in the forthcoming Budget with a view to promote 'Make in India' and boost manufacturing growth, sources said.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry in its Budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry has proposed rationalisation of basic customs or import duty on over 300 items from different sectors, including furniture, chemicals, rubber, coated paper and paper boards, they said.

For new pneumatic tyres of rubber, it has proposed to hike customs duty to 40 percent from the current 10-15 percent.

Similarly, on footwear and related products, the ministry has suggested an increase in duty to 35 percent from the current 25 percent.

"There is a significant increase in imports of undervalued and cheap footwear. Hike in the duty will help address the issue of price competition. Majority of imports are coming from ASEAN countries, with which India has a free trade agreement. It is also suspected that China is re-routing large quantities of footwear through these countries," the sources said.

The ministry has proposed to increase import duty on wooden furniture to 30 percent from the current 20 percent.

For coated paper, paper boards and hand made papers, it has suggested doubling the duty to 20 percent.

However, it has asked for the removal of import duty on waste paper and wood pulp, which is currently at 10 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

The paper industry has expressed concerns about cheap imports and a surge in inbound shipments.

"This has a significant negative impact on coated paper manufacturing industry. Increase in duty will help the domestic industry to compete with global players. It would also protect local manufacturers and ensure sustained growth of the domestic paper industry," one of the sources said.

For wood, metal and plastic toys, the ministry has suggested an increase in import duty to up to 100 percent from the current 20 percent.

Import of these toys increased to $304 million in 2018-19 from $281.82 million in 2017-18 from China and Hong Kong.

Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here
According to new spy images surfaced on the web, Toyota has begun testing the CNG variant of the Innova Crysta . Spotted during a public road test in Gurugram, the test-mule features a CNG sticker on the rear windshield, hinting at Toyota working on the bi-fuel variant of the MPV.

Currently, the Toyota Innova Crysta petrol variant is powered by a 2.7-litre petrol engine that produces 164bhp and 245Nm of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual unit and a six-speed automatic unit. The CNG variant is likely to produce a marginally lower output when compared to the petrol only unit and may be offered exclusively with a manual transmission.

The Toyota Innova Crysta CNG variant also has the 2.7 badging, hinting that the model is based on the petrol powered engine that was recently updated to comply with the BS6 emission norms. The model could be introduced in the lower trims of the MPV, targeted at the fleet segment.

Image Source

Toyota Innova Crysta  17.30 Lakh Onwards

Toyota | Innova Crysta | Toyota Innova Crysta
Arguing that terrorism was going to stay in the world as long as states were going to use it against other states, he said it was important to prevent states from using terrorism as a "proxy war".

Gen. Rawat was speaking along with other world leaders at Raisina dialogue organised by India's influential think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

"The only way to deal with it was what the US did post 9/11," he said, adding that the war against terror was necessary.

However, now a peace deal with Taliban is required, Gen. Rawat said.

"It must be a negotiated peace deal so that the Taliban stops using terrorism," he added. Hinting that the US should maintain its presence in Afghanistan, the CDS said that though Afghan security forces are now equipped to fight back terror groups in Afghanistan but they still need support.

The newly appointed CDS officially confirmed that India has shifted its stance on Taliban. India has traditionally been opposed to the Pakistan-backed Taliban in Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans were given refuge in India when they fled the country due to oppression and terrorism of the Taliban regime. India is in alignment with the democratically elected government in Kabul that the Taliban remains supported by Pakistan.

(Aarti Tikoo Singh can be reached at aarti.t@ians.in)
Malappuram/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 16 : After coming under pressure from the Congress-led opposition for being silent, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday took on Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Speaking at an anti-new citizenship law (CAA) meet at Malappuram, Vijayan said, "Yes, we have opposed the CAA. We have demanded it to be repealed in the Kerala Assembly. It's best that those who are speaking now, should spend time reading that book (Constitution). Everything is written in it. This is a country where democracy prevails and not the yesteryear's 'resident' who reigned supreme over local kingdoms. No resident is above the Assembly," Vijayan said without naming the Governor.

Earlier in the day, Khan said he was not a rubber stamp and would apply his mind. Khan was reacting to the media after reports surfaced that he refused to sign an ordinance approved by the Kerala cabinet to increase number of members in local bodies.

"I make it clear the Constitution doesn't expect me to be a rubber stamp. I have to apply my mind. I will need time to go through what the ordinance is all about. With the House session to be convened soon, what was the need. I have raised some questions. After getting answers, I will apply my mind. I never said I will not sign," said Khan.

When pointed out that the government would return it (ordinance) to him, if he didn't sign, Khan shot back, "Who said so? There is nothing like that." Khan has been taking tough stance over the manner the Vijayan government has been treating the CAA. He also attacked the Vijayan government for challenging the CAA in the Supreme Court.

"There is a legal maxim -- neither me nor anyone is above the law. I'm not against anyone approaching the judiciary. With me being the constitutional head of the state, they (the state government) should have informed me about it. I came to know about it through the newspapers," he said.

"Some people here, think they are above law," Khan remarked.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus nominees for the state Executive Council, Civil Service Commission and the state House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the confirmation of the 11 nominees took place through a voice vote conducted during plenary on Thursday.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, explained that the three commissioner-nominees confirmed by the Assembly were Ganiyu Ayuba, Olugbenga Oyerinde and Bamigbose Martins.

He said those confirmed for the LAHASCOM were Akeem Bello, a former member of the Eighth Assembly, Kabiru Lawal, a member of the Assembly from 20072015 and Richard Osungboye.

He added that the nominees confirmed for the Assembly service commission were Babatunde Seriki, a former member of the Assembly, Avoseh Suuru, Adesina Odeyemi, Olubunmi Fabanwo, who was confirmed as Chairman and Kamalrudeen Olorunoje.

NAN reports that an eight-man Ad-hoc Committee on Screening of Governors Nominees had given its report through its Chairman, Rotimi Abiru, on Monday during plenary.

Mr Abiru stated that all the nominees were screened by the committee on December 13 and that they all answered the questions put to them satisfactorily and provided all the necessary documents.

READ ALSO:

The report of the committee was, however, adopted as the resolution of the Assembly, while motion for its adoption was moved by Abiodun Tobun, supported by Victor Akande.

The Assembly had, on August 16, 2019, rejected three of the cabinet nominees presented to it for approval by Mr Sanwo-Olu, thus necessitating their replacements.

Those rejected by the Assembly then included Ajayi Bembe, George Obafemi and Olanrewaju Sanusi.

(NAN)
By Callixte Kavuro

Post-doctoral Researcher at Stellenbosch University

The new changes in the current South African asylum system were instituted by the Refugees Amendment Act of 2008 and the Regulations of 2018, which came into effect on 1 January 2020. These new changes are explained in detail below:

1. THE REFUGEES AMENDMENT ACT, 2008

On 12 December 2019, the Refugees Amendment Act, 2008 was brought into operation by President Ramaphosa, and took effect on 01 January 2020. The 2008 amendments to the Refugees Act, 1998 were adopted to align the Refugees Act to the Immigration Act of 2002. The 2008 amendments dissolved the Refugee Appeal Board (RAB) and thus replaced it with the Refugee Appeals Authority (RRA) and, more importantly, introduced the rights and obligations of asylum-seekers.

What are those amendments inserted into the Refugees Act?

The 2008 amendments provided for:

 The definitions of terms including biometrics, immediate family member, marriage, residence, spouse, and unfounded application.

 The extension of grounds of persecution to include the ground of gender.

 The extension of disqualification from the refugee protection. In this case, an asylum-seeker could not qualify to be a refugee (i) if he or she has committed a serious non-political crime outside South Africa prior to coming to South Africa, or if he or she enjoys the protection of any other country (other than South Africa) in which he or she is recognised as a refugee or is granted permanent resident permit or citizenship.

 The extension of grounds to cease to be a refugee: Refugees who are granted a permanent resident permit (PRP) or a citizenship in South Africa or acquires the nationality (or a citizenship) of another country and enjoys its protection  are no longer considered as refugees.

 The manner which unaccompanied children and people with disabilities  seeking asylum in South Africa can lodge their applications and how they can be treated.

 The manner in which a spouse and/or a dependant of an asylum-seeker or a refugee can be recognised. Prior to this provision, women were, more often than not, excluded as main applicants as their husbands usually were main applicants for asylum. Women struggled to be recognised as refugees if they divorced or become widows.

 The provision that refugees and asylum-seekers children born in South Africa are registered by their parents as their dependants at the Refugee Reception offices (RRO) within 30 days of the birth. Also that these babies born of refugee and/or asylum seeker parents must first be registered at a Home Affairs branch that caters to citizens, and subsequently, the branch of Home Affairs that caters for refugees, namely the Refugee Reception Office Refugee (RRO).

 The rights and obligations of asylum-seekers: An asylum-seeker is entitled to the rights in the Bill of Rights that can apply to everyone. Unlike refugees, these constitutional rights are not fully protected.

 Abolishment of the Maroon Refugee ID: A refugee must be issued with an identity card or document similar to an identity card or identity document (ID) issued to South Africans.

 Extension of instances of withdrawal of the refugee status: The withdrawal can be done in terms of the provisions of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000, if withdrawn on the grounds of fraud, forgery or false or misleading information of a material or substantial nature in relation to the application; or (ii) on the grounds of an error, omission or oversight committed by the Refugee Status Determination Officer (RSDO) in good faith.

2. THE REGULATIONS OF 2018

On 12 December 2019, Dr P A Motsoaledi, the Minister of Home Affairs, published the Regulations to the Refugees Act, 1998 as amended by the Refugees Amendment Act, 2008. These regulations replaced the Regulations adopted in 2000.

What are main changes brought into operations by the 2019 regulations?

1. Paternity tests for purposes of family unification:

A paternity test is mandatory in a situation whereby the RSDO is of the view that the child is smuggled or trafficked into South Africa. During the testing period, the child will be placed in the care of a social worker.

Additionally, there will be no family unification with a child who was not declared in the very first interview. Such a child will be treated as an unaccompanied child and thus be placed in the care of a social worker.

2. Spousal relationship:

If an individual is declared to be a spouse, this must be proved. It must be proved that the spousal relationship exists and that the marriage is genuine. If no certificate of marriage available, the applicant must submit an affidavit. In establishing whether a marriage is genuine, couples must be interviewed separately. Upon divorce or death, if a spouse is an asylum-seeker, he/she must re-apply for asylum. If a spouse is a refugee, a spouse must apply for refugee status permit. This amendment is necessary especially for women as in the past their husbands lodged the applications.

Every time couples go to renew their asylum-seeker permit or refugee status, they must submit an affidavit attesting that the marriage still exists.

3. Voluntary repatriation:

Voluntary repatriation (or re-availing to the protection of the home country) of refugees or asylum-seekers will further be understood in the following circumstances:

(i) Seeking consular services at diplomatic mission representing their home country;

(ii) Applying for any assistance or official document, such as a travel document or citizenship related document, at any diplomatic mission representing their home country;

(iii) Availing themselves of any assistance of any State official or State institution associated with or in their home country;

(iv) Presenting themselves on the premises of any diplomatic mission representing their country in South Africa or in any other country;

(v) Traveling abroad with other than a refugee travel document issued in terms of the Refugees Act;

(vi) Applying for and receiving any benefit afforded to citizens of their home country;

(vii) Standing for political office or votes in any election in respect of their home country, without the approval of the Minister;

(viii) Departing South Africa to apply for asylum in another country;

(ix) Participating in any political campaign or activity related to their home country while in South Africa without the permission of the Minister;

(x) Traveling abroad in violation of the conditions endorsed on the refugee travel document; or

(xi) Participating in any political activity or campaign in furtherance of any political party or political interests in South Africa

In any one of these instances, the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) will withdraw the refugee status permit or asylum-seeker permit. Once the refugee status permit or asylum-seeker permit has been withdrawn, a refugee or asylum-seeker will be dealt with as an illegal foreigner and therefore be deported.

4. Application for asylum:

For new applications for asylum, an application must be submitted together with (i) a valid asylum transit visa issued at a port of entry, or under permitted circumstances, a valid visa; and (ii) proof of a valid identification document. Failure to provide a valid asylum transit visa, the applicant will have to show a good cause first prior to submitting their application for asylum.

An asylum-seeker can choose a language in which he/she will be interviewed.

An asylum-seeker must submit a proof of relationship to his spouse (wife or husband) and his/her dependants. All dependants must show their valid visas and must sit for separate interviews.

5. Asylum seeker visa (permit):

A permit will contain the conditions upon which an asylum seeker may temporarily reside in South Africa and, where appropriate, seek employment and obtain basic education.

Prior to issuing any right to seek employment to any asylum seeker, an assessment of whether an asylum seeker is able to sustain himself or herself and any dependants must be done.

In the event that the right to seek employment or study is endorsed on the asylum seeker visa, the relevant employer, in the case of a right to work, and the relevant educational institution, in the case of a right to study, must furnish the Department of Home Affairs with a letter of employment or of enrolment at the educational institution, as the case may be, in the prescribed form within a period of 14 days from the date of the asylum seeker taking up employment or being enrolled, as the case may be.

NB: These conditions are drawn from the 2017 Refugees Amendment Act (section 18 amending section 22 of the Refugees Act, 1998).

6. Unaccompanied children and people with disabilities:

The Regulations, referring to the 2008 amendments, provide the manner which unaccompanied children and people with disabilities  seeking asylum in South Africa can lodge their applications and how they could be treated.

7. Children:

Currently, children of asylum-seekers or refugees who become adults whilst living in South Africa, can apply to be independent from their parent(s) and to have their own files created. This is frequently applied in instances where these former dependants wish to get married.

8. Refugees Appeal Authority (RAA):

The Regulations dissolve the Refugee Appeal Board (RAB) and thus establish the Refugee Appeal Authority (RRA). Appeals against applications for asylum, which are rejected as manifestly unfounded, abusive or fraudulent; or rejected as unfounded, must be directed to RAA. They must first be reviewed by the SCRA. In other words, rejection of asylum-seekers will first be reviewed by the SCRA, and if the rejection is upheld (confirmed) by the SCRA, any asylum-seekers can lodge an appeal before the RAA.

9. Validity and extension of refugee status permit:

A refugee status must be valid for a period of four years from the date on which it is issued and must be renewed, at least 90 days, prior to the expiry date.

10. Application for ID:

From 16 years and old, every refugee must apply for ID. If applying for a replacement of an ID in case an ID is lost or damaged, a designated fee will be paid.

11. Expulsion of a refugee or asylum-seeker:

The Minister may issue an order requiring the Director-General to immediately detain and remove, from South Africa, any asylum seeker or refugee deemed to be a threat to national security.

12. Announcing physical and contract details

A refugee and asylum-seeker must submit the notice of change of address and contact details to a Refugee Reception Office.

New changes in the refugee system are summarised by:

Dr Callixte Kavuro

Post-doctoral Researcher at Stellenbosch University
It now looks like full-scale war between Iran and the United States has been averted. For the moment, at least. So, was the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, Irans top military commander, a smart move by U.S. President Donald Trump?

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

It now looks like full-scale war between Iran and the United States has been averted. For the moment, at least. So, was the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, Irans top military commander, a smart move by U.S. President Donald Trump?

In the aftermath of Irans ballistic missile attacks in Iraq and Tehrans seeming willingness to "stand down," some commentators are arguing in the affirmative. I couldnt disagree more.

Yes, its true that Soleimani was a violent instigator in the Middle East and had a great deal of blood on his hands. Backers of Trump also stipulate that removing him from the battlefield had been a long-standing U.S. military objective and his recent travels in the region made that more permissible.

His demise was long overdue, they maintain. He needed to be stopped. Furthermore, the targeted killing of Soleimani sent a powerful message to the religious mullahs in Tehran to think twice.

But surely if his purported attack against U.S. military personnel and assets was "imminent," then Soleimani being dead or alive is really immaterial. In other words, the oft-heard deadly plan, if imminent, must have been well-advanced before his termination.

To be sure, no one seriously thinks that Soleimanis killing would stop Iran from carrying out such a plan. And are we to believe that his replacement, Gen. Esmail Ghaani, would not move forward with attacking Americans? I dont think so.

This was a highly questionable assassination  based on pretty thin intelligence if you listen to members of Congress  by an impulsive U.S. president who was annoyed by pro-Iranian agitators storming the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Even senior Pentagon officials were stunned to learn that Trump had agreed to take out Soleimani. They figured  wrongly, as it turned out  that Trump would never choose such an extreme option.

Whether an extreme option or not, which country has actually come out farther ahead? Is the U.S. standing in the region  politically, militarily and diplomatically  bolstered? I would argue the Iranians are now in a stronger position overall.

Indeed, should we now expect Iran to end any indirect or proxy-initiated attacks against U.S. targets? Will it suddenly halt its use of asymmetrical warfare?

Its highly unlikely the tragic downing of the Ukrainian airliner, killing 57 Canadians and even reaching into Winnipeg, was a demonstration of these unconventional tactics. In fact, Iranian authorities, calling it an "unforgivable mistake," have now acknowledged that one of their air-defence units unintentionally shot down UIA Flight 752.

It is worth emphasizing, though, that Trumps ill-advised actions have significantly strengthened the hand of the hard-line theocrats in Tehran (and undermined a fledgling pro-democracy movement). Killing Soleimani has only rallied the people around the regime (tempered only by the aircraft downing), served as a major distraction from pressing domestic ills and punishing sanctions, and given the government a freer hand to engage in additional attacks against the U.S. It was an unforced error by Trump and a gift to the Iranian regime.

Oddly, Trump has raised the prospect of negotiating a new nuclear deal with the Iranians. Hell has a better chance of freezing over, Id say.

If anything, Tehran will be emboldened by recent developments to accelerate its nuclear weapons program. It has already said as much. Why would it do otherwise  especially as it looks toward Kim Jong-un in North Korea?

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Moreover, the Iraqi government, hobbled by internal dissent and Iranian influence, has been weakened further by Trumps assassination of Soleimani. It is just barely hanging on. There is even serious talk about Baghdad demanding that all U.S. military forces in Iraq leave the country.

That, of course, would be very good news indeed for Americas enemies. For instance, how will all this impact the Islamic State terrorist group?

In many ways, it could be in a stronger position to reconstitute itself in Iraq and then turn against the U.S. Washingtons ally in Baghdad would also be enfeebled and Irans hold on the country would only be fortified as it repelled a revitalized IS.

Lastly, Trumps antics have served to strengthen Russias role in the region. Indeed, he has certainly opened the door to Vladimir Putin to fill the political and strategic vacuum created by a diminishing U.S. presence.

The events of the past few days, then, highlight once again that Iran is committed to playing the long game, while Trump is only loyal to advancing his short-term electoral interests. But the cost of Trumps myopic thinking to U.S. long-term interests in the region will be enormous. Rather than actually minimizing the chance of war in the Middle East, Trump has made that prospect more likely in the coming years.

Peter McKenna is professor of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that she will not participate in the Central government's upcoming meeting on Population Register, which is scheduled for January 17 in the capital.

"On January 17, the central government has convened a meeting on NPR in Delhi. I won't be going," said Banerjee addressing an event here.

She said that Trinamool Congress (TMC) will continue the agitation against Central government's anti-people policies, Citizenship Amendment law, Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) till Sunday. On January 28, 29 and 30, the TMC trade union will take the charge of agitation," she said.

The TMC supremo hit out at CPI(M) for claiming that the NPR process is being carried out in West Bengal.

"CPI(M) is giving wrong information, that NPR is being carried out in Bengal. It is wrong, they should apologize else law will take its own course," she said.

All states have issued re-notification of the NPR, while Kerala and West Bengal have communicated to the Centre to put NPR on hold, government sources told ANI on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
This afternoon, if all goes according to schedule, all 100 members of the United States Senate will take an oath to "do impartial justice" as jurors in the impeachment trial of President Trump. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will be among those sworn in to judge the president's case.

If he takes the oath seriously, McConnell's first act after that should be to recuse himself.

McConnell won't do that, of course  he is the honey badger of American politics. But there can be no question that McConnell has no intention of approaching Trump's impeachment with impartiality. He has already passed judgment on the House of Representatives' case against the president  calling the Articles of Impeachment "weak"  and, more troubling, promised "total coordination" with the White House in steering the Senate trial to its conclusion.

"This is a political process. There is not anything judicial about it," he said in December. "Impeachment is a political decision."

Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) called for McConnell's recusal in December. She will serve at the trial as one of the House-appointed impeachment managers, and on Wednesday said she still believes McConnell should step aside.

"For the Senate Majority Leader to publicly announce that he has no intentions of being impartial and, as a matter of fact, he's coordinating every step with the White House and there will be no difference between the White House and his views, is absolutely shameful," she said in a press conference. "It's hard to take that one back and put that toothpaste back in the tube."

Demings is right.

McConnell is too, sort of. It is true that the Senate is a political body. Most of its members have dreamed about being president; all of them have risen to their current positions  and stayed there  by being obsessively attuned to donors, voters, and anybody else with influence over their careers. Asking the most political people in the world to put politics aside and be impartial is nearly impossible. Even the Founders saw that.

Story continues

And yet there's that darned oath.

The impeachment oath doesn't allow for exceptions. It doesn't obligate its takers to "do impartial justice" unless senators really like the president, or unless the political incentives make it difficult. It simply commands impartiality.

The three years of Trump's presidency have featured a lot of public pondering about why Republicans go along with his worst behavior, why  with rare exception  leaders like McConnell can't call him out, oppose him, or otherwise "put country over party." There are a lot of answers. Some of them involve their fear of Trump and his ability to end their political careers. Some of it is that they see what Trump has given them  tax cuts, deregulation, and a slew of conservative judges  and have decided this president's downsides are worth the benefits. And many Republicans don't put country over party because they truly believe that what is good for one is also good for the other.

That should be no surprise. Test a few Democrats, and you'd probably find they possess a similar belief.

Impeachment is different, though. The oath challenges senators to think hard and critically about the difference between what is good for the party and what is good for the country. It suggests that there is a higher duty than winning the next election, something more important than pledging allegiance to one's own biases. It requires politicians to do something they almost never have to do: be unselfish. Impartiality may be a nearly impossible standard, but there is something to be said for trying to live up to it.

McConnell probably won't make that attempt. He will take the oath and then immediately violate it  even if, as law professor Lawrence Lessig has suggested, that violation makes him a perjurer. Who, after all, will hold him accountable?

The impeachment trial is meant to judge Trump. But the ramifications go beyond this presidency. History is already starting to render its verdict on the honor of McConnell  the impeachment trial is one more piece of evidence that will find him wanting.

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A little known company called Forbidden Foods has defeated a powerful statutory board and rice export giant SunRice in a freedom of information battle that could alter the future of the $245 million rice industry.

In 2006, the Rice Marketing Board (RMB) granted SunRice a monopoly over all overseas exports of rice produced in Australia, the vast majority of which is grown in NSW.

The deal has since been renewed four times, with SunRice set to hold the prized export rights until 2022. The company is one of Australia's largest branded food exporters.

A little known player has won a freedom of information battle against the giants of Australia's rice industry. Credit:Marina Oliphant

Each year the RMB reviews SunRices performance and suitability to hold the licence, including an independent review by an auditor.
Last week Charlotte Tilbury teased the launch of her new Pillow Talk collection by releasing a limited edition Instant Eye Palette comprised of 12 all-new matte shades.

But fans of the cult-favorite brand will be even more pleased to hear that today Charlotte Tilbury has dropped two new versions of her wildly popular Pillow Talk lipstick.

The two new shades, both $34, are warmer than the original nude Pillow Talk with 'deeper, sweeter rose tones' to suit a wider range of skin tones.

Charlotte Tilbury has dropped two new versions of her Pillow Talk lipstick, including the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Medium (left) and the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Intense (right)

Charlotte Tilbury's Cheek to Chic in Pillow Talk Intense, costing $40, is a rosy-pink blush that's buildable for a deep luminous-looking glow

The Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Medium glides on in a warm berry-pink tone, while the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Pillow Talk Intense leaves you with a deep berry-rose full-bodied pout.

Along with the two new lip shades, Charlotte Tilbury has launched a further four new products today as part of the Pillow Talk collection.

These include two new versions of Lip Cheat, Charlotte Tilbury's rich, velvety lip liner. Both priced at $22, the Pillow Talk Medium shade is a warm berry-pink, while Pillow Talk Intense is a deep tawny-brown tone.

The Cheek to Chic in Pillow Talk Intense, costing $40, is a rosy-pink blush that's buildable for a deep luminous-looking glow.

The extended makeup range is inspired by Charlotte Tilbury's cult-favourite Pillow Talk lipstick, beloved by A-listers

The sixth and final product launched today is the $27 Pillow Talk Eye Liner, a smokey berry-brown waterliner and eyeliner that glides on leaving a gorgeous creamy-matte texture.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk collection release dates Launching January 9: Instant Eye Palette in Pillow Talk Launching January 16: Cheek to Chic in Pillow Talk Intense Matte Revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk Medium K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipstick in Pillow Talk Intense Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Medium and Pillow Talk Intense Pillow Talk Eye Liner in Pillow Talk Launching January 30: Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk Launching February 26: Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk and Pillow Talk Medium

This extended makeup range is inspired by the brand's cult-favourite Pillow Talk lipstick, beloved by a number of A-listers.

The shade  a universally flattering rosy-beige hue admired by everyone from Alexa Chung to Mariah Carey  has proved so popular that one lipstick is sold every two minutes around the world.

The bestselling lipstick was worn by British model Kitty Spencer at the 2018 royal wedding and is a firm red carpet favourite among stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Celine Dion and JK Rowling.

Charlotte Tilbury says that the collection is designed to 'make your eyes look brighter, your lips look fuller and wider and your complexion will be enhanced in seconds'.

The Pillow Talk Limited Edition Instant Eye Palette that launched last week features 12 all-new matte, shimmering, soft and warm shades to create four buildable eye looks that can be worn day or night.

The palette, which costs $75, made its debut at the Golden Globes, with some of the red carpet's most famous faces, including Michelle Williams and Violetta Komyshan, wearing makeup looks created with its Hollywood worthy shades.

Charlotte Tilbury will launch three further Pillow Talk products in the coming weeks, with the Collagen Lip Bath being released January 30 and two versions of the Beauty Light Wand dropping February 26.

Shop the Pillow Talk collection at charlottetilbury.com.

DailyMail.com may earn commission on sales from the links on this page.
Donald Trump tried to nudge the news cycle away from impeachment on Thursday as his long-languishing U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement finally passed in the Senate.

The final tally was 89-10. Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, two of the presidential primary front-runners, took different approaches. Warren voted yes, Sanders no.

The vote was a rare moment of bipartisanship, a blipp on senators' radar as they prepared for weeks of wrangling during Trump's impeachment trial.

The president said farmers in America are 'really happy' with both the USMCA and a broad trade truce he signed Wednesday with China.

Impeachment politics also overshadowed the House's vote to green-light the USMCA, which came just one day after Democrats led a vote to charge Trump with two constitutional crimes.

The U.S. Senate passed the U.S> Mexico Canada Agreement on Thursday just before launching full bore into impeachment procedures

President Donald Trump got a double trade victory after his deal with China on Wednesday but all eyes were on the impeachment ceremonies

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (center) had to wait to put the USMCA on the Senate floor for a vote until the House passed it; Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi sat on the trade treaty for months

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described the pact as a 'major win for the Trump administration, a major win for those of us who are already ready to move past this season of toxic political noise.'

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa called the USMCA 'a major achievement for President Trump and a bipartisan deal for the American people.'

Democrats scrambled to take credit for upgrading the USMCA's environmental and worker-protection clauses. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden claimed he and his colleagues gave the plan 'a trade enforcement regime with real teeth.'

He also praised Trump's chief negotiator Robert Lighthizer as 'the hardest working man in the trade business.

Trump blamed the current trade pact with Canada and Mexico, the Bill Clinton-era North American Free Trade Agreement, for sending millions of manufacturing jobs to low-wage plants south of the U.S. border. His administration secured changes that aim to have more cars produced where workers earn an average of at least $16 an hour.

Pelosi held onto the USMCA until she could deny Trump a positivev news cycle, letting impeachment overshadow it completely

It also secured changes that require Mexico to change its laws to make it easier for workers to form independent unions, which should improve worker conditions and wages and reduce the incentive for U.S. companies to relocate their plants.

While the administration completed its negotiations with Canada and Mexico more than a year ago, Democrats in the House insisted on changes to the pact that they say make it more likely Mexico will follow through on its commitments.

As part of those negotiations, the administration agreed to drop a provision that offered expensive biologic drugsmade from living cells10 years of protection from cheaper knockoff competition.

Republicans and the president have complained about how long it took to complete the negotiations, but the talks resulted in a rare mix of support for USMCA. The AFL-CIO, an association of trade unions, endorsed the measure along with scores of business and farm groups.

The biggest holdouts are environmental groups, which continue to oppose the measure because it doesnt address climate change. Indeed, they contend the agreement would contribute to rising temperatures.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., marveled Wednesday at how leaders of organized labor and farm groups in his state appeared together to support the pact.

'They both agree that this USMCA trade agreement is a step forward, an improvement over the original NAFTA,' Durbin said. 'I think weve added to this process by making it truly bipartisan.'
The family of one of the teachers killed by Al-Shabaab militants in Garissa, Kenya is struggling to come to terms with his brutal death.

Sammy Muthui, 29, who hailed from Mikwa village, Kyuso Sub-County in Kitui County, was set to wed in April this year.

The family was still torn about informing the bride that her beloveds life had been brutally snuffed out by the Somalia-based Al-Shabaab terrorists.

Sammy met his death on Monday, January 13, when the militants attacked Kamuthe Boarding Primary School in Garissa County.



His father, Bernard Kimanzi, said his death is a big blow to the family.

The 29-year-old was employed by Teachers Service Commission and the Kamuthe was his first posting.

His father said Sammy was asleep when the heavily armed militia struck at about 2am.

Kimanzi said he had invested heavily in his son and that the family ought to be compensated by the national government for his death.

The father described the departed as having been a calm young man who got along well with others and supported his parents.

His elder brother, Victor Mutinda, said Sammy was his only hope of bettering his life as he had promised to get him a motorcycle to venture into the boda boda business.

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Tram drivers have deliberately timed a strike to coincide with the Australian Open, to have maximum impact in an escalating pay war.

About 1500 drivers and customer service workers at Yarra Trams will down tools for four hours between 10am and 2pm on January 28 and 30.

At the same time, thousands of people will be heading to the Australian Open semi and quarter finals.

Yarra Trams slammed the "unnecessary disruption" to the public, while the Rail Tram and Bus Union claimed to have been forced into action.
>>> Condolences sent to Oman after passing of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

The new Sultan succeeded Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, who passed away on January 10 at the age of 79.

Previously, on January 14, the Party and State leader of Vietnam sent a message of condolences to the new Sultan of Oman over the death of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.

On January 14 and 15, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Minh Khoi and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Cao Quoc Hung visited the Embassy of Oman in Hanoi to offer their condolences and write in the book of mourning.

Representatives from over 50 foreign diplomatic missions in Hanoi and the Vietnam - Oman joint economic and trade cooperation ventures also visited the Omani Embassy in Hanoi to pay tribute to Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Arab world's longest-serving ruler.

Earlier, on January 11, the Oman state news agency announced that Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, who ruled Oman for nearly 50 years, had passed away on the evening of January 10 at the age of 79. Oman mourned him for three days and their flag will be flown at half-staff for the next 40 days.
Accounts Chamber Chairman Alexei Kudrin said that as the expected amendments to the Russian Constitution will increase the role of the parliament, they should also envision a more important role for the prime minister.



"Of course, it is necessary to increase the role of the prime minister and its status", Kudrin noted, commenting on Putin's proposed amendments to the constitution.



According to Kudrin, if the Russian president's initiatives are implemented, the status of the parliament will be bolstered as well, since the prime minister will become more responsible before the legislature, Sputnik reported.



Putin delivered his annual address to the country's parliament yesterday, during which he proposed that the lower house choose a candidate for prime minister instead of just approving the president's choice. After that, the entire Russian government resigned to provide the president with the opportunity to implement the changes.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Last month, CMT announced the sale of Mobile Knowledge, a taxi dispatch solutions provider, to iCabbi, a provider of cloud-based taxi dispatch programs throughout Europe and North America.

As part of this newly formed global strategic alliance, CMT will become iCabbi's preferred payment provider for its global customer base and, in return, iCabbi will become CMT's preferred dispatch partner for its customer base. This will result in more than 150,000 taxis across the world benefiting from the synergies and strengths both companies bring to the table.

The expanded business will serve a variety of markets across the world and will enhance the customer experience through new and improved payment and dispatch technology. CMT and iCabbi's partnership will completely transform the way customers use and pay for ground transportation throughout the USA and Europe. Through iCabbi's cloud-based technologies, customers will be able to book rides and track driver's locations while at the same time integrating CMT's payment platform for a seamless transportation experience.

Jason Poliner, Vice Chairman & President of CMT commented: "We are proud of the work which gave rise to making Mobile Knowledge the successful and innovative company it is today. iCabbi's acquisition and our subsequent global strategic alliance strengthens CMT's ability to bring new products and services as well as making our global taxi operations more efficient and modern for years to come."

iCabbi founder and CEO, Gavan Walsh commented: "iCabbi's vision is to put taxi companies at the centre of mobility. We believe the future is bright for the taxi industry and we're here to ensure our customers succeed. Welcoming Mobile Knowledge to the iCabbi Group enables us to strengthen our operational foothold in North America and to expand our network and market share. We're eager to draw on the vast experience of the Mobile Knowledge team, and are excited by the benefits that our strategic alliance with CMT will bring.

About CMT: Founded in New York City in 2005, Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (CMT) provides technology solutions in major global cities from New York City to London, offering a wide range of taxi technologies and enhancements, including credit and debit card processing, media and advertising content, accessibility innovations, text messaging, interactive passenger maps, GPS, electronic trip sheets, back-office fleet management systems and passenger information technologies for the global transportation industry.

About iCabbi: iCabbi has 700 customer fleets, powering over 100,000 taxis in the USA, Canada, Ireland, UK, Finland and Australia, with its cloud based Taxi 360 platform. It was founded in 2009 by Gavan Walsh, Bob Nixon, and Niall O'Callaghan and is headquartered in their hometown of the Howth peninsula in Dublin. iCabbi entered into a strategic partnership with RCI Bank & Services of Groupe Renault in 2018.

SOURCE Creative Mobile Technologies (CMT), LLC
Book by former PGC officer highlights unusual wildlife encounters

Dick Bodenhorn has published a book highlighting some of the unusual encounters he had while working with the Pennsylvania Game Commision.
Cutting ribbon to open the exhibition



Accordingly, more than 200 photos, materials and artifacts on Vietnams important milestones and glorious achievements under the leadership of the Party are on display.

Exhibits are divided into four sections featuring the CPVs leadership of the struggle to win back the administration from 1930 to 1945, the fight for national liberation and reunification from 1945 to 1975, the socialist revolution nationwide and national renovation since 1975, and the Party building.

Visitors to the exhibition (Source: CPV)



Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum Vu Manh Ha said the display affirms the peoples pride in the Party, President Ho Chi Minh and the countrys renewal process, while spreading the campaign Studying and following the thought, virtues and lifestyle of President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to building a strong and clean Party.

The exhibition will run until the end of March./.
T he White House broke the law by withholding security funds from Ukraine, the US Government Accountability Office says.

The government watchdog said the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violated the Impoundment Control Act.

The auditor, also known as the GAO, said it was told the funds were withheld to ensure money was not spent "in a manner that could conflict with the President's foreign policy".

However, its decision added: "The law does not permit OMB to withhold funds for policy reasons.

"The President has narrow, limited authority to withhold appropriations under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974."

President Donald Trump at the White House / AP

Its ruling said: Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law."

It will come as a blow for President Trump ahead of his impeachment trial, which the House of Representatives voted to trigger on Wednesday.

The vote was 228-193, coming at the start of a presidential election year and one month after the House impeached Mr Trump on charges of abuse of power over his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden as Mr Trump withheld aid from the country.

Nancy Pelosi signs the Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump / AFP via Getty Images

Mr Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

The seven-member prosecution team will be led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Adam Schiff of the intelligence committee and Jerry Nadler of the judiciary committee, two of Ms Pelosis top lieutenants for only the third presidential impeachment in the nations history.

Ahead of Wednesdays session, Mr Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired ambassador, Maria Yovanovitch.

Mr Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify.

If McConnell makes this the first trial in history without witnesses, it will be exposed for what it is and that is an effort to cover up for the president, Mr Schiff said.
A teacher at a Texas high school set an 'inappropriate homework question' about rape for his ninth-grade students.

Parents and students were shocked when the question was sent home by a teacher at Klein Collins High School in Spring as part of a weekend biology assignment last Friday.

The question gave students a fictional scenario, where a woman had been raped, and asked them to determine who committed the crime by studying DNA evidence results taken from the scene.

'Suzy was assaulted in an alley and is a victim of rape. The police collected a sample of sperm that was left at the crime scene and now have three suspects in custody. Which of the suspects rape Suzy?' the question read.

The question, pictured, caused uproar with parents asking why the Biology teacher at Klein Collins High set such a graphic scenario as part of the assignment

The Klein Independent school district said that the question was 'not part of the District's approved curriculum'

Cookie von Haven, who is the mother of a 10th grade female student at the school, told click2houston: 'Its upsetting and I know girls this age, just the thought ... they know that rape is forced non-consensual sex and that upsets them.

'Thats why I cant fathom a teacher putting that on a test.'

Dana Duplantier, a parent of a ninth-grader, questioned why the teacher was able to simply assign the question, without approval from a more senior member of staff or the school board.

Parent Cookie von Haven (pictured) said that the choice of question was 'upsetting'

The district released the following statement:

'The assignment is not part of the Districts approved curriculum and is by no means representative of the Districts instructional philosophy. The District has investigated the source of the materials and appropriate corrective action has been taken.'

The school board did not expand on the 'corrective action' that had been taken.
American actress AJ Johnson is asking government to clearly communicate its focus for the Beyond the Return initiative.

Speaking to Joy News the actress said the clear expression of the intention behind the initiative can help drive it better to the Africans in the diaspora.

AJ Johnson stated that new initiative should not be treated like the Year of Return which did not have an overall intention or focus.

I dont know what the necessarily the overall intention was. Maybe that was the problem, is the overall intention education, spiritual enlightenment, or was it just returning period? If thats the case there we did great, airlines were booming, prices were doubled, and everybody came back.

She believes, however, that without the focus all the diasporans can do is come to the country and have a fun time.

AJ Johnson stated that I wanna see what the true success measure is. If anything we just have to get more clear and I believe 2020 is the year of vision and clarity, we gotta get clear on what the intention is, I just think that it was a great idea with probably not with a great intention.

Myjoyonline
Hope of reaching a solution were dashed when the Turkish Defense Minister ended meetings with Ali Mamlouk reports Brocar Press.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar suspended a security meeting on Monday between the head of Turkish intelligence and Ali Mamlouk with Russian attendance.

In a statement to journalists, he said that Turkish institutions and officials were carrying out various activities at international forums, with the aim of preserving Turkish interests and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

He said that his country would, continue to exert efforts to create peace and stability in the region and that Ankara would always support the principle of resolving problems by political means.

With regards to Idleb, Akar said that, Turkey wants peace and stability for Idleb and to stop the bloodshed and to return life to normal.

On Monday, official Syrian regime media said that, the head of the regime National Security Bureau, Ali Mamlouk, with the head of Turkish intelligence, Hakan Fidan, and Russian figures, held tripartite talks in Moscow.

The regimes SANA news agency said that Russian officials attended the meeting without naming them and said that Mamlouk had demanded from Fidan that Turkey, must fulfill its obligations to the Sochi agreement with regards to Idleb, signed on Sept. 17, 2018, especially with regards to clearing the area of terrorists and heavy armaments and opening the Lattakia-Aleppo and Aleppo-Hama highway.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
THE HEARTBROKEN mother of a young woman, who tragically died within hours of being discharged from University Hospital Limerick, is to be one of the leading voices of a major protest against the overcrowding crisis, just days before the snap election.

Eve Cleary, 21, from Corbally, died suddenly after a blood clot travelled to her heart on July 19.

The family claim that Eve had spent 17 hours on a trolley and was later discharged after inconclusive CT and x-ray scans, though she had complained about numbness in her leg.

Eves mum Melanie Sheehan, who says that her daughters death was avoidable, is now leading the charge at next months demonstration, which is set to be the biggest one of its kind in four years.

After meeting with fellow demonstrators on Tuesday, Ms Sheehan said there is great support with others sharing similar stories.

The protest, organised by the Mid-West Hospital Campaign, takes place on February 1, and will start at St Johns Hospital at 1pm and will finish at Bedford Row.

She said it will be particularly poignant as Eve worked in Bedford Row at Schuh for four years.

Thats where I would have met up with her for her lunch breaks. As well as being my daughter, she was my best pal.

I hope that people will come out and march with us, but I hope that the Government will take notice that the people of Limerick, the people of Ireland, are not going to put up with this anymore. She said after the February 1, she will continue campaigning for better healthcare.

I can never see us stopping our fight for Eve because what is justice when all is said and done, who is going to be held accountable for Eves death? You dont just stop being someones mother. I will always be Eves mother, and I will always fight for my children. She hasnt her voice anymore, so her family have to be her voice now.

The UL Hospitals Group said that an investigation has begun. We would like to express our sincere sympathy with Eves family on their terrible loss. ULHG is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
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The Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Amnesty International and some other organisations have discussed ways to promote education for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, persons with disabilities, returnees and stateless persons across the country.

The discussion dominated the celebration of the ECOWAS Human Rights Day in Abuja on Thursday.

The ECOWAS Human Rights Days is marked every January 16 and is also celebrated across the West African sub-region. The theme of this years event is Rights to education for persons with disabilities, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Refugees, Returnees and Stateless Persons.

Participants at the even not only discussed education for out-of-school children but also inclusion of children with special needs as well as increased budgetary allocation for the education sector.

A UNICEF study shows that 27.2 per cent of primary school age in the North Central region of Nigeria, are out of school. Another worrisome statistics from the Universal Basic Education Commission shows that 13.2 million children of school age are said to be out of school, and 60 per cent of that number are girls, many of who enroll in school but drop out along the line.

The budgetary allocation to the education sector in Nigeria is lower than the 15 to 20 per cent recommended by the United Nations to enable nations adequately cater to rising education demands.

Since 2015, the allocation to education has been below eight per cent.

The CDD director who was represented by Jasper Ukachukwu, a Senior Program Officer, noted that vulnerable groups, like persons with disabilities, IDPs, refugees, returnees and stateless persons continue to face serious challenges in their enjoyment of rights to education.

He referred to a 2017 report on inclusive education by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education that says though literacy among children with learning disabilities has increased globally, they remain severely excluded from educational policies and still lag far behind their peers.

In Nigeria, which has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, ascertaining the percentage of those with learning disabilities has been difficult as official data is nonexistent. As such, educational plan will most likely not address the needs of those with disabilities, he said.

He, therefore, urged the federal government to adopt an inclusive dimension of the right to education, notably through the implementation of the 1960 UNESCO Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education, which provide an international legal framework for the protection of the right to education without discrimination.

Regarding IDPs, refugees, returnees, and stateless persons, he said they face significant challenges in exercising their right to education, from infrastructure, capacity and resource constraints to persistent insecurity, social tensions and discrimination.

More specifically, education is all too often treated as a secondary need to be addressed once violence has subsided, but conflicts and the emergencies they cause may last for years or even decades, leaving many displaced children to grow up deprived of education and the protection and support schools provide.

This impedes their socioeconomic development, fuelling displacement risk and the potential for future crises.

He further called for the formulation and implementation of deliberate policies of inclusion of IDPs and others in the educational sector plan in Nigeria.

The discussion dominated the celebration of the ECOWAS Human Rights Day in Abuja

Emmanuel Okorodudu of the ECOWAS commission also lamented that provision of education for the IDPs and other less privileged Nigerians has been limited.

Like Mr Ukachukwu, he called for more inclusivity and accessibility and creation of transformational schools. He also emphasised the need for the IDPs to have proper provisions in national planning. This is even as he urged partners to create more awareness for this class of people

A nation not properly educated will not attain the millennium development goals, he said.

On her part, the Director, Amnesty International, Osai Ojigho, said beyond physical support, IDPs and the likes need holistic care through psycho-social support. This, she said, is necessary to help them overcome the traumatic experience.

Resources always go to food, shelter and security and there is a need to insert provisions for education and play, she said.

While she decried the level of sexual and gender-based violence in the camps, she called for training for officials in charge of training and guarding the IDPs against sexual harassment.

The event was attended by the representative of the United Nations in West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS), National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations.
New Delhi: Claiming that e-commerce giants like Amazon import as much as 80 per cent of the items sold on their platforms, small manufacturers' body has said that their business models do not benefit local industry and are creating jobs of delivery boys only.



"Neither manufacturers nor traders are getting any benefit from the business models of Amazon and Flipkart because they largely import their products from China and Korea and sell here. Nearly 80 per cent of their products are imported," said Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME).



Bhardwaj said that the global e-commerce players generally source and sell products through their own preferred suppliers and as a result a large number of local manufacturers and traders get crowded out.



He listed out deep discounting and buying products from preferred companies as unfair practices.



"Even if they buy products from local suppliers the commission charged is very high," Bhardwaj said adding that the issues related to unfair practices have been raised with Commerce Ministry on multiple occasions.



FISME maintains that the technology-driven retail is way forward and one cannot be oblivious of the benefits it brings to consumers but at the same time the local industry can also not be ignored given its role in job creation.



"If both traders and local manufacturers are crowded out then how would the local industry survive and employment be generated?" asked Bhardwaj.



As Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is currently on his three-day visit to India, the local traders are up in arms against the "unfair" trade practices of the tech giant. Delhi-based Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has launched a countrywide protest against the company and has organised protests across 300 cities.



In a setback to Amazon and Walmart-backed Flipkart, the fair market watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered probe into the business operations of both the companies on multiple counts including deep-discounts and exclusive tie-up with preferred sellers.



"For the first time some concrete step has been taken against Amazon and Flipkart who are continuously violating the FDI policy in indulging into a vicious racket of controlling and monopolising not only the e-commerce but even the retail trade as well," CAIT National Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said after the CCI order.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is yet to receive the formal order from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take over the probe of tainted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) officer Davinder Singh.

A top NIA source told Republic TV, We could get the formal order by the end of the day or within two days. But our team is currently working with other agencies who are quizzing the J&K officer.

Questioning of Davinder Singh by multiple agencies, including NIA, took place on Wednesday. The J&K police had also written to MHA to suspend Davinder Singh with immediate effect.

Dy SP of J&K Police caught with 2 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists

The curious case of Davinder Singh has only raised the red flag within the security grid. On Saturday, J&K police intercepted an i-10 car in Kulgam area, where the cops had laid a nakabandi and then they found out that Deputy Superintendent of J&K Police Davinder Singh was inside the car with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists and a lawyer (essentially an overground worker). Investigations reveal that lawyer Irfan Mir, who was also in the car, has been to Pakistan five times. His father was a Hizbul commander who was considered to be a close aide of Syed Salahuddin.

READ | DySP Davinder Singh A Black Sheep, Being Probed, Politics Unfortunate: J&K L-G's Advisor

Davinder Singh maintains that he was accompanying the terrorists to surrender before the authorities. But investigating agencies  JKP, CRPF, Army, IB  say the officer is lying. Davinder Singh was under the surveillance for a while now. In fact, Shopian SP had intercepted Davinders call which led to this massive expose. According to NIA sources, the terrorists were staying at Davinders plush residence. Evidence points towards the fact that he was helping terrorist Naveed Babu to escape from Kashmir to Pakistan. Davinder was in fact paid over Rs 10 lakhs for ferrying the terrorists. He was also in touch with Hizbul terrorist Rafi who was responsible for arranging and ferrying people to Pakistan.

Hizbul terrorist Naveed Babu had given Davinder Rs 8 lakh last year in Jammu. Naveed was in Jammu for two months last year. Davinder has also named another senior officer in J&K police whom he claims he was working for. Investigators say will need to corroborate this revelation. This could be an attempt to mislead the investigation.

READ | J&K Police Refutes Report Of Davinder Singh Being Awarded By MHA, Assures Impartial Probe

Davinder was part of J&K Polices elite unit SOG since 1998. Considered to be close to former DIG Ashiq Bukhari, Singh has been suspended several times for multiple transgressions. Davinder was also accused of selling contraband items that were seized by him along with his team. Despite such transgressions, Davinder received promotions which insiders term as out of turn.

READ | Congress Eyes Conspiracy In DySP Davinder Singh's Arrest, Calls Explanations 'hogwash'

READ | SHOCKING: Need To Look For More DySP Davinder Singhs In Forces In Kashmir, Says Congress
Cesar Cortes always wanted to be a soldier.

The 19-year-old Bellaire High School senior and Army recruit  killed Tuesday in what officials described as an accidental shooting on campus  was a respected member of the schools JROTC 20th Battalion, whose mournful ranks filled Evelyn Park on Wednesday to honor him.

According to authorities and witnesses, he was fatally shot while another JROTC member showed him a gun.

Jordan Koy, dressed in black, often buried his face in his hands as he spoke of Cortes, the friend who always pushed him to work harder. The two of them were ticking down to June 29 when they would ship off together to basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia, he said.

It's just shocking to see that taken away from him, the 18-year-old said. He had a great career ahead of him.

The shooting was not believed to be intentional, according to authorities. The suspected 16-year-old shooter  whose identity was not made public because he is a minor  was apprehended Tuesday night and has since been charged with manslaughter, rather than murder, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said at a news conference.

MORE ON SHOOTING: Bellaire HS fatal shooting was accidental, DA says

The shooting added a sense of insecurity on campus and comes after a threat of violence communicated to students in September and the discovery of a gun on campus in October. Some students now want tougher security measures, including the use of metal detectors.

Cortes and his classmate were not involved in a dispute, Ogg continued. The two were in the same battalion and friends, she said.

He did not, based on the evidence, intend to kill his friend  but he did. Thats reckless, Ogg said. This young person is going to have to live with that for the rest of their life.

Ogg said a second person, also unidentified, had also been detained, but they were released and are not being considered a suspect. The individual was initially apprehended because they had had contact with the accused gunman, she said.

It was too late

During the Evelyns Park gathering, Koy recalled the moments leading up to the shooting in the JROTC facility and how he saw his classmate with the weapon. The teen was showing Koy and Cortes the gun. Koy entered a changing room and heard a gunshot ring out.

Cortes then cried out that he had been shot, Koy said.

He waited in the changing room until the alleged shooter had left the room. By then, Cortes was on the ground and the color was fading from his face.

I didnt want that to be my last moment with him but it was, Koy said.

It was still routine outside the school where 16-year-old Alex Osorio was waiting for Cortes to take him home. He kept calling the teen but he never picked up. And then news of the shooting hit.

IN MOURNING: Bellaire community grieves for slain student Cesar Cortes at candlelight vigil

Osorio called Cortes parents and quickly bumped into his father as law enforcement swarmed the school. The two of them rode to Ben Taub Hospital together, Osorio said.

Cortes father ordered Osorio to look for a parking spot as he ran inside the hospital. About 20 minutes passed before he found one and by then Cortes father had told him it was too late.

At a candlelight vigil Wednesday night at Evelyns Park, Dylan Cortes, the dead students brother, addressed the crowd on behalf of family members, many of whom were at the gathering..

I will miss him, and he did not die in vain, he said. Because I will live forward for him and my family.

Pistol still missing

Bellaire investigators expressed concern Wednesday evening that the weapon used in the shooting had not been found. It was not yet known how the teen obtained the gun, which Bellaire Police Lt. Greg Bartlett described as a .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol. It was not part of the JROTC program, officials said.

Several people reported having seen the teen with the pistol at school that morning, but no one relayed that information to law enforcement until after Cortes was killed, Bartlett continued.

"Unfortunately, kids tend to be tight-lipped to protect other students," he said, "But then we end up with a result like this from time to time."

The teen, who has refused to talk to Bellaire investigators since his arrest, had stashed the weapon in his waist band, Bartlett said.

Immediately after the shooting, the teen left the school but where he went has not been discerned. Police have not yet searched his familys home.

Bartlett asked that if any Bellaire residents find the weapon, that they not touch it and to call the authorities.

We all knew this was coming

The shooting occurred in HISDs largest high school, a highly-regarded pillar of the district known for its strong academic achievement and diverse student body.

Among the districts 23 comprehensive neighborhood high schools, Bellaire routinely ranks at or near the top for SAT scores and college enrollment rates. Bellaire also reported among the fewest discipline issues among HISD high schools, district data shows.

Bellaire had two instances of weapons possession on campus in 2018-19, with the rest of the district reporting 26 cases, according to HISDs annual discipline data.

Grace Bandercan, who had known Cortes since middle school, joined classmates at Evelyn Park to grieve and brainstorm ideas for tackling campus security ahead of a return to class Thursday. Stacks of poster boards were strewn across picnic tables as roughly 50 students penned messages of support for Cortes, some of which will be displayed during a demonstration outside Bellaire on Friday.

"I feel like we all knew this was coming," Bandercan said. I feel like the school really tries to ignore gun violence.

LOOKING FORWARD: Bellaire HS students' bags will be checked upon return to school

Bandercan said she wants Bellaire to implement metal detectors, a clear backpack mandate and more police visibility.

Currently, HISD does not regularly use metal detectors at campuses or require clear backpacks. About 200 police officers are spread across the districts 280 campuses, with Bellaire receiving enough funding to cover costs for one officer this year.

Several local districts made significant security changes following the May 2018 shooting at the Houston areas Santa Fe High School, which left 10 people dead and 13 injured. Cy-Fair ISD, the regions second-largest school district, instituted a policy requiring clear backpacks in schools. Clear Creek ISD, the regions 11th-largest district, hired an additional 15 officers to patrol their schools.

HISD officials did not institute extensive changes at the time. District officials have said they plan to install security vestibules at campuses, many of which already have them in place.

Late Wednesday, school administrators notified parents that on Thursday students are to enter the campus through a single entry point and have their bags checked. In the same message, parents were told more long-term changes are in the works.

OPINION: The first school shooting of the year happened at my school

In an earlier statement, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said additional police officers, crisis counselors and administrative staff will be present at Bellaire when classes resume Thursday.

Unfortunately, HISD is not immune to the plague of gun violence afflicting school campuses nationwide, Lathan said. We are committed to vigilantly protecting students and staff at our schools. HISD will continue to evaluate our security measures, as we regularly do, in order to maximize the safety of our children and staff.

Julian Gill contributed to this report.

nicole.hensley@chron.com

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
The United States Ambassador to Germany warned Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif on Wednesday about a threat made against the British ambassador in Tehran.

The United States envoy, Richard Grenell, in a tweet reacted strongly to an Iranian cleric's threats against the British ambassador and said this should be "loudly and widely condemned in the United States, throughout Europe and everywhere. This can't be ignored" and addressed Zarif directly saying: "Watch!"

The British ambassador's Rob Macaire was detained by Iranian security forces on January 12 after attending a vigil for the victims of the Ukrainian plane that was downed by the Revolutionary Guard last week. They subsequently released him after the Iranian foreign ministry intervened.

Following the incident, Seyed Ahmad Alam ol-Hoda, a hardliner cleric and the Supreme Leader's representative in Khorasan Province, called for the expulsion of the British ambassador and said he "should be chopped into pieces".

Iranian hardliners have held several rallies in front of the British embassy in Tehran since Macaire's release and have set his pictures on fire. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the hardliner Chairman of the Guardian Council has also called on the Foreign Ministry to expel the British envoy. "The Foreign Ministry should expel him from the country as persona non-grata," Jannati said on Thursday.

Macaire was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on January 13 and on the same day Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) summoned Iran's envoy Hamid Baeidinejad for explanations.

Tensions are high between Iran and the United Kingdom, particularly after Britain, Germany and France which form the European side of the nuclear agreement with Iran (known as JCPOA) triggered the dispute mechanism of the agreement which can potentially reinstate UN sanctions on Iran.

On January 15 the British ambassador returned to London and FCO sources told the press he was back for a planned visit and would return to Tehran.
French filmmaker Christophe Ruggia was charged Thursday over accusations that he sexually assaulted actress Adele Haenel when she was a minor, the Paris prosecutor said.

The 55-year-old was charged with sexual assault of a minor "by a person with authority over the victim," the prosecutor's office said after Ruggia was detained for two days of questioning.

Adele Haenel, 31, lodged a formal complaint against Ruggia in November after accusing him in an interview of sexually harassing her when she was between the ages of 12 and 15.

She accused Ruggia, who directed her in the 2002 movie "The Devils," her first film role, of repeatedly touching and kissing her.

Ruggia at first fiercely denied harassing Haenel on the set of the 2002 movie before asking her to forgive him. He then said that she was targeting him because he denied her a part in another film.

Haenel's accusations stunned the French film industry, which has been slower than Hollywood to react to the #MeToo movement that has turned the spotlight on sexual abuse in the sector.

But she won support from some of the top names of French cinema including the actress Marion Cotillard, who hailed Haenel for "breaking a silence that was so heavy".

Ruggia has been placed under judicial supervision pending the investigation, and is barred from meeting Haenel, a source close to the investigation said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Muhammadu Buhari has again met with the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president had on January 8, met behind closed doors with Mr Kyari, who declined comment on the outcome of the meeting.

The agenda of todays meeting was unknown at the time of filing this report.

The January 8 meeting came amidst the escalating tension between the United States and Iran following the killing of an Iranian military commander last week and the subsequent retaliatory attacks on military bases housing American troops in Iraq.

(NAN)
An international team of researchers has developed a method for easily creating textbooks in Braille, with an initial focus on maths textbooks.

Mathematics and science Braille textbooks are expensive and time-consuming to produce, but thanks to innovations developed at the University of Birmingham and institutions in the US, this could soon change.

A team that includes experts from Towson University, in Maryland, the University of Puget Sound, in Washington, and the National Federation of the Blind, as well as from the University of Birmingham, has developed an online system that will overcome some of the main challenges to producing a Braille version of a textbook. These include representing the structure and the layout of the book - since in Braille all letters are the same size and shape - and representing maths formulas, graphs and diagrams.

Mathematical formulas are typically represented using the Nemeth Braille Code, initially developed in the 1950s. The Nemeth Braille in this project is produced by an open source system called Speech Rule Engine, which operates within MathJax, a software package designed to display maths formulas on webpages.

Dr Volker Sorge, of the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, is a member of the MathJax consortium working on the project. He says: "We have made great progress in having MathJax produce accessible maths content on the web, so the conversion to Braille was a natural extension of that work."

The project as a whole was initially set up by Martha Siegel, a Professor Emerita from Towson University, and Al Maneki, a retired NSA mathematician serving as a senior STEM advisor to the National Federation of the Blind in the US. This led to a larger collaboration, formed in January 2019, with the help of the American Institute of Mathematics, through its connections in the maths research and maths education communities.

"This project is about equity and equal access to knowledge," comments Professor Siegel.

"Some people have the mistaken notion that online versions and screen readers eliminate the need for braille," commented project co-leader Al Maneki. Sighted learners need to spend time staring at formulas, looking back and forth and comparing different parts. In the same way, a braille formula enables a person to touch and compare various pieces. Having the computer pronounce a formula for you is not adequate for a blind reader, any more than it would be adequate for a sighted reader.

Braille text in the project is produced using a system called PreTeXt, developed by Professor Rob Beezer, at the University of Puget Sound in Washington. PreTeXt is used to automatically produce text in print, online and other versions - innovations by the team mean that Braille can be produced as one more output format.

The production of tactile images is the most difficult problem faced in producing braille textbooks. Akexei Kolesnikov, a maths professor at Towson University in Maryland, is the lead developer for the image processing in this project. Ongoing work will create new ways for describing images with the goal of automating the production of non-visual representations.

Full details of the project will be announced during three talks on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the conference Joint Mathematics Meetings in Denver, Colorado.

###

This work was supported by National Science Foundation grants DUE-1821706 and DMS-1638535, and a grant from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, affiliated with The National Federation of the Blind. The Big Ten Academic Alliance supported the implementation of Nemeth in the Speech Rule Engine and its integration into MathJax.

Notes to editor:

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 07:55:02|Editor: ZD

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U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (3rd L) speaks during a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 15, 2020. The U.S. House of Representatives officially sent impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate on Wednesday evening to allow a trial to get underway. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House of Representatives officially sent impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate on Wednesday evening to allow a trial to get underway. "As we make that history, we will be making progress for the American people," Pelosi said before signing the two impeachment articles at an engrossment ceremony.

Seven newly-appointed House managers, who will present the case against Trump at the upcoming Senate trial, then walked across the Capitol to deliver the charges to the Republican-led upper chamber.

They were met in the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who received the impeachment articles but said the Senate would officially accept them on Thursday.

Hours earlier, the Democrat-run House passed a resolution to appoint and authorize the managers and to transmit impeachment articles to the Senate.

"Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats," Trump tweeted earlier on Wednesday.

"President Trump has done nothing wrong," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement on Wednesday, saying the president "expects to be fully exonerated."

Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled House on charges of abusing power and obstruction of Congress in mid-December.

McConnell said on Tuesday the Senate trial on Trump impeachment is likely to get underway on Jan. 21, although the upper chamber is expected to transform into an impeachment court as early as Thursday.
The number of employed people in Korea increased by 516,000 on-year in December last year and by 301,000 for the full year, but among people in their productive 40s, joblessness is on a steep rise.

Buoyed by the positive figures, the government called a press conference to pat itself on the back. Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said jobs increased "in terms of both quantity and quality." But a closer look at the numbers paints a different story since most of the jobs were temporary sinecures for the elderly that were created with taxpayers' money or low-paid work.

According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday, people over 60 accounted for 93 percent of the job growth in December. In stark contrast, the number of employed people in their 40s declined by 128,000.

Some 70 percent of the new jobs were part-time work of one to 17 hours per week. Manufacturing jobs declined by 15,000, down for the 21st month in a row.

A comparison to 2017, when jobs also increased by around 300,000 for the whole year, shows a clearer picture of the situation. That year the number of stable jobs of more than 36 hours a week increased by 421,000. But last year, such jobs increased only by 105,000 while part-time jobs increased by 301,000, the sharpest increase since the government started tallying such data in 1980 and three times higher than in 2017.

The number of employed people over 65 increased by 98,000 in 2017, but surged by 227,000 last year, also the highest-ever growth.

Even pro-government labor unions are turning against it. The Federation of Korean Trade Unions said he job growth figures are largely an illusion because most are menial jobs created with government spending, while pointing out that the "number of employed people in their 40s continued to decline for 49-consecutive months."

Kim Sang-bong at Hansung University said, "It's inefficient to create jobs primarily for senior citizens with government funding. The money would be better used to create high-quality, private-sector jobs."
Life is about and defined by choices  how we make them, what we decide, and how we live with the consequences. Governments have a particular responsibility as we rely on them to make choices on our behalf, especially the bigger national choices that we feel somewhat powerless to make or influence, while they use our money to fund them.

Australian Defence Force troops and members of Forest Fire Management Victoria clear felled trees on the Princes Highway just outside Genoa. Credit:Private Luke Jones/7RAR 1 Brigade/ADF

It is reasonable for us to expect these choices will be in the national interest, rather than to favour a particular group or interest, or for short-term political benefit.

It is of considerable concern as to just how far we have drifted from this ideal. Sadly, the drift has occurred over several governments, so only tends to be recognised as it becomes a crisis. This is certainly the case with both current national disasters, the drought and the bushfires. Our governments were poorly prepared for both, and are struggling to respond.

Both major parties, over the past couple of decades, played short-term political games with climate change rather than address its magnitude and urgency. We are left in the unimaginable position of still having no climate action plan, no energy policy, no national disaster plan, no waste-management policy, no fuel security strategy, and no transition strategies to achieve a low-carbon society by mid-century.
President Donald Trump, with (L-R) Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, speaks during a press conference with Chinas Vice Premier Liu He(not shown), the countrys top trade negotiator, before they sign a trade agreement between the US and China during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on January 15, 2020.

If Beijing cracks down hard on intellectual property thefts, it would not only boost the U.S. economy but it would also be good for China, according to a former top White House trade official.

Taking steps to protect trade secrets of foreign businesses operating in the world's second-largest economy was part of the "phase one" trade deal that U.S. President Donald Trump signed with China on Wednesday.

"To me, the most significant part of this (deal) was what the U.S. was able to achieve on intellectual property," Clete Willems, a partner at law firm Akin Gump, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "Trade secrets theft has been a long-time concern for U.S. businesses, and businesses around the world."

Willems was previously the deputy director of the National Economic Council and served as the lead trade negotiator for the United States at multilateral summits like the G-7 and G-20.

He explained that the trade agreement's provisions to protect intellectual property would make a difference for many of the companies doing business in China. "They're going to have criminal penalties. They're going to have due process for the judicial proceedings. They're going to apply those penalties broader than they did in the past," Willems said, adding there are provisions about pharmaceutical patents and counterfeit goods in the trade pact.

Wednesday's agreement takes steps to root out several practices by Beijing that has irked the White House and members of Congress from both parties, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers from U.S. firms in exchange for Chinese market access.

It calls for China to submit an "Action Plan to strengthen intellectual property protection" within 30 days of the agreement taking effect. The proposal would include "measures that China will take to implement its obligations" and "the date by which each measure will go into effect." (Read the full agreement here)

Part of the deal also details a $200 billion increase in Beijing's purchases of U.S. goods over two years as well as commitment from Beijing to allow companies to operate without "any force or pressure" to hand over their technology  that, along with the trade secrets protection provisions, are likely to have ramifications for the U.S. tech sector, where firms want market access in China but are also suspicious over how government officials can access private data stored there.

"If you put it all together, it is going to be a big boost for the U.S. economy. I'll also make the point, this is going for China," Willems said. "This really empowers those in China that want to reform their system, want to make it more market-oriented and help them move down that path."

Ultimately, "better intellectual property protection means more investment in China," he added.

Still, some experts have expressed concerns about how the U.S. would ensure China keeps up with its commitments. Willems said the promise of further reduction in U.S. tariffs in the second phase of the trade agreement would likely be an incentive for Beijing to "faithfully implement this agreement."

Another option for Washington would be to convince allies to work with the U.S. to enforce the agreement in a multilateral system to make it more sustainable and prevent Beijing from backsliding from its commitments, according to Willems.
A California company that produces Crystal Geyser bottled water has pleaded guilty to illegally dumping wastewater containing arsenic.

Crystal Geyser's parent company, CG Roxane, along with two contracted firms, were charged in 2018 with failing to disclose details of arsenic in wastewater transported from the bottling plant in Olancha, California.

Following a court case last week, the firm agreed to a $5million fine for storing and transporting the hazardous waste, federal prosecutors said.

The waste was produced by filtering arsenic out of Sierra Nevada spring water at CG Roxane LLC's facility in Owens Valley, authorities said.

CG Roxane was accused of discharging the wastewater into a man-made pond for about 15 years.

According to court records, the company created an 'arsenic pond' in a remote part of eastern California between Death Valley and the Sequoia National Forest and did not disclose that water pumped out of the pond and delivered to water treatment plants contained the poisonous heavy metal.

The Crystal Geyser water bottling plant in Olancha, California. The parent company, CG Roxane, was charged with failing to disclose details of arsenic in wastewater transported from the bottling plant

Pond sampling by local water quality officials in 2013 found arsenic concentrations above the hazardous waste limit, as did subsequent sampling by state authorities and the company, prosecutors said.

State officials instructed the CG Roxane to remove the pond but that was done by two hired companies without identifying the wastewater as hazardous material, resulting in 23,000 gallons (87,064 liters) being discharged into a sewer without proper treatment, prosecutors said.

The company entered the pleas last week to one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one count of unlawful transportation of hazardous material, the US Attorney's Office said.

The office said the $5 million fine was included in a recently filed plea agreement.

The US Attorney's Office statement noted that the investigation focused on handling, storage and transportation of CG Roxane's wastewater, 'not the safety or quality of CG Roxane's bottled water'.

A call to a telephone listing for the company facility was not answered when called last week.

Prosecutors say the company used sand filters to reduce the concentration of naturally occurring arsenic in the spring water to meet federal drinking water standards.

'To maintain the effectiveness of the sand filters, CG Roxane back-flushed the filters with a sodium hydroxide solution, which generated thousands of gallons of arsenic-contaminated wastewater,' the office said.

United Pumping Services, a City of Industry waste-hauling corporation, and United Storm Water, an Industry-based company providing environmental and lake draining services, were also charged in the 16-count indictment for violations that allegedly happened in March and May 2015.

The two companies were charged along with CG Roxane in 2018 and await a trial set for April.

US District Judge S. James Otero scheduled a sentencing hearing for February 24.
New Delhi: In another issue that could snowball into a political controversy, West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee has said that officials from her state will not attend the meeting of chief secretaries and census directors of states to be held on Friday to finalise the modalities for Census 2020 and the National Population Register (NPR). Minister of state for home Nityanand Rai will chair the meeting which will also be attended by home secretary Ajay Bhalla.

Along with West Bengal, states like Kerala and some others are opposed to NPR on the grounds that it will form the basis for the nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The meeting is being held to discuss the process for the house-listing phase for the next census along with the NPR. The exercise is to be conducted from April 1 to September 30 this year across the country except in Assam.

Home ministry officials clarified that the NPR would merely be a database for usual residents of the country and have some demographic as well as biometric particulars. Notification for the NPR and house enumeration was issued in the wake of largescale protests across the country against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Home ministry officials claimed that most of the states have already issues the notification for NPR which is primarily a document

for the usual residents of the country.

The NPR is being documented at different levels, like the local which comprises a village or a sub-town, subdistrict and district followed by state and then the national level under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.

These rules provide for a fine of the upto Rs 1,000 for those found to be violating the exercise.

The last data for NPR was compiled in 2010 along with the house-listing phase for the census conducted the next year, in 2011. The NPR data was further updated by conducting a door to door survey in 2015.

During the exercise for updating the register in 2015, details related to Aadhaar and mobile numbers was also collected while this time, officials added, some additional information like driving licence and voter ID card may also be gathered. However, no details on PAN card will be asked during the process.

During the NPR exercise information is collected from residents living in a particular locality for the last six months and if they intend to stay in the same area for next six months.

The NPR will collect details like name of a resident, father and mothers name, date of birth, sex, relation with head of the household, whether married or not, date and place of birth, details of permanent address, duration of stay, educational qualification and professional details. Recently, the Union Cabinet sanctioned Rs 3,941.35 crore for the NPR exercise.
La Trobe Financial established a Disaster Relief Package which will pay loan interest and charges for 12 months for those who lost their homes to the bushfires.

They will also provide access to interest-free loans to help cover any gap between insurance payouts and the cost of rebuilding, and allow fee-free withdrawals from investments in the La Trobe Australian Credit Fund.

La Trobe Financial President & CEO Greg ONeill OAM says: true to our philosophy of others before self, we are determined to look out for our customers and offer meaningful support to those affected through this very challenging time.

For other customers experiencing hardship because of the bushfires, La Trobe Financial will defer loan repayments for up to 12 months, help with finance on discounted terms to cover property repair costs or support a small business, and make it easier to access investments in the La Trobe Australian Credit Fund without incurring fees.

For customers who are volunteer firefighters, La Trobe Financial will also offer financial help including deferral of home loan repayments for up to six months.

The Disaster Relief Package is in addition to La Trobe Financials recent $1 million donation to assist people affected by the bushfires across Australia.

The donation was split between The Salvation Army Disaster Appeal and the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Yves here. If you read Helmers write-up carefully, you will notice that the German Bundestag has disputed the strong-form claims made about the level and nature of Russian support for the rebels in the Donbass. The press has repeatedly gone over its skis in asserting that the Russian military had acted in a formal manner.

Mind you, the German report does not say that it has proof that the Russian military didnt intervene. After all, it is hard to prove a negative. But it does say the evidence that has been offered doesnt substantiate the claims, which is still plenty damning given the noise made about the supposed incursion.

As US meddling around the world has shown, there are all sorts of ways to help interests youd like to promote that fall well short of sending in troop carriers. Weve repeatedly noted the dubious/lack of sourcing of claims of Russian invasion.

However, eastern Ukraine is full of people with relatives in Russia. There is evidence that Russia was providing materiel to the rebels but taking care to provide only very old equipment so as to provide a veneer of deniability. Similarly, its not hard to image military officials telling soldiers they could go to Ukraine and they wouldnt be declared AWOL.and no one would mind if they took lots of ammo and grenades with them too. It also seems likely the Russians provided advisers, which again would fall below the intervention threshold set in the Bundestag report.

Remember the big reason Russian would not want to take on this tar baby: unlike Crimea, no way, no how does Russia want to integrate the eastern part of Ukraine. Its an economic basket case. Russia would prefer it to be a not-hostile zone. Given the large proportion of ethnic Russians in the population, under normal circumstances, that would not be hard to achieve.

By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears

A report by a research unit of the German Bundestag, just released in Berlin, has defied the narrative of the European Union, NATO and the US, with the conclusion that since the Ukraine civil war began in early 2014, there has been no reliable evidence of Russian troop invasion or intervention by regular Russian military forces in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.

After a review of the press, official public releases and reports, as well as European court rulings, the Bundestags experts have described the outcome with the German phrase, ohne belastbares Faktenmaterial  without reliable fact material.

The Bundestag report, which runs to 17 pages and was completed on December 9, has been noted in the German-language media. To date, however, it has been ignored by the Anglo-American press, including the alt-media.

The new German report is entitled Intervention in civil war zones: The role of Russia during the east Ukraine conflict. It was prepared by the foreign, international law and defence department (WD-2) of the Scientific Services Bureau of the Bundestag.

In a preface to the report, the authors say they support the members of the German Bundestag with mandate-related activity. Their works do not express the view of the German Bundestag, its individual organs, or the management of the Bundestag. Responsibility for the research reporting is the technical responsibility of the authorsas well as the department management. No authors have been identified by name.

The full German report can be read at the official website link. No official English translation is available.

Source: https://www.bundestag.de/

For five years Ukrainian armed forces and pro-Russian separatists have been fighting against each other in the Donbass/Donets Basin, the report says. The territorial conflict shows classical identifiers of a non-international (internal) armed conflict. About the extent, quality and magnitude of the military involvement of Russia during the Ukraine conflict, there are few reliable facts and analyses aside from the numerous speculations, part-contradictory reports and press announcements, and denials from different sources. Altogether, however, the picture of the situation is not unequivocal.

Also, the Federal [German] Government holds no reliable knowledge, according to its own information apparently, on how much influence today Russia actually exercises on the separatists in the East Ukraine that can be described as credible.

The report summarizes western media reports, social media posts, as well as NATO press releases in order to cast doubt on their veracity. Reliable information about the parts of the region of the Ukrainian-Russian border not controlled by Kiev is rare. The German researchers are also sceptical of claims published by the monitoring mission of the area from the Organization for Security and Economic Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) which has, in spite of its comprehensive mandate, only limited access to this area.

For background details of the anti-Russian leadership of the OSCEs special monitoring mission (SMM) in Ukraine, read this.

The question of whether pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass region are currently under control and directed from Moscow, or whether regular Russian troops still remain on Ukrainian territory cannot be answered without reliable factual material, in particular without the appropriate and reliable secret service intelligence.
Ko Min-jung, left, former Cheong Wa Dae spokeswoman, and Yoo Song-hwa, former director of the Chunchugwan press center, deliver their farewell speeches at the center, Wednesday, after resigning their posts to run in the April 15 general election. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok



Opposition parties slam Cheong Wa Dae for playing role of 'election camp'



By Jung Da-min



A dozen aides to President Moon Jae-in have left Cheong Wa Dae in recent weeks to run in the April 15 general election. Including those who left earlier, nearly 60 to 70 former presidential officials are preparing to seek National Assembly seats.

This situation raises concerns that Cheong Wa Dae is serving as a means for ruling party candidates to boost their resumes, and that the mass departure will lead to a vacuum in state affairs.

The most recent to depart was presidential spokeswoman Ko Min-jung, who quit, Wednesday, a day before the Jan. 16 deadline to run in the April 15 elections. Civil servants are required to resign from their posts at least 90 days before the election, according to the Public Official Election Act.

"I have served as the President's mouthpiece for the past three years. Now I want to serve as the people's voice for my political beliefs and goals," Ko said during a press conference at Chunchugwan, the press center of the presidential office.

It has yet to be seen which constituency Ko will run for in the election, but speculations are that it could be one in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, as Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae and Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee, who currently hold Assembly seats in two constituencies of the city, said they will not seek reelection and complete their commitment to the tasks of the Moon government.

Others who recently resigned from their Cheong Wa Dae posts to run in the election include Yoo Song-hwa, director of Chunchugwan; Kwon Hyang-yup, secretary for balanced personnel affairs; Joo Hyung-chul, a presidential adviser for economic affairs; and Youn Kun-young, director of the State Affairs Planning and Monitoring Office.

It has been common for Cheong Wa Dae officials and ministers to quit and seek an Assembly seat or a municipality head position, and they usually win because their experience of working at the presidential office is an advantage when the administration is still gaining large public support.

However, critics say the number of such officials is rather high, compared to those during previous administrations: It is estimated that there are about 60 former Cheong Wa Dae officials who have thrown their hats into the ring for the general election since the beginning of the Moon government.

"There are many who want to run in the election rather than keep their posts at Cheong Wa Dae, or are planning to take posts at other public organizations after Moon's term. This indicates that many think it is better to leave the presidential office at an early stage," said Lee Jun-seok, a member of the minor opposition New Conservative Party.

It is also a concern that a vacuum in the management of state affairs will be created after the officials leave and before their successors gain momentum in their positions. With the large number of departures, it will also take more time to find and appoint successors.

The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) criticized the situation, calling Cheong Wa Dae an "election camp."

"There will be neither new faces, nor pledges; only the catchphrase of experience at Cheong Wa Dae' or Moon Jae-in's aide' will be rampant during electioneering," LKP spokeswoman Rep. Jun Hee-kyung said in a statement. "Cheong Wa Dae officials have had something else in mind (than state affairs), and this has resulted in failed policies and frequent personnel changes, which only damaged people."

Critics also said that while it is the former public officials' free choice whether to run in the election, some have crossed the line by using their power to prepare for the election when they were still holding public posts by attending local events or recruiting party members, for example. They also are taking advantage of the high name recognition that is part and parcel of holding public posts.

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) officials have made assurances that when nominating election candidates there would be no special treatment given to those who held positions at the presidential office.

"Among the candidate hopefuls who held posts at Cheong Wa Dae, there are people who have a high chance of winning and who the party needs. But there are also others who only show off their career at Cheong Wa Dae while they did not make substantial contributions to the party," said Yang Jeong-cheol, director of the Institute for Democracy, the think tank of the DPK. "There will never be special treatment for them."

But criticism from the opposition parties are likely to continue. The LKP filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Wednesday, against Ko, Youn and SMEs and Startups Minister Park Young-sun for violating the Public Official Election Act.

According to the party, Ko made remarks against the opposition party during a KBS radio program, Jan. 8 when she was holding the public post, which is against the regulation that public servants need to be politically neutral.

It also said Park and Youn visited residents and regional DPK office members in Guro, western Seoul, which is now Park's constituency and is expected to be the region where Youn will run. The LKP said their visit was a de facto election campaign, so Park did not keep political neutrality and Youn conducted electioneering before the official campaign period.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:04:06|Editor: yan

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JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- South African economists warned that the country's economic outlook would continue being bleak and bleeding massive jobs losses if new reforms are not implemented.

The warning came after telecommunications company Telkom announced plans to retrench over 3,000 of its employees citing poor performance. Other companies in the retail sector including Massmart would shed nearly 1,500 jobs.

As the economy contracted by 3.2 percent and 0.6 in the first and third quarter respectively in 2019, chief economist at Efficient Group Dawie Roodt said massive job losses would continue.

"The reality is the economy is hardly growing and it's inevitable that job creation will be affected and people will lose jobs. This (retrenchment) is a trend that could keep up speed during the course of the year," he told Xinhua, "These announcements should not surprize us."

Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop said growth would decline if proper measures were not made to the economy.

"The government can foster policy certainly, improve the ease of doing business by cutting regulation," she told Xinhua,"South Africa's growth has been impacted by policy's uncertainty domestically and the failure to implement structural reforms needed this decade."

Roodt said several sectors including manufacturing and construction would suffer under the conditions and retrench workers.

"We have to get the economy to grow, we must have reliable electricity. We must have clarity as far as policy is concerned, we are not clear on economic policies and that's a problem," he added.

Bishop added that problems at Eskom must be dealt with to fix growth and the issue of jobs.

"Load shedding has impacted economic growth, incomes and employment with retailers without generators experiencing stock and trading losses, reducing growth and earning potential," Bishop added.
The 87-year-old Paris-based artist Erro, born Guomundur Guomundsson in Iceland, is not as popular in America as he is elsewhere, but New Yorks Perrotin gallery has been steadily building his reputation here. Most associated with the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Erro is known for his intricate collages of found images, sourced from commercial advertising and comic books, amounting to wild flurries of consumerist critique. His work has been compared to the paintings of James Rosenquist, another Pop artist who was drawn to the iconography of advertising, as well as to the disturbing hellscapes of Hieronymus Bosch. For the next month, Perrotin will host a retrospective of Erros pieces from the 1950s to the present, including a downright grotesque collage culled from the usually mundane world of medical diagrams. Taken together (and like much of Erros best work), it looks like a kind of mental short-circuit, an overload of hollow imagery that in isolation has little worth at all. Erro is on view through Feb. 15, 2020, at Perrotin, 130 Orchard Street, New York, perrotin.com.

From Ts Instagram

Im Finished When I Start Looking at the World in a Different Way
The Democrat Party is obsessed with identity politics. When the Democrat primaries began, the tally sheets emerged to count the minorities (black, Asian, Hispanic), sexes (So many women!), and sexual orientations (Yay! We have a gay man). Identities that decades ago would have been a problem were now advantages.

Democrat voters, however, including minority voters, were unimpressed. They ignored all but the Asian and the gay candidates. On Tuesday's debate stage, there were four white men, three of whom are old, one of whom is gay, and two older white women. Warren, Klobuchar, and Buttigieg still hold their identity cards (Women! Gays!), Bernie has the advantage of being the crazed communist uncle whom college kids love, and nobody cares about Steyer.

But poor Biden. He went into the debate without a victim identity. He was just the old white man who was affiliated with Barack Obama. Now, though, Biden is a victim, too. It's a new type of victimhood, but one calculated to tug at the heartstrings: Biden is a "dad victim."

During Tuesday night's debate, CNN's Wolf Blitzer alluded to the fact that, once the Articles of Impeachment arrived in the Senate, Biden would be on trial:

Vice President Biden, if you're the nominee, is it going to be harder to run against President Trump if he's been acquitted and able to claim vindication, especially after what he's said about your family?

Biden, poised for this moment, pulled out his victim card (emphasis added):

It's irrelevant. There's no  there's no choice but to  for Nancy Pelosi and the House to move. He has, in fact, committed impeachable offenses. Whether the Senate makes that judgment or not, it's for them to decide. But  and, by the way, I'm told that, you know, we  that I don't  I say we have to unite the country and it's going to be harder after this trial. It may be. But, look, you know, I understand how these guys are, this Republican Party. They've got gone after  savaged my surviving son, gone after me, told lies that your networks and others won't even carry on television because they're flat-out lies.

Feeling that Joe had a winning card, his campaign tweeted out the line later the same evening:

Republicans have savaged my only surviving son. Theyve spread lies about me that networks wont even carry. It doesnt matter if they go after me.



As President of the United States, I have to be able to not only fight  I have to heal. And thats what Ill do if Im elected.  Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) January 15, 2020

Before going any farther, it is a tragedy that Biden lost two of his children. His one-year-old daughter Naomi died in 1972, along with his wife, in a car accident. Then, in 2015, his son Beau died from cancer. Biden's sole surviving child is Hunter. These are tremendous personal losses and cannot be dismissed.

Having said that, Hunter has problems both personal and related to his father. Hunter has admitted to using cocaine and crack while in college and having a serious drinking problem. He was sober from 2003 to 2010, when he had a relapse. He's had an unknown number of relapses since then.

In 2013, Hunter signed up for the Naval Reserve, which gave him a special waiver because of his drug history. On his first day, he failed a drug test.

In 2015, Hunter left his wife 22 years. A year later, he took up with his dead brother Beau's wife. While he was dating Beau's wife, he impregnated a stripper in Arkansas. Not long after, having abandoned both Beau's wife and the stripper, he married a South African filmmaker who is now pregnant.

During child support proceedings with the Arkansas woman, it emerged that Hunter, who earned vast sums of money from Ukraine and China, was hiding financial documents and crying poor. Also, he had used his dead brother's name to check into a rehab center.

Regarding Ukraine and China, everyone knows by now that, when Joe Biden was vice president, Hunter followed him around and collected lucrative contracts that paid him and his companies millions of dollars. This was so even though Hunter had no qualifications to justify the money paid other than having a father who was a vice president.

It's tragic that Biden lost two of his three children, and it's sweet that he loves his surviving son. It's also cheap and tawdry that Biden is trying to drape himself in the obligatory Democrat victim mantle by pointing to his pathetic, sleazy son, both as a way for Biden to advance his own political career and to avoid scrutiny into his own corruption.
Commercial High Court presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, has issued an arrest warrant directing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the National Security and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), to arrest social media commentator, Kelvin Taylor.

He's to be presented in court to answer why he should not be committed to jail for his derogatory comments about him, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour.

In a recent episode of his social media video reportage called With All Due Respect and dubbed the The Men in Red, Tainted Judiciary, Kelvin Taylor, picked on the Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, and made several allegations against him.

Today I will tell you about the men in red, yes, the men in red and how some of them have been compromised, Kelvin Taylor said in his introduction in the said video.

Kelvin Taylor further indicated in his video that among the recent High Court Justices who were promoted to the Court of Appeal, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, has been penned down by members of the ruling government to be used as the conduit to prosecute former government officials. He called on the new Chief Justice, Justice Anin Yeboah to investigate the Court of Appeal Judge failing which he will release audio tapes in his custody bordering on meetings the Court of Appeal Judge has had with high ranking officials of the Akufo-Addo led administration.

The social media commentator further zeroed in on a case before Justice Eric Kyei Baffour entitled the Republic versus Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie and four others indicating that he is deliberately twisting the law as far as proceedings, in that case, is concerned to favour the current NPP administration.

Kasapafmonline
Sample Screenshot of Culture Compass Tool "We expect to help with every job decision made by 2022 at the latest," says Moritz Kothe, CEO of kununu. "Work has, for a long time, been about more than making money. The job has to fit your life situation and personal preferences.

kununu, the largest European employer review platform and only professional provider specializing in exclusive employer and workplace insights, today announces its Culture Compass feature for job seekers to better identify and match a companys culture with their next career opportunity.

In addition to salary, benefits and role information, kununus Culture Compass is a meaningful tool that job seekers can use to determine if the culture of a potential employer meets their expectations. kununus Culture Compass significantly changes the job application process providing job seekers with valuable corporate culture information before they interview saving applicants and companies time and money. Leading up to the feature's launch, kununu collected over 7,500 company culture assessments throughout all markets it is active in, which includes United States, Austra, Germany, and Switzerland. Culture Compass is the first tool for measuring corporate culture and clearly demonstrates a companys culture in a structured way within each profile listed on kununu.

"We expect to help with every job decision made by 2022 at the latest," says Moritz Kothe, CEO of kununu. "Work has, for a long time, been about more than making money. The job has to fit your life situation and personal preferences.

kununus Culture Compass analyzes the following corporate culture dimensions:



Work-life balance

Interaction

Leadership

Strategic Direction

kununus Culture Compass provides job seekers with insight to corporate culture direction. In four-question blocks, company employees evaluate the different values that are supported within the company revealing if a more traditional or modern corporate culture prevails.

"Cliched phrases from the companies themselves, such as 'good career opportunities and a good work-life balance' do not add value for potential applicants. With the kununu Culture Compass we have developed a method to present the corporate culture objectively and meaningfully," says Kothe. "Thanks to the kununu Culture Compass, job seekers can gain authentic insight into the corporate culture of companies, for example to find out whether the management of a company is more participatory or directive.

The tool is also important in providing companies with feedback on employee perception and assists with maintaining or realigning the current culture with the companys culture objective.

"It is well known that shared values strengthen team spirit. Colleagues who live a common corporate culture can also achieve more together," explains Kothe.

kununus Culture Compass utilizes NEO values dialogue, which Prof. Dr. Timo Meynhardt from the Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Arend Oetker Chair of Business Psychology and Management) and Timm Richter, a mathematician and MBA, developed with their company NEO Culture GmbH.

For more information about kununus Culture Compass, please visit: https://b2b.kununu.com/the-culture-compass/

About kununu:

kununu is Europe's largest employer review platform and the only professional provider that specializes exclusively in employer reviews and workplace insights. So far, employees and job seekers have left more than 3.9 million authentic experience reports on kununu.com on various criteria such as salary, working atmosphere or application processes. Job seekers can therefore find authentic, detailed and unfiltered insights into the working world on the platform. Companies use this feedback to develop as an employer, to present their employer brand in a particularly credible candidate environment and to conduct a continuous dialogue with feedback providers and candidates. kununu is a subsidiary of New Work SE. 140 employees work in Vienna, Boston, Porto and Berlin to make the working world more transparent.

Media Contact:

Yenia Zaba

Director Global Communications & Brand

kununu GmbH

yenia.zaba@kununu.com

M: +43 6767579479
ANN ARBOR, MI  Will Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County leaders finally decide to pursue a federal Superfund cleanup of the Gelman dioxane plume?

Thats one of the big questions heading into another meeting on the issue Thursday night, Jan. 16.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, is inviting local leaders and residents to an open forum 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the countys Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave.

Dingell has arranged for state and federal officials to be on hand to answer questions about enforcement and cleanup options available at the state and federal levels, including how the Superfund process could work.

The Gelman dioxane plume has been a problem in Washtenaw County for far too long, Dingell said in a statement. As local leaders work towards consensus on a solution, it is essential that we have all responsible government agencies at the table to publicly answer questions about the current situation and options moving forward.

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan Attorney Generals Office and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy are expected to be in attendance, including:

Joan Tanaka, acting Superfund deputy director from EPA Region 5

Michael Berkoff, remedial project manager from EPA Region 5

Alex Girard, senior congressional liaison from EPA Region 5

Brian Negele, the assistant state attorney general who has represented the state in litigation against polluter Gelman Sciences for several years

Mike Neller, EGLE Remediation and Redevelopment Division director

Gerald Tiernan, EGLE Remediation and Redevelopment Division district supervisor in Jackson

Dan Hamel, EGLEs environmental quality analyst and project manager overseeing the Gelman plume

The city, county and Scio and Ann Arbor townships have held a series of joint meetings with Dingell since last June to discuss options for dealing with the toxic chemical plume thats been spreading through the areas groundwater for decades, originating from the old Gelman Sciences complex.

Local officials and residents are frustrated with a lack of progress on addressing the plume since the 1980s and argue pump-and-treat remediation being done by the polluter under court orders and state oversight isnt doing enough.

It is important that everyone come together in the same room to have a productive conversation and be rowing in the same direction about how to best move forward, Dingell said.

There have been differing opinions on whether to fight the polluter in court or seek EPA intervention.

The townships and Sierra Club petitioned the EPA for Superfund consideration in 2016, but the city and the county didnt join that effort. And without support from then-Gov. Rick Snyder, the process stalled.

The city, county, Scio Township and Huron River Watershed Council, along with the state, are actively suing the polluter in Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

Officials have been waiting to see if settlement negotiations prove fruitful before pursuing other options, such as taking the case to trial or turning to the EPA.

Legal costs in the case have added up to more than $1 million over the last three years.

Gelman used dioxane as a solvent while manufacturing medical-grade filter devices at its plant off Wagner Road between the 1960s and 1980s, discharging large amounts of it into the environment.

The areas groundwater is now poisoned, with the plume spreading for miles, and its still viewed as a potential threat to Ann Arbors main drinking water supply, Barton Pond, and more township residents wells.

With dioxane in shallow groundwater, some also worry it could seep into home basements and pose vapor-intrusion risks.

Dioxane is classified by the EPA as likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. It also can cause kidney and liver damage, and respiratory problems.

Just a few parts per billion in drinking water, with long-term exposure, poses a 1 in 100,000 cancer risk, according to EPA.

Gelman Sciences was acquired in 1997 by Pall Corp., which was acquired in 2015 by Danaher Corp., a multibillion-dollar corporation that some local officials and residents argue has the financial resources to do a better cleanup.

The state initially sued Gelman Sciences in 1988, leading to a Circuit Court consent judgment in 1992 that has been amended multiple times, most recently in 2011.

That essentially governs the plume and allows it to spread through the city at high concentrations to the Huron River downstream of Barton Pond.

Complaining about a cleanup or bust" attitude, Gelmans legal team fought up to the Michigan Supreme Court to try to get the local parties removed from the case after they intervened as co-plaintiffs a few years ago. The states highest court rejected the polluters appeal in early 2018.

Confidential settlement negotiations in Circuit Court have taken place and officials say theyre barred from disclosing whats discussed or what offers may be on the table.

The county webpage promoting Thursdays forum states theres growing concern the plume may reach the Huron River, Ann Arbors main water supply, prompting a collaboration that aims to achieve resolution via cleanup through a Superfund designation.

Several City Council members are sponsoring a Superfund resolution that awaits council action Jan. 21, pending the outcome of Thursday nights discussions.

Read more about the Gelman plume.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A nonprofit serving homeless families in Grand Rapids has closed a shelter it opened in February on a temporary basis.

Family Promise of Grand Rapids stopped providing shelter at Fulton Manor, 1450 Fulton St. E, in late December. Nearly 400 families were provided temporary shelter at the facility between February and December.

The building had a daily capacity of more than 70 families.

That capacity, now that its gone, we have people calling our system and theyre being told, Im sorry, theres no shelter space right now, said Cheryl Schuch, executive director of Family Promise.

Were right back in that space of Ill put you on the wait list, call back.

Family Promise reached a deal last year with Holland Home, the senior housing provider that owns Fulton Manor, to use the building as a shelter for about a year.

The deal was reached in 2018 after Holland Home closed its senior housing center at Fulton Manor. Holland Home agreed to let Family Promise lease the building for a year while it decided whether to redevelop or sell the property, said Mina Breuker, president and CEO of Holland Home.

Holland Home has since decided to sell the property and is in discussions with a potential buyer.

The families living at the shelter at the time it was closed had either found other housing or were moved to another Family Promise shelter, Schuch said.

As of now, Family Promise has a wait list of roughly 160 families.

Schuch said that if Fulton Manor was still operating at full capacity, her organization would probably have no wait list or a wait list of ten families.

It was a temporary project, Schuch said of the Fulton Manor shelter. We certainly havent addressed the need for the added shelter capacity in our town or solved it for the people coming to us.

There were 757 people living in emergency shelters, temporary housing or without shelter on Feb. 6, 2019, according to the most recent Point in Time survey by the Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness.

Thats up from 723 people in 2018, but below a high of 912 people in 2017.

Schuch said it cost Family Promise just under $1 million to open and operate the shelter. The price tag included the cost of opening the shelter, as well as meals, case managers, staff support and more.

Schuch said the shelter was a safe space where families could get help with basic needs and connect with services to help them find permanent housing.

We had hundreds and hundreds of volunteers supporting that project, helping to serve meals, coming in and doing crafts with the kids, doing yoga classes, she said. We had a lot of community engagement, and I think that community connection was a really important piece for these families.

Now that Family Promises shelter at Fulton Manor has closed, the organization is searching for additional shelter space, Schuch said.

I think there are some spaces in town that could work, but it doesnt happen quick because we then need to go find funders who are willing to fund that, she said.

Family Promise is also seeking funding for its pool of money used to pay for hotel rooms for homeless families. Family Promise will pay for a hotel room for families when it does not have space in one of its shelters.
Pelosi Names Schiff, Nadler as Prosecutors for Impeachment Trial

By VOA News January 15, 2020

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday appointed seven House members who will prosecute the case against President Donald Trump at a Senate trial that is expected to begin next week.

The House is scheduled to vote later Wednesday to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate. After the vote, lawmakers who will act as prosecutors will walk the articles of impeachment to the Senate side of the Capitol.

Pelosi named a diverse group of Democratic lawmakers to prosecute the case, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler.

Also named as managers were Sylvia Garcia, Hakeem Jeffries, Zoe Lofgren, Jason Crow and Val Demings.

Question of new witnesses

The House impeached Trump last month, but Pelosi delayed submitting the articles of impeachment as House Democrats tried to get Senate leaders to agree to allow testimony from new witnesses during the trial.

That matter remains unresolved. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has resisted the idea of calling witnesses and said the decision would come later in the trial.

White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham accused Pelosi of holding the articles of impeachment "in an egregious effort to garner political support."

"She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing," Grisham said in a statement. "President Trump has done nothing wrong. He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated."

Pelosi said if the Senate launches the trial without witnesses, the American people will see it "as a pure political cover-up."

"Leader McConnell and the president are afraid of more facts coming to light," she said.

Preliminary trial steps are expected to take place this week, with the trial itself beginning Tuesday and likely lasting several weeks.

Trump: 'Witch hunts'

Trump is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate former vice president Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, as Trump withheld $391 million in aid that he later released. The president is also accused of subsequently obstructing a congressional probe into his actions.

Trump insists he did nothing wrong and has dismissed the impeachment effort as a "witch hunt."

"While we're creating jobs and killing terrorists, Democrats in Congress are wasting America's time with demented hoaxes and crazy witch hunts," he told supporters at a Tuesday night campaign rally.

No matter what rules are in place for the Senate trial, Trump seems to be safe from the prospect of being convicted and removed from office.

His Republican Party holds a 53 to 47 majority in the chamber, and conviction requires a two-thirds majority, meaning if all Democrats voted to convict then 20 Republicans would have to also vote that way for Trump to lose the presidency.

New evidence

Democrats said late Tuesday that along with the impeachment articles they will include new evidence from Florida businessman Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The evidence includes a screenshot of a previously undisclosed letter Giuliani sent in May to the then-president-elect, introducing himself as Trump's "personal counsel" and requesting a meeting with Trump's "knowledge and consent."

It also includes communications between Parnas, Giuliani and others about the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovich, who balked at Trump's demand for an investigation of the Bidens.

This is the third time in the country's 244-year history a U.S. president has been impeached and targeted for removal from office.

Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were both impeached by the House but acquitted in Senate trials. A fourth president, Richard Nixon, resigned in 1974 in the face of certain impeachment in a political corruption scandal.

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A Muslim women students' body on Thursday took out a rally in the city demanding that the Centre withdraw the Citizens' Amendment Act (CAA) and proposed country-wide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Activists of the Girls' Islamic Organisation vowed to continue their protests against the CAA and nation-wide NRC till these were repealed by the central government.

The rally, which started from Haji Mohammed Mohsin Square in south Kolkata, culminated at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Mayo Road in the central part of the city.

The participants also sat on a dharna in front of the statue in protest against the CAA and NRC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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FAIRFIELD  A new chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. has been created in Fairfield.

According to a press release, Nutmeg State Blue Star Mothers  CT5 will serve the region for local members.

The organization is comprised of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and legal female guardians of people serving in the military.

These mothers support each other and their children while promoting patriotism, the release said. The organization focuses on their mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our fallen heroes.

Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 1942 in Flint, Mich. There are currently more than 6,000 members from more than 200 chapters in the organization.

According to the release, Blue Star Mothers also assists other veterans organizations and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts.

Spokeswoman Micky Milo said she was enthusiastic about the new chapter.

This new chapter opens up opportunities to offer more support to military families and veterans throughout the entire state of Connecticut, Milo said.

The new chapter will be meeting monthly via conference call, online chats and at members homes. Cecile Fazio, the newly elected president of the branch, said while the chapter is new, many of the members have been a part of the organization for years, adding that they understand the needs of veterans families.

We may be small in membership right now as we get going, but we are big in heart, Fazio said.
Ready to join probe in connection with JNU violence: ABVP member

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member Komal Sharma, who has been called for questioning by the Delhi Police in connection with the January 5 violence at the JNU campus here, wrote to the head of the investigating team on Thursday, saying she was ready to join the probe.

"It is being claimed in the media and social media that I am absconding, which is false, and so I write to you to join the investigation. I can join in for questioning either at the office of the National Commission for Women or at a place and time appropriate to you, which may be communicated to me through this mail," she said.

"Me and my family are concerned about my security and ask you to ensure the same," she added in a letter to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Joy Tirkey.
Intense air strikes by Syrian government forces, which have shown no sign of abating despite Russia's announcement of a truce, have reduced swathes of Idlib's towns to rubble Intense air strikes by Syrian government forces, which have shown no sign of abating despite Russia's announcement of a truce, have reduced swathes of Idlib's towns to rubble (AFP Photo/Abdulaziz KETAZ)

Beirut (AFP) - Intense fighting between pro-government forces and jihadist-led fighters in Syria's Idlib province killed at least 39 fighters overnight, a war monitor said Thursday.

The violence, which saw air strikes, shelling and ground combat, further buried a ceasefire announced by Russia on Sunday in Idlib, the last major opposition bastion in the country.

Government and allied forces took two villages in their advance towards the key town of Maaret al-Numan, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

According to the Britain-based war monitor, the fighting flared late on Wednesday in areas south of Maaret al-Numan, the key target of the Syrian government's latest military offensive.

At least 22 anti-government fighters were killed, most of them members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that includes fighters from the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

Seventeen government troops and allied militia were also killed in the fighting, said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Observatory.

He added that government forces were now just seven kilometres (less than five miles) from Maaret al-Numan, a town that was one of the bastions of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Nearly nine years into the conflict, protests against the government are still held in some of the province's towns.

In the city of Idlib itself, 18 civilians were killed in air strikes on Wednesday, shattering the truce brokered by Moscow and rebel backer Ankara.

The fighting has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes in recent weeks, exposing them to a harsh winter.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Thursday discussed recent regional development and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), an agreement signed in 2015 to limit Tehran's nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The meeting of the two leaders took place on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020, which is currently going on in the national capital.

During the meeting, it was agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020, said Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

Both leaders also recalled positive outcomes of Jaishankar visit to Tehran for the 19th Joint Commission Meeting in December.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zarif held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Zarif, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2020, targetted the US over its air raid which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

Early this month US struck and killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, or PMF. Following which, Iran carried out airstrikes on two basses in Iraq housing US forces. This event marked the escalation of tensions in the regions which were already at fever pitch since Trump withdrew from 2015 nuclear deal.

The JCPoA is on the verge of collapsing ever since Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018. The deal was signed between Iran and P5 +1 with the European Union. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Since Trump announced withdrawal from the deal, Tehran and Washington are engaged in the war of words and have also been involved in carrying out attacks to infuriate each other. Washington imposed several sanctions to pressure Iran to renegotiate the deal and designated Iran's elite force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Meanwhile, Iran has also targeted the United States allies and people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The billionaire bromance between Donald Trump and Frances richest man, Bernard Arnault, has surely been one of the more unexpected consequences of the U.S. presidents global trade war. Back in October, Trump lavished praise on the king of luxury  calling him by turns an artist, a great businessman and a gentleman  after LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE opened a handbag factory in Texas. The symbolism was rich, considering Trump had just days earlier removed leather goods from a list of European products worth $7.5 billion that were hit with higher U.S. import tariffs. Trump wasted no time in spelling out the link: I cant tax him, because he moved to the United States.The mood has cooled since then. Leather handbags and luxury items worth $2.4 billion are now back on the U.S. presidents hit list as part of potential tariffs targeting France, which the White House says is discriminating against U.S. firms such as Apple Inc., Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. with a new digital-services tax. The U.S. has also threatened more tariffs targeting the European Union related to the long-running dispute over aircraft subsidies between Boeing Co. and Airbus SE. Brussels has dispatched its top trade official this week to try to calm tensions, but theres every chance the spat could worsen. For a president fighting impeachment and campaigning for re-election, French wines and German cars are tempting political targets.

That has put Trump-whisperers like Arnault in an awkward position. While by no means the chief culprit of the EUs trade surplus with the U.S. that Trump so hates, luxury products sold by LVMH such as wine and spirits are Frances key export sector after aerospace. The U.S. market brings in about 24% of the groups revenue, almost as much as France and Europe put together. Shrewd re-jigging of the supply chain, and the luxury industrys ability to pass on price increases to its well-heeled buyers, have so far helped keep the wolf from the door. LVMHs pledge to create 1,000 jobs in Texas, even if a Made In the USA label leads to upturned noses, has made Trump less likely to want to penalize the company with luxury levies. Hes also less likely to oppose Arnaults proposed $16 billion acquisition of iconic U.S. jeweler Tiffany & Co.Its not just LVMH: Airbus, one of Trumps favorite punching bags and the biggest brand in European aerospace, pulled off a similar feat. Its local presence in Alabama has spared the aircraft it produces in the U.S. from the 10% EU tariffs (and likely deterred Trump from pricier duties). Considering France is being singled out for harsher punishment, the fact that Paris-listed LVMH and Airbus are among the top five best-performing euro-area blue-chip stocks since Trump arrived in the White House will comfort French President Emmanuel Macron.

Story continues

But how much longer can moving resources into the U.S. keep delivering results? Airbus is scrambling to continue ramping up production in Alabama, where its investment now totals $1 billion, but that hasnt been enough to silence the threat of higher tariffs. For the luxury-goods sector, not everything Made in France can be Made in the USA. LVMH is clever enough to sell locally-made U.S. sparkling wine in funky single-serve bottles, but it will never be the same as champagne. European corporate takeovers of U.S. targets, while rising, are vulnerable to Trumps unpredictability.Europes top multinationals may have also been helped by the fact that Trumps focus so far has been primarily on China. Being a secondary target hasnt been too bad for the EU: Tit-for-tat tariffs between China and the U.S. actually saw France get a total export boost to both countries worth an estimated 0.3% of GDP, according to Nomura research. (For Germany it was 0.1%.)

Its clear that exporting high-value items that are difficult to substitute, such as aircraft or luxury goods, is a natural defense against trade wars; Airbus was also helped by Boeings troubles. But China may now be receding into Trumps rear-view mirror following the signing of a phase-one trade deal. If Europe takes its place as Trumps chief concern, things will be different. While European investment into the U.S. increased by $226.1 billion in 2018, to $3.0 trillion, the U.S. trade deficit with the EU also hit a record that year. Tariffs on German cars  which would be far harder to pass on to consumers than for a bottle of Dom Perignon, or an A320 airplane  remain an ugly prospect, even after an increase in their local U.S. production over the past decade.Europes CEOs will be praying the EU can convince the White House that an escalation in tariffs would hurt American jobs, saddle the consumer with higher prices and deter hiring and investment. If thats not enough, then maybe the next delegation the EU sends should include Arnault and the gift of a few handbags  Made in USA, of course.

To contact the author of this story: Lionel Laurent at llaurent2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Melissa Pozsgay at mpozsgay@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Brussels. He previously worked at Reuters and Forbes.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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AP

A major healthcare conference in San Francisco this week has sparked a debate about the California citys homeless crisis as wealthy executives and investors complain of feeling 'unsafe'.

The city rakes in $51m (39m) each year from the annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference despite growing concerns about the citys homeless population among attendees of the healthcare industrys leading conference, according to Bloomberg News.

The nearly 10,000 attendees have regularly criticised San Franciscos homeless crisis, Bloomberg reported, with one CEO describing it to the news outlet as the Bill Clinton of cities.

San Francisco has squandered its place in the sun, said John Price, CEO of the genetic engineering company Greffex Inc. San Francisco is the Bill Clinton of cities. It squandered itself with its flaws.

Selin Kurnaz, CEO of Massive Bio, also told Bloomberg she has felt increasingly unsafe in San Francisco while attending the conference over the years.

Ive been coming to JPM for five years, and the homeless situation has gotten much worse, she said. I feel unsafe walking around at night, especially as a young woman.

Oracle Corporation, which hosts a premier industry event called the OpenWorld conference annually in San Francsico, announced it would relocate this years event to Las Vegas, citing street conditions and hotel pricing.

My dream would be that theyd see this as an opportunity to reflect on the humanity of others, Kelly Cutler, an organiser with the Coalition on Homelessness, told the news outlet.

She added: I feel like its a missed opportunity when people are just seeing the homeless as a nuisance and trash and seeing the solution as just sweeping them away.

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan, told Fox Business in an interview on Tuesday that, while the financial institution would become deeply involved in San Francisco, complaints from attendees were not quite that bad.

He said those attending the event know where theyre going and plan for it the same time of the year, while acknowledging the city has faced an increasing issue of homelessness.

Story continues

Despite city officials launching new efforts to tackle the problem of homelessness  including major initiatives and spending over $300m (230.1m) in its efforts  San Francisco has housed 27,000 homeless people throughout the past 15 years, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Homelessness has reportedly increased somewhat in recent years across San Francisco, though it remains lower than record-levels recorded in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the citys overall population has reportedly increased by more than 100,000 people over the last 15 years.

Read more

New Yorkers sleep in Times Square to raise funds for homeless charity




US$69.2 million in cattle producer prices paid out by Meatco Namibia last year



Ronald Kubas, acting Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) chairperson said the company contributed positively to Namibia's agricultural sector, which has been affected by the recent drought, reported The Namibian.

Kubas said the company slaughtered 115,000 cattle last year to assist drought-stricken farmers, close to 85% more cattle compared to the same period in 2018 while maintaining prices for the meat.

Meatco is currently looking to rebuild its herd, including the prospect of importing livestock from Botswana and obtaining cattle from northeast Namibia through the creation of a buffer zone. The latter strategy will be executed with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The company is also proposing additional intensive cattle rearing to recover its rangelands and working with cattle farmers to address throughput challenges via the introduction of intensive rearing mini feedlot systems.

Kubas added that the company is fortunate to be able to access the Namibia market without restrictions imposed, but throughput, raw materials, and raw materialsavailability are some of the company's biggest challenges.

The Namibian Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security Situation report found that 88,219 livestock had died from the drought between October 2018 to September 2019, with an average of 7,350 deaths monthly.

- The Namibian
Every year millions of Americans make resolutions, and every year those same Americans fall short of reaching their goals. In the second article of this series, the Invest In You team once again asked readers and viewers to reveal their goals to fuel a commitment toward a healthier financial well-being in 2020. The response was overwhelming  and humbling. Several themes emerged, including investing in future generations, paying off debt, owning a business and saving for retirement. Below are highlights from some of the respondents over the past few weeks. CREATE A BUDGET Jessy, New York: "In 2019 I turned 30 and almost immediately wanted to be more adult. I started thinking about saving for a deposit on a house, paying down my debt and investing. So I'm starting small  packing my lunch instead of buying, writing down my incoming and outgoing funds to see how much I could save. I'm looking to take the next steps in taking control of my money." START INVESTING Maria, Tyler, Texas: "I am an immigrant  a nurse who came here from the Philippines to achieve my American dream. It isn't as easy as most think, and money doesn't grow on trees. I pledge to get invested in 2020 for myself, my family and my community."

Maria from Texas is invested in pursuing the American Dream.

PURSUE A PASSION Adam, Charlotte, North Carolina: "I'm invested to retire early and pursue my passions  including starting a dog-care business and volunteering for local education, environmental and animal welfare causes." Michael, Middleburgh, New York: "All I wanted to do in life was to be a volunteer firefighter, but I knew I also needed to be able to make a living. Thankfully, I was able to work for a company that also allowed me to attend fire calls. I learned a lot about investing from my colleagues and managers, and now I'm more confident about trading and investing. I am blessed to be married, with a beautiful wife and three kids. I'm invested to pay for their college education and for my wife's retirement. I'm now retired from my job, but I am still the assistant chief with my local volunteer fire department and attend almost all of the fire calls that come in. I pledge to continue to invest and to do my favorite thing in life  to help people in their worst time." GROW AND MAINTAIN A NEST EGG Larry, Lake Barrington, Illinois: "I'm invested to maintain the great retirement I have! I sing in my church choir, am president of my community choir, volunteer at a charity, travel to Ireland and chase after my grandkids. I just have to keep this going via my investments!" Chris, Glendora, California: I'm invested so that my wife and I will be able to retire and not have to put the burden of caretaking on our children. Since I've worked in nonprofits my entire career, I don't foresee any financial windfalls. Therefore, I invest to slowly and steadily provide for my family's future. And knowing what it was like to graduate with debt, and with the rising cost of college, I would like to be able to help my future grandchildren with college expenses. Peter, Millbrae, Caliornia: "After taking care of my 90-year-old father with dementia for the past three years, I'm starting this new decade with depleted retirement savings and a struggling business. With my father now moved into a memory-care facility, I can turn my focus towards growing my business profitability and rebuilding my retirement savings. The personal motto driving my comeback is 20/20: Perfect Vision. It means that clarity of mind, heart and habits will deliver a prosperous comeback. I'm invested for my sense of self and for my retirement health. I'm not giving up; I'm giving more and I'm coming back!" INVEST IN LOVED ONES

Larry Collins
High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020 here and discussed the recent development pertaining to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement.

During a "frank dialogue" between the two, Borrell underlined the continued interest of the European Union to preserve the JCPoA agreement, which he said, is now "more important than ever, in light of the dangerous escalations in the Middle East and the Gulf region," the European Union said in a statement.

Both partners agreed to remain in close touch and continue their engagement in the coming weeks.

The two leaders are undertaking visits to India to participate in the fifth edition of Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in New Delhi.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by the US near Baghdad earlier this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Squirmed for a bit before going still: The final moments of Nirbhayas killers

Nirbhaya: No execution for rapists on Jan 22, Court directs jail authorities to file proper report

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 16: The execution of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case will not take place on January 22 and has been further delayed.

The Delhi court directed Tihar jail authorities to file proper report by tomorrow about status of scheduled execution of convicts.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora passed the directions after jail authorities informed that they have written to the Delhi government on the issue of scheduled execution on January 22 in view of pending remedies of the accused.

The four convicts -- Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Kumar (32), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) -- were to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail. A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on January 7.

In their last ditch effort to escape the gallows, Public Prosecutor said the court as per rules, January 22 execution cannot take place. Execution can only take place after mercy plea is dismissed and 14 days should be given to convicts for meeting family.

Advocate Seema Kushwaha for Nirbhaya 's parents argues that the mercy petition has only been filed but is not 'pending' before the President. Hence, the execution cannot be stayed.

Earlier on Thursday, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts.

Curative petition: Vinay Sharma and Mukesh Kumar Singh have already exhausted this remedy and two others -- Pawan Gupta and Akshay Singh -- are yet to move the Supreme Court with this plea.

Appeal against warrants for execution of death sentence: Mukesh was the only person to challenge in the Delhi High Court which declined to entertain his petition on the ground that he should have either moved the sessions court or the apex court. Late in the evening, he moved the sessions court.

The other three convicts have not yet challenged the death warrant for hanging them on January 22.

Mercy Plea: Only Mukesh has moved a plea seeking mercy before the President.

The convicts were sentenced to death penalty for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012. The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, had succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.
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In Syrias civil war, girls as young as nine have been raped and forced into sexual slavery. Boys have been tortured, forced into military training, and ordered to carry out killings in public. Children have been targeted by sniper fire and used as bargaining chips to extract ransoms.

The gruesome facts have been the focus of a new report published on Thursday by United Nations-backed investigators into the Syrian war  a report that, for the first time, looks solely on the plight of the children caught up in the conflict.

The group behind the report, known as the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, has been scrutinising and chronicling human rights violations since shortly after the conflict broke out in 2011.

The investigators said in their report that the abuse and violence against Syrian children goes well beyond just getting caught in the crossfire of warring sides.

After eight years of conflict, children in Syria have experienced unabated violations of their rights: they continue to be killed, maimed, injured and orphaned, bearing the brunt of violence perpetrated by warring parties, the report said.

It did not offer a casualty count among children  the commission stopped counting the victims years ago, citing its inability to verify the figures in a country where it has been blocked from entry.

The report did, however, say five million children have been displaced internally and outside Syria, robbed of their childhood by violations from all sides.

Education is devastated

Hanny Megally, a member of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, told Al Jazeera that he found it shocking how little hope there seemed to be for the Syrian children going forward.

Were still seeing preventable deaths, he said, speaking from Geneva. Education is devastated. We are talking about a generation that has lost schooling. In what way will they be able to catch up?

The Syrian government, Megally explained, often does not recognise education certificates from children who went to school in areas under the control of the opposition armed groups.

He said this results in children facing the process of restarting their education from scratch, looking for work on the streets as breadwinners for their families, or being recruited by armed groups into fighting.

And so the victims become the perpetrators, although children should be viewed as victims first, said Megally.

Urgent efforts are required by the Syrian government to support as many children as possible to return to [their] education, said UN commission member Karen AbuZayd.

Armed groups holding territory also need to act with haste to facilitate access to education, she added.

Mental trauma

The UN report also highlighted the mental trauma that many children suffer from experiencing attacks, sieges, torture, detention and flight  and from losing their normal way of life.

Many boys and girls have described how they suffer from serious sleeping disorders, as well as feelings of insecurity, abandonment, revenge, frustration and fear, the commission said, summing up 5,000 interviews with Syrian children and adults.

A drone photo shows Syrian children in a tent camp hosting families displaced due to attacks by the Assad government and Russia, as they try to live under harsh winter conditions in Idlib, Syria [Anadolu Agency]

Syrian President Bashar al-Assads government, which bears responsibility for respect of human rights on its territory under international law, ignored such commitments, the report said.

It cited pro-government fighters as regularly targeting children using sniper fire and deploying cluster munitions, thermobaric bombs and chemical weapons, often against civilian objects such as schools and hospitals.

As with its previous reports, the three-member Commission of Inquiry listed recommendations for the warring sides, the Syrian government and the international community. But there are concerns the report will, like many others in Syrias civil war, now in its ninth year, go unheeded and bring about few concrete results.

The first thing that could be done is that everybody stops bombing schools and facilities that children need desperately going forward, Megally said. We need to be looking at the medical facilities and humanitarian assistance that children need desperately because they are dying.

Theres nothing that should be preventing humanitarian assistance other than bureaucracies, UN resolutions, and lack of cooperation on the part of the states, he added.

Children of ISIL fighters in prisons, camps

The report also called for thousands of children of fighters who fought for the ISIL group (also known as ISIS) to be repatriated from Syria.

The report said the children were in a particularly precarious situation since they often lacked official papers.

This, in turn, jeopardises their rights to a nationality, hinders family reunification processes and puts them at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse, the report said.

The UN says around 28,000 children of foreign fighters are living in Syrian camps  20,000 of them from Iraq.

Thousands more are believed to be held in prisons, where teenage children are being detained alongside adults.

The UN commissions chair, Paulo Pinheiro, said the detention of children with adults was a terrible violation, urging the relevant governments to take action to stop this.

All this delay in not taking these children from these prisons is outrageous. Its a scandal, he said.

The UN commission called on governments to recognise papers issued by non-state actors such as the ISIL group and witness testimonies to allow the children to obtain official documents.

Following the collapse of the self-proclaimed caliphate of ISIL last year, foreign fighters from nearly 50 countries were detained in Syria and Iraq.

Many of their relatives are held in the overcrowded al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, home to around 68,000 and where more than 500 people  mostly children  died in 2019.
Skokie, IL - The ISSCR is updating its Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation to respond to recent scientific advances that include the use of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) to create models of early human embryo development (see Stem Cell Reports 14:1-6). As the science continues to advance, it raises important scientific, clinical, ethical, and societal issues for researchers, regulators, and funding agencies. The ISSCR believes the scientific community must address these challenges to establish parameters for research in this area.

Stem cell-based models of early embryo development are important to enable researchers to study early human development without destroying human embryos. The ability to model early embryo development through the culture of stem cells may also make it possible to ethically study periods of human development that are poorly understood or difficult to model using animal embryos. This area of research could improve fertility treatment and prevent the development of certain congenital diseases.

The ISSCR will develop detailed guidance on this area of research in the updated ISSCR Guidelines that will be released in early 2021. Until the Guidelines are released, the ISSCR encourages researchers and institutions to observe the following principles and current recommendations when considering research in this area:

Research involving the culture of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to model the entire conceptus (the embryo and extraembryonic structures) should be overseen and authorized by a special committee capable of evaluating the ethical and scientific justification of proposed research according to the Embryo Research Oversight (EMRO) process described in ISSCR Guidelines Recommendation 2.1.1;

Multicellular structures derived from PSCs that do not model the entire conceptus (for example lacking extraembryonic structures and lack the potential to develop into an organism) are not embryos and should not be regulated as such. Proposed research using these models should be reported to an EMRO committee but does not require prior authorization;

Models of the entire conceptus that have the potential to develop into an organism should not be maintained in culture beyond 14 days or the time at which the primitive streak develops (ISSCR Guidelines, Recommendation 2.1.3.3 Category 3);?

Models of the entire conceptus that are cultured as individual components such as germ layers or extraembryonic structures before 14 days, or when the primitive streak develops, can continue in culture but should be reported to an EMRO committee;

Researchers using models involve combining human PSC-based embryo-like structures with other animal or human cells or tissues should endeavor to seek review by an EMRO process; and

Multicellular structures derived from PSCs that seek to model certain aspects of the conceptus or the entire conceptus should not be transferred into the uterus of a human or animal (ISSCR Guidelines, Recommendation 2.1.3.3 Category 3).

###

The revision of the ISSCR Guidelines is an international effort being led by Robin Lovell-Badge, PhD, FRS, Francis Crick Institute, UK. Amander Clark, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, USA and Janet Rossant, PhD, FRS, FRSC, Gairdner Foundation, Canada are co-chairing the group working on embryo models, which includes Ali Brivanlou, PhD, The Rockefeller University, USA, Jianping Fu, PhD, University of Michigan, USA, Kazuto Kato, PhD, Osaka University, Japan, Debra Mathews, PhD, MA, Johns Hopkins University, USA, Kathy Niakan, PhD, Francis Crick Institute, UK, Nicolas Rivron, PhD, Maastricht University, Netherlands, Mitinori Saitou, MD, PhD, Kyoto University, Japan, Azim Surani, PhD, FMedSci, FRS, University of Cambridge, UK, and Fuchou Tang, PhD, Peking University, China.

About the International Society for Stem Cell Research

With nearly 4,000 members from more than 60 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Additional information about stem cell science is available at A Closer Look at Stem Cells, an initiative of the Society to inform the public about stem cell research and its potential to improve human health.
As a special thank you for the support local media publishers have shown Admiral, were excited to give back in 2020 by offering this critical solution at no cost to LMC members. - Dan Rua, CEO, Admiral

As part of an ongoing partnership with the Local Media Consortium, Admiral, the worlds leading Visitor Relationship Management platform is offering free use of its CCPA management tool in 2020 for all 90 LMC publishers and their 3,300+ sites. An update to its Privacy & Consent module (that also handles GDPR compliance), Admirals CCPA Opt-out tool delivers a fast, easy-to-use, and comprehensive solution for publishers looking to achieve compliance. The CCPA Opt-out module, like all of Admirals modules, runs from one easy-to-install tag, reducing a publishers tech stack and dev-lift. Key features include:



Detection: ID site visitors coming from California IPs

A highly configurable user interface to opt out of data sales

A UI/API access thats compatible with IABs framework for communicating opt-out information to downstream vendors

Consent analytics available via Admirals single, universal dashboard

In 2019, Admiral was officially selected by the LMC as the best-of-breed Visitor Relationship Management (VRM) platform for its members. With a fast growing user base of thousands of sites worldwide and the largest local media installed base, Admiral provides digital publishers solutions to grow and optimize revenue through building first party relationships with their visitors. One of the highlights of this strategic partnership are the special LMC pricing terms offered exclusively to members using Admiral to manage adblock revenue recovery, paid subscription programs, privacy consent, email acquisition and social growth.

Our strategic partnership with the LMC was one of the highlights of 2019, said Dan Rua, CEO, Admiral. As a special thank you for the support local media publishers have shown Admiral, were excited to give back in 2020 by offering this critical solution at no cost to LMC members.

Admiral is a proven partner of the LMC helping our members build first-party relationships with their visitors to solve a variety of challenges from adblock recovery to digital subscriptions, said Tobias Bennett, the LMCs VP of Revenue and Partnerships. Privacy & consent are topics that are becoming increasingly important to consumers online, and working alongside a leader in the category that offers innovative, turn-key solutions is a massive benefit to our members. Were excited how this timely partner offer adds even more value to LMC membership just as CCPA goes live in 2020.

Visitor Relationship Management (VRM), the driving principle behind Admirals suite of solutions, promotes intelligently targeting, engaging and communicating with multiple segments of a publishers audience to maximize ARPU/ROI for each visitor. Admiral is simple enough for self-serve and powerful enough for worldwide news networks reaching hundreds of millions of users. Installing Admirals single Javascript tag gives a publisher immediate access to the Admiral dashboard and free visitor analytics including unique revenue and privacy insights. We continuously innovate on ease of installation and deployment, particularly valuable for understaffed news organizations who like our zero dev lift and white-glove service said Rua. We take the same approach with all of our modules including our latest solution for CCPA.

Within 24-hours of tag install, publishers work directly with Admirals Customer Love team to enable modules such as:

CCPA/GDPR Privacy & Consent Management

Whitelist-based adblock revenue recovery

Reinsertion-based adblock revenue recovery

Per-site and multi-site subscription, membership and donation revenue

Single Sign-on, Email acquisition & social growth

Managing visitor privacy & consent can seem like a daunting task for digital publishers, and many solutions in the marketplace are hands-off leaving publishers with more questions than answers says Rua. Admiral aims to take the uncertainty out of the process by sharing our expertise and providing 24/7 support from our Customer Love team from onboarding to implementation and beyond. As of January 1, 2020, CCPA is now law for a large chunk of US consumers and publishers, so theres no time like the present to get compliant.

Local media publishers wanting more information on this special Free CCPA offer from Admiral and the LMC, can visit https://web.getadmiral.com/admiral-ccpa

ABOUT THE LOCAL MEDIA CONSORTIUM

The Local Media Consortium delivers economic value through strategic partnerships on behalf of nearly 90 local media companies in top markets across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and includes more than 3,300 outlets. By harnessing the combined volume and scale of its members, the LMC reduces costs and increases revenue with technology and service providers like Google, Facebook, Admiral and others. The aggregated LMC audience footprint spans 1 billion unique monthly visitors and its member companies serve more than 6 billion pageviews to consumers. More information is available at http://www.localmediaconsortium.com/.

ABOUT ADMIRAL

Admiral is the industrys leading Visitor Relationship Management (VRM) platform, serving thousands of sites worldwide. Admiral empowers publishers to engage their audiences to drive and optimize revenue streams from paid subscriptions to adblock recovery. Admirals solution set includes the free revenue analytics module, and a suite of engagement, GDPR/CCPA privacy compliance, subscription, and revenue growth modules. Interested publishers and partners are encouraged to learn more at GetAdmiral.com
Your Excellency Reverend Archbishop,

Your Excellencies,

Today`s New Year`s meeting, organized already for the fifth time, is also, by nature of things, the last meeting of this kind in my present term in office.

The five-year-long perspective induces me to reflect more broadly on things we have managed to achieve over this time and on the new challenges which the contemporary world presents the Republic of Poland with. In a nutshell  what awaits us.

Right from the start of my presidency I have argued that my basic task as President is to guarantee security to the Poles and to Poland.

This very goal was and remains to be feasible thanks to prudent, patient and targeted policy. For this is not about achieving a one-time success or media resonance but about permament construction of solid foundations for Poland`s international standing, its authority and the well-being of its citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Poland bases its foreign policy on the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in other international treaties which provide the framework for peace and global stability.

We unremittingly stress the necessity to respect the principles of international law in relations among states, as well as in multilateral formats of co-operation. This is a basic element which is the guarantee of global peace.

Poland wishes to develop close and partnership-based relations with all countries. It stems from the firm conviction that jointly we are able to solve the problems which by far exceed the capacities of individual states, and by doing so, contribute to an increased security and welfare of our citizens.

This is especially important in the world of growing interdependencies, bigger and faster flows of people, goods and capital as well as the development of new digital technologies. We are open to co-operation as exemplified by the formats of which we make part, and in the establishment of which we have invested effort in recent years or which we initiated directly.

Almost 5 years in the office of the President of the Republic of Poland, my participation in numerous meetings and discussions, including with nearly all the most important world leaders, all these projects which have been implemented have consolidated precisely this conviction of mine that the key to Poland`s political security, and more broadly of the entire international community, is the stability of relations among states which is most comprehensively guaranteed through abiding by international law.

Security in the military sense requires further action for the sake of enhancing Polish defence capabilities and the strength of alliances in which Poland functions.

Whereas security in the economic sense entails further dynamic development of Polish economy, enterprise within the European Union, diversification of directions of our trade and economic co-operation, but first and foremost, it entails diversifying sources of supply of raw materials which are indispensable for our economy.

A new challenge is that of social security which I construe both as care for the social cohesion in the economic dimension, elimination of acute income discrepancies, ensuring equal opportunities and sustainable territorial development and also care for the preservation of natural environment against negative changes and distortions as well as loss of natural resources.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

we undertake actions for the sake of stability of international relations founded on international law predominantly within the UN system. "Peace through law" was the motto of our recently concluded 2-year-long membership of the UN Security Council and it eloquently summarizes our way of thinking about international politics.

Let me remind you that during our tenure in this body- the most important one regarding the maintenance of the world peace - we were implementing initiatives regarding the promotion of respect for international law, protection of civilian population and prevention of conflicts. We also made efforts to ensure that the issues concerning Ukraine and Georgia, especially their territorial integrity, are more explicitly present on the Council`s agenda.

The undeniable successes of the Polish membership have been our two month-long Presidencies of the Security Council when we stood at the helm of its works and had an impact upon its program of action.

The fact that it was upon the initiative of Poland that the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring 22 August as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief gives us a reason to be satisfied. Furthermore, a resolution on persons with disabilities in armed conflicts was adopted. Abiding by international law, especially human rights, will define our presence in another important UN body  the Human Rights Council.

Last autumn the United Nations General Assembly elected Poland for the third time as member of this group, for a 3-year-long term in the years 2020-2022. Our successful bid, following directly the membership of the Security Council will ensure Poland`s further active engagement in solving global problems with a special focus on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Throughout the works in the Council we want to continue the actions we initiated during our term as members of the UN Security Council.

Last year Poland was also entrusted with a year-long presidency in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which will commence in 2022. I thank all the OSCE member states for their unanimous support of our candidacy.

All the above-listed successes we attained in international fora prove that Poland enjoys respect and trust on part of the international community and that we are considered a reliable partner and an advocate of common good in international relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

the last 5 years have brought a fundamental break-through in terms of increasing Poland`s security and that of other countries in our region. Not only have we obtained strong, treaty-based guarantees of our security, but also its real enhancement as exemplified by the presence in our territory of a few thousand allied soldiers ready for immediate action.



Recent NATO Summits have proven that the Alliance has the will and the capabilities to implement its core mission of collective defence of its member states. Poland has made an undeniable contribution towards attaining that goal. There is no doubt that the enduring and enhanced presence of US troops in Poland is going to strengthen the security of not just my country but that it also constitutes an important step towards increasing NATO defence potential.

These actions are complemented by close cooperation of NATO countries which responds to the real need for developing deterrence capabilities on the Eastern flank of the Alliance against the backdrop of challenges and threats for the region and the entire Euro-Atlantic area. In this context, we have grounds for particular satisfaction due to the well-developing cooperation with the Baltic States. I am happy that it is precisely Vilnius that will host the next meeting of the so called Bucharest Nine, in two months` time. This initiative allows the countries in our region to effectively articulate common interests in the NATO forum.

I feel personal satisfaction with the fact that in this respect we are able to efficiently achieve objectives which I set for myself and my team, as well as the Polish diplomacy. Hence, Poland is no more a mere recipient of security but also its provider. We pursue the policy of co-responsibility, be it in Romania where 230 Polish soldiers are deployed, or in Latvia with 200 Polish members of the military on duty. In the realm of security, we adhere to the principle of 360 degrees, in other words: co-responsibility for providing security in different parts of the world. Our military contingents already stationed in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and Kuwait as well as serving as part of the EU mission in the Mediterranean have lately been joined by the UN-led mission in Lebanon. My decision to return to the blue-helmet operations means that the Polish Armed Forces operate as part of all three most crucial organizations of which Poland is a member, i.e. the UN, NATO and the EU.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

a significant element on the agenda of my visits paid to your countries is a strong economic component, such as missions and economic meetings which result in numerous contracts signed by Polish companies.

On the other hand, in order to develop economic and investment co-operation which accommodates the needs of the region, in parallel to the previously established formats, such as the Visegrad Group or 17+1, the Three Seas Initiative was set up in 2015. It creates opportunities for even more dynamic economic contacts, development of infrastructure and energy connections as well as diversification of export markets. In a nutshell, it helps to consolidate the already very good economic performance of the states in our part of the European Union. The Three Seas Initiative is undergoing rapid development. We have compiled a list of key investment projects, we have launched the Three Seas Investment Fund whereas the Initiative itself evokes vivid interest among partners from all over the world, both business and political ones.

I wish to use this opportunity and ensure our Estonian colleagues of our full support during their preparation for the next summit of the Initiative which will be held in Tallinn. We will strive together to achieve further development and operationalize co-operation of the countries involved in the project.

Ladies and Gentemen,

very good results recorded by the Polish economy over the last 5 years were possible thanks to the efforts, entrepreneurship and hard work of my compatriots, as well as an active foreign policy and the right political and economic decisions taken domestically. As a result, Poland today is one of the most important engines of economic growth in Europe. We are making good use of the opportunity to catch up with the best-developed countries in order to anchor even deeper in the centre.

All the listed examples of my actions and the successes of the Polish foreign policy over the last 5 years clearly demonstrate that an effective policy is conducive to bolstering Poland`s position in the international arena and, as a result, it gives Poles new opportunities to use the possibilities offered by the contemporary world, the global market as well as the scientific and educational cooperation. I am pleased that also my efforts have contributed to signing a number of agreements on scientific collaboration, joint economic projects, and that we have managed to lift one of the last barriers to Poles freely developing their international co-operation by including Poland in the US Visa Waver Program. Such actions will result in the further strengthening of relations between my compatriots and other societies both in the field of economy, science and education but predominantly in the people-to-people sphere.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I envisage 3 main tasks facing Polish authorities in the next couple of years.

Firstly, more active involvement in co-operation aimed at preventing the scenario of negative development of the global economic situation.

I would construe the emergence of an economic recession, combined with division of the world into competing geopolitical and economic blocs, as such negative economic situation. As well as violation of international law and lifting sanctions imposed on countries which violate it. Disintegration of the community of the West, both the European and the Euro-Atlantic one.

And, last but not least, the emergence of military threats in our immediate neighbourhood and further deterioration of the condition of the natural environment.

Poland will go to all lengths to prevent the above-mentioned phenomena from happening and becoming consolidated.

We are ready to take our share of co-responsibility for international processes.

Thanks to pursuing prudent economic policy we want to be the pole of economic growth and growing affluence. We also wish to give an example of fair distribution of the generated welfare so as to eliminate possible conflicts arising against that backdrop.

We will continue to advocate peaceful co-operation and the necessity to respect international law. Our task consists in not allowing our partners to come back to business as usual in the face of situations where the principles and rules generally accepted in international relations are violated. The resolute policy of the democratic states should be upheld. I am glad that this is the case also thanks to Your actions, Excellencies.

Rest assured that we will continue in our efforts to fight the effects of climate change in the spirit of a solidarity-based and just transition, taking into account the social and econmic facets of the necessary changes. We construe the policy of just transition as the one adhering to the spirit of the decisions taken at the successful COP24 climate conference in Katowice.

Poland is and will remain to be an advocate and champion of the transatlantic unity as our strength stems from the unity of our policies and civilizations.

Having said that, I wish to appeal, on behalf of Poland, to all parties to the contemporary conflicts, especially those which still harbour the danger of a large-scale confrontation taking place, to start actions aimed at deesclation and dialogue.

May diplomacy and co-operation not fear, confrontation and violence prevail in the next decade of the 21st cetury.

Furthermore, I urge that sovereignity and territorial integrity of states be respected, that the tools of hybrid warfare and exerting influence on politcal processes in free states be refrained from. Let us build a space of trust, not of distrust, among ourselves.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

the second task I consider important for Polish foreign policy is to look for global partners for Poland while preserving our active role in Europe. We will continue to treat Europe and the Euro-Atlantic Western world as our natural, closest political environment. We share common European values and the Euro-Atlantic vision of security for the Western civilization.

Therefore, as I have said, we want to be an active participant of the discussions about the future of Europe and the Trans-Atlantic world. We will act for the sake of their cohesion. At the same time, I believe that this should not exhaust the horizons of our policy. Hence, Polish foreign policy will open up for new directions, especially in terms of economic co-operation and political co-operation likewise. Positive experiences gathered in recent years, among others during our membership of the UN Security Council, and the trust we have been given, indicate that Poland today has the international capital which we want to make the most of in international policy. The policy of Poland`s international opening encompasses also the important notion we adhere to, i.e. maintaining the "open-door" policy to the European Union and to the North Atlantic Alliance. Poland is an advocate of the further enlargement of both these organizations.

The third urgent task facing Polish foreign policy is the development of the Polish soft power. The point is to boost the positive image of the Republic of Poland across the world and to fight resolutely against actions which distort Polish history. We were able to see an effective implementation of that goal during last year`s commemorative celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII participated by almost 40 delegations gathered in Warsaw. The international character of the commemorations and a big interest of the largest media outlets allowed us to remind the world public opinion the truth about the events from more than 80 years ago and about their background.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

this year is going to be the one of special narratives about the Republic of Poland and the history of Poles. The sequence of this year`s anniversaries symbolically shows the Polish fate where glorious moments are intertwined with the tragic ones. On the one hand, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Pope, Saint John Paul II and the centenary of the victorious battle with Bolsheviks on the outskirts of Warsaw, which saved Europe from the communist conquest. We are also going to celebrate the 40th anniversary of signing of the August Agreements and the establishment of Solidarity, the largest social democratic movement in Europe`s history which gave an impulse to overcome the Cold War division and allowed for the renewed triumph of freedom and democracy over communist dictatorships in our part of the continent. Furthermore, this year we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Katyn massacre and the 10th anniversary of the Smolensk tragedy as well as the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, with that day having a particular dimension for a group of states including Poland.

Unfortunately, the victory over German totalitarianism did not mean, either for us Poles, or for the other nations of Central-Eastern Europe the regaining of freedom, while in case of the Baltic States it resulted in the loss of their pre-war independence.

Hence, I am firmly convinced that one is not able to fully comprehend the history of Europe and the world without learning the history of Poland and of our part of the continent. Distorting Poland`s history always leads, at the end of the day, to an instrumental treatment of the truth about the history of the world. For throughout the history of Europe, Poland has always served as a unique barometer of freedom: whenever Poland would slide into bondage, also Europe would be enslaved and unable to fully develop its potential. This is the universal lesson one can learn from Polish history.

Given the context of the current international situation, I would like to convey today, through You, an appeal to Your capitals to make a joint effort to refer to the recent world history with honesty and respect. Together we must make sure that nobody tries to rewrite history anew in a false way. Fora such as international organizations must not be used to distort history. And such an attempt with respect to the Council of Europe is now being announced by one of the capitals.

Through respect for each other and for the truth, we should not allow this kind of abuse. For I am sure that we are all united by our care for historical truth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

in this spirit I wish to thank you very much for yet another year of working together. I hope you derive satisfaction from the missions you perform in my country. Please, convey my best New Year`s wishes to your capitals. I wish You, your families and your teams all the best and good health in the new year.
Queensland firefighters are rejecting plans for ticker-tape parade in Brisbane in their honour.

They have slammed the plan as 'a publicity stunt' and 'waste of money', saying they'd prefer the cash be spent on preventive measures and new equipment.

United Firefighter's Union Queensland general secretary John Oliver said the plan missed the mark.

'I don't think professional firefighters would like to be ticketed around at some sort of parade, it goes against the grain of what they do. They don't like the fuss,' Mr Oliver told The Courier Mail.

Firefighters have slammed the parade earmarked for Brisbane as 'a publicity stunt' and 'waste of money', saying they'd prefer the cash spent on preventive measures and new equipment

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the parade, with the event likely to be held in mid-February to honour 700 firefighters and volunteers (stock image)

'We'd rather see the money spent on preventive outcomes like upgrading water hydrants and other equipment rather than see taxpayers' money wasted on a parade.'

Firefighters in Brisbane's west slammed the parade as a 'publicity stunt' by the council, while others called it a 'joke'.

'We didn't fight any f**king fires  all we did was drive along the side of the road and put out spot fires,' one firefighter said.

'It's a lot of f**king bulls**t. It's a publicity stunt.'

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the parade on Thursday, with the event likely to be held in mid-February to honour 700 firefighters and volunteers.

'This is an opportunity for Brisbane residents to recognise and publicly thank our courageous firefighters, defence force, emergency services and wildlife carers for their incredible efforts,' he said.

'We have volunteer firefighters, some of whom who have dropped everything and left families and jobs behind to fight these fires interstate and across the southeast in the past few months.

'There are hundreds of other unsung heroes, including the SES, defence services, wildlife rescue groups and carers who have given their time and the expertise to the assist in the aftermath of one of this country's worst natural disasters.'

The parade will run through the city centre and end at King George Square.
Crews on Navy littoral combat ships could soon be armed with powerful rounds that can blast hard-to-hit drones out of the sky.

Northrop Grumman, which produces modules for the LCS based on its mission, is eyeing a powerful precision airburst munition to combat drones targeting ships at sea. The round would be compatible with the 30mm gun module that's already installed on some ships.

"We're looking at another round called the proximity round, which detects the drone as it approaches and then blows up," Kevin Knowles, who works on Northrop Grumman's LCS and unmanned surface vessel programs, said Tuesday at the Surface Navy Association conference. "It's not a radar system, but it's something similar. That's what we're looking at for drones."

Drones can be tough to hit with solid rounds, Knowles added, so an airburst option could prove useful against the threat.

Related: New Pentagon Team Will Develop Ways to Fight Enemy Drones

The gun module on the LCS features two feeders, so crews could have multiple rounds at the ready to hit different targets.

The threat of drones targeting Navy ships is a serious one. In July, Iran sent multiple drones toward the amphibious assault ship Boxer during its nine-hour trek through the Strait of Hormuz.

At least one of the drones got within 1,000 yards of the amphib. Marines on the ship used the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System, a high-tech sensor and anti-drone system known as LMADIS, to jam at least one of the helicopter-like unmanned aircraft.

The Defense Department recently formed a 60-person team, led by a two-star Army general, to come up with new policies and field new systems to deal with the threat of drones worldwide.

Knowles said Northrop Grumman's mission modules allow an LCS to combat specific threat types at sea. Aside from the gun module, the company also makes modules for anti-submarine warfare and counter-mine missions.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Read more: The Navy's New Pacific Maintenance Team Can Fix an LCS on the Fly
Youre the reason I do comedy. Photo: Earwolf

The comedy-podcast universe is ever expanding, not unlike the universe universe. Were here to make it a bit smaller, a bit more manageable. There are a lot of great shows, and each one has a lot of great episodes, so we want to highlight the exceptional, the noteworthy. Each week, our crack team of podcast enthusiasts and specialists and especially enthusiastic people will pick their favorites. We hope to have your ears permanently plugged with the best in aural comedy.

Conan OBrien Needs a Friend - Nikki Glaser

Theres a very specific subgenre of comedy podcast that I live for, and that is Successful Comedian Speaks to Comedian Who Inspired Them to Do Comedy in the First Place. This weeks episode of Conan OBrien Needs a Friend with guest Nikki Glaser is a perfect example of said subgenre. The folks at Apple, Stitcher, or any other local podcast dispensary should take note and have some sort of algorithm that can pinpoint statements like, You mean so much to me. Youre the reason I do comedy, which just so happen to be exactly what Glaser says to OBrien to kick off their conversation. Throughout the episode, Glaser proves her admiration has not waned over the years, even letting on that, like the rest of us comedy fans, shes out there not only reading, but commenting on the Conan Reddit page. And the adoration goes both ways, with Conan even asking Glaser to repeat a joke she previously told on his talk show. Its the perfect amount of gushing and recalling old bits mixed with each comedian making the other the perfect amount of flattered and uncomfortable. Leigh Cesiro

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

Asian, Not Asian - [Sex Ep] All D*ck is Trash! (w/ Milly Tamarez)

This is the Milly Tamarez takeover  or is it? Try keeping up with the ever-changing power dynamic between host Fumi Abe and guest Tamarez (Flexx Mag, NPR) in Asian, Not Asians newest installment of the sex episode. Before welcoming their Junior Horny Correspondent, Abe and guest host Julia Shiplett talk about open relationships, birthing Shipletts new Don Draper-worthy sales pitch, Open relationships: The choice to be together. Then, its time for their guest, mixed with some classic ANA hot goss. First, Abe issues Tamarez a public apology for once roasting her Japanese at a party. Once Tamarez properly roasts him back, they finally discuss the topic at hand. The three explore Tamarezs dating origins, her catchphrase All dick is trash, and what it was like dating Asian men before Crazy Rich Asians. Youll find this episode is an interesting, nuanced conversation about race and dating in 2020 and a loud pronouncement that Facebook Dating is lame. But whats most incredible is the true ambush at the end of the episode: Abe reveals that he ghosted Tamarez on Tinder  and why. Judge for yourself who comes out on top! Anna Marr

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

The Hornets Nest - Tolkien/Stop & Shop

Rap fans know the origin story of Zev Love X, the early-90s rapper who went into hiding after the death of his brother and resurfaced a decade later as the masked supervillain rapper MF DOOM. But what if he instead moved to New Haven, CT, and became a classic rock call-in radio-show host? Thats the premise of The Hornets Nest, a show hosted by a retired supervillain coming to terms with his past and his tedious present. In this weeks episode, his guest is Professor Dan Evans, a J.R.R. Tolkien expert on hand to answer Dr. Hornets callers questions about classic rocks connection with The Lord of the Rings. But the past never dies, as Dr. Hornet has an on-air face-off against one of his biggest enemies: the manager at the local Stop & Shop, whos pissed off that Dr. Hornet clogged the Coinstar machine. Pablo Goldstein

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

And Thats Why We Drink - An Opera About Bread and a Fake Monogrammed Private Jet for Dogs

Podcasts have been built upon less, but rarely have they created such a rowdy following than And Thats Why We Drink, which is, essentially, a drinking game in podcast form. Theres more to it than that  hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz combine true crime and ghost stories in a giggly, macabre scramble of a weekly show. The latest episode is a live show from the end of last year that took place at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, the city where these two story-spinning, drink-swilling fireballs first met. The rowdy audience, cued to drink at various points in the show (such as when Em announces one of her fun facts connected to a story shes reading), are into this, and the hosts wisely prepped by bringing a couple of Boston-based tales. The ghostly one is set in the world-famous Omni Parker Hotel, which turns out to be more spirit-infested than a graveyard. It seems Schiefer is a bit skittish, because she announces Im out! nearly every time Schulz mentions a creepy sighting. But Schiefer brings her own brand of spookiness to the proceedings with a crazy true-crime story about a German illegal immigrant who crisscrossed the U.S., making up aliases and ingratiating himself with rich, stupid people from coast to coast. He even passed himself off as a Rockefeller at one point  just after he punched the tickets of a suspicious couple in Los Angeles, stole their pickup truck, and went back to the East Coast to become a Wall Street wannabe, get married, and settle down. Definitely a fun listen. Marc Hershon

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

Life Is Short With Justin Long - Ginnifer Goodwin ;)

Gigi and Alex reunited on Life Is Short this week, and were into it. Lets backtrack. In 2009, the rom-com Hes Just Not That Into You, which depicted the woes of hot Baltimore-based couples, came to theaters. While it contained many of the genres shortcomings and existed in the same city and roughly the same timeline as The Wire in a sort of absurd way, it did have a few highlights. The best, of course, was Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Alex (Justin Long) falling in love. The chemistry was top-notch, due in no small part to the close relationship Goodwin and Long had forged years before. Back in the present, that decades-old friendship is still going strong as the two stars serve up hilarious banter on Life Is Short. The pacing is phenomenal, with Goodwin and Long going beat for beat as they reminisce about earlier acting gigs, which includes a part harrowing, part hilarious story from Goodwin about how she landed her role in Big Love. From there, they riff back and forth, with Longs laid-back interview style brushing up against Goodwins genuinely old-soul interests, resulting in lighthearted jabs and laughter. Life is short, but this episode is worth your time. Becca James

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

Other Podcasts Were Listening To:

Hills Id Die On - Stop Asking Women When Theyre Having Kids: Liz Hacket

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

High and Mighty - Brad Pitt (w/ Dave Ross)

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

Office Ladies - Halloween w/Creed Bratton

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

The Legal Geeks - Defending Ben Solo for his Crimes as Kylo Ren

Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website

Got a comedy podcast recommendation? Drop us a line at comedypodcasts@vulture.com.
The police have arraigned a cleric, Sule Shaibu, 70, and his two assistants, Wasiu Salami and Francis Akinola, in an Iyaganku Magistrates court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday for allegedly obtaining N36million from a woman to solve her spiritual problems.

Shuaib, a cleric, Salami,55, and Akinola, 45, are charged with three counts of conspiracy , obtaining money under false pretence and fraudulent convertion.

The Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Olalekan Adegbite, told the court that Shuaib, Salami and Akinola and others at large, obtained N36million from Madam Olayinka Ishioye in 2015, with a promise to provide spiritual solutions for him, a representation he knew was false.



Also, Contractor, engineer docked for allegedly buying 5 stolen armoured doors.

The offence. he said, contravened Adegbite said the offence contravened Section 383, and punishable under sections 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Defence Councel, N.A. Hammed and D.S.Adesanya applied for bail for the defendants on liberal terms.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate S.A. Adesina admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N4million with two sureties in like sum .

Adesina ordered that the sureties must be blood relations, while the second sureties must be a Federal Civil Servant not below GL12.

Adesina adjourned the case untill Feb.3,for hearing.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways and Coal of India, attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that New Delhi has not imposed any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey.

"India believes in free play and equal treatment for all," Goyal said at a security conference in New Delhi, adding that the government also was not contemplating any restrictions on the two countries.

On Wednesday, Reuters reported that India is planning to cut some imports from Turkey and widen restrictions on Malaysia, targeting the two Muslim-majority countries for their criticism of New Delhi's policy towards Kashmir.

Goyal said that any curbs will apply to all countries uniformly. "And if some of the restrictions impact Malaysia, I don't think that will be the only country impacted," he said.

(Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal and Neha Dasgupta; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Hobbs, Ph.D., CEO of Berkeley Lights, spoke at the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Tuesday to a fully-packed room of industry leaders and the investment community about Berkeley Lights' technology, vision for the future, and upcoming products. The excitement around the impact Berkeley Lights is making in the scientific community was incredibly energizing.

"At Berkeley Lights, we've created advanced environments for functionally testing live cells to accelerate the discovery and development of cell-based products," said Dr. Hobbs. "We do it in a fast, repeatable and automated way, at all points in the discovery process, giving our customers the highest probability of selecting the best cells to create a cell-based product and the shortest time to biologic product and revenue. And how we do it is that we capture and interpret the qualitative language of biology, both phenotypic and genomic information, on a single cell level, and translate it into digital information. Berkeley Lights is the only company with a platform that can do this in a scalable way."

Launched in 2016, Berkeley Lights' Beacon Optofluidic Platform has installations at 50% of the top 25 Pharma companies and is currently working with leading cancer centers and top synthetic biology companies. The company operates at the intersection of biology, technology, and information. Light and semiconductor technology are combined in a nanofluidic environment to move single cells into isolated pens for culture, assay and live cell export. "Our mission is to accelerate the use of cell-based products across a wide range of multiple billion dollar markets. We believe the vast majority of biology can be processed on Berkeley Lights' solutions, therefore enabling all scientists and researchers to find the best cell or organism in each application they serve," said Dr. Hobbs.

About Berkeley Lights

Here at Berkeley Lights, we think cells are awesome! Cells are capable of manufacturing cures for diseases, fibers for clothing, energy in the form of biofuels, and food proteins for nutrition. So the question is, if nature is capable of manufacturing the products we need in a scalable way, why aren't we doing more of this? Well, the answer is that with the solutions available today, it is hard. It takes a long time to find the right cell for a specific job, costs lots of money, and if you have picked a suboptimal cell line, has a very low process yield. Berkeley Lights has the complete solution to find the best cells by functionally screening and recovering individual cells for antibody discovery, cell line development, T cell analysis, and synthetic biology. Our proprietary technology and Beacon and Lightning platforms accelerate the rate you can discover and develop cell-based products in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of conventional, legacy research methods. Using our tools and solutions, scientists can find the best cells, the first time they look. For more information, visit www.berkeleylights.com .

Berkeley Lights' opto-fluidic platforms are: For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

SOURCE Berkeley Lights

Related Links

https://www.berkeleylights.com


New Delhi, Jan 16 : The NCR-Delhi area is set to witness a cloudy day on Friday as well, with weather conditions improving from January 18 onwards, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

The region will experience moderate fog for the next three to four days, it added.

Delhi experienced fog on Thursday morning, with air quality recorded as 'poor', accompanied by showers in various parts of the capital and adjoining areas. At least 12 Delhi-bound trains were delayed by several hours due to fog, railway officials said.

"Fog at many places and dense fog at some places have been predicted. However, overall, fog will be moderate. Temperatures will fall between a minimum of 7 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 17 degrees," an IMD official said.

He said there was no prediction of rain or cold wave conditions in the next three to four days in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality Index (AQI) may deteriorate slightly on Friday though it will remain between the upper end of 'moderate' to 'poor' category.

According to SAFAR, the overall AQI of Delhi on Thursday was 245.

The maximum temperature recorded in the Safdarjung area on Thursday was 16.4 degrees Celsius, which was 4 degrees below normal, giving no respite to people from the cold. The minimum temperature was 9 degrees.

The improvement in the AQI is due to the "influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and fairly widespread precipitation," SAFAR said.
Iraq has been facing a political storm over recent months that has underlined the catastrophic ineptitude of its leaders

Shortly before Iran fired a barrage of missiles on two Iraqi bases that host US troops last week, Tehran sent an official verbal message to Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi saying that an attack on the bases was imminent.

Two days earlier Abdul-Mahdi had revealed that US officials had also informed him that an attack by US drones would be carried out on Irans powerful commander and point man in Iraq Qassem Suleimani outside Baghdad International Airport.

In both cases the alerts for Abdul-Mahdi were meant to give him notice, but the inept prime minister failed to stop the two attacks or even to protest to his Iranian and US interlocutors about violations of Iraqs sovereignty and territory.

While some Iraqis met Abdul-Mahdis abysmal response with wit and laugh-out-loud humour, others accused their prime minister of lacking the stature of a national leader able to stand up for the country against foreign aggression.

In his approach to the standoff Abdul-Mahdi has demonstrated once again his impotence, this having now dragged Iraq into its worst political crisis in years and triggered a massive popular uprising.

Furthermore, it has glaringly exposed the inadequacy of the countrys political elites that came to power after the US-led invasion in 2003 that toppled the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein.

Iraq has been rocked by widespread anti-government protests for more than three months, with the violence and anger steadily escalating and echoing Iraqi demands for leadership change and an overhaul of the political system.

What began as peaceful marches has since exploded into the countrys biggest political crisis since Saddams ouster, pitting the country on the edge of wider domestic and regional conflicts.

The massive movement has been pressing demands for the removal of Iraqs ruling elites, accusing them of misrule, corruption, sectarianism and being proxies of Iran. At issue is government mismanagement, leadership failure and the impunity of a ruling class that has siphoned off huge amounts from state revenues over much of the past 17 years.

The protesters have expressed their deep-seated resentment towards the political establishment, which they blame for corruption, Iraqs high unemployment rate, and foreign interference.

After nearly two months of anti-government protests, Abdul-Mahdi was pushed to offer his resignation, and Iraqs parliament was forced to enact new laws for parliamentary elections.

Iraqs post-Saddam ruling elites have been under harsh criticism for squandering opportunities to rebuild Iraq, one of the worlds most resource-rich countries, into a stable and flourishing state.

For many Iraqis, a group of corrupt and greedy leaders that was empowered by the US Occupation Authority in Iraq has been responsible for the disastrous polices that have paralysed the country for nearly 17 years.

Over all these years, these Iraqi elites have been given poor grades in government and have shown themselves to be incapable of taking the bold and innovative steps that are need to bring about change and direly needed national rebuilding.

Instead, the Iraqi body politic has endured an astonishing list of maladies, not least being the fostering of strong sectarian patronage networks that have strengthened their own power and fortunes and have gradually eroded the pillars of the state.

Successive Iraqi governments have failed to address enduring problems that have been largely eclipsed over the years by political chaos and deteriorating security as the country has battled a large-scale insurgency by the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

Under their rule Iraq has become a geopolitical mess with regional implications, as the rivalry between Iran and the US has continued to play out in Iraq over the past 17 years while Baghdad has remained a battleground between groups aligned to each side.

The consequences of being leaderless have been dire for Iraq, and when Abdul-Mahdi was named prime minister in October 2018 many hoped that he would be able to tackle the countrys problems and turn around its fortunes.

Many Iraq experts drummed up excitement at Abdul-Mahdis appointment, as they saw this French-educated economist as a man who would be able to turn around the policies of his predecessors whose failures had been largely blamed for the crisis in Iraq.

But like his predecessors Abdul-Mahdi turned out to be merely a figurehead for a government run by the Shia politicians and militias that run the country as fiefdoms and plunder its resources.

Abdul-Mahdi made political blunders when he failed to deliver on his promises to tackle the dismal state of Iraqs essential infrastructure, lack of basic services, high unemployment and the long-standing corruption that is seen as the fundamental cause for the governments dysfunction.

Abdul-Mahdis failures sparked large-scale protests that have rocked Iraq since October, killing some 600 people and wounding thousands of others. He eventually announced his resignation after the countrys top Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani called for a change in leadership in Iraq.

However, his resignation did little to quell the growing fury inside the country, and it underlined Iraqs leadership quandary as the political factions have failed to name a new prime minister acceptable to the protesters, turning the uprising into a volatile political crisis.

The roots of Iraqs political turmoil go back to the political order forged by the US Occupation Authority after 2003, which established a sect-based political system in the country controlled by sectarian leaders and militias.

Part of this quota-based system allocated the symbolic post of president to the Iraqi Kurds, the speaker of the parliament to the Sunni Arabs and the powerful post of prime minister to the majority Shias.

Yet, power has remained in the hands of a small oligarchy that exercises disproportionate influence and controls Iraqs main political, economic, security and military institutions.

A closer look at Iraqs political landscape reveals that the dozen or so warlords that comprise the highest echelon, including the heads of the sectarian and ethnic factions and the militia chiefs, are in fact in charge of the country.

It also shows a deeper crisis in lower levels of government, represented in the shortage of efficient leaders due to the political patronage that prevents the promotion of potential technocrats and managers.

Since Saddams fall, powerful political factions have controlled all the key positions in the Iraqi army, security forces, intelligence and bureaucracy. They name their cronies and associates as military commanders, ministers and senior officials to some 400 posts in the government.

One of the major consequences of this rule of kleptocracy in Iraq has been the failure of the parliament to act as a national platform elected to enact laws and supervise the government in a system where the aspirations of individuals and groups are reconciled towards the common good.

This kleptocracy has progressively paralysed the country and drained it of its resources, imposing its hegemony on public space and creating an inequality and injustice that has led to communal and political unrest.

The elitism in Iraq has resulted in the countrys political instability, and its increasingly heavy-handed rule has been increasingly undermining efforts to rebuild Iraq as a unified and functional state.

Iraq has become a poorer place as a result and one that is politically, economically and socially stagnant. It has been saddled with burdens that will haunt future generations that will be forced to repay what the ruling elite has run up to stay in power over recent years.

As the search for a new prime minister to meet the protesters demands has shown, a leader who can move Iraq forward has been hard to find. The leadership shortage is a national scandal, and it is becoming the biggest challenge that Iraq is facing as it passes through a particularly difficult period.

Iraq needs a transformational leadership with strategic vision, courage, integrity and consensus-building abilities to introduce a new set of political initiatives that will transform the way the country is run and make it less like simply a collection of fiefdoms.

Without such leadership, Iraq will not survive the shortcomings of its ruling elites. Instead, it will miss its chance and could eventually vanish as a unitary state because its leaders have been unwilling or incapable of doing what is needed to surmount problems of their own making.

As the anti-government uprising in Iraq enters a crucial turning point, the key question now is whether the Iraqis will be able to find a new prime minister who can meet the expectations of the protesters and provide the needed leadership.

Further poor leadership will be catastrophic for Iraq and will likely leave it paralysed for years or decades to come.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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Fiat Chrysler is sending workers home at four factories. Ford has two operating on fewer shifts and two others no longer building discontinued products. And General Motors Co. may dial back output despite being just a couple months removed from enduring its longest strike in almost half a century.

Detroit's three automakers are bracing for a slower year of U.S. sales by tapping the brakes on production. And they're not alone: Researcher LMC Automotive projects that five of the six largest North American manufacturers will assemble fewer vehicles this quarter than a year ago.

Arguably the biggest concern the auto industry has going into 2020 is how much longer the good times will last after years of strong demand and rich pricing. While companies just sold over 17 million vehicles for a fifth consecutive year, more of their volume went to rental companies and other fleet purchasers. American consumers, who have been buying fewer new cars and trucks for several years, are finding them less affordable as the average window sticker approaches $35,000.

"It's hard to argue why consumers would buy more vehicles this year, given these higher price points, given we're so long in the tooth in this economic recovery period," Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, said during a presentation in Detroit this week.

Fiat Chrysler's expected cutbacks are the least surprising. The Italian-American automaker built up a stock of as many as 70,000 unassigned vehicles in December, rankling sales staff who were forced to work overtime coaxing dealers to place orders. The pileup contributed to discounts the company billed as its most aggressive since 2008.

The carmaker is idling plants making minivans in Ontario and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles in Illinois this week and next. It's also pausing production for a few days in January at two Mexico factories that assemble key models including Ram trucks and Jeep Compass SUVs, according to a spokeswoman. LMC estimates the company will reduce North American production by about 5% from a year ago.

"We always balance our inventories with our dealers," Jim Morrison, the head of Jeep for North America, said in a Jan. 13 interview. "We want to make sure there's a good balance."

LMC's expectation for a small decline in GM production is a bit more confounding. United Auto Workers union members walked off assembly lines for 40 days last fall, costing the carmaker about $2.9 billion. Still, the company is expected to trim output by almost 2%.

Ford, which is projected to pare back by about 5%, has plants in Kentucky and Michigan each running one fewer shift than a year ago. A factory in Mexico is down while preparing to make the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, while an Ontario facility stopped building the discontinued Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT models.

Honda Motor Co. is expected to make the most significant cut at 11%, while Toyota Motor Corp. is the only one of the top six producers LMC sees manufacturing more vehicles than a year ago. Industrywide, output may be little changed.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Most automakers anticipate weaker demand in 2020 and are trying to trim inventory accordingly, said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

"Further slowing of production - either less overtime or week-long closures - is expected in the first and second quarters to keep inventories from getting out of control," he said.

- - -

Bloomberg's Keith Naughton, Chester Dawson and Melinda Grenier contributed to this report.
Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas (left) during an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow that aired Wednesday night. Parnas also sat for interviews on CNN and with the New York Times. Read more

Its been a busy 24 hours for Lev Parnas, an otherwise obscure Ukraine-born businessman who is suddenly at the center of President Donald Trumps impeachment.

Parnas sat down for high-profile interviews Wednesday with MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and CNN host Anderson Cooper. During those interviews, which aired on Wednesday night and will continue Thursday, Parnas said the president knew about a Ukrainian scheme headed by Rudy Giuliani to obtain dirt on potential 2020 rival Joe Biden.

Heres what we know about Parnas, highlights of what he told Maddow and Cooper, and how it might impact Trumps upcoming Senate impeachment trial.

Who is Lev Parnas?

Parnas is a businessman who was born in Odessa, Ukraine, in 1972, when it was part of the Soviet Union. Parnas emigrated to the United States with his family when he was three years old and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He reportedly played a key role aiding Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal attorney and the former mayor of New York City, in a scheme to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, who sat on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company.

Prior to his work with Giuliani, Parnas was a businessman in Florida, with the Miami Herald reporting he left a long trail of debts in Florida and beyond. He is now under indictment, and has pleaded not guilty to largely unrelated campaign finance charges alleging that he funneled money from foreign entities to U.S. political candidates. Parnas is also accused of hiding assets, including $1 million from a Russian oligarch with ties to the presidents former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.

What was Parnas role in Ukraine?

Parnas and his partner, Igor Furman (who is also under indictment), reportedly helped set up meetings for Giuliani with Ukrainian officials in an attempt to discredit special counsel Robert Muellers report on 2016 election interference and to dig up dirt on Biden, the Democratic front-runner to challenge Trumps re-election in 2020.

 READ MORE: For Joe Biden, Trumps impeachment inquiry emphasizes his strong standing while also testing it

Claiming he worked under Giulianis direction, Parnas said his goal was to convince Ukraine to announce an investigation into Biden, and claimed part of the pressure campaign was threatening to cut off all aid to Ukraine  not just the security aid authorized by Congress.

Giuliani told the New York Times Wednesday that Parnas is a proven liar, but didnt specifically dispute any of Parnas allegations.

What did Parnas tell Rachel Maddow and Anderson Cooper?

Though Parnas said he never spoke with Trump directly, he told Maddow he wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. He also said the only reason he gained access to political leaders in Ukraine was because he was working on behalf of Giuliani and Trump.

Parnas also claimed that Vice President Mike Pence was also involved in the scheme, telling Maddow a planned trip Kyiv for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys inauguration was canceled because of their refusal to publicly announce an investigation into Biden.

Marc Short, Pences chief of staff, didnt deny Parnas allegations in a statement to the New York Times. Instead, Short said, Parnas will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison.

During his CNN interview, which will air in its entirety Thursday night, Parnas disputed Trumps claim that his goal in Ukraine was to simply fight corruption, telling Cooper it was all about 2020 and hurting a potential political rival in Biden.

How does Lev Parnas fit into Trumps impeachment trial?

Parnas said he would be willing to testify in the upcoming Senate trial, and told Cooper he and former National Security Adviser John Bolton could fill in all the dots. Bolton has also said he would testify if subpoenaed, but it remains unclear if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allow any witnesses to testify during the trial, which is expected to begin in earnest next week.

 READ MORE: John Boltons willingness to testify in Trumps trial ramps up pressure on Senate Republicans

Parnas also provided a trove of documents, including text messages and letters, that were made public by the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. The documents appear to bolster his claims that he worked as part of Giulianis efforts in Ukraine.

Ukraine announced Thursday it had opened an investigation into the possible illegal surveillance of former U.S. ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, which was suggested in the documents Parnas provided to Congress.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly sunny and bitterly cold. It will feel like it's in the single digits and low teens..

Tonight

Partly cloudy and extremely cold. Wind chills around or below 0 degrees.
Thursday 16

Everythings Gonna Be Okay (Freeform 6:30pm) A neurotic twentysomething (Australian comedian Josh Thomas) visits his dad and teenage stepsisters, only to find himself left in charge of the family when dad unexpectedly passes away. One of our protagonists sisters is on the autism spectrum, and this sitcom has gotten a good deal of attention for casting an autistic actress (Kayla Cromer) in the role.

The Last Days of Richard Pryor (KOAT-7 8pm) ABC News looks at the weeks leading up to comedian Richard Pryors untimely death.

Friday 17

Ares (Netflix streaming anytime) An ambitious college student (Jade Olieberg) joins a secret society (there are masks!), unaware that its hiding a demonic secret from Amsterdams past. Whos in the mood for some Dutch horror?

Diary of a Future President (Disney+ streaming anytime) A Cuban-American woman running for President of the United States flashes back to her awkward adolescence thanks to her middle school diary in Disneys aspirational single-camera sitcom.

Endlings (Hulu streaming anytime) Hulu channels E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial with this Canadian kids show about four young people living with a foster father on a remote farm who discover an alien on their property after its spaceship crashes.

Oprahs Book Club (Apple TV+ streaming anytime) Oprahs Book Club comes back to life over on Apple TV+, starting with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout (Olive Kitteridge).

Little America (Apple TV+ streaming anytime) Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick) and Alan Yang (Master of None) are the executive producers behind this anthology series which promises to go beyond the headlines to look at the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and unexpected lives of immigrants in America.

Saturday 18

Its Pony (Nickelodeon 9:30am) I know its not much consolation, fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magicwhich just ended at Season 9but heres a new British cartoon about a girl and her talking pony.

Seven Worlds, One Planet (BBC America/AMC/IFC 7pm) In response to the devastating wildfires still raging in Australia, the BBCs new David Attenborough- narrated nature series kicks off with an episode about the continent of Australia.

Sunday 19

The 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (TBS/TNT 6pm) Robert De Niro gets a Lifetime Achievement Award, Joaquin Phoenix and Leonardo DiCaprio battle it out for Best Actor and the cast of Cats somehow fails to lock down a single nomination.

Avenue 5 (HBO 8pm) Writer- producer- creator Armando Iannucci (Veep) is back with (believe it or not) a sci-fi comedy about the captain (Hugh Laurie) and crew of a luxury space cruise ship experiencing  technical difficulties.

Monday 20

Spy Games (Bravo 8pm) Bravos new competition series lets folks live out their espionage fantasies. Ten aspiring super spies will be put through various tests and challenges by three assessors (a former CIA officer, a former special agent for the Secret Service and a former FBI agent). The last remaining spy wins $100,000. Also, all the contestants have to live together in a big house with lots of cameras, presumably so they can fight and flirt. (This is Bravo, after all.)

Tuesday 21

Project Blue Book (History 8pm) Historys (often highly) dramatized retelling of the governments investigation into UFOs back in the 1950s gets around to checking out the Roswell Incident for Season 2.

Wednesday 22

Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens (Comedy Central 8:30pm) Award-winning comedian/ actress/ rapper Awkwafina (a.k.a. Nora Lum) contributes an autobiographical sitcom to CCs lineup.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/01/15

On January 15th a source close to Jang Dong-gun confirmed that the actor had returned to South Korea on January 13th from a family vacation in Hawaii. His wife, Ko So-young, and their two children, however, did not come with him.

Advertisement

This news follows reports on January 13th that Jang Dong-gun and his family went to Hawaii on January 7th, the same day that Jang Dong-gun's close friend Joo Jin-mo revealed that his phone had been hacked.

Earlier informal reporting had also placed eyewitnesses observing Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young flying in economy class, which was considered unusual and used as evidence that the vacation was abrupt and unplanned. The apparent return of Jang Dong-gun without the rest of his family begs more questions in this regard. It is unclear whether Jang Dong-gun's early arrival in Korea ahead of his family was also pre-planned or a reaction to current events.

Jang Dong-gun's agency has only confirmed that they will be responding harshly to false attacks against the actor's reputation. Jang Dong-gun along with Joo Jin-mo has been implicated in unsavory behavior connected with the leaking of data from Joo Jin-mo's cell phone. However, none of this behavior has been confirmed to be illegal.

Written by William Schwartz
The Taliban have given the US envoy a document outlining their offer for a temporary cease-fire in Afghanistan that would last between seven and 10 days, Taliban officials familiar with the negotiations said Thursday.

The offer is seen as an opportunity to open a window to an eventual peace deal for Afghanistan that would allow the United States to bring home its troops and end the 18-year war, America's longest conflict.

The cease-fire offer was handed to Zalmay Khalilzad, Washington's envoy for talks with the insurgents, late on Wednesday in Qatar, a Gulf Arab country where the Taliban maintain a political office.

Khalilzad has been pressing for a cease-fire but it wasn't immediately clear whether the Taliban proposal would be enough to allow for the on-again off-again talks between the Taliban and the US to restart, with the aim of eventually signing a peace deal.

Previously, Khalilzad said a US-Taliban deal would also include the start of negotiations among Afghans on both sides of the conflict to hammer out a so-called road map to a post-war Afghanistan.

That road map would tackle thorny issues such as a permanent cease-fire, women's and minority rights, and the fate of thousands of Taliban fighters and also militias loyal to Kabul's warlords.

But the Taliban have been refusing to talk with the Kabul government of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

The two are currently fighting over who won last year's presidential elections.

The initial vote count gave Ghani the win but Abdullah, who came in second, is contesting the count. A final outcome has yet to be announced by Afghanistan's election commission.

Last September, the Taliban and the U.S. appeared close to signing a deal when an upsurge in Taliban attacks, including the killing of another US soldier, prompted President Donald Trump to scrap the talks.

On Thanksgiving, during his first visit to US troops in Afghanistan, Trump softened his stance, saying the Taliban were ready to make a deal, though both Kabul and Washington insisted the Taliban would have to show a sign of good faith by reducing their attacks.

In December, the Taliban leadership headquartered in Pakistan agreed to put forth a temporary cease-fire offer.

A Taliban official said that mistrust has long characterized the US-Taliban talks and that the insurgents hesitated to offer a more permanent cease-fire without having US troops pull out first.

Should the truce deal fall, returning Taliban fighters to the battlefield with the same intensity could be a problem, the official said.

'There was a thinking within the Taliban ranks that it would be difficult for them to reorganize fighters after a break in fighting, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

Taliban fighters were also unwilling to lay down their arms, "thinking it's their fighting that's forcing the U.S. to come to the table," he said.

The Taliban today control around half of Afghanistan and continue to stage near-daily attacks targeting Afghan and US forces, Afghan government officials or those seen as loyal to the Kabul administration but many civilians are also dying in the crossfire of the insurgent attacks, as well as in operations against the Taliban carried out by Afghan and US forces.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Yesterday, at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall, President Vladimir Putin held his 16th address to the Federal Assembly, during which he outlined political, economic, ideological measures, as well as specific proposals for legislative work of both houses of the parliament. Over 1300 people were invited to the event - heads of regions and local legislative assemblies, senators, ministers and deputies of the State Duma, heads of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, other officials and, of course, the media - more than 800 accredited journalists.

Vestnik Kavkaza has already informed readers in detail about the essence of the address and its consequences. This photo collections shows sidelines of such events, more precisely - food that's being prepared for the press and other hungry guests. This year's trear was especially unusual. For example, there were mini-eclairs with Adyghe cheese and pomegranate seeds or bruschetta with salami and fresh cucumber.
US Lawmakers Propose Sanctions Over Chinese Exit Bans on Americans

WASHINGTONA bipartisan group of senators has proposed legislation that would impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in enforcing exit bans on U.S. officials in China.

Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Ed Markey introduced the legislation after writing President Donald Trump to urge him to press Beijing to free detained Americans and U.S. residents, including those targeted by exit bans.

It is immoral and unjust that the Communist Chinese government uses so-called exit bans to prevent American citizens from leaving China. We must protect our citizens and ensure that they are able to return home when they travel abroad, Rubio said in a statement on Wednesday.

Markey highlighted the case of two of his Massachusetts constituents, Victor and Cynthia Liu, who had been unfairly barred from leaving China since June 2018.

In addition to having their lives upended by not being able to return home, they face regular surveillance, harassment, and threats from Chinese authorities, he said.

In the letter to Trump on Jan. 14, the lawmakers said Victor and Cynthia Lius mother, Sandra Han, was detained on criminal charges in China and the familys New York-based attorney believed they were being used as human collateral to coerce their father, Liu Changming, to return to China to face fraud charges.

The legislation, if it eventually becomes law, would deny or revoke visas of Chinese officials involved in the planning and execution of the exit ban policy and require the State Department to report publicly on the number of Americans being punished by the policy.

The statement said it was estimated that at least two dozen U.S. citizens had been prevented from leaving China over the past three years.

The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposed legislation, news of which came the same day as the United States and China signed an initial trade deal to defuse an 18-month row between the worlds two largest economies.

Georgetown University in Washington said Victor Liu was a student in the universitys graduating class of 2021 and called for his urgent release.We sincerely hope a diplomatic solution can be reached for his return home as soon as possible, the universitys president, John DeGioia, said in a statement.

By David Brunnstrom
The Walmart on Gateway Boulevard in El Paso is where a 21-year-old man from across the state, driven by his anger at a Hispanic invasion, showed up last Aug. 3 on a murder mission. Firing an assault rifle, he killed 22 people and injured another 24.

Last month, the Mexican artist Teresa Margolles made a pilgrimage to the scene. Ms. Margolless work focuses on violent death and its aftermath, which she expresses in tough photographs and installations that often involve material residue from murder sites. She knew the Walmart for having often shopped there: Though based in Madrid, Spain, she has worked for many years in Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, and much of her art responds to the borderlands cartel wars, trafficking and gender violence.

Walmart stopped selling certain classes of ammunition after the massacre, but not all, so Ms. Margolles purchased a box of Winchester 12-gauge shells. Her large-format photograph of the shells is part of her spare but powerful new exhibition, El asesinato cambia el mundo / Assassination changes the world, at James Cohan gallery, in TriBeCa. Bright red with shiny metal ends, they are jumbled on a black surface in a pile that reminded me of a human heart with its valves and sinews. This ability to make visceral the ordinary tools and circumstances of murder is a hallmark of Ms. Margolless work.

The box of 25 shells cost $5.48, plus tax. Ms. Margolles paid cash. The original receipt is on view next to the image. It will fade during the shows run, as receipts do, but you can take away your own reproduction, enlarged to poster size, from a stack at the gallery entrance. (When I photographed the stack, my phone invited me to scan the QR code for Walmart coupons.)
India on Thursday delivered an unusually blunt message to China for its attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, asking it to seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from taking such action in the future.

India also slammed Pakistan for trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue with the help of China, saying Islamabad's "desperate" measures to "peddle" baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario about the Valley lacked credibility.

"Pakistan can avoid this global embarrassment time and again by putting their energy in something constructive," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

China, an 'all-weather ally' of Pakistan, on Wednesday made a fresh bid to raise the Kashmir issue at an informal closed-door meeting of the UNSC in New York.

Noting that the meeting concluded without any outcome, Kumar said an overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that the top decision making body was not the right forum to discuss the Kashmir issue.

"China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in future," Kumar said, replying to a question on why India has not reacted strongly to Beijing raising the Kashmir issue at the UNSC.

"I suggest that this question should be posed to the Chinese side as well," he said.

Kumar said the views by overwhelming majority at the UNSC reflected the global consensus that if there was any issue between India and Pakistan, then it should be discussed bilaterally.

"An effort was made by Pakistan through a member of the UNSC to once again misuse the platform of UNSC for discussing a bilateral matter," he said.

"The overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The informal closed-door meeting, therefore, concluded without any outcome," he said.

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

"We sincerely hope that the message has gone across loud and clear to Pakistan that if, at all, there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally," Kumar added.

Asked how many member countries out of 15 opposed the move, the MEA spokesperson said an overwhelming view was that the UNSC should not to be misused by Pakistan through a member. However, he did not give specific number of countries.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J-K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

After the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told PTI that,"we once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others. We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today."



On his part, Chinese envoy Zhang Jun in New York said,"I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 19:08:21|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) - China's top science academy honored three foreign scientists from the Netherlands, the United States and Germany for their contributions in Sino-foreign research cooperation Thursday in Beijing.

Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), conferred the Academy's Award for International Scientific Cooperation to Dutch astronomer Richard Gordon Strom, American physicist Sokrates Theodore Pantelides and German environmental scientist Ewald Schnug.

Professor Strom has cooperated with the CAS for about 30 years. He is the only foreign expert participating in the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) project in China.

Apart from his contributions to the project's pre-research, establishment and construction, Strom promotes the Academy to cooperate with the global radio astronomy community and helps train Chinese researchers.

Pantelides is a professor of Vanderbilt University in the United States and a pioneer in the field of semiconductor physics. Over the past two decades, he has carried out substantive cooperation with the CAS in developing new low dimensional materials.

According to Pantelides, the award is a recognition of a partnership that can provide a multifaceted outreach between the Chinese and American scientific communities.

Ewald Schnug is a German researcher in soil and environmental science. He has worked with the Academy for more than 20 years, bringing advanced fertilizer processing technology into China.

Launched in 2007, the CAS award has been given to 37 foreign scientists. Many of the winners also received China's national award for international cooperation in science and technology.
A model who was caught selling cocaine at a popular Sydney nightlife spot has walked out of the courtroom and into a cosmetic clinic as she awaits sentencing.

Social media star and casino waitress Veronica Zinger, 23, was caught with four bags of cocaine, $2,150 in cash and a gram of MDMA in her handbag after plain-clothes policemen ambushed her customer at Sydney's Darling Harbour on November 29.

She pleaded guilty on Tuesday to four counts after being charged with two of supplying a prohibited drug, one of possession and another for dealing with the proceeds of crime.

But less than 24 hours later Zinger was back on her Instagram grind, sharing footage of her trip to a cosmetic clinic for cheek injections and a lip blush tattooing.

In a separate post on Thursday, she shared footage of her sporting gym clothing in her car and encouraging her 92,000 followers to take advantage of a discount code.

Young model Veronica Zinger (pictured) - who was caught selling cocaine at a popular nightlife spot - has walked out of the courtroom and into a cosmetic clinic as she awaits sentencing

More than 90,000 Instagram followers: Ms Zinger in glamorous shots prior to her ambush by NSW police

In a separate post on Thursday (pictured), she shared footage to her more than 92,000 followers of her sporting and promoting gym wear in her car

Zinger's business as usual aesthetic was further emphasised by multiple clips on her Instagram story of her working out at the gym and lifting weights.

In another post, she shared an elaborate spread of food in front of her which appeared to have been taken at the restaurant Sushi Train.

Court facts seen by Daily Mail Australia earlier this week detailed Zinger's fall from grace.

Court facts described an incident which is a far cry from the jet-setting life she portrayed on social media at Italy's Amalfi Coast, Croatia and Dubai earlier last year.

About 4.30pm on Friday, November 29, Zinger's customer was ambushed by plain-clothed officers as he strolled away with two bags of cocaine.

The man coughed up the 1.4 grams he was carrying, the document said, and admitted he had bought it from Zinger on Shelley St.

Zinger had only managed to drive around the corner to Lime St, Barangaroo, when she was pulled over by officers.

She pleaded guilty to four counts after being caught with cocaine by police, but was back at the gym for business as usual almost immediately after

In another post, she shared an elaborate spread of food in front of her which appeared to have been taken at the restaurant Sushi Train

Zinger, 23, was sprung dealing cocaine by plain clothed police officers at the beginning of the Christmas party season last November

Zinger, left and right this week, clutched her phone and Louis Vuitton handbag outside Sydney's Downing Centre court complex

In the version of events laid out in court facts, Zinger was frank about what she had been up to.

Asked if she had any more drugs in her car, she said: 'Yeah, some bags in the centre console' - 'coke, cocaine'.

She couldn't remember how much the customer paid her but said: 'I don't remember yeah, I think it was $500.'

To make matters worse, officers found a gram of MDMA in her handbag.

'It's probably MDMA,' she told officers, according to the court facts.

'I dunno, like I know it's not mine, but I might have left it there from ages ago'.

Italy's Amalfi Coast: One of several bikini photos Ms Zinger posted during a two month long European trip, months before she was arrested for dealing cocaine

Striking a pose in Croatia: The 23-year-old had previously flaunted her jet-setting life on Instagram with flashy shots taken all over Europe prior to her arrest

Officers found four bags of cocaine and two phones in her car - which contained messages with directions for another drug deal nearby.

Police also found $2,150 in her wallet and car console in $50 and $100 notes, and charged her dealing in the proceeds of crime.

Zinger was one of 84 people arrested by NSW Police over six days over cocaine supply and distribution late last year.

Those arrested included a Royal Australian Air Force staffer, a pregnant woman and a taxi driver. Police allege 46 of those were dealers.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Zinger is connected to any of the alleged dealers.

Tough day: Zinger after facing court this week... she will learn her fate in March after a pre-sentence report is completed

Zinger appeared in court Tuesday, dressed in a black business suit and heels, as her lawyer Paul Kenny entered her guilty pleas to all charges.

Mr Kenny asked for a magistrate for a sentencing assessment report, describing the arrest as a 'serious event with serious consequences'.

She will return to court in March for sentencing.

A spokesman for The Star, where court facts said she was working, declined to comment.
The co-founder of make-up company Too Faced Cosmetics has fired his sister over transphobic comments she allegedly made about YouTube creator Nikkie de Jager who came out as transgender this week.

On Monday de Jager, a beauty YouTube star known online as Nikkie Tutorials, came out as transgender in an emotional video, revealing she received blackmailing threats about her identity.

Shortly after that clip was posted online, Too Faced co-founder Jerrod Blandino's sister, who goes by Dani California on Instagram under the @makupprincess handle, updated her bio to say: 'Transgender, huh? That's not the only thing she's been LYING about.'

The remark sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for a boycott of Too Faced Cosmetics for the incendiary comment.

Too Faced Cosmetics co-founder Jerrod Blandino (above) fired his sister over comments she made attacking beauty YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials after she came out as trans

After Nikkie Tutorials uploaded her video coming out as trans, Blandino's sister, who goes by Dani California on Instagram under the @makupprincess handle, updated her bio to say: 'Transgender, huh? That's not the only thing she's been LYING about'

On Tuesday Too Faced shared this statement from Blandino condemning those statements and announcing Dani California was fired from the company

On Tuesday Blandino, 49, responded with a statement, condemning his sister's words.

'I would like to make sure it is understood that although I love my sister very much, the things she says or does have absolutely nothing to do with me and do not in any way reflect me, my opinions, thoughts, or feelings nor speak for me or Too Faced in any way shape or form,' he said.

'I have always stood for love, equality, and kindness in my life and everything I do. I am sorry for the hurt she has caused. Let it be known that I am truly shocked and disgusted to my core at her recent actions,' the statement added.

Blandino did not specify when his sister was terminated nor what role she held before she was fired.

'I do not tolerate this behavior, and she is no longer an employee of Too Faced. I would like to say how proud I am of Nikkie Tutorials, and how inspired I am for her strength and sharing her beautiful truth with the world. I am sending all my love to her,' he added.

On Monday Nikkie de Jager, a beauty YouTube star known online as Nikkie Tutorials, came out as transgender in an emotional video

Since then Dani California has changed her Instagram bio to read: 'Lets be clear, I love trans people & dislike anyone who lies to hurt others! Period!'

As of Wednesday evening her bio said: 'Well God bless your sweet hearts.'

De Jager shocked the YouTube and beauty community when she came out as transgender to her over 12million YouTube subscribers and over 13million Instagram followers.

'I've always wanted to share with you but under my own circumstances,' de Jager said at the beginning of the 17-minute video, adding: 'and it looks like that chance has been taken away from me. So today, I am taking back my own and I have to tell you something.'

De Jager goes on to state when she was younger she was 'born in the wrong body'.

'At the end of the day, my story is beautiful. Im proud of my story. No more holding back. No more secrets,' Nikkie Tutorials said on her video

De Jager is engaged to a man named Dylan, and she said he is aware she's trans

'I am transgender,' she emotionally said to the camera. 'Filming this video is scary, but its so liberating and freeing...I'm NikkieTutorials, and I am Nikkie. I am me. We don't need labels.'

In 2015, de Jager first gained viral recognition when her YouTube video The Power of Makeup gained attention across YouTube, launching her into the influencer sphere.

And she said she always intended to one day open up to her followers about her gender identity but could never quite figure out exactly how to do that. Making the video right now, though, was not her intention until she was forced into it by others.

'I am NikkieTutorials and I am Nikkie,' she continued. 'I am me. We dont need labels. If we are going to put a label on it, yes, I am transgender. But at the end of the day, I am me. And at the end of the day, you are you.'

'At the end of the day, my story is beautiful. Im proud of my story. No more holding back. No more secrets,' she added.
Around 200 Muslim women have assembled at the Jama Masjid here in Uttar Pradesh to protest against the police and administrative officials in this town.

Rampur, Jan 16 (IANS) After Shaheen Bagh in Delhi and Mansoor Ali Khan Park in Prayagraj, it is now the Jama Masjid in Rampur where women have joined the nation-wide stir against the citizenship law.

The women have been at the protest venue for over 48 hours. They have raised slogans against the alleged police atrocities and demanded an immediate release of their family members and the "innocent protesters" of the anti-CAA violence on December 21 in the state.

"We are against the citizenship law and also against the district administration which has arrested innocent people who were protesting against the law. We have taken up this issue with the Imam and the clerics and now we are on this protest," said Shaheen, a protestor.

Another protester, Soni, said: "My 20-year-old brother Rahil was arrested and sent to jail illegally by the police."

Social activist Faisal Khan Lala said: "A list of 13 people who were booked and sent to jail had been given to SP Rampur Santosh Kumar Mishra and he had assured that innocents will be released."

Rampur District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said: "A protest is going on inside the Jama Masjid. The people are still being instigated by those who were behind the December 21 violence. We have collected enough materials as well as scientific evidence."

He further said: "When we had asked the Jama Masjid committee to send us a list of the innocent protesters, they had actually sent names of all those accused persons against whom we have evidence. The people were all involved in the crime."

The district magistrate said: "I am working around the clock with the police and other administrative officials so that the innocent people can be released from jail."

amita/in
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard General L.P., one of the largest shareholders of TEGNA Inc. ("TEGNA" or the "Company") (NYSE: TGNA), with an ownership interest of approximately 9.7% of the Company's outstanding shares, has issued the following letter to TEGNA's shareholders.

A LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF TEGNA INC. FROM SOOHYUNG KIM

January 16, 2020

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

I am writing you to correct several false assertions in TEGNA's press release dated January 15, 2020. While Standard General will not be responding publicly to every baseless allegation TEGNA may make, several of TEGNA's statements require refutation.

TEGNA asserts that Standard General has a track record of actions favoring its interests over those of other shareholders. This is nonsense. Like other active investment firms, Standard General often takes substantial equity positions, and our principals have served on the boards of a number of public companies in which we have invested. As a matter of firm policy, our principals take no fees or other compensation for their board service. Standard General profits from stock price appreciation, in the same way as any other shareholder.

We believe in complete alignment with shareholders' outcomes. Our objective is to help drive value creation through stock price improvement. If we succeed, all shareholders benefit. In the case of TEGNA, we have demonstrated our commitment by making an investment that is approximately 20 times that of the current board and management combined.

TEGNA has also sought to mislead our fellow shareholders by raising spurious claims regarding conflicts of interest with Standard General's other investments. First, Standard General's investment in a woman- and minority-owned broadcasting start-up with approximately $10 million of annual cash flow hardly represents a conflict with TEGNA's business. Second, in our discussions with TEGNA, we committed not to make any new investment in TV stations without first offering the opportunity to TEGNA. In short, there is no conflict.

In addition to engaging in personal attacks on me and Standard General, TEGNA's response purports to tout the accomplishments of TEGNA's current board and management. In fact, TEGNA's track record is one of long-term performance failure. In the case of nine of TEGNA's eleven directors, TEGNA's performance has lagged its peer group from the date that director joined the board up to the time Standard General disclosed its investment in TEGNA. In stark contrast, the market has reacted positively since Standard General's investment in TEGNA -- and continues to react positively today.

Nor should our fellow TEGNA shareholders derive comfort from TEGNA's acquisition spree (which TEGNA mischaracterizes in its press release as a "disciplined approach to M&A"). TEGNA's recently posted investor deck declines to use industry standard metrics to describe the acquisition prices paid by TEGNA -- instead adjusting acquisition multiples for estimates of fully realized synergies and tax benefits (benefits that it has not quantified and that may never be realized) -- and obfuscating the fact that TEGNA has been paying top dollar for these assets. As a substantial shareholder, we hope these investments will pay off. But TEGNA's board and management should not hide behind non-standard metrics to justify their M&A spree.

TEGNA's press release also claims that the current board and management are "[open] to all paths to create value for all of TEGNA's shareholders." However, representatives of Standard General sat, with other investors, in an investor meeting with TEGNA management last August, in which TEGNA's CFO denied that TEGNA had received a business combination proposal from Apollo Management. The next day, TEGNA hastily retracted this falsehood, admitting that it had received two separate proposals from Apollo in 2019, but declining to provide any further details. As a result, we must question whether shareholders can rely on TEGNA's assurances that the current board and management are open-minded.

We believe Standard General's involvement is critical to ensure that TEGNA is on the right path to maximize shareholder value. While we are disappointed in TEGNA's shrill response, it has no impact on our plan to vigorously pursue representation on TEGNA's board and to drive value creation for all TEGNA shareholders.

Best Regards,

Soohyung Kim

Founding Partner

Standard General L.P.

Investor Contacts

Okapi Partners, Bruce Goldfarb / Jason Alexander / Pat McHugh

[email protected] (212) 297-0720

Media Contacts

[email protected]

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements contained in this press release that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are "forward-looking statements," which are not guarantees of future performance or results, and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "potential," "could," "opportunity," "estimate," "plan," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. The projected results and statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, speak only as of the date of this press release and involve risks that may cause the actual results to be materially different. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation as to future results. Standard General L.P. disclaims any obligation to update the information herein except as may be required by law and reserves the right to change any of its opinions expressed herein at any time as it deems appropriate. Standard General L.P. has not sought or obtained consent from any third party to use any statements or information indicated herein as having been obtained or derived from statements made or published by third parties.

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS

Standard General L.P., together with the other participants named herein, intends to file a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to be used to solicit votes for the election of its slate of highly-qualified director nominees at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of TEGNA Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

STANDARD GENERAL STRONGLY ADVISES ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROXY SOLICITATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE PROXY STATEMENT WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE PARTICIPANTS' PROXY SOLICITOR: OKAPI PARTNERS LLC, BRUCE GOLDFARB / JASON ALEXANDER / PAT MCHUGH, 212-297-0720, [email protected]

The participants in the proxy solicitation are anticipated to be Standard General L.P., Standard General Master Fund L.P., Soohyung Kim, Stephen Usher, David Glazek, Michael Perrone, Colleen B. Brown, Ellen McClain Haime and Deborah McDermott.

As of the date hereof, Standard General L.P. beneficially owns 21,124,315 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share of the Company (the "Common Stock") in its capacity as the investment manager to various private investment vehicles, including Standard General Master Fund L.P., which is the record owner of 100 shares; Soohyung Kim may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Standard General L.P. As of the date hereof, Ms. Brown, Ms. Haime, Ms. McDermott, Mr. Usher, Mr. Glazek and Mr. Perrone do not beneficially own any shares of Common Stock.

SOURCE Standard General L.P.
When San Franciscos planning commission last week gave its unanimous approval to an 800-foot tower alongside the Transbay transit center, boosters touted the public benefits that would come along with the project  from affordable housing to tax revenue.

But there also would be 183 parking spaces tucked into the buildings foundation  and thats enough to have at least one transit activist seeing red.

You cant say its transit-oriented development if automobile access to a boutique hotel is more important than pedestrians, said Tom Radulovich, a former BART board director and veteran advocate who is leading the so-far quixotic effort to torpedo the garage.

His complaint: the mixed-use complex would include a cul-de-sac and garage entry on alley-like Natoma Street, which runs alongside the transit center.

The approved design would require opening to traffic a 160-foot stretch that now is car free. Instead, Radulovich wants to reserve the entire strip for a pedestrian plaza, and shift any passenger drop-offs or freight loading to Howard Street, which is lined with a busy protected bike lane.

The idea reflects a changing attitude toward cars in San Francisco, where parking is no longer required in any development. City leaders recently banned private automobiles on Market Street east of 10th Street  a seismic transformation that will take effect Jan. 29  and top transportation chief Jeffrey Tumlin proudly gave up his car, a 1995 Geo Tracker, in December.

In SoMa, the Transbay center offers respite from a traffic-snarled neighborhood, though its not the only place to sit and eat lunch: the 5.4-acre rooftop park on the Transbay Center building is also a popular destination. But when Radulovich posted a blog decrying the garage on the website for his nonprofit, Livable City, others joined the crusade

The stretch of Natoma by Transbay park is in many ways even better than the park above! bicycle advocate Matt Brezina wrote in an email to Supervisor Matt Haney and local news reporters. Ive never heard something so nuts in 2020, he added.

Yet Radulovichs pitch has so far gotten a chilly reception from officials. Haney, who has loudly championed bike lanes and walkable streets, would not commit to supporting Radulovichs request.

Im still exploring if there are ways to move the parking garage entrance or reduce the parking overall, he wrote in a text message. Im very supportive of more spaces for pedestrians, and would like to maintain and grow those spaces, while still moving forward with this important housing development.

Cars currently can enter the Transbay section of Natoma at either end, except they can only travel a short distance before reaching a line of bollards that gird the plaza. Beyond those bollards is a small urban nirvana: food trucks sell global cuisine, people eat at patio tables or drift along the pavement, talking on their cell phones. Transbay buses glide along a bridge overhead, which resembles a futuristic movie prop.

The planned development  which still needs approvals from the Board of Supervisors  is known as Parcel F, a large construction site flanking the south edge of the plaza. That area is already so packed that the only place to put the parking garage was beneath the street  cars would enter on a lift and be parked by valet attendants.

In a city that discourages driving but embraces density near transit hubs, this seemed like the best compromise, officials with knowledge of the project said. Parcel F would add a complex mix of offices, high-end condos and the hotel, and you couldnt serve all those people with just a white-curb loading zone. In addition to the parking garage, the plans would cut part of the curb on Howard Street so trucks or forklifts could pull into a loading dock  another feature that Radulovich opposes.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

People who were lingering outside the Transbay Center on their lunch breaks Wednesday generally seemed ambivalent. Most didnt object to the parking garage, so long as it stays underground and out of sight.

I like that part, said Seth Weidman, who works in a nearby startup on Second Street. Definitely the worst thing about garages is that they take up space that could be reserved for (other) buildings.

Heidi Duran also shrugged. If the cars are just leaving in the morning and coming back to park in the evening, it shouldnt affect us, she said.

The one thing that did raise eyebrows was the concept of pushing all the freight and drop-offs over to Howard Street. Whats good for one artery could conceivably add misery to another: imagine a situation in which, say, two 55-foot articulated trucks are double-parked in the middle of a busy road.

Weidman was more concerned about what would happen to the bike lane if cars were constantly pulling up alongside it to disgorge passengers. He rides his bike to work every day.

If I had to catch an Uber from here, he said, pointing to the construction site, Id rather have it pick me up in the garage.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@rachelswan
Pediatric Health System First to Use Groundbreaking Cranial Robotic System in a Patient Surgery

DUBLIN and PHOENIX, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nationally ranked pediatric leader, Phoenix Children's Hospital, is the first-ever health system in the U.S. to receive and deploy the newly FDA-cleared Medtronic Stealth Autoguide platform. Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, chose Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) at Phoenix Children's as its first partner using this robotic technology. The highly advanced surgical tool is intended for use with the Medtronic StealthStation system, and Phoenix Children's Hospital will use it in surgery for pediatric patients suffering from a range of neurological conditions.

"Phoenix Children's is proud to invest in the best possible technology for use while we provide outstanding care to children," said Daniel Ostlie, M.D., surgeon in chief and chair of Surgery at Phoenix Children's. "We are committed to being at the forefront of surgical innovation and having the most advanced solutions for pediatric patients."

BNI at Phoenix Children's surgical staff have undergone comprehensive training with the Medtronic team as they prepared to use the Stealth Autoguide robotic guidance system in patient neurosurgery cases in early January.

"The Stealth Autoguide is a tremendous addition to the neurosurgical team's tools at Phoenix Children's," said P. David Adelson, division chief of Neurosurgery and director of BNI at Phoenix Children's. "Neurosurgery is such an intricate specialty, and having this technology at our fingertips perfectly aligns with our mission to provide state-of-the-art care to improve the health and quality of life for the children we see here."

Ranked a top pediatric neuroscience, neurosurgery and neurology program by U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals, BNI at Phoenix Children's is eager to combine its deep bench of clinical talent with Medtronic's cutting-edge innovation.

"With our new technology deployed, we are thrilled to work with Phoenix Children's and to support their mission of providing exceptional care for pediatric patients," said Dave Anderson, vice president and general manager, Enabling Technologies, which is part of the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic.

Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation received funding for the Stealth Autoguide from close community partners who support Phoenix Children's in providing the best care by advancing pediatric medical solutions.

"We are extremely appreciative of the community's support of the Stealth Autoguide," said Steve Schnall, senior vice president at Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation. "We are grateful to the Del E. Webb Foundation, Thunderbirds Charities, and WINGS, the women's auxiliary board of Phoenix Children's, for investing in this state-of-the-art technology."

About Phoenix Children's Hospital

Phoenix Children's Hospital is Arizona's only children's hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals with rankings in all ten specialties. Phoenix Children's provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. As one of the largest children's hospitals in the country, Phoenix Children's provides care across more than 75 pediatric specialties. The Hospital is poised for continued growth in quality patient care, research and medical education. For more information about the hospital, visit http://www.phoenixchildrens.org (http://www.phoenixchildrens.org/).

About Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital

Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital heals children with neurological and mental health diseases and disorders so that they can have a happy and healthy quality of life by offering the most comprehensive inpatient and outpatient neurological care and services to infants, children and teens. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a leading Neuroscience Center for our collaborative and comprehensive approach to clinical medicine, Barrow at Phoenix Children's is largest pediatric neuroscience center in the Southwest. This is due in large part to BNI's commitment to education and research, along with the integration of pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, neurodevelopmental pediatrics and rehabilitation in the global care of children. Specialized medical equipment, pediatric patient rooms and pediatric specialists, in addition to a family-centered focus, make the institute and hospital uniquely qualified to treat complex neurological disorders in pediatric patients. For more information, visit: http://barrow.phoenixchildrens.org (http://barrow.phoenixchildrens.org/).

About Stealth Autoguide

The Medtronic Stealth Autoguide (https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/neurological/cranial-robotics/stealth-autoguide.html) is designed for accurate positioning of instruments to support a variety of neurological procedures. The technology can generally be used as a tool during stereoelectroencephalographies (sEEG), biopsies, and Visualase procedures. The Stealth Autoguide combines advanced software, navigation and instrumentation to enable accuracy during surgical procedures.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc ( www.medtronic.com (http://www.medtronic.com/) ), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

-end-









David T. Young

Medtronic plc

Public Relations

+1-774-248-2746

Ryan Weispfenning

Medtronic plc

Investor Relations

+1-763-505-4626

Erica Sturwold

Phoenix Children's

Media Relations

+1-602-933-5871
Leo Varadkar has said that the apology of Sinn Fein councillor Paddy Holohan for comments made about the Taoiseach personally is good enough for me, but has said your background should not matter in the kind of society that I believe in.

At a campaign stop in Longford town to give a boost to local councillor Micheal Carrigys bid for the Dail, the Taoiseach said that anyone in Ireland from a minority background, whether mixed race or gay or lesbian has experienced some form of racism or homophobia in their lives.

Im fortunate that I havent received too much of it, I know its been a lot worse for a lot of other people.

Mr Varadkar was responding after Mr Holohan, who is not a candidate for election, earlier

Read More:

Mr Holohan later released a statement apologising for his comments, saying that he had been misrepresented. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said that she had accepted that apology.

Paddy Holohan

The party had earlier stated that those comments do not represent its values.

Mr Varadkar said he hoped to run another cross government campaign against racism.

We need to raise awareness of the issue and make sure that we have a properly united country, whether youre a man or a woman, no matter what background you come from, whether youre a member of the travelling community or not, or who you love, he said.

None of those things should matter in the kind of society that I believe in.

But I think that if somebody makes a remark that they regret, and they apologise for that, I think that should be accepted and in this case the apology has been made, he added.

The Taoiseach was also pressed on his Governments record on homelessness, responding that everyone feels shame at the housing crisis.

Data courtesy of The Irish Times

Ive often said that I believe homelessness is a stain on our society, its a reflection of one of the things that is going wrong in a country where most things are going right, he said.

Its totally unacceptable, it brings shame on us all quite frankly, he said, adding that he finds it at least a little bit reassuring that there are fewer homeless families and fewer homeless children than there were this time last year.

Mr Varadkar added that it would be possible to continue to invest in homeless services over the next five (years) but only if we keep the economy strong, only if we mind the public finances and really were the only party that can do that.
As investigators sift through the smoldering wreckage of a jetliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, contradictory reports have emerged about what might have caused the Boeing 737-800 to abruptly plunge out of the sky.

Iranian authorities initially blamed "technical" causes then said an engine fire most likely led to the loss of the Ukraine International Airlines plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran at first ruled out terrorism, then amended its statement to offer no comment on possible causes.

Given that the crash of Flight 752 came hours after a barrage of Iranian missiles were fired on U.S. bases in Iraq, speculation also turned to a possible accidental attack by Tehran's own air defense system.

The recently serviced, three-year-old jet went down without a distress call and after its global-positioning transmissions were cut off mid-air -- unusual for a crash. A video purportedly shot by a bystander shows flames coming from the jet as it streaked across the night sky and burst into a fireball on impact.

Meanwhile, the investigation is being hampered by the international tension between Iran and the U.S.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which would normally be invited to participate in a crash of a U.S.-built jetliner, issued a cautious statement saying it is monitoring the situation. Long-existing U.S. sanctions against Iran require the NTSB to seek special permission to participate in any investigations in that country.

Iran's Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicated the cause was a technical issue, while the transport ministry suggested an engine fire was involved.

A veteran aviation accident investigator said the flight-tracking data and amateur video were unlike a typical engine failure or fire scenario. While the evidence is still sparse, it's far more suggestive of a bomb or missile, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, former chief of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's accident investigation division.

"Airplanes don't just catch fire and have that fire spread like that in such a short period of time, unless there was an intentional act causing that fire and explosion," Guzzetti said in an interview.

The tragedy recalled the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet by a surface-to-air missile during the conflict over Crimea, eventually blamed by investigators on pro-Russia rebels. Complicating matters, Iranian officials haven't been clear about how much access U.S. experts will be given to the probe, or to the 737's flight data recorders.

A state-run news outlet cited an official at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didn't declare an emergency.

If the amatuer video turns out to be genuine, it indicates the plane was essentially a fireball as it plunged, Guzzetti said. Bright lights emanating from the aircraft suggest explosions as well, he said.

Ukraine International said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the 737, an older version of Boeing's narrow-body workhorse that predates the Max model that was grounded last year following two fatal crashes.

The model involved in the Iranian crash doesn't use the flight control system implicated in the Max tragedies.

The Ukrainian jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was traveling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik.

The plane came down at 6:18 a.m. Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital.

Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash site, with debris spread across a charred field. Ukraine's foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there were more than 60 Canadian citizens, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians.

Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the company's first since it was set up in 1992.

Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation because the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part.

Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The plane's crash-proof recorders will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab.

International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the NTSB and Boeing.

Hassan Rezaeifar, head of the Civil Aviation Organization'saccident-investigation office, said it is for Iran to decide how and where the plane's so-called black boxes are decoded, "as per the law," according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

However, Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for the aviation organization, told Bloomberg that his nation observes international protocols, and that Ukraine, "as well as the planemaker," can take part in the probe.

France's BEA hasn't been contacted for assistance but has helped Iran in the past, said a spokesman, Sebastien Barthe.

The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing.

The Islamic republic fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement offering assistance to Ukraine. "The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash," according to the statement.

Boeing is still gripped by one of the worst crises in its 103-year history after the two Max disasters led to the grounding of that fleet in March. The company said in a statement that its thoughts are with crew, passengers and their families after the tragedy, without commenting on the cause. The planemaker's stock declined 1.3% to $332.94 at 11:57 a.m. in New York.

The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraine's Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time.

Safran confirmed that the twin-engine plane was powered by turbines from its CFM venture with General Electric, while declining to comment further.

- - -

Bloomberg's Harry Suhartono, Kyunghee Park, Anurag Kotoky, Eduard Gismatullin, Angus Whitley, Layan Odeh, Paul Dobson, Will Davies, Rudy Ruitenberg, Volodymyr Verbyany, Julie Johnsson and Richard Clough contributed to this report.
[January 16, 2020] On Tap Credit Union Celebrates Latest Giving Campaign With Check Presentation to Ralston House

Today, On Tap Credit Union celebrated the end to their annual holiday giving campaign with a check presentation for Ralston House Child Advocacy Center which helps child victims heal from abuse. The campaign ran from Thursday, November 14 until Tuesday, December 31. On Tap matched donations giving a combined contribution amount of over $2,000 dollars and all funds will go directly to the non-profit organization. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005627/en/ On Tap Credit Union Board Members and Employees on the left and on the right side Ralston House Board Members and Employees celebrating the end of the Holiday Giving campaign with a check presentation at On Tap Credit Union in Olde Town Arvada. (Photo: Business Wire) On Tap lives by the Credit Union core value of people helping people. Over the course of the past five years and with the support of Members, Board Members, Employees, and the Community, On Tap has given over a combined total of $6,600 dollars to Ralston House. We hope to continue this long-standing partnership for years to come. "We are very thankful for our Members, Board Members, Employees, and the Community for supporting this great cause and to The Ralston House for allowing us to be their community partner," sid On Tap Credit Union President and CEO Tracie Wilcox. "It's a real joy to be able to see first-hand the faces of the people we are able to help impact through this incredible non-profit organization."



In 2018, Ralston House conducted 1,289 forensic interviews for children and teens suspected of being abused or witnesses to violent crime. Ralston House Child Advocacy Center works with law enforcement, human services and the community to provide a safe place to investigate child abuse and ensure victim services for children who have been physically or sexually abused or witnessed violence. Ralston House provides education and outreach to prevent child abuse. Their mission is to stop the abuse and start the healing. "Thank you to On Tap for their generous support of Ralston House in continuing to help us with our mission to stop the abuse and start the healing," said Don Moseley, Ralston House Executive Director. "By giving back, On Tap enables Ralston House and other youth-serving agencies to help keep children safer and reinforces our efforts to do everything possible in the communities that we serve."

To find out more about how you can be a partner of ours, please visit our community page. About On Tap Credit Union Formerly Coors Credit Union, On Tap Credit Union is a full-service cooperative financial institution serving people living and working in Jefferson, Denver, Boulder and Larimer counties. Founded in 1954, the credit union has $270 million in assets and more than 19,800 members, who are also owners of the organization. The credit union provides personal consultation and financial products including vehicle, mortgage, and home equity loans, credit cards, insurance, savings and investment products, and financial guidance, as well as business services including commercial lending. On Tap has three pillars to their corporate social responsibility in which we give back to local organizations through serving the community, financial education and the beer industry. For more information on becoming a community partner, please visit ontapcu.org/about-us/community-engagement. About Ralston House Child Advocacy Center In addition to forensic interviews and victim advocacy, Ralston House also provides forensic pediatric sexual assault medical examinations. Ralston House also provides free child abuse prevention presentations to civic groups, businesses, recreation centers, churches and other youth-serving organizations to educate groups on ways to help keep children safer. For more information on Ralston House, see www.ralstonhouse.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005627/en/

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A suspended New Jersey State Police trooper went on trial Thursday in Indiana, nearly three months after being arrested on drunken driving charges while there to attend an officers funeral.

The jury trial for Michael Kulik, of Livingston, was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Tippecanoe Superior Court in Lafayette, Indiana, according to court records.

Kulik was arrested October 18 in West Lafaytte after police saw him driving slowly and hugging the center line, forcing other vehicles to swerve to miss him.

Kulik was unable to attend Indiana State Police Trooper Peter Stephans funeral because he was in the local jail. Stephan died Oct. 11 in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a call.

Kulik is charged with one count apiece of operating while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more, court records state.

Operating while intoxicated in a misdemeanor in Indiana. A conviction for a first offense carries a sentence of up to a year in jail , as much as a $5,000 fine and up to a 2-year license suspension.

Kulik was suspended without pay following his arrest, NJ Advance Media reported at the time.

He remains suspended without pay, Sgt. First Class Jeff Flynn, a New Jersey State Police spokesman confirmed Thursday.

Kuliks attorney, Matthew Sandy couldnt be reached Thursday afternoon. A secretary in the Lafayette, Indiana based lawyers office said he was still in court.

A public employee since 2016, Kuliks annual salary in $67,985, according to pension records.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A top international anti-corruption official in Honduras has resigned, the Organization of American States announced Tuesday.

The OAS Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) said in a statement that its chief, Ana Maria Calderon, had stepped down on January 2.

It said the Peruvian's decision was made for "strictly personal and professional reasons."

However, her resignation comes amid talks between the government of President Juan Orlando Hernandez and the OAS over renewing the mission's mandate, which expires on January 19.

Honduras's business sector as well as US lawmakers have lobbied the government in Tegucigalpa to maintain the mission for another four-year mandate to help the fight against corruption.

The MAACIH was set up in 2016 amid protests calling for Hernandez's resignation over the looting of $330 million from the country's social security services.

Hernandez admitted social security fund money had been used by his election campaign, although he claimed it happened without his knowledge.
WASHINGTON - The managers chosen to prosecute the impeachment case against President Donald Trump will make their case to all 100 senators. But to get the trial they want, they need just four Republicans.

The House Democrats presenting the case at trial face the unique challenge of persuading a handful of senators to cross the aisle and join Democrats in demanding that the trial include documents and witnesses most Republicans would like to avoid.

In a polarized era, even that modest goal could prove difficult. But it is Democrats only hope to avoid the abrupt acquittal Trump is seeking. How that phase plays out could shape the depth of the stain of impeachment on Trumps legacy, but also the fortunes of many of the senators who will be on the ballot in November along with the president.

Were going to make the case, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the lead prosecutor for Democrats, told The Associated Press in an interview. Not only to the Senate, but we will make the case to the American people and expect that senators will be accountable for their decisions.

The House impeached Trump Dec. 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after an investigation into the presidents pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democrats. Those articles will be formally presented to the Senate on Thursday, triggering a trial.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hand-selected the seven House members who will make the case for Trumps conviction and removal from office. She said their focus would be on making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our Constitution, to seek the truth for the American people.

While the Democratic prosecutors can look to former President Bill Clintons impeachment for a model, their challenge is different. In Clintons trial, the 13 GOP managers already had an exhaustive trail of evidence, delivered by independent counsel Kenneth Starr.

For Trump, the House had to compile its own case, using a whistle-blower complaint as a guide. But lawmakers were unable to obtain testimony and documents from key administration officials who refused to co-operate, under orders from the White House.

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton, for example, has said he will testify before the Senate but refused to talk to the House. Bolton was present for many of the key episodes in which Trump pressured Ukraine as he ordered military aid to the country withheld.

If the Democrats can obtain new information during the trial from Bolton and other witnesses, it could extend the proceedings and prevent a rapid acquittal. But with only 47 Democrats in the Senate, theyll need support from at least four Republicans to obtain the necessary 51 votes  and theres no guarantee theyll get there.

The task of convincing them falls primarily to Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler, whose committee wrote and approved the two articles of impeachment.

California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who is working on her third presidential impeachment, is another manager who will make the case. Shell be joined by two freshmen, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow and Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who were a litigator and a judge, respectively, before coming to Congress.

Rounding out the group is New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the chairman of the House Democratic Conference, and Florida Rep. Val Demings, a former chief of the Orlando Police Department.

The emphasis is on litigators, Pelosi said at a morning press conference. The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom.

Schiff said the managers intend to lay out facts of their case in detail, using video clips from House testimony to inform not only the senators in the room, but also the millions of Americans watching the trial who could pressure Republicans to act.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has signalled skepticism about hearing from witnesses, though he hasnt ruled it out. And many in his caucus have said they want to stay within the confines of the case the House is sending over. They say that if the House wanted more information, they should have gone to court for it.

However, fifty-one senators will decide who to call, McConnell acknowledged Tuesday.

There are already signs that the House push  and Pelosis four-week delay in sending the articles  is having the desired effect.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a moderate Republican who is seeking re-election this year, has negotiated with McConnell to ensure there will be a vote after opening arguments on whether to call witnesses.

Democrats are trying to keep up the pressure. On Tuesday, three House committees released documents provided by an associate of Trumps personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. The documents from Lev Parnas detail his work as an intermediary in Ukraine as Trump pushed the investigations of Joe Biden and the Democrats.

Schiff said he expects more evidence to come out as the trial progresses.

One thing that senators are going to have to think about is, if they prohibit us from getting the documents, theyre going to come out over time anyway, Schiff said. And it will be very difficult for them to explain to the country why they voted not to see the evidence at a time when it would have helped them in their judgment.

The challenge, Schiff said, is to get a fair trial.
[January 15, 2020] Atlas Hotels Selects Saba to Enable Unified Talent Strategy Furthering mission for exceptional guest experiences with an integrated, people-centric approach to recruiting and learning BRACKNELL, United Kingdom, Jan. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Saba Software, a leading global provider of personalised talent experience solutions, today announced that award-winning UK hotel brand operator, Atlas Hotels, has selected Saba's recruiting and learning offerings to attract, hire and onboard new talent, and create learning experiences that support continuous skill development for its 1200 employees across 49 hotels. In the highly competitive hotel industry, providing a great guest experience at every interaction starts with attracting talented people with a passion for excellence, and retaining them with ongoing development and rewarding career opportunities. As a hospitality provider that has distinguished itself for its quality and service, the HR team at Atlas Hotels recognized the need to unify its multiple disparate talent solutions to improve its candidate engagement, hiring and onboarding processes, and support a development culture that builds skills and connects its people's learning to guest satisfaction. The team turned to Saba to deliver on this mandate. Sarah Brocklebank, HR Director atAtlas Hotels said, "We researched several vendors and Saba by far understood our business goals and HR strategy. We're excited by the opportunity to bring our all of our employee facing platforms together under Saba's offering to simplify how we attract, develop and retain the best people, focused on providing exceptional guest experiences." Atlas Hotels is implementing Saba TalentLink to enhance its talent acquisition strategy and Saba Learning to provide a continuous development model that supports the organisation's goals and values, and gives its team the in-the-moment learning experiences they need to succeed. "We're thrilled to partner with Atlas to help deliver a candidate and employee experience that directly connects to its brand for guest satisfaction," said Christian Foerg, General Manager, EMEA for Saba. "Saba's solutions deliver the connected, personalised experiences that help engage people in their careers, development and growth  and ultimately create more value for their organisations." About Atlas Hotels Since 1996, Atlas Hotels has been focused on delivering a great experience to all our guests whilst providing a rewarding place to work at each of our 49 hotels. With a reputation for excellence and nearly 1,200 employees, we're the UK's biggest franchisee of Holiday Inn Express hotels with properties in key business and leisure locations around Scotland, England and Wales. We continuously seek to expand our Atlas family and meet growth targets through acquisition, new developments and hotel extensions. https://www.atlashotels.co.uk/ About Saba At Saba, we know that every organisation has the potential to be a great place to work, and no matter what your business does, or who you serve, or what you sell, success starts with your people. But in today's diverse, mobile, social world, successful organisations must deliver an experience at work that's more connected, and more personal than ever before. And the most successful do this with Saba. Because we combine the science of talent with intelligent technology to deliver a "just-for-me" talent experience for every individual  in the moments that matter most. With powerful tools and insights talent leaders need to prove the experience makes an impact on business success. So from attracting candidates who are the perfect fit, to designing paths for personal growth, to creating a culture that nurtures the unique talents of every individual, Saba helps you give your people and teams the message: Work to your strengths. Work like you envision. Work like it's personal. Work like you. Learn more at http://www.saba.com. Heather McCulligh, Public Relations Manager, +1-613-912-4673, hmcculligh@saba.com

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New Delhi:

Giving an excuse that the she is menstruating, the man-bride successfully duped his groom into believing that he is actually a woman. A cleric in Uganda, Mohammed Mutumba got the shock of his life when and his 'bride' Swabullah Nabukeera, with whom he had signed a marriage contract in a traditional nikah ceremony two weeks ago was a man instead.

"I was patient and waited for her to be ok," Mohammed was quoted saying as per Daily Nation reports.

The brides great disguise was however all exposed when the neighbours alleged that his "wife" jumped over a wall so as to steal their belongings - a television set and clothes.

A case was filed at the police station by the neighbours. As a procedure a female police officer was asked to search the suspect upon which the officer found out that she is a he.

"As is normal practice, a female police officer searched the suspect thoroughly before taking ''her'' to the cells. But, to the shock of the officer, the suspect had stacked clothes in the bra to hoodwink them that they were breasts," Isaac Mugera, Kayunga District Criminal Investigations Officer, said.

Shocked Mutumba was told by the police that his 'wife' is actually a man, identified to be 27-year-old Richard Tumushabe.

Also Read: Dog Goes Viral For Joining Man In Singing Ranu Mondals Song Teri Meri Kahaani, WATCH

It is believed that Tumushabe duped Mohammad for his money.

The suspect will be charged with impersonation and theft.

For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Brutal attacks that have killed nearly 300 people in less than two months have propelled the Islamic State to the status of the Sahel's most-feared jihadist group, eclipsing al-Qaeda, experts say. The vast fragile region on the southern rim of the Sahara has been battling an escalating insurgency by violent Islamists, beginning in Mali in 2012 and then spreading to Niger and Burkina Faso. Until recently, groups under the banner of al-Qaeda were in the forefront of the bloodshed. But their position has now been overtaken by an Islamic State (IS) affiliate, providing the group with an image of resurgence in West Africa after its decline in Syria and Iraq. "The priority is the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS)," French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday at a summit gathering France and its five Sahel allies -- Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The ISGS "has emerged as our main enemy, against whom we should focus our struggle," Burkina President Roch Marc Christian Kabore said on Facebook. "Everyone has probably underestimated the ISGS," said Mahamoudou Savadogo, a Burkinabe researcher at a Senegal-based think tank, CERADD. "There has been a major rise in (its) power." - Rise of ISGS - The ISGS leapt to world prominence after an ambush near the village of Tongo Tongo in Niger in 2017 that claimed the lives of four US special forces and four Nigerien troops. Its leader is Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahraoui, whose nom de guerre derives from his birthplace in the Western Sahara. His history of militancy dates back to fighting in the Polisario Front, which aims to end Moroccan control over the Western Sahara. He became a leader of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), which then merged with a group led by one-eyed Algerian jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar, forming Al-Mourabitoun. He then broke with Belmokhtar to declare allegiance to IS, which the group recognised in 2016. Savadogo said that from then until 2018, the ISGS prepared the groundwork, recruiting followers and raising funds -- and putting down roots in a region where the borders of Burkina, Mali and Niger meet. "In 2019, they were ready," he said. That time spent in training has led to the bloodiest attacks in the history of the insurgency in the Sahel, all of which have been carried out in a range of 200 kilometres (120 miles). - Mounting toll - In November, two clashes in Mali, at Tabankort and Indelimane, claimed the lives of 92 soldiers. In December, 42 people -- 35 of them civilian -- were killed in Arbinda in Burkina, and 71 in Inates, Niger. And on January 16, 89 troops were killed in Chinegodar, Niger. According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in the three countries last year left 4,000 dead. Defence experts say that spectacular ISGS strikes use the same tactics. The target is typically a remote military base, which is attacked by dozens of jihadists arriving on swarms of motorbikes. They cut off the camp's communications, pound the site with mortars, kill as many soldiers as possible and then disappear before the army can fully respond. "The latest attacks seem to show that the group has acquired skills in command, control and coordination that it didn't have before, with group leaders able to carry out major operations," a French military source said with concern. - Hard core - A security expert in the Malian capital Bamako said the ISGS, like other jihadist groups in the Sahel, uses "ad hoc" fighters to beef up its ranks. "For every trained, radicalised fighter, there are two or three proxies (allies) who are hired just for the operation," the source said. The hard core of ISGS is probably no more than 200- or 300-strong, specialists say. "They use poachers, criminals, traffickers" with deep knowledge of the local terrain, Savadogo said. The ISGS gets technical help from another IS affiliate, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP), said Matteo Puxton, an independent analyst who spoke on condition of using a pseudonym after receiving threats. According to IS propaganda outlets, the ISGS was incorporated into ISWAP in mid-2019. ISWAP also has a dissident faction of Nigeria's ruthless Boko Haram. "IS headquarters has taken over the ISGS. You can see that in the propaganda, the technical skills," Puxton said. "The level of ISGS attacks which were carried out in 2015 has been transformed. Their operations are sophisticated, and for the first time in (ISGS's) history, there are long videos, put together by IS's central propaganda unit," he said. Jean-Herve Jezequel, head of the Sahel project at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, said IS was "easy to flag as an enemy, given its reputation for violence -- in terms of image, you really have a perfect foil there." But, in fact, this reflects the situation on the ground, where IS affiliates are on the rise, "including in the former strongholds of al-Qaeda," he said. The IS "is flying high" in the Sahel, he said. "The reasons are complex and hard to decipher, but stem in part from the fact that it gives lots of autonomy to the groups that join it."
Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 3, 2019. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Secretary of the Army: China Faces Newly Strengthened US in Indo-Pacific

WASHINGTONAs the United States works to counter the strategic threat posed by China in the region of the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Army is taking on a more important role.

Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy spoke at the Brookings Institute on Jan. 10 about how the Army is modernizing, expanding, and deepening its commitment and operational abilities in the Indo-Pacific theater of command.

The Indo-Pacific, known in the Army as INDOPACOM, is home to the four most-populous countries in the world, as well as three of its largest economies, the United States, China, and Japan, McCarthy said.

Critically, the region also holds six of the 10 largest armies in the world, he said.

The United States has five treaties in the Indo-Pacific, all critical for reinforcing the American narrative alternative to the Belt and Road initiative.

Those treaties, with Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand, underpin the Trump administrations policy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which provides a framework for advancing U.S. interests and alliances in a multi-faceted competition against China.

The One Belt, One Road initiative (OBOR, also known as Belt and Road initiative) is the key plank in Chinese leader Xi Jinpings policy objective of promoting Chinese economic, political, and military influence across the Eurasian continent and into the Middle East and Africa. The initiative relies on spreading trillions of U.S. dollars worth of investments and loans, for everything from bridges and roads to oil fields and mines throughout the region.

The U.S. Armys Role

While the huge expanse covered by INDOPACOM is traditionally thought of as a venue for the navies and air forces of its constituent countries, the U.S. Army is a key piece of overall U.S. strategy.

We must have continuous presence, Ryan said.

The U.S. Army must be postured in the region for the intensifying competition, and if required, to win in conflict.

INDOPACOM, as the Geographic Combatant Command is known, stretches from Mongolia in the north to Australia and New Zealand in the south; from India in the west to the farthest reaches of Pacific Islands, including Kiribati, in the east.

But among these, its only China that the United States has in mind.

Under Xi, China has been rapidly modernizing, reorganizing, and streamlining its Peoples Liberation Army ground, air, and naval forces. Using that expansion, it has embarked on a campaign to build new relationships from the Philippines to Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.

The U.S. Army is preparing to meet that challenge if and when necessary. The army is foundational to joint forces success and the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, McCarthy said.

Expanding the Armys Capabilities

McCarthy highlighted cooperation and coordination with sister services to help the Army expand and improve overall American effectiveness within a joint force.

After an on-site, at-sea review in spring 2019 with U.S. Navy Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), new plans for the Armys role in serving the needs of the USINDOPACOM were decided upon.

USINDOPACOM, perhaps counter-intuitively, is the United States oldest and largest military combatant command, based in Hawaii.

Key among those programs is the Defender Series program. Its role in strengthening any potential U.S. response to Chinese military aggression is critical.

As McCarthy described it, the Defender Series is a division-sized element.

Army Times reported in May 2019 that about 5,000 to 10,000 soldiers will deploy for Defender Pacific, which will likely be once a year.

The exercise will focus on the South China Sea or East China Sea area and run between 30 to 45 days, it said.

Based in the continental United States, the Defender Series can be flexibly and rapidly deployed to locations when and where its most needed.

As McCarthy put it, You could drop them in. They could start in Thailand, bounce to the Philippines, go to Palau  theyll do dynamic force employment, a bespoke model.

The dynamic flexing concept is part of the U.S. National Defense Strategy as defined under the Trump administration.

The idea is to create dilemmas for potential adversaries, McCarthy said.

The effect of a bolstered U.S. Army and its resulting impact on the overall power of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific is not just military, McCarthy said.

Over 60 percent of the worlds GDP flows through the Straits of Malacca, he said.

China is militarizing the global Commons in order to monetize life, for the Chinese people.

But having the U.S. Army in the region strengthens Americas position to conduct global commerce, build confidence with investors, and compete economically.

History Repeats Itself

The Army also remembers the historical lessons of World War II, McCarthy said.

One of those lessons was how to operate successfully on two fronts, not one.

Albeit in peacetime, the Army is again operating in both Europe and the Pacific, with what Army Times reported in May 2019 is an estimated 85,000 soldiers dedicated to the region.

The U.S. Army is no longer operating under the rigid nature of the systems that previously dominated operations and allocations, McCarthy said.

The expanded profile of the Army in the Indo-Pacific couldnt have been realized without additional funding, however.

To that end, McCarthy related that four of us engaged in a Night Court exercise to determine where funding could be cut, and where it needed to be added. The Army staff, he added, has a sense of humor.

Night Court refers to a 1980s-era award-winning U.S. sitcom in which a young and highly unorthodox judge presides over the night shift of a municipal court.
Tom Tugendhat is MP for Tonbridge and Malling.

The debate about Huaweis involvement in our key 5G infrastructure has so far focused on the national security risks. These are considerable  both the US and Australia have registered serious concerns, with the US threatening to stop sharing security with the UK if our deal goes ahead.

But Huaweis human rights record has been notably absent from discussion. It is vital that we do our human rights due diligence on companies bidding for massive public contracts, but there is precious little evidence that this critical question regarding Huawei is even on the agenda.

Thanks to some superb investigative reporting, the world is slowly waking up to the mass detention of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. But Huaweis role in the surveillance state has barely received a single column inch.

This matters, because if were not careful, we may find ourselves funnelling public money into the pockets of a company accused of propping up the most egregious human rights abuses in the contemporary world.

Heres what we know. In November, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) published a major report which shows that Huawei actively provides surveillance technology to the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau, facilitating the construction of the worlds most invasive surveillance state.

Huaweis work in the province is extensive. The report shows that the corporation has developed the Xinjiang public security cloud which makes the total control and repression of Uighur Muslims possible; it has a partnership with the Xinjiang Broadcasting and Television Network to allow the state propaganda organs to be as effective as possible; and in one recent press release, a Huawei Director said: Together with the Public Security Bureau, Huawei will unlock a new era of smart policing and help build a safer, smarter society.

Given what we know about Xinjiang, smart policing is the worst kind of Orwellian double-speak. In November, BBC Panorama reported on explosive new secret documents which confirmed that in Xinjiang region, China have been attempting to brainwash more than a million Muslims in prison camps. Adrian Zenz, a Xinjiang expert, said on the show: The world should acknowledge this for what it is, the largest internment of an ethnic minority since the holocaust.

These are incendiary accusations indeed. If they are even remotely true, this is not a company we should be dealing with. The Panorama report was based on New York Times-published documents from the Chinese Communist Party which revealed the cold and calculated rationale behind the creation of concentration camps to house one million Uighur Muslims. President Xi Jinping reportedly urged party officials to show absolutely no mercy and use all the organs of dictatorship to fight against Muslims infected with the virus of extremism.

The so-called extremists being rounded-up are Muslims who grow long beards or pray outside state-owned mosques. The Chinese President said they must undergo a period of painful, interventionary treatment.

A second leak, an ICIJ investigation dubbed the China Cables, confirmed the suspicions of rights activists that the interventionary treatment described includes mass surveillance, incarceration, and torture on an appallingly scale. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has described Xinjiang as a sort of no-rights zone; an in-depth report by Human Rights Watch shows that high-tech mass surveillance systems are used to monitor and control every aspect of life.

Far from condemning this, Huawei is accused of shamelessly facilitating this totalitarian system. And their provision of surveillance technology extends beyond Xinjiang. According to another ASPI report, Huawei has worked to develop the public security apparatus in countries such as Ecuador, Pakistan, the Philippines, Venezuela, Bolivia, Zimbabwe, and Serbia. Although some of their influence here may be beneficial, the export of surveillance technology to developing countries with authoritarian leaders is problematic and deserves greater scrutiny.

The UK, Germany, and other governments must seriously examine evidence of Huaweis actions in facilitating the unconscionable repression of the Uyghur before signing any contracts or be complicit in funding groups that brutally violate rights.

ASPI conclude that Huaweis Xinjiang activities should be taken into consideration during debates about Huawei and 5G technologies. Thankfully there is still time for the UK to do exactly that.
Assyrian Couple Abducted in Southeast Turkey

Hurmuz Diril and his wife Aimoni. Istanbul -- Turkish authorities yesterday released the monk Sefer (Aho) BileAen, from the church of Mor Yakup in the province of Mardin, detained for a few days on the charge - never officially formalized by the prosecutor's office - of "terrorism".

In reality, the Assyrian priest had been targeted by security forces for sharing food [a piece of bread, ed.] With a member of the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers' Party outlawed in Turkey and whose leader Abdullah Acalan has been in prison since 1999.

The priest was arrested on January 9 together with two other Christians in the south-east of the country, in an area with a Kurdish majority and scene of confrontation and violence with the Turkish military. Local sources report that an anonymous complaint alleged that he distributed food to members of an outlaw movement (the PKK).

The Assyrian journalist and leader of the Belgian community David Vergili announced his release with a message via Twitter. The other two Christians (Josef Yar and Musa Tastekin) arrested together with the priest are both heads of two villages in the region.

During the frenzied days of the arrest, the head of the Assyrian Associations Foundation had compared the arrest of Sefer (Aho) BileAen to the controversial story of the American missionary detained for 21 months by Ankara, speaking of "the second Pastor Brunson case". Among those who intervened to ask for the release of the Assyrian priest there is also the European Syrian Union.

While this case has come to a positive conclusion another case of mysterious disappearance within the Turkish Christian community has been reported. Assyrian sources have denounced the kidnapping of the last Christians of the Assyrian-Chaldean village of Meer (Kovankaya, ayaArnak province), in south-east Turkey, taken by "unidentified men".

A witness said that on the afternoon of 11 January, a group of people took Hurmuz Diril and his wife Aimoni (pictured) from their home and led them to a destination that remains unknown at the moment. Their son, Remzi Diri, a priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Istanbul, who came to visit his parents the following day, found the house empty, thus denouncing the disappearance.

Hurmuz Diril and his wife had returned to Meer a decade ago to live again in their home village. They were the only and last Christians in the village and in all these years they have repeatedly rejected the requests - if not intimidation - from the Turkish authorities to abandon the area. In an appeal, the Christians of the Turkish south-eastern province launch an appeal for prayer, to obtain the release of the two spouses, who are elderly and sick.
Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje of Kano State has accused the leader of the defunct Congress for Progressives (CPC) Alhaji Buba Galadim...





Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje of Kano State has accused the leader of the defunct Congress for Progressives (CPC) Alhaji Buba Galadima of suffering from political malfunction.





Ganduje also described Buba Galadimas claims on Kano state governorship election as baseless and lacking in required merit as well as a claim coming from a dysfunctional politician.





Galadima, had yesterday said the Supreme Court verdict that removed Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo state should not exonerate Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje of Kano state due to what he considered similar incidence .





Galadima told journalists in Abuja, that the technicalities considered and applied by the apex court which affirmed Hope Uzodinma as governor of Imo state on Tuesday, tied to the cancellation of votes he allegedly belong to Abba Kabiru Yusuf of (PDP) Kano.

But responding, Governor Ganduje through his elections cases legal team leader, Barrister Mohammad Abdullahi Lawan contended that the view of Galadima was absolutely no correlation between the facts and circumstances of the Emeka Ihedioha case and that of governor Ganduje, insisting that points raised by the PDP stalwart was rather unbridled ignorance of the law.





In a release made available to journalists, Barrister Lawan explained that  In the former (Ihedioha case), whilst there was glaring evidence of the cancellation of results by officials other than the presiding officers, in the later case (Governor Ganduje) there was no evidence of such cancellation by officials order than the presiding officers. Instead, there was proven evidence in the Governor Ganduje case, that the cancellation of some of the 207 polling units were carried out by the respective INEC Polling Unit Presiding Officers as was clearly depicted in the numerous Form ECG 40s tendered and admitted in evidence without any objections by the Petitioners.





Again, in the Ganduje case, there was the inability of the INEC to collate the results of 62 polling units in Gama ward comprising of over 48,000 registered voters in an election with a lead margin of only 26,000 votes! What is worse is that the disruption of the collation of the said results was caused by the PDP agent, one Dr Yakasai who testified as PW30. He admitted that whilst the said results were being collated, a commotion arose and he carted away the original Results of INEC and hid himself in a room for over one hour with a Biro with him! He kept the sensitive INEC documents in his custody for another hour before allegedly taking the said documents to the Kano Commissioner of Police instead of INEC.





In the end, only twelve of those results were tendered in court by the Police. How on earth was the INEC supposed to collate the said results? Could the INEC have declared in an inconclusive election and thus disenfranchise over 48,000 voters in an election where the lead margin is only 26,000 votes. Finally the so called expert witness called by PDP admitted on oath that after his study of all the results, he agreed with the INEC cancellation of the results of 77 polling units on the basis of over voting. This in law is an admission against interest which the various courts are obliged by law to accept and which the two lower courts accepted. Barrister Lawan maintained.





The coordinator of Ganduje legal team, explained that Galadima argument was fallacious and must be discountenanced by the general public.





Lawan who restated Governor Gandujes conviction on the credibility and hope in the judiciary however debunked any negative tendencies suggesting possible illusion and pressure against the Supreme Court Judgment on Kano gubernatorial election slated for 20th, January, 2020




Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Thursday said her ministry is looking at reducing the hank yarn obligation.

Irani said the government has already partially eased the challenges related to hank yarn obligation, which the industry has been facing from the last two decades.

"We are actively pursuing reducing hank yarn obligation even more," Irani said at an event organised by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil).

The hank yarn obligation is a mechanism to ensure adequate availability of hank yarn to handloom weavers at reasonable prices.

The existing norms prescribe that every producer of yarn who packs yarn for civil consumption shall pack at least 30 per cent of yarn in hank form on quarterly basis.

In the textile industry, a hank is a coiled or wrapped unit of yarn or twine (as opposed to both other objects like thread or rope as well as other forms such as in a ball, cone, bobbin, spool, among others).

The industry is demanding that the obligation should be reduced in the 10-20 per cent range.

She said one of the issues faced by the industry is procurement of cotton by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and its sale to the industry at a competitive prices.

"The ministry and the industry are jointly making efforts to ensure a speedy resolution to this challenge," she said.

Irani said the textile ministry is actively pursuing with the finance ministry on the inverted duty structure. In the textile industry, there is high duty on raw material compared to the finished product.

The union minister also urged Texprocil to hand-hold small firms to become mid-sized companies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Services on the Delhi Metro's Blue Line were briefly affected on Thursday after a 50-year-old man allegedly committed suicide at Dwarka Mor station here.

According to Delhi Metro DCP Harendra Singh, a call was received at 10.10 a.m. about the suicide at Dwarka Mor Metro station.

"The incident took place at platform number 1 on the train going towards Noida from Dwarka. Identity of the man is not yet established. He is being taken to DDU Hospital," the DCP said in a statement.

Earlier, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had informed in a tweet at 9.59 a.m. that services were delayed between Dwarka Sector 21 and Rajiv Chowk as there was passenger on the track at Dwarka Mor.

Later, at 10.14 a.m., it informed that normal services were resumed.

The Blue Line is one of the busiest lines in the Delhi Metro network, ferrying thousands of passengers to and from Delhi and neighbouring Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.
TWITTER/@BOWENAROW1 Firefighters working day and night to save lives. Photo: TWITTER/@BOWENAROW1



This selfless guy rescued seven koalas and took them to Mallacoota Wildlife Shelter. Photo: TWITTER/NEWSCOMAUHQ

More than 900 sheep were saved from the bushfires after heroic doggo herded them to safety. Photo: Instagram/@ patsythecorryongwonderdog

Instagram This Instagram model raised $1 million for the fires by selling her nudes online. Photo:

Members of Muslim community in Australia travelled to the affected areas to cook food for firefighters. Photo: Facebook

Steve Irwin's family saved 90,000 animals, many of them injured in the bushfires. Photo: Instagram/@ australiazoo

One Sikh woman cancelled her India trip to stay back & cook 1,000 meals for Australia's bushfire victims. Photo: Facebook/@ sikhvolunteers.australia

Twitter/@WhoaInteresting This women risked her life to save a Koala Bear from the bushfire. Photo:

Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of NSW Rural Fire Service, has become Australia's hero because of his leadership during Australia's bushfire crisis. Photo: Twitter/@ RFSCommissioner
Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest has acknowledged the devastating impacts of the Australian bushfires upon communities, wildlife and property, and praised the generosity of its members in their efforts to support those affected by the drought and by bushfires.

Urban Taskforce members have been generous in making substantial donations as well as offering professional assistance to those struggling in the aftermath of both the drought and the bushfires, Forrest said.

Larger members have made substantial donations while smaller members have made offers of pro-bono professional advice and assistance.

Advantaged Care is offering free respite to elderly people affected by the bushfires should they need to seek alternative accommodation arrangements, and Allens is working with Justice Connect to provide free legal help to people and communities affected by the bushfires.

CityPlan Strategy & Development have also offered their support to the Local Government Bushfire Recovery SupportGroup, providing pro-bono assistance with development assessment, land use and development policy, risk based planning and best practice assessment processes and staff training. Similarly, Group GSA will be involved in pro-bono opportunities to contribute time and resources in helping to rebuild bushfire affected communities.

So far, a substantial amount have been donated to the Australian Red Cross from Allens, Bates Smart with $20,000, EP Risk, Lendlease with up to $500,000, McDonalds with $500,000, PTW Architects, the GPT Group.

La Trobe Financial established a Disaster Relief Package which will pay loan interest and charges for 12 months for those who lost their homes to the bushfires.

Donations have also been made by Woolworths and its customers through The Salvation Army and locals with more than $3 million.

Crown Resorts and the Packer Family Foundation have donated $5 million to bushfire relief charities.

The Perich Group have donated $1 million to the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief fund to help rebuild bushfire affected farms and restore local food and fibre production in south east NSW. Similarly, Holdmark Property Group have pledged $1 million to support farmers.

These efforts showcase the extent to which the property development sector is an essential and positive part of both our economy and society", Forrest said.

Building construction and related services account for one of the largest sectors in the NSW economy (third largest employment sector after Health and Retail).

"Property developers take the risk on developing land into housing for our growing population, for developing commercial and industrial buildings to accommodate jobs and employment and for employing hundreds of thousands of tradies, labourers, engineers, architects, planners and urban designers.

"As the third largest employment sector in the state, we have been greatly affected by the drought and the fires. Urban Taskforce members are keen to do everything they can to help, Forrest said.

Forrest added that the services being offered by members to assist in the recovery from the bushfires was growing by the day.

He encouraged all those in communities affected by the bushfires to visit the Urban Taskforce website and see the updated lists of services on offer.

The Urban Taskforce extends its support and sympathy to all those directly and indirectly affected by the fires. We thank the many incredible firefighters, volunteers, emergency service workers and individuals for their efforts to save lives, property and wildlife, Forrest said.
The White House violated federal law by withholding security aid approved by lawmakers for Ukraine, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog said on Thursday, in a blow for United States President Donald Trump as the Senate prepared to hold a trial on whether to remove him from office.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday sent the Senate two charges it passed last month accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine, clearing the way for only the third impeachment trial of a president to begin in earnest next week.

Democrat Adam Schiff, who heads a team of seven House members who will serve as prosecutors in the trial, on Thursday formally presented the articles of impeachment on the Senate floor, reading through the allegations against the Republican president.

More:

The abuse of power cited by the House included Trumps withholding of $391mn in security aid for Ukraine, a move Democrats have said was aimed at pressuring Kiev into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the Republican presidents possible Democratic opponent in the November 3 US election.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded, referring to the fact that Congress had already voted to appropriate the funds.

An arm of Congress, the GAO is viewed as a top auditing agency for the federal government that advises lawmakers and various government entities on how taxpayer dollars are spent.

While the agencys assessment was a setback to Trump, it was unclear how or even if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key issues such as whether witnesses will appear or new evidence will be considered remain up in the air.

Democrats said the GAO report showed the importance of the Senate hearing from witnesses and considering new documents in the trial.

This reinforces  again  the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a news conference.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said senators should consider only the evidence amassed by the House.

The House voted on Wednesday 228-193, largely along party lines, to give the Senate the task of putting Trump on trial. The Senate is expected to acquit him, keeping Trump in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that requires a two-thirds majority.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a sham.

Democrat sought report

The GAO issued its opinion after receiving a letter inquiring about the aid from Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. The agencys findings are not legally binding, but its reports are seen by lawmakers as objective, reliable and generally uncontested. The GAO has no prosecutorial power.

Its report noted that the US Constitution grants a president no unilateral authority to withhold funds in the way that Trump did. Instead, a president has a strictly circumscribed authority to withhold spending only in limited circumstances expressly provided by law. Holding up money for a policy reason, which the Trump administration did in this case, is not permitted, the report said.

Asked about the GAO report, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy defended Trumps withholding of aid, citing concerns about corruption in Ukraines new government.

I think it was the rightful thing to do, McCarthy told a news conference.

Congress approved the $391mn to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. The money ultimately was provided to Kiev in September after the controversy had spilled into public view.

A pivotal event leading to Trumps impeachment was a July 25 call in which he asked Ukraines president to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden over unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and to look into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election.

Democrats have said Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in a US election for his own benefit at the expense of American national security.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seizing on the report told reporters on Thursday: The OMB, the White House, the administration broke  Im saying this  broke the law.

This reinforces, again, the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate.

Trump's actions were illegal. He broke the law. He knew exactly how the corrupt scheme was being executed.  Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) January 16, 2020

Republicans have argued that Trumps actions did not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. They have accused Democrats of using the Ukraine affair as a way to nullify Trumps 2016 election victory.

Ceremony, rather than substance, was expected to mark Thursdays proceedings in the Senate, with the seven House managers named to prosecute Trump to present the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

The Senate later in the day will invite US Chief Justice John Roberts to the chamber to be sworn in to preside over the trial and, eventually, to swear in all 100 senators to serve as jurors. It will then formally notify the White House of Trumps impending trial.
Asia-Pacific will remain the favoured investment destination among Chinese property buyers in 2020, after they shifted their attention to the region last year, analysts said.

Inquiries for Asia-Pacific residential properties last year made up 57 per cent of the total queries tracked by Juwai.com, a property portal, a fivefold surge from a year earlier. Inquiries about homes in the Americas made up 17 per cent of the total, while inquiries about homes in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, and Europe and the Middle East, each made up 13 per cent.

In 2018, Chinese buyers were primarily interested in real estate in the Americas (35 per cent), Europe and the Middle East (28 per cent) and Australia, New Zealand and Oceania (26 per cent).

The huge scale of growth in Asia-Pacific dwarfs that of the other regions. The centre of gravity for Chinese buyer activity has decisively shifted to Asia-Pacific, said Georg Chmiel, executive chairman at Juwai. Chinese real-estate buyers have reacted to uncertainty and risk by choosing markets that are closer, require less capital, and offer better yields. The Asia-Pacific region  and especially Southeast Asia  ticks all three boxes.

While American and UK property might get a boost from the US-China trade deal and Brexit, respectively, Asia-Pacific remains more attractive to Chinese investors, Chmiel said.

Bargains are aplenty. A luxury flat in markets such as Thailand and the Philippines can be bought for US$100,000, while a similar property in Sydney will cost US$600,000. In Queens, New York, entry prices for new condos range from US$650,000 upwards.

Theres always a demand for more Asian real estate coming from mainland China and Hong Kong, said Danny Broadfield, associate director of international project marketing Asia at CBRE. There is more appetite for markets in Southeast Asia because of what is perceived as bigger room for growth, compared with the more mature markets of the UK, Australia and the US.

Story continues

Broadfield too said positive developments with regard to the US-China trade war and Brexit would not shift the attention of Chinese buyers to US and UK property to a large extent. There are still a lot of questions in both of these situations, he said.

He said Vietnam and Malaysia will be top investment choices of Chinese buyers, given that the former is fast becoming a major manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, while the latter is really pushing its Malaysia My Second Home programme to attract foreign real-estate buyers.

This article Chinese buyers to continue favouring Asia-Pacific property for its proximity, low entry prices and good yields, analysts say first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020.
The first Assembly session of 2020 continued last years pattern of partisan disagreement with another failed attempt to override a veto made by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

Three Democratic lawmakers, who in May voted for legislation to reduce the number of training hours required to become a certified nursing assistant in Wisconsin, changed course Wednesday and voted with fellow Democrats against overriding Evers veto. Had it passed, the veto override would also have needed to pass the Senate, where Republicans would again have needed to garner the votes of three Democratic lawmakers.

The Assembly also on Wednesday approved raises for unionized trades employees in the University of Wisconsin System and passed a package of bills aimed at adoption within the state.

On the veto override, Republican lawmakers accused Reps. Steve Doyle, D-Onalaska; Beth Meyers, D-Bayfield; and Don Vruwink, D-Milton, all of whom voted in favor of the bill in May, of playing party politics, while Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, criticized GOP lawmakers for rehashing a matter settled last year.
Representative image

The United States on Wednesday resumed joint military operations with Iraq that had been put on pause after the US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad, the New York Times reported.

Two US military officials quoted by the paper said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations in order to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group.

Washington began the pause on January 5 two days after the strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport.

The same day of the suspension furious Iraqi lawmakers voted to expel the more than 5,000 US troops that are in Iraq.

It was not immediately clear if anyone in the Iraqi government had approved the resumption of the joint military operations, the Times reported.

The Pentagon said it had no information to provide concerning a resumption when contacted by AFP.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that Iraqi leaders have told him privately they support the US troop presence, despite public appeals for them to leave.

"They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter terror campaign," Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University.
The basics

What were expecting to see: The seven House managers will return to the Senate chamber to read aloud the articles of impeachment. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will make the trip across the street to the Capitol from the Supreme Court to be sworn in as the presiding officer of the trial and administer oaths to all 100 senators, who will raise their hands and swear to do impartial justice, then take turns signing a book attesting to their oath.

When were likely to see it: The managers are expected to arrive for the reading at noon, and Chief Justice Roberts is expected around 2 p.m. The oath-taking and book-signing will follow.

How to follow it: The New York Times congressional team will be following all of the developments on Capitol Hill, and reporters at the White House will get the latest on the next steps for Mr. Trump and his allies. Visit nytimes.com throughout the day for live coverage.

How will the president respond?

By Senate rules, once Chief Justice Roberts is sworn in, a summons is to be issued to the president, who will have the opportunity to address the charges laid out in the articles of impeachment. The Senate is also expected on Thursday to set due dates for trial briefs from the House managers and the presidents counsel, providing some clarity on when initial filings must be submitted.

Once summoned, Mr. Trump is expected to respond in written form. The response may be read out over the course of several days.
Houstons convention agency is poised to grant developers subsidies worth more than a third of the cost of a proposed luxury hotel atop its downtown headquarters, contrary to the original vision for the hotel and in contrast with industry norms, experts said.

The Houston First Corp. board on Thursday will consider whether to offer the developers of a proposed W Hotel its portion of an estimated $43 million in subsidies over 16 years. If that agency approves, the deal would go to Houston City Council, which would decide whether to grant the project property, sales and beverage tax breaks.

Houston First Chairman David Mincberg said subsidies were needed to make the deal for the specialized, unique, five-star luxury hotel work, and noted the scope of the incentive package mirrors the one granted to the Marriott Marquis seven years ago, though he acknowledged the deals are different. The Hilton-Americas, which opened in 2003 as the citys first convention center hotel, was financed and is owned by the city.

The Marriott was essential. This isn't essential in that same way. This is a final piece that allows us to compete and offer something unique and specialized to folks that are coming to the convention facilities, Mincberg said. It's seen as a piece of the jigsaw puzzle, to be able to offer something that is not currently available with direct access to the George R. Brown (Convention Center).

Though Houston Firsts original 2014 request for proposals stated that no local rebates or abatements would be offered in connection with the project and the original hotel proposal was much more modest, Mincberg said the agency has acted within its authority to let the deal evolve during negotiations.

Heywood Sanders, a public administration professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who studies convention districts, said he does not see municipalities investing in luxury hotels as a means of boosting convention business. Luxury hotels being granted public subsidies in any circumstance, he added, can happen on occasion, but its far from the norm.

Mincberg said the 308-room hotel is aimed less at growing convention business  it is, after all, far smaller than the 1,000-room Marriott and the 1,200-room Hilton  than at boosting sizzle in the convention district.

Sanders questioned the logic behind that approach.

The city has already gone into the hotel business with the Hilton and provided pretty substantial subsidies for the Marriott Marquis, as well as the public investment in the district. This is precisely the point where Houstonians should ask, Why do we need to pour more public subsidies into this? he said. What are the limits? Do you want to subsidize a luxury restaurant as you subsidize a W Hotel? Do you need a name brand chef next door, as well as a W brand?

University of Houston economist Steven Craig echoed that, arguing the convention districts growth should allow public subsidies to fall over time.

If theyre trying to worry about niches in the convention business, he said, that suggests the business is developed and they should be able to build on their own.

Texas Hospitality Partners would build, finance and operate the hotel, leasing the rights to build it atop the Partnership Tower, Houston Firsts 10-story office building just north of the convention center.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, who appoints a majority of Houstons First board, expressed no concern about the subsidies, saying they are consistent with the incentives given to the Marquis and other nearby hotels.

My only interest is whether or not this is in the best interest of the city of Houston, and Im sure thats what Houston First is evaluating, Turner said. If its in the best interest of the city of Houston, we go forward. If its not, we dont.

The proposals lead local partner, Al Kashani  whose firm Horizon International Group will serve as the hotel projects general contractor  is a campaign donor of the mayor and many council members, a member of the inaugural committee for the Jan. 2 launch of Turners second term, and has supported other mayoral causes.

Kashani declined to comment on the hotel proposal before it secured final approval.

Turner on Wednesday called questions about Kashanis political support in connection with the hotel deal unfair and noted that Kashani had won the 2014 hotel procurement and begun negotiations with a prior Houston First regime before he was elected.

Does it mean the deal is questionable because the guy gave to Mayor Annise Parker and Mayor Sylvester Turner? I dont think so, said Councilman Dave Martin, a non-voting member of the Houston First board. I think you have to look at the merits of the deal. The mayors excited about a W in Houston. Its a pretty hip hotel. But its got to be the right W. Lets see what the financial package looks like.

Nick Massad Jr., who developed the Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn-Homewood Suites near the George R. Brown and received much less generous public subsidies to do so than the proposed W would receive, said he supports the proposal.

We do need additional hotels, particularly in the convention district, and I, frankly, think its appropriate to offer the incentives to get that done because the cost is so high to develop there, said Massad, also a former chair of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Houston First manages more than 10 city-owned buildings, including the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, the convention center, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts and Wortham Theater Center.

Reporters Jasper Scherer and Zach Despart contributed to this story.

mike.morris@chron.com
The FBI has arrested three alleged members of a neo-nazi hate group who were reportedly anticipating a possible race war and planning to bring firearms to a major guns rights demonstration next week in Virginia.

The three men  one of whom previously served as a trained combat engineer and explosives expert in the Canadian Army before his links to white supremacy emerged  were arrested in Maryland on Thursday morning.

Patrik Jordan Mathews, the 27-year-old former Canadian reservist and a main recruiter for the neo-nazi group, had reportedly entered the United States illegally ahead of the Virginia Citizens Defence League annual Lobby Day demonstrations set for Monday.

Brian M Lemley Jr, a 33-year-old former cavalry soldier in the US Army, was also one of the three men arrested by officials this week, along with 19-year-old William G Bilbrough. All three suspected members of the hate group known as "The Base" were expected to appear in federal court on Thursday afternoon.

The annual Lobby Day demonstrations have gained national attention by both proponents of the Second Amendment and gun control activists after Virginias General Assembly advanced four sweeping gun control bills, setting the stage for a potentially contentious showdown between both sides of the ideological divide.

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. 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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

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has since declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned firearms from Capitol grounds, where the demonstrations are set to take place.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Civil Rights Defence League, told The Independent in an interview the groups lawyers are looking into whether the governor had the legal authority to temporarily ban firearms in a state known for its lax open carry laws.

Recommended Parkland father criticises lawmaker who wore gun to meeting

First of all, we dont think its legal, Mr Van Cleave said about the temporary ban. We dont think he has the power to do what hes doing.

The guns rights group has estimated as many as 100,000 demonstrators could flock to the city on Martin Luther King day for the demonstrations, and has scheduled charter buses throughout the state for its members hoping to attend the event.

In announcing the state of emergency, Mr Northam said in a statement there was credible evidence that militia groups and hate groups, some from out of state, plan to come to the Capitol to disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence.

We have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the demonstration planned for Monday, January 20, the governor wrote on Twitter.

He added: This includes extremist rhetoric similar to what has been seen before major incidents, such as Charlottesville in 2017.

The arrest of the three suspected neo-Nazis planning to attend Lobby Day was in part the result of an extensive investigation the FBI was conducting into The Base, according to the New York Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin picked the relatively obscure head of the tax service for the next prime minister. (AFP/Alexey NIKOLSKY)

The proposal to appoint 53-year-old Mishustin, a relatively obscure figure who has run the service since 2010, came after the surprise resignation of Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev following the president's unveiling of a package of constitutional reforms.

The two met in the Kremlin where Putin "suggested to him that he take the post of the head of government" and he accepted, the Kremlin said in a statement.

According to Russia's constitution, Mishustin should face a vote of approval in the Russian parliament within a week.

Parliament's lower house, the State Duma, will review his candidacy on Thursday, Russian news agencies said.

The overwhelmingly pro-Kremlin body is unlikely to reject Putin's proposal.

Mishustin is a "neutral figure" and does not seem like someone who is being groomed as Putin's successor, political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann told AFP.

He worked in the information technology industry in the 1990s before entering the Federal Tax Service in 1998.

He also ran the UFG investment group from 2008 until his appointment to head the tax service in 2010, according to his official biography.

Mishustin is credited with making the Russian tax service highly efficient and supports electronic government services for the public.
Kondo Yukari, Councilor of Kashiwazaki City in Japan's Niigata Prefecture, enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Companys performance at Japans Saitama on the evening of Jan. 13, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

SAITAMA, JapanWhen Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company performed to a full house at the Omiya Sonic City in Japans Saitama on the evening of Jan. 13, 2020, one of the enthusiastic audience members was Kondo Yukari, councilor of Kashiwazaki City in Japans Niigata Prefecture.

Having seen a Shen Yun performance a couple of years ago, the city councilor still vividly remembers Shen Yuns exquisite interpretation of authentic traditional Chinese culture by means of classical Chinese dance and bel canto. She thereby decided to take time out of her busy schedule to see Shen Yun show again, when knowing that Shen Yun would perform in Saitama.

Kondo Yukari highly praised the magnificent performance rich in stories.

I enjoyed the meaningful stories behind each piece and their dramatic effects, she said. They are so lively that I was truly fascinated by the performance.

She was especially touched by a dance drama depicting Falun Gong adherents steadfastness in their belief when under adverse circumstances. [The drama] demonstrates their perseverance and strong will power, she said. The beautiful ancient traditions and morality are implied in the program. This is something that touched me most.

According to Shen Yun Website, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company, established in New York in 2006. It performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance, with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers. For 5,000 years, divine culture flourished in the land of China. Through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is reviving this glorious culture.

Seeing that Shen Yun aims to revive the 5,000 years of authentic, divinely-inspired Chinese culture, the city councilor said she further gained insight into the meaning of life. Ive further understood the importance of honesty and conscience, she noted.

In a nutshell, it is truly marvelous and very touching, she said. These performers skill level is so high that their movements are in great unison. And their synchronization is perfect.

Kondo Yukari admired Shen Yun performers devotion and dedication and said that Shen Yuns success does not come by chance.

One minute on the stage needs 10 years practice off stage, she said, referencing an old saying. I can tell every dancer should have gone through persistent learning and repeated practicing, so that they are able to have such an outstanding performance.

She was totally enthralled by the performance of the erhu solo.

Listening [to the erhu solo] can calm our minds, so it is the wonderful sound that can soothe our souls, she explained. 

Additionally, she was deeply touched by the bel canto vocal solo performance. Shen Yuns lyrics are very inspiring, she said. When we read the lyrics line by line, we can be truly moved.

With reporting by Billy Shyu.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006.
A German MP has received an outpouring of support after he returned to his office to find it riddled with what appear to be "bullets holes"

Dr Karamba Diaby, a social democrat, was born in Senegal and is the only MP in the German parliament with African heritage.

The incident comes amid fears over far-right violence in Germany, in particular the targeting of pro-immigration politicians.

Dr Diaby, the social democrats' special representative for integration, shared a picture of the holes which he said were targeted at an image of him imposed on the window.

"On Wednesday morning, bullet holes were noticed at my constituency office," he said in a statement.

"An office window with my likeness on it has several bullet holes.

"The police and security services are investigating."

Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas said the incident was "simply unbelievable", describing it as "disgusting and cowardly".

"We will continue to work for a free, tolerant and diverse democracy. Now more than ever!" Mr Maas added.

The holes were in the MP's office window (EPA)

Leftist party Die Linke urged Dr Diaby not to "be intimidated by Nazi-terror", while politicians from the the Greens and Christian Democrats also offered their support.

A police spokesperson said no projectiles had been recovered at the scene and that "police cannot yet say exactly what caused these damages".

Official statistics gathered by Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper show there has been a significant increases in attacks on officials and politicians in many of Germany's 16 states last year - with most suspects links to the far-right.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

In 2019 local politician Walter Luebcke was shot dead at his home in the state of Hesse; the prime suspect in the killing had far-right views.

Three high-profile mayors in the states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony and Saxony have also resigned in recent months amid death threats and attacks on their cars.
(Newser)  The name is a little jokey, but the consequences were not: Scientists are blaming the deaths of an estimated 1 million seabirds on the US West Coast on a giant patch of warm water they call "the Blob." Researchers think that amounts to the biggest mass die-off of seabirds in recorded history, reports Australia's ABC. The birds, called common mures, washed ashore from Alaska to California in 2015 and 2016. About 62,000 were found, but because only a fraction of dead birds wash ashore, researchers extrapolated to reach the figure of 1 million, reports New Scientist. In their study in Plos One, the scientists say the birds were done in by a mass of warm watera stretch of 1,000 milesthat formed off the coast of North America between 2013 and 2016 and wreaked havoc on the birds' food supply.

story continues below

"The magnitude and scale of this failure has no precedent," lead researcher John Piatt says in a news release from the University of Washington. "It was astonishing and alarming, and a red-flag warning about the tremendous impact sustained ocean warming can have on the marine ecosystem." Scientists think the warming doomed the birds in an unusual way: It increased the metabolism of larger fish such as cod and salmon, causing them to eat more of the smaller fish that typically sustain the seabirds. Murres need to eat half their body mass each day and will die after 3 to 5 days without food, explains New Scientist. "Theres very little else that could have caused the extensive effects they document, says the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Andrew Leising, who was not involved with the study. (Read more discoveries stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 13:56:37|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said here Wednesday that the phase-one economic and trade agreement between China and the United States is more than an economic deal, as it also has a bearing on world peace and prosperity.

The agreement benefits both countries and the whole world, and serves the interest of global producers, consumers and investors, Liu said during a briefing with the Chinese press after he signed the deal along with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House.

After the signing of the deal, China will work together with the U.S. side, adhere to the principle of equality and mutual respect, abide by the terms of the deal and strive for the full implementation of the agreement, said Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chief of the Chinese side of the China-U.S. comprehensive economic dialogue.

Meanwhile, both sides should accommodate each other's core concerns and make more efforts to promote bilateral economic and trade development as well as economic and financial stability, Liu said.

The Chinese vice premier also said that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. Despite differences in their political systems, ideologies and other aspects, the two countries have a lot of shared interests, and can certainly find a way to manage their differences and engage in win-win cooperation, he said.

"In the whole process of consultations (with the U.S. side), I strongly feel that the international community as a whole hopes our two countries can settle differences properly and our two peoples also eagerly want us to well address our problems," said Liu.
Guatemalan President and Army Commander in Chief Alejandro Giammattei speaks during a military ceremony in Guatemala City, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Orlando Estrada / AFP via Getty Images)

US to Provide Guatemalas Private Sector With $1 Billion in Financing for Economic Development, Regional Security

GUATEMALA CITYThe United States will pump $1 billion into Guatemalas private sector to spur investment and create jobs, the head of a U.S. government agency said on Wednesday.

The announcement came as the Central American countrys new president, Alejandro Giammattei, has been meeting with U.S. officials this week to discuss how to attract investment to stimulate economic growth and contain factors pushing migrants to the United States.

Its a billion dollars of financing from us, which should catalyze about $4 billion, Adam Boehler, chief executive of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) told Reuters after he signed a memorandum of understanding.

The United States and Guatemala share a commitment to building a more prosperous, stable, and secure Western Hemisphere.

The MOU signed by our two countries todaywhich will create meaningful economic opportunities and improve the lives of the Guatemalan peoplerepresents a milestone in our cooperative efforts to achieve this common vision.

DFC is committed to partnering with President Giammattei and his government to bolster private sector investment in Guatemala to create opportunity and lift up communities across the country. Full statement from @AdamUSDFC  https://t.co/p1cOVn585m  DFC (@DFCgov) January 15, 2020

By $4 billion, he was referring to projected multiplier effects of the private sector financing. The potential scope of the deal was not previously known.

On Tuesday, the U.S. embassy in Guatemala said the two sides would sign a memorandum of understanding to stimulate $1 billion of private sector investment .

La delegacion de #EEUU y empresas  operando en #GUA discutieron como aumentar la inversion del #SectorPrivado y crear #Empleos en . El comercio ya supera los USD10 mil millones por ano, y Programas como #AmericaCrece pueden aumentar esta cifra! #EstamosUnidos pic.twitter.com/B7NoXti3hM  US Embassy Guatemala (@usembassyguate) January 14, 2020

Following the signing, U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Luis E. Arreaga said, Todays memorandum of understanding is evidence of the United States commitment to partner with Guatemala to grow the economy, improve citizen security, and ensure transparent, accountable governance that supports human rights. It offers a tool to grow the economy for all Guatemalans, particularly those in greatest economic need.

Acting as a development bank, the DFC partners with private sector companies to bankroll specific projects. The financing does not go to the Guatemalan government.

Worldwide, the DFC invests via debt financing, political risk insurance, equity finance, and technical development.

Giammattei, a conservative, who inherited a contentious deal his predecessor struck, is under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to stop the number of undocumented migrants from Guatemala to the United States by improving meaningful economic opportunities in the country and regional security.

Giammattei said Wednesday that a caravan of hundreds of people from Honduras trying to get to the United States would be stopped at the Mexico border.

The Mexican government told us that they wont let it pass, Giammattei told reporters, that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing.

When the caravan was approaching Guatemala from Honduras, Giammattei said that only members of the caravan with the required paperwork would be allowed to enter Guatemala from Honduras.

Hondurans walk along a road as they take part in a new caravan of migrants, set to head to the United States, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Stringer/Reuters)

But tensions flared when the group of about 300 migrants approached the border with Guatemala at Corinto.

Here theres no work, theres nothing. Thats why we are fleeing to the United States, a young man traveling with his wife and two children told Honduran television.

According to Honduran security ministry spokesman Jair Meza, Honduran police fired tear gas when the group tried to cross illegally.

A man runs from approaching tear gas at the customs checkpoint in the Honduran town of Corinto, which borders with Guatemala, as a migrant caravan travels from Honduras towards the United States on Jan. 15, 2020. (Reuters)

A military police officer detains a man, traveling with other Hondurans in a new caravan of migrants toward the United States, due an arrest warrant, at a checkpoint in San Marcos, Honduras, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Stringer/Reuters)

Some reached the Guatemalan side, and 15 people were detained by Guatemalan authorities and sent back to Honduras, Meza said.

Mexicos foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what will happen when the caravan reaches the border with Mexico.

By Frank Jack Daniel and Gustavo Palencia With additional reporting by Epoch Times staff.
Supplier News

16 January 2020

LOS ANGELES - The Guestbook, the world's largest rewards program for independent and boutique hotels, today announces that the company's CEO and founder, James Gancos was selected by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) to participate in a panel of hotel industry thought leaders at its 2020 Marketing Strategy Conference, taking place next week in New York.

The panel discussion, entitled, "The Evolving Loyalty Landscape" will be held Wednesday, January 22 from 11:15 a.m. to noon in the Cantor/Jolson room on the 9th floor of the New York Marriott Marquis. Moderated by Dr. Lalia Rach, the discussion will explore recent trends in traveler behavior and specific tactics to assist hoteliers in maximizing guest loyalty for their properties, groups and brands. Joining Gancos, additional marketing experts participating in the panel include David Flueck, senior Vice President of Global Loyalty at Marriott Bonvoy; Mark Molinari, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Marketing Programs at the Las Vegas Sands; and Flo Lugli, Executive Chairman at GHA.

Photo: The Guestbook

"Nurturing guest loyalty is undoubtedly one of the most productive marketing activities that a hotelier can engage in to ensure ongoing revenue and the future success of their property or portfolio," said Gancos. "I am honored to have been selected to join such an esteemed group of hotel executives in exploring this critical topic at the Marketing Strategy Conference."

The HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference is a comprehensive annual digital marketing forum for the hotel industry. With a powerful educational program organized by HSMAI's Digital Marketing Council, the conference provides hoteliers and their partners with practical information, insights, and strategies to drive revenue and engage guests. During the 2020 event, hotel leaders will address new developments in solutions and tactics designed to connect with, track, and influence consumers throughout all phases of their travel, pre- ,during and post-stay.

For more information about The Guestbook, please visit https://theguestbook.com/hoteliers.

About HSMAI | The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.
The Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) on Thursday welcomed the quadripartite agreement signed among the Centre, state governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and representatives of Bru to facilitate permanent settlement of Bru refugees in Tripura.

"We are happy with this agreement because it has allowed Bru migrants from Mizoram to permanently settle in Tripura. The Bru inmates, who are sheltered in six camps, would get all benefits of the package previously announced for repatriation to Mizoram," MBDPF's president Apeto Sawibunga said.

He said two other organisations -- Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Coordination Committee (MBDPCC) and Mizoram Bru Indigenous Democratic Movement (MBIDM) -- apart from the MBDPF have signed the agreement.

"All the representatives of the displaced Brus living in the camps have signed the agreement. So, we all hope that all inmates would be happy," Sawibunga told reporters here.

Seeking to put an end to the 23-year-old Bru-Reang refugee crisis, a quadripartite agreement was signed on Thursday in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to facilitate permanent settlement of Bru refugees in Tripura.

The Bru tribals have been staying in Tripura in different relief camps after they fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes between Bru and Mizo communities.

An agreement signed in July 2018 for repatriation of the Bru tribals to Mizoram did not materialise as majority of the community members refused to go back to Mizoram. So far, only 328 families have returned and settled in Mizoram.

Under the pact, Rs 4 lakh will be given to each Bru family in a fixed deposit account, Rs 5,000 per month for two years, a plot of land in Tripura and ration for two years. For all such assistance, the central government will provide Rs 600 crore.

However, a local civil society body of Kanchanpur comprising non-tribal members expressed its unhappiness over the agreement.

President of Nagarik Suraksha Mancha Ranjit Nath said, "We are not happy with the agreement because these Brus were responsible in many ways for damaging ethnic solidarity of tribals and non-tribals at Kanchanpur."



But he did not elaborate on how they were responsible for damaging the solidarity.

The body had organised a series of protests, including strikes and mass sit-in- demonstrations, in North Tripura district on 11 point demands, including repatriation of Bru migrants to Mizoram.

"We shall continue our agitation. Our members would participate in a meeting to be held on January 26 to decide next course of action," Nath said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A construction worker in China has nearly died after swallowing two live eels in a desperate bid to treat his constipation, according to a report.

It is said that the creatures, described as 'very thick' by medics, later tore through his intestines, leaving him in critical condition.

The 51-year-old man had blindly followed a folk remedy which claims that gobbling eels alive could help him pass his solid waste, a surgeon said after removing the fish from the patient in emergency surgery.

An X-ray image (left) shown by a hospital in China shows what appeared to be two eels lodged in two sides of a patient's abdomen. It is said the patient, a construction worker, had followed a folk remedy and swallowed the creatures (right, file photo) alive to treat his constipation

Dr Sun Haijian, a deputy director at the Jiangsu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, is seen showing the patient's X-ray images to a reporter. The eels were removed

The medical case was revealed by Jiangsu Public Channel during daily news programme News 360.

According to the report, the unnamed patient was rushed to the ER of a hospital in Nanjing by his colleagues around noon last Thursday .



He was in great agony and told the medics that he had swallowed two live eels about 24 hours before.

According to a news report , the unnamed patient was rushed to the ER of the hospital in Nanjing by his colleagues around noon last Thursday - 24 hours after he had gobbled the eels

He claimed to have believed the move could help treat his constipation and enlarged prostate

He claimed to have believed that the move could help treat his constipation and enlarged prostate. He said he felt shard pain in the abdomen immediately.

It is said that the man was a migrant worker and lived in the city on his own, therefore he did not seek medical assistance at once.

Medic said he was in a state of shock due to life-threatening bacterial infection and his colon had been ruptured. Emergency surgery was arranged.

Emergency surgery was arranged and surgeons extracted the fish from the man (file photo)

Unverified footage (above) circulating on social media claims to show the moment the eels were removed from the man, but its authenticity remains unknown. Dr Sun said that surgeons found two 'very thick' eels outside of the man's intestines in the lower part of his abdomen

X-ray images shown by the medics to the TV station show what appeared to be two eels lodged in two sides of the patient's abdomen.

Unverified footage circulating on social media claims to show the moment the eels were removed from the man, but its authenticity remains unknown.

Dr Sun Haijian, a deputy director at the Jiangsu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, told News 360 that surgeons found two 'very thick' eels outside of his intestines in the lower part of his abdomen.

They also found a two-centimetre-wide (0.8-inch-wide) hole on his sigmoid colon.

'Because the eels were alive while being swallowed... A person's intestines are fragile, therefore they will be ruptured as soon as [the eels] bite them,' Dr Sun said.

The man was observed in the Intensive Care Units after the surgery and has since been discharged, it is said.
Jeanelyn Villavende was raped before her employers beat her to death. Manila condemned her murder, describing it as a "clear violation" of the agreement signed by the two countries in 2018 that ended a diplomatic crisis.

Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Filipino government has imposed a total ban on Filipinos travelling to Kuwait for work, following the death of Jeanelyn Villavende who died in December 2019 in the Gulf state under horrific circumstances as evinced by an autopsy performed for the National Investigation Office (NBI).

The Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced the decision today, after the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) approved a resolution applicable to all workers already slated for employment in Kuwait.

A partial deployment ban on overseas work certificates came in effect after 5 pm on 3 January for first-time household service workers.

Today's ban comes in the wake of the NBI probe, which found that Villavende, 26, was raped before her employers in Kuwait beat her to death. The autopsy showed that the young woman had also suffered past physical abuse before her death.

A preliminary autopsy report by Kuwaiti authorities did not mention rape or past abuse, but did agree with the Philippine reports that the victim had died from trauma due to the infliction of injuries to the body.

DOLE said that the young woman had sought help from her recruiting agency in order to be repatriated. The latter now faces the possible cancellation of its license for failing to help her.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities have arrested the woman's employer.

Philippine authorities condemned Villavende's death, describing it as a "clear violation" of the agreement signed by Kuwait and the Philippines in 2018.

The agreement, which came at the end of a diplomatic crisis caused by the gruesome murder of another Filipino worker, Joanna Demafelis, was meant to protect the rights and well-being of Filipino workers in the Gulf state.
Great emotion and participation in the funeral. Moments of tension when the relatives of one victim ripped the flag from the coffin. 123 of the 176 passengers on board identified. Police and security forces patrol universities. IMF: if sanctions continue, unemployment will exceed 20% and the economy will drop by 7.2%.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Iranians have begun to bury the victims of the Ukrainian airliner, shot down by the Iranian army over the skies of Tehran in the frantic night of attacks against US targets in Iraq.

The incident triggered street protests  which continued for five consecutive days - in the capital and in the main centers of the country, forcibly repressed (with bullets according to unconfirmed reports) by the security forces.

The funerals saw mass participation and moments of tension. In a video posted online, the relatives of one of the victims are seen removing the Iranian flag from the coffin where the body was laid and the mother repeatedly screaming "Take it off", indicating the national flag.

According to reports from the Ilna agency, the head of forensic medicine recognized the identities of 123 of the 176 total victims. Some of the bodies have been buried in the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, south of Tehran, while others will be transferred abroad. Several universities in Canada (nationalities of 63 of the 176 people on board) held a prayer vigil and one minute of silence for the victims, many of whom were students, teachers and researchers from 19 universities in the country.

The aircraft crashed on the night of maximum tension (January 8) between the Islamic Republic and the United States, when Tehran launched a missile attack against US targets in Iraq in response to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, head of the Qods Force. Yesterday social media re-launched the invitation to new protests across the country, however there were no mass demonstrations on the streets as in the previous days. On the other hand, riot police patrolled the external areas of the most important universities in the capital, the heart of the protest.

Meanwhile, the effects of US sanctions against Iran are beginning to bite. US President Donald Trump re-introduced the measures in the aftermath of the withdrawal from the nuclear deal in May 2018 and the introduction of a "maximum pressure" policy towards Tehran. The Iranian economy is traveling faster and further towards recession in this fiscal year and foreign reserves could drop to $ 73 billion by March, with a loss of at least $ 40 billion in two years.

The economy contracted by 4.6% in the 2018-2019 fiscal year and a further contraction to 7.2% is expected for this year. Last week, the White House introduced further sanctions against 17 metal producers and mining companies in response to the attack on US troops in Iraq.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stresses that if the United States maintains the sanctions "after two years of deep recession, growth will remain contained in the medium term, unemployment will grow over 20% and reserves will drop to 20 billion in 2023". On the other hand, if the US were to ease the sanctions, according to the IMF, growth could exceed 6% per annum, foreign reserves would reach 143 billion and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will double to 639 billion by March 2024.
Syracuse, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internationally renowned artist Carrie Mae Weems is bringing her talent, experience and wisdom to Syracuse University when she arrives on campus on Feb. 1, the start of a three-year University Artist in Residence position. A MacArthur Fellowship (a.k.a. Genius grant) recipient and the first African American woman to have a retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum, Weems has used multiple mediums (photography, video, digital imagery, text, fabric and more) to explore themes of cultural identity, sexism, class, political systems, family relationships and the consequences of power.

Carrie is one of the most influential visual artists of our time, who uses the power of her art to confront subjects that force us to think, to feel uncomfortable at times, to ponder our own biases and beliefs, says John Liu, interim vice chancellor and provost. We are honored and thrilled that she accepted the University Artist in Residence position and will be able to share her extraordinary experiences with our students and campus community.

Weems will report directly to Liu and will engage with Syracuse University faculty and students in a number of important ways, including bringing some of the most exciting, established and up-and-coming visual artists to campus. She will work with studentson main campus and in Syracuse University locations abroadin the design, planning and preparation of major exhibitions in Madrid, Los Angeles, New York and other venues.

For Weems, the residency is an opportunity to return to a campus environment she knows so well. She has taught at Syracuse University previously, and out of her two courses Art in Civic Engagement and Art and Social Dialogue came the innovative and popular Urban Video Project.

She previously was artist-in-residence at Light Work (1988) and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (2005-06), and she was a distinguished guest of the University Lectures, Syracuse Universitys premier speaker series, in 2014.

Weems also was bestowed an honorary doctorate by the University (along with honorary degrees from Bowdoin College, the California College of Art, Colgate University, the New York School of Visual Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art and Smith College).

"I am thrilled and delighted to be returning to Syracuse University as its first Artist in Residence. It's an incredible honor, and I very much look forward to participating fully in the life of the University while working closely with engaged students, faculty and staff, Weems says. As before, my hope here is to engage some of the important issues of our time through the role of the artist in contemporary society. It's going to be fun, fascinating and hard. I welcome students and faculty interested in social justice to join me.

Through image and text, film, video, performance and her many lectures, presentations and culturally significant convenings with individuals across a multitude of disciplines, Weems has created a complex body of work that centers on her overarching commitment to helping us better understand our present moment by examining our collective past. Determined as ever to enter the pictureboth literally and metaphoricallyWeems has sustained an ongoing dialogue within contemporary discourse for more than 35 years.

Curator Sarah Robayo Sheridan writes of Weems work in her 2019 solo exhibition for the Contact Photography Festival in Toronto: With a sensibility honed to the rhythms and workings of power, Weems points to a tidal pull of oppressions, inextricably linked, recurrent and indelible.

In a 2018 profile in The New York Times Style Magazine, Megan OGrady credits Weems photographs and short films with, challenging our assumptions about her largely African-American subjects. A gifted storyteller who works accessibly in text and image, shes created new narratives around women, people of color and working-class communities, conjuring lush art from the arid polemics of identity.

Weems has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions at major national and international museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; the Frist Center for Visual Art, Nashville; The Cleveland Museum of Art; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporaneo in Seville, Spain. Most recently, Weems curated What Could Have Been in the Guggenheim Museums first-ever, artist-curated exhibition titled Artistic License: Six Takes on the Guggenheim Collection.

One of her photographs, The Shape of Things, was the title piece in a 2016-17 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York featuring works from the collection of alumnus Robert B. Menschel 51, H91.

She is represented in public and private collections around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; National Gallery of Canada; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.

In total, seven publications of her work have been produced: Kitchen Table Series (2016), Three Decades of Photography (2012), Social Studies (2010), Carrie Mae Weems: Constructing History (2009), The Hampton Project (2000), Carrie Mae Weems: Recent Work, 1992-1998 (1999) and Carrie Mae Weems (1994).

In addition to the MacArthur Fellowship, Weems has received numerous other fellowships, grants and awards, including the prestigious Prix de Roma, the Frida Kahlo Award for Innovative Creativity, the WEB DuBois Medal, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award, the BET Honors Visual Artist Award, the Lucie Award for Fine Art Photography, the ICP Spotlights Award from the International Center of Photography, and she was named an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society.

In 2012, Weems was awarded one of the U.S. Department of States first Medals of Arts in recognition of her commitment to the State Departments Arts in Embassies program. In 2013, she received the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Lifetime Achievement Award. She was one of four artists honored at the Guggenheims 2014 International Gala.

In 2018, the Syracuse University Art Galleries (SUArt) acquired three significant works by Weems through a generous gift from alumnus Richard L. Menschel 55 and the artist: People of a Darker Hue (2016)a 15-minute videoand All the Boys (Blocked 1) and All the Boys (Blocked 2) (2016), archival photographic prints with screenprint. Currently, the All the Boys series is installed alongside Modern and Contemporary works in SUArts permanent collection galleries, and People of a Darker Hue will be on view in the museums theater Jan. 16 through March 13.

She earned a B.F.A. degree at the California Institute of the Arts and an M.F.A. degree at the University of California, San Diego, and studied in the Graduate Program in Folklore at the University of California, Berkeley.

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Expensive cars and watches along with a quantity of cash were seized by officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) during searches this morning at addresses in County Kildare and Dublin.

As part of the operation, five searches were conducted at three residential dwellings (one in Dublin 8 and two in Co Kildare), one business premises (jewellers) in Dublin 2 and one professional premises in Dublin 2.

Read more County Kildare news

The following was seized: a 152 registered Audi A6 car, a 132 registered BMW 5 series car, three Rolex watches, a Breitling Watch, 4,000 in cash, 400 sterling in cash, two electronic weighing scales and a pair of runners that cost 550.

In addition to the items seized, in excess of 30,000 held in financial accounts was restrained on foot of orders granted under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

All searches were conducted under CAB warrants. No arrests have been made at this time.

The CAB investigation is focussed on an individual who is a member of an organised crime gang involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Dublin 8 and Dublin 12 areas.

CAB previously targeted the assets of this individual, and orders were granted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 & 2016 in the High Court in 2019 over cash, monies held in financial accounts, a high value watch, a mobile home and three motor vehicles. That action resulted from a CAB search operation conducted on December 8 2017.

The target had been referred to CAB by the special crime task force established by the Garda Commissioner. This followed from a Garda operation in September 2016 where cash and a luxury watch were seized.

Anyone with information about suspected unexplained wealth is asked to contact the Criminal Assets Bureau on 01 6663266 or info@cab.ie.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in the United Arab Emirates on a working visit, met in Abu Dhabi with Chairman of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, founding member of ALNOWAIS Investments Nasser Al Nowais, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The company operates in hotel, real estate, infrastructures and energy fields. It has a major experience in implementation of various renewable energy programs.

The meeting participants exchanged views on the cooperation opportunities in the aforementioned sectors.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




The government may impose on a certain variety of yarn from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam with a view to guard domestic players from cheap imports.

The Commerce Ministry's investigation arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated a probe into alleged dumping of 'Viscose Spun Yarn' by companies in these three countries following a complaint filed by Indian Manmade Yarn Manufacturers Association on behalf of domestic industry.

The association has filed an application before the directorate for investigation into the imports from these countries for imposing

It has alleged that dumped imports from these countries are causing material injury to the domestic industry.

DGTR, in a notification, said that on the basis of the prima facie evidence submitted by the association about dumping of the product by these nations, "the authority, hereby, initiates an investigation".

In the probe, DGTR will determine the existence, degree and effect of any alleged dumping.

If it is established that the dumping has impacted domestic industry, the directorate would recommend imposition of the duty.

The Finance Ministry will take the final decision on imposing the duty.

The period of investigation is April to December 2019. It would also look at 2016-19 data.

Yarn is mainly used for weaving or knitting for production of fabric for eventual use in garments.

Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.

As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of the World Trade Organization.

The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters.
NBG becomes governing member of international organization of pension supervisors

By Nika Gamtsemlidze

Since December 2019, the National Bank of Georgia has become a Governing Member of The International Organization of Pension Supervisors, IOPS.In July 2018, the Parliament of Georgia approved the Law on Accumulated Pension, which regulates the investment activity of the Pension Agency by the National Bank. As a result of the implemented pension reform, the Agency started collecting and administering the funds of the participants of the pension scheme from January 1, 2019.To date, more than 700,000 people are involved in the scheme, with total funding of more than GEL 500 million.IOPS membership is an important step forward, enabling the National Bank to share its experience of regulating pension funds with the other Member States.IOPS was founded in 2004 by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Network of International Pension Regulators and Supervisors (INPRS) and aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the pension system supervision, as well as to develop and maintain existing pension schemes.In particular, the organization provides assistance to countries where pension systems are newly introduced and, depending on the specifics of the pension scheme, offers them relevant technical assistance and research preparation.The organization works closely with other international organizations involved in the development and dialogue of pension oversight policies, including the OECD, the World Bank, the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).The IOPS operates by an Executive Committee and a Technical Committee assisted by a Secretariat. Participation in the Technical Committee meetings is open to all IOPS Members.IOPS currently has 89 Members and Observers representing supervisory bodies from 78 jurisdictions and territories worldwide, covering all levels of economic development and bringing together all types of pension or supervisory systems.The Executive Committee consists of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 members, elected by the Governing Members, representing at least 3 continents to serve a 2-year term. It has all the powers necessary to achieve the objectives and purposes of the Organization, including the appointing of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons, the consideration of membership applications and the setting of membership fees, the oversight of the Secretariat and the establishing of agenda for the Annual General Meeting and Conferences.The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is the central bank of Georgia. Its status is defined by the Constitution of Georgia. The main objective of the National Bank is to ensure price stability.
To succeed in the digital economy, Asia-Pacific organisations must improve how complex business logic is managed by automation applications, including how these applications are evaluated, procured and developed.

Todays always-on, 247 marketplace and rising customer expectations require enterprises to develop and launch apps at the speed of business.

To evaluate digital transformation progress and drivers for change, Appian, in partnership with IDG, conducted a survey of 305 senior IT managers in organisations with 500 employees or more across a variety of vertical industries.

Digital transformation is an ongoing process and often involves an extensive program of work, not simply one project.

How mature are Asia-Pacific organisations with their digital transformation initiatives? The research found businesses in Australia and Singapore have made good progress with digital transformation; nearly half of all respondents (48%) report their organisations are steadily implementing digital transformation, with 12 per cent currently scaling up pilot programs (7% are piloting projects).

One in five (20%) IT leaders say a digital transformation program is fully deployed and, looking ahead, nearly two-thirds (64%) have plans for new AI and RPA deployments in the next 12 months.

The research investigated which types of applications are priorities and likely to provide value to the organisation. Deploying automation technologies (65%), customer service and support (59%), and compliance (56%) are top of mind for IT leaders across the region.

The application of emerging technologies, including more options for automation, will develop a platform for faster change and better agility.

The evolution of app development

Digital transformation is changing the way enterprises develop applications (apps).

In the past, business units would put in a request for an update or new tool. Then, they worked with the app development team to define functionality, workflows (processes), and goals, as well as tested prototypes and provided feedback for further iteration. The infrastructure and security teams were also involved, providing input where needed to make sure the apps followed corporate policies intended to reduce risk to the enterprise. The whole thing could take months or years depending on the size and scope of the project and almost every project was a new, freestanding silo with a very long maintenance tail.

However, this is simply no longer feasible  theres just no time for month-long development cycles, and whatever you build must fit into an ecosystem, not be another silo. While the cloud has enabled business units to spin up infrastructure on demand, there has been a major gap around the applications themselves.

Traditional development processes using custom code prevent enterprises from developing and rolling out applications quickly enough. These processes are tedious, largely manual and require coordination across multiple teams.

New, low-code development platforms can speed time to market by accelerating development, reducing IT strain and improving collaboration across business lines. The goal, of course, is to finally bring people, process and data together in a connected and unified fashion.

Lack of alignment and collaboration

For digital transformation programs to be successful, a number of different stakeholders within the business need to be involved. IT staff must deliver services to meet business requirements, and line of business leaders must communicate changes and new go-to-market channels and applications.

The research found nearly one in three (28%) IT leaders see lack of alignment and collaboration across the organisation, including siloes, as a big challenge for IT enabling business outcomes.

When asked whether they anticipated a shift to low-code, the research found a split between APAC C-level IT professionals and their more operational colleagues.

Nearly half (46%) of CIOs stated they anticipate a future shift towards slower, fully custom coding to build applications.

This differed to their IT colleagues, where more than one-third (35%) expect to continue the steady use of faster and easier to use low-code development tools, compared with 28 per cent for CIOs.

IT staff tasked with matching business outcomes with technology platforms are generally closer to the challenges of full custom development.

With automation, customer service and compliance top application priorities, a move to fully custom coding introduces the risk of accentuating many challenges.

IT departments already report they are faced with a myriad of challenges with matching their digital transformation programs with desired business outcomes, including: organisational culture (52%); meeting desired speed of delivery (50%); customer demand (45%); and skills gaps and shortages (43%). Additionally, they also cited organisational issues including: risk management concerns (47%); legacy technologies (44%); limited resources to train or recruit staff (42%); and uncertainty about required financial investments (42%).

Low-Code as an Enterprise App Development Tool

Traditionally, low-code has had a reputation as being ill-suited for mission-critical applications and has been relegated to small or department-level applications. The perception is that low-code doesnt have the robust availability and security features that enterprises need for their most important workloads. And, theyre right to a certain extent. Historically, low-code platforms have been aimed at people with little or no coding experience to give them the ability to create simple apps. Most self-described low-code technologies are either little more than Excel macros on steroids or tools that only help the hard-core developer shave a few hours off their code writing.

However, modern enterprise low-code platforms have taken a major step forward in terms of resiliency, performance, and security. They are built with enterprise requirements in mind  providing enterprises with a fast and efficient way to develop apps. As a result, low-code is now an accepted and critical tool in the application development toolbelt, and enterprises are reaping the benefits.

Getting alignment right amid new development, automation options

With nearly half of organisations steadily implementing digital transformation, challenges such as a lack of IT-business alignment need to be overcome to enable business outcomes.

Alignment remains a significant challenge to transformation, and without better collaboration, organisations will not get the most out of digital. Other challenges to achieving business outcomes include organisational culture, meeting desired speed of delivery, customer demand, and skills shortages.

With nearly all organisations having one or more intelligent automation systems  from AI to chatbots  in production, the future success of transformation programs will depend on how well these systems are applied.

More than one-third of IT staff expect the use of faster and easier to use low-code development tools to deliver business value from application development. With automation, customer service and compliance top application priorities, a move to fully custom coding introduces unnecessary risk.

Amid the strong desire for more automation, Asia-Pacific IT leaders must also focus on the application integration opportunities to reduce siloes and improve customer experience.

Visit appian.com to find out more.

About Appian

Appian provides a low-code development platform that accelerates the creation of high-impact business applications. Many of the worlds largest organisations use Appian applications to improve customer experience, achieve operational excellence, and simplify global risk management and compliance.
WASHINGTON  The Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve a new North American trade pact on Thursday, which will now go to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.

Passage of the legislation gives Trump a win on one of his top priorities, international trade. The deal must also be approved by Canada.

Both New York senators voted against the U.S-Mexico-Canada trade agreement with just eight other senators.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer voted against the agreement because it did not address climate change, he said. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, said she opposed the deal because it would not help New York's manufacturing sector or mitigate climate warming, she said.

Both senators said they wanted to see more of an improvement over the existing North American Free Trade Agreement, that has governed trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico since 1994.

"Instead of advancing global climate security by outlining binding and enforceable climate commitments from all three countries, the Trump administration provides significant incentives for manufacturers to move their business and their jobs from the U.S. to Mexico, where clean air and clean water regulations are much weaker," Schumer said.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., also voted no due to climate concerns Thursday. When the bill passed the House in December, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam opposed it for the same reason.

But across both chambers, Democrats, who negotiated the final deal with the U.S. trade representative over the course of a year, mostly agreed the USMCA is a better deal for American workers and businesses. The USMCA was supported by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and several unions after Democrats pushed to include more labor and environmental protections in the deal.

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., was the only Republican to vote against the deal on Thursday. The changes made to appease Democrats could hinder free trade, he previously said.

Gillibrand said earlier this week, President Trumps USMCA deal may be slightly better than NAFTA, but lets be clear: Thats not good enough."

The agreement is expected to give a boost to some New York companies, who produce $16.8 billion in exports to Canada yearly.

New York's more than 4,000 dairy farmers will gain increased access to Canadian markets under the agreement.

NAFTA did not eliminate all tariffs on agricultural products traded between the three countries. But in a major concession, under the USMCA, Canada will allow more American dairy products, like cheese, cream, butter and yogurt, to enter the Canadian markets before Canada applies tariffs. In exchange, the U.S. will provide new access to Canada for some dairy, peanut and a limited amount of sugar and sugar-containing products.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The USMCA will also eliminate two milk pricing classes, in effect agreeing to sell skim milk powder, milk protein concentrates and infant formula at or above the same price floor used by the United States. New York exports about $40 million in dairy products to Canada annually, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

One of the biggest changes in the USMCA are new provisions for auto makers. The agreement requires 75 percent of auto content be made in North America  and up to 45 percent of auto content to be made by workers making at least $16 an hour.

Business leaders and politicians are hopeful that language will help the U.S. claw back the outsourcing of car manufacturing work to Mexico. Capital Region economic developers hope the compact's new auto industry requirements will spur component production around General Motor's three car plants in the state.

Gillibrand expressed worries that the USMCA would not help New York manufacturing rebound.

Bad trade deals, including NAFTA, hollowed out upstate New Yorks manufacturing industry," she said. "I dont believe this agreement will reverse this trend or help the generations of New Yorkers who lost good jobs."

The USMCA also represents a modernization of the import-export relationship with Canada and Mexico. It moves paperwork online and streamlines bureaucratic processes for doing trade in North America, something that is often a headache for businesses, a U.S. trade official told the Times Union.
Two empty freight train cars fell into the Potomac River, closing sites including John Browns Fort and The Point

Seven empty northbound freight cars jumped the rails on a Potomac River bridge in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park last month, wiping out a popular pedestrian bridge that serves both visitors to the park and the hikers on the Appalachian Trail.

CSX Transportation officials said no one was injured in the derailment, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning Dec. 21. No cause was announced, and the 125-year-old bridgebuilt by the old B&O Railroadreopened to train traffic two days after the incident.

Two of the cars landed in the Potomac, not far from the fire engine house that served as a fort for abolitionist John Browns raiders in 1859. The cars were used to haul grain and did not contain any dangerous substances, CSX officials said.

The derailment closed sites at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, including John Browns Fort and The Point. Getting the worst of it was the pedestrian bridge cantilevered to the railroad bridge, which is a vital link in the Appalachian Trail. No timetable has been set for its reopening or the other parts of the park.

Along with the Appalachian Trail, the bridge links the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park on the West Virginia side of the Potomac with the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park. Its a rare place where three National Park units converge.

Hikers and bicyclists on the C&O towpath use the bridge to visit Harpers Ferry, and visitors to Harpers Ferry use the bridge to access the trail to Maryland Heights for an iconic view of the town. Maryland Heights played a key role in Lt. Gen. Stonewall Jacksons capture of Harpers Ferry and more than 12,000 Union soldiers in 1862 in a prelude the Battle of Antietam.

Harpers Ferry Mayor Wayne Bishop told MetroNews of West Virginia that he hopes CSX shows the same enthusiasm for repairing the pedestrian bridge as it did for reopening the bridge to freight traffic.

Looking Their Best

Soldiers on both sides of the Civil War had ready access to a form of immortality soldiers earlier generations could not have dreamed of: photographic portraits to record their images for posterity.

ew technologies made both ambrotype (glass-backed) and tintype (metal-backed) emulsion plates affordable for the average Civil War soldier, and thousands had their personal portraits made. And, much as people today spiff up to have their photos taken, the soldiers wanted to look their best, even to the extent of dyeing their hair to appear younger and more vigorous.

When archaeologists from Transylvania University working at Camp Nelsona former Union supply depot in central Kentuckyunearthed broken bottles at the site of a photography studio on the excavation site, they initially thought the bottles had likely contained medicine. Further research, however, indicated the bottles actually contained hair dyes used to darken light-toned locks, products that went by names such as Christadoro and Dr. Jaynes.

But it wasnt just older, graying men who used the product.

One of the things the photographic books mention is if you had light-colored or blonde hair, the black and white photography process could make you look like you had white hair or gray hair, researcher Stephen McBride told Newsweek.

Founded in 1863, Camp Nelson eventually covered more than 4,000 acres, with more than 300 buildings and tents, and housed 8,000 or so soldiers. A range of private businesses, including the photography studio, were allowed to set up shop, leading to a treasure trove for researchers today.

Civil War photographic discovery is still very active today, Bob Zeller, director of the Center for Civil War Photography, told the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader.

And now we have an archaeological discovery of a Civil War photo studio. As far as I know, it has not happened before.

Manassas Burns Again

Smoke rose once again from the Civil War battlefield in Manassas, Va., in late November, but this time it was for a more benign reason than when the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run) were fought there in July 1861 and August 1862, respectively.

Instead of using mowers to maintain the battlefields, keeping them free of brush and trees, the National Park Service conducted a controlled burn on 75 acres near Brawner Farm, to restore the landscape to its 1860s appearance. An added benefit of the fire is the reduction of invasive plant species in natural grasslands that are home to ground-nesting birds, like bobwhite quail. Controlled burning is cheaper and more effective than using equipment to maintain the battlefield, officials said. This was the third time that controlled burns had been conducted at the battlefield.

Building off the great success we had with prescribed fires in April 2018 and March 2019, this is another opportunity to continue our efforts to return a significant segment of the battlefield back to its Civil War appearance, Manassas National Battlefield Park Superintendent Brandon Bies said. In addition to supporting the parks goal of landscape restoration, prescribed fire allows native grasses to flourish and improves wildlife habitat.

The long-term benefits of the burns outweigh any short-term impact from the smoke, Bies said, and safety is always a top priority.

Cutting Edge

In a fascinating application of todays cutting-edge technology to 1860s cutting-edge technology, modern artificial intelligence is putting names to photos of previously unidentified Civil War soldiers.

Kurt Luther, professor of history and computer science at Virginia Tech, founded Civil War Photo Sleuth in 2018, which uses facial recognition technology to identify soldiers whose names had been lost to history.

The technology analyzes 27 facial landmarks, such as the corners of the mouth or the tip of the nose, and then hunts for a match in a database of nearly 30,000 photographic images uploaded to the Photo Sleuth site from various contributors. Luthers partners are Ron Coddington, editor and publisher of Military Images Magazine, and professor Paul Quigley, director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. The service is free.

To date, Civil War Photo Sleuth has made more than 3,300 identifications with an accuracy rate estimated between 75 percent and 80 percent, according to Luther and his team. The site has 14,000 registered users, including employees at the Library of Congress and the National Archives, as well as private collectors.

More information about Civil War Photo Sleuth is available at civilwarphotosleuth.com.

Best and Worst of Civil War Films

In what is sure to provide grist for passionate discussion, the movie review website Rotten Tomatoes identified the five best and five worst movies set during the Civil War. The rankings are based on reviews by writers who are certified members of various writing guilds or film critic associations.

In the rankings below, percentages indicate positive reviews.

Best

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966)97%

Glory (1989)93%

The General (1927)92%

Lincoln (2012)89%

Dances With Wolves (1990)82%

Worst

Gods and Generals (2003)8%

Jonah Hex (2010)12%

Field of Lost Shoes (2014)39%

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)34%

Free State of Jones (2016)46%
I n the latest Aardman Animations creation I voice an animated turtle mother trying to keep her children safe. The film, Turtle Journey, is all about home. Made in collaboration with Greenpeace, it articulates the importance of having a place to feel safe in  one that you know will still be there to come back to if you go away.

Sadly, that isnt the reality for many sea creatures, such as those turtles. Many people imagine that the oceans are too vast for human activity to have any impact, but this is wrong. Exploitation of the oceans is destroying marine habitats at a rate never before witnessed in history. Our destructive ways have pushed the oceans into crisis, driven countless species to extinction and brought many more to the brink.

Industrial fishing is sucking the oceans dry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, more than 90 per cent of global fish populations are either fully fished or overfished. Our changing climate is heating up the ocean, forcing many species to leave their homes for new waters. The ocean is acidifying as it absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere. Industries such as deep-sea mining are threatening pristine, unexplored ecosystems, once safe from human activity but now a new frontier for destructive mineral extraction. Coral reefs are being bleached at an unprecedented rate. The list goes on.

Like myriad sea creatures that call the oceans home, we all depend on the oceans in some way. The oceans are one of the few things on this planet that are shared. Beyond national borders lies an enormous expanse of water that is ungoverned and unmanaged, home to countless species of marine life such as the turtle mother Im so proud to have voiced.

'Turtle Journey' tells the story of a turtle family migrating home through an ocean that is under increasing pressure from climate change, plastic pollution, oil drilling and overfishing.

To protect something so vast requires action on a global scale, and the UN is discussing a new Global Ocean Treaty, which would create a way of governing them. It would ensure the damage being caused to them by human activity  beyond the horizon, and far from the eyes of the world  is reined in.

Greenpeace is campaigning for 30 per cent of the worlds oceans to be fully protected by 2030. Scientists have been calling for this level of protection for years, and finally governments seem to be listening, with nations from Portugal to Vanuatu, the UK to Costa Rica, coming together to form the Global Ocean Alliance.

This alliance must prioritise securing a global ocean treaty capable of delivering the necessary level of protection called for by scientists.
In 1977 the Queensland Teachers Credit Union installed an automatic teller machine (ATM) in Brisbane.

According to a Brisbane Times article from 2007, the QTCU General Manager, Mike Murphy, said:

This was a major change in the way people did their banking and although Australians are quick to embrace change they found dealing with machines that had control over their access quite daunting, QTCU ran an extensive educational campaign to demonstrate to members the benefits of using the ATM and show them how much easier their banking could be.

This wasnt the absolute first ATM in Australia, but it was one of the earlier ones. The very first were said to be introduced in 1969.

But this cautious reaction from the general public was to be expected. When it comes to money, people are incredibly protective, as they should be. And change is hard enough without relying on a machine to give it to you.

But as we know, the public came around. And for many generations since theyve only ever lived in a world with ATMs, so its just a natural way of accessing you cash, quickly.

However, the days of the ATM are numbered. The decline of ATM usage is thanks to the rise in cashless payments.

This started back in 1984 when Westpac introduced EFTPOS payment at BP services stations. This quickly expanded through to the end of the 20th century where most retail outlets offered some kind of cashless point of sale system.

Then in the late 2000s, Mastercard and Visa both introduced versions of contactless payments. This evolved into the terminology of Tap & Go, where you could simply tap your payment card on a POS terminal to make a payment.

This proved massively popular in Australia. In fact, Australia is one of the worlds biggest users of contactless card payments. And this has been a major contributing factor to the decline in ATM usage.

Of course the idea of just tapping your card on a payment terminal at first seemed a little silly, after all, anyone could just steal your card and tap to make purchases. But the adoption of contactless is astounding.

Research from 2016 showed 59% of Australians had used contactless payment cards. Compared to 16% in the US and 38% in the UK, Australia was light years in front of the world.

However, payment technology like this moves quickly. Soon after, payments and money truly entered the 21st century.

Download your free report now and discover Ryan Dinses three small-cap tech stock picks that could be set to boom in 2020.

Digital money is still money

During the 2010s we saw the rise of the mobile contactless payments.

The likes of Android and Apple Pay are now standard mobile wallets on all new smartphones. And in places like China, mobile wallet payments have exploded.

WeChat Pay is a mobile wallet with over 806 million monthly users. Alipay, another Chinese mobile wallet provider, says theyve got more than 1.2 billion users globally now. Its also estimated that over 47% of Chinas rural population uses mobile payment wallets.

And both Alipay and WeChat Pay are using facial recognition to enable people to make mobile-less payments. That means just looking at a camera at a POS terminal instead of using a card, or even a mobile device. The money then is taken from your default wallet.

But whats astounding is that Australia is stubbornly reluctant to adopt mobile technology for payments. This is a hangover of the huge popularity in Tap & Go with a card  change is hard when youre so used to one way of doing things.

While the rest of the world forges ahead with digital payments, innovation in payments and payment technology in Australia is stuck in the mud.

And based on recent comments from the powers that be at the Reserve Bank of Australia, its no great surprise. Theres no great push from the top to change the way the system works.

China as we know is pushing hard into digital payment technologies. Their central bank is even about to release a state-backed digital currency  a quasi-cryptocurrency for their citizens.

We have no doubt this will seamlessly integrate with the likes of WeChat Pay and Alipay. And its also in our view a push by China to dislodge the USD as the global reserve currency of choice  but more on that in tomorrows Money Morning.

But as this story unfolds, we also believe that one of the most significant disruptions in banking and finance is going to be the story of the next 50 years.

Weve gone from cash, ATMs to debit and credit cards, to contactless payments and mobile wallet transactions over the last 50 years. The next 50 years isnt just about to stop when it comes to innovation and revolution in money.

While digital currencies from central banks will become abundant, its money outside of the centrally controlled banks that will explode in popularity and usage as well.

And yes, Im talking about the proliferation of cryptocurrency. Not only will there be cryptocurrency monetary systems outside of central bank control, but central banks themselves will rely on cryptocurrency to power their own currency.

For example, the AFR reports the RBA has just completed a trial using a private Ethereum network to test a digital currency.

Whats interesting is they saw there was actual benefit from using the technology.

But considering a history of moving with innovation in finance previously, the RBA is unlikely to pursue digital currencies and blockchain networks. Why? Well it would cause fundamental change to the financial systemand thats not something they want.

Fundamental change means loss of control. And god forbid they acknowledge another system might work, or in fact be better than the fractured and broken system used today.

But if you ask the RBA, theres nothing wrong with the current system. And therein lies the current problem with Australia and indeed much of the world.

Blinded by ignorance

According to Tony Richards, Head of Payments Policy at the RBA (speaking to the AFR):

There is a risk that if central bank digital currencies were wildly successful, it would lead to a fundamental change in the structure of the financial system.

Err, thats exactly the point of cryptocurrencies. Richards continued:

And thats why most central banks have taken the view that digital currencies are an interesting idea, but they dont see any significant problem with the current system.

There we have it folks. Central bankers dont see any problem with the current system. Except its expensive, inefficient, rewards the already wealthy, has incredible barriers to entry, is full of friction via third parties and intermediaries that are unnecessary.

Its controlled by the ideas and ideals of a select few who time and time again are proven to be incapable of proper monetary management.

But of course they wouldnt see any problem with the current system. And thats precisely why the 2020s are going to see rapid, fundamental change in the financial system.

This change in the traditional system will be driven by the likes of China. They will force the hand of change with their grand plans for digital state-run currencies.

And running in parallel will be the construction of an alternative decentralised financial system. A system where you can transact anywhere with anyone without friction, with low costs, and without external control.

This system will be full of digital wallets, different currencies, exchanges, supply chains, and a flourishing ecosystem of fintech opportunities. It will be the global cryptocurrency system.

The AI mega-trend  four ways you could profit (read now).

Sides will be chosen between the changing traditional system and the cryptocurrency system.

Some countries will move away from the traditional system. And some cryptocurrencies will move towards the traditional system.

Critics and slow adopters will be left behind. There will be huge opportunity on both sides depending on where you place your trust and how much you will be willing to change and adapt with the times.

It also puts Australia in a tough position. Were smack bang in between China and their vision, and the US and their hubris. Then weve got to consider new generations of people that want a better and fairer system for all.

How that pans out Ill look deeper at tomorrow. Also why Chinas digital currency might be the most dangerous weapon of the 21st century.

Regards,

Sam Volkering,

Editor, Money Morning
NEW DELHI: The execution of all the four convicts of the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case can take place only after the President of India decides on a mercy petition filed by one of the convicts in the seven-year-old matter. Just five days before the four convicts were to be hanged, Delhis Tihar Jail, where the convicts are lodged, on Thursday approached the court for a new date, saying the execution cannot take place until mercy petitions filed by the convicts were settled.

Even if the mercy petition is rejected by the President, the convict has to be given 14 days time to prepare for his execution. All four have to be hanged together as per the session courts death warrant which had earlier set 7 pm on January 22 as the time of their execution.

The sessions court on Thursday directed the jail authorities to file a proper report by Friday about the status of scheduled execution of the convicts. Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora passed the directions after the jail authorities said they have written to the Delhi government on the issue of scheduled execution in view of pending remedies.

The court was hearing a plea by one of the four death row convicts, Mukesh Kumar Singh, seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President. The lawyer appearing for Mukesh told the court that there are subsequent developments that necessitate setting aside the death warrants. Last week, the sessions court had issued death warrants against the four convicts  Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Singh and Pawan Gupta.

Mukeshs counsel moved the trial court immediately after the Delhi high court declined to entertain his plea to set aside the January 7 order issuing his death warrant and asked them to approach the lower court.

Soon after the lieutenant governor rejected Mukeshs mercy petition, the Union home ministry started examining it. A senior ministry official said that the petition was being examined and an appropriate decision on it would be taken soon. The ministrys decision will be communicated to the President who will take a final call on this matter.

On December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old medical student was gang-raped and tortured on a moving bus before being dumped on a road in south Delhi. The woman, who came to be known as Nirbhaya, died on December 29 in a Singapore hospital. Six men were arrested for the horrifying assault. A fifth accused  Ram Singh  allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial and the sixth man, a few months short of 18 at the time of the incident, was released after three years in a reform facility.

All the four death-row convicts were on Thursday moved to Tihar prison complexs jail number three where their hanging is set to take place. Till now, Vinay was lodged in jail number four, while Akshay, Mukesh and Pawan were lodged in jail number two of Tihar.

Nirbhayas mother Asha Devi, fearing more delay in the execution of the four men, said she had been going to many courts for years but wanted justice now. If they have rights, we too have the right to justice for our daughter who was killed, she said.

Both the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party also engaged in a war of words over the delay in hanging of the Nirbhaya convicts, with the saffron party blaming it on the Delhi governments complicity and sympathies for them, while the AAP accused its rival of instigating people with a lie.
Turkey to drill in Med near Libya starting this year 'In zones included in agreement with Tripoli'

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JANUARY 16 - Turkey will this year start drilling and exploration activities in the Mediterranean Sea in areas included as part of a demarkation agreement of maritime borders with Libya. The announcement was made by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, noting that the Oruc Reis vessel would begin with a seismic assessment. ''It is no longer possible for other countries to conduct activities of seismic research and drilling without the agreement of Turkey and Libya in the areas designated by the maritime agreement,'' Erdogan added. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in late November in Istanbul by Erdogan and the prime minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj, but was not considered legitimate by most of the international community. Greece and Cyprus have said that the agreement is a violation of their borders. (ANSAmed).




The Winnipeg School Division is giving itself high marks for improvement, with a new report touting better results in math and literacy test scores for the second consecutive year.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg School Division is giving itself high marks for improvement, with a new report touting better results in math and literacy test scores for the second consecutive year.

The citys largest school divisions second annual Continuous Improvement Report, which publicly highlights efforts to enhance performance and sets targets for the future, includes data going back a decade.

A news release issued Wednesday focused on the reports most impressive statistics, including a dramatic 146 per cent increase in Grade 3 numeracy achievement over the past 10 years, and improved pass rates for Grade 12 mathematics achievement tests since 2014.

"This report shows significant improvement in student success, academically, in the Winnipeg School Division, year over year," said board chairman Chris Broughton.

Broughton attributed the improvements to a number of factors, including a 2015 restructuring of senior administration, targeted investments in programming for students, hardworking staff, and community support for initiatives such as school nutrition programs.

The report shows an upward trend in the divisions high school graduation rates since 2009, even as enrolment numbers remained mostly steady.

The number of diplomas awarded increased to 2,144 in 2019 from 1,611 in 2009.

Despite the overall trend towards improvement in recent years, other data in the report show some scores still lag behind provincial averages, such as the Grade 12 provincial achievement test for English language arts and the Grade 12 applied mathematics achievement test.

"It isnt all good news, this isnt a report card with all As," Broughton acknowledged.

"There are definitely areas that we need to work on, and I think, by us sharing the data of the places that we still need to improve, that were being transparent on what were working on (and) what we still need to achieve."

Broughton said the school division, which has 33,000 students in 78 schools with nearly 6,500 staff, faces key challenges. Those include teaching pupils who are new arrivals to Canada and those who live with poverty and safety issues at home. Children in the care of Child and Family Services comprise almost five per cent of its student population, the report says.

"Those arent small barriers to overcome," said Broughton.

"But despite all of that, the work that weve been doing specifically targeted at some of those students that are hardest to reach  children in care, those kind of students  were seeing significant success there... I think were trending in the right direction."

Manitobas education system earned negative press in December, when the province fared poorly in Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

"Certainly, one of the things that is often cited in those PISA results is that, the reason why some of the results are the way that they are is because of our poverty in Manitoba, and the context in which were teaching, and that is certainly confounding for teachers," said Lesley Trudel, an assistant professor of education at the University of Winnipeg and a former assistant superintendent of the Sunrise School Division.

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"Certainly, the Winnipeg School Division is situated in an area where there is potentially high child poverty, and so I could see that challenges would arise as a result of that context."

Meanwhile, Manitobas education community is generally concerned about the outcome of the provinces primary education review, Trudel added.

"I think theres a concern that all of the good things that are going on in school divisions, amazing things like this report talks about, are not going to be sustainable, or be able to be continued, if the system changes drastically," she said.

Manitoba Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen was unavailable to comment Wednesday.

solomon.israel@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sol_israel
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Heads of government of Eurasian Economic Union countries are expected to participate in the Digital Almaty: The Digital Future of Global Economy international forum on January 31 in Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry said EAEU heads of government, politicians, leading CEOs and international IT experts will participate in the conference.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
A death row inmate in Texas has issued a plea for forgiveness to his victims family moments before he was executed by lethal injection.

John Gardner, 64, was sentenced to death in 2006 for fatally shooting his estranged wife a year earlier, who allegedly often told friends she did not expect to get out of their abusive marriage alive.

In the early days of their marriage in 1999, Tammy Gardner started to display physical signs of abuse, such as bruising, anxiety and depression, prosecutors said.

Her friends described one instance in which she had a black eye after her husband shoved her into a bookcase. In another, her face was heavily bruised after he attacked her with a hammer, according to court documents. Friends and relatives testified he had previously held a gun to her head.

She is believed to have filed for divorce in 2004. About a month later, she asked a co-worker to help her disappear in order to evade being tracked.

Death row in California's San Quentin prison Show all 8 1 /8 Death row in California's San Quentin prison Death row in California's San Quentin prison A condemned inmate exercises in a cage out in the yard of San Quentin prison Getty Death row in California's San Quentin prison San Quentin State Prison opened in 1852 and is California's oldest penitentiary. The facility houses the state's only death row for men that currently has 700 condemned inmates Getty Death row in California's San Quentin prison The lethal injection facility at San Quentin prison AP Death row in California's San Quentin prison A condemned inmate stands in a cell out in the yard of San Quentin prison Getty Death row in California's San Quentin prison An armrest in the interior of the lethal injection facility at San Quentin prison AP Death row in California's San Quentin prison A cell on death row in San Quentin Getty Death row in California's San Quentin prison A cage on death row in San Quentin Getty Death row in California's San Quentin prison A cell on death row in San Quentin Getty

Later that night, her husband arrived at her home and shot her once in the head. She died in hospital two days later.

Gardner turned himself in to police in Mississippi the following day. Evidence from the crime scene was found to match with evidence found in the truck he had borrowed from his brother-in-law.

He had also used his brother-in-laws gun, prosecutors said, which he returned shortly after. Authorities found the .44 magnum stashed back under his mattress with one spent shell.

On Wednesday, Gardner became the first man to be executed in the US in 2020.

I hope you find peace, joy and closure, he said before he died, in a plea to his victims family. Whatever it takes to forgive me. I am sorry. I know you cannot forgive me but I hope one day you will.

He was given a lethal dose of pentobarbital at Texas death chamber in Huntsville at 6.20am and was pronounced dead 16 minutes later.

While jurors had been deciding whether to sentence him to death or life in prison, Gardners sister had testified that he had been violently abused as a child by their parents. His father, a Baptist preacher, often interrupted sermons to publicly beat Gardner with a belt, according to local media.

The killing of his wife Tammy was seemingly not Gardners first. In 1983, he was convicted of aggravated assault for the shooting of his pregnant wife, Rhoda, who later died as a result of her injuries. Of his four wives, he was allegedly abusive to three, the Texas Tribune reported.

Texas has executed far more people than any other state. Seven people are so far scheduled to be executed there in 2020, according to the Death Penalty Information Centre.

In July, the Trump administration moved to reinstate the death penalty for federal crimes, 16 years after it was abolished. The Justice Department immediately sentenced five people to death.

However, in November, US district judge Tanya Chutkan blocked the reinstatement of capital punishment for federal crimes, on the grounds that it contravened the Federal Death Penalty Act.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Justice delayed is justice denied. Pendency of Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act, 2012, (Pocso), cases is causing tremendous harm to child survivors who are seeking timely justice across India. The Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed-off within a year from the date the offence is reported. However, there are 160,989 cases of Pocso Act pending trial in courts across the country. Timely availability of data (age- and gender-based segregation) is also a big concern at the state, district and town level. In September 2019, the law ministry proposed a scheme to have fast track special courts (FTSC) for the expeditious disposal of cases of rape and Pocso Act. There are 389 districts in the country in which the number of pending cases under the Pocso Act exceeds 100.

The Out of Shadow Index, a benchmarking index developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, examines how stakeholders in 40 countries are responding to the threat of child sexual abuse and exploitation. India ranks 15th on this index, with a score of 57.6 out of 100. The key indicators important for criminal justice delivery process on which India scores 50 or less includes access to victim support programmes, complaint mechanism, civil society engagement, protecting child interests, child-specific rape laws, contextual legal framework, national plans and policies, government and law enforcement capacity and social protection. This research also specifically recommend strengthening participation by and support from non-governmental groups.

Since the inception of the Pocso Act, there has been an increase in reporting of child sexual abuse cases. On the other hand, there have been concerns raised about the criminal justice delivery mechanism, quality of investigation, availability of support person, medical investigation, legal aid, compensation to victims, and transparency in preparation of record by forensics science laboratory.

According to the recent report on Pocso by the registrar of the Supreme Court, there are 36% of cases where time taken for completion of investigation is more than six months (in 20% cases, it is more than a year). In 49% of the cases, it took more than a month for the police to deposit samples with forensics laboratories. Inexcusably, there are 96% cases without a support person, and 99% cases in which interim and final compensation is not provided. Moreover, two-thirds of the cases are pending trial for more than a year.

Child survivors are already traumatised and subjected to secondary victimisation due to the existing faulty justice delivery mechanism. Handling the cases of child survivors by non-specialised or inexperienced key stakeholders and institutions  such as investigation officer, medical officer, support person (Child Welfare Committee), counsellor/psychologist/mental health expert (District Child Protection Unit), Juvenile Justice Board, Legal Aid Counsel (DLSA) and Special Public Prosecutor  makes this process cumbersome and painful for child survivors and their families. This often results into frequent adjournment of childrens testimony, delay in disposal of cases, or survivors turning hostile.

Considering the existing status of Pocso cases, it is necessary to bring improvement in delivering justice to survivors in a child-friendly manner, and within the stipulated time. It can be achieved by building capacities of the key stakeholders and institutions as provisioned under the Pocso Act 2012. Therefore, it is essential for the concerned authorities to invest collectively in creating a cadre of district- and state-level professionals, covering the aforementioned key stakeholders for expediting the justice delivery process in a sensitive manner.

The selection and performance appraisal processes for these professional stakeholders must be scrutinised and reviewed periodically to ensure accountability, transparency and effectiveness of service delivery. These key stakeholders have to be acquainted with good practices through their peers who have achieved results in such cases. They should be exposed to stress management techniques and related trainings for their healthy work-life balance. A child sensitive lens in their day-to-day working will build trust with the survivors and their families, and may also help reduce their trauma. The stakeholders orientation, experience, knowledge and skills in accordance to the mandated guidelines as well as the child-friendly interventions during the pre-trial and trial process make the system robust and helps in speedy trial and reduction of pendency of cases.

The concerned government authorities, along with child-friendly FTSC, should leverage appropriate technology for tracking the cases in real time. The concerned departments should pool in resources to focus on developing a cadre of professionals to support child survivors. They may allow interns or junior officers to accompany or support key stakeholders during the investigation and trial process. They should engage with local non-governmental organisations and leverage social media to create awareness among masses about Pocso Act. A professional, skilful and passionate human resource is the need of the hour. It will strengthen the judicial process, and help child survivors seek justice in a child-friendly manner.

Prabhat Kumar is head, child protection, and Manish Thakre is head, Urban programme and policy at Save the Children

The views expressed are personal
CHANDIGARH Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that his government will bring out a white paper, in the monsoon session of the state assembly, to expose the fraud committed by the Akalis with regard to the controversial power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private players.

The white paper will reveal all documents signed by the previous SAD-BJP government in the state, and the power plants set up by them, which had caused undue burden on the state, the chief minister told mediapersons after governor VP Singh Badnores address on the first day of the two-day special session of the assembly.

AKALIS SLIPPERY CHARACTERS: CM

The Akalis were slippery characters, said Captain Amarinder, adding that after messing with the states economy through destructive measures, including the PPAs, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is trying to use the issue against my government to promote their vested political interests.

The chief minister said that his government had won the case on the issue in the lower court but the Supreme Court decisions went against them. The state government was fighting the case now in the apex court, he added. He himself had sat on dharna against the India Bulls plant when in the Opposition, he said. The then Akali government had got the Gidderbaha NTPC power project cancelled to sign an MoU with India Bulls for setting up the plant, going against the prevailing practice of inviting global tenders for power projects and also forcibly evicting farmers from their land in Gobindpura for the controversial project.

The chief minister asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of Punjab and its people, and will ensure that nothing detrimental to them is done.

ON CAA, SAYS WAIT TILL FRIDAY

Asked if the government will bring in a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), on the lines of Kerala, the chief ministers response was wait till tomorrow. The government had earlier announced its decision to go by the will of the House on the way forward on the issue of the CAA, as well as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). The Amarinder government has rejected these as unconstitutional and divisive.

Terming the Opposition walkout during the governors address extremely unfortunate, the chief minister lamented that such behaviour in the House had become a way of life. The walkout was expected, he said, but took on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the SAD over their decision to disturb and interrupt the governors address while he was speaking on the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
Once she arrived in her blue Chevy, the woman  who didnt give her name  asked what was going on while standing between the drivers side door and seat. Julie Storbeck, the president of the National Organization for Women: NWI NOW, responded that the organization was demonstrating because a staffer of Senator Mike Braun was inside, and they want to show those going inside that not all his constituents agree with his views, particularly abortion.
Barbara Broccoli, who has since long been the producer of the James Bond franchise, recently clarified in an interview that the 007 character won't be played by a woman in the forthcoming rendition.

Broccoli, accompanied by her half brother and fellow producer Michael G. Wilson, told Variety: "He can be of any color, but he is male."

She went on to say: "I believe we should be creating new characters for women -- strong female characters. I'm not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that."

According to Fox News, the current Bond hero, Daniel Craig, announced last November that he would cease to play the legendary character once he is done with the upcoming 'No Time To Die' movie that is scheduled for release in coming April.

Commenting on Daniel parting ways with the franchise, Broccoli said: "I'm in total denial. I've accepted what Daniel has said, but I'm still in denial. It's too traumatic for me."

Fox News reported last July that the British Actress Lashana Lynch could possibly star in the 2020 Bond flick, but such speculations were dispelled once the trailer for the movie was brought out last December.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, heavily criticized Pakistan and China's efforts to raise Kashmir at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)'s meeting on Wednesday. Akbaruddin said that he was happy with the outcome of the meeting.

READ: Estonia Extends Support To India's Candidature For UNSC's Non-permanent Membership

India's diplomatic strength

Speaking to news agency PTI, he said, "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others. We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today. We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India."

Today @UN...our flag is flying high.



Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends...  pic.twitter.com/X0jJgassn2  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

READ: China Withdraws Request For UNSC Discussion On Kashmir

This was China's third attempt to raise Kashmir at the world body since the revocation of Article 370 and it has failed on all three occasions. The country had tried to hold a meeting at UNSC but had failed to do so. Last month, it tried again and was put down by the US, UK, France, and Russia. The countries have maintained a straightforward approach that India's decision is an internal matter and the countries will not interfere. With relations to Pakistan, the stance is that issues should be resolved bilaterally through dialogue.

READ: 'Better Way Forward For J&K': US Congressman Backs India's Abrogation Of Article 370 Move

In December last year, Russian Deputy Ambassador Roman Babushkin said, "Russia's position is clear and is not changing. We are of the position any issue between India and Pakistan should be resolved on a bilateral basis, according to Simla agreement and Lahore declaration. We have not interested in the issue into the international platforms including UNSC."

Akbaruddin added, "Pakistan's practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."

READ: Donald Trump Calls For Peace, Appeals UNSC Members To Intervene
Shinjiro Koizumi, son of an ex-prime minister, said he hopes to open debate on issue that remains sensitive in Japan.

Japans popular environment minister said he will take paternity leave when his first child is born later this month to be a good example for working fathers in Japan, where men are largely absent from child-rearing.

Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Wednesday he will take two weeks of leave over three months on the condition it would not affect his parliamentary and Cabinet duties.

With Japan facing an ageing population and a dwindling birthrate, the government recently began promoting paternity leave.

Last month, it adopted a policy allowing male public servants to take more than a month of leave with the birth of a child.

While the governors in Hiroshima and Mie in western Japan have taken paternity leave, Koizumi is the first Cabinet minister to do so.

The 38-year-old politician said it was a difficult decision, but that he was going ahead with the plan to pave the way for other male employees in his ministry and working fathers elsewhere.





Koizumi is the son of maverick former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and is considered a future prime ministerial hopeful.

Honestly, I had to think over and over how I should take time off for child-rearing, or take paternity leave while fulfilling my public duty as environment minister,  Koizumi told a group of ministry officials and reporters.

Unless we change the atmosphere, government employees presumably wont start taking paternity leave.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that he hoped Koizumis decision would have a positive effect on attitudes to male parenting.

There are no official records on whether cabinet ministers have previously taken parental leave, but Koizumi is the first to publicly announce he is doing so.

Pata-hara

Japan has relatively generous parental leave policies, allowing men and women partially paid leave of up to 12 months.

While recent surveys show a majority of eligible male employees hope to take paternity leave in the future, changes are coming slowly and few fathers of newborns take time off due to the intense pressure to focus on work.

Only 6 percent of eligible working fathers took paternity leave in 2018, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, far short of the governments modest 13 percent target for 2020.

Many working fathers fear taking paternity leave will damage their careers, and those hoping to take leave often face warnings from their bosses or colleagues.

A handful of men have sued their employers alleging they were subject to what is known in Japan as pata-hara, short for paternity harassment, after taking parental leave.

Koizumi is the son of maverick former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and is considered a future prime ministerial hopeful [Jiji Press via AFP]

The issue is a particular concern given Japans birthrate, which in 2018 was one of the worlds lowest  and far below the rate the country needs to maintain its population.

Koizumi said he hopes to inspire further debate over how to balance work and family duties, including child and elderly care, in a sustainable way.

I hope there will be a day when lawmakers paternity leave is no longer news,  he said.

He expressed his intention last year to take paternity leave when he announced his marriage to former newscaster Christel Takigawa.

He has since faced divided public opinion, including criticism that he should prioritise his duties as a government minister.

Koizumis announcement received a mixed reaction on social media. Some people said two weeks of paternity leave was a marginal amount and that he may be only trying to get attention, but many welcomed his decision in the hope that it would bring about some change.

Shintaro Yamaguchi, a University of Tokyo professor and expert on labour economics and parental leave policies, said that even short-term paternity leave can make a difference, citing studies abroad.

Paternity leave taken by leaders seems to have a big influence on people around them,  he tweeted.
Did Prince William drop a subtle hint about the current royal family tensions during his first joint appearance with Kate Middleton since Prince Harry and Meghan Markles announcement that they are stepping back from their duties? Royal fans found his comments very revealing.

Prince William and Kate Middleton | Charlotte Graham  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Middleton discussed communities

Prince William and Middleton stepped out for an appearance at Bradford Hall in West Yorkshire, where they met with leaders from various faith and community groups. During their meeting, Prince William seemed to touch on some of the drama thats unfolded in his family when he spoke of moving on from challenges.

Royal fans are convinced that though William wasnt talking specifically about Prince Harry and Markle, his words certainly could apply to the current situation.

The video landed on Twitter, with Prince William and Middleton sitting at a table at the meeting held at a community center, as William noted: You can see that communities are trying to come together, trying to help each other, get to know each other. And that is really crucial.

Prince William added: If we can replicate that more in this country then that can only be for good, bringing everyone together. Which is slightly part of the reason why we want to get around the UK now and see as many places in the UK we may not have been to very much to try and understand some of the more complex challenges, some of the slightly more tucked away challenges that people find hard to talk about.

Watch#William on community relations, cant help but think it applies to his family Its sometimes trying to get people to understand thats its ok to have these challenges, we just need to deal with them and we need to move forward rather than just be stuck in paralysis pic.twitter.com/zXKeWAZ5A1  Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) January 15, 2020

Was he talking about Prince Harry?

While he was discussing community relations, his next comments had fans believing on some level that he was addressing everything thats happened with Prince Harry.

Prince William shared: Its sometimes trying to get people to understand thats its okay to have these challenges. We just need to deal with them and we need to move forward rather than just be stuck in paralysis and pretend they dont happen, which is no good.

In response to the meeting, the Daily Mail reports that the Bishop of Bradford, Tony Howarth, shared that it was hugely important for families to come together to talk. He explained how important Prince Willam and Middletons appearance was, noting: At a bumpy time for our nation here is a young couple at ease with themselves and at ease with all the different communities theyve met today, bringing people together and showing we are all at our best as one family.

Queen Elizabeth approved Prince Harry and Markles plan

When Prince Harry and Markle returned from their six week break from royal duties, they dropped a bombshell announcement. At the time, the couple shared on Instagram their plan to take a step back from their current roles.

Queen Elizabeth called a special meeting to discuss the issues involved, issuing a statement afterward that explained her support of their situation.

Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family, she noted, adding, My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family.

She continued: Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.

The queen addressed the Sussexes request to be financially independent, explaining: Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her country's support in bringing the perpetrators of last week's plane crash in Iran to justice, according to a statement issued by Mr Zelensky's office.

After initially denying blame, Iran acknowledged at the weekend it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 on board.

Mr Zelensky said in a phone call with Ms Merkel that he expects the perpetrators to be prosecuted and the families and airline to be compensated. "The president of Ukraine called on Germany to contribute politically to this process," the statement said.
David Attenborough spoke to Greta Thunberg for the first time in December for BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

With Greta guest editing the show on December 30, she was given the chance to speak to her idol after being inspired to fight climate change through his and other's nature documentaries.

Here is a transcript of their conversation, with Sir David speaking from London, Greta from Stockholm and presenter Mishal Husain conducting the interview.

Greta: Hi it's very nice to meet you, it's an honour.

Sir David: I'm very flattered that you would say that.

She [Greta] has achieved things that many of us that have been working on it for 20 years have not achieved. You have aroused the world.

Greta: I think everyone is grateful to you. It's very inspiring.

Mishal: What made you do this?

It was when I was younger, when I was nine or 10. The thing that made me open my eyes was documentaries about the changing climate. So thank you for that.

Sir David: I'm very flattered you did, because a lot of people didn't.

The trouble is politicians are just concerned about tomorrow and the day after.

The motto that the world belongs to young people, that's a very powerful one.

You have made it an argument people can't dodge.

Greta: That doesn't translate into political actions though. We need to highlight the difference between what the scientists are saying and what the politicians are doing.

Sir David: I'm not a scientist. I like making programmes about natural history. That's what I like doing. I'm sure you like sitting down and watching them.

I don't want to spend our time marching through the streets. But we have to.

People of my generation should be very grateful to you.

Greta: When you started making the programmes, were you allowed to talk about environmental stuff  or was it too controversial?

Sir David: Twenty years ago it was controversial. No, dash it, 20 years ago it wasn't. We could see the writing very clearly on the wall.

I did a programme at Easter Island to celebrate the millennium when I said this is an example of what happens when you ignore what is happening.

That was the first time I said, we are going to have to change the political structures, our everyday lives.

But nobody took a blind bit of notice.

Twenty years on it is desperately urgent.

In my country we are going through this political turmoil with Europe. No one is talking about climate change, except for you.

Sir David: Every day that we delay things we are missing an opportunity. But at the same time, we are demanding a world movement. That's a first in world history.

We can't ask everyone to think the same way. I don't think that will happen in mine or your lifetimes.

When governments in Brazil, US, Australia, say things that make it clear they are not going to listen. It's very depressing. It needs a real electric shock. But that's you have done socially.

Mishal: Is there a generational divide?

Sir David: There's not a generational divide. You can find people of all ages and conditions saying what we're saying. We just need more of them.

Greta: Yeah I agree. But we see it in a different way. See it as something that affects their children and grandchildren. It affects all of us at the end of the day.

Mishal: Word of caution to Greta?

David: I don't think I should advise her. What she has already achieved is astonishing.

It's very difficult to know how you can go on saying the same thing. Unless you introduce a new element.

The problem is more urgent now.

Mishal: Thank you and I hope you meet in person someday.

Sir David: So do I  until we do  I do thank you very much.

Greta: You too  Happy holidays!
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating claims on behalf of investors of 500.com Limited ("500.com" or the "Company") (NYSE: WBAI) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

500.com investors who purchased, or otherwise acquired, 500.com securities between April 27, 2018 and December 31, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") are encouraged to contact Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. to discuss the investigation and potential claims.

On January 15, 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of persons or entities who purchased, or otherwise acquired, publicly-traded 500.com securities between April 27, 2018 and December 31, 2019, inclusive. The class action lawsuit seeks to recover compensable damages for violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

According to the lawsuit, 500.com Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) 500.com executives and consultants engaged in a bribery scheme with Japanese officials in an effort to gain favor in a bid to run an upcoming Japanese casino resort; (2) consequently, 500.com was in violation of Japanese anti-bribery laws and its Code of Ethics; and (3) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you wish to discuss the class action lawsuit, Kehoe Law Firm's investigation or have questions about your potential legal rights, please contact either John Kehoe, Esq, (215) 792-6676, Ext. 801, [email protected], or Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected], to learn more about the investigation or potential legal claims.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C., with offices in New York and Philadelphia, is a multidisciplinary, plaintiffside law firm dedicated to protecting investors from securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties, and corporate misconduct. Combined, the partners at Kehoe Law Firm have served as Lead Counsel or Co-Lead Counsel in cases that have recovered more than $10 billion dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors.

SOURCE Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Related Links

http://www.kehoelawfirm.com


Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (January 16) met representatives of Bru refugees in New Delhi and inked an agreement aimed at ending the crisis of Bru refugees from Mizoram and for their settlement in Tripura. The agreement was signed in presence of Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga.

During the meeting, Shah said that approximately 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre has approved a Rs 600 crore package for this purpose.

He added that Bru refugees will get a 40 by 30 feet plot along with a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakhs, cash assistance of Rs 5000 per month for 2 years and free ration.

Shah thanked PM Modi for resolving the issue and said that the governments of Tripura and Mizoram will now work for the welfare of Bru refugees with the help of the Centre.

It may be recalled that Tripura CM Deb agreed to the settling of the Bru refugees also called Reangs in Tripura in November 2019.

The Bru refugees live in an area spread across parts of Mizoram, Tripura and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. In 1997, a resolution was passed by the Bru National Union demanding an Autonomous District Council, which was opposed by the government and the Young Mizos Association (Mizo Zirlai Pawl or MZP).
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Secretary General of Lebanese Red Cross Georges Kettaneh announced on Wednesday that 35 people were injured in the evening clashes between the Lebanese army and protesters in Mar Elias, Beirut, LBCI local TV channel reported.

Both army members and protesters were injured and they were transferred to hospitals for treatment.

Protests kicked off again on Tuesday and they continued on Wednesday to protest against the current ruling class for its inability to form a cabinet capable to save the country from further deterioration.

Protesters' main demands include the formation of an independent cabinet, the fight against corruption and the trial of corrupted politicians in addition to other basic demands.




[January 16, 2020] AI Therapeutics Announces that a Common LAM-002 Mechanism in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases Shows Antitumor Activity in the Clinic and Hope for ALS

AI Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that has created an artificial intelligence-driven drug development platform for matching drugs to new indications. The company has made significant recent progress with its four clinical assets and proprietary Guardian Angel algorithm. LAM-002 is a first-in-class, PIKfyve kinase inhibitor that activates transcription factor EB (TFEB), the master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis.1 TFEB activation clears toxic aggregates that drive neurodegenerative disorders.2-4 Dr. Murat Gunel, Nixdorff-German Professor of Neurosurgery and Professor of Genetics and of Neuroscience at Yale University and a member of AI Therapeutics' Scientific Advisory Board indicated, "A wealth of new data points to the accumulation of toxic proteins as a common mechanism in neurodegenerative conditions disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. We look forward to bringing the most advanced PIKfyve inhibitor into clinical development for patients suffering from ALS. We are pleased that our Guardian AngelTM platform made the connection of LAM-002 to ALS and that the finding was validated in our laboratories and with our collaborators, as well as in independent research published in Nature Medicine.5" Through its action on the lysosome, LAM-002 also selectively kills tumor cells. AI Therapeutics has recently completed enrollment in a clinical trial with patients previously treated for follicular lymphoma. Efficacy has been obseved with LAM-002 as a single agent and when combined with rituximab or atezolizumab. LAM-002 appears to be well-tolerated with patients on continuous treatment for well over a year. Dr. Sarah Rutherford, Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine noted "LAM-002 represents a novel targeted approach to treat patients with follicular lymphoma. Our patients have shown durable objective responses while on LAM-002 therapy without the adverse effects often associated with other drugs."



AI Therapeutics is also pleased to announce that it had a Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the registrational program for LAM-002 in patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma. At this meeting, AI Therapeutics reached concurrence on the design of a pivotal trial that could support accelerated approval. The clinical data to support full approval in patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma was also discussed and a path forward was detailed. LAM-002 has received Fast Track status and Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the therapy of follicular lymphoma. The safety and clinical data for LAM-002 are expected to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in 2020.

1Gayle, S. et al., Blood. 2017 Mar 30;129(13):1768-1778. 2Polito, V. et al., EMBO Mol Med. 2014 Sep;6(9):1142-60. 3Xiao, Q. et al., J Neurosci. 2014 Jul 16;34(29):9607-20. 4Decressac, M. et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 7;110(19):E1817-26. 5Shi Y., et al. Nat Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):313-325. About AI Therapeutics AI Therapeutics has built a state-of-the-art deep learning platform, Guardian AngelTM, that synthesizes public and proprietary data on drugs and diseases and finds new indications for our library of new chemical entities. Aided by Guardian AngelTM we now have four drugs in the clinic, including drugs that shrink cancers, the most promising candidate to treat ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and drugs with applications for longevity. AI Therapeutics is a 4Catalyzer company, and benefits from the advantages of being part of an incubator with >300 scientists and engineers, and offices in Connecticut, New York, Silicon Valley, and Taiwan. The mission of 4Catalyzer is to save the lives of people we love and make healthcare more accessible. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005039/en/

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Nanoscience can arrange minute molecular entities into nanometric patterns in an orderly manner using self-assembly protocols. Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have functionalized a simple rod-like building block with hydroxamic acids at both ends. They form molecular networks that not only display the complexity and beauty of mono-component self-assembly on surfaces; they also exhibit exceptional properties.

Designing components for molecular self-assembly calls for functionalities that 'interlock'. For example, our genetic information is encoded in two DNA strands, zipped together in a 'spiral staircase' double helix structure in a self-assembly process that is stabilized by hydrogen bonding.

Inspired by nature's 'zippers' researchers at the Technical University of Munich aim to construct functional nanostructures to push the boundaries of man-made structures.

Building blocks for complex nanostructures

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich, diverse in discipline, nationality and gender, joined forces to explore a new feature in two-dimensional architectures: a chemical group named hydroxamic acid.

A conceptually simple building block was prepared at the Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics: a rod-like molecule with a hydroxamic acid group at each end. This building block was then transferred to the Chair of Surface and Interface Physics, where its assembly was inspected on atomically planar silver and gold surfaces.

A nano-porous network

A combination of advanced microscopy tools, spectroscopy and density functional theory investigations found that the molecular building block adapts its shape somewhat in the environment of the supporting surface and its neighboring molecules. This affords an unusual manifold of supramolecular surface motifs: two to six molecules held together by intermolecular interactions.

Only a handful of these motifs self-organized into 2-D crystals. Among them, an unparalleled network emerged, whose patterns evoke images of sliced lemons, snowflakes or rosettes. They feature three differently sized pores able to snuggly hold individual small molecules of gas such as carbon monoxide in the smallest, or small proteins like insulin in the largest.

"In this regard, it is a milestone in the tessellations achieved by molecular nanostructures and the number of different pores expressed in crystalline 2-D networks," says Dr. Anthoula Papageorgiou, last author of the publication. "It thus offers unique opportunities in bottom-up nano-templating, which we will explore further."

Nanocages with a twist

Like our left and right hands, the shape of two mirrored cage structures cannot be superimposed. Since the 19th century, academics have characterized this type of object symmetry as 'chiral', from the ancient Greek ? (hand). These kinds of molecules are frequently found in natural compounds. Chirality influences interactions of polarized light and magnetic properties and plays a vital role in life.

For example, our olfactory receptors react very differently to the two mirror images of the limonene molecule: one smells like lemon, the other like pine. This so-called chiral recognition is a process that can determine whether a molecule acts as medicine or poison.

The inner walls of the obtained nanostructure cages offer sites that can direct guest molecules. The researchers observed such a process in some of the larger pores, where three of the same molecules assembled as a chiral object. At room temperature, this object is in motion, like a music box ballerina, leading to a blurred image.

In their future work, the team hopes to steer these kinds of phenomena for chiral recognition and artificial nano-machinery.

###

Funding was provided by the Postdoctoral Council of China, the China Scholarship Council, the International Max Planck Research School of Advanced Photon Science, the European Union's research project 2D-INK, the European Research Council (project NanoSurfs), the German Research Foundation (via Cluster of Excellence Munich?Centre for Advanced Photonics and Heisenberg professorship). Computations were performed on the Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network (SHARCNET) and the Cedar, Graham, and Niagara clusters of Compute/Calcul Canada.

Publication:

C. Jing, B. Zhang, S. Synkule, M. Ebrahimi, A. Riss, W. Auwarter, L. Jiang, G. Medard, J. Reichert, J. V. Barth, and A. C. Papageorgiou

Snapshots of dynamic adaptation: Two-dimensional molecular architectonics with linear bis-hydroxamic acid modules

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 58, 52 18948-18956
She asked Vasquez to sentence Wilson to four years in prison.

Wilson asked Vasquez for leniency, saying he didn't have four children with his fiance to leave her alone.

"That's not the kind of person I am," he said. "My thing was I was going to make sure my family and my kids never had to go without two parents in the house."

He said he wished Wesby's family had attended the hearing, so he could apologize to them.

Vasquez said he believed the testimony from Wilson's friends and family and that people can change.

Vasquez said it was amazing Wilson told investigators he didn't remember the name of the person to whom he gave a gun.

"This is who you're with," he said. "Some stranger in the car."

Vasquez said it appeared Wilson made a series of good choices after the 2010 homicide, but he also had to be held accountable for past actions.

"You were part of a chain of events that led to someone's death," he said.
Revenue from New Customers Doubled in 2019 as GridGain Received Multiple Growth and Technology-Based Awards and Announced Major New Products

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020, provider of enterprise-grade in-memory computing solutions based on Apache Ignite, today announced continued strong momentum in 2019 across all phases of the company. Key achievements included generating twice as much revenue from new customers in 2019 as compared to 2018, receiving multiple prestigious industry honors, launching key product and service innovations, and growing the popular In-Memory Computing Summit in North America and Europe.



"2019 was a pivotal year for in-memory computing as mature platforms became the foundation for high performance, massively scalable production environments all around the world," said Abe Kleinfeld, president and CEO of GridGain. "As fast data becomes a competitive necessity for more businesses, our customers are coming from an ever-widening range of industries, including e-commerce and retail, financial services, fintech, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation and more. This trend will accelerate in 2020 as more and more companies undergo digital transformations. GridGain will continue to lead the in-memory computing industry with innovative products, thought leadership, and customer growth."

Growth

Revenue from new customers signed in 2019 was 98% higher than in 2018.

The number of new customers in 2019 at least doubled compared to 2018 in key industries including financial services, telecommunications, retail and travel.

Revenue from new customers in 2019 grew by at least 350% in key sectors including financial services, retail, and transportation and logistics.

Awards

Named to the Deloitte 2019 Technology Fast 500 (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-systems-named-deloitte-2019-technology-fast-500) list for the second consecutive year, ranked #47 nationally with 797 percent revenue growth over the past four years.

Ranked #4 on the Silicon Valley Business Journal Fast Private Awards 2019 (https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/nomination/84215/2020/fast-private-awards-2019) list.

Named to the 2019 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-systems-named-inc-5000-list-americas-fastest-growing-private) for the third consecutive year, ranked #558 overall, #72 among software companies, #28 in the San Francisco metro area, and #99 in the California.

Received a 2019 Bossie Award for best open source software (https://www.infoworld.com/article/3444198/the-best-open-source-software-of-2019.html?upd=1575937969480slide17) for GridGain Community Edition.

Ranked #20 on the San Francisco Business Times list of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area 2019 (https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/subscriber-only/2019/10/18/fastest-growing-private-companies-in-1.html).

Received American Business Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Computer Software - Medium (https://stevieawards.com/aba/company-organization-awards-1) and a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Technology Product of the Year - Other (https://stevieawards.com/aba/product-management-new-product-awards).

Included in the Database Trends & Applications (DBTA) annual Trend-Setting Products in Data and Information Management for 2020 (http://www.dbta.com/Editorial/Trends-and-Applications/Trend-Setting-Products-in-Data-and-Information-Management-for-2020-135365.aspx).

Included in the Database Trends & Applications (DBTA) annual DBTA 100 2019 list of the Companies That Matter Most in Data (http://www.dbta.com/Editorial/Trends-and-Applications/DBTA-100-2019---The-Companies-That-Matter-Most-in-Data-132162.aspx).

Received a 2019 Gold Bloor Mutable Award (https://go.gridgain.com/rs/491-TWR-806/images/Bloor_InBrief.pdf).

Products, Services and Partnerships

Introduced the GridGain Data Lake Accelerator (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-data-lake-accelerator-powers-real-time-analytics-across), an in-memory solution for digital businesses that need to combine operational data with historical data stored in data lakes to power real-time analytics and decision automation. The GridGain Data Lake Accelerator is available for use with the GridGain Enterprise Edition (https://www.gridgain.com/products/software/enterprise-edition) and GridGain Ultimate Edition (https://www.gridgain.com/products/software/ultimate-edition). A free 30-day trial of these three products is available from the GridGain Downloads (https://www.gridgain.com/resources/download) page.

Released GridGain for z/OS (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/grid-gain-systems-releases-grid-gain-for-z-OS-expanding-its-market-leading-in-memory-computing-solution-to-the-mainframe), an optimized version of the GridGain in-memory computing platform for use on the IBM z/OS operating system. GridGain's market-leading in-memory computing solution now runs on virtually all platforms and operating systems, from commodity servers to mainframes.

Released the GridGain Community Edition (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-community-edition-brings-production-readiness-apache-ignite) to bring production readiness to Apache Ignite. GridGain Community Edition includes the Apache Ignite code base plus patches and additional functionality developed to improve performance, reliability, security and manageability.

Introduced the first support offering for Apache Ignite (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-unveils-support-offering-for-apache-ignite). GridGain Basic Support for Apache Ignite (https://www.gridgain.com/products/services/support/support-apache-ignite) enables companies with new or existing Apache Ignite deployments to access the deep expertise of GridGain's support engineers to troubleshoot performance or reliability issues and identify configuration optimizations, workarounds or software patches to improve the performance of their Ignite environment.

Released new consulting services packages for Apache Ignite and GridGain Community Edition (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-offers-new-consulting-services-packages-apache-ignite-and). The blocks of consulting hours can be used for assistance with a wide variety of tasks, such as software configuration and setup, performance optimizations, architectural design planning or review, and much more. Available in 30-hour blocks, all consulting is delivered remotely, providing cost-effective access to the deep expertise of the GridGain Professional Services team.

Introduced GridGain Developer Bundles (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-developer-bundles-help-accelerate-digital-transformations) to help accelerate digital transformations. The new GridGain Developer Bundles (https://www.gridgain.com/products/services/developer-bundles) help companies implementing Apache Ignite or GridGain speed the development and rollout of real-time, massively scalable applications through in-depth developer training and consulting assistance with common tasks, such as architectural reviews and performance optimizations. Once live, the support services included in the bundles ensure that any issues that arise in the pre-production or production deployments can be submitted to the GridGain customer engineering team for rapid resolution.

GridGain and Azul Systems collaborated (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-and-azul-systems) to enable Java for ultra low-latency use cases (https://www.gridgain.com/experience/solutions/application-performance/ultra-low-latency) at massive scale. Joint testing of a GridGain cluster running on Zing , Azul Systems' optimized Java Virtual Machine (JVM), revealed that a GridGain distributed cluster run on Zing can consistently deliver 10x better latency for the 99.99 th percentile in comparison to general-purpose JVMs.

, Azul Systems' optimized Java Virtual Machine (JVM), revealed that a GridGain distributed cluster run on Zing can consistently deliver 10x better latency for the 99.99 percentile in comparison to general-purpose JVMs. Added automatic data persistence, high availability and immediate restarts (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-cloud-in-memory-computing-platform-service-adds-automatic-data) to the GridGain Cloud In-Memory-Computing-Platform-as-a-Service. GridGain Cloud can be launched with just a few mouse clicks. It delivers in-memory speed by maintaining all data in memory and offers unlimited horizontal scalability by distributing data across a distributed cluster of servers. New nodes can be added to the cluster dynamically. The data held in memory is continually backed up to disk and is available in seconds in the event of a restart.

Made the GridGain in-memory computing platform available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-in-memory-computing-platform-now-available-in-microsoft-azure). The availability of GridGain via the Microsoft Azure Marketplace enables companies deploying databases on Azure to confidently add extreme speed and massive scalability for data-intensive applications.

Joined the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and The Linux Foundation (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/gridgain-joins-cloud-native-computing-foundation), demonstrating its support for the CNCF with a Silver Membership and participating in the foundation's programs and guidance related to supporting cloud-native applications.

In-Memory Computing Thought Leadership

The fifth annual In-Memory Computing Summit North America (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/in-memory-computing-summit-north-america-2019-demonstrates-how) took place in November 2019 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. More than 30 industry leaders delivered six keynote addresses and 25 breakout sessions. More than 540 people registered to attend, representing 321 organizations from 13 countries on 4 continents, a 22 percent increase in registrations compared to the 2018 event.

North America (https://www.gridgain.com/company/news/press-releases/in-memory-computing-summit-north-america-2019-demonstrates-how) took place in November 2019 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. More than 30 industry leaders delivered six keynote addresses and 25 breakout sessions. More than 540 people registered to attend, representing 321 organizations from 13 countries on 4 continents, a 22 percent increase in registrations compared to the 2018 event. The third annual In-Memory Computing Summit Europe (https://www.imcsummit.org/2019/eu/) took place in June 2019 at the Park Plaza Victoria London. More than 38 industry leaders delivered 5 keynote addresses and 36 breakout sessions. More than 500 people representing 271 organizations from 26 countries on 5 continents registered to attend, a 70 percent increase in registrations compared to 2018.

Europe (https://www.imcsummit.org/2019/eu/) took place in June 2019 at the Park Plaza Victoria London. More than 38 industry leaders delivered 5 keynote addresses and 36 breakout sessions. More than 500 people representing 271 organizations from 26 countries on 5 continents registered to attend, a 70 percent increase in registrations compared to 2018. GridGain continued its global effort to help businesses understand how in-memory computing addresses the speed and scalability requirements of modern, data-intensive applications. The company participated in 17 industry conferences, hosted 24 webinars and workshops, and organized or provided speakers for 50 meetups around the world.

The GridGain in-memory computing platform is built on a memory-centric architecture that can leverage ongoing advancements in memory and storage technologies to power digital transformations, machine learning and IoT applications, and Digital Integration Hub architectures. GridGain offers up to a 1,000x improvement in performance for applications built on disk-based databases. GridGain supports data processing APIs including ANSI-99 SQL, key-value, compute, machine learning and more, and supports ACID transactions, all at in-memory speeds.

Additional Resources

To learn more about the GridGain in-memory computing platform:

Read the "Introducing the GridGain In-Memory Computing Platform (https://www.gridgain.com/resources/papers/introducing-gridgain-in-memory-computing-platform)" white paper

Gain knowledge from the GridGain Developer Portal (https://www.gridgain.com/developer)and GridGain Webinars (https://www.gridgain.com/resources/webinars)

See how GridGain helps CTOs & CIOs (https://www.gridgain.com/persona/ctoscios), Architects (https://www.gridgain.com/persona/architects), Business Decision Makers (https://www.gridgain.com/persona/business-decision-makers) and Developers (https://www.gridgain.com/persona/developers)

Read GridGain customer success stories (https://www.gridgain.com/experience/featured-customers) and industry use cases (https://www.gridgain.com/experience/industries)

About GridGain Systems

GridGain Systems is revolutionizing real-time data access and processing by offering an in-memory computing platform built on Apache Ignite. GridGain solutions are used by global enterprises in financial services, software, e-commerce, retail, online business services, healthcare, telecom, transportation and other major sectors, with a client list that includes ING, Raymond James, American Express, Societe Generale, Finastra, IHS Markit, ServiceNow, Marketo, RingCentral, American Airlines, Agilent, and UnitedHealthcare. GridGain delivers unprecedented speed and massive scalability to both legacy and greenfield applications. Deployed on a distributed cluster of commodity servers, GridGain software can reside between the application and data layers.

CONTACT:

Terry Erisman

GridGain Systems

terisman@gridgain.com

(650) 241-2281

GridGain is a trademark or registered trademark of GridGain Systems, Inc. Apache, Apache Hadoop, Hadoop, Apache Ignite, Ignite, Apache Kafka, Kafka, Apache Spark, and Spark are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
OPINION: "This should be a no-brainer, so whats the problem? Some members of the RTA board are hesitant to change the scope of the First Avenue project. They appear to want Tucson to build a six-lane roadway because it was the project scope promised in the 2006 plan and the RTA must do what was promised no matter the need or the cost. Decisions by the RTA Board should be made based on facts and data, not out of fear of public perceptions and long ago promises," write Tucsonans Ruth Reiman and Jane Evans.
Bombardier fell the most on record after warning of disappointing fourth-quarter sales and revealing that it may exit a joint venture with Airbus that makes the A220 jetliner.

A ramp-up in A220 production will require additional cash investment, pushing back the break-even point and generating lower returns across the lifetime of the project, Bombardier said in a statement Thursday. The value of the A220 joint venture is likely to be diminished and the amount of any writedown will be disclosed with full 2019 results next month, the company said.

The potential end of Bombardier's involvement in the A220 program is combining with continued woes in the company's rail business to undermine a once-great name in manufacturing. Walking away from the A220 would close the book on Bombardier's involvement in an aircraft program in which the company invested more than $6 billion.

Profitability and free cash flow are "significantly lower than previously anticipated," amounting to a big setback for the company, Fadi Chamoun, an analyst at Bank of Montreal, said in a note to clients. Bombardier's reassessment of its participation in the A220 program is likely to result in a writedown, he said.

Bombardier plunged 36% to C$1.14 at 10:09 a.m. in Toronto after sliding as much as 39% for the biggest intraday tumble on record. That dragged shares to the lowest level in almost four years.

Yields on Bombardier's $1.5 billion in notes due 2025 rose to 7.7%, the highest since Nov. 1. Bond yields move inversely to prices.

Bombardier said fourth-quarter sales would be $4.2 billion, trailing the lowest analyst estimate in a survey by Bloomberg.

The results were dragged down in part by new challenges in the company's rail division. Bombardier said it would take a $350 million accounting charge because of problems in London, Switzerland and Germany.

The timing of milestone payments and the slippage of four business-jet deliveries into the first quarter of 2020 also clipped results late last year, Bombardier said.

Liquidity remains strong, with year-end cash on hand of roughly $2.6 billion, Bombardier said. But the company is considering alternatives to accelerate its deleveraging and strengthen its balance sheet.

"The final step in our turnaround is to de-lever and solve our capital structure," Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemare said in the statement. "We are actively pursuing alternatives that would allow us to accelerate our debt paydown."

The company is scheduled to report full earnings Feb. 13.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

The potential end of Bombardier's involvement in the A220 would cap a retreat that began in 2018 when the company ceded control of the platform to Airbus for no upfront cash. The plane won praise for its fuel-efficient engines, composite wings and larger than usual windows. But the program ran more than two years late and about $2 billion over budget, and Bombardier had trouble finding buyers in an industry dominated by Airbus and Boeing.

Airbus said it would continue funding the A220 program "on its way to break-even." The European aerospace giant owns a 50.01% stake in the regional jet, with Bombardier retaining 31% and state-backed Investissement Quebec holding some 19%.

The jet added 63 orders in 2019, with 105 currently in service and a backlog of close to 500 planes. Airbus will begin producing the A220 on a second assembly line this year at its factory in Mobile, Alabama.

Bombardier agreed last year to sell a plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that makes wings for the A220. The buyer, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, is seeking to boost its exposure to Airbus programs after suffering as a supplier to Boeing's grounded 737 Max.

The Canadian company also agreed to sell its regional-jet program to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
Letpadaung Farmers Clamor For Compensation For Land Lost to Chinese Mining Project in Myanmar

2020-01-14 -- Villagers who live in a copper mining area of northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing region said Monday that previous recommendations by a parliamentary commission about a Chinese-backed mine project have yet to be implemented, and that the company has failed to pay them fair compensation for land they forfeited for the project.

In a report issued in March 2013, a commission chaired by current Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi issued nearly 100 recommendations, among the most important of which were an acknowledgement that the Letpadaung mine in Salingyi township had affected the environment and that farmers had been forcibly evicted from their land to make way for the project.

The body advised the Chinese company to compensate farmers, but concluded that it could continue its mining activities in Letpadaung.

Farmers who had to forfeit land for the project have long complained and protested that the company and the regional government have failed to implement the commission's measures.

"We haven't seen any implementation of the recommendations so far," said Ko Myo, an activist helping local farmers. "The [company] has monthly meetings, but they never inform us about meeting discussions."

"When we asked them about it, they say they are working on it," he said. "So far, there has been no progress and no transparency."

The most recent agitation among villagers for fair compensation came in the run-up to a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be in Myanmar on Jan. 17-18 to push for a speedier build-out of Chinese development projects under his massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to analysts.

Myanmar Wanbao Copper Mining Ltd., a subsidiary of China's Wanbao Mining Ltd., operates the controversial Letpadaung copper mine and other mines in Sagaing region as joint ventures with the Myanmar military conglomerate Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (UMEHL).

"Our lands have been confiscated since 2011, and they paid us compensation in 2013," said Yee Win of Sae Tel village, adding that residents received 1.8 million kyats (U.S. $1,208) per acre at the time.

"But we find that the company is now paying up to 20 million kyats [U.S. $13,425] per acre even for the vacant, infertile lands," she told RFA's Myanmar Service. "The farmers got as much as 19 million kyats [U.S. $12,755] after paying middlemen."

She added that the provisions of a law pertaining to land confiscations that took effect in 2012 should apply to the land that the villagers had to give up.

"We suggested that, and they gave answers as if it was not relevant," Yee Win said.

'Unecessary demands'

Farmer San Nwe from Taw Kyaung village said Myanmar Wanbao Copper Mining has not complied with relevant laws since it began the project let alone any of the parliamentary commission's recommendations.

"It hasn't implemented any suggestions or recommendations from the commission," she told RFA.

"It needs to create 1,900 acres of land near the villages as a replacement for the confiscated land," she said. "It is supposed to give up the extra land it has confiscated. It is supposed to create job opportunities for the locals. Now, there is nothing. The local villagers are having more problems than benefits."

The parliamentary commission found that Myanmar Wanbao Copper Mining confiscated more than 7,800 acres of land, which it said was more than enough for the mining project. It also suggested that farmers who gave up land should be compensated in part with 1,900 acres of vacant land from nearby villages.

Some farmers in the Letpadaung area say they have not accepted compensation for their confiscated farmland, and many others have held protests over the years to try to get the company to give them the replacement land.

They said they are not satisfied with new plots of land given to them by the Sagaing regional government because they are infertile and are located far from their villages.

"They are making unnecessary demands," said Myint Kyi, Sagaing's municipal affairs minister. "For example, they want the 19,000 acres of replacement land to be near their villages, but this is only possible if there is vacant land near the village. They don't like the replacement land we created for them."

RFA could not reach Myint Kyi, who is in charge of the UMEHL but no relation to Sagaing's municipal affairs minister, or Myanmar Wanbao Copper Mining for comment.

Reported by Zarni Htun for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Rada passes "tax terror bill", on sixth anniversary of "dictatorship laws"

22:30, 16.01.20 12586

New legislation may lead to a loss of 1% of the country's GDP, experts warn.
Job

Title: Finance and Administration Officer

Organization: YWCA-YMCA Global

Duty

Station:

Uganda

Reports to: Program Advisor

About

US:

YWCAYMCA

Global (YGlobal) is an organization for development and solidarity. We are

owned by the Norwegian YWCA-YMCA and the YWCA-YMCA Guides and Scouts of Norway,

and work in partnership with our sister organizations in the World Alliance of

YMCAs and World YWCA. Our vision, together building global justice and peace emphasizes

our belief that ii we work together we can create a better world for everyone.

Job Summary: The Administration and Finance Officer is

responsible for the effective and efficient management of the budget and assets.

He/she will ensure the transparent organization of procurement of goods and

services in order to support project officers in administrative and financial

management. He/she must secure and present organization assets, equipment, and

programs through the application of policies and procedures. The work will be

done in close collaboration with Stromme Foundatioan and YGlobals headquarters

in Oslo. The position will be based at YGlobals office in Kiryandongo, Uganda

with frequent travels to Kampala. Below is a list of key roles and

responsibilities entailing this position, although other duties might be added

when so desired by the YGlobal Management in Norway..

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration

and Logistics

 Preparation of purchase

orders for goods and sen/ices Prepare limited consultation files and bidding

documents

 Coordinate bid

evaluation. Ensure that contractual documents relating to acquisitions and

contracts are available and well archived.

 Assist in the planning

and preparation of the missions of irom YGiobal headquarters (local,

transportation, accommodation. etc)

 Assist in the planning,

implementation and follow-up of practical aspects related to W0tkShDps and

trainings organized by YGlobal (room rental, invitations and registration of

participants, coordination of meals, etc.)

Finance and Accounting

 Prepare financial

reports on the operation of the country office for the preparation of

consolidated financial reports.

 Prepare and submit to SF

quality financial management reports (monthly, quarterly and annual).

 Ensure timely

liquidation of advances

 Prepare and provide cash

management to ensure the availability of funds for operations.

 Assist in budget

monitoring and regular dispatch of administrative and financial documents to SF

for the provision of regional office accounts.

 Assist in the annual

budget of the YGlobal country office

 Manage financial

transactions to meet objectives and requirements for financial expenses and

reporting

 Implement internal

financial controls & payment processes to achieve value for money at all

times.

 Ensure proper

documentation of all transactions, cross referencing, recording and filing.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

 Undergraduate studies in

finance, accounting, commerce.

 Minimum 2 years of

working experience in similar position. Proficiency in common computer packages

Led, word, PowerPoint, excel Experience of working with Refugees is an

advantage

 Experience of working

with Gender related issues is an added advantage Excellent written and verbal

communication in English

 Sound knowledge of

social, economic and political situation of South Sudan.

 Excellent

problem-solving skills.

 Ability to deliver

results on time

 Ability to work

independently with minimal supen/ision

 Excellent negotiation

and relationship management

 Analytical and anticipating

 Ability to write clear,

concise reports and budgets

 Communicate clearly and

effectively

 Demonstrate flexibility

and understanding

 A sense of fairness,

transparency and rigor integrity and integrity

 Proactivity and able to

take initiative

 Qualified South Sudan are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

If

you believe you fit the above profile, please e-mail your application to: icteastafrica@stromme.org with a copy to richard@yglobal.no . Subject line should be in format of either

Application-Finance and Administration Officer or Application- Program Manager

accordingly, please attach electronic copies/ scanned copies of your curriculum

vitae, application letter, current remuneration, day and evening telephone

numbers, photocopies of relevant testimonials and contacts of three referees

Deadline: 26th January

2020

For more of the

latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or

find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Police finish their investigation on the scene of a fatal shooting in Overbrook Jan. 12. It was one of 22 killings to start the year. Read more

Heres the macabre reality of Philadelphia: January is supposed to be the quiet season. A frigid month when the killings ebb. But its been anything but quiet here since the beginning of the new decade.

If you count the three people killed on New Years Eve, 27 people have been killed in 16 days. Among the dead: A South Philly store owner. A 25-year-old foster mother. A 15-year-old boy.

Someone was stabbed in Center City. A man in Northwest Philadelphia pulled a gun out on a block, aimed at a man holding an 18-month-old child in his arms, and fired anyway. The child suffered a graze wound to his head.

Another few millimeters, and wed have another dead toddler in Philadelphia. Take that in. Another.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Jim Kenney said his goal was to reduce homicides by 30% by the end of his second term, and cut shootings by a quarter. Its two weeks into the year. I hate to sound pessimistic. But this is startling carnage, and as more deaths mount, the more lofty those goals feel.

 READ MORE: Kenneys second term is underway. Heres what he promises to do in the next four years.

A central part of Kenneys plan to reach those goals, the city has said, is a return to some version of a program implemented in those heady times not seven years ago, when homicides were plummeting: Focused Deterrence.

Or, as were calling it now, group violence intervention. Whatever its called, the idea, in its earlier iteration in South Philadelphia in 2013, was to try to reduce shootings and homicides by first identifying the young men  many in neighborhood street crews  who were most likely to shoot or be shot, and flood them with offers of social services. Some models, including our old one, also deployed what can best be described as a hammer of enforcement.

If one gang member in the program ended up pulling a trigger, an array of police and prosecutors would make life difficult for any gang member connected to the triggerman. Surprise probation visits. Enforcing child support payments. Reviving old cases. Upping bail. They would even turn off utilities, if they suspected someone was stealing them.

When it worked, it worked. The program brought about a 35% reduction in shootings.

But the focused deterrence program ended the way things do sometimes in Philadelphia. We lost our focus. And the shootings ticked back up.

The social services  like jobs  fell apart. Or never really got off the ground in the first place. Without real help for the people it was targeting, focused deterrence became not much more than a list of hundreds of young black men in crisis who would get nothing but the full weight of the law on their shoulders.

So focused deterrence  especially the 2013 version  isnt a cure-all to solve the homicide crisis. But its being sold here as a central pillar of our citys new plan to stop the killings. The shiny new thing.

Its just that no one can say what the shiny new thing really looks like. Just months away from the launch, were still talking in broad strokes rather than stark details, as my colleague Chris Palmer reported. And if any program needs a full accounting of the details, its this one, if nothing else to convince understandably skeptical communities that the goal here is save their childrens lives and not just lock them up.

 READ MORE: Philly wants to bring back a version of an old strategy to fight gun violence. Specifics are pending.

What we know is this: The program is planned for West Philadelphia, the aim is to get going by April, and everyone agrees it will lean more heavily on social services this time around.

The prior iteration of this program overly relied on enforcement, and were committed to doing better and having more resources available, City Managing Director Brian Abernathy said. But, he said, the model will definitely include enforcement. Thats how its supposed to work.

Im skeptical any version of focused deterrence can succeed in a city with so much infighting between departments. Especially now, with District Attorney Larry Krasner and the police so often at each others throats. The program cant work without cooperation. That means cops have to stop blaming Krasner for everything, and Krasner has to commit to a program whose past enforcement protocols seem to clash with his offices progressive bent.

 READ MORE: Philly FOP boss visits President Trump at White House to criticize DA Larry Krasner

Krasner says hes in, if at least half of the hundreds of thousands of dollars set aside for focused deterrence will go toward help and resources  the right ones  for the young men it targets. He says hes also down for stricter enforcement for known shooters and their associates  but not with targeting everyone connected to a shooter.

Were not down with guilt by association," he said. Were not going to ride roughshod over the Constitution.

Both Krasner and Abernathy agree the program needs to be fleshed out.

But it needs to get worked out  publicly  now. Because if January is the quiet season, God help us.
Striking health worker unions are expected to respond today to a pay offer made by Health Minister Robin Swann earlier this week. Nurses and health care workers have been staging industrial action in protest against pay and staffing levels which they say are unsafe.



On Tuesday, Mr Swann announced a plan in the Northern Ireland Assembly chamber to add an extra 30 million to previous available funding to bring wages for health care workers here up to the same level as England, Scotland and Wales.

On the issue of staffing, he said safe staffing would not be achievable immediately but that he would work with his staff to draw up a workable plan.



Healthcare unions, the RCN (Royal College of Nursing, UNISON and NIPSA are widely expected to accept the offer today. However, they have expressed concern the money was coming from Stormont's finances and not additional funding from Westminster. Northern Ireland Secretary, Julian Smith, had previously indicated money to end the dispute would be provided by the British Government.



Sinn Fein health spokesperson on Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, has welcomed Mr Swann's plans.



I am delighted that health and social care workers in the North will achieve pay parity."



Health workers are the backbone of our health and social care system.



People working at all levels of the health service consistently deliver high-quality and compas- sionate care in extremely difficult situations."



Councillor Duffy said she supported the health workers' strike action.



It is unfortunate that over recent months our health workers have been left with no option but to strike and I commend the work of trade unions who have stood up for pay justice for HSC workers and safe staffing levels.



I also welcome the commitment from the Health Minister to produce a costed implementation plan for safe staffing levels in the near future.This must be done in close co-operation with the health trade unions.



There is an onus on the British Government to deliver upon their commitment to provide the necessary finances.

She concluded: Sinn Fein will continue to support our health staff in the time ahead and hold the Minister and the Department of Health to account to ensure these commitments are lived up to.
During the meeting, it was agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020, said Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Thursday discussed recent regional development and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), an agreement signed in 2015 to limit Tehran's nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The meeting of the two leaders took place on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020, which is currently going on in the national capital.

During the meeting, it was agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020, said Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

Both leaders also recalled positive outcomes of Jaishankar visit to Tehran for the 19th Joint Commission Meeting in December.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zarif held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Zarif, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2020, targetted the US over its air raid which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

Early this month US struck and killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, or PMF.

Following which, Iran carried out airstrikes on two basses in Iraq housing US forces.

This event marked the escalation of tensions in the regions which were already at fever pitch since Trump withdrew from 2015 nuclear deal.

The JCPoA is on the verge of collapsing ever since Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018. The deal was signed between Iran and P5 +1 with the European Union.

Under the agreement, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Since Trump announced withdrawal from the deal, Tehran and Washington are engaged in the war of words and have also been involved in carrying out attacks to infuriate each other.

Washington imposed several sanctions to pressure Iran to renegotiate the deal and designated Iran's elite force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

Meanwhile, Iran has also targeted the United States allies and people.

Catch the latest news, live coverage and in-depth analyses from India and World. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, on Thursday, said only three of the five persons abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on December 22, were aid workers said.

Mr Kallon, who heads the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, said he was deeply relieved that some civilians, including three aid workers, who were abducted by non-state armed groups last year, were released and are now safe.

The whole humanitarian community in Nigeria shares the joy of the families, friends, and colleagues of these aid workers, who can now put to rest the unimaginable anxiety of missing their loved ones,  Mr Kallon said in a statement.

These dedicated humanitarians were working to provide life-saving support to millions of Nigerias most vulnerable in north-eastern Borno State. They should never have been a target, or have to endure the trauma of being held captive.

Mr Kallon said despite the encouraging news, he is concerned about the fate of the other civilians abducted in that incident.

I also remain gravely concerned for the lives of our ACF colleague Grace Taku, abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, abducted during an attack in Rann in March 2018. Both are still held captive by non-state armed groups.

He said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.

Boko Haram checkpoints

The top UN official said he is equally extremely worried by the increasingly insecure environment that humanitarians are working in to provide urgent and vital assistance to civilians affected by the crisis.

According to him, The humanitarian community is troubled by the increasing trend in vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes in the states of Borno and Yobe.

These checkpoints expose civilians and humanitarians to heightened risks of being killed or abducted. I urge all parties to the conflict to protect the civilian population, including aid workers, from such grave violations of international laws, especially women and children who are among the most vulnerable and are caught up in the violence.

Mr. Kallon said the increasingly hostile environment in the northeast has taken a serious toll on the lives of the humanitarians.

A total of 12 aid workers have lost their lives in 2019, he recalled.

This is twice more than in 2018, which we thought was amongst the most dangerous years for humanitarian actors in Nigeria.

Aid workers and the assistance they provide to the most vulnerable populations, make the difference between life and death for entire communities in crisis-affected Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Their security is paramount and I call on all parties to assure the safety of aid workers and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

Hidden identities

When the news of the five released abductees broke, last night, it was initially gathered that two of them were staffers of IOM and Red.

These claims were, in the same report, disputed by IOM and Red Cross, who said that none of their staffers was abducted in the said incident.

Further investigation by this newspaper discovered that the two other civilians were private security officials working as consultants for some NGOs.

A top security source familiar with the rescue, on Thursday, explained to PREMIUM TIMES that the two men hid their identity and claimed to be working for IOM and Red Cross, to save their lives.

It has been the tradition of Boko Haram not to spare the life of any security worker be them from the military, police or private security guards, the source said.

They dont have mercy on security operatives. They dont even welcome any ransom payment, even if it was generously offered. They kill them at once.

That was the reason why the two men had to lie that they were staff of the NGOs they mentioned because that relatively guarantees the safety of their lives.

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Lome, Togo (PANA) - The Democratic Convention of African Peoples (CDPA), an opposition political party, has asked its militants to vote for former Prime Minister Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo, a candidate for the 22 February presidential election, official sources told PANA here Wednesday
Lucas County was awarded funds from the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant Treatment for Members of Minority Communities.

Lucas County is receiving $1 million to increase access to treatment and recovery supports for African American, Hispanic, Latino Americans, and other minority communities in response to rising rates of opioid related deaths in those populations.

$12 million was recently allocated to the state of Ohio to increase access to treatment and recovery. The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County (MHRSB) applied for and was one of the few counties in the state awarded $1 million dollars to fund the Opioid Response Initiative developed by New Concepts, a minority led, faith-based organization.
OTTAWA - A former Canadian Forces engineer who disappeared after he was accused of being a neo-Nazi has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on firearms charges and appeared in a United States courtroom on Thursday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - A former Canadian Forces engineer who disappeared after he was accused of being a neo-Nazi has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on firearms charges and appeared in a United States courtroom on Thursday.

The arrest and court appearance were the first public signs of Patrik Mathews since he disappeared at the end of August amid allegations of having been a recruiter for the right-wing hate group called The Base.

Master Cpl. Patrik Mathews, shown in this undated RCMP handout photo was reported missing to police on Monday. A former Canadian military reservist who was accused of being a neo-Nazi before disappearing last summer has been arrested in the United States. Dave Fitz of the FBI's Baltimore office says Patrik Mathews was one of three men taken into custody this morning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP

Dressed in a brown T-shirt and camouflage cargo pants and sporting a heavy beard, Mathews was asked by Judge Charles Day in a U.S. District Court in a Maryland suburb of Washington if he understood the charges against him.

Those charges include one count of transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony and one charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Each charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, three years of probation and a $250,000 fine.

"Understood," Mathews replied simply. He offered the same reply when informed of his rights by the judge.

Mathews was arrested along with two other men: Brian Mark Lemley, 33, and 19-year-old William Garfield Bilbrough IV. Both are U.S. citizens and also appeared in court.

Bail hearings have been set for Wednesday, when prosecutors are expected to ask that Mathews remain behind bars.

Mystery had surrounded Mathews's whereabouts since he disappeared in August amid allegations of being a neo-Nazi.

At the time, Mathews was a combat engineer with the 38 Canadian Brigade Group in Winnipeg, though the military said then it was investigating his alleged links to The Base and fast-tracking his request to be released from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The RCMP were also reportedly conducting their own investigation, though the Mounties have not confirmed the report. They had previously seized a number of weapons from a house in Beausejour, Man., about 60 kilometres east of Winnipeg, where Mathews lived.

Shortly after he disappeared, Mathews's truck was found abandoned on a rural property in southern Manitoba near the U.S. border. The RCMP said it was treating his disappearance as a missing-person case.

In a statement Thursday, the RCMP said it was aware of Mathews's arrest but would not comment on an investigation in another country.

The charges against Mathews were laid out in a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland on Thursday, which alleges Mathews crossed illegally from Manitoba to Minnesota on Aug. 19.

Mathews is alleged to have made his way to Michigan. Prosecutors say on Aug. 30, Lemley and Bilbrough, who are also described as members of The Base, picked him up and took him to Maryland. Lemley previously served in the U.S. Army.

On Nov. 3, according to the allegations, the three men drove from Virginia to Maryland, where Bilbrough lived. Lemley and Mathews eventually continued to Delaware, "where Lemley rented an apartment in which the two have resided since that time."

Lemley and Mathews are then alleged to have assembled "a functioning assault rifle" from parts in December, and all three are accused of having made a psychedelic drug known as DMT.

"Furthermore, Lemley, Mathews and Bilbrough discussed The Base's activities and spoke about other members of the organization," according to the prosecutors. "Mathews also allegedly showed the assault rifle to Bilbrough, who examined the assault rife and returned it to Mathews."

The U.S. Attorney goes on to allege that Lemley and Mathews bought 1,650 rounds of ammunition earlier this month and then "travelled from Delaware to a gun range in Maryland, where they shot the assault rifle" and retrieved a bulletproof vest.

Both Lemley and Bilbrough face charges for transporting and harbouring Mathews, while Lemley is charged with transporting a machine gun in interstate commerce and for providing a firearm and ammunition to Mathews and transporting a firearm with the intent to commit a felony.

The statement alleges that "within The Base's encrypted chat rooms, members have discussed, among other things, recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organization's military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices."

In court Thursday, assistant U.S. attorney Tom Windom, the lead prosecutor, showed grainy, stylized photos that he said showed Bilbrough and other Base members lined up, firing-squad style, aiming firearms down range.

Windom said Bilbrough discussed a desire to fight with nationalists un Ukraine and had compared the group to al-Qaida  whose name means "The Base" in Arabic.

The prosecutor also said Bilbrough and Mathews smashed their mobile phones and dumped the pieces in a toilet when federal agents showed up.

After the hearing, lawyer Robert Bonsib, representing Bilbrough, rejected Windom's argument that his client poses a flight risk.

"I didn't hear him say my client had a passport, I didn't hear him say that he's ever travelled internationally  all he's ever done is travel to a couple of states in the United States," Bonsib said. "I think this 19-year-old young man should be released."

The New York Times reported the three men had talked about travelling to a pro-gun rally next week in nearby Virginia. The rally coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S., which commemorates the assassinated civil-rights activist.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a tweet Wednesday there was credible intelligence from law-enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the pro-gun demonstration planned for Monday.

In Canada, the accusations against Mathews in August and his disappearance put a spotlight on concerns that right-wing extremists have been trying to infiltrate the Canadian Armed Forces.

Several sailors associated with the far-right Proud Boys group disrupted a Mi'kmaq ceremony in Halifax in 2017. A military-intelligence report in 2018 said 30 active service members belonged to hate groups or had made racist statements.

The report also revealed some extremist groups have encouraged their members to seek military training and recruit service members.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.

With files from James McCarten in Maryland and Jim Bronskill in Ottawa.

 Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged the Centre to keep politics away and present a budget that is "good" for the national capital.

Kejriwal said he would write to the Centre and request special allocation for tackling pollution and ensuring cleanliness in the Union budget.

"The Centre should keep politics away from the budget and I want to request the Centre to present a good budget," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
KAMPALA  A new mobile phone operator, Lycamobile  a United Kingdom-based telecommunications company, has started work in Uganda.

Speaking to Journalists at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Jeya Seelan, Lycamobile Director said Lycamobile would operate on the 072 code.

The company, he said, was already employing a number of Ugandans.

We hope to create over 600 jobs both directly and indirectly but also expand the telecom market. We shall employ the local workforce in a bid to create employment as one of the ways to create an impact on Ugandan citizens, he said.

This now brings stiff competition to a number of mobile telecom companies occupying the space but Seelan says the company aims to have a positive impact on the people of Uganda by providing customers with high-speed internet without compromising quality but also better call services.

We want to have unrivaled 4G internet and we hope to roll out our services throughout the entire country in the next six months.

The director also revealed that the telecom company will invest over $100 million in the next three years as part of their wider plan to expand the telecom market.

Speaking at the launch, Gavin De Costa, the head of the economic and trade policy for Uganda and Rwanda at the British High Commission in Kampala described the launch as an honor that would further strengthen the ties between UK and Uganda.

We (UK) want to do more here in Uganda as we and are committed to building Uganda and supporting its prosperity, De Costa said.

With about 11.2 million subscribers, MTN Uganda is the market leader, followed by Airtel Uganda, which has just 9.8 million, Africell Uganda (about three million) and struggling Uganda Telecom.

Seelan, who said the competition in Uganda appeared stiff, added that the companys s topnotch services would win the market.

In an attempt to avoid constructing too many sites, we have learnt, Lycamobile would sign a contract with Tangerine which is already in most towns in Mukono, Kampala, and Wakiso, offering some of the most attractive internet rates to companies and individuals.

Leveraging Tangerines experience in Uganda, Lycamobile could strategize and win attention from the market.

Lycamobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has been a player in the telecommunications sectors for more than ten years.

An MVNO is a wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which it provides services to its customers.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, during his visit to India, asserted that New Delhi plays a significant role in the flaming Middle East conflict. The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived on a three-day visit to India, in the midst of spiraling tensions between his country and the United States, after the killing of IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq's Baghdad.

When questioned over India's role in the Middle Eastern conflict, Zarif responded saying, "India is important." On Wednesday, he asserted that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as New Delhi is a significant player. India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

READ| Trump was eating ice-cream, meatloaf, when Pentagon confirmed Soleimani's assassination

India's role in the Middle East

After the conflict between Iran-US soared, Tehran on January 9 had said that it would welcome any peace initiative from New Delhi for de-escalating tensions in the region. Iranian Ambassador Ali Chegeni said that Tehran welcomes all initiatives from all countries, especially India. He said, "India usually plays a very good role in peace in the world. At the same time India belongs to this region. We all welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India a good friend for us, to annoy allow escalations."

Amid escalations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with both Zarif and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Tehran and New Delhi share a strong bilateral relationship with economic, historic and cultural links. Both countries have relied upon one another for maintaining the stability of the region. The most prominent, Chabahar Port, that acts as a transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia is significant in India-Iran relations.

India's foreign policy in the Middle East has often tried to maintain a balancing act between the three regional poles- the Arab nations, Iran and Israel. While politics of the Middle East is multidimensional and intricate, PM Modi has elevated India's relation with the Middle Eastern countries--including the Arab nations and Israel. New Delhi's foreign policy in the Middle East moves beyond economy and energy and pans across security, strategy, cultural and diplomatic ties.



READ| Iran strikes US base in Iraq: World divided, oil prices surge; everything you need to know

READ| US-Iran tensions: Israel, China, Russia pick sides; here's how rest of the world reacted
MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of its high-quality products and advanced security features, Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce the company has been awarded a new contract with the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). This contract, # DIR-CPO-4437, covers Canon's full line of imageRUNNER ADVANCE, imageCLASS, imageFORMULA, imagePRESS and varioPRINT solutions and services.

The Texas DIR contract provides state and local government entities, as well as educational institutions in Texas and outside of Texas, with fast, cost-effective means to procure solutions from leading vendors. This contract leverages the buying power of the State of Texas and delivers access to hundreds of products and services at volume pricing. Although the DIR-CPO-4437 is held through Canon U.S.A., the company's network of authorized dealers provide the sales and services.

With the increased threat of cyberattacks that target sensitive information, securing data is more important than ever before. The Texas DIR contract was awarded to Canon due, in part, to the comprehensive security capabilities and features of Canon's devices and software solutions. This technology can equip Texas state government, education and local government entities with the tools needed to help secure information, protect against threats, comply with security policies and integrate with network activity monitoring designed to help the customer quickly identify and address suspicious activity.

"Receiving a contract from the Texas Department of Information Resources is a great accomplishment for Canon as it highlights the company's successful robust product portfolio and pricing," said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Covering an array of the company's high-quality, efficient solutions, from enterprise-level to software services and solutions, this contract showcases our dedication to innovation across a diverse amount of solutions and advanced security features."

About Texas DIR

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) is to provide technology leadership, solutions, and value to Texas state government, education, and local government entities to enable and facilitate the fulfillment of their core missions.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $36 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2019 and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2019. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Related Links

http://www.usa.canon.com


These fashion design profs are turning your unwanted clothes into bags, scrunchies and narwals

At the last moment, before unwanted jeans and buttoned t-shirts are packed into massive bales at the Goodwill Outlet in London, Ont., a pair of fashion design professors pluck materials for their upcycled product line.

Jennifer Wright and Meredith Jones, who teach at Fanshawe College, have spent the past six months designing apparel, home decor and a variety of bags to be made out of materials destined for landfill either in Canada or overseas.

They've been spearheading a federally-funded research project aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry, teaching newcomers employable skills and researching how second-hand materials can be used throughout the fashion design industry.

Liny Lamberink/CBC London

"We both feel really strongly as designers that we shouldn't be using virgin materials," said Jones. "This type of research is really about manufacturing methodology. How do you take materials that are used, and they're not standard in size, to make products?"

The product line is called Worth, and it's something of an antidote to the fast fashion industry.

"In our branding story, we really talk about the worth of people and the worth of things  keeping things for a long time  and appreciating what people can contribute to our communities," explained Jones.

The difference between a Worth bag and one from the mall

The product line, including everything from scrunchies and hair ties to a big narwal floor cushion, is in its final stages.

Liny Lamberink/CBC London

Jones and Wright are engineering the goods right now, figuring out the most efficient way to use the fabric and making sure no part of an original product goes to waste.

"You would think that because we're getting things from the donation stream at no charge, our process would be quite inexpensive. In fact, it's the other way around," said Wright. "We touch the product over and over and over again."

After trying out different methods and running several time studies, Wright said they've whittled down the price of a creating a square foot of fabric from $11 to $1.60. That will help guide the process of pricing the goods, which is still on their to-do list.

Story continues

Liny Lamberink/CBC London

The difference, said Jones, between buying a Worth bag and buying something for $20 from the mall, is that Worth customers will be supporting people in their community with employment and a good standard of living.

And the profits will be directed back into skills training programs for newcomers.

The social benefit

Two dozen newcomers have passed through Worth's skills training programs, said Wright, and six have gone on to secure full time jobs with Goodwill Industries.

Among them is Esther Iyiola.

She moved to London from Nigeria in the summer, went through the skills training program in August, and was hired by Goodwill in November.

Liny Lamberink/CBC London

"I love fashion. I'm fulfilled doing it. I'm happy waking up in the morning, coming down here, because it's what I love to do," she said.

Iyiola was trained as an accountant and used to work in a bank in Nigeria, but said she spent all of her spare time at her sewing machine.

She has goals to start her own fashion design business.

"We'll make African wears, like people come in and buy African wears, cut to fit, or sewn to fit. Maybe I take their measurements and make what they really want. Customized, for them."

Striving to be zero waste

Worth's manufacturing platform is set up in a room at the Goodwill Industries Outlet store on White Oak Road, not far from a warehouse area where towering bales of unwanted clothing wait to be shipped overseas.

Some of the materials, if they're stained or worn out, are cut into little bits called shred. The shred is then used to fill items like pillows, a puffer bag, and home decor items like the giant narwhal.

Liny Lamberink/CBC London

It barely makes a dent on the volume of textiles destined for landfill, either in Canada or overseas, but Jones and Wright hope their research will impact the fashion industry on a larger scale.

They're also striving to be zero waste.

"We're challenged by zippers and buttons right now," said Wright.

"That's actually in our product development, because we know we can't shred that stuff, we try to incorporate it," explained Jones.

She and Wright are working with a $240,000 grant from the federal government's community college social innovation fund that'll last two years, with a hope that the non-profit business will sustain itself in the future.

The products are expected to become available at Goodwill's boutique stores, and an online store, in the spring.
[January 16, 2020] FabFitFun Names Louisa Wee Company's First Chief Marketing Officer

FabFitFun today announced that veteran marketing strategist Louisa Wee has joined the company as the first Chief Marketing Officer, beginning this month. In this newly created role, Louisa will oversee the strategy and execution for the company's global marketing initiatives, as well as brand, content and creative programming. "Louisa brings over two decades of marketing and management expertise to FabFitFun, including work with some of the world's most well-known and respected brands," said Michael Broukhim, co-founder and co-CEO. "Her unique background crosses business intelligence, marketing strategy and customer acquisition, and brings new depth to our marketing bench. We look forward to continuing to innovate in 2020 with her at the helm." "Throughout my career I've been attracted to companies invesed in building a passionate and highly engaged community,'' said Wee. "FabFitFun has done just that through product innovation and its unwavering commitment to its members. The opportunity to become a part of this community to help FabFitFun realize its mission of bringing happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere is an honor and an exciting challenge. I look forward to bringing innovative ideas and implementing new and unique strategies as we continue to scale this beloved brand."



Louisa most recently served as the VP of Marketing Strategy & Analysis and Programmatic Media Buying at Netflix. Prior to joining the team at Netflix, Louisa worked in various venture backed, early stage consumer Internet businesses, including Pluto.TV, Spin Media, Inc. and eHarmony.com. She started her career with over a decade in client advisory as a management consultant and investment banker, holding key positions at McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte (News - Alert), & PwC. Louisa received degrees from USC in Psychology and Accounting, and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. About FabFitFun

Founded in 2010 by Co-CEOs Daniel and Michael Broukhim and Editor-in-Chief Katie Rosen Kitchens, FabFitFun is a lifestyle membership that delivers happiness and wellbeing to everyone, everywhere. Its flagship product, the FabFitFun Box (News - Alert), delivers a curated collection of full-size products across beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech - each season. In addition to the Box, FabFitFun members receive access to year-round perks including FabFitFunTV, a streaming video service that offers on-demand wellness content, the FabFitFun online Community, members-only shopping experiences, and more. Join FabFitFun by visiting fabfitfun.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005189/en/

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Crop diseases are at an all-time high in Minnesota.

"There are more diseases out there right now," said Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota Extension specialist for diseases of field crops. "Because old ones have not gone away, and are still there, but we have new ones too."

He said newer diseases might not become major problems for growers, but some of them have the potential to be.

Corn

Tar spot of corn is a disease that Malvick said was first found in the U.S. in 2015, and only seen in Latin America before then. Corn at the growth stage is susceptible to infection.

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So how did it get here, if it was only seen in Latin America before 2015? Nobody really knows, said Malvick.

"It was first found in areas in Indiana and Illinois, and since then it's been spreading," said Malvick. "It's a pretty significant disease of corn."

Tar spot is caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, said Malvick, and produces "small, semi-circular raised black structures." Tan regions may surround the black that are refereed to as "fisheye lesions."

In 2018 it spread into Wisconsin and Michigan; it reached Minnesota in 2019. The disease was confirmed in a handful of southern Minnesota counties in the past year.

It caused yield losses estimating up to 30 bushels an acre, said Malvick of areas in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

"It's something we have to watch for," he said. "Because it's here, and it's spreading."

In a presentation last week, Malvick went over the ways to scout for tar spot and some of the challenges that come with the disease. For example, symptoms may be confused for another disease, or symptoms may begin with low severity but then increase rapidly.

Rotating to other crops, managing residue and considering fungicides are also suggestions he has for management if the disease is spotted.

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Another disease that Malvick covered is bacterial leaf streak of corn, which is new to the state within the last five years. He said the disease is increasing in the state, and trials done by extension in Waseca showed that it can cause yield loss in some hybrids.

Southern corn rust, which Malvick said was also an uncommon disease for the state, was considered a "tropical disease" before it recently became more common in the upper Midwest. He said the disease is favored by warm temperatures and high humidity, and "infection requires 6-hour leaf wetness".

Soybeans

Frogeye leaf spot is another disease that was fairly uncommon in Minnesota before 2018-19, but had reported yield losses up to 30 percent in southern states. Malvick said the disease "reached levels of concern in a few fields" this past year in Minnesota.

He said not only is the disease becoming more prevalent, but he knows at least one field in southern Minnesota that was sprayed with fungicides to manage frogeye leaf spot.

"It's the first time in Minnesota that's ever happened," he said.

Counties with confirmed cases of frogeye leaf spot in 2019 were Faribault, Dakota and Watonwan.

Updates for ag professionals

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Malvick was one of four extension educators to present at the Research Updates for Ag Professionals in Rochester last week . To help ag consultants face the next crop year and the production challenges that come with it, the University of Minnesota Extension arms them with the latest research during the meetings.

At the meetings, held each winter, attendees learn research-based strategies to deal with pests, diseases, varieties and nutrient and environmental tips. The meetups are also an opportunity for consultants to visit with university researchers and colleagues to discuss topics plaguing the region.

According to David Nicolai, extension educator and coordinator of the meetings, the updates have been happening for the last two decades.

"We emphasize in these meetings entomology, plant pathology, soil science and weed science," said Nicolai.

He said instead of one meeting every year in the Twin Cities, the agency chose to break down the meetings to focus on each region. This year the meetings are held in Waseca, Rochester, Lamberton, Morris, Willmar and Crookston.

"We look at the meetings as a multiplier affect, so that we can get as much information to them, and they can get that out to farmers," he said. "Because we can't get out to every grower."
A cancer survivor whose stomach tattoo moved to her left breast after she underwent reconstructive surgery has a cover-up in Tattoo Fixers: Extreme.

In tonight's episode of the E4 show, Angela, from the UK, explains how she got a Spice Girl tattoo on her tummy when she was in her early twenties.

However, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer In 2014, the doctor reconstructed Angela's breast using tissue from her stomach, resulting in her tattoo moving to her left breast.

Angela, who is now free from cancer, visits the studio to get a beautiful flower design to cover up her misplaced tattoo and celebrate winning the cancer battle.

Angela, from the UK, who got a tattoo on her stomach in her early twenties, told how it is now on her left breast after doctors used tissue from her stomach for breast reconstruction. Pictured, with receptionist Paisley

Angela goes to ink artist Pash and asks him to create a beautiful flower design to cover-up her misplaced tattoo. Pictured, the pretty cover up

'When I was in my early twenties, I had a tattoo on my stomach,' she explains to tattooists Pash and Alice and receptionist, Paisley. 'It was great at the time. I loved it, but it's moved.'

Confused, the tattooists assume either gravity has pulled it down or she's lost a substantial amount of weight.

'In 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and they used the tissue from my tummy to make a new breast,' she explains.

'The surgeon did ask whether I was bothered if there was a bit of the tattoo on my breast. I said, "I'm not bothered if it's on my face as long as it means I don't have cancer."'

Angela goes on to say that the worst part of the diagnosis was having to ring her family and tell them the devastating news.

'It's not nice,' she says. 'I'd had my daughter Ruby, she was four. She was more freaked out than me. She was saying things like, "Mummy's being sick and why is mummy bald?"'

The mother explains how her Spice Girls tattoo was originally on her tummy, but is now on her left breast. Pictured, with receptionist Paisley

Angela explains the doctor did ask if she minded if her tummy tattoo moved, to which she replied she wasn't. Pictured, before the cover up

With the tattooists eager to see Angela's artwork, she lifts up her shirt and explains: 'It was the Spice Girl tattoo. I think Mel B had it on her tummy,' to which Paisley adds: 'I think it means girl power.'

Ink artist Pash Canby sets to work creating Angela's cover-up design which she asks to be 'flowery and pretty.'

And when all is finally unveiled in the mirror, a teary Angela is overcome with emotion.

'It's fabulous,' she enthuses. 'Thank you. No more ugly boob! It's the end of a journey, isn't it? The ugliness of cancer and the beautiful flower.'

In response, a touched Pash adds: 'Thank you for giving me the most unique cover up I've ever done.'

Watch Tattoo Fixers: Extreme tonight at 9pm on E4.

Delighted with her new ink, an emotional Angela (pictured during the big unveil) describes it as the end of a journey
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.16

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan bilateral relations lately display increase of trade turnover, as well as increase of interesting economic projects between countries, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Kazakhstan Rashad Mammadov said, Trend reports with reference to Kazakh TV news agency.

According to Mammadov two countries are linked by a number of factors: Caspian Sea, agreements for strategic cooperation, over 100 regulatory documents singed by heads of state, governments, various ministries of both countries.

According to the ambassador, the foundation of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan was established thousands of years ago, whereas currently it was strengthened by national leaders of two countries.

On this basis, on this foundation, we are building our relations as independent states. We are doing very well in this regard: trade turnover is growing, the number of interesting economic projects is increasing. We have managed to implement transnational project for construction of railway, road routes, which connected southeastern Asia and European countries. We have created prospects not only for each other but also for development of the entire region, all countries, Mammadov said.

According to State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan amounted to $229.6 million in 2019.

Volume of Azerbaijans export to Kazakhstan exceeded $24 million, whereas Kazakhstans import to Azerbaijan amounted to $205 million.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
After nearly two years of trade tiff, the United States and China finally signed the phase one trade agreement on Jan 15 at Washington. Per the deal, the United States will roll back some tariffs and China will in return boost its purchase of U.S. goods and services.

This deal is a boon for American farmers as they are among the hardest hit by the trade war.

China to Purchase Additional Farm Products

The U.S.-China phase one deal includes Chinas commitment to buy agricultural products, airplanes, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas over the next two years, worth at least an additional $200 billion. This is markedly better than Chinas baseline purchase of $186 billion in 2017 and would surely spur demand for American farm goods.

Moreover, China is also making changes to its agricultural policy and removing certain health standards that it had introduced to block a variety of American agricultural produce. Additionally, Chinese administration is relaxing licensing, inspection and registration rules that were trade barricades for America. These changes should provide easy access to meat, poultry, pet food, seafood, animal feed, baby formula, dairy and biotech products in the Chinese market.

Looking back, when the trade war started in 2018, agricultural exports to China dropped by about $21 billion. Even after slight easing in 2019, export levels remained far below the 2017 level of $19.5 billion. Now, with the agreement in play, China will have to purchase an additional $12.5 billion and $19.5 billion, respectively, of U.S. agricultural products from the 2017 baseline in 2020 and 2021.

Moreover, as negotiators from both countries continue talks to reach a second phase deal, the Chinese market should open up further and help exports grow.

5 Stocks to Buy

Given the positive development on the U.S.-China trade front, it is prudent to invest in American farm-based stocks. Hence, we have shortlisted five stocks that carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and are poised to return well on investments.

Story continues

Sanderson Farms, Inc. SAFM an integrated poultry processing company, produces, processes, markets and distributes fresh, frozen, and prepared chicken products. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is more than 100% compared with the Zacks Food - Meat Products industrys projected earnings growth of 17.8%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Zacks Rank #1 companys current-year earnings has been revised 47.8% upward over the past 60 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Bunge Limited BG is a Zacks Rank #1 agribusiness and food company. The company operates in agribusiness, edible oil products, milling products, sugar and bioenergy, and fertilizer segments. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the quarter ending February 2020 is more than 100% against the Zacks Agriculture - Products industrys projected earnings decline of nearly 88%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 0.4% upward over the past 60 days.

The Andersons, Inc. ANDE an agriculture company operating in the grain, ethanol, plant nutrient sectors. This Zacks Rank #1 companys expected earnings growth rate for next year is 74.8% compared with the Zacks Agriculture - Productsindustrys projected earnings growth of 37.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 64.6% upward over the past 60 days.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation PPC engages in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh, frozen, and value-added chicken products. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 35.9% compared with the Zacks Food - Meat Productsindustrys projected earnings growth of 17.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 0.6% upward over the past 60 days. Pilgrim's Pride flaunts a Zacks Rank #1.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. CALM produces, grades, packages, markets and distributes shell eggs (cage free, organic and brown eggs). The companys expected earnings growth rate for the next year is more than 100% compared with the Zacks Agriculture - Productsindustrys projected earnings growth of 37.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 27.8% upward over the past 60 days. Cal-Maine Foods carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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In a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday, a black former Baraboo School District student alleges the district routinely ignored complaints by her and her mother about racist taunts, racially motivated physical assaults, harassment and sexual assault, all of which the lawsuit says the district did nothing to stop.

The lawsuit, filed by lawyers for the 17-year-old student in U.S. District Court in Madison, alleges violations of federal laws intended to protect students from racial discrimination and from sexual assault and harassment. It states the district showed deliberate indifference in its failure to respond to racial harassment and discrimination against the girl by district students and staff, as well as its failure to respond to reported student-on-student sexual assaults on school premises that made (the girl) more vulnerable to sexual assault.

The lawsuit alleges the district was aware that a particular student, identified only by his initials, had sexually harassed and assaulted female students, including the girl, but took no action. During the 2017-18 school year, the lawsuit states, the boy repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl in class. The alleged sex assaults included inappropriate touching, groping and exposure.
Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has urged her fans not to use Uber in London after suffering the 'scariest experience' at the hands of a driver who was 'yelling and shouting'.

The award-winning actress, 34, daughter of Slumdog Millionaire star Anil Kapoor, said her driver was apparently 'unstable' and behaved so strangely she was left 'shaking' after the journey.

It is the latest incident involving the controversial American ride-sharing giant, which faces being forced out of London by Mayor Sadiq Khan over its failure to stop unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor Ahuja (pictured) said her Uber driver in London was 'unstable' and behaved so strangely she was left 'shaking' after the journey

She shared the terrifying experience with her 12.8million followers on Twitter, in the latest blow to Uber's reputation

Tweeting yesterday, Ahuja told her 12.8 million followers: 'Hey guys I've had the scariest experience with @UberLondon. Please please be careful. The best and safest is just to use the local public transportation or cabs...

'The driver was unstable and was yelling and shouting. I was shaking by the end of it.

'I tried complaining on your app, and just got multiple disconnected replies by bots. You guys need to update your system. The damage is done. There is nothing more you can do.'

Uber responded to her tweets with an apparently automated message.

The multi-billion dollar company has come under a storm of global criticism over its passenger safety record.

Uber responded to the Indian actress' tweets with an apparently automated message

Ahuja said she had complained via Uber's app but only received replies from automated bots

It lost its license in London after transport authorities said it had failed to fix a litany of safety issues - including at least 14,000 cases of drivers handing their permits to unlicensed friends or relatives.

Ahuja with her husband, Anand, during the Milan Fashion Week

The app continues to operate in the capital pending an appeal.

In 2017, a woman raped by an Uber driver in India filed a US lawsuit accusing the service of invading her privacy and defaming her character.

Last month, Uber released a report saying it had tallied nearly 6,000 sexual assaults in the United States - its biggest market - over the past couple of years. That included more than 450 cases of rape.

In France, the firm is under pressure from a viral campaign detailing sexual assault involving its drivers, under the hashtag #UberCestOver (Uber it's over).

A representative for Uber in India said it had no comment for now. MailOnline has contacted the UK office.

The incident comes a week after Ahuja criticised British Airways for allegedly losing her luggage for the second time this month.

Uber said: 'This is a regrettable and concerning incident. What's been described has no place on the Uber app and we're reviewing the matter.'
Frank Toaltoan working on a barrel keg at American Keg plant in Pottstown on Nov. 21, 2019. The Pottstown company, the only U.S. keg manufacturer that beat the drum of protecting U.S. manufacturing in a trade battle with German, Chinese, and Mexican manufacturers, has sold a major stake in its business to Germanys Blefa. Read more

American Keg wont be American-owned anymore.

The Pottstown company, the only U.S. keg manufacturer that beat the drum of protecting U.S. manufacturing in a trade battle with German, Chinese, and Mexican manufacturers, has sold a major stake in its business to Germanys Blefa, the companies said on Wednesday.

Terms were not disclosed. But American Keg chief executive Paul Czachor said that Blefa has pledged to expand the Pottstown plant with a multimillion-dollar investment that will boost its capacity and add local jobs.

I dont know how many jobs we will add, he said. It will be numerous.

In November, American Keg said it employed 32 workers.

Blefa has a keg-servicing and distribution facility in La Vergne, Tenn., but does not manufacture kegs in the United States. Czachor said that Pennsylvania officials helped convince Blefa on the economic viability of the Pottstown plant, and the expected plant expansion, slated for early 2021, does not include local or state tax incentives.

While Im proud of establishing American Keg as the only manufacturer of kegs in the U.S., there is a lot we can learn from Blefa to make our production more efficient," American Keg owner Scott Bentley said in a statement.

American Keg reached the Blefa deal about six weeks after the U.S. International Trade Commission threw a lifeline to the beleaguered firm in late November by slapping punitive tariffs on German and Chinese keg imports. The commission had previously placed similar tariffs on Mexican keg imports.

Marc L. Busch, professor of international business diplomacy at Georgetown University, said on Wednesday that the commissions decision and American Kegs deal with Blefa represented a case study of protectionism shoring up, for a brief period, the value of an asset looking for a buyer.

Investigators for the U.S. Commerce Department found during the probe in 2018 and 2019 that the Chinese government subsidized keg manufacturers, giving them an unfair competitive advantage. Chinese keg imports now face unfair-trade tariffs of 16% to 222%. German keg imports face tariffs of 7.5%.

Blefa was among the big companies that fought the punitive tariffs at the U.S. International Trade Commission. Buying part of American Keg will give the German company a source of U.S.-made kegs that would not be subject to import tariffs.

The favorable commission decision could lead to higher prices for kegs for consumers and craft breweries, and that it would not financially save American Keg over time if it was not competitive, critics warned.

American Keg sold many of its kegs to craft breweries, popping up throughout Pennsylvania and other U.S. towns and cities.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - A judge in El Salvador asked Interpol to issue a red note detention order for Sigfrido Reyes, the former president of the countrys congress, and three other people on corruption allegations.

The press office for the court in San Salvador confirmed Thursday that the decision came after a hearing in the case of 14 people accused of laundering $6.5 million, defrauding the state in land purchases and appropriation of government funds.

The others sought in the order are Reyes brother and two associates. The remaining 10 accused in the case include his wife, judicial workers and others; they were allowed bail but ordered to surrender their passports, not to leave the country or change residence and to appear before the court every two weeks.

Reyes is a former guerrilla from the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front who led the Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2015 and later directed a government agency that promotes exports under the 2014-2019 presidency of Salvador Sanchez Ceren.

Authorities said Reyes left the country Nov. 22 and is believed to be in France or Russia.

Prosecutors say he had an increase of some $781,000 in assets that could not be justified by his salary.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: One of Indias newest carriers  AirAsia India, which is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Malaysias AirAsia  is likely to face turbulence in the near future. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned AsiaAsia Indias chief executive officer Tony Fernandes and some others from the top management (past and present) for questioning in connection with a money laundering case.

The ED officials said Fernandes has been summoned on January 20, while a few others have been asked to depose in the following days. The name includes AirAsia Group president Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, who is also known as Bo Lingam; businessman Arun Bhatia, who held substantial equity in the airline; senior group executive S Ramadorai, as well as former CEOs Naresh Algan and Mittu Chandiliya.

The agency had registered a case against the airline and its officials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2018, as there were allegations that AirAsia tried to manipulate government policies, primarily the 5/20 rule, through corrupt means to get international licence for its Indian venture.

The 5/20 rule stipulates that a national carrier should have five years of operational experience and a fleet of minimum 20 aircraft to be eligible to fly overseas.

At the time the case was registered, AirAsia had only 18 aircraft. The rule was replaced with 0/20 rule by the Cabinet in June 2016. According to a CBI FIR, Fernandes wanted AirAsia India to fly internationally from the day it was granted a flying permit, in May 2014.

The ED is also probing this case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Investigation in the case was initiated after the ousted Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry alleged that the firm carried out fraudulent transactions worth Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore.

Corrupt complaint

The ED case says AirAsia Ltd tried to manipulate government policies, primarily the 5/20 rule, through corrupt means to get an international licence for its Indian venture.


Some American conspiracy theorists believe (incorrectly) that the US inherited the entire body of English common-law prior to the American Revolution, including the law allowing litigants to demand trial by combat (this law was struck down in England in 1819).



This question was comprehensively resolved in the USA in 1892, when the Iowa Supreme Court's Pierson v. Lane decision held that "The principles of the common law have been adopted in this country only so far as applicable to the habits and condition of our society, and in harmony with the genius, spirit, and objects of our institutions."

But there's a whole cottage industry of American amateur constitutionalists  like the delusional sovereign citizen movement  that believe that they have discovered secret deep meanings in America's founding documents that can be used as magical incantations to allow them to occupy federal lands, or ignore courts, or stop paying taxesor challenge people to trial by combat.





Most recently, David Ostrom, of Paola, Kansas asked a court in Iowa to use trial-by-combat to resolve a dispute with his ex-wife (he said he would allow her to choose a champion to fight her side, and asked for 12 weeks to source appropriate swords).



The ex-wife's attorney opposed the motion, saying that although he and his client "do have souls to be rended, they respectfully request that the court not order this done." This gave Ostrom both a way out and an opportunity to claim victory, by saying that the other side had, legally speaking, chickened out: Historically, [Ostrom] said in court records [most likely a reply brief], trial by combat was not always won by way of death, but also when a party "cries craven," yielding to the other. "Respondent and counsel have proven themselves to be cravens by refusing to answer the call to battle, thus they should lose this motion by default," Ostrom wrote, adding that if the other party decided otherwise, he wants to proceed with a "blunted practice style" of sword play.

Kansas Man Seeks Trial by Combat [Kevin Underhill/Lowering the Bar]

(Image:

Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy, CC BY-SA))
Digital transformation. Omnichannel. Cloud. Blockchain. Artificial intelligence. Who knows the next buzzword that will strike the credit union industry? It feels like there is always a new hot topic. In fact, its hard to know whats importantand what isnt.

With that in mind, many credit unions ask me:

What are the easy ways to start our credit unions digital transformation?

I can think of five easy ways to start.

How to Start Digital Transformation

I spent many years running a cloud computing CUSO (credit union service organization). I was also a co-founder of CU Wallet. Finally, I published Credit Union 2.0, and the book has given me lots of insight about modernizing credit unions.
- The winners of the third edition held in Russia will participate in the grand world final in Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector

- The activities that will be carried out during the competition are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations

BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexey Lukjanov of the Ivanovo State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, winner of the third edition of the Roca One Day Design Challenge in Russia, Roca's express design competition, will travel to Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector, from the 20th to the 22nd January to celebrate the first edition of the Master Design Challenge, along with the winners of all editions held all around the world in 2019.

This world final will challenge the young designers to show their qualities to discover who will be the winner among winners. It will be held in collaboration with the BCD (Barcelona Centre de Disseny) and the We Are Water Foundation.

Throughout these three days, all activities will focus on innovation, creativity, design and sustainability and will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations, in order to achieve a better future for all.

The proposals of the representatives of the 12 countries that will be attending the final will be assessed by an internationally acclaimed jury, made up of: Joao Bessa, designer and founder of BESSA; Josep Congost, Design and Innovation Director at Roca; Kenneth Koh, founder of Quarters Architects; Isabel Pintado, Regional Managing Director at Wilson Associates; Vladimir Pirozhkov, president of the 'Astra Rossa' industrial design and innovation center; Isabel Roig, general director of the BCD; and Xavier Torras, Roca Brand Communication Director.

The winner will be able to attend the prestigious Boisbuchet Design and Architecture school at Lessac, France, and will be presented with 3,000 in prize money and a BenQ monitor for graphic design with a value of 1,190 .

Roca, leading brand in products for the bathroom space, organizes these initiatives to provide visibility to young talent. Roca One Day Design Challenge was first held in 2012 and since then its international expansion has increased over the years. The competition challenges young architecture and design students and professionals to create original and innovative products for the bathroom space in just one day.

Related Links

https://www.roca.es



SOURCE Roca
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Dennis Moore of Lisbon, Portugal, announces that he has acquired 98,000 common shares of Fremont Gold Ltd. (the "Company"), representing 0.18% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The securities were acquired at a deemed price of $0.07 per share for the total value of $6,860.00 through the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's head office is located at #1500 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1T2.

Immediately prior to the foregoing acquisition, Mr. Moore owned and/or had control over 5,339,350 common shares of the Company, representing 9.84% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company at such time, on an undiluted basis. The acquisition resulted in an approximate 0.18% change in Mr. Moore's ownership and/or control over common shares of the Company. In addition, Mr. Moore also owns and/or has control over 701,667 warrants to purchase common shares and 500,000 stock options to purchase common shares.

As a result of the acquisition, Mr. Moore owns 5,437,350 common shares of the Company, representing 10.02% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, Mr. Moore also owns and/or has control over, directly or indirectly, 701,667 warrants to purchase common shares and 500,000 stock options to purchase common shares. If Mr. Moore exercises all of the warrants and all of the stock options, he would then own and/or have control over, directly or indirectly, 6,639,017 common shares, representing approximately 11.97% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a partially diluted basis, assuming that no further common shares of the Company have been issued.

The securities acquired by Mr. Moore will be held for investment purposes. Mr. Moore may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease his ownership of the Company's securities, whether in the open market, by privately negotiated agreements or otherwise, subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and other available investment and business opportunities.

The disclosure respecting Mr. Moore's shareholdings contained in this press release is made pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 62-104 and a report respecting the above acquisition will be filed with the applicable securities commissions using the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) and will be available for viewing at www.sedar.com.

DENNIS MOORE

c/o #1500 - 409 Granville Street

Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1T2

dennis@fremontgold.net

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51537
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has welcomed a decision by the Advisory Committee of the Electoral Commission (EC) to meet the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) over the new voters register.

The ECs decision to compile a new voters register has been met with stiff opposition from the NDC and some other political parties.

A demonstration titled Tikusayi demonstration was staged on January 11, 2020, in Tamale to drum home their demands for the EC to call off its decision.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with some twelve other political parties have also rallied behind the EC.

However, the ECs Eminent Advisory Committee today, January 15, 2020, called for calm following the heated arguments characterising the election management body's plan to compile a new voters' register ahead of election 2020.

The Committee according to a statement after a meeting with the EC, served notice to meet IPAC to iron out concerns raised over the new register.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that the Electoral Commission and the Eminent Advisory Committee will meet with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to have further deliberations on the matter, a statement signed by Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Emile Short, noted.

Mr Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, speaking on Eyewitness News said even though they have not been officially notified with details of the meeting, they welcome the call since it has been long overdue.

The content is very reconciliatory. This is all that we have been urging all along because we think that these matters should not have come this far if the Electoral Commission had listened to us from the beginning. And we believe we have a strong case so it is in our interest that as many Ghanaians from whatever walk of life will like to listen, and they will be convinced so we welcome that call.

The General Secretary of the NDC further indicated that the move by the advisory committee did not come to them as a surprise since they have been calling for such an engagement to take place for a while now.

I want to believe that this is not the first time that the commission has acted in that way. In fact, we have been advising that this should have been the way to go because remember when there was a similar controversy during Charlotte Osei's time, she empanelled a body of prominent persons like that to listen to the argument. They organised a public forum at Alisa hotel and then got our development partners and all stakeholders invited and then asked all media houses to carry it live so that every Ghanaian everywhere could follow the argument.

Mr Asiedu Nketia, however, stated that they do not agree with the call for calm by the Advisory Committee to the EC since the notice of a planned meeting did not mean that their issues were addressed already.

As part of the letter, they called for all political parties to keep calm. I do not see any political party engaging in violence. We are pushing our argument through all legitimate means. We have not resorted to any illegitimate means and we think that our case must be heard and determined. If remaining calm means we must abort all our planned activities, that is premature. If we meet and there is a solution, then that will be the basis for us to abort all the other plans but meanwhile, our activities will continue. They have not told us when we will meet but when we meet, maybe there may be an agreement that may be satisfactory enough for us to use as a basis for us to use to abort our radio discussions and our public manifestations.

citinewsroom
Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts, who made Oscar nominated 'For Sama' hopes to shine a brighter light on the ongoing situation in Syria writes Asharq Al-Awsat.

Filmmakers Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts are hoping the Oscar nomination for their documentary For Sama will remind people of the plight of Syrians affected by the countrys nearly nine-year-old war.

For Sama was nominated in the best documentary field on Monday after getting four British BAFTA nods and a prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

About three years ago I was in that place where I didnt know if I would be alive or not and now Im under all the light, just trying to tell the story, al-Kateab told Reuters in London on Tuesday.

I hope this is a big opportunity to shine a brighter light on the things that sadly continue to happen in Idlib and I also hope that the people of Syria will receive some hope from the success of For Sama, she said.

The film is al-Kateabs love letter to her daughter Sama. Narrated by al-Kateab, it was crafted out of more than 500 hours of footage she filmed over five years, starting as an 18-year-old student in Aleppo witnessing the start of the uprising.

The documentary chronicles events in al-Kateabs personal life  falling in love with her friend, doctor Hamza, their wedding, and the birth of Sama  while the conflict rages around them.

She started filming on a mobile phone and gradually moved onto more professional equipment, while occasionally reporting for British television from Aleppo.

The film includes life at her husbands hospital  the only one left in the city  and families such as hers who chose to stay in the besieged city.

Al-Kateab, then pregnant with her second daughter, Taima, and her family were eventually forced to leave Syria for Turkey and later London, where she joined forces with Watts to turn the hundreds of hours of video into a film.

The first edit was too hard-hitting, the filmmakers said, and needed toning down.

It was a big responsibility to tell the world that this is still happening and we cant let that happen again and again and again. Unfortunately, as were speaking now, this is still happening, al-Kateab said.

The Academy Awards will be handed out on Feb. 9 in Hollywood. If al-Kateab has her way, now 4-year-old Sama will be there with her to share her story.

Shes very tall now, she speaks a lot. She is normal like any other child I hope she will be with me in the trip to Hollywood, she said.

The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Meghan Markle. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Meghan Markle, aside from being a duchess in absentia, is an impressive individual in her own right who perhaps will begin exercising her skill set a bit more now that she is transitioning to a life with her husband-prince in Canada. Shes (reportedly) a voiceover artist, shes a talented actress, and shes weirdly good at calligraphy. Also, she can drive!

The Duchess of Sussex proved as much on Sunday when she was seen driving herself around Canada, according to sources who spoke to Us Weekly. Markle reportedly traveled from London to Vancouver Island on Friday and was spotted running errands all over town this weekend. Markle went to a drugstore parking lot, says in insider, who was apparently well-placed inside a drugstore parking lot.

Hard to believe it was only last week that Markle and Prince Harry announced their plans to split their time between North America and the U.K. In an official statement the couple explained, We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent. There was some speculation as to which North American country the couple would be dabbling in  Markle is from Los Angeles after all  but in recent days its emerged that theyre going with Canada.

Good on Meghan for getting in the drivers seat. This was without a doubt the Ford v. Ferrari of errand runs, in that nobody I know saw it but Im just gonna assume it was nice and mundane.
COLUMBIA, SC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Bennett Velasquez strives to become a leader in the hospitality industry on matters of sustainability and the environment. Since sustainability in hospitality and tourism is a big passion of his, Bennett discusses how everyone can become a more sustainable traveler.

Choose a Destination Wisely

Bennett Velasquez points out that tourists don't often think about the consequences of over-tourism. To become a sustainable traveler, it is necessary to not only be aware of what you consume but also where you travel. Some destinations are so overly-visited that it does more harm than good to the local people and resources. For example, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice are examples of destinations where over-tourism is a problem. Over-tourism has serious consequences such as increasing the cost of living, disturbing the locals and threatening natural resources. Bennett Velasquez recommends every traveler does their research to be a responsible and sustainable tourist.

Volunteer

If you're looking to make a sustainable contribution while on vacation, it's a great idea to volunteer and give back to the community, according to Bennett Velasquez. Depending on your destination, there are many things you can do to give back. For example, you can find an ethical organization that focuses on beach cleanup. If you have any specific skills, you can volunteer with an organization in that field.

Conscious About Animal Welfare

While many people consider themselves animal lovers who would never purposely hurt one, they might be aware of animal welfare while traveling. Before traveling to destinations where there are animal experiences involved, they must do their research. Bennett Velasquez mentions that while there are many ethical animal experiences, some might not be quite so. Those who take animal welfare seriously should not participate in activities that include elephant rides, dancing monkeys, or taking selfies with tigers. They should also steer clear of buying souvenirs made from animal products.

Buy Local and Support Small Businesses

Depending on where they travel, tourists often see the same chain franchises while on vacation. To focus on sustainability while traveling, Bennett Velasquez encourages travelers to support local businesses rather than big companies. It makes a big difference in the lives of the locals when travelers employ local guides, eat at family-owned restaurants that use local ingredients, and only buy from small businesses. It's also important to have respect for their time. If you cancel a guided tour, for example, you can have them miss a full day of earnings.

CONTACT:

Caroline Hunter

Web Presence, LLC

+1 7865519491

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573312/Bennett-Velasquez-Shares-How-to-Be-a-Sustainable-Traveler
Children in a migrant caravan leaving Honduras, January 2020. Photo: Orlando Sierra/AFP via Getty Images

As the 2018 midterms bore down on the American people, many were alarmed to learn of a menacing stowaway: A caravan of migrants heading north from Central America. Roughly 7,000 men, women, and children, had packed whatever belongings were practical to carry on foot and evacuated the Northern Triangle  El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras  seeking refuge from gang violence and economic hardship. Several such caravans had made the same journey before, including earlier that same year. What distinguished this one was its unusual size, and more importantly, its proximity to an American election that had been projected to shift the balance of power in Congress, rivening President Trumps then-united Republican government and installing a Democratic House majority. The conservative political class and its media organs responded accordingly. Trump and his surrogates sought to recast the group of refugees as an invading army, bringing crime, terrorism, and disease to the United States, and bound to overrun the U.S.-Mexico border if Democrats were left in charge (and, by extension, if people didnt vote Republican that November).

So for a month leading up to the elections, airwaves from Trumps rally speeches to Fox News evening shows to the Twitter accounts of imperiled Republican congressmen were clogged with lies and conspiracy theories about what ills the migrants heralded. Their impending arrival was a national emergency, to hear the president tell it. Unknown Middle Easterners peppered their ranks. They were being bankrolled, alternately, by Venezuela, George Soros, and the Democratic Party. This will be an election of Brett Kavanaugh, the caravan, law and order, and common sense, Trump bellowed at a rally in Montana that October. For many voters, this scaremongering had its intended effect. Whats to stop them?, one Minnesota Republican asked the New York Times. We have a lot of people who live on lakes in the summer and winter someplace else. When they come back in the spring, their house would be occupied. That it was all a lie didnt stop Trump from deploying troops to the border to make a show of manning the barricades, nor did it particularly bother his advisers. It doesnt matter if its 100 percent accurate, a senior administration official told the Daily Beast. This is the play.

It was telling that both the White House and conservative media fell almost totally silent about the caravan the minute the election was over. A lack of opportunistic utility seems to have provoked a similar silence around the latest development. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that a new migrant caravan had disembarked from Honduras. Currently hundreds strong, its taken shape in much the same way as previous iterations  everyday people fleeing terror and poverty, collecting more travelers as it moved. Resistance from host governments stands to be more forceful this time around. Following Trumps 2018 hysterics, he cut off millions of dollars in aid to the Northern Triangle countries, citing their inability to stop residents from passing through en route to the U.S. and compelling their governments to sign agreements requiring people to seek asylum locally before applying at the U.S.-Mexico border. Earlier this week, Guatemalan authorities tear gassed migrants at the border with Honduras. Its the only of the three countries where the Trump deal has gone into effect, according to the Times.

Paired with the implementation of the presidents family separation policy earlier in 2018, his pre-election doomsaying around the caravan escalated the naked cruelty toward refugees, asylum seekers, and other Latin American migrants thats long been a centerpiece of U.S. immigration policy. But it didnt sway the midterms in the direction hed hoped. Aside from gaining two U.S. Senate seats, the election was a veritable bloodbath for Republicans, who ceded 40 House seats and the chamber majority, seven governorships, and six state legislative bodies to the Democrats in the highest-turnout race since 1914. If the election was indeed a referendum on the caravan, as Trump claimed in Montana that year, then voters seemed overwhelmingly unconvinced. Caravan fever came and went with minimal fanfare  as many had predicted it would  and no invasion or massive influx of crime, disease, or terrorism accompanying it. Just over a year later, one might reasonably surmise that the advance of a similar caravan would prompt equivalent national security concerns. It has not, and likely will not. The airwaves remain mercifully clear of the type of frantic, around-the-clock coverage warning Americans about the hordes of murderers and habitual defecators soon to be at their doorstep that polluted the autumn of 2018. The difference is not a matter of scale or stronger border enforcement capabilities or a president whos gathered his senses, none of which have altered that much. For now, the caravan is simply not happening close enough to a U.S. election for Republicans to profitably pretend that its an emergency.
If you remember when President Ronald Reagan came to address the 1986 graduating class of Glassboro High School on June 19 of that year, youll likely recall how it was celebrated as an honor, a bipartisan one at that.

The Republican president had his detractors in a college town with a staunchly Democratic governing body, in a Democratic-leaning Gloucester County. But the emphasis of elected leaders and most residents was exclusively on making sure that things went off without a hitch for the visit of a commander-in-chief and head of state. It marked the first time that a sitting president had been the keynote speaker at a high school graduation.

The pride even extended to one of the first families of Glassboro and of the county Democratic Party. Sub-shop owner Joseph Brigandi Sr. made sure that Reagan got a taste of what a real South Jersey hoagie tasted like, just as Brigandi reportedly had done when President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Prime Minister Aleksei Kosygin met for their famous summit at Hollybush on the Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) campus in 1967.

In the ensuing three-plus decades since Reagans appearance, presidential visits to South Jersey have been few and far between. Presidential candidates ignore New Jersey except to pick up checks from well-heeled donors. Our late-in-the-game voting never makes a difference in primary elections. In the general election, the Democrat nominee takes the state for granted because of its blue state persona. The Republican sees no electoral value in an up-close-and-personal trip.

This makes the upcoming trip by President Donald Trump to Wildwood, unimaginable a month ago, a rare event. It was spurred by the recent conversion by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew into the Republican Party. While Van Drew wont run in the GOP 2nd District primary for more than five more months. Trump obviously thinks a Van Drew rally will stick with his own supporters until June. If past practice is a guide, the rally will be mostly about Trump, anyway.

It says a lot about our changing political culture that Trump in Wildwood will be a much more partisan affair than Reagan in Glassboro. Polarization makes it difficult to believe that anyone but the Trump faithful will clamor to turn out. In New Jersey, theyre low in number, possibly even within the Republican Party, but numerous enough that local organizers believe they could fill the Jan. 28 venue, the 7,000-seat Wildwood Convention Center, twice over.

Cape May County officials are confident they can handle an overflow crowd  and, why not? The Wildwoods population routinely swells to 150,000 on typical summer beach days. There will be protesters  Reagan had them in Glassboro, too, with signs opposing nuclear power and the Iran-Contra scandal  so it will take good coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement to protect the president.

Trumps pugilistic nature and the combative mirror image presented by the far left make it impossible for a presidential visit to Wildwood to raise the same universal feelings of pride that came with Reagan in the Glassboro High gym. Still, theres an obligation to make the mechanics and the infrastructure preparations go well for Jan. 28, regardless of political leanings.

Whatever happens while Trump is here reflects on an entire community, and one that claims to welcome all visitors. Its an economic boost in the off-season, even if reports about jacked-up rates at shore-area hotels are overhyped. Like or dislike Trump, South Jersey should be on its best behavior  even if the president isnt.

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

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A 55-year-old Nigerian man identified as Olushola Bola Omotosho Dare, was stabbed to death at his money office in Bisschopstraat, Antwerp North in Belgium on Wednesday, January 15.

The Nigerian man who ran the Western Union agency in the neighbourhood for years was treated on the spot after being found to have several knife wounds when emergency services arrived the scene of the incident by 10.30 a.m.

READ ALSO  The Dead Are Everywhere, Especially At Night  Nigerian Man Shares Frightful Tales

Olushola, however, died from injuries he sustained from the incident. It was further gathered that investigation into the murder incident is now being carried out by the murder brigade of the Federal Judicial Police Antwerp.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes Brexit should serve as a 'wake-up call' for the EU (AP)

Angela Merkel has said that Brexit should serve as a wake-up call for the EU, warning that Britain will become a major economic competitor.

With little over a fortnight to go until the UK leaves the EU, the German Chancellor has told her European colleagues that the bloc needs to do more to become competitive in the world market.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Mrs Merkel said the EU had to become attractive, innovative, creative, a good place for research and education.

She added: Competition can then be very productive.

Mrs Merkel believes the EU must do more to be competitive (AP)

Mrs Merkel said last year that Britain would emerge as a potential competitor to the EU, alongside China and the United States.

Berlin fear that a post-Brexit Britain will diverge from EU rules on goods, workers rights, taxes and environmental standards, that could create a serious economic competitor on its doorstep.

Britain is set to leave the EU on 31 January, kicking off a transition period that will last 11 months, allowing the UK government to thrash out trade deals with Brussels before the 31 December deadline.

Read more from Yahoo News UK:

Nigel Farage's Brexit Day celebration plans are underway

Meghan Markle's father wants to 'clear name by facing her in court'

Canada's biggest newspaper says Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren't welcome

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said that there has to be a level playing field in the Brexit negotiations to ensure the single market and customs union are "not diluted.

The Taoiseach said there must be a common minimum standard so the United Kingdom does not attempt to "undercut" the EU over its labour and environmental standards.

Mr Varadkar said: "The next step is negotiating a free trade agreement with the UK. When it comes to Brexit it is only half-time, and the next step is to negotiate a free trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

Britain is set to leave the EU on 31 January following Boris Johnson's election victory (AP)

"There also has to be a level playing field so that the single market and the customs union are not diluted.

"We must have common minimum standards so that the UK doesn't attempt in any way to undercut the EU when it comes to labour and environmental standards.

Boris Johnson has insisted there will be no extension to the transition deadline at the end of 2020, meaning a no-deal scenario is still a possibility.

Watch more from Yahoo UK
[January 16, 2020] MAXIMUS to Hire 780 in Irving for 2020 Census

MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it will hire seasonal employees to help support the 2020 Census. In Irving, Texas, MAXIMUS plans to hire more than 780 employees for its contact center work over the next several months. Every ten years, the U.S. Federal Government conducts a full census of every person in the country. The census results control the number of Representatives in the U.S. Congress apportioned to each state. Population counts also factor heavily into assigning billions of dollars in federal spending to state and city governments. "There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that goes into producing the U.S. Census. Our customer service representatives will have an opportunity to be involved in helping the public with this historic endeavor," said Tom Romeo, President and General Manager, MAXIMUS Federal. "We are seeking customer service representatives who will answer phone calls from all over the country as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's work. We are proud to play an integral role in this process and our recruitment efforts in Irving are vital to the success of this project." Across the country, MAXIMUS will be hiringmore than 8,000 limited service contact center employees to assist in this work. In Irving, MAXIMUS is offering a competitive hourly wage of $17.29 for each of the 780 employees hired. Additionally, we are looking for bilingual candidates who are proficient in English and Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.



Seasonal employees will have a variety of shifts available to meet their lifestyle and family needs. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to be trained as a world-class expert in customer service and could receive bonuses for referrals. Those interested in applying to work for MAXIMUS as part of the 2020 Census can apply here at maximus.com/census.

About MAXIMUS Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005418/en/

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New York authorities revealed Thursday afternoon that a black leather belt was found at the crime scene during the early stages of the investigation into the unsolved murders of at least 10 people whose bodies were found dumped along a highway on Long Island almost a decade ago.

During a press conference shortly after 1pm, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart announced that the belt appears to have embossed initials, WH or HM.

Hart said authorities believe the belt was handled by the suspect and did not belong to any of the Gilgo Beach victims. She did not give a specific location about where the belt was found.

The belt was discovered in the early stages of the investigation, but was a previously undisclosed piece of evidence withheld from the public. It's unclear why, but Hart said her team believed 'it was time' to release the information.

Authorities did not comment on possible suspects in the case.

Hart didn't say whether or not DNA from the killer was taken from the belt, but she did announce that the Suffolk County Police Department is using genetic genealogy in hopes of cracking the case.

Scroll down for video

During a press conference shortly after 1pm, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart announced that the belt appears to have embossed initials, WH or HM (pictured)

Hart said authorities believe the belt was handled by the suspect and did not belong to any of the Gilgo Beach victims. She did not give a specific location about where the belt was found

Last September, New York state officials determined that investigators could use the scientific technology in the Gilgo case.

The technology hasn't been approved in the state, but it has helped authorities in other states identify notorious murderers such as the Golden State Killer.

Hart said authorities will be launching a website exclusively for the investigation called GilgoNews.com. She said the public will be able to submit anonymous tips and stay updated on information regarding the case on the website.

Thursday's announcement comes 10 years after a search for Shannan Gilbert, 24, led to the grisly discovery of 10 sets of human remains.

Gilbert, a 24-year-old sex worker, went missing in 2010 several miles from Gilgo Beach after leaving a client's house on foot and disappearing into the marsh.

The first four bodies found were those of women in their 20s who worked as prostitutes, according to police (all pictured)

The announcement comes 10 years after a search for Shannan Gilbert (left and right), 24, led to the grisly discovery of 10 sets of human remains. Gilbert, a 24-year-old sex worker, went missing in 2010 several miles from Gilgo Beach after leaving a client's house on foot

Hart also announced the Suffolk County Police Department's use of genetic genealogy in the case. Last September, New York state officials determined that investigators could use the scientific technology in the Gilgo case. Pictured are searchers in 2011

Months later, a police officer and his cadaver dog were looking for her body in the thicket along Ocean Parkway when they happened upon the remains of a different woman. Within days, three other bodies were found, all within a short walk of one another (8 victims pictured)

The remains of the first four victims, all female, were discovered within a mile of one another (depicted in this graphic)

Months later, a police officer and his cadaver dog were looking for her body in the thicket along Ocean Parkway when they happened upon the remains of a different woman.

Within days, three other bodies were found, all within a short walk of one another.

By spring 2011, that number had climbed to 10 sets of human remains - those of eight women, one Asian man and one toddler - all found along several miles of parkway.

The Asian man, who authorities said was dressed in women's clothing, was found in March 2011.

Police believe the toddler was the child of one of the victims, but the girl and mother were found in two different areas. The toddler was found on April 4, 2011.

The first four bodies found were those of women in their 20s who worked as prostitutes, according to police.

By spring 2011, that number had climbed to 10 sets of human remains - those of eight women, one Asian man and one toddler - all found along several miles of parkway. Pictured is a cadaver dog searching the area in April 2011

Body parts found on Gilgo Beach (file image, April 2011 search) were also linked to another corpse found in Manorville in 2000. That female victim has never been identified

Maureen Brainard Barnes, 25, went missing on July 9, 2007. Her remains were found on December 13, 2010.

Megan Waterman, 22, who had a daughter, went missing on June 6, 2010. Her body was also found on December 13, 2010.

The remains of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, who had been living in the Bronx at the time, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, were also found on December 13, 2010.

Barthelemy's body was the first to be found. She went missing on July 12, 2009. Costello disappeared on September 2, 2010.

Some remains were later linked to dismembered body parts found elsewhere on Long Island, making for a puzzling crime scene that stretched from a park near the New York City limits to a resort community on Fire Island and out to far eastern Long Island.

Police found the skull of a 20-year-old prostitute identified as Jessica Taylor. Most of the rest of her body was found in a wooded area of Manorville shortly after she disappeared in July 2003.

Body parts found on Gilgo Beach were also linked to another corpse found in Manorville in 2000. That female victim has never been identified.

In talking about the bodies near Gilgo Beach, investigators have said several times over the years it is unlikely one person killed all the victims. Police searching in the thick brush for more bodies in April 2011

Gilbert's body was found in the marsh in the community of Oak Beach in December 2011, about three miles east of where the other 10 sets were discovered (file image of Gilgo Beach)

Gilbert's body was found in the marsh in the community of Oak Beach in December 2011, about three miles east of where the other 10 sets were discovered.

Police have long maintained that Gilbert's death was accidental.

They said at the time that she drowned in a drug-induced haze after wandering into the wetland, but her relatives have long disputed that determination.

In one of the more unusual twists in the saga, Gilbert's mother, Mari, was murdered last year by another daughter, Sarra, in her upstate New York home.

In talking about the bodies near Gilgo Beach, investigators have said several times over the years it is unlikely one person killed all the victims.
Frogmore Cottage is not quite the lavish pit of taxpayers' money that the tabloids would have you believe. It's nice, of course, a great deal more than most British people could ever imagine living in, but it is by no means extravagant nor palatial  it is the kind of home you see a thousand times over in the pages of Country Life or scrolling through Instagram.

There is a sofa by the popular high street furniture store, Loaf. A lovely but not substantial kitchen. A downstairs loo with a candle in it. Dogs running around merrily.

But when I visited towards the end of last year, there was a sense in some parts of the media that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were sitting in sumptuous robes, throwing taxpayers' money into an expensive wood-burning stove, setting fire to the world they claimed to care so much about in the process. (For the record: there were no wood-burning stoves or robes; they were dressed in the casual weekend get-up of jeans, sweat pants, and jumpers, and kindly offered tea.)

Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Credit:Alamy

Any perspective regarding the couple had long disappeared into a strange vacuum of hysteria that seemed to have appeared as a way to distract ourselves from the endless tedium of Brexit. It did not matter that the Crown had needed to renovate the decaying Frogmore any way, or that Harry and Meghan had paid for all the fixtures and fittings themselves  the cottage, and its 2.4 million ($4.5 million) building costs, had become one of many quick and easy ways for some to go to town on the couple.
Greens MP David Shoebridge has pleaded not guilty to failing to move on after a climate change protest outside Kirribilli House while the Prime Minister was in Hawaii as the bushfires raged.

The NSW MP said the police intervention with the protest was an example of "gross overreach" and questioned the basis on which police made the orders.

Greens MP David Shoebridge was arrested on December 19. Credit:AAP

Speaking to reporters and dozens of sign-wielding supporters outside Manly Local Court on Thursday on a PA system he bought with him, Mr Shoebridge said he would rigorously defend the charge.

"The kids weren't blocking traffic, they weren't creating a public safety issue ... there was no proper basis for the police to issue the move-on orders and then send in the riot squad," he said.
The parents of a five-year-old boy who won the nation's heart in his battle against a rare cancer have revealed their joy after being told his disease has gone.

Oscar Saxelby-Lee, from Worcester, was given a 'life or death' three-month race to find a stem-cell match after his aggressive form of leukaemia worsened.

More than 10,000 people responded when a plea went out for potential donors  of which 5,000 of those queued in the rain to be tested.

After a match was found, it was hoped to be the first step to curing Oscar, who had rare T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

But parents Olivia Saxelby, 26, and Jamie Lee, 23, were left devastated when they discovered the disease had returned despite Oscar's stem cell transplant last spring.

They suffered further heartache when they were told the NHS would not fund a second transplant or a potentially new cell therapy treatment.

The desperate couple launched a fundraising drive to raise 500,000 needed to send Oscar to Singapore for a trial of a new therapy, called CAR-T cell therapy.

After Oscar had the new treatment, Mr and Mrs Saxelby revealed on Thursday in a heartfelt Facebook post that he is now free of the disease.

The parents of a five-year-old boy who won the nation's heart in his battle against a rare cancer have revealed their joy after being told the disease has gone

Oscar Saxelby-Lee, from Worcester, was given a 'life of death' three month race against time to find a stem-cell match after his aggressive form of leukaemia worsened

More than 10,000 people responded when a plea went out for potential stem cell donors - of which 5,000 of those queued in the rain to be tested

The campaign to raise money for the treatment in Singapore became the fastest online charity appeal ever and reached its target in three weeks in October.

The youngster flew to the country over Christmas to have the therapy and a second bone marrow transplant in a bid to save his life.

CAR-T - chimeric antigen receptor T-cell - therapy is tailored to each individual patient.

It involves reprogramming their immune system cells which are then used to target the cancer.

After a match was found, it was hoped to be the first step to curing Oscar, who had rare T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

But parents Olivia Saxelby, 26, and Jamie Lee, 23, were left devastated when they discovered the disease had returned despite Oscar's stem cell transplant last spring

The parents suffered further heartache when they were told the NHS would not fund a second transplant or a potentially new cell therapy treatment

The desperate couple launched a fundraising drive to raise 500,000 needed to send Oscar to Singapore for a trial of a new therapy, called CAR-T cell therapy. Pictured: Potential stem cell donors queue to be tested

The campaign became the fastest online charity appeal ever and reached its target in three weeks in October

In the Facebook post revealing that Oscar is now cancer free, his parents wrote: 'OUR GREATEST NEWS.

'From "his disease is too aggressive" and starting palliative care to "MRD negative"! NO DISEASE DETECTED!

'We know it's early days and anything can happen especially with his bone marrow being flat, but for now we are celebrating the news that we never thought we would hear.

'GO OSCAR YOU AMAZING LITTLE BOY!'

His parents added: 'Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of you for making this possible.

'We are so so so so soooooo proud!

'Although Oscar still needs another bone marrow transplant and we are a long way off full recovery to come home, we are rejoicing at this magical time in our lives!

'We are literally THE proudest parents right now!

The youngster flew to Singapore over Christmas to have the therapy and a second bone marrow transplant in a bid to save his life. Pictured: Oscar being visited by members of West Midlands Police

CAR-T - chimeric antigen receptor T-cell - therapy is tailored to each individual patient. Pictured: Some of the 4,800 donors who queued at Pitmaston Primary School, in Worcester

Oscar, who had been treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital since December 2018, is expected to remain in Singapore for six months.

His appeal was backed by the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, which has been collecting money on the family's behalf.

Dr Jen Kelly, the trust's founder, said: 'On behalf of the trust, I would like to thank everyone that has supported Oscar's campaign in any way.

'In particular mentioning the amazing team at Pitmaston Primary School, both the staff and parents who have gone to the most extraordinary lengths to make Oscar's huge campaign a reality.

'The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is very proud to have been able to play a key role in Oscar's campaign and we will continue to help support Oscar and other children affected by childhood cancer wherever possible.'
Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Thursday rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya case. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Thursday rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya case.

The mercy plea was then forwarded to Lieutenant Governor, who has now sent it to Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The convicts were sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.

The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, had succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

Catch the latest news, live coverage and in-depth analyses from India and World. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, has been awarded a new contract worth about $38 million by the Government-owned Company Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) for the project "Proyecto de Conectividad Fibra Optica Red Electrica Inteligente REI" in Mexico.

This is the largest project ever launched by the Government in Mexico in terms of cable supply, and it will connect remote regions in the Country with high-speed broadband. It includes the design, supply and installation of a minimum of 9,800 km of OPGW cables and 5,100 km of ADSS cables. OPGW cables will be produced in the Group's plant in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain, while ADSS cables will be produced in the plant located in Durango, Mexico, witnessing once again Prysmian's ability to leverage on its global organisation, and the great teamworking ability of its LATAM, HQ and OPGW Business Unit organizations.

For this project, Prysmian took part in an international tender, involving several local and overseas producers. "We wouldn't have been able to succeed in this project without the extremely efficient cooperation among our local sales team and global operations, R&D, procurement, logistics and legal teams," stated Juan Mogollon, CEO LATAM at Prysmian Group. "Support from all of them was key to reaching this outstanding result."

"This contract is a significant milestone for Prysmian in Mexico, a country in which we have been present for years, and in which we invested," added Philippe Vanhille, Executive Vice President Telecom Business. "Mexico and Central America offer considerable scope for development in all telecom sectors in the near future, with broadband Internet subscribers constantly growing. The investments we made in this area in the past few years have been key to helping Prysmian be ready to meet the subsequent increase in market demand and support its customers in the region."

Prysmian Group

Prysmian Group is world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. With almost 140 years of experience, sales of over 11 billion, about 29,000 employees in over 50 countries and 112 plants, the Group is strongly positioned in high-tech markets and offers the widest possible range of products, services, technologies and know-how. It operates in the businesses of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, of special cables for applications in many different industries and of medium and low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. For the telecommunications industry, the Group manufactures cables and accessories for voice, video and data transmission, offering a comprehensive range of optical fibres, optical and copper cables and connectivity systems. Prysmian is a public company, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in the FTSE MIB index.
Drew and Jonathan Scott love busting down kitchen walls to make open floor plans on their show Property Brothers: Forever Home. But what happens when their clients ask them to put a wall up, effectively cutting the kitchen in half?

In the recent episode Miracle House to Forever Home, we learn that Irina and Dean had moved into a small, two-bedroom home in Toronto never expecting to have kids. Well, they didtwo!and now theyre realizing they need to lose kitchen space so their youngest child can have her own room.

Can the brothers pull off this renovation? Or will this two-turned-three-bedroom house feel too crowded when theyre done? Find out how they pull off this tough renovation, and learn their best tips for making a small home look big.

A galley kitchen doesnt have to feel tight

This galley kitchen doesn't feel small at all! HGTV

Drew and Jonathan know that theres only one way to create a third bedroom for this growing family: take space away from the kitchen.

The brothers put a wall up in the middle of the kitchen to make room for baby Adalynns room, leaving the family with a small galley kitchen.

Galley kitchens have a bad reputation for being small and closed off. But Jonathan knows how to make this kitchen look spacious.

He makes the space look bigger by installing white countertops and white Shaker cabinets, paired with some gray cabinet accents for contrast. The light colors make this small kitchen look much more open, and the door Jonathan installs at the end of the kitchen brings in lots of sunlight. The bright colors, with lots of light and those new appliances, would probably make any family forget they used to have twice the space.

When the brothers finally show Irina and Dean their finished kitchen, the couple are amazed by how beautiful it looksand how efficient the space is.

You know, its funny, Irina says, our old kitchen, it was bigger, but it was so disjointed. This is a smaller kitchen, but its more functional. It actually feels like we have more room in here.

This just goes to show, Drew says, just because it was a smaller space doesnt mean you cant have a great functional kitchen.

Modern meets traditional backsplash

This backsplash is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. HGTV

Irina has a classic style, while Dean loves a more modern look. Luckily, the Scotts know just how to incorporate both styles when it comes to the kitchen backsplash.

The backsplash they choose is like a traditional subway tile, but with more movement from an undulating texture. It refreshes the classic look, making it a perfect compromise between Irina and Deans styles.

Regular subway tile you see a lot, Jonathan points out. This is way prettier.

Fun wallpaper is perfect for kids rooms

This floral wallpaper is stunning. HGTV

Drew and Jonathan want to make baby Adalynns new, small room feel homey for the familys newest member, so they put up floral wallpaper on an accent wall to give the space some personality.

When Irina sees the room, she says, I love this wallpaper. It is so perfect for her.

But it gets better.

Of course, Drew and Jonathan know they cant give Adalynn a new bedroom without upgrading big brother Mates room. For this little boy's room, the brothers decide to put up a fun construction-themed wallpaper.

Both wallpaper designs brighten up the space, proving that wallpaper can be an easy, fun way to make kids rooms a little more special.

Less storage means more living room

Without that fourth hall closet, the living room has more space. So the brothers are able to add a dining table in the adjoining space. HGTV

When the brothers first tour Irina and Deans home, they notice theres a lot of storage space, maybe too much. There are four (that's rightfour!) hall closets in the entryway, and the brothers decide thats one too many.

They remove one closet, creating a wider entryway and more space in the living room. Jonathan is even able to put a new dining table in the living space without it feeling too cramped.

This just proves that while storage can be incredibly important to families with kids, sometimes that storage space is used better in another way.

Shelves are a simple way to add storage

This storage is in a perfect spot. HGTV

So Irina and Dean give up some storage space when Jonathan takes out one of their hall closets, but they gain some back when he adds some shelving to their fireplace.

Jonathan knows right away that the whole fireplace needs a big overhaul, and when he starts talking about fireplace updates, Irina mentions that shed love some shelves on the wall.

So, Jonathan redesigns the fireplace by adding soft, geometric tiles, then tops it off with lots of storage on both sides.

Not only does this fireplace look great, its also very functional.

So do the Scott brothers deliver?

Before renovation, Irina and Dean tell the brothers that they cant go above $150,000 for their renovation. So, when Jonathan gives them a quote of $135,000 for a six-week renovation, these parents of two are happy to stay under budget.

Theyre even happier when Drew and Jonathan end up doing everything on the familys wish list while coming in right on target at their estimated $135,000.

Irina and Deans forever home is perfect, and so is the price.

The post The Property Brothers Reveal How to Make a Tiny Kitchen Look Huge appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that paves the way for construction of an international airport at Mopa in the coastal state, saying it will boost growth.

The SC on Thursday cleared the path for construction of an international airport at Mopa in North district by lifting the suspension on environmental clearance (EC) granted to the project spread over 2,131 acres.

The top court in March last year had suspended the EC granted for the greenfield airport and had directed the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) to revisit the decision in light of its impact on the ecology.

Reacting to the SC judgement, Sawant said the ruling has come as a great relief for Goa as it will open new avenues for the state and propel its economic growth.

The Chief Minister said the state government is committed towards sustainable development that prioritises its people and

Last year, the SC had ordered the Goa government and GMR Goa International Airport Ltd to maintain status quo on the under-construction airport due to environmental impact.

As per the concession agreement with GMR Airports, the airport was to be commissioned by September 2020.

The apex court had ruled in favour of two petitions filed by Goa-based activists Hanumant Aroskar and Federation of Rainbow Warriors, who had challenged the environmental clearance given by the National Green Tribunal, Pune.

Separately, the tribunal also rejected applications by the two petitioners in August 2018.

The petitioners sought a stay from the SC over the illegal felling of 55,000 trees at Mopa, arguing that the impact assessment (EIA) report by the tribunal only mentioned about presence of bushes at the airport site.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
South Korea to push ahead with North Korea cooperation despite stalled talks

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 10:33 AM

South Korea says there is no need to wait for the United States' denuclearization talks with North Korea to progress in order to proceed with inter-Korean cooperation.

"Our basic stance is that North Korea-US talks and inter-Korean dialogue complement each other in a virtuous cycle," South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Wednesday.

She also said now that US-North Korea talks are in a stalemate, it is essential to revive "North Korea's engagement momentum" through inter-Korean talks.

The South Korean official made the remarks in Palo Alto, California, after meeting with her US and Japanese counterparts.

This came after South Korean President Moon Jae-in said he is making efforts to arrange a visit by North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un to Seoul, citing a "desperate need" for both sides to improve relations, amid a deadlock in US-North Korea talks.

"In a time of deadlock in US-North Korea talks  and where we are even concerned about a step backward in inter-Korean relations  we are in desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation," he said.

He also said that "the momentum for US-North Korea talks must continue."

Moon has been personally involved in efforts to broker diplomacy between North Korea and the US since 2018. While Kim and US President Donald Trump have met three times, talks aimed at demilitarizing the Korean Peninsula  where the US has substantial military presence  have stopped.

Moon visited Pyongyang in September 2018, when the two Korean leaders agreed to take a step closer to peace by turning the Korean Peninsula into a "land of peace without nuclear weapons and nuclear threats."

Inter-Korean talks have, however, stalled amid a deadlock in talks between Washington and Pyongyang. The US has been refusing to offer any sanctions relief to the North even as Pyongyang has taken several unilateral steps since 2017, including demolishing a major nuclear test site.

There have also been concerns about a rise in tensions recently as North Korea has resumed its missile testing because the US missed a deadline to take action.

The North has long been under harsh sanctions by the United Nations and the US over its nuclear and missile programs.

Pyongyang has warned Seoul to steer clear of relations between the North and the United States.

Last Friday, Pyongyang said in a statement that North Korea would not return to the negotiating table with Washington solely because of the "good relations" between Kim and Trump.

However, Moon has expressed new optimism about the deadlocked talks between the United States and North Korea, citing a recent birthday wish sent to Pyongyang's leader by the American president.

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Twenty years ago, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas issued a call to arms of sorts, in a case in which the court upheld the use of federal education aid to private religious schools for the loan of library books, computers, and other materials.

Opposition to aid to sectarian schools acquired prominence in the 1870s with Congresss consideration (and near passage) of the Blaine Amendment, which would have amended the Constitution to bar any aid to sectarian institutions, Thomas wrote in a plurality opinion in the 2000 case, Mitchell v. Helms. Consideration of the amendment arose at a time of pervasive hostility to the Catholic Church and to Catholics in general, and it was an open secret that sectarian was code for Catholic. 

Thomas went on to assert that nothing in the First Amendments prohibition on government establishment of religion requires the exclusion of religious schools from otherwise permissible aid programs.

This doctrine, born of bigotry, should be buried now, he said.

On Jan. 22, the Supreme Court will take up a new case concerning government money that flows to private religious schools. In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (Case No. 18-1195), the justices will consider whether Montanas state constitutional provision barring aid to religious schools violates the First Amendments guarantee of free exercise of religion.

Baby Blaine Amendments

The case could result in a dramatic turn in a debate that has roiled the nation at least since the time of the federal Blaine amendment, introduced in Congress in 1875 by James G. Blaine, then a member of the House of Representatives from Maine. Although the federal measure failed, more than 20 states subsequently adopted baby Blaine amendmentsstate constitutional measures that in some form or other bar government aid to religious denominations and religious schools.

Douglas Laycock, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a leading scholar on religious-liberty issues, said in an interview that if, as he predicts, the high court rules that Montanas state constitution may not bar scholarship aid at religious schools, it will be pretty significant.

Laycock co-wrote a friend-of-the-court brief in support of upholding the use of the Montana tax credit to aid religious schools filed by the Christian Legal Society, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and several religious denominations and groups.

We will have gone from a presumption against aid to religious schools, to its permitted, to its required in some circumstances, said Laycock, referring to the recent trend on the court to lower the wall between church and state. All that has happened in about 35 years.

The Montana case involves a $150 state tax credit for contributions to funds that provide scholarships for students to attend private schools, including religious schools. (Education Week visited Montana in September to examine the ins and out of the program.)

The state revenue department, which administers the tax credit, issued an administrative rule that barred the scholarships from being used at religious schools. It cited a state constitutional provision that says the state shall not make any direct or indirect appropriation or payment from any public fund or monies ... for any sectarian purpose or to aid any church, school, academy, seminary, college, university, or other literary or scientific institution, controlled in whole or in part by any church, sect, or denomination.

The state rule was challenged as a violation of the free-exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution by parents who sought to use the scholarship aid at religious schools.

The Montana supreme court in 2018 invalidated the entire tax-credit program, for both religious and nonreligious schools, based on the state constitutional provision. But it stayed its decision, and money from scholarship contributors claiming the tax credit in the 2018 tax year is being used by a private organization to give $500 scholarships to about 40 families this school year.

Leading up to this months oral arguments in the Espinoza case, the parties and many other groups filed nearly 50 briefs, many of which discuss the issue regarding the Blaine amendment raised 20 years ago by Justice Thomas.

Congress considered [the federal Blaine amendment] during an era of widespread hostility to Catholicism in general and to Catholic schools in particular, says a brief in support of the private school parents filed by the Trump administration.

Montanas constitutional provision, included in the states first constitution in 1889 and kept in substantially the same wording in its 1972 constitution, was originally adopted by a Protestant majority to prevent funding for Catholic schools while preserving funding forand effectively coercing all students to attendthe Protestant-oriented public schools, says the brief for the parents filed by the Institute for Justice.

Scholars disagree about the degree to which anti-Catholic animus was a motivating factor for the adoption of no-aid provisions in state constitutions in the Blaine era.

Richard W. Garnett, a law professor and religious-liberty scholar at the University of Notre Dame, said in an interview that the federal Blaine amendment and the baby Blaines were animated and propelled by anti-Catholic sentiment.

A significant reason for the anti-aid movement in the 19th century was hostility to the Roman Catholic church, he said. I just dont think that basic position is seriously denied by anybody.

Montana, which is defending its state constitutional provision (and thus not the tax credit adopted by its legislature), says in its brief that the historical record is more complex than the parents and their allies suggest.

Montana neither minimizes nor condones the anti-Catholic bigotry that unquestionably has existed throughout this nations history, the states brief says. But Montanas no-aid clause is not the product of that bigotry. Instead, it embodies the distinct intellectual tradition that regards barring aid to religious institutions as a means of protecting religious liberty.

The states 1972 constitutional provision was substantially the same as language in the states constitution of 1889, the year Montana joined the Union. The state is among 21 that adopted no-aid provisions after the federal Blaine amendment failed in 1876. (Seventeen states have no-aid provisions that predate that time.)

Steven K. Green, a law professor at Willamette University in Salem, Ore., whose scholarship on church-state separation and the Blaine amendment has been widely cited by Supreme Court justices and advocates on both sides of the issue of aid to religion, pointed out that the first no-aid clauses in state constitutions appeared in the 1830s, well before the time of the Blaine amendment.

We all recognize the Protestant-Catholic conflict of the 19th century, but to boil that down as the primary explanation for 100 years of the development of state no-aid provisions really oversimplifies history, he said.

Green co-wrote a brief in support of the state on behalf of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and three Protestant denominations.

History is complex, Green writes in the brief. It does not provide simple answers to current legal disputes.

Green said that the Blaine amendment was proposed at a time of heightened tension over Catholic immigration to the United States and what many scholars call the School Question"a long-running conflict over the role of Bible reading in the 19th-century public schools and the public funding of religious schools.

While it is true that some supporters of the Blaine amendment used anti-Catholic rhetoric, others had different motivations. For example, some, viewed the Blaine Amendment as a way to ensure the financial security of state school funds at a crucial time in the development of common schooling, Green writes in the brief.

Four Votes Short

Blaine was born of a Presbyterian father and Catholic mother, and he attended a Presbyterian church but was not particularly religious or anti-Catholic, Green has written.

He proposed his amendment after a 1875 speech by President Ulysses S. Grant calling for church and state to be forever separate and against public funding of private schools.

Blaines amendment included language that would have made the federal constitutions establishment clause applicable to the states and declared that no state tax money shall ever be under the control of any religious sect.

Blaine was largely motivated by politics, Green writes. He was running for the Republican presidential nomination in 1876. Once he lost the nomination, in part because of a financial scandal, Blaine lost interest in the proposed amendment that bears his name. The measure, in amended form, passed the House by a vote of 180-7.

The House version underwent further tinkering in the Senate, making it longer and more pro-Protestant, Green writes. The Senate voted 28-16 in favor, but that was four votes short of the necessary two-thirds majority.

Blaine, who had been appointed to the Senate in July 1876, did not participate in that vote.


Local Support for Kachi

Brisbane, Jan 16, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium explorer and developer Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( FRA:LK1 ) has received a vote of confidence from authorities in Argentina, with meetings with provincial governors and regulators reaffirming their support for lithium development and exploration, including Lake's Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Catamarca Province.The meetings, held with governors and regulators in Jujuy, Catamarca and in Buenos Aires, focused on the need to secure new forms of export income in each of the lithium provinces and under the direction of the new federal government. This included support for lithium development and exploration, while ensuring environmentally and socially responsible development in line with international best practice. This follows similar comments made in meetings prior to the recent elections.The recent talks included members of Lake's local subsidiary, Morena del Valle S.A, a company established in Catamarca which employs primarily local people.Lake's Managing Director Steve Promnitz said: "We are pleased with the continued support of regulators and government in the provinces in which we operate in Argentina and it clearly demonstrates their commitment to supporting more foreign investment in the sector when local concerns are recognised. As shareholders are aware, recent national elections in Argentina have resulted in a change of party and leadership and ongoing support from new members of government is always important."Such support is vital as Lake moves towards the development of what is undoubtedly a very large new lithium project at Kachi based on a potentially ground-breaking direct extraction process,To view the full release, please visit:About Lake Resources NL

Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost.



This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers.
The Associated Press

Researchers say they have successfully created another embryo of the nearly extinct northern white rhino in a global effort to keep the species alive. Just two animals remain, and both are female.

The viable embryo is just the third to be created in a lab with eggs taken from the females and inseminated with frozen sperm from dead males, according to Wednesdays statement. The embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen to be transferred into a surrogate mother  a southern white rhino  in the coming months.

Its amazing to see that we will be able to reverse the tragic loss of this subspecies through science, said Kenyas wildlife minister, Najib Balala, in the statement by the Kenya Wildlife Service and conservationists from Kenya, the Czech Republic, Germany and Italy.

The ultimate goal is to create a herd of at least five animals that could be returned to their natural habitat in Africa. That could take decades.

The two remaining female northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, are hosted by Kenya. The three viable embryos have been created with eggs from Fatu.

Now the team will make every effort to achieve the same result for the 30-year-old Najin before it is too late for her, said Thomas Hildebrandt with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research in Germany.

The procedure has proven to be safe and can be performed regularly before the animals become too old, the new statement said.

The next step is to select female southern white rhinos among those at Kenyas Ol Pejeta Conservancy to serve as a surrogate mother, Kenyas wildlife minister said.

Decades of poaching have taken a heavy toll on rhino species. The animals are killed for their horns, which have long been used as carving material and prized in traditional Chinese medicine for their supposed healing properties.

The last male northern white rhino was a 45-year-old named Sudan, who gained fame in 2017 when he was listed as The Most Eligible Bachelor in the World on the Tinder dating app as part of a fundraising effort. Sudan, named for the country where he was born in the wild, was euthanized in 2018 because of age-related ills.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree establishing the new position of Security Council deputy chairman.

The post will be held by ex-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, TASS reports.
A southeast Alabama mother, grandmother and grandfather are behind bars, accused of locking children in wooden cages on multiple occasions.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones on Wednesday announced the arrests of Pamela Deloris Bond, 66, James H. Bond, 69 and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30. All three live in Smiths Station.

Sheriffs investigators Monday received information from Lee County DHR about a possible child abuse situation at the home in the 5000 block of Lee Road 246. Deputies went to the home and made contact with four children, ages 11, 10, 4 and 3.

While at the home, deputies noticed two wooden cages that had lids that locked. The investigation revealed the children had been locked in the cages multiple times.

Investigators learned that an 8-month-old child also lives at the home but was not there when deputies arrived. All five children have been placed in DHR custody.

The suspects have been charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment. Additionally, Pamela Bond is charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Bonds for James Bond and Mann are set at $122,000. Bond for Pamela Bond is $123,000.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the case call the Lee County Sheriffs Office at 334-749-5651 or Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.
Adorable footage has gone viral of a thirsty wallaby trying to drink from a sprinkler with mixed success.

The adorable moment was captured by former rodeo bull rider 'Dodge' Manning and his wife Karen on their Dubbo farm in drought-stricken central west New South Wales last week.

The farmers had turned on their sprinkler to water a patch of grass to feed their horses when they received an unexpected visitor in desperate search of a drink.

Adorable footage has emerged of a wallaby drinking from a sprinkler on a farm in Dubbo

The footage shows the parched wallaby initially struggling to quench its thirst due to the sprinkler's constant movement.

The wallaby spends 15 seconds wrestling with the sprinkler before the smart-thinking critter solves the issue by picking it up with its paws to take a hearty gulp from the squirting water.

'I've been trying to keep a small bit of grass watered for the horses so they can have a graze occasionally. Looks like this little guy needed a drink,' Ms Manning captioned the heartwarming footage on Facebook.

The parched wallaby initially had a hard time drinking from the constantly moving sprinkler

The footage has since gone viral online and picked up by media outlets.

'Poor little guy ... very clever though,' one woman commented on the online footage.

Another added: 'Thank you for helping thirsty wildlife.'

The drought-stricken region of Dubbo has been on level four restrictions since November, where residents can only use 280 litres of water per person per day.

The smart-thinking wallaby finally comes up with a solution by picking up the sprinkler

Residents are limited to watering their properties for a maximum of 30 minutes on Wednesdays and Sundays only before 9am or after 6pm.

They also also limited to using only one water outlet at any one time.

Burrendong Dam is sitting at two per cent capacity while Macquarie River, which supplies the dam, is predicted to stop flowing within months.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday said he regretted telling off-color jokes and defended his companys record on the treatment of female employees, saying he tried to make the company a good place to work.

Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York, is mounting a late challenge for the Democratic nomination and has risen modestly in public opinion polls as he blankets U.S. airwaves with television ads.

Still trailing Democratic frontrunners Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren in polls, Bloomberg has quickly built a large campaign staff while releasing progressive proposals, including a pledge on Wednesday to ban flavored e-cigarettes.

But dogging his campaign are allegations that he had made inappropriate comments toward women and that his company, Bloomberg LP, fostered a hostile environment for female employees.

Did I ever tell a bawdy joke? Yeah, sure I did. And do I regret it? Yes. Its embarrassing, Bloomberg, 77, told ABCs The View. But, you know, thats the way I grew up.

Bloomberg did not refer to specific jokes. ABC News reported in December that it had obtained a copy of a 32-page booklet distributed at a party in 1990 that included off-color and sexist remarks by Bloomberg reportedly compiled by his colleagues. The same report chronicled numerous discrimination lawsuits filed against the company over the last three decades.

Bloomberg LP is a major provider of financial information for Wall Street firms.

Bloomberg said his company has very few cases of sexual harassment given its large size.

I think most people would say were a great place to work. At least I hope so. I can tell you thats what I try to do, he said.

In one notable instance, a saleswoman filed a lawsuit in 1997 alleging that when she told Bloomberg she was pregnant, his response was, Kill it, according to news reports at the time. Bloomberg at the time denied making the remark, and the lawsuit was settled, according to court records.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg said the company would not release women from non-disclosure agreements that were part of court settlements, some of which stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment by Bloomberg LP employees. One of Bloombergs rivals, Democratic U.S. Senator Warren, has called on Bloomberg to release the women from the agreements.

In an ongoing case in New York, the plaintiff asked a judge in December to invalidate her agreement with Bloomberg LP as well as any signed by other similarly situated individuals.
An Alabama mother, grandmother and grandfather have been arrested after allegedly locking children in wooden cages, a sheriff said Wednesday.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones announced the arrests of Pamela Deloris Bond, 66; James H. Bond, 69; and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30.

All three live in the Smiths Station, a small city near the Alabama-Georgia border.

Sheriffs investigators looking into a report of possible child abuse went to the home Monday with child welfare workers and made contact with four children, ages 11, 10, 4 and 3.

Deputies noticed two wooden cages with locks at the home, according to the sheriff's office

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones announced the arrests of (left to right) Pamela Deloris Bond, 66; James H. Bond, 69; and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30

While at the home, deputies noticed two wooden cages with locks, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators said they learned that the children had been locked in the cages multiple times.

The sheriff's office released a photo of what appeared to be a wooden crib-shaped cage with a mattress and blanket inside. It had a slatted lid across the top that appeared to open and close.

Another photo showed a crib with what appeared to be a similar wooden lid fastened to the top.

Investigators said an 8-month-old child also lives at the home but was not there when deputies arrived.

Investigators said they learned that the children had been locked in the cages multiple times

All five children have been placed in state Department of Human Resources custody.

The suspects have been charged with two counts of aggravated abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment. Additionally, Pamela Bond is charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Bail for James Bond and Mann was set at $122,000. Bail for Pamela Bond was $123,000.

Online records were unavailable Wednesday afternoon and it was unclear if they had an attorney who could comment on their behalf.
English French

OTTAWA, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HEXO Corp. (HEXO or the Company) (TSX:HEXO ) is pleased to announce the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2020. All items put forth at the meeting were approved, including the re-election of Nathalie Bourque, Vincent Chiara, Jason Ewart, Adam Miron, Dr. Michael Munzar and Sebastien St-Louis as directors of the Company, all with a majority of the votes cast, to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed, and the appointment of MNP LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year. Results of the vote for the election of directors at the meeting are set out below:



Nominee Total votes cast Votes for % Nathalie Bourque 29,107,773 25,746,370 88.5 Vincent Chiara 29,107,773 25,257,909 86.8 Jason Ewart 29,107,773 27,868,783 95.7 Adam Miron 29,107,773 25,963,687 89.2 Dr. Michael Munzar 29,107,773 27,762,036 95.4 Sebastien St-Louis 29,107,773 25,836,250 88.8

A Report of Voting Results for the meeting will be available under the Companys profile on SEDAR.

Following the meeting, the Audit Committee and Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee members were appointed to consist of Nathalie Bourque, Vincent Chiara and Jason Ewart, all independent directors.

HEXO also wishes to announce that it has made a change to its Innovation, Development and Engineering Team, which now reports to James McMillan, in a newly expanded role of Chief Development Officer. Mr. McMillan has been with HEXO since soon after its inception and continues to be an invaluable member of the senior leadership team. The position of Chief Innovation Officer has been eliminated; Veronique Hamel, who had held the position since January 2019, is no longer with the Company.

We continue to invest in the research and development of cannabis technology to ensure our consumers have predictable, consistent and quality experiences, and to drive value for our shareholders, said Sebastien St-Louis, CEO and co-founder of HEXO. Id like to take this opportunity to thank Veronique for her contributions to HEXO and to wish her well in her future endeavours.

About HEXO

HEXO Corp. is an award-winning consumer packaged goods cannabis company that creates and distributes innovative products to serve the global cannabis market. Through its hub and spoke business strategy, HEXO Corp. is partnering with Fortune 500 companies, bringing its brand value, cannabinoid isolation technology, licensed infrastructure and regulatory expertise to established companies, leveraging their distribution networks and capacity. As one of the largest licensed cannabis companies in Canada, HEXO Corp. operates facilities in Ontario and Quebec. The Company is also expanding internationally and has a foothold in Greece to establish a Eurozone processing, production and distribution centre. The Company serves the Canadian adult-use markets under its HEXO Cannabis, Up Cannabis and Original Stash brands, and the medical market under HEXO medical cannabis. For more information please visit hexocorp.com. 

Investor Relations:

Jennifer Smith

1-866-438-8429

invest@hexo.com

www.hexocorp.com

Media Relations:

(819) 317-0526

media@hexo.com




A view of the Indian Supreme Court building is seen in New Delhi

By Sankalp Phartiyal and Suchitra Mohanty

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Shares of Vodafone Idea fell as much as 40% on Friday, losing $975 million in market value, after India's top court rejected mobile carriers' petitions for a review of its order to pay billions of dollars in levies to the government.

India's mobile carriers had filed petitions to review an October ruling by the Supreme Court that upheld a long-standing government demand that wireless carriers pay 920 billion rupees ($13 billion) in overdue levies and interest.

The court's rejection on Thursday of petitions by Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and the now-defunct Tata Teleservices is likely to add to the financial woes of India's telecoms sector, which has been badly bruised by a price war.

It could also threaten the survival of Vodafone Idea, a joint venture between Britain's Vodafone Group Plc and India's Idea Cellular, as the unit is saddled with about $3.9 billion in overdue payments, the biggest portion of the entire industry levy.

After the October ruling, its parent Vodafone Group had said the situation for its India venture was "critical".

"With Aditya Birla and Vodafone groups unwilling to infuse equity in Vodafone Idea, we see a strong possibility of Vodafone Idea going for bankruptcy," analysts at Credit Suisse said in a note, while suspending their rating and target price on the stock.

"The probability of India transitioning to a two mobile-operator market has increased considerably," it said. It maintained an "Outperform" rating on Bharti Airtel stock.

Shares in Vodafone Idea tumbled as much as 40% to a two-month low on Friday, wiping out nearly $1 billion in market capitalisation. Shares in Bharti Airtel Ltd, which must pay roughly $3 billion, however rose 5% on expectations for a possible consolidation that will bring it new subscribers.

The trio of Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, which is backed by Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, controls more than 90% of India's mobile market.

Jio has been the only carrier in recent months to add subscribers to its roster. It won't be impacted by the court ruling because as a new entrant, Jio does not have significant dues to the government.

Story continues

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea said they were evaluating approaching the court a final time seeking relief on the order under the constitutional rights available to companies in India.

"The industry continues to face severe financial stress and the outcome could further erode the viability of the sector as a whole," Bharti said in a statement.

($1 = 70.8795 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal and Suchitra Mohanty; Additional reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Stephen Coates)
The White House violated the law when it withheld aid to Ukraine, a nonpartisan government agency concluded.

The Government Accountability Office announced its legal decision Thursday, saying the Office of Management and Budget's withholding of Ukraine aid that Congress had appropriated was not lawful.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the Government Accountability Office said. "OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). ... Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA."

The withheld aid to Ukraine in July 2019 was at the center of the House impeachment inquiry into President Trump, which examined allegations that the president froze the aid to pressure Ukraine into announcing an investigation that might benefit him in the 2020 presidential election. The House last month passed two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and the Senate's impeachment trial is expected to begin next week.

An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson said "we disagree with GAO's opinion" and that "OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the president's priorities and with the law."

More stories from theweek.com

Disney is getting rid of the Fox in 20th Century Fox

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for

Mindhunter just got Netflixed


"Since I can remember, one of my favorite places in the world was my mom's vanity, where I discovered my love of fashion, beauty and the perfect red Revlon lipstick. I wore it at my very first dance recital and every recital, performance and dance competition after that. I felt invincible on stage in my red lipstick, like I could do and be anything," said Sofia Carson. "I'm so proud to join the other incredible Revlon ambassadors who inspire me and countless women around the world. Revlon's Live Boldly platform speaks to the woman I was raised to be; a woman who is fearlessly herself, and who boldly fights for her dreams."

"I have watched Sofia evolve into a passionate, dynamic woman with a sparkling personality and infectious positive energy that touches everything she does from her acting and music projects to her commitment to charitable causes," added Silvia Galfo, Revlon Global Brand President, "She's the embodiment of our Live Boldly spirit."

Carson began pursuing her passion for performing arts at a young age to become a celebrated young Hollywood actress and recording artist. She has appeared in multiple critically acclaimed series and movies, and inspired others with her chart-topping music. Along the way, she has earned accolades and award nominations for her talent and personal style, amassing a legion of international fans.

Carson will begin appearing on behalf of Revlon across all media platforms beginning in Spring 2020.

About Revlon:

An iconic American beauty brand, Revlon was founded in 1932 with revolutionary opaque nail enamel. Today the brand is regarded as global beauty leader, innovator and color expert, offering consumers in more than 150 countries a range of high quality color cosmetics, under leading franchises including ColorStay, Super Lustrous, Revlon Ultra HD and PhotoReady Candid. The brand has a rich heritage in hair color and care, including ColorSilk, the number one consumer hair color brand in the US. Revlon also offers a wide range of tools for beauty and nail. Revlon serves professional hair stylists and colorists with the Revlon Professional line, offering hair color, hair care and styling products under the Revlonissimo, UniqOne, and Equave franchises. Revlon Professional also provides cutting edge education to help salon professionals around the world transform their clients to look their very best. With a long-standing commitment to women's progress, health and well-being, the brand has history of raising funds and awareness for women's issues through signature programs like the Revlon Run Walk and The Revlon Million Dollar Challenge.

SOURCE Revlon

Related Links

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Developer Michael O'Flynn has claimed three former trusted senior employees, including Patrick Cox, son of former MEP Pat Cox, were all guilty of stealing confidential and critical information belonging to the O'Flynn group.

He said the manipulation by former investment director Patrick Cox of a young PA in what he said was the theft of nearly 37,000 documents was shocking and something Mr Cox junior should be "downrightly ashamed of".

Mr O'Flynn, chairman and CEO of the group, was giving evidence in a High Court case in which a number of O'Flynn companies are suing former employees Mr Cox, Liam Foley, Eoghan Kearney and four companies.

It is claimed the defendants made more than 12.5 million in profit on a student accommodation project on Gardiner Street, Dublin, at his businesss expense using this information.

The defendants deny the claims.

Mr O'Flynn said the conduct of Mr Cox was "the worst I have ever come across". Mr Cox had sought "bonus payments and bonus payments" and the group was happy to accommodate him, he said.

"But the money he got was used to set up against us and that was staggering."

Mr Cox then he said started making false allegations about O'Flynns keeping information from Nama, which had taken over the group's 1.8 billion in loans, about projects in Coventry and Birmingham in England.

This, he said, was an attempt at blackmail and to dissuade the company from bringing court action against him and his co-defendants. It was an attempt to damage his reputation which he had spent a long time earning.

"I don't intend losing it to a bunch like this," he said.

Mr Cox could have gone to Nama "if there was anything untoward" in the last three years but had not done so, he said. But Mr O'Flynn himself got his solicitor to write to Nama summarising those allegations which he stressed were completely false.

Mr O'Flynn said his differences with Nama about policy were well known over the years but he had always operated "straight down the line" when dealing with Nama.

This time was "the toughest eight years in business and we had to fight to survive" by drawing on the company's experience, Mr O'Flynn said. "But we did not act unlawfully or deprive Nama of any money."

Mr O'Flynn has told the court his relationship with Mr Cox's father, Pat, who was also a former European Parliament president, prompted him to hire the politicians son.

He claims that while Mr Foley resigned from the O'Flynn group in 2011 and Mr Kearney ended his connection in 2013, Mr Cox continued to be employed.until 2015.

It is agreed in the case that shortly before leaving Mr Cox copied some 37,000 documents.

Mr O'Flynn says he later sent some of that material to his two co-defendants which they used to "tap into" when they needed certain information.

"If you steal something from somebody, you are guilty, but if you also obtain material from somebody who has stolen it you are also guilty", he said.

Mr O'Flynn told his counsel Michael Cush that along with Mr Cox, Mr Kearney and Mr Foley were considered "trusted persons" within the group before they left. Mr Foley was involved in a number of projects in England while Mr Kearney was the group acquisitions manager.

In one email before Mr Cox left the company, Mr Foley told Mr Cox to "watch your step even more now".

Mr O'Flynn said "Mr Foley and his cohorts were obviously watching out in case he, Cox, would make a slip and alert us to what was going on."

He found it astounding when he learned Mr Cox had sent out to Mr Foley and Mr Kearney a proposed confidential and highly sensitive brochure for attracting investment to O'Flynn Capital Partners. Mr Cox suggested they might "rob" certain ideas from the brochure.

Mr O'Flynn said this was "an extraordinary word to use for anybody" but it was obvious that the three former employees "were not going to miss a trick" because of O'Flynn experience in the business.

Mr O'Flynn referred to another email in which he said it appeared the trio were in some disagreement about "how they would divide the stolen cake".

The case continues.
Louis Mirando Our Council members are passionate about the industry and its future, and we look forward to watching Lou lead this impressive group in 2020.

The Fordham Real Estate Institute (REI) is pleased to announce that Louis Mirando, founder and principal of Streamline Realty Funding, LLC has been elected chair of its Executive Advisory Council (EAC) for 2020.

Mirando, who has been a member of the EAC since its inception, will lead many of real estate brightest minds, who are tasked with providing thought leadership, curriculum development, research, scholarly activities, recruitment, philanthropy, sponsorships and events. All EAC members are prominent industry leaders in local, national and international markets. Council members include executives from firms such as Trepp, UBS, Plaza Construction and Simone Management.

Lou has been a tremendous asset to the EAC and we are thrilled that his fellow real estate leaders have elected him as their chair, said Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean, Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS). Our Council members are passionate about the industry and its future, and we look forward to watching Lou lead this impressive group in 2020.

Mirando has more than 35 years experience in commercial mortgage lending and acquisitions, initially with Chase Manhattan Bank and, later, The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. He has originated in excess of $4 billion in investments. Mirando founded Rhodes Capital Company in 1992 and became an early pioneer in CMBS conduit lending, formalizing alliances with Morgan Stanley, CSFB and Nomura Securities. In 1996, he co-founded and became CEO of Transatlantic Capital Company (TACC), a joint venture with Deutsche Bank. After selling his interest in TACC to Deutsche Bank, he became active in a variety of real estate developments. In 2001, Mirando co-founded Rhodes Capital Advisors, a real estate debt and equity advisory company. In 2004, he became Co-Head and Managing Director of CMBS Originations for Eurohypo AG. He left Eurohypo to pursue active real estate development in 2006.

I am honored to have been elected chair by my fellow Council members, and look forward to working even more closely with all the talented people associated with the Fordham Real Estate Institute, said Mirando. I am convinced that Fordham is uniquely positioned to provide the necessary skill set to a greater, more-diverse audience desiring to participate in the fruits of commercial real estate.

ABOUT THE FORDHAM REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE

The Fordham Real Estate Institute (REI) currently offers a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE), graduate certificates in real estate finance, development and construction management, and a comprehensive array of professional certificates in real estate and construction at its campuses in Manhattan and West Harrison, N.Y. Serving professionals and owners/investors of all stripes, the MSRE curriculum presents the essential elements of real estate finance, investment, development and management. The programs are developed and taught by leading industry practitioners and are centered on imparting real-world professional skill sets. Flexibility and convenience are program hallmarks as classes can be taken in-person, online, and at various paces. REI is a part of Fordhams School of Professional and Continuing Studies. For more information, visit http://www.fordham.edu/realestate.


Microsoft: $250M more for affordable housing in the Seattle area

By GENE JOHNSON

Associated Press

SEATTLE  One year after Microsoft announced it was committing $500 million toward affordable housing in the Seattle area, it's upping that by half.

The additional $250 million will provide a line of credit to help the Washington State Finance Commission finance about 3,000 additional units of affordable housing, Jane Broom, the company's senior director of philanthropies, said in a blog post Wednesday.

Microsoft's own success has helped the region boom economically, with Amazon and other tech companies expanding. But as it has, the cost of housing has skyrocketed. Homelessness is a severe concern, and even people with good middle-income jobs, such as teachers and nurses, have been priced out of the cities where they work.

Microsoft announced its $500 million commitment a year ago, saying that much of the money would provide market-rate or below-market-rate loans to developers who want to build affordable housing. Some was also to go toward grants to address homelessness, such as by providing legal help to those facing eviction.

In her blog post, Broom wrote that Microsoft is encouraged by the momentum for addressing homelessness in the region, but that it remains a serious challenge. Data from Zillow, the real-estate website, shows that the Puget Sound region's affordable housing gap is growing, not shrinking: Last year, the area was short 316,000 middle- and low-income housing units, up from 305,000 in 2018.

That 3.6% increase was far less than increases of about 10% in each of the prior two years  but still an increase, she said.

While we're encouraged to see this growth rate fall, it's clear that what we really need to do is see the housing gap fall, not continue to increase, Broom wrote.

Microsoft on Wednesday also announced it was making $55 million in investments and grants toward its original $500 million commitment, bringing its total allocated over the past year to $380 million used to support the preservation or creation of over 6,500 affordable housing units in the greater Seattle area.

Some $50 million of the newly allocated funding will go to a new partnership between the Seattle Foundation and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission with support from JPMorgan Chase, the Evergreen Impact Housing Fund. The fund will promote the development of approximately 1,250 low-income housing units east of Seattle.

Broom said Microsoft was pleased to see Seattle and King County last month create a regional homelessness agency, and that the company intends to continue working with mayors in the region to remove zoning and other barriers to affordable housing.




Return of the remains of the deceased citizens may take place on January 19

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with relatives of Ukrainian citizens killed in the crash of UIA plane in Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Presidents office.

The head of state said that there were currently 10 Ukrainian specialists working in Iran on the identification and return of the bodies of the deceased citizens to Ukraine.

"Currently, several of our citizens have been identified," Zelensky stated.

President of Ukraine informed that he had set the task to return the remains of the deceased citizens to Ukraine as soon as possible.

"We hope that this will happen on January 19. It may be plus or minus two days. But we have set this task before our and Iranian experts," the President said.

The head of state emphasized that every family of the killed Ukrainian would receive compensation from the state in the amount of 8,3 thousand dollars.

In addition, Ukraine will be requiring additional compensations from Iran.

Zelensky also promised to provide the necessary assistance related to the funeral of the dead.

As we reported earlier, Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines, flight PS 752 with 176 people aboard crashed in Tehran, not far from Imam Khomeini airport. No one, including 11 Ukrainians survived the tragedy.
A man, 33, who does not speak English allegedly kidnapped and raped a 15-year-old girl - and then used Google Translate to tell her she looked pretty while driving her back to her school.

Victor Emandes-Ramirez, from North Carolina, is accused of kidnapping the teenager as she walked to a bus stop, driving her to a shed behind a nearby home and raping her on January 9.

After the assault, the suspect took the victim back to his car and drove her to her school, according to officials.

Victor Emandes-Ramirez, 33 (pictured), is accused of kidnapping the teenager as she walked to a bus stop, driving her to a shed behind a nearby home and raping her on January 9

He then used the Google Translate app on his cellphone to translate his Spanish into English and tell his victim that she looked pretty and to warn her to not tell anyone what had happened, warrants say.

Police were called to a Wake County high school at 7.35 am after the girl reported the rape off Pearces Road north of Zebulon.

The Wake County Sheriffs Office picked up Emandes-Ramirez later that same day, after the victim told investigators the man was called 'Victor.' Video surveillance showed the girl getting out of a vehicle matching the suspect's Hyundai Sonata.

The suspect, who does not speak English, used Google Translate on his cellphone to translate his Spanish to English to tell his victim she looked pretty, according to reports

He also used the app to warn her to not tell anyone what had happened as he drove her back to school after the attack, warrants say

The suspect was wearing white pants with paint on them at the time, she told police.

The victim's father told WRAL that news of the assault on his daughter was distressing.

'It was one of the worst phone calls you could ever get and one of the hardest things to deal with. Were going to get through it. Its just tough, it really is, but my main goal is to try to make her better,' he said.

'It could have gone a lot of different ways, but luckily, the sheriff got him before I did. I hope he gets life in prison, and I hope he gets tortured every day of his life.'

Emandes-Ramirez has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, statutory rape of a child 15 years of age or younger, and statutory sex offense with a child 15 years of age or younger. He is being held in Wake County Detention Center (pictured above)

Emandes-Ramirez, from Wake County, has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, statutory rape of a child 15 years of age or younger, and statutory sex offense with a child 15 years of age or younger.

He is being held in Wake County Detention Center on a $1 million bond and will appear in court on January 30.
Key benchmark indices trimmed gains after hitting record levels in morning trade. The sentiment was positive after the United States and China ended some uncertainties for the world economy by signing a partial trade agreement. At 10:28 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 50.15 points or 0.12% at 41,922.88. The Nifty 50 index was up 5.7 points or 0.05% at 12,349.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.47%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.56%. Both these indices outperformed the BSE Sensex.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 1223 shares rose and 659 shares fell. A total of 107 shares were unchanged.

Economy:

India's trade deficit narrowed 22.3% to $11.25 billion in December 2019 from $14.49 billion in the same month a year ago. Imports fell 8.8% year-on-year to $38.61 billion, the 7th straight drop. Exports fell 1.8% year-on-year to $27.36 billion, the 5th straight annual fall.

In April-December, the trade deficit narrowed sharply to $118.10 billion from $148.23 billion the same period in the previous fiscal year, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement on Wednesday, 15 January 2020.

Q3 Earnings:

Hathway Cable & Datacom (up 2.52%), Karnataka Bank (up 1.99%), Tata Metaliks (up 1.36%), Rallis India (up 1.3%), Cyient (up 0.98%), Aditya Birla Money (up 0.25%) and 5Paisa Capital (down 0.38%) are some of the companies that will announce their Q3 2019 results today.

Den Networks rose 3.98%. The cable TV and broadband service provider reported a net profit of Rs 19.36 crore in Q3 December 2019 as against a net loss of Rs 32.38 crore in Q3 December 2018. The company reported a 3.1% rise in net sales to Rs 318.08 crore on YoY basis.

Sterlite Technologies fell 3.92%. The company reported a 63.85% decline in net profit to Rs 52.63 crore in the quarter ended December 2019 as against Rs 145.60 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2018. Company's net sales declined 9.9% to Rs 1202.66 crore in the quarter ended December 2019 as against Rs 1334.87 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2018.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Yes Bank (up 2.14%) is banned from trading in NSE's F&O segment after the security crossed 95% of market wide position limit.

Avanti Feeds jumped 5.27% to Rs 734, extending its recent gains to third consecutive session. The stock has advanced 19.5% in just three trading days from its previous closing low of Rs 614.25 on 13 January 2020. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs 734.1 which is also a 52-week high.

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This is the heart-racing moment a couple drove 100mph to keep up with a man who had abducted an 11-year-old girl, leading the arrest of the kidnapper and the safe return of the child.

Amanda Disley is heard on the phone telling a 911 dispatcher 'they're trying to lose me' and 'he's blowing through red lights' as they frantically try not to lose the car containing Charlotte Moccia.

Miguel Rodriguez, 24, forced the little girl into a blue Honda Civic near the corner of Princeton and Amherst streets at 1.26pm on Wednesday, 'not long after she got off her school bus' in Springfield, cops said.

Video footage showed Charlotte on Lafayette Street as she made her way home from Hampden Charter School of Science.

Amanda Disley and her husband Bobby are heard on the phone with a 911 dispatcher Wednesday

Charlotte Moccia, 11, was abducted on Wednesday at 1.26pm shortly after getting off her school bus in Springfield, Massachusetts

The girl was forced into a car by a man who was walking behind her. Miguel Rodriguez was arrested and is pictured in Springfield District Court Thursday

Disley is heard yelling 'they're trying to lose me' as they keep up with Miguel Rodriguez, 24. They decided to pursue the blue Honda Civic around 6.21pm and are heard yelling 'he's blowing through red lights' over the phone

'Sorry for dramaticness but when I saw the person in the back seat being pushed down all we could think about is her and the danger she was in,' Disley captioned the video of the chase. 'Wasnt even sure if it was the right car just the gut feeling my husband and i had by the rims and the funny movements in the car.'

In the minute-and-a-half-long clip the woman tells the dispatcher: 'They're turning down streets trying to avoid me. They're trying to lose me, they're trying to ditch me!'

At one point they report the suspect vehicle turning into a liquor store and Disley's husband driving the car helpfully gives street names.

'There's a kidnapper!' they yell. 'A Puerto Rican dude, it's him, it's him!'

Authorities issued an Amber Alert Wednesday evening.

Cops said the man who forced her into the car was either white or Hispanic, and hours later Disley spotted them.

Despite the pursuing vehicle traveling at close to 100 mph, the husband stays determined not to lose sight of the abductor's car.

'That's that f**king car, I know it is!' the man yells.

Springfield Police had earlier released pictures of the car the victim was believed to be taken in - a 2001 to 2005 model with two doors, dark tinted windows, distinctive after-market rims, a moonroof, and no front plate.

The Springfield girl (left and right) was abducted shortly after she got off her school bus and was forced into a car around 1.26pm on Wednesday

Authorities described the suspects and the vehicle in an Amber Alert. State Police stopped that vehicle on the Massachusetts turnpike Wednesday night and found Charlotte inside 'safe and sound'

The couple had earlier given the 911 operator the license plate details.

As the chase continues Disley is clearly feeling the pressure for police to come to the rescue.

The time stamp on her phone shows the video was capture around 6.21pm and the chase occurs in the dark.

'He's blowing through red lights,' shouts three times, repeatedly.

The video ends with Disley telling the dispatcher that they're passing Kennedy Middle School.

Massachusetts State Police eventually caught the suspects on the Turnpike in Charlton. More than a dozen police officers responded.

'Troopers flooded the area after a motorist called 911 to report seeing the car. The car was stopped in a work zone and Charlotte was recovered,' State police said.

State Police said Charlotte was 'safe and sound' and does not have any apparent injuries.

Rodriguez was arrested and were transported to the Charlton Barracks for booking.

Disley said she 'wasnt even sure if it was the right car just the gut feeling my husband and I had by the rims and the funny movements in the car'

Massachusetts State Police eventually caught the suspects on the Turnpike in Charlton. More than a dozen police officers responded. Pictured is Rodriguez being arraigned in Springfield District Court

Records show an open case from August 24, 2018 against Rodriguez for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14

Disley said she'd never seen so many police in her life and praised authorities for their great work.

She was on the verge of tears in a Facebook Live post after she heard the suspects has been caught.

But has also since come under fire for what she says is a fake GoFundMe page set up by others to profit from her actions.

Disley also highlighted the work of the dispatcher.

'Shout to Jackie the 911 dispatcher she was amazing through my husband and I screaming she calmed us down and handled business she was in point,' Disley posted on Facebook. 'She even called us later to let us know the plates we gave caught him. Thank you Jackie.'

The dispatcher Jacqueline Gerry posted on Facebook: 'Wasn't sure what my purpose was when I came to work today ... now I know. Amanda Disley, you and your husband were incredible and from our dispatch family to you ... THANK YOU!'

Records show an open case from August 24, 2018 against Rodriguez for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Cops had earlier said there was a female suspect driving the car but only one person was inside when the child was rescued. They're investigating whether there ever was a second suspect.

'The SPD Detective Bureau under the direction of Captain Trent Duda are not looking for any additional suspects in connection with Wednesdays abduction,' Ryan Walsh of the Springfield Police said. 'The one and only suspect, Miguel Rodriguez, is in custody.'

Springfield Police Department pleaded for help from the public in locating the child

Charlotte was last seen walking on Lafayette Street in Springfield before her rescue
Egypt's Prosecutor General has ordered on Thursday the release of two Turkish citizens arrested a day earlier during a raid by security forces on an office where Turkeys state-run news agency Anadolu was illegally running its operation in Cairo.

According to a statement by prosecutor general, the two Turkish citizens were released so as to be handed over to the Turkish embassy in Cairo.

The prosecutor general has also ordered the release on bail of three other Egyptians.

The three Egyptian were released on bails of EGP 10,000.

The prosecution had interrogated the aforementioned, against the background of its investigations into the case of the Turkish news agency, said the statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, Egypt's interior ministry said the agency was working under the cover of a company named Seta that had been established by the terrorist Brotherhood group with the support of Turkey.

"The Egyptian national security sector had observed one of Turkey's electronic Media committees that took an apartment in Cairo as a hideout for its opposing activity," the ministry said.

"It was preparing false and fabricated reports on the political, economy, security, and human rights conditions in Egypt and send it back the agency's headquarters in Turkey," the ministry statement noted.

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courtesy of the Montgomery County Hospital District

The chairman of the Montgomery County Hospital Districts Board of Directors has resigned effective this week, prompting a need to fill an open board position by late next month.

Mark Cole, who sat in the At Large Position 1, submitted his resignation letter Jan. 9. The six remaining board members unanimously voted to accept Coles resignation during a Tuesday afternoon meeting. Cole had been serving as board chairman since January 2019 and was appointed to the board of directors in 2011 and elected in November of that same year.
The Australian share market finished session at fresh record highs for a third consecutive day on Thursday, 16 January 2020, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 smashing above the 7000 point level, as risk appetite buying picked up after the signing of a trade agreement between the US and China that pushed Wall Street to record highs overnight. At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index inclined 46.94 points, or 0.67%, to 7,041.78, while the broader All Ordinaries added 45.14 points, or 0.63%, to 7,158.64.

The U. S. President Donald Trump and China's chief negotiator, Liu He, signed the Phase 1 deal before a group of corporate executives and reporters at the White House, marking a truce in the dispute over import tariff which has unsettled markets world-wide and slowed economic growth. The pact eases some sanctions on China. In return, Beijing has agreed to step up its purchases of U. S. farm products and other goods.

The text of the deal includes promises by the Chinese to increase their purchases of U. S. agricultural, manufacturing, and energy products, along with purchases of services, by more than $200 billion over the next two years, though it also states that the parties acknowledge that purchases will be made at market prices based on commercial considerations.

It also includes commitments by the Chinese to enforce intellectual property theft laws and a bilateral evaluation and dispute resolution arrangement that will encourage the U. S. and China to work jointly to resolves allegations of patent and copyright infringement or intellectual property theft. In exchange, the U. S. slashes tariffs on $120 billion in Chinese goods to 7.5% from 15%.

Most of ASX sectors traded higher, with shares of the information technology sector climbed the most among ASX sectoral peers, helped by strong gains in the 'WAAAX' stocks. Financials, REITs, healthcare, consumer staples, Communications, and consumer discretionary also posted gains. There were some pockets of weakness in utilities, industrials, and energy sectors.

Among individual stocks, Property group Domain Holdings slumped 2.8% after the company was cut to sell by investment bank UBS on valuations grounds after recent share price strength.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Australian dollar, sensitive to shifts in broader risk appetite, advanced against the U. S. dollar. The Australian dollar was at $0.6908, advancing from an earlier low of $0.6899.

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YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations informs that on January 16 as of 08:40 some roads are closed and difficult to pass in Armenia.

The ministry told Armenpress that Vardenyats Pass is difficult to pass.

Sotk-Karvachar highway is closed for trucks, but is open for the remaining vehicles.

The Georgian side informed that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for all types of vehicles.

Drivers are urged to use winter tires.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday said the act of the state government to move the against the Citizenship Amendment Act, without informing him was "improper".

Khan, while speaking to reporters at the airport here, said protocol demanded that he should have been informed first.

"Even the rules of the Assembly provide that the legislature shall not discuss any subject which does not come under their constitutional jurisdiction. I have no problem if they go to the Even there I feel, without informing the constitutional head of the state, what they have done is improper," Khan said.

"Yet I do not find anything wrong with it. I do not find any fault with their decision to go to Supreme Court, why because, Constitution gives that authority to the But the protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," the Governor added.

The had on January 13 filed a petition in the apex court, saying the CAA was contradictory to constitutional ethos.
Police patrols on platforms in the London Underground can reduce crime by up to a fifth - even on occasions when there are no officers actually around - a new study has shown.

A six-month-long experiment conducted by Cambridge University found that four 15-minute patrols a day in 57 of the capitals most crime-ridden stations reduced crime and disorder by 21 per cent.

But the study also shows the effectiveness of police presence to reduce crime when officers werent there.

In an phenomenon dubbed the phantom effect, reported crime was lower outside of the 15-minute periods, when officers weren't even patrolling the platforms.

This phantom effect shows how beneficial even short bursts of police presence can have on the Tube  a practice that has not historically been enforced in the sprawling transport systems 155-year history.

Recorded crime fell 14 per cent overall during the six-month experimental period in stations treated with patrols

In the London Underground experiment we see a huge residual effect of brief appearances by patrolling officers after they leave, said Professor Lawrence Sherman at the University of Cambridges Institute of Criminology and co-author of the study.

This phantom effect suggests that crime declines when potential offenders are apprehensive about a possible police presence based on recent patrolling patterns even when there are no police in the vicinity.

In London stations, it may be that more professional kinds of offenders are particularly sensitive to changes in police presence, such as pickpockets and distraction thieves.'

Cambridge University researchers worked with the British Transport Police to conduct the experiment over six months between 2011 and 2012, which has been detailed in Criminology.

Cambridge University's Institute of Criminology worked with the British Transport Police (BTP) to conduct the experiment across six months in 2011 and 2012

The experiment involved more than 23,000 police personnel, who were randomly allocated to 57 of 115 tube stations where reported crime was highest.

All of the 115 tube stations selected were randomly assigned, by computer, to either get the patrol plan, or not.

For example Oxford Circus, Earl's Court and Elephant & Castle had the patrols, while Baker Street, Leytonstone and London Bridge did not.

The 57 stations were given two officers patrolling on foot for quarter of an hour, four times a day and four days a week.

They then compared the results to the remaining stations that didnt get the police patrols.

While the experiment was running, 3,549 calls to police from people on the platform came from stations without patrols, compared to 2,817 from the tube stations with patrols  a relative difference of 21 per cent.

The team also looked at crime data from the patrolled stations and found that recorded crime fell 14 per cent during the experiment period.

But police personnel even seemed to have had an effect on reported crime and calls for assistance outside of their brief 15-minute patrol periods.

Strikingly, they discovered that the vast majority  97 per cent  of the reduction in both crime and calls for assistance occurred when police patrols werent around.

'Thats the phantom effect  its not because the police are there and crime that would have happened if they hadnt been there didnt happen because they were there, its this residual effect of after the police leave  thats when most of the prevention occurs,' Professor Sherman told MailOnline.

The team are teaching crime analysts from British police forces about the study to help prevent crime on London Underground stations, which generally don't have a police presence

'Thats the scientific importance of this, because its one of the most powerful demonstrations of the phantom effect of police patrol and the idea that you cant patrol everywhere which is often said  "we dont have time to patrol everywhere"  is kind of missing the point.'

The 'phantom effect' was defined as the amount of crime prevented in the patrol stations when the patrols were not actually in operation.

This means the total crime prevention benefit of police patrols may be greater when they are absent than when they are present.

This in turn theoretically means that the British Transport Police could benefit from the service of its officers on tube platforms even when they're out for a quick bite.

'Its part of the broader narrative that we are teaching literally hundreds of police leaders and police analysts here at Cambridge,' said Professor Sherman, who was involved in the training of 55 crime analysts from 20 British police forces last week.

'The London Underground confirms the value of the phantom effect of patrolling in those places  you dont have to be there every minute where everybody whos carrying a knife is going to get caught  you just have to raise that phantom effect of threat of getting arrested and that should be driving crime down.'

The majority of crime committed on the worlds oldest underground railway network occurs on the trains and in the concourse areas.

Crime on platforms makes up only 11 per cent of the total, but the research suggests the benefits of introducing police staff on the platforms, at least in short bursts.

London Underground platforms have never had regular police presence, which made them an ideal setting for a new experiment so any previous possible recollections from before the test period wouldnt sully the results.

British Transport Police became the first police force to receive the annual Society of Evidence-Based Policing

'We wanted to measure what happens when police patrols are introduced into an urban environment for the first time in over 150 years, said first author Dr Barak Ariel.

Platforms are small, stable and confined places with finite entry and exit points. These characteristics make them optimal for measuring the localised deterrence effects of police patrols.

The team also narrowed the focus of the experiment to times and days of the week when platforms experienced more crime  Wednesday to Saturday between 3pm and 10pm.

Crime in the rest of the station fell almost as much as crime on platforms during these four days when regular patrols were deployed.

The team used the top 115 crime-prone stations from the total 270 in Greater London, ranked based on the previous years crime rates.

Just prior to the experiment, the most common forms of crime on the London Underground were theft (35 per cent), less serious fraud (12 per cent), less serious public disorder (10 per cent).

More serious offences consisted of robbery (0.3 per cent), sexual crimes (0.7 per cent) and general violence (4 per cent).

British Transport Police became the first police force to receive the annual Society of Evidence-Based Policing Award for the project.


Hakkasan Las Vegas, the elegant Chinese restaurant inside the MGM Grand on the famed Las Vegas Strip, has announced a new Lunar New Year menu at ahead of the holiday on January 25. Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world, and Hakkasan has created a thoughtful and creative menu for guests to ring in the Year of the Rat (Pictured: Maine Diver Scallops).

Throughout Chinese history, people have celebrated Lunar New Year with auspicious foods that are rich with symbolic meaning and are thought to attract good fortune in the coming year. In accordance with this longstanding tradition, Hakkasan will offer a prix-fixe menu that features lucky ingredients, with highlights like the following:

Yu sheng salad : a fish salad with cured Scottish salmon and plum sauce; the Chinese word for fish and abundance are homonyms, symbolizing a bountiful year ahead

: a fish salad with cured Scottish salmon and plum sauce; the Chinese word for fish and abundance are homonyms, symbolizing a bountiful year ahead Golden treasure pockets : fried dumplings with abalone and wild mushrooms; dumplings, which resemble ancient currency, and abalone, long a prized ingredient in Chinese culture, both signify wealth

: fried dumplings with abalone and wild mushrooms; dumplings, which resemble ancient currency, and abalone, long a prized ingredient in Chinese culture, both signify wealth Baked salt crusted chicken : a preparation of chicken that originated in the Ming dynasty; in Chinese, chicken is pronounced similarly to luck

: a preparation of chicken that originated in the Ming dynasty; in Chinese, chicken is pronounced similarly to luck Lucky jie: a dessert made with salted caramel ganache, chili and cocoa; the dessert resembles a lucky Chinese knot and incorporates mandarin, a fruit that represents gold and fortune

To further celebrate Lunar New Year, Hakkasan will also offer a unique cocktail specially developed for the holiday: Cheng Zi, which means orange in Chinese, combines two types of rum, mandarin and chocolate for a drink that is both delicious and festive.
Captain Latasha Wells Amerson appointed Assistant Chief, L.A. World Airports Police Department

Keeping Us Safe At LAX

In the first week of January, Chief of Airport Police Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr. issued an emergency appointment of Captain Latasha Wells Amerson to assistant chief of the L.A. World Airports Police Department, Office of Operations.

This is the first time in the history of the Los Angeles Airport Police that two out of three LAXPD Assistant Chief positions have been filled from within. Captain Tyrone Stallings was also appointed.

Assistant Chief Latasha Wells Amerson began her law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Airport Police in 1992 and graduated from Rio Hondo Police Academy Class 109.

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As a Sergeant, Amerson was a contributor to the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training Safety Guidelines. As the Chiefs Adjutant, Amerson partnered with Airfield Operations to re-write and implement the LAX Security and Airfield Enforcement Program (SAFE), a program dedicated to individual and collective accountability by assigning points for driving, safety, and security infractions on LAXs Airfield Operations Area (AOA).

In 2005, Amerson was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned as the officer in charge of internal affairs and background investigations. Between 2005 and 2007 Amerson, along with dedicated airport police background investigators was responsible for facilitating the hiring process for over one hundred new airport police recruits, creating the most continuous and substantial growth of the organization.

As the Executive Officer, Amerson collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Department to form the LAX Crime Task Force; bringing together members of the Airport Police and LAPDs detective teams. This partnership yielded success in the area of crime reduction, stakeholder and community relations.

In 2011, Amerson was promoted to the rank of captain and held assignments as the commanding officer of professional standards  internal affairs, background investigations, training, the firing range and traffic and security. More recently, Amerson commanded the security access control unit. She and her team of highly skilled and dedicated police and security personnel manage and operate vendor and tenant access to the airfield operation area through the physical inspection of tons of cargo destined for departing aircrafts each year.

On December 16, 2020, Amerson was promoted to airport police commander as the first female officer to obtain this newly implemented rank. However, less than a month later on January 2, 2020 Amerson would be announced as one of two emergency appointed Assistant Chiefs by Chief Cecil W. Rhambo. Amersons role as an assistant chief is over the agencys operations section  patrol, traffic and security, and the crime task force. Nearly 1,000 of the 1,200-person agency will report to Amerson.

Assistant Chief Amerson is also an accomplished Estate Planning/Legacy Preservation Attorney, and business strategist. She obtained a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of West Los Angeles, School of Law where she graduated Cum Laude, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2006. In 2019, Assistant Chief Amerson received a certification in Womens Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.

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She is an Adjunct Professor at California State University Dominquez Hills teaching Terrorism and Extremism, and Criminal Justice and the Community. She is the author of the college textbook, Concepts of Historical and Emerging Terrorism.

Amersons professional memberships include the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives  NOBLE where she is the secretary for both Region VI and the Southern California Chapter, the International Chief of Police Association, Federal Bureau of Investigations  Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, and Scholarship Chair of the California Black Campers Association of Southern California.

Amerson has been highly engaged in community work since she was in 10th grade and attending Los Angeles Unified School District. After having started an Elementary Drill Team in 6th Grade, Amerson work with her peers in the community was a natural progression. She started a Community-based drill team with her sister and the support of her parents and neighbors. Amerson was a role model for many teens and young children in the community, providing them an alternative to less productive activity.

In 2012, Amerson founded the Latasha Wells Amerson Leadership Institute, Board Room Leadership Academy (www.lwaleadership.com) where she and her team of volunteers provide mentoring and leadership development opportunities to youth throughout Los Angeles County and beyond by hosting several academic, community, life enhancing events and an annual leadership conference. Her most cherished youth event yet has been Camping with Cops, that included three days of human interaction, teambuilding, K9, and CSI demonstrations between members of law enforcement and the youth. Approximately 88 percent of the graduating youth in Amersons leadership program have matriculated to college.

She is also the founder of Road Chicks Los Angeles, a womens support and leisure travel organization providing mentoring and self-care opportunities to busy women. Amerson personally mentors several of the youth and adults.

When she is not working, Assistant Chief Amerson enjoys RV-ing and relaxing with her husband Ken, and their three children. She also enjoys traveling and planning family events.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is looking for new opportunities in the financial sector of Uzbekistan, especially the ones, which will contribute to the development of private sector in the country, EBRDs representative told Trend.

Recently Trend reported that Uzbekistans Ipoteka Bank signed loan agreements with the EBRD in the amount of 18 million euros.

"The EBRD funds to Ipoteka Bank will be on-lent to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of Uzbekistan for investments, which will strengthen their competitiveness and resilience," the official stated

In 2018, the EBRD Board of Directors approved a new strategy for Uzbekistan, which defined the bank's priorities for the next five years.

Following the adoption of a new country strategy for Uzbekistan, EBRD signed 12 projects worth almost 400 million in 2018, a record level of business for the Bank in one country in a single year. Significant investments were made in the municipal and power infrastructure sectors, including the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure in the Fergana Valley, as well as in banking and industry.

In 2019, the EBRD has already invested almost 250 million into Uzbekistan's economy.

To date, the EBRD has invested 1.3 billion through 70 projects in economy of Uzbekistan. Support of small businesses is particularly important as the country moves to reform its economy and strengthen its private sector.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan hosted today US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy and her delegation, the ministry told Armenpress.

Minister Badasyan thanked the Ambassador for the support provided and the effective cooperation in 2019 and expressed confidence that the mutual partnership will further develop in 2020.

The minister introduced the ongoing anti-corruption and police reforms to the guests.

The US Ambassador highly valued the opportunity of meeting with the justice minister and getting introduced on the reforms agenda of the Armenian government, adding that the US government is happy for having an opportunity to provide support to Armenia helping to push forward the large-scale reforms in the police system and form new anti-corruption institutions.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Normally, Akshay Kumar has, what we would call, a sensible sense of fashion. He is often spotted wearing some really classy, but ultimately conventional pieces, which should be definite staple pieces for a guy's wardrobe. Be it a film's promotion, a talk show, or even a fashion show for a well-known denim brand, the man knows how to dress to impress, albeit with a subtle panache.

 Viral Bhayani

With that being said, when he does decide to go all-out bonkers, no one can realistically match his fervour and zaniness. Remember the time when he strutted down a ramp, wearing a suit that was literally on fire as if it was a regular Tuesday for him? Well, we certainly do!

 Viral Bhayani

This time though, Akshay took his quirkiness to a whole new level. The fact that Akshay is a fan of jumpsuits is quite well known among people who follow him closely. However, the most recent piece that he wore to the Mumbai Airport, takes things to a whole new level.

 Viral Bhayani

Way earlier, while promoting his film Housefull 4, he wore a green 'flight suit' that looked like as if it was picked straight from the sets of Top Gun. Well this time around, he wore a similar jumpsuit that looked like it's been knicked off the sets of Tom Hanks' Apollo 13.

 Viral Bhayani

The astronaut jumpsuit, or rather, the Astro-Not jumpsuit that Akshay can be seen wearing is a rather zany onesie from Onepiece, a Norwegian clothing brand that specialises in streetwear and adult onesies.

 Viral Bhayani

Like all of their pieces, this one comes with a number of funky little patches that further adds to the appeal of the jumpsuit. But that does not stop Akshay from giving the outfit his own little tweaks - like pulling up one of the legs to make it seem like a pair of cargos. A nice touch indeed.

 Onepiece

We also like how he has paired a very basic pair of white Mexico 66's from Onitsuka Tigers. They go really well with the jumpsuit and are a nifty little way to elevate the ensemble. We also like the way Akshay has not gone bare on accessories and is using a pair of classic Ray-ban aviators.

 Viral Bhayani

Indeed a really dapper ensemble. That's one stellar way (sorry for the pun) to amp up one's street style as well as street cred.
PORTLAND, Oregon, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Immunosuppressants Market by Drug class (Corticosteroids, Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs), Calcineurin Inhibitors, mTOR Inhibitors, Anti-Proliferative Agents, and Others), Indication (Organ Transplantation, Autoimmune Disorders, and Non-Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases), and Distribution channel (Hospital pharmacies, Retail pharmacies and Online pharmacies): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192026." According to the report, the global immunosuppressants industry was estimated at $13.89 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $42.51 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 14.7% from 2019 to 2026.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities-

Increase in autoimmune disorders, and surge in demand for organ transplantation drive the growth of the global immunosuppressant market. On the other hand, lack of awareness toward organ transplantation impedes the growth to certain extent. However, several growth prospects in emerging economies have created a number of opportunities for the key players in the industry.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6288





The calcineurin inhibitors segment to retain its dominance by 2026-

Based on drug class, the calcineurin inhibitors segment accounted for nearly one-third of the global immunosuppressant market share in 2018, and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. The same segment is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 16.2% by 2026. This is due to increased adoption of these drugs during organ transplantation. It's also helpful in treating autoimmune disorders.

The autoimmune disorders segment to maintain the lion's share during the study period-

Based on indication, the autoimmune disorders segment contributed to nearly half of the global immunosuppressant market revenue in 2018, and is anticipated to rule the roost during 20192026. Rise in prevalence of autoimmune disorders such as arthritis across the globe has boosted the growth of the segment. The organ transplantation segment, on the other hand, would showcase the fastest CAGR of 15.5% till 2026. Surge in use of these drugs during organ transplantation has propelled the growth of the segment.

North America held the major share in 2018-

Based on geography, North America held the highest share in 2018, generating more than two-fifths of the global immunosuppressant market. This is attributed to increase in incidence of auto-immune disorders in this province. Simultaneously, the region across LAMEA would cite the fastest CAGR of 16.7% during the estimated period. Rise in healthcare expenditure, surge in disposable incomes, and government measures toward making immunosuppressant drugs available for patients contribute to the market growth.

For Purchase Enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6288

Key market players-

Bristol Myers Squibb

Pfizer

GlaxoSmithKline Plc.

Sanofi S.A.

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson

Mylan Laboratories Inc.

F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.

Novartis AG, Inc.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:15:46|Editor: xuxin

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Brazil re-inaugurated on Wednesday evening its Antarctic research base, the Commander Ferraz Antarctic Station, which was almost completely destroyed in a fire eight years ago.

"The new installations show the advance of the Brazilian presence in the southern continent, as well as an advance in the quality of the federal government's commitment with the development of scientific research on weather and environmental matters," said Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao at the inauguration.

Mourao also paid homage to the two military officers killed in the 2012 fire.

The new station, 4,500 square kilometers with 17 research labs, can host up to 64 researchers, is able to resist seismic activity and winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, and has windmills and solar panels to supply clean energy.

The reconstruction cost 100 million U.S. dollars, the government said. Brazilian scientists will carry out research in the areas of biology, oceanography, glaciology, meteorology and anthropology at the base.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:26:32|Editor: zh

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RABAT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese delegation from China International Import Expo (CIIE) invited more Moroccan companies to join the third edition of CIIE and seize the opportunity to increase their exports to the Chinese market.

During a presentation conference of the CIIE in Rabat on Wednesday, Wang Bingnan, Chinese vice minister of Commerce and general director of the CIIE bureau, said that holding of the CIIE is a demonstration of China's strong commitment to economic globalization and trade liberalization to the world, demonstrating China 's firmness in expanding opening up determination.

Wang said that China is the third largest trading partner of Morocco, and the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of China-Morocco economic and trade relations.

China welcomes Moroccan enterprises to continuously expand exports to China and is willing to provide necessary support for this, Wang added.

He hopes that Moroccan enterprises could make more Chinese partners through the platform of CIIE to jointly develop the Chinese market and share the dividends brought by China's economic development.

Hicham Boudraa, director of Morocco's Investment and Trade Agency, stated that Morocco attaches great importance to the development of economic and trade relations with China.

Boudraa added that China's expanding domestic demand and upgrade of resident consumption offer rare opportunities for exporting companies.

Boudraa encouraged more Moroccan companies to seize the opportunity and explore the Chinese market through the platform of the CIIE.

Moroccan winery Red Farm has participated in the last two editions of CIIE. Its general manager Mamoun Sayah said in an interview with Xinhua that participating in the CIIE is very rewarding.

The winery has signed contracts with two Chinese distributors and "intend to participate in the third Expo," he added.

During the conference, Moroccan cosmetics company IntelCare signed the contract of participation with the CIIE bureau, becoming the first Moroccan company to sign up for the third edition of the exhibition.

According to statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, three Moroccan companies participated in the second edition of CIIE, realizing a turnover of nearly 20 million U.S. dollars.
Mumbai, Jan 16 : Following a furore and the opposition's attempts to make political capital out of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's comment claiming link between former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and mafia don Karim Lala, Raut on Thursday retracted his comments.

At a private TV channel talkshow, Raut had made certain remarks claiming Indira used to come and meet the late mafia don among other things.

"I did not say anything to damage Indira Gandhi's image... I have the greatest regard for her...

"However, if my comments have hurt peoples' sentiments, I am taking them back," Raut told the media as the issue threatened to rock the two-months-old Sena-NCP-Congress' Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance government in the state.

Earlier, Maharashtra's Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis demanded to know whether the underworld mafia was financing the Congress and sought a clarification from its leaders -- Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka, here on Thursday.

Referring to Raut's claim that Indira Gandhi used to meet the mafia don, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Chief Minister said in view of these serious revelations, now the Congress must bare its chest on the issue.

In the private TV channel talkshow in Pune on Wednesday, Raut had claimed that Indira Gandhi used to come to meet the don (Lala) in Pydhonie, his den in south Mumbai.

It sparked fresh controversy. "There were days when the likes of Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, Chhota Shakeel, Sharad Shetty decided on who would be the Commissioner of Police of Mumbai or who would sit in Mantralaya...

"When Karim Lala used to come to Mantralaya, the 'entire' Mantralaya would come down to meet him... We have seen that 'underworld', now it is just 'chillar' (insignificant)," Raut said in the talkshow.

A former journalist and crime reporter in Mumbai, Raut added that he had conducted a photo session for Dawood and others, and even chided him once, but that was a different era and now all the (dons) have fled the country.

Fadnavis said in view of Raut's claims, the Congress must come out with its stance on the issue, how the underworld was influencing the decision-making in the state government, etc.

There were ripples even in the ruling state ally, Congress with former Mumbai city chiefs taking strong objections to Raut's utterances though there were no reactions to either Raut or Fadnavis' comments from the Congress state or central leadership.

"Those who indulge in such fake propaganda about former PM Indira Gandhi will have to repent...He must withdraw his statements immediately," ex-Mumbai Congress president and former MP Sanjay Nirupam said.

"Indiraji was a true patriot, who never compromised on national security. I demand that Sanjay Raut withdraw his ill-informed statement.

"Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers," said former city party chief and ex-union minister Milind M. Deora.

This is the second huge fracas that has erupted in two days after Raut's remarks on the descendents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also ignited protests against him in Mumbai, Satara and Pune, besides strong reactions from the Chhatrapati kin, all now in the BJP.
Cornell, Nature Conservancy to study key climate projects

by Mark A.B. Lawrence Blaine Friedlander

January 16,2020 | Source: Cornell Chronicle

A new collaboration between the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) this year will fund three studies that could have significant ramifications in the face of intensifying climate change.



The funded research will:



-- assess state buyout programs of homes built on flood plains;



-- gauge optimal fishing policies in Alaska; and



-- examine sustainable, agricultural land management in China.



The second research project will focus on establishing climate-ready fishing communities. More than 60% of the U.S. wild seafood production is in Alaskan waters, so the state has a high reliance on fisheries. Outcomes from this research will aid Alaskas fishing communities in finding ways to adapt to changes in the ocean, such as assessing climate-driven fisheries risk, developing a framework for optimizing fishing rights and evaluating community fishing portfolios.



The third project will focus on sustainable land management in China and improving soil health to ensure that countrys future food, water and energy security. Agricultural land in China is scarce; farmers there must feed 18.5% of the worlds population on 7% of the worlds arable land. Rapid urbanization, pollution and soil degradation have put great pressure on soil resources in China.

 Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Theme(s): Others.
A top human rights group says despite President Emmerson Mnangagwas repeated commitment to human rights reforms, Zimbabwe remains highly intolerant of freedom of expression and assembly in 2019.

In its latest report, Human Rights Watch says following the ouster of the late former president Robert Mugabe in 2017, the Mnangagwa government has been cracking down on opponents.

It cited various incidents of human rights violations, including the killing of some civilians who staged public protests in January last year over fuel price increases.

Human Rights Watch said security forces responded with lethal force, killing at least 17 people, raping at least 17 women, shooting and injuring 81 people, and arresting over 1,000 suspected protesters during door-to-door raids.

In the months that followed, dozens of activists, opposition leaders, and other government critics were arbitrarily arrested or abducted, beaten, or tortured by unidentified gunmen. There were few efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

Human Rights Watch noted that the Zimbabwean authorities frequently used the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act on subverting a constitutional government to prosecute those suspected of organizing protests.

Among the 22 human rights defenders who faced such arbitrary charges in 2019, 7 were activists who attended a workshop in the Maldives hosted by the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies. The former president, Robert Mugabe, who died on September 6, was never held to account for the widespread human rights violations and a decimation of the countrys economy that were the hallmark of his 37 years in power.

The Mnangagwa administration made some efforts to amend or repeal repressive laws, including with the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill signed into law in November. But like the law it replaced, it potentially violates international human rights norms and standards, including the right to peaceful assembly.

But Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi says it untrue that the Mnangagwa government is violating peoples rights through arbitrary arrests and cracking down on dissent.

Human Rights Watch says other African nations also have weak human rights institutions, resulting in the violation of peoples social, economic and political aspirations.

Weak domestic and regional institutions undermined human rights in several Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries during 2019. Despite commitments to protect human rights in their constitutions, several countries struggled to promote human rights at home and failed to play a leadership role in placing human rights issues on the regional agenda.

Human Rights Watch said countries of key concern in 2019 were South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). It said Angola made some progress, including by reviewing abusive colonial-era legislation against homosexual conduct and respecting the right to protest.

With the SADC Tribunal stripped of its human rights mandate and domestic mechanisms too weak to protect rights, Southern African countries struggled to improve protection of social, economic, and political rights over the past year, said Dewa Mavhinga, southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

South Africa, with its strong institutions, needs to show leadership in promoting rights in the region.

In the 652-page World Report 2020, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in nearly 100 countries. In his introductory remarks, executive director Kenneth Roth says the Chinese government, which depends on repression to stay in power, is carrying out the most intense attack on the global human rights system in decades.

Roth says Beijings actions both encourage and gain support from autocratic populists around the globe, while

He says Chinese authorities use their economic clout to deter criticism from other governments. It is urgent to resist this assault, which threatens decades of progress on human rights and our future, he adds.

South Africa

Human Rights Watch says economic insecurity, poverty, high unemployment, and inciting rhetoric by government officials, among other factors, led to xenophobic violence in 2019.

On March 25, hundreds of foreign nationals in Durban were forced to seek shelter as mobs destroyed or looted their homes, trucks, and other belongings. That same day, the government issued a National Action Plan to combat xenophobia, racism, gender-based violence, and discrimination, and address the cycle of violence that plagues the country.

While an important step, the plan fails to address the lack of accountability for xenophobic crimes and has no clear implementation strategy. Virtually no one has been convicted for past outbreaks of xenophobic violence, including violence in Durban in 2015, and attacks in 2008 in which more than 60 people died.

While the ruling African National Congress(ANC) 2019 election manifesto stated the partys commitment to include the needs of people with disability in all government programmes, education in South Africa is not yet free for the majority of children with disabilities. Many children with disabilities, both in mainstream and special schools, are charged fees that other children do not pay.

Human Rights Watch says the country is also struggling to address gender-based violence. The violence spurred an #AmINext movement on social media. Nationwide protests in September followed the killings of many women.

According to Womens Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, more than 30 women were killed by their spouses in August alone.

Angola

Human Rights Watch says Angola made some progress in respecting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, but continued crackdowns on peaceful protests in the oil-rich enclave of Cabinda and the diamond-rich Lunda Norte province.

In a significant step that is rare in the region, the government decriminalized same-sex conduct, but parliament unanimously approved a retrogressive law that limits freedom of religion, leading to the closure of thousands of places of worship.

Mozambique

In August, president Filipe Nyusi and Ossufo Momade, the leader of the countrys main opposition party Renamo, signed a peace accord to end years of violence and pave the way for peaceful elections in October. A month later, Pope Francis visited, urging the strengthening of the accord.

Nevertheless, the election campaign was marred by political violence targeting mainly opposition supporters. Attacks by a suspected armed Islamist group increased in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Soldiers in the region were implicated on intimidation and arbitrary arrest, and there was a rise in the intimidation and harassment of journalists and activists in the region, says Human Rights Watch.

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Eswatini remained an absolute monarchy under King Mswati III, who has led the country since 1986. Eswatini has no legally recognized opposition parties due to a 1973 ban, despite the adoption of the 2005 constitution, which guarantees basic rights.

In a move significant for womens rights, on August 30, the Eswatini High Court ruled that the common law doctrine of marital power, which gives a husband authority over his wife and their property, is unconstitutional.

The progressive ruling builds on Eswatinis law reform process, aimed at promoting and protecting womens and girls rights, including the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.


More than 1,000 Hondurans participating in the latest migrant caravan have begun heading by foot and in vehicles toward neighboring Guatemala with the hope of eventually reaching the far-off U.S.-Mexico border.

Youve got to take a risk once in your life, said Maricela Nunez, 27, who was among those embarking on the journey from this city in northwestern Honduras.

Some left San Pedro Sula late Monday and others departed in the predawn hours Tuesday, all headed west for Guatemala  from where they plan to cross into Mexico and then push overland toward the United States.

The size of the caravan  official estimates put the number at 800 to 1,000 or so, while advocacy groups said 1,500 to 2,000 people were involved  is likely to increase as others join the assemblage winding slowly along the roads.

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President Trump, who has assailed past caravans, calling them an invasion and a threat to U.S. security, cited the latest migrant thrust in a message Tuesday urging Democratic lawmakers to fund a border wall and end the current government shutdown arising from the wall dispute.

A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border, Trump wrote in a Twitter message. Addressing Democratic congressional leaders, he added: Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!

U.S. political battles seemed far removed as participants in the latest caravan marched out of this city, past cultivated fields and small towns. A heavy evening rain turned to bright sunshine after dawn broke.

As with previous caravans, word had been circulating on social media and in news reports for weeks, drawing recruits. No single group appears to have organized the caravan or be formally in charge of the effort.

A minority of caravan travelers paid for bus tickets to the Guatemalan border, 160 miles away, and others caught rides from passing vehicles to the border. But many trudged along the roadsides, lugging small backpacks with meager belongings.

It was the beginning of a trip that, if successful, will probably last for weeks, passing through tropical forests, chilly highlands, towns and cities and expansive deserts, before arriving at the U.S. border  a distance of some 2,800 miles to Tijuana, across from California; or, in a shorter, alternative route, some 1,500 miles to the Mexican border city of Matamoros along the Rio Grande, next to Texas.

As the day wore on, groups within the caravan became increasingly dispersed across dozens of miles.

As in the past, participants  including many young men, but significant numbers of women and children  said they were fleeing a toxic combination of poverty and violence that has battered Honduras and the neighboring Central American nations of El Salvador and Guatemala.

In the bus station here, before the caravan set out, Nunez, a single mother of five, held on to her 3-year old daughter  the only one of her children whom she took along on the trip. She was traveling with her mother, Maria Romero, 48, and said she hardly earns enough to survive working as a field hand in orange groves and palm oil plantations. She said she hoped to find employment in the United States, a desire voiced by many.

But others, wary of the difficulties of crossing into the United States, said they would settle for temporary shelter in Mexico  where authorities have indicated they would provide work permits and humanitarian aid to caravan members.

We are aiming to get to Mexico, to any state, said Jeffrey Armindo, 17, from the Honduran city of La Ceiba, who was walking with a group of young men down a dusty stretch of highway.

Jeffrey was leery that crossing into the United States could lead to arrest and deportation back to Honduras.

The latest caravan poses a challenge for Mexican authorities and the countrys new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office Dec. 1, after the previous caravans had already entered Mexico.

Lopez Obrador has vowed to respect the human rights of U.S.-bound Central Americans traversing his country. However, Mexican authorities have said that the migrants will not be allowed to enter the country illegally  as many previous caravan participants did  but will have to register with Mexican immigration officials for humanitarian visas or other temporary residence documents at the Guatemala-Mexico border.

For many, the caravans represent a singular opportunity to improve their lives, even if their ultimate chances of entering the United States may be slim. Relatively few of the estimated 12,000 or so Central American migrants who traveled through Mexico or U.S.-bound caravans last year managed to enter the United States, migrant advocate groups say.

Katie Perez, 24, from the Honduran town of Quimistan, said she was hoping to join family members in the United States, a goal of many caravan members. She crammed into the back of a trailer on Tuesday carrying her youngest child, a year and a half old, in her arms.

We havent heard good things about the previous caravan, she said, referring to the group that left here in October and eventually made it to Mexican border city of Tijuana, where thousands were stranded, unable to cross into the United States. But were going to make our attempt. I hope that God helps us.

Honduran authorities had sought to discourage people from traveling in the caravan, citing dangers along the road, including roadside traffic hazards and criminals who prey on migrants. But caravan participants generally say they feel safer traveling in large groups  and hope to avoid having to pay smugglers substantial fees usually involved if traveling alone or in smaller groups.

Wed like to say to people, Dont go! said Sister Lidia Mara Silva de Souza, coordinator of a church-linked aid agency working with the migrants. But then theyd turn to us and say, Are you going to give me work? Are you going to give my kids an education?

Times staff writer McDonnell reported from Mexico City, special correspondent Averbuch from San Pedro Sula.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

Twitter: @PmcdonnellLAT
New Delhi/Islamabad, Jan 16 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to send a member of his government in his place to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in New Delhi later this year.

The government in New Delhi on Thursday said that as a host, India will invite all the eight members and four observer states of the SCO for the meeting. "India will be hosting the heads of government summit later this year. As per established practice and procedure, all eight members and four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited," said External Affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

The SCO is an economic and security bloc with China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan as members. The organization headed by China was founded in 2001. India and Pakistan were given membership three years ago.

Top sources in Islamabad, however, said that Khan is likely to send a junior minister in his place. "Given the deterioration in India-Pakistan relationship since the airstrikes at Balakot terror camp in Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan will find it very hard to justify his visit to India. He will skip the SCO meeting. Most likely, he will send his foreign minister," a top source told IANS.

In the last SCO summit which was hosted by Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had censured Pakistan indirectly, in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan, for sponsoring, aiding and supporting terrorism. Modi had also sought international cooperation in the war against terror.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2020) - FALCON GOLD CORP. (TSXV: FG) (FSE: 3FA); ("Falcon" or the Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ian Graham to its Advisory Board.

Mr. Graham is an accomplished mining executive with over 20 years of international experience exploring for and developing mineral deposits. He has spent over half of his career working for major mining companies, including roles at Rio Tinto and Anglo American. Mr. Graham possesses industrial minerals experience and is well known for his successes within the diamond sector.

From 1990-1994 Mr. Graham acted as Principal Geologist in exploration for Anglo American and partner in De Beers Group's South Africa division. In 1994, he joined Rio Tinto in Canada as the evaluation manager for the Diavik diamond mine, then went on to become Chief Geologist for diamonds with Rio Tinto's Project Generation Group. During his 15 years at Rio Tinto, Ian was involved with the evaluation and pre-development of several projects, including the Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories and the Resolution copper deposit in Arizona. While at Rio Tinto he also oversaw permitting for the Eagle Nickel mine in Michigan and played a key role in developing the initial economic assessment for the Bunder Diamond Project in India.

Following his departure from Rio Tinto, Ian led the formation of a company with the intent of acquiring the Jadar lithium project in Serbia from Rio Tinto, though Rio Tinto did not proceed with the divestment. Mr. Graham also served as CEO from November 2015- February 2017, for United Energy Corp. (a Nevada lithium project).

Mr. Graham is a geologist with a B.Sc. in Geology and Applied Geology and a B.Sc. (Honors) in Geology from the University of Natal in South Africa.

"Having someone with Ian's pedigree and knowledge providing technical input will provide a significant contribution to the Company at this stage of exploration and development. The Company is continuing to strengthen its Board and Advisory team. I am very pleased with the progress the company has made in the last few months attracting top level talent to our team." States Karim Rayani, Falcon's Chief Executive Officer.

Story continues

Stock Option Grants

Falcon reports that in compliance with the Company's Stock Option plan, the Board of Directors has granted 500,000 options exercisable for up to 5 years at $0.05 to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian, mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Its Ontario, Canada projects include: The Central Canada gold and copper projects in Atikokan; The Bruce and Camping lake projects in Red lake; The Wabunk Bay base metal project in Red Lake and an interest in the Burton gold property located near Sudbury.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

Karim Rayani

CEO, Director

Telephone: 604-683-1991

Email: info@falcongold.ca

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51474
BENSALEM, Pa., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors that class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies. Investors have until the deadlines listed below to file a lead plaintiff motion.



Investors suffering losses on their investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in these class actions at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com .

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET )

Class Period: February 25, 2017 - November 11, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 21, 2020

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) Energy Transfer's permits to conduct the Mariner East pipeline project in Pennsylvania were secured via bribery and/or other improper conduct; (2) the foregoing misconduct increased the risk that the Energy Transfer and/or certain of its employees would be subject to government and/or regulatory action; and (3) as a result, Energy Transfer's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC )

Class Period: September 8, 2017 - November 13, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 21, 2020

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company was experiencing weak demand for its softgel and oil products; (2) that as a result, the Company would be forced to take a CA$32.7 million restructuring charge due to poor sales, excessive returns, and excess inventory; and (3) that as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (NYSE: FCAU )

Class Period: February 26, 2016  November 20, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 31, 2020

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Fiat employed a bribery scheme to obtain favorable terms in its collective bargaining agreement with International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; (2) that high-ranking Fiat officials were aware of and authorized the scheme; and (3) that due to the foregoing, defendants' statements about Fiat's receivables, business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Green Dot Corporation (NYSE: GDOT )

Class Period: May 9, 2018  November 7, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 17, 2020

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Green Dots strategy to attract high-value long-term customers was at the expense of one and done customers; (2) that Green Dots one and done customers represented a significant source of revenues in its legacy segment; (3) that, consequently, Green Dots strategy was self-sabotaging; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants statements about its business and operations were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

To be a member of these class actions, you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about these class actions, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com , or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com .

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
In the cold of winter, when whole cookbooks-worth of soups, stews and sauces are being put on dinner tables, what's comforting to many is a slice of warm, freshly baked bread to sop it all up. But some may be intimidated by the bread making process enough to get away from it altogether, and be content with a store-bought loaf.

Don't get us wrong: Groceries, especially with on-site bakers, can make some pretty fantastic bread. But it's not only cheap to make your own, it's easier than you might think.

The growing popularity of making your own fresh-baked bread isn't lost on everyone. The media brand Food & Wine named bread as one of the biggest food trends expected in 2020. (It even got extra punctuation: "Bread!")

Eater had a 2018 story on increased interest in the low-and-long breadmaking process among the Tech Valley set. A Reddit community thread, named Breadit, hosts homemade bread photos, triumphs, questions and calamities.

(Not to mention there were a handful of mentions of wanting to make homemade bread in our resolutions story we ran in the final Food section of 2019.)

Alexandra "Ali" Stafford has seen a rise in popularity in at-home bread baking for years. The Niskayuna-based blogger (Alexandra's Kitchen) and author of "Bread Toast Crumbs," said the upswing could have started in 2006, when then-New York Times food writer Mark Bittman shared a no-knead bread recipe from Jim Lahey, owner of Sullivan Street Bakery in New York City.

It was a recipe that didn't require the arm-busting tedium of kneading bread dough by hand, which creates the stringy gluten that develops a hearty chew and airhole-filled structure in a fresh slice. That kneading and looking down the barrel of an hours-long process just for a loaf of bread can offset the desire to make your own.

For Stafford, bread making has never been an intimidating procedure. It was a regular, simple one she grew up with.

Stafford watched her mom making bread  "There was always a bowl of dough with a damp tea towel over the top."  using a no-knead method, baked in a buttered bowl. She started making the bread with her mother when she was in middle school and said she really started earnestly doing it on her own as a senior at Yale University.

She started her blog in 2006, around the time of the Lahey recipe release (no relation). Her mom finally offered her recipe for the peasant-style bread she made through the years for Stafford to share with her readers in 2012, and that's when she saw both the creativity of some of her followers, as well as the desire to get the recipe right.

"I never even thought to stray from my mom's recipe ... my blog readers would add this or that, or sprinkled the top with Parmesan. And then it was those blog readers who would ask questions, and inspired me," she said, about developing the idea for her book. "It was a simple recipe, but bread baking for people was problematic. I was troubleshooting in comments and emails" to answer readers' questions on the recipe.

So people were curious and not just those who were new to bread making. That is evident in the resources out there for wannabe bakers, from blogs to YouTube and Instagram.

Stafford has some suggestions for those who want to start making their own bread:

Invest in a digital scale: "I can't emphasize that enough for a beginner baker ... If you want to measure your flour accurately, it's needed." Stafford added that four cups of flour, depending on how packed it is in a cup measurer, can be wildly different between two bakers. Weighing out ingredients eliminates the discrepancy.

Seek out reliable yeast: For your first yeasted dough, look for instant yeast, which doesn't require an activation process like some forms of yeast. The ingredient is often sold in packets, in jars or as a block. (Especially if you go the block route, a scale will help in portioning out the proper amount.) Stafford's brand of choice is Saf-Instant yeast.

If you want a good crust, a Dutch oven is the way to go. And you don't need a Le Creuset-brand vessel.

Don't let the timing intimidate you: Some recipes may call for 24 hours of time, but the majority of that is largely inactive, either in proofing or resting the dough, or baking the bread. "I ask people what their biggest fear is. They say, a lot of the time, it's yeast and then it's time. You really don't have to spend any time kneading. Bread baking is a misconception that it's so time consuming, but it's so hands off."

For those who've been baking bread before and want to jump to another level of difficulty, Stafford recommends trying to make bread via a starter, sometimes known as a mother dough, poolish or biga. At its most basic, it is a mixture of flour, water and yeast that has been given the time to ferment, which helps develop flavor in the bread.

One can make their own starter, but Stafford said she prefers to buy a starter-making kit, and has gotten great results.

Stafford has also supplied two bread recipes: The basic peasant loaf to get new bakers started; and a starter-leavened loaf for those who want to branch out from their usual bread routine.

THE PEASANT BREAD MASTER RECIPE

MAKES: TWO 14-OUNCE LOAVES

4 cups (512 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons instant yeast

2 cups lukewarm water

Softened unsalted butter, for greasing

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add the water. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the water is absorbed and the ingredients form a sticky dough ball.

Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1 hours, until the dough has doubled in bulk.

Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 425 degrees. Grease two 1-quart oven-safe bowls with the softened butterbe generous. Using two forks, deflate the dough by releasing it from the sides of the bowl and pulling it toward the center. Rotate the bowl quarter turns as you deflate, turning the mass into a rough ball.

Using your two forks and working from the center out, separate the dough into two equal pieces. Use the forks to lift each half of the dough into a prepared bowl. If the dough is too wet to transfer with forks, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil, then transfer each half to a bowl. Do not cover the bowls. Let the dough rise on the countertop near the oven (or another warm, draft-free spot) for 10 to 20 minutes, until the top of the dough just crowns the rims of the bowls.

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Transfer the bowls to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake for 17 to 20 minutes more, until evenly golden all around. Remove the bowls from the oven and turn the loaves out onto cooling racks. If the loaves look pale, return them to their bowls and bake for 5 minutes longer. Let the loaves cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Reprinted from Bread Toast Crumbs. Copyright  2017 by Alexandra Stafford. Photographs by Eva Kolenko. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Simple Sourdough Bread

Makes: 1 boule

400 grams (3 1/4 cups) bread flour (see note)

8 to 10 grams (2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons) kosher salt or sea salt

300 grams (1 1/4 cups) water

100 grams (1/2 cup) active sourdough starter

Rice flour, for dusting

In a large bowl, combine the water, starter, and salt. Stir with a rubber spatula to loosely combine. Add the flour, and stir with a spatula to combine  it will be a wet, sticky dough ball. Transfer to a straight-sided vessel and cover with a tea towel or bowl cover for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, grab a corner of the dough and pull it up and into the center. Repeat until you've performed this series of folds 4 to 5 times with the dough. Let dough rest for another 30 minutes and repeat the stretching and folding action. If you have the time: do this twice more for a total of 4 times in 2 hours. Note: Even if you can only perform one series of stretches and folds, your dough will benefit. So don't worry if you have to run off shortly after you mix the dough.

Cover the vessel with a tea towel or bowl cover and let rise at room temperature for 6 to 18 hours. The bulk fermentation will end when the dough has nearly doubled in volume and you can see bubbles throughout the dough and on the surface. Try not to let the dough rise beyond double.

Gently transfer the dough to clean work surface. I prefer to use no flour and a bench scraper at this step, but if you find an unfloured work surface to be difficult, feel free to lightly flour it. Fold the dough, envelope style: top third over to the center; bottom third up and over to the center. Then repeat from right to left. Turn the dough over and use your bench scraper to push the dough up, then back towards you to create a tight ball. Repeat this pushing and pulling till you feel you have some tension in your ball. Place the dough ball top side down and let rest 30 to 40 minutes. Note: This is called the bench rest.

Line a shallow 2-quart bowl (or something similar) with a tea towel or flour sack towel. Note: Flour sack towels are amazing because the dough doesn't stick to them, and therefore you need very little rice flour, but if you only have a tea towel, you will be fine. If you are using a tea towel, sprinkle it generously with rice flour. If you are using a flour sack towel, you can use a lighter hand with the rice flour. After the 30-to 40-minute bench rest, repeat the envelope-style folding and the bench scraper pushing and pulling till you have a tight ball. Place the ball top side down in your prepared towel-lined bowl. Cover bowl with overhanging towel. Transfer bowl to the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.

Place a Dutch oven in your oven and heat it to 500 degrees. Remove your sourdough from the fridge. Open the towel. Place a sheet of parchment over the bowl. Place a plate over the parchment. With a hand firmly on the plate and one on the bowl, turn the dough out onto the parchment-paper lined plate. Carefully remove the bowl and towel. Carefully remove the plate. Brush off any excess rice flour. Use a razor blade to score the dough as you wish. Grab the ends of the parchment paper and carefully transfer it to the Dutch oven. Cover it. Lower oven temperature to 450 degrees, bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover. Lower temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes more or until the loaf has darkened to your liking. Transfer loaf to a cooling rack.

Let loaf cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

*Notes:

I prefer making this bread with 350g bread flour and 50g of freshly milled, stone-milled flour, which provides both flavor and color. I've been using a mix of Anson Mills graham flour and rye flour, but there are many great stone-milled flours out there, and you may have a local source, which is even better.

50g may seem like a tiny amount of stone-milled flour for this recipe, but I am constantly amazed by how much flavor this small amount of freshly milled flour adds. If you are new to sourdough baking, I recommend starting with 100% bread flour (King Arthur Flour is my preference) because it's so forgiving and easy to work with. Once you get the hang of it, start incorporating stone-milled flour a little bit at a time. I don't like using more than 100g (25 percent) of stone-milled flour in this recipe.

Reprinted from Bread Toast Crumbs. Copyright  2017 by Alexandra Stafford. Photographs by Eva Kolenko. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
This article compares master's degrees in economics from universities across the state of Texas. If you want to earn a master's degree in the Lone Stare State, you are in luck! There are a wide-variety of programs and specializations to choose from.

View Schools

University of Texas - Austin

UT Austin offers a STEM-designated Master of Arts in Economics degree that can be completed in an accelerated 10-month program, an 18-month program or a 24-month program. Their curriculum emphasizes quantitative training and prepares graduates to pursue either further research at the Ph.D. level or jobs in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas's Master of Science in Economics program has more courses in econometrics than 23 of the 25 top Ph.D. programs specializing in econometrics (unt.edu). Master's students benefit from the internship opportunities, up-to-date research and resources housed at the university's Center for Economic Education, Center for Environmental Economic Studies and Research and Economics Research Group.

University of Texas - San Antonio

The Master of Arts in Economics at UT San Antonio emphasizes economic theory, but also provides students with the advanced analytical skills and technological skill-set necessary for success in both professional and academic research. Students can choose from three separate concentrations, general economics, financial economics, and business data analysis and forecasting.

Texas A&M

At Texas A&M students choose between two separate tracks for their Master of Science program, financial economics or econometrics. To graduate, students can either take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis and defend it before a panel of economics professors.

University of Texas - Dallas

The Master of Science in Economics program at UT Dallas can be completed in three semesters (full-time) or two years (part-time). Students can tailor the degree to their unique interests since after completing just 12 credit hours of required courses they choose 9 credit hours of economics electives and 15 credit hours of general electives.

Texas Technical University

Master of Arts in Economics students at Texas Technical university can choose from two separate courses for their degree. The non-thesis program (36 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of economics electives, 9 hours of general electives, and a comprehensive written exam) or the thesis option (36 credit hours of core courses, 21 credit hours of economics electives, 9 hours of general electives and defending their research thesis).

University of Texas - Arlington

The Master of Science in Economics program at UT Arlington focuses specifically on data analytics, with courses in data analysis, python programming, and business forecasting. This program emphasizes technical skills useful for applying economics in professional work, rather than academic research.

University of Houston

In 2019, the University of Houston's 12-month Master of Arts in Applied Economics was ranked 7th in the nation by TFE Times (uh.edu). Rather than focus on theory and research, this program emphasizes technical skills useful in the job market, like data management, statistical analysis, trend monitoring, and business forecasting.

Baylor University

Baylor University's two-year Master of Science in Economics offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks. In addition, Baylor also offers a master's degree minor in economics that graduate students from across the university can take to complement their primary course of study.

University Programs Offered Tuition for Academic Year (2018-2019)* UT Austin Master of Arts in Economics In-state: $11,742

Out-of-state: $22,564 University of North Texas Master of Science in Economics In-state: $5,450

Out-of-state: $12,920 UT San Antonio Master of Arts in Economics In-state: $5,615

Out-of-state: $22,448 Texas A&M Master of Science in Financial Economics

Master of Science in Econometrics In-state: $6,552

Out-of-state: $17,904 UT Dallas Master of Science in Economics In-state: $13,458

Out-of-state: $26,852 Texas Technical Master of Arts in Economics In-state: $5,832

Out-of-state: $13,302 UT Arlington Master of Science in Economic Data Analytics In-state: $7,898

Out-of-state: $18,996 University of Houston Master of Arts in Applied Economics In-state: $8,214

Out-of-state: $17,463 Baylor University Master of Science in Economics $30,888

Source: *NCES

Application Requirements for a Master's of Economics in Texas

While most programs do not require students to have an undergraduate degree in economics, applicants are expected to have a background in basic economics, linear algebra, and calculus. Competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Most universities require applicants to send up-to-date GRE test scores (the minimum score accepted varies widely across universities). To complete their application, students must send in their undergraduate transcript, resume/CV, letters of recommendation from previous professors, and a statement of purpose essay.

Texas's wide-variety of university programs allow students to pursue a range of graduate-level education in economics. Because there are so many different specializations and focuses, students can choose the program that best fits their research interests and career goals.
President Trump is responsible for the deaths of 176 people on the airliner shot down in Iran.

He started this fiasco when he assassinated 10 people in Baghdad. Why did he do it? So he could start a war in Iran and get re-elected (just like he said Barack Obama would do in 2011).

We need to get rid of this stupid SOB, or at least stop him from starting wars. One thing that might help is to shut down the 16 bases where we have thousands of troops occupying the Middle East.

Rod Hand,

Bonner

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Tehran, Jan 16 : Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday said that three European nations were succumbing to tariff threats from the US in raising a dispute mechanism in a landmark multilateral agreement on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Taking to Twitter, Zarif said that France, the UK and Germany had "sold out remnants" of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and the six world powers in 2015, reports Efe news.

"Appeasement confirmed," Zarif said in a series of tweets along with a screenshot of a Washington Post report on how US President Donald Trump allegedly threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on vehicles imported from the European countries if they did not denounce Iran for violating the pact.

"It won't work my friends. You only whet his (Trump's) appetite. Remember your high school bully?.

"If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead. But do not assume high moral/legal ground. You don't have it," he added.

According to The Washington Post, which cited European officials, the US government threatened the three countries with tariffs if they didn't trigger the dispute resolution mechanism in the nuclear deal with Iran.

The threat was made a week before Germany, France and the UK set off the mechanism alleging that Iran's non-compliance with the nuclear agreement was unacceptable.

The three countries triggered the dispute mechanism on Tuesday, responding to Iran's withdrawal from its commitments.

Zarif on Wednesday argued that Iran had been the first to fall back on the mechanism after the US unilaterally abandoned it in May 2018.

He also expressed doubts over the possibility of reaching a fresh agreement with Washington.

The JCPOA is at the risk of falling apart since the US withdrew from it and re-imposed sanctions on Iran as the pact limited Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the easing of the international economic embargo.

Iran gradually began reducing its compliance with the agreement in May last year after it failed to get the other signatories (Russia, China, France, UK and Germany) to counter the US sanctions.

On January 5, Tehran announced that it would no longer abide by any of the limits on enriching uranium but would maintain its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, just as before.

That meant that Tehran would continue allowing inspections of its nuclear facilities by experts from the global nuclear watchdog.
Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday suspended Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Zahur Haidar Zaidi for allegedly pressurising a junior officer to change her statement in Kotkhai rape and murder case.

Zaidi was suspended for his alleged involvement in the custodial death of a suspect in the case.

"Soumya Sambasivan, IPS, Commandant, has submitted a complaint on January 8, 2020, in the CBI Court, Chandigarh alleging that she was being pressurised by Haider Zaidi to change her statement in the case," the statement read.

Therefore, Zaidi, IPS is placed under suspension with immediate effect in terms of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 until the further orders.

Reportedly, the 16-year-old girl had gone missing in Kotkhai area of Shimla on July 4, 2017, and her body was found in woods in Bankufar, close to Halaila village two days later. The autopsy report had confirmed rape and murder.

Suraj, a suspect in the rape and murder case, was killed in the Kotkhai police station in July 2017.

After the incident, the region witnessed massive protests as the people were seeking justice for the victim.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The 12-year-old girl looking out of the photograph at first glance seems to be surrounded by flowers. Her long hair is curled and pinned behind her ears so the delicate features of her face stand out. Her name is Mattie Yohr, and she looks at the world beyond the camera with composure and a sense of grace. Rare in a 12-year-old who lost her father when she was 1 year old and her mother when she was 8. Matti Yohr is Susan Steffens grandmother.

Mattie Yohr met and married Samuel Ramseyer when they were both living in central Illinois, near Peoria. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Linwood, Michigan, where farmland was available and Sam became a sheep farmer. Their first born was a son they named Herbert. The next year, they had a daughter they named Dorothy and the third year they had Miriam. During Matties fourth pregnancy, she died during the flu epidemic of 1919, leaving three small children and a husband who was devastated by the death of his young wife. For the next two years, relatives took care of the three children. Then Sam remarried. Her name was Mary Frank Schantz, a widow whose husband had died from arsenic poisoning.

Life became a nightmare for the three children and Sam. The abuse the children suffered by Mary Schantz continued to haunt them until their dying day. Sam tried to intercede, but failed. Giving up, he buried himself in his farm work. Mary eventually died in a car accident.

Herbert, who would become Susans father, quit school after the ninth grade and continued living on the farm working with his dad, Sam. When Herbert was 24, he married a young woman named Naomi Ida Gudeman. Naomi was the daughter of Albert and OTillia (Yergler) Gudeman. Albert raised corn for the Brach Candy Company. Naomi was the first of eight children and quit school to help her mother with the children. In her early twenties, Naomi got a job working in Elgin, Illinois, and when she was 26 years old, she married Herb Ramseyer. She called him her biggest kid because he was two years younger than she was.

Both the Ramseyers and the Gudemans were members of the Apostolic Christian Church. Herb Ramseyer had aunts living in Cissna Park, Illinois, and when he traveled from Linwood to visit them, he would attend church where Naomi Gudeman also attended.

Meeting Dad was as natural as breathing, Susan said of her mom.

Herb and Naomi were married Feb. 27, 1938.

Sam Ramseyer gave Herb and his new bride the farmhouse a short distance from the house that Herb had grown up in. The farmhouse had been used to store corn but with cleaning up, the farmhouse became livable.

Then Mom and Dad began filling up the house, Susan said.

There was Ruth Ann, Jim, Joe, Carol, Harry (Hack), Susan, Viola (Vicki) and Edith (Edie). Being part of a big family meant a secure and happy childhood for Susan. The children attended a country school called OLaughlin School until the school was consolidated. Susan remembers her mom always made a red plaid dress with a big white collar for her for the beginning of school and that she reached her full height in the seventh grade, making her taller than the boys, and she felt she was not as beautiful as she wanted to be.

Enrolled in Pinconning High School, Susan met a young man named Mike. He became her first love and it lasted for several years. Herb Ramseyer refused to let Susan date until she was 18, but between school functions and Susans working at Purtells dairy, they managed a discreet dating life.

Susan graduated in May 1965 and that September, she entered the Henry Ford School of Nursing in Detroit. By the third year, Susan worked as a med tech on the floor handling 48 patients.

The hospital was terribly understaffed, Susan said.

Now, Susan passed out meds and hung IVs working on the medical/surgery floor.

On July 23, 1967, police raided an illegal establishment near the Henry Ford Hospital, arresting patrons. Witnesses protested by vandalizing property, looting stores and starting fires. Detroit police responded and the riot began lasting five days. Forty three people died, 7,000 were arrested, and more than 1,000 buildings were burned. A curfew was put in place. The Henry Ford Hospital was surrounded by rioters where the National Guard was headquartered in the hospital parking garage. Regular staff could not get into the hospital and the young student nurses, including Susan Steffen, found themselves doing extra duty in the hospital.

There was no air conditioning and windows were left open to escape the stifling heat of July. Sounds of tanks patrolling the area and gunfire could be heard day and night. One night, a young woman in a darkened building across from the Henry Ford Hospital lit a cigarette. Police, thinking it was a sniper, fired and blew the arm off the young woman. Surgeons were able to reattach it but the young woman remained unhappy because that arm was shorter than the other arm.

A looter in a television store came into the hospital with two broken legs. He had broken into the second floor of a television shop where the black and white televisions were stored and then realized the color televisions were on the first floor. The looter decided he wanted a color TV. He jumped down to the first floor and broke both legs.

In her final year of nursing school at Henry Ford Hospital, she became aware that a young man named Derrell Steffen was interested in her. In the Apostolic Christian Church, when a young man wants to marry a young girl, the Elder of the church is contacted. Derrell Steffens Elder was Joe Waibel in Bay City. Susans Elder in Detroit was Ben Maibach. When Joe talked to Ben he said, Derrell Steffen wants to propose marriage to the Ramseyer girl down in Detroit.

Ben said, Which one? There are two of them down here in Detroit.

Joe said, Sue, I think.

Ben said, You better go back and check.

In June 1968, Susan Ramseyer married Derrell Steffen after graduating from Henry Ford School of Nursing. The young couple took a long honeymoon and when they returned in July, Susan took her State Nursing Board exam, passing with flying colors.

In 2018, Susan and Derrell Steffen celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, marking 50 years of a very happy marriage. Susan has retired from nursing. Derrell is retired after 40 years of teaching in the Midland Public School System. They have four children: Tonia, Christi, Brent and Joshua, and eight grandchildren.

A devout Christian, Susan continues depending on God and counting her blessings every single day.
Efo Worlanyo TSEKPO

16.01.2020 LISTEN

Despite our differences, after watching Benard Avle's interview with Dr Bossman Asare, I came to a firm conclusion that Abronye and Wontumi, who do not qualify to even be deputy branch Youth Organizers in NDC because of their drug infused comments, are more credible than Dr. BOSSMAN Asare and the entire Electoral Commission.

Anyone who listened to the interview will bear with me that the EC is leading Ghana to a state of disaster of flames which we will prevent with our last blood.

One could easily see that the EC doesn't even understand why they are pushing for the New Register; Benard Avle left the interview a confused journalist because Dr. BOSMAN disgraced the entire academia by being the most confused person on earth now.

Dr BOSSMAN showed clearly that he is acting in Sammy Awuku's capacity as the Npp National Organizer since Sammy has traveled to Bahamas for the Xmas break and has since not returned.

In the interview, the EC boss agreed the current system is very credible but they still need a new Register for no reason. This is the reason we should all come together and CRUSH the diabolic agenda of the EC.

If they do not fear demonstration as they earlier stated, they should remember Sammy Awuku adviced us that Wormafunu need no license to handle as a weapon, if we use it to break their legs one after the other they will stop listening to John Boadu and listen to the people of Ghana whom the sovereignty of our constituency rest.

We want to assure Hon. BOSMAN that the system will not crush but it's the EC we will crush to prevent them from crushing the entire country which was peacefully handed over to their paymasters.

We are meeting in Kumasi to on the 21st for our second demonstration which will be their second warning and after the third one we shall see if they will be able to step in their office after their legs are broken.

They should watch Out and shouldn't take us for a ride!

Efo Worlanyo Tsekpo.

Bono Regional Youth Organizer.
OTTAWAThe Canadian military is looking for help taking out the trash in space.

Over the last two years, the militarys Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program has awarded 16 contracts totalling $4.8 million to Canadian companies and university researchers to find ways to identify some of the millions of pieces of junk orbiting the Earth.

Now it is preparing to award more contracts, looking for companies that can track the smallest bits of space junk, as well as solutions to pulling space waste of all sizes out of Earths orbit.

The hazards posed by debris collisions include erosion to hulls, solar panels and optics, reads a request for proposals issued by the departments innovation science program last summer.

It can also cause the junk in space to break up even more, compounding the space trash issue. The potential consequences are serious: it could cause the total loss of a space vehicle and hurt, or even kill, the astronauts inside them.

Space debris will grow as the number of human-made objects in Earth orbits increase over time, the request says.

The request for proposals closed in September and a spokeswoman for the military says contracts will be awarded this winter. The contracts are worth up to $200,000 each, for a maximum of six months.

The European Space Agency estimates more than 129 million pieces of garbage are circling the Earth, pieces of old satellites, broken up rockets, and castoffs from human missions to space.

The Department of National Defence is mandated to protect and defend Canadas space capabilities, including the satellites it relies on for communications, surveillance and navigation.

A raisin-sized remnant from an old satellite or a rocket may be small but when its travelling at speeds of up to 28,000 kilometres per hour as it circles the planet, it can cause significant damage to space craft or satellites.

The Canadian military says current removal systems are ineffective and nobody has yet found a way to keep track of the smallest pieces of space debris.

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The Indian Army conducted one of the biggest Airborne Exercise in the North Eastern Theatre on Friday, January 10. This exercise was named Winged Raider. The name signifies the multi-dimensional nature of the exercise.

Winged Raider

The Army before carrying out the exercises conducted a series of intense preparations. The intensive prep involved the movement of special forces and rallying up of transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force starting from January 6. Also, as per the Indian Armys press release, more than 500 soldiers of Special Forces troops parachuted from C 130 Hercules, C 17 Globemaster and Dhruv helicopters during day and night.

Read: 7th Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise 'MITRA SHAKTI-VII' at Pune

Talking about the state-of-the-art equipment that was used during the exercise, the press release read, The newly inducted aerial platforms and equipment were validated, with clockwork precision and seamless integration between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in difficult terrain. The exercise was telecast live to all field formation headquarters in the Theatre. Additionally, the exercise Winged Raider demonstrated the operational readiness of the Indian Paratroopers and Air Warriors to undertake airborne missions.

Read: Indian & Uzbek troops perform heliborne training during Dustlik 2019

Joint Exercise with Sri Lanka

The Indian and Sri Lankan troops carried out specialised joint training exercises in Pune during December. It was called Mitra Shakti-VII'. The training included various exercises like special heliborne operations practice, silent insertion and jungle lane shooting and improvised explosive device familiarisation and handling. The joint training session of Indian and Sri Lankan troops concluded on December 14.

Read: NSA Ajit Doval calls on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in New Delhi

Indias joint military training with Uzbekistan

During the Dustlik 2019, the India-Uzbekistan joint troops were seen performing a heliborne training exercise on November 7. This cames as the Indian troops visited Uzbekistan for the first time for the Indo-Uzbek Joint Exercise named 'Dustlik 2019'. The Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh attended the curtain raiser event of this joint exercise on November 4 along with his Uzbek counterpart Major General Bakhodir Nizamovich Kurbanov. The Joint Military Exercise was focused on counterterrorism, an area in which the two countries share a common concern. The exercise also enabled the sharing of best practices and experiences between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

Read: PM Modi welcomes Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, upholds 'neighborhood first'
Kathmandu [Nepal], Jan 16 (ANI): The sister of Belgian King Philippe, Princess Astrid, is slated to visit Nepal on January 19 for a seven-day visit to the Himalayan nation.



During her stay, she is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari. She will have separate meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, and Minister for Health and Population, Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, said the ministry of foreign affairs in a statement.

Princess Astrid will also be visiting Kailai, Nawalparasi and Chitawan districts. In Kailali, she will join the opening ceremony of a new Tuberculosis Centre and meet with leprosy and tuberculosis affected people. She will visit the Midpoint Hospital at Nawalparasi, which is the provincial reference centre for MDR tuberculosis and leprosy.

These facilities have been supported by the Damien Foundation, a Belgium-based NGO with Princess as the honorary chairperson.

The visit will contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relations and expanding the areas of cooperation between Nepal and Belgium, read the statement. (ANI)


Six English-speaking countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the Eco currency adopted by eight ...





Six English-speaking countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the Eco currency adopted by eight francophone countries.The countries adopted the currency through their union, West African Economic and Monetary Union.The countries reached their decision at a council meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors that held in Abuja.At the end of the meeting, delegates recommended that an extraordinary general meeting of ECOWAS heads of state and governments in the West African Monetary Zone be convened to discuss the matter.The meeting notes with concern, the declaration by the chairman of the authority of the heads of state and government of the West African Economic and Monetary Union on December 21, 2019, to unilaterally rename the CFA Franc as Eco by 2020, the communique read.WAMZ convergence council wishes to emphasise that this action (is) not in line with the decision of the authority of heads of state and government of ECOWAS for the adoption of the Eco as the name of an independent ECOWAS single currency.WAMZ convergence council reiterates the importance for all ECOWAS member countries to adhere to the decisions of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government towards the implementation of the revised roadmap of the ECOWAS single currency programme.In July, ECOWAS agreed that Eco, the proposed single currency for the zone, would be launched in January 2020.They also agreed that a flexible currency regime would be adopted.On December 21, eight countries namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, announced that they would be changing from the CFA Franc to Eco through their union, West African Economic and Monetary Union.
France, Germany, and the UK are all opposed to how Iran has gradually lifted all of its limits on the production of enriched uranium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons.

Following the decision by the European countries (EU3), Mohammad Mohaddessin, Chair of National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Foreign Affairs Committee released a statement in support of the EU3, saying that it is a step in the right direction, but urged them to do more, including reinstating the six UN Security Council resolutions on the Iranian regimes nuclear weapons program.

Mohaddessin said: The reinstatement is a vital step in preventing the religious fascist regime from acquiring nuclear weapons and its regional aggression. Delay in such a measure has until now seriously hurt peace and security in the Middle East region.

He explained that NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi had previously warned that the circumvention of the six UN Security Council resolutions left the mullahs able to acquire nuclear bombs. She had also advised that any agreement with Iran should rest on a full ban on the regimes enrichment and bomb-making programs, as well as its malicious activities in the Middle East.

Mohaddessin said: Experience shows that any hesitation or delay in imposing comprehensive sanctions on the clerical regime in the hopes that it might abandon its anti-patriotic nuclear and missile programs or its export of terrorism to countries of the region, is a delusion that will further endanger peace and tranquillity in the region and the world.

He further explained that the mullahs have benefited from the nuclear deals economic and diplomatic concessions without actually terminating their nuclear weapons project. These concessions have been used to help the mullahs export terrorism, launch missile strikes against other countries in the region, and violently suppress their own people. It has only led to increased conflict.

Mohaddessin said: The European Union must jettison its policy of appeasement of the religious fascist regime in the final phase of this regimes life. If the European Union seeks friendship and cooperation with Iran, then it should side with the Iranian people who are calling for Death to Khamenei in the streets of Iran. It will not serve Europe well to side with rulers whose hands are drenched in the blood of thousands of Iranians.

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This collaboration matches Accell Groups global innovation strategy and ambition to increase sustainability in its products. With enhanced durability and safety through local production and maximum performance for our cyclists with the new Feather technology. In two words: this innovation is smart and green  Ton Anbeek, CEO Accell Group

Accell Group is a world leader and pioneer in the bicycle industry and we are proud to work together. Rein4ced developed a new, automated production line for hybrid composite bicycle frames in its production facility in Leuven, Belgium, with an annual production capacity of up to 20.000 frames. Accell and its consumers will benefit from our product as the new Feather composite material offers extreme impact resistance.



Our hybrid carbon-and-steel fiber composite will deliver the confidence that cyclists deserve in high-end composite bicycle frames. The Feather material combines the stiffness and lightweight characteristics of carbon with the toughness of steel.  Michael Callens, CEO Rein4ced

Accell Group has announced it will move production of Ghost's carbon fibre hardtails from Asia to the Rein4ced facility in Belgium.We covered the technology behind Rein4ced last year but in short, they are using robots and thermoplastics to bring carbon manufacturing back to Europe with a process that they say is more environmentally friendly and will produce a stronger frame than conventional carbon construction.The frames will be built using Rein4ced's Feather composite, which is a blend of carbon and steel, that they claim has all the lightweight benefits of carbon but with superior strength to weight ratio. The new manufacturing process will also mean a greener end product as it will reduce overseas shipments and the thermoplastics used can be recycled.Currently, only some of Ghost's carbon hardtail production will be transferred to Belgium with the rest of its range still being built in Asia. The frames will be available from mid-2020 in Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Thu, January 16 2020

A long history of land conflicts between residents and a pulp company in Batanghari regency, Jambi, has given birth to a band of farmers that has been called an armed criminal group by the police.

Authorities have painted a picture of armed bandits associated with farmers union Serikat Mandiri Batanghari (SMB) led by a man named Muslim and his wife, Deli Fitri. In July of last year, the police claimed they found a bunker containing dozens of firearms and drugs in the unions possession during the arrest of 59 members.

The union members were arrested for allegedly assaulting fire fighters extinguishing a land fire. After the arrest, the authority burned the unions farmland and public facilities. Thousands fled the area fearing for their safety.

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YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan says the disturbance of stability in the region in concerning.

Commenting on the current situation in the Middle East, in particular the ongoing tension between the United States and Iran, the Armenian FM told reporters: For us the disturbance of stability in our neighboring region is very concerning. We are working with our partners in this respect. There are disagreements between our partners, and this in turn affects the regional security and the security of our country. We really hope that it would be possible to stabilize the situation only through peaceful and negotiation means and avoid developments that lead to escalation, the FM said.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
A train passes through Dawlish, Devon, on the coastal railway line as large waves hit the sea wall. (Reuters)

A rail passenger was left with minor injuries after a huge sea wave crashed through the windows of a moving train.

The 1057 Exmouth to Paignton service was travelling through Dawlish station in Devon on Thursday, when a wave crashed on to the side of the train and broke through its windows.

South Western Ambulance Service was called to Dawlish Railway Station at 12pm after it received reports reports of a train passenger being injured.

Large waves crash as a train passes through Dawlish. (Reuters)

The service confirmed they treated one passenger for minor injuries, and that they did not require hospital treatment.

Great Western Railway said sea debris had caused damage to the train.

A spokesperson said: The 1057 from Exmouth to Paignton has been damaged by sea debris. The train has moved now moved forward and the damaged carriage taken out of service.

Read more:

Bideford in Devon changes 'Little White Town' signposts after racist claims

Escaped peacock 'terrorises' Devon village charging at residents and evading capture

Britains most and least used railway stations revealed

The 1052 Paignton to Paddington service has a train fault between Teignmouth and Dawlish. The fault which has developed on this train has yet to be investigated.

The British Transport Police said: "We were called today at 12pm to reports of a train window being smashed by a wave at Dawlish. One person with very minor injuries was checked out at the scene as a precaution. We understand the damage caused was a couple of smashed windows. It happened on Station Road close to the station. The line has since been reopened."

@gwr hope the people injured by the wave breaking the train window at Dawlish are okay. 2 other trains stuck & our train abandoned at Newton Abbot. Well done GWR for swift organisation of replacement buses.  Gill Garratt (@gillgarrattcbt) January 16, 2020

Trains that are now leaving Plymouth for Exeter St Davids and beyond are running on time.

Story continues

Last February it was announced that a wall would be built to protect the seafront railway line, which washed into the sea in 2014.

Up to 80m of government funding will be made available for the project.

The structure will be 2.5 metres higher than the existing five-metre tall wall, to increase protection to the railway from waves during adverse weather.
A clean, well-lighted place for original reporting -- and an annex to my website, MedFraud

You have the soul of an investigative reporter - Rhonda Schwartz, ABC News Senior Investigative Producer
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump with quiet ceremony Thursday  senators standing at their desks to swear an oath of impartial justice as jurors, House prosecutors formally reciting the charges and Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.

The trial, only the third such undertaking in American history, is unfolding at the start of the election year, a time of deep political division in the nation. Four of the senators sitting in judgment on Trump are running for the Democratic Partys nomination to challenge him in the fall.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! intoned the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order just past noon.

Senators filled the chamber, an unusual sight in itself, sitting silently under strict rules that prohibit talking or cellphones, for a trial that will test not only Trumps presidency but also the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances.

The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer, and Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court to the Capitol. He has long insisted judges are not politicians and is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings. Senators rose quickly when he appeared in his plain black robe.

Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand, Roberts said.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators responded they would, and then they lined up to sign an oath book.

Trump faces two charges after the House voted to impeach him last month. One, that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump is also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

The president insists he did nothing wrong, and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House: Its totally partisan. Its a hoax.

Eventual acquittal is expected in the Republican-controlled Senate. However, new revelations are mounting about Trumps actions toward Ukraine.

The Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

At the same time, an indicted associate of Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, has turned over to prosecutors new documents linking the president to the shadow foreign policy being run by Giuliani.

The developments applied fresh pressure to senators to call more witnesses for the trial, a main source of contention that is still to be resolved. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with subpoenas from Congress requesting witnesses or other information.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? asked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident, he said. The House of Representatives has accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the new information from Parnas demands an investigation, which she doesnt expect from Trumps attorney general. This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Before the swearing-in, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee formally read the articles of impeachment.

Seven lawmakers, led by Schiff and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

All eyes were on Schiff as he stood at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, he began, reading the nine pages.

The other House prosecutors stood in a row to his side.

Senators said later that when Roberts appeared the solemnity of the occasion took hold. Security was tight at the Capitol.

I thought this is a historic moment, and you could have heard a pin drop, said Republican John Cornyn of Texas. And so I think the gravity of what are undertaking I think was sinking in for all of us.

Republican House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took a far different view of the charges and proceedings.

He opened the chamber decrying Pelosis decision to hand out souvenir pens on Wednesday after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the Houses entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

GOP Sen. James Inhofe was absent, home in Oklahoma for a family medical issue, but plans to take the oath when he returns as the full trial begins next week, his office said.

The Senate will issue a formal summons to the White House to appear, with the presidents legal team expected to respond by Saturday. Opening arguments will begin on Tuesday.

The president suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that.

Instead, the presidents team expects a trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

It would take a super-majority of senators, 67 of the 100, to convict the president. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules, call witnesses or dismiss the charges.

A group of four Republican senators is working to ensure there will be votes on the possibility of witnesses, though its not at all certain a majority will prevail for new testimony.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee are among those involved.

I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful, Collins said in a statement. It is likely that I would support a motion to call witnesses.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

The House managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshmen  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando, and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on a congressional staff during President Richard Nixons impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clintons.

___

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
MONROE  A dozen places in town that serve food  including one school and one child care facility  failed inspection in the final quarter of 2019, and there were a total of 31 failures of food service establishments throughout the year.

Health director Nancy Brault said the numbers dont seem particularly high. She added that a lot of people overseeing food service establishments are facing a learning curve because of the towns adoption of the Food and Drug Administrations food code model, which began last year. Under the FDA model, cold foods need to be kept at 41 degrees. The previous standard was 45 degrees.

People are still adjusting to that, she said.

Restaurants  and other establishments that serve food  are scored on a 100-point scale. A restaurant fails if it scores below an 80, or if it has one or more violations that are worth four points. These include holding food at the improper temperature, not having adequate hand-washing facilities and other problems.

Most of the facilities that didnt pass inspection in the past three months of 2019 failed because of at least one four-point violation. All passed subsequent re-inspections. Below is a complete list of which facilities failed inspection, some of the reasons why and when they passed re-inspection.

Jockey Hollow School, 365 Fan Hill Road: Failed inspection Oct. 30. Scored a 94 with a four-point violation for holding food at the wrong temperature, partly due to squash being held at 52 degrees. The school passed re-inspection Dec. 5 with a score of 96.

El Gallo Dorado No. 2, 115 Main St.: Failed inspection Oct. 19. Scored a 90 with a four-point violation for holding food at the improper temperature, due partly to having chicken at 50 degrees and steak at 55 degrees. It passed re-inspection Jan. 10 with a score of 88.

Dunkin Donuts, 230 Roosevelt Drive: Failed inspection Oct. 23. Scored an 86, with two four-point violations  one for holding food at the improper temperature and one for an improper hose connection involving a sprayer in a sink. The temperature violation was largely due to ham and cheese that had to be discarded, as the products were left out and were found to be between 57 and 59 degrees. Passed re-inspection Nov. 7 with a score of 96.

Monroe Deli and Catering, 477 Main St.: Failed inspection Oct. 29. Scored an 88 with two four-point violations  one for having food at the improper temperature and one for improper storage of toxic items. The inspection report said the roast beef was at 45 degrees, and a spray bottle of sanitizer wasnt properly labeled. The restaurant passed re-inspection Dec. 19 with a score of 85.

Thai Berry Kitchen, 440 Main St.: Failed inspection Oct. 28. Scored a 90 with one four-point violation for food kept at the improper temperature, including rice kept at 52 degrees and noodles at 45 degrees. Passed re-inspection Jan. 10 with a 93.

Royal Falafel, 401 Monroe Turnpike: Failed inspection Oct. 31. Scored a 90 with a four-point violation for keeping food at the improper temperature, including tomatoes and cucumbers both kept at 45 degrees. The restaurant passed re-inspection Jan. 10 with a 93.

Stop and Shop, 470 Monroe Turnpike: Failed inspection Oct. 31. Scored an 87 with one four-point violation for food at the improper temperature, due partly to chicken wings kept at 45 degrees. Passed re-inspection on Jan. 10 with a 100.

Great Fortune, 401 Monroe Turnpike: Failed inspection Nov. 19. Scored an 82 with two four-point violations, improper storing of toxic chemicals and improper handwashing facilities. Reportedly a bucket of sanitizer was unlabeled, and a hand-washing sink was blocked by a large bucket of raw chicken. Passed re-inspection on Dec. 5 with a score of 97.

Kindercare, 304 Elm St.: Failed inspection Dec. 6. Scored an 88 with one four-point violation for improper storage of toxic items from improper dilution of sanitizer. Passed re-inspection Dec. 20 with a score of 100.

Robertos, 505 Main St.: Failed inspection Dec. 9. Scored a 74 with one four-point violation for improper storage of toxic items, as well as multiple other violations for allegedly less seriously infractions, such as an ice machine soiled with mold and soiled and damaged cutting board. Passed re-inspection Jan. 8 with a score of 92.

Carl Anthony Trattoria and Catering, 477 Main St.: Failed inspection Oct. 29 with a score of 75. There were no four-point violations, but there were eight two-point violations and nine one-point violations. These violations included keeping unclean milk crates in the kitchen and cutting boards that couldnt be properly cleaned or sanitized. Passed re-inspection Jan. 13 with a score of 96.

Monroe Turnpike Mart, 405 Monroe Turnpike: Failed inspection Dec. 24. Scored an 85 with one four-point violation for improper storage of toxic items. Passed re-inspection Jan. 7 with a score of 98.
The source of essential tremor--a movement disorder that causes involuntary trembling of the hands, arms, and head--has been enigmatic, impeding the development of effective treatments for a condition that affects 4% of people over 40.

Now a new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian suggests the tremors are caused by overactive brain waves at the base of the brain, raising the possibility of treating the disorder with neuromodulation to calm the oscillations.

Past studies have identified changes in brain structure in people with essential tremor, but we didn't know how those changes caused tremors. This study pins down how those structural changes affect brain activity to drive tremor." Sheng-Han Kuo, MD, study's senior author and assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

The study was published online today in Science Translational Medicine.

About essential tremor

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder in the United States, affecting about 10 million Americans (approximately eight times as many people as Parkinson's disease). The condition causes involuntary, rhythmic trembling, usually in the hands, and is exacerbated during such activities as buttoning a shirt or using utensils. Although essential tremor is not life-threatening, it can severely impact quality of life.

Some beta blockers and anti-epileptic drugs can reduce symptoms, but they carry side effects, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. They also don't work very well in essential tremor patients, which Kuo says isn't surprising since the cause of the condition hasn't been well understood.

Tremor patients have excessive brain activity in the cerebellum

The researchers have previously identified structural changes in the cerebellum of essential tremor patients and used a new cerebellar encephalogram (EEG) technique to search for unusual brain waves in this part of the brain.

Among 20 essential tremor patients examined with cerebellar EEG, most had strong oscillations (between 4 and 12 Hz) in the cerebellum that were not found in any of the 20 control subjects. Patients with more severe tremors had stronger oscillations.

Oscillations first found in mice

The researchers first discovered the cerebellar oscillations in mice that had developed tremors closely resembling those seen in essential tremor patients.

The tremors could be turned on and off by stimulating certain neurons in the mouse brain, alternately suppressing and unleashing the oscillations. "These results established a causal relationship between the brain oscillations and tremor, which cannot be directly tested in patients," says Kuo, who is also an assistant attending neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Excessive oscillations stem from extra synapses

In previous studies of postmortem brain tissue from essential tremor patients, the Columbia team discovered that patients with essential tremor had an abnormally high number of synapses, or connections, between two types of nerve cells in the brain's cerebellum--climbing fibers and Purkinje cells.

In the current study, again using postmortem brain tissue, the researchers found that the formation of these synapses appears to be influenced by a protein called glutamate receptor delta 2 (GluR2). "When this protein is underexpressed, any excess synapses that form between climbing fibers and Purkinje cells are not eliminated, resulting in too many neuronal connections," says Kuo.

When the team reduced expression of GluR2 in mice, the animals developed tremors similar to those seen in humans. Restoring GluR2 function suppressed the tremors, proving that the protein plays a key role in essential tremor.

Potential for new treatments

The study opens several new possibilities for treatment of essential tremor, Kuo says:

Using cerebellar EEG as a guide, we may be able to use neuromodulation techniques such as tDCS or TMS (transcranial direct-current stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation) to reduce tremor, or even drugs to reduce transmission between the climbing fibers and Purkinje cells."

Kuo is also working to develop medications that increase GluR2 expression in the brain, which may reduce tremor.
Don Trump Jr joked that his father is orange in a post mocking Democrats

Don Trump Jr has joked that his father is orange, in a post mocking the Democratic presidential primary field for lacking diversity.

'How much less diverse is the 2020 Dem field from the 2016 GOP field?' read the humorous image the president's son shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

Images below show Democrats at Tuesday night's debate, labeling them all 'white.'

The 'diverse' Republicans are then listed out, including Donald Trump, who is labeled 'orange.'

'Ok I had to... ORANGE!!!' Trump Jr wrote in a comment to the post, adding laughing-crying emojis.

The president's son shared the humorous image to Instagram on Wednesday

The joke also describes the heritage of some of the other 2016 Republicans: Cuban Marco Rubio, black Ben Carson, and Cuban/Canadian Ted Cruz, who was born in Calgary.

The image also humorously lists Jeb Bush's ethnicity as 'wood.'

Trump himself has also previously joked about his skin tone, saying in September that energy-saving light bulbs make him 'always look orange.'

The Washington Post responded with an in-depth article interviewing experts from numerous fields, who argued that lighting was not responsible for the president's skin tone.

Trump himself has also previously joked about his skin tone, saying in September that energy-saving light bulbs make him 'always look orange'

The investigation concluded that atypically heavy application of bronzer, or perhaps artificial tanner, was likely the cause of Trump's hue.

The White House has previously said that the president's glow is due to 'good genes' as well as light powder application before TV appearances.

Trump reportedly prefers to apply his own makeup, in private, and has refused the services of a taxpayer-funded White House makeup artist.
Maharashtra minister Nitin Raut on Thursday wondered how can someone who has fought for the poor and slum-dwellers be called a Naxal and said an inquiry should be initiated in the arrest of lawyers and activists in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case.

Addressing 'meet the press' programme here, the Congress minister said the erstwhile BJP-led government wrongly projected some intellectuals and authors as "urban Naxals".

"The way the previous government projected authors and intellectuals as urban Naxals, I think it was wrong and it should be condemned.

"Someone who is a good person and who has fought for the poor and slum-dwellers how can he be called a Naxal," Raut asked.

"Hence, an inquiry should be initiated in this issue and discussions are going on to bring those out who are not related to that crime. We have also asked for information on this issue from the police department," said Raut.

According to the police, the Elgar Parishad conclave held on December 31, 2017, allegedly triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district the next day.

The Pune police have claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists. The parishad, they alleged, instigated violence near Koregaon-Bhima war memorial on January 1, 2018.

The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson for their alleged links with Maoists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There is growing interest in reestablishing Adria Airways, a week ahead of the auction of the bankrupt carriers remaining assets. A group of Russian investors has expressed interest in the company and wants to use the airlines Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and brand name to resume services from the Slovenian capital to several European destinations using a fleet of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. One of the investors said, "We are planning to win and to introduce the SSJ in Europe. We have all the support in Russia for such a development. Individuals are welcome to join as investors based on their EU passport or company registered in EU by Europeans". Others to have expressed interest in Adria include Slovenian businessmen Joc Pececnik, Izet Rastoder and Ivo Boscarol, who have all outlined their separate plans to utilise the defunct airlines assets in different ways. Initially, five non-binding bids were submitted to Adrias receiver, however, different subjects have now expressed interest in the company since it will be auctioned.





Adria Airways business will be auctioned off as a whole next Thursday at 11.00 CET. The assets include the AOC, as well as various manuals, including those for operations, training, maintenance, security, weather, passenger handling and cargo handling. The carriers AOC has been suspended until September 30, 2020, however, it will be reinstated once the buyer fulfils certain obligations set out by the Slovenian Civil Aviation Agency, among which is the possession of operational aircraft. The party that acquires Adrias assets will also have to take on a number of obligations. Among them is the amendment of any discrepancies that arose following the revocation of the airlines AOC and the launch of bankruptcy procedures. A Slovenian AOC would give its holder rights to maintain commercial services from Slovenia and other European Union-member states.





Meanwhile, the operator of Adria Airways former hub, Fraport, reported today that Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport handled 1.721.355 passengers in 2019, representing a decrease of 5% . The number of aircraft movements declined 11.3% to 31.489. In December alone, the airport welcomed 85.513 travellers through its doors, down 21.6%. Ljubljana Airport anticipates a strong 2020 summer season despite the loss of its busiest customer. Fraport Slovenia, which is in the process of building a new terminal at the airport, has said passenger numbers are beginning to improve following an initial steep decline in figures. "Traffic is picking up just as forecast, it noted.
Washington: History will record that the century's first impeachment trial of a sitting president began this week, but the real prosecution of the case against US President Donald Trump will not begin in earnest until next week.

Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson, left, and House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving pass through Statuary Hall at the Capitol to deliver the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate. Credit:AP

That's because Wednesday and Thursday have been delicately scripted to include some pomp and circumstance, but all sides have agreed that members of the Senate will go home on Thursday afternoon for a long weekend over the Martin Luther King holiday and resume the more substantive portion of the case next week.

The action began on Wednesday morning when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her team of impeachment managers, seven members of the House who will prosecute the case in the Senate.

By lunchtime the House voted to formally transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a procession that took place almost exactly four weeks after the House first voted to impeach Trump over his pressure on Ukraine to investigate potential presidential rival Joe Biden.
By WestKyStar & WKCTC Staff Jan. 16, 2020 | 12:18 PM | PADUCAH

The hour-long reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held January 22 in WKCTC's Matheson Library Reading Room beginning at 11 am. Refreshments will be served.





Fahrenheit 451, first published in 1953, is often regarded as one of Bradbury's best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, and the effect this has on the main character and society.





The writing contest, which was a partnership between the Carson Center and WKCTC, was divided into four categories - ninth-twelfth graders and adults of all ages in both short story and poetry genres. Each contestant submitted an original poem or short story based on the opening and closing lines of Bradbury's book. A winner and runner up were selected from each category. Contest winners will be awarded gift cards and will read their winning entries during the January 22 reception.





For more information about the NEA Big Read, visit the Carson Center for the Performing Arts website or contact Josh Morehead, director of education and outreach, at 270-443-9932 x 235.





WKCTC will also host the finale to its 2019-2020 One Book Read of Nothing Like an Ocean by award-winning Kentucky author Jim Tomlinson, who will visit campus on March 17-18. Visit onebookread.com for author details and other One Book Read events leading up to Tomlinson's visit.



West Kentucky Community and Technical College will host a reception to recognize the winners of the recent National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read Paducah creative writing contest. The Carson Center for the Performing Arts is sponsoring the NEA's Big Read short story/poem contest that was based on Ray Bradbury's critically-acclaimed book, Fahrenheit 451.
Today Spirit Airlines announced that it will add new summer seasonal nonstop service between Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Fort Lauderdale International (FLL) starting April 1, 2020. This is great news for Bay Area bargain hunters with plans to visit South Florida as well as the several destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America to which Spirit flies during summer vacation.

Checking today, Oakland-Ft. Lauderdale fares are as low as $174 roundtrip this winter  that's quite a deal for a transcontinental trip. But, as usual, you'll find plenty of the restrictions and fees for which Spirit is famous. Spirit's fleet of Airbus jets are easily recognized due to their banana-yellow color (See slideshow above).

Spirit will not be the only player in the Bay Area-to-Fort Lauderdale market. JetBlue and United also offer year-round nonstops to the South Florida city from San Francisco International, but their fares are significantly higher. Alaska's SFO-FLL nonstops end in April. Like Spirit, JetBlue runs many of its Caribbean and Latin American flights from Fort Lauderdale, too. This means it's going to be a lot cheaper and easier for Bay Area travelers to get to those regions.

Currently there are no nonstop flights from the Bay Area to anywhere in the Caribbean and South America. The closest you can get with a nonstop is on Copa Airlines' SFO-Panama City (PTY) nonstop, or on a United nonstop to Cancun.

Spirit Airlines

Related: One-on-one with Spirit Air CEO Ted Christie

Spirit's outbound flight from OAK is a red eye, departing at 9:30 p.m. and arriving at FLL at 6 a.m. the next day. The return departs FLL at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Oakland at 8:45 p.m. Checking fares today, it appears that Spirit's one-stop fares to FLL are significantly cheaper than its nonstops, but that could change.

Fort Lauderdale is also a huge point of embarkation for many cruise lines, which is a big reason why there are now three airlines flying there from the Bay Area. Only American Airlines offers year-round nonstop flights from the Bay Area to Miami International, about 25 miles south of FLL. United's SFO-MIA nonstops don't run during summer months.

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Spirit began flying from Oakland in 2011 with a single flight to Las Vegas (LAS) and gradually grew to third place among Oaklands largest carriers. The new daily Fort Lauderdale flight joins existing summer seasonal service to Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH) and year-round twice daily flights to Los Angeles (LAX) and four daily flights to Las Vegas.

In an interview with SFGATE last year, we asked CEO Ted Christie about Spirit's well-known tight seating, which could be a big factor on a 5-6 hour transcon flight. He said, "The average pitch on our planes is around 29 inches. We do offer The Big Front Seat, which has 34 inches. And exit rows, too, have more space. But we don't think about pitch, we think about comfort. Modern seat technology, like slimline seating and contouring of the seat back, has freed up space between seats that did not exist before. I'm 6'2" and I sit in row 3 or 4 on our planes and I'm comfortable because the way the seatback is designed is that it naturally contours around your knees [and bows into the space between your legs]. So I can sit normally."

You can check out the seat layout and customer reviews of Spirit's all-Airbus fleet on SeatGuru here.

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here

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Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.
Film Forums latest series, Black Women: Trailblazing African American Performers & Images, 1920-2001, opening Friday, is an event. Not just something to mark on your calendar, but an event to line up for. Among the women featured here are Josephine Baker, Evelyn Preer, Pam Grier, Diahann Carroll and Janet Jackson.

Its rare to see a film series of this size devoted to black actresses, many of whom  like Theresa Harris and Francine Everett  were underappreciated in their lifetimes, relegated to uncredited roles as maids and servants. (Though, interestingly, the Museum of Modern Art is about to host an eclectic series of its own, Its All in Me: Black Heroines, from Feb. 20-March 5.)

With over 60 films and special events, including tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and the archivist Pearl Bowser, the Film Forum series has many themes. Maybe too many. But what is clear is that each work helps tell the history of black women in film and how they operated  both subversively and overtly  to tell their stories, even when scripts failed to flesh out their characters. To put the series in perspective, I spoke recently with the film historian Donald Bogle, author of books like Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films, who programmed this wide-ranging series with Ina Archer, an experimental filmmaker and media preservationist.

While things are changing, black actresses and other actresses of color still struggle in a white, male-dominated industry (just look at this years Oscar nominees), fighting for some control over their roles. We do have more women working now, more women in general, but these problems continue, Bogle said in a recent phone interview. Of all the stereotypes, the mammy figure is the one that America cherishes the most.
KENMORE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media (OTCPK:RLTR) ReelTime VRs the Worlds #1 VR Travel Show "In Front of View" has released its latest episode "Baan Nom Maew" which takes place at the famous Baan Nom Maew resort in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Baan Nom Maew is famous for being among the most beautiful backdrops for top photographers and supermodels. It has been featured in countless magazines and publications seen throughout the world and is a very exclusive boutique resort.

Front Montgomery exclaimed: "We lived at the Baan Nom Maew resort while we shot the episode and it is absolutely breathtaking. Everywhere you turn there are vibrant colors and magnificent grounds that make you feel like you are walking in a fashion magazine fantasy shoot. It is no wonder that so many tremendous models and photographers have flocked to this very unique and special place. Not to mention how well we were treated by the owner who even took time to be in part of the episode."

The episode can be viewed in any VR portal such as Oculus, Samsung Gear VR, Vive, littlstar, Facebook 360, YouTube, and others as well. www.infrontofview.com.

ReelTime VRs VR travel series "In Front of View" is also currently featured in TIME Magazine (Jan. 20, 2020 - Vol 195 No.1) in a full-page Virtual Reality Insider promotion. On the page, the headline "Inside the Worlds #1 VR Travel Show" identifying it as ReelTime VRs "In Front of View" which stars international superstar Front Montgomery and her daughter Leonie Montgomery appears. Leonie is shown holding a VR headset while on the set. An image of the page can be found at www.reeltime.com.

Time is an American weekly news magazine and news website published in New York City. TIME has the world's largest circulation for a weekly news magazine. The print edition has a readership of 26 million, 20 million of whom are based in the United States. The magazine is available in newsstands, by subscription, and online and can be subscribed to at www.time.com/magazine/.

The full-length articles referenced in TIME and Virtually everything else VR/AR-related can be seen at www.virtualrealityinsider.com. Virtual Reality Insider has long been a leader in compiling the latest news and opportunities relating to the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality industry and its impact on consumers wide.

The first season of In Front of View has been available online at YouTube, Veer, littlstar, Samsung VR, Facebook 360, Oculus, and Vimeo among others. The show has been viewed in over 40 countries on 6 continents and has won several VR awards in the travel category. In 2018-19, "In Front of Views," the second season was filmed by ReelTime VR in Yellowstone National Park and all across Thailand

About ReelTime Rentals, Inc. d/b/a ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media: www.reeltime.com, is a publicly-traded company based in Seattle, WA (OTCPK:RLTR). ReelTime Media provides end to end production capabilities and discount media purchasing that is redefining how companies are evaluating and purchasing their TV, radio, print, and other new media. ReelTime is also is in the business of developing, producing and distributing Virtual Reality Content and technologies. We have an end to end production, editing, and distribution capabilities for internal and external projects. ReelTime currently produces three ongoing series for the Samsung Gear VR platform and distributes them over numerous VR delivery portals including Gear VR, Oculus, Veer VR, HTC Vive, YouTube 360, Facebook, and others. ReelTime Media also publishes the book "It Was Always Me Edward Edwards the most Prolific Serial Killer of all time", which has been the subject of a cover story on People Magazine, Rolling Stone, In Touch, and a six-part series on Paramount network, www.itwasalwaysme.com.

CONTACT:

Barry Henthorn

ceo@reeltime.com

SOURCE: ReelTime Rentals Inc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573261/ReelTimes-VR-Series-In-Front-of-View-New-Episode-Baan-Nom-Maew-Now-Available-Virtually-Worldwide-Starring-International-Superstar-Front-Montgomery-and-Daughter-Leonie-Montgomery
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) released their Newborn Safe Sleep guideline, the only clinical practice guideline that addresses the challenges of and provides recommendations on implementing safe sleep practices in the hospital setting for children between birth and 1 year of age. The guideline provides evidence-based protocols for creating a safe sleep environment for infants based on the history of sleep-related deaths and the American Academy of Pediatrics' safe sleep recommendations between 1992 and 2016. Common controversies and barriers related to implementing safe sleep in the hospital are also discussed, which will empower healthcare providers to improve daily practice with neonates and infants.

NANN's Newborn Safe Sleep Guideline

"NANN is thrilled to share this important guideline with the neonatal community," says NANN President-Elect and Newborn Safe Sleep guideline editor, Gail Bagwell, DNP APRN CNS. "As the professional voice of neonatal nursing, we strive to provide the education and tools needed to make a difference for nurses, our patients, and their families. Sleep related deaths are the leading cause of death between 1 month and 1 year of age for infants and nurses play a vital role in the education and role modeling of proper sleep behavior for all infants. This guideline will give nurses and other healthcare providers the tools necessary to do this job."



The Newborn Safe Sleep guideline was made possible through an unrestricted grant from Pampers, part of the P&G family. "At Pampers, caring for the healthy development of all babies is at the core of who we are. That is why we are elated to support the advancement of the neonatal community through our partnership with NANN. We believe this Newborn Safe Sleep guideline put together by NANN is an important resource that will aid nurses in caring for babies' healthy development," says Pampers Scientific Communication Leader Veronica Sanchez PhD.

About NANN

At nearly 8,000 members strong, NANN is the professional voice and home of neonatal nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. NANN supports the advancement of the neonatal nursing profession through opportunities for neonatal nurses to influence care for neonates and their families, collaborate with leaders and peers in their field, and gain clinical knowledge to improve daily practice. NANN serves nearly 7,500 members from all over the world. Learn more at www.nann.org.

About Pampers

For more than 50 years, parents have trusted Pampers to care for their babies. Pampers is a part of The Procter & Gamble Company and is the #1-selling diaper worldwide. Every day, more than 25 million babies in 100 countries around the world wear Pampers. Pampers offers a complete range of diapers, wipes and training pants designed to provide protection and comfort for every stage of baby's development. Visit www.pampers.com to learn more about Pampers products, join the Pampers Rewards program, and find ideas and information to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

Media Contact:

Molly Anderson

[email protected]

847.375.4897

SOURCE National Association of Neonatal Nurses

Related Links

http://www.nann.org


Washington, Jan 16 : Articles of impeachment against Donald Trump were sent to the Republican-majority Senate, nearly a month after the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted to charge the US President with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The seven "impeachment managers" -- Democrats Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Zoe Lofgren, Val Demings, Jason Crow and Silvia Garcia -- appointed earlier on Wednesday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to prosecute the case carried the documents across the Capitol to the Senate on Wednesday night, reports Efe news.

The Senate majority leader, Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell, invited the managers to return to the chamber at 12 p.m. on Thursday to read the articles of impeachment aloud.

Following the reading of the articles, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will be sworn-in as the temporary President of the Senate for the duration of the impeachment proceedings.

Roberts will then swear-in the 100 senators as jurors in preparation for the trial, set to begin on Tuesday, when the Senate will re-convene after the January 20 holiday honouring civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

"This is a difficult time for our country - but this is precisely the kind of time for which the framers created the Senate. I'm confident this body can rise above short-termism and factional fever, and serve the long-term best interests of our nation," McConnell said.

"We can do this. And we must," he added.

At a press conference, Pelosi said that the House was acting in accord with its "constitutional duty".

"Today, we will make history, when we walk down - when the managers walk the hall, they will cross a threshold in history, delivering articles of impeachment against the president of the United States for abuse of power and obstruction of the House," she said.

"This President will be held accountable," the California Democrat said hours after the House voted 224-190 vote to send the impeachment articles to the Senate.

"The emphasis is on litigators," she said, adding: "The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom." Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority would be required to convict Trump and remove him from office.

Pelosi held back on sending the articles to the Senate because she wanted Republicans there to guarantee that they would allow new witnesses to be called in the trial, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and Trump's current acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney.

McConnell, however, wants an expedited process culminating in an all but inevitable acquittal.

Trump is only the third President in history to be impeached after Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998-99, both of whom were acquitted.

The case against Trump unfolded after a complaint by a whistleblower from the intelligence community regarding a telephone call in July 2019 between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the US leader - in exchange for releasing some $400 million in military aid to Ukraine and setting up a coveted White House meeting for Zelensky - pressured the Ukrainian to investigate Biden for corruption although no evidence seems to exist on that score.

Trump, however, has consistently claimed that he did nothing wrong and virtually all Republican lawmakers have toed the party line that insufficient evidence of wrongdoing to justify impeachment and removal from office was gathered by House Democrats in their impeachment investigation.

Meanwhile, Trump prohibited administration officials who have inside knowledge of the activities and motivations surrounding the phone call with Zelensky from testifying before the House and also denied Democrats access to documents that might shed light on the matter, and this stonewalling resulted in the passage of the impeachment article regarding obstruction of Congress in its oversight responsibility.
China wants Japan's notorious World War II germ warfare experimentation unit to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Korean consulate in Shenyang said Heilongjiang Province and the provincial capital Harbin are to submit a plan to protect the site of Unit 731 to the central government. It comes after the city's history committee last month called for the government to be fully involved in the application process.

Like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), which, as a reminder of the first atomic bomb explosion, was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1996, Unit 731 should also qualify since "the remaining ruins can serve as a reminder of the horrible atrocities Japanese troops committed in China," the committee said.

A site must meet six criteria to be listed. Of the criteria for cultural sites, one is that it must be "directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance." The inclusion of the Hiroshima site was justified on the basis of this criterion. But UNESCO also recommends the criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with the other criteria.

Unit 731, which was based south of Harbin, conducted from 1932 to 1945 brutal experiments on human beings including vivisection. It also waged germ warfare in nearby areas. Until now, 1,467 victims have been confirmed though estimates say there are an additional 300,000. The Japanese government has admitted the unit's existence but avoided comment on the atrocities.
A car bomb attack killed 10 people, including three Turkish soldiers, in an area of northern Syria controlled by Turkish forces on Thursday, a war monitor and Ankara said.

"Three of our brothers-in-arms fell as martyrs in a car bomb attack at a traffic stop," Turkey's defence ministry said in a statement, without adding further details.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group had earlier said the three soldiers and seven Turkish-backed fighters died in the blast in the village of Suluk, about 20 kilometres southeast of the Syrian border town of Tal Abyad.

Turkish soldiers supporting Syrian proxies launched an offensive against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in October last year.

Ankara deems the YPG a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

Turkey's soldiers and their Syrian proxies are regularly targeted in attacks in northern Syria, the latest coming last week, when four Turkish soldiers were killed by a car bomb.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ahead of the Budget, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) on Thursday urged the government to restore 200 per cent income tax deduction for in-house research and development (R&D) expenditure in the seed industry.

The income tax deduction for the in-house R&D has been reducing over the last few years. Through an amendment to Finance Act 2016, the weighted deduction was reduced to 150 per cent effective from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2020 and it indicated a further reduction to 100 per cent from April 1, 2020.

The Act applies to the eligible companies engaged in the business of bio-technology or in any business of manufacturing or production of any article or thing that incurs any expenditure on scientific research (excluding the cost of land) on in-house R&D facility as approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

"As compared to developed economies, R&D investment in India is very low and stands at around 0.7 per cent of GDP. It cannot be ignored that R&D is critical for new technology development, innovations and to achieve the goal of USD 5 trillion economy," FSII Executive Director Shivendra Bajaj said in a statement.

The government will have to encourage higher R&D investment to address emerging challenges of climate change, stagnant yields, increase food production and nutrition needs of the country, he said.

Stating that India has potential to become export hub for seeds, the FSII said a "conducive policy support" should be provided by the government.

For instance, varieties such as custom production of both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM seeds and production of export-oriented seeds should be exempted from registration, it said.

Registration should be mandatory for seed produced for both domestic and export markets. Export of seed produced in India should be freely allowed without any delays and there should be time bound approvals from National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for export of these Indian varieties, FSII added.

It also emphasised on the need to have a national policy on seed exports and setting up of a special cell under the Ministry of Agriculture to deal with export promotion and facilitation such as efficient disposal of export and import permits.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Activists in a remote northwestern Pakistani district have urged local authorities to swiftly act to end a tribal ban that prohibits women from visiting the local market.

Qabailee Khor, Pashto for Tribal Sister, a nongovernmental organization in Mohmand, a district bordering Afghanistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, has called on local authorities to quickly undo a local tribal ban that prohibits women from shopping or visiting a market in the rural Kuz Gandaow area.

This is a slap on the local law enforcement agencies because Pakistans constitution guarantees the freedom of movement for all its citizens, Nausheen Jamal, an official of Qabailee Khor, told Radio Mashaal. If we accept this ban today, tomorrow they will ban us from going to school or even hospitals.

The ban imposed on January 12 in the Chanday Bazaar, as the market is formally called, prohibits women from roaming and shopping, according to a handwritten note signed by 24 local community leaders.

We call on the entire Haleemzai tribe to prohibit their women from visiting Chanday Bazaar, the note said while referring to a clan of the larger Mohmand Pashtun tribe. If you fail to do so and your women are disrespected, then you wont be able to disrespect anyone.

Repeated attempts to reach various members of the tribal council that imposed the ban were not successful. Locals says the ban was imposed after a local woman eloped with a shopkeeper in Chanday Bazaar.

Fazal Ahmed Jan, the district police chief in Mohmand, says they are investigating the issue.

We were informed about the ban today, he told Radio Mashaal on January 15. We will probe the details and then determine the real issue.

Mohmand is one of seven Pashtun-inhabited districts that formed the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Tens of thousands of civilians were killed and millions displaced in more than 15 years of Taliban violence and military operations since 2003. Islamabad merged the region into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May 2018, but police and courts are still not fully functional. Taliban, hard-line clerics and tribal councils have imposed bans on women voting and education in the name of protecting religious and cultural norms.

Wali Muhammad, an activist in Kuz Gandaow, says tribal councils are still prevalent in the region since its merger Pakistans mainstream legal system.

Unfortunately, some people here are still afraid of womens empowerment in this modern age, he told Radio Mashaal. If all women can be banned because of one woman running away, then they should also ban men because a men was also responsible for eloping with the woman.

Jamal, the womens activist, says that tolerance for such bans will contribute to pushing former FATA into the instability that long tormented its residents.

Not only women but everyone was humiliated during that time, she noted.
A Portland U.S. Bank employee said she was fired after giving $20 of her own money to a customer who was broke and stranded at a gas station on Christmas Eve.

The man she helped called her firing ridiculous.

I was a customer of U.S. Bank, I needed help, and she went above and beyond, said Marc Eugenio of Clackamas. I felt so bad. She was the only one helping me.

On Dec. 23, Emily James, a senior banker at a U.S. Bank call center in Portland, said she spent more than an hour trying to help Eugenio, a bank customer whose paycheck from a new job had been placed on hold. The hold meant he couldnt access the funds  just over $1,000  and was essentially broke before Christmas.

She told Eugenio to visit his Clackamas bank branch in the morning  Christmas Eve  and ask a bank manager to verify the funds from the issuing bank. Eugenio went to his bank and got his boss to verify his employment, but the branch manager was on vacation, and the bank was closing early for the holiday. There was no one, he was told, who could lift the hold.

(The woman at the bank) said, My hands are tied, I cant do anything,  he said.

When Eugenio left the bank, he said workers locked the doors behind him.

Frustrated, he again called the U.S. Bank 800 number to speak to the woman who had helped him the day before. He said he was calling from a gas station in Clackamas, unable to even fill his tank.

I said, I wish I had just $20 bucks to get home,  Eugenio recalled. And she said Wait, hold on.

James handled calls from customers across the country and said it was rare to speak to anyone local. But in this case, Eugenio was just a few miles away.

On Christmas Eve? It seemed like a sign.

She told Eugenio to stay put and that shed be there within 30 minutes with some gas money.

I didnt want her to do it, he said. But Im not proud to the point that Im going to refuse help.

James said she got permission from her supervisor to drive out to the 76 gas station at Southeast 122nd Avenue and Sunnyside Road, about 14 miles from her office.

I handed him $20 in cash, said Merry Christmas and went right back to work, she said.

Eugenio said he thanked her and gave her a hug.

It was like, Wow, she really cares, he said. Most supervisors, maybe they would have tried, but nobody would have ever come out because I was stranded. She had a big heart. She believed what I was saying.

James finished the rest of her shift that day and again on Monday, Dec. 30.

But on New Years Eve, she said, the regional service manager was waiting for her when she arrived at work.

She said, Were sorry, we cannot keep your employment,' James said. The reason, James said, was because of her unauthorized interaction with a customer.

They were worried about my safety, James said. He could have kidnapped me or shot me. But I wouldnt have left or even tried to ask if that was OK if I thought that this person would hurt me.

The interaction with Eugenio happened in the middle of the day, at around 3:30 p.m., with other people around.

James said her supervisor, who gave her permission to deliver the money, was also fired, though The Oregonian/OregonLive was unable to independently confirm this.

When reached for this story, a spokeswoman with U.S. Bank said the company does not comment on employee matters.

James said shes never been disciplined on the job, and she provided The Oregonian/OregonLive with more than a dozen certificates, accolades and awards she received over the course of her two years of employment. One of them was a Silver Shield Award in 2018, which says, We do the right thing. Its what we believe. Its how we act. And its a core value youve recently brought to life through your work.

Another recognition, from April 2019, was for exemplifying the companys core value: We put people first.

I just dont understand why you wouldnt help someone if you had the ability to, James said. Its Christmas Eve, its already a rough time for people, and youre going to leave someone stranded? I couldnt in good conscience do that, knowing it was something I could fix, or at least get him home. Had I known then that I was going to be let go, I would have just removed the hold on the check, because that absolutely would have gotten me fired.

She laughed.

Hindsight is 20/20.

Eugenio said he eventually did get the check cleared but not until several days after Christmas. For his kids, ages 9 and 13, he had to leave IOUs under the tree.

It was one of the saddest Christmases, he said. Promissory notes for Christmas gifts. And I cant believe (James) lost her job over it. The only one who seemed to care was Emily, and she got fired for that.

James said her original motivation in sharing her story was to get her job back. Now, shes not so sure.

I dont think I would want to continue to work for someone who would do that, she said.

-- Samantha Swindler; sswindler@oregonian.com; @editorswindler

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Anna Quigley is so frustrated after listening to people on the radio talking about the murder and dismemberment of Keane Mulready-Woods that she struggles to speak.

The coordinator of the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign said talk of the savage murder being a new low or a watershed and that there is now an urgent need for a multi-agency approach is like Groundhog Day.

The fact is things don't get to this stage in a short space of time, the veteran drugs campaigner said. It's years and years and years getting to this.

Saying it's a new low is simplistic, that this is the worst thing that can happen and things will now have to change. We have heard that all before.

Ms Quigley said: We have had years and years of violent incidents, awful things, people jump up and down, the attention moves on and communities are left to get on with it.

Don't get me wrong, of course on a human level this is so shocking, you can't comprehend how someone can do this.

She said talk of the urgent need for multi-agency responses drives her particularly mad: Back in 1996 [the publication of the first ministerial task force on drugs] the view of politicians was 'we have got to a really bad point, how have we ended up at this stage?'.

What emerged was responses at law enforcement level  including the setting up of the Criminal Assets Bureau  investment in treatment and, most significantly, a partnership response by the State and communities.

It worked for a few years [the partnership] because there was political support. Since then the gradual response of the State to communities most affected has got weaker and weaker, disjointed. It's not a priority anymore. All the education and prevention stuff is gone. The joint up approach is not there. And there has been a complete failure on the economic side. Young men see the drugs trade as the 'best job for me' and I'm not justifying their actions.

Anna Quigley of Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign

She said "genuine" partnership with communities was needed, not words.

On policing, she cited recent comments by Assistant Commissioner for Dublin Pat Leahy who said that the focus in recent years had been on gangland violence and the Kinahan-Hutch feud.

The officer said last month that the last three years had probably the best three years in tackling that level of gangland-oriented crime and said many significant criminals were in prison or have left the country and can't come home.

But he said the other story was that community policing has suffered massively because of austerity.

Community policing took a battering during austerity, we kinda were withdrawn from communities, he said.

Now we have to take it back, go back into communities, recover that space, shift the balance of power and rebuild relationships.

Eddie D'Arcy has been working with young people in disadvantaged areas of west and south inner city Dublin for almost 40 years.

He said the murder is absolutely shocking particularly given the age of the victim.

People are shocked, it's not just that a 17-year-old was shot, that has happened before, but the level of savagery associated with it is extremely brutal.

The circulation of videos on social media have aggravated the savagery, he said.

He said it indicates that the level of involvement in gangs of kids aged around 17 is much more serious than people had thought.

Young people are vulnerable and much easier to manipulate and be forced to do things, he said adding it was typically youths aged 18-20 that suck in the 15-16-year-olds.

Mr D'Arcy said there is an argument for a junior CAB to target the young lieutenants displaying wealth without any means: I'm talking about the 20-year-old driving around in flash cars, flash clothes, his own apartment, going on holiday 3-4 times a year.

The images gardai released of clothes similar to what Keane was wearing when he disappeared - the Canada Goose jacket and Hugo Boss tracksuit top and bottoms - gives an insight into the money from drugs.

Mr D'Arcy said the enormous profits being made from drugs, particularly cocaine, is fuelling the violence.

He said a key priority for the State is to target teenagers getting sucked into gangs and, even more so, those already embedded in the trade.

We need to identify key young people in communities caught up in this and intensify resources for those people.

We do need to target those getting sucked in. There are programmes for kids at risk. But it has got to the point we need to focus on those already in it. There is a dearth of programmes for those already caught up in very serious offending in adult gangs, sometimes with family members.

We saw in the ages of the men murdered in Coolock last year [all three aged 22] the level of involvement of young men engaged in very serious violence.

He added: To get them to give up the particular lifestyle you need to offer them something in its place. You want to stop their offending behaviour by providing alternatives, including decent employment.

He cited pilot projects being set up by the University of Limerick Greentown research team which is examining the involvement of children in criminal networks.

The head of that project, Professor Sean Redmond said the murder of Keane, while horrific, followed a trend: It is outrageous and grotesque, but it is an escalation in a pattern of behaviour that has been happening for a long time."

The late Keane Mulready-Woods

He said that while teenagers can first be attracted to joining a criminal network, pretty soon obligations come with it - either because of drug debts or because drugs they were holding were confiscated by gardai - such as carrying out acts of violence.

Our research shows that kids in these communities are subject to very powerful regimes of coercion, he said.

These gangs have been around a long time, they require the input of children at the bottom to be sustainable.

He said this is predatory behaviour, that those who do it are predators and that the issue is a child protection one.

He said they were about to publish two new reports following on from the Greentown study and that, this year, they will start what he described as world-leading pilot projects targeting young people involved in drug networks in two communities.

This intensive project, running for two years, will identify 20-30 children and young people in each area involved in holding drugs and small sales and work with them intensively and provide their families with protection. The aim is to provide the kids with a trajectory out of the network.

He added: This will look at how you disrupt networks through law enforcement and child protection and give the children pro-social opportunities and work with communities to help them to get back on their knees.

He said this would be dangerous work and would be a really hard job.

A hard job. But one that might just offer some hope.
Death of Royal British Legion standard bearer and Legion d'Honneur Chevalier, aged 95

A SECOND World War veteran who worked in Newbury for more than 40 years has died aged 95.

Norman Fox joined the Royal Marines in February 1942 and took part in the Allied invasion of southern France in Operation Dragoon on August 15, 1944.

In November 2017 he was awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Legion dHonneur, the highest French order of merit for military service.

He died on December 31, 2019, and is survived by his two sons, Colin and Brian, two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.

Mr Fox was born in Barns Green, West Sussex, on August 30, 1924.

He joined the Marines aged 17 before being sent to Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth for nine months of hostility service training.

He left the UK in October 1942 on the SS Phemius II, stopping in Brazil to refuel then travelling to Mombasa, Kenya, where he spent his first Christmas in the Marines.

He then journeyed up through the Suez Canal, disembarking in 1943 at the Great Bitter Lake in Egypt.

In October that year Mr Fox joined HMS Aurora, a cruiser that had been bombed in the Mediterranean by German aircraft, killing 47 crew members on board.

He joined the cruiser in Alexandria, Egypt, where it underwent temporary repair, before he travelled on the boat to Taranto, Italy, where it spent six months being rebuilt.

The cruiser then returned to Alexandria and advanced to Provence, France, to aid in Operation Dragoon, bombarding the beaches, before landing without much resistance from the Germans.

In October 1944, Mr Fox went to Greek island Levitha, helping to capture 100 Germans, who were taken as prisoners back to Alexandria.

After spending Christmas 1944 in Salonica, Greece, and a brief stint in Malta for training, he was put on a troopship back to the UK.

He spent time at Browndown Royal Marines small arms school in Gosport, where he met his late wife Desiree at a dance at the RAF aerodrome in July 1946.

Mr Fox was demobilised later that year and moved to Reading in 1947.

He worked on the buses in Reading and Newbury for almost 30 years, and then spent 13-and-a-half years as a security officer at the Royal Engineers base, Denison Barracks, Hermitage.

He retired at the age of 65, but remained an active member in the Newbury Royal British Legion.

Dave Glover from Newbury Royal British Legion said: Everybody will say the same  he was a lovely man.

He was very meticulous and a brilliant standard bearer. He put so much into the British Legion.

Mr Foxs son Brian added: He was dedicated to the legion and always out doing the poppies no matter the weather, and often riding his bike around town delivering the Navy News.

If he felt something needed doing, hed do it right.

Mr Foxs funeral will take place at 11am on Wednesday, January 22, at West Berkshire Crematorium, Thatcham.
Turkish court removes Wikipedia ban after 3 years

Wikipedia's volunteer editors have changed or removed several articles including information about Turkey after it was blocked in the country.

A court in Turkey's capital Ankara ruled on Wednesday to lift a ban on Wikipedia, after a decision by the country's top court that the block breached freedom of expression.

Turkish authorities had blocked the online encyclopedia on April 29, 2017, after which its parent organization, the Wikimedia Foundation, filed a case against the ban with the country's Constitutional Court.

CRIMINAL COURT HAD BLOCKED THE WEBSITE IN 2017

A lower court in Ankara sent its decision to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority for further action.

The Constitutional Court based its ruling on decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, European Council and UN about freedom of internet and expression. It underlined that Wikipedia had millions of users and helped all in their ability to access information. A lower criminal court had blocked the website in 2017 due to articles and comments alleging Turkey was aligned with various terrorist groups.

The ruling also said that Turkey's courts had not initiated any investigations or hearings on the writers of the controversial information, for which the website was blocked.

It concluded that administrative and judicial authorities had not been able to demonstrate that the restriction on accessing the website was justified. The court added: "For these reasons, it was concluded that the decision to block access to the Wikipedia website did not comply with the requirements of the democratic social order."
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Laura Linney is the second powerhouse actor this season to hold court before a Broadway audience and expound upon the potency of a well-told story.

Studio 54 recently parted ways with Adam Rapp's The Sound Inside, which starred Mary-Louise Parker as a Yale writing professor who weaves her battle with terminal illness and budding friendship with a student into an award-worthy piece of literature before our eyes. My Name Is Lucy Barton, adapted by Rona Munro from Elizabeth Strout's 2016 novel, strikes similar, though altogether less resounding, chords at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre where our title character, also a writer, cobbles together pieces of her personal and family history to tell her "one story" from the remembered confines of a hospital room.

One story, according to a writer Lucy talks about admiringly, is all anyone really has in them. They simply have to find new ways to tell it over and over againand they better tell it "ruthlessly." While the story told by Parker as The Sound Inside's Professor Bella Baird seemed to be one about finding connection through the haze of crushing loneliness, Linney, as the Illinois-born-and-bred Lucy, seems to be confirming humanity's perpetual state of isolation. Perhaps that explains why she (unlike Parker, who shared the stage with the talented Will Hochman) has been given the challenge of holding the stage alone as both Lucy and her caustic mother, who appears at her bedside during Lucy's nine-week hospital stay after an appendectomy gone wrong.

The visit is a surprise, seeing as Lucy's mother has never taken the plane ride from Amgash, Illinois, to New York City (or any plane ride, for that matter), nor has she ever expressed much maternal warmth toward Lucy in any form whatsoever. The hospital setting, of course, does not inspire a miraculous transformation, so her time with her grown daughter is mostly spent recounting local gossip from Lucy's childhood, filtered through a harsh Chicago accent that sinks into familiar names like Kaaaathie Niiiicely (speaking of telling stories over and over again, Kathie Nicely may as well have been the star of her own nursery rhyme in the Barton household).

The stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strout's My Name Is Lucy Barton runs on Broadway through February.

( Matthew Murphy)

Lucy conspicuously does not share her mother's dialect  our first clue about the crux of her story. Raised in poverty with no television, magazines, books, or any other point of access to the outside world, Lucy's narrative is one of escape: escape from her confining childhood, escape from her parents' abusive behaviors, and escape from her ill-fitted identity as an unremarkable citizen of Amgash. But for Lucy, casting off one brand of loneliness only leads her to another, and the rejection of her roots  painful and isolating as they were themselves  leaves her untethered in new ways. Is that what happens when you toss out the cards dealt you? Or is claiming any identity always a "ruthless" act of sequestration?

Strout's story leaves you asking these rich and deeply personal questions, but the production does not unequivocally convince that My Name Is Lucy Barton fits as well onstage as it does on the page. As directed by Richard Eyre, the piece is rather monochromatic (despite lighting designer Peter Mumford and sound designer John Leonard's contributions to the tonal transitions)  the main element of staging being Linney's trips back and forth between the bed and the chair in Lucy's hospital room, which overlooks a projected window that occasionally switches from a New York street view to the open fields and sky of her youth (scenic design by Bob Crowley and video design by Luke Halls). The piece's anecdotes add up to more than the sum of their parts, but if your mind drifts away amidst the prose (as mine tended to do), there's no rereading that paragraph to see what you missed.

That brings us to Linney's performance. A four-time Tony-nominated stage veteran seen just two years ago on this exact stage in MTC's revival of The Little Foxes, she maneuvers with unflappable poise through the death-defying challenge that is a solo play. She almost makes it too easy to watch, letting us see Lucy shaken but never portentously so, giving us a glimpse of her mother's emotional weapons but never cutting us with them. The dysfunction is palpable for sure, but for My Name Is Lucy Barton to become a true theatrical magic trick, we need to feel that particular ache of loneliness that only hits when someone is standing right next to you.
Last autumn, Ontario Racing (OR) announced two new Thoroughbred Horse Improvement Programs (TIP) aimed at strengthening the provinces breeding and racing industry.

The industry association today (Thursday, Jan. 16) offered an update on the Mare Recruitment Program (MRP) and the Mare Purchase Program (MPP).

Through January 14, paperwork for a total of 79 in-foal mares has been submitted through the MRP, which offers $5,000 (CDN) to horsepeople to bring an in-foal mare to Ontario to foal. Of these, 42 have submitted to breed the mare back to a registered Ontario sire during the 2020-21 breeding season, an incentive worth $2,500 (CDN).

As a result, the Mare Recruitment Program, which offered a $500,000 cap in incentives, is fully subscribed for the 2019-20 breeding season.

A total of 17 submissions have been received, so far, for the Mare Purchase Program (MPP), which offers eligible applicants 50 per cent of the purchase price of an in-foal broodmare, up to a maximum of $15,000 (CDN), at various recognized pubic auctions. Currently, seven will be sent to a registered Ontario sire, also a $2,500 (CDN) incentive.

Ontario Racing is extremely pleased with the success of the Mare Recruitment Program and the Mare Purchase Program, said David Anderson, longtime breeder-owner and Ontario Racing (OR) board member. All sectors of the provinces racing and breeding industry, through the Thoroughbred Horse Improvement Program, have worked collaboratively in creating these impactful investment concepts, which have been met with significant enthusiasm by the marketplace.

Opportunities to participate in the Mare Purchase Program, which also offered a $500,000 cap in incentives, still exist at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale in Lexington, Kentucky (Jan. 13-16, 2020), the OBS Winter Mixed Sale in Ocala, Florida (January 28-29, 2020) and the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, also in Lexington (Feb. 10-11, 2020).

The fully-subscribed Mare Recruitment Program has been enthusiastically embraced by horsepeople, said John Hayes, Independent Chair, Ontario Racing. Ontario Racings Horse Improvement Program committees, covering all breeds, continue to look at ideas on how to support the provinces racing and breeding sectors. We look forward to further feedback from breeders and owners on the MRP and MPP as the programs evolve.

Further details of the Mare Purchase Program and Mare Recruitment Programs including criteria, as well as other notable Ontario Racing and TIP plans, are available here.

(Ontario Racing)
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Linkedin Alpha Amirrachman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020

The Education and Culture Ministry has launched a list of reforms, called merdeka belajar (freedom to learn), which focuses on student performance assessments, classroom teaching plans (RPPs) and school zoning.

The first reform mandates a new form of assessment by which teachers have more autonomy to formulate school final exams, while the second would abolish the national exam, which is considered to be too material-heavy and too light on measuring reasoning skills.

The third reform would simplify RPPs for teachers, meaning less administrative work for teachers so they can have more time to focus on the learning process.

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The draft campaign in 2020 will last from April to June and from October to December.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree on calling up for military service from the age of 18.

Read alsoRuling party in Ukraine explains idea of lifting military draft

"To call up for military service suitable for health reasons male citizens of Ukraine who are 18 years old by the day of departure to military units, and older persons under the age of 27 and who are not eligible for exemption or deferment from conscription for military service," according to the document posted on the president's website on January 16.

The draft campaign in 2020 will last from April to June and from October to December.

As UNIAN reported earlier, an autumn campaign to call up for military service kicked off in Ukraine on October 1, 2019. The draft age in Ukraine was set at 20-27 years. The length period of service was 18 months, as well as 12 months for those who have higher education (master or specialist degrees).

Army conscripts are not involved in combat missions in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
Lev Parnas, a key player in President Trumps efforts to obtain a Ukrainian investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, gave a bombshell interview to MSNBC Wednesday that undercut the presidents defense just hours before the Senate was scheduled to begin his impeachment trial.

It was all about Joe Biden, Hunter Biden and also Rudy had a personal thing with the Manafort stuff, Parnas said of the efforts to convince Ukraines government to announce an investigation of the Bidens, but it was never about corruption, it was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden.

Parnas, a Soviet-born U.S. citizen who has been indicted by the Southern District of New York on campaign finance violations, turned over notes, text messages and other information to House investigators Wednesday. In his interview with Rachel Maddow, Parnas, who sat beside his lawyer, said he came forward because I want to get the truth out because I think its important to the country, its important to me.

Trump has sought to distance himself from Parnas and Igor Fruman, both of whom worked with Rudy Giuliani, Trumps lawyer, on the efforts to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation of the Bidens, and on the campaign to oust U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

I dont know those gentlemen, Trump said in October about Parnas and Fruman, despite the fact that the men had been photographed together numerous times.

Lev Parnas on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow show on January 15, 2020. (Photo: Kelli R. Grant/Yahoo News)

He lied, Parnas said, adding, He knew exactly who we were.

Parnas said the president was fully aware that he was working with Giuliani to secure Zelenskys cooperation in an effort to tarnish the reputation of Biden, the leading Democratic candidate to run against Trump this year.

"Trump knew exactly what was going on, Parnas said, adding he wouldn't do anything without consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.



Maddow asked Parnas about a handwritten note made during a phone conversation with Giuliani that he turned over to House investigators that included the line: get Zalensky [sic] to announce that the Biden case will be investigated.

Story continues

That was always the main objective," Parnas said of Trumps motive for pressuring Ukraines government.

Parnas and Fruman, who has also been indicted, were given access to Ukrainian officials that Parnas, a Florida businessman with no diplomatic credentials or official post, said he would not have received otherwise.

"Why would President Zelenskys inner circle, or Minister Avakov, or all these people, or President Poroshenko, meet with me? Parnas told Maddow. Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And thats the secret that theyre trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.

Parnas also said the Trump administrations attempts to convince Ukraine to announce an investigation of the Bidens extended to Vice President Mike Pence.

Pence canceled his planned attendance at Zelenskys inauguration as a way to further pressure him, Parnas said.

Lev Parnas arriving at court in New York City, Dec. 2, 2019. (Photo: Seth Wenig/AP)

On his efforts with Giuliani to have Yovanovitch removed from office because she was not sufficiently supportive of Trump and was impeding efforts to secure the promise of an investigation into the Bidens, Parnas expressed regret.

I dont believe Ambassador Yovanovitch badmouthed Trump, and I want to apologize to her, Parnas said.

The materials turned over to the House this week included text messages Parnas exchanged with a Trump campaign hanger-on named Robert Hyde. The messages referenced efforts to oust Yovanovitch, who was viewed as an obstacle to the deal Giuliani hoped to strike with Ukraine. Some of the messages had what appeared to be sinister overtones, implying that Yovanovitch was being followed and might be in danger, but Parnas downplayed that possibility to Maddow, saying he was only stringing Hyde along.

Parnas also told Maddow that Attorney General William Barr was aware of the efforts launched by Trump and Giuliani to discredit the Mueller investigation and procure an investigation of the Bidens.

Mr. Barr had to have known everything," Parnas said, adding that he was in the room when Giuliani and others spoke with the attorney general.

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Read more from Yahoo News:

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Dr. Tran Du Lich, a member of the Prime Ministers economic advisory group, talks on the main hindrances preventing Vietnam from gaining more economic achievements in the course of implementing the 10-year National Economic Strategy (2011-20).

Dr. Tran Du Lich, a member of the Prime Ministers economic advisory group.  Photo vietstock.vn



What are the three breakthroughs Vietnam has failed to achieve in implementing the 10-year National Economic Strategy?

The 11th National Party Congress in January, 2011 came up with three major breakthroughs in the fields of institutions, education and infrastructure development in the 10-year strategy.

In the field of institutions, in the 10 years we have done quite a lot of work, including revising the Constitution. However, the more legal work we do the more overlaps between laws. A typical example is overlaps among the Land Law, the Construction Law, the Budget Law, the Planning Law and others. Such overlaps between laws have caused serious problems for many projects. Our ideology for economic institutions is rather open, particularly since the revised Constitution 2013 came into force. Yet in reality, we have faced many challenges in implementing the institution due to overlaps or conflicts between laws.

The second area I want to mention is the implementation of the Law on Education. In the last decade, school textbooks have been subjected to revisions several times, as were the roles of the public and private agencies in textbook reform. Last but not least, the quality of the human resources in this field has not been properly treated.

And third, is the country's infrastructure. It is undeniable the fast construction of infrastructure has become quite a big challenge to many localities nationwide. Yet, the quality of these projects has been so poor and no one will bear the responsibility for such poor road construction work.

Do you have any comments on the development of the private sector?

The private sector has scored many successes, yet it is not yet up to our expectation. The private sector has not steadily developed. We have more than 700,000 private enterprises nationwide, yet they contribute just about 10 per cent of GDP. Though we have exerted efforts to develop the collective economy, including co-operatives, yet development is very slow. Meanwhile, though the foreign-invested sector has achieved remarkable progress, it has failed to help Vietnamese enterprises develop, particularly in the field of technology and the supporting industry.

What has been preventing us from achieving our targets?

In 1991, the private economy started to develop. Yet it was still in the form of 'ask and give'. Then in the year 2000, instead of 'ask and give' the Government issued a policy that any business had to register with all concerned Government agencies. And then in 2015, the law changed and all Vietnamese citizens could do anything they wanted as long as they didn't break the law.

In your opinion, what is the Government's role in regulating the national economy?

The market economy model has quite a lot of advantages, yet it still has three major weaknesses.

First, the market is intangible which may lead to crises with shortages or redundancies.

Second, the interests of enterprises and the nation are sometimes contradictory. Enterprises may make a decision to prioritise themselves over the public in the case of environmental pollution, fake goods or trade fraud.

And third, a driving force of a private economy is to bring benefits to themselves first and then to the general public.

To solve this problem, we need an adjustment from the Government and the Government will then use all available tools and policies to curtail these weaknesses of the market economy.  VNS

Vietnam's private sector positioned for prosperity Ongoing assistance will see Vietnam's private sector truly become a driver of economic growth, stakeholders said.
By Magi Helena

Tribune Content Agency

BIRTHDAY STAR: Actress Yvonne Zima was born in Phillipsburg, N.J., on this day in 1989. This birthday star portrayed Daisy Carter on the soap "The Young and the Restless." She's also appeared on episodes of "American Horror Story: 1984," "Now Apocalypse" and "This Is Us." On the big screen, Zima's film work includes "The Automatic Hate," "The Last Light" and "Iron Man 3." Yvonne is the sister of actresses Vanessa and Madeline Zima.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Things are progressing at a fast and furious pace. Every word you say and every action you take will be noticed, so perform at top capacity and be on your best behavior. You may learn that you have an unexpected admirer.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Every good cook knows that prep time is important. To make headway in any undertaking you must be well-prepared, with everything laid out and ready to go. You will shine when you are a member of a group.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put problems under a microscope to find resolution. Your deep concentration and contemplation of serious subjects could make you a great investigator. However, when it comes to having fun, your imagination is likely quite unlimited.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If a relationship seems to be stagnant, don't lose heart. Get-togethers with friends or group outings can actually put your partnership on firmer ground. Revitalize your communications by discussing facts and figures.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): To achieve recognition, talk the details over with co-workers, friends and allies before you proceed. Your participation in a project might bring more pleasure and better results if you make it a group effort and don't draw attention to yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make a wish list. This might not be the best time to make a purchase or plan a trip, but you can always create a list for future reference. What you think is imperative to have or do may become refined and revised over time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your heart may yearn for the sound of sweet nothings, but your ears hear tough talk. Someone may be abrupt or seem harsh in an effort to "tell it like it is," but that doesn't mean that you aren't loved or appreciated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be direct and to the point when dealing with others so that there are no misunderstandings. Friends could provide you with a more balanced perspective. Some romantic moments could be on the evening's agenda.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You could become obsessed about obtaining something that isn't really necessary or quite as worthwhile as it seems. Examine the facts and read the fine print closely before proceeding with an investment or major purchase.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Play to the audience. It's necessary to be discreet and decorous when dealing with business matters, but you can let your hair down at home or with friends. Set aside some time for hobbies and special interests.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some people will be fascinated by your entertaining stories. Other people may be too busy to pay attention to anything that isn't relevant and ignore your efforts to be friendly. A partner could be engrossed in his or her job.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might shrink away from conversations that revolve around unpleasant facts, but being realistic is necessary. Make sure all bills are paid before the weekend, as you may easily become distracted by something frivolous.

IF JANUARY 16 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Prove you are responsible, dependable and diligent as the upcoming four to five weeks unfold. You may be placed under someone's watchful eye or forced to abide by stringent rules until mid-February, so don't take anything for granted. Supportive friends will keep your spirits up in March, when you have a commonsense approach to business, finances and career. In April, you may arrive at a crossroads where you run into serious obstacles to success, or you fail at one project but could simultaneously get wind of a better opportunity. Late May and June could be the best time to embrace offers, initiate a new plan, launch new projects or make crucial decisions and changes. You will be wiser than usual and will have the backing to move forward and make key improvements.

Learn more at https://magihelena.com/ Questions? Reach out to Helena at questionsmagihelena.com.

(c) 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Police and Missoula County sheriffs deputies and Missoula Emergency Services Inc. were on scene as the investigation got underway. Because of the involvement of Missoula officers, Interim Police Chief Mike Colyer requested the Montana Department of Justices Division of Criminal Investigation assist in the probe.

Josh Koffler lives across the driveway from the man who was shot, but said he did not know him. He did, however, awake to the incident.

I woke up to police telling him to drop his gun multiple times, Koffler said. Koffler heard multiple gunshots and then saw officers apprehending the man, he said. He also tried to stay away from the windows during the incident.

Amanda Tucker, who lives farther down the trailer court, said that neighborhood is typically quiet. Im probably the loudest one when I turn up my music, she said.

Tucker said she has lived in the trailer court since August.
China and Myanmar share strong economic complementarities and have a broad prospect for further cooperation, said Xu Ningning, executive president of China-ASEAN Business Council, on Jan. 14.



Xu told China.org.cn that President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Myanmar on Jan. 17-18 will enhance the fraternal relationship between the two countries and is expected to bring bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a new level.

Recently, trade between the two neighbors is expanding. According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, China-Myanmar trade reached US$13.54 billion in the first nine months of last year, an annual increase of 17.9%. Over this period, China's imports from Myanmar jumped 32% to reach US$4.67 billion.

Myanmar is also an active player in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the country has set up a special steering committee chaired by Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to implement tasks related to the Belt and Road.

Xu said this demonstrates Myanmar's strong willingness to participate in the China-proposed initiative and further promotes bilateral relations under the BRI framework.

China has become Myanmar's largest trading partner and important source of foreign investment as bilateral economic and trade cooperation between both countries continues to deepen.

Xu said the close ties comes not only from the long-standing Paukphaw friendship, but also from their huge economic complementarities.

In addition to existing cooperation in infrastructure as well as the development of the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the two countries are expected to tap into their potential in agriculture, manufacturing development and connectivity, he said.
D emocratic House leaders have marched the formal articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in US history.

Mr Trump complained anew it was all a "hoax," even as fresh details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine, as the files detailing the charges were taken through the Capitol.

"Today we will make history," House speaker Nancy Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. "This president will be held accountable."

US House of Representatives vote to send articles of impeachment against Trump to the Senate

It came one month after the House impeached Mr Trump alleging he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. The US leader was also charged with obstructing Congress' ensuing probe.

Mr Trump's political campaign dismissed the House effort as "just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection."

The Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court on Thursday, with the Constitution calling for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial, administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver "impartial justice.'

Technically, the House was simply notifying the Senate of its delivery of the articles, with a more formal presentation later this week.

Nancy Pelosi signs the Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump / AFP via Getty Images

Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr holiday.

The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this "sad saga" that tried to remove the president from office with the "weakest case."

The president's team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That is far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trail, of Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of Andrew Johnson, in 1868.

The seven-member prosecution team will be led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerry Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Ms Pelosi's top lieutenants.

Ahead of Wednesday's session, Mr Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Mr Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy - including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch.

Mr Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and also prefers swift acquittal.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:


Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near. Negotiations between the Taliban and the US have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the insurgent group to reduce violence before they can resume. "Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement. He gave no further details. Zabihullah Mujahid, the official Taliban spokesman, told AFP the Taliban was looking into the comments. The Taliban and the US were on the brink of announcing a withdrawal deal in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar, but were paused following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year, seeking an agreement that would pave the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- an American withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans. The US-Taliban talks were aimed at allowing Washington to begin withdrawing troops in return for various security guarantees
To reinforce the company core-motto "All Is One" Jim Allen emphasized the leadership's commitment to property reinvestment, Atlantic City and team members, announcing over $2 million in bonuses, starting at $250 per person, which will be awarded to all union and non-union full-time team members.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus William Osceola Jr., Hard Rock Atlantic City Partners Joe and Michael Jingoli and Hard Rock Atlantic City President Joe Lupo stood alongside of Jim Allen addressing over 2,000 team members and union representatives from UNITE HERE Local 54, Local 68 Operating Engineers, Carpenters Union and Painters District Council 711 during two Town Hall events.

This is the first time in over a decade that any casino in Atlantic City has allocated bonuses to all full-time team members, union included. In addition to the bonus announcement, leadership presented $40,000 in cash along with six all-expenses paid travel experiences to the new Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

"We could not be more proud of our team members and their hard work during the last 18 months Hard Rock Atlantic City has been open," said Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming Jim Allen. "Today is about you. We are committed to the future of this property and we hope that together we can continue to work hard in providing the best possible service for guests visiting our resort destination."

After an initial investment of over half a billion dollars prior to opening, Hard Rock Atlantic City plans to reinvest over $15 million in additional capital for 2020 to renovate meeting and convention spaces to further elevate the guest experience.

Additional Town Hall highlights included a snapshot of Hard Rock Atlantic City's community efforts, market positioning and an overall brand update highlighting the domestic and global hotel, casino and restaurant pipeline.

Additional high-resolution photos are available here

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Related Links

http://www.hardrock.com


(ANSA) - Rome, January 16 - Noemi Di Segni, the president of the Italian Union of Jewish Communities (UCEI), told an ANSA Forum on Thursday that she was concerned about rising anti-Semitism in Italy. "We are experiencing a situation of anti-Semitism that concerns us," Di Segni said.

"Anti-Semitism in Italy is linked to historical negationism and derision.

"Worst still, there is a situation of reversal, of considering the Jews themselves to be the bearers of the evil that we saw in the Shoah.

"This floods the internet.

"We are also worried about far-right groups, which exist and are well organized".


The scene of the fatal accident near Milford, Co Armagh

A man killed in a two-vehicle collision in Co Armagh was a "well-liked gentleman", an MLA has said.

The male motorist - believed to be aged in his early 60s - died following the crash involving a vehicle and a lorry on the Monaghan Road in Armagh yesterday just after 7am.

Newry and Armagh DUP MLA William Irwin said he had known the gentleman for many years and been left "deeply saddened" by the death.

The name of the deceased has not yet been released.

"I've known him for many years. He was a gentleman," Mr Irwin told the Belfast Telegraph.

It is understood the man was married and lived close to Armagh city.

Offering his condolences to the man's family, Mr Irwin said tragedy struck on one of Armagh's busiest routes, close to the Baltaran Road junction.

"This man was just travelling to work. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and wider family," he said.

"We're just into the new year and here we have the loss of life on our roads again so soon."

He added the local community had been left deeply shocked by news of the fatal collision.

The PSNI have revealed the man was "fatally injured at the scene".

Diversions had been put in place and motorists were advised to take alternative routes.

Inspector Beckett said an investigation has been launched into the fatal collision. "Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone with any information or dashcam footage available to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 187 15/01/20," said the inspector.
Krishnan will be based in New York for his new role.

He has over two decades of experience, having served in several senior leadership roles. He was most recently head of Chubbs major accounts division in Europe, having joined Chubb in 1999 - prior to the ACE and Chubb merger in 2016, he was leader of Chubb overseas general insurance divisions multinational and large accounts strategy. He also led and managed the global client executive practice for Chubbs overseas general insurance division.

Suresh is a strategic leader who has been with Chubb for quite some time and has a deep understanding of our business, our culture, and our clients needs, commented Walloga. That background is a good reflection of our overall leadership team and is key to our consistent approach to bringing innovative products and services to market, while providing superior support to our distribution partners.

Following Krishnans appointment, his previous role as head of the major accounts division will be taken by Chubb France country president Nadia Cote.

In addition to Krishnans appointment, Chubb has also created a new role: senior vice-president, chief underwriting and digital officer for North America accident and health. The company has named Eric Bartenstein in the position. Bartenstein will focus on transforming the business into a digital environment, and will be based in Philadelphia reporting to Chubb executive vice-president of North America accident and health James Walloga.
The Houston Police Department is searching for eight fugitives, including three women and five men, wanted for human trafficking-related crimes, according to a recent city news release.

In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, police together with Crime Stoppers of Houston on Monday announced initiatives they are conducting to combat human and sex trafficking across the greater Houston area.

"This is the month that we are using to make the public aware of whats going on out there," said Houston Police Assistant Chief James Jones. "I dont believe Houston is a hub of human trafficking, but I do believe that we are on the forefront of identifying the problem."

READ ALSO: Three national hotel chains in Houston sued for promoting sex trafficking

Houston police said they are working with multiple human trafficking awareness organizations, including Elijah Rising, the Houston 20, the Katy 20 and The Woodlands/Conroe 20.

Jones called the problem across Houston a "scourge" and said the department was working to educate the public and to re-educate its own officers to be able to identify what trafficking looks like. The department is also working with medical professionals and school districts to help identify victims of human trafficking.

"We are not just going after prostitutes now," he said. "We realize now that they are victims. They are people that need our help. Sometimes, we have to arrest them to give them the help they need, but they are victims."

Police originally identified nine fugitives wanted for human trafficking-related crimes but by Wednesday, one of the suspects was in police custody.

The names of the fugitives are Rahsaan Joshua Benton, Otis Calvin Berry, Willie James Brumfield, Imani Jean-Marie Cole, Mikia Collins, Kourtney Michelle Dean, Ashley Espinoza and Davian Samuel Rollins. They are accused of crimes that range from the trafficking of a child to aggravated robbery to prostitution.

Michelle Iracheta is a reporter in Houston. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | michelle.iracheta@chron.com
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe needs to strengthen its cooperation on issues like technology and defense, while avoiding involvement in U.S.-China tensions, in an interview with the FT.

What she's saying: The United States focus on Europe is declining  that will be the case under any president. We in Europe, and especially in Germany, need to take on more responsibility.

Merkel cited not just President Trumps "America first" view, but former President Obamas pivot to Asia as signs that Washington no longer views Europe as at the centre of world events."

I see the European Union as our life insurance. Germany is far too small to exert geopolitical influence on its own, and thats why we need to make use of all the benefits of the single market, she said.

What shes calling for:

Merkel said European firms need to be able to manufacture critical technologies like microchips and battery cells, rather than rely on outside suppliers.

She also said Europe must be willing to get involved in conflicts in areas outside of NATOs borders, including in Africa.

Merkel warned that Europe needs to avoid coming under pressure between America and China, and said complete isolation from China cannot be the answer.

She rejected the idea of decoupling economically and diplomatically from China, as many in Washington are now proposing.

Merkel defended her governments close ties with China, and its decision not to exclude Huawei from 5G networks.

She said she would advise against regarding China as a threat simply because it is economically successful.

As was the case in Germany, [Chinas] rise is largely based on hard work, creativity and technical skills.

 Angela Merkel

Our thought bubble: Merkel's view stands in sharp contrast to those who argue China's global ambitions, combined with its authoritarian model and human rights abuses, pose an existential threat to the West.

What to watch: After 14 years in power, Merkel says this is her final term. Shes expected to leave office in 2021 unless her rickety coalition collapses before then.

I dont think about my role in history  I do my job, she told interviewers. But she showed a flash of irritation, they write, when asked about critics who view her tenure as a time of muddling through.

Go deeper: China challenge stumps 2020 Democrats
File photo of the Coatesville Area School District's high school. The district has lost thousands of students to charter schools and is now facing a shortfall in its budget. Read more

The tension between traditional public schools and the charter schools they fund has spurred debate for years, in Pennsylvania and nationally.

In one Chester County community, the situation has escalated to what school district leaders say is a battle for survival.

The Coatesville Area School District has been urging parents to contact state lawmakers and press for changes to Pennsylvanias charter funding rules that it says are draining the district of critical dollars.

At the Collegium and Avon Grove charter schools  which draw students from various districts and serve more than 2,500 Coatesville students, close to half of the districts enrollment  leaders have also been rallying families, accusing the district of circulating misinformation.

The sides disagree on how much Coatesville, one of the poorer districts in affluent Chester County, owed the charters in the last school year. But the debate stretches beyond a single budget, as the district grapples with how to reverse a prolonged exodus of students to charters while facing a gaping budget hole in the year ahead.

Plainly put, we are in a fight for our lives, interim Superintendent Richard Dunlap said in a recent letter to staff, parents, and taxpayers.

At a school board meeting Tuesday, Dunlap told community members the $14 million deficit in its $192 million budget could require staff reductions of 10% to 15%.

A big part of the problem, he said, is the charter school crisis. School districts are required to pay charter schools based on enrollment. As Coatesville students continue to flock to Collegium, Avon Grove, and other charters  from 1,700 students in 2014-15 to more than 3,000 this year  the districts payments to charters have grown from $21 million to $54 million.

 READ MORE: Pennsylvanias urban school districts call for change; say state funding, charter laws crippling them

Next year, the district is projecting charter enrollment will continue to grow, pushing payments over $59 million. Special-education costs have also been mounting, a challenge for districts across Pennsylvania.

The state limits the percentage by which school districts can raise taxes in a given year. Even if the district adopts the highest permitted tax hike, the new revenue wouldnt cover the expected increase in charter payments, let alone other costs, district officials said.

The districts budget picture worsened late last year after the state Education Department directed $3.8 million in funding for Coatesville to charter schools that argued the district had underpaid them.

The charters, Collegium and Avon Grove, said the district had underbudgeted for special education in the last school year by $10 million, and as a result, underpaid the charters.

Marita Barber, Collegiums CEO, said in a statement that Coatesvilles gross underbudgeting had a significant impact on Collegium Charter Schools students."

The district says the charter payments should be based on what the district budgeted, not what it ultimately spent. It took the charters to court, but an appellate judge said the matter was the Education Departments to decide. District officials say they have appealed to the department, but no hearing has been scheduled.

The dispute over those payments doesnt change the broader picture for the Coatesville district, which has been losing a growing share of students to charters.

Over the last decade, Coatesvilles enrollment has dropped more than 16% to 5,700, according to state data. Meanwhile, charters enrolling Coatesville students have grown. Collegium, in particular, grew by nearly 130% over the same period and was the second-largest brick-and-mortar charter in Pennsylvania last year with nearly 3,000 students. About 2,100 of its students are from Coatesville.

At Avon Grove, I have a waiting list of hundreds of Coatesville kids, said CEO Kristen Bishop. The kids started leaving a long time ago. You had leadership that wasnt facing the actual reality of what was happening. She questioned the districts fiscal management.

Avon Groves fifth graders outperformed their peers at Collegium and at Coatesville Area School Districts five elementaries in reading and math on the 2019 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test. Avon Grove had about 72% of students testing proficient or advanced in reading, and about 54% in math.

Comparable results were mixed at Collegium and the districts five elementaries. About 47% of Collegiums fifth graders were proficient or advanced in reading, similar to or higher than the results at most district schools. In math, however, fifth graders at most district schools scored about the same as or better than their peers at Collegium, where about 22% were proficient or advanced. Collegium and Avon Grove enroll students from multiple school districts in addition to Coatesville.

 READ MORE: At trial, ex-Coatesville chief portrayed as both dedicated educator and thief

Dunlap, who took over as interim superintendent this fall, acknowledged that parents have expressed a lack of confidence in the district. He said that he has been holding focus groups with families and that the district needs to improve its special-education services, academic supports, and facilities.

It will be presenting a plan to do so later this month, he said  although improvements will require funding.

Charter parents who addressed Dunlap and the board Tuesday maintained it was their right to choose a school that would best serve their children. They objected to the districts characterization of the charters as a budget drain, and accused the district of bullying them for exercising choice.

If anyones being drained here, its the taxpayer, said Rich Franck, whose daughter graduated from Collegium and whose son currently attends the charter. This money is not yours."

Under state law, school districts pay charters based on what the districts spend per student. Not all district costs are included in the calculation  like transportation, which districts must provide all students, if they provide it to those attending their schools. Charters also dont get a cut of what districts spend on facilities.

Yet school districts say losing students to charters still costs them money, because they cant fully cut costs to account for the drop in students. If a district loses 10 students to a charter, for instance, it cant necessarily reduce staff, because enrollment drops may be spread out among grade levels.

 READ MORE: Study highlights long-term costs of charter school expansion

District parents said they werent objecting to school choice but said the charter funding mechanisms were problematic.

Theres room in our system for different kinds of schools, but I think we need to take care of our public schools first, said Beth Brindle, a parent of three Coatesville district students.

Lyryn Yacoe, a district parent who helps run a Coatesville community blog, urged district leaders to unite families, instead of referring to a charter crisis.

It is dire for us, but they dont see it that way right now," she said of charter parents.
The non-partisan Government Accountability Office has concluded that the White House Office of Management and Budget violated a budgeting law by withholding millions of aid the Congress had directed to Ukraine.

The government watchdog released its scathing conclusions Thursday morning, just minutes before 100 U.S. senators were to be sworn in for the commencement of an impeachment trial of president Trump that hinges on his and his associates conduct toward Ukraine.

The administration held back, but ultimately released, $391 million in aid that had been designated for Ukraine, which is countering Russia after its neighbor seized Crimea. The funds were enacted in appropriations legislation.

'Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law. OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA),' the GAO wrote.

'The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA,' according to the report.

The Office of Management and Budget broke the law by withholding millions in aid to Ukraine that Congress has appropriated, the GAO found

The GAO finds that the Office of Management and Budget, an entity previously overseen by acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney

The report says the president may not 'substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law'

The report notes that the OMB withheld $214 million appropriated to the Defense Department for security assistance to Ukraine. The government was eagerly seeking Javelin anti-tank missiles

The report notes that the OMB withheld $214 million appropriated to the Defense Department for security assistance to Ukraine, as part of a larger overall package. The Department was required to inform Congress Ukraine had taken 'substantial actions' on 'defense institutional reforms' before it got the aid, which was to include anti-tank weapons of particular use in countering Moscow amid fighting.

The aid was earmarked in a law passed by both houses of Congress and signed by Trump.

'An appropriations act is a law like any other; therefore, unless Congress has enacted a law providing otherwise, the President must take care to ensure that appropriations are prudently obligated during their period of availability,' according to the report.

'The Constitution grants the President no unilateral authority to withhold funds from obligation,' it notes.

The watchdog adds that 'The President may temporarily withhold funds from obligationbut not beyond the end of the fiscal year in which the President transmits the special messageby proposing a 'deferral.'

He also can cancel funds by proposing a 'rescission'  but in this case must transmit information to Congress in a special message.

'There is no assertion or other indication here that OMB intended to propose a rescission,' GAO found.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland called it a 'bombshell legal opinion'

'Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law,' according to the report.

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland requested the report  and linked it to Democrats' calls for the Senate to hear from witnesses during the Trump impeachment trial, which kicks off in earnest next week.

'This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump Administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine,' he said in a statement.

'The publicly available evidence also shows that the President himself ordered this illegal act. This violation of the law reflects a contempt for the Constitution and was a key part of his corrupt scheme to abuse the power of the presidency for his personal political purposes. The GAO's independent findings reinforce the need for the Senate to obtain all relevant documents and hear from key fact witnesses in order to have a fair trial.'

The GAO lawyers note that OMB 'asserts' that its actions are subject to the Impoundment Control Act 'because they constitute a programmatic delay' and calls a policy development a 'fundamental part of program implementation.'

'OMB's assertions have no basis in law,' the congressional watchdog concluded.

The report concludes with some potential headaches for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the withholding of funds earmarked for Foreign Military Financing. The report cites back-and-forth letters with the agency and $26.5 million that got held up.

'OMB and State have failed, as of yet, to provide the information we need to fulfill our duties under the ICA regarding potential impoundments of FMF funds. We will continue to pursue this matter and will provide our decision to the Congress after we have received the necessary information,' the report says.

'All federal officials and employees take an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution and its core tenets, including the congressional power of the purse. We trust that State and OMB will provide the information needed,' it concludes. The report is signed by Thomas Armstrong, general counsel for the GAO.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed to the report's findings in remarks to reporters and accused the Trump administration of deception.

'This reinforces again the need of documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate,' she said.

'When I was in grade school there was a sign on the wall in one of the corridors that said: 'What a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive.' You see this more and more and more in and of this, this tangled web to deceive that administration is engaged in.'
I sat in the Virginia Senate gallery Wednesday amid scores of women whove been in this fight for years. There were the gray-haired women who picketed in 1972, when Congress first voted on it. They brought their granddaughters, in braids and cute dresses. Gen-X women who were astounded when they learned that the ERA had never passed were there. Millennials with awesome Legalize Equality hoodies cheered and whooped. A woman in a straw hat and full suffragist dress flew in Tuesday night from Minnesota to be in Virginia on this historic day.
A ustralia is burning, the ice caps are melting and the hottest ever UK temperature in December was recorded in the Scottish Highlands last month, when the mercury in Achfary, Sutherland, hit 18.7C. In December.

The effects of climate change are, quite simply, everywhere.

No wonder this has given rise to eco-anxiety, the fear of environmental damage and ecological disaster, causing sleepless nights and bouts of worry across the country. A survey by Ipsos MORI last year found 85 per cent of Britons were concerned about the environment, up from 60 per cent in 2013.

If images of koalas being rescued from bushfires make you feel helpless, theres a wealth of tech initiatives promoting the digital way to minimise your carbon footprint and help save the planet.

Waste not

Food waste saving app Karma has been a hit in London ever since it launched here in 2018. It helps restaurants dispose of their surplus food by connecting them with hungry Londoners  over 750 tonnes of food have been saved across Europe so far, amounting to 1,000 tonnes of CO2. Karmas new plan? Install smart fridges, like the one that debuted in Westfields Japan Centre Ichiba last week.

Customers pay for food in the app and then their smartphone connects to the fridge to unlock it using Bluetooth. Purchases can increase up to 68 per cent once a Karma fridge is in use.

The Karma fridge at Westfield's Japan Centre Ichiba makes it easier for customers to pick up surplus food / Karma

It increases the capacity for retailers to store surplus food when they may have a limited number of shelves for full-priced products, it increases efficiency because it can be time-consuming to hand out items and it removes the stigma for of buying discounted goods, explains Karma spokesperson Jess Barlow. Were trying to change the world with a big pink fridge. (karma.life)

Green gadgets

A report last year by Vice slammed the environmental tragedy of Apples AirPods thanks to the lithium-ion batteries which will lose their charge and cant easily be recycled. For headphones with green credentials, look no further than House of Marley, created in partnership with Bob Marleys offspring.

The products are made using sourced bamboo, wood and recycled aluminium  the Exodus ANC noise-cancelling headphones are an excellent choice; stylish and sufficiently blocking out Tube noise (199.99, thehouseofmarley.co.uk). The company also donates to the One Tree Planted project and funded the planting of 191,000 trees.

Phone cases are ideal for reusable materials. The Instagram favourite is Pela which makes cases out of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw and is delivered to you in plastic-free packaging (from 23, pelacase.com).

Wildcases version is made from bamboo fibres and corn starch, though the colours arent as bright as Pelas options and it only sells cases for iPhones, (22, wildcase.co).

Digital footprint

The solution to saving the world could be in your browser. Ecosia is a non-profit search engine that partners with tree-planting organisations. Since launching, the company has facilitated the planting of 81 million trees thanks to its 15 million users. Ecosia Travel does the same for hotels  for each room booked the company will plant 26 trees (ecosia.org).

Internet browser Ecosia uses its profits to plant trees to mitigate the harms of deforestation / Shane Thomas McMillan/ Ecosia

Another way to improve your carbon footprint is to watch your digital one. Unnecessary emails use up data which has to be stored in the cloud via data centres that generate carbon emissions. Cleanfox wants to change this by analysing your inbox and removing promotional emails. British Cleanfox users receive 2,850 promo emails a year, emitting 28.5kg of CO2.

The app connects to your inbox and analyses emails and then points out who to unsubscribe from and which to keep. (free, cleanfox.io)

Saving for the future

Invest in the worlds future and in yours by putting savings into green stocks.

Investment app Freetrade saw a 32-fold increase in investments in companies focused on climate change in 2019, while four of its top 10 most popular investments were in green energy companies from its mainly millennial user-base.
KANSAS CITY BERNIE BACKERS DENOUNCE LIZ WARREN FOR HER POST-DEBATE SHOWDOWN AND FAILED DEESCALATION!!!

"Today, I refuse to suffer an EW hangover. She has made it very clear who she is and how she plays. As for her loyal supporters, friends and acquaintances, I look forward to working together on issues, as further convo with regards to her is unnecessary. The real work is more clear today, Bernie must beat Biden. Lets get to work."

HOT MIC FIGHT!!!

Audio released of testy post-debate exchange between Warren, Sanders: 'I think you called me a liar on national TV' Audio of the tense-looking post-debate exchange between Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was released Wednesday night, revealing both of them accusing the other of "lying" on national television. CNN, which hosted the debate, reported that the "backup" audio archive of its debate coverage had captured the moment the progressive candidates approached each other after the debate.

Millennials In The Middle

'I Sort of Can't Believe This Is Happening': Young Progressives Agonize Over Bernie-Warren Feud Until now. "I sort of can't believe this is happening," says Nicole Margheim, shaking her head between sips of a local porter. "Maybe this is naive, but I was hoping they would ignore this infighting and focus on policy. Now I'm really worried.

Everybody Blames Twitter

Bernie-Warren Feud Has Been Fueled By Everyone But Bernie And Warren In the age of Trump and cable news soundbites, political feuds are often perpetuated by a politician's own words. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) went after former Vice President Joe Biden directly on the debate stage, questioning his record on race by invoking his comments about a 1970s-era busing program. Sen.

Teachable Moment???

The Opportunity That Warren and Sanders Passed Up Warren was only a half-step behind. While she defended the new deal with Mexico and Canada, she expressed general skepticism about free trade, unequivocally urged the removal of American troops from the Middle East, touted a plan for government to manufacture its own pharmaceuticals, and stressed her determination to confront "giant corporations" and the wealthy.

Truce Already Betrayed

Progressive Groups Are Uniting To Call For A Truce Between Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, And Their Allies Eighteen progressive organizations including major supporters of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are launching a unity pledge in the middle of the most contentious week of the primary between the two progressive candidates. The effort, dubbed "Progressives Unite 2020," is centered on a three-part pledge that includes focusing "our fight for the nomination against candidates supported by the corporate wing instead of fighting each other."

Billionaire Hot Mic Takeaway

Hot Mic Debate Audio of Warren and Bernie Proves One Thing: Tom Steyer Is Just Psyched to Be Here The Night the Media Realized Bernie Could Win How Will the Senate Get Away With Its Sham Trial Now? Did Trump Goons Stalk Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch? New Evidence Shows Trump Team Offered Ukraine More Than One Quid Pro Quo for Biden Dirt Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren versus Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders!

Hashtag Diplomacy FAIL

Why #NeverWarren should make you nervous about 2020 Uncovering and explaining how our digital world is changing - and changing us. The brewing feud between 2020 contenders Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders came to a head this week on the Democratic debate stage and, inevitably, on Twitter.

Make no mistake, Kansas City Bernie Bros & Broads outnumber supporters for Senator Elizabeth Warren by more than tenfold.Thisis a sign of the broad grassroots support the Democratic Socialist politico enjoys throughout the metro.For more than half a decide followers of Senator Bernie Sanders have built strong coalitions from the KCMO urban core to JoCo.Accordingly . . .Off the record but public for all the world to see in one of the Bernie4KC social media groups, a local leader of the movement makes a definitive statement on the hot mess:The feigned call to unity seems to be a common theme from progressives across the nation as we share some of our favorite news items on the topic:You decide . . .
Smart and successful problem-solving involves considering all the consequences and consulting with others. It is not demonstrated by ones ability to instantly react to a surprise question with a one-minute answer. After all, no one walks into the Oval Office and says, Mr. President, you have 60 seconds to address the North Korean nuclear weapons program that has been active for 30 years and has bedeviled the last three presidents for all eight years of their respective terms. The clock starts now. If we dont want the Oval Office to operate like Twitter, why do we test our candidates as if it does?
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India will extend invitations to all members of SCO including Pakistan as well as to the observer states for 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting later this year, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday.

"It is now a public knowledge that India will be hosting the SCO council of heads of government meeting later this year. The meeting is held annually at the Prime Minister's level and it discusses the SCO's program and multilateral economic and trade co-operation. As per the established practice and procedure within SCO all eight members of SCO, as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," said Kumar when asked whether Pakistan will be invited for the meeting.

India for the first time will host the next meeting of the SCO members states' heads of government. Kumar, while addressing a weekly briefing, said that all heads of the government of member states including Prime Minister Imran Khan will be invited as per the standard procedure.

The announcement by the MEA comes a day after Pakistan with the help of China tried to raise the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council.

SCO is an intergovernmental organisation founded in Shanghai.

The SCO currently comprises eight Member States -- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, four Observer States interested in acceding to full membership -- Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia -- and six "Dialogue Partners" -- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

In June 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Imran Khan attended SCO summit in Bishkek. During the summit, Modi made a veiled attack on Pakistan while addressing the plenary session, stating that the countries which support and finance terrorism must be held accountable.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:21:48|Editor: xuxin

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JAKARTA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has revised down the target number of foreign holidaymakers visiting the country this year, but expected the travelers would stay longer.

The Indonesian Tourism Ministry forecast 17 million foreign tourists coming to the archipelagic country this year, falling from last year's target of 18 million.

The Central Agency of Statistics estimated the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia last year would reach only 16.4 million.

The Indonesian government has expected that the duration of the foreign travelers' visits would exceed 10 days, senior official of the ministry Hengky Manurung said on Thursday.

With the expected duration, he said, the tourists would spend between 1,500 U.S. dollars and 2,000 dollars.

The official said the ministry would focus more on business travelers in the hope they would spend more money.

The government would build more supporting facilities and developing more tourist destinations for that purpose, he said.

The number of foreign visitors visiting Indonesia in the first 11 months last year rose 3.55 percent to 14.92 million, the agency said.
Lome, Togo (PANA) - The national council of media leaders (CONAPP) Wednesday urged the Togolese media to play a key role in fostering social cohesion, as the country heads for presidential election
Reflection: MLK Lived and Died for Justice

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated during the tumultuous 1960s. He lived for justice and died for justice. In his 1963 I Have A Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial, he said in part:

[W]eve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense weve come to our nations capital to cash a check.

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heirIt is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.

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Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check; a check, which has come back, marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

His words that day had a dramatic effect that placed injustice in the spotlight. He stated his case to free his people from the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination, much like Moses summoned Egypts Pharaoh with let my people go.

On April 3, 1968, in Memphis  the night before Dr. King died  when he delivered that very moving speech in support of the striking sanitation workers, he was still talking about injustice.

He told the audience, [L]et us keep the issues where they are. The issue is injustice. The issue is the refusal of Memphis to be fair and honest in its dealings with its public servants, who happen to be sanitation workers. He quoted Amos 5:24, Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I encourage anyone to read that powerful speech in its entirety. Dr. King knew of all the threats being made on his life, and he left instructions just as Moses did for the Israelites after God told him he would not get to the promised land. However, God did allow him to see it. Dr. King ended his speech as if he knew it was his last saying:

Well, I dont know what will happen now. Weve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesnt matter with me now. Because Ive been to the mountaintop. And I dont mind.

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Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But, Im not concerned about that now. I just want to do Gods will. And Hes allowed me to go up to the mountain. And Ive looked over. And Ive seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.

And Im happy, tonight. Im not worried about anything. Im not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

This commentary was originally published in the Jan. 14, 2016 issue of the L.A. Sentinel Religion section.

Larry Buford is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer. Author of Things Are Gettin Outta Hand and Book To The Future (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. signs the resolution to transmit the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump (Susan Walsh/AP)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has used multiple pens to sign her name on the impeachment articles against President Donald Trump.

Then she handed each signing pen to the assembled chairmen and House managers who will prosecute the case in the Senate.

Signing pens are held in high value in Washington, often handed out on more celebratory occasions. They can be seen framed and hung in lobbies across the city as trophies of proximity to power.

Mr Trump has engaged in the tradition himself.

But Mrs Pelosi handed out the pens on a darker day, as she signed the impeachment articles against only the third president in history.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Wednesday criticised Mrs Pelosi both for the pens and the speakers demeanour, which got some criticism on social media for being too cheery for such a grave development.

Nancy Pelosis souvenir pens served up on silver platters to sign the sham articles of impeachment, Mrs Grisham tweeted, reposting a photo.

Mrs Pelosi, she wrote, was so sombre as she gave them away to people like prizes.

Nancy Pelosis souvenir pens served up on silver platters to sign the sham articles of impeachment...She was so somber as she gave them away to people like prizes. https://t.co/RMOiNeoMu0  Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) January 15, 2020

Mrs Pelosis signature sent the articles against Mr Trump to the Senate for a trial which is expected to open on Thursday.

The House-passed documents charge the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for pressuring Ukraine to help him politically.

Mr Trump said the whole thing is a hoax and claims he is a victim of a political witch hunt led by Mrs Pelosi.

He is the third president in US history to be impeached.

Before the signing, aides set out two small trays containing more than two dozen black pens emblazoned with Mrs Pelosis signature.

She entered the room and sat at a table, the documents and pens before her.

Expand Close The articles of impeachment against Donald Trump (Susan Walsh/AP) / Facebook

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Standing around her were the House prosecutors and the committee chairmen who had worked on Mr Trumps impeachment.

Mrs Pelosi picked up each pen, signed a bit, and handed each one to a politician.

Mr Trump is familiar with this tradition. In a much-photographed ceremony in June 2018, he signed an executive order halting family separations at the US border. He then handed the pen to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

On December 22, 2017, in the Oval Office, Mr Trump signed the Republican tax bill into law while Congress was in recess.

But Mr Trumps aides brought some pens, anyway  so he tried to give them out to reporters, but journalists can not take gifts from the people they cover.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson gave away framed sets of the pens he used to sign his great society legislation to fight poverty and racial injustice.

A complete set still resides in the press work space behind the White House briefing room.
Cheryl Procter-Rogers

The Museum of Public Relations is holding its 5th annual Black PR History Event on Jan. 30. The keynote speaker at the event will be former national president and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America Cheryl Procter-Rogers, who will address how the big historical moments created by African Americans in public relations can serve as a barometer of progress. Dr. Denise Hill, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications, Elon University, will talk about the worlds only exhibition of Black PR History, From the Civil War to Civil Rights: A Century of Social Advocacy through Public Relations. Carmella Glover, executive director of the PRSA Foundation, will describe the newly-launched Diversity Action Alliance, a coalition of public relations leaders to accelerate progress in achieving greater diversity, equity and inclusion across the profession. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at 85 Broad Street, 30th floor in New York. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.

Applications for the New York Women in Communications scholarships are being accepted until Jan. 24. Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, who intend to pursue or further a career in communications. The program is part of NYWICIs goal of cultivating leaders in the field by providing financial support, opportunities for professional development and mentoring, and entry to a diverse community of communications professionals. NYWICI says it is the largest foundation for womens communications scholarships in the U.S. For more information, or to apply, click here.

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Internationals Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala is taking place Jan. 21 at the New York Marriott Marquis. The awards recognize achievements in sales and marketing for the hospitality industry, including advertising, public relations and digital marketing. This years Gold Adrian Award winners in the public relations categories include Laura Davidson Public Relations, Development Counsellors International, Hemsworth Communications, MMGY NJF, MMGY Myriad, The Decker/Royal Agency and The Brandman Agency. The event will also include a futures stage, at which industry leaders will offer their insights. The dinner reception will run from 5:30 to 7: 30 p.m, with the awards ceremony kicking off at 7:45 p.m. Tickets to the event can be purchased here.
Representative image

Senior CPI-M leader M Y Tarigami on Thursday slammed the BJP-led Central government for making "big claims" on development works in Jammu and Kashmir, charging that people were not even getting basic amenities.

The Centre should produce a record of the development it has carried out in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370, he demanded.

"At a time when the BJP government at the Centre is making big claims of development, people in Kashmir are hankering for basic amenities including LPG, ration and other essential commodities. Even in rural areas of Jammu the situation is no different," he said in a statement.

Tarigami said snow has not been cleared from roads in Kashmir and there is a crisis of drinking water.

"These are the ground realities which can't be brushed aside. The reality is that the only thing achieved by this BJP government so far is highly divisive and discriminatory measures like CAA, NRC and NPR which have created a lot of uncertainty in the country", he charged.

He said the Supreme Court may have declared the Internet blackout impermissible, but the Jammu and Kashmir administration seems to have found a way to "circumvent" the verdict and retain most restrictions in the Valley.

Tarigami charged that the J-K administration's answer in response to the apex court's order is a mere eyewash.

Not a single minister visited Kashmir when heavy snowfall in early November destroyed the apple crop and also caused massive damage to apple trees as well, he said.

He said in Jammu farmers suffered losses due to heavy rains and the Centre didn't even bother to send a junior minister for assessment of the losses.

"Even till now the assessment of losses to apple and saffron industry and losses to farming community in Jammu has not been done properly", he alleged.

Lashing out at the Centre, he said a little over five months have passed since the Central government "arbitrarily abrogated Article 370 claiming that Articles 35A and 370 hinder development in J-K".

"Now let them produce a record on how much development has happened since then? Where is the investment and job opportunities which the BJP has been claiming will come after the revocation of J-K's special status?", he added.

Forget about creating new employment opportunities, there is an apprehension among people that now even class IV posts in J-K will be filled at the all-India level, he said.

Tarigami said the national highway connecting Kashmir with rest of the country has remained closed for more days than it is open which has created scarcity of essential commodities in the Valley.

"The BJP, which is in power for the last almost six years, has not been able to repair a patch from Ramban to Ramsu on the national highway. Students, patients, businessmen and others, who have to travel outside Kashmir, are facing the worst time", he added.
Mumbai, Jan 17 : Amazon's global CEO Jeff Bezos says Amazon Prime Video is performing in India brilliantly, adding that they have decided to double down the investment for the streaming service in the country.

"It's working great. The number of hours Prime Video is watched in India in the last two years has grown by six times. Prime Video is working well all over the world, and there is no place it is doing better than in India. It's incredible," Bezos said when asked by actor Shah Rukh Khan and Zoya Akhtar about the performance of the streaming giant in India at a starry event here.

"It's good in terms of business as well. We also like the business results because it drives people to join Prime, and once they join they enjoy the fast shipping service, so they also buy a lot of products from us. So it's a vehicle to make fantastic content, from the business point of view, as well. We have actually just made a decision to double down our Prime Video investments here in India," he added.

Answering SRK on what changes he has seen in India in his various visits over the years, Bezos said that he has been visiting India for 11 years.

"There are no perceptible changes of any great magnitude. I noticed there are certain things that seem to me to be the same. And I love those things, one of the things I notice every time I come here is that there's so much energy here and dynamism," he added.

From drama, crime, suspense to thriller, Amazon Prime will be coming with diverse projects this year. Filmmaker Kabir Khan's "The Forgotten Army: Azaadi Ke Liye", Abhishek Bachchan's "Breathe 2", musical "Bandish Bandits", Manoj Bajpayee's "The Family Man 2" and Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rasika Duggal's "Mirzapur 2" are some of the projects in the pipeline.

When Shah Rukh asked Bezos when was the last time he visited a grocery store, he responded: "I visited a small 'kirana' store today. It was an incredible experience." Bezos, who is ranked amongst top most global billionaires, was on a three-day India visit starting from Tuesday.

In a major announcement showing Amazon's support for Indian MSMEs, Bezos said that the company would invest $1 billion in digitising small and medium businesses (SMBs) on its platform in the country. He said that the 21st century will be the century of India.

"I predict that the 21st century is going to be the Indian century," he said, adding that apart from the dynamism it has, India is a democracy which is a major characteristic of the country.

Along with business, he is taking time out to explore the country. He paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, and showed off his kite-flying skills on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

(Sugandha Rawal is in Mumbai on an invitation by Amazon Prime Video. She can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in)
YouTube

Police have rescued an 11-year-old who was abducted by a man reportedly suffering from mental health issues shortly after she got off a school bus in Massachusetts, according to officials.

Charlotte Moccia got off the bus at about 1.30pm when she was allegedly forced into the car of 24-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, whose family said suffered from schizophrenia and paranoia.

She was screaming, Springfield police commissioner Cheryl Clapprood told a local news outlet, got in definitely unwillingly, and they left the area.

Officials were later alerted by motorists that the car was driving down the Massachusetts Turnpike on Wednesday evening after an Amber Alert was issued for the missing child.

Mr Rodriguez was stopped and removed from the car at gunpoint as the little girl was discovered sitting in the back seat. Officials said a knife was visible in the car when it was discovered near Brimfield, Massachusetts.

State Police Lieutenant Bob Ackerman described the 11-year-old as an amazing little girl in an interview with ABC News.

I cant believe how strong she was dealing with this, he added.

The young victim was found without any apparent injuries and reportedly taken to a local hospital for a precautionary evaluation.

Mr Rodriguez was meanwhile detained by authorities, officials said, though it remains unclear what specific charges he faces and whether he is still in police custody. Springfield police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

His family has since apologised for the incident in an interview with the local news site MassLive, noting Mr Rodriguezs mental health issues and saying they first heard about the abduction on the news.

We knew that sooner or later he was going to do something of this nature, said Henry Rodriguez, the father of the kidnapping suspect. But not something this crazy.

We feel really bad, you know, as parents. We have kids ourselves, he added. We feel relieved that the girl was found safe and sound. We were relieved that nothing happened to that little girl and that she is back with her family. We are grateful shes all right.

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Five jailed after posing as police to kidnap and blackmail man
The Union home ministry has asked the NIA to initiate the process of probing the case of suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police deputy superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two militants to Jammu last weekend, officials said on Thursday.

The formal notification of handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to be issued by the ministry soon, an official privy to the development said.

Necessary formalities are being completed in Jammu as well as in Delhi before the probe agency takes over the case. The NIA has been credited with breaking the nexus between stone pelters and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Some NIA members, posted in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were present during the preliminary questioning of Singh and three others -- Naveed Babu, a self-styled district commander of banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, his associate Atif Ahmed and a lawyer, Irfan Ahmad Mir, who has been named as an active overground worker for terror groups by police.

The officials said all records would be handed over to the NIA after the case is registered by the agency.

Singh, who was arrested along with the three other people on Saturday, had ferried Babu to Jammu last year and facilitated his return to Shopian after "rest and recuperation".

He is believed to have taken Rs 12 lakh for "smuggling" the two militants to Chandigarh and arrange for their accommodation for a couple of months, the officials said.

Mir, who was driving the vehicle when he along with the others were caught by the police from a national highway in Kulgam district, may become a prize catch for the NIA as it is alleged that he was carrying orders from Pakistan.

He had visited the neighbouring country five times on an Indian passport.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GPG) (OTCQB: GPTRF) (FSE: GPB) ("Grande Portage" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has arranged, subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange, a non-brokered private placement of up to 9,090,909 units for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. The private placement offering will be at $0.11 per unit, and will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company and one half share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will be exercisable at $0.15 to purchase an additional common share for a period of 18 months following the closing date. All subscriptions for units are anticipated to be completed and accepted by the Company on or before January 31, 2020.

It is anticipated that insiders of the Company will be participating in the private placement for $140,000 (~1,272,727 Units). The net proceeds of the offering will be used to advance exploration activities at the Company's Herbert Gold property, located in southeast Alaska, as well as for general working capital. Finders' fees may be paid on the offering pursuant to the policies of the TSX-Venture Exchange. The Company wishes to confirm that it is fully disclosed and not aware of any undisclosed material events.

All securities issued will be subject to a four-month hold period which will expire on the date that is four months and one day from the date of issue.

In addition, the Company wishes to announce that it has retained the services of Peak Investor Marketing Corp. ("Peak") a full service marketing and consulting services focused on the junior mining sector. Peak is an independent arms length entity and will assist Grande Portage with marketing strategy and planning, corporate communications and public relations, with the goal of increasing market awareness of the company. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will compensate Peak $12,000 per month for the 12-month term of the Agreement. The Company will also issue Peak, subject to TSX-V approval, 500,000 options at a grant price of $0.15.

About Grande Portage:

Grande Portage Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the Herbert Gold discovery situated approximately 25 km north of Juneau, Alaska. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Herbert property. The Herbert Gold property system is open to length and depth and is host to at least six main composite vein-fault structures that contain ribbon structure quartz-sulfide veins. The project lies prominently within the 160km long Juneau Gold Belt, which has produced nearly seven million ounces of gold. The Company's recent Mineral Resource estimate is quoted at a base case mineral resources cut-off grade of 2.50 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and consists of: An indicated resource of 606,500 ounces of gold at an average grade of 10.03 g/t Au (1,880,500 tonnes); and An inferred resource of 251,700 ounces of gold at an average grade of 14.15 g/t Au (553,429 tonnes).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Ian Klassen"

Ian M. Klassen

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (604) 899-0106

Email: Ian@grandeportage.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED UNDER THE POLICIES OF THE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51585
Int'l travellers who test COVID positive at the airport will not be allowed to go to their destinations

Who is Firhad Hakim? Know Kolkata's New Mayor Age, Education, Family and Other Details

Kolkata jail inmates makes eco-friendly bags for Gangasagar pilgrims

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Jan 16: In an effort to make the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district plastic-free, around 150 inmates of two correctional homes in the city have made eco-friendly bags to distribute among the pilgrims, an official said.

More than 50,000 bags made of cotton and jute had been stitched by the inmates of Dum Dum Central Correctional Home and Presidency Correctional Home, the official said.

"The environment-friendly bags are made of jute and cotton and being distributed among pilgrims in the Gangasagar Mela. The inmate-turned-artisans of the two correctional homes are excited for supporting the social cause," said an official of the Presidency Correctional Home.

Every year on Makar Sankranti, lakhs of pilgrims flock to the Sagar Island in the state to take the holy dip and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni temple.

The inmates had been trained by an NGO, Rakshak Foundation, in association with the authorities of two correctional homes and the National Jute Board to make the bio-degradable bags, he said.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

"The inmates have been informed about how use of plastics is harming the environment and are happy for contributing to the cause," the official said.

Case against 150 people after Left students 'gherao' Mamata

This year, the Gangasar Bakkhali Development Authority (GBDA) and the South 24 Parganas district administration have decided to make the Gangasagar Mela an "eco-friendly, green and clean fair" by imposing ban on single-use plastic and thermocol items.

"Every year, about two crore plastic bags are generated during the mela. Apart from campaigning against the plastic pollution, we are distributing alternative bags among pilgrims during the seven-day fair which started from January 11," South 24 Pargans district magistrate P Ulaganathan said.

Around 50 lakh pilgrims from different parts of the country and neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal took a holy dip on the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 11:58 [IST]
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Thursday, contradicted the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, on the effective date for the implementation of the new 7.5 per cent rate for the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the country.

On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari gave assent to the newly-introduced Finance Act 2019, which, among others, reviewed the VAT rate from 5 to 7.5 per cent.

At the presentation of the draft Finance Bill to the National Assembly on October 14, 2019 for approval, indications were that the implementation of the new VAT would be effective January 1, 2020.

However, at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the accountant-general told journalists in his office that the new VAT rate took off immediately the president signed the bill into law, on Monday.

On Monday, the President signed the Finance Bill into law. And just yesterday (Tuesday), I saw a payment, which was prepared in December last year. When I checked the payment was on the VAT rate of 5 per cent. I said no.

If I am to finalize the payment now, then the VAT rate must be 7.5 per cent. I stopped the payment and asked them to go and recharge the new VAT rate of 7.5 per cent. The payment for 5 per cent VAT has now been overtaken by events.

That is that persons luck. The law has to be obeyed. Otherwise, I can be queried for disobeying the law, the accountant-general said.

Mr Idris insisted every payment that was not carried out for one reason or another before the coming into effect of the Finance Act will now suffer 7.5 per cent charge for VAT, because that is the law, as at today (Tuesday).

But, speaking at the inauguration of the Board of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Thursday in Abuja, the minister was emphatic on the take-off date for the new VAT rate.

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I want to announce that the effective date for the VAT increase from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent will be the first of February 2020, the minister announced.

The minister had, on Wednesday, said she was going to make a formal announcement of the effective date for the implementation of the new VAT rate in a few days time.

While announcing February 1 as the official commencement date, Mrs Ahmed explained this would only take effect after all the necessary administrative procedures have been completed.

The administrative procedures include the formal gazette of the Finance Act by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Once a bill is signed into law, it takes effect immediately. But, it is to note that there are certain administrative procedures and formalities to be finalised before commencement, she said.

The minister urged the new FIRS board to be steadfast in delivering its mandate to meet the non-oil revenue target, to support governments development.

She disclosed that the Tax Appeal Tribunals have identified new cases, with about 75 new tax appeals reported, with a disputed value of N73.3 billion and $19.5 million.

In his speech, the new FIRS Chairman, Muhammad Nami, pledged to mobilise members to pursue the target of increased revenue for the government

As tax administrators and custodians of the Nigerian Tax System, we have a responsibility to the nation to implement all tax policies and laws in a manner that would ensure optimal benefit to the nation, he said.

Mr Nami said the board has recognised the huge responsibility on it shoulder, as all tiers of government rely on it to provide adequate funds for their activities and development projects in the face of dwindling oil revenues.

He stressed the commitment of the board to reposition the service for better service anchored on four cardinal pillars.

These include rebuilding the FIRS institutional framework by strengthening the capacity of departments and units to deliver on their mandates on a long term and sustainable basis.

The other pillars include building a robust collaboration to foster a unified service system and building taxpayer and data-centric FIRS.

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The board has 14 members and is chaired by Mr Nami.
One of the Japanese lawyers for former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn has stepped down from that job after Ghosn fled the country. Junichiro Hironaka had been representing Ghosn in his defense against various financial misconduct allegations. His move, announced Thursday, was widely expected after Ghosn fled to Lebanon late last month.

Hironaka said in a statement that the entire team working on the case at his office will quit but did not outline reasons. He has said before he has felt some empathy for Ghosn's reasons for escape, while stressing he had hoped to win vindication in court.

Hironaka is respected for winning innocent verdicts in high-profile cases in this nation where the conviction rate is higher than 99%.

Among the cases he has handled is that of Atsuko Muraki, a welfare ministry official accused of falsely approving a group to qualify for mail discounts. She was acquitted in 2010.

In a news conference last week in Beirut, Ghosn insisted again that he was innocent of the charges of underreporting his future compensation and of breach of trust in diverting Nissan Motor Co. money for his personal gain.

He said he fled because he felt he could not expect a fair trial in Japan.

Ghosn's flight while he was out on bail awaiting trial, means his case will not go on in Japan. Interpol has issued a wanted notice but his extradition from Lebanon is unlikely.

Ghosn has accused Nissan officials and Japanese officials of conspiring to bring him down to block a fuller integration of Nissan with its French alliance partner Renault SA of France.

Ghosn, who has signed on an international team of lawyers, has expressed willingness to stand trial in Lebanon.
Last week, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, Mamata had urged him to rethink on the amended Citizenship Act and withdraw the contentious legislation along with the NPR.

Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her state will not take part in the meeting convened by the Centre on National Population Register (NPR) in New Delhi on 17 January.

She also dared Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to "dismiss" the state government for not toeing the line of the Centre.

Mamata, who has been at the forefront of protests against the NPR, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), said the West Bengal government had already stayed the process of NPR updation in the state.

"On 17 January, the Union government had convened a meeting on NPR. I won't be going, neither any representative of my government will attend that meeting," she said while addressing a rally in Kolkata.

"If I don't attend, there is a person here in Kolkata (Governor Dhankhar), who is the representative of the Union government. He might say that he is dismissing my government. He can very well do that, I don't care. But, I will not allow CAA-NPR-NRC," she asserted.

Last week, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, Mamata had urged him to rethink on the amended Citizenship Act and withdraw the contentious legislation along with the NPR.

"The Left and the Congress are spreading canards. They are saying NPR is underway in the state. It is absolutely false. We had stayed the process of NPR updation last month itself," she added.
Taking to its Twitter handle on Wednesday, @KeralaTourism posted a photo of a popular local delicacy called "Beef Ularthiyathu" on their website, along with a link to the recipe.

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) A tweet on the official handle of Kerala Tourism has courted controversy after it promoted a beef recipe, even as the state Tourism Minister denied knowledge of the matter.

"Tender chunks of beef, slow-roasted with aromatic spices, coconut pieces, and curry leaves. A recipe for the most classic dish, Beef Ularthiyathu, the stuff of legends, from the land of spices, Kerala" the tweet reads.

The tweet went viral, provoking sharp reactions from many social media users who questioned the need to promote the recipe on a day when millions of Hindus were celebrating Makar Sankranti, as well as the festivals of Makara Vilakku in Sabarimala and Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Many among the Twitterati claimed the tweet hurt their religious sentiments since it displays a picture of beef.

One user on the mico-blogging site wrote: "Dear @KeralaTourism stop insulting Hindus with your mindless hatred, it will prove to be economically disastrous for your already empty coffer state!"

"Try promoting Pork also. you will get a taste of your medicine. Shameless!" said another.

A third post said: "Just this has made all my Kerala tour plans cancelled altogether. I will rather tour Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."

Reacting to the controversial tweet, state Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran told IANS that he is not aware of it, adding that Kerala Tourism will never do anything to hurt the sentiments of anyone.

"I will look into what the issue is, and am sure Kerala Tourism will never do anything to hurt the sentiments of anyone. We want more and more people to visit Kerala," Surendran said.

saurav-sg/bc
Adobe on Monday announced the availability of Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service for B2B and B2C companies of all sizes.

The service provides a globally scalable, agile and secure digital foundation that optimizes marketer and developer workflows across the entire content lifecycle, and connects to data insights to deliver personalized experiences across the customer journey, said Haresh Kumar, director of product marketing for Adobe Experience Manager.

It allows companies to be far more nimble and scale at any point, because Experience Manager is always on, always current, always at scale, and always learning, he told CRM Buyer.

Built-In Intelligence

Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service integrates scalable, secure and agile content management; digital asset management; digital signage management; and customer communication applications.

It eliminates the need to build in downtime to accommodate version upgrades.The production environment is configured and constantly maintained to be consistent with Adobes standard security practices and controls.

Brands can combine insights from a customers previous purchases and interest in emails about particular products using Adobe Sensei, the companys artificial intelligence and machine learning framework, to recommend items the customer is likely to purchase. Adobe Sensei also lets brands automatically tag images and videos.

Brands can create and deliver experiences across any channel, device or app, using built-in Adobe Sensei capabilities to automate the adaptation of content for different channels.

Teams can work simultaneously on multiple assets for multiple channels, saving time.

Pricing scales seamlessly and the solution can be scaled based on usage metrics.

Early results from mid-market companies to large enterprises using the application show ingestion time is 50 percent faster, administrative efficiency increased 40 percent and author productivity increased by more than 20 percent, Adobe said.

Good for Customers, Good for Adobe

This is a good move for Adobe, and one that should have considerable benefits for its customers, remarked Nicole France, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

By redesigning Adobe Experience Manager to operate through a microservices architecture, the company is making it significantly easier for its customers both to integrate various sources of digital assets and content, and to present that content across digital channels, she told CRM Buyer.

In general, offerings that manage multiple sources of content and information across multiple channels with a consistent, easy-to-use interface make it possible for companies to streamline and improve the way they interact with their customers, France observed.

They therefore let staff focus on the messages or sentiments theyre trying to communicate and how to do that most effectively rather than on the minutiae of which assets and channels to use, she noted.

Focusing on the higher-order customer interaction, rather than the mechanics of how to make it happen, certainly improves a companys ability to create positive customer experiences, France said.

However, the term experience manager is a misnomer, in her view.

This really isnt a tool for managing customer experiences  not least because no one can manage customer experiences  but one for dynamically managing the assets that form a large part of digital customer interactions, France explained.

Experiences are, by definition, subjective. Its impossible to manage a customers experience, but it is possible to stack the deck to make it more likely that the experience is a good one. Having the right tools is an important step in that direction, she said.

Continuous Innovation

This really is a matter of speed and ease rather than a revolutionary shift in offering, allowing for an acceleration of delivery of omnichannel assets, said Liz Miller, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

For both B2B and B2C companies, the modernization of the Experience Manager architecture enables the power of the cloud to meet the power of creativity, allowing for a broad range of assets to be quickly accessed, updated, personalized or modified on the fly with strong uptime and availability, she told CRM Buyer.

Access to Adobes continuous innovation means customers do not have to wait for the next update or round of releases, Miller said.Innovation can be made available on the fly and without lag.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

For B2C companies in particular, the rapid scale up and down based on their needs means the assets they need and the experience they want to deliver through their content is just as robust in points of uptime crunch as it is in low traffic moments, she added, which empowers performance at the scale of a customer, versus the scale and uptime availability of how the Adobe platform is implemented.

Edge on the Competition

Oracle and Salesforce have been offering service clouds for years, and SAP is working with Accenture to develop vertical service clouds for industries.

Adobes heritage in content development gives it the edge, because Experience Manager empowers the engagement process from creative ideation all the way through to optimized asset delivery, Miller said. Adobe is looking to eliminate the creative gap between asset creation and engagement.
Seven Group Holdings has donated $10m to the bushfire relief efforts.

SGH has committed $5 million to provide both financial support and direct tangible support through equipment, services and personnel.

Australian Capital Equity (ACE), SGHs major shareholder, will match the pledge with an additional $5 million commitment.

SGH Executive Chairman Kerry Stokes and Managing Director and CEO Ryan Stokes said it was a donation on behalf of all people to help our communities.

We strongly believe that the combination of our financial resources, our industry-leading equipment and our teams motivation and skills are the best contribution we can make, it read.

We are in a unique position to provide not only financial support but also the equipment and services required by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to support the recovery and rebuilding effort.

Our group of companies are uniquely placed to help provide short and long term solutions to the terrible damage being wrought across our country by the bushfires, he said.

We will work closely with government and community groups to ensure our assistance is maximised. Senior executives across the group, including ACE Chief Operating Officer, James McMahon, will be leading our combined initiatives.

Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by the fires. They can be assured all Australians stand with them.

Source: Seven News
Aid workers were held for more than three weeks after being seized in Nigerias restive Borno State.

An armed group has released three aid workers and other civilians who had been held hostage in northeast Nigeria since late December, according to a United Nations official.

The people were kidnapped on December 22 by fighters posing as soldiers who stopped a convoy of commercial vehicles travelling towards the city of Maiduguri, state capital of the northeast state of Borno.

Armed groups have waged an uprising in northeast Nigeria that has killed at least 35,000 people since 2009 and left 7.1 million in need of humanitarian assistance.

Boko Haram, a group seeking a separate state in northeast Nigeria adhering to a strict interpretation of Islamic laws, began the unrest.

I am deeply relieved that some civilians, including three aid workers, who were abducted by non-state armed groups along the Monguno  Maiduguri road on 22 December 2019 have been released yesterday and are now safe, Edward Kallon, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said in a statement on Thursday.

/news/2019/12/isil-claims-execution-11-christians-nigeria-191227141817907.html

Kallon said he was concerned about the increasingly insecure environment that humanitarians are working in. He said a total of 12 aid workers lost their lives in 2019, more than twice the 2018 total, making it one of the most dangerous years for humanitarian actors in Nigeria.

According to AFP news agency, citing security sources and one of the freed hostages, a total of five aid workers were released on Wednesday, after they were seized in two separate incidents in December.

Asabe Musa, a hygiene specialist with ALIMA (Alliance for International Medical Action), a French NGO, was among those freed.

Musa told AFP news agency that those captured were another colleague from ALIMA, a Red Cross worker, a member of NGO Solidarity and one person from the International Office for Migration.

The UN did not state whether those behind the abduction were associated with Boko Haram or a faction that broke away in 2016 and pledged allegiance to the ISIL (ISIS) group.

The group  Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP)  has been the dominant armed group in Nigeria in the last two years.

ISWAP in December said it executed 11 Christian captives it had previously kidnapped in Borno State.

A security source told AFP that the fighters who released the hostages were from ISWAP.

In his statement on Thursday Kallon also expressed concern for aid worker Grace Taku and nurse Alice Loksha, who were abducted in July 2019 and March 2018 respectively and are still being held.
Representative image

True to the epithet "Twitter do your thing!" fortunes of The Petersfield Bookstore in the United Kingdom's Hampshire county turned around after an employee on January 14 tweeted that the store had sold no books for the first time in 100 years.

The family-run store, which also sells antiques and second-hand books saw disheartening sale records earlier through the week.

Robert Sansom, an employee for 13 years, uploaded a picture of the deserted store on micro-blogging site with the text: "...Tumbleweed... Not a single book sold today... 0.00... We think this may be the first time ever..." (sic)

Sansom also shared a link to the bookstores website requesting customers to avail the 25 percent discount offered in January to boost sales.

The heartfelt message struck the right chords and went viral, with noted author Niel Gaiman also retweeting the post - appealing to his 2.8 million followers to help the store.

Not only did book lovers from across the world step in and spike sales manifold, but the stores' follower count also increased substantially overnight.



What a night! We have been completely overwhelmed in a good way.

We have 1,100 new followers. We have loads of online book orders. We have over 300 messages, many asking after books. We will answer all as soon as we can, please bear with us Thank you all so much!  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020



Can we just say thank you @neilhimself this is not the day we thought we were going to have but it's been the best. People are kind and that's something to never forget

This is a small portion of the orders we received overnight and today as a result of the Gaiman bump pic.twitter.com/9qxDx7Ct58

 Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020



In these dark days it's wonderful to see Twitter doing something good! https://t.co/g0YNPkRsG2  Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 16, 2020

Overwhelmed by the response, Sansom, who handles the store's social media handle, thanked Gaiman on Twitter for the over 1,000 they earned in online orders since the authors endorsement.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, When We All Vote's national high school program, My School Votes , in partnership with MTV's +1thevote and support from brand partners, such as Rent the Runway, announced the official launch of the 2020 Prom Challenge - a grant competition that will recognize high schools from across the country committed to boosting voter registration in their communities.

20 high schools with the most creative and impactful voter registration programs will be selected to win up to $5,000 to fund their proms and/or their nonpartisan voter registration efforts.

"With over 4 million Americans turning 18 between now and the 2020 election, When We All Vote and MTV are working to integrate voter registration into the lives of high school seniors, from proms to games, graduations to birthdays," said Crystal Carson, Communications Director for When We All Vote.

By tapping into the power of prom, When We All Vote and MTV are coupling two important milestones in the lives of high school seniors. Students, teachers, administrators and parents are encouraged to apply online at mtvprom.whenweallvote.org , where they can also access important resources to help them get started.

About When We All Vote:

When We All Vote is a national, nonpartisan, non-profit that brings together citizens, institutions, brands, and organizations to increase participation in every election. We are committed to closing the race and age voting gap and empowering all eligible voters to cast their ballot by harnessing grassroots energy, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing digital organizing strategies.

Launched in 2018 by co-chairs Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw, When We All Vote is changing the culture around voting using a data-driven and multifaceted approach to increase participation in elections.

In the months directly before the 2018 midterm elections, When We All Vote organized 2,500 local voter registration events across the country, engaged 200 million Americans online about the significance of voting, and texted nearly four million voters the resources to register and get out to vote.

In 2019, When We All Vote launched My School Votes a new initiative calling on educators, students and their parents across the country to engage and register their peers to vote. Since the launch in July, thousands of teachers and students have responded by joining When We All Vote and starting voter registration programs at their schools.

About MTV:

MTV is the leading global youth media brand across every platform with operations that span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios, a unit focused on developing series for SVOD and linear distribution partners.

MTV's +1thevote is encouraging potential first-time voters to register and vote in the November national election with a year-long campaign focused on making voting more social, easier and part of the milestones already happening in their lives, from prom to graduation to birthdays.

SOURCE When We All Vote

Related Links

http://www.whenweallvote.org


FREMONT, California, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a market intelligence report by BIS Research titled "Global IoT Chip Market  Analysis and Forecast, 2019-2029", the global IoT chip market was valued at $9.40 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.18% during the forecast period from 2019 to 2029. The market is expected to grow over $38.61 billion by 2029. The rising adoption rate of IoT-based devices and declining IoT sensor's cost are key factors propelling the overall market demand for IoT chips.

Browse 31 Market Data Tables and 148 Figures spread through 216 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Global IoT Chip Market"

The rising demand for IoT chipset-based consumer and industrial devices, along with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industry verticals, are some of the prominent factors contributing to the market growth of IoT chips globally. However, substantial initial investments and the complication regarding the integration of IoT technology with already existing devices are some of the challenging aspects that need to be considered in the current scenario. Moreover, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in IoT for decision-making applications is expected to create numerous market opportunities as massive amount of unorganized data generated from IoT devices is converted into useful information with the help of integration of AI algorithms.

BIS Research Report: https://bisresearch.com/industry-report/iot-chip-market.html

Based on region, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global IoT chip market by the end of 2019, followed by North America, and is anticipated to maintain its dominance in the forecast period as well. The region is continuously witnessing significant market demand due to the strong presence of developing economies such as India and China. These Asian countries are well-known for their positive outlook toward emerging technologies; moreover, the adoption of IoT devices has subsequently increased owing to the rapidly growing population in these countries. Technology hubs such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are expected to further drive the Asian market demand. China is estimated to lead the IoT chip market globally, with adoption of over 960 million connected devices by the end of 2019, according to Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA).

According to Faisal Ahmad, Chief Analyst at BIS Research, "One of the impactful factors driving the overall market demand for IoT chips is the continuously surging global demand for connected devices. Moreover, integration of other digital technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) in various industry verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive is expected to further increase the market growth during the forecast period. These advanced technologies rely on massive data obtained from IoT chips that are functioned to convert and process physical parameters into digital information. Furthermore, the demand for the IoT chip market is currently the highest in the Asia-Pacific due to the significant presence of tech-innovation hubs such as China and Taiwan."

Request for a Sample: https://bisresearch.com/requestsample?id=801&type=download

The BIS Research report provides an in-depth analysis of the emerging trends influencing the global IoT chip market, along with a comprehensive study of future trends and developments. It also includes target audience, supply chain analysis, emerging market trends, opportunity matrix analysis, country share analysis, and varied perspectives of market key opinion leaders. Further, the report includes a detailed SWOT analysis of the market considering both internal and external factors impacting the overall market demand. The overall market has been classified based on the type and end-use industry verticals. Additionally, the report includes a comprehensive segment on the regional analysis, which has been sub-segmented into four major regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest-of-the-World.

This report is a rigorous compilation of research on more than 500 major players in the IoT chip space. Moreover, it draws upon insights and in-depth interviews of key industry leaders of more than 100 leading companies, market participants, and vendors. Owing to the gradual increase in the IoT chip adoption in numerous connected devices, predominant players including Intel Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, MediaTek Inc., and Renesas Electronics Corporation are competing to further increase their respective market shares. The report further includes a detailed analysis of the key strategies opted by the IoT chip manufacturers to cope with the competition in the market such as mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships and collaborations.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

What was the total market size of IoT chip in 2018, and how is it expected to grow during 2019-2029?

What are the impactful driving factors, upcoming trends, and key challenges projected to influence the global IoT chip market during the forecast period 2019-2029?

Who are the key market participants in the IoT chip space among chip manufacturers, architecture providers, system integrators, and software providers, and what was their respective market share in 2018?

How is the market projected to grow across different segments during the forecast period from 2019 to 2029, on the basis of:

type, including hardware (sensor, memory device, connectivity integrated circuits (ICs), processors, and software



end-user industry, including consumer electronics, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, retail, and others



region, including North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest-of-the-World (RoW)

, , , and Rest-of-the-World (RoW) What is the holistic point of view of the industry's key opinion leaders in terms of the latest trends, upcoming technologies in the space of IoT chip, and the scope of its adoption in the future?

Related Reports

Global Industrial IoT Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2019-2024

Global IoT Security Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2019-2024

Global Healthcare IoT Security Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2019-2028

Global IoT in Oil and Gas Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2023

About BIS Research:

BIS Research is a global B2B market intelligence and advisory firm focusing on those emerging technological trends which are likely to disrupt the dynamics of the market.

With over 150 market research reports published annually, BIS Research focuses on high technology verticals such as 3D Printing, Advanced Materials and Chemicals, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Electronics and Semiconductors, Robotics and UAV, and other emerging technologies.

Our in-depth market intelligence reports focus on the market estimations, technology analysis, emerging high-growth applications, deeply segmented granular country-level market data, and other important market parameters useful in the strategic decision-making for senior management.

What distinguishes BIS Research from the rest of the players is that we don't simply provide data but also complement it with valuable insights and actionable inputs for the success of our clients.

Contact:

Bhavya Banga

Email: [email protected]

BIS Research Inc.

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FREMONT CA 94538-1686

Visit our Blog @ https://blog.bisresearch.com/

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SOURCE BIS Research
Christian Brothers College (CBC), one of Corks best-known fee-paying schools, has been given the go-ahead for a 12.5m development at its Sidney Hill campus.

The development will include a new five-storey school house running parallel to St Patricks Hill with a substantial viewing area to the front looking out over the city.

CBC Principal David Lordan said the hope is that the money for the development will come from within school resources and that they are not anticipating funding from the Department of Education.

Weve been very fortunate that parents have been committed to supporting their sons coming here. This is an opportunity to plan ahead. From the outset, the school has been committed to preparing the college in terms of services and facilities for the next generation, Mr Lordan said.

Mr Lordan said the hope is to have the new development student-ready by the start of the 2022 school term.

He said they are keen to move things forward and that they would be sitting down with their architects, ODonnell+Tuomey, and the design team as soon as possible.

There are 33 conditions to work through as part of the permission. Mr Lordan said they related, inter alia, to issues such as pedestrian access, traffic management, footpaths and lighting in the area.

The issue of traffic congestion in the Wellington Road/Sidney Hill area was raised by a number of local residents in their submissions to Cork City Council during the planning process,

Those who made submissions can appeal the councils decision to An Bord Pleanala within four weeks of January 13.

Some residents had also raised concerns that increasing the number of classrooms by eight as part of the new development would lead to an increase in pupils, creating further traffic congestion.

A proposed New School House will add eight classrooms, a library, canteen and multipurpose hall to Christian Brother College. Picture: O'Donnell & Tuomey Architects.

However Mr Lordan said it was not their intention to increase student numbers from the current cohort of just over 900 secondary school students, as well as the 160 pupils attending their co-located preparatory school.

Our commitment is to enhance facilities, its not looking to grow the school in absolute numbers. We are looking at where second-level education is going and that requires looking down the road and future-proofing our campus, Mr Lordan said.

The development was made possible on foot of the purchase a couple of years ago of lands adjoining the school at a cost of c800,000. The school has been at its Sidney Hill location since 1988, having moved the short distance from Wellington Road.

The new development will also include a new library and digital suite in the new five-storey building, as well as a school hall. The preparatory school will gain a new library and a fire escape stair.

The new viewing platform will give students a vantage point from which to watch matches on the astro-turf pitch during breaktime. There will also be a covered seating area running down the side of the astro pitch.

Mr Lordan said they were delighted with the decision by the City Council to grant permission.

Its a significant investment in the school and in the city. Whats been very exciting about this from the get-go is that this area of the city is an educational hub. There are about 3,000 students attending educational institutions in the area and this is very much an endorsement of that hub.

The development will also include the addition of a new 12.8m2 entrance porch to the existing main school building.

Mr Lordan said they will also be looking at improving access from St Patricks Hill for emergency services.

The 2019/2020 student fee for CBC is 4,250.
Dr. Amani Ballour, the doctor whose underground hospital was the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary The Cave, has been awarded the Council of Europes Raoul Wallenberg Prize for her work treating victims of Syrian bombings.

Human rights and personal dignity are not a peacetime luxury. Dr. Amani Ballour is a shining example of the empathy, virtue and honour that can flourish even in the worst circumstances: in the midst of war and suffering, said Marija Pejcinovic Buric, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Cave follows the work of Dr. Ballour and her medical team at a field hospital built within a cave in her hometown of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. It is estimated that from 2016 to 2018, Ballour saved thousands of people who were critically injured by airstrikes and chemical weapon attacks, including those on nearby hospitals.

Also Read: 'The Cave' Film Review: Women Are Lifesaving Heroes in Syrian War Hospital Documentary

The violence finally forced Ballour to close The Cave and flee Syria, and today she lives in Turkey as a refugee. She has spoken out about the atrocities she has witnessed and the nightmares that have made it psychologically painful for her to do any further direct medical work with patients.

There are children I cannot forget, its impossible to forget them, Ballour told National Geographic, who is distributing The Cave. There were children Id treat in the pediatric ward (for asthma and other ailments) and then Id see them when theyd been wounded. It was like working on family. I couldnt look into their eyes when I worked on them. Sometimes Id crash, Id break down.

The Syrian director of The Cave is currently unable to attend the Oscars as the U.S. State Department has denied his request for a visa. Fayyad, who currently lives in Copenhagen, was granted a three-month visa in September, but his latest one was denied because an executive order from the Trump administration prohibits citizens of Syria and six other predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S..

Story continues

Also Read: 'For Sama' Is Named Top Doc at IDA Documentary Awards

When the Oscar nominations were released, Fayyad thanked the Academy for nominating The Cave for Best Documentary Feature alongside For Sama, another documentary about Syrians attempting to survive the ongoing bombings. He also lamented that his film even had to be made.

The genocide still happening in Syria is one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time with hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions displaced, in large part because of the negligence of the world, he wrote.

I wish I was still in Damascus drinking coffee with my artist friends. I wish Dr. Amani was still a thriving young Syrian pediatrician. I wish little Sama was with her friends on a playground in Aleppo. I wish my parents hadnt been forced to leave our childhood home in Idlip. But instead we are all dead or in exile, and my country as it was is lost forever. All I can do now is speak out, loudly, so this doesnt happen again. And I will not be silenced.

Several Hollywood groups, including the International Documentary Association, have publicly called for U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to allow Ballour and Fayyad to travel to the U.S. to attend the Oscars. National Geographic tells TheWrap that Ballour also requires an exit visa from Turkey, which has not been granted. Producers Kirstine Barfod and Sigrid Dyekjr are currently set to attend the ceremony with members of the films production team.

Read original story Dr Amani Ballour, Subject of Oscar-Nominated The Cave, Receives Heroism Award  But Is Still Barred From US At TheWrap
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For 32 years, Kathleen Marie Kienlen worked five days a week at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. She was known as the Shredder in Chief.

While still able to walk, she got up at 4 a.m. and took SEPTA from Bryn Mawr to the Navy complex in South Philly. When her legs failed, she took Paratransit to work and used a pink motorized scooter to get around.

Ms. Kienlen was a familiar, beloved presence. Shed do some shredding and go see a friend in her building. You never knew when you were going to run into Kathleen, said Bob Osgood, her colleague. But you could always hear her. She had such a laugh.

Ms. Kienlen, 50, of Bryn Mawr, a longtime civilian employee at the Navy Yard, poet, and friend to many, died Thursday, Jan. 9, at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Though her immediate cause of death was cancer, she had Down syndrome and hereditary spastic paraplegia, a disorder that causes progressive weakness and stiffness in the legs.

Despite those challenges, Ms. Kienlen never complained. Her focus was on getting her job done. Im literally heartbroken. Its so sad, said her colleague and friend Tracy Walsh.

She didnt care that she had Down syndrome. She was frustrated with spastic paraplegia because it slowed her down. If she dropped something, she would sputter with anger, then figure out how to pick it up. She got done what she needed to do and carried on, Osgood said. Thats what made her human to us.

As she carried out her filing and shredding chores, and delivered the mail, Ms. Kienlen was conscientious. She wanted to be useful, and employed, and do the right thing, said Osgood. She wasnt able to understand engineering and finance, but she made sure she contributed.

When Ms. Kienlen retired in July 2018 for health reasons, her colleagues sent her off in style with a luncheon for 100 people. We had a phenomenal turnout, said Walsh. Everyone was happy for her.

Hours before she died, several of her friends from work were at her bedside. We were able to sit with her, and hold her hand, Walsh said. We got to tell her that we loved her.

Born in Ambler, she was the daughter of John Norman Kienlen and Joan Calhoun Kienlen.

She was a graduate of St. Katherine Day School in Wynnewood, where she first learned to read and enjoy poetry. She also wrote poems, such as the one below:

Time

Time is short, we need to cherish the moments

together before we die

We need to reach out for a hand to hold on to life

To always have a friend who can help us to move

upwards and forward

We need to stand together as one to cherish the

moments together as friends

That is really the meaning of time together

as friends 

Kathleen Kienlen, 2007

She dedicated her life to making new friends. Everyone she met was better for having known her, said her brother-in-law, James Eberwine.

Ms. Kienlen collected peoples names that she liked, music on her iPod, and poetry books. She also enjoyed coloring and watching soap operas on TV.

While she enjoyed playing find-the-word puzzles, life was never a puzzle for her, Eberwine said. She simply liked everyone.

She is survived by her mother, Joan Calhoun Kienlen; brothers Alex, John N. Jr., Joseph, and Christopher; sisters Ann Marie Lakin and Joan-Marie Eberwine; and nieces and nephews. Her father and a sister, Helen Marie Kienlen, died earlier.

A visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, will be followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Church, 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth. Burial is private.

Memorial donations may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, 1605 Goularte Place, Fremont, Calif. 94539.
Kerala Guv says Left govt should have informed him first on petition against CAA

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 16: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday said that the act of the state government to move the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act, without informing him was "improper".

Khan, while speaking to reporters at the airport, said protocol demanded that he should have been informed first.

"Even the rules of the Assembly provide that the legislature shall not discuss any subject which does not come under their constitutional jurisdiction. I have no problem if they go to the Supreme Court. Even there I feel, without informing the constitutional head of the state, what they have done is improper," Khan said.

Kerala, Bengal make it official: Say no to NPR

Yet I do not find anything wrong with it. I do not find any fault with their decision to go to Supreme Court, why because Constitution gives that authority to the Supreme Court. But the protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," the Governor added.

The Kerala government had on January 13 filed a petition in the apex court, saying the CAA was contradictory to the constitutional ethos.
/ GPD

GREENWICH  A man with a previous arrest record is facing charges he stole four laptop computers from a store on Greenwich Avenue in January of 2016.

Quaysean Cannonier, 24, whose previous address was listed as Wickham Avenue, the Bronx, N.Y., was picked up at a federal prison in Pennsylvania on Wednesday and booked in Greenwich on charges of third-degree larceny, a felony, and conspiracy. Police said he swiped the four computers on Greenwich Avenue on Jan. 4, 2016. A warrant was later issued after he was determined to be involved, according to the arrest report.
The visit of Zelensky to Oman turned out to be extremely unformatted: with the family, but not vacation, official trip, but on a private plane and without the procedure befitting this occasion. And the official meetings themselves, or rather the meeting, looked like a talks in the hotel lobby staged in the comedy show. And conspiracy versions started to grow.

Again, officially, the purpose of the visit was to attract Omani investments. The country is rich with petrodollars, it has created a multi-billion dollar reserve fund and is buying up assets around the world in order to reduce its oil dependence. In the Arab countries, many issues are resolved at the level of personal contacts and guarantees. But could Zelensky get them? Obviously not. The Sultan of Oman - an 80-year-old venerable old man who ruled the country since 1970, that is, almost the entire post-colonial period, was ill for a long time, which almost everyone knew about. In December, he underwent a course of treatment in Belgium and was unlikely to be ready for negotiations at the beginning of the year, which was confirmed by his death a few days after the departure of our president from the Sultanate. Here it is necessary to take into account the following fact: in this country, the Sultan is essentially the sole ruler and the role of officials, even very senior ones, is minimized to the level of his advisers. You can meet with them - but only for the preparation of the main negotiations with the Sultan himself.

So Zelenskys visit, if we accept the official version, has two explanations: either the employees of his office are hopelessly stupid or the real purpose was different. In addition, while making a visit to Oman to receive investments, the presidents team forgot that according to the decree No. 1045 of our Cabinet, the sultanate is among the offshore jurisdictions. By the way, Oman is a participant in the black (not even gray) list of suspicious tax jurisdictions compiled by the EU.

Lets open the Tax Code and see that the countries included in the offshore list of our government do not provide timely and complete exchange of tax and financial information at the request of other countries. Attracting investments from offshore companies is not comme il faut. Of course, our delegations take part in various investment forums that take place in offshore zones, for example, in Cyprus, but if we talk about the visit of the president and the intention to attract investments at the state level, here you need either to adjust a list of "offshores", or to determine the goals. Naturally, to adjust the list, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory work, including establishing an information exchange system, signing double taxation avoidance agreements, etc. What is it for? Well, for example, the presidents representatives praised Oman as a country that is ready to invest in our agricultural market, including the purchase of agricultural land (when non-residents are allowed to indirectly own it). By the way, our Ministry of Economics, speaking of future mechanisms for controlling the concentration of allotments "in one hand", promises to reveal to the world an unprecedented system of monitoring the ultimate beneficiaries of Ukrainian companies, including foreign owners. And how to do this if Oman does not disclose the names of the real owners of companies with local registration? That is, before talking about investments, it would be nice to do at least a few home lessons.

All this goes to the conclusion: the real reasons for the visit were different. But we will not drown in conspiracy theories. We will only say that Zelensky was perhaps the only leader of the European state, who was brought to a troubled region on the eve of the "grandiose clash" in the form of the US-Iran conflict. And since he was "brought", then there were reasons for it.

But we will try to answer, where would it be better to go besides Oman?

Well, for example, to Saudi Arabia, which, based on the population, is a more attractive market for our agricultural products. In addition, there are already considerable Saudi investments in our agricultural sector, that is, one could speak with the Saudis much more specifically than with representatives of Oman about "international conferences" and "dozens of interested businessmen."

Saudi Arabia claims to be the leader of the Arab-Muslim world. That is precisely why Washington and Moscow are paying so much attention to cooperation with this country. One of Trump's first international visits was to Riyadh, during which contracts for $ 380 billion were signed, of which more than $ 100 billion fell on the purchase of American weapons. We also note that during King Salman's visit to Moscow, preliminary contracts for the supply of Russian S-400 air defense systems were signed.

Today, the Saudis are creating a multi-level model of asset diversification, which includes a system of sovereign reserve funds for accumulating current income from oil exports, as well as a universal mechanism for export and import of investments, while transforming them into long-term and profitable business projects. This Saudi megaproject to transform an oil-producing country into a self-sufficient, renewable economic model can be called "diversification of the future."

The creation of a sovereign investment fund of Saudi Arabia in the amount of $ 2 trillion is only the first level and it is almost complete. The development of an effective secondary economical sector (industrial production), which for obvious reasons did not emerge in the kingdom, is the second level and it is in the active phase of implementation. At this stage, the Saudis plan to purchase ready-made technologies and intellectual property rights in order to create an assembly of finished products already in their own country. So, as part of this phase, the Saudis have already bought design documentation in Ukraine, including the right to use intellectual property, to launch the production of AN-132 aircraft.

The creation of an effective and competitive tertiary level of the economy in the form of services, corporate governance, medicine, education, science, information technology, biotechnology is the third stage and it is already entering the implementation stage. For example, recall the project of the Neom city on the Red Sea. It is also necessary to include the development of alternative energy sources: solar and nuclear, the implementation of space and rocket programs. The Saudis plan to invest up to $ 500 billion in the implementation of the Neom project.

At the fourth stage of diversification, the Saudis plan to create joint projects in other countries, which will not only bring them profit and provide various levels of security (product, information, military), but also actively integrate with investment, industrial and innovative infrastructure in the kingdom itself. As an example, we can take the joint venture capital fund that the Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia want to create in the amount of $ 10 billion. The plans of this mutual fund are: the implementation of ten projects in Russia, each with a capitalization of one billion.

At the fifth stage, a transnational model for managing investment projects, an effective secondary sector of the economy and a tertiary innovative sector of services, with which modern segments of medicine, education and science will emerge, will appear in Saudi Arabia.

The main interest in Ukraine is to attract Saudi investments to our business projects. Marketing estimates of the capacity of the Saudi food market (estimates of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization) record the need for imports of 14-15 million tons of grain, including wheat - up to 3 million tons, corn - up to 2.5 million tons, barley 7- 8 million tons. The last grain crop is already largely closed by supplies from the Russian Federation.

With regard to other areas of cooperation, the most interesting for Saudis can be projects related to: a) infrastructure; b) the innovative capabilities of Ukraine; c) the tertiary sector of the economy; d) the possibility of integration with the EU market.

For example, to launch insurance medicine in Ukraine, you need a financial donor who would have, on the one hand, a reserve capital of at least $ 1 billion, and on the other, investment opportunities to close the cash gaps that will arise in insurance medicine for at least five years, and this will require approximately another 5 billion dollars. On the other hand, these investments can provide the investor with a perpetual rent of up to 10% per year. Such long resources and in such quantity could be found only in the Middle East.

There is another country that is interesting for Ukraine as an alternative to the Saudi direction. We are talking about Qatar. By the way, it is also a member of the blacklist of offshore companies. On average, this country supplies to the international market over 100 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year. One of the main sales markets is European: the market share of Qatar in the LNG segment in the EU countries exceeds 40%, and the average annual supply volume is 20 billion cubic meters. In addition to Europe, Qatar is actively developing the markets of the Asia-Pacific region (APR): China, India, South Korea, Singapore.

The only problem that stands in the way of LNG from Qatar is its transportation, which does not provide for the convenience of gas pipelines, but depends on the sea logistics routes. Theoretically, the Qatari people could increase their gas supplies in the European direction by 20 billion cubic meters. But for this, we need terminals for regasification of gas from a liquefied state to a gaseous one. To solve this problem, Qatar invests 5 billion pounds in the construction of LNG reception terminals in the UK, in addition, the Polish terminal in Swinoujsc is ready to receive 1-2 billion cubic meters of Qatari gas with the possibility of expansion to 5-7 billion cubic meters.

The construction of the LNG terminal in Odesa is potentially one of the promising entry points for Qatari gas to the European market through our gas transportation system. But here the key problem is the passage of large tankers through the Bosphorus. This problem can be successfully solved with the participation of Turkey. Especially given the presence of common interests that potentially link Ukraine, Qatar, and Turkey into one "tangle" of joint economic interests.

Moreover, the number of ingredients of this investment dish can be expanded by including the domestic chemical industry, which turned out to have the minimum level of profitability due to high prices for natural gas. In particular, we are talking about the privatization of the flagship of the industry - the Odesa Port Plant (OPZ). That is, in order to assemble Ukraines unique investment puzzle, it is necessary to interest Qatar not only in the supply of LNG to the future Odesa terminal, but also to attract capital from this country for the privatization of the OPZ, the creation of joint agricultural and processing enterprises with the prospect of selling finished products to EU markets.

The above areas of attracting Arab investment are just a sketch in soft desert colors. The main thing is that the state interest is not mixed with the private and strategic goals with the desire for momentary gain. In addition, we will have to offer the Arabs either the primacy of the law or the primacy of long-term, continuous power. The first thing is common in the EU and the USA, the second - in China and the Russian Federation. The long-term, continuous power has not yet nested in Ukraine. So maybe we should think about the primacy of the law, and they're not only Arab investments, but also Chinese, European and others will flow to our country. Perhaps one of the greatest political leaders of our time will finally think about this.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:28:23|Editor: yan

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BAGHDAD, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Thursday expressed its deep concern about the bureaucratic restrictions on the humanitarian work to aid 2.4 million vulnerable Iraqis.

A UNAMI statement quoted Marta Ruedas, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, as saying that permission letters used to be issued every 30 days by a mandated governmental body, but since November 2019, the aid deliveries have slowed considerably due to "the discontinuation of previously agreed-upon access authorization procedures."

Ruedas warned that unless the restrictions are lifted immediately, the humanitarian operations in Iraq may be stopped within weeks, as hundreds of thousands of people are facing lack of food, medicine and materials druing the coldest months of the year.

"Our operations are at risk," said Ruedas. "Without predictable, continual access authorization, humanitarian aid is in danger of rotting in warehouses, putting lives in jeopardy and wasting badly-needed donor funds."

A survey carried out by NGO organizations working with UNAMI showed that since December 2019, more than 2,460 humanitarian missions had been cancelled or prevented from reaching their destinations.

It is estimated that approximately 2.4 million people in need have been affected by the restrictions on humanitarian movements, according to the UNAMI statement.

Ruedas urged the Iraqi government to allow the aid agencies to resume delivering aid effectively and efficiently.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one sixth of patients who use e cigarettes containing marijuana are at a risk of lung injuries. These e cigarettes containing marijuana products were all obtained from legal dispensaries says the CDC. The CDC warns the public against the use of these THC-containing e-cigarettes or vaping products.

Image Credit: Lifestyle discover / Shutterstock

This latest report from the CDC comes after several reports of acute lung injuries seen with vaping especially using productions containing Tetra hydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the active ingredient that is present in marijuana. This report from the CDC collates case reports of 809 patients from Illinois, Wisconsin and Utah who use products containing legalized marijuana in e cigarettes. According to the CDC, 131 of these patients or 16 percent have reported acquiring the products from commercial sources. Most of the population  627 individuals, said they had obtained the products from informal sources. This includes friends, family members or online and person dealers. Only 6 percent of 51 individuals studied obtained their products from both of these sources.

The CDC report goes on to say that when asked about the legal status of the stores, the products were obtained from, most people were unaware. In the states where recreational marijuana is legalized as well, the people did not know which of the stores were licensed by the state and which were not. For example, in California, the Bureau of Cannabis Control have now in their possession over 10,000 illegal vape pens that were seized from unlicensed retailers within a span of just 2 days last month.

A total of 1,979 patients with history of substance use were studied and of these 82 percent or 1620 had been using marijuana containing products. The team noted that 264 had been using nicotine only vaping products. The report added that even adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years were found to be acquiring the marijuana containing vape pens mostly from informal sources. The adults were more likely to get their products from commercial sources.

Sean Jorgensen Callahan, a pulmonologist and University of Utah professor warned that he has encountered several cases of lung damage due to vaping marijuana and said that actual number of cases may be much higher as many would be unreported. Last spring there has been an exponential rise in the number of deaths associated with lung injuries associated with vaping said experts. There have been 2602 cases of acute lung injuries associated with vaping in this period and of these 57 have died, said pulmonologists.

The CDC started their investigation looking at all cases of lung injury irrespective of the content of the vaping devices  nicotine or marijuana. They noted that illegally purchased THC contained vape products were preferred over nicotine containing products as these produced a greater high and were used in an oil base. These THC cartridges were associated with acute cases of lung injuries reported from eight different states says the CDC. The organization added that even when they found the THC containing cartridges, they could not detect the stores that sold these devices because of lack of information on these illegal products.

Callahan, the expert pulmonologist explained that contained in the THC cartridges was vitamin E acetate that could be the most likely cause of the acute lung injuries. He added that this was still under investigation saying that something else could be the cause of the lung damage and vitamin E acetate could just be an innocent bystander. The team collected the vaping products from 73 patients of these 79 percent had one or more THC vaping products said the agency. Vitamin E acetate was found in 78 percent of the population tested said the CDC. In a recent study of the 51 cases of acute lung injury due to vaping, vitamin E acetate was found in 94 percent of the cases. The CDC wrote, Although most EVALI cases have been associated with use of informally sourced THC-containing products, 16 percent of patients reporting use of THC-containing products reported acquiring them only from commercial sources.

Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and a former senior drug policy adviser said, The data is clear on two fronts. Legal, licensed products cannot be conclusively stated as safe  as Big Marijuanas lobbyists have so desperately tried to do  and legalization has only served to make the underground market more dangerous. The significance of this data release cannot be understated.

Based on several reports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also announced a couple of weeks back that fruit, candy and mint flavoured vaping fluids would be banned across the nation to prevent children and adolescents from taking up vaping e cigarettes. At present the FDA is also investigating the cases of e cigarette associated acute lung injury among the sufferers.

The CDC is also warning that the best way for persons to ensure that they are not at risk is to consider refraining from the use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
Religious publication celebrates history of DIY abortions

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A progressive secular Jewish magazine published an article this month instructing women on how to perform do-it-yourself abortions.

Jewish Currents magazine published the article titled "How to Give Yourself an Abortion" that includes illustrations first published in its fall 2019 issue. The article uses gender-neutral terms as it suggests that attempting to abortion one's baby at home is a safe and simple procedure.

"For as long as people have gotten pregnant, people have given themselves abortions," the article begins.

Although the author added a disclaimer saying she wasn't encouraging women to endanger themselves by attempting to perform their own abortion, the article details a variety of methods women have used throughout the centuries in an attempt to kill their unborn child.

"In 2020, however, the safest way to perform a self-managed abortion is with pills  usually some variation of the same ones administered at doctors offices," the article insists.

Obstetricians worldwide have warned against buying abortion pills online. And last year, the Food & Drug Administration banned online sales of abortion pills.

In a medical abortion, women are given two drugs: mifepristone or RU-486, and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the effects of the natural pregnancy hormone progesterone. Misoprostol induces contractions and a miscarriage.

Sue Turner, director of Physicians for Life, told The Christian Post that there are many websites that encourage women to take misoprostol to induce an abortion.

I shudder to think what happens to her and what she goes through in that process because in about 30 minutes she starts having horrific contractions. And women can die. If the cervix doesnt open it can cause all kinds of horrible problems for her, she said.

When mifepristone first came out, the U.S. FDA had a protocol for it to be used through seven weeks, or 49 days from conception.  But the longer you wait, the less effective it is, Turner said.

Because many abortion clinics in the U.S. were ignoring the FDAs protocol and using the drug in chemical/medical abortions up to 60 days, states began passing regulations saying they had to follow the FDAs protocol.

They didnt want to have to follow the FDA protocol, so [then President] Obama made the FDA change it to the later date, the 60 days, to match up with what the abortion providers were doing," she explained. The drug was less effective and abortionists then had to also perform a surgical abortion, which meant that women were being charged for both chemical and surgical procedures.

While few women have been arrested for attempting to abort their own child since the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide, several states have since passed laws that either criminalize the harm done to preborn babies or regulate the disposal of aborted babies as medical waste, Jewish Currents noted.

With the advent of the abortion pill, chemical abortions are becoming more common. The 2019 motion picture "Unplanned," which told the story of Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate Abby Johnson, showed an example of this type of abortion procedure. Johnson ended her second pregnancy from her first marriage by taking the series of abortion-inducing drugs that she bought at the same abortion clinic where she would later work for eight years.

Jewish Currents also advised using deceptive tactics to get abortion-inducing drugs without going to an OB/GYN or abortion clinic, such as by convincing a man to try to buy them from a pharmacist, or by telling a pharmacist that one's grandparent suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and is visiting and left their medication at home, or by deceiving a veterinarian clinic that might have the pills in stock for use on animals.

Many OB/GYNs in the U.S. have used abortion pill reversal treatments to successfully save babies lives in cases where mothers have started the process of a chemical abortion but then change their minds midway through.

A network of Abortion Pill Rescue physicians exists around the country so that women who change their mind after taking Mifeprex (mifepristone) can be put in contact with a physician who will give natural progesterone to reverse the abortion, said Dr. Donna Harrison, a board-certified OB/GYN, as part of her testimony to the Kentucky House Health and Welfare Committee last March in support of Kentuckys Chemical Abortion Reporting Act.

Turner told CP that if a pregnant woman who has taken the first of two abortion pills decides shes made a mistake and wants to keep her baby, she would have a relatively high chance of delivering a healthy baby if she was to undergo the reversal.

That is why it is critically important that a woman be informed of all of her options, including abortion pill reversal, as part of a full informed consent process prior to starting a chemical abortion, added Harrison, who has authored peer-reviewed articles on the adverse events reported to the U.S. FDA after use of the abortion drug mifepristone.

By giving a woman progesterone, the Mifeprex (mifepristone) abortion can be stopped and the chances of the baby surviving increase from 25 percent (the survival rate without natural progesterone) to 68 percent (the average survival rate after giving natural progesterone), she continued in her testimony, detailing how progesterone is an antidote to the abortion-inducing drug.

Turner said that since 2012, over 500 healthy babies have been born because of the reversal process. As long as they have it early enough it works very well. They just cant take it after the misoprostol, which is the second pill.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Iran, Syria, and Libya during a phone call, both administrations said in separate statements.



Neither administration provided specifics of the January 15 call.



Tensions are rising between the West and Tehran following Irans admission that its forces unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian airliner on January 8, angering many around the world, including thousands of Iranians who took to the streets in protest.



Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to host leaders of Turkey, Russia, the United States, Britain, China, France, and Italy in Berlin on January 19 to discuss the armed conflict in Libya.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also said he will attend.



A cease-fire has been called in the North African nation between the warring sides -- the UN-backed government in Tripoli, which Turkey supports, and a Russia-backed rebel warlord

attempting to seize power.

Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS
Yves here. While we typically discuss the Middle East in terms of geopolitics, the US press averts its eyes from the ongoing human rights disaster in Gaza and how the US is complicit. The bare facts are only getting worse.

By Stephen McCloskey, Director of the Centre for Global Education, a development non-governmental organisation based in Belfast which provides training, resources and publications on international development issues. He is editor of Policy and Practice: A Development Education Review, a bi-annual, peer reviewed, open access journal funded by Irish Aid since 2005. He is editor of Development Education in Policy and Practice (Palgrave, 2015) and co-editor of From the Local to the Global: Key Issues in Development Studies (Pluto Press, 2015). He manages education projects in the Gaza Strip, Palestine and has written extensively about the Middle-East. Originally published at openDemocracy

Children playing in Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, home to 43,330 registered refugees. Photo: May 2014. Stephen McCloskey all rights reserved.

In 2012, the United Nations published an alarming report on the future of the Gaza Strip warning that by 2020, without urgently needed remedial action, the territory would no longer be a liveable place. The report added: There will be virtually no reliable access to sources of safe drinking water, standards of healthcare and education will have continued to decline, and the vision of affordable and reliable electricity for all will have become a distant memory for most.

These dire forecasts of a creaking infrastructure unable to meet the needs of two million Gazans have been sadly realised. According to Save the Children, 90% of Gazas drinking water is unfit for human consumption, electricity is available for just 2-4 hours per day, water-borne diseases are spiking, health and emergency services are breaking down and fresh food is unavailable because of a lack of refrigeration.

With over 108 million litres of untreated sewage discharged daily into the Mediterranean Sea, over 60% of the sea is contaminated and the ground water increasingly compromised with pollutants. Gaza has truly become an unliveable place and, yet, two million Gazans are forced to live in what is famously described as the worlds largest open air prison.

Blockade of Gaza

The primary cause of this unliveable environment is a highly restrictive Israeli blockade, now in its 13th year, which has reduced Gaza to the point of systemic collapse. Ostensibly imposed on the basis of a security protocol following the election of a Hamas government in Palestinian elections in 2006, Amnesty International believes that Palestinians in Gaza are being collectively punished.

What distinguishes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from the disasters and emergencies that normally push civilian populations to the edge of catastrophe, is that it is not the result of a hurricane, flood, tsunami, drought or famine but a human-made policy that is entirely avoidable. Although it withdrew its settlers and troops from Gaza in 2005, Israel remains the occupying power in the territory as it controls the airspace, territorial waters and all but one of the border crossings. According to Amnesty, this means Israel is responsible for the welfare of the inhabitants in the strip under international humanitarian law.

The blockade has choked off Gazas economy, described by the UN as fundamentally unviable, given tight restrictions on the trade of goods and services. The unemployment rate is the worlds highest at 52% but that rises to nearly 70% for young people and 75% for women. Nearly 75% of Gazas population are registered refugees, of whom 900,000 receive emergency food assistance from the UN and 500,000 live below the abject poverty line.

However, the effects of the blockade have been exacerbated and compounded by other factors not foreseeable in the 2012 report. In October 2014, the Egyptian-controlled Rafah Crossing to the south of Gaza was effectively closed by the new military ruler, President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, who also severed the economic lifeline of smuggling tunnels between Gaza and Egypt.

Operation Protective Edge

Also in 2014, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge in Gaza, its third military operation in the territory since 2007, which resulted in 2,251 Palestinian fatalities, of whom 1,462 were civilians and 551 children; six Israeli civilians and 63 troops were killed in the conflict. Gazas civilian infrastructure was also greatly diminished with 18,000 housing units damaged or destroyed, together with several hospitals, clinics and schools. This operation has contributed to severe mental health problems in Gaza with the UN reporting in 2019 that trauma was reaching epidemic proportions.
At the show, the company is focusing on its advanced technologies in the aviation and training fields.

Leonardos technologies are already in-service in Kuwait, where the Company has provided infrastructure for Kuwait City Airport, including data management systems, primary radar and an ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) system for air traffic control.

Leonardo has also provided Kuwait City Airport Terminal 4s new baggage handling system. Three Leonardo AW169 light-intermediate twin helicopters guarantee onshore and offshore transportation to the Kuwait Oil Company, operated by Falcon Aviation Services, enabling the operator to perform a leap forward in the level of service supporting the Oil & Gas industry within the region.

Thanks to the presence of the Italian Air Force, attendees at the show will be able to see the flight display by the Eurofighter Typhoon performed by the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Italian Air Force Flight Test Wing), which is responsible for the study and evaluation of all ground and flight tests of aeronautical weapon systems. Eurofighter Typhoon is the worlds most advanced swing-role combat aircraft providing simultaneously deployable Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface capabilities. The aircraft has demonstrated, and continues to perform with high reliability across the globe in all climates.

Nine customers  including Italy, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar  have already ordered the Eurofighter Typhoon, which stems from a collaborative project between Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, with the industrial participation of Leonardo, BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space. Leonardo has a 36% workshare in the Typhoon programme and is responsible for more than 60% of the aircrafts electronics.

In December 2019, the Eurofighter Typhoon programme achieved a key milestone with the first flight of the Instrumented Series Production Aircraft (ISPA 6) equipped with the Kuwait.

Air Force configuration, the first aircraft to fly the innovative Captor E-Scan Radar with Phase Enhancement P3Eb. With Captor E-Scan radar and several new additions to the weapon system, this variant will put the Kuwait Air Force at the front-line of fighter technology when the aircraft enters service with the State of Kuwait. Leonardo will start delivering Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft to the Kuwait Air Force from 2020 and deliveries of 28 aircraft will continue until 2023. Training for Kuwaiti pilots is already underway in Italy at Grosseto Air Force Base.

Over the past few years, 24 Kuwaiti Air Force pilots have earned their wings at the Italian Air Force International Training Academy at the Lecce Galatina Air Base. Leonardos integrated training system is based on the M-346 jet, designated the T-346A by the Italian Air Force, the backbone of the 61 Wing, which trains pilots and instructors from Italy and nations such as Kuwait, the USA, Spain, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Argentina, and Greece.

Starting this year, thanks to the delivery of the first M-345 aircraft, the new basic-advanced jet trainer ordered by Italian Air Force to replace the MB.339A, Leonardo offer in the training sector will be based on only two platforms able to cover the entire pilot training syllabus, guaranteeing the Air Force cadets the most effective training with a significant reduction in cost. Aiming to satisfy global Air Forces requirements with a state of the art technology, Leonardo has developed a new Fighter Attack version of the M-346 which has already been ordered by an undisclosed customer.

Together with the Italian Air Force, Leonardo launched the International Flight Training School (IFTS), based on the Italian Air Force world-renowned excellence in flight training and Leonardos leadership in delivering proven integrated training solutions. Underpinned by Leonardos training capabilities and set to become an international benchmark for advanced pilot training (starting with Phase IV - Advanced/Lead-In Fighter Training), the IFTS offers customised teaching modules which meet the requirements of world-class Air Forces. These modules can also reduce the need for expensive flight hours with an Operation Conversion Unit (OCU), saving time and valuable resources.

The Leonardo C-27J multi-mission aircraft of the Italian Air Force is featured in the Kuwait Aviation Shows static area. The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load whilst accessing very short runways, even in sandy and snowy weather conditions. The C-27J has the widest cabin in its category, unrivalled manoeuvrability and interoperability with heavier airlifters like the C-130 and the A400M. The C-27J can be equipped with the latest technologies including Night Vision Goggles, ballistic protection system, a Defensive Aids Sub System and an air to air refuelling Probe & Drogue system. The aircraft can perform various types of missions including: troop transport, Command, Control, Communication & Surveillance, fire-fighting, maritime pollution dispersion, VIP/government transport, amongst others. Currently, the Royal Australian Air Forces C-27J aircraft are supporting Operation Bushfires Assist activities, operating civil evacuation missions to rescue people in remote Australian regions from the fire devastation.
P RIMARK enjoyed a blow-out sales boom just before Christmas as it continued to show the rest of the High Street a clean pair of heels, increasing its already dominant share of the clothes and footwear market.

With rivals struggling, Primark said sales for the 16 weeks to January 4 were 4.5% ahead of a year ago. John Bason, the finance director of parent company Associated British Foods, said the Monday before Christmas Day on Wednesday was huge. It was a blow-out, a fantastic day for us. In some stores we beat our own records, he said.

Primarks move into America, traditionally a graveyard for UK retailers, continues to expand, though the company didnt give much in terms of detail, saying only that there was sales growth in the US. After a brutal period last year, ABFs sugar business is back on the up, with sales up 7%.

Rain in the UK has affected production levels a little, but sugar prices are rising across Europe, which should be good for profits. The City was relieved at the resilience of the picture presented, and ABF shares rose 61p to 2616p, leaving the business valued at towards 21 billion.

Credit Suisse analyst Simon Irwin was upbeat. He said in a note to clients: Given the weak Christmas reported by peers such as M&S and B&M this is quite a welcome surprise and is the first positive quarter since 2017. He reckons the shares are a clear buy since ABF is one of the few large cap stocks in our universe with solid growth prospects and upside to valuation.

Primark now has a 17% share of the clothes market, well ahead of the next biggest player, M&S. It plans to open another 18 stores this year, including the first shop in Slovakia, Primarks 15th country.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar staunchly defended his record against three Democratic challengers Thursday, saying violent crime and public safety response times have decreased since he took office three years ago.

Salazars March 3 primary challengers Jose Trevino, Pete Lozano and Sharon Rodriguez criticized the incumbent as ineffective, claiming he has compounded problems with morale and discipline in the Sheriffs Office.

They also blamed him for operational mishaps, including inadvertent inmate releases, at the Bexar County Jail.

He needs to be a one-term sheriff, Lozano, a retired state trooper with 23 years of law enforcement experience, told the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board.

On ExpressNews.com: State inspectors say jail is back up to standards

Lozano, a former Republican, described himself as a police accountability specialist. He said better pay and consistent application of strong personnel standards are needed at the Sheriffs Office.

Trevino, who has served in numerous roles in the Sheriffs Office, including internal investigations and homicide, touted his expertise in budgeting. If elected, he said, he would practice the tenets of leadership 101, praising deputies in public for good work and punishing in private.

Rodriguez, who received a Texas peace officer license in 2014 and resigned as a Hollywood Park patrol officer to run for sheriff, said she is in tune with the mood of deputies under Salazar who are afraid to speak out.

Trevino, who has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, said he would focus on problems the Sheriffs Office has had with recruiting, retention and manpower shortages.

Were losing a lot of employees in large numbers, he said. In my opinion, there is not enough foresight and not preparation for the growth of the county and the growth of the agency.

Rodriguez said her husband, a patrol deputy, would resign if she were elected, to avoid a perceived conflict. She said she initially supported Salazar when he was elected but has seen his force suffer from a lack of consistency, with allies of the sheriff getting preferential treatment under a good ol boy system.

Morale is where we need to start, she said. Within the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, if you dont know someone, you will never be someone.

Salazar, a former public information officer with the San Antonio Police Department and a 27-year law enforcement veteran, said he wants to continue his work of cleaning up the department. He said he has tightened up the departments hiring practices and has taken swift and decisive action to fire deputies for disciplinary issues, such as drunken driving arrests and assaults on inmates.

To address staffing problems at the jail, Salazar said he has begun hiring 18-year-olds as licensed jailers, placing them in a soft security role until they turn 19, when theyre placed in regular duty at the jail. Unlike the Police Department, which has a maximum cutoff age of 44 on new hires, he said he has hired cadets in their upper 50s who can provide mentoring on the force.

Salazar challenged Rodriguezs suggestion that deputies on patrol are being spread too thin, unable to get backup in less than 20 minutes, leaving county residents vulnerable. He said past sheriffs have failed to recognize disciplinary problems that have lingered for years or have looked the other way.

On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff details multi-pronged plan to fix Bexar County jail woes

If youre a deputy under my tenure and you  take off your uniform to assault an inmate on your watch, absolutely youre going to go to jail, Salazar said. Im going to go in there and Im going to personally put you under arrest.

Michelle Barrientes Vela, another Democratic challenger and a former Bexar County constable who inadvertently removed herself from office last year under the states resign-to-run law, did not attend Thursdays meeting with the editorial board.

The board met later in the day with Gary Garcia, a Republican candidate for sheriff. Garcia, a deputy and warrant officer at the Sheriffs Office with 34 total years in law enforcement, said inadequate policies and procedures at the jail have contributed to the improper releases and other security risks. He said hes helped the department achieve needed reforms by pointing out problems.

When I see something wrong, I always speak up, he said.

Garcia criticized Salazar for speaking to the media about the arrests of deputies or suspects in pending cases.

I believe in transparency, but I also believe that we have to follow our collective bargaining agreement with deputies, Garcia said. I dont think we should go to the media for anybody when theyre arrested, unless its for the safety and the security of the public.

Republican candidate Gerry Rickhoff did not attend, and GOP challenger Willie Ng had the flu.

Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
Hell is an inter-branch congressional procedural dispute over protocol. It was thought on Wednesday afternoon that the House of Representatives would deliver two impeachment articles to the Senate for a trial. No. The Senate, instead, insisted it would only receive notice from the House that it had impeached Donald John Trump, as he is required to be called in the stuffy context of impeachment, and then get back to the House about when it was ready to accept the delivery. (Thursday, mid-morning.)

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Wednesday was an afternoon of pomp and circumstance regarding the physical transmission of paper to the other side of a building. There was first a photo-opsorry, an Engrossment Ceremonyin a House reception room, in which Nancy Pelosi, using at least a dozen collectors-item pens, signed off on the articles. The seven impeachment managers whom Pelosi had named earlier Wednesday morning to try the case in the Senate stood above her, and then arranged themselves in formation, by seniority, behind the House Clerk and Sergeant at Arms, for a processional across the Capitol. The Clerk, carefully carrying the articles that the Senate would get around to reading in the morning, entered the Senate and read the message that Trump had been impeached. The message was received. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell scheduled the swearing-in of senators for the following day and arranged for senators to escort Chief Justice John Roberts into the chamber.

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The scripting of the handoff may have been so intricate because it was, really, the last piece of the impeachment process that congressional leaders, who are used to scripting every second of action in the Capitol, can control to their satisfaction. No one knows what will happen during the Senate trial; Republicans still havent released the rules for it that theyve been deciding amongst themselves. Theres uncertainty about whether witnesses will be called later in the proceedingsand whether the Republican majority, should Democrats fulfill one of their requests to bring in fresh fact witnesses, might drag in Hunter Biden. Senators dont know if theyll be able to survive days and days of hearings in which theyre not permitted to speak or use their cell phones; presidential candidates in the Senate dont know if their campaigns will survive this time-suck, either. The outcomea near-party-line acquittal of the presidentis scripted, sure. Everything between then and now, though, is eerily up in the air. Spontaneity is anathema to the Senate. Press access is being sharply restricted, lest something happen.

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Pelosi, finally revealing her managers after weeks of speculation, didnt take many risks or offer many surprises. She named seven: Reps. Adam Schiff and Jerrold Nadler, chairmen of the Intelligence and Judiciary committees, respectively; Rep. Val Demings, a former Orlando police chief who serves on both the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees; Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee whos served, in one way or another, during the impeachments of Nixon, Clinton, and now Trump; Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the caucus chairman and no. 5 ranking Democrat in the chamber; and freshmen Reps. Sylvia Garcia and Jason Crow.

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The emphasis, Pelosi said in her announcement, is on litigators. The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom. The emphasis is making as strong as possible a case to protect and defend our Constitution, to seek the truth for the American people.

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The emphasis is also about managing her caucus, and rewarding certain members with valuable appointments while not offending others. There was no use, then, in spending a golden ticket on ex-Republican independent Rep. Justin Amash, a conservative and fierce supporter of impeachment whom a bloc of freshmen Democrats had been pushing as a manager to lend the case a sheen of nonpartisanship.

The managers had to be approved through a House vote midday Wednesday, giving the band one last opportunity to get together before impeachment became the Senates burden. There were Nadler and Judiciary Committee ranking member Rep. Doug Collins on the floor, leading debate on the measure and talking past each other with all the chemistry that the lifelong New Yorker and north Georgia pastor have become known for. Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Pelosi gave the final, dueling speeches. When McCarthy talked about Pelosis recent interview, in which she stated that the stain of impeachment would be with President Trump forever, Pelosinot known to listen closely the minority partys frequent ranting against herraised a fist in the air, in triumph.

As soon as tomorrow, the senators will take an oath of office, Pelosi said during the Engrossment Ceremony. They will take a special oath of office to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws.

Lets hope they uphold that oath they take tomorrow.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of Sikhs from Punjab on Wednesday joined the anti-citizenship law protestors at South East Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, demanding withdrawal of the contentious legislation.

The gathering of around 350 Sikhs from Moga, Barnala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangroor districts came as farmers' body Kisan Union (Ekta) (Ugraha) extended its support to the protestors here.

An indefinite protest at Shaheen Bagh had started on December 15 with people demanding that the government withdraw the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a possible pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Similar indefinite protests had simultaneously unfolded at Jamia Millia Islamia and Zakir Nagar also.

"Now they (the government) will get envious seeing the solid unit of Sikhs with Muslims and Hindus here.

And this is just one step outside our home, the full journey will be completed when the government repeals this law," Jagjeet Singh, who came from Moga, told PTI in a mix of Punjabi and Hindi.

"Guru Gobind Singh ji taught us thay we must oppose oppression wherever we see it and that is our motivation to join this fight," he added.

Asked how long would the Kisan Union members stay at the protest site, one of them said, "The decision will be taken by our elders. We can be here as long as required. CAA and NRC is just one issue. The government is answerable for many other issues including those of farmers."

At 7.30 pm, an estimated five thousand protestors, including women and children, stayed put at Shaheen Bagh.

Zainul Abidin, 44, of Ghaffar Manzil had started an indefinite hunger strike on December 16 to press the demand for repealing the CAA -- and after a fortnight was joined by Mehrunissa, 40, of Sarita Vihar.

Besides them, three elderly women -- now popular as the 'Dabang Dadis' of Shaheen Bagh -- too have been a constant sight at the centre stage of the protest venue since day one.

Shaheen Bagh local Nadeem, around 25, said though it has been a month and the government was yet to pay any heed but the support pouring in from various parts of the country and different faiths is helping the demonstration sustain.

"It's energising and fills us with hope. Like Sikhs and Hindus who are not even from Delhi coming here to support the cause," Nadeem, who runs a glass shop, said.

Another local, Mohammad Nafees, around 45, said the gathering continues at Shaheen Bagh round the clock and even working professionals also chipping in.

"One hour, two hours or full day, whatever people can do to keep this movement going they are doing it. The time otherwise spent in other leisurely pleasures is now being consumed here," Nafees, who has an air conditioner repairing shop, told PTI.

Besides Delhi, protests have unfolded in several parts of the country over the contentious law since it was passed on December 11 and have led to clashes at several places including Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 20 people have died.

According to the amended law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

The law excludes Muslims.

Those opposing the law contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution.

They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target the Muslim community in India.

However, the central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.
WASHINGTON - With an oath of impartiality, Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday became the third American sworn to preside over a presidential impeachment trial.

How he fulfills that pledge will have obvious consequences for President Donald Trump. But it will also shape the public image of the nation's 17th chief justice, and it holds ramifications for the Supreme Court and federal judiciary he leads. He portrays both as places where partisan politics have no purchase.

"And now he crosses First Street, where it's all about partisan politics," said Harvard University law professor Richard Lazarus, referring to the roadway in Washington that separates the Supreme Court from Congress.

There are obvious risks for Roberts, but Lazarus said he doesn't believe the chief justice will be particularly "risk-averse."

"I don't think he's going to look like a potted plant," said Lazarus, who has known Roberts since law school and has taught summer courses with him after he became chief justice.

"He's not going to erode the stature of the chief justice and the Supreme Court in the process by looking like an insignificant person."

The Constitution dictates that the chief justice preside in a presidential impeachment trial, but gives no guidance beyond that.

Under Senate rules, Roberts swears in senators, and all questions from senators are submitted in writing to him, then directed to the House impeachment managers, the president's legal team or witnesses. The rules also say the chief justice "may rule on all questions of evidence."

But unlike a criminal court trial, with standards of proof required to find a defendant guilty, the question of whether to convict in an impeachment proceeding has historically been a political choice for individual senators, who will cast their votes.

"John Roberts can, in a sense, do what he wants," said Brenda Wineapple, author of "The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a New Nation," which details the 17th president's impeachment proceedings in 1868.

Roberts's predecessors have not left much of a road map. Chief Justice Salmon Chase did not shy from making procedural rulings in Johnson's impeachment trial and was sometimes overruled by the Senate majority.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist took a far more hands-off approach during the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. His most memorable intrusion into the proceedings was to remind senators that they were not just jurors in the case but the court as well, and thus responsible for setting the rules.

Roberts will make his own way, but Wineapple, like most other experts, believes he will hew more closely to the Rehnquist approach.

Roberts, who was a law clerk for Rehnquist in 1980, is "always thinking about the long view of history, what came before and what comes after," Wineapple said. "In that sense I'd imagine he's going to be extremely cautious about being perceived as listing one way or another because that flies in the face of the myth that the court is above partisan politics."

In his year-end report on the judiciary, Roberts wrote what human resources departments might describe as his goal for 2020: "As the New Year begins, and we turn to the tasks before us, we should each resolve to do our best to maintain the public's trust that we are faithfully discharging our solemn obligation to equal justice under law."

Some argue that the goal cannot be accomplished in the impeachment trial simply by being passive.

"He's going to want to be somewhat hands-off, but the fact that the American people want something that looks like a fair trial means he's going to need to be the judge," said Elizabeth Wydra, president of the liberal Constitutional Accountability Center. "Being the judge means issuing rulings on key aspects of a fair trial, including whether or not you have documents and witnesses."

In a column she wrote on the subject this week, Wydra said "Roberts may simply be unable to avoid stepping into the fray and getting his robe dirty."

Paul Collins, a University of Massachusetts at Amherst political scientist who studies the judiciary, described Roberts's dilemma.

"Any decision he makes in the president's favor will be interpreted as partisan since Roberts is a Republican," Collins said. "Yet, any decision he makes against the president will be interpreted as biased, too."

That is because of the history of the two men. During the 2016 campaign, Trump declared Roberts a "disaster" and his nomination a mistake because of his vote that saved the Affordable Care Act.

Roberts in 2018 issued a rare rebuke of Trump's criticism of federal judges as biased against him, and frequently lauds the independence of the federal judiciary.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has alternately emphasized and minimized the chief justice's role in the impeachment trial. Lately, as Democratic demands for witnesses and documents have grown in the Senate, McConnell has reminded that a majority of senators will make the rules.

"I would anticipate the chief justice would not actually make any rulings," McConnell said recently. "He would simply submit a motion to the body and we would vote."

Among those Roberts is turning to for advice in preparation for his new role is his counselor, Jeffrey Minear, and James Duff, who was Rehnquist's top aide during Clinton's trial. Roberts subsequently appointed Duff in 2015 to oversee the federal judiciary system as head of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

He is also likely to rely heavily on Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDougal for her expertise in the ways of the Senate.

Roberts was famous for his preparation when he was in private practice and arguing cases at the Supreme Court. He anticipated hundreds of possible questions from the justices, and Lazarus imagines the same sort of process is at work now.

"Compared to now, there was great partisan agreement during the Clinton trial," Lazarus said, referring to unanimous agreements between Republicans and Democrats about how to conduct the proceedings.

"The chief has to preside over a Senate where there is no agreement between the majority and the minority and he has to prepare for not knowing what McConnell or Schumer might do," said Lazarus, referring to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who has pressed his Republican counterpart, unsuccessfully, to insist on calling on witnesses during the trial.

But Roberts will also be judged in the greater context of the Supreme Court, which will continue its work as the impeachment trial unfolds. The court has a controversial docket that threatens to make plain its conservative-liberal divide on issues such as abortion, gun control and legal protections for LGBT workers.

The justices currently are considering whether the Trump administration skirted the law when trying to end the Obama-era program protecting young immigrant "dreamers" from deportation. They have accepted cases in which Trump has sued to block release of his financial records to prosecutors and congressional committees.

And they've been asked to fast-track efforts that once again challenge the legality of the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's landmark health care legislation, the elimination of which has been a priority for Trump and other conservatives.

Almost surely headed to the high court is the issue of whether the judiciary has a role to play when the executive branch defies congressional subpoena.

Such cases are another reason for Roberts to be cautious in his role overseeing the impeachment trial, said former senator Trent Lott, who served as majority leader during Clinton's impeachment.

For instance, Lott said, Trump might try to block testimony at the Senate trial from current or former administration officials through a claim of executive privilege.

"You don't want to wade into that. He might end up having to rule in the Supreme Court," the Mississippi Republican said of the chief justice.

Lott recalled that at the conclusion of Clinton's five-week proceedings, senators were so appreciative of Rehnquist's low-profile performance that they rose to give him a standing ovation and presented him with a "Golden Gavel," awarded by Senate tradition to those who have presided over the body for 100 hours.

"I am not sure it quite reached 100 hours, but it is close enough," Lott said at the time.

Rehnquist responded: "It seemed like it."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  So much for the theory that New Yorks bail reform effort wouldnt lead to increased criminal activity.

Just two weeks into the states grand criminal justice experiment, Staten Island has its own glaring example of the insanity of the new cashless bail system.

The Advance reported that a recidivist offender who was arrested three times in less than two weeks was released without bail on two of the three occasions, after the reforms went into effect on Jan. 1.

The suspect, Emeka Aduba, 25, allegedly stole a credit card that he used for a shopping spree. A week later, the suspect allegedly swiped a BMW and evaded police during a high-speed chase. In a third incident, he allegedly smashed an MTA bus window.

District Attorney Michael McMahon said that his office would have requested bail for Aduba after that first episode, but the new bail laws prevented it.

During the car chase, Aduba is said to have woven in and out of traffic on the Staten Island Expressway at approximately 90 mph. Prior to jumping onto the highway, Aduba allegedly drove the wrong way down a residential street; went 90 mph in a 25-mph zone, and ran a red light at an intersection.

Think of how many people were put at risk during that car chase. Sure, Aduba might have posted bail and been on the street anyway under the old rules. But maybe not.

No matter. McMahons office had no choice but to turn Aduba loose yet again after the vehicular mayhem. Three days later, Aduba allegedly smashed the window of an MTA bus with a length of metal rebar. Aduba was at last issued $5,000 bail.

Its not the only recent example in the city.

Gerod Woodbury, whod been arrested for four bank robberies in Manhattan, was released after the new law went into effect. Last Friday, just a day after being released, he was accused of robbing a bank in Brooklyn.

Even Woodbury could see the absurdity of the bail reform laws.

I cant believe they let me out, sources quoted Woodbury as saying. What were they thinking?

Yes, laughing all the way to the bank.

On Long Island, a man was released without bail this week after being charged with drunken driving in a fatal crash. The man had three prior convictions for DWI since 2011.

Under the new reforms, those in DWI cases dont have to post bail. But you would think that a repeat offender in a fatal case might be jailed, or at least be ordered to post bail. There were later reports that the man could have been held after all, only highlighting the confusion surrounding the reforms.

Its plain dangerous to just release offenders without even the thought of bail, or without allowing judges to decide whether a suspect should be held in custody in order to ensure public safety.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week said that some kind of change is necessary, his strongest comments yet on the growing bail reform controversy. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is open to having a look, but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said New Yorkers need to be patient and let the new law play out.

Let it play out? New Yorkers have seen plenty already. Our safety is being put at risk because judges no longer have the discretion to dispense justice. Which is only their job. All so that lawmakers can pat themselves on the back and brag about how progressive they are, how sympathetic they are to offenders and the downtrodden who have been screwed by the criminal justice system.

But what about the offenders who deserve to be jailed? Surely there must be a few. One or two, at least?

Shh. Nobody wants to talk about that.
CAMEROON, Cameroon - The United States called Wednesday for a reduction in the more than 16,000-strong peacekeeping force in Mali and a new focus on protecting civilians because parties to a 2015 peace deal have made little progress in implementing it, but Russia said it doesnt want any changes now.

France, which has some 4,500 troops in the sprawling Sahel region which includes Mali fighting extremists, said it needs the U.N. force.

The opposing views played out at a Security Council meeting but there was agreement on the growing extremist threat.

Mali has been in turmoil since a 2012 uprising prompted mutinous soldiers to overthrow the president of a decade. The power vacuum that was created ultimately led to an Islamic insurgency and a French-led war that ousted the jihadists from power in 2013.

Insurgents remain active in the region and the West African nation is under threat from a number of extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization. The extremists have moved from the arid north to more populated central Mali since 2015, stoking animosity and violence between ethnic groups in the region.

The 2015 agreement was signed by three parties  the government, a coalition of groups who seek autonomy in northern Mali, and a pro-government militia.

Acting U.S. deputy ambassador Cherith Norman told the Security Council that inaction in implementing the peace agreement has seen civilians killed and abducted with impunity, and the West African countrys displaced population double last year.

Today millions suffer from food insecurity, with fully 30 per cent of the population malnourished, she said.

In this environment, Norman said, terrorist groups are taking advantage of ungoverned spaces, exploiting grievances, and fueling inter-communal conflict. Malis peacekeeping force, already one of the most dangerous U.N. peacekeeping operation, is facing extraordinary dangers, she said, and Malian armed forces are also suffering critical losses.

With little progress on the peace front and a deteriorating security environment, Norman said, its time to re-evaluate the U.N. missions role in supporting implementation of the 2015 agreement.

The missions primary mission remains supporting implementation of the peace deal and last June it was given a secondary mandate to help tackle escalating violence and re-establish government authority in the central part of the troubled West African nation.

The U.S. envoy said the council should consider having the peacekeeping force focus instead on protecting civilians, especially in densely populated and strategically important central Mali, and reducing the size of the force which would allow countries to apply resources toward more effective efforts in the region.

The council should also recognize that peacekeeping missions are not the answer to growing terrorist threats in Mali, Norman said, and it should sanction those on both sides of the conflict blocking implementation of the peace deal.

But Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told the council that Moscow supports the current U.N. mission, known as MINUSMA, and it should fulfil its mandate in central and northern Mali.

At the present juncture we are not ready to consider actions that would significantly reformat the parameters of this operation, nor its drawdown, he said.

U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the council the security situation in Mali and the Sahel is deteriorating at an alarming rate, and terrorism continues to feed inter-communal violence in central Mali.

He said the rapid and thorough implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable path for the stabilization of Mali, but so far it has been slow and irregular.

Lacroix called for additional resources to ensure MINUSMA can carry out its mandate in the north and centre, and he said the U.N. mission has developed plans for a Mobile Task Force that will enable peacekeepers to be more agile, flexible and enhance protection of civilians.

But he stressed that the U.N. mission in Mali is just one element of the response needed to fight violence, extremism and instability in the country and the wider Sahel.

Frances U.N. Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere stressed that MINUSMA remains a very important tool for us and we will continue to need and to support MINUSMA.

In 2018, five countries in the Sahel  Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mauritania  decided to form a regional force to fight the Islamic State, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups, but it has struggled financially, and still needs aircraft and modern military equipment.

French President Emmanuel Macron met leaders of the so-called G5 Sahel force on Monday and they vowed to boost their military efforts under a joint command in the Sahel, which has seen a surge of deadly violence. They also urged the U.S. to maintain its key support in the fight against Islamic extremism.
An increasing number of migrant workers hired on tourist visa face labour abuse, police and activists said.

Exploitative employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly using tourist visas to hire Indian nationals in a scam that leaves migrants open to labour abuse, police and activists said.

Indian migrants on visit visas  quicker and cheaper to obtain than work permits  are wary of reporting exploitation on the job for fear of revealing their illegal status, they say.

The scale of the problem is unknown as visit visas do not appear in Indian or UAE migration or employment records.

But workers, police and lawyers said the practice is on the rise in a nation with more than three million Indian migrants, often hired at short notice to work on large construction projects.

Employers and recruiters have colluded and invented this visit visa route, said Bheem Reddy, president of the Emigrants Welfare Forum in the southern Indian state of Telangana.

Reddys charity estimates at least 10,000 migrants from the state  just one of 29 in India  have found work in the UAE having entered the country on visit visas since July last year.

A demand for short-term workers in the run-up to big events such as Dubais Expo 2020 world fair in October has further fuelled the scam, a United Nations official said on condition of anonymity.

No workers rights

Indian migration into the Gulf has been steady for decades but using tourist visas to abuse workers is new, activists say.

Anuradha Vobbilisetty, who works on migrant labour cases in Dubai courts, said she had supported about 270 workers on tourist visas since 2018 who had not been fully paid.

Whereas work permits are issued by embassies and leave a paper trail, visit visas are sold by hotels and airlines, giving workers no rights and freeing employers from all responsibility.

Their passports were taken by agents at the airport itself, they didnt get paid for months, Vobbilisetty said.

But they continued working without salaries as they feared complaining about working illegally, she said, adding that 227 of the workers ended up being paid after the police stepped in.

The number of complaints made by Indian migrant workers against recruiters relating to jobs overseas tripled to more than 600 between 2016 and 2019, according to government data.

Many Indian workers in the Gulf  from cleaners to builders  say they have spoken to the government and charities about abuses from withholding wages and debt bondage to torture.

Scared to speak out

More than a third of the UAEs registered eight million migrant workers were Indian nationals as of 2017, the latest United Nations data shows.

Yet the number of Indians going to the UAE, at least officially, has dropped due to an economic crunch and the rising use of visit visas, Indias external affairs ministry has said.

Indias consul general in Dubai  the UAEs most populous city  said workers using the official channel are protected as details of the employer and the recruitment agent are recorded.

UAE embassy officials in India said they had no record of migrants working in the country after entering on visit visas.

Some smaller employers cut corners and save costs with the visit visas, said Sureshkumar Madhusudanan of the Federation of Overseas Recruitment Associations of India, an umbrella group.

Many employers also use visit visas to hire workers quickly then convert them to work permits, according to activists.

Mohammad Pasha lodged a police complaint in Telangana last November against a job agent who arranged a supermarket job for him in Dubai on a visit visa.

When asked by police at Mumbai airport if he was going for work, Pasha lied and said he was sightseeing as the recruiter said he risked jail if the authorities discovered the truth.

Pasha said he worked 16-hour days without overtime and was paid 800 dirhams ($218) monthly, not the 1,000 promised  but his employer warned him to keep quiet.

They said I would be behind bars if I spoke up, he said by phone from Telangana. I wanted to approach the labour court but I was scared as I was working illegally on a visit visa.

After three months in Dubai, Pasha gathered enough money to fly home. Telangana police said they had arrested the agent and his accomplice  who had got Pasha the job and his visa  for fraud and launched awareness-raising campaigns in villages.

We are telling them (would-be migrants) that these (visit) visas are different from job visas, said officer Upender Reddy.

Bheem Reddy, of the Emigrants Welfare Forum, questioned whether Indian authorities were being vigilant enough when examining migrants leaving the country to work abroad.

It is visible whether they are real tourists or going for employment, he said. A visibly poor labourer going in slippers for tourism  how is this being allowed?
Case opened over killing of bailiff in Russia's regional court

 RIA Novosti

11:37 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  A criminal case was opened on Thursday over shooting in a magistrate court in Novokuznetsk, a city in Russias Kemerovo Region, resulted in the death of a bailiff, the Investigative Committees press service reports.

According to investigators, in the morning time, a 45-year-old man entered the court with a rifle. The bailiff tried to stop him but suffered a gunshot wound. Then the suspect shot at a 43-year-old woman, who was a witness in one of the cases.

After that, the alleged shooter was arrested by other bailiffs and arrived police.

The wounded persons were taken to a hospital, where one of them, the bailiff died.
WASHINGTON - The United States and China reached a trade deal Wednesday that eases tensions between the worlds two biggest economies, offers massive export opportunities for U.S. farms and factories, and promises to do more to protect American trade secrets.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WASHINGTON - The United States and China reached a trade deal Wednesday that eases tensions between the worlds two biggest economies, offers massive export opportunities for U.S. farms and factories, and promises to do more to protect American trade secrets.

Still, the Phase 1 agreement leaves unresolved Washington's fundamental differences with Beijing, which is relying on massive government intervention in the economy to turn China into a technological power.

President Donald Trump is wanting to show progress on an issue that he has made a hallmark of his presidency and hopes to use in his reelection campaign this year. Wednesday's signing ceremony at the White House gave him the chance to do that just hours before the House voted to send articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial.

Trump promoted the trade signing as a way of delivering economic justice for American workers he claims have been betrayed by past administrations and their trade policies.

We mark more than just an agreement. We mark a sea change in international trade, Trump declared during a rambling ceremony in which he made references to former FBI Director James Comey, the impeachment proceedings and a possible visit to Mount Rushmore on July Fourth for a fireworks display.

The Chinese delegation also praised the pact. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a letter to Trump that the first-phase deal was good for China, for the U.S. and for the whole world." He said it also showed the two countries had the ability to act on the basis of equality and mutual respect." The letter was read by Beijing's chief negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He.

Some of the president's Democratic critics were unimpressed.

True to form, Trump is getting precious little in return for the significant pain and uncertainty he has imposed on our economy, farmers, and workers," said former Vice-President Joe Biden, one of the Democrats hoping to replace Trump.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement that with the economy losing thousands of manufacturing jobs and Farm Country reeling from the damage caused by President Trump, Americans are left with nothing more than a showy television ceremony to try to hide the complete absence of concrete progress, transparency or accountability in this phase one agreement.

The administration acknowledges the agreement leaves unresolved some U.S. complaints  most notably, the way the Chinese government subsidizes its companies. That was the concern voiced when Trump sparked a trade war by imposing tariffs on Chinese imports in July 2018.

The Phase 1 deal contains meaningful commitments but by no means lives up to the initial objectives of the administration,'' said Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator who is now vice-president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Further Chinese concessions would force Bejing to make major changes in its state-dominated economic model, which means the prospects for a timely conclusion are remote,'' she said.

The agreement leaves in place tariffs on about $360 billion in Chinese imports, leverage the administration hopes will generate future concessions.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said work on follow-up negotiations will hinge on how China fulfills the commitments it made in the initial phase.

We have to make sure this is implemented properly, Lighthizer said. This is the first agreement like this of its kind and we have to make sure that it works.

The agreement is intended to ease some U.S. economic sanctions on China while Beijing is to step up purchases of American farm products and other goods. Trump cited beef, pork, poultry, seafood, rice and dairy products as examples.

U.S. trade officials said the agreement would end a long-standing practice of China pressuring foreign companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies as a condition for obtaining market access. Lighthizer said China has also agreed to combat patent theft and counterfeit products, which would include forfeiting machinery used for making counterfeit products.

The 86-page agreement makes it easier to bring criminal cases in China against those accused of stealing trade secrets. It includes provisions designed to stop Chinese government officials from using administrative and regulatory procedures to ferret out foreign companies trade secrets and allowing that information to get into the hands of Chinese competitors.

The deal requires China to come up with procedures to permit effective and expeditious action to take down websites that sell pirated goods. China also must make it possible for e-commerce sites to lose their licenses for repeated failures to curb the sale of counterfeit or pirated goods.

China is required to increase its purchases of U.S. manufactured, energy and farm products and services by a combined $200 billion this year and next. The arrangement means that China is supposed to buy $40 billion in U.S. farm exports. That would be a windfall for Trump supporters in rural America but an ambitious goal considering that China has never bought more than $26 billion in U.S. agricultural products in a year.

Its a strong first step, said Jeremie Waterman, the U.S. Chamber of Commerces vice-president for Greater China. It begins the process of addressing some of the structural concerns, but theres a lot of work left to do. The meat, the core of (U.S. complaints about Chinas aggressive tech policies) has not yet been addressed. Obviously, thats going to have to wait until Phase 2.

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Most analysts say any meaningful resolution of the main U.S. allegation  that Beijing uses predatory tactics in its drive to supplant America's technological supremacy  could require years of contentious talks. Skeptics say a satisfactory resolution may be next to impossible given China's ambitions to become the global leader in such advanced technologies as driverless cars and artificial intelligence.

The U.S. has dropped plans to impose tariffs on an additional $160 billion in Chinese imports, and it cut in half, to 7.5%, existing tariffs on $110 billion of good from China.

Derek Scissors, China specialist at the American Enterprise Institute, said the trade war has already delivered a benefit for Trump, even if it hasnt forced Beijing to make major changes to its economic policy: Trumps tariffs have reduced Chinese exports to the United States and narrowed America's trade deficit with China.

So far this year, the U.S. deficit with China in the trade of goods has declined by 16%, or $62 billion, to $321 billion compared with a year earlier. The deficit will narrow further if Beijing lives up to its pledges to buy dramatically more American imports.

___

AP Business Writer Joe McDonald in Beijing and Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
I am thrilled to see what unique takeaways and perspectives arise out of the individual regional ROC conferences, said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the return of five regional Revenue Optimization Conferences (ROC) in five major cities around the world in 2020: London, Singapore, San Antonio, Sao Paolo, and Dubai. The conference gathers leading revenue optimization professionals for an in-depth exploration of optimization, digital marketing, and distribution.

HSMAIs annual ROC regional conferences deliver the most all-encompassing and robust revenue management event for the hotel industry.

Year-over-year HSMAI ROC conferences empower revenue leaders from around the globe and give hospitality executives the insights, tools, and resources needed to make actionable change within their teams and with partners, said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. I am thrilled to see what unique takeaways and perspectives arise out of the individual regional ROC conferences.

HSMAI ROC Europe  January 28, 2020, London, England

HSMAI Europe ROC 2020 will prepare attendees to take the lead in revenue strategy by elevating leadership and business acumen, anticipating and responding to headwinds, aligning sales, marketing, and revenue optimization efforts, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of hospitality technology, and driving profit throughout the customer journey. In addition to HSMAIs ROC Europe, over 300 hospitality professions will gather at the Savoy Hotel in London on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, for HSMAI Sales Leader Forum Europe, HSMAI Europe Awards, HSMAI Region Europe Chief Commercial Officer/ Commercial Director Roundtable, CRME, and CHDM certification courses.

HSMAI ROC Asia Pacific  June 4-5, 2020, Marina Bay, Singapore

Each year, ROC Asia Pacific is held in Singapore. The conference delivers the most compelling and comprehensive revenue management event for the local hotel industry and convenes more than 150 key stakeholders to address the most critical trends affecting revenue management in hotels today. All conference programs are organized by HSMAI Asia Pacifics Revenue and Digital Advisory Boards. The two-day program also features an executive roundtable, academy day, and a partner showcase.

HSMAI ROC Americas  June 1617, 2020, San Antonio, Texas, United States

For almost two decades, HSMAI ROC has delivered the most compelling and comprehensive event for the hotel revenue optimization discipline, with more than 650 leading professionals coming together to address the most critical trends affecting hotels today. This June, senior leaders in hotel revenue optimization, sales, marketing, and distribution will connect in San Antonio, Texas, to engage in meaningful, thought-provoking conversations about the most important strategic issues facing the business. Hospitality leaders at this event are responsible for leading revenue optimization and pricing for brands, management companies, ownership groups, hotels, and resorts. ROC also showcases partner companies serving the revenue management industry, including consultants, technology vendors, and companies providing products and services in revenue management, execution, and reporting.

In addition to the main conference, HSMAI presents HSMAI Helps, a volunteer opportunity benefitting San Antonio, Research in Action presentations and reception, and a VIP reception honoring Certified Revenue Management Executives (CRME). HSMAI will also host an awards ceremony presenting the Vanguard Award for Lifetime Achievement in Revenue Management, and the Revenue Management Professional of the Year Awards.

HSMAI ROC Brazil  August 7, 2020, Sao Paulo, Brazil

This year ROC Brazil will bring together nearly 100 hospitality and tourism professionals who are responsible for leading revenue optimization and pricing for brands, management companies, ownership groups, hotels, and resorts for a half-day conference that will spark meaningful, thought-provoking conversations about the most important strategic issues facing the business.

HSMAI ROC Middle East  December 8, 2020, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Co-located with HITEC Dubai, HSMAI ROC Middle East returns in December 2020 for a full day of education and conversation surrounding revenue optimization, gathering over 100 hotel revenue management executives from the Middle East for enlightening educational sessions and a partner showcase.

Learn more and register for regional ROCs at https://global.hsmai.org/roc/.

For information on becoming a partner at one or all ROC events, visit https://global.hsmai.org/partnership/.

About HSMAI

HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI leads the way in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry. Operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and for the sales, marketing, and revenue optimization disciplines, HSMAI connects its members with customers. Founded in the United States in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising 5,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI operates around the globe via regional boards of directors and staff. There are three regions: the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, and a chapter in the Middle East. Each region has geographic chapters and signature programs and services for association members. HSMAI has a Global board which is made up of delegates from each region.
New Delhi:

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be invited to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this year when New Delhi hosts the meet, the MEA said on Thursday.

"India will be hosting the heads of government summit later this year. As per established practice and procedure, all eight members and four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited... all eight members will be invited," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said when asked whether Imran Khan will be invited to the SCO Summit.

Raveesh Kumar, MEA: As per the established practice & procedure within SCO all 8 members of SCO, as well as 4 observer states & other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting. https://t.co/28MY5TVOzW  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

India also hit out at China for helping Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, saying Beijing should seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from such actions in the future. Pakistan has repeatedly tried to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council with China's help, but it failed again to find any support.

The latest attempt failed as other countries of the 15-member council felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan. The overwhelming majority of the UNSC was of view that it was not the right forum for such issues, Raveesh Kumar said at a briefing when asked about the developments in the UNSC.

An attempt was made by Pakistan to misuse the UNSC, he said, adding that Islamabad has a choice to avoid such a global embarrassment in the future.

Pakistan's attempt to peddle baseless allegations and show an alarming scenario failed as it lacked credibility, he said. On another question on whether Pakistan will be invited when India hosts the SCO heads of government meet this year, Kumar said all eight member countries and four observers will be invited.

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China to control rare earths as exports decline, new policy to take effect

Global Times

By Zhang Dan Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/15 22:13:40

Nation to control rare earths as exports decline, new policy to take effect

China will tightly control rare earths as a strategic mineral resource as shown by a recently introduced policy that imposes strict controls over exploration and mining, combined with an export decline, experts noted.

According to figures released by the General Administration of Customs on Tuesday, rare-earth exports in December stood at 3,657.3 tons, down 32.5 percent year-on-year.

According to media reports, it is estimated that total exports of rare earths in 2019 declined to 46,330 tons, the lowest since 2015.

According to Liu Enqiao, a senior energy analyst at Beijing-based Anbound Consulting, it is a trend for China's rare-earth exports to drop as the country is adjusting its rare-earth industry.

Liu noted that instead of buying the products from countries like Japan, which imports China's rare earths and then sells refined products back to China at high prices, China has been making a structural adjustment of the sector. The nation is trying to shift from exporting rare-metal ores for processing to producing value-added products itself, such as permanent magnets and LED illuminants.

On January 9, Ling Yueming, a deputy head of the Ministry of Natural Resources, told a press conference that contract sales of rare earths, as well as radioactive minerals' exploration and mining projects, will be strictly controlled. However, the projects could be transferred to specific bodies, Ling said, citing the ministry's new mineral resource management reform document.

"It is clearer that China will control rare earths as a type of strategic mineral resource tightlyEven though it may not weaponize rare earths as a bargaining chip during the US-initiated trade war with China, it is obvious that China holds a strong price advantage in terms of the costs of mining and refining compared with the US," Liu noted.

The US started to look for new rare-earth sources last year, and it has reached out to countries such as Australia and Canada. However, industry insiders said China's mature rare-earth industry chain and affordable cost meant it would be hard for US companies end their reliance on China.

China controls at least 85 percent of the world's rare-earth processing capacity, according to research firm Adamas Intelligence.

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Billings elementary and middle schools are aiming to slice almost 40 full-time equivalent staff positions as the district grapples with an elementary budget structural shortfall.

District administrators have been meeting with staff informing them of the cuts. No pink slips have been handed out, as most cuts are only recommendations. The district hopes to accomplish the cuts for licensed educators through attrition, retirements and reassignments.

Reductions are slated for elementary school intervention programs, the gifted and talented program, library programs, music, general education, support staff and administration.

The cuts would save $2.6 million through the 2020-2021 school year. Combined with a 10% reduction in building operational costs, the cuts total $4.2 million.

Superintendent Greg Upham said he focused on prioritizing school safety, meeting state accreditation standards and reducing rather than eliminating programs.

"We can't keep things the same. It's just going to be impossible," he said, calling staffing cuts "absolutely unavoidable."
A stalker who tormented Newsnight's Emily Maitlis for 25 years has admitted sending letters to her mother in a bid to contact her.

Edward Vines admitted attempting to breach a restraining order today, after twice sending correspondence to her mother to pass on to her.

The defendant, 49. had previously pleaded not guilty to breaching a restraining order imposed on him at Oxford Crown Court in 2009 for harassing the BBC journalist.

Since that hearing in September last year, Vines attempted to write another letter to Ms Maitlis's mother, Marion Maitlis, on October 6.

This followed his first letter to her between May 7 and May 16.

Vines, who appeared in the Nottingham Crown Court hearing via video link from HMP Nottingham.

Vines was jailed for 45 months on January 18, 2018, for continuing to breach his restraining order by writing to Ms Maitlis from prison and his bail hostel.

He met and briefly became friends with the Newsnight presenter when they were both students at Cambridge University in the mid-1990s.

In 2018, Ms Maitlis said Vines's unwanted attention was upsetting her husband, scaring her children and affecting her work.

The defendant was due to face a two-day trial next month before entering the guilty pleas and in the previous hearing, where Vines represented himself, he even asked whether he would be able to call Ms Maitlis as a witness in his trial.

At his sentencing hearing in 2018, Judge Peter Ross demanded written explanations from both the probation service and the governor at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire as to how Vines was able to continue offending.

The judge added that "one of the things the court has got to consider is the risk of re-offending".

Judge Rafferty remanded Vines back into custody and adjourned his sentence until February 3 at the same court.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations sanctions experts are warning people not to attend a cryptocurrency conference in North Korea in February, flagging it as a likely sanctions violation, according to a confidential report due to be submitted to the U.N. Security Council later this month.

The warning comes after the independent U.N. experts told the council in August that North Korea generated an estimated $2 billion for its weapons of mass destruction programs using "widespread and increasingly sophisticated" cyberattacks to steal from banks and cryptocurrency exchanges.

North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The 15-member Security Council has unanimously strengthened those measures over the years, prompting Pyongyang to look for alternative ways to make money.

In April last year, North Korea held its first blockchain and cryptocurrency conference and an organizer told Reuters more than 80 organizations took part. An American who attended has been charged with violating U.S. sanctions.

The next conference is due to be held from Feb. 22-29, according to its website.

An excerpt from the upcoming annual report by the U.N. sanctions experts, seen by Reuters, warns that presentations at the conference "have included explicit discussions of cryptocurrency for sanctions evasion and money laundering."

It then spells out that U.N. sanctions require countries to prevent the provision of "financial transactions, technical training, advice, services or assistance" if they believe it could be contributing to North Korea's nuclear or ballistic missile programs or to the evasion of sanctions.

The full report is due to be submitted to the U.N. Security Council North Korea sanctions committee later this month.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

'NO EVIDENCE OF ENTRY'

Story continues

A British government spokesman and a Security Council diplomat from another country, speaking on condition of anonymity, both said North Korea's cyber program was used to collect information, evade sanctions and generate revenue.

"Supporting the DPRK's use of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, risks violating the Security Council's resolutions because it would unavoidably increase the DPRK's ability to subvert sanctions and generate revenue for its weapons programs," the British spokesman said, citing North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The United States formally charged American digital currency expert Virgil Griffith last week after he attended the North Korean cryptocurrency conference last year. Prosecutors accuse him of providing services to North Korea without U.S. approval and evading U.S. laws.

When Griffith - who has a doctorate from the California Institute of Technology - was arrested in November, prosecutors said he and other conference attendees had discussed how cryptocurrency technology could be used by Pyongyang to launder money and evade sanctions.

"Although the press was not allowed to attend the conference and its proceedings were not published openly, the recent indictment of an American for sanctions violations sheds light on the intended purpose of the conference," the U.N. sanctions experts wrote in the excerpt from the upcoming report.

U.S. prosecutors said Griffith had been encouraging other U.S. citizens to attend next month's conference in North Korea.

The conference website specifically notes that Americans are welcome to apply to attend and that their passports would not be stamped "so there will be no evidence of your entry to the country."

Cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin and ether, are created through a computer process called mining, which requires powerful hardware. Once generated, they can be exchanged on anonymous online platforms for fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar, which in turn can help illicit activities like evading sanctions or laundering money.

Blockchain technology is a digital ledger that forms the backbone of many cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

(Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Mary Milliken and Tom Brown)
As the debate for the compilation of a New Voter's Register rages on, some civil society groups are kicking against the EC's proposal.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) comprises some 18 groupings facing the EC fair and square.

They have taken an entrenched stand and would never buy the EC's decision to compile a new voter's register ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections in December.

The CSOs are; Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), IMANI Africa, SEND Ghana, Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), Financial Accountability and Transparency  Africa (FAT-Africa), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Youth Bridge Foundation, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Citizens Movement against Corruption (CMaC) and Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC).

The rest are: Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Parliamentary Network Africa (PNA) and ISODEC.

A press release signed by all the CSOs, noted that it will rather be prudent to; open up the electoral register for voters to verify their names, update the existing software in ways to make it more efficient, remove names of persons suspected dead or who do not verify, work with the vendors to prime the hardware and where needed replace faulty ones and acquire new hardware to augment the existing stock and work with the existing systems rather than a full end-to-end replacement.

We reject the EC's informal, off the grapevine, costing of the alternatives to a full end-to-end replacement. We stand ready to debate the EC in any forum it prefers about its costing, they added.

The group of CSOs further indicated that if there is a need for collecting fresh data on citizens, the more appropriate, most lawful and financially responsible and justified approach will be to let the National Identification Authority to handle that task.

The full details of the press release are found below

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 18 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION ON WHAT GHANA SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS NEW REGISTER DISAGREEMENT. The EC should: 1. Open up the electoral register for voters to verify their names. 2. Update the existing software in ways to make it more efficient. 3. Remove names of persons suspected dead or who do not verify. 4. Work with the vendors to prime the hardware and where needed replace faulty ones. 5. Acquire new hardware to augment the existing stock and work with the existing systems. This is the more justified approach given time and resource considerations and indeed is the most technically feasible and defensible approach compared to totally replacing the entire system at great cost and running the nation through the trauma of another voter registration exercise. We reject the EC's informal, off the grapevine, costing of the alternatives to a full end-to-end replacement. We stand ready to debate the EC in any forum it prefers about its costing. We need to bear in mind that the NIA has struggled to complete its exercise in 3 years, so the EC purporting to do this in less than 1 year suggests a very stressful time for everyone with no guarantees of success, but a definite requirement for huge resource expenditure. As a nation, if there is a need for collecting fresh data on citizens, the more appropriate, most lawful and financially responsible and justified approach will be to: 1. let the NIA (The legally mandated Authority for collecting national identification data) collect and process the information. 2. The NIA should then send the EC the subset of the information it needs for the purpose of election. 3. The EC can then use that information to update its systems. This way the nation moves forward and avoids the wasteful duplication of efforts at great expense.

---CitinewsRoom
Plane passengers have been left furious after a journey from Manchester to Sydney took four days due to floods in Dubai.

The Emirates flight, scheduled to leave the UK on Saturday, was delayed by 10 hours before it even left the ground in Manchester.

Passengers eventually arrived in Dubai only to be told they would have to be re-booked onto new connecting flights because planes could not take off from the rain-soaked runways.

Pictured: Frustrated customers wait to speak with Emirates staff after flights were delayed due to flooding in Dubai

Hundreds of furious travellers from multiple flights were forced to queue for 15 hours to arrange their new bookings - but only one staff member was catering for all of them.

Footage from the airport showed hundreds of disgruntled travellers packed around an Emirates desk inside the airport.

One passenger, who was returning to Sydney after spending Christmas with family in Manchester, told Daily Mail Australia about his horrendous ordeal.

'When we were delayed at Manchester there was no communication. They knew Dubai was flooded but they kept sending more flights there.

'When we got there, there were around 700 people queuing up to re-book their connections.'

He said passengers were given 'one small cupcake' and their was only one employee 'dealing' with the travellers.

'It was a total dereliction of duty by a leading airline, with terrible treatment of passengers made to queue for up to 15 hours,' he said.

'There was no information, no help and customers were chanting ''where are you?'' at Emirates Dubai desks.'

In a statement on Saturday, Dubai Airports confirmed operations at Dubai International (DXB) were 'hampered by the knock-on effects of water-logging caused by heavy rainfall' earlier in the day. Pictured: Flooding at the airport

One passenger said it took four days to travel from Manchester to Sydney. He claimed he waited 15 hours to speak with staff in Dubai

Eventually the customer got on a flight and arrived in the harbour city on Wednesday - four days after leaving the UK on Saturday.

He said: 'I can understand a delay but it's just the way it was dealt with that was so bad.

'Old people, pregnant women and children were all treated with utter contempt.'

Another flyer, who shared vision of the crowd at the airport, wrote on Twitter: 'Took me 12 hours of standing in this ridiculous queue to just be spoken to.'

The woman claimed the customer service support 'couldn't help' but she managed to book herself a different flight from Dubai to New York, via Paris.

'24 hours added to my travel time,' the woman claimed.

Footage from the airport showed hundreds of disgruntled travellers packed around an Emirates desk inside the airport

Eventually the customer got on a flight and arrived in Sydney on Wednesday - four days after leaving the UK on Saturday. He said: 'I can understand a delay but it's just the way it was dealt with that was so bad' (stock image)

In a statement on Saturday, Dubai Airports confirmed operations at Dubai International (DXB) were 'hampered by the knock-on effects of water-logging caused by heavy rainfall' earlier in the day.

The weather event 'resulted in a number of flight delays, cancellations and diversions'.

'We continue to work closely with our service partners to clear the backlog, restore full operations and minimise the inconvenience to our customers,' the statement said.

'However, with additional rain expected later this evening, the disruption is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

'Accordingly, customers are advised to check directly with their airlines for more specific flight information and allow additional time to get to the airport.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Emirates for comment.
Director of the Center for Political Information Alexei Mukhin, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, said that much may change after the change of the Russian government.



First of all, he suggested that the decision to change the Cabinet's composition, including the prime minister, was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin after a series of meetings with the Cabinet on the basis of the implementation of national projects.



"At the end of the year, Putin was reported by the Accounts Chamber and the Prosecutor Generals Office, and decided that the situation should be changed," Alexei Mukhin explained.

"It was a completely justified decision, and it was rather surprising that this did not happen before. But nowthe situation in the country may change fundamentally," the director of the Center for Political Information expressed his expectations.



The political scientist explained that Mikhail Mishustin was elected as prime minister by the president to achieve timely development of the Russian economy.



"Apparently, Mishustin, like Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino and State Duma Charman Vyacheslav Volodin in their structures, will severely discipline the new composition of the Cabinet. Then the implementation of national projects will go faster," Alexei Mukhin concluded.
YEREVAN.  Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: According to our information, SIS investigator Asatryan has recently filed a petition with the court of first instance to allow [Constitutional Court president] Hrayr Tovmasyan's apartment, office, and paternal home to be searched. However, the judge, whose name we do not disclose at the moment, rejected the motion, arguing that, given the nature and substance of the charges against Hrayr Tovmasyan, it is impossible to find any evidence of the alleged crime in his apartment, office, or paternal home.

Prosecutor [General] Artur Davtyan has filed an appeal against that judicial act, but the appellate [court] also rejected the appeal, not giving in to pressure from the Supreme Judicial Council [(SJC)].

Following these rejections, some members of the SJC and the president of the Yerevan court met and decided to input the petitions and appeals about Hrayr Tovmasyan in the computerized case distribution system in a way that they would be assigned to one of the 6 most trusted and psychologically "stable" judges of the first instance court.

That is, those judges who have not made rulings contrary to the government for the last 20 years.
* Cautious optimism on copper market in 2020 - analyst

* Prices hit highest since May

* Zinc and lead rise to two-month high (Updates throughout, changes dateline from SINGAPORE)

By Zandi Shabalala

LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Copper climbed to an eight-month high on Thursday after the United States and China inked an initial deal in a prolonged trade dispute, boosting hopes for a revival in metals demand.

Fundamentally, the picture for copper is a lot better than it was last year, and from a macro point of view everything looks better in terms of the trade deal, BMO Capital Markets analyst Timothy Wood-Dow said.

Im cautiously optimistic on the outlook for 2020 and I think that is being priced in now.

But key issues lingered between the worlds two largest economies because some tariffs remained in place even as China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods and services by $200 billion.

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was up 0.7% at $6,328 a tonne by 1116 GMT, after touching its highest since May 1 at $6,335.50.

CHINA DATA: The negative impact of the trade dispute was laid bare in data from top metals consumer China on Thursday.

Chinas new home prices grew at their weakest pace in 17 months in December, while new bank lending fell more than expected last month even as lending for 2019 as a whole hit a record.

More monetary easing and fiscal stimulus is expected this year to spur growth in China, analysts say, which bodes well for metals demand.

INVENTORIES: Supporting prices were declining stocks of copper in LME-approved warehouses, which shed 1,275 tonnes to 126,775 tonnes. This was their lowest level since March, and they have declined over 60% since August. MCUSTX-TOTAL

COPPER SPREAD: The widening of the discount of LME copper cash over the three-month contract CMCU0-3 pointed to a well-supplied market, however. It hit $34.50 a tonne, its highest in over three months.

TECHNICALS: Coppers next technical target is $6,433 a tonne, the 50% Fibonacci retracement level, according to broker Marex Spectron.

SUPPLY: Diversified miner South32 Ltd said its manganese ore production slipped in the second quarter, but that it had cut its South African trucking costs.

OTHER PRICES: Aluminium prices were up 0.7% to $1,814 a tonne, after touching a one-week high. Zinc and lead rose to two-month highs, while zinc added 1.6% to $2,423 and lead gained 1.7% to $2,033.50.

Tin firmed 1.1% to $17,645 and nickel inched 0.3% higher to $14,360. (Additional reporting by Mai Nguyen in Singapore; Editing by Jan Harvey)
The United States of America in a communique on Thursday, January 16, 2020 announced that it has lifted the visa restrictions imposed on Ghanaian diplomats, effective February 2020.

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The statement issued by the public affairs section of the US Embassy in Ghana said, the decision to lift the restrictions imposed on Ghana follows the establishment of a mutually agreed process between the two countries.

The US in February 2019 imposed visa restrictions on Ghana after the West African country refused to accept the about 7,000 Ghanaian nationals that she wanted to deport.

READ ALSO: Election 2020: Akufo-Addo directs security personnel to deal with trouble makers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State issued visa sanctions on Ghana owing to its lack of cooperation in accepting its citizens ordered removed from the US.

In a statement, secretary of homeland security Kirstjen Nielsen said Ghana has denied or unreasonably delayed accepting their nationals ordered removed from the United States.

This became a back and forth issue between the two sovereign countries, but alas, diplomacy has prevailed.

The US Embassy in Accra in view of that took a decision to limit the awarding of visas to certain applicants, like domestic staff and relatives of diplomats posted to America.

This is not the first time the US had issued similar visa restrictions on African countries.

ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana

In 2017, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Eritrea were all issued visa restrictions for failing to comply with removal orders for nationals.

The restrictions ranged from tourist, business, exchange and student visas for government officials and their families.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo is not like Mahama; he has been accountable to Ghanaians - Mustapha Hamid

Eritrea was the worst-hit as all its nationals were disallowed from applying for tourist B visas.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that it has been revealed that Ghana loses thousands of cedis as a result of confiscated cars being auctioned cheaply to people who are politically connected.

An investigation by Joy News has uncovered how confiscated vehicles are sometimes sold for prices far lesser than their estimated duty cost.

A 2004 VW Touareg was found to have been allocated to one Nii Teiko Tetteh at a price of just above 25,000.

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday named seven Democratic lawmakers to prosecute the impeachment case against President Donald Trump at a trial in the U.S. Senate.

The House voted 228-193 to approve the impeachment managers and to officially transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate. The historic trial is set to open early next week and could last up to five weeks, or roughly as long as the 1999 impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton, the last American president to be impeached.

A two-thirds vote in the Senate is needed to convict and remove Trump from office. With Republicans controlling the chamber, the president is widely expected to survive the proceeding.

FILE - President Donald Trump pauses in front of reporters as he and first lady Melania Trump prepare to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Jan. 13, 2020.

Trump became the third American president history to be impeached when the House of Representatives charged him on December 18 with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Who are the House impeachment managers?

The seven House impeachment managers picked by Pelosi will serve as prosecutors during the trial. They are a relatively small and diverse group. All have law degrees. Four have courtroom experience. Three are members of minorities. Two are freshmen who were part of the blue wave that swept House Democrats back to power during the 2018 midterm elections and were vocal advocates of impeachment.

The seven managers are:

 Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a former federal prosecutor who led the impeachment inquiry.

 Jerrold Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

 Zoe Lofgren, chairwoman of the House Administration Committee.

 Hakeem Jeffries, member of the House Judiciary Committee and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

 Val Demings, member of House Intelligence and Judiciary committees and former Orlando police chief.

 Jason Crow, first-term House member from Colorado and a former U.S. Army Ranger.

 Sylvia Garcia, first-term House member from Texas and a former judge.

What role do they play?

The House impeachment managers will prosecute the case. They will present opening statements and closing arguments and interview and cross-examine witnesses if they are called. Pelosi said she selected the group to make the strongest possible case against Trump. The emphasis is on litigators, the emphasis is on comfort in the courtroom," she said. While Pelosi did not name a chief House manager, Schiff is likely to step into that role.

What are the charges against Trump?

The charges against Trump are contained in the two articles of impeachment passed by the House of Representatives last month. The first article alleges that Trump abused the power of his office by pressing Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, his son, Hunter Biden, and a baseless theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The second article accuses Trump of obstructing the congressional impeachment inquiry by ordering his administration not to testify or cooperate with investigators.

Pelosi said the case against Trump has grown stronger in the weeks since the impeachment vote, as more incriminating evidence has emerged, including a trove of documents recently received by House Democrats.

FILE - Jay Sekulow, a private lawyer who represented President Donald Trump in the Mueller investigation into Russian election meddling, will be a part of his defense team during the impeachment trial.

Who will be defending Trump?

White House counsel Pat Cipollone will lead Trumps defense team, assisted by two deputies as well as Jay Sekulow, a private lawyer who represented Trump in the Mueller investigation into Russian election meddling.

Cipollone, White House counsel since late 2018, has led the White House attack on the impeachment proceedings, calling the move unconstitutional and rejecting congressional subpoenas on behalf of the administration.

Sekulow is a conservative lawyer in private practice who serves as chief counsel to the American Center for Law and Justice and hosts his own radio show.

Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who frequently defends Trump on television, has said the White House is considering adding him to the defense team.

Will any witnesses testify?

It is not clear if the trial will feature any witnesses, though support for allowing witness testimony has grown among senators. If the Senate agrees to allow witnesses, theyll likely provide videotaped depositions, portions of which will be shown to the Senate, in the same manner as the Clinton trial.

Democrats have asked for four witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton, to testify. Republicans have their own list of potential witnesses, including Hunter Biden, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company that Trump wanted investigated.

FILE - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., heads to a briefing Jan. 8, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

The question of witnesses held up the opening of a Senate trial for nearly four weeks as Pelosi refused to send the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber unless the Republicans agreed to allow witnesses during the trial. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused, saying the Senate would decide the question once the trial opened and opening statements were made.

Who will preside over the proceeding?

In keeping with a constitutional mandate, Chief Justice John Roberts will serve as presiding judge. His role will be largely ceremonial, however, as Senate rules allow a simple majority to vote on procedures and overrule the chief justice.


Prior to those roles, she worked as an attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is a graduate of the University of North Dakota as well as the Lewis & Clark Law School. She will be using her expertise in the areas of the law, public policy, taxation and energy to help alliantgroup clients become more competitive through strategic growth and business development.

"It's an honor to join a firm like alliantgroup whose central mission is strengthening U.S. businesses," said Heitkamp. "I'm truly looking forward to working with the alliantgroup team and using my experience to put American companies in the best position possible to succeed for the overall betterment of our country's economic wellbeing."

During her tenure as a U.S. Senator, Heitkamp worked on a variety of important issues, including the strategic development of our country's renewable energies and the passage of two long-term, comprehensive Farm Bills.

She served on both the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, as well as the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

"I'm so excited for this addition to our team. Senator Heitkamp's deep knowledge of tax and tax policy issues, her passion for economic development, and her commitment to strengthening U.S. businesses is unparalleled, and I'm positive that having her as a part of our firm will help our clients strategically better themselves in the years to come," said alliantgroup CEO Dhaval Jadav.

alliantgroup is a management consulting company with a mission to strengthen American businesses through reinvestment in innovation and job growth. We educate businesses, the industry groups that serve them and the accounting firms that advise them on federal and state credits and incentives that are legislated by our government to keep the U.S. competitive in the global landscape. We are proud to have helped over 16,000 businesses claim more than $8 billion in credits and incentives. alliantgroup is headquartered in Houston, Texas with additional offices located in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Irvine, Sacramento, Washington, D.C.; and Bristol and London in the U.K. For more information, visit alliantgroup and engage with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

SOURCE alliantgroup
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Australian and Hungarian counterparts and held bilateral talks with them.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne met Jaishankar on the sidelines of India's flagship global conference Raisina Dialogue.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Payne noted the progressive development in the bilateral relationship and affirmed that strategic partnership between the two countries is based on mutual understanding, trust, common interests and the shared values of democracy and rule of law.

"India and Australia reaffirmed their desire to work together to build a free, open, prosperous, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Both sides agreed to prioritize the building of a strong multi-faceted trade and economic cooperation as well as cooperation in defence and security," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

They acknowledged that the growing threat of terrorism constituted a major threat to peace and security in the region and called for stronger international partnership in countering terrorism and violent extremism, it said.

"Australia conveyed that India could consider it as a stable, reliable and trusted supplier of high-quality mineral resources to India and in this regard, both sides agreed to diversify and expand existing resources partnership," the statement said.

Jaishankar also met Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and held discussions on bilateral ties and global affairs.

"Welcome FM Peter Szijjarto of Hungary to his first Dialogue. A good discussion this morning on our relationship as well as on global affairs. Appreciate his contribution to the #Raisina buzz," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP leader and Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Thursday claimed that opposition parties are protesting against the new citizenship law and nationwide NRC to hide their failures and to divert public attention.

He wondered why Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is opposing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) when it was introduced by her husband Rajiv Gandhi during his prime ministership.

A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam was launched by the AASU and others in 1979. It had culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The NRC was first prepared in the Northeastern state in 1951 and the Accord stated, among other clauses, that foreigners who came to Assam on or after March 25, 1971 shall be expelled. In 2013, the Supreme Court directed the central and state governments to begin the process for updating NRC, and its final version was published last year.

Speaking to reporters in the city, Thakur said, "I want to question the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) and other ministers - can they show a word in the Citizenship (Amendment) Act that says citizenship will be taken away?"



Reacting to Mamata Banerjee government's decision not attend the National Population Register meeting in Delhi, he said instead of supporting the good works, she is coming on the streets for the corrupts.

"I want to question Soniaji, when the NRC was introduced by her husband, why is she opposing it. The UPA government started it in 2010-11," Thakur said.

A pilot project of the NRC started in Chaygaon and Barpeta to update the NRC in 2010. The project was successful in Chaygaon but the project was shelved after four persons were killed in violence in Barpeta.

"Are they doing it just for the sake of opposition as it was implemented by Modiji when others failed? The opposition parties are trying to hide their failure behind the protests," the Union minister of state for finance and corporate affairs said.

Thakur, who was here for a pre-budget meeting with chambers of commerce, claimed that the opposition parties are protesting to divert public attention.

"Is it prudent to keep our borders wide open for infiltrators and not offer citizenship to people who had taken shelter in India facing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh?" the minister said.

He said out of the 325 universities in the country, protests were held only in a handful of them and political parties are using students to serve their political interests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A federal judge sentenced a former pharmaceutical sales representative from San Antonio to more than two years in prison Thursday and ordered her to pay $1.7 million in restitution for her part in a national $8.8 million bribery/health care fraud scheme.

But Senior U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, citing humanitarian reasons, allowed Holly Blakely, 46, to stay out on bond to get her affairs in order. She must turn herself in to the U.S. Marshals Service on June 15 to begin her prison term.

He sentenced her to 30 months in prison. She had faced a maximum of five years. She also will be required to stay under supervision for three years after she completes her prison term.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio pharmacy rep pleads guilty in $8.8 million health fraud case

Blakely pleaded guilty in February 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving health care fraud, admitting she paid more than $400,000 in kickbacks and bribes to health care providers who prescribed compound medications for pain to people who didnt need them. Some of the patients didnt even know prescriptions had been written in their names, court records showed.

Prosecutors said Blakely netted more than $1 million as part of the scam, from February 2013 through December 2014. Blakely received commissions from pharmacies based on the money they received from insurance providers  including Tricare, the military program, and private insurance companies for filling the phony prescriptions, according to court records.

Blakely had been scheduled to be sentenced last summer, but the judge delayed her sentence, saying he wanted to see who else was part of the scheme and what they would be receiving as penalties to ensure he handed out fair sentences to all involved.

Yes, Ms. Blakely is guilty as sin, and should be punished, but it seems there are a whole lot of people in the healthcare provider field who also should be in court, Biery said at her sentencing hearing in July.

On ExpressNews.com: Federal judge delays sentencing in pharmaceutical health fraud case

Federal prosecutors in the San Antonio U.S. Attorneys Office acknowledged there were many others involved in the scam and told Biery that up to 20 others could be charged. Blakely was indicted in 2017 as part of an investigation that went into at least four states, including Texas and Florida. Many of the patients involved were veterans.

It was unclear Thursday how many others had been charged or what sentences they have received, if any. At least one doctor alleged to have been involved settled with the federal government in 2015 and repaid more than $3.7 million.

Blakely will be required to pay $1,746,222 in restitution under Bierys order. She already has forfeited $88,000 in proceeds from the sale of her home.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:03:57|Editor: ZX

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Journalists stage a sit-in near the Interior Ministry to protest the attacks against media workers in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 16, 2020. Lebanese caretaker Interior Minister Raya El Hassan on Thursday denied ordering security forces to use force against the protesters and journalists. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Interior Minister Raya El Hassan on Thursday denied ordering security forces to use force against the protesters and journalists.

"Security forces resorted to the use of force because they were exhausted after staying in the streets for the past three months," she told the journalists staging a sit-in near the Interior Ministry to protest the attacks against media workers covering the protests.

At the same time, Hassan said that army members and security forces had been humiliated and beaten during the protests, which have continued since last October.

Some photographers and reporters were attacked by security forces on Tuesday and Wednesday while covering the protests in Beirut.
MONTREAL - Quebec provincial police say a young mother was the victim of a homicide in a suburban home Thursday north of Montreal.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Police vehicles cordon off an area outside a home in Mascouche, Que., Thursday, Jan.16, 2020. Quebec provincial police are investigating the killing of a woman in her 30s inside a home in Mascouche. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

MONTREAL - Quebec provincial police say a young mother was the victim of a homicide in a suburban home Thursday north of Montreal.

The victim was identified by police as Jael Cantin, 33, of Mascouche, Que., about 45 kilometres north of the city.

Police have been tight-lipped about what might have happened in the residence on des Anglais Road at about 4 a.m.

Authorities received a 911 call and found an injured man and woman in the home as well as several young children.

The two adults were transported to hospital, where Cantin, a mother of six according to her social media profile, was pronounced dead.

Police said the man is expected to recover from his injuries.

Mascouche police transferred the investigation to provincial police major-crimes detectives. Officers and crime scene technicians took over the street, which remained closed for much of the day.

Police had not identified any suspects or made any arrests as of Thursday afternoon and said that all possibilities remain on the table.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
Regardless of whether you are planning a weekend vacation or going on a long trip to foreign countries, you should prepare in advance and carefully think about all the details of the upcoming trip. These tips will help you plan your vacation, avoid troubles in a foreign city or country and make your trip as safe as possible.





What to take on a trip

The main rule of a traveler is not to forget anything. To do this, you must first make a list of necessary things. The same list will come in handy when you return from a trip. Before you pack, check out the places where you are going to visit - read reviews and useful tips for travelers on the Internet - this will help to adjust your list and include it in the most necessary.

Preparation of documents

There are cases when documents are lost or stolen during the trip, useful advice for travelers in this case: make copies of all important papers (passports, insurance, tickets, rights) in advance. Leave one copy at home, take another with you. You can also save an electronic copy in your inbox. In case of an unforeseen situation, you can contact the embassy or travel agency with copies of documents in hand. According to a survey, the USA is number 2 on the list of Top 10 countries where passports can be lost or stolen.

Read the insurance carefully. Be sure to check what medical services it includes in order to know what to rely on in case of illness or injury, what services will be provided for free, and for which you will have to pay from your pocket.

Stock up with a list of emergency numbers of the place you are going: police, fire, ambulance. In case of loss of a bank card, your phone number will be required, write down the number of the insurance company and the embassy. Keep this list always in sight.

Cash: bank cards and cash

Remember to exchange currency when you are in a foreign country and always keep cash with you. Not all places accept cards. When you bring a bank card with you, make sure that it will be served in the country of destination. Be sure to warn the bank about your plans to withdraw money from a card in another country.

Souvenirs

Do not forget to please loved ones with souvenirs and gifts. Do not rush to buy them in the first available place. As a rule, in crowded tourist places, the prices are very high. Walking around the city, you will surely come across an interesting and memorable trinket of good quality and you can purchase it without harming your wallet.



Visit Exploring this rock and find your next travel adventure and travel like a local.
Imagine if an Idaho company employing more than 7,600 people announced today it was closing down their operations and moving to another state.

Would you panic? Many people would. That would be a huge blow to our state.

Would you want your public officials to do something about it? Of course. Companies that employ that many people dont come along very often.

To be fair, your public officials probably would try to do something about it. Every elected official from the governor down to the local dog-catcher would be in a dead sprint toward the CEO of that company trying to stop them from leaving the state. It would be a five-alarm emergency that lawmakers would bend over backwards to fix.

Heres the thing. Idaho is going through that very situation. We have been for years. Only, the politicians arent doing anything about it. Thats why the Invest in Idaho citizen ballot initiative is so important.

Idahos STEM Action Center made its annual report to the legislature this week. As it turns out, Idahos jobs crisis is getting worse  significantly worse. Last year, Idaho left 7,633 STEM-related jobs unfilled. Those are jobs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields. As a result, we lost more than a half-billion dollars in personal income. Thats billion with a B. That adds up to more than $27 million in lost tax revenue for the state. Thats money that could go toward paying veteran teachers competitive wages (the governor is proposing $30 million toward that goal) or grocery tax relief (the governor is proposing $35 million).

Make no mistake about it, Idaho is in the middle of a jobs crisis much like the one described above, and yet nothing is being done about it.

The path toward securing those family-supporting jobs is of course investing in Idahos schools. Kids with solid Career-Technical training in high school can land some of those jobs and pocket those wages. Students with a two-year degree in computer science or healthcare skills can do the same without taking on mountains of student loan debt.

The problem is, this crisis is happening in slow motion. The politicians can sit back and use words like accountability when talking about our public schools without ever being held accountable themselves. These reports on Idahos jobs crisis are nothing new. Weve been bleeding jobs, personal income and tax revenue for years. The difference is, you can now do something about it.

The reason these family-supporting jobs are not being filled is simple: Idaho is not providing our children with the education they need to fill them. That may sound like some philosophical argument, but that statement hits Idaho families where it matters most. Whether its at the dinner table, the front porch or out in the neighborhood, Idaho families are struggling to make ends meet. How frustrating can it be to know there are good-paying jobs out there which hard-working Idahoans cant fill.

The average STEM-related job pays more than $32.00 per hour. Non-STEM jobs pay less than half of that  about $15.00 per hour. When you have rent, car and utility payments to make every month, thats a HUGE difference. How many families would feel more secure if you spread half-a-billion dollars around the state. Thats especially true for Idahos smaller counties where families struggle to stay afloat every year.

Unfortunately, your elected leaders vote to either cut or slightly increase funding for education in our great state. The lack of urgency in the face of a jobs crisis is not just puzzling, its a slap in the face to thousands of working Idaho families.

If you are waiting on the politicians to take action to address Idahos jobs crisis in a serious way, you may be waiting a long time. In fact, you already have. This crisis has been going on for years and will likely continue into this decade. When the politicians sit on their hands instead of addressing a crisis, its time to take matters into your own hands. The Invest in Idaho ballot initiative would bring up to $200 million of new investments into our K-12 public schools. You can make a difference for the next generation even if the politicians wont.

We are in the middle of a five-alarm fire when it comes to jobs and prosperity in our state. Its time to actually do something about it.

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The home where two notorious serial killers lived and slayed four female victims has hit the market.

David and Catherine Birnie were convicted over the murders of four women, aged between 15 and 31, they kidnapped and raped in 1986.

Their fifth victim, 17-year-old Kate Moir, managed to escape from the sadistic couple's Willagee home, near Freemantle in Western Australia, and alert police.

The home where two notorious serial killers lived and slayed four female victims has hit the market (pictured)

David (left) and Catherine Birnie (right) were convicted over the murders of four women, aged between 15 and 31, they kidnapped and raped in 1986

The couple's home (pictured) hit the market 34 years after their horrific crimes rocked the nation

Now, 34 years after their horrific crimes rocked the nation, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom 'beautiful brick cottage' is on sale.

This listing says 3 Moorhouse Street is 'restored, renewed, refreshed' and located on a 'leafy' drag close to all amenities.

'This darling house offers style as well as convenience.'

The Birnie's crimes became referred to as the 'Moorhouse murders', as the couple gruesomely acted behind the walls of the home.

The 432 square metre home is expected to sell from $459,000, according to its online listing.

Kate Moir was 17 years old when she was abducted at knife point and taken to the Birnie's home.

Kate Moir was 17 years old when she was abducted at knife point and taken to the Birnie's home. She was raped and tied up, but unlike the four women who preceded her, she was able to make a get away and ran into the street begging to speak with police. Pictured: Catherine Birnie

David Birnie (pictured in 1987) took his own life at Casuarina Prison in 2005

She was raped and tied up, but unlike the four women who preceded her, she was able to make a get away and ran into the street begging to speak with police.

In the weeks before her escape, the couple abducted, raped, drugged and killed Mary Neilson, 22, Susannah Candy, 15, Noelene Patterson, 31, Denise Brown, aged 21.

The four women were tortured and forced to take part in the couple's sick sexual fantasies before they were murdered.

David Birnie took his own life at Casuarina Prison in 2005.

The Birnie's crimes became referred to as the 'Moorhouse murders', as the couple gruesomely acted behind the walls of the home
We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE:TCO).

Do Insider Transactions Matter?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year.

Check out our latest analysis for Taubman Centers

Taubman Centers Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Independent Director Michael Embler made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$196k worth of shares at a price of US$39.11 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being US$31.39). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

While Taubman Centers insiders bought shares last year, they didn't sell. The average buy price was around US$43.92. I'd consider this a positive as it suggests insiders see value at around the current price. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

Story continues

NYSE:TCO Recent Insider Trading, January 16th 2020

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Taubman Centers insiders own 1.9% of the company, worth about US$54m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Taubman Centers Tell Us?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders own shares in Taubman Centers and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Press Release

January 16, 2020 Gatchalian urges DepEd for emergency response plans ahead of possible Taal 'explosive eruption' Senator Win Gatchalian urges the Department of Education (DepEd) to have emergency response plans in place for the safety of students and schools, especially in the most vulnerable areas, should Taal Volcano display an 'explosive eruption.' "Hindi pa lumilipas ang pinakamalalang maaaring mangyari sa pag-alboroto ng Bulkang Taal, kaya dapat nating paghandaan ang maaaring maging epekto ng isang malaking pagsabog," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. He added, "kung sakaling magkaroon ng malaking pagsabog at lumala ang pag-ulan ng abo, mahalagang may plano tayo kung paano natin mabilis na malilinis ang mga paaralan upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mga guro at mag-aaral lalo na kapag muling nagbukas na ang klase." Alert level 4 remains over Taal volcano, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption is imminent within hours to days. The activity in volcano resulted in an ash fall that reached Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and parts of Southern Luzon. In a health advisory, the Department of Health (DOH) warned that the ash fall could trigger eye, nose, and throat irritations, breathing problems, and coughing among others. A PHIVOLCS bulletin also reported that more than 200 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal region. There are high risks of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal Volcano's main crater. In an Education Cluster Report, DepEd said that almost 6 million learners in 46 divisions and more than 5,300 schools have been affected by the eruption. Gatchalian also said that schools should closely coordinate with their local governments as they tend to be the first responders in times of calamity. If necessary, the lawmaker added that DepEd should quickly tap into its P2.1 billion quick response fund (QRF) to address damages to schools. "Sa panahon ng mga sakuna, mahalaga ang papel ng ating kahandaan upang manatiling ligtas ang ating mga mag-aaral at hindi ma-antala ng matagal ang pagkatuto nila," Gatchalian concluded. ### Gatchalian: siguruhing ligtas ang mga paaralan sakaling magka-explosive eruption ang bulkang Taal Hinimok ni Senador Win Gatchalian ang Department of Education (DepEd) na planuhing maiigi ang pagresponde sa mga maaapektuhang paaralan sakaling umabot sa "explosive eruption" ang bulkang Taal. Dahil nananatili sa alert Level 4 ang bulkan, maaaring sumabog pa rin ito sa mga susunod na oras at araw, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology o PHIVOLCS. "Hindi pa lumilipas ang pinakamalalang maaaring mangyari sa pag-alboroto ng bulkang Taal, kaya lalo nating dapat paghandaan ang maaaring maging epekto ng isang malaking pagsabog, ayon kay Gatchalian na Chairman ng Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. Idinagdag pa niya na kung sakaling magkaroon ng malaking pagsabog at lumala ang pag-ulan ng abo sa mga apektading lugar, mahalagang may plano tayo o maglatag ng emergency response para mabilis na malilinis ang mga paaralan upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mga guro at mag-aaral lalo na kapag muling nagbukas na ang klase. Dahil sa pag-aalboroto ng bulkan, nakaranas ng ash fall o pag-ulan ng abo ang Calabarzon, Metro Manila, at ilang bahagi ng Southern Luzon. Nagbabala naman ang Department of Health (DOH) laban sa mga maaaring maging epekto ng ash fall tulad ng pagka-irita ng mata, ilong, at lalamunan. Maaari ring magdulot ang ash fall ng hirap sa paghinga at pag-ubo, ayon sa DOH. Maliban sa ash fall, nakaranas din ng mahigit dalawang daang (200) pagyanig ang mga lugar malapit sa Taal, ayon sa ulat ng PHIVOLCS. Nagbabala rin ang PHIVOLCS na maaaring magdulot ng volcanic tsunami ang pagsabog ng Taal. Ayon naman sa Department of Education, humigit kumulang anim na milyong mag-aaral sa 46 na division at higit limang libong eskwelahan ang apektado ng aktibidad ng bulkan. Dagdag pa ni Gatchalian, mahalagang makipag-ugnayan ang mga paaralan sa kanilang mga lokal na pamahalaan na unang tumutugon sa panahon ng mga sakuna. Kung kinakailangan aniya ng karagdagang pondo para sa mga epekto ng pagsabog sa mga paaralan, hinimok ni tGatchalian ang DepEd na gamitin ang quick response fund o QRF na nagkakahalaga ng higit dalawang bilyon. "Sa panahon ng mga sakuna, mahalaga ang papel ng ating kahandaan upang manatiling ligtas ang ating mga mag-aaral at hindi ma-antala nang matagal ang pagkatuto nila," ani Gatchalian.
Photo: Channel 4

After three years in the tent, co-host Sandi Toksvig has announced that she will leave the green pasture of The Great British Bake-Off for other, greener pastures. According to parent company Channel 4, Toksvig is departing to focus on other work projects, including a new show about adult literacy. The 411 Danish-born Brit, who also hosts the comedy quiz show QI, joined the beloved baking competition at the beginning of season eight, when Bake-Off made the controversial switch from the BBC to Channel 4. In the change-up, longtime judge Mary Berry was replaced by Prue Leith while Toksvig and comedian Noel Fielding took over from hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. Though many worried the show might be ruined, it turned out to be just fine, with Toksvig bringing a kind of soulful decorum to the show. She also narrated a short-lived segment on the origins of each weeks bakes in season eight, but the producers dropped it after a time. Theres no word on who will replace her, but maybe itll be someone slightly taller to relieve the writers and Fielding of having to come up with so many bits about short people.
[January 16, 2020] Kasasa Partners with Carleton for Configurable & Compliant Loan Calculations

Kasasa, LTD adds value to their award-winning financial technology and marketing services platform through its new partnership with Carleton, Inc. by integrating configurable and accurate insurance and debt protection calculations within its latest award-winning product, the Kasasa Loan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005584/en/ The Kasasa Loan is the only auto and personal loan that allows consumers to reduce debt by paying ahead, while maintaining access to those funds if needed. Using CarletonCalcs, Kasasa's community bank and credit union clients can easily add debt protection or credit insurance products to the Kasasa Loan accurately and in compliance with their insurance company's underwriting requirements. CarletonCalcs enables Kasasa to apply client-specific limits and methods that meet their client's institutional, state, and federal compliance requirements. "We wanted to ensure the Kasasa Loan added a high level of configurability and compliance support to meet our client's needs, in addition to providing consumers the greatest flexibility when choosing their loans," said Chris Cohen, EVP, Product Management for Kasasa. "Carleton's expertise in consumer loan calculation compliance provides our clients that extra level of comfort knowing the Kasasa Loan is supported by 50 years of experience and accuracy, while providing unique consumer benefits unavailable through other loan products." "Kasaa recognized the importance of having a versatile loan structure to deliver a flexible and compliant loan product. By integrating CarletonCalcs throughout the Kasasa service platform, Carleton will ensure compliant loan computations and precise amortization schedules through Kasasa's dashboard and mobile app," stated Matt Ruszkowski, President and COO of Carleton. "Our proven track record of providing nationwide support to the lending industry is why Kasasa partnered with Carleton. We are excited to be part of the Kasasa team, as we are both committed to providing the highest quality level of innovative consumer lending technology products and service to drive our clients' success."



About Kasasa, LTD: Based in Austin, Texas with 450 employees, Kasasa is a financial technology and marketing provider committed to driving results for over 900 community financial institutions by attracting, engaging, and retaining consumers. With innovative products, a national consumer brand, and comprehensive solutions and support, Kasasa helps local banks and credit unions compete for their rightful share of the market against even the largest banks. Together we can Take Back Banking. For more information, please visit www.kasasa.com, or visit them on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

About Carleton, Inc. Carleton is the country's leading provider of financial calculation software, loan origination compliance support, and document generation software. Based in South Bend, Indiana, Carleton possesses over 50 years of leadership in this rapidly changing regulatory industry. Carleton guarantees accuracy in all their calculations and disclosures, enabling their partners to fulfill compliance requirements today and into the future. To learn more about Carleton Lending Solutions, go to www.carletoninc.com or contact Pete Radike, Director of Client & Channel Engagement at 800-433-0090 Ext. 245 or [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005584/en/

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Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) listens as Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies before the Senate Committee On Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs during a hearing at the US Capitol on Dec. 18, 2019. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Florida Calls for Greater Protections Against Chinese Espionage at Universities

Florida officials are stepping up efforts to safeguard local universities research and intellectual property from foreign adversaries, particularly China.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), in a press release on Jan. 14, urged more Florida university presidents to respond to a letter he recently sent, requesting them to provide information on steps that schools have taken to protect their academic work from foreign theft.

The letter, dated Dec. 3, asked presidents of state universities to disclose whether any researchers are known to have participated in a Chinese-funded talent recruitment program, or if any faculty members have shared unauthorized information with a foreign entity.

Additionally, the letter asked what kinds of penalties universities have in place for employees and faculty members suspected of espionage.

I appreciate the responses Ive received from some Florida universities detailing the steps they are taking to protect their information from Communist China. But Im still waiting to hear from many universities in Florida, Scott stated in his press release.

The Senator explained the threat posed by Beijing: They are actively trying to use strategic relationships to advance their geopolitical and economic goals, which threatens our nations security.

Everyone needs to understand this risk, and I look forward to hearing back from every institution as we work to protect our universities and our students, Scott concluded.

Moffitt Cancer Center

Scotts request to local university presidents came on the heels of a major executive shakeup at the Tampa-based Moffitt Cancer Center, a research institute that falls under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

On Dec. 18, Moffitt announced the resignation of its CEO and the center director, for violations of conflict of interest rules through their work in China. The nonprofit stated that it conducted an internal review after a warning from the NIH, the U.S. governments chief agency for public health research.

The compliance review found several violations that prompted separation of four additional researchers, according to the Moffitt press release.

Back in September 2018, NIHs director Dr. Francis Collins issued a letter to research institutes across the United States, warning of the potential for foreign influence. The letter did not identify any specific adversaries.

NIH later made clear that the concern laid with Chinese espionage. In a December 2018 report, NIH called out Chinas Thousand Talents Program as a plan to gather the global wisdom and create the China great exploit.

The program was rolled out by Beijing in 2008 to lure top engineers and scientists around the world, mostly of Chinese descent, into working in Chinaoften to assist the Chinese regime in fulfilling its economic development goals.

Moffitt did not elaborate on details about the violations. However, it added that the internal review focused on its team members participation in Chinas Thousand Talents Program.

Following Moffitts announcement, Scott issued a statement applauding the centers swift and decisive action against the individuals.

In response to the Moffitt dismissal, House Speaker of Floridas state government, Jose R. Oliva, announced on Dec. 31 the formation of a select committee to investigate any further improper or illegal activities involving Floridas research universities, medical research facilities, and individuals associated with such institutions.

The committee will be chaired by Florida Rep. Chris Sprowls, Olivas successor.

Sprowls stated that the committee will hold its first hearing on Jan. 21, according to a Jan. 9 article by Science Magazine.

Espionage Through Thousand Talents Program

The threats posed by Chinas recruitment programs, in particular, the Thousand Talents Program (TTP), was highlighted in a Nov. 2019 U.S. Senate staff report to the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

China has more than 200 talent recruitment programs in total. TTP in particular has recruited more than 7,000 high-end professionals to China, among them several Nobel laureates, according to the report.

The program incentivizes individuals engaged in research and development in the United States to transmit the knowledge and research they gain here to China in exchange for salaries, research funding, lab space, and other incentives, the report said.

Among those recruited by TTP, some have willfully failed to disclose their TPP membership to U.S. institutions, according to the report.

In some cases, TTP members received both U.S. grants and Chinese grants for similar research, established shadow labs in China to conduct parallel research, and stole intellectual capital and property, the report pointed out.

In some cases, TTP members used their access to research information to provide their Chinese employer with important information on early-stage research.

The report scrutinized employment contracts that TTP members signed to take up jobs in China.

The contracts include provisions that violate U.S. standards of research integrity, place

TTP members in compromising legal and ethical positions, and undermine fundamental U.S. scientific norms of transparency, reciprocity, and integrity, the report stated.

For example, some contracts contained clauses that gave Chinese institutions at least some rights in any intellectual property created by the TTP members in the United States.

In one case study, an unnamed U.S. university professor, who received numerous U.S. government research grants, was also a member of several Chinese talent recruitment programs. He directed a China-based lab that conducted military research, and also sponsored Chinese students to study under him in the United States.

Many of those Chinese students were directly affiliated with research and development organizations involved in Chinas military modernization efforts, according to the report.
BERKELEY (BCN)

Two Berkeley City Council members and an advocacy group that opposes wireless telecommunications facilities are hosting a community discussion Thursday on the possible installation of 5G technology in Berkeley.

The event hosted by Councilmembers Ben Bartlett and Cheryl Davila and Wireless Radiation Education & Defense (WiRED) will be held at the South Berkeley Senior Center at 2939 Ellis St. near Ashby Street at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Forum organizers say the event is important because the Berkeley City Council will soon decide whether to approve the installation of 5G wireless telecommunication facilities (WTFs) by Verizon and AT&T in the city's commercial and residential areas.

WiRED said in a news release that 5G technology, short for Fifth Generation, hasn't yet been activated in Berkeley but an unknown number of 5G-ready small cell WTFs have been installed on telephone poles on the Berkeley public right of way and possibly on private property as well.

The group says it has concerns about adverse health and environmental effects from 5G antenna radiation, as well as issues related to surveillance, hacking, fire risk, interference with weather predictions, property devaluations and increased energy usage.

In addition, the group says it believes cities and people will experience increased costs, worker endangerment and industrial clutter in neighborhoods.

WiRED said AT&T and Nexius/Sprint have been granted 13 permits for WTFs in Berkeley that haven't yet been installed.

The group says the WTFs are slated to be near a convalescent home across the street from the Berkeley Bowl grocery store, the Monterey Market grocery store, Thousand Oaks Elementary School and various apartment buildings.

WiRED said seven additional applications were denied but are being appealed by AT&T.

Among the scheduled speakers at the forum Thursday are retired electronic engineer and scientist Lloyd Morgan, who is an industry spokesperson, 5G expert Dafna Tachover and former Berkeley City Councilman Max Anderson.

5G expert Dafna Tachover and Karl Maret, a medical doctor and electrical engineer, will speak at another forum on 5G technology at Thousand Oaks Baptist Church at 1821 Catalina Ave. near Colusa Avenue in Berkley at 7 p.m. Friday.

WiRED said that since September 2018, it has been lobbying city officials to pass an urgency ordinance to restrict wireless 5G.

WiRED said it has created a document recommending a telecom policy in Berkeley that's based on strict regulatory measures that have been adopted by other cities.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Washington/Beijing:

The US on Wednesday signed the first phase of a trade deal with China, which President Donald Trump described as historic, concluding more than a year of tough negotiations including several months of suspension of talks between the two largest economies of the world. The first phase of the trade deal includes Intellection Property (IP) Protection and Enforcement, ending forced technology transfer, dramatic expansion of American agriculture, removing barriers to American financial services, ending currency manipulation, rebalancing the US-China trade relationship and effective dispute resolution.

The agreement was signed by President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, Politburo Member and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China. In his remarks, Trump called the trade agreement signing "a momentous step... to a future of fair and reciprocal trade." The two countries are "writing the wrongs of the past," the US President said, adding that he would soon visit China and thanked his Chinese counterpart for this deal.

"I'll be going over to China in the not-too-distant future to reciprocate," he said. This is a transformative deal that will bring great benefits for the two countries, Trump said, hoping that this will even lead to a peaceful world. Trump said that China has made substantial and enforceable commitment to protecting American ideas. At the same time, he said, punitive tariffs on China would remain in place till the time the second phase of the trade deal is agreed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his letter to Trump which was read out at the signing ceremony in the White House, said the phase one deal was good for China and the US and it needed to be earnestly implemented by both sides. In an apparent reference to Trump's crackdown on China's telecom giant Huawei, Xi hoped that Chinese companies will be treated fairly by the US.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu said China and the US, the world's two largest economies and two major players in international affairs with great responsibilities, reached the phase one deal "with the big picture in mind" and by "acknowledging and properly managing" their differences. China will work with the United States on the principle of equality and mutual respect to ensure good implementation of their phase-one economic and trade agreement, he said.

He added that the deal is not in conflict with the legitimate rights and interests of any third party, and is also in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Calling economic and trade cooperation "the propeller of the overall bilateral relationship", Liu noted the two countries have encountered some difficulties in economic and trade areas over the past two years. "There have been several setbacks in negotiations, but we were not overwhelmed by difficulties," Liu said.

After continuous efforts by both teams, China and the US reached the phase one deal based on the principle of equality and mutual respect, which illustrated a Chinese saying "There are always more solution than problems". The world's two largest economies have spent 18 months embroiled in a bitter trade dispute that imposed tit-for-tat levies on each other's commodities, mechanical parts and finished goods.

Trump had launched the trade war with China in 2018 demanding Beijing to reduce massive trade deficit. His demands included an intrusive verification mechanism to supervise Beijing's promise to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) technology transfer and more access to American goods to Chinese markets. Both sides so far have imposed additional tariffs on nearly USD half trillion worth of goods.

So far, the US has imposed tariffs on more than USD 360 billion of Chinese goods, and China has retaliated with tariffs on more than USD 110 billion of US products. State-run Global Times reported that among the key takeaways from the agreement was China's pledge to increase purchases of US products over the next two years and the US commitment to roll back tariffs in phases on Chinese goods. Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that under the deal China has committed to buy 200 billion worth of goods from the US in the next two years.

The agreement also covered areas of disputes between Chinese and the US officials including the protection of intellectual property rights, technology transfer and an implementation review mechanism. The signing of the deal presented a stark contrast to the tremendous hostility and brinkmanship between the two countries of the past 660 or so days and the theatrical back-and-forth in negotiations, including 13 high-level rounds, the Global Times report said.

Commenting on the deal, Einar Tangen Beijing based current affairs commentator told PTI that Wednesday's deal is more of a trade truce and much of the promises made by China to purchase US goods cannot be enforced. "The overall signal from the phase one agreement is much larger than the content of the deal itself," Wei Jianguo, a former Chinese vice commerce minister, told the Global Times. "It is a boon for the world that the world's largest and second-largest economies have hit the pause key in the trade war".

Also Read: China Says Trade Deal With US Must Be 'Mutually Beneficial'

"The phase one deal means that China and the US have entered a new relatively predictable cycle," Li Yong, a deputy chairman of the expert committee of the China Association of International Trade, told the Daily. "It will be able to help revitalise the global value chain disrupted by the trade war and remedy at least some of loss".

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Hamburg on Friday, 17 January 2020.

At the invitation of the Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Mr. Stoltenberg will address the annual meeting of the Leaders of the Parliamentary Group of CDU and the Christian Social Union (CSU) at the German Bundestag.

There will be a joint doorstep by the Secretary General and the Chairman of the CDU.

Still and video images will be available from the NATO website after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATO, @NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
Marines assigned to a brigade of the PLA Navy Marine Corps move forward for assault after disembarking from their amphibious armored vehicle during a beach raid training exercise in the west of south China's Guangdong Province on August 17, 2019. Photo: chinamil.com.cn

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan secessionist forces have provoked a growing sentiment in the Chinese mainland of reunifying with the island of Taiwan by military force, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.

The DPP and Taiwan secessionist forces should reflect on why voices are increasing for military force among mainland residents in recent years, Ma Xiaoguang said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Chinese mainland analysts said more people in the mainland are losing faith in peaceful reunification because they believed previous mainland policies of delivering economic benefits to Taiwan went unappreciated.

With the fast-growing strength of the mainland, especially its overwhelming military power, more and more mainlanders hope the government considers a non-peaceful option, experts said.

They believe reunification by force could resolve the Taiwan question in a more effective and efficient way, the experts said.

Ma's statement came on the same day as Taiwan's "anti-infiltration law" went into force.

It was "an absolute evil law that suppresses Taiwan compatriots' free will and strips them of their right to cross-Straits exchanges," Ma said.

In the long term, such a law could not stop the will of the people and the trend that compatriots of both sides of the Straits need to exchange, cooperate and develop together, he said.

"Peace is precious. Everyone yearns for peace and Chinese people should not fight Chinese people," Ma said. "But first, [Taiwan] should recognize that we are of the same family."

Upholding the 1992 Consensus which adheres to the one-China principle is the "unshakeable foundation" for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, Ma said.

Re-elected Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan was already an "independent country" while interviewed by the BBC on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang replied Wednesday that "There is only one China in the world. The People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

"The one-China principle is a consensus of the international community."

Li Xiaobing, an expert on Taiwan studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, said "The Chinese mainland government has always made great efforts to keep educating the fact to people that people in Taiwan are compatriots, to create conditions for cross-Straits cooperation and peaceful exchanges, but the Taiwan authorities didn't do this in the same way."

After reading Taiwan media and social media networks, many mainland people were shocked at the hostile and insulting messages against the mainland, said experts.

With the pro-independence DPP continually winning elections, more and more mainland people are losing faith in peaceful reunification and begin to oppose the policy of delivering economic benefits to Taiwan.

Asked if mainland residents' self-guided travel to Taiwan could resume, Ma said travel was allowed "under the condition of peaceful and stable cross-Straits relations. We hope to see the relations return to the right track."

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) was once unable to reunify Taiwan without serious casualties, especially when the US was involved in 1995-96, the mainland experts said.

But now the mainland's military strength is increasingly mature and the advantage is more and more overwhelming, they noted.

Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the PLA is now in an absolute dominant position in all aspects over Taiwan's military and two PLA aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, could secure aerial and maritime superiority around the island to prevent intervention by external forces.

PLA amphibious landing docks and assault ships could send armored assault vehicles with hovercrafts onto the island, while also dispatching helicopters to form a multidimensional landing force, Wei said.

China held a launch ceremony for its first Type 075 amphibious assault ship in Shanghai on Wednesday. Photo: 81.cn

The PLA's stealth J-20 fighter "would crush Taiwan's most advanced fighter jet the F-16Vs," Wei said.

The Chinese mainland launched its first Type 075 amphibious assault ship in 2019, which has yet to enter naval service.

More of this type of warship is needed for the PLA to send transport and attack helicopters as well as ground forces across the Taiwan Straits efficiently, analysts said.

The eventual commissioning of multiple Type 075s would be the nail in the coffin of Taiwan secessionists, as the PLA operates rocket artillery and missiles which could be used to suppress the island's military infrastructure and bases once battle starts, the observers noted.

But there is always room for improvement, Wei said.

The PLA should conduct more joint landing operations combining all military branches, Wei said.

This combat pattern is new to the PLA and targeted training is needed, he noted.

Mainland observers stressed that of course the peaceful approach is always best, even when the mainland is perfectly prepared for a military solution.

It would be extremely difficult to realize this peaceful solution without efforts from the Taiwan side, they noted.
PARIS - French trade unions against pension reform have called for more protests to be held on January 24, when a draft law on the subject will go before the Council of Ministers. A statement calls for a ''general mobilisation'' of professional sectors to demand that the reform be withdrawn and ''serious negotiations'' initiated.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down as senior members of the royal family has shocked royal watchers the world over. The couple announced the surprise move on Instagram, revealing their plan to move to North America for part of the year and become financially independent. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not elaborated on their big announcement, but there is some talk that they might set up homes in both Los Angeles and Canada. But there is one specific person standing in their way of setting up a home in America.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are on the move

Taking to Instagram, Harry and Meghan revealed that they no longer want to be senior members of the royal family. Although they plan on supporting Queen Elizabeth and the monarchy, they want to become financially independent from the rest of the royals.

They also revealed that they will now split time between the U.K. and North America. They did not say where they are planning on setting up shop in North America, but one inside source believes they plan to purchase homes in Canada and Los Angeles  where Meghan Markles mother Doria Ragland lives.

We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America  This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity, they stated.

Many Canadians are giddy at the prospect that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be moving to Canada, injecting some razzle dazzle to the sprawling, bone-chillingly cold country. https://t.co/3HH575a6EK  New York Times World (@nytimesworld) January 11, 2020

Harry and Meghan both have ties to Canada, so it is not that big of a stretch if they moved to the region. According to TMZ, Meghan lived in Toronto when she was working on the popular legal drama, Suits.

Harry, meanwhile, has done some charitable work in Canada, including hosting his annual Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017.

What is stopping them from moving to Los Angeles?

Meghan Markle is no stranger to Hollywood, it is her hometown, while Prince Harry has always seemed comfortable rubbing elbows with the stars. But it is one very specific person who is keeping the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from setting up a home with Archie Harrison in America  Donald Trump.

According to the Daily Mail, Harry and Meghan hope to eventually have homes in Los Angeles, Toronto  where she lived for years while shooting Suits  and on Vancouver Island. Meghan has made it very clear that she is not a fan of President Trump and during his first visit with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry refused to take any photos with the controversial President.

50% of Americans support Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to wait until President Donald Trump leaves office before moving to Los Angeles. 19% are opposed.



Subscribe to our Daily Agenda newsletter for more top-line data: https://t.co/SXBvi7Ogr2 pic.twitter.com/4xU1jC6hNd  YouGovUS (@YouGovUS) January 15, 2020

An inside source confirmed that the couple was very deliberate in the wording of their statement and they have no plans to live in the United States until Trump is out of office.

Its by no means an immediate thing but there is a long-term plan to end up back in the US with a second home in Canada, where they will also spent a great deal of time. The couple used the words North America in their statement about where they planned to live deliberately. It doesnt pin them down to any one place.

Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle actually move to Canada first?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not commented on the reports surrounding their upcoming move. But given Meghan and Harrys ties to Canada and how it is part of the Commonwealth of Nations, Canada is a likely first destination for the couple.

In fact, Harry and Meghan spent considerable time in Canada over the holiday season. The pair stayed in a luxurious home on Vancouver Island with their son, Archie Harrison. Eyewitnesses say that they looked very relaxed throughout their stay in what was a welcome break from their royal duties.

Prince Harry stepped out this morning for his first public appearance since his declaration of independence sparked a crisis within the royal family



This, as Meghan Markle and baby Archie remain in Canada amid growing speculation on when Harry may join them, @keirsimmons reports pic.twitter.com/28VtTbasVG  TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 16, 2020

That said, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to Harry and Meghan relocating outside of the U.K. This includes who is going to fund the move and how the couple will take care of security concerns.

Justin Trudeau says that Canada will absolutely pick up the reported $1 million annual bill for Prince Harry and Meghans security. But many Canadian citizens think that is should still be covered by the royal family.

How did the royals react to the news?

By all accounts, other members of the royal family were completely blindsided by Prince Harry and Meghans announcement. Shortly after they dropped the big news, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace released a statement that read:

Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.

The mention of taking a different approach alludes to the recent struggles Harry and Meghan have faced.

A few months ago, the pair admitted that dealing with the British tabloids has not been easy. Meghan has dealt with a slew of negative rumors over the past few years, all of which have made life difficult for her.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in talks about their future

Although their statement sounded pretty final, inside sources claim that members of the royal family are not giving up on keeping Harry and Meghan in the inner circle.

There is a very careful and serious process to go through which they are going to respect. But it is clear they are on a different and unique path, and they are very much thinking about what the future looks like for them, the source added.

Queen Elizabeth II has released an official statement regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from the royal family: "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family." https://t.co/I6xXH0bhgB pic.twitter.com/C0hrikgKKH  E! News (@enews) January 13, 2020

Prince Harry met with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William about how his plans to step back will actually play out. After the meeting, Her Majesty released a statement saying she is entirely supportive of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wishes, but also made it very clear she wished they would remain working members of the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already taken part in two royal engagements in 2020. This includes an appearance at Londons Canada House where they thanked the country for their hospitality.
China's latest attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council on Pakistan's behalf has failed, with a overwhelming majority of the body expressing the view that it was not the right forum to discuss the bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', on Wednesday made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

The overwhelming majority of the 15-member council was of view that it was not the right forum for such issues, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters at a briefing in New Delhi on Thursday when asked about the developments in the UNSC.

An attempt was made by Pakistan to misuse the UNSC, he said, adding that Islamabad has a choice to avoid such a global embarrassment in the future.

Pakistan's attempt to peddle baseless allegations and show an alarming scenario failed as it lacked credibility, he said.

"We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said in New York.

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," he told PTI.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."



"Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India," Akbaruddin added.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking it to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and (it) heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that."



Zhang later said China has stated its "position very clearly. We remain concerned about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: "I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful."The current move by China was the third such attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC since August last when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

In Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed the UNSC meeting on Kashmir and claimed that the issue was an internationally recognised dispute.

"An internationally recognised dispute, Jammu and Kashmir remains on the Security Council's agenda and its consideration by the Council reflects a recognition of the seriousness of the prevailing situation," Khan said.

He said the issue "must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people".

"We will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until they secure their inalienable right to self-determination," he added.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that the UN has confirmed during its meeting on Kashmir that India's action of scrapping Jammu and Kashmir's special status has increased tension in the region.

Interacting with media persons in New York, Qureshi said at the request of Pakistan and with the support of China, the Security Council considered the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

"In the closed meeting of the Council, representatives of the UN and the UNMOGIP briefed the participants. The UN in its briefing confirmed that India's August 5 measures resulted in the rise of tensions and that the 'local situation' remains tense," Qureshi said.

India maintains that the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), established in January 1949, has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement.

The UNSC is "monitoring the situation", said Qureshi, who is on a three-day visit to the US as part of Pakistan's efforts to defuse the tensions between the US and Iran.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A group of black British women have demanded a boycott of Good Morning Britain over claims Piers Morgan has "bullied" guests on the show.

InfluencHers, a group of 100 black women, told advertisers of the ITV breakfast show they are sanctioning bullying and blatant unapologetic disrespect of women, urging them to quit.

In a furious open letter to Britain's broadcast media, they slammed host Mr Morgan for launching an ambush of activist Afua Hirsch in an on-air debate on Monday.

Ms Hirsch pointed to quarters of the media commenting on the duchess exotic DNA and likening her son Archie to a chimp, and blasted Mr Morgan for being a racist himself.

Afua Hirsch locked horns with Piers Morgan in a fiery debate on GMB this week / ITV

Throughout the discussion, Mr. Morgan proceeded to besiege Ms. Hirsch with questions, accusations, hostility and badgering, the group wrote.

The guestMs. Hirschwas afforded no room to respond to this barrage of accusation, interruption and confrontation masquerading as journalism.

You cannot claim to want to talk about racism and then utterly besiege someone preventing them from actually responding.

Morgan grew outraged during the heated discussion, telling Ms Hirsch that her accusations of racism are completely and grotesquely wrong.

The infamously controversial TV star fired back on Twitter this morning, remarking of the letter: Wow. Its not bullying to challenge b******t. Its journalism.

The letter also criticises This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield for casting doubt on racism claims around Meghan in an interview with black campaigner Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu.

The furious open letter calls for a boycott of GMB over Piers Morgan's views on racism

They also took issue with Newsnights white male historian Robert Lacey for telling the programme he does not see racism there in British newspapers coverage of Ms Markle.

What qualifies white men to effectively measure racism, and its impact?, the group asked.

With what authority do these white men articulate with such confidence that things are not as bad regarding racism in England? How can a white man say: where is the racism?.

Piers Morgan fired out a series of scathing tweets following the Sussexes shock announcement / Rex Features

"Having to engage, articulate, and explain racism again and again to predominantly white hosts, white men, and white guests is draining and exhausting. It is frankly traumatizing and wearing to black people who continuously find themselves having to explain the presence and impact of racism to people who refuse to be educated."

In a direct plea to advertisers, it says: "To all the advertisers whose products appear on GMB, you are sanctioning bullying and blatant unapologetic disrespect of women on a programme that targets that exact demographic.

"To any advertiser choosing to have their products associated with such misogyny, and disrespect of women, you are telling your customers you have absolutely no regard or respect for them. Is that a message you want to send by continuing to advertise on Good Morning Britain?"

ITV has been contacted for comment.
'Sarileru Neekevvaru Is A Sankranthi Miracle'

Mahesh Babu was quoted by TOI as saying, "I make it a point to watch all my films with my family on the day of the release. It's a sentiment. And when I saw the film, I knew it's a Sankranthi miracle. The openings have been sensational. It feels great to have scored one of the biggest hits of my career."

Mahesh Babu Thanks Fans

The actor also thanked the people of two Telugu states for all the love they have showered on the film and making the festival extra special for the team.

The Actor Is Overwhelmed With The Responses

Mahesh is overwhelmed with the praises coming his way. Taking about the most-talked about scene/song in the show, he said that he has received compliments for his dancing in the number Mind Block', which has become a rage with his fans. He added that the army episode from the beginning of the film is also one of the highlights and much-loved. The actor further hoped that his fans keep showering love on him the same way!
Efforts to control feral hogs in The Woodlands continued on Wednesday, with another several dozen residents showing up at the township board meeting meetings to plead for help battling the invasive swine and directors approving the hiring of a special consultant to help develop a collaborative game plan to try to stem the flow of the animals into the community.

In an unanimous vote following a lengthy segment of public comment and discussion of the issue, the township directors approved the hiring of a special consultant who is an expert in feral hogs and invasive species control methods for a cost of $25,000. The consultant, once hired, will work with township staff and a host of community stakeholders to develop a collaborative game plan for reducing the feral hog population in The Woodlands and also to try to prevent them from even coming to the area, said John Powees, the assistant general manager for the the township.

Weve identified these major corridors of hog activity, Powers said, referring to the Spring Creek watershed as well as other creekbeds that serve as sort of hog highways. Regionally, it seems to make sense to catch them as they come out of these creekbeds. Everybody (in the region) is experiencing these problems. All of us would like to see a comprehensive plan (created).

Powers also announced that there are two feral hog informational seminars scheduled for February to help residents become educated on the issue as well as help officials develop a game plan to reduce the population of the swine. One seminar is on Feb. 5 at the Rob Fleming Recreation Center in the Village of Creekside Park and the other is on Feb. 20 at the offices of H.A.R.C. on Gosling Road. Both are free, but require pre-registration.

(The seminars) Dont solve the problem, but they increase awareness, Powers explained, adding that he is working with Texas state Rep. Steve Toth to host another meeting of county stakeholders in an effort to contiunue collaboration efforts.

RELATED: Feral hog seminar set for Feb. 20 in Woodlands

In addition to Powers presentation, numerous residents of the Grogans Point neighborhood in the southern area of The Woodlands showed up to complain to township officials about the feral hogs running wild in their community. Many said the hogs create a safety threat for local children  especially kids waiting for school buses in the pre-dawn hours of 5:30-7 a.m.  but also to walkers, joggers and elderly residents.

Linda Estrada, one resident of Grogans Point, told the directors that shes seen what she termed an explosion of feral hog activity in her neighborhood since November of 2019, noting that there seems to be daily reports of damaged property and feral hog sightings.

Feral Hog Seminars Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m. The Rob Fleming Recreation Center, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. Admission is free, however seating is limited and pre-registration with the township is required to attend. Call 281-210-3800 for more information and to register. Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. At the offices of H.A.R.C., 8801 Gosling Road, The Woodlands. Admission is free, however seating is limited and pre-registration with the township is required to attend. Call 281-364-6000 for more information and to register. See More Collapse

However, despite the problems reported in Grogans Point, Rob Miller  president of the Windsor Hills senior communitys homeowners association  appeared before the directors and offered his sincere thanks on behalf of the community for the townships assistance in helping build a 120-foot fence thats virtually eliminated the feral hogs in the community on the northern fringe of the township. Miller was one of more than two dozen Windsor Hills residents who showed up en masse at an early December meeting of the board to plead for help.

RELATED: Scared residents in Woodlands plead for help with feral hog invasion

After the public comment and the presentation by Powers, Alan Biggerstaff, a local animal control expert with a long history of trapping feral hogs in The Woodlands spoke to the directors. Biggerstaff, a former state game warden, showed a slideshow featuring images of various feral hog traps and his experiences with the creatures over a 27-year period as a consultant for The Woodlands Development Company, a subsidiary of the Howard Hughes Corp.

Biggerstaff, who owns A&V Nuisance Wildlife Management & Control, LLC, with his wife, said the peak of feral hog problems seemed to be the 1980s, when he said thousands of the creatures were trapped in various areas of The Woodlands, although at the time, less than 25,000 people resided in the community. He also said there are only four feral hog traps still in use in the Spring Creek area and those traps caught a total of 171 feral hogs in the 2019 calendar year.

Many of the problems with controlling the feral hogs, Biggerstaff added, stem from strict state laws on what to do with the animals when they are caught, who can trap them and other issues. Texas law allows people who own 10 acres of land or more to shoot feral hogs on their own property with a firearm or a bow and arrow, however that is not an option inside the boundaries of The Woodlands, where discharging a firearm is illegal. The main way to get rid of the animals is to trap them and either relocate them hundreds of miles away or to take them to a meat processor, which is a arduous task due to U.S.D.A. regulations on meat inspections.

ON HOUSTON CHRONICLE.COM: How feral hogs hurt the environment

Gordy Bunch, chairman of the township Board of Directors, said he hopes county officials such as Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, would be more helpful in the battle to combat the invasive swine, noting that state law mandates property owners deal with the animals. Bunch said much of the land where the hogs are living or traveling through to get to The Woodlands is owned by Montgomery County. Powers told directors in his presentation that Noacks office had granted the township permission to trap feral hogs on Precinct 3 land, but that the county would not fund the effort.

Bunch, as well as Director Brian Boniface, said he believes it is an abdication of duty to not help with the feral hogs.

Much of this goes out of our geography. We are in two counties and four precints. We will do what we can, but we need to pressure (county officials) more, Bunch said. We cannot solve this issue on our own.

jeff.forward@chron.com
Second Amendment advocates line up to attend a hearing before four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Gun Control Battle Deepens as Legislation Advances in Virginia

As 4 bills progress along party lines in Virginia legislature, 2nd Amendment sanctuary movement gains momentum

RICHMOND, Va.Hundreds of Second Amendment advocates converged on Virginias state capital on Jan. 13 to oppose a slew of tighter gun control proposals being voted on by newly elected state lawmakers.

The long line of Virginia residentsmany wearing bright Guns Save Lives stickersshowed up before 8 a.m. in a show of support for their constitutional rights that they say are being infringed upon. Some gun control advocates attended as well, holding signs with slogans such as sensible gun laws equal less gun violence.

The rallying crowds did little to stop four gun control measures from advancing in the states Democratic-led General Assembly after approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee passed legislation for universal background checks, a measure allowing localities to ban weapons from some events and government buildings, a red flag bill allowing authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from certain individuals deemed a risk, and a law that limits the purchase of handguns to only one per month.

NOW: Im at Virginia state Capitol where lawmakers are expected to vote on a number of proposed gun control bills. Many gun advocates are showing up to protest against them. pic.twitter.com/XuAtxreeOQ  Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) January 13, 2020

In interviews with The Epoch Times, Second Amendment advocates, including local residents, county sheriffs, gun store owners, and Virginias NRA leader, argued that the proposed gun control measures were an overreach that violated residents constitutional rights. They said stricter legislation will do nothing to stop criminals from committing crimes and said the focus should be more on mental health.

Second Amendment advocates attend a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed four gun control bills during a hearing at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The four bills now advance to the Virginia Senate for further discussion. They would need to be passed by the Senate and the House of Delegates, and be signed by Gov. Ralph Northam (D) to become law.

Democrats won control of both chambers of the state legislature in the November 2019 elections and have vowed to enact stronger gun control policies. They believe stricter legislation will help reduce shootings and deaths and would break the cycle of gun violence.

The committee ended up largely voting along party lines, but not every piece of legislation was approved. One proposed measure (SB-16) that sparked the most controversybanning the sale and possession of so-called assault weaponswas taken off the table. According to The Associated Press, an estimated 8 million AR-style guns have been sold since their introduction to the public in the 1960s.

Matthew Thwing, a 41-year-old small-business owner in Virginia, said he attended the hearing to have his voice heard and to show that he and the other nearly 1,000 Second Amendment advocates werent going to stand for the new agenda pushed by state lawmakers. An additional overflow room had to be opened during the hearing because of the large numbers.

I think that if theres a mandate in Virginia, its that they dont want gun control. We dont want gun control, he told The Epoch Times. These numbers are tremendous, and you really dont see that kind of turnout for any kind of political event whatsoever.

Its woken a sleeping giant, if you will, Thwing added. Some of the Second Amendment supporters took the day off work to attend, while others drove from hours away.

Matthew Thwing, 41, a small-business owner in Virginia, lines up to attend a hearing before four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The number of Second Amendment supporters who showed up wasnt surprising, Matt Rogers, chief of staff to Sen. David W. Marsden (D-Fairfax), said before the hearing. Marsden represents the 37th District in the state Senate.

There are people here on this side, and on that side, Rogers told The Epoch Times. Im absolutely not surprised, its a democracy. Its not a problem, and its actually exciting, even if people dont tend to agree with our point of view  this is the right way to address their grievances.

Rogers said they have to be mindful of the Second Amendment, but he added that there are things that can be done within the bounds of it.

Daniel Spiker, state director at the National Rifle Association (NRA), expressed disappointment following the results of the committee hearing. He predicted the fight for Second Amendment rights will be a very long and drawn-out one.

SB-16 being stricken from the record is an indication that the governor and some of the Democrats have seen that theyve overreached and that these bills have unintended consequences, he told The Epoch Times.

Were encouraged by it. But at the end of the day, its still multiple levels of new regulation and new laws imposed on law-abiding citizens, he said.

State lawmakers have less than 60 days to get all the bills to become law. Spiker said that the result of the NRAs rallying call for citizens to flock to the state capitol far exceeded their expectations of what the turnout was going to be.

Its indicative of what this movement is and the enthusiasm were seeing at the local level with engaging their board of supervisors, their city councils, Spiker said. Our hope was for that enthusiasm to come to Richmond.

Daniel Spiker, state director at NRA, after a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement

On Jan. 7, the city council in Virginia Beach enacted legislation in a 6 to 4 vote to declare the states largest city a Second Amendment constitutional city. In that vote, local residents crowded the building to have their voices heard, with an overflow crowd outside watching the proceedings on a TV screen.

Officials who have adopted such sanctuary resolutions or amendments generally state that they wont follow new gun laws they believe are unconstitutional. Local officials who voted for their counties to become Second Amendment sanctuaries told The Epoch Times the measures they passed were largely symbolic and were made to send a message to lawmakers. They said that any state laws enacted would still supersede any local legislation.

Following the Senate committee hearing, a county sheriff said he wasnt surprised by the committees action, and that he was disappointed he couldnt speak for longer. He said the committee had their minds made up and didnt want to hear any input, adding that it could affect their seats in the next election.

I thank them for starting down this road for one reasonits going to flip Virginia back red in so many ways they dont expect, Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins told The Epoch Times. Elections have consequences.

Jenkins said the strong push for tighter gun control has awakened a population in the state that has long been quiet.

And that doesnt account for the court battles that are coming, because there are plenty of us willing to battle this out in the court the right way, as well, he added.

Second Amendment advocates shake hands with Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins (L) after a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins attends a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Jenkins has gone further than others, saying he would deputize citizens as auxiliary deputies, if needed, to protect the constitutional right to bear firearms. In early December, Culpeper Countys Board of Supervisors voted 7 to 0 to affirm itself as a constitutional county, prompting a standing ovation by residents who were present for the vote.

Northam and other Democratic lawmakers in the state, meanwhile, have credited their focus on gun control for helping them win full control of the General Assembly for the first time in more than two decades, according to The Associated Press.

Virginia, especially, has become the center of the gun debate, with 91 of the states 95 counties passing some sort of measure affirming their support for Second Amendment rights. A number of municipalities in Virginia have also become sanctuaries.

Hundreds of local counties, cities, and towns across America are declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries or constitutional counties as part of an expanding movement over the past few years. In Illinois, at least 70 of the 102 counties in the state have passed some form of sanctuary resolution.

Paul Moog, who works with the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a nonprofit grassroots organization whose goal is to advance the rights of Virginians to keep and bear arms, said he was very much in favor of the Second Amendment sanctuary movement.

[We] helped put them in through Orange County, he said. Ive been to several other meetings, and I think its a great movement that will help defuse some of the tension.

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789, and was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791. The text reads that a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Moog claims that the proposed gun control agenda could cause a bigger fight to break out within the state.

I think that the Democrats are very close to pushing civil war in Virginia, Moog said. If you try to turn your opposition into criminals, people have a tendency to want to fight back.

Second Amendment advocates attend a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Gun control advocates attend a hearing where four gun control bills passed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at a gun shop in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 13, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The sanctuary movement is helping to take the heat off the anger people are feeling, because its making them feel more secure according to Moog. I think were in a very touchy situation, he said.

In a sign of tensions boiling over, Marsden last week called Second Amendment supporters little kids who should be ignored, according to a news post by the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

In an interview with radio station WMAL, co-host Mary Walter read from an email that Marsden had reportedly written to a constituent, where he had said that too many of your members and other 2A supporters appear to have mental health issues.

Marsden later defended his remarks and cited offensive emails and phone calls he claimed he received from some constituents.

In response to the rising number of Second Amendment sanctuaries, a U.S. House Democrat recently floated the idea that Northam could direct the states National Guard to help enforce the proposed gun restrictions. Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Va.) made the proposal on Dec. 11, 2019, while also suggesting cutting off state funds to counties that dont comply with gun control measures that might pass in the state.

The Virginia National Guard responded with a string of Twitter posts, in which they said they havent received any requests from the governor.

We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights, Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the states adjutant general, wrote. We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

Miles away from the state capital, a local gun store owner said that the constitution protects the people.

Our constitution protects us  But the people that want control understand that they cant get control as long as the population can protect themselves, Tony Martin, the managing partner of a local gun store, said.

Thats the point of the Second Amendmentto be able to serve the people and not be oppressed by the government, he added. In Virginia, they want to change it completely.

Red flag laws and other gun control proposals infringe upon the rights of the citizens, Martin said. He said the United States judicial system is based on the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and that, in a court of law, people are entitled to a fair and reasonable opportunity to defend themselves.

Martin said that the red flag law approach appears on the surface as if it should make everyone safer, but, on closer examination, exposes serious issues. In particular, it would forgo the innocent until proven guilty principle.

If in place, you can lose your rights and you can lose your personal property, based on somebody elses accusation, he said.

This is an incremental process. You cant just come in and say, Oh, heres the Constitution, lets shred it and start over. They cant do that, so they are taking baby steps and they have done so for many, many years.

Martin noted that the firearms industry is the most heavily regulated industry in the world. He said he also objects to the term gun violence, saying that the gun itself isnt capable of committing any crimes.

Its an inanimate object, he said. Now, could it be used violently by a person? Of course. And for that matter, anything could.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has threatened to sue the Government over its 106million plan to bailout struggling airline Flybe.

Mr O'Leary said Ryanair, easyJet and other budget airlines could 'step in' to cover routes to regional destinations including Exeter and Southampton if Flybe goes bust.

He said the Government's multi-million pound plan to rescue the air carrier 'breaches state aid and competition law' before branding it a 'nasty cover up'.

Describing Flybe as a 'subsidised billionaire boys club' he urged Chancellor Sajid Javid to give Ryanair and other rival airlines the same tax holidays as them.

The Government's plan has been met with staunch opposition from other UK airlines, with British Airways submitting a formal complaint to the EU's competition watchdog over what it calls a 'blatant misuse of public funds'.

BA's owners International Airlines Group (IAG) today wrote to the Government accusing it of a 'lack of transparency' and asking for further details on the deal.

Whatever the outcome of IAG's complaint to the EU Directorate-General for Competition, officials in Brussels could use the Flybe crisis to their advantage in post-Brexit trade talks, according to The Telegraph.

EU bosses want Britain to promise not to undercut EU tax, state aid, environment or labour standards as part of its EU withdrawal agreement.

But after accusations of the Government breaching state-aid, it could help justify EU demands for 'level playing field guarantees'.

Mr O'Leary told Sky News on Thursday: 'We, easyJet and other airlines would step in to provide services on all the main routes.

'We did it when Monarch went bust, we did it when Thomas Cook went bust and we will do it when and if Flybe go bankrupt.

'It's inevitable they will. They have been bankrupted or financially restructured five times in the past 12 years. They are doomed to fail again.'

Quizzed on whether Ryanair could commit to providing services on all of Flybe routes if it goes out of business, Mr O'Leary said that had 'always been the case'.

He said of Mr Javid: 'As long as he should publish what the Government is doing for Flybe today on his Twitter feed and then say he is extending that holiday to all of the other airlines that compete with Flybe in the UK, then case closed, we're all being treated fairly.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary (pictured on Sky News today) has threatened to sue the Government over its 106million plan to bailout struggling airline Flybe

'What you can't have is a government subsidy to a billionaire boys club in Flybe, give them a subsidy, then ask all the other airlines, who by the way offer lower fares than Flybe, to keep collecting the tax and paying over the tax to the Government.

'That's in breach of competition law, in breach of state-aid rules, and the government cannot get away with it.

'It's a nasty cover up subsidy to billionaires. So Mr Javid please publish the deal and please tell us that you're extending that tax holiday to all airlines.'

Mr O'Leary comments come after Flybe's co-owners the Stobart Group blamed the airline's financial troubles on EU red tape.

Stobart said Connect Airways, in which it has a 30 per cent stake, was prevented from taking over the business last year because the EU's competition regulator dragged its feet.

In a London Stock Exchange update today it said Connect's turnaround plan for the air carrier was impacted by 'legacy issues and a 'delay in receiving control' of the firm as it took more than six months for them to clear the takeover.

Branding Flybe a 'subsidised billionaire club' he urged Chancellor Sajid Javid to give Ryanair and other rival airlines the same tax holidays as them

In a statement that also revealed it will contribute 9million to Flybe's rescue deal, it said: 'This resulted in a situation in which a further injection of funds is required to ensure continued flying.'

The firm said it contributed to the rescue after 'working tirelessly alongside Flybe and the UK Government' to look for solutions to make the business more financially viable.

The crisis-hit airline was saved from collapse on Tuesday evening following an agreement between the Government and Connect Airways, a consortium including Stobart, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital.

The Government agreed during the talks that it will review the application of Airline Passenger Duty (APD), with the intention to provide a further update at the time of the March Budget.

It was also reported the Government agreed to defer Flybe's 106 million APD bill until after the winter.

Details of the deal have not been disclosed by the Government and Chancellor Sajid Javid said shareholders were persuaded by proposals to review the levy.

Stobart also said the Government agreed a 'review of regional connectivity' to enhance the viability of domestic UK flights.

Stobart Group, which also owns London Southend Airport, said its recent cash boost is in addition to 45 million the company has already pumped into Flybe, from a total 110million of funding from the Connect consortium.

Downing Street has since insisted there has been 'no state aid to Flybe' and any support that is given to the firm would be on 'strictly commercial terms'.
Mark Apsey honored for his contributions in the fields of sustainability and energy efficiency in the Queen of England's New Year Honours

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced that Mark Apsey, Managing Director in its London office, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours List 2020 for his demonstrated leadership in sustainable energy.

MBEs are awarded to individuals who are making a difference in their industry. At Ameresco, Apsey works on energy performance contracting and renewable energy projects. A chemical engineer by training, Apsey is also chairman of the Energy Centre Board for the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

"I am deeply honoured to have received this award," said Apsey. "I have had the privilege of working with many organisations and individuals over the years that have helped begin the work towards making our world a cleaner, greener place to live. There is still much more we can do when it comes to sustainability in the UK and worldwide and I'm inspired to continue this work with urgency."

"The entire Ameresco UK team is incredibly proud of Mark for receiving this honor," said Britta MacIntosh, Vice President of UK Operations at Ameresco. "He is committed to making a positive environmental impact through his work, and his successes demonstrate that he is so deserving of this recognition."

Prior to joining Ameresco in 2014, Apsey worked in a variety of engineering leadership roles for companies including EnergyExcel, Atkins and GlaxoSmithKline. A resident of Sussex, England, Apsey is a graduate of the University of Exeter, where he earned his Master of Engineering degree in Chemical and Process Engineering.

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for businesses and organizations throughout North America and Europe. Ameresco's sustainability services include upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees providing local expertise in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005615/en/

Contacts:

Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com
The first thing three-year-old Matilda Moule asked for when rescuers found her after 24 hours lost in the Australian Outback was 'a hug from mum'.

Matilda and her faithful Jack Russell terrier Polly are finally home safe after spending a night missing in a remote area of the Pilbara region, in Western Australia.

An extensive search for the girl ended on Thursday afternoon when she was spotted by a helicopter 3.5 kilometres from her home at the Noreena Downs Homestead.

The youngster and her hero pet were quickly flown back to her home on the million-acre property where she was embraced by her parents Kate and Nathan - and given a big glass of water.

Three-year-old Matilda Moule and her faithful pet Jack Russell (left) terrier are home safe after almost 24 hours alone. The girl wandered off from her family's million-acre homestead on Wednesday afternoon and was reunited with her family (above) on Thursdday

Officers combed through bushland (pictured) to find the toddler, who was missing for more than 24 hours

'I'm sure she's a free spirit and her backyard is a million acres,' Kim Massam, the WA Police superintendent who led the rescue operation, told media.

'She's (now) at home on a station with her mum and dad and her grandma. The story could not end any better than that.'

The youngster had wandered off from her family's enormous homestead to take her dog Polly for a walk on Wednesday afternoon.

When her parents noticed she was missing they quickly raised the alarm, leading to a major search that included three helicopters, nine policeman and eight SES workers.

Heavy rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Blake had made search conditions challenging and filled a number of creeks surrounding the property.

Police say Matilda made her way through one of the creeks when the water subsided before the creek quickly rose again, trapping both her and her dog.

Bravery beyond her years: Little Matilda survived 24 hours in the harsh Outback alone with her dog (right) after wandering off from her family's million-acre homestead

The girl wandered off from her family's million-acre homestead, 70km from Nullagine in WA

By the time she was found, Matilda's green top and pink dress was covered in mud.

But that didn't bother her parents or grandmother, who all happily embraced her as she was returned to the homestead.

After getting a hug from her loved ones the three-year-old girl was given a big glass of water.

Supt Massam praised Polly the Jack Russell for staying by Matilda's side through the night.

'It's in the nature of pets to look after the people they love,' he said.

'That little jack russell stayed by her side and gave her that moral support to get through a night and a day in that harsh climate.

'That little dog will be the toast of the station tonight.'

Three helicopters, nine police officers, eight SES personnel and seven horses were deployed to search for her

The toddler went missing from Noreena Downs Station (pictured), a remote pastoral property near Nullagine

The three-year-old went missing in an area that covers some of the most remote cattle land in the state, leading police to call it a 'very concerning' situation before her dramatic rescue.

The family station in the East Pilbara region has been running since 1983, and like much of Western Australia has suffered intense rain this week.

Newman, 150km north of the station, recorded 143mm of rain in just 24 hours last Wednesday, causing flooding and road closures.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 18:00:11|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun on Wednesday proposed tasks for the Group of 77 (G77) and China, as Guyana takes over the chairmanship of the bloc from Palestine for 2020.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) and the beginning of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development, said Zhang at a handover ceremony.

Among other things, the G77 and China should focus on safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, while promoting South-South cooperation and pushing for more emphasis by the UN on development issues, said Zhang.

As the largest developing country and a sincere supporter of the G77, China has always attached great importance to cooperation with the bloc.

In 2020, China will have completed its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects, as well as lifting its rural poor out of poverty. Looking to the future, China would be happy to share its development experience with other members of the G77 so they can achieve common development, said Zhang.

The G77 is a coalition of developing countries whose aim is to promote collective political and economic interests. While China is not a member, it is an active participant, with all official G77 statements issued in the name "The Group of 77 and China."
Howard Fischer Associates (HFA), one of the leading executive and board search firms in the nation for more than 35 years, is pleased to announce the hiring of five new members to its team, across three offices.

Kris Limaye is a Principal in HFAs Philadelphia office, focusing on senior-level executive searches in Silicon Valley and across the Northeast in a variety of industries, including enterprise software, SaaS, healthcare IT, telecommunications, e-commerce, and manufacturing. Kris joins the firm from global healthcare, lighting, and consumer technology company Philips, where he helped build out their global in-house executive search function from the ground up, recruiting VP, SVP, and C-Level executives for the company globally, across all functions and sectors.

Dana Lipp, HFAs new Director of Client Partnerships, joins the firms Chicago office after founding and operating a Dallas-based business law boutique concentrating in commercial, real estate, and transactional law and structuring strategic partnerships and alliances. Prior to owning her own firm, Dana served as General Counsel for SubroSmart, which provided subrogation services to global insurers, reinsurers, self-insureds, and captives, and as Chief Operating Officer of delivery startup Shipbird.

Jamal Elmidge is a Consultant in HFAs Silicon Valley office, specializing in executive and board level searches for both venture-backed and public companies in the enterprise and consumer spaces. Prior to HFA, Jamal spent time as a senior sales and technical recruiter for Avi Networks, providing full-cycle recruitment for enterprise major account managers and senior software engineers, and as a senior recruiter at Palo Alto Networks.

Mira Cohen is a Market Analyst in HFAs Silicon Valley office, supporting firm consultants in candidate research and market analysis for venture backed technology startups and public companies. Prior to joining HFA, Mira was a digital enablement guide for a cloud-based startup.

Caroline Fox is a Market Analyst in HFAs Philadelphia office, supporting firm consultants in candidate research and market analysis efforts across multiple industries for both public and private companies. Prior to joining HFA, Caroline worked in prospect research, supporting fundraising efforts at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

About Howard Fischer Associates

Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) is one of the leading executive and board search firms in the nation, committed to helping clients achieve their goals by identifying outstanding leaders who will effectively fit or help change their culture. The HFA process has been well-honed after 35 years of sustained excellence in the industry. HFA is headquartered in Philadelphia, with additional offices in Boston, Silicon Valley, and Chicago. For more information, visit http://www.hfischer.com.
DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothie King  a leading quick-service restaurant concept known for its health-focused smoothies  earned the No. 14 ranking on Entrepreneur's 2020 Franchise 500 List and the first overall spot in the list's "Smoothies/Juice" category for the 29th-consecutive year, the company announced Thursday.

The Franchise 500, a comprehensive compilation of the strongest and most well-performing franchises around the world over the last year, saw Smoothie King jump eight places in 2020 compared to its No. 22 ranking in 2019.

"We are honored to be so high on this year's Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur," said Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim. "This recognition is a testament to our team, franchisees and their passion for the Smoothie King brand. Because of their dedication and buy in, we've become an integral part of more people's health and fitness journeys each year and attracted likeminded entrepreneurs who align with our mission and vision."

With a mission to inspire people to live healthy and active lifestyles, it's understandable why Smoothie King has experienced notable growth over the last three years. More and more consumers are demanding menu transparency and clean, wholesome options from the brands they interact with, and Smoothie King has excelled at demonstrating that kind of authenticity and unwavering commitment to guests' health and wellness needs.

While the brand has continued to innovate and grow, so has the franchise system. In 2017, Smoothie King had just over 900 units globally  growing progressively in 2018 by 70 units and in 2019 by 101 units. As of January 2020, Smoothie King has 1,100 open locations and counting.

Smoothie King was one of a record-breaking 1,105 companies to submit all the necessary-and-qualifying information. Ground-floor requirements for 2020 Franchise 500 consideration included: having at least 10 open-and-operating units as of July 31, 2019 in the United States and Canada, with at least one U.S. unit; and actively seeking franchise opportunities in both countries.

Reviewed by Entrepreneur's editorial team and cross referenced against more than 150 data points, franchises were ranked highest to lowest based on the cumulative score they generated from the analysis.

Dallas-based Smoothie King is seeking qualified partners both domestically and internationally to join its franchise system. For more information, please visit www.smoothiekingfranchise.com.

ABOUT SMOOTHIE KING

Founded in 1973, Smoothie King is a lifestyle brand inspiring people to live healthy-and-active lifestyles via nutritious, great-tasting smoothies with 1,100 locations in 34 U.S. states, the Caymans, Trinidad and the Republic of Korea. The franchise earned the No. 1 ranking among smoothie concepts for the 29th-consecutive year, and the No. 14 spot overall, on Entrepreneur's prestigious Franchise 500 list in 2020.

For more information on how to become a Smoothie King franchisee, please visit www.smoothiekingfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Brian Campbell Jr., Fishman PR, 847-945-1300 ext. 226 or [email protected]

SOURCE Smoothie King

Related Links

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Seven people were detained while protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens in central Delhi's Turkman Gate on Thursday, police said.

They were released in the evening.

Police said that the protesters were detained for blocking a road in the area and were taken to Rajinder Nagar Police Station.

Some of the demonstrators alleged that the police personnel manhandled them and snatched away their mobile phones.

According to the demonstrators, the protest had begun on Wednesday afternoon when some students of Jamia Millia Islamia and the locals gathered at Turkman Gate at around 3 pm.

In the evening, scores of people gathered at the protest site. However, on Thursday morning, the police arrived and dispersed the crowd while detaining the seven protesters.

"I was in Khureji last (Wednesday) night when I got to know about the protest at Turkman Gate. Several women were protesting here and I rushed to join them," Sara Javed Chawla, one of the protesters said.

Chawla claimed that shopkeepers in the area closed their establishments and formed a human chain to support the protesters.

"We were about to leave from the protest site when the police crackdown happened in the morning," one of the protesters said.

However, after the police left, the protesters regrouped and returned to the site carrying placards with messages like 'no CAA, no NRC', 'say no to CAA' and 'pyaar banto, desh nahi'.

Mohammad Naeem, a resident of Jama Masjid, said that the protest which began on Wednesday will go on till the time the CAA and NRC are not revoked.

"People, especially students and women, are holding a protest at Turkman Gate since Wednesday. We want the government to revoke the CAA and drop the idea of a possible pan-India NRC.

"Yesterday, the students marched from Lal Kuan till Turkman Gate," Naeem said.

He claimed that a similar protest was ongoing at the historic Jama Masjid.

"Women gather inside the mosque daily from 8 pm to 9 pm after finishing their work. It is a silent protest and nobody raises slogans against anyone. The protesters sing national anthem at the end of the protest," he said.

Meanwhile, several demonstrators protesting in east Delhi's Khureji area since Wednesday claimed that the police tried to forcefully disperse them by cutting the power connection and knocking down the tents at their protest site.

The Delhi Police, however, refuted the claims saying no "coercive action" was taken.

An indefinite protest at Shaheen Bagh had started on December 15 against the CAA and the NRC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 12:46:31|Editor: mingmei

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JIUQUAN Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A broadband communication satellite, developed by a Beijing-based company, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 11:02 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time).

The satellite, the first one of the Beijing-based GalaxySpace, was sent into its planned orbit by a Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket.

Deployed in low-Earth orbit (LEO), the satellite has a communication capacity up to 10Gbps. Relative technological tests will be conducted on the satellite.

GalaxySpace aims to build a LEO broadband satellite constellation and create a global 5G communication network.

KZ-1A is a low-cost solid-fuel carrier rocket with high reliability and a short preparation period. The rocket, developed by a company under the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, is mainly used to launch LEO small satellites.

Thursday's launch is the eighth mission of the KZ-1A carrier rocket.
The unexpected return of two former presidents to the Central African Republic, the main figures in a civil war that still bloodies the country despite an 11-month-old peace accord, has set the stage for high-stakes political chess ahead of elections in December.

Francois Bozize, who is under an international arrest warrant for his role in the conflict, returned from exile in Uganda in mid-December -- timing that would enable him to mount a presidential run under electoral rules.

Thousands of supporters from a section of the opposition to President Faustin-Archange Touadera turned up at a rally urging Bozize to run for the top job.

He has yet to meet with Touadera. Government spokesman Ange Maxime Kazagui said Bozize had returned "in obscure conditions and has set conditions for a meeting" with the president.

Meanwhile the man who overthrew Bozize in 2013, Michel Djotodia, is also back in the country.

Even though Djotodia may also have his sights set on the presidency, Touadera greeted him at the airport upon his arrival in Bangui on Friday.

Touadera, by allying himself with Djotodia, may be locking in support from his predecessor's rebel group, which controls the northeast. By Ludovic MARIN (AFP/File)

These machinations are potentially explosive in a country where fighting is still claiming lives despite a peace accord signed last February.

More than two-thirds of the former French colony is still under the control of armed rebel groups fighting over its rich mineral resources.

Nathalia Dukhan, a CAR expert with the US anti-corruption group The Sentry, described Djotodia's return as "planned and negotiated".

She added: "The current government, already very unpopular, is showing that it has just one goal: (Touadera's) re-election at any cost."

Bozize "is still very popular... which directly threatens this re-election," Dukhan said.

Another analyst, who heads the Association of Central African Bloggers (ABCA), goes further, seeing Djotodia's return as a deliberate move by Touadera.

"This way, Touadera ensures he has the support of voters in areas under the influence of (former rebels) thanks to Djotodia's support," Rosmon Zokoue said.

Arrest warrant

Bozize took power following a 2003 coup before being overthrown 10 years later by Djotodia, head of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebellion in the predominantly Christian country.

Francois Bozize, right, is under an international arrest warrant for his role in the conflict. By FLORENT VERGNES (AFP/File)

Vicious sectarian violence ensued between the Seleka and vigilante militias dominated by Christians and animists known as the anti-Balaka.

Djotodia resigned in January 2014, a month after a French-led military intervention ousted the Seleka from power.

After a transitional period, Touadera was elected president in 2016 but was unable to stop the fighting, despite the presence of a multinational UN force.

While Djotodia has avoided prosecution by Central African or international justice, Bozize's is a different story.

Central African Republic. By (AFP)

The UN imposed sanctions against him and CAR issued an international arrest warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity for allegedly stoking the violence.

Analyst Thierry Vircoulon said "Bozize's legal situation is a lot more complicated" and it was uncertain whether he would be eligible to run for president.

Moreover, the Touadera camp may not look kindly on a Bozize candidacy if the president's re-election is threatened -- a scenario that could inflame the campaign.

'Race against time'

"With less than a year before the presidential election, all the political clans are engaged in a race against time," Dukhan said.

Some observers warn that while Bozize's ambitions are clear, Djotodia's intentions are anyone's guess.

He has said simply: "The future belongs to God."

Djotodia's intentions are anyone's guess. He has said simply: "The future belongs to God". By FLORENT VERGNES (AFP/File)

Meanwhile, Djotodia remains the political head of the CAR's main armed rebel group, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC).

The group maintains control over the northeast of the country with violence including killings, looting and rapes, according to Lewis Mudge, Human Rights Watch's CAR director.

The run-up to the December elections is thus potentially explosive in a country still embroiled in a conflict despite a relative calm since the Khartoum accord last February.

"It's a bad sign that Bozize can return to the political landscape despite the sanctions," Mudge said.

"The same for Djotodia, who was head of the Seleka which committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. It shows that the cycle of impunity has not been broken."
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that it will participate in a multiple award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for U.S. Army advanced communication systems. The new Global Tactical Advanced Communication Systems II (GTACS II) contract vehicle will allow multiple companies to compete for up to $5.1 billion over a ten year period to support the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) and Project Manager Tactical Network (PM Tactical Network).



The GTACS II contract will provide an acquisition vehicle for Kratos broad array of communications technology, including satellite solutions for signal processing to advanced cybersecurity products, command and control, virtual communications, SATCOM and tactical protected communications. Kratos has assembled an elite sub-contractor team, including both large and small companies to address GTACS II mission requirements. Members of the sub-contracting team were chosen based on specific strengths that complement Kratos capabilities to provide innovative, flexible, open-architecture tactical communications solutions. The team includes TMC Design Corporation, Navigator Development Group Inc., Modern Technology Solutions, Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc. and Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation.

The U.S. Army seeks to rapidly develop technology to support networked battle command solutions. GTACS II will support the funding and is expected to run through January 5, 2030 with a five-year base period and a five-year option period. This contract vehicle may be used by other agencies and organizations in support of their missions.

Kratos has a unique combination of terrestrial, airborne, and space communication capabilities. When integrated with strengths in system engineering, hardware manufacturing, software development, training and field support, they form an innovative, responsive, and best value supplier for GTACS II customers, said Frank Backes, Senior Vice President, Kratos Space. He continued, Efforts Kratos has put together with its partners will help the Army achieve its goal of accelerating the adoption of communication technologies supporting multiple domains.

Story continues

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. Kratos specializes in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com .

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 30, 2018, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact:

Yolanda White

858-812-7302 Direct



Investor Information:

877-934-4687

investor@kratosdefense.com
According to a new report, Huawei plans to announce its new foldable smartphone in March, and it will be called the Mate Xs. This information comes from a Chinese site My Drivers, and the source says its provided by the industry chain.

The Huawei Mate Xs may arrive in March, not February

This is quite odd, as Huaweis CEO hinted recently that a revised version of the Mate X will be launched in February. Perhaps the company changed its mind, or the source is talking about when will it become available.

Regardless, the revised version of the Mate X is coming. Based on the newly-surfaced info, that new variant of the phone will be called the Mate Xs, which was to be expected as that variant already launched in China.

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The Huawei Mate Xs will include an improved display, and an improved hinge as well, says the source. The device will also pack in a new processor, the Kirin 990.

We already know exactly what to expect, as this device was announced in China last year. In terms of the design, we really did not see any major changes. It seems like Huawei did tweak the display and hinge, but thats nothing that youd notice on the outside, at least not straight away.

The Huawei Mate X never made it to the global market

The Huawei Mate X never made it to the global market. The main reason for that is the US ban that Huawei had to deal with. The company cannot pre-install Google services on its phones at this point, and asking users to purchase this 2,400 phone without access to the Play Store and Google apps probably prevented Huawei from selling it thus far.

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Huawei is developing its very own alternatives to Googles offerings, and it seems to be ready to offer HMS on its devices, at least to a degree. If that were not the case, the Mate Xs would not be coming at all.

The Huawei Mate Xs is not the only flagship-grade phone that Huawei is planning to annouce soon. The companys P series flagships are also coming, the P40 and P40 Pro.

Those two phones will become official at the end of March, Huaweis CEO confirmed recently. In fact, having this new info in mind, the P40 series and Mate Xs may launch at the same time in March.

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Huawei is obviously planning to host a separate event at the end of March, so it makes sense. All those devices will be fueled by the Kirin 990, by the way.

The Huawei P40 already surfaced recently. The device appeared in a render, which seems to be quite legit. If it is, you can expect the device to include a pill-shaped camera hole, similar to the Galaxy S10+.

It remains to be seen how will Huawei deal with the issue of not having access to GMS. HMS will almost certainly come as an option, but it remains to be seen if its truly ready to go.
SHELTON  The Democratic Town Committee wants proof of Republican Mayor Mark Laurettis claim that the city is saving money by handling school transportation.

Committee Chairman David Gioiello said the DTC filed a Freedom of Information request with the city seeking cost information on the school bus program.

It has been the position of the mayor that he could run the bus service better and less expensive  we dont believe him and want to look at the costs, said Gioiello.

He said he was going to save the city $1 million. Lets see, Gioiello said. The city can bury costs in other line items, and we wont know. But we think the citizens should have a full accounting of the process. From what I know, there are still buses running late and the service still has issues.

The DTC filed a separate FOI request to the Board of Education over hiring a new board attorney.

The FOI request for school transportation costs, among other items, was sent to Lauretti on Nov. 25. To this point, Gioiello said, there has been no response from the city.

The DTC is seeking all documentation relating to the citys purchase of the propane-powered school buses from Jan. 1, 2000, to the present; any analysis done to assess the financial viability of the city taking over school bus transportation; maintenance costs and records from July 1, 2018, to the present; and copies of any contracts entered into by the city to operate the propane school buses for school transportation for the 2019-20 school year.

Shelton Democrats are also seeking copies of any individual employment contracts, contracts with outside companies or collective bargaining agreements entered into by the city for school transportation for the 2019-20 school year.

The request also calls for all documentation of driver costs paid for by the city from July 1, 2018, to the present and any documents showing an accounting of the time spent by Ken Nappi in his job supervising the operation and maintenance of the school buses for the City of Shelton from July 1, 2019 to the present.

The DTC is also seeking all information on costs from driver background checks, drug testing and assisting bus drivers in getting school bus licenses between July 1, 2019, and the present. The city was also asked for any insurance claims filed against the city from any motor vehicle accidents or incidents involving the school buses between July 1, 2019 and the present.

Gioiello said the DTC complaint against the Board of Education charges that the boards first meeting after the November election violated FOI rules.

The complaint states that the Board of Education added items to its agenda on the Nov. 20 meeting without proper approval of the members. Among the last-minute additions to the agenda was the Board of Education shifting its legal services to city corporation counsel Teodosio Stanick.

That is a violation of the FOI rules, said Gioiello. You may add items to a regular agenda, but the items must be approved by two-thirds of the members present (and that was not done).

brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com
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The United States has promised to provide technical assistance for Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia if they reached a deal regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said a statement of Sudan's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged to speed up reaching a comprehensive agreement on the GERD during his meeting with delegations of the three countries, according to the statement.

Trump further said he would later instruct for organizing a signing ceremony for the agreement in Washington, it added.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry announced in the statement that the three countries' delegations will return to Washington, in a period to be determined later, to take part in a final round of talks to finalize the comprehensive agreement.

Washington is hosting talks between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on the GERD under the patronage of the U.S. Secretary of Treasury and presence of the World Bank president.

The difference between Egypt and Ethiopia focuses on the duration of filling and operation of the GERD.

Egypt demands that the filling period be 10 years considering the drought years, while Ethiopia adheres to a period between four and seven years.

In early August 2019, Egypt proposed that, to avoid drought, Ethiopia must not begin filling the dam without Egypt's consent, which was rejected by Ethiopia.

In March 2015, leaders of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia signed a declaration of principles committed to reaching an agreement regarding the GERD through cooperation. But differences are still standing despite the deal.

Ethiopia started building the GERD in 2011, while Egypt, a downstream Nile Basin country that relies on the river for its fresh water, is concerned that the dam might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of the water resources of the river.

The GERD, extending on an area of 1,800 square km, is scheduled to be completed in three years at a cost of 4.7 billion U.S. dollars.
GAVAR, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. A new event is set to supplement the festival calendar in Armenia, this time dedicated to lavash  the famous Armenian flatbread.

The very first International Lavash Day will take place in early August 2020, and is expected to become a traditional festival and boost tourism.

The festival will be sponsored by the Dar Foundation, in cooperation with the Gegharkunik provincial government and the EVENTTOURA event management company. The International Lavash Day will take place in Tsaghkunk, a village in Gegharkunik.

Organizers say they are already engaged in preparations to ensure a high-level organization.

We are engaged in active cooperation with international tour operators. Local producers will participate and offer their goods, Yura Sargsyan  a representative of Dar Foundation and CEO of the Tsaghkunk Guest House  and Areni Festival Foundation Director, founder of the EVENTTOURA Company Nune Manukyan said at a meeting with Governor of Gegharkunik Gnel Sanosyan.

Governor Sanosyan, highlighting the need to organize international festivals and events, commended the initiative.

He said they will continue organizing traditional festivals to promote tourism, contribute to economic development and ensure the provinces presence on the international tourism map.

Not only will we participate, but we will also provide wide support and cooperation, the Governor said.

Reporting by Khosrov Khlghatyan

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
LONDON - Canada and its allies sent a stern message to Iran on Thursday: get ready to pay the families of those who died on board the Ukrainian airliner it shot down, and don't try to block any meaningful criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Foreign Affairs Minister Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a new conference to provide an update on the plane crash in Iran, in Ottawa Friday, January 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

LONDON - Canada and its allies sent a stern message to Iran on Thursday: get ready to pay the families of those who died on board the Ukrainian airliner it shot down, and don't try to block any meaningful criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Those demands were among the five elements in the agreement that emerged from the meeting Canada hosted in London Thursday with representatives from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan and Ukraine  countries that lost citizens in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

"We are judging Iran every day, demand by demand," Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said after the meeting.

The newly formed group of Iran watchers will have to remain vigilant for months, if not years, Champagne said.

That was underscored by the presence of Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. He joined talks to provide a briefing on the Netherlands' experience leading its five-year probe of the deadly shootdown of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, which investigators have blamed on Russia. That crash killed 298 people and the majority of them were from the Netherlands.

The countries expect Iran to deal with them on providing compensation to the families of victims, and ensuring a transparent investigation into the downing of the aircraft.

"The international community is watching. I think that we took as a first positive step the fact that Iran admitted full responsibility," Champagne said, flanked by his fellow foreign ministers and their flags.

"From that admission, obviously, flows consequences and we expect and demand full co-operation from the Iranian authorities in every step of consular services, identification of remains, investigation and prosecution of those responsible."

The RCMP, for example, is creating DNA profiles in Canada of victims to help Iran identify remains but has not received a formal invitation to help out.

The group also called on Iran to respect families' wishes on repatriating the remains of the 176 people killed when the plane came down, full access for consular officials and investigators, and an independent and credible criminal investigation into last week's crash.

Everyone on board was killed when one, though perhaps two, Iranian surface-to-air missiles hit the Ukrainian airliner. Iran lost 82 nationals in the crash, while 57 Canadians were killed. The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 89 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Iran has said only a handful of victims had ties to Canada, based on its view of their citizenship. That has raised concerns the bodies won't be allowed out of the country for those families wishing for a burial in Canada.

After denying for days that it shot down the passenger plane, Iran's leaders apologized and admitted what they said was a mistake.

Champagne said further investigation was warranted to "clarify who would have committed that, how it was committed, because we know the cause but obviously there's a lot of questions."

Behind closed doors, the ministers also discussed the tools they might need to use to force Iran to co-operate with them if that becomes necessary. Those include legal actions in European courts and possible resolutions against Iran at the United Nations Security Council, said a senior Canadian government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The Thursday gathering at Canada House in London's Trafalgar Square opened with a solemn, wordless ceremony.

Champagne led the four ministers down a grand staircase, past flags from their countries to a podium where each lit one candle in quiet succession. The ministers then stood shoulder to shoulder behind the flickering flames to lead a moment of silence.

Since the crash, Canada has had to rely on allies because it severed formal diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012.

"Coming at these issues with this group makes sense," said Dennis Horak, the retired diplomat who was Canada's last envoy in Tehran when its embassy was shuttered.

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"There is strength in numbers, especially for Canada, which doesn't have diplomatic ties and had acrimonious relations with Iran even when we did."

But Horak said the group likely faces stalling tactics from Iran on compensation, and only a cursory commitment to bringing those at fault to justice after its announcement this week of arrests of an unknown number of people on unspecified charges.

"Iran will say they have acknowledged their mistake and will hold those responsible to account through their courts in order to deflect criticism and basically say to the world 'we got this' without being transparent," he said.

Champagne said Canada wants its two experts with the Transportation Safety Board who are now in Tehran to be part of the investigation when the plane's flight recorders, or black boxes, are examined. They could contain crucial flight data and cockpit recordings, and have been a bone of contention since the crash.

Shortly after the crash, a senior Iranian aviation official said the country would not turn over the black boxes from the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737-800 to the American company.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
Agreement will boost industrial flexibility and support commercial expansion of SiC products in automotive and industrial applications

Kyoto, Japan and Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ROHM (TSE:6963) and STMicroelectronics (STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, today announced it signed a multi-year silicon carbide (SiC) wafers supply agreement with SiCrystal, a ROHM group company having a top share of SiC wafers in Europe. The agreement governs the supply of over 120 million dollars of advanced 150mm silicon carbide wafers by SiCrystal to STMicroelectronics during this period of demand ramp-up for silicon carbide power devices.

This additional long-term SiC substrate supply agreement comes on top of the external capacity we have already secured and the internal capacity we are ramping. It will enable ST to increase the volume and balance of the wafers we will need to meet the strong demand ramp-up from customers for automotive and industrial programs over the next years, said Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics.

SiCrystal is a group company of ROHM, a leading company of SiC, and has been manufacturing SiC wafers for many years. We are very pleased to enter into this supply agreement with our longstanding customer ST. We will continue to support our partner to expand silicon carbide business by ramping up wafer quantities continuously and by providing reliable quality at all times, said Dr. Robert Eckstein, President and CEO of SiCrystal, a ROHM group company.

The adoption of power solutions with SiCs is accelerating in both the automotive and industrial markets. With this agreement, the two companies will contribute to the widespread use of SiC in these markets.

About STMicroelectronics

ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. STs products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices.

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By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.

In 2018, the Companys net revenues were $9.66 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide.

More information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

About ROHM

Founded in 1958, ROHM provides LSI and discrete semiconductors characterized by outstanding quality and reliability for a broad range of markets, including automotive, industrial and consumer market via its global development and sales network.

In the analog power field, ROHM proposes the suitable solution for each application with power devices such as SiC, driver ICs to maximize their performance, and peripheral components such as transistors, diodes and resistors.

More information on ROHM can be found at www.rohm.com

About SiCrystal

SiCrystal, a ROHM group company, is one of the global market leaders for monocrystalline silicon carbide wafers. SiCrystals advanced semiconductor substrates provide the basis for the high efficient use of electrical energy in electric vehicles, fast charging stations, renewable energies and in various fields of industrial applications.

More information on SiCrystal can be found at www.sicrystal.de

--

For further information, please contact:

STMicroelectronics

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

Celine Berthier

Group VP, Investor Relations

Tel : +41.22.929.58.12

celine.berthier@st.com

MEDIA RELATIONS:

Alexis Breton

Corporate External Communications

Tel: + 33 6 59 16 79 08

alexis.breton@st.com

ROHM/SiCrystal

Tatsuhide Goto

Corporate Communication Division

press@rohm.co.jp

Jayme Pontious

ROHM Semiconductor

+1-408-720-1900

jpontious@rohmsemiconductor.com


We have little control over global events that threaten our energy security  so this State must take initiatives here at home, including cutting back on the energy we use, writes Paul Deane.

IT is difficult to appreciate how a narrow stretch of water 40km wide and almost 8,000km away can impact how much we pay to heat our homes and fuel our cars in Ireland this winter.

The Strait of Hormuz situated between Oman and Iran is the worlds most important shipping route for oil. It connects global markets to the massive producers of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. It is also the worlds largest oil transit chokepoint. Each day, 18m barrels of oil (enough to meet Irelands oil needs for three months) flow through the strait to international markets.

In energy markets, geopolitical events ripple around the world as price spikes. Ireland  as a country that uses so much energy and produces so little  is deeply exposed to these events.

Last years attacks in Saudi Arabias oil facilities in Abqaiq, and the more recent US drone strikes killing Irans General Qassem Soleimani, resulted in short sharp spikes in global oil prices of up to 20%.

While the worlds producers today are more resilient to these types of geopolitical events (more diverse production is available, particularly from the US, and countries such as China are holding more oil in reserve), the impact is still important. The recent escalation of events in Iran has caused jitters again in oil markets.

Ireland does not import any oil directly from the Middle East  we rely on Norway, the UK, and, to a lesser extent, Nigeria and Algeria, for our oil needs. We pay a global price for oil and this is why these events impact us.

The complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely, but most events are considered unlikely until they happen. Any disruptions to shipments through the strait, however, will impact oil prices and leave importers rushing to find alternatives sources of supply. This would impact Ireland as most other countries.

Ireland relies on imports for about 70% of all our energy needs. This includes oil, coal, gas and electricity. But Ireland is 100% reliant on imported oil meeting half of our energy needs, and this demand is increasing.

In the medium term, the expectation is that Irelands import dependency for both oil and gas will increase. This reflects the fact that Ireland does not have significant indigenous fossil fuel resources, and has only in recent years begun to harness significant quantities of renewable resources.

Oil is used mainly to keep our cars moving, fuel our planes and trucks, and keep over 700,000 of our homes warm. Without oil, our economy would grind to a halt, and implementing technology alternatives to oil such as electric vehicles and electric heating are important, but will take time and investment.

The cheapest type of energy is energy we dont use, and changing behaviour patterns and using our cars less is one powerful complementary lever to reduce Irelands oil needs. We use our cars a staggering amount in Ireland.

Last year, we drove over 35bn kilometres  a distance from planet Earth to the edge of interstellar space and back again in just 12 months. Over the same period, as a nation, we collectively spent 70 years standing in forecourts putting petrol and diesel into our cars. Twice as many children now get dropped to primary school gates by car than walk to school  a complete reverse of the situation 30 years ago where most children walked to school.

Using our cars less is good for energy security. We would import less oil and be less exposed to geopolitical events  but it is also good for the environment. We would pollute less, and its also good for our health  we would be more physically active.

But behaviour change is never easy. We all want action on environmental problems but few of us want inconvenience.

This is a huge challenge, and we tend to focus on technology solutions because they allow us to continue our current lifestyles with as little disruption as possible. But, given the scale of our energy use, technology solutions alone can only go so far.

Enhancing energy security is often associated with building infrastructure such as pipelines and storage to protect energy supply  but infrastructure to reduce demand such as bus corridors, light rail, cycle lanes, and shared mobility alternatives must also be considered.

The history of energy policy in Ireland has been predominantly one shaped by reacting to international events that occur far from our borders such as oil crises.

We have little control over how these events impact our energy supply and prices  but we have some power over how much energy we choose to use.

Waiting for the next crisis is a poor strategy. Reducing energy use will insulate us from these events.

Paul Deane is a research fellow at the MaREI Centre, University College Cork.
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad says his convoy shot at in UP

Will gherao PM Modi's residence if Lakhimpur Kheri culprits not arrested in 7 days: Chandrashekhar Azad

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad released from Tihar, says will continue fight against CAA

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 16: Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who was arrested in connection with the violence during an anti-CAA protest in Old Delhi's Daryaganj, was released from Tihar Jail on Thursday.

After being released from jail, Azad said their struggle will continue through constitutional means until the CAA is repealed. "We are against those people who want to divide the nation," he said.

The Bhim Army chief said, he will visit Jama Masjid at 1 pm on Friday. "Later, I will also visit Ravidas temple, a gurudwara and a church," he said.

Azad's outfit had organised a march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended citizenship act on December 20, without police permission. The Bhim Army chief was sent to judicial custody on December 21.

A Delhi Court had granted Azad bail on Wednesday, ordering him to not hold any protest in Delhi till February 16.
As saltwater intrusion continues to affect several areas of Vietnams Mekong Delta just weeks before the Lunar New Year on January 25, authorities in many provinces are preparing to launch various plans meant to mitigate its negative impact and ensure the livelihoods and production abilities of residents.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep, saltwater intrusion in 2020 began one month earlier than previous years and is expected to impact 10 of the13 provinces which together make the region.

In Long An Province alone, the phenomenon is forecast to damage more than 14,000 hectares of rice paddy, said Dinh Thi Phuong Khanh, deputy director of the provincial agriculture department.

Over 8,300 households in Can Giuoc and Can Duoc Districts will be deprived of fresh water, Khanh added.

Local authorities have taken certain measures to ensure sufficient resources at local water companies, while granting affected residents access to soft loans from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies in order to afford rainwater tanks and water filters.

Necessary procedures are being expedited to begin the construction of various irrigation works and temporary embankments across the province.

In Ca Mau Province, farmers have been struggling to ensure enough water for their rice paddy.

Ba Tri Reservoir, a project aimed at coping with saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre. Photo: M.Tr. / Tuoi Tre

Statistics from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development showed that approximately 16,550 hectares of paddy has been affected, while 130,000 hectares of shrimp farms is under threat from the saltwater intrusion.

About 3,560 households are suffering from a freshwater shortage, a number expected to rise to 13,500 in the near future.

The phenomenon has also caused land subsidence in multiple areas across the province.

Le Thanh Trieu, director of the Ca Mau agriculture department, said a series of measures have been carried out to cope with the situation for the time being.

As a long-term solution, reservoirs will be built to store water for the dry season.

In Hau Giang Province, dams have been built in many areas to minimize the consequences brought about by saltwater intrusion.

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During his visit to Poland, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis conveyed a proposal/invitation to the Polish side and, by extension, to the Visegrad countries to bring their proposals to the debate taking place within the EU on the new migration management mechanism.

During his stay in Warsaw, Mr. Varvitsiotis met with his counterpart the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Konrad Szymanski. Come with your proposals. We are ready to discuss them, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed in his statements, adding that we discuss proposals even when we disagree with them. Earlier, Mr. Varvitsiotis had met with the President, Stansilav Tyszka, and members of the Polish Parliaments European Affairs Committee.

In addition to the migration issue, the agenda for the talks included enlargement issues, the EU budget, and achieving an agreement on climate neutrality, a matter Poland is sensitive to due to its dependence on lignite. Mr. Varvitsiotis informed the Polish side that the Greek government is moving to end Greeces use of lignite by 2028 and that it is pursuing its inclusion in the Just Transition Mechanism.

In the context of his meetings, Mr. Varvitsiotis had the opportunity to brief the Polish side on the Turkey-Tripoli agreement, noting that, in the face of Turkish provocations, Greece is producing stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, in contrast with Turkey, which is playing a destabilising role.

On Tuesday evening, Mr. Varvitsiotis met with Greek entrepreneurs active in Poland, and on Thursday, 16 January, he will visit Auschwitz to pay his respects to the victims of the Holocaust.
Other troops in Libya unacceptable - Conte Dialogue more effective than arms, PM says in Algiers

(ANSAmed) - ALGIERS, JANUARY 16 - Premier Giuseppe Conte said after talks in Algiers Thursday with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune that "we cannot accept other military troops in Libya, now is the time for dialogue and talks".



Dialogue is "more effective" than arms, he added.



"We will work together for the Berlin (conference) and to use all the possible opportunities to achieve a political solution in Libya, and the first step is the ceasefire, which isn't important if it is only formal, but if it is substantive and lasting". Conte was talking ahead of Berlin peace talks on Sunday which will be attended by rivals Premier Fayez al-Sarraj and General Khalifa Haftar.



Eastern Libyan strongman Haftar, who has so far failed to sign a ceasefire deal, has been attacking Tripoli and its UN-recognised government since April. (ANSAmed).




MLK Freedom Festival Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reminds Us of the History of Leimert Park

Every year on January 20, the South Los Angeles community gathers to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lowriders, marching bands, and drill teams help make up the largest MLK Day celebration in the country. The parade brings residents together from across California before culminating with the Freedom Festival at Leimert Park. For 35 years, the Kingdom Day Parade has brought residents together along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard and neighboring streets to celebrate social progress, acknowledge our past and look towards our future. For four years, Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Herb Wesson, and Curren Price, who each represent sections of South L.A., have hosted the MLK Freedom Festival to activate Leimert Park and engage residents to create community solutions. Despite this long-standing tradition, many residents do not know the history and significance of Leimert Park and how it relates to the legacy of Dr. King.

Leimert Park has been a hub of African American arts and culture for decades. On Sundays, an African drum circle still meets at the neighborhood square in Leimert Park Village and Afrocentric knick-knacks are still sold by neighborhood vendors. The park remains a place where residents come to grieve and heal when tragedy strikes the Black community, like they did during the 1992 civil unrest. From literature and poetry, to jazz and hip hop, the 1.2 square-mile neighborhood possesses a unique creative energy that has attracted and inspired residents including Mayor Tom Bradley, Ray Charles and Terrace Martin. Leimert Park rests at the foot of Baldwin Hills and has historically been home to many of L.A.s hard working African American families as well as various businesses and community assets. Leimert Park also hosts a thriving LGBTQ community. This neighborhood was the location for SouthLA Pride, an event to celebrate the LGBTQ community and is also home to the new South LA LGBTQ Center. All of this catalyzed the area being nicknamed Black Greenwich Village, as noted by film director John Singleton. Leimert Park has been a place for our people to come together for generations. However, this robust Black community was born from struggle and its progress represents a living manifestation of Dr. Kings dream of thriving Black communities.

Each year, the MLK Freedom Festival passes down his values of equality, love, and respect to new generations and reminds us all what it took to get here. Leimert Park was founded in 1927 as one of L.A.s first planned communities. Until 1948, Blacks could not live west of Western Avenue. Restrictive housing covenants were initially created to keep Asians, Mexicans and Jews from moving into White neighborhoods. However, as the Black population in Los Angeles grew, these covenants were used to restrict their migration into White neighborhoods as well. Black residents went to great lengths to break the covenants. After the restrictive covenants were struck down by the Supreme Court in 1968, African Americans began to move west in greater numbers. First settling along Central Avenue in the 50s and then further west to Crenshaw Boulevard and ultimately the community of Leimert Park. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated that same year.

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African Americans are still impacted by racist systems that make it harder to amass wealth in comparison to their White counterparts. Policies like redlining  where banks refused to issue loans to communities of color  and predatory home loans continue to have a lasting impact on generational wealth.

Leimert Park continues to be an oasis of Black art and music and despite Los Angeles African American population declining for more than two decades, this neighborhood continues to have one of the highest concentrations of Black people in the city  70%, down from the height of the 83% in the 1980s. Black-owned businesses like Hot n Cool Cafe and Eso Won Books continue the communitys legacy of art and activism. The median home price continues to rise and has more than doubled in the last seven years. Now, prices range from $600,000 to over $1 million according to Redfin. White families currently make up less than 10% of the neighborhood but some residents fear that number is growing too rapidly and that rising home prices will reduce opportunities for Black homeownership. Other homeowners are happy to see their home values rise and look forward to new amenities in their neighborhood but fear the rich history of Leimert Park might be lost in the process.

The annual MLK Freedom Festival celebrates Dr. Kings legacy and reminds residents that we still have some distance between us and his dream. The festival also educates new and existing residents on the neighborhoods significance using music and art to pay homage to the rich artistic community in Leimert Park. All of the festivities are designed to educate, entertain and inspire residents to improve their communities. The festival activates Leimert Park and engages community assets like The Vision Theatre bordering the Historic Leimert Park Village with opportunities to engage residents.

This years theme, The Future is Now, aims to inspire all of us to take action and reminds us that we have the power and responsibility to shape our country and our neighborhoods starting today. In addition to food, music, and vendors, the festival will also help residents learn more about important issues affecting our communities. The empowerment tent will share information on the upcoming US Census and the importance of an accurate count as well as opportunities for jobs and community activism. Theres no better way to celebrate the legacy of MLK in South L.A .

Overall, I feel like this article reads with two articles in one. We need to create more transition btwn the parade/festival and the area itself. The transition at the end back to the parade is abrupt. I like the overall themes and content but we need to work on this one a bit more.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I was able to make the connection between the two more apparent without it feeling forced. Let me know what you think about this revision,
Huawei may have launched a new version of its P30 Lite smartphone to still sell a Google Play Store-enabled device, but the Chinese OEM has a real problem: it is banned from the Google Play Store for future phones. This is driving the company to develop its own App Store, with a $26 million pot available for British and Irish developers interested in App Gallery development.

App Gallery and $26 million: why now?

Huawei wants to grow its own App Gallery app store because its the only way the company can continue to churn out new devices and entice consumers to buy them. It goes without saying in the consumer market, but its worth repeating: the greatest hardware without software (apps) is nothing more than a shiny paperweight. Consumers dont want a device that looks good but does very little when you power it on. This means that Huawei, being banned from Googles Android (not AOSP) and the Google Play Store, must find its own alternative workaround to stay competitive in a high-stakes market.

Huawei is trying to market itself as the better OS owner than Google by stating that it only takes a 15% revenue cut for apps as opposed to Googles 30% revenue cut from the Play Store, and that it wont allow as many spam notifications as Googles Android

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How did Huawei get banned from Googles Android and Google Play?

How did Huawei, once a Googles Android OEM, get banned from Googles Android and Google Play?

It all started last May when US President Donald Trump declared a national ban on Huawei, forbidding American merchants to sell to Huawei and forbidding Huawei to sell its goods and services in the country. That didnt stop Huawei from trying to work around the national ban, even going so far as to disguise its smartphones in order to smuggle them across the Mexico-US border and sell them illegally in the US.

The Huawei Ban started last May has been drastic for Huawei. The Chinese OEM once known as a potential disruptor to Samsungs global success in the consumer market was forbidden access to Googles Android and Google Play because it is considered to be a spy entity for the Chinese Government (Beijing). With unfettered access to an American operating system, theres no telling what Huawei could discover or obtain that could prove detrimental to American consumers. And American consumers purchasing Chinese spy tools would harm American citizens by denying them a right to Amerian notions of mobile security and privacy.

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Is Huaweis loss of Googles Android and Play Store access a big deal?

Is the Huawei Ban a big deal? Yes, for Huawei. There are two things that are undeniable: first, Huaweis success has come from selling phones that run Googles Android. Though Huawei has always had access to AOSP (Android Open Source Project), it is virtually undeveloped and is a work of personal responsibility if an OEM wanted to use it for its consumer base. Googles Android comes pre-loaded with Googles famous apps such as Gmail, Maps, Google Play, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Photos, and other apps, and it is these apps that Android consumers have come to prefer most. Sell a smartphone to Android consumers sans Google apps, and Android users feel as if theyre in a mobile barren wasteland.

Huawei unveiled a P30 Lite (2020) version, called P30 Lite New Edition, this week because it has Google apps and Play Store access  something the rest of its 2019 lineup lacks. And Huawei rival Samsung hasnt been modest about Huaweis unfortunate state: the same day the company unveiled its Mate 30, Samsung emerged with an email to Latin American customers that said, Enjoy apps, updates, and Google services on the Galaxy Note 10, a kick in the gut to Huaweis Ban and mobile misfortune. For Samsung, Huaweis mobile misfortune is a huge deal: it has helped Samsung regain in Latin American markets where it once saw major decline. So Samsung is literally profiting at Huaweis expense.

In recent months, Huawei has been courting Google Play Store developers to come and develop apps for its App Gallery app store. Now, out of Googles Android and up the mobile creek without an OS paddle, Huaweis got to get some app development going.

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That is, if Harmony OS (known in China as HongMeng) will ever get off the ground. With $26 million at stake, Huawei has 26 million reasons to lure developers. Whether or not the Chinese OEM will achieve its goal is for the future to unravel.
More than 1,000 Honduran migrants broke through a police barrier on the border with Guatemala on Thursday in a bid to join hundreds of others heading for the United States. The migrants, many fleeing poverty and gang violence at home, passed through a police cordon without difficulty and without going through migration protocol at the southeastern city of Agua Caliente, according to an AFP photographer at the scene. The latest Central American migrant caravan formed despite increased attempts by President Donald Trump to keep them out of the US. Last year the US signed a deal with Guatemala that obliges migrants traveling through it and seeking asylum in the US to first request protection in the Central American nation. Dozens of Guatemalan security forces were deployed at border areas to check that Hondurans had passed through immigration control. They also checked that children were traveling with either a parent or guardian. Around 3,000 migrants were believed to be heading through the country towards its border with Mexico, Guatemalan immigration authorities said. Several US Customs and Border Protection officers were assisting local authorities, the US Embassy in Guatemala told AFP. Before the migrants were allowed to cross into Guatemala, local and US officials took part in joint ID checks, also aimed at detecting gang members. The migrants, including some children, left San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras on Tuesday night and from Wednesday began entering Guatemala. Authorities in Guatemala say more than 2,200 people passed through either the Agua Caliente checkpoint in the southeast or El Cinchado in the northeast. - 'It's better to flee' - "We're heading on towards the American dream," Kelvin Ramos told AFP from a migrant center at the border town of Esquipulas. "I've heard they pay well in the United States to paint houses," he added. That was his job in Honduras. Many migrants that pass the El Cinchado border split up at that point, the local human rights department spokeswoman, Aleida Serrato, told AFP. "It's better to walk (and) flee the country," said Mariano de Jesus as he waited to cross into Guatemala, while blaming Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez for his country's troubles. De Jesus used to work as a builder's assistant but said his job "is worth nothing." Thousands of Central Americans from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala started forming migrant caravans heading for the US towards the end of 2018. It angered Trump -- who, while campaigning for election, vowed to build a wall along the southern US border with Mexico to keep out migrants -- so much that he threatened punitive measures against Central American governments if they did not stem the tide. Last year, Trump sent 6,000 troops to the southern border with Mexico and warned of an "invasion" of gang members and criminals. Around 30,000 Honduran migrants remain in Mexico waiting for a response to their US asylum requests. New Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei, who was sworn in on Tuesday, said on Wednesday that he would not allow the Honduran migrants to cross into Mexico. Central American migrants first started forming caravans heading to the US at the end of 2018
A US startup has revealed an augmented reality smart lens for everyday use with an embedded display that can be activated with the eye.

Described as the worlds 'first true smart contact lens', the Mojo Lens has a built-in display on the corner of the lens that the user has to look towards to activate.

The smart lens has been developed by California-based Mojo Vision, which wants to reduce our reliance on phone and tablet screens  by putting one on our eye.

It means users who get a message wont have to pull their phone out of their pocket or bag to read it  but merely look in the corner of their vision to make the message appear.

Mojo Vision shows the company's smart contact lens, Mojo Lens, which delivers an augmented reality (AR) display in a user's field of vision

The lens is also connected to the internet, meaning users can get almost instant access to information based on their surroundings  such as the way to the nearest sushi restaurant.

We want to create a technology that lets you be you, lets you look like you; it doesn't change your appearance; it doesn't make you act weird walking down the street," Mike Wiemer, cofounder and chief technology officer at Mojo Vision, told Wired.

It's very discreet and frankly, substantially, most of the time it doesn't show you anything.

By putting an AR display in a lens, the company is dramatically scaling down modern immersive hardware, which too often means strapping on neck-straining headsets.

'Todays AR headsets are too awkward to be worn in social and professional situations, and many AR solutions try to create immersive experiences that can clutter reality,' the company says on its website.

'Thats why Mojo has pioneered the concept of Invisible Computing  a display that never gets in the way.'

Mojo Lens uses unique, purpose-built microelectronics and the worlds densest microdisplay, which reportedly has a resolution of 14,000-pixels-per-inch.

The rigid contact lens, which the company has been developing for several years, may also be used to help people with visual impairments by using enhanced image overlays

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AR AND VR? Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or situation It immerses the user by making them feel like they are in the simulated reality through images and sounds For example, in VR, you could feel like you're climbing a mountain while you're at home In contrast, augmented reality layers computer-generated images on top of an existing reality AR is developed into apps to bring digital components into the real world

For example, in the Pokemon Go app, the characters seem to appear in real world scenarios Advertisement

The prototype lens has an embedded display about the size of a dot from an ink pen, according to Wired, which tested the device.

If the user is looking straight ahead while theyre wearing the lens, they wont see anything unusual.

But users just need to move their eye to any corner of their range of vision to activate a pop-up screen with icons for notifications, weather calendar and music.

Users can expand these icons further to see more details by staring at an arrow next to them.

One particular use case involves reading a pre-written speech at normal speed as it scrolled down  much like a teleprompter.

It means users presenting a conference or delivering a lecture can keep their line of vision directed at their audience without having to constantly move their head down to check their notes.

'OK Google, which way to... oh you've beaten me to it'. The prototype device gives you constant guidance to your desired location

Mojo Vision is working on 'invisible computing' to remove our reliance on clunky physical objects when we want to access the internet

The user receives power via a wearable on their wrist, but the commercialised version might be compatible with a smartphone instead.

The Black Mirror-esque lens will be just like wearing any other contact lens and will sit right on the cornea.

The company will work with the US Food and Drug Administration to make sure it passes safety regulations.

Its just light on your retina, just like light on your retina right now,' Wiemer told Wired.

Keep your eyes on all those grizzly health details (but don't take your concentration off the road)

'The safety implications of this are something that we obviously paid a lot of attention to, but it's a very safe product.'

The product will be marketed towards not only modern CEOs who are too busy to lift up their phones, but more importantly people who are visually impaired or have vision too poor for glasses to correct.

The company also announced a new partnership with Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a non-profit that offers rehabilitation to more than 3,000 children and adults with blindness or impaired vision each year.

The companys CEO, Drew Perkins, founded the company with the aim to give such people superpowers.

Fans of Black Mirror might be reminded of the episode where Toby Kebbell's character uses his implanted 'grain' to re-watch old footage

The lens has been unveiled by the company but its still in the R&D phase meaning itll be a while before you can find it in the shops.

But the companys investors already include tech giants LG, HP, Korean internet giant Kakao and Motorola.

As for any security concerns, the company maintains that it's building its 'Invisible Computing' platform 'in such a way that your data stays secure and private' without giving further details.
William Lupfer, rector of Manhattan church with billions in assets, resigns for 'Sabbath rest'

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The Rev. William Lupfer, rector of the land-rich, Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church in Lower Manhattan that boasts a diverse investment portfolio worth $6 billion, resigned from his post with a plan to follow his dreams like the Holy Family.

Lupfer, 59, who has served in the role since 2015, resigned from the more than 300-year-old church noted as the richest Episcopal church in the world, in a brief letter on Jan. 3, according to Episcopal News Service.

After five years of intensive work together with the Vestry, staff, parishioners, and our other stakeholders in the community and around the world, Kimiko and I have come to the decision to step away for a time, resign as Rector of Trinity, and enjoy some Sabbath rest to open our hearts to Gods call for the next chapter of our ministry together, Lupfer wrote in his three-paragraph resignation letter, cited by The Living Church.

In his final Sunday at Trinity Wall Street on Jan. 5, Lupfer told the congregation that while it's customary for rectors at the church to retire, he isnt the retiring type and plans to go follow his dreams with his wife, like the Holy Family.

Some of you have heard that this is my last Sunday at Trinity and I have offered my resignation as rector. Most people do not resign from rector, they retire from rector here at Trinity. Thats the custom, but Im not the retiring type and so my wife and I have opened our hearts for discernment, he said.

He explained that he had not been able to effectively discern while in his role as rector and is looking forward to improving that part of his life during a period of rest.

The role of rector is pretty busy so its hard to discern while driving about 100 miles an hour down the road day and night. So well take some time and [are] grateful for Trinitys generosity to do that. Well take some time on Sabbath, he said. I promise you. As my wife and I go forward to follow our dreams like the Holy Family followed their dreams, we will always hold you in our hearts and we will pray for you and we will be your biggest fans and your loudest cheerers.

The vestry noted in a letter also cited by The Living Church that they were grateful for Lupfers service.

Dr. Lupfer has made significant progress toward the goals he set out to achieve. He has been a champion of expanding community engagement through the churchs Housing and Homelessness and Racial Justice initiatives and through the development of Trinity Commons as a convening space for the local community; he has overseen a historic renovation of Trinity Churchs nave, which re-opened on Christmas Eve; and he has led an effort to help the Anglican Communion build capacity and develop leaders who can serve the Churchs mission far into the future. We are grateful for his years of service, the vestry said.

Much of the churchs financial success has been attributed to their tax-exempt status as well as wise management of their holdings which can be traced to a gift of 215 acres from Queen Anne in 1705. The church still owns about 14 acres of that grant.

With Lower Manhattan now in the middle of a real estate boom, the value of the churchs holdings in an area known as Hudson Square has also helped to improve the churchs wealth immensely.

The churchs real estate arm, Trinity Real Estate, entered into a joint venture that gave it a majority stake in 12 buildings with 6 million square feet of commercial space. In 2018, they signed a $650 million deal with the Walt Disney Company.

It is also building its own glass tower that will house administrative offices, public gathering spaces and commercial tenants while giving its historic sanctuary a $110 million renovation.

With a membership of just 950 parishioners, the church reportedly largely lives off its assets, reporting no congregational plate-and-pledge income for the past four reporting years.

Most of the churchs 22-member vestry, including Gabrielle E. Sulzberger, wife of New York Times publisher Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., are also reportedly not members of the church. Only seven persons serving on the vestry are listed as members of the parish.

The Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, Trinitys vicar, was named priest-in-charge effective Jan. 6.
Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed

Pune-Jaipur flight makes emergency landing in Mumbai due to engine glitch

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Jan 16: Airbus A320 Neo of Indigo, flying from Pune to Jaipur, made an emergency landing in the financial capital Mumbai on Thursday after it was diverted due to a glitch in one of the engines.

The number of passengers on board the flight could not immediately be known.

"The IndiGo flight which took off for Jaipur from Pune on Thursday morning was diverted to Mumbai after the pilot reported high engine vibrations in the aircraft mid-air. The flight made an emergency landing early morning," the source said.

Air Canada flight makes emergency landing, 35 injured

IndiGo, in a statement, confirmed the diversion of its Jaipur flight to the city's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It, however, did not divulge the number of persons onboard the aircraft.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

"An IndiGo flight 6E-6129 (A320) operating from Pune to Jaipur was diverted to Mumbai this morning. During the flight, the pilot observed an engine vibration message and followed the laid standard operating procedures," a spokesperson said in the statement.

The aircraft is currently under inspection at Mumbai, the spokesperson said adding that all passengers were accommodated on another aircraft which further operated to Jaipur.

The incident comes close on the heels of a Bengaluru-Mumbai flight making a priority landing at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on January 6.

Close shave! SpiceJet Dubai-Jaipur flight makes emergency landing after tyre burst

Earlier in September 2019, an Indigo flight from Chandigarh carrying 144 passengers had to make an emergency landing at the city airport due to engine issue.

The DGCA had grounded three pilots and two aircraft maintenance engineers of Indigo for not reporting vibrations in the Pratt & Whitney engines of the A320 Neos in separate incidents that occurred since March.
Average London rents now require almost 75% of income. Photo: Getty

UK workers have a seen a steep rise in the share of their income needed to rent the average property in large parts of the country, according to a study.

The amount of net income required to cover the cost of renting has increased by 16.8% in the last two decades to 45.5% across the UK.

London has seen the most drastic increase, surging to 74.8% of the average income, a 33.7% rise in the last 20 years, the study by lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves revealed.

Average London rents in 2020 are at 1,697 ($2,179) per month, almost 75% of average net monthly earnings which stand at 2,269.25.

However, the average rental figures are for the whole property, so earners would not be quite as squeezed if splitting costs or renting a single room or smaller property.

READ MORE: The London boroughs where property prices are rising fastest

The south-east is the second most expensive place to rent after London in terms of income to rent ratio, with rents costing 49.8% of monthly earnings, a rise of 18.6%.

The east of England has seen the second largest increase in the amount of income needed to cover rent in the last 20 years, rising to 45.5%, an increase of 18.7%.

In 2020 the north-east is the most affordable place to rent with average monthly rents of 533 amounting to 32% of average incomes. It is also the region that has seen the smallest increase in income to rent ratio in the last 20 years, at 7.4%.

This is a change from two decades ago when the East Midlands had the most favourable rent prices with with just 24% of earnings required for the average rent. Average monthly rent prices in the region now stand at 628, compared with 260.96 20 years ago.

READ MORE: The UK cities where property prices are rising fastest

The research points to high demand for rental properties over the last two decades driving up prices, along with wage growth failing to keep pace as the reason for the rise in the amount of income needed to cover rent across the UK.

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, said: Theres been plenty of positive changes to the rental market in the last 20 years with better codes of practice and improvements through technology allowing for a fairer, more transparent process for both landlords and tenants.

Unfortunately, the one thing this cant address is the huge demand for rental properties and the resulting increase in the cost of renting as a result and ... the proportion of our earnings required to cover rent has spiked notably since the turn of the millennium.
Fianna Fail's campaign was launched in Dublin where Micheal Martin's party desperately needs to pick up seats if he's to become Taoiseach. He was joined by one key hopeful, Senator Catherine Ardagh, who lost out on a Dail seat in Dublin South Central by less than 40 votes in 2016.

After congratulating Ms Ardagh on recently becoming a mother of twins, Mr Martin was soon pressed by reporters on issues ranging from Brexit to the future of the TDs caught up in 'votegate' controversy. Here's five things we learned:

1. Mr Martin gets irritated when Fine Gael criticises Fianna Fail over Brexit

European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee claimed Fianna Fail can't be trusted on Brexit after MEP Billy Kelleher warned he will vote against the Withdrawal Agreement in the European Parliament. He has concerns over EU citizens' rights in Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin branded Ms McEntee's criticisms as "plain silly". He said all legislation deserves scrutiny, but insisted Mr Kelleher will be supporting the deal. He sought to puncture any boost Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is hoping to get from the Brexit deal. Mr Martin argued Boris Johnson's deal is worse for Ireland than Theresa May's would have been.

2. Fianna Fail has to distance itself from Fine Gael

Allowing the Fine Gael-led minority Government to stay in power has left Fianna Fail open to attack from Sinn Fein, which claims it amounted to a coalition. Mr Martin needs to distance his party from Fine Gael and is attacking its record in housing and health, and said: "We have opposed irresponsible Fine Gael policies. We've demanded tax and social support changes be fair."

3. Fianna Fail is ready to attack Fine Gael promises but not outline its own

The Fianna Fail leader was vague on his party's election promises. He's pledged a new approach to delivering targets in tackling crises in housing and health but is yet to provide detail on how the party will do this. Efforts to tackle insurance and childcare costs are also promised, but not explained in detail. Mr Martin accused Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty of promising the "sun, moon and stars" in 5-a-week State pension increases months after Fine Gael "strongly resisted" increases in the Budget. Mr Martin didn't offer his plans for the pension. His party's overall budget plan is promised next week.

4. 'We made mistakes, but we laid the foundation for the recovery'

That's Mr Martin's argument to claims his party can't be trusted with the economy after the economic disaster it presided over a decade ago. He insisted this argument is not as important to the electorate as Fine Gael seems to believe it is and said: "They've been banging that drum for quite a while." He argued that in the "teeth of the crisis", it was the late Brian Lenihan's plan that "laid the foundations for the economic recovery".

"Yes, we did make mistakes in terms of overspending and reducing taxation," he said, claiming at the time Fine Gael wanted to spend more. He added: "We were clear we needed to change we have changed as a political party."

5. Martin not ruling out a place in cabinet for 'votegate' TDs

Mr Martin sacked senior TDs Niall Collins and Timmy Dooley from his front bench after the votegate controversy erupted. But he hasn't ruled out ministerial roles for the pair if he becomes Taoiseach.
A man walks the his belongings through clouds of ash kicked up on a road as authorities enforced total evacuation of residents living near Taal volcano in Agoncillo town, Batangas province, southern Philippines on Jan. 16, 2020. (Aaron Favila/AP Photo)

Philippine Volcanos Quakes, Cracks Send More People Fleeing

LEMERY, PhilippinesA Philippine volcano that erupted last weekend belched smaller plumes of ash and shuddered continuously with earthquakes Thursday, prompting authorities to block access to nearby towns due to fears of a bigger eruption.

A crater lake and nearby river on the Taal volcano dried up in signs of its continued restiveness, and officials have warned people against speculating the five-day eruption is waning.

Soldiers and police blocked villagers from going back to the island volcano and nearby towns to retrieve belongings, poultry and cattle.

Activity in the past 24 hours has generally waned to weak emission of steam-laden plumes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. But the region remained just a notch down from the highest level of alert the agency could issue if the volcano erupts more violently.

Many houses and farms have been damaged by volcanic ash since the eruption started Sunday, though no deaths or major injuries have been reported after tens of thousands of people evacuated.

A cracked surface is seen outside deserted homes after Taal volcanos recent eruption in Lemery, Batangas province, southern Philippines on Jan. 16, 2020. (Aaron Favila/AP Photo)

A 65-year-old woman died of a heart attack while being moved out of Taal town in Batangas province but officials said she had been ill and may have been stressed by the calamity. Batangas province lies more than 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of the capital, Manila.

Amid warnings of an imminent and more dangerous eruption, police cordoned off at least four towns near shores of a lake that surrounds the volcano. The move sparked arguments with villagers.

Weve lost everything. Our house got damaged. But I need to retrieve my pots and cooking wares and other things. They should not be very, very strict, 59-year-old Erlinda Landicho told The Associated Press.

Landicho, who fled with her son from Lemery municipality as the volcano erupted, was among a throng of villagers stopped by police from reentering the ash-blanketed town. A firetruck blocked a key access road and police set up checkpoints. Beyond the barricade, Lemery looked like a ghost town partly shrouded in swirling ash.

More than 125,000 people fled their homes just in Batangas, which has declared a state of calamity to allow the faster release of emergency funds. At least 373 evacuation sites were crammed with displaced villagers and needed more ash masks, portable toilets, bottled water and sleeping mats, according to a provincial disaster-response office.

The governments main-disaster agency reported a little more than 68,000 people were displaced by the eruption in Batangas and Cavite provinces. The reason for the discrepancy was not immediately clear.

Cavite was also placed under a state of calamity after being swamped by thousands of displaced villagers from nearby Batangas.

Among those displaced were about 5,000 people who live on the island where the Taal volcano lies.

A fireman talks to motorcycle riders at the gates as authorities enforced total evacuation of residents living near Taal volcano in Agoncillo town, Batangas province, southern Philippines on Jan. 16, 2020. (Aaron Favila/AP Photo)

The island is a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning view of the volcanos crater lake and lush hills teeming with trees and birds. Some villagers have slipped past checkpoints to retrieve some of the hundreds of cows and horses they left behind, prompting the coast guard and police to intensify a security cordon.

About four villages exist on the island despite it being a permanent danger zone. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has recommended that villagers should not be allowed back.

The 1,020-foot (311-meter) Taal is one of the worlds smallest volcanoes but also the second-most restive of about two dozen active volcanoes across the Philippines. The Southeast Asian archipelago lies in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the string of faults around the ocean basin where most of the worlds earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

By Aaron Favila and Jim Gomez
16.01.2020 LISTEN

It is not disputatious that there are numerous biblical principles and examples that are applicable to our daily lives on earth. It is therefore not surprising that the Bible says God rules in the affairs of men (Daniel 4:17). The judicial appeal system Ghana and perhaps all countries operate mimic what is outlined in the Bible per the examples from Moses in the Book of Genesis. A judicial appeal occurs when the losing party (later called an appellant) in a case in a lower court asks a higher court to reverse the lower courts decision or judgement in his or her favour. The higher court may uphold the lower courts judgement or set it aside (quash it) entirely or part of it by issuing the reactive prerogative order called Certiorari. In most cases of appeal, no new evidence is required by the higher court because it is strictly a legal argument.

The Judicial Appeal Advice To Moses By His Father-In-Law

Whereas Exodus 2:18 names Moses father-in-law as Reuel, Exodus 3:1 also gives the name of Moses father-in-law as Jethro. The essence of this article is not to go into the matter regarding why the Bible names Moses father-in-law differently. Rather, the impetus of the article is to relate the court or judicial appeal system within the Ghanaian Judiciary to the advice Jethro or Reuel gave his son-in-law, Moses in the Bible. In the article therefore, Jethro and Reuel are used interchangeably to refer to father-in-law of Moses, the servant of God as he was described in Joshua 1:1-2 and Deuteronomy 34: 5.

As the servant of the Most High God and the foremost leader of the Israelites in those days, Moses was in the usual practice of listening to so many cases of disputes among the Israelites and giving the final judgement in those cases (Exodus 18: 13). If Moses were a court, then it would be said that he had both the original and appellate jurisdictions in determining those cases. He was the Supreme Judge and could be likened to Ghanas Chief Justice just that Moses did not have other justices on the bench until his father-in-law advised him on the judicial organizational structure. He was judging cases from morning till evening, Bible says. Among the Israelites at the time therefore, Moses was the supreme judge and the supreme judge was Moses, clothed with both original and final jurisdictions.

Surprised by the overwhelming judicial workload, Jethro, the Priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses asked the latter, What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as the judge, while these people stand around you from morning till evening? (Exodus 18:15). Moses answered that it was the people themselves who were coming to him to determine their cases.

Alarmed by the workload and having noticed that Moses was not delegating work to anyone managerially and legally he did not establish a judicial appeal system, Reuel (his father-in-law) advised Moses to appoint lower judges within the 12 tribes of Israel. He also advised Moses to empower the lower judges with original jurisdictions to hear and determine cases and refer very difficult cases to him (Moses) only when necessary. Jethro further added that Moses should organize orientations for the tribal judges on the decrees and codes of conduct for judges. The tribal jurisdictions were supervising populations demarcated in 1000s, 100s, 50s and 10s. With this arrangement or biblical jurisprudence, Moses ceased to have original jurisdiction in hearing and determining disputes within the tribes. Only the difficult cases were referred to him for hearing and determination. The judicial workload became lighter for Moses after he adhered to the good jurisprudential counsel given by Jethro/Reuel his father-in-law.

The Hierarchical Structure Of The Judiciary In Ghana

In my view, the judicial system of Ghana developed and evolved in tandem with the biblical judicial trial system Jethro developed for adherence by Moses. In addition to the lower courts, independent Ghana has had superior courts of judicature since 1960. Under the First Republican Constitution, 1960, Ghana had two (2) superior courts of judicature namely the High Court and the Supreme Court. There was no Court of Appeal in the First Republic hence appeals regarding cases tried by the High Courts were made directly at the Supreme Court (e.g. In re Akoto). It was under the Second Republican Constitution, 1969 (Article 102: 4) that the Court of Appeal was first introduced in Ghana. As such, the superior courts of Judicature have been the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court & the Regional Tribunals. This arrangement of three (3) superior courts of Judicature) developed in 1969 within the judiciary of Ghana and has been maintained under the Fourth Republican Constitution, 1992 [Article 126 (1) (a)].

Clearly therefore, the superior courts of judicature and for that matter the judicial appeal system evolved from two (2) layers under the 1960 Constitution to three (3) echelons under the 1969 and the 1992 Constitutions in the Third and Fourth Republics respectively. One may assert that in the First Republic, the Supreme Court was virtually tantamount to Moses because it was getting a lot of appeals directly from the High Court but with the introduction of the Court of Appeal in 1969, the Supreme Courts appellate jurisdictions had reduced comparatively. The 1969 Constitution came in as a Jethro or Reuel to advice that a Court of Appeal should be established to hear some of the appeal cases even before they get to the Supreme Court.

Jurisdictional Exceptions Under the 1992 Constitution

Per the tenets of Ghanas Fourth Republican Constitution, 1992, even though the Supreme Court is the apex court and for that matter the biblical Moses, it is not constitutionally clothed with original and supervisory jurisdictions in some cases. For example, article 99 of the Constitution does not give the Supreme Court original nor supervisory jurisdictions to hear and determine cases relating to parliamentary electoral disputes. Article 99 (1) of the Constitution gives the High Court the original jurisdiction to hear and determine cases relating to whether or not a person has been validly elected as a Member of Parliament or whether or not a parliamentary seat has become vacant. Per the Constitution therefore, it is only the High Court that has the original jurisdiction to hear and determine parliamentary election disputes.

Again, article 99 (2) of the Constitution has authorized only the Court of Appeal to have both the supervisory and appellate jurisdictions to hear petitions emanating from parliamentary election disputes. As it stands, the Constitution does not give the apex court any jurisdiction to hear and determine matters of this nature. The High Court has the original jurisdiction in this case while the appellate jurisdiction rests with the Court of Appeal. It was however determined by the Supreme Court in The Republic vrs The High Court Judge, Sunyani, Ex parte Alhaji Collins Dauda (CM j5/12/2009 dated 8/4/2009) that for the High Court to have original jurisdiction in a parliamentary election petition case, the electoral results must first be declared by the Electoral Commission. The Collins Dauda case as determined by the SC was purely a case constitutional interpretation upon the strengths of articles 2 and 130 (1) (a) of the Constitution. Similar other decided cases under the 1992 Constitution abound to learn from. Another jurisdictional exception is that a judicial appeal in chieftaincy matters determined by the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs shall be made directly to the Supreme Court (article 130: 4).

Also, in hearing and determining other cases (e.g. high treasonable offences), the Supreme Court has been clothed with both the original and final or appellate jurisdictions, just as Moses had it before Jethro came with his good counsel. Articles 131, 132 and 133 of the Constitution vividly enshrine the judicial appeal process in Ghana.

As stated earlier for example, articles 2 and 130 (1) () of the Constitution, 1992 make the Supreme Court the only court in Ghana that can interpret provisions of the Constitution and give meanings to those provisions. This may be likened to one of the difficult cases that were meant for determination by Moses per Jethros insistence.

Another example is that article 64 (1) of the Constitution clothes only the Supreme Court with the jurisdiction to hear and determine cases in the nature of presidential election petitions that are filed after the electoral results were declared. It states, The validity of the election of the President may be challenged only by a citizen of Ghana who may present a petition for the purpose to the Supreme Court within twenty-one days after the declaration of the result of the election in respect of which the petition is presented. It is on the basis of this constitutional provision that Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo (now President) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) filed a presidential petition at the Supreme Court to challenge the 2012 presidential election results. They lost the case though.

Conclusion

Just like the judicial appeal system Jethro or Reuel established for Moses to follow in hearing and determining cases, the judicial system of Ghana has been structured with hierarchies with each layer having defined jurisdictions as discussed. It comes to emphasize the reality that there are a lot of good lessons to learn from the Bible. The lower courts, the High Courts & Regional Tribunals, Houses of Chiefs and para-legal institutions in Ghana represent the tribe judges Moses appointed while the Supreme Court itself or the Chief Justice with his team is performing the roles Moses performed as a supreme judge.

~Asante Sana ~

Philip Afeti Korto

Email: [email protected]
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- House Democrats carried the formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate late Wednesday, setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in American history.

The ceremonial pomp and protocol by the lawmakers prosecuting the case against Trump moved the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate, where the presidents team is mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal.

Today we will make history,'' Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. This president will be held accountable."

MCCARTHY TAKES SWIPE AT ROSE

While speaking on the House floor ahead of the resolution vote Wednesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy challenged Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

We have a Congressman, Max Rose, who characterized it this way, this new freshman of the majority, the president says hes innocent so all were saying is prove it," McCarthy said, referring to an interview Rose gave to New York Magazine last October, where the congressman discussed a lack of cooperation from the Trump administration as Congress investigated his actions with Ukraine. God forbid government accuses you of something as an average American and says you have to prove it.

McCarthy then added that Roses approach switched a fundamental belief as an American.

This guilty until proven innocent mentality was an admission that impeachment was not about upholding justice or protecting the rule of law, McCarthy continued. "Now Democrats have invented an even more destructive standard: Youre guilty because they say so.

Rose fired back at the minority leader, calling him a sycophant.

While I will always uphold my oath to the Constitution, the Minority Leader has shown himself to be nothing more than a sycophant," Rose said in a statement to the Advance. "I dont think he would know what it means to do whats right even if it smacked him across the head with a two-by-four.

The House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, to deliver the charges. The split reflected the deeply divided nation at the start of this presidential election year. It came one month after the House impeached Trump alleging he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

This is what an impeachment is about, Pelosi said before the vote. The president violated his oath of office, undermined our national security, jeopardized the integrity of our elections.

ARTICLES SENT TO SENATE

Prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall to deliver the articles on Wednesday, filing into the Senate back row as the Clerk of the House announced the arrival: The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trail of Donald John Trump, President of United States.

The Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court at noon Thursday. The Constitution calls for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial, administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver impartial justice.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pledged to have the Senate rise above the petty factionalism and factional fervor and serve the long-term, best interests of our nation.'' He called it a difficult time for our country.

Technically, the House was simply notifying the Senate of its delivery of the articles, with a more formal presentation Thursday. Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Trump's political campaign dismissed the House effort as just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection.

The president's team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials unauthorized to discuss the matter and granted anonymity.

That's far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trail, of Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of Andrew Johnson, in 1868.

As McConnell sets the rules for the trial, Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding, and senators are under pressure with the emerging new evidence to call more witnesses for testimony.

The seven-member prosecution team was led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerry Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosis top lieutenants.

"The president gravely abused the power of his office," Nadler said. He did all this for his personal political gain.

Ahead of Wednesday's session, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal.

The challenge is to get a fair trial, Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press. It shouldn't be a challenge  if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial, theyll want a fair trial. Thats obviously not where Mitch McConnell is coming from.

Trump's trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and it comes against the backdrop of a politically divided nation in an election year.

The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshmen lawmakers  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of then-President Richard Nixon's impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Bill Clinton's.

For the roll call, all but one Democrat, Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, voted to transmit the articles. All Republicans voted against. One former Republican-turned-independent, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, joined Democrats.

McConnell faces competing interests from his party for more witnesses, from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear testimony and conservatives mounting Trump's defense.

Senate Republicans signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump, as Trump himself has suggested. McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

Those four senators could force votes. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, and are all but certain to acquit Trump. But it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, Burisma, while his father was vice president.

McConnell prefers to model Trump's trial partly on the process used for Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999. It, too, contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses.

McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices. At the same time, he wants to give those same senators ample room to show voters they are listening.

(Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.)
In many ways, ice fishing represents an entirely different sport than open water fishing. The equipment, lures and methods employed on the ice vary greatly from the tactics most anglers use throughout the year. But the goal  feeling the exciting thrash of a big fish at the end of your line  remains the same. And after braving the elements and putting in the intense work often required to catch fish on a frozen lake, that feeling can be even more rewarding.

If youre looking to get into ice fishing this winter, here are a few tips for upping your game:

Must-have gear item: Ice Auger. Most traditional fishing gear can be rigged to work for ice fishing in a pinch. But having a tool to cut through the ice is essential. Manual (hand-powered) augers start at about $50. With a sharp blade and the right technique, they can bore through eight inches of ice in a minute or so. Lightweight augers that attach to an electric drill start around $150 (drill not included). Last, but not least, are the big dogs  power augers fueled by gas, propane or a battery. These are more expensive  costing anywhere from $300 to $600  but they can punch dozens of holes in short order.

Lure of choice: VMC Tungsten Nymph Jig. This deadly little guy is a must for any ice tackle box. Its a simple presentation, featuring a small tungsten jig head and a soft plastic body. My favorite colors are pink and glow-in-the-dark white. Ive found this lure to be equally effective on trout and perch  the two most common ice species targeted in Idaho waters. For best results, tip your jig with a small chunk of worm, corn or cut bait.

Useful trick: Use Anti-Reverse! One of the saddest things that can happen on an ice fishing trip is watching a big fish pull your rod down the hole to a watery grave. It is bound to happen sooner or later, but theres one trick Ive learned for keeping your tackle on the right side of the ice  employing the anti-reverse switch. Virtually all spinning rods have a small switch located on the underside. By flipping it, you allow the reel handle to spin backwards and give line if a fish takes your bait and runs while the rod isnt in your hands. Youll see the rod tip bouncing, but rather than lose your favorite rod, all you have to do is hustle over, flip the switch and set the hook.

Safety tip: Use the Buddy System. Ice fishing alone can be a dicey proposition. Always go with a group or, at a bare minimum, fish in an area with other anglers nearby. Ice is considered safe for fishing once its four inches thick, but soft spots or pressure cracks are not uncommon. Fishing with a partner ensures you have backup if you happen to fall through. Plus, having a friend nearby is handy when its time to hoist a monster through the ice!

Destinations to try: Magic Reservoir, Little Wood Reservoir, Lake Cascade. Idaho has a wide variety of ice fishing options available (usually) from January through early March. Magic Reservoir is a convenient drive from Twin Falls, offering big rainbow and brown trout along with plentiful schools of yellow perch. Drive a bit further north to check out Little Wood Reservoir, a remote lake that is generously stocked with trout by Fish and Game. Or, if a weekend adventure is more your style, make the drive west to Lake Cascade, an acclaimed fishery known for producing some of the biggest yellow perch in North America. The state record has been broken multiple times in the last few years, and a rare three-pound specimen is a real possibility. Large rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and even tiger muskie also lurk in Cascade. Perch-imitating lures are a good bet for catching all of the above.

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teenager. Share your fish stories, adventures, tips and tricks with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com or visit www.tightlines208.com.

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(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Smoke and ash erupted Sunday from the Taal volcano in the Philippines, with the plume rising almost 9 miles into the atmosphere and threatening hundreds of thousands of people. The Philippine government mobilized quickly. By Wednesday, more than 38,000 people were staying in evacuation centers, and many thousands more had dispersed to family throughout the country. Meanwhile, the government began to distribute supplies, including 100,000 protective face masks, in and around the eruption zone. Theres little time to waste: Volcanologists are warning that a hazardous eruption could come at any time.

Thanks to their planning, leaders in the Philippines hope that that eruption, if and when it comes, wont be nearly as catastrophic as it would have been 10 years ago. Back then, the Philippines, like most emerging-market countries, mostly responded to disasters by cleaning up afterward. Today, preparedness is a national priority, and the Philippines is a model for how emerging-market governments in the worlds most disaster-prone region can be ready for the worst.

Since 1970, 59% of the global death toll from disasters  about 2 million people  occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a United Nations report. Economic losses have also been profound, totaling about $675 billion annually. The regions disaster outlook is growing worse because of urbanization in vulnerable areas, degradation of the environment and the influence of a warming climate on extreme weather. In 2018, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for almost half of the worlds 281 natural disasters, and eight of the 10 deadliest. Already in 2020, at least 60 people died as a result of flooding in Jakarta, and tens of thousands remain in temporary shelters.

Thanks to its location, the Philippines is more vulnerable to disaster than its neighbors. On average, eight or nine tropical cyclones make landfall on its coasts annually, bringing storm surges, flooding and landslides  phenomena that are likely to become more frequent and intensify as the climate warms. The country is perched atop the Ring of Fire  a geologically active path along the Pacific Ocean  and is home to 53 active volcanos and fault lines capable of major earthquakes near the countrys biggest cities. Further raising the risk profile is the countrys drive to urbanize: Half the population currently lives in cities, with roughly a quarter of its residents (25 million people) in the Manila metro area.

Story continues

Officials in the Philippines historically didnt view disasters as recurrent problems worth mitigating or preventing. Rather, their focus was almost entirely concentrated on rapid response after the disaster. Thats neither new nor uncommon in emerging Asian countries. In Jakarta, for example, the Indonesian government has struggled to manage regular, catastrophic floods, much less fund systems to control them. The situation has grown so bad that victims of this months floods are filing a class-action lawsuit against the government for failing to plan for them.

What changed the disaster calculus in the Philippines was the scale of the catastrophes. In 2009, metro Manila was hit by Typhoon Ketsana, which dumped more than a months worth of rain in 12 hours, killed more than 700 people and paralyzed the citys economy. The governments tepid response precipitated a political crisis and the passage of legislation that prioritized proactive disaster management and risk reduction. Among other reforms, local governments are now required to prepare maps of areas prone to disasters like landslides, and make them public for planning and zoning purposes.

To finance the shift, the countrys main disaster fund is mandated to spend 70% on prevention, preparedness and mitigation, with 30% allocated to quick response operations. Among other benefits, the funding enables local governments to invest in hazard monitoring and forecasting equipment, including tsunami detection stations and volcano observatories (including those watching the Taal volcano). This spending is mostly administered by local governments, but since 2010 their disaster responses are monitored, integrated and supervised by a high-level agency. This framework not only provides accountability, but also ensures that planning and response to large-scale disasters can be coordinated nationally. Civil society and religious organizations also play a grass-roots role in disaster planning and response.

Of course, no system is perfect. In the Philippines, its fair to question whether a disaster preparedness system that depends on forging consensus within and among communities can be effective in the event of a major crisis. Likewise, there are legitimate concerns that the government will not fund the systems needs adequately. So far, at least, investments in detection and preparation have clearly left the Philippines in a better place to manage the disastrous impacts of an eruption at the Taal volcano than it was a decade ago. Thats a lesson that Indonesia and other disaster-prone Asian countries can afford to emulate.

(Corrects spelling of Manila in the sixth paragraph.)

To contact the author of this story: Adam Minter at aminter@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Stacey Shick at sshick@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Adam Minter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is the author of Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade and the forthcoming "Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale."

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said his government was committed to making farmers in the state self-reliant.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a three-day agro exhibition organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Baramati, the home turf of NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

It was Thackeray's first visit to Baramati after assuming charge as the chief minister of the state. He reached the venue of the event in a battery-operated vehicle with Sharad Pawar sitting next to him.

In his speech, Thackeray lauded the Krishi Vigyan Kendra for its innovative research in agriculture.

"Innovative research is being carried out at this centre, including in the field of drip irrigation, wherein water slowly reaches the roots of the crop. In a similar way, we will have to ensure that the research in agriculture percolates not only to other parts of the state, but also across the country," he said.

Thackeray said that many times farmers have to face losses due to droughts and hailstorms.

"Panchanamas (assessment) are conducted. Sometimes farmers get compensation, sometimes not. But there is a need to make farmers in the state self-reliant and the government will certainly do it. The work is a little difficult and hence we need people's blessings," he said.

The chief minister added that the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has come to power in the state at the "right time".

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was also present at the event.
India on Thursday said that the failed bid by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was a desperate measure to peddle baseless allegations.

Attempt was made by Pakistan, through a UNSC member, to misuse the platform. Overwhelming majority of UNSC was of view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and it should be discussed bilaterally, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

The informal closed door meeting concluded without any outcome. Pakistans desperate measures to peddle baseless allegation, and present and alarming scenario, lacked credibility, Kumar added.

ALSO WATCH | Concerns raised by Pakistan not found credible: Indias envoy to UN

He also said that Pakistan can avoid such global embarrassments by refraining from such acts in future.

We hope the message has gone loud and clear to Pakistan that if at all theres any matter between India and Pak that needs to be discussed, it should be done bilaterally, said Kumar.

He also said that the snub is a message for China too. In our view, China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in the future, said Kumar.

China and Pakistan tried, for the third time, to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations on Wednesday but the efforts were thwarted by Indias diplomatic allies who left Beijing isolated, according to officials aware of the development.

China got a stinging response when it raised Kashmir at a closed-door informal consultation of the UN Security Council (UNSC), Syed Akbaruddin, the Indian envoy to the UN, said in a late-night tweet on Wednesday.

Today @UN..our flag is flying high. Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends..., he posted.

Today @UN...our flag is flying high.



Those that launched a "False Flag" effort got a stinging response from our many friends...  pic.twitter.com/X0jJgassn2  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

The attempts to raise the issue were through a fresh letter by Islamabad to Vietnam (which holds the presidency of the UN Security Council for this month) and an attempt by Beijing to put Kashmir as a topic of discussion during the informal meeting on Wednesday night. The efforts were meant to revive the failed December 2019 bid to raise Kashmir at the UNSC. The UNSC did not take up a Pakistani letter last month after India pushed back strongly with the help of its friends in the council, particularly France and the US.

According to South Block officials, the Chinese-Pakistani plan was meant to set the stage for Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshis visit to the US starting Wednesday. Instead, hours before Qureshis arrival, the plan unravelled, with Indias allies saying they will stick to their stance that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between Delhi and Islamabad.
Mastek announced that the regulatory approval has been received effective 31 December 2019 confirming the merger of TAIS Tech LLC with Trans American Information Systems Inc.

USA, step down wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

This will enable the greater synergies and higher operational efficiencies. Accordingly, TAIS Tech LLC now cease to exist effective 31 December 2019.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:42:24|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains fragile despite improvements in many aspects in the war-torn country over the past year, said a senior UN official on Thursday.

Yemen is still a very dangerous place although civilian casualties have dropped since the government and the Houthi rebels reached the Stockholm Agreement in December 2018, said Ramesh Rajasingham, director of the Coordination Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Civilian casualties in 2019 were about 35 percent lower than the previous year, and civilian fatalities were down by almost half, Rajasingham told the Security Council via a video link from Geneva.

In recent weeks, however, hostilities flare again along several front lines, he noted. "Although clashes have been mostly contained, we continue to see mass-casualty incidents across the country."

On Dec. 25, a market in Saada in the northwest was attacked for the third time in a month, killing at least eight civilians. Eighty-nine civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks at this same market since November 2019, he said.

"Every day, we receive reports of civilians killed or injured when shells land on their homes, snipers fire on their communities, or landmines or other munitions explode. These smaller-scale incidents occur in a constant stream and receive less attention than they should."

Critical civilian infrastructure is not spared either. On Dec. 26, mortars again struck the Red Sea Mills in Hodeidah, forcing the World Food Programme to temporarily suspend milling, he said.

"It is unacceptable that civilians should so disproportionately bear the brunt of this conflict. At all times, the parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to avoid harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure."

The best way to end such harm, he said, is to build on the current de-escalation measures and to move as quickly as possible to a nationwide cease-fire.

Yemen has been in civil war for almost five years, pitting Houthi rebels against government forces. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition force defending the internationally recognized Yemeni government against Houthi rebels allegedly supported by Iran.
nature, 16 January 2020

EDITORIAL 16 January 2020

Protect Indiaas universities

The government and state authorities must step in and stop violent attacks on academic campuses.

For several weeks the world has watched as Indiaas citizens a including academics and students a have taken to the streets. Tens of thousands have been gathering to read out the preamble to the Indian constitution, as a mark of protest against a discriminatory new citizenship law.

The law provides a path to citizenship for recent refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is a means to providing permanent sanctuary for religious minorities fleeing hardship or persecution in these countries a an intention that is to be commended. What is troubling is that decisions on who can a and cannot a apply for citizenship will be made on the basis of religious belief. Muslims are to be excluded, which is a violation of the foundational principle that people of all faiths and none must be equal in law.

Tragically, some of the peaceful protests are being met with violence, and university campuses are not immune. The latest high-profile incident took place at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, where students have also been protesting over an increase in accommodation fees. On the evening of 5 January, people wearing masks and carrying iron rods, stones and wooden clubs entered the campus and launched an attack. The cityas police failed to provide protection, according to the international advocacy organization Human Rights Watch.

Videos of bloodied and bruised students and staff have been widely shared. Surya Prakash, a student of Sanskrit texts who is visually impaired, was beaten in his room. And Sucharita Sen, a researcher at JNUas Centre for the Study of Regional Development, confirmed to Nature that she was hit on the head awith a stone the size of half a bricka .

In mid-December, police entered two of Indiaas older universities a Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh. Students were beaten, property was damaged and tear gas used. Both institutions had to close temporarily, disrupting teaching and research. Jamia Milliaas vice-chancellor, Najma Akhtar, said that it is not acceptable for police to harm innocent students.

The severity of the police action has rightly prompted a chorus of international concern. Among those speaking up are the Nobel prizewinners Abhijit Banerjee, an economist and JNU alumnus now at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, and Venki Ramakrishnan, a biologist and the president of the Royal Society in London, who received his undergraduate education in India, and who is also critical of the new law.

Many of the governmentas supporters are upset that university students, academics and scientists are also opposing the new law. But they must know that freedom of expression is core to a universityas mission; that the ability of citizens to protest peacefully against government policies is a right, not a privilege; and that the state should provide protection for such dissent. Without it, no opposition would be able to present its case to the public a as members of the current government and its supporters did in the years they were out of power.

Academics in India and around the world are right to be alarmed and to speak up, because force has been used on university campuses, causing fear. Indiaas authorities must take the necessary steps to protect their nationas universities and their peopleas freedom of speech.

They must heed the words of the prime ministeras principal scientific adviser, Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan, who said unequivocally: aCampuses are places for learning, discussion, collegial debate amongst diverse opinions, and research. There is no place at all for violence.a

Nature 577, 293 (2020)

doi: 10.1038/d41586-020-00085-6

See the original PDF version of the editorial in Nature, 16 Jan 2020
The Congress partys ace troubleshooter in Karnataka D K Shivakumar is likely to be named as the next president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, according to sources within the party. Both CLP leader S Siddaramaiah as well as KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao had offered their resignations to the party high command in the light of the poor performance in by-polls held in December where the party managed to win only two of the 15 seats.

Shivakumar and former home minister M B Patil were the two main contenders for the KPCC chiefs post. Former CM Siddaramiah had met the Congress high command earlier in the week. Though he is said to have indicated a preference for Patil, Shivakumars sacrifices  he shepherded Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort when the BJP was said to be trying to lure them, as well as his role in ensuring continuation of the coalition government for 14 months  is said to have swung things in his favour.

Also Shivakumar is a Vokkaliga, a caste that has not been sympathetic to the BJP and comes from the Southern part of the state where the party did relatively better in the assembly polls. Congress leaders were tightlipped about the possible choice of DKShi as he is called, being elevated to the party presidentship saying everything will be clear in a matter of hours or at worst a day or two. BJP leaders refused to comment on his possible elevation saying it is an internal matter of the opposition party.

Apart from being a troubleshooter, DKShi is seen as somebody who will be able to help the party raise resources as well as being a strong and articulate opposition leader. Siddaramiah is expected to continue as the CLP and opposition leader.

Political analyst Manjunath said, While he is a formidable organizer, he also comes with a lot of baggage including the Damocles sword of ED and IT cases hanging over his head. Remember he is out on bail after having been in Tihar Jail and this will be used by his opponents.
When Alisa Hurwitz saw SIX for the first time at American Repertory Theater, her first thought was, I have to bring my daughters back to see this show. The New Hampshire-based mother of two girls knew that the musical's message of sisterhood and its important historical lessons (not to mention catchy score) would thrill her kids.

"The music is fantastic  all of us enjoy listening to it together," she said. "But what really made me want to take them was the fact that it is a digestible piece of history, and it's about taking back the narrative. For my daughters to see a show that is about women telling the narrative of history  that felt really empowering."

Saw @sixthemusicalUS at the ART last weekend. Had an anachronistic blast! Been listening to the music non-stop since and, what do you know, my kids have also fallen in love with the cast album, especially my youngest. So naturally, I got tickets to bring her to see the Queens pic.twitter.com/MsoQDYd1XY  Dr. Alisa Hurwitz (@TheDrDrama) August 29, 2019

The musical, by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, positions Henry VIII's six wives as a girl group, reclaiming their place in history  a "histo-remix" as the show dubs it. That story has been inspiring audiences around the world, from its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, to an Olivier-nominated West End run and multiple UK tours, to a North American tour, with stops in Chicago, Boston, St. Paul, and Edmonton, Alberta, ahead of Broadway performances starting on February 13.

When Marta Newlon got her subscription tickets to see the musical at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, she initially planned to take her daughter. Little did she know, her 17-year-old granddaughter, Sydney, had already heard the album on YouTube, where she dove into the proliferation of animated music videos created by fans. As soon as Sydney heard her mother and grandmother would be going to see the show, she had to get in on the action.

"I was happy to see how they did it in the theater because I only saw it via animation on YouTube," said Sydney, who adds she hasn't stopped listening to the music since seeing the show. "I found it really fun because I knew a lot of the songs."

TheaterMania publisher and COO Rosemary Maggiore's teenage daughter, Anna, had also listened to some of the music on YouTube, and Maggiore had heard rave reviews out of the West End. So when the pair planned their London trip, she made sure to book tickets. Both were impressed by the music and the performances, but they also left the theater talking about the show's deeper themes.

"My daughter mentioned to me that she had never heard of the other women besides Anne Boleyn and I thought, me too!" said Maggiore. "And why do we know Anne Boleyn? Is it because she was beheaded? What a legacy! The theme that struck us what that these women were just lost in history and how sad that was."

TheaterMania publisher and COO with her daughter at SIX.

(photo provided by Rosemary Maggiore)

Marta, Camela, and Sydney also had important conversations after the show. Representing three generations of women, they had attended the Women's March together, and the parallels to today's world spoke to them in an eye-opening way.

"I'll often talk to Sydney and my daughter about how women were treated because I'm a child of the 60s," said Marta. "How her mother was raised and how she's being raised are two different lifestyles."

"We talked about how things really don't change that much," added Camela. "The story rings true today."

However, Maggiore said the show also illuminates how some things have changed, and the musical's humorous tone provides levity to a story that would otherwise feel heavy.

"It's important that young women understand how women were mistreated in the past and how the opportunities have changed  and to appreciate that fact," said Maggiore. "Over the centuries, women have fought hard to get on equal footing, and it's something to celebrate. This show pokes fun at how ridiculous things were in the past, which could only be funny because it's not that way now."

Hurwitz wanted to start these conversations with her daughters early, and the show sparked important discussions and questions from her kids. Most of all, she's glad her daughters had the opportunity to see women center stage in a big musical, reclaiming the narrative and their place in history.

"Just being able to usher my kids into an awareness of what it means to be female in the world in a way that they can comprehend without overwhelming them," she said. "It's a fun way to engage them in that conversation and also get them thinking about female voices and history and who writes the history. The story has been about Henry VIII. To hear some of what these six women's lives really were before him, after him, and outside of him  that feels important."
Profile: Mark Spencer  the power behind the reshuffle and the man who disciplined the Brexit rebels

The reshuffle is coming up and Mark Spencer, the Chief Whip, will be a pivotal figure in deciding who gets what.

In July 2019 he helped Boris Johnson to construct his first government, working in secret with him for a week or ten days before the result of the Tory leadership race was announced, planning with the help of a white board how to purge and replace Theresa Mays team.

Spencers appointment as Chief Whip was revealed on the new leaders first day, and met with broad approval in the parliamentary party, which regards him as a thoroughly decent person, friendly and approachable.

In the press, he was described, accurately enough, as a relative unknown, and he has since contrived to remain one of the least known major players at Westminster. One cannot help admiring the sheer paucity of published information about this farmer from Nottinghamshire.

As Chief Whip he had to cope with the huge difficulties of running a minority Government, and was soon at the heart of an exceptionally painful business: the withdrawal at the start of September of the Conservative whip from 21 rebels, including nine former Cabinet ministers, who were legislating to rule out a no deal Brexit.

It seemed to many Conservatives that the party was destroying itself by expelling such redoubtable figures as Kenneth Clarke, Dominic Grieve, Sir Oliver Letwin and Sir Nicholas Soames.

The decision to take such ruthless action was made in Downing Street, where plans were being made and the groundwork laid for a general election fought on the slogan Get Brexit Done.

The Prime Minister saw there was no point going into such a contest with a number of candidates who had no intention of getting Brexit done, and would vote against a future Conservative government on the issue.

As one of Johnsons closest colleagues points out, in March 2019, when four Cabinet ministers abstained rather than vote against an earlier measure preventing a no deal Brexit, and were not sacked for their act of defiance, the partys poll ratings fell, because voters realised May was not serious about getting Brexit done.

The withdrawal of the whip nevertheless induced queasiness in many Conservatives, and at a meeting of the 1922 Committee, a backbencher told Johnson the expulsions should not go ahead.

Johnson replied that he could not interfere in whipping matters, and Spencer, who had done the Prime Ministers bidding, maintained a straight face.

A close observer of the Chief Whip during this fraught period praises him for never getting frazzled or ratty or ragged, and suggests that his agricultural experience was of value when carrying out the rather horrible but necessary surgical excision of a number of our colleagues:

A farmer will unsentimentally recognise that a lame ewe needs to be put down.

Not all the 21 MPs were put down. Spencer instituted a snakes and ladders programme, whereby if they started voting with the Government, they could climb a ladder and regain the whip, whereas if they continued defiant, they slid down a snake and had no chance of rehabilitation.

According to The Times,

Mr Spencer warned the rebels that he had sole discretion about whether to allow an appeal against their expulsion. He also insisted that the original decision was justified to restore discipline. For too long the Conservative government has been hampered by those who believe that the normal rules of party politics do not apply to them, he said.

Ten of the rebels regained the whip, four of whom stood in the election and held their seats, while 11 left the party for good, five of whom stood as Liberal Democrats or independents, all of whom lost.

Spencer will now be working on the reshuffle expected next month. In the words of the source quoted earlier, he will be

advising the Prime Minister which of the bulls should be retained and which of the clapped out old milkers should be sent to the abattoir.

When David Cameron and George Osborne were running the Government, Osborne took a close interest in junior ministerial appointments, which Margaret Thatcher used to leave to the Chief Whip, whose power depends in large part on the control of patronage.

But the hope of future patronage is likewise the main means by which a Prime Minister induces loyalty, and Johnson has so far shown himself keenly aware of which aspirants to ministerial office have demonstrated loyalty to himself, and which have not.

Spencer is a natural loyalist. Some MPs think he carries this too far. A senior backbencher compared him unfavourably to two previous Chief Whips:

He does not seem willing or able to stand up to Downing Street. He seems to lack the guile and experience of the dark arts of a Gavin Williamson or an Andrew Mitchell.

But one could say that Spencer has conducted matters admirably, by restoring the discipline which showed that the Conservatives would indeed get Brexit done. To achieve that, a certain straightforwardness and practicality were required.

Next Monday he will be 50. He was born into a farming family in Nottinghamshire in 1970, went to the local state school, Colonel Frank Seely, at Calverton, and then to Shuttleworth Agricultural College in Bedfordshire, before joining the family farm, a business into which his own children have followed him.

Farmers Weekly recently reported that it was through getting involved in the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, of which he became chairman in 1999, that Spencer got drawn into politics:

His children are involved in their local YFC and Mr Spencer says it was the federation that inspired his political career. I still think of myself as a farmer, I like to think that Ive still got a little bit of farming, although I dont get a lot of time to do it, but I think Young Farmers pulled me into politics slowly. You sort of get drawn into young peoples issues, whether that is housing, rural transport, the issues around access into agriculture, succession planning, so you find yourself moving from thinking about rugby and socialising and drawn into those small p political issues, he says.

In 2001 he stood and failed for Nottinghamshire County Council, in 2003 he got elected to Gedling District Council and in 2005 he also managed to become a county councillor.

Here evidently was a man of energy who liked being involved in public life. In 2010 he stood as parliamentary candidate in Sherwood, in Nottinghamshire, and took the seat off Labour by 214 votes.

So Spencer has experience of fighting a marginal, though his majority rose in 2019 to 16,186. All eight county seats in Nottinghamshire are now in Conservative hands, including Mansfield, next to Sherwood, won in 2017 by Ben Bradley, who used to work as campaign manager for Spencer. The three borough seats in Nottingham remain firmly Labour.

In his maiden speech Spencer said:

Many Members will be aware of Sherwood forest and its legends, and of all that Sherwood is famous for, so they will not be surprised to know that I am not the most famous person from Sherwood. That honour probably goes to Robin Hood. Like Robin Hood, I have a desire to counter over-taxation, to protect the most vulnerable in society, and to make sure that oppressive government does not bring misery on the people.

But there is nothing of the outlaw about Spencer, and the most heartfelt passages in his speech came later, when he said tougher measures were needed to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, so that local residents are well protected from the abusive and intimidatory activity of unscrupulous members of the public.

On the rare occasions Spencer has attracted interest and indeed opprobrium in the press, it tends to be by standing up for stern measures, as when he observed of a man with learning difficulties who had been sanctioned after turning up four minutes late for a job interview:

It is important that those who are seeking employment learn the discipline of timekeeping, which is an important part of securing and keeping a job.

But one cannot accuse Spencer of courting publicity by spouting extravagant views. Mike Sassi, until recently editor of The Nottingham Post, told ConHome:

Unfortunately Mr Spencer is not someone who spends much time in the local media. He rarely courted us at The Post, although he did return our calls and was usually helpful. Obviously he was most talkative about rural issues. But he generally kept his head down  outside of appearances on the BBC East Midlands Politics Show. I used to see him delivering produce from his family farm, in the local villages  but less so in recent years.

In 2016 Spencer became a junior whip, and he has remained in the Whips Office ever since. In a rare moment of outspokenness he sympathised on Twitter with Coleen Rooney after she thought she had discovered which of her friends was betraying her to the press. According to Spencer,

Coleen would make an excellent whip. Have to say my respect for her has grown enormously. Shouldnt underestimate how frustrating it must be living in constant public view, knowing someone you trust is talking to the media.

Millions of people will agree with Spencer that this would be deeply frustrating. One suspects that in the forthcoming reshuffle, practical ability, and the ability to keep ones mouth shut, will be valued above theatrical gifts.

The Prime Minister does not need to recruit people like himself. He needs ministers who can deliver. In Spencer, whom he did not know well before appointing him, he has found a Chief Whip who will recommend for preferment MPs of unshowy worth.

Not the least of the paradoxes of the Johnson government is that it intends to be thoroughly professional.
They are targeting a receptive publication. Merriam-Webster, the oldest dictionary publisher in the country, has recently earned a progressive reputation.

Its 2019 word of the year was they: a singular gender-neutral pronoun for transgender and nonbinary people. And, since at least the 2016 election, its Twitter account has had word-nerds cackling at passive-aggressive posts defining words that have been used incorrectly by politicians.

We record the language  we do not create, sanction or promote any specific words; the languages speakers do this, and we provide a record of this use, Emily Brewster, a senior editor at Merriam-Webster, said in an email.

Ms. Brewster said that the publisher had no record of anyone contacting the company about the term until Tuesday morning, and that Merriam-Webster was grateful for the heads-up.

The stigma around MSG fueled  or, perhaps, was fueled by  long-held racist stereotypes.

After the United States lifted race-based immigration quotas in 1965, many Chinese immigrants, fleeing the Cultural Revolution that began in 1966, settled in the United States and opened restaurants. Many of those used MSG.

We eat Chinese food three times a day all year, and we never have headaches or numbness or anything else, Roy K.C. Chen, the owner of the Mandarin Inn in Manhattans Chinatown, said in a 1968 New York Times article about the controversy.

Even now, MSG is shunned in some circles. Lucky Lees, a Chinese-inspired restaurant opened in April by a white health coach in Manhattan, advertised a clean version of the cuisine, which would not be made with MSG and some other ingredients. That brought an outcry from people who felt she had appropriated and demeaned Chinese cuisine; the restaurant closed in December.
KAMPALA  Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined forces with Last Mile Health and Living Goods to increase access to community-based primary healthcare for nearly 1.7 million people in up to six African countries including Uganda, as part of their shared commitment to accelerate universal health coverage.

The Health Worker Training Initiative is a three-year investment, generously matched by The Audacious Project, and totals USD $18 million.

This partnership will play a critical role in helping to scale and empower the worlds most promising health resourcecommunity health workersso that they can thrive and effectively save lives, said Dr. Jane Aceng, Ugandas Minister of Health.

Ensuring community health workers have the right training, digital technology, medical equipment, and supervision is critical for ensuring they can help transform health outcomes, no matter where people live.

Harnessing the synergy of cross-industry collaboration is key to advancing universal health coverage. Living Goods and Last Mile Health have pioneered the community health worker model and are continually exploring novel approaches to training and retaining community health workers. By teaming up with Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, precious resources and acumen can be maximized. All are united by the belief that community health workers play a catalytic role, and all share a commitment towards advancing universal health coverage.

Leveraging the unique expertise of each organization will drive tech innovation and deepen the impact. In addition to financial contributions, industry partners will contribute disease-specific expertise and experience in the discovery and development of new tools, which will supplement the community health worker models pioneered by Last Mile Health and Living Goods, in partnership with the government.

Investing in community health workers produces some of the best returns in health.

Community health workers can yield a 10:1 return on investment, due to a healthier population, increased employment, and lower odds of health crises. In addition, community health workers can help primary healthcare systems serve the majority of a populations health needs, which means community health workers are one of the most efficient and effective ways to achieve universal health coverage. This partnership is a response to the growing call to action globally to advance universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Focused investment in community health workers can accelerate progress to make universal health coverage a reality, said Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly and president of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations. Public-private collaboration is critical to help governments lower barriers to quality care and innovative medicines that save and improve peoples lives.

Community health workers are the critical frontline to sustainably impact the health of communities in resource-poor settings, said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. Novartis is committed to strengthening healthcare systems and is proud to be part of this coalition to use digital technologies to reimagine the future of community health delivery.

The three-year investment will cover three areas:

Supporting the training and deployment of 2,500 digitally-enabled community health workers, reaching nearly 1.7 million people by 2022. Community health workers will be trained and deployed in Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and up to two additional countries.

Supporting Last Mile Healths Community Health Academy, which is an open-source, a digital learning platform for community health workers and health systems leaders used worldwide. Training curricula for community health workers initially focuses on diarrheal diseases, family planning, malaria, and pneumonia, with further modules expected to address non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Contributing expertise and personnel to Living Goods new Kenya Performance Lab to develop mobile-based tech innovations that will improve community health worker productivity, strengthen supply chains and better identify obstacles to coverage. The Lab will leverage the knowledge and assets of partners in areas including data science, behavior change, performance management, analytics, and technical health expertise. Innovations would be introduced in Kenya and then scaled to other countries within the broader initiative.

Together, these pieces of the investment aim to scale up access to life-saving primary healthcare while building stronger, tech-enabled community health programs for the future.

Well-trained community health workers play an integral role in providing quality care in low-resource settings, said Andrin Oswald, Co-chair of the CEO Roundtable Executive Council and Director of Life Sciences Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation is committed to working with partners across sectors to achieve universal health coverage, which is necessary to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing the burden of diseases that disproportionately affect pregnant women and young children. We thank the companies involved in this initiative for their efforts to increase data-driven solutions to train and deploy effective community health workers.

Each of the six investors will contribute USD $1.5 million total over the next three years. This funding will be matched by the Audacious Project through an existing USD $50 million matching commitment to scale community health workers in Africa, resulting in a USD $18 million total investment.

This investment will also support the sustainability of community health worker programs. Living Goods and Last Mile Health partner with governments to deploy digitally-empowered community health workers. Not only will this partnership support community health workers to reach more patients, but the curricula and tools developed through the investment will support improved community health worker performance for years to come.

We are inspired that healthcare companies are taking collective action to strengthen community health systems in the public sector across sub-Saharan Africa to advance universal health coverage, said Liz Jarman, CEO of Living Goods, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, CEO of Last Mile Health. This partnership is much more than a financial commitment; it joins a growing movement of philanthropists, companies, and governments that have committed to scale digitally-empowered community health workers and build stronger primary healthcare systems across Africa to ultimately save more lives.

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Love Island winners Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham have weighed in on the Australian bushfire crisis.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, 27-year-old Anna shared a snap of herself and Josh wearing P2 anti-pollution face masks.

'So heartbreaking to see the Australian bushfires cause so much devastation, destruction and now major health risks to our community,' she wrote.

Help: Love Island Australia winners Anna McEvoy, 27, (left) and Josh Packham, 26, (right) wore anti-pollution masks on Thursday, as they encouraged fans to donate to bushfire relief on Instagram

She went on to show her compassionate side, as she explained she can't imagine the immense suffering occurring in the country right now.

The Melbourne-based beauty went on to encourage her near 300,000 followers to also wear anti-pollution masks - to protect their lungs against particles in the air.

'Please keep safe and wear a face mask if you're outside as you are being exposed to the worst air quality in the world,' she said.

Haze: Anna later shared a snap similar to this of a smokey Melbourne, which is suffering intense air pollution as a result of the fires. Pictured: Melbourne on Thursday

She went on to say she was glad to see rain forecast across the country.

'Let's hope the forecasted rain this week helps put out the current fires.'

She finished by saying she thought it was incredible to see everyone band together, before asking her followers to donate to bushfire relief funds.

Smile! Anna, 27, and Josh, 26, (both pictured) took to Instagram to show their relationship has gone from strength to strength since the show. Here at Beyond the Valley Festival

It comes after the Love Island Australia couple won a whopping $50,000, with them managing to last until the end of the series.

The couple look like they are still going strong, with them attending the Beyond The Valley music festival in Victoria earlier this month.

'Butterfly babies,' she captioned her post.

Magical: It's not the first time Josh and Anna have flaunted their relationship, with the reality show couple clearly in love with each other

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia after their victory, Anna and Josh admitted that winning the show felt 'super surreal'.

But they said they never doubted their relationship for a second, with Anna claiming there was an 'instant connection' between them.

'When you meet that person, you just get an instant spark, and you kind of just know,' she continued.

The look of love: 'When you meet that person, you just get an instant spark, and you kind of just know,' Anna said.

'I think we were lucky. I don't think that there's any secret or secret recipe to success, it was just that we had an instant connection, we really liked each other.'

And Josh admitted it's been a long time since he's felt such a strong connection with anyone.

'We just saw the good in one another. I think that's the most important thing,' he added.

'I haven't opened myself up like this in a long time,' Josh continued.
This is the moment a great-grandmother wrestled a 6ft man who tried to sell her a stolen 1,200 bike for 150.

Mari Parker, 72, knew the bike had been stolen having read about its theft on Facebook and refused to let the thief leave the store with it.

However, the unnamed male in his 20s returned half an hour later and tried to take the bike back by force.

CCTV footage shows 5ft 3in Mari in a minute-long tug-of-war with the thug outside the shop as she hung on to the bike frame.

Mari Parker was filmed tackling a thug who tried to sell her a stolen bike (SWNS)

Mari Parker knew the bike had been stolen having read about its theft on Facebook (SWNS)

CCTV footage shows 5ft 3in Mari in a minute-long tug-of-war with the thug (SWNS)

The hooded thief can been seen violently pulling at the bike and trying to mount it to cycle away but his efforts were thwarted by the determined pensioner.

He eventually fled empty-handed and the designer mountain bike was later reunited with its owner.

Gran of eight Mari said: "I'm sure he must be a bit embarrassed now that he was beaten by a 72-year-old woman."

Read more from Yahoo News UK:

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Man burgled pensioner's home as she lay dead on living room floor

The incident happened on a Sunday morning at Mari's son Daniel's antique shop, Barnsley Antiques Centre, where she helps out part-time.

Speaking of how she grappled with the thug, Mari added: "A couple of customers came out to help but I was worried about what would happen with them so I told them to leave it to me and that they should call the police.

"But I refused to let go.

The incident happened at Mari's son, Daniel's, antique shop, Barnsley Antiques Centre (SWNS)

Customers came out to help Mari as she grappled with the man (SWNS)

"I knew a young boy was coming back for his bike and I couldn't tell them we didn't have it.

"Thinking back now I'm not sure I'd have done that if I'd have really thought about it, but it was all a spur-of-the moment thing and it happened so quickly."

The Lapierre X Control 310 full suspension mountain bike has now been re-united with its 13-year-old owner, Luke Hodson.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that a 23-year-old Doncaster man was arrested in connection with the incident, that happened in October last year.

The force added: The bike was returned to its rightful owner, who did not wish to pursue a prosecution."
Arizona News

Scottsdale, Arizona - The Arizona Attorney General's Office, Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched a new training for hospitality staff at hotels on how to identify, report, and prevent sex trafficking.

The training is part of the SAFE (Safeguarding All From Exploitation) Action Project, a free program designed for tourism industry professionals. This past summer, SAFE provided similar training for Transportation Security Administration (TSA), American Airlines, and Sky Harbor employees.

The first hotel training will took place on January 15th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. It was open to all hotel employees and members of the media. A brief press conference will be held onsite at the Phoenician.

The SAFE Action Project offers a wide variety of human trafficking training resources to help travel, hospitality, and tourism staff, along with everyday travelers nationwide, to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and how to report suspicious behavior, with a see something, say something approach," said AATN President John Meza. "We aim to train hospitality and tourism industry professionals on how to recognize, report, and ultimately end human trafficking in Arizona. Everyone has a role to play in combating this horrific crime.

Tourism is a huge industry in Arizona. In 2018, more than 45 million people visited Arizona and collectively spent $24.4 billion, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism. The goal of SAFE is to reach all corners of the tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, ride-sharing, airports, stadiums, and other places where large groups of people gather and travel. Personnel in the tourism industry are often unaware of the dangerous situations taking place on their property or at their business. It is important to train all hospitality employees, who interact with customers daily, on the warning signs of human trafficking. This horizontal approach is a key component of the SAFE training efforts.

Human trafficking is a disgusting crime that exploits some of the most vulnerable in our communities, said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. We're going to keep going aggressively after traffickers like Robert Hood, making sure they spend significant time behind bars, where they belong. It will take the entire community coming together to fight human trafficking. I am thankful for our partners, The Phoenician, and our advisors who are helping make a difference.

Every day HSI agents around the globe work to uncover, dismantle and disrupt human trafficking. In part, the success of these investigations is directly attributed to the partnerships we have with not only law enforcement but the non-government organizations, said Scott Brown, Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Phoenix office. Victims, often hidden in plain sight, have a chance of survival if the public is made aware of this heinous crime by way of education and outreach programs. We are committed to eradicating human trafficking and will continue to support our partners to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Additionally, several other hotel chains are participating in the SAFE Action Project. Westroc Hospitality will begin training its employees at Hotel Valley Ho, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort. Upon completion, Westroc Hospitality will receive the SAFE certification, which has been endorsed by the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association.

Prosecuting human trafficking remains a top priority for Attorney General Brnovich. Since taking office in January 2015, the office has prosecuted 251 cases connected to sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, or illegal enterprises/money laundering in the trafficking arena. Those numbers include all forms of sex trafficking and other illegal enterprises involving the sexual exploitation of others for money.

Businesses can watch web-based training modules on the SAFE website. They can also request in-person training.

SAFE Advisors include:
When Joe Cressy's son Jude was born in November, the city councillor suddenly faced a tough decision: take parental leave and miss key council votes, or keep working and miss time with his newborn.

After consulting with his family, and reviewing council's recently-adopted  and never-before-used  parental leave policy, the first-time father eventually decided to take 16 weeks of leave starting next September.

"I don't want to have to choose between my job and being a parent," he said.

But with that decision, Cressy said, came questions about the city's policy. Adopted in 2018, it allows council members to take up to 20 paid weeks off, but stipulates that if they don't come back for council and committee votes, they're marked as absent  meaning they either show up, or don't get to vote on key city matters.

In a letter of recommendations to Mayor John Tory's executive committee, which has its next meeting on Jan. 23, Cressy is calling for city staff to explore the possibility of a proxy vote or parental leave replacement for any councillor taking time off for their pregnancy or newborn child.

"That's a key area we need to look at," he said.

It's also just the latest example of politicians pushing for more parental support in a growing trend in countries around the world.

Politicians around world pushing for parental leave

"In times of social change ... we need marquee actors in our society to be taking the lead," noted Sarah Kaplan, director of the institute for gender and the economy at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.

"That, of course, means our governments should be part of taking the lead on assuring we have equitable parental leave, and people have access to it."

In Canada, Minister of International Development Karina Gould made headlines in 2018 for being the first federal cabinet minister to have a baby while holding office, and for going on maternity leave for several months despite no formal policy being in place at the time.

Story continues

A year later, the House of Commons unanimously agreed to new rules allowing MPs who are new parents to take up to 12 months of leave.

Paul Borkwood/CBC

Policy makers in Britain are exploring taking things one step further by introducing proxy voting for MPs on parental leave through a one-year pilot project  a move following the outcry over one MP delaying the birth of her son to vote on a Brexit deal, The Guardian reported last year.

In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a six-week leave, covered by the deputy prime minister, after becoming the first woman in the top job to give birth while in office.

And in Japan just this Wednesday, the country's environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi  a new dad  shocked the country's "workaholic" fathers by announcing he'd be taking a couple weeks of paternity leave, noted The New York Times.

"Child-care leave will not be prevalent," wrote the rising star politician in a Japanese blog post, "unless we change not only the system, but the atmosphere as well."

Cressy hopes being the first to take parental leave on Toronto's council, and potentially beefing up the city's policy for it, has a similar ripple effect.

"That's what we want for everybody," he said. "There's no question this is an emerging discourse for politicians."

Elected officials 'under far more scrutiny'

But there's also a unique pressure on democratically elected officials who are living in the public eye.

"You're watched and judged and under far more scrutiny and surveillance than the average person going to their job," said Andrea O'Reilly, professor in the school of gender, sexuality and women's studies at York University.

Kristyn Wong-Tam, another new parent on Toronto city council, is not taking parental leave given the demands of her role in a busy downtown ward, and the expectations from residents that she's "never off," she said.

"It is not easy. It's a lot of juggling," Wong-Tam said, adding she does value having the option to change her mind.

O'Reilly questioned if politicians can "ever completely disappear," given the public pressure. "In so many professions," she added, "to leave completely is career suicide."

To ensure people feel supported, Kaplan said it's crucial governments go beyond basic policy and put proper procedures in place, such as having a proxy vote system for anyone from a city councillor to a world leader.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Mayor Tory's office said Cressy's letter, which makes similar recommendations for Toronto's council, "raises some issues that haven't been explored before."

"The Mayor looks forward to seeing how City staff address the issues raised," Don Peat continued in the statement.

According to Kaplan, of the Rotman School of Management, it's helpful to have male politicians leading this kind of change. "We're never going to solve problems of inequality for women if we don't also solve problems of inequality for men," she said.

Many men are pressured not to take leave, and are told it will be career-limiting, Kaplan added. But skipping it can have long-term repercussions.

"If they don't get involved when children are young, they tend to be less involved over time," she said.

In Cressy's case, he said taking parental leave is about being an active, engaged parent from the get-go.

"I want to do that for our family and be there for my son," he said.

"If doing so helps spur the conversation around more dads and parents taking leave  that's a good thing."
WASHINGTON - Ukraines announcement on Thursday of an investigation into alleged surveillance of the U.S. ambassador has come as welcome relief to many in Americas diplomatic corps, but the State Departments silence on the matter has alarmed a number of current and former diplomats. They are demanding action from the Trump administration.

The department has declined repeated requests to offer any public defence of its envoy, the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, two days after allegations arose that allies of President Donald Trump had her under illegal surveillance while she was stationed in Kyiv.

The allegations, if true, are central to the impeachment inquiry into Trump, who faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump says the inquiry is a hoax.

At the time, Trumps allies were trying to have Yovanovitch, who was seen as a roadblock, removed from her post. She was recalled in May ahead of the end of her tour.

House Democrats this week published text messages to and from Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, the presidents personal lawyer, suggesting Yovanovitch was under surveillance.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was travelling in California when the Parnas texts were released, has for months resisted calls for specific statements backing Yovanovitch. One of Pompeos top aides, veteran career diplomat Michael McKinley, resigned in October after unsuccessfully pressing for an expression of support for Yovanovitch.

U.S. diplomats have reacted to the new revelations with dismay and to the lack of public support for their colleague with disappointment. Nearly a dozen told The Associated Press that while surveillance by foreign intelligence and security services is expected and routine in many countries, such activity by Americans is of great concern, particularly if its done by purported agents of the president.

Although those officials all spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal, former diplomats and senior lawmakers were outspoken in their criticism, especially after Ukraine announced it would open its own probe into what happened.

U.S. diplomats serving in the post-Soviet space often expect to be under surveillance  just not under surveillance organized by an American with links to the presidents personal attorney, said Steven Pifer, a former American ambassador to Ukraine.

It would be ironic for Ukraine to be more interested in pursuing the security and what happened to a U.S. ambassador than the United States and the State Department is, said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee. Im looking for a vigorous investigation of what went on here, because Ambassador Yovanovitch testified that she felt intimidated.

Rep. Eliot Engel, a New York Democrat who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Parnas messages suggest a possible risk to Yovanovitchs security in Kyiv before she was recalled.

These threats occurred at the same time that the two men were also discussing President Trumps efforts, through Rudy Giuliani, to smear the ambassadors reputation, Engel said.

Engel referred to messages to Parnas from Robert F. Hyde, a Connecticut man, who claimed to be watching Yovanovitch.

Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Her computer is off, Hyde allegedly texted to Parnas, adding that Yovanovitch was under heavy security. We have a person inside, another text message read. Another said: guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money ... is what I was told.

Yovanovitch returned to Washington after being told in a late-night phone call to get on the next plane home for her own safety by the director general of the Foreign Service, according to witness testimony in the impeachment inquiry. The nature of any possible threat was not specified and remains unclear, although the Parnas documents suggest the surveillance was a prelude to some kind of action.

Because the State Department has refused to respond substantively to questions about the Yovanovitch surveillance, its unclear whether the Bureau of Diplomatic Security or another law enforcement agency is looking into the matter. One official, who was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that the department had protected Yovanovitch by recalling her early from Kyiv.

But the lack of clarity and the departments stonewalling of congressional demands for documents related to her recall have prompted an outcry.

This has to be a first in American history, said Nicolas Burns, a former career diplomat who rose to become the third-ranking official at the State Department before his retirement and is now a foreign policy adviser to Bidens presidential campaign.

A foreign government rushing to the defence of a senior U.S. career ambassador to defend her from people deputized by the President of the United States, Burns wrote on Twitter. And the Secretary of State refuses to say one word in her defence.

Dana Smith, a former career diplomat who has been critical of the Trump administration, accused Pompeo of hypocrisy for staying mute about the possible threats to Yovanovitch after accusing the Obama administration and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of malfeasance in the deadly 2011 attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya.

A threat on a U.S. Ambassador that would be treated with the utmost urgency if it came from a foreign person, she wrote in a tweet. Where is Mr. Benghazi now?

The response is also in stark contrast to the quick and vocal protests that U.S. officials from Pompeo on down have registered about similar revelations elsewhere.

As recently as this month, Pompeo and State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus have publicly condemned Iranian-backed militia for besieging the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and demanded that Iraqi authorities fulfil their obligations to protect U.S. facilities there.

Our first priority is the safety and security of U.S. personnel, Pompeo said on Dec. 31. The United States has acted quickly, prudently, and decisively, taking additional security measures to address threats to American diplomats and facilities in Baghdad.

Just last week, Ortagus used Twitter to denounce Iranian authorities for briefly detaining the British ambassador to Iran during anti-government protests in Tehran.

The Iranian regime arrested the British ambassador to Iran, she said on Jan. 11. This violates the Vienna Convention, which the regime has a notorious history of violating. We call on the regime to formally apologize to the U.K. for violating his rights and to respect the rights of all diplomats.

Potential violations of the Vienna Convention, the international treaty that governs diplomatic relations between states, was a reason cited by Ukrainian officials for opening their investigation.

The published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state, Ukraines Interior Ministry said in a statement.
Spain's Alicante airport reopened Thursday afternoon after a closure of nearly 24 hours because of a fire on the roof of the building, frustrating thousands of tourists heading for the Mediterranean coast.

The airport "has gradually resumed operations" since 2 pm (1300 GMT), Spanish airport authority Aena said in a Tweet.

Firefighters were still working on Thursday morning to extinguish the blaze on the roof of the building, which covered some 1,200 square meters (13,000 square feet).

Authorities are still not sure what caused the fire to break out on Wednesday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of passengers and personnel.

The fire forced 46 flights which were due to land or depart from Alicante to be diverted to other Spanish airports in the region. On Wednesday 32 flights were affected by the blaze.

Several passengers told Spanish media that they had to take taxis or buses to airports in Valencia, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) away, or Murcia, a distance of some 80 kilometres, to catch alternative flights.

Spain's fifth largest passenger airport serves the eastern region of Valencia, which is home to several popular resorts such as Benidorm. It handled just under 14 million passengers last year.
Post-stabilisation notice

16 January 2020

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW)

Euro 5 billion RegS due 2025

Post-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 13623492) hereby gives notice that no stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2 (d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014) was undertaken by the Stabilising Managers named below in relation to the offer of the following securities.

Issuer: Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW) Guarantor (if any): Federal Republic of Germany ISIN: DE000A254PM6 Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 5,000,000,000 Description: 0% Notes due 18 February 2025 Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilisation Managers: Commerzbank AG

Barclays Bank

BofA Merrill Lynch

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Argentum Silver Corp. (TSXV: ASL) ("Argentum" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on January 15, 2020, the Company closed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Norsemont II Resources Corp. ("Norsemont"), a private British Columbia company, by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) pursuant to which 1208350 B.C. LTD., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Argentum, has amalgamated with Norsemont (the "Amalgamation").

Under the terms of the Amalgamation, shareholders of Norsemont received 0.165343 common shares in the capital of Argentum (each, an "Argentum Share") for every common share held of Norsemont. As a result of the Amalgamation, Argentum issued 2,777,778 Argentum Shares. In addition, holders of convertible securities of Norsemont received 400,000 common share purchase warrants of Argentum (each, an "Argentum Warrant"), each Argentum Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional Argentum Share at an exercise price of $0.25 on or before the date that is three years following the closing of the Amalgamation.

Norsemont owns a 100% interest in the Cochavara Silver-Lead-Zinc Project (the "Cochavara Project") in Northern Peru. The Cochavara Project consists of six concessions totalling 3,479 hectares located in the Department of La Libertad in Northern Peru, approximately 70 kilometres east of the city of Trujillo. The historical Quiruvilca silver/lead/zinc mine ("Quiruvilca") is located 3.5 kilometres northeast of the northern boundary of the Cochavara Project area. Quiruvilca is a large polymetallic vein deposit with over 130 different mineralized structures. Both Cochavara and Quiruvilca are located within the Mid-Miocene Calipuy volcanic complex that hosts several world-class precious metal deposits such as Newmont's Yanacocha and Barrick's Pierina gold mines, which are located approximately 120 kilometres north and 180 km southeast of Cochavara, respectively. Mineralization hosted at Quiruvilca, Yanacocha and Pierina is not necessarily reflective of the mineralization that may be hosted on the Cochavara silver-lead-zinc project.

According to Bartos (1984), mineralization at Quiruvilca is controlled by a series of east-northeast-striking polymetallic (silver/lead/zinc) vein swarms, which have extensive lateral and vertical continuity with abundant splits and pinch-and-swell structures. The mineralization at Cochavara is similarly controlled and occurs along strike of the Quiruvilca vein swarms. Production from the Quiruvilca mine was first recorded in 1789 and has been mined on an industrial scale since 1924. More recently, Pan American Silver acquired the Quiruvilca mine in 1995 and sold the mine to a private company in 2012. Cochavara currently has a valid exploitation permit to extract minerals for processing at third-party plants. During 2018, Cochavara underground development provided access to the main mineralized vein structure. The development adit was used to drift along the mineralized structure, to provide mineralized material for processing, and to provide access for future underground drilling.

Property Highlights

Several mineralized structures have been identified on the Cochavara Property, with the main mineralized structure occurring over an estimated strike length of 1,500 metres. The main zone (Margarita Mine) has recently (2013, 2015, and 2018) been explored by various companies including Norsemont, by drifting and cross-cutting on three separate mine levels: Margarita Workings (Level 3605), Old Drift (Level 3641), and Level 3663, all accessed by hillside adits. Mostly chip samples taken from mineralized veins ranging in widths from 0.1 to 1.0 metres, returned the following range of values: 6.1 g/t to 1,172 g/t Ag, 0.19%-24.88% Pb, and 0.31%-26.81% Zn. Details of the various exploration and sampling programs are provided in the Cochavara technical report.

The Cochavara Property has not been drill-tested.

NI 43-101 Technical Report

In connection with the completion of the Amalgamation, Argentum has filed on SEDAR and on the Company's website (www.argentumsilvercorp.com), a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 disclosure standards entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Cochavara Ag-Pb-Zn Project, Districts of Julcan, Calamarca and Quiruvilca, Provinces of Julcan and Santiago de Chuco, Department of La Libertad, Peru" prepared by James A. McCrea, P.Geo. The report provides a comprehensive review of the exploration activities on the property and provides recommendations for future work.

Proposed Exploration

Argentum's initial exploration and work programs are currently being planned for the Cochavara Project with a budget of $US 300,000 and will consist of two contemporaneous phases.

Phase I - $US 90,000

- Detailed structural mapping and sampling to identify additional vein structures on the property.

- Geophysics: drone magnetometer survey with LiDAR to identify intrusive/geologic contacts and possible vein targets and Alpha Induced Polarization survey to identify possible polymetallic vein targets.

Phase II - $US 210,000

- 225 metres of underground exploration/development on known structures to search for and delineate high-grade mineralization.

Multilateral Instrument 61-101

The completion of the Amalgamation constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders ("MI 61-101"), which is incorporated by reference into the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange under Policy 5.9, as Sprott Mining Inc., a company controlled by Eric Sprott, is a control person (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of both Argentum and Norsemont. Pursuant to the Amalgamation, Sprott Mining Inc. acquired 2,083,336 Argentum Shares, representing approximately 4.32% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of Argentum. Argentum is relying upon the exemptions from the valuations and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) as neither the fair market value of the subject matter, nor the fair market value consideration for the transaction, it so far as it involves the related party, exceeds 25% of Argentum's capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Amalgamation, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Amalgamation in an expeditious manner.

Sprott Mining Inc. now beneficially owns and controls 32,083,336 Argentum Shares, representing approximately 66.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of Argentum on an undiluted basis. Sprott Mining Inc. does not own any convertible securities of Argentum. Sprott Mining Inc. has a long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional Common Shares either on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell the Common Shares on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors. A copy of Sprott Mining Inc.'s early warning report will appear on the Company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com.

About Argentum Silver Corp.

Argentum Silver is a junior mineral exploration company listed on the TSXV under the stock symbol ASL. Argentum hold 80% interest in the Vanadium Ridge Property located at the southern end of the Quesnel Trough 50 km north of Kamloops, British Columbia. The property consists of 20 mining claims covering 2,151 hectares near the town of Barriere. The project hosts vanadium-rich magnetite mineralization in seams and pods in altered ultramafic to intermediate intrusive rocks which form a portion of a large Late Triassic Poison Creek diorite intrusion complex. The near-surface exposure of vanadiferous magnetite is an attractive exploration target that may not require chemical processing for the liberation of a magnetite concentrate.

The technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Gary Nassif, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and CEO of Argentum.

For more information contact:

Gary Nassif, President & CEO

416-855-9304

gnassif@argentumsilvercorp.com

* Bartos, P.J (1984) Mineralization, Alteration and Zoning of the Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag Lodes at Quiruvilca Peru, Master Thesis Stanford University.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51572
Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, an imam in Uganda was suspended from his duties after he discovered that he had unknowingly married a man. Sheikh Mtumba, who is the imam of Kyampisi Masjid Noor in Kayunga District, had reportedly married his wife Swabulla Nabukeera last month according to the Islamic traditions, however, the true identity of the bride was discovered when she was arrested for theft. According to an international media outlet, the wife was caught stealing TV and clothes from a neighbour and was searched by police.

The couple had reportedly spent two weeks together after marriage, but they never had any sexual intercourse as the bride claimed that she was menstruating. After the theft a female police officer had reportedly carried out a body search on the suspect, thinking she was a woman, however, found out she was actually a man. According to reports, the thief later revealed his real name as Richard Tumushabe. He further also revealed that he had married the imam to get his money.

READ: 3 African Countries Trying Out 1st Malaria Vaccine In Babies

A sham wedding

The imam was said to be 'devastated' to talk about the incident. While speaking to an international media outlet, imam's friends and colleagues said that they were also fooled by the imposter as he always wore a hijab. One of imam's friend further added that Richard had a sweet voice and walked like a woman. The officials at the mosque reportedly said that they had no choice but to relieve Sheikh Mutumba from his holy duties in the wake of the unusual events even though they accepted that the imam was an innocent participant in the sham marriage.

READ: UN Body Welcomes 'milestone' In Qatar Labor Reforms

According to reports, the imam had got married after visiting Tumushabe's aunty Nuuru Nabukeera, who lives in Kituula village. Nuuru had reportedly said that the imam had paid a dowry which included two goats, two bags of sugar, three busuutis, a carton of salt and a Koran. She further said that even she did not that her niece was a man as she got acquainted with him when he was already an adult. The police officers had also arrested by the police and Richard has been charged with impersonation, theft and obtaining goods by false pretence.

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A 'morphed' video showing Manoj Tiwari dancing to AAP's Assembly poll campaign song 'Lage Raho Kejriwal' was made by a supporter and not by the party, the AAP has informed the Delhi election body

New Delhi: A "morphed" video showing Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari dancing to AAP's Assembly poll campaign song "Lage Raho Kejriwal" was made by a supporter and not by the party, the AAP has informed the Delhi election body.

The office of the Delhi chief electoral officer (CEO) had issued a notice for violation of the model code of conduct to the Aam Aadmi Party and sought its reply after it posted the video on its social media pages on 11 January.

On Twitter, the video was captioned: "Lage Raho Kejriwal song is so good even sir Manoj Tiwari is dancing on it".

#LageRahoKejriwal song is so good even sir @ManojTiwariMP is also dancing on it. pic.twitter.com/Ye3077PMK4  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 11, 2020

The AAP, in its reply on Tuesday, said the video was not created by it, but by a party supporter who had "morphed" visuals from Tiwari's films and interweaved it into the video with "Lage Raho Kejriwal" playing in the background, according to a poll official.

The party had just shared it on its Twitter handle, the AAP said in its reply, the official said.

Meanwhile, the CEO had also issued a notice to the BJP, seeking its response to a complaint by the Aam Aadmi Party that the saffron party was making unsubstantiated allegations and maligning their reputation among the electorate of Delhi.

The BJP, in its reply, said it had done routine criticism of the AAP, which is confined to its police station, programmes and past records.

The office of CEO has forwarded the replies of the BJP and the AAP to the Election Commission.

The AAP was also issued a notice for a campaign video showing children singing and dancing, which was considered a violation of the EC and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights guidelines. Its reply to this notice is awaited.
U.S. Sen. Martha McSally speaks to the press before a town hall with commanders and a meet with junior airmen at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale on March 21, 2019.

Arizona Sen. Martha McSally had a combative encounter with a CNN reporter on Thursday as the Senate gears up for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

Manu Raju, CNN's senior congressional correspondent, approached McSally, R-Ariz., in a hallway and asked whether she would consider new evidence as part of the impeachment trial.

"Manu, you're a liberal hack. I'm not talking to you," McSally dismissively shot back.

"You're not going to comment, Senator? About this?" he asked.

"You're a liberal hack, buddy," McSally said.

After Raju reported the exchange on Twitter, McSally tweeted a video of the encounter on her own Twitter account.

"A) you are. B) heres the video," McSally wrote.

A McSally spokeswoman did not immediately respond to The Arizona Republic's request for comment about what prompted her putdown.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed McSally to the Senate seat vacated by the 2018 death of veteran Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. She is up for election this year in what is expected to be one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races. She will likely face Democrat Mark Kelly in the general election.

Michigan lawmaker to female reporter: High school boys could 'have a lot of fun' with you

Senate to open impeachment trial against President Trump: Here's what to expect

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Martha McSally calls CNN reporter Manu Raju a 'liberal hack' in video
A furious father threatened a teenage worker at Hungry Jack's before attacking her because she refused to give him free cheeseburgers.

Jackson Arthur Te Amo, 43, became enraged after he discovered his order didn't include fries while using the drive through in Labrador on the Gold Coast in October 2018.

He demanded the young woman give him a free cheeseburger to replace his forgotten chips, but she refused.

'He said, 'how about I come in through that window and punch you in the head',' Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy told the court.

Jackson Arthur Te Amo, 43, slapped a 19-year-old Hungry Jack's worker because she didn't give him a cheeseburger to replace his forgotten fries

The father-of-three then parked his car, went inside the fast food restaurant and asked again for a replacement cheeseburger.

Ms Guy said the New Zealand native then jumped over the counter and grabbed the terrified teenager by her arms before slapping her across the face.

'It was unprovoked violence in public place. When he didn't get his way, he jumped over counter and assaulted a young complainant.'

Judge Katherine McGinness sentenced Te Amo to two months prison which was wholly suspended for a year, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

'If you don't do something about your temper you are looking at periods of time in custody,' she said. 'It was inexcusable.'

Defence lawyer Joe Wicking said Te Amo was under stress at the time of the incident and had been working 12 to 14 hour shifts.

Te Amo lost his job at a quarry as a result.

The New Zealand native jumped over the counter and grabbed the terrified teenager by her arms before slapping her across the face at Hungry Jack's in Labrador on the Gold Coast in October 2018




Suicide is the ninth-leading cause of death for Nebraskans, but is the second-leading cause of death for those between 15 and 19 years of age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a total of 275 Nebraskans took their own lives in 2017, nearly four times the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue said the number of suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide in Nebraska are, like the rest of the country, on the rise.

"This is not acceptable," she said Wednesday at an announcement of a bill (LB1001) to require public middle and high schools, as well as public colleges and universities, to print the phone number for a suicide hotline on all student IDs.

The idea for the bill came from the Coalition of Suicide Prevention Advocates, which has backed similar legislation in California and Louisiana.

If implemented in Nebraska, Crawford said the bill could provide hope to the more than a quarter of Nebraska high school students who reported to the CDC they had felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks at a time.

More than 16% of students surveyed said they had contemplated suicide at some point, according to the most recent CDC data.

And at least 8% of Nebraska students said they had attempted suicide at least once, according to the Youth Behavior Risk Survey.

Another proposal (LB816), this one from Omaha Sen. John McCollister, would require a two-day waiting period during a background check to purchase a firearm.

"It's hoped the two-day clause would give persons with suicidal feelings additional time for those feelings to dissipate," McCollister said.

The bill also integrates suicide prevention training to the concealed carry handgun training and safety courses offered by the Nebraska State Patrol, and gives firearms dealers the option to provide information about suicide prevention.

McCollister's proposal would also add semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to the 1991 list of firearms requiring a more rigorous purchase permit process.

He noted his bill would not restrict the ownership of those firearms for individuals who have gone through the purchase permit process, nor would it change the concealed carry permit process.

Suicide prevention advocates say both bills could help reverse a troubling trend of more Nebraskans taking their own lives.

Julia Hebenstreit, executive director of the Kim Foundation, which works to increase awareness around issues of mental health and suicide prevention, said suicide is a public health problem in Nebraska.

"We lose just as many people, if not more, to suicide as traffic accidents," she said. "We have a public approach to saving lives in car accidents and driving safety as a whole. We need to have that same conversation and same effort to suicide prevention."

Both interventions proposed to the Legislature this year have demonstrated success in preventing suicide, said David Miers, a board member of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Efforts in Lincoln to post the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in parking garages, for example, have helped individuals contemplating suicide get the help they need, Miers said, while evidence also shows removing the means for suicide is key to preventing the act.

Among other bills introduced Wednesday:

FANTASY SPORTS: Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue introduced a bill (LB1000) to create the Fantasy Contest Cash Fund, which would be funded through fees collected by regulating fantasy sports. The fund will be used by the Nebraska Department of Education to support early childhood care and the education workforce.

PRESCRIPTION REPLACEMENT: Ambulance companies needing to replace their prescription drug stocks while in service could do so at a local hospital, under a bill (LB1002) from Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard.

ANNEXATION DUE TO DISASTER: With a two-thirds vote of a city council or village board, towns with fewer than 5,000 residents could annex nearby land to relocate part or all of their community within five years of catastrophic flooding, under a bill (LB1003) from Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont.

PAROLE ELIGIBILITY: Inmates of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services would become eligible for parole after serving half of the minimum term, or two years prior to their mandatory discharge date, whichever is earlier, under a proposal (LB1004) from Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop.

MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT: Sen. John Arch of La Vista sponsored a measure (LB1011) requiring acute care hospitals to participate in Medicare reimbursement.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: Under a bill (LB1015) from Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, Nebraska would go to year-round Daylight Saving Time if the federal government makes the option available and two neighboring states also adopt the change.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) The resolution on the complaint filed against Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo and other members of the opposition for their supposed involvement in an ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte will be released this month, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.

"My information is that this important case will be resolved within the month of January," Guevarra said in a forum in Manila.

He was referring to investigation started in August into the validity of the complaint faced by 34 personalities who supposedly linked Duterte and his family to the illegal drug trade.

READ: DOJ to start probe on sedition raps vs. Robredo, opposition over narco list videos

The complaint stemmed from the claims of Peter Joemel Advincula who admitted being the hooded Bikoy narrating in the viral "Ang Totoong Narcolist" videos linking Duterte and his family to the illegal drug trade.

He then made a turnaround in his earlier claims against the Dutertes and said the opposition was behind the series of videos.

The respondents include then opposition senators, Otso Diretso senatorial bets and church officials, who were also accused of cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed the complaint before the DOJ on July 18, citing Advincula's testimonies.

Meanwhile, Robredo and opposition members have repeatedly denied the allegations, calling the PNP's move sloppy.

READ: Robredo on sedition case by PNP" A work of 'sloppiness'

Robredo's camp earlier noted that the sedition complaint is an attempt to unseat the Vice President, as the criminal prosecution could not be backed up by any solid evidence.

READ: 2019 for the opposition: The uphill climb that fell flat
This standard might have been written for the present situation. Trumps defenders claim the case against him regarding Ukraine is deficient because it lacks direct evidence that he conditioned military aid on a politically useful announcement of an investigation into the Bidens. That direct evidence could come only from the testimony of White House advisers, such as Bolton, and related documents, which have so far been withheld and as to which Trump threatens to assert privilege. Both the need for this evidence and its unavailability elsewhere are self-evident. Thus, even in an ordinary congressional hearing, the claim of privilege would fail.
Thirteen states and the cities of Washington, D.C. and New York filed suit against the Trump administration Thursday seeking to halt a rule that would toughen requirements for food-stamp recipients across the country.

The suit, which names the Department of Agriculture as a defendant, claims the administration did not follow proper procedures and improperly limited the ability of states and local governments to allow residents to continue participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Under well-settled law, the executive branch does not get to go forth with policies that Congress specifically rejected, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said.

The rule, scheduled to take effect April 1, would require that adults under 50 who are not supporting children must work or be in vocational training at least 20 hours per week to receive food stamps on a regular basis. Without meeting those requirements, such individuals would be allowed only three months of food stamps every three years.

The rule cracks down on a waiver states and local governments have been granted in the past exempting them from the requirements, which allowed people to continue receiving food stamps if the labor market was tough in a particular locality.

No one should have to choose between a hot meal and paying their rent, read a statement from California attorney general Xavier Becerra upon announcement of the suit. Yet again, the Trump Administration has failed to offer any legitimate evidence to justify decisions that have real consequences for the health and well-being of our residents.

The rule would boot from the program approximately 688,000 of the 34 million people currently receiving food stamps, including 400,000 Californians.

More from National Review
CareAcademy, the leading automated training compliance platform, announced today their alliance with Teepa Snow, one of the worlds leading educators on dementia and dementia care. Her company, Positive Approach to Care, educates, supports, and trains others in strategies that work for dementia care. CareAcademy is set to add nearly 100 hours of high-quality Teepa Snow dementia training to its course library on January 31, 2020, filling a growing specialization need in home care.

"Our alliance with Teepa Snow is powerful: given the rise of Alzheimer's, direct care workers need adaptive training to continually learn and hone their skills to meet the ever changing research and best practices," said Helen Adeosun, CareAcademy Co-Founder and CEO. Our alliance means that agency owners can offer opportunities to caregivers to become dementia care specialists, and even launch their own dementia care programs, helping meet the growing demand.

According to the Fall 2019 Home Care Pulse Benchmarking Study, 89% of survey respondents said that dementia and Alzheimers care is part of their home care agencys formal training program for caregivers. Many CareAcademy customers, including Visiting Angels, Home Helpers Home Care, Home Care Assistance, and Comfort Keepers, have specialized dementia care business lines. This is not surprising, given the rising prevalence of dementia in the aging U.S. population.

CareAcademys automated training compliance platform provides the right caregiver training at the right time to its customers employees, automatically. CareAcademys library of over 100 class hours are made up of engaging, bite-sized videos that were designed to be taken on smartphones, no app download required. As a result of the class accessibility, text and email reminders, and an easy-to-use platform, classes have a 90%+ completion rate. With the addition of Teepa Snows dementia classes, agencies will have the tools they need at their fingertips to grow their businesses and provide the highest quality training available to their workforce.

"This alliance with CareAcademy supports my mission to change the culture of dementia support and care. Training plays a huge role in helping caregivers adequately care for those with dementia. There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to working with people living with dementia, but this is a great step forward," said Teepa Snow, CEO and Founder of a Positive Approach to Care.

Sign up for CareAcademy now! Become a CareAcademy customer by February 29, 2020 and you can get started with CareAcademy for free! Subscribe for at least 12 months and receive your first month free and well waive the set up fee ($499 value).

Learn more at: https://careacademy.com/training/

About CareAcademy

Founded by caregivers, CareAcademy creates online training that empowers senior care professionals to deliver the highest caliber of service and improve the lives of older adults. Over 65,000 caregivers are learning and growing professionally through CareAcademy. Coupled with its automated training compliance dashboard, CareAcademy is an end-to-end, scalable training solution that transforms home care businesses into efficient industry leaders. To learn more, visit: http://www.CareAcademy.com.

About Teepa Snow

Teepa Snow is a world-renowned occupational therapist with 40 years of clinical practice experience, and is one of the worlds leading educators on dementia and dementia care. In 2005, she founded Positive Approach to Care (PAC), a company that provides dementia care training, services, and products around the world. To learn more, visit: http://www.teepasnow.com

Media Contact

CareAcademy Media Inquiries: Amanda Yao, ayao@careacademy.com

Positive Approach to Care Media Inquiries: Cheryl Khaner, cherylk@teepasnow.com
In an apparent swipe at opposition parties over protests against the amended citizenship law, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Thursday that those who lost in "democratic process" converted the "streets into democratic forum" and indulged in violence.

He asserted that Indian citizenship rules are "non-discriminatory" and allow outsiders to become citizens after different periods of stay here. He noted that the latest amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, is for refugees who arrived in India by December 31, 2014.

Participating in a panel discussion in the Raisina Dialogue, Madhav made these remarks while responding to questions from the audience about the protests. He was also asked by a member of audience if India was moving towards "undemocratic democracy".

Madhav said India has a vibrant and good Constitution, and "we are all wedded to it". He added that Indian democracy will only progress further and mature.

Referring to protests, some of which were marred by violence, he took a dig at opposition parties without naming them.

"You lose in democratic process and convert streets into democratic forum, indulge in violence and say the government is not listening. That is not the democratic spirit," he said, adding the Narendra Modi government has faced the highest level of criticism.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in the "most democratic manner" after thorough discussion in Parliament, the BJP leader asserted and stated that the government responded to criticism during debate.

"The government is duty-bound to respond to criticism sans violence," Madhav said, adding those who have a different view should use the right forum in the right manner.

"Getting depressed and claiming that Indian democracy is gong to the dogs, that you have to keep aside. In India, governments are changed at the drop of a hat. Nobody is permanent in a democracy," he said.

During the panel discussion, Madhav said for a democracy to succeed it has to truly represent people and a particular culture has to be nurtured in the society.

"Otherwise you give democracy to a given country, take it from me, Osama Bin Laden posthumously can become the president. You need to nurture a value system in that society," he said.

The BJP general secretary also noted during the discussion that Hitler and Mussolini were "products of democracy" and added that democracies mature over time.

Democracy also needs many institutions in place to succeed, Madhav said, adding that in India "democratic institutions for millennia at the societal level have nurtured democratic spirit".

Madhav said India has always promoted democratic values in the region and supported people's right to uphold democratic values. He, however, added that democracy should not be used as a "political stick or political weapon" to use against any particular country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Airports in Srinagar and Jammu are to be "immediately" brought under the security cover of the CISF in view of the arrest of DSP Davinder Singh, a Jammu and Kashmir government order has said.

The two sensitive airports are to be "handed over" to the CISF by January 31, the order of the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department to the Director General of Police (DGP) said.

"This issue (CISF security at Srinagar and Jammu airports) has acquired immediacy in view of the recent developments relating to the arrest of Davinder Singh, DSP airport security, for trying to assist militants to travel to other parts of the country," the order issued on Wednesday said.

Police had arrested Singh, a deputy superintendent of police, at Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Baba and Altaf, besides a lawyer who was operating as an overground worker for terror outfits.

The two airports are guarded by the CRPF and the J-K Police at present.

The Union government had last year decided that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will be handed over security of these two airports along with the one in Leh in view of their sensitive and strategic location and the threats it faced related to possible terrorist and hijack attempts.

CISF is the national civil aviation security force and at present it guards 61 airports including the ones at Delhi and Mumbai.

PTI had on January 13 reported that the Union home ministry sanctioned about 800 personnel to the CISF in order to take over security duties at the three airports of the newly created Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

As per the original plan, the CISF was to take over Jammu airport by next month and the Srinagar and Leh airports after the spell of severe cold ends.

However, officials said, keeping in mind the arrest of the DSP and his alleged links, the latest order has been issued which also directs the J-K Police to make arrangements for accommodation, transport and other logistical requirements of the armed contingent of the CISF on a quick basis.

Once inducted at the most-sensitive Srinagar airport, the CISF will secure access control at both city and air side (tarmac area) while the CRPF will be responsible for securing the outer periphery.

At the Jammu airport, the peripheral security duties will be rendered by the JK Police.

An assortment of surveillance and security gadgets like CCTVs, observation monitors, hand-held metal detectors, bullet-proof patrol vehicles and bomb detection and disposal equipment are also being provided by the airport operator, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), to the CISF.

The Union government sometime back made it clear that CISF will be the only civil airports guarding force and all such facilities in the country will be gradually brought under its command to bolster aviation security and tighten anti-terror and anti-hijack protocols.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thats because, as the countys chief administrator told the Federal District Court, the decision to build the wall at the countys southern border has transmitted all over the world the message that El Paso is so endangered by immigrants and closeness to Mexico that it needs a wall to protect it. Another official testified that the impending wall was generating fears of potential investors that the community will be mired in a long-term state of chaos that includes violent crime, the blight of construction, and impediments to crossing back and forth across the border.

Federal District Judge David Briones agreed with the county that the reputational and economic injuries it described were sufficient to establish standing. The injuries were fairly traceable to the governments proposed action, he wrote in his opinion in October 2019, granting a preliminary injunction to stop further wall-building preparations. Last week, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit voted 2 to 1 to grant the administrations request for a stay of that injunction pending appeal. Among other reasons, the majoritys one-paragraph order said, there was a substantial likelihood that appellees lack Article III standing.

The question of doctors standing presented by the June Medical case, which will be argued in the Supreme Court on March 4, has received far too little attention. The issue never came up on the path the case took to the Supreme Court, and no wonder, since doctors right to advocate on behalf of their abortion patients has been clear ever since the immediate post-Roe v. Wade period. Louisiana injected the question into the case after the Hope clinic filed its appeal from a decision by the Fifth Circuit that upheld the state laws requirement that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at local hospitals. While the clinics Supreme Court petition was awaiting action, the state filed its own petition challenging the clinics standing.

The only current justice to have questioned doctors standing is Justice Clarence Thomas, who raised the issue, seemingly out of nowhere, in his dissenting opinion in 2016 in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, the case in which the court struck down a Texas admitting-privileges law identical to the Louisiana law the Fifth Circuit subsequently upheld.

While no other justice joined the Thomas dissent, his opinion, largely overlooked at the time, put the standing issue in play as a new weapon in the anti-abortion arsenal.
Exiled former Bolivian president Evo Morales backtracked on Thursday from a vow to create armed civilian militias similar to notorious 'colectivos' in Venezuela, were he to be allowed back to his homeland. Morales caused outrage with his comments last weekend, with interim President Jeanine Anez saying his words proved that "peace, reconciliation and democracy were never options for him." The 60-year-old former trade union leader resigned in November after three weeks of violent protests against his controversial re-election in a poll the Organization of American States said was rigged. He initially fled to take up asylum in Mexico before moving on to Argentina last month. On Sunday he told Bolivia's Radio Kawsachum Coca (RKC) -- owned by the coca planters union to which he belongs -- that should he return to his homeland "we will have to organize popular armed militias, as Venezuela has done." But on Thursday he took to Twitter to retract those comments. "A few days ago some of my words were published about the formation of militias. I retract those," he said. "My most profound conviction has been the defence of life and peace." Venezuela's colectivos -- created by late leftist icon Hugo Chavez -- have been accused by NGOs of carrying out violent oppression against opposition protesters. On Wednesday, several Venezuelan opposition lawmakers said their vehicles had been shot at by colectivos as they made their way to parliament. Opposition leader Juan Guaido has led a year-long struggle to unseat left-wing President Nicolas Maduro, who succeeded Chavez when he died. Morales's words brought condemnation from the UN special envoy to Bolivia, Jean Arnault. On Wednesday Arnault said the UN "joins in the rejection" of Morales' statement. Morales tweeted that he didn't want "anything that I've said to be used as a pretext to persecute and repress my brothers and sisters." His tweet came as soldiers entered the restive region of Chapare, where a few days ago Morales supporters began protests against the interim government, to destroy illegal coca leaf plantations. Morales has said he intends to return to Bolivia to lead his Movement for Socialism's presidential election campaign ahead of May's vote. The party's candidate has yet to be announced but the interim government has banned Morales from standing. An arrest warrant has been issued for Morales should he return to Bolivia. He is accused of terrorism and sedition over an audio recording in which he allegedly encourages his supporters to lay siege to major cities. Evo Morales, who spoke to AFP in Buenos Aires in December, says he will return to Bolivia to lead his Movement for Socialism party's presidential election campaign
Story Highlights 51% of Australians dissatisfied with their country's efforts to preserve environment

70% of Australians who approve of leadership are satisfied with efforts

26% of Australians who disapprove of leadership are satisfied with efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Even before the devastating 2019-2020 bushfire season started in Australia, Australians were increasingly unhappy with their country's efforts to preserve the environment. A slim majority (51%) of Australians in 2019 were dissatisfied with their country's efforts, while 46% were satisfied.

The deadly fires have fueled the long-standing debate among Australians about the potential impact of climate change versus the economic repercussions from policies that would limit carbon dioxide emissions in the world's third-largest exporter of fossil fuels, based on carbon dioxide emissions potential. The country's primary fossil fuel export, coal, has been identified as "essential to Australia's standard of living."

For most of the past decade, Australians have largely been satisfied with their country's efforts to preserve the environment. Before 2019, dissatisfaction exceeded satisfaction only once, in 2007, after one of the most extensive bushfire seasons in Australia at that time, when 53% of Australians were dissatisfied and 45% satisfied.

Satisfaction With Environment Now Politicized

Across most of the first half of Gallup's decade-plus trend, there was little relationship between people's approval of the country's leadership and their satisfaction with efforts to preserve the environment. But since 2013, satisfaction with the environment has dropped like a stone among those who do not approve of the country's leadership. Currently, 26% of those who disapprove of Australia's leadership are satisfied with efforts to preserve the environment.

The recent drops in satisfaction with environmental preservation efforts among those who disapprove of Australia's leadership coincide with the election of political parties and leaders who have promoted economic development over environmental protection. There was a 26-percentage-point drop from 2013 to 2014, coinciding with the election victory of the Liberal/National Coalition, which brought former Prime Minister Tony Abbott to power. One of Abbott's first policy goals was to repeal taxes on the mining industry and carbon emissions in the country.

A second, 19-point drop took place between 2018 and 2019. This coincided with the Liberal/National Coalition's continuing governance of the country and the rise of Scott Morrison as prime minister. Morrison has been a vocal proponent of the coal industry and a critic of environmental activists.

Bottom Line

Even before the devastating fires that have ravaged Australia, the country's public was increasingly unhappy with efforts to preserve the environment. However, it remains to be seen whether this dissatisfaction will be sustained once the fires are out.

For the Australian government, the fires pose a series of unique challenges: rebuilding lost communities; saving species brought to the brink of extinction; and preparing for likely future fires. Morrison has already been the target of environmentalists' ire over his support for the coal industry and lack of emphasis on protecting the environment. In terms of future policy, it remains unclear whether this criticism will result in more robust action to preserve the environment or whether emphasis on economic development will continue to win out. On the political front, it also remains to be seen whether climate-change policy will trigger the downfall of an Australian leader.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.
Dennis Publishing, the company behind the nations most trusted weekly news magazine, The Week, today announces it will be launching a weekly news magazine for children  The Week Junior following its stunning success in the United Kingdom. The magazine will be the first news weekly print magazine in the United States since The Week launched in 2001. The magazine has one simple goal of making sense of the world to young people through intelligent and exciting content expertly written to grab childrens attention and get them reading.

The bold launch comes at a time of increased public interest in the emergence of Generation Alpha, highlighted by the global spotlight shined on Greta Thunberg. Generation Alpha is smart, curious, connected and hungry to know  a perfect community for a new magazine that reflects their interest in the world.

Aimed at an audience of 8- to 14-year-olds, The Week Junior launched in the United Kingdom in 2015 and quickly became the countrys fastest-growing print magazine, winning multiple awards. With 32 pages full of engaging articles, eye-catching photos, and big ideas, the magazine gets children reading, thinking and talking. It features everything from current events to coding and cooking. It boasts interviews with inspiring people, thought-provoking debates, puzzles, activities and all the news kids want to know. It feeds childrens curiosity and delivers information clearly, concisely and with a sense of fun.

Kerin OConnor, Chief Executive of The Week and The Week Junior, says:

When we launched The Week Junior in the UK, everyone told us that children dont read the news; we proved them wrong. Children are smarter and more eager to know what is going on than they are given credit for. Our mission is to inspire children with inspired reading.

This is without a doubt one of the most exciting magazines weve ever published at Dennis. It expertly brings together the worlds most interesting and amazing facts into one extraordinary publication that grips young peoples attention. We are thrilled to announce its arrival in America in the spring of 2020 and feel confident that it will repeat the UKs success. Our extensive US research showed a market ready for The Week Junior to launch.

Parenting and editorial expert Andrea Barbalich joins as US Editor in Chief. Barbalich brings more than 20 years of editorial experience to the magazine, having previously held executive editor roles at Prevention, Scholastic, and Child.

Barbalich says: The Week Junior stands for more than just a renaissance in print. It stands for helping children navigate the fast-moving and sometimes confusing world around them. Through accurate, engaging and unbiased editorial, we are empowering children to think critically, form their own opinions and understand their place in the world. The Week Junior fosters a passion for reading and learning that will last a lifetime.

When youre young the world can appear to be a complex place, so The Week Junior will be on hand to help explain whats really going on in a safe and trusted way, adds OConnor. Its important that children have a dependable, nonpartisan source of news during these eventful times, especially in an election year. Americas most informed readers may turn out to be its youngest ones.

In addition to its commercial success, The Week Junior has a real, tangible impact on UK readers lives. Parents and teachers alike place a high value on the magazine with 98% of adults having noticed an improvement in readers knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs. In a media landscape dominated by screens and streaming, 96% of readers in the UK would recommend The Week Junior to their friends.

The Week Junior will launch in spring 2020. Costing $75 for a one-year subscription of 48 issues, the magazine will arrive in subscribers mailboxes every week starting in March. Parents and teachers can subscribe to The Week Junior at theweekjunior.com.

Press Office:

For interview opportunities and further information and imagery, please contact:

Jessica Jarrett

jessicajarrett@manifest.nyc | 917 714 9296

Natalie DiBona

natalie@manifest.nyc | +1 413 310 5783

About Dennis Publishing:

Dennis is a dynamic media organization, operating in the US and UK markets, that is committed to producing editorial excellence. In the US, it is best known for The Week and Kiplingers Personal Finance. Its portfolio of 43 brands operates in five consumer areas: Current Affairs, Finance, Technology, Automotive, and Lifestyle, reaching over 50 million unique users, with over 1.5 million subscribers and selling over 2.5 million magazines every month. Dennis has transformed its approach from its traditional print publishing roots to a multi-platform publishing and e-commerce business spanning both the UK and US, with a group turnover of over $283 million.

The Week was launched in the US in 2001 and is based in New York City. It boasts over 550,000 paid-for print subscribers and 5.8 million monthly unique users to its award-winning current affairs website TheWeek.com.

Dennis brands include The Week, The Week Junior, Money Week, Auto Express, Expertreviews.co.uk, BuyACar.co.uk, Cyclist, Kiplingers Personal Finance and Viz.

For more information, go to Dennis.co.uk.

Website and social handles:

theweekjunior.com/

Facebook:facebook.com/theweekjuniorus/

Instagram: instagram.com/theweekjuniorus/

Twitter: twitter.com/week_junior_us
Most Sundays in Christian churches, there is a reading from Hebrew scripture. Last Sunday, in the handful of verses from Isaiah appointed for the day, the word "justice" appeared three times. "Justice" as in God is all about justice, the redressing of wrongs, the ending of oppression, the promulgation of peace.

The conservative Christian base that supports this administration's policies would do well to take a look at these verses from Isaiah. Actually, I'm sure they could probably quote them. This is a famous  but apparently inconvenient  passage.

Alan Bean, executive director of Friends of Justice, which lobbies for criminal justice reform, writes in Baptist News: "It is rarely noted that Trump was the clear choice of white America."

He goes on: "Trump promised to carry water for aging white evangelicals by giving their leaders unparalleled access to the White House; appointing pro-life, anti-gay jurists throughout the federal court system; and moving the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem while behaving as if the Palestinians didn't exist. Most significantly, Trump promised to staunch the stream of refugees and immigrants flowing into the United States."

For Bean, hope lies in the numbers. He says: "Only 25 percent of younger evangelicals hold a "very favorable" opinion of Trump, compared to 55 percent of older evangelicals. ... Aging white evangelicals are fighting like there's no tomorrow because ... there isn't."

But what about justice now? Well, thankfully, there are glimmers:

When I went to the Schenectady Clergy Against Hate vigil against anti-Semitism at Congregation Gates of Heaven two weeks ago, it would have been smarter to have just walked there from my house. Because there was no parking. And once I found parking, there was no room in the sanctuary. Those of us who, like me, arrived there 10 minutes early were ushered to the overflow room where we sat and listened as Rabbi Matt Cutler, treasured colleague from my years serving churches in Schenectady, welcomed us. Then we heard clergy and representatives of Christian, Buddhist, Unitarian and Islamic faith communities as well as Assemblyman Paul Tonko pledge support to unite and protest against acts of hatred and the kind of speech that directly or indirectly promotes or normalizes prejudice. I left the vigil proud of my community that had filled the parking lot, the streets and the sanctuary of Congregation Gates of Heaven.

I left knowing that justice needs feet on the ground.

And then, there is this: If you were in the vicinity of Academy Park last Sunday or during Monday's rush hour, you would have seen members and supporters of the Capital District Border Watch camped out in solidarity with asylum seekers detained at the U.S./Mexico border.

Tragically, they were also there to mourn the seven children who died in Border Patrol or ICE custody in 2019. No children had died in Border Patrol or ICE custody during the past 10 years. Let me stress this: No children, zero children, died in the custody of border control authorities in 10 years. In 2019, seven died.

Justice needs feet on the ground.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

On Wednesday, participants gathered at St. Vincent de Paul church in Albany to make plans for this year's Poor People's Campaign, in which many clergy of all faiths, parishioners and supporters march and serve. So what is the Poor People's Campaign?

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference began this activism in 1967. Today, the Poor People's Campaign is subtitled "A National Call for Moral Revival" and it seeks to educate about and confront with strategies to address systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. And honestly, the Poor People's Campaign is a kind of antidote to the helplessness and weariness many of us feel these days.

Because sometimes we don't know how we can seek and make justice together in this unjust climate.

But I am pretty sure it starts with our feet.

Jo Page is a writer and Lutheran minister. Her email is jopage34@yahoo.com. Her website is at https://www.jograepage.com.
More than 30 BJP workers killed in attacks made by TMC in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh

Those who don't drink real cow milk will not realise value of gold in it: West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh

Dilip Ghosh re-elected as Bengal BJP prez amid his shot like dogs remark

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Kolkata, Jan 16: West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, on Thursday, has been re-elected as the President of party's Bengal unit for the term 2020-2023.

The decision has been taken eight months after the Lok Sabha elections, in which the BJP delivered a spectacular performance, winning 18 of the state's 42 seats.

In the Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP made big victory in the state than the 2014 general elections.

Bengal turned into hub of anti-nationals under TMC regime: Dilip Ghosh

BJP is trying to gain power in Bengal by defeating the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the next assembly election.

This is Ghosh's second term as the Bengal BJP chief who was the former functionary of the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he is going to lead the party till 2023.

Ghosh made the headlines with his controversial statements, whether it's against Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, any opposition leader or over his comment about people protesting against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act.

In a recent public gathering attacking CM Mamata, Ghosh had said that those involved in spreading violence and arson by damaging public property should be "shot like dogs", he referred to other BJP ruled states' like steps to curb the violence.

While addressing a public meeting in Nadia district of the state, he snubbed Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not giving harsh order to opening fire and ordering baton-charge on the agitators who were spreading arson and violence, damaging railway property, public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), NRC protests in the state in December 2019.

'Bengal isn't UP': Mamata Banerjee deplores Dilip Ghosh's 'shot like dogs' remark

According to the news agency, ANI Ghosh said, "Who do they think the public property that they are destroying belongs to? Their father? Public property belongs to the taxpayers... You will come here, eat our food, stay here and damage public property. Is it your zamindari? We will bash you with lathis, shoot you and put you in jail." Ghosh referring Mamata as 'Didi', attacked saying that police didn't take action against the people who destroyed public properties as they are Mamata's voters.

Later, his colleague and Union minister Babul Supriyo said their party never shoot at people and he criticised the state BJP chief. Ghosh's statement created an uproar.
Love Island twins Jess and Eve Gale's dad has rushed to their defence on Twitter after the girls became the victims of trolling online.

Proud dad Brian shared a message aimed at the 'doubters', hitting back at sexist claims about their looks and insisting they're as smart as they come.

Sharing links to student newspaper The Tab's articles, their father revealed details about the 20-year-old duo's prestigious university education.

Speaking out: Love Island twins Jess and Eve Gale's dad has rushed to their defence on Twitter after the girls have become the victims of trolling online (pictured: Jess)

Brian posted: 'Love Island Jess attends University College London and her sister Eve attends King's College London. So more competition'.

He continued: 'Love Island. Eve and Jess. For the doubters. It is possible to be a girl, look really good, wear make up and dye your hair blonde and still go to a good University.'

Eve, who told her fellow Islanders she is a Geography student, is enrolled at King's College London.

Meanwhile, Jess began studying at Psychology at UCL in 2018 and opted to defer a year in order to appear on Love Island.

Proud dad: Brian shared a message aimed at the 'doubters', hitting back at sexist claims about their looks and insisting they're as smart as they come (pictured: Eve)

Speaking out: Sharing links to student newspaper The Tab 's articles, the girls' father revealed details about the 20-year-old duo's prestigious university education

Her close friend Georgia Wallhead spoke to The London Tab, saying: 'I think that people will be shocked that they are really intelligent because a lot of people assume that girls who take pride in their appearance aren't clever.'

In the villa this week, the girls insisted they had both brains and beauty, saying, 'We basically got all As in our GCSEs'.

This comes after last year's contestant Molly-Mae Hague demanded fans stop trolling the show's late arrivals.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the starlet, 20, hit back at a viewer who shared a before-and-after shot of the twins while writing: 'CAN I SCREAMMM?? #LoveIsland'.

Tough times: This comes after last year's contestant Molly-Mae Hague demanded fans stop trolling the show's late arrivals

Transformation: Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the starlet, 20, hit back at a viewer who shared a before-and-after shot of the duo while writing: 'CAN I SCREAMMM?? #LoveIsland'

Sharing another tweet, Brian added: 'Thanks to Molly-Mae for her comments'

Proving to be a true girls' girl, Molly hit back: 'Beautiful then and beautiful now. STOP TROLLING', in a message that comes after the influencer revealed she received death threats after her own stint in the villa.

Sharing another tweet, Brian added: 'Thanks to Molly-Mae for her comments. For the record the girls did not go from redheads to blondes just before Love Island. This happened over 4 years ago when they were in Year 11 at school.'

Meanwhile, Eve and Jess wound up viewers from Manchester on Tuesday night when they patronisingly branded it 'a new hot spot' and asking where it was located.

The blonde students, who waltzed onto the show as latecomers on Sunday evening, were on a double-date with Callum and Mike who both hail from the northern city.

Discussing the location, the girls - who come from London - declared it an up-and-coming hot spot.

Geo-blocked! Eve and Jess wound up viewers from Manchester on Tuesday night when they branded it 'a new hot spot' and asking where it was located

This enraged Mancunians who took to Twitter to slam them, claiming that it is already a hot spot - with some calling for the twins to be banned from ever visiting.

They then asked Mike and Callum what's between London and Manchester, seemingly unaware of where the city precisely was.

This outraged viewers further, who pointed out that Eve branded herself an A* geography student when she first entered the villa.

Tweets cropped up slamming the twins to the tune of: 'These twins need to stay outta Manchester we don't want them!'

Confused: The girls seemed to know so much... and so little... about Manchester

Northern exposure: The blonde students, who waltzed onto the show as latecomers on Sunday evening, were on a double-date with Callum and Mike who both hail from the northern city

Confused: Discussing the location, the girls - who come from London - declared it an up-and-coming hot spot

Tweets cropped up slamming the twins to the tune of: 'These twins need to stay outta Manchester we don't want them'

Another posted: 'The twins asked where is half way between Manchester and London... Isn't one of them studying Geography? I cant!!'

A third tweeted: ''It's a new hotspot. It's actually becoming a new hotspot.' The #LoveIsland twins on Manchester, that little known hidden gem of nightlife.'

A fourth added: 'Did she legit say 'Where half way between London & Manchester'. I swear one of the twins said yesterday she was studying geography. Bet all those A* were a lie to.'

Keep them out! This enraged Mancunians who took to Twitter to slam them for their uninformed remark, claiming that it is already a hot spot - with some calling for the twins to be banned from ever visiting

Fail! They then asked Mike and Callum what's between London and Manchester, seemingly unaware of where the city precisely was

'F**king twins saying Manchester is a new hot-spot f**k right off! #Manchester has always been a hot-spot!' another wrote.

'Petition to ban the twins from Manchester...' someone else suggested.

As another typed: 'Study geography but don't know where half of Manchester & London is. Get these twins in the bin!'

The twins haven't gotten off to the best of starts on the show, after they irritated Shaughna and Leanne by swooping in and stealing their men from under them.

Romance? Fans also found them annoying when Eve bragged about Tyga sliding into her DMs, only for him to ridicule her about this on Twitter afterwards

Funny: The rapper, 30, was tagged in a fleet of tweets when Eve revealed the news during the Spill The Tea challenge

But fans also found them annoying when Eve bragged about Tyga sliding into her DMs, only for him to ridicule her about this on Twitter afterwards.

The rapper, 30, was tagged in a fleet of tweets when Eve revealed the news during the Spill The Tea challenge.

But fans poked fun at her revelation, with one sharing a photo of Tyga alongside a guy who looked like him, with the caption: 'Sorry she was talking about the guy on the right'.

Tyga replied to the meme with a series of cry laughing faces.
The fifth edition of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress, (EPSC) was officially opened today by Dr Younis Kazim, CEO of Dubai Healthcare.



Running from January 16 to 18, the three-day premier plastic surgery event is being held under the theme Science and Art in the field of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and aims to shed new light on the latest advances, trends and key breakthroughs in this highly evolving field.



Following the opening ceremony, Dr Kazim, accompanied by a number of doctors, surgeons and senior officials from the health care industry in the region and abroad, toured the exhibition, where they learned about the latest research, new approaches and treatment patterns in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. The delegation was also briefed by representatives from the biggest brands in the field about how the introduction of new technologies are greatly helpful for surgery specialists, which gives them an insight on how to adopt new treatment methods and approaches.



This year, the Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress presents a rich comprehensive agenda featuring 130 scientific lectures on key trending topics including plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery while 30 peer-reviewed research papers showcase the latest research and updated knowledge about new studies in plastic surgery. In addition, the congress this year brings together 25 international expert speakers from the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America, while 15 speakers represent the best plastic surgery minds from the Middle East and Asia such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and India in addition to 20 speakers coming from the UAE, who offer their insights and experiences on their specialised fields of expertise.



Over the next three days, the premier medical congress is expected to attract more than 500 visitors and participants from 25 countries.



While offering his remarks during the opening ceremony, Dr Kazim said: Without a doubt, the changes in the plastic surgery field around the world, and the increasing demand for such surgeries, has directly impacted the health tourism market and the industry, especially with the emergence of new medical services that did not exist a while ago. At the same time, plastic surgeries are not merely business anymore or a source of rich income, as others may think. We believe that our doctors and specialists are the best to translate the true picture of this medical specialty, which contributes to returning the smile, hope and life of people with deformities and accident victims, and even those who suffer from diseases related to obesity, and other health problems that affect the general appearance of men and women alike.



Dr. Kazim added: The Dubai Health Authority greatly realises the value of cosmetic medicine and its importance on the health care system, it also recognises the need to continue to develop medical protocols, legislation and policies that clearly define the responsibilities assigned to doctors, and which preserve the medical profession with its sanctity, ethics and noble mission. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that we are confident that the conference will achieve its goals, and scientific recommendations that can be used, and work accordingly, to achieve further development in the specialty of plastic surgery, whether in the DHAs facilities, hospitals, centres and the private clinics - The strategic partner of the Dubai Health Authority.



Dr Zuhair Al Fardan, president of Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS) and assistant professor at UAE University, said: The fifth edition of Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress (EPSC) features a rich conference agenda including 130 scientific sessions addressing the most pressing topics in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery presented by top-notch surgeons from across the UAE and abroad. EPSC is a dedicated plastic surgery platform that attracts the best minds in this highly specialized field to exchange the latest knowledge, experiences and new advancements in Plastic surgery, Restoration and Burns and Wound management areas. The conference also includes 13 video presentations of surgeries where a number of renowned surgeons showcase their latest techniques in a detailed manner.



He added: EPSC 2020 also includes discussions on various branches of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery including Burns and Wound Reconstruction and Hand and Microvascular Reconstruction. Moreover, the participants receive a one-day comprehensive training course on Burns and Wounds caring, where they get an opportunity to treat patients with the latest medical findings in this field. This year, the conference attracted a number of scientific partners from different scientific societies, and witnessed the presence of three eminent editors of the largest scientific journals, specialising in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, which would help the doctors in the UAE and the region to learn about the latest scientific research in the field. On this occasion, we would like to thank the various health organisations in the UAE, particularly the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences for partnering and supporting EPSC and its rich program.



Speaking about the importance of EPSC in educating the participants on the current trends in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Dr Al Fardan added: With such a rich line up of speakers, top Editors and leading Plastic Surgeons at EPSC 2020, we believe that the Congress will result in highly valuable and promising discussions and also provides doctors based in the UAE and abroad a chance to keep themselves up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. The congress introduces all attendees to the best practices and the most significant precautions that help ensures patients in avoiding potential side effects. Additionally, we believe EPSC contributes in the expansion of healthy lifestyles among the community members and encourages practitioners to follow the international standards while treating patients which could help in raising the position of this medical practice in the UAE and abroad.



While commenting on the advent of new technologies and its impact on plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sanjay Parashar, chair, Scientific Committee, EPSC 2020, said: Plastic Craniofacial surgeons have been using 3D models since many decades. Children suffering from facial clefts and adults with craniofacial tumours can have a 3D model created using 3D CT scan. This model allows the plastic surgeon to understand the extent of defect and find methods to reconstruct them. However, while this model took weeks to develop before, now it can be done in a day by using 3D printers. Moreover, while previously this could be done only for bones of the face, now it is possible to create a realistic face and nose models to understand and execute treatment plans.



However, Dr Sanjay warned:: 3D cameras allow surgeons to view 3D photos of face, breast and body while newer softwares permit them to modify the features and predict the outcome of various procedures. Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS) warns that this method is only for assessment and understanding and since body surgeries are more complex than software modifications, the result may differ due to many other factors including body healing and aftercare by the patients themselves. The cost can also be prohibitive.



On the first day, EPSC focused on a wide range of topics in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery during many sessions, where under the title Face and Neck experts discussed many issues such as Face lift- Mirror face lift and Freestyle Facelift while under the session titled Body Contouring specialists offered their insights on Upper Body lift, Buttock Implant new technique and Liposuction  Safety and Efficacy to name a few. In addition, another session titled Breast Session, surgery experts focused on Breast reduction and implants, How to teach a vertical breast reduction technique and 3 years intermediate result of our clinical study about the different breast implants among others. Moreover, under the session Branches of Plastic Surgery speakers addressed many topics such as Laser Application in Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetic Gynecology: whats up in 2020 and other such topics.



Additionally, the EPSC Congress features a total of six hands-on workshops on many trending topics related to Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and on the first day under the session (AAAASF) Surveyor Training Workshop, experts spoke about Methodologies, Philosophies and Mechanics of Conducting a Survey, Patient Safety, Common Deficiencies Creating Direct Risk to Patient Safety and Quality Assessment and Improvement among others.



Furthermore, EPSC attendees were offered a chance to earn 20 CME points and endorsements accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), while also giving them an opportunity to gain knowledge, upgrade their skills and enhance their clinical expertise in various fields of plastic surgery.



Running parallel to the conference, the EPSC exhibition witnessed the participation of more than 20 top brands and companies representing the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery departments, where they showcased their latest products, services and key medical technologies that are revolutionising the industry. In addition, the exhibitors from various countries also got an opportunity to understand the local market, in order to expand their presence in the regional market.



Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress is annually organised by the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS) under the umbrella of Emirates Medical Association and in collaboration with Congress Secretariat, Index Conferences and Exhibitions  a member of Index Holding. EPSC 2020 is supported by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences and the International Society of Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). - TradeArabia News Service


In Hong Kong, the protracted pro-democracy uprising has triggered a local economic recession, especially as businesses and Hong Kongers seek to boycott mainland Chinese businesses and products.



However, some businesses are fighting the recession by explicitly identifying themselves as partisans for the pro-democracy movement; these "yellow businesses" attract customers who want to spend money with merchants whose political leaning match their own. Online services help Hong Kong people find "yellow businesses" so they can preferentially patronize them.





By contrast "blue businesses" are not self-declared  rather, the label is given to firms that are considered to be in thrall to the mainland Chinese government and opposed to the pro-democracy movement (for example, Maxim's, a catering firm that operates Hong Kong's Starbucks outlets, is considered "blue" because the owner's daughter made public statements calling protesters "rioters" and decrying Hong Kong's youth). Blue businesses are sometimes vandalized or postered.

Weirdly, Pepe the Frog  a cartoon character hijacked by western white nationalists  has become a mascot for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.



At Fu Kee Noodles in Wan Chai, diners slurp wonton under the watchful gaze of a gas mask-wearing Pepe the Frog, which has become a mascot of the pro-democracy movement. "This is a yellow shop, the boss supports the protesters, so we decided to come," said a 47-year-old advertising employee calling himself Gilbert. "The most important thing in Hong Kong now is that we need to help each other, especially when the government does not help us." Posters and post-it notes with pro-democracy messages cover the wall by the cashier. Owner Kwong Chun-hin, 30, told AFP he hopes the yellow-blue tagging will become a trend "because this is good for us. I mean not just my shop, I mean all shops".



Hong Kong protest shoppers show their true colours [Xinqi Su and Ayaka Mcgill/AFP]

(Image: Hkongs Mall)
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Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi is all set to sworn in for a second and final term on Wednesday after five turbulent years in office amid two armed insurgencies.

Nyusi won re-election in October with 73 per cent of the vote, while the opposition alleged irregularities.

Several African heads of state and the president of Portugal, the former colonial power, are expected to attend the inauguration in the southern African country of 30 million people.

The crowning achievement of Nyusi's first term was meant to be the peace agreement signed in August with the armed opposition Renamo. Instead, it triggered fresh violence in central Mozambique by dissidents unhappy with the terms of the accord.

More than 15 armed attacks on vehicles in central Mozambique have been reported in recent months, killing 21 people.

Nyusi's government is also battling to contain deadly attacks in the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado by extremists reportedly linked to the Islamic State group. An estimated 300 people have been killed, including by beheading, since the attacks began in 2017.

Cabo Delgado, Nyusi's home province, is home to two giant natural gas projects worth billions of dollars that Mozambique hopes will transform it into a middle-income country.

Work has begun on one of the projects, which changed ownership last year from US-based Anadarko to French oil major Total, with the aim to start producing liquified natural gas before Nyusi's mandate ends in late 2024. The second project, led by ExxonMobil, is set to reach a final investment decision this year.

Nyusi is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days. International investors will be watching closely to see if the finance minister, Adriano Maleiane, will be replaced.

Maleiane has guided the economy through exceptional difficulties following the discovery of USD 2 billion in debt taken on by three state-linked security companies, with government guarantees whose validity has been contested.

Maleiane's predecessor as finance minister, Manuel Chang, has been in a South African prison for more than a year contesting extradition to the United States to face charges in connection with the deals.

Last year Mozambique had to restructure its first-ever sovereign Eurobond after it failed to make the first payment.

The inauguration comes as the rainy season again brings flooding to parts of Mozambique, which was hit last year by two major cyclones in less than two months, causing hundreds of deaths and major destruction. Recovery continues and widespread hunger has been a concern in the hard-hit rural areas.

Last week, the UN migration agency said the latest flooding destroyed the temporary shelters of almost 200 households that had been resettled in the central provinces of Tete and Zambezia.
An influential students body in Assam has called for the need to form a new party in the state amid protests against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which has triggered fears of a fresh influx of immigrants into the Northeastern region.

After February, this issue [formation of a new party] will be taken forward in a forceful manner, said All Assam Students Union (AASU) chief Dipanka Kumar Nath on Wednesday.

He indicated the AASU would play a role in forming the party. The people of Assam have felt the need for it [the new party] to protect themselves and artists, intellectuals and others have appealed to us about it. We feel the time has come for an alternate force to challenge the Centre and take this agitation forward.

The new party is likely to be formed by March, AASU leaders said.

The AASU is leading the anti-CAA protests in Assam and has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power both at the Centre and the state, of failing to protect rights of indigenous Assamese. Since the latest round of protests began last month, there has been speculation that the new party would be formed ahead of the 2021 assembly polls.

The countrywide protests against the CAA first erupted in the Northeast, especially Assam, where its opponents say it violates the 1985 Assam Accord, which was signed following an agitation for the detection and deportation of undocumented immigrants irrespective of their faith. The accord set March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for the detection. A process in line with the accord was carried out in Assam and led to the exclusion of around 2 million people from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) last year.

The CAA was passed last month to fast-track the citizenship process for non-Muslims, who have entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before 2015. Opponents of the law insist it is discriminatory and unconstitutional as it leaves out the Muslims and links faith to citizenship in a secular country.

The AASU spearheaded the 1979-1985 agitation against undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh, which ended following the signing of the accord. The AASU is a signatory to the accord.

The agitation led to the formation of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in 1985 and the AASU played a crucial part in its formation.

Then AASU chief Prafulla Kumar Mahanta became the AGPs founding president. The AGP has been in power twice. It has lost its significance since the BJPs rise and is a partner in the states ruling coalition and supports the CAA. Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal joined the AGP after leaving the AASU and later defected to the BJP.

Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has also advocated the necessity of a new party. He admitted the new party might hurt the Congress, but said it is needed to protect interests of the indigenous people.

We offered to talk to them when they were agitating, but now there is talk of a new political party. The protests on repealing the CAA have become political now, said BJP leader and minister Himanta Biswa Sarma last week.

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Opposition parties pledged their support on Wednesday with social activists Sadaf Jafar, Pawan Rao Ambedkar, Deepak Kabir and former Uttar Pradesh IGP SR Darapuri, who were arrested by the UP police during the anti-CAA stir , and said the movement against the contentious law was an effort to save the Constitution.

As the four persons, who alleged torture at the hands of the Uttar Pradesh police, recalled their trauma, leaders such as CPI ( M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and politburo member Brinda Karat, CPI general secretary D Raja, LJD chief Sharad Yadav and RJD's Manoj Jha assured them that the movement they were a part of would not be allowed to die down.

"The 20 parties, which met on January 13, have pledged their support with the movement. Protecting the Constitution is the highest form of patriotism. Terming all those who protest against the CAA, NRC or NPR as Pakistanis or saying that they are speaking the language of Pakistan is utter nonsense. These people were kept in jail without a shred of evidence. What happened to them is happening across the country," Yechury said.

The four persons, who were remanded in police custody, alleged that they were beaten up, slapped and kicked by police officials. They recalled being denied food and water for long spells and even being disallowed to inform their families about their whereabouts.

"What hurt me more than the physical torture were the communal slurs that were hurled at me. At that time, through the pain, I kept hoping that someone will come for me," Jafar, who along with the others have been released on bail, said.

LJD leader Yadav compared the situation prevailing in the country to the Emergency period of the 1970s and said the current state of affairs was worse than that.

"This is an unofficial Emergency. While during Emergency everything was out in the open, now it is silent, cannot be seen," he said.

Jha hailed the students and common people behind the protests against the Citizenship ( Amendment ) Act (CAA) and said the current situation was such that having a name like "Kabir" or a surname like "Ambedkar" was a crime in itself.

"The testimonies that you are hearing here, such things are happening across the country. If a former IG can be treated this way, imagine what happens to others. This movement is a movement of the people, let there be no doubt. This is a movement where people have taken the government on. This is not a movement started by political parties, but we are here to support it," he said.

Raja said the torture of people in custody was a "crime committed" by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The Left leader said while the BJP-led Centre was now resorting to "abusing and accusing" the Opposition of spreading lies, it was unable to answer any of the questions raised by them or the anti-CAA protesters.

Around 20 opposition parties have decided to hit the streets against the Centre's economic policies as well as against the CAA and the proposed countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

A joint meeting of opposition parties, convened by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on January 13, urged people to observe January 23 (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthday), January 26 (Republic Day) and January 30 (martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi) as occasions to uphold constitutional values.
(CNN)  South Koreans may soon be able to travel on their own to North Korea under new rules being considered by their government.

The South Korean Ministry of Unification, which oversees policy towards the country's northern neighbor, has hinted that barriers to independent travel to the north could be removed in the future.

The ministry's deputy spokesman, Kim Eun-han, said individual tourism was not subject to sanctions and that "the government is actively reviewing to allow South Koreans to visit North Korea individually as long as the safety for the citizens can be guaranteed."

He added: "Allowing South Koreans with individual visas to visit North Korea is also being considered, but it is too early to let you know about the process or details as there are matters to be reviewed."

However, that doesn't mean that South Koreans should start booking their vacations just yet.

The two Koreas were divided along the 38th parallel after World War II and fought a conflict between 1950 and 1953. In 2018, the leaders of both sides committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pledged to bring a formal end to the Korean War, which has never been declared over.

However, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have increased in recent months, as the North has ramped up missiles tests and its rhetoric against the United States, which is an ally of South Korea.

Currently, there are only two ways for South Koreans to visit the North, which is nicknamed "the hermit kingdom" for its relative isolation.

The first option is to go directly between the two countries -- such as during a tourist trip across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) or a reunion of separated families at Mount Kumgang, a resort near the border.

South Koreans still need both an official letter from the North and an approval from the South in order to travel this way.

The other choice is to visit via a third country, usually China. South Koreans who wish to visit the North for civilian-level exchanges would need an official invitation letter from North Korea, a visa, and the South Korean government's approval.

One of the foremost reasons for wanting ease of travel between the two Koreas is time.

Speaking at the January 15 briefing, Kim said: "We see the urgency among the separated family members who are getting older every day, and are seeking various possible means to help them."

So what does this announcement from the South mean, if anything?

If South Korean citizens were able to obtain visas to visit the North, then there would ostensibly be nothing stopping them from visiting as individuals. But without the protection of an established tour group, officials in the South are still skittish about being able to secure the safety of their citizens north of the border.

North Korea currently has a small but tightly controlled tourism industry. Visitors should be expect to be monitored and observed by government minders and cannot go beyond the sites they are specifically permitted to visit.

This story was first published on CNN.com. "South Korea says it may be open to solo travel for its citizens to North Korea."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  Government rescue teams have decided to call off efforts to save animals still stranded on Taal Volcano Island on Thursday until further notice.

The Philippine National Police Maritime Group said it is aware that there are still some horses trapped near Taal's crater, particularly in San Isidro town. However, they had to return to the main island for safety reasons since the rescue area is within the 14-kilometer danger zone.

"Once may go signal ang headquarters namin na tuloy pa rin ang aming pag-rescue ay babalik po kami rito," said Maritime Group Calabarzon Chief Poly Cayabyab.

[Translation: Once headquarters gives us the go signal to continue our rescue efforts then we will return here.]

The group brought in 50 horses from the danger zone on Thursday morning. It will be the last batch of rescued animals for now.

Taal Volcano on Sunday started belching plumes of ash in a stream-driven eruption, bringing ashfall to nearby areas and Metro Manila. The volcano remains at Alert Level 4 since state volcanologists see a hazardous, explosive eruption is possible within hours or days despite decreased volcanic activity.

A pack of abandoned dogs scour the shore for food. Video by Gerg Cahiles.

Residents stressed the need to save their animals, because for some, they serve as their only means of livelihood.

"Kaya nga po kami ay positibong makukuha ang aming mga hayop. 'Yun na lang ang natitira sa aming kabuhayan," said Junior Mendoza one of the residents of Taal Volcano Island.

[Translation: We are positive that we will retrieve our animals. They are the only means of livelihood we have left.]

Taal, one of the smallest volcanoes in the world, is a popular spot for tourists who often trek or ride horses to its crater.

Two days after the eruption, residents who returned to the danger zone shared videos and photos of their homes and animals blanketed in a thick layer of ash. A few pets were still alive but a number were found dead.

Animal rights groups earlier denounced the abandonment of animals on the island during an evacuation of residents. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argued that there should be provisions that include animals in evacuation plans. Vice President Leni Robredo also suggested to local officials to put up evacuation centers for animals since some residents insist on returning to their homes in high-risk areas to retrieve their pets.

PETA and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society said their rescue teams went to the evacuation zone and found dogs, cats and cows, who were tired, hungry and thirsty after they were left behind for two days without food and water and covered in ash. The Interior Department on Wednesday said there is still no data on the number of animals impacted by Taal's eruption.

CNN Philippines' Correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.
A Michigan senator landed in hot water after allegedly remarking to a female reporter that a group of high school boys visiting the state capitol could "have a lot of fun" with her.

Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahue on Tuesday was attempting to ask Republican Sen. Peter Lucido for comment on a story she was writing when he made the disparaging remarks, the Advance reports.

At one point during the interview, the senator, who was standing with a group of male students from De La Salle Collegiate, an all-boys Catholic high school, allegedly told the 22-year-old reporter, "You've heard of De La Salle, right?"

When Donahue said she had not, 59-year-old Lucido allegedly replied, "It's an all-boys' school. You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you."

Pictured: Sen. Peter Lucido (Left) and Reporter Allison Donahue (Right)

Donahue claimed the teens "burst into an Old Boys' Network-type of laughter" in a first-person account she penned for the Michigan Advocate.

"I walked away knowing that I had been the punchline of their 'locker room' talk," she said. "Except it wasnt the locker room; it was the Senate chamber. And this isnt high school. Its my career."

Lucido's alleged comments set off a wave of backlash and prompted Michigan State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich to call for a formal sexual harassment investigation.

"Thats not how were supposed to act as senators; thats not how were supposed to act as men, as leaders in this state, this country, this community," Ananich told reporters on Wednesday, adding that he believed Lucido's comments were "disgusting."

On Wednesday morning, Lucido issued a brief apology on Twitter, calling the incident a "misunderstanding."

"I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue," he wrote.

I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue.  Sen. Peter J. Lucido (@SenPeterJLucido) January 15, 2020

However, on Wednesday night, the senator reversed his position, instead claiming Donahue had mischaracterized what he said Tuesday afternoon.

"I said, 'We're going on the floor to have some fun, you're welcome to join us," he claimed in a statement to WILX. "This thing about what she interpreted sexually or otherwise, it's unfortunate, it really is, it truly is."

The Michigan Advocate reports that Lucido has not directly reached out to Donahue or the publication.
New federal court filings in Philadelphia provide details on Aramarks $21 million settlement of lawsuits brought by managers who were denied their 2018 bonuses after the Philadelphia food-service and uniform giant changed the rules on how the incentive payments would be calculated without telling them.

The notice of settlement, which explains the calculation of individual payments, must be approved by U.S. District Court Judge John R. Padova, before payments can be made. A date for a hearing on the settlement has not yet been set.

The aggregate amount expected to be paid to an estimated 4,500 lower-level managers is $15.5 million after the four law firms involved in two separate proposed class actions get their cut. The settlement calls for the law firms to collect $5.25 million (about 25 percent of the total) plus $50,000 for expenses. In certain types of class-action settlements, the lawyers cut is 33 percent of the total payout.

The two lawsuits, both filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleged that Aramark violated numerous state and common laws when it did not pay the bonuses. In agreeing to the settlement, Aramark did not admit that it violated any laws.

We believe it is in the best interest of our employees and the company to put this matter behind us, Aramark said in November when the outline of the agreement was announced.

In rough terms, the individual payments will amount to the difference between the managers expected fiscal 2018 bonus and the amount of the special recognition award the manager received. Those special onetime payments ranged from $5,500 to $27,500 for different management tiers. The money for those payments came from money that Aramark saved as a result of the corporate tax cuts under 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 READ MORE: Bonuses are paid, Aramark CFO tells Wall St. Thats not what thousands of managers were told

Managers in what Aramark calls bands 5 to 8 will receive an additional 6.5 percent of their anticipated fiscal 2018 bonus, the settlement says. All managers subject to the settlement, even if their onetime special recognition award was bigger than the bonus they thought they had earned, will receive an additional $250.

Special provisions were made for 41 managers who worked for Aramarks health-care technology division, which it sold in November for $293.7 million. They will receive an additional $2,000 each to compensate for canceled stock compensation.

The settlement does not cover managers who were no longer employed by Aramark at the end of its 2018 fiscal year, Sept. 27, 2018.

The bonus controversy contributed to the abrupt retirement last year of Aramark chief executive Eric Foss, who decided not to pay 2018 bonuses to front-line managers because the company did not meet a profit target set by the board of directors. Employees found it especially egregious as Foss  who earned $16 million in 2018, including $2.6 million in incentive bonus  touted record revenues and profitability for the year ended in September.

 READ MORE: Aramark CEO Eric Foss retires abruptly; severance pay includes monthly salary of $142,000

Managers were furious at Foss because they were not told at the beginning of the fiscal year that a company-wide profit target would be a factor in their bonuses.
The Nifty50 is expected to hold on to its crucial support placed at 12,300 levels and any dips towards that level is likely to get bought into.

World stocks inched to a record high on Thursday after the United States and China signed a deal to defuse their 18-month trade war, which has weighed on global economic growth and hampered investments, said a Reuters report.

Overnight, the Dow ended above 29,000 for the first time on Wednesday and the S&P 500 also closed at a record high after the United States and China signed a Phase 1 trade agreement

Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a flat opening for the index in India with a 8.5 points, or 0.07 percent, loss. The Nifty futures were trading around 12,351-level on the Singaporean Exchange.

Lets look at the final tally on D-Street for January 15  the S&P BSE Sensex fell 79 points to 41,872 while the Nifty50 closed with loss of 19 points at 12,343.

Sectorally, action was seen in realty, consumer durables, infrastructure, consumer discretionary, and metal indices. Profit-taking was visible in banks, energy, telecom, and finance stocks.

The broader market outperformed as the S&P BSE Small-cap index rose over 1 percent while the S&P BSE Mid-cap index closed with gains of 0.6 percent.

The rupee pared its early losses to settle 5 paise higher at 70.82 against the US dollar on Wednesday, ahead of the signing of phase 1 trade agreement between the US and China.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 279.53 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares of worth Rs 648.34 crore in the Indian equity market on January 15, provisional data available on the NSE showed.

Technical View:

Nifty50 formed a Dragon Fly Doji kind of pattern on the daily charts

This kind of formation around higher end of the rallies has the ability to reverse the prevailing trend

If the Nifty trades below 12278 levels for a larger part of the intraday then it can set the tone for short term trend reversal.

The strength is likely to shall reemerge on a close above 12374 levels which can then help bulls in expanding this rally towards 12490 levels.

For the day traders are advised to remain neutral on index while shifting focus to stock specific opportunities, suggest experts.

Three levels  12278, 12355, 12400

Max Call OI: 12500, 12400

Max Put OI: 12000, 12200

Torrent Pharma: Board will consider raising funds via equity on January 27.

Sterlite Tech: Q3 profit fell 43.1 percent to Rs 91 crore, revenue declined 11.5 percent to Rs 1,203 crore QoQ.

Den Networks: The company reported a net profit of Rs 12.3 crore for Q3FY20 against a loss of Rs 31.2 crore in Q3FY19. Revenue from operations for the quarter came at Rs 318 crore for the said quarter against Rs 308 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

We spoke to Bonanza Portfolio and here's what they have to recommend:

HeidelbergCement India | Buy | LTP: Rs 194.55 | Target: Rs 222 | Stop loss: Rs 185 | Upside: 14.11%

National Aluminium Company (Nalco) | Buy | LTP: Rs 48.25 | Target price: Rs 54.70 | Stop loss: Rs 44.50 | Upside: 13.37%

Bajaj Auto | Buy | LTP: Rs 3,126.50 | Target: Rs 3,325 | Stop loss: Rs 2,998 | Upside: 6.34%

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 17:40:09|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Thursday that he had informed authorities to immediately take measures to halt any forms of animal cruelty in the island country.

In a short statement, Rajapaksa said he was shocked to hear of the recent reports of incidents of animal cruelty reported from some parts of the country, the most recent being the killings of dogs in Nikaweratiya in the north western province of Sri Lanka.

"I have informed authorities to take any measure and action in order to put an end to these atrocities," the prime minister said.

Every year, numerous cases of cruelty towards animals are reported in Sri Lanka, sparking protests by animal welfare groups and concerned citizens.

Animal welfare organizations have called on successive governments to implement harsher laws which will ensure the safety of animals.
On Jan 15, President Donald Trump and Chinese vice premier Liu He signed an interim trade deal in the East Room of the White House. The much-hyped Phase-One trade deal was the first tangible sign of de-escalation in the nearly two-year long trade dispute between the two largest trading countries of the world. Notably, the U.S. energy sector is likely to be a major beneficiary of this temporary trade deal.



Phase-One Trade Deal and U.S. Energy Sector



Per the deal, China has agreed to purchase $200 billion in U.S. goods over the next two years in addition to the total amount of Chinas imports from the United States in 2017. Notably, the Asian economic super power procured $186 billion of U.S. goods and services in 2017.



Out of the new U.S. exports of $200 billion, products from the energy sector  including liquefied natural gas, crude oil, refined products and coal  will constitute $52.4 billion ($18.5 billion in 2020 and $33.9 billion in 2021). The energy sector will be the second-largest beneficiary after the diversified manufacturing sector, which will command $77.7 billion of U.S. exports in two years.



Moreover, a solution to the year-long tariff-related conflict between the United States and China will provide a major boost to crude oil price as it will reduce the likelihood of a global economic slowdown.



Although the final trade deal or the phase-two deal is unlikely to happen before the U.S. presidential election in November 2020, the interim deal will at least cool down the tariff war, which affected not only these two countries but also the Eurozone and several major emerging markets.



Other Positives



On Jan 14, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) raised its 2020 forecasts for both the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and the global benchmark Brent crude oil prices. While WTI price is pegged at $59.25 a barrel, Brent price is forecast at $64.83. Estimated prices for both types of crude oil rose 7.7% and 7.1%, respectively, from EIAs previous projection given just a month ago.



Recently, speaking at a CNBC-moderated panel at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) in Saudi Arabia, Bahrains oil minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said that U.S. shale production, which has become the major source of global oil supply, may not maintain its momentum throughout 2020.



Meanwhile, the EIA revealed that although U.S. crude oil production will continue to rise in the next two years, its rate of growth has actually declined. On average, the WTI crude production is expected to increase 0.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2020 compared with 1.3 million bpd in 2019 and 1.6 million bpd in 2018.



Despite a surge in sales of electric cars, demand for oil is expected to rise in the petrochemical industry, especially in plastic industry. Also, growing demand for aviation oil will support crude oil prices.



Our Top Picks



At this stage, investment in stocks engaged in exploration and production of crude oil with a favorable Zacks Rank will be prudent. We have narrowed down our search to five oil stocks, each carrying either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



The chart below shows price performance of our five picks in the past three months.

Story continues

Earthstone Energy Inc. ESTE is engaged in the development and operation of oil and gas properties in the United States. Its asset portfolio includes the Midland Basin of west Texas and the Eagle Ford trend of south Texas. The Zacks Rank #1 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 13.9% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 11.8% over the past 60 days.



Talos Energy Inc. TALO is engaged in exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties. It operates primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and in the shallow waters off the coast of Mexico. The Zacks Rank #1 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 13.7% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 7.2% over the past 60 days.



Hess Corp. HES explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas. It operates through two segments, Exploration and Production and Midstream. The Zacks Rank #2 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 90.9% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 81.1% over the past 60 days.



Devon Energy Corp. DVN is primarily engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the United States and Canada. The Zacks Rank #2 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 43.7% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 26.7% over the past 60 days.



Matador Resources Co. MTDR is engaged in the exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. It operates in two segments, Exploration and Production and Midstream. The Zacks Rank #2 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 26.9% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 9.6% over the past 60 days.



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The 'Global Phosphorous Acid (CAS 13598-36-2) Market Outlook 2019-2024' offers detailed coverage of phosphorous acid industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading phosphorous acid producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for phosphorous acid. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography.

The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global phosphorous acid market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market.

Request for Report Sample: http://marketgrowthanalysis.com/reports/sample/334

Key Regions

- North America

- Europe

- Asia Pacific

- Middle East & Africa

- South America

Key Vendors

- Henan Qingshuiyuan Technology Co., Ltd.

- Jiangyin Yaoyu Chemical Co., Ltd.

- Suzhou Hantech Chemical Co., Ltd.

- Taizhou Yongchang Chemical Co., Ltd.

- Yichang Kaixiang Chemical Co., Ltd.

- request free sample to get a complete list of companies

Make an Inquiry before Buying: http://marketgrowthanalysis.com/reports/enquiry/334

Key Questions Answered in This Report

- Analysis of the phosphorous acid market including revenues, future growth, market outlook

- Historical data and forecast

- Regional analysis including growth estimates

- Analyzes the end user markets including growth estimates.

- Profiles on phosphorous acid vendors including products, sales/revenues, SWOT, and market position, recent developments.

- Market structure, market drivers and restraints.

Full View of Report Description: http://marketgrowthanalysis.com/global-phosphorous-acid-cas-13598-36-2-market
Two siblings have been arrested for allegedly stabbing a rickshaw puller following an altercation over a petty issue near Jhandewalan Metro Station in 2016, police said on Thursday.

The accused, Jeewan Lal (35) and Sanchit (32), were nabbed from Karol Bagh area on Wednesday after laying a trap, they said, adding both the accused were natives of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, they said.

"In March 2016, Janardan, a rickshaw puller from Gonda, was admitted to Lady Hardinge Hospital with multiple stab wounds in his abdomen. Initial probe revealed that he was assaulted by two people near Jhandewalan Metro Station," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Eish Singhal said.

Investigation revealed that Jeewan had an altercation with Janardan over some trivial issue, following which he called Sanchit and stabbed the rickshaw-puller. The duo then fled, the DCP said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
South Korea's Hyundai and its KIA affiliate announced plans Thursday for a major investment in London-based startup Arrival to produce next-generation electric vehicles that cost less than standard-engine models.

The 100-million-euro ($110 million) bet on the five-year-old technology firm comes as some manufacturers abandon Britain because of uncertainties about how it will trade with EU nations once it leaves the bloc this month.

Arrival is focused on designing and producing so-called Generation 2 electric vehicles, which are environmentally friendly cars made from scratch rather than being retrofitted, standard-engine production models.

"Generation 2 vehicles are assembled using small footprint micro-factories, located in areas of demand and profitable at thousands of units," the three companies said in a joint statement.

Hyundai and Kia have a shared ownership structure but target slightly different markets and demographics.

"The eco-friendly vehicle market in Europe is expected to grow rapidly due to reinforcement of environmental regulations," Hyundai's research and development department head Albert Biermann said.

"This strategic partnership will empower our companies to scale Generation 2 electric vehicles globally."

Arrival said its models "are priced the same, or less than, current fossil fuel vehicles, making the decision to switch to electric inevitable".

The company employs 800 people globally and has offices in western Europe and the United States as well as in Israel and Russia.

Hyundai sells around 4.5 million vehicles a year worldwide and Kia around 3 million.

Both companies manufacture a range of hybrid and electric models.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP has found a connection with the ongoing anti-CAA protests in the state and the attitude of LDF government towards love jihad after Syro-Malabar Church Synod raised concern that the jihad targeted Christian girls. BJP former state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said the concerns raised by the Synod reflected the contemporary political and law and order situations in the state.

The Congress, CPM and Jihadi organisations are protesting against providing social justice to Christian- Hindu- Buddhist members persecuted in other countries. They have the same attitude towards love jihad. said Kummanam linking the anti-CAA protest with love jihad. The BJP leader said that the Left government was completely ignoring the fear and protest of Synod on the issue.

According to Kummanam, love jihadis were encouraged by the Congress-CPM-Jihadi nexus. He said that Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac had brushed aside the Synods concern that Christian girls were killed or forced to convert in the name of love jihad.

CPM leader VS Achuthanandan himself had said that love jihad was growing in the state. Yet Thomas Isaac says that there is no such thing. His statement is either out of fear or to help jihadis go scot-free, said the BJP leader.

Extending support to Syro-Malabar Synods concern over love jihad, Kummanam demanded that the jihadis should be brought to justice.
MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynacor Gold Mines Inc. (TSX: DNG / OTC: DNGDF) (Dynacor or the "Corporation"), a leading ore purchasing and processing corporation servicing artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in Peru, reports today its gold exports resume.



The shipment retained from December 2019 is still under review with Peruvian customs authorities. Following the export retention, the Corporation submitted 7,800 pages of supporting documents. With this, management expects to obtain the final clearance of the one shipment retained in early December. Upon completion of the review, the Corporation will immediately publish a news release informing the market.

The Corporation continues to operate the mill normally, and in fact, it purchased a record amount of gold ore in December 2019. Final quarterly and year-end production numbers will be made available in the coming days.

ABOUT DYNACOR



Dynacor is a dividend paying gold production corporation headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The corporation is engaged in production through the processing of ore purchased from small scale artisanal miners. At present, Dynacor produces and explores in Peru where its management team has decades of experience and expertise. In 2018, Dynacor produced 81,314 ounces of gold, a yearly best and 1.8% increase as compared with 2017 (79,897 ounces).

Dynacor produces environmental and socially responsible gold through its PX Impact gold program. A growing number of supportive firms from the fine luxury jewelry, watchmakers and investment sectors are paying a small premium to our customer and strategic partner for this PX Impact gold. The premium provides direct investment to develop health and education projects to our small-scale artisanal miner's communities.

Dynacor trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DNG) and the OTC in the United States under the symbol (DNGDF).

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release.

Dynacor (TSX: DNG / OTC: DNGDF)

Website: http://www.dynacor.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DynacorGold



For more information, please contact: Dynacor

Dale Nejmeldeen

Director, Shareholder Relations

Dynacor

T: (514) 393-9000 (extension 230)

E: investors@dynacor.com

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/3ead6512-d5df-4297-8c2b-101c345e92ee
What you need to know

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Declaring "it doesn't get any bigger than this," President Donald Trump, alongside Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, signed an initial deal to resolve what had been an escalating 18-month trade dispute between the world's two largest economies.

"This is the biggest deal anybody's ever seen," declared Trump, who predicted it will lead to "stable peace throughout the world."

At Wednesday's lengthy ceremony in the White House East Room, Vice Premier Liu He read a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, which said "in the next step the two sides need to implement the agreement in earnest." Liu, in his own remarks, noted there were setbacks during the process, but negotiators for both countries did not give up.

The United States and China agreed to what they are calling the Phase 1 agreement in mid-December. It calls for China to boost its purchases of U.S. goods, halt the practice of forcing foreign companies to transfer technology, and to not manipulate its currency in order to makes its exports cheaper.

"We have a very strong standard for currency devaluation," said Trump. The second phase of discussions are to begin quickly and there will not be a third phase, according to the U.S. president.

Trump said China will import $200 billion worth of additional American products and services over the next two years -- $50 billion of that in the agricultural sector. Xi, in his letter, put the agricultural figure at $40 billion.

According to the text of the agreement, China pledges to buy more than $12.5 billion in U.S. agricultural products in the first year, and $19.5 billion in the second year, with the timing of purchases subject to market conditions. In his letter to Trump, the Chinese president also called for the United States to treat fairly Chinese companies.

Washington already has removed its designation of Beijing as a currency manipulator. Under the deal, it is halting plans to add new tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods, while cutting in half tariffs on about $110 billion of Chinese products. U.S. tariffs will remain in place on about $360 billion of imports from China.

The tough tariffs hurt China economically and brought the Chinese to the negotiating table, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow told reporters on Wednesday. "This is an indisputable win for our country and a momentous day in the U.S.China economic relationship," according to National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons.
Why it matters: The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is well-known for producing chips used by tech giants such as Apple and Qualcomm, but it also creates them for the US military. As such, the American government is pressuring the firm to make these components in the United States to ensure there is no interference from China.

As reported by the Nikkei Asian Review, TSMC makes chips that are used in American F-35 fighter jets. The tension between China and the US is still high despite the countries signing phase one of a broader trade agreement this week, prompting Washington to pressure TSMC into producing in the US.

This isnt the first time the US has made such a request. It did the same thing in November, asking TSMC to make semiconductors in America to avoid security issues, but the company is exercising caution, given the high costs of such a move.

We have never ruled out building or acquiring a fab [semiconductor fabrication plant] in the United States, but currently there is no concrete plan," TSMC told Nikkei.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing would not rule out using force to unite China and Taiwan. With the possibility of China taking control of the island, the US doesnt want its chips within reach of its military and tech rival.

"We've noticed that many U.S. tech executives and government officials are concerned about their country's dependence on TSMC and the security of their defense industry's supply chains," said Su Tze-yun, director of Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

TSMC might not have given the US government a straight no, but itll likely take a lot more pushing before the company accepts the request to move some production abroad.
The history of the Indian Wars and General Custers involvement is too complicated to deconstruct within the confines of 300 words, the maximum word-count of a letter-to-the-editor. Yet, this critical part of history has again become center-stage in the fight to rename Custer Park. If the strongest argument in favor of renaming Custer Park, in complete disregard to those who funded and created it, is that Custer was one of historys villains, then read on, for Custer was not the man history remembers him to be.

Many people today would have you believe that Custer was evil -- that he murdered Native American women and children. Custer was a soldier in the Indian Wars, true, but he never perpetuated massacres, and engaged in no more than a handful of armed conflicts with Native Americans. The military actions of Custer are well and completely documented.

The history of the Indian Wars remains controversial, but if you seek a representative of the sentiments of greed and racism, General Custer was not that man. His personal views, which echo his empathy and fascination with Native American culture were published in the essays he wrote while living in Dakota Territory.

In fact, but for a twist of fate, Custer would not even have been present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In the spring of 1876 he was held in Washington D.C. in retaliation for testifying against the American government for corruption in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Hed gathered evidence for testimony in conversation with local Natives via plains Indians sign-language. Custer nearly escaped his fate in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, but did not avoid the conflict over name-association with small patch of grass in Bismarck, North Dakota, 144 years after his death.

E.C. Schuh, Bismarck

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Taal volcano is seen as it is spewing fume in Batangas, Philippines on January 15, 2020. Some people refuse to be evacuated from the danger zone because of Taal volcano eruption, while around 53,000 people in the area have found shelter in public evacuation centers after four days of volcano activity. (Photo by Alejandro Ernesto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

By Adam Minter

Smoke and ash erupted Sunday from the Taal volcano in the Philippines, with the plume rising almost 9 miles into the atmosphere and threatening hundreds of thousands of people. The Philippine government mobilized quickly. By Wednesday, more than 38,000 people were staying in evacuation centers, and many thousands more had dispersed to family throughout the country. Meanwhile, the government began to distribute supplies, including 100,000 protective face masks, in and around the eruption zone. Theres little time to waste: Volcanologists are warning that a hazardous eruption could come at any time.

Thanks to their planning, leaders in the Philippines hope that that eruption, if and when it comes, wont be nearly as catastrophic as it would have been 10 years ago. Back then, the Philippines, like most emerging-market countries, mostly responded to disasters by cleaning up afterward. Today, preparedness is a national priority, and the Philippines is a model for how emerging-market governments in the worlds most disaster-prone region can be ready for the worst.

Residents affected by the erupting Taal Volcano stay in an evacuation center in Batangas, Philippines, January 15, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Since 1970, 59% of the global death toll from disasters  about 2 million people  occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a United Nations report. Economic losses have also been profound, totaling about $675 billion annually. The regions disaster outlook is growing worse because of urbanization in vulnerable areas, degradation of the environment and the influence of a warming climate on extreme weather. In 2018, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for almost half of the worlds 281 natural disasters, and eight of the 10 deadliest. Already in 2020, at least 60 people died as a result of flooding in Jakarta, and tens of thousands remain in temporary shelters.

Thanks to its location, the Philippines is more vulnerable to disaster than its neighbors. On average, eight or nine tropical cyclones make landfall on its coasts annually, bringing storm surges, flooding and landslides  phenomena that are likely to become more frequent and intensify as the climate warms. The country is perched atop the Ring of Fire  a geologically active path along the Pacific Ocean  and is home to 53 active volcanos and fault lines capable of major earthquakes near the countrys biggest cities. Further raising the risk profile is the countrys drive to urbanize: Half the population currently lives in cities, with roughly a quarter of its residents (25 million people) in the Manila metro area.

Story continues

Officials in the Philippines historically didnt view disasters as recurrent problems worth mitigating or preventing. Rather, their focus was almost entirely concentrated on rapid response after the disaster. Thats neither new nor uncommon in emerging Asian countries. In Jakarta, for example, the Indonesian government has struggled to manage regular, catastrophic floods, much less fund systems to control them. The situation has grown so bad that victims of this months floods are filing a class-action lawsuit against the government for failing to plan for them.

What changed the disaster calculus in the Philippines was the scale of the catastrophes. In 2009, metro Manilla was hit by Typhoon Ketsana, which dumped more than a months worth of rain in 12 hours, killed more than 700 people and paralyzed the citys economy. The governments tepid response precipitated a political crisis and the passage of legislation that prioritized proactive disaster management and risk reduction. Among other reforms, local governments are now required to prepare maps of areas prone to disasters like landslides, and make them public for planning and zoning purposes.

A logo of a McDonald's store is splattered with mud from volcanic ash in Tagaytay City, Philippines, January 14, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

To finance the shift, the countrys main disaster fund is mandated to spend 70% on prevention, preparedness and mitigation, with 30% allocated to quick response operations. Among other benefits, the funding enables local governments to invest in hazard monitoring and forecasting equipment, including tsunami detection stations and volcano observatories (including those watching the Taal volcano). This spending is mostly administered by local governments, but since 2010 their disaster responses are monitored, integrated and supervised by a high-level agency. This framework not only provides accountability, but also ensures that planning and response to large-scale disasters can be coordinated nationally. Civil society and religious organizations also play a grass-roots role in disaster planning and response.

Of course, no system is perfect. In the Philippines, its fair to question whether a disaster preparedness system that depends on forging consensus within and among communities can be effective in the event of a major crisis. Likewise, there are legitimate concerns that the government will not fund the systems needs adequately. So far, at least, investments in detection and preparation have clearly left the Philippines in a better place to manage the disastrous impacts of an eruption at the Taal volcano than it was a decade ago. Thats a lesson that Indonesia and other disaster-prone Asian countries can afford to emulate.

 2020 Bloomberg L.P.
60 Minutes Australia released a short documentary Tuesday on YouTube showing how "former" Israeli Mossad agents worked on behalf of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein to allegedly spy on and intimidate his accusers into silence.



WATCH:







Description:

In a major 60 MINUTES investigation, Liam Bartlett reveals an added level of Weinstein wickedness. To cover up his many crimes, the one-time Hollywood heavyweight had at his disposal a so-called "army of spies". These "agents" collected sensitive and embarrassing information about his victims, which was then used to discredit or shut them up. Among Weinstein's trusted allies was Australian Dylan Howard, who a few days ago went to court to try to stop his part in Bartletts story being broadcast. Unfortunately for Howard, he failed.

The documentary first aired in 2018 but was only now shared online.



The part on Black Cube starts at 15:09.



Until his recent downfall, Harvey Weinstein was the undisputed top dog in all of Hollywood and was thanks during the Oscars more than God. Meryl Streep even called him "God."







As Ronan Farrow reported in 2017, Harvey Weinstein -- on former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's recommendation -- hired Black Cube, an Israeli firm comprised of "former" Mossad agents to take down his accusers.







Ex-NBC producer Rich McHugh, who worked together with Ronan Farrow to expose Weinstein, claimed Black Cube and agents of another intelligence firm hacked his phone, broke into his home and messed with his phone wires.





Fascinating Interview with Ronan Farrow's Producer Rich McHugh



Tucker Carlson: "Someone broke into your house & tampered with the phone lines & the suggestion is that it was private investigators, former Mossad hired by Harvey Weinstein. Did you ever get to the bottom of it?" pic.twitter.com/Me2kx7eNqQ  The Columbia Bugle  (@ColumbiaBugle) October 23, 2019



Roman Khaykin, who was hired as a subcontractor by Black Cube to shut down Ronan Farrow's investigation allegedly through hacking Farrow's phones and stalking his home, reportedly told his partner -- fellow private investigator Igor Ostrovskiy -- the reason he worked for Black Cube was because: "To me, this is like doing a mitzvah. I'm doing something good for Israel."



Harvey Weinstein was photographed partying at Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday bash at Windsor Castle in 2006 with Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged madam/handler Ghislaine Maxwell, both of whom have been of accused of being Israeli spies.



It's worth nothing that Dylan Howard rushed out a widely-promoted book on Jeffrey Epstein after his arrest and alleged "suicide" in 2019 and did some solid reporting on the case.



Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab and Minds.
The Pre-K 4 SAs governing board of Pre-K 4 SA asked the City Council on Wednesday to schedule the election to renew the sales tax that funds the city program in May rather than November to give it a better shot at voter approval.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg and several council members threw their support behind the request, acknowledging the advantages to the program of being on a shorter ballot.

Only Councilman Clayton Perry expressed hesitation, questioning whether the city should ask for continued funding of education programs at all while it weighs other priorities, including a push to redirect a separate 1/8-cent sales tax from Edwards Aquifer protection to bolster public transportation, which also will require voter approval.

I have to remind people theres competing interests, Perry said. Somebody has to pay for it. Wheres that money going to come from? And thats what needs to be really driving whether we move on with this program or not.

Voters first approved the sales tax for the early childhood education program in 2012. Pre-K 4 SA operates four centers, each offering full-day pre-kindergarten to 500 of the citys 4-year-olds, and it trains teachers and distributes grants to participating school districts. Program leaders estimate more than 452,000 local students have been impacted by the programs various components.

Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox

Its budget last fiscal year was $47.3 million, of which $36.4 million was from the sales tax. The city program also gets some pass-through state funding from the school districts whose students attend its centers.

At Wednesdays briefing, Pre-K 4 SA board chairwoman Elaine Mendoza and CEO Saray Baray touted results of a study on the programs first cohort of students conducted by UTSAs Urban Education Institute. The students showed stronger math and reading scores than their peers in third grade and better school attendance, the study showed.

The program has also been held up as a national model for high quality pre-k. It has continuously met all 10 benchmarks set by the well-regarded National Institute for Early Educational Research for high quality early childhood education.

On ExpressNews.com: Pre-K 4 SA is increasingly an option for San Antonio families too affluent for free pre-k

Our board stayed focused on data and outcomes so that we could prove worthy of the voters support, Mendoza told the council.

She said the May ballot is shaping up to be mostly about education, with board elections for several area school districts and the Alamo Colleges District. She expects voters who pay attention to education will turn out. Educators will be looking for assurance the program will continue, Mendoza said.

But renewed funding for Pre-K 4 SA might get overshadowed in a crowded November ballot that will include a presidential race and other city issues.

If theres such thing as ballot fatigue, I think thats going to happen, Mendoza said.

On ExpressNews.com: Fast track eyed for San Antonio sales tax election to fund Pre-K 4 SA

The city doesnt have any council races set for May and would need to call a special election by Feb. 14 to place Pre-K 4 SA funding on that ballot. It has two meetings before that deadline  Jan. 30 and Feb. 13.

If renewed, program leaders want to spend the next eight years using the centers to appeal to more families who are too affluent to qualify for free pre-k but cannot afford private options. About 40 percent of the citys 4-year-olds do not qualify for state-funded pre-k and at least 3,000 of those families cannot afford high-quality private schooling, they have estimated.

Program leaders plan to create spaces for those families through a number of strategies. Currently, the centers serve between 250 and 300 children on a sliding scale tuition. In the future, the program would make those slots free by raising the income threshold for eligibility and increase the number of tuition spaces, Baray said. Some families who get free pre-k could be redirected to partner programs in order to make more space for families who are caught in the middle, she said.

Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva
Guatemala's new president on Wednesday faced an early test of his ability to manage migration as a caravan of hundreds of people left Honduras for the United States, and said Mexico would halt its progress.

President Alejandro Giammattei inherited a contentious deal that his predecessor's government struck with Washington designed to make migrants from Honduras and El Salvador seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States.

Giammattei met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard early on Wednesday, and later told reporters that Mexico was determined to halt the caravan's advance.

"The Mexican government told us that they won't let it pass," said Giammattei, "that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing."

Mexico's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Giammattei's remarks.

Earlier, Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexico and Guatemala will hold bilateral talks on migration once the new Guatemalan government has become familiar with "the situation."

In accordance with a freedom of movement agreement between northern Central America countries, Giammattei said he would allow the caravan to enter Guatemala provided its members had the required paperwork.

Still, tensions flared when a group of about 300 migrants approached the Guatemala border at Corinto from Honduras.

According to Honduran security ministry spokesman Jair Meza, Honduran police fired tear gas when a group of people tried to cross without passing through migration controls.

Some reached the Guatemalan side, where 15 people were detained by Guatemalan authorities and sent back, Meza said.

Giammattei, a conservative who has already discussed migration with top U.S. officials, is scheduled to speak by phone with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Giammattei has yet to detail how he will treat the U.S. migration agreement, instead focusing on economic development.

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"Physical walls aren't going to stop migration... the only things that stop migration are walls of prosperity," Giammattei told Mexican broadcaster Televisa.

Before dawn, the caravan of several hundred people set off from San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras, about 25 miles (40 km) from the Guatemala border.

"Here there's no work, there's nothing. That's why we are fleeing to the United States," a young man traveling with his wife and two children told Honduran television.

San Pedro Sula, one of Central America's most violent cities, also was the departure point for a large caravan in 2018 that angered Trump, prompting him to press governments in the region to do more to contain migration.

Guatemala's former President Jimmy Morales last July agreed with the U.S. government to implement measures aimed at reducing U.S. asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador, averting Trump's threat of economic sanctions.

Giammattei said a top priority would be reviewing the text of migration agreements made with the United States.

(REUTERS)
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Thursday.



Earlier on Wednesday, Zarif held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2020 which is currently going on in the national capital.

The visiting dignitary also met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Zarif, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2020, targetted the US over its air raid which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

He said that US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and the Islamic State (ISIS) are "celebrating" the death of Soleimani.

Talking about Iran's airstrikes at two military bases in Iraq, Zarif maintained that Tehran retaliated in "self-defence" and rebuffed Washington's claims that Soleimani was planning to attack US embassies.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike at Baghdad International Airport on January 3. Days later, Tehran retaliated by firing a barrage of missiles at two US military bases in Iraq.

Soleimani's death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.

Countries including the UK and India have urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation. (ANI)


SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Homeless women ordered by a California judge last week to leave a vacant house they illegally occupied in Oakland for two months were evicted before dawn Tuesday by sheriff's deputies in a case that highlighted the state's severe housing shortage and growing numbers of homeless people.

Alameda County Sheriff's deputies, some dressed in military-style fatigues, escorted two women with the Moms 4 Housing group from the home and bound their hands with plastic ties as dozens of activists on the sidewalk chanted Let the moms go! Let the moms go! and recorded the chaotic scene with their cellphones.

Two men were also arrested. All four had been released by Tuesday afternoon.

Video showed one deputy slamming a battering ram against the house's front door.

The women decried the show of force and declared their fight far from over in a city where a one-night count of homeless jumped 47% in two years to more than 4,000 last year and the median house sales price is about $750,000. Deputies boarded up the house with plywood, and a chain link fence was later erected around the property.

Deputies who carried out the eviction "came in like an army for mothers and babies," said Dominique Walker, one of the mothers who was not arrested. We have the right to housing. This is just the beginning.

How permanently the women have changed the conversation around what is an intractable  and statewide  problem remains to be seen. An uptick in the U.S. homeless population last year was driven entirely by a 16% increase in California, federal officials have said, and the governor has pledged to tackle the twin crises of homelessness and deep housing unaffordability.

The Oakland women have said nobody should be homeless when investment companies are buying and fixing up properties to sell at profit. The occupied house in the distressed west Oakland neighborhood is owned by Wedgewood Inc., a Southern California real estate investment group that bought the property at a foreclosure auction last year for just over $500,000.

Story continues

Wedgewood said it plans to work with the nonprofit group Shelter 37 to renovate the property with help from at-risk youth and will split profits from the home's sale with Shelter 37.

Squatting is nothing new in the San Francisco Bay Area, said Needa Bee, a homeless mother who works with The Village in Oakland group to shelter homeless people, in some cases inside houses that belong to others.

The group identified nine unoccupied homes over the last year for 40 homeless people, she said. Some properties targeted for squatting included homes owned by banks and investment firms. Others were homes owned by people having trouble paying property taxes, and who welcomed the homeless as tenants in exchange for the group's help paying taxes or making repairs.

The group also plans to build homes and a solar shower on a median strip in an East Oakland neighborhood currently used as an illegal trash dump, Bee said.

We live in a society that is pro-property owners and pro-capitalist so when you have that kind of value system, youre going to have people who live on medians and who are harassed for living on medians," Bee said.

The women who were evicted Tuesday moved into the three-bedroom house in November with their children, partly to protest the methods of speculators who they have claimed snap up distressed homes and leave them empty despite California's housing shortage.

They also wanted to highlight the plight of African Americans in the U.S. who were historically shut out of owning property and forced into substandard neighborhoods that are now popular with wealthier, and often whiter, residents.

African Americans are about a quarter of Oakland's population, but made up 70% of homeless counted.

We live in a society that is anti-poverty, that is anti-black, Bee said.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Patrick McKinney ruled Friday the women did not have the right to stay and had to leave within five days. McKinney said the courtroom was not the place to address issues of housing and homelessness.

Still, McKinney allowed lawyers for Walker, and her recently formed collective, Moms 4 Housing, to make their case. They argued that housing is a right and that the court must give the women the right to possess the house, especially because it sat vacant for so long and because the alternative would be to send the women to live on the streets.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Ray Kelly, spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, called the high-profile eviction a success because authorities feared a potential for violence.

Officers had to use the battering ram to get into the house because the back and front doors had been fortified, Kelly said. Two women and a man who were inside were arrested after they were given 5 minutes to leave and did not, he said. A fourth person was arrested outside the house.

There was a tremendous amount of work that went into this and we had to think outside the box a little bit," Kelly said.

Officers then boarded up the house with plywood and said it is up to Oakland police to arrest anyone caught trespassing. The house did not contain many belongings, Kelly said, and Wedgewood is responsible for returning those belongings.

Kelly said the department is considering billing Wedgewood for the tens of thousands of dollars associated with enforcing the eviction.

The people arrested will be booked on misdemeanor charges of resisting and obstruction, he said. No children were present during the 5:15 a.m. eviction because the mothers had sent them away for safekeeping.

Wedgewood said the company was pleased the illegal occupation of its Oakland home has ended peacefully.

Moms 4 Housing said after the eviction that its efforts will continue despite the arrests.

Weve built a movement of thousands of Oaklanders who showed up at a moments notice to reject police violence and advocate for homes for families, the group tweeted. This isnt over, and it wont be over until everyone in the Oakland community has a safe and dignified place to live.
HUD Jobs; Borrower Satisfaction Report; Vendor News and Updates

For folks who like numbers and trends, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus national and state population estimates released in December, 42 states and the District of Columbia had fewer births in 2019 than 2018. Natural increase, or when the number of births is greater than the number of deaths, dropped below 1 million in 2019 for the first time in decades. The nations population was 328,239,523 in 2019, growing by 0.5 percent between 2018 and 2019, or 1,552,022 people, which is reflective of a multiyear slowdown since 2014. New York state lost the most population, while California had the largest net domestic migration loss, though still remains the most populous state (39,512,223 people). Nationally, net international migration continues to decrease, falling to below 600k between 2018 and 2019, a far cry from over 1 million people in 2016. Net international migration has decreased each year since then. Regardless, home ownership is still the American Dream.

Vendor and Borrower News

Lenders, do you know the seven commandments to ensure delighted borrowers? In the just-released January issue of STRATMOR Groups Insights Report,MortgageSAT Director Mike Seminari lays out the common-sense rules for achieving borrower satisfaction in his article, The Seven Commandments for Optimizing the Customer Experience, Seminari provides real-life examples and shares statistics on how to create a better borrower experience around the seven make-or-break aspects of the loan process that improve the likelihood of a borrower referring business your way. In a year where referrals will make a difference, this is a dont miss article from STRATMOR in the January Insights Report.

Lenders completed more than 38,000 digital closings with Docutechs Solex eClosing Platform. Docutech, the leading provider of document, eSign, eClose and print fulfillment technology for the mortgage industry, on assisting lenders complete more than 38,000 digital closings with its Solex eClosing Platform. Approved by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae for eClosing, eNote, and eVault functionality, the Solex eClosing platform provides lenders eSigning efficiencies from initial document generation through post-closing, integration with the MERS eRegistry for all eNote management transactions, and soon Remote Online Notarization (RON) through integration with NotaryCam.

Blend has launched a new loan officer app to fuel omnichannel experience. Blend Loan Officer, the new mobile app, offers LOs the gift of flexibility and functionality. This app allows LOs to provide consumers with the flexibility to complete their mortgage application online, in person or over the phone. The co-pilot on desktop to help move a borrower along in their application (on mobile, they can instantly text, call, or email them). Borrower application progress is tracked in real-time and take immediate actions and send/edit pre-approval letters and counter-signing disclosures.

Optimal Blue discontinued support of Axos Banks Portfolio programs. Customers utilizing this content for proprietary products have six months from 1/6/20 to reconfigure eligibility/adjustment sourcing. The corresponding Expanded Guidelines version of the Portfolio programs will remain available.

As of January 1, Pavaso is supporting remote online notarization (RON) in Florida and Idaho. State commissioned remote electronic notaries (eNotaries) can select the Pavaso platform to complete RON eClosings, which gives home buyers and sellers the option to close real estate transactions remotely, from almost anywhere in the world. Both Florida House Bill 409 and Idaho Senate Bill 1111 were adopted in 2019 to expand eNotary privileges to include RON. In addition to the in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) of digital documents, eNotaries may now electronically notarize (eNotarize) documents from a different location than signers. The process utilizes a secure internet connection and two-way, audio-visual technology to facilitate, document and create a recording of each RON session. When conducting RON transactions, eNotaries must be physically present in the state where they are commissioned but signers can complete the closing from a location of their choice.

Black Knight launched Digital Point of Sale, an AI-Powered solution to streamline origination process. Seamlessly integrated with empower loan origination system, Digital Point of Sale can be used on mobile devices, bank apps or via responsive web design. Integration with Black Knights Empower loan origination system ensures data integrity and consistency from the very start of the origination process. The solution leverages AIVA, Black Knights artificial intelligence virtual assistant, to offer a smart, dynamic Q&A format that guides the consumer through the mortgage application process and uses existing functionalities within Empower to verify credit, income and assets. Features include the ability to upload and review documents, validate data and provide near-real-time feedback to consumers when documents are missing, or anomalies are found.



Capital Markets

Economic data over the last week was mainly positive despite a miss in December's payrolls report. December nonfarm payrolls increased by 145,000 and the unemployment rate remained near historic lows at 3.5 percent. Even though markets were expecting an increase of 160,000 a one-time small miss did not roil markets. Unemployment claims for the week ending January 4 fell to a still low 214,000. Elsewhere, the ISM Non-Manufacturing survey rebounded to 55.0 in December, providing a nice juxtaposition to the weakening manufacturing data. The data suggests that moderate growth will continue into 2020. Trade continues to make headlines and the trade gap narrowed to -$43.1 billion in November. For the prior twelve months, exports increased a mere 0.3 percent while imports fell 3.8 percent. The improvement in the gap is nice although overall trade was lower than the third quarter average due to the uncertainty surrounding trade policy and tariffs during the month.

U.S. Treasuries rallied for the second time this week yesterday as the cash market adjusted at the open to reflect an overnight advance in the futures market. Treasuries advanced to fresh highs after December producer prices decreased when they were expected to increase, though the reading wont convince the Federal Reserve that it needs to raise its policy rate any time soon. The market found resistance shortly thereafter, and the 10-year yield closed the day -3 bps to 1.79 percent.

President Trump and China's Vice Premier He signed the Phase One trade deal in Washington, which calls for China to buy an additional $32 billion worth of farm products and an additional $52 billion worth of energy products over the next two years. While American trade pacts traditionally leave the particulars of commerce to markets, this one includes a classified annex detailing $200 billion in Chinese purchases. It seems Phase Two will be to address foundational issues such as industrial subsidies.

Elsewhere internationally, Germany's GDP expanded in 2019 at the weakest growth rate since 2013, the Bank of Japan lowered its economic assessment for three of its nine regions, and the Eurozone's November Industrial Production missed expectations, as did the U.K.'s December CPI and Core CPI. Domestically, Philadelphia Fed President Harker said that the Fed isn't ready to commit to a standing repo facility. And the Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced that regular repurchase operations will continue through February 13.

The Federal Reserve's Beige Book for December noted that economic activity during the last six weeks of 2019 continued expanding at a modest pace. Growth in Dallas and Richmond districts was above average while growth in regions like Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Kansas City was below trend. Consumer spending expanded at a modest to moderate pace while vehicle sales expanded moderately with some exceptions. Manufacturing activity was little changed.

Of course loan officers are pleased that the big news on the day/year is that for the first time, a typical borrower in the U.S. can take out a home loan for over half a million dollars and still obtain the very best mortgage rates. Because of rising home prices, loan limits for government mortgage programs have been raised or even eliminated for 2020, meaning more borrowers can get mortgage deals, even if they live in pricey parts of the country.

Todays calendar is already underway with December Retail Sales (+.3% as expected, ex-auto +.7%), January Philadelphia Fed Index, Weekly Initial Claims (204k), December Import Prices (+.3%), and December Export Prices ex-agriculture (-.2%). Later this morning brings November business inventories and the January NAHB Housing Market Index. Aside from some remarks from Fed Governor Bowman, Fed-related news has the Desk scheduled for a UMBS30 FedTrade operation targeting up to $918 million 2.5 percent ($417 million) and 3 percent ($501 million). We begin the day with Agency MBS prices down a few ticks and the 10-year yielding 1.79 percent after the spate of news.

Jobs, Merger Opportunities, and Transitions

AnnieMacs B2B Division is looking for Account Executives to help promote its Correspondent & Private Label Solutions to Banks & Credit Unions nationwide. AnnieMac offers an array of solutions for Banks & Credit Unions that are looking for a turnkey Private Label platform to increase profitability OR a new investor who offers competitive pricing. Our ideal candidate has extensive contacts in the Banking and/or Credit Union space and has residential lending experience either as a vendor or lender. To learn more or submit your resume, please contact Ryan Kube.

Guaranteed Rate is seeking acquisition opportunities with mortgage companies looking to maximize profitability. Guaranteed Rate, the 3rdlargest retail lender in the country, experienced record growth in 2019, thus creating a great opportunity to partner with like-minded leaders looking to take advantage of our expertise and economies of scale. If you are an owner or CEO of a mortgage company that is looking for better pricing, increased profitability, lower risk and much less stress and hassle, we urge you to e-mail Mark Filler to learn more about integrating your business into our platform.

Move forward with Motto! Join your local Motto Mortgage office for robust product choice, industry-leading technologies, and the freedom to build your opportunity your way. Weve teamed up with two of the industrys most respected platforms: Encompass and Total Expert so your marketing and originating efforts are streamlined and top-notch. Plus, you get to use SmartFees for each transaction. And its all on us! Add that to our impressive wholesaler connections and our dedicated support staff and youll have powerful career support for the growing business you deserve. Find out what happens when you combine your brain and our brawn today! Currently recruiting in AL, AZ, FL, HI, IN, MO, NM, OR, and TX.

On the heels of a record breaking 2019, Castle & Cooke Mortgage is sprinting into 2020 with one goal in mind: Growth. Thats why we are so excited to announce the addition of Tim Lewis as VP of Consumer Direct. Tim is a veteran of both the US Army (Major, 22 years) as well as the mortgage industry. He has nearly 2 decades of industry experience and success building consumer direct channels using a proven growth and development model designed to take driven individuals with sales, mortgage, or banking experience and mentor them into becoming successful retail originators. Castle & Cooke Mortgage is currently licensed in 36 states and has a substantial servicing portfolio for our consumer direct team to work with. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning how to become a top-producing Loan Officer while growing your own database at a family-oriented, customer-centric company, you need to contact Christi Fullerton today.

NEXA Mortgage is a pure mortgage broker with 403 Loan Officers and that is up from 341 just last month. NEXA was recently featured in HousingWire and GrowJo.com as the fastest growing mortgage broker in the country. Want to know why they are growing so fast as they move closer to their goal of 1000 producing Loan Officers? They are hosting a weekly webinar today, "Why NEXA with Mike Kortas". The CEO dives into a deep conversation of what drives this growing channel. This webinar is today at 10am PST/1pm EST at www.NEXAmortgage.com/support. Just click on the link and join. Let them know you heard about it on Chrisman.

HUD is looking for a Deputy Director, Servicing and Loss Mitigation Division. Expect to review the performance of mortgagees in the administration of insured and direct loans for single-family dwellings against FHA servicing policies. Instruct and train housing counseling agencies on servicing procedures and FHA's policies and procedures. Assess the ability of current counseling programs to perform comprehensive housing counseling programs, which includes financial management, mortgage default correction and understanding of FHA relief programs.

Blue Sage Solutions, developers of the Blue Sage Digital Lending Platform, announced that David Aach has joined the company as chief operating officer to focus on increasing the company's relationships with industry partners, clients and prospects.

Non-QMs Sprout Mortgage announced that Gregory Walker has joined the company as Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, reporting directly to Michael Strauss, President. (Gregory takes over the position from Shannon Leight, 45, who moves to the newly created position of Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel for Sprout Lending LLC.)
An excavator works at Atlantic Gold Corporation's Touquoy open pit gold mine in Nova Scotia in a file photo. Mining is not one of the industries the government is looking to boost; however, Canada has signed up to assist the United States in creating a supply chain for critical minerals that include rare earths. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

Kickstarting Rare Earth Mining and Production Puts Canada in a Policy Bind

Pursuit of competing objectives currently leaving mining out in the cold

News Analysis

A significant payoff could be on the table for Canadas economy if it can kickstart its beleaguered rare earth elements (REEs) mining industry. The problem is that its not one of the governments priorities, such as green energy, despite the fact that the sector needs federal support to dent Chinas monopoly and eventually invite private sector investment. Recent regulatory actions further dampen the industrys prospects.

The United States is seeking a reliable partner to break Chinas stranglehold on REEs. Canada has shown it can be just thatit supplies the United States with a quarter of its uranium needs and has been a trustworthy counterparty for over 75 years. Despite Canada having about 4050 percent of the worlds known rare earth reserves, it is not currently producing any REEs.

The Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration was finalized Jan. 9, and in the coming weeks experts from both countries will be meeting to discuss production and mineral security concerns.

Critical minerals include nickel, copper, uranium, zinc, and cobalt, while the rare earths are distinct group of 17 elements with similar properties. The production of batteries is a growing source of demand for these metals as electric/hybrid vehicles and electronics become ubiquitous.

What can a government do if it is decided that an industry needs to make a quantum leap forward? The only viable solutions are providing subsidies and tax advantages, says Carleton University business professor Ian Lee.

Thats exactly what were doing with solar panels and wind, he said, adding that the green industry is the best example of what the government is doing if it wants an industry to take off.

Not Considered Green

Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, also suggested in an interview with BNN Bloomberg that the government could invest directly in some mining operators; however, governments in Western advanced economies have moved away from ownership stakes in the means of production over the last few decades.

Government funding for mining has been relatively meagre in recent years, but it is plentiful for anything green.

In the federal governments first budget in 2016, more than $1 billion over 4 years was promised for clean tech, which included forestry, fisheries, energy, agriculture, and mining. However, a government database tracking Invest in Canada funding showed no discernible funding allocated to mining.

Budget 2018 extending a 15 percent tax credit for one more year to support junior mining companies exploration work is about all thats been done. Budget 2017 stated that in recent years, Canada has phased out a number of tax breaks for oil, gas, and coal mining.

With the government putting a priority on clean energy and certain agricultural sectors where it feels the country has a comparative advantage and thus assistance is warranted, if it also makes mining a focus the competing ideal of environmental responsibility will act as an albatross around its neck.

The government in Canada is holding a position that is fairly hostile to mining development, Lee said. This is a good example of government working at cross purposes with itself.

Its been very difficult for explorers to raise funds to go explore for rare earth projects and to develop them, said Gratton. Its not subject to natural market conditions.

The reason is that China has monopolized the supply chain for REEs and is less concerned about losing money than about securing long-term supply, says Gratton. This is common operating procedure for Chinas state-owned enterprises.

In our view, the reason that China has a lock on the market is not because of the supply in the ground. Its because of the processing capability, said Tracy Moore, CEO of Canada Rare Earth, a company that acts as a value-added middleman. It sources rare earth concentrate from existing sources and sells to refineries, which could be built in Canada but currently are elsewhere.

A few decades ago, when China took on the responsibility of processing rare earth concentrate, refining virtually shut down elsewhere.

The Chinese, particularly at that time, were turning a blind eye to environmental issues of processing, Moore said. Eventually China began also mining REEs within its borders.

Has Not Been a Priority

A 2014 House of Commons Committee on Natural Resources report quoted industry experts pushing the government for assistance to develop a reliable rare earth supply chain.

While we are great believers of free-market principles, in view of the poor capital market conditions for Canadas junior resource sector, we respectfully ask how Canadian rare earth developers are to compete unsupported in a market dominated by a powerful sovereign nation pursuing a calculated strategy and where other governments are spending vast sums on rapid development of rare earth deposits to support their national interests, said Al Shefsky, president, Pele Mountain Resources Inc., in the report.

Shefsky said back then that Canada could create its own REEs supply chain and generate billions in economic activity and thousands of well-paying jobs.

Also in the report, Canadian public officials said investment in REEs research and development was about $1 million over the three years ending in March 2014. This spending was dwarfed by the U.S.s $120 million over the next five years and Australias $80 million over the next three years.

Moore says the more important factor is providing the capability to enhance and separate the REEs.

If you mine stuff in Canada, the concentrate would have to go to China for processing, he said. Therefore, its not about mining, but about having a viable outlet for the concentrate to be refined.

If the government is going to get involved, I think it should be at the refining/enhancement level which will help pull through the best of the breed of the mining opportunities, Moore added.

Monopolies Dont Last

Chinas de-facto monopoly in REEs is a thorn in the side of the U.S. military. Its U.S. national security concernssuch as the need for these key minerals to be used in making components for fighter jets and other important electronicsrather than classical monopolistic behaviour from China that is spurring the initial steps toward the dismantling of the monopoly.

Nevertheless, historically, monopolies have never lasted for a long time. Economic theory says they tend to kill themselves. If the monopolist tries to raise prices too much, the incentives for others to develop an alternative become too tantalizing.

In the long run, any monopoly creates the condition of its own destruction, Lee said. Now with mature capitalism, you have so many different companies, so many different wealthy people.

The United States and its allies have made it clear that their dependence on China for rare earths needs an alternative. So the seeds of destruction to Chinas REEs monopoly are being sewn.

Gratton is enthusiastic about the broader collaboration between the United States and Canada on critical minerals.

I think its just great  really good for our two countries, he said.

Canada is an important supplier of 13 of the 35 minerals that the United States has identified as critical to economic and national security, according to the Natural Resources Canada press release on Jan. 9.

We have the potential to become a reliable source of other critical minerals, including rare earth elements.
Police have arrested a British alleged 'drug kingpin' accused of masterminding a plan to smuggle $1billion worth of drugs into Australia inside a luxury yacht.

Local fisherman found the abandoned yacht carrying illicit drugs in the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia last September.

It allegedly contained 40 hefty bags of cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy - weighing one tonne - hidden under piles of seaweed.

Now police plan to extradite a 54-year-old British man who they allege was the 'senior organiser' of the foiled drug smuggling plot.

Local fisherman found the abandoned yacht (pictured) carrying the illicit drugs in the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia last September

The yacht allegedly contained 40 hefty bags of cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy - weighing one tonne

Police already charged five men over the plan, which was one of the biggest seizures in WA's history

He is currently being held in the UK, and WA Police have already flown to Britain twice to interview him.

The man, who was based in Jersey in the Channel Islands between England and France, has been told he will be charged for his alleged role.

Police already charged five men over the plan, which was one of the biggest seizures in WA's history.

Antoine Dicenta, 51, from France, and British man Graham Palmer, 34, allegedly ran the $560,000 yacht aground on a reef off the coast of Geraldton.

The pair are believed to have sailed the boat across the Indian Ocean.

They are said to have traveled there using an inflatable dinghy powered by an outboard motor and paddles.

Police arrested and charged three other men in WA over their alleged roles in the scheme.

WA Police Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce and Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch revealed to The West Australian the worldwide operation to catch the men led them to Jersey, England and Thailand.

'The evidence linking all of the organisers, the key organisers to the shipment...we've followed that up between Thailand and Jersey and England, which gives us a better brief and a better understanding how it got here,' Mr Royce said.

Deputy Commissioner Blanch said WA Police will travel far and wide to catch masterminds, and will continue to work closely with foreign agencies to bring down drug gangs.

'If we seize drugs domestically, that should be the start of our investigation, how did they get here, what was the network behind it, let's go after all of them,' he said.

'I hope (in) the future...they have a conversation in their own criminal world that says 'lets not go to WA and do it because they come after us.'
EDWARDSVILLE  Edwardsvilles public works department presented its proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year during Tuesdays public services meeting.

Eric Williams, director of public works, Ryan Zwijack, city engineer, and David Sirko, assistant city engineer, attended to answer questions from the committee.

Alderman Craig Louer aired a general complaint that the city is not living up to its comprehensive plan goals when it comes to walkability.

When you get down to neighborhood streets, we have a comprehensive plan that talks about walkability, sidewalks and safety issues where people have some place to walk but we dont have the money for it, Louer said.

He said in the eight years he has been on the city council, he does not feel as though much progress has been made in that regard.

Williams distributed a map of planned improvement projects for FY2020-2021, highlighting those in the engineering and construction stages. Edwardsvilles new fiscal year starts May 1.

There are six in engineering planning now  a large traffic signal interconnect project on Troy Road from Sams Club in Glen Carbon to Montclaire Avenue; North Buchanan Street resurfacing; Hillsboro and Chapman storm sewer improvements; St. Louis Street resurfacing between West Vandalia and North Main; and a section of the Route 157 Shared Path from just southwest of Whispering Heights to near University/Lewis Drive and the Route 159/Plum Street shared-use path.

Four projects will start the construction this fiscal year, the aforementioned Route 159/Plum Street shared-use path; the Route 157 shared-use path; resurfacing of Timberlake Drive and Susanne Court; and resurfacing of Country Club View Drive and Fairway Drive.

As far as what areas are community development block grant-eligible (CDBG), Madison County revised its maps and the eligibility areas for 2020. Sirko said the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a different income survey, so the new CDBG areas are different.

Last year, the department completed road projects on Fifth Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Third Avenue and parts of Longfellow Avenue as CDBG projects, but those areas are now ineligible.

One is on the west side of town, with Randle Street as the southern border; Clay, West High and North Main streets as the eastern border; and Lincoln Street, Eberhart Avenue, Locust Street, Tower Avenue, Terry Avenue and Grand Avenue as the western border. Another one is on the east end, at Pin Oak Road and Route 143, where the county highway department is. Additional areas are north of 143 and east of Route 157 on the east end of town.

The department has three street improvement funding sources  the Capital Improvement Program, (CIP), the Motor Fuel Tax, (MFT) and a street and bridge levy.

Under CIP, the city imposes a 3.5-percent tax on natural gas consumption and a tiered rate per kilowatt-hour. The department began with $1.4 million from the utility tax plus $1,500 from interest income. Add $50,000 of anticipated project reimbursement and the total estimated revenue is $1.5 million. It was $1.165 million a year ago.

After paying debt service on two separate bones, principal and interest payments and a $113,000 transfer to the general fund by ordinance, the department has slightly more than $1 million to spend on projects from this fund.

The department projects spending $25,000 on various storm sewer locations and $265,000 in engineering fees for the Troy Road Signal Optimizer and the Chapman/Hillsboro storm sewer improvements along with $20,000 for other professional services.

That leaves a balance of more than $747,000 for capital outlay projects. The city projects spending $110,000 on the 159 shared-use path, $550,000 to mill and resurface Timberlake Drive and $100,000 to do the same to Susanne Court. The department anticipates deficit spending of just over $12,000.

Using MFT, the city receives part of the $0.38 per gallon tax on gasoline that Illinois imposes. Since September, when the state raised its fuel tax, Williams said the city has received an average of $40,000 per month more to public works.

The citys projected MFT allotment is just over $1 million, while its total revenue is $1.5 million. Following a transfer of $100,000 to the citys general fund, the department will spend $500,000 on its annual pavement patching contract, $252,500 on contractual services, $403,700 on material and $304,250 on capital outlays.

Capital plans include removing and replacing various city sidewalks and the 157 shared-use path.

Lastly, the street and bridge levy comes from property taxes. Currently, it comprises 8.26 percent of the citys tax levy, which equates to $929,822 plus $1,000 of interest for a total of $930,822. These funds can be spent on any public street.

After $90,000 in engineers fees, $32,000 in professional services monies, the department estimates there will be $800,000 left to spend on capital outlays and these funds will go toward resurfacing Country Club View and Fairway Drive. This leaves the department over expenditures by slightly more than $8,300.

Secondary grant opportunities include sources such as the Surface Transportation Program (STP); the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ); the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP); and Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP).

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735
As far as Russias domestic politics go, there is perhaps only one day in the last 10 years that could claim to match the drama of yesterdays developments.

That day, 26 September 2011, was when Dmitry Medvedev announced he was stepping aside for Vladimir Putin to return to the presidency.

Aides had pushed for Mr Medvedev to stay on, and Mr Putin was reportedly anxious that his associate would run a second time. But Mr Medvedev fell in line, swapped jobs with the then notional prime minister, and the rest is history.

On Wednesday, Mr Medvedev found out that politics is no sentimental game  Kremlin bulldog-under-the-carpet politics even less so  being unceremoniously dumped from frontline politics to a position that didnt even exist.

That was not before an equally dramatic moment that saw the long-time president propose ripping up chunks of the Russian constitution.

Mr Putins proposed changes will massively tilt the balance of power away from the president, towards parliament and a newly beefed-up State Council, a federal governing body that currently wields limited authority. The lower parliament will gain rights to choose the prime minister and cabinet; the upper chamber will have its say over security and judicial appointments. The president will also only be allowed to serve a total of two terms  before, this was two consecutive terms.

Other proposals suggested new restrictions on who can ballot for the presidency, and on the jurisdiction of international courts like the European Court of Human Rights.

20 years of Putin Show all 21 1 /21 20 years of Putin 20 years of Putin 1999 Russian President Boris Yeltsin (R) poses with the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Alexei II (L) and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (C) at the Kremlin in Moscow 31 December 1999. Yeltsin announced 31 December 1999 that he was resigning immediately and that Putin, according to the Russian constitution, would run the country as acting president until presidential elections in March 2000. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2000 Russian President Vladimir Putin poses with his wife Lyudmila in front of the Taj Mahal 04 October 2000. Putin is on a three-day visit to India. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2001 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and US President George W. Bush (R) smile following press conference at Crawford High School in Crawford, Texas 15 November 2001. Presidents Putin and Bush spoke about their meeting at the Bush ranch at a press conference at Crawford High School. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2002 British Prime Minister Tony Blair (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) discuss as they walk in the residence of Zavidovo , in the Tver region, some 120 km north-west of Moscow, as Cherie Blair (C) and Lyudmila Putina (not pictured) follow them 11 October 2002. Tony Blair arrived in Russia for two days of face-to-face talks with President Vladimir Putin on fresh UN action to force Iraq to give up weapons of mass destruction. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2003 Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen during a procession at The Mallat during the start iof his state visit on June 24, 2003 in London, England. Putin is on a 4 days visit in Great Britain and will attend a number of functions during his time in the country. The visit is the first by a Russian President since 1843. Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2004 President Vladimir Putin pets his dog Conny before one of his meetings with officials in his office in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, 03 March 2004. Putin met Wednesday with his nominee for prime minister, Mikhail Fradkov, and expressed hope that the government and parliament would work closely in the future. At left is a bodyguard. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2005 Russian President Vladimir Putin seen during the recording of his annual televised New Year's message at the Kremlin, with the Spassky Tower in the background, in Moscow, recorded early, 29 December 2005. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2006 Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a pistol during his visit to a newly-built headquarters of the Russian General Staff's Main Intelligence Department (GRU) in Moscow, 08 November 2006. ?Some countries are seeking to untie their hands in order to take weapons to outer space, including nuclear weapons,? Putin said at the Chief Military Intelligence Department on Wednesday. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2007 Russian President Vladimir Putin fishing on the Khemchik River near the foothills of the Western Sayan Mountains in the Republic of Tuva. Time magazine named President Vladimir Putin its "person of the year" 19 December 2007 in recognition of the Russian leader's role in making Moscow "a critical linchpin of the 21st century. The award, which is not considered an honor so much as a recognition of the most powerful forces shaping the world, was awarded for Putin's role in reshaping a country that Time's Managing Editor Richard Stengel said had "fallen off our mental map." AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2008 Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) stands next to Libyan leader Muammar Qadaffi during the signing of agreements between the two countries April 17, 2008 in Tripoli, Libya. Putin is in Libya for a two-day official visit to rebuild Russian-Libyan relations. Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2009 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is pictured with a horse during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in Southern Siberia AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2010 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin plays piano during a charity concert in Saint Petersburg AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2011 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) rides a motorbike as he takes part in the 16th annual motorbike festival held by "The Night Wolves" youth organization in the southern Russian town of Novorossiysk AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2012 Russian President Vladimir Putin pilots a motorized hang glider while flying with cranes as he takes part in a scientific experiment as part of the "Flight of Hope", which aims to preserve a rare species of - cranes on September 5, 2012. At the helm of a motorized hang glider that the birds have taken as their leader, Putin made three flights - the first to get familiar with the process, and two others with the birds. AFP/Getty 20 years of Putin 2013 Russin President Vladimir Putin as he plays with his dogs 'Buffy' (up) and 'Yume' at his residence Novo-Ogariovo, outside Moscow. Bulgarian shepherd dog 'Buffy' was presented to Putin by his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov while Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda offered Putin the puppy 'Yume' as a gift during the G20 in Mexico in June. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin visits USA House in the Olympic Village 20 years of Putin 2015 Russias President Vladimir Putin works out at a gym at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a signing ceremony in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on June 25, 2016 in Beijing, China. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in China to discuss more economic and military cooperation between the two countries. Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2017 Russian President Vladimir Putin fishes in the remote Tuva region in southern Siberia. AFP/Getty Images 20 years of Putin 2018 Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks on the phone in his office in Saint Petersburg on December 15, 2018 with Artyom Palyanov -- a boy with brittle bone disease who wished to see a bird's eye view of the city. - Earlier the President promised to make his dream come true by sending him on a helicopter tour of the city. AFP/Getty 20 years of Putin Britain's Prime Minister, Theresa May, meets Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, during a bilateral meeting on the first day of the G20 summit on June 28, 2019 in Osaka, Japan. U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Osaka on Thursday for the annual Group of 20 gathering together with other world leaders who will use the two-day summit to discuss pressing economic, climate change, as well as geopolitical issues. The US-China trade war is expected to dominate the meetings in Osaka as President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet on Saturday in an attempt to resolve the ongoing the trade clashes between the world's two largest economies. Getty Images

The plans seemed designed to accommodate a number of not-quite-retirement scenarios for life after 2024 when, according to Russian law, Mr Putin is obliged to leave office.

The Russian president revealed little in the way of detail. But what seems clear is that a remarkable amount is being changed for one thing to stay the same  him at the top of Russian politics.

Reacting over the last 24 hours, local commentators compared the scale of Mr Putins plans to a coup, a revolution from above and a return to the Soviet Union. One suggested the ruling party may return to a central role akin to the Communist one.

Russias opposition was outraged, if not entirely surprised.

The speech showed what blockheads (and/or crooks) those who claimed Putin would leave in 2024 are, said Alexei Navalny, Mr Putins most prominent foe. Putins only aim is to  remain the only leader for life, taking ownership of an entire country and appropriating wealth to himself and his friends.

Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev attend a meeting with members of the government in Moscow (Reuters)

Mr Medvedevs government had long been ridiculed, and his resignation predicted dozens of times. But the timing of his departure stunned all but a chosen few in Mr Putins inner circle.

Certainly, the former prime minister was seriously damaged by investigations into his alleged corruption, which provoked street protests. His government has also presided over five years of falling real incomes. But Mr Medvedev could hardly be blamed for this, coming as it largely did as the result of low investment confidence and sanctions, both direct consequences of Vladimir Putins belligerent domestic and foreign policies.

Most believed Mr Medvedevs 2011 show of loyalty to the president would be enough to see him keep the job. For that reason, he was also seen as Mr Putins likely presidential successor. His apparent willingness to act as a fall guy to Mr Putin makes the demotion even more puzzling.

We do not, as yet, have a clear picture about what happened in the run up to yesterdays shock announcement, but the signs of major disagreement are there. According to the Kommersant newspaper, Mr Medvedev had been pressing for a different type of reform, merging governmental and presidential functions along the lines of the US presidential system. Novaya Gazeta, a newspaper associated with the opposition, suggested Mr Medvedev lashed out after discovering Mr Putins radically different plans.

Other more loyal outlets said the Russian president became angry with slow progress and wanted to replace his long-time associate with someone more results-oriented.

The incoming premier certainly fits that bill. Mikhail Mishustin, 53, was not widely known outside government, but made a name for himself as a reforming technocrat. He was confirmed by a vote in parliament on Thursday.

Mikhail Mishustin (Getty Images)

Kremlin insiders say the former tax man stood out by using digital technology to turn around Russias failing tax service, now considered to be one of the most efficient in the world. Over the past five years, a time when the economy has stagnated, Mr Mishustin achieved a remarkable feat with a 50 per cent growth in tax receipts.

Mr Mishustins tax service is also considered to be one of the least corrupt government bodies  though critics say his own personal record on corruption is less impressive. Soon after he was named, Proekt, a Russian investigative publication, suggested that Mr Mishustin may have hidden his ownership of several properties in desirable locations in and around Moscow. Proekt reported that the properties (estimated value 7.5 million) were listed as belonging to the Russian government.

Whether Mr Mishustin has a role to play in Mr Putins long-term transition plan is anyones guess. The incoming premier is not associated with any of the ruling groups and in Russias system of informal authoritarian rule forging an independent role will be difficult. Many assume he will play the role of a caretaker while a notional successor is sought, though anything is possible.



What is clear is that the process of Mr Putin transitioning from the presidency has begun. The state-of-the-nation speech offered new clarity elsewhere, too. We now understand that parliament will become more powerful, his presidential successor less so, and the scenario of a forced unification with Belarus, as unlikely as it always seemed, is now firmly off the table.

But the president also left a few doors open about life after 2024: would he opt for the role of prime minister, speaker of either parliament, or as head of the newly strengthened state council?

Putins proposals came as a bombshell, but they remain vague, said Maxim Trudolyubov, an editor-at-large of the Vedomosti newspaper. They seem designed for the widest possible interpretation. But dont doubt that Putin intends to remain Russias dominant figure and supervise a political transition based on his own scenario. Whether he succeeds is another matter.

According to Mr Trudolyubov, Mr Putin seemed to have taken inspiration from the model of Deng Xiaoping, Chinas de-facto leader between 1977 and the mid-1990s, and Lee Kuan Yew, Singapores first prime minister from 1959 to 1990. Both men continued to supervise their governments from seemingly inconspicuous roles.

Another role model may have been Stalin, he said: You make your move before they do.
Voice of the Faithful will discuss the meeting of VOTF leaders with Bishop Robert Gruss. Then there will be a panel discussion of how three communities are working collaboratively to create a just church.

The meeting will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at St. Brigid Parish Center, 2017 Ashman St. All are welcome.
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The horrific scenes of bushfires Down Under, experts warn, may well continue to recur; as will floods of the sort that struck Greater Jakarta, Banten and West Java over the New Year. Thousands have been displaced by both disasters, although comparatively more victims in Indonesia can return home.

Though we fervently hope we are not looking at the new normal of weather trends in our region, the simultaneous Australian bushfires and the massive floods at home highlight a hitherto little-regarded aspect of Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations: the climate.

Researchers have not reached a 100 percent consensus on whether climate change is to blame for the disasters; but humans surely share responsibility for the lack of flood prevention and bushfires  the latter of which saw millions of animals and plants, many of them unique to Australias Wallacea biodiversity sphere, reportedly killed.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:36:50|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Djibouti has injected crucial impetus that would further spur the already blossoming Sino-Djibouti strategic ties, an expert said on Thursday.

Referring to Wang's remarks during his recent visit to the Red Sea nation late last week regarding the China-Djibouti strategic partnership, Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, who served as an economic advisor to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), told Xinhua on Thursday that "the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Djibouti has provided new momentum in the two countries ever-expanding relations."

Wang, during his meeting with Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, had underscored that the strategic partnership between the two countries has maintained a high level of development.

China and Djibouti always respect each other, support each other, and help each other, which has become a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between large and small countries, Wang stressed, adding that China firmly supports Djibouti's development path that suits its national conditions.

Costantinos, also professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, also echoed Djiboutian officials' remarks, saying that "China's significant investment has transformed Djibouti, giving the minuscule country, with a population of less than a million, leverage its populous neighboring countries, mainly Ethiopia."

"Djibouti's Doraleh Port, Africa's biggest and deepest, is one of the most significant investments that China has made in Djibouti," the scholar said, adding that the modern Chinese-built port infrastructure has enabled the Red Sea nation with increased capabilities to serve about 90 percent of Africa's second populous landlocked Ethiopia's import export endeavor.

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, during his meeting with Wang, spoke highly of Djibouti-China strategic partnership and commended the Chinese government and people for their assistance to Djibouti's economic and social development.

Guelleh also stressed that the Djibouti-China relationship has developed in depth and yielded fruitful results in various fields, and Djibouti has friendly feelings towards the Chinese people and regards China as a sincere friend and indispensable partner.

The expert also stressed that the Horn of Africa country's strategic geostrategic location and "its stability in an explosive Horn of Africa and Gulf region has made it a strategic arena and an important hub for the Chinese-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)."

Costantinos also indicated that Djibouti "has benefited from China's investments, grants and loans," as he reckoned the successful completion of various Chinese-built development projects such as the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) as well as the Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port.

From the successful completion of an international free trade zone to state-of-the-art port infrastructure and Africa's first fully-electrified transnational railway that stretched 752-km all the way from the Djibouti Port to the landlocked Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Chinese engagement is widely considered as a connecting bridge to fulfill the socio-economic transformation of Djibouti in line with its strategic geographic position situated along the coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and linking three continents that are Africa, Asia and Europe.
Burma Myanmar Homeowners Arrested After Chinese Migrant Border Raid in Myawaddy

Immigration officials check the documents of Chinese citizens in Myawaddy. / Win Zaw / Facebook

Yangon  The Kayin State authorities will prosecute four homeowners who illegally accommodated Chinese citizens in Myawaddy on the Thai border and a Chinese man who illegally crossed the border, according to the state immigration minister, U Min Ko Khaing.

Myawaddy police and immigration officials inspected houses around the town and briefly detained 31 Chinese citizens, who were found to have valid passports. One Chinese man was deemed to have illegally crossed the border.

We will file a lawsuit against him and the four homeowners. Foreigners are not allowed to stay in peoples houses, said U Min Ko Khaing.

The town has seen a surge in Chinese migrants since 2018 after the Border Guard Force (BGF) implemented a city expansion project at Shwe Kokko in partnership with a Chinese firm. The increasing number of casinos near Myawaddy is another pull factor.

Residents have complained about the behavior of Chinese arrivals, asking the state government to check them for valid visas. Civil society organizations are looking to form a group to address the issue.

Although the government is making inspections, it has not yet taken effective action. The authorities are only checking houses. But there are many [Chinese citizens] who rent entire hotels and stay there. Gambling operations have increased and drug problems have gotten worse, said a Myawaddy resident who asked for anonymity.

Residents say Chinese citizens have ties to some ethnic armed organizations, making it more difficult to address the issue.

The BGF also joined the inspection on Wednesday. Some [Chinese citizens] are backed up by ethnic armed organizations. There is no problem if they live and act legally. But lawbreakers should be prosecuted, said U Thant Zin Aung, a Myawaddy Township state parliamentarian.

In the past few months, the township municipal committee has removed all signs written in Chinese in Myawaddy.

I have asked [immigration officials] to run inspections in Myawaddy. We also carry out checks on tip-offs. They enter the town with business visas. They have not just come for Shwe Kokko. They work in other places too, said U Min Ko Khaing.

Since 2017, Myanmar Yatai International Holding Group  formed by the BGF-owned Chit Lin Myaing Co. and the Chinese conglomerate Jilin Yatai Group  has been implementing the city expansion project in Shwe Kokko. The area on the outskirts of Myawaddy is under BGF control.

U Thant Zin Aung said he would monitor whether the government action had been effective, adding that he would cooperate with residents on the issue.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
We invite all of our current vendors to register or contact the vendor support team with any questions.

The Town of Eaton announced today that it has joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, a regional purchasing group that helps local governments post, distribute and manage RFPs, quotes, addendums and awards online. BidNet Directs Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System provides notifications to registered vendors of new relevant solicitations, as well as any addenda and award information from 247 participating agencies from across Colorado and Wyoming, and can be accessed at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

The Town of Eaton joined the purchasing group in January, thereby becoming the 247th participating local government agency utilizing the system to streamline the purchasing process. The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a single online location for managing sourcing information and activities, and provides local Colorado and Wyoming government agencies a method to minimize costs and time delays associated with the procurement process. The Town of Eaton was previously distributing bids and managing the procurement process manually before joining the system. In joining, the Town of Eaton looks to save time, increase competition and achieve cost savings over the traditional paper-based bid process.

The Town of Eaton now has access to an extensive vendor pool, thereby enhancing competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, all vendors looking to respond to bids with local government agencies can register online: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. The Town of Eaton invites all current vendors not already registered on the purchasing group to do so today. Vendor registration is easy and takes only a few minutes online.

Registered vendors can access bids, related documents, and addendum and award information. In addition, the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda associated with those bids and advance notice of term contract expiration. A robust NIGP code category list allows vendors registering to find the correct codes and receive matched bids.

By using the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, our valued vendors can now access not only our open bids, but those from other municipalities, counties and school districts throughout the state. In addition to the time savings we anticipate, our vendors will also benefit from registering in one location for all local bid opportunities. We invite all of our current vendors to register or contact the vendor support team with any questions, stated Jeff Schreier, Town Administrator of the Town of Eaton.

Vendors may register on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2.

Other local Colorado and Wyoming government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution.

About the Town of Eaton:

Eaton is a Statutory Town in Weld County, Colorado, United States. The population was 5,507 at the 2018 state demography estimate.

About the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System:

The Purchasing Group is a part of BidNets regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies throughout the country. With years of input from procurement professionals, BidNet specifically developed the bid system to fill the need for a robust bid and supplier management solution for local government agencies. BidNet runs regional purchasing groups across all 50 states that are used by over 1,300 local governments. To learn more and have your government agency gain better transparency and efficiency in purchasing, please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers
The government in New Delhi on Thursday said that as a host, India will invite all the eight members and four observer states of the SCO for the meeting. "India will be hosting the heads of government summit later this year. As per established practice and procedure, all eight members and four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited," said External Affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

The SCO is an economic and security bloc with China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan as members. The organization headed by China was founded in 2001. India and Pakistan were given membership three years ago.

Top sources in Islamabad, however, said that Khan is likely to send a junior minister in his place. "Given the deterioration in India-Pakistan relationship since the airstrikes at Balakot terror camp in Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan will find it very hard to justify his visit to India. He will skip the SCO meeting. Most likely, he will send his foreign minister," a top source told IANS.

In the last SCO summit which was hosted by Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had censured Pakistan indirectly, in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan, for sponsoring, aiding and supporting terrorism. Modi had also sought international cooperation in the war against terror.
A tropical cyclone is likely to be named later today by the Fiji Met Service as the depression deepens and sets a track to Fiji, Tonga and east of NZ.

Latest guidance still suggests the storm will be developing and deepening as it crosses Fiji on Friday and Friday night with the storm likely peaking in power on Saturday as it departs Fiji and approaches Tonga.

As the low moves closer to NZ on Monday it will rapidly grow as it becomes an extra tropical storm (ex-tropical cyclone).

FIJI:

When it comes to Fiji, WeatherWatch.co.nz says the entire nation is exposed to a burst of wind and rain but that Vanua Levu may be most exposed while tourist busy Nadi on the western side should be less affected.

Locals are urged to keep up to date with their specific Fiji Met Service warnings and forecasts. Rain and winds will be strong for about 24 hours then ease.

Slips, flooding and some wind damage are possible along with increasingly dangerous seas.

TONGA:

On Saturday the storm departs Fiji quite quickly as it approaches Tonga. Saturday morning will see torrential rain over Tonga and strong to gale force winds increasing from the north.

The cyclone will track closest to Tonga on Saturday daytime, likely late morning/lunchtime it will be centred just offshore to the west.

Heavy rain, flooding and dangerous beach conditions will be the main focus. The good news is that on Sunday it clears entirely.

3pm Saturday - over Tonga and starting to ease by late Saturday.

NEW ZEALAND:

WeatherWatch.co.nz still maintains that the storm is likely to track east of NZ but could have a serious impact on the safety of NZ beaches in the North Island.

"It's arguable that offshore cyclones actually pose a greater threat to the lives of NZers with sunny, calm, weather at our beaches masking the potentially deadly danger of the rips, currents and random large waves.

"All eastern beaches of the North Island will see swells, rips and currents increase steadily from late Sunday across Monday and peaking likely on Tuesday, then easing Wednesday."

Noon Monday - rapidly deepening to NZ's east. Image: GFS-America.

The weather at the beach may well have zero signs off an offshore storm.

"However, the depth of this storm means powerful rips and currents and dangerous large random waves are to be expected," says WeatherWatch.co.nz

"For younger or weaker swimmers this set up can be deadly - and sadly has been in the past with similar set ups.

"The storm will rapidly deepen in the NZ area as it transitions into an ex-tropical cyclone with a cold centre to it.

"When this happens the storm may double in size and intensity as it drops into the Southern Ocean early to mid next week. It's this rapid deepening that will help churn up our eastern beaches."

Noon Monday. Image: ECMWF - Europe.

Swell map for NZ next Tuesday. Areas in red highlight most dangerous beaches.

Current Fiji Met tracking maps.
During my first year of primary school, I stood out quite a bit. I was taller than the other kids, the oldest child and the only black pupil in the room. If I got into an argument with another pupil I would be the only one sent into an after school detention. When calling my name in the register, they would snigger at my "ridiculous" African name, rebuke me for wearing braids and openly question whether or not a "black girl like [myself]" would be capable of going to university later on in life.

In my last year of secondary school, my school put on a Christmas tableau, painting a students face black in order for her to resemble what they thought Balthazar must have looked like. I've been in private education all my life.

My experiences are not unique in Britain, and in research for this article, I have talked to countless former black school students who faced disproportionate punishment and verbal abuse from teachers in the classroom. Indeed, recent reporting suggests that black kids are more likely than most to face discrimination in school and many are fighting hard against this.

Campaign group No More Exclusions is trying to open up more conversation about strategies to combat prejudiced suspensions, particularly for black Caribbean children, who are over-represented in the statistics on permanent exclusion, while both black Caribbean and black African children are over-represented in figures on fixed period exclusion. We have the data but, as Kuba Shand-Baptiste, a columnist and commissioning editor at The Independent, recently wrote: the penny should have dropped long before now. Indeed, in his recent book Natives, Akala writes about how commonplace racism in schooling was way back in the 1970s. Weve known about racism in schooling for years, but yet little to nothing has changed.

Because of this, there is an increasing tendency for black parents and campaigners to suggest that private schools may be the answer. In 2003, lamenting what he saw to be anti-private school bias amongst some universities, Trevor Phillips remarked: A large number of parents from ethnic minoritiesgo into debt to send their children to independent schools because they believe that it will help their children escape the disadvantage that they might otherwise face in the state system. And late last year in a piece for The Independent that swiftly went viral, black PR consultant, Diana Young, suggested that in order to get away from the prejudice, stereotyping and bias black children face in state schools, private schools could be the answer.

It is true that if you have been to private school you will more than likely have a societal advantage over those who have not attended. Indeed, statistics suggest that those who attend private schools are 22 times more likely to go to a top British university. However, as recent research into the educational strategies of the black British middle class by Londons Institute of Education suggests, things get more complex when you look at the experiences of black pupils in private schools.

Their findings show that black pupils, due to being an extremely small minority in private schools, are more likely to be left behind by their teachers than white private school students. As part of the research, one parent described how it was for her black son:

In the final year, the expectations from some of his teachers, you picked up that they said Well you got a pass, so what more do you want? This aligns with other data from the governments department for Business Innovation and Skills, which among other shocking facts, suggests that black children in all schools are the most likely to get their A-level grades under-predicted. This of course affects the quality of university that black students attend, perhaps one of the reasons black students are under-represented at Russell Group universities.

It is worth noting that every school I attended from the age of five to 18, in both southern and northern areas of Britain, are private schools that have been ranked Outstanding by Ofsted or excellent in several categories by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Indeed, so has Oundle School, where in 2018, a teacher was found to have used overtly racist language, including stating that he did not want to teach blackies and chinkies in [his] classroom.

 Shameful: Slave auction re-enactment held at UK university conference dinner

Ive spoken to black people whove been to all sorts of schools in Britain, including those whose parents were hopeful that upon obtaining a scholarship or bursary to a private school, their children would have a better experience. All suffered some form of racism while at school. Presenting it as a state school problem creates the impression that one can purchase ones way out of racism. By narrowing in on primary and secondary schooling instead of conducting investigations that look at the entirety of Britains education sector, this perpetual cycle of condemning a few state schools while ignoring the racism that persists throughout many schools in the UK will continue.

Black students are not being left entirely behind, after all, data from the Office for Students suggests that theyre more likely to attend university than their white peers. Although when they get to university, they are less likely to get a good degree than their white university mates, more likely to quit and have a relatively high likelihood of experiencing racial harassment on campus. However, what happens to you during your formative years can stick and it is possible that by not doing enough to stamp out racism in primary and secondary schooling, generations of black kids are growing up with significant trauma.

The first sector-wide strategy that could be adopted is ensuring that all those who want to become teachers have to take equality and diversity training while taking an undergraduate or postgraduate teaching qualification.

With that, at least there would be some way of stopping teachers being racist towards pupils, like repeatedly asking black pupils if English is their first language or insulting afro-textured hair. Another could be having institutions like Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate evaluating schools for how they deal with issues of race and racism, particularly in a climate where it seems more and more racist bullying is taking place. We need tangible change now. As we enter a new decade, we need to fight and amplify student stories and concerns so that by 2040 at least, things will have finally changed for black students.
Narela Delhi Assembly Constituency Election Results 2020 Live Updates - Read Narela constituency vidhan sabha chunav latest news, party, constituency, candidate name wise winner, loser, leading, trailing live updates online at Firstpost.com.

Narela Assembly Elections 2020 | Narela Assembly constituency, is one of the 10 constituencies comprising North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. In this constituency, the Aam Aadmi Party's Sharad Kumar has won against the Bharatiya Janata Party's Neel Daman Khatri by a margin of 17,429 votes.

The current term of the Assembly will expire on 22 February. One of the key areas of the North West Delhi district, Narela, like the rest of the Union Territory, will see a contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The AAP would seek to retain power on the back of the development agenda it pursued in the last five years. On the other hand, the BJP, which controls the Centre as well as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, would look to dislodge the AAP from power. The Congress, meanwhile, would look to put up a tough fight after its improved performance in the recently concluded state elections in Haryana and Jharkhand.

Here is a brief profile of Narela:

Constituency Name: Narela

Constituency Number: 1

District Name: North Delhi

Total Electors: 2,41,032

Female Electors: 1,06,866

Male Electors: 1,34,149

Third Gender: 17

Reserved: No

Results in previous elections: In the 2008 Assembly elections, Congress' Jaswant Singh Rana retained the seat for the Congress party for the third time in a row. However, in 2013, he lost to BJP's Neeldaman Khatri. In 2015, following an Aam Aadmi party wave post the India Against Corruption movement, Khatri lost the seat to AAPs Sharad Chauhan despite a phenomenal BJP performance in other parts of the country, as well as the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Chauhan received a whopping 59.97 per cent of total votes.

Demographics: Narela is one of the many Jat dominated Assembly segments in the Union Territory. Jats form over 5 percent of the electorate in Delhi and up to 30 percent of voters in Narela, according to rough estimates by political parties. Having 2,52,467 voters with 1,13,118 females, the constituency has a sex ratio of 812  below the state's Gender Ratio of 824. Narela is a rural area with 58 villages and is along the Haryana border of the National Capital, just off the Grand Trunk Road  one of Asia's oldest and longest roads which had linked the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia.. Villages, including Lampur, Akbarpur Majra, Bakhtawarpur, Bakouli, Bankner, Bhorgarh, Budhpur, Ghoga, Hamidpur, Hiranki and Holambi Kalan are part of the constituency.
Think about it. We research companies, tailor resumes and write cover letters with the sole goal of getting that interview.

Once you are scheduled for an interview, there are myriad ways to prepare for it. Do a deep dive on the position and know the company's place in the industry. Think of questions for when the interviewer asks whether you have any (as they likely will). Practice being succinct with answers to the most common interview questions.

If the interview is with a civilian-oriented company or with someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with veterans, you may encounter more unconventional questions. While you can't prepare for some of these, at least be prepared to ask for clarification if you get one.

Here are some of the strangest questions vets have heard in interviews, as submitted by Military.com readers.

6. "If you were a color, what color would you be and why?"

This is actually a more common question than one might think. The interviewer is trying to get a feel for your personality. A veteran in a job interview might be tempted to dismiss it, answer any color that comes to mind, and move on.

It's important to think of a meaningful reply, even if you think the question is bizarre. Whether it's purple because your mom used to grow lilacs or blue because you were once a pilot, think of a memory, find a color associated with it, and explain that memory. The interviewer just wants insight into how you think.

5. "Have you ever tried to or wanted to hurt someone at your previous job?"

This might be a nicer way of asking a veteran whether they've ever killed anyone. It could be a way to determine if the veteran has mental issues. Keep in mind the asker may know nothing of military life, especially when it comes to deployment. Avoid talking about combat situations, even if you were in the infantry, and give the interviewer the answer you know they want to hear.

If you're unsure of what that is, the answer is no.

4. "So you've never had a real job?"

Even though this will rankle you, stay frosty. The interviewer may not realize how much that stings and, even worse, may not realize that you worked a real job at an expert level. This is your chance to inform them that military life isn't running around the woods with a gun every day and that you did this job, and others like it, in a uniform.

3. "So do we need to throw grenades at you for you to like it here at this job?"

This is another example of an interviewer revealing they have no idea what life is like in the military. There are a couple of ways to respond to a question like this. The first, and probably best, is to laugh it off and mention that you'd prefer if they didn't. The second is to laugh but mention that, while grenades aren't your thing, you work well under pressure and can handle explosive situations.

What you shouldn't do is tell them that the kill radius of a fragmentation grenade is 5 meters, the casualty radius is around 15 meters, and fragmentation can fly up to 230 meters.

2. "How many school kids could you kill in 5 minutes?"

This was a question asked in an interview for a police position assigned to a school. The intent was to see whether the veteran applying would go into a school without backup during an active shooter situation. The interviewer could have asked the question in a better way, of course.

The correct way to answer (after the shock wears off and you realize what is being asked) is to say that you would follow procedure in that situation and to offer security advice from your experience, if you've noticed gaps in their current setup.

1. "Have you ever killed anyone?"

This is the question every veteran gets asked eventually, and it sometimes happens during a job interview. Interviewers who ask this of a veteran will likely not know much about military life or what a deployment is like. It's also likely they've met very few veterans in their lives. This is not the time to inform him about the weight of that question; you can do that when you get the job.

Be patient and remember there was a time when you might have posed this question to a veteran. If you deployed during your service, tell the interviewer what your deployed work was like and how you overcame a tough situation there. If you never deployed, tell the interviewer that your job wasn't a combat role but explain why you were essential to your unit's mission.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com.

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A west Belfast man collapsed in court yesterday as he was being sentenced for downloading indecent images of children (stock photo)

A west Belfast man collapsed in court yesterday as he was being sentenced for downloading indecent images of children.

Henry McAree looked unsteady on his feet before collapsing in the dock of Belfast Crown Court as Judge David McFarland spoke about the physical and psychological harm caused to the youngsters who were abused.

Just before he appeared to faint, McAree was told by Judge McFarland: "The courts are well aware this is not Hollywood. These are actual children being abused and they are being abused in the most horrible way."

From Grosvenor Road, the 39-year-old admitted possessing 900 still images and 130 movie clips of children as young as six being abused, which were found on four computer devices after his home was searched by police. He was handed a combination order consisting of probation and community service.

Earlier in the hearing, prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh said that on November 30, 2016 police searched McAree's home regarding suspicions that indecent images of children were being accessed from that address.

Ms Walsh said McAree "made officers aware he was the person responsible" which led to four devices being seized and analysed. It transpired McAree downloaded images and saved them in folders on each device.

The prosecutor also said that when arrested, McAree was "open and frank" with police and "accepted full responsibility". He also admitted he downloaded the images for sexual gratification.

Solicitor Pat Kelly, representing McAree, said his "naive" client "accepts his behaviour was intolerable and repugnant" and revealed McAree's offending occurred when he went from viewing "legal to illegal porn sites".

Claiming the fact the case had taken so long to come to court had caused McAree anxiety and stress, Mr Kelly said since his arrest in 2016 McAree had not committed any further offences and had a clear criminal record.

Passing sentence, Judge McFarland told McAree the amount of images he had of children being abused was "significant" and noted this abuse occurred "so that people like you can view it".

During the sentencing, McAree collapsed in the dock. After receiving medical attention by prison staff, McAree was handed a combination order consisting of three years' probation and 100 hours of community service.

He was also made the subject of a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
India is hoping for issue-specific meetings in the upcoming Conference of Parties (CoP) 26 to be held in Glasgow from November 9 till November 19.

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar today held a meeting with Conference of Parties 26 (CoP) President, Claire O'Neill and CoP working committee over pending issues that required discussions.

"The meeting was positive. India is leading in the action. We have taken a challenge of 450gw of renewable energy in the near future. We have also taken a target to restore 26 million hectors land under degradation," the minister told ANI after the meeting.

"We have also prepared a specific 100 cities nation action plan on clean air. Here we will fight both climate change and pollution. We have created tremendous advancement in the cleaning of the river," he added.

As an emerging economy, India's greatest challenge lies in technological support at a reasonable cost.

"At the same time, India needs proper market mechanism which will not do injustice to the country," says Javadekar.

India has also enhanced its renewable capacity to a great extent in the last five years. Also, BS6 fuel which is due to be introduced from April will reduce pollution to a great extent.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference's ultimate aim is to prevent "dangerous" human interference with the climate system.

CoP 26 will be held in Glasgow from Nov 9 till Nov 19 this year under the presidency of the UK government.

The CoP 25 was held in Madrid in 2019.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland also met the minister over climatic actions in Commonwealth countries.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zarif held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2020 which is currently going on in the national capital.

The visiting dignitary also met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Zarif, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2020, targetted the US over its air raid which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

He said that US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and the Islamic State (ISIS) are "celebrating" the death of Soleimani.

Talking about Iran's airstrikes at two military bases in Iraq, Zarif maintained that Tehran retaliated in "self-defence" and rebuffed Washington's claims that Soleimani was planning to attack US embassies.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike at Baghdad International Airport on January 3. Days later, Tehran retaliated by firing a barrage of missiles at two US military bases in Iraq.

Soleimani's death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the powers had struck with Tehran.

Countries including the UK and India have urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ministry of Home Affairs sources on Thursday (January 16) confirmed that Union Home Ministry has received mercy petition of Nirbhaya gangrape-murder case convict Mukesh Singh from Delhi government. It is learnt that his mercy plea is currently under process and the MHA will send it to President Ram Nath Kovind with its recommendation.

In a related development, a Delhi Court on Thursday directed Tihar jail authorities to file proper report by January 17 about status of scheduled execution of four convicts of Nirbhaya gangrape-murder case. The court passed the directions after it was informed by jail authorities that they have written to Delhi government on issue of scheduled execution of the convicts on January 22 in view of pending remedies.

Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh. According to reports, Mukesh's mercy plea was first rejected by the Delhi government, which forwarded the same to the Lieutenant Governor recommending ''rejection''. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal accepted the recommendation of the Delhi Government and forwarded the file to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

This came a day after the Delhi High Court refused to stay death warrants after the state government said that it "can't hang convicts on January 22." While refusing to set aside the death warrant issued for the hanging of four Nirbhaya gangrape-murder convicts, the high court said that convict Mukesh Singh could approach the trial court, which issued the death warrant.

The HC also said that it found nothing wrong in the death warrants issued by Delhi's Patiala House court for the hanging of four convicts. The four convicts - Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Kumar (32), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) - are to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am.
Despite their divorce, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie remain partnered in their wine business and committed to expanding their line.

The latest project from Chateau Miraval, the former couples French winery, was disclosed to Wine Spectator on Tuesday by Pitt and Jolies partner Marc Perrin.

We are working very hard with [one of the leading champagne producers] Rodolphe Peters, Perrin told the publication of their new rose champagne, adding that Peters has employed saignee, a unique rose-making technique for optimal quality.

Once particular to Provence, France, saignee is the preferred method of creating rose as it builds better, bolder wine by bleeding away a portion of pressed grape juice from contact with the mash. The longer pressed grapes remain in contact with seeds and skins, the darker its juice becomes as it heads on its way to becoming red wine. The method is an antique one and has devotees in noted winemaking regions like the Loire, Rhone and Napa valleys.

Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty; Jason Kempin/Getty

A source tells PEOPLE that the project has been in development for three or four years. Miraval is all about the art of making rose and this champagnewhich is made in the Champagne districtis a cooperation, combining Provencal knowledge with champagne making. (In France, where they take their bubbly very seriously, champagne cannot be called champagne unless it is grown and bottled in the delimited growing region of Champagne.)

Ramey

RELATED: 36 Celebs Who Have Gotten Into the Wine Business

The collaboration, Perrin told Wine Spectator, will create the only Champagne house which only makes rose. He added: We are going to try to push the quality of rose as far as possible in Champagne.

The new wine is due to arrive within months, and marks the latest expansion of the Chateau Miraval line. In 2019, Brad introduced two new rose bottlings: Studio in January, and in May, he personally introduced Muse, a much prized bottle to guests in Cannes at the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood post-screening party.

Winemaking remains a family project, the source notes: Chateau Miraval began as a project between the Jolie-Pitt and the Perrin family. And now it has grown to include the Peters family. The continuity and the family are very important to Brad and Angelina.

When their last wine was released in 2019, sources told PEOPLE that the move reaffirms the couples attachment to Miraval. Sources have consistently told PEOPLE they view the business as an investment for their children.
The System Operator of Northern Ireland has indicated that running the power system with increasingly high levels of renewable energy is a major challenge due to the intermittent nature of wind power and its technical characteristics. The purpose of the DS3 program is to enable Ireland to meet its target of 75% non-synchronous and renewable (i.e. wind and solar) electricity across the all-island network. The DS3 market consists of both fixed and standard contracts available across the Irish grid in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

"Northern Ireland has made tremendous progress adopting renewable energy. Last year 44% of electricity consumption was generated by renewable resources. This easily beats Northern Ireland's renewable target of 40% and occurred one year ahead of its 2020 deadline. Energy storage, via the DS3 program makes more of this possible", said Steve Fludder, CEO of NEC Energy Solutions. "We are pleased to extend our partnership with Gore Street Capital. We invested in the Gore Street Energy Storage Fund and we look forward to working with Gore Street Capital on these and future projects. We also have excellent experience with Low Carbon operating and maintaining their two projects in the UK and we're eager to collaborate with them in Northern Ireland."

NEC is providing turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) including its GSS end-to-end grid storage solution and its AEROS controls system, NEC's proprietary energy storage control software. Both 50MW projects will be completed and commissioned in Q1 2021. This transaction marks the second tranche of projects that NEC has been awarded by both Gore Street and Low Carbon.

"We are pleased to award this important EPC contract to NEC Energy Solutions, one of Gore Street's long-term strategic partners, following a significant competitive tender process. We chose NEC Energy Solutions because they have offered the optimal commercial and technical proposal," commented Alex O'Cinneide, CEO of Gore Street Capital, the investment manager of Gore Street Energy Storage Fund PLC. "We look forward to working once again with NEC Energy Solutions on these significant projects, among the largest of their kind in Ireland. As investment in sources of volatile renewable generation to supply the grid in Ireland continues to increase, supported in particular by excellent wind generation potential, assets such as these will form a major step in advancing Ireland's climate change objectives."

About NEC Energy Solutions

NEC Energy Solutions designs, manufactures, and integrates smart energy storage solutions for the electric grid and applications with critical power needs. Its megawatt-scale energy storage and control systems provide greater stability to the grid while maximizing renewable generation, while 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 www.neces.com.

About Gore Street Energy Storage Fund Plc.

Gore Street Energy Storage Fund is the first publicly traded fund established to provide investors with a sustainable and attractive dividend over the long term by investing in a diversified portfolio of utility scale energy storage projects primarily located in the UK, North America and Western Europe. The fund went public on May 25, 2018 on the London Stock Exchange.

About Gore Street Capital

GSC is a private equity firm with a leading renewable investment expertise. Established in 2013, GS has provided a platform to acquire, develop and manage global renewable energy and has a highly experience management team. Gore Street has some energy storage experience - they have been behind the Cleveland Potash project in North Yorkshire, the Lower Road project in Brentwood, Essex and the Port of Tilbury project co-located with London's Port of Tilbury. All projects included NEC Energy Solutions hardware and software.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

2020 NEC Corporation
Russian lawmakers overwhelmingly approved President Vladimir Putins nominee for prime minister as part of his surprise overhaul of the countrys political system.



Mikhail Mishustin, the little-known tax chief who Putin handpicked to succeed Dmitry Medvedev, was approved by 383 deputies in the State Duma, Russias lower house of parliament, while 41 deputies abstained in the January 16 vote.



Medvedev and his cabinet resigned a day earlier after Putin used his annual state-of-the-nation speech to call for a referendum on substantial constitutional amendments that he said would strengthen parliament's powers.



The surprise constitutional shakeup could also help keep Putin, who has ruled Russia for more than two decades, in power beyond the end of his term in 2024.



Mishustin told reporters after the vote that he expects to present his new cabinet in the coming days.



We have all the necessary resources to fulfill the goals set by the president, he said.



The president wants the cabinet to spearhead economic growth and help create new jobs. Raising real incomes is a priority for the government," he added.



The approval was widely expected after the ruling party, United Russia, said earlier in the day that it would support Putins choice. The party holds three-quarters of the seats in the lower house of parliament.



Mishustin, 53, has worked in the government since 1998 and has been head of the Federal Tax Service since 2010.



The change of government comes after a tumultuous summer that saw some of the largest protests against authorities in the two decades Putin has held power.



Thousands took to the streets in Moscow and other cities to protest a lack of democratic rights and freedoms after several independent and opposition candidates were ruled out of participating in local elections in the autumn.



Many ordinary Russians are also upset over deteriorating economic conditions, prompted in part by international sanctions against the country over its illegal annexation of the Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and a drop in global oil prices.



"To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP, we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment...to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," Mishustin said.



While noting the "huge amount of work" his administration faces, Mishustin said he would be open to "constructive criticism" and that it's very important for us to hear what is happening" from ordinary Russians.







Observers say that Putin's choice of Mishustin, who lacks any political weight, indicates that the latter will not play an independent role and that the presidents dramatic speech was likely aimed at preparing the ground for 2024, when the 67-year-old must leave the presidency.



Putin has occupied the president or the prime minister's job continuously since 1999 and was reelected in 2018 for a final six-year term under the current constitution.



Announcing the moves in his address to Russias Federal Assembly, Putin said the countrys 1993 constitution should be amended, including giving the State Duma the right to name cabinet ministers and the prime minister, a power that currently belongs to the president.



At the same time, Putin said Russia must remain a strong presidential republic, with the president retaining powers such as the right to dismiss the prime minister and cabinet ministers, as well as naming top defense and security officials.



Russia last conducted a referendum in 1993 when it adopted the constitution under Putin's predecessor Boris Yeltsin.



Putin also suggested tightening the requirements for becoming president, saying any future Russian president should have lived in the country for at least 25 years and have no foreign citizenship or residency.



In addition, he also talked about a constitutional change that would enshrine the priority of domestic legislation over international law.



The speech came with the country still under Western sanctions for its actions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as its election meddling in the United States.



The sanctions have hampered the country's economic growth, leading to rising poverty rates and growing discontent highlighted by protests last summer in Moscow.
Germany to build new warships amid push for EU army

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 8:26 AM

Germany says it plans to build at least four new multi-role warships worth nearly 6 billion euros in an effort to increase its military capabilities.

The announcement comes amid a brewing dispute between the US and the Europeans over military spending by NATO members.

The Trump administration has been pressuring Germany and other European members to raise their military budget and contribute more towards the cost of the alliance.

Germany has announced to increase military spending by more than 5 billion euros this year to 47.32 billion euros, the biggest rise since the end of the Cold War.

The issue has pitched Chancellor Angelina Merkel's Christian Democrat party (CDU), which favors higher military spending, against its Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners who are opposed.

US President Donald Trump is pushing for more increases to meet a target of spending 2 percent of economic output on military by NATO members.

Implicit in Trump's pressures is his aggressive drive to arm-twist allies into buying more US-made weapons.

However, the new German warships will be built by Dutch shipyard Damen in association with its Bremen-based partner Luerssen, with the first planned to be delivered in 2027.

The German armed forces Bundeswehr said they will be able to attack targets on land and under water, and provide air cover for other vessels.

The contract includes an option to build two additional MKS 180 warships, Bundeswehr said, adding that about two-thirds of the production will take place at Luerssen's shipyards in northern Germany.

"The decision for the MKS 180 to be mainly built by the Luerssen Group and thus in Germany is a good decision which strengthens Germany as a marine and shipyard location," Merkel's chief budget lawmaker Eckhardt Rehberg said.

The ship tender is one of Germany's biggest arms projects, along with a contract for the MEADS missile defense system and the new Franco-German fighter jet (FCAS).

Other companies interested in the MKS 180 warship tender are ThyssenKrupp and German Naval Yards.

Damen said its alliance also included Hamburg-based Blohm+Voss shipyard and France's Thales. It estimated that about 80% of the tender's net investment would remain in Germany.

Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for an integrated European Union military, which has infuriated President Trump.

"The times when we could rely on others are over. This means we Europeans have to take our fate fully into our own hands," Merkel has said, adding "We should work on a vision of one day establishing a real European army."

The idea, first floated by Macron, drew an angry reaction from Trump who mocked France over its near defeat to Germany in two world wars and accused the French president of seeking to develop the EU's own military to defend itself from the US.

Last month, Trump approved a colossal military bill that authorizes a topline of $738 billion for fiscal year 2020.

The bill grants a base budget of $658.4 billion and an additional $71.5 billion for overseas contingency operations funding, also known as the war budget.

The push for an integrated European military comes as the EU is searching for answers to a US president who views the EU with contempt.

Last November, Macron raised hackles when he warned European countries that they can no longer rely on America to defend NATO allies.

"What we are currently experiencing is the brain death of NATO," Macron declared in a blunt interview with The Economist.

Europe stands on "the edge of a precipice" and needs to start thinking of itself strategically as a geopolitical power; otherwise we will "no longer be in control of our destiny," he said.

Trump lashed out at Macron, saying the French president's description of NATO as brain dead was insulting and a "very, very nasty statement".

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After Kashi Vishwanath, Right wing parties demand dress code at Karnataka temple

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Mangaluru, Jan 16: After Kashi Vishwanath temple now the Right-wing Hindu outfits Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have urged the Karnataka government to enforce traditional dress code in the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district.

Reportedly, this comes two days after the Kashi Vishwanath temple made it mandatory for the devotees visiting the holy shrine will have to follow a dress code to enter the sanctum of the temple. This decision was taken by the Kashi Vidwat Parishad.

Mandatory to wear 'dhoti-kurta', saree for entering sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath temple

According to PTI reports, on Wednesday, a memorandum submitted to the Muzrai temple authorities.

Meanwhile, the organisations have demanded that the dress code followed in temples of other south Indian states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, should be implemented also in Kukke Subrahmanya temple, as per PTI.

They also requested the Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary to implement the traditional dress code in all state-run temples.

Kukke temple executive officer M H Ravindra said the letter from the outfits has been forwarded to the Muzrai Department as the temple committee alone cannot enforce a dress code.

It is up to the government to take a decision on the matter, he said. VHP division secretary Sharan Kumar said devotees wearing jeans, T-shirts and half pants were seen at the Kukke temple, which is not desirable.

Devotees should wear Hindu traditional dress or ethnic wear when they enter temples, he said.

Earlier this week, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi made it mandatory a new dress code that will be relevant for both men and women, according to which men have to wear the Indian traditional 'dhoti-kurta' and saree will be worn by the women to enter the premises and worship the deity.
Beijings iconic Summer Palace tourist resort is the home of a huge new ice rink thats opened just ahead of the Winter Olympics. The rink measures 300,000 square meters and consists of two areas designed for different types of activities. The city has opened seven municipal ice rinks and four snow resorts to the public. Since 2014, ice and snow activities in municipal parks have attracted nearly 2 million visitors, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration Center for Parks

Jan 11, 2022 07:26 PM
Marion Chesney, who in midlife began writing novels and produced more than 150, including mystery series written under the pseudonym M.C. Beaton that featured the endearing crime solvers Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth, died on Dec. 31 at a hospital in Gloucester, in western England. She was 83.

The St. Martins Publishing Group, whose Minotaur Books published her Agatha Raisin series, announced the death. No cause was given.

Ms. Chesney held an assortment of jobs, including several in journalism, before publishing her first novel in 1978. She wrote romances before turning to mysteries in 1985 with Death of a Gossip, the first of more than 30 Hamish Macbeth stories.

A later novel described Hamish, the constable in the fictional village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands, as tall and gangly and lanky and unambitious, yet he had a shrewdness that, book after book, enabled him to crack cases. A BBC television series based on the books, with Robert Carlyle as the constable, ran in Britain from 1995 to 1997.
What is the name(s) of the external consultants whose services you engaged in respect of the proposed new voters register as announced in your 31st December 2019 press conference? What type of consulting service did you request from them? What was the Terms of Reference (ToR) for their consultancy services? Which public procurement procedure did the Commission adopt in selecting the external consultants? Kindly supply us with any documents in support of your response to this question where available. What was the total sum for the consultancy services rendered by the external consultants which directly resulted in the advice to your Commission to replace the BVR Kits, the BVDs and to compile new voters register? How many payments were made to the external consultants, and when were they made? For each payment, may we have copies of all the usual, relevant documents? Were any taxes paid or withheld, as the case may be, particularly with respect to withholding tax, value added tax and the national health insurance levy, and if so, may we have copies of any relevant invoices? Kindly supply us with the full report (and, any other related relevant documents) from the external consultants since same formed the basis for the advice for a new Biometric Voter Management System and Voters Register requiring the use of taxpayers money for implementation. Kindly provide us with the specifications of the old BVR Kits and BVD and the specifications of the new BVR kits and BVD you intend procuring to enable us compare the prices from other manufacturers and suppliers. Again, provide us with the contacts  email addresses, telephone numbers, location addresses, etc., - of the manufacturers, and suppliers of the BVR kits and BVD. We respectfully request that you provide the information requested herein within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter, failing which you should consider this letter as the written Notice of Intention of Civil Action.

Sincerely,

Taxpayers Union.

Taxpayer Christopher Ankou, (+233 54 919 90 90)

Taxpayer Philemon Laar, (+233 20 402 62 04)

CC.

1. Office of the Speaker 2. Head of Delegation 3. Ambassador Parliament of Ghana EU Delegation to Ghana United States Embassy Accra Accra Accra

4. All Media Houses





About Taxpayers Union:

The Taxpayers Union (TU) is an incorporated association of and open to all taxpayers and citizens of Ghana with a national broad-based membership. It is a socio-political non-partisan pressure group that seeks to play a watchdog role by holding all elected governments and public officers accountable with the object of protecting the public purse. The TU believes in coalition building, alliance formation and synergy building with progressive organisations and partners (including government) in the pursuit of its object.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:14:46|Editor: xuxin

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Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Fayzabad district of Jawzjan, Afghanistan, Jan. 15, 2020. Afghan forces have launched a cleanup operation to drive militants out of two restive districts in the country's northern Jawzjan province with four militants killed and 10 others wounded, a local official said Thursday. (Photo by Mohammad Jan Aria/Xinhua)

SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces have launched a cleanup operation to drive militants out of two restive districts in the country's northern Jawzjan province with four militants killed and 10 others wounded, a local official said Thursday.

"The operation was launched on Tuesday. The aim of the ongoing raid, codenamed Shaheen 220, was to trace militants and clear two insecure Khaneqa and Fayzabad districts of Jawzjan from Taliban insurgents," Abdul Maruf Azar, a provincial government spokesman, told Xinhua.

"Four anti-government fighters, including one of the Taliban key local divisional commanders known as Shaikh, have so far been killed and 10 others wounded during the operation," the spokesman added.

Five important sites, including the strategic Shah Mirza village, where militants were extorting money from passengers and local villagers, have also been cleared of insurgents during the raid operation so far, the spokesman noted.

The two districts have been the scene of heavy clashes between government security forces and Taliban militants for months, but according to the source 20 out of 24 villages have been gradually retaken since the operation kicked off.

The official did not sayd if there were any casualties on the side of security forces.

The Afghan security forces have recently beefed up security operations against the Taliban militants who have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions in the countryside during the winter.

The Taliban militant group has not made comments on the report yet.
Beijing: China said on Thursday that it was "pleased" to see Pakistan's strategically located Gwadar port, the centre of its crucial economic corridor, has started handling transit cargo to Afghanistan from this week.

The transhipment of goods to Afghanistan through Gwadar port, which offers a much shorter overland link, particularly to southern regions of the war-torn nation, assumed significance as it is located close to Chabahar, the Iranian port being developed by India to ship its cargo to Afghanistan.

The reports from Pakistan said the Gwadar port, which is being developed by Beijing as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has begun handling transit cargo headed to and from landlocked Afghanistan.

"We are pleased for the new progress achieved in the development of the Gwadar port," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here.

"We support Gwadar port in playing a bigger role in promoting regional goods and trade cooperation. It is proven that the CPEC not only benefits both China and Pakistan but also regional connectivity and economic cooperation," he said.

The CPEC connecting China's resource rich Xinjiang province with Gwadar port is regarded as the flagship project of the BRI, which is aimed at furthering Beijing's influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments all over the world.

The initiative also led to allegations of smaller countries reeling under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its strategic Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Officials said the first ship full of Afghan cargo containers reached Gwadar on Tuesday. The containers will be loaded onto trucks for transport to Afghanistan through the Pakistani border town of Chaman.

Afghanistan relies on Pakistani overland routes and Karachi and Port Qasim ports for international trade under a bilateral deal with Islamabad.

As Pakistan has closed the land route for Indian goods to be transported to Afghanistan through the Wagah border, India has started developing Chabahar port in cooperation with Iran for its shipments to and from Afghanistan.

China, which is trying to promote trilateral cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan with attempts to resolve their differences over the Taliban, plans to take the CPEC projects to Afghanistan.

India has protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

China in recent weeks also tried to arrange peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban but the meeting failed to materialise as the militant group's representatives failed to turn up.
Representative image

Germany could end electricity generation from coal in 2035, three years earlier than previously planned, under a pact sealed Thursday between Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of affected states. Merkel and premiers from Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg agreed overnight a "shutdown plan" for the country's power plants using the highly polluting fossil fuel, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

Until now, Berlin had named 2038 as the latest possible date to power down the final coal-fired generators.

Now, reviews in 2026 and 2029 will examine "whether the moment to shut down the plants can be brought forward by three years," Seibert said.

Meanwhile, the deal would also spare the Hambach forest, a wood in western Germany threatened by the expansion of a vast open-pit brown coal mine that became a focus for mass protests.

Ministers now plan to propose a draft law on the exit from coal "in January" and pass it "in the first half of 2020".

Germany is under pressure to clarify how it plans to accelerate its "energy transition" away from fossil fuels and towards renewables, with a target to generate 65 percent from carbon-neutral sources by 2030.

Over the same period, Berlin aims to reduce output of greenhouse gases by 55 percent compared with 1990's levels -- a target agreed under pressure from demonstrators last year.

But the task has been complicated by Merkel's decision to end nuclear power generation by 2022, leaving coal as the main backstop to renewables during the transition period.

The fuel currently powers around one-third of the country's electricity.

On top of climate and energy supply challenges, Germany must also wrestle with the social consequences for coal-producing regions of dropping the fuel.

An "adjustment fund" for workers in black and brown coal plants and brown coal mines is planned to compensate them until 2043, Seibert said.

Meanwhile the federal government will support the four affected states with 40 billion euros (USD 45 billion) of cash and other support between now and 2038.
The United States has lifted the visa restrictions imposed on a section of Ghanaian travellers to its country.

The US Embassy in Ghana in a statement indicated that visa processing will return to normal procedure by 17th January 2019.

The United States has lifted the visa restrictions applied under Section 243 (d) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act. The validity period and number of entries on new tourist and business visas (B1, B2 and B1/B2) for all Ghanaian executive and legislative branch employees, their spouses and their children under section 21 will revert to receiving the normal validity, based on reciprocity, which is currently five years with multiple entries, a statement issued by the Public Affairs section of the Embassy of USA in Ghana said.

The US government had imposed visa restrictions on Ghana for refusing to accept the deportation of some 7,000 Ghanaians.

The restrictions included suspension of issuance of all new visas for domestic employees of Ghanaian Diplomats hosted in the US.

The Embassy also limited the normal five-year validity period and a number of entries on Tourist and Business visas for all Ghanaian Executive and Legislative branch employees, their spouses and children under age 21, to single-entry visas valid for only one month.

The US government in a statement announcing the restrictions earlier in 2019 warned that the sanction may be extended to the wider population.

Without an appropriate response from Ghana, the scope of these sanctions may be expanded to a wider population. The sanctions will remain in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies Secretary Pompeo that cooperation on removals has improved to an acceptable level, the Embassy said at the time.

---citinewsroom
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics havent been at full health since the start of the year, and according to Brad Stevens, that streak isnt likely to end soon.

Prior to Wednesdays game against the Detroit Pistons, Stevens said he expects second-year center Robert Williams -- who has missed several weeks with a hip edema, and who only recently started working his way back -- will be out until after the All-Star break.

Williams had an assessment in early January, which showed good progress.

What they did was they put a three to four week plan of attack with reloading him, getting him up to speed work-wise," Stevens said. "Theyre going to see how his hip responds to that, rescan him and then determine the course of action from there. So were hopeful that its soon thereafter. I dont anticipate anything before All-Star break. We were hopeful in the last scan, but were also very cautious with his recovery.

Williams has played only 19 games this season. Before his injury, he was a part of the Celtics rotation -- he started one contest and averaged 14.2 minutes per game.

The Celtics will also be without Jayson Tatum on Wednesday. Daniel Theis returned to the lineup after dealing with knee soreness.

More Celtics content:

- Pregame notes for Celtics/Pistons

- Brad Stevens talks about the Alex Cora scandal

- 7 things we learned from Celtics/Bulls
A Soviet-born associate to Donald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani has directly implicated Mike Pence in the Ukraine scandal, insisting the vice president was aware of demands for political investigations that sparked the president's impeachment.

Lev Parnas, a key subject in the impeachment saga who has been accused of working with Mr Giuliani to remove the former US ambassador to Ukraine from her post, said Mr Pence couldnt have not known about the administrations demands in a new interview.

Quoting US ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondlands key impeachment testimony, Mr Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow: Everybody was in the loop.

I know [the vice president] went to Poland also to discuss this on Trumps behalf, so he couldnt have not known, Mr Parnas said in the interview released on Wednesday night. He was supposed to go there and get it straightened out that [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was supposed to make another announcement, and that didnt happen.

Mr Parnas went on to claim the vice president then cancelled his scheduled trip to Ukraine because Mr Zelensky had not announced investigations into one of Mr Trumps 2020 political rivals, Joe Biden. A partial transcript of the presidents 25 July phone call with Mr Zelensky released by the White House showed him asking his Ukrainian counterpart for a favour shortly before encouraging he launch the probes.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

An impeachment inquiry was sparked after an anonymous whistleblower filed an official complaint about that phone call.

Mr Trump has been accused of withholding crucial military aid to Ukraine and an important White House visit with the countrys new president as it fought a war with Russia while demanding Mr Zelensky announce the political probes to seemingly undermine Mr Bidens candidacy in the 2020 elections.

The aid itself was something that I think the president decided to do, Mr Parnas added. It was, I think, a reaction to that there was no announcement being made after so many attempts and so many promises.

Mr Parnas latest interview adds further speculation as to whether Mr Pence was involved in those demands, just as the impeachment trial was set to begin in the US Senate.

Marc Short, the vice presidents chief of staff, denied the allegations in a statement criticising Mr Parnas credibility.

Democrat witnesses have testified under oath in direct contradiction to Lev Parnas statements last night, Mr Short reportedly said.

He added: This is very simple: Lev Parnas is under a multi-count indictment and will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison. Its no surprise that only the liberal media is listening to him.
PARAMUS, N.J., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SB One Bank announced today its new Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Daisy Ortiz Berger. Berger is responsible for the Banks overall marketing and communication strategy and supporting its growth in the region.



We are excited to have Daisy on our team. She will be leading the marketing and communications charge at a critical time for SB One Bank as we continue to build our brand and strength in the metropolitan market, said Vito Giannola, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer, SB One Bank.

Berger offers a wealth of brand marketing, agency management, digital, events and social media experience most notably in the banking and automotive industries. Her most recent financial services roles include strategic marketing executive for New York Region of Bank of America, director of credit card acquisitions for Citibank, NA and digital marketing manager for Isuzu Finance of America.

Berger is an adjunct marketing professor at the City University of New York, Lehman College and a board member of the Lehman Scholarship Foundation. She resides in River Edge, New Jersey with her husband and two children.

For more details on SB One Bank visit us at: www.SBOne.bank

About SB One Bancorp

SB One Bancorp ( SBBX ), is the holding company for SB One Bank, a full-service, commercial bank that operates regionally with 18 branch locations in New Jersey and New York. Established in 1975, SB One Bank's strength is in its ability to build strong personal relationships with its customers and to serve the communities in which it operates. In addition to its branches and loan production offices, SB One Bank offers a full-service insurance agency, SB One Insurance Agency, Inc. and wealth services through SB One Wealth. SB One Bank reinforces its commitment to the communities in which it serves through the SB One Foundation, Inc. which supports various local charitable organizations.

SB One Bancorp was recently added to the Russell 2000 Index and Russell 3000 Index. In 2017, it was recognized as one of the top 29 banks and thrifts nationwide and one of three from New Jersey that comprise the Sandler ONeill Sm-All Stars Class of 2017. SB One Bancorp is one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in New Jersey as ranked by NJBIZ Magazine. SB One Bancorp President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Labozzetta, was named one of Americas Business Leaders in Banking by Forbes magazine and American Bankers Community Banker of the Year in 2016.

For more details on SB One Bank, visit: www.SBOne.bank

SB ONE BANCORP

Anthony Labozzetta, President/CEO

Vito Giannola, SEVP/CBO

(p) 844-256-7328
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail want to make the economy the focus of the second full day of the election campaign.

But homelessness and crime dominated day one and are still the talking points this morning.

Brexit will also be on today's agenda, following the new European Commission President's visit last night.

For Fine Gael this morning it's a launch on jobs and Brexit before the Taoiseach heads on the campaign trail in Longford.

Fianna Fail are also talking Brexit and the economy in a morning briefing with Micheal Martin due to campaign in Dublin and Wicklow today.

Labour are launching proposals on crime on Dublin's Northside while the Social Democrats are holding their campaign launch at a former Magdelene laundry in Dublin.
(Newser)  Lev Parnas, the Rudy Giuliani associate indicted for campaign finance violations, dropped more than one bombshell in an MSNBC interview Wednesday night. The Florida businessman told Rachel Maddow that he pressured Ukraine's president to dig up dirt on Joe and Hunter Bidenand President Trump "knew exactly what was going on." "I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president," Parnas said. He said he told then-president-elect Volodymyr Zelensky that if no investigation of the Bidens was announced, no American officials would attend his inauguration and all American military aid would be cut off.

Pence ordered to stay away. The day after Parnas said he delivered the message to Zelensky, the State Department announced that Mike Pence would no longer be attending the inauguration, the AP reports. Parnas said Trump ordered Pence to stay away after Giuliani told the president that it would show Ukraine's new administration that the Biden request had to be taken seriously. Parnas said he was acting under the direction of Giuliani, whom he regularly heard briefing Trump over the phone.

story continues below

Dems release more on Parnas connection . House Democrats released a trove of new documents showing Parnas' connections to Giuliani's shadow foreign policy in Ukraine, the Washington Post reports. Parnas attended functions with top Republicans and Trump family members, and enlisted an official at a pro-Trump super PAC to promote stories from Ukraine, including a claim that there had been a plot to help Hillary Clinton.

. House Democrats released a trove of new documents showing Parnas' connections to Giuliani's shadow foreign policy in Ukraine, the Washington Post reports. Parnas attended functions with top Republicans and Trump family members, and enlisted an official at a pro-Trump super PAC to promote stories from Ukraine, including a claim that there had been a plot to help Hillary Clinton. His "biggest regret." Parnas says he regrets helping the Ukraine pressure campaignand trusting Trump and Giuliani. "My biggest regret is trusting so much," Parnas, who is now seeking to cooperate with prosecutors, tells the New York Times. "I thought I was being a patriot and helping the president" and "thought by listening to the president and his attorney that I couldnt possibly get in trouble or do anything wrong," he says.

Parnas says he regrets helping the Ukraine pressure campaignand trusting Trump and Giuliani. "My biggest regret is trusting so much," Parnas, who is now seeking to cooperate with prosecutors, tells the New York Times. "I thought I was being a patriot and helping the president" and "thought by listening to the president and his attorney that I couldnt possibly get in trouble or do anything wrong," he says. Giuliani "feels sorry for him." Giuliani said Wednesday that he "felt sorry" for Parnas and thought it was "sad" that he was sharing documents with House investigators because he wanted "attention." Giuliani has denied that he agreed to represent Parnas and Igor Fruman, another associate, so their Ukraine activities would be protected by attorney-client privilege.

Giuliani said Wednesday that he "felt sorry" for Parnas and thought it was "sad" that he was sharing documents with House investigators because he wanted "attention." Giuliani has denied that he agreed to represent Parnas and Igor Fruman, another associate, so their Ukraine activities would be protected by attorney-client privilege. Calls for investigation. There have been calls to investigate reports that Trump donor Robert Hyde said he was in touch with people who were monitoring Marie Yovanovitch, the US ambassador to Ukraine who was ousted last year, the Guardian reports. "If its real, its outrageous, says John Herbst, Yovanovitch's predecessor. "Masha Yovanovitch is a real pro. She was used to being surveilled by the FSB [Russian intelligence], but if shes being surveilled by a private American, that is truly dark side activity."

There have been calls to investigate reports that Trump donor Robert Hyde said he was in touch with people who were monitoring Marie Yovanovitch, the US ambassador to Ukraine who was ousted last year, the Guardian reports. "If its real, its outrageous, says John Herbst, Yovanovitch's predecessor. "Masha Yovanovitch is a real pro. She was used to being surveilled by the FSB [Russian intelligence], but if shes being surveilled by a private American, that is truly dark side activity." Hyde's shady history. The AP has more on Hyde, who is running for a House seat in Connecticut. He has "extensive financial and legal problems" and was ordered to turn over five firearms in July because of a protection order. The following week, members of a church asked police to tell Hyde to stay away because of his "unsettling behavior and political campaigning." He was escorted from the Trump National Doral golf club in May and sent for a mental health evaluation after claiming hit men, possibly disguised as landscapers, were "out to get him."

(Read more Trump impeachment stories.)
P assengers face a second day of travel chaos in the Costa Blanca today as Alicante airport remains closed following a fire.

Alicante-Elche Airport is set to remain shut until at least 2pm after a blaze ripped through a terminal roof on Wednesday.

Flyers were evacuated from the popular Spanish travel hub just after 2.30pm yesterday when flames and plumes of black smoke engulfed the building.

Dozens of firefighters are still tackling the fire, thought to have started in the terminal, with some on Twitter reporting a lack of information on the ground and not "a single alarm going off".

Dozens of firefighters are still tackling the fire which ripped through the terminal roof on Wednesday / Alicante City Council

More than half of the 125 flights scheduled to arrive or leave Alicante were either re-routed or cancelled yesterday, with passengers on 14 ferried by bus to Murcia and Valencia and more than 20 diverted in mid-air.

Flyers are facing huge delays at the Costa Blanca transport hub / AFP via Getty Images
A Range Rover driver ploughed into four parked cars before driving away after a gym session.

Pictures show the aftermath at 24/7 Fitness in Garston, Liverpool, this morning where four cars were damaged by the clumsy motorist, believed to be in her early to mid-twenties.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, spotted the wreckage after finishing her workout.

Pictures show the aftermath at 24/7 Fitness in Garston, Liverpool, this morning where four cars were damaged by the clumsy motorist

The witness said the driver returned with her father and admitted she was responsible before giving her details to one of the car owners

The woman said: 'I walked out of the gym and heard a car alarm going off.

'I saw a woman in a black Range Rover sport with the front of her car literally hanging off driving away.

'I went over to the parked cars and saw multiple vehicles were smashed up.

'I was shocked - I couldn't believe someone had done something like that.

'I heard it had something to do with her brakes.

'She said she was doing a U-turn and the car kept on going while she was trying to brake.'

From the pictures, taken this morning at 24/7 Fitness, some of the cars appeared to be written off

Merseyside Police confirmed they were investigating after the incident in Garston, Liverpool

The witness said the driver returned with her father and admitted she was responsible before giving her details to one of the car owners.

From the pictures, some of the cars appeared to be written off.

Merseyside Police confirmed they were investigating.

A spokesman said: 'A report was received just before 11.15am that seven vehicles had been damaged after a black Land Rover was in collision with six stationary vehicles at The Matchworks car park.

'The driver of the Land Rover has been located and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 05:49:51|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States has promised to provide technical assistance for Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia if they reached a deal regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said a statement of Sudan's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged to speed up reaching a comprehensive agreement on the GERD during his meeting with delegations of the three countries, according to the statement.

Trump further said he would later instruct for organizing a signing ceremony for the agreement in Washington, it added.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry announced in the statement that the three countries' delegations will return to Washington, in a period to be determined later, to take part in a final round of talks to finalize the comprehensive agreement.

Washington is hosting talks between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on the GERD under the patronage of the U.S. Secretary of Treasury and presence of the World Bank president.

The difference between Egypt and Ethiopia focuses on the duration of filling and operation of the GERD.

Egypt demands that the filling period be 10 years considering the drought years, while Ethiopia adheres to a period between four and seven years.

In early August 2019, Egypt proposed that, to avoid drought, Ethiopia must not begin filling the dam without Egypt's consent, which was rejected by Ethiopia.

In March 2015, leaders of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia signed a declaration of principles committed to reaching an agreement regarding the GERD through cooperation. But differences are still standing despite the deal.

Ethiopia started building the GERD in 2011, while Egypt, a downstream Nile Basin country that relies on the river for its fresh water, is concerned that the dam might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of the water resources of the river.

The GERD, extending on an area of 1,800 square km, is scheduled to be completed in three years at a cost of 4.7 billion U.S. dollars.
REUTERS

Lev Parnas, an indicted ex-associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, accused President Donald Trump of lying about their relationship Wednesday night. And he said Giuliani told Ukrainian officials that Parnas spoke on behalf of the president.

In an interview with Rachel Maddow for her MSNBC show, Parnas said that when he met with Ukrainian government officials, he would call Giuliani and put him on speaker. Giuliani would then tell the officials that Parnas was there on Trumps behalf, he said.

It was never about corruption, Parnas said. It was strictly about Burisma, which includes Hunter Biden and Joe Biden.

The Justice Department charged Parnas last year with a number of election-related crimes. He has maintained his innocence and is in the process of sharing materials with congressional investigators about Trumpworlds efforts to secure political favors from Kyiv.

Parnas detailed a conversation with Serhiy Shefir, an aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Parnas said Vice President Mike Pence would cancel a planned trip for Zelenskys inauguration unless the incoming Ukrainian government announced it would investigate the Bidens. Parnas said that when he learned the Ukrainians were not going to announce a Biden probe, he told Giuliani.

I remember Rudy going, OK, theyll see, Parnas said.

Pences trip was canceled the next day.

Parnas also said that he saw Attorney General Bill Barrwho met with associates of Giuliani about indicted oligarch Dmytro Firtashas a fellow traveler in the scheme. Attorney General Barr was basically on the team, Parnas said. A Justice Department spokesperson, meanwhile, told Maddow the claim was 100 percent false.

Parnas also said he set up Skype interviews with Ukrainian officials for Derek Harvey, a senior aide to Rep. Devin Nunes. Parnas said Nunes and his team were helping with their scrutiny of the Bidensclaims Nunes has denied.

Its hard to see them lie like that, when you know its like that, Parnas said. Its scary.

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He knows who I am, Parnas added of Nunes.

Asked for comment as Parnas was speaking on MSNBC on Wednesday evening, Giuliani responded at first, Are you kidding? When asked for further elaboration, the Trump attorney messaged: Very sad situation, and: Hes desperate and badly represented. When pressed if Parnas was lying regarding recent allegations and documents turned over to the House Intelligence Committee, Giuliani only responded, Im not paying attention to him.

The Parnas comments came on the heels of another big TV interview. In a much-bleeped conversation with Trump ally Eric Bolling, the newest figure in the Trump impeachment saga tried to defend his ominous-sounding texts with Lev Parnas.

That person, Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde, went on Bollings Sinclair show to answer questions about texts in which he claimed to know the physical location of Americans then-ambassador to Ukraine and to have information about her cellphone use. But he didnt offer much of an explanation. (On Thursday, Ukraine government officials announced a criminal investigation into possible illegal surveillance of Yovanovitch.)

We sent some colorful texts, he said. You know, its kind of unfortunate that the left had to get their panties in a bunch.

Then Bolling asked if Hyde had eyes on Marie Yovanovitch, the former ambassador.

Absolutely not, he replied. Are you kidding me? Im a little nasty [BLEEP], excuse my language. Come on, you know me, Eric.

Bolling expressed incredulity about the texts, triggering a rant from Hyde about the left, saying they were more offended by his texts than by the opioid crisis.

He also made odd comments intimating that people warned him against talking to Parnas.

Listen, I was told a long time ago who Lev was by a lot of people down in communities throughout this country who would pull me aside, have meetings with me, and tell me to stay away from the guy, he said. Honestly, I was never a close associate with Lev Parnas. Did I like his character and did we have laughs and joke a bit? Of course. But to try to throw me under a bus somehow for joking around on WhatsApp? Id love to see Adam Schiffs texts on WhatsApp.

The texts in question, between Hyde and ex-Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, indicated he was surveilling Yovanovitch.

They know shes a political puppet, Hyde wrote to Parnas in the newly released texts. They will let me know when shes on the move They are willing to help if you/we would like a price.

Guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money, Hyde added.

Meanwhile, in his Maddow interview, Parnas said he did not take apparent threats to Yovanovitchs security seriously because he assumed Hyde was either making himself seem bigger than he wasor drunk when he was sending the WhatsApp messages.

When he sent me those, I got disturbed. I was like Whoa, this is crazy and is this guy off the wall? Parnas said, adding that his contact at the America First PAC said Hyde shouldnt be taken seriously.

Maddow pointed out the messages came over the course of an entire weeksurely Hyde couldnt have been intoxicated the whole time?

Hes drunk all of the time, Parnas said, laughing. He wakes up and hes drunkhe starts at 6... Ive never seen him not drunk.

Parnas said that was the reason he did not believe the ambassador was truly under surveillance.

You didnt worry that she was in physical danger? Maddow asked.

Never. Never.

Because you didnt believe Mr. Hyde?

No, Parnas said laughing. I definitely didnt believe Mr. Hyde.

With reporting from Asawin Suebsaeng

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The mayor and City Council of Richmond, California, have voted to phase out and prohibit the storage and handling of coal and petroleum coke (petcoke) in the city.

The city said that it has been receiving increased complaints about dust from coal and petcoke, which are loaded aboard ships at a privately owned facility operated by Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp. (LRTC) and which has been located on the port's main shipping channel for the past 37 years.

The terminal said in 2018 it handled 999,062 tons of coal, 267,854 tons of petcoke and 155,575 tons of scrap metal. The coal is transported by Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) from mines operated by Wolverine Fuels in Utah and shipped to Japan for power generation. The Richmond terminal is used to "top off"  that is, load additional coal into ships that are partially loaded with coal in Stockton, California.

The petcoke arrives by truck from a Phillips 66 refinery in nearby Rodeo, California. The petcoke is exported to manufacturers of products such as aluminum and titanium dioxide, according to Phillips 66.

The council's January 14 vote in favor of the ordinance on first reading was a victory for environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the community group No Coal in Richmond.

Council members said handling of coal in the city was harmful to residents because of fugitive dust from both the terminal and the railroads that deliver it. Richmond Pacific Railroad Corp., a short line railroad affiliated with LRTC, connects the Union Pacific to the terminal.

The ordinance provides a three-year "amortization period" to LRTC that the city staff said "provides a sufficient amount of time for the owners of nonconforming uses to recover investments specific to coal and/or petroleum coke storage and handling and to transition their operations to other commodities."

In a letter to the port's planning commission last July, Gary M. Levin, the president and chief executive officer of the terminal, said the facility "cannot be converted to other uses, if at all, within any period approaching the three years contemplated."

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That was disputed by groups seeking to end the shipment of coal and petcoke through the city and pointing to a recent study for the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission that forecast over the next 50 years growing volumes of other bulk commodities in the San Francisco Bay area such as sand and gravel, gypsum, bauxite and slag and scrap metal.

Levin said in his letter there were many other potential sources of particulate matter in addition to coal dust near the terminal. Christopher Locke, an attorney for LRTC, had asked that adoption of the ordinance be delayed until a study provided "scientific evidence that fugitive PM 2.5 coal or petcoke dust from LRTC present a health risk."

But a letter to Richmond Mayor Tom Butt from the firm McCrone Associates said an analysis of samples collected in the city had detected coal dust at six residences within a mile of the terminal and at a school.

Locke told the council the ordinance would "violate taking' protections under the California Constitution and the United States Constitution, the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution, the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States and California Constitutions." He also contended it was preempted by federal laws such as the Interstate Commerce Commission Terminal Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and the Shipping Act of 1984.

Attorneys for the Sierra Club, however, said the ordinance was "an entirely lawful exercise of the police power that does not run afoul of constitutional or statutory requirements," and Christiana Tiedemann, the former chief counsel for the California Environmental Protection Agency, wrote to the council saying that a threat of litigation because the city was unlawfully terminating the existing coal storage and handling land use in Richmond "has no merit."

Phillips 66 had said if the proposed ordinance was adopted it would have to truck the petcoke it currently sends to Richmond to marine terminals such as those in Stockton or Pittsburg, California, which would result in greater traffic congestion and additional fuel consumption and emissions from trucks and ships.

The nearby city of Oakland also is trying to prevent coal exports from its shores. The proposed Oakland Bulk and Oversize Terminal, which would be built on land leased from the city, would be located close to the existing Port of Oakland, which primarily handles containers.

After an outcry by community members opposed to the terminal, the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance to prevent the handling of coal at the facility. However, in May 2018, a federal judge struck the Oakland coal ban down, saying it was based on information "riddled with inaccuracies, major evidentiary gaps, erroneous assumptions and faulty analysis."

That decision was appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, where arguments were heard in November. That decision is pending.

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ALBANY - As housing advocates across the state have descended upon Albany to champion for a home for every New Yorker, Capital Region tenant advocates hope good-cause eviction will remain a focus.

Laura Felts, executive director for United Tenants of Albany, said tenants often face eviction with no cause, and provisions must be made to prevent people from losing their homes without reason.

There are no protections for evictions of no cause," she said. "There is a little bit of a change where if youve lived in the apartment longer (more than two years) you get more notice, but it still can be given for no reason or little reason. Its an issue that people face constantly.

The state last year passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which expands rent stabilization across New York and offers eviction protections to tenants. It also protects tenants who make complaints about their housing and have faced eviction as a result, and limits rent increases and security deposits.

Supporters of the effort said there is more work to be done.

We know what the data says  evictions are now down across the state, but we know that upstate still needs our help, Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, D-Brooklyn, said to advocates who gathered recently at the Capitol. We know that good cause eviction needs to come across the Legislature this year and the governor has to sign this bill. We know that every New Yorker should be guaranteed a home as a basic right.

Housing Justice for All, a coalition of affordable housing advocates, has come back this year calling for state funding to ensure every New Yorker has a home. Advocates contend the wealthy should be taxed more in order to help fund housing for the roughly 92,000 homeless people across New York state.

They also are calling for an end to Major Capital Improvement (MCI) rent increases and passage of the good cause eviction act.

Legislation to prohibit eviction without good cause was first introduced last year by state Sen. Julia Salazar, D-Brooklyn.

Anita Long, Community Action for Safe Apartments leader, said good cause eviction would address homelessness.

Eviction is the key contributor to homelessness, she said to dozens of people who recently gathered at the Capitol to advocate for stronger tenant and housing protects. Evictions destroy families and communities. When people move frequently they dont form the social bonds and the pride in place that encourages them to care for their block and to look out for their neighbors.

Salazar said she will be pushing for the legislation to be included in this year's final budget, which is due April 1. Cuomo is expected to release his executive budget Tuesday, Jan. 21. Salazar said there was a lot of misinformation when the bill was introduced last year.

"Now that there has been some time, a ton of public testimony from tenants across the state, my hope is that legislators will make more of an informed decision to support the bill," she said.

Cuomos office would not comment on whether a provision to address good cause evictions will be advanced this session, but pointed to billions in funding that tackles homelessness and housing.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

This administration has dedicated unprecedented resources toward combating the homelessness crisis  a cause to which the governor has dedicated his entire adult life, Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall said in an emailed statement. This year, the governor signed into law the strongest rent protections in generations and under his $20 billion housing plan we are well underway to creating or preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing and creating 6,000 new supportive housing units.

Others argue the provisions have had unintended consequences that are harmful to property owners and tenants.

Property owners and landlords involved in Under One Roof, a new coalition that formed late last year following the tenant protections going into effect, say the reforms have prolonged the eviction process, which means a financial loss to landlords, and forced landlords to avoid renting to more risky tenants because of the inability to collect more than one months rent as security.

Deborah Pusatere, a property owner in the Capital Region and president of the New York Capital Region Apartment Association, said the extended timeframe and murkiness of the eviction notification process now prevents access to apartments for three to four months. During that time, Pusatere said, she wont be able to collect rent.

Not only is it a huge loss of money to me, but when I dont get that rent, I dont have an income stream to pay my taxes, my sewer and water, she said. It also takes away my faith from existing tenants who I used to work out my own payment plan.

Pusatere said landlords can only ask for one months rent for a security deposit. Before, she said, she would request additional security as a safety net when renting to riskier tenants - those who have poor credit or have fallen on hard times, for example.

An earlier version of this story did not accurately reflect the impacts the new tenant provisions have on landlords. Property owners say the new provisions force them to avoid renting to more risky tenants because they cannot collect more than one month's rent as security.
The 29-year-old Merrillville man who died in a police shootout Monday after allegedly strangling his girlfriend to death was facing similar charges of violence against another woman in Indianapolis, according to court records obtained by The Times.

Keenan McCain was accused of choking his then-live-in girlfriend Aug. 31, stopping only after she kicked over a lamp, according to charging documents.

He then picked up a handgun, pointed it at her and told her he would "blow her head off," police said.

"She was afraid he would actually kill her based on the previous incident with the gun, as well as knowing he always carries his gun loaded with a bullet in the chamber," according to court documents.

McCain backed down when the woman's father knocked on the door and took her away, police said.

McCain faced two felony counts of intimidation, felony strangulation and pointing a firearm, and a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

The woman in the Indianapolis case told police she had been dating McCain for a year, having ended the relationship at the time of the alleged assault, according to court documents.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, on his first trip abroad Thursday since being re-elected, failed to persuade the governments of four central European countries to give up on nuclear energy which they largely depend on. Following a meeting with his counterparts in the so-called Visegrad countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, Kurz was forced to admit that the ex-Communist neighbours had a different strategy for going green. "Our goals differ from those of the Visegrad-four countries," Kurz told reporters in Prague. "We think countries should make a switch from coal to greener energy resources, but it is important for Austria not to support nuclear energy," he said, insisting that the security of Austrians was his primary concern. Kurz is heading a new coalition government made up of his conservative People's Party and the environmentalist Greens, which was sworn in last week. The new administration has introduced an ambitious green energy plan, vowing to become carbon neutral by 2040, beating the EU-wide target of carbon neutrality by 2050. But Kurz failed to win over his counterparts in the four countries. "Every EU member state should have the right to choose its energy mix," said Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, whose country is building two new units at the Mochovce nuclear plant. The Czech Republic announced a plan last November to build a new multi-billion-euro (dollar) nuclear unit at the southern Dukovany plant by 2036. "We are not able to achieve carbon neutrality without nuclear energy," Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said after meeting Kurz for bilateral talks later Thursday. "Of course we want to close our coal-fired plants at some point, but we can't do that without nuclear power," said Babis, whose country expects to raise the share of nuclear energy in its mix to 40 percent by 2040 from the current 30 percent. The state-owned CEZ group runs two nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic: Dukovany and Temelin, both in the south of the country. Hungary is largely dependent on its Paks nuclear plant. Poland, whose energy sector is based on coal-fired resources, has no nuclear plants. In its policy statement, Kurz's government has pledged to get all energy from renewable resources by 2030 and to invest more in public transport. Renewable energy already accounts for about a third of Austria's consumption, almost double the EU average. Czech Republic's Prime Minister Andrej Babis and his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz before a meeting on January 16, 2020 in Prague; Kurz has admitted ex-Communist neighbours had a different strategy for going green
Your Colleagues

Dandona to receive prestigious award for his work in diabetes research

By BARBARA BRANNING

Paresh Dandona, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, will be honored with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundations 2020 Life Time Contribution Award in Chennai, India, in July. He is the eighth scientist to receive the award.

Dandona, one of the worlds leading experts in the treatment of diabetes and vascular disease, also has been invited to deliver two lectures during International Diabetes Update 2020.

The renowned researchers work on diabetes and metabolic disorders includes leading clinical trials for new treatments to exploring basic scientific mechanisms involved in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

His team has made groundbreaking discoveries in a wide range of areas. They include uncovering links between obesity, diabetes and other health conditions; exploring novel treatments for diabetes and the use of medications designed for Type 2 diabetes to treat patients with Type 1, which has resulted in the licensing of dapagliflozin as the first oral treatment of Type 1 diabetes in Europe and Japan; and drawing new connections between inflammation, obesity and diabetes.

Dandona has mentored many of the current leaders in diabetes health care and research, and his teams dedication to teaching and training has led to development of one of the largest endocrinology fellowship programs in the United States. Seventy-two fellows have graduated from this program, and are now located all over the U.S., the Middle East and India.

He has previously been honored by the Ceylon (Sri Lanka) College of Physicians with its highest honor, the Fernando Award. He was awarded the Banting Medal by the Endocrine Society of India, and Kyung Hee University of Korea made him a Global Eminent Scholar.

He has written more than 550 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1,000 additional publications. He has served on the editorial boards of Diabetes Care and the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, both of which are major journals in the field of diabetes and endocrinology. He also founded the journal Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders.

Dandona has been a faculty member in the Department of Medicine and chief of endocrinology at Kaleida Health since 1991. He also is director of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center of Western New York, which is sponsored by the Jacobs School and Kaleida.

A 2012 recipient of the UB Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence, Dandona received a PhD from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He holds a MBBS  bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery  from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation was founded by V. Mohan in 1996. He also established Mohans Diabetes Specialties Centre, among the worlds largest diabetes care networks, made up of more than 50 diabetes centers in India, the Middle East and Africa, caring for 500,000 diabetic patients.

The foundations annual three-day Diabetes Update symposium has grown to attract more than 3,000 doctors from around the world.

According to Mohan, The MDRF Life Time Contribution Award was instituted to honor medical scientists who have contributed significantly to the field of medicine, particularly in the field of diabetes, over their lifetime. The number and impact of the candidates publications and their contribution to society are the main criteria.
EastEnders spoilers reveal that Billy Mitchell will beg his ex-wife Honey Mitchell to stay after she threatened to leave as her eating disorder plot reaches its peak.

Preview pictures show the former couple in a tense showdown as Billy (Perry Fenwick) confronts her over her eating problem, with Honey threatening to leave Albert Square.

The character (played by Emma Barton) has had a tough year after discovering her ex-boyfriend Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) had been cheating on her - which left left her confidence at rock bottom.

Drama: EastEnders spoilers reveal that Billy Mitchell will beg his ex-wife Honey Mitchell to stay as her eating disorder plot reaches its peak

She finally plucked up the courage to dump him, but the end of her relationship and the blow on her self-esteem triggered her battle with food.

For weeks she's been trying to keep her disorder a secret from her loved ones, but her secret was recently discovered by estranged husband Billy.

Last week, after learning that Billy had reconciled with girlfriend Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Honey agreed to go on a date with Karen's ex Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths).

However, after he critiscised her for ordering a salad and proceeded to put a handful of chips on her plate, Honey fled to the toilets.

Tense scenes: Preview pictures show the former couple in a tense showdown as Billy (Perry Fenwick) confronts her over her eating problem, with Honey threatening to leave Albert Square

She later heard him bad-mouthing her to his daughter Bailey (Kara-Leah Fernandes) leaving her devastated.

At home, Honey wasted no time in binging on a plethora of food, before being interupted by Billy, Janet and Lexie.

Later at the pageant, Honey stuck out to be sick in the toilets, but was unaware that she had been followed by her young daughter Janet.

Billy was then horrified as he caught Janet watching her mother be sick on her hands and knees.

Heartbreak: The character (played by Emma Barton) has had a tough year after discovering her ex-boyfriend Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) had been cheating on her - which left left her confidence at rock bottom

Following the pagaent, of which Janet won, Billy blasted Honey over her paraenting skills.

However, Billy couldn't shake the feeling that something was up with Honey after she brushed him off by claiming she had food poisoning.

But after speaking to Mitch and doing some research, Billy was horrified to discover Honey had an eating disorder.

Will Billy be able to get Honey the help she so desperately needs? Or will she continue to push those who care for her away?

Moving on: Last week, after learning that Billy had reconciled with girlfriend Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Honey agreed to go on a date with Karen's ex Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths)

Crushed: She later heard him bad-mouthing her to his daughter Bailey (Kara-Leah Fernandes) leaving her devastated

Meanwhile, there's further drama in EastEnders as a major character is set to be killed off in the BBC soap's 35th anniversay special.

A source has claimed that in dramatic scenes a beloved character will suffer a grisly fate by drowning in the River Thames in the midst of a wild boat party hosted by The Carters.

The epic scenes are set to be filmed later this week and will air next month as part of the show's anniversary celebrations.

The source said: 'Trouble has been brewing in Walford for a while, and they decided it was the perfect occasion to see off a big name.

Breaking point: Will Billy be able to get Honey the help she so desperately needs? Or will she continue to push those who care for her away?

'It's thought that as part of the dramatic scenes Sharon will give birth on the boat, but she is just one of many who could see themselves go overboard to an icy, watery death.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for EastEnders for further comment.

The anniversary episodes are set to take place over the span of the same 24 hours as guests board the river boat for a fun celebration.

As hosts of the party, both Mick and Linda Carter are considered to be at risk of being killed off, especially given the couple's marriage is set to reach breaking point in the coming weeks over the landlady's heavy drinking.

Shock: EastEnders is reportedly set to kill off a major character during its 35th Anniversary Special next month (pictured are Mick Carter [Danny Dyer] and Linda Carter [Kellie Bright])

Sharon Mitchell will also feature heavily in the anniversary scenes back in Albert Square, as she finally gives birth to her baby from her affair with Keanu Taylor.

Executive Producer Jon Sen also said: 'For the 35th anniversary we wanted to entertain the EastEnders audience on the iconic river which has heralded the start of the show for 35 years.'

Jake Wood - who plays Max Branning - recently gave fans a taster of the upcoming anniversary special, telling Digital Spy: 'We've obviously got Christmas coming up  and the 35th anniversary early next year. I think the fans will be delighted by that.

'It'll be some of the best stuff that we'll ever get a chance to shoot. I've seen some of the scripts coming up and they're amazing. The show is in a very strong place at the moment and I'm really proud to be part of it.'

EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. Photo: AP Foto/Virginia Mayo

The EU wants to negotiate a post-Brexit partnership with the UK that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope, according to the president of the European Commission.

Speaking at the London School of Economics, Ursula von der Leyen warned, however, that the relationship cannot and will not be as close as before.

She also cautioned that, unless the post-Brexit transition period is extended beyond the end of 2020, both sides cannot expect to agree on every aspect of our new partnership.

It is basically impossible to negotiate all, she said.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has said that the 11-month transition period will not be extended under any circumstances, but some EU figures have suggested he will be forced to U-turn on that pledge due to the complexity of the negotiations.

READ MORE: Facebook and eBay to tackle fake online shopping reviews after regulator probe

We will have to prioritise, she said. We will work for solutions that uphold the integrity of the European Union, its single market, and its customs union. There can be no compromise on that.

But we are ready to design a new partnership  zero tariffs, zero quotas, zero dumping, a partnership that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope, she said.

Von der Leyen said that the European Union was ready to work day and night to get as much done within the timeframe.

But every choice that the UK makes in the negotiations will have a consequence, Von der Leyen noted.

Without the free movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods, and service. Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation, and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the worlds largest single market, she said.

The more divergence, the more distance the partnership will be.

The commission president said that 31 January, the UKs last day in the bloc, will be a tough and emotional day.

READ MORE: German industrial sector in dire state

Story continues

But she said that when the sun rises again on 1 February, the UK and the European Union will still be the best of friends and partners.

Von der Leyen said she had fallen in love with the UK when she studied for a year at the London School of Economics.

My admiration for the United Kingdom remains as strong as it did back then, she said.

The UK, she said, is strong willed, open minded, big hearted, proud and patriotic, kind and generous in spirit, full of traditions, but noted that it was also full of contradictions.

Von der Leyen, who took over as president of the commission in December, and Johnson will meet at Downing St later on Wednesday.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday slammed Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) before the Supreme Court and said that 'common courtesy demanded that prior permission' should have been taken from him

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday took on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) before the Supreme Court and said that "common courtesy demanded that prior permission" should have been taken from him. On Tuesday, the Kerala government had moved the top court against the citizenship law, becoming the first state to do so, amid continued nationwide protests against the legislation.

Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor, on Kerala govt challenging #CAA in SC: This is breach of protocol and breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state govt can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me. https://t.co/zFk5djrzxa pic.twitter.com/wMmRgDzYCX  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

Khan stated that the state government's move was a breach of protocol. "I'm not saying that what they did is wrong. They may have every right to approach the Supreme Court," he said.

"But the common courtesy demanded that prior permission (should have been) taken from me... at least I should have been kept in the loop," he said.

Khan has lately been critical of the manner the Kerala government has been taking positions on CAA.

"There is a legal maxim, neither I nor anyone is above the law. Clearly I am not against anyone approaching the judiciary. But, with me being the Constitutional head of the state, they (the state government) should have informed me about it, but I came to know through the newspapers. Some people here, think they are above law," said Khan.

Demanding the repeal of CAA, the Kerala government led by Vijayan moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday, saying the amended law violated Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution and the basic structure of secularism in India. With this, Kerala becomes the first state to approach the apex court against the CAA, which has seen unprecedented protests all over the country.

While presenting the resolution, Vijayan had said the CAA was against the "secular" outlook and fabric of the country thereby spearheading religion-based discrimination.
BEIJING - Russian President Vladimir Putins sudden announcement of constitutional changes that prompted the prime ministers departure wont affect increasingly close ties between Beijing and Moscow, China said Thursday.

Under Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the China-Russian strategic co-operative partnership has entered a new era, becoming increasingly mature, stable and resilient, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily briefing.

Bilateral relations will not be affected by changes in the international situation and the respective domestic political processes of both sides, Geng said.

He also praised former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for promoting Russian-Chinese ties, especially in the economic field.

The countries, former Cold War rivals for leadership of the communist bloc, have increasingly close relations over the past two decades.

China has been a key customer for Russian armaments, gas, oil and other resources, while their governments have aligned their foreign policies to oppose U.S. influence in international affairs.

Putin on Wednesday proposed changes to the constitution that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024, setting in motion a surprise shakeup of Russias leadership.

Medvedev resigned hours later and Putin named the little-known head of Russias tax service to replace him.

While Putins plans remain undefined, they have been likened to moves by Xi to consolidate control and make himself the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. Xi, who is head of state, leader of the ruling Communist Party and chairman of the committee overseeing the military, has created new working bodies giving him control over state security and other crucial functions of government.

In 2018, Xi had the constitution amended to remove presidential term limits, effectively making him ruler-for-life, a role Putin appears to aspire to also.
Ekala is a prickly climber akin to North American greenbrier, often dismissed as a troublemaking weed. In the Imereti region of Georgia, its crisp young shoots are gathered in spring, before their thorns sharpen, when theyre as skinny and fragile as first asparagus, and pickled to last.

It rarely makes its way to New York, not even to the Georgian restaurants of southern Brooklyn, where thousands of immigrants from the former Soviet republic have settled in the past 30 years.

Yet at Chama Mama, which opened in March in a lofty space in Chelsea, ekala appears without fanfare. It simply takes its rightful place at the table, roughly chopped with a paste of walnuts and garlic: earthy and delicate.

Tamara Chubinidze, who runs Chama Mama, was born in Tbilisi, Georgias capital, and moved to New York in 1996 as a teenager. Her father arrived earlier, after her mothers death and the collapse of the Soviet Union. He spoke no English; to survive, he drove a taxi and sold used books, all these things that immigrants do, Ms. Chubinidze said.
[January 16, 2020] Leidos to Provide U.S. Army Common Driver Training Systems Services

RESTON, Va., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, was awarded the Common Driver Trainer (CDT) Virtual Product Line (VPL) contract by the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). Under the CDT VPL contract, Leidos will produce Technical Refresh and Concurrency hardware/software upgrade capabilities to the Army's Common Driver Trainer (CDT) systems. Leidos will also provide the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) with a full replacement of the existing Operator Driver Simulators (ODS).The single award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has a five-year base period of performance followed by two one-year option periods, and an approximate ceiling of $110 million. Work will be performed in Orlando, FL. Leidos engineers will provide a technology refresh and concurrency upgrades to previously-fielded Army CDT systems, which provide training on several different vehicle types, including the US Army Tank and Tank Engineering Variant, Stryker, Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and Tactical Wheeled Variant (TWV) families. The CDT contract includes a complete replacement of all USMC driving simulators, in both fixed and mobile trailer-based configurations, to provide new driver training capabilities across a range of Marine Corps tactical vehicles at multiple USMC sites. The CDT contract provides training in critical driver or crew tasks that are time consuming, resource constrained or too dangerous to conduct on actual equipment. With the use of a CDT simulator, dangerous or mission-critical training tasks are easily repeated. The new CDT systems provide cost-effective capabilities that maximize training and realism, and deliver more reliable, efficient, and extensible driver training. The modernized CDT system architecture is designed to support planned, systematic interoperability and reuse by other virtual training applications. "We look forward to providing the U.S. Army with the next generation of virtual training systems so they are ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any adversary," said Eric Freeman, Leidos Defense Group's senior vice president. "This win enables Leidos to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and measureable common driver training that keeps our military servicemen and women situationally aware and ready to respond at all times." About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 34,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $10.19 billion for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2018. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 28, 2018, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.







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R ebecca Long-Bailey was set to win the backing of Left-wing group Momentum today in a boost to her Labour leadership campaign.

The endorsement will fuel the shadow business secretarys reputation as the continuity Corbyn candidate in the race to take over the party.

Ms Long-Bailey was backed by 52 per cent of Momentum members, more than three times as many as rival Sir Keir Starmer, according to a YouGov poll for Queen Mary University of London.

However, todays ballot of up to 40,000 Momentum members was controversial because participants were not given a free choice between all five candidates but had to answer yes or no to whether they agreed with the groups leadership that Ms Long-Bailey was the best choice.

Who will replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader? 1 /4 Who will replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader? Rebecca Long-Bailey Getty Images Lisa Nandy REUTERS Keir Starmer PA

Both Sir Keir and Ms Long-Bailey came under pressure this morning to submit to live TV grilling by broadcaster Andrew Neil after rising star Lisa Nandy received warm reviews for her performance during a 23-minute interrogation last night.

Kevin Brennan MP, a Nandy supporter, said: I hope all the other candidates will have the guts to put themselves through the Andrew Neil show as Lisa did. Its a good test for any potential prime minister, and one that the current PM was too afraid to take on during he election campaign.

Jon Cruddas, another Nandy ally, said: It was good to see Lisa going toe-to-toe with Andrew Neil, something all candidates should consider.

TODO: define component type apester

Broadcaster Neil made clear in his introduction that invitations had gone out to all five candidates and that he hoped they would appear.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said: It is not something we are against. Its a question of when not if. Ms Long-Baileys spokeswomen did not respond to calls.

The five leadership hopefuls, who also include Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry, must win the support of affiliates such as unions and constituency Labour parties (CLPs) after the second stage of nominations opened yesterday.

Last night Sir Keir was endorsed by the first two CLPs to declare their stances: Richmond, in London, and Bosworth in Leicestershire.

To reach the final ballot, candidates must get the support of five per cent of local parties or three affiliates, including two unions, by February 14.

Ms Nandy has the support of the National Union of Mineworkers, while Sir Keir has been backed by Unison and SERA, the only environmental group affiliated to the party. Ms Long-Bailey is hoping for the backing of Unite.
Burma Myanmar CSOs Urge Xi Jinping to Terminate Myitsone Dam Project

The entrance gate to the Myitsone Dam site in Kachin State, as seen in 2013. / / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

YANGONNearly 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) have called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to permanently terminate the suspended Myitsone Dam project, saying that the project threatens the prosperity of the Myanmar people and that friendly relations between the two countries will deteriorate if the project goes ahead.

On Wednesday, civil society organizations, mostly based in Kachin State, issued an open letter to Xi, two days before his planned visit to Myanmar.

The visit aims to pave the way for Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Myanmar and includes plans for a dozen agreements, including around the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will grant China access to the Indian Ocean. A final decision on the controversial Myitsone Dam project may also be on the agenda for the visit.

We will have to lose more and more if the project is revived. Local residents have already suffered enough because of the project. We want to stop the project permanently, Tu Hkawng, project coordinator for civil society organization Airavati, told The Irrawaddy. We will never agree to restarting the Myitsone project.

Located at the confluence of the two tributaries that form the Irrawaddy River, Myanmars lifeline, the US$3.6-billion (5.3-trillion-kyat) hydropower project was suspended by then-president U Thein Sein in 2011 amid widespread public outcry over the dams potentially serious social and environmental impacts.

The letter issued Wednesday said that Chinese-backed projects in Kachin State are threatening the existence of local people, driving environmental and social problems such as land confiscation, and destroying historical places. There are a number of Chinese-backed investments in Kachin State, ranging from hydropower to mining and agricultural projects.

The open letter urged Xi and China to follow international standards and to respect local customs, traditions and historical places. It also urged Chinese companies to carry out legally required environmental and social impact assessments and to publicize their results.

Beijings constant efforts to revive the dam have fueled negative sentiment among the Myanmar public over the last year. Former Chinese Ambassador Hong Liangs claim, after a visit to Kachin State in December 2018, that the Kachin people were not opposed to resuming the project prompted a series of protests in major cities calling for the project to be scrapped.

However, Beijing then stepped up its pressure on Kachin leaders, saying that Xi is a strong supporter of the Myitsone Dam project because it is needed to implement the BRI. In April 2019, prominent environmentalists, activist and writers formed a nationwide committee to oppose the project and warned the government that there would be further resistance if the dam is revived.

The letter from civil society groups Wednesday said that the Myitsone project lacks transparency and that proponents have failed to respect local customs and cultural values or listen to local voices. The groups urged the Chinese president to publicly release the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements between China and Myanmar.

They also stressed that China must avoid any activities that could provoke ethnic armed conflicts in the area and must not disturb ethnic armed groups efforts to solve the conflicts through political means with the government. Local residents say they have had land confiscated for projects without proper negotiation or compensation.

Environmentalists warn that the dam site has some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world and that the project would both destroy the natural beauty of the Irrawaddy River and disrupt water flow. They say it could potentially flood an area the size of Singapore, destroying livelihoods and displacing more than 10,000 people.

After taking power in early 2016, the National League for Democracy (NLD) set up a 20-member commission to review the project and its likely impacts on the environment and local communities. The commission has produced two reports, but the government has yet to release either.

In late January 2019, Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun said the government and commission were having very serious discussions and considering all possibilities, including downsizing the dam, relocating it or developing other projects instead.

As part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), itself a part of the BRI, China and Myanmar also plan to implement the Myitkyina Economic Development Zone (aka Namjim Industrial Zone) on the long, historic Ledo Road, 25 km from the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina and near the cross-border economic cooperation zone in Kanpiketi, in Kachin States Special Region 1, which is under the control of the New Democratic Army-Kachin militia.

Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the CMEC in September 2018. The 1,700-km-long CMEC will stretch from Kunming, the capital of Chinas Yunnan Province, and connect Mandalay and Yangon to the western coast at the Kyaukphyu SEZ in Rakhine State.

If those projects go ahead without listening to our voices, there will be more negative effects than positive, said Tu Hkawng. We would like to let President Xi know what is actually happening on the ground. We also want to urge the Myanmar government to listen to our voices, he said.

If they fail to do so, the response from the locals might not be good, he added.

You may also like these stories:

Infographics: Chinese Leaders Visits to Myanmar Over 6 Decades

Six BRI Projects in Myanmar to Monitor During Chinese President Xis Trip

Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xis Visit
Kansas City Hit & Run Search

KCPD asks for help identifying driver in fatal hit-and-run crash Kansas City police are asking the public for help in identifying the driver of a car suspected of hitting and killing a pedestrian in late November.Investigators said the driver of a small, dark, compact vehicle hit Gary L. Davis, 65, at Independence and Elmwood avenues.Police said the driver did not stop.

KCPD Against Gun Vengeance

KCPD starts reviews aimed at solving more nonfatal shootings, curbing retaliation Kansas City police have begun conducting weekly shooting reviews, a process that has been credited with reducing gunshot injuries and deadly retaliation in other cities. During a Board of Police Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Maj. Greg Volker said the reviews began earlier this month. They involve a host of agencies analyzing the past week's shootings.

Social Media Reaction Includes Crackdown From Feds

Federal lawsuit filed after Sugar Creek arrest went viral A man police described as a "sovereign citizen" has filed a federal lawsuit against the Sugar Creek Police Department and other city officials, after video of an arrest went viral last year.Aaron Fletcher, along with his wife Tammy Fletcher, allege civil rights violations, retaliation, racial discrimination, and police battery in

Happy Rock Gunfire Report

Shooting at Gladstone apartment complex leaves 1 injured, police looking for shooter GLADSTONE, Mo. -- Police are searching for the person who shot another person at an apartment complex on January 15. The shooting happened at the Broadway Ridge Apartment Homes on N Broadway near NW 68th Street and 169 Highway. Police told FOX4 the victim was taken to an area hospital, but they could not describe the extent of the injuries.

Golden Ghetto Tragic Demise Ruled Deadly Domestic Drama

Overland Park woman killed at home was victim of domestic violence, police say OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- We're learning more about the murder of an Overland Park woman that occurred Tuesday afternoon. Officers were called to a suspicious death in the upscale Lionsgate neighborhood near 151st and Nall, but later determined a woman had been murdered.

Show-Me Crime Fight Speech

Missouri governor proposes funding for witness protection to address violent crime - ABC17NEWS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) After reminding the crowd of his staunch support for the second amendment, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said gun violence is an issue that cannot wait. "We all have to understand the very real issue of violent crime affecting our neighborhoods and the potential consequence of doing nothing," Parson said in his second State of the State speech on Wednesday.

Tragic Charges Against Gandhi

Lenexa man charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Alex Rumple Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe announced Wednesday that reckless second-degree murder charges have been filed against Sudhir S. Gandhi, 71, of Lenexa, in the 2019 death of 14-year-old Alex Rumple.Howe said the charges stem from an investigation by the Overland Park Police Department and the Johnson County Crime Lab.

JoCo Life Lesson

Shawnee residents can apply for Citizen's Police Academy SHAWNEE, Ks. - Shawnee residents can now apply for Citizen's Police Academy Participants will meet and interact with officers. They will also see how Shawnee Police keep the community safe. The program lasts 12 weeks from February 27 to May 21. Most sessions will meet at the Shawnee Justice Center.

Black Tar Crackdown

Sheriff: Local involvement in KC investigation prevents flow of drugs The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force was involved in an 11-person drug and gun investigation that took place predominately in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, according to recently unsealed federal court documents. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett told News-Press NOW that local involvement was necessary.

Waiting On Meth Town Payback

Independence couple struggles with police-chase damage for nearly a year Who pays for damage caused by police chases in Independence is still causing confusion for property owners. A few weeks ago, 41 Action News reported on an auto repair shop owner who couldn't get answers after a police chase caused damage to a car in his possession at the time.

KC Real Estate Charges

KC nonprofit sued by Missouri AG after scamming people with promises of new homes KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Kansas City charity is being sued Missouri's attorney general for defrauding the people it was supposed to be helping. The lawsuit comes on the heels of a FOX4 Problem Solvers investigation into Vinelanders Community Land Trust and its founder Alice Goodlow.

Show-Me Road To Ink Acceptance Amongst Missouri Highway Po-Po

The long arm of the law in Missouri may soon have tattoos KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Law enforcement agencies are having a hard time recruiting new officers these days, leading the Missouri Highway Patrol to reach out to a whole new demographic of applicants. Until now the patrol didn't allow people with tattoos to even apply, but now they're welcoming those with tattoos or brands to try out to be a trooper.

Because our blog readers always seem to appreciate these posts, here's a quick collection of police action, court cases and SUSPECTED misdeeds from across the metro.Developing . . .
Miracles on 88th St. Features Free Clothing, Haircuts, Gifts and Snow

88th Street Temple Church of God In Christ (COGIC) and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas partnered to present the Miracles on 88th Street community event on Dec. 21 and more than 400 people of all ages enjoyed the variety of activities.

For our second annual event, it was important to me to make sure that I was serving the needs of our community. So, we added free winter coats, free toiletries and free haircuts for men, women and children, said Superintendent Anthony L. Williams, senior pastor.

Also, we thank Minister Byron Luke and Ronald Graves, owner of Hair Architects. He and his outstanding team of barbers provided free haircuts to 65 people!

ADVERTISEMENT

Sharing similar comments, Sherri Smith Reese, event coordinator, added, We were excited that L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva attended and gave out gifts to the youth. The gifts included bicycles donated by 88th Street Temple, Robert Saucedo of Community Build and the office of Councilmember Herb Wesson. In addition, Elder Larry Broussard of Intelligent Technology Integration Solutions and L.A. County Stentorians Alexis Kendrick and Anthony Dixon distributed new toys to the children.

General Lee served as deejay and played inspirational music as attendees visited the petting zoo filled with rabbits, lambs and goats and rode the Trackless Train around during the event. Also, a photo booth allowed families to pose together and receive a print from Lance as well as enjoy Chef T. Jacksons Christmas cookie decorating station.

Acknowledging the agencies that volunteered staff and services, Linda Bronson-Abbott, event director said, We thank deputy Omar Prioleau of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas office, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Sheen and Station 14 firefighters for participating.

Vendors included Watts Health, who provided free crafts for children; L.A. Department of Transportations transit outreach team, who dispersed giveaways; and Allied Security Protection Services and the South Bureau Ministerial Alliance, who distributed 100 teddy bears and puzzles. Professor Iris Stevenson McCullough and the Crenshaw High School Elite gospel choir also performed.

Other community partners were the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Bridge Housing and PRIMESTOR as well as community leaders, business owners and nonprofit in the Athens neighborhood.

Miracles on 88th Street developed from the vision of Pastor Williams and First Lady Bukeka Williams. The spiritual leaders designed the event to serve our community by bringing hope and free activities for all ages to enjoy!

For information, visit 88thstreettemple.org.
Not long ago, at the other end of the country, I camped out with my kids in a tamarisk grove by a Turkish military line from 1915  a high earthen berm that still swoops through miles of the Negev desert, running over a bridge across a desolate ravine before hitting the razor wire of the Israel-Egypt frontier. The barrier was built a few years ago because of smuggling and terrorism, but when the tracks were laid there was nothing there. Following the old route toward the fence, we were warned off by the army and turned back. The line just kept going, pushing obliviously into the desert on the other side, as if there were no border at all.

The countrys most storied ghost line is the Valley Railroad, built in 1905 by order of the Ottoman sultan as part of the grand Hijaz Railway project, meant as a leap into modernity for the Turkish Empire. The Valley Railroad made a connection, entirely logical and yet now inconceivable, between the port of Haifa in modern-day Israel and the city of Damascus, now in Syria. (The train got its name from the Jezreel Valley, which contained much of the route.) The Haifa train met the main imperial line at Daraa, a sleepy Syrian junction. Daraa became known to the world only much later, in 2011, as the site of the crackdown that helped ignite Syrias civil war, signaling the breakdown of more of the region into hostile enclaves, and also severing the vestiges of the Turkey-Syria rail link.

Israel and Syria became enemies 72 years ago, but when the railroad was built, neither existed. According to a rail schedule I found from 1934, you could steam out of the Haifa station at 10 a.m. and reach Damascus that evening at 8:02.

Remnants of this line are visible at Kibbutz Gesher on the Jordan River, where a third-generation kibbutz member, Nirit Bagron, showed me around. The basalt rail bridge from 1905 lies behind a formidable army gate topped with barbed wire; this is now the frontier with Jordan, and the bridge is in a buffer zone. Nirit just kicked the gate open with her sandaled foot and assured me the area had been demined.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the leading independent nonprofit organization representing over 25 million Americans living with rare diseases, is issuing a Rare Disease Day decree: Show Your Stripes! This campaign takes its cue from the majestic zebra, known for its distinctive stripes. NORD is imploring the world at large to show its stripes in support of the rare disease community leading up to and on Rare Disease Day, which will be observed this year on February 29, the rarest day of all.

Showing your stripes means embracing one's uniqueness and expressing support for the approximately 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases.

This year, NORD is asking individuals, organizations and groups in the US to participate and show their stripes for Rare Disease Day in a variety of ways.

Wear stripes on Rare Disease Day to show solidarity with the rare community

Challenge yourself and others to be as creative possible, from wearing head-to-toe stripes or zebra face paint to striping a lobby with banners or lighting up the exterior of a building with stripes

Share photos, stories and videos of you and your network showing your stripes together on social media using the hashtags #ShowYourStripes and #RareDiseaseDay

Host or participate in events (virtual or live) in local communities to bolster knowledge about the rare disease cause

For those near Washington, DC on Rare Disease Day, NORD is hosting a family-friendly event at the International Spy Museum called Rare Disease Day: Mission 2020 . Join us at the museum on Saturday, February 29, 2020 to explore what it means to solve the case of your own rare disease!

"February 29 only comes once every four years, making it the zebra of the calendar. It is a truly rare day that the National Organization for Rare Disorders is proud to lead," said Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO of NORD. "At NORD, we invite all to participate in the Show Your Stripes campaign for Rare Disease Day. We are stronger together and need everyonethose directly affected by rare diseases as well as the general publicto join us in this effort."

Created by EURORDIS (The European Organization for Rare Disorders) and its Council of National Alliances, the first Rare Disease Day took place in 2008 with events in 18 participating countries. That number has increased each year, with thousands of events now taking place around the world. NORD is proud to join EURORDIS as the official US sponsor.

For more information on #ShowYourStripes, to stay abreast of other #RareDiseaseDay 2020 events and initiatives, and to download a selection of materials, including a social media toolkit, media outreach templates, infographics and printable stickers, visit rarediseaseday.us .

About the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the leading independent advocacy organization representing all patients and families affected by rare diseases. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment and cure of more than 7,000 rare diseases, of which approximately 90% are still without an FDA-approved treatment or therapy. Rare diseases affect over 25 million Americans. More than half of those affected are children.

NORD began as a small group of patient advocates that formed a coalition to unify and mobilize support to pass the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. For more than 35 years, NORD has led the way in voicing the needs of the rare disease community, driving supportive policies and education, advancing medical research and providing patient and family services for those who need them most. NORD is made strong together with 300 disease-specific member organizations and their communities and collaborates with many other organizations on specific causes of importance to the rare disease patient community. Visit rarediseases.org .

SOURCE National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Related Links

https://rarediseases.org


16.01.2020 LISTEN

Mcjude Empire and Move Multimedia have embarked on a restoration and preservation of African Culture, History and Heritage among children and young adults through a show known as THE TEEN SHOW, intended to air on television as a series.

The companies main objective is to make History and the learning of our culture and values fun for the youth.

As Africans, we are identified by our culture, land and History, they are our heritage. We have values that bind us, such values are oral storytelling, (by the fireside), proverbs, songs, music, dance and arts.

The project is not aimed to make the audience go back to the old ways of doing things but rather to make them understand their ancestral ways of living, learn from it, evaluate the system and modernize it to rebrand Africa positively.

A leader who knows nothing about himself, his people, his history and culture can never lead effectively. If our History, Culture, and Heritage are destroyed, then there is no value for Africa. Its it therefore our responsibility to teach the younger generation to know themselves.

Africa is facing leadership crises as result of not learning from our past. We need the past in the presence to plan the future and the past (history) is the foundation.

The Teen Show movies are family oriented and educative. Delving deep into histories, cultures, heritage, and creating awareness of true African identity.

Highlighting the visions and missions of our past leaders, to be able to equip the present generation to plan a successful future as Leaders.

History is the compass that people use to identify themselves on the map of geography. The role of History is to tell people who they are, what they were made of, where they are from, how things are done, where they should go and how they will move, if the understanding of these fails, then together we have failed as people.

The Teen Show has started showing its materials in Motion pictures in Cinemas across Africa starting from Ghana. The cast are teenagers from schools all over Ghana, whom have displayed their acting talents in amazing ways. Stories based on true life. The Teen Show Movies are NOT centered on young generation only, parents and teachers, can enjoy and relate to the power of the stories depicted and the talents displayed by these Generation in telling their ancestral stories.

Lets join hands together to blend African culture, heritage, tradition in this 21st century. Lets put Africa over everything, let's decide to make Africa better, let's have an African Dream now!

On 7th March 2020, African families in Ghana and the diaspora, are gathering at West Hills Mall, Silver Bird Cinema and Global Cinema for an amazing Historical Movie Premiere and Culture Restoration.

There are other cultural activities after the premiere. Such activities include Agbadza, Adowa, Kpanlogo, Borborbor, poetry and singing.

These are added to make learning of African culture and history Fun for the younger generation. Families are to dress in African wears.

Come lets brand Africa, The African way with positive mindset.
Canada is organizing a meeting in London today with representatives from several countries that lost citizens in the crash. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

New Delhi:

Canadas transport minister said Wednesday his country is demanding official status in Irans investigation of the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines jet in Tehran last week. Iran had denied for several days that a missile caused the crash. But then the US and Canada, citing intelligence, said they believed Iran shot down the aircraft with a surface-to-air missile, a conclusion supported by videos of the incident. The plane, en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau said, the planes black boxes are in Iranian hands, but another two investigators are ready to go wherever and whenever the recorders are examined.

Meanwhile, Canada is organizing a meeting in London today with representatives from several countries that lost citizens in the crash, to co-ordinate dealings with Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on plane crash

Regretting the crash, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered condolences to the families of the victims. Armed Forces internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752 (sic), Rouhani said on Twitter.

The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences, he said in another tweet.

Javad Zarif terms development sad

Irans Foreign Minister Javad Zarif termed the development as sad day. Using a heartbreak emoji, Zarif tweeted, A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces: Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.

On Wednesday, Iran has arrested the person who videographed and posted online the clip of a missile striking the jet. Without proving much details about the arrest, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that the investigation will be presented to the public.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Back in February 2018, the MIUI Themes app was shut down for all 28 countries in the European Union. There was, naturally, little in terms of heads up and no official stance on exactly what transpired behind the scenes. Still, the mentioned "changes in privacy regulations" pretty much point squarely in the direction of GDPR. Regardless, after a lengthy pause, MIUI Themes is coming back to Europe.





Great news for many Xiaomi users. Plus, a generally pleasant sight to see proper customer care on Xiaomi's part. As per the official announcement post, some European Xiaomi devices already have access to the re-engineered Themes app since the beginning of 2020. Availability will expand throughout Europe and all devices should get it before mid-May.

As a side note, this also means that EU users can go on to the Xiaomi Themes website officially once again and get themes, icons, wallpapers and sounds. That is to say, no need for VPNs or region changes, which some have turned to during the period of service downtime.

Xiaomi is also enabling a MIUI Themes section in the My Community app for your own content submissions. To celebrate that expansion, an official Wallpaper contest will be held. You can follow-up on that at the source link, if you are interested.

It is worth mentioning that apparently to get MIUI Themes back up in Europe, Xiaomi had to cut some content form India and other regions. We can't really say how substantial the cuts are just yet.

Source
Indian diplomacy took a back step in the face of Trump's geography.

Washington: Donald Trump once left Narendra Modi flabbergasted when he told him that India and China didn't share a border.

A new book by two Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalists reveals the US presidents poor knowledge of geography. The 417-page book, A Very Stable Genius, written by Philip Rucker and Carol D Leonnig, details similar vivid incidents from Trump's tumultuous first three years as president, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

The book claims that Trump told Modi during a meeting, It's not like you've got China on your border.

The Washington Post report did not mention the year in which this conversation took place.

After Trump bungled his India-China geography, Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise and his expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation, the book says.

The two reporters were part of the team that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Trump and Russia.

The book quotes a Trump aide as saying Modi probably left that meeting and said, This is not a serious man. I cannot count on this man as a partner.

After the meeting, the aide told the authors, the Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States.

Modi and Trump are said to have great personal rapport. They met four times in 2019, including once at the 'Howdy Modi!' event in Houston.
Hong Kong could keep its freedoms and autonomy beyond the 50-year deadline set by Britain during the 1997 handover, the citys leader has suggested, if its citizens show loyalty to Beijing.

In what appeared to be a novel carrot-and-stick approach to appealing for calm, chief executive Carrie Lam said there would be no need for change in 2047 if the current system was running smoothly.

Hong Kong, which enjoys freedoms and independent institutions not seen on the mainland, has been embroiled in major protests since June last year amid a public perception that Beijing is rolling back civil liberties.

Part of the deal which saw the city handed back to China from the UK was a promise that Hong Kong would be allowed to maintain its own capitalist economy and other vestiges of Western rule for at least 50 years, under the one country, two systems principle.

Communist Party leaders are not opposed to extending the arrangement, however, with Hong Kongs unique position enabling it to flourish as an international financial powerhouse - and thereby contributing significantly to Beijings coffers.

Speaking in her first appearance this year at the citys assembly - the Legislative Council - Ms Lam told local MPs that temporary misunderstandings should not be allowed to derail Hong Kongs long-term prospects.

"Only if we insist on implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle and practise it continuously and fully ... then I think there will be enough grounds for 'one country, two systems' to move ahead smoothly and there would be no change after 2047," Ms Lam said.

"We have to uphold the principle of 'One country.' Only by doing this, can 'one country, two systems' be moving forward smoothly.

The chief executive urged the city's youth, who have been at the forefront of the at-times violent protests, to not violate the principle. "The scenario they worry about today may be triggered by their own hand," Ms Lam said.

The pro-democracy protests were sparked by proposed legislation that could have seen suspects extradited to face unfair trials and possible torture in China.

They now enjoy the support of 59 per cent of all city residents, and almost nine in 10 of those aged 18-20, according to a survey conducted for Reuters by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute in December.

While Beijing has sought to frame the protests as a violent separatist movement, only 17 per cent of respondents expressed support for seeking independence from China.

Ms Lam said Thursday she hoped next month to announce the formation of a committee to look into the root causes of the unrest. Academics, experts and social leaders have been recruited to the Independent Review Committee, although some are reportedly reluctant to join out of fear of personal attacks or online harassment by opponents leaking personal information.

During a contentious session, Ms Lam repeatedly defended police action as angry opposition politicians demanded to know why her government isn't responding to public demand for an independent investigation into alleged police brutality.

She said that police were merely performing their duty to maintain public order and had deployed "minimal force." The government says complaints against police are being handled by the force's own investigative division.

At one point, a politician asked Lam, a practicing Catholic, whether she was afraid of going to hell. When she dodged the question in her reply, he asked her "When are you going to die?"

Several opposition MPs were ordered to leave the meeting after repeatedly interrupting Ms Lam.

Additional reporting by agencies
On Monday, January 20, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Confrontations and Violence of Extreme Right Wing in Ukraine. Presentation and Discussion of Annual Monitoring Report" to present the results of annual monitoring of extreme right wing violence through the period of October 14, 2018-October 14, 2019, held by NGO Respublica Institute under support of Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in Ukraine. Participants include social scientist, coordinator of monitoring research Oksana Dutchak, human rights defender and coordinator of the project "Without Borders Maksym Butkevych" (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. For more details, call: (044) 289 1435.
Amnesty International on Thursday urged Nepal to amend a proposed bill which it fears could be used to criminalize the right to freedom of expression in the country.

In a statement, the global human rights watchdog said Nepal's parliament must amend the Information Technology Bill (IT Bill) to bring it in line with international standards.

"Provoking widespread criticism from Nepal's civil society, the proposed IT Bill would empower the government to arbitrarily censor content online, including on social media and punish offenders with up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of 1.5 million Nepali rupees (about USD 13,000)," it said.

It said that Nepal was once envied by people across the region for its openness towards critical views and opinions. That reputation is now at risk as the government continues to crackdown on what people say, write and even sing.

"The IT Bill and all other legislation must be amended and brought in line with international law and standards to guarantee people's right to freedom of expression," Biraj Patnaik, South Asia Director at Amnesty International, said.

The IT Bill is one of three proposed pieces of legislation that use vague and overbroad clauses to unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. The bills have been proposed against the backdrop of intensifying attacks on free expression in the country, Amnesty said.

"In 2019, laws like the Electronic Transactions Act 2006 were used to arbitrarily detain journalists for publishing stories which criticised the government or others who posted critical comments online.

"In April, journalist Arjun Giri was charged under the Act for reporting on financial fraud. In June, comedian Pranesh Gautam was arrested for posting a satirical film review on YouTube. In October, musical artists Durgesh Thapa and Samir Ghishing popularly known as VTEN, were arrested for the content of their songs," it said.

Amnesty said that several provisions of the IT Bill do not meet the international human rights law and standards.

"For instance, section 94 of the bill vaguely criminalizes people who post content on social media if it is deemed to be against national unity, self-respect, national interest, relationship between federal units," it said.

Other provisions, which are open to very wide interpretation, could also be abused to stifle critical opinions, satire, public dialogue and public commentary. For example, the bill prohibits "teasing", "deceiving", "demotivating" and "demeaning", it said.

Section 88 of the bill also restricts the publishing of such content through use of any electronic medium, which could include sites, blogs and even emails, Amnesty added.

"Under international human rights law, states are permitted to limit the right to freedom of expression, but these limitations must be set forth in law in a precise manner, and be necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim, as stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nepal is a party.

"If passed in its current form, the provisions in the IT Bill further risk creating a chilling effect and will ultimately give rise to censorship and self-censorship online where people will no longer be able to share their feelings or debate ideas freely and without fear of repression," Patnaik added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Heavy downpours are expected to fall this weekend on parts of Australia's bushfire ravaged and drought-stricken east coast.

The first significant rain in months fell on Thursday - drenching parts of Victoria and helping to extinguish more than 32 blazes in New South Wales.

Rain is again forecast for this weekend with the heaviest predicted for regions around Sydney, the NSW mid-north coast, and Brisbane.

While the rain has given firefighters much-needed hope, there are also concerns the wet weather could cause flash flooding, landslides, and contaminate water with ash and debris.

There are also fears lightning strikes could spark more fires - with more than 10,000 lightning strikes recorded in the Hunter region in NSW on Wednesday alone.

Downpours are expected to fall on parts of Australia's bushfire ravaged and drought-stricken east coast on Friday and Saturday - many areas already receiving rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday

Rain is again forecast for this weekend with the heaviest predicted for regions around Sydney, the NSW mid-north coast, and Brisbane (file image)

The rain this week helped to extinguish more than 32 blazes in New South Wales on Thursday

Sydney is forecast to receive 10-25 millimetres of rain on Friday thanks to an early storm, while Saturday could receive as much as 50 millimetres.

That would mark the most significant rainfall for the city in over three months.

A NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson said bushfires continued to burn despite the rainfall.

'In some places, the rain has been very beneficial... particularly up in the Northern Tablelands area,' the spokesperson said.

'A number of fires will continue to burn as a small amount of rainfall is not enough, and can hinder important containment work including backburning.'

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted between 30 and 80 millimetres of rain could fall in some regions between Friday and Sunday.

Farmers struggling to survive NSW's devastating drought have said this week's rain is 'psychologically positive' but much greater falls are needed in the coming months.

NSW Farmers' Association chief executive Peter Arkle said the rain will allow some farmers to plant 'opportunity crops or pastures'.

Rain seen falling into a creek near burnt-out bushland near Cobargo, Thursday, January 16, 2020

A map of rainfall forecast for the east coast of Australia on Saturday afternoon

'Hopefully with some follow-up rain, it'll allow people to build their feed reserves prior to winter, which will be important and hopefully reduce the need for the hand-feeding we're seeing,' Mr Arkle said.

'The soil profile is so dry that the soil could absorb a lot of this rain which means we may not get a lot of flow into creeks.

'But filling up that soil profile is really important for being able to grow some of those opportunity crops, and for guys cropping, helping them to build their soil water before planting.'

Mr Arkle said farmers needed between 200 and 300 millimetres of rain between now and late April to fill dams and prepare for winter crops which have been disappointing in recent years.

Rain fell across much of NSW on Thursday with Moree in the state's northwest receiving over 50mm.

Showers and localised thunderstorms are expected to continue until Monday, with 10-15mm of rain expected to land on most firegrounds in NSW.

But Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How says this week's rain will likely be short-lived.

'Unfortunately the outlook for the next few weeks and into February will be much drier and warmer than usual,' Mr How said in a video statement on Thursday.

'It is important to remember that 2019 was a very dry year for many regions and these regions are still carrying over these rainfall deficiencies so we will need a lot more rain in order to make up for this.'

A radar image of a massive front of rain on Wednesday night that moved over New South Wales

Farmer Graeme McCrabb says the 15 millimetres recorded on Thursday in Menindee was 'psychologically positive' rather than genuinely helpful to local producers.

'It doesn't really help with feed but it's nice to know it can still rain,' Mr McCrabb told AAP.

With hot temperatures and dust storms causing havoc in the far west the Menindee local said the rain evaporated quickly with much more desperately needed in autumn.

'It's not enough but to get 15mm takes some of the pressure off,' he said.

AUSTRALIA'S BUSHFIRE CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Evacuations are underway and emergency alerts are in place in NSW, Victoria and South Australia as authorities predict the devastating bushfires will continue burning until at least March. At least 28 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT Around 90 fires were burning in NSW on Thursday morning

20 people dead

More than 5.2 million hectares burned - equal to the metro areas of the five mainland state capitals

1,870 homes confirmed destroyed, more than 3,774 outbuildings and 200 facilities razed VICTORIA 19 bushfires burning in the Gippsland, northeast and alpine regions as of Thursday morning

Five people dead

More than 1.5 million hectares burnt

387 homes have been damaged or destroyed

602 non-residential structures have also been damaged SOUTH AUSTRALIA Three people, including two from Kangaroo Island, are dead

More than 274,000 hectares burnt

161 homes confirmed destroyed, along with 413 sheds and outhouses QUEENSLAND 2.5 million hectares burnt

48 homes confirmed destroyed WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.5 million hectares burned

One home confirmed destroyed TASMANIA 30,000 hectares burned

Two homes confirmed destroyed NORTHERN TERRITORY Five homes confirmed destroyed Advertisement

Between Thursday and Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology expects between 30 and 80mm of rain in the east of NSW.

It means the end may be in sight for exhausted firefighters who have battled deadly fires for more than three months.

Between 20mm and 40mm is also forecast in the ACT and the west of NSW where farmers have endured drought for three years.

Greater Sydney - including areas hit by bushfires - is forecast to get 8-20mm on Friday and 8-26mm on Saturday.

NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepherd said: 'It's the most positive forecast the RFS has had in months and will give crews a chance to regroup and work on containment lines.'

Significant rain has fallen in Victoria (pictured) and more is set to hit New South Wales on Friday

The fire danger rating is at its lowest level, giving firefighters some much needed respite. Pictured: Wind and rain in Melbourne

However, there are concerns that thunderstorms could bring more bushfire trouble.

Lightning ignited fires in Victoria's eastern Great Otway National Park on Wednesday and authorities fear it could do the same in the fire-ravaged East Gippsland and north east regions.

Thunderstorms are also likely to produce damaging winds and carry large hail and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding.

'Thunderstorms, a bit of a two-edged sword. While they can bring some much useful rain, it can also come down in pretty fast, high quantities,' Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said.

'There's high concentrations of ash, very vulnerable landscape when it comes to short bursts of heavy rainfall - which could see very quickly mudslides developing.'

Mr Park also expressed his concern about debris such as soil, trees and rocks making their way to the waterways from from the fire landscape.

There were 19 active fires across Victoria on Wednesday evening by 10pm, with eight 'Watch and Act' alerts in place.

Queensland will also see major rainfall between Brisbane and Mackay which is expected to add up to 100mm.

The Dunn Road fire on January 10, 2020 in Mount Adrah, near Wagga Wagga in NSW
Twice as many Australians die from sepsis each year and three times as many people are diagnosed with the condition than previously thought.

A study, published in The Lancet on Friday, found there were 49 million sepsis cases and 11 million deaths from the condition worldwide in 2017.

Mandy McCracken lost her hands and feet to sepsis in 2013. Credit:Jason South

While previous estimates put the number of Australian cases at 18,000 and deaths at 5000, co-author Professor Simon Finfer said thanks to their more accurate picture of the scale of the problem the number of cases was 55,000, with 8700 deaths.

"About 15 per cent of people who get sepsis die," said Professor Finfer, from the George Institute for Global Health.
OTTAWA - As the federal Conservative leadership race begins drawing party grandees into potential candidates' camps, former prime minister Stephen Harper appears to be taking a step to the side.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Conservative leader Stephen Harper listens to a question from the media as he makes a campaign stop in Fredricton, New Brunswick on Monday, August 17, 2015. Former prime minister Harper has left his role with the chief fundraising arm of the federal Conservative party, but says he still intends to play a role with the party itself.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - As the federal Conservative leadership race begins drawing party grandees into potential candidates' camps, former prime minister Stephen Harper appears to be taking a step to the side.

Harper has left his role with the fundraising arm of the federal Conservative party, posting a message to his social-media account thanking the Conservative Fund for its work.

"Their record of fundraising and expenditure management has been unparalleled in federal politics, with issues managed quickly and professionally," he wrote.

"It has been a pleasure to serve with them."

He said he looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the Conservatives through his work as chairman of the International Democratic Union, an alliance of centre-right political parties around the world.

It was a rare public comment on party matters from Harper since he resigned as Conservative leader in 2015, and came amid speculation that he'd stepped back so he could play a role in the current race to succeed leader Andrew Scheer  as a director of the Fund, Harper was required to remain neutral.

But two sources close to Harper told The Canadian Press the decision to step aside dates back months and is linked to his concerns he occupies too large a role in the party's operations. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on Harper's behalf.

His decision does come as key figures in the conservative world are jockeying into positions either as candidates for the Tory leadership or on the teams supporting them.

The teams backing former Conservative cabinet ministers Erin O'Toole, Pierre Poilievre and Peter MacKay include operatives instrumental in Ontario and national conservative politics.

They include Jeff Ballingall, who runs right-wing online advocacy campaigns under the banner of "Canada Proud," and who is now working for O'Toole. MacKay is working with Ontario Premier Doug Ford's former campaign chief Michael Diamond.

Meanwhile, some Quebec Tories are waiting to see whether Jean Charest, a former federal Progressive Conservative leader and former Liberal Quebec premier, jumps into the race before they sign on to any campaigns.

Charest declined comment on the subject Thursday when asked about it as he attended the funeral of former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister John Crosbie.

"It's not the time," Charest said.

"The only indirect reference to it is that (Crosbie) supported me in '93, which I was flattered by."

Charest sought the leadership of the PCs in 1993 and came second to Kim Campbell, but took over after the party's shattering election loss that year reduced the Tories to two seats in the House of Commons. He led the Progressive Conservatives until 1998.

He then became leader of the Quebec Liberals, after extreme pressure to fly the federalist flag in his home province against popular separatist premier Lucien Bouchard, and served nine years as premier between 2003 and 2012.

Many prominent former Progressive Conservatives attended Crosbie's funeral; former prime minister Brian Mulroney gave a eulogy, and afterwards was spotted shaking hands with MacKay.

MacKay was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party when it merged with the Canadian Alliance in 2003, creating the current Conservative party.

The merger also led to the creation, by Harper, of the Conservative Fund. It was set up to raise and manage the party's money, including the budget for its campaign and operations, separate from the party's national governing council.

Harper joined the small board of directors in 2016. The leader of the party also sits on the board; Andrew Scheer currently holds that spot.

While he and Harper get along, having Harper sit on a board that controlled the party's finances created an awkward situation for his successor as leader, according to the two people close to Harper.

Awkwardness turned into something more problematic when it emerged a stipend the party was paying Scheer was being used to pay private-school tuition for his children.

Harper had been unaware the money was being used that way and was furious. After word emerged publicly, an already embattled Scheer resigned as leader. The party's longtime executive director, who had approved the arrangement, resigned as well.

Tension over how the Conservative Fund is run has existed since it was created. Repeated efforts at party conventions to open it up to more oversight have failed. The issue with Scheer could put it back on the agenda at the next party convention.

Harper is not the only legendary Canadian conservative to announce an exit this week.

Preston Manning, the father of the Reform party, which would beget the Canadian Alliance, is retiring and leaving the board of a political training centre he founded in 2005.

The Manning Centre is also changing its name, it announced in a press release.

"This will not happen immediately, but we're working now to solicit ideas as we move forward to create a new name and new brand."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.

With files from Holly McKenzie-Sutter in St. John's, N.L.
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Thursday met South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and held discussions on matters of mutual concern for the two countries, including political issues.

During the meeting, Sharma discussed regional and global issues, including the concern over the challenges facing the economies of the two countries.

The Indian Congress leader also exchanged notes with the African National Congress leader as the two parties share good relations.

"We had a rich exchange of views on a range of issues. Besides exchanging views on regional and political issues, matters of shared interests and concerns between the two countries were exchanged," Sharma said after the meeting.

He also briefed the African minister about the Congress' perspective on the current situation on political and economic challenges faced by India.

He said the two parties share old and good ties from the past times.

The African foreign minister is here to participate in the 'Raisina dialogue' in the national capital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the entire top management of AirAsia, including its Malaysia-based CEO Tony Fernandes, in connection with a scam.

Officials said while Fernandes has been summoned on January 20, few others have also been asked to depose for questioning in the following days. The fresh summons have been issued to take the probe forward, they added.

The case relates to an alleged violation of norms by Group President Tharumalingam Kanagalingam also known as Bo Lingam, Arun Bhatia who held substantial stake in the airline, former Chairman S Ramadorai, Senior Group Executive Naresh Algan and ex-CEO Mittu Chandiliya for relaxation of the 5/20 rule to secure a licence to operate internationally as well as a violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) rules for its Indian venture Air Asia India.

Investigation in the case was initiated on the basis of the claims of ousted Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry's allegation that fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore, were carried out in an instance involving the airline.

For an airline to qualify to operate internationally, it had to meet the 5/20 rule, which mandates it to complete five years and possess 20 aircraft. The company didn't fulfil that requirement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a case in June 2018 alleging that senior management of Air Asia had conspired with government officials in 2012 to secure FIPB clearance. Fernandes had allegedly lobbied with government servants for clearances, removal of existing 5/20 rule of aviation and change in regulatory policies, it alleged.

The investigation agency said a secret note was sent to Cabinet in February 2014 to amend the 5/20 rule, followed by a supplementary note on March 5 but the Election Commission of India didn't approve the same as dates for the general elections were already announced.

CBI said around Rs 12.18 crore was paid to a Singapore-based shell company HNK Tradings and a sham contract was signed with it.

Based on the first information report (FIR) filed by the CBI, the ED filed a case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

AirAsia India (AAIL) had refuted any wrong-doing and said the company was co-operating with all regulators and agencies to present the correct facts.

Sources told Moneycontrol that the ED summons could be in regards to an alleged FEMA violation and that its Delhi investigation cell is currently investigating the case.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP ("Scott+Scott"), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, continues investigating whether certain directors and officers of Molson Coors Brewing Company ("Molson Coors") (NYSE: TAP) breached their fiduciary duties to Molson Coors and its shareholders. If you are a Molson Coors shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew with Scott+Scott for additional information at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].

Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of Molson Coors's board of directors made, or allowed Molson Coors to make, false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Molson Coors failed to properly reconcile the outside basis deferred income tax liability for Molson Coors's investment in its MillerCoors, LLC partnership; (ii) consequently, Molson Coors misreported net income in its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2017, resulting in an overall downward revision to net income; (iii) Molson Coors lacked adequate internal controls over financial reporting; and (iv) as a result, Molson Coors's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On February 12, 2019, Molson Coors disclosed that it identified certain errors regarding Molson Coors's acquisition of its remaining interest in MillerCoors, LLC in 4Q16. Molson Coors thereby concluded that its 2016 and 2017 consolidated financial statements were misstated, and disclosed that it will restate its 2016 and 2017 financial statements and intends to "increase its deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax expenses by $399.1 million, with a corresponding decrease in net income and earnings per share." Following this news, Molson Coors shares declined nearly 10% in value.

What You Can Do

If you are a Molson Coors shareholder, you may have legal claims against Molson Coors's directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].

About Scott+Scott

Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and employee retirement plan actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio.

Attorney Advertising

CONTACT:

Joe Pettigrew

Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP

230 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10169

(844) 818-6982

[email protected]

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 06:37:44|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, on Thursday breathed a sigh of relief over the fact that Yemen emerged from the recent Gulf crisis unscathed.

"Since I last spoke to this council (on Dec. 12), our region has been going through a crisis, the consequences of which have threatened the gains we have been observing in Yemen. Fortunately, the immediate crisis seems to be over," Griffiths told the Security Council in a briefing.

He was referring to the extraordinary tension at the beginning of the year between the United States and Iran after the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. In retaliation, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two military bases housing U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.

"I venture to say that through the actions of many people, Yemen has been kept safe from such crisis for now. This achievement... is based on a consensus that Yemen must not be affected by regional tensions," he said.

"Most importantly, in this time of crisis, we have seen no major acts of military provocation in Yemen. This is remarkable. Indeed, it has been one of the quietest weeks of the war in Yemen since the war began (in 2015)."

In the past few weeks, apart from one airstrike, there was very limited military movement on the ground and there were no drone or missile attacks on neighboring states, he noted. "So I hope it is not premature to say that Yemen has emerged at this time unscathed."

This achievement has not come by chance. Yemeni leaders and leaders of the region have deliberately exercised restraint and withheld from acts of provocation, said Griffiths, the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen.

The de-escalation is no small thing, and the fact that it has been sustained even during a period of regional crisis is notable, he said. "These efforts should not be judged by whether they achieve a perfect ceasefire, but by whether the parties' energies are directed thereto, away from war. However, experience also tells us that military de-escalation cannot be sustained without political progress between the parties."

Yemen has been in civil war for almost five years, pitting Houthi rebels against government forces. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition force defending the internationally recognized Yemeni government against Houthi rebels allegedly supported by Iran.

Griffiths showed optimism about the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement between the government and the Southern Transitional Council and the earlier Stockholm Agreement between the government and Houthi rebels.

The parties' recommitment to time-bound measures to support the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement is a positive sign, he said. "I'm fairly confident that the implementation of that agreement is moving in the positive direction."

Despite an unsatisfactory record of implementation of the December 2018 Stockholm Agreement, the United Nations and the parties remain committed and as active as ever to implement the commitments, he said.

Although violence continues in the southern districts of the Hodeidah governorate, the relative calm at the front lines in Hodeidah city shows that the measures to enhance the de-escalation measures are working. "This is something we can build on," said Griffiths.

There has been considerable progress with regard to the entry of fuel ships in Hodeidah and the collection of revenues, he said.

Griffiths also sees the possibility of the start of "mercy flights" negotiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels over many months.

These flights will transport patients who need medical attention unavailable in Yemen to agreed locations abroad.

"In recent weeks, the WHO has benefited from an extraordinary array of diplomatic support to make these flights happen. We are now very close to seeing the first flight move 30 patients who are waiting in Sanaa for their treatment," he said.

Griffiths expressed his intention to convene the prisoner exchange committee, which was created under the Stockholm Agreement, in the coming days. He was encouraged by the release of six Saudi detainees by Houthi rebels on Jan. 1.

All the positive developments support the urgent search for a political solution and the end of the conflict in Yemen. That pursuit is not dependent on the success of any of them but reinforced by the success of all of them.

"With each positive step, we are brought closer to formally launching political consultations between the government of Yemen and Ansar Allah," said Griffiths, using the official name of the Houthi movement. "And indeed the significance and meaning of these initiatives that I have alluded to only become real in the context of the political solution to end the conflict."

"Yemen has been brushed by potential tragedy from regional tensions and, so far, appears to have emerged unscathed. This is evidence of the leaders' desire to keep Yemen safe from such tensions, but it's a fragile safety and one that needs our diligent and continuing attention if we are able to produce that promise to the people of Yemen that this year, they may see the peace they so evidently deserve," he said.
ISTANBUL  Turkey appeared ready to lift a nearly three-year ban on Wikipedia on Wednesday after its top court ruled the embargo violated freedom of expression, but internet freedom activists warned it was too soon to celebrate as scores of critical websites remain offline.

The governments Official Gazette published the details of a Dec. 26 ruling by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, making the judgment binding. Hours after publication, however, the online encyclopedia remained inaccessible.

The sweeping ban on one of the worlds most visited websites had come to embody President Recep Tayyip Erdogans heavy-handed approach to dissent, with opposition parties making access a campaign pledge and social media users pining for its unrivaled reams of free information.

The Wikipedia block is part of a broader pattern of online censorship in Turkey. The Freedom of Expression Association says the government obstructs nearly a quarter of a million sites. Turkey leads the world in requests to Twitter to remove content, submitting more than 6,000 in the first half of last year. Facebook acquiesced to demands by authorities and restricted 2,300 items in 2018.

Wikipedia was penalized for refusing to alter its anti-censorship policies and delete information that displeased the government. The state communications authority cut off access in April 2017, citing national security concerns.

In May 2019 the US-based Wikimedia Foundation, which runs Wikipedia, challenged the ban at the European Court of Human Rights, which agreed to expedite the case. Turkey was due to file its response on Jan. 10.

That deadline may have prompted the Constitutional Court to finally act, said Yaman Akdeniz, a law professor at Bilgi University and one of the plaintiffs who sued against the ban in Turkish courts. He remained concerned that the courts ruling was not strong enough to preclude similar restrictions in the future.

Upon reading the details of the ruling, the court appears to have assessed this as a judges mistake, he told Al-Monitor. We should not forget that this entire process is part of the political will, and that we still dont have a mechanism to prevent this. Access to Wikipedia could be blocked again on another basis.

Officials appeared to be dragging their feet even after the court ruling went into effect. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority reportedly said work was continuing and an official statement would be made when it was asked why access to Wikipedia had not yet been restored.

In its decision to ban Wikipedia, the government accused the site of acting as a platform for an international smear campaign against Turkey. Four articles in particular raised its ire: references to the governments ties with militants, a description of the Turkish republics founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a benevolent dictator and the financial dealings of Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, Erdogans son-in-law.

Turkey became just the second country, along with China, to fully block the website. Others including France, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have censored parts of the website over the years.

Many users in Turkey found workarounds to access Wikipedia, but it has struggled to maintain its Turkish entries during the long ban. The site has some 339,000 articles in Turkish, compared with almost six million in English, and the foundation has recently run workshops in London to train Turkish speakers to edit Wikipedia.

YouTube and Twitter faced similar blocks in 2014, which the Constitutional Court also struck down on human rights concerns. Those companies are more likely to comply with government directives in order to continue doing business in Turkey, while Wikipedia relies exclusively on donations and is not constrained by such commercial interests. This independence likely led to the long standoff.

Turkey has dramatically curbed free speech since a failed coup attempt in 2016, shuttering newspapers and TV stations and jailing the largest number of journalists in the world.

Many Turks turn to the web for news amid a collapse in confidence in the mainstream media, which is almost entirely controlled by the government or companies close to it. Some 60 million Turks are broadband subscribers.

This usage has propelled the government to increasingly police the online space. Last year regulators obtained broad new powers to license and police online broadcasters, a last refuge for critical voices.

The internet remains highly restricted, Freedom House said in its last Freedom on the Net report, warning of increased self-censorship, a growing list of blocked news sites and sweeping arrests for criticizing military operations or the president, many for social media posts.

This problem is not limited to Wikipedia, said Akdeniz. Turkey is in an extremely poor position when it comes to internet censorship and access to information.  Kurdish sites, opposition sites and hundreds of news sites are still barred.

At least Turks should soon be able to read all about it on Wikipedia.
Almost 1,000 women were surveyed about their facial hair preferences. [Photo: Getty]

A study published in The Royal Society Open Science has found that women are more attracted to men with beards.

Almost 1,000 women took part in the study which determined that women preferred men with beards because they found them more physically and socially dominant.

Its not all good news for bearded men, though.

Women who dont like hairy faces are put off by the possibility of them harbouring parasites like lice or fleas.

READ MORE: Having less sex linked to early menopause

The US study found that men with masculine faces - like strong jawlines and wide cheekbones - were rated as the most attractive.

Researchers at University of Queensland in Australia came to this conclusion after presenting the women with thirty images of three different men.

The women, who were between 18 and 70, were asked to look through the faces at various degrees of beard growth to determine the most attractive look.

As each face appeared, women had to mark bearded and non-bearded men out of 100.

The study also differentiated between whether the men were more appropriate for long-term or short-term relationships.

As it turns out, the hairier the man, the better the face. At least, thats what those 1,000 women thought.

READ MORE: Here are the best feminine hygiene products

The team came up with a number of possible reasons why women might be naturally more attracted to bearded, masculine men.

The researchers, led by PhD student Tessa Clarkson, believe this might be because masculine facial features suggest a more physically strong man.

Another theory is that facial hair can mask unattractive parts of the face whilst highlighting strong jaws.

Researchers also noted that women who feel physically attractive themselves are more likely to be attracted to typically masculine looking men.

READ MORE: 48-year-old credits veganism for youthful looks

To go into even more detail, the researchers asked the women to rate their level of disgust towards a range of different things.

Story continues

This included; body odour, stepping on dog faeces, mould growing on food, cheating on exams, oral sex or shoplifting.

Women who were more disgusted by pathogens like stepping in dog poo or body odour were more likely to prefer beards  surprisingly.

Women who were more repulsed by bad behaviour like cheating or shoplifting were also more into beards. Its a good day for bearded men.

This was said to be because women who value good morals in men - like not cheating - are likely to have a more traditional view on life.

Having facial hair has been a marker of manliness for a long time and researchers believe it is this evolutionary belief that makes women believe that men are able to carry out a stereotypically male role in the household.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK:
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - San Marco Resources Inc. (TSXV: SMN) ("San Marco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the imminent approval of a five year area-based exploration permit for the Company's Buck gold/silver/zinc property near Houston, B.C. The permit includes 30 drill sites of where multiple holes may be drilled from the same drill pad. Geophysics may be included in the initial exploration program.

Phase I exploration program activities will utilize existing access trails to construct new drill pads, which will be followed by a diamond drill program consisting of HQ oriented core. Specific drill hole locations, hole depths, number of holes etc. will be determined over the next few weeks, with the drill expected to be turning shortly thereafter.

At surface and near surface mineralized breccia, which hosts significant gold, silver and zinc values, will be the drill targets for the entire program. Examples of some historical drill intercepts over the last 50 years include;

30.75 metres ("m") at 2.70 grams per ton ("g/t") gold within 143.33 m at 0.75 g/t gold (Hole 84-1),

27.43 m at 2.74 g/t gold within 91.4 m at 0.93 g/t gold (Hole 68-4),

12.19 m at 2.58 g/t gold within 170.68 m at 0.61 g/t gold (Hole 04-01), and

26.5 m at 2.50 g/t gold within 265.86 m at 0.65 g/t gold (Hole 88-02).

Recent re-logging of drill core from one historical hole, and detailed review and re-interpretation of historical drill logs, indicates mineralization of economic interest is related to and contained in a diatreme geological environment, with breccia pipe features. The Buck Property currently has surface drill targets in breccia over an area approximately 700 m by 300 m with mineralized breccia also known to exist up to 200 m in depth and open in all directions. For details, please review the Company's corporate presentation.

Most of the previous drilling has been located outside of the diatreme/breccia target model, leaving large areas of under-explored breccia targets and virgin ground. A recent alteration study from historical drill logs has been completed by Dr. David Bailey, P. Geo., and resulted in recognition that a specific level and intensity of alteration is related to the zones of best grades and widest drill hole intercepts. This, along with additional detailed data re-interpretation, has enabled San Marco's geological team to vector into very highly prospective drill targets.

Sharyn Alexander, V.P. Technical Services, stated: "We are excited to move forward with our drill program on the Buck Property, as it will allow us to test some very interesting targets discovered during historic data compilation and re-interpretation. Our exploration plan includes obtaining fresh core in known mineralized areas to assist us in identifying the controls of mineralization and testing new targets to allow potential expansion of the existing mineralized footprint."

San Marco holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Buck Property, subject to a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty which can be reduced to 1.5% for $2,500,000. See news release dated July 15, 2019.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

San Marco cordially invites you to visit us at Booth #630 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday, January 19th through Monday, January 20th, 2020.

For more information or to register for the conference please visit:

https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference

About San Marco

San Marco is a Canadian mineral exploration company actively pursuing world class gold, silver, zinc and copper projects with a focus in mining friendly jurisdictions in both British Columbia, Canada, and Mexico.

The Company's principal focus and asset is the recently optioned Buck Property in north-central British Columbia that has large tonnage gold-silver-zinc potential in a mining-friendly region that includes many former and current operating mines. In addition, the Company's portfolio includes the several prospective, early stage exploration properties in Mexico.

For further information, contact:



Robert Willis, P. Eng.

Executive Director

Sharyn Alexander, M.Sc.

VP Technical Services

info@sanmarcocorp.com

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by San Marco's Executive Director, Robert D. Willis, P. Eng. a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying such technical information by reviewing the data and reports from previous exploration of the property which he believes to be accurate and were provided to San Marco by the optionors.

Forward Looking Information

Information set forth in this document may include forward-looking statements. While these statements reflect management's current plans, projections and intents, by their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the control of San Marco Resources Inc. 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 these forward-looking statements. San Marco's actual results, programs, activities and financial position could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51511
Commuters in Dublin face travel disruption this morning, as a tractor protest by farmers continues.

Gardai have closed Kildare Street, Molesworth Street, and parts of Merrion Square and St. Stephen's Green until the protest is over.

Over 100 demonstrators, protesting against beef prices, spent the night in their tractors in Dublin's City centre.

They want a meeting with the Taoiseach this morning with some saying they won't move until he speaks with them.

Individual Farmers of Ireland spokesperson, James Geoghagan said if they are unhappy with Leo Varadkar's response, they will step up their action.

He said: "We're actually having another meeting outside the Shelbourne...after that, we will be deciding on the next action.

"We have asked for a meeting with Leo Varadkar for the morning, we have been on to his personal assistant so we're waiting for them to come back.

"If a meeting goes ahead...and we're happy with the outcome we might call off the protest, otherwise we will be escalating the protest."
By Marta Nogueira and Christian Plumb

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Brazil's federal

prosecutors' office has threatened to revive a 155 billion

reais ($37 billion) lawsuit against Vale SA and BHP

Group, citing delays in helping survivors of a deadly

dam burst at their Samarco joint venture, a source close to

ongoing talks on the matter between the companies and

prosecutors told Reuters.

The prosecutors' warning that the lawsuit could be revived

came during a meeting they held with the companies in December

and was aimed at pressuring them to honor their pledges to hire

advisory groups to help those affected by the disaster, the

source said.

The November 2015 dam burst in Minas Gerais state left 19

dead and hundreds of homeless. Although last year's similar dam

burst in Brumadinho had a higher death toll, the environmental

damage from Samarco was much worse, extending to the coast of

the adjoining state of Espirito Santo.

Samarco had committed to retaining advisory groups in

November 2017 as part of a partial settlement signed with

authorities that allowed the suspension of the lawsuit.

Vale and BHP have so far hired advisers for five of the

disaster-hit towns, BHP said in a statement to Reuters. Federal

prosecutors had set a November 2019 deadline for advisers to be

hired for all of the 41 towns impacted, the source said.

The prosecutors' office has not ruled out other legal

measures, added the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The activities to be carried out by the promised technical

advisers include both monitoring the implementation of victims'

relief programs and providing technical and legal support to

those affected.

Vale, BHP and Samarco reiterated in responses to Reuters

that they are committed to helping the communities and areas

impacted by the dam burst and are in constant contact with

prosecutors.

They said they were in the process of hiring technical

consultants for all the affected towns but declined to say when

that would happen.

"Vale is not opposed to hiring technical advice for those

affected," said the Brazilian mining company in a statement,

acknowledging the advisers' importance in compensating for the

damage caused by the accident.

Following the settlement agreement, the survivors themselves

defined a list of 18 companies that could perform the services.

Under the terms of the settlement, Samarco is required to hire

all of them.

According to Vale, 16 of those listed submitted proposals in

October but they remain under review "due to the complexity of

the proposed scope and the corresponding costs."

BHP said the proposals added up to a cost of 630 million

reais and that it was also evaluating them.

The Anglo-Australian miner also said the hardest hit

communities are receiving support from advisers.

Samarco said that so far about 7.42 billion reais has been

allocated to reparation and compensation measures that are being

conducted by the Renova Foundation, an independent institution

created to conduct the work.

($1 = 4.1817 reais)

(Reporting by Marta Nogueira and Christian Plumb, Editing by

Rosalba O'Brien)
President Donald Trump speaks during the Announcement of the Guidance on Constitutional Prayer in Public Schools, at the White House in Washington, on Jan. 16, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Announces Guidance on Constitutional Prayers in Public Schools

On this years National Religious Freedom Day, President Donald Trump issued a policy letter on students constitutional right to pray at school, marking his administrations latest effort to protect the freedom of religious expression on campuses.

In a sacred principle of our republic, the government must never stand between the people and God, the president, joined by a group of students from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths, tweeted on Thursday afternoon. Yet in public schools around the country, authorities are stopping students and teachers from praying, sharing their faith, or following their religious beliefs; it is totally unacceptable.

The U.S. Department of Education will send the presidents directive to education secretaries and officials in all 50 states as a reminder that schools may jeopardize their federal funding if they deny students religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment. States are required to make sure their school districts have no policies restricting constitutionally protected prayer and to refer violators to the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The guidance regarding prayer in public schools will also be updated. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires the Education Department to provide guidance on prayer in schools on a biennial basis. However, the Departments website suggests that the guidance hasnt been updated since 2003.

The new guideline (pdf), does not bring any change to existing laws or regulations. However, it is expected to empower students who want to pray at school by re-affirming their rights, including reading religious texts or praying during non-class periods, organize prayer groups, and express their religious beliefs in their school assignments.

Trump signaled his intention for an updated school prayer guidance at a December 2019 campaign rally, as he sought to bolster support from Evangelical Christians, who have been a critical part of his political base since the 2016 presidential election.

I will be taking action to safeguard students and teachers First Amendment rights to pray in their schools, the president promised to his evangelical supporters Evangelicals for Trump event in Miami. They want to take that right along with many other rights.

Hours before Trumps White House event, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced a proposed rule aimed to put faith-based education institutions on equal footing when competing for federal grants by removing Obama-era requirements that limited their abilities to obtain those grants.

The Departments proposed rule changes are consistent with the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer in 2017. Trinity Lutheran Church, which operates a licensed preschool in Missouri, was denied by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources when it tried to apply for a playground equipment grant, only because of its religious identity. The Supreme Court, with a 7-2 conservative majority, ruled in favor of Trinity, stating that the exclusion of churches or any other faith-based organizations from an otherwise neutral and secular aid program is a violation of the First Amendments guarantee of free exercise of religion.
Lev Parnas says US president was fully aware of attempt to pressure Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate Biden.

US President Donald Trump knew exactly what was going on in an alleged scheme to pressure Ukrainian officials into investigating political rival Joe Biden, a close associate of Trumps personal lawyer has said.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, made several potentially explosive claims in a televised interview on Wednesday night with US broadcaster MSNBC.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, said Parnas, a Soviet-born Florida businessman facing number criminal charges related to campaign finance violations.

He was aware of all my movements. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president.

Parnas said he delivered an ultimatum in May to the incoming president of Ukraine that no senior US officials would attend his inauguration and all US aid to the war-torn country would be withheld if an investigation into Biden was not announced.

200115024512731

The day after Parnas said he delivered the message, the US State Department announced that Vice President Mike Pence would no longer be attending Volodymyr Zelenskyys inauguration.

Parnas alleged that Trump ordered Pence to stay away, at the behest of Giuliani, to send a clear message to the incoming Ukrainian administration that they need to take seriously the demand for an investigation into Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate seen as a potential threat to Trumps 2020 reelection.

Parnas said every communication he had with Zelenskyys team was at the direction of Giuliani, whom he regularly overheard briefing Trump about their progress by phone.

Allegations against Barr

If true, Parnass account undercuts a key Republican defence of Trump deployed during the ongoing impeachment fight  that Trumps withholding of vital military aid to Ukraine last summer was not a quid pro quo for Biden investigations because Zelenskyy did not know the money was being held up.

Giuliani called Parnass statement sad.

I feel sorry for him, Giuliani said in a text to a reporter from The Associated Press. I thought he was an honourable man. I was wrong.

Asked directly if Parnas was lying, Trumps lawyer replied, Im not responding yet.

200116012719075

In the interview, Parnas also said he had heard Giuliani and another Trump-aligned defence lawyer, Victoria Toensing, briefing Attorney General William Barr by phone about their efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government into announcing the investigation in Biden and his son Hunters business dealings.

Barr was basically on the team, Parnas said.

The US Justice Department said in September that Trump had not spoken to Barr about having Ukraine investigate the Bidens and that the attorney general had not discussed Ukraine with Giuliani. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said on Wednesday that Parnass claims were 100 percent false.

The interview came just hours after Democrats released a trove of documents obtained from Parnas, including a handwritten note that mentions asking Zelenskyy to investigate the Bidens.

The documents, obtained as part of the impeachment investigation, show Parnas communicating with Giuliani and Toensing before the removal of former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.
Photo: Museum of Graffiti/Yelp

Looking to discover the freshest new spots in Miami? From the world's first graffiti museum to a skin spa, read on to see the newest businesses to land near you.

Museum Of Graffiti

Photo: Museum of Graffiti/Yelp

Museum Of Graffiti is an art gallery and museum that's located at 299 N.W. 25th St. So far, it's been well-received: it's got a five-star rating out of eight reviews on Yelp.

"The Museum of Graffiti is the world's first museum exclusively dedicated to the evolution of the graffiti art form," according to the business's Facebook page.

The indoor gallery celebrates graffiti's 50-year history beginning in the '60s and '70s while the building's exterior features 11 murals by artists that include Ghost, Doves, Rambo and more, according to the museum's website.

Bape Store Miami

Photo: bape store miami/Yelp

Bape Store Miami is a men's clothing and women's clothing spot, offering accessories and more, that recently opened at 137 N.E. 39th St. in the Little Haiti.

Founded by Nigo in Ura-Harajuku, this Japanese clothing brand specializes in men's, women's and children's lifestyle and street wear, according to the business's website.

Look for t-shirts and statement jackets featuring both BAPE and XO's brandingpart of a collaboration between the iconic brand, musician The Weeknd, and his XO record label.

Mercy For My Skin

Photo: mercy for my skin/Yelp

Now open at 285 N.W. 27th Ave., Suite 24 in Alameda - West Flagler is Mercy For My Skin, a skin care spot.

"At Mercy For My Skin, our spa is a hidden gem where you can come relax and be at peace. Whether you have acne or normal skin, we have all treatments," reads the business's Facebook page.

Facials range from basic to microdermabrasion to chemical peels. Other services include eyebrow design, nails and waxing.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
 Close Guy Verhofstadt says Britain will eventually rejoin EU

The head of the European parliaments Brexit steering group Guy Verhofstadt has claimed the UK will rejoin the EU one day because young people will demand to be part of the bloc. It will happen, he said.

In response Tory MEP Daniel Hannan told the BBC he supported holding another referendum in the future to test Mr Verhofstadts theory.

Im perfectly happy to have another referendum in a generations time and let people decide, he told Radio 4s Today programme.

It comes as the Commons authorities said money raised by the public to have Big Ben bong on 31 January cannot be accepted because of rules on private donations. Despite that, a campaign led by Tory MP Mark Francois to get the clock chiming has now raised more than 160,000.

Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice told the BBC: I blame the bureaucrats. Theyve now said even if we raise the money, actually they wont let us do it because theyre worried about spending privately-raised money on a public sector asset.

Meanwhile in the Labour party Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry both set out their stalls for the leadership in their official launch events.

Ms Thornberry leant back on her experience, arguing the leader to succeed Jeremy Corbyn needed to be battle hardened, while Ms Long-Bailey invoked policies including the green new deal she had worked on for Mr Corbyns manifesto.

However both appear to be coming up short against the only man in the contest. In a YouGov poll conducted for the Times, Kier Starmer was placed ahead in the final round with a comfortable 63 per cent of the vote compared to the 37 per cent attributed to Rebecca Long-Bailey

Emily Thornberry would be out in the first round of votes, then Lisa Nandy, then Jess Phillips, according to the poll of 1005 Labour members.

Here are the days events as they happened:
Navinder Sarao was extradited to the US on charges of market manipulation after he carried out 'spoofing' trades

The British trader branded the 'Hound of Hounslow' for sparking a trillion-dollar stock market crash from his bedroom should be spared jail, American prosecutors have said.

Navinder Sarao was extradited to the US on charges of market manipulation after he carried out 'spoofing' trades from his parents' house in west London. At one point it was feared the 41-year-old could face a 380-year jail term.

But as a judge in Chicago prepares to sentence him, prosecutors have urged leniency because of Sarao's 'extraordinary co-operation' with the authorities which has provided 'keen insights' on how to catch illegal traders.

The Brunel University graduate, who is autistic, devised computer programs able to trade shares millions of times per day, driving their price up or down.

At the last second Sarao would then cancel the 'spoof' trades and take advantage of the price change with genuine trades.

After his arrest in 2015 he was blamed for a dramatic 'Flash Crash' on the American stock market in 2010.

However, prosecutors said he should not go to jail because his mental health could suffer, while most of the 45million he made from his trades was lost to fraudsters.

They said he continued to live with his parents, where he sleeps 'in a child-like bedroom that includes multiple stuffed animals', and used coupons to buy food at McDonald's.

He is due to be sentenced on January 28.
Iran on Wednesday said that the United States had in fact handed the Islamic State terrorists on a platter a major victory by assassinating West Asian nation's top military leader Lieutenant General Qaseem Soleimani on January 3.

Tehran also subtly nudged New Delhi to join it in recreating a new coalition to fight the menace of Islamic State, as the dreaded terrorist organisation was now spreading its tentacles in Afghanistan  close to both Iran and India.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said in New Delhi that killing of Lt. Gen. Soleimani by the United States had triggered protests not only in the Islamic Republic in the Persian Gulf but also in other places, including in 430 cities across India.

He said that only US President Donald Trump, his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and the Islamic State were celebrating the death of Lt. Gen. Soleimani.

General Soleimani was the single most effective force against (the) Daesh (Islamic State or IS), Zarif said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The war against Daesh (ISIS) just suffered a major setback (with the killing of Lt. Gen. Soleimani). (The) Daesh just won a major victory.

Who is celebrating the death of Gen Soleimani? It is Trump, Pompeo at the ISIS. Are they strange bedfellows? wondered Zarif.

The Raisina Dialogue  held annually by the Government of India in association with the Owas the first opportunity for Iranian Foreign Minister to directly address the world community on a foreign land since tension between Tehran and Washington D.C. escalated after the US killed Lt Gen Soleimani in a drone attack near the international airport at Baghdad  the capital of Iraq  on January 3. Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) retaliated on January 8  firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeting the US airbase at Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq.

Daesh is closer to you (India) and us (Iran) more than we wish. They want to occupy the same territory where Taliban started (in Afghanistan). We need to create a new coalition to fight them," Iranian Foreign Minister said. He also criticized the US for initiating talks with Taliban in Afghanistan. He said that the US should join the proposed coalition to show that it sincerely wanted to see the Islamic State defeated.

Zarif, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He earlier had a meeting with Modi's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Modi conveyed to Zarif that India remained committed to developing its strong and friendly relations with Iran. Zarif shared with Prime Minister his perspectives on the recent developments in the region, including the killing of Lt Gen Soleimani and the escalation of tension between Iran and US.

Prime Minister told Iranian Foreign Minister that India had a strong interest in peace, security and stability in the region.

India already had to stop importing crude oil from Iran after the US re-imposed sanctions on the West Asian republic. New Delhi is now worried as tankers carrying oil from Iraq and Saudi Arabia to India pass through Strait of Hormuz, which might turn into a conflict zone in case of further escalation in US-Iran tension. New Delhi is also worried about the fate, safety and security of 85 lakh Indian expats in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE and other nations in the Gulf.
Department of Justice prosecutors reportedly are investigating the possibility that former FBI director James Comey leaked a classified Russian intelligence document to the media during the investigation of Hillary Clintons emails, according to a Thursday report from the New York Times.

Per the Times, the investigation is centered around two 2017 articles from the Times and the Washington Post describing the Russian document, which played a key role in Comeys unilateral decision to announce in July 2016 that the FBI would not pursue charges against Clinton for using a private email server to conduct official business during her time as secretary of state.

The document, which Dutch intelligence shared with the U.S., includes an analysis of an email exchange between Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.), who was then chairing the Democratic National Committee, and Leonard Bernardo, an official with the Soros-backed non-profit Open Society Foundations. Wasserman Schultz assures Bernardo in the email that thenattorney general Loretta Lynch would make sure Clinton wasnt charged in the email probe.

Both Bernardo and Wasserman Schultz have denied ever having the exchange, and the FBIs assessment claimed that the document was a fake and part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

Department of Justice inspector general Michael Horowitz said in a review of Comeys actions over the Clinton probe  and its subsequent reopening in October 2016  that the former FBI director had a troubling lack of any direct, substantive communication with Lynch over his decisions.

Both 2017 articles cite Comeys private concern that if Lynch had announced no charges for Clinton, the Russians could have released the document to cast doubt on whether the investigation was ethical. They also cite Comeys decision not to tell Lynch that he was declining to charge Clinton as a way of protecting the FBIs political independence.

Investigators are examining whether Comeys personal lawyer, Daniel Richman, gave the Russian document to reporters. Richman played a key role in a different, confirmed leak that Comey orchestrated to hand over memos of his private encounters with President Trump in the early days of the Trump administration.

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I asked a friend of mine to share the content of the memo with a reporter, Comey testified to Congress in June 2017. I thought that might prompt the appointment of a special counsel.

In August, Horowitz found that Comey violated policy and set a dangerous example for the rank-and-file by retaining and leaking the memos. Horowitz referred Comey for potential prosecution over the matter, but the DOJ declined to prosecute.

Comey has long taken criticism for his handling of the Clinton investigation from Republicans and President Trump, who suggested in December that Comey could get jail time.

So now Comeys admitting he was wrong. Wow, but hes only doing so because he got caught red handed. He was actually caught a long time ago. So what are the consequences for his unlawful conduct. Could it be years in jail? Where are the apologies to me and others, Jim?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2019

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How did a young girl growing up in an industrial town in Indiana, with no books to call her own, become Montanas poet laureate?

Melissa Kwasny shares her inspiring story during an evening of conversation with Helena author Virginia Reeves 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at Grandstreet Theatre.

The event, Celebrating a Writers Journey: Melissa Kwasny with local author Virginia Reeves, is hosted by the Lewis & Clark Library Foundation.

Kwasny and Mandy Smoker Broaddus (also published as M.L. Smoker) share the honor of being named Montana Co-Poets Laureate by Gov. Steve Bullock from 2019-2021.

This reporter got a brief and tantalizing taste of the wondrous evening ahead during a chat with Kwasny and Reeves at the General Mercantile about what they have in mind.

Kwasny, who writes poetry, nonfiction and fiction, will intersperse readings from some of her works during the evenings conversation.

So, what is the alchemy that took place that turned that young girl with no books into a gifted and award-winning writer?

I always say to my students ... everybody thinks that writers come from households that have studies and libraries and millions of books all over and they were reading Robert Browning when they were 3, said Kwasny, but I grew up in a household that had no books on the shelves.

Instead, they held knickknacks and a telephone.

It wasnt a literary household, but my grandmother used to read to me all the time and I loved it. I was a reader.

She let me have a little book club. Kwasny ordered a book a month. I was so excited about that.

And then I got a library card.

I started reading a lot, but I wasnt writing.

She was attending a public high school in the working-class town of LaPorte, Indiana, and I was lucky enough to have a teacher who had a Ph.D. in Chaucer.

I had a lot of great teachers, she said, adding that in the 1960s and 1970s there were a number of people with advanced degrees teaching in the local public schools.

He would just recite Chaucer. None of us could understand a word he was saying.

I thought it was magic speech. I was just transported.

It was so rhythmic... I was just hooked.

He would have us read and also write poems, and I found my language.

Hearing words from Chaucer or Shakespeare, even when one doesnt understand them, she said, it just opens that beauty door.

I started writing poetry after that class.

Kwasny would be the first person in her family to attend college.

When she was a sophomore at UM, a friend discovered her notebook of poems and pinned them up on the walls, which mortified Kwasny.

But the friend told her, Do you know you are going to a college with one of the best-known writing programs in the country?

Kwasny had no idea, but would wind up having poet Richard Hugo as her mentor.

It was an amazing time, she said.

Monday evenings conversation may steer to what exactly a Montana poet laureate does.

Perhaps, it should come as no surprise, the prestigious state award comes with no approved state funding.

However, Humanities Montana has stepped up to help, providing travel and lodging reimbursement and small stipends for the poets.

That makes us not go broke, Kwasny said.

Their job?

To promote and encourage the writing of poetry in Montana.

They share their own works, Kwasny said, but are also ambassadors for poetry and introduce people to works of Montana.

Kwasny finds inspiration for her writing almost always outside in nature, she said. Thats where it starts. It might veer off and gather up what Im reading or gather up a conversation.

When asked who she would like to see in the audience, she replied, I would like to see students, students of writing of any age.

I would like to see people interested in what does make a writers life?

Its different for each person, she said, depending on their wealth or lack of it, their gender, race, education and opportunities.

How do you create and sustain a creative life? I think thats fascinating, she said.

How do people create a creative life?

How did I do it for 40 years, and what are the choices you make and the decisions you make in order to support that kind of writing life?

I think its relevant to everybody.

I would be honored, said Kwasny, if people came.

Book sales and signing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to all.

(Note: This is the third Celebrating a Writers Journey talk sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Library Foundation. Previous talks featured Virginia Reeves and Jim Robbins.)

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One of Australian's most beloved Bali shopping spots has burnt to the ground after becoming engulfed by flames overnight.

The Bintang Supermarket in Seminyak fell victim to the terrifying blaze at around 3am on Thursday, as horrified tourists and locals looked on.

Known for its dizzying array of products at bargain prices, it had become a firm favourite for the tens of thousands of Australian holidaymakers who flock to Bali.

The Bintang Supermarket (pictured) caught fire around 3am on Thursday much to the horror of locals and tourists alike

It is understood that no one was hurt in the fire and it has since been put out, but the supermarket has been destroyed.

'It was quite difficult as everything was locked and we were late to the scene, so the fire grew really big,' local fire chief Wayan Wirya told the Balinese Tribun newspaper.

'The roof was perforated so we shot the water from above, but if we were able to open the doors from the beginning we might have been able to control the fire.'

Pictures show the huge blazing burning in the early hours of the morning as fire crews desperately tried to contain the flames.

The fire started at the back of the supermarket, officials said, and also burned several nearby businesses.

The Bingtang Supermarket in Seminyak (pictured before the fire) is popular with tourists stocking up on home comforts

Locals and touists could do nothing but watch at the huge fire engulfed the Bintang Supermarket in Seminyak (pictured)

'Among them a pharmacy, a cellphone counter, the post office, cassette shop, photo studio, accessories shop, clothing store, Seminyak restaurant and cafe, coffee shop and the main warehouse for several shops has gone,' Mr Wirya said.

The fire burned a total of 340 square meters.

Terrified tourists took to social media to express their worry for locals.

'Feel so sad for the small business owners whos shops that join the supermarket are destroyed,' one woman wrote.

'So sad, not just for us but for all the workers,' another added.

Another said: 'One of Balis best and most favourite supermarkets gone. Bintang Supermarket up in flames! So sad to watch!'

Locals stand and watch as the popular Bintang Supermarket in Seminyak succumbs to a horror blaze

Locals look on as firefighters rushed to the scene to try and save the Bintang Supermarket from the flames (pictured)

Firefighters in Seminyak desperately tried to contain the fire (pictured) which also burned several small businesses

It comes just days after Australia reclaimed its title as Bali's number one source of tourism for the first time since China took the crown in 2017.

Official figures to be released this week reveal a record 1.23 million Australians traveled to Bali in 2019, a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year.

The figures were released by the Perth-based Indonesia Institute Inc who have been working closely with the Bali tourism board for the past six years.

Indonesia Institute President Ross Taylor told the Daily Mail Australia said that could possibly correspond with 'people trying to escape the bushfires.'
Having created stunning interiors for hotels (the Chicago Athletic Association, several ACE properties, Greydon House in Nantucket, Massachusetts) and restaurants (Le Coucou, Upland, La Mercerie), AD100 designers Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer, founders of Roman and Williams, are no strangers to the myriad challenges surrounding hospitality design. Their firms latest restaurant project, Veronika, inside Gramercys new Fotografiska (a branch of the famed Swedish photography museum), opened this week and is likely already popping up all over your Instagram feed.

Located on the second floor of the iconic Renaissance Revival building, the generous scale of the dining space and its arched windows and high ceilings immediately won over the designers, who worked in concert with the restaurateur Stephen Starr. When we began working in the space Veronika inhabits, it was a demolished shell with inspiring structural bones which we reenvisioned with respect and innovation to the historical 1894 Beaux Arts Church Missions House, Alesch tells AD. With a building so historic, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, of course, placed restrictions on what could be done, but, fortunately, the husband-and-wife team intended to keep those details intact from the beginning. For example, the native stained glass window we rescued and used as part of the wall in the bar areawe were required to use all of the massive stained glass windows, and the Landmark Commission loved our idea of repurposing one into a wall, says Standefer. Also, the repair of the beautiful plaster ornament around the windows was required, but something we intended to [do] anyway.

Drawing inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement and the grand cafes of Vienna and Budapest, the restaurant showcases a range of Eastern European styles and ideas. In the bar, a bohemian forest landscape mural by New Yorkbased painter Dean Barger, similar to the one at Le Coucous entry bar, contrasts with a honed Black St. Laurent marble-topped surface and a stained glass window inlaid into the wall. We have always been interested in the cusp of an era, a period where styles are in transition, and that is what the mural at Veronika communicates, says Alesch. Through the mural, design, and decor of the bar area, we heightened the tension between the two with earthy and cyan tones and a composition reminiscent of the early and not frequently recognized work of Piet Mondrian.

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See the video.

Rounding out the overall design are custom brass chandeliers (part of a lighting scheme conceived by the duo that emulate crowns with tiny points of light), a natural color palette, pale oak floors, wood-trimmed arched doorways, and curvy, arched mohair seating. The deliberate palette contributes to the otherworldly experience of the space with a combination of deep greens and cyans and dusty oranges and creamy vanilla, says Standefer. Polished Rosa Perlino marble tabletops feature custom egg-shaped lights casting the perfect mood while one devours Eastern European staples like escargots, Wiener schnitzel, and lamb goulash with spaetzle. Even the bathrooms, with their elegant 1940s Italian pastiche of moody red-, purple-, and blue-hued stones are sexy and alluring. A must, after all, in this age of clandestine mid-meal selfies.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
Shalini Warrier has been appointed as Executive Director of Federal Bank. The Bank received the approval of the Reserve Bank of India in this regard. Warrier has been serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank since 2nd November 2015. She has also been holding the additional responsibility of Business Head of Retail Banking since 1 st May 2019.

Shalini Warrier is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and was the first rank holder in 1989. She is also a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers. She has more than 25 years of banking experience. Before joining Federal Bank, she had worked with Standard Chartered Bank in multiple disciplines across various geographies that include India, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Warrier possesses first-hand global experience in Branch Banking, Process Management, Service Quality and Client Experience, Project Management, Operations, Technology, and Compliance with special emphasis on Client Due Diligence and Anti Money Laundering. She has played a key role in enhancing operational excellence and client experience in Federal Bank through automation and digitalisation.

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Five children including an eight-month-old were removed from a home in Alabama after police say their mother and the children's grandparents had locked them in wooden "cages" made of cribs with crudely constructed lids.

On Monday, investigators from Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted a welfare check at a home in Smiths Station, roughly 15 miles from Columbus in eastern Alabama, following reports of a "possible child abuse situation" at the home.

Investigators made contact with four children aged three, four, 10 and 11, and were made aware of an eight-month-old child who also lives at the residence but wasn't at home.

The investigation revealed "two wood-constructed cages that had hasps and locks present" and where "children had been locked in the cages on multiple occasions".

All five children are now in the care of Lee County Department of Human Resources.

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

Arrest warrants issued on Wednesday include multiple counts of child abuse and reckless endangerment of a child.

Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated abuse of a child less than six years of age as well as two counts of reckless endangerment. She is being held on a $122,000 bond.

Pamela Deloris Bond, 66, faces two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of tampering with physical evidence. She is being held on a $123,000 bond.

James Bond, 69, has also been charged with two counts aggravated child abuse and two counts of reckless endangerment. He is being held on a $122,000 bond.
More than 30kg of illicit drugs have been seized from the cabin of a truck stopped by police at The Lakes on Great Eastern Highway.

The drugs were uncovered on Christmas Eve, with an alleged 19kg of methylamphetamine, 10kg of MDMA and two kilograms of cocaine found.

The men are due back in court on Thursday. Credit:WA Police

The two occupants of the truck, a 46-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, have been charged with:

- possession of a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply,

- possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply (MDMA), and

- Possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply (cocaine).

Both men were refused bail and appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on December 26.
Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis unveiled its first SUV on Wednesday. The GV80 is capable of automatic lane-change, and other high-tech functions.

It is not environmentally friendly, which may limit its appeal in the long run.

The five-seater with rear-wheel-drive comes with a 3.0-liter diesel engine and a four-wheel-drive model seating seven is also available.

Motorists will have to fork out W65.8 million for the basic model, rising to over W80 million depending on options (US$1=W1,158).

The carmaker said a gasoline version will be also released in the future, but no hybrid or electric versions appear to be on the horizon.

Hyundai hopes to expand global awareness of the Genesis brand with the GV80. Launched in 2015, Genesis currently sells cars in the U.S., Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Russia, where fat gas-guzzlers offend few people.


ST. CHARLES, Ill., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois children and families received approximately 4.5 Tons of winter gear as a result of the Snug Hugs for Kids Clothing Drive sponsored by Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. The clothing donated by local residents and customers at local Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops was distributed to Children's Home & Aid, Merlin's charity partner. A leading child and family service agency, Children's Home & Aid each year helps more than 40,000 underprivileged children and their families throughout the state.

In conjunction with the clothing drive, Merlin Shops received donations with Sung Hugs collection boxes. Those funds were combined with donations from Merlin's strategic partners; U.S. AutoForce, Advance Auto Parts, and the Chicago Wolves and amounted to more than $8,000 that was donated to Children's Home & Aid to help support the multiple programs they conduct (learn more at childrenshomeandaid.org).

On December 10th, multiple trucks from the Chicago Wolves and U.S. AutoForce, as well as Merlin Shop vans and multiple radio partners formed a caravan that started at the Merlin Shop in Hanover Park, IL and traveled to the Children's Home & Aid Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child and Family Center in Chicago to deliver the clothes. Families served by Children's Home & Aid throughout Chicagoland were invited on December 12th to participate in a free shopping experience to gather the warm winter items needed for their children.

Two additional programs and multiple collection events contributed to the Snug Hugs for Kids donations:

The 22 nd annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon gathered more than one ton of handcrafted items from volunteers who knit and crochet in over nine states and two countries.

annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon gathered more than one ton of handcrafted items from volunteers who knit and crochet in over nine states and two countries. Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and youth groups participated in Kids Helping Kids and gathered donations in pursuit of a collectible patch supplied by Merlin.

Radio station partner, Alpha Media; 95.9 WERV-FM , 103.9 WFXF-FM, 105.5 WZSR-FM, 96.7 WSSR- FM, 102.3 WXLC-FM, 95.1 WIIL-FM conducted 50+ collection events.

The Chicago Wolves collected all season long at their practice facility and Allstate Arena resulting in an entire box truck full of donations for the children.

About Children's Home & Aid

Children's Home & Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. The organization helps children recover their health, their hope, and their faith in the people around them. We link children to a network of opportunity and care, to extended family, teachers, mentors, and the resources of the neighborhood and community. For more than 130 years, the organization has gone wherever children and families need them, and where that work has been proven to be most effective: at home, in the classroom, in the neighborhood, in the course of daily life. The organization has offices located across Illinois and serves more than 40,000 children and families in over 60 counties each year. For more information about Children's Home & Aid, visit childrenshomeandaid.org.

About Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops offer a neighborhood approach to automotive service and provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tire replacement and tire services. Merlin's DRIVE FOR 200,000, the industry's most comprehensive and affordable maintenance program, supports vehicle owners thousands of miles beyond the usual manufacturer's maintenance requirements and has positioned Merlin as the leader in vehicle longevity. Founded in 1975, Merlin is headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois. In February 2014, Driven Brands, North America's leader in the automotive aftermarket, acquired Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. For more information, please visit www.merlins.com.

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Children's Home & Aid 3815 E. Main Street, Ste. D 125 S. Wacker Drive Contact: Valerie Zabriskie Contact: Bethy Velcich (630) 513-8200 ext. 109 (312)424-6825 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops

Related Links

http://www.merlins.com


By Tim Kelly and Chang-Ran Kim

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese attorneys representing Carlos Ghosn, including lead lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, quit on Thursday following the former Nissan chief's flight to Lebanon from Japan, where he had been fighting financial misconduct charges.

In an emailed statement, Hironaka said everyone involved in the case at his practice had resigned. A spokeswoman there declined to give a reason.

A second lawyer in Ghosn's three-person legal team, Takashi Takano, also quit on Thursday, according to an official at his office.

A person who answered the telephone at the office of the third lawyer, Hiroshi Kawatsu, said she did not know if he still represented the former automotive executive.

Ghosn, who fled Tokyo last month, told Reuters in an interview in Beirut with his wife Carole that he was happy to stay in Lebanon for the rest of his life and claimed he was treated with "brutality" during his detention and bail in Japan.

Carole said she was "done with Japan".

Japan has issued international wanted notices for the couple, which means the two will live in Lebanon as fugitives and could be arrested if they leave their country.

Hironaka, who earlier expressed disappointment at his client's decision to abscond, had said he would quit once Ghosn had settled his account.

The case has cast a harsh light on Japan's justice system, igniting a fierce publicity battle between the former businessman and Justice Minister Masako Mori, who has described Ghosn's criticism as "absolutely intolerable."

Ghosn spent more than 120 days in a Tokyo detention center and was interrogated on most days, often for more than seven hours without his lawyers, Takano has said.

Prosecutors questioned him for the first 43 days without a break, including Christmas and New Year's Day.

On Thursday, Ghosn found an ally in another foreigner, Australian sports journalist Scott McIntyre, who was detained for 44 days for trespassing in a bid to get information on his missing children. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was freed on Wednesday with a six-month suspended sentence.

Story continues

Speaking at a news conference, McIntyre, who was held at the same detention center as Ghosn in western Tokyo for part of his detention, described the conditions there as "torture".

Japanese officials reject such criticism, saying the justice system is humane and protects human rights.

McIntyre said the lights were on 24 hours a day, making it impossible to sleep more than an hour at night, and that several of his fellow detainees told him they would confess to crimes they had not committed in order to shorten their time there.

(Reporting by Sam Nussey, Tim Kelly and Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by David Dolan and Clarence Fernandez)
New Law Requiring 'Ethnic Unity' in Tibet Raises Concerns

2020-01-15 -- A new law passed by China mandating "ethnic unity" in state and social institutions in Tibet is raising concerns among Tibetans and outside observers, who say the law is aimed at destroying the Tibetan people's national identity in their historic homeland.

Passed on Saturday by the regional legislature of China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and set to take effect on May 1, the law requires equal participation by non-Tibetan ethnic groups at all levels of government and in schools, private business companies, religious centers, and the military, according to state media reports.

"Tibet has been an inalienable part of the great [Chinese] motherland since ancient times," the new law says, adding that all of China's ethnic groups are "important members of the Chinese family" and must work together to uphold national unity and combat separatism.

The new law, titled "Regulations on the Establishment of a Model Area for Ethnic Unity and Progress in the Tibet Autonomous Region," provides additionally for the preservation and development of ethnic crafts and what it calls Tibet's "excellent national traditions" such as Tibetan opera, medicine, and religious art.

Public notices and sign boards will be issued in both the Chinese and local minority languages, the new law states, and "cultural bridges" established to promote "cultural appreciation and mutual reference among all ethnic groups."

Meanwhile, village committees and local communities shall "strengthen the establishment of a model of national unity and progress," Article 23 of the new law states, adding that village rules and covenants should be reorganized to support "neighborly relationships of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence, solidarity and mutual assistance."

In every case, ethnic minority culture should be seen as an inseparable part of a larger "revolutionary and socialist" Chinese culture, though, Article 11 of the new law says, adding, "Chinese culture is always the emotional support, spiritual destination and spiritual homeland of all ethnic groups in Tibet."

Western Chinese provinces with large Tibetan populations like Qinghai and Yunnan approved similar laws last year, the South China Morning Post said in a Jan. 13 report.

Identity further undermined

Tibet's new law will further undermine Tibetan national and cultural identityalready weakened by decades of ethnic Han Chinese migration into the regionobservers told RFA's Tibetan Service in interviews this week.

Speaking to RFA on Tuesday, Kunga TashiChinese Communication and Outreach Officer for the New York-based Tibet Fundsaid he fears that China's new law masks what he called the ruling Chinese Communist Party's hidden agenda to "completely wipe out Tibetan culture and ethnicity."

Also speaking to RFA, Marco Respintidirector of the online Bitter Winter magazine, based in Italysaid that China is now trying to "homogenize" Tibetans into China's dominant ethnic Han culture, adding, "They call this sinicization."

"At the international level, all governmentsand especially the United Statesmust raise their voice against this cultural genocide and highlight the Tibetan issue in their public remarks," he said.

U.S. 'deeply concerned'

In a written statement Tuesday, the U.S. State Department said it remains deeply concerned by "the lack of meaningful autonomy for Tibetans and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibetan areas in China, including severe restrictions on Tibetans' religious freedoms and cultural practices."

"We continue to urge the Government of China to respect the religious, cultural, and linguistic identity of Tibetans, including by enabling Tibetans to study the Tibetan language in schools at all levels," the State Department said.

Meanwhile, in a written statement, U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio slammed China's new ethnic unity law as "an explicit statement of the Chinese Communist Party's remaking of Tibetan culture," adding, "Ultimately, the CCP is enforcing a party-approved mold in order to reinforce the party's control of Tibetan society."

"We must voice our concerns and ensure that human rights are an integral part of our policy towards China," Rubio said.

A formerly independent nation, Tibet was taken over and incorporated into China by force 70 years ago, following which Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers fled into exile in India.

Chinese authorities now maintain a tight grip on Tibet and on Tibetan-populated regions of western Chinese provinces, restricting Tibetans' political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identities, and subjecting Tibetans to imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Reported and translated for RFA's Tibetan Service by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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A rookie MPP who stood up to Premier Doug Ford and quit his Progressive Conservatives over cuts to French-language services is bolting to the Liberals, which she dubbed the party of the future.

The delayed defection of Amanda Simard (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell) came Thursday. She had been sitting as an Independent for the eastern Ontario riding since leaving the government caucus in November 2018.

Simard told a news conference with interim Liberal leader John Fraser that the French cuts outlined in the governments first fall economic statement 14 months ago were the last straw.

Its not just about French-language services. Its really about, generally, the direction and position on education, climate change, she said in a reference to the governments axing of the previous Liberal governments cap-and-trade program to fight carbon emissions.

Thats not the party that I signed up for, she added, taking a shot at the way Ford took the party to the right after winning the leadership three months before the June 2018 election and has since backtracked on several other cuts after a public backlash.

Thats not the way to run a province.

Simard made headlines across Canada after renouncing the Tories over the governments controversial decision to eliminate the independent French-language services commissioner post, putting it in the ombudsmans office, and scale back plans for a French university.

She was furious that, as parliamentary assistant to Caroline Mulroney, the minister responsible for francophone affairs, she was not informed of the cuts in advance.

The first-term MPP has maintained theres a disconnect between the PC government and Ontarios 622,000-member Franco-Ontarian community. Quebec Premier Francois Legault even raised his concerns about minority language rights in Ontario during his first meeting with Ford.

Simards announcement came as a new Pollara Strategic Insights poll in the Star shows the Liberals on top for the first time in years.

According to Pollara, the Liberals are at 33 per cent, the Tories at 29 per cent, the New Democrats at 27 per cent, and the Greens at nine per cent. Thats despite the fact Liberals will not elect a new leader until a March 7 delegated convention in Mississauga.

MPPs Michael Coteau and Mitzie Hunter, former minister Steven Del Duca, past candidates Kate Graham and Alvin Tedjo, and lawyer Brenda Hollingsworth are in the leadership race. Simard says she has not joined any of the camps but is looking forward to helping the Liberals rebuild.

Fraser welcomed Simard into the party, which governed Ontario for 15 years before being trounced by Fords Conservatives, and downplayed concerns her long-expected defection is causing a rift in the Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Liberal riding association.

Its not as though this was something that people should be really surprised at, he said, noting it will be up to Simard to heal those wounds.

Pollara surveyed 2,198 Ontarians on an online panel between Jan. 6 and Jan. 11. While online samples arent randomly selected and cannot be assigned a margin of error, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of within 2.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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With Simard aboard, the Liberals now have six seats in the 124-member legislature while the governing Tories have 73, including Speaker Ted Arnott, who does not caucus with the government.

The New Democrats have 40, the Greens one, and there are two Independent MPPs. Two vacancies previously held by the Liberals  in Ottawa-Vanier and Orleans  will be filled in byelections expected next month.

Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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The House of Representatives has delivered the articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, after nearly a month of delay.

The move means the impeachment saga now enters a new phase, in which the Republican-controlled Senate will consider the charges made against the president, and whether to make him the first in US history to be removed from office by congress.

House speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles at a ceremony in Washington DC on Wednesday, in which she named the team of impeachment managers who would argue the case in the Senate in coming weeks. Those managers, whose identities were previously kept secret, will be led by Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff and Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler.

Today we will make history, Ms Pelosi said. When they bring this over, it will set in motion a process on the Senate side ... They will take a special oath of office and do impartial justice according to the constitution and the laws. Lets hope that they uphold that oath that they take tomorrow.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

Those managers, after Ms Pelosis signature, then walked the articles across the Capitol Rotunda in a procession to the Senate, where majority leader Mitch McConnell received the documents.

And then, upon receipt, the Senate will formally read both charges, which accuse Mr Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of congress stemming from his alleged attempts to coerce the president of Ukraine to launch an investigation into political rival Joe Biden, using US military funding as leverage.

The delivery of the articles puts to an end nearly a month of jostling between Ms Pelosi and Mr McConnell, with the Democrat in the House attempting to use withholding the documents to compel the Republican to allow for senators to call forth further witnesses beyond those interviewed by the House.

Mr McConnell, for his part, stayed largely defiant of those calls, even as pressure appeared to mount, even as he faced condemnation for announcing he would not act as an impartial juror in the trial once it comes to the Senate.

Among the most notable developments to arise during the past month was the announcement by former White House national security adviser John Bolton that he would testify before the Senate if subpoenaed, which led many in Washington to wonder what such a prominent member of the administration might be able to illuminate should he be called.

Among those who seemed curious about Mr Boltons testimony were several prominent Republicans in the Senate who could, if they determine to, band together with Democrats to bring about the former White House advisors testimony.

It is unclear how many, if any, further witnesses may actually be called in to testify. On the Republican side, senators have called for subpoenas against Mr Bidens son Hunter, who they have suggested inappropriately secured a job on a Ukrainian energy companys board during his fathers tenure as vice president.

Mr Trump, for his part, has claimed without evidence that the impeachment efforts against him are a continuation of a conspiracy to ruin his presidency, and a result of Democrats being unable to accept the results of the 2016 election.
Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) have been institutionalised through central legislation, securitisation and reconstruction of financial assets and enforcement of security interest (SARFAESI Act 2002). They need a licence to operate and are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. In 17 years since passing the legislation, only 29 ARCs got registered.

Function- They acquire Non-Performing or Stressed Assets from a Bank and resolve it through various measures, including restructuring/settlement Asset Sale.

How they can add value to the Ecosystem

1. Debt Aggregation:

In the Indian Context, all large loans are granted by a consortium of lenders ( or where multiple lenders are involved). For any resolution measures, a level of threshold consent (60% or 75% etc) is required for security enforcement or restructuring. Here ARCs can add value by acquiring and aggregating loans from different banks so that inter-creditor issues do not hinder timely resolution.

For example, RBI in June 2019 had issued an exhaustive and comprehensive resolution framework for distressed assets which is supposed to be followed by the banks. There is a one-month review period from loan default and six months' time thereafter for the implementation of a resolution plan.

As per RBI's own report in December 2019, in 6 months' time, only 1 case has been resolved with 2% value under this resolution framework in a survey done by the RBI. In one-third cases by value, banks have been able to sign just an Inter-Creditor Agreement, which is the first step towards the resolution process.

If banks sell such assets to ARCs, debt consolidation at a single point will help faster resolution.

2. Securitisation and Loan Trading for Liquidity

Currently, an ARC is the only entity which is authorised to securitise NPAs and issue Security Receipt (SR) under the SARFAESI Act. This makes ARCs stand apart with unique empowerment and authorisation. SR is a kind of a Pass-Through Certificate, with rights over underlying securities. These are rated half-yearly and can be traded.

During last year, Foreign Institutional Investors (FII/ FPI) and distressed funds started entering into the SR market in a big way. As per the RBI report released recently, their investment grew by more than 400% during FY19 from Rs 4,200 crore in June 2018 to Rs17,200 crore in June 2019.

ARC as an issuer of this unique instrument can play a role in bringing depth and liquidity to the secondary loan market. For this SR transactions need to be incentivised.

3. Resolution Skill Sets and Expertise

Being in the business for the last 17 years, ARCs have matured enough and bring specialisation and expertise on the table. NPA management is the only business with ARCs, and in the process, they have developed core competencies in recovery/resolution.

As per the RBI report, ARCs have acquired a book debt of Rs 4 trillion so far and have gained hands-on experience in value maximisation from asset sales under difficult situations.

Services of ARCs may be utilised in more ways, like say recovery in large complex cases at the apex courts/SEBI etc. Scope of ARC activities to be enlarged.

4. Pre-pack IBC Package / Liquidation as going concern

Now, there is an established comprehensive resolution framework under the Bankruptcy Code. However, so far, 4 out of 5 cases have been headed for liquidation. The latest data from IBBI reports resolution of 156 cases and 587 liquidations. In the liquidation cases, the realisable value is only 4%, with a liquidation value of only Rs 0.16 lakh crore against claims of Rs 3.55 lakh crore.

ARC as an institutional framework has the potential to play a supplementary and complementary role in adding value either in bringing a pre-pack resolution or sale of assets as a going concern before it is moved to liquidation.

So, what do ARCs expect to function optimally

1. Liquidity

Last year, the cash component of the acquisition transactions of ARCs from banks moved up to 78% from 31% (rest being SRs), and the move is towards 100% cash. In this scenario, the role of an ARC is changing from an investor to a fund manager.

The present requirement of 15% investment by ARCs themselves which was not in the SARFAESI Act and was added in 2014, maybe dispensed with. Besides, it will align with the government's FIPB Guidelines of 2016, permitting 100% investment by FPIs in SRs issued by ARCs (so no investment by ARC is required, as per the government's Guidelines).

In the acquisition of NPAs from banks, where they get 100% full cash exit, no investment by ARC needs to be mandated.

2. Role Play under IBC

SARFAESI allows ARCs to acquire debt only. While the IBC is broad-based with change in equity, management and debts. For effective resolution, both the cylinders - debt and equity have to work together. While IBC permits ARCs to play the role of resolution applicant and gives certain exemptions, in view of the current regulations ARCs cannot take a stake in the equity of a stressed company directly, which is almost a prerequisite in many IBC cases.

ARCs may be freely permitted to take an equity stake in companies within the IBC resolution framework.

3. Loan Product for ARCs

In a paper 'Framework for revitalising Distressed Assets in the Economy' in January 2014, RBI had suggested allowing banks to extend finance to 'specialised' entities put together for the acquisition of troubled companies. The lenders should, however, ensure that these entities are adequately capitalised. Subsequently, in 2017, the net worth of ARCs was enhanced by the RBI from Rs 2 crore to Rs 100 crore. They are generally well-capitalised now.

A Standardised loan product may be devised for ARCs, to finance acquisition and resolution of stressed assets based on a revival plan approved by the creditors.

4. Recognition

In 2011, the government had constituted a key advisory group on the ARC Sector reforms with all stakeholders like regulators, banks, law firms, industry bodies, rating agencies etc. The committee had recommended the task force to continue as a standing committee.

A standing committee on the ARC sector should be formed which should meet quarterly to take stock of the developments and ways to improve the functional effectiveness of ARCs.

(The writer is a Director in an Asset Reconstruction Company. Views are personal)

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A Hayborough, South Australia, mortgagee home has been listed for sale by auction on January 18 2020.

Situated at 16 Jade Court, Ben and Rob Heaslip of SouthCoast Realty are marketing the house.

Set on 634 sqm, the abode consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles.

The home is located in the Rise Estate, and is in close proximity to the recently developed of Coles, Aldi, Bunnings and Fleurieu Aquatic Centre.

It is a short drive to central Victor Harbor & Port Elliot cafes, restaurants, beaches and other local amenities/general services.

Built in 2014, the marketing material describes the home as "a golden opportunity to renovate and improve."

Last sold for $146,000, the home transacted in the same year as its construction, 2014.

The median price for a house in Hayborough is $338,000 according to CoreLogic.
Trump violated law by withholding Ukraine aid: Government watchdog originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

President Donald Trump's hold on security assistance to Ukraine was illegal, according to the federal government's independent watchdog.

The new determination by the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, comes as the Senate is set to take up the articles of impeachment against Trump, which were delivered from the House on Wednesday.

Last June, Trump placed a hold on $214 million of security assistance from the Pentagon for Ukraine, as it battles Russian-led separatists in its eastern provinces. The White House Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, told Congress, which had passed the budget law appropriating those funds, that they were being withheld to ensure they weren't spent "in a manner that could conflict with the Presidents foreign policy."

But GAO said that the executive branch can't use that kind of policy reason to withhold funds appropriated by Congress.

"OMB violated the [law] when it withheld" the Ukraine assistance "for policy reasons," the report concludes.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump talks to reporters before departing from the South Lawn of the White House, Jan. 13, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

Trump has always maintained he's done nothing illegal. A spokesperson for OMB said the agency disagreed with the GAO findings.

"We disagree with GAO's opinion," the spokesperson, Rachel Semmel, said in a statement. "OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the President's priorities and with the law."

The GAO is an independent, nonpartisan watchdog agency that investigates the federal government on behalf of Congress, taking up requests on behalf of both Republicans and Democrats.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the GAO decision "reinforces again the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate" impeachment trial.

"This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump Administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine," said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who originally requested the GAO investigation. "This violation of the law reflects a contempt for the Constitution and was a key part of his corrupt scheme to abuse the power of the presidency for his personal political purposes."

Story continues

Trump had placed a hold on a total of $391 million of security assistance to Ukraine and has provided various reasons for doing so -- including that he was concerned the money would be well-spent and not used for corruption or that European allies have not contributed enough to Ukraine's security. The European Union has provided more than 15 billion in loans and grants to Ukraine, according to the bloc, with an additional 134 million in humanitarian assistance for the ongoing conflict.

The other portion of the $391 million came from the State Department, and the GAO is still investigating whether its funds were withheld for legitimate reasons, but said that the department and OMB have failed to comply with their investigation.

The GAO issued its decision as chief Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman took the podium at a press briefing. He said while he had "not had a chance to look at it or talk to our lawyers in the building" he is "sure we'll be looking at it."

He also for the first time said that Ukraine had now received all of the aid appropriated to it for fiscal year 2019, including a portion that was not distributed before the fiscal year ran out at the end of September.

Asked if the Defense Department was looking to do anything differently given it was "such a mess" getting the aid to Ukraine, Hoffman told reporters he "would not characterize it as a mess."

"I believed that we were able to get the aid out the door as we were intended to, so I would not characterize it as a mess," he said. "We were able to get  as Congress requested and as we were instructed to do  the aid went out the door and went to Ukraine and is being available to the Ukrainian people in their own defensive efforts."

ABC News's Benjamin Siegel and Elizabeth McLaughlin contributed to this report.
We believe the systems and methods contained in this patent are foundational to the practice of pet tele-health, says Deb Leon, patent inventor and CEO of whiskerDocs. "These methods ensure the quality, immediacy and consistency that pet owners demand.

whiskerDocs, North Americas leading source for 24/7 pet tele-health, announced today the allowance of its Animal Health Decision Support Process patent by the US Patent office. The patent covers the complex scoring algorithms and delivery of pet tele-health protocols necessary to provide pet owners the neutral, unbiased support they need when something is happening with their pet.

This new patent will play a critical role in advancing pet health overall, especially as veterinary medicine has been challenged to translate the success of tele-health in humans to animal health. One of the significant challenges has been a lack of consistent methodology and processes for this emerging industry, creating concerns about quality and efficacy of telehealth systems and their delivery.

Today, whiskerDocs provides support to the owners of more than 3.5 million pets, having hundreds of conversations with pet owners daily. When a pet owner interacts with whiskerDocs, its patented algorithms are scoring and weighting each data point, directing next queries, and ultimately delivering specific action steps on behalf of the pet. By developing this patented technology, the whiskerDocs team is able to bridge critical gaps in pet health care, assisting pet owners in getting consistent and validated support.

We believe the systems and methods contained in this patent are foundational to the practice of pet tele-health, says Deb Leon, patent inventor and CEO of whiskerDocs. Our processes and technologies allow us to deliver personalized, real-time decision support to pet owners across a wide spectrum of technologies, from chat bots and voice activated systems to on-demand veterinary triage. As the global need for access to tech-enabled decision support grows, these methods ensure the quality, immediacy and consistency that pet owners demand.

To learn more about whiskerDocs, visit http://www.whiskerDocs.com or LinkedIn.

About whiskerDocs

whiskerDocs is headquartered in Skokie, IL and provides support to over 3 million pets throughout North America. Since 2013, whiskerDocs has been providing advice to pet parents for behavior, emergency, wellness care, training and questions about symptoms. For more information, visit http://www.whiskerDocs.com
Stock pickers are generally looking for stocks that will outperform the broader market. And the truth is, you can make significant gains if you buy good quality businesses at the right price. For example, the Verallia Deutschland AG (FRA:OLG) share price is up 27% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 14% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 4.4% in the last year , including dividends .

Check out our latest analysis for Verallia Deutschland

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

During the five years of share price growth, Verallia Deutschland moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we'd expect the share price to be up.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

DB:OLG Past and Future Earnings, January 16th 2020

This free interactive report on Verallia Deutschland's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What about the Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Verallia Deutschland's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. Arguably the TSR is a more complete return calculation because it accounts for the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested), along with the hypothetical value of any discounted capital that have been offered to shareholders. Dividends have been really beneficial for Verallia Deutschland shareholders, and that cash payout contributed to why its TSR of 40%, over the last 5 years, is better than the share price return.

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A Different Perspective

Verallia Deutschland provided a TSR of 4.4% over the last twelve months. But that return falls short of the market. On the bright side, the longer term returns (running at about 6.9% a year, over half a decade) look better. It may well be that this is a business worth popping on the watching, given the continuing positive reception, over time, from the market. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Verallia Deutschland better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Verallia Deutschland , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

We will like Verallia Deutschland better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on DE exchanges.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 07:41:01|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Wednesday voiced concern over the dire security situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region, and asked for more resources for the UN peacekeeping force in Mali.

The security situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region is deteriorating at an alarming rate, Lacroix told the Security Council.

Last week, 18 UN peacekeepers in Mali were injured in an attack on their camp. On Thursday, 89 Nigerien soldiers were killed during an attack against their base close to the Malian border. On Jan. 4, 14 children lost their lives in northern Burkina Faso on the border with Mali in an attack against a bus, Lacroix noted.

Terrorist groups are proliferating in the Menaka and Gao regions in Mali. There has been an increase in attacks using improvised explosive devices against UN convoys, which have caused a number of injuries to peacekeepers, he said.

These incidents are happening on an almost daily basis, or at least very regularly, and protection measures taken by the peacekeeping force in Mali have allowed the number of deaths to be limited, he said. "Of course, that remains a long way to go in this area (of protection)."

Terrorism continues to feed into intercommunal violence in the center of Mali. There are now more displaced persons suffering from hunger in the Mopti region than there were in the past, said Lacroix.

In political terms, the implementation of the peace agreement has been slow and irregular. Important decisions have been postponed because of disagreements between and among the signatories.

However, he said, significant progress has also been made. The inclusive national dialogue concluded in Bamako on Dec. 22, nine months after its announcement.

He asked the Malian government to respect its commitment to implementing the results and continue to reach out to the opposition.

"This will require charting a clear path for the future, including the adoption and implementation of an electoral timeline and a timeline for revised reform, as well as the holding of legislative elections and a constitutional referendum."

He urged all political players to work together constructively to implement the conclusions of the dialogue. "The Malian people need to see and feel that their voices have been heard, and that their concerns are taken into account," he said.

Lacroix also expressed the hope that the conclusion of the dialogue will provide a new, urgent boost to the implementation of the peace agreement.

The rapid and thorough implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable path for the stabilization of Mali. It provides the framework for the required political and institutional reforms to restore and decentralize state authority, to build a Malian state that reflects the diversity and interests of all its citizens. The peace agreement also provides for mechanisms to address the grievances of those Malians who feel excluded from the country's political life and economic development and who see little hope for their future, he said.

Important progress has been made, including the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants into the defense and security forces, and the creation of a legal framework to establish an economic development zone in the north. But there are increasing challenges in terms of security, and these may counter gains which have been so dearly earned during the peace agreement signature process, said Lacroix.

The redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian defense and security forces to the north remains an urgent priority, he said.

On Jan. 6, the Malian authorities started the deployment of the first reconstituted battalion from Bamako to Kidal. It is expected to arrive in Kidal by the end of the month.

"This is an important step toward restoring state authority across the country. The deployment of the reconstituted units will also pave the way for the redeployment of a more effective state administration and public services, most importantly justice officials, teachers and health workers in the north."

As the Malian national forces move northward, the UN peacekeeping force in Mali, or MINUSMA, is trying to implement its second strategic priority in the central region, while continuing to carry out tasks in support of its primary strategic priority in the north, said Lacroix.

The mission's added focus on central Mali requires it to divert key capabilities, such as air assets, its quick reaction force and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets from Gao to Mopti.

It is not feasible for the mission to implement its additional strategic priority in the center without additional resources. Attempting to do so has resulted in dangerous gaps in areas in the north, where the mission's presence is critical and urgently needed, he said.

In order to address this challenge, MINUSMA has developed a viable plan for the adaptation of its uniformed components within the authorized troops and police strength. The plan provides for the establishment of a mobile task force, which will make MINUSMA more agile, flexible and mobile with tailored units and enhanced capabilities, most importantly additional air mobility, said Lacroix.

The plan is ambitious and its success depends on the support of the Security Council and other member states, troop and police contributors, the host government and other partners. Obtaining the required capabilities is going to be challenging, he said.

"But I insist this is indispensable for MINUSMA to deliver on its mandate. It is also an integral part of efforts to further enhance the mission's performance."

He called on all partners to support the implementation of the plan and to help the UN Secretariat to mobilize the required resources and capabilities to ensure MINUSMA remains fit for purpose.

In addition, to achieve the implementation of this plan and fulfill its mandate, the mission urgently requires access to additional land in both Gao and Mopti, he said. "I urge the government of Mali to make it available as quickly as possible as per ongoing discussions."

Despite increased and sophisticated capabilities, MINUSMA can only be as effective and efficient as the parties and partners want it to be. Political will remains the most important enabler for any peacekeeping operation to be effective, he said.

Lacroix reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal to all Malian leaders to display the necessary leadership and work together to address the challenges their country is facing with the support of the international community.
Housing, childcare and roads were on voters minds as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar headed to Co Cavan for his first canvassing session of the General Election campaign.

While his Fine Gael party is keen to put its handling of Brexit at the heart of its campaign to hold on to power, the issue did not come up with voters he met on Wednesday in Virginia, which is set in a border region.

It was bread and butter issues such as housing and childcare that voters wanted to discuss, rather than Fine Gaels handling of Brexit negotiations.

Mr Varadkar arrived in the rain-soaked town and walked Main Street with two new candidates, TP OReilly and Sandra McIntyre, together with a sizeable group of young canvassers.

Varadkar got a round of applause from some Fine Gael supporters as he left Cavan following his canvass.



Main issues raised with him were childcare, insurance costs, bypass for town and minimum unit pricing #GE2020 pic.twitter.com/kWnJ1lG4iU  Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) January 15, 2020

Mr OReilly took charge, leading the Taoiseach on a whistle-stop tour of the town, including a butchers, a pharmacy, clothes shops and bars.

A number of schoolchildren stopped Mr Varadkar for a selfie, while he engaged them in conversation in Gaelic.

While Mr Varadkar is not as adept at the art of the walkabout and glad-handing as his predecessor Enda Kenny, he attracted a mainly warm reception and drew traffic to a standstill as he passed through the town.

A young mother-of-two, carrying her baby, approached him and asked what he was going to do about the high cost of childcare.

I have two kids under three and 70% of my wage goes on childcare, she said.

Please, Im just requesting and asking you  what are you going to do for young educated women like myself who are being put out of the workforce?

Mr Varadkar made positive noises about a national childcare plan and assured her he wanted to see more young parents being able to stay in work.

A barman at the Riverfront Hotel asked what the Taoiseach was going to do about minimum unit pricing, saying the cost of cheap supermarket alcohol and the high cost of insurance was hitting the pub trade.

People can go across the road to the shop and buy a heap of cans for 10 euro  how are we meant to survive? he asked.

Mr Varadkar said the days of shops selling cheap alcohol would come to an end but that he would have to vote for Fine Gael.

There was plenty of support from constituents looking for a guarantee that a bypass would be built for the busy commuter town, which they said had become choked with traffic.

Youll want to leave now to beat that traffic or youll miss your big meeting later, quipped one local, as Mr Varadkar departed in his ministerial car to Dublin where he is due to meet the new President of the EU Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen on Wednesday evening.

With a wave and a round of applause from supporters, day one of the campaign was complete.
Here are Speaker Pelosis managers:

For over two years, Adam Schiff vowed he had solid evidence Trump illegally colluded with Russia to steal the 2016 election. Why should anyone trust anything he says? Next is Jerry Nadler, member of Congress for nearly 28 years. He vehemently argued against impeaching Bill Clinton in 1998. He said both political parties needed to support articles of impeachment of a president. In the case today the bi-partisan support was against sending them to the Senate. Then there is Rep. Hakeem Jeffries who called Trump the Grand Wizard of Pennsylvania Avenue, a studio gangster and a racial arsonist. Unlike Jeffries, Rep. Jason Crow, on the PBS News Hour, claimed his support was devoid of politics and he would only consider the evidence. Really? When one party impeaches a president its all political.

Another manager is Rep. Sylvia Garcia. She told the Houston Chronicle in March, 2016 Trump was the main reason she ran for Congress. She said Trump was blaming all of our problems on immigrants. It would be beneficial to know if Rep. Garcia thinks securing our borders is an abuse of power. Then theres former Orlando Police Chief, now US Rep. Val Demings, a strong supporter of more gun laws, but was herself censured for not securing her service weapon which was stolen from her car in 2009. When questioned if her gun was ever found by authorities, her answer was, my First Amendment right is different from yours. (CBS News, May 17, 2017). What a confusing response from someone who is supposed to understand the constitution.

Finally we have Rep. Zoe Lofgren. Like Nadler, she is another Democrat career member of Congress. Shes been in Congress nearly 26 years. In March, 2017 Lofgren publicly called for Trump to get a mental exam (The Mercury News, August, 2017). She questioned whether he had early stage dementia. In fact, she was advocating invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office barely two months after his inauguration. Like her fellow lifer in Congress, Jerry Nadler, Lofgren opposed impeaching her buddy Bill Clinton.

This is the team of zealots assigned to make the case for undoing the election of 2016. They have never hidden their disgust for Donald Trump, some almost from the day he was elected. So much for the ruse of impartiality. Yet almost daily Democrats stand in line on TV talking about Republican bias.

Ralph Miller
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands after signing "phase one" of the U.S.-China trade agreement during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Jan. 15, 2020. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

Key Provisions of USChina Phase One Trade Deal

The United States and the Chinese regime on Jan. 15 signed a phase-one trade deal, cooling tensions between the worlds two largest economies in an 18-month trade war.

Prior to the deal, the United States agreed to cut tariffs to 7.5 percent from 15 percent on about $120 billion of China-made consumer goods, including flat panel televisions, Bluetooth headphones, and footwear. It also scrapped planned tariffs on roughly $156 billion of consumer products, including cell phones, toys, and laptops.

Duties of 25 percent remain on about $250 billion of China-made industrial goods and components used by U.S. manufacturers.

President Donald Trump said on Jan. 15 that he would remove all tariffs if the phase two negotiations are successful.

Heres a look at key commitments from the 90-page agreement.

Chinas Purchases

The Chinese regime committed to buy an additional $200 billion of U.S. goods and services over the next two years, over a baseline of $186 billion in purchases in 2017. This includes purchases of manufactured goods, such as aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and industrial machinery, which will increase by $77.7 billion over the two-year period.

U.S. services, including cloud-computing and financial services, are set to grow by $37.9 billion, while purchases of energy products, such as crude oil and liquefied natural gas, will also rise by $52.4 billion.

Agriculture Buys

Beijing agreed to purchase an additional $32 billion of farm goods over the next two years, including soybeans, cotton, grains, and meat. It also pledged to strive to buy an additional $5 billion of agricultural products annually. In addition, the regime agreed to allow more market access to U.S. meat, poultry, dairy, pet food, and agriculture biotechnology.

IP Protection

The deal includes measures aimed at preventing and punishing the theft of trade secrets.

It makes it easier for aggrieved U.S. firms to request authorities to initiate criminal investigations in China, and for them to prove their case in civil proceedings. The regime also agreed to establish enforcement procedures for rights holders in cases of online infringement.

Beijing agreed to end its longstanding practice of forcing U.S. companies to transfer technology to domestic business partners as a condition of market access. Any transfers or licensing of technology must be based on market terms that are voluntary and reflect mutual agreement.

Currency Manipulation

The regime committed to refrain from devaluing its currency or making large-scale interventions in its currency market. It also agreed to regular disclosures of data on its foreign exchange reserves.

Dispute Resolution

The deal creates a dispute resolution system that prescribes time frames for actions at various stages: starting from the working level, escalating all the way up to the USTR and Vice Premier level of both countries.

It is designed to be a 75-day period from the start of the appeal until resolution of the dispute, according to a senior administration official. If theres no resolution within that time frame, then there will be an opportunity for expedited consultations on the remedy for an additional 15 days. If parties fail to reach a resolution they have the choice to quit the agreement, the official said.
Cllr Robert Alden is Leader of the Conservative Group on Birmingham City Council.

The race may have just begun, but surely CCHQ can already call it off. There is only one sensible place to relocate head office and that is Birmingham in the West Midlands. Sitting in the heart of the nation, its motorway network gives unprecedented access across the whole country whether you wish to go north, south, east, or west.

The party is after good train links. With three stations in the city centre  Birmingham New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill, its possible to reach the majority of the country in three hours or less by train from Birmingham. That is before you even take account of the proposed HS2 station at Curzon Street due to open this decade. Currently, it takes one hour 26 minutes to London, one hour 57 minutes to Leeds, two hours 31 minutes to Durham, one hour 20 minutes to Bristol and just 46 minutes to Stoke-on-Trent  to give just a few examples.

The party has also stated they want to be close to Universities with good maths and physics departments. Again, Birmingham and the West Midlands delivers on this front. The city itself has four Universities, while close by are Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Warwick Universities. For maths, Warwick University (based on the edge of Coventry) is the seventh-best in the country, while the University of Birmingham is ranked 14th. For physics, the University of Birmingham is ranked fifth and Warwick University is ninth. Overall, Warwick is ranked the joint 11th best university in the country and the University of Birmingham is 13th.

The party is also keen to ensure the location is politically sensible. Again, the region scores highly on this front. At a parliamentary level, the West Midlands Met area is full of marginal seats, where some great local candidates made key gains at the last election.

There were two gains in Wolverhampton, two in West Bromwich, one in Dudley, and one in Birmingham. While the wider West Midlands is also home to key marginals such as the seats in Stoke-on-Trent. On top of this, there are also key seats which were lost by small margins which can be won next time.

At a regional level, Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, won the first mayoral contest in 2017 and is up for re-election this year. With a majority of under one per cent, it couldnt be more marginal.

At a local level, Dudley and Walsall are Conservative-run, but they are marginal councils whose strong results in 2019 were a forerunner for the General Election later in the year.

Labour-run Birmingham is one of the few large cities with a large Conservative presence on the council, and one which Labour only kept control of by under 4,500 votes at the last all-out elections in 2018. The next elections in 2022 will be a key battleground.

Indeed, of the seven councils in the West Midlands Met area, the Conservatives have run six of them in the last decade, and the other  Sandwell  now has only one Labour MP left following the recent General Election.

Politically, national elections are won and lost in the Midlands, and the West Midlands is full of battleground parliamentary seats and local councils. It makes a lot of sense for the party to be based here.

Add to this the fact that good quality office space is far cheaper in Birmingham than London, and the quality of life is higher, its no surprise the city is the number one destination for people leaving London.

With quality housing available at a fraction of Londons prices, great parks, schools, shops and nightlife, plus some of the best restaurants in the country, the region has a lot to offer staff as well as the party.

The historians amongst you will know the modern party is widely considered to have been created with the declaration of the Tamworth manifesto in 1834 by Sir Robert Peel, just a few miles from Birmingham. Moving CCHQ out of London is a bold move which shows we will deliver for the whole country. Birmingham has already shown it can host wonderful party conferences. Surely now the time has come to bring our party home to Birmingham as well.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 04:21:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WAKISO, Uganda, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday commissioned a China-aided industrial skills training and production center at Namanve Industrial Park in the central district of Wakiso.

Museveni said the 30-million-U.S. dollar facility is critical in fast-tracking Uganda's industrialization process, noting that it will not only provide skills to locals but also manufacture mechanical parts using modern technology.

He hailed China for its continued support in helping Uganda fast-track its economic development.

Museveni noted that the facility, which is seated on 15 acres (about 60,000 sq meters) of land, was the second of its kind China helps to build. The first was a food processing facility, which has been in existence for years.

Chen Huixin, Charge D'affaire of Chinese Embassy in Uganda, said the facility is one of the many significant projects arising out of the consensus between the two countries and a follow-up action of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in its consecutive sessions.

He said the center has five manufacturing workshops and an electronic, electrical and mechanical processing training building.

"These workshops will help to meet the demands of Uganda industry development. All these have been equipped with necessary furniture, facilities, mechanical equipment, instruments and tools, allowing 960 trainees to undertake training at the same time. A whole college and factory!" Chen said.

"We shall be looking forward to the trainees that graduate from the Industrial Skills Trainingenter into the job m arket of Uganda," he added.

Elioda Tumwesigye, minister of science, technology and innovation said industrial skilling will help fast-track the industrialization process in the country, which will in the end increase household income through creating employment.

Tumwesigye noted that with the state of the art machinery installed at the facility, Uganda stands out to benefit from the opportunities the Fourth Industrial Revolution has to offer. He said the institution now has machines that use artificial intelligence.

Charles Kwesiga, head of Uganda Industrial Research Institute, a state agency under which the facility will be affiliated is optimistic that the products that will be made will meet international standards.

"It is a very important facility. It is the initial step of creating modern machining, manufacturing. That way we can get in the market with competitive high quality products," Kwesiga said.

Uganda hopes to use the center as a production unit of automotive spare parts in a bid to bring down the import bill, according to Tumwesigye. Government figures show that the country spends 23 million dollars annually on importing motor vehicles spare parts and 18 million dollars on spares for motorcycles.

The country's nascent motor vehicle manufacturing industry is also eyeing the industrial center as a key partner in producing vehicles parts.

"This center will be manufacturing the components that Kiira Motors Corporation will use to build various motor vehicles, like buses and so forth. The center is going to have capacity to develop parts, components which will be used in other industries," said Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, executive chairman of Kiira Motors Corporation.

Kiira Motors Corporation is a state enterprise established to champion domestic vehicle manufacturing. The corporation is currently setting up a plant in the eastern Ugandan district of Jinja.
Further help with documentation requirements aided by new MPLAB Code Coverage testing and diagnostic tool

CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Functional safety certifications are required in many industries, but it is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Certifications can also require extensive justification for using specific development tools, unless the tool is already certified for compliance by functional safety experts such as TUV SUD, a Munich-based certification organization. To this end, Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP) announced TUV SUD certification of its MPLAB XC compilers for functional safety, significantly simplifying the functional safety qualification process for Microchips PIC, AVR and SAM microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). To further simplify testing and diagnostics, Microchip also introduced MPLAB Code Coverage license, which determines parts of software that have or have not been executed with minimal impact to the application.



The MPLAB XC functional compilers certified by TUV SUD aid in satisfying the verification and validation requirements specified in the ISO 26262 standard for automotive safety, IEC 61508 for industrial applications, IEC 62304 for medical software and IEC60730 for automatic electric controls. The MPLAB XC Compilers for Functional Safety will be packaged with additional documentation for qualification of the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB debuggers and programmers. With no annual renewal fees, the licenses are the lowest-cost solution on the market. Using Microchips MCUs with the functional safety licenses will reduce application costs and time to market.



Ensuring high test coverage of embedded software using code coverage tools often requires a large amount of hardware modification, expensive software and significant effort searching large data files for pertinent information. The MPLAB Code Coverage product avoids this with less than one percent impact to test time. Through a patented process, code can be tested in a single pass without breaking the code into blocks. This saves time and eliminates sifting through large data files. As certified applications often require code testing data, this new code coverage license can further assist with the certification process.



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Functional safety tools for many MCU products today can be quite costly," said Rodger Richey, Microchip's senior director of development systems. Microchip supplies our functional safety products for one-third of the price of some competitive solutions and provides unparalleled worldwide technical support to speed time to market and further simplify the development cycle.



The combination of devices designed with functional safety in mind along with MPLAB XC compilers that are certified by TUV SUD plus MPLAB Code Coverage simplifies functional safety certification for applications in automotive, consumer, aerospace, medical and industrial applications.



In addition to offering development tools that make it easier, faster and more affordable to comply to functional safety standards, Microchip also offers many PIC, AVR, dsPIC and SAM MCUs that are Functional Safety Ready. For all Functional Safety Ready microcontrollers, Microchip provides Failure Mode Effect and Diagnostics Analysis (FMEDA) reports and safety manuals targeting ISO 26262 up to ASIL-B safety levels, with some products achieving ASIL-D.



As a long-term supplier into automotive applications, we understand and respond to our customers need to reduce development time and optimize cost of safety critical products, said Steve Drehobl, senior vice president of Microchips 8- and 16-bit microcontroller business units. We continue to expand our portfolio of microcontrollers targeting safety applications to offer the perfect match of features and value.

Pricing and Availability

MPLAB X IDE version 5.25 is available for free on Microchips website. The MPLAB Code Coverage workstation license is available today for $799. The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32++ functional safety workstation licenses are available today for $2,995 each.

For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchips website. To purchase products mentioned here, click to order now or contact a Microchip authorized distributor. For information about Microchips Functional Safety Ready PIC, AVR, dsPIC and SAM microcontrollers please visit Microchips Functional Safety Design Center web page.

Resources

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

 Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/48291491977/sizes/l

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading semiconductor provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The companys solutions serve more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com .

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, PIC, dsPIC, AVR and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact: Reader Inquiries: Brian Thorsen 1-888-624-7435 480-792-7182 brian.thorsen@microchip.com




Being on the US entity list has apparently not affected the Chinese smartphone giant HUAWEI in selling Android Smartphones worldwide. HUAWEI has sold over 240 million smartphone devices in 2020 alone with the Mate and P series seeing a growth of over 50% Y0Y. In the 5G market too, HUAWEI reported impressive numbers of 6.9 million 5G smartphones sold.

Despite facing pressure from the US government to stop American companies from dealing with HUAWEI, they have managed to perform well in 2019. They introduced alternatives to Google Play services and has committed to developing the ecosystem further and making it more robust.

HUAWEI also reported strong numbers for 5G smartphone sales worldwide; with over 6.9 million devices sold. They launched multiple devices, primarily in China, from their flagship Mate 30 Pro 5G all the way down to a more budget HONOR V30 Pro and HONOR V30. Focusing on the China market has really helped HUAWEI navigate the ban from US very effectively.

Even in the wearables market, HUAWEI performed well with HUAWEI Watch 2 shipped more than two million in three months and HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 headsets shipped more than one million in the first month.

With India announcing that they will allow HUAWEI to participate in its upcoming 5G trials, we can expect an influx of 5G capable devices from HUAWEI entering the Indian market next year. One of the main regions that HUAWEI did struggle with sales is in Europe as consumers there prefer having Google Play Services in their smartphones.

Via
The British Government is under mounting pressure to explain the deal it struck with struggling airline Flybe, as rivals demanded answers and threatened court action.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary threatened action against the Government if it did not offer a tax holiday to all airlines, after it was widely reported that Flybe had been allowed by HM Revenue and Customs to defer its monthly Air Passenger Duty (APD) payments.

IAG boss Willie Walshs company has called for answers (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, British Airways and Aer Lingus owner International Airlines Group (IAG) has written to the Treasury, Transport and Business departments asking a series of questions over the deal.

Bosses want to know if the Government is a financial guarantor to Flybe, has a tax deferral been agreed and what reassurances have been made by the owners.

The questions, sent in a Freedom of Information request seen by PA news agency, IAG say, are being asked due to a lack of transparency about the Governments involvement in the rescue package for Flybe.

On the APD issue, the company asks: Has it (the Government) agreed to alter the timing or amount of Air Passenger Duty due to be paid by Flybe and, if so, the terms of that agreement and the reason behind it?

Michael OLeary, boss of Ryanair, has threatened court action (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ministers are asked if they have ensured Flybes owners  Stobart, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital  have met their previous funding commitments to invest 100 million in the airline when they bought it last year.

And IAG says: Is the Government satisfied that the terms and agreements for connecting passengers between Flybe and its shareholders airlines are on normal commercial grounds that protect the interests of Flybe?

Over at Ryanair, outspoken boss Mr OLeary said he believes the Flybe rescue clearly constitutes illegal state aid.

We deeply concerned and shocked by reports of your Governments bailout of Flybe this week, which distorts fair competition between airlines, he said.

The Government has confirmed it will review APD, but it has declined to confirm or deny that a deferral has been agreed.

HMRC also said the individual and company tax affairs were confidential, but did say deferrals are a common tool in avoiding company collapses.

Chancellor Sajid Javid is under pressure to explain the details of the rescue package for Flybe (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr OLeary asked the chancellor to confirm how the Government is supporting Flybe, and to extend any possible APD holiday to its competitors such as Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways.

Should you fail to confirm these facts within the next seven-day period, please be advised that Ryanair intends to launch proceedings against your Government for breach of UK and EU competition law and breach of state aid rules Mr OLeary said.

The airline was saved from collapse on Tuesday evening as the Government reached an agreement with Connect Airways, Flybes owner.

However, the exact nature of the agreement is unknown.

Downing Street has insisted there has been no state aid to Flybe and any support that is given to the firm would be on strictly commercial terms.

Flybes owners, a consortium which includes Stobart, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital, have said they will invest more cash into the airline.

Although only Stobart has revealed how much it has committed  up to 9 million.
(Alliance News) - FTSE 250 recruiter Hays PLC on Thursday warned on interim profit as difficult market conditions persist around the world.

Hays's net fees for its second quarter ended December 31 fell 7% on the year before, and declined 4% on a like-for-like basis.

In the UK & Ireland, net fees fell 4% both reported and like-for-like, while Australia & New Zealand dipped 11% and 7% like-for-like. In Germany, net fees were 12% lower and 9% down like-for-like, while Rest of World net fees fell 1%, but did rise 1% like-for-like.

Australia's private sector has been sluggish, Hays said, while bushfires have also hurt trading. The company is experiencing "tough" conditions in Germany, while economic and political uncertainty has hampered operations in the UK & Ireland.

In Rest of World, there was strong growth in Japan and the Americas, but China declined and performance in France was hurt by ongoing strike action.

Following this second-quarter performance, Hays now expects operating profit for the first half of around GBP100 million, which would be an approximate drop of 19% from the year before.

Alastair Cox, the chief executive of London-based Hays, said: "Growth slowed markedly in December, driven by specific events in key markets: general strikes in France, tragic Australian bushfires and the UK election. Each event impacted markets already facing challenging economic conditions and low business confidence.

"Germany weakened further, with economic uncertainties driving increased client cost controls. The Americas performed well, with the USA a standout, while Asia was flat. Conditions in the UK remained uncertain, particularly before the election, although the result may provide impetus over time."

"The rebound from these events and our New Year 'return to work' are thus particularly important, and we are closely monitoring activity levels. Overall, we expect near-term macro conditions to remain difficult, but see continued opportunities for growth in key specialisms like IT," Cox continued.

"Our task is to balance such investment opportunities with managing our cost base while protecting our infrastructure and market leadership. Our highly experienced management teams, combined with our financial strength, gives us confidence in achieving this balance."

Shares in Hays were 3.5% lower on Thursday morning in London at a price of 166.60 pence each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
SALEM  One question has lingered in political circles in the days since Democratic legislators unveiled their latest plan to limit the states greenhouse gas emissions.

What do the Republicans think?

The GOP holds a shrinking share of seats in the Legislature, but still possesses just enough members to halt legislative business.

Senate Republicans made national headlines for tanking last years proposal by fleeing the state, a possibility that looms over the coming session, which begins Feb 3.

Hence the interest: are the slate of changes recently proposed by Democrats enough to get their colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stay in the building?

Sen. Herman Baertschiger, R-Grants Pass, who leads Republicans in the Senate, was rather opaque about those odds when taking questions from reporters on Wednesday.

Well, you know, it's a very fluid, dynamic situation, Baertschiger said. It's ever-changing. You know, I'm still having conversations, but nothing is off the table. And I would not want to speculate one way or the other at this point because it is such a dynamic situation.

On Monday, the interim Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard three hours of testimony on the revamped proposal from invited guests, ranging from the chief operating officer of a truck stop company to a policy adviser at the Nature Conservancy. Lawmakers are in Salem this week for a series of interim meetings.

In what is  depending on whom you ask  either a breakdown in communication between the parties, or the rhetoric of political theater, Republicans convey concern that Democrats wont listen to them.

As long as we can sit down and collaborate and work on common goals, on issues, I am 100 percent behind doing that, said Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, the newest member of the Senate and its environment committee. And that's (what) I believe that we should all be here for ... But if it's, My way or the highway, then that's a difficult decision to make.

Rep. David Brock Smith, a Port Orford Republican who served on the committee that considered last years proposal, said he was not involved in crafting the new legislative concept released last Friday.

Not being included in the new discussions was rather unfortunate, Brock Smith said in an interview, Because we might have been able to mitigate some of the issues that this bill has.

Republicans seem to want to focus on nudging Oregonians to sign on to cleaner energy sources.

We have to have a carrot, perhaps wrapped in chocolate icing, before you go with the stick, said Findley, who was sworn in as a senator just last week, jumping over from the House to fill the seat of a resigning lawmaker. And right now, we don't. So I think I think it's imperative that we do that.

Brock Smith said Wednesday he has gathered bipartisan support for a bill that would boost incentives for Portland-area residents to buy electric cars and hybrids.

The greenhouse gas proposals architects, Sen. Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay, and Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, said the new plan includes significant changes in response to Republican concerns from last year, like phasing in new regulations for transportation fuels.

Yet before fielding questions Wednesday, Baertschiger made a forlorn speech  his cadence that of a priest resignedly lamenting the state of the world to his congregation.

We talk about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, said Baertschiger, We see that all the time. Well, I think this is kind of an example. Because the average working family just don't have the ability to deflect these costs. They're stuck. I think because of the polarization of this particular piece of legislation  we can't seem to come to any agreement, we can't even move towards any agreement  that maybe it's just time to let the voters make the decision.

Baertschiger said Republicans have discussed a direct referral to voters and indicated there could be some support among Republicans for that.

But the draft legislation contains an emergency clause, which means that the bill cant be referred to voters by lawmakers. Voters could still use the initiative process to force a public vote.

Dembrow said that making the legislation effective immediately after legislators approve it would allow the state to prepare for the programs launch in 2022, even if an initiative is set in motion.

Asked what specific policy ideas Republicans had tried to suggest but hadnt stuck, as he phrased it, Baertschiger said his colleague, Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, had worked on quite a bit about, you know, electrification and some credits, tax credits and stuff with that. Incentives could help electric companies accommodate demand on the grid as transportation starts using more electricity, Baertschiger said.

You know, the problem with fossil fuels is when it comes to the natural resource sector is there's nothing out there in technology yet that replaces the brute horsepower we need to produce the natural resources, whether it's tractors or fishing boats or any of those kind of things, Baertschiger said. There's nothing really out there yet. And I think we ought to keep trying to incentivize new technology to be able to replace that. But those are things that are going to take a long time.

Dembrow said that Democrats have been making efforts to include Republicans, pointing to Girods involvement in early talks on the current proposal.

We have been listening to and to a certain extent working with other Republicans as well, Dembrow said. But I'm not going to go into detail on that. But I will say that their concerns and ideas are included in this bill and were the grounds for the changes that we made.

Brock Smith isnt convinced that rural Oregonians would be spared the effects of anticipated higher fuel costs in metro areas if the legislation passes.

The initial increase in cost of transportation fuels will still fall to rural Oregonians in the costs of goods and services, right? Brock Smith said. An apple that someone buys, or an article of clothing that somebody buys in Brookings, is going to be more expensive because it costs more to bring it there from Portland. And so they're not mitigating any of those financial impacts.

Dembrow said the proposal prohibits fuel importers from passing the costs associated with complying with the new regulations to customers in areas of the state that arent subject to the regulations.

The proposal would regulate fuels beginning in the Portland metro area in 2022, and in 2025, extends to metro areas of the state and cities where at least 10 million gallons of fuel are imported.

Whether or not they can vote for the bill, is, that's up to them, said Dembrow of Republicans. They have to do what's right for their values and the way they perceive their constituency.

He said that while he cant speak for Republicans, he would expect them to try to affect what the bill looks like, and then vote against it if they still didnt support it.

I vote on a lot of things I wish I didn't have to vote on, Dembrow said.  But if you have majority support, you have majority support. And, you know, I think people need to respect that. And let me just add, that given the changes that we've made in the bill, if Republicans don't show up, I'm not sure how much of it is about the program itself and how much of it is really about politics and ideology.

Reporter Claire Withycombe: cwithycombe@eomediagroup.com or 971-304-4148.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's new prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, has a reputation for getting things done.



During his near-decade long tenure at the helm of Russia's tax service -- whose army of roughly 150,000 employees oversees tax compliance and collections -- Mishustin tripled the amount of money his agency delivers to the budget.



Coming during a period of slow economic growth amid sanctions and falling oil prices, those results earned him accolades from the government and made him a logical choice to replace Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who announced on January 15 that his government would resign.



As social unrest grew over low living standards, Medvedev's government struggled to carry out Putin's ambitious National Projects, a $400 billion spending program that seeks to boost economic growth. The Medvedev government also failed to meet Putin's May 2018 decrees to increase wages to specific levels for many state workers.



"After years of focusing on over-insurance, including due to the risk of further sanctions, the Russian authorities need to focus on domestic issues such as growth and better provision of public services," Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist at the Institute of International Finance overseeing Russia, told RFE/RL. "An effective manager is needed to make sure that the National Projects move forward and contribute to these objectives."



However, Mishustin -- whom Russian state television called the "special force of the government's financial policy," a reference to the tax service's law enforcement powers -- may also be an ideal choice to keep the restless factions within the elite under control, analysts said.



Putin's January 15 announcement of a revamping of the country's constitution prompted Medvedev's resignation -- which many analysts describe as a "sacking" by Putin. These developments will create some winners and losers within that elite.



"All of what we have seen [on January 15] suggests that what the Kremlin is most worried about is not the relationship with the population. It is getting the relationship with the elite right and keeping the elite in line and under control," said Sam Greene, director of the Russia Institute at King's College London.



"So, having somebody who is an enforcer -- who is coming from a tax-police background where they know where the bodies are buried -- is probably a more useful person to have around," Greene said.



Third PM Change



Putin has sought to promote a sense of government stability during his 20 years at the nation's helm, only changing the government mid-cycle on two previous occasions.



Putin fired Mikhail Kasyanov in February 2004 right before his reelection bid, replacing him with Mikhail Fradkov, a career bureaucrat. Fradkov "resigned" in 2007 ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections, replaced by Viktor Zubkov.



Both Fradkov and Zubkov had worked for the nation's tax service. Fradkov had at one point headed the tax police, a feared agency. Zubkov had been a deputy tax minister responsible for the northwest region. He later ran the agency combating money laundering.



Greene said this shared background among Mishustin, Fradkov, and Zubkov was not a coincidence.

Mishustin also shares another commonality with those two men, analysts say. He is someone with seemingly no political ambition, and who -- despite his powerful position -- is not viewed as a successor when Putin's term ends in 2024.



"Mishustin does not have any political experience or popularity with the electorate and is not part of Putin's inner circle," said Tatiana Stanovaya, a political analyst. He is a "placeholder," she said.



The composition of Mishustin's cabinet is unlikely to change much from Medvedev's with the key economic and power ministers to keep their positions, such as Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Economy Minister Maksim Oreshkin, predicted Vladmir Tikhomirov, the chief economist at Moscow-based brokerage BCS Global Markets.



Digital Tax Man



Russia had struggled for years, especially during the 1990s, to combat widespread tax evasion, a crime which one analyst called a "source of pride" among the nations companies and citizens. Wealthy Russians and companies have used offshores to hide money from the tax authorities.

A large fraction of the economy had remained in the shadows with Russia losing as much as 1 trillion rubles ($16.2 billion) a year in tax revenues, then-Central Banker Sergei Ignatyev said in 2013.

The 53-year-old Mishustin has deployed the latest technologies to cut fraud and evasion and boost receipts in the process.



The tax service's expansive headquarters northwest of Moscow -- in a former military town -- is now filled with data servers and IT specialists, making it resemble a technology company as much as a government agency.



The tax service collected 21.3 trillion rubles ($345 billion) in 2018, roughly triple the amount it brought in when he took over in 2010, according to TASS. Mishustin told Putin in November during a meeting in the Kremlin that 2019 tax revenues were running about 8 percent higher than the previous year.



The surge in tax receipts has far exceeded the growth in economic activity over the past decade, helping the government plug holes as the economy slumped amid sanctions and falling oil prices.



Russia's tax service now uses real-time data to track value-added tax (VAT) payments. As a result, the gap between expected value-added tax receipts and actual receipts shrank to less than 1 percent from more than 10 percent just five years ago, Mishustin said in November.

The number of tax inspections at companies -- once a notorious problem that stymied investment -- fell by 85 percent over Mishustin's near decade at the helm, according to Vedomsti.



Alexis Rodzianko, the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Moscow, told RFE/RL, that he has received "generally positive feedback" on the tax service under Mishustin.



"Efficiency of collection is up and feedback from members is that professionalism is better," Rodzianko said. "Also, our experience with the tax foreign advisory council is positive. Over the past year and a half, the quality of dialogue was good and constructive."



Mishustin's agency launched online personal tax accounts for individuals and companies and an app for self-employed people, simplifying the process of filing taxes.

Under his tenure, the agency has also rolled out online registers that send data on each transaction to the tax service nearly instantly.



"With the help of the new prime minister, Putin will now build the country similar to the federal tax service -- control and accounting, law enforcement actions where they are needed plus digitalization of the whole country," Russian political analyst Andrei Kolesnikov wrote in a January 15 commentary.
Love Island star Ollie Williams has denied that he is a big game hunter in a defiant statement just hours after quitting the ITV2 dating show.

The aristocrat, 23, has caused outrage after images of him posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa emerged with his family being forced to employ security to keep a 24-hour watch on their Cornish home from animal activists.

Ollie, who quit Love Island on Tuesday after claiming he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, also 23, has now denied that he is a big game hunter.

Denied: Love Island star Ollie Williams has denied that he is a big game hunter in a defiant statement just hours after quitting the ITV2 dating show

The heir to the Lanhydrock Estate, who has received 'vile' threats since leaving the show, has insisted that he is 'passionate about conservation' and that he left the show on his own terms because he's still in love with his ex.

Ollie said in a statement: 'Having left the Love Island house I have become aware of the press stories circulating in the UK. I would like to make a number of comments on the various claims and accusations.

'I had no knowledge of the stories until I had left the Love Island villa and all cast members are unaware of any news stories while they are on the programme. My reasons for leaving Love Island are as communicated on the show.

'I did not shoot any of the animals shown in the photographs nor have I ever shot as a trophy hunter.

Outrage: The aristocrat, 23, has caused outrage after images of him posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa emerged during his time on the show (pictured with a dead warthog)

'I did volunteer to take part in the conservation and anti-poaching programme in Mozambique, a part of which involves old or sick animals being culled. I was there as an observer.

'The Cornish Sporting Agency was set up in 2017 and has never traded. I feel very passionately about conservation and will continue to support sustainable conservation causes around the globe.

'These benefit the natural world and the animals which live within it, even if certain elements appear controversial when viewed out of context. As I am no longer in Love Island, I will comment no further on this issue.'

It comes after it was revealed that Ollie's family are employing security to keep a 24-hour watch on their home following the fury over his 'trophy hunting photos'.

Animal rights activists left threats on an answer machine message on their Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall after images of Ollie emerged posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa.

Danger: His family has since been forced to employ security to keep a 24-hour watch on their Cornish home from animal activists (Lanhydrock Estate pictured not their family house)

His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams have also alerted Devon and Cornwall Police, who are now investigating.

A family source confirmed to MailOnline: 'There has been a threat. It was in the form of a message left on an answer machine on the estate. The Police have been informed and are investigating who is behind it.'

Mr and Mrs Williams are currently away from their Cornish home, a property on the edge of the sprawling 2000-acre Lanhydrock estate near Bodmin.

Local Security firm Coast 2 Coast is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the house - even photographing the registration plates of every visiting car

A well-placed source said: 'The guards are not just there to keep the press at bay.

Terror: His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams have also alerted Devon and Cornwall Police, who are now investigating

'There has been some threats made against Ollie and his family from animal rights activists after images of him on trophy hunts were made public.

'There has been a security presence at the family home today and there will be for the foreseeable future. It is round-the clock and the guards are working in shifts to keep watch.

'Everyone who visits is having their details recorded and the registration plates of their vehicles photographed as a precaution.'

Ollie, 23, was pictured posing with a dead warthog, water buffalo and a giant eland  listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The now deleted snaps were said to have been uploaded on to the Instagram account of Ollie's hunting business, Cornish Sporting Agency.

Still in love: Ollie, who quit Love Island on Tuesday after claiming he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, also 23, has now denied that he is a big game hunter (pictured together at Royal Ascot in June 2018)

The business is listed on Companies House as a 'hunting, trapping and related service activities' and is registered at the Lanhydrock estate, now controlled by the National Trust after being given away by Ollie's great-great uncle in 1953.

In one of the photos, Ollie is seen kneeling beside one of the animals with the caption: 'Youve gotta love it when you put your binos up and see a bull like this on the other end!'

The Cornish Sporting Agency, which was taken offline in November 2018, offered hunting trips to countries like Mozambique and South Africa as well as bird shooting in the South West of England and deer stalking in New Zealand.

Sources close to Ollie claim the photos were of him 'culling sick animals' and that it was untrue that he is involved in hunting for sport.

Speaking out: It comes after his sister Eloise begged fans to stop sending 'vile' threats and 'hateful' comments after her brother quit the show amid backlash over the photos

Instead he has been described as a 'passionate conservationist' who has worked with an anti-poaching unit in Mozambique.

However a petition calling for his removal from Love Island due to his links with trophy hunting was signed by 35,000 people and Ofcom said that Ollie was the subject of more than 400 complaints from outraged viewers.

ITV refused to make any comment when contacted by MailOnline in light of the threats made against Ollie's family.

It comes after his sister Eloise begged fans to stop sending 'vile' threats and 'hateful' comments after her brother quit the show amid backlash over the photos.

The Cornish student took to her Instagram stories to ask viewers to stop trolling their family just hours after it was announced her brother, 23, had left the ITV2 dating series.

Hitting back: Eloise defiantly took to Instagram stories to defend her family and warn 'keyboard warriors' that she will be sharing their 'vile' comments for the 'world to see' after she was called a 'stupid Tory c**t'

Ollie announced he had quit Love Island on Tuesday afternoon after claiming he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, also 23.

Eloise defiantly took to Instagram stories just hours later to defend her family and warn 'keyboard warriors' that she will be sharing their 'vile' comments for the 'world to see' after she was called a 'stupid Tory c**t'.

She penned: 'I'm honestly shocked I have to write this but anyone watching that show knows the effects online abuse can have on individuals but not just them, their families too.

'The amount of vile threats/comments I alone have received is not OK. I'm fed up of watching the same people preach about mental health and male suicides rising to then use their accounts to write hateful comments about someone's image.

'Please think about who your words could be affecting next time!!'

Upsetting: She penned in a separate post: 'I'm honestly shocked I have to write this but anyone watching that show knows the effects online abuse can have on individuals but not just them, their families too.'

Eloise went on to share one of the trolls' messages, which read: 'Lol good cos you're a stupid Tory c**t'.'

Issuing a warning, she penned alongside it: 'Right seeing as it hasn't stopped: anyone who sends abuse to me now shall be uploaded for all the world to see, let's see if you continue when you know your friends could see it.

'(Apologies for language and any offence to my friends/family) but it's one way to out a keyboard warrior.'

Ollie sensationally quit Love Island on Tuesday afternoon just three days after entering the South African villa.

The controversial Lord-to-be, 23, claims he realised he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, also 23.

He's GONE! Ollie sensationally quit Love Island on Tuesday afternoon just three days after entering the South African villa

The couple split last year, and Ollie, who was coupled up with fellow Islander Paige Turley, 22, said in a statement that he simply isn't ready for another relationship.

A Love Island spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Ollie has made the decision to leave the Love Island villa.'

Explaining his reasons for leaving, Ollie said in the Beach Hut on Wednesday's episode: 'I have to be honest with myself, and everyone, that I do still love someone else

'I have to follow my heart in this scenario and it would be wrong for me to ignore these feelings.

'At the end of the day, this is Love Island and it's about finding love. If I carried on anything with Paige [Turley], or any other girl that might come into the villa, it wouldn't be fair on them.'

Regrets... he has a few! Ollie has previously spoken about cheating on an ex, but it's not known if this was Laura (pictured)

During his time on the show, Ollie told his fellow Islanders he cheated on an ex nine times - although he did not say if this was Laura.

Her Instagram account handle is @lauranofer but this has been set to private.

A source told The Sun: 'The show made Ollie realise he wasn't ready to be in another serious relationship and he still has really strong feelings for Laura.

'Meeting girls who were so different to him and his background only clarified how he felt about his ex and he felt it was only fair to leave the competition and sort his head out.

'He told producers and acted on his feelings as soon as he made up his mind.'

Cutting his losses: Ollie had been coupled up with Paige Turley and didn't think it was fair to continue on the journey with her when he was in love with someone else

Having only returned to screens on Sunday night, the heir to the Lanhydrock Estate in Cornwall had received a slew of hate after photographs were unearthed of him posing next to slaughtered animals.

This led to nearly 500 complaints over the course of one and a half day after the premiere episode aired on January 12.

On Tuesday, Ofcom tallied 467 complaints from disgruntled viewers of the show, calling for Ollie to be removed due to his alleged blood-sport hobby.

Ofcom had said: 'We will assess these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.'

It's believed the most-complained about Islander in the show's history to date is Maura Higgins, who received 709 complaints to the broadcasting regulator last year due to her behaviour towards co-star Tommy Fury.

Fans of the show were left uncomfortable when newcomer Maura repeatedly attempted to kiss Tommy during the broadcast on June 14 2019, despite the hunk repeatedly trying to avoid her advances.

But Ollie was gaining on Maura's record, after photos surfaced over the weekend of him posing with various dead carcasses.

In regards to Ollie's inclusion on the show, Love Island bosses had previously told MailOnline that they had 'no intention' of axing the land owner after he was exposed as a 'big game hunter who posed with an array of dead animals he killed in Africa.'

Troubled times: Ollie's decision to leave comes after nearly 500 viewers complained to Ofcom about Ollie's participation in the show

Producers of the ITV2 series refused to 'bow down to the public on a moral issue' as they didn't believe keeping Ollie on the show would affect viewing figures.

An insider had told MailOnline: 'It is highly unlikely Ollie will be booted off the series. He's part of the lineup and already filmed the first episode  bosses see no reason to kick him off.'

A source continued: 'Love Island cast Ollie out of thousands of applicants and are sticking to their decision.

'They're hoping this will all blow over once the audience gets to know Ollie after seeing him on screen.'
Model Gigi Hadid was excused Thursday from serving as a juror in former film producer Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial, US media reported.

The 24-year-old was greeted by a crowd of photographers as she returned to a New York court on the eighth day of jury selection in the proceedings key to the #MeToo movement.

Hadid strolled into the Manhattan courthouse wearing sunglasses just before 09:00 am (1400 GMT).

She left discreetly about ten minutes afterwards, according to police officers outside.

US media reported that the prosecution and defense had agreed to dismiss the famous model and Instagram star, excusing her from serving on the 12-person jury or as one of six alternates.

The move was expected, owing to her fame.

Hadid, who has modeled for top fashion brands including Chanel, first appeared for the pre-screening of potential jurors on Monday, adding a fresh celebrity twist to the high-profile trial.

She told Judge James Burke that although she knew Weinstein -- and actress Salma Hayek, who accused the disgraced movie mogul of sexual assault -- she could still be fair and impartial.

Hadid was asked to fill out a questionnaire before being told to return for Thursday's next round of screening.

Weinstein, 67, has been accused of sexual assault by more than 80 women, including Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, since accusations against him ignited the #MeToo movement in October 2017.

But he is being tried on charges related to just two. He faces life in prison if found guilty of predatory sexual assault in the trial likely to run into early March.

Intense media coverage of the high-profile proceedings is making jury selection difficult.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned around 750 candidates. Some 170 were due back in court Thursday.

Opening arguments are expected to begin on January 22.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Beijing: Japan on Thursday reported its first case of a new coronavirus that has sickened 41 people in China, adding to concerns about the spread of the virus outside Chinese borders before a major holiday.

A Chinese man in his 30s has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Japanese health ministry said Thursday. The man, who was a resident of Kanagawa prefecture, had returned to Japan on January 6 after travelling to the Chinese central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The man was hospitalised January 10, but was discharged five days later because he had recovered, according to the health ministry.

Japan's health ministry said the patient had not visited any seafood markets in China. The World Health Organisation had said it was highly likely that the virus had spread from a seafood market in Wuhan, which also sold live fish, animals and birds.

A vendor gives out copies of newspaper with a headline about the coronavirus in Hong Kong. Credit:AP

"It is possible that the patient had close contact with an unknown patient with lung inflammation while in China," Japan's health ministry said in a statement.
President Muhammadu Buhari will depart today to London for a summit for UK-Africa Investment Summit.

The president will participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit holding on Monday.

Femi Adesina, the Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said the event would be hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

According to the organisers, the event is expected to bring together African leaders, international business chief executives and heads of international organisations to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs to the benefit of people and businesses in African countries and the United Kingdom.

Apart from highlighting new perspectives on UK-Africa Partnership for Prosperity, issues of Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure; Trade and Investment; Future African Growth Sectors and Clean Energy and Climate, are expected to dominate presentations and discussions during the Summit.

With the expected take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in mid-2020, the London investment summit will provide Nigeria with the opportunity to project itself as a leading investment destination for new industries.

In addition, the summit will deepen Nigeria-United Kingdom investment ties post-Brexit given that Africa currently represents just two per cent of British trade activity, with Nigeria accounting for only 10 per cent of that total, Adesina stated.

He further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to the investment meeting will showcase what the Federal Government had done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country.

While in the United Kingdom, according to the presidential aide, Buhari will meet with the Head of the Commonwealth, Prince Charles in Glasgow, Scotland.
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Field trials in the Northwest and Southwest show that poplar trees can be genetically modified to reduce negative impacts on air quality while leaving their growth potential virtually unchanged, says an Oregon State University researcher who collaborated on the study.

The findings, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are important because poplar plantations cover 9.4 million hectares globally - more than double the land used 15 years ago. Poplars are fast-growing trees that are a source of biofuel and other products including paper, pallets, plywood and furniture frames.

A drawback of poplar plantations is that the trees are also a major producer of isoprene, the key component of natural rubber and a pre-pollutant.

Increases in isoprene negatively affect regional air quality and also unbalance the global energy budget by leading to higher levels of atmospheric aerosol production, more ozone in the air and longer methane life. Ozone and methane are greenhouse gases, and ozone is also a respiratory irritant.

Poplar and other trees including oak, eucalyptus and conifers produce isoprene in their leaves in response to climate stress such as high temperatures.

A research collaboration led by scientists at the University of Arizona, the Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology in Germany, Portland State University and OSU genetically modified poplars not to produce isoprene, then tested them in three-year trials at plantations in Oregon and Arizona.

They found that trees whose isoprene production was genetically suppressed did not suffer any ill effects in terms of photosynthesis or "biomass production" - they were able to make fuel and grow as well as trees that were producing isoprene.

Steve Strauss, distinguished professor of forest biotechnology in the OSU College of Forestry, said there are a couple of possible explanations for the findings.

One is that, without the ability to produce isoprene, the modified poplars appear to be making "compensatory protective compounds."

Another is that most of the trees' growth takes place during cooler times of the year, so heat stress, which triggers isoprene production, likely has little effect on photosynthesis at that time.

"Our findings suggest that isoprene emissions can be diminished without affecting biomass production in temperate forest plantations," Strauss said. "That's what we wanted to examine - can you turn down isoprene production, and does it matter to biomass productivity and general plant health? It looks like it doesn't impair either significantly. In Arizona, where it's super hot, if isoprene mattered to productivity, it would show up in a striking way, but it did not. Plants are smart - they'll compensate and do something different if they need to."

In this study, scientists used a genetic engineering tool known as RNA interference. RNA, ribonucleic acid, transmits protein coding instructions from each cell's DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, which holds the organism's genetic code.

"RNA interference is like a vaccination - it triggers a natural and highly specific mechanism whereby specific targets are suppressed, be they the RNA of viruses or endogenous genes," Strauss said. "You can also do this with CRISPR at the DNA level, and it usually works even better."

CRISPR, short for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats," targets specific stretches of genetic code for DNA editing at exact locations.

"You could also do the same thing through conventional breeding," Strauss said. "It would be a lot less efficient and precise, and it might be a nightmare for breeders who may need to reassess all of their germplasm and possibly exclude their most productive cultivars as a result, but it could be done."

Corresponding author Russ Monson of the University of Arizona said the study lays the groundwork for future isoprene research, including in different growing environments.

"The fact that cultivars of poplar can be produced in a way that ameliorates atmospheric impacts without significantly reducing biomass production gives us a lot of optimism," Monson said. "We're striving toward greater environmental sustainability while developing plantation?scale biomass sources that can serve as fossil fuel alternatives. We also need to keep working toward solutions to the current regulatory and market roadblocks that make large-scale research and commercial uses for genetically engineered trees difficult."

Sustainable forest management systems and their certifying bodies operate under the assumption that genetically modified equates to dangerous, Strauss said.

"If something is GMO, it's guilty until proven safe in the minds of many and in our regulations today," he said. "These technologies are new tools that require scientific research to evaluate and refine them on a case-by-case basis. We have a huge need for expanded production of sustainable and renewable forest products and ecological services, and biotechnologies can help meet that need."

###

Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Institute for Microbiology in Greifswald, Germany, also collaborated on the study.

The National Science Foundation, the German Ministry of Education and Research, Portland General Electric, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Portland State University, Oregon State University and the state of Arizona supported this research.
Actor Amit Sadh has confirmed his breakup, just a year after announcing the relationship with Brazilian model Annabel DaSilva. Responding to rumours of breakup that have been doing the rounds since last year, Amit has said he is absolutely single.

A Mumbai Mirror report quoted him as saying, Its absolutely true. I am absolutely single and ready to be taken. Annabel featured alongside Amit in Ram Gopal Varmas Sarkar 3. A Times of India report had claimed in August 2019 that Amit and Annabel had decided to breakup but stay friends. The split was amicable. Amit and Annabel were quite serious about each other. But things didnt work out. They have decided to stay in touch, but not as lovers, it quoted a source as saying.

Also read: Shershaah posters: Sidharth Malhotras birthday gift to fans is rousing first look as Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra

After officially declaring their love for each other in October 2018, Amit and Annabel regularly posted loved-up pictures from their private moments. They even shared pictures from exotic holidays spent together.

Speaking about Annabel in his life, Amit had earlier said, Ive never been so happy and Im grateful to her for that. Shes one of the most amazing human beings Ive met. She personifies happiness  shes always smiling. I think Ive also caught on to the habit. Earlier, I was closed and unsure. I hope we can make a difference to each others lives, she already has. We are extremely involved in each others lives. As I said, we are a normal couple. When it becomes special, its a problem. When you love someone, it should come easily. Annabel has taught me the power of little things.

While Amit has deleted all of their pictures from his Instagram page, Annabel has simply moved on - posting fresh pictures from her life even as old ones remain on her page.

Annabel posted a picture with a caption that read, No amount of words could express how thankful I am for all youve done and all that you continue to do. Youre the best. As per the tabloid report, Amit and Annabel met at a gym and they bonded over fitness and a shared passion for travelling.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
The Islamic Propaganda Coordination Organization (IPCO) on Thursday announced that planned pro-regime demonstrations will be held after Friday Prayers nationwide with the exemption of the capital Tehran. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will lead the prayers in Tehran and deliver a sermon.

Exempting Tehran from "nationwide" rallies is unprecedented when Khamenei will be leading the Friday prayers for the first time in eight years. He led the funeral prayer for General Qassem Soleimani in Tehran on January 8 as massive crowds marched in the streets of the capital. He did not make a speech on that occasion.

Khamenei may address several issues in his Friday sermon including Soleimani's killing, the missile attack on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. forces, the Revolutionary Guard's downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane and possibly recent protests throughout the country in which protesters chanted slogans against him and held him responsible for the plane crash tragedy.

Thousands of angry Iranians have been protesting in various cities, particularly in universities, since January 11 when under international pressure the Revolutionary Guard accepted the responsibility for downing the Ukrainian plane.

Since Wednesday security forces and riot police have taken over the streets of Tehran to prevent the continuation of student protests.

In its statement on Wednesday IPCO which is responsible for arranging and advertising state-sponsored rallies had announced that nationwide demonstrations would be held on Friday and invited all Iranians to support the regime with their "exemplary and epic presence".

The statement said the rallies would be held to support the Revolutionary Guard and its "brave act of destroying the shaky grandeur of the murderous America", against the "leaders of the United States and their regional mercenaries" and to condemn the "brazen affronts" of last week's protesters and the "flagrance of the British envoy" in Tehran.
The two chambers of Virginia's General Assembly approved the proposed Equal Rights Amendment with bipartisan support on Wednesday in an overwhelming win for gender equality advocates.

Why it matters: Virginia is now poised to become the crucial 38th state to approve the ERA, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis on sex. Three-quarters of all state assemblies and legislatures must approve the measure for it to be added to the U.S. Constitution, the Washington Post notes.

Yes, but: Wednesdays votes are not for final passage, as parliamentary rules dictate that each chamber must approve the others version. Though the two are identical, the final show of support is considered a formality.

The Justice Department also issued a finding last week that the ERA expired, thus could no longer be ratified, per the Washington Post. Multiple efforts are afoot on Capitol Hill to expand or renew the ratification process.

The amendment was first proposed in 1923, passed in 1972 and given a ratification deadline of March 22, 1979.

The deadline was extended through June 1982, but only 35 of the 38 needed states ratified it.

When the proposal was deemed a failure, five states withdrew their support.

Three states have added their support since 2017  now including Virginia.

Virginia only counts as the final state required for ratification if the five withdrawals are dismissed.

The bottom line: In principle, the landmark proposal has its necessary backers, but it remains unclear whether the measure will be added to the U.S. Constitution.

Go deeper: Trump administration argues civil rights law doesn't cover LGBTQ workers
The Benin Traditional Council has warned individuals and group of persons in the state against use of the name of the Benin Monarch, Omo NOba NEdo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, without consultation and clearance from the palace.

According to a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, the warning follows alleged media reports which claimed that the Oba of Benin, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has been invited as a royal guest to the annual Auchi Day.

The reports allegedly claimed that there is a possibility of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his estranged predecessor and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole meeting face to face at the event.

The Benin Traditional Council frowns at the use of Omo NObas name without due communication and consultation with the palace of the Oba of Benin.

The Benin Traditional Council for emphasis would want to make it categorically clear to the public that His Royal Majesty, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Beni has not been informed of this event nor the Oba of Benin invited to the said occasion.

Members of the public are advised to discountenance the information purporting to have invited His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin to such an event as no invitation was ever received by the palace, the statement said.
An 18-year old has become UKs youngest qualified commercial pilot after his mom sold the family home to help fund his dreams.

Seth Van Beek got his license to fly passenger airliners after he completed 18 months of training and clocked up 150 hours in the air before he passed with flying colors.

He set his sights on being a pilot since the age of eight, and selfless single mom Frances, 42, sold their three-bedroom home to fund his dream.

Van Beek, from Preston, London, is now the UKs youngest licensed commercial aviator  a record previously held by Luke Elsworth, who became a pilot at 19. Big congrats to him!

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday the act of the state government to move the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act, without informing him was "improper".

Khan, while speaking to reporters at the airport here, said protocol demanded that he should have been informed first.

"Even the rules of the Assembly provide that the legislature shall not discuss any subject which does not come under their constitutional jurisdiction. I have no problem if they go to the Supreme Court. Even there I feel, without informing the constitutional head of the state, what they have done is improper," Khan said.

"Yet I do not find anything wrong with it. I do not find any fault with their decision to go to Supreme Court, why because, Constitution gives that authority to the Supreme Court. But the protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," the Governor added.

The Kerala government had on January 13 filed a petition in the apex court, saying the CAA was contradictory to constitutional ethos.
The Delhi on Thursday promised 30 paise cashback for each litre of water saved by Delhi residents and 20,000 litres of water a month free if it is voted to power in the February 8 assembly elections.

Claiming that the cashback plan will help the city save 25-30 per cent of drinking water, Delhi president Subhash Chopra alleged that the government's free water scheme "benefited water tanker mafia".

"The government gave 20,000 litres of water per month free without any calculations. It never paid attention to water conservation," he claimed.

Water from abandoned, empty houses was going to "tanker mafias", the Congress' city unit president claimed, adding if his party gets elected it will continue to give 20,000 litres of water free and also encourage people to save water.

"We will give 30 paise per litre water saved. So, if a family saves 10,000 litres, it will get Rs 3,000. The money will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of people," Chopra said.

The also alleged that the government supplied "dirty" water to households and that the city registered a 70-per cent drop in water quality in the last five years.

Delhi Jal Board vice chairperson Dinesh Mohania, however, accused the Congress of levelling "baseless" allegations without doing homework and said that 135 litres of water per capita per day is required for domestic consumption.

"Considering there are five members in a family, more than 600 litres of water a day is needed in each household. It amounts to 20,000 litres of water each month," he said.
For all of us, the solemnity, gravity of the moment in our history hits you square in the back when you take that oath, Schumer said. Each of us, every one of us, Democrat and Republican, will face a choice about whether to begin this trial in the search of truth or in the service of the presidents desire to cover it up.
Russian lawmakers will begin reviewing President Vladimir Putin's nomination of a little-known tax chief as the new prime minister Thursday after his announcement of a sweeping constitutional shake-up fuelled speculation about his future plans.

The overwhelmingly Kremlin-loyal State Duma lower parliament is likely to approve Mikhail Mishustin for the role, following the shock resignation of the government in the wake of Putin's call for reforms to reshape Russia's political system.

The series of bombshell announcements made during and after Putin's state of the nation speech triggered speculation about his role past 2024, when his current presidential term expires.

Some suggested 67-year-old Putin, who is currently two years into his fourth presidential term and has steered the country since 1999, could be laying the groundwork to assume a new post or remain in a powerful behind-the-scenes role.

It is also unclear whether Mishustin, a relatively obscure technocrat disengaged from political debate whose recent career revolved around Russia's tax service, is a temporary figure or could be groomed as Putin's successor.

The State Duma said on its website that Mishustin will hold "consultations" with the four parties represented in parliament prior to the plenary session starting at 10am (07:00 GMT), during which his candidacy will be formally reviewed.

'Staying number one'?

In his state of the nation speech, Putin said he wanted more authority transferred to parliament from the president, including the power to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet members.

Outlining the proposals, which would be the first significant changes to the country's constitution since it was adopted in 1993, Putin noted the "demand for change" among Russians.

Frustration has been building in Russia where ordinary people have seen their incomes stagnate or decrease for five years, while a key reform hiking the pension age has led to anger and a fall in Putin's ratings.

Story continues

Dmitry Medvedev, prime minister since 2012, announced the resignation of his government soon after Putin's speech on Wednesday saying the constitutional proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power.

He remains acting prime minister until a new head of government takes the reins.

Independent political analyst Maria Lipman said all of the announced changes indicate that Putin wants to "stay on as number one in the country, without any competitors".

She said he could be deliberately weakening the presidency before relinquishing the role.

Russia's opposition also said the proposals indicate Putin's desire to stay in power.

"To remain the sole leader for life, who took over the whole country as his property... is the only goal for Putin," tweeted opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

If 53-year-old Mishustin is appointed he would have a week to propose a new government and ministers.

The former head of an investment group trained as an engineer, has a PhD in economics and has led Russia's Federal Tax Service since 2010.

He also shares Putin's love for hockey and has been seen at matches with security services officials, according to reports.

Former opposition lawmaker Gennadiy Gudkov called Mishustin "a new faceless functionary without ambition" who embodies a system that is "detrimental for the economy".

Medvedev -- who also served as Russian president for four years from 2008 -- is expected to stay close to the Russian leader, transitioning to a role as deputy head of the country's Security Council, which Putin chairs.

"He remains what he's always been: (Putin's) alter ego," tweeted head of Carnegie Moscow Centre Dmitry Trenin, suggesting Medvedev could be being groomed as the next president.

(AFP)
Suicide is the ninth-leading cause of death for Nebraskans, but is the second-leading cause of death for those between 15 and 19 years of age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a total of 275 Nebraskans took their own lives in 2017, nearly four times the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue said the number of suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide in Nebraska are, like the rest of the country, on the rise.

"This is not acceptable," she said Wednesday at an announcement of a bill (LB1001) to require public middle and high schools, as well as public colleges and universities, to print the phone number for a suicide hotline on all student IDs.

The idea for the bill came from the Coalition of Suicide Prevention Advocates, which has backed similar legislation in California and Louisiana.

If implemented in Nebraska, Crawford said the bill could provide hope to the more than a quarter of Nebraska high school students who reported to the CDC they had felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks at a time.
AUSTIN  The Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with Austin Utilities to offer cost-sharing funds to close old, unused wells in the county.

Mower County property owners who apply for cost-share will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, with the focus on priority areas for groundwater protection, said Tim Ruzek, Mower SWCDs water planner and outreach coordinator.

"Weve had a strong amount of interest in cost-share for well sealing," Ruzek said. "Were grateful for our partnership with Austin Utilities that will get many more wells sealed in the county and help protect our groundwater."

Unused wells, especially those in areas deemed vulnerable, are seen as sources of nitrate infiltration into groundwater. High levels of groundwater nitrates  above the state standard of 10 milligrams per liter  are seen as a public health hazard.

Mower SWCD started a cost-share program in late August with funding from a state grant. However, with Austin Utilities' involvement, the program has at least $17,000 in assistance available at a 50-50 cost-share capped at $1,000 per well.

ADVERTISEMENT

The county has $7,000 to go toward wellhead sealing, and Austin Utilities contributed another $10,000 toward the project. SWCD officials hope to secure additional grant funding later this year.

So far, five wells, at an average cost of $1,779 per well, have been sealed through the program. Another six wells have been approved for funding and will be sealed later this year.

All property owners in Mower County who have an unused or abandoned well are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance, Ruzek said, because funding might become available for sealing wells in non-priority areas.

Mower County landowners interested in cost-share assistance for well sealing should contact Ruzek at Mower SWCD at (507) 460-4577 or by email at tim@mowerdistrict.org. Those interested also can stop by the Mower SWCD office in Austin between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1408 21st Ave. NW.

For more information on well sealing, visit the Minnesota Department of Healths website at: www.health.state.mn.us
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. A contractual soldier has been injured in the military positions of a regiment located in the north-eastern direction of the Republic of Armenia. According to preliminary data, he has been injured as a result of Azerbaijani shooting, ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Defense Ministry of Armenia.

The incident took place on January 15 at about 16:30. The injured soldier, Artur Mejlumyan, has been hospitalized in Yerevan with critical health condition.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
[January 16, 2020] Bitvo Named a Top Ten Cryptocurrency Trading Platform Globally By Hackernoon

Bitvo Global Inc. ("Bitvo") is pleased to announce that it has ranked ninth on Hackernoon's list of 50 top cryptocurrency trading platforms globally (https://hackernoon.com/list-of-50-top-cryptocurrency-exchanges-for-2020-ag1h44f9). Additionally, Bitvo is the highest-ranking Canadian platform on the list. Factors that contributed to Bitvo's position include: The Bitvo Same Day Guarantee (https://bitvo.com/bitvo-guarantee/): Bitvo provides its customers with the convenience of instant account registration, same day processing of funding and withdrawal transactions and live customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bitvo guarantees these features or it will refund customers' fees.

(https://bitvo.com/bitvo-guarantee/): Bitvo provides its customers with the convenience of instant account registration, same day processing of funding and withdrawal transactions and live customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bitvo guarantees these features or it will refund customers' fees. The Bitvo Cash Card (https://bitvo.com/bitvo-cash-card/): Bitvo is the only Canadian platform and one of only a few platforms globally that offer a card that allows customers to spend funds directly from their Bitvo account, without having to transfer out to a bank account. Bitvo's Visa branded card allows customers to take out funds at over 2 million ATMs in over 200 countries and make purchases globally, wherever Visa is accepted. This is possible due to Bitvo's strategic partnership with DC Bank, a Schedule 1 licenced Canadian bank.

(https://bitvo.com/bitvo-cash-card/): Bitvo is the only Canadian platform and one of only a few platforms globally that offer a card that allows customers to spend funds directly from their Bitvo account, without having to transfer out to a bank account. Bitvo's Visa branded card allows customers to take out funds at over 2 million ATMs in over 200 countries and make purchases globally, wherever Visa is accepted. This is possible due to Bitvo's strategic partnership with DC Bank, a Schedule 1 licenced Canadian bank. Professional, transparent and qualified management team (https://bitvo.com/meet-the-team/): Bitvo's team is comprised of seasoned financial and payment processing professionals.

(https://bitvo.com/meet-the-team/): Bitvo's team is comprised of seasoned financial and payment processing professionals. Security (https://bitvo.com/bitvo-guarantee/): Bitvo makes security a top priority. The company has never lost customer funds. Fiat funds are stored at major Canadian banks and CDIC insured. Cryptocurrencies are stored in cold storage that is located in an offsite, third party financial institution and only accessible via multiple signatures.



https://bitvo.com/ or contact Bitvo's support team at [email protected] or 1-833-86BITVO (1-833-862-4886). About Bitvo

Bitvo Global Inc. is a private company with international reach founded by experienced financial services, payment and banking entrepreneurs, that offers a state-of-the-art cryptocurrency exchange trading platform to make cryptocurrencies easier to access and more secure for its customers and to provide a professional, transparent and efficient cryptocurrency exchange experience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005681/en/

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The Sultanate of Oman on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula has just lost its leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Oman is a far less significant and powerful county in the Middle East than Saudi Arabia for example, and its streets are not lined with gleaming towers like Dubai.

Yet world leaders lined up to pay their last respects to the sultan, who died last Friday. They included Prince Charles and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who arrived in Muscat early Sunday morning. President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi of Yemen, who is fighting a civil war against pro-Iran Houthi rebels, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif set aside their differences briefly to pay their last respects.

The universal display of grief is testimony to Qaboos' diplomatic prowess. "Friend to all and enemy to none," was his motto -- perhaps willy-nilly given his geographic limitations, but even so he garnered respect for successfully playing the role of a silent mediator in the tumultuous Middle East. He played a key role in the success of the Iranian nuclear negotiations in 2015. Iran used to call the U.S. the "Great Satan," but the two countries were able to ink a nuclear deal because Qaboos and his diplomats calmly relayed the views of one side to the other. What is interesting is that Qaboos and his diplomats were nowhere to be seen when the U.S., Iran and Europe actually signed their nuclear treaty.

President Moon Jae-in, on the other hand, who volunteered to play the role of mediator in North Korean denuclearization talks, is neither quiet nor modest. He is very prone to patting himself on the back even though he fumbled awfully in the role, habitually counts his chickens before they are hatched, and now has to bite his tongue when the North showers him with abuse. North Korea has slammed Moon as "brazen-face" and suffering from "delusions of grandeur," but he took it lying down. In the latest embarrassment, Cheong Wa Dae's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong told reporters after returning from Washington that it was South Korea that delivered Trump's birthday message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The North shot back the next day saying, "It is somehow presumptuous for South Korea to meddle in the personal relations" between Kim and Trump, and insisted there had been no intermediary.

A mediator can do his job only if he earns the respect of the parties involved. Nobody will tell another person anything of importance if there is no respect. More importantly, South Korea has a direct interest in the denuclearization talks, and how can a pig possibly mediate in its own slaughter negotiations? The disaster that is unfolding now was only to be expected due to such dynamics.
Wikipedia is returning to Turkey after the country's supreme court ruled that banning it violated freedom of expression.

The big picture: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has a long history of blocking information it doesn't like. It has jailed dozens of journalists, and in this case, it went so far as to block one of the world's most-visited sites for nearly three years.

How it happened: "Four articles in particular raised its ire: references to the governments ties with militants, a description of the Turkish republics founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a 'benevolent dictator' and the financial dealings of Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, Erdogans son-in-law," per Al-Monitor:

"Turkey became just the second country, along with China, to fully block the website. Others including France, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have censored parts of the website over the years."

"Turkey leads the world in requests to Twitter to remove content, submitting more than 6,000 in the first half of last year. Facebook acquiesced to demands by authorities and restricted 2,300 items in 2018."

Go deeper, on Wikipedia
CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Graphene Battery Market by Type (Lithium-Ion Graphene Battery, Lithium-Sulfur Graphene Battery, Graphene Supercapacitor), End-Use Industry (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Industrial, Power), Region - Global Forecast to 2030", the global Graphene Battery Market size is projected to grow from USD 168 million in 2024 to USD 609 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 23.9% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth is driven by the advantages of graphene that is used as a battery material in graphene batteries and increasing demand for these batteries in consumer electronics and automotive industries.

Download PDF Brochure:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=96975481

Browse in-depth TOC on "Graphene Battery Market"

36 - Tables

34 - Figures

96 - Pages

View Detailed Table of Content Here:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/graphene-battery-market-96975481.html

The lithium-ion graphene battery segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the graphene battery market in 2021.

By type, the lithium-ion graphene battery segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the graphene battery industry in 2021. Graphene lithium-ion batteries are consumed by end-use industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, power and others due as they are light, durable and suitable for high capacity energy storage, as well as shortens the charging times. The lithium-ion graphene battery segment is forecasted to have the highest growth rate owing to the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries compared to other batteries due to its various applications in the consumer electronics and automotive industries.

The automotive end-use industry segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the graphene battery market in 2021.

By end-use industry, the automotive segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the market in 2021. The need for high power and energy density has created a demand for reliable and safe batteries for industries such as automotive and consumer electronics, ultimately driving the growth of the graphene battery market. Graphene batteries are used in electric vehicles in the automotive industry. The automotive segment is forecasted to have the highest growth rate owing to the rise in the demand for electric vehicles due to environmental concerns and awareness about clean and sustainable fuel.

Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share in the global graphene battery market in 2021

The Asia Pacific region is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2021. China, Japan, and South Korea are key countries contributing to the increased demand for graphene batteries in this region. In China, Japan and South Korea along with electric vehicles, graphene batteries are used in consumer electronics. Europe is estimated to have the second-largest share of the global graphene battery market in 2021.

Samsung SDI (South Korea), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China), Log 9 Materials Scientific Private Limited (India), Cabot Corporation (US), Grabat Graphenano Energy (Spain), Nanotech Energy (US), Nanotek Instruments, Inc. (US), XG Sciences, Inc. (US), ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (Canada), Graphene NanoChem (Malaysia), Global Graphene Group (US), Vorbeck Materials Corp. (US), Graphenea Group (Spain), Hybrid Kinetic Group Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Targray Group (Canada) are some of the leading players operating in the Graphene Battery Market.

Browse Adjacent Markets: Equipment Machine and Tooling Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Battery Electrolyte Market by Battery Type and State of Electrolyte [Lead-acid (Liquid Electrolyte, and Gel Electrolyte), Lithium-ion (Liquid Electrolyte)], and Region (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA) - Global Forecast to 2023

Graphene Market by Type (Graphene Oxide (GO), Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP), and Others), by Application (Electronics, Composites, Energy, Coatings, Sensors, Catalyst and Others), by Region - Global Trends and Forecasts to 2020

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Todays consumers live in a digital world, which means they can retrieve all the information they desire at the touch of a button, putting them in control.

Added to this, they have become immune to traditional outbound marketing methods  such as billboards and television advertisements  and they expect brands and businesses to tailor their messages based on customers individual needs and preferences.

Despite the new lay of the land, e-commerce businesses can create content marketing strategies that cut through the noise and help push prospects down sales funnels.

Content marketing gets three times more leads than paid search advertising, according to the Content Marketing Institute (CMI).

It costs 62 percent less than traditional marketing, Demand Metric has found.

Thats impressive, but can you confidently say you fully understand how it works?

Defining the Term

CMI defines content marketing as a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content, in order to attract and retain a clearly defined audience and, ultimately, drive profitable customer action.

I like to boil it down to communicating the right message, to the right audience, on the right channels, at the right time. If you follow this approach, your content efforts will reach your desired audience, and the information you push out will be timely, topical, and of high value. That in turn will position your business as trustworthy, insightful and authoritative.

What Makes Content Marketing Better?

Traditional marketing refers to outbound marketing, which is perceived as the old way of doing things  that is, targeting a mass audience through tactics such as television advertising, billboard advertising and cold calling.

While this will get your message and brand in front of a lot of people, the right people may not see it. There is a lot of this sort of advertising around, and consumers have become immune to it. Research backs this up.

Cold calling is 90.9 percent ineffective, found the Harvard Business Review.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Eighty-four percent of us fast-forward through television ads, suggests an Arris poll.

In comparison, content marketing focuses on businesses generating valuable, insightful content and making it readily available to target customers. Its less intrusive when compared to outbound marketing, as it requires the customer to come to your business, through search online and social media channels.

Developing Your Strategy

To develop a successful content marketing strategy that actually works, you need to go back to basics.

You already may be blogging, or vlogging, but without a thorough understanding of your audience and pain points, your efforts will be wasted.

To help you map out and work from a sophisticated strategy, Id recommend taking the following four steps:

1. Identify

Start by conducting in-depth research into your audience, your business and your offering.

Uncover what your audiences challenges are and what theyre trying to achieve, so that you can create content that provides the answers to their questions. Next, delve into your customers content consumption habits.

Consider how they find information and what types of content formats they prefer. This could be online, on social media channels, or offline through different publications, news outlets or magazines. If they prefer online content, how do they wish to receive it?

One type of content that is making waves online is video. Its been a key trend this year and its growth is expected to continue into 2020.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Seventy-two percent of participants in a Wyzowl study preferred to view a video over text when learning about a product or service.

Seventy-three percent of marketers surveyed by TopRankBlog were using YouTube to distribute content.

Another key aspect to research is what your competitors are doing and whats trending in your wider industry. This will help you identify the hot topics that everyone seems to be talking about and engaging with, and youll be able to share your viewpoint on these topics to add to the conversation.

2. Plan

Once youve conducted your research, its time to create your plan of action.

I recommend creating a plan for three to six months, as this will give you enough time to run a campaign effectively and produce enough content to identify the top-performing pieces of content.

So, what should you include in your plan?

Objectives  Its essential to include your objectives for your activity in your plan, as this will help focus your efforts on your end game. You can break down your objectives for individual pieces of content. For example, one piece of content may be intended to drive brand awareness, while another may be specifically to encourage people to click through to your website.

Audience  If you have multiple audience types, its useful to create specific content for the different types of audiences youre trying to engage, as each audience type will have different problems. By breaking down pieces of content based on audience type, youll establish if you have produced the right amount of content for each group.

Monthly theme  Something I use myself in content marketing plans is a monthly theme and topic. Themes can be based on industry trends, seasonal influences, or be broken down by audience problems. They should function as the umbrella for the rest of the content you produce that month. For example, a monthly theme could be data and it could be broken down into smaller sub topics throughout the month such as data storage, data cleansing, data capture, etc.

Content amount  Once youve decided on your monthly theme, youll need to decide how much content youll produce for the month. Its useful to begin with your pillar theme and then support it with smaller pieces of cluster content. This way youll be able to maximize your content production efforts and break down the larger piece of content into smaller, bite-sized chunks.

Content formats  Finally, youll need to decide the content formats youll produce. Depending on your audience preferences, you can create a wide variety of content formats, which will keep your audience engaged. You can pick from guides, blogs, vlogs, social media postcards, infographics, templates, checklists, quizzes, case studies, reports, webinars, polls and podcasts. Creating a wide variety of content types for your website will help it appeal to Google search algorithms and social media algorithms. New, varied content is favored, meaning itll be pushed up in search rankings and social media feeds.

3. Amplify

Once youve planned all your activity, its time to begin producing your content and pushing it out.

Ensure your content features a mix of promotion along with information and knowledge, to teach your audience something they may not already know, adding value. This mixed approach also will help to position your business as a thought leader, and will enable you to build credibility and gain trust from your prospective customers.

Relating back to your initial research, youll then need to push your finished content items on the channels that your audiences use the most. This could be social media, email, specific publications or direct mail. By utilizing several amplification channels, youll create multiple touch points with your audience, which will help keep your brand at the front of your prospects minds.

If youre using online digital channels to push your content, remember to use keywords and hashtags where you can. By using the same keywords your audiences are using to search for information, youll appear toward the top of search rankings. That will improve the likelihood of your content being seen by your desired audience.

Hashtags work in a way thats similar to keywords, in that they categorize content based on searches. On channels such as Twitter and LinkedIn, adding three hashtags hits the sweet spot, whereas, on Instagram you can use significantly more.

4. Review and Refine

You must monitor performance after you set your content live and look back at your efforts to see whats working and what isnt.

Look at how your content is performing on social media. Whats achieving the highest levels of interaction, and what does your audience like the most? Review your Google analytics to identify where traffic is coming from, and what website visitors are doing when they land on your homepage. Is there a specific blog that people are visiting the most?

By reviewing how people are engaging with your content, youll be able to identify the content topics and formats your audiences prefer, and what you should be producing more of, which will give your audience exactly what they want.

Final Words

When done correctly, content marketing can help catapult brand in front of the audiences that are searching for answers and information about what your products can deliver.

Its useful to remember that content marketing isnt a set it and forget it technique. It is a process that requires regular, consistent, focused production to increase your visibility and demonstrate your expertise.
Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image

A jury in San Mateo County ordered a man to pay $1.3 million in damages to his ex-girlfriend after he shot crossbow arrows and bullets into her El Cerrito law office windows over the course of nearly two years, according to the womans attorneys.

The verdict last month followed a 14-day trial in which a 12-person jury reviewed photos, videos and voice recordings of the two-year reign of terror from Steven Weinkauf, who was once employed as an attorney in San Franciscos Public Guardian/Public Administrators office, according to a statement released Wednesday by the womans attorneys Michael B. Bassi and Richard M. Shearer.
A federal statute defines domestic terrorism but carries no penalties. First and Second Amendment concerns make prosecuting these cases difficult.

According to the authorities, Mr. Lemley and Mr. Mathews made a functioning assault rifle. They also bought more than 1,500 rounds of rifle ammunition, fired the rifle at a Maryland gun range and acquired vests to hold body armor. Although the charges were not directly linked to the Richmond rally, law enforcement officials said the three men had discussed attending it.

Additionally, three other men associated with the Base being tracked by the F.B.I. were arrested on Thursday by the authorities in Georgia. Officials said they were plotting to kill a couple belonging to the loose affiliation of radical activists known as antifa.

Adherents of extremist groups have been beating the drums for people to participate.

One online meme shows half a dozen men who carried out bloody attacks in the United States, Norway and New Zealand, dressing them as biblical saints with halos above their heads. Virginia Is For read the headline.

Many of the comments are racist, anti-Semitic and unprintable. Yall need to go full white ethnostate and really set the pace for 2020, said another online message, below the picture of a road sign that had been altered to read Virginia Is For Gun Lovers.

The call to arms by others prompted fears that the Richmond rally would foreshadow the tenor of political events throughout what promises to be a fraught presidential election.

This is about those who want to co-opt these moments and turn it into the start of a civil war or some sort of race war, said Oren Segal, the director of the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism. A lot of this is hyperbole, but who at this point would take that lightly.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump during the signing of phase one of a trade deal, surrounded by officials, in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Chinese Officials Praise USChina Trade Deal, While Netizens Lambast Beijing for Surrendering

In response to the signing of the landmark phase one U.S.-China trade deal, Chinese netizens criticized the Chinese regime for surrendering to the United Statesapparently perplexed by Beijings compromises, as state media have consistently framed the deal as unequal.

The reaction stood in stark contrast to official statements by Chinese officials and state-run media, which praised the deal, saying it would benefit China and the world.

President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, at a ceremony in the White House on Jan. 15, signed the agreement, which included pledges by the regime to buy an additional $200 billion in U.S. goods and services, increase intellectual property protections, and curb currency manipulation.

The United States also agreed to drop planned tariffs on roughly $156 billion of consumer products, and cut tariffs to 7.5 percent from 15 percent on about $120 billion of Chinese goods.

At the signing ceremony, Liu described the deal as a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, adding that Beijing would work to strictly honor the pact.

This sentiment was echoed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, who, at a regular press briefing on Jan. 16, said the deal is good for China, for the U.S., and for the whole world.

In May 2019, during heightened trade tensions between the two countries, Geng had criticized the United States flip-flops, violations of consensus, and [acting] in bad faith.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media also praised the deal, in a break from consistent coverage that has blamed the United States for the trade dispute, while vowing that the regime wouldnt compromise.

State-run outlet Xinhua published an editorial on Jan. 16, calling the deal an important step in the right direction toward resolving the dispute, adding that it brought positive energy to the world economys stability and development.

State broadcaster China Central Television reported on the deal positively and covered praises from foreign officials.

The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) official mouthpiece Peoples Daily on Jan. 16 quoted Chinese scholars about why the deal will benefit China.

The trade deals provisions on intellectual property complies with the direction of Chinas reforms and opening up, and is needed for Chinese economic innovation and development, Peoples Daily reported, quoting Gao Lingyun, the global economy and politics researcher from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The agricultural part of the trade deal is equal and mutually beneficial. Chinese farmers and agricultural business will gain tangible benefits, it stated, citing Cheng Dawei, economics professor from Renmin University of China.

Netizens React

Some Chinese netizens believe the trade deal amounted to the Chinese regime selling out the country on unfair terms.

The deal is a large gift that Liu Hongzhang gave to Trump, Chinese netizen Qi Ayi said on his YouTube channel, referring to a 19th-century Chinese general and diplomat of the late Qing dynasty. He signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki with Japan after the Qing empire lost the first Sino-Japanese war in 1895, whereby China ceded Taiwan and opened up its ports to Japan.

The phase one trade deal is the new Treaty of Shimonoseki  Liu He is betraying our country, a Chinese netizen said in the comments section of a YouTube live video of the deal-signing.

U.S.-based China affairs commentator Tang Jingyuan believes netizens reacted in that way because they were misinformed by Chinese state medias skewed coverage of the trade deal.

Some Chinese netizens cant understand the real situation of the phase one trade deal, and have been fooled by the government for more than 20 months, he said in a Jan. 16 interview with The Epoch Times.

Tang explained that Chinese media generally dont mention Chinas trade surplus with the United States, which reached $419.2 billion in 2018. They also deny that Chinese companies have stolen intellectual property from U.S. firms and set up trade barriers for foreign companies operating in China.

The phase one trade deal is trying to balance U.S.-China trade, and helping China to set up the mechanisms of intellectual property protections, and so on, Tang said. But Chinese people cant understand it now and think the deal means Liu He is surrendering.
With her sister Charlotte's wedding in Mexico now over, there's nothing left for Anna Heinrich to do but rest and relax.

The 33-year-old former Bachelor star shared a series of photos on Instagram on Thursday from her sister's wedding 'recovery party'.

It seemed to have been a casual affair, with guests unwinding by the pool of their stunning resort in Costa Careyes.

What an angel! Anna Heinrich shared a series of photos on Instagram on Thursday from her sister Charlotte's wedding 'recovery party' in Mexico

And if she was feeling worse for wear after the wedding festivities, she certainly didn't look it, with Anna appearing as glamorous as ever at the party.

The professional lawyer showed off her lithe frame in a black one-piece swimsuit, which she wore under a black mesh mini-dress.

She accentuated her long legs with a pair of strappy nude stilettos, and donned a pair of oversize sunglasses.

Family affair: Posing alongside her equally glamorous sister, Charlotte Heinrich (far left) and mum Judith Heinrich (centre), Anna grinned brightly for the camera

Popping up: Anna's husband of 18 months, former Bachelor Tim Robards, was also at the party, with the 37-year-old showing off his recently acquired handlebar moustache

Anna's long blonde hair was worn loose in tousled waves, and she wore a slick of red lipstick.

Posing alongside her equally glamorous sister, who stepped out in a floor-length red dress with a split up one side, Anna grinned brightly for the camera.

Clearly having a great time as they recovered from the wedding, Anna couldn't resist playfully posing in front of a pair of colourfully painted angel wings.

Looking good: If she was feeling worse for wear after the wedding festivities, she certainly didn't look it, with Anna appearing as glamorous as ever at the party

What a view: It seemed to have been a casual affair, with guests unwinding by the pool of their stunning resort in Costa Careyes

She also shared photos of the decorations, with Day of the Dead dolls and colourful flowers adorning a tiered table.

Anna's husband of 18 months, former Bachelor Tim Robards, was also at the party, with the 37-year-old showing off his recently acquired handlebar moustache.

Sharing a photo of herself and her husband in the pool together on Monday, Anna confessed she wasn't loving Tim's new facial hair.

Just say mo: Sharing a photo of herself and her husband in the pool together on Monday, Anna confessed she wasn't loving Tim's new facial hair

'I told him not to shave it... never listens. My Mexican lover,' she captioned the photo.

She also shared a Boomerang video of herself and Tim popping up from behind a table with 'Mr' and 'Mrs' signs on it.

Anna was a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding, which took place on January 6, donning a strapless pink floral dress with ruffles for the occasion.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 06:33:55|Editor: yan

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JERUSALEM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Wednesday night it had carried out retaliatory airstrikes at sites in the Gaza Strip belonging to Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian movement that runs the enclave.

A military spokesperson said in a statement that fighter jets struck "a number of Hamas terror targets" in the northern Gaza Strip.

The sites included a weapons manufacturing place and a military compound, said the spokesperson.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The strikes came after unidentified militants in Gaza fired four projectiles at southern Israel, causing no injuries or damage. Two of the rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome, Israel's anti-rocket system.

The military said it views the fire "with great severity" and warned it will operate "as necessary" against further rockets. It added that it holds Hamas "responsible for all events transpiring in Gaza and emanating from it, and will bear the consequences for its actions against Israeli civilians."

The cross-border violence came amidst international efforts, led by Egypt and the United Nations, to achieve a long-term ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Trinityelectronics.co.th scored 41 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 9 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

The total number of people who shared the trinityelectronics homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the trinityelectronics homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if trinityelectronics has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the trinityelectronics homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the trinityelectronics homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the trinityelectronics homepage on Twitter + the total number of trinityelectronics followers (if trinityelectronics has a Twitter account).

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE PCB PCBA,PCBA Thailand,PCB Assembly Thailand,Thailand pcba assembly DESCRIPTION PCB PCBA,PCBA Thailand,PCB Assembly Thailand,Thailand pcb assembly,Printed circuit board assembly thailand,PCB assembly,Thailand pcb board assembly,Thailand electronics assembly jobs KEYWORDS PCB PCBA, PCBA Thailand, PCB Assembly Thailand, Thailand pcb assembly, Printed circuit board, PCB manufacturing services, PCB assembly services, PCB board assembly OTHER KEYWORDS



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DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE TIS-620 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Character set and language of the site. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. The language of trinityelectronics.co.th as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Operative System running on the server.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

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(Alliance News) - Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said that there has to be a level playing field in the Brexit negotiations to ensure the single market and customs union are "not diluted".

The Taoiseach said there must be a common minimum standard so the UK does not attempt to "undercut" the EU over its labour and environmental standards.

Varadkar said the Brexit negotiations have reached the halfway point, adding that the next step is to negotiate a free trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

He made the comments as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Ireland for the first time in her current role.

Varadkar said he wanted to restate Ireland's appreciation for the EU's solidarity on Brexit.

During Wednesday evening's discussions, Varadkar and Von der Leyen will discuss Brexit and the European Green Deal.

Varadkar said: "I really want to restate Ireland's deep appreciation and thanks for the solidarity from the commission and the European institutions and other member states.

"Only as a result of that, we have a Withdrawal Agreement which assures us there is no hard border, that citizens' rights are protected and the travel area between Britain and Ireland remains in place and that the Good Friday Agreement is protected.

"We saw a real demonstration of that in the fact that the institutions in Northern Ireland are now back up and running.

"I always felt removing uncertainty around Brexit was one of the crucial ingredients that is required to get the parties together again," Varadkar said.

"The next step is negotiating a free trade agreement with the UK. When it comes to Brexit it is only half-time, and the next step is to negotiate a free trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

"There also has to be a level playing field so that the single market and the customs union are not diluted.

"We must have common minimum standards so that the UK doesn't attempt in any way to undercut the EU when it comes to labour and environmental standards."

Speaking in Government Buildings in Dublin, Von der Leyden said the UK will leave the EU in two weeks.

"There's almost no other country in the EU that is more affected by this decision than Ireland," she added.

"That's why Ireland and Northern Ireland were one of our top priorities during the withdrawal negotiations.

"We do not want a hard border, we delivered that. We've said that Ireland will stay at the heart of the EU.

"I think the withdrawal negotiations and agreement were successful. The EU negotiated respectfully and fairly as we wanted an orderly exit. It's very important to protect citizens' rights.

"There are 3.5 million EU citizens working and living in the UK.

"It's very good that we have the reassurance that those people can live and work until the end of their lives in the UK.

"This was very important and one of the top priorities was to ensure peace and stability on the island."

She thanked Varadkar for his work and leadership in the Brexit process, adding that the EU will watch over the implementation of Brexit "very closely".

Von der Leyen added: "We have a wide-ranging [Brexit] agenda.

"We will have around eight months because the negotiation talks will start at the end of February or beginning of March.

"It's not only trade, there are a lot of other topics too, including security.

"We have a plan but we have to work very hard to reach our goal."

By Cate McCurry, PA

source: PA

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Tunisia's lack of Constitutional Court 'hinders rights', HRW 'Repressive laws' from Ben Ali era still enforced

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, JANUARY 16 - "Tunisia's progress on human rights will remain under threat until the authorities dismantle repressive laws and put in place key safeguards against abuses," said Amna Guellali, Tunisia director at Human Rights Watch, in a statement released Tuesday. The statement was issued as part of the publication of HRW's 2020 World Report, which noted that nine years after Tunisians ousted the authoritarian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, his laws were still being applied in the country. ''The authorities failed to scrap laws that are still being applied to punish Tunisians for peaceful criticism or for pursuing their private lives as they wish. The absence of a constitutional court, which the 2014 Constitution envisioned, deprives Tunisian citizens of the opportunity to challenge such laws,'' the statement added. It went on to underscore that the ''13 specialized court chambers created by the transitional justice law to try those responsible for past human rights abuses face numerous obstacles'', that prosecutors have ''also charged bloggers, journalists, and social media activists under a number of penal code provisions. At least 14 were prosecuted under speech offenses in 2019''. HRW noted that men had been arrested for homosexuality, that travel restrictions had been imposed on hundreds of Tunisians since 2015, and that a law had not been adopted on equal inheritance rights.(ANSAmed) .




by Sumon Corraya

Atiqul Islam is running in North Dhaka. About 300 Protestants and Catholics, clerics as well as lay people, throw their support behind the party of the countrys prime minister. Caritas Asia president backs fast-paced economic development.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  Hundreds of Dhaka Christians came out yesterday to show their support for Atiqul Islam, who is representing the Awami League (Al) in the race for the post of North Dhaka City Corporation mayor. The election is scheduled for 30 January.

The capital of Bangladesh is divided into municipal bodies, the North Dhaka City Corporation (DNCC) and the South Dhaka City Corporation (SNCC). A total of 14 candidates are running for the two top jobs.

Atiqul Islam is a modern person, said Pankaj Gilbert Costa, president of the Christian Co-operative Credit Union of Dhaka. To make the city more modern, we have to vote for him.

Some 300 Christians attended at a press conference with the candidate at a restaurant. Protestant clergymen and lay leaders were also present, but no Catholic priests.

According to Pankaj Gilbert, a lay Catholic, "the only option for making Bangladesh a secular country is the Awami League. I urge Atiqul Islam to support the Christian community in case of victory.

As the incumbent mayor, Islam expressed gratitude for the support of the Christian community and promised to "remove all difficulties and modernise the city. Noting that We have a lot of challenges, he told those present: Let us make a new modern Dhaka. Having already started some new projects, he wants voters to give me more opportunities to deserve your vote.

The DNCC includes neighbourhoods with an important Christian presence. Islams challenger is Tabith Awal from the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNPs Ishraque Hossain and the ALs Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh are running for the post of mayor in South Dhaka.

Some 3.3 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in North Dhaka, whilst 2.3 million can do the same in South Dhaka.

Benedict Alo DRozario, former executive director of Caritas Bangladesh and current president of Caritas Asia, also attended the meeting.

The Awami League is doing a lot to develop our country, he said. We want this fast pace to continue. This is why we support the party in the municipal elections.

Rev Philip P Adhikary, founder of the Talitha Koumi Church of Bangladesh, an evangelical Christian organisation, is also an AL supporter. We have supported the Awami League from the beginning. We must vote for this party and we hope our candidate wins.

The Protestant prelate especially wants to see the citys streets cleaned and hawkers removed.

We support the Awami League for the new generations, said Nirmol Rozario, one of the organisers of the event. We believe the party can make Dhaka a better city for Christians.
Special Australian firefighters, dispatched by helicopter in a secret operation to a remote gorge northwest of Sydney, have saved the last remaining wild stand of prehistoric trees that were threatened by the country's raging wildfires, official said.

At risk were Wollemi Pines, numbering less than 100, growing in the wild in the Blue Mountains of Wollemi National Park, 80 miles northwest of Sydney.

The species, dubbed "dinosaur trees," dates back more than 200 million years, according to Australia's Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Wollemi Pine had only been seen in its fossilized form and was thought long extinct before the stand was found in 1994.

Firefighters were dropped from helicopters into the gorge about a week before fires that have swept much of Australia bore down on the area, said National Parks and Wildlife Service Director David Crust.

Austria wildfires: Here's how you can help or donate

In this photo taken early January 2020, and provided Jan. 16, 2020, by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, a Wollemi pine tree sapling grows on the forest floor in the Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Specialist firefighters have saved the worlds last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney.

The operation was kept secret in order to avoid revealing the exact location of the highly endangered trees.

"It was like a military-style operation," NSW Environment and Energy Minister Matt Kean told the Sydney Morning Herald. "We just had to do everything."

The operation involved setting up an irrigation system to keep the trees moist and pumping water daily from the gorge as the fires, which have burned out of control for more than two months, got closer.

At the same time, firefighters bombed the most threatening sections of the fire front with fire retardant.

That helped just to slow the intensity of the fire as it approached the site, Crust told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The Wollemi Pine is a particularly important species and the fact that this is the only place in the world where they exist and they exist in such small numbers is really significant, he added.

Carrots falling from the sky: Australia drops 4,600 pounds of food, water from helicopters to feed hungry wallabies

Story continues

Kean said that the fire did move through the area, but the operation had protected the stand from destruction, although some plants were singed. He said two plants were lost to the blaze.

These pines outlived the dinosaurs, so when we saw the fire approaching we realized we had to do everything we could to save them, Kean said.

In this photo taken early Jan. 2020, and provided Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel use fire hoses to dampen the forest floor near Wollemi pine trees in the Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Specialist firefighters have saved the worlds last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney.

The fire that threatened the trees began in October but was brought under control this week after razing more than 2,000 square miles. The blaze has destroyed 90% of the 20-square-mile Wollemi National Park, Crust said.

At least 28 people have died since September from a series of devastating fires that have destroyed more than 2,600 homes and razed more than 40,000 square miles, mostly in New South Wales state. The area burned is larger than the U.S. state of Indiana.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Australia fires: How firefighters saved prehistoric Wollemi Pine tree
Located in the heart of Atlanta's stylish Buckhead district, The Burgess Hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation transforming the property into a sought-after boutique experience for travelers near the city's main attractions and businesses. Updated features include 102 guest rooms with custom furniture and original artwork; a relaxing outdoor pool and courtyard; more than 1,200 square feet of meeting and event space; an on-site restaurant, Fia, inspired by the Mediterranean coast; and the chic Mr. B Bar.

Trademark Collection's recent additions across the U.S. demonstrates Wyndham's strategic efforts to steadily expand the soft brand in key markets domestically in the last year, during which the brand saw a 118 percent growth in number of rooms year over year, as of September 30, 2019. Wyndham also added to the brand's international collection in 2019  which saw an 18 percent growth year over year as of September 30, 2019  welcoming its first Trademark Collection hotels in Mexico and Belize, and widening its existing presence in Canada.

"Notable additions like The Burgess Hotel in top destinations like Atlanta underscore the very essence of what we look for in a Trademark Collection hotel  unmatched character, charm, and individuality which draw in everyday travelers seeking authentic experiences," said Greg Giordano, brand leader for Trademark Collection at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "The brand's rapid development since its inception both here in the U.S. and abroad demonstrates its strong appeal as one of the most compelling soft-branded offerings for independent hoteliers. These landmark destinations are now backed by a leading hospitality name in Wyndham, as well as an ardent team keen on driving more travelers through hotel owners' doors."

Some of the newest locations to raise the Trademark Collection brand flag in the U.S. include:

Magic Village Views, a contemporary gated villa community in Kissimmee, Fla. , situated steps from Walt Disney World parks and sister Trademark Collection location Magic Village Yards;

, situated steps from Walt Disney World parks and sister Trademark Collection location Magic Village Yards; Hotel Retlaw, a modern, luxurious throwback to the roaring 1920s in Fond du Lac, Wisc .;

.; Cantilever Hotel, a newly constructed hotel in Ranier, Minn. , with industrial influences and an on-site distillery;

, with industrial influences and an on-site distillery; And the Bay Area's Pacifica Lighthouse Hotel, just steps from the shores of Pacifica, Calif.

With more than 100 hotels globally, Trademark Collection is a soft-branded, independently minded collection of upper-midscale and above properties, designed for everyday travelers seeking distinctive, attainable accommodations in sought-after destinations. Among just some of the notable hotels in the collection are The INFINITY Hotel & Conference Center in Munich, Germany, the HYPERION Hotel Basel in Basel, Switzerland, as well as notable American locations like the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky., Ravel Hotel in Long Island City, N.Y, and the Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa in Midway, Utah.

For information on developing a Trademark Collection hotel, please visit development.wyndhamhotels.com.

About Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Each of Trademark Collection by Wyndham's upper-midscale-and-above hotels around the world  from landmark hotels in Germany and Switzerland to its flagship hotel, The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky.  boast three common attributes: character, charm, and individuality. Launched in 2017, Trademark Collection is the first soft-brand geared to three- and four-star hotel owners passionate about upholding their hotels' independent spirit and designed for everyday travelers seeking distinctive, attainable accommodations in sought-after destinations. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company, with over 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 822,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel Inn & Suites, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection, and Wyndham. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 79 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Related Links

http://www.wyndhamhotels.com


Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is seen as the most likely to beat Donald Trump if he receives the Democrat nomination, new research states.

Out of the entire field of Democratic hopefuls, the former New York mayor is best placed to defeat the president in the race for the White House later this year, according to online betting market analysis.

Researchers at Standard Chartered Bank showed that among the top-polling candidates, Bloomberg and former Vice President Joe Biden, are the two viewed as having the highest chances of winning against Trump.

But the same analysis also found that Bloomberg only has a 10 per cent chance of winning the Democrat nomination, according to CNBC.

The study states: 'Our interpretation of online market pricing is that Bloomberg is viewed as having the highest chance among Democrats of beating Trump if nominated. But his nomination probabilities are currently running just over 10 per cent.

Democratic presidential candidate and former mayor of New York City Michael speaking at a campaign event aimed at women voters at the Sheraton in New York yesterday

President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing 'phase one' of the US-China trade agreement at the White House yesterday

'Among investors, Bloomberg and Biden are probably viewed as the most asset-market friendly among the Democratic candidates, so their greater implied electability may be why US assets are not showing more stress.'

The data was drawn from perceptions about how positive the candidates would be for asset markets.

Bloomberg, who is self-funding his campaign, has not appeared in the Democratic debates since launching his campaign in late November.

Already spending more than $200 million on his campaign, including blitzing the airwaves with attack ads on Trump's healthcare policies, Bloomberg said he may spend up to $1 billion to defeat Trump - even if he is not made the nominee by Democrat voters.

The billionaire, who has a successful media empire, was left off the stage in Iowa on Tuesday night as he is not competing in the state's early primary after his late entry into the presidential race.

Bloomberg shaking hands with supporters at a campaign in New York yesterday. He is seen as the Democrat candidate most likely to defeat Trump, according to betting market data

He has also failed to meet the donor threshold set by the Democratic National Committee and is far from the front, but still polled near the middle of the primary field.

Researchers of the markets data said that the chances of Bernie Sanders winning in a general election are increasing, but still behind Joe Biden.

Elizabeth Warren former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigeg have relatively low odds of beating Trump, the research states.

However the data also says that Trump has a 55 to 60 per cent chance of winning, which is a more significantly higher figure than any of the Democrat hopefuls.

This is largely down to incumbent presidents having an advantage as long as the economy is performing well.
Today, we were invited to check out a new 'tech spin' by Maxis. Called as RE:Collection, it is a data-driven personalised reminiscence app designed to aid elderly Malaysians with dementia that can be downloaded on the Apple and Google Play Store. On top of that, they even showcase a prototype Smart Table (promptly called as UnforgetTABLE, we are not making this up) which is capable of object recognition and brainwave analytics.

Before we dive into the table questions, let's talk about the RE:Collection app first. At first glance, it may look like just an ordinary Photo Gallery which the same memories feature, favourite memories and identifying friends and family, but it turns out to be more than that when we investigate it further. Not only dementia patients can reminisce over past memories via photo or video triggers, but even relive past stories through Augmented Reality on the spot when using the phone to point at a photograph. In a way, this helps improve the connection between the caregiver and seniors by discovering what are the best triggers through insights and analytics.

You can upload as many photos and videos (video size up to 50MB only) on the RE:Collection app

You can also do tagging and activate AR for a specific photo

AR video trigger from the app in action

The UnforgetTABLE Smart Table

Sorry, not for sale lol

Maxis didn't just stop there, of course. They went on looking for ways outside of the app to further assist the patients and this is where the Smart Table, the UnforgetTABLE, comes in. Like a sci-fi movie, the user is required to wear a headset sensor and the Smart Table can display the brainwave output of their mental state on the screen (excitement, sadness, etc). This is so that the caregiver can observe the signals while the patient watches the replay on the table when an object is placed on top of it.

Since this is a prototype, it's obviously not for sale but still an intriguing technology that can help patients in the future. Maxis have worked with Caring With You, an enrichment centre for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia, the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia, Dr Rizah Mazzuin Razali and Dr Ungku Ameen, Head of the Geriatrics Units at KL and Klang hospitals, for valuable insights in developing the app as well.

In addition, Maxis also produced a short film in promoting the RE:Collection app. You can check out the short video right here, as well as the UnforgetTABLE Smart Table at the Maxis centre in KLCC starting today.

Stay tuned for more Maxis news at TechNave.com.
By Bahk Eun-ji



The government will lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 from the current 14 in a bid to prevent rising juvenile crime, the Ministry of Education said Thursday. Those aged 14 and younger cannot be held criminally responsible under current laws.





The Ministry of Education announced a set of measures to prevent juvenile violence, including the revised bill of lowering the age of criminal responsibility from the current 14 to 13. /Gettyimagesbank
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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She has jetted to Thailand with some of her Love Island girl pals.

And Francesca Allen sent temperatures soaring on Wednesday as she uploaded a bikini-clad snap from her beach photoshoot.

The fashionista, 24, showed off her incredible figure in a strapless yellow snakeskin print two-print, before heading to a champagne party with Anna Vakili, 29, Amber Gill, 22, Harley Brash, 21, and Kaz Crossley, 25.

Francesca Allen sent temperatures soaring on Wednesday as she uploaded a bikini-clad snap from her beach Miss Pap photoshoot in Phuket, Thailand

Francesca, who is currently staying in Phuket, appeared in her element as she posed up a storm for the camera.

She accessorised her bandeau bikini with a large floppy straw hat and amped up the beach glamour with a red lip and gold hoop earrings.

The girls, who have flown to Thailand for Amber's new collection with Miss Pap, all took to their Insta-stories to provide fans with an inside look at their girly holiday.

Strike a pose: Francesca's co-star Anna Vakili paraded her curves in a neon yellow and orange bikini

Party-time: The girls, who have flown to Thailand for Amber's (pictured with Kaz Crossley) new collection with Miss Pap, all took to their Insta-stories to provide an inside look of their holiday

VIP: The girls later headed to a champagne party (pictured Anna, 29, Amber, 22, Harley, 21, and Kaz, 25)

Anna paraded her curves in a neon yellow and orange bikini which made the most of her ample cleavage and pert derriere.

The former pharmacist shared a snap of herself writhing around on a white sandy beach as part of the photoshoot.

The group, who kick-started their morning with a yoga session, later headed to a champagne-fuelled party to unwind.

Wow: Francesca, 24, showed off her incredible figure in a strapless yellow snakeskin print two-print

Pout: The fashionista topped up her tan and pouted for the camera

Working it: Amber later stole Francesca's hat and twerked

Amber caught the eye in a bright pink bikini and appeared in the party mood as she danced provocatively with Kaz.

But once the champagne was popped, the Love Island winner ran past Anna lamenting about how the fizzy alcoholic drink had ruined her famous Afro.

Francesca jokingly captioned the clip: 'I don't do champagne hun'.

Tanned and toned: Anna couldn't resist taking a mirror selfie in the bright two-piece

Stylish: Francesca looked every inch the fashion maven in her red lip and red Matrix inspired sunglasses

Beach babe: The television personality accessorised her bandeau bikini with a large floppy straw hat and amped up the beach glamour with gold hoop earrings

Francesca, who was a late arrival into the villa, has formed a strong friendship with BFF's Amber and Anna.

Just last week, the girls were pictured on a night out in London together.

Since Love Island wrapped several months ago, Francesca has become recognised for her love of vintage fashion, with the star landing her very own collection.

Posing up a storm: Harley looked tanned and toned in a black bikini and long sheer white shirt

Topping up her tan: Anna shared a slew of bikini-clad snaps as she soaked up the sun

Time to party: Amber caught the eye in a bright pink bikini and appeared in the party mood as she danced provocatively with Kaz

'I don't do champagne spray hun!': Once the champagne was popped, Anna ran past Anna lamenting about how the fizzy alcoholic drink had ruined her famous Afro

As well as owning her own Essex boutique and online store Bonnie & Clyde with her sister Claudia Allen, Francesca has launched multiple collections with In The Style alongside her Anna, Amy Hart, Yewande Biala and Joanna Chimonides.

However, Francesca claims that while going on the ITV2 dating show has boosted her profile on the fashion front, it's actually hindered her chances of getting a boyfriend, despite her initially signing up to the series to find love.

She told MailOnline some men are too intimidated to approach her at parties  but after years of being in relationships she's learned to be content on her own.

Snazzy: Anna and Amber took their outfits from day to night as they donned sheer mesh cover-ups which were adorned with diamante gems

Francesca said: 'You go out and you'll see guys and they look at you because maybe they recognise you  but then they're shyer. I'm not going to meet anyone at an event!

'I'm still single but I was always in a relationship prior to going on Love Island.

'I feel like now after being on the show that I've got much more confidence and I feel it is OK for me to be myself. I'm quite content with being on my own.'

Peachy: Anna put on a VERY cheeky display in a grey gym shorts as she took a mirror selfie before heading outside for a yoga session

Taut midriff: Francesca also slipped into grey gymwear which showed off her washboards abs
Long before Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), there was Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. In May 2007, a group of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists stormed into an exhibition being held in the university by a fine arts student, Chandramohan, and physically assaulted him, while claiming that his paintings offended their religious sentiments. The police entered soon after, and arrested the artist. When the faculty intervened, they too were threatened with arrest. The vice-chancellor (VC) refused to file any First Information Report (FIR) or extend any support to students. Instead, the faculty was given suspension notices while the VHP activists were let off by the police.

Sounds familiar? The truth is, the impunity with which a mob of masked goons ran amok in the JNU campus, even as a timid and partisan administration chose not to act, is not without precedence, and only suggests that a system of controlling universities through untrammelled State power has moved from Vadodara to the heart of the national capital.

Gujarat, in particular, has seen a calculated attempt in recent times to stifle all forms of dissent on the campus in the name of enforcing discipline. The conscious de-politicisation of the campus has not been done with the idea of raising academic standards, but in ensuring a stultifying regimentation that prevents the student community from mobilising on contentious issues.

Student union elections are held irregularly. For example, Gujarat University has not held student elections for the past four years, and only last week, the authorities finally offered to hold elections in March. Even more glaring is the manner in which VC are chosen to head the universities, solely on the basis of their loyalty to the ruling party. A former Gujarat University VC became the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson after his term ended, while the current pro-VC is also a party functionary. A BJP media cell member is the VC of the Kachchh University as is the case also with the North Gujarat University. VCs have often been appointed based on their political allegiances by previous regimes too, but the sheer brazenness in choosing party members to head a university makes nonsense of any claim of autonomous institutions.

Even private universities in Gujarat have been unable to resist political pressure. Ahmedabad University, for example, was forced to withdraw the appointment of renowned historian Ramachandra Guha as a distinguished professor after the political leadership reportedly vetoed it. Guha has been a critic of the BJP/Sangh parivar, but that a formidable intellectual and Gandhi biographer would be denied the opportunity to teach in the land of the Mahatma only because of his ideological views reflects the distance that Gujarat has travelled from the tolerant, accommodating spirit of the states greatest figure.

Ironically, it is the students of Gujarat who first lit the spark of anti-establishment anger that would eventually build into a wider nationwide protest movement against Indira Gandhis Emergency in the 1970s. Narendra Modi himself claims to have been a part of the Nav Nirman Andolan, which began in 1973 when students in a local Ahmedabad college went on strike in protest against a 20% hike in hostel food fees, an agitation that rapidly spread across the state.

Today, it is likely that the student protesters of the 1970s would be dubbed by the government as urban Naxals, tukde tukde gang and anti-nationals who need to be packed-off to Pakistan. Where once the space for dissent was valued, and even supported, today any contrarian view attracts instant vilification. Where once taking a political stand was encouraged, today students are being pushed to abandon any form of political activity by the same leaders who claim to have emerged from the embryo of student politics.

The lame excuse offered by the ruling elite for the need to control the campuses is that this was precisely how their opponents behaved when they were in power. The Left Fronts culture of violence and intimidation in West Bengal during its long rule in that state is often cited as an example of how coarse politics can lead to a sharp decline in higher education standards. Indira Gandhis clampdown during the Emergency is also mentioned in the context of the shrinking autonomy of universities.

But the argument that, if they could do it, why cant we? is morally flawed and politically tendentious. The BJP has prided itself on being a party with a difference and the Modi government has won two successive electoral majorities on a new India vision premised on a Gujarat model of governance. This model was meant to offer acche din to Indias gen-next, not divide the student community between Right and Left in a manner that would leave our campuses bloodied. Indeed, this is not a case of Right versus Left but simply a matter of right versus wrong.

Post-script: While Left and Rightwing student groups in JNU engage in a blame game over who initiated the violence, spare a thought for the faculty. Is it bharatiya sanskriti to hit teachers? And if teachers are not safe in a campus, then who is? Dont forget that it was a long-serving MS University faculty member, Professor JS Bandukwala whose house in Vadodara was ransacked during the 2002 Gujarat riots. No one from the Gujarat administration till date has even met the professor to empathise, perhaps because he was seen as a fierce critic of the Hindutva politics. Is this then a classic case of what Gujarat thought yesterday, the rest of the country must think today?

Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and author. His new book is 2019: How Modi Won India

The views expressed are personal

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Ms. Lois Zabrocky named Connecticut Maritime Association 2020 Commodore

Ms. Lois Zabrocky, Chief Executive Officer at International Seaways, Inc., has been named as the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Commodore for the year 2020.

Ms. Zabrocky follows a long succession of influential maritime industry leaders as Commodore. The 2020 Commodore Award will be presented on April 2, 2020 at the Gala Dinner marking the conclusion of the annual Connecticut Maritime Association conference and trade exposition, at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, USA.

The Award is given each year to a person in the international maritime industry who has contributed to the growth and development of the industry.



Ms. Zabrocky has been President and Chief Executive Officer of International Seaways, one of the largest tanker companies worldwide since 2016. Before assuming leadership for International Seaways, Lois served as Senior Vice President for the predecessor companys International Flag strategic business unit with P&L responsibility for commercial management and oversight of fleet operations. Previously, she was Chief Commercial Officer, with responsibility for international flag crude, products and gas businesses. Zabrocky currently serves on the Board of ITOPF Limited, a leading industry based, not-for-profit ship pollution response adviser.



Joe Gross, President of the CMA, upon making the announcement, stated, "The CMA is honored to present Ms. Lois Zabrocky with the 2020 Commodore Award. Lois' extensive knowledge of the industry and ability to build and lead a first-class team are well known throughout the shipping community. She has steered International Seaways with a steady hand since its inception in 2016, operating a fleet of 42 tankers from 50,000 dwt product tankers up to 441,000 dwt FSO's.



Under Lois' leadership, International Seaways has embraced the IMO's initiatives towards decarbonization, launching their "Get to Green" program to reduce the fleets carbon footprint, reducing consumption in their fleet by some 500mt per ship during the first year of the program.



Lois has always been a strong supporter of the CMA throughout her career, which our community has deeply appreciated, and we consider her to be an excellent role model for young women and men entering our industry. She is indeed representative of the positive direction that shipping has been, and continues to be, moving in," Gross added.



Ms. Zabrocky said, In the tanker business we are closely linked to the evolving world economy, competing internationally in a cyclical business. We build relationships with an incredibly smart array of professionals hailing from every corner of the globe. Our seafarers, colleagues, customers, finance partners, ship builders, and competitors all over the world combine to make the tanker business dynamic and rewarding.



I am honored to be chosen as this years Commodore for the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA). I have been a member of CMA for two decades and I have always been impressed by the global reach of the organization. CMA brings together an impressive group of geographically diverse maritime people with differing skills and talents, all of which are critically important to moving our industry forward, she added.



For myself, and Seaways, to be honored by this esteemed organization, is a big milestone in my life and my career. When I think of the Commodores who have come before me, it seems that my idols have become my peers.



Former CMA Commodores include: Ole Skaarup, Jacob Stolt-Nielsen, George Livanos, Phil Loree, Thomas Moran, Gregory Hadjieleftheriadis, Dr. Helmut Sohmen, Gerhard Kurz, William ONeil, Richard du Moulin, Per Heidenreich, Marc Saverys, Frank Tsao, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Peter Georgiopoulos, C. Sean Day, Torben Jensen, Morten Arntzen, John Fredriksen, Capt. Wei Jiafu, Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, Angeliki Frangou, ivind Lorentzen, III, Peter Evensen, Robert Bugbee, Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos, Paddy Rodgers, Jack Noonan, Sabrina Chao, and in 2019 John C. Hadjipateras.






Speaking to IANS, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, "Either Modi government trusts the European MPs, who believe in going on tours and that was the reason why they were brought to Kashmir."

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday slammed the Modi government's plan to take 36 Union ministers to Jammu & Kashmir, saying if it believes that everything is normal in Kashmir then it should release the detained Kashmiri leaders first.

He said that the government was taking its 36 ministers to Kashmir to mislead the people about the situation in the newly-created Union Territory. Slamming the government for putting the opposition leaders under house arrest, Shergill said, "They have made Kashmir as a zoo, where the opposition leaders have been put under house arrest. And now they are taking their leaders to visit the zoo."

The Modi government on August 5 abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution from Jammu & Kashmir that gave special status to the erstwhile state and bifurcated the state into two Union territories -- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Following the abrogation of Article 370, the government suspended internet and mobile services in Kashmir and also put several opposition leaders including three former Chief Ministers -- Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti under house arrest.

Taunting the BJP government, the Congress leader said, "If the government wants to bring the situation in Kashmir to normal then they need to release the opposition leaders and pay damages to the people of Kashmir whose businesses have suffered in last five months."

He also said that the government also needs to rework the image of the country after putting Kashmir under a communication blackout.

Slamming the BJP-led NDA government, Shergill said that the government is only "champion in headline management" and they are zero on the economic front and they have no focus on national security and Kashmir.

miz/aks/kr
The greatest Jeopardy player of all time has been crowned, and it has again brought the contestants incredible memory and recall abilities into the spotlight.

As a contestant on Jeopardy, one must be able to maintain composure while recalling an immense number of facts on a variety of topics.

For the shows recent Greatest of All Time - or GOAT - competition, the three Jeopardy champions known for having the most impressive ability to correctly answer the shows questions were brought back: James Holzhauer, who won the most money in a single game in 2019, Rutter, who has won the most money ever, and Jennings, who won the most regular-season games in a row with a total of 74.

After a tense week of competition, Jennings, a 45-year-old software engineer walked away with the grand prize of $1m - and the title of GOAT.

For viewers, the competition, the sheer volume of knowledge and the subsequent defeat was awe-inspiring.

The truth about talent: Can genius be learned or is it preordained? Show all 3 1 /3 The truth about talent: Can genius be learned or is it preordained? The truth about talent: Can genius be learned or is it preordained? 603711.bin The truth about talent: Can genius be learned or is it preordained? 603712.bin GETTY IMAGES The truth about talent: Can genius be learned or is it preordained? 603713.bin

Thoroughly enjoyed the Jeopardy Greatest Champions competition, one person wrote on Twitter. The knowledge all three contestants have and can recall is incredibly impressive.

Another said: It blows my mind that the contestants on Jeopardy know all this random knowledge.

But it isnt just studying a wide range of topics that makes you a potential Jeopardy pro, as memory and ability to quickly recall facts comes into play - a fact that publishing house Random House jokingly pointed out.

Wanna know what made those Jeopardy contestants so smart? the publishing house tweeted. Reading lots and lots of books. And hard work. And a genetic disposition for memorising large quantities of information. But also books.

Interestingly, it's not clear that a good memory is something you're born with - which leaves open the possibility that you can train your brain to be better.

Samuel J Gershman, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, told The Independent it is hard to judge whether memory is a genetic skill because it is difficult to know if a persons superior memory is due to their experience, genes, or some interaction of the two.

For a complex cognitive function like memory, it is likely to depend on an interaction between experience and genes, he explained.

According to Professor Gershman, the idea that it is possible to increase memory capabilities is evident in examples of those with extraordinary memory.

"The most famous account of one such individual is The Mind of a Mnemonist by the Russian neuropsychologist Alexander Luria, he told us. But there are also examples like Joshua Foer's Moonwalking with Einstein, in which a person with unremarkable memory can be trained to win memory contests.

Mr Gershman points to one study conducted by Chase and Simon (1973) on chess memory in experts and novices that proves memory can be learned.

According to Mr Gershman, the study found (not surprisingly) that chess experts have superior memory for board configurations than novices. However, more surprisingly, the experts were only better when the board configurations displayed positions from actual games.

If the pieces were randomly arranged, they were no better than novices, he continued. Simon argued that the difference between experts and novices lies in the mental library of meaningful units that can act as schemas for efficiently storing information. A bit like how egg cartons have the right shape to carry eggs: expert memory consists in acquiring the right cartons for holding memories.

Previous studies have also found that it is possible to improve memory skills through certain strategies.

One such strategy, developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans for learning complex material like long speeches, is still used today, Mr Gershman told us.

The techniques used today are not all that different from what were used in ancient times. Of particular importance is the 'method of loci', which consists of exploiting the high fidelity of human spatial memory, he said. By attaching arbitrary objects to spatial locations in a familiar environment, the objects can be effectively remembered by walking through the environment and picking up the objects as you go. Luria observed that the memory expert he studied also used a spatial technique for memorising arbitrary material."

Another memory-boosting strategy is to overlearn something through a variety of contexts - as memories are always stored with context such as where the learner was, and how the memory was acquired, according to Michael J Kahana, a University of Pennsylvania professor of psychology.

Speaking to the Seattle Times, Mr Kahana explained that if you reinforce your knowledge through a variety of contexts, when a question about the topic is asked, there is an increased chance that it matches the information stored - meaning you are then able to retrieve it faster.

Thinking of knowledge relevant to a category beforehand also increases the likelihood of knowing more about the topic when the time comes, according to Mr Kahana - a skill that is especially useful for Jeopardy contestants.

For example, if a Jeopardy category is about US state capitals, thinking of the ones you know when the category is first introduced means you'll be able to recall them faster later on.

 Jeopardy contestant loses out on thousands of dollars for mispronouncing 'gangsta'

If increasing your ability to remember seems too tedious, you can always attempt Holzhauers winning technique - which has a lot to do with betting strategy.

All good professional gamblers are selectively aggressive, the 34-year-old previously told NPR. You need to pick your spots and bet big when you identify them.

Thats basically my Jeopardy strategy in a nutshell.
From her home in St. Louis, Dr. Tara Conway Copper watched news reports of Hurricane Dorian barreling across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Bahamas, and a possible Florida landfall.

Her parents, John and Maureen Conway, were hunkered down in Nassau on New Providence Island. Her younger sister, Jena Conway, was in Fort Lauderdale. When Dorian hit the northern islands of the Bahamas and stalled over Grand Bahama Island and Great Abaco Island, battering the islands with winds peaking at 185 mph, huge storm surge, and unpredictable tornadoes, Copper wondered how the people there would survive.

I just couldnt fathom what it must have been like on the ground, she said.

Copper is in the Bahamas now, spending a week helping out at the Marsh Harbour Healthcare Clinic in the heart of Great Abaco Island. A University of Miami Miller School of Medicine alumna, Copper is the first alumni to be part of a rotation of University of Miami physicians spending week-long stints at the clinic to help doctors there provide treatment to local residents returning to the stricken island.

Copper, a 2010 graduate of the Miller School of Medicine, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and works in the emergency room at the St. Louis Childrens Hospital.

Before attending the University of Florida for her undergraduate studies, Copper lived and went to high school in Nassau for two years in the late 1990s and her parents still call the Bahamas home.

The Bahamas have always been warm and welcoming to me and my family since we first came here in 1997, she said in an interview Saturday. It was a no brainer that I had to figure out a way to get back here and help the people after Dorian.

After Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas on Sept. 1, Copper shared relief agency websites with Washington University colleagues who wanted to donate to recovery efforts. She reached out to her family and friends in Nassau, trying unsuccessfully to find someone who could connect her with volunteer efforts on the ground.

I felt my hands were a little bit tied and that I couldnt find a way in, she said.

She found the way last month when she checked the Miller School Facebook page to get information about her 10 year reunion. There, she saw a post by classmate Dr. Elizabeth Greig, who was asking if anyone was interested in volunteering in Marsh Harbour.

Greig, along with Dr. Barth A. Green, executive dean of global health and community service at the Miller School of Medicine, have spearheaded efforts to help in the Bahamas and have been working closely over the past four months with the Bahamas Ministry of Health to coordinate resources.

Copper is the sixth doctor associated with the University to volunteer at Marsh Harbour, and an additional three doctors will deploy next week, Greig said.

The Bahamian workforce is still depleted, housing remains a critical issue, and the University of Miami volunteers are helping to offset some of the burden on the Ministry of Health so they can regroup and put together a working plan for the Abacos healthcare workforce that will be sustainable long term without outside assistance, Greig said.

When Copper arrived in Marsh Harbour Jan. 1, it was her first visit to the town. She was struck by the devastation on the island, which is facing a herculean effort to rebuild.

Every single building I have seen was severely damaged, she said. It just seemed so upside down.

At the Marsh Harbour Healthcare Centre, Copper has been working the overnight shift, treating a steady stream of patients for various ailments, including ear and skin infections, congestive heart failure, and hypertension, as well as mental health conditions including depression and schizophrenia. With the holiday season concluded, the medical team expects additional patients from construction injuries as workers return to assist in the rebuild.

Greig said the number of patients to the clinic is now the highest its been since the hurricane as more and more people return. The University and Ministry of Health are working on a long term strategy for a recovery and rebuild that not only involves our medical school, but the School of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Architecture, College of Engineering, and Department of Public Health, she noted.

Additional alumni volunteers, Greig said, will also be sought to help fill needs.

Copper said her experience at the clinic has been inspiring.

Im just in awe of the team and their work ethic, said Copper, who is remaining at the clinic until Jan. 9. Many of them are on their second or third tour of duty at the clinic. I feel blessed to be able to offer a skill set that is needed.
United Forum of Bank Unions has decided to observe a two-day strike on January 31 and February 1, demanding early wage revision settlement which has been due since November 1, 2017, said the All India Bank Employees Association.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her second Union Budget on February 1.

Banks will also hold a strike on March 11, 12 and 13. Also, an indefinite strike will be held from April 1.

General Secretary, All India Bank Officers' Confederation West Bengal Sanjay Das has stated that the nationwide strike has been called over several demands.

"The demands include--wage revision settlement at 20 per cent hike on payslip components with adequate loading thereof and scrapping off New Pension Scheme (NPS)," said Das.

There are several demands to hold the strike including the merger of special allowance with basic pay, updation of pension, improvement in the family pension system, five-day banking, allocation of staff welfare fund based on operating profits and exemption from income tax on retiral benefits without a ceiling.

"Other demands include-- a uniform definition of business hours, lunch hour etc in the branches, introduction of leave bank, defined working hours for the officers and equal wage for equal work for the contract employee," said Das.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chandrayaan-3's success is a must for India's space ambitions; we can't afford to lose out.

And for realising our space dreams, the Indian private sector must be encouraged because if we lose this race, the moon, Mars, and mineral-rich asteroids will already be crowded before we reach there.

Kumar Abishek reports.

IMAGE: India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C24), carrying the second navigation satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System IRNSS-1B, lifts off from the Satish Dhawan space centre in Sriharikota. Photograph: Babu/Reuters

In the 1400s, China used to own the biggest seafaring fleet in the world -- it was called the 'Treasure Fleet', with some ships as big as 127 metres long.

In comparison, the La Santa Maria was only 49 metres long.

There was another key difference -- while the Chinese fleet was government-owned, the small Santa Maria was a private explorer's flagship; his name was Christopher Columbus.

China appeared all set to circumnavigate the globe, but instead, the Ming dynasty retracted into itself and burnt down the Treasure Fleet, apparently in a bid to control foreign trade or for other internal reasons.

On the other hand, Columbus and many enterprising individuals like him opened the New and the Old World for conquest and permanent European colonisation.

Cut to the modern era.

While space exploration is being largely led by government bodies, it appears private companies will guide its next phase -- space travel -- in the lure of extra-terrestrial real estate and resources.

And as of now, India is too far behind in this space race.

With the advent of the new decade, the Indian Space Research Organisation announced that it has shortlisted four Indian Air Force pilots as astronauts for the indigenous Gaganyaan mission in 2021 -- 60 years after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961 became the first human to journey into outer space.

IMAGE: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk, NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken at the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Photograph: Gene Blevins/Reuters

Undoubtedly, India needs to catch up fast.

It not only faces stiff competition from China, the US, Japan and even the tiny nation of Luxembourg, but also and especially from private players like Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic.

Actually, we need our own SpaceX, if we don't want to keep playing catch-up.

SpaceX has set an aspirational goal to land humans on the red planet by 2024, and it is taking big and quick steps towards space travel, so keep fingers crossed.

Realistically, any human mission to Mars is likely only in the 2030s (the next low energy launch window occurs in 2033).

IMAGE: A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from historic launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral. Photograph: Thom Baur/Reuters

But the moon is on everyone's radar.

Even Nasa is planning to send two humans (probably the first woman) there by 2024 after a gap of 48 years; the last manned mission (Apollo 17) to our natural satellite was in 1972.

Also, SpaceX Falcon 9 is slated to launch a private moon lander in 2021, besides its #dearMoon project (a lunar tourism mission) is expected to take flight in 2023.

Bezos's Blue Origin plans to use its Blue Moon lander.

Several other private companies in the US and elsewhere are planning or designing lunar landers.

Hence, the recently announced Chandrayaan-3's success is a must for India's space ambitions; we can't afford to lose out.

And for realising our space dreams, the Indian private sector must be encouraged because if we lose this race, the moon, Mars, and mineral-rich asteroids will already be crowded before we reach there.

The Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017 -- slated to lay down India's first space law -- is hanging fire.

This Bill seeks to allow both public and private sector to participate in the country's space programme, and private players to build satellites, rockets, and space vehicles for domestic as well as global use.

The most secure way to boost our space capabilities is to allow private innovation.

We can learn from our experiments - the opening of the telecom and the aviation sectors, where increased private participation changed the entire landscape.

Furthermore, India's satellite launch market is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2026, according to a report in Business Insider.

IMAGE: Bellatrix Aerospace CEO Rohan Ganapathy stands next to a vacuum chamber at its laboratory in Bengaluru, India. Photograph: Ismail Shakil/Reuters

It is not that India doesn't have NewSpace companies: There are over 20 such start-ups, such as Skyroot Aerospace (designing a rocket that can be assembled and launched in a day to place small satellites in the space) and Bellatrix Aerospace (working on in-space propulsion systems).

Besides companies like Godrej Space and L&T are working with Isro to develop rocket sub-systems.

But they all need a conducive environment and support to flourish.

First, the Space Activities Bill soon needs to clear parliamentary processes to become a law.

Until then, no private Indian company will be able to launch its own satellites.

The Bill is being criticised for not clarifying the eligibility criteria for potential licensees.

Second, we need to have a clear and transparent space policy, starting with setting up an independent space regulator, tasked with laying down rules and giving licenses for carrying out space activities from Indian soil.

Currently, Isro is both leading market player and licensing umpire in the Indian space sector and that's a conflict of interest.

Third, there should be dedicated tribunals to adjudicate related disputes.

The space race is nothing but a colonial battle, led by enterprising individuals with State support.

India ended up a victim of the colonial race; we can't finish losers once again -- we must boost our capacity, technology, and policy to become a space power and the key is in private hands.
The MSME Export Promotion Council (MSNE-EPC) is holding the first three-day summit for aspiring entrepreneurs in the North East here from Friday to pave the way for development of entrepreneurship and businesses by women and youths of the region.

The international summit, with Assam as the host state and business participants from various countries, will focus on existing and aspiring start-ups in sectors like tea, coffee, agri and food processing, horticulture, organic farming, chairman of the MSME-EPC Devender Singh Rawat told PTI.

Rawat said Ayush and health wellness, biotech and bioplants, innovation, IT and electronics, petroleum sector, culture and tourism, textile and handloom and tribal women livelihood clusters, would also be discussed at the first such mega event.

Entrepreneurs, innovators, venture capitalists, consultants, policy makers (from the centre and states), academicians, business practitioners, innovators, banks and financial institutions, tax and company law experts will deliberate in their particular fields of expertise, the MSME- EPC chairman said.

The focus of the event will be motivating women, youths and artisans to become job-givers instead of being job seekers.

"We will bring successful start-ups as role models to motivate the existing and potential entrepreneurs from the northeastern region. They will also get the opportunity to connect globally with importers, exporters and well-known international buying houses", he said.

Rawat further said that they are also developing the border haats as out of the 38 border haats only four are operational.

A large number of firms from the Northeast are expected to showcase their products at the international summit and expo on 'Start Up and Stand Up', he said.

"The expo will be highly beneficial for existing and potential entrepreneurs", Rawat added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 16 : A fire broke out in 14 cars parked in an open ground opposite Vivek Vihar police station behind Ginger hotel here on Wednesday night, according to a Delhi fire officer.

No casualties have been reported and two fire tenders were rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the chief fire officer said.

The cause of the incident is still to be investigated.

The old cars were kept for sale-purchase purpose, the officer said.

According to the police, a dealer who is into sale-purchase business of old cars, had parked his cars in the open ground. He is yet to be identified by the police.
U.S. hotel occupancy declined 3.1% to 51.7% during the week of 5-11 January as ADR dropped 4.7% to $120.43 and RevPAR fell 7.7% to $62.30.

The U.S. hotel industry reported negative year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 5-11 January 2020, according to data from STR.

In comparison with the week of 6-12 January 2019, the industry recorded the following:

 Occupancy: -3.1% to 51.7%

 Average daily rate (ADR): -4.7% to US$120.43

 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -7.7% to US$62.30

San Francisco/San Mateo, California, posted the steepest decline in RevPAR (-69.4% to US$124.53), due primarily to the largest drop in ADR (-62.3% to US$196.04). The market recorded the second-largest decrease in occupancy (-18.9% to 63.5%). STR analysts note that the calendar shift of the 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference significantly affected San Franciscos performance comparisons for the week.

Atlanta, Georgia, experienced the steepest drop in occupancy (-19.0% to 55.6%) and the second-largest declines in ADR (-19.2% to US$103.77) and RevPAR (-34.5% to US$57.74).

Nashville, Tennessee, saw the only other double-digit drop in RevPAR (-12.3% to US$67.39).

Overall, 18 of the Top 25 Markets reported a RevPAR decrease.

Oahu Island, Hawaii, registered the only double-digit rise in occupancy (+10.1% to 86.3%).

New Orleans, Louisiana, posted the largest lift in ADR (+8.8% to US$146.39).

Dallas, Texas, recorded the highest jump in RevPAR (+15.3% to US$74.14).

View U.S. weekly hotel performance review

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.

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 2022 Hospitality Trends
Buried for 18 hours after avalanche, 12-year-old girl found alive in PoK

30-year-old rag-picker arrested for raping 8-year-old girl after luring her with chocolates

Delhi violence: 13-year-old girl who went to write exam missing since Monday

Man arrested for raping 17-year-old girl, putting pressure on her to change religion in UP

14-year-old hearing & speech-impaired girl gangraped, minor among 2 held

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Rewa (MP), Jan 16: A 14-year-old hearing and speech-impaired girl was allegedly raped by two persons, including a minor, in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, police said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Baikunthpur town, around 23 km from Rewa, on Tuesday night, police said.

The accused duo, Dipak Sakat and his 17-year-old accomplice have been arrested, Rewa District Superintendent of Police, Abid Khan, said.

"When the girl was going home around 9 pm, the accused stopped her and forcibly took her to a deserted house in Baikunthpur, where they raped her," he added.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

16-year-old girl abducted, gangraped in Aravalli mountain range on New Year Eve

The accused have been booked under IPC section 376-D (gang-rape) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, Khan said, adding that they will be produced in separate courts.

A sign language interpreter has been communicating with the victim to know the details about her ordeal, he added.
A case of the mystery respiratory infection related to the potentially deadly SARS virus, which first emerged in China, has been confirmed in Japan, authorities said on Thursday.

It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand.

Japan's health ministry said a man who had visited Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported having a persistent fever.

Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was suffering from the new virus.

"This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement.

"We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment," it added.

The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.

Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1.

The man hospitalised in Japan said he had not visited the market however, leaving it unclear how he contracted the virus.

The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution".

On Wednesday Chinese authorities said the virus may have been spread between family members, opening the possibility of human-to-human transmission.

The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market.

WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another".

The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan.

Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Doting Kate Middleton has given royal fans an update on the progress of her youngest, 19-month-old Prince Louis.

At an engagement in Bradford yesterday, the mother-of-one revealed how Louis loves to show off his developing skills, bragging to Kate: 'Mummy, I'm balancing'.

The Duchess also said she takes great pleasure in seeing the tot, who turns two in April, 'turning into a little boy', Hello! magazine reported.

The glamorous royal, 38, made the revelations as she chatted to a grandmother during a visit to a Khidmat Centres, which help vulnerable members of the community.

The glamorous royal, 38, and the Duke of Cambridge, 37, were on an official visit to Bradford on Wednesday and doting Kate revealed that Louis boasts to her that he is now 'balancing'

The mother-of-three spoke to Jo and Ian Broadbent, who have full time care of their six-year-old granddaughter, after the 'Older Yet Wiser' course, a workshop for grandparents who have child-caring responsibilities.

Jo told Hello! magazine: 'Kate obviously has a great interest in early years development, she's quite knowledgeable about it.

'She referred to some of the tools and techniques we learnt about on the course.

'I asked how her children were. Kate said Louis had started to tell her "Mummy, I'm balancing" and she said it was really nice to see him turning into a little boy from being a baby. She's obviously very proud of her children.'

The mother-of-three spoke to Jo and Ian Broadbent, grandparents who take a course at the centre the royals visited, and Jo said Kate revealed the cute details to her during a chat

Earlier at the same event, Kate picked up 18-month-old Sorayah Ahmad and danced with the youngster, helping her shake her rattle in time with the music of the 'banana song'.

The royal proved she was every bit the natural, scooping the little girl up off the floor before bobbing along to the music with the cute toddler in her arms.

The child appeared happy to be cuddled by the Duchess, who helped her shake a rattle before the two enjoyed a game of peek-a-boo.

Kate showed off her maternal side again as she snuggled up with eighteen-month-old Sorayah Ahmad, dancing the baby during a royal visit to Bradford on Wednesday

Sorayah's grandmother Maryiam Ahmad, who has also completed the 'Older Yet Wiser' course, told HELLO! she was almost overcome with emotion when Kate shared a moment with the youngster.

She said: 'I almost started crying, it was very, very emotional. Kate was joining in with the nursery rhymes and dancing with Sorayah.'

The Duchess may be a dab hand at motherhood, but admitted that she failed at an attempt at knitting a 'very special jumper' for George.

Baby Sorayah appeared completely charmed by the Duchess, with the two snuggling up for a hug during the royal visit to Bradford

She said: 'I tried knitting when I first had George. I tried to knit him a very special jumper, but I got half way down and it splattered. It's such an amazing skill.'

The duchess was introduced to a group of women crocheting at the centre, who showed her hearts and blankets they had made for her children - Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, when she made the revelation.

The visit on Wednesday is the couple's first official engagement of the year, and marked the couple's first since crisis talks over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's intention to step back as senior royals.

Kate could be seen snuggling up with the eighteen-month-old during her visit to the Khidmat Centre in Bradford

The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by a drummer as they arrived at the Bradford Khidmat Centre for their third engagement of the day, after meeting youngsters at City Hall and making milkshakes at a restaurant.

The visit comes just days after the Queen agreed Harry and Meghan could step back as senior royals and begin a 'new life' as an 'independent' family.

Following a summit at Sandringham on Monday, Buckingham Palace confirmed the couple would begin a 'transition period' in which they would split their time between the UK and Canada.

The summit convened by the Queen, which brought together Harry, William and the Prince of Wales, was not attended by Meghan, who is in Canada with baby son Archie.

It also emerged on Tuesday that Meghan's father could give evidence against her in her legal battle with The Mail On Sunday, should it go to court.
New Delhi:

MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 Answer Key has been released. Candidates who appeared for the State Service Prelims 2019 exam need to visit the official website of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, i.e. mppsc.nic.in to check the MPPSC State Services Prelims Answer Key 2019. Earlier, the MPPSC State Services Exam was conducted on January 12, 2020 in the state.

MPPSC State Service Prelims 2019 Answer Key

It is to note that the Objection window for challenging questions will remain open from January 17 to January 23, 2020. There will a fee for raising objection against every respective question. In order to check the MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 answer key, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps:

First, candidates need to visit the official website of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission

Then, click on the State Services Prelims 2019 exam answer key link that is available on the homepage

A PDF fill comprising the answer key will open

Download the MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 answer key for future reference

Those candidates who will qualify the preliminary examination will have to appear for the main examination. The MPPSC State Service Prelims Result 2019 will be announced by the Commission soon. The MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 result will be announced soon. Candidates who clear the prelims exam need to appear for the MPPSC State Services Main Exam 2019. Earlier, the application process was started on November 14, 2019 and concluded on December 9, 2019. For more details, candidates need to visit the official website of MPPSC.

The direct link of MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 Answer Key is given below:

MPPSC State Services Prelims 2019 Answer Key Direct Link
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he departs for travel to New Orleans, La., from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Jan. 13, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

Trump Administration Defends Constitutional Prayer and Religious Liberty in Schools

WASHINGTONOn Jan. 16, National Religious Freedom Day, the White House announced updated guidelines on constitutional prayer in public schools.

The guidelines state that public schools cant discriminate against students for praying in school or against organizations of religious affiliations.

The administration is taking three big actions to ensure that people of faith are always able to exercise their rights to religious expression. These actions are just the latest President Trump has taken to defend the constitutionally protected right to the free exercise of religion, Domestic Policy Council Director Joe Grogan said during a morning press briefing.

The three actions ensure religious groups get equal funding, protect prayer in schools, and mandate equal treatment of all groups before the federal government.

Protecting Prayer in School

Grogan cited a 2018 case in which a group of middle school students in Texas were told they werent allowed to pray for a friend who had passed away. The students were forced to pray behind a curtain or in the gym, away from other students.

The guidelines that the Trump administration are introducing seek to limit this form of discrimination.

A senior administration official stated: One of the proposed regulations is that, as a condition of funding, a public institution of higher education cannot deny a religious student group the same benefits, privileges, and rights that other secular student groups have. This places religious student groups on equal footing with secular student groups at public institutions of higher education.

Similarly, the Department of Education plans to add a requirement to public elementary and secondary schools regarding funding eligibility. Public schools that infringe on students right to freedom of religious expression risk losing federal funding.

Separate and apart from the notice of proposed rulemaking, the department is doing something that is very unique to the Department of Education, and it is fulfilling a statutory requirement to issue guidance on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools, said a senior administration official.

The administration also seeks to revise and update the 2003 guidance regarding prayer in public schools. The goal is to allow students to alert authorities more easily when they are being discriminated against.

Later on Jan. 16, President Donald Trump hosted a group of educators and students from various religions, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims, in the Oval Office to commemorate National Religious Freedom Day.

Students shared their stories of religious discrimination from schoolmates and the ways they overcame the discrimination. Educators shared the work theyve done to help protect their students from religious discrimination by creating organizations or providing support.

Defending Religious Freedom

In addition to protecting students rights to religious expression in school, the Trump administration is taking further action to protect religious groups and organizations from discrimination from the federal government.

According to Grogan, Nine agencies will be releasing proposed rules that will ensure that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally by the federal government, and that organizations are not discriminated against simply because they are religious in nature.

The goal is to give all organizations, regardless of affiliation, an equal seat at the table when interacting with federal agencies.

Finally, the Office of Management and Budget is releasing a memo that requires federal agencies to ensure that not just their own grant-making practices, but also the grant-making practices of state recipients of federal funding, comply with the First Amendment as interpreted by the Supreme Court, said Grogan.

Together, these moves will lift the regulations the Obama administration placed on religious groups regarding eligibility for federal grants and funding.

Our Founders understood that no right is more fundamental to a peaceful, prosperous, and virtuous society than the right to follow ones religious convictions, Trump said.
When a person makes an appointment to see an eye doctor, they may consult with an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, or an optician. Each type of eye care practitioner will have different levels of training and expertise and be able to provide different services. There are three different types of eye care practitioner: optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists. Each has a different level of training and expertise, and each will provide different levels of care. This article reviews the differences between the types of eye care professional. It also discusses the roles of other eye care practitioners, including nurses, medical assistants, and technicians.

Optometrist Share on Pinterest An optometrist may conduct an eye exam to diagnose changes in vision. Optometrists provide primary vision care. Their services range from eyesight testing and correction to diagnosing, treating, and managing changes in vision. A person who is training to become an optometrist will attend optometry school, not medical school. It takes 4 years of postgraduate studies to obtain a doctorate in optometry. The practice of optometry involves: conducting eye exams

conducting vision tests

prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses

detecting certain eye irregularities

prescribing medication for certain eye conditions

performing specialized surgical procedures

providing visual rehabilitation In the United States, each state board of optometry defines the drugs or services that an optometrist can provide. Optometrists in some states can prescribe schedule II drugs, which include the opioids: hydrocodone

hydromorphone

oxycodone Five states allow optometrists to perform a procedure called foreign body removal. Optometrists in the following states are also allowed to perform laser eye surgeries: Alaska

Oklahoma

Louisiana

Kentucky To find out what an optometrist can do in a particular state or country, a person can consult the relevant regional boards of optometry. Sometimes, an optometrist is more easily accessible than an ophthalmologist. It is worth finding out if an optometrist can perform a test or procedure before calling an ophthalmologist.

Optician An optician is a technician trained to design and fit the following visual aids: eyeglass lenses and frames

contact lenses

other devices to correct a persons eyesight Opticians use prescriptions from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to verify and fit the required visual aids. They do not have the necessary training to diagnose eyesight problems, and they cannot treat eye conditions.

Ophthalmologist To become an ophthalmologist, a person needs to go to medical school. Ophthalmologists will have at least 8 years of medical school training. Once they become an eye doctor, they are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist can offer the same medical services as an optometrist, including prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. However, ophthalmologists can also: diagnose and treat all eye conditions

perform eye surgeries

conduct scientific research into the causes and cures for eye conditions and vision problems Sometimes, ophthalmologists can also detect health problems that are not directly related to the eye but become apparent in a routine eye exam. If this occurs, the ophthalmologist will recommend that the person consult their family doctor. Ophthalmologists are specialized medical doctors, but some ophthalmologists may choose a subspecialty. This involves continuing their education and training in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. Some subspecialties of ophthalmology include: Cornea specialist The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. It acts as a lens to focus light entering the eyeball. A cornea specialist can diagnose and treat corneal eye conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy and keratoconus. They may also perform surgeries such as refractive surgery and corneal transplantation. People who have trauma to the cornea or complicated contact lens fittings may also consult with a cornea specialist. Retina specialist The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the inner part of the back of the eyeball. Its role is to receive light and send visual signals to the brain. A retina specialist can diagnose and treat retinal eye conditions. This may involve surgically repairing torn or detached retinas. Retina specialists can also treat conditions of the vitreous, which is the gel-like substance in the eyeball. Glaucoma specialist Glaucoma specialists treat the eye condition glaucoma. This causes fluid to build up within the eye. The excess fluid puts pressure on the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. Neurology specialist Ophthalmologists who specialize in neurology are called neuro-ophthalmologists. This subspecialty deals with vision problems related to how the eye communicates with the brain, nerves, and muscles. Some conditions that neuro-ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat include: vision loss

double vision

optic nerve problems

abnormal eye movements

eyelid irregularities

unequal pupil size Pediatric specialist A pediatric ophthalmologist treats infants and children with childhood eye conditions and other eye issues. Some eye issues a pediatric specialist may treat include: misalignment of the eyes

uncorrected refractive errors

vision differences between the two eyes Plastic surgery Plastic surgeons who specialize in ophthalmology can repair damage to the eyelids, bones, or other structures around the eye and tear drainage system. They may also administer injections to improve the look and function of facial structures around the eye.

Other eye care professionals Ophthalmologists sometimes require additional help from nurses, medical assistants, and technicians. The following sections provide more detail on these professionals. Nurses Ophthalmic registered nurses have undergone extra training in eye care. These nurses can inject medications and assist with office or hospital surgeries. Some nurses with specialized training in ophthalmology are clinic or hospital administrators. Medical assistants Ophthalmic medical assistants can perform a variety of tests to help an eye care practitioner during an examination or procedure. Technicians Ophthalmic technicians or technologists are highly trained assistants who can help an eye care practitioner with more complex tests and operations. An ophthalmic photographer, for example, uses cameras and photographic techniques to document a persons eye condition.
[January 16, 2020] Brenthaven Delivers New Edge Series offering 360-degree protection of the Apple iPad 10.2-inch (7th Gen)

SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Brenthaven, a leading manufacturer of protective cases and tech accessories for deployment in digital classrooms, recently announced the new, Apple-approved Edge series for the latest Apple iPad 10.2-inch. "Our products meet the requirements of EdTech Apple buyers across every relevant dimension," said Brenthaven CEO Scott Armstrong. "Education procurement leaders look for the right combination of features and capabilities to ensure product longevity." What matters? Key attributes include price, level of protection, asset tagging availability, resale value at the end of the product life cycle (typically three years), and the ability to deter students from modifying or damaging devices. The classroom is a demanding environment. "Certification by Apple is essential," Armstrong said. "Apple dominates the education market for IT equipment and support for Apple is a priority. Official company approval is important because those approved products come with a lifetime warranty when purchased from directly Apple by educational buyers." Key enhancements available with the new Edge series products include improved button controls, an overall slim design and military-grade drop protection. Edge series products offer extreme protection for K-12 applications and optimize the user experience. Visit us this week at the Future of Education Technology Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL. Edge 360 for the iPad 10.2-inch Edge 360 offers 360-degree protection around the iPad and passes military grade drop-testing up to six feet. This level of extreme protection drives extended lifetime value from device purchases by delivering enhanced protection against drops, scratches and dust. Key features: Patented two-stage stand supportsboth typing and viewing angles

Enhanced crumple zone corners offer better flex and drop protection

Detachable Apple Pencil holder

Larger form factor for a better asset tagging window



The Edge Carry Case features slotted corners for an exclusive detachable shoulder strap and a rugged, retractable handle. The case is designed from both rigid and tactile materials, and includes a tough, built-in kickstand for viewing, presenting or typing modes.

Key features: Screw-down design to reduce removal

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San Diego Zoo Global Celebrates Birth of Andean Bear Cub

San Diego, California - San Diego Zoo Global is celebrating the birth of an Andean bear cub, born at the San Diego Zoo in the early morning hours of Jan. 8, 2020 to first-time mother Alba and sire, Turbo. Mother and cub are being closely monitored by animal care staff via a closed-circuit video camera, allowing Alba to care for her cub without interruption. The mortality rate for Andean bear cubs in their first month is high so the animal care staff is cautiously optimistic for the cubs long-term survival. At just 7 days old, the cubwhose sex is yet to be determinedappears to be thriving.

We are overjoyed about the birth of Albas first cub, stated Chris Hamlin, animal care manager, San Diego Zoo. Alba is showing all the appropriate behaviors of a good mother, being very attentive to her newborn. We are so impressed with how well she is handling motherhood.

The birth of this cub is of great significance to conservation research. It will allow San Diego Zoo Global researchers and animal care staff the rare opportunity to learn about mother and cub interaction, and cub development. Very little is known about Andean bears in their native habitat. They are very shy and tend to avoid humans, making them hard for researchers to study.

The Andean forests where we work are so rugged and dense that it will be a long time before we can study the maternal behavior of wild bears there, said Russ Van Horn, scientist, Population Sustainability, San Diego Zoo Global and co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Natures Andean Bear Expert Team. Alba's behavior and her cub's development will suggest how closely, and for how long, wild mothers and cubs may be linked to birth dens, where we think theyre sensitive to disturbance by humans.

San Diego Zoo Global has been studying Andean bears for over 12 years, and since 2008 has worked with various partners to research and conserve bears in Peru, recently in southeast Peru in and near Manu National Park. The goal of San Diego Zoo Globals Andean Bear Conservation Program is to help increase scientific knowledge about these bears to advance their conservation, to train and mentor Peruvian conservationists and to promote an understanding that the bears are worthy and integral parts of a healthy ecosystem.

Only a few zoos in the United States house Andean bears. The San Diego Zoo paired Alba and Turbo as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Andean bears are also called spectacled bears, named for the unique rings of white or light fur around their eyes. It is the last short-faced bear and the only bear species native to South America. They are found in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia, living primarily in dense forests, but also in grasslands and scrublands.

The Andean bear is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, primarily due to habitat loss. Andean bear habitat is disappearing at a rate of about 2 to 4 percent per year, as it is being destroyed for mining operations, farming and timber harvest. The construction of new roads also fragments bear habitat. In addition, climate change is altering the bears habitat in unpredictable ways. Andean bears are considered an umbrella species in the region, meaning that conservation programs aimed at protecting Andean bears will indirectly benefit other species in the Andes Mountains. It is estimated there are only 2,500 to 10,000 adults remaining in their native habitat.

Andean bears were first cared for at the San Diego Zoo in 1938, and since then, nine cubs have been born. This is the first Andean bear cub born at the San Diego Zoo since 1993. Cubs are born with their eyes closed and are completely dependent on their mother. In their native habitat, it is believed the cubs first leave the safety of their dens at around 3 months of age, and stay with their mothers until they are at least 1 year old, before venturing out on their own. While Alba has access to her outdoor habitat, Zoo visitors most likely will not be able to see the cub for another couple of months, as Alba continues to care for and bond with her cub in her den.

As an international nonprofit organization, San Diego Zoo Global works to fight extinction through conservation efforts for plants and animals worldwide. With a history of leadership in species recovery and animal care, San Diego Zoo Global works with partners in science-based field programs on six continents, and maintains sanctuaries and public education facilities in many places. Inspiring a passion for nature is critical to saving species, and San Diego Zoo Globals outreach efforts share the wonder of wildlife with millions of people every year. Current major conservation initiatives include fighting wildlife trafficking and the impacts of climate change on wildlife species; broad-spectrum species and habitat protection efforts in Kenya, in Peru and on islands worldwide; preventing extinction in our own backyard; and expanding efforts to bank critical genetic resources and apply them to the conservation of critically endangered species.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:16:11|Editor: yan

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DUBAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a fund-raising campaign to rescue the nature and wildlife in Australia amid devastating bushfires, the official WAM news agency reported on Thursday.

The Emirates Nature-WWF (World Wildlife Fund) said in a statement that the funds raised through this campaign will support an emergency appeal from WWF Australia.

The funds will help wildlife recovery, nature restoration and the future prevention of bushfires in Australia, with climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, it said.

The bushfires, unprecedented for Australia in terms of duration and intensity, have claimed 28 lives, killed an estimated 1 billion animals, destroyed 2,000 homes and burnt 10 million hectares of land - an area larger than South Korea or Portugal.
Manhattan Theatre Club has released clips of its Broadway premiere of My Name Is Lucy Barton, starring Laura Linney, which opens tonight at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out the footage below.

Linney, according to a press release, "plays Lucy Barton, a woman who wakes after an operation to find  much to her surprise  her mother at the foot of her bed. They haven't seen each other in years. During their days-long visit, Lucy tries to understand her past, works to come to terms with her family, and begins to find herself as a writer."

Adapted by Rona Munro from Elizabeth Strout's novel, the play is directed by Richard Eyre. The creative team will include Bob Crowley (scenic and costume design), Peter Mumford (lighting design), John Leonard (sound design), and Luke Halls (projection design).
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday questioned the silence of the Narendra Modi-led government over the arrest of disgraced J&K DSP Davinder Singh.

Davinder Singh was arrested on Saturday along with Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his acomplice Rafi and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam. He was allegedly helping Babu travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.

Arms and ammunition were later recovered from multiple raids conducted at the residences of Davinder in Srinagar. The disgraced DIG is currently being interrogated by a joint team of the Centre and J&K.

"DSP Davinder Singh sheltered three terrorists with blood on their hands at his home & was caught ferrying them to Delhi. He must be tried by a fast-track court within 6 months & if guilty, given the harshest possible sentence for treason," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi also criticised the government on the same matter. "DSP Davindar Singh's arrest in JK raises disturbing questions critical to India's national security. It seems rather odd that he not only evaded detection but was entrusted with extremely sensitive duties like escorting foreign envoys to J&K under the prevailing circumstances," tweeted Priyanka Gandhi.

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The Syrian government and its allies dropped 157 bombs over Idlib province in a single day, killing at least 20 civilians  including children  and levelling homes and shops, according to rescue workers and a monitoring group.

The attacks were described as a massacre by Syria Civil Defence (SCD), also known as the White Helmets, who warned that the death toll could rise further as more bodies were pulled from the rubble.

Twenty civilians were killed and 82 others wounded on Wednesday by Russian warplanes and Assads helicopters bombing villages and towns of the southern countryside of Idlib, committing two massacres in the city, spokesperson Ahmed Sheiko told The Independent.

Warplanes targeted civilians who had gathered at a busy vegetable market and nearby shops in the town of Ariha, killing at least 19 people, including two children, Mr Sheiko said. A young man was also killed in regime raids on Hass town centre, south of Idlib.

In a video posted online, rescue workers can be seen struggling to pull a child out from under the rubble.

Our teams fought with all their might to retrieve him alive, but death was faster for him than us, the SCD wrote on Twitter.

Syrian regime bombards Idlib Show all 23 1 /23 Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian regime bombards Idlib Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, recover a wounded boy from the rubble of a building following a regime air strike on a vegetable market in Syria's last major opposition bastion of Idlib AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib The regime air strikes killed at least nine civilians, striking bustling areas of Idlib city AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib An injured woman waits to receive treatment at a makeshift hospital AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, searching through the rubble of a building AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy is evacuated AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib The wreckage of a car AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy cries as he is evacuated AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib Rescuers search for survivors EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy grimaces in pain after he was wounded in the airstrikes AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian youth stands at the site of a regime air strike in Ariha town AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Firefighters try to extinguish flames EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib Emergency services look for survivors AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A boy wounded in airstrikes is treated in a hospital AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian White Helmet civil defense workers extinguish a burning car Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian walks on the rubble of a building AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict using a network of sources inside the country, said that the Assad regime and the Russian air force dropped 157 bombs across Idlib, including 28 barrel bombs.

The latest round of bloodshed comes after a ceasefire agreement was signed on Sunday between the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, Russia, and Turkey, which backs the rebels.

Russia proves again its disrespect to any ceasefire in Syria, and that the recent agreement with Turkey, in its fourth day, is nothing but a repetitive scenario of similar failing agreements. With continuing the artillery and aerial bombardment by Russia, the ceasefire has come to an end, Khaled Khatib, of the White Helmets, told The Independent from inside Ariha.

Despite a string of ceasefires brokered between Mr Assad, Russia and Turkey, the area has witnessed an uptick in violence as the regime renews hostilities against the countrys final area of opposition control.

On Thursday, the United Nations sounded the alarm over the "escalating hostility" in Idlib that it says has displaced about 350,000 people since Mr Assads government renewed its offensive against the area on 1 December.

The vast majority  80 per cent  are believed to be women and children, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.

Many are having to shelter in border areas near Turkey, unable to cross. Rescue workers said that many towns and villages south of Idlib, close to the frontlines, are now empty.

An unstable security situation prevails, with daily reports of bombardments, affecting civilian infrastructure, such as schools and IDP camps, the statement said.

It warned that this is having a perilous impact on those trapped between regime airstrikes, rebel groups and a hostile border with Turkey.

Four million people live in northwest Syria, of which 2.8 million are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, it continued.

Women and children are estimated to make up 76 per cent of this population.
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Private sector lender Bandhan Bank reported strong profitability and NII growth in December quarter, but the report card had some red flags amid a sharp rise in NPA and the cost to income ratio along with lower NIM QoQ.

The bank registered a whopping 136.6 percent YoY growth in profit and 37 percent rise in net interest income, but sequentially net interest margin contracted to 7.9 percent (at all-time low) against 8.2 percent and gross non-performing assets rose 20bps to 1.96 percent QoQ.

Bandhan made additional provision of Rs 200 crore for MFI book in Assam which forms 10 percent of total loan book.

Here are key highlights from Bandhan Bank's conference call by Narnolia Financial Advisors:

On additional provisions of Rs 200 crore made on the standard advance in microfinance portfolio of Assam, management said they were made as the OTR movement had fallen in Assam in December beginning but they have improved near the quarter end.

For All Earnings Related News - Click Here

The management said that considering the current situation there should be no need of accelerated provisioning during Q4FY20.

On GNPA movement in Gruh's portfolio, management said there were slippages of around Rs 82 crore, out of which, 50 percent were due to the classification change. Till last quarter asset classification was done on the basis of the NHB norms but post-merger it is done as per banking regulation.

30 DPD+ Portfolio as of QQFY20 is Rs 556 crore versus Rs 384 crore in Q2FY20 increase of Rs 172 crore, out of which Rs 162 crore increase is from Assam.

As per the management, they have not seen any concern on microfinance business in Bengal which has been suggested in various reports.

The total deposits from Assam is Rs 1,474 crore. The average balance per DSC customer is Rs 1,900.

Bank has benchmarked the event in the north against GST and demonetisation where the bank has the experience that things come back to normal in 3 months time.

The management said the Gruh portfolio growth was affected on account of the integration of merger and expects to get into normal trajectory in 3 to 6 months.

The growth outside east India in terms of customer acquisition is faster as compared to eastern India.

The increase in opex was partly on account of the increase in employees and increase in advertisement expense after merger to add to that as the Gruh high-cost borrowings which were on INDIAN as were replaced, the processing fees paid on loan was amortised over the period of loan and now that it has repaid borrowing uncharged processing fee can not be carried.

On Reduction of NIM during the quarter Management said one of the reasons was excess liquidity and as they pay balance Gruh borrowings, the excess liquidity will come down and secondly the due change in recognition of Gruh NPA there has been some reversal of Interest income. Management expects NIM to go back to 8 percent in 1 or 2 Quarter.

Numbers of exclusive borrowers are in the range of 55 percent.

The Numbers of micro borrowers in West Bengal would be around 45 percent.

The total number of customers in Assam in micro banking would be 14.2 lakhs.

The loan portfolio in the state of Bihar is Rs 4,053 crore versus Rs 3,120 crore last year while Orissa is Rs 945 crore versus Rs 659 crore last year.
The Implicit Bias Training Guide also includes customizable PowerPoint presentations to help family physicians adapt implicit bias training by audience and setting, covering

And in the near future, Implicit Bias Training Guide users will be eligible for CME through the AAFP Credit System.

When participants complete the guide's training, they should have a better understanding of the science of implicit bias and its effect on patient health, be more self-aware of implicit biases, and demonstrate a commitment to incorporate mitigation strategies into practice.

Family Physician's Perspective

Andrea Westby, M.D., of Minneapolis, who contributed to the Implicit Bias Training Guide, told AAFP News that it's essential for physicians and all health care professionals to understand that everyone has implicit biases.

"We cannot be completely unbiased or objective because that's not the way that socialization works or how our brains work," she said. "Implicit bias training, like this toolkit, is really important, as implicit bias impacts how we interact with each other, patients and families, and influences our research and artificial intelligence."

Westby, who teaches family medicine in the University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, said that although everyone has biases, we shouldn't just accept them and move on.

"We have a responsibility to do something about these automatic biases, which will improve the way we care for individuals and help us change policies and structures that lead to inequities," she said. "The toolkit highlights strategies to decrease the effects that biases have on decision-making and patient care, but to use these tools, we need to be able to be aware and admit that biases exist."

It's known that stigma and systemic oppression affect health, Westby said.

"By learning to identify how stigma, bias and oppression are perpetuated in the medical system, family physicians can work to effect positive change for patients and communities, individually and systemically," she added. "Our practices can then truly become the healing centers that we imagine them to be."

Westby said she personally finds that case examples, such as the ones provided in the participant's guide, help to illustrate the importance of addressing bias in clinical settings.

"In my experience, real-world cases and outcomes really drive home the teaching points and the negative effects on patient care that happen as a result of biases," she said. "Additionally, the reflective practices about personal identity and exercises in mindfulness are really valuable, as they give participants space to explore their own identities and experiences."

Furthermore, Westby said that considering the extent of socialization in medical training shows why learning about implicit biases and how to address them early in medical training is ideal.

"Medical trainees can learn to identify and address biases before they are ingrained into their practice," she added.

Finally, Westby said it's important to note that recognizing implicit bias and participating in implicit bias training are only part of the process that family physicians need to understand and engage in to provide optimal person-centered care that is culturally safe and effective.

"This type of training is really important and will hopefully start or continue an educational plan for clinicians in the U.S., but our work does not end here," she said. "Every person deserves safe, appropriate and effective care without fear or stigma, and in order to do this, we need to do our work."

Related AAFP News Coverage

Tackling Patients' Social Needs May Reduce Clinician Burnout

On-site Resources, Team Approach May Mitigate Symptoms

(11/20/2019)

AAFP Promotes Health Equity Curricular Toolkit

(8/12/2019)

Fresh Perspectives blog: Acknowledging -- and Overcoming -- My Own Racial Bias

(4/30/2018)

More From AAFP

FPM: How to Identify, Understand, and Unlearn Implicit Bias in Patient Care

(July/August 2019)

FPM: In Practice blog: Eight tactics to identify and reduce your implicit biases

(8/16/2019)

Implicit Bias Policy
WASHINGTONRacing to get business done before it is sidelined for weeks to deal with an impeachment trial, the United States Senate passed the new North American Free Trade Agreement Thursday morning.

The Houses hour is over, the Senates moment is at hand, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said of impeachment at the beginning of business Thursday. Before we turn to the trial in earnest, the Senate has one more accomplishment to deliver to the American people, he said.

Just under two hours later, the deal passed by a vote of 89 to 10, with substantial support from both parties.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as it is formally called, had already passed the House of Representatives, and will now proceed to the White House for President Donald Trumps signature. Mexico has already ratified the deal, leaving only Canadas Parliament to ratify it before it comes into effect. The Canadian government has long said it expected to approve the deal quickly once the U.S. had.

A rising tide lifts all boats, and this new NAFTA puts a bigger oar in the water, Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican representing Iowa, said on the Senate floor Wednesday, adding, Id like to take this opportunity to call on Canada to quickly ratify the agreement.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, noted he was voting for a trade agreement for the first time in my career because of the labour standards Democrats had been able to obtain in the renegotiation of the deal late last year.

The USMCA, which will govern the vast majority of Canadas international trade, was negotiated and then renegotiated over a period of more than two years after Trump threatened to pull out of NAFTA, which he called the worst trade deal ever made. It updates the agreement to open up Canadas dairy market slightly to U.S. imports, imposes stricter standards on Mexican labour, and increases intellectual property protections and environmental standards, among other things. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who negotiated on behalf of Canada, has said the deal is a win-win-win.

The deal was not universally popular among American legislators, however. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is running for president, said during a prime-time presidential primary debate on Tuesday that it made modest improvements to NAFTA, but we can do much better than a Trump-led trade deal that he complained would lead to job losses due to outsourcing and doesnt contain the words climate change.

Senators worked quickly to move the deal forward as the House was preparing to transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate. Four Senate committees passed their reviews of it early Wednesday in preparation for a floor vote.

The move was one of two significant trade achievements Trump was able to trumpet to counter the impeachment headlines. On Wednesday, he held a signing ceremony at the White House with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He for phase one of a new trade pact between the two countries.

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Displaced families from Idleb have travelled to Raqqa province to seek shelter, although it has not been disclosed how they travelled there reports Enab Baladi.

Officials in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported that a number of displaced people from Idleb have reached Raqqa province, and have been received in a camp designated for them.

The head of the Idleb branch of the SDFs Future Syria Party, Turki Dadooa, said that a few days ago, about 25 families from Idleb province had arrived in the Raqqa countryside and that the families had been received in the eastern Abu Qabeea area camp.

Turki told Enab Baladi that coordination to prepare for other families from Idleb was ongoing.

The Future Syria Party was established in 2018 and identifies itself as an, independent mass political party that takes open peaceful struggle as a means of achieving its aims to create democratic change. The party also stresses the unity of Syrian territory and good relations with neighboring countries, and, bringing together community tradition and democratic modernity, and ensuring gender equality, according to its official website.

Abu Omar al-Idlebi, a member of the Northern Democratic Brigade of the SDF was reserved about the specific way the families traveled from Idleb to Raqqa.

He told Enab Baladi that this initiative was based on a call, put out by the SDF leader Mazloum Abadi, to receive Idlebs displaced who want to come to the Kurdish Self-Administration areas.

On Monday, the Northern Democratic Brigade media office on Monday, published a video recording showing a new batch of displaced families from Idleb arriving in Raqqa province.

Abadi said on Twitter on Dec. 27, 2019: Our doors are open to our people in Idleb, who can coordinate with [Idleb military forces] who are under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces to reach our area.

Abadi did not blame the Syrian regime or Russian forces directly for the escalation in the area, but the Turkish side.

The eastern and southern countrysides of Idleb have been subjected to a major escalation by the Syrian regime and Russia since Dec. 19, 2019, with a land military campaign that has resulted in dozens of villages and points being captured, alongside an air escalation by warplanes on Maarat al-Numan city and its environs.

Since Sunday, a truce has begun to be implemented to stop the ground and air attacks in the de-escalation area in Idleb province after an agreement reached by Russia and Turkey, according to a Turkish Defense Ministry statement.

How they arrived

A source in Raqqa province (who asked not to be named) told Enab Baladi that displaced people from Idleb who reached the Abu Qabeea area in the Raqqa countryside came individually.

The source said that anyone could enter SDF-controlled areas, but on the condition that they get a sponsor, either from the Northern Democratic Brigade or from a Kurd in the area.

The source said that the Aoun al-Dadat crossing between Jarablus, which is controlled by the Syrian National Army, and the city of Manbij, which is controlled by the SDF, had been restored to operation, and that it was possible for displaced people coming from Idleb to enter Aleppo towards Manbij and then on to Raqqa.

Enab Baladis correspondent in the Aleppo countryside said that the SDF had restored the Aoun al-Dadat crossing on Dec. 12, 2019, after a period of closure.

He said that the crossing was now operating with a civilian movement, while it had previously been used to bring in fuel from SDF areas to opposition areas.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
One fact repeatedly cited by Mr. Ghosn and others as a prominent feature of the Japanese criminal justice system is the countrys 99 percent conviction rate, often through confessions. The objectives of prosecutors in Japan help explain this. The aim of achieving corrective behavior and reintegration into society, rather than simply determining guilt and punishment, is a high priority for Japanese prosecutors. This requires recognition of wrongdoing and remorse. Restitution and forgiveness of victims is an important element of this process (a highly unlikely outcome in this case, where Nissans interests are decidedly aligned with the prosecutors). Once these objectives are achieved, prosecutors have considerable authority and discretion to grant leniency, and they often do. Only cases with a high likelihood of conviction tend to go to trial.

This leads to one of the most troubling issues to outside observers: the presumption of innocence. How can there be a determination of guilt and an admission of culpability before there has even been a trial on the merits?

Protections for the accused do exist under the Japanese Constitution; they were introduced by the United States during its occupation of the country after World War II. Under the Japanese civil law system, however, they generally apply only at the trial stage, where issues of guilt or innocence are formally determined. During the pretrial stage, local rules place emphasis on the investigatory powers of the prosecutors. So, the right to counsel during questioning depends on whether  in the prosecutors estimation  a lawyers presence is likely to interfere with the investigation. (Invariably, the determination is that it will, as in the case of Mr. Ghosn.)

Conditions for contact with others during detention and the granting of bail are based on assessments of the suspects good faith and willingness to cooperate and the perceived likelihood of evidence tampering. This explains why a defendant might be cut off from their spouse and held for prolonged periods without bail, as Mr. Ghosn was. Suspects are free to refuse to confess, as Mr. Ghosn has done, but that inevitably results in increased exercise of substantial prosecutorial powers to obtain a confession.

Mr. Ghosn has fled to Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty with Japan, so the prospect of a trial is unlikely. But if his case does go to trial, additional factors will come into play. In the context of Japanese prosecutorial objectives, going to trial would indicate that prosecutors efforts to obtain Mr. Ghosns remorse have failed, increasing the pressure on them to achieve a conviction. For Mr. Ghosn, everything would then rest on the discretion and probity of the judge, a career bureaucrat.
A microorganism scooped up in deep-sea mud off Japan's coast is the missing link between ancient bacteria and the cells that led to humans, scientists claim.

A group of researchers from Japan studied the biology of the organism that was found 1.5 miles below the surface of the ocean by coaxing it to grow in a lab.

Life on Earth was originally made up of simple organisms such as bacteria and until this study, biology has had no answer for how more complex cells evolved.

The team from Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology say this new microorganism is the link between the two types of cells.

Named Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum, it was a stage between simple single cell organisms such as bacteria and the complex cells that led to animals and plants.

Scientists have discovered a single-cell organism which could provide evidence about the origins of life on earth

The name refers to the Greek mythological figure Prometheus who was said to have created humankind from clay and stole fire from the gods.

It is a spherical cell with a diameter of roughly 500 nanometers, or one-20,000th of a centimeter and boasts long, often branching tentacle-like appendages.

It is part of a group called archaea, relatively simple single-cell organisms lacking internal structures such as a nucleus - they are part of the prokaryotes group of cells.

Scientists have long puzzled over the evolutionary shift from such simple bacteria-like cells to more complex cells called eukaryotes.

The more complex cells allowed for the transition from the simple cells that first colonised the planet to complex cellular life include fungi, plants and animals.

Scientists used the deep submergence research vessel Shinkai 6500 to recover the mud

To come up with their theory the team from Japan spent a decade getting Prometheoarchaeum to grow in a lab so they could observe it properly.

They also studied its relationship with a companion bacterium to find out if that had any bearing on the next stage of evolution into more complex cells with a nuclei.

The team say that the appendages on the new type of organism captured a passing bacteria, engulfed it and together they evolved into more complex cells.

They say it would have originally become mitochondrion - the powerhouse of a cell and crucial for respiration and energy production.

The solar system including Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago and the first life on Earth, simple marine microbes, appeared roughly 4 billion years ago.

The later advent of eukaryotes set in motion evolutionary paths that led to a riotous assemblage of organisms over the eons like palm trees, blue whales, T. rex, hummingbirds, clownfish, shiitake mushrooms and humans.

'How we - as eukaryotes - originated is a fundamental question related to how we - as humans - came to be,' said microbiologist Masaru Nobu.

Prometheoarchaeum is a member of a subgroup called Asgard archaea - named for the dwelling place of the gods in Norse mythology.

Other members of this subgroup were retrieved from the frigid seabed near a hydrothermal vent system called Loki's Castle, named after a Norse mythological figure, between Greenland and Norway.

The research on Prometheoarchaeum, Nobu said, indicates that the Asgard archaea are the closest living relatives to the first eukaryotes.

The Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum, pictured, was scraped from the mud off the Japanese coast under 1.5 miles of water

The researchers used a submersible research vessel to collect mud containing Prometheoarchaeum from the Omine Ridge off Japan in 2006.

They studied it in the laboratory in a years-long process and watched it slowly proliferate after incubating the samples in a vessel infused with methane gas to simulate the deep-sea marine sediment environment in which it resides.

'We were able to obtain the first complete genome of this group of archaea and conclusively show that these archaea possess many genes that had been thought to be only found in eukaryotes,' Nobu said.

Prometheoarchaeum was found to be reliant on its companion bacterium.

'The organism 'eats' amino acids through symbiosis with a partner,' Nobu said.

'This is because the organism can neither fully digest amino acids by itself, gain energy if any byproducts have accumulated, nor build its own cell without external help.'
ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Xclusive Wellness is proud to announce that it will be the first West Coast retailer to offer Xclusive cannabis and CBD products. Xclusive strains--Lava breath, Peanut Butter Breath, Donkey Breath, and Motor Breath--will be available to Anaheim cannabis recreational users on January 17, 2020 through January 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Xclusive Wellness store, located at 515 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, CA 92804. The limited supply is expected to draw large crowds and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers will be treated with free edible bits and free pre-rolls and awesome discounts on other products.

"Xclusive Wellness chose Anaheim as it's first location because Anaheim is the heart of southern California and we deliver some of the best quality flower in Southern California. We will not let our Anaheim customers down," said Company Representative. "Our cultivators and the Xclusive team worked hard to preserve Xclusive Wellness' brand integrity through a careful pheno selection process and every strain passed their strict quality assurance test."

Xclusive Wellness Anaheim retail store will continue to carry Xclusive strains throughout Q1 2020 and will distribute Xclusive products to select dispensaries beginning in March.

"This will be our first official Xclusive Wellness Cannabis Concierge store in Anaheim, CA drop on the West Coast," says company representative. "Our cultivation partners in southern California are incredible and grew the sh** out of this first batch. I'm expecting people from all over southern California to travel to Anaheim for this drop. We are happy to bring some of our best flavors to Anaheim."

Xclusive Wellness sells its own range of consciously cultivated cannabis flower, concentrates and extracts through its premier recreational dispensary location in the heart of Anaheim. The Xclusive team spent significant time vetting partners to match its brand and genetics. Xclusive announced its partnership with in June 2019. Culta has also received attention for its outdoor commercial cannabis harvest, a first for an East Coast company.

"We've come a long way, but it was worth the wait," said Company Rep.

ABOUT XCLUSIVE WELLNESS

Born in 2019, In Orange County, CA Xclusive Wellness sincerely cares about your well-being. Since opening up shop in Anaheim CA, we've been working closely with our valued customers and distributors in Orange County to become Anaheim's leading Cannabis concierge in order to provide our clients more than just "Top Shelf" cannabis, but A truly Xclusive experience. Our well informed staff provide them with exactly what they want, at a price they can afford. We take pride in taking the time to understand what each client needs in order to reach wellness. That's why so many of our clients become regulars, and we continue to grow and expand year after year. Xclusive Wellness is ready to help you, so don't delay, it's time to elevate, elevate! It's ALWAYS time to celebrate.

Today, Xclusive Wellness is one of the most respected and top-selling cannabis brands in Orange County California and is gaining traction, amassing a stable of over 50 cannabis varieties and product lines including indoor, outdoor and sun-grown flower, pre-rolls, and vape carts. "With its first storefront in Anaheim California there are many more to come" Says company Representative. overall vertical integration and partnerships with leading manufacturers like Solu Science and Honey Gold Processing to sale business allows for complete quality control at every step from cultivation and production to retail experience.

MEDIA CONTACT

John Alden

[email protected]

http://www.Xclusivewellness.com

SOURCE Xclusive Wellness California, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.Xclusivewellness.com


EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Minerals Inc. (AMI or the Corporation) - TSX Venture: AMI - is pleased to announce that effective January 13th, 2020 the Province of Alberta issued the Corporation a disposition for the Coffey Lake Public Pit (Coffey Lake) and a Surface Material Lease that allows for the extraction of sand and gravel. This authorization enables AMI, as pit management contractor on behalf of the Province, to commence with activities to open aggregate operations at Coffey Lake to the public.



The Coffey Lake Public Pit is located on 335 hectares of land, 90 kilometers from the city of Fort McMurray and 45 kilometers from Fort McKay in the heart of oilsands major industrial operations. Coffey Lake is the sequel to the Provinces Susan Lake Public Pit which AMI operated and closed in 2019 after some 20 years of operation. AMIs pit management contract with the Province for Coffey Lake is 15 years.

Robert Beekhuizen, Chief Executive Officer, states: we are pleased to proceed with opening the Coffey Lake Public Pit to serve the needs of local industry, infrastructure projects and contractors. The annual demand for aggregates in the Ft. McMurray region is considerable, which past production from the Susan Lake Public Pit demonstrated over 20 years. Coffey Lake is able to satisfy this demand as an important supply source, as well as expand the availability of specialty products. We look forward to bringing Coffey Lake Public Pit into operation this year with best practices, creating economic benefit for the local community and demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability.

AMI will begin with clearing and stripping activities immediately to achieve the goal of opening aggregate operations in Q2/Q3, 2020, at which time the Corporation will commence earning management fees. AMI has already awarded a clearing contract to Shott Earthworks Inc., a local Indigenous Fort McKay Contractor.

For more information about Coffey Lake Public Pit, AMI has launched a website www.coffeylakepit.ca which will be progressively updated and used for communication purposes throughout project development and operations.

About Athabasca Minerals Inc (AMI):

Athabasca Minerals Inc. ( www.athabascaminerals.com ) is an integrated group of companies focused on the aggregates and industrial minerals sectors, including resource development, aggregates marketing and midstream supply-logistics solutions. Business activities include aggregate production, sales and royalties from corporate-owned pits, management services of third-party pits, acquisitions of sand and gravel operations, and new venture development. Athabasca Minerals is the parent company of Aggregates Marketing Inc. ( www.aggregatesmarketing.com )  a midstream technology-based business using its proprietary Rockchain digital platform, associated algorithm and QA/QC services to provide cost-effective integrated supply /delivery solutions of industrial minerals to industry, and the construction sector. It is also the parent company of AMI Silica Inc. ( www.amisilica.com )  a subsidiary positioning to become a leading supplier of premium domestic in-basin sand with regional deposits in Alberta and NE British Columbia. It is the joint venture owner of the Montney In-Basin and Duvernay Basin Frac Sand Projects.

Additionally, the Corporation has industrial mineral leases, such as those supporting AMIs Richardson Quarry Project, that are strategically positioned for future development in industrial regions with historically and consistently high demand for aggregates.

For further information on Athabasca, please contact:

Jan Cerny, VP Corporate Development & Capital Markets

Tel: 403-818-8680 // Email: jan.cerny@athabascaminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vessel license revocation curbs illegal fishing in the Philippines

January 16,2020 | Source: PNA

For the first time in its history, the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) permanently revoked the license of a fishing vessel found to have repeatedly violated the Fisheries Codes provision banning commercial fishing in municipal waters.



We welcome this breakthrough in the implementation of the law. The permanent revocation serves as an effective deterrence on illegal commercial fishing happening in municipal waters. Strong measures in transparency and enforcement are needed if we are to return the abundance of our waters, said lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana vice president.



Oceana formally requested on Dec. 9, 2019 the BFARs Adjudication Committee for the list and status of commercial fishing vessels and owners/operators with repeated violations of the Fisheries Administrative Order 198-1.



The committee secretariat responded on Jan. 7, 2020 and cited the administrative sanction imposed by the Adjudication Committee in one case in Region 6 where the committee decided to "permanently revoke the Commercial Fishing Vessel License (CFVL) bearing No. GRNG-06701-07-17to FV RAIZZA."



We urge the BFAR to hasten the implementation of the vessel monitoring measures to deter the intrusion of commercial fishing vessel operators into the municipal waters. We have to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to restore the deteriorating fisheries and marine resources, especially in the municipal waters, Ramos said.



Oceana, in partnership with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, formed the "Karagatan Patrol" platform that encourages online reporting of illegal fishing from enforcement agencies and citizens.



Karagatan Patrols monitoring of infrared satellite finds the continuous presence of superlight supposedly coming from commercial fishing vessels in municipal waters all over the country. However, only the implementation of the vessel monitoring system will verify the reported violation and we are happy that some responsible commercial fishing vessel operators support the implementation of the monitoring, control and surveillance provisions of the Fisheries Code, Ramos said.



Fausto Alpay of Subic Commercial Fishing Association Incorporated (SCOFAI), in a recent public consultation of BFAR for Luzon on the vessel monitoring mechanism, said, We fully support the requirement of Vessel Monitoring Measures, required by the amended Fisheries Code of the Philippines, as a means to monitor fishing activities and ensure that all commercial fishing vessels comply with the law banning commercial fishing in municipal waters."



"This can also help ensure the safety of our fisherfolk in cases of emergency. Our organization is also calling on our government to protect our rights as we go beyond municipal waters and face poachers in the West Philippine Sea who prevent us from fishing in what is rightfully our territorial waters, he added.



Oceana lauded Alpay and SCOFAI for expressing their full support to full compliance of the law, vessel monitoring requirement being an important component of the Fisheries Code, as amended.



Oceana is an international advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the worlds oceans. Since 2014, Oceana has been working closely with national and local government agencies and stakeholders to restore the abundance of Philippine fisheries and marine resources.

 2020 Philippine News Agency

Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods.
David Barnett is an unlikely warrior in the battle against big tech. The founder and chief executive of PopSockets, a Colorado company that makes a widely popular kickstand-of-sorts for smartphones, says he isn't even an "expert on antitrust laws" in Washington.

But Barnett discovered firsthand the rare power and influence of Amazon in 2018, after clashing with the e-commerce giant over policies that made it hard to sell his products on his preferred terms and prices. PopSockets soon terminated its ties with Amazon, which helped lead to sizable losses later as a result.

"What company that started a business out of their garage can afford to lose $10 million?" he asked in an interview. "We're lucky we're in a position we're profitable and could take a stand."

Barnett's story could resonate with federal regulators: Such tales of big tech's debatably brash, bullying tactics are set to take center stage when he and his corporate peers testify at a high-profile congressional hearing Friday. The session could elicit the most convincing, public evidence to date that Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google have become too big and powerful - and need to be restrained.

Since June, House lawmakers led by Democratic Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island have trained their sights on the four tech giants, exploring their ascendance as the world's most popular and profitable online services. Even in a capital wracked by partisanship, Democrats and Republicans have come to share heightened concerns the industry's biggest players may have stifled competition, enriched themselves on Americans' personal data or locked in their digital dominance unlawfully.

The hearing - held not far from PopSockets' headquarters in Boulder, Colorad0 - could ultimately serve to put a new, personal face on longstanding calls for tech titans to be regulated, penalized or broken up, galvanizing those that believe Congress needs to toughen federal antitrust laws to prevent abuse.

"You think about the market share that some of these platforms have," Cicilline said. "You change an algorithm, you exclude someone from a platform, and you can put them out of business."

Along with PopSockets, lawmakers are set to hear from top executives at Sonos, a high-end audio company, and Basecamp, which makes collaborative workplace software. Both allege Google undermines smaller rivals. Sonos has sued Google, alleging patent infringement as well.

Joining those witnesses will be a senior official from Tile, best known for its technology that helps people track keys, wallets and other objects they're liable to lose around the house. Company officials contend Apple's software tweaks stifle competing services.

Ahead of the hearing, tech giants vigorously defended their practices. Amazon in a statement said its seller rules benefit consumers, and it took issue with PopSockets and some of its claims. Google said its ad policies are fair, and it never infringed on Sonos technology. And Apple pointed to past comments saying it seeks to protect consumer privacy through its software updates, not undermine rivals. Facebook did not comment.

(Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

The bipartisan congressional inquiry illustrates the precarious regulatory environment that now looms over Silicon Valley, once the darling of a tech-obsessed Washington. The industry's rapid rise and record-breaking profits, long heralded as an engine of American economic growth, now are seen as evidence of the dangers of corporate consolidation.

In response, federal antitrust regulators have started to ponder action: The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission last year divvied up competition oversight of the country's top tech companies. Nearly every state attorney general, meanwhile, has banded together for wide-ranging probes targeting Facebook and Google. And Cicilline, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee's antitrust-focused subcommittee, has spent the seven months leading the panel as it peers under the hood of big tech.

So far, members of Congress have obtained millions of documents with the goal of putting forward bipartisan recommendations in the next few months. Cicilline said this week lawmakers soon also seek to question "the CEOs of some of the major technology companies," threatening an uncomfortable public grilling for Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google.

The tech industry's top lobbyists say they understand the scrutiny. But they disagree vehemently with those that say consumers have suffered and tech companies should be broken up as a result.

"There's no question that the disruptive innovations have created some winners and losers," said Matt Schruers, the president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, which represents Amazon, Facebook and Google. "I don't think there's any doubt members of Congress are hearing from those who have been on the losing side of some of these disruptive innovations, but consumer response to these products speaks for itself."

Not everyone sees it that way.

Tile long had benefited from Apple's good graces: The company behind those tiny trackers for your most important possessions even had a rare shout-out on stage at the iPhone giant's annual developer conference in 2018.

But the relationship soured as Apple inched closer toward rolling out a tool - built into its smartphone operating system - that seemed like "something that's going to resemble our service," recalled Kirsten Daru, Tile's general counsel, in an interview ahead of her testimony Friday.

The result was "Find My," an enhanced effort by Apple to help its customers better locate their lost devices. Not only does it mimic many of the features long offered by Tile, it also has a major advantage: Apple turned on the location tracking that makes "Find My" functional by default. Rivals like Tile, meanwhile, must obtain users' permission in deep, hard-to-find smartphone settings, Daru said, then reauthorize it when presented with follow-up reminders.

Apple said the changes are about protecting privacy, citing a need to prevent app-makers from using consumers' data without their knowledge. "Apple has not built a business model around knowing a customer's location or the location of their device," spokesman Fred Sainz said in a statement.

But Tile said the changes for now have resulted in a "confusing and frustrating experience for our users," according to Daru, adding: "We're looking to Congress to level the playing field."

David Heinemeier Hansson has a similar message for lawmakers. The well-known programmer and co-founder of Basecamp, which offers web-based product management tools, said he plans to stress Friday it's time for regulators to "broaden your definition of what antitrust enforcement is."

For Basecamp, the trouble centers on Google's dominant search engine, which aided the tech giant in amassing $117 billion in ad revenue in 2018. Its competitors have been purchasing ads on Google against Basecamp's own name, he said, meaning people who search for Hansson's company see rivals unless they scroll down their results page. To Hansson, it means Google requires companies "to pay protection money" - or risk obscurity.

"They built their monopoly by having a great search engine" he said. "Now that they have that monopoly, they're exploiting it to reap monopoly profits."

In response, Google spokesman Jose Castaneda rebuffed Basecamp's claims. He said competitors are allowed to "bid on trademarked terms because it offers users more choice when they are searching," but added Google will remove their names from text if they file a complaint.

By airing their criticisms publicly, many of big tech's biggest challengers now seek to change the political calculus. Scores of companies long have been willing to grouse about their bigger tech brethren only privately, afraid of squandering much-needed relationships or scaring off investors wary of open warfare.

But renewed antitrust interest in Washington has some corporate boardrooms rethinking their plans, as they labor to attract the attention of regulators who say they are ready to do something about it. The troubles aired at the hearing Friday could later shape state and federal probes, leading to significant penalties, lawmakers and experts said.

"I don't think we've ever faced a situation where there's such a small group of companies with such unprecedented size, scale and dominance," said Patrick Spence, the chief executive of Sonos.

This month, the audio company revealed in court documents it is suing Google, alleging the search giant copied its technology. Google has denied the charge, and this week claimed Sonos has made "misleading statements." But Spence said Google's behavior reflects a culture where big companies are "doing the math" and determining they can act as they please and survive the punishment. Sonos previously kept the standoff quiet for years, a sign to some about the fear of challenging the largest tech companies publicly.

"It might be life or death for them," Spence said.

To the average Amazon shopper, it might not have seemed anything was amiss with PopSockets, either. Their small, circular handles, attached to the back of iPhones and Androids, were readily available on the e-commerce site.

But that obscured a lengthy, tense relationship between the two companies that later cost PopSockets millions of dollars, the company's leader said.

In its earlier days, PopSockets tried to get Amazon's attention about counterfeits sold there, only to be browbeat by the tech giant into spending more on marketing, according to Barnett. Adding to the headaches, PopSockets fretted about a series of changes to Amazon policies that essentially left it little choice but to sell directly to Amazon, which then determined the prices of the products it later sold to customers.

For its part, Amazon said this week the debacle stemmed from the fact PopSockets essentially ran afoul of its rules. Amazon will sell a company's products on their behalf, but it prohibits a firm from simultaneously selling through another intermediary that could later undercut the Seattle-based juggernaut on price.

"Amazon obsesses over our customer experience and we have policies for brands to ensure they are consistently meeting customer expectations," said Jack Evans, a spokesman at Amazon.

But Barnett said the restrictions proved too limiting. While he since has sought to restart his relationship with Amazon, the PopSockets leader recalled Amazon officials at one point trying - unsuccessfully - to strong arm the company even after it reached its breaking point.

"They acted as if it wasn't in our power to break up with them," he said. "For most businesses our age, it's not in their power to break up with Amazon. It's not within their power to find an alternative."
Nearly 34,000 displaced Brus living in Tripura since 1997 got relief with the Centre on Thursday signing an agreement for their settlement in the state instead of sending them back to neighbouring Mizoram.

Home minister Amit Shah, who presided over the meeting for signing of the agreement announced a Rs. 600 package to Tripura government for their rehabilitation.

Around 5,000 families, comprising around 30,000 people of Bru or Reang tribe had fled Mizoram in 1997 following an ethnic conflict. They have been living in six relief camps in Kanchanpur sub-division in Tripura North district since then. The Centre, Tripura, Mizoram had signed a similar agreement in June 2018 with the leaders of the community for their repatriation but many refused to go back citing security concerns.

Shah said that under the new arrangement, each displaced families would be given 40x30 sq.ft. residential plots, in addition to the aid under an earlier agreement of a fixed deposit of Rs. 4 lakhs, Rs. 5,000 cash aid per month for two years, free ration for two years and Rs. 1.5 lakhs aid to build their house. The government of Tripura would provide the land under this agreement.

"These people would get all the rights that normal residents of the states get and they would now be able to enjoy the benefits of social welfare schemes of Centre and state governments. The settlement has been reached after detailed discussions held by Union government with Mizoram and Tripura government and the representatives of Bru tribes," a statement quoting Shah said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb, BJP leader from Assam and Chairman, North East Democratic Alliance, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chairman, TIPRA and Tripura's royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, representatives of Bru tribes, along with senior officers attended the meeting.

Debbarma had first raised the demand that Brus be rehabilitated in Tripura instead of forcing them to go back to Mizoram. The demand came after at least six camp inmates died after Tripura government stopped ration supply to the camp in November last year as they refused to go to Mizoram.

Till 2014, 1622 Bru-Reang families returned to Mizoram in different batches. Another 328 families returned to Mizoram as per the agreement signed in June 2018 but most others refused to go back.

The statement, however, did not mention on whether those who had returned to Mizoram would come back to Tripura.
Wine industries on both sides of the Atlantic are hoping the Trump Administration does not slap a 100% tariff on a wide variety of European goods, including wine. This week brought two signs of support to bolster their hopes.

The good news began Tuesday with two prominent wine organizations in the European Union and the United States signing a statement of principle on trade and tariffs. Comite Europeen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) and the California-based Wine Institute called for an end to all wine tariffs as part of their efforts to heal trade rifts between the E.U. and the U.S.

"A free wine trade environment is essential to preserve the longstanding efforts and investments of our wine companies. We urge authorities to protect our sector from being caught in the crossfire in unrelated trade disputes," Jean-Marie Barillere, CEEV president, said.

Key to the CEEV and Wine Institute response are the concepts of "zero for zero" and "wine for wine." "Zero for zero" advocates the elimination of E.U. and U.S. wine tariffs. "Wine for wine" counsels governments to avoid targeting the wine industry in unrelated trade disputes.

The U.S. currently has a 25% tariff in place as a response to E.U. subsidizing Airbus. The U.S. also is considering a 100% tariff on a broader range of wines and other goods. The threatened action is a response to France employing a digital services tax that impacts American companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook.

The CEEV is an E.U. trade body representing companies responsible for over 90% of Europe's wine exports. The Wine Institute advocates domestically and abroad on behalf of over 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses.

Mary Taylor, owner of Mary Taylor Wines, earned an ovation with her own words as she appeared before a U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing to discuss the proposed 100% tariff on European imports. Michael Alberty, Special to The Oregonian/OregonLive

People like Mary Taylor are hopeful the political clout of these organizations will influence decision-makers in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, Belgium. Taylor is the owner of Mary Taylor Wine, an import company based in Brooklyn, New York.

In response to the news of the CEEV-Wine Institute statement, Taylor posted "It is a ray of light" to a Facebook group fighting new tariffs.

Last week, Taylor earned an ovation with her own words as she appeared before a U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing to discuss the proposed 100% tariff.

Taylor testified that the first round of wine tariffs put her company in the red in the 4th quarter of 2019. White informed the committee that a 100% tariff would force her to lay off her employees and shut her doors.

Taylor asked the attending members of the USTR: "how can you just gut my family business?"

Taylor views the CEEV-Wine Institute statement as a step in the right direction. It is helpful for those working on this issue to see any kind of action, Taylor said in a telephone interview. Taylor said she spent approximately 50 hours a week educating citizens and lobbying political leaders on tariffs.

Thats on top of actually trying to run my business. But Im a revolutionary that comes from the same stock that fought the British. I will fight this 100% tariff, Taylor said.

A letter to the USTR from the Congressional Wine Caucus also offered encouragement to the American wine industry.

A letter signed Tuesday by 106 caucus members urged the USTR to refrain from targeting the wine industry in un-related trade disputes. The letter stated: "Further escalation of these disputes will lead to even greater disruptions in the transatlantic wine trade and jeopardize thousands of small and medium-sized businesses and the tens of thousands of US jobs they support across the country."

The letter is signed by all five Oregon members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley did not sign the letter.

Merkley spokesperson Sara Hottman said the senators office wasnt contacted about signing the letter: We are currently reaching out to our House counterparts for more information.

According to Wyden spokesperson Hank Stern, while their office wasnt asked to sign the letter, the senator is concerned about the situation.

"Tariffs are not the goal of trade enforcement, they are a means to an end. That point seems lost on this administration, which is perfectly happy to put tariffs in place indefinitely. I dont want to see high tariffs on wine or any other product  I want to see the administration resolve these disputes and make sure our aerospace and tech industries are treated fairly. If we have tariffs in place and no resolution to those matters, then we are losing twice, Sen. Wyden said in an email.

Portland-based wine importer Oliver Rochelois is cautious in interpreting these new developments.

A few weeks ago I wasnt hearing much about this issue, so perhaps it is a positive thing these discussions are occurring at high levels, Rochelois said.

Rochelois company, Petit Monde Wine Merchant, specializes in French wines. Rochelois has European wine shipments en route and is concerned a new tariff might be put in place before the wines arrive in Portland.

Im in a nervous place right now so it is difficult to be overly optimistic, Rochelois said.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine.

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
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With the Supreme Court rejecting a review of its order that put Rs 1.47 lakh crore liability of past dues on telecom companies, firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are evaluating filing a curative petition before the apex court for relaxation on penalties and payment deadline.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra on Thursday dismissed review petitions filed by telecom companies against the apex court's October 24, 2019 verdict that asked for inclusion of non-telecom revenues for calculating statutory dues such as licence fee and spectrum usage charge. Dues dating back 15 years, as per the October order, have to be paid by January 23.

In a statement, Bharti Airtel, which faces a liability of nearly Rs 35,586 crore, said it was disappointed by the order and is now "evaluating filing a curative petition."

In a late evening exchange filing, Vodafone Idea, which has to pay Rs 53,038 crore, said it is also "exploring further options, including filing of a curative petition".

Following the October 24 Supreme Court order, the Department of Telecom (DoT) estimated that the total liability of 15 telecom companies, including penalties and interest, would be Rs 1.47 lakh crore.

It has estimated another Rs 2.4 lakh crore in liability for non-telecom companies such as state-owned gas utility GAIL India Ltd and power transmission firm PowerGrid, which had taken licences to trade broadband on optic fibre running along their pipelines and transmission lines.

Sources, however, said no demand notice was served either on GAIL or PowerGrid and only assessment orders were issued which the two companies contested putting across facts on revenues earned from such licenses.

The assessment put GAIL liability at Rs 1.72 lakh crore and that of PowerGrid at Rs 21,000 crore. Another Rs 40,000 crore liability was assessed of Oil India Ltd.

However, a demand notice was served in case of GNFC for Rs 15097 crore.

In a statement, Airtel said: "While respecting the Supreme Court's decision, we would like to express our disappointment as we believe the long standing disputes raised regarding the AGR definition were bonafide and genuine."

The industry continues to face severe financial stress and the outcome could further erode the viability of the sector as a whole, it rued.

"The industry needs to continue to invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum and introducing new technologies like 5G. The money now required to pay punitive interest, penalty and interest on penalty which forms nearly 75 per cent of AGR dues would have better served the digital mission of the country," Airtel said.

Vodafone Idea said "further to our communications dated 24 October 2019, 25 October 2019 and 26 October 2019..., we wish to inform you that Hon'ble Supreme Court has dismissed the review petition filed by the company and other telecom operators".

Industry body COAI said the dismissal of the review petition is the last straw in contributing to financial distress and said it remains to be seen whether the industry will recover from this setback.

"This added financial pressure on the sector will also adversely impact Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India," COAI director general Rajan S Mathews said expressing disappointment at the apex court order.

"The sector, which is currently reeling under a debt of Rs 4 lakh crore, is a key contributor to the Indian economy in terms of consumer benefit, employment, revenue generation and contributes 6.5 per cent to the GDP. The sector is already facing heavy taxes and levies in the range of 29-32 per cent, which are globally the highest," he said.

The statutory liabilities in the case of Bharti Airtel adds up to nearly Rs 35,586 crore, of which Rs 21,682 crore is licence fee and another Rs 13,904.01 crore is spectrum dues (excluding the dues of Telenor and Tata Teleservices).

This week, the Sunil Mittal led company raised USD 3 billion through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) and FCCB route to pay for the statutory liabilities.

Vodafone Idea -- which is staring at unpaid statutory dues of Rs 53,038 crore, including Rs 24,729 crore of spectrum dues and Rs 28,309 crore in licence fee -- has already warned of shut down if no relief is given.

"If we we are not getting anything then I think it is end of story for Vodafone Idea," its Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla had said last month.

Birla's Idea Cellular and British telecom giant Vodafone plc's India unit had merged in 2018 to compete with the onslaught of free voice calling and dirt cheap data unleashed by richest Indian Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio.

In the process, it accumulated Rs 1.17 lakh crore in debt and had posted corporate India's biggest loss for September 2019 quarter after it provisioned for the liability arising from the Supreme Court AGR verdict.

"It does not make sense to put good money after bad. That would be end of story for us. We will shut shop," Birla had said in December in a response to whether Vodafone Idea will put in more money.
There has been a rapid decline in cases of HIV in the UK, according to new figures.

Data published by Public Health England (PHE) shows HIV transmission is continuing to fall, with the number of people who are unaware they have the virus also decreasing.

Gay and bisexual men have experienced the most dramatic decline in new infections, with rates falling by 71 per cent since 2012.

In 2012, there were an estimated 2,800 HIV transmissions among gay and bisexual men, dropping to 800 in 2018.

Meanwhile, the number of gay and bisexual men who are living undiagnosed with HIV has also halved since 2014 from an estimated 7,000 in 2014 to 3,600 in 2018.

World Aids Day 2017: in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take part in a discussion with HIV consultant doctor Laura Waters during their visit to the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Brazil Red balloons are released to mark the World AIDS Day in Sao Paulo REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - France A nurse takes blood for a HIV test for French President Emmanuel Macron as he visits the Delafontaine Hospital Reuters World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A student displays his face and hand painted with messages in Chandigarh, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Nottingham Contemporary to attend a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, on their first official engagement together. PA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - South Africa Members of the 21 South African Infantry Battalion march to mark the World AIDS Day in Soweto AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A childhas their face painted to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS on World AIDS day in Jammu Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Kenya Free HIV testing booths are installed during the World AIDS Day event at University of Nairobi AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students use candles to form a large ribbon at a primary school in China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Commuters walk past a message on the World AIDS Day near Howrah Bridge, on the bank of river Ganges in Calcutta EPA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India An volunteer lights candles placed on the ground in the shape of a red ribbon during an awareness rally on the eve of World Aids Day in Agartala AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students of Yangzhou University Medical College standing in the shape of a red ribbon VCG via Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students hold red ribbons at a high school in Hefei, Anhui province, China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Mexico The "Diana La Cazadora" monument is illuminated in red on the eve of World Aids Day in Mexico City AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Sand art on the Bay of Bengal Sea's eastern coast beach at Puri. Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik created the piece on the eve of World AIDs Day . Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India People hold candles around a ribbon during a ceremony to create awareness about HIV/AIDS in Ahmedabad, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Ukraine A woman has a HIV/AIDS blood test in a mobile laboratory in Ukraine AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China The two towers of the Global Harbor shopping mall in Shaghai are illuminated with huge red ribbons Rex Features

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: I feel very strongly that we must end HIV transmission.

"HIV has brought untold hurt and suffering to so many so it is encouraging to see transmissions continue to fall across the UK.

We are well on our way towards our ambition of zero HIV transmissions by 2030 and we should be rightly proud of the incredible progress we have already made.

Recommended Man becomes first person with HIV to become commercial pilot in Europe

The continued decline in the virus has been attributed to the success of preventive measures, including the use of condoms, testing in a wide range of settings, starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible if positive and the availability of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for those who are negative.

Dr Noel Gill, head of sexually transmitted infections and HIV at PHE, said: We are well on our way to reaching the goal of eliminating HIV transmission by 2030, with the rapid fall in HIV transmission continuing in 2018 and nearly all of those diagnosed receiving treatment that prevents onward transmission.

"Testing is a key part of the UK's success. If you have HIV you can benefit from life-saving treatments that also prevent further transmission of the virus.

Certain groups of people are at higher HIV risk and are advised to have regular tests, including men and women who have had unprotected sex with new or casual partners from countries where HIV is common, who should test every year, and men who have sex with men.

According to Terrence Higgins Trust (THT)  a British charity that campaigns for and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health  HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, with immunodeficiency referring to the weakening of the immune system by the virus.

While HIV has been passed on between humans for many decades it was only identified in the early 1980s.

The charity adds that HIV can be transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus and breast milk.

If you are concerned that you might have HIV, THT recommends asking your GP for a test.

For more information and advice on HIV you can contact THT Direct by calling 0808 802 1221 or sending an email to info@tht.org.uk.
She first graced screens 60 years ago and has championed environmental causes for decades.

And Jane Fonda still looked every inch the darling of Hollywood as she stepped out for a special screening of her hit Netflix series, Grace and Frankie, in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The actress, 82, exuded timeless elegance in a chic grey trouser suit as she hit the red carpet alongside her co-star Lily Tomlin, 80.

Timeless: Jane Fonda still looked every inch the darling of Hollywood as she stepped out for a special screening of her hit Netflix series, Grace and Frankie, in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The Academy Award-winning star were her hair in voluminous shoulder-length curls and finished off her look with a jewel-encrusted brooch on her right lapel.

The Hollywood icon was joined by co-star Lily, 80, who wore a classic grid-pattern jacket over a blouse.

The pair came together for a side-on power pose before leading the rest of the cast down the red carpet.

In Grace and Frankie, Jane and Lily star as unlikely friends Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, who are brought together after their husbands announce that they are in love with each other and plan to get married.

Power pose: The actress, 82, exuded timeless elegance in a chic grey trouser suit as she hit the red carpet alongside her co-star Lily Tomlin, 80

Top of her game: The Academy Award-winning star were her hair in voluminous shoulder-length curls and finished off her look with a jewel-encrusted brooch on her right lapel

Star pairing: Jane and Lily star as Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, who are brought together when their husbands announce that they are in love with each other

The Netflix original show has proved a huge hit, with this week's special screening being used to air the first episode of season six.

In September 2019, Netflix announced Grace And Frankie, its longest-running show, would end after its seventh season.

Season six of the series will premiere in 2020, ahead of its final 16 episode run, which takes the show to 94 episodes.

Over the past four years Grace And Frankie has earned 11 Emmy nominations and six Screen Actors Guild Award Nominations.

Leading ladies: The pair led the rest of the cast down the red carpet (pictured with series creators Howard J. Morris and Marta Kauffman)

Iconic: Netflix has announced its longest-running show, Grace And Frankie, is set to end after its seventh season

On top of those accolades, Tomlin also grabbed a Golden Globe nomination for her hilarious role.

Grace And Frankie also stars Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen, June Diane Raphael, Brooklyn Decker, Baron Vaughn and Ethan Embry, who will all be returning for the seventh and final season.

Produced by Skydance Television, Marta Kauffman and Howard J Morris will return as the comedy's show-runners and executive producers.

'It's thrilling and somehow fitting that our show about the challenges, as well as the beauty and dignity of aging, will be the oldest show on Netflix,' said the co-creators.

As for Fonda and Tomlin, they said they are 'heartbroken' to see the show go.

'We are both delighted and heartbroken that Grace And Frankie will be back for its seventh, though final, season,' they said.

The stars added: 'We're so grateful that our show has been able to deal with issues that have really connected to our grand generation.

'And their kids, and amazingly, their kids as well. We'll miss these two old gals, Grace and Frankie, as much as many of their fans will, but we'll still be around.'
Some prepayment customers with British Gas claim to have struggled to top-up recently, after the Big Six supplier ditched Paypoint terminals in favour of Payzone points.

Aside from the drop in the number of locations customers can now top up at, the minimum top up limit is now 5  as opposed to the previous 1 barrier.

This could be an issue for some - many of those on prepayment meters are more vulnerable members of society with some put on the meters after they have slipped into debt with their supplier at some point.

However, prepayment meter customers don't have to be stuck on their current tariffs and can save money, the same as standard energy customers, by switching supplier.

Prepayment meter customers don't have to be stuck on pricey bills and can switch supplier

While there may not be as many options as those on standard energy deals, most suppliers have at least one prepayment tariff available.

To help customers who are currently on a British Gas prepayment meter plan and want to change - and for those who are with another supplier but want to save money - This is Money, with the help of uSwitch, has detailed everything you need to know about switching.

Before switching, the first thing to be aware of is that there are two main types of prepayment meter: key/card meters and smart meters.

A key/card meter uses a special electronic key or card with your tariff information on it.

Similar to a normal smart meter, a prepayment smart meter sends your latest information through to your supplier when topped up, which can be done via an app for example.

It will also let you see how much energy you are using and how much you are spending to help customers budget.

For those switching it could be worth considering moving to a supplier who uses smart meters as these enable you top up online, meaning there is no need to go to the shops.

This is something that could benefit British Gas customers who are complaining that they are unable to find a location near to them that offers top up services.

Switching supplier

The first thing to do when looking to switch energy supplier is to use price comparison websites which can show you if there is a better deal available and who that could be with.

Luckily, many prepayment plans don't come with exit fees, so you can switch at any time if you find a better price.

If you owe your current supplier money, energy companies will allow you to switch if you're no more than 500 in debt to them, although your new supplier will probably require you to set up a repayment plan to make sure you're gradually reducing any debt you have.

Switching suppliers is just as easy for those with prepayments as those with standard ones

Those looking to switch will have to be aware of a number of things, however.

Rik Smith, uSwitch energy expert, explains: 'The cheapest tariffs on the market are almost 200 less expensive than the cap on suppliers' standard plans.

'It's worth bearing in mind that prepayment energy tariffs are usually more expensive than credit meter deals.

'If you have a smart meter, it can be very easy to change to paying by Direct Debit or on receipt of a bill - because your meter 'mode' can be changed by your suppliers.

'If you have a traditional prepayment meter with a key or card, then your meter will need to be replaced by an engineer.

'In addition, you may have to pass a credit check before your supplier move you from prepayment.'

Best prepayment tariffs

The best deal currently available is with Bulb on their Vari-Fair prepayment tariff which costs customers an average of 1,025.22 a year.

The supplier claims that customers on their tariff spend an average of 181 less than those with the big suppliers.

British Gas' prepayment 'Safeguard' tariff costs on average 1,216.04 per year, which is a fraction under the prepayment price cap limit of 1,217. This means that customers could save over 190 a year by switching.

However, the only issue is that Bulb doesn't currently offer smart prepayment meters.

A Bulb spokesperson said: 'Bulb currently doesn't offer a smart prepayment tariff.

'We want to offer our prepay members the best service possible, so we're being thorough in our preparations for smart prepay with the next generation of smart meters.

'We are working hard to get a service as soon as we can, but we don't want to sacrifice quality for our members.'

Nabuh Energy also offers a competitive tariff on their Smart pay as you go Lizzy tariff which costs an average of 1,035.76.

The only Big Six supplier with one of the best prepayment tariffs is SSE on their Standard PAYGO deal, which costs an average of 1,160.83 a year.

It is also one of the firms that provides smart meters for their prepayment customers to help them budget.

TOP PREPAYMENT TARIFFS CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET Supplier Tariff Annual cost * Bulb Vari-Fair Prepayment 1,025.22 Nabuh Energy SMART PAYG Lizzy Tariff (12 Month Fixed) 1,035.76 Nabuh Energy Lizzy Tariff (12 Month Fixed) 1,035.76 Nabuh Energy Rachel Tariff (Variable) 1,082.76 Southend Energy PAYG 1,128.77 Bristol Energy Limited Bristol Energy Standard Prepay Paperless Billing 1,137.99 Bristol Energy Limited Bristol Energy Standard Prepay Paper Billing 1,137.99 Roar Power Roar Power Prepayment 1,159.65 SSE Southern Electric Standard PAYGO SMETS2 1,160.83 Orbit Energy Pay As You Go 1,164.03 Tonik PAYG Green 1,171.23 E 1 Year Reward (Winter 19) 1,185.52 Source: Switchd

Tips for consumers on prepayment plans

Before you switch supplier or you move onto a prepayment meter, there are some tips you should bear in mind to ensure you are charged correctly and your supply doesn't run out.

1. If you've moved to a new home that has a prepayment meter, it's vital that you register with the energy company as the new account holder.

Don't use the previous tenant's prepayment card as you could end up paying the wrong rates because the previous occupier could be in debt to the energy supplier.

2. Make sure you know how to top it up, especially if you're with British Gas, who have just changed how their customers can do this.

In case of an emergency, or when you're working from home, the last thing you want is your electricity to go out.

3. Make a list of the nearest shops and Post Office locations as well as their opening times.

You should also look out for holiday periods and top your card up with a bit extra before bank holidays and other holiday periods when topping up could be difficult.

Most prepayment meters have an emergency credit budget you can use, like an overdraft, but it is limited.

4. If you lose your prepayment meter key or smart card, don't worry.

You can simply contact your supplier to get a new one sent out, but in the meantime your supplier should be able to authorise a temporary card from your nearest top up shop. If this isn't possible, you might require an emergency callout which will involve a charge.
By Express News Service

KOLKATA: Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has been issued a word of caution by the partys national leadership for his comment threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property in the same way as UP and Assam.

The office of the BJPs national president Amit Shah contacted the partys general secretary (organization) B.L. Santosh and asked him to communicate with Bengal in-charge Shiv Prakash to warn Ghosh.

A crack in the Bengal saffron camp was visible on Sunday, a day after Ghosh made the statement while addressing a rally in Nadia district.

Hitting out at Mamata Banerjee, he said, Who do they think the public property that they are destroying belongs to? Their father? Public property belongs to taxpayers. You (Mamata) and your police did not take any action because they are your voters. In Uttar Pradesh and Assam, our government has shot these people dead like dogs. Once BJP comes to power in Bengal, such protesters will be bashed, shot and thrown behind bars.

ALSO READ | Dilip Ghosh stands by 'shot like dogs' comment, says it was for the country

Terming Ghoshs comment as a figment of his imagination, Union minister Babul Supriyo described it irresponsible in a tweet. BJPs Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta retweeted Supriyos post.

Supriyos tweet and Dasguptas re-tweet could not be possible without a nod from the partys high command. The selection process of our organisational heads are almost over and Ghoshs name emerged as the partys state president for the second consecutive term. But the recent comment by Ghosh has divided the partys Bengal unit, said a senior BJP leader.

Sources in the saffron camp said a section of BJP leaders demanded a post of acting president in Bengal.

We need to portray a face as Bengals chief minister before crucial 2021 elections. Ghoshs comment has created a panic among a section of people in the state. Demand for the acting president post in Bengal has been raised to censor Ghosh, said another BJP leader.
WASHINGTON  Representative Adam B. Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, issued invitations on Thursday to intelligence agency leaders to testify publicly in an effort to head off an attempt to move their yearly hearing on global threats behind closed doors.

Last years public hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee led to headlines about the officials disagreements with President Trump on key intelligence issues, which prompted Mr. Trump to lash out against them, suggesting on Twitter that the agency heads go back to school.

As intelligence agency staff members have negotiated with House and Senate officials about this years hearing, the intelligence community has made plain that its leaders prefer the testimony be classified and take place behind closed doors.

Congressional Democrats have said that the intelligence officials must testify at least partly in public. On Thursday, Mr. Schiff wrote to the acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, inviting him to testify in both open and closed sessions on Feb. 12.
A college student in Texas who posted a violent, racist threat in a group chat created by a Burlington County high school student was indicted by a grand jury last week, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday.

Kenneth Petersen, 21, of Stephenville, Texas was indicted on Jan. 9 on one count of bias intimidation, authorities said.

A Northern Burlington Regional High School student created a group chat in the messaging app GroupMe in May 2018 to discuss senior pranks. She received a message from a person, later identified as Petersen, that suggested all the black people at the school should be shot, according to a statement Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina.

It was not clear what led Petersen to allegedly target the group chat, which was available to anyone with a GroupMe account and had been discussed by students on other social media apps, officials said.

The student told one of her teachers about the comment and the Mansfield Township Police were contacted to investigate, the prosecutors office said.

Because the comment was made with schools graduation ceremony coming up, the department increased their presence around the campus until investigators determined that the threat came from out of state and that no students or staff members were in danger, the statement said.

Police eventually discovered that the message was posted by Petersen, who was attending a university in Texas at the time. He was arrested in September 2019 with the help of the New Jersey State Police, FBI and the Tarleton State University Police Department, in Texas, authorities said.

"There can never be any tolerance for racially-motivated threats like this and, especially during recent times when we have seen threats escalate to actual acts of violence, law enforcement must respond with the utmost seriousness, Coffina said in the statement. You cannot hide behind a cell phone halfway across the country while spewing such hatred.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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When Marc Edwards took the job of CEO of Kane Biotech in September 2018, he became the Winnipeg companys third CEO in less than five years, not really a sign of growth or stability.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Marc Edwards took the job of CEO of Kane Biotech in September 2018, he became the Winnipeg companys third CEO in less than five years, not really a sign of growth or stability.

The company has about 70 patents, primarily to address the prevention and removal of microbial biofilms. Its an unmet need, yet the 19-year-old company had been unable to break into the market despite a series of high-profile research partnerships over the years.

That started to change at the beginning of 2019.

It began with a large order of its commercial oral pet-care product by a large national retail chain. The company beefed up its senior management and governance with its first scientific advisory board and a new chief scientific officer whod just left Proctor and Gamble after 25 years.

Jaws dropped in the summer when it received a $3.8-million interest-free loan from Western Economic Diversification to commercialize a gel treatment for wounds for humans. Its something the company had been trying to do for most of its history.

At the time, Ray Dupuis, Kanes chief financial officer, said, "This is huge for us. Its transformational for the company."

Last month, the company announced it had received a $3.4-million grant from an unnamed public-sector funder (likely an American government agency) to work on the same type of project.

At the same time, its new scientific advisers urged the company to re-embark on efforts to get regulatory approval of that technology from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Edwards said it had received guidance in the past that it could apply as a medical device rather than a drug, which would dramatically reduce the time and expense of the regulatory approval process.

In December, it raised $2.5 million in a private placement and expects to raise another $1 million in new equity.

Its third-quarter results noted a $2.7-million gain from the settlement of a lawsuit, likely the one with Nestle of which the details are confidential.

"We have had an incredible year," Edwards said.

"When I came on board 15 months ago, we needed to do half-a-dozen things and we wanted to do another half-dozen things. We accomplished everything and more."

The expectation is that the momentum is going to carry into this year. Among other things, it will start the process to get regulatory approval for its wound-care gel and to have the product on the market by the end of the year.

"It has been interesting speaking to investment bankers," Edwards said from San Francisco, where he is attending the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

"Most of them thought we were dead and gone. Initially, when I was reaching out to these guys, they would not take a meeting. The company had been blowing a lot of hot air for a long time. Everyone was knocked on their behind when they heard what we were doing."

With a $14-million market cap, Kane is only just presenting as a revenue-making company.

For the first nine months of 2019, it generated $1.13 million in revenue, almost 2 1/2 times better than the previous year.

Edwards and his management team have been aggressively buying shares and have contributed to the private placement offering, something that would typically bring favour from the capital markets.

"Ive bought close to 2.5 million shares in Kane since I came on, most on the public market. Our new chief scientific officer has reinvested just about 100 per cent of his salary in equity in Kane, and Ray (Dupuis, the CFO), has continuously participated in our fundraising and has bought shares on the open market," Edwards said.

"The fact that insiders believe so strongly in the company is a good indication of where this thing is going."

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While it works towards getting the final touches on its wound-care formulation  a global market expected to be worth about US$22 billion by 2022  Kane has developed a number of new products for the US$5.2 billion pet-care market.

Among those products is the first canine shampoo formulated into an aerosol dispenser that is to be released in the next few weeks via a Kickstarter campaign.

"Well have good first-mover advantage on this and were looking to use that and really dominate the pet shampoo market," Edwards said.

Its North American distributor for its veterinary line of pet-care products has expanded to South America, and the company is in discussions to expand it into Europe.

The company and its 15 Winnipeg staff members are in the process of moving into a new lab and offices in the newly opened Smartpark Innovation Hub.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
The oath reads: I solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God.

After Chief Justice Roberts took his oath, read to him by Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, he turned to the senators in the chamber and asked them to do the same. Then, the senators signed their name in an oath book.

Trump said he wants a short trial.

Aides said Mr. Trump was not watching the ceremonial events on television as the trial got underway. But after an event in the Oval Office celebrating National Religious Freedom Day, the president told reporters that he hoped the trial would not last long.

I think it should go very quickly, Mr. Trump said. Its a hoax, its a hoax. Everybody knows that.

Mr. Trump has vacillated between favoring a short trial or a longer spectacle that could be used as an opportunity to present his side of the story.

White House officials and senior senators have predicted the trial will last two to six weeks. The impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton was five weeks long.

The day began with a federal office declaring that the president broke the law in withholding aid from Ukraine.

An independent federal watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, found that the Trump administration broke the law when it withheld millions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine. The report, released Thursday, cited a violation of a 1974 law that protects the spending decisions of Congress. The White House budget office rejected the finding.
NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRO Middle East (#MROME) summit and exhibition will be held February 24-26 in Dubai, UAE. The combined summit and trade show, co-located with Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME), is the Gulf region's leading conference and exhibition for commercial aviation maintenance.



Gathering over 5,000 attendees from the entire airline supply chain, more than 83 countries are represented at the event, offering networking among industry leaders representing airlines, regulators, suppliers, and service providers.

According to Aviation Week 2020 Commercial Fleet & MRO Forecast, fleets in the Middle East are expected to nearly double, growing from 1,760 aircraft in 2020 to 3,670 aircraft by 2029, a CAGR of 8.5%. MRO demand in the Middle East is projected to double in the next 10 years and could reach $16.5 billion by 2029.

The MRO Middle East Exhibition (February 25-26), with more than 300 solution providers, is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Center (Zaabeel Halls 2-3). The event is free to attend to industry professionals and showcases the latest technologies and suppliers that are changing the way the MRO industry operates. The exhibition hours are Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to see who is exhibiting .

The MRO Middle East Summit takes place the day before the main exhibition, on Monday, February 24 at the Conrad Dubai. The one-day conference attracts 150+ senior attendees from the aviation aftermarket to network, explore the landscape, and discuss emerging opportunities in the Middle East. The sessions will be followed by a networking reception for delegates.

Summit speakers include:

MRO Middle East Platinum Sponsors are HEICO , Lufthansa Technik , Satair and StandardAero , and Gold Sponsors are Atitech , Collins Aerospace , Embraer , and Turkish Technic .

With a presence in five continents, Middle Eastern airlines have spearheaded air traffic growth in this region twice as fast as the rest of the world, and the global MRO industry will soon reach $100 billion, said Lydia Janow, Managing Director/Events, Aviation Week Network. Professionals involved in any aspect of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul will have the opportunity to network with those who are fostering growth in the region, developing cutting-edge technology, and pushing the industry forward.

Additional 2020 MRO events include: MRO Australasia, March 11-12, Brisbane, Australia; MRO Americas, April 28-30, Dallas, Texas; ap&m Europe , May 19-21, Manchester, UK; Engine Leasing, Trading & Finance Europe , June 10-11, London; Aero Engines Europe , September 16-17, Stavanger, Norway; MRO Asia-Pacific/Aero Engines Asia-Pacific , September 22-24, Singapore; and MRO Europe , October 27-29, Barcelona, Spain.

ABOUT AVIATION WEEK NETWORK

Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.7 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world's leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Networks portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising.

Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC.

ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the worlds leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

About Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East

Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East is one of the most influential names in the aerospace industry's events sector, and which launched the very first Dubai Airshow in 1989, in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.

Covering all aerospace-related events in the Tarsus portfolio, Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East has a long-standing relationship with the global aerospace industry, an in-depth knowledge of the market and a hard-earned reputation for delivering event excellence. Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East maintains offices in Dubai and London.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Kelley Grace +1-561-702-7471 Elizabeth@thebuzzagency.net




Google Maps tracks everywhere you go on your iPhone or Android phone, and then keeps a log of this information in a "Timeline" that shows you everywhere you've been.

This includes a creepy level of detail, like exactly when you left work, when you arrived at home, the exact route you took along the way, pictures you took in specific locations and more. It'll show you if you were driving, walking or on a train, and any pit stops you might have made during your journey.

Sometimes this information can be useful, like if you want to remember the restaurant you ate at on Nov. 7 in New York City. (For me, it was Philippe Chow), and what you did before and after that.

Here's an example of that day, including my stop for lunch, and a meeting I took with Snapchat on the Upper West side earlier in the day.
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday challenged Lt Governor Kiran Bedi to prove the land-grabbing allegations made by a rebel Congress legislator against him.

Hitting out at Bedi for making public the allegations against him and his son by Congress MLA N Dhanavelou, the Chief Minister told reporters here it was "shocking" that she came out with a press statement on the issue without ascertaining their veracity.

"It is really shocking that the Lt Governor had come out with a press statement highlighting the charges the rebel legislator Dhanavelou had made during his meeting with her recently," Narayanasamy said.

"Bedi should have ascertained the facts and genuineness of the complaints Dhanavelou had made orally that my son and I had indulged in land-grab crimes," Narayanasamy said and challenged Bedi to prove the allegations.

He also said if charges of land-grabbing were proved he would quit office.

"If charges of land-grabbing made out against me and my son by the disgruntled MlA are proved I will quit office," Narayanasamy said adding "if on the other hand the Lt Governor did not prove them she should go out of public life once and for all."



Lashing out at the former IPS officer, the Chief Minister said, "Dhanavelou's allegations made orally against me and my son are unfounded. But the Lt Governor had come out with a press statement referring to Dhanavelou's charges against me."



"Neither my son nor myself nor any of my family members had ever indulged in such crimes like land-grabbing.."Narayanasamy further said Bedi was trying to "tarnish his image."He said Bedi had been overstepping her limits and accused her of 'maligning' his reputation and the entire ministry.

"Bedi does not deserve to be a Lt Governor any longer as she does not know the administrative procedures and nuances of governance," he added.

Narayanasamy said during his recent visit to Delhi he had apprised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of Bedi's intervention in routine governance and sought her replacement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Community members will have an opportunity to meet Rosa Parks at the Trailside Nature and Science Center on Thursday, Feb. 13 when Alexandra Ford portrays the civil rights activist.

The free program will take place on from 7 to 8 p.m. at the center located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Parks became an icon of the Civil Rights Movement in 1955 after she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest helped spark a 381-day boycott of the Montgomery bus system. The boycott marked the first large scale demonstration against segregation in the United States.

Ford, an actor-historian with the American Historical Theatre Company, has an AAS degree in Literature, Arts, and Philosophy from Camden County College, and earned her BFA degree in Theatre Studies from Montclair State University. To research the role, Ford traveled to Montgomery and read extensively on the life of Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement.

The story of Rosa Parks is a reminder that individual actions can lead to extraordinary change, said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. The Freeholder Board is very proud to help keep her legacy alive through this special presentation.

The program is open to adults and high school students. Pre-registration is recommended through the Trailside Talks link on the Union County activities online registration website, https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on all park activities, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
Secular group blasts National Cathedral Bible blessing as 'vile, Christian supremacy

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A secular legal organization announced its outrage over the blessing of a Bible for the swearing-in of commanders of the newly created Space Force, calling it a shocking and repulsive display of only the most vile, exclusivist, fundamentalist Christian supremacy.

On Sunday, the Washington National Cathedral held a ceremony to bless a King James Bible that will be used to swear in all commanders of Americas newest military branch, the U.S. Space Command, if they so choose.

"Today @WNCathedral blessed the official Bible for the new @SpaceForceDoD, which will be used to swear in all commanders of America's newest military branch," the cathedral's official account tweeted Sunday.

The Rev. Carl Wright, the Episcopal Church's bishop suffragan for armed services and federal ministries, offered the blessing as Maj. Gen. Steven Schaick, Air Force chief of chaplains, held the Bible donated by the Museum of the Bible in Washington, according to The Washington Post.

"May this Bible guard and guide all those who purpose that the final frontier be a place where God will triumph over evil, where love will triumph over hate, and where life will triumph over death," Wright said during the ceremony, according to CBS News.

A spokesperson for the cathedral later confirmed that the Bible was used for the swearing-in of Major General John William Raymond as the first Chief of Space Operations on Tuesday morning.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, an activist legal group that says it's dedicated to preserving the separation of church and state in the military, took issue with the ceremony.

The group "condemns, in as full-throated a manner as is humanly possible, the shocking and repulsive display of only the most vile, exclusivist, fundamentalist Christian supremacy, dominance, triumphalism and exceptionalism," Mikey Weinstein, founder and president of MRFF, wrote in a statement Monday.

"The utilization of a Christian Bible to 'swear in' commanders of the new Space Force or any other [Department of Defense] branch at ANY level is completely violative of the bedrock separation of church and state mandate of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution."

He said Sunday's ceremony "tragically validates the villainy of unadulterated Christian privilege at DoD and its subordinate military branches."

The group said it is filing a formal complaint with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. It will also assist in filing Inspector General and Equal Employment Opportunity complaints with the Department of Defense "to stop this train-wreck disaster in its stinking tracks from ever even leaving the station."

In an op-ed piece published by The Christian Post, Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, criticized Weinsteins faux outrage, pointing out that the Washington National Cathedral belongs to the Episcopal Church and is home to refined mainline Protestant liberalism and political correctness.

He also noted that military commanders are sworn in on whatever book they choose, or no book at all, adding: There is no compulsion, just as military chaplains of various religions cant and dont compel any service member to participate in any religious rites.

Secularist fanatics like Weinstein believe religion should be effectively banished from public life, Tooley said. But humans are intrinsically spiritual. Every nation and community will have spirituality, just as each person has soul and spirit. America affirms religious freedom. America does not restrict religion to closets and basements. Religion is not strictly private or personal. It is communal and public.

The outrage surrounding the blessing is misplaced, Tooley argued, as it actually illustrates that religious institutions and religious voices are protected by the Constitution, which is essential to liberty for all people.

Last week, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service said it would stop selling Jesus-themed candy after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation complained that selling the treats at commissary and exchange stores is a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Man from Kanagawa had reportedly travelled to Wuhan and was hospitalised with a fever after returning to Japan.

Japan has confirmed the first case of infection from the new coronavirus that been reported in China, the health ministry announced on Thursday.

A man in his 30s from Kanagawa prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, tested positive, the ministry said.

The man had been to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where there has been an outbreak of pneumonia believed to be caused by the new coronavirus strain, it said.

He reportedly returned from China to Japan with a fever and was hospitalised. He was released on Wednesday after the symptoms subsided, according to the health ministry statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier warned that the new virus could spread and alerted hospitals worldwide.

On Monday, a Chinese woman was also ordered quarantined in Thailand after contacting the virus, authorities said.





Authorities in Asia have stepped up monitoring at airports ahead of next weeks Lunar New Year holiday when hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists are expected to travel domestically and abroad.

On Wednesday, the US State Department also issued a health alert about travel to the Wuhan region. It referenced a Watch Level 1 Alert by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urging citizens travelling in the region to avoid contact with animals, animal markets or animal products, among other precautions.

On Saturday, Chinese authorities announced that a 61-year-old man died from pneumonia, a symptom of the disease, in Wuhan.

In total, 41 cases of pneumonia have been reported in China, which preliminary lab tests cited by Chinese state media show could have been caused by a new type of coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can lead to infections ranging from the common cold to SARS. Some of the virus types cause less serious disease, while some like the one that causes MERS, are far more severe. SARS originated in southern China in 2002 and infected more than 8,000 people in 37 countries before it was brought under control. Nearly 800 people died.

The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected and reinforces why WHO calls for on-going active monitoring and preparedness in other countries, WHO said in a statement.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been consulting international experts on the public health risks of the outbreak to decide whether an emergency meeting is needed, it said.
2021 could be a big year for Sierra Nevada Corp.

The Colorado-based spaceflight company is on track for a 2021 launch debut of its robotic Dream Chaser space plane , even as the firm shoots for the moon under NASA's Artemis program, Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) representatives said.

Dream Chaser is set to become the next addition to the fleet of uncrewed cargo vehicles that ferry supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). (Four different freighters currently do the job: Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft , SpaceX's Cargo Dragon , Russia's Progress spacecraft and Japan's HTV ship.)

Dream Chaser was originally designed to carry humans, but its first delivery will be a cargo resupply mission to the space station. In 2014, SNC lost out to SpaceX and Boeing for NASA contracts to launch astronauts. However, in 2016, NASA selected Dream Chaser for its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract, awarding Sierra Nevada a deal for six cargo missions to the space station by 2024.

Video: Dream Chaser: From Launch to Landing in Awesome Animation

Related: Meet Dream Chaser, a Private Space Plane (Gallery)

According to Steve Lindsey, a former NASA astronaut who's now the vice president of space exploration systems for SNC, the company has not stopped working on the crewed version of its space plane. Right now, Lindsey said, the company's priority is ensuring that the cargo version is ready for its first flight, which is scheduled for sometime in 2021.

During a media call on Jan. 9, SNC representatives told reporters that the construction of Dream Chaser will be completed later this year in preparation for its inaugural launch.

"The Dream Chaser space plane is a great example of how we're working to redefine how we access space," Lindsey said on the call.

"Currently, we have a six-mission contract to the ISS, and we're looking forward to even more opportunities beyond that," he added.

Dream Chaser will rely on United Launch Alliance (ULA) to get off the ground. The space plane will launch from and land at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, taking off atop ULA's next-generation vehicle: the Vulcan Centaur rocket .

If the still-in-development Vulcan is not ready when Dream Chaser is called to orbit, SNC officials said that the vehicle can hitch a ride to the ISS atop another ULA rocket  the Atlas V.

Video: Watch Dream Chaser Launch Atop Vulcan Rocket in Animation

Lindsey said that NASA may not be Dream Chaser's only customer. "There's interest, not necessarily [just] from NASA, but other customers," he said during the call. And that interest could grow once the vehicle is operational, the former astronaut added.

"We wouldn't be in this business if we didn't think of commercial entities beyond NASA," Lindsey said. (Ride-share missions, flying non-NASA payloads and a big international market are all things that SNC officials said they're considering.)

When asked if there would eventually be SNC astronauts, Lindsey said yes. He explained that SNC plans to offer two options to its prospective customers: a taxi mode in which SNC provides the crew, and a sort of rental-car model in which customers provide the astronauts flying aboard the craft.

"If someone else is going to fly it, there would be training," Lindsey said. "We would need to train people to fly it." The customer would decide which option works best, SNC representatives added.

In addition to Dream Chaser, SNC is also working on a cargo module called Shooting Star . The versatile module is a 15-foot (4.6 meters) attachment that will provide extra storage for payloads on Dream Chaser missions and facilitate cargo disposal upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

The company has big plans for both Dream Chaser and Shooting Star beyond the contracted resupply missions. The duo could be used in other ways in low Earth orbit, and could even play a role in NASA's Artemis program , SNC representatives said.

Additionally, SNC is developing a 27-foot-wide (8.2 m), three-level inflatable habitat called the Large Inflatable Fabric Environment ( LIFE ) for use in lunar orbit, for transport to Mars or even as a habitat on the lunar or Martian surface.

Video: Inside Sierra Nevada's Inflatable Space Habitat

But that's not all. The company has been a part of robotic planetary exploration for decades, building subsystems for more than 450 missions over the years, including some of NASA's famous robotic explorers.

"We've been part of 14 missions to Mars," John Roth, vice president of business development for SNC, said on the Jan. 9 call.

Such work will continue, he added.

"We're providing more than 80 motors and mechanisms on the upcoming Mars 2020 rover ," Roth said. The SNC contributions include components for the NASA rover's coring drill, robotic arm, caching system and landing-system brakes.

Roth also said that the company is providing equipment for several NASA missions in development, including Europa Clipper , a mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa; Lucy , which will study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids; and the Double Asteroid Redirection Test ( DART ).

Janet Kavandi, a former NASA astronaut and current senior vice president of space exploration systems at SNC, told reporters that she joined the company because of its spaceflight heritage and Dream Chaser program.

"Dream Chaser offers the safest and most logical choice in spaceflight," she said, noting that it can land anywhere in the world.

Currently, the winged vehicle is approved to land at two runways: KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (where the space shuttles also landed) and Huntsville International Airport in Alabama. Technically, the space plane can land on any runway in the world that can support a Boeing 737 airplane. The only catch is receiving Federal Aviation Administration approval to do so.

Lindsey said that the company is working on approvals for additional landing sites, but the process is a lengthy one. "There are a lot of places that are interested," he said. "We're just getting through the regulatory process."

In November, SNC was selected as one of five new commercial partners for NASA's robotic Commercial Lunar Robotic Services (CLPS). Under this program, companies vie for contracts to deliver NASA payloads to the lunar surface, using landers they built themselves.

Lindsey and Roth told reporters that SNC's lander concept is pretty far along in development, and the company is also working on another proposal for a human landing system. SNC has partnered with Dynetics to work on a project for NASA's Human Landing System program , but did not share details beyond that on the Jan. 9 call.

Follow Amy Thompson on Twitter @astrogingersnap . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
But he was reappointed after the magazine acknowledged that his views were not accurately represented in the tweets that had been published along with the article. The magazine apologized.

The episode recalled Mr. Scrutons longstanding reputation as an iconoclast. Peter Stothard, who had been his editor at The Times of London in the 1980s, when Mr. Scruton wrote a column for the paper on art and politics, was quoted as saying that there was no one I ever commissioned to write whose articles provoked more rage than Mr. Scrutons.

Critics also assailed his views on homosexuality and gender issues. In his interview with New Statesman, he said that homosexuality was different but denied that he was homophobic. He described the 21st-century debate on gender and identity as a kind of theatrical obsession which is being imposed on children whether or not they understand it.

Mr. Scruton dated his conversion to the conservative cause to the Paris student riots of 1968, when, at 24, he observed young people, including his friends, clashing with the police in the Latin Quarter. What I saw was an unruly mob of self-indulgent middle-class hooligans, he said in an interview with The Guardian in 2000.

When I asked my friends what they wanted, what were they trying to achieve, all I got back was this ludicrous Marxist gobbledygook, he continued. I was disgusted by it, and thought there must be a way back to the defense of western civilization against these things. Thats when I became a conservative. I knew I wanted to conserve things rather than pull them down.

Roger Vernon Scruton was born in Buslingthorpe, a village in Lincolnshire, in eastern England, on Feb. 7, 1944, the son of John and Beryl (Claris) Scruton. His father was a teacher, his mother a homemaker. The couple also had two daughters.

Roger was educated at a grammar school in High Wycombe, West London, and won a scholarship to Jesus College at Cambridge University, where he studied philosophy. He met his future first wife, Danielle Laffitte, a teacher, while traveling in France. They married in 1973, the same year he was awarded his doctorate. They divorced in 1979.
The Broadway premiere of Manhattan Theatre Club's My Name Is Lucy Barton, starring Laura Linney, opened at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on January 15. Adapted by Rona Munro from Elizabeth Strout's novel, the play is directed by Richard Eyre.

Laura Linney with novelist Elizabeth Strout and playwright Rona Munro.

( David Gordon)

Linney, according to a press release, "plays Lucy Barton, a woman who wakes after an operation to find  much to her surprise  her mother at the foot of her bed. They haven't seen each other in years. During their days-long visit, Lucy tries to understand her past, works to come to terms with her family, and begins to find herself as a writer."

Laura Linney with her dress designer, Christian Siriano.

( David Gordon)

The creative team will include Bob Crowley (scenic and costume design), Peter Mumford (lighting design), John Leonard (sound design), and Luke Halls (projection design).

Janet McTeer and Joseph Coleman attend the performance.

( David Gordon)

My Name Is Lucy Barton premiered at London Theatre Company's Bridge Theatre in 2019.
Latvia plans to open an honorary consulate in Donbas this year, Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine Juris Poikans has said.

He said this in Kramatorsk at a round table meeting titled "Reintegration of Donbas. A European Perspective" on January 15, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We are planning to open an honorary consulate. I very much hope that this year the honorary consulate will become a point of cooperation between the countries. And I think it is also important to Donbas," the ambassador said.

op
If any candidate shook up the race, at least a little, it was Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. She had the forcefulness and fluency of some of her best earlier performances, although her effort to stake out philosophical terrain between Sanders and her moderate rivals required some fancy footwork. She also moved gender issues center-stage with a strong intervention on behalf of universal child care and by cleverly pointing out that, among the debaters, only she and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar had never lost an election. This came in response to reports that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had told Warren in 2018 that a woman could not get elected president, which he denied even thinking.
KAMPALA  Uganda will host the 2020 Africa Climate Week in March this year, newly-appointed State Minister for Beatrice Anywar has said.

Addressing journalists in Kampala on Thursday, January 16, 2020, Ms Anywar said the event, which will run from March 9-11, will focus on policies that will guide the continent on fighting climate change.

It will be together with the academia, leaders from different governments and international organisations dedicated to solving issues affecting the environment. The focus is mainly on water, energy access, and mobility.

Anywar was on Wednesday sworn-in as Minister for Environment, taking over from Mary Kitutu.

She promised to unveil her plan for the ministry, which she said will focus mostly on fighting climate change through numerous campaigns and also lobbying government for more funding.

On Thursday, Anywar said Parliament had created a committee dedicated to climate change. The committee will help in lobbying for resources to help in the case.

The issue of the environment is now a priority. The government understands the magnitude of climate change, she said.

We dont want to fire-fight the effects of climate change. We are confident that funds are going to be allocated, she said.

Related
(CNN)  American politics is the biggest threat facing the world in 2020 and the looming presidential election will stress the country's institutions, influence economic and foreign policy and further divide an already polarized electorate, with potentially huge consequences for the climate, business and investors.

That's the view of experts at consultancies Eurasia Group and Control Risks. The World Economic Forum, which is preparing to hold its annual meeting of political leaders and CEOs next week in Davos, is also warning of increased turbulence this year from trade conflicts and political polarization that makes it harder to tackle global challenges.

Control Risks says that President Donald Trump's campaign for a second term will drive decision-making in foreign policy, increasing the chance that investors will be caught off guard by populist moves favoring US factory workers or farmers.

"The campaign will focus foreign policy on managing crises, distracting US attention from non-urgent issues and geographies. Trump's thirst for deliverable 'wins' before the election, meanwhile, will amplify foreign leverage in trade and security relations," Control Risks wrote in a recent report.

Eurasia Group, which has designated US politics as the top risk for the first time in its annual assessment of the state of the world, warns that the election will be the most divisive in over a century, with the outcome likely to be viewed as illegitimate by roughly half the population. The analysts expect the result to be contested, no matter which candidate triumphs.

"The 2020 election is an American Brexit  a maximally polarized vote where the risk is less the outcome than the political uncertainty of what the people voted for," Eurasia Group says in its report. "It's uncharted political territory, and this time in a country where uncertainty creates shock waves abroad."

In preparing its report ahead of the Davos meeting, the World Economic Forum surveyed 750 global experts and decision makers who named economic confrontations and national political polarization as the top risks in 2020.

Taken together, the reports depict a world facing thorny problems with few obvious solutions. Increasingly fractious politics in developed countries is undermining the rules that have underpinned trade and globalization for decades, giving elected leaders license to act unilaterally and stoking conflicts such as the trade war between the United States and China.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who will attend the Davos meeting, rejected the idea that the upheaval in American politics is a threat.

"I don't think it has any impact on the world economy," Mnuchin told reporters on Wednesday, adding that other political issues such as Britain's departure from the European Union and last year's deadlocked elections in Israel were similarly inconsequential.

Other huge headaches haven't gone away. The people paid to identify threats to global peace and prosperity are also worried about the climate crisis, the battle between Washington and Beijing over the future of technology, geopolitical aggression on the part of Russia and continued armed conflict in the Middle East.

A decade ago, most risk analysts were worried about financial issues such as asset bubbles, according to John Drzik, a contributor to the World Economic Forum report and chairman at research firm Marsh & McLennan Insights. Those worries have been replaced by new, more complicated challenges that are often linked.

"In 2020, we have a combination of negative trend lines that we've not experienced in generations. This deteriorating environment is much more likely to produce a global crisis," warned analysts at Eurasia Group.

The world has already been confronted with two major flashpoints this year. The killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Trump's orders brought the two countries to the brink of war, endangering oil supplies from the Middle East and leading Tehran to accelerate its uranium enrichment, a move that could put Iran on a path to constructing a nuclear weapon.

Tensions cooled after US troops avoided casualties in an Iranian reprisal attack on bases in Iraq and Trump dialed down his rhetoric. Analysts think that Iran, which has severe economic problems and a restive population at home, will now seek to avoid open conflict with the United States while opportunistically striking back against American interests.

"Iran will continue to disrupt tanker traffic in the Gulf. Tehran also has a penchant for hitting adversaries in unpredictable, asymmetric ways, including through its robust offensive cyber capabilities and proxy network across the region with the capacity to target the citizens and assets of the United States and its allies," assessed the Eurasia Group.

Climate in crisis

And the devastating bush fires in Australia have underscored why concerns about the climate dominate in the longer run. According to the World Economic Forum survey, the top five risks over the next decade all relate to the environment, including increased extreme weather events and the collapse of ecosystems.

"The near-term impacts of climate change add up to a planetary emergency that will include loss of life, social and geopolitical tensions and negative economic impacts," the group warns in a report discussing its survey.

Drzik said that climate change dominates the top of the longer range ranking because experts and investors are getting better at understanding and measuring the risks involved. And they are also recognizing that while climate change will put some companies out of business, it also means new opportunities.

One example: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who controls $7 trillion in investments, said on Tuesday that the asset manager will ditch investments that it considers a sustainability risk.

Joe Johns contributed reporting from Washington.

This story was first published on CNN.com. "What do experts see as the biggest risk to the world in 2020? American politics."
After war broke out again in Libya early last year, a special team of EU diplomats in Tripoli was forced back to neighbouring Tunisia to do what they had been doing for several years: wait.

As Germany holds a U.N summit on Sunday for a path to end the conflict in Libya, in turmoil since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi, European powers believe they can now begin to overcome such inaction and defend interests on their southern doorstep.

But like the bored EU experts tasked with supporting Libyan ministry officers at their temporary mission offices in Tunis over the past five years, EU diplomacy has often arrived too late to make an impact and, in Iran, been left exposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy.

"We Europeans, since we don't want to participate in a military solution, we barricade ourselves in the belief there is no military solution," the EU's new foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told the European Parliament this week.

"Nobody will be very happy if, on the Libyan coast, there is a ring of military bases from the Russian and Turkish navies in front of the Italian coast," he said.

The economically powerful EU, once able to boast of a soft power that helped transform communist neighbours into thriving market economies, first sent a mission to Libya to train border guards in 2013 but was reduced to running all its training outside of Libya from 2015, returning briefly in 2017 and 2019.

With Libya's migration routes close to European shores and its energy supplies in the Mediterranean sought by Turkey, policy towards a country that was an EU priority has instead become a symbol of its divisions.

Former colonial power Italy has supported the Tripoli-based, U.N-backed government of Fayez al-Serraj, while France favoured Khalifa Haftar, commander of the eastern Libyan National Army.

Paris and Rome held rival peace conferences, while Russia and Turkey, two countries sometimes at odds with the EU's values of democracy and human rights, sidelined the bloc. First talks on a ceasefire last week took place in Moscow, not Brussels.

Washington, Europe's closest ally, has been largely absent, a far cry from 2011 when the United States and Europe cooperated under NATO in a bombing campaign that backed the rebels who overthrew Gaddafi.

"In the Middle East and North Africa, the EU never had a clear idea of what its objectives are, so it could not be proactive, only reactive. We have let many opportunities pass," said Sven Biscop, an analyst at Belgium's Egmont Institute.

"EUROPEAN APPROACH"

The EU, facing a crisis in Iran over the unravelling of the 2015 nuclear deal, now senses an opportunity in Libya after Moscow failed to reach a ceasefire deal with Haftar.

Shock over the fallout from U.S. drone strike on an Iranian general on Jan. 3 has galvanized Europeans over Libya, some EU envoys say, settling on a new "European approach".

Britain, France and Germany already this week showed a new determination to pressure Tehran to comply with the Iran accord, triggering a dispute mechanism that could lead to the reimposition of U.N. sanctions.

However, with Sunday's conference on Libya approaching, Italy and France have yet to put aside their differences and rally behind the government in Tripoli.

Germany, which sees itself as more neutral than France and Italy, has sought to take the lead, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel investing time in seeking the support from her Russian, Turkish and Egyptian counterparts.

The EU's new leadership in Brussels also wants to be more "geopolitical" and stem the waning of Europe's influence. It launched into a frenzy of diplomacy in early January amid fears of a Middle East conflagration after the U.S. drone strike in Iran.

Top EU officials held talks with Serraj in Brussels, called an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers, held calls with Iran's president and joined French President Emmanuel Macron at a conference on the Sahel.

"We are not trying to have an aggressive external policy ... but the heads of state need a new mindset to be more assertive," said a senior EU official involved in foreign policy.

Friendly foreign governments do want to see the European Union succeed in the world, officials and diplomats said. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has regularly called for EU help to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

Since Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear accord and reimposed U.S. sanctions, Tehran has repeatedly called on the EU to save a nuclear deal by keeping trade channels open.

But with Britain, one of Europe's two main military powers with France, leaving the European Union, the EU could find it hard to live up to its ambitions.

Neither the EU nor NATO have plans to deploy troops in Libya. The EU naval operation, Sofia, which rescued migrants off the Libyan coast and helped enforce an arms embargo, has been taken off the water, and European allies have rejected U.S. calls at NATO to help patrol Gulf shipping lanes.

Sometimes just agreeing statements has proved too divisive.

"The positive sign is that everyone now agrees this is unsustainable," said Bruno Macaes, a former Europe minister for Portugal and now a foreign policy consultant.

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A Pakistani man has been arrested in the 2005 killing of a British woman police officer who was gunned down as she responded to a robbery in the city of Bradford in 2005, police in the UK said.

The 71-year-old suspect, Piran Ditta Khan, who was taken in custody earlier this week, appeared before a court in Islamabad on Wednesday over an extradition request from Britain.

His arrests was the result of close cooperation between Pakistani authorities and British detectives, police said.

Khan was remanded in custody and is due back in court later in January, British police officer Sharon Beshenivsky, a 38-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed outside a travel agency in Bradford while responding to an armed robbery call.

Six men were later arrested in Britain but Khan, who was suspected of being the armed gang's organiser, had fled abroad.

In 2016, police in Britain issued a fresh appeal for Khan who remained at large despite a reward of 20,000 British pounds (about USD 26,000) for information leading to his arrest.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed Khan's arrest in Pakistan.

UK detective Mark Swift on Wednesday thanked "the National Crime Agency officers in Pakistan and partners who have made this arrest possible.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Berkshire Community College honors one of America's greatest heroes by giving back to the community at its annualevent, taking place in the Connector building at BCC's main campus on Monday, Jan. 20 and co-sponsored by the NAACP-Berkshire County Branch.

The day begins with a light breakfast and check-in at 8:30 a.m. and a kick-off ceremony from 9-9:45 a.m. with a welcome by BCC President Ellen Kennedy and a keynote by Dr. Eden-Renee Hayes, dean of equity and inclusion and associate professor of psychology at Simon's Rock.
By Andrew Osborn and Anton Zverev

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian parliament overwhelmingly backed President Vladimir Putin's surprise choice for prime minister on Thursday after what one daily called a "January revolution", a major political overhaul that some say could set Putin up as leader for life.

The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, gave its backing to Mikhail Mishustin, a 53-year-old with almost no political profile, endorsing his nomination with 383 votes of 424 cast. Nobody voted against him; there were 41 abstentions.

Mishustin, who has headed the country's tax service and played ice hockey with Putin, said he would name his cabinet in the near future. Putin signed a decree appointing him prime minister soon afterwards.

His elevation is part of a sweeping shake-up of the political system announced by Putin on Wednesday, which led to the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister along with his government.

The changes are widely seen as giving Putin, 67, scope to extend his grip on power once he leaves the presidency in 2024. He has dominated Russian politics, as president or as prime minister, for two decades.

The sudden and radical overhaul cements Putin's control of the transition process and is seen by some as an attempt to reduce intra-clan infighting between now and 2024.

The abrupt departure of Medvedev's government also allows Putin to show he is responding to public discontent after years of belt-tightening and an unpopular pension age hike.

Medvedev, head of the government since 2012, has been a lightning rod for Russians' frustrations overseeing an economy buffeted by a 2014-16 downturn, Western sanctions and swings in the price of oil, Russia's life blood.

Real wages have been falling for over five years and have gradually eroded the government's popularity ratings, raising the prospect they could start bleeding into Putin's own ratings, analysts and critics of the Kremlin said.

Story continues

That was seen as a concern for the Kremlin ahead of a parliamentary election next year and as something that could make a smooth transition for Putin harder to achieve.

"There were large suspicions that if this stagnation continued and everything remains as it is, then the make-up of the new (parliament) would be considerably less friendly towards the Kremlin," said Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist at the BCS Financial Group.

Critics have long accused Putin, a former KGB officer, of plotting to stay on in some capacity after his term ends to continue to wield power over the world's largest nation, which is also one of its two leading nuclear powers.

The constitutional reform proposals, which he set out on Wednesday and suggested should be put to a referendum, would give him the option of taking an enhanced role as prime minister after 2024 or a new role as head of the State Council, an official body he said he was keen to build up.

Putin on Thursday held a meeting with a working group he set up to consider his proposals. He gave it around a month to finish its work, Russian news agencies reported.

PUTIN TO "RULE FOR LIFE"?

Opposition politician Leonid Volkov said it looked as though Putin was digging in.

"It's clear to everyone that everything is going exclusively towards setting Putin up to rule for life," he wrote on social media.

A senior U.S. official who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter said Putin had too much to lose by giving up power altogether.

"I cannot imagine him leaving power, whether that is in government or not. He is going to be protecting himself and his wealth and his authorities, guaranteeing his security," said the official.

It was not unusual for authoritarian leaders to shuffle the people around them, said the same official.

"If you look at other long-term leaders who have behaved like Putin in terms of authority and control, they often replace their teams ... they develop new cadres," he said.

The Kommersant business daily on Thursday called Putin's shake-up "the January revolution". The proposals looked, Kommersant wrote, like the start of many more changes to come.

Under the current constitution, which sets a maximum of two successive terms, Putin is barred from immediately running again for the presidency in 2024, but his supporters find it hard to imagine Russian political life without him.

Putin remains popular with many Russians who see him as a welcome source of stability, even as others complain that he has been in power for too long.

Andrei Kolyadin, a former employee at the Russian presidential administration, told Reuters in an interview that Putin could morph into a national leader, possibly heading up the beefed up State Council, and help his presidential successor navigate the system he built.

"If (by 2024) there has not been a revolution in which everyone dies ... then of course the person who managed this system (Putin) will keep influence over it regardless of whether he is inside the system or even in retirement," he said.

(Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Alexander Marrow, Polina Ivanova, Maria Kiselyova,Katya Golubkova and Tom Balmforth in Moscow and by Arshad Mohammed in Washington; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones, William Maclean)
[January 16, 2020] To Combat Rising State-sponsored Cyberattacks, WhiteHat Security Offers Free Application Scanning Services to Public Sector Organizations

To combat rising nation-state attacks, WhiteHat Security, an independent subsidiary of NTT (News - Alert) Security and a leading application security provider, today announced that it will offer free application scanning services to federal, state and municipal agencies in North America. In light of geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, and the upcoming presidential election, the WhiteHat Security team is offering its resources, technology and services as part of its civic duty to defend the nation against sophisticated cyberattacks. WhiteHat takes the security of the country's critical infrastructure seriously and has taken steps to help the public sector defend itself against these evolving threats. These "cyber invaders" are targeting both the perimeter security as well as the application layer of public sector organizations. According to the Center for Strategic & International Studies, state-sponsored cyberattacks against applications and websites are of increasing concern, with recent examples including: August 2019: China used compromised websites to distribute malware to Uyghur populations via undisclosed exploits for Google (News - Alert), Apple and Windows phones

October 2019: A state-sponsored hacking campaign kicked more than 2,000 websites offline in Georgia, including government and court sites that housed case materials and personal data

December 2019: Unknown digital adversaries stole login credentials from government agencies in 22 countries across Asia, Europe and North America In the current political climate, the resilience of domestic public sector cybersecurity is under increased scrutiny. In targeting the election and voting process, for example, nation-state adversaries try to penetrate any attack surface and techology they can access, including firewalls, endpoint security and network security solutions, as well as applications and websites (and are often successful). All areas are potentially vulnerable.



To mitigate the risk of application security vulnerabilities resulting in a successful attack, WhiteHat is offering the following to government agencies at no charge: WhiteHat Sentinel Dynamic , the company's industry-proven dynamic application security testing (DAST) solution. The cloud-based SaaS (News - Alert) platform accurately and rapidly finds vulnerabilities in websites and applications throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC), including in production.

, the company's industry-proven dynamic application security testing (DAST) solution. The cloud-based SaaS (News - Alert) platform accurately and rapidly finds vulnerabilities in websites and applications throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC), including in production. Sentinel Source Essentials Edition, WhiteHat's entry-level SAST product, which delivers a fast, automated service that scans application source code, identifies vulnerabilities and provides detailed vulnerability descriptions and remediation advice. The discovered vulnerabilities are prioritized according to severity, thus providing guidance on what should be remediated first. "WhiteHat Security takes state-sponsored attacks seriously, and we are deeply dedicated to defending our democracy against those who hack our technology, our critical systems, our privacy and our freedom," said Craig Hinkley, CEO, WhiteHat Security. "As a successful Silicon Valley company, we want to do our part, and we have the capabilities to help the public sector increase its defenses in response to escalating nation-state attacks. After recently becoming a U.S. citizen myself, this issue hits particularly close to home, and we at WhiteHat want to help prevent Iran or any other nation state from hacking our democracy."

Hinkley continued, "My team is ready to fight alongside our government agencies. Public sector bodies that take proactive steps to identify and address vulnerabilities in their applications will be significantly safer from state-sponsored efforts to disrupt the services they deliver to the American population, and this initiative will make this more achievable than ever. We look forward to aiding these organizations in 2020 and beyond." For more information on protecting your organization against state-sponsored attacks and/or to take advantage of this offer, please contact WhiteHat Security's cyberattack hotline at 800-648-5113 or email us at [email protected]. About WhiteHat Security WhiteHat Security is the leading advisor for application security with the most comprehensive platform powered by artificial and human intelligence. Trusted for nearly two decades by mid-sized to Fortune 500 organizations, WhiteHat Security empowers secure DevOps by continuously assessing the risk of software assets throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). The company is an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of NTT Security and is based in San Jose, California, with regional offices across the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit www.whitehatsec.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005119/en/

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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Jade Leader Corp. (TSXV:JADE) ("Jade Leader" or "the Company") is pleased to announce an update of the photo gallery for Wyoming Project Jades on its webpage at Jadeleader.ca, including stone testing results to date, including a range of stones from the last trenching and mapping program conducted in September/October of 2019.

Stones tested to date have shown high degrees of competence and workability, little to no fracturing, and a range of color from greens to black to "sage" colored Jades. The textures of Jades tested to date have ranged from medium to very fine grained material, outlining potential uses for those materials ranging from carving, ornamental use and fine jewelry, as well as collector's specimens.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Jutras, P.Geol, the President and a Director of Jade Leader, stated "Stone testing to date by in-house cutting, carving and polishing of Jade recovered from both outcrop and our trenches in bedrock have shown that our target systems carry a wide variety of colors and textures in highly workable nephrite Jade material. We continue to be very encouraged with results to date, and have now expanded the range of colors and textures found in our activities in Wyoming to encompass some highly desirable fine grained green Jades previously known to exist in this area from historical records, yet whose sources had remained largely elusive to date."

Over the next week, the Company will be presenting and exhibiting its Jades at both the Global Chinese Financial Forum Vancouver Resource Investment Conference hosted by NAI Interactive on January 18th (booth number 3), as well as exhibiting its Jades at the Vancouver Mineral Exploration Roundup with a Core Shack booth on both Monday and Tuesday January 20 and 21st (booth 1022).

Mr. Jean-Pierre Jutras, P.Geol., President of the Company, is the Qualified Person for the Company's Jade projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Jean-Pierre Jutras"

Jean-Pierre Jutras,

President/Director

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including words such as "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and similar expressions, are forward-looking information that represents management of Jade Leader's internal projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, future operating results and various components thereof or the economic performance of Jade Leader. The projections, estimates and beliefs contained in such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Jade Leader's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, those described in Jade Leader's filings with the Canadian securities authorities. Accordingly, holders of Jade Leader shares and potential investors are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted. Jade Leader disclaims any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Jade Leader Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573327/Jade-Leader-Posts-Tested-Jade-Materials
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A man suspected of being the "NorCal Rapist" appeared in court in Sacramento on Wednesday.

The hearing is set to determine if there's enough evidence against Roy Waller to proceed with a trail.

On September 20, 2018, detectives from the Sacramento Police Department arrested Waller, in Berkeley.

RELATED: DNA evidence leads to arrest of Norcal Rapist suspect

Authorities at the time said he was connected with at least 10 rapes between 1991 and 2006, in six Northern California counties. Those included; Butte, Yolo, Sacramento, Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa.

They said Waller broke into homes late at night or forced victims to withdraw money from ATMs. They said he assaulted his victims repeatedly.

Once the preliminary hearing phase of the case is concluded, both sides will argue why the case should or shouldn't go to trial.
- A restaurant owned by Tuju entered into an agreement with the bank in April 2015

- The Jubilee Party official was loaned KSh 962 million and agreed to repay the loan in 20 consecutive installments

- The establishment was awarded a two-year grace period which elapsed in 2017

Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has yet again lost a bid to stay a verdict by a UK court directing East African Development Bank (EADB) to begin recovery of a KSh 1.5 billion debt from him.

In a brief ruling read by Justice Wilfrida Okwany on Friday, January 10, the court declined to grant a stay of execution to Tuju and four of his family members who are directors of Dari Ltd which borrowed the money.

READ ALSO: Matiangi: IDs, passports, birth certificates to be issued one day after application

In the deal, the restaurant linked to Tuju was awarded a two-year grace period which elapsed in 2017. Photo: Daily Nation.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Kiu ya Elimu: Mvulana,16, atembea umbali wa 87km ili kujiunga na shule ya upili Maseno

Court documents disclosed a restaurant owned by Dari entered into an agreement with the bank in April 2015 and was loaned KSh 962 million.

The documents showed the restaurant had agreed to repay the loan in 20 consecutive installments.

In the deal, the restaurant linked to Tuju was awarded a two-year grace period which elapsed in 2017.

Jubilee Party SB Tuju lost a bid to stay a verdict by a UK court directing East African Development Bank (EADB) to begin recovery of KSh 1.5 billion debt from him. Photo: Jubilee Party.

Source: UGC

The bank reported that the restaurant failed to pay back KSh 186 million in interest and ignored a notice given to it to clear the debt.

Okwany gave the go-ahead to EADB to recover the debt after she recognised a judgment the bank obtained from a UK court, saying it was valid.

The bank had asked the High Court to accept a June 19, 2019, decision by Daniel Toledano, a judge in England and Wales.

Tuju's restaurant in question is located in Karen. Photo: Dari Restaurant.

Source: Facebook

The bank through its lawyer Githu Muigai said judgments from UK courts are among those enforceable in Kenya and vice versa.

The bank initially filed the case before a London court seeking to compel Dari to offset the $13.6 million (about KSh 1.4 billion) loan, which includes the principal amount and interest.

Tuju, being one of the directors, promised to guarantee payment.

Okwany said the decision from the UK court was enforceable and allowed the bank to go ahead to execute it.

However, through lawyer Paul Nyamodi, Tuju made an appeal requesting the court to set aside the UK ruling on grounds that it was against the natural rules of justice and Kenya's public policy.

Tuju also said the UK Judgement was obtained fraudulently, arguing that he stood to lose his property should the order be executed and registered in Kenya.

He also added that he was not given a fair hearing thus at risk to suffer irreparable harm should the judgement issued by the London court be executed.

Justice Onkwany said she wants the application filed by Tuju to be heard substantively and expeditiously on Friday, January 17, for any orders to be made.

Story by By Zipporah Weru, TUKO.co.ke correspondent, Nairobi.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

For any action there will be reaction - Kiunjuri | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
With four of the past five years being among the 10 warmest years, the 2010-2019 period was also the hottest decade Singapore has seen since records began in 1929. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  Last year was one of the hottest years on record for Singapore, with an annual mean temperature of 28.4 deg C.

This was on par with 2016 and 0.9 deg C higher than the annual average temperature from 1981 to 2010, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) in a news release on Thursday (16 January).

With four of the past five years being among the 10 warmest years, the 2010-2019 period was also the hottest decade Singapore has seen since records began in 1929.

The mean temperature for the last 10 years from 2010 to 2019 was 27.94 deg C, surpassing the previous warmest decade (27.89 deg C from 2009 to 2018), said MSS.

MSS noted that above-average temperatures were recorded for every month last year, with record-breaking temperatures seen in August (29.1 deg C) and September (29 deg C).

The hottest day last year was 17 April, which saw the mercury reaching 36.4 deg C. Meanwhile, 11 March, 3 July as well as 29 and 30 September saw the coldest nights last year with a temperature of 21.1 deg C.

(GRPAHIC: MSS)

2019 a particularly dry year

Last year was also particularly dry, with the annual total rainfall below average over most of the island. At the Changi climate station, the rainfall recorded was 1368mm  37 per cent below the 1981-2010 long-term average.

This made 2019 the third driest year, after 1997 and 2015, since rainfall records commenced in 1896, said MSS.

The driest periods last year were from January to March and July to September, during which the monthly rainfall was over 40 per cent below normal. The period of 31 July to 16 August also saw Singapores first dry spell in more than five years.

These warmer and drier conditions were attributed to the development of one of the strongest, positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events since the 1960s.

A positive IOD typically contributes to drier, and consequently warmer, conditions over Singapore and the nearby region during the Southwest Monsoon season (June  September), said the MSS.

Story continues

Thus, the development of this IOD event since the middle of 2019 contributed significantly to the below-average rainfall and higher temperatures observed, especially during the third quarter.

Screenshot from a video posted on social media showing a landspout ripping the roof off a building in Tuas on 27 September 2019.

Other weather phenomenons

MSS also noted that Singapore was affected last year by transboundary haze over several days in September due to land and forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The fires were escalated by the drier than normal conditions over southern South-east Asia that were attributed to the prevailing IOD event.

Singapore also recorded its first landspout  an overland vertical, rotating column of air that stretches up to the clouds  on 27 September.

On that morning, the presence of moist air from the surrounding sea areas and localised convergence of winds over the southern and western coasts of Singapore were conducive for the development of intense thunderstorm clouds over the southwestern part of Singapore, said MSS, noting that the strong winds ripped off parts of a Tuas factory buildings roof.

In the first two weeks of December, Singapore also experienced an extended period of cool, cloudy and windy conditions with heavy showers between 9 and 15 December. Rain fell over a widespread area continuously from 13 until 15 December.

The windy and rainy weather was due to a North-east Monsoon surge over the equatorial South China Sea region. Lasting some seven days, it was the longest North-east Monsoon surge episode affecting Singapore in the past decade.

More Singapore stories:

MHA investigating glitches in Singapore Pools' system

Worker who pushed man into drain for not helping him up jailed six weeks

Judge denies SDP application for POFMA case to be heard in open court
Where Prince Harry and Meghans defenders see a multiracial, trans-Atlantic family seeking refuge from a vindictive press and the hidebound traditions of royal life, critics see a self-indulgent pair who want the perks of royalty without its responsibilities, forsaking queen and country for the stardust of Hollywood.

The critics are particularly hard on the Duchess of Sussex, as Meghan is formally known. A divorced former TV actress from a mixed-race background, Meghan Markle met Prince Harry through mutual friends in London in July 2016, a month after Britain voted to leave the European Union. Their romance unfolded against the backdrop of a charged debate over immigration and the countrys national identity.

Meghan Markle represented change because of her racial heritage but also because of her feminism, her activism, and the fact that she is self-made, with strong ideas about her autonomy and identity, said Afua Hirsch, who teaches journalism at the University of Southern California and is the author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging.

She happened to arrive at a moment when Brexit emboldened people who advocated for a nationalist identity and a return to Britains imperial past, Ms. Hirsch continued. Its no surprise that this triggered a really hostile reaction.

For many Britons, however, the couples wedding  with its gospel choir singing Stand by Me and Bishop Michael Curry of Chicago quoting the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in his freewheeling sermon  sent an electrifying message about the potential of an outsider to shake up a centuries-old institution.

But then came the reports that the duchess was miserable in her new life and barely speaking to her in-laws. The couples relations with the press, which had started out well, quickly turned sour. The papers criticized them for flying on private jets and restricting access to their newborn, Archie.
DENMARK Amit Ray, Indian author who some call a spiritual master, said, The more we practice nonviolence in our words, thoughts and actions, the more peaceful will be our inner state.

Letitia Dowling of Denmark Cares said this quote sums up why the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kings message of nonviolence and peace is needed on national and international stages as well as state, regional and Denmark stages.

Denmark Cares has organized and will be hosting a nonviolence and peace gathering that honors Kings legacy Monday, Jan. 20, MLK Day, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Jim Harrison Gazebo in Denmark.

This gathering will offer messages and prayers of peace, healing, and unity. This is an opportunity for citizens to renew their personal vows of peace and unity to advance the goals of community, Dowling said.

The City of Denmark needs this message of nonviolence and peace in response to the increasing incidents of gun violence in the last year. It is important to gather as a community for motivation and inspiration to impact the progress we hope to achieve with reducing violence.

The guest speaker for the event will be state Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Denmark. Bamberg County Councilman Evert Comer Jr., Pastor Delores Stanley, and Minister Whitney S. Davis will lead prayers along with a selection from the Capernaum Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir.

The region needs this message because Denmark, S.C., is not the only small, rural community burdened with an increase in gun violence, Dowling said. S.C. needs this message as this has been a message for larger states with more urban areas, but we must aggressively address and adopt some creative solutions immediately.

Free food and drinks for the event will be provided with support from the Denmark Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Contact the writer: rbaxley37@gmail.com.

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PORTLAND, Oregon, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Industrial Rubber Market by Type (Natural and Synthetic) and End-use Industry (Automotive, Construction, Manufacturing, Electrical & Electronics, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026" According to the report, the global industrial rubber industry was estimated at $31.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $44.6 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 5.2% from 2019-2026.

Drivers, restraints and opportunities-

Rise in demand for industrial rubber from the automotive industry, and growth in construction activities fuel the growth of the global industrial rubber market. On the other hand, high cost of raw materials used for rubber manufacturing impedes the growth to certain extent. However, advancements in technologies is expected to usher in a plethora of opportunities for the key players in the industry.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6275

The synthetic segment to rule the roost till 2030-

Based on type, the synthetic segment is expected to account for more than three-fifths of the global industrial rubber market share in 2019, and would retain its dominance during 2019 to 2026. In addition, the segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.7% from 2019 to 2026. The fact that synthetic rubber offers more abrasion resistance than natural rubber drives the growth of the segment.

The automotive segment to dominate during the estimated period-

Based on end user industry, the automotive segment is anticipated to hold more than one-third of the global industrial rubber market revenue in 2019, and would lead the trail throughout the forecast period. Moreover, the segment is predicted to showcase the fastest CAGR of 6.0% till 2026. The growing use of rubber and rubber products in automotive antivibration, fluid transfer systems, adhesives & coatings, body sealing systems, molded parts, flat seals, foam and converting products is expected to drive growth of the market.

Asia-Pacific, followed by Europe and North America, to remain lucrative during the study period-

Based on geography, the region across Asia-Pacific, followed by Europe and North America, is projected to generate the largest share, contributing to more than one-third of the global industrial rubber market. The same region would also cite the fastest CAGR of 5.8% by 2026. The economies like China, India, and Japan are contributing significantly toward the growth of the market.

For Purchase Enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6275

Frontrunners in the industry-

LG Chem Ltd

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Bridgestone Corporation

Toyo Tire & Rubber Co

Sinopec Corporation

Arkema S.A

Lotte Chemical Corporation

Celanese Corporation

United Rubber Industries India private Limited

Braskem S.A

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The recordings  peppered with dad jokes (The next stop is Manhattan so were going underwater, hold your breath!) and fun facts about New York (This is 42nd Street-Bryant Park, the New York City Public Library is here!)  are the first in a pilot program by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its advertising partner, Outfront Media, to tap celebrity announcers.

Awkwafina will be the voice of the 7 train for the next week.

We are exploring new and different ways to generate much needed revenue, while also surprising and delighting customers, said Sarah Meyer, chief customer officer at M.T.A. New York City Transit, in a statement. Our focus will always be to run the trains safely and on time, and if a well-known voice can bring attention to in-car messaging, we are all for it.

Transit officials said they had not yet added another celebrity announcer to the list and are soliciting feedback from riders about the Awkwafina No. 7 train takeover to determine if they will do so. They did not say how much Comedy Central had paid for the campaign.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg smiles at South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg after being asked about Buttigieg as a politician as they walk into the St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center during a surprise visit to South Bend, Ind., Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has too much power, Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg told The New York Times in an interview published Thursday.

"No one should have that kind of power," Buttigieg told the Times editorial board.

Buttigieg told the Times that just because he and Zuckerberg share friends and both went to Harvard University "doesn't mean we agree on a lot of things." Buttigieg advocated for "a standard that shifts the burden to large companies, especially when they're making acquisitions, like the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook, that are likely anti-competitive."

He also criticized Facebook's advertising policy that allows politicians to run false ads without fact-checks.

"There's a problem of their refusal to accept their responsibility for speech that they make money from," Buttigieg told the Times. "So, if a cable company, or a newspaper, if somebody can show that an ad that you all were going to run is false, you would pull it, and yet Facebook doesn't want to hold themselves to that same standard."

Previous reports have painted a fairly friendly relationship between Zuckerberg and the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. A Buttigieg campaign spokesperson confirmed an October Bloomberg report that Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, successfully recommended two people to be hired to the campaign. Buttigieg and Zuckerberg overlapped at Harvard and were later connected through a mutual friend, according to Bloomberg.

For all his criticism of tech, Buttigieg has remained a popular candidate in Silicon Valley. While his approach is far more tempered than that of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who outwardly advocates breaking up Big Tech, Buttigieg told the Times he believes "there's a strong case" for doing so at Facebook.

He said many Silicon Valley tech workers support him even though they may disagree with some of his positions.

"I think you got a lot of folks there who are maybe a little less ideological, who I'm not going to agree with on everything, but also a lot of folks who, I think, are wrestling with what it is they've created," Buttigieg said.

Facebook did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Read the full interview at The New York Times.

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.

WATCH: How US antitrust law works, and what it means for Big Tech
Tope Akinyode, lawyer to Mr Anthony Okolie, an Asaba-based businessman detained for 10 weeks by the DSS for owning a SIM card previously registered in Hanan Buharis name, has made good his threat to sue all the parties involved in Okolies ordeal.

A suit has now been filed in which Okolie is asking President Buharis daughter, the Department of State Services (DSS) and MTN, to pay him N500 million compensation.

Mr Okolie, 33, was arrested on July 19, 2019 in Asaba.

The suit, with number FHC/ASB/CS/3/2020, is seeking an order to compel the respondents (DSS, Hanan and MTN) jointly or severally to pay the applicant the sum of N500,000,000 only as general and aggravated damages for the gross and unlawful violation of the applicants right to acquire moveable properties, freedom of movement and self-dignity.

Okolie said in the suit that he was detained with handcuffs until September 22, 2019, as the DSS waited for Hanan, who was schooling in the United Kingdom, to come and clear him but she never did.

The trader also attached the receipt he was issued after purchasing the SIM card as well as the SIM certificate.

According to the affidavit, he bought the SIM card on December 8, 2018, with phone number, 09035666662, for the sum of N1,000.

Okolie asked the court to declare that his long detention was an abuse of his fundamental human rights and that the actions of the DSS contravened sections 35 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution.
AP

An ex-adviser to Donald Trump's presidential transition team and key witness in former Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election has pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes involving minors.

George Nader, a 60-year-old Middle East specialist with close ties to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, admit to possessing child pornography and bringing an underage boy to the US for commercial sex during a court hearing on Monday.

Explicit videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers were discovered on his phone in January 2018, when FBI agents examined the devices as part of their probe into Russian election meddling.

Nader, who has been described by prosecutors as a lifelong paedophile, served Mr Trump during his transition to the presidency as an informal foreign policy adviser.

His testimony in the Russia investigation has been attributed with undermining previous claims about a meeting between a supporter of Mr Trump and a Russian banker linked to Vladimir Putin, that at first was said to have been a chance encounter and later found to likely have been a coordinated rendezvous. His name appears over 100 times throughout the special counsels report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Naders sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April. He has been held in jail since a judge determined he was too dangerous to be released on bail in June of last year, CNN reported.

The US Justice Department has recommended Nader receive 10 years in prison  the mandatory minimum sentence available in cases involving child pornography charges.

Nader pleaded guilty to bringing a 14-year-old child into the country in 2000 from the Czech Republic. Additional charges against him over transporting child pornography were dismissed in court on Monday.

He also previously pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in 1991, and convicted of sexually abusing minors in 10 different cases in the Czech Republic, where he served a one-year prison sentence in 2003.

Story continues

Nader has argued that his plea deal preserves his right to appeal the latest conviction against him, though he would still be subject to the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years under US federal law.

He has also been charged with seven other conspirators allegedly involved in illegally wiring over $3.5m (2.7m) in political donations to Mr Trumps former 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Read more

Prosecutors reveal threats Roger Stone wrote to Mueller witness
An air of unease pervades the general public, and while this sample remains small and certainly not a complete representation of all the everyday folk of Luxembourg, Stephen Lowe argues that this shift is merely the start.

This is a 'feels' article. Theres not too much by way of statistical data involved in me having put this together. Honesty is not always the best policy, but here the shoe fits.

As is the way with articles of this ilk, the prompting to put tips to keys has come from the public forum.

There has been a shift in the senses of the Luxembourgish public. This shift is not yet seismic but it is there on the fringes. Lurking in your periphery, the threat of the unknown.

A sense of feeling ill at ease.

Is that footfall behind me quickening?

Is that group of rowdy folk going to come at me?

That street looks an little unsafe at night...shall I go a different route?

Why is that person looking at me funny?

Did I lock the doors and windows?

Wary of how fake news and disinformation has spread, and will spread, RTL Today has taken its position as a news source very seriously. Though we, as is human nature, are prone to enjoying the odd puff piece and satirical diversion, we are, for all intents and purposes, the first to report on breaking news.

And in this multi-layered, multi-culti Luxembourg that is our city and our country, some of those stories are not the sunshine and rainbows that many folk still want to read.

There have been comments ranging from the run of the mill:

Yeah, so what, city life anywhere else is worse than this!

This is happening more and more

Where are the police?

"I don't feel safe anymore"

To slightly right of centre:

"Get a gun, no one will mess with you"

"I would smack the hell out of anyone that tries to mug me"

 Pixabay

To the wildly obscure:

"Women should have a vaginal implant that hurts a rapist"

"Why have you described the brands the victim was wearing?"

"Luxembourg crime is committed by foreigners"

Please dont report on violent crime anymore, it depresses people.

The brand comment interests me greatly. Given it was in the official police report, the article we carried offered the description of stolen goods. It was also implicit that the person/victim was targeted precisely due to the branding they carried with them.

It is easy to forget that at any given time you are walking around with (in some instances) thousands of euros worth of goods on your person.

Be that mobile phones, wearable tech, laptops, jewellery, expensive clothes, accessories...that is in no way blaming the victim, but if we brass-tack it, who is a would be thief going to target. Who has the higher risk to reward value?

The last comment is the one that sticks with me, the one about reporting crime, and it does so for several reasons.

While acknowledging that depression is a serious issue - I, myself struggle from time to time - I would wager its far more depressing to be a victim of crime than it is to read about it.

Rather, should you not want to read aboutdont read about it.

No one is forcing you to. They ARE, though, forcing people to hand over their personal possessions.

Also, it would be incredibly irresponsible to not report on these incidents. It is time that Luxembourg residents, from the city AND from the Burbs acknowledge that this place, this 2,586 km is not the same as it was a decade ago.

Even in terms of simple geography, rather than demography, the land is in a very different shape to that which it was.

Development and modernity mean it is impossible for a land to remain in stasis.

Like in any city, there are hotspots and places where you feel slightly less secure. Of course, when I am saying places, I am addressing the one postal code where the most commonly felt sense of insecurity occurs - this is a not irrefutable fact. It is, though, the one that is most likely referred to. Even in jest. And in a joke there is truth.

The Gare remains a location that many people consider to be the epicentre of all things crime-related (I am not speaking on behalf of a supposed many  this merely taken as heard, read, felt viewpoint).

'Aaaahhh, Stephen, the Gare is not THAT bad', I know, I know. It isn't. The old adage comes to light once more; if you look for trouble, you'll likely find it.

It can also be said that trouble will find you.

Only last week (January 10 2020) was an individual stabbed right next to the station in an aggravated assault that is one of many becoming a more regular occurrence.

 Unsplash

Over the past year, I have lost count of the stories shared regarding late evening altercations...cases of close calls, here we even had a reader come forward detailing a violent assault.

I can't mention names, but someone I know (posted on Facebook) had a horrible experience following the cancellation of public transport and not being willing to pay an exorbitant taxi fare. The individual (female) was lucky to escape a serious incident.

Worldnomads.com recently posted this to their site:



Petty crime in Luxembourg

Thieves may stop in front of you and drop an item, which they will then pick up along with your bags. Criminals may also stand in the doorway of the metro or stop in a stairway. Theft occurs on buses and trains, including the Gare, where you can catch the high-speed train to Paris. The area around the Gare is also described by some tourists as the shadiest part of Luxembourg City.

So, who must saddle the Roude Leiw's share of blame?

A hitherto unsuspecting and thus unprepared public? The Police...under theoretical fire a lot of the time, actually for a perceived lack of presence? Though RTL are reluctant to be too critical (we have requested an interview with Police spokespersons), we can suggest that there must be steps in place to stem the flow.

Whilst this is true, in part, it does not allow for the increase in home invasions (again, significant in number to be referenced in satire), muggings in broad daylight and on public transport.

It does not account for cash machines being blown up.

For widespread credit card scams.

Phishing.

Possible arson.

It forgets that a fatal police pursuit occurred well away from the principle station.

What there appears to be is an ingrained sense of all things bad must point to anywhere but where we are.

Despite, or rather maybe because of, increased access to information and the press having quicker agency with which to pass said information on, the public may indeed feel that they are under greater threat.

But we are working and living in a country that is intent on highlighting only the good and trying to sweep the rest under a metaphorical rug.

Take Gerry Erang's Dark Luxembourg series and you'll soon see a side to Luxembourg that is far from the brochures and Letz Make It Happen sloganeering.

When there are no real indicators to lean upon, so, then, the Gare is to blame.

And if not the Gare, then the people whom reside there. And with this comes the worst point of an argument that will not often be said: there is a fear of those who we do not know.

Man arrested in Esch-sur-Alzette for knife possession

Luxembourg has held an open-door policy of sorts, one that has encouraged the development of a huge swathe of nationalities to interact, gel, communicate, assimilate.

In this paradoxical land of the plenty, we as a population (again a majority, not all) enjoy a fairly decent standard of living. Is it so unusual that those who have less see opportunity to want, or acquire more?

That is not to say that crime is condoned or understood, or that it should be tolerated, more that as the country grows, and openly advertises as a land of opportunity, is it really that surprising that crime figures have also grown?

Whether these trends and intertwined is one for the statos (sp), Im again going on gut instinct.

The UK Government post this warning on their site:

Violent crime isnt common in Luxembourg cities, but incidents of burglaries are on the increase. Ensure you take adequate precautions to secure your home, particularly during the traditional holiday periods in August and around Christmas.

Pickpockets operate on buses and in train stations, particularly the Luxembourg Gare (main train station). Be aware of your immediate surroundings, keep your bags within sight, and avoid displaying high value items.

Hotel lobbies, especially in the Findel area, are reported to be hot spots for thefts and pickpocketing.

I said there was little data. I, fibbed - a white lie - see here:

Crime rates in Luxembourg are very low compared with other European countries but there are still some areas where you should exercise caution.

See what the US State Department has to say about Luxembourg's safety record here.

By all accounts the year 2014 was the last time there was a recognised spike in crime figures, yet since then there are far more people in and around the country. 'In 2017, one murder and one homicide' occurred in the country; and there were 74 cases of attempted murder. I, for transparency, am a country boy. Ive never really lived in a huge city. Ive been fairly sheltered. Living in Bristol and Plymouth are my closest encounters with BIG CITY LIFE.

There - as a student - I was forewarned of the higher risk areas and did my best to avoid them. There were the scare tactics of students being lynched by yardies, squaddies etc and when the boats were in (Plymouth) it was suggested we avoid Union Street.

In Bristol, my walk to work was soundtrack by the crunch of glass under foot - those shards coming from smashed car windows. St. Paul's was the place you should not go, lest you wanted a pasting or drugs.

Sandwich boards were emblazoned with crime headlines and you generally kept yourself to yourself at bus stops. But still, I was not 'in fear'. Perhaps the folly of youth.

Walking home, one night, following some after work drinks, I was walking back through Clifton and decided to nip through the hospital - an area I was advised to avoid after dark - I was swiftly set upon by a bloke who wanted my phone. I was on a call at the time. We exchanged opinions. I kept my phone, even if I had lost my cool.

Still, that was only one occasion.

The flat opposite mine, while living in Henleaze as burgled twice in 18-months. Ours, perhaps as it was messy, was left untouched.

Yet, those are the accounts I can remember.

Not once have I had any experience of violence or crime in Luxembourg - though the Schueberfouer case remains open to interpretation.

Maybe I have been exceptionally lucky, and as I hastily look for some wood to touch (steady), I hope that remains the case.

But, the reports and the figs do indicate that crime is in fact down.

In 2018 37,288 crimes were recorded by Luxembourg police, compared to 43,087 in 2014. That said the total in 2000 was 22,816.

Public drunkenness has seen a surge in the last two decades up from 293 cases in 200, to 1,028 in 2018.

Violent thefts, in spite of how often we read about them have only seen a slight increase: 359 in 2000 and 449 in 2018 - the high being in 2014, 615.

Click the below image for a full list of crime statistics (source: https://statistiques.public.lu/)

So it seems that reporting on crime and the public view on crime stats are to go hand in hand.

But I would still prefer to know that be wilfully, perhaps even blissfully, ignorant. Wouldn't you?

Even now, when visiting major capitals, I am reminded by my wife to not leave my keys, wallet, phone in full view when we are in pubs or restaurants.

(picks up rose-tinted glasses) It used to be that in Luxembourg, you could (again not in ALL instances) leave your personal belongings on the bar, pop to the loo and come back to find them still there.

These days, Im suspicious of the person(s) standing too close to me on the train.

There are many ways of thought involved with piecing together just how the sea change in a landlocked country is being brought about but an increased population, no matter from which corner of the globe (deliberately oxymoronic), is paramount in deducing why things are the way they are.

Whether or not, this, or any future government, is able to get a handle on spiralling crime is one of the things that will be watched closely in the press and in the public realm.

One thing is for sure, RTL Today will continue to report on these incidents and follow up with those that should be called to account.

Luxembourg should be proud of its stature within the EU and indeed the international prestige it enjoys. It does not want the sheen to fade.

A little bit of spit and shine has worked before.

It will not do so for much longer.

Stephen Lowe is a journalist and senior editor with RTL Today, a freelance DJ / Podcast host on Eldoradio and a short film director/producer.
GODFREY  The Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees discussed numerous topics at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

During information items, LCCC Interim President Lori Artis noted that 2020 is LCCCs 50th anniversary.

Well be focusing on celebrating our five decades of success over the next eighteen months, Artis said.

This includes creating a committee through the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation, dedicated to finding ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary throughout the entire year.

Our foundation has chose to use this 50th anniversary as a way to do some fundraising, Artis said.

The LCCC Foundations Debby Edelman, director of development, said a website is being made specifically to list celebratory events.

Weve already started talking with faculty and staff who plan events every year, such as arts event and music events, Edelman said. Theyre all on board with branding those events for the 50th anniversary.

The foundation supports the college and its primary goal is to increase student access and student success, she said. The 50th anniversary gives us a framework to work with, and the board of directors has launched a 50th anniversary capital endowment campaign.

The campaigns goal is to reach $5 million by the spring 2021. As of Tuesdays meeting, the foundation has raised almost $1.5 million. Since its creation, the foundation has fostered relationships between employers in the community and the college, which Edelman said is key to the foundations success.

The members of the board are business owners, business leaders, community leaders and a peer group, Edelman said. They bring their other peers into the community, to the mission of the college.

During discussion items, Jill Lane, LCCC dean of transfer programs, and Dennis Krieb, Reid Memorial Library director, spoke about the importance of role of the Student Success Team, not only with student success, but also persistence, retention, completion and enrollment. Lane explained that the original focus was about students who were not college ready who needed remedial courses.

We took a philosophical approach to student success, Lane said. We were all reading the research studies and the literature, and many of us were going to conferences, looking at how students best learn.

One project was putting students in a reading class, a writing class and a general psychology class. All instructors would communicate regularly and all reading and writing assignments were contextualized around psychology.

Our original goal was that these students would do better in reading and writing, which they did, Lane said. The other unexpected and unintended consequence is that they did better in general psychology, as well.

Krieb showed data regarding the colleges scores in retention and completion to the board of trustees and audience members. In both areas, LCCC beat competing schools, he said at the meeting. Both related statistics came from a compilation of campus students and transfer students.

LCCCs Kent Scheffel, vice president of enrollment, then talked about the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. The Illinois General Assembly describes the acts intent as providing more mental health awareness on public college campuses, the board of trustees of each institution to designate an expert panel to develop and implement policies and procedures that advise students, faculty and staff on proper procedures to identify and address needs of students exhibiting poor mental health. The act goes into effect July 1.

Scheffel explained that this could potentially have a financial impact on the college. The fall credit enrollment for the college is 6,413, he said.

Based on this number, it would cost $126,000 to meet the requirements under the act, he said.

One of the big challenges right now is that the state hasnt defined how theyre determining enrollment.

Scheffel also discussed intersession enrollment, which uses four weeks to teach a typically 16-week course, which is offered completely online. Total intersession enrollment this year is 185 with a total of 555 credit hours, he said.

This is the fourth year weve done it, Scheffel said, and this is by far the best year from an enrollment standpoint and credit hour standpoint.

During action items:

 an agreement was tabled to establish a policy for public donations and further discussion requested,

 Rust was appointed to serve as a LCCC representative to the Illinois Community College Trustee Association,

 Artis and Associative Interim President Brett Reinert were assigned to prepare the 2021 fiscal year budget,

 Artis and Reinert approved a resolution providing for the issue of approximately $32 million in General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the district for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the district, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the execution of a Bond Purchase Agreement with Stifel Nicolaus Inc., in connection with the sale of said bonds.

The meeting adjourned to closed session, with no action following.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said talked about the scourge of terrorism and the mayhem it can cause. For this, he used an interesting analogy - that is a banquet.

Before I start talking about the main topic of the day, I would like to compare terrorism to a banquet table. You have a soup to be served, which is comparable to the cyber warfare that is going to be launched before any combat. You will have disruptions of military and civilian systems. And just when the soup is over, you will see that starters have arrived, in the form of missiles and drone attacks. So you will see all this happening in terrorism, General Rawat said at the Raisina Dialogue.

He also explained in detail how the nature of terrorism is changing and what how it will evolve in the years to come.

If adversaries are quite satisfied with the starters, they can go to the dessert, which is the negotiating table, and start negotiating. You feel that there is a happy ending to it. But that is not the way things will happen. You will have to go in for the main course, which is going to be mainly non-vegetarian. Lot of bloodshed on the battlefield, man-on-man combat, combat in the air and combat in seas. And when all that is over, depending on who is the vanquished, you will finally get the dessert, said General Rawat.

We might think there could be a happy ending but dont forget that this banquet could be attacked by a swarm of bees in the form of terrorists. So this war is not ending, he added.

General Rawat said that terrorism cannot be tackled unless we get to its roots. He then went on to target Pakistan, which he said is funding terrorism.

You cannot be out partners and at the same time fund terrorism. The international community need to accept that yes, they are sponsors of terrorism. To say that they are not denying it, and that they themselves are the victims of terrorism cannot go on forever, he added.
Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, has launched a sustainable real estate investment trust (REIT) with an initial valuation of between Dh950 million ($258.7 million) and Dh1 billion.



The first green REIT in the UAE was launched at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State and chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Khaled Al Qubaisi, chief executive officer of Aerospace, Renewables & ICT at Mubadala Investment Company, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, reported state news agency Wam.



The REIT will be established at ADGM, the award-winning International financial centre offering the first private REIT regime in the Mena region as part of its thriving business ecosystem.



It will initially include four commercial properties within Masdar City, the sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi that is focused on low-carbon urban development. The private REIT will be launched as a Qualified Investor Fund, open to market counterparties and select clients by private placement. The properties cover a net leasable area of 57,493 sq m, and they have all achieved a rating of 3 Pearls or above on Abu Dhabis Estidama Pearl Building Rating System.



Al Ramahi said: This REIT is a significant milestone for green investment in the region, and demonstrates Masdars leadership in sustainable development. This is the first venture of its kind here, and offers investors an attractive option to invest in sustainable income-generating real-estate assets that are helping to contribute to a greater future for all. Investors are increasingly looking for responsible investments and are evaluating companies based on specific environmental, social and governance practices criteria.



The REIT will contribute to the development and strength of Abu Dhabis real-estate sector and bring in greater investment from domestic and international investors that want to make a real difference."



The green REIT also marks great progress in bringing the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration to life, which was signed last year by 25 public and private sector entities, including Masdar and ADGM, and is aimed at establishing a healthy and sustainable finance industry that supports the UAE in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.



Richard Teng, CEO of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority, said: "We are pleased to be facilitating this landmark REIT and commend Masdars efforts towards the progression of the UAEs sustainability agenda.



ADGM offers the ideal environment in that it combines a forward-thinking REIT regime, which was developed in response to market demand, with a strong focus on sustainable finance  an effort that ADGM has been spearheading in the region. We look forward to further advancing the UAEs sustainability objectives alongside Masdar through the establishment of this REIT."



Masdar has been advancing the commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy, sustainable urban development and clean technologies to address global sustainability challenges since 2006, and is currently active in more than 30 countries. In 2018, Masdar signed the first green revolving credit facility in the Middle East, helping to support its investments in global clean technology and sustainable real estate projects.



Since its launch in 2008, ADSW has evolved into one of the worlds leading platforms for accelerating global sustainable development. This years event, which runs until January 18, encompasses six pillars; Energy & Climate Change, Water & Food, Future of Mobility, Biotechnology in Healthcare, Space, and Tech for Good.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020

People in Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly concerned the region could turn into a battleground for influence among the worlds superpowers, as anxiety over Chinas rise continues to grow while confidence in the United States declines, a new survey has shown.

In total, 73.2 percent of respondents interviewed by the ASEAN Studies Center at the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said they were worried the region is becoming an arena of major power competition and that countries in the region may become proxies for the interests of major powers.

"Southeast Asians look to ASEAN to preserve the region's independence and strategic autonomy by staying united and [resilient] in the face of increasing major power rivalry," said Tang Siew Mun, head of the ASEAN Studies Center and lead author of the survey. "[They] remain disappointed that the tangible benefits of community-building and economic integration have not been felt directly on the ground level."
By PTI

SRINAGAR: An associate of terrorists was arrested on Wednesday from Awantipora area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

"Police in Awantipora arrested a terrorist associate of proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, " a police spokesman said.

The arrested person has been identified as Jahangir Ahmad Parray of Gulsahanpora in Tral area of the district.

ALSO READ: Hizbul terrorist killed in encounter in J&K's Doda district

"As per police records, he has been assisting the active terrorists of proscribed outfit Hizbul Mujahideen operating in the areas of Gulsahanpora, Seer, Pasoona, Wagad, Larow, Lurgam, Mongahama and other areas of Tral," the spokesman said.

Parray was involved in providing logistic support and assistance to militants operating in the areas of Tral, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 10:37:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LAGOS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian security forces on Wednesday rescued five aid workers from the captivity of Boko Haram militants in the restive northeast part of the country.

The aid workers working for international organizations were abducted by Boko Haram militants in December 2019 along Monguno-Maiduguri road in Borno State, according to the police.

Peter Afunaya, spokesman for the country's secret police, told Xinhua Wednesday that the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with other critical stakeholders in military and intelligence services.

Afunaya said the aid workers are in good health.

The northeast region in Nigeria has been destabilized for over a decade by Boko Haram, which kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in 2014.
KYIV - Ukrainian authorities announced a probe Thursday into the possible surveillance overseas of U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch that a critic claimed to have orchestrated from the United States before President Donald Trump dismissed her from the post.

The statement by Ukraine's Interior Ministry followed the disclosure of new documents related to the impeachment case against Trump. The material included exchanges between Lev Parnas, a then-associate of Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, and others about the need to oust Yovanovitch.

The documents - provided to the House Intelligence Committee by Parnas - include messages with Robert Hyde, a Connecticut Republican who is running for a seat in Congress. In those exchanges, Parnas was informed about Yovanovitch's physical location.

The disclosures have opened a new front in Trump's impeachment woes, while dragging Ukraine back into the spotlight six months since the controversial call between Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky. To this point, Ukrainian officials had been careful not to criticize their most powerful Western allies, but "Ukraine cannot ignore such illegal activities" on its territory, the Interior Ministry statement said.

FBI agents on Thursday visited Hyde's home and business in Connecticut, an official familiar with the case said, though the exact nature of their activities could not immediately be determined.

The development was first reported by CNN. Hyde did not return messages seeking comment Thursday.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan already had the messages from Hyde in their possession; it was only after they gave them back to Parnas as part of the criminal case against him that Parnas then turned them over to U.S. lawmakers.

Washington Post photo by Matt McClain

Neighbors to Hyde's home and business said they saw no obvious indications that an FBI search was being executed. A spokesman for the bureau declined to comment.

In an interview with MSNBC that aired Wednesday, Parnas said he did not take Hyde's claims seriously. Parnas and other Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, were arrested in October at Dulles International Airport and charged with attempts to funnel foreign money to U.S. politicians.

The Interior Ministry statement said Ukrainian police "are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States."

"However, the published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state," the statement continued.

House Democrats have demanded the State Department's cooperation in determining whether anyone inside the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv disclosed real-time information about Yovanovitch's movements. In a letter Wednesday seeking any relevant internal documents, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, indicated his staff had been assured by the department's head of diplomatic security that officials there would investigate and share their findings with the Justice Department and FBI.

State Department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a separate probe, Ukraine investigators said they were looking into a suspected Russian hack into computers at Ukrainian gas company Burisma, which is at the center of the impeachment inquiries.

Trump is alleged to have withheld military aid to Ukraine as possible leverage to open a probe into alleged corruption at Burisma. Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joe Biden, had served on the Burisma board.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov met Thursday with an FBI representative based in Ukraine and officially requested U.S. assistance in the two cases, according to a Ukraine government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing investigations.

In the WhatsApp messages between Parnas and Hyde, the latter suggests he's in contact with individuals in Ukraine who were monitoring Yavonovitch's movements.

"They are willing to help if we/you would like a price," Hyde writes to Parnas in one message. He then added, "Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money. . . what I was told."

Hyde, who told Parnas he was with a "private security" team in Kyiv, was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital last year after police were called to Trump's Doral resort outside Miami, police and court records show. Doral police said Hyde insisted his life was in danger and that he believed painters and landscape workers were trying to harm him.

One week after the incident in Doral, a 34-year-old political consultant obtained a temporary protection order against Hyde because of "constant harassment and stalking," according to records in Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The consultant alleged that several incidents occurred at the Trump International Hotel in the District.

On Wednesday, Hyde suggested in a television interview that he was joking in his WhatsApp messages to Parnas. Asked by Eric Bolling of the Sinclair Broadcast Group whether he had monitored Yovanovitch, Hyde said: "Absolutely not. You kidding me?"

In November, Yovanovitch told the House Intelligence Committee that she believed Giuliani and others conducted a "smear campaign" against her. Yovanovitch was ordered back to Washington by the State Department in April.

Trump, in his July 25 call with Zelensky, described Yovanovitch was "bad news" and said she would be "going to go through some things" in Washington.

- - -

Khurshudyan reported from Moscow. The Washington Post's Matt Zapotosky, Carol Morello and Devlin Barrett contributed to this report from Washington.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 05:14:37|Editor: ZX

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday hailed the ratification by the U.S. Senate of a revised North American free trade agreement, calling it "good news."

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was approved by the Senate earlier in the day, and now goes to U.S. President Donald Trump for his final signature.

"This treaty is going to signify more trust in Mexico so investment flows in, companies set up shop, and there is well-paid work and wellbeing," Lopez Obrador said in a video message posted to Twitter minutes after the USMCA cleared the Senate with 89 votes in favor and 10 against.

The deal still needs to be ratified by the Canadian parliament before it can take effect, but Lopez Obrador said he was confident it would pass.

On Dec. 10, representatives of all three countries met in Mexico to sign off on changes made to the USMCA that mainly centered on the enforceability of the deal's new provisions, including the creation of a trinational panel of experts to ensure compliance and resolve any potential disputes.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexico's deputy foreign affairs minister for North America, Jesus Seade, signed the modified USMCA in the presence of Lopez Obrador.

The USMCA replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was in effect since 1994.
Guatemalas new president says Mexico intends to stop a migrant caravan headed to the United States.

Guatemalas new president on Wednesday faced an early test of his ability to manage migration as a caravan of hundreds of people left Honduras for the United States.

President Alejandro Giammattei inherited a contentious deal that his predecessors government struck with Washington designed to make migrants from Honduras and El Salvador seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the US.

Giammattei met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard early on Wednesday, and later told reporters that Mexico was determined to halt the caravans advance.

The Mexican government told us that they wont let it pass, said Giammattei, that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing.

Mexicos foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Giammatteis remarks.

Earlier, Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexico and Guatemala will hold bilateral talks on migration once the new Guatemalan government has become familiar with the situation.

Honduran migrants praying before heading towards the US as part of a new migrant caravan, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras [Reuters]

In accordance with a freedom of movement agreement between northern Central America countries, Giammattei said he would allow the caravan to enter Guatemala provided its members had the required paperwork.

Still, tensions flared when a group of about 300 migrants approached the Guatemala border at Corinto from Honduras.

According to Honduran security ministry spokesman Jair Meza, Honduran police fired tear gas when a group of people tried to cross without passing through migration controls.

Some reached the Guatemalan side, where 15 people were detained by Guatemalan authorities and sent back, Meza said.

Giammattei, a conservative who has already discussed migration with top US officials, is scheduled to speak by phone with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Giammattei has yet to detail how he will treat the US migration agreement, instead focusing on economic development.

Physical walls arent going to stop migration  the only things that stop migration are walls of prosperity, Giammattei told Mexican broadcaster Televisa.

Before dawn, the caravan of several hundred people set off from San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras, about 40km (25 miles) from the Guatemala border.

Here, theres no work; theres nothing. Thats why we are fleeing to the United States, a young man travelling with his wife and two children told Honduran television.

San Pedro Sula, one of Central Americas most violent cities, also was the departure point for a large caravan in 2018 that angered Trump, prompting him to press governments in the region to do more to contain migration.

Guatemalas former President Jimmy Morales last July agreed with the US government to implement measures aimed at reducing US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador, averting Trumps threat of economic sanctions.

Giammattei said a top priority would be reviewing the text of migration agreements made with the US.
Lawmakers initially suggested that a Senate vote on the pact would be delayed until after the trial, which will begin in earnest on Tuesday and eat into the Senates time for legislative work. But when Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California decided to delay sending the articles of impeachment, senators seized the opportunity to move on the trade pact.

Our farmers and ranchers expect us to move on this, Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa and a prominent advocate for the deals passage, said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Folks back home, they dont care whats going on in this bubble surrounding impeachment. They just simply want to know are we doing the work thats important to them, she said.

Within nine days, six Senate committees had given the implementing legislation seals of approval, allowing for the vote to occur Thursday morning before the impeachment trial formally began.

Undaunted by those who set to throw him out of office since day one, President Trump forges ahead for the good of the American people, Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said. Passage of U.S.M.C.A. is better late than never.

The bipartisan support for the deal came at a moment when partisan politics have stymied most legislative efforts. In part because of the Democratic stamp on the pacts terms, 37 Democrats joined 51 Republicans in voting for the deal, including opponents of the original North American Free Trade Agreement and others typically averse to trade pacts.

I never thought Id be voting for a trade agreement during my Senate tenure that I wrote a big part of, said Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, whose vote for the pact was his first for a trade agreement in a quarter century. Mr. Brown embraced the measure after labor enforcement language that he and Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, crafted was included in the final agreement.
A muslim leader has reportedly been suspended after it was revealed he had unknowingly wedded a man, prompting an investigation.

The Imam of Kyampisi Masjid Noor mosque in Uganda, Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, married Swabullah Nabukeera two weeks ago in a formal ceremony.

The newlyweds spent the following weeks living together, with Sheikh Mutumba completely oblivious his bride was actually a male, the Daily Monitor has reported.

The truth was reportedly exposed when police arrested Nabukeera, whos actual name is Richard Tumushabe, on theft allegations and a female police officer conducted a body search.

Tumushabe dressed in a gomesi or hijab, and refused to undress while he slept with the Imam, according to mosque bilal Amisi Kibunga, who planned to counsel the newlyweds until he heard of the arrest, the Daily Monitor reported.

The Imam of Kyampisi Masjid Noor mosque in Uganda, Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, wedded Swabullah Nabukeera two weeks ago in a formal ceremony. Source: Daily Monitor/Fred Muzaale

Since the news broke, Sheikh Mutumba has been placed under investigation and suspended from his clerical duties, which the head of the mosque, Sheikh Isa Busuulwa, said was to preserve the integrity of their faith.

A source told the Daily Monitor Sheikh Mutumba had not been seen in four days and is devastated by the ordeal.

On Wednesday, Tumushabe was charged with two counts of theft and an unnatural offence, the Daily Monitor said, adding Sheikh Mutumba was not there.

It is true I did something wrong and I regret it, but my current condition forced me to do it, Tumushabe said to reporters before court, according to the Daily Monitor.

It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone but I was forced to do what I did because of the harsh conditions I've been going through.

Tumushabe also said men would approach he and his friends on the streets in Kampala and he would sleep with them in exchange for money because he didnt have a job.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Mark Carney will take up the role of climate adviser to the UK government after he steps down as the Bank of England governor in March. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP via Getty Images

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been appointed as an official adviser to prime minister Boris Johnson on climate change finance.

The Bank of England and the Cabinet Office said on Thursday that Carney would advise the prime minister on how the financial system can help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions. He will take up the role once he steps down from the Bank of England in March.

The appointment comes ahead of the United Nations Climate Change conference, known as COP26, which will be held in November in Glasgow.

Mark Carney is an invaluable addition to the COP26 team, the prime minister said in a statement announcing the appointment. His expertise will help the UK to lead in mobilising businesses and investors to support our net zero revolution.

Carney has made addressing climate change through finance a key priority in recent years. He first raised the financial risk posed by warming temperatures in a speech in 2015 and has committed to introducing regular climate risk tests for big banks.

READ MORE: Bank of England head: Pension funds could be hit by 'worthless' fossil fuels

His work led him to be appointed as the United Nations special envoy for climate action and finance. He will take up the role when he steps down from the Bank of England, earning a token $1 a year in the role.

Carney said in a statement on Thursday he was honoured to advise the prime minister ahead of COP26.

The combination of these critical meetings and the UKs global leadership in financial services provides a unique opportunity to address climate change by transforming the financial system, he said.

To seize it, all financial decisions need to take into account the risks from climate change and the opportunities from the transition to a net zero economy.

The Bank of England said Carney will focus on creating new rules and measurements that would bring the impacts of climate change to the mainstream of private financial decision making.

The Bank of England estimates as much as $20tn (26tn)-worth of assets could be at risk from climate change and Carney said last month pension funds could be hit as fossil fuel investments become worthless in the near future.

READ MORE: Mark Carney lands first post-Bank of England job
Tsuta Ramen's three new tonkotsu-style ramen in Singapore: (left to right) Kurobishio, Mala and Tonkotsu flavours. (PHOTO: Sheila Chiang for Yahoo Lifestyle SEA)

SINGAPORE  MSG, or monosodium glutamate, typically found in processed foods, is often added to ramen broth to achieve that savoury flavour. But we all know that it is unhealthy for our bodies when consumed in excess.

Tsutas founder-and-chef Yuki Onishi, who is based in Tokyo, was presented with a challenge. He observed that virtually every ramen establishment has MSG content and artificial flavouring in their ramen bowls.

He wanted to continue upholding his philosophy of using only fresh ingredients.

Taking one full year and over two hundred trials, he finally came up with not one, but three equally-tantalising Tonkotsu flavours  Tonkotsu ($12, $13.80 with egg), Kurobishio ($13, $14.80 with egg) and Mala ($13, $14.80 with egg)  sans the MSG and artificial flavours.

Comprising premium black pork bone and trotter, the Tonkotsu broth is boiled for over 5 hours to achieve a fragrant and collagen-rich flavour. Hokkaido Kelp and Shiitake mushroom is added to the broth towards the end to enhance the natural umami flavour. The essence of the dish is further amplified with their special blend of tare, creating a creamy and hearty concoction with a savoury pork-taste.

Chef Yuki was not available for an interview during our visit to Tsutas restaurant but we spoke to the man who brought in the worlds first Michelin-starred ramen place into Singapore, Brian Chua, the CEO of Tsuta Global.

For Chef Yuki, he is very adamant about his style of cooking. He only uses fresh ingredients. In fact, the ramen we serve here are almost identical to Japans. Ingredients used in Japans outlets are used in Singapores outlets too, said Chua, who also helped bring in Vietnamese restaurant Mrs Pho.

I have been challenging the chef, saying we need to create new dishes for local palates. Thats why we created the Duck and Chicken ramens, continued Chua. Chef Yuki created these ramens specially for the Singapore market.

He likes to travel to different countries to understand their different food preferences by eating local food. For example in Singapore, he tasted the black pepper crab and Bak Kut Teh.

Story continues

The Black Garlic flavour is usually just a burnt garlic taste. But he (Chef Yuki) recognised that in Singapore, we like the black pepper taste. He tasted the black pepper crab and Bak Kut Teh and he added a hint of pepper so that you dont just taste the black garlic but also the peppery taste, said Chua, referring to the new Kurobishio ramen (the Black Garlic flavour of the new Tonkotsu flavours).

The Tonkotsu series will be a mainstay in the menu, said Chua. They are also looking to relaunch the Duck and Chicken flavours in Singapore in 2020.

Besides looking into opening more outlets in Singapore, Brian has also set his sights on Thailand and the US.

We will be opening in Bangkok, Thailand at Central World. We last opened in San Francisco, said Chua excitedly.

The new Tonkotsu series is available at Tsutas outlets from $12 - $14.80, namely Funan Mall, Vivocity, Tai Seng Street and Jewel Changi Airport.
[January 16, 2020] Mojo Vision Working with FDA, Nonprofit Organization to Assist People with Low Vision

Mojo Vision, the Invisible Computing company, today announced a pair of initiatives integral to its goal of assisting people with low or impaired vision. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Mojo for the development of its smart contact lens. The company also announced a new partnership with Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a Palo Alto (News - Alert)-based nonprofit that offers rehabilitation services to more than 3,000 children and adults with blindness or impaired vision each year. Mojo Vision is building the world's first true smart contact lens, called the Mojo Lens. The company has been developing its smart contact lens through years of scientific research and holds numerous patents on the technology. Mojo is planning an early application of its product to help people struggling with low vision by using enhanced image overlays. These overlays provide real-time contrast and lighting enhancements, as well as zoom functionality. With its inconspicuous contact lens form factor, the Mojo Lens is designed to serve as a low vision aid that could remain discreet for the wearer and allow a hands-free experience, while delivering enhanced functional vision to assist in mobility, reading, and sighting. At least 2.2 billion people struggle with vision impairment or blindness worldwide, but rehabilitation options and technologies to enhance their vision are very limited. For those with low or impaired vision, the ability to operate the Mojo Lens discreetly and hands-free will provide more confidence and independence in day-to-day activities like crossing intersections, identifying building entrances, navigating unfamiliar environments and interacting with others. The FDA Breakthrough Device Program is intended to help patients receive more timely access to breakthrough technologies that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Under the program, the FDA will provide Mojo Vision with priority review and interactive communication regarding device development and clinical trial protocols, through commercialization. The Mojo Lens is currently in he research and development phase and is not available for sale anywhere in the world.



"Receiving the Breakthrough Device Designation is a significant step in our research and development process. We look forward to continuing our work with the FDA to ensure our solution is safe and effective, and that we can bring the Mojo Lens to market and assist people with vision impairment," said Drew Perkins, CEO of Mojo Vision. "This designation continues our work towards developing a product that can truly impact people's lives in a positive way." Through the partnership with Vista Center, the nonprofit organization's clients will play a direct role in providing input to the company's team of scientists and engineers, helping them define the features and capabilities of Mojo's innovative technology. In turn, Mojo will be able to deliver devices to market that will contribute to vision-loss rehabilitation, and improve the quality of life for Vista Center's clients and others with similar needs. The Mojo Lens will be designed to increase contrast, highlight edges, magnify objects (like text), and zoom-out to spot check surroundings, helping people with low vision navigate the world and increase their social independence.

"Through our partnership with Mojo Vision, we have a unique opportunity to help revolutionize the way those with impaired vision are able to see the world," said Karae Lisle, Executive Director of Vista Center. "Our clients will be at the forefront of this effort, playing direct, hands-on roles in the design of Mojo's technology. Together through our efforts, we hope to change the future of vision-loss rehabilitation, improve the quality of life for our clients, and pave the way for others." Mojo Vision is led by Silicon Valley veterans from Apple, Amazon, Google, HP, Microsoft, Motorola (News - Alert), Infinera, Agilent, and Marvell, among others, as well as medical device and optometry experts from companies including CooperVision, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Philips (News - Alert) Healthcare, and Zeiss Ophthalmology. Dr. Ashley Tuan, Mojo's VP of medical devices and a Vista Center board member, is a Doctor of Optometry from The Ohio State University, has a PhD in Vision Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and has delivered several contact lens products. She is passionate about assisting people struggling with vision impairments. To find out more, go to www.mojo.vision. About Mojo Vision Mojo Vision is the Invisible Computing company, dedicated to developing products and platforms that re-imagine the intersection of ideas, information, and people. Instead of being tethered to devices that are increasingly a distraction in many aspects of our lives, Mojo envisions delivering information and knowledge that is immediate but without the disruption of traditional devices. Mojo is inventing the future of computing - Invisible Computing - which imagines a world where information is there when you need it, technology fades away, and you can freely connect with others in a more meaningful and confident way. Founded by technology experts with decades of experience developing pioneering products and platforms and backed by some of the world's leading technology investors, Mojo believes the future is invisible. Mojo Vision is based in Saratoga, CA (News - Alert). About Vista Center Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, is the premier regional resource nonprofit for vision loss rehabilitation services. For more than 75 years, Vista Center has served over 3,000 people annually and offers a wide range of comprehensive programs and services that empower visually impaired community members to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education, and training in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and San Benito counties. We believe that vision loss need not be a barrier to independent living in the age of technology, heightened diversity, and inclusion in our community. www.vistacenter.org Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the technical, operational, and financial benefits of Mojo Vision's solution. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Actual results may vary materially from these expectations as a result of various risks and uncertainties. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005187/en/

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- President Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that he will ensure the 2020 election is peaceful and free

- He has directed the security to deal with any person or group who wants to cause confusion during the polls in December

- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

President Nana Akufo-Addo has reiterated that he will not preside over or tolerate violence before, during and after the 2020 general elections in Ghana.

He has urged the countrys security to deal ruthlessly with any individual or group who will try to cause mayhem during the polls in December.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo is not like Mahama; he has been accountable to Ghanaians - Mustapha Hamid

Nana Addo said he has directed the state security apparatus to act without partiality.

In an interaction with the clergy at the seat of government, Jubilee House, Nana Addo said he will ensure the 2020 elections are free, fair and peaceful.

To ensure that the security agencies in our country act without partiality so that the law is applied evenhandedly, [that] is the reason why I passed a law against vigilantism to make sure that we can come to grips with it. And for the strictness, I have given them to the leadership of the security agencies.

ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana

He added that crime was crime, regardless of who commits it.

"Crime cannot have a political colorization. I think from now on, the political leaders must insist that the security agencies act with evenhanded. If an NPP man causes a problem or assaults someone in public, he must be dealt with as a citizen of Ghana not as a member of the NPP. It doesnt matter that the NPP government is in power.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo appointees buying confiscated cars at cheaper prices

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that government has signed a 250 million deal with the federal government of Germany to upgrade and expand the country's electricity transmission infrastructure.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, by CEO of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Sabine Dall'Omo, a representative of Siemens in the presence of President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG, Mr. Joe Kaeser.

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
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Everything our agents have achieved has helped us build a destination brokerage where independent freight agents thrive.

Tallgrass Freight Co. (TGF) was honored as part of the Inc. 5000 and one the Ingrams Corporate Report 100, and spotlighted by the Kansas City Business Journal as part of both the Fast 50 and one of the Fastest-Growing Logistics Companies. Were humbled to have a team of ambitious freight agents who work with integrity each day to achieve big success, said Founder & CEO Damon Anderson.

Building on the success of its national headquarters in Shawnee, KS, the company opened its second brick-and-mortar office in Scottsdale, AZ. With a strong leadership team in place, we were grateful to open the doors of our second office in 2019, remarks COO and Co-Owner David Barnes. Expanding to a new office was the ideal next step.

Barnes is quick to point to the independent freight agents as the catalyst for Tallgrass Freights 2019 success. Were proud of every achievement. But were far prouder of the professionals whose dedication our accomplishments represent, he says. As part of the company culture, Tallgrass offers multiple incentives on top of their industry-leading compensation and benefits packages.

In 2019, Tallgrass promoted multiple friendly competitions within the company. Prizes distributed included 65 flat-screen TVs, Microsoft Surface Pro laptops and Traeger grills among others. In addition, top-performing agents and employees plus a guest were flown to Las Vegas, Nevada, on a trip to reward their success.

TGF agents also benefited from the wide range of continuing education opportunities Tallgrass offers. The company conducts monthly State of the Union gatherings and in 2019, expanded their continuing education offerings with sessions like the TGF Agent Roundtable and the Tax & LLC Seminar.

Everything our agents have achieved has helped us build a destination brokerage where independent freight agents thrive. Weve got lots to accomplish and were only getting started, says Anderson.

About Tallgrass Freight Co.: A full-service logistics solutions provider since 2012, Tallgrass Freight offers a wide range of transportation and logistics services to small and mid-sized companies. Services include less than truckload (LTL) shipping, full truckload (FTL) shipping, flatbed services, intermodal services and more. The companys top-notch carrier relationships and service-first culture ensures customers have the truck they need when they need it, as well as on-time and intact deliveries at the best possible prices. Tallgrass Freight is a destination company for top-tier agents who want to thrive. Its network of ambitious independent freight agents find freedom and support, enjoying the perks of being their own boss, plus the joys of being part of a team. To learn more, visit tallgrassfreight.com.
African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most pathogenic viral diseases in pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The fatality rate is almost 100%, which brings huge economic losses to the hog industry in countries with epidemics. China was the first Asian country to have an ASF epidemic, and it spread quickly across the country after the first epidemic was reported in August 2018. After that, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia and North Korea also reported on the ASF epidemic in succession. The African swine fever virus is a member of the Asfarviridae family and is the only known DNA virus that can be transmitted by ticks. The virion is 175-215 nm in diameter and is icosahedral symmetrical with an envelope and the genome enclosed in it is a double-stranded linear DNA with a size of 170-190 kb. In pigs, ASFV can replicate in the cytoplasm of a variety of cells, especially reticuloendothelial cells and mononuclear macrophages. Given that the genome of the African swine fever virus is very complex and whole genome information is currently inadequate, it is important to efficiently obtain virus genome sequence for genomic and epidemiological studies.

"We first use the nanopore platform to directly sequence clinical samples from pigs infected with ASFV, and explore the possibility of TGS acquiring large viral genomes such as ASFV." said Dr. Lijia Jia, the first author for this work. The results of this research indicated that the Nanopore technology can obtain ASFV genome faster than next-generation sequencing."As for working time, the NGS library preparation and on-machine sequencing took significantly longer than the TGS. The Hiseq X10 yields 100 Gb data for 76 h, while the nanopore library preparation time and the time to generate 100 Gb data on the promethION sequencer add up to less than 24 h", said Jia. The advantage of nanopore sequencing is the rapid obtaining of the pathogen genome, and the advantage of NGS is sequencing accuracy. The method of using TGS+NGS is a good choice in terms of time and accuracy."Although the current data suggest that the outbreak of African swine fever in China seemed like a single source, our results show that there are still 6-93 variations in the genome of ASFV isolates in different provinces and cities. As a large double-stranded DNA virus, ASFV has a relatively conservative genome, and its natural variation is very slow, but it can be accelerated by interaction with the host and stimulation of environmental factors. In this context, it is necessary to promote whole genome sequencing of ASFVs in different regions, which can provide us with more meaningful variation information and may play an important role in re-establishing the ASFV transmission route", said Professor Di Liu, the co-corresponding author.

These encouraging results confirm the utility of ONT sequencing as a non-cultured direct sequencing method for ASFV genomes from PCR-positive clinical tissue. Real time sequencing of the entire genome of the outbreak strain provides a baseline for subsequent epidemiological tracking and evolutionary studies.

###

This work was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (Nos. 2016YFC1200800 & 2018YFC0840402), Research Project of African Swine Fever of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KJZD-SW-L06), China Mega-Project for Infectious Disease (2017ZX10103005-005), the State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology Research Fund (SKLVBF201902).

See the article: Jia, L., Jiang, M., Wu, K, et al. (2019). Nanopore sequencing of African swine fever virus. Sci China Life Sci, in press, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-019-9828-1. http://engine.scichina.com/doi/10.1007/s11427-019-9828-1
"Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as...
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

China both optimistic and cautious about new trade deal with US

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the partial trade deal between China and the US signed in Washington on Wednesday in a brief letter to counterpart Donald Trump.

Read more.

Supreme Court stays release of PMC Bank accused on Centres plea against Bombay HC order

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the release of Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan - prime accused in the PMC Bank scam - from jail to their residence.

Read more.

IUML, first to challenge CAA, asks SC to stay population register project

The Indian Union Muslim League, the Kerala-based group that was the first to rush to the Supreme Court to challenge the new citizenship law, returned to the top court on Thursday to ask the judges to stop the government from implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Population Register, or NPR.

Read more.

Those who dont know history of Mumbai...: Sanjay Raut clarifies on Indira Gandhi-Karim Lala statement

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has kicked up a controversy by making controversial statements about former prime minister Indira Gandhi, saying she used to meet yesteryear don Karim Lala.

Read more.

Shershaah posters: Sidharth Malhotras birthday gift to fans is rousing first look as Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra

Filmmaker Karan Johar has shared the first poster of Sidharth Malhotras film, Shershaah. The film is a biopic of Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra who went by the code name Shershaah and stars Sidharth in the lead role.

Read more.

India vs Australia: India Predicted XI for 2nd ODI - With series on the line, Virat Kohli set to make big changes in Rajkot

The top-order fired but not the in the expected dominant manner. Virat Kohli dropping down to No.4 meant there was no momentum in his innings, the middle-order crumbled under pressure.

Read more.

Magh Bihu 2020: Date, history, significance, all you need to know about the festival

For an agriculture-based country like India, our joys, fun and celebrations revolve around harvest festivals. The whole nation comes together in celebrating the end of the harvest season and the cold, harsh winters.

Read more.
Oman Cement sees net profit decline 45% in 2019

16 January 2020

Oman Cement has recorded a 45.3 per cent fall in its net profit to OMR4m (US$10.4m) for 2019, compared to OMR7.3m in the previous year.



Total revenue also declined four per cent YoY to OMR50.12m from OMR52.19m.

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Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the country's biggest oil firm, will decide on bidding to buy Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) after the government lists out rules for the stake sale, its Chairman Sanjiv Singh said on Thursday.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on November 21, 2019 decided to sell government's entire 53.29 per cent stake in country's second-largest state refiner BPCL, but a tender for sale hasn't yet been issued.

"The expression of interest (EoI) (for BPCL stake sale) hasn't been issued yet. We don't know the conditions. We have no information whether PSUs are allowed to bid or not," Singh told reporters here. "I cannot comment if IOC will bid or not unless we see the conditions set out in the EoI."

He said a decision on the issue can only be taken once there is clarity on the bidding process the government intends to follow.

Soon after the Cabinet decision, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had hinted that PSUs will be kept out of BPCL privatisation.

"Since 2014, we have a clear vision that the government has no business to be in business," Pradhan had said on November 22, 2019. "We have examples of 2-3 sectors such as telecom and aviation where ushering in private participation has led to customers benefiting from price cuts, efficiency, and better service."

Asked if the company has been told that PSUs will be kept out, Singh said there is no information on whether state-owned firms can bid or not.

BPCL will give the buyer ready access to 14 per cent of India's oil refining capacity and about one-fourth of the fuel marketing infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing energy market.

It, however, will be sold after carving out Numaligarh Refinery from its portfolio and given to a pubic sector unit. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd is also to be sold out to a PSU, possibly through a bidding process.

Singh said he cannot comment if the company will bid for the Numaligarh Refinery unless tender conditions are revealed.

"We don't know if Numaligarh Refinery will be sold with marketing infrastructure or without its marketing infrastructure. We have to wait for details before IOC can take any decision," he said.

Numaligarh refinery was set up as per the Assam Peace Accord and the government has decided to keep it in the public sector.

At the current trading price of BPCL, the government's 53.29 per cent stake is valued at around Rs 53,400 crore. On top of this, the acquirer will have to make an open offer to buy an additional 26 per cent stake from minority shareholders for about Rs 26,000 crore.

The price of BPCL has been hammered since the November 21 CCEA decision. On that day, the government stood to gain Rs 62,000 crore from privatisation but will now get about Rs 8,000 crore less.

The stake sales are critical for the government to meet its disinvestment target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore set for the current financial year.

The government had allowed PSUs to bid when it sold petro retailer IBP Co Ltd in 2002. IOC had bagged the government's 33 per cent stake in IBP for Rs 1,153.68 crore or Rs 1,551 a share.

The other bidders for IBP were Reliance Industries, Royal Dutch Shell, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. The reserve price for IBP was Rs 337 crore.

Last year, the government sold its entire stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) for Rs 36,915 crore.

BPCL operates four refineries in Mumbai, Kochi (Kerala), Bina (Madhya Pradesh) and Numaligarh (Assam) with a combined capacity of 38.3 million tonnes per annum, which is 15 per cent of India's total refining capacity of 249.4 million tonnes.

After removing 3 million tonnes capacity of Numaligarh refinery, the new buyer will get 35.3 million tonnes of refining capacity.

It also owns 15,177 petrol pumps and 6,011 LPG distributor agencies in the country. Besides, it has 51 LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bottling plants. The company distributes 21 per cent of petroleum products consumed in the country by volume as of March this year and has more than a fifth of the 250 aviation fuel stations in the country.

The government is keen to get international energy majors such as Saudi Aramco, Total SA of France and ExxonMobil to operate in the downstream fuel marketing business so as to bring in greater competition.

Currently, 95 per cent of retail petrol and diesel sales and near 100 per cent of cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene sales are controlled by the public sector units.

As on March 31, BPCL reported cash and cash equivalents of around Rs 5,300 crore against Rs 10,900 crore of debt maturing over the next 15 months.
OTTAWA - Canadian special forces and other military personnel in Iraq have resumed some of their activities following a temporary suspension last week, though many others remain on lock down.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Canadian Forces door gunner keeps watch as his Griffon helicopter goes on a mission, February 20, 2017 in northern Iraq. The Canadian military is resuming some operations in Iraq following a temporary suspension of activities last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

OTTAWA - Canadian special forces and other military personnel in Iraq have resumed some of their activities following a temporary suspension last week, though many others remain on lock down.

Canada's mission in Iraq has two main elements, one of which involves about 200 troops who have been training local forces through NATO to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. A similar number of special forces have been working as part of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition.

Both elements saw their missions suspended last week, with orders for the troops to hunker down on military bases or, in some cases, relocate to Kuwait, over fears Iran or its proxies would retaliate for the U.S. having killed Iran's most important general, Qassem Soleimani.

Those fears proved to be founded as Iran launched ballistic missile attacks against two military bases in Iraq on Jan. 8, including one outside the northern city of Irbil where Canadian special forces have been operating for the past five years. No one was injured in the attacks.

Yet the Department of National Defence says some Canadian special-forces soldiers have since returned to their work. Military transport planes and helicopters have also resumed flying personnel, equipment and supplies in and out, as well as around, of Iraq.

"Certain Canadian Special Operations Forces activities have resumed under strict parameters to ensure safety of our members," Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said in an email.

Special forces "are optimized to operate in this kind of ambiguous, volatile environment," he added. "As such, the conditions under which they have been permitted to resume certain activities is different than that of regular forces."

Le Bouthillier said the protection of Canadian forces was the top priority, but would not provide further details.

The special-forces soldiers have been working with specialized Iraqi counterterrorism forces, primarily in the north of the country, to eliminate remaining ISIL cells.

Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Michel-Henri St-Louis, the commander of Joint Task Force Impact, which oversees many of Canadas other anti-ISIL efforts in Iraq and the surrounding region, told The Canadian Press that Canadian military aircraft and helicopters are again flying in Iraq.

"As the situation has evolved in the last couple of days, we have been able to resume the Hercules flights into Iraq," said St-Louis in reference to the military's C-130 transport planes, which are based in Kuwait and ferry personnel, supplies and equipment to and from the mission in Iraq.

"In Iraq itself, the helicopters have also done some flying to allow that inside Iraq transport of personnel that is key in this repositioning and adjustments that we need to do," he said, adding the military also recently swapped out some of its helicopters due to wear and tear.

Canada has two squadrons of Griffon helicopters in Iraq for transportation and resupply.

Yet while Canada's special-forces soldiers and military aircraft are again on the move, the roughly 200 Canadians attached to the NATO training mission in the south of the country are still waiting for the signal to resume their mission.

One of the complicating factors is whether the Iraqi government actually wants them and the rest of the thousands of U.S. and Western troops to stay and continue training the country's local forces and help with the fight against ISIL.

Following Soleimani's death, the Iraqi parliament passed a non-binding resolution calling for them to leave. While many Sunni and Kurdish parliamentarians boycotted the vote, outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi voiced his own support for the resolution.

Morale among the Canadians in Iraq is high, said St-Louis, who said the damage from the Iranian missile attack on Irbil was minimal. Soldiers are in contact with their families, he added, and commanders are continuing to assess the security situation and guard against potential threats.

As for how the Iraqis feel about them, "the contacts we have here with the Iraqi security force partners, what I'm hearing from them is they want us to return and continue to help them, train them and support them as they develop the capacity they need to face" ISIL.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Thursday held extensive talks on fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed ties between Iran and the US over killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani. In the meeting over breakfast, Zarif apprised Jaishankar about the overall situation and Tehran's position over it.

It is learnt that the two ministers also deliberated on various aspects of bilateral ties between India and Iran including progress of the Chabahar port project.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit in the midst of global focus on escalating tension between Iran and the US following the killing of Soleimani in an American drone strike.

On Wednesday Zarif told PTI that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as it is an important regional player

In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, he hit out at the Trump adminstration for killing of Soleimani and attributed the action as a "sad reflection of a serious problem in Washington's thinking".

"If you are an ignorant-arrogant or an arrogant-ignorant, with power, it brings disaster," he said on Wednesday, alleging that Soleimani's killing was a US attempt to unilaterally shape policies in the region.

The attack, he said, was "unforgivable".

India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on January 3.

Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq.
BRIDGEPORT  A city contractor faces federal charges after he allegedly lied to investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, officials said Thursday.

Luis F. Estrada, 46, appeared before a judge in New Haven federal court Wednesday after an indictment was returned Jan. 2, charging Estrada with making false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor and falsification of records in a federal investigation.

During his Wednesday court appearance, Estrada pleaded not guilty to the offenses. He was released on a $75,000 bond.

The indictment alleges that Estrada is the owner of L.L.E. Construction.

In February of last year, Estrada and L.L.E. Construction entered a written contract to do roof repairs and other construction services at a property on Main Street in Bridgeport.

In February and March 2018, Estrada was given three checks totaling $11,0000 for the work.

The indictment said that on March 1, 2018, a compliance officer with OSHA visited to property and observed what he believed to be various safety infractions by construction workers who were making the roof repairs, a news release from U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham said.

The officer launched into an on-site inspection into the suspected infractions.

While Estrada wasnt on the Main Street property at the time, the news release said, he spoke with the OSHA compliance officer over the phone.

On May 22, 2018, OSHA compliance officers served Estrada with a subpoena that demanded documents and records linked to L.L.E. Constructions work at the Main Street property in February and March 2018.

Estrada hand delivered a written response on July 30, 2018, saying he did not do any work for the L.L.E. roofing project, the news release said. Estrada allegedly also wrote that there was no payroll because he didnt work on the project and that he didnt have any contract or documents for it.

The false statement charge carries a maximum term of five years in federal prison. The falsification of records offense carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
Lu Xiaohui (2nd, L), Consul from Overseas Chinese Affairs Office at Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, speaks during a press conference in Chicago, the United States, on January 12, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala will be staged on February 1 in Chicago, the third largest city of the United States, for overseas Chinese and Americans to co-celebrate the Chinese New Year, organizers announced at a press conference on Sunday afternoon. [Xinhua/Wang Ping]

CHICAGO, January 13 (Xinhua)  A grand Spring Festival gala will be staged on February 1 in Chicago, the third largest city of the United States, for overseas Chinese and Americans to co-celebrate the Chinese New Year, organizers announced at a press conference on Sunday afternoon.

The 2020 "Cultures of China, Festival of Spring" gala, which is jointly presented by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China, the Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago (CAAGC), will be held at Harris Theatre in downtown Chicago at 7 p.m. on February 1, according to CAAGC.

"We Chicago people are very lucky as the gala this time only reaches five cities across the American continent. All the leading performers are Chinese national class-A artists," said Zheng Zheng, Chairwoman of CAAGC.

Zheng mentioned prestigious Harris Theatre invited them to perform at its venue, "it's a proof that Chinese cultures are recognized by local audience and performing market."

Lu Xiaohui, Consul from Overseas Chinese Affairs Office at Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, thanked CAAGC for their preparation and hard work for the gala.

"'Cultures of China, Festival of Spring' is a great platform not only for overseas Chinese to get close to native country's culture, but promoting cultural exchange between China and the United States," said Lu.

Zheng Zheng (2nd, R), Chairwoman of the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago (CAAGC), speaks during a press conference in Chicago, the United States, on January 12, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala will be staged on February 1 in Chicago, the third largest city of the United States, for overseas Chinese and Americans to co-celebrate the Chinese New Year, organizers announced at a press conference on Sunday afternoon. [Xinhua/Wang Ping]

(Source: Xinhua)
ST. LOUIS  Schnuck Markets, Inc. and The Salvation Army on Monday announced Schnucks customers and the company donated a total of $320,000 to The Salvation Armys annual holiday campaign through Schnucks Round Up at the Register.

Schnucks customers could round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations from the nearly two-week campaign benefiting The Salvation Army. In addition to funds donated by customers through round up, the company also made a contribution.
Two petitions have been uploaded to Brisbane City Council's website calling for a library program involving drag queens reading books to children to be scrapped.

The petitions, one of which has been signed by more than 600 people, make inaccurate and offensive statements about the LGBTIQ+ community and one demands the council apologise for allowing the reading events to take place.

Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner had not read the petitions on Thursday morning. Credit:Tammy Law

It follows an incident at Brisbane Square Library in which an LNP-affiliated university group gatecrashed a Rainbow Families Queensland event and confronted two drag queens who were reading books to children.

Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said on Thursday morning he was not aware of the petitions and would need to read them before making any decisions.
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu on Thursday said that increased pressure is needed to reform the UN Security Council.

"Estonia believes increased pressure is needed to reform the UN Security Council," he said in his address at the Raisina Dialogue 2020 here.

Earlier on Wednesday, Reinsalu met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and conveyed his country's support for India's candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-2022.

"The two leaders met here on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020. They extensively discussed various issues of mutual interest for further deepening the partnership between India and Estonia," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The ministry also said that Reinsalu's visit will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Estonia.

Speaking to ANI, Reinsalu termed his meeting with Jaishankar as "very marvellous." "Meeting was very marvellous. There is no political agenda because India and Estonia's political relation is cloudless," he said.

The Estonian Foreign Minister also called India a 'rising star' in the global economy and said that his country is looking for cooperation with New Delhi in digital and cyber fields.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation on import of Viscose Rayon Spun Yarn (VYS) originating in or exported from China, Indonesia and Vietnam on January 14.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Indian Manmade Yarn Manufacturers Association that dumping of VYS into India is causing material injury to the domestic industry. VSY is mainly used for weaving or knitting for production of fabric for eventual use in garments.

The industry has pointed out that while VYS (which contains 85% or more of artificial viscose staple fibre) has been classified under tariff codes 55101110 and 55101210, identical products are being imported under several other related codes too. These products, "which are being dumped into India, are identical to the goods produced by the domestic industry. There are no known differences either in the technical specifications, quality, functions or end-uses of the dumped imports", the domestic industry points out. Since the two are technically and commercially substitutable it should be treated as 'like article' under the anti-dumping rules, the complaint says.

Following the complaint, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Commerce Ministry has computed the export price for all three countries based on DGCI&S transaction-wise data. Price adjustments have been made on account of ocean freight, marine insurance, commission, inland freight expenses, port expenses, bank charges, and VAT (only for China). A comparison of the normal value and the export price at ex-factory level has prima facie shown significant dumping margin, the authority notes.

The initiation of an investigation is based on the prima facie findings of the authority. While the period of investigation requested by the domestic industry was 1 April to 31 September 2019, the Authority has decided to look into the import price patterns during a nine month period (from 1 April to 31 December 2019). The injury investigation period will cover the periods 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, and the period of investigation.

As part of the investigation process, DGTR will intimate the known exporters of the product in the three countries, their governments through their embassies in India, the importers and users in India separately. They will be allowed to file their responses within a prescribed time-limit.

Also read: ED summons AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, entire top brass

Also read: Budget 2020: Govt likely to raise LTCG tax holding period to two years
ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Premier Anesthesia, a national anesthesia management and consulting company, recently announced that it was selected by and is providing anesthesia management services to Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Georgia. This partnership demonstrates the company's ability to rapidly respond to hospitals' anesthesia needs, while positively impacting their surgical services.

Premier Anesthesia was able to assume responsibility for anesthesia operations while retaining nearly every provider throughout the transition, one of the key goals of the hospital. Eastside Medical Center is a 310-bed multi-campus system of care that has been a key employer and economic driver in Snellville, a suburb of Atlanta, for 40 years. Premier Anesthesia's ability to keep the providers in their community, as well as attract new providers, gives patients confidence that they can receive quality care in their hometown.

"Our providers have long ensured that Eastside Medical Center patients receive the highest quality of care, and it was important for us to partner with a group that could manage a change in operations without losing a significant number of existing quality providers or causing disruptions in services," said Trend Lind, CEO of Eastside Medical Center.

At Eastside Medical Center, Premier Anesthesia was able to deliver cost effective change and minimize the risk involved with a transition to a new anesthesia group.

"In many organizations, creating stability when these types of business shifts take place is uncommon and full of challenges. This is an area that Premier Anesthesia shines," added Richard Jackson, acting president of Premier Anesthesia and chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare. "Premier Anesthesia excels in environments like these because we have the benefit of being the right-sized company with a sole focus on anesthesia services in an industry that has become dominated by large multi-serviced organizations. We are more agile, especially when coupled with Jackson Healthcare's national-level recruiting and staffing resources."

About Premier Anesthesia

Premier Anesthesia is a national anesthesia management and consulting company solely focused on building and managing the best anesthesia teams in the industry. The organization's leadership brings extensive experience in hospital-based physician staffing, recruiting and management. Premier Anesthesia is part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies. For more

information, visit www.premieranesthesia.com.

About Jackson Healthcare

Jackson Healthcare, the third-largest U.S. healthcare staffing firm by revenue, is a family of highly-specialized healthcare staffing, search and technology companies. With a mission to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone it touches, it helps thousands of healthcare facilities serve more than seven million patients annually. Backed by more than 1,500 associates and with over $1 billion in annual revenue, Jackson Healthcare is recognized as an employer of choice. Learn more at www.jacksonhealthcare.com.

SOURCE Premier Anesthesia

Related Links

http://www.premieranesthesia.com


Cook said problems remain, starting with the makeup of the commission.

They were all from Phoenix or Tucson, he said, and all archaeologists. Cook said there was no representation from those in the agriculture industry who have to live and comply with any requirements.

Cook also said the panels requirements for searching and removing any findings are excessive. He cited a rancher who wanted to build a corral on Forest Service land. To get the necessary clearance would have run $1 million for a corral with a $14,000 price tag, Cook asserted.

Griffin said there are other problems with the way the whole system of historic preservation is run. She said it fails to keep data in the system about which land has been surveyed for remains or objects in the past, essentially requiring an entirely new survey to be performed for any new projects.

Norris said the focus has to be on protecting the remains.

Many of the tribes have lived in this state for centuries, since time immemorial, he said.
We are pleased that we were able to find common ground with the district, Greg Fitch, president of the Joint Faculty Association, said in a statement. We now have a tentative agreement that will put our students first and allows us to have a solid plan for the future.
President Protects Religious Freedom in Social Services

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

Jan. 16, 2020



WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- On this Religious Freedom Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing a rule that implements President Trump's executive order that removes current regulatory burdens on religious organizations and ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in HHS-supported programs. This rule protects HHS-supported religious social service providers from discrimination in federal regulations and it guides all federal administrative agencies and executive departments in compliance with federal law.

HHS's proposed rule would eliminate current discriminatory regulations, enacted by former President Obama, that require only religious providers of social services to make referrals under certain circumstances to alternative service providers and post notices regarding this referral procedure. However, as HHS's proposed rule observes, these burdens were not required by any applicable law, and because they were imposed only on religious social service providers, they are in opposition with recent Supreme Court precedent regarding nondiscrimination against religious organizations. The proposed rule also will foreclose other unequal treatment of religious organizations by ensuring that they are not required to provide assurances or notices that are not required of secular organizations.

In addition, the proposed rule will clarify that religious organizations may apply for awards on the same basis as any other organization and that when HHS selects award recipients, HHS will not discriminate based on an organization's religious character. The proposed rule also clarifies that religious organizations participating in HHS-supported programs retain their independence from the government and may continue to carry out their missions consistent with religious freedom protections in federal law, including the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.

This announcement is appropriately made on Religious Freedom Day, celebrated in America each year on January 16 to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of the 1786 passage of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom that ended the state-established church in Virginia, finally protecting religious rights for all people. The Anglicans had fined, persecuted, jailed and murdered Christians who were not part of the state-established church. However, Jefferson, a fervent advocate for the rights of religious liberty and conscience, worked hard to defend those Christians.

In his draft, Jefferson wrote: "Almighty God hath created the mind free, and...all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments...tend only to begat habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do so, but to extend it by its influence on reason alone." In his second inaugural address in 1805, Jefferson wrote: "In matters of religion I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the General Government."

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "I commend the Trump administration for protecting faith-based social service providers from discrimination based on their sincerely-held religious beliefs. President Trump recognizes that Americans of faith play an essential role in providing healthcare and human services to many vulnerable people and communities. I applaud President Trump for removing every unfair barrier that stands in the way of religious freedom. In the same way, Thomas Jefferson and our Founders recognized the importance of religious freedom and they created our Constitution to protect that priceless possession," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.



SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



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Senior CPI-M leader M Y Tarigami on Thursday slammed the BJP-led Central government for making "big claims" on development works in Jammu and Kashmir, charging that people were not even getting basic amenities.

The Centre should produce a record of the development it has carried out in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370, he demanded.

"At a time when the BJP government at the Centre is making big claims of development, people in Kashmir are hankering for basic amenities including LPG, ration and other essential commodities. Even in rural areas of Jammu the situation is no different," he said in a statement.

Tarigami said snow has not been cleared from roads in Kashmir and there is a crisis of drinking water.

"These are the ground realities which can't be brushed aside. The reality isthat the only thing achieved by this BJP government so far is highly divisive and discriminatory measures like CAA, NRC and NPR which have created a lot of uncertainty in the country", he charged.

He said the Supreme Court may have declared the Internet blackout impermissible, but the Jammu and Kashmir administration seems to have found a way to "circumvent" the verdict and retain most restrictions inthe Valley.

Tarigami charged that the J-K administration's answer in response to the apex court's order is a mere eyewash.

Not a single minister visited Kashmir when heavy snowfall in early November destroyed the apple crop and also caused massive damage to apple trees as well, he said.

He said in Jammu farmers suffered losses due to heavy rains and the Centre didn't even bother to send a junior minister for assessment of the losses.

"Even till now the assessment of losses to apple and saffron industry and losses to farming community in Jammu has not been doneproperly", he alleged.

Lashing out at the Centre, he said a little over five months have passed since the Central government "arbitrarily abrogated Article 370 claiming that Articles 35A and 370 hinder development in J-K".

"Now let them produce a record on how much development has happened since then? Where is the investment and job opportunities which the BJP has been claiming will come after the revocation of J-K's special status?", he added.

Forget about creating new employment opportunities, there is an apprehension among people that now even class IV posts in J-K will be filled at the all-India level, he said.

Tarigami said the national highway connecting Kashmir with rest of the country has remained closed for more days than it is open which has created scarcity of essential commodities in the Valley.

"The BJP, which is in power for the last almost six years, has not been able to repair a patch from Ramban to Ramsu on the national highway. Students, patients, businessmen and others, who have to travel outside Kashmir, are facing the worst time", he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ex-pope Benedict XVI's comments critical of his successor's plans to allow married men to become priests has caused ripples of concerns that he could become an 'anti-pope'.

The former head of the Catholic Church seems to have broken his silence recently over key issues in Catholicism, raising serious questions within the Church about the extent to which there are, in fact, two 'men in white' at the Vatican.

In 2013, Benedict became the first pontiff to resign in almost 600 years. He chose to be known thereafter as 'pope emeritus' and said he would live 'hidden from the world' in a former convent inside the Vatican grounds.

While he initially stuck to his promise to carry out a life of quiet contemplation and academic research, he has since weighed in on the explosive issues of clerical sex abuse and whether the priesthood could be opened to married men.

A photo, taken in 2017, shows Pope Francis (left) shaking hands with his predecessor, Benedict XVI, inside the church at the Vatican

This week, Benedict's contribution to a book on celibacy was seen as a strategic attempt to undermine his successor Pope Francis and boost the cause of a combative ultra-conservative wing of the Church.

Experts say the problem is that no rules were drawn up to define what role Benedict should play after he stepped down as head of the church.

'There were hints of a problem right from the start', when Benedict gave up the papal hat but not the postal address, Richard Gaillardetz, Catholic theology professor at Boston College, told the National Catholic Reporter.

Benedict's contribution to the book on celibacy (left) has been viewed as an attempt to undermine Pope Francis and boost the cause of a combative ultra-conservative wing of the Church

'The publication of views on controverted issues, when offered by a man who insists that he too still deserves the title 'pope' (albeit pope emeritus), who continues to wear papal garb and who still resides in the Vatican, is deeply problematic,' Gaillardetz said.

Even Benedict's supporters said he should have used his given name, Joseph Ratzinger, when signing his contribution to the book.

Historian Francesco Margiotta Broglio, head of Italy's religious freedom commission, told La Stampa that 'Ratzinger should neither write nor speak.

'If he continues to go against the reigning pope, he could become an anti-pope'.

Benedict's age and physical frailty - the 92-year old reportedly has difficulty speaking or writing - has prompted some Vatican watchers to question whether he was the author of his published reflections, or whether someone put words in his mouth.

'It seems likely some prelates opposed to Francis have sought to hide their plots in the mantle of the emeritus,' said Massimo Faggioli, theology professor at Villanova University.

Pope Francis (left) with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as they shared Christmas greetings in December 2018. In 2013, Benedict resigned and became known as the 'pope emeritus'

Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI sits near the Holy Door as Pope Francis leads a mass to mark opening of the Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, December 8,2015. His personal secretary said in 2016 the former pope was slowly fading

The ex-pope said when he resigned that he no longer had the strength of mind or body to carry on. His personal secretary Georg Gaenswein said in 2016 that he was 'slowly fading'.

Vatican expert for the Catholic weekly The Tablet, Christopher Lamb, was not the only one to point out that Archbishop Gaenswein - nicknamed 'Gorgeous George' by his admirers for his dashing good looks - occupies a crucial, gatekeeper role for the ex-pope.

'Benedict's interventions over the past year have raised questions regarding whether, given his own infirmity... he is being manipulated by persons eager to undermine the current papacy, even if Benedict himself is not,' Gaillardetz said.

Pope Benedict XVI finishes his last general audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican February 27, 2013. This year questions have been raised whether people are manipulating his current frailty to undermine the current papacy

Pope Francis attends a service in Ariccia on the last day of a 5-day spiritual retreat with Vatican clerics on the outskirts of Rome. Experts say the exact role and functions of a retired pope need to be established

Faggioli pointed out that not only was there still no Church law on how to deal with an incapacitated pope, it 'evidently also needs a law concerning the situation created by an incapacitated 'emeritus' and his entourage'.

Experts said the priority should now be to determine the role and functions of a retired pope, with some suggesting that Francis could change canon law, or set up a commission to suggest some new ground rules.

These could include either giving former bishops of Rome a new pastoral role if they are of working age, or allowing them to retire as designated bishop emeritus of Rome but insist they take off the papal regalia and live outside the Vatican.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed another complaint against alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and 25 others for their involvement in illegal drug trade in Eastern Visayas

According to the complaint filed before the Department of Justice, Espinosa, along with his cohorts and coddlers, conspired to run the trade in Eastern Visayas for three years.

He moved his operation to Eastern Visayas in 2011. Kerwin was detained in Ormoc City Jail on 19 May 2011 to 31 July 2013 for illegal possession of firearms and frustrated murder, read the complaint.

Despite of detention for almost two years, Kerwin drug trade flourished in Eastern Visayas region through his cohorts, private armed men and coddlers, it further read.

Most of Espinosas coddlers were police officers.

Espinosa is the son of the late Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa who was killed in an alleged shootout with the police at the Leyte sub-provincial jail in 2016. His father was in President Rodrigo Dutertes so-called narco list.

The younger Espinosa was also known for linking then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to his drug business. He alleged that De Lima used the P8-million drug money he gave for her 2016 senatorial campaign.
The debate on whether pineapple should be served on pizza has caused a deep rift between both sides of the argument, with each side going to extreme degrees to defend their topping choices  like the President of Iceland suggesting in 2017 that if he had more power, he would ban the topping entirely.

But now a fresh, new horror has entered the discussion: Kiwi on pizza.

Stellan Johansson from Skottorp, Sweden unintentionally ignited a viral war against himself when he posted a photo of his pizza covered in kiwi slices on Facebook.

The backstory is that Johansson's brother had gifted him with over 20 pounds of kiwi for Christmas and ever since Johansson has been experimenting with different recipes.

Other posts on his Facebook page include bacon-wrapped kiwi and kiwi slices baked into cakes.

Johansson told Insider that he took a couple of kiwis to Skottorps Pizzeria and requested they make a pizza with some of them. Little did Johansson know that Reddit user nre1313 would find the photo of Johansson's innocent food experiment and upload it to Reddit with the caption: "Kiwi pizza from a Danish pizzeria, an unholy abomination."

It quickly went viral.

"I think I just went blind," one Reddit user posted in response.

"This is the slippery slope that permitting pineapple has resulted in," posted another.

"Scandinavian food is the best argument for the existence of Satan I have ever seen," said another Redditor.

This is actually not the most outlandish pizza topping to come out of Sweden. A pizza topped with bananas, peanuts, curry and chicken is available in most pizzerias throughout the country.

The most Swedish pizza there is. Pineapple, banana, curry. pic.twitter.com/aGum8QybJ7  @sweden (@sweden) August 11, 2017

Johansson told Insider that he didn't like bananas on pizza, but he would eat the kiwi pizza again.

Watch more:
Senior Congress leader K J George on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate officials here in connection with a FEMA case.

The former minister is being investigated by the ED for probable violation of provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

The ED had recently issued summons to George.

Speaking to reporters after appearing before the ED, George said he has answered to the officials' queries and will cooperate further also.

"ED had issued me summons, as a law abiding citizen, I have answered and gave documents to whatever they asked.

Further also if they call me...I will cooperate and provide necessary documents," he said, without divulging any details.

George clarified that no summons has been issued by the ED to members of his family.

"If required they (ED officials) will call me again, and I'm ready to cooperate," the congress leader added.

Last year, the president of the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Ravi Krishna Reddy had complained to the ED seeking a probe into the alleged money laundering and properties held by George and his family members in the United States.

Responding to a question about a defamation case filed by him against those who have levelled the allegations, George said "Just because ED has called me for questioning, I'm not proved guilty."



"Anyone can complain to agencies like the Income Tax or ED or Lokayukta, but my only objection is with going to the press to project someone as guilty," he said.

"...going to the press with an intention to do a propaganda against me..someone who is in public life-- to project me as guilty is wrong, so I have filed defamation case stating the allegations are false," he added.

George is the third senior Congress leader from Karnataka to face an ED probe after D K Shivakumar and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Shivakumar was arrested by the agency in a money laundering case and was kept in Tihar Jail, until he got bail in October, while Khan was summoned in connection with the multi-crore IMA group Ponzi scam case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
16.01.2020 LISTEN

France has had an interest in the Sahel since the colonial era, when the territory of French West Africa encompassed Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Although Macron inherited the conflict in Mali when he took power in 2017, he has repeatedly committed to the fight against extremists in the Sahel. Indeed, he travelled to Mali to meet President Keita in his first week as head of state.

In a part of the world where borders are relatively porous and government and police presence in remote areas weak, militant groups have thrived in the lawless mostly-desert regions of the Sahel. Groups of this nature have staged bloody attacks on military posts in both Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months.

At least 38 French soldiers have died since France intervened in Mali in 2013, while more than 200 soldiers from regional nations in Africa and international peacekeepers were killed in September 2019 alone, with dozens more dead in attacks in neighboring Burkina Faso.

Although other European nations provide logistical support, France is the only nation with a permanent military presence on the ground in the Sahel, a presence that has been criticised by parties of both the left and the right in France.

Everything got worse

In a statement in November, 2019, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said that now is not the time for questioning the merit of Paris military engagement in the Sahel.

But some analysts have suggested that she doth protest too much. Since the beginning of the French military involvement in the region, everything got worse, Jeremy Keenan, a research associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, told Agence France-Presse. There is no progress.

The hard-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) expressed a similar view: the country needs a serious and rational discussion to find a way out of a war, the meaning of which is lost on a large number of our fellow citizens as well as Malians themselves, LFI MPs asserted in a public statement.

None other than Frances most senior military officer added fuel to this argument. General Francois Lecointre, the armed forces chief of staff, declared on France Inter radio that we will never achieve a definitive victory in the Sahel  although he insisted that Frances military operations there are useful, good and necessary.

Nobody trusts the G5 Sahel

Frances military presence in the region has by no means been unilateral; it has been working with allies on the ground since 2013. That year, the United Nations formed the MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali  one of the largest UN deployments.

However, it is also the most dangerous: more than 200 Blue Helmets have been killed in Mali. MINUSMA troops are shot like hares, Francois-Xavier Freland, former FRANCE 24 Mali correspondent and author of Mali, au-dela du jihad (Mali, Beyond Jihad), put it last year.

In an attempt to build a more long-term security solution in the region, the G5 Sahel bloc was transformed into a military alliance at Paris behest in 2017, bringing together forces from Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

Yet, in light of its constituent armies mounting death tolls amid mushrooming insurgent attacks, it is clear that the G5 Sahel is not working, said Thierry Hommel, director of the West Africa Future Forum at Futuribles and a teacher at the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussees in Paris. Its a coalition of armies that nobody trusts: theyre seen as inefficient and corrupt and benefitting from impunity, which is to say that they can kill anybody they like and get away with it.

Military figures tend to say the Chadian military is quite brave  the others tend to run away when terrorists come, Hommel continued. But often even the Chadian fighters dont have guns because of corruption in procurement.

Indeed, the Sahel states score poorly in the most recent Transparency International Corruption Perception Index: for example, Chad is ranked at 165 out of 180, and Mali at 140.

No terror attacks in Europe have come from the Sahel

Corruption is just one form of bad governance that engenders insurgent activity, said Emmanuel Dupuy, head of the IPSE think-tank in Paris and an expert on the Sahel. Countries in the region are not paying attention to their peripheries, and this is exactly where terrorist groups have found fertile ground  in places where the state is incapable of performing its basic missions in terms of providing public services, justice and simply administering the area, you see terror groups replacing the state, he pointed out.

In any case, the vast, sparsely populated nature of the Sahel means that large spaces of territory there are difficult to control under the best of circumstances, added Andrew Lebovich, a specialist in the region at Columbia University and the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Given that insurgent groups are benefitting from such fertile ground just south of the Sahara Desert, Paris rationale for its military role in the Sahel is that stabilising the region will make Europe safer by preventing jihadist groups from enjoying a safe haven in the continents near abroad.

Hommel argued that this thesis should be challenged: None of the terror attacks on European soil have been committed by people coming from the Sahel. Its good for insurgent groups there to say that theyre affiliated to people like al- Qaeda but they seem to be acting on a local level  and if they are local, they are not a threat to our security.

Nevertheless, France has been keen to persuade other EU countries to send troops to fight in the Sahel. Thus far, only Estonia has signed up. The Baltic state intends to send 50 troops.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:46:35|Editor: zh

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HANGZHOU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- After passing quarantine inspection, a total of 150 leopard geckos were exported as pets to Kuwait from east China's Zhejiang Province.

Leopard gecko, a species of reptile of the suborder sauria, is non-toxic and native to India, Pakistan and neighboring areas.

The species is particularly popular with reptile lovers for its attractive appearance, meek disposition and changeable skin colors.

The exported leopard geckos are captive-bred by a firm in the city of Jiaxing, and are not of a species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So should Pensana Metals (ASX:PM8) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

Check out our latest analysis for Pensana Metals

When Might Pensana Metals Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. In June 2019, Pensana Metals had AU$4.7m in cash, and was debt-free. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$5.0m. That means it had a cash runway of around 11 months as of June 2019. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

ASX:PM8 Historical Debt, January 16th 2020

How Is Pensana Metals's Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Because Pensana Metals isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. With the cash burn rate up 45% in the last year, it seems that the company is ratcheting up investment in the business over time. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. Admittedly, we're a bit cautious of Pensana Metals due to its lack of significant operating revenues. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth.

Story continues

Can Pensana Metals Raise More Cash Easily?

Given its cash burn trajectory, Pensana Metals shareholders should already be thinking about how easy it might be for it to raise further cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash to drive growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations.

Pensana Metals has a market capitalisation of AU$26m and burnt through AU$5.0m last year, which is 19% of the company's market value. As a result, we'd venture that the company could raise more cash for growth without much trouble, albeit at the cost of some dilution.

Is Pensana Metals's Cash Burn A Worry?

On this analysis of Pensana Metals's cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. When you don't have traditional metrics like earnings per share and free cash flow to value a company, many are extra motivated to consider qualitative factors such as whether insiders are buying or selling shares. Please Note: Pensana Metals insiders have been trading shares, according to our data. Click here to check whether insiders have been buying or selling.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
By Trend

In Georgia's Kobuleti, an attack was made on the service center of the SOCAR Georgia Gas LLC, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan in Georgia, Head of SOCAR Energy Georgia Mahir Mammadov told Trend.

According to him, the offenders attacked a security officer at night and tied him up; then they attempted to break into a payment terminal, but could not get money from there.

Everyone is alive with no injuries. Such minor attacks sometimes happen, and this is the third time. We are already installing cameras to avoid such cases, Mammadov said.

As he noted, the attackers are wanted. The police works to identify the offenders.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
NEW YORK (AP)  Bank of America is slashing the amount it charges customers when they spend more than they have in their accounts and plans to eliminate entirely its fees for bounced checks.
The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Operation Amotekun is illegal, the Federal Government declared on Tuesday.

Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), said security of the federation is the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government.

The setting up of the para military organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law, he said in a statement by his spokesman Umar Gwandu.

No state government whether single or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent party, he added.



He said the law will take its course on any group or association linked with Operation Amotekun.

In mid-2019, there was an upsurge of criminality in the Southwest leading to kidnapping, massive armed robbery and other forms of illegal activities. The highways in the region became unsafe.

Following this, the governors at a security meeting in Ibadan, decided to set up a central security system to jointly combat the situation which had overwhelmed the police.

On January 9, Operation Amotekun was inaugurated in Ibadan with vehicles and other security equipment pooled together by the six states  Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

The initiative received acclaim from many citizens as a genuine way forward to secure the people.

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka on Tuesday described the WNSN initiative as the best New Years gift, and an appropriate response to the yearnings of the people.

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who is the chairman of the Southwest governors forum, said the AGF has no power to make laws and that laws are not made in his office.

He said governors in the zone would make appropriate reaction after consultation.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, said: I just heard what you are telling me. May be you will tell me more about it. I will try and find out what the position of the government is.

I am sure the Chairman of the Southwest governors forum Akeredolu will react if it is true. I am sure there will be appropriate response to the declaration

It was learnt that Fayemi went into consultation with Akeredolu and the other governors on the reaction to the decision.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Top Kangaroo Island tourism destination Seal Bay has reopened to the public after devastating bushfires ripped through the area earlier this month.

Fire danger on the South Australian island has now eased sufficiently to allow access to the bay, which is home to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions.

Environment Minister David Speirs said Seal Bay, on the eastern end of the island's south coast, is a natural attraction that has evolved to become a world-class tourist destination.

Top Kangaroo Island tourism destination Seal Bay has reopened to the public after devastating bushfires ripped through the area earlier this month (stock image)

Fire danger on the South Australian island has now eased sufficiently to allow access to the bay, which is home to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions (pictured)

'It is one of the only places in the world where visitors are able to enter a wild colony of about 1000 Australian sea lions - one of the rarest species in the world,' he said on Thursday.

Mr Speirs said the government will focus on developing tourism on the eastern side of the island after bushfires ravaged the western end.

'As a major tourism operator on Kangaroo Island, the department (for tourism and water) and I know first-hand how important tourism is to regional communities and that the support of visitors and tourists will be vital now more than ever,' he said.

'During my visit to the island this week, local tourism operators were keen to reinforce that the great majority of them are still open for business.'

The government will create a corridor, allowing visitors to travel throughout Kangaroo Island.

Mr Speirs said other tourism destinations would be opened when it's safe to do so.

'We view this disaster as an opportunity to re-imagine facilities in our damaged parks, so that park services and facilities are even better in the future,' he said.
(Bloomberg) -- Wikipedia is available in Turkey again after a nearly three-year ban.

The Turkish government agency in charge of internet technologies lifted the ban after the nations top court ruled last month that the restriction violated free speech.

A detailed explanation of the courts ruling was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday, prompting regulators to restore access to the website.

As access to Wikipedia is still actively being restored across Turkey, some users in Turkey may experience restored access sooner or later than others,' the website said in a statement

The site was blocked in April 2017 after Wikipedia refused to remove entries that accused the government of cooperating with terrorist organizations.

The Turkish government has blocked access to other popular websites such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook in the past, for allegedly promoting terrorist propaganda or insults against Turkish political figures.

The limits on free speech have been denounced by opposition parties as well as the European Union and human rights groups.

To contact the reporter on this story: Asli Kandemir in Istanbul at akandemir@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Stefania Bianchi at sbianchi10@bloomberg.net, ;Onur Ant at oant@bloomberg.net, Amy Teibel

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
by Marian Demir

The Education Ministry wants the Come on Children Mosque Project added as an extra-curricular activity.

Ankara (AsiaNews)  Turkeys Education Ministry has issued a directive requiring all schools to implement the Come on Children Mosque Project as broadly as possible as an extracurricular activity.

Since 2002, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party took power, a major push has been underway to Islamise all aspects of Turkeys society, this in a state originally founded on a secularist vision.

Mr Erdogan has often said that he wants to build a pious generation capable of changing the nation.

For Feray Aytekin Aydogan, director general of the Education and Science Workers' Union (Egitim-Sen), support for the Come on Children Mosque Project means slowly gutting the countrys secular education system, placing schools under the ideological and political control of the government.

According to Aydogan, the Education Ministry and the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) are the backbone of this policy.

Photo: Reuters
Fantasy historical drama "Britannia" has secured a third season run at Sky, the network has announced.

The new chapter of the lavishly-mounted series which follows the Roman conquest of Britain, penned by playwright Jez Butterworth, starts shooting later this year, reported Deadline.

Created by Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth and James Richardson, "Britannia" stars David Morrissey, Mackenzie Crook, Annabel Scholey and Eleanor Worthington-Cox.

The debut series was the first co-production between Sky and Amazon Prime Video.

Amazon said it is no longer involved in the show and will not air seasons two or seasons three.

Sky sources said the network was in "active conversations with a number of US partners" about finding a new home for the drama in America.

The first season of "Britannia", which included nine episodes, ran from January to March 2018, while the 10-part second season launched last November.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
16.01.2020 LISTEN

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Zimbabwe government on Wednesday signed an agreement in preparation for the forthcoming Sixth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) which Harare is hosting in Victoria Falls from 24-27 February, 2020.

Mr. Oliver Chinganya, Director of the African Centre for Statistics, signed on behalf of the ECA, while Mr. Simon Masanga, Permanent Secretary of the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ministry, signed for Zimbabwe.

Signing the agreement adds impetus to preparations for this very important forum that will see Zimbabwe flying the flag for the African continent in terms of the sustainable development goals, said Mr. Chinganya, whos also acting Director of the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division at the ECA.

We will do our best to support Zimbabwe, especially now when the country and the southern African region in general are bearing the brunt of climate change. Discussions will focus on how we can accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and Africas Agenda 2063. We cannot afford to fail as a continent.

For his part, Mr. Masanga said Zimbabwe was ready to host the intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder platform that is convened by the ECA in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations system to review progress, share experiences and lessons learned and build consensus on recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the two mutually reinforcing agendas.

We are grateful for the support that we are receiving from the United Nations in this and other areas as we all seek to ensure that the SDGs are fully implemented and remove millions of our people across the continent from hunger, Mr. Masanga said.

Mr. Chinganya said the decade 2020 to 2030 presents an opportunity and a window of hope for Africa to dramatically speed up the pace and expand the scale of implementation to deliver the regional and global goals.

The Director is leading an ECA team to assess the preparedness of the various stakeholders on the ground as the Forum gets closer.

Earlier Mr. Chinganya and his team met with the UN Country Team under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Maria Valle Ribeiro, who urged all the UN agencies in the country to work hand-in-glove in supporting the successful hosting of the ARFSD.

We all have to work together to make a success of this forum, especially as this is the beginning of the decade of action to deliver the SDGs by 2030, Ms. Ribeiro said.

The ECA team also meet senior officials from Zimbabwes Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Ministry, which is working with UNESCO in preparation for the African Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, that will precede the ARFSD.

For us this meeting is very important because not only will it allow us to showcase our country but it also gives us a great opportunity to ensure science and technology gets the visibility it should on the continent. Innovation is important for Africas development, said Mr. Fanuel Tagwira, the Permanent Secretary of the Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Ministry.

The ARFSD is an annual multi-stakeholder platform which brings together ministers, senior officials, experts and practitioners from UN member States, private sector, civil society, academia and UN organisations to advance an integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the goals set out in Africas Agenda 2063.

The overall objective of the sixth session of the ARFSD is to conduct a regional follow-up and review of progress made, facilitate peer learning and advance transformative solutions and actions to accelerate implementation of the two agendas.
The San Antonio Area Foundation awarded more than $10 million in grants last year to local nonprofits, nearly a third of which was given to help support organizations general expenses.

The funding was distributed to more than 100 organizations, including $600,000 for AVANCE and PEACE Initiative, two groups dedicated to addressing domestic violence. A total of $305,000 was set aside for several organizations that serve migrants, including Catholic Charities and the Migrant Resource Center, and $200,000 was awarded to support efforts for the 2020 census count.

One of the largest gifts went to City Education Partners, which focuses on improving urban public schools. The organization received $2 million to support area youths and teachers.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio unveils five-year domestic violence plan

Some of the grants were made through the foundations annual competitive grants, while others were given in collaboration with the city of San Antonio, Bexar County or other organizations.

The collaborative grants targeted four areas: livable and resilient communities, cultural vibrancy, success for youth and aging populations.

About $3 million was given through the foundations competitive grant process, which last year shifted to supporting nonprofits operational expenses, as opposed to specific programs.

Foundation CEO Marjie French said the shift was driven by the needs of many nonprofits in the area.

Investing in nonprofits through operational funding is recognition of philanthropic changes across the city that have impacted our community, while giving nonprofits the chance to breathe and dream for their future, French said in a statement.

That change allowed organizations that never had applied for foundation grants to be awarded money, spokeswoman Rebecca Helterbrand said.

Nonprofits have largely been telling funders for some time now that they really need operational funds, she said.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio childrens mental health center downsizes after major funding cut

The foundation is not the only local philanthropic organization to recently reassess its giving structure. Last year, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County overhauled its annual giving structure, a change that hit some local nonprofits hard. Some organizations that had long received funding from United Way saw steep cuts to their annual grants.

The San Antonio Area Foundation gave a total of $200,000 to various community organizations that were experiencing a gap in revenue created by a realignment in other local funding sources, including the Childrens Shelter, Presa Community Center and Girl Scouts of South Texas, all of which were affected by the United Way realignment.

Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba
Speaking at the 'Raisina Dialogue 2020' on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar contended that Indias policy towards migration was not unique. He was talking in the context of the recent passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Maintaining that issues such as terrorism, separatism and migration were common challenges globally, he reminded the audience that the 9/11 terror attack had led to a response from many nations.

Read: Stunning Twist: Mani Shankar Aiyar Met Imran Khan's Aide In Pakistan; Sonia Gandhi Knew

S Jaishankar said, The world has common challenges. Terrorism is a common challenge. Separatism is a common challenge. Migration is a common challenge. So, dont think that these are problems which are unique to India. He added, They have had disturbances with their neighbours. Europe saw it in North Africa. You have had a large part of the world respond when 9/11 happened. How did they all respond to this?

Read: EAM Jaishankar Highlights Key Focus Of Indian Foreign Policy At Raisina Dialogue 2020

'What is the pathway that other nations have taken?'

The External Affairs Minister also called upon everyone to examine the global norms pertaining to naturalisation. He also mentioned that the Narendra Modi government had a choice to let the inherited problems fester or to do something about it. According to him, the Centre went for the latter option and decided to resolve some of Indias pending challenges.

What is the pathway that other nations have taken with regard to naturalisation of people? I think it is worthwhile looking at it. What are global norms on a lot of these issues?, Jaishankar questioned. He noted, The bottom line is that are we going to just inherit problems, multiply them and pass them on? Or are we going to at least deal with some of the inherited problems and leave the people who come after us better off than when we came to power? I think that is an issue.

Read: India Has A History Of 'putting Off' Problems, Take Clue From China, Says EAM Jaishankar

Granting citizenship to persecuted minorities

The CAA seeks to provide citizenship to the minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This will be applicable to the members of these communities having arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Moreover, they will not be considered as illegal migrants.

Read: No Tukde-tukde Gang When I Was There: Amid Violence, EAM Jaishankar Recalls Own JNU Days
A MAN in his 40s has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of Limerick pensioner Rose Hanrahan and 12 counts of theft this Thursday night.

Alexandru Iordache, 45, with an address of Dreptatii Street, Bucharest, Romania, appeared before Judge Marian O'Leary at a special sitting of Limerick District Court at 9.05pm.

Family and friends of the late Rose Hanrahan, 78, were present during the hearing, as well as a strong garda presence of more than 15 officers, including Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche and Superintendent Dermot O'Connor, and Superintendent Derek Smart.

The accused, who wore a navy jacket, maroon top and beige pants, did not speak during the 10-minute hearing and required a Romanian interpreter.

Detective Garda Enda Haugh, of Mayorstone garda station, told the court that he arrested the accused at Dublin Airport, on foot of a European Arrest Warrant at 4.10pm this Thursday.

This warrant was executed by Sussex Police in July 2019. The male appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on January 2, where his extradition was ordered on this European Arrest Warrant.

The Romanian national made no reply to the charge.

Garda Colin Dodd, of Dowra garda station, County Cavan, arrested later arrested the accused at Henry Street on foot of 12 different warrants in connection with theft matters.

"He made no reply to any of the charges," Gda Dodd told the court.

Representing the accused, solicitor John Herbert requested free legal aid and a certified Romanian interpreter, both of which were granted.

The accused is to be remanded in custody until Tuesday, January 21 when he will appear before Limerick District Court.

Rose Hanrahan was murdered at her home in New Road, Thomondgate between December 14 and December 15, 2017, the court heard.

This is the first arrest in connection with the arrest of the 78-year-old widowed pensioner.
They often are the last person a patient sees before heading into the operating room.

And while they might not get the spotlight on television medical dramas, certified registered nurse anesthetists play a crucial role. At the heart of their work is ensuring that millions of patients receive the safest anesthesia care possible. They also can be responsible for pain management care across a spectrum of medical procedures and surgeries.

It isnt an easy calling. It can take seven or eight years to become certified  which includes a year of clinical experience working as a registered nurse.

For Passavant Area Hospital certified registered nurse anesthetists like Matt Bednarchik and Mike Dunseth, it is worth it.

Bednarchik went to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and started his career at St. Johns Hospital. He joined Passavant Area Hospital about six years ago. Dunseth also went to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

As CRNAs, we administer anesthesia to patients undergoing orthopedic, cardiac, oral and labor and delivery procedures, just to name a few, said Joshua Newman, a certified registered nurse anesthetist in Springfield who is affiliated with Passavant. Nurse anesthetists apply the same high standards of care, regardless of the type of procedure and the setting in which the anesthesia is delivered.

Newman said it was a privilege to be part of a profession that is so dedicated to advancing anesthesia patient safety and ensuring that patients have access to surgical, obstetrical, emergency, and pain management care, especially in rural and other medically under-served areas of our nation.

Anesthesia has been a part of medicine in American since the Civil War but, like most everything, the technology has changed dramatically in more than 150 years.

When the public comes into the hospital, when youre a patient in our OR, we are the direct provider of anesthesia when youre sleeping. Were there from the minute we make you sleepy  until the minute you wake up, Dunseth said. Were with you the entire way.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists can be found in every type of facility in which anesthesia is required for patient care. There are about 1,500 in Illinois.

We practice in various practice settings, from large hospitals all the way down to smaller community hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural access areas to chronic pain management as well as anesthesia, Bednarchik said. Were able to basically provide full anesthesia services like that from a nurses perspective.
There are deep and abiding health disparities between white and minority Americans. But in one small but significant way, Obamacare flipped them.

Black Americans living in states that expanded their Medicaid programs are now more likely to be insured compared with white Americans living in states that shunned Medicaid expansion, according to a study released Thursday by the Commonwealth Fund.

This wasn't the case before President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act a decade ago. Uninsured rates have long been much higher among African Americans than whites, regardless of where they lived.

But the ACA and a subsequent Supreme Court decision allowing states to reject its expansion of Medicaid to those earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level means states now basically fall into two buckets. The pro-expansion states have seen more improvements in health and reductions in racial disparities than the anti-expansion states.

Just look at the 31 states that had expanded Medicaid by 2018. In that year, 10.1% of their black residents were uninsured. That's several points lower than the 12.3 percent uninsured rate among whites living in non-expansion states.

But in 2013, the year before the ACA's major provisions went into place, the black uninsured rate was higher across the board when compared with white uninsured rates.

Now, a black person living in Colorado, which expanded Medicaid, is more likely to be covered by a health insurance plan than a white person in Texas, which rejected expansion. This comparison doesn't hold true for every single state - in Kansas, for example, the white uninsured rate has dropped below 10 percent - but it does underscore Obamacare's outsize gains for minorities.

Those findings are detailed in the new Commonwealth study, which examined whether Obamacare has helped minorities buy health coverage and access care at rates more equal to whites. They found the biggest improvements in Medicaid expansion states, but there were positive trends throughout the country.

Consider these trends between 2013 and 2018. The country's overall uninsured rate fell from 20.4% to 12.4%, but for blacks it dropped from 24.4% to 14.4%. Meanwhile, the gap between black and white uninsured rates declined 4.1 percentage points.

Progress on expanding health coverage has recently stalled and may even be reversing. But if more states expand Medicaid - as Kansas' Democratic governor and a top Republican lawmaker proposed last week - minorities could see further gains, said Sara Collins, a vice president at Commonwealth and a co-author of the study.

But Collins also stressed that black Americans can face additional obstacles to getting good care, even after getting insurance.

"Because of bias in the delivery system, they face an even greater hurdle in making that leap to higher-quality care and good outcomes," Collins said.

Now that the ACA has been in place for six years, other researchers have had time to examine the effects of expanding Medicaid to a larger swath of the public. They're finding a range of positive outcomes, even as Republican policymakers have complained the program is too costly to run.

Harvard and Vanderbilt researchers recently found that adults living in south states with Medicaid expansion experienced lower rates of physical and mental health decline.

The Washington reportedlast week that Medicaid expansion may have saved as many as 8,132 people from fatal opioid overdoses, virtually all involving heroin and fentanyl, according to another new study. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found an association between the decline in overdose deaths in the 32 states and the District of Columbia that had expanded Medicaid at the time of the study.

"The researchers concluded that additional access to drug-abuse treatment was linked to a 6% lower overdose rate for states that allowed more people to enroll in Medicaid than in states that did not," The Post reported.

There's a vigorous debate going on in the Democratic presidential primary about how to bridge the uninsured gap left by Obamacare. More African American voters who identify as Democrats support a public option to compete with private plans over a single, government-sponsored plan, according to a national Washingon Post-Ipsos poll of black Americans conducted Jan. 2-8.
Nearly 30 organizations, including the Alabama NAACP, called on the Republican-led Senate to halt the confirmation process for a Montgomery federal court judges nomination to a U.S. appeals court, arguing that President Trump is in no position to have his judicial picks confirmed with his upcoming Senate trial after being impeached by the House.

The groups also contended the nominee  Judge Andrew Brasher of the Middle District of Alabama  has a disqualifying record on voting rights dating back to his tenure as Alabamas solicitor general.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on Brashers confirmation on Thursday, but the organizations against the nomination sent letters last week to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., imploring them to hold off on the vote.

Andrew Brasher is an extreme example of Donald Trumps weaponizing the bench to suppress the vote. Brasher has the worst voting rights record of any Trump appellate nominee. His confirmation would be a lifetime strike against our democracy. We cannot allow Judge Brasher to preside over millions of black and brown residents of the Deep South who depend on the federal courts to fully participate in our democracy, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement released Tuesday. As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we must re-dedicate ourselves to fighting for judges who will protect our most successful civil rights law, not eviscerate it. The NAACP will fight this nomination with everything weve got.

An NAACP report from July entitled Trumps Judicial Playbook: Weaponizing the Bench, said Brasher engaged in aggressive efforts to oppose political participation by voters of color when he was Alabama solicitor general because Brasher filed a brief on the states behalf in Shelby County v. Holder  a U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Those provisions included requiring several southern states, including Alabama, requiring preclearance from the federal government before it could change any voting laws.

Alabama is the birthplace of voting rights. It is inconceivable that someone with an atrocious voting rights record like Andrew Brasher would be nominated to the Alabama seat on this powerful circuit court, said Alabama NAACP President Bernard Simelton. The Brasher nomination is an insult to Selma, its heroes, and everything they stand for.

Brashers opinions aside, the bigger question about his potential confirmation is whether an impeached president should be able to have judges confirmed before a Senate trial, according to Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law and an expert on federal judicial nominees.

Tobias pointed out the Senate did not hold confirmation hearings for President Bill Clintons nominees in 1999 after Clinton was impeached.

Certainly, Republicans wouldnt let Clinton do anything when he was in a similar situation, so I suppose well see if theres a double standard, Tobias said.

But the professor said he doesnt expect McConnell to delay Thursdays vote.

Nobody seems to be embarrassed, so I think hell do what he wants to, Tobias said.

Brasher, 38, has had a fast rise through the ranks. Just six months after being confirmed for the district court judgeship, Trump nominated him for the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Alabama, Georgia and Florida -- which is warp speed for someone to be elevated from the district court to the appellate court, Tobias said.

One of the determining factors in Brashers rise from solicitor general to federal judge to federal appeals court nominee is his relatively young age. Trump has made it a priority to nominate judges who will be on the bench for decades as part of his legacy.

Someone like Brasher could serve for 40 years on the 11th Circuit, and there have been similarly young nominees, Tobias said. The Trump administration is looking for people in their 30s or 40s if they can find them and the oldest are in their 50s.

Brasher was confirmed for the Montgomery federal court post in May, in a strict party line vote of 52-47. Tobias said he believes Brasher will be confirmed for the appeals court judgeship in a similar fashion.

Its much more important, and hes young, the professor said. All of that means its likely to be party line.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) held a powerful public meeting at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium on Sunday to discuss the socialist strategy for workers to fight the austerity policies and state repression of President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government. About 150 workers, youth, professionals and housewives, from Colombo and its outskirts, as well as delegations from the war-ravaged northern Jaffna Peninsula and the central plantation district, attended the event.

SEP political committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena, the partys presidential candidate in the November election, chaired the meeting. He reviewed how Rajapakse had established his minority government and said it confirmed the partys warnings about his moves towards dictatorial forms of rule. Rajapakse replaced Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the United National Party leader, with his brother, the former President Mahinda Rajapakse, and appointed former military officers to head several government institutions, including the Defence Ministry.

Wijesiriwardena also pointed to the eruption of plantation workers struggles against speed-ups and poverty wages, within days of Rajapakse coming to power. He warned that other sections of the working class would quickly come into conflict with Colombos International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity measures.

Kapila Fernando

Addressing the meeting, IYSSE convener Kapila Fernando explained that Rajapakses declared aim of repealing the 19th amendment to the constitution, which curtailed some of the presidents powers, was aimed at unleashing authoritarian attacks against the working class. He warned that the Inter University Students Federation, which is politically led by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), was spreading dangerous illusions that student protests could pressure the government to address the issues confronting the countrys younger generation.

SEP General Secretary Wije Dias, the final speaker, told the audience that the fight against austerity and state repression was not a national issue, but confronted workers in every part of the globe. It required, he insisted, a socialist international perspective.

Dias referred to the US assassination of Iranian General Suleimani and said it signified the desperate efforts of US imperialism to maintain its global hegemony. The post-Second World War global order established under US leadership, he said, is in a shambles with all the major powers and the governments of former colonies confronting the popular opposition of workers and youth.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected to power, for a second term, and with a big majority, only eight months ago. While the two Stalinist Communist Parties and all the fake lefts in India were astounded by Modis victory, only our movement explained that the reason for his re-election was the political spinelessness of the traditional alternative bourgeois party, the Congress party, and the long time class collaborationist Stalinist, Maoist and other so-called radicals and trade unions.

The January 8 general strike by millions of workers against Modis austerity policies and communal reaction, he continued, was cutting across racial, religious, caste and gender divisions. The potential for unified anti-capitalist struggles, under the leadership of the working class, is amply expressed in this development, Dias added.

It is only eight weeks since Rajapakse was elected as president in Sri Lanka, he said, and pointed out that although the opposition UNP and the left parties and trade unions are mesmerized by Rajapakses majority, the signs of deep-going disaffection are already emerging among broad sections of workers and the rural poor.

It will not be long before the workers struggles and protests of poor farmers and youth, which unified the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in 201819 against the former Sirisena and Wickremesinghe government, are revived. It is to preempt such a development that Rajapakse is resorting to Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinism, the strengthening of the armed forces and militarisation of the state bureaucracy.

The speaker reviewed the escalating financial crisis facing Sri Lankan capitalism, and said that although the government was delaying harsher austerity measures until after the forthcoming April elections, skyrocketing prices in all essential food items and the destruction of over 10,000 jobs since Rajapakse became president, would bring workers into sharp conflict with the new regime.

Wars and social and political counter-revolutions, he continued, emerge because capitalism has no other solutions to the contradictions of the profit system. The productive forces had developed to such a level that they could not be contained, or further developed peacefully, under capitalist ownership and the nation state system.

Wije Dias addressing Colombo meeting

During the last century, the world witnessed two imperialist wars, but no long-term solution to these contradictions. There has not been a single day, in the last two decades of the new millennium, that the US was not at war with one country or another. After becoming US president, Trump has brought the world to the brink of nuclear war by threatening North Korea and Iran, he said.

It is a proven fact of history that no amount of humanitarian appeals will stop the imperialist ruling elites from waging war, Dias said, noting the pathetic calls of the FSP and other fake lefts for the US to end its aggression against Iran and withdraw from the Middle East.

The speaker said that the historic task of rescuing mankind from nuclear annihilation rested solely with the international working class, supported by the multi-millioned toilers. Dias then reviewed the revolutionary internationalist program outlined in The decade of socialist revolution begins, the World Socialist Web Site Perspective published on January 3.

Dias referred to the revolutionary struggles that have convulsed the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America and elsewhere during the last decade, and the more recent Yellow Vest movement of French workers and youth, auto workers and teachers in the US.

The speaker quoted from the WSWS Perspective: The growth of the working class and the emergence of class struggle on an international scale is the objective basis for revolution. However, the spontaneous struggles of workers and their instinctive striving for socialism is, by itself, inadequate. The transformation of the class struggle into a conscious movement for socialism is a question of political leadership.

Wije Dias

This political leadership, Dias explained, required an internationalist party that embodied the historical and international strategic experiences of the class struggle of the last century, up to the present period. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), he said, was the repository of those lessons.

The SEP as the Sri Lankan section of the ICFI, is dedicated to carrying these lessons to the working people of Sri Lanka and South Asia. Our struggle is to unify the working class of this region, cutting across the linguistic, racial, religious and other archaic divisions consciously maintained and aroused by the ruling elites to divide and oppress the working people, and betray them again to colonial aggression and subjugation

The growth of the working class in all the historically under-developed countries has laid the basis for international class unity at a level unprecedented in history. The ICFI and the WSWS are striving to make this decade of socialist revolution a victorious one.

Acclaimed writer Shakthika Sathkumara was among those attending the Colombo meeting. Sathkumara is being victimised by the Sri Lankan authorities, under bogus charges of defaming Buddhism.

After the meeting, Sathkumara spoke to the WSWS: The real situation on a global level was clearly explained.

What happened in India under Modis rule, within eight months, has happened here in Sri Lanka in just eight weeks. Drawing the parallels with Indian developments is remarkable, and the argument that we need an international solution is logical. This movement must be brought more into the youth and built.

Vimukthi, a Toyota Lanka casual worker, said: The government always talks about the development of the country, but the living conditions of workers and the poor are deteriorating daily. Its so clear to me that this governments boasting about building the country is bogus.

The harsh conditions faced by workers all over the world are similar, thats why the working class must stand together internationally. One of the main problems faced by the working class is their unawareness of the depth of the capitalist crisis Workers need to be well aware of the situation facing workers in other countries, because this will provide their urge to fight the capitalist system. I learnt this from the meeting, and especially about the situation in India, and understood that the working class has both the necessity and the ability to challenge the capitalist system.
SOUTH BEND, Ind.  Karen DePaepe had been waiting all day for a call back from Pete Buttigieg.

It was March 2012, and the 30-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind., had just decided to replace the citys first African American police chief over complaints that he illegally wiretapped police officers phone calls.

DePaepe, who oversaw the departments phone system, had called the mayor to try to talk him out of removing the popular chief. She wanted to tell him the situation was not that simple. It was DePaepe who discovered a mistakenly recorded phone line, and, she says, heard white police officers making racist comments. DePaepe said she reported what she heard to the chief, and the recording continued.

Buttigieg  whos now competing for the Democratic nomination for president  never called her back. When DePaepes phone finally rang, she says, it was the young mayors chief of staff, who told her she, too, had to go. Federal prosecutors, he told her, had suggested that she and the chief could be indicted if they werent removed.

DePaepe hung up, crying and in disbelief. She called one of the prosecutors, who she says told her she was not in trouble and should not quit.

Buttigiegs demotion of Chief Darryl Boykins and firing of DePaepe has shadowed his presidential campaign, giving rise to complaints he has a blind spot on race and raising questions about whether he can attract the support of African Americans who are crucial to earning the Democratic nomination. Its also reinforcing skepticism that the 37-year-old former mayor has the wisdom or experience to handle the demands of the Oval Office.

Black Lives Matter activists have been protesting at his campaign events in recent days, spurred in part by his handling of the case.

Buttigieg has defended his actions, saying he was responding to a thinly veiled message from federal prosecutors. In his telling, he saved two people from criminal charges and took the political heat for getting rid of a well-liked chief.

But interviews with more than 20 people with direct or indirect knowledge of the events, along with a review of documents and news reports, paint a more complicated picture.

Though some said they believed the young mayor was trying to do the right thing, others said his lack of experience led him to take actions that werent well thought out, and that his explanations dont ring true. His subsequent failure to include African American people in positions of power further damaged his standing in the community.

Michelle R. Smith is an Associated Press writer.
The last Payless ShoeSource stores in the U.S. closed in June 2019.

Payless ShoeSource may have closed its last U.S. stores in June, but it's already planning a comeback.

The Topeka, Kansas-based company announced in a news release Thursday that it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time. The footwear company says it will have a focus on international markets and wants to reinvigorate its largest business unit, Latin America.

Payless, which is still selling some of its shoes on Amazon.com, says it will also relaunch its U.S. e-commerce site and open some physical stores in the U.S. Specific details, including a timeline, were not available.

Jared Margolis, the company's new CEO, said in a statement that officials "intend to leverage Payless existing infrastructure" to provide the new Payless "the ability to be nimble, innovative, and to fast-track our biggest growth opportunity: The United States.

Macy's store closings: Macy's is closing nearly 30 stores in 19 states. Is your location on the list?

Is it safe to eat romaine lettuce again?: CDC says E. coli scare 'appears to be over'

Payless filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February and shuttered its remaining 2,000-plus stores in North America by the end of June.

The 62-year-old chain also filed for Chapter 11 in 2017, cut debts and closed nearly 700 struggling stores. The latest bankruptcy filing didnt affect its more than 710 franchises or stores in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Nationwide, more than 9,200 store closings were announced in 2019 and Payless accounted for the largest number of closures, according to global marketing research firm Coresight Research.

Contributing: Associated Press

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy: Is Payless staging a comeback?
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State-owned gas utility GAIL India Ltd on January 16 said its board has approved raising up to Rs 1,500 crore in debt to part-fund its ambitious plan to expand its pipeline capacity over the next few years.

The company plans to raise funds through domestic bonds in one or more tranches in the next six months.

"The Board of Directors in its meeting held today inter alia approved to borrow rupee debt funds up to Rs 1,500 crore including greenshoe option through secured/unsecured, redeemable, taxable non-convertible bond(s) in one or more tranches from time to time on private placement basis," the company said in a regulatory filing.

Greenshoe option allows a company to borrow more than the notified amount if it gets a favourable cost of borrowing.

GAIL had in May last year tied up Rs 2,000 crore loan from State Bank of India (SBI) to meet its capital expenditure requirements over the next few years, particularly in the pipeline projects.

It plans to add 5,500 km of gas pipeline in phases over the next three years as part of government's efforts to raise the share of natural gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030 from current 6 per cent.

The company presently operates a pipeline network of 10,977 km across the country.

GAIL's major pipeline projects currently under implementation are the 2,655-km JagdishpurHaldia and BokaroDhamra pipeline, 670-km VijaipurAuraiyaPhulpur pipeline, and 879-km Kochi-KoottanadBengaluruMangaluru pipeline.
The Wednesday headline reads, Womens Rally Controversy Divides (Chattanooga), this news coming just three days before the event is to be held at Miller Park. The story led with the morsel that maybe state Rep. Robin Smith should not have been invited because she may be too controversial. The claim is that Robin is opposed to abortion rights and Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ) rights. It also said another State Rep., Signal Mountains Patsy Hazlewood, had been informed she could not speak but would be allowed to join other current or previously elected women from Hamilton County on stage.

In short, what should have been a glorious salute to our nations 19th Amendment, this on its 100th anniversary that gave women the right to vote, will instead be a farce of an occasion where only special, select groups will rule the day, each united in spreading their versions of hate, malice, and discord.

In what should be a stirring tribute to every woman and girl who has mothered this great nation of ours, the empty drums have sabotaged the real dreams of thousands upon thousands of the very women we adore. (The phrase empty vessels make the most noise is an expression that means people who are noisy and talk the most about their opinions are often the most ignorant.)

I dare say our city has an uncommon abundance of great women. Candidly, Robin Smith is a close friend who I admire and the rumor is that she was invited into hostility to offset the fact Democrat Carol Berz, indeed another personal friend, would speak. What the empty drums fail to understand is that ignorance is in the opposite corner of knowledge, and to stifle any voice is  well, a choice. Want to stay stupid? Listen to just one voice  its as simple as that. The Womans March began as a far-left tool to beat up Donald Trump. Two years ago a Womans March zealot of sorts appeared on my computer screen, her blithering rant coming as she wore a brightly-colored replica of a females reproductive system on her head. Really? Would you ask her for directions to a toney restaurant?

Heres the story within this story. You may have missed an open letter on CNN several days ago where seven former White House press secretaries joined six former State and Defense briefers asking for a return to regular press briefings. Oh, the media still gets written handouts but there hasnt been a stand-up question-answer session since last March. Surprised? If so, kindly follow these foreboding tweets:

* * *

Last January  yes, in 2019  President Trump pushed the send message on this one: The reason Sarah Sanders does not go to the podium much anymore is that the press covers her so rudely & inaccurately, in particular certain members of the press. I told her not to bother, the word gets out anyway! Most will never cover us fairly & hence, the term, Fake News!

Almost immediately, some leftist twit calling himself Joshua responded: You still dont get it! YOU WORK FOR ME! Not the other way around. It is YOUR DUTY to hold press briefings and be honest with the AMERICAN PEOPLE! It should be a crime to Lie to the American people as much as you do. You Spread PROPAGANDA not facts. I say "You're FIRED".

Not seconds later did a third voice appear: Uh, he works for ME and all those who put him in ofc. His JOB is to do what he was HIRED to do. Not cow tail to the left. (the word is actually kowtow, a verb that means act in an excessively subservient manner  but whatever.

* * *

My point is that voices of reason are now refuting the liberal elite. Midstream America has jolly well had enough and, when the Womens Rally takes place at Miller Park on Saturday, it will be a predictable flop instead of a creative, well-planned, and all-inclusive day to better both women and men in our community. Several organizers have already stomped off, so mad that they didnt get their way. It appears everybody has hurt feelings, and a disjointed effort will cause the crowd to shrink far more than a 70 percent chance of chilly rain.

The CNN open-letter from the former press secretaries will also quietly go away. Stephanie Grisham is now the White House press secretary and she has little budge for the now-tainted media corps in Washington.

"This is groupthink at its finest. The press has unprecedented access to President Trump, yet they continue to complain because they cant grandstand on TV, her reply was forthright. Theyre not looking for information, theyre looking for a moment. This president is unorthodox in everything hes done. Hes rewritten the rules of politics. His press secretary and everyone else in the administration is reflective of that.

"In terms of the former press secretaries  they can publicly pile on all they want. Its unfortunate, because Ive always felt I was in this small club of only 29 others who really know what I deal with each day, and that was always comforting. They may not say it publicly, but they all understand why I do things differently. They know I have three roles. They know my boss has probably spoken directly to the press more than all of theirs did combined. They know the press secretary briefs in the absence of the president, and this president is never absent  a fact that should be celebrated.

"Like so many trailblazers, history will look back on this presidency with praise  until then, Im comfortable with how I do my jobs  and my team and I are always available to the press."

* * *

Did you note the line,   they continue to complain because they cant grandstand on TV? What you dont see is that CNN and its ilk are the ones who killed the Golden Goose. Hello.

Saturdays Rally, in truth, is meant to grandstand, to give empty barrels a voice, but take pause to look at all of the women who have been successfully elected in Hamilton County. They may differ in their political stance, their shape, their color, their neighborhoods, and their religion, yet are exactly alike in two far more meaningful ways  the most important is that without exception each wants whats best for all of us. The second trait, which bring guffaws from the liberal elites who openly wonder why they seem to face failure at every turn, is that every woman ever elected in Hamilton County is very much a lady.

Women have been empowered to vote for 100 years but being kind, having good manners, listening closely while never raising your own voice, and treating those with differing views with the respect you would enjoy in return are much older qualities that have never gone out of style. At last years March, several of those who were markedly deficient in manners were arrested. Thats right, they created such an obnoxious hullabaloo that hardly any message was ever heard. Those culpable can never understand why the law-abiding carnival goers avoid them and their irate message like the plague.

If its an Anti-Trump message, a confrontation over abortion, a plea for same-sex rights, or simply to stand in the rain and drink beer, promote it as such because when you generalize it as an all-inclusive womens rally, the very women you seek to include wont be found within 10 miles of Miller Park this weekend.

Surprise, surprise.

* * *

* -- If I stop to kick every barking dog I am not going to get where Im going. - Jackie Joyner-Kersee

* -- I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say yes, women can. - Dilma Rousseff

* -- What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. - Jane Goodall

* -- I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.  Audrey Hepburn

* -- A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for others

* -- I may be wearing makeup, but I can throw a fastball by you at the same time. - Jennie Finch

* -- I learned a long time ago that there is something worse than missing the goal, and thats not pulling the trigger. - Mia Hamm

* -- Be a girl with a mind, a woman with attitude, and a lady with class.

* -- Its possible to climb to the top without stomping on other people.  Taylor Swift

* -- I was told I was dangerous. I asked why, and they said it was because I didnt depend on anyone. I smiled.

* -- Motherhood is given the brush-off in our society. Oh, Im just a mom, you hear women say. Just a mom? Please! Being a mom is everything. Its mentorship, its inspirational, its our hope for the future.  Sally Field

royexum@aol.com
Rebel Congress Legislator in Puducherry N Dhanavelou was on Thursday suspended from the party on charges of indulging in 'anti-party activities'

Puducherry: Rebel Congress Legislator in Puducherry N Dhanavelou was on Thursday suspended from the party on charges of indulging in 'anti-party activities.' Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference, PWD Minister and PCC president A Namassivayam said Dhanavelou had been indulging in 'anti-party activities' violating basic principles of party discipline.

He said the suspension of the legislator came into 'immediate effect'. Namassivayam along with the Chief Minister V Narayanasamy returned from Delhi on Wednesday after apprising Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi of "continued anti-party activities of Dhanavelou."

The PCC leader said, "on the recommendation of the high command Dhanavelou has been placed under suspension." Namassivayam said a show-cause notice would be served on Dhanavelou seeking his explanation which would enable the party's Disciplinary Committee to go in for the next course of action.

Dhanavelou elected from Bahoor constituency would be asked to submit his reply to the cause notice in a week's time. Namassivayam alleged Dhanavelou had been making attempts to topple the Congress government in collusion with the opposition AINRC and BJP.

The PCC leader also accused the Bahoor MLA of meeting independent legislator from Mahe N Ramachandran at one stage to seek his support to dethrone the Narayanasamy-led Congress

the government, which the latter rejected.

Namassivayam also said that he and the Chief Minister had placed before the AICC leaders a detailed report about Dhanavelou's "anti-party activities" for some time now and now the high command had recommended his suspension.

Dhanavelou came out with serious allegations against the Congress government in the union territory recently. The rebel MLA also met Lt Governor Kiran Bedi at her office and apprised her of various "corrupt practices and scandals" indulged in by the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

Asked if Dhanavelou would be disqualified as an MLA, the Chief Minister who was present at the press conference said, "Let us wait for the explanation from Dhanavelou in response to the show-cause notice which would be sent to him."
This is the moment a shocked resident watched what appeared to be illegal immigrants springing from the back of a lorry.

Britney Pope caught the moment several people fled from the lorry in North Petherton, Somerset, on Wednesday night on camera, but also caught her own reaction.

She can be heard on the footage shouting: As if that is some illegal immigrant s***!, adding What the actual f*** repeatedly as she films the drama from a bedroom window.

The aftermath of the incident showed fruit and veg spilled across the carriageway of the A38 after the people fled.

Britney Pope filmed people fleeing from a lorry in Somerset on Wednesday night. (SWNS)

Wooden pallets full of fruit and vegetables were left strewn across the A38 into North Petherton after people were spotted fleeing from the lorry. (SWNS)

The incident is the latest involving alleged immigrants arriving in the UK in lorries. In November police in Wiltshire arrested 15 people on suspicion of immigration offences after they were discovered in the back of a lorry.

That came just weeks after 39 Vietnamese immigrants were discovered dead in a lorry in Essex.

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The clip begins with a lorry pulled over with its hazard lights on, before Ms Pope can be heard shouting.

After initially spotting the people, she continues: Mate, that's some illegal immigrant s***  outside me house! That's what the f****** banging was. Mate, I'm having a heart attack.

Police say nobody was injured in the incident. (SWNS)

The footage then appears to show several more people running away from the lorry in the opposite direction.

She adds: There's so many! Oh my f****** God  I'm actually going to cry. What if I'm going to get stabbed? Do I call the police? What do I do?

Up to 10 police cars, a helicopter and two ambulances were called to the dramatic incident on the A38. (SWNS)

Police have confirmed they were called to the incident and arrested a number of people on immigration offences. No one is believed to have been injured.

As many as 10 police cars, a helicopter and two ambulances were called to the dramatic incident, while pictures from the scene show hundreds of fruit and vegetable crates scattered across the road after being removed from the lorry.

Story continues

Police made several arrests on suspicion of immigration offences following the incident. (SWNS)

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: We were called at around 8.15pm by a member of the public whod witnessed several people exit the back of a lorry on the A38 at North Petherton.

Officers attended and a number of people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences. No one is believed to be injured.
Five Men Indicted for Operating an International Procurement Network to Export U.S.-Origin Goods to Pakistan's Nuclear Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 15, 2020



Five men, all associated with the front company "Business World" in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and including Muhammad Kamran Wali (Kamran), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (Ahsan), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (Haji), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (Khan) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (Waheed), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, were indicted in federal court for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act. The grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.

"The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan's weapons programs," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. "This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs."

"Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray for the District of New Hampshire. "In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States."

"The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region," said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. "HSI's Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import-export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security."

"The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,"said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement. "The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy."

"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."

According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire U.S.-origin goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federals law. Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Department's Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan's cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.

According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators' network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC. The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the Ultimate Consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Department of Commerce authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.

The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports. Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJ's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Attachment(s): Download business_world_indictment_.pdf

Topic(s):

Counterintelligence and Export Control

National Security

Component(s):

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New Hampshire

Press Release Number: 20-35

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China Threatens Human Rights Far Beyond Its Own Borders: Report

2020-01-15 -- The Chinese government is a threat to human rights around the world, according to a new report from the New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The ruling Chinese Communist Party has already created a vast surveillance state in a bid to achieve total control of people's lives, the group said as it launched the HRW World Report 2020.

"Now the Chinese government is trying to extend that censorship to the rest of the world," HRW executive director Kenneth Roth said. "To protect everyone's future, governments need to act together to resist Beijing's assault on the international human rights system."

Beijing's most obvious target when seeking to undermine international human rights mechanisms has been the United Nations, the report said.

"The Chinese government ... does not think twice about twisting arms to protect its image in international forums," it said. "The U.N. has been a key target."

The report cited the unwillingness of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to publicly demand an end to the mass incarceration of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in "re-education" camps in Xinjiang, while at the same time supporting Beijing's "Belt and Road" global infrastructure initiative.

At the U.N. Human Rights Council, China routinely opposes virtually every human rights initiative that criticizes a particular country unless it is watered down enough to secure that government's consent, the report said, citing Beijing's opposition of resolutions condemning human rights abuses in Myanmar, Syria, Iran, the Philippines, Burundi, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Yemen, Eritrea, and Belarus.

"China also seeks to distort the international rights framework by suggesting that economic progress should precede the need to respect rights," it said, adding that Beijing tries to redefine human rights as something far weaker than a legal obligation binding governments.

"When China's human rights record came up for a routine review in 2018 and 2019 at the Human Rights Council, Chinese officials threatened critical delegations while encouraging allies to heap praise," the report said.

It said Beijing had also filled the speakers list reserved for civil society organizations with government-backed groups that would sing its praises.

China's diplomats issue threats

Chinese diplomats had also submitted false information and "threatened delegations with consequences if they attended a panel discussion of abuses in Xinjiang, and sought to prevent an independent group focused on Xinjiang from speaking at the council," the report found.

It said Chinese Communist Party diplomatic efforts often bolster authoritarianism in "beneficiary" countries who sign "Belt and Road" (BRI) deals with Beijing.

"BRI projects ... largely ignore human rights and environmental standards," the HRW report said. "They allow little if any input from people who might be harmed. Some are negotiated in backroom deals that are prone to corruption."

"[They also] effectively impose a separate set of political conditions requiring support for China's anti-rights agenda," it said.

"That ensures at best silence, at worst applause, in the face of China's domestic repression, as well as assistance to Beijing as it undermines international human rights institutions."

Roth -- who was recently denied entry to Hong Kong, where the report was to have been launched -- called on international governments to resist Beijing's attempts to undermine human rights protections around the world.

"Unless we want to return to an era in which people are pawns to be manipulated or discarded according to the whims of their overlords, we must resist Beijing's assault on our rights," Roth said. "Decades of progress on rights, and our future, are at stake."

At home, Beijing has made technology central to its repression, using mass intrusions on people's privacy through such tools as forced collection of DNA samples, and then deploying big data analysis and artificial intelligence to refine its means of control, Roth said in a statement on the HRW website.

"The goal is to engineer a society that is free of dissent," he said.

The report also cited a number of times in which Beijing had made its political requirements known to companies with strong ties to China.

Hong Kong in crisis

Hong Kong's flag carrier airline Cathay Pacific threatened to fire employees who supported or participated in the anti-extradition and pro-democracy movement in the city.

Herbert Diess, chief executive of Volkswagen, said he was "not aware" of Xinjiang's mass detention camps, while Marriott fired a social media manager for liking a tweet supporting referring to Tibet as a country, the report said.

HRW said there is currently an "inhospitable" climate for human rights around the world, with a number governments who were previously outspoken on China's' rights abuses now reluctant to put pressure on Beijing.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he hadn't read the HRW report, but that similar reports typically "turn a blind eye to facts and confuse right and wrong with no objectivity at all."

Geng said the Chinese people had the final say on the state of human rights in the country, which he described as "in the best period of history."

The Hong Kong government hit out on Wednesday at the report's reference to ever-encroaching Chinese influence in the city's political life.

"The [Hong Kong] government attaches great importance to human rights and freedoms and is determined to safeguard them," it said, warning foreign organizations not to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs.

Of the growing criticism of heavy-handed police violence during the pro-democracy protests, the spokesman said: "If members of the public could express their views in a peaceful and rational manner, there would be no need for the police to use any force."

Rights groups have warned that Hong Kong is now in a state of humanitarian crisis after police fired more than 16,000 rounds of tear gas in recent months, with around 1,000 of those fired into the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) campus during a single day in November.

Frontline protesters, eyewitnesses, journalists and human rights groups have repeatedly said that the majority of violence during the protests has originated with the Hong Kong police, who have been widely criticized for the excessive use of tear gas, water cannon, pepper spray, as well as both non-lethal and live ammunition weapons on unarmed protesters.

Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA) (the "Company" or "Parks! America"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") effective January 15, 2020, to acquire substantially all the assets of Aggieland Safari, Inc. ("Aggieland"), primarily the Aggieland Safari Adventure Zoo and Safari Park ("Aggieland Safari"). Aggieland Safari is situated on 250 acres of a 450 acre property, located in Bryan, Texas, approximately 25 miles northeast of College Station and 120 miles northwest of downtown Houston.

"We are very pleased with the opportunity to add a very high quality asset to our portfolio of wild animal safari parks," commented Dale Van Voorhis, Chairman & CEO. "Aggieland Safari fits well in our existing park mix, providing geographic diversification. Aggieland Safari is a new park, having recently completed a successful inaugural season. Aggieland Safari has a high quality infrastructure and is home to over 1,000 animals, birds and reptiles. We believe Parks! America will add value with our expertise in operating and marketing unique wild animal experiences."

In exchange for Aggieland, the Company has agreed to a purchase price of $7.5 million, which the Company intends to fund with a combination of available cash and new financing. Aggieland has granted Parks! America a 90-day exclusivity period to complete its due diligence and execute a definitive agreement. The transaction is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to the following:

the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement;

completion of satisfactory due diligence of Aggieland;

the Company's ability to obtain financing of not less than $5.0 million to complete the transaction;

to complete the transaction; satisfactory completion of an audit of Aggieland for the year ended December 31, 2019 ; and

; and the receipt of all regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third-party approvals, and the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the transaction.

About Parks! America, Inc.

Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates two regional theme parks - the Wild Animal Safari theme park in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and the Wild Animal Safari theme park located in Strafford, Missouri.

Additional information, including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2019, is available on the Company's website, http://www.animalsafari.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements; actual results or outcomes could differ materially due to factors including, but not limited to: general market conditions, adverse weather, and industry competition. The Company believes that expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, however it can give no assurances that such expectations will be realized and actual results could differ materially. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. A further description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's annual report and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2019.

Contact: Todd R. White

Chief Financial Officer

(706) 663-8744

[email protected]

SOURCE Parks! America, Inc.

Related Links

http://animalsafari.com


The Transportation Security Administration caught more firearms at airport checkpoints in 2019 than in any other year since it was created in 2001, the agency said Wednesday, as part of a steady uptick that its leader called deeply troubling.

The agency said that it found 4,432 firearms last year in carry-on bags or carried by passengers, neither of which is allowed. That number was 5 percent higher than the 4,239 firearms discovered in 2018, and nearly five times the 926 found in 2008, the T.S.A. said.

A vast majority of the guns found in 2019  almost 90 percent  were loaded, the T.S.A. said. About one-third of the guns caught had a round in the chamber.

The continued increase in the number of firearms that travelers bring to airport checkpoints is deeply troubling, David P. Pekoske, the administrator of the T.S.A., said in a statement on Wednesday. He advised fliers to follow the rules of the proper way to travel safely with a firearm.
A critical route for American coal exports to Asia is drying up after yet another U.S. port city passed a law to bar the fuel from leaving its shores.

Lawmakers in Richmond, California, late Tuesday voted to impose a ban on coal, targeting a terminal that handles about a quarter of exports from the U.S. West Coast.

Richmond is joining several West Coast cities that have prohibited shipping the fossil fuel through their ports, choking off key routes to some of the only coal markets in the world still growing. As utilities burn less coal in the U.S., environmentalists and lawmakers see the ordinances barring exports as a way to both limit pollution from coal dust locally and reduce greenhouse gases globally.

"I've got bigger ambitions than just Richmond," Mayor Tom Butt said in an interview. "I'd like to get rid of coal worldwide."

The ordinance in Richmond targets a port operated by Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp. In 2018, the facility shipped almost 1 million metric tons of coal to Japan and South Korea. The legislation gives the port three years to stop coal shipments. The ordinance also includes petroleum coke, a byproduct of oil refining that's another major product handled by the terminal.

Only a tiny portion of global coal trade is likely to be affected by the move. Exports from the U.S. accounted for just over 3% of Asia-Pacific's total imports in 2018, with India and Japan the biggest buyers, according to the latest BP Statistical Review. The data also showed most American cargoes headed to Europe.

Levin-Richmond Terminal's chief executive officer, Gary Levin, has said the law would put him out of business and has threatened to sue. He didn't respond to phone inquiries.

The mayor had delayed a vote that had been expected last month to pursue an agreement with Levin that would head off litigation. But the two sides were unable to reach a resolution, Butt said.

The city of Oakland, California, passed a law in 2016 barring coal exports. In 2014, Oregon regulators denied a permit to a proposed coal-export terminal on the Columbia River.

"Communities are pushing back on toxic and polluting coal exports," Minda Berbeco, director of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club, said by email. "No one wants to live with coal dust coating their homes and cars."

(Michael Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, has committed $500 million to launch Beyond Carbon, a campaign aimed at closing the remaining coal-powered plants in the U.S. by 2030 and slowing the construction of new gas plants.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  Malacanang on Thursday backed officials' decision to stop sending Filipino workers to Kuwait, amid the reported cases of maltreatment and deaths in the Gulf State.

In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the total deployment ban of overseas workers will remain  until the 2018 labor deal between Kuwait and the Philippines is fully implemented.

"Until such time as the terms of the MOA (memorandum of agreement) are incorporated in each labor contract between the employer and the employee  the ban remains," Panelo told reporters.

"We're asking them to implement it. Otherwise, the ban remains."

A memorandum of agreement was signed by the two countries in May 2018  in hopes of protecting the welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait.

Philippine officials, however, lamented that some provisions have not been followed  as both governments continue to disagree on certain rules in the document.

The governments latest total deployment ban, which was approved on Wednesday, came in the wake of the death of Filipina domestic worker Jeanelyn Villavende, who was allegedly killed by her Kuwaiti employers in December.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Governing Board attributed the development to discrepancies in the autopsy reports of the Kuwaiti and Philippine governments.

RELATED: Slain OFW in Kuwait was sexually abused, autopsy report shows
The billion dollar question: The FBI appears to have the ability to either unlock or otherwise retrieve data from an iPhone 11 running iOS 13 without having the passcode. If this is the case, why is it asking Apple to unlock two other devices  an iPhone 5 and iPhone 7? Surely, the older phones are not more secure than the current generation, or are they?

As we reported earlier this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has once again asked Apple to unlock two iPhones in connection with the Pensacola Naval Air Base shooting. While the company has indicated that it has been cooperating with authorities by turning over relevant documents and files, it has stopped short of cracking the devices.

Pressure increased in the following weeks as the FBI, US Attorney General William Barr, and President Trump have also asked Cupertino for help opening the devices. However, it appears that they may not actually need Apple's help at all.

Forbes reports that it has obtained a search warrant from an unrelated 2019 case that reveals that the FBI has already successfully cracked an iPhone 11 Pro Max. The device belonged to Baris Ali Koch, who is accused of aiding and abetting for helping his brother flee the country after he was convicted on a hate crime charge.

Photographs of the iPhone listed in the warrant show what is definitely Apple's latest iPhone. Forbes confirmed with Koch's lawyer that the phone was locked when the authorities obtained it and that his client did not provide the passcode. The image also shows the phone in a secured state, indicating it was locked when entered into evidence.



Image via Southern District Court of Ohio

An inventory sheet included with the warrant, stated that a USB drive containing GrayKey was used on the device for "forensic analysis." The iPhone unlocking software made by Grayshift has been around since at least early 2018. Since its discovery, Apple has been implementing measures to thwart the technology with unverified success.

Apple's newest devices are supposed to be more secure than past iterations, so it is unclear why officials are continuing to apply pressure to the tech giant to open the older Pensacola phones  an iPhone 5 and iPhone 7.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has asked the Justice Department for its reasoning in publicly demanding "backdoors" when it already possesses the tools to breach the newest iPhones.

According to Berkley International Computer Science Institute researcher Nicholas Weaver, the FBI's tactics are nothing more than "theatre." He explains that Cupertino designed the iPhone without a means for getting in without the passcode, not even for Apple.

"Basically, Apple made a safe where to change the combo you have to unlock the safe, and the FBI is saying 'change the combo' when they know full well you can't change the combo without unlocking the safe first," said Weaver.

To what end the theatrics serve remains in question. The DoJ has declined to comment on the matter, so one can only speculate as to the motivation for the continued demands. Perhaps the Bureau and other government officials are attempting to set a precedent to facilitate future failed attempts at cracking devices, but who knows?

Now that the cat is out of the bag, so to speak, it will be interesting to see if the FBI backs down on the issue.

Masthead credit: Cristian Dina via Shutterstock
Mr. de Blasio said he liked the plan because it relies largely on private financing as part of a public-private partnership.

Its the best idea Ive heard so far, the mayor told reporters, though he said he was reluctant to commit significant direct funding from the city.

On Thursday, Mr. de Blasio announced his nominee to be the next leader of the city agency that oversees the taxi industry: Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk, who currently serves as chief of staff to the deputy mayor for operations. The City Council failed to approve the previous official he nominated for the job.

Mr. de Blasio could be pushed to spend elsewhere. Leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the citys subway and buses, have also called on the city to pay $3 billion to fix the transit system in the coming years. Funding for a taxi bailout or new subway spending was not included in the mayors preliminary budget.

The citys last budget was $92.8 billion and included spending increases on things like providing social workers at city schools and a program to boost participation in the federal census. The previous budget included funding for discounted subway and bus fares for some of the poorest New Yorkers.

City officials attributed $1.6 billion of the growth in the preliminary budget to the settling of outstanding labor union contracts and said it would cost $175 million to implement changes related to bail and discovery reform.

Scott M. Stringer, the city comptroller and a mayoral candidate in 2021, said that Mr. de Blasio must protect the city from leaders in Albany who frequently target New York Citys budget when the state budget is in peril.
A 31-year-old-man, Princewill Okoroafor, allegedly committed suicide by drinking a poisonous substance believed by the police to be sniper. His body was found in his apartment at Lakeview Phase 1 Estate, Amuwo Odofin.

A police source said the deceased was suspected to have drunk a tin of the insecticide, as an empty tin was found in his apartment.

In her reaction, the deceaseds mother, Mrs. Juliet Okoroafor, said she suspected foul play in his death and called on the police to conduct an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.



Mrs. Okoroafor said: I received a call on January 7, that my son was about to commit suicide. I rushed to the scene and met him lying on the floor in his room. He was rushed to First Line Hospital in Festac, where he was confirmed dead. I want the police to conduct autopsy on him to ascertain the cause of his death.

Elkana said, When Mrs. Okereafor reported the matter at the Festac division, the scene was visited by detectives, led by SP Francis Oyeyemi, where an open tin of suspected poisonous substance, Sniper, was recovered. We are still investigating.

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ANN ARBOR, MI -- Regional transit leaders are considering a 1.4-mill property tax proposal that could go before Washtenaw, Oakland and Wayne county voters in November.

Discussion of a preliminary agreement between the three counties and Detroit is on the agenda for a Thursday, Jan. 16 meeting of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) Board of Directors.

The public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 South Fifth Ave., in the lower-level multipurpose room.

This is another step in sorting through the options to fund regional transit, and were very glad that the county has sought our opinion," said Matt Carpenter, CEO of TheRide. We hope to give them meaningful feedback."

He said county commissioners reached out to the transit agency seeking insight on needs and challenges to discuss with other partners.

In November 2019, leaders from the three counties proposed amending the Municipal Partnership Act of 2011 to clear the path for voters in each county to consider tax increases for regional mass transit improvements. The proposal was introduced in the state House on Nov. 7, 2019.

Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties look to exclude Macomb in transit vote

If approved in Lansing, the counties would develop a regional transit proposal that could go before voters. Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan said the 1.4-mill preliminary proposal is currently just an idea, with no concrete numbers in place.

Im worried some folks are taking initial discussions as some form of concrete idea. We have no idea what the millage rate would be proposed, Morgan said. Were only at the state right now of being able to work on the Municipal Partnership Agreement and what kind of process should we engage in to make sure everybody is being included in the conversation.

If the Municipal Partnership Act doesnt pass, theres no point in having any of these discussions because we wouldnt have the ability to do transit in this way."

The Municipal Partnership Act allows up to 5 mills to be proposed.

The draft agreement to be discussed Thursday specifies that the partners would establish a plan to guide the allocation of funding and that 85% of the revenue raised in each jurisdiction could be spent on public transit in that county, while the remaining 15% can be spent in another area of the region.

In Washtenaw County, a 1.4 mill tax could raise about $24 million a year, according to estimates included in the agenda packet.

We see a lot of opportunities for this, particularly injecting a lot of funding into mass transit. There are also challenges and risks, Carpenter said. Hopefully, we can point them out to the board of commissioners that those are things that can be addressed in further discussions.

In 2016, voters across Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties narrowly rejected a 1.2-mill transit proposal that promised commuter rail lines, bus rapid transit routes, airport services and a Detroit-to-Ann Arbor rail line.

Voters in Wayne and Washtenaw counties said yes to that proposal, but a narrow defeat in Oakland County and overwhelming opposition in Macomb County sunk the plan.

Transit leaders also proposed a 1.5-mill regional transit plan in 2018 that would have raised an estimated $5.4 billion over 20 years, but it didnt appear on the ballot because of a lack of support from leaders in Oakland and Macomb counties.

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan presented a new and more compressed set of ideas for a 2020 to 2045 vision in July 2019.

Leaders are now proposing a three-county plan without Macomb County, but are leaving the discussion open, should Macomb leaders opt to join the conversation.

We have a lot of questions that we hope to answer as a community through conversations with our community, Morgan said. We have to get this legislation passed in order to have this opportunity.

Hourly Ann Arbor-Detroit bus service could launch in March
Legendary photographer Henri Cartier Bressons photographs of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhis last moments have been digitised and displayed on LED screen in a loop without text at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, a museum dedicated to the Mahatma in New Delhi, which drew an angry tweet by grandson Tushar Gandhi on Thursday. Culture minister Prahlad Patel, however, dismissed Tushar Gandhis accusation stating on Twitter that he was disappointed by lies that tend to mislead.

Bresson clicked the Mahatma an hour before he was assassinated on January 30, 1948, and also took photographs of the funeral, capturing the grief of ordinary citizens. A part of Birla House, where Gandhi was shot by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse shortly before the evening prayers, was converted into a museum, where Bressons photographs, among other memorabilia and images, were displayed.

Tushar Gandhi told Press Trust of India that the LED screens only displayed Bressons photographs in a loop, and ignored its historical context, as text does not form part of this digital display.

The photographs are running on LED screens like a slideshow with no text. There was no reason why such beautiful prints of Bresson were removed. Its like removing the paintings of the Rennaissance painters from the Louvre and replacing them digitally. There is no text to explain the situation and people dont get to know anything from them, he said.

Later, speaking to HT, he said, These photographs were gifted by Cartier-Bresson. They documented history and were works of art. In the LED display, the photos keep coming randomly without the historical context; no one will watch 20 pictures scrolling down like that. I saw people walking away as the LED stayed blank for some time.

Other parts of the earlier display, including Nehrus speech and an American journalists eyewitness account are also missing in the current exhibit, Gandhi alleged.

However, Gandhi Smriti director Dipankar Shri Gyan said that the display is still under construction. The LED display opened for public four days ago, he said. It is still being worked on and we will incorporate everything in it.

The prints were digitally displayed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the institution in November last year with German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel, he told PTI.

During that visit it was digitised (and displayed) for two-three days and it was done again when the PM visited with his Portuguese counterpart (Antonio Costa). The PM had recommended that everything be digitised and we received the orders from the secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Gyan said.

Tushar Gandhi said the photographs had artistic value. Shocked. The evocative photo gallery of Henri Cartier Bresson displaying the post murder photographs from the Gandhi Smriti have been removed from display on the orders of The Pradhan Sevak. Bapus Murderers are obliterating Historic evidence. He Ram! he tweeted.

Patel responded on Twitter, I am not scared of debate, but I am disappointed by lies that tend to mislead. I am responsible for any activity at @gsdsnewdelhi. Your views and propaganda are misleading.

(With inputs from PTI)
'OK, Boomer' made its first appearance in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, invoked by baby boomer Chief Justice John Roberts 12 days before he turns 65.

The meme is a favorite of younger generations and Roberts used it in questions in a case about age discrimination in the workplace.

'The hiring person, who's younger, says, `OK, Boomer,' once to the applicant,' Roberts said as he conjured a hypothetical exchange to try to figure out when an older federal employee might be able to win a lawsuit under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

'So calling somebody a 'boomer' and considering them for a position would be actionable?' Roberts asked.

. 'OK, Boomer' made its first appearance in the Supreme Court Wednesday, invoked by baby boomer Chief Justice John Roberts 12 days before he turns 65

What does 'boomer' mean? Boomer, short for baby boomer, is slang used for people born in the years after the Second World War. It refers to the marginal increase in birth rate in the post-war era. The generation after is referred to as Generation Y or Millenials - those who reached early adulthood in the 2000s. With climate change increasingly evident in recent years, young people, including 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, have taken a stand in a bid to save the planet for their and their children's futures. Some youths have accused the 'boomer' generation before them of causing the climate crisis by polluting the planet and using up non-renewable resources. In this sense, the term 'boomer' has been used as an insult.

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It was the first time, according to databases of high court arguments, the somewhat pejorative phrase used by younger people to criticize the less flexible, tolerant and tech savvy ways of their elders has been uttered in the Supreme Court, where the nine justices range in age from 52 with Neil Gorsuch to Ruth Bader Ginsburg who is 86.

The 'OK, Boomer' retort began on TikTok and spread through high schools before reaching the chamber of New Zealands Parliament.

Chloe Swarbrick, 25, had been delivering a speech about the Climate Change in November when she was interrupted by a heckler inside parliament, who she swiftly shot down with 'OK boomer', before continuing with her speech.

'OK boomer' is a Generation Z and millennial retort to older people who don't understand the passions of younger generations. This could be anything from climate change, to mental health or financial inequality.

Ms Swarbrick explained the term is a 'simple summarisation of collective exhaustion'.

She added: 'OK boomer [acknowledges that] you cannot win a deeply polarized debate - facts don't matter. It's better to acknowledge that perhaps energy is better spent elsewhere.'

The phrase appears to address those in the 'baby boomer' generation, who were born between 1946 and 1964, but is most abundant in responses to the social media posts of those over 30.

Chloe Swarbrick, 25, had been delivering a speech about the Climate Change in November in the New Zealand parliament when she was interrupted by a heckler who she swiftly shot down by responding with 'OK boomer', before continuing with her speech

Back in the United States, the phrase appears to have been used as the Supreme Court justices attempt to imagine themselves in situations like the ones that land people before the high court. Employment law issues can be hard to empathize when the justices have lifetime tenure.

In addition to Roberts' boomer reference, 81-year-old Justice Stephen Breyer talked about a made-up supervisor who was considering candidates for promotion. 'I certainly don't want people who are over the age of 82,' Breyer said, prompting laughter in the courtroom and on the bench.

The justices were considering the case of a Veterans Affairs Department employee who was in her early 50s when she sued for age discrimination after being denied promotions and training opportunities.

The issue before the court is whether an employee can prevail only if age discrimination is the key factor she didn't get what she sought, or whether it's enough that age discrimination was part of the process, even if the people who were selected were better qualified.

In 2009, the Supreme Court made it harder for older employees in the private sector to sue by ruling that age has to be the key factor in an employment decision.

The Trump administration argues that the same standard should apply to federal workers, but several justices seemed troubled by the administration's position because the language of the law's provisions covering private and federal employees is different.

A decision in Babb v. Wilkie, 18-882, is expected by June.
The economies of the world are shifting, so we can only assume that our South African economy will follow suit and also make the move towards the gig economy.

A gig economy is a free-market system where the emphasis is placed on temporary freelance jobs rather than the routine nine-to-five workers.

The United States of America is heading up this change with 56.7 million freelancers or approximately 34% of their workforce already making up their gig economy, a 30% increase since 2016.

This section of the workforce contributes nearly $1.4 trillion to the economy every year and is only predicted to rise and make up 43% of the economy by the end of 2020.

The United Kingdom is following these footsteps with 15.6% of their workforce making up their gig economy.

With youth unemployment levels in South Africa at 52.85%, it is only natural that individuals are attempting to find other sources of income.

Easily find the job you are looking for

Luckily with trusted integrated recruitment platforms such as JOBVINE, it is becoming increasingly easy for freelancers and employers to find what they are looking for.

Since JOBVINE launched their freelance platform in 2019 over 49,000 freelancers have registered profiles on the website and subsequently more than R9.5 million in freelance jobs has been offered.

Freelancers in Cape Town have accounted for over 50% of the gig allocation on JOBVINE.

You might be asking yourself, why is this shift to a gig economy beneficial to those parties involved? For the freelancer it means a decoupling of location and assignment.

Work anywhere and anytime

Not only can freelancers work anywhere and anytime they want, thereby improving their work-life balance, they can also select the jobs that they are specifically interested in and qualified for rather than being forced into a specific role by a company.

Stay ahead of the curve

Freelance work allows an individual to either be fully self-employed or to have an extra stream of income and an opportunity to stay above the rising living costs.

It has been stated that in South Africa 39% of the workforce have a secondary income.

There are many advantages to companies when hiring freelancers, so it only seems natural that this trend will accelerate and in 2020 more companies will be looking to replace their full-time employees with these independent and innovative substitutes.

Everyone has free time and freelancing is an ideal way to monetise this time thereby maximising your earning potential and staying ahead of the curve.

It is also an intelligent and lucrative move for you to become a freelancer, before you get replaced by one.

Register a free profile as a freelancer on JOBVINE here.
The BJP described the ruling Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra as opportunist on Thursday after Sena's Sanjay Raut withdrew his comment on Indira Gandhi meeting gangster Karim Lala, with Union minister Prakash Javadekar saying that everyday some "truth" will be revealed, before being withdrawn.

He also said Congress leaders were often accused of helping Mumbai blasts accused Dawood Ibrahim flee the country.

Raut had created ripples on Wednesday by talking about the influence some of the gangsters of yesteryears enjoyed, while also claiming that former prime minister Indira Gandhi used to meet Lala.

With the Congress strongly objecting to his comments, Raut on Thursday said Gandhi would meet Lala as a community leader representing Pathans and then went on to withdraw his remarks.

Taking a swipe at the alliance, Javadekar told a press conference here that it would have all kinds of "cinematic experiences" in the times to come as some truth will keep tumbling out, before being withdrawn.

"This alliance is built around the convenience of power and opportunism," he said.

Raut's comments, the Union minister said, showed the "communal politics" of the Congress as it would recognise a gangster as a leader of a community and treat its members as a vote bank.

Jabbing the Sena, a former ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Javadekar claimed that its leaders no longer referred to Bal Thackeray as the "Hindu Hriday Samrat".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has recommended the Union Home Ministry to reject the mercy petition of one of the convicts of the Nirbhaya gangrape case, officials said on Thursday.

Mukesh Singh, one of the four convicts, filed the mercy petition a few days ago.

"The Home Ministry has received the mercy petition from the LG recommending its rejection. The petition is being examined and an appropriate decision will be taken soon," a Home Ministry official said.

The Delhi government on Wednesday recommended rejection of the mercy plea filed by Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 gangrape and murder case, and forwarded it to the LG at "lightning speed".

It also informed the high court during a hearing that execution of the convicts will not take place on January 22 as a mercy plea has been filed by Singh.

The four convicts -- Singh (32) Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) -- were to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail. A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on January 7.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] MemVerge CEO to Present on Storage Class Memory and Memory-Converged Infrastructure at the 2020 Persistent Memory Summit

MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MemVerge , the inventor of Memory-Converged Infrastructure (MCI), today announced that its CEO and co-founder Charles Fan will be presenting on "Storage Scale, Storage at Memory Speed" at this year's Persistent Memory Summit to be held on January 23 in Santa Clara, CA. The Persistent Memory Summit is hosted by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) to discuss topics including emerging medias, interconnects and applications. Presentation: Memory at Storage Scale, Storage at Memory Speed What: Fan will present on how storage class memory (SCM) will enable future data centers to be memory-centric and software composed. He will discuss how SCM and DRAM combined with the right software become a new Memory-Converged Infrastructure (MCI) layer that is both persistent and larger in capacity than the memory layer today. This will change the way applications are developed and deployed, and make primary storage obsolete. Additionally, Fan will cover MemVerge's MCI software technology and its initial use cases. MemVerge's MCI utilizes the latest in Storage Class Memory (SCM) echnology and is the first system to eliminate the boundaries between memory and storage to power demanding data-centric workloads. Through its software virtualization layer that can integrate with existing applications, MemVerge's MCI solution provides 10X the memory size, 10X the data I/O speed and a significantly larger and persistent memory tier compared to other existing computing and storage solutions. MemVerge's MCI will render the storage layer unnecessary and allow data centers to move towards becoming memory-centric.



Where: Persistent Memory Summit at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, California. When: Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 11:35 a.m.

About MemVerge

MemVerge, the inventor of Memory-Converged Infrastructure (MCI), eliminates all boundaries between memory and storage to power the world's most demanding data-centric workloads. Built on the latest Storage Class Memory (SCM) technology, MemVerge MCI provides a software virtualization layer that seamlessly integrates with existing applications and offers 10X the memory size and 10X the data I/O speed compared to current state-of-the-art computing and storage solutions. Its unique distributed memory objects (DMO) technology empowers data-intensive and high performance computing (HPC) workloads such as AI, big data analytics, IoT and data warehousing to run flawlessly at memory speed with guaranteed data consistency across multiple systems. MemVerge is the only solution offering a petabyte-scale data infrastructure and nanosecond speed response time, enabling businesses to process and derive insights from enormous amounts of data in real time, while handling small and large files with equal ease. In this era of machine-generated data, enterprises using MemVerge no longer contend with failed or painfully slow jobs due to performance bottlenecks, system crashes or worn out flash drivesthey can now train AI models faster, analyze bigger states, complete more queries in less time and run complex workloads more predictably with fewer resources. Based in San Jose, MemVerge is used by leading financial services, retail, web and cloud companies as well as other leading innovators globally including LinkedIn, Tencent Cloud and JD.com. To learn more about MemVerge, visit www.memverge.com. Media Contact:

Diana Brodskiy

Bhava Communications for MemVerge

[email protected]

415-306-6199 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/memverge-ceo-to-present-on-storage-class-memory-and-memory-converged-infrastructure-at-the-2020-persistent-memory-summit-300988098.html SOURCE MemVerge

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She's gearing up for the final episode of long-running sit-com Modern Family.

And Ariel Winter appeared to be preparing for life beyond the hit show by attending an acting class in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The American star, 21, revealed her naturally pretty features by going make-up free during her latest public appearance.

Ditching the glamour: Ariel Winter revealed her naturally pretty features by going make-up free during her latest public appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Ditching the glamour, Ariel stepped out in a casual Disney T-shirt and skinny jeans teamed with slip-on trainers.

In keeping with her low-key appearance, the actress opted for a messy hairstyle, maintained with a simple centre-parting.

The new year represents a significant departure for the actress, with hit show Modern Family set to end its hugely successful 11-year run on April 8.

Don't mind me: The actress caught the eye as she made her way back to her car after attending an acting class

Casual: Ariel stepped out in a casual Disney T-shirt and skinny jeans teamed with slip-on trainers

The entire cast made the sad announcement at the ABC 2020 Winter TCA conference in January.

Taking to the stage at the Pasadena event,they spoke about their 21 time Emmy winning show, with Ariel opening up about growing up on TV in front of the world.

'I think, Rico, Nolan and I changed a lot over 11 years...I especially hated the year I had braces,' she told those in attendance.

Moving on: The new year represents a significant departure for the actress, with hit show Modern Family set to end its hugely successful 11-year run on April 8

'I do have to say, it was a really awkward year for me because I also went through puberty that summer...once we wrapped, I had other things.

'I definitely think it's really difficult to grow up in front of millions people who have an opinion on everything you do and who are allowed to say it at any point.'

While the cast, which also includes Sarah Hyland and Sophie Vergara, have been given and end date, they are yet to film their final scenes.

All over: The entire cast made the sad announcement at the ABC 2020 Winter TCA conference in January
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday challenged Lt Governor Kiran Bedi to prove the land-grabbing allegations made by a rebel Congress legislator against him.

Slamming Bedi for making public the allegations against him and his son by suspended Congress MLA N Dhanavelou, the Chief Minister told reporters here it was "shocking" that she came out with a press statement on the issue without ascertaining their veracity.

He also said the Lt Governor should verify the genuineness of the charges before issuing the press release.

Hitting back at the Chief Minister, Bedi said he should challenge MLA Dhanavelou for making the charges instead of wasting energy on her.

The former IPS officer in a whatsapp message to Narayanasamy said,"the Chief Minister needs to counter the allegations made by his own party man who according to media reports has been suspended temporarily today instead of challenging me."



She advised Narayanasamy to challenge his own party MLA, who has been making the allegations against him.

Bedi, who has been at loggerheads with the Chief Minister ever since she assumed office in 2016, also said she has advised Dhanavelou to hand over the evidences to the CBI exclusively dedicated to the Union Territory.

She pointed out in no uncertain terms in her message that challenging her was only a "verbal tirade and is misdirected".

Bedi also told Narayanasamy that he could as well counter the allegations before CBI if the investigating agency so probed the matter.

Suggesting to the Chief Minister to convene a special session of the territorial Assembly, she said Narayanasamy could ask the MLA to make the allegation on the floor of the House and then make his statement.

"DO not waste your energy on me. You should challenge the one who challenges you. I have already told your party MLA to go to CBI.

We will await their investigation and facilitate their enquiry if they seek help. We are duty bond to assist the investigation agencies," she stated in her message.

Dhanavelou has been suspended from the Congress as per the recommendation of the high command following a complaint from the Chief Minister, during his visit to Delhi recently, that the rebel MLA has been indulging in "anti party activities".

The Congress in Puducherry said a show cause notice was being sent to Dhanavelou seeking his reply for his revolt against the government, in a week's time.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
GE awarded a multi-million dollar project with EDF Renewables and ESB's Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm project to design, supply, construct, and commission substations

The deal brings together collaborative expertise to flexibly deliver significant efficiencies to EDF Renewables and ESB

The project will help deliver low-carbon energy to 375,000 Scottish homes1

GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business (NYSE: GE) has been awarded a multi-million dollar project for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of onshore and offshore wind substations for the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm, 12 miles off the Fife coast in Scotland. The offshore wind farm project is jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB. EDF Renewables is one of the UK's leading renewable energy companies and ESB is an Irish Energy Company operating across the electricity market on the island of Ireland, with an established and growing presence in Great Britain. GE is responsible for the turnkey delivery of all infrastructure within the perimeter, including ground works and civil construction. NnG is expected to be fully operational in 2023.

Wind power is Scotland's fastest growing renewable energy technology. Some say that the country is in the midst of a "wind energy revolution." Figures from Weather Energy show that between January and June of 2019, wind turbines in Scotland provided enough electricity to power the equivalent of 4.47 million homes-almost twice the entire country's domestic power requirements.

Neart na Gaoithe (which literally means "Strength of the Wind") will play a major role in meeting the carbon emissions reduction targets of both the Scottish and UK governments. The 400/220 kilovolt (kV) onshore wind substation will be built on a greenfield site. Once NnG is operational, it will offset more than 400,000 tons of CO 2 emissions each year and provide enough electricity to power more than 375,000 Scottish homes.

"GE's Grid Solutions business is very proud to work with our consortium collaborators to support both shareholders in their growing portfolios of onshore and offshore wind farms as well as to help deliver low carbon electricity generation in the UK," said Gerhard Seyrling, GE's Grid Solutions president CEO Europe, Russia CIS.

In a consortium arrangement, GE is collaborating with HSM Offshore BV in the Netherlands and IV-One. HSM will provide the offshore topside platform designed by IV-One, that will house GE's 220kV and 66kV substations.

The project's onshore and offshore substation equipment includes four power transformers, four reactors, the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), power quality components, and gas insulated switchgear-at 66kV, 220kV and 400kV-as well as protection and control, SCADA, and telecommunications systems. This solution will allow for 450 megawatts (MW) of low carbon energy to be connected to the Scottish electricity grid.

Notes to the Editor:

Based upon the average domestic electricity consumption per home of 3,889 kWh per the Energy Consumption in the UK (published July 2017) and Renewable-UK offshore wind average load factor at 37.2%.

About Grid Solutions

GE's Grid Solutions, a GE Renewable Energy business, serves customers globally with over 17,000 employees in approximately 80 countries. Grid Solutions helps enable utilities and industry to effectively manage electricity from the point of generation to the point of consumption, helping to maximize the reliability, efficiency and resilience of the grid. For more about GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business, visit www.gegridsolutions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005139/en/

Contacts:

Allison J. Cohen

GE Renewable Energy, Grid Solutions business

External Communications Manager

+972-(0)54-7299742

allison.j.cohen@ge.com
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Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) showed her true face when she discounted the new impeachment evidence against Donald Trump and fell right in line with Mitch McConnells impeachment trial scam.

Here is what Collins told reporters:

Susan Collins throws cold water on new Lev Parnas evidence. I wonder why the House did not put that into the record and its only now being revealed. Told it was just turned over, she says: well doesnt that suggest that the House did an incomplete job then? @Phil_Mattingly  Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 15, 2020

Sen. Collins left out a very important fact. A judge had just released the documents so that they could be given to Congress:

The House subpoenaed these documents way back in October. They were turned over this week because the judge in Parnass criminal case only just cleared him to do so. Susan Collins is falling in line behind Mitch McConnell, as usual, and engaging in Trumps cover-up. https://t.co/3RlfNLOYic  DNC War Room (@DNCWarRoom) January 15, 2020

Susan Collins is tying herself into knots trying to look the other way and ignore the evidence against Donald Trump. For years, Sen. Collins got away with playing the moderate, but that all changed when she voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Collins can dress up her behavior in a tone of moderation, but she is really just another loyal Republican servant to Donald Trump, which is why she doesnt represent the majority in the state of Maine and should be voted out of the US Senate in November.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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Volcanic activity did not play a direct role in the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs, according to an international, Yale-led team of researchers. It was all about the asteroid.

In a break from a number of other recent studies, Yale assistant professor of geology & geophysics Pincelli Hull and her colleagues argue in a new research paper in Science that environmental impacts from massive volcanic eruptions in India in the region known as the Deccan Traps happened well before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago and therefore did not contribute to the mass extinction.

Most scientists acknowledge that the mass extinction event, also known as K-Pg, occurred after an asteroid slammed into Earth. Some researchers also have focused on the role of volcanoes in K-Pg due to indications that volcanic activity happened around the same time.

"Volcanoes can drive mass extinctions because they release lots of gases, like SO 2 and CO 2 , that can alter the climate and acidify the world," said Hull, lead author of the new study. "But recent work has focused on the timing of lava eruption rather than gas release."

To pinpoint the timing of volcanic gas emission, Hull and her colleagues compared global temperature change and the carbon isotopes (an isotope is an atom with a higher or lower number of neutrons than normal) from marine fossils with models of the climatic effect of CO 2 release. They concluded that most of the gas release happened well before the asteroid impact -- and that the asteroid was the sole driver of extinction.

"Volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous caused a gradual global warming event of about two degrees, but not mass extinction," said former Yale researcher Michael Henehan, who compiled the temperature records for the study. "A number of species moved toward the North and South poles but moved back well before the asteroid impact."

Added Hull, "A lot of people have speculated that volcanoes mattered to K-Pg, and we're saying, 'No, they didn't.'"

Recent work on the Deccan Traps, in India, has also pointed to massive eruptions in the immediate aftermath of the K-Pg mass extinction. These results have puzzled scientists because there is no warming event to match. The new study suggests an answer to this puzzle, as well.

"The K-Pg extinction was a mass extinction and this profoundly altered the global carbon cycle," said Yale postdoctoral associate Donald Penman, the study's modeler. "Our results show that these changes would allow the ocean to absorb an enormous amount of CO 2 on long time scales -- perhaps hiding the warming effects of volcanism in the aftermath of the event."

The International Ocean Discovery Program, the National Science Foundation, and Yale University helped fund the research.
The local arm for Korean carmaker Kianow under the new distributor AC Industrials, an Ayala companymade a stunning performance for 2019 after it made a 124 percent year-on-year sales growth.

Kias skyrocketing sales was attributed to the four: Soluto sub-compact sedan, the K2500 light-duty truck, the Grand Carnival minivan, and the newly-launched Seltos sub-compact crossover.

The Soluto led the increase, capturing 51 percent of sales volume, followed by the K2500 with 21 percent, Grand Carnival with 13 percent, and 7 percent for the Seltos.

The Soluto with its 1.4-liter motor with Dual CVVT technology producing 95ps and 132Nm of torque, spacious interior, 7-inch Touchscreen Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rearview camera, and steering wheel controls as standard provide a value-for-money proposition for its class. The higher-spec EX variant adds leatherette seats, alloy wheels and rear park distance sensors. It is the perfect car for first-time car buyers looking for a feature-packed offering.

The K2500, meanwhile, is a light-duty truck thats heavy on features and flexible according to your needs. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 130ps and 255Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is available in the following configurations: Karga, Kargo, Closed Van and Dropside. The K2500 is the ideal logistics partner of budding entrepreneurs and businessmen.

The Grand Carnival has been Kias people carrier since its introduction two decades ago. The latest-generation is powered by a 2.2-liter CRDI diesel engine delivering 200ps and 441Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Boasting luxury car features, the Grand Carnival in its EX 7seater variant is equipped with window sunshades, dual moonroof, power sliding doors and tail gate, full auto air-conditioning with three-zone capability, an 8-inch Touchscreen Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a versatile cabin with various seating configurations.

Story continues

It is the minivan for accomplished executives who can use it as a family-friendly ride or a daily mobile office.

The Seltos, Kias latest model launched in November 2019, packs a 2.0-liter Dual CVVT engine with 149ps and 179Nm. This powerplant is mated to a new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with Drive Mode Select that allows the driver to switch between different modes to suit ones driving preference. Its standard features include: 8-inch Touchscreen Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear view camera and full fold rear seats with the top-of-the-line SX offering full LED head and tail lights, LED daytime running lamps and signature position lamps, automatic climate control, smart entry with push button and remote start, Electronic Stability Control, and 6 airbags. The new Seltos is the crossover of choice for high-achieving young professionals and couples starting a family looking for a stylish and flexible ride.

The Stinger, Sorento, Sportage, Forte, Rio and Picanto complete the entire Kia line-up that sold a total of 5,019 vehicles in 2019a 124 percent jump from the 2,238 vehicles sold during the previous year.

Kia president Manny Aligada expressed elation over their record-breaking achievement.

We are pleased with the strong performance of Kia Philippines in 2019. As we enter 2020, Kia Philippines looks forward to surpassing its record with new vehicle introductions, the opening of new dealerships, and better aftersales services, Aligada noted.

Under AC Industrials, Kia unboxed to the country the Soluto back in January last year to drumroll the brand relaunch after it was acquired from the Alvarez group.

After that, Kia delivered with the debut of the Stinger and the Seltos, as well as refreshed offerings in its vehicle range throughout 2019.

Meanwhile, Aligada in an interview, said that they will still work on continuing the growth path.

As 2019 was the year to stabilize, 2020 onwards would be growth years. Priorities include 1) dealer development to include improvement of current ones and expansion to new areas where we do not have presence, 2) improvement of the customer experience for sales and after sales and parts, 3) continued product offering via new model introductions and enhancement of existing ones, 4) continued offers of financial bundles for easy ownership, he told CARMUDI Philippines.

Also read:

The post Kia PH Shows Stellar Performance for 2019 appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.
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The quid. The pro. And the quo.

As Republican Senators who have already vowed to put Donald Trump ahead of their country swear in to serve as jurors on his impeachment trial, vowing impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws so help them God, the revelations they are willfully ignoring regarding Trump using this country to extort Ukraine to help him cheat in another election becomes even more important.

Usually quid pro quo is hard to prove. And its not necessary in order to impeach president trump for abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

But it just so happens that Trump and his mob boys are dripping with evidence of quid pro quo. Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnas, an associate of Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told Rachel Maddow Wednesday night that ALL aid was dependent upon digging up dirt on former Vice President and current Democratic candidate for president Joe Biden.

Parnas told Maddow that he delivered a message to a top aide to Zelenskyy, Sergei Sheyfir, that it was all aid we would stop giving them any kind of aid unless there was an announcement of an investigation into Joe Biden.

The Merriam dictionary definition of Quid pro quo definition is something given or received for something else; also : a deal arranging a quid pro quo.

Republicans have been saying that its not proven that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine while pressuring the country to investigate his political rival, but Parnas is saying that they threatened to withhold not just military aid, but all aid.

Parnas: Basically, the message that I was supposed to  that I gave (Ukrainian official) Sergei Sheyfir was a very harsh message. That was told to me to give it to him in a very harsh way. Not in a pleasant way the message was, it wasnt just military aid, it was all aid. Basically, their relationships would be sour. That we would stop giving them any kind of aid.

Maddow: Unless?

Parnas: Unless, well several things, there were several demands at that point. A, the most important one was the announcement of the Biden investigation.

Maddow: So you believe that Mr. Pences trip to (Zelinskiys) inauguration was cancelled because they didnt agree (to an investigation)?

Parnas: Oh, I know 100 percent. It was 100 percent.

Maddow: Let me make sure I understand what youre saying. When Vice President Pence when over there (to Poland) on September 1st, again in President Trumps stead, you believe, or you have reason to believe, that Vice President Pence was tasked at that meeting with getting President Zelenskiy to announce investigations of Joe Biden specifically?

Parnas: Yes.

Maddow: Do you believe that part of the motivation to get rid of Ambassador Yovanovitch to get her out of post was because she was in the way of this effort to get the government of Ukraine to announce investigations of Joe Biden?

Parnas: That was the only motivation.

Maddow: That was the only motivation.

Parnas: There was no other motivation.

Parnas says after he delivered his very harsh demand message is when Sheyfir blocked Parnas on WhatsApp.

The White House denied all of Parnas claims, saying in a statement by the supposed White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, who does not actually do the job of a press secretary and only speaks to right wing propaganda outlets, per NBC News, These allegations are being made by a man who is currently out on bail for federal crimes and is desperate to reduce his exposure to prison.

But, legally, Parnas has a lot more to gain by telling truths than he does by making things up. If he is making things up, he wont get the consideration he is obviously hoping to get by giving up information on the Big Fish, Donald Trump, and his associates. His claims do match up with the events, and that makes it even harder to dismiss out of hand.

Add to Parnas bombshell claims is the fact that on Thursday, the GAO report that said Office of Management and Budget violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (passed in response to another impeached Republican Presidents overreach, this time Nixon) when it withheld funds slated for assistance to Ukraine. Title X of the Act  Impoundment Control  established procedures to prevent the President and other government officials from unilaterally substituting their own funding decisions for those of the Congress.

This might all seem meaningless given Senate Republicans behaving as if they, too, are a part of the Trump crime syndicate. And perhaps they are, given the revelations and confirmations about other Republican elected officials in the Maddow interview (Devin Nunes, were looking at you). But it is up to the people to make noise about these crimes, to refuse to allow Republicans to rugsweep their own presidents alleged crimes.
More than 300,000 people were killed, several hundred thousand were injured and nearly 1.5 million were left homeless when a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.

On that day, the workspace that my colleague Joseph Jr Clormeus, who co-authored this article, usually occupied at the Ministry of National Education completely collapsed. He witnessed an apocalyptic spectacle: colleagues had lost their lives while others were having limbs amputated to escape certain death under the rubble. Outside, corpses littered the streets of the capital while the horrifying spectacle of blood mixed with concrete and dust offered itself to the desolate gaze of a traumatized population.

Ten years later, Haiti hasnt recovered from this disaster, despite billions of dollars being spent in the country.

Two main factors explain, in our view, the magnitude of this tragedy: the weakness of Haitian public institutions and the disorganization of international aid, particularly from NGOs.



AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

The weakness of the Haitian state

Haiti is vulnerable to earthquakes. Historically, they have been managed by the military, which played an important role in both national development and natural disaster management. But the speedy dismantling of the national army under Jean-Bertrand Aristides presidency did not allow for the transfer of the armys natural disaster management skills to other civilian public institutions.

Indeed, a great deal of know-how disappeared. Despite the presence of several government bodies that had tried to develop skills in relation to earthquakes, no reliable operational body was able to manage the institutional vacuum left by the army. Today, Haiti remains very vulnerable to natural disasters on its territory.

The succession of unstable governments over the past four decades hasnt helped either. These have significantly weakened the central administration, which then had little capacity to manage and control the countrys territory.

For example, Port-au-Prince, a city originally designed for 3,000 people, was home to almost a million. Ten years later, we can only note that nothing has really changed in this respect. The Haitian state has shown itself incapable of decentralizing and developing its rural environment, which is experiencing an exodus year after year.

The capital and its surroundings are overpopulated and there are no real urban planning policies to impose standards and counter the anarchic constructions that proliferate the city. In this context, any major earthquake could only lead to the disastrous consequences that the country has experienced.

Another problem: in 2010, the Haitian public administration, far from having been reformed, was mainly concerned with collecting taxes on property without any real control over the territory.

The combination of overcrowding, chaotic urban development without a regional development policy, a flagrant lack of resources to intervene on its territory and the skills of its staff has meant that the Haitian public administration has never been able to anticipate the impacts of an earthquake.



AP Photo/Rodrigo And, File

Disorganized international aid

The weakness of Haitis public administration is compounded by the disorganization of international aid. Following a decree adopted in 1989 (which amended Article 13 of the 1982 law governing NGOs), responsibility for the coordination and supervision of NGO activities on the territory of the Republic of Haiti was entrusted to the Ministry of Planning and External Co-operation (MPCE).

In the aftermath of the earthquake, many studies reported on the presence of thousands of NGOs in the country. However, on its official list, the MPCE recognized barely 300 of them. It can, therefore, be concluded that the majority of these NGOs were operating in near obscurity.

Several studies have also shown, and weve seen on the ground, that the international communitys assistance deployed immediately after the earthquake failed to meet a humanitarian challenge of such magnitude. There was no coordination in the interventions of friendly countries in order to optimize the efforts on behalf of the victims. There was a great humanitarian disorganization and even a failure on the part of the international community, which had to improvise ineffectively to co-manage a disaster.

With a presence on the ground as early as 2012, weve observed that the majority of NGOs arrived in Haiti not to respond to a need expressed by the Haitian government, but rather to serve their own interests, as Dr. Joanne Liu, former president of Medecins Sans Frontieres, reports.

There was no coordination between them, nor was there any coordination with the government. Furthermore, although UN forces deployed with MINUSTAH were present in Haiti, the forces were fragmented and operated under often incompatible models and values. Aid was inefficient, even harmful. The scandal of the reintroduction of cholera in Haiti underscores this reality.

Post-earthquake

Despite the fact that billions of dollars had been spent in the country, according to international reports, five years after the disaster, debris was still lying in the streets, thousands of people were still living in refugee camps and the majority of public buildings had not been rebuilt.

All of this testifies to the serious difficulties of co-ordination on the ground.

A decade later, the challenges are still immense for Haiti since it must develop construction policies that fit into a certain vision of urban planning. It must also rebuild the archives of public institutions that have been damaged or have disappeared, and it must help post-earthquake generations learn from the past, develop and implement an emergency plan for natural disasters, and design and implement policies and spaces adapted for people with disabilities.

Today, international development practices are seen to be based on a wealth accumulation perspective, giving priority to private sector interests. Canadas initiatives to direct its aid to the development of the mining sector and free-trade zones in Haiti are evidence of this.

Whats more, Canadas decision to freeze funding for new projects in Haiti raises several questions: why leave Haiti in such a difficult position? Is the decision intended to make the Haitian state face up to its responsibilities or simply to take the Canadian government off the hook for the failure of international aid in that country? Is this an admission of powerlessness in the face of the profound institutional weaknesses in Haiti?

As we look back at Jan. 12, 2010, we raise a question as troubling as it is fundamental: Has the Haitian government and the international community really learned any lessons from the earthquake?

[ Expertise in your inbox. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter and get a digest of academic takes on todays news, every day. ]

Jean-Francois Savard, Professeur agrege, Ecole nationale dadministration publique (ENAP); Emmanuel Sael, Doctorant en administration publique, Ecole nationale dadministration publique (ENAP), and Joseph Jr Clormeus, Doctorate candidate in public administration, Ecole nationale dadministration publique (ENAP)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The UAEs smart cities initiatives  including smart services, the 5G rollout, AI projects, and hyperloop  are supporting the Middle East and Africas smart cities tech market, will reach $2.7 billion by 2024, said experts, citing an IDC report.



The UAEs smart cities initiatives  including smart services, the 5G rollout, AI projects, and hyperloop  are supporting the Middle East and Africas smart cities tech market, will reach $2.7 billion by 2024, said experts, citing an IDC report at the World Future Energy Summit.



Supporting regional and global smart cities development, the World Future Energy Summits Smart Cities Expo & Forum is seeing robust conference discussions and the latest innovations from BMW, Circ e-scooters, Cubic Art Technologies (CATEC), Hyperloop, Tesla, along with the national pavilions of Japan and The Netherlands that are showcasing innovative technologies.



Majd Coussa, head of Energy & Utilities industry at Etisalat, who will be on the panel 5G - The True Enabler for Connected Smart Cities?, said: Smart cities that combine state-of-the-art 5G technologies with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will see the biggest benefit in digitally transforming the society and economy, in addition to supporting the countrys leadership to progress its sustainability agenda.



The Smart Cities Expo & Forum is a key event for showcasing the UAEs 5G leadership, with Etisalats world-pacing commercial 5G network launch supporting innovations at mega-events such as Expo 2020 Dubai.



The Smart Cities Expo & Forum, running from January 13 to 16, is bringing together the key smart cities stakeholders from the region and world. These include Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and Tadweer; innovators such as ekar, IBM, Hyperloop One, and Killa Architectural Design; financiers such as HSBC; and industry associations such as the GSMA.



Smart cities rely on a wide range of technologies  such as artificial intelligence, 5G, the Internet of Things, and transport innovations  to transform citizen experiences and reduce carbon footprints, said Grant Tuchten, Group event director, World Future Energy Summit.



The World Future Energy Summits Smart Cities Expo & Forum is bringing together key industry experts, project leaders, and solution providers to discuss how leveraging smart technologies can transform the urban environment in the region.



The World Future Energy Summit, hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global platform for accelerating the worlds sustainable development, is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).  TradeArabia News Service
Wilhelm Automotive, which has served the valley faithfully for 90+ years, is bringing their award-winning customer service to Queen Creek! Join us on Saturday, January 25th, for the grand opening event to celebrate our new store on 21430 South Ellsworth Road. Attendees will get to enjoy an afternoon of fun activities and exclusive offers from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.

Local residents and drivers from the surrounding Phoenix area are welcome to join Wilhelm Automotive in the celebration of their new location! Enjoy a BBQ lunch and face painting for the kids from noon - 2:00. While there, enter to win a free set of Bridgestone/Firestone tires, a free set of Goodyear tires, a free set of Kumho tires, free oil changes for a year, tickets to the Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game, and much more!

In honor of this celebration, our Queen Creek location is offering a buy 2 tires, get 2 tires free* deal, buy 1 synthetic oil change, get 1 free*, and $9.99* conventional oil change the entire month of January! To add to the savings, on January 25th only, they will be offering 50% off* the price of a wheel alignment and $25* loaded on your Rewards card with any service! Do not miss these limited time deals while we celebrate the grand opening of our Wilhelm Queen Creek location!

Joining the GB Auto family, Wilhelms goal, as stated by their President, is to put the highest emphasis on the quality of our work. They pledge their best efforts to make your experience both beneficial and enjoyable. Wilhelm has made their customers satisfaction their number one priority. From the beginning, the companys mission has stated: The heart and soul of our company is people. Our actions at any given moment will reflect our commitment to each other, our customers, our families, our company and the communities in which we all live and work, in our on-going pursuit to be the absolute best automotive repair facilities in Arizona.

Wilhelm Automotive is happy to answer any questions you may have about their services or the company. They also welcome your feedback. Give them a call at 480-878-0000 to learn more about them and the GB Auto family!

*Restrictions Apply. See store for details.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Justice Ministry is planning to introduce mechanisms of revealing beneficial ownership in the television market, Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan told PM Nikol Pashinyan at the Cabinet meeting today.

The Prime Minister commented on the TV market and said the government must tackle monopoly occurrences.

We must increase the transparency of the important institutions of our public life. There is some monopoly position in the TV market today. There are two organizations in Armenia, one of whom is distributing the money gathered in the television advertisement market, and the other is measuring the rating of the TV companies and distributed the money accordingly. This system is monopolized. NGOs and the mass media must be transparent in Armenia, starting from beneficial ownership transparency. For example, today there are TV companies in Armenia which are owned by certain individuals. I would even say the democracy level in Armenia is so high that there are even television companies owned by the corrupt, the logos of at least two TV channels can be substituted with the words Corruption or Corruption Group, the PM said.

Pashinyan noted that the information war that is waged against the government and the people helps them to do a better job, but the issue must get a solution.

There is a TV channel in Armenia that whenever you turn it on you see some corruption suspect or defendant excitingly giving an interview and explaining whats what, he said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Four members of a notorious Bradley County meth-dealing ring pled guilty to drug-related charges in District Judge Curtis Colliers courtroom on Wednesday afternoon.

Debra King is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison and at least five years of probation alongside a possible fine. Candy Devries, Janet Caldwell and James Dunn are looking at from no prison time up to 20 years in prison, three years of probation, and a fine. The quartet will be sentenced on July 8. Dunn and Ms. King will remain out on bond until that date.

The Bradley County Sheriffs Office Drug Enforcement Unit received information last February of a criminal drug distribution organization operating in and around Bradley County. At that time, BCSO along with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Cleveland Police Department, and the 10th District Drug Task Force, began an investigation.



Over the course of that investigation numerous individuals were identified as being a part of the distribution ring and were responsible for moving more that 300 kilograms of methamphetamine (more than 650 pounds and valued at approximately $1.5 million on the street).



The Bradley County Sheriffs Office along with the other assisting agencies executed nine search warrants on May 30 in Bradley and Hamilton counties.



As a result, over 1,000 grams of meth was seized, along with $18,841 in cash, several firearms, and 14 vehicles that included boats, motorcycles, and a camper. At this time, eight individuals have been indicted in federal court for conspiracy to distribute Schedule II. Law enforcement is working with both the U.S. Attorneys Office and the 10th Judicial District Attorneys Office in reference to possible indictments on the remaining individuals involved.


LONDON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopes for a good US/UK trading relationship post Brexit were boosted by a new survey of US consumers by Moneypenny into the power of regional accents, which revealed that 13.3% said the British accent would make them most likely to buy something, which was second only to the Southern US accent cited by 20.2%. In contrast only 6.7% said a Spanish accent would clinch a sale from them, while 5.2% voted for a French accent and only 2% voted for an Irish accent.

The enduring power of the special US/UK relationship was also seen in the fact that 16.5% of US consumers said the British accent was most pleasant to listen to, second again to the Southern US accent (22.5%) and way ahead of the French (7%), Irish (6.33%) and Spanish accents (1.8%).

More than a third of US consumers in generation Z (aged 18 - 24) are big fans of the British accent, as 37.7% said it is most attractive accent, while the Southern US accent came in second at 18.75%. From all generations surveyed, the British accent still beat the French accent in terms of attractiveness at 13.5% vs 10.7%.

Of those who have changed the nationality of the voice of their digital assistant, such as Siri or Alexa, a British accent was top choice, cited by 11% of consumers. Again, the Generation Z consumers showed their love of a British accent, as 37.7% of them said they had changed their digital assistant to a British voice.

The survey also suggested enduring perceptions of the famous British reserve, as when asked which accent is most associated with being friendly, only 3% voted for a British accent, while 51.7% said the Southern US accent was most friendly. However, for Generation Z 18.75% said the British accent is most friendly, in equal first place with the Southern US and Mid-western accents.

Joanna Swash, Global CEO of Moneypenny commented: 'As one of the world's largest outsourced communications firms, based in Charleston, North Carolina, and London and Wrexham in the UK, we spend a lot of our time thinking about voice calls and how different accents effect our customers' customers when we answer their calls. We were pleased to confirm the power of the Southern accent across the US and how many Americans perceived it as the most friendly voice to hear. We were also pleasantly surprised to see how popular the British accent is among US consumers and this should be a welcome boost to any British companies wanting to do business with the US.'

http://www.moneypenny.com/

About Moneypenny



Moneypenny is the world's leading outsourced communications provider, delivering telephone answering, live chat, switchboard, and multichannel customer services. Moneypenny works with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from sole traders right up to multinational corporations. Between the UK and the US, Moneypenny has over 750 staff, a figure that is growing at a rapid rate. Its offices are London and Wrexham, UK and in Charleston, USA. The company was founded by a brother and sister team in 2000 and currently handles over 15 million customer communications a year for 13,000 businesses. Moneypenny is proud to have won the Queen's Award for Enterprise and has been recognised six times in The Sunday Times '100 Best Companies to Work For.'
New Delhi:

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who was arrested in connection with the violence during an anti-CAA protest in Old Delhi's Daryaganj, was released from Tihar Jail on Thursday night, officials said. Azad's outfit had organised a march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended citizenship act on December 20, without police permission. He was sent to judicial custody on December 21.

On Wednesday, a Delhi court had granted bail to Azad, who was accused of inciting people during the protests against the Citizenship Act at Jama Masjid. The court also restrained Azad from visiting Delhi for four weeks and directed him not to hold any dharna till the elections in the national capital.

After being released from jail, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad said, "Our movement will continue in constitutional way as long as the law is not withdrawn. We are against those who want to divide this country." He added that he would visit Jama Masjid at 1 pm on Friday followed by a trip to the Ravidas Temple, a gurudwara and a church. Chandrashekhar is allowed to remain in Delhi for 24 hours since release.

Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau had granted the relief to Azad on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 25,000.

While granting bail to Azad on Wednesday, the judge recited Rabindranath Tagore's famous poem 'Where the Mind is Without Fear' and said citizens have a fundamental right to peaceful protest which cannot be curtailed by the state.

"I am reminded of our reverend patriotic poet Rabindranath Tagore who is most relevant today. He during the colonial era in early 1900's when British followed the policy of Divide and Rule, visualised a nation where where there is no fear in the minds people and education is attained by all; people are enlightened and do not create walls of discrimination," she had said.

(With PTI and ANI Inputs)
After it fired an employee who saved ducks from oilfield ponds near Rock Springs, Dominion Energy said it will strive to better protect animals that run perilously afoul of its facilities.

Dominion will work with wildlife officials to expeditiously implement additional measures to better protect animals that bypass existing deterrents at deadly oilfield facilities, a vice president wrote. She posted her statement Jan. 9 after WyoFile first reported Dominion fired employee Adam Roich who said he had saved 50 waterfowl during five years with the company.

Roich wrote on Facebook...
East Derry MLA John Dallat has been at the forefront of politics for the last 40 years. So naturally, the SDLP Assembly member has a story or two to tell about his time in office.

In a special feature, he reflects on the good, the bad and the sometimes very ugly, sides to his public role, which, at times, has deeply impacted on his personal life.



John Dallat's introduction to politics came quite by chance.

An invitation to join a new branch of the SDLP was sent to his brother, but John went instead and almost got selected to run for council.

He declined, pleading that he was living and teaching in Donegal.

Four years later, after returning to Kilrea to take up a teaching post at St Pauls College, he was chosen to run and so began a lifetime of council work which culminated in John becoming the first ever nationalist mayor in Coleraine.

This period also represented his involvement in rejuvenating the local Credit Union which was in danger of closing

A new Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) was also being set up in Kilrea which would do amazing things for people.

Around the same time, the man who was about to become one of Ulster's most hated sectarian killers, was placed by the Probation Service in the very town John lived, and worked in.

Just before committing the Castlerock and Greysteel atrocities, UFF murdererTorrens Knight was placed on a local community employment scheme in Kilrea.

He left without completing the year of work he was ordered to do by the courts.

The rest is, of course history, said John. He and his cronies murdered my friend Gerry Dalrymple, who was in my house the night before the Castlerock murder of four workmen.

His last advice to me was to pull my curtains.

The following morning, he was dead and so too were three of his workmates.

These were dark and dangerous times with armed cops sitting outside the council chamber.

In the beginning I thought they were protecting unionists but when I complained that they could be better used other places I was told by the Divisional Commander it was me they were looking after because I had no control over my mouth!

Yes, Ulster Resistance had brought in guns which were divided among the UDA and UVF and in the future innocent people would die at Castlerock, Greysteel and elsewhere.

Among those in the security forces to die was Bertie Gilmore who lived in the same lane as me.

We played together, grew up together and Bertie joined the UDR and I the SDLP.

John Dallat ready for the road in his beloved Morris Minor car. Photo: Mary K Burke



He had retired three years and was recovering from a severe heart attack when he and his wife were riddled with gunfire beside the retirement site he was going to build.

Today his daughter is among those who have helped me in challenging times.

John (72) was born and bred in Rasharkin, Co Antrim.

On reflection if I was asked to be born into a different house in a different place I would turn it down.

I was happy growing up by a Tilley Lamp, carrying water from the well and waking up in the morning with ice on the inside of the windows.

Later on I loved the put-put of our Start-o-matic generator and Peeke my pet pigeon was never from my side.

She had fallen out of the nest and my mother nursed her back to life while she grew the most beautiful brown and white feathers.

An amazing creature of God. I knew why we couldnt get a council house and I know it was more than just because we were Catholics.

Poor Protestants didnt get council houses either because they might also be unable to pay the council rent.

Anyway, we kept a goat for the milk which was good for my wee brother Gerard who was special needs both physically and mentally.

He died when he was 15 and part of my mother and father died too.

John said that being the underdog was second nature to him growing up.

And it was something he carried with him into his politics career.

It just seemed right and at times didnt go down well, especially when I sided with the travellers when they came to town but the travellers were good people and attitudes changed, he said.

When a young girl from a different part of the world suffered horrific life-changing injuries after losing her job and was left homeless, it seemed right to have her for Christmas in our home and it was one of our best and happiest times ever.

Today she and her family are our best friends and we love them to bits.

When an African student was going to be deported because her visa ran out and her sponsor died suddenly it seemed only right to bring her home and set about stopping her going back to a country where she had only a blind grandmother and no one else.

Luck had it I met the head of the Border Agency in Stormont on the corridor and he extended her stay for two years.

In the meantime, she met an amazing husband, married and is among our best friends.

Brian Kennedy played at the wedding and we dressed up in African traditional dress!

There is one battle, not yet won, which has had the most impact on John in his role as a public representative.

He said: Perhaps the one story which doesnt have a good ending just yet is the dreadful murder of Inga-Maria Hauser whose mutilated body was found in Ballypatrick Forest 15 days after her neck was broken in an attempted rape.

Early next year I will meet her only sister Frederika at a special conference in Queens University.

That will be an amazing occasion and hopefully the prelude to her murderer being brought before the courts for one of the most brutal killings I have ever read about.

At the heart of it all has been one thing, Johns family.

Politics had its mixed blessings. I got to see places in the world that I could never have been but it also brought its problems  searching under the car for booby traps, bullet-proof windows and doors and a gun that I know I would never have used.

But politics also gave me the most incredible family.

My poor wife Anne was parachuted into the north at the height of the Troubles to a small town which was bombed from one end to the other.

Our daughter, Helena, now a councillor, became the youngest detainee when we were arrested by the British army in Derry shortly after crossing the border.

She was ten days old and our mission was simply showing her off to her Donegal grandparents.

Sixteen years later as a member of the Foyle Harp School she played for President Bill Clinton when he first made that history-making appearance in Mackeys Foundry.

Later, she would entertain other leaders including President Robinson and McAleese as well as John Major and member of the Royal Family.

I felt honoured when she was invited to play in the Russian Embassy in Washington on Saint Patricks Day.

Today the same harp is never out of sight but not played in public anymore.

John added: Our two sons, Ronan and Diarmuid have been amazing and in one difficult and dangerous year we were on the Aran Islands three times for our safety.

For 40 years Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands has been our refuge, our safety valve and our friend.

Two weeks ago when I was in hospital after breaking my arm while canvassing, Vincent Mc Carron, one of our friends, left the island during a storm, drove to Kilrea to collect Anne, go to Derry to collect me from hospital and bring me home. He stayed for several days helping with my recovery.

In 1998, one week after his mother sadly passed away, John became Deputy Speaker, a post he held for ten years.

I found it a strange place and certainly not reflecting my background where the term Mister was hardly order of the day.

In time I persuaded the doorkeepers and others to call me by my first name and I felt comfortable about that.

I felt I was dismantling a bit of the old Stormont that was in danger of being rejuvenated!

All these people were my friends by simply showing them a bit of respect, nothing more and I have missed them dearly over the last three years when I see little of them anymore.

Reflecting on challenges and achievements in his political career, Mr Dallat spoke about stopping the closure or the Belfast-Derry railway north of Ballymena.

The twenty-year project nearly went off the rails several times, he said.

The Civil Service had a plan to save money by closing the railway north of Ballymena and use the savings to make a start on the A6 roadway though Toome.

Today the Belfast-Derry railway carries many more passengers than the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service, but still needs connected to the Irish Rail network and that is a priority for me.

John added: Stopping the closure of the Irish Coastguard Radio Station at Malin Head, announced by Leo Varadkar when he was Minister for Transport.

I gave evidence to a Dail committee with two of my councillors and told the TDs this was one of the best examples of cross-border bodies, seamless, transcending partition and two world wars, costing very little and actually working! Varadkar had to back down.

As vice-chair of the Public Accounts Committee I exposed wanton waste of public money and brought about important changes which the civil service didnt like.

Effort to cover up who was responsible for bad mistakes and neglect were strenuously resisted.

Later I was invited to Georgia and Armenia to share my experiences and I felt so honoured and privileged.

I just couldnt believe that a boy that grew up in a house with no electricity, no running water could be involved in helping democracy grow in two of Russias former territories.

With the Assembly back up and running, John says he has great hope for the future.

I have been through the best and the worst of times and see an amazing future for this part of Ireland.

I see wonderful people all around me in both communities and I want to be part of that community for the sake of future generations that will create a new Ireland and one we can all celebrate.

I would encourage every young person to do likewise.
A trainee solicitor at a top law firm who repeatedly raped a young woman he had abducted from the street as she celebrated her university graduation has been jailed for 14 years.

Wilfred Marodza, 28, stalked the woman through the streets of Borough as she walked home from the pub and dragged her into a park where he carried out the attack.

He forced the victim to strip naked before he raped her three times, threatening to kill the terrified woman if she screamed and chillingly telling her: Im going to have to bury you now.

The woman managed to break free, fleeing through the streets with Marodza in pursuit, and eventually sought refuge in a passing taxi.

Marodza, a trainee solicitor with firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish, struck again around an hour later, befriending a partially sighted woman who he also tried to drag off the streets.

However when she screamed the sexual predator turned and ran away.

The qualified lawyer was snared as he had left his rucksack, containing his work ID card and legal papers from cases he was working on, at the scene of the first attack, Inner London crown court heard.

Sentencing him this afternoon, Judge Nigel Seed QC told Marodza: There was severe psychological harm, abduction, it was a sustained incident and there were threats of violence.

I accept it was completely out of character.

Your family members and others speak very highly of you  you had a hitherto unblemished character but that has all gone now.

The court heard Marodza was out celebrating his birthday with friends at the N1 bar in London Bridge on July 19 last year, but he was ejected for being drunk and harassing women in the venue.

He was described by door staff as having an attitude, harassing and aggravating people, said prosecutor Edward Lucas, who said Mardoza was spotted grabbing the bottom of a woman who refused to give him her phone number.

Security staff described him as arguing, boasting to them about how much he had earned in the last week.

CCTV caught Marodza then walking through the streets before starting to follow the first victim, who had just graduated with a first-class degree and was about to start her career in London.

(Marodza) grabbed her from behind and put his hand over her mouth, said Mr Lucas. He told her shut the f*** up, if you scream Im going to kill you.

Mardoza dragged the woman, who can be seen on CCTV struggling to get free, into Dickens Field in Borough where he carried out the attack.

She believed she was going to be killed, said the prosecutor. He told her Im going to have to bury you now.

The defendant was arguing with himself, stating that he didnt want to do all this. He was somehow angry with himself.

She ran away, totally naked, screaming help me.

The court heard Marodza chased the woman through the street, and told a concerned passerby it was a domestic and the woman was his girlfriend.

The victim was helped by a taxi driver who gave her some clothes and took her to a police station, but the woman was so confused and traumatised she ran into a nearby McDonalds believing it was the police station.

Marodza struck again at around 3.45am, befriending the second victim at a bus stop before grabbing her from behind and telling her: You will lose more than your bag if you dont obey me.

The woman screamed for help and the rapist fled, and he was swiftly caught by police thanks to the bag he had left behind at the scene of the first attack.

The court heard Mardoza graduated from Kent University with a law degree in 2012 but he struggled for five years to find employment, working in a bar to make ends meet.

He told a psychologist he had an unhappy childhood separated from his mother from the ages of 4 to 11, and he had pursued a career in law that he disliked in order to please her.

He had been self-medicating with heavy alcohol use, the court heard, and was angered by the fact his friends had not followed him when he was kicked out of the bar.

In a letter to the court, Marodza apologised and accepted he had caused unimaginable horror, pain and sorrow to the victims, their families and friends.

He said he is bitterly sorry for the attacks and added: My actions were evil.

Marodza, a Zimbabwean national from Eastbourne in East Sussex, pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, kidnapping and a charge of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Debris at the scene of the crash (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

Irans top diplomat acknowledged Wednesday that Iranians were lied to for days, after the Islamic Republic accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner.

The admission came as new surveillance footage purported to show two surface-to-air missiles 20 seconds apart shred the plane and kill all 176 people on board.

The downing of the Ukraine International Airlines flight last week came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US over its unravelling nuclear deal.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for the first time Wednesday threatened Europe by warning its soldiers in the Middle East could be in danger over the crisis, as Britain, France and Germany launched a measure that could see United Nations sanctions re-imposed on Tehran.

The crash, and subsequent days of Iranian denials that a missile had downed the plane, has sparked angry protests in a country already on edge as its economy struggles under crushing American sanctions.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a fever pitch two weeks ago with the American drone strike in Baghdad that killed the powerful Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani.

The general had led Iranian proxy forces abroad, including those blamed for deadly roadside bomb attacks on US troops in Iraq.

Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile strike targeting Iraqi military bases housing US forces early last Wednesday, just before Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard shot down the Ukrainian airliner taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport.

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Whatsapp Protesters hold flowers as tear gas is fired by police (AP)

Iran for days afterwards insisted a technical fault downed the Boeing 737-800.

It was not until Western governments, including Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, went public with their suspicions the plane had been shot down that Iran admitted it fired on the plane.

Not admitting the plane had been shot down was for the betterment of our countrys security, because if we had said this, our air defence system would have become crippled and our guys would have had doubted everything, said General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards aerospace programme, in television footage aired Wednesday.

Gen Hajizadeh only days earlier apologised on state television and said: I wish I were dead.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speaking at a summit in New Delhi, became the first official to describe Irans earlier claims as a lie.

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In the last few nights, weve had people in the streets of Tehran demonstrating against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days, Mr Zarif said.

Mr Zarif went on to praise Irans military for being brave enough to claim responsibility early on.

However, he said that he and Mr Rouhani only learned that a missile had downed the flight on Friday, raising new questions over how much power Irans civilian government has in its Shiite theocracy.

The Guard knew immediately afterwards that its missile downed the airline.

The Guard is answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is expected to preside over Friday prayers in Iran for the first time in years over anger about the crash.

The new surveillance footage obtained by The Associated Press showing the missile fire was filmed off a monitor by a mobile phone. It appears to be taken near the town of Bidkaneh, northwest of Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport.

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Whatsapp President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a cabinet meeting in Tehran (Office of the Iranian Presidency/AP)

The two minutes of black-and-white footage purportedly shows one missile streaking across the sky and exploding near the plane.

Ten seconds later, another missile is fired. Some 20 seconds after the first explosion, another strikes near the plane. A ball of flames then falls from the sky out of frame.

The footage corresponds with AP reporting, appears genuine and matches geographic features of the area.

The date in the upper right-hand corner of the video appears to correspond to Irans Persian calendar. It also explains how so many people filmed the shoot down: The first explosion drew their attention and their filming mobile phones to the predawn sky.

Speaking before his cabinet, Mr Rouhani showed a rarely seen level of anger in wide-ranging remarks on Wednesday that included the threat to Europe.

Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger, Mr Rouhani said.

We want you to leave this region but not with war. We want you to go wisely. It is to your own benefit.
It will ultimately be up to Britain whether or not it seeks more time to negotiate a trade agreement with the European Union after it leaves the bloc, the head of the European Commission said on Wednesday.

Britain is set to leave the EU on Jan. 31 after agreeing a divorce deal late last year but will remain bound by all the bloc's rules until the end of 2020 under an agreed transition phase aimed at smoothing its exit.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists he will not ask for more time, even as European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, cast doubt on the feasibility of agreeing a trade deal over the next 11 months.

"There is only one of the two who can ask for an extension and that is the United Kingdom. We will see mid-year where we are at," Von der Leyen told a news conference in Dublin.

She said that Brussels was well-placed to move as fast as possible following her meeting with Johnson last week.

A spokesman for Von der Leyen added that while both sides can formally ask for an extension, it would have to be commonly agreed to.

If the transition period is not extended beyond 2020, trade relations between the EU and Britain from the start of 2021 will either be governed by whatever agreement can be hammered out by the end of this year, or by World Trade Organization rules.

Johnson has also insisted there will be no customs checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK after Brexit.

But Von der Leyen said border controls between the two are clearly laid out in the divorce agreement Britain signed up to. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry, awarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Davinder Singh in 2018 stands forfeited. Singh was stripped of the police medal days after he was arrested with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on January 11.

Singh has been accused of assisting the terrorists and of alleged involvement in the anti-India activities. The withdrawal of the medal was done through an order issued today by the Home Department signed by Shaleen Kabra, IAS, Principal Secretary to government, Home Department.

The order said that the J&K government has stripped the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to Dy SP Davinder Singh consequent to his arrest on January 11 while trying to assist terrorists to travel outside J&K and recovery of arms and ammunition "which amounts to disloyalty and conduct that has brought upon the force into disrepute".

The medal was awarded to Singh on August 14, 2018.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had on Tuesday rejected reports that Singh had been awarded the prestigious President`s Police Medal for Meritorious Service on Independence Day 2019. On Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted saying that Singh had only been awarded a gallantry medal on Independence Day 2018 by the erstwhile state government, and never a meritorious medal by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "Only gallantry medal awarded to him during his service is by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State on Independence Day 2018," the statement said.

Live TV

"It is to clarify that DySP Davinder Singh is not awarded any Gallantry or Meritorious Medal by MHA as has been reported by some media outlets/persons Only gallantry medal awarded to him during his service is by the erstwhile J&K State on Independence Day 2018," it had tweeted.

On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said that the arrest of Davinder Singh will not affect the morale of the police force

On being asked about ongoing political reactions on Singh after he was arrested by police while travelling with two Hizbul terrorists, the DGP said, "Our action will go on. These kinds of activities are not going to deter us. They are not going to make any impact on our morale. Our morale will rather further get strengthened. We don`t believe in protecting people who are on the unlawful path. We have been tough with them. In the past also, we have removed so many people from service. We have been very ruthless and we will ruthless in this case also."

"Where lakhs of people are working in police with commitment and they are led by competent officers, I don`t think it will affect the morale in any way," he said while addressing a press conference."If the man`s loyalty is not for the force, for his country or for his people and is working against the interest of their country, strict action should be taken and that is being done and that will be done," said the DGP.

The DGP also said that Jammu and Kashmir will also recommend the sacking of Davinder Singh to the government.

Sources claimed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General on Wednesday met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to an investigation of a case related to Deputy SP Davinder Singh, who was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police while he was travelling with two Hizbul terrorists.

(With Agency inputs)
By ANI

NEW DELHI: The security personnel "rarely" use pellet guns against stone-pelters in the Kashmir Valley where the forces have suffered casualties caused by stones, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said Thursday.

"There are young people, who have been radicalised, who are pelting stones which are as lethal as pellet guns. We have had severe casualties (in the forces), including death being caused because of stones. We cannot say that the security forces start using stones against stone pelters," said Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday.



ALSO READ | 'Countries supporting terrorism should be taken to task': CDS Rawat hits out at Pakistan

"We have now devised different ways to deal with it (stone-pelting) and pellet guns are now very sparingly used in the Valley," he added.

The CDS also said the security personnel aim for the legs of stone-pelters who get hit on the face as they bend to pick up stones, and the forces cannot be blamed for it.

"Pellet guns are supposed to be a non-lethal weapon system. It is supposed to be fired below the leg. But I will show you the positions of the pelters, some are standing while others are picking up stones from the ground. In that phase when they are picking up stones, the security personnel is not aiming for the face, he is aiming for the leg, but it hits the face while he (pelter) is picking up the stone," Rawat said.
[January 16, 2020] MAXIMUS to Hire 830 in Tamarac for 2020 Census

MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it will hire seasonal employees to help support the 2020 Census. In Tamarac, Florida, MAXIMUS plans to hire more than 830 employees for its contact center work over the next several months. Every ten years, the U.S. Federal Government conducts a full census of every person in the country. The census results control the number of Representatives in the U.S. Congress apportioned to each state. Population counts also factor heavily into assigning billions of dollars in federal spending to state and city governments. "There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that goes into producing the U.S. Census. Our customer service representatives will have an opportunity to be involved in helping the public with this historic endeavor," said Tom Romeo, President and General Manager, MAXIMUS Federal. "We are seeking customer service representatives who will answer phone calls from all over the country as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's work. We are proud to play an integral role in this process and our recruitment efforts in Tamarac are vital to the success of this project." Across the country, MAXIMUS will be hirng more than 8,000 limited service contact center employees to assist in this work. In Tamarac, MAXIMUS is offering a competitive hourly wage of $18.92 for each of the 830 employees hired. Additionally, we are looking for bilingual candidates who are proficient in English and Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.



Seasonal employees will have a variety of shifts available to meet their lifestyle and family needs. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to be trained as a world-class expert in customer service and could receive bonuses for referrals. Those interested in applying to work for MAXIMUS as part of the 2020 Census can apply here at maximus.com/census.

About MAXIMUS Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005426/en/

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LIC-owned IDBI Bank, currently under prompt corrective action since May 2017, is expected to hold meeting with the this week to seek removal of operational restrictions, according to sources.

The lender will make a presentation to the Reserve Bank of India on its improved financial position, the sources said, adding the management is hopeful of coming out of the framework by the end of this month.

The had placed in May 2017, after it had breached the thresholds for capital adequacy, asset quality (net NPAs was over 13 per cent in March 2017), return on assets and the leverage ratio.

Since coming under the PAC, more than a third of its entire book became dud loans in Q2 of FY18, with the gross NPA ratio touching 32 per cent and the net NPAs at 17.30 per cent.

"The presentation to the will be on the key financial numbers. On the capital front and in terms of net NPAs, we have been able to make progress," the sources told PTI.

A query sent to the bank did not elicit any response.

The norms trigger if a bank's net NPA crosses 6 per cent or if CRAR (capital to risk weighted assets) is below the regulatory requirement of 10.88 per cent as of March 2019.

In the quarter to September 2019, its net NPA stood at 5.97 per cent and tier-1 capital and CRAR improved to 9.52 per cent and 11.98 per cent, respectively.

Capital infusion through recap bonds by the government in Q2, and also from LIC, and recovery from stressed accounts have also helped the bank in shoring up its capital position, another person familiar with the matter said.

In the second quarter of FY20, the bank received Rs 4,743 crore from LIC, which holds 51 per cent stake, and Rs 4,557 crore from the government which still owns 47.11 per cent.

Another positive is the recovery of close to Rs 3,000 crore from the NCLT resolution of Essar Steel and Ruchi Soya in the third quarter, further strengthening the capital position, the sources said.

The only area where the bank is still lagging is return on assets (RoA) which continues to remain negative for the fourth consecutive year. However, the bank is hoping some relaxation on the RoA front after the RBI eased the same for five other last year.

In September quarter of this fiscal, had reported a net loss of Rs 3,459 crore, marginally better than Rs 3,602 crore in the year-ago period.

In FY19, RBI removed five -- Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Allahabad Bank and Corporation Bank -- from the framework in two phases after capital support from government that resulted in improvement in their financial parameters.

Capital infusion helped these lenders meet requisite capital thresholds and reduce their net NPA levels to below 6 per cent.

The monetary authority as an effort to enhance its supervisory framework had introduced the PCA framework, based on structured early intervention mechanism, in December 2002.

The framework was subsequently reviewed by the RBI keeping in view the international best practices and recommendations of the working group of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on resolution regimes for financial institutions and Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission.

The revised PCA framework was issued on April 13, 2017 and implemented on March 31, 2017.
Debates continue to simmer over significant issues in the psyche of Australia.

Do we become a republic?

Do we change the date of Australia Day?

Do we change our flag and national anthem?

Do we constitutionally recognise First Australians?

Are they significant though?

Will these changes close the gap for Indigenous Australians?

Do we listen to what indigenous Australians think about these issues or any issues?

Deal with the crisis first

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told Parliament he does not know when Indigenous children will have the same opportunities as non-Indigenous Australians.

If this is not a crisis, then I am not sure what is.

The Opposition Leader (Bill Shorten) and Mr Morrison spoke frankly on February 14 as they made statements about the annual Closing the Gap report that showed minimal progress had been made towards reducing Indigenous disadvantage.

Mr Morrison said the current situation was "unforgivable".

"I want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to have the same opportunity as any other child in this country. But, it's not true for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children growing up in Australia today, and it's never been true and I don't know when it will be true."

This year's Closing the Gap report revealed most targets were still off track.

Only two of seven targets showed positive progress: Year 12 attainment and early childhood education.

Other goals around life expectancy, child mortality, employment and education showed very limited improvements.

My thoughts continue to vacillate between debates and maybe I have preferred to try and take a middle ground with many of them, but I am often left confused and non-committal.

What can I do?

Support National Close the Gap Day March 21

National Close the Gap Day on March 21 (NCTGD) is a national day of action to pledge support for achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030. Each year the support for NCTDG continues to grow and last year people all over the country took part in events to create awareness of the Close the Gap Campaign. NCTGD aims to bring people together, to share information  and most importantly  to take meaningful action in support of achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030.

With continued support from the public, this day can ensure the Australian Government continues to work with Indigenous communities, commit additional funding and invest in real partnerships.

My four years teaching in Alice Springs and the four short trips I have made to the Torres Strait taught me a lot about the significant issues facing indigenous Australians. I also saw the great strides indigenous leaders; men, women and children, were making to change their lives and the lives of their families. Many of these success stories continue to be ignored and the voice of indigenous people continue to be suppressed and not heard.

The Christian church has had a positive role in the lives of many indigenous people, but also has been the cause of much of the pain, oppression and hurt in people. Our Christian Prime Minister has the opportunity to stand against racial sin and facilitate a lasting legacy of his leadership.

Key Messages

Everyone deserves the right to a healthy future; particularly in a rich country like ours. Yet depending on where they are around the country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can live 10, 15, sometimes 20 years less than other Australians. Past and present governments have created barriers to good health for Indigenous Australians, and this is having a profound impact on families and communities.

But it doesnt have to be this way.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities already have many of the solutions to these problems. They are simply asking that they be heard. We need our politicians to start listening and supporting them with the resources they need.

The image of God is in all people. There are many times we are quick to judge and not see people the way God sees them. We can be the people who challenge our employers and our politicians to seek to increase opportunities for indigenous people, to access the resources they need to live with dignity, to live with sufficiency, rather than scarcity and the spirit of oppression surrounding many.

Lets call out what racism, privilege and injustice is to God  they are sins and we need to ask forgiveness for the hurt caused in the past.

Racism, the expectancy of privilege and injustice can cripple the image of God in human beings. Through restoration and reconciliation, we can face the future together.

Hear their stories.

Share their stories.

Listen.

Justice can be restored.

Russell Modlin teaches English and Physical Education at a Christian School on the Sunshine Coast. He is married to Belinda and they have three children.

Russell Modlins archive of previous article can be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/russell-modlin.html
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2020 - 22:01 | World, All

The Hong Kong government on Tuesday unveiled a series of new relief measures to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people, but not with the aim of pacifying the ongoing social unrest, leader Carrie Lam said.

The embattled chief executive, who has claimed responsibility for causing public anger over an unpopular bill that sought to extradite fugitives to mainland China, said the package will comprise 10 measures totaling HK$10 billion ($1.3 billion) and benefit some 1 million people.

The relief measures include higher subsidies for elderly people, public transportation benefits, allowing blue-collar workers to take more public holidays, subsidies for waitlisted low-income public housing applicants and unemployed and underemployed people.

"I must emphasize that the policies aim to improve living conditions of the disadvantaged people and the elders, and have no other specific purposes," Lam told reporters. "We must abide by the law when handling political matters, (which) arose from social unrest and people's reaction to the (bill) saga."



(Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters march in central Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2020.)

She stressed the need to uphold the "one country, two systems" principle, the Basic Law, the mini-constitution in effect since the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, and the spirit of the rule of law, as well as to safeguard the institutions of the judiciary and law enforcement in handling the matters.

As for the timing of the announcement, Lam said the policies could have been revealed earlier had it not been for the seven months of disruption.

Anti-government demonstrations have been ongoing since last June despite the government's withdrawal of the contentious extradition bill in October. The protesters' demands have widened to include a probe into alleged police brutality, pardons for arrested protesters and democratic reform.

Since last August, the government has announced concessions worth roughly HK$20 billion -- ranging from government fee waivers and public market rental deductions to increased income tax rebates and public housing rental bonuses -- with the expectation they would boost the economy by 0.3 percent.

Related coverage:

China's new top official in Hong Kong urges return to "right path"

Hong Kong anti-government protests continue on New Year's Day

Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen faces a tough 2nd term
Rajesh Uttamchandani, Director, SYSKA Group, highlights the key marketing trends in 2020 and how they will impact various sectors.

What sort of media mix delivered for Brand Syska in 2019?

As a thought leader brand, Syska is known to address the fundamental need of educating customers about the very benefit of LED adoption. In 2019, our brand has used a strategic mix of television, OOH, Digital, etc., to create the desired equity and convey the proposition for both offline and online customers. It is only because of these sustained marketing efforts that Syska has successfully brought the retail revolution in the otherwise institutional category.

What are the key marketing trends that you foresee in 2020?

We have witnessed several marketing trends evolving in 2019 and with the advent of the Internet and smartphones, new and innovative ways of advertising trends have evolved. People are seen spending most of their time surfing the Internet, thus making digital marketing one of the most important platforms for marketing and advertising. The key digital marketing trends we see for 2020 include:

Audio and Video Advertising is one of the key trends in the year 2020. Voice search technology is being adopted rapidly and is changing the way consumers interact with the world around them. Earlier, it was television that got maximum attention. However, today people are switching to online streaming platforms for advertisers.

Social media marketing is on the rise. Social media platforms are constantly evolving as they grow and adapt to consumer behaviour and incorporate new technologies. Advertisers need to leverage platforms where their customers are, which is why social media channels are often the best way to reach your target audience.

Influencer marketing is a form of social media marketing. People with high influence on a topic endorse the products of brands to their target audience. This form of advertising has seen significant growth in the past few years and will be one of the advertising trends of 2020.

Written content in the form of conversational scripts is the primary input to chatbots, which are expected to see an increased usage trend in 2020 and beyond. Any business with a website and visitor traffic can benefit from using a simple chatbot that answers common visitor questions and helps convert visitors into leads.

Which marketing trend shows most promise to deliver for your brand?

Syska as a brand recognised the potential of the B2C space for its innovative product offering and has since brought about a retail revolution in the country. This exceptional feat was achieved by incorporating aggressive marketing programs along with establishing a strong base of more than 2 lakh retailers across the length and breadth of the country. This is to make our products available to millions of customers who embraced the fundamental benefit of energy-saving through the sustained use of LED products.

Also, in 2020 we plan to focus more on social media, which has become an important platform for brands to advertise their products and solutions. Today, consumers are present on multiple social media platforms  whether it is Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. They are at the receiving end of information from multiple companies and brands and are constantly getting to learn new things via these platforms. Hence, it is imperative that brands such as Syska tap into the enormous opportunity that exists and reach out to their customers through these channels.

What would be the impact of the economic slowdown on marketing efforts going into 2020?

While the industry is changing at a rapid pace, we have not seen the slowdown affecting our business in any way. Syska has been growing consistently year-on-year along with the rest of the FMEG industry. Like every year, Syska will work with 3-4 per cent as marketing budgets, which will optimally be used to achieve the functional objectives across different segments like LED, personal care appliance, wires and cables, mobile accessories, etc., and catering to pan India consumers.

Our focus will be to achieve better ROIs on the marketing spends in the coming FY. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has undertaken a slew of measures to boost the economy, such as setting up a task force to ensure that infrastructure projects can be funded quickly. This will help in increasing capital marketing expenditure that will aid in the promotion of energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting.

Also Read:

Trends 2020: Gaming to become a mainstream entertainment experience

Trends 2020: Agencies will need to behave more like a publication house - Naresh Gupta
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 05:59:41|Editor: yan

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COPENHAGEN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Danish government has postponed making a decision on whether to continue the search for and extraction of oil in the North Sea.

"It's a difficult exercise and that's why we will take a little longer than you normally do and normally have done," Dan Joergensen, minister of climate, energy and utilities, told the Danish newspaper Berlingske on Thursday.

The minister said the climate and economic consequences of such a decision require more consideration.

The postponement will likely affect four oil companies that have applied to the Danish government for the right to extract oil until 2055.
OTTAWA  Its hard to imagine Canadians could be headed into yet another federal election, but plans announced Monday by the federal Conservatives as they prepare for their leadership race suggest they expect their new leader to be ready to hit the ground running for the polls.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

OTTAWA  Its hard to imagine Canadians could be headed into yet another federal election, but plans announced Monday by the federal Conservatives as they prepare for their leadership race suggest they expect their new leader to be ready to hit the ground running for the polls.

The leadership election organizing committee has raised the fundraising bar for entering the race to $200,000 (up from $100,000) and requires 3,000 endorsement signatures from Conservative Party members in 30 ridings across seven provinces. All of that needs to be done by March 25.

What this means is that only those who are clear frontrunners will be able to meet that high threshold in a 45-day span in order to get their names on the ballot for the June 27 decision in Toronto.

Dont expect to see 14 candidates running this time; this is going to be a race with only proven contenders. All signs point to an early election.

Also on Monday in a downtown Ottawa hotel, academics, journalists and researchers met with the Leaders Debate Commission to parse the 2019 debate and to look to the future.

Perhaps knowing an election could happen sooner rather than later made this discussion a bit more compelling.

The commission came into being in 2018, when the federal government announced its creation in a bid to make debates a more predictable, stable and reliable element of federal election campaigns. For years, leaders debates were traditionally organized by a consortium of broadcast media, both private and public, which willingly gave up prime-time real estate to allow party leaders to duke it out on public policy issues in a bid to prove who was the best person to lead the country.

But this changed in 2015 when the Conservative Party, under prime minister Stephen Harper, refused to participate in consortium-organized debates and instead opted for five independently staged debates. NDP leader Thomas Mulcair followed suit by suggesting he, too, would not participate and, as a result, the English-language television debate was cancelled (the French-language debate did go ahead).

For the first time since 1968, there was no national televised debate in English in 2015  a development many saw as a loss to democracy. The commissions executive director, Michel Cormier, said, "The government concluded after 2015 that you couldnt leave the production of a leaders debate to chance."

At Mondays meeting in Ottawa, the roundtable participants sat with Cormier and commissioner David Johnston, the amiable former governor general, to look at the how the debate in 2019 fared. A report will be made to Parliament by early March, with a recommendation on whether the commission should continue for the next election.

How successful was the leaders debate? Cormier is enthusiastic in his answer: "Twenty million people watched both debates, which is unprecedented, and we know we had engagement as well on social platforms; it was translated into 12 different languages, including sign language, and it was the most popular event on social media. It was clear that it was an opportunity to unite people."

Despite Cormiers enthusiasm, there are many who were critical of the English-language debate format, which featured six party leaders and five debate moderators. For some, it was a disaster, with too many candidates, weak moderators and far too few opportunities for real discussion.

However, this concern was outside the debate commissions mandate and instead was left up to the Canadian Debate Production Partnership, a consortium of English- and French-language media producers that includes traditional and online media.

This may well be something the debate commission will have to consider if it continues in the next election. Should it also control the format of the debates? For example, in the United States the Commission on Presidential Debates organizes and produces presidential debates. The format of these debates is established by that commission.

For his part, Cormier says Canadas commission has been taking advice from other countries to help determine how it organizes leaders debates here, because Canada is "the new kid on the block."

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"We are comparing notes with the American presidential system and have talked with Washingtons National Democratic Institute. We are getting information from Jamaica, Mexico, South America and Eastern Europe. We are grappling with providing a format that is engaging for candidates, as well as compelling and useful for voters. How do we make it work?"

There was also a component of civic literacy involved in 2018 which Cormier says could continue in the future. The commission worked with two non-partisan organizations aimed at raising awareness for youth: Civix and Apathy is Boring.

Despite the engagement efforts, Canadas voter turnout did not increase. In fact, it went down to around 66 per cent, after a jump to 68 per cent in 2015. Voter apathy reaches beyond availability of information, it would seem.

Should Canada continue along the path of having a non-partisan commission tasked with organizing and orchestrating national debates during its federal elections? It only makes sense. As Cormier suggests, these things are just too important to be left to randomness.

Shannon Sampert is a retired political scientist and a media consultant with her company Media Diva.

s.sampert@uwinnipeg.caTwitter: @paulysigh
Donald Trump made a lot of promises on the campaign trail ahead of the 2016 election. Among them: A pledge to bring back or strengthen U.S. manufacturing. While stumping in Michigan in 2016, then-candidate Trump said, in part:

Were going to start making things again ... Were going to have tremendous trade deals  We will renegotiate NAFTA and if we dont get the deal we want well make a much better deal.

Recalling promises like that and others, Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), told Yahoo Finance, When this administration came into office they promised comprehensive tax reform, they promised regulatory certainty. And they promised to level the playing field for manufacturers and United States against our competitors.

The Trump tax plan, passed in 2017, accomplished its aim of stimulating investment and job growth, Timmons said. While less tangible and arguably more suspect, he also noted that the Trump administration provided the desired regulatory certainty. And as a result, he said, We have taken it upon ourselves as manufacturers to say, We will now be responsible for making sure that we have cleaner air and cleaner water and a healthier environment.

Trade negotiations

Then of course there are the two Goliath trade deals that have become a reality in the last 24 hours. On the phase one U.S.-China deal, Timmons admitted he doesnt fully support some of the language in the deal but lauds the president for getting the attention of the Chinese like nobody ever has.

As for the USMCA, Timmons has further praise for the administration. They didn't kill NAFTA, which would have been devastating to two million manufacturing workers in this country, which is why we spoke up two years ago, three years ago to say, Please don't do that, but reform it, modernize it, bringing it into into the 21st century.

[Read more: Senate passes USMCA]

Job creation

Timmons also noted the raw number of manufacturing jobs, central to Trumps campaign promises, gained since taking office. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics last month saw a 4% uptick when compared to Trumps first full month in office. It continues a general trend that began with the bottoming out of the industry in January of 2010 as seen in this chart from the BLS:

Story continues

The Bureau of Labor statistics reports the number of manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

Just how these new trade deals will impact that number going forward remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though  there are a raft of new campaign promises coming from Trump.

Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news

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Single mom touches millions by teaching daughter with cerebral palsy how to walk originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

A single mom is reaching millions with inspirational videos of her daughter learning how to walk without a walker.

Shanell Jones of Fayetteville, North Carolina, shared footage of 4-year-old Kinley's progress in taking her first steps. Nearly 3 million have viewed the sweet moment on Facebook.

"It brings joy to my heart that my daughter is bringing hope to people," Jones told "Good Morning America." "People reached out saying, 'I didn't feel like my child was ever going to walk, but this video helped me have faith.'"

Jones said Kinley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. Doctors told the family Kinley was considered a mild case. The disorder affects Kinley's motor skills, Jones added.

"It was a shock to all of us, my parents as well," Jones explained. "We were looking at each other thinking, 'What can we do to help her out?' It does affect her when she walks."

PHOTO: Shanell Jones, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, shared footage of 4-year-old Kinley's progress in taking her first steps. Nearly 3 million have viewed the sweet moment on Facebook. (Shanell Jones)

MORE: 2-year-old unable to crawl now cruising thanks to dad's smart invention

Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability, with 1 in 345 children affected, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

PHOTO: Shanell Jones of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is reaching millions with inspirational videos of her daughter Kinley, 4, learning how to walk without a walker. (Shanell Jones)

Depending on a child's needs, treatment may include family training, counseling, occupational, physical and speech therapy and more, the CDC says.

Kinley has received occupational and physical therapy. Her mother and grandparents help her build leg strength by walking stairs and on a treadmill and practicing jumps on a trampoline.

PHOTO: Shanell Jones of Fayetteville, North Carolina, shared footage of 4-year-old Kinley's progress in taking her first steps. Kinley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 2 years old. Here, Kinley is seen trying to walk in Jan. 2019. (Shanell Jones)

On Facebook, Jones shared two videos -- the first from January 2019 and the other, one year later.

MORE: Mom's viral reaction to daughter's accident sparks debate on punishing kids

Jones can be heard cheering her child on during both moments, but it's the most recent video where Kinley's progress is most evident.

Story continues

PHOTO: Kinley, 4, daughter of Shanell Jones of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. (Shanell Jones)

"She's sassy, but she's very, very smart," Jones said. "What really inspired me to want to push Kinley was her motivation -- her being so young and not really understanding that she's not able to walk as well as others. ... There's so many times where she wants to give up and she doesn't."

PHOTO: Shanell Jones, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, shared footage of 4-year-old Kinley's progress in taking her first steps. Kinley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. (Shanell Jones)

Jones said Kinley's dream is to be a YouTube star and have her own cooking channel.

She also hopes Kinley can inspire other children with cerebral palsy with more videos showing her completing daily tasks.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:56:25|Editor: yan

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AMMAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ten X-ray machines donated by China were formally put into use on Thursday in Jordan.

A ceremony was held by the Jordanian Customs Department at the Queen Alia International Airport, with the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Pan Weifang and Jordanian Finance Minister Mohammad Ississ.

The Chinese ambassador said the homegrown Chinese devices, bought with a grant provided by China, are one of the most advanced in the world.

He added that they will help improve the inspection capability of Jordan's customs and enhance the social and economic development in Jordan.

The grant, he said, is "a reflection of the friendship between the two countries."

The Jordanian minister voiced appreciation for the Chinese government, adding that the machines will help Jordan in combating smuggling.

Some of the devices are installed in the Jordanian border areas with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Palestine.
The United States said its participation at this years Worlds Fair in Dubai is being made possible by the generosity of the Emirati government.

The US State Department said Emirati sponsorship of Americas pavilion, estimated to be at least 60 million US dollars, was made in recognition of the strong partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The UAEs sponsorship raises a number of questions, such as why American businesses are not paying directly to participate under the umbrella of the US pavilion.

Some leading US-based brands could choose to participate independent of the US pavilion.

The Worlds Greatest Show. Be there for whats next in art, music, food and tech.  @iamwill #Expo2020 #Dubai  Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) October 13, 2019

Also, it is unclear how the United States government will now decide which companies and products will be featured in the pavilion, and whether the host nation could have a say in the content thats being showcased.

Expo 2020 Dubai organisers said that, in line with regulations overseeing World Expos, the host organisers provide advice and guidelines on pavilion design, while the content of the pavilion itself is decided by the participating country.

Businesses also take part in the process, either as commercial partners for Expo or as sponsors of the various national pavilions, according to fair organisers.

The Department is pleased to announce the participation of the United States in @Expo2020Dubai, the next Worlds Fair and the first in the Middle East. #Expo2020 https://t.co/hR4vLPkECu  Department of State (@StateDept) January 15, 2020

They said US-based brands PepsiCo, Cisco, MasterCard, UPS, Dominos Pizza, and Christie are participating as commercial partners.

Dubai is pouring billions of dollars into Expo 2020, hoping the exhibition will generate new business and spur its economy amid a slowdown in growth.

The expo starts in October and runs for six months.

Expand Close A general view of the Burj Khalifa (Carey Tompsett/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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It marks the first time a country in the Middle East hosts the fair, which showcases technology and the most innovative ideas of the future.

The light bulb and the Ferris wheel were showcased at the 1893 fair in Chicago.

The X-ray followed at Buffalos 1901 fair, and Seattles Space Needle opened to visitors at the 1962 fair.

Expos, also known in the United States as Worlds Fairs, are significant opportunities to showcase American freedom, ideals, enterprise, culture, and global leadership, the US State Department said in its statement.

Expand Close Technicians walk at the three thematic districts at the under construction site of the Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Kamran Jebreili/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Technicians walk at the three thematic districts at the under construction site of the Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Kamran Jebreili/AP)

The Expo also gives the American private sector a golden opportunity to pursue business partnerships and new markets with visitors from around the world, the statement added.

The US-UAE Business Council said in a statement that its member companies have worked tirelessly to build awareness and garner support for the Dubai Expo.

The business council said it encourages its member companies and partners to engage to the widest extent possible in this important opportunity.
Love Island's Kaz Crossley put on a wild display at a champagne spray party, five months after her boyfriend Theo Campbell was blinded in one eye by a stray bottle cork.

The beauty, 25, who shot to fame on the 2018 series, was seen enthusiastically spraying bubbly into Amber Gill, Anna Vakili and Harley Brash's faces as she wowed in a skimpy bikini.

She did make note of the manner in which Theo's injury was sustained, revealing the corks had been removed from all the champagne bottles ahead of the spray party in a photo captioned '#healthandsafety @theocampbell.'

Party: Love Island's Kaz Crossley put on a wild display at a champagne spray party, five months after her boyfriend Theo Campbell was blinded in one eye by a stray bottle cork

Shock accident: Theo was left blind in one eye after a champagne cork struck him during a party in Ibiza

The star looked animated as she got into a champagne spray battle with her Love Island alum pals, with Kaz wowing in a skimpy black thong bikini.

Kaz revealed her washboard midriff and peachy posterior as she chased Amber, 21 and Anna, 29, around with champagne, while Harley, 21, poured bubbly down Kaz's cleavage.

The girls were left shrieking as they were sprayed with smoke from a cannon during their champagne party.

The sighting comes five months after Love Island 2017 star Theo was left blind in one eye after a champagne cork struck him during a party in Ibiza.

Spray party: The beauty, 25, who shot to fame on the 2018 series, was seen enthusiastically spraying bubbly into Amber Gill, Anna Vakili and Harley Brash's faces as she wowed in a skimpy bikini

Shout out: She did make note of the manner in which Theo's injury was sustained, revealing the corks had been removed from all the champagne bottles ahead of the spray party in a photo captioned '#healthandsafety @theocampbell'

Dance: The star looked animated as she got into a champagne spray battle with her Love Island alum pals, with Kaz wowing in a skimpy black thong bikini

The star admitted it happened when he removed his sunglasses for a few seconds, after an excited fan approached him with a bottle ready to blow.

He said: 'Walking through there was champagne sprayed, 100 bottles going off, and someone sprayed champagne under these glasses in my eye. I'm trying to get the champagne out of my eye, and within a split second, some girls in front of me got a bottle down by her waist, it was a perfect bullseye shot hits me clean in the eye, and that's how easy it was.

'I took my glasses off for a second. I knew straight away and put my hand down and nobody really saw I was in agony, I couldn't open my eyes, I was too scared and I had blood in my hand. Then I got rushed to hospital now I'm here.

Wow: Harley Brash poured champagne all over her pal's body as they danced

Toned: The star revealed her toned frame in the tiny bikini as she danced

Bubbly: Kaz couldn't keep the smile off her face as she ran around

'The main part that scared me I went straight into theatre, he said ''mate don't worry about seeing again we're trying to save your eye.'' Simple as that really. It can happen to anyone. I've never broken a bone, I've never spent a night in hospital.'

Campbell was immediately rushed to hospital following the incident, undergoing two separate operations to salvage the eye  which 'split in half' after being hit with the cork.

Taking to Instagram, the former reality star broke the news to followers while sharing a snap of himself recovering in hospital with Kaz.

Revealing a heavily bandaged right eye, he wrote: 'Thanks for all the messages and support I've got over the last couple days they're all very much appreciated!

'So yeah basically 2 eye surgeries later after a really unfortunate accident, I've lost all vision in my right eye as it got split in half, who would have thought a champagne cork would be the end of me. But I still have 1 eye left, looking at the bright side of things.'

Support: Kaz supported Theo during the traumatic time with their romance going from strength to strength

Theo also thanked girlfriend Kaz for travelling to Ibiza immediately after discovering he was in hospital.

Theo has previously said there is a chance his sight could return, saying: 'We're going to see if its repairable, I've got seven stitches in my eyeball at the moment. I got 20-10 vision. The only thing its hard is putting toothpaste on toothbrush.

'It might be able to recover. If I can't see anything in four weeks then I'll panic and cry. Hopefully this is another comeback, thanks for all the love and support it's been overwhelming.'

Bath based athlete Theo made a late appearance on third series of Love island, arriving on day 32 before coupling up with fellow contestant Tyla Carr.

But his appearance in the villa was short lived, with the reality star lasting just nine days before leaving in eighth place.
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We all are aware that social media is the best platform to market any business, and there are times when it helps people in the most unexpected way. This UK bookshop owner was left completely overwhelmed with orders after he wrote online that he was unable to sell books.

The owner of Petersfield Bookshop in Hampshire shared a tweet with pictures of his empty bookstore saying that it was the first time in a hundred years that no one set foot in his store owing to rainy weather.

...Tumbleweed...



Not a single book sold today...



0.00...



We think think this maybe the first time ever...



We know its miserable out but if you'd like to help us out please find our Abebooks offering below, all at 25% off at the moment.... pic.twitter.com/Cn5uhYWw88  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 14, 2020

The tweet reads: 'Tumbleweed...Not a single book sold today 0.00" We think this may be the first time ever...We know its miserable out but if you'd like to help us out please find our Abebooks offering below, all at 25% off at the moment'

Within minutes the tweet gained tractions and thousands of avid book lovers pitched in to help him.

The tweet also caught the attention of the famous author Neil Gaiman, who also happens to be an old customer of the store.

Can we just say thank you @neilhimself this is not the day we thought we were going to have but it's been the best. People are kind and that's something to never forget

This is a small portion of the orders we received overnight and today as a result of the Gaiman bump pic.twitter.com/9qxDx7Ct58  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020

He re-tweeted the post with millions of his followers, and what followed was a pure delight for the store. Orders came pouring all corners and the owner received orders to the tune of Rs 90,000.

The bookshop that specialises in Antiquarian books, second-hand publications and antique maps then shared a cheerful tweet saying, "What a night! We have been completely overwhelmed in a good way. We have 1,100 new followers. We have loads of online book orders. We have over 300 messages, many asking after books. We will answer all as soon as we can, please bear with us Thank you all so much!



What a night! We have been completely overwhelmed in a good way.



We have 1,100 new followers.



We have loads of online book orders.



We have over 300 messages, many asking after books. We will answer all as soon as we can, please bear with us



Thank you all so much!  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020

John Westwood, whose family owns The Petersfield Bookshop, told Guardian, "It blows me away. I don't understand social media because I'm old-fashioned, but when Rob (a 13-year-old employee of the store) called me and told me the figures, I was gobsmacked."

Petersfield Bookshop celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018 and has been run by the same family for the last 60 years.
Angela Merkel has warned the UK's decision to leave the European Union must act as a 'wake up call' for the bloc.

But the German Chancellor, who is due to step down next year at the end of a fourth and final term in power, insisted countries are better off in the EU than outside it.

She said the bloc acted as a 'life insurance' policy for 'small' countries like Germany and ensures they can exert influence on the global stage.

Ms Merkel's comments come as the UK and EU prepare to engage in tough post-Brexit trade talks.

Angela Merkel, pictured in Berlin yesterday, said Brexit needed to act as a 'wake up call' for the EU

Britain will split from Brussels on January 31 when it will then enter into a standstill transition period when the two sides will try to hammer out the terms of a future trading relationship.

However, the UK and the EU are already on a collision course over how closely aligned they will be after Brexit with Brussels favouring a closer relationship while Boris Johnson wants more room to diverge from the bloc.

Ms Merkel used an interview with the Financial Times to warn that Brexit was a 'wake up call' for the EU.

She suggested that the EU needed to up its game and to become more 'attractive, innovative, creative'.

Many in the EU fear that if the UK is not tied to rules made in Brussels then it could strike its own path and lure European businesses away from the continent.

Ms Merkel said she believed the EU was still a force for good.

'I see the European Union as our life insurance,' she said.

'Germany is far too small to exert geopolitical influence on its own, and that's why we need to make use of all the benefits of the single market.'

Boris Johnson, pictured in the House of Commons yesterday, has ruled out any extension to the Brexit transition period

Her comments came after Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said it will be exclusively up to the UK whether there is an extension to the Brexit transition period.

Ursula von der Leyen said: 'There is only one of the two who can ask for an extension and that is the United Kingdom. We will see mid-year where we are at.'

Mr Johnson has ruled out any extension and is adamant that December 2020 must be treated as a hard deadline for the trade talks.
Attacks on Idlib displace over 350,000 in 6 wks, UN Civilians fleeing Russian strikes and govt troop advance

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, JANUARY 16 - Over 350,000 Syrian civilians, most of whom women, the elderly or children, have been displaced over the past six weeks in the northwestern region of Idlib as a result of the Russian and Syrian government military campaign, the UN said Thursday.



The UN noted that the civilians are fleeing mostly towards the northern districts of the Idlib province to seek safety from the Russian and Syrian government airstrikes and the advance by Syrian government troops in the southeastern districts of Maarat al-Numan and Saraqeb.(ANSAmed).




German expat, 84, dies of suspected heart attack at Phuket airport car park

PHUKET: An 84-year-old German expat who had lived in Phuket for years on retirement was found dead of suspected heart attack in his car at the Phuket International Airport parking lot yesterday afternoon (Jan 15).

deathpolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 16 January 2020, 12:31PM

Mr Krinner was found collapsed behind the wheel of his car at the airport car park. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Lt Sira Lertthaisong of the Sakoo Police was informed of the incident by airport police at 2:50pm.

Lt Sira said that the German expat, identified by his Thai driving licence as Johann Ludwig Krinner, a resident of Rawai, was found by a staffer from a duty free store at about 2.40pm.

Mr Krinners car had rolled into a parked car on the sixth floor of the parking lot, drawing the staffers attention, Lt Sira explained.

With Mr Krinner was not responding to attempts by the staffer to wake him, an emergency medical team was called to the scene. Also unable to rouse Mr Krinner, the medical team were forced to break the back left door window to enter the car.

Attempts to revive Mr Krinner failed, Lt Sira reported.

His body was taken to Thalang Hospital, he said.

Mr Krinner and his wife lived together in Rawai, Lt Sira noted.

His wife has been informed of her husbands demise, he added.

Lt Sira explained that CCTV footage at the car park showed Mr Krinner entered the parking lot at 2:02pm.

He came to pick up some friends, Lt Sira said.

At 2.09pm the camera footage showed Mr Krinners car rolling into the parked car on the sixth floor.

Mr Krinner was alone in the car, Lt Sira noted.

I believe he might have died from a heart attack, but I am still waiting for the hospital to confirm the cause of his death. Lt Sira added.
Ukraine police investigating possible surveillance of Yovanovitch, Russian hacking originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Ukrainian police are now investigating two major cases related to the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, one around possible illegal surveillance of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and the other around a suspected attack by Russian military hackers targeting a company where the son of former Vice President Joe Biden sat on the board.

On the Yovanovitch case, the interior ministry said in a statement Thursday that police had opened a criminal investigation in light of text messages released by Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee this week between two associates of President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

On the alleged hacking case, Ukrainian police said Thursday they were now investigating a suspected attack by Russian military hackers that targeted Burisma, the Ukraine-based energy company that employed Hunter Biden.

MORE: Who is Marie Yovanovitch?

Earlier this week, cyber-security firm Area 1 said it had discovered that hackers who appeared to be from Russia's military agency, the GRU, had mounted a concerted phishing campaign against Burisma employees, trying to break into their emails and collect data.

The attacks occurred at the height of the impeachment hearings in November, and Area 1 speculated that the Russian hackers were searching for material that could be damaging to the Bidens that could then be leaked, following a model they had used in the 2016 election against the Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton.

Ukraine's cyber police said it believed the attack -- which also targeted Kvartal 95, the production company that produced President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's TV show before the former actor was elected -- was "probably committed by the Russian special services" and they were in the process of identifying the people involved. It said Ukraine had also asked the FBI to join the investigation.

Story continues

MORE: Robert Hyde, a new character in impeachment drama, is a Trump devotee with checkered past

Meanwhile, in the text messages released by the House committee this week, Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde appeared to suggest to Lev Parnas, a Florida businessman now at the center of the impeachment controversy, that he had people following Ambassador Yovanovitch's movements in Ukraine.

Ukrainian police are now looking to see if there was surveillance and, if so, whether it had violated Ukrainian law or international conventions obliging host countries to protect foreign diplomats there, the ministry said.

"Ukraine's position is not to interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States of America. However, the published records contain the fact of possible violation of the legislation of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat in the territory of another country," the ministry's statement said.

"After analyzing these materials, the National Police of Ukraine upon their publication started criminal proceedings under part 2 of Art. 163 (Violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations, telegraph or other correspondence) and part 1 of Art. 182 (Unlawful collection, storage, use of confidential information about a person, violation of privacy) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the statement continues.

PHOTO: Lev Parnas arrives at court in New York on Dec. 2, 2019. (Seth Wenig/AP, FILE)

The ministry said investigators were examining whether any laws had been broken or if the messages had simply been "bravado and fake in an informal conversation between two US citizens." Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has requested the U.S.' assistance in the investigation, it said.

The allegations that the Giuliani associates may have been spying on a U.S. diplomat are potentially explosive for Trump, coming as the trial for his impeachment begins in the Senate.

Parnas, a Soviet-born businessperson based in Florida, took part in Giuliani's campaign to press the Ukrainian government to open investigations into Biden.

Parnas has said he and Giuliani were seeking to have Yovanovitch removed as ambassador at the same time, having deemed her an obstacle to their effort. Yovanovitch was recalled abruptly by Trump before the end of her term last year and has testified in the impeachment inquiry that she believed she was the victim of a deliberate smear campaign.

MORE: 5 key takeaways from testimony by former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch

In the messages from March and April released by the House Committee, Hyde, a supporter of Trump, and Parnas also discuss their desire to have Trump fire Yovanovitch, lamenting that she had not yet been removed. In the course of those messages, Hyde then gave a series of updates on Yovanovitch that suggested he or others were watching her in Kyiv and perhaps monitoring her communications.

"She's talked to three people. Her phone is off. Her computer is off," Hyde wrote in one message.

In others, Hyde, who referred to Yovanovitch as a "b----," noted Yovanovitch's heavy security, and in another said, "We have a person inside."

Several of Hyde's messages suggested had other people in Kyiv tracking the ambassador.

"My contacts are asking what are the next steps because they cannot keep going to check people will start to ask questions," he wrote.

Hyde repeatedly asked Parnas what "next steps" were, saying that the unidentified people were "willing to help if we/you would like a price," and "guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money ... is what I was told."

Parnas texted back: "lol."

PHOTO: Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch returns for additional questioning after a break while testifying before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Nov. 15, 2019. in Washington. (Win Mcnamee/Getty Images)

Since the messages' release, Hyde has dismissed them as joking around with Parnas.

"I was never in Kiev," he wrote on Twitter Wednesday. "For them to take some texts my buddy's [sic] and I wrote back to some dweeb we were playing with that we met a few times while we had a few drinks is definitely laughable."

Yovanovitch through her lawyer has called the text messages between Parnas and Hyde "disturbing" and called for them to be investigated.

"We trust that the appropriate authorities will conduct an investigation to determine what happened," Lawrence S. Robbins, Yovanovitch's attorney, said in a statement.

MORE: Giuliani associate Parnas: Trump knew exactly what was going on in Ukraine

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Parnas apologized to Yovanovitch for the smear and disinformation campaign against her. In the explosive interview, he also claimed that Trump had been aware of all he and Giuliani's efforts.

"He was aware of all of my movements," Parnas said. "I wouldn't do anything without the help of Rudy Giuliani or the president."

Parnas has suggested he would be willing to be called as a witness in the Senate impeachment trial. He and his fellow Soviet-born business partner, Igor Fruman, last year were indicted on charges of conspiracy, making false statements and falsification of records, in a case where prosecutors allege the made large campaign donations to Republican candidates after receiving millions of dollars originating from Russia. Both men have denied the charges.

MORE: House Intelligence Committee in possession of video, audio recordings from Giuliani associate Lev Parnas

Democrats have condemned the possibility that Yovanovitch was being spied on and promised to investigate.

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday called the situation "outrageous."

"This must be fully investigated as the Senate conducts the impeachment trial," he tweeted. "We have a responsibility to hold this lawless administration to account."

The developments once again thrust Ukraine into U.S. politics, a place its leadership under President Zelenskiy, has been at pains to try to avoid.
Carrie Lam's speech was met with hostility as some protesters held up signs that depicted her as a vampire bat - AFP

Hong Kong's leader has said that the "one country, two systems" framework under which the city enjoys freedoms unknown in China could continue after the 2047 deadline if loyalty to Beijing is upheld.

Carrie Lam's appeared to be appealing to those in the city who fear that the Chinese government is tightening its grip over the semi-autonomous territory's civic, economic and political life.

However, her speech to the Legislative Council was marred by protests as a number of opposition lawmakers were ejected from the legislature for heckling her. Security officials had to be called in multiple times to force out pro-democracy politicians who shouted slogans and held placards, including one that portrayed Ms Lam as a vampire with bat wings.

Hong Kong has been wracked by often violent anti-government protests since June, although they have recently diminished in scale.

The city was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise that it would maintain its own capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.

Ms Lam said: "Only if we insist on implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle and practice it continuously and fully ... then I think there will be enough grounds for 'one country, two systems' to move ahead smoothly and there would be no change after 2047."

Protests erupted in Hong Kong in June last year and have turned into a large-scale civil disobedience movement Credit: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

"We have to uphold the principle of 'one country'. Only by doing this can 'one country, two systems' be moving forward smoothly."

Protests began last June over an extradition proposal that would have sent suspects to face trial in China, where Chinese Communist Party control of the courts leads to a 99.9 per cent conviction rate.

The demonstrations grew into a movement aimed at curbing Communist influence in Hong Kong, which has long enjoyed freedoms not granted to the mainland.
Madagascar's First Lady Mialy R Rajoelina met India's ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar and said she was convinced that the two countries can build a "strong partnership" together.

"Thank you to Mr. Abhay Kumar, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Madagascar for these very rich exchanges. I am convinced that together we can build a solid partnership," Rajoelina tweeted.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Antananarivo handed over as many as 100,000 academic textbooks on behalf of the Indian government to Madagascar for the development of higher education and research in the East African country.

The books were handed over by the Indian ambassador to the Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research Blanche Nirina Richard at an event held at the Ministry headquarters here.

Published by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi, the books are on 37 separate titles on Mathematics, Accountancy and Business Studies, Science, and English language.

The total cost of books in India is Rs 7,677,600, equivalent to USD 108,000.

The supply of books by the Indian government has been done in accordance with the announcement made by President Ram Nath Kovind during his visit to the African country in 2018.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON  As he seeks the Democratic presidential nomination, former Vice President Joe Biden says either of his former 2020 competitors from Texas  Beto ORourke and Julian Castro  could be his running mate in 2020.

I'd consider either or both of them, Biden said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News and KXAS-TV. Ive spoken to each of them, and spent some time talking to them.

My plea to both of them is they stay engaged, he said. They are talented, talented people.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Biden was apparently unfazed by the fact that Castro  a former Obama cabinet member who aggressively went after Biden during the earlier primary debates  is now campaigning for Elizabeth Warren, another of Bidens competitors.

I guarantee you theres going to be Latinos in my cabinet and I guarantee there will be Latinos in my White House, said Biden, who also said he would consider both Castro and ORourke for cabinet posts.

Asked whether hed consider a Republican such as U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, who is retiring at the end of the year, Biden said no  unless they agree. He went on to say that Republicans served in the Obama administration and he believes they were great cabinet members.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Julian Castro endorses Warren for president

Heres where I am: We have to unite the country, Biden said.

Biden also vowed to campaign for whichever Texas Democrat wins the nomination to take on U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

Beto showed how close you can come, and I think Texas is get-able, he said. Its not going to be enough to beat Trump. Weve got to win back the Senate. Weve got to go in and campaign in a state thats do-able, thats get-able.

ben.wermund@chron.com
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, the graduation ceremony took place at the universitys campus in Dubai Academic City.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, Mohammed Mattar divisional senior vice president Emirates Airport Services, Adel Ahli manager engineering training, Professor Liza Bayliss- Patt from Coventry University, officials and government representatives, family and friends of the graduates.

Dr Ahmad Al Ali, vice-chancellor of Emirates Aviation University said: "The graduation ceremony is one of the most significant and meaningful events in the Universitys calendar, I would like to congratulate all students and wish them all the luck in their careers. EAU continues to grow both nationally and internationally. We are proud to have become the first university in the region to be awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society validating our BSc Aeronautical Engineering and BEng Aerospace Technology/ Mechanical Engineering programmes. Further we have achieved European Aviation Safety Agency "EASA" accreditation for our Applied Bachelor in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Both these accreditations provides graduates with the necessary skills to be able to excel in the aviation engineering industry anywhere in the world."
Moscow court vacates fine imposed on designer as part of illegal summer rally case

 RIA Novosti, Yevgeny Odinokov

16:09 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court has overturned imposition of a 10,000-ruble ($160) fine on designer Konstantin Konovalov for rally violations before an unauthorized action held in central Moscow on July 27, his lawyer Fedor Sirosh has told RAPSI.

The case has been returned to a lower court for reconsideration, he added.

The designer was arrested on July 27 two hours before the illegal rally. Konovalov claimed that he was arrested during a morning running insisting that he did not take part in the event. However, according to him, police used force and broke his leg.

Unauthorized rallies in support of candidates seeking to become lawmakers of the Moscow State Duma but refused registration by the Election Commission were held on July 27 and August 3 in central Moscow. Over 1,000 people were arrested for various violations as a result.

Following the 27 July rally, the Investigative Committee criminal cases were opened. Investigators believe that the protest action was held with the use of force against representatives of authority.

Several activists have been already convicted and sentenced. Prosecution of five defendants has been dropped.
A murder probe has been launched after a 60-year-old man was found dead at his home in south London.

Police rushed to Croydon at around 8.50am on Monday to reports of a man found dead inside a home in Whitehorse Road.

He has now been named as 60-year-old Krasimir Kartikov, originally from Bulgaria.

A post-mortem examination has given his cause of death as multiple injuries.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said the next of kin are "understandably devastated" after being informed of his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance, who is leading the investigation, said: Our investigation is moving quickly but we are keen to speak to anyone who saw or spoke to Krasimir after 4pm on the afternoon of Saturday, 11 January.

We would also ask anyone who may have been in the Whitehorse Road area to think back as to whether they heard any kind of disturbance or saw anything unusual that Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday.

Krasimirs family are understandably devastated at the death of their loved one and we are committed to finding out exactly what happened that night and bringing the person/s responsible to justice.

There have been no arrests.
The Obamacare program intended to reduce the risk of patients being readmitted after hospitalizations for heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia has not caused an increase in mortality risk for patients in emergency departments or observational units, according to a new report.

Doctors from Yale and the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center conducted the study, which appears Jan. 15 in The BMJ (British Medical Journal).

The program -- formally called the U.S. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program -- penalizes hospitals with higher than average readmission rates, and has led to national efforts to reduce the number of patients being readmitted to hospitals. Critics have warned that the program might incentivize hospitals to send home some people who need to be admitted a second time, increasing their risk of dying.

The new study evaluated trends in patient mortality from the time of the readmission program's announcement through its implementation. The researchers found no evidence of an increase in death associated with the program. In particular, among those seen in the emergency department or admitted to an observation ward (and not subsequently re-hospitalized), there was no evidence of an increase in the death rate over time, the researchers said.

This study adds to the evidence that the readmission policy is safe and is not increasing the risk of death by turning away people who need to be re-hospitalized." Harlan Krumholz, M.D., cardiologist and director of the Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), and senior author of the report

The study revealed that there is a national trend toward increased risk of death in the post-discharge period for patients with heart failure, but that the increase began prior to the announcement of the Obamacare readmission policy.

"We do not yet know the mechanism for the increase in mortality," said lead author Rohan Khera, M.D., of UT Southwestern. "However, the trends in rising mortality are concurrent with a decrease in in-hospital mortality and an increase in discharges directly to hospice facilities."

Khera said nearly half of the heart patients who died after leaving the hospital were patients that hospitals had discharged directly to hospice.

"While far from definitive evidence, these observations do suggest that some of the increase in deaths may represent triage of dying patients from the hospital to the post-discharge period," Khera said.
No arrests made in JNU campus violence case in over 1.5 years: Govt informs Parliament

JNU to impose night curfew in campus between 10 pm-5 am

JNU extends semester registration date yet again

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

New Delhi, Jan 16: After the January 5 campus violence that took place in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the university again extended the deadline to register for the next semester till January 17. This took place amid registration boycott by a section of students due to fee hike protest that lasted for more than two months.

"The registration deadline for the ongoing winter session has been extended up to January 17 without late fees. However, registration will continue till February 9 by paying late fees up to Rs 500," a senior varsity official said to PTI.

"After that deadline, the VC may consider written requests for registration and grant the permission for late registration, if deemed fit, with the imposition of the appropriate amount of fine at his discretion," the official added.

Earlier, the Ministry had constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to restore the normal functioning of JNU through dialogue with all stakeholders and to advise the university administration for resolution of contentious issues of fee hike.

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The students earlier had stuck to their demand for a complete rollback of the fee hike.

According to previous reports, several meetings were held by HRD secretary with representatives of students, teachers and JNU administration on December 10-11, 2019, certain mutually agreeable agreements were arrived (at).

Reports suggested it was agreed in the meetings that the revised hostel room charges will remain applicable with 50 per cent concession for BPL students.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue Polytechnic Institute continues to expand its pilot training for students with the addition of a new, high-level flight simulator to the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (SATT).

A Boeing 737 NexGen jet flight training device recently was installed in the Holleman-Niswonger Simulator Center at Purdue University Airport. The simulator was manufactured by MPS, a company from the Netherlands.

The simulator is qualified for training at a high level under Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The quality of simulation and training provided will reduce the amount of flight hours required for students.

The flight training device is the second MPS simulator added to Purdues aviation program. A Hawker 900XP simulator was installed in late August, making the aviation school one of a select few offering the device as part of its program.

With the acquisition of the two MPS devices, Purdue is well positioned to optimize its technology, giving our students an unparalleled competitive advantage in the aviation industry, said Manoj Patankar, head of SATT. Our distinctive industry partnerships will position our students for advanced standing with airlines and business aviation partners.

In addition, Purdue and MPS have agreed to develop training based on MPS knowledge of the global aviation training industry.

Capt. Philip Adrian, chief executive officer of MPS, said Purdue students using the new flight simulators will have significant opportunities with major U.S. carriers immediately after graduation.

Writer: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Source: Manoj Patankar, 765-496-2837, mspatankar@purdue.edu
Republican Conference Chairman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol in Washington on Dec. 17, 2019. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Liz Cheney Wont Run for Senate, Will Seek Reelection to House

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) said she wouldnt try to take the U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in Wyoming in 2020.

Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), 75, is retiring after his current term, prompting speculation Cheney would run for the seat.

But the Republican Conference chairwoman in the House said she thinks she can have the biggest impact by remaining in the body.

Nancy Pelosi and the socialist Democrats in the House of Representatives are threatening our freedom and our Wyoming values every day. They must be stopped. Our nation is facing grave security challenges overseas and the House Democrats are working to weaken our president and embolden our enemies. Socialists in congress and among the presidential candidates are threatening our liberty and freedom, Cheney, 53, said in a statement on Jan. 16.

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I believe I can have the biggest impact for the people of Wyoming by remaining in leadership in the House of Representatives & working to take our GOP majority back. I will not be running for the Senate in 2020. I plan to seek re-election to the House of Representatives.  Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) January 16, 2020

I believe I can have the biggest impact for the people of Wyoming by remaining in leadership in the House of Representatives and working to take our GOP majority back. I will not be running for the Senate in 2020. I plan to seek reelection to the House of Representatives, she added.

The news was welcomed by former Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who announced in July that she was running for the seat Enzi is vacating.

As Ive said before, Congressman Cheney has been a great spokeswoman and leader for the Republican Party in D.C., Lummis said in a statement after Cheneys announcement. Her role as House Republican Conference Chair is one she truly excels in and I think her future knows no bounds. Its a tremendous benefit to the people of Wyoming to have John Barrasso in leadership in the Senate and Liz Cheney in leadership in the House.

Former Republican U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Dec. 16, 2019. (Mead Gruver/AP Photo)

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Republican Conference chairman in the Senate, added: We are fortunate to have @RepLizCheney serving the people of Wyoming in the U.S. House. Liz Cheneys strong leadership and commitment to advancing Wyoming values are vitally important in our efforts to bring fundamental change to the House of Representatives.

Lummis, 65, is the leading Republican vying for the Senate seat, with three others having announced bids. Two Democrats are also vying for the seat, which is expected to remain Republican.

Cheney represents Wyomings at-large congressional district, which comprises the entire state. No Republicans have announced bids for the seat. Carol Hafner, a Democrat who ran for Alaskas at-large congressional district in 2018, is vying for the seat.

Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, won the 2018 election with over 63 percent of the vote, slightly more than she earned in 2016. Cheney took the seat over from Lummis, who didnt seek reelection in 2016.
Still on the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on the Imo State Gubernatorial election, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has come hard on the judiciary by calling for the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Mohammed.

The Party also asked the Supreme Court to reverse itself and declare its Candidate, Emeka Ihedioha as the rightful winner of the March 9, 2019 Governorship election in Imo state.

In a world press conference delivered on Thursday by the National Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus, the Party described the judgment as a miscarriage of justice, saying that the judiciary has become an annex of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement reads in parts:

Gentlemen of the Press!

The National Working Committee of our great party, after a thorough examination of all the issues relating to the miscarriage of justice by the Supreme Court on the Imo state governorship election petition, and after a very extensive consultation, resolves as follows:

That the Supreme Court, as presently constituted under Justice Mohammed Tanko, has become heavily compromised; lost its credibility and is now annexed to execute ignoble agenda of the APC-led Federal Government against the Nigerian people.

That the judgment of the Supreme Court voiding the lawful election of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (who scored 276,404 votes) and awarding fictitious votes to declare Hope Uzodimma of the APC, who scored 96, 458 votes as governor of Imo state, is highly irrational, unfounded, a provocative product of executive manipulation and a recipe for crisis, which should not be allowed to stand.

With the verdict, the Supreme Court executed a coup against the PDP and the people of Imo state as well as other Nigerians, and such must not be allowed to have a place in our democracy.

The questions Justice Tankos Supreme Court must answer are:

1. The Supreme Court, in a host of cases, the latest and most celebrated being Atiku V Buhari & Ors, consistently decided that for a petitioner to succeed in an allegation of infraction of any provision of the Electoral Act especially one complaining about malpractice, as in this case, wrongful exclusion of votes, the petitioner must call witnesses polling unit by polling unit.

The question is, how many witnesses did Uzodinma/APC call from the 388 polling units from where the Supreme Court allocated votes to him.

The so called results from the 388 Polling units were rightfully rejected, in line with several decisions of the Supreme Court, by the Tribunal and Court of Appeal as it was merely dumped on the tribunal in a Ghana Must Go bag, by a policeman who had no mandate of the police to testify at the Tribunal.

The Tribunal did not even open the Ghana Must Go bags as there was no basis to do so. It is one of the great wonders of the world how the Supreme Court opened the bag, counted the results and added them to only the APC Candidate.

What is more perplexing is the fact that INEC produced a schedule of reasons why results were not produced from the 388 units.

Indeed election did not even take place in most of the units for one reason or another, like violence, etc and so no result could possibly be obtained from those units. The results were not merely rejected or cancelled by INEC.

None of the candidates or their Counsel, except perhaps APC, as we speak, are aware of the number of votes scored by each party from the 388 polling units. The Tribunal or Court of Appeal did not mention or ascribe any figure from the units to any party in their decisions.

In fact, in the cross examination of the APC Candidate, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, he could not read any figure from the Oluwole results. He said that the figures were not clear. And so it beats our imagination where the Supreme Court conjured and manufactured the figures it used in declaring Uzodinma/APC as duly elected.

But the law is settled as decided by the same Supreme Court in Buhari v. INEC (2008); that weight can hardly be attached to a document tendered in evidence by a witness who cannot or is not in a position to answer questions on the document. One of such persons the law identifies is the one who did not make the document. Such a person is adjudged in the eyes of the law as ignorant of the content of the document.

2. Does the Supreme Court have powers to formulate and allocate votes as election results?

3. Were the said results certified by INEC as required by law?

4. Did Hope Uzodinma call 388 witnesses from the 388 polling units to speak to the results to obviate the principle of dumping which the Supreme Court used against the PDP and her candidate, Atiku Abubarka, in the last Presidential Appeal.

5. Were the presiding officers and or party agents of the 388 polling units called to testify by Uzodinma/APC, who were the Petitioners?

6. What are the figures from each of the various 388 polling units generated and allocated to Hope Uzodinma/APC by the Supreme Court?

7. Is the Supreme Court saying that all the votes from the alleged 388 polling units were for the APC alone in an election that was contested by over 70 candidates?

8. It is on record that the votes analysis from the Imo governorship election as at March 11, 2019 when the results were declared were as follows:

-Total Accredited Votes: 823,743

-Total Valid Votes: 739,485

-Cancelled Votes: 25, 130

-Total Valid Votes: 714,355

But at the Supreme Court the Total Valid Votes have increased to 950,952.

This accounts for 127, 209 votes in excess of Total Accredited Votes of 823,743.

The question is; can the Supreme Court sit in Abuja on January 14, 2020 to increase the total number of accredited votes in election held in Imo State on March 9, 2019.

8. Is there any law, which permits the Supreme Court or anyone else for that matter, to unilaterally increase the total accredited votes by any margin after the accreditation and or the election?

9. Where did the Supreme Court get the numbers to declare Uzodinma/APC from a paltry 96,456 votes over Ihedioha/PDP votes of 276,404.

Even if all the excess accredited votes of 127,209 manufactured by the Supreme Court were added to Uzodinma/APC it will be 223,657 votes, still less than Ihediohas votes of 276,494 by 42,747 votes.

10. The victory of Ihedioha/PDP were confirmed by 2 concurrent judgments of both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal and the tradition is that the Supreme Court hardly tamper with such decisions except it was found to be perverse. What was the evidence of perversity?

It is important to also bring to the consciousness of well-meaning members of the public, particularly Nigerians, that there were 2 elections on March 9, 2019, namely, Governorship and the House of Assembly.

As already known, there was only one accreditation for the 2 elections. The APC did not win any of the 27 seats in the Imo State House of Assembly which were won as follows:

PDP won 13

AA won 8

APGA won 6

APC won 0

Total 27

The above further questions and confronts the rationale for the judgment of the Supreme Court on Imo State.

How then did the Supreme Court arrive at its decision to allocate results to void a lawful governorship election and imposed an unelected person as governor?

The fact is that, the Supreme Court, as presently constituted under Justice Tanko, has lost its credibility and no longer commands the respect and confidence of Nigerians.

If the people no longer repose confidence in the Supreme Court, then our democracy, national cohesion and stability are at great risk.

The constitution of the panel that heard the appeal itself was a product of drama.

The panel was changed three times and any judge that showed signs of not agreeing to murder democracy in this case was promptly removed by the CJN.

The result had to be unanimous to satisfy the script of rationality.

But can any judge who sat on that panel go home and sleep well?

Can any judge who sat on that panel face his creator and swear that impartial justice was done? We think not.

We had intelligence before the verdict on the Imo Governorship that the hierarchy of APC had decided that they must use the Supreme Court to capture the states won and controlled by the PDP such as Imo, Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa and Benue.

Can the PDP rightly trust the impartiality and independence of the panel headed by Justice Tanko Mohammed, the CJN, to adjudicate on the remaining cases involving the PDP like Kano, Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi, Adamawa, Plateau and others?

Is the same fate awaiting the Governors of these states that are controlled by the PDP and other states like Kano where the PDP clearly won and was robbed?

Should Justice Tanko Mohammed and his colleagues on the Imo Governorship Panel not recuse themselves from the remaining cases involving PDP?

The PDP firmly holds that if the flawed judgment of the Supreme Court on Imo governorship election is allowed to stand, it would be a recipe for anarchy, chaos and constitutional crisis not only in Imo state but in the entire country.

Our party has it in good authority that Justice Tanko and his panel are working on instruction from certain forces in the Presidency to use the Supreme Court to take over states lawfully won by the PDP and award them to the APC.

The PDP therefore advises Justice Tanko not to allow himself to be used to push our nation to the path of anarchy and constitutional crisis as any further attempt to subvert justice in the pending petitions on Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue, Adamawa as well as Kano and Plateau states will be firmly and vehemently resisted.

In other to avoid an imminent breakdown of law and order, the PDP demands that Justice Tanko Mohammed immediately steps down as CJN and chairman of the National Judicial Council as Nigerians have lost confidence in him and a Supreme Court under his leadership.

Justice Tanko must not head the panel to determine the remaining election petitions before the Supreme Court.

One final issue to be noted is that it is in the public record that Hon Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been the constant instrument used by anti-democratic agents resident in Lagos from where she was elevated to the bench of the Supreme Court, to deliver at least 3 of the most doubtful and controversial judgments which removed PDP governors and other elected officials.

These judgments are:

1. Paul Ukpo V Liyel Imoke where Liyel Imoke was removed in very suspicious circumstances in 2007 when she was at the Court of Appeal;

2. Adeleke V Oyetola delivered in 2019 which annulled the election of Adeleke by the Osun people; and now;

3. Uzodinma V Ihedioha delivered on January 14, 2020 which removed Ihedioha of the PDP who won the election with 276,494 votes and replaced with Uzodinma of the APC who came 4th in the election with a paltry 96, 458 votes.

These cannot be mere coincidences.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, in the light of extraordinary circumstances that vitiates that judgment as a product manipulation and a clear coup detat against the will of the people of Imo State, we demand that the decision of the Supreme Court on the Imo Governorship Election be reviewed and reversed in the interest of justice.

Furthermore we demand that Justice Tanko Mohammed, the CJN and his colleagues on the Imo Governorship Panel recuse themselves from the remaining cases involving PDP in the Supreme Court.

We state for the records that the Supreme Court under Justice Tanko Mohammed shall be held responsible if there is any breakdown of law and order in any state as a result of judgments procured solely for political rather than judicial reasons as is currently happening.

Thank you


Express News Service

In the demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman has lost a statesman. His becoming the king by staging a coup was then necessary for the development of the nation. Unlike leaders who ascend thrones to become dictators, the Sultan was of a different calibre. He had his plans well charted for the next four decades.

The country saw development of high order. Being a master strategist, he kept all opposition at bay .

From a dry hot desert region that had no aspirations and no idea of development, he gave his people a different way of facing the world. Dont give fish to the starving, teach them how to fish was the maxim he advocated. People adored him. He did not allow corruption to rear its head. He was clear that for the nation to progress, he needed the contribution of expatriates to a large extent. He gave them opportunities to grow and assist in nation-building. He recognised their hard work and carried them along. In the process, he did not ignore Omans cultural heritage. He gave a wide range of opportunities for the Omanis to improve their quality of living.

His respect for our former President Shankar Dayal Sharma is widely known. Foregoing protocol, the Sultan once went to the airport to receive and escort him. His democratic functioning in a monarchy is an excellent model for other nations to emulate.

Having stayed in that country for four years as an Indian School administrator, I have been a great admirer of his governance. The Sultan used to visit all districts at regular intervals. His interaction with common people during those visits brought him closer to ground realities.

I was in charge of getting a new school constructed for Indian expatriates in a record time of nine months. This would not have been possible, but for the permissions and licenses that were cleared on priority whenever we approached the government authorities. Further whenever we invited the ministers and higher officials for school functions, they were more than willing to attend and honour our students. Most of them were well educated and handling important portfolios with acclaim. Despite their busy schedules, they gave us Indians a special place of respect in their hearts. I sincerely feel that the vacuum created by the Sultans untimely passing away will be difficult to fill.

Lt Col R V S Mani (Retd)

Email: colonel.rvs@gmail.com
A commission set up by Cambodias National Military Police heard testimony from five witnesses Thursday in an alleged torture case that resulted in the death this month of a man who was detained for joining a land-rights protest.

Tuy Sros, a resident of the Ou Chrov district of Banteay Meanchey province, died in police custody on Jan. 1 after being held from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31 following the protest in which five other villagers were also detained.

Five witnesses, including four who say they were also tortured and Tuy Sross widow, testified before the investigation commission on Thursday.

One man, An Roun, said he had been interrogated for the entire day at the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Military Police headquarters by five officials from the National Military Police.

The officials told us that they will question some officials who tortured us in the prison, and we were requested not to get involved in the questioning, he said.

An Roun said that he and the three fellow torture victims truthfully described the torture at the hands of the provincial military police officials that led to Tuy Sros death, and that the Commission promised to continue researching the death of the victim with relevant institutions.

Another victim who said he was tortured with the group last month, Nov Noeun, said that when he was being questioned, there were no military police officers present in the room. He added that the officers used the victims answers to questions to forge a statement without coercion.

I have asked all the commission officials to bring our words to Samdech Hun Sen to help in finding justice for us, because authorities arrested us without us having done anything wrong, he said.

The authorities accused villagers of grabbing state land then they arrested people and we are not happy as they used violence when we were in the prison, Nov Noeun added.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the arrest of those responsible for the torture.

They must be prosecuted. We cannot accept this. We must investigate to see the truth, he said at a media event.

The witnesses said that Tuy Sros became seriously ill during the interrogations and authorities sent him to the provincial prison and he died a day later.

RFA sought comment from the National Military Polices Investigation Commission Chief Neang Sochivy, but was unable to reach him.

Am Sam Ath, an investigator at the local human rights group Licadho, said he was concerned about the interviews of the victims, because they were taking place at the provincial military police headquarters where the men were tortured.

I think the commission should choose somewhere else to question the witnesses because they are afraid to speak the truth at the provincial military police headquarters, he said.

If they are afraid of some things, they will not dare to talk because they are worried about their safety. Even if we offer protection, they might find it difficult to answer the truth, he added.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Pheap Aun. Written in English by Paul Eckert.
A bank boss who was found with a Picasso painting on his boat has been jailed for 18 months after being found guilty of trying to smuggle the artwork out of Spain.

The painting, Head of a Young Woman, is worth 24m (20.5m) and was deemed a national artistic treasure by Spain, meaning it was banned from leaving the country.

Spanish police experts flew out to the French island of Corsica in 2015 to retrieve the artwork from owner Jaime Botin, who was the head of Bankinter at the time.

Botin's boat was seized when the captain was not able to produce the right documentation, before being raided by authorities who found the painting on board.

As well as an 18-month jail term, Botin was handed a 52.4m (44.75m) fine. The painting's ownership has been handed back to the Spanish state.

The 1906 oil painting, which is a portrait of a woman with long black hair, is deemed as one of Pablo Picasso's masterpieces and comes from his so-called "pink period",

Botin's sentence can be appealed.
Classes resumed under tightened security Thursday at Bellaire High School, two days after a shooting at the Texas school left one student dead.

Junior ROTC member Cesar Cortes, 19, was killed in a classroom at the school by another JROTC member who was showing Cortez a semi-automatic handgun, Bellaire Police Lt. Greg Bartlett said. The 16-year-old shooter, who then fled, was taken into custody more than three hours later.

Bartlett said the accused shooter told friends what happened but has not cooperated with police. The gun has not been recovered, he said.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the shooter was charged with manslaughter.

"They were friends, Ogg said. This is not an accident because pulling a trigger on a gun, whether you know if its loaded or not, is an intentional act. But he did not, based on the evidence we have right now, intend to kill his friend.

'The age of mass shootings': US mass killings hit a record high in 2019

A Houston Independent School District Police K-9 unit responds to a shooting, Jan. 14 at Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas.

The district canceled classes Wednesday, but they will resume Thursday with additional police officers patrolling campus, school officials said. All backpacks and other bags were being searched.

These are initial precautions and more long-term, sustainable changes are being developed by the school safety and security committee, Principal Michael McDonough wrote in an email obtained by KTRK-TV. I thank you for your continued support.

Ogg said the investigation was continuing. Authorities were seeking help from residents in finding the gun and asked that any gun found be reported to police.

This is a regular kid, evidently, who is now a violent offender, Ogg said of the shooter. Whether he meant to be violent or not, he killed somebody. And that somebody was a son, and a student, and a friend, and its our community's collective loss.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bellaire High shooting: Texas teen mistakenly killed Cesar Cortes
A model who loves to smear cake icing and cream all over her naked body has opened up about discovering she has a wet and messy fetish known as 'sploshing' when she was just nine years old.

Lum, 23, from Los Angeles, shares her unusual story on Friday night's episode of the We TV reality series Extreme Love, explaining that she spent most of her life feeling ashamed of her desires because of her strict Catholic upbringing.

'I was nine years old and I smeared myself and covered myself with shaving cream and I experienced my first orgasm,' she recalls in a preview clip.

Scroll down for video

Candid: Lum, 23, from Los Angeles, opens up about how she discovered she has a wet and messy fetish also known as 'sploshing' on Friday's episode of Extreme Love

Confession: The model explains that she had her first orgasm while smearing shaving cream on herself when she was just nine years old

Sploshers like Lum become aroused when wet and messy substances like slime are applied to their naked skin.

'I was very confused. 'Cause in Catholic school they even teach you women don't orgasm. Women don't like sex,' she explains. 'Growing up having this fetish, I definitely didn't feel comfortable telling anyone about it.'

As an adult, Lum longed to find a romantic partner who also gained pleasure from being smothered in messy substances.

She was searching for like-minded people online when she found the website Messy Hot, which features 'high art sploshing' photos taken by a photographer known as Clix.

Hard to handle: Lum, whose real name is Mia Cid, says she spent most of her life feeling ashamed of her desires because of her strict Catholic upbringing

Fetish: Sploshers like Lum become aroused when wet and messy substances like slime are applied to their naked skin

'I came across Clix's page. I literally broke down crying,' she recalls. 'It legitimately felt like a page dedicated to my fetish. It was like a calling.'

Clix believes people shouldn't be judgmental about sploshing if they've never tried it for themselves.

'When somebody tells me they think that sploshing play is weird, I say, "Don't knock it until you've sat in it,"' he says in his testimonial.

After Lum struck up a relationship with the photographer, he realized her potential for modeling and had her star in some of his messy shoots.

Looking back: Lum was searching for like-minded people online when she found the website Messy Hot, which features 'high art sploshing' photos taken by a photographer known as Clix

Keeping it real: Clix believes people shouldn't be judgmental about sploshing if they've never tried it for themselves

Born for this: After Lum struck up a relationship with the photographer, he realized her potential for modeling and had her star in some of his messy shoots

'It was life-changing, you guys giving me acceptance,' she says. 'I'm going to splosh on.'

Lum, whose real name is Mia Cid, revealed during an interview this past March that she spends between $50 and $100 per week on cakes, sweets, cream, and other food substances to smear all over her body.

'It's so much fun,' she said. 'I still love shave foam, I have a whole shelf in my bathroom devoted to it. I buy in bulk so I won't run out.'

She found it difficult to explain why she loves sploshing so much, but she thinks it may be linked to her strict upbringing.

More than a sweet treat: Lum spreads messy foods such as cake and icing over her naked body during the shoots

Pricey habit: Lum spends between $50 and $100 per week on cakes, sweets, cream, and other food substances to smear all over her body

Happy: Lum says finding acceptance as a splosh model has changed her life

'I was sent to etiquette school as a kid, which was all 'sit up straight, pull up your socks, always be clean," and I was always thinking, "Just let me play in the dirt." It's probably a form of rebellion,' she said.

'Now I love to get really dressed up with hair, makeup, fake eyelashes, and a cute outfit and then I just mess it all up, so I'm completely unrecognizable afterward.'

At the time, she said she had yet to find a partner who shares her interests.

'My last boyfriend was very supportive of my sploshing but he didn't want to get messy himself, he'd just watch me do it, and maybe buy me some supplies to help out,' she said.

'Now I want to find a partner who is willing to splosh with me for the long term.'
KYODO NEWS - Jan 16, 2020 - 16:35 | World, All

Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force planes arrived at an air base on the outskirts of Sydney on Thursday to assist Australian efforts at fighting unprecedented and deadly bushfires across the country.

Japanese ASDF Col. Masashi Ota, who is leading the mission, told reporters upon arrival that he is pleased to be able to reciprocate the military support Australia provided to Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan.

"The Australian air force deployed many military aircraft to support Japan's recovery and that was a great help for us," the colonel said. "We will never forget what Australia did (for Japan) at that time."

(Australian airforce Air Commodore Carl Newman (L) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Masashi Ota exchange a few words in front of an SDF C-130 plane in Richmond on Jan. 16, 2020.)

The two C-130 transport planes, carrying 70 Self-Defense Forces personnel, arrived at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Richmond, roughly 60 kilometers northwest of Sydney, to join eight SDF members already in Australia.

Ota said that from the moment SDF personnel received orders to deploy and help Australia, his team has worked exceptionally quickly to come and support Australia, in whatever small way possible.

While specific details of how and where the SDF personnel will assist Australian military efforts are still being decided, they are expected to be deployed across the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia as needed.

RAAF Air Commodore Carl Newman said that while RAAF personnel regularly assist in disaster relief overseas, it is "very rare" to receive support from international partners.

"This is an unprecedented crisis for Australia and the size and scope and the geography that it is occurring across needs a large requirement for logistic support," he said.

(Fire trucks refills with water along the Princes Highway near Mallacoota, Australia on Jan. 15, 2020.)

[Getty/Kyodo]

"The additional C-130s that the Japanese are bringing out will be vital in helping us out. It is a true reflection of friends helping each other in crisis," he said.

Nationally, 28 people have died in the fires, which have been burning across southeast Australia since September. It is estimated that well over 10 million hectares of land have been razed and over 1 billion animals killed.

The Japanese defense force joins a large international contingent assisting Australia in fighting the fires including military forces from New Zealand, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.

Related coverage:

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Japan sends 2 SDF planes, 70 personnel to help fight Australia fires

Fears raised Aussie koala populations may never recover after bushfires
STAMFORDA city man who killed two people during a drug-fueled wrong-way crash on Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk in January 2018 will be sentenced to a decade in prison when he returns to the Stamford courthouse later in March.

Anthony Domond, 35, of Prince Place, appeared before Judge Gary White and pleaded out to two counts of first-degree manslaughter. According to the plea deal presented by Judge John Blawie, Domond will be sentenced to 10 years in jail followed by five years of special parole.

Police said Domond was behind the wheel of of his BMW when he slammed into Stamford residents Frank Peterson III, 50, and Anthony Johnson, 40, killing them both. Domond was going north in the southbound lanes of Connecticut Avenue when the crash occurred, police said.

Stamford States Attorney Richard Colangelo, who is prosecuting the case, said Domond was high on PCP at the time and doing over 100mph when he crashed into Peterson and Johnson. Blawie is scheduled to sentence Domond on March 20.

The special parole sentence means that if Domond violates his parole by breaking the law at any time during that period, he can immediately be sent back to jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Colangelo said he contacted the attorneys representing the families and they did not object to the plea deal. Domonds attorney, Audrey Felson, declined comment after the hearing.

But Stamford resident Johnny Peterson, the father of one of the victims said he did not like the deal.

For killing my son and his friend, do you really think that is fair, what they have done to him? Johnson asked. This is not justice.

Johnson said he would have attended Wednesday's hearing, but his doctor has told him that if he had another heart attack, it would be very bad.

I know this is not going to bring back my son and it never will, Johnson said. I think if I went to court, I would really want to beat the hell out of this guy.

Johnson said the two men were heading up Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk to grab a hamburger at the time of the crash. After picking up the food, police say they were in the eastbound lanes when Domond crashed into them head-on in front of the Double Tree Hotel.

Frankie was a very careful driver and a wonderful person, Johnson said at the time.

Domond has been held in jail since his arrest in April 2018, unable to post a $200,000 court appearance bond.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Love Island saw its steamiest night of the series so far on Wednesday, as two couples got cosy under the duvet just days after entering the villa.

Sophie Piper, 21, and Connor Durman, 25, enjoyed a passionate kiss early in the show as the Islanders prepared for bed, while Mike Boateng, 24, also shared a smooch with Leanne Amaning, 22, after she joined him in the Doghouse.

While some fans were thrilled to see two couples finally seal the deal, most took to Twitter pleading with producers to turn down the volume, as they were left gagging by the 'loud as hell' kissing noises.

Cheeky! Love Island had its steamiest night of the series so far on Wednesday, as both Sophie Piper and Connor Durman (left) and Mike Boateng and Leanne Amaning smooched

Sophie and Connor appeared to cement their blossoming romance with their first kiss together as they cosied up under the duvet together.

The sister of star Rochelle Humes chatted about her steamy encounter with her fellow Islanders, saying the following morning: 'I just think he's so cute. It's nice to spend time with him more and more each day.

'I need to calm down. I'm making myself cringe.'

Elated: After dumping Jess Gale - who chose to couple up with him just a day earlier - Mike was grinning like a Cheshire Cat following his night with Leanne

Cheeky: Leanne tried to remain coy about her and Mike sharing a bed, but she was still beaming

Happy: Mike then said in the Beach Hut: 'I slept good though, I think that the kiss did it. I want a few more of those if you know what I mean'

Early in the show, Mike revealed he was heading to the Doghouse after deciding he still had growing feelings for Leanne, despite being coupled up with Jess Gale. 20.

As the couple cuddled under the duvet, they shared a lengthy kiss, which didn't go unnoticed by many fans.

Speaking the following morning about the kiss, Mike said in the Beach Hut: 'I slept good though, I think that the kiss did it. I want a few more of those if you know what I mean.'

Giddy: Sophie was equally delighted after her kiss with Connor, failing to hint at their fall-out later in the show

Fans were thrilled to see the couples were already cementing their romance with a smooch, with many throwing their support behind Mike and Leanne in particular.

One posted: 'Mike and Leanne will either be the new Jack and Dani or they will take the Michael and Amber turn. I hope the former!'

A second also wrote: 'Mike and Leanne though,' while a third also tweeted: 'Connor and Sophie are giving me major Cara and Nathan vibes #winners #LoveIsland.'

Over the moon: Fans were thrilled to see the couples were already cementing their romances with a smooch, with many throwing their support behind Mike and Leanne in particular

But many rushed to social media to share their incredulous reaction to the kisses, with one begging producers to press the mute button during the romantic scenes.

One tweeted: 'The kissing noises make me GAG,' while another added: 'One thing I hate about #LoveIsland is the loud kissing noises.'

A third also posted: 'Fam don't these man have a mute button when they're kissing?'

One viewer also tweeted: 'The noise of people kissing in bed makes my toes curl,' while another added: 'It's always kissing asmr in these bed scenes.'

An outraged fan also tweeted: 'Can they please mute the kissing sounds please actually despise that rank squelchy sound.'

A third also tweeted: 'WHY WERE THE KISSING NOISES SO LOUD.'

Gross: But many rushed to social media to share their incredulous reaction to the kisses, with one begging producers to press the mute button during the romantic scenes

It remains to be seen whether Mike and Leanne's blossoming romance will go the distance given they have only been in the villa for three days.

At the end of Wednesday's show it was revealed that two new male bombshells will enter the villa, sparking a delighted reaction from most of the female Islanders.

Despite their kiss the previous night, Sophie and Connor's romance appeared to be in dire straits by the show's end, as they clashed over her excited reaction to news of the new male Islanders.

Pulling Sophie for a chat, Connor said: 'Just be honest with me about what you just did then.

Sophie responded: 'I was winding you up. I'm just winding you up.'

Irate: Despite their kiss the previous night, Sophie and Connor's romance appeared to be in dire straits by the show's end

At odds: The pair clashed over Sophie's excited reaction to the news that the villa would be welcoming two new male Islanders

Connor said: 'I didn't want to argue, it just wound me up. It would wind you up if it was the other way around.'

Sophie said: 'You'll know when I'm being serious. What do you want me to do, not do anything when I hear these boys are coming in?

He retorted: 'No just not f*****g jumping around saying you cant wait.'

Sophie exclaimed: 'I was just joking with the girls! Leanne did the same thing and she's with Mike.'

Connor said: 'I don't want that rubbed in my face in the first place.'

Twitter erupted after the heated exchange with many comparing Connor to obsessive Joe (Penn Badgley) in hit Netflix show, You.

Love Island airs weeknights and Sundays at 9pm on ITV2.
Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar has agreed to abide by a ceasefire and said he was ready to participate in an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, Germany's foreign minister said. Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli has been under attack since April from Haftar's forces, with clashes killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands. The leaders of the North African state's warring factions were in Moscow early this week at talks aimed at finalising a ceasefire orchestrated by Russia and Turkey. "During my visit to Libya today, General Haftar made clear: He wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it. He has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted after talks in Benghazi. After the Moscow talks, Haftar had walked away without signing the permanent truce, sparking fears about the shaky ceasefire. Maas had travelled to meet Haftar in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi -- one of the general's strongholds -- in a bid to persuade him to join in the peace initiative. - Battle for Tripoli - The trip came days after Maas spoke with Haftar's rival Fayez al-Sarraj, who serves as head of the UN-recognised government in Tripoli. Separately in Tripoli, Sarraj announced he would attend the Berlin talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. The battle over Tripoli is the latest unrest to wrack Libya since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Since then, Libya has been caught up in fighting between rival armed factions, including Islamist militants. In his report to the UN Security Council late on Wednesday, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged all warring parties to stop fighting and "engage constructively towards that end, including within the Berlin process". He also warned against "external interference", which he said would "deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a clear international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis". The Berlin conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of the arms embargo and a return to the political process for peace, Guterres said. As well as killing hundreds of people, the fighting in Libya has also spurred a growing exodus of migrants, though nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return this year, according to the UN. Fighters with Libyan internationally-recognised government have been fighting against Haftar since April The key players in the Libyan conflict after a ceasefire started Sunday
Manicaland Diocese Anglican Bishop Eric Ruwona has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in connection with fraud involving $700 000.

Bishop Ruwona and his accomplices in 2016 allegedly used Manicaland Diocese to apply for a loan of $100 000 from Agribank claiming they wanted to built Saint Catherines Girls High School in Rusape and buy a vehicle for the bishop.

The accused persons allegedly used a piece of land belonging to the church as collateral without the knowledge of the church standing committee and congregants.

As a result of the alleged misrepresentation, the loan was approved and the accused pocketed the money.



On the second count, the accused in the same year fraudulently applied for another loan from the same bank for $350 000.

The bishop and his accomplices later allegedly withdrew an overdraft of $250 000 from the Agribank account without the knowledge of the church.

Bishop Ruwona spent the night at Mutare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court today.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
I know this is important to our members but more important to Georgians as a whole, House Appropriations Chairman Terry England said. While it is a lot of money, we will be working with Commissioner Black, the Senate and the governor to see what we can do to resolve the issue in a timely manner.
SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw 7-Eleven store and its Mobil gas station is open for business, despite a car crash that left a gaping hole in the middle of the business on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

About 2 p.m. Wednesday, a woman with a medical issue crashed into the building, located at 614 S. Washington Ave, according to Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth.

Update: Police ticket driver in 7-Eleven crash, one person injured by glass

Ruth said the driver sort of blacked out and drove through the building, which left damage to the doors, window, bricks and part of the counter. He said the woman was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

No one was injured in the store and the stores owner said it remains open for business. Customers continued to shop at the store and purchase gas Wednesday afternoon as cleanup was underway.

Driver crashes into Subway restaurant in Saginaw County
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PetroChoice, a leading provider of lubrication solutions, is excited to announce the lubricant business acquisition of Commercial Distributing Inc. (CDi), headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK.

CDi has been a trusted distributor of lubricants in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, specializing in the automotive market. CDi has a long-standing reputation for providing customers with innovative solutions and top-quality lubrication products.

"We welcome CDi's associates and customers to PetroChoice," said Celeste Mastin, CEO of PetroChoice. "PetroChoice currently services customers in this footprint, and the addition of CDi locations will prove beneficial to our commitment to anticipate and meet our customers' needs," continued Mastin.

Michael Barcum, President of CDi, stated, "I am pleased that PetroChoice is as dedicated to fostering the growth of my business for my employees and customers as I was. I identified technology in distribution methods as being important in my vision for our regional distribution effort and the future of this industry, and PetroChoice is at the forefront of these endeavors."

Mastin added, "I'm also delighted that Mike Barcum has agreed to join the PetroChoice CEO Strategy Council. The Council is an advisory board which provides ideas, support and a superior industry network of contacts to me and our leadership team. Other members of that team include leaders from former PetroChoice acquisitions: Steve King (Anderson Lubricants), Ross Smith (Miller Industrial Fluids), Rick Palmore (Universal Lubricants) and Mike Foltz (LubriCorp).

Effective immediately, CDi will be operating as PetroChoice.

About PetroChoice:

PetroChoice is one of the largest petroleum-based lubricant distributors in the United States, providing business solutions for industrial, commercial and passenger automobile customers. The company, headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, operates locations across the U.S. and employs some of the nation's most knowledgeable technical experts in lubrication services and equipment. For more information please visit PetroChoice.com.

About Golden Gate Capital:

Golden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm with over $15 billion of capital under management. The principals of Golden Gate Capital have a long and successful history of investing across a wide range of industries and transaction types, including going-privates, corporate divestitures, and recapitalizations, as well as debt and public equity investments. Other notable mining and industrials investments sponsored by Golden Gate Capital include US Silica, EP Minerals, ArrMaz, Humanetics Innovative Solutions, Springs Window Fashions, Canada Fluorspar Inc. and Atrium Windows. For more information, visit www.goldengatecap.com.

SOURCE PetroChoice

Related Links

https://www.petrochoice.com


After successfully creating a health care app for doctors to view medical records, Diego Fasano, an Italian entrepreneur, got some well-timed advice from a police officer friend: Go into the surveillance business because law enforcement desperately needs technological help.

In 2014, he founded a company that creates surveillance technology, including powerful spyware for police and intelligence agencies, at a time when easy-to-use encrypted chat apps such as WhatsApp and Signal were making it possible for criminal suspects to protect phone calls and data from government scrutiny.

The concept behind the company's product was simple: With the help of Italy's telecom companies, suspects would be duped into downloading a harmless-seeming app, ostensibly to fix network errors on their phone. The app would also allow Fasano's company, eSurv, to give law enforcement access to a device's microphone, camera, stored files and encrypted messages.

Fasano christened the spyware "Exodus."

"I started to go to all the Italian prosecutors' offices to sell it," explained Fasano, a 46-year-old with short, dark-brown hair and graying stubble. "The software was good. And within three years, it was used across Italy. In Rome, Naples, Milan."

Even the country's foreign intelligence agency, L'Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna, came calling for Exodus's services, Fasano said.

But Fasano's success was short lived, done in by a technical glitch that alerted investigators that something could be amiss. They followed a digital trail between Italy and the U.S. before unearthing a stunning discovery.

Authorities found that eSurv employees allegedly used the company's spyware to illegally hack the phones of hundreds of innocent Italians-playing back phone conversations of secretly recorded calls aloud in the office, according to legal documents. The company also struck a deal with a company with alleged links to the Mafia, authorities said.

The discovery prompted a criminal inquiry involving four Italian prosecutor's offices. Fasano and another eSurv executive, Salvatore Ansani, were charged with fraud, unauthorized access to a computer system, illicit interception and illicit data processing.

Already, the unfolding story of eSurv has renewed questions about the growing use of spyware. It has also brought attention to the largely unregulated companies that develop the spyware technology, which is capable of hacking into a device that nearly everyone carries in a pocket or purse, often storing their most sensitive information.

The demand for such technology has been driven in part by the rise in popularity of encrypted mobile phone apps and the reality that it is getting harder for law enforcement to glean evidence without the assistance of Silicon Valley giants such as Apple Inc., which is currently at loggerheads with the FBI over access to an iPhone used by an accused terrorist.

In recent years, spyware developers such as Israel's NSO Group and Italy's Hacking Team have been criticized for selling their products to repressive governments, which have used the technology to, among other things, track activists and journalists. (Both companies have said they sell their equipment to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to fight crime and terrorism.)What makes the allegations against eSurv so astounding is that, if true, the company became involved in the spying itself-and did so right in the heart of Europe.

Giovanni Melillo, the chief prosecutor in Naples who is overseeing the case, has worked on some of the country's highest-profile investigations, from the feared Camorra organized crime group to international money laundering and drug trafficking schemes. But he said the allegations against eSurv are unusual, even for a veteran prosecutor like him.

"I think that no prosecutors in Western countries have ever worked on a case like this," Melillo said in a recent interview at his Naples office. This story is based on interviews with Italian authorities and a review of 170 pages of documents outlining the evidence collected, much of it never before reported.

In the city of Benevento, about 40 miles northeast of Naples, technicians working for the prosecutor's office in 2018 were using Exodus to hack the phones of suspects in an investigation. That October, one of the technicians noticed that the network connection to Exodus was frequently dropping out, according to Italian authorities.

The technician did some troubleshooting and found a glaring problem. The Exodus system was supposed to operate from a secure internal server accessible only to the Benevento prosecutor's office. Instead, it was connecting to a server accessible to anyone on the internet, protected only by a username and password, the authorities said.

The implications were enormous: hackers could potentially gain access to the platform and view all of the data that Italian prosecutors were covertly harvesting from suspects' phones in some of Italy's most sensitive law enforcement investigations. (Authorities don't know if the server was in fact ever hacked.)

The prosecutor's office quickly took steps to shut down Exodus, and in October 2018, they ordered the seizure of eSurv's equipment.

The investigation was eventually handed off to the prosecutor's office in nearby Naples, which is responsible for handling major computer crimes in the region. The Naples prosecutor began a more in-depth probe-and found that eSurv had been storing a vast amount of sensitive data, unencrypted, on an Amazon Web Services server in Oregon.

The data included thousands of photos, recordings of conversations, private messages and emails, videos, and other files gathered from hacked phones and computers. In total, there were about 80 terabytes of data on the server-the equivalent of roughly 40,000 hours of HD video.

"A large part of the data is secret data," said Melillo. "It's related to the investigation of Mafia cases, terrorist cases, corruption cases."

Prosecutors filed criminal charges against eSurv for unlawfully collecting and storing private communications, transferring them overseas, and failing to keep secure "sensitive personal data of a judicial nature."

But, according to authorities, a far worse discovery was yet to come.

When Fasano began thinking about creating a police surveillance tool, he recruited a small team to explore the possibilities. They eventually developed a spyware tool that would allow police to hack Android phones by luring suspects into downloading what looked like an ordinary app from the Google Play store.

The police, with cooperation from mobile phone networks, would shut down a targeted person's data service, Fasano said. They would then send them instructions to use Wi-Fi to download an app to restore service. ESurv designed the app to look as though it was associated with telecommunications providers, with names such as "Operator Italia."

The app didn't contain spy software, allowing it to bypass Google's automated virus scans. But once a person downloaded it, the app served as a gateway through which eSurv could place spyware onto a person's phone. The spyware would then covertly take total control: recording audio, taking photos and giving police access to encrypted messages and files, Fasano said.

ESurv developed different versions of Exodus that could target iPhones, as well as laptops and desktop computers using Microsoft Corp.'s Windows and Apple Inc.'s OS X operating systems, Fasano said. Google said it had removed all versions of the Exodus app from its app store. Microsoft said it wasn't aware of any samples of Exodus targeting the Windows platform. Apple didn't respond to a message seeking comment.

ESurv created its spyware in Catanzaro, a city of narrow cobbled streets in southern Italy known for its silk and velvet production and its ties to the 'Ndrangheta, the most powerful Mafia group in Europe. The company employed about 20 people, most of whom were involved in another part of the business-selling video surveillance technology. The work of developing and expanding Exodus was left to a small group of employees who worked in a separate room. They called themselves the Black Team.

The Black Team was led by Ansani, the 43-year-old technical director who was charged with Fasano, according to testimony from former employees given during the police investigation. They used the spyware to target law-abiding Italian citizens, bugging their phones and recording their private conversations, according to prosecutors. The reasons for the spying remain unknown.Ansani, who denied the charges to police, declined to comment, saying in an email, "Investigations are currently being carried out by the Public Prosecutor. Therefore, as you know, I cannot issue any statement."

In one instance, the Black Team hacked the phone of a 49-year-old woman from Crotone, a port city on the coast of Calabria, according to the prosecutor's filings. The team collected the woman's personal text messages to family and friends, and covertly recorded more than 3,800 audio clips using her mobile phone's built-in microphone, chronicling the woman's life and interactions as she went about her daily business, the filings say.

In all, the Black Team spied on more than 230 people who weren't authorized surveillance targets, according to police documents. Some of the surveillance victims were listed in eSurv's internal files as "The Volunteers," suggesting they were unwitting guinea pigs.

Ansani would sometimes sit at his computer and wear headphones, listening to conversations covertly collected from people's phones, the employees said. On other occasions, Ansani would loudly play the recordings through his computer speakers and show other employees images that Exodus had collected, the employees told police. Under its strict agreement with authorities, eSurv didn't have permission to view or listen to this information, the employees said.

After reviewing evidence about the Black Team in May, a judge concluded that Exodus appeared to have been "designed and intended from the outset to operate with functions that are very distant from the canons of legality." The judge approved a warrant to place Ansani and Fasano under house arrest; the investigation is continuing and additional charges could be filed, according to Italian authorities.Ansani told police that he didn't carry out unlawful surveillance and couldn't access data from hacked phones or computers. Police later discovered that he had possessed "superuser" credentials at eSurv that gave him the ability to review recordings, private messages, photographs and other data Exodus vacuumed up from people's devices, according to legal documents and Italian authorities.

Fasano, eSurv's founder, who is fighting the charges against him, said in an interview that he had no knowledge of unlawful surveillance and that he had delegated responsibility for Exodus to Ansani.

Inside the prosecutor's office in Naples, a 14-floor building a short distance from the city's business district, a task force of investigators is combing through the vast amount of data seized from eSurv.

The investigators are still trying to work out whether eSurv's employees were unlawfully monitoring people for a malicious purpose such as blackmail, whether it was just some sort of cruel game, or whether there is another explanation.

The case has shocked prosecutors in Italy, according to Melillo, and forced them to change their protocols. In Naples, the prosecutor's office will no longer work with private surveillance companies unless they first pass tests showing that their systems are secure and conform to stringent standards.

Melillo said he is concerned other companies may be conducting their own illegal surveillance. ESurv's hacking technology, he said, was "just the top of a big iceberg. We don't know yet the part of iceberg that is under the water."

"It's like a gun. Once you have sold it, you don't know how it will be used."

About 35 miles south of Naples, in Salerno, a spin-off investigation is focusing on whether a contractor that eSurv was working with, STM, may have been using Exodus to carry out its own unlawful spying operations. According to a person with knowledge of the Salerno investigation, STM obtained the Exodus spyware from eSurv and allegedly used it to assist Eugenio Facciolla, a prosecutor at the center of a corruption scandal.

The prosecutor's office in Salerno has charged Facciolla with forging documents in an effort to obstruct or mislead a police investigation into an 'Ndrangheta-led illegal logging operation, which involved chopping down thousands of trees in some of Italy's national parks, according to the person and Italian media reports.

Facciolla worked for a different prosecutor's office, in Castrovillari, that paid STM more than 700,000 (about $780,000) for help carrying out surveillance in criminal investigations, said the person. But the Salerno prosecutor is looking at the possibility that Facciolla went rogue-and enlisted STM to help with illegal, off-the-books surveillance operations, said the person.

Nicola Gratteri, one of Italy's leading anti-mafia prosecutors, said he identified connections between STM and people working for the 'Ndrangheta. "From telephone tapping, I discovered that some of my subjects had something to do with this company," said Gratteri.

STM didn't respond to messages seeking comment.

Gratteri said he passed on the information about STM to the prosecutor's office in Salerno, which is investigating the matter but declined to comment for this story. The use of Exodus and other spyware, Gratteri suggested, had gotten out of control. In the hands of corrupt police or prosecutors, he said, it could be used to target people like him.

"I think I am an interesting subject for those not on the side of justice," he said.

Italy's High Council of the Judiciary, which manages the appointment of prosecutors, said in November that it was removing Facciolla from his office in Castrovillari, on the grounds that he had "abused his functions." Facciolla is appealing that decision and said that the accusations against him were "false."

"I have been fighting crime for decades," he told Bloomberg News in a statement.

Fasano acknowledged providing Exodus to other companies, including STM, which signed a partner agreement with eSurv in January 2018 worth about 50,000 (about $61,000). However, Fasano said he didn't know how STM used the technology.

"It's like a gun," said Vincenzo Ioppoli, Fasano's lawyer. "Once you have sold it, you don't know how it will be used."

The investigation is expected to be completed later this year, according to the Naples prosecutors. Fasano and Ansani were kept under house arrest for three months and released. They are awaiting the next stage of their legal proceedings, which will likely conclude with a trial, according to Fasano.

Fasano said that his wife has left him due to troubles caused by his legal case and that he is struggling to make his mortgage payments because eSurv has shut down its operations. (His wife didn't return a message seeking comment.) He said he's had offers for new jobs but only from companies in the surveillance industry. He said he's done with the spyware business and regrets getting into it in the first place.

"I don't want to work in this kind of market anymore," said Fasano, lamenting his fate ahead of a meeting about his case in October. "Privacy, for me, it is a very, very important thing. I made a big mistake."
A 50-year-old convicted sex offender has been charged in connection with the disappearance of a Trussville woman who vanished after leaving a Lakeview bar.

Fredrick Hampton, of Brighton, is being sought on a charge for abuse of corpse. He is not charged in connection with Paighton Houstons death, only with actions authorities say he took following her death which in this case would be burying her.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office has not yet determined the cause and manner of death. They are awaiting the results of additional testing, including toxicology, before the report is complete. The testing takes four to six weeks.

"What we know is no physical trauma to the body of the victim would have led to her death. We have evidence the victim and the offender were together the night of Dec. 20, 2019,'' said Sheriffs Office Deputy Chief David Agee in a Thursday press conference.

We have evidence the victim died the next day at a house on McClain Street in Brighton. We have evidence that after the victim died, her body was disposed of in a criminal manner by Fredrick Hampton.

The body of the 29-year-old Houston was found Friday, Jan. 3, wrapped in sheets and buried in a shallow grave behind the house at 215 Chapel Drive. That house belongs to relatives of Hampton.

According to Alabama law, a person commits the crime of abuse of a corpse if he or she knowingly treats a human corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities. It is a Class C felony.

Hampton was initially held in the Birmingham City Jail on a 48-hour extension on suspicion of kidnapping beginning Saturday, Dec. 28, but was released two days later because investigators did not have enough to charge him with any crime.

Agee said investigators have determined Houston was with Hampton on Dec. 20, 2019 and Dec. 21, 2019. She died on Dec. 21 at a house on McClain Street in Brighton, he said. Asked if Houston was with Hampton willingly and voluntarily, Agee said, We are saying they were together. There is no evidence there was any force.

Agee thanked the agencies who helped the sheriffs office in the investigation, including the Metro Area Crime Center, Trussville police, Hueytown police and Birmingham police. He also thanked Crime Stoppers, which received multiple tips that ultimately led to the recovery of Houstons remains.

"A lot of evidence came in through Crime Stoppers,'' he said. "The investigators did a great job of following up on that information and tracking down the location of the victim. "

No additional arrests are imminent in the case. "This offender is responsible of this crime, disposing of the corpse in this manner,'' he said. Additional charges are possible depending on what evidence becomes available.

He did not say Hampton is believed to be armed and dangerous, just that he is a wanted man.

"We want to get him into custody,'' Agee said. We would hope he would turn himself in. That would be best for everyone.

Hampton was previously convicted in 1992 on first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy charges out of Jefferson County. He served 20 years, five months and 26 days in prison before his release on March 22, 2012. He was also charged with kidnapping, but that charge was dismissed.

Details about those March 5, 1991 crimes werent immediately available but a sex offender notification states the offender, along with seven other men, committed rape Rape 1st and Sodomy 1st on an adult female.

Shortly after the completion of his prison sentence, Hampton was arrested again for failure to provide authorities with his new address, which is required by law for convicted sex offenders. He pleaded guilty to that charge in September 2012 and received a two-year suspended sentence.

Houston vanished Dec. 20. She was last seen at Tin Roof in the 2700 block of Seventh Avenue South. According to Birmingham police, she left the bar about 10:45 p.m. with two heavy-set black males. Sgt. Johnny Williams said it was reported that Houston left the location willingly with the two men.

She had reportedly gone to the Birmingham bar with co-workers. Friends on Facebook said Houston didnt know the men and that the last text message from her to a coworker  about two hours after she left Tin Roof - stated she didnt know where she was, and she felt she might be in trouble. She had sent multiple messages to her co-worker, the last one reading, Idk who im with so if I call please answer. I feel in trouble. That text was sent at 12:15 a.m. Dec. 21 but not seen by her coworker until nearly two hours later.

Similar cases have happened around the state.

In 2014, a Pinson womans body was found burning behind an abandoned Fairfield home. Kenneth Lamar Childers and Nathaniel Fortune were charged with abuse of corpse following the death of 22-year-old Megan Elizabeth Monroe.

Monroes remains were discovered April 19, 2014 behind an empty house in the 500 block of 40th Street. Authorities determined Monroe was already dead from an alleged drug overdose when the two men put Monroes body behind the house and set it on fire, according to the indictments against Childers and Fortune. Childers went to police nine days later and confessed what he had done and identified Fortune as the second suspect. Police also obtained video of the two men buying gas.

Both men eventually pleaded guilty to the felony charge. Childers was sentenced to six years in prison; Fortune to 10 years in prison. Fortune had previous convictions for attempted murder, possession of cocaine and carrying a pistol without a license.

In November 2017, the body of 27-year-old Melissa Ann Cleckler was found on Egg and Butter Road near Oak Drive in Columbiana. Her body had been at the location for a couple of days before the discovery. The cause and manner of her death was never determined.

Allen Dion Jones, 44, of Jemison, and Anthony Scott Germany, 42, were charged with abuse of corpse. Both men pleaded guilty to the charge in 2018 and received nine-year suspended sentences.

Anyone with information on Hamptons whereabouts is asked to call 911, the sheriffs office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSX: SIL) (NYSE American: SILV) ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to summarize its 2019 highlights and present its outlook for 2020. SilverCrest begins 2020 with a strong balance sheet with C$124 million in the bank and no debt. The Company also starts the year with a substantial backlog of exploration drill results to report in Q1, 2020. The Company is working to complete the Feasibility Study for a mine construction decision, to continue with an aggressive exploration program and accelerate development work on the Las Chispas Project ("Las Chispas") in Sonora, Mexico.

N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and CEO commented, "2019 was a great year for SilverCrest with the main focus on further de-risking of Las Chispas. The most significant 2019 highlights are (in chronological order for the year):

the addition of Pierre Beaudoin as COO;

the announcement of a third resource estimate and robust Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA");

the start-up of underground development for the Babicanora Vein in Area 51 zone;

the positive reconciliation of grades from initial mining and stockpiling;

the appointment of Ani Markova as a new director;

the grant of our general operating and explosives permits ahead of schedule;

the acquisition of water rights and confirmation of ample water for conceptual operations;

the graduation from the TSX Venture Exchange to the Toronto Stock Exchange;

the addition of two more high-grade discoveries (the Babi Vista Vein and Las Chispas Area 118);

the completion of a 180,000-metre core drill program;

the successful completion of three equity financings for aggregate gross proceeds of C$122 million;

the approval of the Change of Use of Soil Permit, which was the final major permitting event to allow for mine construction and operation; and

Share price appreciation with increased shareholder value of 120% for the year.

The hard work in 2019 has positioned us for another exciting year in 2020. Our Exploration Team pushes forward on aggressively completing in-fill drilling for resource conversion to reserves; expanding on recent discoveries; and increasing our geological knowledge of the district for potential additional discoveries. In parallel, our Development Team continues to work on completion of the ongoing Feasibility Study; accelerate installation of operations administration offices and warehousing; install water works; expand underground development; stockpile high-grade mined material for potential processing; and expand SilverCrest's health and safety programs. Upon making a construction decision in mid-2020, the Development Team will also focus on hiring and training operations personnel; preparing operation readiness plans; and obtaining other minor construction permits. Collectively, the Company will continue and expand its positive relationship with the surrounding communities. We are very thankful and appreciative of all of our employees, contractors, local communities, government supporters, and shareholders for their contributions. We look forward to their continued support as we work hard to build value in 2020 and beyond."

2020 Outlook

Release backlog of 2019 drill results in Q1, 2020 : SilverCrest has had 15 to 18 drill rigs active at the Las Chispas Project since mid-2019. Several hundred drill holes remain to be announced as final assays and compilation are ongoing. In Q1, 2020, SilverCrest anticipates releasing additional in-fill and expansion drill results from: Babi Sur Vein; Babi Vista Discovery; Babicanora Norte Vein; Babicanora Vein; Babicanora FW Vein; and Area 118 Discovery.

: SilverCrest has had 15 to 18 drill rigs active at the Las Chispas Project since mid-2019. Several hundred drill holes remain to be announced as final assays and compilation are ongoing. In Q1, 2020, SilverCrest anticipates releasing additional in-fill and expansion drill results from:

Drill results reported from March 2019 through Q1, 2020 will be incorporated into the updated resource to be released with the Feasibility Study in H1, 2020.

2020 Exploration Program: For 2020, SilverCrest has budgeted approximately US$16 million for a 125,000 metres exploration drill program. The Q1, 2020 exploration program focuses on expanding measured and indicated resources to be considered for inclusion in the initial reserve estimate with the Feasibility Study. For the remainder of the year, the Exploration Team will shift from mostly in-fill drilling for resource conversion to reserves to drill testing new vein targets to depth, along strike of known high-grade veins and in underexplored areas including the 26 known veins not in resources.

Feasibility Study: SilverCrest is focused on advancing the Feasibility Study to completion in H1, 2020. The current task is SilverCrest's handover of the drill hole database to GMining Services Inc. in February for a new resource estimation, mine design, mine dilution, reserve estimation, and mining operating, and capital costs. In addition, Ausenco is focusing on optimizing metallurgical recoveries, finalizing the processing circuit, and estimating plant capital, and operating costs.

Change of Use of Soil (CUS): With the Mexican government approval of the Change of Use of Soil and in anticipation of a positive construction decision after the completion of the Feasibility Study, the SilverCrest's Development Team will initiate an Early Works Program to construct offices, warehousing, water works and road access improvements in H1, 2020.

Construction Decision: Upon completion of the Feasibility Study, management plans to submit a construction recommendation to the Company's Board of Directors in mid-2020. If successful, SilverCrest would begin major construction activities in H2, 2020 at Las Chispas.

Project Financing Package: With C$124 million of cash, the Company is well positioned to advance the Las Chispas Project. SilverCrest has also commenced the due diligence work on a possible project debt financing package with a group of potential underwriters.

Further De-Risking & Underground Development with Stockpiling: SilverCrest began underground development at Las Chispas in Q2, 2019 with the construction of the Santa Rosa exploration decline. As part of the underground development, the Company began stockpiling high-grade material from the Babicanora Vein (including the Area 51 zone). In-vein development has given the Company a better understanding of: high-grade vein reconciliation compared with the PEA resource block model; underground geotechnical and mining parameters; bulk sampling for metallurgical work specifically high-grade shear zone clays not considered in the PEA; scheduling high-grade stockpiled material for conceptual production startup and de-risking. Underground development will continue through 2020 with in-vein drifting and de-risk testing of mining methods well ahead of the conceptually planned start-up. Results from reconciliation of tonnes and grade will be announced as work progresses.

Overall, the Company is in transition at Las Chispas from aggressive and systematic exploration, successful discovery, resource estimation, and the completion of a PEA to completing a Feasibility Study for a mine construction decision and potential major construction startup in mid-2020.

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 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. The Las Chispas Project consists of 28 mineral concessions, of which the Company has 100% ownership of where all the known mineral resources are located. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Property resulting in numerous high-grade precious metal 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" and forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Property, including construction of the Area 51 decline, metallurgical test, mineralization estimates and grades for drill intercepts, permitting for various work and optimizing and updating the Company's resource model and preparing a feasibility study; 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 are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the reliability of mineralization estimates, 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

Chief Executive Officer

SilverCrest Metals Inc.

For Further Information:

SilverCrest Metals Inc.

Contact: Jacy Zerb, Investor Relations Manager

Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730

Fax: +1 (604) 357-1313

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51561
Mayor Jim Kenney wants to improve city services for children, and hes created a new office to do it.

The Office of Children and Families will oversee existing city departments that serve kids, including the mayors signature pre-K and community schools programs, and will work closely with the School District of Philadelphia and other city departments to find ways to improve those services.

Kenney signed an executive order creating the office earlier this month, hours after beginning his second term, and appointed Cynthia Figueroa, who has served as the citys Department of Human Services (DHS) commissioner since 2016, as deputy mayor for children and families.

When you think about the barriers that kids and families face, its not only going to be the academic achievement gap, Figueroa said in an interview. Its whats going on in the home thats impacting the achievement gap that also needs to be addressed. So instead of doing those in silos, the best interest for our families in Philadelphia is to do that in a collective way.

Kenney credits Figueroa with transforming DHS, and she will continue to oversee the department in addition to the pre-K and community schools programs funded by the citys tax on soda and other sweetened beverages. Officials said the new office will find innovative ways for DHS and the School District to work together, expand the pre-K and community schools programs, and convene a so-called childrens cabinet of city leaders from different departments to improve coordination of all services that affect Philadelphias kids.

Figueroa said she hopes to push new ideas and big changes, so that by the end of Kenneys second term, people are coming to visit us to ask, Wow, look at what Philly was doing, and look what we can bring to our city.

Figueroa will oversee a staff of 1,538 city employees  most of whom work for DHS  and will earn an annual salary of $206,000 as deputy mayor. She is transitioning out of her role as DHS commissioner. Kimberly Ali, currently a deputy commissioner of DHS, will become commissioner.

For Kenney, the move marks an effort to cement his legacy by ensuring the future of his pre-K and community schools programs in an official city department.

But Philadelphia is not the only city to take this approach to helping kids: New York, Boston, and some state governments have created childrens cabinets, and Figueroa has been in touch with leaders in those places.

I think youre seeing a movement toward really trying to coalesce policies and city departments toward serving kids and families, said Jim Engler, Kenneys chief of staff.

Helping DHS work with the School District

When Figueroa began as the citys DHS commissioner, she said, the services her department provided to kids were largely separate from the School Districts work  even though their efforts often overlapped.

We would go to multiple meetings with the district and theyre like, Cant we just have one meeting with you guys where we cover all of this work?  she said.

Coordination has already improved, Figueroa said, in part due to Kenneys successful push to return the School District to local control. Now, its her job to expand those efforts.

One way to better serve kids, she said, is to coordinate DHS case management for kids in its system who attend Philadelphia public schools.

We have case management work that happens out in the communities, she said. Theres so much more opportunity to further strengthen ... meetings and integration of [DHS and School District] staff and all other things that are really going to serve families better.

An effort already underway is a $100 million contract for behavioral health services in schools, for which the Kenney administration coordinated with several departments and used feedback from teachers and principals. Engler said the city has issued a request for proposals, with plans to have a new streamlined system in place by the start of the 2020-21 school year.

It feels like there are these big systems that are running, Figueroa said, and were trying to figure out efficiencies, so it feels a little bit like a start-up.

Pre-K and community schools

The Office of Children and Families will serve, in part, to make pre-K and community schools part of the fabric of what the city government does long term, Engler said.

The pre-K program offers city-funded seats for children with private pre-K providers, and community schools are select public schools that have embedded social services specific to their needs and receive additional resources from the city.

The Kenney administration launched city-funded pre-K and community schools in 2017, after the beverage tax took effect. They were previously part of the Mayors Office of Education. The staff working on those programs will now be part of the Office of Children and Families.

Chief education officer Otis Hackney will retain his role and work within the Mayors Office, Engler said, handing off the beverage-tax funded programs to Figueroa.

The city is expanding its community schools program to 17 schools this year.

The pre-K program grew to 3,300 seats for the current school year. Figueroa said one of her top priorities is helping expand the program by an additional 1,000 seats in the next school year. Engler said DHS, which has a large staff to manage contracts, is well-qualified to help the city contract with pre-K providers as the program grows.

Engler said the Office of Children and Families will also focus on how to serve kids even before they reach preschool age, offering more resources for parents of children from infancy to age 5.

And Figueroa said she expects more ideas to follow.

We have an opportunity to think much bigger, she said. Its looking at the concept of what are the barriers and what are bigger issues for children and families that we can bring other departments together to really problem-solve from a data perspective.
Following a multi-agency pitch in 2019, Wunderman Thompson South Asia has won the creative mandate for Sugarlite. The agency will be providing strategic and creative services to shape the communication for the brand, which will cut across geographies, demographics and mind-sets and deliver differentiated content with incisive insights.

Sugarlite, which was launched in January 2019, is a premium sugar brand from wellness and health company Zydus Wellness. A first of its kind sugar, Sugarlite claims to deliver 50 per cent less calories than regular sugar for the same degree of sweetness. The agenda of Sugarlite is to provide a healthy sugar to Indian homemakers and health seekers.

Commenting on the decision to appoint Wunderman Thompson as their creative agency, Tarun Arora, Chief Executive Offer, Zydus Wellness, said, We were seeking to partner with an agency that would not only be responsible for communication development, but also walk alongside us with strategic inputs on the brand. Hence, we decided to extend our partnership with Wunderman Thompson considering the good work that has been done on some of our other brands.

On the new business win, Tarun Rai, Chairman and Group CEO, Wunderman Thompson, South Asia, said, Zydus Wellness has some amazing brands in their portfolio, and I am very happy that we have deepened our relationship with the Sugarlite win. We will work in close partnership with the Sugarlite team to achieve their ambitious business objectives. With Wunderman Thompsons capabilities in data, digital and technology, we are in a strong position to offer end-to-end solutions for the brand.

Kishore Tadepalli, SVP & Managing Partner, Wunderman Thompson, Mumbai, added here, We are truly delighted that we could demonstrate our teams experience and capabilities in offering a multi-discipline integrated offering to win this very prestigious business. Through Sugarlite, we want to redefine the sugar category in India and creative communication plays a crucial role to achieve the same. We now look forward to this partnership to create content that will help to drive the desired impact and achieve business outcomes for Sugarlite.
The median income of the neighborhoods within 3 miles of downtown San Antonio increased by 39 percent between 2000 and 2015, according to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

While that may be cause for celebration, it doesn't necessarily mean the people who have always lived in those neighborhoods became wealthier. Instead, the statistic was mostly driven by wealthier people moving in, the study's author said.

Yichen Su noted that gentrification in the Alamo City tracks a phenomenon occurring in cities across the country. Young, college-educated workers are pouring into city centers in search of amenities like nightlife, retailers and restaurants.

San Antonio actually saw the smallest median income increase near downtown out of the four largest Texas metro areas. Houston experienced the fastest pace (67 percent), followed by Austin (65 percent) and Dallas (49 percent).

Why did San Antonio trail the others?

Su named a few reasons. First, the city has attracted fewer college-educated workers than places like Austin, known as a haven for skilled tech workers fleeing California rents.

"If the ones that are gentrifying the central cities are these particular types of people, the fact that San Antonio attracted fewer of them contributed to the fact that San Antonio gentrified a little bit less," he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Houston gentrifying faster than other Texas cities, Fed analysis finds

San Antonio's decentralized, spread-out structure also contributed, Su noted. Employers and amenities are not concentrated in downtown San Antonio the way they are in its neighbor to the north.

"If you live in a city where everywhere is sort of similar, then theres no particular reason for you  you dont have to live in the central city to enjoy the amenities," Su said of potential gentrifiers.

Finally, and the analyst emphasized that he has not formally tested this theory, there's traffic  and San Antonio's relative lack of it. If people can get in and out of the central city in a reasonable time, then those who want access to downtown job opportunities or amenities don't necessarily have to live there.

The study raises another question: What happens to the long-time residents when these new people move in?

Su looked at a series of vulnerable populations  residents without a college degree, low-income residents, black residents, and Hispanic residents  and found that each group increasingly locates in the city's suburbs and outskirts over downtown neighborhoods.

Displacement occurs when high-income residents move into an area, raising rents to levels long-term residents cannot afford. The phenomenon is exacerbated by a lack of construction downtown, and Su's graphs show San Antonio has seen far more housing units built on its outskirts than the central city.

Although Su was careful to note the data doesn't mean people are being kicked out of neighborhoods, the statistics show downtown population decline among those vulnerable groups.

"If high-income workers are moving in and you dont grow housing units," Su said. "Then of course what happens is that some people have to leave."

Mark Dunphy is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read him on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mark.dunphy@express-news.net | @m_b_dunphy
Seven jurors were picked for fallen film producer Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial on Thursday as model Gigi Hadid was excused from serving owing to her fame. The prosecution and defense agreed on more than half of the 12 jurors that will decide Weinstein's fate in the high-profile proceedings key to the #MeToo movement. The defense team struck out several young women as the attorneys try to approve jurors whom they think may be more sympathetic to their side of the case. Prosecutors and Weinstein's legal team also need to pick six alternates for the New York trial that is expected to run until March 6. "This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement," Judge James Burke told potential jurors Thursday. "You must decide this case on the evidence," he added. Hadid, 24, was greeted by a crowd of photographers as she strolled into the Manhattan court wearing sunglasses just before 09:00 am (1400 GMT) on the eighth day of jury selection. She left discreetly about ten minutes afterwards, according to police officers outside. US media reported that the prosecution and defense had agreed to dismiss the famous model and Instagram star. Hadid, who has modeled for top fashion brands including Chanel, first appeared for the pre-screening of potential jurors on Monday, adding a fresh celebrity twist to the trial. She told Burke that although she knew Weinstein -- and actress Salma Hayek, who accused the disgraced movie mogul of sexual assault -- she could still be fair and impartial. Hadid was asked to fill out a questionnaire before being told to return for Thursday's next round of screening. Weinstein, 67, has been accused of sexual assault by more than 80 women, including Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow, since accusations against him ignited the #MeToo movement in October 2017. But he is being tried on charges related to just two. He faces life in prison if found guilty of predatory sexual assault. Intense media coverage of the proceedings has made jury selection an exhausting process. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned around 700 candidates as they try to weed out people who have already made up their minds. The legal teams will return to court on Friday to continue jury selection. Opening arguments are expected to begin on January 22. Model Gigi Hadid arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court, where she was excused from serving as a juror in the trial of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein Harvey Weinstein enters the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City
Miami-Dade narcotics detectives needed surveillance as they investigated a suspected armed drug dealer believed to be peddling crack cocaine over the fence of his houses backyard.

But the surveillance didnt come from a cop hiding in a tree, an unmarked car or a nearby building.

Instead, the eyes came from 3,100 feet above the ground as officers launched a police drone to capture what they say was Andre Dread Scott selling cocaine to an undercover informant from the yard of his Northwest Miami-Dade home. The drone footage  approved beforehand by a judge  marks the first time that Miami-Dade police has employed an unmanned aerial vehicle to obtain real-time evidence in a criminal investigation.

The court case comes as Florida lawmakers will again consider a limited expansion on the use of police drones, and as law-enforcement agencies across the United States have increased drone purchases amid concerns about intrusions on privacy.

In the Scott case, the drone footage is now evidence as Miami-Dade prosecutors look to convict the 31-year-old on a slew of weapon-and-drug charges. He remains jailed. Scotts defense lawyer declined to comment.

Across the country, the use of drones among police, fire departments and government agencies has expanded as the technology has become cheaper..

In 2018, over 900 agencies in the United States, mostly law enforcement, had bought the small aerial vehicles, according to The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College. The number will be much higher in a study to be updated in a several weeks, said Dan Gettinger, who studies police use of drones for Bard College.

Drones could be like body cameras in the future, just another piece of video equipment thats become widespread, Gettinger said.

But the dramatic escalation of the futuristic-looking drones  popular with hobbyists, photographers and news media organizations  have also led to fears from civil libertarians, particularly in states where police departments refuse to disclose information about their unmanned aerial vehicle programs.

Story continues

In Southern California, for example, most police departments in San Diego have refused to disclose details on drone deployments. One city, Chula Vista, has launched a large-scale drone program that is claims completed 1,000 missions in one year  and led to 130 arrests.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, which sued the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2012 over access to information on which police agencies have applied to fly drones, has criticized cops in Northern California police for flying drones over protests.

Drones are really cheap and there is this worry that down the road, police departments might be using them more and more to spy on people, said David Maass, a senior researcher at EFF.

Most often, authorities and experts say, police drones are used to monitor crowds, watch traffic, aid in search and rescues and document crime and accident scenes.

Cops, of course, have long had their eyes in the sky  with helicopters and airplanes, which are usually outfitted with cameras. And generally, law-enforcement agencies dont need judicial approval to fly planes and helicopters.

But critics say drones are way more invasive.

Mass-deploying helicopters is prohibitively expensive, but regularly using drones is much more feasible, New Yorks American Civil Liberties Union warned in December 2018 as the city was launching its unnamed aerial vehicle program.

And, because they are small, they can fly in places helicopters cant reach, like into a persons garage or just outside a bedroom window.

The ACLU warned the drone cameras can create a chilling effect on people exercising their rights to free speech, protest, and other lawful activities.

In Florida, state law has long limited the use of a police drone unless it was being used to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property, search for a missing person, prevent a terrorist attack or stop the the imminent escape of a suspect or the destruction of evidence.

Last year, during the legislative session, Florida lawmakers considered a bill that allows police to use drones to record outdoor crime and traffic scenes, as well as assist in monitoring crowds of 50 people or more, without a warrant.

The House passed the bill unanimously. The bill died in the Senate. Miami Beach House Rep. Michael Grieco, D-Miami Beach, a co-sponsor of the bill, said there were concerns that drones buzzing over gatherings felt very much like out of the movie Minority Report and the show of the vehicles would make people feel as if it would suppress speech.

Grieco, however, said law enforcement using drones to monitor crowds is no different than stationing officers or cameras in police towers, or using a tethered blimp in public spaces where there is no expectation of privacy  all of which already happen.

The bill would allow police and fire to use drones in the same way the public can use drones, Grieco said. Police officers cant use drone in public spaces, but any average joe citizen can buy one at the mall kiosk and launch it in the sky legally.

For the legislative session that began Tuesday, Rep. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, has again introduced the same bill; Grieco has again signed on as a co-sponsor.

If passed, the law would still require police detectives to secure search warrants for investigations such as the one into Scott.

In all, Miami-Dade police has eight drones. Theyve mostly been used to chronicle crime scenes. Last month, for example, a Miami-Dade judge approved the use of a drones to record the crime scene of two separate outdoor murder scenes in Southwest Miami-Dade.

(State agents also used a judicially approved drone to record the rural Northwest Miami-Dade field where the long-missing remains of murder victim Lynda Meier were discovered in December 2018).

Andre Scott

In the Scott case, county detectives learned that drugs were being sold from a home on the 1100 block of Northwest 118th Street, a residential neighborhood just outside the city of North Miami.

In August, detectives dispatched a confidential informant to buy cocaine from the dealer at the home, according to a search warrant. The informant bought $10 of marijuana from a man over a wooden fence. The man, believed to be Scott because of a tattoo on his face, held a pistol in his hand, police said.

In all, over a couple months, the informant made three marijuana buys and one purchase of crack cocaine from the man believed to be Scott, according to police. That gave detectives enough probable cause to apply for a search warrant for the drone.

On Oct. 8, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Charles Johnson signed the warrant.

We wanted to keep that operation as a safe as possible because that block was prone to gun violence at the time, said Miami-Dade Lt. Chris Casiano, of the narcotics bureau. It was safest option we had at the time.

Two days later, as the informant went in for a fifth buy, a Miami-Dade police drone operator launched the vehicle. As officers watched on a live video feed, a male appearing to be Scott came out of the house and handed the informant four bags of hard, street slang for crack, the warrant said.

The footage, released as part of a public-records request, depicts a man walking in the backyard of the house, appearing to hand something to another man. Scotts face is not clear in the footage.

A second search warrant was issued. On Oct. 17, detectives raided Scotts home and found him hiding in a shed of the home. On the property, officers found an illegal short-barrel rifle, a revolver and suspected marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.

Because of his criminal past, and because he was on probation for an earlier drug case, Scott was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has pleaded not guilty.

Maass, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the use of the drone in this case is not common. He praised the judicial oversight.

Thats actually a much better ideal for using a drone than what were using elsewhere in the country, Maass said. At least theres a level of oversight.
An unidentified man was fatally wounded in a triple shooting Wednesday evening in North Philadelphia, police said.

Gunfire erupted about 5:20 p.m. outside in the 2600 block of West Lehigh Avenue. A man, described as about 20 years old, was shot throughout his body. He was taken by medics to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead at 5:54.

A 16-year-old boy who was shot twice in the abdomen was taken by police to Temple and was listed in critical condition. A 25-year-old man also was transported by police to the hospital with six gunshot wounds.

Police reported no arrests, and no other details were available.
A vast website documenting the forgotten "sub-camps" of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz was launched on Thursday by an association of private researchers in Berlin on Thursday.

The project, entitled "Re-Finding the Sub Camps of Auschwitz" is "like a book of 3,000 pages," said Cameron Munro, the Scottish founder of the "Tiergartenstrasse 4 Association", at a press conference.

The site pulls together more than a decade of research on some 45 sub-camps or "kommandos" located on the periphery of the most notorious site of the Nazi Holocaust.

Based on first-hand accounts and research in the archives of the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum and others, the site contains more than 3,500 photos, documents and maps.

It tells the story of each sub-camp, including lists of the survivors and SS guards and information about their personal stories.

The site also lists the industrial organisations implicated in exploiting prisoners at the camps.

The most infamous of the sub-camps is Monowitz, which was run by notorious chemical conglomerate IG Farben.

Others were dedicated to metallurgy, textiles agriculture and mining.

Mining in particular was considered to be a death sentence due to the brutal working conditions, Munro explained.

"By 1943, the Third Reich was desperate for labour for the armaments industry, coal mines, steel works, chemical plants and other businesses to keep the war going," the website reads in its introduction to the project.

The launch of the project coincides with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.

More than 1.1 million people -- mostly Jews but also Roma -- were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, which became a symbol of the Holocaust.

Yet to date, very little research has been done on the Auschwitz sub-camps.

"The sub-camps, traces of which have more or less entirely disappeared, remain important places for the relatives of those who died there," said Christoph Heubner, vice-president of the International Auschwitz Committee.

He added that the researchers' work had "created something which had not been possible before" by "preserving the traces and honouring the memory of the victims".

The project was launched in Poland in 2003 by Polish journalist Artur Hojan, a specialist in the extermination camp at Chelmno.

After Hojan's death in 2014, the "Tiergartenstrasse 4 Association" moved to Berlin.

The association is named in reference to the address of the Holocaust Memorial in central Berlin.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Alliance News) - Cora Gold Ltd on Thursday said a study has validated the future economic potential of the Sanankoro gold project located in southern Mali.

The scoping study estimates a 84% internal rate of return for the project at USD1,400 gold price and net present value of the project of USD30.9 million at an 8% discount rate.

Average gold production from the project is predicted at over 45,000 ounces per year at an all in sustaining cost of USD942 per ounce. Pre-production capital expenditure is estimated at USD20.6 million and free cash flow generation of USD19 million.

Cora Chief Executive Bert Monro said: "This scoping study shows Sanankoro has the potential to be a highly profitable standalone oxide mine, delivering a high IRR and short capex payback, with an annual average free cash flow of over USD19 million at a USD1,400 gold price".

"The key will be to drill out more oxide resources to extend the mine life and sustain the cash flow well beyond this maiden study. To date, we have only drilled 25% of the total strike length of the potential mineralised zones identified on the permit area. Drilling is currently ongoing and SRK's defined exploration target remains 1 to 2 million ounces of gold to a depth of just 100 metres," Monro added.

Cora Gold shares were up 4.0% at 6.50 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.

By Tapan Panchal; tapanpanchal@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
An Illinois woman who was reported missing two weeks ago was found dead in the trunk of her car.

Sureel Dabawala, 34, was reported missing by her family after she failed to return to her Schaumburg home on Dec. 30, Fox32 and the Chicago Sun Times report.

Dabawala had gone to work out at her gym and was last seen driving her silver Lexus, her family said. Authorities considered her endangered because of a medical condition.

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On Monday evening, private investigators hired by Dabawalas family located her car near a park on Chicagos West Side. The investigators called Dabawalas father, who had hired them, as well as police.

When Dabawalas father arrived at the scene with a set of car keys, he opened the vehicles trunk and found his daughter wrapped in a blanket unresponsive.

She was later pronounced dead.

This is someone who had her MBA from Loyola (University Chicago). I feel like its important for people to know that something like this could happen to anybody, not just people living in a dangerous neighborhood or anything like that, Dabawalas sister, who asked not to be named, told the Chicago Tribune. It could happen to anyones sister, mom, kid. She was a very smart girl, a very lively person. Its just devastating.

Dabawala was described as a very bubbly person who had no enemies. Her family is now planning funeral arrangements as they wait to learn how she died.

One of the worst parts of this is knowing that the car sat there as long as it did and knowing we couldve possibly found her sooner. Theres a lot of what-ifs, Dabawalas sister said.

Police are investigating Dabawalas death. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday.
A worker is pushing a cart filled with incense sticks at the Fujian Xingquan Incense Factory in Quanzhou city of southern China's Fujian Province on December 11, 2019. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas Private Sector Pessimistic About 2020 Economic Outlook

One of Chinas richest business entrepreneurs recently ranted on his YouTube channel about how he was forced into retirement by Chinese authorities.

Suddenly, an organization [of the Chinese government] called me: You must come here to complete the retirement process. Im a private business owner. How can they force me to retire? Feng Lun said in a YouTube video published on Jan. 2. The video was also available on some Chinese social media platforms.

The Beijing city government told him his pension would be 8,000 yuan (roughly $1,160) a month, a high amount by Chinese standards.

According to Chinese state-run newspaper China Economic Weekly, the average pension in 2016 was 2,362 yuan ($342.5) per month.

Feng did not reveal whether authorities gave him an explanation for why he was forced into retirement, but he complained that the amount would not be enough for his high-flying lifestyle.

Feng founded Vantone Real Estate, a publicly listed real estate developer, and China Minsheng Bank, the countrys first bank funded by private capital. He is also chairman of Yufeng Group, an investment firm.

According to an annual list of the countrys wealthiest people compiled by Hurun magazine, Feng was worth 2 billion yuan ($289 million) in 2019.

Feng is just one of dozens of Chinese tycoons who were met with unexpected fates in the past year.

Amid a crushing economic downturn, the Chinese regime pushed a number of policies to prop up state-owned firms, while a growing number of private company executives announced their resignations or retirement amid fears that the Communist Party would become more deeply entrenched in the private sector.

In the coming year, Chinese entrepreneurs are pessimistic about the business environment for private companies. We [Chinese entrepreneurs] all feel that we had less money in 2018, and have no money left in 2019 But we all say that 2019 will be great compared to the next 10 years, Feng said in his video.

William Li, the 45-year-old founder and CEO of NIO, a manufacturer of electric autonomous vehicles, is known as the Elon Musk of China. He appeared in one of Fengs videos and said: Actually, my life in 2019 was difficult and miserable.

Zhou Hang, co-founder and former chairman of Yongche, Chinas first ridesharing platform, said in the same video: In 2019, no matter which business you invested in, you lost [money]. Zhou said that in 2020, he would rather spend time on his hobbies instead of running his businesses.

Trends

Many Chinese entrepreneurs suffered hardships in 2019. For example, Xiao Yongming, the billionaire owner of a fertilizer business, was recently banned from traveling on high-speed trains and airplanes after he failed to pay back his debtspunishment under Chinas social credit system. Wang Zhenhua, a real estate magnate, has been detained by authorities on charges of child sexual abuse.

This year, the Chinese regime also pushed for more state intervention in the private sector, piggybacking off its mixed-economy policies launched in 2015 that sought to reform state-owned enterprises and reduce their debt ratios. Those measures included encouraging state-owned firms to publicly list on the stock market or merge with private companies, and pressuring private companies to funnel capital into state-owned firms.

In September 2019, for example, the government of Hangzhou cityone of Chinas key manufacturing bases and an emerging tech hubsent 100 officials to work with 100 of the most important private companies in town.

And according to the latest data compiled by Taiwan news outlet Credere Media, 41 Chinese listed private companies changed their ownership to different divisions of Chinas agency for overseeing state-owned firms, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), in the first 11 months of 2019. The total market value of these companies reached 220 billion yuan ($31.9 billion).

This phenomenon has been dubbed by Chinese netizens as, state enterprises advance, while the private sector retreats.

Big Names

Several high-profile executives also stepped down in 2019. The news of shakeups at some of Chinas biggest tech firms fueled more anxiety.

Jack Ma, founder of the worlds biggest e-retailer Alibaba, retired on Sept. 10, on his 55th birthday. Jack Ma is the richest man in China, worth 275 billion yuan ($39.85 billion), according to Hurun.

Pony Ma, founder of internet giant Tencent, resigned from his positions as the companys legal representative and executive board member on Sept. 19. 48-year-old Ma is the second richest man, with assets valued at 260 billion yuan ($37.67 billion).

Jack Ma dismissed rumors that his retirement was due to pressure from Beijing.

But the announcements came after SASAC director Hao Peng invited Jack Ma to his office on June 16, and invited Pony Ma on July 31. According to the SASAC website, during both visits, Hao asked the two Mas to lead their companies in cooperating with state-owned firms and help the latter to develop.

Others soon followed suit: Dick Wang Wei, founder and CEO of Chinas largest courier service SF Express, stepped down from his board chair position on Dec. 10. Liu Chuanzhi, founder and executive board member of computer manufacturer Lenovo, retired on Dec. 18.

Robin Li Yanhong, co-founder of Chinas largest search engine Baidu, resigned as executive board member in October, and Richard Liu Qiangdong, founder of e-retailer JD.com, resigned as general manager of several JD subsidiaries.

Some China analysts speculate that local governments will next seize these executives assets, as they are cash-strapped.

Tough Future

Chinese and international economists predict that the countrys economy will grow at a rate lower than six percentdropping to the lowest levels in decades.

Though the Chinese regime has released stimulus measures aimed at supporting private firms, such as opening up some sectors traditionally monopolized by state-owned firms such as railway, telecommunications, and energysome officials expressed pessimism.

The State Council has previously released a lot of policies and rules. The key is execution, Ma Hui, an official of the state-operated trade association, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, told state-run media Yicai on Dec. 22, 2019.
India's Paper Industry Sees Fast Growing Market, Continues to Focus on Reducing Energy and Water Use A. S. Mehta, President of IPMA, and President and Director of JK Paper Limited said an expanding middle class, urbanization, rise in disposable incomes, and growth in print media are providing a boost to consumption of paper in India. Jan. 16, 2020 - With a growth rate of 6-7%, India is the fastest growing market in the world for paper, according to the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA). However inadequate raw material availability and Government's policy of extending preferential tariff treatment to import of paper under the free trade agreements (FTAs) has left the industry exposed to cheaper imports hurting domestic manufacturing, experts stated at the 13th edition of PaperTech 2019, a paper industry conference that was held in Hyderabad (Telangana, India) in September of 2019. PaperTech is jointly hosted by jointly held by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and IPMA, and is focused on making the Indian paper industry world class. In a special address, A. S. Mehta, President of IPMA, and President and Director of JK Paper Limited, stated that India represents an island of growth for the global industry. An expanding middle class, urbanization, rise in disposable incomes and growth in print media are providing a boost to consumption of paper in India. He also noted that lifestyle changes are leading to an increase in packaging levels across different FMCG products, and since paper is environment friendly, fully recyclable and biodegradable, it is preferred over many other materials. Speaking at the conference, Sanjay Singh, Chairman, PaperTech 2019, President, IPPTA, and Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Limited PSPD, said that beyond the challenges, India's paper industry must take advantage of the growing trend to substitute plastic with paper. Domestically, the recent announcement by the Prime Minister about the abolition of single-use plastic has bolstered that opportunity. "We cannot compare paper with plastic because some of the properties of paper do not match with those of plastic and the cost of plastic differs from that of paper. But in the last few years there has been a huge development in the area of substitution of plastic with paper. The paper industry must take full advantage of this trend," he said. In his welcome address, Ganesh Bhadti, Vice Chairman, PaperTech 2019 and Vice President, Technical SPB Limited, said that PaperTech 2019 would focus on the latest innovations, energy efficiency, waste and water management and sustainability. He said that energy and water were the main focus areas of the industry and that PaperTech 2019 would address those issues in full measure. According to IPMA, India's paper industry has managed to reduce its energy consumption by about 20% in the last five years. Integrated paper mills in India now generate 50-60% of the power they use by utilizing the black liquor from the pulping process. In the first two cycles of PAT (Perform Achieve Trade) scheme of the Government, the paper industry significantly over-achieved the mandated stiff targets for energy saving. India's paper industry has also reduced its water usage. Just a few years ago, the industry consumed 200 cubic metres of water to produce a tonne of paper. Currently, India's integrated mills have reduced that figure to 50 cubic metres. Efforts are continuing, says IPMA, with the goal to reduce water usage down to 35-40 cubic metres. For the last several years, IPMA has been partnering with CII in organizing PaperTech with the theme of 'Make Indian Pulp & Paper Industry World Class' with the support of all the stake holders. The objective is to facilitate continuous improvement of energy, water and environmental performance in Indian paper industry and help Indian paper mills in achieving world class standards. The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) primary objective is to promote the interests of the paper industry in India and help it achieve global competitiveness while striving to be an active participant in the policy making process. To learn more, visit: ipma.co.in SOURCE: Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA)
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman encourages 500.com Limited (NYSE: WBAI) investors who have suffered significant losses to submit their losses now to learn if they qualify to recover their investment losses. A securities class action was recently filed against the company and senior executives, and certain investors may have valuable claims.

Class Period: Apr. 27, 2018  Dec. 31, 2019 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 16, 2020 Sign Up: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/WBAI Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

500.com Limited (WBAI) Securities Class Action:

The complaint alleges that Chinese online gambling operator 500.com concealed that its executives were bribing Japanese lawmakers to influence Japanese gaming policy and secure the development of a casino resort project in Japan.

The market began to learn the truth on Dec. 27, 2019, when media outlets reported that a Japanese elected official was arrested by Tokyo prosecutors and charged with receiving 3 million yen ($27,400) in cash from 500.com.

Then, on Dec. 31, 2019, 500.com announced the initiation of an internal investigation into alleged illegal money transfers, the concurrent resignation of its Chairman of the Board, and the "temporary" departure of its Chief Executive Officer pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

News of 500.com illegal money transfers caused the price of WBAI ADRs to decline sharply.

"We're focused on investors' losses and proving 500.com concealed its involvement in an illicit lobby scheme," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you purchased shares of 500.com and suffered significant losses, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding 500.com should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

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https://www.hbsslaw.com


Ukraine is optimistic about the future of relations with Hungary and hopes to reach compromises in order to settle the situation taking into account the interests of both countries.

"Currently, Hungary does not pose a problem in our relations with NATO. We are cautiously optimistic about [relations with] Hungary. Since the beginning of the year, certain things have happened that allow us looking forward to further joint steps  of both Ukraine and Hungary  to settle the situation," Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba told journalists on Wednesday following his visit to Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He recalled that the Ukraine-Hungary intergovernmental commission had been created which he co-chaired with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. "I look forward to our meeting, where we will certainly discuss development of trade and also the ways out of the situation we have been in for two years," the Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister said.

At the same time, Kuleba stressed that he does not deviate from the position of protecting Ukraine's interests and intends to discuss this during a meeting with his Hungarian counterparts.

Such a decision and a way out of the crisis [in bilateral relations] should take into account the interests of both Ukraine and Hungary. The situation that existed before the adoption of the education law will not be restored. But the compromises must be sought. We will certainly seek and make compromises, and we expect the Hungarian side to do the same. We need a joint decision, which would take into account the interests of both parties, the Ukrainian official said.

As a reminder, Ukraine-Hungary relations became more complicated after the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had passed the law on education. The law expanded the use of the state language in school education. Hungary expressed concern about the future of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Budapest blocks the NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting and states it is ready to oppose Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration until the law is amended.

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Getty Images for YouTube MusicThe stars of Atlanta turned out Wednesday night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking LaFace Records label founded in the ATL by Antonio LA Reid and Kenneth Babyface Edmonds.

Ludacris, T.I., Monica, 2Chainz, Jermaine Dupri, Future, Rick Ross, Big Boi, CeeLo Green, Da Brat, Dallas Austin and more paid tribute to the multi-Grammy-winning writers and producers at the 2020 Leaders & Legends Ball, hosted by YouTube Music at the Atlanta History Center.

Reid and Edmonds founded LaFace in Atlanta in 1989, which launched the careers of artists including Toni Braxton, Usher, Ciara, Outkast, Pink and TLC.

I didnt have it in my head that we were going to make this the greatest label of all time, but in that journey, we were able to meet amazing people, Babyface said Wednesday.

People were proud to say that they worked for LaFace, he added. I feel blessed to have written the songs I wrote, but Im just as blessed to have known and worked with the people at LaFace and to be a part of this city. There is no place like Atlanta and I dont think there ever will be."

LA and Babyface began their career as members of the group The Deele in Cincinnati, Ohio. After writing and producing several hits for other artists, including the number-one single, Rock Steady, for The Whispers in 1987, they founded LaFace in Atlanta.

Im proud to say I started my career bumping up next to the greatest songwriter ever [Babyface], Reid said. It doesnt get better, but Dallas [Austin] measured up and Jermaine [Dupri] measured up and Organized Noize measured up. They gave us greatness and music that will live forever. So, Im thankful to Atlanta for embracing us.

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved
New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) wouldnt run their ads on subways, but feminine-hygiene product-maker THINX kept pushing. City officials called the ads, which showed a halved grapefruit with the tagline Underwear for Women With Periods, offensive and suggestive. But the resistance only made their marketing campaign stronger.

As buzz accumulated around the ads and had city officials clutching their pearls, THINX fought back with creativity. The new ad copy read: For People With Periods and featured a trans man using their product. Whether or not these moves should be controversial, some people will resist marketing campaigns that focus on things they find difficult to talk about. Heres what you can do to market taboo products in a way that uses that friction to your advantage.

1. Change the conversation with a refreshing frankness.

THINX ultimately triumphed and got their ads up in NYC subways, and the struggle resulted in viral content that had people rallying behind the brand. The outspoken support on social media reached levels of high visibility and helped inspire thousands of immediate loyalists.

THINK continued to give city officials pushback, insisting that the companys image of a halved grapefruit to represent a vagina was no more suggestive than a whole grapefruit used to represent a breast -- an image already circulating the subway system in an ad for breast-enlargement surgery. But the ads also made frank use of the word period and didnt shy away from a palette that ranged from carnation pink to burgundy, in deliberate contrast to the pure, unblemished white of conventional ads for menstruation products.

What finally won their case, and what made their campaign such a viral and memorable success, was that somebody in marketing decided to take a risk, and the team at THINX continued to stand behind not only their product but also the company's mission. Plus, they were offering new and unique solutions and using inclusive copy in a way that empowers.

Takeaways from this? Frank presentation of difficult realities can pay off. If you get pushback, turn it into social-media cred that can amplify your brands voice.

Related: The Ingredients of a Marketing Plan

2. Be the brand known as the industry expert.

In an interview with ATAQ, Shapemint CEO Santiago Zabala, whose apparel brand emphasizes body positivity, remarked, When we first discovered shapewear, we noticed it was an untapped opportunity, since it is an industry that takes care of an important need that wasnt reaching its full potential due to its bad reputation."

Despite this, the company generated first-year sales of $75 million. An important part of our strategy is to actually change the conversation and educate the market about shapewear," Shapemnint's brand manager Stephanie Biscomb recently told Forbes.

If your product is having trouble breaking through because of a lack of public awareness or misinformation, turn that to your advantage by being the brand viewed as a go-to expert on its consumers's needs. Educating the public can grow a base where there wasnt one.

3. Know when to use humor.

Making light of difficult topics is one of the best tools in your belt, but only if used at the right time, for the right products. Ads about male incontinence products, for example, used to be insufferable until TENA Men made it a joke about men always trying to be in control. The campaign features a character named Sterling Gravitas who sinks every pool ball in a single shot, barks at his subordinates and whips his gold Ferrari into a parallel parking spot -- but still leaks urine.

But humor is not always the answer. Refuge, a UK foundation advocating for the victims of domestic violence, won more than 20 national awards for its Dont Cover it Up campaign. They hired a popular beauty blogger to film a video tutorial showing how to cover up cuts and bruises on your face. Although her bruises were fake, her performance was compelling, and it drove home the message about speaking out against domestic violence. The shocking combination of casual beauty blogging with terrifying violence stopped viewers in their tracks and made the campaign a success.

Know when to use humor. If its not appropriate, you might still hit the right note with a dose of shocking poignancy.

Related: Too Many Bells and Whistles Will Not Sell a Product

When its done right, marketing products that are difficult to talk about or that stimulate controversial conversation can be very exciting. Sometimes theres already a built-in buzz. You can become the de facto expert in an information desert, or you can turn the tables on the big dogs and become a hero innovator. You might bring humor to a topic that needs to lighten up, or introduce a poignant twist to one thats no laughing matter. So dont get caught in limited thinking just because youre facing some resistance, or because someone else is timid about the topic. A little boldness will push a difficult marketing campaign right into the limelight where it belongs.

Related:

Que son los modelos de atribucion del marketing digital? Te decimos como usarlos a tu favor

3 Ways to Differentiate Your Business in a Competitive Market

How to Market Taboo Products



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
President Trump won Wisconsin in 2016 by a margin of only .77 percent, and ahead of the November election, Democrats and Republicans are keeping a close eye on the 19 counties that backed former President Barack Obama in 2012 and switched to Trump four years later.

In rural Forest County, Pastor Franz Gerber of the Praise Chapel Community Church said he voted for Trump four years ago, as abortion is his biggest issue. Now, he told The Guardian, if he "had the opportunity again, I may vote differently. I would perhaps vote for someone who's not part of the major two parties. I would feel that my conscience would feel maybe a little bit cleaner had I gone that route."

Most of his congregation members are Republicans, and he is worried that a good portion of them appear to revere Trump more than they worship Jesus. "It seems like there are many evangelical Christians that are willing to die on the hill of supporting the Republican president, supporting Donald J. Trump," Gerber told The Guardian. "And to me, that hill is not worth dying on. No matter who the candidate is, no matter who the individual is. To put all your hope into that individual is a dangerous road. Scripture would warn us against that."

Trump's dalliances don't bother most "churchgoing people," Terri Burl, chair of the Howard County GOP, told The Guardian. "People always say, look at how he treats people, his affairs, how he cheated on his wife. People like me say, I'm not voting for him to be my pastor, my father, my role model. I'm voting for him to get some things done in Washington, D.C., that have never been done before. We forgive him because of other things."

Gerber said he is using his sermons to remind his congregation the importance of listening to each other and acceptance. "Ultimately, our allegiance is to God, not to a political party, not to a figure within that political party," he added. Read more at The Guardian.

More stories from theweek.com

Lev Parnas: Rick Perry said he told Ukrainian president aid was contingent on Biden investigation

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for

Mitch McConnell should recuse himself


TIGHTROPE: Americans Reaching for Hope, by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. (Knopf, $27.95.) Centered on rural Oregon (where Kristof, a Times columnist, grew up on a sheep farm, and WuDunn, his wife and former colleague, has spent much time), this book details wrenching devastation among the working poor: a generation ruined by addiction, suicide and treatable health conditions. Kristof and WuDunn document the tireless and heroic ways in which the people they interviewed tried, often with greater gumption than many fortunate people will ever be asked to summon, Sarah Smarsh writes in her review. The books greatest strength is its exaltation of the common persons voice, bearing expert witness to troubles that selfish power has wrought.

LONG BRIGHT RIVER, by Liz Moore. (Riverhead, $26.) Moore shows the toll of the opioid crisis on a Philadelphia neighborhood in her emotional thriller about sisters on opposite sides of the equation. One is a cop, the other an addict who has gone missing. Satisfyingly, the characters interior lives are as important as the mysteries that propel the action. Even in the midst of their crime-ridden, drug-addled neighborhood, Moores people have a steely kind of faith, our colleague Elisabeth Egan writes in Group Text, a new monthly column suggesting picks for book groups. Not necessarily the kind that brings you to your knees  although theres some of that too  but the belief that makes you stand a little taller and hold out for something better, against all odds. Moore gives you a lot to chew on.

WHY WE CANT SLEEP: Womens New Midlife Crisis, by Ada Calhoun. (Grove, $26.) Aware that she and many of her Gen X peers were unhappy, Calhoun studied housing costs, job trends and other factors  and, crucially, she talked to people. Dedicated to the middle-aged women of America (Its not just you), this candid book sums up her sleuthing. The life she portrays in the most depth is her own, and her descriptions of money struggles and health challenges are candid and engaging, Curtis Sittenfeld writes in her review. Shes a funny, smart, compassionate narrator, and I  admired her insistence on taking womens concerns seriously.

SUPREME AMBITION: Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover, by Ruth Marcus. (Simon & Schuster, $28.) Marcus, an editor and columnist at The Washington Post, deploys impressive reporting and a deep knowledge of Beltway politics to this trenchant, if dispiriting, account of the behind-the-scenes machinations that drove Justice Kavanaguhs ascent to the nations highest court despite claims that he committed sexual assault in high school. The most interesting part of Marcuss narrative is her discussion of why, in the end, the evidence mattered so little, Adam Cohen writes in his review. Much of the credit goes to Kavanaugh, whose  angry insistence that he was the true victim  which took a page from Clarence Thomass response to Anita Hills sexual harassment charges decades earlier  shifted the momentum in his direction.

VIRGINIA WOOLF: And the Women Who Shaped Her World, by Gillian Gill. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30.) Woolfs life has been endlessly pored over, but Gill finds a fresh way in by structuring her chatty, occasionally speculative biography around the female influences on Woolfs thinking and well-being, including her bohemian sister, Vanessa. Gills portrait shows Woolfs character to have been complicated not just by difficulty but by pleasure, too, Claire Jarvis writes in her review. Gills biography is especially good in delineating Vanessas charismatic appeal for her sister, whose adoration was never quite reciprocated.
Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, said the actions taken with the Ukraine where 'all about the 2020' presidential election and keeping Donald Trump in office.

'That was the way everyone viewed it,' Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper. 'It was all about 2020 to make sure he had another four years.'

'I mean, there was no other reason for doing it,' he added.

His statement disputes the president's claim that his request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden stemmed from concerns about corruption.

Lev Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper the actions taken with the Ukraine where 'all about the 2020' presidential election and keeping Donald Trump in office

'It was all about 2020 to make sure he had another four years,' Parnas said during the interview

Parnas' statement disputes President Donald Trump's claim that his request to Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden stemmed from concerns about corruption

Trump is facing two counts of impeachment on allegations he with held nearly $400 million in military aid to the Ukraine to pressure them into investigating his political rivals. He has denied the charge.

But the latest revelations from Parnas come after the House Intelligence Committee released a trove of documents showing Parnas and Giuliani's attempt to meet with Zelensky along with Parnas' conversations with Republican donor Robert Hyde, now a congressional candidate, about then-Ambassador the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

Parnas also charged that Republican members of Congress, who during the impeachment hearings argued President Trump was trying to end corruption in the Ukraine, knew what was going on.

'They all know. They have a conscience,' he said, adding 'it's a shame.'

He told CNN his work for Giuliani was all about getting Zelensky or former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to announce an investigation into Biden or Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company that had Hunter Biden on its board until last year.

'As far as I know, the only thing we cared about - and we were the team - was to get Zelensky or Poroshenko or somebody to make the press release announcement into the Biden investigation.'

CNN's Anderson Cooper asked him: 'What's fascinating about what you just said is it's not to launch an investigation. ... It's to make an announcement of an investigation. That's what mattered.'

'Right,' Parnas agreed. 'Because nobody trusted them to do an investigation.'

He also claimed Vice President Mike Pence was aware of what was going on but added: 'I'm not sure if he knew everything.'

Cooper asked him how he knew all these things.

Parnas said it's because he talked to Giuliani every day.

'Because we would speak every day. I knew everything that was going on. I mean, after Rudy would speak with the president or come from the White House, I was the first person he briefed. I mean, we had a relationship. We were that close. I mean, we were together from morning tonight. He took me - I mean, every interview he would do, I would be sitting over there while he was doing the interviews,' he said.

Lev He also claimed Vice President Mike Pence was aware of what was going on but added: 'I'm not sure if he knew everything.'

Parnas also claimed Republican members of Congress - like Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan - who defended Trump knew the Ukraine campaign was not about fighting corruption

Parnas worked with Giuliani to try and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to talk about the Bidens

Parnas added that 'everybody that was close to Trump knew that this was a thorn in the side.'

He also said former National Security Adviser John Bolton would be a good witness to the events.

'I think Bolton is an important witness. I think we could fit in all the dots. Because he was on the ground there and he was over here,' Parnas said.

He added: 'I'd be very willing to testify.'

Pence aide Marc Short told DailyMail.com that Parnas would say anything 'in the hopes of staying out of prison.

'Democrat witnesses have testified under oath in direct contradiction to Lev Parnas statements last night. This is very simple: Lev Parnas is under a multi-count indictment and will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison. It's no surprise that only the liberal media is listening to him,' he said.

Short didn't elaborate as to which witnesses he was referring to and how they contradicted Parnas.

White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway dismissed Parnas as an attention-seeker.

'Nobody on TV like that is under oath. And he obviously is desperate to get attention,' she told reporters at the White House Thursday morning.

And White House press secretary Stephanie Grishman made a similar charge against Parnas, who, along with colleague Igor Fruman, has been charged with making illegal campaign donations to a super PAC supporting the president.

'These allegations are being made by a man who is currently out on bail for federal crimes and is desperate to reduce his exposure to prison,' she told NBC News in a statement.

'The facts haven't changed  the president did nothing wrong and this impeachment, which was manufactured and carried out by the Democrats has been a sham from the start,' Grisham said.

Additionally, Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, one of the president's fiercest defenders during the impeachment hearings, admitted he did know Parnas after originally denying it.

'I was in shock when I was watching the hearings and when I saw Devin Nunes sitting up there,' Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.

He added he was also curious as to why Derek Harvey, a Nunes aide he said he worked with on the shadow campaign in the Ukraine, was present at the hearing.

'They were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden,' he said.

'It's hard to see them lie like that when you know it's like that scary because you know, he was sitting there and making all statements and all that when he knew very well that he knew what was going on,' Parnas said. 'He knew what's happening. He knows who I am.'

Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, one of the president's fiercest defenders during the impeachment hearings, admitted he did know Parnas after originally denying it

Trump asked the Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, which he claims was part of concern about corruption in that country

Rudy Giuliani told The Washington Post he felt sorry for Parnas

Nunes told Fox News Wednesday evening that, after checking his phone records, he did have a 'random' conversation with Parnas.

'I just didn't know the name  this name Par-nas,' Nunes said. 'You know now that he had called my cellphone and I didn't know his name, I didn't remember the name, but I did remember going back where I was at the time  you can do that now, you actually know where you physically are  checked it with my records.'

'It was very clear. I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things. And I said, 'Great, just talk to my staff,'  which is normal, standard operating procedure,' he added.

Parnas also told Maddow he was not freelancing when he collaborated with Giuliani in an effort to get Zelensky to investigate the Bidens.

'President Trump knew exactly what was going on. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president,' Parnas said.

'I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials. I mean, they have no reason to speak to me.

'Why would President Zelensky's inner circle, or Minister [Arsen] Avakov, or all these people, or [former Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko] meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.'

Giuliani told The Washington Post he felt sorry for Parnas in a message that suggested Parnas wasn't telling the truth.

'We all make mistakes,' Giuliani said in a text message to the newspaper. 'I feel sorry for him and his family.'

Parnas also claimed that Trump canceled Vice President Mike Pence's planned appearance at Zelensky's inauguration last May after Ukrainian officials refused to announce an investigation into the Biden family.

Parnas' interviews came hours before Chief Justice John Roberts is to swear in 100 U.S. senators who are to act as a jury weighing two articles of impeachment against the president.

Indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas says Donald Trump was directly involved in an alleged attempt to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate political rival Joe Biden

Parnas and his lawyer Joseph Bondy spoke to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow in an interview aired Wednesday night

Parnas said his work in the Ukraine was with the consent of Rudy Giuliani and the president. A trove released Tuesday revealed a Giuliani letter to the president of Ukraine seeking a meeting and citing Trump's consent

The impeachment inquiry was sparked by allegations the Trump administration tried to pressure Zelensky to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

Parnas, who is accused of federal campaign finance violations, has submitted a trove of documents to the House Intelligence Committee pertaining to his dealings in the Ukraine, a portion of which were made public on Tuesday.

The documents included a letter in which Giuliani requested a private meeting with Zelensky, stating that he had Trump's 'knowledge and consent' to make the request.

Speaking to Maddow, Parnas insisted that Trump was aware he and Giuliani were working on the effort in Ukraine specifically to hurt Joe Biden, a current favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination.

'It was never about corruption, it was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden,' he said.

Parnas also said he had no doubt that Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop.

Parnas said he had no doubt that Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop about efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens

Parnas and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, were arrested in October on campaign finance charges for allegedly making $325,000 in illegal straw donations to a Trump super PAC.

Asked why he decided to speak out now, Parnas told Maddow: 'I want to get the truth out. I feel it's important for our country. I think it's important for me.'

Trump has previously denied knowing Parnas or Fruman, despite photos Parnas posted on Facebook in 2018 of himself with the president and his son Don Jr.

Asked about Trump's denial, Parnas said: 'He lied. He knew exactly who we were.'

Parnas accused Trump of lying when he said he didn't know him or his associate Igor Fruman

Parnas said that he was 'absolutely' working for the president in his capacity as a legal aide to Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer.

He said that he introduced himself to Ukrainian officials as a representative for Giuliani and the president.

Parnas addressed reports of his conversation with senior Zelensky aide Sergey Schafer, confirming that he told Schafer military aid would not be released to the Ukraine unless Zelensky announced investigations into Joe Biden.

'Basically, the message that I was supposed to, that I gave Sergey Schafer was a very harsh message that was told to me to give it to him in a very harsh way, not a pleasant way,' he said.

'Rudy told me after, you know meeting the president at the White House, the message was it wasn't just military aid, it was all aid. Basically their relationships would be sour, that we would stop giving them any kind of aid.'

'Unless?' Maddow pressed.

'Unless  there were several demands at that point. A, the most important was the announcement of the Biden investigation,' Parnas explained.

He went on to say that he also held out the promise of a White House visit for then-president elect Zelensky.

'I know it sounds crazy, but more support from the president, by having a White House visit, by having a big inauguration, by having the dignitaries there,' Parnas said.

'The announcement was the key at that time because of the inauguration, that [Vice President Mike] Pence would not show up. Nobody would show up to the inauguration.'

The impeachment inquiry was sparked by allegations the Trump administration tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodomyry Zelensky (pictured) to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter

Parnas said he relayed that apparent threat to Schafer on May 12, eight days before the inauguration.

He claimed Schafer told him that he would get back to him, and then blocked him on WhatsApp that night.

After Parnas updated Giuliani, the former New York City Mayor allegedly told him: 'Okay, they'll see.'

'To my awareness, Trump called up and said to make sure Pence doesn't go there,' Parnas told Maddow.

'You believe Mr Pence's trip to the inauguration was canceled because [Ukraine] didn't agree?' Maddow asked.

'Oh I know 100 percent. It was 100 percent,' Parnas replied.

'The chain of events, that was key to where we are today,' he added. 'After that, take a look at what transpires. Next within the next couple days, they realize that now they get word. Obviously when Pence cancels, they get word. So now they realize that what I was telling them was true.'

Asked whether he knew if Pence was aware that that was the reason the inaugural visit was called off, Parnas quoted something EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland said while testifying in the House impeachment inquiry: 'Everybody was in the loop.'

Parnas also said that Barr, Trump's attorney general, likely knew what was going on.

He said he never personally spoke to Barr but was present during 'lots of conversations' that Giuliani and another person had with Barr.

'Mr Barr had to have known everything. I mean, it's impossible,' Parnas said. 'Attorney General Barr was basically on the team.'

Giuliani and Parnas are seen having coffee at the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. in September, one month before Parnas was indicted for campaign finance violations

Parnas attorney Joseph Bondy (left) tweeted a picture of himself and his client with Maddow ahead of the interview Wednesday night

Parnas' involvement in that 'team' is laid bare in the cache of documents he's handed over to the House Intelligence Committee, which paint him as a middleman between Giuliani and Ukrainian officials.

They also provided additional details about the apparent campaign to remove Marie Yovanovitch from her post as US Ambassador to Ukraine last spring because she was impeding efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens.

Parnas expressed regret over his involvement in ousting Yovanovitch, saying: 'I want to apologize to her.'

Yovanovitch was the focus of text messages between Parnas and prominent Trump donor Robert F Hyde, which were made public on Tuesday.

Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate from Connecticut, repeatedly disparaged Yovanovitch in the messages and implied that she was under surveillance, often referencing her exact physical location.

However, Parnas told Maddow that while he was 'disturbed' by Hyde's messages, he never believed they were serious.

'I don't believe it was true, I think he was either drunk or was trying to make himself bigger than he was,' he said. 'I didn't take it seriously, and if you see, I didn't even respond to it most of the time.'

Maddow questioned whether Hyde could have been drunk throughout their text correspondence, which lasted several days.

Parnas replied: 'He's drunk the whole time. He wakes up and he's drunk. He starts at 6. I've never seen him not drunk.'

Hyde himself reacted to the release of the messages on Tuesday night.

He did not dispute the validity of the texts but said he was drinking when he sent the ones about surveiling Yovanovitch.

Some of the text messages Parnas submitted to House investigators were between him and Robert Hyde, a GOP congressional candidate in Connecticut and prominent Trump donor. Hyde and the president are pictured together in an undated Facebook photo

WhatsApp messages appear to show Hyde tracking the movements of Marie Yovanovitch

'Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money,' Hyde wrote in one message

Just before the MSNBC interview aired, House officials released a second set of documents submitted by Parnas' legal team.

Among the confusing trove of information is one message that identifies first daughter Ivanka Trump, a key advisor who Trump pointed out by name during remarks lauding a new deal with China in the White House Wednesday.

Trump lawyer Victoria Toensing, in a message to Parnas, mentions Ivanka in a discussion about a White House meeting. 'POTUS stood us up and sent Ivanka to speak in his stead. Victoria,' reads the message, dated March 3rd, amid the Ukrainian elections.

'That's what Rudy said,' Parnas replied. The messages are proceeded and succeeded by blacked out information.

A White House spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a question about the Ivanka message.

Another message references the president's eldest son, Don Jr., who helps run the Trump Organization.

'What should I send don to tweet,' writes Joseph Ahearn, who is listed by pro-Trump super PAC America First Policies as director of development in a March 20 message to Parnas.

Parnas replies: 'Wait tomorrow good stuff.'

'What should I send don to tweet,' writes Joseph Ahearn, who is listed by pro-Trump super PAC America First Policies as director of development, to Parnas

Attorney Victoria Toensing writes Parnas that the president 'stood us up and sent Ivanka to speak in his stead'

The documents include a series of back-and-forth messages about getting a retainer completed. An April, 2019 message from Parnas seeks to have it translated into Russian

'I WILL NOT BE BROKEN!' Giuliani complained former special counsel Robert Mueller was stalling his flight departure.

A Parnas text about a retainer mentioned a figure at the Ukraine ministry of justice

Another message is from Thomas Hicks Jr. Thomas O. Hicks Jr is co-chair of the Republican National Committee

Parnas has been photographed multiple times with Trump and key Trump World figures, including Don Jr.

A March 20 message includes a link to a story by John Solomon in The Hill that included some of Giuliani's claims about Ukrainian corruption. Another linked to a show by Fox News host Sean Hannity.

'Have jr retweet it,' writes Parnas.

'Sent,' responds Ahearn a minute later.

On March 24, 2019, Trump Jr. retweeted a link to a DailyWire story about pressure to remove the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.

'We need more @Richard Grenell's and less of these jokers as ambassadors. Calls Grow To Remove Obama's U.S. Ambassador To Ukraine,' wrote the president's son.

Other messages connect Parnas with shipping magnate Harry Sargeant III who has denied claims of involvement in a plan to export U.S. natural gas to Ukraine. When Parnas mentioned a coming meeting in Vienna, Sargeant responded: 'Just becoming expensive flying u guys everywhere LEV.'

Parnas and his associate Igor Fruman, both born in the former Soviet Union, have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Parnas lawyer Joseph Bondy says his client wants to testify and has been urging federal authorities to interview him.

Many of the matters referenced in his trove of electronic information were the subject of a House Democratic impeachment inquiry, which focused on the firing of Yovanovitch and efforts to get the Ukrainians to probe Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, where Hunter Biden served on the board.

Messages revealed Tuesday appeared to show an effort to surveil the movements of Yovanovitch.
Iranians demonstrate against the regime in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (Obtained from social media by Reuters)

Iranians Attack Their Real Enemy: The Ayatollah Regime

Commentary

Since December 2017, deeply aggrieved Iranian citizens have publicly denounced two blatantly linked injustices perpetrated by the corrupt ayatollah regime: the clerical dictatorships hideous corruption and Irans acute economic deterioration.

Irans Islamic revolutionary dictatorship is a case study in repeated failure, incompetence, corruption, and mass murder.

I estimate that since 1990, Ive written more than two dozen essays examining the failed Iranian regimes murderous Islamic global revolution, the mass domestic Iranian disappointment with the regimes governance, and the Iranian publics evident disgust with governmental corruption.

The internet documents my claim. If your mainstream media sources didnt notice Irans domestic discord, henceforth treat their reports with appropriate circumspection.

The conflict between Iran and the United States doesnt begin with Gen. Qassem Soleimanis eradicationa euphemism for his death in an ugly covert war he insistently waged and lost.

However, Soleimanis demise, which, in and of itself, is a strategic benefit for peace-loving human beings from the Philippines to Venezuela, begins a series of jaw-dropping events that expose the ayatollah regimes deep evils and hideous incompetence.

The December 2017 protests persisted into spring 2018. They waxed and waned but always returned. In November 2019, protests returned with a vengeance. Regime security forces killed an estimated 1,500 Iranians who had the gall to protest a fuel price increase.

Protesters hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises at a demonstration in front of Amir Kabir University to remember victims of a Ukrainian airplane shot down by an Iranian missile, in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (AP Photo)

An operational hint the ayatollah regime thinks has strategic resonance: If domestic turmoil threatens the regime, the regime tells its terrorist proxies to attack America.

In late December 2019, regime proxies attacked Americans in Iraq and assaulted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The assault intentionally mimicked the 1979 assault on the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Both assaults were attacks on sovereign U.S. territory. Soleimani directed the 2019 attack and was likely involved in the 1979 attack.

Irans 20192020 information-warfare angle is no coincidence. Soleimani and his boss, the Islamic Republic of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had a domestic propaganda message. Portraying the United States as weak in December 2019 echoed U.S. weakness in 1979.

An Iranian domestic message: We ayatollah thugs are mighty, so you proles better submit!

Ah, but 

Theres no debate on these facts: Iran confronts high unemployment and an economy in tatters.

The ayatollahs blame U.S. sanctions. Iranian citizens? They blame regime corruption.

The regime is corrupt but also incompetent. On Jan. 8, an Iranian missile destroyed Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 and killed 176 people. Video and other electronic data obtained by Western intelligence and released to various media confirmed that two missiles (yes, two) hit the plane. A missile site under the command of the Iranian Republican Guard Corps, or IRGC, fired the missiles. These are facts.

Ah, but  Though cameras and cellphones recorded the horror, the ayatollah dictatorship initially denied responsibility for the downing and attributed the slaughter to mechanical malfunction. Was that the phrase in Persian (Farsi)? Not surebut the ayatollah regime lied, Im sure of that.

The Iranian people have responded to the lie and incompetence and mass murder with splendid ferocity.

Voice of America News reports that instead of chanting, Death to America, Iranians in Tehran chant: You are tyrants. Dont call us seditioners.

According to the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Persian language broadcast unit, Radio Farda, on Jan. 13, protesters in Isfahan Industrial University chanted, Execution and imprisonment no longer scare us. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is funded by the U.S. government. Radio Free Europe definitely is not a Cold War relic.

Protestors in Tehran and western Iran have been heard chanting, Death to the dictator, meaning Ayatollah Khamenei.

He is the IRGCs mob boss.

A Twitter video clip shows protestors in Tehran chanting: They are lying that our enemy is America. Our enemy is right here.

Wire services report major protests across Iran in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan, and Orumiyeh. Even Fars, the dictatorships fake news agency, has had to report that hundreds of demonstrators have chanted anti-regime slogans. Well, two prominent regime television propagandists have publicly resigned.

Is collapse imminent?

Of course not. Only Hollywood and sensational media fools think reality conforms to a beginning-end narrative. More suffering is imminent. But the Iranian dictatorships fragility is evident.

Austin Bay is a colonel (retired) in the U.S. Army Reserve, author, syndicated columnist, and a teacher in strategy and strategic theory at the University of Texas. His latest book is Cocktails from Hell: Five Wars Shaping the 21st Century.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The woman accused of killing Arkansas State Senator Linda Collins-Smith is facing new charges for allegedly trying to hire someone to kill the slain senators ex-husband and his new wife.

Collins-Smith was found dead at her home in Pocahontas, about 145 miles northeast of Little Rock, last June 4. Her body had been wrapped in a blanket. One of her best friends, 49-year-old Rebecca Lynn ODonnell, was later arrested and charged with capital murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Now, prosecutors allege ODonnell tried to hire two female inmates to kill Collins-Smiths ex-husband and his new wife while in jail.

PEOPLE confirms that ODonnell has been charged with two felony counts of solicitation to commit capital murder, and two misdemeanor counts of solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence. According to court documents obtained by ABC News, these charges were filed based on testimony of jailhouse informants.

RELATED: Former State Senator Linda Collins-Smith Found Dead, Death Being Investigated as a Possible Murder

According to the probable cause affidavit, ODonnell allegedly told two female inmates they would be paid with gold and silver that the ex  a former state judge  had in his home.

The new charges were filed after one inmate told authorities in October that she and another inmate were allegedly solicited by ODonnell to kill the ex.

The inmate also alleged that ODonnell wanted them to blow up her vehicle in order to destroy any incriminating evidence that might be inside.

The affidavit alleges that the women were also instructed to kill the exs new wife. They were allegedly told to shoot or hang Smith and were supposed to pack a bag so it looks like [the wife] was in the process of leaving him.

Facebook

ODonnell faces the death penalty if convicted of killing Collins-Smith. She has pleaded not guilty, and is being held without bond on the original charges. An arraignment on the new charges has not been scheduled.

Her attorney, Lee Short, did not immediately return a call for comment, but told ABC News that it is common for inmates to come up with stories to better their lives in prison.

In high-profile cases, especially homicides, people tend to seek opportunities to improve their situations by giving statements against people, he said. Its not surprising at all.
Vietnamese practitioners work in Ibaraki prefecture. (Photo: VNA)

He told Phan Tien Hoang, representative of the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in Japan, on January 15. They, together with several representatives from the Japan Cooperative Alliance (JCA) and International Manpower Supply and Trade Company Ltd (SONA), visited Vietnamese practitioners in agricultural sector in the Japanese locality.

Satoshi Tsutsumiya said that Ibaraki has set up a support centre to connect local enterprises with foreign labourers who want to work in the prefecture.

As language is the biggest barrier for foreigners, the prefecture is providing online Japanese language training courses for free for them. Unlike other prefectures, Ibaraki also helps workers look for jobs after they come back home, he added.

Hoang said he rejoiced at stable jobs of the Vietnamese workers in Ibaraki, asking them to abide by rules of the employers as well as regulations in the host country.

He took the occasion to thank Japanese firms for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese workers in the past time.

Currently, there are some 7,700 Vietnamese nationals in Ibaraki prefecture, around 5,000 of whom are practitioners in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Located 100 kilometres northeast of Tokyo, Ibaraki holds strengths in energy, precision mechanics, and chemicals.
It is hard to credit now, but there was a time, only a decade ago, when Turkey described its foreign policy doctrine as one of "zero problems with our neighbors." But since then, Ankara has burned its boats with Israel over the Gaza Freedom Flotilla; angered Egypt by bitterly criticizing Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's military coup and supporting the Muslim Brotherhood; broken with Syria by assisting anti-Assad rebels (and more recently, invading the country's northeast, there to forcibly repatriate refugees); and antagonized Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates by siding with Qatar against their embargo.

Now, Turkey is providing direct military assistance to the government of Libya, while the UAE and Egypt-along with Russia-back the rebel army of General Khalifa Haftar. After the failure of cease-fire talks sponsored by Turkey and Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to teach Haftar "a lesson."

If anything, Turkey's foreign policy now seems designed to aggravate problems with all of its neighbors.

How did it come to this? In the past 10 years, Turkey has descended from a vibrant Islamic democracy into a repressive authoritarian state. But this doesn't explain its antagonistic relations with its neighbors: most governments across the Middle East are also repressive authoritarian states with predominantly Muslim populations.

The answer is that Erdogan has actively sought to advance the cause of political Islam, both domestically and internationally. This aligns him with Qatar and against most of the other Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE.

Within Turkey, Islamization initially advanced with democratization. The Turkish military had been a stridently secular force; as its hold over the state waned, religion returned to politics, primarily in the shape of Erdogan's Islamist AK Party. The military leadership formally opposed the AKP's 2007 presidential candidate for being an Islamist, but Abdullah Gul was elected-a major turning point in Turkish politics. The political emasculation of the military allowed Erdogan, who had previously described democracy as "a vehicle, not a goal," to dominate the scene.

The failed 2016 coup attempt can be seen as an opportunistic bid by some elements in the military to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction among Turks over Erdogan's consolidation of power. It also represents a deep and ongoing contest between Erdogan's Islamists and other political forces.

The fragility of Erdogan's hold on power is illustrated by last year's election of opposition party mayors in Istanbul and other major cities, and the fact that longtime political allies-including former Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who conceived the "zero problems with neighbors" policy-have broken away from the AKP.

This domestic trajectory has its parallel in Turkey's foreign policy, which has grown more Islamist and militarist as Erdogan's political hold has become more brittle.

The falling out with Egypt holds the keys to understanding Turkey's intervention in Libya. After the 2011 Arab Spring, Erdogan supported the Muslim Brotherhood's ascent to power in Egypt and assisted the government of President Mohammed Morsi. When Morsi was overthrown by the military in 2011, Erdogan described it as "state terrorism." He seems to view events in Libya as a reprise of those in Egypt: a military leader threatening to unseat a government conducive to Turkey's worldview.

Turkey has deep linkages to Libya, which is home to 25% of Turks living outside their country. Just as important, $18 billion in Turkish business contracts are underway in Libya, and the two countries share an exclusive economic zone. The Government of National Accord in Tripoli, backed by the United Nations and led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, has Islamist elements-natural allies of Erdogan and the AKP.

The GNA has been under sustained military attack by the Libyan National Army under Haftar, who opposes a political role for Islamists, as do his Egyptian and Emirati backers-potential allies of forces within Turkey that threaten Erdogan's hold on power.

Long-suffering Libya has become the battleground for a proxy war about the role of Islam in Middle Eastern politics. Neither Turkey nor the Middle Eastern states arrayed against it are likely to concede their objectives.

With the failure of cease-fire talks, attention will return to the frontlines, where a bloody stalemate prevails. If Haftar had the military strength to take Tripoli, he would have done so by now. Significant increases in Turkish assistance could turn the tide in favor of the GNA, unless Haftar's allies ratchets up their support for the LNA. Turkey's problems with its neighbors, meanwhile, are only liken to get worse.

- - -

Kori Schake leads the foreign and defense policy team at the American Enterprise Institute.
GOP, Democratic Senators Complain about Lack of Press Access to Impeachment Trial

GOP and Democratic Senators have decried proposed restrictions that seek to limit press access to the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Senators from both parties have criticized the Senate as it prepares to put in place strict limitations on reporters covering the impeachment proceedings, which would restrict the media from questioning lawmakers, limit reporters movements, and ban laptops and cellphones inside the Senate chamber.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) of the Senate Intelligence Committee and chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, announced the restrictions launched by the Senate sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police on Jan. 14. Blunt explained that under its impeachment rules, the Senate would enter a closed session at certain times during the debate.

I mean closed session. I mean there will be nobody there but senators and essential staff. No cameras, no C-Span, no coverage, what the rules say happened last time, Blunt told reporters, referring to the 1999 trial of former President Bill Clinton.

C-SPAN does not control cameras in the Senate. READ: C-SPAN letter to Leader McConnell requesting our cameras be allowed into the Senate Chamber to cover the Senate Impeachment Trial. https://t.co/SSCXROyC8v Senate leaders say no decision has been made. pic.twitter.com/Os8tdTTBqe  CSPAN (@cspan) January 15, 2020

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) condemned the proposed press restrictions, writing on Twitter that they go against the constitutional right of freedom of the press.

The rules have absolutely nothing to do with ensuring security, Warren continued. The American people need and deserve transparency and accountability during the impeachment trial.

These restrictions on the press go against the constitutional right of freedom of the press, and have absolutely nothing to do with ensuring security. The American people need and deserve transparency and accountability during the impeachment trial. https://t.co/OrZoU4zsJ4  Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 15, 2020

A preliminary security plan would significantly limit the movement of credentialed media members. Journalists would be restricted to a designated area and could only speak to senators who approached them. Under normal conditions, credentialed journalists can informally approach lawmakers in the hallways or on the way to the elevator or the Senate subway.

Members of the press corps are also asking for a waiver of the traditional ban on laptops and cellphones, which would enable them to file breaking news updates from gallery seats inside the Senate chamber, but that request has apparently been rejected. The security plan would also place a magnetometer at the door of the gallery seats to scan journalists as they enter and prevent them from bringing in electronics.

According to NBC News reporter Julie Tsirkin, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA.) slammed the plans as bone-deep stupid.

I dont understand why were doing it. Ive expressed my feelings, majority rules, Kennedy reportedly said.

.@SenJohnKennedy, R-La., on restricting press access during impeachment trial: Its bone deep stupid. I dont understand why were doing it. Ive expressed my feelings, majority rules. Via @julietsirkin  Kasie Hunt (@kasie) January 15, 2020

Blunt told reporters on Tuesday that keeping senators from being mobbed in the hallways was a legitimate concern and that legislators need to be able to handle their historical duties without having to fight their way onto an elevator.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) meanwhile said on Twitter that a free press is essential to any democracy.

The impeachment trial is an important moment in our nations history. As we prepare to do our jobs and uphold the Constitution, the press should have the access needed to do theirs, he wrote.

A free press is essential to any democracy. The impeachment trial is an important moment in our nations history. As we prepare to do our jobs and uphold the Constitution, the press should have the access needed to do theirs. https://t.co/YFxRfvZ3Dd  Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) January 16, 2020

We should not restrict press access during the impeachment trial. Period, added Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) on Twitter.

Reporters covering the trial have also warned that restrictions on media access will cripple their ability to do their job.

Sarah Wire, a Los Angeles Times reporter who heads the Standing Committee of Correspondents, wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y stating press concerns.

Here is the statement that the Standing Committee sent to Senate leadership pic.twitter.com/i3qXbGqVNz  Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) January 14, 2020

The Standing Committee of Correspondents vigorously objects to restrictions being considered on press access during the upcoming Senate trial of President Trump, the letter states.

Between the magnetometer and the constant need for journalists to leave and reenter the chamber to file stories, Wire

wrote on Twitter that the Senate trial will have a soundtrack of beep, beep, beep as 90+ reporters walk in and out all day.

Members of the press corps met last week with representatives from the office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms, seeking clarification on how the proposed restrictions would enhance security. Wire said the meeting ended inconclusively and that the journalists requests have been largely ignored.

These potential restrictions fail to acknowledge what currently works on Capitol Hill, or the way the American public expects to be able to follow a vital news event about their government in the digital age, Wire said.

The Epoch Times reached out to the Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms but did not immediately hear back.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 15:17 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32263188 4 Entertainment ahmad-dhani,dewa-19,music,concert,band,rock-band Free

Rock band Dewa 19 is set to embark on a tour in 2020 following the release of frontman Ahmad Dhani from jail.

Ahmad Dhani, who was imprisoned for hate speech in January last year, was released on Dec. 30.

During his time in jail, the band continued to perform with his son, Dul Jaelani, replacing him on keyboards.

For the upcoming tour, Dewa 19 is scheduled to perform in six cities across the country, namely Bandung in West Java on Feb. 15, Yogyakarta on Feb. 22, Surabaya in East Java on March 14, Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on March 21, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan on March 25, and Makassar in South Sulawesi on April 3.

Organized by Otello Asia, the tour will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bintang Lima (2000), one of the bands most successful albums.

Tickets will be on sale starting on Thursday in various categories, ranging from Rp 110,000 (US$8.05) to Rp 1,050,000 for presale tickets.

In the year 2000, a Dewa 19 concert ticket was sold for Rp 20,000. Now Baladewa [nickname for fans of the band) have become richer. Therefore, they can afford more expensive tickets, Ahmad Dhani said, smiling, during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com.

Otello Asia CEO Sysan Ibrahim said more cities could be added to the tour.

We want to finish the tour before the fasting month. [Possibilities to add] Jakarta is still being discussed. If we add Jakarta, it will be the closing of the tour and we will plan something special [for the concert], Sysan said. (gis/kes)
The mother of two Portland children who were swept out to sea last weekend said she is reeling from the tragedy but thanked those who have reached out to her with messages of support.

Jamie Stiles posted on Facebook that she and her family had received an outpouring of love and support.

Stiles is the mother of Lola and William Stiles. While the family was at the Oregon coast on Saturday, the children and their father, Jeremy Stiles, were on an off-beach trail near the Clatsop-Tillamook County line when a sneaker wave swept them into the ocean. Jeremy Stiles, 47, was pulled out of the ocean and is recovering at a Seaside hospital. He is expected to survive. Lola, 7, was pulled out of the water but died later that day. William, 4, has still not been found.

I am not ok right now, but am in treatment and will reach my new normal someday, Jamie Stiles wrote in the Facebook message Wednesday evening. I have read every single comment and message sent our way and feel like each one adds a tiny drop of glue to my completely shattered heart."

The Stiles family are Portland residents, and Lola was a first-grader at Northeast Portlands Vestal Elementary School. The school is holding a vigil for the children on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m.

A fundraiser has also been set up to help the family. As of Wednesday night, donations had topped $96,000.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
At least 30 people were killed while 100 were feared kidnapped after gunmen opened fire on commuters along Kaduna-Zaria Highway on Tuesday, according to security report and police statement.

The Emir of Potiskum Umar Bubaram was amongst those who sustained severe injuries and still receiving treatment at the hospital as of Wednesday night, police said.

Gunmen opened fire on Mr Bubarams convoy around Maraban Jos interchange of the busy highway at about 11:00 p.m., according to security sources.

The emir reportedly lost four of his drivers in the attack.

A police statement on Wednesday night said the men were dressed in military fatigues when they struck on the axis, which has been amongst the most notorious haven for kidnap-for-ransom criminals in recent years.

Kaduna police spokesperson Sabo Abubakar said only six people were killed in the attack while five sustained injuries. He admitted many people were kidnapped but did not give a figure.

The attack marks the latest in a string of violent attacks on civilian population across Kaduna and nearby states in Nigerias northwest.

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Court said there was no justifiable reason to review its earlier judgement.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed review petitions filed by top telecom firms seeking a review of its earlier order asking them to pay past statutory dues amounting to Rs 1.47 lakh crore by January 23.

That figure, counting all telecom firms together, amounted to a staggering Rs. 1.47 lakh crore. Severally, dues owed by individual firms are as under:

Airtel: Rs 21,682.13 crore

Vodafone: Rs 19,823.71 crore

Reliance Communications: Rs 16,456.47 crore

BSNL: Rs 2,098.72 crore

MTNL: Rs 2,537.48 crore.

The three-judge bench -- Justices Arun Mishra, S A Nazeer and M R Shah  said during the in-chamber hearing that they found no merit in the review plea and dismissed it.

The telecom companies had sought an open-court hearing but the Supreme Court decided to stick to its convention of having an in-chamber hearing.

The bench ruling reads, Applications for hearing in open court/oral hearing are rejected. Having perused the review petitions and the connected papers with meticulous care, we do not find any justifiable reason to entertain the review petitions. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed."

The apex court had on October 24 ruled that calculation of statutory dues must include non-telecom revenues in what is known as adjusted gross revenues (AGR). This was a definition of AGR formulated by the Department of Telecom (DoT).

The telecom companies have no room to appeal to the government. Backc in November, telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told Parliament the telecom companies owed the government Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past statutory dues.

This includes Rs 92,642 crore in the form of unpaid licence fee, and Rs 55,054 crore in outstanding spectrum usage charges.

He added that there was no proposal to waive interest and penalties on such dues.

The Supreme Court ruling of Oct. 24 made it clear that there would be no further litigation on the issue. In the same vein, the judges on Thursday the petitioners appeals frivolous.
Millions of people from across the globe have answered desperate calls for urgent help as Australia battles unprecedented bushfires - but another major national crisis has fallen by the wayside.

Despite drought affecting major land areas in similarly unparalleled proportions, national and international attention has been largely directed at the months-long fire crisis.

David Graham, who runs the Facebook page Farmer Dave, expressed this week how the drought catastrophe is thousands of times worse than the bushfires.

Can you imagine what this slow horrendous drought must be like for the few incredible farmers and graziers that are on their own?, he wrote to his page.

Having grown up on his familys farm in Southwest Queensland, the now 40-year-old has watched as the land around him turned dry and barren as rainfall deficiencies continued to intensify.

This could soon be all that's left if Australians don't support farmers. Source: Facebook

He has now called on the public to turn their focus back to the approximate 100,000 Australian farmers battling to keep not only their stock, but their livelihoods.

Weve been opening up bunkers that we put down 30 years ago. We prepared for this drought 30 years back and were now on our last bunker. That feed is going to be used within the next month, Mr Graham told Yahoo News Australia.

By the end of February well have absolutely no feed left. So 30 years of putting feed away, weve now used it over the last three-and-a-half years.

Buying from Australian producers and spending money in towns that desperately need it is absolutely vital in helping rural communities survive beyond some of the driest periods on record, Mr Graham said.

Farmer Dave said his family would be out of feed for their livestock by the end of February. Source: Facebook

When you go to the butcher, supermarket or anywhere, buy lamb and beef, because those are the industries affected the most by drought, he said.

Story continues

Farmers and graziers dont want handouts or donations, what they want is to stay in business and stay on their land which theyre connected to in a way that few people can really understand.

Mr Graham encouraged people to check the origin of other products they were buying in the supermarket, and ensuring things like their bread had ingredients from Australia.

He also asked that when getting out of the city for the weekend, people on the east coast packed an empty esky and headed west.

Barren scenes from Mr Graham's drought stricken family farm in Southwest Queensland. Source: Facebook

Go to a country town, spend the night, go to the cinema, or to a local play. Theres festivals right across the country - just go and be part of the community.

Spend a bit of extra money and fill up your esky on the way home, because its those towns that are suffering. Once those shops close their doors, they dont reopen.

Without much-needed public support, Mr Graham said the future of land occupied by farmers and their stock would be bleak and lifeless.

If we lose these industries of beef and lamb and cropping, we have an area the size of Spain, Germany and France combined where its just going to turn into a wasteland.

Bushfires in NSW turned the sky completely red. Source: Getty Images

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
The Senate passed a new North American trade deal Thursday, sending one of President Donald Trump's top priorities to his desk for ratification.

The GOP-held chamber approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in an overwhelming 89-10 vote. After Trump signs the three-nation pact, it needs only Canada's approval to take effect.

The Senate rushed to pass the agreement before the expected start of the president's impeachment trial next week. The House delivered articles of impeachment to the upper chamber on Wednesday, and the Senate could take weeks to decide whether to convict Trump and remove him from office.

USMCA will head to the president more than 14 months after the North American nations agreed to the deal. The Trump administration worked with Democrats to resolve concerns about enforcement of labor and environmental standards  changes that led most but not all of the party's lawmakers to support the agreement.

The Senate's passage of USMCA came a day after Trump signed a partial trade deal with China. The agreement with Beijing does not require congressional approval.

USMCA makes several tweaks to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 1994. Trump and Democrats alike argued that the earlier deal, which opened more free trade across the three countries, damaged American workers by encouraging companies to move jobs out of the U.S.
Sir Patrick Stewart has revealed that his best friend Sir Ian McKellen warned him not to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the new Amazon Prime Star Trek series.

The actor, 79, claimed that his pal advised him that accepting the part would 'ruin his career' when they met up to discuss the opportunity in Hollywood.

Following a run on the stage in London, Ian informed Patrick that he thought taking part in the American series would tank his chances of continuing his theatre career.

Candid! Sir Patrick Stewart has revealed that his best friend Sir Ian McKellen warned him not to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the new Amazon Prime Star Trek series

When quizzed on the rumour during an appearance on Thursday's This Morning, Ian told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that it was true.

He revealed: 'It became very public knowledge at our premiere, Ian McKellan I told him I'd been offered the role and he warned me not to take the job because it would be damaging for my career in London theatre.

Despite signing on for up to six seasons of the sci-fi show, Patrick admitted he naively signed on thinking that she programme wouldn't make it that far.

Patrick said: 'He [Ian] and I were very naive about Hollywood series, I didn't realise I was signing on for six years. Everyone said you couldn't revive and we're be lucky to make it through the first season.'

Warning! The actor, 79, claimed that his pal advised him that accepting the part would 'ruin his career' when they met up to discuss the opportunity in Hollywood

'I was told to come to Hollywood have some fun and get a suntan.'

The X-men star revealed that he initially refused to return as Picard and said: 'I actually passed and turned it down, but that was two years ago but I met again.

'We have the smartest group of writers and listening to them pitching Picard's story line with a different universe got my attention so fiercely.'

Patrick appeared on the morning show joined by co-stars Jeri Ryan and Isa Briones, who also discussed their experience filming the new series.

Risky business! Following a run on the stage in London, Ian informed Patrick that he thought taking part in the American series would tank his chances of continuing his theatre career (pictured with co-star Jeri Ryan)

Correct! When quizzed on the rumour during an appearance on Thursday's This Morning, Ian told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that it was true

He revealed: 'It became very public knowledge at our premiere, Ian McKellan I told him I'd been offered the role and he warned me not to take the job because it would be damaging for my career in London theatre (pictured sharing a sweet kiss at the premiere on Wednesday)

Jeri, who originally starred in Star Trek: Voyager as Seven of Nine, said: 'This is a very different Seven that we're seeing, she's been through some ugly stuff and has been hardened.

'She's not buying into the idol worship of Picard, she thinks he's a representation of Starfleet which she believes has dropped the ball.'

Newcomer Isa discussed the pressure that comes with joining such a huge franchise and said: 'I think there's no way around feeling a little bit of pressure doing film and TV, I came from theatre.'

Got the giggles! Newcomer Isa (pictured right) discussed the pressure that comes with joining such a huge franchise and said: 'I think there's no way around feeling a little bit of pressure doing film and TV, I came from theatre.'

'It's a beautiful responsibility, I did the Hamilton tour before this, we took the show to Kansas and they're waited so long for this show and you have to deliver - that's what we call beautiful responsibility'.

'It's very rare, how often do you get to join this thing with a legacy and the fact we've been trusted to carry it on.'

The show is set 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), and will also see more familiar faces returning, including Data, played by Brent Spiner.

CBS All Access revealed at the TCA Winter press tour that they were already renewing the series for a second season, Deadline reported Sunday.
In the immediate aftermath of Irans missile attacks on U.S. bases  in response to the killing of Gen. Soleimani  there was speculation that Iran, feeling compelled to do something but not wanting to risk an attack by the U.S., had conducted the attack in a way designed not to kill or injure any Americans. U.S. officials expressed this view. They noted that, in fact, no Americans were killed or injured, and argued that Iran could easily have inflicted casualties if it had wanted to.

Now, however, a counter narrative is emerging. This narrative holds that Iran did intend to inflict casualties, and that it is only by a near miracle that the attack failed to do so.

The Washington Post says that this is the view of U.S. commanders at the Iraqi military bases targeted by Iranian missiles. They report that at least two soldiers were thrown through the window of a tower on one of the bases and that several dozen soldiers were treated for concussions as a result of the Iranian attack.

I dont know which of these competing narratives is correct. On the one hand, its hard to believe that if Iran wanted to kill Americans, it would not have succeeded. On the other hand, its hard to believe that, if Iran came as close as the Posts reporting implies to killing some, it did not intend to kill.

What we can say is that its fortunate that no Americans were killed  not just for the U.S., but for Iran as well. Speaking at a rally in Milwaukee yesterday, President Trump said that, by virtue of not killing any Americans, Iran saved itself a trillion dollars and a lot of lives.

Irans gross domestic product was less than 500 billion dollars last year, so perhaps Trump was exaggerating. But I dont doubt that Trump would have hit back hard if Irans missile attack had killed even one American.

If Iran didnt intend to kill Americans with its missile attack, then its reasonable to expect no further such attacks. Retaliation will likely be limited to much lower level military action and/or cyber attacks.

If Iran intended to kill Americans but failed, there may be more such attacks in the future. But maybe the regime will take advantage of its luck and think better than to repeat this sort of action.
Hong Kong: Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Thursday that the "one country, two systems" framework under which the city enjoys freedoms unknown in China could continue after its 2047 deadline if loyalty to Beijing is upheld.

Lam's comments at the Legislative Council appeared to be an appeal to those in the city who see Beijing as tightening its control over the semi-autonomous territory's civic, economic and political life.

Hong Kong has been wracked by often violent anti-government protests since June, although they have diminished considerably in scale following a landslide win by opposition candidates in races for district councillors late last year.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam addresses Hong Kong's Legislative Council. Credit:AP

Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise that it would maintain its own capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.
The new Batman explains why he's saying goodbye to Gotham and hello to New York City

New Batman, New York City - why DC's Dark Knight is leaving Gotham City
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:04:46|Editor: xuxin

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MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Russian State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, approved Mikhail Mishustin for the post of prime minister at a plenary meeting on Thursday.

A total of 383 lawmakers voted in favor of Mishustin's candidacy for the post while 41 abstained.

Addressing the Duma, Mishustin said that President Vladimir Putin had instructed the government to be at the forefront of the country's development, ensure economic growth and create new jobs, which is the basis of an effective social policy.

Without high rates of economic development, the country's social development will stall, he said, adding that the new government needs to keep removing excessive administrative barriers.

It is also important to improve the entrepreneurial climate so that businessmen, including young people, feel confident and secure, develop their businesses, and most importantly, increase wages for employees, Mishustin said.

Thanks to macroeconomic stability and a surplus budget, Russia has the financial resources to carry out all the tasks set by President Putin, he said.

Mishustin said that all members of the new government will be personally responsible for achieving national development goals.

According to the Russian constitution, after the approval of the State Duma, Putin has to officially appoint Mishustin as head of the government.

Within one week of his appointment, Mishustin needs to submit to Putin proposals on the structure of the government and candidates for the posts of deputy prime ministers and government ministers.
The Congress on Thursday slammed the government over its decision to send 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir and said if everything was "normal" there, what was the need to send "propagandists".

A group of Union ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this month to spread awareness about the positive impact of abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region.

The schedule for the visit of the ministers to the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Friday.

"Amit Shah says all is normal in Kashmir. If so, why send 36 propagandists to Kashmir? Why not allow non-propagandists to go and understand the situation prevailing there?" tweeted senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

Thirty-six Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory starting from January 18 to January 24 and the Home Ministry is coordinating it.

"36 Ministers running around J&K in 6 days is a sign of Panic not normalcy. Abrogating Article 370 was a blunder & no quick fixes will work Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again," tweeted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

This will be the second round of visit by the Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state on August 5.

Earlier this month, in one of the meetings of the council of ministers, a presentation was also been made on the development initiatives taken by the Centre following the imposition of the governor rule in the region.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- College Futures Foundation welcomes Director of Public Policy Ria Sengupta Bhatt and Senior Program Officer April Yee to its staff.

For more than 15 years, Bhatt has focused her career on improving educational opportunity for California's diverse students, playing key roles in policy research, advocacy, nonprofit strategy, and program evaluation.

When she steps into this new position with College Futures Foundation in February, she will be responsible for directing the development and implementation of the foundation's public policy initiatives, advancing equitable student success policies at state and institutional levels, engaging policymakers, and directing related research and evaluation efforts.

"Ria is a strong addition to our team and will be taking on a newly created and vitally important role for College Futures," said President & CEO Monica Lozano.

"She brings strategic yet practical thinking and an orientation towards learning and working in partnershipand she deeply values socioeconomic opportunity for all. In addition to a keen understanding of the higher education policy landscape in the state, she is thoughtful and creative when it comes to long- and short- term public policy approaches to better serve students and California's future."

College Futures is a private foundation that partners with organizations and leaders across the state to catalyze systemic change, increase bachelor's degree completion, and close equity gaps so that the vision of a seamless, student-centered educational path to opportunity becomes a realityand one that's available to every student, regardless of zip code, skin color, or income.

Bhatt previously served as interim executive director and deputy director at California Competes, a policy research and advocacy organization focused on improving higher education and workforce outcomes. She worked as a consultant to clients in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors at strategic learning firm Informing Change, and currently serves on the board. She was a researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California and currently serves on its Higher Education Advisory Council.

Most recently, Bhatt consulted to Project Attain, an initiative to improve educational attainment for working-age adults in California's Capital region. She co-designed and implemented the launch of the initiative, and directed Project Attain's participation in Degrees When Due, a nationwide project to re-engage adult learners led by the Institute for Higher Education Policy.



She holds a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a BA in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

"I am thrilled to join this incredible team," said Bhatt.

"College Futures Foundation has a truly unique voice in the statewide higher education landscapeon equity gaps, affordability, student pathways, and many other policy issues. I look forward to working with the Foundation's diverse partners to advance a strong policy agenda in support of California's students and its economy."

April Yee joined College Futures Foundation in early January. As a Senior Program Officer, she leads the development and implementation of grantmaking in student success pathways and holistic student supports, under the Foundation's Student-Centric Practices strategy. She will work closely with the Foundation's Program, Learning, and Communications teams in other strategy areas as well.

Yee brings to the position more than 15 years of experience supporting students' transitions to and through college as a direct service provider, researcher, and funder.

"April brings to this position so many skills as an experienced grantmaker and researcher," said Monica Lozano.

"Her unwavering commitment to transformative institutional change in service of student success is clear. She will no doubt strengthen our thinking, our team, and our ability to scale our work and its positive impacts on students in partnership with those who are serving students every day."

Prior to joining the Foundation, Yee served as a program officer at The James Irvine Foundation, where she partnered with non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, and state higher education system offices to help smooth student transitions from high school to college in California.

As a researcher at UC Davis' Center for Poverty Research and the University of Pennsylvania, she examined college student decision-making, focusing on how culture, class, and institutions shape academic and career pathways. Most recently, she helped scale the state's college guidance platform, CaliforniaColleges.edu, at the California College Guidance Initiative. She began her career serving students as an academic advisor at Prep for Prep and LaGuardia Community College's Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP).

Yee earned her B.A. from Smith College and her M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Management and joint Ph.D. in Sociology and Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am excited to be working with College Futures and our partners to help produce more college graduates for a thriving California," said Yee. "I have dedicated my professional life to supporting low-income, first-generation students of color as they navigate higher education institutions, working towards a college degree for a better life. I am equally dedicated to transforming those institutions to become more student-centered and easier to navigate in the first place."

For Yee, the work is also personal. "The Foundation's mission resonates deeply with me as a former low-income student who had a long and winding path to earning a B.A. I was fortunate to make it through with essential supports and am committed to ensuring that the California students of today and tomorrow have the same opportunity."

About College Futures Foundation:

At College Futures Foundation, we believe there is nothing more transformative for individuals, our economy, and our society than educational opportunity, and that the pathway to a college degree should be clear and open to the diverse students of California.

Right now, that is not the case. Not all hardworking young people are getting a fair shot at a better life. The vast majority of our state's K12 students are people of color and from low-income households, yet when it comes to graduates from our public universities, these students are in the minority. At every step, they face roadblocks. We are working to change that.

College Futures Foundation partners with organizations and leaders across the state to catalyze systemic change, increase bachelor's degree completion, and close equity gaps so that this vision of a seamless, student-centered educational path to opportunity becomes a realityand one that's available to every student, regardless of zip code, skin color, or income.

Visit us online at www.collegefutures.org .

SOURCE College Futures Foundation

Related Links

http://www.collegefutures.org


Credit card thieves have long plagued Katy gas stations. Using a device called a skimmer criminals steal credit card numbers from people paying for their gas with a credit or debit card. But now, thanks to commercially available technology, the Katy Police Department is able to catch credit card skimmers in the act.

The lead detective on the case requested to remain anonymous due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but the detective explained the basic premise of the sting operation.

To steal credit card information, criminals break the locks on the gas pump and insert their devices inside the machine. Some of the devices are even Bluetooth enabled, meaning the thief can wait a few feet away as the credit card data and pin number uploads.

The technology the criminals are using is complicated, but according to the detective, the technology used to thwart thieves is comparatively low tech. Theres nothing special about it, the detective said. Its all technology thats currently available to the public.

The detective could not give specific details on how the technology works, but the detective explained the rudimentary function of the devices the police use. Essentially, if anyone attempts to tamper with the gas pump in any way, the police get an immediate alert. The alert happens so quickly and subtly that police are able to arrive on the scene before the criminal finishes installing the device.

ON HOUSTON CHRONICLE.COM: New law conceals location of credit card skimmers

The efforts have paid off. Police arrested Romualdo Chavez as he allegedly attempted to open the pump. Upon searching his vehicle, police found a credit card skimmer, card reader, stolen credit cards and three USB drives.

The detective urged citizens to notify the police if they see a pump that looks suspicious. If you find something, call us, but dont touch anything, the detective advised. Well check for fingerprints and anything thats available.

Since the arrest, there have been no further attempts to tamper with Katy gas pumps, but the Katy police are vigilant. Most of us live in the city. What happens in the city happens to us. What happens to our residents happens to us. We just want to move forward and keep up with the current trends to deal with (criminals) as best as possible, the detective said.

claire.goodman@chron.com
The benchmark indices scaled fresh lifetime highs today supported by gains in heavyweights such as Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Hindustan Unilever, and Bharti Airtel. Ending over a year-long trade war, the signing of the US-China trade deal, too, fueled investment appetite.

The S&P BSE Sensex mounted the crucial 42,000-mark in the intra-day trade today and continued its run to hit a high of 42,059.45. The index, however, closed at 41,932.56 level, up 59.83 points or 0.14 per cent. At close, Nestle, Bharti Airtel, and HUL (1.5 per cent) were the top gainers at the 30-share index, while NTPC, Tech M, and Tata Steel were the top laggards.

Nestle India hit a new all-time high of Rs 15,399 after gaining 3.5 per cent on the BSE today amid expectations of another good quarter. The packaged foods company, which is scheduled to announce its Q4CY19 results on February 13, 2020, surpassed its previous high of Rs 15,147, recorded on October 31, 2019. The stock closed 3.23 per cent higher at Rs 15,347.

A sharp surge in stock price has seen the company's market capitalisation balloon to near Rs 1.5-trillion mark. Currently, Nestle India stands at 20th position in the overall ranking of listed companies with a market cap of Rs 1.47 trillion, BSE data shows.

On the NSE, the broader Nifty50 index hit a fresh high of 12,389.05-mark. The index, eventually, settled at 12,355.50-mark, up 12.20 points or 0.099 per cent.

All the key sectoral indices closed the day with gains, except Nifty Metal index that slipped 1.32 per cent on profit booking. On the upside, the Nifty FMCG index hit a 2 month high of 31,508 points in the intra-day today as fast-moving consumer goods companies were trading actively on the index on expectations of recovery in demand. The index, which hit its highest level since November 15, 2019, settled 0.24 per cent higher on the NSE.

That apart, Thursday turned out to be another day for outperformance for the broader The S&P BSE small-cap index surged nearly 1 per cent in the intra-day trade today before settling 0.78 per cent higher at 14,647.54. The S&P BSE mid-cap index, on the other hand, ended at 15,625.23 level, up 0.77 per cent. It had gained 0.9 per cent in the intra-day trade.

In company-specific news, senior executives of AirAsia including CEO Tony Fernandes have been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case. The ED probe is related to allegations that the airline tried to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get the international licence for its Indian venture AirAsia India Limited.

Here's how the global performed today:

World stocks inched ahead to a record high on Thursday after the United States and China signed an initial deal to defuse their 18-month trade war.

MSCIs broadest index of world stocks firmed 0.03 per cent in Asia, while its index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.13 per cent.

Japans Nikkei rose 0.14 per cent while mainland Chinas Shanghai Composite index was almost flat. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 0.1 per cent.
Not all patients who fall into a coma return, and when they do it can mark a moment of joy for their loved ones -- but their troubles are rarely over.

Often, brain damage leaves them paralysed or unable to communicate.

Belgian neurologist Steven Laureys has dedicated himself to the question of how to improve the lives of the formerly comatose, and of their families.

And on Thursday, his work was recognised with a million-euro ($1.1 million) grant from the King Baudouin Foundation, presented by the Belgian king's sister, Princess Astrid.

The award will support the work of Laureys' world-class Coma Science Group at the University Hospital of Liege, in the south of the country.

"Our ignorance about the brain is enormous," Laureys told AFP at his clinic, lamenting that the patients that he sees have been "neglected" by medical science.

Laureys, who leads a team of 30 researchers, sees a "silent epidemic" of cases of patients who were revived from a coma but with their consciousness limited to varying degrees.

Around 150 cases a year are recorded in Belgium alone. Some leave intensive care able to open their eyes, but only move in reaction to outside stimuli.

In other, rarer, cases full consciousness returns but the patient's body remains paralysed, limiting or preventing two-way communication with carers and loved ones.

The possibilities for treatment are limited, but the 51-year-old doctor says the royal grant will help his team study one promising route -- the use of the drug apomorphine.

- Bike crash -

Already used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and in tackling some addictions, apomorphine could prove effective in the "gentle and gradual" treatment of brain damage.

"For patients with brain injuries, there's no current treatment that has proven truly effective. If we find one, that will make a great difference to patients' quality of life," said researcher Leandro Sanz.

Story continues

Laureys' group tackles Belgium's toughest cases, those where a head trauma, brain haemorrhage or cardiac arrest plunges a patient into a coma and causes serious brain damage.

One of their most celebrated cases was that of Belgian professional cyclist Stig Broeckx, who was involved in a catastrophic crash in May 2016 on the Tour of Belgium.

He suffered several brain injuries and spent six months in a coma. Today, he can ride a bike once more.

"He regained motor control and intellectual function, he's a true athlete with great motivation," said Laureys.

Thursday's ceremony saw Laureys awarded the Generet Prize, a grant from the King Baudouin Foundation named after the former Belgian monarch that manages 44.8 million euros in donations.

The first edition of the prize in 2018 went to Professor Miikka Vikkula, a Finnish specialist in vascular medicine working in Belgium's Catholic University of Louvain.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:34:42|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Zambia have embarked on an exercise to assess the extent of damage caused by flashfloods that have been experienced in some part of the country, the country's disaster management agency said on Thursday.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) said a combined team of officials from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Infrastructure has been instituted to assess the extent of the damage caused by flashfloods.

Rachael Chama, Communications Officer at the disaster agency said the assessment will help the government come up with appropriate response measures.

The government, she said, was committed to ensure that normalcy was quickly restored in the affected areas.

"It is unfortunate that the rains experienced have affected maize fields and destroyed the crops, which may affect the food security in the districts. The communities are urged to remain calm as the situation is being closely monitored to ensure lives are safeguard," she said in a release.

Flashfloods have been reported in different parts of Zambia due to heavy rains experienced.

The country's meteorological agency, the Zambia Meteorological Department, has warned of more flashfloods in some parts of the country due to anticipated increased rains this week.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:54:54|Editor: ZX

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tourism officials from ASEAN, China, South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their commitment on Thursday to strengthen their cooperation to make the region more competitive globally.

Zhang Xu, China's vice minister of culture and tourism, led a Chinese delegation to the 19th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers in the Bruneian capital.

At the meeting, Zhang and his counterparts reviewed the tourism industry performance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan and South Korea last year.

The tourism officials discussed issues including the implementation of the ASEAN+3 memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation, ASEAN+3 tourism cooperation work plan 2018-2020 and the promotion of international cooperation to make hotel service industry more attractive, dynamic and sustainable in line with the ASEAN Vision 2025.

The meeting was attended by the tourism ministers or their representatives from 10 ASEAN member countries and its three dialogue partners - China, Japan and South Korea, and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat.
More than 80 Japanese soldiers and civilian disaster experts have arrived in Australia to provide support amid the bushfire crisis.

Two planes filled with medical supplies including face masks for firefighters and troops landed at the Richmond Airforce Base in Sydney's West on Thursday.

Air Commodore Carl Newman from the Royal Australian Air Force said the two C130 Hercules transport planes would be 'vital' in helping fight the violent blazes.

Two planes filled with military and civilian personnel and medical supplies including face masks landed at the Richmond Airforce Base in Sydney's West on Thursday

'The additional C130s that the Japanese have brought will be vital in helping us out,' Mr Newman said.

'It's a true reflection of friends supporting each other in crisis and we truly appreciate it.'

The assistance follows Australia's response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan In 2011.

Military personnel were sent to the country after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck, which resulted in the loss of nearly 20,000 lives.

Colonel Ota Masashi from Japan's Self Defence Force said Australia's support during his country's time of need was not forgotten.

'We never forget what Australia did at that time,' he said.

Air Commodore Carl Newman (pictured) from the Royal Australian Air Force said the two C130 Hercules transport planes would be 'vital' in helping fight the violent blazes

Japan joins a growing list of other countries who have offered Australia support to tackle the blazes.

More than 200 US firefighters landed in Sydney earlier this month to help battle the fires.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced earlier this month the country would also send firefighters to help during the bushfire crisis.

Fiji, Canada and Papua New Guinea have also offered support.
Fokker, a member of the UK-based GKN Aerospace, is ready to provide requisite support in the investigation of the passenger jet crash in Kazakhstan, press service of GKN Aerospace said.



"We are aware of an incident involving Bek Air flight Z92100 and we will fully cooperate with the airline and all relevant authorities to support their investigations into this incident," TASS cited the press service as saying.



Bek Airs Fokker-100 aircraft en route from Almaty to Nur-Sultan crashed shortly after takeoff outside the Almaty airport early on Friday. The plane lost altitude and crashed into a concrete structure. There were 93 passengers and five crewmembers onboard. According to the latest reports, 12 people were killed in the crash, including the planes pilot-in-command. Some 49 people have been hospitalized. A government commission has been set up to investigate the crash.
Putin Nominates Ex-Tax Chief As New Russian PM

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a surprise constitutional shakeup that could keep him in power beyond the end of his term in 2024, and appointed a new prime minister after Dimitry Medvedev and his cabinet resigned.

Putin used his annual state-of-the-nation speech on January 15 to call for a referendum on substantial constitutional amendments that would strengthen parliament's powers ahead of the end of his term in 2024.

"Given that the proposed reforms concern significant changes to the political system, the work of legislative, executive and judicial authorities, I believe it is necessary to hold a plebiscite on the entire package of the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution," Putin added without specifying any date for a vote.

Hours later, Putin named little-known Federal Tax Service chief Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's new prime minister after Medvedev resigned following the president's announcement.

Mishustin, 53, has worked in the government since 1998. and has been head of the Federal Tax Service since 2010.

Observers said the day's dramatic events are likely preparing the ground for 2024, when Putin, now 67, must leave the presidency. Putin has occupied the president or the prime minister's job continuously since 1999, and was reelected in 2018 for a final six-year term under the current constitution.

Announcing the moves in his address to Russia's Federal Assembly, Putin said the country's 1993 constitution should be amended, including giving the State Duma -- the lower house of parliament -- the right to name cabinet ministers and the prime minister, a power that currently belongs to the president.

At the same time, Putin said Russia must remain a "strong presidential republic," with the president retaining powers such as the right to dismiss the prime minister and cabinet ministers, as well as naming top defense and security officials.

"This will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament," Putin said.

"For my part, I want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work, I want to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved," Putin said at the meeting with Medvedev and his cabinet.

"Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full," Putin added.Medvedev announced his government's resignation during the live broadcast of a cabinet meeting with Putin.

"After the [constitutional] changes are adopted, and most likely this will be done after discussions, there will be significant changesin the balance of power," Medvedev said.

"In that context, we, as the government of the Russian Federation, must provide our country's president with an opportunity to make all necessary decisions and in these conditions, I think the government of the Russian Federation made the proper move to resign," he added.

Russian news agencies said Putin plans to create the position of deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia and that the post will be offered to Medvedev.

Observers say that Putin's choice of Mishustin, who lacks any political weight, indicates that the latter will not play an independent role.

Mishustin will face a vote of approval in the Duma within one week.

Russia last conducted a referendum in 1993 when it adopted the constitution under Putin's predecessor Boris Yeltsin.

Tightening Presidential Requirements

Putin also suggested tightening the requirements for becoming president, saying any future Russian president should have lived in the country for at least 25 years and have no foreign citizenship or residency.

In addition, he also talked about a constitutional change that would enshrine the priority of domestic legislation over international law.

The speech came with the country still under Western sanctions for its actions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as its alleged election meddling in the United States.

The sanctions have hampered the country's economic growth, leading to rising poverty rates and growing discontent highlighted by protests last summer in Moscow.

Aleksei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader and Kremlin critic, tweeted that Putin's speech clearly signaled his desire to stay in control after his term ends.

"The only goal of Putin and his regime is to stay in charge for life, having the entire country as his personal asset and seizing its riches for himself and his friends," Navalny said.

Navalny said he expected any vote on constitutional changes to be "fraudulent crap."

Social Spending Measures

The address at Moscow's Manezh exhibition hall is one of three regularly scheduled national appearances that Putin makes each year -- the others being a lavish question-and-answer session with the public and a stage-managed annual press conference.

It is the 16th time Putin has delivered the address before an audience that also includes government ministers, judges from the constitutional and supreme courts, leading regional officials, and other members of the political elite.

In response to public discord, Putin spelled out social spending measures to counter Russia's declining population, which he characterized as a "direct threat" to the country's future, including a nationwide hot-school-meals program.

Putin said low incomes remain an obstacle to increasing the population, now at about 147 million, as the country faces the consequences of the post-Soviet economic collapse that led to a steep drop in the birthrate.

"We need to expedite achievement to meet the large-scale social, economic, and technological challenges our country faces," he said.

"Our society is clearly demonstrating a demand for change. People want development and are trying to make progress in the fields of vocation, knowledge, and well being," Putin said.

"We need to expedite achievement to meet the large-scale social, economic, and technological challenges our country faces," he said.

"Our society is clearly demonstrating a demand for change. People want development and are trying to make progress in the fields of vocation, knowledge, and well being," Putin said.

In his speech, Putin also boasted about Russian weaponry. He claimed that Russia is leading in the global arms race and no longer forced to "catch up" to other world powers.

With reporting by Interfax and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia -government-resigning-medvedev- putin/30378991.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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The father of the 23-year-old paramedic student, who was raped and brutally assaulted by six men in the national capital in December 2012, on Thursday said the convicts will not be able to escape the gallows, despite all the legal tactics they may employ.

After the gruesome incident, the paramedic student was flown to Singapore for treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Her father's remarks came after a Delhi court directed the Tihar Jail authorities on Thursday to file a proper report by Friday on the status of the scheduled execution of four convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape-and-murder case.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora passed the directions after the jail authorities said they had written to the Delhi government on the issue of the scheduled execution on January 22 in view of the pending mercy plea of one of the convicts.

The court was hearing a plea moved by one of the four death-row convicts in the case, Mukesh Kumar Singh, seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition was pending with the president.

Nirbhaya's father said the court will decide on the future course of action on Friday.

"We have not lost hope. There is no law for the victim's family but there are legal remedies available to the convicts, which is why the problems are arising," he said.

However, he said they had not lost hope and their fight for justice will continue.

"Justice is not far and their hanging is not far. They should prepare themselves for the hanging. They might delay it, but it will happen," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Related:

Amid Ongoing Family Drama, Is The Queen Going To Step Down?

The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration

A Shocking Decision

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they announced that they would be taking a step back from their roles as "senior" royals and would be splitting their time between England and North America. They wrote on their personal website:

"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family, and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."

The Queen Is Tentatively On Board

Although the Queen initially released a statement claiming that she was "disappointed" in their decision, she has since come around and released a second statement after a family meeting.

"My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family," the queen said in a statement. "Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K.

These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days."

Charles Is Disappointed

Insiders claim that Prince Charles is hurt by Harry and Meghan's decision, as he had a very specific idea for how his sons would be involved in the monarchy after Charles becomes king.

Story continues

"There is a firm determination within the palace to understand Meghan [Markle] and Harrys position and help them get to a place where they feel comfortable and happy. Charles has always envisioned working with both of his sons and their families in the future.

He Had A Specific Vision For His Sons

Still, we shouldn't assume that this family break up means the end of the monarchy as we know it. Royal historian Robert Lacey told People:

"For public and also for deeply private reasons, the Queen, and Prince Charles and Prince William will want to heal the rift. There is anger at the moment. But if Harry and Meghan are prepared to enter into the spirit of this new arrangement, I think the Queen, Charles and William will [support them]. Each of them, for different reasons, will want to heal what has gone wrong."

Maybe standing up for Meghan publicly after she receives racist abuse from the press is a place to start.
Top legal eagle Harish Salve was appointed into Queen Elizabeth II's counsel of Senior Advocate. He has been appointed as Queen's Counsel (QC) for the courts of England and Wales. Salve's name appeared on the list of silk appointments released by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Justice Department on January 13.

According to the sources, the title of Queen's Counsel is normally awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. Along with Salve, Louis Doyle and Andrew Grantham, Shantanu Majumdar, Kate Selway, and Christopher Boardmanwere also appointed as Queen's Counsel. According to the sources, the appointment of the Counsel will take place on March 16, 2020.

Salve's appointment as Queen's Counsel is however not the first appointment of an Indian into the Counsel, along with him, Shantanu Majumdar from the law fraternity has also been appointed into the Counsel. In January last year, White & Case Partner Dipen Sabharwal was made Queens Counsel.

READ | J&K's Article 370 to go, watch as Harish Salve explains how the historic move will integrate India

About Harish Salve

Having graduated with an LL.B. degree from Nagpur University, Harish Salve began his legal career with JB Dadachandji & Co. in the year 1980.

Later in the year 1992, Salve was designated as Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court and also went on to serve as a Solicitor General for India from the year 1992 to 2002.

Salve is best known for representing India in many important matters on international waters. Having being called to the Blackstone Chambers in 2013, Salve went on to represent India at the International Court of Justice for the Kulbhushan Jadhav extradition case.

He was also applauded by many people when he stated that for representing India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav extradition case, he will charge the Indian Government an amount of Re. 1 as his legal fees for the proceedings.

READ | Sushma Swaraj passes away: 'Hours before demise, she had told me to collect Re 1 fee for Kulbhushan Jadhav Case', shares Harish Salve

READ | "PoK is Indian, Pakistan is squatting there," says Harish Salve
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MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It was during a presentation today at the Montreal International Auto Show that the Telluride was named Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2020. This award names Telluride as the best vehicle in its class as assessed by more than 50 professional automotive journalists. It also means that Telluride qualifies for consideration for the overall title of Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, to be awarded by AJAC in February of 2020.



The award reinforces the dramatic change that the Kia brand and its products have gone through recently. Telluride is proof of that with its design, technology, engineering and safety features which rival that of world class competitors and position the brand as best in class in terms of style, refinement, safety & technology.

The award-winning Telluride will be featured at other Canadian auto shows and is currently available at dealerships across the country.

"AJAC is pleased to present the award for Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2020 to the Kia Telluride," said Stephanie Wallcraft, President of AJAC. A category win in the AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards reflects the expert opinions of dozens of Canadian automotive journalists based from coast to coast, who drive and review vehicles from every segment of the industry on varying roads and in all kinds of weather conditions. For the Telluride to be selected as the winner from among its competition is a veritable achievement.

"The Kia Telluride represents the Kia of today and a clear indication of where we are going in the future, said Elias El-Achhab, Vice-President and COO, Kia Canada. "Its an honor to see that a large number of renowned automobile journalists across the country consider the Telluride the best in its class compared to the other excellent models within this segment.

For more information on the Telluride and the full range of Kia models including the all-new sub-compact SUV the Seltos, visit Kia.ca.

About Kia Canada Inc.

Kia Canada Inc. (KCI), founded in 1999 and celebrating 20 years in Canada, is a subsidiary of the Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) based in Seoul, South Korea. The full line of award-winning Kia vehicles offers world-class quality and customer satisfaction through a network of 195 dealers across the country. The company employs 170 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montreal, Quebec. Kias slogan "The Power to Surprise," symbolizes the companys worldwide commitment to exceed customer expectations through sustained automotive innovation. Whether it is a compact, crossover, or electric model which is among the best in the industry, each Kia vehicle offers a superior combination of precision engineering, exceptional performance, innovative features and advanced safety systems. Kia has sold a million vehicles, including popular models in Canada like the Soul, Forte, Sportage, Sorento, Stinger and has recently added the Seltos to its lineup. To learn more visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Media contact:

Susan Bernardo

National Manager, Public Relations

T 905-755-6251

M 416-660-3568

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86822fcc-8b57-4c75-b08b-9cb86a744ec8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91242ad8-a575-48e9-acc2-ee7c274f6e2e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b04719a-dade-4a89-bab9-76637df93d67
Kimberley McRae (pictured) was found dead in her apartment in Coogee on Tuesday

A murder investigation is underway after a woman's body was found in a beachside apartment in Sydney's east.

Kimberley McRae was found dead in her apartment on Mount Street, Coogee, on Tuesday morning.

Daily Mail Australia understands the 69-year-old's body had been inside the apartment for several days before her sister raised the alarm.

Ms McRae, who also uses the first name Sabrina, is a well-known identity in the suburb.

Police said Ms McRae lived alone and did not own a vehicle, but was known to walk and exercise in the local area and had 'distinct personal style with recognisable features'.

New South Wales Homicide Squad boss Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the last known sighting of Ms McRae was at her Coogee unit on January 7.

He said the next seven days until her body was found on Tuesday remain a mystery.

'Investigators are aware Kim worked in the sex industry and may be known to some of her associates as Isabella, Samantha and Sabrina,'Det Supt Doherty said.

'Of course, wed be keen to speak to anyone who has information or knowledge of Kims social activities.'

Ms McRae wrote a book last year titled 'Hey Boys, She's Got a Gash and other Tales of Gods - A Memoir' - which detailed the struggles of being transgender.

Ms McRae, who also uses the first name Sabrina, was a well-known identity in Coogee, in Sydney's east

A resident who lived near Ms McRae said police had canvassed several apartment blocks on Mount Street in the early part of this week.

'They knocked on our door and told my wife of a suspicious death in a neighbouring apartment building,' the man said.

Ms McRae wrote a book last year under the name Isabella Lawson, which detailed the struggles of a transgender person living in Sydney's east

'I wasn't home at the time but they asked my wife if she'd heard any shouting of screaming on the Friday before.'

Another man said he regularly saw Ms McRae out walking, describing her as 'the best known person in Coogee'.

'She was always out walking around town and with big hair and glasses, it was very hard to miss,' he said.

A friend Presley Hunter paid tribute to Ms McRae and described her as a 'kind' person.

'She was certainly an icon of Coogee for over a decade. She was 'out there' but she's the kindest person I've known,' she said.

Police said a post mortem examination had been conducted, but further tests are required to determine exactly how Ms McRae died.

Anyone with information about Ms McRae's death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Colocation, also known as a carrier hotel, is a business offering where equipment, space, and bandwidth is available for rent. Colocation is necessary for large companies because it helps keep pertinent information secure and organized. Your current IT systems can be seamlessly connected with a colocation facility using your existing technology. The sophisticated equipment in these facilities is made to incorporate various types of systems to ease the transition to an offsite system.

Large companies with more than one location can benefit from a colocation facility for a large variety of reasons including security and peace of mind. Listed below are the are six main reasons that should be considered when thinking about obtaining colocation services.

Customizable Solutions

Every facility is different and the needs of your company won't match the needs of other companies. If your colocation solution requires special needs such as a cage, extra-wide racks or upgraded security colocation engineers can find a solution for your needs. Private suites are available for companies that require an upscale security system. These suites are opened using biometrics and have dedicated security cameras.

Continuous Connectivity

If your offices are located in an area that sees bad weather often and losing power is a daily occurrence you can definitely benefit from colocation services. Colocation facilities know that your data is important. Even if there is a power outage or ice storm you'll still be able to access your data with the help of generators. These backup diesel generators, power grids, and double battery systems ensure that your information can always be accessed directly and through cloud services.

Enhanced Internet Security

Firewalls and IDS systems can be hard to keep up with even though they are necessary. It seems like there are upgrades for Internet security systems that come out every week. Several large scale companies had Internet security breaches in the past leaving customer information vulnerable. Colocation facilities recognize that security is important and have updated systems in place to ensure that your information is secure and free from impending breaches.

Energy Efficiency

The environment is important to everyone and it seems as though colocation facilities are not energy efficient due to the sophisticated equipment needed to cool the facility but with the development of new technology, most facilities are in fact energy efficient. Even though generators are large with the development of new technology they too have become more energy-efficient and able to power more equipment with the use of less power. Find a colocation facility that is dedicated to being energy efficient and has developed a long-term plan to remain efficient for the lifespan of the company.

Continuous Connection

There are times when company information may need to be accessed outside of regular business hours. For this reason and more, cloud services are important to the structure of your colocation services. If continuous access is important to the structure of your business or corporation, there are several companies that offer cloud services that can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

Law Governing

Even though you can access cloud services from anywhere, if your data is kept onshore your information is secured by the laws governing your own country. When your information is kept offshore you can be subject to international laws. Ensure that you're using a colocation service that is located in your home country.

These six reasons for obtaining colocation services serve as proof that colocation facilities are essential for large companies. The value of security and peace of mind is unbeatable. Stay connected to your most valuable information at all times and get cloud services today!
Attending the event, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh affirmed that the friendship, which was nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong and generations of leaders of both countries, has become a valuable asset to the two nations.

Therefore, he said that both nations must be responsible for preserving and promoting the traditional friendship, bringing practical benefits to the Vietnamese and Chinese people.

Deputy PM Binh stressed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always treasure the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with their Chinese counterparts, and hope the Chinese side will work to develop the ties in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner.

He expressed his belief that with the resolute determination of high-level leaders, ministries, departments, sectors and people of both countries, the partnership will be unceasingly consolidated and elevated to new heights across the fields of economy, trade, investment and tourism for regional and global peace, cooperation and development.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo reviewed significant achievements in the bilateral ties in the past seven decades, underlining the year 2020 as having important meaning for the two nations as China is building a comprehensively well-off society and realising its first centenary goal while Vietnam is marking the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and playing the role as the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member at the United Nations Security Council.

To this end, he said both sides need to bolster cooperation, and together grasp development opportunities.

The Chinese diplomat voiced his wish that Vietnam and China will continue to promote their traditional friendship, enhance political trust, and further develop the bilateral relationship in a deeper and more practical fashion, making more contributions to global peace, stability and human progress.

Earlier, the Vietnamese Embassy in China also hosted a banquet to mark the 70th founding anniversary of Vietnam  China diplomatic ties on January 13.
(Natural News) In the months before the first shots were fired in the American Civil War, states seceded from the Union in order to form the slave-owning Confederacy.

One of the 11 states that formed the wartime South was Virginia, and in fact, the eventual commander of the entire Confederate army was a Virginian named Robert E. Lee.

But not everyone from the Old Dominion wanted to leave the Union. In fact, quite a few counties in northwest Virginia wanted to remain. So they banded together and decided to secede from Virginia.

On June 20, 1863, West Virginia officially became a U.S. state, but before then, about a year earlier, the newly-formed government invited Virginia counties to join them if they were as opposed to backing slavery.

This week, the invitation was renewed, as reported by The Associated Press:

The West Virginia Senate adopted a resolution by voice vote Monday to remind residents of Frederick County, Virginia, that the county has a standing invite  from 1862  to become part of West Virginia. It now goes to the House of Delegates.

The resolution was introduced by Morgan County Republican Charles Trump, whose district borders Frederick County. Trump was born in Winchester, the seat of Frederick, which is Virginias northernmost county.

The Constitutions Article IV, Sect. 3, describes how new states can be admitted to the U.S. It explicitly says that no new states shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well as of the Congress.

Get more news like this without being censored: Get the Natural News app for your mobile devices. Enjoy uncensored news, lab test results, videos, podcasts and more. Bypass all the unfair censorship by Google, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Get your daily news and videos directly from the source! Download here.

Now, the early 1860s was an unusual time of war and upheaval, so its understandable that the state of West Virginia was not properly formed, per the Constitution, because it was erected within the jurisdiction of another state. (Related: The big breakup: Residents in a half-dozen states talking secession we are no longer a unified nation.)

The Left has no moral authority to oppose this

But the Constitution doesnt say anything about individual counties leaving one state to join another, already-existing state. In fact, our founding document is completely silent on that issue; if a couple of Virginia counties decided to join West Virginia, they arent forming a new state, forming a new state out of parts of existing states, or anything of the sort.

What, really, could the federal government do? Or the state governments involved?

The West Virginia resolution opening  or re-opening  the door to the Virginia counties does, however, state that any action would have to be approved by the Virginia General Assembly as well as a majority of qualified citizens voting upon the proposition before August 1.

So, that alone means, most likely, that there isnt going to be any official sanctioning of this separation. But does there have to be?

After all, the state of West Virginia was formed, strictly speaking, outside of the Constitution. According to the History Channel, the adoption of West Virginia was done by referendum. Article IV, Sect. 3, says that new states may be admitted by the Congress to this union. A referendum  a vote  isnt the same thing as congressional approval.

The point is this: Were rapidly approaching a time in our country when states and parts of states are opting out of the current order. And frankly, there is no one to blame for this but the Left.

It all started with two issues: Illegal aliens and pot. Left-wing Democrat-run states and cities were the first to adopt sanctuaries for illegal immigrants; they were also the first to ignore federal laws against recreational use of pot by passing their ownreferendums.

If a Virginia county votes to join West Virginia, who among the Democrat Left has the moral authority to oppose it?

Sources include:

law.Cornell.edu

History.com

WSET.com

NewsTarget.com
Anne-Marie Corbett was seen for the first time since it was reported Ant McPartlin will give his estranged wife Lisa Armstrong 31 million in their divorce settlement.

The former PA, 44, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she took their two Maltipoo dogs, Milo and Bumble, for a walk in London on Wednesday.

Anne-Marie looked like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders as she walked around the common, after reports Ant, 44, is 'delighted' to have come to an agreement with his ex Lisa, 43, because it means he can 'move on'.

Moving on: Anne-Marie Corbett grinned as she was seen for the first time on Wednesday, since it was reported Ant McPartlin will give Lisa Armstrong 31 million in their divorce settlement

Anne-Marie appeared happy and relaxed as she flew solo for the outing and doted on their dogs, who played happily with a Cockapoo.

Ant's beloved Labrador Hurley was not present on the walk, with reports emerging the presenter and his ex Lisa have finally reached an agreement to share joint custody of him.

Anne-Marie's outing comes after Ant has allegedly agreed to Lisa more than half of his estimated 50 million fortune.

Pay out: Ant has allegedly agreed to give his estranged wife Lisa 31 million in their divorce settlement (pictured together in 2015)

Agreement: Anne-Marie looked like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, while Ant is said to be 'delighted' to have reached a settlement because he can 'move on' with his life

Alone time: The former PA flew solo for the outing with dogs Milo and Bumble, which comes after reports Ant, 44, has offered up half of his estimated 50m fortune to Lisa

According to The Sun, the I'm A Celebrity host is 'delighted' the case has come to an end as he can 'move on', two years after announcing their split.

The publication also claimed the Strictly make-up artist will keep the pair's 5 million former marital home in West London.

A source close to both sides told the paper: 'Ant and Lisa agreed to settle and sign their divorce agreement during a productive and civil meeting on Tuesday.

Settlement: Ant's beloved Labrador Hurley was not present on the walk, with reports emerging the presenter and his ex Lisa have finally reached an agreement to share joint custody of him

'Ant made a very generous settlement that works out to be more than half of everything that he has.

'He is delighted because it means he can put what has been a very difficult chapter in his life behind him and move on.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Ant and Lisa for comment.

However, as the news broke, Lisa took to Twitter to deny the claims, posting: 'Nope a load of nonsense AGAIN....'

Battle: However, as the news broke, Lisa took to Twitter to deny the claims, posting: 'Nope a load of nonsense AGAIN....' (pictured in April, 2019)

Denial: Lisa denied reports the couple have finally reached a divorce settlement on Twitter, calling it a 'load of old nonsense'

Supportive fans: Lisa went on to like tweets stating 'no amount of money' would be compensation for her experience in recent months

She went to 'like' tweets which stated: 'no amount of money could ever compensate for what this poor girl has had to endure', and 'Get what you can! You deserve it! Terrible treatment of you since you found out when we did! And with a so called friend! Its heartbreaking behaviour'.

'I bet the money means nothing in some respects, it certainly can't buy the respect she deserves or make up for the sh***y spineless way he scurried off & tried to silence her.

The tweet continued: 'Whatever the sum is I'm sure it will be put to much better use & I wish her all the best'; and 'Why do people care what you get, no amount of money big or small can change the fact a heart was broken'.

New love: Lisa has been vocal about how deeply hurt she was when Ant moved on so quickly with his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie (pictured together last July)

The news comes two months after friends of the pair told The Mail On Sunday that despite efforts by Ant to keep their split low-key, Lisa still wanted her day in court.

Lisa is understood to feel Ant 'got away with a lot' after their split in 2017.

A source close to the couple said: 'Ant has been very generous in terms of the financial settlement but Lisa is totally the opposite of someone who is motivated by money.

'She doesn't care about that  she earns her own. But she has been so hurt by all of this.

'What the general public and his fans don't realise is that Ant's decision to end the marriage came after years of Lisa trying to save him from himself.

'There were at least three years when she was at her wits' end and it was tough. Watching him move on was very, very difficult. Lisa is very much aware that a judge may not award her as much as Ant is offering but she doesn't care.

'She has suffered tremendously in all of this and she wants her day in court.'

Happier times: The couple married in July 2006 and announced they were divorcing in January 2018. Their union legally came to an end during a 30-second hearing in October that year

Lisa, who hired Catherine Bedford, head of family law at legal firm Harbottle & Lewis, to represent her, is also said to have been distraught over a newspaper interview in which Ant told how he was 'happier than ever' with Anne-Marie.

The couple married in July 2006 and announced they were divorcing in January 2018.

Their union legally came to an end during a 30-second hearing in October that year, finalising 11 years of marriage.

During the hearing, Ant had to technically admit adultery with Anne-Marie as their relationship officially began while he and Lisa were still married.

A year before they split, the presenter entered rehab after struggling with a two-year addiction to super-strength painkillers following a knee operation in 2015.

Shared custody: The former couple will share custody of their pet Labrador, Hurley, according to reports (pictured in July, 2019)

In April, 2018, he was banned from the road for 20 months and fined 86,000 for driving while more than twice the legal limit.

ANT AND LISA'S SETTLEMENT EXPLAINED: Fiona Wood, partner with McAlister Family Law, explains  The most striking element of this story is the alleged agreement Mr McPartlin will give ex-wife Lisa Armstrong 31 million in their divorce settlement, out of a pot that is reportedly thought to be 50 million  The starting point in any financial settlement in divorce is a 50/50 division of the assets. However the judge must then consider if there are reasons to depart from equality.  Reasons for departing from equality would be that one spouse brought significant assets into the marriage and/or acquired significant assets after separation. Ms Armstrongs financial claims are therefore likely to be limited to the money amassed during the marriage, which includes any period that the couple cohabited prior to their marriage. Therefore if there is any deviation away from equality, it is more likely to be in Mr McPartlins favour than Ms Armstrongs.  The settlement will need to meet the couples needs, but in big money cases, where there are significant assets, this will not usually be a problem.  The law does not favour the spouse who generated capital during a marriage when looking at how the assets should be divided.  It is one of the myths around divorce that if one spouse has committed adultery, that spouse should be treated more harshly. The reasons for the breakdown of the marriage rarely have any impact on the financial settlement. The court will look at fairness and need.  If, as is reported, the couple shared custody of their dog during their two years separation, then it is likely the judge will therefore be happy for that situation to continue. Advertisement

Lisa has made it public how deeply hurt and betrayed she was when he moved on so quickly with his former personal assistant and her former friend, Anne-Marie.

She took to Twitter after reading an interview by Ant where he gushed about 'his rock' Anne-Marie and how he disagreed with Lisa's decision to express her heartbreak on the social media platform.

Venting she put up with the 'worst of him for years', the make-up artist liked a slew of tweets saying she has been hurt enough and didn't need to see Ant declaring his love to her former PA.

In November last year, Lisa hinted she is a 'victim of a narcissist' as her bitter 62million divorce raged on.

After reportedly refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement which prevented her from discussing the marriage, the make-up artist liked a tweet that read: 'A narcissist is always going to paint their victim as "crazy" mentally ill "delusional" imagining the abuse "psycho" emotional.

'In fact, these are the top 3 projectory words that every narcissist uses. A victim of a narcissist however never refers to a narcissist this way.'

It was previously claimed Lisa reportedly refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement preventing her discussing her 12 year marriage to Ant.

According to The Sun, I'm A Celebrity presenter Ant asked Lisa to sign a gagging order to protect his reputation, and will not agree a final financial settlement if this does not happen.

However, Lisa has allegedly vowed she 'won't be silenced' and rejected the NDA.

Ant's solicitors are said to be sending regular legal letters to Lisa with his bill thought to have surpassed the 1.5 million mark.

The presenter's solicitors are determined to keep details of the divorce private and stop proceedings reaching court - where it is feared information about the pair's relationship will be brought into the public domain, according to reports.

Adulterer: During the hearing, Ant had to technically admit adultery with Anne-Marie as their relationship officially began while he and Lisa were still married (pictured together in 2016)

A source told the website: 'Lisa is an honest, loyal and decent human being. She isn't interested in how much money she gets.

'She won't sign an NDA. As far as she's concerned, he is welcome to his money.

'It's not about that for her. She's appalled at the way she has been treated ever since they split up, by people she loved, trusted and called friends.'

A source close to Ant is also said to have told the website he has agreed to a second formal arbitration with Lisa.

They said he is not trying to pressure her to sign the NDA and that he will sign one too to stop the case going to court.

The Sun also claims Ant has not been allowed back into the West London home by Lisa - which she currently lives in - since he left rehab and he has been unable to pick up personal belongings.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Geomega Resources Inc. (TSXV: GMA) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #1124 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2020. Kiril Mugerman, President and CEO of Geomega, will be presenting at Workshop 2 on Monday January 20, 2020 at 2pm local time.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry.

Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors.

Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For further information:

Geomega Resources Inc.

Kiril Mugerman

4506415119

kmugerman@geomega.ca

www.geomega.ca
Jeong Eun-bo, the South Korean representative for the country's Special Measures Agreement with the United States, arrives at Dulles international Airport in Virginia, the United States, Jan. 13. Yonhap





Jeong Eun-bo, right, held the sixth round of Seoul-Washington Special Measures Agreement meeting in Washington, Jan. 14-15, with James DeHart, left. Yonhap
Elisabeth Briggs finds calm in clicking small, interlocking bricks together and turning piles of multicolored plastic into something recognizable.

Sometimes she has a beer while playing with Lego bricks - at 37, she's allowed - or watches TV. But she keeps the instructions close by, following them to the block.

For Briggs, this ritual has become a kind of guided meditation with a tangible reward at the end: a big city skyline, perhaps, or an iconic building she can display in her office. She picked up her first Lego building set, a 321-piece replica of the Eiffel Tower, for $35 after a trip to Paris, and now has nearly three dozen kits that mirror her travels, including Buckingham Palace, the Louvre and the Golden Gate Bridge.

"It's fun to zone out and follow someone else's instructions," said Briggs, a math teacher at Olympic College near Seattle. "It wasn't until I got older - and had a job and more money - that I saw value in that."

Lego, the world's largest and most profitable toy maker, is zeroing in on a growing demographic: Stressed-out adults. The 87-year-old Danish company increasingly bills its brightly colored bricks as a way to drown out the noise of the day and perhaps achieve a measure of mindfulness. The company's newest kits - which include the Central Perk cafe from the sitcom "Friends" and a vintage 1989 Batmobile - tap into Gen X nostalgia, while its Ideas and Forma lines are being targeted to adults who want to occupy their hands but keep their minds loosely engaged.

Adults have become a coveted market for toy makers confronting increased competition and waning sales growth, and it doesn't hurt that they're more likely to drop $800 on a 7,541-piece Star Wars Millennium Falcon set or $400 for the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle on Briggs's wish list.

"Adults with high-pressured jobs are telling us they're using Lego to disconnect from the mania of the day," said Genevieve Capa Cruz, Lego's audience marketing strategist. "They're looking for a relaxing, calming experience - and they like instructions because that's what helps them be in the zone."

The company spent the past five years revamping instruction manuals to make kits foolproof for frazzled adults, she said. Last year, Lego introduced a line of koi fish and shark models with soothing movements to appeal to builders in search of a "joyful creative challenge."

Lego's appeal, of course, has long spanned generations. Adult Fans of Lego - known colloquially as AFOLs - have inspired dozens of Facebook and Reddit groups and at least one "blocumentary." A new book aims to teach older users how to use the bricks as a form of stress relief, not to create complicated models but to simply revel in the process. And a competition show, LEGO Masters, which premieres next month on Fox, pits adult builders against each other. (Think "The Great British Bake Off," for Lego.)

But the toy giant is increasingly looking beyond die-hard hobbyists to court the casual builder in search of modern-day tranquility. "Need an escape?," asked a recent Lego ad on Instagram. "Building with Lego bricks reduces stress and improves your well-being. It's zen, in the shape of a brick."

Mindfulness is a meditative practice rooted in ancient Buddhism and Hinduism that focuses on the present without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It has been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and even lower blood pressure. In recent years, mindfulness has become a mainstream buzzword, with corporations like Apple, Nike and HBO adding meditation rooms for employees, and apps like Headspace and Calm promising to help the masses find peace. And Lego is hardly alone in latching on to it as a selling point: Companies now offer "mindful knitting" workshops, while a growing roster of books promises mindfulness through coloring, crosswords and crafting.

Any repetitive activity - embroidering, sweeping, or yes, clicking together Lego bricks - can help strike the right balance between mental engagement and relaxation, says Carrie Barron, Director of Creativity for Resilience at the University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School. "To focus singularly on a task is a form of mindfulness."

And, she added, Lego's instruction booklets serve an important role, too: "We like to have structure and a clear path. The idea that 'if you follow this, you'll achieve that,' is very appealing."

- - -

Abbie Headon hadn't touched a Lego for a good 20 years when the Danish toy giant called with an assignment: Write a book for stressed-out adults, like her, who hadn't played with the blocks in decades. She bought a small bag of pieces and got to work.

"The point is to free your mind of other distractions and focus on play, even if you just have a handful of pieces," said Headon, 44, who is based in England.

Her 160-page book, "Build Yourself Happy: The Joy of Lego Play," was released in the United States last month. Chapters like "Be a Child Again" and "Builds to Help You Sleep" implore adults to play in new ways: Build something with your eyes closed. Create a rainbow. Build the tallest tower you can. There are also practical considerations: A chapter on "the life-changing magic of tidying your Lego bricks" offers suggestions on sorting and storage.

"The fun isn't just, I'm going to build this and it's going to be perfect," Headon said. "That's one of the great things about Lego: There's no risk. You can always just take it apart and start again."

These days Headon keeps a cardboard box of Lego pieces on her desk. They're therapeutic, she says, even if she's not actively playing with them.

"I like to have something in my hand when I'm thinking, so I'll grab a few Lego pieces and click them together and apart," she said. "It's very satisfying."

The earliest Lego bricks, introduced in Denmark in the late 1940s, consisted mainly of rectangular pieces in a handful of colors. Over the next decade, it added doors and roofs, as well as trees, bushes, road signs and curved plates, according to the online database Brickset. By the time it started exporting to the United States in 1961, sets had become more elaborate, replicating airplanes, boats and fire stations.

But by the late 1990s, the company was on rocky ground. The simple plastic brick had fallen out of favor as children became enthralled with video games, computers and fads like the Tamagotchi digital pet. Lego posted its first-ever loss in 1998.

The following year Lego forged its first licensing deal, with the "Star Wars" franchise, a move that "basically saved the company," says industry analyst Chris Byrne. Annual sales jumped nearly 30% that year, as Lego shifted its focus away from open-ended play and toward more branded kits. Similar licensing agreements with Disney, Marvel Super Heroes and Harry Potter followed. Last year Lego posted a $1.2 billion profit on $5.4 billion in sales.

Even so, Lego is facing many of the same head winds as its rivals. Sales growth has held steady at about 4% since 2018, a sharp drop from the 17% a year average seen the preceding decade. Competition is growing - not only from other toy makers, but also smartphones and apps that are devouring a bigger portion of children's allowances. Plus, analysts say, today's parents would rather spend on experiences than stuff. U.S. toy sales fell about 5.5% in the first nine months of this year, according to NPD Group.

Selling blocks - or puzzles or action figures - to adults has become one way for toy makers to counteract the slowdown. Competitors like Playmobil are taking note too, by rolling out programs that they say will help corporate employees "find new business solutions."

"The rise of adult fans is driving the toy industry," said Byrne, a New York-based consultant who bills himself as the Toy Guy. "Who do you think is buying the $499 Death Star or the $399 Hogwarts Castle? That's all being made for adults who have their own money to spend."

- - -

The submissions pour in by the dozens - and more often than not, they're hankering for an earlier era.

Scroll through Lego Ideas, the crowdsourcing platform the company introduced in 2008, and you'll see proposals for sets commemorating the 1964 musical "Mary Poppins" and "The Golden Girls," the NBC sitcom that first hit airwaves in 1985. Lego fans vote on their favorites, and a panel green lights a handful of projects each year. Recent approvals include a "Ghostbusters" 30th anniversary set, a DeLorean Time Machine from the 1985 film "Back to the Future," and a Beatles-inspired yellow submarine.

"There is so much nostalgia, especially among Gen X," said Capa Cruz of Lego.

This generation of Americans, sandwiched between baby boomers and millennials, was the first to grow up with Lego, Byrne says. Now in their 40s and 50s, they are among a growing group of adults hoping to unplug from their phones and computers.

When Brooke Deason opened a block-building events space six years ago, she envisioned Lego-filled birthday parties, summer camps and youth leagues.

But she quickly found another group clamoring to play: parents.

She now hosts regular adults-only evenings where locals sip wine and put together "Doctor Who" sets and replicas of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. One group of dads has been working on a 1,366-piece Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer for two years.

"It's like a blast to the past, straight to our childhoods," said Deason, 40, who lives in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. "It took me by surprise, but it makes sense: Life is so structured. But with Lego, you can do anything."

Deason has a few million Lego pieces, which she organizes by type and color. The Star Wars and architecture sets, she says, are the most popular among adults, who almost always look for the instruction manuals.

"The younger kids come in and it's all about their imaginations - playing pretend, building zombie towns," she said. "But at some point that gets lost. The adults seem to value the final finished project. That's where they get their satisfaction.
In his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin of Russia shook up the country and its political class by calling for constitutional changes that would give him a new path to holding onto power after his current  and, in theory, last  term ends in 2024

In his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin of Russia shook up the country and its political class by calling for constitutional changes that would give him a new path to holding onto power after his current  and, in theory, last  term ends in 2024.

With that, the entire Cabinet, led by a long-serving Putin ally, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, abruptly resigned. The head of the Federal Tax Service, Mikhail V Mishustin  a little-known but skilled technocrat  will become the next prime minister.

The spate of moves offers some clues about Putins plans and priorities, but also raises questions about what may lie ahead for the Russian president. Here are answers to some of them.

What is Putin doing?

Putins hold on power in Russia is unrivalled, built up over the last 20 years in his posts as president and prime minister.

But Russias Constitution bars a president from serving more than two consecutive terms. To maintain his grip on power, as he has hinted he intends to do, Putin needs to find a way to engineer a leadership transition that will allow that to happen.

To that end, it appears, he has proposed changes to the Constitution that would weaken the presidency while increasing the sway of the Parliament and the prime minister.

He said, for example, that the president should in the future be required to accept the prime ministers Cabinet appointments. This and other changes could give Putin more leeway to find a position in which he can maintain power without violating the constitution.

What position will he hold?

Thats not entirely clear.

Putin could become prime minister again, taking advantage of the positions expanded influence. Alternatively, some analysts have pointed to a leadership maneuver engineered by Nursultan Nazarbayev, the longtime president of Kazakhstan, another former Soviet republic.

In 2018, Nazarbayev increased the power of Kazakhstans Security Council and made himself its chairman for life. When he resigned from the presidency last year in favor of a handpicked successor, his position at the helm of the Security Council allowed him to hold on to key levers of power.

On Wednesday, offering few details, Putin dangled the possibility of a similar move in Russia. The State Council  currently an advisory body made up of the governors of Russias regions  should have its status and role fixed in the Constitution, he said.

That quickly raised speculation among Russian political analysts that a revamped State Council could become a vehicle for Putin to maintain power if he relinquishes the presidency, particularly over the military and foreign policy.

Why doesnt he just seize power?

Despite Putins immense sway, hed be taking a risk if he simply declared himself president for life.

Putin served two consecutive presidential terms from 2000 to 2008, and then became prime minister. His announcement in 2011 that he would seek the presidency again, followed by parliamentary elections widely seen as rigged, helped trigger Russias biggest street protests since the 1990s.

This time around, Putin looks determined to orchestrate his next move in a slow-motion fashion thats less likely to produce a backlash. The changes to the Constitution he called for give him several options to hold on to power  while affording him as much as four years time to set his course.

Is he really worried about public opinion?

Our society is clearly calling for change, Putin said at the beginning of his speech on Wednesday.

Indeed, during the last year, Russia has seen its most vigorous street protests since the anti-Putin rallies of 2011 and 2012.

Polls show that Russians increasingly distrust pro-Kremlin TV channels and are getting their news on the internet, which remains largely uncensored.

And the Kremlins appeal to patriotism  so effective after Putins annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014  has lost its visceral power, overshadowed by Russias economic problems.

All of this means that the Kremlin is likely to portray the resignation on Wednesday of Medvedev and every Cabinet minister as a sign that Putin has heard Russians demand for change.

While Russians do increasingly blame Putin for their ills, many more blame the bureaucrats below him. Putins approval rating has fallen to 68 percent from 82 percent in April 2018, an independent pollster, Levada, says. But Medvedev is in far worse shape, with an approval rating of 38 percent.

What about his new prime minister?

Putins choice of Mishustin seems to reflect his concerns about Russias declining standard of living, which has contributed to spasms of unrest over the last year.

Mishustin is widely seen as one of Russias most effective technocrats. He has headed Russias Federal Tax Service since 2010, modernising a notoriously ineffective and corrupt tax-collecting system. The Financial Times dubbed the computerised, real-time approach to taxation he developed as the taxman of the future.

In his early years as president, Putin built his popularity on soaring living standards, which coincided with a period of rising oil prices. But with lower oil prices and Western sanctions, those steady improvements are now a thing of the past. Disposable incomes are still effectively below what they were in 2013.

Putin also used his state-of-the-nation speech to make a raft of pledges to improve Russians daily lives. For example: free hot meals for all elementary school students from grades one through four.

Unlike Russias more prominent economic reformers, the 53-year-old Mishustin has no political base of his own, reducing the likelihood that he might use the powers of his new office to chip away at Putins authority.

Could Putin be loosening his grip?

Not at all.

In theory, at least, Russias system of governance echoes that of France  a powerful presidency checked by an independent judiciary, by Parliament and by a Cabinet of ministers headed by a prime minister with his own locus of authority.

But Putin has steadily subsumed the authority of all those institutions, often justifying crackdowns on political pluralism as necessary in the face of external threats. He reprised that language in his speech on Wednesday, signaling that no political thaw is in the offing.

Russia can be and can remain Russia only as a sovereign State, he said.

That was an allusion to Putins frequent charge the West is fomenting political opposition to undermine Russian sovereignty.

To drive home the point, Putin proposed a constitutional amendment that offered the days clearest statement of how he views his successor: Russias future president, Putin said, may not ever have had citizenship or permanent residency in another country.

Anton Troianovski c.2020 The New York Times Company
The lake at the crater of Taal Volcano, which is a popular tourist destination, is drying up, according to the local geohazard agency.

Antonia Bornas from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that the water began evaporating since the volcano first erupted on Sunday.

However, this is a normal occurrence whenever Taal shows activities, Bornas, who is the monitoring and eruption prediction chief at Phivolcs, clarified.

She added that the ground underneath the lake is either expanding or breaking apart, and it possibly causes the water to recede too. This phenomenon is called fissuring, and it happens because the magma is breaking the ground so it can push itself outside.

The larger lake which surrounds the volcano and a portion of Pansipit River -- a river connected to the lake -- also dry up because of the same reason.

Fissure, a sign of moving magma

Since Tuesday local time, multiple cracks have emerged on roads in Batangas, including on the towns of Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, and Talisay.

According to Bornas, this is a sign that magma or molten rock is moving toward the volcano. He added that fissures also occurred on past activities just before a major eruption.

Since the steam blast on Sunday, the seismologists have recorded at least 450 earthquakes. The strongest one is 4.1, and Bornas said that it is "strong" for a volcanic earthquake.

Born as, who recently released a journal about the previous eruption of Taal, notes the similarity of the current event to the 1911 eruption: it started with a minor eruption, following the occurrence of fissures before the major explosion.

However, she reminded me that the fissures are not indicators that a colossal eruption will indeed happen. Instead, it is just a sign that a large volume of magma is moving somewhere. She explained further that the ground sinks because its underground became completely empty after it loses the magma below.

It is also not possible for magma to flow from these holes, she also added.

There are some reported cases of fissures releasing water, and Bornas explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways said it is just a burst pipe, not boiling water from the underground.

Yet the danger still retained, since "Taal has been opened up", so she reminded the residents to evacuate.

It is reported that some residents refused to leave their homes for various reasons such as overconfidence, and they want to take care of their livelihood and pets.

Vice President Leni Robredo previously said that she asked the local government to set up evacuation centers for animals so that their owners can be at ease. The Philippine chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal (PETA) is also conducting its rescue missions for stranded or abandoned livestock and pets.

READ MORE: TAAL VOLCANO: Some Residents Refuse to Evacuate Amid More Volcanic Activity

Died as Heroes

Filipinos pride themselves for their volunteerism and resiliency, and the same case is true to the three volunteers who unfortunately met a fatal car crash and died just a few hours after lending help on the evacuees.

The victims are identified as Rio Abel, Maximino Alcantara, and Darwin Lajara, all in their 20's.

According to the police report, they were driving along with San Jose town in the early morning of Tuesday local time when they hit a trailer truck. Abel and Alcantara died on the spot, which Lajara died the following morning while confined at a hospital.

The news of their deaths broke online, and people mourned as they called them heroes.
WASHINGTON  Federal authorities have declined to file charges after a House staff member said she was sexually assaulted at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Washington, setting up a highly unusual public confrontation among a cabinet secretary, a congressional committee chairman and an inspector general.

In September, Andrea Goldstein, a Navy veteran and the senior policy adviser for the Women Veterans Task Force on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said she was assaulted on Sept. 20 while buying a snack at the medical centers cafeteria. Ms. Goldstein, who works on the sexual assault issue for the committee, said a man slammed his body against hers below the waist and told her that you look like you could use a good time, Ms. Goldstein said in an interview.

He pressed his entire body against mine, she added.

Her complaint was investigated by the V.A. Office of Inspector General at the direction of the Veterans Affairs secretary, Robert Wilkie, as well as law enforcement officials, who declined to bring any charges this week. According to committee officials, video cameras at the hospital that might have captured the episode were not working, impeding the investigation.

The complaint underscored a major problem for many V.A. hospitals across the country trying to draw female veterans  the largest growing segment of the veteran population  even as many of them report harassment and worse at the agencys centers.
The Delta pilot who dumped engine fuel over a Los Angeles elementary school on Tuesday told air traffic control moments before that he no longer needed to shed the propellant and that the situation was 'back under control'.

Aviation experts added today that they were puzzled after the crew decided to dump fuel at such a low altitude during the emergency landing, causing a vapor to fall on schoolyards and neighborhoods east of LA International Airport.

According to recorded radio communications, air traffic control asked the Delta crew if they wanted to return to LAX immediately or linger over the ocean 'to hold and burn fuel.'

'We're going to go ahead,' the pilot or co-pilot responded. 'We've got it back under control. ... We're not critical.'

'OK, so you don't need to hold or dump fuel or anything like that?' the controller asked.

'Ah, negative,' was the response.

A Delta Airlines, Flight 89, Boeing 777-200 jet empties its fuel tanks as it makes an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport, seen from Ocean View Elementary School in Whittier today

Student Marianna Torres, 11, wipes her eye with a tissue after jet fuel was dropped from a low altitude over an elementary school in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Federal authorities will investigate why Delta Air Lines Flight 89 to Shanghai dumped jet fuel over a densely populated area of Southern California, pictured, while making an emergency return to the airport, dousing dozens of schoolchildren in a smelly vapor on Tuesday

But the plane did dump fuel as it headed back.

Los Angeles County firefighters were called to schools where nearly 60 children and adults were examined for minor skin and lung irritations, but none required hospitalization. Fire Inspector Sky Cornell also said monitoring showed the vapor wasn't flammable.

The Delta crew reported a compressor stall in the engine 'but they got the engine back under control ... they were not in an immediate threat condition, and they started out over water,' Cox said.

'Why they continued to dump fuel at low altitude when they weren't in a fuel-dumping area, and didn't advise ATC (air traffic control) that they were dumping fuel - those are questions this crew is going to have to answer.'

Grandmother Teresa Santoya, left, consoles student Marianna Torres, 11, center, as she evacuates Park Avenue Elementary School after jet fuel fell on the school in Cudahy, Tuesday

Delta Air Lines Flight 89 to Shanghai, with 181 passengers and crew on board, turned back to Los Angeles International Airport only minutes after taking off Tuesday

The fuel sprayed out of the plane in two lines and descended at midday Tuesday in the city of Cudahy and nearby parts of Los Angeles County, about 13 miles east of the airport

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating, citing procedures that 'call for fuel to be dumped over designated unpopulated areas, typically at higher altitudes so the fuel atomizes and disperses before it reaches the ground.'

Scott Martin, a propulsion expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said a stall puts more pressure on the compressor, and the Delta pilots might have assumed the worst - that they could soon face an engine failure that could cause parts to break off and become shrapnel capable of piercing the fuselage, fuel tanks or hydraulic lines.

That might also explain why they were flying at such low altitude - to avoid putting more stress on the troubled engine, he said.

'They may have decided, "We don't have time to fly higher and dump the fuel, we need to get the fuel off now and get back down to the runway,'' Martin said.

A mother carries her son as they leave the Cudahy Elementary School evacuated after a LAX-bound aircraft dumped fuel over the school in Los Angeles on Tuesday

A girl covers her mouth and nose as parents and children leave school after jet fuel was dumped on Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy on Tuesday

'No one is going to dump fuel where these guys did it over populated areas and schools. It's a pretty outrageous thing,' said Ross Aimer, CEO of Aero Consulting Experts and a retired United Airlines pilot. 'They should have gone over the ocean or landed heavyweight.'

Delta Air Lines said Flight 89 to Shanghai had an engine problem after takeoff Tuesday and needed to quickly return. The Boeing 777-200 landed safely after circling back over Los Angeles while dumping fuel to reach a safe landing weight, the airline said in a statement.

When a plane is forced to turn back after takeoff, the weight of a full load of fuel carries a risk of damaging the jet during landing. That can be costly for airlines to fix. And even if there isn't damage, airlines try to avoid overweight landings because they are required to inspect planes, which puts them out of service.

Delta Air Lines said the aircraft landed safely after releasing fuel, 'which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight' (stock image)

Officials said 31 children and adults were affected at Park Avenue school, pictured, and another 12 at 93rd Street Elementary school. The rest of those affected were at other schools

When turning back with a full fuel load, pilots have three choices, according to John Cox, a safety consultant and former airline pilot: burn the fuel, which can take hours, dump it or land overweight.

In case of a fire, he said, pilots will dump as much fuel as quickly as they can and land. A less dangerous situation tends to lead to using up or dumping fuel.

A Delta official spoke at a press conference with school officials Wednesday but offered no further insight into the fuel dumping.

'I know that there are a lot of questions about the process that was followed and those kinds of things,' said Dana Debel, Delta's managing director of government affairs. 'There is an ongoing investigation that was opened immediately after the flight landed back.'

Little is known about the health effects of exposure to kerosene-type jet fuel, according to the federal Health and Human Services Department. Studies using military personnel suggest it can affect the nervous system, but that research involved people who work around jet fuel all the time. Rats that were fed kerosene showed no increase in tumors, the agency said in a 2017 summary.

An unidentified girl covers her mouth as she leaves with a relative the Park Avenue Elementary school in Cudahy on Tuesday

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department said students that were exposed to the fuel vapor were sent home with instructions on how to clean themselves with soap and water and to thoroughly wash their clothes and to discard them if the odor remained.

'Some exposed individuals have experienced mild symptoms such as skin irritation and upper respiratory irritation such as cough,' the department said in a statement. 'These symptoms are generally expected to improve on their own.'

Delta sent cleaning crews to work with Los Angeles Unified School District crews to clean outside areas of the campuses and all reopened Wednesday.
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Two days after the fragile peace holding the countrys progressive coalition together collapsed on national television, a number of questions remain: Did Bernie Sanders really tell Elizabeth Warren in a private meeting in 2018 that a woman couldnt win the presidency? Did Ms. Warrens campaign deliberately leak this unverifiable story 13 months after the fact in an effort to undermine Mr. Sanders? Why is John Delaney still running? The world may never know.

But what the world lacks in knowledge it more than makes up for in opinion. Heres how people are responding to the dust-up and the larger conversation about sexism in politics.

A self-fulfilling prophecy

Whether Mr. Sanders did or didnt say what Ms. Warren remembers him saying is beside the point, writes Rebecca Traister, which is that there are complicated, painful, difficult dynamics that have kept women from the presidency for the countrys entire history. One of those dynamics, she argues, is how even talking about the fact of sexism becomes a trap for women, one that Ms. Warren had, until recently, avoided.
If you've ever felt guilty about leaving your dog home alone, Spotify may be able to salve your conscience -- by bringing out a podcast and range of playlists aimed at soothing lonely pets.

The Swedish audio streaming site, which has 113 million subscribers, has launched a range of "algorithmically curated" pet playlists and a new podcast intended to calm dogs left on their own.

The playlists are based on subscribers' own musical tastes and pet species, while the "My Dog's Favourite Podcast" has been created with animal experts to "help alleviate stress," Spotify said.

The podcast runs in two five-hour stretches and features reassuring human voices, relaxing music and ambient sounds, including rain.

It is voiced by British actors Ralph Ineson and Jessica Raine, whom your dog may remember from the HBO series "Game of Thrones" and BBC period drama "Call The Midwife," respectively.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the UK's largest animal welfare charity, said it supported the podcast -- though it warned that nothing could "ever replace the company and presence" of a dog's owner.

It said many dogs were "routinely" left alone and that some types of calm music "can help dogs relax."

Neil Evans, an animal physiologist and professor at the University of Glasgow who worked with Spotify to develop the podcast, said providing dogs with "auditory enrichment" could help them to achieve a more "relaxed physiological state."

Alex Benjamin, an animal psychologist from the University of York, who also worked on the podcast, said playing Spotify to pets could help soothe them by masking the "startling sounds of the outside world such as traffic, car doors slamming or the bins being emptied."
China said on Thursday that it was "pleased" to see Pakistan's strategically located Gwadar port, the centre of its crucial economic corridor, has started handling transit cargo to Afghanistan from this week.

The transhipment of goods to Afghanistan through Gwadar port, which offers a much shorter overland link, particularly to southern regions of the war-torn nation, assumed significance as it is located close to Chabahar, the Iranian port being developed by India to ship its cargo to Afghanistan.

The reports from Pakistan said the Gwadar port, which is being developed by Beijing as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has begun handling transit cargo headed to and from landlocked Afghanistan.

"We are pleased for the new progress achieved in the development of the Gwadar port," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here.

"We support Gwadar port in playing a bigger role in promoting regional goods and trade cooperation. It is proven that the CPEC not only benefits both China and Pakistan but also regional connectivity and economic cooperation," he said.

The CPEC connecting China's resource rich Xinjiang province with Gwadar port is regarded as the flagship project of the BRI, which is aimed at furthering Beijing's influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments all over the world.

The initiative also led to allegations of smaller countries reeling under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its strategic Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Officials said the first ship full of Afghan cargo containers reached Gwadar on Tuesday. The containers will be loaded onto trucks for transport to Afghanistan through the Pakistani border town of Chaman.

Afghanistan relies on Pakistani overland routes and Karachi and Port Qasim ports for international trade under a bilateral deal with Islamabad.

As Pakistan has closed the land route for Indian goods to be transported to Afghanistan through the Wagah border, India has started developing Chabahar port in cooperation with Iran for its shipments to and from Afghanistan.

China, which is trying to promote trilateral cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan with attempts to resolve their differences over the Taliban, plans to take the CPEC projects to Afghanistan.

India has protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

China in recent weeks also tried to arrange peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban but the meeting failed to materialise as the militant group's representatives failed to turn up.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORTON SHORES, MI -- Students attending Western Michigan Christian middle and high schools were dismissed early on Thursday, following concerns over an industrial product.

There was no immediate threat to students or public safety, said Deputy Chief Joseph Kinnucan of the Norton Shores Fire Department.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Jan. 16, Norton Shores fire and police departments were called to investigate a strong odor emanating from a product being used in the schools woodshop, according to Kinnucan.

That product, TopSaver, a rust remover produced by Empire Manufacturing Inc., was determined by the first responders, in conjunction with the Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Response Team, to be relatively harmless, Kinnucan said.

Students were sent home out of an abundance of caution in advance of that determination, he added.

School officials posted on Facebook about the early dismissal at 9:38 a.m., citing unsafe conditions in the building after a cleaning incident in the Industrial Arts area. The post indicated parents were advised to pick up their students in the main lobby of the Muskegon County Airport.

Pastor Samuel Greer, the schools leader, was not immediately available for comment.

Western Michigan Christian is a private school affiliated with the Calvinist Christian tradition. Located at 455 E Ellis Rd, Norton Shores, across from the airport, it serves about 355 students in 7-12 grades.
Maryland is required to have a balanced budget each year. But analysts said Hogans proposal would set in motion a scenario where state spending exceeds its revenue by $709 million in the 2022 fiscal year. Over four years, planned spending would exceed revenue by a total of $3.7 billion, a scenario that requires policymakers to trim programs by that much to balance the books.
Lee Universitys Dr. Luis Almeida received a special invitation to participate in a photography group article published on Artsy Shark, an online business and art promotion site. The resulting Artist Showcase article is featured on www.artsyshark.com and its corresponding social media outlets through Jan. 31.

Artsy Shark features stellar art, said Dr. Almeida. I'm flattered they chose my work to be displayed on their showcase.

This was a juried international competition for a featured artist selection. Though Dr. Almeida did not receive a featured artist selection, he received the equivalent to a runner-up position based strictly on his photography. The judges based their decisions on artists' websites and social media platforms.

His Artist Showcase artwork can be viewed at https://www.artsyshark.com/2020/01/02/artist-showcase-early-winter-2020/.

The Smithsonian Magazine also featured his photo Fantasy Photo Shoot in its November Altered Images collection category. Fantasy Photoshoot is the cover photo for the category out of 401 photos picked out from over 60,000 photographs in the category, according to Dr. Almeida.

Dr. Almeida joined Lees Department of Communication Arts in 2017 as an associate professor of communication. He has published articles in three continents relating to technology and has presented in academic international conferences for over 10 years. Coming from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he is fluent in English and Portuguese. He has been featured in a number of outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, O Globo Newspaper, and Radio CBN.

Dr. Almeidas photography can be viewed at www.draphoto.biz.
>>> Winners of National Press Awards on Party building honoured

An exhibition featuring the 90-year long history of the CPV opened in Hanoi on January 15, with Politburo member and Head of the CPV Central Committees Commission for Communications and Education, Vo Van Thuong, attending and cutting the ribbon to open the exhibition.

On display are over 200 photos, materials and artefacts introducing the countrys most important milestones and glorious achievements under the leadership of the CPV.

They are divided into four sections featuring the CPVs leadership of the struggle to win back the administration from 1930 to 1945, the fight for national liberation and reunification from 1945 to 1975, the socialist revolution nationwide and national renovation since 1975, and the Party building work. The event will go on until March 31.

 Following the direction from the Secretariat, the CPV Central Committees Commission for Communications and Education launched a multiple-choice quiz on the CPV history on Vietnam-made social network Vcnet. The weekly quiz took place from August 26 to December 30 last year, attracting more than 3.2 million entries, an average of 178,000 per week.

After more than four months, over 50 million visitors accessed the site to learn about the history of the CPV on the CPV Online Newspaper and Vcnet. Over 18 weeks, the organisers awarded 198 prizes, including 18 first, 36 second, 54 third and 90 consolation prizes at a total value of VND396 million. Ha Tinh Province won the most prizes with 42 awards, while Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai from Ben Tre Province won the highest prizes with two first, one third prize and one consolation prize.

 On January 15, in Vinh City, a photo exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh opened featuring over 100 valuable documents and images celebrating Uncle Ho, confirming his great role and merit for the establishment and development of the CPV, as well as for the countrys revolution. The event will run across the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

 On the same day, in Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen Province, an exhibition on the history of Thai Nguyen Provincial Party Committee opened, displaying more than 150 photos, documents and artefacts on the establishment and development of the provinces Party cell, as well as the revolutionary spirit of the local people under the leadership of the provinces Party Committee and outstanding socio-economic achievements of Thai Nguyen. The exhibition will last until February 5.

Visitors at the opening of the exhibition on the history of Thai Nguyen Provincial Party Committee, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen Province, January 15, 2020. (Photo: NDO/The Binh)



The 90-year development of the CPV is featured at an exhibition opening in the northern province of Bac Ninh on January 15, through more than 300 photos, documents and objects. With three parts, the exhibition offers visitors an insight into Vietnams situation and patriotic movements in the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, Nguyen Ai Quoc (an alias of late President Ho Chi Minh)s activities towards Marxism-Leninism, the conference on the establishment of the CPV and the Partys first political platform.

The exhibition, which runs until February 3, devotes a space to local outstanding revolutionary soldiers who were jailed by imperialists and colonialists during the wars, helping to educate young generations about the tradition of patriotism. It also highlights milestones and significant achievements Vietnam and Bac Ninh in particular have recorded under the Party leadership over the past nine decades, especially the more than 30 years of reform.

 On January 15, at the Exhibition House No. 16 Ngo Quyen street, Hanoi, the Vietnam Fine Arts Association opened an exhibition featuring 170 new paintings by 170 members of the association on the theme of the Party, the country and the spring to welcome the Lunar New Year 2020. The exhibition takes place until January 22.

 A Spring Press Festival 2020 opened the same day in Da Nang City, with the participation of 21 press agencies in the city, displaying nearly 800 publications, along with 50 press photos. The event runs until January 30.

 The same press festival also opened in Lang Son Province on the same day, introducing hundreds of publications from local and central press agencies. The event is open to readers up until February 3, after which publications at the festival will be presented to officials and soldiers on duty at the bordering areas in Lang Son.
More than 80 years separates 1935 flooding in Houston highlighted in a MSNBC video from the 2017 arrival of Hurricane Harvey on the Gulf Coast, but they still have something in common, according to Wendy Duncan, director of the Willow Fork Drainage District.

The reason Houston flooded then and after Hurricane Harvey, she told a Jan. 14 Katy Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon is the same: A lack of adequate regional flood control solutions.

We have studied this for decades and yet for some reason, the flood control solutions we know will work still have not been implemented, she said. She detailed studies through the years from the 1912 proposal to widen area bayous, the 1940s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study of which only two of seven proposed infrastructure projects were implemented and the 1996 Katy Freeway Corridor study which included a conduit under the freeway from the reservoirs to the Ship Channel. Thats why study is a four-letter word to so many people, she continued, because there have been studies but the actual problem has yet to be fixed.

Duncan, co-founder of the advocacy group Barker Flood Prevention, encouraged her audience to stay connected with government, agencies that implement flood-control measures and other residents as she presented her program: Hurricane Harvey and The Path Forward.

We have to share with our government officials that this important to us, she stressed, taking audience questions. There was no answer to a question of whether federal funding to improve flood mitigation would be derailed and used instead to pay homeowners upstream of the Barker/Addicks reservoirs damages in a federal lawsuit where a judge ruled on Dec. 17 that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is libel for post-Harvey flooding of those homes.

Duncan said homeowners in Canyon Gate and other subdivisions werent told their houses were within the flood plain and they are hoping to get some federal money from the lawsuit. Duncan said at stake is up to $1 billion in damages based on the premise that the government has to pay for property it used. Its not a buyout, said Duncan. Its compensation for one-time use of their property.

Government is supposed to be there to protect and serve residents, said Duncan, and not to protect and serve bad development. In the case of the upstream homes that flooded, that didnt happen, she said. Bad development gives other builders and developers a bad name, she said. Its important to educate officials about this issue so that going forward plats are not approved that put people in harms way, she said.

She said more rigorous building standards are making a difference and helping to prevent homes from being flooded. She cited Meyers Research figures that show only 3 percent of homes built after 2009 flooded after Harvey compared with 65 percent of homes built in 1981 and earlier. Older homes need to be retrofitted and protected, she said. We should use buyouts sparingly.

To buy out homes that flooded within the Willow Fork Drainage District, for example, would alone cost $2 billion, she continued. Then she discussed the displacement of residents, where would they live and how would taxing entities recoup revenues reduced because theyve lost their taxing base.

Rain that came as part of Hurricane Harvey filled the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, she said, comparing them to a too full bathtub that overflowed and led to upstream flooding. The release of water from the reservoirs flooded homes downstream because the Buffalo Bayou couldnt handle all the discharge, she said, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was concerned about protecting the integrity of its two dams that if failed would have resulted in an urban tsunami causing damage to west Houston, downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center and the industrial complex. The problem supersedes Houston and Texas to become a national concern, said Duncan, adding that the loss of 25 percent of the nations refinery capacity would be a disaster.

That she said is the reason District 10 U.S. Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Austin, is so involved in flood-mitigation efforts. He serves as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Its a national security interest for Houston to get flood control, she added.

Duncan also addressed flood mitigation efforts that include detention/retention and conveyance.

The Willow Fork Drainage District is seeking approval for a pilot program from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for select excavation of a 200-acre site east of Canyon Gate subdivision that could provide retention. Adding a recreational amenity nearby improves the projects prospects for federal approval, she said. The U.S. Army Corps also is looking at excavation of a reservoir to increase its depth.

The Willow Fork district has desilted the diversion channel built in 1986 and Duncan said that quick action saved area homes from potential future flooding. Nearby, the Fort Bend County Drainage District also desilted the Buffalo Bayou, which is restored to capacity, she said.

Harris County Flood Control District is entering the second phase of its three-part study to determine if a 40-foot diameter tunnel from the reservoirs under the Katy Freeway to the Ship Channel is a viable project. If built, the project could when paired with the Buffalo Bayou to handle the combined release rate of 14,000 to 15,000 cubic feet of water per second that came from the two reservoirs after Harvey, she said. That would provide the conveyance out of our area that we so desperately need, she said.

Controlling Cypress Creek overflow to other watersheds also needs to be addressed, she said. She said the water needs to be stored until its safe to release. The Katy Prairie does not act in and of itself as a flood mitigation tool, said Duncan. Infrastructure is needed to provide flood protection for the region, she added.

She encouraged people to visit the website of Barker Flood Prevention at www.barkerfloodprevention.org for updated information about projects and studies.

karen.zurawski@chron.com
The ranks of female lawmakers swelled to 102 after the 2018 elections, their highest number. But among House Republicans, that trend is heading in the opposite direction. There are only 13 women in the House GOP caucus, down from nearly twice as many before the 2018 midterms  a development that has prompted alarm from some GOP women who have warned that their party is facing a crisis.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 15 announced it would be introducing a new system to assess whether an inmate is likely to re-offend after being released from prison, a move it says would make the process fairer, more effective, and transparent.

Attorney General William Barr described the updated system as another milestone in implementing the First Step Act, as it would help assess inmates and identify programs they may need to help reduce the risk of recidivism.

The First Step Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2018 and won broad bipartisan support in Congress. It aims to reduce the sentences of low-level offenders and bolster programs to help reduce high rates of recidivism.

Nearly all the 175,269 inmates in federal custody have been assessed by the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), however the DOJ says it now plans to re-screen them under the new guidelines in an attempt to reduce potential bias and more accurately measure an inmates change behind bars.

In a release on its website, the DOJ states the inmates will be be assigned to participate in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and productive activities based on an initial needs assessment conducted by the BOP.

Under the First Step Act, inmates who participate and complete the assigned programs and activities may be placed in pre-release custody or have a 12-month sentence reduction, according to the DOJ. A list of the available programs will be published on the BOPs website, it states.

Although all the inmates will be re-screened, officials do not expect to see major changes in the risk levels of inmates. Nonetheless, officials believe the change is an important step to ensure a fairer and more transparent process.

President Donald Trump has promoted the assessments as part of a rare bipartisan effort to address concerns that too many Americans were imprisoned for nonviolent crimes as a result of the drug war. The law gives judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders, eases mandatory minimum sentences, and encourages inmates to participate in programs designed to reduce their risk of re-offending, with credits that can be used to gain an earlier release.

Prior to the system update, inmates were screened using an assessment tool released July last year, known as the Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Need (PATTERN), which aimed to measure the risk of recidivism of inmates.

The updated measures include added psychology treatment programs, and the removal of the age of first arrest, conviction, and voluntary surrender. The assessment will also no longer look at whether an inmate participated in education or drug treatment programs.

Beginning today, inmates will have even greater incentive to participate in evidence-based programs that prepare them for productive lives after incarceration. This is what Congress intended with this bipartisan bill, Barr said in a statement.

The First Step Act is an important reform to our criminal justice system, and the Department of Justice is committed to implementing the act fully and fairly, he added.

More than 2,400 federal inmates have won court approval for reduced prison sentences under the First Step Act, the DOJ said on Wednesday.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

From The Epoch Times
The government has distanced itself from a campaign for Big Ben to chime when Britain leaves the EU at 11pm on 31 January. (PA)

Downing Street has distanced itself from a fundraising campaign set up to make Big Ben bong on Brexit Day.

The decision comes just days after Boris Johnson said he was working up a plan and asked the public to bung a bob for Brexit bongs.

On Wednesday the Stand Up 4 Brexit group launched an appeal to raise 500,000 by the weekend so the famous bell could ring out on 31 January  and by Thursday afternoon it had reached 100,000 of its goal.

But the House of Commons Commission said funding the cost through public donations would be an unprecedented approach  forcing the government to U-turn and abandon the campaign.

The government said on Thursday it will now focus on its own plans to mark Brexit Day.

The prime ministers official spokesman told reporters: The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations.

I think the PMs focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark January 31. Its a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure thats properly recorded.

Read more from Yahoo News UK:

Eurosceptic MPs launch bid for Big Ben to chime on Brexit Day

Angela Merkel says Brexit is a wake-up call for the EU

Nigel Farage's Brexit Day celebration plans are underway

Asked whether people should contribute to the appeal, the spokesman said: Im just reflecting that the Parliamentary authorities have set out some potential problems. Our focus is on the events that the government are currently working on.

The Stand Up 4 Brexit campaign had raised more than 100,000 by Thursday afternoon, while other smaller fundraising drives were also listed on the GoFundMe website.

The campaign pledged that if it fell short of its target, the money raised would be donated to charity Help for Heroes.

The 160-year-old Elizabeth Tower is currently undergoing renovations. (AP)

Tory MP Mark Francois, who personally donated 1,000, said on Thursday: This is a real demonstration of people power. Britons are donating more than 80 a minute to the campaign.

Story continues

We urge the British public to beat the bureaucrats. Please come together, share the campaign, and ensure that we properly celebrate becoming a free country.

The 160-year-old Elizabeth Tower  the tower that houses the bell known as Big Ben  has been undergoing a 60m renovation since 2017.

But the clock's once-hourly chimes have been silenced to protect the hearing of construction workers in the tower.
Its been more than a day since 19-year-old Cesar Cortes was shot and killed inside a Bellaire High School classroom.

Starting Thursday morning, students return to the school after Houston ISD canceled classes Wednesday in the wake of the deadly shooting, which happened around 4 p.m. Tuesday. Cortes, an aspiring soldier and graduating senior, was already enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:43:14|Editor: ZX

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GABORONE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lucara Diamond Corporation on Thursday announced that it has entered into collaboration with Louis Vuitton to polish the historic 1, 758 carat, Sewelo, Botswana's largest diamond.

In a press release, the Canadian diamond mining company with a producing mine and exploration licenses in Botswana, announced that it has entered into collaboration with the famous French luxury house and a diamond manufacturer from Antwerp to manufacture the diamond discovered from its 100 percent owned Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana in April last year.

Sewelo, which means "rare find" in the local vernacular, Setswana, is the second over 1, 000 carat diamond to have been recovered from Karowe in four years and largest ever recovered in the southern African country.

According to the statement, the purpose of this unprecedented collaboration between a miner, a cutting edge manufacturer and a large luxury brand will be the planning, cutting and polishing of a collection of diamonds from Sewelo.

Lucara will receive an upfront non-material payment for the Sewelo and retain a 50 percent interest in the individual polished diamonds that result, said the company in a statement.

Furthermore, 5 percent of the retail sales proceeds generated from this historic collection will be invested directly back into Botswana on community-based initiatives undertaken by Lucara, reads part of the statement.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Louis Vuitton, the famous luxury house, to transform the historic 1, 758 carat, Sewelo, Botswana's largest diamond, into a collection of fine jewellery that will commemorate this extraordinary discovery and contribute direct benefits to our local communities of interest in Botswana," Eira Thomas, the president and chief executive officer of Lucara Diamond Company, said.
'Bad Boys for Life' (Rated R for Strong Bloody Violence, Language Throughout, Sexual References, and Brief Drug Use.)

-- The Bad Boys Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back together for one last ride in the highly anticipated Bad Boys for Life.

'Dolittle' (Rated PG for some action, rude humor and brief language.)

-- A physician discovers that he can talk to animals.

'The Wave' (Rated R for strong drug content and language throughout, some disturbing images and sexual references.)

-- Frank, an opportunistic insurance lawyer, thinks he's in for the time of his life when he goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion with his co-worker, Jeff. But their night takes a turn for the bizarre when Frank is dosed with a hallucinogen that completely alters his perception of the world, taking him on a psychedelic quest through board meetings, nightclubs, shootouts, and alternate dimensions. As Frank ping-pongs between reality and fantasy, he finds himself on a mission to find a missing girl, himself - and his wallet.

'VHYes' (No rating available.)

-- This bizarre retro comedy, shot entirely on VHS and Beta, follows 12-year-old Ralph as he accidentally records home videos and his favorite late night shows over his parents' wedding tape.

New DVD releases this week:

'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil'

'Gemini Man'

'Jexi'

'The Death and Life of John H. Donovan'

'Beyond the Law'

'Code 8'

'Line of Duty'

'Running with the Devil'

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NIA Director-General met Union Home secretary pertaining to investigation of case related to Singh

New Delhi: After suspended Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh was arrested along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday asked government to answer, "who is Davinder Singh, what is his connection to Hizbul and other Jammu and Kashmir terrorists".

"For how long has he (Davinder Singh) been acting as a conduit for Jammu and Kashmir terrorists as also may be another terror factory. Was not Singh connected to the 2001 and what is his connection, if at all, to the 2001 Parliament attack?" Surjewala asked the Central government.

"What is Singh's connection to Pulwama attack where over 42 jawans lost their life..... where Singh was Deputy SP. He admitted that he was bringing two terrorists and one conduit in his car to Delhi, which police and government now say in lieu of Rs 12 lakh. I find the story preposterous and I find this explanation as hogwash," he said.

He alleged that there is a larger conspiracy, asking at whose orders was Singh acting and bringing terrorists to Delhi. "Are there any people who are in echelons of power who are involved with him? Is there is a larger conspiracy, is he the only a small pawn or a carrier in the larger conspiracy that is unleashed," he asked.

The Congress leader said that these are all questions that the Home Minister and the Prime Minister need to answer for Singh cannot be a "standalone carrier carrying terrorists to Delhi" for the possible attack on the 26 January function. "So, what is this conspiracy is what the nation wants to know," he said.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General on Wednesday met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to an investigation of a case related to Singh.

The investigation of the case has been handed over to NIA, sources claimed. The sources further said that a team headed by IG level officer will go to Jammu and Kashmir for the investigation soon.

The probe team will investigate Davinder's link with the terrorists. The NIA will also register a case after seeking details from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the source further added.

Jammu and Kashmir police intercepted a vehicle on Sunday and arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists while they were travelling together.
Montgomery County Council member Andrew Friedson (D-District 1), who has positioned himself as an ally of the business community, responded that while he agrees the county needs to invest in climate, he does not think piling on requirements is the right approach.
Up to 150 SIPTU members and activists, working in the health service across the North West of Ireland, will gather for a special Stop67 campaign event tonight in the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo (Thursday, 16th January) at 7pm.

At the event, SIPTU members will ask all general election candidates in the Mayo, Sligo-Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon-Galway constituencies to support the unions campaign to stop the increase in the state pension age to 67 in 2021.

Speaking ahead of the event, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley said: Stopping the increase in the state pension age to 67 is a key demand for SIPTU members in the general election. Our members want fair pension policies based on facts, not myths. We will be campaigning in key constituencies to make sure that all election candidates know how strongly our members feel about this disgraceful cut in peoples living standards.

SIPTU Honorary President and Swinford native Padraig Peyton said: The government plans to increase pension age further and faster than almost any other country in the developed world. It is difficult to understand the rationale for the decision to increase the pension age. It doesnt save much money for the taxpayer and is putting the same taxpayers who have worked all their lives into pension poverty. It is not right and it is not fair.

SIPTU National Executive Council member and health worker, Broc Delaney said: The financial impact, particularly for people who are in bad health, can be devastating. For those who are forced to work on because of such financial issues it can result in a further deterioration in their health. Enough is enough. We have to say stop.
Photo: Chris Bair/Unsplash

If you love live music, there's no time like the present when it comes to getting out and about in Minneapolis. From a reggae show to multimedia performance, here are the local shows worth checking out this week.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Reggae Dancehall Nice at Pimento Rum Bar

From the event description:

Reggae and food.

When: Friday, Jan. 17, 9 p.m.- Saturday, Jan. 18, 2 a.m.

Where: Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, 2524 Nicollet Ave. South

Price: $10

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

The Belfast Cowboys

From the event description:

The Belfast Cowboys are a nine-piece band that specializes in the music of Van Morrison.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.- Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 a.m.

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave.

Price: $5.01-$15

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

The Jolly Pops: Multimedia Family Concert

From the event description:

A special afternoon of live music for the entire family. Kids music that parents love.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 4 p.m.

Where: The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave.

Price: $10-$25

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Western Swing Night at Palmer's

From the event description:

Join Miss Myra (Miss Myra and The Moonshiners) and her swinging ensemble at Palmer's Bar with special guest Debbie Briggs (Debbie Briggs Vintage Jazz Combo) for a night of Bob Wills and Milton Brown inspired shenanigans!

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 9:30 p.m.

Where: Palmer's Bar, 500 Cedar Ave.

Price: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations

From the event description:

Milwaukee-based songwriter and performer Marielle Allschwang, whose work has been called aurally-enthralling and emotionally-arresting, enlists The Visitations to present "Precession of a Day: The World of Mary Nohl" a song cycle and multimedia performance exploring the unconventional life and artist-built environment of Mary Nohl (1914-2001).

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m.

Where: The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. South

Price: $10

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
If you love to take advantage of the live music offerings near you, this week offers several great reasons to leave the house.

From a post-hardcore band reunion tour to a Michael Jackson tribute show, read on for a local music to-do list to fill your calendar this week.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Scary Kids Scaring Kids

From the event description:

The group, on its 15-year anniversary tour, will perform "The City Sleeps in Flames." in full.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.- 1 a.m.

Where: Fremont Country Club, 601 Fremont St.

Price: $20, general admission, advance; more ticket options available

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Ethnic Faith Based Service

From the event description:

If you have a family member or loved one who has used drugs in the past or currently uses drugs, you do not want to miss this service. It will be a place of healing, restoration and recovery through songs, prayer and testimonies.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 3-5 p.m.

Where: Victory Missionary Baptist Church, 500 W. Monroe Ave.

Price: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Merkules

From the event description:

Merkules with special guests Evil Ebenezer, Golden BSP, Early Adopted, Endrwon and Vessel.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m.

Where: Bunkhouse Saloon, 124 S. 11th St.

Price: $15, advance; $18 day of show

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

'MJ Live'  Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

From the event description:

"MJ Live" re-creates the electrifying stage show of one of the greatest performers of all time.

When: Friday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Stratosphere Las Vegas Showroom, 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Price: $44.95

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Dvorak, Brahms and Smetana

From the event description:

Story continues

Visit three sweeping musical vistas in this powerful concert that pays homage to Bohemian folk music, Hungarian dances, the Eastern European countryside and many other spacious themes that celebrate the joy and romantic nature of life.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert conversation at 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave.

Price: $30-$110

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
WASHINGTON - It was just another day at the office for CNN senior congressional respondent Manu Raju that entailed him walking the halls of power and chasing down politicians.

Thursday morning was a newsworthy day. The Senate was receiving articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, and Republicans were seeing new materials released by House Democrats Wednesday evening that appear to show the president was aware that his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was carrying out a shadow Ukraine campaign that could politically benefit him.

Raju wanted to talk about the new information. Standing in the halls of Capitol Hill, he waited for officials to pass by so he could ask for their comments on the documents.

Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., didn't want to answer Raju's question.

The senator walked down a hallway with members of her team when Raju asked her if the Senate should consider the new evidence as part of the impeachment trial.

"Manu, you're a liberal hack. I'm not talking to you," she replied.

"You're not going to comment, Senator, about this," Raju pressed.

McSally slipped into a hearing room, leaving Raju with a question that was later answered by Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga.

"It's a key question," Raju said, explaining that the president's defense team could object to any new evidence throughout the course of the Senate impeachment trial and enforce a ruling by the chief justice about use of new evidence. "Another senator didn't want to talk about it, clearly."

Comments about the clip of his interaction with McSally were flooded with praise of the senator's quip, as well as others cheering Raju on for doing his job.

McSally was endorsed by Trump in June for her Senate race this year, where she's facing a strong Democratic effort to take her spot.

The first U.S. Air Force woman to fly in combat will battle for the seat with Democrat and former astronaut Mark Kelly, who has been outraising her on the campaign trail, according to Center for Responsive Politics data.

Taiwan
The US House of Representatives passed a resolution and submitted the articles of impeachment against to the Senate for a historic trial to remove him from office, a move described by the unfazed President as "another con job" by the Opposition Democrats.

The House, controlled by the Democratic Party on Wednesday voted to send articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate, in a major development to remove him from office for his alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

In a 228-193 vote, which was mainly on party lines, the House appointed seven impeachment managers who will argue the Democrats' case for removing Trump from the office of the US President.

The managers were named by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Pelosi said, addressing the House before the vote.

"This is what an impeachment is about," she said earlier, announcing the seven-member prosecution team led by Congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

"So sad, so tragic for our country, that the actions taken by the president to undermine our national security, to violate his oath of office and to jeopardize the security of our elections, has taken us to this place," Pelosi remarked, before using several ceremonial pens to sign the articles.

While Pelosi's press conference was in progress, Trump weighed in on Twitter: "Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats. All of this work was supposed to be done by the House, not the Senate!"



The 435-member House, where Democrats enjoy a majority, on December 18 charged Trump with "high crimes and misdemeanors" and impeached him for pressuring Ukraine to investigate former US Vice President Joe Biden, a potential Democratic rival for the current president in the 2020 elections.

The Senate, controlled by Trump's Republican Party, will decide whether to convict and remove him from office.

The seven managers, after Pelosi's signature, then walked the articles across the Capitol Rotunda in a procession to the Senate, where majority leader Mitch McConnell received the documents.

The impeachment process now moves to the Senate where Trump's Republican Party has majority of 53-47 in the 100-member Upper House.

The trial - likely to begin on January 21 - would be presided by the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Given that the Republicans have the majority in the Senate, White House is confident that Trump will sail through the impeachment process.

The Senate trial will be only the third of a US president in history.

Conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds vote, a high threshold that is not expected to be reached given that many Republican senators have been vocal in saying that President Trump's actions do not rise to the level of impeachment.

But regardless of the outcome, the Senate trial will be a historic and momentous event. The Democrats hope the impeachment will carry symbolic weight ahead of this year's General Elections.

During a China trade deal signing ceremony at the White House, Trump described this as a hoax and asserted that the it is going week.

The Trump Campaign also slammed Pelosi for the impeachment process.

"The fact that Nancy Pelosi sat on the articles of impeachment for as long as she did just proves that there was never any urgency and that it was just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his re-election," alleged Brad Parscale, Trump 2020 campaign manager.

"This was a sham impeachment from the beginning and never anything more than Democrats trying to interfere in an election that is now less than ten months away," Parscale said.

Speaking on the House floor, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said that this trial is necessary because Trump gravely abused the power of his office when he strong-armed a foreign government to announce investigations into his domestic political rival.

"He betrayed our country when he used the powers of his office -- including withholding vital US military assistance -- to pressure that government to help him win re-election," Nadler said.

"He invited foreign interference into our elections - again. He jeopardised our national security. He did it all for his personal, political gain. And then he violated the Constitution by stonewalling Congress' efforts to investigate, ordering an absolute blockade of evidence," the Democratic lawmaker said.

"Despite that, the House was able to uncover powerful evidence that demonstrates beyond doubt the President's betrayal and violations of the Constitution," he said.
IDF Attacks Hamas Targets in Response to Rocket Fire From Gaza

Sputnik News

22:15 15.01.2020(updated 00:17 16.01.2020)

Several incendiary balloons were reportedly launched on Wednesday towards Israeli territory before the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fired rockets at alleged Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF confirmed late on Wednesday that Israeli forces have struck several Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

According to local media, rocket sirens went off in southern Israel earlier on Wednesday, as four projectiles were reported to have been fired from the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, two of the missiles hit an open area and the rest were intercepted by the Iron Dome System.

The IDF in response struck several Hamas facilities in the northern part of the Strip.

Alleged footage of the attack circulated on social media.

Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni militant organization in control of the Gaza Strip, has been locked in a protracted conflict with Israel, which still refuses to recognize the Palestine Authority as an independent political and diplomatic entity. Tel Aviv holds Hamas responsible for any attack coming from the Gaza Strip.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility from Hamas for rocket attacks or the launch of arson balloons.

 Sputnik

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MANKATO, Minn. -- Bill Gordon has a slight confession to get off his chest: At first, he didnt intend to join the Minnesota Soybean Growers Associations board of directors. In 2004, the young father and Worthington farmer wanted to advance his leadership experience by applying to the American Soybean Associations (ASA) prestigious Young Leader prestigious program.

The kicker: Gordon failed to read the fine print.

"I just filled out the application," he says. "I had no idea what the commitment really was."

Bill and his wife, Dawn, were eventually selected to represent Minnesota in the Young Leader program. Bill later was told Dawns engaging presence may have tipped the scales in his favor.

"The guys on the board used to say, We picked you because your wifes amazing. Youre just average like everyone else," he says, laughing between bites of shrimp quesadilla at a local Mexican restaurant, where he knows the owners by name. Gordon is acquainted with almost everyone in his hometown, either through farming, family ties or his accounting business, Worthington Tax and Business Services, which hes owned for five years.

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Soon after his Young Leader selection, Gordon read a headline in MSGAs newsletter welcoming him to the MSGA board. Wait, what? Bill thought. I didnt sign up for that.

"My wife said, What did you do? Whats going on here?" Gordon says. "I had no idea it came with a three-year commitment."

But Gordon is a man of his word, sticking to his three-year pledge  and then some. In addition, he also completed the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL) program, further establishing his leadership bona fides. He joined his local corn and soybean board, helping to transform Nobles County into one of the states most active and efficient county soybean organizations.

Fifteen years since he somewhat reluctantly became an at-large MSGA director, Gordon is now the leading voice of soybean growers at the national level. He was promoted to the American Soybean Association's president at the organizations December board meeting.

"I tease those same guys now  I guess I wasnt so average after all, huh?" he says, smiling. "I just really started to enjoy the leadership stuff. It wasnt something I planned on. It just happened and Im grateful for this opportunity to represent soybean farmers across the country."

Living the farm life

There was never much discussion about it growing up, but Gordon knew he was going to be a farmer, just like three generations of Gordons before him.

"I always wanted to be a farmer, always had a toy tractor, just like (son) Liam does now," Gordons says. "Id watch my dad plant and sit in his tractor as much as possible."

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Gordon was a star wrestler; the lanky teenager won about 75 percent of his matches. He also became a 4-H state ambassador, and eventually majored in general agriculture from South Dakota State, around the same time when he began courting his now-wife, Dr. Dawn Gordon. The two met in high school, but Gordon recalls it wasnt exactly love at first sight. For one thing, Dawn wanted to leave her family farm, not marry into another one.

"She thought I was a hick farm boy and I thought she was prissy," Gordon says, smiling. "The irony was we realized we werent any of those things."

The Gordons celebrate will celebrate 19 years of marriage this year. The couple is raising four children  Luke, Lance, Anna and Liam. Dawn is the dean of Science and Nursing at the Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Worthington.

"We made a life for ourselves here," Gordon says. "We love to travel, but Worthington and Nobles County will always be home."

The Gordons grow corn and soybeans on their 2,000-acre farm; an additional 400 acres are set aside for wetlands and water filtration. In 2019, the Gordons were named Nobles Countys 2019 "Farm Family of the Year" by the University of Minnesota. The Gordons live on the fourth-generation family farm that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year; Bills parents, Galen and Colleen, live just a couple miles down the road.

"My family took care of this land for generations before me and I plan to do the same for my children," Gordon says. "Farming has its ups and downs like any job, but at the end of the day, theres nothing else Id rather be doing."

The Gordons are a busy family. Between farming, his ASA duties and his tax business, Bill doesnt have much time to loaf around.

"Unwinding for me is doing taxes and meeting with people and solving those problems," he says. "I like to hang out with my family, too. What I like about all the activities I do is theyre all different."

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Sometimes though, Gordon admits, he contemplates unplugging the phone and playing hooky.

For a guy this busy, finding peace and quiet means going to all corners of the earth.

Gordon and Dawn are both avid scuba divers who enjoy the serenity of being underwater.

"Its peaceful in the water," he says. "Theres no noise."

Climbing the board

In the beginning, as he rose the ranks of the Minnesota soybean group, fellow directors good-naturedly teased him, calling him "the kid." Gordon says he was used to it.

"Ive been the kid my entire life," says Gordon, who farms with his parents and two cousins.

Gordon wasn't a kid, however, when he asserted himself during a sit-down with then-Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The governor pulled Gordon aside after the meeting.

"Wow, you really stand out the room," Pawlenty told him.

Gordons Minnesota peers elected him elected group vice president and he became a director of the national soybean association in 2013. In 2018, he was elected vice president.

During his seven years on the national board, Gordon has worked on public affairs, biodiesel and transportation issues, environmental stewardship and international marketing. In 201, he took part in USDA trade missions to South America and Southeast Asia.

"After all this, I found I really enjoyed the leadership stuff," he says.

Mr. President

The Gordon family farm isnt the only entity celebrating a milestone in 2020: ASA is celebrating a century of advocacy in the coming year.

With the Gordon family farm and the American Soybean Association celebrating centennials this year, "its going to be a big year, professionally and personally," he says.

Oh, and theres also a presidential election approaching in November. Gordon, whose great uncle was chair of Minnesotas DFL party, says farmers dont vote strictly along party lines."It comes down to values, I think," he says. "Whos going to stand up for rural Americans?"

Gordon says he hopes to see a trade deal in China, along with a removal of retaliatory tariffs, see its way to completion during his term. Working out more trade deals with other international markets, infrastructure upgrades, pushing for more value-added soybeans and extending the Biodiesel Tax Credit are also high priorities in 2020 as ASA opens its new D.C. office.

"Weve got a lot of work to do and this election is going to influence the next four years, at least," Gordon says. "If I can at the end of my term tell farmers, We got these things done to improve your profitability, then I think Ill be very happy."
The former chief police enforcer of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs will be charged with corruption for allegedly protecting officers linked to the narcotics trade, the justice department said Thursday. Oscar Albayalde resigned in October after serving as Philippine police chief for more than a year, having presided over an anti-narcotics crackdown that left thousands of drug suspects dead. The episode that led to his sudden fall from grace cast an unwelcome light on a drug war that is immensely popular with Filipinos, but which has faced international criticism over allegations that police were summarily executing suspects. The justice department said prosecutors found "probable cause" to charge Albayalde for not punishing officers accused of failing to account for 163 kilograms (359 pounds) of drugs and 9.7 million pesos ($191,000) sized from a drug raid. A justice department statement said 13 other police officers would be charged with drug offences, corruption, and taking bribes for their role in the operation in Pampanga province, north of Manila. Albayalde has repeatedly denied having protected the officers or profiting from the seized drugs. The charge levelled against him carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The raid took place in November 2013 when Albayalde was Pampanga's police chief. Allegations of police graft and abuse are not rare in the Philippines, with Duterte twice ordering police to stop the anti-narcotics campaign because of allegations of corruption and murder by officers. The Pampanga controversy, however, went right to the top of the force. Police said last month they had killed 5,552 suspects in anti-drug operations since Duterte came to office in June 2016. Human rights groups allege the real number is four times higher, and say the killings are a crime against humanity. International Criminal Court prosecutors have launched a preliminary probe of the campaign, and the United Nations' top rights body voted in favour of an in-depth review. While overwhelmingly backed by Filipinos, critics allege the drug war targets the poor and leaves the rich and powerful untouched, while reinforcing a culture of impunity. Former Philippine police chief Oscar Albayalde faces a charge of corruption linked to the country's controversial war on drugs
- Russias entire government has reportedly resigned ahead of a constitutional change in the country

- There are reports that the constitutional change is being influenced by President Putin to carve out a new position of power for himself to stay at the helm after his current term as president ends in 2024

- Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian prime minister has reportedly stepped down to allow Putin president room to carry out the changes he wants to make to the constitution

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The entire Russian government has resigned ahead of a massive constitutional shake-up by President Vladimir Putin.

The UK Sun reports that the development was influenced by Putin to carve out a new position of power for himself to stay at the helm after his current term as president ends in 2024.

Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian prime minister announced on Wednesday, 15 January, that on state TV sitting next to Putin. He said he would give the president room to carry out the changes he wants to make to the constitution.

READ ALSO: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's father passes away at the age of 75

Vladimir Putin is planning to appoint the new members of the government himself

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Top comedian Trevor Noah gets nominated for 3 groundbreaking awards in the US

Dmitry Medvedev is understood to be stepping aside to take a role as deputy head of the Russian Security Council to oversee defence and security issues.

Reports suggest that Putin is planning to appoint new members of the government himself, and has asked the outgoing government to continue working until they are in place.

To another news report, the United States' Senate will likely start the impeachment of President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, January 21, weeks after the House of Representatives concluded its own process.

READ ALSO: Man calls girlfriend with strange number to test her loyalty but she fails

Mitch McConnell, the Senates majority leader, spoke about the planned move on Tuesday, January 14.

NBC News reports McConnell as saying, however, that the launch of the impeachment would largely depend on the submission of the two articles upon which the House took an action against Trump.

He said the articles are being expected from Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

READ ALSO: Teenagers build robot to remove all 8.3b tons of plastics in every ocean worldwide

In other foreign news, Barack and Michelle Obama are inspirations, pillars of strength and people of change. The power couple has not stopped raising the bar ever since they took the White House back in 2009.

The Obamas are setting standards yet again! A film produced by the former US president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obamas production company was nominated for a whole entire Oscar.

Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
She started working with the racy underwear brand last year following her stint on the 2019 series of Love Island.

And Maura Higgins has set pulses racing once again for Ann Summers' Valentine's Day collection photoshoot called 'Unleash Your Magic'.

The Love Island beauty, 29, looks sensational in the sultry snaps as she models a collection of racy lingerie for the underwear giant.

Wow: Maura Higgins has set pulses racing once again for Ann Summers' Valentine's Day collection photoshoot called 'Unleash Your Magic'

For one look, Maura showcases her ample assets in a tiny plunging black lace bodysuit with cut-out detailing and a pendant charm.

While a different ensemble sees the Irish beauty leave little to the imagination in a sheer lace cut-out bodysuit with a caged open bra and waist corset straps.

The Dancing On Ice star knew how to work her best angles as she posed up a storm in the special Valentine's Day lingerie sets and even help a whip for one risque look.

Sensational: The Love Island beauty, 29, looks sensational in the sultry snaps as she models a collection of racy lingerie for the underwear giant

Hot stuff! The Dancing On Ice star knew how to work her best angles as she posed up a storm in the special Valentine's Day lingerie sets and even help a whip for one risque look

Maura styled her brunette locks into a voluminous blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up.

It comes after the Love Island babe teased her Ann Summers photoshoot on Tuesday night and shared a sultry mirror selfie.

The brunette beauty looked incredible as she showcased her svelte figure in a black lace lingerie set.

Wow: It comes after the Love Island babe teased her Ann Summers photoshoot on Tuesday night and shared a sultry mirror selfie

Racy: The Dancing On Ice contestant, 29, looked incredible as she showcased her svelte figure in a black lace lingerie set

Maura teamed a daring plunging bralette and tiny thong with a pair of suspenders complete with a matching belt.

The fiery Irish Love Island star styled her brunette locks into a voluminous blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up as she posed up a storm for the racy mirror selfie.

Maura captioned the photo with: 'Valentines is coming [black heart emoji] @annsummers.'

The reality star has modelled several Ann Summers lingerie items since her stint on Love Island and she is the 'the definition of female empowerment,' according to Natalie Amosu, Chief Marketing Officer at Ann Summers.

Sultry: The reality star has modelled several Ann Summers lingerie items since her stint on Love Island and she is the 'the definition of female empowerment,' according to Natalie Amosu, Chief Marketing Officer at Ann Summers (pictured in October)

She said: 'We're so excited to be working with Maura on our #BeMoreMaura AW/19 campaign.

'Her open and honest expression of herself on Love Island and her straight talking personality struck a chord with the women watching.

'We hope this campaign will help progress the movement of women embracing their natural bodies and their freedom of expression.'

Denied! It comes after Maura's boyfriend and Love Island 2019 star Curtis Pritchard denied rumours he 'cheated' on her on New Year's Eve

It comes after Maura's boyfriend and Love Island 2019 star Curtis Pritchard denied rumours he 'cheated' on her on New Year's Eve.

Appearing on Monday's instalment of Lorraine, he addressed a video that emerged showing him hugging a woman in a club.

Curtis revealed to Lorraine Kelly: '[The] new year photos [are] nonsense - you can't hug somebody or talk to somebody in this day and age without something coming out!'

Curtis was sure to insist: 'Me and Maura [pictured last week] are completely fine. I was there watching her on Dancing On Ice yesterday'

He was sure to add: 'Me and Maura are completely fine. I was there watching her on Dancing On Ice yesterday.'

Indeed, Curtis was pictured in the audience watching his girlfriend as she competed on the new season of the skating show, with everything seemingly fine between them.

When asked how he thinks Maura's doing on Dancing On Ice, Curtis revealed: 'She has been so nervous, I was messaging her all day yesterday saying, "How are you feeling?"

'She was shaking, so scared. I was sweating in the audience. She went on there and did the best performance she's ever done. I think she got under-marked, or I'm not going to say who but some people have got over-marked.'

Clearing things up: Appearing on Monday's instalment of Lorraine, he addressed a video that emerged showing him hugging a woman in a club

Curtis revealed to Lorraine Kelly: '[The] new year photos [are] nonsense - you can't hug somebody or talk to somebody in this day and age without something coming out'

He added: 'I've watched AJ doing Strictly Come Dancing so many times, but I got more nervous watching Maura on this because I was thinking, one little slip and that's it, you could be out of the competition.

'She's her biggest critique, she wants to be so good. She wants to be so good, she wants to be perfect.'

The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice during Sunday night's show.

Curtis was ever the doting boyfriend as he watched on in amazement as Maura, who started skating as a complete novice just months ago, completed twists and various other impressive moves.

When asked how he thinks Maura's doing on Dancing On Ice, Curtis revealed: 'She has been so nervous, she was shaking, so scared'

Weighing in: 'I think she got under-marked, or I'm not going to say who but some people have got over-marked,' Curtis said of Maura's performance

On the sidelines: 'I was sweating in the audience,' said Curtis [pictured on Sunday]

The rumours about Curtis were that he was supposedly seen in a 'passionate clinch' with a mystery woman on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks, where he was doing panto at the time.

According to The Sun, the pair were seen getting close during a night out at O'Neill's bar as they celebrated the end of the decade.

In the clip obtained by the publication Curtis appeared to have his arms around the unknown woman.

A source told the paper: 'He started embracing her, in the full view of the entire club. It was quite shocking given we all knew he had a girlfriend.'

Elegance: The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice

First performance: Maura wowed the judges as she kicked-off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28, on Sunday night

A source close to Curtis denied allegations to The Sun that he had cheated on Maura.

Maura wowed the judges on Sunday, when she kicked off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28.

The Love Island star, who has built up a fierce rivalry with Joe Swah, jumped for joy as Holly Willoughby told her she had beaten him by half a point, while Curtis cheered from the audience.

Maura Higgins fronts Ann Summers latest Valentines collection, in store and online at www.annsummers.com.

Unknown woman: Curtis was apparently caught in a 'passionate clinch' on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks (pictured with Maura in September)
He also refinanced his mortgage and bought a one-bed $410,000 townhouse

He then saved $160,000 and bought a three-bedroom home for $484,000

He dropped out of high school and got a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant

Riyaan Mohamed migrated from India to New Zealand when he was a teenager

A 25-year-old Indian migrant has already bought three homes without any help from his parents.

Riyaan Mohamed, who moved from India to New Zealand with his family when he was a teenager, bought his first home when he was just 21.

But his impressive $1.2million property portfolio started from humble beginnings.

Mr Mohamed dropped out of school in his final year and took up a part time job washing dishes in a restaurant in Lower Hutt, near Wellington.

But he struggled to find better-paying employment as he had no qualifications and limited work experience.

Riyaan Mohamed, who migrated from India to New Zealand with his family when he was a teenager, bought his first home when he was just 21 after working various retail and hospitality jobs

In January 2019, Mr Mohamed and his girlfriend scraped together $160,000 and bought a three bedroom home (pictured) in Halswell for $484,000

After a year of washing dishes in the kitchen, he landed a casual job working every Friday at a health supplements store in a nearby shopping mall.

Mr Mohamed worked his way up in the company, and eventually moved to Christchurch to manage the opening of a new store in 2017.

Over the next two-and-a-half years he worked hard and saved up $70,000 for a deposit on his first home; a two-bedroom $350,000 property in Hornby, in the city's west.

'Once I got the first house, I moved in and thought, "well, what's next", he told the NZ Herald.

Mr Mohamed soon realised if he wanted to achieve his goals of being property investor, he would need more than just a 9-5 job.

He started scouring the internet, YouTube and books to learn more about investing.

Just last month, Mr Mohamed and his girlfriend refinanced their mortgage and pulled together a $41,000 deposit to buy a one-bedroom $410,000 townhouse in the centre of Christchurch

By January last year, Mr Mohamed and his girlfriend scraped together $160,000 and bought a three bedroom home in nearby Halswell for $484,000.

The couple then moved into their new home and rented out their Hornby property.

Just last month, they refinanced their mortgage and pulled together a $41,000 deposit to buy a one-bedroom $410,000 townhouse in the centre of Christchurch.

Mr Mohamed now leases out the brand new townhouse to tenants, with rent money covering the mortgage, rates and other costs.

Mr Mohamed said a property that pays for itself that can be rare to find in New Zealand's overheated market.

'You can find old houses that are cash flow positive, but they cost a lot more to maintain because you might have to fix the roof or the toilet keeps breaking down,' he said.

'Whereas the new ones have a 10 year guarantee, are brand new and come furnished.'

Mr Mohamed now has his sights set on a fourth property from the same developer when they complete their new builds later this year.

He has plans to retire from his day job by the time he's 35 and live off rental income from his investment properties.

Mr Mohamed hopes his story inspires other young people who haven't come from wealthy parents to work hard and break into the tough property market.
- Rapidly-expanding carrier Ethiopian Airlines has outgrew its capacity at its current base in the country's capital Addis Ababa

- The carrier's new airport will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually

- Its profits soared to KSh 26.2 billion shillings in the 2018/19 financial year as its competitors such as Kenya Airways posted losses

Ethiopia Airlines is set to build a new KSh 500 billion airport later in 2020, its chief executive officer Tewolde Gebremariam has said.

The airline's latest announcement comes after the rapidly-expanding carrier outgrew its capacity at its current base in the country's capital Addis Ababa.

READ ALSO: William Ruto's ally Chepkut says only God can stop DP's presidential bid

Ethiopian Airlines is set to build a new KSh 500B airport as passenger numbers soar. Photo: Ethiopian Airlines.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Viral video showing principal dancing with students excites netizens

According to a report by SABC News on Thursday, January 16, the airport will be built in Bishoftu, 39 km south east of the capital.

Bole Airport is not going to accommodate us; we have a beautiful expansion project. The airport looks very beautiful and very large but with the way that we are growing, in about three or four years we are going to be full, Tewolde said.

The airport will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually five times more than Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa which has an estimated passenger capacity of 19 million.

Its construction will begin in the next six months.

The airline currently has its base at Bole International Airport which has the capacity to handle an estimated 19 million passengers annually.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Seneta Sakaja asikitishwa na barabara ya Kasarani-Mwiki, aamrisha ukarabati kuanza mara moja

Ethiopia's flag carrier is fully state-owned and has 16 aircraft in its fleet.

Its profits soared to KSh 26.2 billion shillings in the 2018/19 financial year as its competitors such as Kenya Airways posted losses.

KQ, the once known pride of Africa, has experienced difficult times over the last decade and recently asked the government for more funds to help turn around its fortunes.

In 2018, the company's loss stood at KSh 7.59 billion up from KSh 6.4 billion recorded in 2017.

Netizens were impressed by Ethiopian Airline's announcement.

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DENVER, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Operators of underground oil and gas flowlines in Colorado can comply with newly revised state regulations requiring accurate, universal flowline location data with a field service from EcoPoint Inc., a Colorado-based firm specializing in geospatial data solutions.

EcoPoint technician capturing flowline location data using geospatial recording devices.

Published by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Jan. 14, the new regulations require operators to provide GIS mapping data of the full length of both operating and abandoned underground flowlines before the end of this year. The requirements expand on regulations that required location data for flowline start and end points, and were due Oct. 31, 2019.

"Oil and gas producers can quickly realize operational and asset management benefits with geospatial data management," said EcoPoint CEO Michael Clancy. Flowline GIS data is easily integrated into an existing database or it can provide the foundation for a valuable, active information system built for growth and accessibility.

"Whether it's a few feet or several miles, having precise location information can greatly reduce the time spent responding to the next line locate request," Clancy said. "Our clients report saving up to 70 percent on subsequent line locates."

EcoPoint's flowline mapping service produces data sets in standard GIS formats and includes completion of COGCC's flowline compliance Form 44. A mapping database can then expand the operator's asset management knowledge base with a system that is scalable and accessible anywhere on any device.

"Our flowline service is more than just regulatory compliance. It creates a live, interactive geospatial database for the long term that improves efficiency and provides real value to the company," Clancy said.

Revision of the COGCC's Reg. 1101-b-3-C followed passage of legislation known as SB 19-181 last year. It states operators must submit the most accurate GIS data possible for the full length of all off-location flowlines without using invasive methods.

EcoPoint's flowline service includes flowline data modeling and configuration, onsite line locates, GIS data capture, forms completions and consultations.

About EcoPoint Inc.

Founded in 2018, EcoPoint Inc., of Rifle, CO, is an ecological services and Esri partner company providing GIS database solutions for large-scale monitoring efforts. Its clients include public and private land users in agriculture, energy, mining and right of way.

Information about EcoPoint Inc. is available at: https://ecopoint-inc.com, email: [email protected] or call: 844-832-3547

Media contact: Dan Larson, email: [email protected] or call: 303-585-1122

SOURCE EcoPoint Inc.

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https://ecopoint-inc.com


Korean tire manufacturer Hankook has expanded its footprint in Europe with the opening of a new office for the Austrian and Swiss markets in Vienna Schwechat. This new base will help the company to achieve its goal of growing its sales in the region and establishing a double-digit market share in Austria and Switzerland. Through the opening of the branch Hankook will also be able to service these markets more efficiently.

Sanghoon Lee, president of Hankook Tire Europe, said, For us, developing the Swiss and Austrian markets with a new branch office is essential for Hankooks strategic expansion in Europe. Now we can offer an even better service to our customers there and locally support the demand for our premium tires.

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With the expansion of our sales team into Austria and Switzerland, we want to grow sustainably in both countries and significantly increase our market share, added Soowon Chang, managing director of Hankook Austria and Switzerland. We will intensify the support of our Austrian and Swiss customers with the new Viennese branch office to fully leverage our brand potential in the future.
iHeartMedia Layoffs Could Top 1000

iHeartMedia, Americas largest commercial radio conglomerate, is undergoing a major restructuring alongside widespread layoffs that may include as many as 850 jobs.

Any smaller to medium market in the country lost, in all likelihood, most, if not all, of their on-air staff, a former on-air personality told Rolling Stone. As far as the music stations go, theres not a single local talent [left]. I heard theyre gonna go with their national music logs across the board.

[The total number] is definitely in the hundreds, one radio veteran told Rolling Stone. It may be the biggest reduction in force since the one they did in 2009 [when iHeartMedia, then known as Clear Channel, laid off more than 2,000 employees]. Jerry Del Colliano, former radio DJ and professor in the Music Business Program at NYU Steinhardt, believes that the layoffs will top 1,000.

New Structure

In a statement, iHeart said it had created a new organizational structure for its Markets Group as it modernizes the company to take advantage of the significant investments it has made in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and its unique scale and leadership position in the audio marketplace.

According to iHeart, the new structure will enable the company to maximize the performance of each of its markets and as a consequence, the overall performance of the company.

iHeart cited significant technology investments in everything from how it sells advertising to how it uses data across its terrestrial and digital media platforms.

Following the reordering, iHeartMedia Markets Group will continue to be led by Greg Ashlock, President of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

Following the shakeup, the Markets Group will be compromised of:

The Region Division includes the largest radio markets, like New York and Los Angeles. The Region Division will be led by Division Presidents Kevin LeGrett and Scott Hopeck.

The Metro Division encompasses large markets that dont quite rise to the level of a regional hub. The Metro Division will be led by Division Presidents Tom McConnell, Tony Coles, and Linda Byrd.

The Community Division will focus on one community and trading area for most businesses and advertisers and will also group markets into areas that are geographically close and culturally similar. The Community Division will be led by Division Presidents Shosh Abromovich, Nick Gnau and Dan Lankford.

Additionally, the company is creating a new Division  the Multi-Market Partnerships (MMP) Division headed by Julie Donohue, who is elevated to President of MMP with responsibility for this business.

As a part of the business unit shuffle, the companys Integrated Revenue Strategies group, led by President Hartley Adkins, will be merged into the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Adkins will become Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Markets Group working closely with Greg Ashlock.

Staff Cuts

The reorganization also appears to include a culling of staff, both on-air and production. While the scale of the cutbacks are unclear, one former host, who declined to share a name, told Rolling Stone that the layoffs included as many as 850 people.

Radio DJS who have been released include WBBS morning host Daryl Ledyard, and a source told Cleveland.com that the local top 40 station 96.5 KISS FM had laid off most of their on-air staff.

While the full extent of the layoffs are unclear, they are likely to be extensive. iHeart has also removed all employee bio pages from its stations websites, making it difficult to externally track staffing changes.

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Witness Giuliani? What the latest evidence tells us about Trump's lawyer originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

On the eve of the House delivering impeachment articles to the Senate, explosive new evidence surfaced that links President Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani to an apparent effort to track the physical movements of a female U.S. ambassador including texts by one man who refers to the bitch who should be fired and inquires cryptically about people inside Ukraine willing to help for a price.

While Giuliani does not appear to be directly involved in the alleged surveillance, his connections to the men involved raise serious questions about whether his efforts in Ukraine put a high-ranking American official at risk.

The evidence also could put fresh pressure on senators to demand new witnesses  possibly even Giuliani himself -- in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial despite objections by Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who favors a swift acquittal for Trump.

MORE: Articles of impeachment delivered to Senate, triggering historic trial of President Trump

If called to testify, Giuliani would likely be questioned about his conversations with Trump -- what the president knew and when -- and the extent to which he kept other top aides like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the loop.

Giuliani has previously said he would testify in the Senate trial and that he would like to try the case himself. But when asked about that possibility on Wednesday, Giuliani suggested he wouldn't have much to say because he is the president's lawyer.

I am bound by attorney client privilege so its not just my decision," Giuliani told ABC News.

MORE: Trump's impeachment trial: How we got here, what happens next and what to watch

At issue is new evidence released Tuesday and Wednesday by the House Intelligence Committee that was provided by Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian American businessman and associate of Giulianis who has been arrested on campaign finance violations.

Story continues

PHOTO: Rudy Giuliani, right, and Soviet born businessman who served as Giuliani's fixer in Ukraine, Lev Parnas, left, arrive for the funeral of former president George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington on Dec. 5, 2018. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images)

According to notes scratched out by Parnas on stationary from the Ritz Carlton in Vienna, Parnas was on board with Giulianis efforts to try to get Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce an investigation involving former Vice President Joe Biden.

He also was working to try to oust Marie Yovanovitch, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine.

While the new evidence does not name Yovanovitch, the ambassador has testified that she was aware Parnas was trying to force her ouster, possibly so he could work with individuals the U.S. State Department regarded as corrupt.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Connecticut Congressional Candidate Robert Hyde in a picture posted to Hyde's Twitter account on Jan 11, 2020. (HYDE for U.S. Congress/Twitter)

In one particularly disturbing text exchange from March 2019  one month before Yovanovitch said she was recalled from her post due to security concerns -- a Connecticut man and Trump donor named Robert F. Hyde texted Parnas: Wow. Cant believe Trump hasnt fired that bitch. Ill get right in that.

Both Parnas and Hyde have dismissed the text exchange as not serious. In an interview with MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show," Parnas accused Hyde of being "drunk all the time." Hyde said in a tweet this week that he was never in Kyiv and that he and Parnas "were playing" while "we had a few drinks."

MORE: Robert Hyde, a new character in impeachment drama, is a Trump devotee with checkered past

The guys over they asked me what I would like to do and what is in it for them, Hyde said on March 25, later adding details like her phone is off and that she is next to the embassy with privacy security.

They are willing to help if we/you would like a price, Hyde writes. Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money  what I was told.

Parnas responds: Lol.

The next day, Hyde provides an update and asks: If you want her out they need to make contact with security forces.

Parnas eventually responds that he will call him.

PHOTO: Former U.S. Ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch arrives to testify during the second public hearings as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill on Nov. 15, 2019 in Washington D.C. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

The left-leaning watchdog group, American Oversight, notes that social media posts suggest the text exchanges coincide with a dinner between Parnas and Giuliani, and phone calls between Giuliani and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

We lined up the newly released Parnas messages with the records we obtained from the State Department through FOIA litigation, as well as other records and reports. The timeline is troubling. (Thread)  American Oversight (@weareoversight) January 15, 2020

Reached by ABC News, Hyde decline to comment on the messages. But when asked if he was offering to harm the ambassador, he said absolutely not.

Larry Robbins, a lawyer for Yovanovitch, called the allegations "disturbing" in a statement and that the ambassador hopes the appropriate authorities will investigate. Ukrainian officials have said they are investigating.

MORE: Trump impeachment live updates: House votes to send articles to Senate

Several witnesses have testified that the president ordered a hold on $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine, despite clearance from the Pentagon and State Department. And when asked about U.S. aid in general on a July phone call, Trump asked Ukraines president for a favor and called for an investigation into Biden.

Still unclear though is whether Trump directed his top aides to continue withholding the aid  money needed to fend off Russian aggression at Ukraines borders  until it announced the probe naming Biden.

The White House has said Parnas isn't a credible witness and shouldn't be taken seriously. His media interviews though beg the question of whether the Senate should demand more evidence to understand what happened, before making the fateful decision of whether to remove the president from office.

Parnas said there was no doubt the president and his top aides orchestrated the pressure campaign to extract a political favor.

"President Trump knew exactly what was going on" with his activities in Ukraine, Parnas told MSNBC's Maddow.

ABC News' Katherine Faulders contributed to this report.
With the Tokyo Summer Olympics rapidly approaching, 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for TRI-AD (Toyota Research Institute - Advanced Development). Opened in 2018, the research wing is devoted to bringing some of TRIs work into practice. The organization is heavily invested in both autonomous driving and other key robotics projects.

TRI-ADs CEO James Kuffner and TRI's VP of Robotics Max Bajracharya will be joining us onstage at TC Sessions Robotics+AI on March 3 at UC Berkeley to discuss their work in the field. The company has been working to promote accessibility, both in terms of its work in automotive and smart cities, as well as robotics aimed to help assist Japans aging population.

The Summer Olympics will serve as an opportunity for TRI-AD to showcase those technologies in practice. Kuffner and Bajracharya will discuss why companies like Toyota are investing in robotics and working to make every day robotics a reality.

Early-Bird tickets are now on sale for $275. Book your tickets now and save $150 before prices go up!

Student Tickets are just $50 -- grab yours here.

Startups, book a demo exhibitor table and get four tickets to the show and a demo area to showcase your company. Packages run $2,200.

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The US on January 15 signed the first phase of a trade deal with China, which President Donald Trump described as historic, concluding more than a year of tough negotiations including several months of suspension of talks between the two largest economies of the world.

The first phase of the trade deal includes Intellectual Property (IP) Protection and Enforcement, ending forced technology transfer, dramatic expansion of American agriculture, removing barriers to American financial services, ending currency manipulation, rebalancing the US-China trade relationship and effective dispute resolution.

The agreement was signed by President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, Politburo Member and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China.

In his remarks, Trump called the trade agreement signing "a momentous step...to a future of fair and reciprocal trade."

The two countries are "writing the wrongs of the past," the US President said, adding that he would soon visit China and thanked his Chinese counterpart for this deal.

"I'll be going over to China in the not-too-distant future to reciprocate," he said.

This is a transformative deal that will bring great benefits for the two countries, Trump said, hoping that this will even lead to a peaceful world.

Trump said that China has made substantial and enforceable commitment to protecting American ideas.

At the same time, he said, punitive tariffs on China would remain in place till the time the second phase of the trade deal is agreed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his letter to Trump which was read out at the signing ceremony in the White House, said the phase one deal was good for China and the US and it needed to be earnestly implemented by both sides.

In an apparent reference to Trump's crackdown on China's telecom giant Huawei, Xi hoped that Chinese companies will be treated fairly by the US.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu said China and the US, the world's two largest economies and two major players in international affairs with great responsibilities, reached the phase one deal "with the big picture in mind" and by "acknowledging and properly managing" their differences.

China will work with the United States on the principle of equality and mutual respect to ensure good implementation of their phase-one economic and trade agreement, he said.

He added that the deal is not in conflict with the legitimate rights and interests of any third party, and is also in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Calling economic and trade cooperation "the propeller of the overall bilateral relationship", Liu noted the two countries have encountered some difficulties in economic and trade areas over the past two years.

"There have been several setbacks in negotiations, but we were not overwhelmed by difficulties," Liu said.

After continuous efforts by both teams, China and the US reached the phase one deal based on the principle of equality and mutual respect, which illustrated a Chinese saying "There are always more solution than problems".

The world's two largest economies have spent 18 months embroiled in a bitter trade dispute that imposed tit-for-tat levies on each other's commodities, mechanical parts and finished goods.

Trump had launched the trade war with China in 2018 demanding Beijing to reduce massive trade deficit.

His demands included an intrusive verification mechanism to supervise Beijing's promise to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) technology transfer and more access to American goods to Chinese markets.

Both sides so far have imposed additional tariffs on nearly USD half trillion worth of goods.

So far, the US has imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion of Chinese goods, and China has retaliated with tariffs on more than $110 billion of US products.

State-run Global Times reported that among the key takeaways from the agreement was China's pledge to increase purchases of US products over the next two years and the US commitment to roll back tariffs in phases on Chinese goods.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that under the deal China has committed to buy $200 billion worth of goods from the US in the next two years.

The agreement also covered areas of disputes between Chinese and the US officials including the protection of intellectual property rights, technology transfer and an implementation review mechanism.

The signing of the deal presented a stark contrast to the tremendous hostility and brinkmanship between the two countries of the past 660 or so days and the theatrical back-and-forth in negotiations, including 13 high-level rounds, the Global Times report said.

Commenting on the deal, Einar Tangen Beijing based current affairs commentator told PTI that Wednesday's deal is more of a trade truce and much of the promises made by China to purchase US goods cannot be enforced.

"The overall signal from the phase one agreement is much larger than the content of the deal itself," Wei Jianguo, a former Chinese vice commerce minister, told the Global Times.

"It is a boon for the world that the world's largest and second-largest economies have hit the pause key in the trade war".

"The phase one deal means that China and the US have entered a new relatively predictable cycle," Li Yong, a deputy chairman of the expert committee of the China Association of International Trade, told the Daily.

"It will be able to help revitalise the global value chain disrupted by the trade war and remedy at least some of loss".
The title character of My Name Is Lucy Barton, Rona Munros crystalline stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strouts 2016 novel, is hardly a woman of mystery. On the contrary, as embodied with middle-American forthrightness by a perfectly cast Laura Linney, in the production that opened Wednesday at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater, Lucy may be the most translucent figure now on a New York stage.

Feelings seem to register on her face before her thoughts have a chance to catch up with them, so that we know when shes hurting or happy almost before she does. A New York writer who grew up in rural Illinois, Lucy Barton is surely someone we can trust to speak plain. What a relief to be in the company, for once, of a thoroughly reliable narrator.

And yet mystery  truly unfathomable and utterly ordinary  is at the center of this deceptively modest Manhattan Theater Club production, which originated in London and is directed with quiet care by Richard Eyre. Im not referring to the classic suspense-making withholding of information that is usually a requisite of entertaining storytelling.
One person was injured in a crash that occurred in Bloomsbury on Wednesday afternoon.

New Jersey State Police at Perryville Station responded to an accident that occurred at 155 Main St. at approximately 1:50 p.m.

A man driving a Honda CRV crashed into a former PNC Bank building after leaving a neighboring gas station. The bank building is currently vacant. There were no passengers in the vehicle, according to State Police.

State Police confirmed that the driver suffered from minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by the Pattenburg Rescue Squad.

Also responding to the crash were the Bloomsbury Fire Company and paramedics from the Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington.

State Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident.

Caroline Fassett can be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com.

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Ahead of this years census, New Jersey lawmakers have voted to change how power is distributed in the state.

The bill (S758) would count prisoners as residents of their last known address when it came to drawing legislative districts. Currently, people behind bars are counted as residents of wherever theyre incarcerated.

The state Assembly passed it Monday, 54-22, after the state Senate approved the bill in February, 24-10.

The proposal is now before Gov. Phil Murphy, who has until Jan. 21 to sign or veto it.

Proponents of the change have called the current system prison gerrymandering, arguing that counting inmates as members of districts they wont live in after they are released improperly diverts power to whoever builds the most prisons.

While more inmates come from Essex than any other county, according to the corrections department, most of the departments main facilities are south of Princeton.

State Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, D-Camden, a sponsor of the bill, said her city is a good example. There were more than 1,600 Camden residents in state prisons in 2018, she said in a statement last year, but they were all counted as citizens of other counties.

This process unfairly skews the districts," Cruz-Perez said.

New Jersey is divided into 40 legislative districts, and each sends two representatives to the state Assembly and one to the state Senate.

Each district should hold roughly the same number of residents, according to the state constitution, which works out to more than 200,000 people. (The U.S. Census reports more than 8.9 million total residents.)

Changing how inmates are counted would likely not have a dramatic effect on that map, since there were fewer than 20,000 people imprisoned in New Jersey last year, according to the corrections department.

Although the law may not have an immediate impact on any particular legislatives seats, over time it will restore political power to communities from which it had been artificially drained, Alexander Shalom, an ACLU New Jersey lawyer, wrote in an email.

It might have an effect at the margins of some districts, said John Farmer, a former New Jersey attorney general and director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

Many citizens were moving to southern parts of the state anyway, he said, which would likely offset any gains by northern districts. Farmer added that he didnt believe the legislation was driven by Democratic lawmakers targeting more conservative areas.

The state will redraw its legislative map in 2021, after the 2020 Census.

If an inmates address wasnt known, they would not be counted as part of any legislative district, according to the bill.

Many Republican lawmakers opposed the change.

The legislation is part of a broader push by Democrats to restore political power to people with criminal records, while simultaneously making voting easier for everyone.

Murphy recently signed a bill allowing people on probation and parole to vote, and some lawmakers want prisoners to be able to cast ballots too.

Another bill (S589) would allow anyone to register to vote online. Currently, residents must use paper forms. The proposal passed the state Senate on Monday, 27-7, and the state Assembly, 61-14, with two abstaining. Its now before the governor.

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN.

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Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Sanders, Warren, Steyer

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Sen. Bernie Sanders told a reporter on Wednesday that he and Sen. Elizabeth Warren were discussing "the weather" during a viral moment the night before.

At the end of Tuesday night's debate in Iowa, Sanders and Warren could be seen talking and then walking off without shaking hands as billionaire Tom Steyer looked on.

The moment prompted a great deal of speculation amid a growing rift between the two progressive, top-tier candidates.

Later Wednesday, CNN released audio showing that Sanders' claim was false, and Warren has accused him of calling her a "liar on national TV."

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday said he was talking about "the weather" with Sen. Elizabeth Warren in a viral moment at the end of Tuesday's debate in Iowa.

There was much speculation about the exchange, in which Sanders and Warren could be seen talking and then walking off without shaking hands as billionaire Tom Steyer looked on.

On Wednesday, NBC News reporter Gary Grumbach asked Sanders what he was discussing with the Massachusetts senator after the debate. "About the weather," Sanders said in response.

Later Wednesday CNN released audio, showing that Sanders' account of the exchange was false, and that Warren had accused him of calling him a "liar on national TV."

Sanders responded by saying, "Let's not talk about that now," before saying that she had accused him of being a liar in the debate.

Tuesday night's viral exchange came amid a growing rift between the two progressive candidates, which was exacerbated this week when a report came out alleging Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that he did not believe a woman could win the presidential election.

Sanders has vehemently denied the accusation, but Warren has commented publicly on it and contradicted him. "I thought a woman could win, he disagreed," Warren said in a statement.

Story continues

The topic came up again during Tuesday night's debate, in which Sanders once again denied the allegation as Warren doubled-down.

The Sanders-Warren spat has sparked a great deal of discussion among political commentators and pundits about the difference between harboring the sexist belief that a woman is not qualified to be president versus believing that there is still too much sexism in the US for a woman to be successful in a presidential election.

Amid the disagreement between the two senators over what was said in the 2018 meeting, a number of pundits have suggested that Sanders was expressing concern to Warren that President Donald Trump would weaponize misogyny if a woman won the 2020 Democratic nomination.

The dispute between Sanders and Warren comes as they both vie for supremacy with the Democratic left, or the progressive wing of the party. Up until the past week or so, both had been cordial to one another. But the gloves are off with less than a month until the Iowa caucuses.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Explained: Why is raining so much in October despite the monsoon being over

IMD to change reference dates for monsoon onset, withdrawal from this year

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 16: With changing rainfall pattern, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will change the reference dates for onset and withdrawal of southwest monsoon from this year, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said on Wednesday.

Secretary in the ministry M Rajeevan said the change in the dates will help farmers who can take a call on sowing crops.

The four-month monsoon season is from June 1 to September 30. June 1 is the onset date for monsoon over Kerala and it is likely to remain the same but the IMD will change the reference dates for some states and cities, Rajeevan said, adding the dates for withdrawal of monsoon will also be changed.

The onset dates are expected to be changed over the central India meteorological division of the IMD.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

The central India division comprises 10 sub-divisions -- Chhattisgarh, Odisha, west Madhya Pradesh, east Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, central Maharashtra, Konkan and Goa, Gujarat region and Kutch and Saurashtra. The new dates are expected to be announced in April when the IMD releases its First Long Range Forecast for Monsoon 2020, IMD Director General M Mohapatra said. Monsoon starts withdrawing from northwest India (parts of Rajasthan) from September 1.

"This may be shifted to September 10," Rajeevan said. He said the data cited to give the reference dates dates back to 1940s and it needed to be revised. He, however, did not specify whether climate change was behind setting the new reference dates.

Last year, the monsoon covered the entire country by July 19, four days after its normal date. It also withdrew from the entire country on October 9, as against the normal date of September 1. Rajeevan added the IMD is working with the UK's Met department to come up with impact-based forecast that will suggest measures to be taken during extreme weather events.
India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India

United Nations: India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," Akbaruddin told PTI.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, had described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."

A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair."

Akbaruddin further said that "Pakistan's practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focuses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."

#WATCH New York: Syed Akbaruddin, Indias Ambassador & Permanent Representative to United Nations speaks on China holding an informal closed-door consultation on Kashmir in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). pic.twitter.com/vWPBUlu4K5  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and kashmir.

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that".

Zhang later said China "has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: " I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful".

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

India's decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in October for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held "successful" talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapura, signalling a recalibration of bilateral ties.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Thursday held extensive talks on the fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed Iran-US ties over the killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani.

Officials said that Zarif apprised Jaishankar about the overall situation and Tehran's position on it in the meeting held over breakfast. In a statement, the External Affairs ministry said the two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the recent developments in the region.

It said the two sides also deliberated on the Iran nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The US had pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018. The MEA said Jaishankar reiterated Indian interests in the region and support for efforts to maintain peace, security and stability there.

ALSO READ| Interested in diplomacy but not in negotiating with US: Iran's foreign minister

The issue of development of the Chabahar port also figured in talks between Zarif and Jaishankar. "Both leaders recalled positive outcomes of EAM's recent visit to Tehran for the 19th Joint Commission Meeting, especially for strengthening bilateral trade and promoting connectivity initiative through Chabahar port," the MEA said.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit that comes at a time the global focus is on escalating tensions between Iran and the US following the killing of Soleimani in an American drone strike.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on January 3.

On Wednesday, Zarif told PTI that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as it is an important regional player In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, he hit out at the Trump adminstration for the killing of Soleimani and said the action was a "sad reflection of a serious problem in Washington's thinking".

ALSO READ| India has strong interest in peace, stability in the region: PM Modi to Iran foreign minister

"If you are an ignorant-arrogant or an arrogant-ignorant, with power, it brings disaster," he said on Wednesday, alleging that Soleimani's killing was a US attempt to unilaterally shape policies in the region. He said that the attack was "unforgivable".

India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq.
Traders' body on Thursday said it has completed a pilot in Madhya Pradesh to create individual e-stores for traders, and will soon launch the same at a level.

Asserting that Confederation of All India (CAIT) is not against e-commerce, its Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said the body is against companies that are "flouting FDI Policy of the Government for their own gains".

"We are not against e-commerce and (are) rather of the considered opinion that e-commerce is a rapidly growing future mode of business and have undertaken a task to align the trading community with e-commerce by creating individual e-store of every trader in the country," Khandelwal said.

He added that a pilot of the said project has already been completed in Madhya Pradesh and very soon, it will be launched at level.

"However, we are against the Companies which are flouting FDI Policy of the Government for their own gains," Khandelwal said.

has, in the past, accused e-commerce firms like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart of anti-competitive practices like preferential listing, exclusive tie-ups and private labels.
Bipin Rawat said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

New Delhi: In the first such disclosure, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Thursday said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised.

In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, Gen Rawat, delving into the situation in Kashmir, said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

"These people can still be isolated from radicalisation in a gradual way. But there are people who have been completely radicalised. These people need to be taken out separately, possibly taken to some de-radicalisation camps," he said.

"We have got de-radicalisation camps going on in our country," the Chief of Defence Staff said.

He said that Pakistan too has de-radicalisation camps.

"Let me tell you even Pakistan is doing the same. Pakistan also has de-radicalisation camps as they have understood that the terrorism that they have been sponsoring is actually hitting back at them," Gen Rawat said.

It is for the first time a top-ranking official publicly has talked about existence of de-radicalisation camps in India.

Gen Rawat said containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism, adding radicalised young people were involved in pelting security forces with stones in Kashmir.

Identifying radicalisation is a major challenge, he said, adding it can be countered with effective programme.

"You got to start looking at where the radicalisation is taking place. Who are the people involved in radicalising the people. It is happening in schools, universities, from religious places and sites, and then there are group of people who are spreading this," he said.

The former Army chief said it was important to isolate people who have been radicalised.

"You have to start isolating these people gradually and then start a counter radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised and to what degree.

"You have to segregate them... Then look at those who have been completely radicalised. First target them and then also start looking at the future, like what we have seen in Kashmir," he said.

On pelting of stones on security forces in Kashmir, Gen Rawat said the stones used were as lethal as pellet guns. "We have had casualties including death being caused because of stone pelting."

The former Army chief also claimed people in Kashmir suffered pellet wounds on their faces and eyes when they tried to pick up stones from the ground.

"The security forces were not aiming for the face. They aimed for the leg. But the face gets hurt when people tried to pick up stones from the ground," he said.

Gen Rawat said an impression is being created that Indian Army has been heavy-handed in Kashmir.

"Indian Army had to be heavy handed in the initial phases of the proxy war when it was launched in early 1990s. Thereafter we are not using such an approach," he said.

Rawat also pitched for a hardline approach to deal with terrorism in the region, saying the model adopted by the US to take on terror networks after the 9/11 strike needs to be replicated.

In a clear reference to Pakistan, he also sought strong global action including diplomatic isolation against states sponsoring terrorism, asserting that there is a need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause of terrorism.

"We have to bring an end to terrorism and that can only happen the way the Americans started after the 9/11. Let's go on a spree on global war on terror and let the nations join and fight terrorism together," Gen Rawat said.

"In trying to do that, you have to isolate the terrorists. Anybody sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task," he said.

After the 11 September, 2001 terror attack, the US had declared a global war on terror which included legislative measures as well as military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tunisia, Somalia, Mali and Nigeria.

"You cannot have partners who are partnering with you in the global war on terrorism and yet sponsoring proxies and terror. You have to have an international messaging that has to go to them. Hard action should be taken," Gen Rawat said.

He said action like blacklisting countries by global anti-terror watchdog FATF could be a good option.

"You have to bring about acceptability in the nations that there are sponsors of terrorism. Denial of terrorism cannot be allowed to continue," Gen Rawat said.
The officials, including an ex-congresswoman and ex-mayor, lost immunity after a new administration was sworn in.

Guatemala City  In an apparent effort to crack down on corruption, Guatemalan authorities have started to arrested officials who lost their immunity from prosecution this week when a new administration took office.

Police, armed with arrest warrants for eight high-level officials, executed 14 search warrants between Wednesday and Thursday. A former congresswoman and a former mayor were arrested. The other six were not located.

The work that the Special Anti-Impunity Prosecutors Bureau has been doing should be acknowledged, Accion Ciudadana President Edie Cux, a lawyer and anti-corruption activist, told Al Jazeera.

President Alejandro Giammattei and legislators were sworn in Tuesday, and municipal councils took office Wednesday. Outgoing president Jimmy Morales regained immunity Tuesday night in another post, but other officials from his administration, plagued by allegations of corruption, lost their protection.

Former congresswoman Aracely Chavarria was arrested on Wednesday for influence peddling. She and three former congressmen who could not be located for arrest were allegedly part of a criminal structure engaged in fraudulent contracts and illegal commissions in the public health sector.

Two of the former legislators with pending arrest warrants belonged to FCN, Morales party, including its former presidential candidate Estuardo Galdamez. He was noticeably absent on Tuesday during the special transition session in Congress, during which he and others lost their immunity from prosecution.

Angel Ren, former mayor of the Chiche municipality 135km (84 miles) north of Guatemala City, was arrested on Thursday. He and another mayor from the Quiche department who was not located for arrest, both from the opposition UNE party, are accused of unregistered campaign financing.

Meanwhile, Acisclo Valladares, Moraless former minister of the economy, presented himself to authorities on Wednesday for any open investigations. But police could not locate him on Thursday to execute an arrest warrant for alleged money laundering. Prosecutors have since requested Interpol issue a red alert.

A former Guatemalan member of Central American Parliament also now has an outstanding arrest warrants for fraud and money laundering. Former President Morales, under investigation for illicit campaign financing, was sworn into the regional cooperation body Tuesday night, regaining his immunity from prosecution just hours after he lost it. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The operations Wednesday and Thursday were coordinated by the Special Anti-Impunity Prosecutors Bureau, FECI. The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Bureau and another unit focused on electoral crimes also have ongoing investigations that implicate recently departed government officials.

Every prosecution unit undertakes the respective coordination with the [police], which is responsible for executing arrest warrants requested by prosecutors and authorised by judges, Public Prosecutors Office spokeswoman Julia Barrera told Al Jazeera with regard to further operations to execute pending or new arrest warrants for former officials.

The United States has revoked visas for former government officials, the US embassy in Guatemala said in a statement Thursday without providing names. The embassy has revoked the visas of more than two dozen Guatemalan citizens this month and approximately 250 last year for a variety of reasons, including acts of corruption.

Individuals affected by these revocations include former government officials and others, according to the statement.

During his inaugural address on Tuesday, Giammattei repeatedly pledged to end corruption. As his first act of government, just hours later, he signed an inter-institutional anti-corruption agreement with the attorney general, comptroller general, superintendent of tax administration, and other officials.

Guatemalans wary

For now, many Guatemalans are wary of the promises. Morales also took office promising to combat corruption but then began to wage war on the body at the forefront of that fight after its investigations implicated Morales, his relatives, and his party.

For more than a decade, the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) worked with Guatemalan prosecutors to investigate and take down criminal networks deeply entrenched in state institutions. Their work led to the resignation and arrest of President Otto Perez Molina in 2015.

Morales announced in 2018 he would not renew CICIGs mandate and barred the head commissioner from Guatemala the following year, calling him a security threat. CICIG shut down last September.

Many of the investigations playing out today go back years, said Cux. Many were investigations that developed when CICIG was still in the country.
A member of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education, Culture Igor Morozov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, outlined his point of view on why the Russian government resigned yesterday.



"Yesterday, the President in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly set ambitious challenges for investing very serious resources in human capital assets. And this requires new people and new ideas. Alas, Medvedev's team has already exhausted their potential, which can be seen in macroeconomic indicators," he said.

"Let me remind you that Mishustin conducted a real digital transformation in the tax sphere and proved to be a brilliant state manager. That is, in general, replacing the prime minister is a challenge of the time, which will be answered by a new cabinet," Igor Morozov emphasized.



Speaking about expectations from Mikhail Mishustin's work, Igor Morozov expressed confidence that the new prime minister already see new growth points for Russia. "First of all, I mean IT, modern agricultural production, the space industry. He has his own view on creating a highly competitive economy, has plans to improve the tax system. In addition, special attention should be paid to infrastructure projects, which would create jobs," the senator listed.



"The combination of breakthrough technologies and infrastructure projects is the challenge that Mishustin's Cabinet has to solve," the member of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education, Culture concluded.
From the veranda of the Ayana Komodo Resort, a long wooden pier snakes into the rugged sea off Waecicu Beach. At sunset, the sky explodes with fiery showers of color. It's a perfect picture for the Instagram Age, with dozens of delicious, chocolate-chip shaped islands sprinkled across the horizon. The five-star resort opened in September 2018 outside of Labuan Bajo, a small town on the western end of the Indonesian island of Flores.

Islands dot the landscape off of Labuan Bajo. Helminadia

It's part of a massive infusion of infrastructure designed to distinguish Flores from Indonesia's other 18,000 islands, including the country's most famous Bali island. The ambitious plan is fittingly called: Ten New Balis. Announced by the Indonesian government in 2016, the plan was met with great fanfare  and for good reason. Bali has become a global icon, attracting 40% of Indonesia's foreign visitors, many who venture no farther.

A secret no more

Expanding tourism to other sites and islands is a goal of President Joko Widodo, who was soundly reelected last year. Progress is visible everywhere around Labuan Bajo. What was once a small fishing village is now supercharged with boom-town zeal and non-stop construction of restaurants and hotels.

Flores is home to hot springs and caves, including Rangko Cave (shown here). Sirintra Pumsopa

A long-time favorite of the diving world, the tiny town has two dozen dive shops, according to Benedikt Schaefer at Blue Marlin Dive. "It's world famous, and rightfully so. You can do different dives every day," he said. Though the plan outlined 10 locations to transform into tourism capitals, four were chosen as "priority destinations"  Borobudur, Mandalika, Lake Toba and Labuan Bajo. Because of booming Labuan Bajo, the entire island of Flores is receiving a tourism lift.

Komodo dragons and Starbucks

A new airport opened in Labuan Bajo in 2013, and it is already slated for expansion into an international hub. The town's harbor is in the midst of a $2 billion overhaul which ushered in another upscale hotel, Inaya Bay Komodo, that opened in late 2019. It's in a huge complex with a swirling spaceship design that is reminiscent of a smaller version of Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, and it features the first Starbucks in hundreds of miles. Even more important are the new boat terminals that are designed to welcome yachts, ferries and cruise ships.

Padar Island is a favorite spot to visit from Labuan Bajo. Helminadia

The island-dotted waters around Labuan Bajo are already packed with boats, a fleet estimated at several hundred, according to travel agent Ndiwar Kewali, owner of Komodo Dominik Tour. Like others around town, his business focuses upon nearby Komodo Island, home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard and undisputed superstar of Flores tourism. Labuan Bajo's airport was formerly called Mutiara II to distinguish it from Mutiara SIS Al-Jufrie Airport on the nearby island of Sulawesi. But nobody would confuse the two today.

The dragons have definitely put this place on the map. Anna Karas director of public relations for Ayana Komodo Resort

Arrivals at Labuan Bajo  mainly from Bali and Jakarta  land at a quaint airport looking like something from Hollywood blockbuster, Jurassic Park. The walls and shops are decorated with giant murals of Komodo dragons. "Everyone comes for the Komodo dragons," noted Anna Karas, director of public relations for Ayana Komodo Resort. "The dragons have definitely put this place on the map."

A dragon-sized controversy

A major tremor of dismay rocked the area last year when public officials announced plans to close Komodo National Park. Outrage inflamed the town. "Everyone is against it," said Kewali. "I don't believe it will happen. It's just talk, politics," he added.

Flores is one of less than five islands in the world where Komodo dragons live in the wild. Aprison Photography

"If they close the park, it would hurt so many people," said local guide John Bhago. "It would be a disaster." Soon after, the plan was withdrawn. But Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat, governor of East Nusa Tenggara, stirred the pot with a proposal to push visitation fees to $500 per person to limit lizard tours to high-end tourists. He later suggested they be increased even more, perhaps to $1,000.

Entrance fees currently start at around $11 per person.

A major tourist draw, Komodo dragons have a famously venomous bite and are known to occasionally attack humans. USO

As this dragon-sized controversy continues to grip Labuan Bajo, around the lush tropical island, adventurous visitors are intrigued by sights that have drawn travelers for centuries.

Exploring Flores

The Portuguese first arrived in the early 1500s, giving the island its name, which translates to "flowers" in Portuguese. Popular with backpackers for decades, idyllic Flores abounds with lush foliage and striking volcanoes, highlighted by the famous three-colored crater lakes by Mount Kelimutu. With so much emphasis these days on cultural and ethno-tourism, Flores is home to an array of authentic tribal villages with rich folklore and fantastic weaving traditions. On a road trip from Labuan to the old villages around Bajawan, guide John Bhago points out a cascade of stunning churches. Flores is the most Christian part of the world's most populated Muslim-majority nation. Even more surprising than the soaring steeples and colorful depictions of Jesus and Mary, is seeing them alongside mosques. "In Flores, everyone lives in harmony," he proudly noted.

The spider web rice fields in Flores, Indonesia. Tanutkij Wangsittidej

A must-stop is Ruteng  if only for a hike to the hills above Cancar Village  to savor the breathtaking views of the famed spider web rice fields. Framed by mountains, the fields tilled by indigenous Manggarai people resemble enormous cobwebs, or as another tourist quipped "alien landing fields." Ruteng is also home to hot springs and the Liang Bua cave, where the remains of a unique species, called Homo Floresiensis, were discovered in excavations in 2003. The remains of Flores ancient ancestors are sometimes referred to as "hobbits" as excavations showed the people were just over one meter tall, much like the fictional characters in the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Traditional villages of Flores. Courtesy of Ron Gluckman

Dozens of traditional villages can be found around Ruteng and further east to Bajawa, with thatched-roof huts and communal areas seemingly unchanged for centuries. Bena is especially picturesque; it sits on a green plain with dazzling views of Mount Inierie, the largest volcano on the island. The houses are topped with hand-made spirit figures, like warriors, animals and tiny houses.

A spirit figure atop a tribal village house. Courtesy of Ron Gluckman

Bena and some of the major villages can feel a bit tourist-trodden, but it's easy to arrange homestays and treks to more distant villages.

Room to grow

Driving around the island demonstrates Flores' vast tourism appeal and equally immense needs. Roads are few, and hotels and restaurants are mostly basic. Connecting the dots from Komodo Airport to these distant rice fields, cultural villages, volcanoes and gorgeous beaches will require tremendous investment.

A woman weaving textiles in Bena. Bruno Guerreiro
New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed a Bombay High Court order that would have shifted the two main accused in the Punjab & Maharasthra Cooperative (PMC) bank scam, from Arthur Road jail to their residence to enable them to sale their assets.

Earlier in the day, a bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant agreed to hear the plea by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta against the High Court order.

The Enforcement Directorate had rushed to the apex court challenging the relief granted to PMC bank scam accused and HDIL directors.

The Bombay High Court had ordered for setting up a three-member committee to conduct the valuation and sale of encumbered assets of Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL) to recover the dues, which the firm was supposed to pay the crisis-hit Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank.

The High Court had therefore allowed the father and son -- Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan -- to be shifted to their house from jail under supervision of two jail guards and to ensure their cooperation with the committee.

Technically, the two accused would be under house arrest at their residence.

The High court observed: "We are conscious of the plight of lakhs of depositors who have deposited their hard earned money and life savings in the PMC Bank.

"The respondents (Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan) are instrumental for the huge fraud perpetuated by them through HDIL and other companies."
Ghanaian rapper, Ayigbe Edem has waded into the on-going debate about whether or not National Security Minister Kan Dapaah should be blamed for the turn of events that led to a leaked video of him and his side chick having a romantic conversation.

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

According to Edem, Ghanaians need to stop crucifying the old man and let his wife handle him however she pleases.

Edem's comments come on the back of a leaked video of a romantic conversation between National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah and an alleged side chick.

READ ALSO: Kennedy Agyapong exposes top female TV presenter who 'links' slay queens to big men (video)

In a tweet sighted by YEN.com.gh, Edem said he sees nothing wrong with the Kan Dapaah leaked video since it was two adults indulging in a conversation which does not bother anyone.

Okay So ..I honestly See nothing wrong with Kan Dapaahs video. Two Adults can indulge in anything once it doesnt bother anybody. The convo to sounded one-sided too U should be careful if you are asked what are u wearing ooo  he tweeted.

READ ALSO: Nana Aba Anamoah, Serwaa Amihere jam to Emelia Brobbey's 'Fame K' song (video)

READ ALSO: Gifty Adorye shares emotional story of how her pastors treated her unfairly

However, Edem was quick to say that since Kan Dapaah is a married man, it only right for Ghanaians to allow his wife to a problem with his actions and not the public.

"He get wife..Let his wife have a problem with his actions not u an outsider..," he added.

READ ALSO: My breakup with Medikal has got nothing to do with my sister; leave her out of it -Fella Makafui

READ ALSO: Actress Salma Mumin mentions her full name for the 1st time in new video

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Business mogul and politician, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong had made an allegation that a top female TV presenter leads slay queens to sleep with big men in and out of the country.

Kennedy Agyapong's comments come on the back of a leaked video of a romantic conversation between National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah and an alleged side chick identified as Chantelle Kujawu.

READ ALSO: Christianity is a man-made religion; I don't see myself practicing it - Kofi Kinaata

In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, he alleged that the TV Presenter in question links the slay queens to the big men for cash and favours and later turns around to blackmail these big men.

These slay queen either film their acts, record their phone conversations or keep chats with these big men and later blackmail them with it.

Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Source: YEN.com.gh
There are people in the state party apparatus of my home state who are quite radical. And some of those same people include people who were here on Jan. 6th, include a party chair who has toyed with the idea of secession, Cheney said.
A priest who spoke with the family of Keane Mulready-Woods the day they were told he was murdered said they knew something serious happened when he failed to make contact with them after disappearing last Sunday.

Father Gaffney, Parish Priest for St Mary's Parish and Holy Family, Ballsgrove, said the family were fearing the worst on Monday when the 17-year-old, from Drogheda in Co Louth, was not yet found.

They were later told that Keane was murdered, and his remains were dismembered.

"While we were there, a garda had been with them and she had conveyed to them that she would be back at 7 o'clock yesterday evening, and that it would either be their worst fears realised or else it would be somebody else's remains.

"The gardai were working very closely with the family and kept them updated on everything that was happening, giving them a timeline and so on," he told RTE's Drivetime.

"When Keane went missing, he would always contact his sister and his mam. Within a short time, they realised that something serious was wrong because he hadn't contacted them and they couldn't get in contact with him on his mobile phone.

"From then until the news began to filter through on Monday in the media that partial remains of a human being were found in Dublin.

"At that stage, there was grave concern because it was unlike Keane not to have constant contact with his family, particularly his sister, his mam and his dad.

"They were fearful from Monday that something dramatic had happened."

Fr Gaffney made a plea for the violence in Drogheda to stop in August while presiding over a funeral of a man who lost his life in a separate feud-related incident.

I was pleading that no other family in the community would have to go through that absolute heartbreak and sorrow to see a young man laid out in his home, and taken so cruelly again.

It looked like up until Christmas time here, things had settled down in Drogheda and gardai were confident that they had a handle on the whole situation and it seemed to be going well.

From our perspective, gardai have done everything possible and are very visible in the community.

Unfortunately, it has sparked off again for whatever reason. I would appeal to anyone in the community to cooperate with the gardai because they are the official law enforcement agency of our state, and they can only be effective if they get support from everyone who has any significant evidence of any sort of even what they might see as insignificant. "

He said the criminals responsible for the horrific crimes are well aware of the impact theyre having on the community.

Ive met a few of them in different situations, at funerals and different occasions. One or two of them, I wouldnt know too many of them.

I did address it to one particular individual, I just had the opportunity. I let him know exactly what I thought.

He said youre entitled to your opinion and so on, and that was it. I think theyre well aware of the impact theyre having on the community and the people here in Drogheda."

Fr Gaffney said violence has become a regular part in the everyday lives of those living in Drogheda, and that parents are fearful that their children will become involved with "ruthless" criminal networks.

For the last two years now, unfortunately violence and fear is an unacceptable reality in our daily lives here in Drogheda.

The reality is that ruthless criminals are grooming young teenagers and exploiting them for their own benefit, who are only interested in expanding their own personal wealth and drawing young vulnerable teenagers into that network.

We need all the resources that we can get to invest in eliminating and discouraging drug abuse and crime that is just part of our community over the last couple of years in particular.

Wed appeal to every government and all the different parties that wed try to work together and deal with this scourge in our community.

They come from all social backgrounds and so on. Unfortunately a vulnerable teenager is drawn into the network by being given substantial money. When they become part of that network, it's very difficult to break out of it.

Young parents and families are worried about their own children getting involved in this scene. Its an everyday worry for parents in our community that their children will become one of them. "
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Millrock Resources Inc. (TSXV: MRO) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #625 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2020.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry.

Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors.

Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For further information:

Millrock Resources Inc.

Melanee Henderson

1-877-217-8978

mhenderson@millrockresources.com

www.millrockresources.com
: United Forum of Bank Unions has decided to observe a two-day strike on January 31 and February 1, demanding early wage revision settlement which has been due since November 1, 2017, said the All India Bank Employees Association.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her second Union Budget on February 1.

Banks will also hold a strike on March 11, 12 and 13. Also, an indefinite strike will be held from April 1.General Secretary, All India Bank Officers' Confederation West Bengal Sanjay Das has stated that the nationwide strike has been called over several demands.

"The demands include--wage revision settlement at 20 per cent hike on payslip components with adequate loading thereof and scrapping off New Pension Scheme (NPS)," said Das.

There are several demands to hold the strike including the merger of special allowance with basic pay, updation of pension, improvement in the family pension system, five-day banking, allocation of staff welfare fund based on operating profits and exemption from income tax on retiral benefits without a ceiling."

Other demands include-- a uniform definition of business hours, lunch hour etc in the branches, introduction of leave bank, defined working hours for the officers and equal wage for equal work for the contract employee," said Das.
16.01.2020 LISTEN

joinder: Businessman wins 4 contracts with fraudulent documents: Case forwarded to A-G for advice

My attention has been to a publication in Daily Graphic on page 29 and Graphiconline.com claiming that the Central Regional Police Command has referred the docket on a case of alleged forgery and fraud involving the Managing Director of Tacoa Construction Limited, Mr Henry Tackie, to the Attorney Generals Department for advice.

The story which was written by one Shirley Asiedu-Addo, claimed that I, Mr Tackie was arrested after investigations pointed out that I and my company allegedly presented fake bonds to secure four separate contracts from the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

I wish to state emphatically that I was never arrested by the Central Regional Police Command. I was, however, invited to the Regional Police Command following a malicious report by the university of Cape Coast that I had presented fake documents to secure contracts from the University in 2014.

As a law abiding citizen, I went to the Central Regional Police Command with my lawyer and my statement was taken. I was requested to make available some documents to the Central Regional Police Command since the same case is pending before a high court and was asked to go home without being charged for anything. I subsequently provided all the documents as requested by the Regional crime officer, Chief Superintendent Reuben Asiwoko.

It is therefore, curious that the Regional Crime Officer, Mr Asiwoko, who handled the case as a professional police officer could lie through his teeth to a journalist that I was charged with forgery of documents and fraud when he knows very well that I was never charged.

Winning The Contracts

My company won the contracts in 2014, 2015 and 2016 with indisputable documents through a competitive bidding process. This can be verified at the Public Procurement Agency and the Central Tender Review Committee.

Before signing the contracts, my company was requested to present a performance bond and advance payment guarantee. We relied on an agent for his services which were backed by payment receipts. Mostly the bonds are issued to confirm with the duration of the contract. But in our case, the bonds had expired because the contracts has exceeded its tenor(2years)

In early April 2019, the university under the new Vice Chancellor Prof. Joseph Gartey Ampiah wrote a letter to my company notifying us of alleged fake bond and gave us a period of seven (7) days to respond to which my lawyers responded within two(2) days with copies of receipts of payments from the agent. But we later realised that the agent was not honest and immediately logged a complaint at the Police for his arrest and prosecution. The police went to court and secured a bench warrant for his arrest and are currently looking for him.

However, out of the four contracts, two have been fully completed and advance payment duly paid by us. The two others are ongoing and are at various stages of completion. The construction of three-storey regional study centre at Zuarungu in the Upper East Region is seventy percent (70%) complete and the construction of a three-storey regional study centre for CoDE at Jumapo in the Eastern Region is thirty percent (40%) complete.

Termination of contracts

Whiles all efforts had been made by us to stay at site and complete these projects, The Vice Chancellor wrote to us terminating all these projects, purportedly on the basis that securities submitted for the signing of the contract were all fake.

We then petitioned the Education Minister, Hon Matthew Opoku Prempeh to investigate the circumstances to leading to the illegal termination of the contracts. Because these securities had expired and required the prompting of the University for our renewal as the practice is if the projects have delayed, for two of the projects the securities are of no effects as all mobilization had been recovered and the projects completed for takeover, for the other two performances and recovery of mobilization are underway as the projects are ongoing.

Furthermore, though, the said securities were obtained from a third party, the police had investigated the expired security and obtained a warrant for the arrest of the agent involved which the university is aware and could therefore not terminate on base on frivolous reason.

The minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh directed the National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) to investigate the alleged illegal termination of the contracts awarded to the two construction firms by the UCC. A committee was set up to investigate the issue but the university disrespectfully turned down several invitations by the committee. Till date the university is yet to honour the invitation of the committee.

Prior to that, we had already petitioned the President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors who is an agreed arbiter for the amicable solution to the numerous hindering the smooth running of the projects. However, the University brazenly ignored the arbitration process.

But the University Authority refused to comply with the processes and rather through its lawyer, Solomon Faakye, dragged me and my company to the Cape Coast High court to get a court order to release the keys of the completed projects they claimed we used fake documents to secure for the students to get access to the buildings.

The Cape Coast High Court at the last sitting referred the case to the Chief Justice in Accra for advice, as they were waiting; the University authorities went to break the padlocks of the buildings to use it without my approval.

My lawyers Gaisie Zwennes Hughes & Co then dragged Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, Philip Owusu Ntim, UCC's Director of Physical Development and Solomon Faakye, the universitys lawyer for contempt of court for disregarding the High courts directive and lawlessly breaking into the Business school building which has been constructed by his firms and a subject pending before the court.

It was after we cited the three for contempt that out of fear, they connived with some rogue police in the region led by the regional Crime officer to tarnish my image and that of my company which has been in existence for over 45-years.

I want to state that the publication is a complete falsehood and an attempt by the university and its collaborators to tarnish the enviable reputation of a successful 45-year construction firm.

Because I secured the four separate contracts from the UCC with genuine documents and has delivered, as most of the projects have been completed but the University Authority has failed to pay me.

I also want to state that Central Regional Police Command has not concluded any investigations and no docket have been referred to the Attorney Generals Office for advice.

The Regional Crime Officer is misleading the public with false information to please his paymasters and will soon laugh at the wrong side of his mouth.
Odyssey VC, a leading Irish provider of compliant IT solutions announced today that the company will create at least 100 new jobs at its headquarters in Sallins, Co Kildare.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland, a spokesperson for the company stated that, owing to a significant and consistent year-on-year growth since its establishment in 2015, the company's growing global services necessitate the expansion.

Odyssey VC is one of only six companies in the world, and the only Irish provider, offering complaint hosting services.

The announcement of the new jobs and expansion will be officially made this morning (Thursday, 16 January) at Kildare County Council headquarters in Naas by Deputy Martin Heydon TD who will represent Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation Heather Humphreys, TD.

Today's announcement coincides with the launch of the companys new brand, CompliantCloud.com, which will be the digital offering of the company going forward. It is a first of its kind, web-based platform that allows regulated customers to manage compliant cloud hosting and additional compliance services online. It was developed in conjunction with regulatory bodies globally, including those in Ireland, the UK, EU member states and the United States.

The jobs will be highly skilled in nature and will be spread across the companys technical, product development, service delivery, compliance and sales and marketing departments.

Odyssey VC uniquely offers Integrated Cloud and Computerised System Lifecycle Management Services to Life Science companies that operate in highly regulated environments. Odyssey VC currently supports client companies in Ireland and globally.

The company has delivered high double-digit year-on-year growth in revenue since its establishment and counts many global Fortune 500 Life Science companies as its customers including Pfizer, Amgen, Takeda and Alexion.

CEO and co-founder of Odyssey VC, Oisin Curran, said Odyssey VC is delighted to announce the creation of these new jobs. It is a very positive indication of the significant growth we have achieved. I would like to express our thanks to Minister Humphreys for her kind words and Deputy Heydon for his attendance today. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years, including Kildare Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland. We look forward to continuing our growth, while providing the best-in-class services which has resulted in 100% repeat business across our client base.

The company has also recently adopted a new sustainability policy and has signed a contract with a green energy provider, SSE Airtricity. The company believes that cloud technology will be a major contributor to organisations reducing their carbon footprint.

Jennifer Melia, Head of the High Potential Start-Ups Unit, Enterprise Ireland said, Odysseys journey so far and how it has evolved from an exciting business idea into becoming a key regional employer is great inspiration for those setting out in development of their innovation.

Innovation and driving competitiveness are crucial for Irish start-ups to grow and build scale both here and on an international level. At Enterprise Ireland, we are committed to supporting regionally based companies like Odyssey VC to plan, innovate and compete and we look forward to continuing our work with the team on their growth trajectory.
Todd Cronin, VP of Business Development As CE Tech continues to expand its presence in the region, they will play a fundamental role in the evolving tech scene in New England, and I look forward to being part of this game-changing endeavor.

CE Tech (Cutting Edge Technologies) has announced the appointment of Todd Cronin to vice president, CE Tech New Englandrepresenting a significant milestone in the firms geographical expansion efforts. In this role, Cronin will work in partnership with CE Techs vice president of Sales, Neil DiMartinis on the opening and development of CE Tech New England, the firms newest regional office in Norwood, Massachusetts. Cronins focus is building long-term strategic relationships, driving revenue growth and delivering proven value within the IT services market.

Having held the position of executive partner for the last 20+ years within two leading IT services providers in the Northeast, Cronin will bring a considerable amount of strategic IT sales experience to the organization.

I am eager to add value as a trusted advisor to both the firm and to customers alike, said Cronin. As CE Tech continues to expand its presence in the region, they will play a fundamental role in the evolving tech scene in New England, and I look forward to being part of this game-changing endeavor.

Todds appointment to this position will be fundamental to our business success in the coming years, said Tim Dwyer, CEO. His expertise will play a critical role in the successful development of our organization as we look to the future of delivering and developing new IT service offerings, particularly in the New England region.

About CE TECH

Headquartered in Warren, NJ, CE Tech, (Cutting Edge Technologies), is an IT company that employs a consultative approach to discover business challenges and recommends technology solutions. We help businesses simplify and optimize their IT infrastructure in order to remain competitive in a digital economy. Through the strategic assessment, planning and deployment of advanced infrastructure solutions, CE Tech experts help customers achieve maximum flexibility and superior performance across their IT landscape. CE Tech partners with top IT manufacturers, such as Lenovo, Nutanix, Dell Technologies, Cisco, VMware, NetApp and others, to offer a customer-first approach that helps businesses envision, implement and achieve more from technology.

For more information, visit http://www.cetechllc.com/ Visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube.
An asteroid was to blame for the extinction of the dinosaurs rather than a volcano, a new study of ancient gas release has found.

The dinosaurs were wiped out by the asteroid strike around 66 million years ago when the city-sized rock crashed into the coast of Mexico near the town of Chicxulub.

It kicked up a colossal dust and soot cloud which caused climate change and wiped out an estimated 75 percent of all animal and plant life.

It has been suggested that lava spewing out of a volcanic region in India known as the Deccan Traps had released greenhouse gases and fatally raised global temperatures.

However, US researchers found that most of the gas release occurred long before the mass extinction, which is known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (KPg) event.

Given this, the environmental impacts of the volcanism likely did not contribute to the death of the dinosaurs, the international team has concluded.

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Volcanic activity was not to blame for the extinction of the dinosaurs as has been suggested, a new study of ancient gas release has found

'A lot of people have speculated volcanoes mattered to [the] KPg, and we're saying, "No, they didn't",' said geologist Pincelli Hull of Yale University in Connecticut.

It is commonly accepted by the scientific community that the extinction at the end of the Cretaceous happened after a six-mile-wide asteroid slammed into the Earth.

At least 75 per cent of all species on Earth at the time vanished  including the dinosaurs  a mass dying that is said to have coincided with the volcanic activity.

'Volcanoes can drive mass extinctions because they release lots of gases, like sulphur and carbon dioxide, that can alter the climate and acidify the world,' Dr Hull said.

'But recent work has focused on the timing of lava eruption rather than gas release.'

Instead, Dr Hull and colleagues compared global temperature changes and the record of carbon chemicals from marine fossils with models of the climatic effect of massive-scale carbon dioxide release.

They found that at least 50 per cent of the gas release occurred well before the asteroid impact  suggesting that the latter had to be the sole driver of the extinction.

Researchers compared global temperature changes (pictured) and the record of carbon chemicals from marine fossils with models of the climatic effect of carbon dioxide release

'Volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous caused a gradual global warming event of about two degrees, but not mass extinction,' said paper co-author and Yale geochemist Michael Henehan, who compiled the temperature records.

'A number of species moved toward the North and South poles, but moved back well before the asteroid impact,' he added.

Recent work on the Deccan Traps in west-central India  the largest volcanic feature on the face of the Earth  have also pointed to massive eruptions having occurred in the immediate aftermath of the KPg mass extinction.

These results have puzzled scientists because there is no warming event to match this activity.

However, the new study suggests an answer to this puzzle, as well.

It was suggested that lava spewing out of a volcanic region in India known as the Deccan Traps had released greenhouse gases and raised global temperatures. However, US researchers found that most of the gas release occurred long before the K-Pg mass extinction

'The KPg extinction was a mass extinction and this profoundly altered the global carbon cycle,' added paper author and Yale geochemist Donald Penman.

'Our results show these changes would allow the ocean to absorb an enormous amount of CO2 on long time scales  perhaps hiding the warming effects of volcanism in the aftermath of the event.'

However, the researchers said that the volcanic gases may have played an important role in shaping the rise of different species after the extinction, rather than driving the initial event.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Science.
Indian-origin senator Kamala Harris might still make it to the White House. Heres how

Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris, who announced her withdrawal from the Democratic Presidential candidate race last month, could still find herself in the White House as Party frontrunner Joe Biden indicated he would consider her "for anything" she would be interested in, including as a running mate.

Biden, 77, has said that he would consider Harris as his running mate in the 2020 presidential elections if he gets the Democratic Party's nomination. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Harris, who was one of the early frontrunners for the 2020 Democratic nomination, abruptly ended her campaign on December 3, citing financial pressures and after months of polling in single digits.

Biden, 77, has said that he would consider Harris as his running mate in the 2020 presidential elections if he gets the Democratic Party's nomination.

"She's qualified to be President, and I'd consider her for anything that she would be interested in," Biden, who was US Vice President from 2009 to 2017, said on Tuesday.

Harris, the former District Attorney of San Francisco, struggled to make headway in a crowded field alongside Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

After she bowed out, Biden initially said he had "mixed emotions about it" and declined to say whether he would consider Harris as a running mate if he was selected as the Democratic nominee, US media reports said in December.

He later wrote on Twitter that Harris is "an incredible talent with unlimited potential".

Harris was elected as the first African-American and first woman to serve as California''s Attorney General.

In 2017, Harris, the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-origin cancer researcher from Chennai and Donald Harris, a Stanford University economics professor who emigrated from Jamaica, was sworn in as a US Senator for California, the first South Asian-American senator in history.
Programs in Conjunction with the Transcendent Deities of India Exhibit Live Painting with Artist Abhishek Singh Friday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. Artist Abhishek Singh will be in residence Jan. 14-21, painting in various locations around Atlanta. Stop by the Emory Student Center Commons on Jan. 17 to watch him work and ask questions. When completed, the painting will join Singhs other works in the exhibit. Transcendent Yoga Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 21 Thursdays at 8 a.m. beginning Jan. 23 Begin or end your day with yoga led by Marck Maroun of The Yoga Source and Anna Leo of Emorys Dance Department. Cost for the six-week session is $65 for Carlos Museum members and $85 for non-members. Registration required. Student Studio Friday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m. Be inspired by the fabrics that adorn Hindu gods and goddesses and design a pillow cover using traditional Indian carved wooden blocks and colorful inks. Sunday FUNday: Indian Block Printing Sunday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Children will look closely look at the block-printed fabrics such as Durgas beautiful red sari in these complex images and then make their own printed textiles from blocks carved in India. Conversation: Transcendent Deities Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Emory professors Joyce Flueckiger and Harshita Mruthinti Kamath discuss the practice of vesham (using clothing and ornamentation to guise and disguise) across a range of Indian contexts, including a consideration of the transformative possibilities of vesham in the exhibit.

March 13, 2020

Editor's note: Many events have been canceled or postponed in accordance with current university policy on the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit event websites for more details. Visit the Coronavirus Updates for the Emory Community website to learn more about how Emory is responding to COVID-19.

What does it mean to see and be seen by the divine? What does it mean to see the divine in new ways?

These are the questions underlying Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine, an exhibition opening at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on Jan. 18. More than 70 works of art by Raja Ravi Varma, Manjari Sharma and Abhishek Singh explore the visual communion between humans and the divine.

For Hindus in India, images of gods and goddesses are an integral part of religious practice. These images inspire worshippers and artists alike, populating the art of the region for thousands of years and demonstrating their power through hundreds of millions of daily encounters during rituals at temples, shrines and other settings within India and the broader diaspora.

Transcendent Deities of India explores the gods and goddesses through photographs, digital works, drawings, paintings and modern chromolithographs. Each artist approaches the subject from a different angle.

Raja Ravi Varma: Prints that popularized his subjects

Raja Ravi Varma (18481906) was an Indian artist whose paintings are considered to be among the best examples of the fusion of Indian traditions with the style and techniques of European academic art. Varma's paintings were well regarded, but it was his vision for distributing his images widely through chromolithography that ensured his continuing renown.

He founded several presses to make his images more accessible to the general public; as a result, reproductions of his artwork depicting Hindu gods and goddesses could be found in many homes and businesses. As the works in the exhibition demonstrate, owners of these prints frequently had them embellished with fabric, embroidery and other materials to further adorn the deities depicted.

Manjari Sharma: Photography enlivens tradition

Hindu deities historically have been depicted predominantly through sculpture and painting. Manjari Sharma, who moved to the U.S. to earn her MFA in photography, chose to turn her lens to the deities she had grown up with in India.

Sharmas elaborately staged Darhsan series came to fruition through her collaboration with a team of Mumbai-based artisans, sculptors and painters, whose sets, costumes and styling transform models into archetypal representations of Hindu deities. The title Darshan comes from the Sanskrit word meaning vision or view, and refers to the experience of connection between deity and viewer.

Abhishek Singh: Reimagining Indias epic narratives

Abhishek Singh's art reimagines subjects drawn from the major epic narratives of India such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, connecting the spiritual and the symbolic to the fantastic. Singhs dynamic contemporary perspective incorporates graphic novels and animation and reflects conceptual concerns around the intersection between the temporal and the sacred by rendering traditional subjects anew.

A consummate draftsman, he utilizes traditional images along with modern representations such as those of Raja Ravi Varma to demonstrate the ongoing relevance of these gods and goddesses to contemporary life. He will be in residence at Emory through Jan. 21.

Transcendent Deities and Emory students

As with other Carlos Museum exhibitions, Transcendent Deities will be utilized by Emory faculty in their courses.

As an assistant professor in the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies, I teach a first-year seminar on Hindu gods and goddesses, said Harshita Mruthinti Kamath. This spring, my class will be held at the Carlos Museum, and part of our course objectives will focus on understanding the materiality and everyday occurrences of the divine as featured in the Transcendent Deities exhibition. The students will also visit the Hindu Temple of Atlanta and conclude the semester by creating their own digital storytelling project inspired by a piece in the museums permanent collection or this special exhibition.

Students also will be able to experience the art of India through Student Studio, a free monthly drop-in art-making event. Student Studio projects are inspired by artwork in the museums permanent collection and special exhibitions, and this semesters projects will be drawn from Transcendent Deities of India. On Friday, Jan. 24, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., students are invited try woodblock printing and create textiles like those depicted in the exhibition.

Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine is organized by Asia Society Texas Center. In Atlanta, it has been made possible through generous support from the Michael C. Carlos Museum Visiting Board, Chai Pani Restaurant Group and the City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs.

The exhibit is on view Jan. 18 through Oct. 18 and will include several related events for children and adults.
The Department of Education is rowing back on a plan to transport pupils on a 20km daily round trip to another school while they wait for their own to be built.

Griffeen Community College in Lucan, Dublin - already in its third year of temporary accommodation - was told this week that, from September, pupils would be bused to another location about 10km away.

The decision caused shock and upset within the school community at Griffeen Community College (CC) and its parents' council arranged a meeting for last night, to which local politicians were invited.

Since opening in 2017, Griffeen CC has occupied a number of classrooms on the floor of another local school, Kishogue Community College, whose own numbers are filling up.

While a permanent home is some way off, the 140-pupil Griffeen CC was expecting to move to stand-alone temporary accommodation in September, on the site of the nearby Carline Learning Centre.

But, on Tuesday, school co-patron the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) told principal Rachel McGrath of a change of plan.

In a letter to parents, Ms McGrath said the department had decided the school would be accommodated from September in the 600-pupil Kingswood Community College, Tallaght, about 9-10km away.

She was told the busing to Kingswood would continue for 12 to 24 months, depending on the length of time needed to acquire a permanent site and build a new school.

Describing the news as "very disappointing", she said it represented a "significant U-turn in the department's planning".

Disruption

Parents' council PRO Andy Pierce said their children started school at 8.15am and to get to Tallaght they would be leaving Lucan at around 7.30am. They finish school most days at 3.20pm, so would probably arrive back to Lucan at 4.20pm.

A spokesperson for Education Minister Joe McHugh said last night the department would re-evaluate options to accommodate the school in September and remained open for discussions with DDLETB and local school management and principals.
Identity and access management in 2022 - what will the future look like?

As we enter into 2022, there is still a level of uncertainty in place. Its unclear what the future holds, as companies around the world still contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has been encouraged by most organisations and the move to a hybrid working system has become business as usual, for the majority of businesses. Some have reduced their office space or done away with their locations altogether. Following best security practices With all this change in place, there are problems to deal with. According to research, 32.7% of IT admins say they are concerned about employees using unsecured networks to carry out that work. Alongside this, 74% of IT admins thought that remote work makes it harder for employees to follow best security practices. This need to manage security around remote work is no longer temporary. Instead, companies have to build permanent strategies around remote work and security. The coming year will also create a different landscape for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Here are some key predictions for next year and what to start preparing for in 2022: The reality of SMB spending around security will hit home SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working, especially in comparison to their size. They had to undertake significant digital transformation projects that made it possible to deliver services remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve seen a shift in mindset for these companies, which are now more tech-focused in their approach to problem solving. According to our research, 45% of SMBs plan to increase their spending towards IT services in 2022. Around half of all organisations think their IT budgets are adequate for their needs, while 14.5% of those surveyed believe they will need more, to cover all that needs to be done. Identity management spending to support remote work For others, the COVID-19 pandemic led to over-spending, just to get ahead of things and they will spend in 2022, looking at what they should keep and what they can reduce their spending on. Areas like identity management will stay in place, as companies struggle to support remote work and security, without this in place. However, on-premise IT spending will be reduced or cut, as those solutions are not relevant for the new work model. Services that rely on on-premise IT will be cut or replaced. The device will lead the way for security We rely on our phones to work and to communicate. In 2022, they will become central to how we manage access, to all our assets and locations, IT and physical. When employees can use company devices and their own phones for work, security is more difficult. IT teams have to ensure that theyre prepared for this, by making sure that these devices can be trusted. Wide use of digital certificates and strong MFA factors Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication There are multiple ways that companies can achieve this, for example - By using digital certificates to identify company devices as trusted, an agent, or strong MFA factors, like a FIDO security key or mobile push authentication. Whichever approach you choose, this can prevent unauthorised access to IT assets and applications, and these same devices can be used for authentication into physical locations too. Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication. Understanding human behaviour Alongside this, it is important to understand human behaviour. Anything that introduces an extra step for authentication can lead to employees taking workarounds. To stop this, it is important to put an employee education process in place, in order to emphasize on the importance of security. The next step is to think about adopting passwordless security, to further reduce friction and increase adoption. Lastly, as devices become the starting point for security and trust, remote device management will be needed too. More companies will need to manage devices remotely, from wiping an asset remotely if it gets lost or stolen, through to de-provisioning users easily and removing their access rights, when they leave the company. Identity will be a layer cake Zero Trust approaches to security Identity management relies on being able to trust that someone is who they say they are. Zero Trust approaches to security can support this effectively, particularly when aligned with least privilege access models. In order to turn theory into practical easy-to-deploy steps, companies need to use contextual access, as part of their identity management strategy. This involves looking at the context that employees will work in and putting together the right management approach for those circumstances. For typical employee behaviour, using two factor authentication might be enough to help them work, without security getting in the way. How enterprises manage, access and store identity data There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time For areas where security is more important, additional security policies can be put over the top, to ensure that only the right people have access. A step-up in authentication can be added, based on the sensitivity of resources or risk-based adaptive authentication policies might be needed. There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time, so that it aligns more closely with those use cases. Identity management critical to secure assets in 2022 There are bigger conversations taking place around digital identity for citizenship, as more services move online as well. Any moves that take place in this arena will affect how businesses think about their identity management processes too, encouraging them to look at their requirements in more detail. Overall, 2022 will be the year when identity will be critical to how companies keep their assets secure and their employees productive. With employees working remotely and businesses becoming decentralised, identity strategies will have to take the same approach. This will put the emphasis on strong identity management as the starting point for all security planning.
By PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday the act of the state government to move the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act, without informing him was "improper".

He also said that he was not a rubber stamp and will apply his own mind.

Khan, while speaking to reporters at the airport here, said protocol demanded that he should have been informed first.

He also hit out at the state government for moving the Supreme Court against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act without seeking his approval.

He has also called it a breach of protocol and courtesy and expressed displeasure that he got to know of the decision through newspapers.

"Even the rules of the Assembly provide that the legislature shall not discuss any subject which does not come under their constitutional jurisdiction. I have no problem if they go to the Supreme Court. Even there I feel, without informing the constitutional head of the state, what they have done is improper," Khan said.

"There is a legal maxim, neither me nor anyone is above the law. Clearly I am not against anyone approaching the judiciary. But, with me being the Constitutional head of the state, they (the state government) should have informed me about it, but I came to know through the newspapers. Some people here, think they are above law," said Khan.

Khan was reacting to the media after reports surfaced that he refused to sign an ordinance approved by the Kerala cabinet to increase the number of members in local bodies.



ALSO READ: SC will have to set up a larger bench to hear Keralas plea against CAA

"I make it very clear that the Constitution does not expect me to be a rubber stamp. I have to apply my own mind. I will need time to go through what the ordinance is all about. With the assembly session soon to be convened what was the need. I have raised some questions and I need to get the answers and after that I will apply my mind. I never said I will not sign it," said Khan.

"Yet I do not find anything wrong with it. I do not find any fault with their decision to go to Supreme Court, why because, Constitution gives that authority to the Supreme Court. But the protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," the Governor added.

In reply to a question that the government will return it to him if he won't sign, Khan shot back, "who said so, there is nothing like that."



ALSO READ | 'CAA violates Constitution, secularism': Kerala becomes first state to challenge Modi government in SC

Khan of late has been putting his foot down and has taken a tough position in the manner the Pinarayi Vijayan government has been taking positions on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor, on Kerala govt challenging #CAA in SC: I have no issue with them going to SC but they should have informed me first. I being constitutional head come to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp. pic.twitter.com/V22ALVfsWy  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state govt can go to the Supreme Court without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me, Khan said.

(With IANS and ANI inputs)
The Pamunkey Tribe announced plans to pursue a commercial casino in Virginia.

The tribe plans to purchase 13.4 acres in the city of Norfolk, according to news reports. But as part of the agreement, the tribe said it would seek to operate a commercial casino pursuant to state law.

The signing of these agreements makes it official  we are partners with Norfolk to bring a world-class resort and casino to the region, Chief Robert Gray said in a statement quoted in the Virginia media.

The tribe, having gained federal recognition in 2016, could pursue a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act , a federal law. Going that route will likely take several, if not more years, as it requires the acquisition of land through the cumbersome fee-to-trust process as well as the negotiation of a Class III gaming compact with the state, all under the threat of litigation and shifting political winds.

A commercial casino isn't an easy path either. Casino-style gaming is not yet legal in Virginia, though the issue is expected to be debated by state lawmakers this year.

"I am pleased to announce that we have reached mutually agreeable terms with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to pursue a resort project that will conform and comply with commercial gaming legislation being considered in Virginia," Norfolk City Manager Larry Chip Filer said in a statement

The Pamunkey Reservation is located near Richmond, the state capital. Norfolk is further south, near the border with North Carolina.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians , based in North Carolina, is also looking to land a commercial casino in Virginia, in the southwestern part of the state. Hard Rock International , which is owned by the Seminole Tribe , is looking to build in the same region.

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J&K police set to begin probe into Davinder Singhs alleged Afzal Guru link

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Jammu and Kashmir police who arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh will question the officer for his alleged links with Afzal Guru.

He would be questioned for his links with Afzal Guru, Kumar said. He also said that another person, a lawyer by profession had also been caught.

In the year 2004, Afzal Guru, who was lodged in the Tihar jail had written a letter to his lawyer. In the letter he had said that Singh then posted with the J&K Police's Special Operations Group had asked him to take Mohammad, a Pakistani national identified as one of those who carried out the Parliament attack to Delhi, rent a flat and purchase a car for him.

Afzal had also named another officer Shanty Singh, who along with Singh allegedly tortured him at the STF camp. He further mentioned that the name of Altaf Hussain the brother in law of SSP Ashaq Hussain, who first brokered his release with Davinder Singh and took him to the DySP.

The Afzal Guru link to the decorated cop arrested by J&K police

Kumar said that the officer had worked in many anti-terrorist operations. He had however committed a heinous crime and hence was arrested, Vijay Kumar also said.

Singh is alleged to have brought Naveed Babu, Mir Irfan and Rafi Rather from Shopian to Srinagar on Friday evening. On Saturday, they set out to Jammu, from where they were planning on going to New Delhi. However, before he could leave, the police arrested him sources familiar with the developments confirmed to OneIndia.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

Singh during his interrogation claimed that he was ferrying the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists to facilitate their surrender.

Officials investigating him say that he had made this made claim during interrogation, but we are investigating the same further. Interrogators say that he has denied the charges against him. He says that he was facilitating a big catch, but there are several inconsistencies in his statements, the officer also said.

However, sources also said that Singh was helping the terrorists cross the Banihal tunnel in lieu of money. The source also said that an amount of over Rs 10 lakh was agreed upon. Singh, however, denied the charge during interrogation. The source, however, added that Singh was not being truthful and he had no authorisation to organise a surrender.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that there is a possibility of an outbreak of a strain of Corona virus in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Both common cold viruses as well as the deadly SARS virus belong to the family of Corona viruses say experts. A new case of the infection has been reported in a Chinese woman travelling to Thailand and this has sparked fears of the infection spreading beyond the boundaries of the nation.

Corona Virus is a strain of virus that causes a of illness in Humans, from the common cold to SARS. Image Credit: Designua / Shutterstock

The woman with the infection has been quarantined in Thailand to prevent spread of the infection say health officials early this week. She landed in Bangkok on the 8th of January 2020. The other passengers on the flight were uninfected and at present the woman is free of the infection and is recovering and ready to return to her native Wuhan in China assured Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

There have been 41 reported cases of the infection with the virus resulting in pneumonia from the Chinese city of Wuhan. According to the lab tests, this is a new form of the corona virus that has not been detected earlier. One of the 41 patients with the infection has succumbed to the complications associated with the infection say reports. This 61-year-old man already had abdominal tumours and a liver disease say officials. This Tuesday, Wuhan health officials have reported that there have been no new cases and no further deaths have been reported. The outbreak had begun in Wuhan in December 2019. The infected persons seemed to have been connected with a market with several species of animals says the WHO but no particular livestock or animal has been linked with the infection yet.

Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of WHO's emerging diseases unit, said in a statement, From the information that we have it is possible that there is limited human-to-human transmission, potentially among families, but it is very clear right now that we have no sustained human-to-human transmission. She spoke at a news briefing at Geneva adding that the WHO was gearing up for a larger outbreak adding, It is still early days, we don't have a clear clinical picture.

According to experts some strains or types of the corona virus are capable of causing less serious infections such as common colds. Some of the strains however are capable of causing MERS which can be serious and even fatal. Van Kerkhove explained that at present the United Nations has released guidelines to prevent spread of the infection and its control. She added that there are no present anti-virals that can cure this infection but the available drugs are being re-purposed to combat the infection and kill the viruses.

Richard Brow, the agency's representative in Thailand explained that there is the Chinese New year on the 25th of January and hundreds of millions of Chinese visit Thailand around this time of the year. He added that all visitors with fever and cough and those from Wuhan need to be examined by a healthcare worker before they visit Thailand. Since the 9th of January, all travellers from Wuhan have been screened for high body temperature at the Singapore airport say officials. Hong Kong health officials have also started similar health checks of Chinese visitors and have moved on to disinfect the flights and trains from China.

SARS or severe acute respiratory syndrome is a deadly respiratory tract infection that killed around 700 people in 2002 and 2003 during an outbreak that started in China. It had been a pandemic affecting people from 37 countries and 8098 individuals across the globe. SARS has a mortality rate of 9.6 percent. Since May 2004, there have been no reports of SARS infection in China, said the experts.

At present the Chinese experts have shared six genomic sequences from the new sample of the virus with the global agency. This may help identify the new viral strain if it spreads to other nations. The virus has not been named yet. A diagnostic test for the virus has been developed by Christian Drosten, a virologist at Charite University Hospital in Berlin, and other researchers. This test can help detect the pieces of three different genomic sequences in the new type of corona virus to identify it. Drosten explained, We wanted to use SARS as a basis because every public health laboratory has SARS RNA as a positive control so they can get started immediately. The researchers are working on animal models to detect antibodies against the virus and ways to combat it.
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.
India is planning a new law to safeguard foreign investment by speeding up dispute resolution, aiming to attract more capital from overseas to boost stuttering domestic growth, two officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

In a 40-page initial draft, the finance ministry has proposed appointing a mediator and setting up fast-track courts to settle disputes between investors and the government, one of the sources said.

The idea is to attract and promote foreign investment, but a major issue for investors is enforcement of contracts and speedy dispute resolution, said the official.

The draft proposal is aimed at diffusing investor mistrust around the sanctity of agreements, which has worsened recently after some state governments decided to review approved projects, or threatened to cancel contracts.

Both officials declined to be named as the proposal is not public, and is still being assessed by different ministries and regulators.

A spokesman for the finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Foreign investors have highlighted the enforcement of contracts as one of their biggest concerns, said the second official, adding that improving on this front would also reduce litigation for the government.

While investors can still rely on the existing legal system to settle disputes, it often takes several years for cases to be decided or settled.

Investors previously had an option to take India to international arbitration courts under bilateral investment treaties (BITs) the government had agreed with dozens of nations. But, after suffering setbacks in overseas arbitration matters, India has allowed most of its treaties to lapse, giving investors little to fall back on in case of major disputes.

BITs are agreements between two countries that give foreign investors protections, and among other things, legal recourse via international arbitration in disputes with a government.

India is entangled in more than 20 such overseas arbitration cases - the most against any country - brought by companies including Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom and Nissan Motor Co for disputes over retrospective tax claims and breach of contracts.

If India loses these cases, brought before most of its BITs lapsed, it could end up paying billions of dollars in damages.

The governments thinking is that India may not need to sign investment treaties with other nations if the new law, which is modelled on a BIT, can give confidence to investors, said the first source. A domestic law, however, cannot be a substitute for a BIT as its scope cannot allow investors to take their case to international arbitration, the sources said.

CONTRACT WRANGLES

Though Indias overall ranking in the World Banks ease of doing business report has improved to 63 from 142 in 2014, it still ranks poorly - 163 out of 190 - when it comes to enforcement of contracts.

The latest example of a contract wrangle is a dispute between the Andhra Pradesh state government in southern India and renewable energy companies. The state has been curtailing power procurement from the companies, citing high prices, and has pushed to renegotiate its supply contracts with them.

Investors including Goldman Sachs, Japans SoftBank Group, Singapores GIC Holdings, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Frances Engie have invested in renewable projects in the state.

The draft proposal for the new law includes a plan to set up an investment tribunal in state high courts that will take up cases as a matter of priority, or will see if the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which also handles insolvency and corporate matters, can handle it.

We are yet to evaluate what the risks of bringing such a law are and if it would do more harm than good, said the second source, adding that discussions were at an early stage.

The finance ministry has held several meetings with other ministries to discuss the draft law, said the official.

The most recent meeting in December was attended by officials from the ministries of commerce, external affairs and law, as well as the banking and stock market regulators, all of whom have been asked to submit their comments, said the first source.

It was not immediately clear when the deadline to submit comments is, or when the next meeting will be held. The ministries and regulators did not respond to requests for comment.

Pratibha Jain, a partner at law firm Nishith Desai Associates who advises foreign investors, welcomed the government plans.

The idea is good and the government should consider broadening the scope to private disputes between foreign investors and domestic companies, as well as arbitrary rule changes by regulators, central bank decisions, and white collar crime cases that impact overseas investment, she added.
MULBERRY, Fla. - A Florida deputy fatally shot an armed man Wednesday several hours after a stolen pickup truck he was riding in ran over a police detective in another county, authorities said.

Aaron Phillips, 31, was killed while fighting with a deputy at a mobile home park near Mulberry, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a news conference. Phillips had been released from prison in August following a five-year sentence for methamphetamine possession, battery and other charges.

He is a very dangerous, very violent person, Judd said. Hes proven that in the past. Hes proven that today.

A woman who had been with Phillips, April Thompson, 36, was hospitalized with two gunshot wounds. Judd said there had been warrants out for both.

In neighbouring Hillsborough County Wednesday morning, Plant City detectives located Phillips and Thompson outside a grocery store, Judd said. As the detectives approached, the truck began to crash into police vehicles and struck an officer. The detectives opened fire, hitting Thompson.

A short time later, Judd said the pair dumped their pickup truck north of Plant City and carjacked another truck. The information was broadcast to nearby law enforcement agencies, prompting Polk County deputies to search for the stolen vehicle.

While checking the mobile home park, a deputy reported hearing a disturbance, Judd said. The deputy spotted Phillips and Thompson. As the deputy attempted to take Thompson into custody, Phillips began to leave. When the deputy tried to remove Phillips from behind the wheel of a car, the two men began to struggle, Judd said.

A woman in the area began to yell that Phillips had a gun as he reached down toward the cars floorboard, Judd said. The deputy drew his own weapon and opened fire.

Phillips died at the scene, while Thompson was taken to a hospital. She faces multiple charges, Judd said.

Investigators found a gun in the car where Phillips was shot, according to Judd.

The Plant City detective who was hit by the truck was taken to a Lakeland hospital. Judd said he is expected to recover.
India on Thursday hit out at China for helping Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council (UNSC), saying Beijing should seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from such actions in the future

New Delhi: India on Thursday hit out at China for helping Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, saying Beijing should seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from such actions in the future.

Pakistan has repeatedly tried to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council with China's help, but it failed again to find any support. The latest attempt failed as other countries of the 15-member council felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

The overwhelming majority of the UNSC was of the view that it was not the right forum for such issues, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a briefing when asked about the developments in the UNSC.

An attempt was made by Pakistan to misuse the UNSC, he said, adding that Islamabad has a choice to avoid such a global embarrassment in the future.

Pakistan's attempt to peddle baseless allegations and show an alarming scenario failed as it lacked credibility, he said.

On another question on whether Pakistan will be invited when India hosts the SCO heads of government meet this year, Kumar said all eight member countries and four observers will be invited.
Roberts, who was a law clerk for Rehnquist in 1980, is always thinking about the long view of history, what came before and what comes after, Wineapple said. In that sense Id imagine hes going to be extremely cautious about being perceived as listing one way or another because that flies in the face of the myth that the court is above partisan politics.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Sasol Limited (Sasol or the Company) (NYSE: SSL). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.



The investigation concerns whether Sasol and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On January 14, 2020, Sasol issued a press release confirming that on January 13, 2020, the Company experienced an explosion and fire at its LCCP low-density polyethylene (LDPE) unit of its Lake Charles chemicals project in Louisiana. Sasol stated that [t]he unit was in the final stages of commissioning and startup when the incident occurred and has been shut down and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, the extent of the damage and resulting impact on the LDPE units [beneficial operation] schedule.

On this news, Sasols American depositary receipt price fell $1.70 per share, or 7.84%, over the following two trading days, closing at $19.99 per share on January 15, 2020.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

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By PTI

NEW DELHI: Demonstrators protesting the amended citizenship law at East Delhi's Khureji on Wednesday claimed that police personnel tried to forcefully disperse them by barging into their protest site at around 2 am, cutting the power connection and knocking down their tents.

The Delhi police, however, has refuted the claims saying no such "coercive action" was taken.

Over a thousand protestors, including women and children, have gathered in the East Delhi neighbourhood where protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a possible pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC) had started on Monday.

"By 2 am, around three dozen protestors, including some 15 women, were at the venue when policemen barged in and cut power supply for the lights, leaving the area in darkness," a local resident, who claimed to have been present at the site, told PTI.

"They then brought down the poles supporting the tarpaulins that were put up for shelter in front of the stage," said the man, in his 50s, who wanted to protect his identity for security reasons.

He said nobody was injured in the alleged police action.

"They (cops) just came and did what they had in mind. But the word spread among locals immediately and soon hundreds of people gathered at the site, which led the policemen to leave," he claimed.

The tent was erected again by protesters and by 11 am, scores of people gathered at the venue where women were leading the charge, chanting slogans like "Aazaadi" and "Aawaaz do hum ek hain".

Zafar Ahsan Karimi, who runs a school for the poor in Khureji, described the police action as "unjust".

"There were over a dozen women at the protest site and they (cops) barged in with a motive of vandalism at 2 in the morning. There were no female police personnel either. Is this constitutional?" he said.

On the issue of CAA and NRC, he said, "The government should not be asking for our papers to check whether we are Indians. They should get our DNA test done and will find out even about our 10 generations who belonged to this country."

Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi East, Alok Kumar told PTI, "No such coercive action was taken at the protest site. Had police wanted to clear the protestors, it would have been done. But the protestors are still there."

The officer said once in a while the policemen do talk to the protestors to take stock of the situation.

"There has been no law and order situation so far because the protest is happening on a side. The traffic movement is also normal," Kumar said.

The protest in the East Delhi neighbourhood unfolded on Monday, as anti-CAA and anti-NRC demonstrations continued in Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Millia Islamia and Zakir Nagar in the South East region of the national capital.

Besides Delhi, protests have unfolded in many parts of the country over the contentious law since it was passed on December 11.

There have also been violent clashes during protests at a number of places including Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 20 people have died.

According to the amended law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 after facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but will be given Indian citizenship.

Those opposing the law contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution especially due to non-inclusion of Muslim refugees.

They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target the Muslim community in India.

However, the central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.
Washington, DC, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institutea national trade association representing brewers, beer importers, and industry suppliersannounced it named Bill Young as senior director of health policy and regulatory affairs, bringing more than 25 years of experience working in the beer industry to the Beer Institute team.

Im blessed to have this opportunity to continue my career with the Beer Institute. Im especially looking forward to joining our partners in brewing, distribution, retail, agencies of government, and so many other stakeholders in making meaningful progress on vital public health and safety issues, said Young.

"Bill is a longtime friend to our nation's brewers and beer importers, and I look forward to working with him to advocate for the beer industry," said Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. "Bill provides the Beer Institute a wealth of knowledge and experience to make sure public policy affecting our nation's brewers and beer importers is grounded in science. Bill understands how beer is different from other alcohol beverages, and he knows firsthand the beer industry's commitment to making sure that only adults of legal drinking age enjoy beer responsibly."

Young comes to the Beer Institute from Molson Coors Brewing Company, where he was Senior Director of Global Alcohol Policy. Before his role with the global headquarters at Molson Coors, Young spent five years in Washington, DC, as the Senior Director of Beer Policy for MillerCoors, then the U.S. beer company of Molson Coors.

Prior to his work in the beer industry, Young worked for Colorado Governor Roy Romer, directing a statewide substance abuse prevention initiative. Young is also a longtime board member of the Mark K. Ulmer Native American Scholarship Foundation and The Imagine Project. Both non-profit organizations seek to help under-served young people thrive and be successful.

Young is a native of Colorado but grew up mostly in Laramie, Wyoming. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in 1984. He and his wife, Lori, have three children.

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New research from Western University has shown that both women and men are significantly more likely to have a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event within thirty days of having a stroke.

The study led by Dr. Luciano Sposato, Associate Professor and the Kathleen and Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, was published in the American Heart Association Journal, Stroke.

The study demonstrated for the first time that in people with no underlying heart disease, after a stroke they were more than 20 times more likely than those who didn't have a stroke (23-fold in women and 25-fold in men) to have a first-in-life major adverse cardiovascular event. These events include things like heart attack, chest pain, cardiac failure or cardiac death.

This risk dropped after 30 days, but even one year after a stroke, men and women both still had twice the risk of a major cardiac event than those who didn't have a stroke.

The research team examined ICES data for more than 90,000 adults over the age of 65 in Ontario with no pre-existing clinical diagnosis of heart disease. The researchers examined the incidence of cardiac events in two groups - a group of just over 20,000 that had a stroke and a group of approximately 70,000 individuals without stroke but with similar vascular risk factors, comorbidities and demographic characteristics.

The researchers point out that the connection between cardiovascular events and stroke has often been believed to be the result of shared risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking. However, in this study there was the same proportion of these risk factors in both groups - the group that had a stroke, and the group that did not.

This shows that after taking risk factors into consideration, having experienced a recent stroke was independently associated with the incidence of major adverse cardiac events. This leads us to believe that there are underlying mechanisms linked to stroke that may be causing heart disease." Dr. Luciano Sposato, director of the Heart & Brain Laboratory at Western University

In a paper published earlier in 2019, Dr. Sposato and collaborators used animal models to back up this finding by demonstrating that the brain damage caused by stroke leads to inflammation and scarring in the left atrium of the heart. These changes are well-known structural abnormalities for a number of heart diseases such as heart attacks, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. "This is the first animal model that clearly demonstrates how stroke can influence scarring in the heart. We are excited to continue work in this area to target these influencing factors to prevent heart disease following stroke," said Shawn Whitehead, PhD, Associate Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry who was co-principal investigator of the study in rats.

Dr. Sposato hopes this information will inform clinical practice and encourage health care providers to watch for cardiovascular symptoms in patients who recently had strokes.

"My hope is that neurologists, cardiologists and scientists can work more closely together on this brain heart connection so that in the future we can understand and target the underlying mechanisms to prevent heart disease after stroke," he said.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : India's former Solicitor General and senior advocate Harish Salve has been appointed as Queen's Counsel for the courts of England and Wales. He will be formally appointed as QC in March this year.

His name featured on the list of appointments of those 'taking silk' (a reference to their court dress), which was released by the UK's Ministry of Justice in January. The title of QC is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy.

Salve was India's lead counsel on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and secured a verdict which would prevent Jadhav's execution and ensure justice for the Indian national.

In July 2019, the ICJ ruled that Pakistan must make an "effective review and reconsideration" on the conviction and death sentence to Jadhav and grant him consular access. A 16-member bench led by President of the Court, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, in a majority by 15-1 votes ordered an "effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Mr Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav." This ruling was hailed as a massive victory for India, against the backdrop of Pakistan deploying its finest legal warhorses in this high-profile case at a global forum.

Salve's fee in the Jadhav case was a resolve to restore his country's pride. Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, hours before her demise, had asked Salve "to come and collect his fee of Re 1" for representing India at the ICJ in the case. Her daughter Bansuri had visited Salve and fulfilled her mother's promise by handing him a coin of Re 1.

However, he believes the battle against Pakistan in the Jadhav case is far from over, as the next step for India is to ensure Pakistani authorities offer a fair trial as per its Constitution. And, then Jadhav can eventually get justice.

Salve also played a leading role in the UK high court ruling in October in favour of India and the titular 8th Nizam of Hyderabad and his younger brother in a long-drawn out battle against Pakistan in connection with rights to 35 million pounds (Rs 306 crore) deposited in a British bank account after India's Partition.

This was a second high-profile international victory for Salve, after the Jadhav case, and also a second successive victory against Pakistani barrister Khawar Qureshi, who had represented Pakistan at the ICJ and UK High Court.

In a media interaction after this ruling, Salve said: "We had a good case. We won both times." A LL.B. from Nagpur University, Salve was designated as senior advocate by the Delhi High Court in 1992. He was the Solicitor General for India 1999-2002. Salve was called to Blackstone Chambers in 2013.
BLOOMINGTON  Jaime Reynolds has joined Lee Enterprises as the regional advertising director for Central Illinois.

I think the most exciting part for me is just getting to know the area and the people here, she said.

Reynolds has worked in the media industry for 18 years, starting in a newsroom when she was still in high school and most recently focusing on digital advertising and events with Gatehouse Live.

Once I got into advertising and saw what it did for local communities and the businesses here, I was just hooked, she said.

In her new role, Reynolds will oversee advertising at The Pantagraph, Decatur Herald & Review, Mattoon Journal Gazette & Times-Courier and the Woodford County Journal in Eureka.

According to Barry Winterland, general manager of Lee's Central Illinois group, with Reynolds extensive digital background, hes excited for her to join the team.

She brings a wealth of knowledge, not only on the print side, but really heavy on the digital side, and Im excited for our advertisers, as we move more into the digital arena, to have that exposure to such a wide range of products, he said.

Her first priority will be getting into the communities to meet people to help her figure out a plan of how to best help our sales team help the community, Reynolds said.

Ultimately, its coming up with new ideas and fresh ways to promote their business that maybe they havent had access to before, she said.

Realizing its not the same newspaper conversation that it was 20 years ago, Reynolds mentioned she is always looking for new ways to bring new people into those businesses.

She grew up in Carbondale in the southern part of the state and is moving to the Bloomington-Normal area from central Missouri with her husband and four children.

It feels good to kind of get back to home, she said.

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Donald Trump said Mount Rushmore will have a fireworks display on Independence Day, despite potential fire hazards that could threaten nearby forests.

An annual fireworks display was cancelled in 2010 after the National Park Service determined that the fireworks endangered vulnerable forestry in the Black Hills National Forest that had been decimated by pine beetles.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota contains roughly 1,200 acres of forest.

A pine beetle infestation has elevated threats of fire in the area as dead and dying trees act as kindling for wildfires. The display was also cancelled in 2002 during drier-than-usual conditions in the park.

Scientists believe the effects of climate change have enabled a baby boom of beetles that thrive in warming temperatures and whose population has strengthened from two, rather than one, reproductive cycles each year.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The beetle also deposits a tree-killing fungus that the insects carry with them as they grow.

During a ceremony marking a trade agreement between the US and China on Wednesday, the president falsely stated that no one knew why the fireworks had been cancelled and that they just said environmental reasons.

Mr Trump said: What can burn? Its stone.

Last year, Republican South Dakota governor Kristi Noem claimed that the forest has gained strength and advancements in pyrotechnics allow for a safe fireworks display.

The governor had reached a deal with US interior secretary David Bernhardt to return fireworks to the park.

On Wednesday, Mr Trump said he called up our people and within 15 minutes we got approval for the display.

He said: Were going to do a big fireworks display, right? Mount Rushmore ... Ill try to get out there if I can.
The federal government and Saskatchewans leadership have announced a new tranche of funding for the provinces affordable housing market, with the investment going to six housing projects in six communities.

The combined investment of more than $1.8 million includes $675,000 for Haultain Crossing in Regina, which is Habitat for Humanitys largest multi-unit family housing development in the province. A total of 62 families will be housed in Haultain Crossing upon completion.

Meanwhile, $570,000 will be going to the YWCA Youth Mentorship project in Prince Albert youth. The Trades Training program in Ile a la Crosse and Pinehouse will be receiving $495,000, and low-cost home developments in Melfort and Estevan will be receiving a total of $130,000.
Dunnedin to Host a Webinar on Friday, January 17th @ 8:00am PST/11:00am EST

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Dunnedin Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DVI) (the "Company" or "Dunnedin") today reports results from the Company's first drill program at its 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia. The MPD project is accessible year-round from paved highways 5A and 97C.

Highlights Include:

Discovery drill hole MPD-19-003 has intersected the new " Gate Zone" containing the highest grade porphyry copper-gold mineralization reported in drill core at the MPD property to-date (figure 1)

has intersected the new " containing the highest grade porphyry copper-gold mineralization reported in drill core at the MPD property to-date (figure 1) The new discovery underlies a large copper-in-soil anomaly with over one kilometre of strike at the "Prime" area of the project. Over 100 historical drill holes containing copper and gold mineralization define a large, likely multi-centre porphyry system across 10 square kilometres of the MPD project

with over one kilometre of strike at the "Prime" area of the project. Over 100 historical drill holes containing copper and gold mineralization of the MPD project The Gate Zone includes intervals of higher grade copper-gold within a broad lower grade interval, with mineralization present from near surface to a vertical depth of 800 metres, and remains open at depth

Higher grade intervals include: 74.9 metres of 0.54% CuEq (0.43% copper and 0.11 g/t gold) from 297.0 metres to 371.9 metres 102.0 metres of 0.68% CuEq (0.53% copper and 0.16 g/t gold) from 404.9 metres to 507.0 metres

Broad moderate grade intervals include: 763.6 metres of 0.28% CuEq (0.21% copper and 0.07 g/t gold) from 52.3 metres to 816.0 metres (entire bedrock drill hole length) 340.7 metres of 0.42% CuEq (0.33% copper and 0.09 g/t gold) from 219.0 metres to 559.7 metres

Higher temperature porphyry signatures including bornite and potassic felspar alteration are generally stronger at depth, suggesting an upright and intact porphyry system with copper-gold mineralization potential increasing at depth (figure 2)

Figure 1: Cross-section of drill holes MPD 19-003 (Gate Zone) and MPD-19-002. The upper panel is a map view representation of drill hole collars and drill traces showing background soil-in-copper geochemistry





To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/51559_f1b645ff74cf4911_002full.jpg

Chris Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Dunnedin said, "Our original geological thesis has proven to be correct: We have confirmed significant zones of higher grade copper-gold mineralization at MPD, with mineralization present right from bedrock surface. This is not a remote project, as the property is located immediately beside the highway, near active copper mines, and is accessible year-round, which significantly lowers exploration costs."

Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Dunnedin said, "With our first drill program at MPD we have drilled the best hole on the property to date and discovered the higher grade Gate Zone where we intercepted 102 metres of 0.68% copper equivalent. This is an impressive intercept, keeping in mind that neighbouring producers mine ore with grades between 0.25-0.30% copper. Drilling at MPD so far has only scratched the surface, and many of the project's copper-in-soil anomalies remain untested. The large porphyry system at MPD is wide open and we are excited about the great potential for more exploration successes and significant value creation for our shareholders. We will now focus on our exploration plans in 2020 and are defining a large number of drill targets."

Complete assay results and drill collar/orientation information for holes MPD 19-001, MPD 19-002 and discovery hole MPD 19-003 (Gate Zone) are presented in table 1 and table 2 below.

Table 1: 2019 MPD Drilling Assay Results*

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval

(m) % Cu Au g/t Ag g/t % CuEq** Man Area MPD-19-001 153.83 303.00 149.17 0.04 0.07 0.31 0.11 Includes 153.83 225.00 71.17 0.07 0.08 0.38 0.14 Prime Area MPD-19-002 246.00 549.00 303.00 0.13 0.09 0.81 0.22 Includes 246.00 330.00 84.00 0.11 0.19 1.09 0.27 and Includes 378.00 531.00 153.00 0.17 0.06 0.67 0.23 MPD-19-003

(Gate Zone) 52.35 816.00 763.65 0.21 0.07 0.77 0.28 Includes 219.00 559.74 340.74 0.33 0.09 1.14 0.42 Includes 297.00 507.00 210.00 0.41 0.12 0.81 0.52 Includes 297.00 371.91 74.91 0.43 0.11 1.55 0.54 and Includes 404.93 507.00 102.07 0.53 0.16 1.71 0.68

*Assay results are uncut weighted averages sampled continuously over mostly 3 metre widths. Interval widths represent drilled core length and true width is unknown at this time

** Metal prices used to calculate Cu Equivalent (% CuEq) are: Au $1500/oz, Ag $16.00/oz and Cu $2.60/lb. All values report in USD and do not consider metal recoveries

Table 2: 2019 MPD Drill Collar Information

Hole ID Easting (UTM Z10) Northing (UTM Z10) Elevation

(m) Azimuth (Deg) Dip EOH (m) Man Area MPD-19-001 681210 5513785 1280 88 -66 303.00 Prime Area MPD-19-002 681955 5515746 1285 Na -90 646.69 MPD-19-003 681555 5515753 1240 180 -80 816.00 Total 1765.69

*Also refer to accompanying figures 1 and 3 for drill cross section and plan



Figure 2: Selected intervals of drill core showing a brief description of geology, a selected image of drill core from each described interval, and assay results for copper and gold values for the described interval





To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/51559_f1b645ff74cf4911_003full.jpg

2019 drilling consisted of a total of 1,766 meters within three holes: two holes at the historic Prime area and one hole at the Man area. The holes drilled at Prime were designed to test the horizontal and vertical continuity of higher grade copper-gold mineralization below approximately 300 metres depth, which was encountered in two historic holes drilled in 2013. Prior to this, most historic drill holes rarely tested below 200 metres. Holes MPD-19-002 and MPD-19-003 were drilled to depths of 646.7 metres and 816.0 metres respectively. Both holes intersected significant copper (plus gold and silver) values over substantial widths and 395 metres apart. Mineralisation occurs in altered porphyritic andesite, diorite and/or monzonite, containing pyrite and chalcopyrite (with associated bornite below 500 metres). Hole MPD-19-003 is the most successful hole drilled on the MPD property to date and is now referred to as the "Gate Zone".

Hole MPD-19-001 at the Man Zone also intersected porphyry-style mineralization comprised of pyrite and minor chalcopyrite (+/- bornite). This new drill core from Man will be valuable when evaluating property-scale zonation of the larger porphyry system at MPD.

The porphyry mineralization drilled at Prime and the new Gate Zone is located on the northeast flank of a broad 600 x 1,100 metre historic copper-in-soil anomaly at surface (see figure 3). The Company now has core from the three known copper porphyry zones on the MPD Project (when combined with historic core from Dillard).

Dunnedin will use core from all three zones to conduct petrographic and geochemical studies. Together with further geophysics, this work will be used to characterize the porphyry system at MPD and define additional prospective areas and targets for a larger drill program in 2020. Dunnedin is fully permitted and has a multi-year, area-based exploration permit for the MPD Project.

Figure 3: 2019 Prime area drill holes showing historical copper-in-soil results draped on three dimensional topography. Gate Zone discovery hole MPD-19-003 is located on the northern portion of a one kilometre long copper-in-soil target.





To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/51559_f1b645ff74cf4911_004full.jpg

Webinar

Dunnedin will host a webinar to discuss the Company's recent results and future exploration plans. The webinar will take place on Friday, January 17th at 8:00am PST/11:00am EST. Management will be available to answer questions following the presentation.

To join webinar by computer, register from this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_trbawMjLSYaEtkzqWHb81w

Meeting ID: 251 346 108 #

Or to dial-in only use:

Canada +1 647 558 0588

USA +1 929 205 6099

UK +44 203 481 5240

Germany +49 69 7104 9922

Switzerland +41 43 210 71 08

QA/QC Procedures

All core samples were sent to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) in North Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed using ALS's Fire Assay Fusion method (Au-AA24) with an AA finish for gold; and by a 33-element four acid digest ICP-AES analysis (ME-ICP61) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Elements (ME-OG62) and Ore Grade Cu (Cu-OG62). In addition to ALS Laboratory quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Dunnedin implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates and standards in the field.

Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Dunnedin believes historic results referenced herein to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time. However, the Company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of this historic information.

For further information please contact Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at 604-551-2360 or khenderson@dunnedinventures.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Dunnedin Ventures Inc.



Claudia Tornquist

President & CEO

About Dunnedin Ventures Inc.

Dunnedin Ventures is advancing a portfolio of copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA, including the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in south-central British Columbia, the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project near the world-class Bagdad mine in Arizona and the Trapper copper-gold porphyry project in the northern Golden Triangle region of British Columbia. Dunnedin's porphyry assets all present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. The Company also owns the advanced-stage Kahuna diamond project in Nunavut which hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets and is located 26 kilometres from Rankin Inlet and adjacent to Agnico Eagle's Meliadine gold mine.

Based in Vancouver, Dunnedin is backed by a world-renowned team of exploration experts with decades of combined exploration experience and significant capital market strength. Dunnedin is part of the Discovery Group of companies led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada.

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 Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51559
Maharashtra's Savitribai Phule Pune University (STPU) and Qatar's Milestone International Education (MIE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the side lines of FICCI International Higher Education Conference at New Delhi. This MoU will enable the University to set up its campus in Doha and offer courses in arts, science, commerce and liberal arts. The college, which is supported by the Qatar government, will be fully functional from 2020.

The MoU was signed between STPUs Vice Chancellor Dr Nitin Karmalkar and MIEs chairman, Ali A. Latif Al Mesned. Qatars Ambassador to India, Mohammad Al Khater, Qatar's Ministry of Education Under-Secretary Dr Ibrahim Al Nuaimi and other ministry representatives were also present at the event.

MIE executive committee president Hassan Chougule called it a big achievement for the DPS MIS Group, Qatar. Chougule said, In association with Mohammed Bin Hammam and Ali A. Latif Al Mesned, we can provide pre-KG to college degrees now. This is a complete educational solution to all parents and residents of Qatar and the Indian community in particular.

There are around 8 million Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. Indian families would often send children back to their home country for higher education due to the absence of an Indian universitys campus in the country. With this MoU in place, Indian parents can offer affordable and high quality higher education, MIE officials stated.

Ken Research estimates that Qatars education market will reach $2.8 billion by 2023. The Qatar government has been investing heavily in the education sector to make its economy self-reliant.

This has resulted in entry of many private and public education institutions in the Gulf nation as the countrys denizens demand quality education. These include international schools like DPS Modern Indian School, The Phoenix Private School, Doha British School, Park House English School and GEMS American Academy Qatar. Other institutions are waiting in the wings to make their foray, especially in light of the Qatar Ministry underlining an international curriculum with emphasis on students learning English as the primary language. The Qatar Education System has also introduced online education sessions through e-learning portals, which has encouraged greater participation of students enrolling for the education in the country.

This is a partnered post.
Nigeria on Thursday identified nine priority areas that would guide its foreign policy actions in the next four years.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, made this known in Abuja while briefing members of the diplomatic corps on the priorities of the Nigerian government.

The priority areas include building a striving sustainable economy; enlarging agricultural output, food security and export; as well as attaining energy sustenance and power.

Others include expanding transport and other infrastructural products; expanding business growth entrepreneurship and industrialisation; expanding access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of Nigeria; enhancing social inclusion, reducing poverty; fighting corruption; as well as improving governance and security for all.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the first term of the present administration, the governments priority was in three key areas, namely: fighting corruption, tackling insecurity, and job creation.

He said Nigerias foreign policy would henceforth be realistic in terms of reflecting the domestic reality of putting Nigeria First.

We promote within the African Union (AU) good governance, democracy, and protection of human rights.

We are not in any kind of conflict with any country in the whole world and we have excellent relations with every member state of AU and UN.

We believe firmly that peaceful coexistence and security are pre-conditions for economic development and prosperity.

We believe that the UN and multilateralism are forces for good.

We strongly support the UN, although we call for its reform especially to increase the number of its permanent members in its security council to include at least three African countries with veto powers, he added.

The minister said more funds should be made available for UN peace-keeping operations.

Mr Onyeama, who said that the UN was doing a great job across many countries of the world, urged countries to continue to abide by UN resolutions, not choosing which ones to respect and which not to respect.

He condemned the use of force for the settlement of disputes and expressed strong support for institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for International conflict resolution.

He said international trade and economic diplomacy were the main focus of our foreign policy.

We have to expand our trade; we have to innovate; we have to industrialise in order to lift our people out of poverty.

We are striving to increase bilateral trade with all your countries very often within the framework of a bilateral commission.

The minister disclosed that the ministry was building an online business machine portal to promote and facilitate cross-border trade.

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According to him, global climate action has posed a lot of threat to lives.

He said the Lake Chad which had been a major source of livelihood for more than 30 million people, had shrunk by 90 per cent due to climate change.

He noted that irregular migration has been condemned and possible measures have been put in place to address it.

On border closure, the minister said the issue would be resolved very soon and that it would be a win-win situation for stakeholders.

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He thanked the diplomats for their support and assured them of the Nigerias continued support.

(NAN)
BJP president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Nitish Kumar would be the chief ministerial face of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar.

Addressing a rally to drum up support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at the Gharauna Pokhar ground on Thursday, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lead the NDA at the Centre and Nitish Kumar in the state.

I want to end all rumours by declaring openly here that the next assembly elections in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, Shah said.

ALSO WATCH | Nationwide NRC not needed, says Bihar CM Nitish amid Opposition protests

Taking potshots at the Opposition, especially Lalu Prasads Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, he said it was the NDA which had led the state from jungle raj (euphemism for misgovernance) to janata raj (peoples rule) from 2005 to 2020.

Dismissing speculations of a possible rift within the two coalition partners (the BJP and Nitish Kumars JD-U) of the NDA, he asserted, the bond was unbreakable.

He said those in the Opposition who dreamt of becoming the chief minister would not be realised.

He lashed out at the Opposition leaders, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee for all communal violence that had taken place in different parts of India to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA.

The opposition parties engineered anti-CAA riots, which forced the BJP to hold rallies across the country to apprise the people of their nefarious designs, he said.

He also added the name of Lalu Prasad of the RJD and Arvind Kejriwal of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for misleading people about the CAA.

I have come here to tell Muslim brothers to read the CAA. I have also come to tell Rahul Baba (Rahul Gandhi) and Lalu Prasad Yadav to not mislead the people. Mamata Didi and Kejriwal ji, you too do not mislead the people. The CAA has received the best response in Bihar, he added.

Referring to the Opposition quartet, he said, Unki mat ke liye mati mari gayi hai (they had gone out of their senses to protect their votebank).

CAA intends to help those who came to India after their women were raped in front of their eyes. Their properties were snatched away. Their places of worship were desecrated, said Shah.

The CAA is the law which seeks to fast-track citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Talking about Congress double standard, Shah said the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan had included in its manifesto the plan protect the interest of religious minorities coming from neighbouring countries. When they do it, it is fine, when we do it to protect their interest, we are called communal, he said.

Shah referred to former prime minister Manmohan Singh as mauni baba, who he said would keep quiet even when Pakistan would behead our soldiers.

On the contrary, when Pakistan continued with its nefarious designs - referring to the Pulwama attack - Shah said that India retaliated strongly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi by sending its troops inside Pakistan and resorting to surgical strike.

He also spoke about some bold decisions Modi had taken in scrapping Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.

The home minister also blamed the Congress for dividing the country on religious lines.

In an oblique reference to the disturbance at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Shah said those from the tukde-tukde gang, who talk to dividing India, would be put behind bars.

He also announced that construction activity for the Ram temple at Ayodhya would begin in the next four months.

Several central ministers, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Giriraj Singh, Ashwini Kumar Chaubey, Nityanand Rai, BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal, Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, state ministers Nand Kishore Yadav, Prem Kumar and Suresh Sharma; and MPs Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Veena Devi, RK Sinha, and CP Thakur were present on the occasion.

BJP state vice president Devesh Kumar conducted the proceedings.

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: Kerala Governor Arif Muhammed Khan on Thursday termed as improper the state government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship law without informing him first as he was a constitutional head of the state.

The government had moved the apex court on Monday against the new Citizenship law, saying it was contradictory to constitutional ethos.

Protocol demanded that he should have been informed first rather than coming to know about it from newspapers, Khan told reporters at the airport here.

He also wondered whether the state could move the apex court without the Governor's approval.

Despite being the constitutional head of the state, Khan said he had come to know through newspapers the petition in the Supreme Court



"I am the constitutional head of the state, and I come to know through newspapers that the government has challenged the constitutional validity. But the protocol demanded that they should have informed me first," Khan said.

"Even the rules of the Assembly provide that the legislature shall not discuss any subject which does not come under their constitutional jurisdiction," he said.

"I have no problem if they go to the Supreme Court. Even then, I feel that without informing the constitutional head of the state, what they have done is improper," he said.

On reports that he had not signed the ordinance with respect to the amendments to Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 1994 to increase the number of constituencies in Local Self- governments, Khan said he was not a 'rubber stamp', as the Constitution expects him to apply his mind and to ensure that the process of ordinance was not used for some extraneous purposes.

Khan has been at loggerheads with the LDF government since it convened a special assembly session to pass a resolution seeking to scrap the Citizenship Amendment Act. (CAA)



Moreover, the government moved the apex court on Monday against the new Citizenship law, saying CAA was contradictory to constitutional ethos.

The Governor dismissed the passing of the resolution and questioned how a state government could use a "constitutional body" (Assembly) to denounce an Act of "another constitutional" body (Parliament).

"But this is breach of protocol, breach of courtesy and I will also look whether without the approval of the Governor, the state government can go to the Supreme Court, I will have to look into this issue also... they should have informed me," Khan said.

After a section of the media came out with reports saying the Governor had refused to sign the ordinance on the Local Self-Government ward reorganisation, which had recently received the cabinet nod, Khan said he had only raised certain questions as he has to be satisfied.

The Constitution expects him to apply his mind and to ensure that the process of ordinance was not used for some extraneous purposes, he said adding he has to satisfy himself before taking a decision.

"I consider myself under the law and nobody else is above the law. Law will have to be respected, enforced and clearly I am not a rubber stamp", he said.

The Governor further said he had also raised certain questions on the desirability of having an ordinance when Assembly was going to meet in a few days time.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
T he first pictures of Daniel Radcliffes return to the Old Vic stage have been released.

He stars in a double bill of two Samuel Beckett one-act plays alongside The Good Wife star Alan Cumming, Jane Horrocks and Karl Johnson.

Becketts dark comedy Endgame follows the blind, demanding Hamm (Cumming) and his resentful servant Clov (Radcliffe) who are locked in a stalemate as Hamms senile parents are confined to dustbins.

Originally written in French and translated into English by Beckett himself, it is considered to be one of the playwrights finest works and opens on February 4.

The company will also perform Rough for Theatre II, a rarely seen play in which two men discuss another man, who is in the room but never speaks.

Radcliffe was last seen on the London stage in the Old Vics Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead in 2017. He famously made his professional theatre debut as disturbed teenager Alan Strang in Peter Shaffers Equus ten years previously.

Multi-award-winner Richard Jones directs the production, with designs by Stuart Laing, lighting by Adam Silverman, sound by Fergus OHare and movement by Sarah Fahie.

Endgame and Rough for Theatre II opens on February 4 and runs until March 28, with previews beginning on January 27, oldvictheatre.com
The past few years have disabused us of any notion that the American Congress is a solemn place, filled with statesmanlike, or at least decent, people working for the betterment of America and Americans. To those few who still clung to that outdated idea, the House Democrats' behavior when sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate shows that Congress is no longer a serious institution.

People of a certain age remember a time when drunkenness was played for laughs. In the family-friendly show Bewitched, a running gag had a chronically drunk man invariably see Samantha practice magic  and, of course, no one believed him. Foster Brooks's imitation of a drunk was also a perennial favorite in the 1960s and early 1970s:

Lately, it's easy to suspect that the Democrat party has its own version of Foster Brooks. Don't pay too much attention to what Nancy Pelosi is saying in this short video; just focus on her delivery:

This is not a well woman, and that's true whether what bedevils her is a biological ailment or something else.

And then there was her word soup:

This is a very important day for us and as you know I reference temporal markers that our Founders and our poets and others have used over time to place us in time, to emphasize the importance of time, because everything is about time, how we use it, how we mik-, how we mark it and today is an important day because today is the day that we name the managers, we go to the floor to pass the resolution to transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate and later in the day, when we have our engrossment, that we march those Articles of Impeachment to the United States Senate. As I've said, it's always been, Our Founders when they started "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary" when, Abraham Lincoln "four score and seven years ago," Thomas Paine, now are the times, "These are the times that try men's souls, the times have found us." Again and again, even our poets, Longfellow, remember, "Listen, my children and you will hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, on the 18th of April of '75, hardly a man is now alive that remembers that famous day and year." It's always about marking history using time. On December 18th, the House of Representatives impeached the president of the United States, an impeachment that will last forever.

While Pelosi may have remembered her Longfellow, she couldn't remember what happened in the phone call around which she and her party built the impeachment. During her speech on Wednesday, she repeatedly said, "Do me a favor," implying that those were President Trump's words.

Except that's not what Trump said. Instead, the transcript shows that Trump spoke on America's behalf to President Zelenksy, for he said, "I would like you to do us a favor, though, because our country has been through a lot, and Ukraine knows a lot about it."

Matt Margolis notes that Pelosi's was no meaningless mistake:

And make no mistake about it, that word-swapping makes a huge difference. Trump was not asking Zelensky for a personal favor, as Pelosi was trying to suggest with her fabricated quote. He was asking for Ukraine's assistance with a corruption investigation being conducted by the United States.

Meanwhile, despite Pelosi's frequent references in other parts of her speech to solemnity, many Democrats could hardly contain their glee. As Pelosi handed out commemorative pens marking the occasion of the House's sending impeachment articles against President Trump to the Senate, many, including Pelosi herself, were seen beaming with delight.

The whole ceremony, from Pelosi's wobbly delivery to her word soup to some Democrats' open joy, was an unseemly affair. The Democrats' conduct highlighted that the impeachment is not about Trump taking actions so egregious that they shock the conscience. Instead, it is simply another chapter in the Democrats' ongoing efforts to overturn the will of the voters in 2016.

As you watch the House Democrats' revelry, don't forget that these same House Democrats refused to give a vote of support to the ordinary Iranians facing down their violent, despotic, theocratic government.
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The Supreme Court, on January 16, dismissed the review pleas from telecom companies that sought relief on interest and penalty payments in connection to the verdict on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

The deadline for telecom companies to meet the license fee dues as per the apex court's AGR judgement is January 23. A CNBC-TV 18 report noted that telecom companies are free to file curative petitions against the dismissal of their AGR review petitions.

These petitions were moved by the companies after the SC's judgement upholding the definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as decided by the Department of Telecom (DoT). As many as 15 telecom companies would now have to pay dues totalling to Rs 1.47 lakh crore.

The report also noted that after the Supreme Court's AGR judgement, several non-telecom public sector undertakings (PSUs) like GAIL, DMRC, Power Grid and RailTel were affected as the DoT wrote to them seeking repayment of AGR fee dues. These companies would likely file fresh review pleas. The total dues that the non-telecom PSUs are staring at comes up to a total of around Rs 4.6 lakh crore.

Bharti Airtel expressed disappointment at the court's decision to dismiss the review pleas. The company told CNBC-TV18 that the long-standing disputes raised with respect to the AGR definition were "bonafide and genuine". It added that the industry continues to face severe financial stress and that the latest decision on the matter could further erode the viability of the entire telecom sector.

The industry needs to increasingly invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum, and to introduce new technology like 5G, and the company said that the money which will now have to be used to pay dues would have better served India's digital mission. Bharti Airtel also added that it is considering filing a curative petition.

Earlier this month, the SC also rejected the telecom companies' plea to conduct an open-court hearing.
DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- What is school choice and how does it work in Texas? Join America's Future Foundation in learning more about the state of K-12 education in Texas, how it compares to other states, and where there are potential opportunities for improvement at a networking luncheon on Friday, Jan. 31.

The luncheon for young professionals will feature remarks on school choice by Emily Sass, policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Center for Innovation in Education, and Whitney Munro, vice president of communications for the Foundation of Government Accountability.

The event will begin at noon at Ziziki's restaurant, located at 4514 Travis St. A complimentary lunch will be provided to attendees, as well as National School Choice Week scarves. Seating is limited, so community members are invited to register for the free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/school-choice-in-tx-challenges-and-opportunities-tickets-87731674801.

This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2020, which will feature more than 50,000 school choice events across all 50 states.

"This event will bring together civic-minded individuals who are active in their local communities to learn more about the importance of school choice in Texas," said Meg Tuszynski, Dallas chair for America's Future Foundation.

Since 1995, America's Future Foundation has been the premier nationwide network of liberty-minded young leaders, providing unique opportunities to learn the ideas of liberty and develop the skills necessary to articulate them.

As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 26 through February 1, 2020, 51,300 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

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The Union government and the higher judiciary appear to be at loggerheads again over judicial appointments, with each blaming the other for the over 410 vacancies across high courts in the country.

Last week, a Supreme Court bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul sought an answer from the government on whether appointments on which there is unanimity between the government and the SC collegium can be finalised in six weeks.

We are not examining as to who is to be elevated and on what consideration. We are re-emphasising our endeavour is only to see that where all stakeholders are on the same page the appointments should go through in six months, the court said.

Government officials familiar with the matter, however, contended it was the judiciary which did not send proposals for the appointment of high court judges on time. There are 410 vacancies in 24 high courts across the country that together have a sanctioned strength of 1,079.

One of the officials, who asked not to be named, said the Centre was yet to receive recommendations for 221 vacancies, some of which were pending for a decade.

For instance, the official said, the Chhattisgarh HC has not forwarded recommendations to fill up vacancies that arose in 2011  the posts were to be filled under lawyers quota. Appointments to high courts are done under two categories  one where subordinate court judges are promoted, and the other where advocates get elevated directly to the HC.

According to a second officer, in the Allahabad high court, recommendations for the posts that fell vacant in 2015 under the advocates category are yet to be made. He added that the Bombay, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Punjab & Haryana high courts, too, have delayed proposals for unfilled vacancies under the lawyers category.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh, Calcutta, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Telangana high court have not finalised lists for posts, meant for trial court judges, which fell vacant over the last five years. Recommendations have been sent to us, but they have been selective, the officer added.

However, a senior Supreme Court justice, on condition of anonymity, said the real problem was that the government was also delaying appointments of those candidates who were cleared by both collegium and executive.

During an SC hearing last week, the Centre argued that the issue with regard to appointments to high courts was an administrative matter, and discouraged the court from taking up the case. But the court rejected the stand, and sought an explanation from the Centre as to why appointments cannot be notified within six weeks of collegium approving the names.

Government officials also say that appointments have been delayed because the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP)  as directed in the top courts NJAC (National Judicial Appointment Commission) verdict in October 2015, is stuck because the Centre and top judges are not being able come to an agreement.The NJAC judgment had struck down the NJAC Act, 2014, which allowed the executives intervention in judicial appointments.

But the court suggested framing of a new MoP to lay down a fresh set of guidelines for making appointments to the higher judiciary. The verdict required the SC to set up a secretariat to screen candidates before they were finalised. No substantive movement has happened on this front.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Ajit Sinha said both the judiciary and executive are to be blamed for the shortage of judges. He said MoP must be finalised, drawing a time limit for both the judiciary and government to appoint judges. At present, there is no outer limit for the HC or the government to send the recommendation in case a vacancy arises. The MoP must have written instructions for both the institutions and this should be put in public domain so that anyone can question in case there is a failure to comply with it, Sinha said.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  He still says he didnt do it.

Despite a jury convicting him of kidnapping and other crimes for holding his girlfriend against her will in his car in 2018 while choking her with a cell-phone cord, Carlos Guzman insisted he was innocent at his sentencing Wednesday.

I know I didnt do anything,'' said the dark-haired New Brighton resident through a Spanish interpreter. I thought I was going to win my case. Im very upset because things didnt work out. Im guilty of everything even though I didnt do anything. All Im saying is please be lenient.

Calling Guzmans crimes quite serious, Justice Alexander Jeong sentenced the defendant to 10 years in prison and five years post-release supervision.

While the victim has recovered from her physical injuries, the judge said her emotional scars never healed, and she may carry them for the rest of her life as many domestic-violence victims do.

Besides kidnapping, a jury in state Supreme Court, St. George, convicted Guzman, 28, last month of strangulation, assault, unlawful imprisonment and other crimes stemming from the Aug. 10, 2018 episode.

In his closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Andres Casas had portrayed Guzman as a jealous boyfriend who became enraged when he saw the victim talking to another man on a Port Richmond street early on the incident morning.

At around 4 a.m., the woman had just finished working a shift at a lounge on Port Richmond Avenue.

Guzman, who had been intimate with the woman, was watching from his car and videotaped the two as they talked, said Casas.

After a few minutes, the woman went to Guzmans car and he told her about the video, Casas said.

She tried to get out, but Guzman punched her in the face, then drove off, the prosecutor said.

Casas said the woman did exit the car at one point, but Guzman dragged her back inside.

He drove her to a location near the Teleport on South Avenue where he tied her hands with a cell-phone cord, said Casas.

Guzman took another cell-phone cord and wrapped it through the space between the headrest and top of the seat and around the womans neck, Casas said.

He then applied pressure.

Casas said the victim testified she felt Guzman was going to kill me at any moment.

The prosecutor said Guzmans locations were established by pings on a cell phone tower.

The defendant held the woman in his car for about two hours before releasing her, he said.

Casas said Guzman had a violent relationship with the woman.

He pointed to two incidents in July and August 2018 in which he said the defendant hit her.

Gary DeFilippo, the defense lawyer, contended the woman, not Guzman, was the one gripped by jealousy.

In his closing argument, he said she had concocted the kidnapping story to get back at Guzman, who was breaking up with her.

DeFilippo also maintained that there were inconsistencies in her story.

Casas asked Jeong to sentence Guzman to 20 years  15 years for kidnapping and five years for strangulation.

This defendant is a persistent domestic-violence offender, said Casas, who, along with Assistant District Attorney Victoria Levin, prosecuted the case.

In addition, he said Guzman had failed to acknowledge his crimes during his pre-sentencing interview with the Probation Department.

There is no accountability, said Casas. The blame has been shifted by the defendant to the victim. There is absolutely no acceptance of any kind of guilt.

The victim attended the proceeding.

She was garbed in a striped blouse and dark skirt. Her name is being withheld due to the nature of the crime.

Casas read a brief statement she wrote, which he had translated.

She said she remains psychologically harmed.

It has caused me moments of panic and feelings of defenselessness, she wrote.

DeFilippo asked Jeong to impose no more than a seven-year sentence  the same amount of prison time prosecutors had offered in a pretrial plea deal which Guzman rejected.

My client insisted on his innocence and, in fact, still does today, said DeFilippo. I still believe to this day he did not cause the complete injuries to the complaining witness.  Im going to ask the court again. Please give this man an opportunity.

DeFilippo said Guzman, who is not a U.S. citizen, would likely be deported after serving his sentence.

This terrible domestic violence case highlights the importance of having a dedicated domestic violence bureau and a team of prosecutors committed to investigating these crimes and seeking justice on behalf of victims, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon in a statement.

Due to the diligent work of Assistant District Attorneys Andrew Casas and Victoria Levin, as well as their support team and the NYPD detectives, this defendant will spend the next decade behind bars, sending a clear message to all domestic violence offenders who think they can get away with committing such atrocious crimes," said McMahon. "Let me be clear: Domestic violence is a grave issue on Staten Island and my team will continue to work tirelessly to protect victims and hold offenders fully accountable.
President Trump called Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani  who was killed in a US airstrike earlier this month  a son of a bitch at his Milwaukee campaign rally Tuesday night.

He was the king of the roadside bombs, Trump told the crowd of Soleimani, the former leader of Irans Quds Force.

Great percentages of people dont have legs right now and arms because of this son of a bitch, the president added.

His remarks drew loud applause from his supporters at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.



Trump hosted the rally the same night as the Democratic debate a state away in Iowa.

The president claimed nobodys watching the Democratic debates, but when he debates the eventual Democratic nominee, people are going to watch.

They havent been great on the debates, I have to tell you, he claimed.

The president again called out the Democrats for outrage over Soleimanis death.

The Democrats are outraged that we killed this terrorist monster, even though this monster was behind hundreds and hundreds of deaths, he said.

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Two of Jeremy Corbyn's top allies have urged northern working class voters to join Labour and prevent southern Remainers from deciding the party's leadership contest.

Ian Lavery, the Labour chairman, and Jon Trickett, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, have joined forces to swipe that the party is 'now disproportionately one that voted to Remain' and is 'drawn from the South'.

They also bemoaned the fact that much of the party's membership now comes from 'metropolitan areas and from the middle classes'.

Their comments are likely to be seen as a direct attack on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership bid with some on the left of the party deeply sceptical about the Holborn and St Pancras MP and former director of public prosecution's Labour credentials.

Their intervention came after a bombshell poll showed Sir Keir - the bookmakers' favourite in the race to replace Mr Corbyn - is trailing behind Rebecca Long-Bailey.

A Survation survey of party members for the LabourList website showed Ms Long-Bailey would win 42 per cent of first preference votes while Sir Keir would win 37 per cent.

Jon Trickett (left) and Ian Lavery have joined forces to urge northern working class voters to join Labour as they attacked the party's 'metropolitan' membership

Mr Trickett's and Mr Lavery's comments are likely to be seen as an attack on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership bid. Some in the party are sceptical of the former director of public prosecution's Labour credentials

The numbers suggested Ms Long-Bailey - the candidate backed by the current Labour leadership - would then win the top job in the second round after second preference votes have been counted with 51 per cent of the vote to Sir Keir's 49 per cent.

Corbynite group Momentum backs Long-Bailey for leader Momentum has said its members have overwhelmingly backed Rebecca Long-Bailey for Labour leader, and have also voted for Angela Rayner for deputy. The campaign group said 70.42 per cent of respondents to a ballot voted to throw resources behind Ms Long-Bailey in the contest. Critics said the ballot was rigged because Miss Long-Bailey was the only name on it, with members not given the option to back another candidate. The group's supporters were in favour of supporting Ms Rayner, but she was backed by a slim majority of 52.15 per cent. This may worry her camp, with many senior Labour figures backing her rival Richard Burgon for the post. Advertisement

The numbers indicate that the battle to be named Labour leader on April 4 is on a knife-edge between the two frontrunners.

Meanwhile the remaining three candidates - Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry - all appear to be facing an uphill struggle to emerge victorious.

Ms Long-Bailey is viewed as the so-called 'continuity Corbyn' candidate in the race while Sir Keir is seen as a more moderate figure.

Ms Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, is the choice of leading figures such as John McDonnell and Diane Abbott.

But she has had a slow start to her campaign while Sir Keir has won the support of Britains largest union, Unison.

Non-Labour members have until 5pm today to become a 25 registered supporter of the Labour Party in order to secure a vote in the contest.

Mr Lavery and Mr Trickett used a joint column for The Mirror today to urge working class voters to sign up and help to 'rebalance' the party.

They said voters have a 'generational chance' to influence the direction of British politics as they said Labour needed to rebuild a 'coalition of working and middle class' in order to win elections.

'Labour has become Western Europes largest political party,' they said.

'However our membership is now disproportionately one that voted to Remain and drawn from the South, mainly from metropolitan areas and from the middle classes.

'To win again, the coalition of working and middle class people within our own party must be rebalanced.

'We want Labour supporters from working class backgrounds and from the North to become members of the party by January 20 and have their say in the leadership election.'

Rebecca Long-Bailey, pictured alongside Jeremy Corbyn in the Commons yesterday, has the backing of the current leadership in the race for the top job

The five candidates who are still in the race after securing sufficient support from Labour MPs must now win trade union or constituency endorsements to make it on to the final ballot paper.

Party members will then vote between February 21 to April 2 with the winner then announced on April 4.

The Survation survey also shone a light on the deputy leadership battle with Angela Rayner far ahead with 60 per cent  enough to avoid a second round of vote counting.

Richard Burgon, considered the Corbynite choice, came second with 19 per cent of first preferences.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 09:58:12|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's capital city will improve the doctor-patient communication mechanism to ensure the safety of medical staff and create an orderly hospital environment, according to Mayor Chen Jining.

In his government work report delivered at the annual session of the municipal people's congress on Sunday, the mayor said the city will continue to advance the Healthy Beijing Initiative.

Protecting the safety of medical workers and maintaining an orderly hospital environment is one of the tasks of the initiative, which includes the building of a life-cycle health service system that shifts from disease treatment to health promotion. Medical professionals are important and indispensable builders of the initiative.

At the end of 2019, a case involving the murder of a doctor in a hospital in Beijing raised concerns among medical staff and the public. Yang Wen, who was working at the emergency room, was stabbed by Sun Wenbin, a patient's relative. The doctor later died from the serious injury to her neck.

Li Haichao, a Beijing political advisor and also vice president of Peking University First Hospital, said doctor-patient disputes may lead medical professionals to be disappointed, or even to quit their jobs, which will eventually affect the medical experience of patients and even the meeting of basic medical needs, thus having a serious adverse effect on the implementation of the Healthy Beijing Initiative.

After the accident, the Chinese Medical Doctor Association called for the protection of medical professionals.

Wang Zhen, an emergency specialist from Beijing Shijitan Hospital, has spent the past 31 Spring Festival holidays treating patients in the emergency room.

As the director from the department of emergency medicine and also a Beijing political advisor, she noted that medical safety not only involves the safety of patients, but also the safety of people who come to see and cure these patients.

She said hospitals are the homes of medical personnel, and they should be responsible for solving the emotional problems and guaranteeing the safety of the staff working there.

She asked, "If the safety of the medical staff is not guaranteed, where does the safety of patients come from?"

An orderly, safe and harmonious medical environment is not only one of the most important characteristics of a Healthy Beijing, but also a reflection of the city's image.

Ma Lishuang, a doctor with the Department of Pediatric Surgery under the Capital Institute of Pediatrics, said, "I think doctors are one of the kindest groups because they care for their patients and always try their utmost to cure them from the very beginning."

China's law on the promotion of basic medical and health care, which will take effect on June 1, stipulates that medical treatment centers are public places and no organization or individual may disturb their order.

Previously, hospitals in Beijing must first be responsible for the safety of their own medical professionals. After the law takes into effect, the public security organizations can intervene faster, said Li Haichao.

The law calls on the whole society to respect medical personnel, maintain the order of the medical environment, keep medical staff safe and jointly build harmonious doctor-patient relationships.

According to Li, it is necessary to improve the doctor-patient communication mechanism. More important still however is introducing the judicial intervention system into hospitals.

Li suggested that to better protect the safety of medical and health professionals, hospitals should establish a governance mechanism and clarify the respective responsibilities of hospitals, doctors and public security organizations.

In the future, there should be a police station at each hospital to safeguard against dangers and keep order, he added.
Prosecutors ask court to fine defendant in judge murder threat case $3,000

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:08 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  Prosecutors on Thursday demanded a 170,000-ruble (about $3,000) fine as a punishment for Russian citizen Alexey Veresov charged with murder threats against a judge, RAPSI reported from the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow.

The case is heard under a special procedure, as the defendant pleaded guilty in full. The procedure constitutes a trial without examining evidence, witness questioning and envisages a lesser sentence than prescribed by law.

Veresov was detained by the Basmanny District Court of Moscow in November. Just before he was transported from the Udmurt Republic and questioned by investigators.

According to investigators, on a social network he called to incinerate a Moscow City Courts judge.

On December 24, Moscows Meshchansky District Court found another man Yevgeny Yerzunov guilty of murder threats against a judge and sentenced him to a 110,000-ruble fine ($1,700. The defendant was released from detention.

Yerzunov was arrested on November 13 while attempting to depart for Italy from Moscows Vnukovo airport.
Donald Trump

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President Donald Trump is obsessed with hunting down big name terrorist targets for "immediate gratification" and tends to ignore "substance, impact, and consequences," Douglas London, a former senior CIA counterterrorism officer, wrote in Just Security.

During Trump's presidency, a number of high-profile terrorist targets like Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden; Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS; and Qassem Soleimani, Iran's most powerful military officer, have been killed.

London wrote that Trump opted to eliminate some of those targets even though US intelligence showed other individuals posed "greater dangers" in an attempt to grab headlines.

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President Donald Trump is obsessed with hunting down big name terrorist targets to the point that he ignores other potential threats, as well as the impact on US interests, a former CIA officer who served during his presidency wrote Wednesday.

"President Donald Trump likes big names," former CIA officer Douglas London, who served in the agency for decades, wrote Wednesday in an op-ed for Just Security. "It's this focus on celebrity, headlines, and immediate gratification  versus substance, impact, and consequences  that so often motivates him."

"As a senior CIA counterterrorist manager, my team and I often struggled in persuading the president to recognize the most important threats," added London, who retired in late 2018 as a senior CIA operations officer after 34 years in the CIA's clandestine service.

During Trump's presidency, a number of high-profile terrorist targets, namely Hamza bin Laden, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and Qassem Soleimani, have been eliminated.

"Trump's obsession in focusing resources against Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is one example of the president's preference for a 'celebrity' targeted killing versus prioritizing options that could prove better for US security," London wrote.

Story continues

Trump announced that the US killed Hamza bin Laden last September, saying that "the loss of Hamza bin Laden not only deprives al-Qa'ida of important leadership skills and the symbolic connection to his father, but undermines important operational activities of the group."

London downplayed Hamza's significance compared to Ayman Zawahiri, who succeeded Osama bin Laden, or his lieutenants. The president, he explained, opted to go after Hamza despite intelligence indicating that other targets posed "greater dangers."

"He was dismissive of our prioritization," London said, adding that Trump "regularly demanded updates on Hamza and insisted we accelerate our efforts to go after him."

In October, Trump announced that the US had successfully terminated ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. "The United States brought the world's number one terrorist leader to justice," the president said in a statement.

London revealed that Trump was obsessed with removing the ISIS leader and had shown less interest in operations targeting other leaders, no matter how dangerous those other individuals were.

"Although US efforts to target key ISIS leaders and operatives had preempted what might have been any number of devastating terrorist attacks, the president's lack of familiarity with their names made such efforts, and their accomplishments, less consequential to him," London wrote.

Trump treats sensitive military operations like televised events

The president, formerly a real estate mogul and boisterous television celebrity, has a penchant for treating sensitive military operations like televised events.

He invited scrutiny, for instance, by dramatizing the raid on al-Baghdadi's and comparing it to the raid that took down Osama bin Laden during the Obama administration.

Shortly after reports surfaced that an operation targeting al-Baghdadi had been carried out, Trump tweeted, "Something very big has just happened!"

And while Obama's remarks about bin Laden's death were brief and didn't reveal much information about the details of the operation itself, Trump deviated from his prepared remarks, provided graphic details about the al-Baghdadi raid, and took questions from reporters for almost 40 minutes afterward.

Earlier this month, the US military conducted a drone attack on Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, a killing that dramatically escalated tensions with Iran and even led the IRGC to launch a barrage of missiles at US forces in Iraq.

"At my direction, the United States military successfully executed a flawless precision strike that killed the number-one terrorist anywhere in the world, Qassem Soleimani," Trump said after the strike.

London argued that Soleimani's killing "appears to have been more about Trump, and the potential for headlines, rather than the intelligence."

Since the strike was first announced, questions have swirled about whether US intelligence supported the strike and whether Soleimani really posed an "imminent threat," as Trump and his deputies have said. The New York Times reported that the intelligence was "razor thin," adding that one US official called the reading of the intelligence an illogical leap.

"I do not debate we had intelligence regarding any number of prospective attacks Iran was facilitating through proxies in Iraq, and elsewhere," London wrote. "But don't we always?"

Trump, without citing evidence, has suggested that Soleimani and his forces were plotting to "blow up" a US embassy, if not multiple diplomatic posts.

"The US government would have been legally bound to warn the public of a threat against an American embassy," London explained, noting that the skepticism following the president's claims is warranted. The State Department was also not told of any imminent threat to its embassies before the strike.

Over the weekend, Esper, who receives the same intelligence briefing as the president, told CBS News he "didn't see" specific intelligence showing Iran was planning to target four US embassies before Soleimani was killed.

"What the President said was he believed it probably could have been," Esper said. "He didn't cite intelligence."

Read the original article on Business Insider
DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing his politically motivated attacks on Greg Lindberg and his companies, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) Commissioner filed a financially irresponsible lawsuit against Greg Lindberg and certain of his companies on October 1st, 2019. Parts of the lawsuit were only recently unsealed. The lawsuit alleges a breach of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Mr. Lindberg and the NCDOI on June 27th, 2019.

Mr. Causey ordered his lawyers to commence litigation against Mr. Lindberg's group of companies just 93 days after signing the MOU and a separate 10-year financing agreement designed to "maximize the long-term equity value" of Mr. Lindberg's companies.

The litigation is filled with inaccurate and reckless allegations and disregards the interests of the policyholders who rely on Mr. Lindberg's companies to service their debts. The filing of litigation against Mr. Lindberg's companies reveals the lengths that Commissioner Causey will go to undermine Lindberg's companies  at the expense of the very policyholders Causey was elected to protect.

The litigation is particularly egregious and deceitful given that Mr. Lindberg's companies are not in default on any of their loans to the Plaintiffs and liquidity is strong. Global Growth's non-insurance companies have over $100 million of cash on hand and Global Growth's insurance companies have total cash and cash equivalents of over $1.4 billion.

In response to this litigation, Lindberg commented: "I am acutely aware that the false accusations against me have hurt every one of the 8,500 people who work for Global Growth by hindering our access to credit markets, harming our brand, slowing down our acquisitions, and costing us tens of millions of dollars of unnecessary legal fees and other expenses. Careers have been sidelined and families hurt by the malicious and politically motivated attacks upon our businesses."

Lindberg further said, "These deceitful and malicious attacks on our businesses and me have also harmed the thousands of policyholders who rely on our companies to service their debt to our insurance companies. Refinancing efforts have been sidelined and customers have been lost  all because of Mr. Causey's determination to extract retribution on our group of companies because I was not on his team during the 2016 election."

Mr. Lindberg's attorneys have said in court filings in other actions that "it's vital that defense counsel know if Mr. Causey's motivation in undermining Mr. Lindberg was the fact that, as Mr. Causey has said publicly, Mr. Lindberg "was a man that was not on my team when I was running," and "[h]e was a major fundraiser for my opponent." The defense should know if Mr. Causey's political vendetta against Mr. Lindberg was Mr. Causey's primary motive in inducing the Government to investigate Lindberg."

Despite Mr. Causey's politically motivated attacks on Mr. Lindberg's business, the Global Growth group of companies remains financially sound. Global Growth's main non-insurance holding company, Academy Association, Inc. made $77 million in net income in 2018 on tax basis, and Global Growth's main insurance holding company, GBIG Holdings, Inc., made $62 million in net income in 2018 on a tax basis.

This year Global Growth's businesses in aggregate are forecasting close to $300 million in cash flow across all companies on approximately $1.4 billion in revenue. Total cash projected to pay senior debt service is approximately $121 million this year, for a forecasted cash pay senior debt interest coverage ratio of close to 2.5x to 1, a level comparable to BB and B corporate bond issuers in today's market.

For more Greg Lindberg news please visit: www.greglindberg.com/in-the-news.

SOURCE Greg Lindberg
Deep-rooted factional wars within the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland played out at the Mutare Magistrates Courts on Wednesday after church members who attended initial remand proceedings for Bishop Eric Ruwona clashed at the criminal courts.







Ruwona was on Tuesday arrested by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on fraud charges involving US$700 000 he allegedly siphoned from church coffers in concert with three accomplices who are still at large.





He spent the night in police holding cells at Mutare Central Police Station and was arraigned before senior magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe on fraud charges the following morning.





Before the court sat, some church members sang songs in support of the top clerics arrest.

They took their celebratory mood into the courtroom.





The celebrations ended after the court granted the bishop $15 000 bail as the ruling drew wild cheers from the other group that quickly broke into song and dance celebrating the bishops freedom.





A war of words erupted between church members of the two factions outside the courtroom and the situation nearly degenerated into violence. They dressed down each other in the full glare of members of the public using unprintable words.





Ruwona, who is denying the charges, is accused of defrauding the Anglican Church of US$700 000. He was granted $15 000 bail and ordered to report once every Friday at Mutare Central Police Station.





Mr Mahwe also ordered him not to interfere with State witnesses as well as to continue residing at No. 1 Oak Road, Murambi.





Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira prosecuted while the bishop was initially represented by Messrs Ashel Mutungura and Passmore Nyakureba.





However, Mr Mutungura later recused himself from the bar after the State, through the investigating officer, Mr Eric Chacha, from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, complained that he was conflicted on the grounds that he signed some important documents that resulted in the fraudulent transactions at the church.





Allegations were that the bishop and his three accomplices, hatched a plan to defraud the diocese.





To achieve their plans and on 26 February 2016, the accused person and his accomplices, fraudulently applied for a loan of US$100 000 from Agribank Mutare branch in the name of the Anglican Diocese of Mutare Church Agribank account misrepresenting that they would construct St Catherines Girls High School in Rusape and to purchase a vehicle for the bishop.





The accused person and his accomplices committed to Agribank Mutare to take the loan under a mortgage bond of a certain piece of land situated in Mutare District being stand number 78 Mutare Township as collateral security without the knowledge of the standing committee and the church congregants, said Mr Mutyasira.





He said as a result of the misrepresentation the loan was approved and the accused person took the money.





On February 25, 2016 the accused person and his accomplices fraudulently applied for another loan of $350 000 from the same bank using the same collateral security without the knowledge of the churchs standing committee purporting that they wanted to construct the same school as well as purchase a vehicle for the bishop.





The loan was approved and the accused person took the money.





The court heard that the suspect and his accomplices also took a bank overdraft of US$250 000 from the churchs Agribank account without the knowledge of the standing committee.





The accused had no lawful right whatsoever to defraud the church of its money in the manner he did. His conduct caused an actual prejudice of US$700 000 and nothing was recovered, said Mr Mutyasira.




Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has called for the formulation and implementation of deliberate policies to include internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees and stateless persons in the schemes of education sector.

The director of the centre for West Africa, Idayat Hassan, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the celebration of ECOWAS Human Rights Day in Abuja.

Represented by Jasper Ukachukwu, Programme Officer, CCD, Ms Hassan said rights of vulnerable groups such as People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, returnees and stateless persons continue to face challenges of inclusion.

She said the PLWDs, particularly, face specific challenges in the pursuit of their right to education resulting in a reduced access to mainstream education.

According to the 2017 report on inclusive education by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education, it is noted that literacy among children with learning disabilities has increased globally.

In spite of that reduction, these children remain severely excluded from educational policies and still lag far behind their peers.

To ensure equal educational opportunities for all without discrimination or exclusion, CDD stresses the need for a human rights-based approach in the delivery of education in Nigeria.

In this regards, CDD urges government of Nigeria to adopt an inclusive dimensions of the right to education, notably through the implementation of the 1960 UNESCO Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education, she said.

Ms Hassan said this would provide an international legal framework for the protection of the right to education without discrimination.

She said IDPs, refugees, returnees, and stateless persons faced significant challenges in exercising their right to education and other rights.

Ms Hassan, therefore, enjoined the government to move from the current stop-gap policy approaches to a much more direct and sustainable entrenched systems that carter for education in emergency situations.

Earlier, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in West Africa and the Sahel, Ibn Chambas, reaffirmed the organisations cooperation with the ECOWAS for promoting human rights.

Mr Chambas, who was represented by Malamine Tamba, Senior Human Rights Officer, in ECOWAS, said the event offered governments and civil society organisations opportunity to better address emerging challenges on human rights in the sub-region.

He said the celebration also offered opportunities to exchange ideas on human rights and inclusive governance with regards to specific groups such as PLWDs, IDPs, refugees and stateless persons in West Africa.

(NAN)
WASHINGTON - The House delivered two articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, laying the groundwork for President Donald Trump's trial as Republicans rallied behind the idea of parity between the two parties in possibly calling witnesses.

The impeachment managers' brief ceremonial journey across the Capitol - a month after the House voted to impeach Trump - relinquished Democratic control over a process that is expected to end in the president's election-year acquittal by the Republican-led Senate. The procession, which solemnly set in motion the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, capped a rancorous day of partisan conflict and heightened the pressure on Senate moderates, whose views on seeking additional evidence after unmitigated stonewalling by the White House will define the scope of Trump's trial.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., declared that Trump was guilty of "an assault on the Constitution of the United States" and rejected criticism that his impeachment was politically motivated.

"We take it very seriously," Pelosi said in remarks on the House floor. "It's not personal. It's not political. It's not partisan. It's patriotic."

More for you Ukraine prosecutor offered information related to Biden in exchange for ambassador's ouster, newly released materials show

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., attacked the House's inquiry as "unprecedented and dangerous" and accused Democrats of "pure factionalism."

"This has been naked partisanship all along," McConnell said on the Senate floor. ". . . We had a 230-year tradition of rejecting purely political impeachments. It died last month."

As tensions increased across the Capitol, new evidence of Trump's pressure campaign toward Ukraine for his political benefit added urgency to Democrats' push for more witness testimony and documents during the trial phase.

Records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, showed Ukraine's top prosecutor offering damaging information related to former vice president Joe Biden if the Trump administration recalled the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. They also revealed claims from a Republican congressional candidate that he had the then-ambassador, Marie Yovanovitch, under physical and electronic surveillance.

The impeachment charges - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - center on the allegation that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including Biden.

Pelosi argued that the revelations proved the wisdom of her decision to withhold the articles for a month - a gambit that did not fulfill her primary goals of ensuring witness testimony or forcing McConnell to outline terms for the trial.

"Time has been our friend in all of this, because it has yielded incriminating evidence, more truth into the public domain," the speaker said at a Capitol Hill news conference.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, one of the moderates whose views on further evidence could shape the trial, held a different view.

"Doesn't that suggest that the House did an incomplete job, then?" she said.

The records were released Tuesday night by the four House committees that ran the impeachment inquiry - just as Senate Republicans began coalescing around the idea of each party having the opportunity to call witnesses, should enough moderates agree with Democrats that more evidence is needed.

A day after Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, proposed the idea of "reciprocity" - which would enable Trump's legal team to call Hunter Biden if Democrats get enough votes to summon former national security adviser John Bolton, for example - two moderate Republicans signaled they were open to the idea.

"The idea that only the House managers should be able to call witnesses is one I reject," said Collins, who has insisted on a vote on whether to call witnesses. "It clearly should be both sides, both sides should have the opportunity. But as far as approving specific witnesses, I haven't heard the case yet."

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Wednesday that he would be amenable to each side choosing "which witnesses they want to appear, as opposed to going in and saying, 'Well, I want that one, I want that one.' . . . I think I expect both sides to be able to put together their own list of demands."

Should moderates decide witnesses are necessary, it would require four Republicans to join with all members of the Democratic caucus to vote in favor.

Privately, McConnell and other senior Republicans still hope a majority of senators will think they have heard enough - after days of arguments from the House impeachment managers, the president's defense counsel and several rounds of questioning - to move to a vote to determine whether Trump should be removed from office.

Several closely watched Republican senators declined to say whether they believed Hunter Biden was worthy of summoning to the impeachment trial.

Biden served on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, and Trump and Giuliani have promoted an unfounded theory that Joe Biden, while vice president, tried to stop a corruption investigation of the company to protect his son. Hunter Biden is no longer on Burisma's board.

"I'm not going to opine on that at this stage," Romney said of whether Hunter Biden's testimony is warranted. "I think each side should be able to choose the people they want to hear from."

"You're asking me to prejudge the evidence," Collins said. "I don't know which witnesses we're going to need until I hear the case."

"I feel like I'm just going to print a sign - I don't know whether I'm going to have it on my back or on my chest - saying there will be a time in the process where we will have an opportunity to make a determination as to what further information we need, whether it is from Hunter Biden or Ambassador Bolton or Lisa Murkowski," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. "So until that point in time, I'm not thinking about each individual witness."

Democrats were unanimous in their view that Hunter Biden's testimony would be irrelevant.

"Any trial judge in this country would rule such a witness as irrelevant and inadmissible," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., one of the impeachment managers approved by the chamber Wednesday.

"If someone is accused of robbing a bank, witnesses who say, 'We saw him run into the bank. We saw him someplace else,' are relevant," Nadler said. "A witness who says, 'He committed forgery on some other document,' is not relevant to the bank robbery charge. That's the distinction."

"The Senate is on trial, as well as the president," with impeachment, Nadler said.

The transmission of the articles marked the end of the four-week standoff between Pelosi and McConnell - though an array of proxy battles over timing and protocol highlighted the lingering resentments.

The House voted Wednesday to send the Senate the two articles and to approve seven Democratic lawmakers to serve as impeachment managers, or prosecutors.

That group is notably smaller and more diverse than the team of lawmakers tapped by House Republicans to present the case during President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999, when all 13 managers were white men. Pelosi's team includes three women and two African Americans.

The resolution was approved 228 to 193, breaking largely along party lines.

The procedural formalities of the trial are expected to begin Thursday with the reading of the articles; the swearing-in of Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., who will preside; and the swearing-in of the senators as jurors. After that, the Senate is expected to recess for the weekend; the trial will begin in earnest Tuesday, according to McConnell.

The White House signaled Wednesday that it does not expect the Senate impeachment trial to last longer than two weeks, casting acquittal as a foregone conclusion and arguing that Trump's team will present "a very strong case for the president."

Asked whether Trump would go ahead with plans to deliver his State of the Union address on Feb. 4 even if the impeachment trial hasn't concluded by then, a senior administration official told reporters, "I think it's extraordinarily unlikely that we'd be going beyond two weeks."

"We think that this case is overwhelming for the president, and the Senate's not going to be having any need to be taking that amount of time on this," said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about internal White House deliberations and discussed the matter on the condition of anonymity.

In the House, debate was animated over the resolution to send the articles and approve managers. Pelosi emphasized that Trump is "impeached for life," regardless of what happens in the Senate.

"The president is not above the law," the speaker said. "He will be held accountable. He has been held accountable. He has been impeached. He has been impeached forever. They can never erase that."

- - -

The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane, John Wagner, Colby Itkowitz and Felicia Sonmez contributed to this report.
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 30 Master's in Addictions and Recovery Degree Programs for 2020. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 122 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.

The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 122 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 30 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university.

Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Addictions and Recovery Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-addictions-and-recovery-degree-programs/

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Aspen University

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Monmouth University

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University of Buffalo

University of Cumberlands

University of Massachusetts Boston

University of North Texas

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[Read about the events that our other critics have chosen for the week ahead.]

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF BENJAMIN BANNEKER at La MaMa (previews start on Jan. 23; opens on Jan. 24). The celebrated puppet maker Theodora Skipitares returns with a new show about an 18th-century free black man who distinguished himself as an astronomer, a horologist and a creator of almanacs. Assisting the puppets  some of them 12 feet tall  are members of the Soul Tigers, the marching band from Benjamin Banneker Academy in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

866-811-4111, lamama.org

THE WOMAN IN BLACK at the McKittrick Hotel (in previews; opens on Jan. 23). If Sleep No More hasnt given you nightmares yet, its new housemate might. This winter, the McKittrick Hotels Club Car will be haunted by Robin Herfords production of Susan Hills ghost story about a spectral woman who lures children to their deaths. Ben Porter and David Acton star.

mckittrickhotel.com

Last Chance

GREATER CLEMENTS at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center Theater (closes on Jan. 19). Samuel D. Hunters community tragedy, set in a small, industry-starved Idaho town, goes down the silver mines for the last time. Jesse Green compared it to a mine elevator: creaky and skeletal but with intermittent access to wonderful things. He added, If you are looking to cry, as I always am, Greater Clements will give you more than one reason to do so.

212-239-6200, lct.org

OKLAHOMA! at Circle in the Square (closes on Jan. 19). The wind will whistle down Broadway for just a few more performances as Daniel Fishs audacious version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic comes to a close. This isnt an act of plunder, Ben Brantley wrote, but of reclamation. And a cozy old friend starts to seem like a figure of disturbing  and exciting  depth and complexity.

212-239-6200, oklahomabroadway.com

QUEENS ROW at the Kitchen (closes on Jan. 25). Richard Maxwells play, set in the aftermath of a future civil war, ceases the hostilities. Ben Brantley wrote that this series of three monologues, each spoken by a woman, is a testament to the forms of faith that allow human beings to endure amid unspeakable loss and privation.

212-255-5793, thekitchen.org

SING STREET at New York Theater Workshop (closes on Jan. 26). The musical adaptation of John Carneys 1980s Dublin romance, directed by Rebecca Taichman, steps away from its synthesizers  for now. Producers have announced a Broadway transfer that will keep intact much of the original cast, who also sing and play their own instruments. Ben Brantley described the current version as a promising but still unfulfilled adaptation.

212-460-5475, nytw.org

SLAVE PLAY at the John Golden Theater (closes on Jan. 19). A work that has changed the Broadway conversation around race, sex, audiences, ticket prices and even talkbacks, Jeremy O. Harriss barbed comedy ends its run. Jesse Green wrote that in its depiction of three interracial couples, Robert OHaras production lets us all see ourselves in the muddle that is race in America now.

212-947-8844, slaveplaybroadway.com

THE THIN PLACE at Playwrights Horizons (closes on Jan. 26). Lucas Hnaths ghost story, directed by Les Waters, turns out the lights. Centered on a young woman who believes in other worlds and a medium who maybe doesnt, the play, Jesse Green wrote, presses against the deepest human longings not only for connection but also for exposure. He added, We want to know whats out there, yes, but we also want it to know us.

212-279-4200, playwrightshorizons.org
Four weeks after the US House of Representatives impeached President Donald Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday named managers for the Senate trial which is likely to begin next week.

Congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has been named as the lead manager.

The other managers who would be part of the argument on behalf of the House as the Senate holds its trial, which is likely to begin on January 21, are Congressman Jerry Nadler, chair of the House Judiciary Committee; Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, chairwoman of the House Committee on House Administration; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Chairman of the House Democratic and Congresswoman Val Demings, a member of both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committee.

This is about the Constitution of the United States, and its important the president to know, and Putin to know, the American voter, voters in America should decide who our president is, not that of a Putin -- in Russia, Pelosi told reporters at a news conference here.

So today Im very proud to present the managers who will bring the case, which we have great confidence in in terms of impeaching the president and his removal.

But this further evidence insists that -- and we wouldnt be in this situation had we not waited -- there be witnesses and that we see documentation. And now you see some of that change happening on the Senate side. I hope it does, for the good of our country and to honour our Constitution, she said.

Earlier, Pelosi said the House will pass a resolution naming the managers, appropriating the funds for the trial and transmitting the articles of impeachment of the president of the United States for trying to influence a foreign government for his own personal and political benefit.

The White House immediately slammed Pelosi and the Democratic Party.

The only thing Speaker Pelosi has achieved with this sham, illegitimate impeachment process, is to prove she is focused on politics instead of the American people, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said.

The Speaker lied when she claimed this was urgent and vital to national security because when the articles passed, she held them for an entire month in an egregious effort to garner political support. She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing, she said.

Asserting that Trump has done nothing wrong, Grisham said he looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated.

In the meantime, after President Trump signs the historic China trade deal greatly benefiting the people of this country, he will continue working and winning for all Americans, while the Democrats will continue only working against the president, Grisham added.
Millions watching on television, 100 senators seated silently in the Capitol, one man in the Oval Office with a twitchy Twitter finger.

President Donald Trumps impeachment team will be trying to appeal to multiple audiences when it mounts a defense of the president in his Senate trial.

Proceedings in the staid Senate are expected to run cooler than the fiery partisanship that was on display in the House, which voted to impeach Trump in December.

People familiar with the White House legal strategy acknowledged that the tone of those making Trump's case in the Senate trial presided over by Chief Justice John Roberts would be more subdued than a typical Trump supporter's appearance on Fox News or written broadsides leveled against Democrats. But finding the right approach will be a moving target.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks from the Senate Chamber after the delivery of the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday

Different constituencies have diverging aims. The White House hopes to move past the months-long impeachment saga with a swift acquittal in the Senate. Trump personally is seeking vindication in the public eye and wants a spectacle around which to rally his base of supporters. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants as little drama as possible, keen on protecting vulnerable incumbents facing reelection this fall.

The tensions of the competing priorities have already proved difficult to manage, particularly on the question of whether the trial should feature witnesses.

Trump has publicly called for the politically explosive testimony of the anonymous intelligence community whistleblower whose complaint triggered the impeachment probe and top Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee chairman and lead impeachment manager who has emerged as Trump's chief antagonist.

But McConnell has declared witnesses unnecessary and has pushed off the matter until after the presentation of evidence in the trial. He is hoping to head off Democrats seeking potentially damaging testimony from the likes of former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, while also preventing a drawn-out trial from turning into a spectacle.

Senior administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the legal teams thinking, on Wednesday reiterated their confidence in securing a swift trial without witnesses, looking to wrap it up before the State of the Union address scheduled for February 4.

But many on Capitol Hill dismiss that timeline as overly ambitious. Prospects are rising that Democrats will find enough Republican votes to eventually call witnesses, which would extend the length of the trial.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone, who is expected to lead Trumps defense team, has been no stranger to the deployment of blistering language against Trumps political rivals. He wrote a December letter to Pelosi claiming she and her Democratic colleagues were 'declaring open war on American democracy' by pursuing impeachment.

But Cipollone and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, a frequent Fox News guest and critic of Democrats on his own radio show, are expected to tone things down in the Senate, where they are likely to deliver most, if not all, of the presidents defense.

Two people familiar with the impeachment team's plans also said discussions about adding firebrand Republican House members like Jim Jordan and John Ratcliffe to the team have stalled in part over concerns about how senators would receive their rhetoric.

Instead, Trump allies expect them to be vocal surrogates in amplifying the White Houses arguments on cable news. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the internal deliberations, and warned that Trump had yet to make a final decision on his defense team.

In their conversations over the last several months, McConnell and Cippollone counseled Trump to let the impeachment process play out in two phases. First, an all-out partisan brawl in the House, with an aim toward exacting political pain on the Democrats pursuing the inquiry and culminating in party-line votes on the articles of impeachment.

The Senate, they argued, requires a cooler approach, and allies have advised the president to leave some of his more abrasive tweets in the drafts folder once the Senate trial gets underway. Trump, the people familiar with his defense said, has thus far bought in.

The first formal salvo of the Trump response - an early indication of how the approach in the Senate will differ from that in the House - is expected to come in a formal brief submitted by the president's lawyers in response to the impeachment summons, said the two people.

The Trump administration repeatedly refused to cooperate with the House impeachment probe, with Cippolone claiming at the time that 'more due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials.'

Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Huntington Center, in Toledo, Ohio, on January 9

In preparation for the Senate phase, Trump and McConnell have personally kept in close contact, according to a person familiar with the situation but unauthorized to discuss it, and have tried to forge a multi-pronged strategy playing to each of their strong suits.

That means allowing the Senate leader to structure the complex floor proceedings and navigate the personal dynamics of the chamber while the president sounds off through his tweets and rallies.

The Senate leader wants to ensure the trial unfolds in a way that draws the centrist senators on both sides of the aisle, who may vote to convict or acquit and who may control whether the Senate will hear from witnesses.

They are Republicans like Susan Collins of Maine and Utah's Mitt Romney and moderate Democrats like Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Alabama's Doug Jones.

Still, Trump has indicated to aides and confidants that he is very concerned about how the impeachment trial will play out on television, according to a White House official and a Republican close to the West Wing, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss private conversations.

Trump appears somewhat conflicted: He has expressed concern that even a short trial could dominate weeks of cable news coverage. But he also has privately expressed the wish for a showy trial in which his side is well-represented, believing that calling witnesses like Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, could exonerate him in the public eye.

On Wednesday, as the House voted to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, the president oversaw a signing ceremony for a trade deal with China at the White House and milked the moment, happy to offer counter-programming to the historic proceedings on Capitol Hill.

As for the impeachment drama, Trump tweeted a terse advance review of the Senate proceedings: 'Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats. All of this work was supposed to be done by the House, not the Senate!'
Hong Kong may be allowed to keep its unique freedoms beyond their 2047 expiry date, its leader said Thursday, but only if inhabitants remain loyal to Beijing's vision of how the city should be run.

Chief executive Carrie Lam, a pro-Beijing appointee, made the comments during a fiery session in the city's legislature, where she was frequently interrupted by opposition lawmakers -- many of whom were ejected.

Hong Kong has been battered by seven months of pro-democracy protests, which Lam and Beijing have taken a hard line against.

The protests are fuelled by fears that the city is losing freedoms under an increasingly authoritarian Beijing.

Under a "one country, two systems" deal agreed ahead of the city's 1997 handover, authoritarian China has allowed Hong Kong to keep key liberties and its capitalist system for fifty years.

But protesters say Beijing is already reneging on that promise, while uncertainty swirls around what might happen when the deadline expires.

On Thursday Lam said the city's continued freedoms were contingent on the city not challenging Beijing.

"Only if we insist on implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle and practice it continuously and fully ... then I think there will be enough grounds for 'one country, two systems' to move ahead smoothly and there would be no change after 2047," Lam said during Thursday's appearance in the legislature.

She then called on the city's youth not to damage the principle because of "temporary misunderstandings".

"Otherwise, what they are worried about will be brought about by themselves," she added.

Hong Kong's protests were initially sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But they have since morphed into a popular revolt against Beijing's rule with huge marches and frequent clashes over the last seven months.

The ferocity and frequency of the protests have died down in recent weeks, but there are still rallies and occasional clashes with police.

The unrest has also helped tipped Hong Kong into a recession.

Among key protester demands are an independent investigation into the police, amnesty for more than 6,500 people arrested, and fully free elections.

Lam, backed by Beijing, has rejected those demands.

On Thursday she doubled down on defending the city's police force.

"I would not accept anyone accusing the police of brutality," she said.

Later in the day, the city's police watchdog said it would delay the imminent publication of an interim report on the protests because it was facing a legal challenge by pro-democracy supporters.

Beijing has thrown its full support behind Lam, who currently boasts record-low approval ratings.

Security officials had to be called in multiple times on Thursday to force out pro-democracy lawmakers who shouted slogans and held placards, including one that portrayed Lam as a vampire with bat wings.

Lam even fielded tough questions from pro-Beijing lawmakers, one of whom asked if she was willing to take a pay cut.

The last time Lam appeared in the legislature, in October, the heckling was so sustained that she abandoned a state of the union-style address and delivered it by video instead.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:35:42|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Egypt "completely rejected" Turkey's criticism of its arrests of some Cairo-based Turkish media workers, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

On Wednesday, Egyptian police raided the office of Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu in Cairo, arresting four of its staff members.

The Egyptian Interior Ministry said the agency was working under the cover of a company named Seta that had been "established by the terrorist Brotherhood group with the support of Turkey."

Anadolu's office was shut down following the 2013 ouster of Egypt's former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, leader of the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, and has been operating "illegally" ever since, it said.

The agency "spread false and fabricated information about the political, economic, security and legal conditions in Egypt," Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in a statement on Thursday.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry earlier condemned the raid as "harassment and intimidation against Turkish media," demanding the immediate release of the Anadolu employees. Turkey also summoned the Egyptian ambassador to protest over the matter.

Hafez said Turkey's concerns over press freedom in Egypt "obscured the country's own rampant violations of free speech and human rights."

The Egypt-Turkey relations have sharply deteriorated since Ankara strongly supported Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood administration that was overthrown by the army in 2013.

The two countries are also on opposing sides of the Libyan conflict, where Turkey supports the UN-backed government in Tripoli, while Egypt supports the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.
More food staff work at pubs than bar staff, new figures show. Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Almost 30 years after the first gastropub opened its doors, Britains pubs now employ more people handling food than drink.

New data shows chefs and food servers have overtaken bar staff in Britains pubs for the first time.

43.8% of staff at pub and bar companies work in catering, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), while just 28.9% do bar work.

The figures were almost the polar opposite in 2003. Back then, four in 10 employees were bar staff and just under three in 10 were involved in food.

The Sunday roast has long been a staple of many pubs but food has become a 7-day-a-week feature at boozers over the last few decades.

The Eagle pub in East London is credited with inventing the term gastropub in 1991 when new owners put food front and centre. At the other end of the market, chains like JD Wetherspoon (JDW.L) also pioneered the idea of eating at the boozer with offers like its Thursday curry club. Pub dining has become so ubiquitous that celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has been able to build an entire career on the back of it.

READ MORE: Pub numbers are finally rising  but small locals are still at risk

The ONS said the shift reflected changing consumer habits. Data shows people have been spending less on drinking out and more on eating out in recent years. The rate of drinking among young people has also started to decline.

Embracing food has helped lift the pub sector to its best performance since the financial crisis, the ONS said. Britains bar and pub sector took in 23.2bn ($30.3bn) in 2017, the highest total since 2008.

ONS data showed the number of people employed in the sector has also risen sharply over the last 10 years despite a long-term decline in the number of pubs. 457,000 people now work in pubs and bars across Britain, almost 70,000 more than a decade ago.

In December, the ONS said the number of British pubs had risen for the first time in a decade. The statistics body said on Thursday that locals  small pubs with fewer than 10 staff  helped spur the growth. Small pubs grew in Britain for the first time in 15 years last year.

While smaller pubs have been struggling to survive in recent years, bigger pubs have been growing in number, senior ONS statistician Hugh Stickland said.

This growth has been driven by food rather than drink and weve seen a big rise in the number of people employed as pub kitchen and waiting staff.
VANCOUVER - Canada's health minister says talk about decriminalizing drugs to deal with the country's opioids crisis is premature until people have enough help to fight their addictions.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (725 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu walks through a back alley after visiting the Molson Overdose Prevention Site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Thursday, January 16, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VANCOUVER - Canada's health minister says talk about decriminalizing drugs to deal with the country's opioids crisis is premature until people have enough help to fight their addictions.

Countries that have taken that step have supports in place to protect people, said Patty Hajdu, who toured the Molson Overdose Prevention Site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside on Thursday with Mayor Kennedy Stewart.

"My personal perspective on decriminalization is that it can't be done in a broad sweep," she said.

The way services are delivered in Canada vary from province to province in terms of what kinds of supports are available, she said.

"So I think that having a comprehensive kind of approach that includes things like prevention, treatment, harm reduction, enforcement, housing, those are the kind of things that are actually going to start to move the needle," Hajdu said.

"It's too premature to have a conversation about full decriminalization of substances until we get to the place where we have comprehensive support for people to get well."

She said the crisis stems from people struggling with "dire health situations" that need a compassionate and pragmatic response.

Last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was not convinced that decriminalizing hard drugs is the solution to the opioid crisis, and other options need a chance.

The most recent figures from the Public Health Agency of Canada show that nearly 14,000 Canadians have been killed by opioids since 2016.

Hajdu said the Liberals have invested significantly in ways that are making a difference. Deaths due to overdose are going down because people have wider access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, she said.

Stewart said Vancouver has been at the epicentre of the overdose crisis.

"But we're suddenly seeing it now move across the country with basically the cause being a poison drug supply."

Hajdu said Vancouver has been leading the way on drug policy.

Harm reduction along with collaboration between public health agencies, non-profit organizations and the city is important to make progress, she said.

What works in Vancouver might not work in Thunder Bay or Edmonton, she said, adding that the federal government would like to see solutions that are rooted in local community support.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
The Hungarian government will soon announce the creation of 1,000 jobs by Indian companies involved in advanced technologies, the foreign minister said after talks in Mumbai.

Peter Szijjarto told MTI by phone that he had held talks with representatives of automotive, electronics and energy companies, including Tata Sons and the Mahindra and Hinduja groups, based in and around the city.



Agreements were reached on these companies making investments that exploit Hungarys geostrategic importance, its well-trained workforce and incentives such as Europes lowest corporate tax rate, he said.



The new jobs will be distributed across Hungary, primarily in the automotive industry, in service centres and the renewable energy sector, Szijjarto said.



Around 40 large-scale Indian companies operate in Hungary, employing over 10,000 people, Szijjarto noted. He also held talks in Mumbai with Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the governor of the state of Maharashtra.
A coalition of 14 states along with Washington, D.C., and New York City sued Thursday to block the Trump administration from cutting off food stamp benefits from nearly 700,000 unemployed people, the first of three such planned measures to restrict the federal food safety net.

The Agriculture Department finalized the new rule in December, eliminating states' discretion to waive work requirements in distressed economic areas - a change that would slash nearly $5.5 billion from food stamp spending over five years.

In the lawsuit, attorneys general from the District, Maryland, Virginia, New York, California and other states, warned that "drastic" cuts would affect 688,000 to 850,000 adults without children. They asserted the justification for the cuts were based on no evidence and ignored local labor market conditions.

"States are in the best position to evaluate local economic circumstances and to determine where there are insufficient job opportunities such that work requirements would be ineffective," they said in a 99-page lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in Washington. The new rule "eliminates State discretion and criteria" and will terminate "essential food assistance for benefits recipients who live in areas with insufficient jobs."

The lawsuit is the latest confrontation between the Trump administration and Democratic-governed states, one set off by aiming changes at a program that serves poor and unemployed people and disproportionately affects large cities. Other proposed changes would push 3 million off food assistance.

In the lawsuit, states along the northeastern U.S. corridor joined by California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Oregon said their governments would face heavy new administrative and financial burdens, economic damages and increased costs from "the negative health effects of malnutrition and instability."

"President [Donald] Trump's unlawful changes to the SNAP rule will strip nutrition assistance from tens of thousands of struggling District residents, putting their health at risk while driving up District health care costs and needlessly hampering our economy," D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"We are bringing this lawsuit to protect SNAP recipients nationwide and to check an administration that is attempting another end-run around Congress to advance its heartless agenda," Racine said, adding the Republican-led Congress in 2018 rejected the changes as punishing people struggling to find jobs.

Racine said in the District, for example, while the region is booming for high-income workers, many of the 13,000 recipients at risk of losing food aid are low-skilled adults without degrees or training who must compete for a small slice of low-wage jobs and working hours.

"Locking them out of food assistance will not encourage them to work. . . . It will force them to choose between putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their heads," Racine said, making "it harder for them to acquire the skills and training they need to find jobs."

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Under current law, able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 49 can receive benefits for a maximum of three months during a three-year period, unless they are working or enrolled in an education or training program for 80 hours a month.

States have been able to waive this time limit to ensure access to food stamps during the ups and downs of reentering the workforce. Before this rule, counties with an unemployment rate as low as 2.5% were included in waived areas.

The new rule, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2020, will tighten the criteria for states applying for such waivers, making 6% the minimum unemployment rate for a county to receive a waiver.

In announcing the change last year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue told reporters, "This is about restoring the original intent of food stamps . . . moving more able-bodied Americans to self sufficiency."

Perdue cited the economic expansion as a basis for tightening states' waivers. He said the number of Americans receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has grown from 17 million to more than 36 million since 2000, although the unemployment rate is now lower.

Two other proposed rule changes, not yet final, aim to cap deductions for utility allowance and to limit access to SNAP for working poor families.

A study by the Urban Institute shows the combined impact of these rules would cut 3.7 million people from SNAP in an average month. Benefits would be reduced for millions more, and 982,000 students would lose automatic access to free or reduced price school meals.

Critics say the changes would bite even harder during the next economic downturn, and were rejected by Congress in 2018.

In a joint conference call with reporters, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, added, for unemployed people from rural Appalachia to the Mississippi River delta to the Bronx in New York, "SNAP benefits are often the difference between eating and going hungry. It's that simple."

- - -

The Washington Post's Laura Reiley contributed to this report.
Sam Mendes digs into WW I, editing his new film to look like one long take

It is April 16, 1917, three bloody and quixotic years into World War I, and a pair of dozing English soldiersSchofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman)have been chosen to deliver an urgent message.

Surveillance shows that some 1,600 British troops have advanced to the edge of a German trap, and the unaware English are poised to charge at dawn. Horribly urgent as this is, the warning seemingly can't be delivered by plane, and the telegraph lines have been cut by the Kaiser's soldiers.

Delivering the message via a pair of runners is a mad plan, but their commanding officer (Colin Firth) recites Kipling to steady the two corporals' nerves: "Down to Gehenna or up to the Throne ..."

George Orwell cited the unspoken other half of that couplet as proof of how important a cliche can be: "Sooner or later you will have occasion to feel that 'he travels the fastest who travels alone,' and there the thought is, readymade and, as it were, waiting for you."

"Readymade thought" isn't a bad way to describe how director Sam Mendes proceeds; he makes a thrill ride out of the Western Front. It's the fastest-paced film he's done. Editing is supposed to be an invisible art, but this year the Oscar for best editing may be given to a film that looks as if it had no edits. It's formed as a single, long take, based on a soldier's tunnel vision of zigzagging through the crowded trenches. Outside the entrenchment, the spaces are wide open, and there's no place to hide. It's the driest World War I movie since Gallipoli, the famous muck and rain and fog of the trenches replaced by a spring of wildflowers and chalk soil.

Here is almost every nightmare story you've heard about the war: a trench caves in while the soldiers are prowling an abandoned German entrenchment. It's alive with rats so fat they can barely waddle. "Even their rats are bigger than ours!" There are corpses that, tangled in the barbed wire, still move in the windSchofield and Blake's first signpost is to "turn right at the Nodding Man." He's their guide to a stew of skeletons in a shell hole. Perhaps the nastiest matter is in the home stretch: hand-to-hand night combat amid medieval brick walls sliced into Dali-esque shapes by the artillery blasts.

In these scenes, cinematographer Roger Deakins recalls Pat Barker's novel The Ghost Road. It's not, as she wrote, the gas attack dimming the light, making a rising sun seem to be setting, but it's similar: under the parachute flares, everything is as yellow and orange and lurid as a carnival.

This movie with two stars is livened up by celebrity officers. Mark Strong is an intelligent-looking officer (Canadian, I think) who provides a handy truck. The ever-humane Daniel Mays is excellent as a soldier harrowed by the war. A maddened Andrew Scott blesses his troops with droplets of holy rum as they get ready to go over the top. Benedict Cumberbatch is a blood-drinking attritionist, another one of those top-brass fiends who believed World War I would be won by the side that stuffed the most meat in the grinder.

The problem is that Mendes sometimes gets into the kind of territory that Mark Twain condemned in James Fennimore Cooper. It's a movie on steroids, cooking up incidents when the truth is bad enough. First an escape in a river, and then a waterfallin the Lowlands? A soldier is knocked cold by a rifle bullet to the helmet, by a sniper some 50 yards away who doesn't bother to find out if he's dead. Lastly comes the bad Hemingway scene of a soldier encountering the film's only woman (Claire Duburcq). And a final race gives us a runner seemingly able to outrun machine guns.

The Great War is all but lost from living memorythat's my way of suggesting a reading of Paul Fussell's 1975 book The Great War and Modern Memory. There's also a long list of films that apparently haven't been seen by people celebrating 1917 as the best movie made about the Great War.

I succumbed to this thrilling, compelling filmthough it's current, post-Golden Globes status as a best-picture frontrunner is baffling. Considering what they endured, it's probably best that the vets didn't live to see it and hoot at it.

1917

R; 119 Mins.

Valleywide
In 1926, the titan of U.S. industry Henry Ford single-handedly scaled back his full-time employees workweek from forty-eight to forty hours. In justifying his decision, he claimed It is high time to rid ourselves of the notion that leisure for workmen is either lost time or a class privilege.

The result was a vast improvement in worker productivity and company profits. In 1940, Congress made the five-day, 40-hour workweek the law of the land by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Yet over time, the number of hours worked by American full-time employees has lengthened considerably. According to a recent Gallup poll, American full-time employees now work an average of 47 hours per week, or nearly a full extra eight-hour day.



A 2018 survey by The Workforce Institute found that 35 percent of current employees would take a 20-percent pay cut if they could work one less day a week. That is how much we need and value more free time.

While unexpected, these results are not surprising: Few people who log an eight-hour workday actually put in eight hours of continual work. The same 2018 Workforce Institute survey found that 45 percent of global workers think it should only take five hours a day to do their job.

It turns out, workforce authorities agree with them: Adam Grant, a professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business has spent years studying the dynamics of success and productivity in the workplace. His conclusion: Workers can be as productive and creative in six focused hours as in eight unfocused hours. For this reason, he suggests the workday should end at 3, instead of 5 p.m.

Read the whole story: PBS
Phoebe Burgess has been keeping a relatively low profile since splitting from her husband, retired NRL star Sam Burgess, in late September.

But on Thursday, the 30-year-old journalist took time out for herself by getting her brows done at an exclusive clinic in Sydney's Double Bay.

After her pampering session, the single mother-of-two appeared to deny rumours she'd had any cosmetic surgery in a post shared to her Instagram Story.

Natural beauty: Phoebe Burgess shut down surgery rumours on Thursday, telling fans she's 'extremely low maintenance' when it comes to her beauty routine

She uploaded a selfie with the caption: 'A few questions about what I have "done".'

Phoebe went on to clarify that she hasn't had anything 'done' in terms of surgery, but does have a beauty regimen that keeps her looking fresh and youthful.

'I'm extremely low maintenance, tidy up around the brow, tint, done,' she wrote.

All natural! The 30-year-old journalist clarified that she hasn't had anything 'done' in terms of surgery, but does have a beauty regimen that keeps her looking fresh and youthful

She also told her followers recently that her ultimate beauty tip for fellow mothers is simply to 'get one night's sleep'.

During her days as a writer for Cleo magazine, Phoebe once asked a plastic surgeon what work she 'needed' if she wanted to be a fashion model.

In the article, she claimed a cosmetic specialist had told her that her face was 'flawed' and she could expect to pay $17,000 correcting it.

Over: Phoebe separated from her husband, Sam, in September 2019, following a brief split earlier that year which had resulted in a reconciliation

The surgeon supposedly said: 'Your nose is dominating your face and we need a plan to fix it. I don't want to see some hanging kamikaze hawk thing going on.'

It comes after a tumultuous year for Phoebe and her family.

The Burgesses ended their marriage in September 2019, following a brief split earlier that year which had resulted in a reconciliation.

Since the break-up, Phoebe has been staying at her parents' country home near Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands. Sam is believed to be renting in Coogee.

Confronting experience: During her days as a writer for Cleo magazine, Phoebe once asked a plastic surgeon what work she 'needed' if she wanted to be a fashion model
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an executive order allowing state and local authorities to refuse to resettle refugees, just days after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott made Texas the only state to withdraw from the program.

In a strongly-worded 31-page decision, U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte said that the new consent requirement is likely unlawful for violating the 1980 Refugee Act, which sets conditions for refugee resettlement and grants the federal government authority over where to send them.

Giving states and local governments the power to consent to the resettlement of refugees  which is to say veto power to determine whether refugees will be received in their midst  flies in the face of clear Congressional intent, Messitte wrote. One is left to wonder exactly what the rationale is for doing away entirely with a process that has worked so successfully for so long.

A spokesman for Abbott did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Abbott is the only governor to opt out of the federally funded program while seven other states including Georgia, Florida, and Alabama had not yet notified the State Department of its decision before the injunction.

The Justice Department declined to comment on whether it would appeal the ruling. A State Department spokesman said the agency is reviewing the judges decision.

The new veto power for states and cities, required by an executive order President Donald Trump issued in September, is unprecedented in decades of U.S. resettlement. It comes as the White House has slashed the number of refugees allowed into the country to a record low of 18,000 for 2020  down from 30,000 in 2019 and an average of 102,000 annually during the programs peak under President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s.

This year, about 2,000 refugees were expected to be resettled in Texas, compared to 7,800 admitted during the last year of President Barack Obamas administration in 2016.

Todays ruling not only protects the important work the resettlement agencies have been doing with communities for decades, but also reflects our values as a nation, said Melissa Keaney, an attorney for the International Refugee Assistance Project who argued the case on behalf of three national resettlement agencies.

Mark Hetfield, chief executive of HIAS, a Jewish refugee organization which was a plaintiff to the lawsuit, said the judges decision reflected the fact that 42 states including 17 led by Republican governors  agreed to continue taking in refugees.

An overwhelming majority of governors and municipalities have already expressed their desire to continue welcoming refugees, Hetfield said in a statement. To those few who have not, we say not only is it unkind and un-American to ban refugees from your states and towns, but it is unlawful.

In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Friday, Abbott wrote that since 2010, more refugees have been sent to Texas than any other state and about 1 in 10 are resettled here. At the same time, the governor wrote, the state has been the focus of immigrants crossing the southern border.

The state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless  indeed, all Texans, Abbott wrote.

His spokesman, John Wittman, defended the decision in a statement earlier this week, saying it will not prevent any refugee from coming to America.

Withdrawing from the program would have meant federal funding could not be distributed to resettle any refugees in Texas, said Kimberly Haynes, a regional refugee coordinator with the South Texas Office of Refugees. But it would not have prevented refugees from coming here on their own without such assistance.

Most refugees coming to Houston are joining relatives and would likely have continued to resettle here no matter where they initially were placed, Haynes said. But under Abbotts withdrawal they would not have qualified for federal services to help them integrate, including assistance with housing, finding work, and learning English.

Were breathing a big sigh of relief knowing that communities across the country can continue to welcome refugees and wont have to make decisions if they want to be with their family members or access important services, especially when it comes to Texas, said Jen Smyers, director of policy for Church World Service, a national resettlement agency that joined the lawsuit against the government.

She said the issue of refugee resettlement had wrongly been conflated with illegal immigration and asylum seekers at the southern border. Refugees must prove they suffered persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. They apply for the protection through the United Nations from another country and can be resettled all over the world.

The U.N. estimates there are an unprecedented 25.9 million refugees globally  over half of whom are under the age of 18 and most go to Turkey, Jordan and Pakistan. Of the 30,000 refugees admitted into the United States in the 2019 fiscal year ending in September, 60 percent were from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar. They undergo stringent U.S. State Department security screenings and multiple interviews in a process that can last three years and are widely regarded as the most-closely vetted entrants to the country.

Other than Texas, two counties and one city opted to block refugees from coming there. No refugees had been resettled in the counties  Appomattox in Virginia and Beltrami in Minnesota  for years, Smyers said. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno of Springfield, Mass., which has been a resettlement destination for refugees, also said he would not consent to their admission, though city council members were considering measures to overrule him.

On Tuesday, state Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared on Fox & Friends to defend Abbotts decision, saying Texas had resettled the greatest share of refugees in the nation and that it was expensive.

I think people understand in Texas that we have done our share for a long time and were going to continue doing our share given the fact that Congress is not reacting to the border crisis, Paxton said.

No direct state funding goes to refugee resettlement, although refugees can qualify for Medicaid and food assistance.

A spokesman for Paxton did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, said hed like to have a private conversation with Abbott to get more detail about his thought process in declining to accept refugees, even as the senator said he understood that the state had long borne the brunt of illegal immigration at the border.

I think legal immigration is a good thing, and these refugees - once they come to the United States, theyre not required to live where theyre settled. They could move tomorrow, Cornyn said.

Still, he said, Abbotts decision was certainly within the governors purview and not my decision to make.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington D.C. group that supports reducing immigration, cast the ruling as another lawless attempt by judges who dont like Trump to prevent his policies from going into effect.

Ali Al Sudani, who came here as a refugee from Iraq a decade ago and is now chief programs officer at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, said he was grateful the decision would continue allowing refugees to resettle in Texas, popular for its plentiful job opportunities, cost of living and rich faith community.

He said he hoped the legal challenge would not continue to politicize what for decades has been a program with bipartisan support.

I hope this will be a situation where the federal government, state government, local, faith, nonprofit and business groups come to realize once again that this is the right thing to do, the American thing to do, Al Sudani said.

lomi.kriel@chron.com

Houston Chronicle reporter Benjamin Wermund contributed to this report.
As advocates and lawmakers aim to reduce the number of people on probation in Pennsylvania, they can see success stories in other states.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center has examined probation reforms across the nation. A 2019 study found that nearly half of all state prison admissions nationwide are due to probation or parole violations. However, some states have worked to reduce the number of people under court supervision.

Were seeing lots of states take steps to focus their supervision resources on individuals who are most likely to benefit, said Marshall Clement, deputy director of policy and strategic planning of the justice center.

Lawmakers and advocates for criminal justice reform are aiming to revamp Pennsylvanias probation system, saying its too expensive and ineffective.

About 178,000 people are on probation in Pennsylvania and advocates say long probation terms are costing taxpayers money and making it harder for offenders to turn their lives around. Too many end up in state prison or county jails for probation violations, advocates say.

Gov. Tom Wolf says he wants to reform the states probation system. Lawmakers agree that the system needs to be fixed but they dont agree on how to do it.

Many states have caps limiting how long offenders can stay on probation. States have also undertaken other measures, such as earning credit toward reducing sentences.

New York City

New York City offers a compelling example of a reduction in probation, a Harvard University study noted. From 1996 to 2014, the number of offenders on probation in New York City dropped 68 percent (from 68,000 to 21,379). New York shifted to conditional discharges and fines, among other steps.

In that same span, the crime rate in New York City dropped 57 percent, according to New York figures. Harvard researchers dont point to a cause-effect relationship but they note that crime certainly isnt getting worse with people spending less time on probation. New York also allows offenders to check in with probation officers via electronic kiosks, rather than meeting in person.

Georgia

Georgia has the highest rate of adults under correctional control in the nation (Pennsylvania is second). But Georgia has taken steps to reduce the number of people under court supervision, said Clement.

Georgia approved a measure to end active supervision in tens of thousands of cases where offenders had outstanding fines but had complied in all other ways.

Missouri

In 2012, Missouri approved a law allowing those on probation and parole to earn credit toward reducing their sentence. For each month of successful compliance, an offenders sentence is shortened by 30 days.

After three years, Missouris court supervised population fell 18 percent, according to a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts. And there was no change in the crime rate, Clement said.

Michigan

Several years ago, Michigan enacted measures aimed at reducing the number of probation violators from going back to prison. Michigan focused on more diversionary programs, including residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment. From 2013 to 2018, the number of probation violators going to prison dropped 21 percent, Megan Quattlebaum, director of the Council of State Governments Justice Center, wrote in an op-ed for USA Today.

South Carolina

The state aimed to reduce the number of people sent back to prison for probation and parole violations. South Carolina approved measures calling for administrative responses, such as home visits or warnings, for those who committed violations. People who were under court superivision after the reforms were implemented were 33 percent less likely to be placed behind bars, according to a study by The Urban Institute.

In 2016, South Carolina passed a law enabling those convicted of low-level crimes to be discharged from probation after a year if they stay out of trouble.

Pending reforms

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Sentencing Commission voted to limit probation for most offenders to five years. Unless state lawmakers override the commissions ruling, the new limits will take effect this summer, The Star Tribune reported.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed reducing probation terms to a maximum of two years, down from three years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies. Hes also aiming to put more money in rehabilitation programs at the beginning of probationary periods, arguing that is when such assistance is most effective.

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BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Holding his one-year-old son in his arms, Zhou Yongjie passed the ticket check at Beijing South Railway Station within three seconds just by swiping his ID card and looking at a camera with a smile.

It was the first time for Zhou to bring his son to his hometown in east China's Shandong Province for the Chinese New Year. "The newly launched e-ticket system saves me the trouble of waiting in line for tickets," Zhou said.

Zhou is among millions of passengers in the Spring Festival travel rush, the biggest annual human migration in the world. Over 3 billion trips are expected this year, official data showed.

The Spring Festival travel season started on Jan. 10 this year, much earlier than previous years, and poses a considerable challenge to the country's transport system since the return flow of college students overlaps with the travel rush.

To cope with the travel demands, transport authorities promised stronger capacity, with 15 new high-speed railway lines being put into operation at the end of 2019.

With new technologies, services and stronger transportation capability, passengers like Zhou can now enjoy a more convenient trip home by train.

EASIER TRAVEL

The scene of long lines waiting to get print tickets and cases of missing the train due to that are disappearing as China is introducing an e-ticket system for high-speed railways.

Instead of collecting tickets at the stations, travelers now can pass ticket checks with just their ID cards and facial recognition.

"The e-ticket system has cut the ticket checking time by over 30 percent and efficiently relieved traffic congestion during the travel rush," said Shan Xinghua, chief researcher at the China Academy of Rail Sciences, adding that a total of 1,020 stations in the country have adopted the system this year.

Ticket booking is also more customer-friendly thanks to a series of improvements by 12306, the country's official online railway ticket-booking platform, including increasing its ticketing capacity, extending the daily work hours and introducing a waitlist function to improve booking efficiency.

ONE-STOP SERVICES

A crowded and drowsy journey used to be every traveler's nightmare, but now traveling by train can be full of joy and comfort thanks to enriching services.

China has pioneered a smart waiting hall in some railway stations where travelers can talk with AI facilities, enjoy mini karaoke bars and play interactive video games.

Passengers of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway, for example, can enjoy download speeds of up to 1 Gbps as the line's mainland section is gradually being covered by 5G.

New transport services, including taxi-hailing, food ordering and online seat selection, are all improving the Spring Festival travel experience.

"I can transfer to buses directly without having to wait in line for tickets since they can be booked via a mobile app in advance," said Zhou. "It's so enjoyable and convenient now."
The Duchess of Cambridge proved the Kate Middleton effect is still in full force, after a Zara dress she wore during a royal engagement in Bradford was listed at ten times the price just hours later.

The royal, 38, wore the 89.99 long-sleeved dress houndstooth dress from the high street retailer, that was reduced to 15.99 in the sale, during a visit to West Yorkshire with Prince William on Wednesday.

The stylish Duchess teamed it with a bespoke Alexander McQueen military-style khaki coat, 520 black block heels by Gianvito Rossi, a 550 Aspinal midi 'Mayfair bag' and 6 drop earrings from Pakistani designer Zeen.

And within hours of Kate's appearance, the dress was listed on eBay for prices as high as 125.

The Duchess of Cambridge proved the Kate Middleton effect is still in full force, after a Zara dress she wore during a royal engagement in Bradford was listed at ten times the price just hours later

The long-sleeved dress, which is available in sizes XS to XXL, and features a high neck tie and an elasticated waist, had already sold out in all sizes online at Zara when Kate made her appearance.

A store search shows the frock may still be available in selected sizes across some stores.

Meanwhile the Aspinal bag shows there is only one black version of the bag left in stock online.

The royal, 38, wore the 89.99 long-sleeved dress houndstooth dress from the high street retailer, that was reduced to 15.99 in the sale, during a visit to West Yorkshire with Prince William on Wednesday

And within hours of Kate's appearance, the dress appeared on eBay for prices as high as 125

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Bradford for their first joint royal engagement of the year yesterday.

During their visit, the couple took a tour of the city and visited a community project that aims to strengthen bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.

They met families from the Older Yet Wiser project - a workshop series helping grandparents to enhance their relationship with their grandchildren and giving them information about raising children in the 21st century.

While in West Yorkshire, William and Kate also visited young people, employers and families at a series of projects that promote cohesion within what is one of Britain's most diverse cities.

Elsewhere another savvy buyer listed the dress at 109 as royal fans cashed in on Kate's sell out style
By PTI

LAHORE: A television anchor and his news programme was banned by Pakistan's media watchdog for 60 days on Thursday for letting a Cabinet minister to display an army boot during the talk show to ridicule the Opposition.

Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda appeared on Kashif Abbasi's programme 'Off the Record' on ARY News and used a military boot to heap scorn on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for voting in favour of the recently passed Army Act in Parliament.

Senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira and PML-N leader Javed Abbasi, who were co-participants, walked out in protest as the show host just grinned and failed to stop Vawda's antics.

Taking cognizance of the incident, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) took action against the news programme and its anchor citing violation of media laws and banned Kashif Abbasi and his show Off the Record for 60 days.

Vawda in a show with Hamid Mir of Geo New on Wednesday defended his action as a "mirror to opposition, especially PML-N, for opposing and vilifying army" but lying down to support the law.

However, the minister agreed that his action was extreme and he also showed ignorance that it was against laws of PEMRA.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan "disliked the boot thing" in the show.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes on January 20 in relation to an ongoing probe against the airline. The central probe agency has also summoned the entire top leadership of the airline, both past and present.

The action comes more than a year after Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Board of Investigation (CBI) started investigating allegations regarding irregularities of funds and even criminal misconduct by AirAsia when it was lobbying for its operational licences in India. AirAsia's top brass has been summoned under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Along with Fernandes, AirAsia Group President Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, aka Bo Lingam, and businessman Arun Bhatia, who held substantial equity in the airline, have also been summoned. Senior group executive S Ramadorai, as well as former CEOs Naresh Algan and Mittu Chandiliya have also been asked by the agency to join the probe.

In May 2018, the ED had registered a money-laundering case against AirAsia officials and others for allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence for its Indian venture AirAsia India Limited. The central probe agency had pressed charges under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe whether tainted funds were used to create illegal assets.

The ED had said it would look into the money trail of the accused named in the case. The agency's office in Mumbai has been probing a separate case against the airline and its executives under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The probe registered in 2018 was initiated on the basis of the claims of ousted Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry's allegations that fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore, were carried out in an instance involving AirAsia.

The CBI, in its criminal FIR, had booked Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, also known as Bo Lingam, former Deputy Group CEO of Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, and R Venkataramanan, Director AirAsia India Ltd, Bengaluru, besides companies AirAsia India Pvt Ltd and AirAsia Berhad.

The CBI FIR had alleged that Venkataramanan was lobbying with the government to secure mandatory approvals, some of them through non-transparent means, including the then FIPB clearance, no objection certificate, and the attempt for removal or modification of 5/20 rule.

The 5/20 ruled mandated that an airline needs to have five years of flying experience and 20 aircraft to be eligible for international flying licence. At the time the case was registered, AirAsia had only 18 aircraft. It was replaced with 0/20 rule by the Cabinet in June 2016.

Fernandes wanted it to fly internationally from the day of getting flying permit granted in May, 2014, the CBI FIR alleged. He and his local Indian partner Tata Sons through their nominee Venkataramanan would lobby in government to get all approvals including FIPB clearance and amend or remove existing 5/20 rule for international operations, the CBI FIR had alleged.

The CBI has also named Rajender Dubey, Director of Singapore-based HNR Trading pvt Ltd, Sunil Kapur, Chairman Total Food Services, Mumbai and Deepak Talwar, Principal and Founder DTA consulting, New Delhi and the company HNR Trading as alleged lobbyists who used their influence to get 5/20 rule relaxed before General Elections of 2014.

ALSO READ: ED asks Edelweiss Financial Services to appear before it on Jan 15

ALSO READ: PMC Bank scam: Bombay HC sets up panel for sale of HDIL assets

ALSO READ: ICICI Bank files civil suit to recover Rs 12 crore from Chanda Kochhar
Zarif regrets over E3's breach of own obligation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Jan 15, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed regret over Europeans' violations of their own regulations in Iran nuclear deal otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"E3's response to the US attack on JCPOA has been to cut trade/investment in Iran while embargoing our oil," Zarif tweeted on Wednesday.

He added, "Told #Raisina2020 it's sad that biggest economy has allowed itself to be bullied into violating own obligations."

"JCPOA's future depends on E3, not Iran," he reiterated.

Earlier in a message, Zarif said that the UK is parroting the US line, adding that they cannot save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by appeasing the bully.

"E3 can save JCPOA but not by appeasing the bully & pressuring the complying party Rather it should muster the courage to fulfill its own obligations," he added.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi referred to the three European countries' measures to activate nuclear dispute mechanism and said that what the UK, France, and Germany have done is a passive move and out of weakness.

"If the Europeans want to exploit the dispute resolution process in the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), they must prepare themselves to accept its consequences," Mousavi said.

He underlined that the three European countries are taking a measure completely out of weakness and passiveness.

Britain, France, and Germany kickstarted a process that could lead to the United Nations' sanctions being re-imposed on Iran and the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal after triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism.

Mousavi said that the process of resolving the differences in the JCPOA had been started by the Islamic Republic of Iran more than a year ago by sending official letters by (Iran's) Foreign Minister (Mohammad Javad Zarif) to the Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA and thus neither a new development based on the process nor in practical terms has occurred.

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Cybersecurity was front and center during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Jan. 15 exploring how Iran might react to the killing of Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani.

Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said he was "particularly interested in understanding how Iran could use its relatively sophisticated cyber capabilities against state and local government and critical infrastructure." He also expressed concern about an observed "uptick" in Iranian influence operations on social media in recent weeks, speculating that such activity will only increase leading up to the 2020 presidential elections.

A number of other members used the hearing to express their concerns about cyber retaliation by Iran over the long term. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) asked about the impact of Iranian cyberattacks on rural utilities, Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) had queries about how hospitals might defend against wiper malware attacks, while Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) pressed the witnesses on the potential for a team up between Iranian and Russian hacking groups.

"As I look at it, I do think [cyber] is one of the greatest threats to our country right now," said Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.).

Thus far, the only confirmed Iranian response has been kinetic, with operatives launching rockets at U.S. military bases in Iraq days after Soleimani's killing. Still, analysts believe that attack represented the opening salvo in a longer campaign. Within the U.S., most experts believe physical attacks are possible, but unlikely. They say cyberattacks are the greater risk.

"The direct threat to the homeland is if the rhetoric continues and we decide to do something in cyberspace," said retired Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart. "There are vulnerable areas within our cyber environment, both in the financial and electrical power sector, so if we're not doing everything to harden those positionswe could see activity in cyberspace."

Stewart said Iranian leaders perceive themselves as rational actors and victims of U.S. actions who are "protecting the region and themselves from undue foreign influence." Since it cannot match America's conventional military might, the government relies on a "three-legged stool" of asymmetric warfare: support to proxy groups, influence campaigns and offensive cyber operations.

While their toolkit is not as sophisticated as that of Russia or China, Tehran has slowly built up its offensive and defensive cyber capabilities over the past decade. The government draws from a pool of about 2,000 contractors and other individuals to carry out its cyber operations, as well as Advanced Persistent Threat groups that seek to achieve different strategic goals.

Threat intelligence firms have pointed to industries like the banking and financial sectors as top potential targets, while other critical infrastructure sectors like energy and oil could also see new attacks.

"It's important this committee asks if our bank and credit card companies are ready if Iran tries to hack credit card numbers of millions of Americans," said Tom Warrick, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

While Iranian influence operations are newer are less understood, Stewart said they target a variety of audiences, both to shore up domestic support as well as militant groups, Russia, China and U.S. allies abroad. Tehran has also taken a page out of Russia's playbook, targeting different factions within the U.S. in the hopes of widening political divides.

"That includes building upon the divide between Democrats and Republicans and convincing the American people that we have no interest in the region, that the only thing we can expect from the region is enduring warfare and therefore we should withdraw," said Stewart.

Iranian hackers can target a broad set of users within an industry, relying on simple tactics like social engineering and phishing attacks to gain an initial foothold into networks without using or burning more valuable tools. Warrick said the problem speaks to a nationwide failure of cybersecurity literacy.

"They literally try computer system after computer system until they find somebody who has not updated their software, that does not have antivirus software, that has failed to use two-factor authentication, that has failed to do all of the basic things that really need to be something we start teaching in American schools," said Warrick.

Much of the work protecting U.S. federal and private sector networks falls on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and multiple witnesses said they were worried the agency lacks the funding and personnel to effectively respond to a sustained attack.

While a number of lawmakers expressed similar concerns last year and CISA Director Chris Krebs told the same committee that he could use more funding to protect critical infrastructure, the agency did receive a $334 million funding boost in 2020. Thompson said his committee planned to ask for even more next budget cycle "because we're still behind in terms of capacity" and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-N.Y.) also called for hearings involving CISA personnel "to tell us how to get to right, since they're not resourced the way they need to be."

Members of Congress are pressing other agencies for their plans as well. On Jan. 14 Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to ask what the State Department was doing to defend information systems at U.S. embassies abroad from potential Iranian cyberattacks.

Referencing past blunders and a 2019 Inspector General report that found a hiring freeze at State has taken a toll on its cybersecurity efforts, Warner asked for details on how department was dispersing its staff, whether its CISO has a direct line of communication to Pompeo, anti-phishing trainings for employees, technical changes to protect against wiper and ransomware attacks and whether the department has corrected information security issues raised in past audits.

Separately, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), who heads the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, are seeking a briefing from DHS and the Federal Communications Commission on what steps are being taken to protect the nation's telecommunications infrastructure from Iranian reprisals in cyberspace.
Waltham, Massachusetts-based Brandeis University has added caste to its nondiscrimination policy. The university recently honored two young Indian scholars with the universitys new academic prize for early-career scholars on caste. (Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikipedia.org photo)
A former Texas nurse who is suspected in the killing of dozens of children pleaded guilty Thursday to the 1981 death of an 11-month-old.

Genene Jones, 69, was sent to prison in 1984 after being convicted for the death of one child and for giving an overdose to another.

She had been set to be released from prison in 2018 under a mandatory release law that was in place when she was convicted. But prosecutors in 2017, citing new evidence, filed five separate murder charges related to the deaths of children in the early 1980s.

'With this plea, the odds are she will take her last breath in prison,' prosecutor Catherine Babbitt said after the hearing.

She had been set to go to trial in February. She was sentenced Thursday in the death of Joshua Sawyer, who investigators say died of a fatal overdose of an anti-seizure drug. The other four cases were dismissed, prosecutors said.

Genene Jones (pictured February 2019), 69, was sent to prison in 1984 after being convicted for the death of one child. She pleaded guilty Thursday in the death of Joshua Sawyer, who investigators say died of a fatal overdose of an anti-seizure drug

Jones (right) was sentenced Thursday in the death of Joshua Sawyer (left), who investigators say died of a fatal overdose of an anti-seizure drug

Babbitt said Jones must serve 20 years in prison before she gets the chance of parole.

She said that because Jones will get credit of about two years for the time served in Bexar County Jail awaiting trial she'll be eligible for parole in 18 years - when she's about 87.

Children died of unexplained seizures and other complications when Jones worked at a San Antonio hospital and clinic in Kerrville, about 55 miles to the northwest of San Antonio.

She was sentenced in 1984 to 99 years in prison in the killing of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan.

Later that year, she was sentenced to 60 years in prison in the sickening of four-week-old Rolando Santos, who recovered.

Chelsea was given a fatal injection of a muscle relaxant and Rolando received a large injection of a blood thinner.

Children died of unexplained seizures and other complications when Jones (left in 1984) worked at a San Antonio hospital and clinic in Kerrville. She was sentenced in 1984 to 99 years in prison in death of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan (right)

Jones (pictured in custody in 1984) was also sentenced later that year to 60 years in prison in the sickening of four-week-old Rolando Santos, who recovered

In 2017, she was charged in the killing of Sawyer. Later that year she charged in the 1981 killing of two-year-old Rosemary Vega, the 1981 killing of eight-month-old Richard 'Ricky' Nelson, the 1982 killing of four-month-old Patrick Zavala and the 1981 killing of 3-month-old Paul Villarreal.

'We trust our nurses - our nurses are specifically trained to provide comfort and medical care for their patients,' Babbitt said after the hearing.

'And these patients were not only children but they were often critically ill children. And for her to decide on her watch who lived and who died is nothing short of evil.'

Prosecutors at Jones' 1984 murder trial said she injected children with drugs at the Kerrville clinic to demonstrate the need for a pediatric intensive care unit at a nearby hospital.

Other prosecutors theorized that her tactic was to take swift medical action and save some of her victims so she could appear to be a sort of miracle worker.

In 2017, then-Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said prosecutors 'don't really know' her motivation.

Hood had approved a task for when he took office in 2015 to investigate Jones. Last year, Joe Gonzales replaced LaHood as district attorney.
Just hours after a date was set for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, one of the key figures in the Ukraine scandal embarked on a media push on Wednesday night.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the impeachment inquiry made him a household name last fall, Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnas alleged in a television interview that the President knew exactly what was going on in the campaign to pressure Ukraine to investigate Trumps 2020 rival Joe Biden.

He was aware of all of my movements, Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.

Parnas was at the center of Trumps personal lawyers wide-ranging effort to get Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce investigations of Trumps political rivals. He was arrested at Dulles International Airport in October as he was about to board a flight out of the country, and indicted on campaign finance charges. It wasnt until Jan. 3 that a federal judge ruled that Parnas could submit evidence in his criminal case, such as the communications in his phones and electronic devices that had been seized when he was arrested, to impeachment investigators.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, hundreds of pages of those communications were released on the eve of Trumps impeachment trial. Those documents  and his claims on Maddows show  were simultaneously explosive and unlikely to ultimately move the needle in lawmakers deliberation of the case in coming weeks.

He clearly intended to make a splash. In the MSNBC interview, which his attorney hinted might be followed by other networks, Parnas alleged that Trump had not only been aware of his efforts, but that Parnas had been acting on his behalf.

He said he had no reason to speak to any of these officials in Ukraine if it wasnt for Giuliani and Trump. Why would President Zelenskys inner circle or Minister Avakov or all these people or President Poroshenko meet with me? he said. Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And thats the secret that theyre trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.

Story continues

When asked about Parnas and his associate Igor Fruman in October, Trump told reporters, I dont know those gentlemen. On Wednesday, Parnas responded simply: He lied.

He also appeared to implicate Vice President Mike Pence, saying that he couldnt have not known about the Ukraine pressure campaign.

Parnas did not provide any evidence to corroborate his claims that Trump was aware of what he was doing, or that Pence and Attorney General William Barr were in the loop.

The documents of Parnas communications released by House Democrats this week, including text messages, voicemails, notes and letters, filled in some of the gaps of Giuliani and his associates activities between Kyiv and Washington, providing further details about the campaign to remove Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and pressure Zelensky into opening the probes sought by Trump.

But many Republicans have defended Trumps pressuring of Ukraine as simply tackling corruption, not an abuse of power, and are likely to question the credibility of Parnas, who has a long history of fraud. While Democrats are seizing on Parnas claims to bolster their push for witnesses at the trial, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made it clear he does not plan to do so.

The newly released documents show Parnas as a middleman and fixer in the center of the Ukraine affair. He exchanged hundreds of messages with Trump allies and Ukrainian officials, in both English and Russian, calling everyone my brother and setting up meetings, scheduling interviews, sending press clips and making connections between Ukrainians and Americans who they thought could help them with their plan. These included a varied cast of characters, including Ukrainian officials, South Florida oil tycoon Harry Sargeant Jr., Republican National Committee co-chair Thomas Hicks Jr., and several conservative pundits.

The messages and interactions ranged from sinister to comical. In messages with Trump donor and Connecticut Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde, it appeared Parnas was getting updates from someone in Kyiv tracking Yovanovitchs movements. Hyde disparaged the Ambassador in crude and often threatening terms, writing, They will let me know when shes on the moveThey are willing to help if you/we would like a price. Parnas responded LOL.

Others seemed almost cartoonish, like handwritten notes laying out a plan to fulfill Trumps objectives in Ukraine and a sarcastic text message from Giuliani to Parnas: Boy Im so powerful I can intimidate the entire Ukranian government. Please dont tell anyone I cant get the crooked Ambassador fired or I did three times and shes still there.

Prior to meeting Giuliani, Parnas and Fruman were largely unknown and unconnected businessmen with a string of bankruptcies and financial troubles, according to a TIME review of Florida court records. That changed in August 2018, when Parnas Boca Raton-based firm Fraud Guarantee paid Giuliani a $500,000 retainer for what the businessman said was legal and business advice. They soon found themselves with access to prominent Republican circles, often by touting their association with the former New York mayor.

In the months after his arrest made national news, it sometimes felt like the Washington media was playing an ongoing game of Wheres Lev, as dozens of pictures surfaced of his smiling face next to everyone from Don Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former White House chief of staff John Kelly.

Speaking in a measured, somber voice on Wednesday, Parnas struck a different tone from the boasting persona of his text messages or the smiling selfies in cigar bars with Giuliani. Asked why he was speaking out now, after months of silence, Parnas told MSNBC, Theres a lot of things that are being said that are not accurateand I think the world needs to know.

Earlier in the day, the newly appointed House managers delivered the impeachment articles accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress to the Senate. The trial is now expected to begin on Jan. 21, and Parnas, who seemed to relish being in the spotlight, said he still wants to testify. I want to get the truth out, he said, because I feel its important for our country.
There were several times during our discussions that Radovan Karadzic wanted to demonstrate his skill at bioenergetic healing. The first was on Jan. 23, 2015, during the third of 12 four-hour-long conversations we had between October 2014 and November 2016. We were sitting in our little chairs at our little wooden table in the small room allocated to us by the United Nations prison in The Hague. Mr. Karadzic had gone into hiding following his 1995 indictment for genocide and crimes against humanity, including for his role in the murder of 8,000 men and boys in Srebrenica during the Bosnian war. I wanted to understand why he had disguised himself as an energy healer when he was on the lam.

During the period he was a fugitive, he took on a new identity. He lost about 70 pounds, and grew out his hair. In lieu of tailored suits, he took to wearing ratty clothes. He grew a very long beard, the beard of a mystic, and took on a new name and a new profession. The former president of Republika Srpska, Bosnias breakaway Serbian province, became Dragan David Dabic, an energy healer offering spiritual cures for infertility and disease.

For more than a decade, the disguise worked: Mr. Karadzic was the subject of the largest manhunt in modern history, before the one for Osama bin Laden. He was finally apprehended by Serbian intelligence operatives in Belgrade in 2008. On March 24, 2016, the United Nations Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia found him guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity and sentenced him to 40 years imprisonment. Three years later, the appeals chamber increased his sentence to life.

This is dangerous work, the work I do, studying violent men or men who incite violence. I have to listen without judgment. I have to yield, if only temporarily, to their image of themselves. I can often hover above myself in my imagination, monitoring my reactions. But that doesnt mean Im never afraid of falling in or losing myself. I had known, when Id persuaded the court to let me interview Mr. Karadzic, that I would have to surrender to his idea of himself  as a powerful mystic, a great poet, and a respected psychiatrist.
Benson Idahosa University on Wednesday matriculated 616 students for the 2019/2020 academic session.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Sam Guobadia, admonished students to be disciplined and dedicated to their studies.

Also Read: OAU Slashes Salary Of Lecturer Accused Of Demanding Sex From Female Student

The Vice Chancellor made this statement during the universitys matriculation for the 2019/2020 academic session.

His words: I, therefore, charge you to make the most of the opportunity afforded you by your parents/guardians. Ensure that you attend classes, shun all forms of deviant behaviours and focus on the purpose that brought you here.
U.S. training for more than 800 Saudi Arabian military students could be restarted 'in the coming days,' the Pentagon said Thursday, nearly six weeks after a shooting by one Saudi trainee killed three sailors at a Florida base.

The Pentagon had stopped all flight and field training for the approximately 850 Saudi students amid fears that others may have known about or been involved in the shooting at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Classroom training has continued.

Jonathan Hoffman, chief spokesman for the Defense Department, said officials probably will have an announcement soon about the training resumption.

'We're looking forward to turning it back on in the coming days,' he told reporters during a briefing.

Attorney General William Barr on Monday announced results of an investigation of the shootings at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida

On December 6, 2019, 21-year-old Saudi Air Force officer, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, opened fire at the naval base in Pensacola, killing three U.S. sailors and injuring eight other people

On December 6 gunman Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, an aviation student from Saudi Arabia, opened fire at the base and killed three Americans (L to R): Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21; Mohammed Haitham, 19; Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23; and injured eight others

He added that the department also will announce additional screening procedures for international students as well and increased security measures at American bases.

The U.S. completed security screenings of all the students, and on Monday the Justice Department announced that 21 were being sent home.

The trainees who were removed had jihadist or anti-American sentiments on social media pages or had 'contact with child pornography,' including in internet chat rooms, officials said.

None is accused of having had advance knowledge of the shooting or helped the 21-year-old gunman carry it out.

On December 6, Saudi Air Force officer Mohammed Alshamrani opened fire at the Florida base and killed three Americans - Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21; Mohammed Haitham, 19; Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23; and injured eight others.

He was participating in a training program sponsored by the Pentagon in a security cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that teaches English, basic aviation and initial pilot training.

Following the attack, the FBI and the Pentagon began a review into a slew of Saudi trainees studying at US military installations across the nation.

Saudi Air Force officer, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani is seen above

The shooting focused public attention on the presence of foreign students in American military training programs and exposed shortcomings in the screening of cadets.

Monday's resolution singled out misconduct by individual students but also allowed for continued training of pilots from Saudi Arabia, an important American ally in the Middle East.

After the December 6 attack about a dozen Saudi trainees were confined to their quarters in Pensacola while the FBI investigated the shooting as a possible terror attack.

'In the wake of the Pensacola tragedy, the Department of Defense restricted to classroom training programs foreign military students from Saudi Arabia while we conducted a review and enhancement of our foreign student vetting procedures. That training pause is still in place while we implement new screening and security measures,' the Pentagon said to Fox News in a statement.

Last week, the top lawyer for the FBI sent a letter to Apple requesting the tech company's help to get past the passwords on the 21-year-old shooter's iPhones.

The shooter had two iPhones with him when he attacked the base.

One of them he took with him and the other he left in the car. The phone he took with him in the attack he shot, leading cops to believe there may be key information on it.

Information on his Twitter account led investigators to believe he was radicalized.

Apple said it is cooperating with the FBI in its investigation.

'We have the greatest respect for law enforcement and have always worked cooperatively to help in their investigations. When the FBI requested information from us relating to this case a month ago we gave them all of the data in our possession and we will continue to support them with the data we have available,' Apple said in a statement.
Bing Maps

One man is dead after he was hit by a truck on the Northwest Side on Wednesday morning while attempting to cross the street.

San Antonio police said the unidentified man was attempting to cross near the 10400 block of Culebra Road around 10:30 p.m., when a black 2008 Chevrolet Silverado hit the man.
Reuters

Tesla challenger Nio Inc said on Wednesday it was exploring financing and strategic opportunities with Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group, but the talks were in a preliminary stage.

Earlier in the day, news website Sina Finance reported that Nio was in talks with Guangzhou to finance up to $1 billion, sending US-listed shares of the electric-car maker up about 17 percent in heavy trading.

Electric-car makers are battling uncertain demand in China, the world's largest car market, as it rolls back subsidies on new energy vehicles amid criticism that some firms have become overly reliant on funds.

Nio on 30 December had warned in its quarterly report that it did not have adequate cash for continuous operation in the next 12 months and it was looking for external financing.

US-listed shares of the electric-car maker were jumped 17 percent to $4.40 in late afternoon trading.

Nio said the New York Stock Exchange had contacted it after the unusual market activity in its American Depositary Shares.
Bacteria responsible for whooping cough are morphing into superbugs, scientists warn.

Australian experts say bordetella pertussis is becoming increasingly better at hiding from the immune system.

The evolving bacteria are producing more nutrient-transporting proteins that help it multiply rapidly.

It is also triggering less immune responses, causing fewer symptoms. This allows it to slip under the radar and thrive.

On top of a persistent cough, the bug can trigger deadly seizures, lung infections and brain damage, particularly in children.

Scientists behind the study say new vaccines must be developed in the next five to 10 years to avoid bordetella pertussis morphing into a superbug.

A new whooping cough vaccine is needed as the bacteria evolves into a potential superbug, researchers warn (stock image)

Whooping cough, known for being extremely contagious, kills a handful of children in the UK each year.

It is spread through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person and causes repeated coughing that can last for two to three months or more.

The infection - particularly rife in developing countries - affects around 16million people every year worldwide and causes about 200,000 preventable deaths.

WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH? Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, causes coughing bouts which can last for up several months. It is spread through sneezes, and the first symptoms are often a runny nose, watery eyes and sore throat. The infection has its name because between coughs children can make a 'whoop' sound when they gasp for breath, the NHS says. Complications of whooping cough can include breathing difficulties, weight loss, brain damage and even death, in some cases. Complications of whooping cough can include breathing difficulties, weight loss, brain damage and even death, in some cases Advertisement

But rates of infection and death from pertussis - its medical name - have plummeted since the 1940s after a vaccine was developed.

Now a team of scientists from University of New South Wales in Sydney have discovered some strains are adapting to the current vaccine used in Australia.

The ACV jab is similar to the one used to immunise against whooping cough in the UK and US.

In their study, researchers analysed proteins that envelop B. pertussis at the cellular level, and compared their activity to results in older studies.

They found the bacteria was encouraging the formation of more nutrient-transporting proteins and less immunogenic ones.

This means they have the potential to scavenge nutrients while avoiding the body's immune system responses.

Because the evolved bacteria does not trigger strong immune responses, it's possible the bugs can multiply without causing noticeable symptoms.

This means people may carry the infection without realising.

An Australian study found bordetella pertussis is becoming increasingly better at hiding from the immune system in people who have been immunised against it

WHY IS WHOOPING COUGH MAKING A COMEBACK? Government statistics show 1,400 suspected cases of whooping cough have been recorded in England so far this year. In comparison, just 1,054 cases had been recorded at the same time point last year, according to Public Health England. More than 100,000 cases of the lung infection were recorded every year in the 1940s before a vaccine was developed. Cases were brought under the 3,000 mark by 1995. It was kept under control until 2012 - the worst year for whooping cough in the US since 1955. Experts have blamed waning immunity to the vaccine on the resurgence of the illness common in the 1940s. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say pertussis is naturally cyclic in nature, with peaks in disease every three years. It said peaks have got higher and overall cases counts have jumped over the past few decades because of waning immunity. 'The bacteria that cause pertussis are also always changing at a genetic level,' the federal body writes on its website. The CDC also said more awareness, better tests and reporting may also explain the rise in cases. IS THE VACCINE TO BLAME? Some infection experts believe the resurgence can be blamed on the switch of the whooping cough vaccine given to children. Health officials in the UK switched from the traditional jab to another one in 2004 called DTaP, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. A PHE study, published in BMC Medicine, in the wake of the 2012 resurgence found the switch to the new vaccine may be to blame. In conclusion, the researchers said: 'Improved pertussis vaccines that provide better protection against infection are needed.' Many researchers in the US, where the switch to the DTaP jab was made in the 1990s, have echoed the same sentiment in recent years. DTaP has fewer antigens - proteins that trigger an immune response. This means the jab offers immunity for a shorter time. The vaccine was developed because of the old one had side effects, including sore arms, crying, fussiness, anxiety, and occasional seizures. Advertisement

Lead author Professor Laurence Luu, a microbiologist from UNSW, said: 'We found the whooping cough strains were evolving to improve their survival, regardless of whether a person was vaccinated or not.

'Put simply, the bacteria that cause whooping cough are becoming better at hiding and better at feeding  they're morphing into a superbug.

'The bacteria might still colonise you and survive without causing the disease. You probably wouldn't know you've been infected with the whooping cough bacteria because you don't get the symptoms.'

Professor Luu said the current vaccine was still 'very effective', but warned we need a new vaccine to combat strains as they continue to evolve.

The findings are reported in the medical journal Vaccine.

The NHS offers the vaccine to pregnant women for free, protecting their baby from the infection for the first few weeks of life.

The six-in-one vaccine is given to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks, and the four-in-one pre-school booster is offered to three-year-olds.

But the Health Service warns protection obtained from the whooping cough vaccine tends to wear off after a few years.

The warning comes as whooping cough makes a huge resurgence across the UK.

There were 25,891 cases of whooping cough diagnosed in the UK between 2012 and 2018 compared to 6,216 between 2005 and 2011  a four-fold increase, according to UHS.

Experts blame the rising number of cases on growing anti-vaccination sentiments and a relatively new jab being less effective than its predecessor.

Whooping cough is spread through sneezes, and the first symptoms are often a runny nose, watery eyes and sore throat.

The infection has its name because between coughs children can make a 'whoop' sound when they gasp for breath, the NHS says.

Complications of whooping cough can include breathing difficulties, weight loss, brain damage and even death, in some cases.

The youngest babies  between birth and three months  are at the highest risk of being admitted to intensive care or dying.

He said the last big outbreak of whooping cough in Australia was between 2008 and 2012, with more than 140,000 cases.

Deaths from whooping cough are uncommon, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare putting them at about two per year in the two decades leading up to 2018.
Orange Jordan officially launched its mobile e-wallet service, Orange Money, during a press conference that was held on Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020.

The event, which was attended by governmental officials alongside the companys management and strategic partners, celebrated the launch of the financial solution, which recently acquired the epayment license from the Central Bank.

The company said at the event that the service operated by Petra Mobile Payment Services Company has completed all official requirements stipulated in Jordanian legislature.

Thierry Marigny, Orange Jordans CEO, said that the company finished registering Orange Money service last year to achieve the goals of Orange Groups strategy for its subsidiaries in the Middle East and Africa which focus on many disciplines including automating, securing and easy payment services. He also noted that the groups keenness to develop a mobile e-payment solution has enhanced Orange Jordans role as a leading local provider of premium technologies that enhances customers lives by saving them time and effort.

The e-wallet service will enable users to conduct financial processes anywhere and in anytime, with ease, Marigny added. He noted that developing this solution will contribute to the development of the digital sector, financial inclusion, all economic sectors and national economy as a whole.

Raslan Deiranieh, Orange Moneys Chairman, said that the company signed an agreement with Gate to Pay Company which has developed the e-wallets software and an anti-money laundering system, issuing pre-paid VISA cards. Orange Money also signed an agreement with the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, by which the bank will settle the Orange Moneys Services and will enable users to withdraw and deposit cash directly from the banks ATMs, he added.

Deiranieh stressed that the company seeks to offer a comprehensive set of services not only for Orange Jordans customers but also for users of any telecom services inside Jordan via the e-wallet which enables the users to pay bills, transfer money, shop online, and recharge mobile prepaid credit.

Orange Jordan is actively contributing to the economic development in the Kingdom, Orange Moneys Chairman said, adding that developing the e-wallet service contributes to achieving the goals of the Central Banks Financial Inclusion strategy which requires collaboration between all concerned parties.

Orange Money is a modern solution that eases life by providing high quality financial services to meet the different needs of users in the local market Deiranieh said, noting that Orange Group has succeeded in enhancing financial inclusion in 17 countries by developing financial solutions that serve 45 million customers.

Hiba Al Shareef, Orange Moneys General Manager spoke at the event about Orange Jordans efforts to expand to e-payment services and how Jordan has surpassed other countries in the region in developing payment solutions.

Al Shareef noted that the Orange Moneys e-wallets will enable users to fulfill their financial commitments via a wide range of digital solutions easily and securely, impacting all economic sectors and the society as well.

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The Tunisian Free Destourian Party parliamentary bloc criticized in a statement issued Jan. 6 the nebulosity of the Tunisian stance and the presidential silence in the face of the Libyan developments.

This comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced at a conference Dec. 26 that he agreed with Tunisian President Kais Saied on supporting the United Nations-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, and that Turkey was to send military troops to Libya once it gets the Turkish parliaments approval.

The bloc also denounced Erdogans unannounced Dec. 25 visit to Tunisia and said it submitted a request in which it called on parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi to hold an extraordinary plenary session. It also called on Ghannouchi to summon the minister of foreign affairs and the minister of national defense to know what is really going on and have them inform the Tunisian people of the official Tunisian position and the measures taken to protect the homeland.

The statement said that the Turkish intervention in Libya can harm Tunisian national security.

During the "Midi Show" broadcast Jan. 7 on Mosaique FM, member of parliament Safi Saeed warned the Tunisian diplomacy against the consequences of its silence and said that the Tunisian national security extends from Libyas Tobruk to Tunisias Tabarka. He added that the war in Libya could spill over into Tunisia.

Saeed also stressed that Tunisia should seek to establish itself in the coming period because the Libyan issue is directly related to all of the Arab Maghreb countries, and the warring parties in Libya are only seeking to achieve their own interests.

Adnan Monser, director of the Center of Strategic Studies on the Maghreb, told Al-Monitor, The Tunisian diplomacy has gone into a coma [in the face of the Libyan developments]. He criticized the continued closure of the Tunisian Consulate in Libya since June 19, 2015, and the crisis that the closure has caused for the two countries.

The Tunisian Consulate in Libya was closed after Libya failed to secure the safety of the consulate headquarters and employees.

Monser said that as countries neighboring Libya, such as Algeria, proceed to discuss the crisis caused by the Turkish intervention and the escalation of Khalifa Hifter's forces against the GNA, Tunisia must seize the moment, return to the forefront and play an effective role in looking for peaceful solutions.

He added that Tunisia must also favor dialogue in Libya, as it has common interests and shared borders with the country.

Imed Daimi, secretary-general of Al-Irada Party, said in a Jan. 6 post on his official Facebook page that the situation is very dangerous in the region as it portends a regional war on Libyan soil. This, he added, requires the Tunisian president to immediately visit Algeria to coordinate positions and prepare for the various scenarios.

In a Jan. 6 Facebook post, Tunisian journalist Alaa Zaatour denounced the Tunisian presidency's silence in the face of the Libyan developments at a time when an urgent visit to Algeria is required to coordinate positions.

Abdallah al-Obeidi, a former senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Al-Monitor that Tunisias neutral position is aimed at protecting the Tunisian interests and agreements with various international parties in a bid to ensure stability.

He said that Tunisia neither has important international alliances nor sufficient power to confront international opponents such as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, and its position stems from its geostrategic position, which major international powers currently have set their eyes on.

The Tunisian General Labor Union issued a statement Dec. 26 in which it called on all authorities to be extremely vigilant and cautious so as not to let the country turn into a corridor of weapons or a haven and crossroad for the Islamic State into Libya.

He stressed that the Tunisian foreign policy should focus on the interests of the country, respect the right of brotherhood and neighborliness with neighboring countries and refuse to get involved in suspicious international alliances.

The union said the neighboring countries should be given priority in any mediation process aimed at putting an end to this filthy war. It called for coordination with them to help find a solution to the Libyan fighting.

The Tunisian presidency confirmed in a Jan. 6 statement published on its official Facebook page that German Chancellor Angela Merkel contacted Saied to discuss the latest regional and international developments. The two tackled the situation in Libya and the path of the Libya peace conference to be held in Berlin on Jan. 19. While Merkel invited Saied to Germany, the statement made no mention of an official invitation extended to Saied to attend the conference.

Ahmed Wanis, a Tunisian diplomat and former foreign minister, told Al-Monitor this is due to the policy of neutrality that the country has been adopting since the beginning of the Libyan crisis.

Wanis said the fact that Tunisia was not invited to the conference is detrimental to both the country and its foreign policy, considering that Tunisia is Libyas closest neighbor on the one hand, and given the cooperation and brotherhood relations between the peoples of the two countries on the other.

Bechir Nefzi, former Tunisian parliamentarian, said in a Jan. 6 Facebook post that Tunisia was not invited due to the nebulosity of its position and the Tunisian presidents neutrality and bad handling of the Turkish decision to intervene in Libya.

Yosri Louati, a journalist for Hakaek Online newspaper, and Kais Bouzouzia, an activist, called on the president to take part in the international consultations on Libya by posting on their Facebook pages: "Kais Saeed, travel! You are not a tree."
Compared to the Revolutionary spring of 2018, popularity of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, has noticeably decreased. Sociologists note that authorities' rating has dropped. The current Armenian political elite is in no hurry to recognize and accept this. Nevertheless, several steps, like criminal trials and personnel shifts, shed light behind-the-scenes of political intrigues and fears that prevail against the fragile power of Nikol Pashinyan.

Armenian leadership is afraid that its own positions will weaken in the information sphere. Primarily due to dismissal of Pashinyan's press secretary Vladimir Karapetyan. Over one and a half years have passed since Pashinyanbecame the head of the government. During this time, qualitative changes in the life of Armenia did not happen, and the information space was full of high-profile investigations, criminal scandals, endless calls for public and national consolidation of society for the sake of idea of a future reconstruction of the republic. However, time is running out, and it's impossible to maintain stable high level of public support without carrying out socially significant reforms, especially since after the change of political regime Armenia still retains features of oligarchic rule. That's why Pashinyan is following the path of least resistance, preferring to carry out personnel changes, hoping to win time. Since February of 2018, Vladimir Karapetyan has always accompanied and supported Pashinyan. Resignation of spokesperson who completely supported Prime Minister since the beginning demonstrates that by the beginning of 2020, Pashinyan was worried that after more than a year of work Karapetyan has become completely exhausted himself as a competent analyst.

Another reason for Armenian Prime Minister's painful reaction is actions of his faction in the parliament. The "My Step" faction consists of 88 deputies and seems extremely cumbersome. Its active part is no more than 40% of the total, while the rest is engaged in the education of other deputies. Pashinyan expects to assemble an adequate and mobile team, believing that mobility will allow his faction to create short-term coalitions, which will accelerate the implementation of reforms that are boycotted by the bureaucracy.

Finally, Pashinyan fears a comparison with the previous regime and does not want to draw parallels in usurping power, so that most of the population is not skeptical of him and the state apparatus as a whole. Pashinyan understands that 2020 should be indicative of Armenia. The coming year will either show the complete inability of the current government to reform the republics administration apparatus, including its judicial system, or demonstrate that the Pashinyan team has an idea of where to start reforms.

Pashinyan is no less afraid of the high probability of counter-revolution on the part of the Karabakh clan, which today takes a wait-and-see attitude. In early January, it became known that the case of ex-President Serzh Sargsyan on charges of embezzlement of $ 1 million was transferred to court. It seemed that between Pashinyan and Sargsyan there was a kind of behind-the-scenes agreement, which provided the latter with immunity for a bloodless resignation. However, the hasty initiation of a criminal case (December of last year), which is obviously not thoroughly investigated, suggests that the figure of Sargsyan has become extremely inconvenient for the authorities. The investigation has no written evidence against the ex-president, the prosecution relies only on the oral testimony of Sargsyan's former subordinates. Apparently, Pashinyan is trying to be proactive, thereby attracting the attention of supporters of Sargsyan, as well as his predecessor Robert Kocharian, to criminal prosecution of the clan leaders, finally confusing them in an endless judicial conflict.

Given its former popularity, Pashinyan increasingly fears a crisis of expectations. The revolutionary euphoria inspired most of the citizens of Armenia with the idea of the possibility of getting everything right after the overthrow of the previous regime. However, the high social demand for justice, which was established by the "velvet revolution" cannot be realized because the current government does not respond to problems systematically, preferring to operate in manual mode.

Pashinyans head is now full of personnel issues, as a result of which almost all of his targeted decisions for verification turn out to be ill-conceived, and ordinary populism fills the gaps in domestic politics.

Finally, the Armenian prime minister is still trying to get as far as possible from the Karabakh settlement. Recognizing the irreversibility of adopting unpopular decisions from the point of view of the current Armenian ideology (de-occupation of Karabakh and the seven regions of Azerbaijan), Armenian diplomacy prefers to ignore the principles of resolving the ongoing conflict adopted at joint meetings of contact groups. There is an opinion in Armenian society that the negotiation process is completely closed, since there is practically no information on the course of negotiations in the Armenian media space. Indeed, with all the transparency of Nikol Pashinyans policy, it was under him that the negotiation process became more closed. Nevertheless, the very fact that the negotiation process has not undergone significant changes over the past six months shows that the positions of the parties have not come closer.
Major General Asif Ghafoor, the man known for making a series of gaffes, controversial posts and miscalculations on social media over months, including extending support to Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone over her visit to the JNU in Delhi earlier this month, was on Thursday removed from the post of the Director-General of the Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Ghafoor, who was serving as the DG ISPR since December 2016, has been posted as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Pakistan Army's 40th Infantry Division in Okara.

The announcement comes as Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Quoting sources, Dawn reported that professional matters relating to the military were discussed during the meeting.

Earlier this month, Ghafoor had praised Deepika Padukone as a "brave person" for standing with the protestors at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The tweet, which misspelled Deepika's surname, was deleted later by Ghafoor.

This is not the first time that the Pakistan Army spokesperson committed a faux pas by making spelling errors. In October, last year, Ghafoor had called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls.

Ghafoor was quoting a statement by Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa which reiterated that the country is fully "configured, prepared, and determined" to defend the "honour, dignity, and territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain of Pakistan and no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren."

In July 2018, Ghafoor attracted ridicule after posting a doctored video of war hero and retired IAF Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor.

Ghafoor had shared a video of Keelor on his Twitter account, claiming that the war veteran was talking about the "Indian failure" during the dogfight between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27 this year, just a day after the Balakot airstrikes.

Netizens were quick to point out that the video was recorded in 2015, approximately four years before the Balakot and its ensuing incidents occurred in 2019.In fact, the interview titled 'Nehru lost India the war: Air Marshal Denzil Keelor speaks about India's battle losses' was posted by Wilderness Films India on August 9, 2015, on the video-sharing website, YouTube. The former Air Marshal was invited by the production house for a talk on the wars of 1962 and 1965, according to its description.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Even before it had opened on Saturday night, Muse in London had been called the most pretentious restaurant in the country.

Considering there is a restaurant in York that serves bread in upturned flat caps and one in the capital that manages to serve a prawn as two courses  head first, body later  that is some achievement.

Yet celebrity chef Tom Aikens managed to hit the headlines by unveiling a menu that initially offers diners little clue as to what is actually being served.

Tom Aikens (left) managed to hit the headlines by unveiling a menu that initially offers diners little clue as to what is actually being served at his restaurant: Muse in London (right), writes JAN MOIR

Instead, he gives his dishes titles as if they were films or books, like Just Down The Road, The Love Affair Continues and, most pertinently, Neither Black Nor White.

Surprise dishes with mystery elements are nothing new in fashionable restaurants but Aikens takes the concept one step further by making each dish a piece of his own culinary autobiography; by taking diners on a journey that is an homage to himself.

From his childhood in Norfolk to his summer holidays in France to his training with some of the top chefs in the industry, no tasty nugget of Toms life is left ungarnished, no incident is too big or too small to be commemorated in an emulsion of beetroot (he is obsessive about beetroots) or by a jelly tot flavoured with whisky (I dont want to know).

Aikens gives his dishes titles as if they were films or books, like Just Down The Road, The Love Affair Continues and, most pertinently, Neither Black Nor White, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: Sea Lavender which has mackerel, sesame and daikon

Is that truly pretentious? Or is it just imaginative, daring and different? For calling any kind of food pretentious is a socially hazardous affair. It can mean anything from serving salad cream in a ramekin (get her) to slipping a doily under the digestives. One mans grillade de porc a lananas is anothers gammon and pineapple. Its a minefield!

Style arbiter and interior designer Nicky Haslam thinks that all organic food is pretentious and anything with leek foam, ugh is beneath contempt, while Aikens himself thinks that, when applied to food, pretentious is a word used only by the fearful.

I think people who use that term dont want to understand it and theyre scared of it, he told The Caterer magazine recently. He added: Its not me being pretentious, its me being inquisitive and interesting.

Surprise dishes with mystery elements are nothing new in fashionable restaurants but Aikens takes the concept one step further by making each dish a piece of his own culinary autobiography, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: Wait & See

Yet from where I am sitting, which is at the marble counter in the upstairs dining room of Muse, midway through the three-hour 145 ten-course tasting menu, it seems more of an ordeal than an affectation.

Perhaps this has less to do with the parade of complicated dishes served up on everything from porcelain cubes, moss-covered mini-troughs to spiked bowls and more about the omnipresence of Aikens himself; a rather morose figure whose charisma-free appearances on television shows such as Great British Menu and Iron Chef UK suggest he would be the last chef on the planet to construct an intimate dining experience based around his own personality, or lack thereof.

Yet here he is, trundling around the tiny dining room in his stripy work shirt, delivering monotone tableside soliloquies about the provenance and inspiration of key dishes. From an early age I have always been fascinated by fire, I was a pyromaniac, he mutters urgently in my ear. I nearly scream.

Style arbiter and interior designer Nicky Haslam thinks that all organic food is pretentious and anything with leek foam, ugh is beneath contempt, while Aikens himself thinks that, when applied to food, pretentious is a word used only by the fearful, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: The Essence made of beetroot, cucumber and pine

This is the prelude to the appearance of the main dish, heroically titled Always Playing With Fire; a highly titivated, high-concept steak and chips, comprised of a small piece of beef fillet, a stuffed onion and a solitary potato chip  the latter served like an offering to the gods on its own porcelain orb, where it is affixed by ketchup to a long piece of bone.

This unusual element features again in a tiny starter snack of venison tartare, which is served in two inch-long halves of hollowed bone. Human? Lets hope not.

If you think that might be a conceit too far, consider another dish called Conquering The Beech Tree. This is so special it is introduced at Muse with its own linen-covered booklet, which opens to reveal a pop-up paper tree, complete with a tiny boy who has climbed to the top (its wee Tom!). Printed alongside is a 120-word explanation which drones on about chefs challenging themselves, fearlessness, creat-ivity connecting ideas and inspirations . . . zzzzz.

Owners and chefs love tasting menus, too, as smaller portions mean increased profits from high-cost produce, including fish and meat, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: Interior of Muse

From where I am sitting, which is at the marble counter in the upstairs dining room of Muse, midway through the three-hour 145 ten-course tasting menu, it seems more of an ordeal than an affectation, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: Just Down The Road which features milk, honey and truffle

It concludes that without risks there are no rewards. Pause to consider that cooking as a macho, mythical and heroic endeavour seems to be an entirely male concept while women just peel the onions and get on with it.

The Beech dish consists of half a scallop (or langoustine, when available) speared on to a beech-tree twig. Be careful of the twig, a waiter warns. Someone has already tried to eat it. Diners are encouraged to use this campfire lollipop to dip in a pool of burnt apple emulsion after they have wrapped a wafer of pig fat around it.

Its a heavenly bite but it takes more time to research it, understand it, appreciate it and worship it than it does to eat it.

All of which begs the question, if Muse has a story to tell, what on earth is it? And what does it say about us? The concept of tasting menus  an interminable pageant of intricately wrought tiny dishes, designed to showcase technique and heighten taste  goes in and out of fashion. Its on a high, as it appeals to Instagram gourmets; those with high incomes and low attention spans who need to be entertained and visually stimulated instead of just being fed.

The main dish is heroically titled Always Playing With Fire (pictured); a highly titivated, high-concept steak and chips, writes JAN MOIR

Pause to consider that cooking as a macho, mythical and heroic endeavour seems to be an entirely male concept while women just peel the onions and get on with it, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: The inside of Muse

Owners and chefs love tasting menus, too, as smaller portions mean increased profits from high-cost produce, including fish and meat. At the tiny, 25-seat Muse, where everyone has a ringside view, little actual cooking goes on in the custom-built kitchen; the implement most used by the chefs are tweezers. All the hard work has been done days in advance, where great sacks of vegetables and fruits, rivers of dairy and vats of stock are boiled and roasted and mulched down into the jewel-coloured purees, emulsions, jellies and indulgences that garnish the dishes; the turbot bone sauce, the bacon cream, the candied beetroots, the fermented cucumber balls to name a few.

These are stored in labelled boxes in a glass cupboard; the plastic receptacles into which taciturn Aikens pours his very soul.

The twice-married chef is now 49, but first hit the headlines as an enfant terrible back in 1999. This followed a kitchen prank that went wrong, and ended with him branding a colleague with a red-hot palette knife. In the ensuing fall-out, Aikens left the industry to cook privately for clients such as Lord and Lady Bamford.

Later, he opened the eponymous restaurant in Londons Chelsea which showcased his genius  he is an extraordinarily gifted chef  although it closed in 2014.

The twice-married chef is now 49, but first hit the headlines as an enfant terrible back in 1999, writes JAN MOIR. Pictured: Conquering the 'Beech Tree' - langoustine, pork fat and burnt apple

From his childhood in Norfolk to his summer holidays in France to his training with some of the top chefs in the industry, no tasty nugget of Toms life is left ungarnished, writes JAN MOIR

His ventures into the casual dining market have also been problematic, with branches of Toms Kitchen brasseries recently closing. No wonder he wants to concentrate on the top end at Muse, where dishes such as Muddy Flats & Bacon feature two teaspoons of crab at most. Pretentious? What can I say? Muse is an elegant and cosy restaurant in a lovely mews in Belgravia. It is comfortable, luxuriously appointed; the perfect location for a date night for a hedge funder or banker with little conversational skills who wants to impress a date.

The bread is magnificent and you can expect it to be hand-sliced, wrapped in linen and served by Tom Aikens himself. The accompanying cep butter is amazing, the cheese course is 20 extra and the chefs in the 11-strong team are charming, even if the front of house staff are a little brusque.

When my guest asked for an extra glass of wine, they gave him a mean pour from an already opened bottle and charged him 31.50 for the pleasure. With wine, two glasses of champagne and service, our total bill came to 512.44.

We certainly went on a journey. I just dont think its going to be a return one.
South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co unveiled the first sport-utility vehicle (SUV) under its Genesis brand on Wednesday, a move analysts said was crucial for the premium marque's expansion in overseas markets.

The brand, spun off in 2015, is an initiative of Hyundai Motor Group heir-apparent Euisun Chung aimed at revamping the image of the value-for-money automaker.

However, its sedan-only lineup has limited its reach in the United States - its biggest overseas market - where consumer preference has shifted to SUVs, and where Hyundai has been embroiled in disputes with dealerships.

The automaker plans to launch the GV80 SUV in North America in the first quarter of 2020. It expects the model to be part of a strengthened lineup that will also lead the brand's expansion in China and Europe where it has yet to make inroads, William Lee, Global Head of Genesis, told a news conference.

Genesis' lineup currently comprises just three sedans, which analysts said limits its appeal, particularly with the increased demand for SUVs among younger drivers in recent years.

"Genesis owners are some of the oldest in the U.S. market. With a median age of 62, only Cadillac and Lincoln owners are older," Ed Kim, vice president at California-based consultancy AutoPacific, told Reuters.

"It (the GV80) will ... have the role of bringing younger buyers to the brand," he said.

The brand made progress rebuilding its U.S. retail network in 2019 after flip-flopping on strategy for separate dealerships to those of Hyundai-branded vehicles which led to legal disputes with Hyundai dealers.

About 350 Hyundai dealerships in the United States have Genesis showrooms, with about a dozen in the "early stages" of developing plans for separate Genesis retail facilities, U.S.-based Genesis spokesman Kevin Smith said in an emailed statement.

Over 70% of Genesis vehicles were sold in South Korea in January-November 2019, with the rest sold mainly in the United States.
World renowned naturalist David Attenborough has warned the moment of crisis has come and claiming the Australian bushfires have nothing to do with climate change is palpably nonsense.

The 93-year-old also said governments targets for decades in the future were not enough to save the planet.

He criticised Canberras approach to climate change, saying the governments support for coal mines showed the world it did not care about the environment.

"The moment of crisis has come  we can no longer prevaricate," Attenborough, who raised public awareness of the danger of plastic pollution in oceans with his television series Blue Planet II, told the BBC.

David Attenborough has spoken of Australia's devastating bushfires, drawing the connection between them and climate change. Source: Supplied

"We have been putting things off year after year, raising targets and saying, 'Oh well if we do it within the next 20 years....

"This is an urgent problem that has to be solved. And what is more is that we know how to do it  that's the paradoxical thing  that we are refusing to take steps that we know have to be taken."

The broadcaster when on to say: As I speak, southeast Australia is on fire.

Why? Because the temperatures of the earth are increasing. That is a major international catastrophe. And to say it has nothing to do with the climate is palpably nonsense.

The British naturalist also called on China in particular to reduce its carbon emissions, saying he thought other countries would follow if China set a lead.

Attenborough's interview was part of the BBC's drive to increase coverage of climate change ahead of a UN conference on climate change, COP 26, in Glasgow in November 2020.

David Attenborough claims Australia's bushfire crisis has to do with climate change. Source: AAP

Human beings have overrun the world

Mr Attenborough has warned that "human beings have overrun the world" in a trailer for his new film.

The feature-length documentary, titled David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, looks back on the defining moments of his life and the environmental devastation that has taken place during that time.

As well as highlighting some of the issues that climate change poses, he also explores some of the potential solutions.

Story continues

"I've had the most extraordinary life, he says in the trailer.

"It is only now that I appreciate how extraordinary.

David Attenborough spoke with the BBC ahead of November's climate summit in Glasgow. Source: BBC

"The living world is a unique and spectacular marvel, yet the way we humans live on earth is sending it into a decline.

"Human beings have overrun the world. We're replacing the wild with the tame.

"This film is my witness statement and my vision of the future."

He added that the planet was headed for disaster.

"We need to learn how to work with nature rather than against it and I'm going to tell you how, he said.

The WWF conservation organisation helped to produce the film.

"For decades, David has brought the natural world to the homes of audiences worldwide, but there has never been a more significant moment for him to share his own story and reflections, Colin Butfield, WWF's executive producer for the film said.

Sir David Attenborough's new feature film looks back on the defining moments of his life. Source: PA

"This film coincides with a monumental year for environmental action as world leaders make critical decisions on nature and climate.

"It sends a powerful message from the most inspiring and celebrated naturalist of our time."

The film will be broadcast in the UK, the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia and New Zealand.

It will then be released on Netflix.

With AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper will head to Naval Air Station Pensacola next week to meet with base leadership and the first responders who provided aid in the wake of a deadly mass shooting last month, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Thursday.

While there, Hoffman said, Esper will provide air station leadership with a preview of new security measures being developed to prevent future incidents -- measures that include physical installation security improvements as well as the enhanced vetting protocols that have been previously announced.

"[Esper] will announce these new measures shortly, which will include physical security procedures as well," Hoffman said.

On Dec. 6, a Saudi junior officer in training at the base opened fire in a classroom building, killing three service members and injuring eight other people before being killed by sheriff's deputies who responded to the scene.

Related: Pensacola Heroes: How 2 Marines and an Injured Sailor Saved Lives During Mass Shooting

A federal probe concluded that the shooting was an act of terrorism and that the shooter "was motivated by jihadist ideology." This week, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said a follow-up investigation into foreign military students resulted in the return of 21 other Saudi students to their home country. The majority of these students, he said, had pro-jihadist or anti-American materials in their possession; many also were found to have had contact with child pornography.

Hoffman noted that more than one million students had participated in the foreign military training program in its two decades of existence, and Pensacola was the first security breach of its kind.

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest participants in the program, he added.

He reiterated that the Defense Department is now looking to augment the vetting procedures that take place prior to students arriving at U.S. bases, co-located with American troops.

"Previous vetting had been handled by the home country ... as well as the Department of Homeland Security and State Department," he said. "We've taken a look at that as far as how we can use our resources to do enhanced vetting."

While classroom instruction is ongoing for international students, Hoffman indicated that an operational training pause for Saudi students, implemented in early December, remains in place.

"That's an announcement we will likely have in the coming days," he said. "Over the holidays ... the training schedule was a little bit different. We look forward to turning that back on in the coming days."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

Read more: Air Force Two-Star Fired Amid Investigation into Misconduct Allegations
Appointment

16 January 2020

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has appointed Brice Borin as the General Manager of Mvenpick Resort Cam Ranh, a spectacular new beachfront resort nestled on a 600-metre-long stretch of sand in Khanh Hoa province, on Vietnam's stunning south-central coast. A French national, Brice has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, 20 of which have been spent in Asia Pacific. He has enjoyed GM roles with exclusive hotels including Soori Bali, The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa and The Regent Maldives, and also oversaw the opening of three Anantara resorts. Most recently, Brice spent two years with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, including a highly successful spell as the pre-opening GM of Mvenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives. During this role, Brice launched this US$50 million project, which became the Swiss hotel brand's first location in the Maldives. This makes him the perfect person to drive the opening of Mvenpick Resort Cam Ranh, which started welcoming guests in December 2019.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Overview

The market players have increased their levels of investment in research to identify right formulation and to improve product functionality to capture lions share and create brand recognition in organic foods & beverages market. Also, government authorities, NGOs, and farmer organizations in developing countries are promoting organic farming by financial support, market information, and trends in organic food market. Developing countries are providing subsidies to small farmers for organic farming. NGOs, farmer organizations, traders are conducting training programs to encourage farmers for adopting organic farming. Government and non-government organizations such as APEDA (India), FiBL (Switzerland) and USDA (U.S.) support conventional farmers to switch to organic farming. All these efforts from government and NGOs are boosting the consumption of organic foods & beverages.

The growing demand for organically produced foods is growing rapidly. Evolving consumer buying habits, growing consumers concerns regarding health, the environment, and animal welfare, along with their willingness to pay premium price for healthy food is fueling the demand of organic food market in Asia-Pacific region. Even at the global level, market is driven by factors such as increasing consumer awareness towards benefits associated with its consumption, adoption of organic farming methods, and implementation of organic regulations. The presence of Organic Foods and Beverages Market has increased over the years in conventional food supply chains due to the development of private labels and growing interest of large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Tesco to sell organic products.

Latest Industry Updates

July 2017 General Mills, Inc. launched their new organic yogurt under the brand name of Oui

March 2017 Hain Celestial launched organic bread products

June 2016 General Mills, Inc. made a partnership with Organic Valley. The partnership will aid the organization to source organic dairy products

March 2016 General Mills, Inc. introduced a line of organic whole milk yogurt, available in three varieties: berry, strawberry and vanilla.

Leading Key Players

Global organic food market is undergoing a massive technological innovation over the last couple of years. Manufacturers invest in research and technical development and investigative activities to improve existing products and procedures to develop new products. Research and development will lead to development of new product to improve the quality and functionality by including better formulations. Key players have been developing better-for-your products to accommodate the healthy food movement in convenient packaging, with clean labels ensuring food safety.

The key players profiled in organic food & beverages are Amys Kitchen Inc., Dean Food Company, General Mills Inc., Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Kraft Foods Group Inc., SpartanNash Company, The Kroger Co., and Whole Foods Market, Inc. among many others.

Browse Complete Half-Cooked Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures is Available @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/organic-food-beverages-market-2524

Regional Analysis

The Global Organic Food & Beverages Market is segmented into Europe, APAC, North America and Rest of the World (RoW). Europe is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period of 2017-2023. The growth of the Europe is anticipated to be driven by the increasing busy lifestyles of the consumers coupled with the increasing launches of new products by the key players in Europe. Also, increasing awareness among the consumers related to the adverse effect of synthetic ingredients is propelling the sales of organic foods & beverages.
Sumi Sukanya dutta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A central team sent by the Union Health Ministry to probe the high number of infant deaths at a Kota hospital last month, has found that shortage of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, in comparison to high patient load, could be the real culprit.

Ironically, the team in its report, seen by this newspaper, has raised question over attaching the district hospital with a medical college in the city  a model that the governments top think tank Niti Aayog is pushing throughout the country.

The team, however, observed that such a model results in poor patient care quality as the focus is mainly on fulfilling the teaching requirements but not delivering quality healthcare.

We noted that in the hospital, only minimum number of doctors and other staff are posted which was required to teach 150 MBBS students as per the Medical Council of India norms-while the rush of patients is like a district hospital and thats why despite best of their intentions, doctors are failing to save lives, said a committee member requesting anonymity.

The experts also noted that the number of deaths at the hospital has marginally declined every year since 2014 and has remained in the range of 7-8% against total hospitalisation.

Over 107 newborns and infants had died in Kotas J K Lon Hospital, attached with the local government medical college since 1992, last month, triggering a nationwide outrage.

The four-member team, which was led by Dr Kuldeep Singh, a senior faculty from AIIMS Jodhpur, noted that while the hospital had nearly 220% occupancy rate, there was an acute shortage of medical personnel  up to 80 per cent  given the heavy patient load.

The other members of the panel who carried out joint gap analysis along with the state government in terms of clinical protocols, service delivery, manpower availability and equipment for maternal, newborn and paediatric care services included Dr Deepak Saxena, senior regional director in the state health ministry; Dr Arun Singh of AIIMS, Jodhpur and Dr Himanshu Bhushan of the National Health Systems Resource Centre.

The team also took note of a heavy shortage of several life-saving equipment in the hospital, a fact that the hospital had admitted in its own report to the state government.

Incidentally, the observations by the team, which are yet to be released, have come at a time when the Niti Aayog has proposed a public-private partnership model that will see existing district hospitals getting attached to private medical colleges.

The move is facing stiff resistance from public health activists who feel that such a model will make health inaccessible to a majority of the population.
Bar La Grassa | Photo: Carissa E./Yelp

Craving desserts?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end dessert outlets in Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.

1. Bar La Grassa

photo: nora c./yelp

Topping the list is Bar La Grassa. Located at 800 Washington Ave. North in North Loop, the wine bar and Italian spot, which offers desserts and more, is the most popular high-end dessert spot in Minneapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,246 reviews on Yelp.

Bar La Grassa specializes in Italian cuisine. Following an entree, choose from a variety of sweet treats including a pineapple ginger ricotta tarte or the gjetost cheesecake.

2. Burch Steak And Pizza Bar

Photo: Michael U./Yelp

Next up is Uptown's Burch Steak and Pizza Bar, situated at 1933 Colfax Ave. South. With four stars out of 533 reviews on Yelp, the steakhouse, which offers pizza, desserts and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge.

The dessert menu features a variety of plated sweets or cakes by the slice. The restaurant also offers a selection of ports and dessert wines.

3. Edwards Dessert Kitchen

photo: edwards dessert kitchen/yelp

North Loop's Edwards Dessert Kitchen, located at 200 N. Washington Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy cocktail bar, which offers desserts, ice cream and frozen yogurt and more, four stars out of 120 reviews.

The dessert and cocktail bar is located in the renovated Lowry Building with exposed brick and wood flooring. The dessert options are made fresh daily featuring items like chocolate hazelnut mousse and key lime cheesecake.

4. Al's Place

Al's Place, a speakeasy and creperie that offers desserts and more in Marshall Terrace, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 36 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2500 University Ave. NE to see for yourself.

The speakeasy offers live music every Friday and Saturday followed by a DJ. The dessert menu features a chocolate hazelnut crepe, flourless chocolate torte, maple bourbon bread pudding and more.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
A new study by University College London suggests a correlation between wealth and life expectancy.

Published in the Journal of Gerontology, the research puts forward the hypothesis that wealthier people live longer.

Data gathered from a study of more than 25,000 people aged 50 and above seemed to support the claim. Those who were richer not only lived longer, but also spent a greater percentage of that time free from illness and disability.

The wealthiest men in both the UK and the US enjoyed approximately 31 extra years in good health, as opposed to 22-23 years in the poorest group.

Wealthy women lived even longer, at an additional 33 years of good health instead of 24-25 years in the latter category.

There was no significant disparity between the health and wellbeing of those in the UK and the US.

The study did not delve too deeply into potential explanations for the data, but it is conceivable that increased wealth leads to reduced stress and greater access to treatments.

Dr Paola Zaninotto, lead author of the report, added that: "While life expectancy is a useful indicator of health, the quality of life as we get older is also crucial."

"By measuring healthy life expectancy we can get an estimate of the number of years of life spent in favourable states of health or without disability."

The team concluded that: "Inequalities in healthy life expectancy exist in both countries and are of similar magnitude."
Last year, President Donald Trump claimed a winning streak for securing the release of American citizens held by foreign governments and groups. "We are 38-0," Trump said in September, adding that his own chief envoy on the issue had called him "the greatest hostage negotiator of all time."

But this week, when U.S. citizen Mustafa Kassem, 54, died on Monday after more than six years in an Egyptian prison, the White House remained silent. It was unclear whether it considered Trump's streak to be over.

Kassem, who worked as a New York City taxi driver, had smuggled a letter out of Cairo's maximum-security Tora prison that appealed directly to Trump. "I am putting my life in your hands," he wrote, according to The Washington Post's Sudarsan Raghavan.

He was arrested in 2013 while visiting relatives in Cairo. His arrest coincided with a bloody crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood by the government of President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, and Kassem was sentenced to 15 years in prison on terrorism charges that rights groups say were fabricated.

That Kassem saw hope in Trump is logical. The president has portrayed himself as unusually engaged with the fate of U.S. citizens held overseas; he promoted the aforementioned special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Robert O'Brien, to the position of White House national security adviser last year.

Since 2017, his administration has seen U.S. citizens held in Venezuela, Yemen, North Korea, Turkey - even Egypt - released to great fanfare. "We are very happy to have Aya back home," he told reporters in April 2017, as he greeted Aya Hijazi, a charity worker who had been detained in Egypt for almost three years.

But unlike Hijazi, Kassem will not visit the White House. Instead, in ill health and on a hunger strike, he died. And there are many U.S. citizens who remain in limbo abroad - an estimated half-dozen others in Egypt alone. Their families watched the tragic end of this U.S. citizen's fight, too.

Walid Fitaihi, an American detained by Saudi Arabia who is alleged to have been tortured, remains in legal limbo despite American attempts at intervention. Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012, is still thought to be held by the Syrian government or allied forces.

Paul Whelan, an American arrested by Russian security agents in December 2018, has been in and out of Moscow courtrooms for more than a year, with little clarity about his fate. After word of Kassem's death spread this week, his sister tweeted messages that directly criticized U.S. administration policy.

Trump's focus on freeing U.S. citizens has also been praised by the relatives of those imprisoned. Some argued that the high-profile strategy was a welcome change to the quieter methods used by the Obama administration.

O'Brien, now one of Trump's most prominent allies, was personally praised by some families who worked with him. "We know he's a good man," Debra Tice, mother of the missing journalist, told The Post in September.

But Trump's foreign policy is defined by its rapidly shifting focus. There are some U.S. citizens held in Iran at this moment of tension between the two nations. The family of Otto Warmbier, an American student who died after being released from North Korea in 2017, has opposed Trump's attempts to make a deal with Pyongyang after his previous tough talk.

Trump's savvy about spectacle resulted in O'Brien being sent to try to help U.S. rapper A$AP Rocky after he was arrested in Sweden last summer - despite little sign that the rapper wanted the president's help.

At an event to mark Kassem's life on Wednesday, lawmakers and activists criticized Egypt over the death. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who represents Kassem's district and had received his letter to Trump, called for imposing sanctions on officials in Egypt - a key ally of the United States in the Middle East and a major recipient of U.S. foreign assistance.

Some argued that the United States had failed to provide the help that could have saved Kassem's life. "Did the Trump administration adequately use its leverage? In my opinion, I don't think so," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Indeed, though both Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought up his case with Egyptian authorities, neither appeal made an impact. "Kassem was forgotten, although he was an American," Hijazi said Wednesday, almost three years after her release.

Though Kassem died in an Egyptian prison, Trump will face scrutiny after the American man's death. Trump has praised Egypt's authoritarian leader, dubbing Sissi a "great president" and privately referring to him as "my favorite dictator," according to the Wall Street Journal.

One tragic irony of Trump's conspicuous interest in Americans held abroad is that it may have given countries an incentive to target U.S. citizens, aware that doing so will get an easily distracted world leader's attention, for now at least.

But moreover, by presenting a scorecard for "hostages" released, Trump has reduced the complicated process for freeing citizens abroad down to a competitive game. The death of Kassem shows that it's anything but.

_ _ _

Taylor writes about foreign affairs for The Washington Post. Originally from London, he studied at the University of Manchester and Columbia University.
Catherine Downey is recognized as one of Enterprising Women Magazine's "Enterprising Women of the Year 2020" The recipients of the 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards represent an amazing group of women entrepreneurs from across the United States and as far away as Japan, India, Turkey, Kenya and the UAE.

The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the honorees also serve as leaders of the key organizations that support the growth of womens entrepreneurship.

CATMEDIA founder and CEO, Catherine Downey, is one of two awardees recognized from the state of Georgia. Award winners were recognized in categories based on the annual sales revenues of their businesses. Downey and her company were in the category for sales over $10 million and less than $25 million. She and other honorees will be recognized at the 18th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference, to be held from Sunday, March 29 to Tuesday, March 31 at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

CATMEDIA, a full service creative and marketing agency based in Tucker, GA, and its founder have been recognized as leaders among government service contractors. Catherine Downey has also been recognized through multiple awards and honors as a leader who has made significant strides in their careers, are making a difference in their communities, blazing the trail for others, and leaving an indelible mark on the Atlanta business community. Also recognized as by Atlanta Magazine as one of the citys 500 Most Powerful Leaders in 2019, Atlanta Business Chronicles Women Who Mean Business, and the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year.

The 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference will bring together dynamic women business owners from North America and around the world for two-and-a-half days of top-notch workshops, networking opportunities, corporate sponsor exhibits, and awards presentations. The celebration will shine the spotlight on honorees, with award presentations at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Gala Dinner. During the annual Hall of Fame Luncheon, one woman entrepreneur and one nonprofit leader will be inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of Enterprising Women magazine under the leadership of Monica Smiley, Publisher/CEO, 20 past recipients of Enterprising Women of the Year Award will be honored with the Enterprising Women Top 20 in 2020 Award and recognized at a special reception held in their honor.

The event is open to 2020 award honorees, alumni (previous) award winners, corporate supporters, members of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board, VIPs in the womens business community, readers of Enterprising Women magazine, and members of the many partner organizations affiliated with Enterprising Women.

The recipients of the 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards represent an amazing group of women entrepreneurs from across the United States and as far away as Japan, India, Turkey, Kenya and the UAE, said Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women. We are so proud to recognize their accomplishments as CEOs of fast-growth companies, community leaders, and role models and mentors to other women and girls. We look forward to shining the spotlight on them at our 18th annual awards event in March.

About Sponsors and Supporters of the Enterprising Women awards: Partner organizations represented on the Enterprising Women Advisory Board and supporting the 2020 event include:



The Women Presidents Organization (WPO)

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)

National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)

Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW)

The Global Initiative for Womens Entrepreneurship Research

Womens Business Development Center (WBDC)

Quantum Leaps

Springboard Enterprise

National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB)

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC)/Women Entrepreneurs Inc. (WE)

Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global

Womens Leadership Exchange

The International Alliance for Women (TIAW)

Asian Women in Business (AWIB)

eWomenNetwork (EWN)

Association of Womens Business Centers (AWBC)

ABOUT CATMEDIA:

CATMEDIA is an award-winning Inc. 500 company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in advertising, creative services, media production, program management, training, and human resource management. As a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), CATMEDIA provides world-class customer service and innovative solutions to government and commercial clients. CATMEDIA clients include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
[January 16, 2020] JSA Kicks Off Its 15th Year by Adding Account Based Marketing to Its Suite of Services

MIDDLEBROOK, Va., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) , the preeminent provider of public relations, digital marketing and event planning services for the telecom, data center and tech industries, announces today its new Account Based Marketing (ABM) services . This news comes as the company celebrates its 15th-year anniversary at one of the industry's top global events, PTC '20 in Honolulu. "As we celebrate our exciting 15-year milestone, it's a great time to announce a service we have already found highly impactful for several of our clients this past 8-12 months," states Jaymie Scotto Cutaia , CEO and Founder of JSA. "On average, we saw a 120% growth in Marketing Qualified Accounts and 80% increase in campaign engagement by deploying our ABM strategies, even in our beta rollout to our select data center and telecom clients. This initial response has made us very excited to further drive qualified lead generation through ABM to our clients in 2020 and beyond." And these are not just findings unique to JSA. Alterra Group estimates 97% of marketers achieved higher ROI with ABM as compared to other marketing initiatives. JSA's ABM partner Terminus further weighs in. "The Terminus ABM platform was built to support the best-i-class strategies deployed by sophisticated agencies like JSA," says Dan Griffin, Director of Strategic Alliances, Terminus . "With our robust account intelligence integrations and global account-based ads functionality, our top-tier community of agencies can quickly and easily help clients identify, engage, and close their ideal customers and grow their business fast."



"In simple terms, ABM is knowing your prospects," adds Dean Perrine , ABM VP at JSA. "It's tightly aligning your sales and marketing efforts to define your ideal customer profile, and then targeting a select number of similar prospective accounts that fit this profile. Once identified, JSA researches, qualifies and applies a specific messaging and outreach strategy to those unique accounts or personas. We build, deploy and track campaigns catering to the top decision makers at these named companies. We understand their pain points, and then provide them with educational messaging via multiple channels, using words that matter to them, and ideally at times when they are ready to buy. This approach is logically driving more measurable opportunities and impact on revenue to our clients." "JSA's best fit account targeting not only ensures multi-channel content, delivery and tracking for our clients, but also expanded brand equity, improved marketing budget efficiency, shorter sales cycles and better customer experience once the prospects are signed, turning them quicker into advocates for our clients' brands," concludes Ms. Scotto Cutaia.

Find out more on ABM strategies on JSA's newly launched website, jsa.net. The new website also features an enhanced online portfolio, customer testimonials, JSA's complete roster of services; and new for 2020, the calendar of upcoming JSA Virtual Roundtables , which provides a free lunch to viewers' offices or homes for the first 100 registrants each month. For more information or a free consultation, email [email protected] . About JSA

Celebrating 15 years of success, Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) is the preeminent provider of Public Relations, Marketing and Event Planning services to the telecom, data center and tech industries. Awarded 'Most Outstanding Telecoms PR Agency' by LiveWire for two years in a row, our success is attributed to our skilled JSA team, innovative tools, and established media and industry relationships, allowing us to deliver the finest outreach and brand awareness services available  with measurable return on investment. To learn more about how JSA can elevate your brand, visit www.jsa.net .

Join the conversation: Follow JSA on LinkedIn and Twitter . For media inquiries, please contact:

Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)

+1 866.695.3629 ext. 6

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jsa-kicks-off-its-15th-year-by-adding-account-based-marketing-to-its-suite-of-services-300987957.html SOURCE Jaymie Scotto & Associates, LLC

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Its been over a year since I first joined the Global Womens Leadership Network (GWLN). Ive had the pleasure of meeting amazing women and men from credit union systems in the US and around the globe.

Listening, learning and more listening as we grow GWLN.

Who are we? A culturally diverse group of individuals who differ through languages, holiday customs, food, dress, and music!

What do we have in common? Through the international voice that is GWLN, we strive to advance women in society, ensuring their financial inclusion.

For Triza from the Malawi Sister Society:The idea is to make each cooperative woman an agent of change in their communities.

For Gail from the Trinidad and Tobago Sister Society:GWLN members are thankful to be part of a program that advocates for women and supports our global system.

For Caroline from the Texas-North Sister Society:Proud to be part of something thats bigger than all of us.

Locking arms through this sisterhood

Ive listened to GWLN members share their issues, talk about accessing resources and how being engaged in a global program has helped them make an impact in their local communities.

Locking arms through this sisterhood, GWLN aims to provide women with opportunities to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, their credit unions and their communities. More than 3,000 women and men have engaged with GWLN from 82 countries since it was established. Globally, GWLN works with individuals, boards, and industry leaders to model and champion change, offering credit union women tangible skills and resources needed to lead.

Women embrace new opportunities for responsibility and leadership through GWLN local sister societies. At the end of 2019, there were more than 100 Sister Societies in 21 countries on 6 continents. With more launches in the US and internationally in Q1 2020, numbers are continuing to grow.

Through sister societies, members localize their impact by organizing clothing drives, donating hours to charities in their communities, delivering food, helping families and engaging youth. Most sister societies choose a community charity for strengthening the economic security for women and their families.

In the U.S., sister societies have taken on resume writing, placement counseling and outreach to university graduating students. Sister societies support battered women shelters, single mothers education support, young womens life coping skills, family food assistance programs and youth empowerment programs.

Other initiatives from international sister societies include:

delivering care and food support to facilities for women and children with physical impairments.

providing relief goods containing ready-to-eat food and sanitary items to flood victims.

coordinating efforts with other cooperatives to assist their members when natural disasters occur.

Through the commitment, dedication and hard work of leadership, staff and a very large number of passionate volunteers, GWLN gained momentum in its first decade. Over the next 10 years through GWLNacross all our cultures and languageswe will continue to do more amazing things together!

I consider myself privileged to represent credit union women from around the globe. Bringing together our members, sister societies, supporters and volunteers, simply putI connect the dots.

GWLN membership is open to all women and men in the credit union industry. To learn more, visit GWLN at www.cuwomen.org or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Fuckkkk he really had no limits

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That is legit scary!!

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hardly out of character for the IDF

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Sooooo, every Jew in Israel then

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That's what I kept thinking over and over when reading Catch & Kill. Like, Harvey's actions don't surprise me as much because men are awful and he's a predator, but THAT many professional people went to THOSE lengths to cover up his pathetic, extremely avoidable actions? It just seemed like enabling taken to the 10 millionth degree. I know they were being paid, but still.

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does admitting this put him at risk?





also, I hope HW doesnt get a new judge like he wants.





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OT but omg is that Zendaya? This icon is amazing i stan

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Yes! Its so perfect and funny timing bc we talked about the mullets/hair in that previous post. There she is with all the glorious chic 80s glamour with big hair, earrings, neon pink makeup and the LOOK! So on point as always! I was quick to compress the gif and made this icon lol 

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And... am I supposed to find it courageous that he suddenly found some integrity, after he already had no problem accepting money from Black Cube and Harvey Weinstein? He's probably making even more money and now getting some fame by revealing his story. Please.

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Seriously

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Mte

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It's not courageous but him going on record about it will help future victims prove that this shit happens.

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this

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absolutely not lol, we're saving all that energy to be happy that his victims have been vindicated at the very least on this front

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literally lmao...the job was done the money was paid



that piece of shit can go in HW's cell too for eternity for all i care

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MTE like fuck this guy thinking hes now on the right side of history for coming forward and this can open up so many traumas and possibly new fears for these women

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i wonder if ppl like ronan farrow are considered 'untouchable' bc it would be obvious if he was attacked..





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He has a better shot than someone less well known, for sure. But it's still very dangerous. These people are hired specifically to silence others. If Weinstein paid them to, they just need to carefully plan a good cover up or find another way to hurt him.

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The winky face at the end makes this comment creepy af.

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Ronan was definitely spied on and tracked, his book Catch and Kill talks about it extensively. Including that the people hired to stalk his fiance gave up because his routine was too boring lol.

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they're def not slick bc ronan wrote about how often he would spot them in his book

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Isn't he the spy that came clean to Ronan Farrow in Catch and Kill? He turned and gave RF everything he knew so \_()_/ Good for him I guess.

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Nah, that was a different guy specifically hired to follow Ronan in NYC. I think that guy isn't an actual Black Cube employee. He and his associate were local, small-time operatives hired by Black Cube. He's the first guest on Ronan's podcast.

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Ronan has a podcast????

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I didn't mean the guy following him but the "Guardian reporter" who contacted him several times, who he never got back to, but then at the end just gave him everything

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I fucking knew Weinstein was doing this shit.

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one of the things that really struck as truth is always stranger than fiction, was the fact that yeah rose was a bit off, and a bit much and a bit paranoid. She was also right. Even Ronan talks about that in his book and how insidious it was, and targeted towards someone that wouldn't have been believed because Rose is Rose. it would be so easy to pass it off as the paranoia.



totally true. and he touched on how deep it went for himself in terms of surveillance.



all i can think of is it must have cost a fortune to try and stay on top of all that bullshit. (that's aside from the obvious shit you'd think like this dude is fucking evil and he needs to die and how dare he get away with it as long as he did. where were the men in hollywood? ya know past all that shit.)



Edited at 2020-01-16 05:25 am (UTC)

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yeah the fact that he has enough money to do this to so many people is even scarier when you think about people richer than him

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Thats fucking horrifying. It makes me feel sick. I hope HW dies alone and miserable.

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i hope he trips and one of his walkers' legs turns him into a kebab

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This shit is frightening, wtf!



And dude, spare me bleeding heart shit - you still took money to follow a woman and feed info she confided in you back to her (and MANY others') rapist. Fuck you

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tbh I would think most spies or people working in intelligence are sociopaths.

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tbh a lot of people i've met who consider themselves "empaths" actually have a lot of narcissistic tendencies

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empathy is really common for people like that. sympathy is absent.

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that is horrific



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This is actual nightmare fodder, oh my god. I cant even imagine being one of the victims, with no one on your side or willing to strike out against a man with all that power, and no doubt no one believing you if you claimed he was out to discredit or ruin you. They must have been so scared of looking paranoid or crazy but here it is, all true and horrifying.



They must have felt so alone and that just...fucks me up.

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US sentences 2 Iranian men to prison for spying originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Two men have been sentenced to prison in the United States for conducting surveillance on behalf of Iran's government.

Ahmadreza Mohammadi-Doostdar, 39, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, and Majid Ghorbani, 60, an Iranian citizen and resident of California, were sentenced to prison terms of 38 months and 30 months, respectively. Doostdar will also serve 36 months of supervised release and pay a fine of $14,153, while Ghorbani will serve 36 months of supervised release, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

An FBI investigation found that both men had been spying on American citizens who are members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, or MEK, a group that advocates for the overthrow of the Iranian government.

"This case illustrates Irans targeting of Americans in the United States in order to silence those who oppose the Iranian regime or otherwise further its goals," U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said in a statement Wednesday. "The defendants, working for Iran, gathered information on Americans that could then be used by the Iranian intelligence services to intimidate or harm them or their families. These prosecutions should serve as a reminder to anyone here working covertly for Iran that the American law enforcement will pursue you to protect this country, its citizens and the First Amendment principles upon which it was founded."

(MORE: Iran announces arrests over shootdown of Ukrainian passenger plane that killed 176)

In October, Doostdar pleaded guilty to one count of acting as an agent of the government of Iran without notifying the U.S. attorney general, in violation of a Foreign Agents Registration Act-related statute, and one count of conspiring to violate that statute. In November, Ghorbani entered a guilty plea to one count of willfully violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Story continues

As part of his plea, Doostdar admitted under oath that he had traveled from Iran to the United States on three separate occasions over the past few years in order to meet with Ghorbani and to convey directions for Ghorbanis activities on behalf of the Iranian government.

PHOTO: Flags fly on the FBI headquarters building in Washington, Dec. 7, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters, FILE)

On his first trip to the United States in July 2017, Doostdar met with Ghorbani at his workplace. Doostdar admitted that, during a subsequent conversation, Ghorbani had said he was willing to work for the Iranian government in the United States.

That September, Ghorbani attended a rally in New York City organized by the MEK where there were U.S. citizens denouncing the Iranian regime. Ghorbani photographed the attendees, including the group's leaders. Under oath, Ghorbani admitted to attending the rally and gathering information to give to Doostdar and ultimately to individuals in Iran.

(MORE: A timeline of growing tensions between the US and Iran)

When Doostdar returned to the United States in December 2017, he met with Ghorbani and collected the photographs of the rally attendees, which included handwritten notes identifying the individuals. Doostdar paid him $2,000 for his work, which Doostdar admitted had been provided by his handler with the Iranian government.

Doostdar and Ghorbani also discussed Ghorbani's plans to travel to Iran in March 2018, and Ghorbani offered to provide an in-person briefing on the rally attendees during this trip.

Later that same month, Doostdar departed the United States for Iran with the photographs and handwritten notes provided by Ghorbani.

PHOTO: In this file photo the Iranian flag flutters in front the International Atomic Energy Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria, July 10, 2019. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters, FILE)

In May 2018, Ghorbani went to another MEK rally, this time in Washington, D.C., where he again gathered information on participants who appeared critical of the Iranian regime. Doostdar admitted that, following that rally, he and Ghorbani spoke by telephone and discussed the ways in which Ghorbani could provide the information to him in Iran.

The sentences in this case illustrate the high cost to those who act as agents of the Iranian government in the United States or provide services that benefit the government of Iran, especially when those activities target the free speech and peaceful assembly rights of people in the United States, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu said in a statement Wednesday. We will continue to thwart efforts by foreign governments to endanger our national security and to stifle the freedoms that all Americans cherish.

The case comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike in Iraq that killed Iran's top military general. The Iranian government retaliated by firing multiple ballistic missiles into neighboring Iraq, targeting military bases housing American troops. There were no reported casualties.

"The FBI will not tolerate surveillance being conducted here in the United States at the behest of foreign nations like Iran," Jay Tabb, executive assistant director of the FBI's National Security Branch, said in a statement Wednesday. "Such activity is intimidating, particularly to individuals who exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and criticize the Iranian government. The FBI will continue to pursue such activity on U.S. soil and disrupt efforts by any individuals who take such actions on behalf of Iran."
Teenager Izzy Raj-Seppings, dubbed the Australian Greta Thunberg, has lashed out at police for 'humiliating her' as she camped out outside Scott Morrison's home.

The young protester, 13, became a global sensation after she was pictured being threatened with arrest outside the prime minister's Kirribilli residence.

An enthusiastic activist, she arrived at a Sydney court on Tuesday to support NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge, who was arrested at the climate protest.

'I felt like I had done something wrong, I felt like I was a criminal but I was one of the lucky ones,' she told reporters outside the court.

Teen activist Izzy Raj-Seppings (centre) speaks to the media at the Manly Local Court in Sydney on Thursday, as she supported NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge (left)

This picture of Izzy Raj-Seppings, 13, being told by police in December that she could be arrested 'with force' outside Scott Morrison's Kirribilli residence went viral across the world

'We have the right to demonstrate.

'It's horrendous they came and shut it down.'

The teenager wasn't arrested but said she was 'humiliated', when the police ordered her to move on.

They were videoed telling the schoolgirl she could be arrested with 'force'.

Izzy was one of dozens of climate activists who arrived to support the NSW Greens MP and others arrested at the climate protest in December.

He was one of 10 people arrested for disobeying a police direction to move on from Kirribilli House.

NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge (pictured, centre) pleaded not guilty to charges that he disobeyed a police direction

He said the police action on the day was 'overreach' and pleaded not guilty at Manly Local Court on Thursday.

'This was gross police overreach,' Mr Shoebridge told reporters.

'There was no proper basis for police to issue the move on orders and send the riot squad in.

'This was clearly an act of intimidation designed to break the will of protesters.'

The matter was adjourned until January 31 at the Downing Centre Local Court.

In unsettling footage, Izzy bursts into tears but refuses to back down after police outside Mr Morrison's north shore home warned 'force may be used' to arrest her.

Climate Protester Izzy (pictured, centre) at a climate change rally in Sydney on January 10, has become a regular on the protest circuit

Izzy (pictured) was seen among hundreds of protesters outside Mr Morrison's house in December, protesting the government's inaction over climate change

Breaking her silence in December, Izzy explained she had dragged her dad on a one-hour bus trip on 'the hottest day of the year' to demand the government taken action.

'I'm tired of watching my future burn before my eyes,' she wrote in the Guardian.

She had travelled to the protest outside Mr Morrison's Sydney residence, which began when he took a surprise - and much criticised - holiday to Hawaii as the bushfire crisis raged.

The 13-year-old held her placard high (pictured) as she was escorted away from Kirribilli House alongside her father back in December

Already a seasoned protester, she is a member of Extinction Rebellion Sydney.

Carrying a placard reading 'Look at what you've left us. Watch us fight it, Watch us win,' she faced down over-zealous officers outside the elite residence.

The teenager was joined by hundreds of protesters, who threatened to camp out overnight.

Writing about what motivated her to take the action, she said: 'How dare Scott Morrison race off to Hawaii during Australia's time of crisis?

'What we need is a prime minister who acknowledges that this isn't another normal fire season, that the cause of this is climate change!

Izzy (pictured) has become a viral sensation and was dubbed Australia's answer to Greta Thunberg

'Lives and homes have been taken while Morrison lies on a tropical beach with his head in the sand.'

Describing the day as a 'whirlwind of emotions' she said it had started as a peaceful protest before a squad of riot police arrived.

She also accused the police of using 'intense intimidation tactics' as they asked the protesters to leave.

A photo of a group of Australian tourists who claimed to be with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Hawaii (second from right) emerged on social media

Mr Morrison later cut short his family trip to Hawaii, and apologised for 'any offence' it caused.

'I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,' Mr Morrison said on Friday.

'I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.'

But the tragedy which saw two volunteer firefighters killed in NSW convinced the Prime Minister to return.

'Given these most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney from leave as soon as can be arranged,' he said.

Scott Morrison was seen relaxing in Hawaii just hours after he said he would come home 'as soon as I can' (pictured)
An Australian farmer checks his phone for weather updates after feeding his sheep in a drought-affected paddock on his property in north-western New South Wales, Australia, on Oct. 3, 2019. (David Gray/Stringer/Getty Images)

Outrage as Drought-Stricken Australian Region Approves Chinese Companys Water Mining Operation

A Chinese-owned company has been granted approval to run a commercial water-mining operation in southern Queensland, sparking outrage among farmers and landholders amid an extensive spell of drought in the region.

Royal Duke Holdings received approval last month from the Southern Downs regional council to run an Elbow Valley-based water extraction and distribution facility.

The company proposes to mine 96 million liters of local groundwater a year from a fractured rock aquifer beneath the Cherrabah Resort, which it operates near the Queensland-New South Wales border, and sell it off for commercial plastic bottling to the Gold Coast, The Australian reported.

Royal Duke Holdings won approval for its controversial project on a number of conditions, including upgrading nearby roads. It wants to build a water extraction and distribution facility, according to the companys council application.

The decision has been met with outrage from the drought-hit regions residents, who have grown accustomed to strict council implemented water restrictions. As of last month, residents were told to adhere to taking three-minute showers, washing clothes twice a week, and limiting toilet usage to four half-flushes a day so as to not exceed using 80 liters of water per person daily.

Drinking water is also on the verge of running out, the The Guardian reported.

As water supply in the town of Stanthorpe is scarce, residents rely on 50 truckloads of water being transported in daily from Connolly Dam located 75 kilometers away.

Andrew ODea, a cattle farmer and property owner whose family has worked on the land for four generations, told The Australian he was pretty gutted by news of the operations approval, which he branded as risky.

This mine is going to have a severe impact on our groundwater supplies, he told the news outlet. With the conditions the region is experiencing at the moment, I expected a different outcome.

ODea, who lives about 5 kilometers from the proposed operation site, called on the state government to take action. He said the ongoing drought has meant just six cattle remain on his 800-hectare farm, in contrast to the usual 200.

There is no excuse to justify taking 96 million liters of water a year out of the aquifer. The risk is just too high, ODea added. I guess its a bit of salt in the wound, having to make decisions based on a lack of water when others are trying to sell their excess.

The regions main resource of water, Storm King Dam, stands at just 9.6 percent capacity due to the crippling drought.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie defended the council on the basis that it was the government that issued and managed water-extraction licenses, and strict conditions were given in its approval, The Australian reported.

The Epoch Times reached out to the council for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
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The good news. Jet Airways has got an expression of interest (EoI) from two suitors - South Americas Synergy Group and New Delhi-based Prudent ARC Ltd.

The bad news? Many of the questions around the revival of the airline still remain.

While Synergy submitted its interest on January 6, little-known Prudent ARC put in the EoI on January 15, the deadline.

The interest would come as a relief for Jet Airways lenders, who are hoping to recover more than Rs 8,000 crore in dues. The airlines total liability is over Rs 20,000 crore. The airline suspended operations in April.

The two suitors will now go through the eligibility test. If they clear the hurdle, they will need to submit bids by February 17.

The doubts

For Synergy, which emerged as the sole suitor for Jet Airways in September, this would be familiar territory. In 2019, too, the group submitted its EoI but failed to submit a bid despite several extensions in deadlines.

Importantly, many of the questions around its interest remain.

It still has not got an Indian partner, which is necessary to qualify as a bidder. Indian regulations allow foreign companies only 49 percent stake in airlines, and the operational control also remains with the local partner. Despite reaching out to many companies, Synergy is yet to get a partner.

The group also asked for clarity on Jet Airways slots and flying rights, which had been distributed among the likes of IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara. While industry regulator DGCA has said it will positively consider requests, it is subject to concrete business plans.

On that front, Synergy, with its own financial woes, is yet to show its cards.

New interest

While an interest from a new suitor is always welcome to bring fresh interest in a bidding process, little is known about Prudent ARC.

The relatively-new company got approvals to start business only in 2016. It is not known to have expertise in aviation. Reports add that the company may not clear the eligibility test as it does not have a net worth of Rs 2,000 crore.

It may be a different story if Prudent manages to get a partner, a financial investor, on board and forms a consortium. That is something that Synergy has been trying to do.

The chances look slim, especially with the Hinduja Group, which seemed to have rekindled its interest in Jet Airways, backing out and not submitting an EoI.

Now the ugly bit. For Jet Airways lenders, liquidation is the only other road to take. But, they have shown reluctance in taking that turn, more willing to extend bid submission deadline. Now, too, the February 17 deadline may not be sacrosanct.
Ukraine saw an increase in freedom of speech violations in 2019, local media watchdog Institute of Mass Information (IMI) said in a yearly report.



Published on January 16, the Freedom of Speech Barometer report stated there were 243 such cases in 2019, eight more than the previous year.

It noted that for the first time in three years, a journalist was killed.



Vadym Komarov died on June 20 following an attack in May in Cherkassy, a city in central Ukraine 192 kilometers south of Kyiv.



Most of the recorded freedom-of-speech-violations -- 172 -- were related to physical aggression against journalists, the report found.



The reason for the worsening situation, according to Kateryna Dyachuk, the head of IMIs freedom of speech monitoring department, is that investigations of such violations arent done in a systemic matter.



She also cited increased pressure from media owners and politicians, both of whom contribute to discrediting journalism, plus there is not much solidarity in journalistic circles.



The other categories of violations included obstruction of carrying out professional duties (99), threats (37), beatings (23), failure to receive access to information (21), cyberattacks and legal pressure (18 each), and censorship (6).



IMI also said it is virtually impossible for independent journalists to work in Russia-occupied Crimea or the parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that Kyiv doesnt control.



In its yearly report, the Brussels-based European Federation of Journalists said that 49 journalists were killed last year, including two in Europe: Komarov and Lyra McKee, who was shot dead on April 19 while covering a riot in Northern Ireland.
Hospital beds in England were fuller last week than they have been all winter, according to NHS statistics.

Fewer than five per cent of overnight beds were open to new patients between January 6 and 12.

A surge in norovirus cases added extra pressure to already-stretched hospitals, the NHS said, after the number of infections had been dropping for weeks.

More than 5,500 hospital beds were closed because of norovirus or diarrhoea and vomiting  45 per cent higher than the week before.

A surge in the number of people infected with norovirus over the Christmas period coincided with NHS hospitals in England having fewer beds free than at almost any time over the past three years (stock image of norovirus)

Figures released this morning showed 95.1 per cent of NHS inpatient beds were full in English hospitals last week.

It was the second busiest week of the past three years, with only the first week of February 2019 recording more full beds (95.2 per cent).

The NHS aims to keep the figure below 92 per cent, but surgeons say even that is too high for hospitals to operate safely, especially during winter.

Wards must keep space available for incoming patients or the flow of people can back up through the hospital.

Fewer beds available on wards means patients wait longer in A&E to be admitted and other A&E patients wait longer for those to be cleared so they can be seen.

It also means people waiting for planned surgery may have operations cancelled if there is no room for them to stay after the procedure.

NHS Providers, which represents hospital staff, described the the backlog as 'patient flow pressures'.

'With bed occupancy up to its highest level so far this winter, and length of stays worsening, patient flow through hospitals is suffering,' said Providers' director of policy, Miriam Deakin.

'The NHS is currently facing 2,500 more people staying in hospital longer than seven days compared to last year, and 2,000 more staying for over two weeks.

'The number of escalation beds has also jumped up this week, whilst diarrhoea and vomiting and norovirus has led to an extra 250 bed closures.

'Staff are under extreme pressure and services are being stretched. Patients are waiting longer for a bed or for elective treatment and this is impacting on trusts capacity to handle unplanned events.'

SURGEONS SAY 92% BED OCCUPANCY TARGET IS TOO HIGH The NHS's target of limiting hospitals to having 92 per cent of their beds full is too lenient, according to surgeons and emergency doctors. In 2017 the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine raised concerns about the 92 per cent target. It said this should be considerably lower and set at 85 per cent. Beds need to be kept empty to cope with surges in emergency patients, which may occur during the winter, when admissions are always higher, or during illness outbreaks such as flu, or in the event of a terror attack or major accident. Having too many beds full means it's slower to admit patients through A&E which in turn leads to longer waits for emergency patients. The RCEM's president at the time, Taj Hassan, told the Health Service Journal: 'It is extremely concerning that one recommendation seems to revise the safe level of bed occupancy up to 92 per cent. '[The college] would have serious concerns about this as a metric of safety and we would be interested in understanding the evidence base behind this thesis. 'Our strong view is that the evidence base all points to 85 per cent as being the safer [and more efficient] level that all systems should be aiming for.' And NHS Providers, which represents hospital and ambulance workers, agreed that having a target higher than 90 per cent was a 'real concern'. Advertisement

Winter is a particularly volatile time because there are usually more people needing help and illnesses like flu and norovirus can spread rapidly around a hospital, keeping people in for longer or lead to beds getting shut down to stop the spread.

Norovirus cases in England for the last week of December and first week of January were 31 per cent higher than average.

Some 422 people were diagnosed and 11 hospital wards closed because of the winter vomiting bug.

And the total number of infections since recording began in June is 26 per cent higher than usual.

A total of 5,630 hospital beds had to be closed last week because of norovirus, up from 3,882 a week earlier and just 3,135 the week before that.

An NHS spokesperson said: 'Flu and norovirus continue to put additional pressure on NHS services, so it remains important that the public help staff by getting their flu jab and using the NHS 111 phone and online service for advice if they come down with a vomiting bug.

'While the NHS has more beds open this winter than last, the continued increase in peoples need for care underlines the need for more beds and staff across hospital and community services.'

While the proportion of beds free was low for England overall (4.9 per cent of the total), many hospitals had even fewer than that.

A total of 79 out of 132 hospital trusts included in the data were more than 95.1 per cent full and 31 were more than 98 per cent full last week.

Local news reports in the past week have revealed hospitals in Berkshire and Somerset have suffered norovirus outbreaks.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital, in Reading, was limiting visitor numbers and urging people to stay away if possible, Berkshire Live reported.

And, according to the Somerset County Gazette, visitors were also restricted at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

NHS Providers' Ms Deakin said care systems outside of hospitals need to be improved before people can be released to free up beds on wards.

She added: 'To combat these patient flow pressures, we need to see more focus and investment in community care and, vitally, social care.

'We must be realistic about the capacity of the health and care system and ensure that we invest in facilities and the workforce so that the NHS is better supported in handling winter pressures.'

The full bed statistic comes in the middle of a difficult winter for the NHS.

Hospitals are facing huge numbers of patients in A&E departments and, last month, more than one in five people had to wait longer than four hours to be seen.

In the worst ever performance of its kind in the NHS, just 79.8 per cent of all patients were cared for in December within the target time.

This worked out as 396,762 people waiting longer, 40,000 more than in November, the previous worst month when 81.4 per cent were seen in four hours.

Other statistics laying bare the immense pressure on A&E units revealed ambulance delays at the start of January were the worst they have been in at least two years.

The first week of 2020 saw almost one in five ambulance patients (18 per cent, equal to 18,000 people) wait more than half an hour to be handed over to hospital staff.

Doctors' organisations said the NHS is stuck in a 'spiral of decline' and staff are dealing with 'pressures the like of which we have never seen'.

Patients who needed admitting to hospital after their visits also faced record-breaking waits before they could get onto a ward.

The NHS's bed shortage is not just a problem during the winter. Statistics for July and September showed hospitals are facing rising pressure all year round. The proportion of beds available during July, August and September declined from 14.4 per cent in 2010 to just 10 per cent in 2019

Almost 100,000 seriously ill people (98,452) waited more than four hours for a bed after a doctor had decided to keep them in the hospital.

And a staggering 2,347 people waited for 12 hours or more. This was more than double the 1,112 in November and 10 times as many as in December 2018 (284).

Dr Simon Walsh, spokesperson for the British Medical Association, said last week: 'How many wake-up calls does the Government need?

'These figures are truly alarming and serve as yet further evidence that our NHS simply doesnt have the resources, staff, or capacity to cope with rocketing demand.

'This is totally unacceptable and demands urgent action.'
The Labour Party has again called for a task force to be set up to tackle crime in Dublins northside.

Senator Aodhan O Riordain, who has been calling for a multi-agency task force for more than a year, said that the area, which has seen six murders in seven months linked to a drugs feud, cannot continue to be neglected.

The murder of 17 year-old Keane Mulready-Woods has shocked the country in recent days, after the boys body parts were found in different areas of Dublin. However, the Labour Senator said he doesnt know if this murder will define the election, as he felt the previous six murders should have been enough to spark change.

Some of the teenagers limbs were found in a bag in Coolock. Other body parts were found in a burnt-out car in Drumcondra. It is suspected but not confirmed that they belong to the teenager.

Gardai investigating the murder of 17 year-old Keane Mulready-Woods ask people to stop sharing unverified pictures purporting to be involved with the murder. The images are incredibly distressing. Gardai have asked anyone who knows the origin of the photographs to contact them. pic.twitter.com/z7CsDODLEj  aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) January 16, 2020

Mr O Riordain said he cannot understand the reluctance of the government to implement a task force in the area, similar to the one implemented by former taoiseach Enda Kenny for Dublins north inner city in 2017, to tackle crime and help divert vulnerable young people from criminality by maximising educational or training opportunities and creating local employment.

Asking for that to be replicated here, I just didnt get a response. I didnt get any enthusiasm, and I cant speak to that, he said.

Sometimes I wonder if six people had been murdered in a different part of the country, would we get a different response?

I know a lot of teachers, youth workers and residents have a lot to say on what could be changed here, rather than a knee-jerk more guards answer.

Im very disappointed that its come to this, rather than taking the initiative much earlier.

Such a task force would see the Garda, working with probation and community services, schools and local representatives form a Mulvey-style report, which was initiated in response to the series of gangland murders in the North East Inner City, arising from the ongoing feud between criminal gangs.

Labours @AodhanORiordain highlights the extortion faced by some Irish parents by gangs when their child runs up drug debts. Should I go to the guards or the credit union? Theyre thinking the credit union because parents around the country are thinking of a young man in a bag. pic.twitter.com/TvE8tmlDkW  aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) January 16, 2020

Despite sustained campaigning, Mr O Riordain said he was reduced to launching a petition before the election in order for the communitys voice to be heard.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has said that to implement another Mulvey-style report would dilute the ability of such task forces, and could then be asked to be replicated in many other locations.

Mr O Riordain replied: Weve had six murders in seven months, I would suggest that is a reason why a task force should be established.

I would also point to the fact that this government has been criticised by the nine former drugs ministers for taking the community voice away from drugs task forces, and we need to get that back.

Children are walking past crime scenes and murder scenes on their way to school and they think this is normal, and it is wrong they think its normal  I dont accept what Charlie Flanagan has said today as being helpful.

Mr O Riordain said there is a palpable level of fear in these communities regarding the drugs gangs, and noted incidents in which parents are being extorted due to a drug debt run up by their child.

We are absolutely at a crossroads, and we have to show that the state can work and find solutionsSenator Aodhan O Riordain

Why do they do it? They do it to frighten people, he said.

Parents are asking; Do I go to the guards or the credit union?.

Theyre thinking the credit union, because mothers and fathers around the country are thinking of a young man in a bag.

Theyre sending a message that this is what happens to your child if you dont play by our rules.

We are absolutely at a crossroads, and we have to show that the state can work and find solutions.

He added he would be in favour of a system like that implemented in Portugal, in which the possession of drugs for personal use is decriminalised, which he says is clogging up Irish courts and not focusing on the route of the problem.
The pact aimed at coordinating the efforts to issue Golden Residency Permits in a way that facilitates the conduct of business and creates an attractive and encouraging investment environment in terms of Business growth and success in the State, and attracting investors and entrepreneurs.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority signed a cooperation agreement to create a partnership between the two entities.

The Agreement was signed by Brigadier Saeed Salem Belhas Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi, and Dhaher bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, CEO of the Registration Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market.

By virtue of such agreement, the ADGM Registration Authority will provide the necessary support for ICA in the implementation of transactions of issuing Golden Residency Permits for foreigners through the e-window of ADGM. The Golden Residency include all the investors and entrepreneurs and the people with specialized talents and researchers in the different fields of science and knowledge, the outstanding students with promising academic capabilities.

Coordination will be arranged with ICA to evaluate the applications in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Cabinet Resolution No. 56 for the year 2018.

It should be noted that the Registration Authority will carry out the transactions of issuing Golden Residency Permits exclusively all over the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The two entities will work to achieve the highest level of cooperation in the field of linking their systems electronically in a manner that guarantees the provision of the best level of services.

Brigadier Al Shamsi praised the agreement signed between the two entities and stated that ICA seeks, under the guidance of His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Directors, to sign similar agreements with all government and private bodies and institutes to facilitate its work, the matter which promotes the sustainable growth and investment and provides an incubator environment for the efficient and talented persons who are the pillar of the future, and that the procedures, laws and legislations issued by the Cabinet regarding residency permits go along with the direction of raising the position of the UAE, the country of happiness, tolerance and humanity in all international forums as the country of security, safety, development, growth and prosperity and as an investment destination that embraces all cultures.

Al Mheiri said: We are proud to sign this strategic agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, which comes as part of our continuous efforts to enhance the position of Abu Dhabi and the State as a global investment destination that provides a business environment flexible and smooth for individuals and companies, and ensures the highest level of business effectiveness.

In the Abu Dhabi Global Market, we are always keen on enhancing cooperation and partnerships with all local and federal authorities in line with the vision of the Abu Dhabi government to achieve a higher level of efficiency in integrating government services, where issuing Golden Residency Permits will support the development process and build a sustainable economy based on knowledge and sustainability, which includes people with exceptional and creative talent from all over the world. -- Tradearabia News Service
Is it a must that Zimbabwe must attend that summit? UK is a sovereign country and they invited countries that they like to attend that summit. As for the Commonwealth, it is not decided by one country, Charamba said.
Even as the focus is on the elections in the capital, political forces have already begun preparations for the other big election at the end of this year  Bihar. On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and home minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in Vaishali on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. He also reiterated, amid speculation over differences with the Janata Dal (United), that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will fight the election under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Nine months is a long time in politics. But if indeed the BJP and JD(U) fight the polls together, they have the clear edge. While Lok Sabha outcomes cannot be extrapolated to make predictions about assembly polls, as recent state elections have shown, the fact that the NDA (which also includes Ram Vilas Paswans Lok Janashakti Party) won 39 of the 40 seats in the state means it starts with a psychological advantage. Caste equations also favour the NDA  as a large segment of upper castes, extremely backward classes, and Dalits, particularly Paswans, appear to be supportive of the alliance.

The challenge for the alliance, however, is its governance record. Mr Kumar, who delivered on law and order, infrastructure and education for girls in his first two terms, is widely seen as having presided over an ineffective government in the third term. Prohibition may add a section of women votes, but has spawned a parallel economy enmeshed in criminal networks. The next generation of reforms has not happened. But the NDAs biggest advantage is the weakness of the opposition. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has struggled in the absence of Lalu Prasad, and his son, Tejaswi Yadav, has not been able to establish a connect on the ground. The Congress remains marginal. But both parties hope that a combination of economic discontent against the Centre and local resentment against Mr Kumar will tilt the balance over the year.
She's known for her impeccable sense of style, and Queen Letizia of Spain didn't disappoint as she chaired a Spanish Red Cross meeting on violence against women today.

Channelling business chic, the mother-of-two, 47, stepped out in a grey tartan patterned two piece suit with a crisp white undershirt.

When arriving at the Spanish Red Cross HQ, the monarch elegantly saw off the wet and blustery conditions with a cream suede coat flung effortlessly over her shoulder a la Meghan Markle who is known to deploy the chic 'shoulder-robe' look with her outerwear.

Smart: Channelling business chic, the mother-of-two, 47, stepped out in a grey tartan patterned two piece suit with a crisp white undershirt as she landed at Red Cross HQ in Madrid

The Queen was without her husband King Felipe, whom she married at the Almudena Cathedral at Royal Palace, Madrid, in May 2004.

Today she was pictured alongside the likes of Spanish Health Minister, Salvador Illa (, and Spanish Red Cross' Chairman, Javiern Senent as they discussed the topic 'Gender Violence: Strategies and Challenges'.

When the monarch arrived at the HQ in the Spanish capital, she was greeted by a whole host of delegates from the political and charity spheres.

She completed her outfit with a pair of black pointed heels and a leather clutch bag.

Her appearance comes on the birthday of her grandmother Menchu Alvarez del Valle, who turns 92.

Royal coat code: When arriving, the monarch elegantly saw off the wet and blustery conditions with a cream suede coat flung effortlessly over her shoulder a la Meghan Markle

Solo: The Queen was without her husband King Felipe, whom she married at the Almudena Cathedral at Royal Palace, Madrid, in May 2004

She revealed to Spanish publication Diez Minutos that she still speaks to her son Jesus, the father of the queen, daily - and he 'scolds' her for a particular habit.

'I keep smoking because I like it by now ... I've tried to quit because my son scolds me,' she said.

It's been a busy time for Letizia who was back at work last week a day after the death of her husband's aunt Dona Pilar, who lost her long battle to colon cancer aged 83 on Wednesday.

The rain in Spain! The Queen was shielded from the Madrid conditions by an aide who carried an umbrella for her

Style: Slipping in from the cold, she gave a glimpse at her tall frame and full outfit, completed with a pair of black heels and a leather clutch bag

Inside: Letizia alongside Health Minister, Salvador Illa (L), and Spanish Red Cross' Chairman, Javiern Senent (R) as they discussed the topic 'Gender Violence: Strategies and Challenges'

A day later, Letizia was at Gregorio Maranon General Hospital where she had a working meeting with the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases (FEDER).

Yesterday, she hosted film bosses at the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid.

Before marrying into the royal family, Letizia had previously worked as a reporter for the news channel 24 Horas, where she held a weekly anchor position on the show Informe Semanal and also a position on the daily morning news programme.

Turn out: When the monarch arrived at the HQ in the Spanish capital, she was greeted by a whole host of delegates from the political and charity spheres

Looks the part! Before marrying into the royal family, Letizia had previously worked as a reporter for news channel 24 Horas, where she held a weekly anchor position
French filmmaker Christophe Ruggia was charged today over accusations that he sexually assaulted actress Adele Haenel when she was a minor, the Paris prosecutor said.

The 55-year-old was charged with sexual assault of a minor 'by a person with authority over the victim,' the prosecutor's office said after Ruggia was detained for two days of questioning.

Adele Haenel, 31, lodged a formal complaint against Ruggia in November after accusing him in an interview of sexually harassing her when she was between the ages of 12 and 15.

The 55-year-old was charged with sexual assault of a minor 'by a person with authority over the victim'

She accused Ruggia, who directed her in the 2002 movie 'The Devils,' her first film role, of repeatedly touching and kissing her.

Her accusations stunned the French film industry, which has been slower than Hollywood to react to the #MeToo movement turning the spotlight on sexual abuse in the sector.

Adele Haenel, 31, lodged a formal complaint against Ruggia in November after accusing him in an interview of sexually harassing her when she was between the ages of 12 and 15

Ruggia at first fiercely denied harassing Haenel before asking her to forgive him. He then said that she was targeting him because he denied her a part in another film.

Haenel won support from some top names of French cinema, including actress Marion Cotillard who praised her for 'breaking a silence that was so heavy'.

Ruggia has been placed under judicial supervision pending the investigation, and is barred from meeting Haenel, a source close to the investigation told AFP.

Haenel, who starred in the period drama 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' - one of last year's art house hits - initially declined to file an official complaint, slamming the 'contempt with which the judicial system treats women'.

But prosecutors opened an investigation of their own accord and Haenel did file a complaint.

Haenel explained in a statement it was her 'responsibility as a public personality' to take part in the process, 'given the gravity of the facts and the consequences for everyone'.

She accused Ruggia, who directed her in the 2002 movie 'The Devils,' (pictured) her first film role, of repeatedly touching and kissing her

Ruggia at first fiercely denied harassing Haenel before asking her to forgive him. Pictured is Ms Haenel waiting at the Central Office for the Suppression of Violence against Persons after pressing charges against the director

She said Ruggia's public denials had made her 'determined to obtain through judicial means the status of a victim'.

In another case to shake the French cultural world, the award-winning essayist Gabriel Matzneff is the subject of a rape investigation after prominent publisher Vanessa Springora published a memoir describing a sexual relationship she had with him while she was still a minor.

And director Roman Polanski has been under pressure since a French woman claimed last November that he raped her in 1975 when she was 18 after beating her 'into submission' at his Swiss chalet. He has denied the accusation.

The #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and harassment of women by men in positions of power - translated as #balancetonporc (expose your pig) in French - was slow to get off the ground in France, where critics say a culture of permissiveness still exists towards unwanted advances.
January 1, a traditional torchlight procession, dedicated to the 111th anniversary of the birth of Nazi-linked nationalist Stepan Bandera, took place in Kyiv. Stepan Bandera is the wartime leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), an anti-Semitic organization that collaborated with the Nazis. Among Holocaust historians, the consensus is that the OUN and its military offshoot, known as the UPA, were responsible for the deaths of thousands of Jews and up to 100,000 Poles during the war (estimates vary).

During a fairly large procession, its participants walked to the Kyiv city administration, where a huge banner with a portrait of Bandera was hung.

The week before, December 24, the Lviv Regional Council adopted a resolution aimed at allocating state funds in 2020 to honor the memory of Andriy Melnyk, as well as Ivan and Yuriy Lypa.

Let us clarify who they are.

Short biography of Melnyk

Andriy Melnyk was a colonel in the army of the Ukrainian Peoples Republic (UPR), a well-known Ukrainian military and political figure, and commanded hundreds of Legions of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen on the Austro-Russian front during World War I.

Open source

He was also one of the organizers of the Ukrainian military organization.

Photo of 1941 shows greeting Glory to Hitler - Glory to Melnyk. Andriy Melnyk was Ukrainian nationalist, Nazi collaborator and war criminal, whose people heavily participated in Holocaust. The modern photo shows opening of monument to Melnyk in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/0xVcgCwMQi  Eduard Dolinsky (@edolinsky) April 18, 2019

After the assassination of Yevhen Konovalets in May 1938, he became head of the Ukrainian Nationalists.

In early 1940, due to internal conflict, the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) split into two parts: the OUN (B - Banderites) and the OUN (M  Melnykites). The group that had chosen Melnyk as their leader admired aspects of Benito Mussolini's fascism but condemned Nazism. In 1940 a more radical faction of the OUN led by Stepan Bandera and based in Ukraine broke away from the OUN led by Melnyk in exile.

After 1938 Melnyk and Bandera were recruited into the Nazi Germany military intelligence Abwehr for espionage, counter-espionage, and sabotage. Their goal was to run diversion activities after Germany's attack on the Soviet Union. This information is part of the testimony that Abwehr Colonel Erwin Stolze gave on 25 December 1945 and submitted to the Nuremberg trials, with a request to be admitted as evidence.

In February 1944, Melnyk was imprisoned in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. After his release in 1945, he lived in Germany and Luxembourg.

Brief biographies of Ivan and Yuriy Lypa

Ivan Lypa was a writer and public figure.

Open source

In 1919 he became a member of the UPR Directory, the Minister of Cults and Religions, one of the authors of the draft of the first Constitution of the UNR, and also the Minister of Health of the Government of the UPR.

In 1921, he was chairman of the Presidium of the Council of the Ukrainian Republic in exile.

His son, Yuriy Lypa, was a public figure, writer and publicist. He is called one of the main ideologists of Ukrainian nationalism.

Open source

While working as a doctor, Yuriy Lypa also conducted training courses for medical staff from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

The reaction of Israel and Poland

On January 2, a joint statement was published by the Ambassador of Poland to Ukraine, Bartosz Cichocki and Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine, Joel Lion. Diplomats considered it an offense to honor Stepan Bandera, Andriy Melnyk, Ivan and Yuriy Lypa at the level of Kyiv City and Lviv Regional Councils.

Remembering our innocent brothers and sisters murdered in the occupied territories of Poland 1935-1945, which now constitute a part of Ukraine, we the Ambassadors of Poland and Israel believe, that celebrating these individuals is an insult, Lion and Cichocki wrote.

Glorification of those who promoted actively the ethnic cleansing is counterproductive in the fight against Antisemitism and the reconciliation of our People, they continued.

These very days our governments are spending their utmost efforts to respond to the further attacks on Jews in different countries and prevent attempts to falsify history of the Second World War, they added in an apparent reference to recent Russian claims that Poland precipitated the global conflict.

Joint statement of Ambassador of ???????? @B_Cichocki

and Ambassador of ???????? in Ukraine @ambassadorlion pic.twitter.com/Fofworw07B  PLinUkraine (@PLinUkraine) January 2, 2020

Press secretary of Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs kateryna Zelenko answered to their criticism.

Ukraines reaction

The revival and preservation of the national memory of the Ukrainian people are one of the priorities of the state policy of Ukraine. Each people and each state independently determines and honors its heroes, Zelenko said.

According to her, certain figures, institutions, and even countries are interested in discord between Ukrainians and other peoples because of the celebration of national heroes and important dates.

Zelenko emphasized that the friendship and partnership between Ukraine on the one hand, and Poland and Israel on the other, is the most important asset, and any attempts to provoke tension in bilateral relations should be prevented.

Civilized nations should proceed from the principle of honoring all the dead, and discussions in this area should continue at the level of historians and experts, not politicians, the Ukrainian MFA spokeswoman emphasized.

The Polish embassy was indignant and stressed that the comment Zelenko was not published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, therefore, it cannot be considered official.

It is hard to believe that such words could come from the lips of a Ukrainian diplomat. They have not yet been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. If this were so, it would mean that Ukrainian diplomacy ranks ideologists of integral nationalism among national heroes, for which tens of thousands of Poles, Jews and thousands of representatives of other nations fell, the Polish embassy said.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that his government was resigning to give President Vladimir Putin room to carry out the changes he wants to make to the constitution.

The unexpected announcement, which came shortly after Mr Putin proposed a nationwide vote on sweeping changes that would shift power from the presidency to parliament, means Russia will get a new prime minister.

Possible candidates include Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, Maxim Oreshkin, the economy minister, or Alexander Novak, the energy minister.

Mr Medvedev made the announcement on state TV sitting next to Mr Putin who thanked Mr Medvedev, a close ally, for his work.

Mr Putin said that Mr Medvedev would take on a new job as deputy head of Russia's Security Council, which Mr Putin chairs.

Mr Putin asked for the outgoing government to remain at work until a new government was appointed.

He has proposed a nationwide vote on sweeping constitutional changes that would shift power from the presidency to parliament and the prime minister, a move that could allow him to extend his rule after leaving the Kremlin.

In power as either president or prime minister since 1999, Mr Putin (67) is due to step down in 2024 when his fourth presidential term ends.

He has not yet said what he plans to do when his term expires, but under the current constitution, which bans anyone from serving more than two successive presidential terms, he is barred from immediately running again.

Mr Putin told the country's political elite in his annual state-of-the-nation speech yesterday that he favoured changing the constitution to hand the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, the power to choose Russia's prime minister and other key positions.

"Of course these are very serious changes to the political system," Mr Putin said, adding that he thought parliament and civil society was ready for the changes.

"It would increase the role and significance of the country's parliament... of parliamentary parties, and the independence and responsibility of the prime minister."

Mr Putin's comments are likely to reignite speculation about his plans once his current presidential term ends in 2024.

Critics have long accused him of plotting to stay on in some capacity to wield power over the world's largest nation after he steps down.

He remains popular with many Russians who see him as a welcome source of stability even as others complain he's been in power for too long.

Critics have suggested he is considering various options to remain at the helm, including by shifting power to parliament and then assuming an enhanced role as prime minister after he steps down in 2024. Another option often mentioned is his heading a State Council, a body that Mr Putin said he thought should be given more powers under the constitution.

Although it remains unclear whether Mr Putin will play a major role in Russian political life after 2024, his new proposals point to possible options if he decides to remain at the top table of Russian politics as many supporters and critics expect.

Under the proposals, the prime minister would present parliament with candidates for the country's deputy prime ministers and government ministers, which parliament would also confirm.

"The president would be obliged to appoint them [the parliament's confirmed picks] to these jobs," said Mr Putin.

"He would not be allowed to reject candidates confirmed by parliament."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - CENTR Brands Corp. (CSE: CNTR) (FRA: 303) (the "Company") announced today its financial results for the quarter ending November 30, 2019. Selected financial information for the quarter is set forth below (with the full financial statements for the quarter and the related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com):

Description Three months ended

Nov 30, 2019 Period of Sep 17, 2018

to Nov 30, 2018 Revenue $160,234 $ - Expenses $1,060,137 $66,493 Net and comprehensive loss for the period ($944,803) ($66,493) Total assets $1,044,503 $475,668 Total liabilities $365,976 $41,686 Net loss per share ($0.02) ($0.05)

*All amounts reflected in Canadian dollars

The Company is also pleased to announce that it proposes to conduct a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") and expects Paul Meehan, Board member and Chairman of the Company, and other Board members to participate in the Financing. A total of up to 1,100,000 common shares of the Company will be issued under the Financing at $.50 per share, without warrants or other finders fees. The net proceeds from the Financing are intended for general working capital purposes. The Company expects to close the Financing on or before February 1, 2020.

About CENTR Brands Corp. CENTR Brands Corp. develops and markets non-alcoholic beverages. The Company's initial focus is on the creation and launch of a global brand for the cannabidiol (CBD) infused beverage market. The Company's first product, named CENTR, is a sparkling, low-calorie, CBD beverage.

www.findyourcentr.com

For further information, contact Joseph Meehan at 1.604.733.1514.

On behalf of the Board,

CENTR BRANDS CORP.



Joseph Meehan, Chief Executive Officer

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the completion of the Financing and the participation by certain directors of the Company. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51555
State Sen. Cam Ward deserves commendation for shining a light on one of Alabamas most lop-sided efforts at corrections reform  the pretrial diversion program, which provides a method for some offenders to avoid jail by successfully completing a court-ordered program and staying out of trouble.

Its not that the program isnt well-intended or unsuccessful. The problem is that its out of reach of offenders who lack the financial ability to take advantage of it.

Ward, a Republican from Alabaster, told a commission seated by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to study criminal-justice policy that went through a pretrial diversion program after an arrest for drunken driving. Participating in the program cost him about $2,000, he said.

I was lucky because I had the means to do so, but there are a lot of people who couldnt. And thats not right, Ward said.

The committee held its final meeting this week and has a slate of four or five bills to recommend to lawmakers ahead of the Feb. 5 start of the regular legislative session. Among the items addressed will be the states diversion programs.

It shouldnt be a pay-to-play system, Ward said.
Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) ("PSH") today announced that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's Public Shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"):

Trading Venue: London Stock Exchange Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 16 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 37,335 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 1,566 pence 20.45 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 1,554 pence 20.30 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 1,560 pence 20.37 USD Ticker: PSHD Date of Purchase: 16 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 29,238 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 20.40 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 20.35 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 20.36 USD Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 16 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 46,579 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 20.40 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 20.30 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 20.35 USD

PSH will hold these Public Shares in Treasury. The net asset value per Public Share related to this buyback is 27.09 USD 20.81 GBP which was calculated as of 14 January 2020 (the "Relevant NAV"). After giving effect to the above buyback, PSH has 205,283,405 Public Shares outstanding, or 210,947,813 Public Shares calculated on a fully diluted basis (assuming that all Management Shares had been converted into Public Shares at the Relevant NAV). Excluded from the shares outstanding are 5,673,345 Public Shares held in Treasury. The prices per Public Share were calculated by Jefferies.

The number of PSH Management Shares and the one special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) have not been affected.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (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: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005800/en/

Contacts:

Media

Camarco

Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk
(Alliance News) - Vivo Energy PLC on Thursday said it has, at all times, complied with competition rules in Morocco in the face of a regulatory probe.

The Conseil de la Concurrence in Morocco is conducting a review into competition in the North African country's fuel retailing industry. Vivo is a retailer of Royal Dutch Shell PLC-branded fuel products.

Vivo said it has another two months to make submissions to the regulator, before a final review is submitted ahead of a judgement.

"Vivo Energy believes Vivo Energy Maroc has at all times conducted its operations in accordance with applicable competition laws, rules and regulations and will make further announcements on this matter as and when necessary," said Vivo.

Shares were 0.3% higher in London on Thursday morning in early trade at 117.60 pence each, and Johannesburg shares were untraded, last quoted at a price of ZAR21.80 each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Indian Oil is the country's largest oil firm. BPCL will give the buyer ready access to 14 per cent of India's oil refining capacity and about one-fourth of the fuel marketing infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing energy market

New Delhi: Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the country's biggest oil firm, will decide on bidding to buy Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) after the government lists out rules for the stake sale, its Chairman Sanjiv Singh said Thursday. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on November 21, 2019 decided to sell government's entire 53.29 per cent stake in country's second-largest state refiner BPCL, but a tender for sale hasn't yet been issued.

"The expression of interest (EoI) (for BPCL stake sale) hasn't been issued yet. We don't know the conditions. We have no information whether PSUs are allowed to bid or not," Singh told reporters here. "I cannot comment if IOC will bid or not unless we see the conditions set out in the EoI."

He said a decision on the issue can only be taken once there is clarity on the bidding process the government intends to follow.

Soon after the Cabinet decision, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had hinted that PSUs will be kept out of BPCL privatisation.

"Since 2014, we have a clear vision that the government has no business to be in business," Pradhan had said on November 22, 2019. "We have examples of 2-3 sectors such as telecom and aviation where ushering in private participation has led to customers benefiting from price cuts, efficiency, and better service."

Asked if the company has been told that PSUs will be kept out, Singh said there is no information on whether state-owned firms can bid or not.

BPCL will give the buyer ready access to 14 per cent of India's oil refining capacity and about one-fourth of the fuel marketing infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing energy market.

It, however, will be sold after carving out Numaligarh Refinery from its portfolio and given to a pubic sector unit. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd is also to be sold out to a PSU, possibly through a bidding process.

Singh said he cannot comment if the company will bid for the Numaligarh Refinery unless tender conditions are revealed.

"We don't know if Numaligarh Refinery will be sold with marketing infrastructure or without its marketing infrastructure. We have to wait for details before IOC can take any decision," he said.

Numaligarh refinery was set up as per the Assam Peace Accord and the government has decided to keep it in the public sector.

At the current trading price of BPCL, the government's 53.29 per cent stake is valued at around Rs 53,400 crore. On top of this, the acquirer will have to make an open offer to buy an additional 26 per cent stake from minority shareholders for about Rs 26,000 crore.

The price of BPCL has been hammered since the November 21 CCEA decision. On that day, the government stood to gain Rs 62,000 crore from privatisation but will now get about Rs 8,000 crore less.

The stake sales are critical for the government to meet its disinvestment target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore set for the current financial year.

The government had allowed PSUs to bid when it sold petro retailer IBP Co Ltd in 2002. IOC had bagged the government's 33 per cent stake in IBP for Rs 1,153.68 crore or Rs 1,551 a share.

The other bidders for IBP were Reliance Industries, Royal Dutch Shell, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. The reserve price for IBP was Rs 337 crore.

Last year, the government sold its entire stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) for Rs 36,915 crore.

BPCL operates four refineries in Mumbai, Kochi (Kerala), Bina (Madhya Pradesh) and Numaligarh (Assam) with a combined capacity of 38.3 million tonnes per annum, which is 15 per cent of India's total refining capacity of 249.4 million tonnes.

After removing 3 million tonnes capacity of Numaligarh refinery, the new buyer will get 35.3 million tonnes of refining capacity.

It also owns 15,177 petrol pumps and 6,011 LPG distributor agencies in the country. Besides, it has 51 LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bottling plants. The company distributes 21 per cent of petroleum products consumed in the country by volume as of March this year and has more than a fifth of the 250 aviation fuel stations in the country.

The government is keen to get international energy majors such as Saudi Aramco, Total SA of France and ExxonMobil to operate in the downstream fuel marketing business so as to bring in greater competition.

Currently, 95 per cent of retail petrol and diesel sales and near 100 per cent of cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene sales are controlled by the public sector units.

As on March 31, BPCL reported cash and cash equivalents of around Rs 5,300 crore against Rs 10,900 crore of debt maturing over the next 15 months.
(@FahadShabbir)

CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2020) Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu congratulated Mikhail Mishustin, a former high-ranking tax official, on his appointment as the new head of the Russian government on Thursday.

The lower house of the Russian parliament confirmed President Vladimir Putin's nominee a day after the entire cabinet of Dmitry Medvedev resigned.

"I sincerely congratulate you on your nomination ... I reaffirm Moldova's readiness to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with Russian counterparts on all topics on our bilateral agenda," Chicu wrote in a letter to Mishustin, published on the Moldovan government's website.

Putin accepted Medvedev's resignation but asked the cabinet to stay on in a caretaker role until a new government was formed.
In a 30-minute fireside chat with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and film director Zoya Akhtar, Bezos said that the companys video streaming platform is doing the best in India as compared to any other country in the world. Prime Video is doing well all over the world, but nowhere its doing better than India. We have just made a decision to double down on our Prime Video ...

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Beef farmers who brought Dublin city centre to a standstill yesterday said the Government weren't treating the situation as a crisis.

About 60 farmers blocked streets around Merrion Square and Stephen's Green with their tractors as part of a 24-hour demonstration that continues until lunchtime today.

The protest is over a number of issues including beef prices, carbon tax and securing the survival of rural Ireland.

A beef task-force was established by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed late last year as a forum for resolving disputes related to beef prices.

The task-force has met twice, but farmers said they were still unhappy because the next meeting would not be held until March.

Speaking at the protest, farmer Finbar Reburn, from Co Cavan, said the Government seemed to be unaware the sector was in "crisis".

"A crisis is a crisis, it entails meeting all the parties within a very short period of time," he told the Irish Independent.

"We've been fobbed off again for some date in March again for the next task-force meeting. This doesn't sound like an agricultural crisis to me."

Another protester, Sinead Higgins, from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, said the demonstration would go on for "as long as it takes".

"Enough is enough. Farmers aren't getting a fair price for a quality product.

"It's maddening. I don't know why nothing has changed, the Government is just not listening. No one is doing anything, it's all talk.

"We're from a contracting background. The carbon tax on green diesel means the farmer is going to have to pay more, and the contractor's job is to get the money out of the farmer when he doesn't have it," she said.

"For us to buy diesel now, it's going to cost more, but we can't charge the farmer more because he hasn't got it. It's crazy.

"The whole country is a mess. Agriculture is a mess. All they want to do is cover the whole country in concrete and forget about it.

"We're from rural Ireland. It's not like Dublin. They're on about electric cars. How are we going to work electric cars down in the country? It's a joke. They want to just forget about us."

Ollie McEvoy, from Co Cavan, said: "Not one thing has changed since the last protest. The price of beef has stayed the same, and not one cent up. That's why we're back today. The carbon tax is going to just cripple the contractors and the farmers around the country with the diesel."

Kildare Street, Molesworth Street, Merrion Square, Pearse Street and St Stephen's Green South were closed during the protest, while bus corridors were unaffected. Gardai have advised motorists to use public transport for the duration of the protest, which is not being supported by the main farming organisations.

It is the second time farmers brought the capital's streets to a halt in recent months. Last November, 1,000 farmers protested at Leinster House and Merrion Square.
New Delhi/IBNS: India may invite Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meet it is hosting in the month of Oct this year, Ministry of External Affairs has said.

"As per the established practice and procedure within SCO, all the eight members of SCO, as well as four observer states and other International dialogue partners, will be invited to attend the meeting," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters.

SCO meeting is held annually at the Prime minister's level and it discusses SCO's programme of multilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Asked if India would invite Pakistan to attend the meeting in the current situation, Kumar said that so far, India has decided to go with SCO protocol, but the final decision will be taken later, based on the evolving situation.

The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan were further strained after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state in two union territories last Augst with the view to integrate the region with the rest of India. Pakistan, on the other hand, had been protesting India's move and has been attempting to create an anti-India narrative on the issue.

Yesterday, Pakistan, for the second time, failed to get India censured at a United Nations Security Council closed-door meeting called by China to discuss the current situation in Kashmir as the UK, US, France and Russia dismissed the discussion, saying the platform should not be used to discuss a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.
She plays the lead female role in Jumanji: The Next Level.

And Karen Gillan displayed her unique sense of style as she attended the Jumanji: The Next Level photocall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday.

The actress, 32, commanded attention in a striking white gown which swept over one shoulder and flared into a midi skirt.

Wow: Karen Gillan, 32, commanded attention in a striking white gown which swept over one shoulder at the Jumanji: The Next Level photocall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday

Karen's stylish dress accentuated her slim figure by coming in at the waist and she paired the outfit with some clear heels.

The beauty kept her accessories to a minimum and donned some sparkling earrings to brighten up her ensemble.

She wore her locks down and slightly curled for the event, where she was also seen holding a microphone as she spoke to the crowd.

Smiles: The actress kept her accessories to a minimum and donned some sparkling earrings to brighten up her ensemble

Stunning: Karen wore her hair over one shoulder and slightly curled at the front as she spoke to the crowd during the event

It comes after Karen revealed her co-stars Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart teased her 'relentlessly' on the set of Jumanji.

The actress plays Martha alongside the two Hollywood stars in Jumanji: The Next Level and told how the pair kept imitating her Scottish accent while on set.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Karen was asked which of the pair she liked working with better and said: 'Neither of them. They make fun of me relentlessly.

Beauty: Karen added a touch of purple eye-shadow and a nude lipstick to accentuate her pretty features

'They try to impersonate Scottish accents very badly. Its a travesty to listen to. They sound like someone doing a bad impression of Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins.'

Along with her work in the Jumanji franchise, Karen has also become known to international audiences for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

She has starred as Nebula in The Guardians of the Galaxy films as well as Avengers: Infinity War and End Game.

Pals: Karen stars as Martha alongside the two Hollywood stars in the Jumanji film series and told how the pair kept imitating her Scottish accent while on set

She said: 'Life is very exciting right now, Jumanji has come out and its the number one movie in the world.

'Everything is really big and franchisy but I feel excited to be involved in things I actually care about.'

Prior to her film career, Karen was best known for starring as Amy Pond on Doctor Who from 2010 to 2013 opposite Matt Smith.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Ahead of the January 23 deadline to pay their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Thursday received a second blow from the Supreme Court within three months after the court rejected their plea to review its AGR ruling under which telcos have been asked to pay nearly Rs 1.02 lakh crore as statutory payment to the government.

There was widespread disappointment in the sector after the dismissal of the review petitions.

While Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices did not comment, Airtel said it is mulling a curative petition on the AGR order.

Telecom industry association COAI said the review dismissal by the Supreme Court was like the last straw on the back of the financially stressed sector.

"While we respect the Hon'ble Supreme Court's order dismissing the industry's review petition of the AGR matter, the telecom sector is again deeply disappointed. The sector, which is currently reeling under a debt of Rs 4 lakh crore, is a key contributor to the Indian economy in terms of consumer benefit, employment, revenue generation and contributes 6.5 per cent to the GDP," a COAI statement said.

"The sector is already facing heavy taxes and levies in the range of 29 per cent to 32 per cent, which are globally the highest. The Supreme Court's dismissal of the review petition is the last straw in contributing to financial distress and it remains to be seen whether the industry will be able to recover from this setback. This added financial pressure on the sector will also adversely impact Prime Minister Narendra Modia's vision of Digital India", COAI Director General Rajan Mathews said.

Airtel said that "the industry needs to continue to invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum and introducing new technologies like 5G." It also said "that the money now required to be paid -- punitive interest, penalty and interest on penalty -- which forms nearly 75 percent of AGR dues, "would have better served the digital mission of the country".

The setback is severe, particularly for Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, who have been seeking waiver of penalties and interest, but with the rejection of their pleas, the companies' next course of action on operations and expansions is unclear.

For Vodafone Idea it has even become a question of survival. Chairman K.M Birla has said the company may have to stop its operations if it does not receive any relief from the government.

Vodafone Idea and Airtel have to pay the government Rs 53,039 crore and Rs 35,586 crore, respectively by January 23.

Tata Teleservices, which has sold its consumer mobility business to Airtel but the deal is yet to be closed pending the Department of Telecom's approval, faces dues of Rs 13,823 crore.

Including these three companies, some 15 telcos need to pay over Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the government as disclosed recently to Parliament by the Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad .

Airtel has just raised $3 billion to fund the dues. Airtel has a debt of Rs 1.10 lakh crore and Vodafone Idea has a liability of Rs 1.20 lakh crore.
The P.E.I. Legislature's special climate change committee heard Thursday from Willet Kempton, a University of Delaware professor who is developing and touting cutting-edge energy technologies.

He is working on solutions using electric vehicles to store wind-powered electricity, to act as battery packs when the power grid needs more energy.

Kempton told Island Morning host Mitch Cormier he is here to discuss the potential of more and better wind-generated electricity on the Island.

"Huge wind potential, it's amazing," he said, noting he is impressed by P.E.I.'s wind regime.

While wind electricity is only generated when the wind is blowing, Kempton is working on ways to store that energy for future use.

"It's nature that is determining whether you are getting more or less electricity and that may not match to when you want to use it, when you need the lights or heater," Kempton said.

Cars being plugged into the grid

Kempton said in the past, wind energy has been stored in large, expensive batteries that are out of reach for individual consumers. He's suggesting power can be stored in batteries people are already using, or will be  like electric cars.

David Donnelly/CBC

"What I've invented, and we've been working on at the University of Delaware  now it is starting to be in a number of places  is using batteries we've already got," he said. "The battery in your car, if you've got an electric car, that is a valuable resource."

Kempton said when vehicles aren't in use and are already fully charged  when owners are sleeping or at work, for instance  there's an opportunity to feed stored power back to the power grid.

He's been experimenting with plugging electric vehicles into homes, and software that will prompt the car to provide power if needed, Kempton said.

"The grid gives a signal and says 'I need a little bit more power,'" he said  this could be in the event of a wind lull, or a sudden surge in demand.

Story continues

"The car would discharge from the batteries onto the grid, in the same way that a solar unit puts power on the grid," he explained.

He said a "smart grid" is not needed for this to happen.

Vehicle owners could get paid

He said the potential for income from feeding power to the grid might convince some people to purchase electric vehicles, which are more expensive than traditional vehicles.

Tony Davis/CBC

Kempton also planned to meet with Maritime Electric officials Thursday.

"I'm just going to describe it, so they know a little bit about it and sort of understand what would be needed here to get it going," he said.

Kempton said the idea has been implemented in Denmark and France and is starting up in the U.K. and U.S.

He said currently, electric vehicles need to be adapted to feed power back to the grid. He hopes all electric vehicles will come with that capability in the future.

More P.E.I. news
French filmmaker Christophe Ruggia was charged Thursday over accusations that he sexually assaulted actress Adele Haenel when she was a minor, the Paris prosecutor said. The 55-year-old was charged with sexual assault of a minor "by a person with authority over the victim," the prosecutor's office said after Ruggia was detained for two days of questioning. Adele Haenel, 31, lodged a formal complaint against Ruggia in November after accusing him in an interview of sexually harassing her when she was between the ages of 12 and 15. She accused Ruggia, who directed her in the 2002 movie "The Devils," her first film role, of repeatedly touching and kissing her. Her accusations stunned the French film industry, which has been slower than Hollywood to react to the #MeToo movement turning the spotlight on sexual abuse in the sector. Ruggia at first fiercely denied harassing Haenel before asking her to forgive him. He then said that she was targeting him because he denied her a part in another film. Haenel won support from some top names of French cinema, including actress Marion Cotillard who praised her for "breaking a silence that was so heavy". Ruggia has been placed under judicial supervision pending the investigation, and is barred from meeting Haenel, a source close to the investigation told AFP. Haenel, who starred in the period drama "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" -- one of last year's art house hits -- initially declined to file an official complaint, slamming the "contempt with which the judicial system treats women". But prosecutors opened an investigation of their own accord and Haenel eventually did file a complaint. - #balancetonporc - Haenel explained in a statement it was her "responsibility as a public personality" to take part in the process, "given the gravity of the facts and the consequences for everyone". She said Ruggia's public denials had made her "determined to obtain through judicial means the status of a victim". In another case to shake the French cultural world, the award-winning essayist Gabriel Matzneff is the subject of a rape investigation after prominent publisher Vanessa Springora published a memoir describing a sexual relationship she had with him while she was still a minor. And director Roman Polanski has been under pressure since a French woman claimed last November that he raped her in 1975 when she was 18 after beating her "into submission" at his Swiss chalet. He has denied the accusation. The #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and harassment of women by men in positions of power -- translated as #balancetonporc (expose your pig) in French -- was slow to get off the ground in France, where critics say a culture of permissiveness still exists towards unwanted advances. French director Christophe Ruggia has been charged over accusations that he sexually assaulted actress Adele Haenel when she was a minor Adele Haenel, 31, lodged a formal complaint against Ruggia in November
Amazon has opened a new corporate base in Manchester as it continues to ramp up its presence in the North.

The internet shopping giant said the 90,000 sq ft site would eventually employ 600 people, taking its headcount in the North West to more than 6,000.

It employs about 29,500 people across the UK.

Amazon said the 90,000 sq ft site would eventually employ 600 people, taking its headcount in the North West to more than 6,000

A spokesman said the choice of Manchester for the new office reflected the city's growing reputation for 'technology expertise and fast-growing tech companies', adding that there would be a 'broad range' of roles on offer, with vacancies in software engineering, marketing and sales.

Amazon is also seeking to attract graduates and will work on projects with Manchester's universities and the Institute of Coding, a government-backed initiative based in the city.

Doug Gurr, Amazon's UK boss, said: 'I am delighted we're opening our first corporate office in the North of England today.

'Manchester offers an incredible talent pool, a thriving hub of fast-growing UK tech start-ups and is a centre of academic and intellectual excellence.'
In another hearing of the Nithyananda Habeas Corpus matter that was heard in the Gujarat High Court, one more affidavit was submitted before the court by the two girls of the complainant Janardhan Sharma. In the new affidavit, it was stated that the girls were now in Jamaica and were not under any kind of pressure from Nithyananda. In fact, they did not want to come back to India and were apprehensive of their father subjecting them to physical harm.

The court, that had earlier been vehemently against accepting an affidavit instead of producing the girls in person, was now agreeable to accepting the affidavit which had also been attested by the Indian High Commission in Jamaica. The counsel representing the father was, however, not agreeable to the court accepting the affidavit and claimed that the girls were in custody of the self-styled Godman Nithyananda and were in fact in grave danger.

The court moreover stated that they were accepting the affidavit as is and were, in fact, ready to depute an agent of the court to the Indian High Commission in Jamaica as well on Government's expense. However, upon the appeals of the counsel representing the parent and the parent himself, the court has given time to them to argue against accepting the affidavit as it was submitted.

READ | Nithyananda Probe Picks Up Speed, Police Hopeful Of Girls Appearing By Next HC Hearing

The curious case of the missing driver

Another shocking revelation that was made in the court was that of a counterpart of one of the saadhvis who are in judicial custody, was found dead near the Nepal border. The contention of the counsel was that the man named Satish Selvakumar alias Ishwarpriya was found dead near the border was, in fact, the same man who had earlier allegedly helped in smuggling one of the daughters traced Nithyananditha to Kathmandu. The counsel argued that Ishwarpriya was tracked down by the Gujarat Police on January 6 and had been in contact with the Nepal authorities for extradition so that the police could interrogate him and determine what role he had played in transporting the girl across the Indian border.

READ | BJP's Sambit Patra Claims 'insult To Hindu Symbol' On Nazi Swastika At Shaheen Bagh Poster

READ | ACCESSED: Nithyananda's Slanderous 742-page Anti-India Report To United Nations

However, on January 8, Ishwarpriya was found dead by the local authorities in an accident. The counsel representing the parents claimed that this was a dangerous matter since he was the last link of the girls and who had been taken out of Ahmedabad and were smuggled to Kathmandu and then to elsewhere.

READ | Nithyananda In Barbados? Complainant's Daughters' Affidavits Confirm Their Location
A Six Flags Great Adventure customer has filed suit against the New Jersey theme park claiming he suffered a serious foot injury in 2018 when he stepped on a sharp piece of bamboo near the Kingda Ka rollercoaster.

Steven Keim Jr., of Douglassville, Pennsylvania, claims was in line for the Kingda Ka rollercoaster in May 2018 when park employees told him he could stow his cell phone in a nearby smoking area surrounded by bamboo trees, the lawsuit in federal court said. CourierPostOline.com was the first to report on the suit.

When he went to retrieve the phone, Keim stepped on a sharp piece of bamboo, which pierced his right shoe and foot, the suit said.

The injury resulted in more than $75,000 worth of medical expenses, as well as pain, scarring and limited movement, the suit said.

The lawsuit was filed in Ocean County in November and moved to federal court last week.

Keim placed blame for his injury on park employees, who he said were negligent in ensuring safe conditions for visitors.

Great Adventure knew or should have known of the unreasonably dangerous and defective condition existing at the designated smoking area adjacent to the Kingda Ka rollercoaster, the lawsuit said.

A Great Adventure spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

The parks website recommends keeping cell phones in lockers or with a non-rider.

The lawsuit does not specify how much money Keim is seeking in compensation and legal costs.

Jenna Wise may be reached at jwise@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennaRWise. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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The Congress in Karnataka on Thursday alleged that administration under B S Yediyurappa-led government in the state has "collapsed" as the Chief Minister is faced with "internal pressure and also humiliation" from BJP high command regarding proposed Ministry expansion.

The principal opposition party in the state assembly also said that the BJP government was the "most corrupt" and termed it as "20 per cent" (commission) government.

"I'm sorry about the way this government is functioning, the CM seems to be under a huge pressure, the national President (of BJP) is humiliating our Chief Minister by not giving him time and appointment, is this the way to behave with the Chief Minister of a state?" KPCC Chief Dinesh Gunu Rao asked.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the affairs of the state are in "very pathetic condition," as there is no development and funds were not coming from the government of India.

"There is huge shortfall in the GST, NRGA arrears, and the amount given for flood relief is not significant enough. The Chief Minister himself has said that he doesn't have enough money and has expressed hope that he will be able to generate more funds next year.

He (CM) is in a helpless situation economically, politically and in all aspects, adding to that is pressure for Minister berth," he said.

Yediyurappa, who is anxiously waiting for the BJP high command's nod to expand his ministry, amid intense lobbying by the aspirants, on Wednesday said he will complete the exercise after BJP national President Amit Shah's visit to the state on January 18.

As the Chief Minister has already made it clear that 11 of the disqualified JDS-Congress MLAs who got re-elected in the bypolls on BJP tickets will be made ministers, lobbying has been on within the party for the remaining ministerial berths.

Currently there are 18 Ministers, including the Chief Minister in the cabinet that has a sanctioned strength of 34.

Calling Yediyurappa government as the "most corrupt", Rao said the Prime Minister had called the then Congress government under Siddaramaiah as the 10 per cent commission government, but it should be applicable to this BJP government.

"This is not 10 per cent, but 20 per cent government, because every minister has opened up shop, they are just looting the state, they want to make money as much as possible.

you have seen the money spent during by-elections and engineering defections, obviously they want to recover the money they have spent so they are looting the state, it is very sad for Karnataka," he said.

Ahead of 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, Modi repeatedly addressed the then Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Reacting to graffiti incident at Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, the KPCC chief said, "BJP goons threatening physical violence on students and commenting on the way they dress, shows that that party has become a fascist organisation".

"If any one speaks which is not in tune with what they (BJP) believe- then they call those people- anti nationals, anti Hindu, they abuse such people.

This is not the way the democracy has to function," he said, condemning BJP MLA S R Vishwanath and his supporters terming them as "BJP goons".

Rao said, he trusts that the Chief Minister will take appropriate action and warn his party people, adding that just because someone critise BJP or Prime Minister it doesn't make them anti national or Hindu.

Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology here has decided to remain shut for two days after a group of BJP workers on Tuesday wiped out graffiti on its outer walls, claiming it was anti-Modi and allegedly warned them against any anti CAA agitation there.

Conceding that there has been a much delay in appointing new KPCC president after his resignation which is yet to be accepted, Rao hoped that the party will take a decision at the earliest.

".. I think soon they will take a decision, there is already much delay, I don't think it should have been delayed so much, so they need to take a decision quickly. I'm sure high command will take a quick decision on this," he said.

Rao had quit as KPCC President after the party posted a poor show, winning only two seats, as against the 12 it had held of the 15 which went to the bypolls on December five.

Senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar is seen as the front runner for the post, but according to sources CLP leader Siddaramaiah is said to be pitching for his confidant and senior leader M B Patil for the post, and had recently met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in this regard.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] HRA Administration Company, Clarity Benefit Solutions, Shares Ways Employee Benefits May Change in 2020

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HRA administration company, Clarity Benefit Solutions, shares ways employee benefits may change in 2020. There are several changes on the horizon as a new yearand a new decadebegins. There are not only changes in contribution limits for health plans, but voluntary benefits will also be evolving. Here are several ways benefits will change in 2020. The IRS has released 2020 annual contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): $3,550 for individuals (a $50 increase); $7,100 for families (an increase of $100); and individuals over the age of 55 can add another $1,000. Those with High Deductible, High Premium Health Plans have a minimum deductible of $1,400 (a $50 increase) for individuals; and $2,800 for families (up $100). HDHP out-of-pocket limits for individuals are $6,900, which is an increase of $150; and $13,800 (up $300) for families.



The Trump administration has also introduced the final HRA rule as of January 1, 2020. This rule enables companies of any size to offer their employees "individual coverage HRAs" of up to $1,800 per year. This is ideal for employees who may be unable to afford their employer's health premiums. Companies can offer this HRA to different groups of employees, such as full-time, part-time, salaried or non-salaried, and temps. This is so no employee is discriminated against in the workplace. As far as voluntary benefits go, employers will offer many more options to promote financial wellness in the form of student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and 401(k) contributions. These programs will provide employees with the financial security they seek.

Employees also strongly desire flexible work hours, and this trend will become more popular in 2020. Flexible schedules and the ability to work remotely are extremely attractive benefit perks. Additionally, benefits such as on-site daycare and fitness centers encourage a work-life balance by allowing employees to save on commuting time and spend more time with family. Perks that foster diversity are also up and coming. Examples include floating holidays, so employees have more of a choice over how they celebrate special occasions. If employees like to travel, offer them a perk such as a national park pass. Benefits that match each employee's lifestyle based on what matters most to them will surely be trending in 2020. About Clarity Benefit Solutions: Clarity Benefit Solutions provides technology that makes the health insurance plan selection process fast, easy, and straightforward. For over two decades, we have provided clients with industry-leading technology, compliance, and exceptional customer service. Our offering is designed to save time and lower the costs of managing benefits while also promoting employee self-service and automated ACA compliance. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hra-administration-company-clarity-benefit-solutions-shares-ways-employee-benefits-may-change-in-2020-300979980.html SOURCE Clarity Benefit Solutions

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New Delhi:

Varun Dhawan has always managed to grab the limelight for his relationship with childhood sweetheart, Natasha Dalal. From lunch dates to exotic holidays  the lovebirds have been often spotted hanging out together. Since the last couple of months, rumours of them tying the knot have been making the headlines. Now as per the latest reports, the couple is planning a grand wedding in Goa.

''Apparently, Varun and Natasha are planning to get married in May this year. It will be a grand summer wedding, spanned over a week, with all the events including mehendi, sangeet and receptionand mostly in Goa at a luxury hotel or beach resort, the way his brother Rohit had got married eight years ago to Jaanvi at Park Hyatt in Goa. A few Bollywood bigwigs have been informed to keep some dates between the second and third week of May for Varun and Natashas wedding free, though those dates too are being a closely guarded secret. But it wont be a secret wedding like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. For Varuns wedding, it will be band, baaja and baraat for Bollywood, said a report in Bollywood Hungama.

Varun and Natasha recently celebrated the New Year together in Switzerland. They also ran into Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan and Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli on their trip.

Recently, Natasha spoke about her relationship with Varun in a magazine interview. She said, ''Varun and I were in school together. We stayed friends until we were in our mid-20s and then, I remember, we started dating just before I moved away. It was around then that, I think, we realised we were more than just good friends.''

About rumours of a wedding, she added, ''Marriage is on the cards eventually, just not right now. In the same interview, Varun talked about how their relationship has evolved. ''She and I went to school together. So, she knows my parents since ages. Shes been attending functions with my parents before also but it wasnt photographed then. Shes my rock, shes my anchor. Shes the stabilising factor in my life. Its pretty much like family.''

On the work front, Varun will next be seen in Street Dancer 3D. The film will hit the screens on January 24, 2020. He will also feature in Coolie No. 1 alongside Sara Ali Khan.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have had many struggles as members of the royal family. After the American actress married the prince in 2018, the British press has been dragging the couple (but mostly Meghan Markle). The public scrutiny has taken such a toll on Harry and Meghan that they recently announced their resignation as senior royal members. One American politician, former presidential candidate Howard Dean, had a lot to say about it on Twitter.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Ben Birchall  WPA Pool / Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markles announcement: they are leaving the royal family

On Jan. 8, 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via an Instagram post that they will resign from their roles in the royal family.

After many months of reflection and internal discussions, the caption began, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

Harry and Meghans post continued, going more into detail:

We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex after their wedding ceremony | Aaron Chown  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrote that the geographic balance between the two continents will be ideal. It will mean that they can raise their son Archie with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

The royal couple finished the Instagram post: please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. The long caption was signed, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Harry and Meghans tumultuous past with the tabloids

The British media have been hounding Meghan and Harry since day one. The couple even sued certain publications after they released letters and voicemails of Meghan Markle and her father.

Meghan Markle | Yui Mok  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Not to mention, in the documentary Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, Prince Harry said the constant tabloid presence is the worst reminder of Princess Diana, his mother who died as a result of a press-related car chase. Meghan Markle also told the interviewer she was not OK, dealing with all of the media as a new mother. This helps explain their ultimate decision to resign.

American politician Howard Dean responded to the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle statement on Twitter

American politician Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, took to his Twitter account to express his opinions on the matter. Dean took issue with a Guardian headline that called the royal situation a crisis.

Governor Howard Dean | Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

What Harry and Meghan crisis? Leave them alone, he wrote. Dean went on to blame the tabloids, as well as the politicians in the United Kingdom.

This is a crisis manufactured by the forever sick UK paparazzi in a society that just voted twice to get out of the EU because they dont like immigrants and whose two major parties are racist, Dean tweeted, referencing Brexit and the recent U.K. elections. Fix that and leave M and H alone.

What Harry and Meghan crisis? Leave them alone. This is a crisis manufactured by the forever sick UK paparazzi in a society that just voted twice to get out of the EU because they dont like immigrants and whose two major parties are racist. Fix that and leave M and H alone. https://t.co/mPsc2jUBn1  Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) January 11, 2020

One follower concurred wholeheartedly, writing: I couldnt agree more. Harry essentially said, I saw what the press did to my mother, and I dont want it to happen again. Wise words.

However, others did not come to the same conclusion. One tweeter argued:

No, Harry and Megahn should have consulted the Queen and her team before annoucing their plans. It is out of courtesy and manners to do it. You notified your employer if you are leaving. They did it to themselves.

Meghan and Harry fans were quick to respond to the criticism.

Are you kidding? one royal fan wrote back. They have been subjected to so much hurtful racism. I admire the Hell out of them for taking a stand and defending themselves.
Less than a week after an attack by the militant group al-Shabaab on a Kenyan airfield killed a U.S. soldier and two American contractors, the Defense Department has conducted a deadly airstrike on militants in neighboring Somalia.

According to initial assessments, two terrorists were killed in the attack, according to officials with U.S. Africa Command. The airstrike was executed in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and conducted in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, officials said.

Early assessments indicated no civilians were injured or killed in the strike, according to a release.

"Al-Shabaab presents a threat to America, the African people, and our international partners," Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, AFRICOM's director of operations, said in a release. "They are a known terrorist affiliate of al-Qaeda, who continue to radicalize and actively recruit. Persistent pressure on the network helps prevent its broader spread."

Related: US Troops' 'Incredible Heroism' Was Key to Repelling Kenya Attack, AFRICOM Says

On Dec. 5, al-Shabaab militants attacked Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya, roughly 100 miles from the Somalian border.

Gayler said this week that "incredible heroism and courage" by U.S. and Kenyan forces kept the attack from being even more deadly. In addition to the three Americans killed, two U.S. troops were wounded in the assault.

Thursday's airstrike is the first U.S. strike on al-Shabaab announced by AFRICOM since the attack in Kenya. But it's part of a larger ongoing campaign to eradicate the terrorist group in Somalia. On Dec. 29, three U.S. airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab in Qunyo Barrow and Caliyoow Barrow, Somalia killed four fighters, officials announced.

The strikes came after a horrific truck bomb, attributed to al-Shabaab, killed nearly 80 people in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.

During a Thursday briefing, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman demurred when asked about specific actions the Defense Department is taking in response to the Manda Bay attack.

"We are continuing to work with Kenya on efforts against al-Shabaab. ... I can't speak to future operations against al-Shabaab, but we are working with our forces in Kenya and our partners there to degrade the threat that is in Kenya," he said.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

Read more: Air Force Two-Star Fired Amid Investigation into Misconduct Allegations
Washington  House Democrats released a trove of documents from an indicted businessman who helped Rudy Giuliani in his campaign to pressure Ukraine, including previously undisclosed handwritten notes and a letter Giuliani addressed to the Ukrainian president-elect requesting a meeting shortly before his inauguration.

Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born U.S. citizen, was indicted on campaign finance charges along with another associate in October at the height of the House impeachment inquiry. He soon offered to cooperate with congressional investigators and recently received permission from a judge to hand over his records to the House Intelligence Committee.

Chairman Adam Schiff sent the material to Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler on two flash drives, writing in a letter that the Intelligence Committee "continues to receive and review potentially relevant evidence" in its investigation into President Trump's dealings with Ukraine.

The new documents come to light as the Senate prepares to open Mr. Trump's impeachment trial, and could bolster Democrats' arguments for admit new evidence and hearing from additional witnesses.

The three committees that led the initial phases of the probe released select material from what they called a "voluminous record of data" gleaned primarily from Parnas' cell phones.

The excerpts show Parnas acting as a conduit between Giuliani and current and former Ukrainian officials, including several close aides of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. One handwritten note reads: "get Zalensky to announce that the Biden case will be investigated"  a reference to the ongoing efforts to get Ukraine to announce probes to benefit Mr. Trump politically.

screen-shot-2020-01-14-at-5-56-02-pm.png

A handwritten note by Lev Parnas included in material provided to congressional investigators. House Intelligence Committee Giuliani's letter to Zelensky

Committee investigators found an image of a letter from Giuliani to Zelensky dated May 10, 2019, after Zelensky won election but before he was inaugurated. On the day before, The New York Times reported Giuliani planned to travel to Ukraine to try to dig up dirt against former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Story continues

In the letter, Giuliani introduced himself as Mr. Trump's personal attorney.

"I am private counsel to President Donald J. Trump. Just to be precise, I represent him as a private citizen, not as President of the United States," Giuliani wrote. "This is quite common under American law because the duties and privileges of a President and a private citizen are not the same. Separate representation is usual process."

Giuliani requested a meeting with Zelensky on May 13 or 14 and said he had Mr. Trump's "knowledge and consent" to meet. He said he "would be accompanied by my colleague Victoria Toensing, a distinguished American attorney who is very familiar with this matter."

screen-shot-2020-01-14-at-6-20-09-pm.png

A letter from Rudy Giuliani to then-President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky dated May 10, 2019. House Intelligence Committee

Toensing and her husband, attorney Joseph diGenova, are staunch Trump allies whose clients have included Dmitry Firtash, a Ukrainian energy magnate who is fighting extradition to the U.S. on bribery charges. Federal prosecutors told a federal judge Parnas tried to hide $1 million he received from Firtash.

In their summary of the documents, the committees said Parnas "texted a copy of the letter to a close aide to then-President-elect Zelensky shortly after it was drafted."

Giuliani ended up canceling his trip to Ukraine after significant public blowback, and he harshly criticized Zelensky's team in the aftermath.

Parnas, however, continued to push to set up a meeting between Zelensky and Giuliani. On July 7, he texted Giuliani to say he was traveling to Vienna and "trying to get us mr Z."

The undated handwritten notes bear the letterhead of the Ritz-Carlton in Vienna. In what appears to be the reverse side of the note about the "Biden case," Parnas wrote a reminder to "do my 'magic' and cut deal," underlining the last word twice for emphasis.

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Another handwritten note by Lev Parnas included in a release of documents by House Democrats on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. House Intelligence Committee

Veteran finally gets the recognition he deserves

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The Senate passed a bill on Thursday that requires school districts offering sex education to use a curriculum they described as medically accurate, age-appropriate and inclusive of students regardless of their sexual orientation.

The Healthy Youth Act, which passed in a 33-2 vote, would require schools teaching sex education to use the updated Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework to provide comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate information, but it would also allow parents to opt their children out.

Lawmakers defined medically accurate as information that is supported by peer-reviewed research and recognized as accurate and objective by leading medical, psychological and public health organizations and agencies.

I am very proud that the Massachusetts Senate has once again reaffirmed our commitment to this commonsense healthy policy that will ensure our youth have the tools needed to protect their health and form respectful relationships, said Senator Sal DiDomenico, an Everett Democrat and the Senate sponsor.

The bill, S.2399, would require schools to make the materials appropriate for all students regardless of gender, race, disability status or sexual orientation. That means schools would need to acknowledge that people have different sexual orientations and gender identities and offer resources for LGBTQ students.

This legislation makes it clear that sex education in the Commonwealth must be inclusive for all students and emphasize the importance and necessity of consent," DiDomenico said.

The bill had support from health advocates and victims rights advocates who say the curriculum empowers students to learn about communication and healthy relationships, but critics called the legislation a sex-ed mandate.

This takes control over sex-ed out of the hands of local schools and parents and gives it all to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Massachusetts Family Institute wrote earlier this week, arguing the curriculum does not have age-appropriate material.

The overwhelming majority of the content actually instructs children in how to engage in explicit sexual activity, making the abstinence message ineffective, the institutes website states.

Under the bill, schools would have to teach the benefits of abstinence and delaying sexual activity, as well as using contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Educators would also be expected to discuss safe sex and ways to communicate about healthy and respectful relationships that are free of violence and intimidation.

Sexual assault, harassment, and abuse affect many people of all genders, and one of the most effective ways to prevent it from ever happening in the first place is by giving young people the tools they need to talk about consent, boundaries, and how to build healthy relationships, said Gina Scaramella, executive director of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.

Sen. Harriette Chandler, who has re-filed her own bill that mandates health education in schools, said the Healthy Youth Act was a step toward providing students comprehensive sex education that will support students.

Research shows that comprehensive sex education curriculum, which is one that provides students with medically accurate, age-appropriate information, will positively impact the well-being of students and their subsequent academic and personal success, said Chandler, a Worcester Democrat.

Parents are allowed to withdraw their children from the lessons. An amendment unanimously adopted before the bill passed gives parents at least 30 days to review the materials before deciding, the State House News Service reported.

The bill states that the school must notify parents and guardians in English, as well as any other commonly spoken languages.

The Healthy Youth Act would still have to pass the House, if approved, get the governors signature to become law. The bill has been introduced multiple times since 2011. It passed in the Senate in 2015, the first time the bill passed in either chamber of of the Legislature.
Philippines invasion WWII

US Navy

In the first days of January 1945, US troops waded ashore in Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, to begin recapturing it from Japan.

About 230,000 Japanese and more than 10,000 US troops would die in the fighting for Luzon, which lasted until the Japanese surrender in August 1945.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

WASHINGTON  Seventy-five years ago, US forces began the invasion of Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, thereby fulfilling Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur's 1942 pledge to recapture the island from the Japanese.



Since the Japanese controlled nearly every island between the Philippines and Hawaii in 1942, getting to the Philippines meant seizing many of those islands, which included Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, Tarawa, and Peleliu. The islands would provide runways for US aircraft and deny them to Japan.



Rather than strike directly at Luzon, Army and Navy planners decided first to capture the Philippine islands of Leyte and Mindoro to the south. Two airfields were established on Mindoro in late December 1944 from which aircraft would be launched to assist in the landings on Luzon.

A US fleet of some 70 ships carried 175,000 troops from the 6th Army to the beaches of Lingayen Gulf, on northwest Luzon, where the landings took place January 9, 1945. A naval bombardment of the shore assisted.

Philippines invasion WWII

US NavyThen on January 15, a second smaller invasion took place, 45 miles southwest of the capital Manila.

Philippines invasion WWII

US NavyUltimately, 10 US divisions and five independent regiments would see action on Luzon, making it the largest campaign of the Pacific war and involving more troops than the US had used in North Africa, Italy, or Southern France.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP Photo/US NavyAfter heavy fighting, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division entered Manila on February 4, 1945. In so doing, the soldiers liberated a camp holding about 4,000 civilian prisoners.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP Photo/US Army Signal CorpsLiberating Manila, the largest city in Southeast Asia, was not easy, however. Fighting continued until March 4, 1945, when the city was officially declared liberated.

Story continues

Douglas MacArthur Philippines invasion WWII

AP PhotoThe capture of Manila didn't end the fighting, which continued in the hinterlands of Luzon until the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP PhotoCasualties on both sides were staggering. About 230,000 Japanese were killed on Luzon. American casualties were also high. Ground combat casualties for the 6th and 8th Army were 10,380 killed and 36,550 wounded.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP PhotoBy the summer of 1945, the Americans had thus destroyed nine of Japan's best divisions and made another six combat ineffective on Luzon. Losses stemming from the battle so drastically reduced Japanese airpower that kamikaze operations were used throughout the rest of the war.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP Photo/US NavyIt should be noted that Mexican and Australian troops also participated in the battle for Luzon, as did a large number of Filipino fighters.

Philippines invasion WWII

AP PhotoIncidentally, before and during the war, the Philippines was a commonwealth of the US, similar to the status of Guam and Puerto Rico today. In 1946, the US recognized the Philippines as an independent nation.

Philippines invasion WWII

US Army

Read the original article on Business Insider
CALN  The Coatesville Area School District (CASD) is facing a potential deficit of $14.1 million in its budget for the 2020-21 school year.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Richard Dunlap said during a school board meeting Tuesday evening that there are several variables affecting the districts budget, but currently the two highest costs for the district are special education and payments to charter schools.

He said there are currently 5,453 students enrolled in CASD, and 3,054 students attending charter schools.

State law requires school districts to make tuition payments to charter schools based on the number of students from the district who opt to attend charter schools.

Charter school payments have long been a contentious issue in the district, and tensions have recently flared up even more as district residents have been told conflicting stories in emails and on social media regarding a funding dispute between the district and two charter schools: Avon Grove Charter School (AGCS) and Collegium Charter School (CCS).

Each side in the dispute has been accused of spreading misinformation.

Charter Dispute

According to budget presentations, which can be viewed on CASDs website  casdschools.org  and were also cited by Dunlap at Tuesday nights school board meeting, AGCS and CCS requested additional payments in September 2019 totaling about $4 million, referred to as reconciliation after CASD had already payed the required tuition fees for the year.

In September, the charter schools, in what can only be seen as a money grab, sent the district a revised reconciliation using numbers that are not in accordance with the spirit of the law and calculation of the tuition rate, along with a new bill saying oh by the way you owe us almost $4 million,' the presentation states.

According to the presentations, CCS requested an additional $3,233,355 after CASD had already paid it $34,664,648; and AGCS requested an additional $644,178 after CASD had already paid it $6,854,192.

On Jan. 5, Kristen Bishop, Head of School at AGCS, emailed district residents a letter and video titled Correcting misinformation circulating in the Coatesville Area School District. The letter and video were also posted on AGCSs Facebook and YouTube accounts.

In the letter and video, Bishop refers to Dunlaps claim of a money grab by the charter schools as disingenuous at best and she also alleges that CASD broke the law in its budgeting practices.

For the 2017-2018 school year, the budgeting year at issue, the district under-budgeted its actual expenditures by twenty-percent, and went on to spend millions of dollars in off-budget expenses, Bishop said. This was not the result of a sudden emergency but, instead, appears to have been either a deliberate attempt to defund charter schools or extreme negligence in its budgeting practice; regardless of the districts actual motivation, defunding the charter schools was certainly the effect of its actions.

This conduct is against the law. Section 6-609 of the Public School Code prohibits school districts from exceeding their budgets.

Dunlap said in a letter dated Jan. 6 titled Charter Dispute Repsonse which can be viewed on the districts website, that Coatesville Area School District stands firm in its belief that payment is simply not owed and that we are following the letter of the law. We have been unfairly accused of purposely under-budgeting and attempting to take money from the charters. The dispute centers around whether the tuition rates are calculated based on the districts actual expenses or budgeted expenses.

In a Facebook post on CCSs website, CEO Marita K. Barber said that when parents select a charter school, such as CCS, for their childrens education, they make an important legislative stand in support of educational choice.

Unfortunately, many Pennsylvania families dont understand school choice or even know that it exists, Barber said. School choice challengers are taking advantage of this lack of knowledge to wage campaigns against education options like CCS.

Public charter schools, especially, are blamed by challengers for the financial and academic issues traditional school districts face. Some challengers even go so far as to equate families choosing charter schools for their children with charters attempting to money grab away from surrounding school districts.

Barber encouraged supporters of CCS to get involved in National School Choice Week, a series of events highlighting the legal right families have to choose their childrens education options for grades K-12, which is coming up in two weeks.

There is no better time than now to spread the word about CCS and the importance of charter schools, she added.

Dunlap said CASD has made an appeal to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, after filing a lawsuit against the charter schools in regard to the funding dispute, but a hearing date has not yet been determined.

Public Weighs In

At the school board meeting Tuesday evening, several district residents spoke in favor of charter schools and questioned the nature of the language being used in the dispute between CASD and the charter schools.

One speaker said parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children, but he is thankful for the school system in general. He mentioned that his children have attended various types of schools, but currently his son and daughter are enrolled at CCS.

He said school choice is at issue in this dispute, and he disagreed with the claim that charter schools are doing a money grab or draining CASD. He said the taxpayers are the ones being drained, and the money at stake belongs to the taxpayers and the students, not CASD.

Another speaker said CASD is blaming charter schools for its own mismanagement of funds.

A speaker who mentioned hes a Coatesville graduate and now has a son who attends AGCS said he would love to send his son to CASD, but the district needs to make improvements first. He also said district residents need to come together instead of having this fighting between CASD and charter schools.

Another speaker agreed that CASD and charter schools shouldnt be fighting each other because it only hurts public education in general and benefits politicians and elite investors. She said the policies from the state are draining public education and not putting students first.

State Government

One thing all sides in this dispute seemed to agree on is that district residents should contact their state legislators and Gov. Tom Wolf to voice their concerns about school funding issues.

School Board Vice President Tom Keech said during closing comments that over the last five years the number of students in the district opting for charter schools has increased by 77 percent, but the funding going to charter schools has gone up by 176 percent.

He said parents have every right to choose the best school available for their children, but the funding formula is the problem.

We as a taxpaying group cannot afford the formulas that the state has put into place, Keech said.

We need to do better, and we cant fight among ourselves, Keech added. Weve got to let our legislators know that formula has to change. If it doesnt, its going to hurt every single child, whether theyre in this district or whether theyre going to a charter school, because the funding simply wont be there for any of them.

The state legislators who represent the nine municipalities in CASD are: state Sens. Andy Dinniman, D-19, and Katie Muth, D-44; and state Reps. Dan Williams, D-74, Tim Hennessey, R-26, and Danielle Friel Otten, D-155.
IT took a six-day campaign, but Winnipeg Blue Bombers player Adam Bighill has persuaded American TV host Wendy Williams to apologize for insulting people with cleft palates.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IT took a six-day campaign, but Winnipeg Blue Bombers player Adam Bighill has persuaded American TV host Wendy Williams to apologize for insulting people with cleft palates.

TWITTER Adam Bighill posted his disgust over talk show host Wendy Williams and her depiction of actor Joaquin Phoenix.

On Wednesday evening, Williams, via her Twitter page, which has 1.5 million followers, messaged Bighill to tell him "Were thinking about Beau today as he is in surgery."

"I want to apologize to the cleft community and in Beaus honor, our show is donating to @operationsmile and @AmerCleftPalate and encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community."

Bighill, whose four-month-old son, Beau, had his first cleft palate surgery Wednesday, could not be reached for comment.

Earlier this week, the CFL linebacker, who was also born with the genetic condition, told the Free Press he launched the campaign after seeing Williams make fun of people like himself and his son.

"I was angry," he said Monday. "It was saddening. It was frustrating. It was promoting bullying.

"Kids are already bullied every day for not looking like other people. I couldnt let her just get away with it, because its not OK."

During the Jan. 7 episode of the Wendy Williams Show, the host used her fingers to pull on one side of her upper lip, saying its what American actor Joaquin Phoenix has.

The syndicated, hour-long talk and celebrity gossip show is taped in New York and is aired on Fox 9 in Minneapolis  available in the Winnipeg market  at noon Monday to Friday.
H ugo Vickers was 16 when he first read about Gladys, Duchess of Marlborough. It was 1968, and he was struck by a 1943 entry in the diaries of Chips Channon which described an encounter with the once-renowned beauty, who was now transformed into a terrifying apparition. Might she still be alive, wondered Vickers, languishing among cobwebs like Miss Havisham?

A trip to Blenheim Palace offered tantalising tidbits, but it wasnt until 1975 that Vickers discovered Gladys, aged 94, locked away in a psychiatric hospital in Northampton. He managed to gain access, with a view to writing her life. I dont see why I should be disturbed by Mr Vickers, the duchess snapped. But he soon earned her trust, and paid 65 visits before her death in 1977, gathering hours of first-hand accounts for his biography, first published in 1979.

Forty years later, Vickers has extensively reworked the book with the addition of new archive material. As the tale of a doomed American adventure into the British aristocracy, this revised edition couldnt be better timed.

The duchess was born Gladys Deacon in 1881, the first child of rich but dissolute American parents living in Paris. Things came to a head in 1892, when her father shot her mothers lover dead in a Cannes hotel room. Thus Gladyss gilded childhood was tarnished by scandal.

After this setback she spent her Belle Epoque youth crisscrossing the Continent, mingling with royals and artists, and being constantly pushed forward by her social-climbing mother (like a Dreadnought! wrote Lady Grey of Falloden). After her troublesome fathers death in an asylum in 1901, Gladys became rich in her own right, and the hunt was on for a suitable husband.

As early as 1895, she had become obsessed with the story of the 9th Duke of Marlborough, whose American wife, Consuelo Vanderbilt, had bought $2.5 million of stock to the union. Could she make a similarly splendid match? Or even now bag the duke for herself?

When she gained an introduction to the Marlboroughs in about 1900, all three became infatuated, with Consuelo as fascinated by Gladys as she was by her. However the duke remained the prize.

Hellenic beauty: Gladys Deacon in her thirties, painted by Giovanni Boldini in 1916

Consuelo was just one of the obstacles. There was also Gladyss sullied lineage, which barred her from many society events. People were also wary of her unconventional behaviour. After she shrieked songs at one party, Lady Desborough described her as a horrible and hideous American girl  with a twang like a banjo. Fortunately her stunning looks gave her a special pass. Among admirers of her Hellenic profile were Rodin, Proust (I never saw a girl with so much beauty), and the artist Boldini, who painted her portait in 1916.

Despite all this admiration, Gladys felt flawed by the small depression at the bridge of her nose. In 1902 she sought to straighten it with injections of paraffin wax, an early form of cosmetic surgery. The result was a disaster, with the wax melting beneath her epidermis, leading to blotchy skin and a double chin.

None of this deterred the duke, whose marriage to Consuelo eventually crumbled. She granted him a divorce in 1921, and he married Gladys, now aged 40.

Paraffin wax injections to straighten her nose were a disaster, leading to blotchy skin and a double chin.

Sadly for Gladys, Marlborough turned out to be a disappointment. In 1931 she produced a revolver at a Blenheim dinner, threatening to shoot the duke in front of their guests. He evicted her from the palace, but died in 1934 before a divorce settlement could be reached.

So this is how Gladys ended up in an asylum, via 30 years alone in a squalid farmhouse, her jewels and paintings squirrelled away (they sold for 784,000 after her death). None of such a monstrous abandoning of a completely helpless, wounded woman unable to move could happen except in England, she wrote in 1961.

Vickers tells Gladyss tale with brio and wit, but is nevertheless respectful of a life which could easily be presented as farce. She paid a high price for her coronet, he concludes. Her marriage failed as many of those Anglo-American matches failed. The British establishment can be witheringly unkind to those they do not understand and they were remorselessly unforgiving of her. Theres a lesson there, perhaps.
An Arkansas couple was killed in a Texas crash that police there say was related to strong storms that hit the area over the weekend.

Police said they had been alerted early Saturday morning that Evan and Sarah Nuessner had been traveling to McKinney, Texas, but they never reached their destination.



A caller told police that a gray Ford Edge SUV matching the description of the missing couples' vehicle was seen on a U.S. Route 75 access road Saturday morning.

Evan Nuessner was found dead inside the vehicle, police said.

Authorities said that the strong storms and heavy rain in the area may likely caused the crash.

After a search, crews found the body of Sarah Neussner in Post Oak Creek, about seven miles downstream from the crash.

Police in Texas said that Sarah's body may have been swept from the vehicle after the crash occurred.

The couple got married in October.

Chris Grey, the manager of Bocca Italian eatery & pizzeria in Fayetteville, where Evan worked, called the deaths "horrible and shocking."

"Everyone is still just blown away and torn up," Grey said. "Evan and Sarah were truly fun, adventurous, kind, enjoyable people. They were constantly going to music festivals and on road trips. I truly am blessed to have had the opportunity to minister their wedding back in October. I cant believe (they're) already gone."

Ferocious storms, including tornadoes, killed at least 10 people over the weekend, in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Oklahoma.

Watch the video above to learn more about this story.




FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathy Crespo takes the time to answer the questions that family members and friends have when they are guaranteeing a bond for someone who's been arrested. During her 35 years working as a bondsman in Broward County, she's learned that most people don't understand the process of posting bail. She says that this can make community members more vulnerable to being taken advantage of by predatory practices.

Her willingness to educate the members of the community is one of the reasons her clients call her the best bail bondsman in Fort Lauderdale. According to Cathy, as the number of arrests in the county increases being aware of how a local bail bondsman should conduct business is more important than ever.

Work with an honest Broward County bail agent by calling Cathy Crespo at 954-463-6363.

Cathy cautions anyone from working with a local bail bondsman that has fluctuating fees. Crespo says that these fees are mandated by the Florida Department of Financial Services and are set at 10% of the bond with a $100 minimum per bond. Cathy warns that she has heard of some bondsmen who attempt to charge more or less, and both are illegal.

Honest bail agents are up front about their fees and that they cannot be changed. Bail bondsmen that claim to have any influence over the fee or the timeline for the bail process are also acting unethically and should be avoided. According to Cathy, she's worked with clients who have experienced these kinds of predatory tactics many times.

Call Cathy Crespo at 954-463-6363 to hire an experienced bail bondsman.

She says in order to protect themselves, people should feel completely comfortable with the full process of posting bail in Broward County before completing paperwork. Any local bail bondsman that seems too pushy or has wavering fees could spell trouble.

According to Cathy, a bail bondsman worth hiring will take the time to answer questions and explain the process. "It's a big red flag if they are trying to rush through the process," she said. Bail bondsmen exist to help people in a time of crisis, and if they seem like they are pushy, it could be a good sign something isn't right. A professional bail bondsman in Broward County has a duty to take the time to explain their fees and the process. Contact Cathy Crespo at A Aabbott & Cathy Bail Bonds to secure a bond with a professional.

Related Images

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A Aabbott & Cathy Bail Bonds makes the bail bond process as easy and fast as possible. Call 954-463-6363.

A Aabbott knows that getting arrested, or having a loved one get arrested, can be a daunting and scary experience. Their bail bond resource section will help guide people through the difficult experience a bit easier. Whether they need a Dade, Broward or Fort Lauderdale bail bond, they are here. They even have bail agents available nationwide.

SOURCE A Aabbott & Cathy Bail Bonds
The vacation had to be cut short, but when Morrison visited a few of the devastated communities, many of the victims did not hesitate to convey their true feelings in chaste Aussie slang.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, it was perhaps the indelible image of a scampering kangaroo silhouetted against a wall of fire on New Years Eve that seared the ongoing Australian bushfire tragedy on to the international consciousness. In fact, the driest continent on earth has been alight since September, the onset of spring in the southern hemisphere calendar. The fires have been spreading ever since. Millions of hectares have been reduced to ashes. Bushfires have regularly recurred across Australia for thousands of years. But the extent and intensity of the past five months seemingly unquenchable flames is unprecedented in living memory.

It is, or by now should be, common knowledge that climate change exacerbates natural disasters, in terms of frequency and ferocity. That scientific conclusion may be considered incontrovertible elsewhere but remains controversial in Australia. A couple of years ago, in his capacity as federal treasurer, Scott Morrison, infamously carried a black lump into parliament, where he declared: This is coal. Dont be afraid. Dont be scared. It wont hurt you. Last month, in his capacity as prime minister, Morrison went on a holiday to Hawaii with his family, while the flames were getting higher in the country he is supposed to govern.

Everyone is entitled to a vacation, even if its poorly timed, but to leave behind instructions, as Morrison apparently did, that his location must not be revealed to the media or anyone else goes beyond the pale of the proverbial Aussie fair go. The truth was leaked even before fellow Australian tourists in Hawaii had the chance to tweet selfies with a grinning prime minister.

The vacation had to be cut short, but when Morrison visited a few of the devastated communities, many of the victims did not hesitate to convey their true feelings in chaste Aussie slang. The unfiltered comments were a reaction not so much to his tendency towards climate change denial as to his insouciance, which included avoiding a meeting requested for months by the heads of nationwide firefighting outfits, who wished to alert him to dangers they foresaw.

Perhaps chastened by the rebukes and dwindling poll numbers, a seemingly contrite Morrison has hinted at changing course and offered to hold a public inquiry. There is no evidence so far, however, of any intention to step up Australias thus far dismal response to the multiple challenges posed by climate change  not least because the conservative coalition the prime minister represents is peppered with denialists and those interested chiefly in preserving the privileges, profits and export potential of the fossil fuel industry.

Such attitudes are not restricted to Australia, of course. The Paris Agreement may have outlined wholly inadequate measures for restricting global warming, but it obviously doesnt help when one of the worlds biggest polluters pulls out and its chief honcho begins dismantling already inadequate environmental constraints. Australia experienced its hottest year on record in 2019, but it wasnt the only such country. Who has ever heard of artificial snow being deployed to impart a festive semblance to New Year festivities in Moscow, or of temperatures soaring into the mid-teens in Norway at the height of winter, or of glaciers around Mount Everest making way for greenery?

Even nations far more alive than Australia to the threats that lie ahead are falling far short of the drastic changes required to curb the consequences of global warming. The tipping point was probably reached long ago in the relentless march to hell on earth. Immediately adopting green new deals may help to restrain the fires next time  or, more likely, the time after that. But doing next to nothing is a green light for doom.

By arrangement with Dawn
Ex-CEO of prominent construction firm owes over $81 mln to Alfa Bank  Russian court

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

09:49 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  The Omsk Regional Commercial Court has included a 5-billion-ruble (over $81 million) debt of insolvent ex-CEO of Mostovik construction firm Oleg Shishov to Alfa Bank in the creditors list, according to court records.

The court has therefore granted the banks demand.

In December, Russias Rosbank filed a claim to add a 2 billion-ruble (over $32 million) debt to the list of Shishovs creditors. Earlier, the court set a similar application filed by Gazprombank against Shishov for January 21. The financial organization demands 3.7 billion rubles (about $60 million) from him.

In November 2019, the Omsk Regional Commercial Court declared Shishov bankrupt and introduced a property sale procedure against him for 5 months. The total amount of Shishovs outstanding money liabilities exceeds 43 billion rubles, according to court records. His incomes and assets fall short of satisfaction of all the creditor's claims, the court held.

In 2016, Shishov was convicted and sentenced to 4 years in prison for evading about 500 million rubles in taxes. According to investigators, between 2009 and 2011, Shishov forged financial documents and tax declarations of Mostovik, falsely reporting completion of construction works in Vladivostok and other cities by outside contractors.

Investigators claimed that these contractors had not done any works and the projects were completed by employees of Mostovik itself. As a result, investigators said that Shishov evaded paying over 478 million rubles in taxes. He pleaded guilty. Additionally, investigators alleged that he embezzled 526 million rubles ($9.2 million) received as advance payment for construction of the Omsk ring road.

In March 2017, Shishov was released on parole.

In March 2018, investigators opened a new case over tax evasion and fraud against Shishov.




A strong wave of anti-Americanism swept Iran following the US assassination Jan. 3 of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Although the fever pitch of that sentiment isnt likely to last, its consequences will be reflected in Iran's domestic and foreign policy.

The first repercussion is a change in Irans political alignment: Conservatives and hard-liners are growing stronger, while Reformists and moderates are losing ground.

Even Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who often favors diplomacy over a hard approach, insisted Jan. 7 that Irans retaliation must cause the United States pain. Outside Iran, many officials and media in the United States, Europe and the Middle East have commented that Iran is ready for a tough confrontation.

But growing support for Iranian special forces and the conservatives position doesnt necessarily mean abandoning diplomacy and preparing for war. Political processes in Iran have their own complexities. Many analysts and commentators ignore that Iran pays attention to cost-benefit calculations in a rational manner while keeping up its guard against the United States.

Tehran, on the one hand, believes in its abilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare, and by acting against the United States in Iraq, has shown it can use these capabilities effectively. On the other hand, Tehran is also aware of US capabilities to strike and knows any war will cause irreparable damage to Iran. So while reporting on Irans missile strike on US bases in Iraq, the IRGC Aerospace Force commander, Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, emphasized that self-restraint on both sides kept war from breaking out. Iran wasnt seeking to kill American troops  though it could have done so if it had wished. After the attack, Zarif also said Iran is not seeking escalation or war.

The IRGC, which was involved in the 1980-88 Iraq-Iran war, understands the concept of balance of power and the cost-benefit equation more than anyone in Iran. With this in mind, the possibility that Iran will forgo diplomacy and seek broader and direct action against the US is low.

However, Iran's caution and self-restraint does not mean it will be inactive. Irans strategy toward the United States in the region will certainly change. Most notably, there will be a shift from active resistance to "hybrid offensive resistance" aimed at increasing the costs of hitting Iran, and increasing Washingtons cost for the US presence in the Middle East. To realize this strategy, Iran will seek to:

Strengthen its military capabilities for multilayer deterrence against the United States and its allies.

Strengthen the axis of resistance" against the West and Israel through further military assistance to proxy and pro-Iran forces in the region.

Make Israel more vulnerable.

De-Americanize the region and create regional political, security and economic systems that do not include the United States.

Regarding the first objective, Iran has significantly increased its military capabilities in recent years. Its military action against the United States in Iraq, regardless of the amount of damage, reflects the improved quality of its military power. But the military buildup has been done to bolster conventional deterrence, and Iran is not looking for a full-scale direct war. In this regard, it is hard to agree with international affairs expert Stephen Walt that Soleimani's assassination is an incentive for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran knows that while nuclear weapons would increase its power against the United States and its allies, the development process would make Iran a greater target.

Concerning the second objective, it should be noted that the Iranian-led axis of resistance in the region has been strengthened in recent years. A significant part of Iran's regional influence  from Yemen to Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon  is due to the support of this axis, including from proxy and pro-Iran forces. Iran has received declarations of support from the leaders of these forces, including Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, Iraqi Sadr movement chief Muqtada al-Sadr and Yemen's Houthi movement leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Some of these heavy hitters have stated that they, in their turn, will take revenge for Soleimani's death.

By taking advantage of all this support, Iran can also achieve its third goal, weakening Israel, which would be a matter of concern for the United States.

Iran understands well that achieving its fourth objective would be very difficult. US hosts in the region are unwilling to break off their relations with Washington, and anti-Iranian sentiment prevents them from cooperating with Tehran to de-Americanize the region. However, in pursuit of this goal, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei this month tried to convince Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani that the Middle East would be safer without the United States.

On this basis, it seems that Iran will focus on the second and third goals, which are its chief strength. In this way, Iran not only can develop greater leverage against the United States, but in the long run could also realize the fourth goal.

At the same time, Iran understands that relying on its conventional and asymmetric forces in the region cant fully achieve the aims of active deterrence, hybrid offensive resistance and de-Americanization of the region. Therefore Iran will seek, more than ever before, to enhance relations with major powers opposed to the United States, including Russia and China.

But there are some limitations to consider. First, Iranian society is complex and varied. The emotional impact of Soleimani's assassination will gradually diminish and Iran will take a cautious approach toward the United States, calculating the high costs of direct confrontation. Meanwhile, the Iranian people have been under the pressure of US sanctions in recent years and dont seem ready to bear more.

Second, proxy and pro-Iran forces in the region are not fully obedient to Iran's orders. It wouldnt be accurate to assume Iran can use them at any time and any place to achieve its goals. Although there are close links between Iran and these forces, they have their own return-on-investment rationale and their decisions and actions arent always in harmony with Iran.

Third, although some major powers, including Russia and China, support Iran against US pressure, their support is not sustained and comprehensive. Tehran is well aware that these powers arent willing to support Iran in a confrontation with the United States and will distance themselves from Tehran if the situation escalates.

Accordingly, Iran prefers a "managed tension" where strengthening the axis of resistance, along with proxy and pro-Iran forces, is the best and most effective option to increase Iran's security and increase US costs in the region.

Therefore, although Iranian officials said the strikes on US bases in Iraq were just the "start of big operations," at the same time they showed that Iran doesnt want a widespread conflict. Anyway, Iran's future behavior will depend largely on that of the United States. If the US response to Iran's attack on the Al-Assad base is self-restraint, tensions between the two countries will be better managed. But any violent action by the United States will surely prompt a violent backlash from Iran in the framework of its hybrid offensive resistance strategy.
A deputy secretary has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter to give country's citizenship only to honest people under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019.

"As a writer and citizen of India, I request the honourable Prime Minister to consider this point. It's an urgent need of time. Only honest people should be citizens of the country," tweeted Niyaz Khan

"Trust me, if that is executed with true heart, most of the public posts with government authority will be vacant. The honest people can get the opportunity to serve the nation," he said in another tweet.

Khan was of the view that NRC must be against all the people who steal government money. "Every penny of the nation belongs to poor citizens who are struggling for bread and butter. Even the children have no cloth to cover themselves. Corrupt guys with government authority are responsible for their poverty."

"Believe me, if that is executed with true heart, most of the public posts with government authority will be vacant and honest citizens will get an opportunity to serve the nation," he said on Twitter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A n online travel agent is being sought by police after allegedly duping customers out of 125,000 and ruining dozens of holidays.

Hayley King, 34, is accused of taking money from victims who were told her firm Around The World Travel had booked their trips.

Holidaymakers reported turning up to find hotel rooms had not been paid for.

Police have identified 56 alleged victims of fraud from across the UK, with losses of about 125,000.

King, previously of Feltham, flew to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands on March 24 last year but appears not to have returned.

Her business collapsed in April and customers have been unable to contact her. She is described as 5ft 10in, of medium build with a scar on her left arm.

Effi Gounaris, 30, who planned to go to the Maldives on a dream honeymoon, told the BBC she paid 5,000 to King for the trip  about half the price of other deals.

On the day she planned to surprise her new husband Antony Christodoulou, 31, with the booking confirmation, she was informed by British Airways that her flights had been cancelled.

Mrs Gounaris, of Loughton, then contacted her hotel to find it had not been paid.

She said: I feel embarrassed. Never in a million years did I think I would be a victim to a holiday scam.

Detective Constable Ryan Maginnes, of the Mets economic crime command, said: We urgently want to trace King  If she is abroad you can contact the local police force. He added: It is my fear that there may be other victims who are not yet aware that their holidays have not been paid for.
OTTAWAThe number of people intercepted by the RCMP as they crossed into Canada between official border points fell in 2019, newly released federal figures show, but overall, the number of asylum claims being lodged in this country is up.

The data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reveal that in all of 2019, the RCMP stopped 16,503 people as they came into Canada from the U.S. using informal entry points, such as the Roxham Road crossing between New York and Quebec.

Thats down from 19,419 the year before, and 20,593 the year before that.

In total, however, there were 63,830 claims for asylum filed in Canada in 2019, up from 55,040 in 2018, and 50,390 the year prior.

The data highlights the fact that despite multiple efforts by the Liberal government  including dispatching politicians and bureaucrats around the globe specifically to discourage border-crossers  the flow of people continues largely unabated.

Canada is continuing to experience unprecedented volumes of asylum claims, resulting in backlogs across the in-Canada asylum system and significant costs to all levels of government, reads a briefing note prepared for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in November and published online this month.

The issue at the border is linked to a deal with the United States, which among other things precludes people from requesting refugee status at normal border offices, on the premise that someone who is in the U.S. is already safe. Thousands have begun coming into Canada at points where they can avoid that requirement, and then can claim asylum once they are in the country.

The Liberals have repeatedly promised efforts to update the agreement, and in the mandate letter for Mendicino, he is tasked with taking on continued work with the United States to modernize the Safe Third Country Agreement.

But, the briefing notes  prepared in anticipation of the minister being asked about the issue in the House of Commons  suggest that work is limited.

At this time, Canada and the United States have not entered into formal negotiations on the STCA, reads a question-period note provided to the minister on Dec. 6.

If hed been pressed on how the U.S. was responding to requests to discuss the deal, the department suggested this response:

As Canada cannot unilaterally change the terms of this bilateral agreement, it would be inappropriate to speculate on how any possible changes might be implemented.

A Federal Court judge is now deciding whether the deal violates the charter rights of asylum seekers, after a court hearing on the subject late last fall.

A decision is expected within the year.

The briefing note says the overall volume of claims is rising due to increases in the number of asylum-seekers from India, Mexico and Iran.

An increase in Mexican claims is related to a decision by the Liberal government to lift a visa requirement for Mexican nationals to enter Canada, a move that was expected to increase the number of refugee applications, while the increase from Iran has been tied in the past to people seeking to get around long delays in applications for permanent residency.

The 2019 federal budget allocated $1.18 billion over five years, and $55 million a year after that, to increase the asylum systems capacity.
DENVER, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AdCellerant today announced it was included on Built In Colorado's list of Best Places to Work in 2020. Companies are selected based on data submitted by companies and their employees.

"We're thrilled to receive this recognition because we truly believe that one of the most important things we do is hire well. We hire brilliant, capable, and amazing people that drive the momentum we have at AdCellerant. They deserve to enjoy coming into work everyday! Richard Branson said it best, 'Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to.' Thank you for this honor," said Shelby Carlson, COO, Co-Founder.

Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO and Co-Founder of Built In, said: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2020 honorees. Built In aims to change lives by connecting talented tech professionals with jobs they were born to do. These companies have become part of that mission because they stand for more than just the work they're doing. They stand for their people and purpose."

She added: "We also extend our gratitude. These companies exemplify what it means to be an employer of choice for today's purpose-driven tech workforce. Writing about them inspires us daily and, in terms of our offering, gives us total confidence that the professionals who visit our websites will find work that gives them a strong sense of professional and personal meaning."

ABOUT ADCELLERANT

AdCellerant is a digital advertising and technology company focused on making quality digital marketing accessible to every business. AdCellerant achieves this goal by partnering with local marketers, media companies, agencies, and channel sales organizations, helping them leverage AdCellerant's proprietary advertising software platform, UI.Marketing.

Website: https://www.adcellerant.com/

ABOUT BUILT IN

Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the US, Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month.

National Site: BuiltIn.com

BEST PLACES TO WORK: METHODOLOGY

Built In's list rates companies algorithmically based on compensation data and employer benefits. Rank is determined by combining a company's score in each of these categories.

Contact: Meghan Brito, (720) 827-2034, [email protected]

SOURCE AdCellerant LLC

Related Links

https://www.adcellerant.com


China's online celebrity economy, a product of the Internet era, has snowballed in recent years, with statistics indicating that the income of some of these celebs may have overtaken the net profit of a number of companies.

In 2019, the economic achievements of many Internet celebrities refreshed people's understanding. Cyber stars such as Li Jiaqi and Li Ziqi have attracted enormous attention, putting themselves on the map and solidifying their brand.

Gan Youqin (L1), a farmer in Lingshan county of South Chinas Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is in live broadcast. She sold about 350,000 kilograms of Lychees through live broadcast in 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)

Meanwhile, the identity of many online celebrities as salespeople has been widely recognized.

Statistics from relevant big data trading platforms show that Li Jiaqi made a lot of money in 2019 - more than the net profit of some companies.

The number of online shoppers reached 610 million in 2018, and the vast user base has led to the growth of the online celebrity e-commerce market. In 2019, online celebrity live broadcast emerged as a new force.

More than 50 percent of the businesses on Tmall, a Chinese website for business-to-consumer online retail, participating in the "Double Eleven" shopping festival, increased their income through live broadcasts, leading to a turnover of nearly 20 billion yuan (about 2.9 billion U.S. dollars).

In China, the economy of online celebrities has a sufficient social foundation. Research shows that more than 70 percent of Chinese consumers born after 1995 prefer to buy goods directly through social media.

China's current online celebrity economy is subverting the traditional consumption concept and bringing a more diversified and personalized shopping experience to consumers. However, adequate market regulation should be implemented to help guide development, to give better play to its leading role in the real economy.
Barbara Edna Sbalchiero 1939-2019

Barbara Sbalchiero (nee Wishart) was mum to her two children, nanny to her three beloved grandchildren, ma the many friends who spent countless hours drinking coffee and sharing food in her kitchen and Barbie to the staff at Arcare who took such good care of her in the last part of her life. She was born at the beginning of a time of much world turmoil and strife and Barbaras life was not going to be easy.

Barbara was born on June 22, 1939, to Lydia Maria Wishart, a married woman who was 38 with one son. For reasons Barbara and her family never knew, Lydia was unable to keep her baby and she was put into the care of the Sisters of Mercy in South Melbourne. Barbara was not adopted but was left in the foundling home until she was two years old when she was moved into a Catholic convent run by the sisters. Lydia never came to visit and never took her child back into her care.

Barbaras life in the convent was hard. The girls called the sisters the sisters with no mercy. Growing up, Barbara would tell terrible stories about her life in the convent, beatings, mistreatment, deprivation and simple neglect. Interestingly, she never really talked about the friendship or any feelings of comradeship around the girls. It can only be assumed growing up in a place like that meant survival of the fittest and they could only look after themselves.

From an early age, Barbara had problems with her hearing, and life in the convent did not help. In academic classes she was always left in the back and considered dumb by the nuns. Luckily, Barbara really didnt mind. It provided her with the opportunity to practise her drawing skills. She was a beautiful drawer and had natural talents in that area. At one point, she was accepted into RMIT based purely on her drawing skills, but this opportunity was not for Barbara. Drawing was also her one proud achievement in the convent, and she would tell stories about her pictures being shown to the other classes and put on display for the priests and bishops to admire when they visited.
A team of physicists from McMaster University has developed a process to modify red blood cells so they can be used to distribute drugs throughout the body, which could specifically target infections or treat catastrophic diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's.

The modified red blood cells are designed to circulate in the body for several weeks at a time, seeking out specific targets including bacteria, tumours or organs.

The technology, described in the online edition of the journal Advanced Biosystems, solves a major problem with current drug delivery methods that use synthetic molecules and cannot reach specific targets or are rejected by the body.

"We call these super-human red blood cells. We think that they could work as the perfect stealth drug carriers which can outsmart our immune system," explains Maikel Rheinstadter, a senior advisor on the study and professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at McMaster.

The researchers have developed a method to open up the red blood cell, modify its outer cell wall, and replace its contents with a drug molecule, which would then be injected back into the body.

The hybrid appears and behaves as a normal red blood cell, but has a sticky surface which can attach itself to bacteria, for example, open up and release antibiotics exactly where they are needed.

"We have combined synthetic material with biological material and created a new structure, which has never been done before in this way," says Sebastian Himbert, lead author and a graduate student in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at McMaster.

"The entire process is very efficient and can be completed in one day in the lab," he says.

Researchers believe this targeted delivery method could help to minimize dosages and therefore, potential side effects. This is particularly important for very potent drugs used in cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and the treatment of infections of potentially resistant bacteria.

###

The work was done in collaboration with Harald Stover, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster, Janos Juhasz from the Juravinski Cancer Centre, and researchers at Saarland University in Germany.

A high res photo and video of researchers Maikel Rheinstadter and Sebastien Himbert can be found at this link: https://assets.adobe.com/public/907bc03f-19a0-4454-6dda-d1d10a57eb0a

Attention editors: A copy of the study can be found at the link below:

Adv. Biosys.2020, 1900185 "Hybrid erythrocyte liposomes: functionalized red blood cell membranes for molecule encapsulation", Sebastian Himbert, Matthew J. Blacker, Alexander Kihm, Quinn Pauli, Adree Khondker, Kevin Yang, Sheilan Sinjari, Mitchell Johnson, Janos Juhasz, Christian Wagner, Harald D. H. Stover and Maikel C. Rheinstadter

Adv. Biosys.2020, 1900185

https://doi.org/10.1002/adbi.201900185
We may know several of the popular groups of Jews in Jesus day such as the Pharisees (Matthew 23), Sadducees (Matthew 22:23), and Zealots (Matthew 10:4), but most Christians havent heard about a fourth group: the Essenes.

And theres probably a good reason why they havent.

Until we discovered a group of important ancient documents known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, we didnt have much of a clue about this enigmatic Jewish sect.

Barricading themselves away from the Roman Empire, they lived in isolation in caves along the Dead Sea where they would copy important Jewish texts. However, we know very little about them other than what Pliny and Josephus have mentioned, and from the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the 20th century.

What Do We Know about the Essenes?

From the descriptions provided by Pliny, we know that the Essenes were an all-male group that pledged themselves to chastity. They also shunned wealth, in a somewhat monastic and strict way of living.

Josephus shows us that the Essenes also adopted children into their Essene community and that they spread their wealth among themselves, so no one was richer than the other, somewhat foreshadowing the practices of the Early Church (Acts 2:44-46).

They had a very strict way of living and didnt get new clothes or possessions until they had worn down the old ones they had.

Although the Essenes disappeared from the narrative during the first few centuries AD, various sects of Essenes have popped up in the modern-day, with occult and false doctrine influences and whose practices Christians should avoid.

Why Did the Essenes Live As They Did?

When the Romans infiltrated Israel, each group of Jews had various reactions to the new rulers. The aristocratic Sadducees, for instance, did their best to blend with the Hellenistic customs of the Romans, forfeiting some beliefs such as the resurrection of the dead and the afterlife.

Other groups, such as the Zealots, pushed back against the oppressive rule and led various revolts.

As for the Essenes?

They holed themselves in the desert, away from Roman influence. In essence, they formed a bubble away from the dark influences of the world. In doing so, they become enigmatic throughout history and were mostly unknown until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Does the Bible Mention the Essenes?

Not directly. Some have conjectured that passages such as the man holding the jug in Luke 22:10-12 is an Essene man since only women carried water during the time of Jesus.

Others have argued that John the Baptist, Jesus cousin, was an Essene, refusing to live in civilization and living out in the wilderness, like this sect.

But opposed to other Jewish groups of the day such as the Zealots or Pharisees, the Bible makes no clear description or mention of an Essene man in the New Testament.

The Essenes and Desert Saints

It may seem rather silly to flee to the desert to avoid a problem, like the Roman Empire, but we see a revival of this type of living in the fourth century AD when Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity.

Christians, used to persecution, worried that believers would grow slack and slothful in their zeal for the Lord from lack of tribulation. Christianity was becoming mainstream, as it were, and they feared what would become of the religion under Roman influence.

So they fled to the desert and practiced asceticism to be more other than the fake Christians in Rome.

What Can We Learn from the Essenes?

This group may seem like it has no influence on us in our modern society. We dont, after all, hide in a cave when the powers of darkness seem to pervade every part of our lives.

But Christians do, at times, form Christian bubbles. We refuse to watch media that isnt Christian, only converse with Christian groups, and stay away from the world as much as possible.

Although, yes, God has called us to be set apart from the world (John 15:19), he also calls us to be the salt (Matthew 5:13-16). If salt just hangs around with other salt and talks about how salty it is, it will have no effect on the world.

In the same way, although we discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls two thousand years after the Essenes wrote them, they had minimal effect on the Ancient Jewish World because they refused to associate with anything outside the Essene bubble.

God calls us to go into the darkness. Yes, we should regularly engage with Him through Scripture and prayer, and regularly fellowship with believers, but we cant hide like the Essenes.

We are called to shine our light (Matthew 5:15).

iStock/Getty Images Plus/Manifestive_Media

Hope Bolinger is a multi-published novelist and a graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. More than 1,200 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her modern-day Daniel trilogy is out with IlluminateYA. She is also the co-author of the Dear Hero duology, which was published by INtense Publications. And her inspirational adult romance Picture Imperfect releases in November of 2021. Find out more about her at her website.
The idea started with Eisenberg. Three years ago, he approached Joshuah Bearman, Epics co-founder, whose 2007 piece in Wired had been turned into the Oscar-winning Argo. Epic had been contemplating a photo essay project for the magazine rooted in first-person accounts. Eisenberg talked to Bearman about his own family  Eisenbergs father grew up in Israel before moving to the States  and his desire to do something on immigration in the wake of Donald Trumps election as president. After the Epic profiles were published, Bearman signed on as one of Little Americas executive producers.
Rachel Holt, a longtime Uber executive, is leaving to start a venture capital firm with former New Enterprise Associates partner Dayna Grayson. Several tech news sites reported the move to the firm that the women are calling Construct Capital. Holt joined the ride-hailing company in 2011 in its Washington office and was tapped by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in 2018 to head the new mobility division after Uber had bought Jump bikes. The division was responsible for bikes, scooters and public transit partnerships. Construct is among a number of venture companies headed by women.

Mozilla layoffs

Mozilla, maker of the Firefox web browser, is laying off employees, according to a company blog post Wednesday. Mitchell Baker, chairwoman of the nonprofit foundation that owns Mozilla Corp. where she is interim CEO, said that the operation needs to operate within its means. The Mountain View company has a large San Francisco presence and offices around the world. A Mozilla spokeswoman declined to say how many employees would be affected, and did not provide information on what types of positions are being eliminated or the location of those jobs.

Number of the day

$271,828,182

More Information Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. For more items and links, subscribe to the Tech Chronicle newsletter at www.sfchronicle.com/newsletters/tech-chronicle. Twitter: @techchronicle See More Collapse

Thats where Obvious Ventures closed its third fund. It is Eulers number, named for Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler, TechCrunch reported. Known as e, the number is a mathematical constant whose natural logarithm is equal to one. Obvious Ventures, co-founded by Medium CEO and Twitter co-founder Ev Williams, closed its first fund at $123,456,789 and its second at $191,919,191. Obvious had a big success last year with the IPO of Beyond Meat.
New Delhi: The makers of Sidharth Malhotra's 'Shershaah' picked January 16 to reveal the actor's first look from the forthcoming film as it's its birthday today. Three posters of 'Shershaah' have been unveiled and all of them show Sidharth as Captain Vikram Batra in the battlefield.

Sharing his first look from 'Shershaah', Sidharth wrote, "An absolute honor to be able to paint the big screen with the shades of bravery & sacrifice. Paying an ode to the journey of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) and bringing the UNTOLD TRUE STORY with #Shershaah. Releasing 3rd July, 2020."

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is producing 'Shershaah' under Dharma Productions, said, "We bow our heads in respect & pay an ode to the brave journey of the Kargil War hero through our film."

Here's presenting Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra in 'Shershaah'.

An absolute honor to be able to paint the big screen with the shades of bravery & sacrifice.

Paying an ode to the journey of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) and bringing the UNTOLD TRUE STORY with #Shershaah. Releasing 3rd July, 2020.@Advani_Kiara @vishnu_dir @karanjohar pic.twitter.com/RJ4qj0sNPQ  Sidharth Malhotra (@SidMalhotra) January 16, 2020

Captain Batra had laid down his life in the service of the nation while recapturing Indian territories from Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War of 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra - India's highest war-time gallantry award.

Of playing Captain Batra in 'Shershaah', Sidharth earlier told news agency IANS, "Everyone knows about his heroic stories from newspapers and articles. When you meet people who have lived with him, his family or have known him personally, you feel an immense kind of pressure. First, you hope to do justice to his personal life and family."

"It's something that is very close to my heart. It's like a passion project. It's being directed by Vishnu Varadhan, who is a prolific director from the south. He is making his Hindi debut with this film," he added.

'Shershaah' is directed by Vishnu Varadhan and also stars Kiara Advani. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on July 3.

(With IANS inputs)
TEHRAN,Iran, Jan.16

Trend:

Iran's strategy is to interact with neighboring countries, and Russia is the priority direction, said the deputy of Iran's Chamber of Commerce Mohammad Reza Karbasi said, Trend reports via ILNA.

The private sectors of Iran and Russia should resolve obstacles and develop bilateral ties. Russia's interest to cooperate with Iranian provinces is very important, he said.

The official indicated Iran and Russia's trade volume in 2018 was $1.7 billion, therefore Iran should move towards a positive balance in the long term.

"Russia imported $540 million worth of goods from Iran, and this figure has the potential to increase," he said.

Karbasi also noted that a special work group is to be established between private sector and the Central Bank of Iran to boost banking cooperation with regional countries specially Eurasia.

Meanwhile, the head of the Iran and Russia joint Chamber of Commerce Hadi Tizhoush Taban said that private sectors of the two countries will consider cooperation regarding joint ports, tourism and shipping.

Taban has indicated that two countries have held banking negotiations to implement a direct banking system for transaction between Russia and Iran that is expected to be launched soon.
UPDATE: Up to 4 inches of snow in forecast for winter storm. Latest update on timing, snow totals.

While parts of northern New Jersey could receive 3 to 6 inches of snow on Saturday, the latest weather forecast Thursday morning from the National Weather Service shows most of the state with a wintry mix and less than an inch of snow.

Theres still plenty of uncertainty regarding Saturdays storm, but forecasters are confident the winter storm will be messy in New Jersey and surrounding areas as precipitation changes from snow to rain for much of the state. The timing of that change could affect snow accumulation totals.

Much of the region simply hasnt had much snow or ice so far this winter, AccuWeather senior meteorologist David Dombek said. Still, enough snow and ice is likely to fall with this storm to create slippery travel (in New Jersey) with a general coating to an inch or two forecast for these areas along Interstate 95.

Temperatures will be cold enough for snow for only a few hours in most spots before the mercury inches above the freezing mark, leaving the majority of the state with a sloppy mix of rain, snow and sleet by Saturday night.

The National Weather Service is calling for 2 to 3 inches of snow in eastern Union, eastern Essex, eastern Passaic, most of Bergen and all of Hudson County. Western Essex, northwestern Union and western Passaic are in the 4 to 6-inch range, according to the latest snowfall total maps released by the weather service early Thursday.

Warren County could also get 4 to 6 inches, but the latest maps show much 3 to 4 inches of snow dropping much of Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon.

Accuweathers forecast map calls for 1 to 3 inches of snow for a wider area - roughly the northern half of the state, but only has a small sliver of Sussex County in its 3 to 6 inch zone.

A winter storm could drop 3 to 6 inches of snow on much of northern New Jersey on Saturday. The rest of the state should see a wintry mix before a change over to rain.

Little to no snow is expected along the immediate Jersey Shore and with less than inch likely to accumulate in Central Jersey and South Jersey, where the precipitation will fall as rain by Saturday night, according to the weather service.

On Thursday, the major concern is winds of 25 to 30 mph that might gust as high as 45 to 50 mph, bringing down tree limbs and potentially causing power outages.

A wind advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m for most of the state. In Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union, the advisory runs from 9 a.m. through 10 p.m.

A Wind Advisory remains in effect for today. Wind gusts up around 45 to 50 mph are expected. #pawx #njwx #dewx #mdwx Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Thursday, January 16, 2020

Otherwise it will be a sunny day with highs around 50, though the strong winds will make it feel considerably chillier. Thursday night into Friday will be blustery with temps dipping into the upper teens and low 30s as winds gust to near 40 mph.

Friday will be dry but chilly with temps only climbing into the low 30s and windy conditions sticking around. Gusts could reach about 30 mph and another wind advisory is possible.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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LANSING, MI -- Michigan activists are planning several womens march events across the state to coincide with hundreds more nationwide meant to celebrate the power of women voters.

The events, all scheduled for Jan. 18, come during the same week Democratic presidential candidates cited Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers 2018 victory was an example of how women can win top political offices across the country. Scheduled to speak at the rally in Lansing is U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, who unseated a Republican incumbent in the same year female candidates swept statewide offices, won both seats on the state Supreme Court and filled a record number of legislative seats.

If you look back at 2018, women played an outsized role in my district and in flipping seats and flipping states, Slotkin said. I think (the marches are) just a way to recognize one day a year that when we work together, women supporting women, then we succeed. I think thats a positive message.

The Womens March on Washington began in 2017 as a movement to harness the political power of women and protest the election of President Donald Trump; it held the day after his inauguration. It is widely considered the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.

Annual events have been held in late-January in the following years. The goal of the marches depends on the community theyre held, but participants generally advocate womens reproductive rights, immigration reform and healthcare reform, environmental justice, LGBTQ rights and racial equality.

Events sanctioned by the official Womens March organizers are planned across Michigan at the following locations on Saturday, Jan. 18:

Adrian - Noon, 301 N. Main St.

Holland - 10 a.m., Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave.

Kalamazoo - 11 a.m., First Congregational Church, 345 W. Michigan Ave.

Lansing - 2:30 p.m. on the front grounds of Michigans Capitol

Ludington - 1 p.m., Rotary Park, 100 Lewis St.

Saugatuck-Douglas - 1 p.m., Berry Field, South Main Street

Traverse City - 1 p.m., 221 Garland St.

Slotkin said theres no doubt having more representation in politics encourages more women to run for office.

I hear from women all the time, I saw all these women get elected and I thought maybe I could try this too,'" Slotkin said.

During a recent visit to a school in Brandon Township, Slotkin said she was asked by elementary students for advice on how to run for class president. Slotkin framed a letter from one of the young girls thanking her for the visit.

I cant tell you what that means to me, to have young girls running for their class office because they saw so many women running in 2018, Slotkin said. I think that the more thats part of the conversation when theyre young, the higher the likelihood theyll be leading when they get older.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar mentioned Whiter during the January Democratic debate while answering a question about what she would say to those who dont think a woman could win the White House. Whitmer appeared on CNN the next day to explain how she was able to win in Michigan just two years after the state flipped for Trump.

Whitmer recommended Democrats stay focused on basic issues that matter to everyone like ensuring access to clean drinking water, drivable roads, and good-paying jobs.

Whitmer and Slotkin were also the targets of violent threats on a Facebook group that was shut down this month after being exposed in a story by the Metro Times. The public group, People vs Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, was attracted nearly 9,000 followers, the Metro Times reported, including some state lawmakers and congressional candidates running to challenge Slotkin.

I dont know how someone can hear that news and some of the extremely personal and violent threats against me and feel anything other than disappointment, shame and sadness, Slotkin said. Ive done three tours in Iraq and run for duck and cover bunkers when rockets are coming in. I consider myself a pretty tough person, but I dont think anyone likes reading that stuff about themselves."

Slotkin said she has received an outpouring of support after the Metro Times story was published.

Im a woman whos worked in exclusively male-dominated fields my entire life, she said. I worked at the CIA and I worked at the Pentagon and I served in Iraq and, and in my experience, competence is what attracts attention, not just my gender.

Other officials scheduled to speak at the Lansing event include Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Democratic state Reps. Susan Anthony, Kara Hope and Julie Brixie and state Sen. Curtis Hertel.
[January 16, 2020] Semperis Hosts 3rd Annual Hybrid Identity Protection Conference in New York, April 2020

Semperis, the leader in identity-driven cyber resilience, opened registration today for the third annual Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP) Conference, taking place April 20-22, 2020 at the Microsoft (News - Alert) Technology Center in New York City. With the disappearance of the network perimeter, identity has become the last line of defense from cyberattacks. HIP is the premier educational forum for advancing the skills of identity and cybersecurity professionals through highly technical demonstrations and collaborative workshops. Early bird tickets for HIP Conference 2020 are available until February 10. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005284/en/ "I am really looking forward to the conversations at HIP," said Alex Weinert, Director of Identity Security at Microsoft and HIP Conference speaker. "Identity security has never been more important. Our team sees first-hand the increasing volume and sophistication of attacks that prey on vulnerable accounts. HIP will provide a great forum to learn from each other. Working together, we have the opportunity to do much more to protect users from account compromise." HIP Conference 2020 strongly encourages a culture of knowledge-sharing, where speakers engage in conversations both on and off the stage. Attendees can expect to dive deeply into identity-related topics including: Navigating the hybrid identity threat landscape

Implementing a passwordless authentication strategy

Defending identity services

Recovering from ransomware attacks

Publishing on-premises applications for B2E and B2B "HIP brings togethe the industry's foremost identity experts with topics that are focused on securing hybrid identity systems, primarily Microsoft Active Directory and Azure Active Directory," said Gil Kirkpatrick, Chief Architect at Semperis and HIP Conference founder. "Our mission is to connect technology gurus and practitioners in an environment where they can exchange information, share war stories, and ultimately make their networks and applications more secure."



HIP Conference 2020 is hosted by Semperis in partnership with Microsoft. Admission includes all food, beverages, and conference materials. Attendees can qualify for up to 16 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. For more information about HIP Conference 2020 and to learn about other HIP events, visit hipconf.com. About Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP):

Mobile workforces, cloud applications, and digitalization are changing every aspect of the modern enterprise. And with radical transformation come new business risks. Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP) is the premier educational forum for identity-centric practitioners. Whatever industry sector or job function, HIP strives to provide its community the insights and relationships needed to enable and protect today's digitally driven organizations. Follow: Twitter

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Instagram About Semperis: Semperis is an enterprise identity protection company that helps organizations recover from cyber breaches and directory service failures, on-premises and in the cloud. The company's patented technology for Active Directory (AD) is used by customers in the Fortune 500, government, financial, healthcare, and other industries worldwide. Semperis is accredited by Microsoft and recognized by Gartner (News - Alert). Follow: Twitter

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- Drake is set to visit Nigeria in March this year for his six-city tour of Africa

- The Canadian rapper plans to visit two cities in Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja

- It was gathered that Drake would perform on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30

Popular Canadian rapper, Aubrey Graham, professionally known as Drake, is reportedly set to visit Nigeria in March this year. It was reported that the rapper would visit Nigeria as part of his six-city tour of Africa.

At the end of 2019, Nigeria was graced with the presence of top international stars like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Future.

It seems like their visit to Nigeria has got more international artists making plans to visit Nigeria. Drake is said to have made plans to perform in two cities, Lagos and Abuja.

PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app

The Canadian star will also be visiting Ghana and South Africa in the same month. He will perform in South Africa on Wednesday, March 18, Friday, March 20 and on Sunday, March 22.

Drake will take his performance to Ghana on Friday, March 27, and then perform in Nigeria on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.

PAY ATTENTION: Do you have news to share? Contact Legit.ng instantly

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Canadian rapper reached out to a die-hard fan of his in Nigeria with a promise to fly him out to one of his shows. David Jagun who is a Nigerian undergraduate has been a strong fan of the rapper for a long time. Reacting to Drake's generous offer, he thanked the superstar.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

Cardi B full performance in Lagos - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
When Namibia wildlife enthusiast Naude Dreyer received a phone call saying some sharks had been spotted cut off from the ocean in a shallow tide pool near Walvis Bay, he headed directly for the beach to see if he could help.

In a video Dreyer posted to YouTube on January 15, he approaches the tide pool and attempts to grab the uncooperative sharks to release them back into the ocean.

The tide was still dropping, and they would dry out and die in the low tide, Dreyer told Storyful, so he had to act fast.

Dreyer struggled to get a hold of any of the sharks, which he identified as smoothhound sharks, until a few onlookers stepped in to assist.

Working together, Dreyer and the concerned beachgoers were able to wrangle the sharks from the tide pool and release them back into the sea.

Thrilled he was able to rescue three sharks from the pool, Dreyer told Storyful, the sharks were fast and very strong and put up a huge fight! Credit: Naude Dreyer via Storyful
A farmer was eaten by his pigs after collapsing from a suspected heart attack.

The 71-year-old, who has been named in local media as 'Mr Krzysztof', had gone to collect water from a well on his farm in the village of Osiek, southwest Poland.

He then collapsed and the 12 Hungarian Mangalica pigs devoured him.

His remains were found by a neighbour who had popped round after not seeing him since New Year's Eve.

When the neighbour arrived he found a pile of bones and skull fragments.

The Mangalica is a Hungarian breed of domestic pig (pictured), developed in the 19th century by crossbreeding Hungarian breeds with European wild boar

Prosecutor spokesman Magdalena Serafin told local media: 'A man's body was found by a neighbour who informed the emergency services.

'The man was last seen on December 31 when he went to get water from his well, where the corpse was found.'

She added: 'It seems the pigs ate him.'

According to neighbours, Mr Krzysztof had a drink problem and may have fallen asleep whilst trying to get water from the well.

Prosecutors say he may have also suffered a heart attack.

One neighbour said: 'He forgot to give the pigs food and probably fell asleep.

'These pigs are gigantic, they run all over the property, it wouldn't have been difficult for them to get him.

'We are afraid of them and don't got anywhere near.'

The Mangalica is a Hungarian breed of domestic pig, developed in the 19th century by crossbreeding Hungarian breeds with European wild boar.

A row has now broken out over the fate of the pigs, with locals arguing over whether they should be put down or not.

Katarzyna Trotzek from the 'Chrumkowo' pig asylum said she didn't believe pigs ate the corpse, saying it would be 'hard for me to believe' that is what happened

Local vets are worried that if the pigs are killed they may end up being put on the market and sold as bacon and sausages.

The prosecutor's office said that saving the pigs 'would not be a crime' and putting them to sleep 'is not necessary to continue the investigation.'

Meanwhile, Katarzyna Trotzek from the 'Chrumkowo' pig asylum said: 'I don't believe the pigs ate the corpse.

'We have contact with pigs every day. They come to us from various places, sometimes they have been starved and kept in boxes with others which are already dead.

'Those that survived, despite hunger, did not start eating corpses.

'It's hard for me to believe that they would have done this.'

The investigation continues.
Washington, DC--Diagnosing EVALI--the e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury illness that's recently garnered national attention--can be challenging. Initial symptoms may resemble pneumonia or go unrecognized, according to case analysis in the Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians (JACEP) Open, a new open access journal.

"Electronic cigarettes and vaping products are sending thousands of smokers, especially teens, to emergency departments," said Kaitlyn Works, MD, an emergency physician with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and lead study author. "We must be crystal clear with young people: E-cigarettes and vaping products are not a healthy alternative to smoking. They can be dangerous, cause injuries and illnesses, or even death."

The analysis, "E-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI): a case report of a pneumonia mimic with severe leukocytosis and weight loss," details the case of a 20-year-old male with no significant medical history who was hospitalized for four days then left against medical advice, only to return to the emergency department for chest pain, fever and shortness of breath. For two weeks leading up to his emergency, he had a productive cough, fever, diarrhea, nausea and significant weight loss.

"This flu season we are seeing an additional layer of complexity--EVALI symptoms may resemble pneumonia and become more dangerous or deadly when left untreated," Dr. Works said. "A patient with EVALI may have symptoms that vary and overlap with many illnesses, making it more complicated to diagnose."

Accurate diagnoses typically include the ruling out of other infections, autoimmune disorders or other conditions. In this case, negative tests were returned for strep, HIV, hepatitis and other diseases. A camera was inserted through the patient's airway to examine the lungs and a pulmonary consultation and CT scan confirmed EVALI.

The authors also note that nearly one-third of EVALI patients require intubation and mechanical breathing help.

As of January 2020, a total of 2,602 hospitalized EVALI cases have been reported in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Fifty-seven deaths have been confirmed.

CDC has identified vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent in many e-cigarette or vaping products with THC as a "chemical of concern" among EVALI cases. CDC recommends that people do not use e-cigarette or vaping products with THC.

"The simplest way to avoid EVALI is to avoid these products," Dr. Works said.

###

The Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians (JACEP) Open is the official open access journal from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). JACEP Open delivers high-quality, peer-reviewed research in an open access format and joins Annals of Emergency Medicine as the leading sources of original research, case studies, clinical reports and perspectives dedicated specifically to emergency medicine and related topics. For more information, visit http://www.JACEPOpen.com.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org.

For further information: Steve Arnoff | sarnoff@acep.org | Twitter: @EmergencyDocs
His latest breach of faith is taking funds from our armed forces to build his border wall. The Washington Post reports that he intends to divert $7.2 billion this year. After he did the same thing last year, the Post noted, the Pentagon had to postpone or suspend an array of projects, including road repairs, a waste treatment plant and school construction projects on military bases. The children of soldiers bear the burden of the wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for.
Each of Texas 1,200 school districts and 8,800 schools report extensive data on discipline each year to the Texas Education Agency, including the number of students suspended and out-of-school suspensions issued. To see suspension data from 2018-19 for any district or school, type its name in the search bar below.

For context, the states average suspension rate is 7 issued per 100 students, and 4 percent of students were suspended at least once last school year. The TEA does not provide data for schools and districts that reported fewer than 10 suspensions total.
RESTON, Va., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, and QOMPLX , an intelligent decision platform provider, today announced a strategic partnership to provide the more than 100,000 Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies and their subcontractors with fast and reliable assessment and certification as required by the upcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has created the CMMC in order to assess and enhance the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base. The CMMC is intended to serve as a verification mechanism to ensure appropriate levels of cybersecurity practices and processes are in place to ensure basic cyber hygiene, and to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) that resides on the Department's industry partners' networks.

Today's partnership will leverage the deep expertise of both companies and is ideally suited to help both small- to medium-sized suppliers understand and secure certification and also help larger defense contractors evaluate and secure subcontractors within their own network. Dun & Bradstreet has been working with government agencies and their suppliers for more than 90 years, including best-in-class programs for acquisition and supplier management, as well as program integrity and oversight of regulated businesses. QOMPLX is a recognized leader and innovator in cybersecurity. Its solutions include a cybersecurity decision platform with capabilities ranging from revolutionary monitoring and protection, to adjustably automated incident response, and enterprise-wide risk optimization.

"The implementation of the CMMC framework demonstrates that the U.S. federal government is prioritizing security internally, and holds its contractors to the same standard," said Erik Ekwurzel, Chief Technology Officer, Government Solutions at Dun & Bradstreet. "We fully support this initiative, and with our partnership with QOMPLX, we plan to be contractors' trusted partner in securing certification."

"We're excited to partner with Dun & Bradstreet on such an important initiative," said Bill Solms, President and General Manager, Government Solutions Division, QOMPLX. "CMMC is a step in the right direction to further protect government data, and our partnership with Dun & Bradstreet gives companies in the Defense Industrial Base the best chance to get this done quickly and reliably."

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity.

About QOMPLX, Inc.

QOMPLX makes it faster and easier for organizations to integrate disparate internal and external data sources across the enterprise via a unified analytics infrastructure that supports better decision-making at scale. This enterprise data-fabric is called QOMPLX:OS an enterprise operating system that powers QOMPLX's decision platforms in cybersecurity, insurance, and quantitative finance. Headquartered in Reston, VA, QOMPLX also has offices in New York, Denver and London. For more information visit QOMPLX.com and follow @QOMPLXOS .

Media Contact (QOMPLX): Media Contact (Dun & Bradstreet): Shannon O'Dowd Lisette Kwong LEWIS PR Dun & Bradstreet T: 202-478-1163 T: 973-921-6263 [email protected] [email protected]



Alan Mangelsdorf

QOMPLX

T: 845-235-4628

[email protected]



SOURCE QOMPLX, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.qomplx.com


[January 16, 2020] Glass Lewis Recommends Shareholders Vote For the Election of Both Harbert Discovery Fund Nominees to Enzo Biochem's Board

Harbert Discovery Fund, LP and Harbert Discovery Co-Investment Fund I, LP (collectively "HDF"), the beneficial owners of more than 11.8% of the outstanding shares of Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) ("Enzo" or the "Company"), today announced that a leading proxy advisory firm, Glass, Lewis & Co. ("Glass Lewis"), has recommended that shareholders vote on the BLUE proxy card in support of HDF's two highly-qualified independent nominees, Fabian Blank and Peter Clemens. In its report, Glass Lewis highlighted the need for change at Enzo and the pervasive weakness of the arguments the Company has made throughout its campaign1: "[W]e are ultimately inclined to conclude Harbert submits the much stronger fundamental case ." "This is predicated on what we consider to be entirely legitimate concerns around strategy and shareholder value , as well as the board's failure to produce arguments that meaningfully update its own dated case from late 2015." "We believe the continued presence of routine opposition to the incumbent board by a rotating cast of dissident shareholders suggests there may be some foundational and atypical disconnect between the Company and investors ." "Disconcertingly, investors hoping to see a bold response steeped in critical measures of operational progress have instead been greeted by what we consider to be a fairly loosely structured narrative functionally ripped from Enzo's last battle , including rehashed promises of pending value generation." "Thus, in lieu of simply maintaining the status quo , we consider unaffiliated investors have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to advance credible, incremental change , in each case without introducing any substantive risk of unilateral influence or materially eroding Enzo's aggregate knowledge base." Glass Lewis also carefully examined Enzo's performance against peers across various periods, concluding that: "On balance, we consider the yield on our review is fairly straightforward the Company has underperformed every benchmark over every period , in all cases by no less than roughly 32%." "We believe this suggests Enzo's misses against suitable comparators have been fundamental and expansive , and that there is little credible capacity to suggest the Company has generated stable, attractive value" Regarding Enzo's lack of strategic and operational progress, Glass Lewis notes that: "We are thus concerned Enzo is more focused on framing the current contest as an existential threat to perpetually unattained value-in-potentia, seemingly in lieu of demonstrating clear cause for continued operational goodwill among investors who have suffered expansive losses during the tenure of the bulk of the existing board." "[W]e consider Enzo has, in fact, employed a strategy which has done little to stanch losses in revenue, which, for FY2019, declined to the lowest annual level since FY2008." "[W]e do not consider this unbiased assessment of historical performance suggests Enzo is operationally trending the right direction or that management and the board have fulfilled their late 2015 promise that the Company was 'positioned to thrive now'." Glass Lewis discusses Enzo's corporate governance issues and the reactive nature of the actions the Company has taken, noting: "[T]here remain a raft of other governance factors that we consider reflect poorly on Enzo and the board's general willingness to undertake proactive -- as opposed to reactive -- change."

-- change." "[W]hile we further note no clear opposition from Harbert in relation to Ms. Fischer -- we consider the resulting agenda modification nevertheless represents a decidedly dubious late-stage complication in the context of a contested solicitation."

late-stage complication in the context of a contested solicitation." Referring to the separation of the president and CFO roles, Glass Lewis notes, "the relatively uncontroversial nature of the change suggests this represents another low risk , high optical upside modification intended to cultivate a more favorable impression of Enzo's governance."

, modification intended to cultivate a more favorable impression of Enzo's governance."



"Speaking first to Fabian Blank, we identify a reasonable health care services background, including what appears to be a breadth of advisory roles spanning varying industry segments and geographies."

"In contrast, the board's criticism of Mr. Blank -- which highlights GHG's microcap status despite the fact that it is worth nearly twice as much as Enzo and seemingly pleads for guilt by association by repeatedly referencing a thirty-years out-of-date association between Georgia and the former Soviet Union -- is, in our view, entirely unconvincing ."

by repeatedly referencing a thirty-years out-of-date association between Georgia and the former Soviet Union -- is, in our view, ." "Peter Clemens, in turn, has a background which includes c-suite roles at several healthcare services firms, including Surgical Care Affiliates and Caremark Rx, Inc."

"The presence of this senior executive experience at a range of larger and more complex enterprises in the healthcare sector supports Mr. Clemens' prospective ability to add value to a range of key strategic and financial discussions and overrides, in our view, nominal concerns that Mr. Clemens has not previously served on the board of a publicly-traded firm." Kenan Lucas, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of HDF, commented on the report: "We are extremely pleased that Glass Lewis has supported our case for change at Enzo. HDF believes the Company's pattern of prioritizing the entrenched status quo over its fiduciary duty to shareholders is no longer acceptable. Our two independent nominees, Fabian Blank and Peter Clemens, will provide the relevant skillsets and expertise required to help realize Enzo's value potential. We look forward to continuing constructive engagement with the Board and management on the path to improvement at Enzo."

Now is the time to vote your shares. HDF, like Glass Lewis, encourages you to vote on the BLUE proxy card FOR the election of Fabian Blank and Peter Clemens today. Please visit our website at www.cureenzo.com to learn more. Important Information about Participants in a Proxy Solicitation: Harbert Discovery Fund, LP ("Harbert Discovery"), Harbert Discovery Fund GP, LLC ("Harbert Discovery GP"), Harbert Discovery Co-Investment Fund I, LP ("Harbert Discovery Co-Investment" and together with Harbert Discovery, the "Discovery Funds"), Harbert Discovery Co-Investment Fund I GP, LLC ("Harbert Discovery Co-Investment GP"), Harbert Fund Advisors, Inc. ("HFA"), Harbert Management Corporation ("HMC"), Jack Bryant ("Mr. Bryant"), Raymond Harbert ("Mr. Harbert") and Kenan Lucas ("Mr. Lucas" and together with Harbert Discovery, Harbert Discovery GP, Harbert Discovery Co-Investment, Harbert Discovery Co-Investment GP, HFA, HMC and Messrs. Bryant and Harbert, the "Harbert Discovery Parties") (collectively, the "Participants") have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)") a definitive proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Enzo Biochem, Inc. (the "Company") in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting"). All shareholders of the Company are advised to read the definitive proxy statement and other documents related to the solicitation of proxies by the Participants in respect of the Annual Meeting, as they contain important information, including additional information related to the Participants, their nominees for election to the board of directors of the Company and the Annual Meeting. The definitive proxy statement and an accompanying proxy card will be furnished to some or all of the Company's shareholders and are, along with other relevant documents, available at no charge on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov/ and are available upon request from the Participants' proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners, by calling (888) 758-6707 (banks and brokers call collect (212) 297-0720). Additional information about the Participants can be found on the Definitive Proxy Statement filed by the Participants on December 6, 2019. About Harbert Discovery Fund (HDF) HDF invests in a concentrated portfolio of publicly traded small capitalization companies in the US and Canada. We perform significant due diligence on each portfolio company prior to investing. In addition to researching all publicly available information and meeting with management, our diligence includes substantial primary research with industry experts, consultants, bankers, customers and competitors. We often spend months or years researching ideas before making an investment decision and we only invest in companies that we believe are significantly undervalued, and where there is the potential for change to enhance or accelerate value creation. In an effort to unlock this potential value, we seek to work directly with the boards and management teams of our portfolio companies privately and collaboratively, engaging with them on a range of factors including governance, board composition, corporate strategy, capital allocation, strategic alternatives and operations. We have effected positive, fundamental changes at our current and past investments through this behind-the-scenes, constructive approach. HDF currently has board representation at three of our portfolio companies. In each case, changes to the board were agreed upon privately and it is our strong preference in every investment to avoid the unnecessary distractions and costs of a public proxy campaign. About Harbert Management Corporation (HMC) HMC is an alternative asset management firm with approximately $7.0 billion in regulatory assets under management as of December 31, 2019. HMC currently sponsors nine distinct investment strategies with dedicated investment teams. Additional information about HMC can be found at www.harbert.net. ____________________

1 Permission to quote Glass Lewis neither sought nor obtained. Emphasis added. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005703/en/

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The FBI has arrested three suspected members of a neo-Nazi group who had weapons and hopes of starting a U.S. race war, just days before a planned gun-rights rally in Virginia that was expected to draw thousands of people, officials said on Thursday.

The arrests came the day after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency banning any weapons around the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, saying investigators had seen groups making threats of violence.

The men were arrested in Maryland and were expected to make an appearance in federal court later Thursday, a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters.

Several thousand gun rights supporters are planning a large rally in Richmond, Virginia's capital, on Monday in response to the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature's push to stiffen gun laws.
Fujifilm has never been afraid to create unusual cameras, with the fixed-lens X-100F compact being a great example. But the X-Pro has always been its most unusual series, and the latest model, the $1,800 X-Pro3, is perhaps the weirdest one so far.

It still has a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder as before. However, Fujifilm has now taken the idea of being "in the moment" to a new extreme with the rear display. Under normal use, you can't even see it to compose or check photos. Instead, it shows either your camera settings or the type of film simulation and ISO, like an old-school film camera.

Besides that, it shares the sensor and a lot of other features with the X-T3, so why not just get that camera instead? To find out what makes the X-Pro3 so unique, let's take it out into Paris to see what it can do.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera review Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera review

Body and handling

The X-Pro3's aesthetic is completely different to other Fujifilm cameras, like the X-T3 and X-H1. With a boxier design, it actually looks like Leica's iconic M-series rangefinders. It's certainly a beautiful camera, and I can see why Fujifilm went with that look. It conveys an artistic intent while being very low key, so I never got hassled while taking candid shots.

It weighs the same as the X-T3 at 1.1 pounds, but it feels more substantial thanks to the thicker, more weather-resistant body. It also packs top and bottom titanium plates, which come with a scratch-resistant Dura coating, if you pay $200 more. The model I tested lacked that coating, and as a result, those plates really attracted fingerprints.

Fujifilm has tidied up the design since the X-Pro2, eliminating the viewfinder mode button and the four-way controller. As the X-Pro3 has a joystick, the latter was kind of redundant, so I didn't miss it. It still has four manual dials and plenty of other physical buttons that gave me excellent control over shooting and settings.

The X-Pro3 has dual high-speed UHS II card slots -- as you'd hope for on a $1,800 camera. You can have one set to backup mode for mission critical photography, or you can use one slot to capture photos and the other, video.

Story continues

Battery life is decent but not great, with 370 shots per charge using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) (according to official CIPA ratings), but you can boost that considerably to 440 shots if you switch to the optical viewfinder. After using it for both videos and photos, I managed to burn the battery out in a single afternoon. For normal use, though, you'll probably get many more photos than the rating would suggest.

The hybrid optical viewfinder is one of the unique features on the X-Pro3. In EVF mode, the back cover closes and it works like any other modern camera with a nice-clear 3.69 million-dot OLED display.

It's in optical mode where things get weirder. It has a fixed 0.52-times magnification mode, with or without a digital overlay. That has changed from the last model, which had two separate magnification modes (0.36x and 0.6x). You can also embed the EVF image in a corner so you can get the best of both optical and OLED worlds.

Speaking of features that don't make sense at first, take that rear display. In normal use, it shows either your camera settings or the ISO and film simulation modes, just like an old-school film camera. To see what you're shooting, you have to flip it down, and no, it can't flip around for selfies. So you can really only use it for waist-level shooting,

Again, why? Fujifilm figures that displays are a distraction and wants you to use the viewfinder. For waist-level shooting, you can flip it down to confirm your composition. Street photographers do shoot like this, as I learned by tagging along with one. And I actually did get better shots this way.

Performance

The X-Pro3's excellent performance helps that along. It can capture images at up to a respectable 11 fps, so it's very good for action shooting. The phase-detect autofocus helps you keep most of those shots sharp, too.

Face- and eye-detection also worked flawlessly with a subject walking toward the camera. It's not quite up to par with Sony's cameras, but it's getting darn close. Since releasing the X-T3, Fujifilm has released several firmware updates that improved the speed and quality of face- and eye-tracking, and the X-Pro3 benefits from that work.

Again, though, the X-Pro3 is for street photography, so you're likely to use it most in single shot, rather than continuous AF mode. Most pros will probably stick to single-point AF mode (moving the point around with the joystick), and it worked great for that.

However, if you're shooting blind from the hip, as street photographers often do, the face-detection system could be a big help. I found I was able to get a lot of sharp shots by just letting the AI and face detection do its thing -- something that could be a big help for candid photography. Bear in mind that these functions work best when there's just a single subject in the frame, however. Otherwise, the AF could lock on to the wrong person.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera

How about using the optical viewfinder? To get the framing right, you can toggle an overlay that shows a series of concentric boxes, to help you account for the focal length of your lens. Those still don't give you perfect framing, of course, as the rangefinder is offset from the lens.

If you buy this camera for street photography, it's just as crucial to choose the right lens. Depending on the size, it could appear in the viewfinder and block part of the shot. Also, if your lens is too long or too wide, you'll need to switch to the EVF to get proper framing.

I used two lenses: Fujifilm's XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R zoom, and the XF 27mm f/2.8 prime. The zoom has impeccable optics and is obviously more versatile, but it's not well-suited for the X-Pro3 because it blocked a lot of my view with the optical viewfinder. The XF 27mm was a lot better, as it had a perfect field of view for street photography and was invisible to the OVF.

This raises another question: Why even use the OVF when the EVF is so good? The answer again comes down to intent. You have to think harder about the framing, which forces you to be in the moment. You can also see what's happening around your subject in real time with no blackout, which helps you quickly reframe to get a better shot.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera sample images Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera sample images

Image Quality

The photos I captured looked great, as the X-Pro3 has the same 26.1-megapixel sensor as the X-T3, with the same excellent Fujifilm color science magic. It accurately reproduces colors and skin tones, with superb JPEGs straight out of the camera. While it's not nearly as good as full-frame cameras like Sony's A7 III in low light, it still delivers usable shots at up to ISO 12,800.

This has always been one of the fortes of the X-Pro series. Street photographers often prefer to use images as they are, straight out of the camera, without any (or very little) post-processing. As such, the quality of JPEG images is critical for this kind of camera.

Without doing any editing later, how do photographers get black and white, sepia and other looks? The answer is that X-Pro3 also comes with all of Fujifilm's popular film simulation modes. That includes the warm and contrasty Velvia, black and white Acros and desaturated Eterna simulations. With the X-Pro3, Fujifilm also introduced Monochromatic Color, which lets you tint black and white to any shade. Also new is Classic Color, designed to resemble contrasty and saturated 35mm film stocks from several decades ago.

These simulations aren't Instagram gimmicks and are often used by pro photographers. If you'd rather not muck around in Lightroom, they'll give you a great, consistent look, in-camera.

If you'd rather shoot with RAW and apply your own looks or treatments, Fujifilm's 14-bit RAW files give you plenty of data to work with. Below ISO 6400 or so, you can dig into shadows to find detail, and pull extra notes out of overly bright skies.

Video

I'll try to make it extra clear: The X-Pro3 isn't designed for video. You can't see the rear screen without flipping it down, and it won't go down more than 90 degrees when mounted on a tripod or gimbal. That issue also makes it impossible to vlog with it, too. And remember that there's no HDMI port, so you won't be able to use an external display, either. Finally, unlike the X-T3, it lacks 10-bit video recording.

It's not all bad, though. If you're willing to use the EVF or OVF, it does deliver full-sensor 4K with downsampling, focus peaking and even F-Log capability. That's enough to let you shoot some good-looking video in a pinch. You'll get very sharp 4K video and accurate colors, and I had some fun shooting video with the Acros black and white and Velvia film simulations, too. In fact, if I were shooting video with this camera, I'd probably use the Acros and Eterna simulations all the time and just not do any color correction.

Still, there's no point in getting this camera if you do any serious amount of video. For that, just get the X-T3, which is the best APS-C camera for video right now -- and cheaper, too. On top of that, if you're also into street photography as well, the X-T3 is an excellent choice as it handles well and has the same sensor as the X-Pro3.

Wrap-up

Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera review

It's hard to assign a score to a camera like this because it's clearly for a very narrow group of buyers. It has very unique features, like the optical viewfinder, not found on any other cameras. Nevertheless, the X-Pro3 is an expensive camera, so I'm going to try to compare it as fairly as possible.

It's not a very practical camera. While the odd rear display does help you concentrate, you could argue that you'd get nearly the same thing by buying an X-T3 and just turning the rear display off. The optical viewfinder might be a bit faster, but it would take a lot of practice to really master it. As for video, it's just not very practical on the X-Pro3.

Dispassionate scoring aside, I had a lot of fun using this camera, and it's refreshing to see that Fujifilm is trying to do something different rather than just ticking the usual specification boxes. In the end, it actually succeeds. The elegant rangefinder design, wonky rear display and OVF worked as advertised. By removing distractions, the X-Pro3 forced me to focus on taking pictures. And thanks to Fujifilm's color science and simulations, I was very happy with the photos I took.

For most folks, however, I'd recommend the X-T3, or if you want to go full frame, get Sony's A7 III for around the same price. However, if you're looking for a camera like this and have $1,800, you probably already want it -- and no review is going to change your mind.
Zelensky signs law on the draft of people over 18 years old in 2020

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree on the transfer of army conscripts to the reserve, on the terms of the next conscriptions and on the 2020 draft of Ukrainian citizens, under which people over 18 years old will be conscripted.

"Physically fit male citizens of Ukraine who turned 18 as of the day of departure to military units and older men aged below 27 years old who have no right to exemption from or postponement of military service will be conscripted in April-June 2020 and in October-December 2020," reads decree 13/2020 dated January 16 posted in the president's website.

The head of state ordered the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to determine the number of citizens subject to the draft in 2020.

As reported, in 2015, fifth Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the military conscription will remain in Ukraine. The age of the draftee will be increased from 18 to 20.

"It's guaranteed that the draftee won't be sent to the ATO (Anti-Terrorist Operation zone)," he said.

Until 2019, Poroshenko annually signed decrees on the draft of male citizens aged from 20 to 27 years old.

In October 2019, Head of the Department of the Staff Division of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant Colonel Mykola Kachanenko said that the department proposed to return the conscription age to 18 years old. The initiative was voiced at the Office of the President of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine backed it.
A London council has backed the Evening Standards campaign to tackle exclusions as it hosts a conference today to identify actions it can take to make children safe by keeping them in mainstream education.

Southwark councils Keeping Children in Education conference will include professionals from schools, educational support groups and the local authority.

Data analysed by the Centre for Social Justice shows Southwark is the 15th highest excluding borough in London, with 21 in 1,000 pupils among the cohort finishing school in 2017 suffering permanent exclusion or a managed move to a referral unit. This compared to 87 in 1,000 for Islington.

Jasmine Ali, Southwarks council cabinet member for children, schools and adult care, said: We fully support the Standards Excluded campaign.

This issue needs its profile raised. We need to change the language  we need to hear less about disruptive or excluded youths and more about how we can help vulnerable children.

It is our duty to go as far as we can to protect these children. Our conference is only a first step.
A language is used in many ways, and sometimes speakers of the same language have a hard time understanding each other. Within our own countries, we see that the use of national languages can vastly differ from one region to another- whether it is in terms of grammar, specific expressions or even words that have been localized to some extent. Regional variations in how the same language is constructed and employed is thus what are referred to as regional dialects. Regional dialects are considered to be a distinct form of a standard or common language, that could be geographically from a province, rural spaces or in some cases also specific to a social group.

Though dialects can be considered of various kinds, the most widespread and evident way of differentiating or defining a dialect is regional or geographical. The differences between regional dialects, as it would seem, depends on proximity- the further you move from one region to another in the same country or territorial space, the more dissimilar the dialect. The classification of regional dialects, however, more concretely follows specific linguistic features as displayed in the usage of the language. Grammar and vocabulary, studying the word formation, helps us understand better where the classification of one regional dialect starts, and another stops.

Regional Dialects In The English Language

The English language is one such language that is considered to have a wide variation in regional dialects in countries where it is spoken as a native tongue. Taking an example of how regional dialects vary, countries such as the United Kingdom come up as an interesting case with 37 dialects to boast of- while these differ between smaller and larger regional dialects, yet the sheer variation in the way English is used showcases the power of regional dialects. In the UK, regional accents include the famous Cockney, considered to have emerged as a social dialect of working class Londoners but also now associated with the region in and around London itself. Another regional dialect from the UK is the Yorkshire dialect, which is spoken in the Yorkshire county itself. Interestingly, though one could classify Scottish dialect as a regional one, within the dialect as well there are smaller differing dialects.

Languages are malleable and fluid, not only in their use, but also in their sound. While some might argue theres only one proper way to pronounce a specific word in a language, variations in accents and dialects show how this isnt the case. Both these words are used to explain the distinctive ways of using the same language. The differences in accents, however, is mostly limited to the aspect of sound in the usage of specific words and phrases, whereas regional dialects showcase variations or versions of a language, which includes not only pronunciation but also grammar, vocabulary as well as syntax. While accents are generally used to differentiate between the way a native speaker and a non-native speaker of a language speaks it, dialects differ between native speakers themselves. More importantly, accents can also be considered as part or subject of a regional dialect.
The US military grounded Saudi pilots and restricted some 850 military students to classroom training.

US training for more than 800 Saudi Arabian military students could be restarted in the coming days, the Pentagon said Thursday, nearly six weeks after a shooting by one Saudi trainee killed three sailors at a Florida base.

The Pentagon had stopped all flight and field training for the approximately 850 Saudi students amid fears that others may have known about or been involved in the shooting at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Classroom training has continued.

Jonathan Hoffman, chief spokesman for the Defense Department, said officials probably will have an announcement soon about the training resumption.

Were looking forward to turning it back on in the coming days, he told reporters during a briefing. He added that the department also will announce additional screening procedures for international students as well and increased security measures at American bases.

Next week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper is due to visit the base where the shooting took place and will brief base leadership on planned improvements in the vetting of foreign military personnel and changes to security procedures, including physical security at US bases, the Pentagon said.

Members of the US Air Force carrying the remains of Navy Ensign Joshua Watson who was killed in the December 6, 2019 shooting in the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida [Cliff Owen/ AP Photo]

US Attorney General William Barr on Monday called the shooting an act of terrorism and announced Saudi Arabias withdrawal of 21 cadets after an investigation showed they either had child pornography or social media accounts containing jihadist or anti-American sentiment.

None are accused of having had advance knowledge of the shooting or helped the 21-year-old gunman carry it out.

On December 6, Saudi Air Force officer Mohammed Alshamrani killed three US sailors and injured eight other people.

The shooting focused public attention on the presence of foreign students in American military training programs and exposed shortcomings in the screening of cadets.

It further complicated US-Saudi relations at a time of heightened tensions between the US and Iran, Saudi Arabias regional rival.

The attack also threw a spotlight on the extensive US military relationship with Saudi Arabia, which is under scrutiny in the US Congress over the war in Yemen and Saudi Arabias killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Appia Energy Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I.F) (FSE: A0I.MU) (FSE: A0I.BE) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce that in accordance with the Canada-U.S. Joint Action on Critical Minerals Collaboration announced in December 2019, the Company has submitted a proposal with respect to addressing the security of the heavy rare earth element ("REE") supply chain in the United States. In particular, the important heavy REEs are dysprosium, terbium, samarium, europium and gadolinium.

The proposal is in regard to Appia's Alces Lake, Saskatchewan ("SK") project, which has some of the highest grade rare earth oxide ("REO") mineralization in the world, hosted in monazite. A sample of the mineralization exposed at surface will be extracted this summer for recovery processing testing at the Saskatchewan Research Council's ("SRC") separation pilot plant and REE processing facility in Saskatoon, SK. SRC has the processing resources, capabilities and proven team expertise to produce heavy REOs from monazite mineralization hosting the REEs at Alces Lake.

Mr. James Sykes, Appia's Vice-President, Exploration and Development commented: "This could be a big step forward for Appia. Many technical features of the Alces Lake REE project are comparable to the Mt. Weld operation (Lynas Corporation Ltd., Australia), which supplies more than 10% of global REO production, and is the largest producer outside of China. Alces Lake has naturally high concentrations of heavy REEs, such as dysprosium and terbium, required for defense applications as well as high tech applications such as magnets required for the electric vehicle industry, wind turbines and other electronic applications."

Procurement of REEs by the United States has been mentioned frequently in the mainstream media over the course of 2019 to minimize the dependence on China for the supply of REEs.

The Province of Saskatchewan's recent growth plan includes an aggressive two-year target for a commercially viable REE production demonstration plant, which could be important for Appia's Alces Lake project.

"Establishing a REE supply chain in North America is important to Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the United States, and Appia believes it could become a major contributor to this endeavour," stated Mr. Sykes.

The Company advises that the Alces Lake project as of this time does not have demonstrated quantified mineral resources, and does not have a prefeasibility study demonstrating economic and technical viability for developing a commercially mineable project.

The information and technical content in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Irvine R. Annesley, P.Geo, Advisor to Appia's Board of Directors, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Appia

Appia is a Canadian publicly traded company in the uranium and rare earth element sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements ("REE") on the Alces Lake property, as well as prospecting for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 57,048 hectares (140,968 acres) in Saskatchewan.

The Company also has a 100% interest (subject to a 1% Uranium Production Payment Royalty and a 1% Net Smelter Return Royalty on any precious or base metals payable, provided that the price of uranium is greater than US$130 per pound) in 12,545 hectares (31,000 acres), including rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario, which historically produced over 300 million pounds of U 3 O 8 and is the only Canadian camp that has had significant rare earth element (yttrium) production. The deposits are largely unconstrained along strike and down dip.

Appia's technical team is directed by James Sykes, who has had direct and indirect involvement with over 550 million lbs. U 3 O 8 being discovered in five deposits in the Athabasca Basin.

Appia has 73.8 million common shares outstanding, 94.7 million shares fully diluted.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Drivas, President, CEO and Director: (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email)

appia@appiaenergy.ca

James Sykes, VP Exploration & Development, (tel) 306-221-8717, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email)

jsykes@uraniumgeologist.com

Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email)

fvandewater@rogers.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51565
A prisoner jailed for stalking BBC presenter Emily Maitlis for more than 25 years has admitted trying to send her mother a letter twice.

Last year Edward Vines, 49, pleaded not guilty to breaching a restraining order imposed on him for harassing the Newsnight presenter, also 49, in 2009.

But after denying sending her mother the letter in court in September, he sent another letter to Marion Maitlis on October 6.

He today admitted sending both letters via videolink at Nottingham Crown Court and will be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on February 3.

Vines was jailed for 45 months on January 18 2018, for continuing to breach his restraining order by writing to Ms Maitlis from prison and his bail hostel.

He met and briefly became friends with the Newsnight presenter when they were both students at Cambridge University in the mid-1990s.

Edward Vines, 49, a prisoner jailed for stalking BBC presenter Emily Maitlis for more than 25 years, has admitted trying to send her mother a letter twice

Emily Maitlis is pictured above with her mother Marion who has received letters from her daughter's stalker

In 2018, Ms Maitlis said Vines's unwanted attention was upsetting her husband, scaring her children and affecting her work.

She interviewed Prince Andrew in November last year, which led to Andrew stepping back from official public duties for the foreseeable future after criticism for his unsympathetic tone and lack of remorse about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt and spectacles as he appeared in court via video link from HMP Nottingham, Vines pleaded guilty to attempting to breach a restraining order between May 7 and May 16 last year, and again on October 6 by sending a letter to Marion Maitlis to pass on to the journalist.

The defendant was due to face a two-day trial next month before entering the guilty pleas.

In 2018, Ms Maitlis said Vines's unwanted attention was upsetting her husband (Mark Gwynne, pictured with her), scaring her children and affecting her work

In the previous hearing, where Vines represented himself, he even inquired whether he would be able to call Ms Maitlis as a witness in his trial.

At his sentencing hearing in 2018, Judge Peter Ross demanded written explanations from both the probation service and the governor at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire as to how Vines was able to continue offending, describing it as a 'scandal'.

On Thursday, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC said it was 'not clear to the court what his present mental state is' as he adjourned Vines's sentencing hearing.

The judge added that 'one of the things the court has got to consider is the risk of re-offending'.
New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat on Thursday suggested that highly radicalised young people in the country could be put in de-radicalisation camps as a way to deal with terrorism.

He said that to end terrorism, ideology and radicalisation have to be addressed on priority.

Anything that has started can be put to an end. To say that radicalisation cannot be countered, I dont quiet agree with it. Radicalisation can be countered, said Gen Rawat.

He said that one has to start countering radicalisation by looking where it is happening and who are the people who are radicalising people. It is happening from schools, universities, from religious places and sites and then there are group of people who are spreading it, said Gen Rawat. He said that one has to get to the nerve of the whole thing by identifying who is radicalising the people.

You can start isolating these people gradually. And then start a counter-radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised to what degree. You got to segregate them in degrees and then look at those who have been completely radicalised, first target them, he said.

But then also start looking at the future like what we are seeing in Kashmir. We saw radicalisation happening. Today we are seeing radicalisation being undertaken even among the people, girls and boys as young as 10 and 12, are now being radicalised, said Gen. Rawat.

He said that these people can still be isolated from radicalisation in a gradual way. But there are people who have been completely been radicalised these people need to be taken out separately, possibly taken into some de-radicalisation camps, said the CDS.

He said that we have got de-radicalisation camps going on in our country. Let me tell you that even Pakistan is doing the same. Pakistan also has got de-radicalisation camps. They have understood that some of the terrorism they have been sponsoring is actually hitting back at them, said Gen. Rawat.

Gen. Rawat also said there is a need to take a hard-line approach in dealing with terrorism, the way the US went after terror groups after the 9/11 terror attacks.

As long as there are states which sponsor terrorism, we will have to live with the menace. We need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause, he said in an oblique reference to Pakistan.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a very high prevalence of Bartonella bacteria in tumors and tissues -- but not blood samples -- taken from dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. The work further supports the connection between persistent infection and some types of cancer and adds to the evidence that Bartonella can remain and thrive, undetected, within tissue.

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an aggressive, deadly cancer that arises from cells lining the blood vessels. It is responsible for two-thirds of all heart or splenic tumors in dogs, and is most common in medium-sized and middle-aged dogs. Since HSA usually cannot be diagnosed without major abdominal surgery, most HSA remains undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, resulting in a one-year survival rate of only 12 to 20%.

"There are clear precedents for the involvement of bacterial infections in tumor development," says Ed Breitschwerdt, Melanie S. Steele Distinguished Professor of Medicine at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine and corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "Given the established links between chronic inflammation and cancer, we wanted to determine whether chronic infection of blood vessels due to bacteria could be a contributing cause of this cancer."

Breitschwerdt and colleagues from NC State looked at tumor tissue, non-tumor tissue and blood samples from 110 dogs with HSA from across the U.S. They screened both the tissues and the blood for Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma, three bacteria associated specifically with blood infections.

Bartonella DNA was amplified and sequenced from 80 of the dogs with HSA: it was present in 34% of tumor tissue and 63% of non-tumor tissue, but appeared in none of the blood samples. Mycoplasma DNA was only amplified from 5 of the dogs and Babesia wasn't detected in any dog.

"Research in recent years has confirmed that persistent infection with or inflammation caused by stealth pathogens is a risk factor for developing cancer later in life," Breitschwerdt says. "With the exception of Helicobacter pylori, the emphasis on evaluating the relationship between infection and cancer has focused on viruses. But intracellular bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella may also play an important and previously uninvestigated role.

"Bartonella is a stealth pathogen -- it can 'hide' in the cells that line blood vessel walls, which is part of what makes it so difficult to detect," Breitschwerdt says. "This work adds more evidence to the connection between infection and cancer risk, and demonstrates that molecular testing of whole blood samples does not rule out the tissue presence of this pathogen. Future studies are needed to investigate whether Bartonella infection can be a cause of HSA. Our team will be focusing on creating more sensitive diagnostic testing as part of this effort."
A British backpacker claims she was raped in her crammed converted shipping container lodging while working on a zucchini farm.

Helen Kingwell, 23, was finishing her three months of regional work in Bundaberg, Queensland, last year to earn her second year Australian visa.

The tourist from Bath struck up a relationship with a fellow English backpacker, but ended it when she discovered he had a girlfriend.

Ms Kingwell claims he sexually assaulted her after she fell asleep in his bed weeks later and then raped her while she was unconscious the next night.

Helen Kingwell, 23, claims she was raped in her crammed converted shipping container lodging while working on a zucchini farm

She claims the poor conditions at the hostel, where she shared a tiny room with three men, contributed to the rape.

When she told the hostel manager, the tearful young woman claims she was told her story was 'bad for business' and she should leave.

Ms Kingwell reported the alleged rape to police on September 24 after completing her farm work and moving onto Sydney, but was this week told there was not enough evidence to even interview the alleged rapist.

The young woman said she was speaking out to encourage other women who've been raped to come forward instead of keeping it to themselves.

'Parents are worried about their children coming to Australia and a big scary man jumping out of a bush, but most rapists are people you know and trust,' she said.

'I hope by sharing my story it will warn other women about some of the dangers that can occur while doing farm work, you hear the horror stories and never think you would end up in a bad situation in the middle of nowhere with no money.

'I hope to encourage other people to come forward with sexual assault to break the silence, even if the law wont help you fight, fight for yourself.'

After travelling around Australia from December 2018, Ms Kingwell arrived at the hostel near Bundaberg on June 3.

There along with 70 to 100 other backpackers, three-quarters of whom were Asian tourists, she picked zucchinis for $2.80 a bucket at a nearby farm.

Workers lived in converted shipping containers split into three or four rooms, which with four people in bunk beds, plus a bathroom (a sample room pictured, this one with only three beds)

There along with 70 to 100 other backpackers, three-quarters of whom were Asian tourists, she picked zucchinis $2.80 a bucket at a nearby farm

The workers lived in converted shipping containers split into three or four rooms, which with four people in bunk beds, plus a bathroom.

'The place was a s**tshow, it was like a slave camp. I only stayed because I was broke and had nowhere else to go,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'There wasn't enough room to move around the rooms and if you were tall and sat up in the top bunk you would hit your head on the ceiling.

'You were living on top of each other, there wasn't enough room for all four people to stand up in the room at once.'

Ms Kingwell said the airflow was terrible and a lot of people got sick, and it was impossible to keep clean because it was so cramped.

Each backpacker paid $180 a week in rent plus $5 transport each way to the farm - which she said wasn't mentioned until she arrived.

Soon after arriving she befriended a 28-year-old backpacker from London, which developed into an intimate relationship.

He showered her with gifts and compliments which she now believes were to 'put her on a pedestal' so it would be easier to groom her.

'Every day that passed I found myself trusting him more and more, I told him my deepest secrets,' she said.

'He made out like everyone else in the hostel was fake and it was me and him against the world.'

The tourist from Bath struck up a relationship with a fellow English backpacker, but ended it when she discovered he had a girlfriend. She claims he raped her weeks later

The man could speak fluent German and falsely told her the German backpackers in the hostel were saying nasty things about her.

After the first time they had sex he moved into her room and they shared her bottom bunk every night with a sheet draped around it for privacy.

After the second time they had consensual sex she found out he had a girlfriend in Melbourne and said they should just be friends.

'I didn't appreciate being his dirty little secret,' she explained.

They kept sleeping in the bottom bunk but didn't have any intimate contact for about a week and a half before she decided it was weird and moved to the top bunk.

A week later on July 11 they were watching Forest Gump in the bottom bunk and she decided to go to bed.

However, as she went to climb into her bed she claims he grabbed her around the waist and moved her back to the bottom bunk insisting they finish the film.

Ms Kingwell fell asleep and claims she awoke about 4.55am to him molesting her.

She tried to roll onto her stomach to stop him but he 'aggressively' rolled her towards him then pulled down her underwear, she said.

'I was shocked, I froze. I felt so degraded, how could my friend who I trusted have done this to me?' she said.

Ms Kingwell sent him a long and angry text message confronting him about both incidents days later, and recieved a series of replies starting with this

He abruptly stopped when the 5am alarm went off to wake everyone up for work at 5.30am.

'I knew he knew he was doing something wrong because all the other times we hadn't stopped or worried about what other people were thinking,' she said.

'I felt ashamed and embarrassed and left the room crying. The more I thought about it, the sicker it made me feel. I felt confused and betrayed.'

Later that day she made it clear to him that they were just friends and that shouldn't happen ever again, to which he agreed.

What allegedly happened continued to sink in until she admitted to herself that he had sexually assaulted her and she was disgusted with him.

The next night, July 13, was her friend's surprise 28th birthday party and she wanted to stay far away from her alleged rapist but didn't want to ruin the night.

'I drank myself silly to forget the pain and confusion I felt that night in his presence. I couldn't look at him without feeling sick,' she said.

Ms Kingwell said she was ignoring and avoiding him all night to the point where everyone noticed, so he must have known she wasn't interested in him.

Ms Kingwell with her friend (left), who with the help of two other backpackers carried her to bed and tucked her in after she was too drunk to continue the night out

In other texts he claimed she must have consented because he 'vaguely remembered her kissing him' and he was able to get aroused

She only lasted about an hour at the bar they went to after drinking at the hostel before her friends took her home and carried her into bed, fully clothed, where she passed out about 1am.

'I woke up [the next morning] completely naked in my bed alone, scared, and confused with someone's semen inside me,' she said.

'I knew deep down it was him when I woke up because of what happened the night before, but I hoped it was someone else.'

She went back to her room crying and claims the alleged rapist immediately came up to her repeating 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' as he grabbed her into a hug.

Ms Kingwell pushed him away and went to work, but was too upset to continue after a few hours.

Days later she sent him a long and angry text message confronting him about both incidents.

'You spend money on a girl just to make her feel special just to control her and make her your possession that you can just pick up and use whenever you want even when I didn't even know my own name or where I was,' she wrote.

'I was not sober enough to give you consent and you knew that because when I was more sober I didn't even want to talk to you.'

Ms Kingwell had a mental breakdown, locking herself in her room and cutting about seven inches of her hair off with nail scissors (pictured after)

He replied: 'I never deliberately took advantage of you and would never do that to anyone, Helen. Don't say something so sick.

In other texts he claimed she must have consented because he 'vaguely remembered her kissing him' and he was able to get aroused.

'I know it looks f**king bad. I can only apologise,' he wrote in one text.

One of her roommates made a statement to police in support of Ms Kingwell, describing what he heard in the early hours of the morning after the group returned to the hostel.

'He got angry at me the two times we had sex because we were being loud, but the night I was raped he could hear the sound of sex and the bed banging against the wall, but not me making any noise,' Ms Kingwell said.

The next day Ms Kingwell was making breakfast and was 'on edge' thinking every person who walked into the kitchen was him, until he did walk in.

'He looked at me with the face of a guilty man, he dropped his head low and walked straight back out,' she claimed.

Ms Kingwell (pictured with her current boyfriend) reported the alleged rape on September 24 when she arrived in Sydney, on the advice of a sexual assault counsellor

Ms Kingwell had a mental breakdown, locking herself in her room and cutting about seven inches of her hair off.

'I got toenail scissors and hacked off my hair because he used to say how much he liked my long hair,' she said.

That evening she told the hostel manager what happened but claims she was told: 'No, your story is bad for my business, I want you to leave as well.'

She was allowed to stay after she said she would go to the police, under the condition that she didn't drink alcohol.

'She said "you're the one who drank too much" and that I asked for him to be in my room. She wasn't being supportive or wanting to help me at all,' she claimed.

The manager, who has since left the hostel, told Daily Mail Australia she encouraged her to go to the police and offered to go with her.

She said Ms Kingwell may have misunderstood her comments and that alcohol was banned at the hostel for everyone - though many guests drank anyway.

'What people do is out of my control but when she told me what happened and cried I felt sad and very sorry for her. But still I can't judge anyone because I don't know what happened,' she said.

Ms Kingwell said she was speaking out to encourage other women who've been raped to come forward instead of keeping it to themselves

Ms Kingwell said she was too ashamed and confused to go to the police immediately but rang a sexual assault helpline.

She said she was advised to wait to report it when she got to a big city where police would be better able to handle the case.

Ms Kingwell said after she reported her alleged rape, she was told a man in a suit with a briefcase had come by to inspect the hostel and soon afterwards everyone in the shipping containers was moved to better housing.

The former manager said the landlord, who owned the shipping container accommodation, cancelled the lease and the hostel moved on October 1.
An action by four Opposition TDs arising from a process under which the Ceann Comhairle decided a Bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions required a "money message" has been adjourned at the High Court.

The president of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly was due to hold another case management hearing on Thursday when he was told by John Rogers SC, for the TDs, there had been "without prejudice" discussions between lawyers for the TDs and the Ceann Comhairle which might be of assistance to both sides.

"These are, of course, without prejudice to any views the parties may have arising from the dissolution of the Dail," counsel said.

Having been told the sides considered it would be "beneficial" to adjourn the matter to March 9th next, the judge agreed to do so.

The judicial review proceedings are by Deputies Brid Smith, Richard Boyd Barrett, Gino Kenny and Paul Murphy, members of the Solidarity/People Before Profit grouping in the Dail, against the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, with the Attorney General as a notice party.

They had secured leave from the High Court to challenge the Ceann Comhairle's refusal last November to allow a debate on a motion which sought to prevent the blocking of Opposition Bills by withholding a money message necessary to allow them to proceed through the legislative process.

The Bill at issue - the Petroleum Development Bill 2018 - is intended to make a significant contribution to achieving Ireland's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, Deputy Smith said.

The TDs last month sought leave to amend the case to also challenge an earlier May 2019 decision by the Ceann Comhairle that the Bill required a money message and to join the Minister for Communications, the Government of Ireland and Dail Eireann as parties for the purpose of seeking additional orders. They want to bring claims the process at issue is unconstitutional.

Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail

In an affidavit, Deputy Smith said the TDs have significant concerns as to how the Ceann Comhairle interpreted the requirement for a money message for the purposes of Dail Standing Order 179 and Article 17.2 of the Constitution.

She said the Bills Office had said in 2018 the Petroleum Development Bill did not require a money message.

The Office of the Parliamentary Legal Advisor later identified the number of licences which might be affected by the Bill and the Department of Communications had opposed it, she said.

She said, when it became apparent the Bill could pass all stages in the Dail, the Minister for Communications wrote to the Ceann Comhairle in May 2019 indicating the Minister's view the Bill now required a money message.

The Ceann Comhairle informed her on May 22nd 2019, without any prior consultation, the Bill required a money message, she said.
Could Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA) be an attractive dividend share to own for the long haul? Investors are often drawn to strong companies with the idea of reinvesting the dividends. Yet sometimes, investors buy a popular dividend stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

While Reinsurance Group of America's 1.8% dividend yield is not the highest, we think its lengthy payment history is quite interesting. The company also bought back stock during the year, equivalent to approximately 1.2% of the company's market capitalisation at the time. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying Reinsurance Group of America for its dividend, and we'll go through these below.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

NYSE:RGA Historical Dividend Yield, January 16th 2020

Payout ratios

Dividends are usually paid out of company earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Comparing dividend payments to a company's net profit after tax is a simple way of reality-checking whether a dividend is sustainable. In the last year, Reinsurance Group of America paid out 21% of its profit as dividends. Given the low payout ratio, it is hard to envision the dividend coming under threat, barring a catastrophe.

Remember, you can always get a snapshot of Reinsurance Group of America's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health.

Dividend Volatility

From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Reinsurance Group of America's dividend payments. The dividend has been stable over the past 10 years, which is great. We think this could suggest some resilience to the business and its dividends. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was US$0.36 in 2010, compared to US$2.80 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 23% per year over this time.

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With rapid dividend growth and no notable cuts to the dividend over a lengthy period of time, we think this company has a lot going for it.

Dividend Growth Potential

While dividend payments have been relatively reliable, it would also be nice if earnings per share (EPS) were growing, as this is essential to maintaining the dividend's purchasing power over the long term. It's good to see Reinsurance Group of America has been growing its earnings per share at 15% a year over the past five years. Earnings per share are growing at a solid clip, and the payout ratio is low. We think this is an ideal combination in a dividend stock.

Conclusion

To summarise, shareholders should always check that Reinsurance Group of America's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. We're glad to see Reinsurance Group of America has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. Next, growing earnings per share and steady dividend payments is a great combination. Reinsurance Group of America fits all of our criteria, and we think it's an attractive dividend idea that would warrant further investigation.

Earnings growth generally bodes well for the future value of company dividend payments. See if the 6 Reinsurance Group of America analysts we track are forecasting continued growth with our free report on analyst estimates for the company.

Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's former envoy to the United Nations, called on ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in London to inquire about his health, according to media report on Thursday.

Lodhi arrived at the Avenfield apartments, where Sharif lives with his sons, on Wednesday noon and stayed inside for about an hour, The reported from London.

Sharif, 69, left for London on November 19 to seek medical treatment, a month after he was released on bail from a seven-year prison sentence for corruption.

The PML-N supremo is undergoing treatment of multiple diseases including coronary artery disease (CAD). The CAD is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to which the heart does not receive the blood it needs, leading to acute chest pain and, in some cases, a fatal heart attack.

The reported from London that according to a source Lodhi inquired about the former premier's health and wished him speedy recovery.

The source said that Lodhi offered condolences to Sharif over the death of Kulsoom who succumbed to cancer in London in September 2018.

Sources said that Lodhi and Sharif did not discuss politics.

"This was a courtesy call focused only on Sharif's health, said the source.

Last week, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai met Sharif at his apartments.

In October, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a surprise move appointed Munir Akram as Pakistan's new permanent representative to the United Nations, replacing Lodhi.

Since her retirement, Lodhi has taken part in several high profile discussion on the issue of Kashmir and Pakistan's foreign policy.

In 1994, Lodhi was appointed by then prime minister Benazir Bhutto as Pakistan's envoy to the US, a position she retained until 1997.

In February 2015, Lodhi was appointed by then prime minister Sharif to serve as Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Pakistan to the UN in New York City, making her the first woman to hold the position.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vice President Mike Pence introduces President Donald Trump to speak at a campaign rally: AP

A Soviet-born associate to Donald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani has directly implicated Mike Pence in the Ukraine scandal, insisting the vice president was aware of demands for political investigations that sparked the president's impeachment.

Lev Parnas, a key subject in the impeachment saga who has been accused of working with Mr Giuliani to remove the former US ambassador to Ukraine from her post, said Mr Pence couldnt have not known about the administrations demands in a new interview.

Quoting US ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondlands key impeachment testimony, Mr Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow: Everybody was in the loop.

I know [the vice president] went to Poland also to discuss this on Trumps behalf, so he couldnt have not known, Mr Parnas said in the interview released on Wednesday night. He was supposed to go there and get it straightened out that [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was supposed to make another announcement, and that didnt happen.

Mr Parnas went on to claim the vice president then cancelled his scheduled trip to Ukraine because Mr Zelensky had not announced investigations into one of Mr Trumps 2020 political rivals, Joe Biden. A partial transcript of the presidents 25 July phone call with Mr Zelensky released by the White House showed him asking his Ukrainian counterpart for a favour shortly before encouraging he launch the probes.

An impeachment inquiry was sparked after an anonymous whistleblower filed an official complaint about that phone call.

Mr Trump has been accused of withholding crucial military aid to Ukraine and an important White House visit with the countrys new president as it fought a war with Russia while demanding Mr Zelensky announce the political probes to seemingly undermine Mr Bidens candidacy in the 2020 elections.

The aid itself was something that I think the president decided to do, Mr Parnas added. It was, I think, a reaction to that there was no announcement being made after so many attempts and so many promises.

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Mr Parnas latest interview adds further speculation as to whether Mr Pence was involved in those demands, just as the impeachment trial was set to begin in the US Senate.

Marc Short, the vice presidents chief of staff, denied the allegations in a statement criticising Mr Parnas credibility.

Democrat witnesses have testified under oath in direct contradiction to Lev Parnas statements last night, Mr Short reportedly said.

He added: This is very simple: Lev Parnas is under a multi-count indictment and will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison. Its no surprise that only the liberal media is listening to him.

Read more

What we know about Robert Hyde, latest figure in Trump's impeachment
January 13, 2020 - SEOUL, South Korea - The International Vaccine Institute (IVI), a Seoul, Korea-based international organization, announced today that the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (Sida) will continue to support IVI's mission to accelerate vaccine research and development for global health with a total contribution of SEK 50 million (approximately 5.24 million USD) over the next five years as part of a longstanding partnership between the Swedish government and IVI.

"We're proud to have Sweden's long-term support and partnership. Unrestricted support from Sida enables IVI to implement strategic imperatives and pursue independent research and innovation. We're very grateful for the latitude to advance both our scientific portfolio and core activities.

"Our partnership has made possible significant accomplishments in the past, including the development and delivery of the world's first affordable oral cholera vaccine. We're looking forward to further collaboration in achieving global goals," said Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI.

Sweden was one of the first countries to sign the IVI Establishment Agreement in 1997 and started funding IVI in 2002 through Sida. Since IVI's first research collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Swedish Biological Laboratories in 2000, Sweden has played an invaluable role in developing IVI's landmark oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Shanchol, and later, Euvichol and Euvichol Plus, vaccines developed through technology transfer from IVI and prequalified by the WHO. To date, over 42 million doses of these low-cost OCVs have been deployed worldwide.

"IVI's contribution to global health is invaluable considering both the technical support provided to low- and middle-income countries and the focus on diseases disproportionally affecting people living in poverty," said Dr Teresa Soop, Senior research advisor at Sida.

In addition to funding for IVI operations, Sida has previously granted additional project funding for IVI's priority disease areas: cholera, dengue, and typhoid. These funds have supported a range of epidemiology and vaccine programs, including generating evidence on disease burden across developing Asian and African countries; accelerating the development and introduction of affordable dengue, oral cholera, and typhoid vaccines across Asia and South America; and increasing the capacity of developing countries to implement immunization programs in Central Asia.

Sida's contribution to IVI extends beyond providing core funding and governance, to impacting operations and culture, particularly in the areas of sustainability and gender equality. With Sida's guidance, IVI initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment in 2018 which resulted in the formation of an internal Environmental Management System committee to oversee IVI's environmental impacts and champion sustainable development. IVI has also initiated efforts to further cultivate diversity and inclusion in personnel policies and leadership. These are two examples of how IVI benefits from and reciprocates partnership with its member states.

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About the International Vaccine Institute (IVI)

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a nonprofit inter-governmental organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, IVI was the first international organization hosted by Korea. IVI has 35 signatory countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) on its treaty, including Korea, Sweden and India as state funders. Our mandate is to make vaccines available and accessible for the world's most vulnerable people. We focus on infectious diseases of global health importance such as cholera, typhoid, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, Group A Strep, Hepatitis A, HPV, TB, HIV, MERS-Corona Virus, as well as antimicrobial resistance. For more information, please visit https://www.ivi.int

About the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, is Sweden's government agency for international development cooperation. We strive to reduce world poverty by allocating resources and knowledge with the goal of making a difference for people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. To achieve this, we collaborate with actors from civil society and universities as well as the public and private sector. Sida's activities are funded through Swedish tax revenue.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY  A 31-year-old woman from Elkhart, Indiana was killed Wednesday evening when a pickup truck she was riding in turned into oncoming traffic and collided with a semitrailer near the intersection of U.S. 131 and Riverside Drive in Constantine Township.

The pickup truck being driven by a 27-year-old woman, also from Elkhart, turned southbound onto U.S. 131 off of Riverside Drive at around 7 p.m. Jan. 15. The pickup began crossing over northbound U.S. 131 where it was struck by a semitrailer being driven by a 64-year-old man from Goshen, Indiana, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Department.

The man from Goshen attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the left, yet the pickup truck still collided into it, Sheriff Bradley Balk reported.

A 36-year-old male passenger in the pickup, also from Elkhart, along with the driver of the pickup, was hospitalized and treated for undisclosed injuries. The driver of the semitrailer was not injured in the accident, Balk said.

The investigation is ongoing and alcohol is believed to have been a factor, Balk said.
Teresa Giudice enjoyed a breakfast cooked by her daughters on Mother's Day until they turned on her when their father Joe called from an ICE detention facility.

The 47-year-old reality star was treated to an eggs and bacon breakfast by daughters Gia, 19, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and 10-year-old Audriana during Wednesday's season 12 episode of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey titled Mama Drama.

They also gifted her a necklace with her name on it and a sweet card for their 'spectacular mom' that made her bawl.

Spectacular mom: Teresa Giudice beamed while reading a Mother's Day card from her daughters during Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey on Bravo

'You guys are the best,' Teresa told her girls.

Joe, 47, then called from an ICE Detention Center in Pennsylvania where he was being held while appealing deportation to his native Italy after serving his three-year prison sentence on federal fraud charges.

'Hello girls. Happy Mother's Day. Another Mother's Day gone,' Joe said before asking what they were doing to celebrate.

Teresa informed him that the girls made her breakfast and gave her a necklace with her name on it.

Getting emotional: The 47-year-old reality star bawled after reading the sweet card from her four daughters Gia, 19, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and 10-year-old Audriana who also gifted her a necklace with her name on it

Name necklace: Joe Giudice called to wish Teresa a Happy Mother's Day from an ICE Detention Center but they soon bickered over whether he previously bought her a name necklace

'I got you one,' Joe said, but Teresa quickly refuted him.

'You didn't. ...No. I would remember,' Teresa insisted.

'Years ago. You don't remember anything. I bought you a lot of things.  My wife's brain is going mush!,' Joe said during the speakerphone call.

Necklace argument: Teresa refuted Joe's claim that he previously bought her a name necklace as their daughters listened

The girls rallied to their's father defense.

'He's saying he did, so he did,' Milania told Teresa. 'You don't remember anything, so you don't! You have such a bad memory.'

Joe then said that being away from the girls made him appreciate them more and Teresa scolded him for not always appreciating family.

Taking sides: Milania told her mother to believe her father and cited her 'bad memory'

Gia stood up for Joe and asked Teresa if she didn't appreciate family more when she was in prison.

The breakfast bickering bothered Teresa who complained to the camera about her daughters siding with Joe.

'Today started out, beautiful day with my daughters but Joe always gets the girls to go against me,' Teresa said in a confessional.

Family appreciation: Gia also challenged her mother when she scolded Joe for appreciating his family more while incarcerated

Taking sides: Teresa in a confessional said that Joe always gets their daughters to side with him

'It hurts me tremendously. There should be no sides taken,' she added.

Teresa later grumbled to good friend Dolores Catania, 49, about her daughters.

'My kids, they take Joe's side. Here I am busting my a** doing everything and then it's like, he's the greatest thing that walked the earth,' Teresa said.

Nail salon: Dolores Catania revealed that she was going to Margaret Josephs' Mother's Day brunch while at a nail salon with Teresa

Greatest thing: Teresa grumbled to Dolores about her daughters siding with Joe and thinking he's the 'greatest thing that walked the earth'

Teresa also harbored a grudge against Margaret Josephs, 52, who said it was 'embarrassing' that she was still friends with Danielle Staub, 57.

Margaret declined to invite Teresa to her intergenerational Mother's Day drag queens brunch after being ignored by her at Melissa Gorga's Envy fashion show.

Jackie Goldschneider, 43, while visiting Margaret at her home was invited to the brunch along with her mother Ann.

Hamptons invite: Jackie Goldschneider, 43, while visiting Margaret at her home was invited to the brunch along with her mother Ann and likewise invited Margaret to the Hamptons

She likewise invited Margaret and the whole group, including Teresa, to her waterfront home in the Hamptons for a weekend getaway.

Margaret's brunch featured an omelette station and cold food station, a performance by the drag queens and goodie bags for guests, including one for absent Teresa.

Jennifer Aydin, 42, brought her mother Josephine who sat with her arms crossed as the drag queens performed.

Drag queens: Margaret hosted an intergenerational Mother's Day drag queens brunch

Arms folded: Jennifer Aydin, 42, brought her mother Josephine who sat with her arms crossed as the drag queens performed

Special performance: A drag queen performed for the women and their mothers during the Mother's Day brunch

Chair dance: Melissa Gorga was singled out for a chair dance

Margaret admitted that she was ashamed of herself for pouring water on Danielle, but noted it was not 'bodily harm', in reference to Danielle yanking on her ponytail.

Melissa in a confessional observed that Margaret only knew 'Namaste Teresa' who was 'very yoga' after serving her prison sentence.

'Zero to 10 is the real Teresa. This is Margaret's first rodeo with that. Good luck, girlfriend,' Melissa said.

Felt ashamed: Margaret admitted that she was ashamed of herself for pouring water on Danielle, but noted it was not 'bodily harm', in reference to Danielle yanking on her ponytail

Ontological observation: Melissa Gorga in a confessional said, 'Zero to 10 is the real Teresa. This is Margaret's first rodeo with that. Good luck, girlfriend'

She appeared to be spot on as Teresa quickly went after Margaret upon arrival at Jackie's gorgeous home in Westhampton.

'Thank you for inviting me,' Teresa told Jackie after hugging her.

'And Margaret. Thank you for not inviting me,' she added.

Getting aggressive: Teresa upon arrival at the Hamptons hugged host Jackie and thanked her for the invite before turning her attention to Margaret

No invite: She mocking thanked Margaret for not inviting her to the Mother's Day brunch

Margaret quipped that Teresa was coming in 'hot and heavy', but Teresa didn't back down.

'Everyone else was invited, but me,' Teresa complained.

'We'll talk about it. ...My intention was to invite you. I even got you a goodie bag,' Margaret said.

Incoming hot: Margaret noted that Teresa was coming in 'hot and heavy' and said she had a goodie bag for her

'I don't want a goodie bag,' Teresa replied as the episode ended.

The one-hour show opened with Melissa and husband Joe Gorga, 40, getting the results of fertility tests to grow their family of three children.

Melissa learned that her ovarian reserve measured at 2.83 while 1.1 was normal.

Bag declined: Teresa told Margaret that she didn't want a goodie bag

'Oh my god, I'm like a teenager,' Melissa boasted.

The sperm analysis for Joe had a normal count of 15 million sperm per milliliter, but he only had 'three sperm' swimming.

Their sons Gino, 11, and Joey, nine, listened in on the call and Melissa mockingly called him Tarzan.

Fertility tests: The one-hour show opened with Melissa and husband Joe Gorga, 40, getting the results of fertility tests to grow their family of three children

'I'm gonna hear it now,' Joe said.

Jennifer after the Mother's Day drag queen brunch spoke to Josephine about accepting her son's homosexuality.

Josephine cried and said she was old fashioned from Turkey, but Jennifer encouraged her to acknowledge it with her gay brother Steven.

Three swimmers: The sperm analysis for Joe had a normal count of 15 million sperm per milliliter, but he only had 'three sperm' swimming

Candid conversation: Jennifer talked to Josephine about accepting her brother Steven as gay

'I know you can do it, you're a strong woman,' Jennifer said.

Margaret also helped mom Marge Senior pack up her apartment, but grew frustrated at her mother's disarray.

'Thanks for coming over and screaming at me,' Marge Senior told her.

Packing up: Margaret also helped mom Marge Senior pack up her apartment, but grew frustrated at her mother's disarray

Screaming daughter: Marge Senior thanked Margaret for coming over and screaming at her

Jennifer after being invited to Jackie's home in the Hamptons learned that she was renting it out for $50,000 a month.

Jackie during brunch revealed that her mother bought a $15,000 ring for an ex-boyfriend who wanted to propose to her.

'Damn! Your mom had it like that?,' Jennifer exclaimed.

House detectives: Jennifer and her husband Bill investigated the value of Jackie's home in Westhampton

Engagement ring: Jackie during brunch revealed that her mother bought a $15,000 ring for an ex-boyfriend who wanted to propose to her

The Hamptons home opened straight onto the beach and also featured a deck with a pool.

Jackie in a preview of next week's episode told her friends that she had 'family money'.

The Real Housewives Of New Jersey will return next week on Bravo.

Backyard beach: The Hamptons home opened straight onto the beach

Pool deck: The large house included a deck with a pool

Tall windows: The living room featured two-story tall windows
Plot

Friends-turned-foes Laali Khurrana (Supriya Pathak) and Pinky Bhalla (Poonam Dhillon) are next-door neighbours who cannot see eye-to-eye. Unknown to them, their kids Puneet (Sunny Singh) and Sanjh (Sonnalli Seygall) are secret high-school sweethearts. When Sanjh proposes marriage to Puneet, the latter develops cold feet citing their family animosity as the reason.

An upset Sanjh decides to get hitched to another man suggested by her mother Pinky. When this news reaches Laali, she too decides to get her son Puneet married on the same day at the same venue. What follows next is how the star-crossed lovers decide to get out of this sticky situation.

Direction

While the basic idea of two warring mothers is appealing, writer-director Navjot Gulati simply fails to translate his vision on the big screen. Barring a few detailed moments, he brings to the table all the cliches associated with Punjabi characters. The one-liners fail to tickle your funny bone after a while. The sluggish direction brings more trouble than relief. In a nutshell, Jai Mummy Di can be defined as a comedy sketch which is made up of songs, food-eating sequences and smooches.

Performances

Sunny Singh's acting is nothing different from his Pyaar Ka Punchnama series stint. One wishes that the actor picks up films belonging to other genres as well to showcase his versatility as an actor.

While Sonnalli Seygall looks glossy on the big screen, the girl still has to hone her acting skills.

Sunny had more chemistry with Kartik Aaryan in Pyaar Ka Punchnama series and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety than what he has with Sonnalli in Jai Mummy Di.

It's disheartening to watch veteran actors like Supriya Pathak and Poonam Dhillon being reduced to loud, caricaturish characters. Further, director Navjot Gulati fails to create fireworks on screen with their conflicting dynamics. Also, the back story which he gives as the reason for their rivalry is insipid.

Technical Aspects

Sanket Shah's cinematography aptly captures the middle-class milieu of Delhi. Dev Rao Jadhav and Chetan Solanki's editing could have been sharper.

Music

Barring 'Mummy Nu Pasand' and 'Lamborghini', the rest of the tracks barely hold your attention. In fact, the makers could have easily done away with some of them.

Verdict

One of the songs in Jai Mummy Di has lyrics which goes like, 'Ho meri mummy nu pasand nahio tu'. Well it's not just mommies, this Sunny Singh-Sonnalli Seygall starrer barely has enough elements to make it likable for the rest of us as well.

We give 1.5 stars out of 5 for Jai Mummy Di.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:36:42|Editor: xuxin

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MOGADISHU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of cholera/acute watery diarrhea (AWD) in Somalia has killed 50 people since the beginning of the current one in December 2017, a UN health agency said on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said in its latest report on the AWD/cholera outbreak that the health ministry has also announced 107 new cases of cholera from Dec. 30, 2019 to Jan. 5, with no deaths reported in the period.

"The cumulative total number of suspected cholera cases since the beginning of this outbreak is 9,968, including 50 associated deaths. So far in 2020, the active transmission has only been reported from Banadir region," WHO said in its latest report.

The current cholera outbreak started in December 2017 following floods that affected districts in the basins of Jubba and Shabelle rivers.

According to WHO, the active transmission is still reported in Banadir where the most affected districts are Darkenley, Deynile, Hodan and Madina.

"The overall reduction in the number of new cholera cases as compared to the numbers at the beginning of the outbreak is attributed to improved implementation of preventive interventions including oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaigns and the strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene activities in hot spots," said the UN agency.

The health ministry and WHO in June 2019 implemented an OCV campaign in six districts that are at high risk of cholera.

The UN health agency has called for robust investments in Somalia's fragile health care infrastructure as a means to accelerate the country's reconstruction after two and a half decades of civil strife.
By PTI

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said the force has recommended dismissal of DySP Davinder Singh, who was arrested in the company of two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, and handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

He said the police has also recommended for taking back the gallantry medal awarded to Singh by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state on Independence Day in 2018, stressing that the police will act "very ruthless" as it "doesn't believe in sheltering or protecting people who have no loyalty towards the force, nation and their people".

Police had arrested Davinder Singh at Mir Bazar in Kulgam district of south Kashmir along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Baba and Altaf, besides an unidentified lawyer who was working as an overground worker for terror outfits.

"The DySP was suspended for his act and his sacking is also recommended and the government will take a call on that. We have already recommended for the transfer of the case to the NIA because some thing of wider level can come out of it with links here and there," the police chief told reporters here.

Asked whether the police is going to seize his properties, the DGP said the law will take its own course and whatever is necessary as per law will be done.

"These kind of activities are not going to deter us or make any impact on our morale which rather gets further strengthened. We don't believe in sheltering or protecting such type of people. We are very strict with them and in the past we have also removed people from service. We are very ruthless and we will be very ruthless in this case also," Dilbag Singh said.

He said the officer was not awarded any gallantry or meritorious medal by the Ministry of Home Affairs but a gallantry medal was awarded to him by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state on Independence Day in 2018 for his participation in countering a suicide attack by terrorists at district police lines in Pulwama district in 2017.

"We are recommending the government to take back his gallantry medal," he said, advising media persons to avoid "speculative stories" not based on facts.

On the progress of investigation in the case, Dilbag Singh said what he revealed during interrogation would be shared at the right time.

"He was involved in a criminal act and is being treated like a terrorist," the DGP said, adding that the allegations about his involvement in Parliament attack as claimed by Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged on February 9, 2013, and various other accusations would be looked into.

Asked whether any other official was under scanner following the arrest of Davinder Singh, the DGP said, "There is no need for speculations and investigation in the case is ongoing. However, if anybody is found involved in this nexus, he will not be spared. "

In response to another question about any follow up arrests in the case, he said no arrests have been made so far.

"We have carried out raids on the inputs provided by Naveed Baba. We carried out five operations and busted two hideouts but no terrorist was found. We carried out searches in the houses and seized incriminating material," he said.

The DGP said the police has its own internal surveillance system and as soon as his involvement came to light, appropriate action was taken.

Asked whether he was having any contact with terrorist handlers in Pakistan, he said, "Such a thing had not come to the fore during his interrogation so far."

"As was said by advisor Farooq Khan that black sheep is present in any organisation. Two of our special police officers fled with weapons last year and joined terrorist ranks but both of them were killed along with two terrorists within 24 hours," he said.

Two Army personnel, who had deserted the force and joined terrorist ranks, met the same fate.

"Whatever the rank or organisation, we do not care for it. If somebody is doing any unlawful activity or such type of thing, strict action is being taken," he said.

Dilbag Singh said this operation has taken place on the police input.

"This was our own action and nobody else had any information what kind of operation we are undertaking. Police are very strict with those who can bring bad name and dent the image. Anyone deserting any force, showing no loyalty towards his organisation, nation, own people and their interests, strict action has been taken," he said.

Asked about the reaction of political parties after the arrest of the DySP for his involvement in terrorism, the DGP refused to comment on the remarks of the politicians and said, "We focus on our work and it is not my mandate."

On Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's statement that had the officer been "Davinder Khan", the reaction of the "troll regiment of the RSS" would have been different, he said, "It is unfortunate that someone is making such type of statements."

"I am not here to react to political statements. My job is professional and my job is to take care of the morale of the force. We have carried out a number of successful operations and our action will go on (against terrorists)," the DGP added.
- Vice President Leni Robredo has called out Mocha Uson anew over the alleged spreading of fake news

- Uson recently commented over the relief effort of Vice President Robredo to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption

- The OWWA deputy executive claimed that Robredo only took photos during the relief operation

- Robredo has clarified the issue and debunked the claims of Uson about the goods she distributed to the victims

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

Vice President Leni Robredo has called out Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) deputy executive Mocha Uson once again for spreading fake news.

KAMI learned that Robredo denied the comment of Uson about her offices relief efforts for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.

In a report by the ABS-CBN News (authored by Adrian Ayalin), Uson claimed that Robredo only offered to help the victims to have her photos taken.

The post also mentioned that Robredo only donated 5 pieces of pandesal and bottled water to the victims.

Hindi nakapagtataka na galit na ang mga tao sa mga istilong bulok na ganito. Hindi din kasi ito ang unang pagkakataong inuna ni Leni ang pagpapa photo ops kaysa sa pagtulong sa mga biktima ng trahedya, Uson said.

However, Robredo has set the records straight and explained that her relief packs contained rice, instant noodles, canned goods, dust mask, and bottled water.

Maging mapanuri sa mga nakikita at nababasa sa social medialalo na mula sa mga nananamantala sa mga trahedya upang magpakalat ng fake news, it read on her Facebook post.

Meanwhile, in an interview, Robredo questioned the people as to why Uson was allowed to work in the government given that she allegedly spreads fake news.

"Bakit natin hinahayaan na iyong nagpakakalat ng fake news ay sinuswelduhan pa ng pamahalaan?" Robredo said.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Robredo distributed relief goods to the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.

Leni Robredo is the current Vice President of the Philippines and the second woman to ever assume the post. She is the widow of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Calgarys residential prices are highly likely to even out this year as the market is steadily getting accustomed to operating under what the citys real estate board called a new normal.

Much of the stability will be due to the stronger performance of Calgarys lower-end housing, with sales growth in the market of homes valued under $500,000 increasing by 7% in 2019.

Overall sales activity is projected to grow by 2% annually in 2020, while the benchmark price of a home in Calgary is likely to drop by 0.5%  still better than the 3.3% year-over-year decline seen in 2019, but a decline nonetheless.
A mum is of a little girl who was injured in a fatal road crash in Laois is at her wits' end over her daughter's care has gone on RTE's Liveline to highlight the issue.

Amira O'Toole Rauf was left paralysed from the chest down following a car accident in Laois on November 6 in 2018.

The crash occurred on the N80 Portlaoise to Carlow road close to Simmon's Mill Cross between Stradbally and Arles. A man in his 40s was killed when his vehicle hit the car being driven by Amira's mother Caroline.

She has a severed spinal cord and will never walk again. Two-year-old Amira is currently in Temple Street Hospital and her mother, Caroline, contacted RTE's Liveline to raise the issue on the national airwaves.

Speaking to Joe Duffy on Wednesday, Caroline said:

"She has her arms which is a bonus and she has her brain. She has our full support for the rest of her life but it's so hard for us, we need to get our daughter home. I want to bring my daughter home to where she belongs but we're caught up in red tape with the HSE.

"We have been refused a home care package...they don't have the staff. In my eyes, she is medically fit for discharge.

"As a mother, what me and my daughter have gone through...I am suffering from post-traumatic stress. I still have the nightmares. I can't sleep. The horror and the impact, I relive that every night," says Caroline.

"Please let my baby come home" @joeliveline Amira was paralysed after an horrific car accident where her spine was broken #liveline She had 5 heart attacks, 3 in one night & needs 24-hour care. Her parents want her home with her brother but they can't find a way... pic.twitter.com/Z9LrR7qyjb  Liveline (@rteliveline) January 15, 2020

Caroline says that her daughter, having been fitted with a tracheal tube against her family's wishes, is trapped without adequate provision for rehabilitation or the possibility of a home care package in her native Carlow because of this intervention.

Amira could attend rehabilitation in the UK but because she has an older sibling he cannot be left at home.

Currently, Amira's family is seeking legislation for children with severe needs such as Amira for the right to have rehabilitation care in Ireland.

To listen back to Caroline's full interview on RTE Radio One, click here.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man was critically injured early Thursday morning in a double shooting on Syracuses North Side, police said.

The shooting at Washington Square Apartments was reported at 1:06 a.m., Onondaga County 911 dispatch logs show. The apartment building, at 1706 Park Street, is across from Washington Square Park.

Two men were shot, said Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse Police Department spokesman.

The first victim -- a 26-year-old man -- was repeatedly shot, Malinowski said. He is in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital.

The second victim -- a 25-year-old man -- was shot in the arm, Malinowski said. The man is being treated at Upstate, he said, and is expected to survive.

Callers told 911 dispatchers the shooting happened inside the stairwell of the building, according to police scanner dispatches.

Syracuse police, the Syracuse Fire Department and American Medical Response were called to the scene.

Hours after the shooting, Syracuse police remained on scene, investigating the shooting as the sun rose.

Yellow crime scene tape fenced off the building, stretching from the Park Street entrance to the edge of the Washington Square playground and from the playground to the corner of Washington Square and Lacy Place.

Multiple marked police cars were parked around the scene. An officer was visible standing inside by a window on the second story of the apartment building.

There are multiple police cameras on Park Street.

The investigation is active and ongoing, Malinowski said. Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to call (315) 442-5222.

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety for Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Have a tip or a story idea? Contact her at shouse@syracuse.com.
New Delhi: External affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his visiting Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in New Delhi and took forward the bilateral discussion on Chabahar, the seaport in Iran that is if vital strategic significance to India. The Iranian minister had earlier called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday during which Mr Modi thanked the Iranian leadership for the progress in Chabahar project, including through designating it as a special economic zone.

India has been worried over recent military tensions between the United States and Iran due to any possible fallout on its strategic port development project at Chabahar which provides sea-land connectivity from India to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan. On Thursday, EAM Jaishankar tweeted, Appreciated his sharing of perspectives and assessments. Took forward our bilateral discussion on Chabahar.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister while speaking at the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi had lambasted the United States, comparing it to a high-school bully. Ties between the US and Iran had plummeted to dangerous levels recently after the US assassinated Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Baghdad a few days ago, in a missile strike by an American drone.
New Delhi: Even as uncertainty over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) looms across the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday clarified that the Census data, which includes NPR this time, will not seek any documentary proofs.

The spokesperson for the MHA said, "No documents would be asked by the enumerators for the NPR exercise. If the respondents want to present documents for verification, they are free to do so. There would be no compulsion from the side of the enumerators.

Meanwhile, a meeting has been called by the MHA on Census and Censuses for tomorrow (January 16). All states Chief secretaries will be participating in the conference except West Bengal. the meeting will be chaired by Minister of State Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai.

The Census for 2021 will be held in two phases, in the first phase which begins from April 1 to September 30, 2020, the data will be compiled for house listing with household-specific information like who is the head of the house, how many people live in the house, what are the facilities in the house, while in the second phase, which will begin from February 2021, the questions will be individual specific.

Live TV

A question like "How many people live in a house?" will also help to ascertain the population count that is being covered by the census taker. For "difficult areas' government officials can also be sent by helicopters, the help of helicopter was taken for the 2011 census too but this year it will be used in an expanded manner.

For the first time, this will be a digital census in which officers will be able to calculate data via mobile, there will be a special app for census developed by the government which the officers can use by downloading on their mobile phones. Training will be done in four phases. National trainer, master trainer, field trainer and enumerator will be given training at these four levels.

In the first phase, 30 lakh employees will be assigned for this work, last time the counting officer got Rs 5,500. This time the counting officer will include house listing, census and National Population Register, so he will get Rs 25,000.

The census survey will include National Population Register (NPR) too. The NPR and census forms will be different. In the first phase of the census and NPR, the household will have to confirm the information given by them. No biometric is be taken in NPR, no paper will be sought either. You just have to submit the correct information.

This time these new questions will be included in NPR like; "What is mother tongue, where was the last time the owner of the house was living, place of birth, information on parents?"

Meanwhile, West Bengal and Kerala have said that they will not implement NPR at the official level in the state and the Registrar General of India has received information about it, the rest of the states have notified the process of National Population Register.

The house listing process will have 34 questions covering 31 topics.

According to the census reports of Indian Census 2011, the population of India was 1,210,854,977.

Here are the questions you will be asked:

1.Building Number

2. Census House Number

3. Predominant material of floor, wall and roof of the census house

4. Ascertain use of census house

5. Condition of the census house

6. Household number

7. Total number of persons normally residing in the household

8. Name of the head of the household

9. Sex of the head of the household

10. Whether the head of the household belongs to SC/ST/Other

11. Ownership status of the census house

12. Number of dwelling rooms exclusively in possession of the household

13. Number of married couple(s) living in the household

14. Main source of drinking water

15. Availability of drinking water source

16. Main source of lighting

17. Access to latrine

18. Type of latrine

19. Wastewater outlet

20. Availability of bathing facility

21. Availability of kitchen and LPG/PNG connection

22. Main fuel used for cooking

23. Radio/Transistor

24. Television

25. Access to Interner

26. Laptop/Computer

27. Telephone/Mobile phone/smartphone

28. Bicycle/scooter/motorcycle/moped

29. car/Jeep/Van

30. Main cereal consumed in the household

31. Mobile number
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:48:35|Editor: xuxin

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BANGKOK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said on Thursday that the Thai economy could face a major hurdle as a result from the strong Thai currency, global trade tension and the delay of the Thai government's fiscal 2020 budget bill

Speaking at the government house after a meeting with the economic executive team, Somkid told reporters that the Thai government needs careful policy implementations as the global trade friction and the slowdown in global economy had hit hard on Thai exports.

Furthermore, the 2020 budget bill delay has also affected state investment, Somkid said.

And now the strong baht has also become a new threat to the export sector, Thailand's main economic engine, said Somkid, who also heads the government's economic team.

"So I urge the private sector to take advantage of the strong baht," said Somkid. "Now it is your time to import your machinery and equipment."

"It is no point to put pressure onto the Bank of Thailand. It has already lowered its policy rate to an all-time low," said Somkid.

However, Somkid expressed optimism about the fiscal year 2020 budget bill.

The government will speed up investments and its infrastructure development, as well as promote tourism and the export sector, said Somkid.
WASHINGTON -- The Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives' trial "managers" on January 15 delivered to the Senate the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump -- another step in the process that will lead to a trial to decide whether to remove the president from office.



The trial managers, who were named earlier in the day by speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat-California), marched to the Senate to "transmit" the charges against Trump after Pelosi signed the articles on live television -- representing only the third time in U.S. history that a president has been impeached and must face trial in the Senate.



Before signing the documents, Pelosi said that Trump had failed to uphold his duty to the constitution of the United States and that his actions "jeopardized" the country's national security.



She said that lawmakers "will be making it clear that this president will be held accountable. That no one is above the law and that no future president could ever entertain the idea...that he can do whatever he wants to do."



Pelosi added that it was "so sad, so tragic for our country."



Moments later, the Democratic managers solemnly walked over the articles to the Senate chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the floor that senators would officially receive the articles at midday on January 16 and would begin to consider them shortly thereafter. He said a trial would begin on January 21.



White House officials said they expect a trial to last about two weeks -- far shorter than the other presidential impeachment trials: of Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1999. Both were acquitted by the Senate.



The articles charge Trump with abusing the power of his office for personal gain and obstruction of Congress.



Earlier on January 15, the Democrat-led legislative chamber approved by a margin of 228-193 the resolution that also appointed the seven lawmakers who will be trial managers -- or prosecutors -- in the case against Trump.



"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Pelosi said before the House vote.



All the trial managers have legal backgrounds and will be led by 10-term Representative Adam Schiff, a former federal prosecutor in California and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.



He will be joined by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (New York), Hakeem Jeffries (New York ), a former litigator in private practice; Jason Crow (Colorado), a former Army Ranger and private attorney; Val Demings (Florida), a former police chief; Zoe Lofgren (California), a former immigration lawyer; and Sylvia Garcia (Texas), a former judge.



The managers delivered the formal charges to the Senate floor shortly before 5:30 p.m. The senators will be jury members in the trial, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, will be the presiding judge.



In explaining her decision on who to name as trial managers, Pelosi said the emphasis was on litigators.



The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom. The emphasis is making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our constitution, to seek the truth for the American people, she said. Im very proud and honored that these seven distinguished members have accepted this serious responsibility.



The adoption of the resolution came four weeks after the House in December charged Trump with abusing the power of his office for personal gain and obstruction of Congress.



He specifically is suspected of trying to influence a foreign government -- Ukraine -- to investigate his political rivals.



Trump has also been accused of withholding documents that the House requested during the fact-finding phase of the impeachment proceedings and of blocking or preventing testimony of administration officials.



Trump denies the charges and has called the impeachment proceedings a witch hunt.



"The only thing speaker Pelosi has achieved with this sham, illegitimate impeachment process, is to prove she is focused on politics instead of the American people," Trump said after Pelosi's news conference, as cited by the White House press office.



"She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing. President Trump has done nothing wrong. He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate...and expects to be fully exonerated," the statement said.



I have great confidence there is enough evidence to impeach the president, Pelosi said.
The resilience and dedication to sustainability and world class quality of Irish food producers was acknowledged last week by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.

He was greeting the news of a stand-out 2019 performance by the food, drink and horticulture industry, as exports reached 13bn for the first time.

The IFA responded: Lets not forget where this export story starts.

Farmers need to see the benefits of this growth.

The new 2030 strategy must include targets on farm profitability as well as industry targets.

It was a reminder to those celebrating the export success that farmers wont be taken for granted.

As well as supplying the raw material, they had an extra starring role this year.

It was noted in the Export Performance & Prospects Report published by Bord Bia that frustration among farmers at lower returns was expressed through protests at a number of meat processing plants during August and early September. These effectively closed the countrys beef processing facilities for a number of weeks, impacting on the supply capability of exporters, and resulting in a sharp decline in the value and volume of Irish beef exports.

The export of beef, including offals, fell 7% in 2019, from 2.4bn to 2.2bn.

With farmer protests heavily curtailing exports of beef and sheepmeat for a number of weeks, and weakening demand in key markets, sheep and sheepmeat exports also fell by 7%, from 315m to 294m. Sustained pressure on prices in Europe due aggressive supply from the UK also hit our sheemeat exports.

The reason for the factory protests by farmers was noted in the Bord Bia report.

On average, R3 steer prices in Ireland and the UK fell by 7% compared to 2018, while R3 young bulls were 5% lower on average across the EU-15. Depressed pricing impacts directly on farm income.

Obviously, all is not happy in the Irish beef sector, our largest Irish meat and livestock export category.

The Bord Bia report referred to challenging marketing conditions in 2019 as a result of increasing price competition and sluggish demand in major markets.

There was a 0.9% fall in the volume of beef consumption in the EU, and a further 0.8% decline is expected in 2020.

But this is mirrored in falling supply, with a 0.9% reduction in EU28 beef production in 2019, and a 0.7% decrease expected in 2020.

And the growing opportunity on non-EU markets, Asia in particular, can compensate for weakening EU consumer demand. The EU increased beef exports 8% in 2019, and a further 5% increase is predicted in 2020. Bord Bia also expects opportunity for Irelands grass-fed, quality beef in the US. But the Brexit situation remains complex and unknown.

What about the Irish beef farmer situation?

The 2019 statistics indicate marginally increased income, largely the result of lower feed costs, and the exceptional aid provided by the Department of Agriculture (BEEP and BEAM). So, how secure is the beef industry, depending as it does for raw material on farmers who in turn depend on income handouts from the EU and the DAFM?

Are these farmers happy to rely on the promise made by Mr Creed this week of a doubling of the BEEP scheme to 40m in 2020, which could compensate for farming the land at a loss?

Or will the expected slight decline in the cattle supply this year help to lift prices towards farmer profitability?

On the other hand, Brexit difficulties in 2020 could accelerate the 2019 fallback of 15% in the value of Irish beef exports to the UK (down 11% in volume). On such questions depends much of agri-foods 10% share of Irish exports, 7.7% of employment, 21% of industrial turnover; and 23% of manufacturing industry turnover.

Bord Bia is resolutely focussed on delivering sustainable growth for Irelands largest indigenous industry, said the food boards CEO, Tara McCarthy. Sustainability is also Mr Creeds catchword, but it remains to be seen if his promised extra BEEP funding will keep beef farming sustainable, from the point of view of a sustainable level of profit for farmers.

Food, drink and horticulture exports have grown by 67%, or 5.5bn, since 2010.

But theres a danger that more beef industry disruption could end the winning streak in 2020.

In 2019, dairy was the exports star, growing more than 11%, despite some key commodity prices weakening.

This took dairy to a 34% share of food and beverage exports, compared to 30% meat and livestock, 18% prepared food, 11% alcohol, 5% seafood, and 2% horticulture.

The introduction of tariffs by the US on EU imports in October disrupted the Irish dairy and alcohol industries, and presents a significant challenge for Irelands butter, cheese and cream liqueur producers in particular as they plan for the year ahead.

However, some stocking forward in the US in anticipation of the tariffs, may have helped exporters in 2019, for example in the butter trade, which grew 13%. And overall, it is expected that the positive trend in dairy exports will continue into this year.

If specialised nutritional powders are excluded, Irish dairy exports grew in value by 17.6%, and in volume by 12%.

According to Bord Bia, Much of the credit for the 2019 performance rests with the industry itself and the central dynamics in the years performance may be identified as continued growth in domestic milk production, an intensifying industry focus on development of new markets, and an enhanced portfolio of value added products and customer focused applications.

The export sector of most interest to many farmers is livestock, even if it is worth only 4% of meat and livestock exports. Live cattle exports in 2019 continued the pattern of 2018, a significant increase in numbers, but matched by declining value terms. As a result, the live animals trade fell back 3%, to 167m. It included a strong increase in export of calves, which are of course of lower value than adult animals. In 2019, prices for export calves slumped 13% compared to 2018, while prices fell 9% for weanlings, 8% for stores, and 6% for finished animals.

Bord Bia noted the maximum of 13,200 calves which can be landed per week this spring from Ireland, set by capacity at two lairages in Cherbourg for a total of 4,400 calves at any one time.

Increased demand in 2019 pushed poultry exports up 5%, to 306m.

The UK takes 71% of our poultry exports, so Brexit will be an important factor this year, along with keeping avian influenza at bay.

Irish sheepmeat exporters will expect a return to growth in 2020.

When non-edible items such as live horses, animal foodstuffs, forestry and amenity horticulture, animal hides and skins, are added to edible exports worth 13bn, our total agri-food sector exports are estimated at 14.5bn, going to more than 180 markets worldwide (34% to the UK, 35% to other EU markets, and 31% to non-U markets, after a four-fold increase in the trade to Asia).
U.S. conflict with Iran: What you need to read

Heres what you need to know to understand what this moment means in U.S.-Iran relations.

What happened: President Trump ordered a drone strike near the Baghdad airport, killing Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Irans most powerful military commander and leader of its special-operations forces abroad.

Who was Soleimani: As the leader of the Revolutionary Guard Corps elite Quds Force, Soleimani was key in supporting and coordinating with Irans allies across the region, especially in Iraq. Soleimanis influence was imprinted on various Shiite militias that fought U.S. troops.

How we got here: Tensions had been escalating between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled out of an Obama-era nuclear deal, and they spiked shortly before the airstrike. The strikes that killed Soleimani were carried out after the death of a U.S. contractor in a rocket attack against a military base in Kirkuk, Iraq, that the United States blamed on Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia.

What happens next: Iran responded to Soleimanis death by launching missile strikes at two bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq. No casualties were reported. In an address to the nation, Trump announced that new sanctions will be imposed on Tehran.

Ask a question: What do you want to know about the strike and its aftermath? Submit a question or read previous Q&As with Post reporters.
Wockhardt on Thursday announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved its two new antibiotics, EMROK (IV) and EMROK O (Oral), for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections including diabetic foot infections and concurrent bacteraemia.

The two new antibiotics that have been developed after researching for over 20 years will target superbug-like Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), which is a leading cause of rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The approval was based on the phase-III study involving 500 patients in 40 centres across India. Wockhardt that was among the top five domestic drug-makers a decade ago said these are the first novel chemical entity antibiotics researched and developed in India with various international collaborations across globe. While the non-clinical and phase-I clinical studies have been undertaken in the US, Europe and India, the phase-II and Phase-III clinical studies were done in India. Following the announcement, Wockhardt's shares advanced 14 per cent intraday and settled with nearly 6 per cent gains on the BSE.

Can the two new drugs revive the fortunes of Dr Habil Khorakiwala-led Wockhardt?

Wockhardt's troubles

Founded by Dr Khorakiwala in 1960 as Worli Chemical Works, Wockhardt had become one of the top five domestic drug firms following a string of acquisitions in Europe and US . The company had targeted to become a $1 billion company by 2009. It acquired UK-based Wallis Laboratory in 1997, CP Pharmaceuticals in 2003, Germany-based Espharma in 2004, Pinewood Healthcare in Ireland in 2006 , Negma Laboratories in France and Morton Grove in the US in 2007. But mounting debts due to highly priced acquisitions, global financial meltdown in 2007-08 period and foreign exchange derivative losses pushed the company to near insolvency and then into a corporate debt restructuring (CDR) by lenders in 2009. As per the CDR package, Wockhardt had to sell off many of its assets such as the nutrition business for Rs 1,280 crore to French dairy giant Danone, Animal Healthcare business to French company Vetoquino, and ten of the 17 hospitals to Fortis for Rs 919 crore.

Financial discipline, aggressive foray into the US and focussed business helped Wockhardt turn around fast by 2011. It remained profitable and increased business over the next two years. Soon USFDA manufacturing quality issues started worrying Wockhardt and about seven plants got into the US regulator's scanner over the past seven years.

Wockhardt's total income had gone down from Rs 2,534.14 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 2,356.38 crore in 2018-19. It posted a net loss of Rs 81.89 crore last year against a profit of Rs 68.66 crore a year ago. In the six months of 2019-20, revenues sharply dropped to Rs 787.11 crore from Rs 1190.66 crore in the corresponding six months of the previous year. The first six months also saw losses to the tune of Rs 82.86 crore. Even after the CDR process, Wockhardt has outstanding debts of Rs 2,098 crore as on September 20, 2019. In the recent past, unconfirmed reports claimed that Wockhardt was trying to sell some of its business divisions to repay debt.

Antibiotics to the rescue

Market potential for the new drugs is huge. The size of the Indian antibiotic market alone is about Rs 16,000 crore and is growing at 7 per cent. It is one of the largest therapeutic segments with a 12 per cent market share of the Indian pharmaceutical market. Wockhardt now plans to launch the product initially in India and then take it to other emerging markets such as China, the largest market for antibiotics. It is also facing the issue of anti-microbial resistance, which currently causes 7 lakhs deaths globally and is projected to grow to 10 million by 2050. In India, it is estimated to cause 2 million deaths by 2050. The burden of MRSA in India was 29 per cent in 2009 and grew to 38.6 per cent in 2018. At present, five anti-MRSA drugs are available in the country developed by MNC drug firms and the last new drug was launched in 2005. These drugs have issues and side effects such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, redman syndrome, not effective for pneumonia, skeletal muscle toxicity, marrow suppression and gastric issues etc.

"By virtue of its broad spectrum activity against widely prevalent pathogens including MRSA, superior safety over the currently available anti-MRSA agents and its unique properties, I believe these new antibiotics have a strong potential to effectively address the unmet medical need of the clinicians," said Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, founder Chairman, Wockhardt Group.

In 2018, a national study conducted by the Indian council of Medical research (ICMR) and Anti-microbial resistant surveillance network (AMRSN) group highlighted the high prevalence of 38.6 percent of MRSA in India. A recent Indian study reports that one in six patients infected with multidrug resistant 'Gram positive infections' die in intensive care units.

According to Khorakiwala, Wockhardt has consistently invested for more than two decades in developing a strong antibiotic pipeline catering both multi drug resistant Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens and is the only company in the world having five antibiotics against superbugs in the late phase of clinical development. All these antibiotics, because of their promising activity against multi-drug resistance (MDR)pathogens, have received US FDA-QIDP status for expediting the drug development cycle. Due to complexity of resistance mechanisms expressed by bacteria as well as lack of financial resources to fund antibiotic research, many major pharmaceutical firms have steered away from the antibiotic research over the last 30 years. At present 18 novel antibiotic drugs from 12 drug companies are in advanced clinical trials globally and of them, Wockhardt has the largest pipeline with five drugs, he said.

The company is also betting big on its biotech products such as Wepox, a recombinant erythropoietin used in the treatment of anaemia caused by cancer and chronic renal failure, Biovac-B, a hepatitis B vaccine and Wosulin, the first r-DNA insulin developed and manufactured outside the US and Europe.

Also read: Lupin's multiple manufacturing units now under USFDA scanner

Also read: Global med-tech majors seek custom duty cut to prevent smuggling of medical devices
London brings together black continent leaders and British investors in the UK-Africa Investment Summit starting next week

The UK will host the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on 20 January.

In preparation for the summit, which is expected to be one of the largest investment summits worldwide, Britains Ambassador to Egypt Geoffrey Adams held a meeting on Monday with a number of British companies in Egypt.

Earlier last month, Adams said that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had invited Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to attend the summit.

Using the hashtag InvestInAfrica, Adams tweeted, Our goal: the UK as the partner of choice for Africa, and the investor with the biggest impact.

The summit, according to the British government, will create new, lasting partnerships that will deliver more investment, jobs and growth. It will bring together UK and African business representatives, African leaders, international institutions and young entrepreneurs to create new partnerships.

In an interview with the Moroccan national news agency, Philip Parham, special envoy for the UK-Africa Investment Summit and the UK Commonwealth envoy, said last month that the concept of the summit was to collaborate between the government and the private sector as it can be a good way to stimulate new sources of financing in a way that reduces government interference.

Ultimately, African companies and governments must define the targeted sectors in which investment should be encouraged, said Parham, expecting that the summits focus will be on manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and renewable energy sectors.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that Africa is home to eight of the worlds 15 fastest growing economies.

According to World Bank figures, six of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world are located in Africa and that they require sustainable foundations to support such growth.

Africa is where the future lies its the youngest continent and thats where the world needs to pay attention to shape the future, Kaustubh Joshi, director of corporate banking at Standard Chartered Bank, said in a video published on the UK government website on the summit.

In the same video Kunbi Oguneye, an official at CognisSys, said, By 2050 it [Africa] will have a net worth equal to India and China combined right now.

Against the backdrop of Brexit, the UK government currently pursues a vision of a Global Britain and along with UK investors is looking to Africa as an attractive destination for investment.

Moreover, the growing momentum over the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) is, for the UK, another encouraging factor which may attract UK investment. An agreement to establish a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was signed in March 2018 by 44 African nations.

According to Britains Department for International Trade, UK-Africa trade was worth over 33 billion in 2018 and that about 2,000 British businesses currently operate in Africa.

During her visit to Africa in August 2018, Theresa May, former British prime minister, stated her intentions to take Britain past the US as the G7s largest foreign direct investor in Africa by 2022.

The UKs former international development secretary Penny Mordaunt said: Africas emerging markets offer huge untapped potential to the UK. There is a massive shortage of investment, infrastructure and jobs in these markets, and the city of London is uniquely placed to help fill this gap while earning benefits for the UK economy.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in investing in Africa and the UK is not the only country interested in boosting its presence in the continent.

Throughout the last two years, the most notable investors in Africa have been China, Germany and France. Germany has dubbed its push as the African Marshall Plan while France is rolling out a Digital Africa initiative which will provide financial and digital resources for African startup entrepreneurs.

China, the continents biggest trading partner, has been even more robust. At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2018, President Xi Jinping pledged a second $60 billion commitment in the form of loans, aid and investment, with particular focus on connective infrastructure. This follows an initial $60 billion commitment announced in 2015, a sum gradually being invested in projects across the continent.

Russia also appeared recently on the same front with $12.5 billion worth of deals struck during the first ever Russia-Africa summit held in Sochi in October last year.

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma wrote in The Daily Telegraph on 1 January, The UK-Africa Investment Summit will mark a step-up in our efforts to promote access to local currency finance, particularly for African economies, which will give UK-based investors more options to invest in support of Africas growth.

Sharma said that the UK will do all it can to help Africa attract sustainable investment and expand opportunities for British businesses.

I want, Sharma said, the UK to be the investment partner of choice for African nations, by creating new and lasting partnerships that benefit businesses and people in Africa and the UK alike.

We want to encourage multilateral development banks to lend more in the local currency of the borrower. We will provide support to African countries and businesses to increase the number of first-time issues of local currency bonds, to help them build a track record and show they are financially viable, Sharma added.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the title: Courting Africa

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Nobody, including the people who made Green Book, could make a reasonable argument against 1917 being a better-crafted experience than last years PGA and Oscar winner. But movies about war have their own standards to uphold, and histories to honor. On a first viewing (Ill see it again before Oscar time), the characters felt perfunctory and marginalized in their own story. The human complexities of wartime are lost in the dazzle. Like The Revenant, another long-take showcase from Birdman director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 1917 settles for dramatically palatable sensory overload.
A South Carolina woman who was arrested for killing her husband by poisoning his drinking water with eye drops was sentenced on Thursday to 25 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

Lana Clayton, 53, of York County also pleaded guilty to tampering with food or drugs in connection to the July 21, 2018, killing of her husband, Steven Clayton.

Lana Clayton confessed to police that she placed droplets of eye drop liquid into her husbands water glass two days before he died, ABC News reported.

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Lana Clayton, 53, of York County, South Carolina, was sentenced on Thursday to 25 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and tampering with food or drugs

In September 2018, Lana Clayton (left) was arrested and charged in the July 21, 2018, death of her husband, Steven Clayton (right), 64

Steven Clayton, 64, was initially thought to have died of natural causes.

But a medical examiners report found high levels of tetrahydrozoline, the chemical compound contained in eye drops, in his system, according to WSOC-TV.

Prosecutors in court said that Lana Clayton, a former nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs, knew that her husband would not suspect a thing because the eye drops would be tasteless and odorless.

Willy Thompson, the deputy solicitor, told South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Paul Burch on Thursday that when investigators began to suspect foul play, Lana Clayton told officers her husband put eye drops in his drinks all the time.

Lana Clayton was eventually arrested and charged with her husbands death in September 2018.

Prosecutors say Lana Clayton killed her husband for the money.

At Thursdays hearing, Steven Claytons family and friends urged the judge to give Lana Clayton the maximum possible penalty. Lana has fooled a lot of people, please dont let her fool you, Steven Claytons goddaughter, Lourdes Alvarez (above), said

They allege Clayton burned her husbands will and threw his cell phone into a lake so that he would not be able to call for help.

At Thursdays hearing, Steven Claytons family and friends urged the judge to give Lana Clayton the maximum possible penalty.

Lana has fooled a lot of people, please dont let her fool you, Steven Claytons goddaughter, Lourdes Alvarez, said.

Lana Claytons lawyers told the judge on Thursday that she was a victim of sexual abuse in her past.

Lana Claytons lawyers told the judge on Thursday that she was a victim of sexual abuse in her past. They also alleged that Steven Clayton hit her, kicked her, and choked her during their five-year marriage

They also alleged that Steven Clayton hit her, kicked her, and choked her during their five-year marriage.

Lana Clayton told the judge that she put the eye drops into her husbands drink in order to make him sick and uncomfortable, but she had no intention of killing him.

I wanted him to leave me alone, she told the judge.

Lana Clayton was known by locals who attended her neighborhood bible study.

One person who lived in the area was shocked at the news about her bible study friends, telling Channel 9 News the deceased was known for his big personality.

Arrest warrants and the statement from deputies didn't give a motive.

The home they lived (pictured) in was worth $822,000 and modeled after the George Washington Mount Vernon Estate according to his friend Ken Sanford

Lana was the appointed representative for his estate according to York County Probate Court.

The home they lived in was worth $822,000 and modeled after the George Washington Mount Vernon Estate, his friend Ken Sanford told The Herald.

Adding that Lana seemed like a 'sweet lady'.

'I am just stunned,' Sanford said. 'Steven was very proud of her accomplishments.'
BJP workers on Thursday staged a protest in front of Ghatkopar police station here against Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut over his remarks concerning Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The protesters demanded action against Raut who had also made remarks against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but withdrew them on Thursday.

BJP leader Ram Kadam slammed Raut over his remarks concerning Udayanraje Bhosale, who is now in the BJP.

"Shiv Sena has been doing politics for 50 years in Maharashtra by taking the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. To grab power in the state, they abandoned Hindutva, they later lost their affection towards Veer Savarkar, and now they have also lost the love of Shivaji Maharaj," Kadam told ANI.

"We strongly condemn Raut's remarks. Shivaji Maharaj is like a God to us and our sentiments have been hurt. We demand that an FIR be filed against Raut and he should be arrested immediately. He should take back his statements and apologise," he said.

Raut had stoked a controversy by asking Bhosale to prove that he is a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj.

Referring to Raut's remarks that Indira Gandhi used to meet underworld don Karim Lala, Kadam asked why Congress leaders had not immediately reacted to remarks of the Shiv Sena MP.

"The question is where are Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and why are they tolerating such insults to Indira Gandhi. There are lakhs of Congress members in India, should they tolerate such insults just to remain in power?" he asked.

Raut on Thursday withdrew his remarks that Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala. He withdrew the remarks after objections from Congress leaders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
When disgruntled Sudanese spies took up arms and gunfire rang out across Khartoum, even members of the most powerful pro-government militia were startled.

As mutiny rocked three security buildings in the capital on Tuesday afternoon, fighters from the notorious Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group rushed to respond. By the next morning, five people - two of them soldiers - were dead, and the transitional government said the bloodshed sparked by a pay dispute was over.

But less than a year after President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in the wake of mass protests, the violence that left people cowering in the homes, canceled flights and temporarily cut oil production was a stark sign of the challenge still represented by elements of the Islamist leader's 30-year regime.

As Sudan races toward what are supposed to be democratic elections in 2022. reforming the security sector is "a key fault line along which the transition could founder," said Jonas Horner, an analyst with the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

"These reforms require considerable political tact and deftness to avoid mobilizing a constituency still loyal to the ousted regime," he said. "That constituency cannot be ignored or forgotten - after three decades in total control, they retain considerable power and hold over Sudanese politics and military."

On paper, Africa's third-largest country is edging toward democracy after the fall of Bashir, who swept to power in a 1989 coup and eventually turned the country into an Islamist-backed international pariah. Sudan now has a government of technocrats, including former United Nations economist Abdalla Hamdok as prime minister, an ex-World Bank official as finance minister, and experienced women in charge of justice and foreign affairs.

All the same, some key figures from the political-security alliances that helped sustain Bashir's rule through years of economic devastation and regional rebellions have either retained many of their powers or may be lying low with plans to regroup. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have typically acted to maintain the status quo, have pledged financial aid to the government.

The mutiny shows "the threat that Sudan's sprawling military and security apparatus poses to the democratic transition," said Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, an academic researching the country. "For democracy to take hold in Sudan, civilians will need to continue to disarm, demobilize or otherwise establish control" over all the groups, including the RSF.

The head of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti,' who once led brutal janjaweed militias in the western region of Darfur as Bashir's enforcer, has pledged support for the revolution even after his fighters were accused of a crackdown in June that killed more than 100 protesters.

Late Tuesday, the militia leader who's assumed a senior government rule and whose fighters often seem to wield more influence than the army, accused Salah Gosh, the ex-head of the now-restructured national intelligence service, of fomenting the unrest.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief who now heads the sovereign council that has quasi-presidential powers, also called the violence an attempt to abort the revolution and said 40 agents had been arrested. "The armed forces will remain cohesive to protect the transitional period," he said.

Authorities said the mutiny originated in the Operations Unit, a paramilitary branch of the re-branded General Intelligence Directorate, among agents who chose not to be integrated into the RSF or military. A revolt also occurred in al-Obeid, a regional capital, while two southern oil fields were briefly shut down, removing 25,000 barrels per day, or at least a quarter, of Sudan's output.

The head of the spy agency, Lieutenant General Abu Bakr Demblab, resigned after helping contain the incident and is being replaced, the General Intelligence Directorate said Thursday in a statement. About 5,800 of the agency's roughly 11,700 staff have chosen to retire since Dec. 28 and are collecting financial compensation, it said.

The sovereign council said Gamal Abdul Magid, the head of military intelligence, would replace Demblab.

While the revolt was "poorly organized and seemed anarchic," said Harry Verhoeven, author of 'Water, Civilisation and Power in Sudan,' "the unrest was a reflection of the deep divisions within the Sudanese security establishment and a logical outcome of the power struggles between Hemedti, Burhan's army and the civilians around Hamdok that have been evident across Sudan."

- - -

Bloomberg's Okech Francis contributed to this report.
Released By Separatists, RFE/RL Journalists Describe Imprisonment In Eastern Ukraine

Stanislav Aseyev and Oleh Halaziuk, two contributors to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, were among the civilians released by Russia-backed separatists in a prisoner exchange on December 29, 2019. Both had been held incommunicado for more than two years. In this interview with RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, Aseyev speaks at length on interrogation and the control of the Russian security service over the separatists in eastern Ukraine.

INCIDENTS AND THREATS

Iran Threatens Foreign Journalists, As Local Press Group Condemns Role Of State Media In Crash Coverup

In an unprecedented move, on January 13 the Tehran Province Journalists Association called on Irans state-controlled media to refuse to be a mouthpiece of officials and to refrain from self-censorship. The group has said that state media coverage of developments related to the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane was a "disastrous failure. In a threatening tweet on January 9 aimed at Iranian journalists abroad, Hesameddin Ashena, a media advisor to President Hassan Rouhani, warned "the Iranian agents of Persian-language media [abroad] not to participate in the psychological warfare regarding the Ukrainian airliner [crash] and to stop cooperating with those who are at war with Iran."

RFE/RL Contributor Mykola Semena Released From House Arrest In Crimea

A Russian-controlled court in Simferopol ruled on January 14 to release RFE/RL Crimean contributor and journalist Mykola Semena from house arrest after more than 2 years of enforced silence. Semena was convicted of separatism in 2017 after he published criticism of Moscow's forcible annexation of the peninsula.

Azerbaijan Urged To Lift Travel Ban On Ismayilova

Three non-governmental organizations issued a joint statement on January 15 urging Azerbaijan to lift a travel ban against investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova. Ismayilova, RFE/RLs former bureau chief in Baku, was imprisoned on politically motivated charges from 2014-2016 after publishing reports exposing corruption linked to members of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs family.

Fishing Phishers In Azerbaijan

The media foundation Qurium has reported a number of phishing attempts targeting political activists and journalists in Azerbaijan during the period January 6-11. The phishing attempts, which included download links to the file transfer service wetransfer.com, used fake email addresses of prominent human rights defenders, journalists and members of the Council of Europe.

Russian Cameraman Who Spoke Out About Censorship Savagely Beaten

Leonid Krivenkov, a former cameraman for a Russian state TV broadcaster who has spoken out about political censorship and corruption at his former employer has been severely beaten by two men in Moscow, he told RFE/RL in an interview on January 15.

Russian Court Arrests Activist For YouTube Show Mocking Putin

A court in the Russian republic of Tatarstan arrested Karim Yamadayev, a local civil rights activist, on January 11 on suspicion of promoting terrorism after he mocked President Vladimir Putin and two of his close associates in a YouTube video. If found guilty, Yamadayev faces up to seven years in prison.

Kyiv Court Remands Suspect In Sheremet Murder Case In Custody

A court in Kyiv on January 10 remanded Andriy Antonenko for one month in custody in connection with the 2016 killing of prominent journalist Pavel Sheremet. Antonenko was arrested in December along with two other suspects in the high-profile case. All three had taken part in military operations in Ukraine's east, where government forces are fighting against Russia-backed separatists. Ukraines Interior Ministry said in December that Sheremets killing was intended "to destabilize the political and social situation in Ukraine.

Kyrgyz Police Detain Four Men Suspected Of Assaulting Investigative Journalist

Police in Bishkek on January 14 detained four men suspected of assaulting Bolot Temirov, the editor in chief of the Kyrgyz investigative website FactCheck. Temirov was attacked near his website's office in Bishkek on January 9.

Uzbek Blogger Freed From Involuntary Psychiatric Care

An Uzbek blogger writing under the name Shabnam Olloshkurova, who was placed under involuntary psychiatric care nearly three months ago, was released on December 28. Olloshukurova, who reports about alleged corruption and abuse among politicians, had been documenting a march by a journalist and poet to petition authorities to drop a case against him.

RFE/RL IMPACT

IRAN: RFE/RLs Radio Farda served as a critical alternative to state-run media coverage of the tragic shoot-down of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on January 8, providing multimedia, round-the-clock reporting that boosted its page views for the week to 10 million, an increase of about 40 percent over its previous average. It published daily updates from inside Iran on the protests that erupted in numerous cities after the crash, drawing on user-generated content that Farda received via citizen journalists and social platforms.

UKRAINE: The downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752 in Iran was the past weeks biggest story for RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. Audiences came to the Service en masse for reliable information on the developing situation, with social media videos and live streams on the topic receiving more than 4 million views on Facebook alone from January 8-11.

CURRENT TIME: Current Times live video reporting and independent analysis of events in Iran for Russian-speaking audiences generated 6.5 million views across platforms after January 8.A January 12 social media video of Iranian protests that erupted after Tehran admitted its responsibility for the Ukrainian airlines crash attracted over 500,000 views on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and VKontakte.

BULGARIA: A report by the Bulgarian Service in November, 2019 about a water deficit in a reservoir behind the Studena Dam near Sofia led to an investigation by the prosecutors office and the arrest this week of the countrys environment minister on corruption-related charges.

Incidents By Numbers: 2019 In Review

In 2019, RFE/RL documented a total of 44 incidents in which RFE/RL journalists and contributors were harassed, intimidated, threatened, assaulted, detained, or arrested because of their work. Kazakhstan and Russia led with 10 and 8 incidents, respectively, targeting journalists.

From the RFE/RL PRESSROOM

INTERNYET: Current Time and RFE/RL presented InterNYET, Russian journalist Andrey Loshaks acclaimed documentary series on the rise and fall of the Russian Internet, to Washington, D.C. audiences this week. Click here to watch.

RADIO MASHAAL: RFE/RLS Pashto-language service, reporting in the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, marks 10 years this week of courageous journalism that counters extremism and promotes human rights.
Genene Jones was on the verge of walking out of jail two years ago.

Convicted of killing an infant in 1984, the former pediatric nurse had served only a third of her sentence when a new law to reduce prison crowding opened the door for her release in 2018.

Had the Bexar County district attorney not charged Jones in the deaths of five other babies, she would have been a free woman.

Faced with the new charges, Jones chose to fight them. Now shes expected to enter into a plea deal this morning in what could be the final chapter in a case that spread fear about an angel of death amid San Antonios most vulnerable children.

A court document shows Jones is scheduled to appear before Judge Frank J. Castro in 399th state District Court to change her not-guilty plea on charges that she killed the five babies under her care in 1981 and 1982.

On ExpressNews.com: In court, grieving family members confronted a former nurse accused of killing five children in San Antonio

Details of a plea agreement were not available. Jones options are to plead guilty or no contest. Or, she could change her mind before the plea is entered and proceed to trial.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said Wednesday he could not comment until there is a resolution of the case.

A text message sent to Cornelius Cox, Jones defense attorney, was not answered.

In the early 1980s, Jones, now 69, worked as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit of what later became University Hospital.

Shes accused of killing Richard Ricky Nelson on July 3, 1981; Rosemary Vega on Sept. 16, 1981; Paul Villarreal on Sept. 24, 1981; Joshua Sawyer on Dec. 12, 1981; and Patrick Zavala on Jan. 17, 1982.

All were patients at the hospital and ranged in age from 3 months to 2 years.

Court records indicate the children were injected with an overdose of a muscle relaxer or an unknown substance.

Since the administration of former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood brought Jones back to San Antonio in 2017 to face the new allegations, relatives of the children have felt the anguish of reliving their deaths, while seeking what they called the ultimate justice  that Jones die in prison.

I dont want her walking the streets and hurting other babies, Rosemary Cantu told the San Antonio Express-News last year. She needs to be behind bars.

On ExpressNews.com: Nearly 40 years later, mothers want justice

Cantu was 18 when she gave birth to her daughter, Rosemary Vega. Cantu cleaned rooms and made beds in the pediatric intensive care unit, where she met Jones.

When her daughter and namesake was 2, she underwent a series of surgeries to correct a congenital heart defect. While Rosemary was undergoing a checkup, Cantu said Jones told her she was going to give her daughter something to help her  to make her feel better, Cantu recalled.

As soon as Jones left the room, Cantu said her daughters condition changed. Rosemary Vega died Sept. 16, 1981.

Its hard, its hard, Cantu said through tears. I saw it and have been living with this for years.

Hope Pachecos heart breaks like the others when she remembers the death of her baby, Patrick Zavala, who was in the hospital for surgery on a defective heart valve.

He was doing really good, she said. Genene said Patrick is a lucky baby. She told me to go ahead and go home. About an hour and a half later, he had taken a turn for the worse. By the time I got there, my son had passed away.

He died Jan. 17, 1982, after he was injected with a substance unknown. He was 4 months old.

Cantus nightmare was shared by Petti McClellan-Wiese, who also witnessed Jones give her daughter, 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan, an injection.

It was her daughters death  Chelsea was injected with a fatal dose of a muscle relaxer at a doctors office in Kerr County  that ultimately led to Jones conviction and her imprisonment since 1984.

She was sentenced to 99 years in that case and received 60 years for a similar attempt on a San Antonio child who survived.

Set to be released in March 2018 after serving a third of her sentence because of a law designed to ease prison crowding, Jones was indicted in 2017 on the five murder charges filed in Bexar County.

McClellan-Wiese, who in 2013 began a national crusade to keep Jones behind bars because of the potential release, was brought in to help with the new cases because of her knowledge and experience, said Jason Goss, who as a prosecutor in the LaHood administration led the efforts to try to bring solid cases to the grand jury for indictment.

Petti was the catalyst for everything, he said. I called Petti and I asked her if she would participate. At first, she was reluctant, but when she realized we were going to do it, she cried and cried. She was the witness that tied everything together.

When Goss joined the DAs office in 2015 and was asked by his investigator Larry DeHaven to look into assertions that Jones could have killed 60 or more children while in her care, he set his sights on looking for evidence.

I was horrified, but told him I would look into it when I had time.

Goss said that around 2016, he began his investigation, going through medical records, combing a list of some 45 babies, sorting and sifting through countless boxes in four different locations, almost always after he left work at 5 p.m., and concluding at midnight.

Nicos orders to me were to not indict anything that we would not be able to try because of the moms, said Goss, because it would kill them if they were to fall short.

He didnt want to put the families in the situation where there was an indictment and we could not go forward, Goss said.

In May 2017, Jones was indicted in the death of Joshua Sawyer. The child had been hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a house fire. He died Dec. 12, 1981, from an overdose of Dilantin, a seizure medication. He was 11 months old.

Goss said they were able to bring an indictment because his mother, Connie Weeks, kept every single one of her sons medical records, which gave them a link to Jones.

McClellan-Wiese did not live to see this latest chapter  she died in July at 64.

Neither did Juanita Villarreal, who died just before Christmas. Her son Paul was 3 months old when he died Sept. 24, 1981, after being injected with Heparin, an anticoagulant.

Villarreals youngest daughter, Melissa Luna, 28, promised to continue representing her late mother and McClellan-Wiese, with whom she grew close, and Richard Ricky Nelson, who was 8 months old when he died July 3, 1981. He has no living relatives.

Had the alleged crimes taken place today, Jones could have been charged with capital murder-child under 10, a charge that did not exist in the 1980s. That capital offense is punishable by death or life in prison.

If Jones is tried, she would face a maximum of life in prison on each charge.

She currently is being held in Bexar County Jail in lieu of posting $1 million bail in each case.

Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
As Ugandas government is looking to resolve a tax dispute with oil majors over oilfields, it sees the development costs for the two fields to reach at least US$5 billion, Ugandas Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Robert Kasande told Bloomberg in an interview.

Until recently considered one of the hot spots for new oil developments in Africa, Uganda has pushed first oil to no sooner than 2022, later than a previous target for 2021, because of lack of infrastructure and disagreements over taxes and plans with operators.

Ugandas government is still negotiating with Tullow Oil, Total and Chinas CNOOCshareholders in the Kingfisher and Tilega oilfields in the Lake Albert regionover Tullows intention to cut its stake in the project.

There is no breakthrough in talks yet, the energy ministry secretary Kasande told Bloomberg.

Uganda estimates that the fields would need US$5 billion for the drilling of over 500 wells and the construction of two central processing facilities and a water plant, he said.

In Uganda, Joint Venture conversations with the Government are ongoing. Tullow remains committed to reducing its equity stake in the project ahead of FID, the company said in its trading update on Wednesday.

In September 2019, reports had it that all activities on the oil pipeline planned to export crude from Uganda had been suspended, following the collapse of a stake acquisition deal in the key Ugandan oil project.



Related: Whats Next For Oil? No One Seems To Agree

The East-African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is planned to be a 1,443-kilometer-long (897 miles) pipeline worth US$3.5 billion and expected to transport oil from Uganda to the Tanga port in Tanzania.

But Tullow Oil said at the end of August that its agreement to sell part of its stake in the Lake Albert project to Total and CNOOC had been terminated because the Ugandan Revenue Authority and the Joint Venture Partners could not agree on the availability of tax relief for the consideration to be paid by Total and CNOOC as buyers.

Tullow warned then that this setback would likely delay the final investment decision on the Uganda pipeline project, initially expected for 2019.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The four men sentenced to death for the brutal gang rape of a 23-year-old in 2012 cannot be executed on January 22, a Delhi judge ruled on Thursday on a request by one of the convicts to put his execution on hold.

The judge put off the case after hearing the state and the convicts lawyer for nearly an hour, ruling that the law was clear that there should be a 14-day gap between the rejection of a death-row convicts mercy petition and his execution.

Mukesh Singh, one of the four who was convicted for the gang rape and murder of the paramedic student on a cold December night, had petitioned the court to stay the death warrant signed by a court that ordered Tihar jail authorities to hang him at 7 am on January 22.

Also Watch l Delhi govt asks Centre to reject 2012 gangrape convicts mercy plea

Lawyer Vrinda Grover, who represented Mukesh Singh, told the judge that Tihar officials had flouted the law that requires prison officials to report the receipt of a mercy petition to the court that issues the death warrant.

Grover complained that the Tihar jail officials hadnt given her access to some specific documents that she needed to file a mercy petition too. She said the jail authorities neither responded to her request nor agreed to sign her application on the absence of documents.

I am being left to wolves who do not know or respect the law of the land, she said.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday took a dig at the absence of Calcutta University Vice-Chancellor Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee at the convocation of St Xavier's College here.

The governor was the chief guest at the convocation of the St Xavier's college.

Turning to the vacant chair of the CU VC at the convocation podium, Dhankhar said during his address that he has been informed that VC (Chakraborty Banerjee) has fallen ill.

The governor wished Chakraborty Banerjee "a very speedy recovery", and said, "I take the blame (of CU VC's absence) partly for myself."



"Several places that I have gone to, some people take ill, I don't dispute as people may fall ill in the right sense ...," he said.

The governor said he had hoped to see the CU VC present on the occasion, "particularly since Prof Asis Kumar Bandopadhyay, a former CU VC has been honoured at this function (being conferred the Nihil Ultra honour)".

Dhankhar, however, hastened to add, the CU VC is a very gracious lady, with a great positive approach and hoped "whatever little interaction I had with her, I am sure she would be feeling her absence more than we are feeling today and that goes to her credit."



Earlier during his visit to CU in December last year Dhankhar found the rooms of VC, pro-VC, Registrar locked and visited the library on his own.

CU sources had then claimed the VC had prior commitments.

West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee has said on Sunday if necessary, the upcoming Calcutta University convocation will be held without Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as he has "consistently" made statements targeting the state government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful - and expensive - eyes in the sky.

At the time the attack was launched at 1.35am on January 8, the US Army was flying seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Iraq to monitor bases where US-led coalition forces are deployed.

They included MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles.

'We thought it may lead to a ground assault, so we kept the aircraft up,' said one of the pilots, 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Costin Herwig.

A member the US forces walking past a drone in the Ain al-Asad airbase in the western Iraqi province of Anbar a week after the Iranian ballistic missile attack

At the time of the attack, the US was flying MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles

Blast walls of a sleeping quarters for U.S. soldiers are seen at Ain al-Asad air base

Herwig was flying a Gray Eagle when the first Iranian missile struck the base, retaliation for the January 3 killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.

Most of the other 1,500 US soldiers had been tucked away in bunkers for two hours, after advance warning from superiors.

But 14 pilots had stayed in dark containers-turned-cockpits to remotely fly the 'birds' and monitor essential feeds from their high-powered cameras.

The first missile blasted dust into their shelter but the pilots stayed put, Herwig told AFP during a press tour of the base organized by the coalition.

The next rounds came closer and closer, and the light-haired soldier recalled that he had 'accepted fate'.

'We thought we were basically done,' he said.

But the real crisis was yet to come.

U.S. soldiers inspect the site where an Iranian missile hit at Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar

There were no human casualties in the attack but several buildings were damaged

A bulldozer clears rubble and debris at Ain al-Asad air base, which was struck by a barrage of Iranian missiles last Wednesday, in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike

The volleys of missiles, which soldiers said lasted about three hours, slammed into sleeping quarters directly adjacent to the pilots' operations rooms.

'No more than a minute after the last round hit, I was heading over to the bunkers on the far back side and saw the fire was burning all through our fiber lines,' said First Sergeant Wesley Kilpatrick.

Those lines link the virtual cockpits to antennas then satellites that send signals to the Gray Eagles and pull the cameras' feeds back onto the screens at Ain al-Asad.

'With the fiber lines burnt, there was no control,' said Kilpatrick.

'It's a pretty big deal, because it's so expensive and there's a lot of stuff on them that we don't want other people to have or the enemy to get,' said Herwig.

A single Gray Eagle costs around $7 million, according to 2019 army budget estimates.

They have been used in Iraq since at least 2017 by the coalition to help fight the Islamic State jihadist group.

Damage is seen at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops

Debris and rubble are seen at the site where an Iranian missile hit at Ain al-Asad air base

The coalition is required to get a green light from the Iraqi government to fly drones and planes, but those permissions had expired several days before the Iran attacks.

The US army had kept the drones in the air anyway, a senior American defense official told reporters, after months of rocket attacks on Iraqi bases where their forces are based.

As the bombs crashed closer on January 8 and with the drones unaccounted for, the pilots finally clambered into bunkers.

But as soon as the blasts stopped, they rushed back out, now facing a race against time to get their signals up and running so they could find - and land - the Gray Eagles.

As dawn started to break, soldiers scrambled to replace 500 yards of melted fiber cables and reprogrammed satellites so they could reconnect to the UAVs.

'The airfield was shut down so we had to land without talking to anybody. We didn't know where any (other) aircraft was. That part was pretty stressful,' said Herwig.

The priority was one Grey Eagle that had been scheduled to land just as the missile attack began, and which stayed flying throughout until it was worryingly low on fuel.

The pilots worked for hours to land each drone one by one, their adrenaline pumping even as other soldiers were recovering, showering and assessing the damage.

At around 9am, the final drone was brought down to earth.

'We landed all our own birds back on site,' said Kilpatrick, smiling in relief and pride.

'It was quite a feat.'
TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Nulogy, a leading provider of agile supply chain solutions, today announced a partnership with North American food manufacturer and packager Skjodt-Barrett Foods to bolster agility and collaboration within Skjodt-Barrett's contract manufacturing and custom ingredients operations. Nulogy's cloud-based Agile Customization Platform enables contract suppliers and consumer brands to collaborate more closely within their networkspaving the way for increased supply chain accuracy, visibility, and security.

Through Nulogy's Production Scheduling capability, Skjodt-Barrett Foods will digitize the scheduling and planning processes at its contract manufacturing facilities in Brampton, Ontario and Lebanon, Indiana. Automating the entry and flow of scheduling data will drastically reduce business risk and time spent on manual processes, as well as improve network visibilityenabling Skjodt-Barrett's internal teams to collaborate more effectively on product innovation.

"Partnering alongside an industry leader such as Skjodt-Barrett Foods is a prime opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of digitization in contract manufacturing operations," says Jason Tham, CEO, Nulogy. "By leveraging the power of automation and smart manufacturing with Nulogy, Skjodt-Barrett Foods is upholding its reputation as a leader in the co-manufacturing food industry, and we are excited to continue working with them to unlock innovation in their operations."

"At Skjodt-Barrett Foods, we believe in continuously innovating our processes to deliver high quality service and products," says Brian Reesor, Vice President Supply Chain, Skjodt-Barrett Foods. "By choosing Nulogy as an Industry 4.0 partner to deliver automation to our production scheduling, we can ensure that we maintain our high standards of customer service through operational efficiency and food quality and safety."

To learn more about how Nulogy can unlock innovation for contract manufacturers and packagers, visit nulogy.com .

About Nulogy

Nulogy's cloud-based Agile Customization Platform allows consumer brands to respond with ease and speed to a volatile retail and consumer environment while reducing waste and costs. Designed to optimize contract packaging and manufacturing operations and enhance supply chain collaboration, Nulogy's software solution allows consumer brands and their external suppliers to unleash innovation in the consumer products value chain and accelerate brand growth.

Learn more about Nulogy at nulogy.com .

About Skjodt-Barrett Foods

Skjodt-Barrett Foods Inc. is a leading manufacturer of organic, non-organic, natural and specialty food products, with two operating divisions serving the spectrum of the North American food industry. Recognized and trusted as leaders of innovation and quality since 1985, our mission is to enhance the value of our customer partners by creating and manufacturing products of the highest quality in a safe and responsible manner.

Learn more about Skjodt-Barrett Foods at sbfoods.com .

Media Contact: Daisy Jiang, Director, Marketing, Nulogy Corporation, daisyj@nulogy.com

Related Links

www.nulogy.com



SOURCE Nulogy Corporation
China played down Russia's backing for India and Brazil's entry into the UN Security Council (UNSC) as permanent members, saying all parties have 'major differences' in the matter and instead advocated for a 'package solution'

Beijing: China on Thursday played down Russia's backing for India and Brazil's entry into the UN Security Council as permanent members, saying all parties have "major differences" in the matter and instead advocated for a "package solution".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, backed India and Brazil to be permanent members of the UNSC.

"We are convinced that the overriding trend of the global development is the objective process of the formation of new centres of economic might, financial power and political influence and India is obviously one of them," Lavrov said.

Reacting to Lavrov's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said member countries of the UN have differences over reforms in the world body.

China, which has veto power in the UNSC being one of its five permanent members, has been stonewalling India's efforts to become a permanent member of the powerful UN body for years, pointing out lack of consensus even though the other four  the US, UK, France and Russia  have backed New Delhi's membership.

Beijing's all-weather ally, Pakistan, is also opposed to India becoming a permanent member.

India, Germany, Brazil and Japan have formed the G4 bloc to press for their permanent membership demand as part of the reforms in the United Nations.

China, however, has backed India for non-permanent membership of the UNSC for the year 2021-22.

In his reply on Thursday, Geng said reform of the UNSC is very important as it concerns the long-term development of the UN and interests of all members.

"Now all parties have major differences on this and we do not have broad consensus on the reform. So, China would like to work with other members to find a package solution that accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties through dialogue and consultation," he said.

He said the UNSC is the core of international collective security mechanism and any reform to better implement its duty enshrined in the UN charter and the reform should enhance the representation and say of developing countries so that more medium-sized and small-sized countries can participate in the decision-making process of the security council, he said.
India's import of palm oils declined by 8.64 percent to 7,41,490 tonnes in December 2019, Industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said on Thursday

New Delhi: India's import of palm oils declined by 8.64 percent to 7,41,490 tonnes in December 2019, Industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said on Thursday.

India, the world's leading vegetable oil buyer, had imported 8,11,700 tonne palm oils in December 2018.

The country's total vegetable oil imports declined to 11.28 lakh tonne in December 2019, compared to 12.11 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

The share of palm oil is more than 60 percent of the country's total vegetable oil imports.

According to SEA, import of palm oils have declined, while that of soft oils have risen due to a reduction in the duty difference between the two oils.

Among palm oil products, import of crude palm oil (CPO) declined to 6,31,824 tonne in December 2019, from 6,70,244 tonne in the year-ago period, as per the SEA data.

The shipment of RBD palmolein dropped to 94,816 tonne, from 1,30,459 tonne, while that of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) rose to 14,850 tonne from 10,997 tonne in the said period.

Among soft oils, import of sunflower oil declined to 1,97,842 tonne in December 2019 from 2,35,824 tonne in the year-ago period.

However, the shipment of soyabean oil rose sharply to 1,68,048 tonne from 85,404 tonne in the said period.

SEA said the government on 8 January, this year banned the import of RBD palmolein to regulate the excessive import of refined palm oils.

The import will now be subjected to license, to be issued by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The SEA has made a representation to the government to cap import of refined palm oils at 50,000 tonne a month and restrict the issue of licence for import of palm oil and refined palm oil.

Going forward, India is likely to buy more palm oil from Indonesia as the government has issued an informal advisory to refiners not to buy the commodity from Malaysia following its remarks on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue, according to government and industry sources.

Against India's monthly requirement of about 19 lakh tonnes, SEA said currently the country has a stock of 13.75 lakh tonnes of edible oils which can meet the requirement for 22 days.

India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, and a small quantity of crude soft oil, including soyabean oil from Argentina. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia.
Copperas Cove, TX (76522)

Today

Rain likely. High 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 34F. Winds light and variable.
In a day of wild weather, Sydney experienced its wettest day in four months, while air quality in some parts of the state hit "hazardous" levels.

In Sydney's east, including Randwick, Rozelle and Macquarie Park, the air quality was "hazardous" levels, while in Sydney's north-west and south-west, air quality was "poor".

Sydney experienced its wettest day in four months on Friday. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Commuters faced delays on Friday morning with flooding disrupting road and light rail services around the city.

Since 9am on Friday, 28 millimetres had fallen across the city and 30 millimetres at Bondi, still well short of last September's wettest day, during which 65.5 millimetres fell.
Kolkata, Jan 16 : Questioning whether West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is of "sound mind", BJP state unit president Dilip Ghosh on Thursday said her statement after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi here last week showed she had reached the "height of frustration".

"When she is called to Delhi, she doesn't go. She says she met the Prime Minister here (on Saturday) to demand funds for Bengal and asked him to scrap the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

"Well, if anybody comes to our house, we offer him tea. Do we ask for money, or ask him to change a law? Now, can anybody say she is of sound mind? She has reached the height of frustration," Ghosh said while addressing party functionaries after his unanimous re-election to the party post.

Ghosh had earlier faced flak for his statement that anti-CAA protesters were "shot like dogs" in certain BJP-ruled states.

Banerjee, who held a 15-minute meeting with Modi here during his two-day trip to the state amidst swirling protests against the CAA, later claimed that she had urged him to reconsider and withdraw the contentious legislation along with any proposed nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC). She said she also had sought Rs 38,000 crore in dues for the state from the Centre.

Lashing out against Banerjee, Ghosh referred to the Trinamool Congress chief hosting a grand rally of anti-BJP political leaders at the Brigade Parade Ground here on January 19, 2019.

"Where are those stalwarts who had attended that meeting? (Then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu was dreaming of becoming the leader of whole of India. Where is he now? Where are (BSP's) Mayawati, and Akhilesh Yadav (of Samajwadi Party)? "And the person who hosted them now cannot decide whether she should go to Delhi or stay put in Kolkata. Or, whether she should meet CPI-M leaders or those from the Congress. Those who go against the public interest in politics face such situations," the BJP leader said.

Banerjee had opted out of Monday's meeting of anti-BJP parties in Delhi, in protest against what she called the "violence unleashed by the Congress and the Left parties in the state during last Wednesday's general strike".

Ghosh took a swipe at the Left parties led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist, pointing out that there was a time in the past when the Left had over 60 MPs.

"They even had 34 Lok Sabha members from Bengal. But now, they don't even have a single member from our state. In Parliament, when Left leaders stand up to speak, only then do we realise that a handful of them are still there.

"They are on the verge of extinction. They have now fielded some youngsters and are trying to remain afloat by using the media. Now, their leader is Kanhaiya Kumar. A greenhorn like (JNU Students Union leader) Aishee Ghosh is now an all-India leader of the CPI-M!" said the BJP leader.

"I hear she is coming to address a seminar in Kolkata. And state Congress chief Somen Mitra says he will go to listen to her speech. This is the state of the CPI-M and the Congress. And then they hope to bring about political change in Bengal," said Ghosh.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Government Accountability Office says the Trump administration violated federal law by withholding aid to Ukraine last summer, an act at the root of the House impeachment of President Donald Trump.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law. (The Office of Management and Budget) withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act," the watchdog agency said in its report released Thursday morning.

The report comes hours before the Senate is scheduled to receive articles of impeachment from the House.

"This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine," said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. "The publicly available evidence also shows that the president himself ordered this illegal act."

The agency writes in its report that while Congress makes laws, including laws deciding how public money is spent, "the President is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law."

ADVERTISEMENT

The agency goes on to say that the Office if Management and Budget has not provided sufficient legal justification for holding up the aid, something the president is allowed to do in certain limited situations.

The Office of Management and Budget has called the withholding a "programmatic delay," not a violation of the Impoundment Control Act. The Government Accountability Office said that explanation is insufficient and the Budget Office and the Department of Defense have failed to provide the agency with a satisfactory reason the hold does not violate federal law.

---

(c)2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
LONDON - Canada and its allies sent a stern message to Iran on Thursday: get ready to pay the families of those who died on board the Ukrainian airliner it shot down, and don't try to block any meaningful criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Foreign Affairs Minister Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a new conference to provide an update on the plane crash in Iran, in Ottawa Friday, January 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

LONDON - Canada and its allies sent a stern message to Iran on Thursday: get ready to pay the families of those who died on board the Ukrainian airliner it shot down, and don't try to block any meaningful criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Those demands were among the five elements in the agreement that emerged from the meeting Canada hosted in London Thursday with representatives from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan and Ukraine  countries that lost citizens in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

"We are judging Iran every day, demand by demand," Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said after the meeting.

The newly formed group of Iran watchers will have to remain vigilant for months, if not years, Champagne said.

That was underscored by the presence of Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. He joined talks to provide a briefing on the Netherlands' experience leading its five-year probe of the deadly shootdown of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, which investigators have blamed on Russia. That crash killed 298 people and the majority of them were from the Netherlands.

The countries expect Iran to deal with them on providing compensation to the families of victims, and ensuring a transparent investigation into the downing of the aircraft.

"The international community is watching. I think that we took as a first positive step the fact that Iran admitted full responsibility," Champagne said, flanked by his fellow foreign ministers and their flags.

"From that admission, obviously, flows consequences and we expect and demand full co-operation from the Iranian authorities in every step of consular services, identification of remains, investigation and prosecution of those responsible."

The RCMP, for example, is creating DNA profiles in Canada of victims to help Iran identify remains but has not received a formal invitation to help out.

The group also called on Iran to respect families' wishes on repatriating the remains of the 176 people killed when the plane came down, full access for consular officials and investigators, and an independent and credible criminal investigation into last week's crash.

Everyone on board was killed when one, though perhaps two, Iranian surface-to-air missiles hit the Ukrainian airliner. Iran lost 82 nationals in the crash, while 57 Canadians were killed. The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 89 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Iran has said only a handful of victims had ties to Canada, based on its view of their citizenship. That has raised concerns the bodies won't be allowed out of the country for those families wishing for a burial in Canada.

After denying for days that it shot down the passenger plane, Iran's leaders apologized and admitted what they said was a mistake.

Champagne said further investigation was warranted to "clarify who would have committed that, how it was committed, because we know the cause but obviously there's a lot of questions."

Behind closed doors, the ministers also discussed the tools they might need to use to force Iran to co-operate with them if that becomes necessary. Those include legal actions in European courts and possible resolutions against Iran at the United Nations Security Council, said a senior Canadian government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The Thursday gathering at Canada House in London's Trafalgar Square opened with a solemn, wordless ceremony.

Champagne led the four ministers down a grand staircase, past flags from their countries to a podium where each lit one candle in quiet succession. The ministers then stood shoulder to shoulder behind the flickering flames to lead a moment of silence.

Since the crash, Canada has had to rely on allies because it severed formal diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012.

"Coming at these issues with this group makes sense," said Dennis Horak, the retired diplomat who was Canada's last envoy in Tehran when its embassy was shuttered.

"There is strength in numbers, especially for Canada, which doesn't have diplomatic ties and had acrimonious relations with Iran even when we did."

But Horak said the group likely faces stalling tactics from Iran on compensation, and only a cursory commitment to bringing those at fault to justice after its announcement this week of arrests of an unknown number of people on unspecified charges.

"Iran will say they have acknowledged their mistake and will hold those responsible to account through their courts in order to deflect criticism and basically say to the world 'we got this' without being transparent," he said.

Champagne said Canada wants its two experts with the Transportation Safety Board who are now in Tehran to be part of the investigation when the plane's flight recorders, or black boxes, are examined. They could contain crucial flight data and cockpit recordings, and have been a bone of contention since the crash.

Shortly after the crash, a senior Iranian aviation official said the country would not turn over the black boxes from the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737-800 to the American company.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
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Amazon third-party sellers will not be able to ship Prime customers orders using FedEx Ground and FedEx Home, as of Wednesday.

We have seen a drop in the delivery performance of FedEx Ground and FedEx Home ship methods for Seller Fulfilled Prime shipments, Amazon told sellers in a note provided to the E-Commerce Times by corporate communications manager Patrick Graham.

The restriction is temporary, Amazon said, although no exact date has been set for resuming FedEx Ground and FedEx Home shipments for Prime orders.

Our understanding is FedEx Ground will again be an option for Prime shipments post-peak, FedEx spokesperson Isabel Rollison said.

The restriction will only have a nominal impact on FedExs peak volumes, she told the E-Commerce Times, but it limits the ability of small businesses to manage their business on some of the highest-demand shipping days in history.

Sellers will have to select an alternative shipping method for Prime orders, or turn off their Prime badge if they cannot do so.

They can continue to ship Prime orders through FedEx Express, which is more expensive.

However, less than 2 percent of the population will have to pay more, observed Ray Wang, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

FedEx Ground and FedEx Home will continue to be available for standard shipments.

We want to ensure customers receive their packages on time, and are managing cutoffs for delivery by Christmas, Amazon said. Managing cutoffs happens regularly during holiday seasons.

The restrictions will cause a great deal of pain and expense for third-party sellers on Amazon in the short term, said Constellation Research Principal Analyst Nicole France. I think well see every available shipping alternative used in order to manage the holiday rush.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Possible Signs of Change

Sellers who can leave Amazon will, France told the E-Commerce Times. For those who cant, [this move] softens the field for moving to Amazons own shipping network.

Amazon may be clearing the decks for an expansion of its own delivery service.

The company plans to do more shipping itself, suggested Constellations Wang.

They used a service level and quality dispute as an excuse to send a message to FedEx. They believe they can deliver their packages faster and cheaper than FedEx, he told the E-Commerce Times.

It seems clear that the major motivation is to open the door for Amazons own shipping capabilities over the medium to long term, said Constellations France.

Amazon began expanding its delivery network in May to offer one-day delivery, a battleground where WalMart and Target offer stiff competition.

The company is going to try to upend everything with their own network and their own delivery, predicted Liz Miller, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

They want to add services like taking a photo of where a package was left, for instance, to prove to the end recipient where and when a package was delivered, and to cover liability with the seller, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Amazons Delivery Network Issues

Amazons delivery network has been beset by problems, however.

For one thing, safety and security procedures are lax, according to an NBC News report.

Drivers who have not passed background checks sometimes use company badges with someone elses name and photo on them, while some drivers dont even bother with badges, NBC said. Contractors have been involved in road accidents, resulting in serious injury or death, in some cases blamed on reckless driving to meet delivery deadlines.

The rate of serious injuries is more than double the national average for the industry.

These are growing pains, Constellations Wang suggested.

Amazon is preparing to deliver on its own network and will do it more cheaply than competitors, he said. Amazon has broken the duopoly in shipping with FedEx and UPS. Expect them to cut into both carriers business.

FedEx Sitting Pretty

Amazons shipping restriction might benefit FedEx, which already is viewed as the overnight shipping leader, Constellations Miller pointed out.

They want to cut their operational losses in these volume areas where a premium cant be added to keep margins sitting pretty, she said.

FedEx will compensate for the revenue lost with picking up services, as WalMart continues to try to take pieces of Amazons lunch, Miller predicted.

FedEx earlier this year expanded its pick-up and drop-off points partnership with Dollar General to add 1,500 Dollar General Stores. That will grow to a total of 8,000 by the end of next year.

Theres speculation FedEx might use the breakup with Amazon to offer its services to other companies, such as Target and Walmart.

FedEx earlier this year announced that it wouldnt renew an air shipping deal with Amazon, and this summer declined to renew a ground delivery contract with Amazon.

I suspect FedEx anticipated the potential for Amazon to make the move it did, Miller said. A wide range of technology capabilities present new opportunities for FedEx to streamline and reshape its operations.

The Real Winner

UPS, which already has a partnership with Amazon, might benefit from the restriction on Prime shipping for this season.

UPS is happy to have Amazons volume, Wang said.

However, the United States Postal Service might be the greatest beneficiary.

Package business is up, France said. They have agreements directly with retailers and agreements with the big two  UPS and FedEx  to serve as last mile carriers for local service.

The Postal Service is moving into omnichannel engagements like the Informed Delivery service, she observed. They are trying to become part of the engagement value chain and not just be the shipper.
ALBANY  New Yorkers can expect a new round of incentives, rebates and other deals intended to boost energy efficiency through the increased use of heat pumps, high-efficiency appliances, LED light bulbs and more in the coming years.

They should take of advantage of these power-saving deals  in part because they will eventually be paying for the incentives' costs as they're eventually passed along through their monthly utility bills.

Its part of a $2 billion, five-year energy efficiency incentive plan the state Public Service Commission approved on Thursday.

As well as saving energy, the program aims to electrify or move more homes and buildings from natural gas to electricity for heating. That would allow for greater use of renewable power sources such as wind and solar.

It's all in keeping with New York's ambitious effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as called for in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed by the Legislature and signed into law last summer. The measure calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2050.

These investments will have economic multipliers, Public Service Commission member John Howard said before voting for the proposal. He did caution about a lack of specificity regarding the incentives, and stressed the need for utility customers to be aware of programs when they are introduced.

There are concerns about layering costs on bills, added commission member Diane Burman, who cast the sole vote against the plan. With a number of similar plans already in existence, Burman said she worried about creating a crazy quilt of initiatives that are hard to follow. We have lost track of some working groups, she said.

Overall, though, news of the incentives was welcomed by environmentalists and those who build and sell energy-efficient devices.

Energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, most local job-creating tool in our climate toolbox, stated a letter from some two dozen environmental and trade groups that support the plan.

Its huge, said Anne Reynolds of the Alliance for Clean Energy, one of the letter's signatories. Its basically telling utilities, 'This is how much you can spend on energy efficiency.'"

Makers and installers of heat pumps  either air exchangers or underground water circulators  are seen as some of the major beneficiaries of the electrification push.

Heat pumps such as geothermal devices pump water through pipes from underround, which is relatively warmer in the winter and cooler in summer.

The pumps are powered by electricity, rather than natural gas or oil, to heat homes. One of their drawbacks, though, is the installation cost.

Heat pump exchange programs overall will get a total of $454 million in incentives, which counts existing programs as well, through 2025.

New York will not meet its climate goals without drastically cutting the substantial percentage of emissions from fossil fuel heating, said Bill Nowak, executive director of NY-GEO, a trade group for the geothermal heat pump industry. "Todays order is an important step in that direction."

The latest plan brings to more than $6.8 billion the amount New York will spend on energy efficiency and "clean heat" programs from through 2025.

Also involved is the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which will get funding to help develop statewide markets for energy-efficiency projects.

Psc Efficiency Order by rkarlin on Scribd

There are challenges, however.

National Grid claims it could need more incentives to fully bring on heat pump technology in large commercial buildings. The energy company also referenced the possibility of potentially significant bill impacts, based on the experience of other states such as Maine that have similar programs.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

National Grid spokesman Patrick Stella said rates from this program arent expected to rise until next year when the money will start being collected. How it shows up on utility bills is undetermined, he said.

Next year, when funds begin to be collected, we will work with the PSC on how this new funding will appear on bills, either in an existing line item, or a new line item, Stella said in an email.

There are provisions, though, to aid low- to moderate-income customers, with 20 percent of the new funding dedicated to programs in that sector.

The Commission on Thursday also approved an indexing plan for solar and wind power developers. That would allow them to tie the incentives they get to electric prices over time rather than setting a fixed rate at the start of their projects. That gives developers more flexibility in setting up their financing. Burman cast a "no" vote on that proposal.

And they approved a three-year, $1.2 billion rate hike for gas and electric customers of ConEd, which serves consumers in downstate locations including Westchester and New York City.

Environmentalists as well as members of AARP attended the PSC meeting, and expressed their displeasure at the rate hike with signs and occasional interruptions.

At one point, State Police arrived to usher out protesters who complained that the ConEd rate hike, because it included the cost of gas line maintenance, was perpetuating dependence on that fossil fuel.

PSC members noted that they need to maintain existing lines for safety.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
The parents of Nora Quoirin will be two of the guests on Friday's Late Late Show.

Meabh and Sebastian will join Ryan to thank the Irish public for their continued support following the Nora's death.

The teenager was found dead after 10 days missing in the Malaysian jungle while on a family holiday.

Nora's parents vowed last week

Read More:

It had been ruled that an inquest would not be held.

Nora Quoirin

Following the news that Malaysian authorities have decided to close the case into the death of the 15-year-old, Meabh and Sebastian will explain why they are now looking for the assistance of the Irish public.

Former Ireland midfielder David Meyler will also be on the show.

The ex-Hull City star will be discussing how he has swapped his football boots for virtual ones.

Meyler is making waves as one of the best FIFA videogame players in the world and will be joining Ryan for a chat.

Billionaire businessman Alan Sugar will also be on the couch with Ryan.

He will be talking about the "calibre of aspiring Irish entrepreneurs he's on the lookout for ahead of the next series of The Apprentice."

A former member of The Beatle will also be in the RTE studio.

Pete Best, the band's former drummer, will be in studio to discuss his early days as part of the group that went on to be the biggest band in the world.

He will also discuss his subsequent career as a musician, having made way for Ringo Starr in 1962.

The show will also speak with people who have benefited from organ donation.

Limerick's Hermitage Green will also be among the musical performances tomorrow evening.

The Late Late Show airs Friday on RTE One at 9.35pm.
To support its growth in Asia, Cybint has secured funding from CES Education Pte. Ltd. (CES Education), which was provided through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CES EduTech Pte. Ltd, an education investment company with a particular focus on the education technology sector in Asia, and whose representatives have joined the board of Cybint Group. CES Education is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chip Eng Seng Corporation Ltd (CES Corporation), which is listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST).

"Cybint's Asia expansion comes amidst an environment in which the region suffers from a critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and expertise," said Roy Zur, Cybint Founder & CEO. "The establishment of our Asia office will help meet the region's need for increased cybersecurity proficiency and skills, and we're excited to offer a strong team of experts and relevant, real-life-oriented training to support both professionals and organizations. We look forward to further expansion both in that region and our other locations in 2020."

According to Mr. Tan Tee How, executive director of CES Corporation, "CESE believes that the need for cybersecurity literacy and specialised cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow with the ongoing digitisation of the global economy, and investing in the education and training solutions and services in cybersecurity developed by Cybint will allow the company to enter the growing area of cybersecurity within the education business segment."

About Cybint

Cybint is an international cybersecurity education company that focuses on the human factor at all levels of expertise. Cybint solves two of the biggest cybersecurity challenges  the workforce shortage and skills gap  by partnering with education institutions to launch cyber training centers and boot-camps worldwide; and by providing cyber training and simulation platforms for corporations and government agencies to protect against emerging cyber threats.

Cybint was born as a collaboration of military cyber experts, industry professionals and educators, who joined forces under the vision of creating a safer digital world through education, training, and collaboration.

About CES Education

CES Corporation is one of Singapore's leading construction and property groups listed on the Mainboard of the SGX-ST. The CES group's core businesses are primarily in the area of construction, property, hospitality and education. CES Education, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CES Corporation, is a strategic education investment company. CES Education and its subsidiaries (the CESE Group) invest in the education sector internationally, with a particular focus on investments in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. The CESE Group primarily invests in two types of education businesses. Firstly, the CESE Group invests in educational institutions that include preschool centres and K-12 schools. Secondly, the CESE Group invests in education technology.

SOURCE Cybint Solutions

Related Links

https://www.cybintsolutions.com


Pastor Dannie Williams believes that in order to understand what God is doing, what he is saying and the directions in which he is going, people need to read a book that will reveal to them the truth about the coming of Jesus. This compelled him to pen Transforming the Mind for Kingdom Dominion (published by AuthorHouse), an end-time revelation for Gods end-time people.

First published in 2012, the book is set for a new press campaign this year in order to reach a wider audience and ask them, Are you rapture-ready?

Transforming the Mind for Kingdom Dominion deals with a revelation about the rapture of the church, why God is reinstituting the apostolic order and his kingdom agenda, and how all of this is interrelated. The theme is understanding and embracing the Word and following the directions of the Holy Spirit. Thus, guiding everyone to be rapture ready by seeking the kingdom of God and developing a Christ-like mind.

All of the terrible things that are happening in the world today are prophesized events that should take place before the return of Jesus, Williams explains. My book is not about making money exactly but because I love people and they need to know the truth. If the reader is not born again, they need to do so and if they already are then they need to draw closer to God so that they will be rapture ready.

At its core, Transforming the Mind for Kingdom Dominion seeks to inform people that the end of the world is at hand and that Jesus is coming much sooner than they might imagine. It sounds a clarion call for repentance and turning to God because it may determine their eternal destiny.

Visit https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Kingdom-Dominion-Dannie-Williams/dp/1477255001 to purchase a copy.

Transforming the Mind for Kingdom Dominion

By Pastor Dannie Williams

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 68 pages | ISBN 9781477255001

E-Book | 68 pages | ISBN 9781477255018

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Pastor Dannie Williams was born again in September 1977. After the military, he moved back to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, and found employment about 30 miles away at a shipbuilding company in Pascagoula, Mississippi. A fellow employee led him to Christ and he was spirit-filled on Feb. 15, 1978. Being filled with the Holy Spirit revolutionized his life and was the crowning point of his spiritual walk with God. Williams has been running this race for 35 years and has never looked back. He lived in Los Angeles, California, for almost 20 years. One particular week in 1990, he was attending Marilyn Hickeys End-Time Revelation Encounter. He believes this conference was a divine setup for it led him on a quest for spiritual knowledge. For many years, Williams studied the book of Revelation and other resource material concerning end-time events. He believes the Holy Spirit has given him one of the most profound revelations for this hour, before Jesus returns.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888-519-5121.
Police flooded a Springfield neighborhood after a resident called 911 to report seeing an 11-year-old girl being dragged into a car screaming. But, in the end, it was two citizens who provided key information that helped officers bring the child home safely.

About six hours after the girl was abducted coming home from school on Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police troopers pulled over a blue Honda heading eastbound on Interstate-90 and found the 11-year-old inside, said David Procopio, state police spokesman.

Police arrested Miguel Rodriguez, 24, of Springfield, in the area of Charlton and Auburn. Officials did not immediately release the charges he faces, but he is expected to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Thursday.

Troopers flooded the area after a motorist called 911 to report seeing a car matching the description put out by the Amber Alert. The car was located by troopers in a work zone and pulled over, Procopio said when announcing at about 7:30 p.m. that the girl had been found.

She was evaluated by emergency medical services at the scene as a precaution and was then taken to the hospital and reunited with her parents, officials said.

Her condition looks fair to good. Not sure how much she went through at this point, Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said in a press conference Wednesday night. I can say there were no visible injuries on her.

The child had gotten off the school bus at about 1:30 p.m. and was walking home when a stranger grabbed her near the intersection of Amherst and Princeton streets and forced her into his car, Procopio said.

She was screaming, got in definitely unwillingly, and they left the area, Clapprood said.

Once we realized what we had we knew time was of the essence. This is not the kind of case where we could go home, she said. This was an absolute life and death situation for this little girl.

Police immediately started implementing plans they had trained to use for similar crimes. They booted up all the technology available, including cameras that are placed in key spots in the city and scrutinized video from private security cameras to help identify the car involved, she said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies offered to step in and help, including the Massachusetts State Police and neighboring local departments, she said.

She specifically thanked Trent Duda, head of the detective bureau, and his team who served as the lead unit on the abduction. Extra people were called in just to answer the dozens of 911 calls and texts that were flooding the police department from people who were calling with possible tips.

If the department did not have all the resources and could not put together the information quickly, the girl would not be safe Wednesday night, she said.

Once police identified the car believed to be involved in the abduction, police used social media, local media and television stations to post information about the crime to the general public and asked people to call 911 if they saw her or the car. After officials had enough information to confirm the abduction, they followed the strict process to get an Amber Alert out, which is one of the few ever released in the state, Clapprood said.

Using the description of the car - an older blue or dark-colored Honda sedan with after-market rims and a moonroof -- police in Springfield and surrounding communities fanned out searching for the vehicle, Clapprood said.

The biggest factor I think in this was the assistance from the public. The tips coming in were amazing. Text-a-tip was lighting up, she said. People were out looking for this car, it was amazing,

People started calling and reporting sightings of dark blue Honda Civics and the closest officers responded to every report. Im sorry if you were driving a dark blue Honda Civic and you were pulled over several times tonight but it was worth it, she said.

Then police got a break. A resident spotted the suspect vehicle on Berkshire Avenue, called 911 and followed the car. That person was able to get an accurate plate number and police then were able to register the number on license plate readers on the Mass Pike, she said.

The information about the car was also released on the Amber Alert, leading another driver to spot the car on the Massachusetts Turnpike and call police. Troopers responded and were able to arrest Rodriguez.

This is, thank God, a rare occurrence and we know how badly this could have ended up. He was evil and he had her for nefarious reasons, Clapprood said. It was a matter of finding her quickly and not giving him time.

The witness in the abduction initially reported that a woman may have been driving the car. Rodriguez was alone in the car with the girl when he was arrested but police continue to investigate to see if anyone else was involved, she said.

Police said Rodriguez did not know the child, although his last known address is on Bay Street so he would have known the neighborhood where she was abducted. His car was seen driving through the neighborhood on Tuesday, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman.

These types of situations are very few and far between where you actually have a stranger abduction of a small child and that is exactly what we had this afternoon, she said.

When asked what she would tell parents who are frightened about sending their children to school, Clapprood said: This man is off the street. This man will not hurt anyone.

Parents should always talk to their children about being aware of strangers and to tell someone if they feel they are being followed or see someone suspicious, she added.

Rodriguez is known to police but Clapprood said officers are still sorting through his criminal background.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno called the abduction the worst fear for any parent and he said he is thankful she was found.

He said he was horrified anyone would try to harm a young, innocent child and offered his best wishes to the girls family saying no one should have to go through this.

This has been a traumatic experience for her but she is alive thanks to the efforts of the Springfield Police Department and the State Police and the public and technology, he said.

Sarno, who frequently complains about judges setting low bails resulting in repeat offenders returning to Springfield streets to commit other crimes, urged the courts to do the right thing in the arraignment on Thursday.

Bringing her home safe also took the dedication and heart of the police officers who were searching for her, Sarno said.

We think of this as one our children and we go a little extra hard to make sure we get this piece of you-know-what off our streets, he said.

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Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank, presented its second ever $1 million grand prize of its Thimaar loyalty scheme to Bahraini mother of five, Mariam Mohammed Abdulla Al Eid.



Al Eid won the prize draw for December and received her cash prize from Ithmaar Bank chief executive officer Ahmed Abdul Rahim and deputy chief executive officer - Banking Group Abdul Hakeem Al Mutawa at a ceremony held at The Avenues Mall.



In attendance were other Thimaar winners as well as Ithmaar Bank general manager - Retail Banking Group, Mohammed Janahi, members of the Ithmaar Bank management team, and a large audience.



On behalf of all of us at Ithmaar Bank, we congratulate Mariam and her family, and all the other Thimaar winners, said Ahmed Abdul Rahim. The Thimaar scheme, now in its tenth year, is not only designed to encourage responsible financial behaviour by making saving more rewarding, the prizes also have the potential to change lives.



At Ithmaar Bank, we remain committed to improving our services and rewarding our loyal customers. Whether the amount is large or small, keeping a little aside for the future is always a wise decision, and we also try to make saving easier for our younger customers through a special junior account.



Ithmaar Bank offers the highest number of prizes of any similar scheme in Bahrain, providing additional incentives for savers. We look forward to offering more valuable prizes and announcing other winners later this year, he added.



Although I was trying hard to save for the future, I thought it would take years to reach my financial goals  but, thanks to saving in the Thimaar account, I am thrilled to be a millionaire, said Al Eid. Its an amazing feeling and Im very grateful to Ithmaar Bank.



The prize purse of Thimaar account during 2019 was $4,424,000, which includes two grand prizes of $1 million each for just a BD30 deposit. During 2019, a total of 3,206 prizes were awarded, the most offered by any bank in Bahrain, with monthly prizes totalling $1,764,000 and junior prizes totalling $384,000.



Along with cash prizes, the Thimaar account also offers a profit rate on the balance maintained. In July 2019, Dr Abdulhannan Abdul Hameed Darwish, a Bahraini father of six, pledged to donate $100,000 to charity after Ithmaar Bank named him the first ever Thimaar millionaire.



Thimaar loyalty draws offered additional prizes to customers who have not won a prize in the past two years. In 2019, Ithmaar Bank added an additional 50 prizes worth a total of $250,000. This was on top of the existing $660,000 Thimaar loyalty prize purse where 1,212 winners could win loyalty cash prizes throughout the year.



Every BD30 ($79) maintained as an average balance qualifies Thimaar account holders to enter the monthly draws. The more customers save, and the longer they maintain balances in multiples of BD30, the more opportunities they have to win.  TradeArabia News Service
Satantango is more than a movie  its a challenge!

Released in 1994, Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarrs epic art film is nearly seven-and-a-half hours long. So, yeah, cancel all your plans for the rest of the day if you choose to sit in a darkened theater and take on this behemoth, cinematic opus.

Shot in black-and-white and broken into several vignettes, this film (based on Laszlo Krasznahorkais debut 1985 novel) follows the citizens of a run-down village where pigs and cows roam free. Theyre an unsavory lot, filled with liars, cheats, prostitutes and other unpleasant people. Once in a while, someone will say something profound and/or poetic. But, for the most part, they just drink and try not to stumble over each other.

If you think that sounds like a bleak time at the movies  well, youre right. But Tarr, who went on to make such films as Werckmeister Harmonies and The Turin Horse before retiring from filmmaking in 2011, still makes it a captivating journey, thanks to his flair for shooting everything  even the minute, repetitive stuff  in long, uninterrupted takes (apparently, there are 150 in all). The movie itself is a tango, with the nonlinear plot often going forward and backward like two experienced dancers, replaying several scenes from different angles. (Pulp Fiction wasnt the only movie released that year that screwed around with time.)

Although its not the longest film in existence, Satantango has gotten a rep for being a film that ambitious cinema geeks have been known to dive into whenever a sporadic screening is scheduled. (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston showed the film in 2007.) Thanks to throwback indie-film distributor Arbelos Films, a 4K restoration of Satantango has been making the rounds, playing in art houses and other spots before it gets released on Blu-ray and video on demand sometime this year.

This Saturday, Rice Media Center will be doing a one-time screening, complete with two intermissions so viewers can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Satantango is the latest, really long foreign film to show at Rice; last year, the Center screened Dead Souls (8 hours, 15 minutes), a documentary about the survivors of a labor camp in Chinas Gobi Desert, and La Flor (13 hours, 23 minutes), an episodic, genre-bouncing flick that is billed as the longest film in Argentine cinema. According to Rice program director Charles Dove, there is an audience for these films, and they will travel many miles just to see them. When we showed La Flor in September, remembers Dove, people flew in from San Francisco to see that film  a whole bunch of people did  which I couldnt believe at the time.

Local film critic/scholar Michael Sicinski took on Satantango a long time ago. Back when he was living in California, he saw the film during a Tarr retrospective in Berkeley, two months after 9/11. When you really kind of sit in the theater with this other kind of self-selected, small group of people, says Sicinski, around hour three, youre really kind of losing touch with the outside world and really immersed in this hideous kind of nightmare Hungary, where people are murderous and sadistic and dangerously naive. And its all presented so exquisitely that you really dont want to turn away from it, no matter how disturbing the world depicted on-screen really is.

Take that as a warning. Theres a whole segment involving a little girl and her treatment of a cat that may send some animal lovers straight out the door. But, as Sicinski believes, if youre a hardcore fan of foreign cinema, this is a hill you definitely must climb.

Its incredibly bleak, but one of the things thats sort of unusual about it is that it makes this bleak, unremittingly horrible universe extremely seductive in terms of aesthetics, he says. I mean, the imagery is exquisite. The cinematography and camera movements are just absolutely perfect and hypnotic. And all of those factors together with the length. It really becomes a sort of entry into a world apart.

Craig Lindsey is a Houston-based writer.
Kangaroos sparring in a national park near Canberra - Reuters

The Italian fashion house Versace will no longer use kangaroo leather in its products, as millions of the animals are burnt to death by Australias sweeping bush fires.

The decision was taken some time ago, affecting the fashion brands 2019 collection, but only came to light this week.

It was not directly related to the devastating impact that Australias bush fires have had on kangaroos, koalas and other animals.

The move by Versace follows a campaign launched by Italian animal rights campaigns in the autumn, in which they protested against the number of kangaroos which are culled each year in the wild.

The campaign groups had called for Italian companies to boycott kangaroo products.

We welcome Versaces announcement, said Simone Pavesi from LAV, an Italian animal welfare organisation.

A kangaroo caught up in Australia's bush fires Credit: New York Times

Its an important gesture, no more so than now when the bush fires devastating Australia are having such dramatic consequences on kangaroo populations.

We hope it will help save an animal that is the symbol of Australia as it faces an unprecedented threat.

A Versace spokesman told The Telegraph: We can confirm that there will be a complete stop to the use of kangaroo leather.

Australian scientists have estimated that up to a billion mammals, birds and reptiles may have been killed by the bush fires.

Chris Dickman, a professor of ecology at Sydney University of Sydney, had previously estimated that 480 million creatures had perished but recently doubled that figure.

The figure includes animals killed directly by the fires as well as those which have died of dehydration, starvation or habitat loss.

Two years ago, Versace announced that it was renouncing the use of real fur in its clothes and accessories.

Donatella Versace, the companys creative director, said: I dont want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesnt feel right.

Real fur has been eschewed by an array of fashion houses in recent years, including Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Armani.
China's Kashmir play in UNSC flops again

China has made a fresh bid to raise the Kashmir issue in a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday, only to miserably fail in the attempt as all other member countries of the body opposed it.

Chinas move is seen as another Pakistan attempt to raise Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Security Council a month after the top UN body dumped it saying it was not the place to discuss the issue.

India slammed the move, asking Islamabad to focus on addressing issues like sheltering terrorists to improve relations with New Delhi.

"Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it, has run its course today," reports cited India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin as saying.

Today @UN...our flag is flying high. Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends...   Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

"We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN fail in plain view of all others," Akbaruddin told news agency PTI, after Pakistan's "all-weather ally" China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," said Akbaruddin.

A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair".

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that foreign minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: "I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful".

This was Chinas third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the constitution was scrapped by the government and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the Security Council.

While most countries have backed India's position that Kashmir is an internal matter and a bilateral one, there have been concerns expressed about the detentions of political leaders and the internet restrictions. These concerns were expressed by the US again last week.
As President Donald Trump's Senate trial gets set to begin, the spotlight is inevitably turning - just as it did with President Andrew Johnson - to the chief justice of the United States, who must somehow preside over this very odd, kind-of-sort-of legal process of politicians sitting in judgment of the country's commander in chief.

In Trump's trial, it's John Roberts.

In Johnson's trial, it was Salmon Chase.

Chase - not to be confused with Justice Samuel Chase, whose nickname was "Old Bacon Face" - was an extremely serious and pious man. Some of his closest friends could not recall ever seeing him laugh.

"Chase neither drank nor smoked," the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin once wrote. "He considered both theater and novels a foolish waste of time and recoiled from all games of chance, believing that they unwholesomely excited the mind."

Born in New Hampshire to farmers, Chase was an Episcopalian. From early on, his parents hammered into his psyche that there was a bright line between moral and amoral.

Chase became a lawyer, eventually settling in Ohio were he defended runaway slaves. He was grumpy but popular. In 1848, the Ohio legislature elected him to the U.S. Senate - that's how it worked back then - and upon tasting political power Chase could not shake it.

Chase won two terms as Ohio's governor, then ran for president against Abraham Lincoln - losing, of course to the more affable Honest Abe.

Lincoln made Chase part of his "Team of Rivals," the title of Goodwin's bestseller about Lincoln's presidency, appointing him treasury secretary. Chase's contributions to the formation of the national banking system were celebrated years later when his portrait appeared on the $10,000 bill.

Chase and Lincoln got along about as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Lincoln always harbored the suspicion that Chase was a political opportunist. Chase thought Lincoln wasn't as anti-slavery as he was. There were disputes over war policy and personnel matters at the Treasury.

Ultimately, Chase resigned - three times. Lincoln refused the first two, then accepted the third. There were no hard feelings from Lincoln, though.

In 1864, after the death of Chief Justice Roger Taney, Lincoln selected Chase as his replacement.

Taney wrote the majority opinion in what many historians consider to be the worst Supreme Court decision in history - Dred Scott v. Sandford, which held that those of African descent could not be U.S. citizens. Chase had defended runaway slaves. After emancipation, Lincoln saw Chase as an inspired choice.

Lincoln nominated Chase on Dec. 4, 1864. The Senate confirmed him that day.

On the evening of April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot. He was pronounced dead the next morning. His vice president, Andrew Johnson, became president. Chase swore him in. Three years later, Chase presided over Johnson's impeachment trial.

This was a confusing time. There were no precedents to follow. In fact, according to historian John Niven's biography of Chase, it wasn't even clear who should conduct the trial - the president of the Senate (who was Johnson's political enemy) or the chief justice (who was supposed to be nobody's enemy.)

Chase consulted the Constitution, which said the "Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments." That meant the Senate's highest officer was in charge. But it also said, "When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside."

So Chase would preside. Next problem: The Constitution gives no guidance about what "preside" actually means. Chase took it upon himself, Niven wrote, to pressure the Senate to "be organized in some particulars as a court," and Chase "insisted he should rule on the competency of witnesses and on the evidence."

Johnson was on trial for, among other things, violating the Tenure of Office Act in 1867, which said the president couldn't fire important government officials unless he got the go-ahead from the Senate. Johnson had fired the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, without consulting the Senate. Cue impeachment.

Chase thought the whole thing was much ado about nothing.

"Chase had profound misgivings about the trial," Niven wrote. "He considered the articles more of partisan rhetoric than substantive evidence for a conviction."

In a letter to Gerrit Smith, a fellow abolitionist and former congressman, Chase wrote that "the whole business seems wrong, and if I had any opinion, under the Constitution, I would not take part in it."

Chase suspected the whole business would become a public spectacle.
By Ross K. Baker

When the impeachment managers from the House of Representatives ceremoniously delivers the folders with their two articles of impeachment to a Senate official, the job of the Peoples House will have concluded and the momentous job of determining the fitness of the president to keep his job will fall to the Worlds Greatest Deliberative Body, the U.S. Senate.

It is an institution that, in recent years, has shown itself incapable of doing much more than rubber-stamp nominations of judges and administration officials sent over from the White House. Especially since the election of Donald Trump, the chambers leadership has been more interested in protecting Republican senators from politically risky votes than voting on bills of national importance. Depending upon how its 100 members behave, the Senate will either confirm its irrelevance or set it on a new path of responsible and principled lawmaking. We will know in the next week few weeks.

One promising sign is the dismal reception by Republican senators to the proposal by one of its newest and most inexperienced members, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri that the Senate should dismiss the charges against Trump and cancel the trial because of the delay in the delivery in the articles of impeachment by the House. This idea that somehow Trump could be unimpeached by the Senate was considered so absurd by most of Hawleys fellow Republicans that even his senior colleague from Missouri, Roy Blunt, dismissed it.

But its too early to get hopeful. The Senate has too often proven itself to be the graveyard of good legislation as evidenced by the obvious pride Majority Leader Mitch McConnell takes in in being called the grim reaper for matters other than stacking the federal courts to satisfy the fondest dreams of the Federalist Society.

Senators need to be reminded why the Founding Fathers gave them six-year terms and set the age of eligibility five years higher than that of the House: it was to give them political protection from immediate reprisal by an electorate displeased by some vote or statement and, it was hoped, to exercise maturity of judgment.

Currently, Republican senators cower in fear from the wrath of their constituents and their unshakable allegiance to Donald Trump. GOP senators up for re-election in 2020 might be granted some measure of consideration due to their fear of electoral doom, but almost two-thirds of their colleagues have nothing standing in the way of exercising impartial judgment on the presidents actions.

With Democratic senators appearing to stand fast in the ranks in favor of removing Trump, it falls to that very small numbers of Republican senators who are either on their way out the door or whose political futures are precarious because they represent swing states or, like Senators Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have long had issues with Trump, to steer the course of the trial.

And that is the way it has almost always been in this closely-divided Senate. But when one party enjoyed a comfortable majority, getting a few votes from across the aisle to pass a bill or to at least give it the color of bipartisan legitimacy was a familiar obstacle. Drawing on the meager reserves of courage or principle of a few men and women has always been a Senate story: Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey pleading for votes on background checks after Sandy Hook, John McCain riding to the last-minute rescue of the Affordable Care Act, or persuading Maine Senator Olympia Snow to give Obamacare the slightest tinge of bipartisanship in 2010, appealing to a handful colleagues to risk it is the story of the modern Senate.

The outcome for the Senate trial is probably a foregone conclusion and the president will not be removed from office, but the trial must not simply be an endorsement of his many actions that violate the spirit if not the actual letter of the Constitution. How the Senate arrives at its decision will, in many ways, be as important as the final verdict. The trial will certainly not be a kangaroo court, but it must also not be a hasty whitewash. It is in the hands of a very few senatorssome of them politically-imperiled  to preserve the endangered reputation of the institution in which they serve.

Ross K. Baker is an author and distinguished professor at Rutgers University. He has been a research associate at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. and a consultant to the Democratic caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Scholar in Residence in the Office of the Democratic Leader of the U.S. Senate in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, April 24, 2019.

President Xi Jinping will begin the first state visit by a Chinese leader to Myanmar in 19 years on Friday, a trip expected to offer political and economic support for the Southeast Asian nation which has become estranged from leading Western states over accusations of genocide for its alleged expulsion of Rohingya Muslims.

The two-day visit, marking the 70 anniversary of bilateral relations between the two Asian neighbors, underscores Chinas importance to Myanmar and Myanmars significance for China, which is investing billions of dollars in several key infrastructure projects under Xis signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Beijing has also been trying to broker cease-fires between the Myanmar military and rebel ethnic armies engaged in armed conflict along the countries shared border, viewing the clashes and displacement of tens of thousands of civilians as threats to the stability needed to ensure the smooth completion of the BRI projects.

Xis visit comes amid heavy international criticism over Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority  more than 740,000 of whom fled from Rakhine state during a military-led crackdown in 2017  ongoing internal hostilities threatening the government's teetering peace process, and a growing need for foreign investment from non-Western countries to shore up Myanmar's economic development.

Xi will meet with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and leaders from political parties in a quest to jump-start some of the stalled BRI projects in Myanmar, according to Myanmar sources.

Analysts said they view Xis visit and Chinas approach to Myanmar as a huge economic opportunity, but warn of potential risks for human rights, the environment, and the fledgling democracys values.

Some of Chinas big projects and other investments have been met with protests over loss of land or environmental concerns.

There are many opportunities to stimulate economic growth in Myanmar by allowing the BRI projects, said Thein Tun Oo, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, a think tank formed by military veterans.

It will offer massive opportunities for Myanmar entrepreneurs to export local products to countries around the world, he said.

Thein Tun Oo also said that Xi will focus on getting firm answers to BRI projects and other Chinese-backed schemes that have not yet been implemented in Myanmar, such as the U.S. $3.6-billion Myitsone Dam in Kachin state.

Myanmars government put the controversial hydropower project on hold in 2011 amid protests over its social and environmental impacts, much to Beijings dismay.

The Chinese meanwhile have pushed the current civilian-led administration and local ethnic leaders to let the project proceed.

The authorities signed agreements for some BRI projects, but they still have not been implemented yet, Thein Tun Oo said. The Chinese president will try to get unambiguous answers [on them] during his visit.

Charm offensive strategy

Political analyst Aung Thu Nyein noted that frantic and unorganized Chinese investments in Myanmar under the previous military regime have raised concern among the public about the new spate of projects under the BRI.

Currently, China is using a charm offensive strategy to win the hearts of the public in Myanmar, but its still not enough, he said. We have to work to make our investment procedures and mechanisms more systematic and organized. It will take a long time before Chinese investments become desirable.

Another political analyst, Than Soe Naing, pointed out that Myanmar must keep in mind the impact of BRI projects on the communities that surround them.

We are in a situation in which we need Chinas support for our development, he said. We have to allow mega-projects like Myitsone Dam or the Kyaukphyu seaport, but we should be aware of their impact on the local people.

Yin Yin Nwe, a geologist who has held important positions with UNICEF since the early 1990s and served in China, said Myanmar must beef up rules for investment if it wants the BRI projects to win acceptance among the populace.

Our country has such an enormous amount of assets, making it is very valuable for the Chinese, she said. It is our own fault we havent made use of them. The lack of rule of law and organized procedures for investments in our country are partly to blame for the unpopularity of Chinese projects.

Support for ruling party seen

Hla Kyaw Zawl, an expert on China-Myanmar relations, said China wants to ensure that the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party will win the next elections in late 2020, so that the BRI projects will continue as planned.

President Xi Jinping will give his blessing to the NLD for a victory in the elections, he said.

The Chinese have calculated that when a country has a consecutive government administration, it is easier to deal with it for their projects, he said.

Than Soe Naing noted that the country has grown to depend on China.

Myanmar has been on a path of dependency on China and a one-sided international relationship, he said.

During the NLD governments tenure, Western countries have condemned Myanmar over the Rohingya issue and imposed targeted sanctions on those deemed responsible for the violence, he noted.

Myanmar is facing legal action in three international courts, including the U.N.s International Court of Justice (ICJ), on genocide-related charges related to the 2017 crackdown.

It is impractical to distance ourselves from China and develop closer relationships with Western countries, Than Soe Naing said. Subsequently, the ICJ lawsuit has pushed Myanmar further away from Western countries and brought it closer to China.

Myanmar's commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (3rd from R) gestures during a celebration marking the Myanmar Navy's 72nd anniversary in Yangon, Dec. 24, 2019. Credit: AFP Shielding Myanmars generals

Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty Internationals regional director for Asia, said that while any help Xi might offer to resolve the Rakhine conflict is welcome in principle, the reality is that Chinas engagement has failed to yield positive results for the people of Myanmar.

China must stop using its position in the U.N. Security Council to shield Myanmars senior generals from accountability, he said in a statement on Xis visit. This has only emboldened the militarys relentless campaign of human rights violations and war crimes against ethnic minorities across the country.

Hla Kyaw Zawl, who is based in China, said Myanmar needs to be opportunistic and take advantage of rivalry among world and regional powers.

It is important to grab the opportunity while we are struggling among the tactics of the superpower countries, he said. In my opinion, this is the best time for us to exploit their power struggle.

China is paying more attention to our country, Hla Kyaw Zawl added. At the same time, countries like India are also trying to expand their power to the East. Japan is also trying to consolidate its vital role in Asia. At a time like this, if we work smart, we will make the best out of their power struggles.

Not everyone is happy about Myanmars growing reliance on China, though.

An online survey of 1,308 Southeast Asian nationals in research, business, the public sector, civil society, and media released Thursday by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a Singapore think tank, found that 26.1 percent of Myanmar respondents welcome Chinas growing regional economic influence, while 73.9 percent said they were worried about it. The ASEAN average was 28.1 percent welcome and 71.9 percent worried.

The survey, titled State Of South-east Asia: 2020, found that only 16.1 percent of Myanmar respondents welcomed China's growing regional and strategic influence, while 83.9 percent were worried about it.

Asked whether China's BRI would provide a fair deal for Myanmar, 23.4 percent had no confidence that would happen, 38.5 percent had little confidence, 36.1 percent had some confidence, and 2 percent had full confidence.

Heavy impact of Chinese projects

Back in Myanmar, residents of areas slated for BRI and other Chinese-backed projects complain about the impact that different infrastructure developments will have on their communities.

Though Xi will not visit places where Chinese-funded mines, ports, railways, and roadways are being built either as part of the BRI or as separate ventures, local residents in those areas said they want him to know about their grievances concerning the projects.

Among the most controversial projects is the suspended Myitsone hydropower project that could displace more than 10,000 people in Kachin state and the Letpadaung copper mine that residents say has polluted their water resources in Sagaing regions Salingyi township.

Mining activities have also contaminated underground water sources in some villages in Sagaing region, creating water shortages since 2013, residents said.

The Chinese-backed company operating the the Letpadaung mine and local officials have ignored their requests to install a pipe to deliver clean water to nearby communities, they said.

Ethnic Kachin civil society groups have asked President Win Myint to permanently cancel the Myitsone hydropower project and have complained about the detrimental social and environmental effects of Chinese-funded enterprises that operate border trade zones, jade and rare earth mines, and tissue banana and sugarcane plantations in the state.

They should avoid implementing any projects that could affect the local community, said Sar Gyi, secretary of the Kachin Development Networking Group, a network of Kachin civil society groups and development organizations inside the state and abroad.

As they implement the economic zone and industrial zones, they should see things from a humanitarian perspective, instead of looking at them only out of self-interest.

Aung Htoo, Myanmars deputy minister of commerce, said on Jan. 9 that the government will sign two agreements on implementing the Kyaukphyu deep-water seaport in Rakhine state and other agreements on border trade during Xis visit.

In addition, more agreements will be signed on exporting rice, broken rice, live cattle and tissue banana from Myanmar to China.

China is Myanmars largest investor, with Chinese investment accounting for nearly U.S. $4.7 billion in 2018 and roughly U.S. $4.8 billion in 2019.

Reported by Khin Khin Ei, Kyaw Thu, Waiyan Moe Myint, and Wai Mar Tun. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

Identities of 166 people that were killed in the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane crash near Parand city in Irans Tehran province Jan. 8 have been established, said Mehdi Forouzesh, director general of the Iranian Medical Examination Organization, Trend reports referring to Tasnim news agency.

Ten victims havent yet been identified because their families havent applied for medical examination, Forouzesh said, adding that five of them are Iranian and five are foreign nationals.

The bodies of 110 victims, including several Afghan citizens, have so far been handed over to their families, the director general said.

Forouzesh noted that the bodies of Ukrainian citizens are likely to be handed over to the Ukrainian side today, on Jan. 16.

The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed in Tehran province on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran's Armed Forces General Staff issued a statement on Jan. 11 saying that the aircraft was shot down by the Iranian Air Defense System.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A longtime Muskegon radio DJ was laid off this week from 107MUS - The Moose due to restructuring by the stations parent company.

Mark Dixon was let go Tuesday, Jan. 14, after just under 32 years at the station. He began at the country music station in March 1988.

Dixon made a Facebook post about the lay off and his time at the station the following day. He said he was floored by the response from fans and friends.

The outpouring from people has been amazing, Dixon told MLive. Its really touched my heart. You dont realize what kind of impact you might have had on their lives just through talking to them through the radio.

Its been very touching to read all of their comments and everything. It makes it feel like its all been worthwhile.

Dixon was one of a number of on-air personalities and other personnel laid off Tuesday across the country by iHeartRadio. Another well-known West Michigan radio personality, Dave Conrad at B-93, was also laid off Tuesday.

iHeartRadio corporate spokesperson Angel Aristone said she was not able to confirm Dixon's departure nor that of any others in the area.

Aristone provided a statement that said iHeartRadio, through restructuring, is taking "advantage of the significant investments we have made in new technology and aligning our operating structure to match the technology-powered businesses we are now in.

During a transition like this its reasonable to expect that there will be some shifts in jobs -- some by location and some by function -- but the number is relatively small given our overall employee base of 12,500, the statement read. That said, we recognize that the loss of any job is significant; we take that responsibility seriously and have been thoughtful in the process.

Dixon said he plans to retire but still be involved in the Muskegon-area community. He said he intends to volunteer at area events like Rebel Road, Michigan Irish Music Festival and Taste of Muskegon now that he has more time.

This is just going to give me an opportunity to enjoy the community in a different way, he said.

Service and getting people information in their time of need, like when theres a bad storm, is why Dixon is passionate about radio.

One of the proudest moments of his career, he said, is when he and others at the station sprung into action after 9/11 and arranged fundraisers and blood drives for the victims.

As far as Im concerned, being able to help people and provide a service when needed, thats what its all about, he said. The fun stuff like playing music, thats the icing on the cake.

Dixon, who was born in Ohio and raised in Kalamazoo, doesnt plan to move away from the Muskegon area.

Thanks again to all the listeners and friends, he said. Theres been so many years of great memories and friendships. Im going to be around. If they see me on the streets, I would certainly hope they come up and say, Hey.
Saudi Arabia executed 184 people last year, including three prisoners who were teenagers when they were arrested.

The grim figure is the highest number of state killings which have taken place in the Middle Eastern country in the last six years.

Among the dead was Abdulkarim al-Hawaj beheaded at 21. He had been arrested age 16 for sending WhatsApp messages about an anti-government demonstration.

He was tortured with electricity while his hands were chained above his head until he confessed.



Abdulkarim and 36 others were executed on a single day in April during a beheading bloodbath for prisoners convicted of terrorism offences.

One was crucified and put up in display as a warning to others.

A second youngster, Mujtaba al-Sweikat, was put to death after being arrested as a 17-year-old boarding a flight to the US where he was due to begin his studies at Western Michigan University.

Campaigners say he was convicted solely on the basis of a confession extracted under torture after he was severely beaten all over his body, including the soles of his feet.

Court documents showed that Mujtaba al-Sweikat confessed to throwing Molotov cocktails at security forces and running a chat group on his Blackberry phone that helped to organise the demonstrations.

His father insisted that his son only twice joined demonstrations and for five minutes on each occasion.

He was subjected to psychological and physical abuse which drained his strength, said Nader al-Sweikat.

The interrogator dictated the confession and forced him to sign it so that the torture would stop. He signed it.

Another of those killed was teenager Salman Qureish, who was arrested shortly after his 18th birthday accused of crimes he committed as a juvenile.

Sentencing a person to death who is under 18 is banned under international law.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
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By WestKyStar & Baptist Health Staff

Jan. 16, 2020 | PADUCAH

By WestKyStar & Baptist Health Staff Jan. 16, 2020 | 11:44 AM | PADUCAH

In February, Baptist Health Paducah offers classes and support groups to educate and encourage better health in the community:



Baptist Health Paducah Stroke Support Group

Monday, Feb. 3, 3 to 4:30 pm

Carson-Myre Heart Center conference room

The group provides support for stroke survivors and their caregivers, family and friends. Light refreshments will be served.

Phone Mary Legge at 270-575-2880 to register.



Baptist Health Paducah Prepared Childbirth Classes

Monday, Feb. 3 and 10, 5 to 7 pm

Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 am to 12:30 pm

Mike and Tammy Zimmerman NICU Education Center, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah

Free class designed to help expectant parents in their second or third trimester learn about the labor and delivery process.



Season of Honor Support Group

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 pm

Atrium Classroom, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah.

Baptist Health Paducah Congregational Network for Healthcare, in partnership with First Baptist Church Paducah, provides this support group to help caregivers through common experiences, emotional encouragement and spiritual support.



Kangaroo Klub for Breastfeeding Mothers

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1 to 2:30 pm

Mike Miller Park Visitors Center, Draffenville

Friday, Feb. 7, 1 to 2:30 pm

Classroom A, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah

Thursday, Feb. 20, 10 to 11:30 am

Immanuel Baptist Church, 1119 Market St., Metropolis, IL

Support group for women who breastfeed or expectant mothers who plan to breastfeed.

Phone 270-415-4680 for more information.



Parkinsons Support Group

Wednesday, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19, 9:30 to 11 am

Atrium Classroom, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah.

Phone 270-575-2721 for more information.



Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

Thursday, Feb. 6, 5 to 6 pm

Baptist Health Rehabilitation, 115 Kiana Court, Paducah.

The goal of this group is to provide information on local resources and an avenue to build new relationships with people with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers whom are going through similar transitions.

Phone 270-534-1200 for more information.



Diabetes classes

Monday, Feb. 10 and Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1 to 4 pm

Atrium Classroom, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah.

Free class with a certified diabetes instructor to assist with any question or concerns about diabetes. A physician order is required.



Sibling Class

Monday, Feb. 17, 5 to 6 pm

Mike and Tammy Zimmerman NICU Education Center, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah

Free class helps prepare children ages 2 to 9 for the arrival of a new brother or sister.

Phone 270-5752229 to register.



Breastfeeding Classes

Monday, Feb. 17, 6-8 pm

Mike and Tammy Zimmerman NICU Education Center, Medical Park 2, Baptist Health Paducah

Free class helps prepare expectant mothers for the breastfeeding experience.

Phone 270-575-2229 to register.
Scores of people, including women and students, assembled at central Delhis Turkman Gate Thursday evening and staged a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Delhi Police after the police evicted nearly a dozen demonstrators from the protest venue early morning.

On Wednesday night, around 200-300 people, including local residents had gathered to protest against the CAA and the NRC. After many of them dispersed towards 2am on Thursday morning, some of the remaining 20-30 protestors who had stayed back, despite the rain, were detained by the police while others were evicted from the protest site.

As some agitators took shelter in nearby buildings, the police personnel dragged others into buses and removed them from the venue in buses, Mishika Singh, a lawyer associated with the protesters, said.

Of the evicted demonstrators, seven were temporarily detained at the Rajender Nagar police station. Some demonstrators captured the police action on their mobile phones.

The videos showing security personnel dragging protestors and putting them inside buses were put on social media with SOS messages alleging that students were picked up and detained.

I was in Khureji last night when I got to know about the protest at Turkman Gate. Several women were protesting here and I rushed to join them, Sara Javed Chawla, one of the protestors, said.

By the evening, the crowd of protestors began to swell at the protest site in Turkman Gate, which was cleared by the police in the morning. As the numbers increased, more security personnel were deployed there and iron barricades to ensure that the agitators do not block the roads.

The protestors were removed because they did not have police permission for holding the protest. They were asked to take their demonstration to authorised sites such as Ramlila Ground and Jantar Mantar. The protestors, however, did not pay heeds to our requests, so we had to remove them, deputy commissioner of police (central), Mandeep Singh Randhawa, said.
HAZEL CREST, Ill.  The remains of a suburban Chicago soldier killed in an attack on a military base in Kenya arrived Wednesday in his home town.

Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr., of Hazel Crest, was among three Americans killed on Jan. 4 at Manda Bay Airfield, which is used by the U.S. military.

Mayfields body arrived at OHare International Airport in a military plane and a procession traveled with the hearse from the airport. It drove past Mayfield's alma mater, Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, stopped briefly at Hazel Crest Village Hall, then went on to a funeral home in Chicago.

Clara Patten and her daughter, Nicole, clutched flags outside Village Hall waiting for the procession to pass. Clara Patten said she didnt know Mayfield, but she was close to tears when she learned of his death.

Mayfields family and community members gathered Tuesday to honor the soldier by dedicating every Jan. 14 as "Henry Mayfield Jr. Day in Hazel Crest.
Federal prosecutors are accusing some parents, including actress Lori Loughlin, of withholding evidence in the college admissions scam case despite requests to turn it in.

Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, allegedly paid $500,000 to the scheme's mastermind to have their daughters pose as University of Southern California athletes. They were also accused of bribing USC employees to get their daughters admitted.

Last year, the couple pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and bribery.

In a court filing Friday, federal prosecutors say a majority of parents haven't submitted their discovery materials. With the exception of Bill McGlashan and Robert Zangrillo, all the other parents have not provided any discovery to the government, according to the joint status report filed Friday. Discovery material is information and evidence that both sides of the case share with each other prior to trial.

"The government disagrees with the defendants' assertion that it is premature to provide their own discovery," the filing states. "The government contends that it has complied with its discovery obligations and continues to comply with them."

Defendants have had about eight months to review the government's discovery, confer with their clients, and strategize on potential defenses, according to the filing.

"It is not premature to provide discovery, which they can later supplement, to the government as required by the rules," it adds.

Defense attorneys argued the government hasn't completed its obligations to produce discovery.

"The defendants have filed certain motions to compel ... and do not agree that the government has yet complied with its discovery obligations," they said.

Attorneys for actress Loughlin and Giannulli have also accused the US government of hiding evidence that would benefit their defense in the college admissions scandal.

In a motion filed last year, defense attorneys said the couple did not know their money was being used to bribe a USC official.

"The government appears to be concealing exculpatory evidence that helps show that both defendants believed all of the payments they made would go to USC itself  for legitimate, university-approved purposes  or to other legitimate charitable causes," the motion read.
A search is underway for a person who could have deliberately set fire to some unburnt vegetation on South Australia's bushfire-ravaged Kangaroo Island.

Just before 5am on Thursday, emergency services personnel spotted a new fire within an already burnt pine plantation along Pioneer Bend Road.

'Of concern is that they believed they saw a person adjacent to the fire and that person could have been deliberately setting fire to some unburnt vegetation,' police said in a statement.

Kangaroo Island is unrecognisable after bushfires tore across the area earlier this month

A bushfire sweeps across Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island destroying much of the area

'This action did not result in any damage as it quickly self-extinguished.'

A police officer also saw a torchlight in the same area as the person was seen.

A comprehensive search was undertaken, but the person was not found.

The Country Fire Service is continuing to monitor flare ups from the Kangaroo Island blaze, which could burn for another two weeks.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat is seen destroyed by bushfires in the Flinders Chase National Park

It has already charred more than through 210,000 hectares inside a 588-kilometre perimeter, destroying 65 homes and hundreds more buildings.

The fires took the lives of bush pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old surgeon son Clayton, after they became trapped in their car.

They were killed defending a property when the fast-moving inferno tore through the South Australian island at the start of January.

The body of Dick was believed to have been found in their vehicle on Playford Highway at Gosse while his 43-year-old son was found some distance away.

The pair had been out fighting the blaze and were returning to a family property before they were killed.

Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang (left) and his son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang (right), died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames

Tens of thousands of livestock and hundreds of unique bee hives were also destroyed when the island was ravaged by fires.

More than 32,000 sheep losses had been reported to Primary Industries and Regions SA, along with 517 cattle, 65 alpacas and five horses.

Fears are also held for the Island's glossy black cockatoos with large parts of the birds' habitats destroyed by bushfires.

Around 25,000 koalas were also killed.

A fire burning at the edge of the Playford Highway on Kangaroo Island
A man appealing a prison sentence for driving in breach of three disqualifications has had the sentence increased but suspended by Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Guntars Brants, 25 Cosby Avenue, Fairgreen, Portlaoise, received a one-month sentence at Portlaoise District Court last June, for having no licence or insurance, on June 6, 2019.

The accused had two previous convictions for drink driving.

Judge Catherine Staines noted that he was in breach of three disqualification orders at the time.

Defence, Ms Josephine Fitzpatrick said the accused, a Latvian national who was supporting his family back home, was called into work on the date to replace someone else.

He now no longer has a car, said defence.

Judge Staines said that driving disqualifications are meaningless if people continue to drive.

She imposed one month in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years, with recognisance fixed in the event of an appeal.

At the recent appeal before Portlaoise Circuit Court, barrister Mr Rory Hannify admitted that it was very difficult to criticise the decision of the district court judge, but said that the imposition of the prison sentence had very much focused the appellants mind.

He said the vehicle that had been driven had since been put up for sale.

Judge Keenan Johnson said that the prison sentence imposed in the district court had been absolutely right. He increased the sentence to four months, suspended for ten years on condition the appellant enter into a peace bond.

If he steps out of line again then four months is what hell serve, warned the judge.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 16, 2020 - 18:04 | All, World

Russian authorities have confirmed that a Japanese fishing boat they seized Wednesday while fishing in waters off Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands under a bilateral agreement, had violated rules under the accord.

The border security agency from Sakhalin in Russia's Far East, which effectively administers the disputed islands, said Thursday they have found 714 kilograms of rays on board the Shoyo Maru No. 68, although the catch was not declared in the ship's logbook as required.

The agency has commenced an investigation for administrative proceedings based on Russian law.

The captain of the 29-ton boat, which belongs to a fishery cooperative based in Hokkaido's Nemuro city, is expected to face disciplinary action.

(Supplied photo shows Shoyo Maru No. 68.)

[Photo courtesy of the Russian border security agency]

"From a humanitarian perspective as well, we will appeal to Russia to let (the boat) return as soon as possible," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday.

The boat, with six crew members, was inspected on Wednesday evening by Russian authorities in the country's claimed exclusive economic zone before being taken to Furukamappu, known as Yuzhno-Kurilsk in Russia, on Kunashiri Island. The island is one of the disputed islets called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

According to the Hokkaido government and fishery cooperative, onboard processing of flounder was banned from this year following an agreement made between Japan and Russia.

The fishery cooperative has claimed its boat, which had been carrying headless Kamchatka flounder, was seized by Russian authorities for processing the fish onboard.

The incident follows last month's seizure of five Japanese fishing boats, also from Nemuro, by the Russian border patrol authorities. The vessels and their 24 crew members were released after paying a fine.

Related coverage:

Russia seizes Japanese fishing boat off Hokkaido

Security in East Asia set to hinge on U.S.-N. Korea strains in 2020

Gorbachev agreed to address islands dispute in 1988 with Nakasone
UNSC resolution demands Afghanistan territory not be used to attack countries, shelter or train terrorists

Desperate measures: India on China-backed Pakistan bid to raise Kashmir at UNSC

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 16: India on Thursday said Pakistan's effort to raise Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Security Council through China was a desperate measure to peddle baseless allegations.

"Attempt was made by Pak, through a UNSC member, to misuse the platform. Overwhelming majority of UNSC was of view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues&it should be discussed bilaterally, " the foreign affairs ministry said.

Pakistan-China fail again on raising Kashmir issue at UN

"The informal closed-door meeting concluded without any outcome. Pakistan's desperate measures to peddle baseless allegation, and present and alarming scenario, it lacked any credibility," it added.

In a message for China, the ministry spokesperson "In our view, China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in the future."

On Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J&K and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.
Jamia Millia Islamia University is at the centre of demonstrations against controversial citizenship law recently passed by the Indian government.

A month ago, a top New Delhi university was the scene of unprecedented violence.

Students say policemen beat them and vandalised some of the classrooms.

But they have continued their protests and now Jamia Millia Islamia University is at the centre of demonstrations against the controversial citizenship law recently passed by the Indian government.

Al Jazeeras Anchal Vohra reports from New Delhi, India.
SPRINGFIELD  Another measure has been filed to create a taxpayer-funded program to ensure Illinois residents have their first two years of college tuition paid for.

State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Shorewood, filed Senate Bill 2324 on Jan. 8. It mirrors legislation filed in 2019 by Chicago Democratic state Rep. Will Guzzardi. The new bill would ensure residents seeking an associate degree, certificate, or diploma from an institution of higher learning a taxpayer-funded state grant that would pay for tuition and fees, minus any other aid awarded, starting in 2021.

The bill said the cost could exceed that of a local community colleges tuition and fees.

The measure is part of a national push for states to offer grants for the first two years of higher education, called College Promise.

Campaign Executive Director Martha Kanter said more than 300 local communities and 25 states have committed to providing some sort of grants to students in their first couple of years of higher education.

Most of them are seeking to make the first one or two years of college universally available, she said Wednesday.

The program would be implemented through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which could set parameters on who is eligible.

Washington states Washington College Promise has a household income limit of $61,000 for partial tuition and $44,000 for full tuition grants. Other states have grade and class load requirements. New Yorks Excelsior program cuts off eligibility for families who make more than $125,000 a year.

The money would come from potential donors and Illinois annual state budget, which economists have deemed shaky at best and one of only a couple that is unprepared to weather a moderate recession. Should an economic downturn occur, it would put pressure on the states budget while simultaneously making the proposed program more costly since job retraining at community colleges typically spikes during recessions. Kanter said the organization is diligent, watching for states that may break their promise to pay for school.

Statewide programs can be expensive. In California, lawmakers added $42.6 million to the states current budget to support the second year of free tuition for about 33,000 students, according to EdSource. Washington state estimates it will support more than 90,000 students in 2021.

Kanter said the programs often expand as demand increases for free schooling.

The University of Illinois already has a tuition guarantee program called the Illinois Commitment that provides four-year students who reside in Illinois and comes from a family with less than $61,000 in household income a grant paying for tuition and mandatory fees.
Beverly J. Allen, 72, of Philadelphia, a longtime Democratic committee person who was the head disciplinarian at Benjamin Franklin High School and worked as the School/Civic Liaison for the schools Navy Junior ROTC program, died Thursday, Jan. 9, at Pennsylvania Hospital of a bacterial infection.

Ms. Allen was the second of five children of the late Zebedee and Synda Allen. She graduated from Simon Gratz High School.

Her early jobs were at Bees Delicatessen and Whitman Chocolate. She later joined Technitrol Inc., an electronics firm in Chalfont, Pa., where she was an engineering assistant, her son Devon Allen said.

In the 1970s, she joined the Black Panther Party, he added. She also became active in city politics, working first in the 17th Ward of the Democratic Party before moving to the 37th Ward, Seventh Division, where she served as a committee person for 30 years.

Along the way, she met Ronnie Smith, who became her life partner. The two loved to travel and enjoyed dancing. They also worked hard to help keep their North Philadelphia block neat. Mr. Smith, who died in 2018, was the block captain and Ms. Allen joined with neighbors to sweep and clean the block.

After Technitrol announced layoffs, Ms. Allen joined the Philadelphia School District in 1980 as a school bus monitor. Eventually, she obtained certification as a special-education instructional aide, and worked at the Henry H. Houston, Aloysius H. Fitzpatrick, and LaBrum Schools.

Although her early plans were to be an engineer, Devon Allen said his mother loved working with children, especially children with special needs.

Her dedication to children and ability to help them did not go unnoticed.

John T. Chapman, then principal at Benjamin Franklin High School, recruited Ms. Allen to work as the lead disciplinarian. She was also the school-based leader for the Navy Junior ROTC there.

She was tough as nails, Chapman said in a telephone interview. "I didnt have to worry about sending someone with her. If the kids saw her coming, they would run away before they would have to confront her.

"But she treated them like they were hers," he added.

Ms. Allen was far more than a disciplinarian, her son said. For those students who couldnt afford it, she paid their fees for them to attend the prom. She loved those kids, he said.

In addition to Devon, Ms. Allen is survived by two other sons, Darrell and Terrance; two daughters, Schenelle and Tangala; three brothers; one sister; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, 19140.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Canaan Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry, 5430 Pulaski Ave., Philadelphia, 19144, or to Triumph Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry.
WASHINGTON  A revamped trade agreement with Mexico and Canada designed to create hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs is headed to President Donald Trump for his signature after the Senate passed the deal Thursday.

The vote to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, was an overwhelming 89-10. It's a major rewrite of rules for trade with the nation's neighbors and closest trading partners relating to agriculture, manufacturing and services.

The bill garnered the same kind of broad bipartisan support the trade measure received when USMCA passed the House last month by a 385-41 vote.

The agreement will benefit all corners of the U.S. economy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor Thursday before the vote.

"Farmers. Growers. Cattlemen. Manufacturers. Small businesses. Big Businesses," the Kentucky Republican said. "This is a major step for our whole country."

The agreement will replace rules for moving products among the three countries crafted under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which essentially eliminated tariffs on most goods traded among the three countries.

Foreign trade: US-China trade agreement: Trump administration drops designation of China as currency manipulator

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calls the new trade deal "a major step for our whole country." The next step is President Donald Trump's signature.

Trump and the leaders of both parties strongly support the measure, proving that Congress can unite when it wants to even during the bitter partisan division over impeachment.

Trump relentlessly ridiculed NAFTA as the worst trade deal ever when he was running for president three years ago, arguing it put American workers at a competitive disadvantage. Other critics, including Democrats, conceded NAFTA was outdated and needed to be revised.

Most Republicans, led by farm state and industrial belt lawmakers, supported it because of expanded trading opportunities championed by Trump. Democrats who didn't like the initial proposal got behind it after changes were made to beef up enforcement of labor standards, such as requiring the inspection of Mexican factories and the closing of loopholes that have hampered prosecution of labor violations.

Story continues

"This new trade deal is a modest improvement," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a 2020 presidential candidate, said during a presidential debate in Iowa Tuesday night. "It will give some relief to our farmers. It will give some relief to our workers. I believe we accept that relief, we try to help the people who need help, and we get up the next day and fight for a better trade deal.

"This is a big deal," Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who served as the U.S. trade representative under President George W. Bush, said on the Senate floor Wednesday. He suggested a potential increase in auto manufacturing jobs important to his state's economy.

The deal has its critics, including environmental groups and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who said it does little to address climate change.

"I will not vote for a trade agreement that does not incorporate very, very strong principles to significantly lower fossil fuel emissions in the world," Sanders said during the Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines on Tuesday.

Asia pact: Trump, China sign 'Phase 1' of trade deal

Some unions said the deal doesn't go far enough to protect worker rights. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union said USMCA fails to require strong country-of-origin labeling needed to strengthen food safety and invest in the millions of American jobs that produce our food.

"Consumers have a right to know where their food is from, whether its safe and if its produced by American workers," UFCW President Marc Perrone said in a statement. "Without strong country-of-origin labeling, consumers will be kept in the dark and Americas food workers will continue to face unfair competition from foreign companies not playing by the same rules."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMCA: Senate vote for Mexico-Canada trade deal to replace NAFTA
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump went on a tear over lightbulbs that make "you look orange," toilets that "don't get any water," showers that don't offer a "full shower flow," and "worthless" dishwashers, to the cheers of those assembled at a rally in Milwaukee.

For some of his critics, Trump's airing of his growing list of grievances about the state of various appliances signaled a president scrambling for outlandish distractions from the impeachment trial in the Senate.

For Europeans, however, his comments sounded like business as usual. Among Europe's far-right populists, the fight against a de facto European Union ban on old lightbulbs has lasted years. When the E.U. phased out energy-inefficient incandescent lightbulbs in 2009, it faced a wave of resistance across the continent. As calls to pursue more decisive climate action have mounted in recent months, the lightbulb is once again being held up as a symbol of environmental overreach on both sides of the Atlantic, even though regulations in the United States and Europe differ.

After its foundation in 2013, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party began selling what it called "good old" lightbulbs on its online shop, where they quickly became the most popular item. (The AfD used a legal loophole that allowed sales of remaining stocks after the new regulations took effect.)

The party's founder, Bernd Lucke, announced the sale on national public television. "Those are the things Germans are actually annoyed about," he said on a political talk show in February 2014, in reference to the E.U. lightbulb regulations.

The show's anchor responded, "If your key political achievement is the sale of lightbulbs, then I'm a lot less afraid of the AfD."

In the following years, the AfD surged in national opinion polls, from 5% in early 2014 to 18% in September 2018, making it Germany's second-most-popular party.

Lucke "doesn't just talk about lightbulbs, he also procures them," the conservative newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wrote in late 2014. "Those [voters] who felt helpless when the lightbulb disappeared now feel more powerful again. It's a gift - and one that prolongs their phase of anger."

AfD politicians have since continued to raise the issue.

Last year, a member of the European Parliament for the AfD, Guido Reil, referred to it in his first speech there. "I want to explain the absurdities I come across with easy-to-understand examples," he subsequently vowed, speaking to a reporter with the German newspaper Tagesspiegel.

Germany wasn't the only E.U. country where lightbulbs became a recurrent talking point among far-right leaders after 2009. When the E.U. lightbulb regulations were confirmed, Austria far-right politician Norbert Hofer railed against the "arrogance" of E.U. and Austrian leaders that had "apparently sealed the fate" of the traditional lightbulb. He demanded that the government declare a "national day of the lightbulb."

In 2014, the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria backed a petition that demanded the reintroduction of the original lightbulb. On its YouTube channel, the party decried the "lie of the energy-saving lightbulb."

More recently, Poland's right-wing government resorted to similar rhetoric. President Andrzej Duda used the lightbulb as an issue to attack the E.U. in 2018, arguing that the E.U. ban highlighted a democracy deficit in Brussels and may even have contributed to Brexit, according to quotes published by the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper. Duda's comments came amid an escalating dispute between the E.U. and Poland over what pro-democracy activists say are efforts by the Polish government to stifle free speech and the independence of courts in the country.

While some of Europe's right-wing proponents of the traditional lightbulb are in power or were in office until recently, none dared to provoke a showdown with the E.U. over the 2009 regulations.

Unconstrained by any such body in the United States, Trump on Tuesday vowed a continuation of his administration's attacks on energy-efficiency regulations. He promised that weak dishwashers would soon be a thing of the past.

"Your dishes are going to be beautiful," he said.
New Delhi :

Fissures deepened between DMK-Congress alliance with DMK saying that they are not bothered at all about whether Congress exits the partnership in the state or not. The development comes a day after the DMK said that only time will tell whether ties with the grand old party would go back to normal. If they want to quit, let them do so. How are we concerned, what is the loss for us? Party veteran Durai Murugan said when asked to comment on Congresss charge that DMK violated coalition dharma.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Pongal event, the DMK treasurer said the party was not worried about the grand old party leaving the alliance and in particular he was not concerned.

Asked whether the votes in favour of DMK would be hit without Congress, Durai Murugan said his party will not be affected at all. "No, not at all. Only if they (Congress) have a vote share ours (votes) will get reduced, Durai Murugan, flanked by his son Kathir Anand, said.

In his sarcastic style, he said the Congress does not have a vote bank to make a dent on his partys prospects. Do they have votes to make an impact? he quipped.

On his party colleague and former Union Minister TR Baalu saying that only time will tell on ties, he said:

Baalu said only time will tell. But I have answered the question. Reacting to it, Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, son of senior leader P Chidambaram, asked in his twitter handle: Why didnt this wisdom dawn before the Vellore parliamentary bye election? @DuraimuruganDmk @dmkathiranand. The Vellore Lok Sabha election was held in August last and Duraimurugans son Kathir emerged victorious by a margin of 8,141 votes.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief KS Alagiri again sought to downplay the widening rift, which appeared to heading for a break-up.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Delhi government recommended rejecting the mercy plea filed by Mukesh Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case, and forwarded it to the L-G

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Wednesday recommended rejecting the mercy plea filed by Mukesh Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case, and forwarded it to the L-G at "lightning speed", Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

He said the recommendation on the mercy petition of 32-year-old Singh will now be sent to the Union Home Ministry.

The decision comes a day after Singh filed the plea. "We learnt that a petition has been filed and we have recommended its rejection and sent it at lightning speed to the LG. There will be no delay from our side, we can assure you that," he said in response to a question.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday declined to entertain Singh's plea against the death warrant issued by a trial court and gave him the liberty to challenge it in sessions court.

A bench of Justices Manmohan and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal said there was no error in the trial court's 7 January order issuing the death warrant against him.

The Delhi government informed the high court during the hearing that execution of the convicts will not take place on 22 January as a mercy plea has been filed by one of them -- Mukesh Singh. The four convicts -- Mukesh (32) Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) -- were to be hanged on 22 January at 7 am in Tihar jail. A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on 7 January.
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine and honored the memory of the Canadian citizens who died as a result of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Flight PS752 in Iran, the presidents press service has reported.

The president made a note in the memorial book placed in the embassy near the plaque with the names of the victims of the crash.

Once upon a time humanity invented airplanes. Once upon a time humanity invented weapons. But will humanity ever be able to find an effective way to protect itself from its inventions? And can humanity ever invent words that can describe our common unbearable pain because of the tragedy of the downed Boeing 737? the head of state wrote.

According to the president, historically, Ukraine and Canada have a lot in common, and now the two friendly countries are unfortunately united by a common grief.

My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased citizens of Canada and Ukraine. My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased citizens of other countries - Iran, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. Eternal memory to the deceased, Zelensky wrote in the memorial book.

During a conversation with Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza, the president expressed his condolences to the Canadian people over the tragedy.

The ambassador thanked Ukraine for its cooperation in the investigation of the crash. The parties agreed that the truth must be established in this matter.

As reported, a Ukraine International Airlines plane (flight PS752), en route from Tehran to Kyiv, crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8.

There were 176 people on board the aircraft. All of them died. The crash killed 11 Ukrainians (two passengers and all nine crew), 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, ten Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons.

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner.

ish
Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2020 -- According to the new market research report "Aviation Blockchain Market by End Market (Airports, Airlines, MRO, Manufacturers, Lessors), Application (Smart Contracts, Supply Chain Management, Aircraft Maintenance, Cargo & Baggage Tracking), Deployment, Function, Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Aviation Blockchain Market size is expected to reach USD 1,394 million by 2025 from USD 421 million in 2019, at a CAGR of 22.1% from 2019 to 2025.



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Increased traceability and transparency, multivariate applications of blockchain, and reduction in cost and transactional complexities are some of the key drivers influencing the growth of the aviation blockchain market.



By end market, the airports segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



Increasing demand for air travel around the world has given rise to air traffic, greenfield and brownfield airport projects. With the passenger traffic and number of inbound and outbound flights growing, airports are focusing on digitalizing and automating processes to increase the efficiency and pace of their operations. For example, airports are adopting blockchain in cargo & baggage tracking, passenger identity management, and smart contract applications.



By application, the passenger identity management segment is projected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.



The passenger identity management segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The use of biometrics in the aviation industry for passenger processing offers opportunities to gather data for airlines and airports. Storing passenger information on blockchain for biometrics and ID tracking/management can allow airlines and airports to enhance their security. The majority of passengers carry a smartphone with them, which will easily enable them to plug in airline apps for baggage tracking, alerts, and request personalized services.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Aviation Blockchain Market"



109  Tables

32  Figures

166  Pages



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Asia Pacific is expected to lead the aviation blockchain market during the forecast period.



In Asia Pacific, countries such as China, India, Singapore, and Australia are considered for the study. This region is estimated to lead the aviation blockchain market in 2019. China is projected to leads the aviation blockchain market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. Blockchain helps create transparent and decentralized business processes. Airports in countries such as Malaysia have implemented blockchain into their operations. For instance, facial biometrics are used by Malaysian Airports from booking to boarding, to identify air passengers. The transportation and trading hubs, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, provide additional opportunities for the adoption of blockchain. The presence of leading aviation blockchain companies in Asia Pacific includes AVINOC Ltd (Hong Kong), Infosys (India), Quillhash Technologies (India), and SkyBuys (Australia).



Some of the major players in the aviation blockchain market include Microsoft Corporation (US), IBM (US), Zamna Technologies (UK), Aeron Labs (Belize), Winding Tree (Switzerland), Volantio Inc (US), Filament (US), Infosys (India), Insolar Technologies (Switzerland), LeewayHertz Technologies (US), and Moog Inc. (US). These players provide blockchain platforms and solutions to various aviation companies.



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Digital MRO Market by Technology (Predictive Maintenance, AR/VR, 3D Printing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Big Data Analytics, Digital Twin, IOT), End User (MROs, Airlines, OEMs), Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2030



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(Newser)  The State and Defense departments have called off three classified briefings for members of Congress, who have questions about the Iran situation, that were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. House committee members were expecting to hear from State Department officials about embassy security, CNN reports, while a Senate panel was to be briefed about the administration's Iran policy and justification for killing Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. "Staff are furious," a House aide said, per Politico, said about the canceling of the meeting on embassy security. "This briefing is required by law every month, and today's was the most important we've had scheduled in a long time," the aide said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's office did not immediately provide an explanation. "We know they will vaguely claim it was a logistical issue," a Senate aide said, "even though this briefing had been already locked into the schedule for days." The briefings have not been rescheduled.

story continues below

Also Wednesday, Democrats released documents that raised the possibility that Rudy Giuliani, President Trump's personal lawyer, had placed a former US ambassador to Ukraine under surveillance. That's a revelation that would be likely to be included in a discussion of embassy security. American diplomats are asking whether Pompeo knew about surveillance of Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and what the State Department was doing to protect her, per Politico. (Senate Democrats say they have the votes to limit Trump's use of force against Iran.)
More than 2.45 million EU citizens have been told they can live and work in the UK after Brexit, while six serious or persistent criminals have been refused.

The number of applications submitted to the EU Settlement Scheme in December has hit more than 2.7 million (2,756,100), with 163,300 received in the last month, according to the Home Office.

Now 2,450,100 have been finalised, leaving a backlog of more than 300,000 still to process as applicants await a decision.

Of those dealt with in December, 55% (219,200) were granted permanent leave to remain in the country, called settled status, and 44% were granted pre-settled status  which means they have temporary leave to remain and would need to apply again for permanent permission at a later date.

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Overall, six applications have now been rejected on suitability grounds, the Home Office report said.

These were valid applications from EU citizens that did not meet suitability criteria and were denied because the applicants are serious or persistent criminals with a history of crimes such as murder, rape and grievous bodily harm, the PA news agency understands.

The applicants are said to be already behind bars in the UK or have been deported and are seeking to return.

The Government has vowed to stop dangerous EU criminals coming into the UK by ending freedom of movement  something Leave campaigners had long argued was one of the reasons why Brexit was needed.

The Home Office criteria is seen to be a bid to protect the public and prevent a repeat of cases like that of Latvian Arnis Zalkans  who murdered his wife before moving to the UK in 2007 and going on to kill 14-year-old Alice Gross seven years later.

Slovakian Eduard Peticky was jailed for eight years in 1988 for raping two women in a park then travelled to the UK in 2008 and settled in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

In 2015, he was convicted of a series of sexual offences including trafficking and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Pro-EU campaigners reiterated concerns that the figures indicated rising numbers of EU citizens being granted temporary rather than permanent leave to remain  claiming some were eligible for settled status.

We have done more than other EU member states to support EU citizens and its time other countries made the same generous offer to the million UK nationals who live among themSecurity Minister Brandon Lewis

The Home Office said pre-settled status was typically granted to people who have lived in the country for five years and insisted applicants had been first offered the chance to prove they qualified for settled status.

In October, Security Minister Brandon Lewis indicated EU citizens could be deported if they did not apply by the December 2020 deadline.

On Thursday, he said: EU citizens are our friends, family and neighbours and we value the huge contribution that they have made to our country.

Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay was meeting the European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt for talks in London as Downing Street defended the UKs approach  and called for EU states to step up their reciprocal action.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Our EU settlement scheme is providing certainty to millions of EU citizens across the country.

It is far more than what other EU countries have done for UK nationals abroad. Its now time for EU countries to step up and make the same generous offer to the UK nationals who live among them.

England - 2,521,800

Scotland - 135,800

Northern Ireland - 44,700

Wales - 44,100

Polish (512,300), Romanian (435,700) and Italian (291,000) nationals have submitted the highest number of applications, according to the latest figures.

The majority of applications were received from people already living in England (2,521,800), with 135,800 from Scotland, 44,700 from Northern Ireland and 44,100 from Wales.

All the figures are classed as experimental, meaning they are still being finalised and are not exact.

The Government is spending an extra 1 million advertising the scheme  in addition to 3.75 million already allocated for marketing  after a radio advert was banned for failing to make clear that further documentation as well as a passport or ID card would be needed to apply.

Applications can be submitted by computer, mobile app or post.

Under the scheme, EU citizens and their relatives, plus those from the European Economic Area (EEA) countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway as well as Switzerland, are asked to apply to confirm their immigration status so they can live and work in the UK when freedom of movement ends.

Relatives of EEA and Swiss citizens who are not from any of those countries but all live in the UK under EU law are also being urged to apply.

Once granted status, applicants can use the NHS, study and access public funds and benefits, as well as travel in and out of the country. But first they must prove their identity, show they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions before the deadline.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2020 -- The latest report on "Laboratory Information System Market (Application - Drug Delivery Laboratory Information Systems, and Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory Information Systems; Delivery - Web-based, and On-premise; Components - Software, and Hardware): Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Size, Share and Forecasts to 2024." The global laboratory information system market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period of 2018-2024.



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Laboratory Information System Market: Industry Insights



Laboratory Information System is computer software that processes, stores, and manages data from all levels of medical processes and tests. The laboratory information system manages all the clinical details about the patient. The system can be used as a web pool or on a personal computer. A laboratory information system was traditionally used to send laboratory test orders to lab instruments, also it tracks those orders and then records the results. The laboratory information system captures the data electronically which leads to saving time and also reduces the number of errors.



Increasing Adoption of Laboratory Information System for Improving Accuracy is Primarily Driving the Growth of the Laboratory Information System Market



The increasing adoption of a laboratory information system for improving accuracy is primarily driving the growth of the laboratory information system market. The use of a laboratory information system reduces the cost and provides easy maintenance. It is beneficial in quality control as well as order management. Furthermore, several financial, operational, inventory, reports and tests are available in various formats in the laboratory information system. The market is also driven by increasing demand for remote patient monitoring. On the flip side, there is a lack of skilled professionals which is likely to restrain the growth of this market. Moreover, the growing advancements and increasing use of technology in diagnostic and medical laboratories are creating fruitful opportunities for the laboratory information system market.



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Software Segment Shows Rapid Growth as There is Demand for the Laboratory Information System Software in the Diagnostic Centers



The laboratory information system market is classified on the basis of application, delivery, and components. Based on applications, the market is divided into drug discovery laboratory information system market and clinical diagnostic laboratory information system. Based on delivery, the market is divided into web-based and on-premise. Based on the components, the market is divided into hardware and software. The software segment shows rapid growth as there is a demand for the laboratory information system software in the diagnostic centers. Laboratory information system software enables the laboratory to manage both logistic and analytical data also it provides an interface with the corporate reporting software.



North America Dominates the Global Laboratory Information System Market



Geographically, the laboratory information system market is classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the rest of the world. North America dominates the global laboratory information system market. The U.S. drives the market in the North America region. North America region has advanced infrastructure and there is a demand for genomic studies. The government support also favors the adoption of a laboratory information system. Canada and Mexico show rapid growth in the North America laboratory information system market. In the Asia Pacific region major market growth is seen in China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Malaysia.



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Laboratory Information System Industry: Competitive Analysis



The global laboratory information system market comprises of many competitors with players such as Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Athenahealth Inc., Agfa Gevaert N. V., Centre Corporation, Epic systems Corporations, GE Healthcare, Medidata Solutions Inc., Mckesson Corporation, and Nextgen Healthcare Information System, LLC and Siemens Healthiness among others. Many new players are entering the market and the market gets more fragmented.



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=> Comprehensive analysis of global as well as regional markets of the laboratory information system.



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=> Infinium Global Research- Growth Matrix presents an analysis of the product segments and geographies that market players should focus to invest, consolidate, expand and/or diversify.
C hristopher Tolkien, the son of The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, has died aged 95.

Mr Tolkien helped manage the legacy of his father's literary pieces, including editing his unpublished works.

A statement released by the Tolkien Society said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that Tolkiens son and literary executor Christopher Tolkien has died aged 95."

Mr Tolkien was born in Leeds on November 21, 1924, and grew up in Oxford, where his father was an English professor.

After joining the RAF in the Second World War, he became a lecturer in Old and Middle English and Old Icelandic at Oxford University.

When his father died he became literary executor of the Tolkien Estate and he remained in the role until November 2017.

Mr Tolkien was the authors third and youngest son, and was responsible for editing and publishing much of his fathers work following his death in 1973.

These included The Silmarillion, The Children Of Hurin, and Beren And Luthien, which flesh out the complex world of elves and dwarves created by his father.

He also drew the original maps of Middle-earth which decorated the trilogy of books released in the 1950s following the success of the prequel, The Hobbit.

Tolkien Society Chair, Shaun Gunner, said: "All of us in the Tolkien Society will share in the sadness at the news of Christopher Tolkiens death, and we send our condolences to Baillie, Simon, Adam, Rachel and the whole Tolkien family at this difficult time.

"Christophers commitment to his fathers works have seen dozens of publications released, and his own work as an academic in Oxford demonstrates his ability and skill as a scholar.

"Millions of people around the world will be forever grateful to Christopher for bringing us The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, The History of Middle-earth series and many others.

"We have lost a titan and he will be sorely missed."

Tolkien scholar Dr Dimitra Fimi added: "Tolkien studies would never be what it is today without Christopher Tolkiens contribution.

"From editing The Silmarillion to the mammoth task of giving us the History of Middle-earth series, he revealed his fathers grand vision of a rich and complex mythology.

"He gave us a window into Tolkiens creative process, and he provided scholarly commentary that enriched our understanding of Middle-earth.

"He was Middle-earths cartographer and first scholar."

Mr Tolkien signed off his work as CJRT, going by his full name Christopher John Reuel Tolkien, in the same manner as his father.

He was critical of Peter Jacksons Oscar-winning The Lord Of The Rings film trilogy.

In a 2012 interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, he criticised the adaptations, saying: They gutted the book, making an action film for 15 to 25-year-olds.

In the same interview, he spoke of the impact of his fathers stories.

He said: As strange as it may seem, I grew up in the world he created. For me, the cities of The Silmarillion are more real than Babylon.
Washington: US Chief Justice John Roberts is poised to become a key figure in the political life of President Donald Trump.

The publicity-shy, traditional conservative jurist will not only preside over the Republican president's Senate impeachment trial that formally began on Thursday, but in the coming months will cast potentially decisive votes in major cases before the Supreme Court including one in which Trump is fighting to keep his financial records secret.

Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts walks to the Senate chamber. Credit:AP

In the Senate trial over whether to remove Trump from office over two charges passed by the House of Representatives arising from his request that Ukraine investigate political rival Joe Biden, the role Roberts will play is expected to be primarily ceremonial. The Republican-led chamber sets the rules and the 100 senators serve as jurors, with Roberts presiding over the proceedings on the Senate floor.

When the proceedings begin in earnest on Tuesday, Roberts will have to juggle his trial commitments with his "day job" at the Supreme Court across the street from the US Capitol.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop put the day-to-day, life-on-the-line mentality police officers must have in the simplest of terms Wednesday afternoon.

When gunshots ring out and people are running away, his police officers are running immediately toward the gunfire.

The mayor was speaking in particular about police officers Kendric Jackson, Mariela Fernandez and Raymond Sanchez, who were promoted to the rank of detective in a City Hall ceremony for their bravery in the mass shooting Dec. 10 that left six people, including the two shooters, dead.

Fulop said they were three of first four officers to respond to the shooting and pinned David Anderson and Francine Graham in a kosher store on Martin Luther King Drive, stopping them from killing more people.

When you look at the footage of how the officers responded, you see bravery, you see heroism and you see them hearing gunshots and running immediately toward them, Fulop said.

I think its safe to say had they not done what they did that day it wouldve been a far worse disaster on Dec. 10, Fulop said.

The fourth officer who was among the first on the scene is Sgt. Majorie Jordan, who risked her life to assist Sanchez, who had been shot in the shoulder.

Det. Joseph Seals and three people inside a kosher supermarket were murdered by Anderson and Graham in an act authorities said was driven by anti-Semitism and anti-police views.

Authorities have said that the tragedy would have been far worse if not for Detective Joseph Seals, the first person fatally shot by the pair, and the quick response of other police officers.

Fernandez also suffered a gunshot wound.

William Munoz, Sanchezs roommate and best friend since they were 13 years old, said it was a relief knowing his friend made it out OK after being shot.

It was a crazy day in the city, living with him, and dealing with that every day seeing him, Munoz said. Its tough to see that, but hes doing well, which is great.

Fernandezs brother in law, Jimmy Fernandez, said the ceremony was monumental and uplifting.

It turns a negative experience to something positive  we are here to celebrate the bravery and courage Mariela had, Jimmy said.
Its been five months since the untimely passing of late politician and legal luminary Arun Jaitley, and as to be expected, his death has left a palpable void in the lives of his legion of friends and admirers in the capital. So when they received an invitation for the wedding reception of his son Rohan for this weekend, it brought a poignant smile to their lips. The reason is that the card was addressed jointly from Sangeeta and Arun Jaitley, with no mention of the latters passing, as though he were still very much around. Its been a very, very difficult time for his near and dear ones, says a member of his inner circle. He was a real peoples person and his ready wit, all-encompassing consideration and warmth, and his brilliant anecdotes related to his favourite foods, are hard to replace. Despite his busy schedule and health considerations, we would meet almost three-four times a week, and he would regale us with stories from his incredible memory and experiences. So when we received the card with his name very much at the top and with no attachment of late before his name or any reference to his passing, it reflected what we have been experiencing:that he is very much alive in the hearts and minds of his family and friends, the member said. The wedding reception of Rohan and Meher, daughter of Alka and Jaideep Anand, will take place this Saturday at the Jaitley residence, and in keeping with the departed statesmens wishes, will be understated and low key. We wish the couple every happiness.

TRUELIES

So the citys overheated grapevine has been working overtime, ever since the case of the beleaguered banker  once the toast of India Inc before her embroilment in alleged financial impropriety  has resurfaced. For many months, the scandal appeared to have died down, and the assumption was that the person at the centre of the matter had powerful friends in high places, who had ensured their survival, says one Dalal Street insider. But recently, with the resumption of scrutiny and media interest, it appears that there has been a rethink by the authorities, and the gloves are off, as far as the states going after them, the insider added.

According to the source, what might account for this renewed scrutiny, are the new political configurations and alliances. Everyone knows that the bankers alleged conspirators had close links to a political party, which had an alliance with the Centre. But once this partys ties with the ruling regime came apart, Delhi did not see any reason to pull its punches any more, or treat the accused as a Holy Cow. Hence, this renewed vigour in holding the banker and their alleged collaborators to account.

Ahso!

Overheard

I want to expunge the word narrative from the discourse. Then I want to expunge the word discourse and get back to how normal people used to talk once.

 Posted by social commentator, film maker, and artist Gautam Benegal

Portraits of the Writer

Supriya Sule, Pradeep Chandra and Javed Akhtar.

Word comes in that Javed Akhtar arrived much before the schedule to look at The World of Javed Akhtar, curated by Pradeep Chandra and SMM Ausaja at the Nehru Centre on Wednesday evening. His family, including son Farhan accompanied by Shibani Dandekar and daughter Zoya, were there. But the evenings host, Shabana Azmi, was yet to come, and they couldnt cut the ribbon without her. At exactly 5.30pm, were informed, Azmis car arrived at the entrance, and the actress stepped out saying, I was informed that it was starting at 5.30pm and here I am! Then the diyas were lit and it was time to cut the ribbon, to let the assembled crowds in. When he was handed the scissor, Javed saab is said to have stared at it for a good 30 seconds before thoughtfully handing it over to his progeny to do the honours.

Chandra and Ausaja had put together the exhibition as a gift to the noted lyricist for his birthday, which falls today. The 114 images include vintage pictures, posters and other memorabilia, starting with documents of his great great grandfather, and each come with a descriptive story or explanation written by Nasreen Munni Kabir. Apart from this, the exhibition also featured a portrait of the birthday boy, made entirely with nails and threads!

Akhtar is said to have been happy to explain the significance of each image in his life to the likes of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule, who is said to have taken a huge interest in his anecdotes.

Unsurprisingly, the gallery was full of Akhtars admirers, such as Parvez Damania and Kamal Morarka; the latter was overheard saying that the exhibition should be preserved in a book. Others such as Dr Mukesh Batra, Riteish Deshmukh, Kanwaljeet Singh, Poonam Dhillon and Akhtars old acquaintances from his struggling days, were also seen at the gathering. The exhibition will continue till the 20th of this month, and then travel to Bhopal, Indore, Delhi and Chandigarh.
The store specialises in old books as well as stocking new titles (Ryan Phillips/PA)

A Hampshire bookshop that tweeted about not selling a single book on Tuesday has been inundated with orders after going viral.

An employee at Petersfield Bookshop, which sells antiquarian, second-hand and new books, tweeted a picture of the store after a quiet day meant nothing had been sold.

The tweet read: Tumbleweed Not a single book sold today 0.00 We think this may be the first time ever We know its miserable out but if youd like to help us out, please find our Abebooks offering below, all at 25% off at the moment.

...Tumbleweed...



Not a single book sold today...



0.00...



We think think this maybe the first time ever...



We know its miserable out but if you'd like to help us out please find our Abebooks offering below, all at 25% off at the moment.... pic.twitter.com/Cn5uhYWw88  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 14, 2020

The message hit home for thousands of book lovers, who retweeted it  including author Neil Gaiman.

Overnight the store had more than 300 messages inquiring after books, as well as 95 orders.

Managing director John Westwood told the PA news agency: This store, in its current site, was opened by my dad in 1958, and its his legacy.

I believe in this industry, but online ordering and Amazon has hit us hard. Ive had to sell my flat to keep the store afloat, and most evenings sleep on a camp bed in the shop.

We have lots of big plans for the future, on how to expand and grow, we just need to get there first.

What a night! We have been completely overwhelmed in a good way.



We have 1,100 new followers.



We have loads of online book orders.



We have over 300 messages, many asking after books. We will answer all as soon as we can, please bear with us



Thank you all so much!  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020

He said the store has been busy today with visitors and buyers, with one Petersfield resident telling him: Ive lived here all my life and never been in your shop. Last night my friend who lives in San Francisco told me I had to come today.

Mr Westwood said: It has been overwhelming, mind-blowing and very humbling. Book-lovers are a very special people, and everyone has been so supportive.

Chap in shop today: "I've lived in Petersfield all my life and never been in your shop. Last night my friend who lives in San Francisco told me I had to come in today."  Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020

Ive carried on this store for my father  if you want to be rich you dont go into the book industry.

Books are special things and nothing beats going into a bookstore. Seeing them, touching them, smelling them  it is a special place.

The bookshop currently runs speaker and poetry events, discount shopping evenings and organises sessions with schools and organisations, and is looking to expand in the coming months.
Google's search results might look a little different today.

The alteration is minor, and searchers might not even notice. But it is the kind of change that looks strange once you spot it.

The company has altered the way that pages show up on search results. Though it is only minor, it is an alteration that will be seen by many millions of people.

It has already outraged those who have noticed it, and claim that the new design has ruined the search results page.

The most prominent change is that the logo of the website the search result comes from  technically known as the favicon  is now much larger. It is now perhaps the most obvious thing, beyond the name of the page you have searched for, and is much more prominent than the URL.

But there are other, smaller changes too, such as the domain name appearing more clearly and in black type.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Google has also changed the results so that the "ad" label  which appears if a company has paid to be shown in the search results, rather than appearing in them organically  is more clear and obvious.

The change follows a similar alteration on mobile.

On Reddit, the change has prompted a slew of outrage from users who claim it has ruined their experience of using the site. Users voiced frustration with everything from the look of the design to the fact that the pages look more like ads and so they scrolled past them.

"The new layout and search results are so bad, I briefly thought I was somehow hacked or running some counterfeit version of Chrome," wrote one on the Google subreddit. Others suggested they had moved to other search engines, such as DuckDuckGo.

Google receives tens of thousands of searches per second from all around the world, meaning that vast numbers of people will see the changes.

While they are not thought to have rolled out to everyone, they are steadily being pushed out to anyone who searches.
Washington has compromised in its demands that South Korea should pay billions of dollars towards US troop presence and it was Seoul's turn to reciprocate before time ran out, the American ambassador said Thursday. The two allies are in a security alliance and Washington stations 28,500 troops in South Korea to defend it from the nuclear-armed North, which invaded in 1950. They are a key part of US forces' deployment in Asia, but the Trump administration has been insisting Seoul pay more towards their costs. The initial US demand was around $5 billion a year -- a more than fivefold increase on the roughly $900 million paid in 2019 -- provoking consternation in Seoul. The latest round of negotiations concluded without an agreement in Washington on Wednesday. US negotiators had "adjusted our position, our top line number", said Ambassador Harry Harris. "We are now waiting for the Korean side to do the same." "South Korea as an equal partner in the preservation of peace on the peninsula, and its position as the 12th largest economy in the entire world, can and should do more." Time was "of the essence", he told reporters in a group interview at his residence in the centre of Seoul. Around 10,000 South Koreans working for United States Forces Korea (USFK) are paid from funds from last year's deal and when they run out, they will have to be put on furlough, he said. "That notice is going to go out soon." Other US allies would face similar demands from Washington in the future, added Harris, a former Navy admiral and commander of US Pacific Command. "Korea just happens to be the first country whose SMA expires," he said. "Japan is next. And then we go around from there." - 'Walk and chew gum' - Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a standstill since the Hanoi summit between Trump and leader Kim Jong Un collapsed in February, despite a high-profile meeting between them in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean peninsula. Pyongyang is demanding sanctions relief while Washington wants it to first take concrete steps towards denuclearisation, and at the end of December, Kim announced that he was no longer bound by his moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. "Trump has left the door open for negotiations despite a year of testing short-range missiles all of which violate UN security resolutions, and is still open to negotiations," Harris said, adding the ball was in Kim's court. "President Trump believes in the commitment that Kim Jong Un made to denuclearise," he said, referring to the vaguely worded declaration from their first summit in Singapore, which mentioned denuclearisation of the "Korean peninsula" rather than the North specifically. "The last time I checked there were no nuclear weapons in South Korea," Harris noted. The US President would not be distracted from North Korea issue by the American election or his own impeachment process, the ambassador added. "I think that President Trump, like the United States, can walk and chew gum at the same time." Pyongyang has repeatedly excoriated Seoul in recent months but South Korean President Moon Jae-in has repeatedly pushed engagement, including the possibility of Southern tourists visiting their neighbour -- prompting accusations that his approach was unrealistic. Harris said Moon's continued optimism was "encouraging" and "creates hope". But he warned that cross-border initiatives "should be done in consultation with the United States". It was not Washington's role to "approve or disapprove", he said, "but we are Korea's only ally, we do have 28,500 American troops here, American taxpayers pay billions of dollars to defend this country, so we have an interest in inter-Korean dialogue."
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, we are living in the United States of Propaganda.

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A couple of weeks ago James Gross, co-founder of Percolate, had me speak at their Transition conference. I talked about Carlota Perez, her theories, and the transition to the deployment period that we are currently undergoing. The talk, as I remember it, (plus some stuff I had to cut for time) is below. Ive also added some additional material as sidenotes.

Perez theory describes the path a technological revolution, like the Industrial Revolution, takes and the social, economic and institutional changes that go along with it. The jury is still out on the theory, and there are plenty of reasons to doubt it. But if it successfully predicts what happens over the next ten years it will have in good part proved its power.

*****

Ive been in the technology business for more than thirty years and for most of that time its felt like constant change. Is this the way innovation progresses, a never-ending stream of new things?

If you look at the history of technological innovation over the course of decades or centuries, not just years, it looks completely different. It looks like innovation comes in waves: great surges of technological development followed by quieter periods of adaptation.

The past 240 years have seen four of these great surges and the first half of a fifth.

Were all familiar with the industrial revolution, with its mechanization of textile mills, the spread of water power and canals, and the massive increase in productivity. This was followed by the spread of the railways and steam power, the age of steel, and the Age of Oil, Autos, and Mass Production (from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1970s.) The wave that we are currently in, the Information and Communications Technology Revolution, started around 1971.

These cycles have eerie similarities. Each is characterized by

some critical factor of production suddenly becoming very cheap,

some new infrastructure being built,

a laissez-faire period of wrenching innovation followed by a bubble,

a post-bubble recession,

a re-assertion of institutional authority, and then

a period of consolidation and wide spread of the gains in productivity from using the new technology.

The repeated pattern in otherwise dissimilar eras seems like it has to be more than coincidence. What dynamic could cause it?

Sidenote

Another accounting of these waves is from Chris Freeman and Francisco Loucas As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution. If you find Perez theory interesting, you should read As Time Goes By . Perez book has the overwhelming strength of just coming right out and saying what it wants to say, but As Time Goes By is tighter, better argued, addresses alternative views, describes the waves with economic detail, has better citations, and shows its work.

Economist Carlota Perez in her 2002 book Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital puts forward a theory that addresses the causes of these successive cycles and tries to explain why each cycle has a similar trajectory of growth and crisis. Her answers lie not just in technological change, but in the social, institutional, and financial aspects of our society itself.

We like theory because it tells us why, but more than that, a good theory is predictive. If Perez theory is correct, it should allow us to predict what will happen next in the current technological cycle. Im going to give you the outlines of her theory first, then use it to make some predictions about where we are now and what will change over the next ten years or so.

Each cycle is initiated by a group of technologies interacting to create a Technological System. Noah [Brier, the other co-founder of Percolate] mentioned [in his talk introducing the conference] Donatella Meadows definition of a system: an interconnected set of elements that is coherently organized in a way that achieves something.1 A Technological System is a set of technologies that interconnect as a platform to allow other innovations. When this system allows a fundamental and basic innovation, the system can cause a technological revolution.

For example, here is a group of some of the technologies involved in the start of the Railroad revolution. These technologies werent all invented at the same time, or even commercialized at the same time, but together they formed a system that made railroads viable. This diverse group of technologies included the high-pressure steam engine, precision machine parts, and improved metallurgy to allow rails to be cast. There were also innovations that we often dont think about as technologiesthings like corporate limited liability and the stock marketthat allowed the concentration of the massive amounts of money needed to build the railway infrastructure.

The railroad was invented to solve a problem: moving coal from the mines to the piers, where it could be loaded on ships or barges. But the railroad addressed a broader and more basic need: moving things around quickly and cheaply. It did more than move coal from mine to ship, it moved goods from city to city, it moved mail from city to city, it moved people from city to city, and those people started living away from their hometowns en masse for the first time. These uses then enabled many other industries to flourish. This is the difference between a technological revolution and a plain old technological system: a technological revolution changes the whole economy.

Another constellation of technologies started the ICT revolution: semiconductors, integrated circuits, computers, software, computer networking, and mobile phones are some of them. Some of these together allowed the creation of the microprocessor. Originally built to power portable calculators, it ended up addressing another broad and basic need and started a new technological revolution.

Sidenote

An interesting thing about technological systems is that they are not just a bunch of technologies in the same place at the same time, they are systems: their further development is linked together. When some of the technologies in a linked system progress faster than others, the laggards become the limiting factor in the system. Thomas Hughes called these the reverse salient2 with all that implies. The system can not progress until the reverse salient is cured, so economic resources are directed to its improvement. The invisible hand detects what is holding progress back and redirects resources to cure it, so the system evolves faster than its individual technologies would. If you see a reverse salient, you have found a problem whose solution is far more valuable than it may first seem. Currently, the most obvious reverse salient is battery technology.





When the new technological system starts to promise commercial opportunities, we have reached the irruption phase of the cycle. At this point the economic logic of the new system is starting to become evident and there is a promise of a new Techno-Economic Paradigm (TEP). The techno-economic paradigm shows a way of using the new technology to make businesses more efficient and profitable, and so more competitive than existing businesses. But existing businesses have a techno-economic paradigm of their own, the one associated with the previous technological revolution, and they have a lot invested in the old way of doing business. So adoption of the new technologies is slow at the beginning and incumbents resist it.

But as entrepreneurs and early adopters realize the potential of the new TEP, intrepid financiers start to show interest. The financiers reason that if the new TEP can really help create much more efficient businesses then massive disruption will occur and they should be able to make money investing in companies that produce the new technologies. Money starts to flow into the sector.

At this point technological development is primarily exploratory, so many of the investments the financiers make fail. But a few hit big, and other financiers notice. In the current ICT revolution, think about the investments in Apple Computer and Intel by the then new venture capital industry3.

Seeing the money to be made, money starts to pile into the new technologies. As the scale of the new opportunity becomes more evident with each successful investment, investment in the sector grows exponentially. This is the frenzy phase of the cycle. For example, the small venture capital industry of the 1970s lead to the much larger VC industry of the 1980s and then to the dot-com frenzy of the 1990s.

Sidenote

Venture capital, as we think of it, is primarily a feature of the current cycle. Other cycles had other funding mechanisms. E.g.:

The consumer boom of the 1920s was financed through a vast expansion of credit, with personal debt nearly doubling as a proportion of income. And since banks did not make consumer loans, new lending channels had to be created. These included installment sales finance companies (such as the General Motors Finance Company founded in 1919), retail installment lenders (particularly department stores), licensed consumer finance companies (such as the Beneficial Loan Company) and Morris Plan industrial banks4.

Although many of the entrepreneurs of each cycle were funded initially by wealthy patrons. Also see: Brunt, Liam. Rediscovering Risk: Country Banks as Venture Capital Firms in the First Industrial Revolution. The Journal of Economic History 66.01 (2006) : 74-102.

At the same time, incumbent companies start to react to the new technologies both operationally and strategically. Operationally, they start to adopt the new technologies, although this adoption is often piecemeal and uneconomic; regardless, companies do not want to be left behind. Strategically, they try to react to new companies and the threat of disruption by trying to adopt some of the tactics that financial capital is using, but firewalling it from the main thread of their business: in this cycle this has taken the aspect of corporate venture capital groups, skunkworks and innovation divisions reporting to the CEO, intrapreneurship, a mandate to innovate (although without taking real risk), etc.

Meanwhile, the casino capitalism of the frenzy leads to overinvestment and a financial bubble. Bubbles, being bubbles, cannot last, so they dont. When they pop there is a recession. (I want to reiterate that this is not just the history of the recent past but the common events that have occurred in all the cycles. So, after the dot-com bubble we had a recession. After the roaring 20s, there was the Great Depression, etc.)

During the frenzy societys institutions could not effectively assert themselves because theres never a large constituency for fixing something thats not broken. But during the recession there is a reassessment of what just happened. Rules are put in place to restrain the worst excesses of the recent bubble. After 1929 this meant the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934 and the oversight of the SEC. After the dot-com bubble, this meant Sarbanes-Oxley, among other things (and then, after the real-estate bubblePerez considers both bubbles aspects of the same frenzyDodd Frank.) Financiers also learn a new humility, not least the recurring fear that a new bubble might be forming at any time, and a continuous looking over their shoulder for it.

The zeitgeist changes from creative destruction to creative construction. Financial capital pulls back and production capital takes over the funding of innovation.

The distinction between financial capital and production capital is key to Perez explanation, but it took me a while to figure out exactly what she meant by it. My long-ago operations research textbook had a cartoon showing one MBA talking to another: Things? I didnt come here to learn how to make things, I came here to learn how to make money. This is the view of financial capital. The view of production capital is exemplified by Peter Drucker: Securities analysts believe that companies make money. Companies make shoes.

Financial capital invests in innovation because it thinks it can earn a good return. It is primarily controlled by agents that are external to the means of production, financiers. Production capital invests in innovation to add to and make more efficient its production resources. It is controlled by the management of companies. Financial capital has a casino-like mentality: nine losing bets and one that pays 12x is a good year. Production capital has a planning mentality: a failed investment is a failure of management, almost a moral failing.

When financial capital pulls back, both because of decreased opportunities for massive exits because of the new regulation and because of the new conservatism that fear teaches, production capital takes over. Production capital is not looking to create entirely new markets and disrupt incumbentsthey are the incumbentsit is looking to improve the means of production through innovation. Production capital funds predictable innovation: classic sustaining innovation, not the riskier exploratory innovation. This period, when production capital starts to take control, is a period of synergy, with less technological volatility, fewer business failures, more (and longer-lasting) employment, and less income inequality. It also heralds a decrease in corporate dynamism (for example, the fifty largest companies going into the 1950s were pretty much the same as those coming out of the 50s.)

But because production capital is not looking for radical innovations, the kind that further innovations are built on, the opportunity space of the technological revolution starts to run dry. Stagnation sets in (think U.S. manufacturing in the 1970s.) As returns to investing in large companies become small, savvy financiers start to look for something new. When they find a new technological system and a new techno-economic paradigm that promise a new technological revolution, they start to move their money there, and the next cycle begins.

The process is driven by the nature of change in three spheres. Ive talked about two, the technological and the economic. But the third is just as important, the institutional. At the beginning of a technological revolution social and institutional ideas reinforce the previous paradigm and resist the new one. But as the cycle progresses, first social norms and then political and institutional norms coalesce into a new framework that reinforces the dominance of the new paradigm. The technology changes the world in a way that entrenches the technology, the old paradigm loses all power. While some older people argue whether we would be better off without some of these technologies, the vast majority of the younger generations consider only how to make them better.

Sidenote

An example of the entrenchment of a TEP from a previous cycle:

The real reason for the decline of the English canals is, however, to be sought in the fact that English internal commerce had largely reconstructed itself and that the railway transport had come to suit it far better than water transport. English agriculturalists, for instance, had changed from selling wheat to selling dairy produce, and the water-ways were too slow for the transport of milk and butter, whatever they had been for cereals. The coal merchant was unwilling to provide large warehouses for coal; he preferred to have it in the railway trucks and get it as he wanted it; he could then work with smaller capital5.

In 1953 the establishment believed that what was good for GM was good for America; its not a stretch to say that over the next 20 years the establishment will begin to believe, and act, like whats good for Google, Facebook, and Apple is good for America.

Perez theory divides each cycle into two main parts: the installation period and the deployment period. Installation is from irruption to the crisis, and deployment is after the crisis. These are the ying and the yang of the cycle. Some of the differences between the two periods weve already mentionedcreative destruction vs. creative construction, financial capital vs. production capital, the battle of the new paradigm with the old vs. acceptance of the new TEP, etc.

A few other characteristics worth mentioning:

In the installation period, much of the capital goes to building the infrastructure the technological revolution needs. The bubble causes it to be overbuilt, so as the deployment period begins there is excess infrastructure and low cost to use it. This happened with canals, railways, and most recently with the telecom infrastructure. The deployment period gets to take advantage of the low cost glut of infrastructure. In the installation period, much of the new technology needs to be pushed to market: customers dont necessarily understand the benefits and need to be sold on each new thing. In the deployment period, technology is pulled: customers demand the new technology and are often ahead of the technology companies on what they need and how they will use it. The sources of innovation shift from exploratory companies to forward-thinking customers. Also, in the deployment period, companies move from creating entirely new marketsas they must with entirely new technologiesto expanding and consolidating their existing markets. To appeal to more customers in a given market they must make their products both cheaper and easier to use. And last, during the deployment period the technology becomes familiar, easier to implement and repair. This means the economic benefits of tech knowledge that in the installation period accrued to a small, well-educated elite start to spread out across the population, lessening economic inequality.

Sidenote

So what does the deployment period look like? Lets look at the 1950s, the first half of the deployment period for the last wave, The Age of Oil, Autos, and Mass Production.

Robert Field, in his landmark study of the history of productivity growth in the US, A Great Leap Forward , notes that the years before World War IIthe installation period, according to Perezwere notable for rapid innovation in manufacturing. Additionally, manufacturing was the largest contributor to productivity growth in that period.

But after the war, this changed.

The view of the quarter century following 1948 as one of more moderate innovative advance is consistent with the enumerations of basic innovations by Kleinknecht, Schmookler, and Mensch. All of their series show peaks in the 1930s, particularly in the second half. Kleinknechts analysis, which runs through 1969, shows a big peak in total and product innovations in the 1930s, although process innovations peak in the 1950s. Schmooklers data, which run through 1959, show a peak of forty-eight basic innovations in the 1935-1939 period, dwindling to zero in 1955-1959. Menschs series on basic innovations also peaks in 1935-1939 (at 13) before declining to zero in 1955-19596.

The disappearance of product innovations while some process innovation continues makes sense if innovators no longer seek new markets but continue to try to expand existing markets by making products cheaper.

Field also notes that during the 1950s and after, productivity growth moved from being dominated by manufacturing to being dominated by distribution7. The spread of a new infrastructurethe interstate highway systemwas part of this, but the biggest factor was containerization, which allowed the older infrastructure (ships and railways) to utilize the newer technologies and infrastructure (trucks and highways) in a way that made them both far more productive. Productivity growth had moved from the new technologies themselves (manufacturing of trucks) to their use in society (distribution of goods) while encompassing the pre-existing fixed assets (the railroads and ships.)

Its important to note that there wasnt a conscious turning away from innovation in the 1950s. Many firms of the era continued to improve their products and use the improvements as a selling point. Manufacturers of electronic goods, for instance, were quick to tout improved products. But these innovations were decided on and funded by production capital through a careful (at least, relative to financial capital) planning process.

Even the larger innovations of the time were funded by production capital: large company research labs and government defense spending. Companies that spun out of this spending tended to also be funded by, or quickly taken over by, production capital. Shockley Semiconductor (funded by and a division of Beckman Instruments) and the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation, discussed below, are good examples. Even when the traitorous eight left Shockley on their own entrepreneurial quest, forming Fairchild Semiconductor, they chose to be under the umbrella of an existing company rather than completely on their own.

Innovation was inside, or controlled by, incumbents. And incumbents, having been through a shakeout over the course of the Great Depression, were less anxious about being disrupted by contenders. J.K. Galbraith, who was to deployment what Schumpeter was to installation, wrote of the 1950s and 1960s:

Through marketing and planned obsolescence, the disruptive force of technological changewhat Joseph Schumpeter called creative destructionhad largely been domesticated, at least for a time. Whereas large corporations had funded research leading to a number of important innovations during the 1930s, many critics now argued that these behemoths had become obstacles to transformative innovation, too concerned about the prospect of devaluing rent-yielding income streams from existing technologies. Disruptions to the rank-order of the largest U.S. industrial corporations during this quarter century were remarkably few8.

This change was not obvious at the time, even to the people who were directing it to happen. Companies and businesspeople continued to think of themselves as daring innovators even as the business climate shifted away from entrepreneurism. Galbraith again, writing in 1964:

Until recent times, senior officials of the mature corporation were inclined to assume the public mantle of the entrepreneur. They pictured themselves as self-reliant men, individualistic, with a trace of justifiable arrogance, fiercely competitive and with a desire to live dangerously. Individualism is the note that sounds through the business creed like the pitch in a Byzantine Choir. Theyre bred to race. Its the same with people. Its something thats born into you. Business is toughits no kissing game. These characteristics are not readily reconciled with the requirements of the technostructure. Not indifference but sensitivity to others, not individualism but accommodation to organization, not competition but intimate and continuing cooperation are the prime requirements for group action To a surprising degree, American businessmen and writers about business have [stopped] interpreting our cooperative society as individualistic and [have stopped] concealing our quest for security in phrases like competitionInterdependence is recognizedExecutive life, so far from being competitive and dangerous, is highly secure9.

The turn away from innovation was not because innovation was less reveredit was revered so highly that corporate executives continued to tell themselves they were fiercely competitive innovators long after it ceased to be trueit was because in a corporate world safe from the threat of upstarts, transformative innovation was economically unsound.





Where are we in the cycle? Perez, in a 2013 paper10, says we are now in the deployment period. This has big consequences for how you run your business.

Sidenote

This quote makes a shocking claim I didnt think the Transition audience would be interested in: financial capitals job is done.

Financial capital in this cycle is none other than yours truly, the venture capitalist. Is our job done? If you look at the current VC pace of investing, we certainly dont seem to think so. And the championing of Perez by some of the smartest VCs out there, like Fred Wilson, Chris Dixon, and Marc Andreessen, seemsodd. Why champion a theory that says you are now irrelevant?

To put a finer point on it, think about innovation funding in the 1950s: corporate development, corporate research labs like Bell Labs, and defense spending. You might, if youre a student of VC history, also remember ARD, the proto-venture capital firm that funded DEC in the late 1950s.

But consider that ARD was, on the whole, a failure. Its investment in DEC was one of its few bright spots. But their success was on the back of founder Ken Olsen. Olsen, The Ultimate Entrepreneur , sold 70% of his company right off the bat to ARD for $70,000 (ARD also lent him an additional $30,000 which should be considered de facto equity) in 1957. When ARD liquidated in 1972 DEC was worth $400 million, giving ARD an IRR of some 55% per annum but leaving Olsen worth, probably, less than $40 million ($230 million in todays dollars.) Not a bad haul, but not what people today would consider a fair deal for the ultimate entrepreneur. ARD could get this deal because Olsen had nowhere else to go for financial capital in the 1950s.

Even more starkly, the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation, the first company to sell a computer (the ENIAC), founded in 1947, had to sell itself to Remington Rand in 1950 because it could not raise money to continue as a separate business. This was not for lack of recognition of the promise of the technology, it was for lack of financial capital willing to fund innovative technology.

Is this what third-party funding for innovation will look like over the next ten years: ICT funding moving entirely to production capital and next-wave technological funding almost impossible to procure? Hard to imagine, but its what Perez predicts.





Im going to make two overarching points about what the theory implies about what the next ten years will look like:

Information and communications technology becomes ubiquitous but invisible, and Innovation becomes ubiquitous but small.

First point. In keeping with the theme of this part of the day: software eats the world and everybody ignores it.

There was a time when people would pitch me internet companies. But unless youre actually selling internet service, youre no more an internet company than a company using electricity is an electric company. Over the next ten years there wont be online stores, there will just be stores; there wont be mobile-enabled taxi dispatchers, there will just be taxis. The expectation of sensible use of ICT will be total.

At the same time, because companies will need to grow by expanding markets, not creating new ones, there will be an economic mandate to make the technology cheaper and easier to use so it can be used in more places. These things together mean that ICT will be everywhere, but so integrated into products that it will be invisible.

How do you adjust your strategy for this?

Stop considering the technology a feature. Using the technology where it fits is no longer a feature, its a requirement. Connecting a thermostat to the Internet wirelessly is awesome, but calling it an Internet-enabled thermostat will start to be like calling a vacuum cleaner an electricity-enabled broom. And if your thermostat does not connect to the Internet, it will be bought only by retro-chic hipsters.

But if you use ICT in your product, it needs to be seamless. Your users shouldnt need an instruction manual. Dont scrimp on user interface and user experience design. Many startups have already gone down this road.

Venture capitalists have also been pushing the idea of the full-stack startup, a startup that doesnt focus solely on its innovation, but builds the pieces that the innovation needs to function as a product. Full-stack makes sense when depending on others products would cause a poorer user experience, when the interconnection itself is a weak point. Apple has been a proponent of this design approach for some time, of course, but now every company will have to either build out their stack or more closely partner with other providers to create a seamless experience.

And, of course, as companies are forced to drive down the cost of both technologies and their adoption to grow markets, the technologies will be integrated into more and more products (perhaps even over-integrated, a la the electric can opener.)

Second point. The technology becomes ubiquitous, as noted, but innovation itself becomes ubiquitous. The deployment age is not an age of exploration, its an age of extending the paradigm into all parts of society. What people want to do with the technology is pretty clear, and the technologys improvement trajectory is pretty clear. And with financial capitals funding of disruptive innovation out of the picture, larger companies enjoy relative stability to innovate in more conservative, planned ways. Its the end of the ICT frontier, no more wild west11.

This means that companies can, and have to, make innovation part of their normal business processes. And by normal I mean the everyday, production-oriented business processes used by all employees, not just the high-level corporate strategy and planning process. Innovation is no longer something special that needs to be walled off from the rest of the company, it needs to be everywhere. This is a big change for people who learned management over the last thirty years.

Corporate venture capital, whose point is not to make money12 but to provide a view into the direction and speed of entrepreneurial innovation, will become passe. When innovation is easier to predict, companies wont need this view.

Intrapreneurshipthe word was coined in the 1970s, when this technological revolution was newassumes that certain people must be allowed to buck the established business processes in order to catalyze radical innovations. If businesses no longer need to look for radical innovations, the threat intrapreneurship poses to regular order will outweigh the benefit.

Skunkworks and innovation divisions had their place when companies needed a rapid response to a looming threat and established structures and dynamics sabotaged efforts to build innovations that threatened the core business line (think about how the IBM PC was developed, for instance.) As these sorts of outside radical innovations become rarer, the need for ad-hoc groups outside of normal process diminishes.

All of these ideas, and any idea that stems from the belief that innovation is special and that large companies cant innovate because they are large and slow, lose their power when economically worthwhile innovations themselves become smaller and happen less quickly. Corporate venture capital is replaced by M&A, because financial capital and production capital valuations converge when uncertainty is low: Eckert-Mauchly is, essentially, acqui-hired by Remington Rand; DEC is majority owned by ARD; etc. Intrapreneurship and skunkworks are replaced by internal innovation processes which, while ineffective at producing radical innovations, allow controllable and measurable sustaining innovation. Money that would have been spent financing external innovation is redirected back to corporate development and, perhaps, even corporate controlled research labs13.

These sorts of controllable and measurable innovation processes are already taking hold, both inside and outside the corporate world. Its no coincidence that the buzzwords in innovation the last few years have been lean and customer development. While these both claim to be new discoveries, they are actually old practices that fell out of favor during the installation period because they arent suited to radical, fast-moving innovation; they only work when innovation is slower and more predictable: Steve Jobs could not have used customer development to create the Apple computer; Henry Fords quip that if he asked his customers what they wanted they would have said a faster horse are both acknowledgements of this. The hallmark of a new technological revolution is that the innovation trajectory is unknown14: lean doesnt work on early adopters because they will use anything novel (i.e. the Altair as an MVP was pretty well useless in predicting what mainstream customers would want in a personal computer); customer development doesnt work when youre developing a general purpose technology. In general, you cant iterate your way to radical innovations, almost by definition.

But these tools are perfect for companies during the deployment period. IBM was a master of customer development in the 50s, they knew exactly what problems their customers were facing because they had people sitting in their customers offices. Leanthe idea of build, test, learn, iteratewas advocated by the RAND Corp back in the 1950s for use in building bombers and ICBMs. These ideas have been out of vogue for 40 years. Now theyre back and you should be using them.

Sidenote

In the 1950s elements in the defense department advocated planning the development of complex projects by creating an optimal development plan.

Stated in its purest form, the fundamental idea of concurrent engineering is that a final product (such as a bomber or a missile) can be so well specified in terms of its performance that all aspects of its engineering, design, and production can be pursued essentially in parallel rather than in series15.

Others in the defense establishment pushed back. For example, re the Atlas ICBM: too much time was being devoted by the present Atlas management complex toward optimizing the intercontinental ballistic missile rather than getting into design and production on a system which could give an early operational capability16. This ignited a debate with the RAND Corporation, the government funded think-tank that was the foremost proponent of the systems approach to management, the success of which had lead to the original belief that concurrent engineering would work.

The research that resulted, papers like William Mecklings (unpublished) Are We Overplanning Aircraft Development? showed that technological change necessitated a series of shorter-term milestones with the ability to flexibly choose direction after each one rather than rigorous, top-down planning. The RAND economists pushed the idea that the Air Force could at that time adopt some aspects of the innovation that had previously been confined to entrepreneurial companies (like Boeing) without losing the assurances that the project would, in fact, be completed; that the Air Force should adopt an innovation strategywhat we would today call leanrather than innovation planning. This build, learn, iterate process is the inevitable best way to search an unknown fitness landscape17.

These are a couple of things I think the theory predicts will be major themes of the next ten years, and I dont think Im really going out on a limb with them because you can see them happening already. But theres one overarching theme I want to emphasize: the economy is not static.

If you took economics 101, you learned things like supply and demand, Y = C + I + G + (X  M), and the like. These concepts assume that if things are changing, its because they are moving towards equilibrium. And once they reach equilibrium, they will stay that way until theres some shock from outside the economy. If you took all of this stuff you learned in economics and put it all together, you still wouldnt be able to predict the economy because thats not how the economy works. There is no equilibrium. The economy is constantly changing, it evolves. This doesnt mean you cant make predictions, it just means that you have to predict change.

People have always had a penchant for thinking that now is the end of history, whenever now was. Whatever just happened will continue happening; however weve learned to deal with problems are deep underlying truths, not just contingent responses. But if things are always changing, then there is never an end to history, and many of the things youve learned as deep underlying truths are actually subject to being overturned at any time. Everything youve learned in your career has to be re-examined every once in awhile to see if it will be as true in the future as it was in the past.

Some things weve learned over the past 30 yearsthat novelty is more important than quality; that if youre not disrupting yourself someone else will disrupt you; that entering new markets is more important than expanding existing markets; that technology has to be evangelized, not asked for by your customersmay no longer be true. Almost every company will continue to be managed as if these things were true, probably right up until they manage themselves out of business. Theres an old saying that generals are always fighting the last war, its not just generals, its everyones natural inclination.

But you, you now know, at least, that economic history has this ever-changing, cyclical nature; that the rules change with the times and that strategies have to change with them. Its easier to fall back on the tried-and-true, always, but right now, during the transition into the deployment age, is the very worst time to do that.

Thank you.

Susan Lawler read early drafts of this talk and provided critical feedback. Thank you Susan!
Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, says the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP should apologize to the Supreme Court and Nigerians over its on the Imo state governorship election.

This was in reaction to a statement by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan on the ruling, expressed surprise at the judgment describing it as yet another very sad commentary on the nations democratic order.

Read Also: Festus Keyamo Hails S Court For Sacking Of Emeka Ihedioha

Keyamo who accused the PDP of being an unserious opposition, said this while speaking at the Government College Ughelli, GCU annual reunion/ Annual General Meeting to make the schools platinum and a class of 1970 50th anniversary.

He questioned the rationale behind the outburst of the opposition party, saying, How can democrats come out and make such very inciting statements?
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 01:38:24|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council announced the resignation of the chief of the General Intelligence Service (GIS) on Wednesday, a day after a "rebellion" by a security force belonging to the GIS.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made the announcement in an interview with Sudan's official Sudan TV.

"The GIS' Director General Abu-Bakr Hassan Mustafa Dambalab turned in his resignation by phone, and I asked him to bring it to the office," said al-Burhan.

"The resignation is under consideration," he added.

The rebel force also closed the production lines at one of the oil fields in western Sudan, before the situation was contained and the oil field resumed operation on Wednesday, according to al-Burhan.

A day earlier, the headquarters of the GIS' Operations Authority witnessed heavy gunfire, sparking fear among the citizens of central Khartoum.

Last August, then Transitional Military Council in Sudan dissolved the GIS' Operations Authority, where an estimated 13,000 dismissed employees were asked to choose between joining the army or the Rapid Support Forces and being discharged with end-of-service rewards.

The majority opted for the latter, while some have refused to hand over their weapons until getting the rewards.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 11:22:23|Editor: huaxia

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It's the first time for China to capture underwater video of Bryde's whales, a mysterious species of cetaceans.





NANNING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have captured underwater video of Bryde's whales for the first time in south China's Beibu Gulf.

Chen Mo, associate researcher of Guangxi Academy of Sciences and a member of the research team, said on Wednesday that the video is of great significance to the comprehensive understanding of the marine mammal's living habits, especially the study of its behavior.

"The video provides a significant scientific basis for large marine mammal protection and has important value for protecting the marine ecological environment of the Beibu Gulf," said Chen.

Bryde's whale, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical waters, is regarded as a very mysterious species of cetaceans, with a body length of 10 to 12 meters and a weight of up to 15 tonnes.

The researchers have been conducting research on the whales when they were first discovered in waters off Weizhou Island in 2016.

Weizhou Island in Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is among the country's few coastal areas where large cetaceans frequently appear. 




Teck Resources Limited TECK recently acquired Columbia-based SunMine solar energy facility from the City of Kimberley.

SunMines 1.05 MW (megawatt) grid-connected solar facility is a first-of-its-kind in British Columbia, located on fully reclaimed land at the companys former Sullivan Mine site. Also, the facility is first built on a reclaimed mine site with future growth potential.



SunMine has been in operation since 2015. Teck Resources has been providing the land and site infrastructure for development of the SunMine solar facility since it commenced operations.



A major producer of zinc, lead and silver, Teck Resources former Sullivan mine operated for nearly 100 years before it was shut down in 2001. Around 1,100 hectares of the former mining area has been reclaimed.



The transaction backs Teck Resources commitment to take action on weather changes, advance development of renewable energy and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Further, SunMine will aid the company to generate solar power as it is advancing solar-power usage at other operations.



In fact, the latest acquisition aligns with the companys approach to work with shareholders, in order to develop post-mining land uses ranging from wildlife habitat to economic diversification.



Since 2011, Teck Resources has implemented projects and initiatives to reduce GHG emissions at its operations by 289,000 tonnes. The companys 81% of total electricity consumption is from renewable energy sources.



The above-mentioned transaction is valued at $2 million and equal to the City of Kimberleys outstanding debt for SunMine.

Recently, the company entered into an expanded commercial agreement with Ridley Terminals Inc. that will double its contracted capacity for the shipment of metallurgical coal from British Columbia operations to six-million tons a year.



Last December, Teck Resources and CN announced a long-term rail agreement for shipping of steelmaking coal from Teck Resources four British Columbia operations between Kamloops and Neptune Terminals, and other west coast ports. This will help lower total transportation costs, and enhance the overall rail and terminal performance.



Moreover, the company is advancing well with the Neptune Bulk Terminals facility upgrades, which will significantly boost terminal-loading capacity and improve its capability to meet delivery commitments while lowering overall logistics costs. The facility upgrades are anticipated to be completed in first-quarter 2021.



The agreements with Ridley Terminals and CN, and upgrades at its Neptune Terminal will contribute to improved overall performance throughout the companys steelmaking coal-supply chain.



For fourth-quarter 2019, sales volumes are projected at 6.2-6.4 million ton. Planned outages at Ridley Terminals and Neptune Bulk Terminals will result in approximately 40 lost train dumping or berthing days, affecting sales volumes in the quarter.



Share Price Performance



Teck Resources shares are down 29.9% in the past year against the industrys rally of 13%.

Story continues





Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider



Teck Resources currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are Daqo New Energy Corp DQ, Pan American Silver Corp PAAS and Sibanye Gold Limited SBGL. While Daqo New Energy and Pan American Silver flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Sibanye Gold carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Daqo New Energy has a projected earnings growth rate of a whopping 315.4% for the current year. The companys shares have surged 117.6% over the past year.



Pan American Silver has an estimated earnings growth rate of 46.3% for the ongoing year. Its shares have appreciated 54.4% in a years time.



Sibanye Gold has an outstanding expected earnings growth rate of 587.5% for 2020. The companys shares have soared 260.8% over the past year.



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Every so often, Jack Sheldon from Jacks Flight Club selects a flight deal from the UK for Independent readers that you cant afford to miss. This week: return flights to the Caribbean for 269 return.

Heres a good solution if its been way too long since you last saw a bit of sunshine. The price of Tuis routes to Barbados have hit a new low, with departures from regional airports available for short-notice trips over the next few weeks.

All of Tuis routes fly non-stop to the Caribbean in its fleet of modern 787 Dreamliners, which should make for a fairly comfortable flight even in economy. Checked bags are extra, costing 70 return: consider splitting one piece of luggage with a travel buddy to save on fees.

Barbados hotels Show all 4 1 /4 Barbados hotels Barbados hotels Barbados hotels Ocean Two Resort, Barbados Barbados hotels Barbados hotels An ocean view room at Sea Breeze Beach House Hotel, Barbados Barbados hotels Barbados hotels A Junior Suite at South Beach Hotel, Barbados Barbados hotels Barbados hotels Barbados: white sandy beaches

How to book

Head to Tuis deal website and use its deals page to see the travel dates available for each route. Once youve picked your route click the orange button to add the flights to your basket and complete the booking.

(NB: We found the website has trouble with Google Chrome, so try a different browser if you run into difficulties.)

To

Bridgetown (BGI), Barbados

From

London (LGW)  269

Birmingham (BHX)  299

Manchester (MAN)  299

Newcastle (NCL)  299

Glasgow (GLA)  299

When to fly

These fares are available between late January and early February.

When to book

These fares should be around for another one to two days.
A male teacher at Muvandori Day Secondary School in Embu North Sub-County, Kenya accused of defiling and impregnating a 16-year-old girl studying at the institution, has been arrested.

The suspect, Moses Kimanthi, was arraigned at the Embu Law Courts on Tuesday, January 14, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement.

Senior Resident Magistrate Tony Kwambai released Kimanthi on a cash bail of Ksh50, 000 or a bond of Ksh100, 000 and a surety of a similar amount.

The case will be mentioned on January 28, and heard on March 30, 2020.

See previous story here.

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday selected seven lawmakers to serve as impeachment managers in the Senate trial against President Donald Trump, essentially acting as prosecutors in the trial and making the case for why he should be removed from office.

The House voted on a resolution Wednesday afternoon authorizing the managers to send the articles to the Senate, setting in motion a trial on whether the charges warrant Trumps conviction and removal from office.

The group of lawmakers selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as the impeachment managers in the Senate trial against President Trump walk through the Capitol's National Statuary Hall to present physical copies of the impeachment articles to the Senate in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 15. | Gabriella Demczuk for TIME

Pelosi, as expected, selected California Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, who chair the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. Schiff will serve as lead manager. She also selected veteran lawmakers New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Florida Rep. Val Demings and California Rep. Zoe Lofgren and two freshmen Representatives: Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia and Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, who serves in a vulnerable swing district.

Im very proud and honored that these seven members, distinguished members, have accepted this serious responsibility to protect and defend, for the people, defending our democracy, she said at a press conference Wednesday.

The House of Representatives impeached the President in December on two counts of high crimes and misdemeanors: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. An impeachment that will last forever, Pelosi said on Wednesday.

Pelosi had delayed delivering the articles to the Senate, promising she would deliver the articles once she felt they would get a fair trial in the Senate. Pelosi addressed this delay on Wednesday, arguing it has been the Democrats friend because it allowed for the discovery of more evidence. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been open about working with the White House, has yet to promise the trial would include witnesses, and the rules of the trial have yet to be announced.

This is a test of the Constitution, Rep. Nadler said. The Senate is intended by the Constitution to conduct a fair trial. The American people know that in a trial you permit witnesses, you present the evidence.

Story continues

In response to the announcement, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said, The Speaker lied when she claimed this was urgent and vital to national security because when the articles passed, she held them for an entire month in an egregious effort to garner political support. She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing.

What is an impeachment manager?

Impeachment managers effectively act as prosecutors in the Senate impeachment trial, laying out the facts the House discovered in its impeachment inquiry and arguing for the Presidents removal from office.

The Presidents legal team will act as the effective defense, and the managers and the legal team will each try to sway the Senators  the effective jury  to vote their way. Trumps personal attorney Jay Sekulow confirmed to TIME that he will assist a legal team led by White House Counsel Pat Cippollone. Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial, though Senators can vote to overrule his decisions. Two thirds of the Senate, or 67 members, must vote to convict the President for him to be removed from office. This has never happened in the history of the U.S.

After the House approves the resolution to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, the managers, the House Clerk and the House Sergeant at Arms will walk through the Capitol to present physical copies of the impeachment articles to the Secretary of the Senate.

The Senate has until 1 p.m. on the day after the articles have been presented to them to start to consider them. McConnell has said he expects the trial to begin in full-swing on Jan. 21, and more ceremonial proceedings will take place this week.

But much about the trial is still unknown, and McConnell has still not promised to call witnesses or allow for the inclusion of new evidence, much to Democrats frustration. On Tuesday, House Democrats released new evidence they had uncovered, including information from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. McConnell has said he has enough Senate votes to pass a package similar to that in the Clinton impeachment, which did not automatically include witnesses.

The seven impeachment managers will be as follows:

California Rep. Adam Schiff, 59

The California Representative and close Pelosi confidante will unsurprisingly serve as the lead impeachment manager. As the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Schiff, reputed for his unflappable demeanor, has been the public face of the Houses impeachment inquiry and is intimately aware of the facts of the case. The 10th term congressman was once a federal prosecutor, and prosecuted the first FBI agent ever indicted for espionage.

New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, 72

Nadler chairs the House Judiciary Committee, which reviewed the evidence found by the Intelligence Committee and drafted the two articles of impeachment against the President. Like Schiff, hell know the facts of the case better than nearly anybody. The New York Representative has served in Congress in 1992.

New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 49

Another New York Representative, Jeffries is something of a rising star in the Democratic party. He chairs the House Democratic Caucus and sits on the Judiciary Committee, and some theorize Jeffries could someday be a Pelosi successor.

Florida Rep. Val Demings, 62

Demings is one of two Democratic lawmakers to sit on both the the Intelligence Committee and the Judiciary Committee, and thus like Schiff and Nadler knows the facts of the impeachment inquiry well. Shes only in her second term of Congress, and previously served in the Orlando Police Department for 27 years.

California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, 72

Zofgren, who is serving her 13th term, sits on the Judiciary Committee and played a role in the three impeachments. She was a Judiciary Committee staffer during the Nixon impeachment proceedings, a Judiciary Committee member for the Clinton impeachment, and now will serve as a manager for Trumps impeachment.

Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia, 69

Garcia is a freshman member of Congress who sits on the House Judiciary Committee. She was the first Latina ever to represent her district, and previously served in the Texas state Senate and was the City Controller for Houston.

Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, 40

Crow is another freshman Democrat who is considered a rising star in the party. A veteran of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he flipped a long-held Republican seat in the 2018 midterms. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and is viewed as an authority on national security within the Democratic Caucus.

 With reporting by Tessa Berenson/Washington
Time is running out for PG&E Corp. to end the biggest-ever U.S. utility bankruptcy, so the company must set reorganization deadlines and explain a potential conflict in its multi-billion dollar payout proposal, a federal judge said Wednesday.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali ordered the company to give him details about how a pair of proposed trust funds can compensate wildfire victims along with state and federal agencies while honoring the utilitys promises to creditors and complying with state law.

By pushing PG&E for more information, Montali is wading into a potential fight for cash between California residents who say PG&E caused the fires that killed their loved ones and burned their homes and federal and state agencies demanding compensation for their fire recovery efforts.

It should not go unnoticed that January 29, 2020 will mark exactly one year since these chapter 11 cases were filed, Montali wrote in his memorandum.

The demand for details comes as PG&E is reportedly close to ending a long-standing conflict with noteholders who hold more than $11 billion in the utilitys unsecured bonds. Should that settlement materialize, it would mark a major step forward in the bankruptcy case, leaving California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the only major player who hasnt signed onto the companys reorganization proposal.

A committee representing wildfire victims and a group of insurers has pledged to back PG&Es bankruptcy-exit proposal in return for cash and stock. But federal and state agencies have filed billions of dollars worth of claims that may compete for $13.5 billion pledged to the fire victims.

PG&E did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the judges order. The company has previously said it opposes fire claims filed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In his memorandum, which was filed in federal court in San Francisco, Montali also said he will not put off a status conference in which the company would help him set deadlines for the process of approving the proposed bankruptcy plan. That hearing must take place on either Jan. 21, or Jan. 29, Montali wrote.

The court is unwilling to continue the confirmation status conference beyond January 29, 2020, even if the parties and their counsel need further time to deal with the possible resolution of various disputes, Montali said.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
It would be interesting to see how Republican senators would respond to a ruling by the chief justice that they consider adverse to the presidents interests. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has shown no compunction about stating that he does not want witnesses to testify, a stance at odds with his argument in the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Its not unusual to have a witness in a trial. Its certainly not unusual to have a witness in an impeachment trial, McConnell said then, calling a request for three witnesses a modest number. Indeed, there has never been an impeachment trial that reached a verdict  for a president or a lesser officer  without witnesses.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 18:37:17|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan meets with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Venezuela for the development of their comprehensive and strategic partnership in a concrete and far-reaching manner, Vice President Wang Qishan said here Thursday.

When meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, Wang said that under the guidance of the two heads of state in recent years, China and Venezuela had maintained close and friendly relations and achieved pragmatic and efficient cooperation in various fields.

He said China has always opposed external forces' interference with a country's internal affairs.

Arreaza said that the domestic situation in Venezuela is getting stable and better. He appreciated China's stances on Venezuela-related issues, saying that China is an important force for maintaining world peace, fairness and justice.

Venezuela is willing to learn from China's development experience and further deepen cooperation in various fields between the two countries, said Arreaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Juan Carlos Hidalgo (EFE)

This week on the first Que? podcast for 2020, we talk about how Pedro Sanchez was voted back in as Spanish prime minister by Congress after difficult negotiations with the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), and the group of Spanish criminals who were allegedly hired by the Chinese mafia to steal artwork from the Chinese Museum at the Palace of Fontainebleau in France.

Que? is a podcast that tries to explain to an English-speaking audience the curious, the under-reported and sometimes simply bizarre news stories that are often in the headlines in Spain.

If you have any comments or questions about the topics we discuss, or would like to suggest issues for future podcasts, email us at englishedition@elpais.es or tweet Simon Hunter at @simoninmadrid using the hashtag #quepodcast.

And if you want more information about all the podcasts available from EL PAIS, visit this website.
For years, I would receive phone calls from Welchs political adversaries about his boy.

The malicious calls were an effort to hurt the senator by attacking his child.

I never printed any of the assertions. Why? Because the child isnt the one holding public office and none of us get to choose our parents. Besides that, its got to be hell to be raised in a fishbowl where everyone knows your mistakes.

Former State Sen. Mike Jacobs of East Moline is the child and grandchild of state lawmakers and he knows that feeling well.

"You always know people are watching you," he said. "Sometimes I think politicians kids think they have to live up to an impossible standard. Its tough."

Danny Welch didnt live up to that impossible standard. In 2007, his Dad returned to his Springfield home and found his 25-year-old son hanging from a tree in his backyard.

After learning of the suicide from the Sangamon County coroner, I declined to write about it. After all, the kid wasnt a public figure and by that time Welch was no longer in office.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (OTCQB:IPCIF and TSX:IPCI) ("Intellipharmaceutics" or the "Company"), a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and manufacture of novel and generic controlled-release and targeted-release oral solid dosage drugs, announced today that that the Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to not support the approval of Aximris XR (oxycodone extended-release tablets) for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.

The Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") voted 24 to 2 against the voting question: "Do you recommend approval of AXIMRIS XR (oxycodone extended-release tablets) for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate?"

There can be no assurance that the FDA will ultimately approve the NDA for the sale of Aximris XRTM in the U.S. market, or that it will ever be successfully commercialized.

More About Aximris XRTM

Our Aximris XRTM (abuse deterrent oxycodone hydrochloride extended release tablets) NDA product candidate is intended as an abuse and alcohol-deterrent controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride for the relief of pain. The Aximris XRTM long-acting formulation of oxycodone is intended to present a significant barrier to tampering when subjected to various forms of physical and chemical manipulation commonly used by abusers. It is also designed to prevent dose dumping when inadvertently co-administered with alcohol. Dose dumping is the rapid release of an active ingredient from a controlled-release drug into the blood stream that can result in increased toxicity, side effects, and a loss of efficacy. Dose dumping can result by consuming the drug through crushing, taking with alcohol, extracting with other beverages, vaporizing or injecting. In addition, when crushed or pulverized and hydrated, the proposed extended release formulation is designed to coagulate instantaneously and entrap the drug in a viscous material, which is intended to prevent syringing, injecting and snorting. Our Aximris XRTM formulation is difficult to abuse through the application of heat or an open flame, making it difficult to inhale the active ingredient from burning.

About Intellipharmaceutics

Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and manufacture of novel and generic controlled-release and targeted-release oral solid dosage drugs. The Company's patented Hypermatrix technology is a multidimensional controlled-release drug delivery platform that can be applied to a wide range of existing and new pharmaceuticals. Intellipharmaceutics has developed several drug delivery systems based on this technology platform, with a pipeline of products (some of which have received FDA approval) in various stages of development. The Company has ANDA and NDA 505(b)(2) drug product candidates in its development pipeline. These include the Company's abuse-deterrent oxycodone hydrochloride extended release formulation ("Oxycodone ER") based on its proprietary nPODDDS novel Point Of Divergence Drug Delivery System (for which an NDA has been filed with the FDA), and Regabatin XR (pregabalin extended-release capsules).

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this document constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and/or "forward-looking information" under the Securities Act (Ontario). These statements include, without limitation, statements expressed or implied regarding our expectations regarding our plans, goals and milestones, status of developments or expenditures relating to our business, plans to fund our current activities, and statements concerning our partnering activities, health regulatory submissions, strategy, future operations, future financial position, future sales, revenues and profitability, projected costs and market penetration and risks or uncertainties related to our ability to comply with OTCQB and TSX requirements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "appear", "unlikely", "target", "may", "will", "should", "expects", "plans", "plans to", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "confident", "prospects", "potential", "continue", "intends", "look forward", "could", "would", "projected", "goals", "set to", "seeking" or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. We made a number of assumptions in the preparation of our forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which are subject to a multitude of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, future circumstances or events to differ materially from those stated in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties relating to us and our business can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our latest annual information form, our latest Form 20-F, and our latest Form F-1 and Form F-3 registration statements (including any documents forming a part thereof or incorporated by reference therein), as amended, as well as in our reports, public disclosure documents and other filings with the securities commissions and other regulatory bodies in Canada and the U.S., which are available on www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on what we believe are reasonable assumptions as of the date of this document and we disclaim any intention and have no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Trademarks used herein are the property of their respective holders.

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," "Intellipharmaceutics," and the "Company" refer to Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. and its subsidiaries.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Company Contact:

Intellipharmaceutics International Inc.

Greg Powell

Chief Financial Officer

416.798.3001 ext. 106

investors@intellipharmaceutics.com

SOURCE: Intellipharmaceutics International Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573248/Intellipharmaceutics-Provides-Update-on-FDA-Advisory-Committees-Meeting-for-Aximris-XRTM-Oxycodone-Hydrochloride-extended-release-an-Abuse-Deterrent-Opioid-Analgesic-for-the-Treatment-of-Moderate-to-Severe-Pain
Patna: Ending speculations Union home minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday said that the BJP and JD(U) will contest the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls under the leadership of chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Some political parties have been trying to create confusion about the unity of NDA in Bihar. I want to end all rumours by declaring that the NDA will contest the Assembly elections under the leadership of chief minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA in Bihar is united and the BJP JD(U) alliance is unbreakable, Mr Shah said at a rally in Vaishali.

Sources said that Mr Shahs statement will silence those who have been raising questions about Mr Kumar leadership. Crisis deepened recently when dalit leader and BJP MLC Sanjay Paswan said, The party has the capability to contest and win elections in Bihar on its own. People want a BJP leader becoming the chief minister.

Mr Kumar has been NDAs face in Bihar since 2005. In 2013, he had walked out of the NDA over the elevation of Narendra Modi, then Gujarat CM, as the prime ministerial candidate.

In the 2015 Assembly elections, his party JD(U), along with the RJD and Congress, had formed a grand alliance and defeated the BJP with a huge margin. However, in July 2017 after the CBI registered corruption cases against RJD chief Lalu Yadav and his son Tejashwi, he returned to the NDA and formed a government with the support of the BJP.

Mr Shah was in Vaishali to create awareness among the masses about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Using the occasion to accuse the Congress, RJD and other Opposition parties of misleading people about the CAA, he said, The Act is about granting citizenship to minorities who were persecuted in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. I am here to tell leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Lalu Yadav not to mislead people about the act.

The Oppositions effort to mislead people and spoil the atmosphere will not work as the BJP has decided to hold rallies and create awareness about the Citizenship Act, he added.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is running in the Democratic primary for president.



Birth date:

Nov. 20, 1942



Hometown:

Scranton, PA

Education:

University of Delaware, B.A.

Syracuse University, J.D.



Career:

Public defender, county council member, U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States



Family:

Dr. Jill Biden (wife); Naomi, Beau, Hunter, and Ashley (children); Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, and, Hunter (grandchildren)



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

Political positions

Economy:

Biden believes in strengthening the middle class and strengthening unions. To help this, he proposes raising the minimum wage to start. According to his website, he will support a pro-growth, progressive tax code that treats workers as job creators. Essentially Biden is proposing making sure that laborers are not treated lesser than shareholders. He hopes to reduce non-compete clauses to help workers have more opportunities, according to PBS.

According to Bidens website, he plans to Check the abuse of corporate power over labor and hold corporate executives personally accountable for violations of labor laws; encourage and incentivize unionization and collective bargaining; and ensure that workers are treated with dignity and receive the pay, benefits, and workplace protections they deserve.

Healthcare:

When it comes to healthcare, Biden has been vocal about protecting the Affordable Care Act but also working to improve and expand upon it. In the plan, Biden proposes creating a new version of Medicare that would public, increasing tax credit value to lower premiums and expanding coverage for lower income Americans.

Biden has said he is in favor of a womans right to choose an abortion but has had a history of proposing certain restrictions on late term abortions and his past support of the Hyde Amendment, which halted federal funds for abortions unless the mothers life was at risk. He has since publicly declared he no longer supports the Hyde Amendment.

Education:

Biden is planning to invest in community colleges and training. His plan is aiming to provide two debt free years of community college or another form of training. He proposes increasing the maximum value of the Pell grants that assist students with college debt.

His plan is also proposing to support and protect post 9/11 GI benefits for veterans and their families.

Gun Reform:

Biden is in favor of banning assault weapons that would include high-capacity magazines and universal background checks.

According to his website, Biden plans to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that protects gun manufacturers. In addition to putting a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, he would regulate possession of existing assault weapons under the National Firearms Act. He plans to hold buy backs for communities so that residents. His plan outlines an effort to restrict the number of firearms an individual can purchase per month to one. Biden is planning to reinstate the Obama-era policy that mandates the Social Security Administration send the background check system records that reveal.

Climate Change:

Biden has called climate change a existential crisis and balked at the Trump Administration to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Personally, Biden has been an advocate for clean energy, specifically wind energy.

According to his website, Biden proposed the Clean Energy Revolution that proposes the following:

Ensure the U.S. achieves a 100% clean energy economy and reaches net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

Build a stronger, more resilient nation.

Rally the rest of the world to meet the threat of climate change.

Stand up to the abuse of power by polluters who disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income communities.

Fulfill our obligation to workers and communities who powered our industrial revolution and subsequent decades of economic growth.

Immigration:

Biden is against building a southern border wall. He has been vocal about championing the Obama Administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. He has not publicly discussed his proposal for the continuation or ending the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entity.

Bidens website says his plan is to enforce immigration laws but that putting people in cages and tearing children away from their parents isnt the answer. Biden has also proposed protecting undocumented members of armed services, veterans and their spouses from deportation.

Foreign Policy:

Biden plans to order a review of the Temporary Protected Status of certain vulnerable populations and plans to terminate the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries. He is proposing to bring home a vast majority of troops in Afghanistan.

Biden would reenter the Iran nuclear deal if Tehran returned to compliance with the deal. He has proposed reentering the Paris Climate Accord agreement as well.

Presidential candidate comparisons:

-- On the issues

-- Fun facts
U.S. Attorney General William Barr discusses Pensacola Naval Air Station Shooting in Washington, DC. Michael Brochstein | Barcroft Media | Reuters

President Donald Trump and the nation's top law enforcement official are facing off against Apple, the most valuable American company. The fight started because the FBI says it cannot extract data from two iPhones used by Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, who is suspected of killing three people last month in a shooting at a Navy base in Pensacola, Florida. Attorney General William Barr and Trump want Apple to help by unlocking the phones it manufactured. Although the current fight is over these two password-protected phones, it's only the latest skirmish in a long-running battle over whether technology companies should give law enforcement special access to customers' data. Barr and other law enforcement officials call it the "going dark" problem and argue that all data should be accessible with a warrant. Apple and techies tend to call the concept a "backdoor" and argue that it would hurt security for everyone who uses that device. During Barr's press conference Monday, he explicitly framed the issue as bigger than just the two Pensacola iPhones: "We call on Apple and other technology companies to help us find a solution so that we can better protect the lives of Americans and prevent future attacks." Barr also discussed his goal last summer, months before the Pensacola shooting: "The Department has made clear what we are seeking. We believe that when technology providers deploy encryption in their products, services, and platforms they need to maintain an appropriate mechanism for lawful access." Apple is not against helping law enforcement. But it objects to building a general method that could be used to break encryption, arguing that it will have unintended consequences. "Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers. Today, law enforcement has access to more data than ever before in history, so Americans do not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations," an Apple representative said in a statement earlier this week. Apple's not the only company in this pickle. Pretty much every single major piece of digital technology uses encryption to protect information from prying eyes. Barr took aim at Facebook last year, for example, for the encryption it uses in WhatsApp.

We've seen this fight before

FBI Director James Comey Jr. and Apple CEO Tim Cook Getty Images

The battle between pro-privacy techies and law enforcement officials who want access to encrypted data to investigate crimes has been raging since at least 1993. The Clinton White House promoted the Clipper Chip, which would allow law enforcement access to encryption, saying encryption "can be used by terrorists, drug dealers, and other criminals." The chip never took off, and encryption thrived. Apple clashed with the Justice Department and then-FBI Director James Comey over encryption in a very similar case in 2016, with one major difference. In that case, the FBI wanted to break into an iPhone used by a mass shooter in San Bernardino, California. The case spilled out into a court battle with specific legal arguments before the FBI said it found a third party that could unlock the device and gave up the court battle, leaving the issue of whether Apple would be compelled to unlock the phones unsettled. So far in the Pensacola case, the Justice Department hasn't filed for a court order to compel Apple to give it access, and Barr declined to comment in a press conference on Monday whether he would seek a court order. Instead, this conflict is playing out in the press and in tweets. As Ron Gula, a former National Security Agency employee and current security technology investor, said about Barr's request to unlock the iPhone: "They are making a public appeal of it. They are trying to do it to get political points and change policy, which is their job."

Could it be done?

Because it's not a court battle yet, Apple hasn't been compelled to say if it's possible to unlock a customer's iPhone. But in a filing in the San Bernardino conflict in 2016, an Apple privacy engineer outlined how Apple would start to build software to unlock the iPhone, including assigning a team of six to 10 Apple engineers and other employees to work on the project for up to a month. It also warned that the software it built for the government could become dangerous, and Apple wouldn't want it to leave its facilities. Apple continues to argue that building a backdoor would create a vulnerability for all of its products  if the FBI had a tool to extract information for legitimate reasons, criminals could use that same tool to extract health or financial data from a lost or stolen iPhone, foreign governments could use that tool to spy on Americans, and so on. Historically, the pro-security technologists have been right: the Clipper Chip was later found to have significant security holes. If the chip had been widely adopted, it would have given hackers several different methods to break into Clipper-equipped devices. That's why Apple CEO Tim Cook called the government's 2016 request "the software equivalent of cancer." He even threatened to resign in 2016 if Apple didn't fight the request, The New York Times reported, citing Apple's former general counsel. Could the FBI unlock the phone on its own? Barr said it's "virtually impossible" to unlock the phones without the password, even with the help of the FBI crime lab. But it found a third-party vendor in 2016 to unlock the San Bernardino phone, and several companies currently claim they can help law enforcement unlock iPhones, especially older ones. "The terrorist in this case had an Apple 7 iPhone; that's an old phone that has many remote issues with them. Law enforcement should make use of these things," Gula said. "Today we can decrypt that phone."

What's next

A general view of the atmosphere at the Pensacola Naval Air Station following a shooting on December 06, 2019 in Pensacola, Florida. The second shooting on a U.S. Naval Base in a week has left three dead plus the suspect and seven people wounded. Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 15:01 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32261253 1 Business B30-mandatory-policy,biofuel,palm-oil,bus-operators,public-policy,Jokowi-administration Free

Bus operators have complained that 20 percent blended biodiesel (B20) has caused their engines to run poorly, providing a cautionary message for future developments as Indonesia envisions a future with unblended pure biodiesel to fuel vehicles across the country.

Young Indonesian Autobus Entrepreneurs Association (IPOMI) head Kurnia Lesani Adnan told tempo.co that the biodiesel mixture has left sediment in engine filters, worsening performance. Bus companies have to add extra filters to cope with the effects.

Considering B20's drawbacks, he fears that the mandatory B30 could be even worse.

"In principle, we support the government's program. However, please pay attention to B30's impact [on engines]," said Kurnia, adding that brand holder agents have yet to honor the warranty over the mix's negative impact.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had urged stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the government's policy on the mandatory use of crude palm oil (CPO) biodiesel blends from 20 to 30 percent by January 2020 and to 50 percent blended diesel (B50) by the end of 2020.

The Agriculture Ministry has even gone as far as trying out the use of a 100-percent biodiesel (B100) fuel that uses fatty acid methyl ester from CPO in April 2019.

The policy aims to boost domestic palm oil in the worlds top palm oil producing country, amid the European Unions palm oil restrictions, while reducing the country's dependence on diesel fuel imports. (mai)
Saddling up at the Sticky desk for a new year always comes with the thrill of one or two (or three or four) cracking bands to catch in January, either local artists or international acts on a summer tour.

This past week Sticky's eyes and ears on the ground at Sydney's Enmore Theatre reported back that Los Angeles outfit Starcrawler, who released second album Devour You last October, had left "jaws on the floor" with their no-holds-barred stage show, raucous songs and truckloads of attitude. Fronted by Arrow de Wilde, Starcrawler's much anticipated first Australian tour has been with fellow LA natives the Growlers and the two bands have been blowing audiences away.

Starcraler at Cherry Bar, Melbourne, January 13, 2020 Credit:Michael Barry

On Monday night Starcrawler touched down at Melbourne's newly relocated Cherry Bar to play their own headline show (ably supported by Smooch) and those lucky enough to squeeze in for the high-octane action also had to pick their jaws off the ground before descending the stairs and heading back out into the smokey Melbourne night.

Dressed like Gram Parsons and wielding his guitar like Johnny Ramone, 19-year-old Henri Cash brings the strings to this full-throttle punk rock oufit, while drummer Austin Smith and bass player Tim Franco leave no room for down time between tracks. Meanwhile, de Wilde prowls the stage like a stretched out, female version of Iggy Pop, howling and leaping about like there's no tomorrow.
The deadly shooting of a man whose body was found in south Houston early Wednesday could be linked to a dice game where he was playing, police said.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was shot about 2:30 a.m. in the 3700 block of Southlawn Street, near the 610 South Loop.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:51:16|Editor: yan

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WINDHOEK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government seeks to further expand cooperation in Namibia's health sector and explore cooperation in the specialist clinical services like brain surgery in the future, an official said Thursday.

Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhang Yiming highlighted this on Thursday when they bade farewell to the outgoing 12th Chinese medical team that was stationed in Namibia since 2018.

The 13th Chinese Medical Team of four which arrived in Namibia on Jan. 10 comprises two acupuncturists and two nurses.

Zhang said China is pondering the establishment of sister hospitals between the two countries as well as provide more opportunities in training and scholarships for Namibia specialists.

"So far the Namibian nation has benefited greatly from the Chinese acupuncture services and it is one of the services that are highly in demand among Namibians," he said, adding that China also seeks to set up a medical center in the country to promote the Chinese medicine.

Speaking at the event, Namibia Health Ministry Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, also stressed that the two countries should look into other areas of specialization while praising telemedicine that was introduced last year in Windhoek by the Chinese.
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A Utah businessman was killed on Wednesday when the small plane he was flying solo crashed in a residential neighborhood, narrowly missing townhomes.

The 64-year-old pilot was identified as David Goode, the founder and president of Ogden-based Goode Ski Technologies, according to the Roy City Police Department.

His twin-engine 1969 Cessna crashed in Roy, police Sgt. Matthew Gwynn said. Debris from the aircraft collapsed through the roof of a home that was unoccupied at the time.

Goode had taken off around 3pm from an airport in Bountiful for what was supposed to be a short flight to an airport in Ogden, but he went down 10 minutes later about half a mile from the runway, Gwynn said.

Photos and videos that people posted online showed the wreckage on fire, with flames a few feet high topped by black smoke in the 1800 block of West 5075 South with houses on both sides.

Emergency crews look through the debris from businessman David Goode's small plane that crashed in a Roy, Utah, residential neighborhood, narrowly missing townhouses in the area, on Wednesday

People look at the debris from Goode's 1969 red-and-white Cessna littering the ground in Roy City, Utah, Wednesday

A chunk of the twin-engine plane is seen resting on the roof of a townhome after the deadly crash

Goode, the 64-year-old founder and president of Ogden-based Goode Ski Technologies, died in the crash. He was traveling from Bountiful to Ogden, Utah, and was the only person inside the aircraft

Gwynn said one of the wings clipped the top of a townhome and crashed in the parking area. A second home was damaged by fire after the Cessna burst into flames.

Adam Hensley told KSL-TV that he was driving on Interstate 15 when he saw the plane flying about 200 to 300 feet off the ground.

'I could tell it was really struggling,' he said. 'I could tell that the pilot was really trying to straighten out and balance the plane.'

Hensley said he saw the plane pitch sharply left before nose-diving near the interstate and exploding. He did not see any smoke while the plane was in the air, and investigators have not said what caused the crash.

Neighbor David Guerrero told 2News he heard a loud noise and saw the plane explode. He grabbed his camera and recorded firefighters arrive on the scene.

Goode's company, which he founded in 1975 in Michigan before moving it to Utah in 2005, released a statement on Wednesday confirming his untimely death.

Screenshots from an eyewitness video show flames rising from the site of the crash on a residential street at around 3pm on Wednesday. The house the plane struck had no one inside at the time

Goode had taken off around 3pm from an airport in Bountiful for what was supposed to be a short flight to an airport in Ogden, but he went down 10 minutes later about half a mile from the runway

One of the Cessna's wings clipped the top of a townhome and crashed in the parking area (pictured Wednesday)

An investigator walks near the debris from the private plane that crashed in the 1800 block of West 5075 South

'Through his numerous technological advancements in both water skiing and snow skiing, and financial support of countless events and athletes in both sports, Dave touched the lives of thousands of people by helping them, and the sports they love, push the limits of performance,' the statement read.

'A 2014 USA Water Ski Hall of Fame Award of Distinction recipient and member of the Michigan Water Ski Hall of Fame, Dave was an accomplished international competitor in both sports, recently winning the downhill event at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Masters National Speed Series and earning a bronze medal in trick skiing at the Pan American Senior Water Ski Championships.'

Goode is survived by his wife, Dawn, their four grown children and two grandchildren.

The crash occurred in Roy, about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City near a small airport in Ogden. The National Transportation Safety Board said on Twitter that it was investigating the crash.

Goode founded his company in 1975. He is survived by his wife, Dawn (right), their four grown children and two grandkids

The area has seen other plane crashes in recent years.

A small plane crashed near Roy in November after hitting a billboard. Two people on board, a commercial pilot and a student, were injured. The same plane had made an emergency landing on Interstate 15 in May 2018.

Another small plane made an emergency landing on a nearby state highway in September 2017. Neither of the two people aboard was seriously injured.

In July 2017, two couples on vacation were killed when their small plane crashed.
NCP president Sharad Pawar, credited for being the chief architect of the Shiv Sena-NCP- Congress alliance government in Maharashtra, on Thursday said although many people thought he would retire from active politics, the people of the state, especially the youth, did not allow that to happen.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the agro exhibition organised at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati, his home turf, where Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was also present.

Before Pawar started his speech, Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar greeted the NCP chief with a bouquet of flowers.

Referring to it, Pawar said in a lighter vein, "Before I could start my address, I was given a bouquet of flowers by them (Thackeray and Ajit Pawar)...It seems they have decided to retire me. I have no objection to that."



"A lot of people thought that I will retire (from active politics), but that did not happen. In fact, the people of Maharashtra and the youth did not allow that to happen," he added.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought the Maharashtra Assembly polls together in October last year, but their alliance collapsed after the Uddhav Thackeray-led party walked out and joined hands with the Congress and the NCP to form the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Pawar is considered the chief architect of the unlikely alliance of the three parties, the first such political arrangement in the history of the state.

During his speech, Pawar also said that agricultural practices across the world were changing and with new innovations, the production has also increased.

"In a very populated country like India, farming and agriculture is an important sector to fulfil the needs of the common people. That is why, there is a need to bring in changes, make improvements and encourage research. We also need to ensure that these things reach the doorstep of the farmers," the former Union Agriculture Minister said.

He lamented the restrictions imposed on the research of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops.

"There are limitations on the researchers to conduct research on GM crops. The main reason behind it is that the Supreme Court has put restrictions on conducting research in this field," Pawar said.

"I cannot speak whether it is the judges' job (to put such restrictions)...It is better they don't look into such issues," Pawar said.

"I have no objection if something is stopped if it is harmful. But if something is useful and new, then stopping it is not appropriate," he added.

A few years ago a new variety of sugarcane was invented and their research was about how a sugarcane can be cultivated using minimum water, he said.

"We sent some experts in the field to Indonesia to see if that can be implemented here, but that variety turned out to be genetically modified and since there were restrictions by the Supreme Court on the GM research, all our experiments had to be stalled," Pawar said.

"In Indonesia, there is no law or no restrictions put by their court. They can carry out research on GM crops and production, but in India, there are limitations," he added.

Pawar said that the technique of drip irrigation is being by majority of farmers in Baramati and the surrounding areas.

"There is a lot of talk about the sugarcane cultivation and water use, but because of drip irrigation, sugarcane cultivation is possible even in minimum use of water. Drip irrigation has reached every household in this area," he said.

Pawar said said the government wants to put curbs on the use of water for sugarcane cultivation and it can be done with the help of a drip irrigation system.

"But common farmers cannot afford to make investments in drip irrigation. Therefore, the government should provide funds and subsidies and encourage farmers to adopt drip irrigation system," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Germany's federal government and the four German states where lignite  or brown coal  is mined have agreed to "a way forward" for the phase out of coal-fired power stations in the country.

In an announcement Thursday, the federal government said it would provide 40 billion euros ($44.52 billion) to the federal states affected by the transition.

In addition, operators of power plants will be provided with 4.35 billion euros across the next 15 years to compensate for the shutting down of their facilities.

Energy firm RWE, which operates lignite-fired power stations in Germany, said it would get 2.6 billion euros in compensation, adding that over 3,000 jobs would have to be cut in the short term, with total job losses rising to around 6,000 by 2030. Shares in the firm were up by more than 2% on Thursday afternoon.

The agreement between federal and state authorities was approved by the state premiers of Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg. It could potentially result in the phase out of using coal to produce power by 2035, authorities said, three years ahead of the government's original aim of 2038.

At a press conference, Peter Altmaier, Germany's federal minister for economic affairs and energy, said the agreement provided "legal certainty and allows actors to plan, ensuring that we meet our climate targets while guaranteeing reliable energy supplies."

While authorities in Germany want to move the country towards using more renewable sources of energy, fossil fuels still play a significant role in its mix. Lignite, for example, accounted for 22.5% of electricity production in 2018 while hard coal, or anthracite, was responsible for 12.9%, according to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
MEXICO CITY - U.S. Attorney General William Barr discussed a range of security-related topics with Mexican officials Thursday, according to a statement from Mexicos government.

The meeting followed a December visit by Barr and continued the discussion of co-operation on arms trafficking to Mexico and drug trafficking to the U.S. They agreed Thursday to work together to reduce drug consumption and addiction in both countries, the statement said.

Mexican authorities have stepped up its pressure on migrants transiting the country in the past year and in exchange demanded the U.S. do more to intercept guns and ammunition flowing into Mexico. Last year, Mexico had more homicides than in any year since comparable records have been kept.

Thursdays meeting came as hundreds of mostly Honduran migrants began crossing Guatemala. A day earlier Mexican officials had said the migrants would not be allowed to continue through Mexico.
Four Georgia Northwestern Technical College students have been selected as the colleges semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Trish Wiggins, coordinator for the colleges GOAL program.Listed are students chosen as semi-finalists for the GOAL award showing (from left to right) the students name, county of residence, program of study, GNTC campus and nominating instructor:Christina Bullock, Gordon, Echocardiography, Floyd County Campus, Dawn IrwinTatiana Edwards, Floyd, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Floyd County Campus, Graceful BeamRaul Soto, Whitfield, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Whitfield Murray Campus, Graceful BeamStephanie Tarbous, Floyd, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Floyd County Campus (Aviation Training Center), Jon ByrdThis years GOAL nominees were outstanding.Any of these candidates would make a great representative for the Technical College System of Georgia, said Ms. Wiggins. Choosing four was a difficult task for the screening committee and these final four students embody all of the characteristics of a GOAL student.GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the states technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the states 22 technical colleges.According to Ms. Wiggins, a screening committee of administrators at GNTC selected the four semi-finalists from students nominated by their instructors.The four semi-finalists will advance to a second round of judging at Rome Floyd Chamber. A panel of business, civic and industry leaders from the community will interview and evaluate the students and select one to be the colleges 2020 GOAL winner.The student judged most outstanding will be announced at the GOAL and Rick Perkins Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at noon at the Coosa County Club in Rome.The GOAL and Rick Perkins Awards luncheon is sponsored by The Seven Hills Rotary Club, Rome Floyd Chamber and Georgia Northwestern Technical College.All college GOAL winners will compete in regional judging, which will include students from the other 22 colleges of TCSG. Three finalists from the region will be named and will compete in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta, April 20-23, and vie to be named as the 2020 statewide GOAL winner. The competition will take place at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead.The state GOAL winner becomes the student ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia. They will make many public appearances throughout the year, including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor and other TCSG functions.As the grand prize, a new automobile will be awarded to the state GOAL winner.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Suspense prevailed on Wednesday over whether the Kolkata police has registered an FIR against 150 "unidentified" people after a protest by Left students on Saturday against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The students had dubbed the meeting a "compromise" by Banerjee on livewire issues like the CAA and NRC.

Banerjee, however, had insisted it was a "courtesy call".

Immediately after meeting Modi she had joined the sit-in by the students' wing of her party.

It was there she encountered the Left protest.

A reliable source told PTI and some other media organisations on Wednesday morning that an FIR was lodged against around 150 people over the protest against Banerjee.

However, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Murlidhar Sharma said late Wednesday evening that no case has been lodged in connection with the incident.

"There is no such case. This is an incorrect news," Sharma told PTI.

On Saturday, members of SFI, AISA, IC of Presidency University students unions chanting 'Azadi' and 'Shame Shame' broke three barricades put up near the stage of the dharna, not far from the Raj Bhavan, and demanded explanation from Banerjee as she rushed from a programme attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the venue.

The Left students had alleged that Banerjee had "compromised" the agitation against CAA by meeting Modi, which Banerjee had termed as a courtesy call.

The TMC supremo, somehow placated the students saying she would not go back on her stand on the CAA-NRC-NPR.

She said that she raised the issue of financial assistance that the state is yet to receive from the Centre.

Modi was on a two-day visit to the city to participate in the 150 years celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, amid massive protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed nationwide NRC.
Mark L. Williams, an English and history teacher for thirty years in the United States, Germany, and Japan, has completed his new book Euripides Cave": a riveting journey of Chet Schneider's escape from the United States and an unlikely friendship that leads to searching for a missing person.

Williams writes, "My elder sister and I knew that ours was an opulent family. Our simple home and habits were predicated on temperament, not wealth. None of us realized how much Opa and Father accumulated until we received Uncle Sams extortion demand. I was a junior at Darke College in Ohio when Dad died. Mom succumbed to cancer a dozen years prior; I never fully recovered from that. It was bad enough that the foundation of our family was gone, but when the lawyers and the tax vultures descended before Papas body was cold, it was too much. Jenny, as the eldest survivor, bore the brunt of the assault. I wasand remainin awe over her poise and skill in the face of devastation. She was aided by Mark, her lawyer husband and father of their three young children. Though tax law was not his forte, Mark led us through the paper jungle. I was too bitter and resentful to provide support."

Published by Page Publishing, Mark L. William's intriguing work details how Chet, together with a Vietnamese laborer and a semi-celebrity neighbor, reaps unexpected rewards while searching for the lost daughter.

This book follows Chet, an American fed up with being exploited by taxation, and his search for a new place to call home. He meets many unexpected people and becomes involved in finding a missing girl.

Readers who wish to experience this epic work can purchase Euripides Cave at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create  not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Religious leaders recently met at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. to bless a Bible that will be used by the United States Space Force which was announced at the end of 2018.

According to Faithwire, the United States Space Force officially became the sixth armed service branch last year. Air Force General John Jay Raymond, the former head of Air Force Space Command and U.S. Space Command, serves as the first Chief of Space Operations.

About 16,000 active duty Air Force personnel  a mix of civilian and military  will be assigned to the Space Force.

On Sunday, the Episcopal Churchs bishop suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, Right Rev. Carl Wright, prayed that the King James Bible would guard and guide all those who purpose that the final frontier be a place where God will triumph over evil, where love will triumph over hate, and where life will triumph over death.

Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral, also prayed over the Bible.

Accept this Bible which we dedicate here today for the United States Space Force, Hollerith, said, according to NPR. That all may so diligently search your holy word and find in it the wisdom that leads to peace and salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Some, however, criticized the blessing of the Bible. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) said that it condemns, in as full-throated a manner as is humanly possible, the shocking and repulsive display of only the most vile, exclusivist, fundamentalist Christian supremacy.

The utilization of a Christian bible to swear in commanders of the new Space Force or any other [Department of Defense] branch at ANY level is completely violative of the bedrock separation of church and state mandate of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the group said.

Related:

Vice President Mike Pence Announces the Launch of the Space Force, Thanks God for His Help

Photo courtesy: Priscilla du Preez/Unsplash

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
Biden: No Meeting With Kim Jong Un Absent Preconditions

By William Gallo January 15, 2020

Democratic presidential frontrunner Joe Biden says he would not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions. It is the latest evidence Biden would overturn parts of U.S. President Donald Trump's outreach to Pyongyang.

"Not now, I wouldn't meet without any preconditions," Biden said Tuesday during a Democratic debate in the midwestern state of Iowa. "Look, we gave him everything he's looking for. The president showed up, met with him, gave him legitimacy, weakened the sanctions we have against him."

Biden has repeatedly criticized Trump's willingness to meet with Kim, saying the strategy is ineffective and aimed more at creating headlines than addressing the North Korean nuclear issue.

At his campaign rallies, Biden has called Kim a "thug," "tyrant," and "dictator." In response, North Korean state media last year slammed Biden as an "imbecile," a "fool of low IQ," and a "rabid dog."

"I would not meet with, absent preconditions...a, quote, supreme leader who said Joe Biden is a rabid dog, (that) should be beaten to death with a stick," Biden said. "And he got a love letter from Trump right after that."

Instead, Biden said he would pressure China to convince North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, and would attempt to reunify the relationship between South Korea and Japan, which has been strained over a trade dispute and historical tensions related to Japan's use of wartime forced labor.

Unorthodox approach

Trump's approach to North Korea during his first term as president has been a story of extremes. In 2017, Trump threatened North Korea with "fire and fury like the world has never seen." He also threatened to "totally destroy" the country.

In June 2018, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader. At their first summit in Singapore, Trump and Kim signed a vague agreement to work toward the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," but never agreed on what that meant.

The talks were stalled for most of 2019, after Trump and Kim failed to reach a deal at a second summit in Hanoi. Kim said earlier this month he is prepared for a "long-term" standoff with the U.S., saying his country should not expect sanctions relief.

North Korea has also threatened to end its self-imposed suspension of long-range missile or nuclear tests - a move that could totally upset the nuclear talks and would risk alienating Chinese and Russian support for the North.

North Korean officials have repeatedly stressed that while the Trump-Kim relationship remains positive, it does not mean the talks will succeed.

"Although Chairman Kim Jong Un has a good personal feelings about President Trump, they are, in the true sense of the word, 'personal,'" senior North Korean diplomat Kim Kye Gwan said on Saturday.

Will Trump's approach endure?

It isn't clear how much of Trump's approach will outlast his presidency.

Many Democratic presidential candidates have criticized certain aspects of Trump's North Korea strategy, saying it has been erratic and ratings-driven. But many of those candidates support the general idea of diplomacy with Pyongyang.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizebeth Warren, and former Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg have expressed support for a step-by-step approach to North Korea's denuclearization.

So far, that is further than Trump has been willing to go. Instead, Trump has insisted North Korea first agree to entirely abandon its nuclear weapons before the U.S. relaxes sanctions or gives other major concessions.

"If Trump's approach is erraticism, or insults combined with threatening fire and fury, or meeting Kim Jong Un for photo ops, then none of it will survive," says Van Jackson, a former Pentagon official who now lectures at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Jackson says any current Democratic nominee will undertake a "serious run" at diplomatic engagement. "The thing that depends very much on the candidate (and their advisers) is how much we'll entertain sanctions relief and in what sequencing," he says.

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Healthcare companies and philanthropies to fund training of thousands of community health workers as part of larger initiative led by Last Mile Health and Living Goods to advance universal health coverage

[BASEL, SWITZERLAND 9:00 A.M. CET/NEW YORK, NEW YORK 3:00 A.M. EST - 16 January 2020] - Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined forces with Last Mile Health and Living Goods to increase access to community-based primary healthcare for nearly 1.7 million people in up to six African countries, as part of their shared commitment to accelerate universal health coverage. The Health Worker Training Initiative is a three-year investment, generously matched by The Audacious Project, and totals USD $18 million.

Harnessing the synergy of cross-industry collaboration is key to advancing universal health coverage. Living Goods and Last Mile Health have pioneered the community health worker model and are continually exploring novel approaches to training and retaining community health workers. By teaming up with Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, precious resources and acumen can be maximized. All are united by the belief that community health workers play a catalytic role, and all share a commitment towards advancing universal health coverage.

Leveraging the unique expertise of each organization will drive tech innovation and deepen impact. In addition to financial contributions, industry partners will contribute disease-specific expertise and experience in the discovery and development of new tools, which will supplement the community health worker models pioneered by Last Mile Health and Living Goods, in partnership with government.

Investing in community health workers produces some of the best returns in health. Community health workers can yield a 10:1 return on investment, due to a healthier population, increased employment, and lower odds of health crises. In addition, community health workers can help primary healthcare systems serve the majority of a population's health needs, which means community health workers are one of the most efficient and effective ways to achieve universal health coverage. This partnership is a response to the growing call to action globally to advance universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.

"Focused investment in community health workers can accelerate progress to make universal health coverage a reality," said Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly and president of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations. "Public-private collaboration is critical to help governments lower barriers to quality care and innovative medicines that save and improve people's lives."

"Community health workers are the critical frontline to sustainably impact the health of communities in resource poor settings," said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. "Novartis is committed to strengthening healthcare systems and is proud to be part of this coalition to use digital technologies to reimagine the future of community health delivery."

The three-year investment will cover three areas:

Supporting the training and deployment of 2,500 digitally-enabled community health workers, reaching nearly 1.7 million people by 2022. Community health workers will be trained and deployed in Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and up to two additional countries.

Supporting Last Mile Health's Community Health Academy, which is an open source, digital learning platform for community health workers and health systems leaders used worldwide. Training curricula for community health workers initially focuses on diarrheal diseases, family planning, malaria and pneumonia, with further modules expected to address non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Contributing expertise and personnel to Living Goods' new Kenya Performance Lab to develop mobile-based tech innovations that will improve community health worker productivity, strengthen supply chains and better identify obstacles to coverage. The Lab will leverage the knowledge and assets of partners in areas including data science, behavior change, performance management, analytics and technical health expertise. Innovations would be introduced in Kenya and then scaled to other countries within the broader initiative.

Together, these pieces of the investment aim to scale up access to life-saving primary healthcare while building stronger, tech-enabled community health programs for the future.

"Well-trained community health workers play an integral role in providing quality care in low-resource settings," said Andrin Oswald, Co-chair of the CEO Roundtable Executive Council and Director of Life Sciences Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "The Gates Foundation is committed to working with partners across sectors to achieve universal health coverage, which is necessary to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing the burden of diseases that disproportionately affect pregnant women and young children. We thank the companies involved in this initiative for their efforts to increase data-driven solutions to train and deploy effective community health workers."

"This partnership will play a critical role in helping to scale and empower the world's most promising health resource-community health workers-so that they can thrive and effectively save lives," said Dr. Jane Aceng, Uganda's Minister of Health. "Ensuring community health workers have the right training, digital technology, medical equipment and supervision is critical for ensuring they can help transform health outcomes, no matter where people live."

Each of the six investors will contribute USD $1.5 million total over the next three years. This funding will be matched by the Audacious Project through an existing USD $50 million matching commitment to scale community health workers in Africa, resulting in an USD $18 million total investment.

This investment will also support the sustainability of community health worker programs. Living Goods and Last Mile Health partner with governments to deploy digitally-empowered community health workers. Not only will this partnership support community health workers to reach more patients, but the curricula and tools developed through the investment will support improved community health worker performance for years to come.

"We are inspired that healthcare companies are taking collective action to strengthen community health systems in the public sector across sub-Saharan Africa to advance universal health coverage," said Liz Jarman, CEO of Living Goods, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, CEO of Last Mile Health. "This partnership is much more than a financial commitment; it joins a growing movement of philanthropists, companies, and governments that have committed to scale digitally-empowered community health workers and build stronger primary healthcare systems across Africa to ultimately save more lives."

To learn more about the community health movement and efforts to advance universal health coverage in partnership with governments, watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXN76-EZnsM&t=2s) produced by Freethink.
The demand for Bitcoin is growing in South Africa, with buying mainly done for investing purposes by traders and investors who see Bitcoin as a speculative instrument.

The global daily volume of BTC is currently estimated to be around $29.72 billion, and by comparison the volume at South Africas largest exchange  Luno  is around $5 million (R80 million) per day based on BTC/ZAR pair.

According to an analysis done by ForexBrokers.co.za on the Bitcoin trading volume and search trend data for Bitcoin related terms in South Africa, it was found that Bitcoin demand in South Africa is mostly for speculation.

Speculative Instrument

When we compared the trend of Google Search Volume on Bitcoin-related terms in South Africa and around the world with the actual Bitcoin chart and trading volume, we found that there is a direct correlation between the price changes, BTCZAR trading volume and the search data, said ForexBrokers.co.za.

As an example, in the period spanning March to July 2019, the price of BTCZAR increased from R54,600 ($3,843) on 1 March 2019, to R210,000 ($14,767) in late June  which was its highest price in 2019.

The price remained around the same range until early August 2019, at which point it started to fall.

The same thing was observed when we compared the BTCZAR net trading volume of the March to July period with the next 5-month period spanning August to December (i.e. 82,653 net volume in March to July, and 52,334 net volume in Aug to Dec); the March-July volume was found to be 58% higher as compared to the following five months.

Volume was higher over the same period, when Bitcoin saw a bullish rally.

The search volumes for Bitcoin related keywords were also around 33% higher on average during the same period, with the traffic peaking at end of June and maintaining the same trend until mid-July  the same time when BTC touched R21,000 briefly on 26 June.

This data suggests that South Africans mainly buy more Bitcoins when the cryptocurrency is in a bullish trend, which means that most of the demand is from speculation on Bitcoin, rather than its use as a currency or commodity.

How South Africans Trade Bitcoin

South Africans trade Bitcoin either by buying Bitcoin directly through an exchange or using a CFD broker to trade Bitcoin as a financial instrument.

Owning Bitcoin through direct exchange: This generally involves buying Bitcoin with ZAR via a Bitcoin exchange, and then storing BTC either in your wallet with the exchange itself or in your own wallet on your device.

There are 3 major Bitcoin exchanges operating in South Africa. Luno is largest of them, with the others being iceCUBED (ice3x) and VALR.

Through these Bitcoin exchanges, users buy Bitcoin by opening an account with them and then depositing the required amount in ZAR based on the current Bitcoin price set by the exchange.

The BTC price in ZAR is based on the current BTC/USD price globally, calculated with the current exchange rate and the exchanges own fees.

This is the most popular Bitcoin trading method in South Africa, as generally there are no technical or financial background requirements for users to sign up with these platforms.

Some exchanges also offer trading tools to their advanced users who are looking to do market analysis or automated trading, but this is not required for buying BTC with them.

The exchanges are mostly self-regulated, as the sector doesnt have any current regulation. Normal corporate and general common laws apply to them if they are registered as a company in SA.

Trading through a crypto CFD broker: This involves trading Bitcoin as a Contracts-for-Difference (CFD) instrument at Bitcoin brokers in South Africa.

These brokers offer various crypto instruments as CFDs, derived from cryptos against major currencies (including USD and EUR), such as BTCUSD, BTCEUR, LTCUSD, and ETCUSD and cross crypto pairs like BTCETH.

The CFD brokers provide traders with popular trading platforms like MetaTrader and cTrader that are designed for investors with technical backgrounds. Some of these tools also offer in-depth market analysis and news feeds as part of their interfaces.

The CFD brokers generally offer range of investment instruments like Forex, stocks and commodities CFDs, apart from crypto CFDs, so these brokers are for professional traders.

These brokers also offer leverage and margin trading options to investors where you can open a trading position with a lower margin as set by the brokerage.

However, using leveraged trading has its risks and investors need to understand the risks before entering into such a trade.

Brokers offering CFDs are required by law to be regulated under local jurisdiction.

South Africa has its own financial regulator, FSCA, which regulates these brokers under its current regulations and new proposed ODP licensing for OTC brokerages.

This requires them to have certain capital, local directors, trading conditions, product offering restrictions, check investor proficiency and verification, and in some cases leverage caps.

Trading in a regulated environment ensures investor safety in the case of wrong doings by the brokers.

Investors can trade Bitcoin as a CFD through any regulated broker by opening an account with that broker, verifying their account with them and depositing the minimum trading balance required.

Regulation for Bitcoin and cryptos in South Africa

The use of Bitcoin and cryptos is currently unregulated as it is not recognized by the Central Bank as a legal currency but is also not illegal in SA.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has alerted users about the potential risk of fluctuations in Bitcoin as it is not backed by the Central Bank or the government.

SARB is currently considering new regulations for the sector and released a consultation paper on crypto assets for public comment in January 2019.

This paper contains a draft of what considerations they think are required for the safety of investors.

For now, however, individual investors are permitted (but at their own risk) to invest their money in crypto assets (CA) under a single discretionary allowance (SDA) for investments up to R1 million and/or under an individual foreign capital allowance (FCA) of up to R10 million with a Tax Clearance Certificate per calendar year through any Authorized Dealer/Bank (AD).

Investors must sign a self-declaration that their investments are under these limits.

Investors can invest their own money but cannot ask others to invest their money in cryptos to use their SDA/FCA limit as per Exchange Control Regulation 10(1)(c).

Nor are users allowed to make payments to other users in cryptos to evade taxation or financial reporting.

No exchanges or ADs (either with full or limited authority) have been allowed to trade in cryptos under the Currency and Exchanges Manual for ADs.

Non-residents who are selling cryptos in SA are not allowed to transfer the sale proceeds abroad.

Gambling or actual investment?

Bitcoin price movements in the past have shown that it is a highly volatile instrument, driven by market demand and human sentiments.

This makes it is very difficult to predict its movements  even for seasoned investors.

This means that one cant compare cryptos like Bitcoin with other investment instruments like stocks, government bonds, commodities, and forex  all of which are backed by government regulators and are based on actual economic factors.
U.S. President Donald Trump stands between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer prior to signing "phase one" of the U.S.-China trade agreement with Liu in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 15, 2020. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Trade Deal No Panacea for Rocky US Relations With China

WASHINGTON/BEIJINGFrom Huawei to the South China Sea, deep political rifts between Beijing and Washington are set to persist, despite a trade relations breakthrough, as the United States pushes back against an increasingly powerful and assertive China.

Relations between the worlds two largest economies have deteriorated sharply since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed punitive trade tariffs in 2018, igniting a trade war.

The broader, darkening picture is not going to be brightened much by this deal, Bates Gill, an expert on Chinese security policy at Macquarie University in Sydney, said of the initial trade deal signed on Jan. 15.

This backdrop spans Chinas militarization of the South China Sea; rising tensions over Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own; U.S. criticism over human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; and a backlash against telecoms gear provider Huawei.

While the initial deal defuses an 18-month row, experts say it is unlikely to provide much balm for broader frictions rooted in U.S. fears over an economically and technologically powerful China with a modernizing military.

We can see Phase 1 as an emergency treatment to lower the temperature, but it has not addressed the fundamental problems, Wang Heng, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney who studies the China-U.S. economic relationship, said.

Hostility

Washington is increasingly alarmed about the security implications of Chinese technology, and has tightened its rules to keep better tabs on acquisition of key technology by China, setting in motion changes to the global supply chain.

The Chinese leadership are not naive about this, said Gill. They are already making moves to be more autonomous and thinking about a future  in an environment of hostility.

The Trump administration put Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies on a trade blacklist on national security concerns in May, banning it from buying supplies from American firms without U.S. government approval.

It has also taken measures to crimp exports of artificial intelligence software.

The two countries are also at odds over Taiwan, which counts the United States as its biggest weapons supplier but which China sees as one of its provinces.

Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen was re-elected on Saturday, vowing not to submit to Chinese pressure or control.

Tsais campaign was helped by seven months of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, which Beijing accuses Washington of helping to foment, eroding Chinas case for a one country, two-systems model similar to Hong Kongs for Taiwan.

U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said last week that China will emerge as Americas strategic threat and that the United States planned to deploy two task forces to the Pacific over the next two years capable of information, electronic, cyber and missile operations against Beijing.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Wednesday that the United States was concerned about other issues involving China but these should be dealt with separately.

You have to negotiate different pieces at different times.

By Andrea Shalal and Cate Cadell
RICHMOND, Va. - A gun-rights group has filed an emergency appeal of a judges ruling upholding the Virginia governors ban on firearms at a pro-gun rally thats expected to draw thousands of gun activists to the state capitol on Monday.

The Virginia Citizens Defence League and Gun Owners of America sought an injunction against the ban, but Judge Joi Taylor ruled Thursday that Gov. Ralph Northam has the authority under state law to take action related to the safety and welfare of the state. The groups lawyers then turned to the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Without relief from this court, petitioners and thousands of other rally participants will be irreparably denied their right to bear arms, the groups attorneys argue in their appeal.

It was not immediately clear when the court would hear the appeal.

In her written decision, Taylor cited rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts that found the Second Amendment right to bear arms is not unlimited. Because of that, she wrote, the gun-rights groups would not suffer an irreparable harm sufficient to justify the injunction.

The judges ruling came hours after the FBI in Maryland announced the arrest of three men who they said were linked to a violent white supremacist group. The three men were believed to be planning to attend the rally in Richmond, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

Virginias solicitor general, Toby Heytens, argued at Thursdays hearing that the governor was well within his authority to declare the state of emergency and ban weapons after law enforcement identified credible evidence that armed out-of-state groups planned to come to Virginia with the possible intention of participating in a violent insurrection.

David Browne, an attorney for the gun-rights groups, argued that prohibiting rallygoers from carrying guns would violate their Second Amendment right to bear arms and their First Amendment right to free speech. Browne said carrying guns is a form of symbolic speech.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defence League  the gun-rights group sponsoring Mondays rally  called the judges ruling mind-boggling.

Northam applauded the ruling in a statement.

I took this action to protect Virginians from credible threats of violence, he said. These threats are real  as evidenced by reports of neo-Nazis arrested this morning after discussing plans to head to Richmond with firearms.

Virginia senators were debating a package of gun-control bills as the court challenges developed.

The Democrat-led Senate advanced legislation limiting handgun purchases to once a month, requiring universal background checks on gun purchases, and allowing localities to ban guns in public buildings, parks and other areas. The measures largely passed along partisan lines and will now go to the House for consideration.

Democrats said they were reasonable measures that would improve public safety while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. They said the public had made clear by voting for Democrats in recent elections that new gun laws were needed.

The citizens in this last two elections have spoken, said Democratic Sen. Dave Marsden.

Republicans decried the legislation as an assault on the Second Amendment. They said the bill was aimed at appeasing special interest groups and donors such as Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg. GOP senators said the new laws would entrap innocent people and do nothing to stop bad actors.

This may be what you think is safety, but it is not, said Republican Sen. Bill Stanley.

___

Associated Press reporters Alan Suderman in Richmond; Michael Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland; and Mike Balsamo in Washington in contributed to this report.
What makes a small new restaurant on a side road in Dublin's suburbs worth a review, you might ask? Well, what makes Volpe Nera different is that the chef patron and his style of food would, up to recent times, have been more readily found on D2's golden mile, around St Stephen's Green.

In the past couple of years, however, any young aspiring chef patron or restaurateur wanting to go it alone has a snowball's chance in hell of doing it in town, as the big boys grab all the vacant spots before they even come on stream.

While it can be very disheartening for those in the biz, it has huge benefits for those of us who live in the suburbs, because guys who've trained in Michelin-star restaurants, or that level of cuisine, are coming to a vacant unit near you.

Jess D'Arcy of Mamo told me that they'd searched all over Dublin before opening in Howth. Lucky Howth. Philip Yeung brought new Irish food to Harold's Cross, at Craft; and, a mere stone's throw away, Gareth Naughton is serving up fine fare in the new Circa in Terenure. Some of these areas have been culinary deserts for years, as was Blackrock, until Damien Grey achieved a Michelin star in Blackrock Market with Heron & Grey, which is now Liath - not to mention the success of Santosh and Millie Thomas's 3 Leaves.

Perhaps these factors drew Barry Sun Jian to open nearby, in an attractive small two-storey house off Newtownpark Avenue, which was formerly La Plancha. Aged 19, Barry came to Ireland in 2002 to improve his English. He began working in kitchens to supplement his income, and progressed from being a kitchen porter in Dylan McGrath's former Michelin-star Mint in Ranelagh, to being head chef in Etto - winning chef of the year in 2018 - with stops along the way at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and L'Ecrivain.

Rave review

In anyone's terms, this is a 'rave review'. The service at Volpe Nera, led by Darren Darcy, ex L'Ecrivain, is exemplary, while the food by Chef Barry is top-notch, elegant cuisine at neighbourhood-nosh prices - even the music is divine.

Bites and Starters (2.50-13) included smoked almonds and nocellara olives; guanciale (cured pork cheek); Clarenbridge Brandy Bay gigas (native Irish) oysters; deer carpaccio with artichoke, juniper and pickled pear; and yellow fin tuna with fermented radish and black sesame.

From the bites section, Mary had two crisp, ball-shaped Iberico pork and olive croquettes (8), a heavenly combination. I kicked off with a sublime threesome of cep-puree-filled Chinese-style half-moon-shaped dumplings (12), which were served in an intense, umami-flavoured, aged soy broth, and topped with silky trompettes de la mort.

My favourite game

Mains (20-27) included cod a la plancha paired with beluga lentils, parsley and lardo; while Italian-style spinach and ricotta malfatti, had Asian influences, with mataki, onion squash, and sage butter. There was also the popular cote de boeuf for two people at 64.

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You don't see pheasant, pictured, very often nowadays, so I leapt at the chance. The boned breast (27) was tender and moist - so often, it's dried to a board - while a rondelle of boudin had leg meat mixed with foie gras. Topped with elegantly delicate game chips, the dish was completed superbly with the sweet and sour elements of pickled quince, blackened endive and a polenta 'chip'.

Mary had a second starter (11) of ribbons of salt-baked celeriac with truffle stracciatella and hazelnuts, which she enjoyed immensely. We shared a side dish of charred sprout tops (4.50) with toasted almonds, which was also excellent.

Desserts (7), and a cheese selection (11), included warm chocolate mousse with buttermilk ice-cream; malt pannacotta, clementine and pistachio; or, our choice of light and airy French-style Granny Smith sponge with caramelised apple topping and Calvados ice-cream.

There's an excellent wine list, of which we didn't thoroughly avail on this occasion, apart from an easy-to-drink, earthy-soft glass of Geil Pinot Noir 2017 Rheinhessen (9) with the pheasant, and a large bottle of water (3.75), bringing our bill with service to 91.10.

Beat a path...

Volpe Nera

22 Newtown Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Tel: (01) 278-8516

volpenera.ie

lucindaosullivan.com

Three to try... Fox hunting

LITTLE FOX

A gorgeous little corner restaurant in pretty Ennistymon, doing a fabulous brunch menu, plus dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.

Price: Dinner menu - 6.50-15

Try: Scallopini squash, courgette, peperonata, St Tola's goat curd, 12

Drinks: Wine; soft drinks

Main Street, Ennistymon, Co Clare.

Tel: (065) 707-2311

littlefox.ie

MR. FOX

Set in a stylish Georgian basement on Parnell Square, Mr Fox serves sublime contemporary meals and small plates.

Price: 3.50-30

Try: Pig belly, coco de paimpol (beans), ham hock & smoked apricot, 26

Drinks: Extensive wine list

38 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.

Tel: (01) 874-7778

mrfox.ie

URBAN FOX

This contemporary and lively urban bar and brasserie, which is part of The Beacon Hotel, is perfect for a few cocktails and some great food with friends.

Price: 6-28

Try: Pan-fried sea bream, nicoise salad, sea asparagus, caper butter sauce, 19

Drinks: The works

The Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Tel: (01) 291-5000

thebeacon.com
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, speaking in Beirut after his dramatic escape from Japanese justice, said on Tuesday that the French ambassador had warned him shortly after his arrest that his own company was plotting against him.

"Frankly, I was shocked by the arrest and the first thing I asked is make sure Nissan knows so they can send me a lawyer," Ghosn told Reuters in an interview in Beirut.

"And the second day, 24 hours from this, I received a visit from the French ambassador who told me: 'Nissan is turning against you'. And this is where I realised that the whole thing was a plot."

Former Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who was forced to resign last year after admitting that he had received improper compensation, told a news conference hours after Ghosn's arrest that Ghosn had been using corporate money for personal purposes and under-reporting his income for years.

The arrest of Ghosn, widely respected for rescuing the carmaker from near-bankruptcy, has put Japan's criminal justice system under international scrutiny.

The French Embassy in Tokyo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nissan reiterated a previous comment, including that the car maker "discovered numerous acts of misconduct by Ghosn through a robust, thorough internal investigation. The company determined that he was not fit to serve as an executive, and removed him from all offices."

It said that in addition to the Japanese prosecution, Ghosn was found to have committed "fraudulent" underreporting of his compensation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and that French authorities were investigating.

Among the practices now under the spotlight are keeping suspects in detention for long periods and excluding defence lawyers from interrogations, which can last eight hours a day.

"When he told me that 'two hours or three hours later, after your arrest, Saikawa went in a press conference and made his infamous statement where he said, you know, 'I am horrified, but what I'm learning...'' - so when he told me he made these statements, I said 'Oh my God this is a plot'."

Story continues

Ghosn, 65, fled Japan last month while awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds, all of which he denies.

The one-time titan of the car industry said the alternative to fleeing would have been to spend the rest of his life languishing in Japan without a fair trial. Ghosn said he had escaped to his childhood home of Lebanon in order to clear his name. He noted that there were conflicting stories about his astonishing escape, but declined to say how he had managed to flee.

Tokyo prosecutors said his allegations of a conspiracy were false and that he had failed to justify his acts. The 14-month saga has shaken the global auto industry and jeopardised the Renault-Nissan alliance, of which Ghosn was the mastermind.

Japan's Ministry of Justice has said it will try to find a way to bring Ghosn back from Lebanon, even the countries have no extradition treaty.

Ghosn said the Japanese authorities were intent on preventing him from having a just trial.

(Reporting by Samia Nakhoul and Alessandra Galloni; Editing by Kevin Liffey & Shri Navaratnam)
(TNS)  Civil liberty issues posed by increasingly omnipresent surveillance cameras in public places that record and store peoples images are one of the few areas that Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives can agree on addressing.Everyone from ultra-conservative Rep. Jim Jordan of Champaign County to ultra-liberal Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York expressed concerns about misuse of the technology on Wednesday at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.Jordan, the committees top Republican, said he fears government abuses of the technology could infringe on rights protected by the U.S. Constitutions first and fourth amendments.This issue transcends politics, said Jordan. It doesnt matter if it is a President Trump rally or a Bernie Sanders rally, the idea of American citizens being tracked and catalogued for merely showing their faces in public is deeply troubling.The Democratic chair of the committee, New Yorks Carolyn Maloney, said the technology is widely used in schools, grocery stores, airports, malls, theme parks, stadiums, mobile phones, social media platforms, doorbell camera footage and hiring decisions, and said her committee is committed to introducing and marking-up common-sense facial recognition legislation in the future."Although the technology is in widespread use by federal, state and local governments, Maloney said there is "very little transparency on how and why it is being used - or on security measures to protect sensitive data.We have a responsibility to not only encourage innovation, but to protect the privacy and safety of American consumers, Maloney continued.Members of Congress at the hearing noted that a recent American Civil Liberties Union survey of Amazons face surveillance technology found its Rekognition software incorrectly matched photos of 28 current members of Congress, including Cincinnati Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup, with mugshots of people who were arrested for crimes.A disproportionate number of those who it misidentified were members of racial minorities, including California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who declared the technology fundamentally flawed at the hearing. He said that when the technology makes mistakes, the consequences can be severe.It can be life or death if someone thinks you are a violent felon, said Gomez. We need to start taking this seriously.Several witnesses at the hearing were similarly critical, with Meredith Whittaker of New York Universitys AI Institute testifying that it does not work as advertised."National Institute of Standards and Technology analyses of dozens of facial recognition algorithms used by 99 developers found a variety of accuracy rates among them, testified the director of its information technology laboratory, Charles H. Romine. He said most had higher rates of false positives in Asian and African American faces relative to those of Caucasians, and also higher false positive rates for Native Americans and Pacific Islanders.Some produce significantly fewer errors than others, said Romine.Other witnesses pointed out the technologys more beneficial aspects: airlines using it to let travelers get through airports more easily, social networks using it to enhance user convenience and security and retailers using it to reduce shoplifting.Information Technology and Innovation Foundation Vice President Daniel Castro told the committee that newer facial recognition algorithms perform more accurately than older systems. He said Congress should establish policies that support positive uses of the technology but limit potential abuses.Members of the committee said theyd be concerned about the technologys use, even if it was more accurate. Ocasio-Cortez noted the technology could be used by authoritarian regimes and described it as "almost automating injustice. Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly suggested that perhaps people should be required to give consent for their photos to be used.We need to set a standard and make sure government isnt using it in an improper fashion, added North Carolina Republican Rep. Mark Meadows.Jordan said he expects the committee will mark up bipartisan legislation in upcoming weeks that will examine how the federal government is using the technology now, and that will stop its use from expanding while Congress evaluates how it should be handled.What were talking about now is just a good government bill, said Jordan. Tell us what youre doing. Tell us how youre doing it. And while youre telling us that, dont expand it. Were not even saying stop. Were just saying no expansion while we learn what youre doing currently."
Senate rules are just that  rules the Senate chooses to impose on itself. It can change any of its rules or suspend their application. A bipartisan group of senators tried to suspend the secrecy rule during the Clinton impeachment. They failed, but they did manage to pass a motion that allowed a tortured sort of record to be published. Each senator could choose to place his or her statement in the Congressional Record. But if one senators remarks mentioned something another senator said during the closed-door proceedings, that senator had to agree to have that portion of the remarks included in the record.

It was a cumbersome procedure that resulted only in limited disclosure after the trial had concluded, and, if used again, would not ensure full and contemporaneous public disclosure of what senators said during deliberations leading up to a vote to acquit or convict.

Critics within the Senate have emphasized the limitations of what has become the institutions secrecy default.

During the Clinton impeachment trial, Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said this is the most important issue to come before the Senate this year, and our debate should be conducted in full view of the American people, not behind closed doors. Senator Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, observed that opening deliberations would help further the dual purposes of our rule to promote fairness and political accountability in the impeachment process.

During the Clinton impeachment proceedings, CNN filed an application with Chief Justice Rehnquist and the Senate itself seeking public access to the proceedings but received no response. The request was rooted in the First Amendment and argued that its commands were at war with closed-door impeachment deliberations. In a Supreme Court case that CNN cited, Chief Justice Warren Burger had observed that people in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing.
They've swapped finding love in the Mallorcan villa for a sun-soaked trip to Thailand.

And Love Island winner Amber Gill, 22, certainly appeared to be enjoying herself as she twerked during a champagne-fueled pool party on Thursday.

In a video shared by pal Francesca Allen, 24, the beauty was seen shaking her stuff in a neon pink bikini.

Having fun: Amber Gill, 22, showed off her sensational moves as she twerked during a pool party in Thailand with her pals Francesca Allen and Anna Vakili on Thursday

Amber put on an animated display as she stuck her tongue out and posed for the camera as she twerked - all while wearing Francesca's sun hat.

Francesca cheered on her dancing friend at the club where she was also seen partying with past Islanders Anna Vakili, 29, Harley Brash, 21, and Kaz Crossley, 25.

In other clips from the day the girls, who are in Thailand for Amber's new collection with Miss Pap, were seen soaking up the sun and dancing in the pool.

Working it: Amber borrowed Francesca's hat and twerked while wearing her neon pink bikini

They also took part in a Champagne spray, with Anna and Amber being drenched by the alcohol and laughing as Francesca filmed them.

The group, who kick-started their morning with a yoga session, headed to the party to unwind.

In one clip shared by the girl gang Amber was seen running past a drenched Anna and lamenting about how the fizzy alcoholic drink had ruined her famous hair.

Poser: Francesca and Anna looked fantastic as they relaxed at the pool party in bikinis

Larking around: The girls also took part in the champagne spray with Francesca showing Anna was soaking from the alcohol

'I don't do champagne spray hun!': Once the champagne was popped, Amber ran past Anna lamenting about how the fizzy alcoholic drink had ruined her famous Afro

Francesca jokingly captioned the clip: 'I don't do champagne hun'.

The beauties all looked sensational as they showed off their toned physiques in skimpy bikinis.

Anna paraded her curves in a neon yellow and orange bikini which made the most of her ample cleavage and pert derriere.

The former pharmacist also shared a snap of herself writhing around on a white sandy beach as part of the photoshoot.

Party-time: The girls, who have flown to Thailand for Amber's (pictured with Kaz Crossley) new collection with Miss Pap, all took to their Insta-stories to provide an inside look of their holiday

VIP: The beauties enjoyed their own VIP day bed area at the party (pictured Anna, 29, Amber, 22, Harley, 21, and Kaz, 25)

Pals Harley and Kaz sizzled in black swimwear, with Kaz sporting thong bottoms to draw attention to her peachy derriere.

Earlier in the day Francesca sent temperatures soaring as she uploaded a bikini-clad snap from her beach photoshoot.

The fashionista showed off her incredible figure in a strapless yellow snakeskin two-piece and a wide-rimmed sun hat.

Pout: Fashionista Francesca topped up her tan and pouted for the camera during the day

Sizzling: Francesca sent temperatures soaring in a bikini-clad snap from her beach Miss Pap shoot in Phuket, Thailand

Francesca, who is currently staying in Phuket, appeared in her element as she posed up a storm for the camera.

She accessorised her bandeau bikini with a large floppy straw hat and amped up the beach glamour with a red lip and gold hoop earrings.

The girls have all taken to their Insta-stories to provide fans with an inside look at their girly holiday.

Time to party: Amber caught the eye in a bright pink bikini and appeared in the party mood as she danced provocatively with Kaz

Francesca, who was a late arrival into the villa, has formed a strong friendship with BFF's Amber and Anna.

Just last week, the girls were pictured on a night out in London together.

Since Love Island wrapped several months ago, Francesca has become recognised for her love of vintage fashion, with the star landing her very own collection.

Tanned and toned: Anna couldn't resist taking a mirror selfie in the bright two-piece which sat above her hips

Beach babe: The television personality accessorised her bandeau bikini with a large floppy straw hat and amped up the beach glamour with gold hoop earrings

As well as owning her own Essex boutique and online store Bonnie & Clyde with her sister Claudia Allen, Francesca has launched multiple collections with In The Style alongside her Anna, Amy Hart, Yewande Biala and Joanna Chimonides.

However, Francesca claims that while going on the ITV2 dating show has boosted her profile on the fashion front, it's actually hindered her chances of getting a boyfriend, despite her initially signing up to the series to find love.

She told MailOnline some men are too intimidated to approach her at parties  but after years of being in relationships she's learned to be content on her own.

Posing up a storm: Harley looked tanned and toned in a black bikini and long sheer white shirt

Snazzy: Anna and Amber took their outfits from day to night as they donned sheer mesh cover-ups which were adorned with diamante gems

Francesca said: 'You go out and you'll see guys and they look at you because maybe they recognise you  but then they're shyer. I'm not going to meet anyone at an event!

'I'm still single but I was always in a relationship prior to going on Love Island.

'I feel like now after being on the show that I've got much more confidence and I feel it is OK for me to be myself. I'm quite content with being on my own.'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for his "leadership" in the Brexit process.

Her comments came as Fine Gael hopes to use their handling of the Brexit crisis as a central campaigning plank.

Ms Von der Leyen also praised the "unity of everybody here in Ireland" and the work of other politicians for the success of the Brexit process.

Her comments came as Fine Gael and Fianna Fail clashed over Brexit on the first day of the election campaign.

European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said it was reckless of Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher to suggest he would vote against the Withdrawal Agreement when it is put before the European Parliament later this month.

"This 'red flag' from a senior MEP is yet another example of a Fianna Fail party with no coherent plans for the country and who can't be trusted to be in charge of the next stage of the Brexit negotiations," Ms McEntee said.

Mr Varadkar also weighed in, saying he was "very concerned" by Mr Kelleher's comments, made in a letter to Tanaiste Simon Coveney.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said it was "silly" for Fine Gael to attack his party's commitment to the Brexit negotiations. Mr Martin also insisted Mr Kelleher would be voting for the Withdrawal Agreement.

However, last night, the former Cork North Central TD would not commit to voting for the deal until he got assurances on citizens' rights for people living in Northern Ireland.

"One of the only levers of persuasion you have in the European Parliament is your voice and your vote," he said.

He said people have come to him with "genuine fears" about what might happen to them once the UK leaves the EU and he was representing their views.

Mr Kelleher also noted that the parliament's negotiating team would be raising similar concerns when it meets with UK Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay next week.

Mr Varadkar has made his role in brokering a Brexit deal a key pillar of Fine Gael's election campaign.

He has warned voters not to change the Government's negotiating team when it's only "half-time" in Brexit talks and criticised Fianna Fail's alternative team of negotiators.

At press conference in Dublin, Ms Von der Leyen was asked about Mr Varadkar's claim and said it is a "golden rule" in the EU not to comment on such matters.

Ms Von der Leyen is a former minister in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government. Ms Merkel's party is allied to Fine Gael in Europe.

The commission president said the Withdrawal Agreement brings "legal certainty" and avoids a hard Border in Ireland.

Ms Von der Leyen added that EU negotiator Michel Barnier told her: "It would not have been possible to reach this agreement without the very hard work, the patience and the unity of everybody here in Ireland."

She included the Irish Government, Opposition politicians and the civil service and said that without the "whole country coming together this would not have been possible".

"Therefore Leo, thank you a lot for your leadership and the co-operation that was excellent," she added.

"And I think we see now the results... are excellent too."

She arrived at Government Buildings to the noise of protesting beef farmers outside.
TSI Healthcare

Carolina Arthritis Center in Greenville, North Carolina has partnered with TSI Healthcare, the national leader in the sales and support of customized rheumatology specific solutions. The practice will implement TSI Healthcares suite of fully integrated solutions and services including Practice Management (PM) software, a rheumatology specific Electronic Health Record (EHR), Integrated Speech Recognition, and Quality Program Services.

Carolina Arthritis Center sought a rheumatology specific solutions partner that would allow them to provide the best quality and most up-to-date care for their patients, without compromising productivity and revenue. TSI Healthcares rheumatology specific EHR, Stevie Award-winning customer service, and one-on-one guided federal policy assistance were the perfect fit. The practice will now benefit from EHR click reduction through faster documentation methods, enhanced integration, and the number one ranked speech recognition software in the industry. In preparation for MIPS in 2020, providers will rely upon TSI Healthcares Government Affairs Team to achieve new levels of success through Quality Program Services.

TSI Healthcare's excellent reputation amongst Rheumatology practices nationwide made partnering with them an easy decision, said April Bryant, Carolina Arthritis Centers Practice Administrator. The support services we have received have been outstanding.

This partnership reinforces our continued commitment to helping rheumatology practices of all sizes take their patient care and improved patient outcomes to the next level, said David M. Dickson, Jr., TSI Healthcares founder, president, and CEO. We will continue to deliver innovative rheumatology specific content and unrivaled customer service to ensure the success of every client we serve.

About TSI Healthcare

TSI Healthcare, founded in 1997, is a national leader in the sales and support of customized NextGen Practice Management and Electronic Health Record solutions. TSI Healthcares solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of rheumatology practices through rheumatology specific EHR content, top ranked service, and award-winning software. In addition to core products powered by NextGen, TSI Healthcare also offers Patient Portal, Population Health Outreach, Revenue Cycle Management, cloud hosting, and more. TSI Healthcares support and service teams include NextGen Certified Professionals, clinicians, and former practice administrators. TSI Healthcare has approximately 200 team members and services approximately 2,600 providers nationwide. For more information, visit tsihealthcare.com/rheumatology or call 800-354-4205.

About Carolina Arthritis Center, P.A.

Its team of healthcare providers is committed to providing the best quality and most up-to-date care for our patients Their practice specializes in rheumatologic diseases including arthritis (joint pain and swelling), rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis and muscle diseases. For more information, visit carolina-arthritis.com or call 252-321-8474.
A pet therapy goat who went missing from a New Zealand property in December has been safely returned home much to the delight of a "depressed" cow.

Peaches the goat formed an unlikely friendship with the cow belonging to the Maungaturoto Hotel on the North Island.

The bovine named Bunter was left lonely after the death of fellow cow Rosie some months earlier.

A hotel worker, only identified as Robin, said the goat was introduced in an effort to lift the cow's spirits.

Peaches has got the cream after being reunited with her best bovine / Maungaturoto - Heart of the Kaipara

Speaking to Magic Talk's Leah Panapa in December, she said: "After Rosie passed away Bunter got really depressed and we heard that goats were good therapy, and there was a lady who was willing to gift Peaches to us.

"As soon as Peaches arrived in the paddock, Bunter was a different cow, running around everywhere."

The cow also started eating again but their happy friendship was short-lived after Peaches was reportedly stolen.

However on Tuesday, Robin revealed that Peaches had been spotted among a group of goats at a nearby property.

"One, in particular, was alone and was a lot whiter than the rest," she explained.

"We watch a lot of CI (Crime + Investigation), so we did our own investigating."

After police looked into the matter Peaches was returned to the hotel.

A Northland Police spokesman said: Police began making enquiries into the report of the goat, Peaches, being stolen.

Police didnt kid around and goat hold of CCTV footage and spoke with a number of people.

As a result of this work, Peaches was located at a nearby property and was returned just before Christmas, to much delight!

Meanwhile, Robin said they had been thinking the worst after Peaches disappeared and added: Everybody thought curry.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 07:43:01|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday voiced serious concern over the lack of security in Colombia as a threat to the country's peace process.

In a press statement, the council members expressed their serious concern over reports of grave security conditions in several of Colombia's departments, and continued threats, attacks, and killings targeting community and social leaders and former members of the now demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

They called for those responsible to be brought to justice, and for effective action to improve security, including through the extension of integrated civilian and security presence of the state to conflict-affected areas.

The council members welcomed the recent meeting of the National Commission on Security Guarantees, and looked forward to its ongoing work toward developing a public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups, including measures to prevent and respond to their recruitment of children.

They welcomed government measures to strengthen the protection of former FARC members, and encouraged the extension of these measures to informal settlements of former FARC members.

The council members stressed the importance of implementing all aspects of the peace agreement between the government and FARC, including rural reform, political participation, countering illicit drugs, and transitional justice.

They welcomed the agreement of a reintegration roadmap and progress in the approval of income-generating projects and the provision of basic services for former FARC members.

They further welcomed the continued commitment of the vast majority of former FARC members to the peace process, and urged acceleration of efforts to secure their full socio-economic, political, and legal reintegration, focusing on outstanding issues of accreditation, land for income-generating projects, and the needs of female former combatants and those living in informal settlements.

The council members welcomed the inclusive and comparatively peaceful local and departmental elections in October 2019, with the participation of the FARC political party.

They underlined the central role of Colombian authorities at all levels and from across the political spectrum in the implementation of the peace agreement, and encouraged the Colombian authorities to continue to promote inclusive development as an important element of stable and lasting peace.

The Colombian government and FARC struck a peace deal in August 2016 after four years of negotiations in Havana, Cuba, ending a five-decade-long conflict in the country. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia, authorized by the Security Council, is tasked to verify the reintegration of former FARC fighters.
Theresa Villiers said the new taskforce would crack down on fly-tippers - Jeremy Warner

Fly-tippers will face prison, the environment secretary has said, as the government announces a new "waste police" unit.

The Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) will for the first time bring together law enforcement agencies, environmental regulators, HMRC and the National Crime Agency in order to tackle fly-tipping and mislabeling of hazardous waste.

In recent years, there appears to have been a steady rise in organised, large-scale waste crime, a Defra spokesperson said.

This is partly because of confusion around rubbish collection, as criminal gangs run registered companies, get the appropriate licences and display the correct certificates. This, the government says, "provides a veil of legitimacy for crime".

While this is waste crime, it is also fraud as customers are duped into using seemingly legitimate businesses. Because of this, HMRC's Fraud Unit has joined the new taskforce.

The organised criminal activity highlighted by Defra includes dumping hazardous materials on private land and falsely labelling waste so it can be exported abroad to unsuspecting countries.

Serious and organised waste crime is estimated to cost the UK economy at least 600 million a year and a 2018 Home Office review found that perpetrators are often involved in other serious criminal activity, including large scale fraud and in some cases modern slavery.

Local councils have complained in the past that it is difficult for them to tackle fly-tipping alone and that sentences for the crime are too lenient.

A report last year found that no one convicted of fly-tipping has been given the maximum 50,000 fine or 12 months in prison since ministers introduced new guidelines in 2014.

Now, the new government unit will conduct site inspections, make arrests and prosecutions and, upon conviction, push for heavy fines and custodial sentences.

With local police forces involved, the unit can more easily share intelligence about crimes so they can take swifter action when investigating criminal waste operations and other connected illegal activities, such as money laundering, fraud and human trafficking.

Story continues

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said the unit would "make criminals pay" for waste crime.

She explained: Waste crime is a scourge on our environment and this new Joint Unit for Waste Crime will crack down on the criminals responsible.

Criminals are shifting their focus to waste crime as they expand their illegal activities and its vital that we take action. The Joint Unit will shut down illegal waste sites, catch criminals before they can do further harm to our environment and local communities, and make them pay for the damage they have done through custodial sentences and the payment of compensation.

The new task force was formed after a 2018 Home Office report which made the link between waste crime and other organised crimes.

Steve Thomas, Detective Superintendent at North Yorkshire Police, addedThe Joint Unit for Waste Crime will provide a valuable link for police forces who are tackling organised waste crime and those who use waste management as an illegal enterprise or as a front for money laundering.

I look forward to seeing the development of our relationship with Joint Unit partners in a bid to disrupt and dismantle these criminal organisations and their harmful activities.
(Natural News) Theres a new virus on the rise in China and the culprit behind its spread may just be crawling around the corner.

Dubbed the Alongshan Virus after the northeastern Chinese town where it was first discovered, the virus is linked to a number of symptoms, including fevers, headaches, fatigue, nausea, rashes and in extreme cases, falling into coma.

While the sickness is currently found only in northeastern China, experts from several leading universities and institutions in the country, through a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, say it could potentially gain a much wider range thanks to the spread of ticks native to the region.

Initially thought to be a case of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), the sickness was first identified in 2017 in a 42-year-old farmer from Alongshan, who, after developing a fever, went to a county hospital in Hulunbuir City, in inner Mongolia. However, the man, who also reported having a history of tick bites, tested negative.

Succeeding tests soon showed that the patient was infected with a virus genetically different from TBEV and other known viruses, the report revealed.

After identifying the new virus, the researchers started examining blood samples from patients who exhibited the same symptoms as the Alongshan farmer. Of the 374 who met the criteria, 86 were confirmed to be infected with the Alongshan virus. Nearly all of them were farmers or forestry workers, the report said.

The Alongshan virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), belongs to a family of viruses called Flaviviridae, the same family that includes TBEV, as well as mosquito-borne viruses such as the dreaded dengue fever, the West Nile virus and the Zika virus.

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The researchers, in their report, said the Alongshan virus generally had an incubation period of three to seven days. Aside from causing persistent moderate headache, fatigue and nausea in infected persons, the virus also causes symptoms such as poor appetite, depression, rashes and muscle and joint pains. (Related: Deadly outbreak of monkey fever virus, spread by ticks, has killed 19 in India.)

As noted in their study, all 86 patients were treated based on their symptoms, all of which soon went away in about six to eight days of treatment.

Although the patients spent an average of 10 to 14 days in the hospital, all of them eventually recovered without any long-term complications.

The researchers suspected the taiga tick (Ixodes persulcatus)  a species commonly found throughout China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Russia and parts of eastern Europe  of being the virus main vector. However, upon conducting tests in both ticks and mosquitoes in the region, the researchers found that the virus was present in the systems of both animals.

Our findings suggest that [the Alongshan virus] may be the cause of a previously unknown febrile disease, and more studies should be conducted to determine the geographic distribution of this disease outside its current areas of identification, the authors concluded.

Avoid getting bit by ticks

Aside from the Alongshan virus, ticks also spread other serious diseases and infections. Among the most common are the following:

Lyme disease  This tick-borne disease causes joint pain, and in extreme cases, brain tissue inflammation and complications within the nervous system.

This tick-borne disease causes joint pain, and in extreme cases, brain tissue inflammation and complications within the nervous system. Rocky Mountain spotted fever  A serious tick-borne disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can potentially lead to multiple organ failure if not treated immediately.

A serious tick-borne disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can potentially lead to multiple organ failure if not treated immediately. Anaplasmosis  People with anaplasmosis will often have fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. If left untreated, this infection may disrupt the bloods clotting process, which can lead to organ failure.

People with anaplasmosis will often have fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. If left untreated, this infection may disrupt the bloods clotting process, which can lead to organ failure. Babesiosis  A malaria-like disease, this infection is caused by the parasite Babesia. Among its symptoms are the development of blood clots, unstable blood pressure and possible organ failure.

With this in mind, its best to start proactively avoiding these tiny pests. Some of the things one can do to avoid getting bitten by ticks are the following:

Do not go to tick-infested areas.

Apply natural and organic insect repellent on your skin before going outdoors. Essential oils extracted from lemongrass, cedar, peppermint and thyme have been proven effective.

Spray a solution of white vinegar and water on affected, tick-infested areas.

Clean your surroundings: mow your front yard, take out the trash. Ticks love living in dirty, dark places.

For more news and studies on infectious diseases spread by ticks and other insects, visit Health.news.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

NEJM.org

CDC.gov

Healthline.com
Lawrence Crawley arrives for court in Norristown. He is accused of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend and then setting himself on fire after fleeing from police. Read more

A Montgomery County jury took just two hours Thursday to convict a North Philadelphia man of first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend outside her workplace, a crime captured on camera.

Lawrence Crawley, 34, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for killing Angela Stith in August 2018, the first murder in Whitemarsh Township in nearly two decades. The jury of nine men and three women also found him guilty of possessing an instrument of a crime and making false statements while trying to purchase a gun. He will be sentenced April 3.

District Attorney Kevin Steele, who prosecuted the case, said afterward that Crawley cannot be punished enough.

This case was one of the worst that I have ever seen," Steele said. This is the face of domestic violence.

She has three kids, and he knew about that," he continued, "but all he cared about was him, and so the bigger picture on this is that domestic violence has a face, and it was the face you guys have on your cameras from coming out here.

Crawleys attorney, Carrie Allman, declined to comment on the verdict.

Steele noted that Crawley, 34, drove to Vector Security, where Stith worked as a dispatcher, at 2 a.m., his truck loaded with bleach, duct tape, and the murder weapons.

When she emerged, Crawley repeatedly stabbed Stith. Her coworkers chased him away, but he returned minutes later and ran over her with his Chevrolet Avalanche.

Hes there, lying in wait, Steele said. And he attempts to kill [Stith] by stabbing her with a knife. Then he uses a Chevy Avalanche as a deadly weapon. Theres nine times his actions showed a specific intent to kill.

Then Crawley fled, driving west toward Pittsburgh. State troopers caught up with him in a tunnel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, pulling him out of his vehicle after he slit his wrist and set himself on fire.

Allman disputed Steeles characterization of the events. She insisted that Crawleys actions, which she described as chaotic, were the result of blinding rage triggered by a phone call with Stith.

Im not saying he didnt commit a crime. Im not saying he didnt commit a serious crime, Allman said. Im saying this is not first-degree murder.

She said Crawleys actions were not premeditated and stemmed from the couples complicated relationship," which had recently ended. Third-degree murder, she said, was the appropriate charge.

If he planned to kill her and he did so, and he runs off, why doesnt he keep running? Allman said. Why does he get into that truck and come back? Its because hes in a rage.

Prosecutors rested after two days of testimony, during which jurors heard from the investigators who pieced together the final hours of Stiths life.

Allman rested without calling a witness and Crawley did not take the stand.

On Wednesday, county detectives had detailed Crawleys behavior in the week before the violent attack. He visited Stiths house in East Germantown, sitting on its steps, and at one point confronted one of Stiths male friends as he walked out, investigators said.

Stay away from me, Stith texted Crawley afterward. She warned him not to even drive by her house and threatened to file a restraining order against him.

Cellphone records displayed in court showed Crawley didnt listen. He followed Stith and her three children to the AMC Theater on Broad Street near Temple University. And he continued to text Stith and call her, sometimes blocking his number. He pleaded with her to reconsider, saying he was still in love with her.

On Aug. 2, 2018, hours before he killed Stith, Crawley posted on Facebook.

Its been a challenge, he wrote as he was standing in a gun store in Philadelphia in an aborted attempt to buy a firearm. Still not quite figured it out. Ill try to do something that puts me at peace.
US House votes to send impeachment articles to Senate for Trump's trial

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 15 January 2020

The Democratic-led House of Representatives has voted to send formal impeachment charges against US President Donald Trump to the Senate, a move that launches a trial in the upper chamber.

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 228 to 193 to give the Senate the task of putting Trump on trial on charges of abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine for personal political gain and of obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and documents sought by Democratic lawmakers, Reuters reported.

The vote was scheduled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) after a month of speculation over timing.

The vote was largely along party lines, but Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was the only Democrat who voted against the impeachment articles, while Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.), who switched from Republican to Independent last year, voted in favor of the resolution.

The vote also approved a team of seven impeachment managers who will prosecute the case against Trump in the Senate. They were named by House Speaker Pelosi.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Pelosi said on the House floor before the vote.15, 2020 in Washington, DC. (AFP photo)

Pelosi earlier named House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff the "lead" impeachment manager. She highlighted Schiff separately as "lead manager" in a statement issued during the announcement.

Others picked for the high-profile role of managers include Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler, Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Zoe Lofgren, Val Demings, Sylvia Garcia, and Jason Crow.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Tuesday the impeachment trial will begin next Tuesday, January 14.

He said he expected the House to send the articles of impeachment through to the upper chamber on Wednesday.

A two-thirds majority vote would be needed in the Senate to remove the president from office. With Republicans in control of the upper chamber, Trump's acquittal in a trial seems certain.

House Democrats launched the inquiry against Trump in September after an unknown whistleblower alleged the Republican president pressured his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who had served as a director for Ukrainian energy company Burisma.

Democrats are looking into whether Trump abused his power by withholding $391 million in US security aid to Ukraine in exchange for the investigation.

Trump has repeatedly denounced the impeachment inquiry against him as "a hoax."

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The green economy sector in the United Kingdom grew in all parameters reaching a grand total of 46.7 billion ($61 billion) in turnover as well as generating nearly a quarter of a million jobs according to latest estimates released Thursday by UK's official statistics bureau

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2020) The green economy sector in the United Kingdom grew in all parameters reaching a grand total of 46.7 billion ($61 billion) in turnover as well as generating nearly a quarter of a million jobs according to latest estimates released Thursday by UK's official statistics bureau.

According to the UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS) annual report on the scope of the low carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE), turnover grew by nearly five percent year on year in 2018 adding over 2 billion worth of economic activity to the UK economy in a single annum.

Furthermore, the job market added just under 5,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) from 2017 to 2018. Full-time equivalent is metric used to gauge employment by measuring the number of paid hours against the legal workday of full-time employment.

Additionally, ONS estimate that 8.1 billion were invested into the green economy over the Calendar year

In the annual retrospective study, the ONS says it samples as many as 24,000 businesses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, looking at renewable energy production and consumption, manufacture and export of energy efficient goods and vehicles and other factors.

Comparing to 2015, the first year the study was conducted, most metrics grew by 10-15 percent.

Despite public and political spheres being dogged by ongoing Brexit chaos since 2016, the UK consistently ranks near the top in charts studying environmental policy and green economies.
Hugh Grant is defending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to spend more time out of the U.K. and is lambasting criticism of the move in the British media.

Appearing on U.S. radio station Sirius XM to promote his latest movie "The Gentleman," Grant was asked by host Andy Cohen how he felt about the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to spend more time in North America.

He initially deflected the question, after Cohen asked: "What are your feelings on Megxit?" but then explained in a video posted on YouTube by Sirius XM on Tuesday: "I'm rather on Harry's side I have to say. The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother. Now they're tearing his wife to pieces. I think, as a man, it's his job to protect his family, so I'm with him."

Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash while being pursued by paparazzi through a Paris highway tunnel in 1997. Although the paparazzi were widely blamed for the accident, an investigation later found that the driver of the car had well over the legal level of alcohol in his blood.
The EPOs rejection of two artificial intelligence inventor patent applications comes as no surprise to in-house IP lawyers, even though several acknowledge that this development could be the first step in longer-term changes to patent law.

Counsel from five companies working on AI solutions say the decision is in keeping with European Patent Convention (EPC) requirements that a human being must be listed as the inventor, and the fact that the technology is still years away from generating novel inventions without human input.





In a statement issued last month, the EPO justified its rejection by claiming that the two patent applications submitted by the University of Surrey on behalf of an AI named DABUS (Device for the Autonomous Bootstrapping of Unified Sentience) did not meet the necessary requirements for inventorship.





The chief patent counsel at a US tech company tells Patent Strategy that the decision will have little influence on a practical level on how his business operates because AI-generated ideas ultimately require a human inventor.





Just like a hammer, chalkboard or an ordinary computer, AI is a tool that the inventor uses, and it doesnt displace humans. At some point, a machine may get self-awareness, but that is decades away in my mind, he says.





He adds that he is not surprised the EPO rejected the application because the examiners are simply following the guidelines that are given to them: If they say the inventor must be a human, you have no choice but to reject the application.





I know there are some people who say that needs to change. But at whatever point it might need to change, I dont think it can be changed by a patent examiner.





The head of IP at a European pharmaceutical company agrees, and adds that the EPO was correct in denying the application because an AI has no legal personality.





If something has no legal personality, it cannot own property like a patent. An AI cannot license a patent. For that, you need to be a person.





Under the current legal framework, I do not think AI can be protected with a patent, but it is in the interest of patent offices to channel this into IP law, he says.





For Gareth Jones, vice president of IP at BenevolentAI in the UK, allowing AI inventorship is important because companies like his rely on patents for licensing, and depend on technologies to develop lifesaving medicines.





The pharma industry works by investing huge sums of money in expensive and high-risk research with the expectation of a patent to protect exclusivity. A business like BenevolentAI, which uses technology for drug discovery, has to invest a lot to protect that technology. And if there is no ability to protect the output, that ruins the business model.





He adds that inventions like the ones filed by the University of Surrey prove that machines are at the stage where they can be inventors, and that if machines are driving innovation, then their inventions should be patentable.





He says: How you change the law is up for debate. Whether you allow machines to be inventors or change the definition of what invention means so that humans still count as inventors are two avenues to explore.





But people are confusing ownership with inventorship. Ultimately, ownership is much more important than inventorship because it is not the inventor who owns the patent but his or her employer.





Jones says that a future consequence of not allowing AI inventorship is that companies like his could rely more on trade secrets, which could result in slowing down innovation by frustrating the system that makes inventions publicly available.

Looking Ahead

Ryan Abbott, professor of Law and Health Sciences at the University of Surrey, who led the DABUS team, says it would have been a surprise if the EPO had accepted the applications without debate. He says this rejection is only the beginning in what he sees as a long road ahead for deciding the legal framework for AI generated inventions.





This is the first time a case of this nature has been brought to the attention of a patent office and it requires forward-thinking interpretation of laws not explicitly designed for these issues. We have anticipated that judicial intervention would be required and potentially legislative intervention too.





The application was rejected by an EPO formalities officer and this is now being appealed to the Boards of Appeal. The appeal process can take years, he says.





Even if the EPO rejected AI inventorship, there are signs that patent offices around the world are beginning to look more closely at how technology is changing the way companies innovate. Last year, the USPTO made a public request for comment on patenting AI inventions, and WIPO issued a draft paper on AI and IP last December.





James Dottavio, assistant director of technology transfer at the University of West Virginia, says that although he anticipated that the EPO would reject the DABUS patent applications, he is interested to see how the question of AI inventorship will evolve in the future.





Everybody has been anticipating something like AI inventorship, both in Europe and in the US. There will need to be legislation if this is going to change. This decision will provoke some additional thinking and maybe some legislation. I dont think the lack of protection will stop people using AI tools to help inventors, he says.





The chief patent counsel at the tech company tells Patent Strategy he doesnt believe denying applications to AI inventors is going to slow down innovation because machines are still reliant on human beings to operate. When machines become autonomous, he believes it will be time for legal changes to reflect the new realities.





He says that although patent offices are updating their guidelines and having public hearings about AI, he doesnt know of many businesses that are asking for any significant changes in patent law.





Right now we are seeing patent offices update their guidance or give public consultations to get a broader range of view and ensure that they are ready to cope with advances in AI. But I dont see any of the patent offices getting loud calls from businesses to change the law so that no human is needed for innovation, he says.





Whichever way the question of AI inventorship goes, it is clear that the recent rejections of AI patents is only the beginning of a very long battle to define rights, ownership, and the very need to incentivise innovation.





In the meantime, the decisions has little practical impact on businesses  even those that are working closely on using AI to help come up with ideas.





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Olmsted County is being asked to help ensure 36 apartments near downtown remain affordable.

Rochester Area Foundation recently announced plans to purchase Center Street Village in an effort to keep the apartments affordable.

"First Homes believed our community was at risk for losing these 36 units, and as a community we cant afford that, especially in this location," Foundation President Jennifer Woodford said of the complex at 626 E. Center St.

To ensure the numbers add up, First Homes is asking Olmsted Countys Housing and Redevelopment Authority to approve a $360,000 10-year deferred loan to increase the downpayment on the planned purchase.

Woodford said the property was originally marketed for its potential as an investment property in a city where rents continue to increase.

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Today, 34 of the two-bedroom apartments rent for $750 to $900 a month, but the seller recently spent $20,000 to upgrade a pair of two-bedroom units, which now rent for $1,100 apiece.

"What they were trying to show to a new buyer is that you could take a relatively low investment and really raise the rate for the rents," Woodford said.

The apartment complex was put on the market after the 2018 death of its owner, William Hargis. His estate had already started its marketing effort when First Homes showed interest.

The building, which was originally designed as a condominium complex, is appraised at nearly $2.7 million for tax purposes. Woodford said the planned purchase price remains confidential, since the deal isnt complete.

However, she noted the estates marketing effort provided incentive for First Homes to get involved.

"We dont have 36 extra affordable apartments, walkable to downtown, that people could just move to," she said.

With a loan offer from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and a grant from the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, the numbers didnt quite add up to keep rents low.

With the HRAs help, Woodford said the foundation hopes to keep rents at their current level to meet local needs.

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In addition to a $360,000 loan, the county is also being asked to support a tax credit for the property.

Approved last year, the new tax credit provides a break to landlords who commit to limiting rent increases. If it goes through, First Homes would be the first landlord to receive the credit, which would reduce annual operating costs by approximately $14,000 a year, according to Olmsted County Housing Director Dave Dunn.

In return, Dunn said he is asking First Homes to work with the county, which already has programs to connect low-income tenants with affordable housing. He said a potential agreement could allow the county to help more people who are struggling to find housing.

"It allows us to have units for our master-leasing programs, our voucher programs and other things that we are doing," he said.

Woodford said the county efforts tie perfectly to the First Homes goals.

"Its something that I absolutely see for the property," she said of potential cooperative efforts.

The countys HRA board is slated to consider the proposal during its 1 p.m. meeting Tuesday in conference room 1 of the city-county Government Center.

Recently, three members  county commissioners Sheila Kiscaden, Stephanie Podulke and Gregg Wright  voiced support for the loan and tax credit, citing a need to preserve affordable rents while the HRA continues to search for ways to develop new affordable housing.

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Kiscaden, who sits on the First Homes board, said the effort aligns with recommendations of former Gov. Mark Daytons affordable housing task force.

"The most affordable housing is the housing you already have," said Kiscaden, who was also a member of the state task force.

Woodford said thats why the Center Street project was appealing as First Homes moved in a new direction.

"To reproduce 36 affordable units would cost an incredible amount," she said. "We couldnt afford to do that."

Deputy County Administrator Paul Fleissner said the countys involvement makes sense as a way of ensuring residents of all income ranges can afford a place to live.

"This is exactly what I think we should be doing," he said.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The extended warm spell Upstate New York has been stuck in could, paradoxically, lead to more snow.

Thats because warm air has kept ice from forming on the Great Lakes, and that means more open water that to produce lake effect snow. The five lakes have just 5.3% of ice cover as of Tuesday, which is a quarter of the long-term average for Jan. 14. Most of that is in the bays of the more northern lakes: Michigan, Huron and Superior.

While Upstate can get lake effect snow from as far away as Lake Huron, most of it comes from lakes Erie and Ontario. Erie, which delivers those mega-lake effect storms that make Buffalo famous, usually has about 40 percent of its surface covered with ice by now. As of Tuesday, it was zero.

Lake Ontario, which contributes the lake effect that makes Tug Hill one of the snowiest spots in the East, has less than 1% of ice cover. In a normal year, about 9% of the lake would be covered in ice.

Theres no formula that can predict inches of snow vs. percentage of ice, but the rule of thumb is that the less surface area of a lake is covered with ice, the more moisture will evaporate and fall as snow when cold winds whip across the lakes.

As long as theyre open and not frozen over, you can get lake effect snow, said Jon Hitchcock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

In a typical winter, ice on the Great Lakes starts to form on the lakes in late fall and peaks in March. Eries average ice cover in early March at about 70%, but in cold years the shallow lake can freeze over completely. While moisture can still rise through cracks in the ice, a frozen lake in essence shuts down the lake effect machine.

Lake Ontario, with a maximum depth of 802 feet, almost never freezes over completely. At its typical late winter peak, 60% of Ontarios surface remains ice-free.

Only 5.3% of the Great Lakes is covered by ice as of Tuesday, about one-quarter of normal for mid-January.

Not surprisingly, the lakes are much warmer than average now. Both Erie and Ontario are 3 to 4 degrees above average for this time of year. That doesnt make much difference in how much lake effect snow falls, Hitchcock said.

Its a misnomer that warm lakes lead to lake effect snow, he said. Just having the lakes warm doesnt seem to be that much of a difference.

Hitchcock noted that open water is just one ingredient in the lake effect snow recipe. The air also has to be cold enough and the winds have to come from the right direction. The heaviest lake effect snow falls when winds whip along the longest axis of the lake; for Lake Ontario, which lies west to east, the biggest snows are generated by winds from the west.

While the lakes are warm, its not unprecedented. Hitchcock said Lake Erie is at 33 degrees right now, and the record for this time of year is 42.

Its warmer than normal but not in record territory, he said.

The open lakes will have a chance to do their stuff this week and into next week as cold air and strong winds return to Upstate New York. Winter weather advisories are in place for Western New York and Tug Hill today for up to 6 inches of lake effect snow. A weekend storm will likely bring some snow from a system rumbling from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast, and as that system departs Sunday, the cold air behind it is likely to generate more lake effect snow east and southeast of the lakes.

If the winds shift northwest Sunday through Tuesday, Syracuse could be on the receiving end of lake effect snow.

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The belief by many Nigerians of the existence of a cabal dictating affairs of the government was on Thursday validated by Kassim Shettima, a senator and former governor of Borno State.

The senator who did not shy away from his admiration for the cabal, said such structure exists in every government.

I like power and If I have my way, now that am in Abuja, I wont mind being part of the cabals, Mr Shettima, the chairman, Senate committee on Interior said.

He spoke as a Guest Speaker at the 17th Edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue held in Abuja with the theme: 20 Years of Democracy in Nigeria: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities.

The 2020 edition of the annual dialogue was attended by Namadi Sambo, a former vice president; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Lynda Ikpeazu of the House of Representatives among a host of other dignitaries.

Cabal System

The word cabal became notorious in Nigerias political lexicon during the 2012 controversial oil subsidy removal. Then President Goodluck Jonathan said a notorious cabal were holding the country to ransom and benefitting from the fuel subsidy funds.

He said they were responsible for the countrys economic woes.

Many Nigerians including the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, have also pointed that there is a cabal of people who influence decisions taken by President Muhammadu Buhari and the presidency.

While Mr Buhari and his aides have played down the notion of the cabal, Mr Shettima saw nothing wrong in a government having men behind the curtain.

He said he would rather prefer to call it power brokers or inner caucus.

The senator said such an arrangement even exists in more advanced democracies.

When Jimmy Carter was the president of America, he had his own cabal. They were called the Georgia Gang. Almost all his appointees were from Georgia.

Even when our own brother, Barack Obama became president, about 16 top appointments in the Obama administration were from Chicago. His first two chief of staff, so also two secretaries, his two advisers were all from Chicago.

Power does not exist in a vacuum, he noted.

Loopholes in Nigerian democracy

The former governor also took the crowd on a journey through Nigerias two-decade-old recent democracy.

He said one of the shortfalls of the democratic dispensation under the fourth republic is that it has not allowed women equal playing field in the countrys political space.

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His assertion builds on several analyses, including that of PREMIUM TIMES and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) which have shown that women have not been fairly represented in government despite their significant voting population.

Since 1999, no woman has emerged president, vice president or even an elected governor. Out of the 109 Senate seats, women have never occupied up to 10. The highest was in 2007 when there were nine female senators.

The senator said only six women were returned as senators in the 2019 elections. He said Nigeria should learn from countries such as Rwanda where women are given equal opportunity to participate in government.

Mr Shettima also said selective application and adherence to the rule of law also weakened democracy.

It is a charade when there is no rule of law. The rule of law is to democracy what democracy is to human lives, the former governor noted.
The U.S. Army may send missile-defense systems and other capabilities to the Middle East to ensure U.S. forces there are prepared to deal with future Iranian attacks, such as the ballistic missile strike that threatened Americans in Iraq last week.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said Wednesday that the Pentagon is considering deploying additional enabling capabilities to the region to counter any future strikes from Iranian forces.

On Jan. 7, Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles at two bases where American troops are stationed in retaliation for the Jan. 3 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

There were no casualties in the missile attacks, but McCarthy said the Pentagon is not going to underestimate Iran's capabilities.

Related: Iran Fully Planned to Kill US Troops In Missile Attacks, Top General Says

"They are a very capable enemy; they have capabilities that can strike and hit Americans, so we are looking at additional capabilities that we could send to the region," he told defense reporters Wednesday at a Defense Writers Group breakfast. "It could be a variety of enablers like missile defense, so we are looking at that."

McCarthy would not go into further detail about the types of capabilities under consideration.

Since Dec. 31, roughly 9,000 U.S. ground forces have been ordered to the Middle East amid escalating tensions that began when mobs of Iranian-backed militia members stormed the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad.

Army Special Operations Command also deployed a company-sized element of the 75th Ranger Regiment with other special operations forces.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Read More: As Military Units Deploy Amid Iran Tensions, Here's What Those Left Behind Are Doing
Almost a fortnight after the brutal killing of the husband of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) sarpanch at Umarpura village in Majitha constituency of Amritsar on January 1, gangster Harman Bhullar on Thursday claimed responsibility of the murder in a Facebook post.

In his post, Bhullar claimed that the victim was killed for falsely guiding the police. It has also repudiated any political-link behind the murder.

Harman Bhullar of Umarpura village is one of the key accused booked by Majitha police for the murder of Gurdeep Singh, 52. The victims wife, Gurjit Kaur, 50, is the villages sarpanch.

Gurdeep, who was the sarpanch of the village from 2014-18 and is a close associate of former SAD minister Bikram Singh Majithia, was shot dead by three bike-borne men when he was returning home after paying obeisance at the village gurdwara. The assailants had pumped eight bullets into Gurdeep.

I would like to inform that there was no political link in the Gurdeep Singhs murder. It was our personal enmity. No one kills anyone without reason. And the murder was committed by us, three brothersHarman Bhullar, Harwinder Sandhu and Buri Basantkotia. Nobody else is involved in it, the post read.

This man (Gurdeep) had been guiding police falsely against us. I tried to convince him several times, but the matter had gone out of controlHe had also duped several youth on the pretext of sending them abroadHe was also booked in around 20 casesif we had to kill him for sarpanchi (post of sarpanch), we would have killed him before the sarpanch election, the post further read.

A senior police official, privy to the investigation, said they were trying to trace the location from where the post was uploaded.

Earlier, police had booked Harmanjit Singh Sandhu (also known as Harman Bhullar), his father Nirmal Singh of Umarpura, Harwinder Singh Sandhu of Pandoori village, Balraj Singh, alias Buri of Basant Kot in Amritsar, Inderbir Singh and one Manbir Singh, son of a Punjab police assistant sub-inspector, under Sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapons) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 25,54 and 59 of the Arms Act at Majitha police station.

Police had said Batala-based Pavitar gang was behind the murder. The gang is associated with Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is lodged in Patiala jail, and is facing 30 criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder and extortion. Four of the key accusedHarmanjit, Harwinder, Balraj and Inderbirare members of the gang.

Harmans mother Gurjit Kaur (a namesake of the sarpanch) had contested election with Congresss support against the victims wife in December 2018. The kin of Gurdeep Singh have been alleging political rivalry behind the murder.

On Tuesday, the rural police had arrested one Lovepreet Singh of Gurdaspur, and his aide Raman Masih, for allegedly sheltering Gurdeep murder cases accused.

SSP, Amritsar-rural, Vikramjit Singh Duggal, acknowledged the post but refused to comment.

Same gang claimed responsibility previously

In November last year, a Pavitar gang member and one of the key accused, Harwinder Singh Sandhu, had claimed responsibility for killing Mandeep Singh, 26, of Pandoori village, around 12km from the district headquarters, in a Facebook post. The same gang had also claimed responsibility for firing and injuring another Amritsar man, just half-an-hour before the brutal murder of Mandeep, a labourer.
The offers arrive like water from a fire hose  a steady torrent of letters, postcards and phone calls from investors wanting to buy Grace Hills homes on the East Side.

Most tout cash and a speedy closing, while other solicitations resemble alarming notices from bill collectors. Strange numbers flash across Hills home and cell phones late into the night. Sometimes developers walk up and down the block jamming fliers in doors.

In Denver Heights, where Hills foster parents left her their home years ago, house flippers are refurbishing aging houses for new residents and investors are devouring vacant lots. The house Hill and her late husband bought in Skyline Park is near the Red Berry Estate, a sprawling property thats being redeveloped for housing, a catering companys headquarters and event space.

Everybodys coming into this area, Hill said. They just came out here overnight.

Homeowners across San Antonio are being inundated with offers but in some of the citys fastest-changing neighborhoods near downtown, such as Denver Heights and Government Hill, its particularly severe.

Mike Fisher

With young professionals and empty-nesters hungering for homes inside Loop 410 and less open land for development on the North Side, investors are relying on a combination of tactics to find potential sellers.

Some blanket neighborhoods with their appeals, while others take a more surgical approach, sifting through public records to find and target vulnerable homeowners.

Code violations and foreclosures are posted online, offering potential leads. Some investors use open government laws to request lists of properties where the water has been shut off by the San Antonio Water System, a practice first highlighted by the Rivard Report.

Developers also study records to find out whos behind on their property taxes, said Amelia Adams, community equity analyst at Texas Housers. The housing advocacy group uses the same information to reach out to struggling homeowners and alert them to assistance options.

Theyre under a lot of pressure, Adams said. Theyre in a tight spot.

Some homeowners also suspect developers of calling code enforcement on them to report problems  such as overgrown yards and deteriorating structures  to further pressure them to sell. Mike Shannon, director of the citys Development Services Department, said hes heard concerns about investors using code enforcement for that purpose but hasnt confirmed it.

Most of the complaints they receive are anonymous, he said.

A majority of investigations of potential code violations  80 percent  are initiated by staff, not complainants, according to the city.

In 2012, the city made changes to code enforcement so officers are more proactive instead of reactive, Shannon said. Theyre expected to roam neighborhoods looking for violations and are trained to help connect homeowners to assistance programs if theyre struggling financially.

Its not just about issuing a notice to a property owner, he said. We actually work real hard to ensure they have the opportunity to fix it. We give them time, we give them information about available resources.

Offers pouring in

With investors in fierce competition for properties in a hot real estate market  some of them using every means at their disposal  homeowners say theyve seen a big increase in offers over the last few years as development spreads outward from the Pearl, the booming West Side continues drawing builders, cranes dot the skyline and more people move to San Antonio.

Its not just snail mail but calls and text messages, too, as technology and the Internet have made it easier to find personal information with a few clicks.

It feels creepy, a little too close, Cherise Rohr-Allegrini, president of the Lavaca Neighborhood Association, said of the texts she receives about the house she bought in 2004. It does feel like harassment sometimes.

Lynel Lowery is sick of it.

I dont even answer the phone anymore, said Lowery, a Denver Heights resident. I dont have a for sale sign on my house. Its kind of rude.

Investors and house flippers say their methods help them reach residents who may be thinking about selling  people who have fallen on hard times, inherited a house recently from relatives or are tired of maintaining their homes.

I want to help people, said Charles Choco Valdez, a local insurance agent who also renovates and sells houses. I want to improve the neighborhood that Im going in.

Valdez said he drives around neighborhoods and looks at code violations to generate leads. When homeowners arent interested in selling, he drops it: If they dont want to sell, Im not going to call them again.

House flipping  buying an older house, renovating it and selling at a profit  is changing the fabric of many San Antonio neighborhoods. The practice is especially prevalent in communities near downtown that have struggled with persistent poverty and lack of capital investment for decades.

The resulting home sales, either to individuals and families or investors looking for rental properties, contribute to rising home values, squeezing residents finances. Some residents of these neighborhoods feel under siege, worried theyll be pushed out by new arrivals.

Others welcome the churn, pointing to dilapidated homes that are being rehabilitated and new shops or restaurants opening up.

Over the last five years, the median property value jumped from $34,900 to $100,000 in Denver Heights and from $45,435 to $122,010 in Government Hill, according to the Bexar Appraisal District.

In a roughly 22-square-mile area from U.S. 281 to past the AT&T Center, which former President Barack Obama named a Promise Zone in 2014 to give organizations a boost when seeking federal funds, it rose from $31,150 in 2014 to $75,800 last year.

In the Lavaca neighborhood, it climbed from $154,355 in 2014 to $288,620, and in the Vista Verde neighborhood on the near West Side, from $67,790 to $101,710.

Leaders worry about vulnerable homeowners

When Alan Neff moved to Denver Heights in 2007, he said, the neighborhood was more open. Residents waved to one another, walked to the bus stop and hung out outside their homes. There were some seedy characteristics  drug activity and prostitution  but also a sense of community.

Now, many of his old neighbors have moved away, their houses bought in some cases by absentee landlords or turned into short-term rentals. Neff, who sits on the citys Board of Adjustment and owns rental properties in the area, said he gets postcards with offers constantly.

At some point, it went from being no mans land and How could you ever move here? to everyone wanting to be here, he said. Every single day I see investors creeping down the street or stopping in front of a house that they think is abandoned or would be a good investment.

Neighborhood leaders worry that elderly homeowners, low-income residents and non-English speakers may not know if the offers they get reflect the true value of their house. Neff said neighbors have told him about developers saying their homes will be seized through eminent domain and pushing agreements with low-ball offers.

Investors know how to use the big words and the right stories to manipulate people, he said. They will show up at your front door with $40,000 in cash.

Investors indeed often offer cash payments and fast closing, said Marcus Bledsoe, who owns a real estate investment group and has requested shutoff information from SAWS. The properties he tends to buy likely wouldnt qualify for traditional loans because of foundation issues, leaks or other problems, he added.

Theyre looking for a quick, hassle-free sale, and the neighborhood is improved, Bledsoe said. Who else is going to fix those broken houses? Were not buying pretty properties.

It ends up being a win-win for everybody, he said.

Aubry Lewis, president of the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association, said hes pleased that investors are fixing up abandoned houses in the area and building new projects. It beautifies the neighborhood and helps combat low-level crime, he said.

I think weve benefited a lot, Lewis said. All development isnt good, but some of it is. Weve got to figure out whats going to be good for the area.

Lavaca residents welcome neighbors and homeowners in the area sprucing up the house next door, Rohr-Allegrini said.

Our biggest concern is that the people selling it are aware of what theyre selling and the value, she said.

Homeowners in Tobin Hill, the neighborhood around the redeveloped Pearl brewery, frequently get offers from investors wanting to buy their property. A flurry of new apartments and corporate headquarters are under construction, pushing up values.

Senior residents can tap property tax breaks, and programs offer incentives to homeowners to rehabilitate their houses. But keeping up with tax bills is still a struggle for some.

Its a hot area and property values are up. Its where people want to be, said Cody Doege, president of the Tobin Hill Community Association. But gentrification is alive and happening, and there are people who cant afford to stay in the neighborhood theyve lived in for 30 years. How do you control that?

Grace Hill, the East Side homeowner, said tax exemptions have helped her continue to afford the area. But some of her neighbors arent as lucky, and she worries theyll end up leaving.

People can just come in and push you out of the way? she said. Give us a chance to hold on to what we have.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
Portugal's government is celebrating rising immigration numbers after the number of foreign nationals living in the country hit half a million for the first time in its history.

The socialist-led government said Portugal had "overcome" barriers to attracting more migrants, who it says are needed due to the country's relatively low birth-date and ageing population.

"Preliminary data prompt me to say that in 2019, for the first time in our history, the barrier of half a million foreign citizens residing in Portugal has been overcome," interior minister Eduardo Cabrita told the country's parliament on Wednesday.

The minister told MPs there were 580,000 foreign nationals were living in Portugal at the end of 2019, up from 490,000 at the end of 2018.

The debate in Portugal over migration contrasts with that in other EU countries, notably the UK  where the government has been aiming to reduce immigration.

Portugal is one of ten EU states where fewer than five per cent of residents are foreign-born; between 2011 and 2016 it also suffered strong emigration due to the fallout from the global financial crisis and austerity.

In 2017 prime minister Antonio Costa's government passed new laws to boost immigration, with the legislation taking effect in the autumn of 2018.

We need more immigration and we wont tolerate any xenophobic rhetoric, Mr Costa said at the time.

The changes made it easier to come to Portugal for seasonal work, casual work, and study; while the process for regularising undocumented migrants was also modernised. Visas and other bureaucracy were also streamlined.

Notably the Portuguese government has also promised a 50 per cent income tax cut until 2023 to tempt back Portuguese emigrants who have left the country for at least three years.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Costa's Socialist Party leads a minority administration that governs with ad hoc support from communists and the radical left.

His party was re-elected in 2019 with a higher percentage of the vote than in 2015 and 22 more seats.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - This evening, at about 5:53 p.m., Yuma Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of E. 24th Street.

Upon arrival, officers located a 25-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

This case is still under investigation.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, arrives back from a break in the House Intelligence Committee hearing on the impeachment inquiry of President Trump in Longworth Building on Friday, November 15, 2019.

Ukraine authorities announced investigations Thursday into whether former U.S. ambassador Marie Yovanovitch was illegally monitored by private U.S. citizens, as well as the reported hacking of a Ukrainian natural gas company by Russian operatives.

Both probes involve entities that are at the center of President Donald Trump's impeachment, which is about to head to trial in the Senate.

The investigation into possible surveillance of Yovanovitch, who was ousted by Trump in May amid what she called a "smear campaign" orchestrated by the president's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, stems from a trove of new documentary evidence released by House Democrats as part of the impeachment process, the Ukraine Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Among the documents were messages from a Republican congressional candidate in Connecticut named Robert Hyde, who suggested that he was monitoring Yovanovitch in Ukraine.

That evidence was provided to the House by Lev Parnas, who was assisting Giuliani in efforts to get Ukraine to announce investigations involving former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Trump himself had asked Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to "look into" the Bidens in a July 25 phone call that eventually helped launch the impeachment probe.

Hunter Biden had served on the board of Ukraine natural gas company Burisma Holdings while his father was vice president. Trump and his allies have accused Joe Biden, who had pushed for Ukraine to fire a prosecutor there, of abusing his office to protect his son or have his family profit off the vice presidency. Those allegations are unsubstantiated and the Bidens have not been credibly accused of wrongdoing.

"Ukraine's position is not to interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States of America," the Internal Affairs Ministry said in a statement Thursday. "However, the published references cited by the Washington Post contain a possible violation of the law of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat on the territory of the foreign country."

"Ukraine cannot ignore such illegal activities on the territory of its own state," the statement added.

Minutes later, the ministry announced a probe into a recent hack on "several" Ukrainian companies, including Burisma, in which employees' personal data and executives' emails were stolen.

"It is noted that the hacker attack is probably committed by the Russian special services," the ministry said.

The statement also said Ukraine's National Police has reached out to the FBI for help acquiring information, and that it is inviting the FBI to join a joint international investigation team.

Parnas, a Ukraine-born businessman living in Florida, was arrested at an airport in October with a one-way ticket out of the U.S., and charged with campaign-finance violations in U.S. court in Manhattan. His associate, Igor Fruman, was also arrested. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Parnas has previously said he was willing to testify as part of Trump's impeachment saga in Congress.

House Democrats voted Dec. 18 to impeach Trump on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  both of which stem from his efforts to have Ukraine announce a probe into the Bidens, as well as a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election.

The articles of impeachment were formally transmitted to the Senate on Wednesday, after being withheld for weeks by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was trying to pressure Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to make concessions about the trial rules. McConnell says that a trial on whether to convict Trump of the charges and remove him from office  an unlikely prospect in the GOP-held chamber  is expected to begin early next week.

But Tuesday evening, the Democratic chairs of multiple House committees shared the new evidence from Parnas, which includes copies of handwritten letters, phone records and other back-channel communications with multiple figures.

Hyde's messages to Parnas are included in the tranche of files.

"Wow. Can't believe Trumo [sic] hasn't fired this b----. I'll get right in that," Hyde said of Yovanovitch in a March 23 text to Parnas, the documents show.

"She [sic] under heavy protection outside Kiev," Hyde said. He goes on to describe Yovanovitch's location, her communications and her security level.

Hyde, in a Sinclair Media interview that aired Wednesday, denied having eyes on Yovanovitch, claiming, "I thought we were playing."

"It's kind of unfortunate the left had to get their panties in a bunch," Hyde said.

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano urged Hyde to end his congressional campaign, saying his antics are not helping Trump.

"His campaign is a distraction for the Democrats to raise money and falsely label all Republicans with his antics," Romano tweeted.

Romano TWEET
Shanina Shaik and DJ Ruckus have finalised their divorce, six months after announcing their separation.

The former couple, who married in 2018, finally had their settlement signed off by a judge, according to TMZ on Wednesday

The divorce will be official as of Thursday, January 23.

End of the road: Shanina Shaik and DJ Ruckus have finalised their divorce, six months after announcing their separation

Shanina, who walked the runway for Victoria's Secret five times between 2011 and 2018, filed for divorce in July.

According to court documents, their marriage had lasted from April 28, 2018 until their split on June 25, 2019.

The Australian model, 28, cited irreconcilable differences and requested spousal support from her ex-husband.

Legal formality: The former couple, who married in 2018, finally had their settlement signed off by a judge, according to TMZ on Wednesday. Pictured on their wedding day

Counting down the days: The divorce will be official as of Thursday, January 23

They reportedly had a prenuptial agreement in place, but the terms of the settlement are being kept secret.

Shanina and DJ Ruckus (real name Greg Andrews) announced on June 7 they were going their separate ways 'after careful thought and consideration'.

'They move forward with much mutual respect and love for each other,' a spokesperson told E! News at the time.

That was quick! According to court documents, their marriage had lasted from April 28, 2018 until their split on June 25, 2019

DJ Ruckus, 36, addressed their break-up on Instagram in July, admitting they were 'not [as] happy together as it seemed in pictures and interviews'.

'I would have never guessed us to end. I hoped we could beat all the odds against us, the careers, the travel, the cultural differences,' he wrote.

'I would like the world to know nothing traumatic happened, we just aren't compatible the way we need to be to maintain a marriage.'

Moving on: In a since-deleted Instagram post from November (pictured), Shanina revealed she had found love again after splitting with DJ Ruckus. She didn't reveal the name of her boyfriend

In a since-deleted Instagram post from November, Shanina revealed she had found love again after splitting from her husband.

She didn't tag her new partner and referred to him simply as 'P'.

In the same post, she described 2019 as 'the hardest year of [her] life' and said her separation had made her question that 'true love could exist'.
National news media figure and multiple award-winning, straight-shooting investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson has refiled a lawsuit against the federal government for illegally and unconstitutionally hacking her computers and trespassing at her home. Its a whopper of a lawsuit, naming high-profile Deep State officials including Rod Rosenstein of Trump Spygate fame, the high-ranking Justice Department official who told colleagues hed wear a wire to surreptitiously record Donald Trump at the White House when the Deep State coup was in its earlier stages.

Attkissons first lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice for failing to expressly name the government spies and conspirators who hacked her computers and remotely planted classified materials, obviously to set her up. The Department of Justice, where Rosenstein worked, had repeatedly obstructed Attkissons attempts to get information through litigation discovery. The court dismissed nevertheless, and even gave immunity to former Obama Attorney General Eric Holder, whom Attkisson did name in her first lawsuit.

One federal court of appeals judge even called this dismissal of her lawsuit Kafkaesque given how well-nigh impossible it was for her case to proceed under our justice systems rules and judicial interpretations rigged in ways that protect government lawbreaking. Sharyl described her first lawsuit and some of the shocking roadblocks used by the government to American Thinker readers here, and has even written a best-seller, Stonewalled, describing these events in greater detail. But as anyone following the news knows, the lawbreaking Deep State cant even be shamed by exposure of its illicit deeds.

In her lawsuit refiled on January 10, Attkisson relied on a whistleblower who was actually involved in hacking her computers. He identified some of the other government officials complicit in the very disturbing spying on her. The refiled complaint quotes government forensics experts as being quite shocked, demonstrating some within the government Intelligence Community thankfully have consciences.

The spying occurred after she crossed the Obama administration with her unrelenting reporting on the gun-running scandal called Fast and Furious, then continued through her reporting on the Benghazi disaster, where a United States ambassador and three others stationed at the embassy in Libya were murdered while Obama and then-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton failed to respond with help and protection.

The refiled suit meticulously describes the nightmarish facts of how her computers and home were electronically and physically invaded as if she were a real enemy of the people and the government was playing Mission Impossible. Forensic details were derived from numerous investigations, leaving the conclusions unquestionable. The spying was conducted using government proprietary spyware and a mysterious United States Postal Service Internet domain. The latter fact is highly relevant, as government experts explained. A multi-agency government spying unit in Baltimore under Rosensteins supervision used these techniques, and they were even employed without court-ordered warrants.

The new suit alleges that Rosenstein ordered the spying on Attkisson after directives -- later exposed by Wikileaks -- showed Obama officials John Brennan and Eric Holder were neck-deep in targeting journalists who were reporting on leaks about Obama administration scandals and lies. Holders press secretary even went to Attkissons then-employer CBS News complaining that shes out of control with her reporting on these Obama administration scandals.

And its a small world, as they say, when it comes to Deep State corruption and spying on Americans. Another Defendant named in the lawsuit is Shawn Henry, who worked under Robert Mueller at the FBI and is now president of CrowdStrike Services. CrowdStrike is the company hired to review Democratic National Committee servers in a well-reported email leak scandal. Without actually examining the servers themselves, Mueller and the FBI curiously and negligently deferred to the findings of CrowdStrike that Russians hacked the servers despite assertions and evidence to the contrary.

The government sources with consciences told Sharyls lawyers that she is just one of hundreds of journalists or other American citizens who have been victims of such illegal spying. Her lawsuit rightly claims her case is about a clear and present danger to our most fundamental protections. That danger and the corruption behind it became even more pronounced last week when the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) appointed David Kris to oversee abuses of the FBI before that court. Thomas Lifson writes that Kris is highly partisan; a Trump-hater; and, as part of the Lawfare blog, a strategist for the efforts to remove Trump from office, and is the last person in the world to fairly investigate mis- and malfeasance in the safeguarding of the rights of citizens when secret courts are asked to approve secret spying on them. The Deep State is at war with the Constitution, and the cure for its lawbreaking and corruption will not come from the Deep State.

With no sign of the Justice Department and the rest of the Deep State relenting, and with a shocking absence of help from free press and civil liberties organizations, Sharyl is still financing this costly litigation on her own. This week I chipped in another $500 through the Sharyl Attkisson 4th Am Litigation GoFundMe page, where people can donate to help Sharyls fight for all of us.

I was especially at a loss for words that her GoFundMe total lags far, far behind the GoFundMe hauls for Deep State/Spygate bad guys Peter Strzok ($452,000) and Andrew McCabe ($538,000). So, if you see fit to donate, please do. Sharyl can use our help with this seemingly insurmountable fight.

Links:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/mccabe-will-shut-down-gofundme-page-which-raised-more-than-537000-for-his-legal-defense/2018/04/02/f0cf7be4-3687-11e8-9c0a-85d477d9a226_story.html

https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/01/fisa_court_judge_signals_coverup_underway_with_outrageous_appointment_of_lefty_lawfare_blogger_to_oversee_reform.html

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sharyl-attkisson-4th-am-litigation
Many local school districts are ahead of Gov. Eric Holcombs 2020 plan, which will require all Indiana school districts to form a partnership with a mental health care provider by 2021 to qualify for the Secured School Safety grant. Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), and the metropolitan school districts of Lawrence, Pike, Washington, Warren and Wayne, have had mental health care providers available to students for years.

Having mental health care professionals inside the school could be especially beneficial to Black students, who face higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than any other demographic. According to the 2017 Youth Risks Behaviors survey, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people aged 15-24, and Black youth are over three times more likely to attempt suicide than white students.

According to Andrea Summers-Cotton, a mental health wellness specialist for IPS, providing mental health professionals in school was a matter of working with students and assessing the need. IPS has partnerships with seven different mental health care providers, and social workers are located in all schools in the district.

We spoke to some mental health care providers to find out what it would take to bring them into our schools, Summers-Cotton said. We knew we could do better for our kids.

African American students make up 43% of the student body of IPS, and they face a distinct set of risk factors for mental illnesses such as addiction, depression, moving frequently and a lack of socioeconomic resources.

Furthermore, Summers-Cotton cites cultural differences in how families approach mental health as a factor in why treatment may be delayed or nonexistent.

Some of those kids might come from families that think spirituality is the only way to address mental health or are from families with a history of mental illness and it has become an accepted way of life, she said.

Despite the stigma surrounding mental illness, Summers-Cotton sees a positive trend: more African American males are starting to seek help for mental health issues.

According to Kelsey Steuer, Indiana area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this trend may help African American boys to speak openly about their struggles with mental health.

Were working to debunk the myth that showing emotions or needing help is showing weakness, Steuer said. If African American boys have figures in their lives that they look up to who are open about their mental health, it makes it easier for them to do the same.

In IPS, students in all grade levels see age-appropriate presentations about mental health. In the high schools, the presentations have an added emphasis on symptoms of suicidal ideation and suicide prevention.

For high school students, its usually friends that bring it to our [social workers] attention, Summers-Cotton said. They see when friends are posting sad things to social media, or if theyre giving away personal items. We speak with the student and give them tools, like who they can talk to.

Sandra Squire, principal of Ben Davis High School in Wayne Township, has seen significant benefits to having a partnership with Cummins Behavioral Health for both students and staff.

MSD of Wayne Township has partnered with Cummins for at least 15 years, and staff professional development at Ben Davis has included seminars to train teachers to recognize emotional and mental health issues among students.

We have  worked to understand our own triggers because it has been stated, an escalated adult cannot deescalate a child, Squire said. Our district has done quite a bit of work in this area  but our staff continue to learn about the brain, behavior and how trauma can affect both.

Despite the racial disparity in suicidal behavior, neither the MSD of Wayne Township nor IPS have mental health groups or programs specifically targeted toward minority students. However, Ben Davis High School, where 35.5% of the student population is African American, offers two extracurricular groups, Giant Kings and Girls to Women, to offer support for minority students.

Sherman Woodard, a counselor at Ben Davis and the staff leader of Giant Kings, said mental health is always at the forefront of Giant Kings meetings, even if it isnt always obvious. Students often talk about depression, oppression and concerns that are specific to African American males.

Schools have to create a culture of community for young people to feel like they belong and arent alone, Woodard said. When students hear from other peers that have similar concerns, fears and doubts, it can be cathartic. Students need to hear how people have overcome and found support to deal with mental health issues.  Mental health is neglected not just in education, but in society as a whole.

Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
SEOUL, South Korea  At a time of growing unease in the alliance between the United States and South Korea, a hairy diplomatic issue has surfaced: the American ambassadors mustache, which has become an object of ridicule and resentment among many South Koreans.

On Thursday, the envoy, Harry B. Harris Jr.  a retired Navy admiral who was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and an American Navy officer  defended his mustache in the face of some sentiment that it was a reminder of Japans brutal colonial rule over South Korea.

South Koreans hold a long-running animosity toward Japan because of that period, and many recall that Japanese governors-general who ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945 wore mustaches.

My mustache, for some reason, has become a point of some fascination here, Mr. Harris, 63, told foreign news reporters in Seoul on Thursday. I have been criticized in the media here, especially in social media, because of my ethnic background, because I am a Japanese-American.
His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, deputised His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, to open the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) at the Bahrain National Museum and the Bahrain National Theatre.

HH Shaikh Mohammed was welcomed by BACA President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. It gives me great pleasure to express my pride on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to open the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, HH Shaikh Mohammed said.

The paintings and artwork that we saw today reflect Bahrains deep-rooted and distinguished cultural and artistic movement embodied by the participating artists representing various creative schools and tendencies. This calls for expressing thanks and appreciation to Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa for the continuity of organising events that embody the richness of the culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain in various fields and that preserve and highlight them in attractive and expressive ways.

HH Shaikh Mohammed also expressed appreciation to the participants, both Bahrainis and residents, and wished them further success under the support and encouragement by BACA. Shaikha Mai expressed deep gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, for his gracious patronage of the exhibition since its inception 46 years ago.

She said that his continuous patronage of the cultural movement in Bahrain in all its details reflects keen interest in the identity of Bahrain and in promoting its most beautiful image to the whole world.

Shaikha Mai also expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak for opening the exhibition on behalf of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister. The exhibition continues to attract artistic creations from the pioneers of the fine art movement as well as from the younger generations who have shown great enthusiastic to participate, she added.

This reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the cultural and artistic movement in Bahrain, adding that by providing space and an appropriate setting for beauty and the arts, Bahrain enhances its civilisational approach and its outreach to people around the world, Shaikha Mai said.

The exhibition will remain open until February 15. The winner in this years exhibition are Jaafar Al Araibi, while Rashid Ahmed Al Araifi was second and Mohammed Al Mubarek was third.
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Dwyer told the deputy that she was coming from a friends house in Madison. According to the complaint, Dwyer kept touching an envelope while speaking to the deputy. Dwyer told the officer she was a teacher but was taking a year off from teaching.

The deputy went to his vehicle and issued her warnings for littering, speeding and the expired registration, but he planned to have her step out of the vehicle to find out if she was impaired. According to the criminal complaint, Dwyer told the deputy that she would prefer to stay in her car. She also said she was going to call her attorney. She also locked the door.

The deputy was able to get his arm into the window and tried to unlock the door. According to the complaint, Dwyer scratched the officers arm.

A Beaver Dam police officer arrived before Dwyer drove away. She drove between 75 and 80 mph at times on Highway 151. According to the criminal complaint, Dwyer called 911 during the pursuit and was told to pull over. Dwyer did not pull over, but she was stopped by spike strips that were put in place by the Beaver Dam Police Department. Dwyer drove over the strips and entered Beaver Dam from the Industrial Drive exit.
Cuisine de France owner Aryzta has been accused by US firm McKee Foods of attempting to obtain confidential information about the Tennessee company's profit margins and other data in a bruising legal bust-up.

Lawyers for the US company have accused Aryzta of making claims that display a "lack of professionalism and civility".

McKee Foods sued Aryzta in 2017 after the US firm claimed it lost millions of euro in revenue and profits because the Swiss-Irish company had allegedly been unable to fill its orders.

Aryzta's bakeries in Chicago were hit by a crackdown by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which saw hundreds of workers who it emerged did not have employment authorisation forced to leave the business.

McKee has claimed it has shouldered losses of at least $16m (14.3m) because of Aryzta's alleged inability to complete its orders. Aryzta has since sold the Chicago plants.

Aryzta, whose chief executive is Kevin Toland, recently asked a Tennessee court to force McKee Foods to disclose a raft of financial data. Aryzta claimed that McKee had "delayed and deflected" its efforts to discover relevant information that it says would demonstrate if McKee "suffered any damages at all".

McKee Foods has now hit back at Aryzta.

"The current discovery dispute primarily involves Aryzta's attempts to obtain confidential information regarding McKee's profit margins and other data on numerous product varieties wholly unrelated to the Aryzta-sourced products at issue in this case," McKee Foods' lawyers have told a Tennessee court.

They added: "Whatever Aryzta's motivation for demanding highly sensitive financial data it knows to be irrelevant, Aryzta clearly is not seeking legitimately discoverable information."

McKee Foods said Aryzta has served it with multiple requests for production of documents, which have included more than 120 separate requests.

"McKee has responded in good faith to each and every request and, to date, has produced a total of over 3,000 separate documents with many thousands more pages and tens of millions of rows of data," its lawyers told the court in a filing.

They added: "Aryzta's harsh accusations that McKee has been 'obstructionist' and has taken 'absurd' positions in discovery, aside from their lack of professionalism and civility, are simply false."

A hearing regarding Aryzta's motion to force discovery is due to take place at the end of the month.

Aryzta, which has its roots in IAWS, is currently engaged in a sweeping three-year turnaround plan called Project Renew. It's designed to result in annual savings of 90m a year by 2021.

A controversial equity raise in 2018 saw Aryzta secure 800m to help it cut debt and pay for the turnaround plan.
Gymnast Max Whitlock showed off an adorable workout with his young daughter on Good Morning Britain today.

The Olympic Gold medallist, from Hemel Hempstead, 27, won over a legion of fans by showing how he incorporates Willow, 11 months, into his training regime.

Max, who was joined by his wife Leah, showed off one of the moves called the cushion crusher from his new book The Whitlock Workout.

Showing presenters Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid one of the moves, he picked up Willow, who was dressed adorably in a red outfit and matching bow.

Max, who is the most successful British gymnast in history, then explains that the exercise can be done with a pillow or a cushion - but instead he uses his infant daughter.

'You can usually use a pillow, but I'm going to use Willow' he said

Sitting on the floor with his arms stretched out at full length, Max then did sit ups while holding his daughter in the air.

Taking to Twitter, Good Morning Britain viewers couldn't help but fawn over the gymnast's daughter.

Gymnast Max Whitlock showed off an adorable workout with his young daughter on Good Morning Britain today.

Max, who was joined by his wife Leah, showed off one of the moves called the cushion crusher from his new book the Whitlock workout.

Max is pictured here with his baby daughter, who he welcomed to the world in February last year

Taking to Twitter, Good Morning Britain viewers couldn't help but fawn over the gymnast's daughter

'That baby is the cutest ever' one viewer said, while another described them as a 'beautiful family'.

A third wrote: 'Willow on GMB is soooo cute!'

Earlier in the show, Max spoke to Susanna and Ben about his young family and training for the upcoming Olympics.

'I've been a gymnast for 20 years. I wanted to put everything in the book - because gymnastics really takes your body to its limits.

Sitting on the floor with his arms full length Max then does sit ups while holding his daughter in the air

Max explained that he already takes his daughter to baby gymnastics

He added that despite starting in the sport aged seven, he was a late-adopter.

'If you really have a genuine eye on a career - you do need to start very young' Max explained.

'It massively helps. Aged seven was late but it's not too old, I know people who have started at nine and had great careers.

Gesturing at his 11-month old daughter, Max continued: 'We take her to baby gym'

Last time Max was on the show, he showed off his gymnastic prowess as he performed a backflip off a desk in the TV studios

Susanna then asked if his book can help her with a New Year's resolution to cut down on snacking, and he advised she should follow the 80:20 rule'.

'Be good 80 per cent of the time, and treat yourself 20 per cent of the time' he explained.

Last year, the double gold medallist, who hopes to defend his men's floor and pommel horse titles at the summer's Olympics, said becoming a father had been his greatest achievement.

He said: 'Its the best thing, we are the luckiest people alive. Willow is unbelievable, Im getting quite a lot of sleep at the moment, she sleeps all the way through the night.'

Last year, speaking of his baby daughter he said: 'Its the best thing, we are the luckiest people alive. Willow is unbelievable, Im getting quite a lot of sleep at the moment, she sleeps all the way through the nigh' (pictured with wife Leah in December 2018)

Max announced the arrival of baby Willow on Instagram in February last year, writing: 'Welcome Willow Whitlock to the world - Born Saturday 23rd February, weighing 7lb 13. It's the most amazing proud and indescribable feeling! My girls are incredible.'

Back in September 2018 Max confirmed that he and wife Leah - who married in 2017 - were expecting their first child together with a sweet social media video.

In the clip, Max could be seen drawing something onto the floor of his training room with chalk, which was eventually revealed to say: 'Baby Whitlock Coming Soon - February 2019.'

Max tied the knot with childhood sweetheart Leah in July 2017 after ten years together, after first meeting at the South Essex Gymnastics Club aged just 12.

After sparking up a romance the pommel horse pro popped the question during a surprise getaway to the Lake District.

The couple shared details of their idyllic ceremony with OK! magazine, where Max admitted at the time he was most fearful of giving a speech at the reception.
The year is 2013, and the (hypothetical) trip is a mix of virtue and fun: Fly to a Caribbean island, stay in an Airbnb, help build a classroom at a school, visit an orphanage and then finish off by flying to a second island and kicking back at an all-inclusive resort. Highlight: a 45-minute swim with dolphins.

See the world! Help locals make rent! Give back! Contribute to the economy! What a responsible traveler!

Today, that kind of getaway might elicit a horrified gasp, followed by questions and commentary: Was the Airbnb legal? Isn't there an overtourism issue there? Please tell me you bought carbon offsets for those flights. Did the school even need a new classroom, and by the way, since when can you swing a hammer? Don't you know that orphanage tourism is problematic? Was the resort locally owned? How could you support animal captivity?

"I think for the longest time, we had this notion that we could go anywhere, do anything and it wouldn't make an impact," says Jonathon Day, an associate professor of sustainable tourism at Purdue University and chair of the Travel Care Code initiative to promote responsible travel.

Traveling in an age of heightened concerns about climate change, income inequality, overtourism, animal welfare, corporate greed and exploitation can be fraught. Those who want to see the world while also being kind to the planet face pitfalls, especially as public consciousness shifts and awareness of the potential harms of global jet-setting evolves. And to make matters worse, there is no consensus on what makes a trip responsible, or conscious, or "green" - whatever ideal a well-intentioned vacationer aspires to.

"It's not about making perfect choices, because as we've learned, what we know and understand as responsible tourism is always changing," says Justin Francis, CEO and co-founder of Responsible Travel, which describes itself as an "activist" travel company. "It's just about making better decisions than we made a couple years ago."

Travel has long been considered inherently good: It broadens horizons, fosters understanding, promotes cultural exchange and changes travelers for the better. It is also an important economic driver in destinations around the world, providing jobs and, often, encouraging conservation. If experts agree on anything, it's that these sentiments aren't misguided.

"I don't want to be a wet blanket on travel," Day says. "People go on vacation and they're renewed and they're educated and all of those things. We just need a little bit more mindfulness and taking a little bit more responsibility."

Industry players, keen to adapt to trends, are already making some adjustments on their own. Major hotel chains such as Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group are eliminating small plastic bottles for toiletries. Some airlines, including JetBlue and British Airways, are offsetting emissions for domestic flights. Dutch airline KLM made headlines last year for encouraging travelers to fly less.

But for travelers who want to be more proactive in their good-global-citizen efforts, experts who focus on responsible travel have some guiding principles. Francis says the right kind of tourism should create better places for residents to live in, not just for tourists to visit.

The Travel Care Code asks three big questions, Day says: Are you respecting your hosts? Are you reducing waste, including energy consumption? And are you making sure the money you spend goes to the local community?

Beyond asking those general questions, there is some consensus about ways tourists can be more responsible.

- - -

Cut back on flying

This doesn't necessarily mean travel less, though. Low-cost airlines make it cheap and easy to jet around for short jaunts, or to visit multiple destinations in one trip. That's not ideal for the old carbon footprint.

Responsible travel advocates suggest people who take multiple vacations a year could consider combining a couple for one longer trip, and replacing others that would involve flights with train travel, close-to-home getaways or staycations.

"If you're taking eight short breaks but flying, cut back to one or two longer holidays where you stay a bit longer," Francis says. As a bonus, he says, that allows travelers to get a better feel for a destination and experience it with less stress.

Gregory Miller, executive director of the Center for Responsible Travel, says it's more earth-friendly to take nonstop flights whenever possible and fly on newer planes, which are more energy-efficient.

- - -

When you do fly, offset emissions

Not everyone agrees on the benefit of buying carbon offsets - not even everyone interviewed for this story agrees.

"You can jump on a boat like Greta," says Day, referring to Swedish teenager and climate activist Greta Thunberg, who crossed the Atlantic in a carbon-neutral sailboat to get to the United Nations climate summit. "If you can't do that, is there anything we can do in between? I think that carbon offsets . . . so long as they're from reputable companies" will do for now.

The real solution, he says, is to have planes that don't use jet fuel. But while planes are becoming more efficient, low-carbon alternatives for long-haul travel is still a long way off.

Miller recommends that travelers look for carbon-offset nonprofits that maximize donations to make sure all the money goes to the project itself. Projects should also be transparent and have third-party verification, experts say.

Francis's travel company started offering offsets in 2002 but stopped in 2009.

"The problem with the carbon offsets is that it's seen as a get-out-of-jail-free card," he says. "It's essentially shifting the moral responsibility away from the tourist to the airplane to some other project somewhere else in the world. And I think we need to be more accountable than that."

- - -

Be thoughtful about lodging

Stay in locally owned hotels if possible, to keep more money in the community. Check whether the property uses renewable energy, participates in sustainable community projects and is sensitive to the environmental needs of the destination. It's almost the default to no longer offer plastic straws or to encourage guests to reuse their towels; ask what other measures the hotel or lodge is taking.

Airbnb or other vacation rentals can be a tricky solution, depending on the city. Critics argue that in some cases, investors have bought up available inventory to rent to tourists, leaving residents with fewer affordable places to stay. It's best to find out how short-term rentals are regulated in a particular area, and whether there is a shortage of housing for locals.

"I think it's a question of going in with your eyes open in terms of what are the impacts of your participating in that level of tourism as opposed to more formal hotel accommodations," Miller says. "If it's destabilizing the local economy, but you're saving a few dollars, you need to realize that."

- - -

Mind what you eat

Travelers should try to dine at locally owned restaurants instead of giant chains, Francis says. And don't be afraid to ask where the food comes from and order accordingly: Locally sourced items take less energy to get to the table. He says to also consider eating less meat and dairy, because they are more carbon-intensive to produce.

"What I'm really trying to do is . . . shorten the supply chain in every way," Francis says.

- - -

Choose activities carefully

Miller says it's responsible to avoid the "bucket-list mentality," choosing the same site or activity that everyone else on Instagram is opting for.

"You end up getting wrapped into being a contributor to overtourism, and you're not really looking for a deeper experience," he says.

Hiring a local guide helps keep tourist money in the community and also lets the visitor see the destination in a more meaningful way, Francis says.

The Travel Care Code urges visitors to walk and bike as much as possible, and to be respectful of natural habitats by staying on designated trails, following fire restrictions and not feeding wildlife.

Francis says he likes to find out if there are existing local environmental, conservation or social projects he can visit or support with a donation when he's traveling. But for those who do want to volunteer, it's important to make sure that they are not taking a job that someone local might be paid to do; that the project is delivering some long-term good that the community actually wants; and that the visitor is qualified, if the activity requires skill.

"I never put a hammer to a nail at my own house," Day says.
The annual exam season is round the corner and Australias leading yoga guru has the perfect antidote: Believe in yourself.

Life is way bigger than exams and much beyond success and failure. Stress due to parental and peer pressure is common but each one of us is unique with extraordinary potential. Unleash your potential. Being original and creative liberates you from stress, anxiety and negativity, says Rajendra Damodara Yenkannamoole, who has been teaching yoga in Melbourne since 2004.

Interacting with HT here on the eve of a workshop on chakra healing, from illness to wellness, the founder of Vasudeva Kriya Yoga said, For children to excel, first they should smile at life, be childlike and appreciate beauty. They should practise meditation for 10 minutes daily by focusing on their breathing or contemplating on their ideal. This simple technique enhances memory, creativity, clarity of thinking and ingenuity. They respond to stress better.

Rajendra, who is an engineer and postgraduate in business administration, said most people, particularly parents, often mistake success for money. In school and college, they put pressure on children to compete and be like the topper. Then its a stressful race for a well-paying job. Many an intelligent person ends up working on the existing platform, following someone else. Think different. Apple founder Steve Jobs created his own smartphone when everyone else was racing in one direction.

Often professionals, particularly in the information technology sector, get burned out and stressed in their 30s because they struggle to keep pace with smarter youngsters equipped with updated skills. Thats when creativity, originality and experience count.

The right company is also crucial, particularly in our younger days. Avoid negative thinkers and cut down presence on social media and phone use. The most important person in your life is you, so look after yourself. Invest time to be physically healthy, emotionally balanced, mentally stable, intellectually sharp and spiritually connected. The purpose of life is to acquire unshakable peace and it is our birth right. Yoga instills discipline and enables us to find inner peace, he added.

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By Trend

Big delegation from Russia will arrive in Azerbaijan to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of Russias State Duma (lower house of the parliament) Leonid Slutsky said, Trend reports referring to "Election 2020" Independent Media Center established by Azerbaijan's CEC on Jan. 16.

Slutsky noted that the delegation includes members of the Russian Federation Council and Russian MPs.

In addition, Russia will observe the elections as part of international structures, which include Russia, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and other organizations, said the chairman. I have repeatedly observed presidential and parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. Im sure that these elections will also be fair.

The early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will be held Feb. 9.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The downing of the Ukrainian airliner may pave the way for de-escalation between the US and Iran.

The downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 in which 176 people were killed is indeed a human tragedy of immense proportions. Its fallout is that much more complicated as it comes amid a totally unnecessary crisis.

We now know that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired the missiles at the plane by mistake. That the Iranian airspace was open for civilian aircraft at a time of such tensions and threats of retaliation  which gave space for human error  is a concerning sign of Irans inability to manage such crises.

That said, it is clear that the heightened expectation of an American counterstrike, even against the capital Tehran, put Iranian air defences on high alert. While I do not agree with Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who tweeted that the cause of the crash was human error due to American adventurism, the incident can still be seen as a warning that Trumps opportunism comes with unforeseen consequences for the region and could lead to a significant loss of civilian lives.

The tragedy

The vast majority of those on board were Iranian citizens who lived abroad or foreign nationals of Iranian descent, many with exceptional talent and potential. In many ways, these members of the Iranian diaspora who maintained links to their homeland represented the best that Iran could have hoped for in building bridges with the West.

The tragic loss is a reminder of how deadly political and military escalations can be in the region. The airliner incident was preceded by a string of aggressive attacks and counterattacks in Iraq: The December 27 rocket attack on the K-1 base, which killed an American contractor, followed by the December 30 US strikes on positions of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMFs), which killed dozens, then the attempt to storm the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31, the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on January 3 and the latest missile strikes on Iraqi military bases hosting US troops on January 8.

It is clear that the escalating tensions in the region have exacerbated its already high level of vulnerability and brought it to the brink of another conflict, with potentially devastating consequences for the region and the world.

The Middle East is a major transportation, trade, and financial hub; almost a fifth of the worlds oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, while tens of millions of passengers transfer through airports in the Gulf, such as Dubai and Doha.

The tragic plane crash is testament to the fact that in this crowded region you cannot play politics with missiles and expect there to be no casualties.

Moving forward

Iran did the right thing to admit that its air defences shot down the Ukrainian aircraft. Yet this admission of guilt came after days of public denials. The Iranian authorities should have bought time by pledging to investigate the full facts rather than issuing an instant blanket denial that has so enraged the Iranian public.

At this point, Iran needs to demonstrate its commitment to openness to its own people and recognise that it can no longer pull the wool over their eyes. It also needs to demonstrate to the rest of the world that it is what it claims to be  a sovereign state which respects international law and values the sanctity of life. It has a golden opportunity to do so by allowing an independent investigation into what has happened.

There are internationally-established procedures in such cases and Iran should follow these to the letter. Ukraine itself has already been through the process after Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine in July 2014. By following international rules, Iran would be seen as a country maintaining higher standards and commitment to international law  stepping on a higher moral ground than US President Donald Trump and his brazen threats of targeting Iranian cultural heritage and breaking international norms.

The opportunity

As tragic as it is, this catastrophic incident has unintentionally de-escalated the situation. Just a few days ago, Iran announced that the missiles fired on Iraqi bases hosting US troops were only the first wave of retaliatory strikes in response to the assassination of General Soleimani.

Many observers noted that the lack of casualties and limited damage from the missile strikes were a signal that Iran shot to miss and that no further retaliation would be forthcoming.

With protesters inside Iran decrying the ineptitude of the IRGC and international condemnation of the Iranian regime growing, the chances of a major state-sponsored attack on US interests in the Middle East have dwindled.

However, the possibility for revenge by many of Irans proxies remains high; on January 12, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah announced that further retaliations would be coming soon.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution mobilised the masses to topple a repressive dictatorial regime, but it quickly became a chief source of anxiety for the Arab world  and it remains so today. Iran cannot exist in a permanent state of revolution and the Iranian people have clearly had enough of sectarian division and regional instability sown largely by a state within a state in the form of the IRGC.

Real change

Iran should use the opportunity, with Soleimani out of the picture, to rein in the Revolutionary Guards, end the era of proxy warfare, and curtail its misadventures throughout the Middle East. This would allow Iran and the US to sit together at the negotiating table and address the central issue driving tensions in the region  the collapsing nuclear deal and international sanctions.

Neither the US nor Iran has an interest in the situation escalating into a full-blown war. This is clear from reports that the two sides maintained secret communication channels through Swiss intermediaries throughout the crisis to avoid missteps that could have led to a major escalation.

The instinct of the US has been to rely on the Swiss as a trusted interlocutor with Iran ever since the immediate aftermath of the Islamic Revolution. Yet in moving towards mediation to reach a bigger solution to the crisis, nations in the region with equidistance from all sides can play a valuable role.

After finding itself on the front line and fearing Iranian retaliation, Dubai has recently shifted to a more conciliatory tone vis-a-vis Tehran, which is a positive sign. It was also a positive sign that on the January 12, the Qatari Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited Tehran and on January 15, his foreign minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani travelled to Baghdad in a bid to calm international tensions and ensure that all parties respect Iraqs sovereignty.

The experience of Qatar and Oman in mediating regional conflicts, including those involving the US and Iran, should be recognised and more space should be given for these regional actors to work towards diplomatic solutions.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
United States Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia through political dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

Guterres made the statement during his meeting with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi here after he was briefed by the latter over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Secretary-General reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia through political dialogue, diplomatic solutions and respect for human rights," the United Nations said in a statement.

Qureshi is on a two-day visit to the United States in a bid to support efforts for de-escalating and resolving tensions in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister is undertaking the visit under the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the wake of simmering tensions in the Middle East following the killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by the US near Baghdad earlier this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the seven months since the Democratic Party began hosting its 2020 presidential debates, the conversation among the candidates has pivoted to the center. But beneath that pivot, something bigger is going on. The partys culture and its parameters of debateits definition of what counts as progressive or moderatehave been shifting to the left.

Tuesday nights forum in Des Moines illustrates the shift. The highlight of the night was a confrontation between Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Warren claimed that Sanders had told her in 2018 that a woman couldnt win the presidency. Sanders denied he had said this. The question of whether a woman can win feels retrograde. It implies that men hold power and women have to ask for it. But the dynamics of the conversation onstage suggested that the balance of power between the sexes is changing.

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A womanAbby Phillip, a CNN reporter and debate co-moderatorraised the question of what Sanders had said. In response, he tried to change the subject. Warren, instead of letting Sanders go, dug in and pressed the issue. So did the other female candidate on the stage, Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The two women pointed out that unlike their male rivals, they hadnt lost any elections. Warren added that since Donald Trump was elected, women candidates have out-performed men candidates in competitive races. And in 2018, we took back the House; we took back statehouses, because of women candidates and women voters.

The male candidates didnt dispute any of these jabs. Sanders, who had argued about other issues during the debateand who quarreled with Warren about his election to Congress in 1990bit his tongue rather than fight with Warren about gender. Former Vice President Joe Biden boasted that he had campaigned for two dozen female Democrats in 2018the best group Ive ever campaigned for, in terms of competence. In an interview after the debate, MSNBCs Chris Matthews agreed with Klobuchar that an all-male Democratic ticket was impossible. Women wouldnt stand for it, said Klobuchar.

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The debate also exposed a shift in racial clout. Phillip reminded another candidate, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, that a key part of your mission in this primary was to prove to Democratic voters that youre strong enough to take on Donald Trump. In that regard, said Phillip, Buttigieg had a problem: Polling shows you with next to no black supportsupport that youll need in order to beat Donald Trump.

Phillips characterization was misleading. The latest national poll, taken from Sunday to Wednesday, shows Buttigieg drawing support from 8 percent of whites and 3 percent of blacks, roughly the same ratio as Sanders (21 percent to 9 percent) and better than Klobuchar (5 percent to 0 percent). Whats significant, however, is how the question was framed. Phillip was asking about electability. Instead of scrutinizing a black candidates support among whites, as journalists did to Barack Obama 12 years ago, she was pressing a white candidate about his support among blacks.

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On policy questions, you can see a similar tectonic shift.

This has been the thrust of an ongoing propaganda campaign against Buttigieg by critics on the left. They argue that he isnt getting much support from blacks, and therefore all Democrats should doubt his electability. The campaign is self-fulfilling: By planting the idea that Buttigieg has a black problem, his critics can discourage blacks from supporting him, thereby weakening his poll numbers and substantiating their narrative. But the success of the narrative shows that the power equation in the Democratic Party has changed. In 2020, if a candidate isnt getting enough support from black voters, hes seen as not just obtuse or derelict, but unelectable.

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On policy questions, you can see a similar tectonic shift. Seven months ago, in their first debate, Warren and Sanders demanded Medicare for All, while more moderate candidates such as Biden, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar muted their dissent. By November, the balance of power had tipped toward the moderates, and by Tuesday, it had completely reversed. I will defend the Affordable Care Act, said Warren, as Klobuchar declared victory. But the proposal advocated by Klobuchar, Buttigieg, and Bidena public option that would let each person choose whether to keep her private insurance or switch to a government-run planwas considered unacceptably left-wing 10 years ago. The centrists are winning the year, but the left has won the decade.

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On issue after issue, the Des Moines debate underscored this pattern. Buttigieg and Klobuchar opposed free college for everyone, but they endorsed it for everyone except the rich. Warren offered to reduce the national debt, but she proposed to do it through corporate taxes. Sanders resolved to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, but he said he would pursue this by restoring the 2015 agreement Trump had abandoned. And while all the candidates praised the armed forces, they also denounced the Iraq war. Two candidatesSanders and billionaire Tom Steyersaluted Rep. Barbara Lee, the only member of Congress who voted in 2001 against authorizing the war in Afghanistan.

The United States has evolved. Men still debate the status of women, but now theyre more afraid of alienating female voters. Black voters are still neglected, but now they have more clout in the party. Voters still prefer compromise, but the compromises are more progressive than they used to be. The more things stay the same, the more they change.
A private legal practitioner, Muda Ade Lawal, who is one of the lawyer's of businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome, was on Tuesday humbled by a panel of five Supreme Court judges when he appeared before them.

The lawyer had filed a repeat application for stay of execution of the court orders for the state to sell off Woyome's properties to offset the GH51.2 million he fraudulently took from the state as judgment debt.

Following Blindly

But the move turned into an embarrassing one for the lawyer who was criticised by the Supreme Court judges for disregarding the tenets of the legal profession and 'blindly' following the demands of his client.

Just when Mr. Lawal moved his application for stay of execution, Justice Sule Nasiru Gbadegbe interjected and asked if counsel had not already filed and moved the same application which was dismissed by the court.

The judge also pointed out to the lawyer that the application was the same as the earlier one which was dismissed except that Mr. Woyome had made a new promise in the new one.

Justice Gbadegbe also admonished the lawyer to be mindful of the impression he creates for himself as he may not be taken seriously the next time he appears before the court after filing such an application.

The lawyer agreed that the application was essentially the same as the earlier one except that Mr. Woyome had made a firm promise this time to pay GH10 million now and pay off the rest of the debt in 12 months if the application was granted.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, another member of the panel, recounted how the earlier application was moved and subsequently dismissed as having no merit.

He said Mr. Woyome, in spite of the ruling, has since not paid the money but had returned to the court to make another promise.

He wondered how the lawyer could repeat the application that had been dismissed by the Supreme Court and thought the judges would not detect it.

Justice Jones Victor Dotse, another judge, reminded the lawyer that he is an officer of the court and anytime clients approached him with such issues he should be able to advise them professionally.

Punitive Cost

Mr. Lawal was then faced with the decision of a punitive cost being awarded against him or his conduct reported to the General Legal Council for possible disciplinary action.

He attempted to withdraw the application but the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who was presiding over the panel, told him that he had already moved it and could not be withdrawn.

The application was subsequently dismissed for being unmeritorious and a punitive cost of GH5,000 was awarded. It is supposed to be paid by the lawyer himself instead of the client within two weeks.

Earlier Application

The Supreme Court in October last year dismissed Woyome's application for stay of execution to stop the state from selling his properties to offset his GH46 million debt.

His lawyer had filed the application pleading with the court to put on hold the sale of two of his mansions claiming that he was determined to pay the money if the execution of the court order was stayed.

The application was, however, opposed by the Deputy Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, saying if Mr. Woyome was willing to pay the money he would have paid the GH10 million instead of filing an application for stay of execution.

The panel presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and assisted by Justices Sule Gbadegbe, Alfred Benin, Samuel Marful-Sau and Agnes Dordzie dismissed the application as unmeritorious.

---Daily Guide
Update: The Verrazzano crash has been cleared, but residual delays remain.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Commuters traveling by car or bus experienced significant delays due to crashes on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing, plus weather conditions on Thursday morning.

Two tractor-trailer trucks and two cars were involved in a chain-reaction accident on the Outerbridge Crossing before the start of the morning rush hour.

Due to a vehicle collision, expect extensive eastbound traffic delays on the upper level of the Verrazzano Bridge, said an alert from Notify NYC. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time.

A crash on the upper level of the Verrazzano had two lanes blocked around 9 a.m. The MTA suggested that drivers take the lower level.

Speed restrictions were in place on the span because road surfaces are wet from rain.

The chaos on the Outerbridge was sparked when two tractor-trailer trucks and two cars collided at about 5 a.m. The chain-reaction accident occurred at the base of the eastbound New Jersey side of the Outerbridge Crossing. The crash caused a full closure of the Staten Island-bound Outerbridge in New Jersey during the investigation and the removal of the vehicles. No injuries were reported. Eastbound traffic was diverted onto the State Street ramp in Perth Amboy with intermittent closures for vehicle removal. The eastbound lanes were reopened at approximately 7:36 a.m.

MTA express buses on Staten Island were operating behind schedule on Thursday morning, according to a post on the MTA website.

Staten Island express buses are running with delays because of an earlier non-MTA crash on the Outerbridge Crossing, according to a post on the MTA website.

Its not immediately clear how a crash on the Outerbridge Crossing was affecting commutes into Manhattan.

An earlier alert on the MTA website did not provide any explanation for riders when it said, Expect longer waits for all Staten Island Buses.

Some commuters expressed frustration.

No explanation provided! The MTA is screwing Staten Island bus riders! https://t.co/BFdzXUCBHb  CuomoCorruption (@CuomoCorruption) January 16, 2020

Hi there, Liana. We apologize for the longer than expected wait. Manhattan-bound SIM buses are experiencing delays. Could you tell us at which bus stop you are waiting? ^JW  NYCT Buses (@NYCTBus) January 16, 2020

The Outerbridge was closed for a time due to a crash around 5 a.m. in the Staten Island-bound lanes. Another crash subsequently snarled traffic in the New Jersey-bound lanes.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her state will not take part in the meeting convened by the Centre on National Population Register (NPR) in New Delhi on January 17.

She also dared Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to "dismiss" the state government for not toeing the line of the Centre.

Banerjee, who has been at the forefront of protests against the NPR, the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, said the West Bengal government had already stayed the process of NPR updation in the state.

"On January 17, the Union government had convened a meeting on NPR. I won't be going, neither any representative of my government will attend that meeting," she said while addressing a rally here.

"If I don't attend, there is a person here in Kolkata (Governor Dhankhar), who is the representative of the Union government. He might say that he is dismissing my government. He can very well do that, I don't care. But, I will not allow CAA-NPR-NRC," she asserted.

Last week, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, Banerjee had urged him to rethink on the amended Citizenship Act and withdwaw the contentious legislation along with the NPR.

"The Left and the Congress are spreading canards. They are saying NPR is underway in the state. It is absolutely false. We had stayed the process of NPR updation last month itself," she added.
THIS THURSDAY, December 12 is the birth date of one of Limerick's finest writers Gerald Griffin, who was born in 1803.

He will be best remembered for his novel The Collegians, which was set against the Limerick background that he was so familiar with. It won him widespread acclaim when it was published in 1829. The book told the story of a famous murder in county Limerick in 1819, in which two men were executed for the murder of Ellen Hanley known as "The Colleen Bawn". The two hundred anniversary of the event has been marked throughout this year. The Collegians was his most successful work and it was put on stage in a play and in an opera, in Dion Boucicault's "The Colleen Bawn" and Julis Benedict's "Lily of Killarney".

Gerald was born in a house at the Clare end of Thomond Bridge in Limerick City, the ninth son of fourteen children born to Patrick and Ellen Griffin. This area was in the most fashionable part of the city mainly inhabited by the Protestant gentry and close to the Protestant Saint Mary's Cathedral. His father was a brewer in the city, but the business was not thriving, and poverty was an issue. He was a bright child and performed well at school; he was also religious, and he served Mass. He was a small delicate and slender child with shy dark eyes, and this shyness outside the family circle stayed with him all his life.

In 1810 the family leased land at Marrowbone near Loughill in West Limerick. They built a house overlooking the River Shannon called "Fairy Lawn". A tutor who was fond of quoting Shakespeare and Goldsmith was hired for the children. A lasting impression took hold on Gerald's imagination from these quotes which helped in forming his passion and style of writing . His life was tranquil and peaceful, and he spent the long summer days with his brothers and sisters playing on the golden beach and bathed in the glittering waters.

He was very fond of fishing in the "Owvaun " river running through Ballyhahill and Loughill, to join the Shannon . He refers to it in his poem Know you not that lovely River.

Know you not that lovely River?

Whose gentle flood, by cliff and wood,

With wildering sound goes winding ever,

Oh! Often yet with feeling strong,

On that dear stream my memory ponders,

And still I prize its murmuring song ,

For by my childhood's home it wanders.

Gerald attended school in Limerick under teacher Mr O'Brien, one of the first classical teachers in the city for a while in 1814. He returned to Loughill School where Mr Donovan was the teacher. His parents and most of their children decided to immigrate to Pennsylvania in 1820 leaving Gerald , William, and younger sisters behind. William was then a doctor and a short time later he took up residence and opened a practice in one of the thatched houses in Adare.

The family including Gerald moved there and spent some time roaming through the glades , and woods of the Dunraven estate, and watching the forever changing babbling river Maigue. Fairy Lawn and Adare left lasting impressions on Gerald for most of his best-known poems were written about them.

From his mid-teens he was interested in literature and wrote several plays. He had gathered a lot of stories from the people he had grown up with and he had also seen at first hand the poverty evictions and diseases in Limerick. He was ambitious and his brother William paid his passage to London in 1823 to seek his fortune as a writer, or journalist. He became friendly with the Irish writer John Banim, who helped him to find some journalistic work.

Two of his plays The Tragedy of Aquire, and Gissippus, were rejected and he switched to writing poems, and stories for magazines. The method of payment was slow and unsatisfactory, and he endured tough times keeping body and soul together. He turned his attention to the newspapers, and he spent time as a correspondent and reporter . In time his talent became recognised and his articles began to attract lots of attention.

Gerald secured a deal of one pound per page for his contribution to the News of Literature and Fashion. The paper ceased publication in 1826 and with encouragement from his brother William he turned to writing Irish stories. The book Holland-Tide was completed in late 1826 and Simpkin and Marshall purchased the copyright for seventy pounds.

In January 1827 he returned home following the death of his sister and wrote "Lines on the death of a Sister" which consisted of two tender sonnets. Gerald went to live in Pallaskenry with his brother William and often returned to Fairy Lawn to write, and he finished another collection of stories Tales of the Munster Festivals. He continued to write about local places with nostalgic charm.

By lovely Donloes echoing lakes

By wild Glengariff's rock brakes

By old Askeaton's cloister still

By sweet Ringmoylan's leafy hill

And by that wild and clifted share

That hears the roused Atlantic roar.

Gerald returned to London and wrote his most successful work The Collegians which appeared in the winter of 1828. It was pronounced by the critics to be " the most perfect Irish novel published". He also published the following novels: The Rivals, Tracy's Ambition, The Christian Physiologist, The Invasion, and the Duke of Monmouth.

In 1835 another collection of short stories Tales of my Neighbourhood was published. He also wrote several ballads and poems including: My Mary of the Curling Hair, Hi-Breasail, Eileen Aroon, Gille Ma Chroi, and Adare. Gerald had a relationship with a Quaker Lydia Fisher a married woman who supported his work. In time he became frustrated with the difficult situation and he turned to religion. He confided to his brother William that he feared his writings had not been of any benefit to the people. He had a vision of dying young from his youth which helped him to decide to enter a monastery.

He divided his property among his brothers, and he collected all his unpublished work and burned the most of them. On September 8, 1838 he enrolled in the Christian Brothers in Dublin under the name of Brother Joseph. The following summer he was transferred to the North Monastery in Fair Hill Cork, where he taught religious studies. His health began to fail, and he fell ill after catching typhus fever. He died on June 12, 1840, exactly 36 years and six months from the day he was born.

Gerard was buried in the monastery cemetery and a stone with the inscription, Brother Gerald Griffin marks the spot. Following his death one of his manuscripts was discovered and published as Tales of the Jury-room. Two years later his play Gissippus was successfully staged at Drury Lane, London. Streets have been named after him in Limerick and Dublin as in the GAA club in the parish of Loughill-Ballyhahill.

A fitting epitaph to this gentle poet and son of Limerick are words he wrote in one of his meditations:

The night will come soon very soon

A few days and there will be no more

Talk of you, make friends then beforehand

In the land to which you are going

And which is much nearer than you think,

Gerard was one of Ireland's finest poets, and we remember with pride his contribution to literature on this Thursday.
TURIN, Italy, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Olli, a self-driving, electric, 3D-printed shuttle, is an innovative product developed for urban mobility and designed with particular attention to accessibility and sustainability. Today in Turin, Olli's adventure begins with a trial period that will last four months, during which the shuttle will provide transport services within the ITC-ILO campus.

Bringing Olli to the Piedmont capital, the first deployment of its kind in Italy, is the result of collaboration at the international level between the City of Turin, ITC-ILO, Reale Mutua and Local Motors. Turin was one of the winners of Local Motors' Olli Fleet Challenge, a contest between European cities to determine the best short-term urban use case for testing the self-driving shuttle. Through May, employees and guests of the UN ITC-ILO campus will be able to take a ride on Olli, while the self-driving vehicle can gather valuable data and insight from operating in real urban conditions.

The vision of this initiative goes far beyond the implementation of self-driving technology, as it aims to offer a global solution to prepare for the shifting needs of mobility in the future. The deployment carries a light environmental impact as Olli will be charged with an ample supply of clean energy from partner IREN, which recently expanded its business model into the field of electric mobility. Self-driving technology, which shifts responsibility from a human driver to artificial intelligence, is an innovation that can be thoroughly studied and tested due to a significant contribution from main sponsor Reale Mutua.

One of the unique characteristics of Olli is the way its components are produced, which includes 80% 3D-printed parts. This is an important aspect for the city of Turin, as it is currently in the process of refining similar technology at the Competence Centre for Industry 4.0. The research and innovation involved in the project around topics such as artificial intelligence, user experience and mobility are supported by the University of Turin and, specifically, its centre for transdisciplinary innovation, ICxT.

Olli's deployment at the United Nations campus will also involve a support team consisting of young citizens and university students. Olli is designed to be easily accessible to the disabled, and this functionality will be further explored in collaboration with Turin'sdisability manager office.

"Since 1964, the International Training Center (ITC-ILO) has had the mission of building decent work conditions and social justice for all. The Olli deployment is an example of how the world of work is changing every day under the pressure of technological, social and environmental innovation factors, and therefore is an excellent opportunity for us to explore the dynamics of the 'future of work,' the context in which we will be called to continue our mandate."

Yanguo LIU, ITCILO Director

"Driving innovation, supporting it and making our country an attractive and competitive place in the field of new technologies is an essential step in our growth and development. Today in Turin, we see the impact of an important milestone that many cities are achieving thanks to the public-private partnership. As a government, we are working hard to ensure that new technologies can be used as real support for our citizens. And I am sure this moment is getting closer."

Paola PISANO, Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation

"The deployment of Olli, the self-driving shuttle, which begins today, can be seen running along the avenues of the Turin campus of the United Nations. It marks a new success for Turin that - through teamwork involving public institutions, universities and the business world - created the conditions to propose itself as an urban laboratory equipped for testing technologically innovative solutions. This launch is something extremely attractive for companies with a strong social impact and, especially an element that should never be underestimated - particular attention to environmental sustainability."

Chiara APPENDINO, Mayor of Turin

"The mobility of the future implies a necessary paradigm shift, which goes far beyond technology. It has new impacts on environmental sustainability and for citizens, new value-added services - such as new insurance models - forms of collaboration between innovation and ecosystem partners, new production systems such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing, new skills to be created and professionalism to be defined. The systemic vision that characterises this trial makes us proud. Our 'Turin City Lab' innovation strategy can only aspire to grow with international projects like this, making our city a fertile and attractive place/city for ideas, innovation and investments for local and foreign players. Welcome to Turin, Olli."

Marco PIRONTI, Councillor for innovation of the Municipality of Turin

"As the University of Turin, we are partners and supporters of the launch of the Olli trial on the ITC-ILO campus in Turin. Our involvement stems from the priority we give to research through interdisciplinary innovation centres like ICxT. These are centers focused on highly interdisciplinary matters such as artificial intelligence, user experience, and mobility of the future. For this reason, we are very proud to be able to provide a new study and research opportunity to teachers and students who will be trained and involved in the Olli project. Research is the driving force of UniTo and is, for our University, closely related to the quality of the teaching."

Stefano GEUNA, Rector of the University of Turin

"Local Motors is thrilled that our first Olli deployment in the EU is on the ITC-ILO, Turin campus. ITC shares our strong belief in equality and inclusivity," said Vikrant Aggarwal, President of Local Motors. "This partnership offers an opportunity to enhance the mobility experience to those dedicated to promoting social justice, and we are confident that collaborating with ITC-ILO will demonstrate the benefits of inclusive mobility. We look forward to continuing our work together to improve access to mobility in Turin, greater Italy, and Europe."

Vikrant AGGARWAL, President of Local Motors

"We are very proud to contribute to an innovative project for Italy that promotes the trial of vehicles for urban transport capable of autonomous driving and low environmental impact thanks to their electrical power supply. The mobility paradigm is changing at an ever increasing pace, and we at Reale Group have been among the first in Italy to take an interest in the technical-insurance issues related to the world of self-driving vehicles. Reale Mutua plays two roles within the initiative: as a main sponsor, concretely supporting the development and diffusion of this new technology, and as an insurer providing third party insurance for potential damage caused by the vehicle during the deployment on the campus."

Luigi LANA, President of Reale Mutua

"Iren has always been interested in innovative projects that can generate value for the region and contribute to the improvement of the services offered to its citizens. The subject of electric mobility, including elements of innovation such as self-driving, is of the utmost interest to our group. Through IrenGo, our business line is dedicated to e-mobility. In recent months, we have developed several sustainable mobility projects in the areas in which we are present, to the benefit of the environmental quality of our cities and consequently to the lives of their citizens."

Renato BOERO, President of IREN

"For CIRFOOD, sustainability and innovation are essential, because we believe they are fundamental ingredients for the long-term success of a company. Every year we invest in projects to promote the culture of food, the prevention of waste, the reduction of the ecological footprint on the planet; as well as to enhance the contribution of our people by promoting good practices for an increasingly sustainable daily life and future, in line with the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, a point of reference also for our company."

Chiara NASI, President of Cirfood

"'The Future is Now!' It is precisely because of the desire to act now that Olli's launch is a good match for the innovation path that our company has been following for ten years. Technological development, digitalization and attention to the environmental impact are aspects that have been a prominent part of our corporate culture and that project us into the future. With 90 years of experience behind us, we want to continue to be leaders in the years to come, when self-driving will lead to radical changes in our sector. We therefore wanted to be an active part of this project from the beginning: the future is now and we are there."

Giovanni BIANCO, Manager of Autolinee Nuova Benese

City of Turin Press Office

Luisa Cicerotel. +39 01101121932 mobile +39 3462356935

luisa.cicero@comune.torino.it

Reale Mutua Press Office

Elisabetta Rua tel. +39 011 4312309

Giulia Altea tel. +39 011 4315911

Katia Rabbiolo tel. +39 011 4312290

ufficiostampa@realegroup.eu

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1076769/Local_Motors_Olli.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/623895/Local_Motors_Logo.jpg
Canada's national police force is taking part in the massive effort to identify dozens of Canadians killed in last week's plane crash in Iran.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bodies of the victims of a Ukrainian plane crash are collected by rescue team at the scene of the crash in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Canada's national police force is taking part in the massive effort to identify dozens of Canadians killed in last week's plane crash in Iran. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Ebrahim Noroozi

Canada's national police force is taking part in the massive effort to identify dozens of Canadians killed in last week's plane crash in Iran.

While no RCMP officers are currently on the ground in Tehran, where the Ukrainian passenger jet was shot down by the Iranian military, a spokeswoman said the force is co-ordinating the crucial work of gathering physical material that will eventually be used to identify the remains of the 57 Canadian victims.

"On-site disaster victim identification assistance from Canada has not been requested at this time," Catherine Fortin said in a statement. "The RCMP is currently creating DNA profiles here in Canada to assist Iran with Canadian victim identification."

Much of that work, Fortin said, will involve gathering samples from family members of the plane crash victims. Of the 176 people killed in the crash, federal officials have said 138 were bound for Canada.

The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 89 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Fortin said the RCMP, which operates the Ottawa bureau of the global law enforcement organization Interpol, began supporting victim identification efforts at the request of the equivalent office in Tehran.

She said the RCMP will work with local police forces to contact relatives of Canadian plane crash victims.

"Some family members may therefore be asked to provide biological samples to assist with the identification of the victims," Fortin said, adding those samples would then be used to generate a DNA profile that would later help identify remains.

Dr. David Sweet, professor of dentistry at the University of British Columbia and Interpol's former chief scientific officer for disaster victim identification, said such material forms a vital part of all efforts to put names to those killed in large-scale tragedies.

He said the profiles generated in Canada will be compared to fragments of teeth, jaw bones and other tissues most likely to have survived the crash, which took place on Jan. 8 when the plane was hit by at least one surface-to-air missile fired by the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards.

But Sweet said officials around the world may face challenges in their efforts to identify the dead due to conditions on the ground in Iran.

"The home country has not requested assistance initially and may not have had an established response plan or a team that could respond quickly with all of the needed infrastructure and ... expertise to do things effectively," he said.

Iran is not alone in this regard, Sweet said, noting that while Canada has emerged as a global leader in the field of victim identification, the international community at large is not well-equipped to respond to such situations.

"There's training and capacity-building that's necessary over a period of time, and nobody worries about that," he said. "It's death, and you don't want to turn your mind to that sort of thing under normal circumstances, and then all of a sudden when this happens and you realize that you really need someone, where do you find them?"

Efforts to identify victims, who also included 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans, four British citizens, as well as Iranians, will be unfolding against an increasingly tense political backdrop.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne was in London on Thursday to meet with representatives of the countries that lost citizens in the crash. At the end of the meeting, Champagne and the other participating foreign ministers demanded that Iran accept full responsibility for the downing of the plane and pay compensation to the victims' families.

The diplomats also called for Iran to respect families' wishes on repatriating their loved ones' remains, full access for consular officials and investigators, and an independent and credible criminal investigation.

Canada, which does not have an embassy in Iran, has demanded official status in that country's investigation of the crash. Two Canadian investigators are in Iran as part of an international team, and Ottawa has requested their participation in the probe be formalized.

Meanwhile, Canada has also voiced support for a decision by European leaders to trigger a section of their 2015 nuclear agreement that could bring back European sanctions against Iran. That move resulted in Iran's president issuing threats aimed at European soldiers in the Middle East.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
Mumbai: A day after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rauts comments about former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi created a political furore, the Rajya Sabha MP retracted his statement saying, If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhis image, or someones feelings, I take it back.

Mr Raut, whose party is part of the ruling alliance with the Congress and NCP, had claimed on Wednesday that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala, an underworld don active during the 1960s and 1970s in Mumbai. Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the Sixties to the early Eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Despite Mr Rauts retraction, several Cong-ress leaders expressed outrage over his comments and the incident once again exposed the cracks in the newly appointed Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance government.

Terming Mr Rauts comment as wrong, state Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat on Thursday said such remarks would not be tolerated.

Mr Thorat, the state revenue minister, cautioned all leaders against making remarks criticising great leaders. It, indeed, was a wrong statement and we will not tolerate such a statement. Nobody should make such a statement. Mr Raut should also not make such a statement, which criticises great men. We have spoken to the chief minister on the issue, Mr Thorat said.

The BJP was quick to latch on to the opportunity, with former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis wondering whether the Congress was funded by Mumbais underworld.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar described the ruling Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra as opportunist, and said that it is built around the convenience of power and opportunism.

Though in a series of tweets, Mr Thorat credited Indira Gandhi for breaking the back of underworld and tightening noose around gangsters like Karim Lala, Haji Mastan, Yusuf Patel and others, Mr Javadekar said that Congress leaders were often accused of helping Mumbai blasts accused Dawood Ibrahim flee the country.

Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam, too, asked Mr Raut to withdraw his ill-informed remarks. Mr Deora said politicians should refrain from distorting legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

Cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray also said that Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Rauts statements on the former Prime Minister were distorted.
Getty Images

En espanol | The U.S. Supreme Court will not take up a federal court ruling that said a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional. The high courts refusal on Tuesday to fast-track a review means all the protections of the ACA remain in force but the long-term status of the law remains uncertain.



AARP and AARP Foundation joined two other nonprofit groups that fight for older Americans  Justice in Aging and the Center for Medicare Advocacy  in filing an amicus brief on Jan. 15 asking the high court to review a December 2019 ruling by the Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. That decision struck down the ACAs individual mandate but left the fate of the rest of the law in the hands of a lower court judge who has already declared the entire law invalid. While the justices declined to fast-track an appeal, the Supreme Court could decide to hear the case at a later time.

The brief makes clear that even after it decided to eliminate the penalty for Americans who choose not to buy health insurance, members of Congress did not intend to strip out all the other benefits of the law. The document quotes Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the former senator and Finance Committee chairman, as saying that repealing the tax does not take anyones health insurance away. Hatch added that no one would lose the federal subsidies that help them pay for coverage or be kicked off Medicare or lose the guarantees of coverage for preexisting conditions. Without the laws protections, the brief says, 4 out of 10 adults ages 50 to 64  about 25 million people  could be denied health coverage because they have a preexisting condition.



Because of the Act [ACA], millions of older adults now have access to health care, the brief says. The Fifth Circuits decision threatens to take away their health care at a time when they need it most.

ACA still in force

The appeals court decision has not immediately affected any of the millions of Americans who get their health insurance through the laws marketplaces. The decision also did not affect provisions that require insurers to cover people with preexisting conditions, that limit the extent to which insurers can charge older Americans more for insurance, that have expanded the reach of Medicaid  the federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals  or that have allowed parents to keep their children on their insurance plans until age 26.

The 5th Circuits decision, the brief says, plunges millions of Americans into an abyss of prolonged uncertainty because they do not know if they will lose access to life-sustaining health care coverage and consumer protections. This prolonged uncertainty is especially grueling for older adults because they have a higher incidence of chronic illnesses and depend heavily on access to health care services.

This challenge to the ACA was initially brought by Texas and includes 19 other states and two individuals. AARP joined 17 states and many advocacy organizations in arguing that the law is constitutional.

Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect a Supreme Court order.
White Supremacists Arrested FILE - This undated photo provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shows Patrik Mathews. FBI agents on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, arrested the former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who are linked to a violent white supremacist group and were believed to be heading to a pro-gun rally next week in Virginia's capital. The three men are members of The Base and were arrested on federal charges in a criminal complaint unsealed in Maryland, according to a Justice Department news release. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police via AP)

GREENBELT, Md. (AP)  A former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who authorities say are linked to a violent white supremacist group were arrested Thursday, just days before they were believed to be headed to a pro-gun rally in Virginias capital.

The three men, members of The Base, were taken into custody on federal felony charges in Maryland and Delaware, the Justice Department said in a news release. One of the men had discussed traveling to Ukraine to fight alongside nationalists and compared the white supremacist group to al-Qaida, a prosecutor said during the defendants' initial court hearing.

A criminal complaint charges Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews, 27, and Brian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, of Elkton, Maryland, with transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony. William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, of Denton, Maryland, is charged with transporting and harboring aliens.

The three men were believed to be planning to attend a pro-gun rally scheduled for Monday in Richmond, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Wednesday declared a state of emergency and banned all types of weapons from the gun rally, citing reports that armed militia groups were planning to attend.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gunowners of America filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking an injunction specifically against the ban on firearms. A judge upheld the ban, citing U.S. Supreme Court and other court rulings that found the Second Amendment right to bear arms is not unlimited.

In encrypted chat rooms, members of The Base have discussed committing acts of violence against blacks and Jews, ways to make improvised explosive devices, their military-style training camps and their desire to create a white ethno-state, according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

Mathews and Lemley were arrested in Delaware and Bilbrough was arrested in Maryland. The men briefly appeared in court Thursday afternoon in Greenbelt, Maryland. A federal magistrate judge agreed to keep all three men jailed pending detention hearings, scheduled for Wednesday.

Story continues

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom showed the judge a photograph of Bilbrough participating in a military-style training camp with other members of The Base and said Bilbrough had also talked about traveling to Ukraine to fight alongside nationalists."

He has personally compared The Base favorably to al-Qaida, Windom said.

As federal agents moved in to arrest Lemley and Matthews on Thursday, the men smashed cellphones and tried to flush the pieces down a toilet, the prosecutor said.

Mathews illegally crossed the U.S. border near Minnesota in August and Bilbrough traveled 600 miles (965 kilometers) each way in a car to pick him up and bring him to Maryland, authorities said. Mathews, who appeared in court Thursday with a bushy beard, was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserve. Lemley was a "cavalry scout" in the U.S. Army, court papers show.

U.S. and Canadian authorities had been searching for Mathews after his truck was found in September near the border between the two countries. The Canadian militarys intelligence unit was investigating Mathews for possible racist extremist activities for several months, according to the Canadian Department of National Defence.

Authorities say Lemley and Mathews built an assault rifle using several parts, including an upper-receiver that Lemley had ordered and shipped to a Maryland home. In December, the three men gathered at an apartment that Lemley and Mathews rented in Delaware, where they discussed The Base and its activities and members, passed around the assault file and tried to make the drug DMT, a hallucinogen, according to court papers.

A few days later, Lemley and Mathews bought 150 rounds of ammunition and paper shooting targets and Lemley was spotted by an FBI agent at a gun range in Maryland. Court papers say federal agents heard the gun firing in rapid succession .Authorities say Lemley later told Mathews: Oh oops, it looks like I accidentally made a machine gun.

Federal agents appeared to be tracking the men's movements and set up a stationary camera near the gun range, which captured video of Mathews shooting the gun there on Jan. 5. Court documents say Lemley had also ordered 1,500 rounds of ammunition and that he and Mathews visited the gun range as recently as Saturday.

Prosecutors say Bilbrough recently drove to Alabama to stay with another member of The Base and had also visited Lemley and Mathews in Delaware, where the men had burned a Bible and other unidentifiable items in a wooded area.

Lawyers for Lemley and Mathews declined to comment on the charges. Bilbroughs attorney, Robert Bonsib, said he was underwhelmed by a prosecutors arguments for keeping his client detained. Bilbrough was the only one of the three men not facing a firearms-related charge.

I think this 19-year-old man should be released, Bonsib told reporters after the hearing. Two of Bilbroughs relatives attended the court hearing but declined to be interviewed.

The Anti-Defamation League said members of The Base and other white supremacist groups have frequently posted online messages advocating for accelerationism, a fringe philosophy in which far-right extremists have assigned to their desire to hasten the collapse of society as we know it.

In recent months, FBI agents have arrested several members of a different far-right extremist group, the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Division. Atomwaffen has been linked to several killings, including the 2017 shooting deaths of two men at an apartment in Tampa, Florida.

___

Balsamo reported from Washington. Associated Press Legal Affairs Writer Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
Moody's Investors Service said on Thursday that signing of phase one of the trade deal between the United States and China reduces downside risks of renewed escalation in the dispute that has weighed on global economy for almost two years.

"The agreement could help boost bilateral exports by the two economies and lead to an improvement in confidence as well as investment," said Michael Taylor, Managing Director of Moody's Investors Service Credit Strategy.

"But the details of the agreement suggest that there remains considerable scope for friction between the two sides," he said in a statement.

"Moody's continues to expect tensions between China and the United States to wax and wane in the years ahead," added Taylor.

On Wednesday (local time), the world's two biggest economies signed a partial trade deal aimed at easing the 18-month trade conflict. US President Donald Trump and China's Vice Premier Liu He attended a ceremony at the White House.

Trump said the agreement was a momentous step towards a future of fair and reciprocal trade between the two countries.

The centrepiece of the deal is a pledge by China to purchase at least an additional 200 billion dollars worth of US farm products besides other goods and services over two years, over a baseline of 186 billion dollars in purchases in 2017.

However, tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in imports remain in place and will be addressed in phase two talks, said Trump.

.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Pakistani drone entered the Indian border in Punjab's Amritsar late on Wednesday night. The drone entered India near a border observation post (BOP) at Channa Pattanam near Ajnala sector in Amritsar at around 12 am.

Live TV

The 73 battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) fired around 100 rounds of bullets after hearing the sound of a drone. The BSF heard the sound of the drone but due to the dense fog couldn't find the drone.

A search is currently going on in Malikpur village. In the afternoon, the top officers of the BSF will reach the spot.
Thanks to Tammy Murphy

We commend first lady Tammy Murphy for the Jersey City Family Festival held on Jan. 11 at New Jersey City University. There were over 100 organizations from throughout New Jersey and Hudson County offering services involving all areas of social, human and health services. Thousands of families attended the event and were offered information and application processes in health and social services.

This festival is part of the First Ladys Nurture NJ initiative, which is dedicated to tackling our states high maternal and infant mortality rates and ensuring equitable access to maternal and infant care for women and children of all races and ethnicities.

The First Lady did speak at the event and all could detect her sincere and true efforts to assist all of the people.

We in New Jersey are extremely fortunate and blessed to have our first lady and Gov. Phil Murphy, and we thank them sincerely. The Murphy administration is making history in our state in areas to assist all from the very young to the most elder residents. We pray for their strength to carry on for all of us.

Robert B. Knapp, Jersey City

Kudos to Trump

Kudos to President Trump for going after Iranian Gen. Soleimani, who is responsible for ordering the killing of our servicemen and women with his IEDs in Iraq.

Iraq, thanks to the Bushes, is now an extension of Iran. Im sure Gold Star families whose loved ones died at the hands of Soleimani arent happy with Democrats defending Iran by pretending to be concerned about Trumps reasons for going after a person Soleimani, who is as bad as Bin Laden.

President Trump is doing an excellent job in keeping us safe.

Kevin Stanley, Jersey City

Give us answers

North Bergen officials underestimated the cost of the proposed North Bergen library-community center at 1231 Kennedy Blvd.

The new estimate is 17% more -- $15.8 million instead of $13.5 million.

How much will the average homeowners tax bill increase? Answer unknown.

More than a year ago, North Bergen residents approved a $61.25 million school bond to realign and renovate the school system. Some $1.25 million a year from township PILOTs were supposed to pay off $34 million of this bond. The bond issue was challenged but upheld by the courts more than a half year ago.

What happened to procuring the bond? Which PILOTs are supposed to pay off the bond? What happened to the realignment and renovation plan? Answers unknown.

The public needs to wake up and demand better government, more accountability, better and safer schools.

Robert Walden, North Bergen

Little angel gives me hope

In December, during the holiday, it was my birthday. My 93rd.

I had a visitor coming into my room at Harborview - Jersey City. It was a pretty little angel. She gave me a pretty gift bag. In it was a new toothbrush, new toothpaste, a new bar of soap, and a new washcloth. Her parents were with her.

So, My Fellow Americans, when you experience a happening like that, you know that our world is O.K., will be O.K., and those little ones will grow up and help make it O.K.

I thank that little angel for giving me hope and for spreading love.

A good year to all and peace to the world.

Ann Blaustein, Jersey City

Submit letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com.
TEL AVIV, Israel - As Egypt marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Suez Canal, marine biologists are bemoaning one of the famed waterways lesser known legacies  the invasion of hundreds of non-native species, including toxic jellyfish and aggressive lionfish.

The canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, revolutionized maritime travel by creating a direct shipping route between the East and the West. But over the years, the invasive species have driven native marine life toward extinction and altered the delicate Mediterranean ecosystem with potentially devastating consequences, scientists say.

The influx has increased significantly since Egypt doubled its capacity in 2015 with the opening of the The New Suez Canal, raising alarm in Europe and sparking criticism from various countries along the Mediterranean basin. The sharpest criticism comes from neighbouring Israel, which once battled Egypt in war alongside the 193-kilometre (120-mile)-long canal.

Bella Galil, an Israeli marine biologist who has studied the Mediterranean for over three decades, said much of the ecological damage is irreversible.

But with the invasive fish and crustaceans buoyed by warming water temperatures and rapidly spreading toward European shores, she argued that urgent action is needed to minimize its long-term impact. Galil, of Tel Aviv Universitys Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, said the continued widening and deepening of the canal had created a moving aquarium of species that, if unchecked, could make coastal waters inhospitable for humans.

Galil said the number of invasive species, currently about 400, has more than doubled over the past 30 years, a phenomenon she called a historic example of the dangers of unintended consequences.

Already, Israel is coping with an unprecedented wave of toxic jellyfish that has damaged coastal power plants and scared off beach-goers and tourists. Several other venomous species, including the aggressive lionfish, have established permanent colonies, creating a potential health hazard when they end up on plates of beach-side restaurants. Most worrisome has been the arrival of the Lagocephalus Sceleratus, an extremely poisonous bony fish commonly known as the silver-cheeked toadfish.

Galil said half of all the Israeli fish intake  and all the crustaceans  are now of the invasive variety.

With the rolling invasion now reaching as far as Spain, European countries are increasingly taking note. The issue is set to feature prominently at a United Nations ocean sustainability workshop this month in Venice.

These non-indigenous organisms present serious threats to the local biodiversity, at the very least comparable to those exerted by climate change, pollution and over-fishing, Galil said.

She said the new species have caused a dramatic restructuring of the ecosystem, endangering various local species and wiping out native mussels, prawns and red mullet.

Israels Environmental Protection Ministry said it was monitoring the process with concern since its coasts were the new species first stop in the Mediterranean. It stressed that Israel could not stop the phenomenon alone but is promoting regulation to protect the most vulnerable marine habitats. With Israel increasingly reliant on the Mediterranean Sea for drinking water, the ministry said protecting the countrys marine environment was now more important than ever.

Lebanese scientists at the American University of Beirut recently wrote that failing to mitigate the ecological risks associated with the expansion of the Suez Canal would place a large part of the Mediterranean ecosystem in jeopardy, an opinion shared by marine scientists across the eastern Mediterranean, from Turkey to Tunisia.

A relatively simple option for damage control seems to be available in the form of the Qatari-funded desalination plants the Egyptians are building along the canal, the first of which is expected to be opened later this year.

If carried out properly, Galil said the brine output of the plants could be funneled into the canal to recreate a salinity barrier that could stem the flow of species from south to north. The Great Bitter Lakes, about 45 kilometres (30 miles) north of Suez, once created such an obstacle. But as the canal widened and Egyptian cities and farms flushed agricultural wastewater into the lakes, that bulwark disappeared.

Egypt, which signed a peace accord with Israel in 1979 and recently signed a massive deal with it to import natural gas, has largely rejected the dire warnings of the Israeli scientists as politically motivated.

Invasive species is a huge and nonspecific category, said Moustafa Fouda, an adviser to Egypts environment minister. They can even be productive, replacing species that are overfished, bringing economic benefits or simply adapting to the new environment.

He estimated that less than 5% of invaders could be regarded as disruptive and that most of the shrimp, mollusks, puffer fish and crabs caused no harm. He said even toxic invaders, such as lionfish, were edible if their venomous spines were removed.

Egyptian experts also denied the invasions resulted directly from the Suez expansion. They argue that rising water temperatures brought on by global warming and untreated ballast water discharged by cargo ships spurred the exotic arrivals.

Invasions are a global trend due to pollution and climate change, the natural result of which is every species struggling to survive and searching for its optimal environment, said Tarek Temraz, a marine biology professor at Suez Canal University, and author of the environmental ministrys impact assessment of the canal expansion.

The Suez Canal Authority, the government agency that operates the canal, claimed environmental concerns over its enlargement have been overstated. It said water volume flowing into the Mediterranean increased by 4%, creating little impact on water flow and plankton movement.

Canal officials say they are closely monitoring species migration, imposing regulations on ships that unwittingly ferry invasive creatures and curtailing water contamination in hopes of restoring salinity to the lakes.

The canal authority said a recent drive to divert agricultural wastewater away from the Bitter Lakes has successfully raised salinity there by 3% over the past years.

Galil says thats not enough, insisting that salinity must increase significantly to serve as an effective barrier against newcomers.

One day we will wake up to a compete and irreversible change and know that there was something we could have done about it if only it had been done on time, she said.

____

DeBre reported from Cairo.

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Follow Aron Heller at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap and Isabel Debre at www.twitter.com/isabeldebre
LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Surging oil production from

non-OPEC countries led by the United States along with abundant

global stocks will help the market weather political shocks such

as the U.S.-Iran stand-off, the International Energy Agency

(IEA) said on Thursday.

"For now the risk of a major threat to oil supplies appears

to have receded," the Paris-based IEA said in a monthly report.

"Today's market, where non-OPEC production is rising

strongly and OECD stocks are 9 million barrels above the

five-year average, provides a solid base from which to react to

any escalation in geopolitical tension," the IEA said.

The IEA said it expected production to outstrip demand for

crude from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC) even if members comply fully with a pact with Russia and

other non-OPEC allies to curb output.

"Even if they adhere strictly to the cuts, there is still

likely to be a strong build in inventories during the first half

of 2020," the IEA said.

It estimated OPEC crude production at 29.3 million barrels

per day (bpd) in January, 700,000 bpd above the projected demand

for it.

Still, the IEA said global oil supply tumbled by 780,000 bpd

in December month on month as Saudi Arabia reined in production

and due to a seasonal fall in biofuel production.

(Reporting by Noah Browning; editing by Jason Neely)
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA)  Nigeria's secret service, Department of State Services (DSS), says five aid workers abducted on 22 December, 2019 by Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in the northeast have been released
It was business as usual for Kate Middleton and Prince William on Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out at City Hall in Bradford, England, for their first joint event since the royal drama began with Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.

Kate, 38, wowed while braving the winter weather in an olive green Alexander McQueen coat and black heels. The couple greeted well-wishers outside of City Hall in Bradfords Centenary Square, accepting flowers and kind words.

William declined giving one woman an autograph  as is royal protocol  and told another that his 6-year-old son, Prince George, couldnt make the trip as he had to attend school. According to royal reporters, William politely ignored any questions about his brother or sister-in-law.



After the meeting at City Hall, the couple made a surprise visit to the MyLahore restaurant, which was inspired by the city of Lahore in Pakistan, which the couple visited on their recent royal tour of Pakistan.

They worked in the kitchen with the staff and even teamed up to make mango lassis. Later they visited the UK Womens Muslim Council.

This appearance comes just two days after William met with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince Harry at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, to discuss the Duke of Sussexs future within the British monarchy.

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A court of appeal ruling in Teva v Gilead helps clarify the language in Article 3a of the SPC Regulation and will change the way patent claims are drafted, according to in-house counsel from pharmaceutical companies including Gedeon Richter and Bracco Imaging.

While the judgment is a welcome clarification on the muddled language of Article 3a that has beleaguered biologics developers, sources say it means they will need to take care to be more specific when they draft their original claims.





The England and Wales Court of Appeal ruled last month that the combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine in Truvada, an HIV anti-retroviral, did not adequately meet the Court of Justice of the EUs (CJEU) requirements for a basic patent in force that each component must be expressly named in the original claim.





The ruling widens the gap between supplementary protection certificate (SPC) and UK patent law, according to in-house sources. Under patent law, a second active ingredient can be protected in broader terms alongside a more specific first ingredient. This newest interpretation of Article 3a says that a second active ingredient must be necessarily and specifically identified in the claim.





The first point to be made looking at this case is that the broad phrasing in claims may be risky if you would like to use that patent later on as a basic patent for an SPC, says Imre Gonda, head of IP at Gedeon Richter in Hungary.





This development may have an impact on claim drafting in the future, specifically as it relates to an identifiable ingredient. If we knew already the active ingredient at the date of filing, we should be more specific when drafting claims and more specific when drafting the description.





Terms like other active ingredient will not be enough. Whats more, the combination should be unambiguously highlighted in the claims.





Francesco Macchetta, director of IP at Bracco Imaging in Italy, tells Managing IP he thinks the Court of Appeal issued a good judgment because it made sense of the CJEUs 2018 ruling on what it means for a combination of active ingredients to relate necessarily and specifically to the combination described in the patent.





This ruling makes my life easier because it provides clarification. The ruling was definitely something reasonable because it didnt go straight for infringement or provide an essential inventive contribution test, he says. What you get is a clearer answer on the interpretation issues around Article 3a.





While the ruling does make life easier for in-house counsel, the problem is they often dont know the specifics of the second active ingredient at the time of filing an application that would later be necessary for an SPC.





The challenge that always faces patentees is a timing pressure to get the patent filed, so they have to balance the wording of the claim when they know there will be a combination product at some point, says Annsley Merelle Ward, senior associate of IP litigation at Bristows in London.





This drafting is a really tricky game and the time pressure butts up against where this SPC regulation is going.





Gonda adds agrees and adds that patent applicants have to do their filing at an early stage before being fully aware of which compounds will ultimately succeed.





In one application, you have to file a large number of compounds, so you have to be very broad, he says.





The assistant managing counsel at a European innovator company says that although this specific ruling does not change anything for him, he does see it as another battle won in the SPC war.





This is, by and large, a very sound judgment, he says. Lord Justice Floyd made huge efforts to find a pathway through potentially conflicting CJEU judgments, and finding a way to interpret rulings so they make sense is a hard job.

How long will it last?

When it comes to SPCs, one concern for in-house counsel is that highly technical questions are thrown in front of courts that do not specialise in IP law. Even though the pharmaceutical industry is awaiting two judgments from the CJEU, the IP manager for a European pharma innovator says he is not expecting much more clarification from them.





There is a difference between a specialised IP court and a general court. You cannot do anything meaningful if you do not study IP law, which is something the CJEU justices havent done. My hope is that the CJEU doesnt contradict itself, he says.





The assistant managing counsel reminds Managing IP that getting clarity about Article 3a from the courts can be complicated because the wording is difficult to understand and not every judge has a background in IP.





This article is a challenge, and though judges are very clever people, this is tough to get your head around. The judges arent spending all day doing SPCs. It is a complex area of law and Im sympathetic with judges who do this.





He adds that although the recent judgment doesnt change much in how he sees the law, he thinks this ruling matches what he believes to have been the proper interpretation of SPCs.





We always wait to see what further clarification we can get from the CJEU to see who is right or wrong, he adds. This case is part of the battle in the war of Article 3a and will only change anything if people insist on litigating.





Merelle Ward says that every SPC decision helps shed light on what is a murky picture of the meaning of the law. SPC law is like a dirty oil painting undergoing painstaking cleaning. Each reference and decision helps remove some of the dirt to illuminate the picture but there is a great deal still lurking in the shadows and around the edges, she says.





The new judgment from the UK means innovators are going to have to be more specific without knowing all the details. This is a very tricky exercise and requires a certain amount of crystal ball gazing for those with ambitions for obtaining SPCs.





The hope is that, despite their muddied reputation on IP matters, the European courts will give a ruling in the near future that makes this task a little easier.





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New Delhi: Major General Babar Iftikhar has replaced Asif Ghafoor as the spokesperson of Pakistan's military. Ghafoor has been posted as the general officer commanding of the Pakistan Armys 40th Infantry Division based out of Okara in Pakistan's Punjab province. Iftikhar is going to head the Inter-Services Public Relations.

He was recently in controversy for his tweet to a woman journalist in Pakistan, which said, I hope BURNOL is available out there? If not, a favor can be done by my fellow Pakistanis on demand. Offer open to many more including for such alike in India.

Bukhari had objected to the tone of Prime Minister Imran Khans speech in UN General Assembly.

Ghafoor had also mocked the Indian Army for shooting down Pakistani drones. He also tweeted on Indias unsuccessful attempt to put a satellite in the moon orbit. Ghafoor had tweeted Hindutva will take you nowhere, let alone the moon.
A police inspector yesterday told an inquest into the death of a former IRA prisoner that he made the decision to charge the man hours before he was found hanging in a Londonderry custody suite.

The inquest in Omagh into the death of John Brady (40) from Strabane on October 3, 2009 heard the same police inspector say he was unaware until 2018 that there had been two Special Branch officers in the custody suite who wanted to carry out an intelligence interview with Mr Brady.

However, this was in conflict with evidence given by the custody sergeant on duty the day Mr Brady died, who said she told the inspector about the two Special Branch officers that same day.

Mr Brady had been taken to Strand Road Police Station on October 2, 2009 after he was arrested in connection with an alleged altercation with his brother-in-law John Kennedy, who claimed Mr Brady struck and threatened to kill him. At the time, Mr Brady was a weekend parole prisoner who was due to be released on licence within weeks.

The inspector said his decision to charge Mr Brady was based on a number of factors, including that the alleged offence was a domestic incident; Mr Brady had been previously prosecuted for a terrorist offence; and the presence of a dissident republican group in Strabane meant Mr Brady had access to firearms.

The inspector said this information was passed on to Mr Brady's solicitor John Finucane, now Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, who made "robust" representations on behalf of his client and left the station in Derry, but returned a short time later when he received a call telling him Mr Brady had died.

When coroner Joe McCrisken asked the inspector if "on reflection" he felt his decision to charge Mr Brady was the right one, he replied: "Absolutely."
Even for a United States citizen like Mr. Hamid, for example, going to work for the American military in Iraq can be as controversial as it is lucrative, and not something to showcase. In Iraq, Iraqis who work for the American military have long been targeted as traitors by anti-American militias, and have sometimes been killed. Even in Sacramento, going back home to work can be difficult: Iraqis in the city may be proud American citizens, but many are still critical of American policy in Iraq, blaming the United States for the violence and destruction of their homeland.

You could be a translator at a time of peace for the U.S. embassy in Switzerland, and there would be no issue, said Mounir Kaddoura, an American of Palestinian heritage who runs the funeral home in Sacramento that prepared Mr. Hamids body for burial.

Mr. Kaddoura said the Muslim immigrants he knows love America but are tired of endless wars in the Middle East and want American forces out of the region.

But God forbid, if someone was attacking California, Id grab a gun and fight, he said.

Many in Sacramento are reluctant to even discuss Mr. Hamids death, for fear of retribution against relatives in Iraq, where armed groups are known to monitor digital media.

Image Nawres Waleed Hamid was a naturalized citizen who grew up in Iraq. Credit... via American River College

People are afraid to comment online about the political situation because it can affect their families back home, Mr. Elkarra said.

The Sacramento Valley is home to some 75,000 Muslims, according to Mr. Elkarra, including thousands of Iraqis and Afghans who fled wars. There are more than 20 mosques in the region, serving different sects and ethnicities, as well as countless cafes, restaurants and grocery stores that cater to Middle Eastern immigrants. One such place is the Babylon City Market, a deli and grocery store whose shelves are stocked with dates and Middle Eastern candies and where workers bake diamond-shaped bread, common in the bakeries of Baghdad.
By Donald Kirk





A detail generally overlooked in all we've been reading about the misfired Iranian missile that brought down the Ukraine airliner with 176 people aboard: It was almost certainly made in North Korea and sold to Iran or made in Iran from a North Korean design and technology.



The relationship between North Korea and Iran revolves around the export to Iran of thousands of short-to-mid-range missiles over the past 20 to 30 years. They're the type that Iran also ships to Syria and the anti-Israel groups, Hezbollah and Hamas. The missiles that Iran fired at U.S. bases in Iraq in a show of vengeance for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani would also have been North Korean.



The relationship goes deep into the history of the region. George W. Bush, in the first state-of-the-union address of his presidency in January 2002, four months after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, described an "axis of evil" binding North Korea, Iran and Iraq, then ruled by Saddam Hussein. Iraq's membership in that infamous grouping may have ended when Bush ordered U.S. troops into Iraq the next year on the basis of phony reports about his nuclear program, but Iran and North Korea have long been in cahoots on nukes and missiles.



North Korea has hundreds of advisors "on the ground now" in Iran providing "technical support and training on a variety of systems and capabilities," says Bruce Bechtol, who's been watching North Korea ever since serving as a marine in South Korea, then an intelligence analyst in the Pentagon and a faculty member at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia. Bechtol, the author of numerous books and articles on North Korea's leadership and military structure, says the North has shipped Scud, Rodong and Musudan missiles to Iran and the technology for the intercontinental Taepodong.



"North Korea is the seller and Iran is the buyer," says Bechtol, but that's not all. The two also collaborate on nuclear technology originally acquired from Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani nuclear physicist renowned as "father of the Pakistan atomic bomb." A national hero for his role in arming Pakistan against its historic foe, India, already a nuclear power, A.Q. Khan made a fortune selling nuclear secrets to Iran and North Korea before he was finally arrested and confined to his estate in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad. Iran has yet to fabricate a nuclear warhead but has had teams of scientists, engineers and technicians on hand in North Korea witnessing all six of the North's underground nuclear tests, last staged in September 2017, as well as numerous missile tests.



The bond between Iran and North Korea confronts the U.S. with a serious question that has yet to come up amid all the speculation about U.S. policy toward both countries. Much as President Donald Trump would like to calm fears of an impending war with Iran and come to terms with North Korea on its nukes, he does not appear to be aware of the de facto alliance between the two. Everywhere Iran supports militias and front groups around the middle east, North Korean advisers are there too telling them how to fire those missiles.



But how do these missiles get to Iran? A few may go by boat, eluding capture by the U.S. navy and others committed to stopping the traffic, but the easiest, safest, swiftest route is by air. The planes have to go through Chinese air space, possibly stopping in China, and also may be landing in Pakistan. China has long been providing military aid to Pakistan through which it's building a road across the Himalayas all the way to the Arabian Sea. Both Pakistan and China count on Iran as a major source of oil. China in turn provides North Korea with virtually all its oil. As Muslim countries, Pakistan and Iran have been on good terms for years.



The enduring nature of the Tehran-Pyongyang axis, however, does not mean that a wider war is inevitable in either the Middle East or northeast Asia. Protests in Tehran may force the government to pull back, to avoid conflict, while Kim focuses on economic issues. If Kim does have a "strategic new weapon," however, it's certain that Iranian and North Korean scientists and engineers are working on it and both sides will have it. That's assuming such a fearsome weapon really exists.





Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering war and peace in the region for decades.


A new research centre which aims to revolutionise medical research and drug development using microengineered Organs-on-Chips has opened at Queen Mary University of London.

Organs-on-Chips contain tiny hollow channels lined by living human cells that recreate the microenvironment experienced by cells within the human body. As miniaturised living systems with human cells, Organs-on-Chips can predict human response with greater precision and detail than today's cell culture or animal-based testing, and can be used in a laboratory to test drugs and understand how the body works.

The new 'Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre' will use Organs-on-Chips to recreate the human biology of different organs by incorporating the appropriate types of cells and tissues cultured under continuous fluid flow and mechanical forces, such as cyclic breathing and peristalsis, which create the microenvironment experience by cells in the body.

Organs-on-Chips research offers the potential to improve the testing of new drugs or therapies to predict their safety and efficacy in the human body. These living, microengineered systems also offer the potential to reduce the reliance on animal testing and enhance understanding of disease mechanisms in the development of new medicines.

Queen Mary has established the Centre in partnership with Emulate, Inc., a U.S.-based company that is on the leading-edge with a portfolio of Organs-on-Chips products and lab-ready systems for use by researchers worldwide.

The Centre will provide access to Emulate's Organs-on-Chips technology to enable researchers to develop organ models of their design for use in a wide variety of experiments and drug development programmes. It will also provide opportunities for collaboration with Emulate and support for commercialisation and translational impact.

Professor Martin Knight, Director of the new Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre said: "The potential for this technology is outstanding, letting us recreate the behaviour of cells, tissues and organs as found in the human body in a way that has not been possible before. This will enable researchers to understand more about disease mechanisms and to test new therapies.

"An individual's cells can also be populated into one of these Organ-Chips, which makes it possible to see how that individual's body will respond to a certain treatment such as a specific drug combination, paving the way to a future of personalised medicine."

The Centre is located in newly refurbished bioengineering labs within Queen Mary's School of Engineering and Materials Science and includes dedicated Centre staff and an extensive suite of Emulate's Organs-on-Chips testing platforms. The Centre is also part of a new Centre for Predictive in vitro Models at Queen Mary University of London.

Professor Hazel Screen, Co-Director of the Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre, added: "These bioengineered systems can also be used to examine how the body responds to other compounds such as food ingredients, pesticides, or pollutants."

Emulate's technology can be configured to recreate a wide range of different organ tissues and disease models. They recreate the body's dynamic cellular microenvironment, including tissue-to-tissue interfaces, blood flow, immune cell interactions, and mechanical forces.

"Emulate is excited to partner with Queen Mary to make this new Organs-on-Chips Centre accessible to the research community in the UK. This will be the first-of-its-kind research center in the UK and we look forward to collaborating with many of the leading researchers involved in advancements in drug development and industries to accelerate new ways to improve human health," said Geraldine A. Hamilton, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Emulate, Inc.

Organs-on-Chips technology is a rapidly expanding field with major pharmaceutical companies now investing in using these systems for drug discovery and development.

Professors Screen and Knight also run the UK's Organ-on-a-chip Technologies Network which was officially launched in 2018. The network brings together the UK research community, industrial partners, and other stake holders to tackle the major technological questions associated with developing and building new Organs-on-Chips.

The new Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre will be used by members of the Network to drive forward innovation and rapid adoption of this new technology

Market forecasts predict that the organ-on-a-chip market can expect a compound annual growth rate of 38-57 percent over the next five years, rapidly becoming a multi-billion dollar market. This new Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre is at the forefront of this activity in the UK.

###

To find out more about the Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre visit the website here: https://www.cpm.qmul.ac.uk/emulate/.

To find out more about the Organ-on-a-chip Technologies Network head to the website here: https://www.organonachip.org.uk/.

Contact

Rupert Marquand

PR Officer

Queen Mary University of London

r.marquand@qmul.ac.uk

Tel: 020 7882 3004

For more information about the Queen Mary - Emulate Organs-on-Chips Centre, please contact the Centre Directors:

Professor Martin Knight - m.m.knight@qmul.ac.uk

Professor Hazel Screen - h.r.c.screen@qmul.ac.uk

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we've fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it's simply 'the right thing to do' but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

Our reformer heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere. It's an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

About Emulate, Inc.

Emulate, Inc. creates living products for understanding how diseases, medicines, chemicals, and foods affect human health. Their Human Emulation System sets a new standard for recreating true-to-life human biology and is being used to advance product innovation, design, and safety across a range of applications including drug development, agriculture, cosmetics, food, and chemical-based consumer products. Emulate continues to develop a wide range of chips and disease models through collaborations with industry partners and internal R&D programs. Emulate is also working with clinical partners to produce chips personalized with an individual patient's stem cells, for applications in precision medicine and personalized health. Their founding team pioneered the Organs-on-Chips technology at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Emulate holds the worldwide exclusive license from Harvard University to a robust and broad intellectual property portfolio for the Organs-on-Chips technology and related systems.

Find out more on the Emulate website: http://www.emulatebio.com.
Asserting that the "unfortunate state" of the Indo-Pak relationship has impacted Afghanistan tremendously, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai on Thursday said maintaining a balance in ties with the two neighbours has been very difficult for his country.

Karzai also said dialogue with the Taliban was the way forward in Afghanistan, asserting that, "it isn't our war. It is not our conflict, it is somebody else's conflict."



"Why should we be dying in it, why should the Taliban be used in the conflict against their own country why should we be used in this conflict against our own country and people. It's not Afghans fighting Afghans, it's Afghans being put against other Afghans and that is what we should end," he said at a session at the Raisina Dialogue here.

On the presence of US troops, Karzai said an overwhelming majority of people would agree with an American presence in Afghanistan provided the country becomes peaceful and the Afghan people are given the opportunity to live in a dignified way, their and institutions are not interfered with, and their sovereignty is not hurt.

If these conditions are met, the US may be given the right to stay, but that decision has to be made by the Afghan people through the institutions in place, he said.

Asked about ties with Pakistan, Karzai said the country's impact on Afghanistan is a "lot greater" than any other nation and Kabul must convey to Islamabad that close ties with New Delhi will not impact their relationship.

"India is the greatest friend of Afghanistan. India has been a tremendous contributor to Afghanistan, but the impact that Pakistan can make in Afghanistan, is a lot greater than any other country," the former Afghan president asserted.

He said the "unfortunate state of relationship" between India and Pakistan has impacted Afghanistan tremendously. "We did try to balance it, but the balancing was very very difficult," Karzai added.

Pakistan and Iran are the most important and most consequential neighbours of Afghanistan, and this can impact "us deeply" with or without US presence, he said.

"Pakistan has the greatest impact. So, peace in Afghanistan is very much dependent on how we evolve our relations with Pakistan. We want the best of relations with them," Karzai said.

Afghanistan can neither be peaceful nor prosperous without the best of relations with Pakistan and likewise for that country, he said.

"We want to be best friends with India, and Afghans have proven to be the best friends with India, but we will tell Pakistan that our friendship with India is not going to stop us from being the best brothers and friends with Pakistan. How to convey this is a very difficult task, but we have to manage it," he said.

Karzai said that Afghanistan had "made some mistakes" in the management of its relationship with Pakistan.

The relationship with Pakistan is not good right now, but it must improve as Afghanistan cannot have peace unless it finds ways to improve relations with the neighbour, he said.

"We have two sentiments towards Pakistan. When we became refugees in Pakistan after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistani people received us with open arms...On the other hand we have serious complaints against the Pakistani government and their military institutions for their interference in Afghanistan, promotion of extremism, and all of that," Karzai said.

Talking about the peace process in his war-torn country, he said there is no other way for Afghanistan. It needs the peace process to be successful, Karzai added.

Afghanistan is going through a very difficult period because of conflict, because of arrival of more terror groups and having territory not controlled by the government, he said.

"Once there is peace then it is for us, including the Taliban, to determine the parameters that will determine our way forward -- is it a new constitution, is it an amended constitution, a modified constitution, is it going to be governments created by elections or by other means. These are issues that we can discuss," Karzai said.

He, however, said that certain fundamentals for the country to grow, like right of girls to education and to go to work, cannot be compromised.

"Us and the Taliban should also sit down and agree on how far are we going to engage with the US. Will we allow the US to stay in Afghanistan and under which circumstances," he said.

There are two sides as far as the peace process is concerned --"conditions for us internally and conditions for the US and the rest of the world", he said.

Talking about the spiralling US-Iran tensions following the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Karzai said wisdom must prevail on both sides. "But I believe this must start with the US," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Malaysia's extraordinary 1MDB corruption scandal allegedly saw top officials loot billions from a state fund and go on a worldwide spending spree -- buying a super yacht, paintings by Van Gogh and Monet, and financing a Hollywood blockbuster. It also dragged in global banking giant Goldman Sachs, which this week said it had set aside $1.1 billion for settlements after helping raise $6.5 billion for the now defunct Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, which prosecutors say was looted of $4.5 billion between 2009 and 2015. The controversy had a huge impact in Malaysia, contributing to the downfall of a coalition that had ruled the country since its independence from Britain in 1957. It also led to the US indictments of two ex-Goldman bankers, one of whom pleaded guilty. Malaysia's disgraced former leader Najib Razak -- who denies any wrongdoing -- has been hit with dozens of charges related to the fraud since losing power last year, and two of several expected trials have already started. Here is a look back at the saga: - What was 1MDB? - 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was a state investment fund which Razak launched in 2009 shortly after becoming prime minister. Its portfolio included power plants and other energy assets in Malaysia and the Middle East, as well as real estate in Kuala Lumpur. The fund was closely overseen by Najib. Whistleblowers say Low Taek Jho, a jet-setting Malaysian financier close to Najib but with no official positions -- helped set up 1MDB and made key financial decisions. Concerns escalated in 2014 as 1MDB slid into an $11-billion debt hole, and intensifying public scrutiny led to a string of revelations concerning missing funds. The scandal first came to light through the Sarawak Report news portal, and gained further traction in July 2015 when The Wall Street Journal published documents showing Najib received at least $681 million in payments to his personal bank accounts. - Rich living - The US Department of Justice launched a probe due to claims that stolen Malaysian public money was laundered through the US financial system, and filed lawsuits seeking some $1.7 billion in assets allegedly purchased with the cash. In its civil suits, the department said more than $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB between 2009 and 2015 by high-level officials at the fund and their associates. Tens of millions of dollars was used in 2012 by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz, an aspiring film producer, to fund the Hollywood film "The Wolf of Wall Street", starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Hundreds of millions were used, mainly by Riza and Low, to purchase high-end real estate in Beverly Hills, New York and London. A Monet painting bought for $35 million, a Van Gogh for $5.5 million, a $35-million Bombardier jet, a $100-million stake in EMI Music Publishing, and a $250 million yacht were also ticked off the shopping list. - Election meltdown - Najib desperately sought to contain the scandal, targeting critics and introducing repressive laws, but the allegations hit the popularity of his long-ruling coalition and contributed to its shock election defeat last year. A new government headed by veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad, who is 94 and in his second stint as premier, came to office on a wave of public anger, and has re-opened investigations. Najib has since been hit with dozens of charges. He denies any wrongdoing. During trial proceedings in December, Najib's lawyer described the former leader as a victim, and accused the fugitive financier Low, nicknamed Jho Low, of being the mastermind. - Goldman's role - Malaysia has also charged Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs and some of its current and former employees over the scandal in relation to the bank's role in arranging bond issues for 1MDB. Two ex-bankers were accused -- along with Low and a former 1MDB employee -- of being involved in misappropriating large sums during the fund-raising, bribing officials to ensure they were selected to carry out work and giving false statements to investors. They were also charged in the US and one of them, Tim Leissner, has pleaded guilty to bribery and money laundering conspiracy charges there and agreed to a lifetime ban from the securities industry. The second, Ng Chong Hwa, has been extradited to the US and has pleaded not guilty to bribery and other charges. Goldman has vowed to fight the charges facing the bank. - Settlement reports - The Wall Street Journal has reported that Goldman Sachs is in talks with American authorities to admit guilt and pay a massive fine to end the US criminal probe into the scandal. Goldman Sachs is close to an agreement with the Justice Department on a fine of close to $2 billion the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. A spokeswoman for the bank declined to provide details on the possible settlement. sr-qan/jh/axn/fox BOMBARDIER GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP
Taking a satirical dig at Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's "no favour" jibe at Amazon Inc founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, in a series of satirical tweets, said on Thursday the commerce minister should snub more people as it could help India achieve the $5 trillion economy target.

Goyal's comments came a day after the world's richest man Jeff Bezos announced fresh $1 billion investment to help bring small and medium businesses online in India. During an event in Delhi on Thursday, Goyal, who has not yet given Bezos an audience, said "They (Amazon) may have put in a billion dollars but if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year, then jolly well will have to finance that billion-dollar. So, it is not as if they are doing a favour to India when they invest a billion dollars."

Saying that snubbing Bezos "makes for a great headline in the world's media", Chidambaram advised Goyal to do it more often. He said Goyal first snubbed Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and now Bezos. And now, he said, Goyal should "snub (Google CEO) Sundar Pichai and (Microsoft CEO) Satya Nadella" in order to make India a $5 trillion dollar economy.
A general view of the Security Council meeting on January 9, 2020. The 15-member body blocked Chinas attempt to raise the Kashmir issue on the forum.(AFP)

United Nations: Pakistan again tried and failed in an attempt to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Beijing, Islamabads all-weather ally, stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue. During closed-door consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room, it tried to bring in the issue under other matters item of the UNSC agenda.

However, all the other member countries felt Kashmir was a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan

India's permanent representative to the UN, ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN fail in plain view of all others.

We are happy that neither the alarmist scenario painted by representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan on UN fora were found to be credible today, Akbaruddin told PTI.

We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction, and it was pointed out by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India, he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, had described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations as low key.

A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a domestic affair.

Akbaruddin further said that Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focuses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun said: We had a meeting on Jammu & Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that the foreign minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu & Kashmir.

The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that.

Zhang later said China has stated our position very clearly. We remain concerned about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir).

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful.

This was the third attempt by China since August 5 when the special status granted to Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after New Delhi scrapped J&K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield the desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, U.S., the U.K. and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J&K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim to several parts of Ladakh.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia NIkol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Mikhail Mishustin on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of Russia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message runs as follows,

Honorable Mikhail Vladimirovich,

Please, accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia is determined to actively cooperate with the new Government of the Russian Federation for future strengthening of the bilateral and multilateral partnership, including in the direction of deepening integration in the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union.

I am confident that with mutual efforts we will be able to enrich the agenda of the Armenian-Russian allied partnership and give new impetus to our multilateral cooperation based on the centuries-old friendship between our peoples.

Honorable Mikhail Vladimirovich, I wish you good health, welfare and success in the responsible state position, and I wish peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Russia.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
7 For All Mankind continues its strong bet for Latin America. The American company, owned by the Israeli group Delta Galil, has just landed in the Uruguayan market and is negotiating with a potential partner to address the Ecuadorian market, as explained by Javier Brandwain, director of the company for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Based on this expansion, the company expects a double-digit increase in the region by 2020 and considers Latin America to be an important base for the group's growth. Brandwain says that high local competition has not affected the group, specialized in denim: in Colombia, which is a very relevant market for us, there is enough space for national and international brands, says the executive.

7 For All Mankind has just landed in Uruguay with the opening of its first point of sale in Punta del Este last December. The goal is for this establishment in Uruguay to become the starting point for its expansion in Mercosur.

7 For All Mankind has also received concrete proposals to bring the brand to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica

In Ecuador, the group examines the possibility of entering through its partners in Panama, Mexico, and Central America or managing it directly. The company has already received a concrete offer from a local partner to bring the brand to the country. 7 For All Mankind contemplates expanding both through its points of sale, multi-brand stores or departmental chains.

Currently, Brazil is one of the markets in the region where the group evolves best, which expects to reach twenty stores in the country by the end of 2024. In the last year, 7 For All Mankind went from having only one store in the country to adding three more after the two new openings in San Pablo. In addition, the company plans to grow with new openings in Mexico, Panama, Central America and the Caribbean.

On a global scale, 7 For All Mankind has approximately one hundred stores in Latin America, of which six are its stores, about sixty are points of sale in multi-brand stores, and departmental chains such as El Palacio de Hierro or Felix Maduro.
DGAP-News: MyBucks S.A. / Key word(s): AGM/EGM/Personnel

MyBucks S.A. Announces Changes to its Board of Directors



16.01.2020 / 18:42

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





/

MyBucks S.A. / Key word(s): Personnel

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR IN WHICH THE OFFERING OF SECURITIES IS SUBJECT TO REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS. OTHER RESTRICTIONS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE.

MyBucks S.A. Announces Changes to its Board of Directors

- Appointment of Dirk Harbecke as Independent Non-Executive Chairman

- Appointment of Loc D. Nguyen as Non-Executive Director

- Cornel Vermaak and Trevor Joslin to step down as Non-Executive Directors



Luxembourg, January 16th, 2020 - Frankfurt-listed fintech and African banking group MyBucks S.A (the "Company") today announced the appointment of Dirk Harbecke as Independent Non-Executive Chairman. Dirk Harbecke will be appointed at the Company's Annual General Meeting scheduled for 31 January 2020. Dirk is a successful serial entrepreneur and currently serves as Chairman of Rock Tech Lithium Inc. Dirk previously was the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ADC African Development Corporation AG for seven years, until its successful sale to Atlas Mara in 2014.

Dirk Harbecke will succeed Markus Schachner, who served as chairman since April 2019 and will continue to serve as a non-executive director. In this first phase of the restructuring since April 2019, EUR 64m of claims have been converted into equity, non-core subsidiaries and assets have been sold, and significant cost cutting measures have been successfully implemented.

Alongside Dirk Harbecke, Loc D. Nguyen, will be joining the Board of Directors. Loc has c. 40 years of financial services experience, out of which c. 8 years with Citicorp and 9 years with Barclays. Loc is a Swiss national, who has operated in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

At the same time, Cornel Vermaak and Trevor Joslin will step down and not put themselves up for re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on Friday 31 January 2020. Notice and registration documents for the AGM are available on the Company's website. MyBucks CEO Timothy Nuy adds "We are very pleased to welcome Dirk Harbecke and Duc Loc Nguyen to our Board of Directors and look forward to working closely with them through the next phase of the Company's development. We also want to thank Cornel and Trevor for their dedication to the Company during their terms as a Director, and to thank Markus Schachner for taking on the Chairman role since March 2019."

About MyBucks

MyBucks S.A. is a FinTech company domiciled in Luxembourg that delivers financial services through technology. MyBucks operates in six African countries through its brands GetBucks, GetSure, MBC, and Opportunity Bank. The Group offers credit, banking solutions and insurance products to customers. The MyBucks product offering enables customers to manage their financial affairs easily and conveniently. Discover more at http://www.mybucks.com



Contact:

info@mybucks.com

Important Notice:

This publication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe securities of MyBucks S.A. in the United States, Germany or any other jurisdiction.

This publication is not intended, either directly or indirectly, for dissemination or distribution to the USA or within the USA (including its territories and possessions, a U.S. federal state and the District of Columbia) and may not be distributed or forwarded to 'U.S. persons' (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 in the applicable version ('Securities Act')) or to publications which are widely available in the USA. This publication does not constitute an offer - or a request to issue an offer - to buy or acquire securities in the USA, nor is it part of such an offer or request. The securities are not and will not be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and may only be sold or offered for purchase in the USA with prior registration in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act in the version currently applicable or, in the absence of prior registration, if an exemption is granted. MyBucks S.A. does not intend to make a public share offer in the USA.

Subject to certain exceptions under applicable securities laws, the securities referred to in this publication may not be offered or sold in Canada, Australia or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Canada, Australia or Japan.

No action has been taken that would permit an offering of securities or their subscription or the distribution of this publication in any jurisdiction where such offering, subscription or distribution is prohibited. Persons who obtain this publication are required to inform themselves about potential restrictions and to observe any such restrictions.

This publication contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the management of MyBucks S.A. and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those described herein due to factors affecting MyBucks S.A. such as, among other things, changes in the general economic and competitive environment, capital market risks, currency exchange rate fluctuations and competition from other companies, and changes in international and national laws and regulations, in particular with respect to tax laws and regulations. MyBucks S.A. does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

The information contained in this publication is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed, for any purpose, on the information contained in this publication or its accuracy or completeness. The information in this publication is subject to change.

Neither the bank nor any of their directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this publication (or whether any information has been omitted from the publication) or, with limited exception, other information relating to MyBucks S.A., its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and independent from how it was transmitted or made available, or for any loss in any way arising from any use of this publication or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Students of Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology accused a group of politically charged people, led by BJP MLA from Yelahanka SR Vishwanath of heckling and verbally abusing students about their dressing style, and even calling it anti-Indian. Vishwanath is also Chief Minister BS Yediyurappas political secretary.

In a statement, the students on Wednesday said that the group stormed their campus gate in Yelahanka, picked up students vehicles from outside the gate, and threatened to take them to the police station.

The students alleged that on Tuesday, the group had threatened them with physical violence. Threats were also issued on their safety.

Following this, the gang made comments such as -- look at the clothes they wear, we cannot bear to see people in such clothing. Do they dress this way when their parents are around too?

To avert putting students in danger, the administration announced that the institute would remain closed till Friday, till the situation cooled down. Students were asked to abide by the dress code of the school, and avoid breaking laws on smoking in public, among other instructions.

Students also accused the BJP MLA of making provocative statements like, If we wanted to be aggressive, we could have, and they would not have withstood us.

Vishwanath was not available for comment, despite several attempts to contact him.

The students also called out the attack on art in the city as a sign of protest.

A group of men complained about their sentiments being hurt because of a certain piece of public art and they painted over the said controversial artwork and other street art in saffron. The censoring and saffronisation of street art have happened all across the city on this day, students remarked.

The back story

On Tuesday, a group of men allegedly barged into the Srishti campus, while defacing graffiti outside the wall of the school, captioned Sab Changa Si.

Earlier that day, Church Street, where graffiti fills the walls, witnessed much brouhaha over anti-CAA/NRC slogans.

Graffiti were slathered with a coat of saffron paint by alleged Hindutva forum. Amid this, police also filed a case against those who spray-painted anti-CAA slogans.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 19:04:18|Editor: xuxin

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A student looks for the right piece to fill a spot on her artwork at the Chicago Mosaic School in Chicago, the United States, on Jan. 15, 2020. The Chicago Mosaic School is a non-profit school that teaches mosaic art and design. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua)
H-E-Bs plans to add a new technology center at its headquarters received conceptual approval Wednesday from a city panel.

The San Antonio retailer wants to build a 170,000-square-foot building with room for up to 1,000 employees on a parking lot at 646 S. Flores St. H-E-B announced it August it would hire 500 workers to staff the facility and consolidate its local digital workforce under the same roof.

Along with offices and conference rooms, the building designed by San Antonio-based Lake|Flato Architects will include an amphitheater, multiple courtyards and a juice and coffee bar. Construction is expected to start by summer 2020 and wrap up in summer 2022.

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Rene Ruiz, who lives across from H-E-Bs headquarters, told the Historic and Design Review Commission he was concerned about big rigs using a bike lane improperly and dumpsters sitting in the lane.

Todd Piland, executive vice president at H-E-B, said he thought they had addressed the issues but that if not, they would.

The commission, an 11-member group appointed by the City Council, OKd the initial designs Wednesday with stipulations, including that the company provide a detailed landscaping plan and screen mechanical equipment from view.

The structures height would be 96 feet, exceeding what the areas zoning allows, so the company may need a variance from the Board of Adjustment. The building will be between four and five stories, plans indicate.

The commissioners will evaluate the project again at a later date for final approval.
The national death toll of Australia's 2019/2020 bushfire season was 33 as of Monday, March 2, with 25 confirmed deaths in New South Wales, three in South Australia and five in Victoria.

OCTOBER

New South Wales:

Robert Lindsey, 77, and Gwen Hyde, 68, were found in their burned out Coongbar home near Casino on October 9th.

NOVEMBER

New South Wales:

The body of 85-year-old George Nole was found in a burnt out car near his home in Wytaliba, near Glen Innes.

Vivian Chaplain, a 69-year-old woman from Wytaliba, succumbed to her injuries in hospital after attempting in vain to save her home and animals from the blaze.

The body of 63-year-old Julie Fletcher was pulled from a scorched building in Johns River, north of Taree.

Barry Parsons, 58, was found in a shed at Willawarrin, near Kempsey.

Chris Savva, 64, died after his 4WD overturned near burnt-out South Arm bridge, near Nambucca Heads.

A 59-year-old man was founded sheltered in a Yarrowitch water tank on November 7. He died of injuries on December 29.

Victoria:

David Moresi, 69, died after being involved in a traffic incident while working at the at the Gelantipy fire in East Gippsland on November 30.

DECEMBER

New South Wales:

Firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32, died on December 19 after a tree fell on their truck while they were travelling through Buxton, south of Sydney.

Samuel McPaul, 28, was battling a blaze in Jingellic, in Green Valley, about 70km east of Albury on the border of NSW and Victoria, on December 30 when a 'fire tornado' caused his 10-tonne firetruck to roll.

South Australia:

The body of 69-year-old Ron Selth was found in his Charleston home, which was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek blaze on December 21.

NEW YEAR'S EVE FIRES

New South Wales:

Dairy farmer Patrick Salway, 29, and his father Robert, 63, died trying to save their property in Cobargo, near Bega, on December 31.

A 70-year-old man, named by local media as Laurie Andrew, was found dead outside a home at Yatte Yattah, west of Lake Conjola.

The body of a 70-year-old man was found in a burnt vehicle on a road off the Princes Highway at Yatte Yattah on the morning of New Year's Day.

The body of a 62-year-old man was found in a vehicle on Wandra Road at Sussex Inlet about 11.30am on New Year's Day.

A body, believed to be a 56-year-old man, found outside a home at Coolagolite, east of Cobargo on New Year's Day.

An off-duty RFS firefighter, believed to be 72-year-old Colin Burns, was found near a car in Belowra after the New Year's Eve fires swept through.

Victoria:

Beloved great-grandfather Mick Roberts, 67, from Buchan, in East Gippsland, was found dead at his home on the morning of New Year's Day.

Fred Becker, 75, was the second person to die in Victoria. He suffered a heart attack while trying to defend his Maramingo Creek home.

JANUARY

New South Wales:

David Harrison, a 47-year-old man from Canberra, suffered a heart attack defending his friend's home near Batlow on Saturday, January 4.

A 71-year-old man was found on January 6. Police have been told the man was last sighted on December 31, 2019 and was moving equipment on his property in Nerrigundah.

An 84-year-old man who stayed to defend his home in Cobargo, NSW, dies in hospital three weeks after fire hit. His pet dog Bella, who stayed by his side as fires raged, was also killed in the disaster.

Three American firefighters are killed when Coulson Aviation C-130 Hercules water bomber Zeus crashed while fighting fires near Cooma on Thursday January 23. They have been named as Capt. Ian H. McBeth, 44, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr, 43.

On January 24, Michael Clark, 59, was found in a Bodalla home destroyed by bushfires near the NSW South Coast town of Moruya.

Victoria:

Forest Fire Management firefighter Mat Kavanagh, 43, was killed Friday January 3 when he was involved in a two-car crash on the Goulburn Valley Highway.

Bill Slade, a 60-year-old father of two from Wonthaggi was fighting fires with Parks Victoria at Omeo when he died on January 11. He has been remembered as one of the longest serving, most experienced and fittest firefighters.

South Australia:

Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang, died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames.
China Mobile International has officially opened its new data centre in the UK, its first data centre in Europe and what it says is an "important addition" to its growing global network.

China Mobile says the new UK data centre will serving as both an International Network Exchange hub and an Internet Data Centre, supporting the companys 'Belt and Road' initiative by providing connectivity and enabling closer ties between Asia and Europe.

Located in Slough Trading Estate, the CMI UK data centre houses more than 1,600 racks and has obtained the Uptime Institute Tier III TCDD data centre standards and offers what CMI says is 99.99% service and power availability.

The Chinese telco giant say that by extending its global data centre network to the UK, CMI is supporting increased connectivity for multinational businesses from Asia Pacific and Europe in a new era of digital globalisation.

The UK Data Centre seamlessly connects with CMI's newly opened Singapore data centre, its Global Network Centre (GNC) in Hong Kong and its extensive global mobile communications and cloud network infrastructure.

CMI is currently also building a dedicated data centre in Frankfurt, Germany as well as other locations.

"The opening of our new data centre in UK is the sign of CMI's commitment to promoting secure and reliable high-speed connections around the world, and we continue to see strong customer demand for connectivity, cloud and content delivery solutions between Asia Pacific and Europe, but also among with Middle East and Africa regions," said Dr Li Feng, chairman & CEO of China Mobile International.
U S President Donald Trump has denounced the impeachment trial against him in an all-caps outburst on Twitter.

After the trial was officially launched in the US Senate, the President posted on his social media page: "I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL."

Mr Trump's phone call to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky prompted the whistle-blower complaint that ultimately lead to him being officially impeached on December 18 last year by the House of Representatives.

The president faces a charge that he abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage.

He later tweeted a photo claiming he had a 51 percent approval rating with the message "THANK YOU! #MAGA".

On Thursday, the trial started in the Senate with Chief Justice John Roberts sworn in to preside over proceedings, before all 100 senators swore an oath to ensure "impartial justice" as jurors.

Mr Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court before being ushered to the Senate chamber.

Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand, Mr Roberts said.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators, at their desks, responded and then were called up to sign the oath book.

AP

Mr Roberts, who has long insisted judges are not politicians, is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than as an active participant. Senators will ultimately give the verdict.

The Senate opened the impeachment trial at the start of the election year as Mr Trump seeks another term, a test not only of his presidency but also of the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances.

Earlier in the day, Democrats in the House of Representatives prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and formally read the articles of impeachment against Mr Trump.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! said the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order at noon.

Senators filled the chamber, sitting silently at their seats under strict trial rules that prohibit talking or mobile phones, as the ceremonial protocol shifted the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democrat-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

The articles of impeachment being carried to the senate / AFP via Getty Images

Those prosecuting the charges, led by Adam Schiff of the intelligence committee and Jerrold Nadler of the judiciary committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

With the permission of the Senate, I will now read the articles of impeachment, said Mr Schiff, standing at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanours, he began, reading the nine pages.

Mr Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage.

Mr Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

Mr Nadler, left, Ms Pelosi, centre, and Mr Schiff, right / AP

Ahead of the proceedings the Government Accountability office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with Russia.

The president calls the impeachment a hoax, even as new information emerges about his actions towards Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

Ms Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the presidents actions toward Ukraine.

Ms Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Ms Pelosi said, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that.
Judge Upholds Virginia Governors State of Emergency Gun Ban

A Virginia circuit court judge has denied gun rights activists attempt to block a ruling on a temporary gun ban at the state capitol.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America filed a suit against Gov. Ralph Northam and Capitol Police Chief Anthony Pike, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Pikes agency would enforce the ban.

Numerous pro-gun rights activists are planning to rally at the capitol on Monday, but Northam, in issuing the emergency declaration on Wednesday, said that there were reports of armed groups threatening to storm the capitol premises.

The declaration means weapons of any kind will be prohibited on capitol grounds from Friday night until Tuesday.

Richmond Chief Judge Joi Jeter Taylor issued the ruling on Thursday, according to the Dispatch. Its not clear if the groups involved in the lawsuit will file an appeal.

Northam issued a statement following the ruling and defended his declaration.

Gov. Ralph Northam delivers the State of the Commonwealth address at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 8, 2020. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

I took this action to protect Virginians from credible threats of violence, he said Thursday. These threats are realas evidenced by reports of neo-Nazis arrested this morning after discussing plans to head to Richmond with firearms.

David Browne, who represents the gun rights groups, said Northams order is nothing more than an unconstitutional restraint on rallygoers, the Washington Post reported. Ahead of the judges decision, Virginia Citizens Defense League organizer Philip Van Cleave said Northam has touched the third rail and has motivated people to drive across the state and from other states to come protect our rights, USA Today reported.

Whats more, the Lobby Day organized by Virginia Citizens Defense League has been held for about 17 years, Browne told the paper. He said there has never been an issue with guns during prior events.

But Northam argued that his office has received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies that there are groups with malicious plans for the rally that is planned for Monday. The intelligence shows the threat of armed militia groups storming our capitol, he added.

Democrats, who gained majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly in the 2019 elections, said they would carry out a number of gun control measures, prompting numerous sheriffs offices in Virginia to declare their counties Second Amendment sanctuaries. Sheriff Scott Jenkins of Culpepper County proposed going one step further and vowed to deputize county residents.

On Thursday, the FBI arrested three alleged members of an extremist group in Maryland, and officials told the Wall Street Journal and other outlets that they were going to the pro-gun rally in Richmond and were preparing for a potential race war.

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, the FBI arrested Brian Mark Lemley of Maryland, William Garfield Bilbrough of Maryland, and Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews and charged them with the interstate commerce of weapons and, in the case of Lemley and Bilbrough, transporting illegal aliens.
A day after the HRD Ministry appealed to Delhi University teachers to end their stir, the DUTA said it will resume classes but continue to boycott evaluation of the semester-end examination papers.

Keeping in mind students' interest, the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) held a general body meeting was held in which it decided "to modify the present form of agitation".

Teachers will resume work but will continue to boycott evaluation and screening, it said.

The day-and-night dharna outside the VC office will continue to mark protest against unresolved issues of one-time regulation for absorption, promotion, pension, recovery and other issues, the teachers' association said.

"The DUTA will take forward its struggle for one-time regulation for absorption as by immediately reaching out to the Members of Parliament," it said.

"The DUTA will write again to the visitor and the prime minister on the matter and will seek appointment," the association added.

The teachers' body said it will organise a massive long march to Parliament during the forthcoming Budget Session and will reach out to leaders of political parties for their support.

"The DUTA will ensure that the matter is raised in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, it said.

The teachers' body also demanded the removal of university Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi.

While the HRD Ministry in December had announced that in a one time relief the ad-hocs will be able to appear for interviews for permanent positions, it told the vice chancellor on Wednesday that those ad-hocs recruited permanently should be given benefits of their previous service by counting the years as ad-hoc in their total service.

"The university has confirmed the move to us and will now issue notification in this regard. With this two major demands of the teachers have been met," a senior ministry official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PARIS (Reuters) - France's foreign minister said on Wednesday that efforts by Russia to broker a ceasefire between warring factions in Libya had been inconclusive and urged all parties, including foreign backers, to support a ceasefire before key talks on Sunday.

"Only a political process can help us get out of this impasse. There will be no military solution," Jean-Yves Le Drian told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday. "A ceasefire was announced. There is a calm, but the discussions in Moscow were not conclusive and each side must respect the truce because it is essential for the Berlin conference on Sunday."

He blamed Turkey in particular for its recent military agreements with the authorities in Libya, saying it was a clear violation of a United Nations arms embargo.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Leigh Thomas)
Dozens of fighters and civilians were killed in Syria's Idlib province as the government pressed a deadly offensive on Thursday towards a key town in the country's last rebel bastion.

The latest violence, which followed air strikes that killed 19 civilians on Wednesday, buried a ceasefire deal announced by Russia and rebel backer Turkey that never really took hold.

"Clashes broke out around midnight on Wednesday south of the city of Maaret al-Numan, together with heavy bombardment despite the Russian-Turkish truce," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

According to the Britain-based war monitor, the fighting raged in areas south of Maaret al-Numan, the key target of the Syrian government's latest military offensive.

At least 26 anti-government fighters were killed, most of them members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that includes fighters from the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

The Observatory said 29 government troops and allied militia were also killed in the fighting.

The Syrian state agency SANA later reported that at least four civilians were killed by rocket fire on the city of Aleppo.

Jihadist and rebel groups are present west of northern city, on which hey routinely launch rocket attacks.

Abdel Rahman said that government forces were now just seven kilometres from Maaret al-Numan, a town that was one of the bastions of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Nearly nine years into the conflict, protests against the government are still held in some of the province's towns.

In the city of Idlib itself, 19 civilians were killed and several others wounded in Russian and Syrian air strikes on Wednesday, the Observatory said.

AFP reporters saw scenes of chaos after the strikes, that blew several buildings in an industrial zone to smithereens.

The bombardment engulfed several vehicles, leaving torched corpses of motorists trapped inside.

Mustafa, who runs a repair shop in the area, was lucky to escape with his life. He had just left the store to pick up some spare parts.

He told AFP he returned to find the shop destroyed and his four employees trapped under rubble. It was not immediately clear if they had survived. "This is not the neighbourhood I left two minutes ago!" Mustafa said, tears rolling down his face.

The ceasefire announced by the Russian army on Sunday joins a long list of short-lived or still-born initiatives to curb the violence in Syria.

"We live here without knowing if there is really a truce or if it's just in the media. On the ground, there is no truce. People are afraid, the markets are empty," Sari Bitar, a 32-year-old engineer living in Idlib city told AFP on Thursday.

"Just like everybody else, I can't stay in an area on which the regime, Russian forces and Iranian militia will advance," he said.

"The only problem is that there is nowhere to go," Bitar said. "Syria is now limited to this geographical area, which is getting smaller day by day."



Assad has repeatedly pledged to continue the reconquest that Russia's 2015 military intervention kickstarted until all Syrian territory has been reclaimed.

Idlib province is a dead end for people displaced from other formerly rebel-held parts of the country that government forces have retaken.

It has come under mounting bombardment in recent weeks, displacing tens of thousands of people in the northwestern province, which is home to some three million.

The United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA said that since December 1 alone, almost 350,000 people had fled their homes, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the air strikes.

"An additional 650,000 people, the majority of them women and children, could be forced to flee their homes if the violence continues," the International Rescue Committee warned in a statement.

The European Union expressed deep concern over the collapse of the fledgling ceasefire in Idlib and also warned that further violence could trigger an unprecedented wave of refugees and displaced.

The winter conditions in Idlib, with sub-zero temperatures interspersed by heavy rain, are putting thousands of lives at risk.

A UN resolution on cross-border aid to Syria maintained two key entry points for UN humanitarian aid into Idlib, where the number of people in extreme need keeps growing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sterling International Ltd, a member of CRESTA GROUP of Companies, has received Silver and Platinum Awards for 2017-18 at the 28th Presidents National Awards for Export Achievement held at Kempinski Hotel in Accra on 18th December 2019.

The Presidents National Awards for Export Achievement Scheme is an event organized by the Export Promotion Authority under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, to honour companies that excel in export trade.

Sterling International Company exported products worth US$35,743,512 and repatriated a total amount of US$31,663,616 during the period 2017-18.

By this achievement, the Company maintains its position as the largest manufacturer and exporter in the Auto  Industrial Paints category of the non-traditional exports to West and Central Africa.

The Awards are primarily to spur on exporters in non traditional goods to excel, generate more foreign exchange to stabilize the local currency, Ghana Cedis. Other objectives of the Awards are; to formally recognize the contribution of the exporters in the non- traditional exports sector to the economy of Ghana, to commend exporters for producing quality products and breaking new grounds and to encourage higher levels of performance by exporters.

Award winners are selected by multi-sectorial committee set up by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority based on data collected on the repatriation of foreign currency (export earnings) details from banking system in Ghana, Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters, Ghana Community Network, Ministry of Food & Agriculture and Association of Ghana Industries.

Mr. E. A. Dagadu, a director and Mr. Arun Patil, Managing Director Cresta Group West Africa received the awards for 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Mr. Patil on behalf of his Management expressed his deepest appreciation to GEPA for the honour and recognition given to his Companys achievements over the years and attributed the achievement to the pursuit of research and development, excellent teamwork and quality assurance.

In an address to the Award winners, the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Alan Kyeremateng who represented His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic Of Ghana, expressed his deepest appreciation to them for their achievement and encouraged them to keep it up.

Other dignitaries who addressed the function included the Hon. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Mr. Robert Ahomka Lindsey, Mr. Sandy Osei- Agyeman Board Chairman, GEPA and Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, the CEO of GEPA.

--Daily Graphic
How Does the Massachusetts Plan Work?

The Latest Success: Montgomery

Two Years After Broadband

Conventional wisdom says a town with less than 200 people wouldnt have the resources to establish and maintain high-speed Internet for its residents. But Mount Washington, located in Berkshire County, Mass., contradicted such wisdom in November 2017 when it activated its municipal fiber broadband service.From one angle, the case of Mount Washington is a miracle. Before broadband, Internet options for the towns citizens were either dial-up or a long-distance Wi-Fi service that provided a download speed of less than 1 Mbps.You could barely use Wi-Fi calling, and it was impossible to stream anything, said Brian Tobin, Mount Washington selectboard member. You could send emails, and you could do Internet searches that just took a long time.But from another angle, the massive turnaround for Mount Washington, which offers Internet speeds that can reach 500 Mbps, is part of a larger state plan to bring broadband to 53 rural towns that have lacked service to a significant degree.Mount Washington benefited from the Last Mile Program , which provided more than $35 million in grants for rural broadband. The program is run by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), which is part of the state agency Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech).Funds from the Last Mile Program wouldnt have as much practical value for off-the-grid communities if not for a key piece of middle-mile infrastructure called MassBroadband 123 , a 1,200-mile, $84.9 million fiber-optic network that covers more than one-third of the state. Although this networks primary purpose is to give public institutions  such as schools and libraries  broadband access, it helps connect rural communities that otherwise would have greater difficulty finding economically viable last-mile solutions.Private businesses have also paid to connect to it (what we call extensions), said Brian Noyes, MassTech communications and marketing director, in an email to. And it has created the foundation for small unserved municipalities like Mount Washington to build to homes and businesses under the Last Mile Program.MassBroadband 123 is known as an open-access network, meaning that both public and private Internet service providers can link to the network in order to provide services to underserved customers. In other words, the networks structure allows the Last Mile Program to assist communities regardless of whether they opt for a municipal or private system.Currently, MBI seeks to help 53 towns get broadband through the program. All but one of those towns is on a path to high-speed connectivity, according to Noyes. To date, 16 of these communities have acquired broadband, which translates to service for about 6,800 premises.In November, Montgomery, a town with a population of roughly 900 people, became the 16th community to offer broadband with assistance from MBI. Unlike the case in Mount Washington, Montgomery citizens didnt choose a municipal broadband service.They voted [the municipal option] down, Montgomery Selectboard Chair Mike Morrissey said. What they did is, they saw it affected our bond rating and our ability to borrow for other infrastructure issues and also the longevity of driving the tax rate up.To help Montgomery, MBI fielded proposals from private providers for the town to consider. Comcast was the company that ultimately won a Last Mile grant of roughly $800,000 to create, own and operate a broadband network in Montgomery.Before Comcast completed the project, citizens in Montgomery had access to a DSL option from Verizon, but Morrissey said complaints about unreliable connections were common. Morrissey, who serves as an emergency manager for a neighboring town, also saw public safety limitations with the old system.We had one home, the folks moved in, and Verizon refused to give them a landline, so they had no 911 service, Morrissey recalled. They had to  get in the car and drive out of their property to call 911. Well now, theyre connected through the Comcast broadband, and they have the services.With the new broadband system, parents in Montgomery can work from home and students can do their schoolwork without interruption. Firefighters in training can access up-to-date digital materials. Town administrators can start storing and transmitting forms electronically. Emergency managers can share natural disaster information and receive assistance from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.Beyond that, Morrissey commented on how high-speed Internet in Montgomery benefits Massachusetts itself through efficient data transfers between the local area and state.Whether its schools, or highways, or boards of health, were constantly working back and forth with the commonwealth, Morrissey said. Either theyve got requests for data or were putting data in to comply with statutes that we werent able to do before. It was always a frustrating thing [before broadband].The price for better services has been right, too. Morrissey noted that he has saved $48 a month using the new network.Its 12 miles down to the nearest store or really civilization in Mount Washington, according to Tobin, and that means residents attempt to do as much as they can for themselves. Now that a couple of years have passed since the beginning of the towns municipal broadband service, which has generated a surplus over time, Tobin sees that high-speed Internet further enables this style of life.They try to be as self-sufficient as possible at home, Tobin said. But now were much more self-sufficient because everything, all the information we need, is at our fingertips. It wasnt before.Tobin shared other noticeable examples of the social and economic impact of broadband in Mount Washington. Before the new system, people werent interested in looking at homes in the town, despite its abundance of natural beauty. But in the last two years, Mount Washington has seen more real-estate transactions as property values have improved. Younger families who want to work from home may now view the town as a potential destination.In the 13 years before we had high-speed Internet, there wasnt a single child born to any couple in the town of Mount Washington, Tobin said. In two years, five children have been born, and new couples have moved in. So I dont know what I would attribute to broadband or anything else, but I can tell you its a big difference in a small community where we were losing population as older folks passed on.
SiteMinder Gets Funding Boost as Financial Titan BlackRock Bets on Hotel Tech

The race for the next $1 billion travel technology company is on. Hotel tech startup SiteMinder has just received an investment that placed a more than $750 million ($1.1 billion Australian) valuation on it.

BlackRock, the worlds biggest money manager, led the round in the Sydney-based startup, which helps hoteliers get guests online. The companies didnt disclose the size of the investment. BlackRock did not claim to be either the largest shareholder or a majority owner. Other investors include AustralianSuper, Ellerston, and Pendal Group.

We began the fund-raising journey targeting $70 million ($100 million Australian), said SiteMinder CEO Sankar Narayan. But, due to the interest and demand in the business, we ended with well above that.

Before this round, the company had raised approximately $50 million ($70 million Australian) in venture capital from investors, including TCV (Technology Crossover Ventures) and Bailador Technology Investments. It launched in 2006.

For the year to June 30, 2019, SiteMinder, via its holding company Online Ventures, reported revenue of $67 million ($96.9 million Australian), according to filings. So the companys valuation is roughly 10 times last years earnings.

Its business model takes a slice of a slice of a transaction. Thats much less than the fat commissions that, say, Booking.com charges. The startup seems to be competing on price.

For example, SiteMinders revenue for the year represented about 0.2 percent of the roughly $35 billion ($50 billion Australian) in gross bookings it handled for hotels last year.

To justify its new valuation, SiteMinder needs to find more ways to become useful to its hotel company customers. It must help hotels boost their revenue per guest, if the startup aims to push up its take rate beyond that 0.2 percent of gross bookings.

SiteMinders Challenge

The methods hotels use to distribute their rooms to online and offline agencies have long been ripe for improvement.

Story continues

Today, you need a Ph.D. to distribute your rooms on the plethora of online and offline channels that are out there, or you buy in some tech to do that for you, said Wouter Geerts, Skift senior research analyst. Most hoteliers take the second option, and SiteMinder is one of the most prominent channel managers on the market.

You cant argue with the success of a company that has 35,000 partners, said Dan Lynn, co-founder of Zuzu Hospitality Solutions, a Singapore-based company that offers chain-like support for independent hotels. SiteMinders channel manager product has got broad and deep connectivity, is fast, and reliable.

SiteMinder faces competition among other channel managers, said BookDirect CEO Ephraim Spiro. For instance, Siteminder has a minimal presence in Greece, where WebHotelier reigns supreme, or Russia where TravelLine is very dominant, or Brazil, where Omnibees commands majority market share, or South Africa, where Nightsbridge is deeply entrenched, Spiro said.

SiteMinders numbers today may not justify a high valuation. Looked at one way, the startup booked about $1.3 million ($2 million Australian) in income, a measure of profit, in the year through June 30, 2019, or about 2 percent of revenue.

In that light, the companys growth depends on expansion into services beyond channel management. The startup needs to deliver a set of higher-margin services, not just a piece of software.

The challenge with any pure SaaS model is that they work in big, advanced hotels, who have mature head office teams in sales, revenue management, and distribution, Lynn said. But in smaller hotels, where a GM [general manager] is operating alone, we see low penetration of any channel managers, never mind more sophisticated revenue management systems, Lynn said.

If you accept an estimate that theres about 1 million hotel properties worldwide, a majority still use manual interfaces to upload their rates and availability to appear in the listings on online travel agencies. So the opportunity to sell automation is vast.

A Potion for Vendor Fatigue

In November, the startup formally debuted SiteMinder Exchange, a way to let hoteliers manage their rates, room availability, and reservations between their property management systems and about 400 online booking sites. Hotel managers can use the service to push their reservation data to the software applications they choose.

For hoteliers and tech vendors alike, integrating all the different pieces of tech that are available today is a nightmare, Geerts of Skift Research said. Having an intermediary, like SiteMinder Exchange, that sits in between all the different vendors as a middleware layer would allow the intermediary to focus on ensuring integrations are established and connections are maintained, while each vendor only needs to connect once to this intermediary.

The SiteMinder Exchange product competes to an extent with other vendors that help hotels find cheaper ways to connect to tech vendors, such as Impala and Data Travels Hapi.

SiteMinder is pretty smart in how its repurposing its solid foothold with so many hotel customers into becoming a platform for providing connectivity with vendors, said Valyn Perini, vice president, strategic relationships at hotel upselling tech vendor Nor1. Impala is a smaller company thats not as proven, and Hapi has a leadership group that the hospitality sector respects for having tons of industry knowledge but that doesnt have the sector penetration.

Other companies offering channel management and other hotel connectivity services include Derbysoft, which counts many of the worlds largest hotel chains as customers, and RateGain, which is well capitalized.

Despite the presence of rivals, SiteMinder hasnt been seeing pricing pressure, argued David Yuan, general partner at TCV and a SiteMinder board member.

SiteMinder primarily gives small chains access to demand, and many of these hotels arent on a GDS [global distribution system], so we havent been seeing pricing pressure, Yuan said.

Opportunistically, SiteMinder could boost the effective take rate to more like 0.5 percent or 1 percent rather than 0.2 percent, Yuan said, if it helps hotels fill more rooms and also upsell and cross-sell more services over time.

Addressing Dashboard Fatigue

Key aspects of our growth plan are to expand our geographic footprint among properties but to also provide more transaction-based services for guest acquisition, said SiteMinder Co-Founder and Chairman Mike Ford. During the next 18 months, well come out with new products that address more customer segments. Over time well add more intelligence tools that help hotel companies manage their business and give a high-level glance at their revenues, guest booking profiles, property occupancy levels, and so forth.

Already about 17,000 of its 36,000 customers are using SiteMinders booking engine for their websites and apps, helping with direct bookings.

Guest acquisition is so much more than plugging a hotel into, say, an online travel agency, Ford said. Its also about how a hotel can use its direct e-commerce ability with a booking engine, a slick website, various marketing services, and upselling on things like airport transfers.

In the last three years, SiteMinders staff rose more than 65 percent to 900 worldwide, and in June, the company will relocate its headquarters to a new district in Sydney. Its hiring for a second office in Europe.

SiteMinders latest fundraising underscores that investors see opportunity in the operations of the travel industry, even though consumer-facing booking startups tend to remain the best-funded and most discussed. If its trajectory holds, SiteMinder is poised to reach a $1 billion ($1.45 billion Australian) valuation ahead of other hotel tech contenders, such as two Accel-KKR-backed companies, Pegasus and Cendyn and TA Associates-backed RateGain.

Subscribe to Skift newsletters covering the business of travel, restaurants, and wellness.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Raut's controversial statements on the former prime minister were taken out of context.

Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, on Wednesday set-off a political storm with his remarks that Gandhi had met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

As the Congress, part of the ruling coalition, took strong objection to the controversial comments, calling them "ill-informed", Raut on Thursday withdrew the remarks.

ALSO READ: After row, Sanjay Raut withdraws his remark about Indira Gandhi meeting underworld don Karim Lala

Speaking to reporters here, Aaditya Thackeray said workers of his party Shiv Sena will never make any unpleasant remark against the former prime minister.

Sanjay Raut's statement was taken out of context.

With the kind of respect late Balasaheb Thackeray had for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, I do not think there will be any unpleasant remark from Sena workers," Aaditya Thackeray said.

"Kareem Lalaji was a Pathan leader. What he became later is unknown to me. It was Rautjis observation about a meeting, but the issue is over now," he said, seeking to put an end of the controversy after Raut withdrew the remarks.

Before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Lala in his capacity as a representative of the Pathan community.

Asked whether Raut's often controversial remarks are putting the Shiv Sena in trouble, Aaditya Thackeray sought to defend his senior party colleague, saying, All his comments are issue-specific.

The Shiv Sena-led government in the state is being supported by the Congress and the NCP, whose leaders are also part of the Council of Ministers.
The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro color options have just been revealed. This information comes from 91mobiles, the same source who shared the Huawei P40 render two days ago.

The Huawei P40 series will arrive in five different color options

The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro will be available in Black, Blush Gold, Silver Frost, Deep Sea Blue, and Ice White (with gradient finish) color options.

If you take a look at the provided image, youll be able to see the Huawei P40 Pro in all those variants. It seems like only the Ice White will be gradient, as the source reports.

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Both of these phones will be made out of metal and glass, but they wont be identical. The Huawei P40 will include a flat display, while the P40 Pro will ship with a curved panel.

Both phones will include a pill-shaped display camera hole on the front. That hole will be placed in the top-left corner of the phones display. Bezels on both phones will be minimal, even though this image does not show them.

The Huawei P40 will sport three cameras on the back, while the P40 Pro will include five. Leicas lenses will be a part of both phones, by the way.

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The Huawei P40 series will launch at the end of March in Paris. We still do not know the exact date, but the information has been confirmed by the Huawei Mobile CEO.

Android 10 will come pre-installed, but without GMS

Android 10 will come pre-installed on both devices with EMUI 10, but both phones will ship without Google services due to the US ban. Things may change by then, but at the moment, it seems like that will be the case.

The Kirin 990 will fuel both phones, and it comes with an integrated 5G modem. Both devices will include OLED displays, and plenty of RAM, while several storage options will be available.

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The Huawei P40 is expected to feature a 6.1-6-2-inch display, while the P40 Pros will be between 6.5 and 6.7 inches. The Pro model is expected to include a periscope-style camera on the back.

Along with these two phones, Huawei may introduce its new foldable phone. The Huawei Mate Xs is rumored to arrive in February or March (globally), and it is essentially an updated variant of the Mate X.

That is more or less all the info that we have at the moment. More Huawei P40 and P40 Pro information will surface soon, so stay tuned.
Just as Iraq has increased its crude oil production and export capacity over the past decade, the recent flare-up of tensions in the Middle East suggest that OPECs second-largest oil producer could become a vulnerable supplier, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its January Oil Market Report on Thursday.

Early this month, the U.S. killed Irans most powerful and visible military leader, Qassem Soleimani, at the Baghdad airport in Iraq.

Retaliation from Iran came several days later, when Tehran fired missiles at bases in Iraq that host U.S. troops, sending oil prices up by 4 percent for a few hours.

Recent events have shown that Iraq is a potentially vulnerable supplier, just as its strategic importance has grown, the IEA said in its report today.

Over the past decade, Iraq has doubled its crude oil exports. Back in 2010, Iraq was exporting 2 million barrels per day (bpd), while now it ships 4 million bpd abroad, mostly through the worlds most important oil chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, which is in close proximity to Iranian waters and which Iran has repeatedly threatened to close.

India and China are Iraqs largest oil customers, buying 1 million bpd of Iraqi oil each, while Europe also receives some 1 million bpd. The U.S. also buys oil from Iraq, with U.S. imports averaging 337,000 bpd in January-October 2019, the IEA said, citing data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Related: Is This The Start Of A New Offshore Oil & Gas Boom?

Currently, Iraq is pumping more than its quota under the OPEC+ production cut deal and hasnt complied with the agreement in any of the previous months and years.

However, if Middle East tensions persist for longer, Iraq may not be able to increase its production capacity in the medium term as it has planned, according to the IEA.

In the medium term heightened security concerns might make it more difficult for Iraq to build production capacity. In turn, this could make it more difficult to ensure there is sufficient spare production capacity to meet rising global demand in the second half of this decade, the agency said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Lev Parnas handed over hundreds of pages of documents to congressional investigators as part of the impeachment inquiry, and Democrats in the House, on Wednesday, released those documents in full. The messages paint a deeply unflattering picture of Parnas, who is under federal indictment for campaign financerelated crimes, and are particularly damning for Rudy Giuliani, who worked closely with Parnas on trying to excavate Biden family dirt to use during the 2020 campaign. The conversations arent pretty, largely because they show a hapless crew of half-wits conniving in profoundly unsophisticated waysways that would ultimately get them caughtbut they also show, with remarkable clarity, just how the Trump administration launders conspiracy, lies, and innuendo that it believes will further its interests.

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In one illustrative instance, it starts with setting up an interview for Ukraines top prosecutor at the time, Yuriy Lutsenko, with a sympathetic journalist (John Solomon) at an outlet of dubious repute (the Hill). Among several different lines of disinformation, the whole Trump crew begins pushing the idea that it was Ukraine, not Russia, that somehow did the election meddling in 2016. Parnas and Giuliani are, in particular, looking to remove the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Obama appointee Marie Yovanovitch, as a favor to Lutsenko. In return for Yovanovitchs ouster, Lutsenko has promised the pair dirt on the Bidens.

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Heres a series of passages from the Washington Posts coverage of the Parnas documents that illuminates how (simply) it all works. On March 12, Parnas sent a letter from Solomon to Lutsenko requesting the interview and included a list of questions to be addressed. I sent you the questions and the invitation from the journalist, call me when you wake up, Parnas writes after sending the letter to Lutsenko, according to the Post. The messages show Parnas helping arrange a video interview for Lutsenko with John Solomon, a conservative columnist at the Hill newspaper.

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Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko told Hill.TVs John Solomon in an interview aired on Wednesday that he has opened a probe into alleged attempts by Ukrainians to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the Hill subsequently blared.

Then, as the Post describes, the Trump propaganda apparatus went into overdrive:

After the interview posted online, Parnas texted it to [America First Action finance director Joseph] Ahearn and wrote, Have jr retweet it. Sent, Ahearn responded. Parnas then urged Ahearn to Watch Hannity.

Later that night, Trump himself tweeted coverage of the manufactured story by Fox News Sean Hannity.

John Solomon: As Russia Collusion fades, Ukrainian plot to help Clinton emerges. @seanhannity @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2019

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The Hannity coverage also linked the fabricated scandal to Yovanovitch. With the story now in full presidential swing, the conservative site the Daily Wire covers the Fox News coverage about the scandal in Ukraine surrounding the 2016 U.S. presidential election while helping pivot the story to Yovanovitch. Calls to remove former President Barack Obamas U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, have intensified over the last week as a scandal in Ukraine surrounding the 2016 U.S. presidential election has started to gain more attention, Ryan Saavedra wrote in the storys lead.

Back to the Post:

Several days later, Parnas sent Ahearn an article about calls to push out Yovanovitch, to which Ahearn responded, Thats a good article. That same day, Trump Jr. tweeted out the article and wrote that the United States needed less of these jokes as ambassadors, referring to Yovanovitch, a career diplomat.

Rinse and repeat. Over and again. In a month Yovanovitch was removed from her post and recalled to Washington.

And the dog has been wagged.
Washington, Jan 16 : An aide to Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's personal lawyer, has said that the US President "knew exactly what was going on" regarding efforts to pressure Ukraine into investigating Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, it was reported on Thursday.

Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnass, who is facing separate criminal charges, made the comments in an interview with MSNBC on Wednesday after letters, phone records, notes and flash drives were obtained from him earlier this week, the BBC said in a report.

Documents show that the Ukraine-born Parnas was in regular contact with Giuliani as well as Ukrainian officials, and suggests that the businessman was directly involved in trying to have Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky look into the Bidens.

In the interview, Parnas said Trump was "aware of all my movements".

"I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the President. Why would President Zelensky's inner circle or (Interior) Minister (Arsen) Avakov or all these people or (former) President (Petro) Poroshenko meet with me? "Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work," he added.

Parnas further said that the President was lying and knew that unless there was an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was a director of a Ukrainian gas company, military aid to Kiev would be withheld.

He also claimed that the investigation was about digging up dirt on Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, some of the materials obtained show Parnas and Giuliani discussing the removal of Marie Yovanovitch, the then US ambassador to Ukraine, said the BBC report.

In Wednesday's interview, Parnas claimed the only motivation to get Yovanovitch removed from her post was because she was in the way of the effort to get Ukraine to announce an investigation into Joe Biden.

Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled US House of Representatives on December 18, 2019 and is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The two articles of impeachment were sent to the Republican-majority Senate on Wednesday night, paving the way for the starting of a trial against the President.
SANAA, Yemen  Maher al-Hammadi stands outside his two-story internet cafe just near the Sanaa University around 1 p.m. On an average day, it is right when the Sunset Cafe is filled with students  but not on Jan. 14, the sixth day of the internet outage since the severing of a submarine cable last week.

"Primetime for my customers is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.," Hammadi told Al-Monitor, pointing with frustration at half a dozen people in the cafe.

He explained that ever since last week, his clients fall into two categories: those who leave immediately when he tells them that the internet connection is slow and those who try to get online anyway, wait patiently for a while, then storm off, resigned and angry.

Right then, Ahlam al-Jabali, a business management graduate, comes down from the second floor of the cafe, the area allocated to women and separated with a curtain. She explained to Al-Monitor that she is working on a film that will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival and that she needs the internet for her work. She is accompanied by two of her relatives, as her family would not allow her to go without a chaperone to an internet cafe, a venue that is still frowned upon by conservatives.

Wearing glasses, a hijab and an all-enveloping black cloak, Jabali lamented that she was not able to get a connection. "I expected the connection to the internet here to be better [than my cellphone] but it is worse," she told Al-Monitor.

"The internet cut makes everything difficult, she said, complaining that both her school assignments and filming project is delayed.

On Jan. 9, an official at the Ministry of Telecommunications told the Houthi-run state news agency Saba that a large number of the internet correspondence connections went out of service when a submarine cable was cut off in Suez.

The Public Telecommunication Corporation and Yemen International Telecommunications (TeleYemen) announced that more than 80% of the international internet capacities was now down. Saba quoted an unnamed official as saying that efforts to follow up the cable repair were underway, and they hoped for a return of normal service soon.

Almost simultaneously, Yemen Mobile, which is run by the ministry, sent clients text messages notifying them that more than 80% of the international internet capacity was down. Ironically, due to the poor connection, many of the clients did not receive it until the next day, which only added to their frustration and anger.

Mobeen Foad, 18, said by the time he received the text message he had already shattered the screen of his cellphone in anger and lost some of his info by trying to reformat the phone, thinking the cut was due to his phone and not the network.

Standing near a closed bookshop on Al-Dairy Street in Sanaa , Foad told Al-Monitor, "I was surfing the internet and the connection seemed fine. But I could not open new pages. So I got angry and I hit my phone until [the screen] cracked, he explained, embarrassed.

Foad said he has been trying to use both Wi-Fi and the 3G data network of Yemen Mobile, but none worked well. "I use the internet 24 hours a day," he said.

He is not alone. One of the stereotypes about Yemenis is that the men come together every afternoon to chat and chew khat until well after sunset. But social media has changed that  even in the company of others, people use their phones to chat and use the internet, like everywhere else in the world.

Fares Anam, a Yemeni filmmaker, claimed that this interruption may not be so bad after all. Now that there is no connection, I suggest that you turn off your phone and start talking with your family and friends, he wrote in a Facebook post Jan. 9.

More people will be forced to take his advice on turning off the phone as the normalization of services is delayed. "A 20 GB internet link has been restored as an urgent solution for internet disruption until the repair of the cable is completed," a second statement from TeleYemen said Jan. 12, without giving details. In the meantime, some news websites reported that one of the reasons the repairs are taking so long is that the Ministry of Telecommunications is installing eavesdropping devices in the new connections.

An article by the American magazine Wired said that YemenNet, another internet service provider in Yemen that belongs to the Ministry of Telecommunications, "was able to restore some connectivity by working with Oman's major ISP, Omantel, to receive service from a different undersea cable."

Wired also reported that it can take weeks to repair a cut cable.

Taha al-Radaa'i, director general of YemenNet, told Al-Monitor the specially equipped ship responsible for repairing the cable is based near Oman and is not yet dispatched to Suez. He explained that several other countries besides Yemen were affected by the severed cable. There are several countries impacted by this disruption, but Yemen was the worst hit because other countries have alternatives and multiple tracks, he said.

Wired, as well as other press reports, indicate that the entire Red Sea region has dealt with slow to nonexistent connectivity since the severing of a single submarine cable, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Pointing at a map, Radaa'i said the other countries have other alternatives like the "new Sea-Me-We 5" and "AAE-1" maritime cable systems that would have alleviated Yemen currently if the "aggression of the [Saudi-led coalition]" didn't prevent those connections.

"The AAE-1 system is ready to be connected but the coalition prevented it," he said, adding that the coalition also prevented connection to the Sea-Me-We 5 cable to Hodeidah, the countrys port on the Red Sea.

Hodeidah is the key lifeline entry of most of Yemen's commercial imports and humanitarian aid. The Iran-allied Houthis control much of Hodeidah while the Saudi-backed government troops have advanced to its southeastern districts, making the city a flashpoint in the country's civil war.
Despite hotel room prices shooting past $2,000 a night and persistent complaints over homelessness and open-air drug use, JPMorgans annual health care conference will return to San Francisco in 2021.

A JPMorgan spokeswoman confirmed to The Chronicle that the 9,000-person conference, which ran from Monday to Thursday this week, will remain in the city next year.

The invitation-only conference for bank clients brings them together with health care and biotech entrepreneurs, company executives and investment bankers. Created by San Francisco investment bank Hambrecht & Quist in 1983, it has grown to become the industrys biggest annual event, a key place for networking and dealmaking. A predecessor of JPMorgan Chase bought Hambrecht & Quist in 1999, and the larger New York bank took over the conference.

There are signs that JPMorgan plans to stay even longer than 2021. The San Francisco Travel Association, which helps connect conference planners to hotels, has heard from several hotels in the city that JPMorgan intends to keep the conference in San Francisco through 2025, said Tom David, the associations executive vice president and chief sales officer. But David said he doesnt know if JPMorgan has made a firm commitment to the hotels or signed any written agreements or contracts.

JPMorgan declined to comment on plans beyond 2021.

The conference, which sprawls across several sites, is centered in the Westin St. Francis on Union Square. The hotel didnt respond to a request for comment. Unlike larger conferences, such as Salesforces weeklong Dreamforce software confab, the JPMorgan event doesnt book the Moscone Center.

Union Squares proximity to the Tenderloin and Mid-Market, areas with high homelessness, means besuited attendees can find themselves walking past tents and witnessing drug use.

Indoors people are making deals, talking about health care and networking. Meanwhile I witnessed homeless people injecting cocaine in the streets of downtown (San Francisco) today, Kistein Monkhouse, founder of health care company Patient Orator, wrote on Twitter Monday. Other Twitter users hastened to point out that they were more likely injecting heroin.

High costs and street conditions pushed another major conference, Oracles OpenWorld, to leave San Francisco this year for cheaper Las Vegas.

But JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon told Fox Business that San Francisco is not quite that bad and attendees know what theyre getting into.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

They know where theyre going. They plan for it, he said.

Dimon told Fox Business that the bank plans to increase its philanthropy in San Francisco.

Last year, JPMorgan invested $5 million to help local nonprofit Mission Economic Development Agency buy and preserve affordable housing. It is also the main sponsor of Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors new arena, where Dimon said events were held this week.

Were going to get deeply involved in San Francisco across the board. Were a big bank here now and ... we want to help lift up the city, too, Dimon said.

Roland Li and Catherine Ho are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf @Cat_Ho
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands  Thu, January 16, 2020 09:26 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3225077a 1 National Natuna,mahfud-md,Riau-Islands,edhy-prabowo,security,fisheries Free

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD claims that all Chinese vessels have left Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in Natuna as authorities plan to deploy more patrol ships in the area.

To anticipate similar tensions over Chinas controversial naval maneuvers in the maritime region in the past few days, the government also plans to build more business centers in Natuna.

Generally, everything is safe. [The Chinese vessels] are not in Natuna anymore; they have left the EEZ area. Hopefully it will stay safe like this, Mahfud said when he was inspecting Natuna waters on Wednesday.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo said that the Japanese government promised to give three of its surveillance ships to Indonesia. The second-hand ships are to undergo repairs for a year in Japan before being sent to Indonesia.

We have seen the ships and Japan has committed to giving the ships to us, but they need to repair them first. It takes a year for them to repair one, Edy said.

We will maintain the functions and the authority of the security units [in Natuna] and we will strengthen coordination, Mahfud said.

On Wednesday Mahfud also led a coordination meeting with several ministries and institutions in Natuna. Mahfud said he was in Natuna to follow up on the instructions President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo issued when he visited the area last week.

The main point is the President said that the nations sovereignty is not something to bargain with. We are not maintaining the nations sovereignty; we are maintaining our sovereign rights over the sea. So it's different; its not war. Therefore, the first instruction from the President was to increase the numbers of patrols. Then we will build coordination regarding the management of Natuna with ministries and institutions, as well as central and regional relations," Mahfud said.

As a part of developing business centers in Natuna, Mahfud said they plan to increase the number of fishermen and ships, bringing them from northern coastal Java to Natuna.

But dont misunderstand, as if by bringing in fishermen from outside of Natuna then we will not pay attention to fishermen in Natuna. The priority will be given to local fishermen in Natuna. After this meeting there will be technical coordination between the maritime affairs and fisheries minister and local government, he added.

The acting governor of Riau Islands, H. Isdianto, said he welcomed the central governments plan to develop the fishery industry in the area. He also recommended Natuna become a special zone for tourism and fishing.

We could only hope that the central government would make Natuna a special zone, for tourism, or fisheries, or a defense zone. In short, anything for peoples welfare, he said.

He said the whole province relied, among other things, upon the fishery industry and he hoped that with government help for Natunas fisheries, other regions in the province would benefit from a domino effect. (evi)


Although Apple turned down a request by U.S. Attorney General William Barr to unlock two iPhones used by a terrorist suspect in a recent deadly shooting, the FBI appears to already have the tools needed to access the smartphones.

Apple rejected a request from Barr to help unlock two iPhones used by the shooter, 21-year-old Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. He is believed to have acted alone when he shot and killed three service members and wounded several others at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla. last month.

Alshamrani, a member of the Saudi Air Force and an aviation student at the base, was shot dead on the scene by police.

The back-and-forth between Apple and the Department of Justice is the latest scuffle involving the company's privacy stance and government efforts to get around that it.

A search warrant, first discovered by Forbes, indicated the FBI already has the blackbox technology necessary to crack password-protected smart phones.

According to that warrant, FBI investigators in Ohio last year used technology from Atlanta-based Grayshift to access a locked iPhone 11 Pro Max, which belonged to Baris Ali Koch. Koch was accused of helping his brother, who'd been convicted of a hate crime, flee the country.

Atlanta-based Grayshift is one of two companies that claimed it could thwart Apple iPhone passcode security through brute-force attacks. The other is Israeli-based Cellebrite. Both companies claimed they could get around iPhone security through brute-force attacks and full file-system extraction, or a physical extraction or full file system (File-Based Encryption) extraction on many high-end Android device.

Cellebrites UFED Cloud Analyzer tool can purportedly unlock, decrypt and extract phone data, including real-time mobile data  call logs, contacts, calendar, SMS, MMS, media files, apps data, chats, passwords, according a document obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).

Grayshifts GrayKey blackbox could apparently unlock an iPhone in about two hours if the owner used a four-digit passcode and in about three days or longer if a six-digit passcode was used.

In 2018, Apple said it was able to resecure its iPhone against Grayshift's GrayKey blackbox through an iOS update. The FBI warrant, however, indicates that update may not have been as succesful as Apple hoped.

Regardless, the government still appears to prefer that Apple simply put a backdoor in its platform for law enforcement to access during criminal investigations.

If the government succeeds in forcing Apple to subvert iPhone security, corporate IT managers will be put in a sticky situation, said Alan Butler, general counsel for EPIC. That's because most employees either use smartphones under "bring your own device" (BYOD) policies or rely on company devices to conduct business and transfer sensitive information, whether its communications or data schematics.

"That's a lot of sensitive information that may be privileged, that may be trade secrets or covered by [International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)]  so [it's] things you have a legal obligation to protect," Butler said. "So companies also need assurances that the hardware theyre deploying is secure. If the government is ordering the company to introduce flaws into the security of the hardware or software ... it could compromise that corporate data."

Apple disputed Barr's claim that it hadnt given substantative assistance in the investigation, noting it provided access to the cloud service used to back up data on Alshamranis phones.

Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing, Apple said. Within hours of the FBI's first request on December 6th, we produced a wide variety of information associated with the investigation. From December 7th through the 14th, we received six additional legal requests and in response provided information including iCloud backups, account information and transactional data for multiple accounts.

In fact, Apple appears to have acquiesced to an FBI request that it kill plans to let iPhone owners fully encrypt data backups to its iCloud service. The proposed change to its data backup policy, now two years old, was reported this week.

As for its stance against backdoors, Apple said: "We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys. Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers. Today, law enforcement has access to more data than ever before in history, so Americans do not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations. We feel strongly encryption is vital to protecting our country and our users' data."

Kurt Opsahl, deputy executive director of the non-profit digital rights advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Apple is right to provide strong security to its users, requiring a passcode or biometrics to unlock their smartphones.

The Attorney Generals request that Apple re-engineer its phones to break that security imperils millions of innocent Americans and others around the globe, and is a poor trade-off for security policy, Opsahl said.

Vladimir Katalov, CEO of Russian forensic tech provider ElcomSoft, called Barr's request unrealistic because Apple cant technically unlock iPhones because of file-based encryption and secure enclave technology; it boots up separately from iOS and runs its own microkernel not directly accessible by the iPhone operating system.

Of course, it is technically possible to add backdoors, implement escrow keys and things like that. But first, one cannot legally regulate the technology - secure communication channels and [secure data storage] will still remain and no government can force any person not to use the encryption, or use only a certified one, Katalov said via email. Second, such backdoors will be exploited by criminals now or later. The consequences may be catastrophic.

By including a method to unlock smartphones at will, Apple would be opening up all of its smartphones to potential attacks by any bad actor, Katalov said.

The latest request by the Justice Department is part of an ongoing struggle between law enforcement and Apple. In 2016, the Justice Department, backed by a federal court injunction, ordered Apple to unlock the iPhone of Syed Rizwan Farook, a suspect in the San Bernadino terrorist attack, in December of that year.

At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook said his company couldnt give the FBI any more help, claimed that utilizing the law justifying the courts order was unprecedented and again refused to help unlock the iPhone.
The Florida Legislature started its 2020 legislative session this week and lawmakers are set to consider a number of insurance-focused issues over the course of the 60-day period. At the top of the list for industry and consumer advocates are reforms to curb what they say are abuses of the states legal system that are hurting insurers bottom lines.

The issue is of particular importance to industry stakeholders in light of recent news about financial issues in the states insurance market.

Last session, the insurance industry scored a big win with the passage of property insurance reforms addressing the abuse of a policyholder benefit known as assignment of benefits (AOB) after seven years of failed attempts. While the reforms have already begun to curb the abuse that experts said was causing an insurance market crisis, its effects in the short term havent yet reached the balance sheets of Florida carriers who are still dealing with past inflated claims.

In his Tuesday State of the State address to the Florida Legislature, Governor Ron DeSantis thanked lawmakers for passing AOB reform and said the legislation has already led to lower rates for 44,000 policyholders of the state-run insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. He urged Florida lawmakers to target other lawsuit abuses.

The legal system is supposed to be used for redressing concrete injuries and disputes, DeSantis said. It is not a game and shouldnt be used as such. Reforms such as AOB that improve the legal climate here in Florida are welcome.

William Large, president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, praised the governors remarks.

As Governor DeSantis said, Floridas legal system is supposed to address real injuries and disputes, not to be used as a game. Those games clog the courts and frustrate Floridas growth, he said.

The explosion of AOB claims over the last several years and other market forces, including excessive litigation and losses from Hurricanes Irma and Michael, have created a hazardous financial environment for many insurers, according to Demotech, which rates 46 Florida-based carriers. As a result, Demotech said last week that many of Floridas domestic insurance carriers face rating downgrades in the coming days and weeks.

Industry advocates and consumer groups are urging the Florida Legislature to pass legislation this year that would help the states private market, including reforms to the excessive litigation.

Market factors such as Floridas crumbling legal environment and lawsuit abuse have had significant consequences in the insurance marketplace and made it challenging for companies to maintain A ratings, said Logan McFaddin, vice president of state government relations for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). The Florida Legislature needs to implement meaningful reforms during the 2020 Legislative Session that reduce lawsuit abuse and restore fairness to Floridas legal system. APCIA looks forward to working with lawmakers during the upcoming session to address these critical issues.

Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform (FAIR), said two bills have been introduced, both sponsored by Senator Jeff Brandes, that would target first party litigation abuses. Senate Bill 914 would provide that for certain attorney fees awarded for claims arising under property insurance policies, the maximum fee a court may award is a lodestar fee and prohibit the court from considering contingency risk or using a contingency risk multiplier.

The other bill, SB 1634, would revise requirements for the civil remedy notice provided to insurers and the Department of Financial Services; delete a requirement for certain persons acting on behalf of an insurer to provide certain notice before scheduling a meeting or onsite inspection for certain purposes; and require named insureds to provide insurers with a specified notice as a condition precedent to filing suit under a property insurance policy.

Brandes who is a member of the Florida Senate Banking & Insurance Committee, also sponsored SB 924 that would target civil actions against insurers. That bill provides that in third-party bad faith actions against insurers, insureds and claimants have the burden to prove that an insurer acted in reckless disregard for insured rights which resulted in damage to the insured or the claimant, according to the bill summary. It also would require in these claims that insured or claimant actions or inactions are relevant in bad faith actions; provide that an insurer is not liable if certain conditions are met; and provide that an insurer is not liable beyond available policy limits as to certain competing third-party claims if it files an inter-pleader action within a certain time frame.

APCIAs McFaddin said bad faith reform in Florida is a top legislative priority for the association this year.

Floridas legal climate is one of the worst in the country, and rampant lawsuit abuse fueled by some plaintiffs attorneys is dramatically driving up costs for consumers and businesses, she said. Consumers rights to seek legal action will remain protected, but it is past time to implement reforms that will reduce lawsuit abuse, curb frivolous tactics, and begin to restore fairness to Floridas legal system.

Another issue that the APCIA and other industry and consumer advocates will be focused on this year is reform for auto glass claims abuse. This scheme also uses AOBs but instead targets windshield claims where policyholders sign over their insurance benefits for quick repairs to attorneys or auto shops who turn around and sue the insurer in order to collect fees. According to a November report from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, there were 17,000 auto glass suits in 2017, up from about 400 in 2006. The number of suits peaked in 2017 with 24,000.

Last year, auto glass was removed during negotiations from the AOB reform bill that passed .

For this session, the industry backed a House bill that would have called for prohibiting motor vehicle repair shops and employees from offering anything of value to customers in exchange for making insurance claims for motor vehicle glass replacement and repair, but its sponsor withdrew it (HB 169) last week. A Senate version (SB 312) was voted down. Still, McFaddin says the industry will keep pushing for legislation to be passed this session.

The Governor and Florida Legislature took steps last session to protect homeowners from AOB property scams, and now lawmakers have an opportunity to bring similar protections to Florida motorists, continued McFaddin. APCIA urges Florida lawmakers to put a stop to AOB auto glass abuse during the 2020 Legislative Session.

FAIR is also hoping to see legislation regarding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Funds ratemaking formula, which it says does not adhere to required standards because its underlying catastrophe model results are unidentified and there is no way for peer review or audit of the FHCFs Ratemaking Formula Report.

The FHCF takes in nearly $100 million in premium a month from policyholders, FAIR said in a statement. Shouldnt Floridians have the right to know exactly how the FHFC rate is calculated?

FAIR said legislative action could require more transparency into the FHCFs ratemaking process. FAIR is asking state regulators and legislators to develop and pass balanced and meaningful reforms to provide relief to Floridas policyholders.

Topics Lawsuits Carriers Legislation Auto Florida Claims Property Market
California governor Gavin Newsom recently announced his administrations plan to spend more than 1 billion taxpayer dollars to combat homelessness. The Californians footing the bill deserve to know if their investment will abate the crisis, or if this is yet another waste of their hard-earned dollars on the policies that precipitated it in the first place.

As most are doubtless aware, California has a poor track record of dealing with its homelessness problem. The state has spent billions of dollars buttressing a morass of social-service organizations, sometimes called the homeless-industrial complex, with little appreciable decline in the rate of homelessness to show for it. In a 2018 report, the Department of Housing and Urban Development found that California had the nations second-highest rate of homelessness per capita, and its highest rate of unsheltered homeless persons.

But even as the reality on the ground fails to match their utopian vision, state officials continue to regurgitate the same tropes about homelessness, mental illness, and addiction that have become de fide oaths for social-service professionals: A commitment to the Housing First philosophy, a dogged insistence upon providing community based mental-health services for even the most seriously ill, and an allergy to the enforcement of norms and standards for service recipients. Its the same recipe that has failed other states and cities with serious homelessness problems.

In California, there seems to be little discernible relationship between the amount of taxpayer money spent on combating homelessness and actual declines in its incidence. While recent data show modest improvements on a statewide level  the same HUD report found that homelessness in California fell by 1.2 percent from 2017 to 2018  the figures in individual municipalities where the crisis is most acute paint a bleaker picture. San Franciscos homeless population has grown by at least 17 percent since 2017, even as the citys government spent an annual $300 million on services for the homeless. Los Angeles County, with the second-largest homeless population of any county in the United States, spent $600 million on services for the homeless from summer 2018 to summer 2019, only to see a 12 percent increase in its homeless population over that span.

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Major cities in California are awash in familiar pathologies: A sea of used heroin needles, piles of human waste, and a precipitous spike in crime and disorder. The homeless, while more likely to be victimized by one another than to victimize the broader community, have wrought considerable violence on their non-vagrant peers. Anthony Miele Jr., a 35-year-old from Ventura County, was sitting across from his wife at a steakhouse with his five-year-old daughter on his lap when a homeless man with paranoid-schizophrenia wandered in off the street and stabbed him to death in April 2018. Last November, a mentally ill homeless man dumped a bucket of scalding fecal matter on a passerby in Los Angeles. The victim, hauled immediately off to a nearby hospital, later told reporters that she was soaked, by the content of the bucket, which was coming off my eyelashes and into my eyes. Angeleno Albert Davtyan nearly died in December 2018 after being attacked at random by a homeless man, who pushed him into oncoming traffic. Davtyan was hit by a truck and suffered severe pulmonary and skeletal injuries.

Theres no denying the dire consequences of the status quo for both the unsheltered homeless and society at large. Californians are not only forced to trek through mounds of human waste interspersed with sidewalk-encampments as they walk city streets, but must also live with a reasonable, if remote, fear that the untreated mentally ill living on the street will lash out violently.

Newsoms new budget proposal and an associated executive order provide California taxpayers with reasons for both optimism and dismay. One positive development was the executive orders exhortation to make use of vacant and decommissioned hospitals and health care facilities to provide shelter for individuals who are homeless on a short-term emergency basis. While there is a dark irony in Californias retooling dissolved state mental facilities to serve as shelters for the often-ill homeless population, the impulse to build shelter  any shelter  is a step in the right direction for a state with a higher proportion of unsheltered homeless than any other in the nation. Although a decision to make use of brownstone hospitals located in rural areas will aggravate certain ideologues in the Housing First movement  who insist that the state has an unqualified obligation to provide shelter and services for the homeless in the city in which they reside, with no behavioral prerequisites or strings attached  it is an appropriate use of state land for a population that desperately needs shelter.

Newsom would do well to look to Colorado for a brownstone model that has proven successful. The Centennial State revivified an abandoned state tubercular sanatorium on a 100-building, 530-acre rural campus and turned it into the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community, which is dedicated to recovery. While the campus requires that residents abide by sobriety rules if they wish to remain, the homeless can enter and leave the program voluntarily, and they direct most of their day-to-day lives themselves. Life on the campus includes self-improvement courses, counseling, and medical services, as well as client-directed rehabilitation programs. Residents are offered the chance to work in on-campus jobs to offset the costs of maintaining the aging facility. The facility has been a boon to the local rural community, which was damaged by the closure of its predecessor in 2001.

The results have been impressive. In an extensive August 2018 report from the Colorado Legislative Audit Committee, the state compared residents of Fort Lyon with residents of Housing Firststyle permanent supportive housing units. Comparing the costs incurred by both populations a year before and after their enrollment in the two programs, it was discovered that a sample of Fort Lyon enrollees saved the state 18 percent in total health-care and criminal-justice costs, while the costs incurred by the PSH group rose by 4 percent in that same window. While one might quibble with the sample size (30) used in that section of the document, the report is full of evidence of the Fort Lyon programs success, including data on the entire population served there. Once described as a throwback to the dark days and met with skepticism by certain advocates at its inception, the project has significantly outperformed expectations. James Ginsburg, a homelessness advocate who runs Fort Lyon and previously ran five Housing First programs, remarked upon an argument that Housing First proponents make, that everything should be done in vivo. That you shouldnt take people out of their environment. While he affirmed the merits of that aim for some homeless people, he claimed that for heavy substance users, in vivo is counterproductive. Your vivo is killing you.

Governor Newsom seems to understand that removing the despairing homeless from that ruinous vivo might be a necessary step toward abating Californias current crisis. But while he appears willing to buck certain orthodoxies of the Housing First crowd, he also seems to accept some of its ruinous premises. One incomprehensible portion of the governors budget is the so-called Community Care Collaborative Pilot program. In explaining the program, Newsoms office released a statement detailing the governors plan to allocate more than $350 million over six years to implement efforts in three pilot counties to place individuals with mental health needs, specifically those designated Incompetent to Stand Trial, into stable placements in the community instead of state hospital placements. The fetishization of community services for the severely mentally ill  even those found incompetent to stand trial  is a leading cause of the states homelessness problem. The man who dumped steaming-hot feces on the female passerby, for instance, was on the streets in the first place on account of his discharge from state care after being deemed incompetent to stand trial for another crime.

Indeed, deinstitutionalization and Housing First are sister philosophies, based on the same assumptions about social-service provision. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness admitted as much in its description of the Housing First ideology:

Housing First is, and always has been, about changing mainstream systems. The approach emerged as a reaction to traditional mental health treatment modality, which thought that the way to address the needs of people with psychiatric symptoms on the street was to get them into psychiatric treatment, typically at an inpatient facility. Housing First was about changing the mental health systems paradigm to recognize that housing is foundational to mental health recovery. Housing Firsts role in changing mainstream systems should not stop with the mental health system. Housing is just as foundational to addiction recovery and psychical well-being as it is to mental health. The new frontiers of systems change are to engage the substance abuse treatment system and the mainstream health care system around housing.

It might well be a noble goal to help the homeless to secure permanent housing where and when possible. But the ideological lodestar of the Housing First movement, which seeks the complete demolition of intensive forms of mental-health and addiction services, takes a worthwhile goal for some and makes it an unworkable one-size-fits-all solution. Some homeless people with addiction and serious mental illness require more structure than the basic housing model proffered by the Housing First crowd permits.

For the sake of his state and its homeless, one hopes Governor Newsom recognizes as much and can point the state in a more reasonable and humane direction.

More from National Review
Chemicals can arise as a byproduct of water disinfection. [Photo: Getty]

Thousands of bladder cancer cases throughout Europe may be caused by chemicals in tap water, research suggests.

Scientists at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health analysed the presence of the chemicals trihalomethanes (THMs) in the water supply of 26 EU countries.

READ MORE: Seattle Genetics Up on Positive Data From Bladder Cancer Study

THMs, a byproduct of water disinfection, have been linked to bladder cancer when consumed, inhaled or absorbed via the skin.

In nine countries, including the UK, concentrations were found to exceed the EUs maximum permissible limit of 100g/L. One g is one thousandth of a milligram.

The scientists estimate more than 6,500 bladder cancer cases, nearly 5%, can be attributed to exposure to the chemicals.

Over the past 20 years, major efforts have been made to reduce trihalomethanes levels in several countries of the European Union, including Spain, study author Manolis Kogevinas said.

However, the current levels in certain countries could still lead to considerable bladder cancer burden, which could be prevented by optimising water treatment, disinfection and distribution practices and other measures.

READ MORE: Pfizer/Merck KGaA's Bavencio Positive in Bladder Cancer Study

Bladder cancer is the tenth most common form of the disease in the UK, with more than 10,300 people diagnosed every year, Action Bladder Cancer UK statistics show.

It is often linked with certain chemicals, including those found in cigarettes, according to the NHS.

Industrial chemicals are thought to be responsible for a quarter of all cases.

As a result, people in manufacturing jobs - like painters or those working with certain dyes - may be more at risk.

More than half of cases, however, have no clear cause, according to Action Bladder Cancer UK.

Water disinfection is essential to killing off infections, the scientists wrote in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Chlorine is the most common disinfectant worldwide, with THMs formed at the highest concentration after use.

Story continues

To learn more about the dangers of THMs, the Spanish scientists sent questionnaires to the bodies responsible for different districts water quality.

The team requested information on the concentration of THMs at the tap, distribution network and treatment plants.

This was backed up by data from other sources, including reports and scientific literature.

READ MORE: U.S. has biggest single-year drop in cancer rate, study shows

Overall, the average concentration of THMs was 11.7g/L - considerably below the EU safe limit.

Yet this was exceeded in the UK, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

The scientists then estimated how this may affect bladder cancer rates using national disease data.

They concluded 6,561 incidences may arise every year throughout the EU as a result of THM exposure.

In Cyprus, nearly a quarter (23%) of cases were linked to the chemical, followed by 17% in Malta and Ireland, 11% in Spain and 10% in Greece.

The scientists claim if the 13 countries with the highest THM exposure reduced their levels to the EU average, 2,868 bladder cancer cases (44%) could be prevented.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, no Denmark cases were associated with THM exposure.

The chemical was responsible for just 0.1% and 0.2% of cases in the Netherlands and Germany, respectively.

In Austria and Lithuania, THMs were thought to trigger 0.4% of incidences.

Bulgaria and Romania were excluded from the study due to a lack of information.

The biggest challenge was collecting representative data on national trihalomethanes levels for all EU countries, study author Cristina Villanueva said.

We hope these data will become more readily available in the future.
In his speech at the meeting that was held in Geneva, Switzerland on December 14, 2019, Erol User said that now is the time for all of us to begin cooperating "to guarantee economically vital spaceflight" to facilitate innovative service offerings for the citizens along with future space developments. Continuing further, the founder-president stated that we need to keep up the dream of future exploration while also combining continual technological development and environmental awareness.

The Amazing Space and the Not So Amazing Space-litter

Not much needs to be said when it comes to how attracted humans have been towards space since the beginning of time. It has always been a very exciting element and has attracted several explorations from humanity through spacecraft, rockets, satellites, etc. The intentional or accidental explosion of space objects, flecks of paints from the space objects, residual elements from the space missions, etc., all end up floating at very high speed into an orbit that surrounds our earth called the "Low Earth Orbit" or LEO. For instance, deliberate destruction of the Chinese Fengyun-1C spacecraft in 2007 and the accidental collision of an American and a Russian spacecraft in 2009, as per NASA's reports are two of the main reasons why the LEO is turning into a space garbage orbit. The report revealed that these two incidents have dominated LEO's space debris levels by approximately 70%.

Over the years, these leftover space objects have contributed to space junk or space debris. Space Debris is a growing issue for humankind today, which can have its claws dug deep into the future generations.

Why is Space Debris So Dangerous?

Environmental Threat: Space debris is environmentally bad as we are leaving unnatural objects in space. Eventually, the satellites will need to come down into the earth's atmosphere, which poses a high possibility of them burning into flames. A much worse scenario is dealing with the leftover fuel in those space satellites leading them to blast in the earth's atmosphere. Are we prepared for such a future, with the current position of the thinning ozone layer?

Space debris is environmentally bad as we are leaving unnatural objects in space. Eventually, the satellites will need to come down into the earth's atmosphere, which poses a high possibility of them burning into flames. A much worse scenario is dealing with the leftover fuel in those space satellites leading them to blast in the earth's atmosphere. Are we prepared for such a future, with the current position of the thinning ozone layer? The Ever-Increasing Expensive Space Pollution: For simple purposes such as communication and weather reports, human-made satellites are orbiting around the earth in the geostationary orbit, which is 35000 km from the earth. These satellites are usually blasted into a "graveyard orbit," which is around 36000 km above the earth. In the past, the blasting episodes were less and manageable, but with the growing technology, space pollution is only becoming a burdening issue.

For simple purposes such as communication and weather reports, human-made satellites are orbiting around the earth in the geostationary orbit, which is 35000 km from the earth. These satellites are usually blasted into a "graveyard orbit," which is around 36000 km above the earth. In the past, the blasting episodes were less and manageable, but with the growing technology, space pollution is only becoming a burdening issue. The Dreadful Space Collision Possibilities: The space debris which is floating in the LEO is racing in orbit at speeds as high as 18000 miles per hour. Just imagine how prone to accidents and collisions our future space exploration spaceships, rockets, and other satellites can be!

Researchers from Australia are currently monitoring approximately 29000 pieces of space junk and have raised a red flag of space collisions possibility. There is a huge danger of collision dangling on the satellites that are worth billions of dollars. The danger will only increase with time, as more and more satellites are sent by more and more countries now and then.

Taming the Space Debris "cleanup and prevention challenge" Will Be a Great Feat to Achieve!

NASA's Endeavors to Prevent and Clear-up the Space Debris: Since 1979, NASA, through its Orbital Debris Program, is trying to lessen the creation of orbital debris and has been working to create equipment that can help in removing the space junk.

Since 1979, NASA, through its Orbital Debris Program, is trying to lessen the creation of orbital debris and has been working to create equipment that can help in removing the space junk. Endeavors From Australia's "Electro Optic Systems" in Collaboration With the US: Electro Optic Systems is Australia's aerospace technology company. Chief executive and technical director of the company, Professor Craig Smith , with his team of talented and dedicated scientists and engineers, and with close working with the US, are continuously trying to come up with a "high-powered, high-precision laser" as per reports. This laser is being created at the Space Environment Research Centre in the country. The ambition is to push away the space junk out of the way to prevent space collisions. Another use-case of the laser set-up can be of destroying the space junks eventually. The laser is expected to be fully functional in the coming three years. The professor further adds,

"The issue is, we have to be able to project the laser beam through the atmosphere without it being dispersed. [] It is challenging. The atmospheric turbulence causes the beam to disperse rather than stay focused on target, so the number of photons landing on the target is reduced, which means we can't propel it as far."

Possible Black-out for the Entire Telecommunication Industry: The entire telecommunication industry, at present, relies on the satellites up in space. These satellites consume a lot of fuel and other resources. Being expensive to maintain, the possibility of them going offline can pose serious issues in terms of replacement and other costs involved. It can very easily lead to a black-out of the entire telecommunication industry. On this, Professor Smith from Electro-Optic Systems, an Australian aerospace technology company said-

The entire telecommunication industry, at present, relies on the satellites up in space. These satellites consume a lot of fuel and other resources. Being expensive to maintain, the possibility of them going offline can pose serious issues in terms of replacement and other costs involved. It can very easily lead to a black-out of the entire telecommunication industry. On this, Professor Smith from Electro-Optic Systems, an Australian aerospace technology company said- It is a serious issue. We have oceans and rivers, and we pollute them until they become almost unusable. We have done exactly the same with space. We have left junk everywhere."

6000 Tons Worth of World's Largest Garbage Dump: The space debris in LEO has unfortunately become the World's largest garbage dump. An approximation from NASA's reports says that there are about 6000 tons of space debris materials orbiting in the LEO.

The space debris in LEO has unfortunately become the World's largest garbage dump. An approximation from NASA's reports says that there are about 6000 tons of space debris materials orbiting in the LEO. Strong Collaboration From All the Countries is Required: Space programs are generally very expensive for any nation, so imagine how much effort and money it will demand to clean up the World's largest garbage dump! Cleaning up the LEO will indeed call upon strong collaboration from all the countries on the planet earth.

Space programs are generally very expensive for any nation, so imagine how much effort and money it will demand to clean up the World's largest garbage dump! Cleaning up the LEO will indeed call upon strong collaboration from all the countries on the planet earth. The Moral Duty of One and All: LEO's clean-up challenge is not the sole responsibility of one country. Any country which intends to explore the wonderful space in current times, or the future should shoulder the responsibility. More than the usability factor, it is our environmental responsibility too to leave a healthy planet and space for the generations to come.

Walking the Talk Through BlockchainArmy's "Save Our Space (SOS)" Organization:

The Co Founder and Chairman of BlockchainArmy, Erol User recently shared his views on the topic-

"I would like to bring debris into blockchain and do it as a social responsibility program. Therefore, I want to have an organization Save Our Space (SOS). I would like to have participation from all around to raise money."

Erol User has a very interesting viewpoint on possibilities and challenges. It reflects in his statement,

"You see things as they are, and you say, "Why? But I dream things that never were, and I say, Why not?"

BlockchainArmy's Chairman is very active in philanthropic activities that lift the society a notch higher with every effort. He has been seen supporting causes such as environmental causes, rights of the children, ethics in the economy, and so on.

BlockchainArmy is an international venture and capital advisory firm. Recently, the firm participated in the UN Geneva Meeting. There Erol User shared his views on the possibilities, benefits of the blockchain technology, and the unexplored potential of the blockchain technology through his speech. In the speech, he touched upon topics such as the need for- "a secure, low-latency digital infrastructure" for the internet, which blockchain can very much provide. He expressed his confidence in the blockchain technology's potential despite it being in its formative years.

The blockchain supporter also understands that good thing take time. While supporting the blockchain technology, he further added,

"Blockchain is not a "disruptive" technology  it is a foundational technology. Blockchain has the potential to create new foundations for our economic and social systems."

So, Is There Any Hope?

It will be too pessimistic to straight-up blurt, "no, there is no hope," and it will be too optimistic about throwing in a quick answer "yes, of course, there is hope!" The answer to this question lies in what we chose to do. The future of the present space condition is not fixed. It is both good news and the bad one. The openness of this question can be frightening if we continue to lead our lives selfishly without thinking of future generations and the future of our mother earth. On the other hand, the openness of this question offers a ray of hope through which we can learn from our past mistakes, mend our habits and ways.

About BlockchainArmy

BlockchainArmy is a global venture creation and capital advisory firm with blockchain technology development and broker dealer capabilities. Headquartered in Istanbul and Rotterdam City with a distributed team across 20+ countries, BlockchainArmy offers premium blockchain consulting services, with both regional and global representation for clients around the world. Here are some of the sample we're working on:

Energy

Healthcare

Finance

Agriculture

Taxation

Government Solutions

Supranational Organizations

Supply-chain Management

BlockchainArmy offers a turn-key approach to an ITO and can guide through the whole process of the whitepaper, explainer video and funding websites designed for international integrated digital marketing campaign, enterprise partnerships for real life applications, the crowd sale contract and security audit, liquidation to cover your team's expenses and placement of your company on world renown exchanges markets.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077416/Erol_User_BlockchainArmy.jpg

SOURCE BlockchainArmy
Lev Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday that he is "100 percent" certain Vice President Mike Pence canceled his trip to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's inauguration last spring because Ukraine refused to announce it was investigating former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, was indicted last year on campaign finance violations. Giuliani traveled extensively to Ukraine to try to find damaging information on Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, and his son, who served on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Parnas told Maddow that he was directed by Giuliani to deliver a "very harsh message" to Sergey Schafer, a senior Zelensky aide. He was told to make it clear that the U.S. would withhold all aid to Ukraine unless several demands were met. "A, the most important was the announcement of the Biden investigation," Parnas said. The day after Parnas met with Schafer, Pence canceled his scheduled trip to Ukraine.

Parnas said he knows "100 percent" that the visit was called off in retaliation for Ukraine not going along with demands the country investigate the Bidens. "The chain of events, that was key to where we are today," he said. "After that, take a look at what transpires. Next within the next couple days, they realize that now they got word. Obviously when Pence cancels, they get word. So now they realize that what I was telling them was true." Pence "couldn't have not known" about the pressure campaign, Parnas alleges, as "everybody was in the loop."

More stories from theweek.com

Trump again denied knowing Lev Parnas. So Parnas' lawyer posted more robust proof.

The start of Trump's impeachment trial had solemn oaths, 'lengthy' yawns, 'pained expressions,' lots of lefties

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for


A quadripartite agreement to resolve the two-decade-old Bru refugee crisis was signed in New Delhi on Thursday. This is an important agreement and will resolve the Bru crisis which has been lingering for decades now. A critical issue of the north-east has been settled with the help of the Tripura and Mizoram governments, Union home minister Amit Shah said after signing of the agreement. The four signatories are: the Centre, the governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and Bru NGOs.

The Bru migrants fled from Mizoram to Tripura in the late 1990s. Nearly 35,000 Bru refugees are still living in camps in Tripura. Under the terms of the agreement, they will get a plot of land, rations, a fixed deposit of ~4 lakh, and a monthly stipend of ~5,000 for two years. They will also get ~1.5 lakh each to construct houses and have the right to vote in Tripura.

The agreement became necessary after an earlier initiative to send the Brus to Mizoram failed. The government, therefore, had to think differently, Shah said.

The agreement will bring a permanent solution to the Bru crisis, Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga said. Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb added that the agreement reflects our commitment to the indigenous people.

Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Forum chief A. Sawibunga said, The agreement allows the Brus to stay back in Tripura. They will get benefits of the package announced for repatriation to Mizoram earlier.

In 1997, the Bru National Union sought an Autonomous District Council for the Brus living in Mizoram. The demand was opposed by the government. Elements from the Bru community launched an armed movement  the Bru National Liberation Front  and allegedly killed a forest guard sparking riots in Mizoram. Around 30,000-40,000 Brus fled Mizoram for neighbouring Tripura.

The state and Centre announced a relief package for the refugees that included rations. In October 2019, the Centre stopped the rations to hasten the repatriation of Bru refugees to Mizoram. With that plan not working out, it started working on the agreement that was finally signed Thursday.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Phuong, who sells carp, should be doing a roaring trade this time of year. Her store, however, is suffering a drought of customers.

Instead of real carp, a facebooker offers carp-shape sticky rice for the ritual of Ong Cong, ong Tao.  Photo captured from the seller's Facebook

Nguyen Thi Thuy Phuong, who sells carp, should be doing a roaring trade this time of year. Her store, however, is suffering a drought of customers.

The eve of the 23rd day of the last month of the lunar year (January 17) is traditionally when Vietnamese people buy carp for a send-off ceremony for Ong Cong Ong Tao, or the Kitchen Gods. But Phuong has not seen many customers.

As one of the biggest fish shops in Yen Phu Village  a popular destination for aquarium fish in Ha Noi  Phuong and about ten others start selling the carp a week before the Kitchen Gods ritual.

She tells Viet Nam News: I used to sell about 200kg of carp a day. A few years ago, I was selling more than a tonne of carp, earning tens of millions of dong. These days, I have only sold a few dozen kilos.

The Vietnamese believe there are three Kitchen Gods, and carp serve as their means of transport to heaven so they can report to the Jade Emperor. According to the tradition, after prayers to the Kitchen Gods have been made, people release carp into ponds, lakes and rivers. Before the ritual, each family buys the healthiest carp from shops like Phuongs.

Traders at Yen So fish wholesale market in the south of the city were also experiencing a drop in trade, with prices also plummeting.

A trader told Viet Nam News: A kilo of carp now goes for VND50,000 -VND60,000. Last year, a kilo would sometimes fetch VND150,000.

Explaining the decline, he says: This year, I imported half as many fish compared to last year, but I think it was still too much.

Some of the traders have lowered their prices to attract customers. One trader says: This kind of fish is not for eating, so if we dont sell them, we have no other choice than to release them and suffer the loss.

Phuong said: The economy is not so good, so people want to save their money and many of them stop buying.

While another trader in Yen So thinks: "Perhaps because the press condemned the release of carp in plastic bags into lakes and rivers, many people have stopped using real carp and instead use fish made out of paper or food for the ritual."

Nguyen Ngoc Lan on Doi Can Street moulds red sticky rice into the shape of a carp for the ritual. She says: It is more economical and environmentally friendly with carp made from sticky rice. I used to pay about VND30,000-VND50,000 for three fish, and spend time releasing them into the lake.

It is more convenient with the sticky rice carp. The Kitchen Gods can have the carp and sticky rice at the same time and I can save money and time.

As an experienced trader with 35 years experience selling carp, Gia Huy, owner of a store in Ngo Thi Nham, thinks the drop in customers is due to technology, saying: I used to import carp from Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, then export them to neighbouring provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Giang and Bac Ninh. Now many suppliers connect via Facebook and Zalo, and trade directly with each other.  VNS
Ontario is so desperate for industrial painters, sewing-machine operators and electronic assemblers that it wants to throw open its doors to lower-skilled foreign workers, promising them permanent residency in exchange for taking up a job in manufacturing.

The catch is the newcomers have to work outside Greater Toronto.

As part of an expansion of a previously announced plan to promote immigration to smaller communities, the province on Wednesday released a proposed list of 13 manufacturing job categories that would qualify foreign workers for permanent status in Canada.

In the past, Ontario has granted an immigration pathway to lower-skilled newcomers in 10 occupations, including agriculture, construction and health support services, but no limits were placed on where the jobs could be. Under the program, employers could hire foreigners and recommend them as potential immigrants to the province. A majority of the workers ended up in the Greater Toronto Area. However, that failed to address labour needs elsewhere.

In December, Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, announced a pilot project to help spread the benefits of economic immigration across Ontario.

Small and rural communities have expressed an urgent need for labour in certain local manufacturing businesses, a ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. In our discussions, many noted that the occupations most in-demand were in manufacturing.

And so this weeks proposed program expansion includes 13 new manufacturing job categories including products assemblers, finishers and inspectors; industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators; industrial sewing machine operators; electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers; and process control and machine operators in food, beverage and associated products processing.

Randstad Canada, a human resources service provider, just released a list of the top 10 most in-demand jobs in Canada in 2020 and four were blue-collar occupations: truck driver, welder, general labourer and heavy duty mechanic. The findings echo an earlier report by the Business Development Bank of Canada that identified manufacturing, retail trade and construction among the sectors facing the strongest headwinds.

Debbie Douglas of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants welcomed the proposed changes but said officials need to do more to help these newcomers stay in those communities.

Thats where some of the work has to continue to happen. People stay in communities where their families feel welcomed, jobs with decent wages, good public schools, a faith community or other cultural supports, Douglas said.

Both the provincial and federal governments will have to support municipalities as well as the immigrant and refugee serving sector to build the communities where new residents will want to stay.

This year, Ottawa has allocated 6,650 spots to Ontario to choose its own immigrants who can best meet local labour market needs. The province would like to double this quota in 2022.

The public has until March 2 to comment on the governments amendments to the Ontario immigration program.
Lo and behold, its happening again. Russia is trying to hack our election.

This latest explosive report comes from the New York Times: As the impeachment inquiry kicked off in November, Russians hackers began targeting the Ukrainian energy company at the center of the storm, Burisma.

Its the one that Trump wanted investigated, in search of anything damaging he might be able to use against his presumed 2020 rival, Joe Biden.

Trump first asked President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden, as a personal favor. Then he publicly asked the same of China.

Now Russian hackers have apparently stepped up to do it for him.

This is their opening salvo in a brand-new assault against American democracy in 2020. Imagine the future were looking at: One in which every country in the world has an incentive to spy on American homes and businesses.

A world in which foreign intelligence services mine our citizens for embarrassing revelations on anything from financial blunders to adultery.

Yet to this very day, the White House has no robust strategy to counter this interference in our elections. There is good legislation, but that too is being blocked by Republicans.

And in the meantime, instead of doing all he can to keep Kremlin agents from hijacking our democratic process, the President of the United States has gone out of his way to encourage them.

Remember when Trump wagged his finger at a laughing Putin, and told him with a grin, "Don't meddle in the election"? Well, Putin isnt an idiot. He got the message.

In short: Youre welcome to get involved in American elections, as long as it helps Donald Trump, as Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) put it.

Russia is reportedly using the same tactics now that it did during the 2016 presidential election, against the Hillary Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee.

Once again, its launching a cyberattack against a political target, in the hopes of stealing data and then dumping that information, in an effort to influence another election in Trumps favor.

Ask yourself: What if they dont find the dirt theyre looking for this time? Will they simply make it up?

Either way, this is exactly what Special Counsel Robert Mueller and FBI Director Christopher Wray have been warning about. Russian meddling in 2016 was indeed just the dress rehearsal for 2020.

The Kremlins cyberwarriors have a large arsenal of tactics, as Wray outlines.

What has pretty much continued unabated is the use of social media, fake news, propaganda, false personas, etc. to spin us up, pit us against each other, to sow divisiveness and discord, to undermine Americas faith in democracy, he said.

That is not just an election-cycle threat. It is pretty much a 365-day-a-year threat.

We will never block foreign interference altogether. Thats impossible. Whats key is instead to punish the countries that do it, to deter them and others; starting with the most blatant hits on political targets.

Thats the point of the Deter Act, one of the many bills currently stuck in Mitch McConnells graveyard. The strategy is to force any country to consider the potential costs of its actions against the gains.

The bill, sponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), would take the president out of the equation entirely, given that he currently helps incentivize the meddling.

And it would give Russia a reason to exercise self-restraint. If the Kremlin attacks American candidates, campaigns, or voting infrastructure, consequences would be swift and harsh: Sanctions on major sectors of the Russian economy, blacklisting key Russian oligarchs from entering the U.S., and more.

Trump issued an executive order in 2018 that outlined possible discretionary sanctions, but the Deter Act would make them much stronger. Given his reluctance, we need a national policy for dealing with Russia, like in the Cold War.

We dont have that now. And until we do, Putin knows he doesnt have to worry about facing any real punishment, as long as he can keep his puppets in power.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
Explosions were seen in Gaza City on Wednesday due to a suspected Israeli airstrike. Israel reportedly targeted several Hamas military sites in the northern Gaza strip after claims that Palestinian militants had fired four rockets at southern Israel. The suspected rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system, with no reports of injuries or damage. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the rocket fire.

Gaza is under attack.



Palestinians are fleeing in terror. This is the state of Israel sending its fighters in to bomb them out. This is a war crime. This is ethnic cleansing. This is indefensible.



The United Nations believe this to be the case, so why do we allow it? pic.twitter.com/zO1Mf5YCt3  Craig Beaton Free Palestine (@CraigLBeaton) January 15, 2020

READ | Hundreds Of Palestinians In Gaza Mourn The Death Of Qassem Soleimani

2 milions in Gaza Can not sleep because

Israel attacks on Gaza 9:24 PM pic.twitter.com/g5wHx1jNjj  Ameera_Ahmed  (@Ameera_Ahmed00) January 15, 2020

Hours later, Israel returned fire with airstrikes, which also caused no injuries. The rocket attacks were the first in nearly a month, coming amid international efforts to negotiate a truce between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas group. The exchange comes after November 2019 saw some of the worst violence in months between two groups, after the Israeli military killed a senior Hamas commander.

The two conflicting parties have been conducting indirect negotiations through Egyptian, the United Nations, and Qatari mediators aimed at easing an Israeli blockade of the territory in exchange for a halt to rocket fire.

READ | Israel: Gaza Rocket Intercepted As PM Held Election Rally

IDF aggressive statement

On December 26, Israel retaliated with airstrikes against the Gaza strip after a rocket was fired from Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave towards Ashkelon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was present in the city for an election rally and he was hustled from the stage to provide cover from the attack.

A video posted by an Israeli newspaper showed Netanyahu, along with his wife, being taken to a shelter after sirens went off. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that the iron dome intercepted a rocket mid-air, fired at civilians, from Gaza strip. In response to the attack, the Israeli Air Force struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza.

IDF Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, in an address, explained the forces' plan to combat future threats. Kochavi said that Israel would not hesitate forcefully striking urban areas since its the enemy who chose to position itself there. When we say there, it isn't just that the enemy chose to position itself there, but the enemy also chooses to fire thousands of rockets and missiles at Israeli civilians, said Kochavi.

READ | Israeli Forces Launch Airstrike At Gaza Strip After 'rocket Fire'

READ | Syria Accuses Israel Of Missile Attack On Air Base Used By US Forces In Homs

(with AP inputs)

(image: AP)
Springfield Art Associations Molly Schlich Independent-International Film Series continues Sunday with a screening of the film Non Fiction.

The 2018 French film is a comedy-drama-romance  originally titled Double Lives  set in the Parisian publishing world. It follows an editor and an author as they find themselves in over their heads while coping with a middle-age crisis, the changing publishing industry at the hands of technology, and their wives.

Written and directed by Olivier Assayas, it stars Guillaume Canet, Juliette Binoche and Vincent Macaigne.

Being a French film (with English subtitles), New York Times reviewer A.O. Scott noted, In the vast majority of scenes, Assayas stages his arguments about the digital future in bars, restaurants and cafes, over informal dinners or hasty breakfasts. Or else, a bit less often, in stretches of pre- or post-coital discourse. People almost always meet at table or in bed, and in one case both at once, thanks to hotel room service. (The frites look delicious.) There are maybe 10 minutes out of 108 that dont involve the immediate prospect of eating, drinking or sex. Thats what doesnt change.

Film series screening are at 1 p.m. Sunday and 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday at the AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8 theater in Springfield. Individual tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students with school ID. Series passes also are available for $50.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the SAAs Michael Victor II Art Library, which houses a collection of books and magazines on art topics ranging from ceramics and jewelry making to drawing to painting.

Next weeks title will be Capernaum, on Jan. 26 and 28. The 2018 Lebanese drama tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who, while serving a five-year sentence for a violent crime, sues his parents for neglect.
Former chief minister Siddaramaiah and other leaders are likely to make the final decision on the name of the next Congress president of Karnataka soon, said party leader Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday.

"He (Siddaramaiah) has met all the leaders and I think soon they will make a decision. It has already been delayed, it should not have been delayed so much. I am sure high command will take a decision on this," Rao told reporters here.

Both Siddaramaiah and Gundu Rao had resigned from their posts, Leader of Congress Legislature Party and KPCC president, after the party's drubbing in the bye-elections held for 15 Assembly seats last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Underlining that terror groups are active in Pakistan, the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday said that Islamabad should do more to take "non-reversible" action against terrorism if it wants to prevent itself from being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

"All the evidence against Pakistan has been put on the table. Pakistan has taken some action...there has been some progress. Pakistan has to do a lot more and take non-reversible action," Gareth Bayley, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Director for South Asia, said at an interactive session at Raisina Dialogue 2020 here.

"It is absolutely clear that terrorist groups are operating from within Pakistan. They pose a serious challenge to the Pakistan government and the South Asian region as well," he said.

The FATF in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year.

The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

Talking about the developments in the Middle East region, Bayley called for de-escalation and a political settlement between the US and Iran based on international law and rules-based system.

Tensions between the US and Iran escalated dramatically after Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington at Baghdad International Airport earlier this month. Tehran retaliated by firing a volley of missiles at two US-led coalition bases in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Bayley said that the UK has a "really deep" counter-terrorism dialogue with India.

"Britain has foiled 19 terror attacks on its soil. We can share our experience with India just as India has a lot of experience to share," Bayley said.

The diplomat batted for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process to ensure long-lasting stability and tranquility in the region.

"We need an Afghan led Afghan owned peace process for it to work. We are moving in that direction. If that does not happen, the peace process is bound to fail," Bayley outlined.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rising tensions raise fears Iran could be close to becoming a nuclear power

He spoke as EU's top diplomat met Iran's foreign minister to try and save deal

President Hassan Rouhani said there was 'no limit' on Iran's nuclear programme

Iran's president warned today there is 'no limit' on the country's uranium enrichment programme since it abandoned the global nuclear deal in response to the killing of its top general in a US airstrike.

President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech: 'We are enriching more uranium than before the deal was reached ... Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress.'

The speech increased fears Iran could be close to building its own nuclear weapons as European diplomats try desperately to salvage the 2015 deal which President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.

As Rouhani spoke, the European Union's top diplomat met Iran's foreign minister in India to press Tehran to 'preserve' the increasingly fragile deal, according to a statement released in Brussels.

President Hassan Rouhani said today there was 'no limit' on Iran's uranium enrichment

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (right) and the head of Iran nuclear technology organisation Ali Akbar Salehi inspecting nuclear technology in Tehran last April

Josep Borrell warned that the deal was 'more important than ever' in a statement issued after talks with Mohammad Javad Zarif in New Delhi.

He said the two had 'a frank dialogue' in which Borrell 'underlined the continued interest of the European Union to preserve the agreement'.

Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments to the deal since Trump pulled out and imposed crippling economic sanctions.

And after the airstrike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, the architect of Iran's regional military operations, it said it would abandon all restrictions.

Rouhani said today its nuclear programme was now in a 'better situation' than it was before the deal was agreed with world powers, including Britain, Germany and France.

Rouhani visiting the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr, Iran, in January 2015

Iran says it will no longer be bound by the number of nuclear enrichment centrifuges it can operate following soaring tensions with the United states

His latest speech follows warnings he made yesterday that European soldiers 'could be in danger' in a threat to Britain, France and Germany when the three nations triggered the pact's 'dispute resolution mechanism' over Iran's failure to comply with the deal.

Raising tensions even further he said: 'Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger.'

Iran has also accused the EU of having 'sold out' what remains of the nuclear deal to avoid new US tariffs on European exports, following reports President Trump had renewed a threat to slap a 25 per cent tariff on cars.

The EU's position is further complicated by Britain's exit from the European bloc, expected in two weeks.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has voiced support for the tottering Iran nuclear accord to be replaced by a 'Trump deal' - something France and Germany do not see as possible given Tehran's steadfast refusal to negotiate with the US.

Trump withdrew from the pact in part because it did not address Iran's support for armed groups across the region and its ballistic missile program.

The US has since imposed 'maximum' sanctions on Iran's economy.

Iran continued to abide by the agreement until last summer, when it began openly breaching some of its limits, saying it would not be bound by the deal if it saw none of its promised economic benefits.

So far Iran has only modestly increased its nuclear activity but there are fears it could be within a year or two of becoming a nuclear power.

In recent months it has boosted its enrichment of uranium to 4.5 per cent - higher than the 3.67 per cent limit set by the agreement but far from the 20 per cent enrichment it was engaged in before the deal.

Uranium must be enriched to 90 per cent to be used in a nuclear weapon.
Conventional wisdom has emerged that former vice president Joe Biden's lead with black voters is due in large part to older black voters who are familiar with the former lawmaker.

Since he launched his campaign, multiple polls have regularly shown that Biden is popular with black voters. But the photos of him campaigning, particularly in states such as South Carolina, regularly show him embracing older black women in churches or shaking hands with older black men on the trail who are throwing their support behind the man who was the number two for America's first black president.

And much ink has been spilled on younger black voters attempting to persuade their parents and grandparents to abandon the former vice president. But the latest data from a Washington Post-Ipsos poll shows that it is not just older black voters backing Biden over his competitors, but a sizable percentage of younger voters, too.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is leading the field with the youngest group of black voters. More than 4 in 10, 42 percent, of black 18- to 34-year-olds are backing the lawmaker.

But Biden earns about the same level of support among older millennials and voters from Generation X - ages 35 to 49 - at about 41 percent. And the candidate's support with the youngest group of black voters isn't insignificant. Thirty percent of black 18- to 34-year-olds name Biden as their first choice, and an additional 19 percent in the youngest age group say Biden is their second choice. More broadly, 64 percent of black Democrats under 35 have a favorable view of Biden, while 19 percent are unfavorable.

Rachel Osinuga, a 22-year-old senior at Texas Southern University, met Biden when he visited her campus last September in preparation for the debate. She said it was after personal interactions with him during a campus tour that she decided to support the former vice president.

"It was paramount to me to know that our political leaders were taking the time to listen," she told The Washington Post regarding what was essential in determining whom to support in 2020.

Biden "was able to interact with some of the student leaders on my campus and he genuinely was talking to them," the speech communications major said. "It wasn't a staged photo op. The students were asking real things that affected them - topics like police brutality and HBCU funding - and he answered them straight on," she added, referring to historically black colleges and universities.

While the plurality of young black Democrats support Sanders, Biden fares slightly better on the question of electability: 39 percent of black Democratic adults under 35 say Biden is the candidate with the best chance of defeating Trump, while 31 percent say Sanders is, with no other candidate reaching double digits.

Many black voters, including those in their 30s and 40s - and even 20s - share this view, said Keneshia Grant, a political professor at Howard University who focuses on black voters.

"I think what we have is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. In his strategy around 2020, I think Biden came out early and smartly, saying and suggesting that he was the Democrat who could beat Donald Trump," she told The Post. "And I think a lot of black voters are more concerned about beating Trump."

The data supports that. The Post-Ipsos poll found that more than 8 in 10 black registered voters said "it is important to them personally that Trump not win a second term." Seven in 10 said that it is "extremely" important to them.

Grant said that while younger voters may align more ideologically with the Democratic Party's more liberal wing on issues such as Medicare-for-all, many may be willing to temporarily sacrifice ideology for the sake of electability.

"I do think that folks would be making decisions based on policy if they believed they could have both," she told The Fix.

Antjuan Seawright, a millennial and Democratic strategist based in South Carolina, said that older black millennials and Gen Xers may be backing the moderate candidate because their own politics may be more moderate on economic issues. And black voters in their 30s and 40s may support collaborating with the various factions of the left - and even conservatives - in ways that the youngest black voters may not.

"I think (support for Biden) is more about being able to articulate the issues that matter and understanding that in order to get something down the road, it has to be done or laid out in such a way that includes all corners of the Democratic Party, and some buy in from the other side to get things done," Seawright said. "Nothing in Washington, D.C., gets done on a purely partisan basis - particularly in the moment we're in now."

With the first big contests weeks away, multiple candidates are hoping to have a strong enough showing to convince voters that they have what it takes to win the Democratic Party's nomination. But in the midst of all the uncertainty, one thing seems clear: Biden's support with black voters appears to be solidifying.
Y esterday, I swam in a pond with a kingfisher under a morning moon. I was euphoric the whole day, buffered against the stress of urban life. As a psychologist, I hope people have been led to Hampstead Ponds by the recognition that wild swimming might improve their mental and physical health. For this reason, the ponds should be accessible to all.

The ponds are worthy of investment as a resource to improve Londons well-being: the upcoming review should focus on equal access, rather than contributing to already-rising health inequalities by pricing them out of the reach of many people.

Puffin OHanlon

We are surprisingly well served for swimming spots in London, and as we realise the benefits of a chilly paddle, lidos and lakes are becoming busier. Many were set up when the Thames became too polluted for swimmers. Outdoor swimming is enjoying a moment, so lets think of more ways to open up the water.

The London Waterkeeper campaign is trying to put our river on a par with other European city waters, which are clean enough for a proper swimming culture to have taken hold. Cold-water swimming is highly addictive: the more places to do it, the happier Londoners will be.

Isabel Hardman

Editor's reply

A swimmer braving the cold in the Hampstead Ponds / AFP/Getty Images

Dear Puffin and Isabel,

As you say, there is nothing like a dip in an exhilaratingly icy body of water to give your body and mind a reboot. At 2 entry, subsidised by the City of London Corporation, swimming in Hampsteads Ponds is one of the cheapest thrills in the capital  but because paying is by honesty box many get away with going for free. Im ashamed to say it but I rarely have 2 in change. A contactless card machine like buskers now use would be an easy way to fix this; ensuring lifeguards are properly paid and the pond maintained. As it is, the Heath is hard to reach by public transport and rudimentary changing rooms with only one warm shower deters many. Upping the price risks making it seem more exclusive, and is futile if no one will pay anyway.

Susannah Butter, Comment Editor

Exclusion figures cant be compared

Your article on school exclusions [January 7] highlights the difficulties of comparing boroughs figures.

The number of managed moves in Tower Hamlets has remained broadly constant in the past four years, with a success rate of over 90 per cent of pupils remaining in their new school. Many boroughs have an informal system for exchanging pupils between schools, but often does not show up in their figure  our model ensures all moves are monitored. Without a national measure its not accurate to compare figures. Our approach may inflate the numbers but its the reason for our success.

Danny Hassell, Cabinet member for children and schools, Tower Hamlets

Peers must save child refugees law

I wish I could share your optimism regarding the Governments decision to revoke its obligation to reunite child refugees with their families [The Reader, January 14].

Syrian refugee boys walk together at a camp in Lebanon / REUTERS

Three years ago, the Government convinced Lord Dubs and others to drop a requirement to welcome 3,000 unaccompanied children. No longer bound by law, it then capped the Dubs scheme at 480. Today the Government is trying to revoke the only binding protection left. I hope peers keep the legislation in place.

Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO Safe Passage International

Tackle poverty to end knife crime

In medicine we learn about the symptom iceberg; the most visible symptom that a patient presents with is often just the tip of a much larger issue beneath the surface.

I am concerned that Rory Stewarts primary solution [Londoners deserve a safer city  and that starts with the Mayor, January 13] to our citys knife crime crisis is more policing  this surely is the tip of the iceberg.

Its unintended consequences may also include arresting and jailing more young people, who already feel that they have few opportunities or alternatives.

Having been a doctor in the accident and emergency department looking after people affected by knife crime, what has always struck me is the youth and fear of those involved. Poverty is not an excuse, it is the root cause. Tackling poverty is harder and needs real impetus, along with cross party co-operation.
Nine people from an alleged 'prohibited firearm supply syndicate' have been arrested in seven different towns across NSW.

NSW Police have seized 17 firearms, nine of which were stolen, from across the state since Strike Force Colenso was established in January, 2019.

The seized weapons include rifles, shotguns, shortened firearms and a pistol.

In addition, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm parts, magazines and prohibited weapons such as grenades were also seized.

In relation to the supply of firearms, nine people were arrested in seven different towns across NSW from November 7, 2019 to January 15 of this year.

Nine people from an alleged 'prohibited firearm supply syndicate' have been arrested in seven different towns across NSW. Pictured: One suspect being arrested

NSW Police have seized 17 firearms, nine of which were stolen, from across the state since Strike Force Colenso was established in January, 2019. Pictured: A fraction of the total weapons and ammunition seized

Shocking pictures released by police reveal the sheer scale of the alleged 'prohibited firearm supply syndicate'.

In one photo, eight rifles are spread out on a table as well as numerous boxes of ammunition.

There is even a bandolier belt filled with red shotgun shells, not dissimilar to those seen in action movies like Rambo.

One seized gun appears to be an FN FAL military-service battle rifle that was used in the Falklands War, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and more recently, the Syrian Civil War.

Another picture shows a bolt action rifle that has been shortened, which makes it easier to conceal and allows for greater mobility in close quarters combat.

Several hunting rifles, a double-barreled shotgun and a handgun are also pictured.

Several photos show military hand grenades, that police said were 'inert', meaning they would not blow up if the pin was pulled.

In one photo, eight rifles are spread out on a table as well as numerous boxes of ammunition

Several photos show military hand grenades, that police said were 'inert', meaning they would not blow up if the pin was pulled. Pictured: A seized hand grenade

One seized gun (pictured) appears to be an FN FAL military-service battle rifle that was used in the Falklands War, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and more recently, the Syrian Civil War

One picture shows a bolt action rifle that has been shortened, which allows for greater mobility in close quarters combat

The first two suspects, a 34-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were arrested at a home in Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast on November 7, 2019.

The 34-year-old man, from Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast, was charged with 22 offences including numerous charges relating to supply of stolen and prohibited firearms and firearm parts.

Some of the more serious offences are two counts of use/supply stolen firearm or firearm part, manufacture firearm without licence/permit, unlawfully sell firearm parts 3 times or more within 1 year, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He was also charged with numerous driving offences including not stopping and driving dangerously during a police pursuit.

On the same day as his arrest, he was formally refused bail at Hornsby Local Court to reappear at Gosford Local Court on January 31, 2020.

Police will allege that the accused man received more than $58,000 for supplying firearms on eight occasions and firearms parts on three occasions to another man between March and October 2019.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old woman was charged with six offences relating to the supply of firearms, firearm parts, a pistol and ammunition.

She allegedly unlawfully sold firearms three times or more within a 12-month period.

The accused woman appeared in Godford Local Court on November 8, 2019, and is due to reappear there on January 31 of this year.

Several hunting rifles, a double-barreled shotgun and a handgun are also pictured. Pictured: A bolt action hunting rifle

A Koolewong man was charged with supply pistol to person unauthorised and 21 other offences. Pictured: A seized handgun

Police raided a Windsor home in the early hours of December 17, arresting a 39-year-old man in and seizing two inert hand grenades in the process. Pictured: One of the seized grenades

Nine people were arrested in seven different towns across NSW from November 7, 2019 to January 15 of this year. Pictured: A double-barrell shotgun

The next two arrests came on November 13, 2019 in Dubbo - 300 kilometres away from Woy Woy, where the first arrest warrants were executed.

A 20-year-old man was apprehended and two counts of use/supply stolen firearm or firearm part and one count of supply/give ammunition to person not authorised.

He was granted strict conditional bail at Dubbo Local Court on November 14, 2019 and is due to reappear at the same court on January 22 of this year.

The 37-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with supply firearm to person unauthorised, unauthorised supply of firearm part, and supply/give ammunition to person not authorised.

She was also granted strict conditional bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on the same day as the 20-year-old man.

The fifth arrest came from a completely different part of NSW, 480 kilometres from Dubbo, at a Wallaga Lake home on the far south coast on November 25, 2019.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with six offences relating two supplying and selling firearms and ammunition to unauthorised people.

He was formally refused bail at Batemans Bay Local Court the next day and is due to reappear at Gosford Local Court on January 31 of this year.

The first two suspects, a 34-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were arrested at a home in Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast on November 7, 2019. Pictured: An unknown suspect being arrested

The next two arrests came on November 13, 2019 in Dubbo - 300 kilometres away from Woy Woy, where the first arrest warrants were executed. Pictured: A shortened bolt action rifle

The fifth arrest came from a completely different part of NSW, 480 kilometres from Dubbo, at a Wallaga Lake home on the far south coast on November 25, 2019. Pictured: A deconstructed rifle

Police raided a Windsor home in the early hours of December 17 last year, arresting a 39-year-old man in the process, who was charged with supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it.

Two inert hand grenades, ammunition, magazines, and two knives were seized during the raid.

The man appeared at Penrith Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on Tuesday 11 February 2020.

A 44-year-old man was arrested at Gosford Police Station December 30, 2019, charged with supply prohibited firearm to person unauthorised to possess it.

He appeared at Gosford Local Court the next day, where he was refused bail to reappear at the same court on January 23 of this year.

At 2am last Saturday, a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person and sell prohibited weapon to buyer not authorised to possess.

He appeared at Bathurst Local Court the same day and was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on March 16, 2020.

The final suspect was a 41-year-old Thornleigh man, who was arrested near Fairfield Train statio on January 15 of this year.

He was charged charged with supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it and refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Thursday.

Shocking pictures released by police reveal the sheer scale of the alleged 'prohibited firearm supply syndicate' that spanned seven NSW towns. Pictured: A hunting rifle

A 44-year-old man was arrested at Gosford Police Station December 30, 2019, charged with supply prohibited firearm to person unauthorised to possess it. Pictured: An inert grenade with ammunition in the background
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Leading travel accommodation information and bookings engine will use the Partnerize Partner Automation Platform to manage all of its revenue partnershipsSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2020 / Partnerize, the leading provider of partner automation solutions for global brands, today announced that Allstay Company Limited, the leading Korean travel metasearch company, has selected the Partnerize platform to manage all of its revenue-generating partnerships. Partnerize's award-winning Partner Automation Platform is an end-to-end, SaaS solution for forming, managing, analyzing and predicting the results of partner marketing programs using artificial intelligence (AI).Allstay's first-to-market iOS and Android app bring powerful accommodation metasearch capabilities to the highly connected mobile-first Korean consumer. The Allstay app compares over two million inventories from carefully curated booking sites to provide users with the lowest price and latest availability information for hotels and private accommodations. Allstay partnerships drive traffic to many of the world's largest OTAs and other travel ecommerce sites. When users convert on those sites, Allstay receives a share of the revenue.Allstay chose Partnerize because of its ability to track and report on all traffic and sales the company sends to its partners. With the Partnerize Platform, Allstay will benefit from:Richer real-time traffic insightsMore rapid growth in the number of travel providers in their ecosystemFaster payments from their e-commerce partnersPartnerize's industry-leading mobile tracking capabilities were also a key factor in the Allstay decision. Partnerize offers multiple approaches to capture consumer events and conversions that take place on the mobile web, in-app, web-to-app, and app-to-app."Partnerize offers the entire suite of capabilities we need to power a larger and more productive partner program," said Hyunsoo Cho, CEO of Allstay. "We need a highly flexible platform that can handle enormous scale, and Partnerize's long track record meeting the needs of hundreds of the world's largest brands gave us confidence in their abilities." "We are very proud to have been chosen to help Allstay build their business," said Pete Mycock, Partnerize General Manager for the APAC region. "We look forward to serving this innovative mobile-first company and unlocking extraordinary growth opportunities." About PartnerizePartnerize is the leader in partnership automation. The AI-powered Partnerize Partner Automation Platform delivers data-driven intelligence and industry-leading management tools that are essential for materially improving ROI from this fast-growing sales channel. The Partnerize platform has won more than two dozen awards including Best Technology from the International Performance Marketing Awards. The world's leading companies, including 63 top retailers, 12 international airlines, 9 of the largest telecoms, and more than 200 other global brands rely on Partnerize to drive and manage more than $6B in partner sales and $500M in partner payments every year. For more information on how Partnerize can grow your partnerships and business, please visit https://partnerize.com Contact:Diane AndersonWIT Strategy for Partnerize415.254.9086SOURCE: Partnerize
The Srinagar Police on Thursday broke up a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror module in the city and averted a major terror attack that the outfit had planned ahead of Republic Day in the valley. Five operatives have been arrested, police said.

The police zeroed in on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror module and five people have been arrested, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Central Kashmir, V K Birdi said. They were arrested during investigations into FIR No. 02/2020 of Police Station Nigeen pertaining to a terror attack on January 8, near the Habak crossing, he said.

Birdi said that during the course of investigation it was revealed that these five men were involved in the recent terror attack at Habak.

A large cache of explosive material has been recovered from the five terror operatives, according to the police.

In a major success, the Srinagar Police busts Jaish module. Two grenade blasts in the Hazratbal area worked out. Major attack averted ahead of Republic Day, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a tweet.

Two earlier grenade attacks around Srinagar were also carried out by the same terror module, the police added.

Those arrested are Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh of Sadarbal Hazratbal, Umar Hameed Sheikh of Asaar Colony Hazratbal, Imtiyaz Ahmed Chikla of Asaar Colony Hazratbal, Sahil Farooq Gojri of Ellahibagh Soura and Naseer Ahmed Mir of Sadarbal Hazratbal, the Srinagar Police said.

The five JeM operatives were allegedly planning a major terror attack in the run-up to Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir. According to the police:

Imtiyaz Ahmed Chikla, alias Imran, is the son of Mohammad Sidiq Chikla, a resident of Asaar Colony, Hazratbal. He is approximately 31 years old and is a shop keeper.

Sahil Farooq Gojri is the son of Farooq Ahmed Gojri, a resident of Ellahibagh, Soura. He is approximately 26 years old and worked in a private firm.

Naseer Ahmad Mir is the son of Mohammad Ashraf Mir, a resident of Sadarbal Hazratbal. He is 25 years old and ran a business of his own.

Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh is the son of Late Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Sadarbal Hazratbal. He is approximately 38 years old and a driver by profession.

Umar Hameed Sheikh is the son of Abdul Hameed Sheikh, a resident of Asaar Colony, Hazratbal. A street vendor by profession, he is roughly 28 years old.
SANTA FE  After vetoing a bill to change New Mexicos probation and parole rules, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in April that she expected prosecutors from around the state to work with bill sponsors to strike a compromise before the start of this years legislative session.

But despite multiple meetings and email exchanges that have yielded some common ground, no full deal has been struck on the issue with less than one week before the 30-day session gets underway.

Rep. Antonio Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, one of the sponsors of last years bipartisan bill, said he plans to file a revamped proposal next week that will address some of prosecutors concerns.

We may not have unity on all the issues, Maestas said. There are those who dont understand the policy or agree with the policy.

But he also said he believes the bill will pass during the session, predicting it would be relatively uneventful after last years fireworks.

The bill, which has not yet been filed, would eliminate parole costs, update the legal definition of absconding and would not alter state law regarding the possibility of parole after 30 years for most first-degree murders, Maestas said.

However, 12th Judicial District Attorney John Sugg, whose office covers Otero and Lincoln counties, said prosecutors have been unable to reach full agreement on the bill with Maestas and other bill sponsors because of what he claimed was a moving target regarding the bills objectives.

Weve compromised as much as we can, but were not willing to compromise on public safety and victims rights, Sugg told the Journal.

He also said the district attorneys, along with Attorney General Hector Balderas, planned to send Lujan Grisham a compromise proposal outlining their suggestions.

Specifically, Sugg said, they would like to require victim restitution  or at least incentivize it  to complete probation, and they want to ensure that parole officers are authorized to make arrests in certain situations, such as when an individual convicted of DWI shows up drunk for a parole meeting.

Last years plan was crafted in response to the Legislative Finance Committees findings that New Mexicos recidivism rate is increasing, hitting 50% in 2018, as states across the country are reporting a downward trend.

Parole revocations for technical violations related to drug use made up half the recidivism rate, and 67% of parolees violate conditions at least once, according to the LFC report.

But the district attorneys and the Attorney Generals Office lobbied Lujan Grisham to veto last years bill, arguing it would have made it easier for New Mexico inmates serving life sentences to end up back on the streets.

Balderas, a Democrat, recently indicated he still has concerns.

New Mexicos safety is at risk when we prioritize probation and parole reform ahead of strengthening victim services, and mental health and drug treatment services, he said in a statement. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to appropriately balance these concerns.

Meanwhile, Lujan Grisham spokesman Tripp Stelnicki said Wednesday that the Governors Office is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year.

Were monitoring the conversations between those two entities and were hopeful they can come to some kind of agreement because criminal justice reform is very important, Stelnicki told the Journal.

He also said the door is open for a bill to move forward during this years session.
WATCH HILL, R.I., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The iconic Ocean House, Weekapaug Inn and Inn at Hastings Park are offering extraordinary Valentine's packages that spare no expense for a memorable and romantic celebration. Whether it's an intimate wedding ceremony, a luxurious hotel-hopping adventure, or the ultimate puppy love escape, each of these packages will ignite sparks and ensure an extreme Valentine's Day experience.

ROAD TO HAPPINESS "ROUTE DU BONHEUR" -- $104,200

Experience an unforgettable four-day, three-night luxurious Valentine's package in New England, including the award-winning Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn on the scenic Rhode Island Atlantic coast and the Inn at Hastings Park in historic Lexington and Concord area in Massachusetts.

One-night stay in the Penthouse Suite at Ocean House

One-night stay in the Osprey Suite at Weekapaug Inn

One-night stay in the Barn Suite at Inn at Hastings Park

A private consultation with Tiffany & Co and a two-carat diamond ring

A Spa Journey for two at the Forbes Five-Star OH! Spa

A $5,000 online shopping spree at LillyPulitzer.com

online shopping spree at LillyPulitzer.com A private helicopter from Rhode Island to Lexington, MA with Veuve Clicquot champagne

to with Veuve Clicquot champagne A dozen red roses in each guest room

Private chef dinner at each hotel for two with wine pairings

Daily breakfast in bed with endless mimosas

Private car driver for the weekend

A private photography session and digital photos to document this once-of-a-lifetime experience

SEA THE LOVE PACKAGE AT OCEAN HOUSE -- $91,900

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic escape along the scenic Atlantic Coast with luxurious accommodations in the Tower Suite at the top of the internationally acclaimed Ocean House, a private in-gondola dining experience and a brand new sporty Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug in Hybrid.

Two-night stay in the Tower Suite with stunning views of three coastal states ( Rhode Island , Connecticut and New York ).

, and ). A red 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid (US purchase and delivery to the Ocean House)

Private seafood cooking class with Chef Timothy Meyers in the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts or in the couple's Tower Suite kitchen

in the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts or in the couple's Tower Suite kitchen An Ocean Bliss massage for two in the Five-Star OH! Spa

A Fondue Village in-gondola experience with Veuve Clicquot pairings

Daily lunch and in-room breakfast for two

Dinner for two at COAST restaurant with wine pairings

PUPPY LOVE PACKAGE AT WEEKAPAUG INN -- $113,340

Outdoor lovers can share their love with a one-of-a-kind package at the waterfront Weekapaug Inn that includes their very own puppy, romantic and memorable outdoor activities plus a 2020 Volvo XC90 luxury hybrid SUV and pet accessories to take home. Also included is a return reunion trip to Weekapaug Inn one year later.

A two-night stay in one of Weekapaug Inn's well-appointed suites

A mini Goldendoodle puppy (extensive background check required)

A 2020 fully loaded Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, Volvo's all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, complete with a doggie harness (US purchase and delivery to Weekapaug Inn)

Hunter Boots and a Hunter outerwear wardrobe for two

and a Hunter outerwear wardrobe for two Puppy sweater, collar, leash, bed, crate, bowls, food and treats

Nature adventures for couple and puppy with the Inn's on-site Naturalist and daily beach walks

Daily in-room breakfast for three; and lunch at The Weekapaug Inn

Custom private dinner for the happy couple and the puppy

A one-year reunion return including a weekend stay, breakfast and dinner

TAKE THE LEAP  INN AT HASTINGS PARK LEAP YEAR WEDDING PACKAGE -- $70,400

Couples can take the ultimate romantic leap at the historic Inn at Hastings Park with a wedding takeover, exclusively available on Leap Day, February 29th. The package includes all 22 rooms, a ceremony, reception, dinner, breakfast and much more.

Exclusive rights to the Inn at Hastings Park the evening of February 29 , and use of all 22 guest rooms at Boston area's only Relais & Chateaux hotel.

, and use of all 22 guest rooms at area's only Relais & Chateaux hotel. Wedding ceremony including flowers, the officiant and champagne toast

Hair and make up for bride and bridal party of five

Cocktail hour and dinner with wine for up to 50 at Town Meeting Bistro, expertly planned and prepared by the Inn at Hastings Park executive chef

A photographer and photographs to capture the celebration

Music, dancing, and living statues

Brunch for up to 50 people including mimosas

Departure gifts for guests

Transportation for the couple in the Inn's Volvo house car to Boston's Logan International Airport.

Reservations for each of these special packages need to be made 10 days in advance. Based on availability and restrictions apply. Individuals interested in these packages or other options including dining or overnight accommodations can call 888.974.7613.

About Ocean House Management, LLC

Since the redevelopment of the Five-Diamond, Five-Star Ocean House in 2010, Ocean House Management, LLC has grown from a single luxury hotel to a collection of some of the most prestigious hotel properties in New England. Each hotel is a destination and member of Relais & Chateaux, with its own name and personality. Ocean House Management Collection is comprised of Ocean House (OceanHouseRI.com), in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; the Weekapaug Inn (WeekapaugInn.com), in Weekapaug, Rhode Island; The Inn at Hastings Park (InnatHastingsPark.com), in Lexington, Massachusetts; and Watch Hill Inn (WatchHillInn.com), in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Visit OHMCollection.com.

Media Contact & Photos:

Laurie Hobbs | [email protected]

401.584.7014 or 612.220.1176

SOURCE Ocean House Collection
A screen in the media room broadcasts Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, speaking during his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. Bloomberg

Russia saw extreme political upheaval on Wednesday with constitutional reforms announced by President Vladimir Putin leading to the resignation of government. By the end of the day, Putin had also proposed a new prime minister and political commentary was rife with speculation over the strongman's strategy and grip on power. The day started with Putin giving his annual address to lawmakers and members of the elite in which he announced a national referendum on the reforms that would seek to limit presidential power and hand more control to parliament. One notable change would be that the Duma (Russia's parliament), rather than the president, would appoint any prime minister. Putin also suggested limiting future presidential terms to just two. Like the U.S., future presidents would have no possibility to return after these two terms (as he himself has done). Potential new powers for the State Council, an advisory body to the Kremlin led by Putin, were also outlined. But there was little detail on what the changes could mean for Putin's future role in public life. Soon after, and with little warning, the government resigned to help implement the changes. As Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned on state television, with Putin sitting beside him, he said that the changes would "introduce substantial changes not only to an entire range of articles of the constitution, but also to the entire balance of power, the power of the executive, the power of the legislature, the power of judiciary."

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Russian Prime Minister Dmitriy Medvedev are seen at a meeting with the government, following Putin's address to the Federal Assembly, in Moscow, Russia on January 15, 2020. Anadolu Agency

Putin then appointed Medvedev as his deputy within the state's Security Council and swiftly nominated Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the Federal Tax Service, as the country's new prime minister. The announcements from Putin  the longest-serving Russian leader since Stalin, having occupied the presidential and prime ministerial offices alternatively for 20 years  prompted widespread speculation as to Russia's political future, and Putin's, after his current term in office ends in 2024. What is Putin up to and what does it all mean? Here's a selection of comment and analysis from experts on what the changes could mean:

What do the reforms mean?

"Putin proposed a referendum on a package of constitutional changes, which would reshape the balance of power in the country's political system," Andrius Tursa, Central & Eastern Europe Advisor at Teneo Intelligence, said in a note late Wednesday. "The key suggested amendments would curb the extensive presidential influence by extending the role of Duma and regional governors, while the mandate of the largely symbolic State Council would be specified (and potentially strengthened) in the constitution." All this suggests that Putin is intending to remain in power after his second term in office expires in 2024, Tursa said. "The proposed constitutional amendments, however, say little on what position he would undertake post-2024, as he could become the head of government, the speaker of the parliament or remain the chairman of the strengthened Security Council."

"It's probably not the case that Putin has a definite end-state planned right now," Daragh McDowell, head of Europe and Principal Russia Analyst, Verisk Maplecroft, told CNBC Thursday. "The beauty of the constitutional reforms ... (are) that it gives him a number of different possible perches where he can sit within the elite to continue to exercise influence of control over the political process after his current terms ends in 2024."

Influence after 2024

"These developments should be seen in the context of the "2024 problem"the question of what will happen at the end of Putin's current presidential term," analysts at Eurasia Group said in a note late Wednesday. "The planned changes to the constitution add to our conviction that Putin intends to step down as president in 2024. But by clipping the wings of his successor, Putin is providing scope for himself to retain influence for himself after he leaves office." "I would say that he's (Putin's) trying to ensure that no one ever comes in who is more powerful than he was," Gina Sanchez, chief executive of Chantico Global, told CNBC's Squawk Box Europe. "So, he's weakening the presidency. The Russian presidency is one of the strongest in the world that has powers that can be unchecked so he is creating these checks (on power), but in many ways he's actually simply ensuring that, post his 2024 departure, that he can maintain a voice in the government and have a weak presidency that cannot overshadow that voice." "He's weakening the presidency and no one can argue that that's a bad reform, but he's doing it for the purposes of ensuring his own legacy," she added.

Medvedev the fall guy?

"You could argue that for the past eight years, Medvedev's job description has been taking the blame," Daragh McDowell, head of Europe and Principal Russia Analyst, Verisk Maplecroft, told CNBC Thursday. "And this is the kind of ultimate accrual of that in him being pensioned off to a somewhat less influential position. There is a sense that Putin doesn't really have much of an interest in domestic politics, particularly when we're talking about the grind of rather unpopular domestic political issues, such as pension reform or reforming the somewhat stagnant economy. These aren't as exciting issues like Syria or geopolitics." Jason Bush, Alex Brideau, and Zachary Witlin, senior analysts at Eurasia Group, remarked in a note Wednesday Medvedev's move out of the premiership "is not necessarily the demotion it appears at first glance," however. "If anything, Medvedev's departure from the government gives him a chance to refurbish his image," they said. "The job of prime minister is a poisoned chalice: Medvedev was blamed by the public for unpopular domestic policies, such as 2018 reforms to the pension system. His new remit in the Security Council on defense and foreign affairs will present him to the public in a more positive light. At the very least, it looks like Medvedev is being given a chance to hone his qualifications to serve again as president."

Who is Mishustin?

"Mishustin is an interesting guy," Ariel Cohen, senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, told CNBC Thursday.

"This is the first time Russia has not only an economist but a big data-based guy in charge. He ran the Russian tax authority and made it very, very efficient - one of the best in the world ... He has a reputation as a modern, effective manager but not (a reputation) as a possible successor to Mr Putin."

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Mikhail Mishustin, former head of the Russian Federal Tax Service, and now prime prime minister, during a meeting at Moscow's Kremlin. Alexei Nikolsky
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:

Uzbekistans Agrobank signed a loan agreement with the China Development Bank (CDB) for $40 million, Trend reports citing Agrobanks press service.

The loan agreement aims to support relations between entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and China by providing long-term loans, ensuring the expansion of economic and trade relations, as well as investment activities of the two strategic partner countries.

The agreement envisages provision of a credit line to finance projects involving Chinese suppliers and contractors. The purpose of this agreement is to promote the development of cooperation between Uzbek entrepreneurs and manufacturers of China by financing purchases of high-tech equipment, goods and services from China.

The signing of the agreement on financial cooperation will give a new impetus to bilateral relations and the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. Moreover, the agreement will provide an opportunity to attract credit resources on favorable terms, which will create new large investment opportunities in Uzbekistan.

China Development Bank was established in March 1994 to provide funding for the development of government projects focused on the modernization and development of infrastructure in major industries, including energy and transport.

The main task of the Chinese financial institution is to regulate the macroeconomic policy of the central government, supporting the development and strategic structural changes in the economy. The main activities of the China Development Bank are long-term lending and bond issuance.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri
An 11-year-old Massachusetts girl is doing OK after state police troopers found her a couple hours after she had been abducted by strangers Wednesday afternoon.

An Amber Alert was issued for Charlotte Moccia around 5 p.m., but it was canceled after she was found in a car on the Massachusetts Turnpike about two hours later.

Massachusetts State Police said they received multiple 911 calls around 7:15 p.m. from motorists driving on Interstate 90 who reported seeing a car that matched the description of the suspect vehicle in the area.

Troopers who were working a road construction detail in the area were able to limit traffic to a single lane and bring the flow of traffic to a crawl.

The troopers were able to spot the suspect vehicle and stopped it in the work zone. They found Charlotte in the back seat and removed her from the vehicle.

"We are grateful that we had an opportunity to find and rescue her before something even worse happened," said Massachusetts State Police Lt. Charles Murray. "I'm just ecstatic that we were able to return her safely. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Troopers removed the man driving the car, 24-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, of Springfield, at gunpoint after spotting a knife in the pocket of the driver's side door.

Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Charlton State Police Barracks for booking. He has since been transferred to the Springfield Police Department.

Charlotte had no apparent injuries and was evaluated by emergency medical services personnel before she was transported to an area hospital for further evaluation, according to officials.

"She's an amazing little girl," said Massachusetts State Police Lt. Bob Ackerman. "I couldn't believe how she kept it all together and just speaking with us. It's amazing. I can't believe how strong she was dealing with this."

Charlotte's family had gathered at a home in Springfield and erupted in celebration when they were notified that she had been found safe.

Springfield police said Charlotte was returning home from Hampden Charter School of Science when she went missing Wednesday afternoon.

State police said she was forced into a blue Honda at 1:26 p.m. in Springfield, Massachusetts, not long after she got off her school bus.

A blue Honda of the same description was captured on a neighbor's surveillance video following the girl the day before she was abducted, according to authorities.

"Once we realized what we had, we knew that time was of the essence," said Springfield police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood. "This was not the kind of case that we could go home, or we could hand over or we could say, 'We'll continue this in the morning.' This was an absolute life-and-death situation for this little girl, so we dedicated all our resources to it and we had a lot of help.

"Thank you to the public for helping us out. It has come to a very good conclusion, I feel."

State police investigators reported that Rodriguez was walking behind Charlotte and forced her into the back of an older model blue Honda that was being driven by a woman.

"When I came out, I heard the kid hollering for help," a witness said. "By the time I got down (to the road) to try to get the plate number, all I could see was an individual bent over, throwing her in the back. He shut the door and the car took off."

Springfield police believe a woman may have been involved at the time of the abduction.

Clapprood said Rodriguez is known to Springfield police and that he is expected to face additional charges.

The Springfield Police Department will continue to investigate the abduction.



State police also thanked the motorists who paid attention to the Amber Alert.

"They made this rescue possible," Murray said.
CAIRO - Libyan general Khalifa Haftar has informed German foreign minister Heiko Maas that he will be taking part in the Berlin conference, according to a tweet by the broadcaster Al-Hadath, part of the Al-Arabiya chain. The Saudi-headquartered Al-Arabiya has two days before reported Haftar's decision to attend the international conference slated for Sunday. Al-Hadath noted on its website that Haftar had told the German minister during the latter's visit Thursday to Libya to meet with the military commander. The meeting was an attempt to step up efforts to secure a cease-fire, the broadcaster added.

Government of National Accord (GNA) prime minister Fayez al-Serraj confirmed his participation in an FB post on the GNA account. The GNA announced that Serraj had been officially invited by Maas. The post noting that Serraj hoped that all state involved in the Libya issue would be taking part, including Algeria. In meeting with Maas on Wednesday, the prime minister said that it was important to return to political means for the sake of stability, in line with proposals by UN envoy Ghassan Salame.
Legendary photographer Henri Cartier Bresson's gallery of photographs of Mahatma Gandhi's last moments at Gandhi Smriti has been digitised and displayed on LED screens in a loop without any text, and his grandson Tushar Gandhi is furious.

While Tushar Gandhi alleges an attempt to obliterate historical evidence, likening it to removing Renaissance paintings at the Louvre and replacing them digitally, Gandhi Smriti director Dipankar Shri Gyan denies the charge and says the display is still under construction.

Renowned French photographer Bresson was the last to have taken photographs of Mahatma Gandhi, just an hour before he was shot dead. The iconic photographer also documented the Mahatma's death and its immediate aftermath.

Birla House where he took his last breath on the evening of January 30, 1948, is today Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to the father of the nation.

Tushar Gandhi told PTI the digital format running on LED TV screens at Gandhi Smriti only displays the photographs in a loop, completely ignoring its historical context written in text when the prints were displayed.

"The photographs are running on LED screens like a slideshow with no text. There was no reason why such beautiful prints of Bresson were removed. It's like removing the paintings of the Rennaissance painters from the Louvre and replacing them digitally.

"There is no text to explain the situation and people don't get to know anything from them. There are eyewitnesses accounts of journalists which people used to read. When it comes on the screen without any text, it is just like any other photograph," he said.

Gandhi Smriti Director Gyan said the prints were digitally displayed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the institution in November last year with German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel.

"During that visit it was digitised for two-three days and again it was done when the PM visited with his Portuguese counterpart (Antonio Costa). The PM had recommended that everything be digitised and we received the orders from the secretary of the Ministry of Culture," Gyan told PTI.

The LED display of Bresson's photographs opened for the regular public only four days ago, he said.

"It is still being worked on and we will incorporate everything in it. We opened it under pressure from the public who wanted to see the display. It is still under construction," he added.

Tushar Gandhi also said the photographs on display were prints of the originals gifted by Bresson himself to Gandhi Smriti and thus had artistic value.

"Shocked. The evocative photo gallery of Henri Cartier Bresson displaying the post murder photographs from the Gandhi Smriti have been removed from display on the orders of The Pradhan Sevak. Bapu's Murderers are obliterating Historic evidence. He Ram!" he said on Twitter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The logo of the Chinese social media app TikTok is shown in a picture taken in Paris on Dec. 14, 2018. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images)

TikTok Not Approved by Australian Department of Defense Devices

The Australian Department Of Defense has not approved the use of video-sharing social networking app TikTok on devices used by its military personnel, the ABC reported.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and based in Beijing, is not used nor has it been whitelisted, a Department of Defense spokesperson told the publication.

The news of the app not being allowed on Australian Defense devices comes after a recent similar ban by U.S. military forces on government-issued phones which it said was due to cybersecurity risks.

In December, the Pentagon also advised there was a potential risk associated with using the app and asked U.S. military personnel to delete the app from their government-issued phones.

The U.S. Navy also banned the app on government devices of Navy and Marine personnel in December, saying that it represented a cybersecurity threat.

TikTok allows users to create short-form videos up to 15 seconds which are often accompanied by music and the app has soared in popularity in recent years, beating Instagram and Snapchat in 2018 to become the worlds fourth most downloaded app.

In 2019, it overtook Facebook and Messenger to become the second most downloaded app behind WhatsApp, and roughly 60 percent of its 26.5 million monthly active users in the United States are between the ages of 16 and 24, the company said.

However, its spike in popularity has raised concerns about data privacy and national security among some U.S. regulators and lawmakers, who expressed fears over the potential for the Chinese government to access TikTok data.

In November last year, a national security review of ByteDance Technology Cos $1 billion acquisition of U.S. social media app Musical.ly was launched by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a government panel which reviews acquisitions in the United States by foreign companies.

TikTok, which was valued at $78 billion (AU$112 billion) late last year has repeatedly defended itself over those concerns, saying that the company stores all U.S. user data in the United States, with backup redundancy in Singapore.

Our data centers are located entirely outside of China, and none of our data is subject to Chinese law, it said in a statement issued in October last year.

Further, we have a dedicated technical team focused on adhering to robust cybersecurity policies, and data privacy and security practices.

However, there is no information on the companys website and it did not elaborate further in its statement on where data on users from other countries, including Australia, is stored.

In the same statement, the company has also sought to distance itself from the Chinese government after it was accused of censoring politically sensitive content, saying that it is not influenced by any foreign government, including the Chinese government, and that it does not remove content based on sensitivities related to China.

We have never been asked by the Chinese government to remove any content and we would not do so if asked. Period. Our U.S. moderation team, which is lead out of California, reviews content for adherence to our U.S. policiesjust like other U.S. companies in our space.

We are not influenced by any foreign government, including the Chinese government; TikTok does not operate in China, nor do we have any intention of doing so in the future, it added.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said that airlines flying from Caracas, the capital city of the country, must pay for fuel in petro cryptocurrency.

Maduro announced the news at his annual speech to the ruling Constituent Assembly on Tuesday, as reported by France24. "I decree the sale of all fuel sold by the PDVSA [Venezuelan state-owned oil company] for planes operating international routes be made in petros from now on," said the president.

Maduro did not specify whether the initiative applies to Venezuelan airlines alone or international carriers as well.

The president reportedly also said that taxes and utility bills will be paid for in petros going forward. Were opening a path to a new economy, to break old protocols and bureaucracies, he added.

Venezuela has been taking several measures to boost the adoption of petro. Earlier this month, Maduro said the country will sell oil and part of the gold it produces for petro. The countrys cryptocurrency was announced in Oct. 2017, and its sales began in Feb. 2018, but it has failed to take off.

Many people dont want to move to the Petro because their business is in dollars. We will look at them closely. The Petro will cut the mafias hands off, Maduro said in Tuesdays speech.
The Housing Minister says he is 'very angry' at the incident in Dublin that left a homeless man with life-changing injuries.

On Tuesday afternoon, the man in his 30s was seriously injured while in his tent along the banks of the Grand Canal.

He was hurt by an industrial vehicle during works carried out by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland. Eoghan Murphy

Read More:

He expressed his sadness at the incident but defended his record on homelessness.

"That was a terrible accident that happened the other day," said Mr Murphy

"And, like I think the rest of the country, I was shocked when I heard about it. I was very angry and upset.

"And we wish that person every speedy recovery."

The Housing Minister continued: "We have too many people in emergency accommodation and we still have too many people sleeping rough at night.

"But we have brought in best international practice in housing first, to get people off the streets and into homes. And then get the care and support around them."

Eoghan Murphy

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has said that everyone feels shame at the housing crisis.

Ive often said that I believe homelessness is a stain on our society, its a reflection of one of the things that is going wrong in a country where most things are going right, he said.

Its totally unacceptable, it brings shame on us all quite frankly, he said, adding that he finds it at least a little bit reassuring that there are fewer homeless families and fewer homeless children than there were this time last year.

The comments come as it was revealed today

Read More:

The death, which is being treated as a personal tragedy, occurred on Wednesday in the Phoenix Lodge hostel, sometimes referred to as Judge Darleys, which provides 24-hour emergency accommodation for homeless people.

Also today, a picture of an elderly woman

Read More:
The global upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) treatment market is expected to grow by USD 1.98 billion during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of almost 4% during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for over-the-counter drugs. Furthermore, the emergence of biologics will positively impact the upper respiratory tract infection treatment market during the forecast period. Request a free sample report

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200115005941/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global upper respiratory tract infection treatment market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 119-page report with TOC on "Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market Research Report by Type (Antibiotics, NSAIDs and nasal decongestants, and Others), Geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW), and the Segment Forecasts, 2019-2023".

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019-2023)

Antibiotics

NSAIDs and nasal decongestants

Others

Antibiotics along with NSAIDs and nasal decongestants are expected to grow faster than the overall market during 2019-2023. Antibiotics such as azithromycin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and VIBRAMYCIN are easily available to treat upper respiratory tract infections and their symptoms, which will drive market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, NSAIDs and nasal decongestants such as aspirin, xylometazoline, and oxymetazoline can improve symptoms caused by common cold such as headache and ear pain. Nasal decongestants also provide relief from symptoms of sinus, as they work by narrowing blood vessels to help reduce the inflammation and swelling that causes sinus congestion. Antibiotics and NSAIDs and decongestants are available in pharmacies without prescription, which has increased the practice of self-medication among individuals, thereby driving market growth.

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Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019-2023)

Asia

Europe

North America

ROW

North America will be the largest geographical segment of the global upper respiratory tract infection treatment market in 2019-2023. The market in North America is led by the US and is driven by the increasing prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections. Moreover, the continuous development of new drugs in North America for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections will also contribute to the market growth. For instance, Lyra Therapeutics tested LYR-210 for treating chronic rhinosinusitis. During the trial, the drug was observed to be safe and well-tolerated by patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The patients also showed improvement in the sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) after a single administration of LYR-210. Therefore, the development of new and approved drugs will contribute to the dominance of the region throughout the forecast period.

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Major Five Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Companies:

GlaxoSmithKline Plc

GlaxoSmithKline Plc operates its business under various segments such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer healthcare. The product offered by the company is Augmentin. It is a combination drug consisting of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Merck Co., Inc.

Merck Co., Inc. operates its business under four segments, which include pharmaceutical, animal health, healthcare services, and alliances. The company's key offerings include Gefapixant and Cosome Lcd (10/4 mg) Syrup.

Pfizer Inc.

Pfizer Inc. has business operations under various segments, namely innovative health and essential health. Some of the products offered by the company are Corex and ZITHROMAX.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. operates its business under the biopharmaceuticals segment. The company's key offering includes Dupixent, which is designed to treat patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The drug has completed its Phase III clinical trials.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. operates it businesses in North America, Europe, and international markets. The company's key offerings in the upper respiratory tract infection treatment market include Azithromycin which is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200115005941/en/

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NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2020(MROME) summit and exhibition will be held February 24-26 in Dubai, UAE. The combined summit and trade show, co-located with Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME), is the Gulf region's leading conference and exhibition for commercial aviation maintenance.



Gathering over 5,000 attendees from the entire airline supply chain, more than 83 countries are represented at the event, offering networking among industry leaders representing airlines, regulators, suppliers, and service providers.

According to Aviation Week 2020 Commercial Fleet & MRO Forecast, fleets in the Middle East are expected to nearly double, growing from 1,760 aircraft in 2020 to 3,670 aircraft by 2029, a CAGR of 8.5%. MRO demand in the Middle East is projected to double in the next 10 years and could reach $16.5 billion by 2029.

The MRO Middle East Exhibition.

The MRO Middle East Summit takes place the day before the main exhibition, on Monday, February 24 at the Conrad Dubai. The one-day conference attracts 150+ senior attendees from the aviation aftermarket to network, explore the landscape, and discuss emerging opportunities in the Middle East. The sessions will be followed by a networking reception for delegates.

Summit speakers include:

Amir Ali, Chief Technical Officer, PIA Engineering and Maintenance

Yasin Birinci (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187019), Production Planning and Control Director, Turkish Airlines Technic

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187019), Production Planning and Control Director, Turkish Airlines Technic Teddy Canadas (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1203072), CCO, Testia

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1203072), CCO, Testia Fraser Currie (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1192446), CCO, Joramco

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1192446), CCO, Joramco Frederic Dupont (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187702), VP Technical Sales, Etihad Airways Engineering

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187702), VP Technical Sales, Etihad Airways Engineering Gagan Jacobs (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1172566), Power Plant Manager - Technical Services Dept., Jet Airways India Ltd.

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1172566), Power Plant Manager - Technical Services Dept., Jet Airways India Ltd. Nicole Noack (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1203071), Head of Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance, Lufthansa Technik AG

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1203071), Head of Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance, Lufthansa Technik AG Jim O'Sullivan (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187221), VP Sales & Business Development, HEICO

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187221), VP Sales & Business Development, HEICO Dr. Beshara Sholy (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1196385), Head of Department, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1196385), Head of Department, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic Jason Sutcliffe (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187199), Regional Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce International

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1187199), Regional Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce International Geert van Damme (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1195161), VP Sales & Marketing, EMEA, TurbineAero

(https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1195161), VP Sales & Marketing, EMEA, TurbineAero Shevantha Weerasekera (https://conference.mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/me20/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=1195408), Head of Engineering Technical Services, Etihad Airways Engineering

MRO Middle East Platinum Sponsors are HEICO , Lufthansa Technik , Satair and StandardAero , and Gold Sponsors are Atitech , Collins Aerospace , Embraer , and Turkish Technic .

"With a presence in five continents, Middle Eastern airlines have spearheaded air traffic growth in this region twice as fast as the rest of the world, and the global MRO industry will soon reach $100 billion," said Lydia Janow, Managing Director/Events, Aviation Week Network. "Professionals involved in any aspect of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul will have the opportunity to network with those who are fostering growth in the region, developing cutting-edge technology, and pushing the industry forward."

Additional 2020 MRO events include: MRO Australasia, March 11-12, Brisbane, Australia; MRO Americas, April 28-30, Dallas, Texas; ap&m Europe , May 19-21, Manchester, UK; Engine Leasing, Trading & Finance Europe , June 10-11, London; Aero Engines Europe , September 16-17, Stavanger, Norway; MRO Asia-Pacific/Aero Engines Asia-Pacific , September 22-24, Singapore; and MRO Europe , October 27-29, Barcelona, Spain.

ABOUT AVIATION WEEK NETWORK

Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.7 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world's leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Network's portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising.

Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC.

ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

About Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East

Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East is one of the most influential names in the aerospace industry's events sector, and which launched the very first Dubai Airshow in 1989, in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.

Covering all aerospace-related events in the Tarsus portfolio, Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East has a long-standing relationship with the global aerospace industry, an in-depth knowledge of the market and a hard-earned reputation for delivering event excellence. Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East maintains offices in Dubai and London.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Kelley Grace +1-561-702-7471 Elizabeth@thebuzzagency.net (mailto:Elizabeth@thebuzzagency.net)




NEW YORK - Federal prosecutors announced murder charges Thursday against a Malian man accused of playing a central role in two 2016 terror attacks in West Africa, including an al-Qaida shooting in Burkina Faso that killed an American missionary and 29 other people.

Mimi Baba scouted attack locations for al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and arranged the transport of assault rifles and hand grenades used in the attack on a hotel and cafe in Burkina Fasos capital of Ouagadougou, authorities alleged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.

The shooting killed 45-year-old Michael J. Riddering, an American missionary who had been eating dinner with a local pastor at Cafe Cappuccino when the attackers opened fire with AK-47s. The attack lasted for nearly 12 hours and killed people from 18 different countries, including the wife and young daughter of the Italian cafe owner, two French citizens, two Swiss citizens and six Canadians.

All three gunmen were killed.

Baba, 32, was captured in 2017 in Mali, where he remains in custody and is being prosecuted. Mali has no extradition treaty with the United States.

We will continue to pursue justice for Mr. Riddering and for all American victims of terrorism, John Demers, the assistant attorney general for national security, said in a news release. Our memories are long and our commitment to justice is unending.

Riddering managed a yacht outfitting company in Florida before he and his wife, a graphic designer, sold their possessions in 2011 to move to Burkina Faso, where they ran an orphanage, school, clinic and womens centre housing dozens of children and widows. He was buried in Burkina Faso.

Several weeks after the Burkina Faso shooting, prosecutors said, Baba also helped plan a similar al-Qaida attack on Westerners in Ivory Coast. In that attack, three men armed with hand grenades and AK-47s walked along a beach in Grand Bassam opening fire. Nineteen people were killed.

The criminal complaint says U.S authorities interviewed Baba in 2017. The document says Baba did not consider himself a jihadist but was willing to assist al-Qaida for monetary reasons.

The FBIs New York office handles so-called extraterritorial investigations in Africa. The Brooklyn-based Eastern District of New York previously prosecuted a Malian national for conspiring to kill a Department of Defence attache during a 2000 carjacking in Niger.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Subramanian Swamy has suggested a bizarre remedy to boost the ailing Indian rupee. Swamy said that inscribing the image of Goddess Lakshmi on Indian currency notes could improve the condition of the domestic currency.

The statement was made in response to a reporter's question to who asked Swamy: "If you were to suggest following the Indonesian practice for the rupee which God you will choose?"

Notably, the 20,000 Rupiah currency note in Indonesia has a picture of Lord Ganesha on it.

Swamy said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can answer this question. I am in favour (of this). Lord Ganesha removes obstacles. I rather say that a picture of Goddess Lakshmi (on currency notes) may improve the condition of Indian currency. Nobody should feel bad about this."

Swamy was speaking to reporters on Tuesday night after addressing a lecture series titled 'Swami Vivekananda Vyakhyanmala' in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district.

Also read: RCom assets bidder UVARC planning to launch new telco in India?

Also read: How is YES Bank really doing? Answer lies in these three key parameters
LHASA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua)  The Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign formally kicked off Wednesday in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, with an appeal to Chinese travelers to visit the Himalayan country.

In 2020, the regional government will assist Nepal in organizing a series of promotional tourism events.

This will give a boost to Nepal's tourism industry, according to Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, the consul general of Nepal in Lhasa, at the opening ceremony of the campaign.

China is Nepal's second-largest source of tourists, with about 150,000 tourists visiting Nepal in 2018.

Tourism is one of the pillars of Nepal's economic development and the campaign held in China is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, Karkee said.

A total of 11 MoUs were signed at a recent meeting of the Nepal-China's Tibet Joint Tourism Coordinating Committee to enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.

(Source: Xinhua)
Disneys DIS streaming service Disney+, which was launched on Nov 12, 2019, reportedly continues to witness strong user growth two months after its debut.

Per Sensor Tower data, the streaming services mobile app  which has been downloaded nearly 41 million times across the App Store and Google Play  witnessed an estimated $97.2 million in user spending.

The company itself announced 10 million Disney+ sign-ups a day after its debut. The media giant will give its next subscriber update with first-quarter earnings on Feb 4, 2020.





Strong Content Portfolio to Aid Disney+ Growth



The streaming services user growth was driven by its strong portfolio of offerings. Disney+ has approximately 500 movies and 700 episodes, including content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic.

Moreover, Disneys acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March 2019 gave it access to the studios portfolio of movies, which was a valuable addition to Disney+ offerings.

Markedly, the company is spending heavily on developing new original content that is expected to drive subscriber growth for the streaming service.

Notably, Disney spent around $100 million to make The Mandalorian, which was one of the most in-demand shows in 2019, per Parrot Analytics data.

The company is also reportedly spending $25 million per episode on the shows based on the hugely popular Marvel universe, which includes The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki and Hawkeye, among others.

However, the huge investment is expected to hurt profitability. Management expects the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) & International Interactive Media segment to report roughly $800 million in operating losses for the first quarter.

Notably, in fourth-quarter fiscal 2019 DTC & International segment operating loss widened to $740 million from $340 million in the year-ago quarter.

Strong Competitive Position

The services strong portfolio makes it well poised to counter competition in the highly competitive video streaming space, which, per allied market research data, is expected to witness CAGR of 18.3% from 2019 to 2026.

Story continues

Moreover, the services lower subscription cost of $6.99 per month gives it an edge over Netflix and Amazon prime video, with their standard subscription costs being $12.99 and $8.99, respectively.

Disney+ also has a higher customer satisfaction score of 76% than Netflixs 74% and prime videos 66%. The figure was also up from 48% for AppleTV+, per YouGov data, quoted by investors.com.

Notably, Disney expects Disney+ to be profitable within fiscal 2024 and amass 60-90 million subscribers worldwide.

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B oris Johnson will head to Berlin on Sunday for talks about the crisis in Libya.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is hosting the gathering of world leaders.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The conflict in Libya has escalated in recent months and threatens to destabilise the wider region.
Scientists have developed what they call 'living concrete' by using sand, gel and bacteria.

Researchers said this building material had structural load-bearing function, was capable of self-healing and is more environmentally friendly than concrete - which is the second most-consumed material on Earth after water.

The team from the University of Colorado Boulder in the US believe their work paves the way for future building structures that could "heal their own cracks, suck up dangerous toxins from the air or even glow on command".

Wil Srubar, who heads the Living Materials Laboratory at the university and is one of the study authors, said: "We already use biological materials in our buildings, like wood, but those materials are no longer alive.

"We're asking: Why can't we keep them alive and have that biology do something beneficial, too?"

For their experiments, the team worked with cyanobacteria - green microbes that live in the water and can manufacture their own food.

While these bacteria are quite small and usually unicellular, they often grow in colonies large enough to see.

Marshmallow

The team created a scaffold using sand and hydrogel for the bacteria to grow in.

The hydrogel contains moisture and nutrients that allow the bacteria to reproduce and mineralise, a process similar to the formation of seashells in the ocean.

These microbes absorb carbon dioxide from the air and make calcium carbonate, the main ingredient in cement.

"It's a lot like making Rice Krispie treats where you toughen the marshmallow by adding little bits of hard particles," Mr Srubar said.

The team said their hydrogel-sand brick s also capable of reproducing, demonstrating self-healing capabilities.

Researchers found on splitting a lab-grown brick in half that it grew into two complete bricks with the help of some extra sand, hydrogel and nutrients.

"It really demonstrates the capability of exponential material manufacturing," he said.

The research, published in the journal 'Matter', is still in its early stages and the team said more work needs to be done to address some of the drawbacks. The team's cyanobacteria, for example, need humid conditions to survive.
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden campaigns in Abbeville, South Carolina

A dark-money group linked to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has spent about $20,000 on anti-Biden Facebook ads aimed at South Carolina voters.

Its one of the first salvos of negative advertising in a primary race thats otherwise remained mostly positive. The group, a 501(c)4 called Organize for Justice, uses a barely month-old Facebook page called Watercooler Politics. Organize for Justice is a sister organization to Justice Democrats, which is a liberal political action committee closely linked to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; the group even recruited AOC to run for office.

Sometimes the candidate that seems like the safest choice isnt the safest choice. reads the ad on which Organize for Justice has spent the most money, at least $7,500, as of Monday.

In close second is an ad on which at least $5,500 has been spent, which reads: The United States has the largest prison system in the world. As Senator, Joe Biden helped build it.

Both ads have been shown about half a million times, if not more, to South Carolina voters since Dec. 19.

All of the ads link directly to news articles, sometimes months old, that support the ads argument. None of them appear to collect contact information or solicit donationssuggesting that the goal of the ads is to change South Carolina voters minds.

South Carolina is the fourth state to vote in the race to decide the Democratic nominee for US president, voting on Feb. 29. The state is seen as a stronghold for Bidenin large part because many of the states Democratic voters are African-Americans who, polls show, overwhelmingly support Biden.

It seems likely that the ads are meant to appeal to African-American voters in particular, based on the the prison-related message and also on an electability argument, factors many political strategists believe resonate with that demographic group. Its not clear how Organize for Justice has used Facebooks powerful targeting tools to seek its voters; Facebook doesnt publish the choices that advertisers make.

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Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for Organize for Justice said the ads were targeted to South Carolina Democrats generally. I think Democrats in general care about racial justice and civil rights issues, he said.

Other ads that Organize for Justice may have concluded were less successful at getting clicksand thus, perhaps, changing minds and votesfocused on foreign policy; social security; and Anita Hill. Biden chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee when it harshly questioned Hill over her accusation of sexual harassment against Clarence Thomas, who, at the time in 1991, was being considered for a seat on the Supreme Court. Joe Biden did a disservice to me. A disservice, more importantly, to the public, reads the Anita Hill quote in Organize for Justices ad.

A few ads from Organize for Justice, on which very little money has been spent, criticize Pete Buttigieg and were targeted to Iowa voters. Shahid said the group was still testing its messages in Iowa, but planned to ramp up its ads shortly. In a press release sent after Quartz asked Organize for Justice about the ads, the group said it hoped to spend at least half a million dollars on paid digital advertisements in the next two months.

Justice Democrats has focused on primary challenges against less-liberal Democrats. Encouraging primary challenges against non-white members of Congress has earned Justice Democrats the ire of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Jeffrey Chester, director of the Center for Digital Democracy, told Quartz he thinks ads that target voters based on location should not be used. All candidates should agree that they will not use data-driven ads without full disclosure of the techniques, spending and impact, he wrote in an email.

Shahid, from Organize for Justice, said the ads were designed to educate voters about Biden and Buttigiegs records. Joe Biden is still the frontrunner in many national polls. He has a record that I dont think voters have gotten to be as familiar with as they should be. Shahid said the organization was looking into video advertisements on various platforms, potentially including YouTube.

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The Supreme Court will rule later on an important appeal by the State aimed at overturning a finding that the word child in the International Protection Act can extend beyond biological and adopted children for family reunification purposes.

The outcome has implications for many people seeking family reunification after getting protection here and raises important issues about the extent of Irelands obligations to those who obtain protection here.

The appeal is over a High Court finding in the case of an African man, Mr X, who came here in 2006. After getting protection in 2014, he sought family reunification in early 2015 with two children, then aged 15 and 12, whom he claims are his.

He described himself as single and produced birth certificates for the children naming him as their father along with a judgment from a court in his native country appointing him as their sole legal guardian.

He initially agreed to the Minister for Justice's request to undergo a DNA test but changed his mind in 2016, saying he suspected his "wife" was unfaithful and he was afraid to discover he might not be the children's biological father.

After twice being refused reunification, he took judicial review proceedings and the High Court found in his favour.

Mr Justice Max Barrett said section 56.9 of the International Protection Act 2015 provides reunification may be sought regarding a member of the family of the sponsor.

It provides member of the family includes a child of the sponsor, aged under 18 and unmarried at the date of application and the term child is not defined, the judge noted.

Assuming the two children are the biological children of another man, although Mr X regards them as his, each of them can properly be described as a child of Mr X for the purposes of section 56.9, he held.

He said there is a wide diversity of familial structures and the relationship of father/child is not confined by the 2015 Act to a biological father.

The Minister erred in proceeding on the basis section 56.9 requires a sponsor be the natural parent of a child and should reconsider the matter, he ruled.

On Thursday, a five judge Supreme Court, comprising the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke and his four female colleagues, who sat together for the first time, reserved judgment on the appeal by the Minister for Justice and State over the High Court finding.

Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, Ms Justice Iseult OMalley, Ms Justice Mary Irvine and Ms Justice Marie Baker, are among 167 female judges in Ireland, representing 38 per cent of the judiciary compared with 13 per cent in 1996.

In submissions for the appellants, Gerard Durcan SC, with Noel Travers SC and Anthony Moore BL, said Irish law provides the mother of a child is the person who gives birth to that child and the father is the person who provides the sperm. In this case, Mr X had failed to show a biological link to the children.

The extent of family reunification is a matter for individual states, he submitted.

There is only one constitutional family and Irish law does not have regard to the concept of other families.

The "normal meaning" of child is the child of biological parents and there was nothing in section 56.9 that entitled the High Court to find otherwise, he said. The Minister was also reasonably entitled to require the DNA test as it provided the best evidence.

Conor Power SC, instructed by solicitor Albert Llussa, for Mr X, said the Minister had taken no issue with the children's birth certificates and was not entited to refuse reunification applicaiton over failure to undergo a DNA test.

The "social and remedial" context of the Act supported his side's arguments the meaning of child is wider than the "narrow biological relationship" suggested by the State. The intent and purpose of family reunification as provided for by the Oireachtas was to protect the family unit that in fact existed in the man's home State.

The Minister's limited definition of child was "outdated", at odds with Irish domestic law and could lead to unjust situations.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was also involved in the appeal as assistant to the court on legal issues. Its counsel Michael Lynn SC argued family unity is an essential right of refugees and an essential element in enabling them resume a normal life and also facilitates refugee integration in their host State.
I am not a Democrat, and I dont support any of their candidates, but I am tired of Republicans saying the Democrats are supporting the Iranian government and that they are sorry Qassem Soleimani is dead. None of that is true.

Democrats are not complaining about what happened; they are complaining about how it happened, and they have a perfect right to do so. Soleimanis execution was not done under imminent threat, which makes it fall outside of legal retaliation according to international law.

After countless retelling of the facts by President Donald Trump and his Cabinet members, none could cite a specific imminent intent. The assassination was not carried out under imminent threat; it was on a list of things President Donald Trump might do in response if an American soldier was killed by Iran. A soldier was killed and Soleimani was assassinated in retaliation. That is not an unfair response.
While there's some reprieve from the Australian bushfire crisis this week, rising from the embers are questions for our politicians and there is no longer any willingness to accept the response "now is not the time."

Carbon emissions, hazard reduction, the role of the Commonwealth and the states, where the Australian Defence Force fits in  it's all on the table now.

On Sunday morning Prime Minister Scott Morrison sat down for an interview with David Speers on the ABC. The Prime Minister's rhetoric over the weeks has shifted, especially on the role of climate change in exacerbating this crisis, but Mr Morrison is still firmly against introducing a price on carbon.
PG&E Corp. is trying to address Gov. Gavin Newsoms concerns about its vision to exit bankruptcy and expects the conversations will lead to changes in how the company is overseen, according to a new regulatory filing.

Subsidiary Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said Thursday that it and the PG&E parent company are engaged in ongoing discussions with Newsoms office that likely will alter PG&Es current plan to emerge from bankruptcy protection this year.

In a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E said it believes the talks will lead to material changes to certain non-financial terms of its bankruptcy exit plan, such as governance.

Newsom has been harshly critical of PG&Es exit plan, calling it woefully short of state requirements.

In a December letter, the governor said PG&E should replace its entire board of directors and establish an escalating enforcement process that provides for greater oversight if the company fails to fulfill defined operational and safety metrics. He said PG&E should establish a path for a takeover by the state or another entity when circumstances warrant.

After the letter, PG&E and attorneys for victims of fires the company caused changed their $13.5 billion settlement deal so it no longer required Newsoms blessing to advance. But the company has continued to talk with Newsoms office about the broader bankruptcy exit plan.

PG&E spokesman Andy Castagnola said in an email that company representatives are engaged in constructive discussions and hope to make progress over the coming weeks regarding the exit plan. The company is speaking to the governors office, the utilities commission and others in order to make the necessary changes to build a stronger, safer and sustainable PG&E, he said.

Newsom spokesman Nathan Click told The Chronicle that the governors office has told PG&E and others what needs to happen in the bankruptcy case and is still waiting for a proposal that meets those requirements.

In its filing with the utilities commission, PG&E also referenced settlement negotiations with a group of bondholders who have been pushing a rival bankruptcy exit plan. The company asked the commission for a delay in a regulatory review of how PG&E should resolve its bankruptcy. An administrative law judge for the commission agreed Thursday to push some aspects of the proceedings back, but not the full two weeks PG&E had sought.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

PG&E said the financing of its exit plan will likely change if it settles with the bondholders  and also because of the talks with Newsoms office. A delay would allow the commission to consider any changes those discussions produce, PG&E said.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday that PG&E was close to a deal with the bondholders that would give them equity and new debt in the company if they abandon their competing plan.

PG&Es bankruptcy judge and the utilities commission have to approve an exit plan by June 30 in order for the company to take advantage of a new fund that would protect it from future wildfire costs.

J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris
A harrowing photo has captured the moment a koala appears to mourn the death of its friend amid the Australian wildfires.

The image was taken on Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, on Wednesday, two weeks after wildfires swept through the area, killing scores of animals.

In the image, the marsupial seemingly buries its head in its fur as it sits close to the deceased animal.

The koala was later rescued by the Humane Society's International Rescue team, which sent staff to the island to help wildlife.

One third of the island has been destroyed in the wildfires and an estimated 80 per cent of koala habitat has been wiped out.

Specialist, Kelly Donithan approaches an injured Koala / AFP via Getty Images

HSIs senior specialist in disaster response Kelly Donithan told One Green Planet that the scenes she faced on the island were devastating.

These are some of the toughest scenes Ive ever witnessed as an animal rescuer: the bodies of charred animals as far as the eye can see," she said.

But as we set out each day on search and rescue, were still finding animals alive, injured, dazed or traumatised, and its such a relief to be able to give them immediate life-saving assistance.

The rescue team check the koala for signs of injury / AFP via Getty Images

Weve seen kangaroos with devastating burn injuries and dehydrated koalas gasping for water. Amidst all this death, every time we find an animal alive it feels like a miracle.

She added that the local sanctuaries are working round the clock to provide veterinary care and her team are searching the areas for animals in need of assistance.

Australias Threatened Species Commissioner Sally Box said that just under a third of eucalyptus woodlands, which koalas use for both food and shelter, may have been lost in New South Wales.

Kelly Donithan holds a baby Koala she just rescued / AFP via Getty Images

The koalas' heavy fur and tendency to climb higher when threatened are severe disadvantages in fast-moving bushfires.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said reviews would be brought forward on whether certain koala populations should be listed as "endangered" rather than "vulnerable".

"Everything that can be done to rescue and recover koala habitat will be done, including innovative approaches that look at whether you can actually put a koala in an area that it hasn't come from," she said.

Australia fires - In pictures 1 /78 Australia fires - In pictures A firefighter hosing down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images An aerial view of bushfires burning south of Canberra Getty Images Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest on Kangaroo Island in January Reuters German tourists Julia Wasmiller and Jessica Pryor pose for a photo at Mrs Macquarie's chair, wearing face masks due to heavy smoke in December Getty Images A small aircraft dumps fire retardant behind houses at the foot of Mount Tennant as the fire front of the Orroral Valley fire creeps through the Namadgi National Park on January 30, 2020 in Canberra, Australia Getty Images A pyrocumulonimbus cloud is generated by the intense Orroral Valley bushfire buring to the south of Canberra. Getty Images Eugenie Bouchard of Canada takes a moment to catch her breath during her qualifying match against Xiaodi You of China during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Bernard Tomic of Australia receives medical attention in his match against Denis Kudla of the USA during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Massive smoke rising from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria in January AP Smoke looms over Sydney A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire at Snowy Valley, Australia in January AFP via Getty Images Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits a resident's property in an area devastated by bushfires in Sarsfield, Victoria state in January POOL/AFP via Getty Images An injured koala rests in a washing basket at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in January Getty Images A pedestrian wears a mask as smoke shrouds the Australian capital of Canberra, Australia in January AP A large smoke plume is seen over a sheep property in the Parndana region in January Getty Images NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff prepare to air-drop carrots for animals in bushfire-stricken areas, in Newnes, Wollemi National Park, New South Wales in January via Reuters A wallaby eats a carrot after NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff air-dropped them in bushfire-stricken areas around Wollemi and Yengo National Parks, New South Wales in January via Reuters Nurses feed an injured male koala at Adelaide Koala Rescue in January Getty Images A woodchip mill burnt by bushfires is seen as smoke rises in Eden in Australia's New South Wales in January AFP via Getty Images Kylie Minogue donates to the cause @kylieminogue Cars line up to leave the town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales to head north in January AFP via Getty Images HMAS Choules off the coast of Victoria, Australia in January Reuters The property of Lyle Stewart is razed to the ground at Nerrigundah, Australia in January AP Rural Fire Service firefighter Trevor Stewart views a flank of in Tumburumba, Australia Getty Images A plane flies in the tobacco-coloured skies over Auckland, New Zealand, as smoke from the wildfires traveled from Australia in January Getty Images An orange glow darkens the sky in Auckland city from the wildfires in Australia Getty Images Kiahan Bellchambers and her brother Jesse Bellchambers looking for belongings amongst the ruins of their house destroyed during bushfires in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images Lieutenant Kynan Lang from the 10th/27th Battalion visits the scene where his uncle and cousin died in a bushfire to place a memorial on Kangaroo Island, Australia in January via Reuters A firefighters backs away from the flames after lighting a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia AP Black ash and fire debris is washed up on Boydtown Beach and the banks of the Nullica River in Eden, Australia REUTERS Barb Copus holds a rescued baby brushtail possum at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in the Parndana region on Kangaroo Island, Australia Getty Images A burnt car is seen after bushfire in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images A burning gum tree is felled to stop it from falling on a car in Corbago, as bushfires continue in New South Wales, Australia in January Reuters General view of the Dunn Road fire in January Getty Images Australian Army CH-47 Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment deliver hay bales to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island, Australia via Reuters Volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area in December Reuters Thick smoke from wildfires shroud the Sydney Opera House in December AP A property burns from bushfires in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images A fireman fights a bushfire to protect a property in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images Helicopters dump water on bushfires as they approach homes located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Australian wildfires turn sky red in December brendanh_au/Twitter Firemen inspect a house recently destroyed by bushfires on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Firemen prepare as a bushfire approaches homes on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Monitoring the Tianjara fire from a helicopter in the Moreton and Jerrawangala National Park in December Getty Images People wear face masks to protect from the pollution over Sydney Harbour in December Getty Images A fire approaches the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP An old car burns from bushfires in Balmoral AFP via Getty Images The remains of burnt out buildings are seen along main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images Wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale, Australia in December AP A horse trying to move away from nearby bushfires at a residential property near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images Fire and thick smoke remains the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP Gary Hinton stands amongst rubble after fires devastated the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images A helicopter drops fire retardent to protect a property in Balmoral in December AFP via Getty Images The sky glows red as bushfires continue to rage in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia in December via Reuters A fire and rescue team inspect the damage around Torrington in Glen Innes, Australia in November Getty Images Flames from an out of control bushfire seen from a nearby residential area in Harrington, Australia in November AFP via Getty Images Bushfires taken from a plane in over north eastern New South Wales in November AFP via Getty Images An Air-crane water bombing helicopter drops water on a bushfire in Harrington, Australia in November Reuters Haze blanketing Manly Beach, Sydney in November Sydney Coaches via Reuters

The Australian government also committed $50 million to an emergency wildlife recovery program on Monday, calling the bushfires crisis engulfing the country "an ecological disaster" that threatens several species, including koalas and rock wallabies.

The wildfires have razed more than 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom, destroying or severely damaging the habitats of several native animals since September 2019.

"This has been an ecological disaster, a disaster that is still unfolding," government treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters on Monday as he visited the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where 45 koalas were being treated for burns.

"We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged."

The Australian division of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has advised the government of 13 animals whose habitats have been either destroyed or severely damaged.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  A lawmaker on Thursday suggested a rehabilitation plan that will cost up to 100 billion, to "recreate" and reform the Batangas area in the wake of Taal Volcano's eruption.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the TERRA Firma or the Taal Eruption Recovery Rehabilitation and Adaption Plan, will focus on restoring the impacted areas to their former state as well as to "leapfrog area development." This means rebuilding the province into a new "road center" akin to the billion-peso New Clark City in Tarlac. He pegged the budget needed at 60 to 100 billion.

This was among the recommendations he mentioned in a memorandum addressed to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

"Kung gusto lang nila harapin 'yung ngayon, mga 12 billion, kaya na," he later added , speaking to CNN Philippines' On the Record.

[Translation: If they just want to face what's happening now, then P12 billion would be enough.]

The congressman also urged his colleagues to help first, and comment later on issues surrounding the lapses of the government, particularly in the information dissemination ability of Phivolcs on Taals volcanic activity.

[The House] can devote some time to congressional investigations when the situational urgency has receded. We must help first and investigate later, he said.

A former Albay governor and UN-honored senior global champion for disaster risk reduction, Salceda insisted that the lower chamber should instead mobilize the necessary material and policy assistance for districts affected by the Taals recent volcanic activity.

His recommendations also include:

- Passage of the Department of Disaster Resilience bill which remains pending approval on second reading in the House

- Embedding all-of-nation convergences for disaster resilience into national policies, such as the General Appropriations Act, to provide necessary funding and resources as needed

Salceda stressed that among these measures, the implementation of the DDR bill stands as the most critical, as it could decide on matters involving disaster response at the highest levels of government and unify the currently fragmented disaster response mobilization of different agencies, among other functions.

On Tuesday, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga filed a House resolution calling for an investigation on how the involved government agencies fared in the wake of the eruption.

READ: House urged to probe govt response to Taal's eruption

Barzaga particularly called out Phivolcs in the resolution, questioning the timeliness of communicating necessary information on volcanic hazards and making real time warnings of Taal's volcanic activity.

Phivolcs officials said they are open to any investigation as they are confident that they are performing their jobs well.

Meanwhile, Malacanang said that Congress can conduct a hearing as part of its legislative powers.

"That's the prerogative and privilege of the legislature to call for a hearing in aid of legislation. Hayaan mo sila (let them be)," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo added that the government can provide additional funding to Phivolcs, should they ask for it.

"That goes without saying. Nasa Phivolcs 'yan, 'pag sinabi nilang kailangan nila ng isang bagay (it's up to Phivolcs, if they say they want something) to make them more effective, syempre ibibigay natin (of course, we will give it to them)," he added.

Alert Level 4 remains raised over Taal Volcano after it showed a marked unrest Sunday afternoon.

Phivolcs said this means the threat of a hazardous explosive eruption remains, although volcanologists said Taal exhibited less activity on Thursday.

READ: Phivolcs: Alert level 4 remains despite a quieter Taal
Ethiopia made progress with Egypt and Sudan in US-brokered talks in easing concerns over a hotly contested mega-dam on the Nile, with a tentative agreement to fill it only during the rainy season. The three countries had set a deadline of Wednesday to reach an accord over the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia, which Egypt fears could deplete its scarce drinking water. After three days of talks in Washington, the countries' foreign ministers "noted the progress achieved," a joint statement said. But they stopped short of announcing a resolution, saying the three countries would meet again in the US capital on January 28-29 to finalize an agreement. Analysts have feared that the three Nile basin countries could be drawn into a conflict if the dispute is not resolved before the colossal 1.8-kilometer-long dam, under construction since 2011, begins operating. In a draft deal, Ethiopia agreed that it will fill the dam -- set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project -- only in the wet season from July to August, or also in September if conditions are right. Ethiopia will aim rapidly to reach the level of 595 meters (1,952 feet) above sea level, with later filling to be determined based on the conditions of the river. The filling "will be executed in stages and will be undertaken in an adaptive and cooperative manner that takes into consideration the hydrological conditions of the Blue Nile and the potential impact of the filling on downstream reservoirs," said the statement released by the United States. The three foreign ministers "reaffirmed the importance of transboundary cooperation in the development of the Blue Nile to improve the lives of the people of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, and their shared commitment to concluding an agreement," it said. The draft deal also calls for special mitigation measures for Egypt and Sudan on years that they are especially dry. In early negotiations, Ethiopia had said it would fill the dam's reservoir in three years while Egypt wanted the process drawn out over 15 years. - Appeals for mediation - Ethiopia says the $4.2 billion hydroelectric barrage would double its electricity and be indispensable for a growing economy. It is expected to begin generating power by the end of 2020 and be fully operational by 2022. But Egypt fears disruption in the river that provides 90 percent of its drinking water. Discussions between the three countries broke down, prompting Egypt to call for international mediation. The US Treasury Department agreed to broker talks after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made a pitch to President Donald Trump, his close ally. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his democratic reforms, promised Sunday to take into consideration the other Nile nations' concerns. "Ethiopia always believes in a win-win approach with Egypt and Sudan," Abiy said on a visit to South Africa, adding that peace was essential to "realize our vision of development and growth." Abiy also invited South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, the incoming chairperson of the African Union, to help push forward negotiations on the dam. The International Crisis Group, in a report last year, urged the three nations not to see the dam dispute as an "existential conflict" but as a way to improve resource-sharing. "Waiting until the dam is operational -- when its impact on downstream countries is clearer -- would raise the risk of violent conflict," it warned. A worker walks with a piece of wood on his shoulder at the Grand Renaissance Dam, near Guba in Ethiopia A general view of the construction works at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam near Guba in Ethiopia in December 2019 Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo in December 2019
in guiding the Iranian people during the recent major protests against the regime.

The MEK and their supporters say that the Iranian regime and its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tried to deny fault and prevent the truth from surfacing over three days. The MEK supporters recognized this as the same thing the regime did during the uprising in November when the Iranian regime launched a brutal crackdown and killed at least 1,500 peaceful protesters, wounded 4,000, and arrested 12,000.

This angered the Iranian people again and caused them to take to the streets, chanting Khamenei, shame on you! Let go of the country!. The first protesters were university students in Tehran, but it quickly spread to other universities in the capital and other cities.

The MEK released footage online that shows thousands of students in Hafez Street, near AmirKabir University, where they called on Khamenei to step down and chantedPeople havent died for us to praise the murderous leader!, which is thought to be a direct reference to Khamenei, and Down with the liar, as they lambasted security forces.

While the MEK reported that at Sharif University in Tehran, the crowd was chanting Down with the mullahs regime principle! and IRGC is the shame of our country. The MEK explained that people are determined to uproot the whole of the regime.

Other anti-regime slogans being chanted included:

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Ali Khamenei), resign, resign

IRGC commits crimes, leader supports

Khamenei beware, we are the people and not thugs

Dictator and IRGC, you are our DAESH (ISIS)

We did not give martyrs, to praise the murderous leader

Do not call me seditionist, you are the sedition, the oppressor

Death to the oppressor, whether the Shah or the Leader (Khamenei)

The MEK reported that the Iranian regimes anti-riot State Security Forces attacked the protesters, spraying tear gas and bullets, to disperse the crowd, but the brave protesters resisted and shamed the security forces over their involvement in the November crackdown.

Protesters chanted slogans like The nation has not seen so many crimes, I kill whoever killed my brother, Incompetent IRGC, shame on you, and Dont be afraid, we are all united.

The MEK tweeted: Ali Khamenei is responsible for all killings during Iran Protests and also the current catastrophic situation in Iran. The world must be holding him accountable for committing crimes against humanity.

The MEK reported protests in many other cities of Iran, including Isfahan, Shiraz, Babol, Mashhad, Rasht, and Hamedan.

MEK spokesperson Shahin Gobadi wrote: The protest by thousands of Iranians in Tehran and several other cities today and this evening burst the propaganda balloon of the regime regarding Qassem Soleimanis elimination. Protesters chanted Soleimani is a murderer, his leader. i.e. Ali Khamenei is also a murderer, and tore down Soleimanis pictures. They held the IRGC and the regimes leaders responsible for crimes in Iran and called for their removal.

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BJP leader Tom Vadakkan on Wednesday hailed the Centre's massive outreach initiative for Jammu and Kashmir and said the upcoming visit by 36 Union Ministers to the region holds importance as it will spread awareness about the government's development measures for the union territory and apprise people about their due.

"This was supposed to happen and will happen. The revocation of Article 370 was all about bringing development in Jammu and Kashmir like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Ministers will make people and administration understand about it," said Vadakkan while speaking to ANI on Centre's delegation upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

"With the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir, the idea is to create a level playing field there. The development will take place. In this endeavour, we have over 30 ministers who will tell people of Jammu and Kashmir what is their due," he said.

The delegation will visit Jammu and Kashmir from January 18 to January 25.

While the Citizenship Amendment Act remains on the agenda, the ministers would hold meetings with people to share their views on bifurcation of the state into two union territories after the abrogation of Article 370.

These ministers are set to hold 51 meetings in Jammu and eight in Kashmir.

The ministers would share the vision and plans of their ministries for the development of the region. A senior leader said the outreach is aimed at strengthening the integration of people of Jammu and Kashmir with the country.

The ministers would interact with the people, exchange ideas on possibilities in the region and discuss the scope of development in various sectors. The feedback would be utilised in bringing complete normalcy in the UT.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Qantas is the worst airline for cancellations, new figures reveal.

The Australian airline cancels almost one-in-10 scheduled flights between Melbourne and Sydney in the six months to November, according to data collected by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.

That constitutes to an average of 9.5 per cent of flights cancelled on this route, which has more than doubled in the last two years.

The Australian airline cancels almost one-in-10 scheduled flights between Melbourne and Sydney (stock)

Worst airlines for cancellations Qantas

Jetstar

TigerAir

Virgin Australia

QantasLink

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

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'While our cancellation rate between Melbourne and Sydney improved significantly in December it is still too high,' a spokesman told Fairfax.

Despite cancellations, Qantas said it was easy to place customers on other flights within 15-30 minutes because it was a popular route.

The airline runs 46 return flights daily on the Sydney to Melbourne route, making it the second busiest.

'While the cancellation rate looks high... the sheer number of flights allows us to minimise the actual disruption.'

Data released by Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics revealed Qantas cancels the most flights

Neil Hansford, Chairman of Strategic Aviation Solutions, said the cancellations on popular flights allowed the rest of the Qantas network to run smoothly.

'Because they've got such a complex network, and you've got something like 40 odd flights scheduled a day, the main thing is to keep up the integrity of the rest of the network, like a Melbourne to Gold Coast, where there's only two or three [flights],' he told 3AW.

'To get those flights away you may take the equipment which would've done a Sydney  Melbourne or a Melbourne  Sydney to keep up the integrity of a service like the Gold Coast or Perth, to maintain all of those connections.'

Qantas rejected the explanation saying cancellations only occurred during bad weather and congestion,' the publication reported.

Jetstar came close behind Qantas with cancellations at 3 per cent, Tigerair at 2.4 per cent, and Virgin Australia and 2.2 per cent.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for comment.
NAIROBI, Kenya - The European Unions parliament has urged Burundi to release four journalists and who have been jailed since October.

The European parliament on Thursday called on Burundian authorities to drop charges and immediately release the reporters for Iwacu, one of the few remaining independent media organizations in the country.

The reporters, two females and two males, were arrested in Musigati district where they had travelled to report on an armed attack by anti-government rebels in the Kibira National Park, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the capital, Bujumbura.

They were charged with undermining state security and the public prosecutor called for 15-year jail sentences. He also called on the judge to deny them the right to vote for five years.

The European parliaments resolution, passed in Brussels, Belgium, said the jailing of the journalists is part of the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Burundi ahead of the May 2020 elections.

The plight of the journalists is very alarming and concerning for everybody who cares about press freedom, freedom of speech and even democracy in Burundi and in the region, said Muthoki Mumo, of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The jailing of the journalists comes after the Burundi government closed several local media groups. And last year Burundi stopped local operations of the Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corporation, which aired broadcasts in the local Kirundi language.

Tensions continue to rise as Burundis polls approach. Local authorities and the ruling partys notorious youth league members have beaten, threatened, and restricted peoples access to basic services to force them to donate money to fund the elections, and committed rampant abuses against the opposition, according to Human Rights Watch.
in India and few other large emerging countries may gain some momentum this year after the global recorded its lowest growth of 2.3 per cent in 2019 due to prolonged trade disputes, a UN study said on Thursday while lowering its current and next fiscal forecasts for the Indian

According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2020, a growth rate of 2.5 per cent is possible in 2020, but a flare up of trade tensions, financial turmoil, or an escalation of geopolitical tensions could derail a recovery.

In a downside scenario, global growth would slow to just 1.8 per cent this year, it added.

It lowered its estimate for India to 5.7 per cent in the current fiscal (from 7.6 per cent forecast in WESP 2019) and lowered its forecast for the next fiscal to 6.6 per cent (from 7.4 per cent earlier). It has also forecast a growth rate of 6.3 per cent for the fiscal beginning in 2021.

The report pegged India's rate for the previous fiscal at 6.8 per cent.

According to the UN study, one in five countries will see per capita income stagnate or decline this year, but listed India among few countries where the per capita GDP growth rate could exceed 4 per cent level in 2020.

A prolonged weakness in global economic activity may cause significant setbacks for sustainable development, including the goals to eradicate poverty and create decent jobs for all. At the same time, pervasive inequalities and the deepening climate crisis are fuelling growing discontent in many parts of the world.

"These risks could inflict severe and long-lasting damage on development prospects. They also threaten to encourage a further rise in inward-looking policies, at a point when global cooperation is paramount," UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres warned.

The GDP growth in the United States is forecast to slow from 2.2 per cent in 2019 to 1.7 per cent in 2020.

In the European Union, manufacturing will continue to be held back by global uncertainty, but this will be partially offset by steady growth in private consumption, allowing a modest rise in GDP growth from 1.4 per cent in 2019 to 1.6 per cent in 2020.

Despite significant headwinds, East Asia remains the world's fastest growing region and the largest contributor to global growth, as per the report.

In China, GDP growth is projected to moderate gradually from 6.1 per cent in 2019 to 6.0 per cent in 2020 and 5.9 per cent in 2021, supported by more accommodative monetary and fiscal policies.

"Growth in other large emerging countries, including Brazil, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation and Turkey, is expected to gain some momentum in 2020," the UN report said.

As the global economic balance is shifting from the EU, the US and other developed countries towards China, India and other developing countries, global economic decision-making power is shifting as well, it noted.

"Global cooperation mechanisms will need to recognize this shifting balance while continuing to allow the under represented to be heard," it added.

The UN report also said that eradicating poverty will increasingly rely on tackling inequality going forward.

"The share of the population living in extreme poverty has declined steadily and significantly over the past few decades, largely owing to successful experiences in China and India," it noted.

Although progress has been achieved in global terms, the number of people living in extreme poverty has risen in several sub-Saharan African countries and in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and Western Asia.

"Sustained progress towards poverty reduction will require both a significant boost to productivity growth and firm commitments to tackle high levels of inequality," the report said.

The WESP is an annual UN flagship publication on the state of the world economy, viewed through the lens of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

It is a joint product of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the five UN regional commissions.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), and the Labour Organization (ILO) also contributed to the report.
With the Supreme Court rejecting a review of its order that put Rs 1.47 trillion liability of past dues on telecom companies, firms such as and are evaluating filing a curative petition before the apex court for relaxation on penalties and payment deadline.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra on Thursday dismissed review petitions filed by telecom against the apex court's October 24, 2019 verdict that asked for inclusion of non-telecom revenues for calculating statutory dues such as licence fee and spectrum usage charge. Dues dating back 15 years, as per the October order, have to be paid by January 23.

In a statement, Bharti Airtel, which faces a liability of nearly Rs 35,586 crore, said it was disappointed by the order and is now "evaluating filing a curative petition."



In a late evening exchange filing, Vodafone Idea, which has to pay Rs 53,038 crore, said it is also "exploring further options, including filing of a curative petition".

Following the October 24 Supreme Court order, the Department of Telecom (DoT) estimated that the total liability of 15 telecom companies, including penalties and interest, would be Rs 1.47 trillion.

It has estimated another Rs 2.4 trillion in liability for non-telecom such as state-owned gas utility India Ltd and power transmission firm PowerGrid, which had taken licences to trade broadband on optic fibre running along their pipelines and transmission lines.

Sources, however, said no demand notice was served either on or and only assessment orders were issued which the two contested putting across facts on revenues earned from such licenses.

The assessment put liability at Rs 1.72 trillion and that of at Rs 21,000 crore. Another Rs 40,000 crore liability was assessed of Oil India Ltd.

However, a demand notice was served in case of GNFC for Rs 15097 crore.

In a statement, Airtel said: "While respecting the Supreme Court's decision, we would like to express our disappointment as we believe the long standing disputes raised regarding the AGR definition were bonafide and genuine."



The industry continues to face severe financial stress and the outcome could further erode the viability of the sector as a whole, it rued.

"The industry needs to continue to invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum and introducing new technologies like 5G. The money now required to pay punitive interest, penalty and interest on penalty which forms nearly 75 per cent of AGR dues would have better served the digital mission of the country," Airtel said.

said "further to our communications dated 24 October 2019, 25 October 2019 and 26 October 2019..., we wish to inform you that Hon'ble Supreme Court has dismissed the review petition filed by the company and other telecom operators".

Industry body COAI said the dismissal of the review petition is the last straw in contributing to financial distress and said it remains to be seen whether the industry will recover from this setback.

"This added financial pressure on the sector will also adversely impact Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India," COAI director general Rajan S Mathews said expressing disappointment at the apex court order.

"The sector, which is currently reeling under a debt of Rs 4 trillion, is a key contributor to the Indian economy in terms of consumer benefit, employment, revenue generation and contributes 6.5 per cent to the GDP. The sector is already facing heavy taxes and levies in the range of 29-32 per cent, which are globally the highest," he said.

The statutory liabilities in the case of adds up to nearly Rs 35,586 crore, of which Rs 21,682 crore is licence fee and another Rs 13,904.01 crore is spectrum dues (excluding the dues of Telenor and Tata Teleservices).

This week, the Sunil Mittal led company raised USD 3 billion through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) and FCCB route to pay for the statutory liabilities.

-- which is staring at unpaid statutory dues of Rs 53,038 crore, including Rs 24,729 crore of spectrum dues and Rs 28,309 crore in licence fee -- has already warned of shut down if no relief is given.

"If we we are not getting anything then I think it is end of story for Vodafone Idea," its Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla had said last month.

Birla's Idea Cellular and British telecom giant Vodafone plc's India unit had merged in 2018 to compete with the onslaught of free voice calling and dirt cheap data unleashed by richest Indian Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio.

In the process, it accumulated Rs 1.17 trillion in debt and had posted corporate India's biggest loss for September 2019 quarter after it provisioned for the liability arising from the Supreme Court AGR verdict.

"It does not make sense to put good money after bad. That would be end of story for us. We will shut shop," Birla had said in December in a response to whether Vodafone Idea will put in more money.
The last time our legislators considered a so-called red flag law, most sheriffs across New Mexico threatened not to enforce it, a majority of counties passed resolutions declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries in response to it and other gun control measures that included expanded background checks, and a radical secessionist sentiment was ignited in southeastern New Mexico among conservatives who felt their constitutional rights were being threatened by a more liberal Santa Fe.

There are sound reasons to support a red flag law and legitimate concerns about due process that must be addressed, but theres also the not-so-small matter of adopting a budget in the 30-day session that begins Tuesday.

The governors proposed legislation, Senate Bill 5, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Joseph Cervantes and Reps. Damon Ely and Joy Garratt, would allow a law enforcement officer or family member to request an extreme-risk protection order with a sworn affidavit explaining why its needed. A judge would review the petition and determine if probable cause exists to issue a 15-day emergency order to seize weapons and ammunition. During those 15 days, the judge would set a hearing to decide if there is cause for a one-year order. When that expires, guns and ammo would be returned.

While the Journal editorial board does support extreme-risk protection orders as an effort to save lives by temporarily removing firearms from those who pose an imminent danger to themselves or others, a 30-day short session is no time to take on a weighty topic that promises to once again suck up much of the energy in Santa Fe and sow further divisions across the state. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams call last week for state lawmakers to pass an extreme-risk protection order law was the right issue, at the wrong time.

Evidence of the divisiveness of the proposed law is already apparent. Warren Frost, Quay County attorney, submitted an op-ed to the Journal the day after Lujan Grishams news conference, calling on sheriffs to follow the red flag law, resign from office or face potential removal. Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer was one of 29 New Mexico sheriffs  out of a total of 33  who last year threatened not to enforce a red flag law.

So one day after the governors Las Cruces news conference, the divisions in Quay County were already apparent.

Tony Mace, sheriff of Cibola County and chairman of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association, told the Journals Angela Kocherga that the group will again oppose the proposed legislation as outlined. Mace said the confiscation of firearms from people who have not committed a crime would deny their constitutional right to bear arms.

Opposition to gun control laws last year from the association prompted Lujan Grisham to tweet that the rogue sheriffs were throwing a childish pity party. She later coordinated a conference call with county leaders to try to repair the rift.

Suffice it to say a red flag bill will not sail through the Legislature this year either, though Democrats control both chambers and occupy the Governors Office. After passing the House in a mostly party-line vote last year, House Bill 83 died in the Senate. A repeat of that lengthy and contentious debate is inevitable  deservedly so, and all but impossible to give it the attention it deserves in a short, budget-centric session. The red flag legislation belongs on lawmakers 2021 60-day session to-do list.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Its been a good week for Florence Pugh!

The Little Women star has had a breakout year with critically acclaimed performances in three movies and a 2020 Oscar nomination, all with boyfriend Zach Braff by her side.

The 24-year-old was seen celebrating the honor by attending a press day and leaving with a bottle of champagne and immediately running into Braffs arms. The couple was seen hugging and kissing after she was done, with Braff, 44, sweetly leading her away after their loved-up greeting.

The pair were first spotted together in April, and were seen holding hands in New York City earlier this month.

RELATED: Florence Pugh Claps Back After Fan Points Out Age Difference Between Actress and Boyfriend Zach Braff

The couple was also spotted separately at the New York premiere of Little Women, in which Pugh stars alongside Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet. In early November, the actors attended the Marriage Story premiere in New York, where they posed separately on the red carpet.

Florence Pugh and Zach Braff | SplashNews.com

Pugh recently slammed a fan who criticized their age difference after the actress posted an Instagram photo of herself getting food after a long flight.

Braff later commented on the post with a princess emoji, leading one of Pughs followers pointed out the couples 21-year age difference, writing, youre 44 years old.

Pugh herself clapped back at the commenter, writing, and yet he got it .

Braff and Pugh worked together on the recent short film In the Time It Takes To Get There, which starred Pugh and Alicia Silverstone, and was developed by Braff. The short film made its debut the same month the two were spotted together for the first time.

He is next set to direct the British actress in the upcoming The Secret Ingredients of Rocket Cola. The movie follows two twin brothers over decades as they are separated and live different lives, only to come together to save the company of the woman they both love.

Pugh was Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Little Women, which is now playing in theaters.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 06:07:42|Editor: ZX

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KIEV, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Embassy in Ukraine held a Spring Festival reception on Thursday for ethnic Chinese and Chinese immigrants living in Kiev, capital of Ukraine.

Every year the Chinese embassy in Ukraine brings together Chinese for the celebration of the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, which is celebrated on Jan. 25 this year.

This year around 400 Chinese citizens, who were not able to celebrate the festivities with their families at home, got together at InterContinental Hotel in Kiev at the invitation of the Chinese embassy.

"Today, we celebrate the Spring Festival in advance, which is the biggest holiday in China. An important tradition is spending this holiday with your family. But we are abroad. Therefore, the embassy organizes such a reception every year so that we Chinese abroad feel that we are a family," Wu Lianwen, the minister counsellor of the embassy, told Xinhua.

The official spoke highly of the achievements in China-Ukraine relations, underlining that in January-November last year, bilateral trade amounted to about 10.7 billion U.S. dollars, and by the end of the year it should be around 12 billion U.S. dollars.

Wu also noted that cultural ties between the two countries are getting stronger.

"We organized large-scale exhibitions and concerts in Ukraine to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC (People's Republic of China), which were loved in Ukraine. We love the Ukrainian people, and they, in return, love the Chinese people," the diplomat said.
Forcura, a leading healthcare technology company that empowers better patient care, announces that Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), one of the nations largest providers of home-based care, has chosen Forcura as a documentation workflow partner. VNSNY will benefit from streamlined and integrated referrals management and robust orders tracking. These efficiencies translate to safer care transitions for patients, and increased revenues and optimized cash flows for the home care and hospice agency.

The Forcura platform allows post-acute care providers to manage the flow of patient information and documentation for all lines of business through seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs). Forcura is committed to transitioning the post-acute industry from a document-intensive to data-driven segment of healthcare. Forcura is an integrated partner of VNSNYs EHR, Homecare Homebase (HCHB.)

Founded in 1893, VNSNY is the largest not-for-profit home- and community-based health care organization in the United States, serving the five boroughs of New York City, and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties. VNSNY has over 44,200 patients and health plan members in its care and approximately 13,600 employees.

The integration of Forcuras cloud-based software with Homecare Homebase, the electronic health records system we use, will streamline the processing of intake referrals and physician orders and give our staff better visibility into the document-tracking process, notes Michael Bernstein, VNSNYs Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. This benefits not only our own workforce but also our referring partners and the home care and hospice patients we serve.

VNSNY will be using the Forcura platform to streamline its referral management and physician orders processes. With Forcura, VNSNY now has control over the referral and orders management processes through a suite of cloud-based tools that centralizes and digitizes documents, streamlines workflows, and enables data-driven decisions.

VNSNY operates exclusively in the state of New York but is renowned nationwide for its comprehensive, innovative and compassionate services, says Forcuras CEO, Craig Mandeville. We are proud to partner with this outstanding care provider and ensure VNSNYs patients transition into their services safely and expediently, and help their back office optimize cash flows with an orders tracking process that eliminates friction points from physician signature to billing.

About VNSNY:

For over 125 years, the Visiting Nurse Service of New York has been committed to meeting the health care needs of New Yorkers with compassionate, high-quality home health care. Founded in 1893, the Visiting Nurse Service of New York is the largest not-for-profit home- and community-based health care organization in the United States, serving the five boroughs of New York City, and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties. Today, VNSNY focuses on promoting the health and well-being of patients and families by providing expert, cost-effective care in their homes and communities. VNSNY offers a wide range of services, programs, and health plans to meet the diverse needs of their patients, members, and clients from before birth to the end of life. The care VNSNY staff provides can be integrated to serve the specific clinical and social needs of patients while allowing them to live safely in their homes and communities.

About Forcura:

Forcura, a leading healthcare technology company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, facilitates continuity of care via technology, analytics and a deep commitment to enabling better patient care. The Forcura suite of tools is powered by Forcura Connect, a proprietary framework for standardizing interoperability and integration among post-acute health care organizations, physicians, electronic health records (EHRs) and other supporting technology vendors. Through our technology and analytics solutions, we are a step closer every day to elevating the opportunities of post-acute care. The company has received awards for Fastest Growing Company for the fourth consecutive year, Best Use of Cloud Computing, Best CEO, and Best Places to Work by Inc. Magazine. For more information visit http://www.forcura.com, call 800-378-0596 or follow Forcura on LinkedIn.
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Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a Spring Festival reception for widows of late luminaries in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2020. [Xinhua/Yao Dawei]

BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua)  China's top political advisory body Wednesday held a Spring Festival reception for widows of late luminaries.

Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said at the reception that revolutionary forefathers and the comrades and friends who were close to the Communist Party of China are remembered as the country is about to achieve the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

The women fought with their husbands and made important contributions to the united front work, the CPPCC and the country in general, Zhang said.

The ladies included Xu Huijun, widow of Zhu Guangya, a leading scientist in the development of nuclear weapons, Shu Yunyi, widow of Cheng Siwei, a renowned economist, and Wen Jieruo, widow of Xiao Qian, a famous writer and journalist.

Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the gathering.

Performances were staged at the reception.

(Source: Xinhua)
Recently certified as a B Corporation (2019), Frank And Oak has devoted themselves to environmental and social sustainability. Certified B Corps meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability and are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

"The climate crisis is an issue that is deeply important to us at Frank And Oak. Over the last few years, we have been able to be nimble and agile to adapt our business practices to better serve our planet, and as well, our customers," says Ethan Song, Frank And Oak's CEO and Co-Founder. "Though we have made significant strides, we recognize that there is still so much we need to do as the climate crisis continues to worsen. This is why we have set such ambitious goals, to remain accountable to ourselves, our customers and our communities."

The Montreal-based company has outlined five sustainability goals that involve eliminating the use of virgin materials and increasing responsible energy and operations practices. The five goals include:

Goal 1 - Zero virgin plastic

By 2022, Frank And Oak aims to cut all virgin plastic in their supply chain. The first step towards this goal is currently underway as the brand begins to use exclusively 100% compostable, plant-based bags for shipping, while also removing excess shipping packaging.

Goal 2 - Zero virgin polyester

Frank And Oak will only use recycled polyester fibres to make shell fabrics, labels, and trims in an effort to eliminate all virgin polyester in their supply chain by 2022.

Goal 3 - 100% offset of greenhouse gas (GHG) scope 1 emissions

Frank And Oak will increase their collaborations with local and international partners to reduce logistics mileage and offset last mile GHG. By 2022 Frank And Oak will further these offset activities to include all markets they operate in.

Goal 4 - Increase our use of renewable energies

Frank And Oak plans to run their headquarters, warehouse, and retail stores on 100% renewable energy by 2022. New facilities will have green energy sources, water meters, and waste management systems incorporated into their building plans.

Goal 5 - Encourage zero-waste philosophy

Frank And Oak headquarters will remain Fair Trade certified and they will also continue to work with local partners to use furniture that is either second-hand or sustainably made in all Frank And Oak stores and the brand's headquarters. Frank And Oak's zero-waste philosophy will be enforced company-wide by providing employees with training, zero-waste challenge initiatives, and reusable materials.

In the face of the climate crisis, Frank And Oak recognizes the urgency to do their part and the necessity to come together as individuals to effect real change in local communities and globally. These ambitious sustainability goals will act as a roadmap for the brand over the next two years as they continue to perfect their products and operations to attain a more sustainable and climate-positive future.

About Frank And Oak

Combining style, design and technology since it was founded in 2012, Frank And Oak offers collections of clothing and accessories for men and women that are thoughtfully designed and well suited to the lifestyles of its customers. Present on the web and in 21 boutiques across Canada, the brand provides a personalized online experience to hundreds of thousands of members, surpassing its role as a retailer to reinvent the customer experience. Inspired by ethical thinking and with an eye to the future, Frank And Oak upholds the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and works to promote them in its communities. Frank And Oak is certified B Corporation, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability in the industry.

SOURCE Frank And Oak
Phenom People staff at the company's headquarters in Ambler, Pa. Chief executive Mahe Bayireddi is standing, middle row, second from left; cofounder Brad Goldoor is standing at center; cofounder Hari Bayireddy is on the right, wearing a jacket. The HR software platform maker employed 200 in the Philadelphia area plus 300 in India, Israel and the Netherlands as of early 2019, and plans to double over the next year Read more

Phenom People, the Ambler-based software maker that eases the hiring process at companies from Microsoft to Merck, says it has raised another $30 million in its third venture-capital round.

The money will help Phenom People expand and market its hiring software platform used by Southwest Airlines, Hershey, NFI Industries, and 300 other large companies, their recruiters, said chief executive and cofounder Mahe Bayireddi in an interview.

The company combines career website chatbot, customer-management software, and recruiting apps into a talent management experience platform  TXM, in human resources jargon  which reviews candidates data and speeds up recruit verification, updating candidate-job matches as the system collects new information.

The software is designed not just for job applications, but to search candidate and employer data from other sources. It then matches it to current and new jobs at client companies and shoots it to managers and recruiters for fast action, while also showing candidates what else they may need to qualify, Bayireddi said.

We dont really replace Oracle or SAP or other business software systems with personnel applications. We are partners with them, the CEO added. We are a layer that sits on top and manages the whole hiring experience. If they are Comcast, we are Netflix. If Salesforce is the back end, we are at the front end.

Phenom People employs about 500, up from 300 at its last capital-raising in 2018. About 200 worked in Ambler, the rest at its software centers in Hyderabad, India, and Tel Aviv, Israel, and a new office in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The company says it expects to add 75 jobs in the Philadelphia area this year and is scouting sites for a Philadelphia office.

Investors leading the new round are WestBridge Capital, based in the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius, which has become a base for tech investors focused on Indian and U.S. companies that use Indian tech labor; and AllianceBernstein, a New York arm of France-based insurance and investment giant AXA.

Phenom People had previously raised another $31 million in two rounds from investors including AXA Venture Partners, another AXA unit; Sierra Ventures, a Silicon Valley firm whose founder, Peter Wendell, is a WestBridge adviser; Omidyar Technology Ventures, started by eBay (corrected) cofounder Pierre Omidyar; Sigma Prime Ventures, of Boston; and Karlani Capital, headed by Rudy Karsan, founder of Wayne-based recruitment software developer Kenexa, now part of IBM. Each of those earlier investors also joined the new round.

We look for global investors that help our cause, Bayireddi said. AXA gives us access in Europe. WestBridge gives access to Asia. He said U.S. and European companies with as few as 5,000 employees find they need to recruit in dozens of countries. They need software that works across borders, as Phenom People is designed to.

Phenom Peoples approach to career data and hiring is unrivaled in todays marketplace, WestBridge Capital founder Sumir Chadha said in a statement. This matches the market direction toward experience management for talent.

The companys experience management is the next era for companies hiring across borders, said Abhishek Sud, managing director at AllianceBernstein. Phenom People is pioneering the standards and technology, he added. They have an impressive portfolio of big customers.

Phenom People was founded in 2011 by Bayireddi and his brother Hari Bayireddi, Indian-trained computer scientists (Bayireddi also holds a Temple MBA), and chief people officer Brad Goldoor, a former executive at newspaper publisher Gannett Corp. and help wanted ad sales site CareerBuilder.com.
City mayor delivers government report

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-01-16 08:49

Seventy companies have been listed on Shanghais sci-tech innovation board, announced city mayor Ying Yong at the ongoing session of the Municipal People's Congress.

(Photo/Bai Kelin)

The 3rd session of the 15th Municipal People's Congress opened on January 15 with Ying Yong delivering the government work report. In his speech, he mentioned that since the launch of the sci-tech innovation board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), Shanghai has been bettering its financial climate and boosting the development of innovation companies. 205 enterprises have so far filed for IPOs, among which 70 have been successfully listed, raising a total amount of 82.4 billion yuan (USD 11.9 billion).

The establishment plan of the innovation board was announced at the opening of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). In 2019, the second edition of the import fair was held in Shanghai. According to Ying Yong, the fair reached USD 71.13 billion of accumulative intended transactions over a one-year period, an increase of 23% over the first CIIE.

While reviewing the work of 2019, Ying also announced that the expected increase of Shanghais GDP of 2020 will be around 6%, and the growth of resident disposable income per capita is projected to basically synchronize with the citys economic growth.
WOODS HOLE, Mass. -- How did the monstrous giant squid - reaching school-bus size, with eyes as big as dinner plates and tentacles that can snatch prey 10 yards away -- get so scarily big?

Today, important clues about the anatomy and evolution of the mysterious giant squid (Architeuthis dux) are revealed through publication of its full genome sequence by a University of Copenhagen-led team that includes scientist Caroline Albertin of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole.

Giant squid are rarely sighted and have never been caught and kept alive, meaning their biology (even how they reproduce) is still largely a mystery. The genome sequence can provide important insight.

"In terms of their genes, we found the giant squid look a lot like other animals. This means we can study these truly bizarre animals to learn more about ourselves," says Albertin, who in 2015 led the team that sequenced the first genome of a cephalopod (the group that includes squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus).

Led by Rute da Fonseca at University of Copenhagen, the team discovered that the giant squid genome is big: with an estimated 2.7 billion DNA base pairs, it's about 90 percent the size of the human genome.

Albertin analyzed several ancient, well-known gene families in the giant squid, drawing comparisons with the four other cephalopod species that have been sequenced and with the human genome.

She found that important developmental genes in almost all animals (Hox and Wnt) were present in single copies only in the giant squid genome. That means this gigantic, invertebrate creature - long a source of sea-monster lore - did NOT get so big through whole-genome duplication, a strategy that evolution took long ago to increase the size of vertebrates.

So, knowing how this squid species got so giant awaits further probing of its genome.

"A genome is a first step for answering a lot of questions about the biology of these very weird animals," Albertin said, such as how they acquired the largest brain among the invertebrates, their sophisticated behaviors and agility, and their incredible skill at instantaneous camouflage.

"While cephalopods have many complex and elaborate features, they are thought to have evolved independently of the vertebrates. By comparing their genomes we can ask, 'Are cephalopods and vertebrates built the same way or are they built differently?'" Albertin says.

Albertin also identified more than 100 genes in the protocadherin family -- typically not found in abundance in invertebrates -- in the giant squid genome.

"Protocadherins are thought to be important in wiring up a complicated brain correctly," she says. "They were thought they were a vertebrate innovation, so we were really surprised when we found more than 100 of them in the octopus genome (in 2015). That seemed like a smoking gun to how you make a complicated brain. And we have found a similar expansion of protocadherins in the giant squid, as well."

Lastly, she analyzed a gene family that (so far) is unique to cephalopods, called reflectins. "Reflectins encode a protein that is involved in making iridescence. Color is an important part of camouflage, so we are trying to understand what this gene family is doing and how it works," Albertin says.

"Having this giant squid genome is an important node in helping us understand what makes a cephalopod a cephalopod. And it also can help us understand how new and novel genes arise in evolution and development."

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Citation: Rute R. da Fonseca, et al (2020) A draft genome sequence of the elusive giant squid, Architeuthis dux. GigaScience, DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz152

Day of publication link: https://academic.oup.com/gigascience/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/gigascience/giz152

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery - exploring fundamental biology, understanding marine biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
WASHINGTON - For the third time in U.S. history, the president of the United States will stand trial in a uniquely American hybrid of judicial propriety and partisan politics, setting the sombre Senate ritual of impeachment on a collision course with Donald Trump's appetite for chaos.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (727 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., signs the resolution to transmit the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate for trial on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. The two articles of impeachment against Trump are for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON - For the third time in U.S. history, the president of the United States will stand trial in a uniquely American hybrid of judicial propriety and partisan politics, setting the sombre Senate ritual of impeachment on a collision course with Donald Trump's appetite for chaos.

After formally impeaching Trump in an explosive hearing last month, the House of Representatives finally named its team of managers Wednesday before voting 228-193 to dispatch the articles to the Republican-led Senate, triggering a solemn display of pomp and ceremony on Capitol Hill.

"This is about the constitution of the United States," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as she introduced the seven Democrats tapped to prosecute the U.S. president on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress, a team led by California's Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence committee.

"He has been impeached; he's been impeached forever," Pelosi said. "They can never erase that."

As it plays out over the coming days and weeks, Canadians more familiar with the Westminster parliamentary system are in for a teachable moment of sorts, said Gerald Baier, a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia.

President Donald Trump speaks before signing a trade agreement with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"This provides the opportunity for a lesson in civics, and a better understanding of the differences between the two systems," Baier said. "That's a good thing."

Unlike in the U.S., where the functions of lawmakers are more independent of the executive branch, the electoral fortunes of members of Parliament or provincial legislatures are more directly tied to those of their party leader.

"The system naturally provides more discreet opportunities for that kind of review," Baier said. "The immediate pressure release valve of a bad executive is that their caucus might keep them, to some degree, in check."

And while it remains true that the Prime Minister's Office and cabinet wield a great deal of control and discipline over caucus, particularly when sitting as a majority government, the party's larger interests kick in at a certain point, he added.

"If you go a step too far  if there's criminal conduct, or abuse of power, or whatever  the party, in its own interests, has to lance that wound."

Baier cited as an example the clash within the Liberal party that erupted in the early 2000s, when Jean Chretien grudgingly ended his third term as prime minister under pressure from party members to make room for his challenger and political heir apparent, former finance minister Paul Martin.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters to announce the House impeachment managers as she prepares to send articles of impeachment to the Senate against President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. With Pelosi from left are Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., Pelosi, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

"There was never any impeachable-style conduct on the part of the prime minister, but he announced his resignation ... on the basis that pressure had been brought to bear on him in caucus," Baier said.

"He was pushing the envelope in terms of what he could get away with at that point."

Minority governments can also be perilous for Canadian political leaders, as Stephen Harper learned in 2008 when an opposition coalition threatened to topple his Conservatives just six weeks into a minority mandate. Harper survived, thanks to a three-month prorogation of Parliament that provided time for the coalition to disintegrate.

But that's not the same thing as an impeachment "crisis," said Jacob Levy, a political theory professor at Montreal's McGill University. Rather, it's the Westminster system at work.

"There's no crisis at all when a minority government loses a confidence vote; there's just an election," Levy noted. "And the incumbent prime minister might well remain in that office," as Harper did in 2011.

Next week's impeachment trial in the Senate  it's expected to get underway Tuesday, since Monday is a holiday in the U.S.  will also feature some unfamiliar faces.

That includes Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat from California, who is the only member of the team to have played a role in the other two impeachment proceedings.

She was a sitting member of Congress when Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998 and worked for a member of the House judiciary committee as a law student during the proceedings against Richard Nixon.

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Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House last month for his role in the alleged push to convince Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and for allegedly obstructing the ensuing probe by Congress.

The president appeared unfazed Wednesday as he celebrated the signing of the first phase of a new trade agreement with China, just at the precise moment when the House was voting to transmit the articles of impeachment.

"They have a hoax going on over there, let's take care of it," he said, smiling, as he dispatched members of Congress to go take part in the vote. "It's not going to matter, because it's going very well."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2020.

 With files from The Associated Press

 Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle
The Turkish government lifted a two-and-a-half-year ban on Wikipedia on Wednesday, restoring access to the online encyclopedia a month after the countrys top court ruled that blocking it was unconstitutional.

Access to Wikipedia was blocked in Turkey in 2017, after the site refused to remove unflattering references to Turkeys relationship with Syrian militants and state-sponsored terrorists.

Turkey began allowing access to the site again on Wednesday, hours after its Official Gazette published the Constitutional Courts ruling in favor of Wikipedia. In December, the court had found that the ban violated the right to free expression protected in Turkeys Constitution.

By late Wednesday, access had been restored to most of the country, according to NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet usage and cybersecurity. But for those advocating freedom of expression, the restoration was too little, too late.
Capt Tania Shergill leads all-men contingent on Army Day

Captain Tania Shergill of the Corps of Signals made history on Wednesday when she led an all-male contingent at Army Day parade, becoming the first woman officer to have achieved the feat. She has been named parade adjutant for the Republic Day parade as well.

Shergill, a fourth-generation woman army officer, is an electronics and communications graduate and was commissioned from the Officer Training Academy, Chennai in March 2017.

Sher Gill, an engineering graduate in electronics and telecommunications from a college in Nagpur, literally stood tall with her 5 foot 9 inch frame.

Hailing from Hoshiarpur in Punjab, she spent a better part of life in Mumbai where her parents were settled till retirement.

Both her father and grandfather have served in the Army. Her father was in 101 Medium Regiment (Artillery) while her grandfather was in the 14th Armed Regiment (Scinde Horse). Interestingly, her great grandfather was in the Sikh Regiment.

While a woman leading a military parade is not new, Tania has achieved a rare distinction by becoming the Parade Adjutant for the first time in the history of the Army Day parade

A woman officer has become the Parade Adjutant for the first time in the history of the Army Day parade where the Army showcased its military might and some of its state-of-the-art assets.

During the 2019 Republic Day parade, another woman, Captain Bhavna Kasturi led an all-men contingent. There were all woman contingents also at Republic Day parades.

President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to congratulate the Indian Army on this day. "On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to the veterans and to their families. You are our nations pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Your immense sacrifice has secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people. Jai Hind!"

"The Army is the pride of India. On the occasion of Army Day, I salute the indomitable courage, gallantry and valour of all the soldiers of the country," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in his Twitter account.

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India in the year 1949.
Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Open for Business - the oldest privately owned and operated mint in the United States launches their new ecommerce website: Shop The Mint. As of January 1, 2020 collectors across the globe can purchase a select variety of .999 fine silver rounds and ingots minted in the USA by Osborne Mint. Via the web portal, collectors can now purchase direct from the mint. Future expansion plans feature adding copper rounds and bars to the sales pages.

The debut of our direct purchase initiative is a major component of our 2020 strategy to expand our client interaction, stated Jeff Stegman, CEO of Osborne Coinage, parent company of Osborne Mint. Now, combined with our newly redesigned Osborne Mint website, collectors can work with us directly and build relations that we intend to foster.

The Shop The Mint website will provide visitors a robust and user-friendly experience. The site is easy to navigate and ensures that everyone from novice to seasoned collector can find their selection. Each listing is accompanied by detailed information and professional imagery. The web store features a streamlined purchase platform with secure and encrypted transactions. Every purchase ships securely and economically with United States Postal flat rate service. There are no minimum purchase requirements and the site is open NOW: 24 hours a day / seven days a week.

Benefits of the ecommerce website:

24 hour access from anywhere

Work directly with the mint

Plethora of photography and detailed descriptions

Exclusive new release debuts

Historic limited quantity collectibles

Purchase entire collections in one stop

Secure and encrypted purchases

Our Shop The Mint sales site complements our newly redesigned Osborne Mint website and our informative and entertaining From The Mint monthly blog, and all were crafted as pieces of art with the same amount of design, detail and skill that goes into crafting our collectibles. Consumers will see inventory on the new sales site will be continuously revolving as new collectible are created and quantities deplete. These direct customer interactions will enable Osborne Mint to better understand and anticipate the needs and desires of our guests.

Initially the sales site will offer some of the newest collectible rounds and ingots introduced by Osborne Mint over the past year. These select pieces exemplify the capability, versatility and collectability defined by Osborne Mint. The initial five collectibles include:

Over the course of 2020, exclusive Osborne Mint collectibles will be introduced on the sales site. Not only will new rounds and ingots make their public debut on these pages, but limited, back inventoried and excess collectibles will be placed on the site. As we review our remaining stock inventory, look forward to some oldies but goodies being featured on the Shop The Mint website. Collectibles struck at Osborne Mint are made 100% in the United States of America and are to be coveted for their precision, quality and intricate detail.

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About Osborne Mint: www.OsborneMint.com / #OsborneMint

Established in 1835, Osborne Mint is Americas oldest continuously operating private mint. Osborne Mint is part of the Osborne Coinage family, which includes Osborne Coin, TokensDirect and Van Brook of Lexington. The mint, a 60,000 square foot facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, houses development, engraving and manufacturing of numismatic quality collectible rounds and coins. Products made by Osborne are manufactured to strict standards for metal purity, weight and dimensions. Osborne Mint strikes thousands of collectible rounds annually and circulates them to the public through certified distributors. Now one can purchase collectibles direct from Osborne Mint through their brand-new e-commerce portal. Featured collections include designs by Lisa Parker, Anne Stokes Dragons, The Galaxies and Nebulae and The American Legacy Collection. Gold plate, fine silver and copper collections from Osborne Mint are truly pieces of art and are 100% Made in America.

Stay in the know, follow our hashtag: #OsborneMint

For more information on Osborne Mint visit our newly redesigned website at www.OsborneMint.com.

Attachments
After a quick stint overseas in Los Angelespresumably trying to catch their big break on the Silver ScreenCoffee Masters is heading back home to London. Taking place April 2nd through 5th, the multi-disciplinary coffee competition returns to the London Coffee Festival at the Old Truman Brewery, and applications are open now!

For those unfamiliar with the competition, Coffee Masters is a tournament-style, head-to-head barista battle that pits coffee professionals from around the world against one another for barista supremacy. Over the course of the weekend, competitors will be subjected to seven separate disciplines: cupping, brewing, latte art, the order challenge, the signature drink, espresso blending, and the origin challenge. Each round will be comprised of anywhere between three and five of the disciplines with the final two baristas having each been subjected to 17 different challenges. Its the most fun coffee ringer a barista can be rung through. The last coffee professional standing will walk away with a very large check for 5,000.

If you think youve got what it takes to compete against some of the best coffee pros in the worldpast winners include a World Barista Champion, a multi-time WBC Finalists, and more national champions in multiple disciplines than we can even begin to note them allapplications are now open. All you have to do is fill out the Coffee Masters form here and submit a one to two minute video showing off a Signature Drink of your own creation. In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the London Coffee Festival, this years sig bev theme is Birthday.



As an official media partner of the London Coffee Festival and Coffee Masters, Im not saying youll receive more favorable coverage from Sprudge if your Signature Drink is a young-Bjork-inspired tipple, but Im also not NOT saying that either. (Bonus points if your drink incorporates an actual sugar cube.)

Applications are open until February 8th. For more information on the rules, application process, or to throw your name in the hat, visit the Coffee Masters official website. See you in London!

Explore much more Coffee Masters coverage in our archives and on Sprudge Live.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
Photo: Edward Cisneros/Unsplash

If you love to take advantage of the live music offerings near you, this week offers several great reasons to leave the house.

From a sonata performance to a guitar concert, read on for a local music to-do list to fill your calendar this week.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Songs of my Youth: Suzuki Baroque with Flying Forms

From the event description:

A concert featuring the complete baroque sonatas found in the Suzuki violin repertoire including works by Handel, Corelli and Veracini.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 5-6:30 p.m.

Where: The Baroque Room, 275 E. Fourth St., #280

Price: $10-$20

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Label2thirrteen Next Step Gathering

From the event description:

Please join us as we hear from our Label2thirteen music artists about the next steps of visual production, branding and digital promotion.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 5-7 p.m.

Where: In Progress, 213 Front Ave.

Price: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

MN Guitar Society Annual Acoustic Guitarathon

From the event description:

The Minnesota Guitar Society will present its annual Acoustic Guitarathon concert featuring established and emerging artists playing solo instrumental guitar in styles ranging from 1920s ragtime and blues to modern jazz and steel-string originals..

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University, 1531 Hewitt Ave.

Price: $12.50

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : An agreement to end the 22-year-old Bru refugee crisis was signed on Thursday to settle over 30,000 people belonging to 5,300 families of the community in Tripura where they migrated in 1997 from Mizoram following a tribal unrest.

The agreement to settle the Bru tribals, called Reangs in Tripura, in Tripura was signed among chief secretaries of Mizoram, Tripura and representatives of Bru tribes here in the Ministry of Home Affairs' North Block office in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

As per the agreement, the refugees will settle in Tripura and will be given aid for their rehabilitation -- a move that came after Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had in November last year agreed to settling the Bru tribals in November last year.

The Bru tribals would now be included in Tripura's voter list as per the agreement. The Centre has announced a package of Rs 600 crore for the settlement of the tribes in Tripura. Of the package, Rs 150 lakh will be given to Tripura government for the land acquisition and the rest of the money will be spent for the welfare of the tribe.

Following the agreement, the Home Minister informed media in a briefing that Bru refugees will get a 40-by-30-ft plot along with a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh for two years, cash assistance of Rs 5,000 per month for two years and free ration.

Shah said that Mizoram and Tripura governments will work towards the development of Bru families.

The Minister declared that an amount of Rs 1.5 lakh will be provided to each family of the Bru refugees to help them in constructing their own houses and that the amount will be disbursed under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAY).

According to an agreement between Mizoram and Tripura government in 2018, the Bru tribals had to settle in Mizoram, but only 327 family went in two years as nobody was interested to go to Mizoram.

The Brus inhabit an area spread across parts of Mizoram, Tripura and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. In 1997, the Bru National Union passed a resolution demanding an autonomous district council, which was opposed by the government and the Young Mizos Association (Mizo Zirlai Pawl or MZP).

Hardline elements within the autonomy movement then launched an armed struggle. In 1997, Bru National Liberation Front allegedly killed a Mizo forest guard. The killing was followed by ethnic riots, forcing over 30,000 Bru villagers to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura, where they have been staying since then.

According to a relief package announced six months after Bru migrants arrived in Tripura in 1997, 600 gm of rice is provided daily to every adult living in the camps and 300 gm to minors. The package also has provisions for a cash dole of Rs 5 per adult per day and Rs 2.5 for every minor.

In October 2019, the supply of ration was stopped on the instructions of the Home Ministry in a bid to hastily complete the repatriation of refugees to Mizoram. Civil society outfits had alleged that at least six refugees died due to starvation. At least seven repatriation attempts have failed in the past 22 years.
New York's Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday for what she called "unlawful changes" to the nation's food stamp program that would "deny over 700,000 Americans access to basic food assistance."

tweet

The lawsuit, joined by 13 attorneys general and the City of New York, challenges a United States Department of Agriculture rule that would limit states' ability to extend benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as food stamps, beyond a three-month period for certain adults.

The USDA and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CNBC.

The rule change, set to go into effect on April 1, impacts people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.

The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6% unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6% .

The coalition said the rule undermines Congress' intent for SNAP and that the USDA violated the federal rulemaking process. They also argue that the rule would impose significant regulatory burdens on states and harm states' economies and residents.

In the lawsuit, the states argue that the administration's rule change would raise healthcare and homelessness costs.

"The federal government's latest assault on vulnerable individuals is cruel to its core," said James in a press release. "Denying access to vital SNAP benefits would only push hundreds of thousands of already vulnerable Americans into greater economic uncertainty. In so doing, states will have to grapple with rising healthcare and homelessness costs that will result from this shortsighted and ill-conceived policy."
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said that some people fall ill when he goes to attend a program after the vice-chancellor of Calcutta University (CU) did not turn up at the convocation at St Xaviers College.

I thought I will have the occasion to see the Calcutta University vice-chancellor here, particularly as professor Asis Kumar Banerjee, a former vice-chancellor, was being honoured. I take the blame partly for myself. Several places that I have gone to, some people take ill. I dont dispute. People fall ill in the right sense, Dhankhar said while addressing the convocation, adding that he wishes the Vice Chancellor a very speedy recovery.

While Dhankhar was invited as the chief guest at the 13th convocation of St Xaviers college, the VC, Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, was supposed to deliver the convocation address. The West Bengal governor is the de-facto chancellor of state-run universities.

I am ill. Could not go to office also, Banerjee said in a text message in reply to a query from Hindustan Times.

State education minister Partha Chatterjee was not available to comment.

The incident took place four days after none of the vice-chancellors of the 27 state-run universities turned up at the governors office, despite Dhankhars invitation to them for a meeting. Dhankhar said that the VCs had been chained by the state government.

I recollect for myself as a parliamentary affairs minister 30 years ago, I was also made to fall ill, though I was not ill. But trust me she (the VC) is a very gracious lady. She has a great positive approach. Whatever little interaction I have had with her, I am sure she would be feeling her absence more than what we are feeling today. And that goes to her credit, Dhankhar said at the convocation.

Partha Chatterjee earlier said that if necessary the upcoming Calcutta University convocation would be held without Dhankhar as he has repeatedly spoken against the government. The final decision would be taken by the varsity as it is an autonomous body, said Chatterjee. The Calcutta University convocation is scheduled to be held on January 28.

Earlier, on December 24, Left-wing students and employees blocked Dhankhars entry into Jadavpur University (JU), where he had gone to attend the annual convocation. Dhankhar described it as total collapse of rule of law. The event was held in his absence.

After months of acrimony between Dhankhar and the Mamata Banerjee government over the exercise of power at universities, the VCs launched a platform of their own on Monday.

Named Poschim Bango Upacharya Parishad (PBUP), the body has JU VC Suranjan Das as president and North Bengal University VC Subiresh Bhattacharya as secretary. Three of the VCs courted controversy on Tuesday when they visited the anti-citizenship law agitation of the Trinamool Congress when Chatterjee was on the dais.
Prime Minister Medvedev Announces Resignation of Russian Gov't Following Putin's Address to Parliament

Sputnik News

16:33 15.01.2020(updated 19:42 15.01.2020)

The Russian president addressed lawmakers, ministers and other high-ranking officials on Wednesday, with this year's address focusing mostly on domestic politics including social policy and the economy, but also proposals to amend the country's basic law.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that the country's government will be resigning.

Speaking to President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, Medvedev said that the president's speech to the Federal Assembly earlier in the day outlined a number of "fundamental changes" to Russia's Constitution.

"These changes, when they are adopted, and in all likelihood this would be done following discussions, as was said, will make significant changes not only to a number of articles of the Constitution, but also to the balance of power as a whole," Medvedev said.

The changes outlined by the president will apply to "the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch," the prime minister continued.

"In this context, it's obvious that we, as the government of the Russian Federation, should provide the president of our country with the opportunity to make all the decisions necessary for this. And in these circumstances, I believe that it's correct that, in accordance with Article 117 of the Constitution, the Russian government in its current composition should resign," Medvedev said.

Putin thanked Medvedev for his work, and urged the prime minister and the cabinet to remain at their posts until a new government could be formed.

Later in the day, Putin signed a decree approving the government's resignation. "This decree comes into force on the day of its signing," the Kremlin confirmed. According to the decree, the Medvedev government will continue to fulfill its duties until the new government's formation.

Following the formation of the new government, Medvedev is expected to take up the newly created position of deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, a powerful consultative body which advises the president on national security affairs. Medvedev agreed to take up the new post.

Petr Tolstoy, the Russian lower house of parliament's deputy speaker, said that the government's resignation will not affect the implementation of the proposed measures outlined by Putin.

"As for the implementation of the address, I am almost 100 percent certain that today's important changes will not affect the initiatives, because the president's message is a direct appeal to all branches of power, and we will all work to implement it as quickly as possible," the senior lawmaker said.

Putin's Speech to Lawmakers

Earlier Wednesday in his speech to lawmakers, Putin presented a number of proposed changes to Russia's Constitution, including new limits to the president's appointment powers. This includes increased powers to the country's parliament in appointing members of the government, and reduced powers for the president in rejecting candidates. Putin also proposed barring senior officials, including lawmakers, governors, the prime minister and others from being able to hold dual citizenship and foreign residence permits. The proposed amendments also include changes clarifying that Russian laws have priority over international laws in instances where they contradict Russian legislation.

Putin selected Dmitry Medvedev for the post of prime minister in May 2012, and reappointed him in 2018 after beginning his fourth presidential term. Medvedev served as Russia's president between 2008 and 2012, during which time Putin served as prime minister.

A Sputnik

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The Big Sur Foragers Festival gets underway Thursday in the coastal community of Big Sur ahead of one of the festival's most popular events on Saturday.

The festival address is 46896 state Highway 1 in Big Sur, Ca., 93920. One of the most popular events is a cooking contest called the Fungus Face-Off.

The four-day festival ends Sunday. Go to https://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org/ for more details.

An undocumented Mexican citizen who held the gun that killed a woman on a San Francisco pier in 2015 was ordered by a U.S. judge Wednesday to participate in a psychological evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial on federal gun charges.

Kate Steinle, 32, was struck and killed by a ricocheting bullet from a gun held by Jose Inez Garcia Zarate on Pier 14 on July 1, 2015.

Zarate, 47, who contends the shooting was an accident, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in San Francisco Superior Court in 2017.

But he faces two federal criminal charges of being an ex-felon and an undocumented person in possession of a gun. He was scheduled to go on trial this week in the court of U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco, but the judge postponed the trial because of concerns about Zarate's mental competence.

After Zarate declined to participate in an evaluation by a psychologist on Monday, Chhabria ordered him brought to court on Wednesday so that Chhabria could personally order him to cooperate in the assessment, now rescheduled for Jan. 23.

Gov. Gavin Newsom will be in Oakland Thursday to preview emergency actions to address homelessness in the state, his office said Wednesday.

Newsom will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. at 633 Hegenberger Road in Oakland as part of his statewide tour to get the homeless housed.

While in Oakland, Newsom aims to show off a state and local effort to deploy medical services, trailers and emergency tents to help the homeless. Newsom's tour began Monday in Grass Valley followed by stops in Riverside, Los Angeles and Fresno.

Officials with the governor's office said Newsom at the beginning of the year signed an executive order that aims to do something about the crisis in the state.

Part of the state response is the California Access to Housing and Services Fund, which has expedited the formation of a crisis response team and made state land assets available to address homelessness in California.

The Martinez City Council on Wednesday night approved permits for the city's second cannabis dispensary, despite objections from local school administrators and almost two dozen other people that it would be too close to Alhambra High School.

At this sometimes-testy meeting, council members said they were conflicted about the would-be location of Embarc, 2-1/2 blocks from the high school on busy Alhambra Avenue. None said in the 3-0 vote, with one abstention, that the location was ideal, but they said the dispensary's operators, the family of retired Congressman George Miller, not only met all the requirements and more for approval, but that the longtime Martinez family is staking its legacy on its operation.

Councilman Mark Ross said it's better to have a great operator closer to the school than a "so-so" operator further from the campus.

"I trust the family, and the (city) staff trusted them, as well," said Ross, who along with Lara DeLaney and Debbie McKillop voted in favor of the certificate for Embarc. Councilwoman Noralea Gipner abstained, backing off of a Nov. 20, 2019 "yes" vote, saying she supported the Millers but not the shop's location. Mayor Rob Schroder was absent from Wednesday's meeting.

Wednesday's vote was made over the strenuous objections of Martinez schools Superintendent CJ Cammack and two school board trustees who had contended they were not given sufficient notice ahead of planning for, and voting on, the Embarc dispensary. Cammack told the council he was "begging" them to find a different location for the cannabis shop.

Fewer San Francisco police may be responding to calls about the homeless following the passing of a resolution Wednesday evening by the city's police commission.

Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution that urges San Francisco city officials to form a working group to come up with an alternative to a police response, which is "not working," Kelley Cutler, human rights organizer with the Coalition on Homelessness, said.

"So this (resolution) is moving in the right direction and away from the status quo," Cutler said.

Joe Wilson agreed. Wilson is the executive director of Hospitality House, advocates for building community strength to foster self-sufficiency.

Wilson said they are "thrilled" that the commission is "calling on City leaders to develop an alternative response" to police. He said researchers and community leaders have pointed out that a police response is "ineffective and inhumane."

Union City police are releasing a photo of the car thought to be involved in the killing of two boys in November, police said Wednesday.

The car is believed to be a 2014 to 2017 Toyota Camry and police released a photo of a similar car for comparison.

The killing at 1:26 a.m. on Nov. 23 left two boys dead. Union City boys Sean Withington, 14, and 11-year-old Kevin Hernandez died after being shot in the parking lot of Searles Elementary School at 33629 15th St. in Union City.

A resident gave police a video capturing part of the shooting, which police have also now released. Police said they did not release the video earlier because it's very graphic and because it might be valuable to the investigation.

Police said they have not determined a motive for the shooting and they are still considering that it might be gang-related.

A new SAFE Navigation Center in San Francisco's Upper Market Area announced Wednesday will help Mayor London Breed accomplish her goal of opening 1,000 new shelter beds by the end of 2020.

The new navigation center, located at 33 Gough St., would provide 200 beds for people experiencing homelessness.

The facility is slated to open by the end of year.

Breed made the announcement during a visit to the site of another upcoming navigation center, the Transitional Age Youth Navigation Center, located at 888 Post St.

"Opening up these shelter beds would not be possible without the commitment of our service providers, community partners, and dedicated city staff," Breed said in a statement.

A man was arrested by San Jose police and the FBI and charged Wednesday with the possession of child pornography, police said.

Robert Hicks, 54, of San Jose, had a Twitter account, which allegedly contained explicit sexual messages between Hicks and children as well as child pornography.

Hicks allegedly went by the factitious name "Wyatt" on Twitter. Police said Hicks is a registered sex offender.

Last Thursday police and the FBI arrested Hicks at his job in San Jose for apparently violating his probation. Prosecutors Wednesday added the child pornography charges to the original charges.

Stephanie Williams has been appointed as Santa Rosa's new city clerk, City Manager Sean McGlynn said Tuesday.

Williams has 27 years of experience in municipal government and most recently was the City Clerk of Healdsburg. She formerly was deputy city clerk of Santa Rosa where she helped the city transition to a new, modernized online legislative record management system, McGlynn said.

Williams, a Santa Rosa resident for 40 years, starts the job on Jan. 27.

Thursday will be breezy with showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will be in the lower 50s. Southwest winds will be 20 to 30 mph - with gusts to around 45 mph - decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday night will be partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the evening. Lows will be in the 40s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph, before becoming 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Friday will be partly cloudy in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the lower 50s. Southwest winds will be 5 to 10 mph.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore said Elizabeth Warren's campaign insistence that Bernie Sanders said a woman couldn't win the presidency had "paralysed" him.

On his podcast, the filmmaker said: "I was paralysed  paralysed  that her staffers would say such a thing ... Any of us who have known Bernie forever know automatically, we don't even have to hear him denying saying it, because there's no way he'd say that."

Mr Moore said the allegations, which appeared on Monday and stem from a 2018 meeting, were a "knife in the back".

On Twitter, the filmmaker said: "Elizabeth & Bernie have appeared in my films. I love them both. Why Elizabeth chose to stick a knife in Bernie's back is beyond me. At a time when job #1 is to remove Trump, how did this help?"

During their appearance on Democratic debates on CNN this week, Mr Sanders unequivocally denied the allegation, pointing to his support for Ms Warren during early discussions to back her for the 2016 nomination and the popular vote win for eventually candidate Hillary Clinton.

He said: "Anybody who knows me knows it's incomprehensible that I would think a woman could not be president ... If any of the women on this stage, or any of the men on this stage, win the nomination, I will do anything in my power to make sure they are elected to defeat the most dangerous president in this country."

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

After Mr Sanders' denial that he had ever said a woman couldn't be president, debate moderator Abby Phillip then asked Ms Warren: "What did you think when Senator Sanders told you a woman couldn't win the election?"

Ms Warren said: "I disagreed. Bernie is my friend."

She did not explicitly say that Mr Sanders had made the comment but pointed indirectly to the "this question whether or not a woman can be president has been raised."

On Monday, CNN had reported that Mr Sanders made the comment to Ms Warren during a meeting in 2018 about the 2020 election.

In a statement, Ms Warren said: "Among the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate. I thought a woman could win; he disagreed. I have no interest in discussing this private meeting any further because Bernie and I have far more in common than our differences on punditry."

On his podcast, Mr Moore said: "I'm thinking, 'What is going on here?' I'm thinking, on Monday night, I got so sad. I thought, 'Oh my God. Are we going to mark this date, Monday, January 13, 2020, as the day that Donald J Trump actually won re-election because the Democrats couldn't keep it together? Because we had to fight each other?'"

Following the debate, microphones captured Ms Warren telling Mr Sanders "I think you called me a liar on national TV."

Mr Sanders responded: "Let's not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, we'll have that discussion.

On his podcast, Mr Moore said: "We have only one job right now and that's to defeat Donald Trump ... That's what we should be spending our time doing. The fact that we're even talking about this on our podcast is taking time away from what we need to be doing."

Mr Moore echoed his comments on Twitter, where he said: "Whether u believe Warren or not, we all agree on 1 thing: Whether it's her name on the Dem side of the ballot on November 3rd, or if it's Bernie (or Uncle Joe or Mayor Pete or Oprah), that's who we're voting for. We have 1 shared mission: DUMP TRUMP."

He also suggested the chaos inside the White House and off the debate stage is "way more terrifying than anything happening on it"
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court prematurely ended Thursdays hearing into Kem Sokhas treason trial, to allow for the defense to consolidate all the documents and evidence it planned to present before the court.

The court resumed the hearing Thursday morning, with the proceedings also discussing Kem Sokhas activities from 1993 to 2007. The panel of three judges asked the defense to submit all the evidence they wanted to present to the court in one package by January 20. They then suspended the proceedings till next week, said Pheng Heng, one of Kem Sokhas lawyers.

The court did spend a large section of Wednesdays hearing to deliberate over the defenses request to present its evidence, specifically a more than a two-hour discussion on whether to play the entire treason video clip from 2013.

Pheng Heng added that the case file given to the defense contained a few pieces of evidence, such as photos and some documents, but that the government lawyers were presenting evidence in court that had not been made available to the defense.

Meng Sopheary, another lawyer for Kem Sokha, said that the court would probably show a 1-hour segment of the treason video on January 22. But, she said, the video, which was the basis for the charge, could not be used to prove an attempted revolution because there were no actual activities to support the claim.

It cant be an offense if someone just said something, she said, adding that the video had been clearly spliced to alter its meaning.

She also questioned the governments contention that the alleged crime started in 1993, asking for specifics from the government lawyers to illustrate the treason plot.

If my client committed the offense in 1993 - what time did he do it? When? And with whom? she said. Is there any evidence from then?

Government lawyer Ky Tech said his team continued to question Kem Sokha about his work, but did not provide any specifics. He also said that his suggestion for coding the names of countries, organizations, and individuals did not mean they were directly involved in the crime.

He said for example if an NGO was linked to the case then the country they originated from would have to be mentioned, but again that did not mean the country was part of the treason plot.

It does not mean those countries I mentioned are related to the offense in the case, he said, speaking to reporters after the hearing.

The experienced lawyer also reined in comments he made to a VOA Khmer reporter on Wednesday, when asked why was Taiwan referred to as a state in court by government lawyers.

Ky Tech on Wednesday asked the journalist not to ask challenging questions and to please be careful.

On Thursday, the government lawyer seemed to soften his tone and acknowledged his angry behavior the previous day. But he said the reference to Taiwan as state E was only for representative purposes and not a comment on recognition of Taiwan as a state.

Cambodia has strictly adhered to and supported the One China policy, which asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the mainland.

On another note, yesterday after reflecting myself, I seemed to express an outraged gesture when I was asked by a brother that, by mentioning Taiwan, he said or he wanted to accuse that we recognized [Taiwan] as a state. It is not like that, Ky Tech said.

The court administration has come under heavy criticism in the past few days for not allowing independent journalists and human rights NGOs to monitor the case in court. They have said embassy officials and other politicians have been given priority to witness the proceedings, even though media reports suggest that there were vacant seats in the courtroom.

Civil society groups and journalism organizations released a joint statement Thursday morning, criticizing the courts decision to prevent independent journalists and NGOs from getting passes to enter the court. The organizations include grassroots communities, human rights NGOs and media organizations.

The groups said the decision to prevent independent observers in the courtroom, despite there being empty seats, showed that the true motive was to deny access to journalists and independent civil society groups, as well as the families of the accused.

If the room is limited, the court should broadcast the trial proceedings live  its the digital age, said May Titthara, head of journalism alliance CamboJA, in the statement. To restore a better space for media, the court should change their mindset.

Journalists have so far relied on short comments from government and defense lawyers when the court is in recess, but have lacked a lot of critical details about the two days of hearings.

The defense had requested the court to accommodate journalists in the trial by at least screening the proceedings, said defense lawyer Pheng Heng.

Niem Chheng, a reporter with the Phnom Penh Post, said it was hard to publish a good story with information relayed by lawyers and it was preferable for journalists to themselves document the proceedings.

During the next hearing, I request the court to allow at least one journalist from each institution to attend the trial, he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He during U.S.-China trade signing ceremony at the White House in Washington

By Michelle Price and Sumeet Chatterjee

WASHINGTON/HONG KONG (Reuters) - The long-awaited U.S.-China trade deal touted new wins for U.S. companies looking to access China's $40 trillion financial sector, but many of the changes were already in the works with Beijing stepping up the pace of opening up in the past year.

Under the deal, China has agreed to expedite by nine months a previous December 2020 deadline for removing foreign ownership caps on securities firms, which includes investment banking, underwriting and brokerage operations.

The deal, which was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump at a White House ceremony on Wednesday, promises improved access to China's financial services for banking, insurance, asset management, payment and fund management.

It aims to address a number of longstanding U.S. complaints regarding investment barriers to China's financial sector, including foreign equity ownership restrictions, discriminatory regulatory requirements, and opaque licensing processes.

"China is very eager to get more private funds to invest in the economy" to help fuel economic growth, said Andrew Collier, managing director of Hong Kong-based Orient Capital Research.

Foreign financial companies, however, will struggle to corner a bigger share of the market from the dominant state-owned and private Chinese rivals in the near future, he said.

The deal text said that by no later than April 1, China will remove foreign equity limits and allow U.S. investment banks to participate in local securities businesses.

Foreign investment banks' ownership cap in China securities joint ventures was lifted to 51% in 2018 from 49%. A lack of control and limited contribution to revenue have long been a source of frustration for global investment banks.

While Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are awaiting regulatory nod to raise their holdings to 51% in their China securities ventures, Citigroup plans to set up a wholly-owned securities business after agreeing last year to sell its stake in its previous joint venture.

JPMorgan got a final approval from regulators on Dec. 18 to set up a majority-owned securities venture.

Story continues

China, which has pledged for years to open up its financial services sector to more foreign competition, previously said the deal would boost imports of U.S. financial services.

But to China-watchers, a key pledge made in the slim financial services section of the deal to scrap foreign equity limits on firms operating in China's fund management, futures and insurance sectors will feel familiar.

"China has already been opening up its markets," said a Beijing-based lawyer, who works with Chinese regulators.

"The real test will be how quickly the applications and regulatory processes are handled."

Last July, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced China would expedite by a full year its plans to allow 100% foreign ownership in a raft of financial sectors.

This month, foreign ownership limits in futures companies were scrapped, while China said last year that it would do the same for mutual funds by April 2020. A 51% cap on ownership in life insurance ventures was also removed this month.

Likewise, China's pledge on Wednesday to open up its payments system to U.S. firms comes after its central bank said it had accepted an application from an American Express Co unit regarding starting onshore operations.

Ken Bentsen, CEO of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, which has criticized China in the past for failing to make good on previous promises to level the playing field, struck a cautious note on Wednesday's deal.

"We will examine this agreement closely including what it specifically means for our members in terms of its implementation and enforcement," he said in a statement.

(Reporting by Michelle Price in Washington and Sumeet Chatterjee in Hong Kong; Additional reporting by Alun John in Hong Kong; Editing by Leslie Adler, Lisa Shumaker and Himani Sarkar)
Terrorism is here to stay so long as there are going to be states that are going to sponsor terrorism, CDS Bipin Rawat said. (Photo Credit: ANI/Twitter)

New Delhi:

The war on terror is not ending, it is something which is going to continue, we will have to live with it, said Indias Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat voicing the bitter reality of modern world. Addressing a session at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2020, General Rawat also spoke about how fighting global terrorism not only needs tough resolution but tougher battle plan. We've to bring an end to terrorism & that can only happen the way Americans started after 9/11, they said let's go on a spree on global war on terror. To do that you have to isolate the terrorists, anybody who is sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task, General Rawat said.

State-sponsored terrorism

Without taking name of Pakistan, General Rawat also spoke about states sponsoring terrorism. Terrorism is here to stay so long as there are going to be states that are going to sponsor terrorism and they are going to use terrorists as proxies, make weapons available to them, make funding for them, then we can't control terrorism, General Rawat said.

On situation in Afghanistan, General Rawat said, You have to come to a peace deal with everybody (in Afghanistan), if you've to come to a peace deal with them you've to go for negotiated peace. Taliban or whichever org is contemplating terror has to give up that weapon of terror, they must come to the political mainstream.

FATF and fight against terrorism

Lauding the FATF mechanism, General Rawat said that, Any country which is sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task. I feel one of the measures adopted is of blacklisting by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is one good measure. Diplomatic isolation, you have to do this.

Role of CDS

He also spoke about his role as Indias first Chief of Defence Staff. CDS is the first among equals but he has got clear and well-defined responsibilities. While he is the first among equals, he has some authority over the three service chiefs except on operational issues, General Rawat said. On his new department, General Rwat said that, I think the task is well cut out & we will be able to function within the firm framework which has been laid out for the CDS. I don't visualize any problems. We've had meetings with the 3 chiefs and a lot of decisions have already been taken in past 15 days.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Bank unions have threatened to go on a two-day nationwide strike beginning January 31 to press for early wage revision.

The wage revision for employees of public sector banks is pending since November 2017.

The strike call has been given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body of the nine bank unions including All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW).

If proposed strike materialises, it will coincide with beginning of the Budget session and presentation of Budget 2020-21.

UFBU in circular alleged rigid approach of the Indian Banks Association on demands for a fair wage revision settlement.

In this background, the meeting of UFBU held at Mumbai on January 13 came to the unanimous and inescapable conclusion that intensified agitational actions have to be resorted to press our demands for reasonable resolution and satisfactory settlement, it said.

Unions are demanding wage revision settlement at 20 per cent hike on pay slip components with adequate loading.

In the past wage settlement, which was for the period November 1, 2012, to October 31, 2017, the employees got a 15 per cent hike.

Earlier this month, a section of bank employees had gone on a day-long strike on January 8 in support of 10 major trade unions protest call against the governments anti-people policies.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) ("Southern Silver") reported today that the company continues to de-risk the Cerro Las Minitas project with the completion of the latest round of metallurgical test work. Results confirmed a sequential process flowsheet able to produce marketable copper, lead and zinc concentrates from a representative composite of the Skarn Front deposit, significantly increasing the marketability and projected value of the resulting lead and zinc concentrates compared to earlier batch testing.

These results are highlighted by a 94.7% zinc recovery grading 54.0% Zn in the zinc concentrate and grades of 5,504g/t Ag and 65.1% Pb in the lead concentrate. Silver strongly partitions into the lead and copper concentrates for a combined 83.8% Ag recovery into concentrates that traditionally receive favourable payable terms.

This round of test work utilized a more robust protocol than the earlier reported batch testing (see NR-10-18; September 19, 2018), resulting in significant upgrades of both the lead and zinc concentrates and greater confidence in the recovery and grade projections. Further variability test work on the Skarn Front deposit continues in order to determine the broader parameters for metallurgical recoveries and concentrate values. Results from this additional test work are still pending.

President, Lawrence Page Q.C. stated "The results of this most recent test work demonstrate a process to derive increased value from silver, lead and zinc, the prevalent metals identified in the CLM deposit. This is a significant milestone in that we have advanced a viable Cu-Pb-Zn processing flowsheet with no fatal flaws and increased the overall value of the resulting concentrates compared to the earlier batch test work."

Test Work Details

The test work was conducted on behalf of Southern Silver by Blue Coast Research of Parksville, British Columbia, and improves on earlier batch testing (see NR-06-18, May 14, 2018 and NR-10-18, September 19, 2018) that generated high-grade lead and zinc concentrates from the Blind-El Sol deposits and high-grade lead, zinc and copper concentrates from the Skarn Front deposit.

The current test work program comprises:

locked-cycle and batch testing of the Cu-Pb-Zn flowsheet of the Skarn Front composite which has now been completed; and

batch testing of subset composites to better understand the implications of grade variability within the deposit

Eight different samples were collected for variability test work. These ranged from high grade to low grade with varying precious and base-metal ratios designed to reflect a range of potential ore compositions throughout the Skarn Front deposit. A total of 210.8kg of mineralized material from 17 different drill holes was collected for the test work.

Aliquots from seven of the variability samples were blended into a homogenized Master Composite totalling 91.8kg and grading 111g/t Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.3% Pb and 5.8% Zn. A locked-cycle test was conducted that was based on an open circuit flowsheet established in the earlier batch test work. The locked cycle test produced a robust assessment of final lead and zinc concentrates. Owing to the lower copper content of the Master Composite, a larger scale batch cleaner test was conducted to establish the copper metallurgy. Results from the locked-cycle test were combined with the copper cleaner test work to create an overall metallurgical projection for the Skarn Front composite.

Projected recoveries and grades from the Skarn Front composite are:

83.6% Pb and 77.3% Ag into the lead concentrate which assays 65.1% Pb and 5,504g/t Ag respectively after three stage of cleaning; and

94.7% Zn and 8.0% Ag into the zinc concentrate which assays 54.0% Zn and 92g/t Ag respectively after three stages of cleaning.

60.2% Cu and 6.5% Ag recovered into the copper concentrate which assays 27.0% Cu and 1255g/t Ag respectively after three stages of cleaning;

Table 1: Projected Metallurgy for the Cerro Las Minitas Skarn Front Master Composite





To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5344/51525_3bcac339c48c0ae6_002full.jpg

Cerro Las Minitas Project

The Cerro Las Minitas (CLM) project is an advanced exploration stage polymetallic Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu Skarn/CRD project located in southern Durango, Mexico.

The CLM project as of May 9th, 2019 contains an estimated Indicated Resource, at a 175g/t AgEq cut-off, of 37.5Mozs silver, 40Mlbs copper, 303Mlbs lead and 897Mlbs zinc (134Mozs AgEq) and an estimated Inferred Resource of 45.7Mozs silver, 76Mlbs copper, 253Mlbs lead and 796Mlbs zinc (138Mozs AgEq).(1)

A total of 133 drill holes for 59,000 metres have now been completed on the Cerro Las Minitas project with exploration expenditures of approximately US$18.5 million equating to exploration discovery costs of approximately $0.07 per AgEq ounce to the end of 2019.

The Cerro Las Minitas project operates on a joint venture basis by Southern Silver at a 40% interest and Electrum Global Holdings LP at a 60% interest. Southern Silver is operator of the project.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is a precious metal exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits in north-central Mexico and the southern USA. Our specific emphasis is the Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, San Martin and Los Gatos. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts with the objective of developing, along with our partner, Electrum Global Holdings LP, the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, silver-lead-zinc mine.

The Company engages in the acquisition, exploration and development either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project located in southern New Mexico, USA. The Oro property consists of patented land, State leases and BLM located mineral claims which cover a highly prospective quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration zone, interpreted to overlie an unexposed porphyry centre and distal sediment-hosted, oxide-gold target.

The 2019 Cerro Las Minitas Resource Estimate was prepared following CIM definitions for classification of Mineral Resources. Resources are constrained using mainly geological constraints and approximate 10g/t AgEq grade shells. The block models are comprised of an array of blocks measuring 10m x 2m x 10m, with grades for Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn values interpolated using ID3 weighting. Silver and zinc equivalent values were subsequently calculated from the interpolated block grades. The model is identified at a 175g/t AgEq cut-off, with an indicated resource of 11,102,000 tonnes averaging 105g/t Ag, 0.10g/t Au, 1.2% Pb, 3.7% Zn and 0.16% Cu and an inferred resource of 12,844,000 tonnes averaging 111g/t Ag, 0.07g/t Au, 0.9% Pb, 2.8% Zn and 0.27% Cu. AgEq cut-off values were calculated using average long-term prices of $16.6/oz. silver, $1,275/oz. gold, $2.75/lb. copper, $1.0/lb. lead and $1.25/lb. zinc. Metal recoveries for the Blind, El Sol and Las Victorias deposits of 91% silver, 25% gold, 92% lead, 82% zinc and 80% copper and for the Skarn Front deposit of 85% silver, 18% gold, 89% lead, 92% zinc and 84% copper were used to define the cut-off grades. Base case cut-off grade assumed $75/tonne operating, smelting and sustaining costs. All prices are stated in $USD. Silver Equivalents were calculated from the interpolated block values using relative recoveries and prices between the component metals and silver to determine a final AgEq value. The same methodology was used to calculate the ZnEq value. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves until they have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for a resource's mineability, selectivity, mining loss, or dilution. The current Resource Estimate was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. of Kirkham Geosciences Ltd. who is the Independent Qualified Person responsible for presentation and review of the Mineral Resource Estimate. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely.

Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Cerro Las Minitas Project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, Q.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.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.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51525
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LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2020 / How does one achieve true success and transform as many lives as possible in the process? Well, this was the question investor and serial entrepreneur Justin Kimbrough asked himself at the start of his journey to success.Justin Kimbrough is an entrepreneur who's helped hundreds of people scale their brands to six - eight figure businesses, and in this article, we uncover how he went from trading penny stocks to building successful business empires.Subtle BeginningsKimbrough began his entrepreneurial journey at a very young age. He is one of the very few people who can proudly claim that they earned a six-figure status at the age of eighteen by trading penny stocks.Although he gained huge success in the stock market, Kimbrough didn't let it end there, he set out to explore other industries such as e-commerce, software development, credit repair, digital marketing and, of course, real estate. His nomadic journey and curiosity to explore new horizons proved profitable and landed him in the ranks of the world's elite entrepreneurs.Overcoming ObstaclesAt first glance, it might seem that Kimbrough had a smooth start to his career but when you take a closer look, you will discover that he didn't; he faced a lot of obstacles.As a young entrepreneur, problems were a daily affair in his life. He faced common entrepreneurial problems such as losses, low sales, and rejection from clients. Kimbrough also experienced more personal problems like the lack of funds to live a decent life and doubt from people close to him.Apart from the obstacles he faced, Kimbrough denied himself a lot of things. He rarely hung out with friends, had a lot of nights and early mornings, and worked unimaginable hours every day just to make sure he achieved his dream.Achieving SuccessThe world of business is an unforgivable place, so one might wonder how Kimbrough built a seven-figure empire from such a young age.Well, the answer lies in his mindset. Kimbrough is a huge advocate of the universal laws of success and his good fortune in life is hugely attributed to these laws. Virtues such as the law of attraction, vibration and association along with self-discipline, dedication, hard work, and patience just to name a few that have helped his career soar.At the outset, he made sure that he wasn't distracted by the materialistic things that were brought before him. This gave him a great advantage over other entrepreneurs and investors. He focused on his goals, sought out mentors to help guide him and developed his knowledge on areas where he lacked experience.Your Network Is Your Net WorthBuilding a successful empire will require you to build relationships and network with a lot of people, including fellow entrepreneurs, employees, and clients. Kimbrough has spent an ample amount of time developing solid relationships with his network. In a recent interview with him, he pointed out that relationships are extremely important."The goal isn't to have copious amounts of money, it's to have people, money is useless but people are powerful, you should never con your fellow human being because of money." - Kimbrough said.But building relationships with someone you don't know can be quite gruesome, especially to entrepreneurs who don't have time to leave their offices. At a very young age, Kimbrough understood the importance of building relationships, he knew that the only way to get someone to hear you out was by offering enough value first. This was how he connected with most of his mentors. He also identified the people in his life who were not contributing to his goals and cut them off.People who are generally unproductive tend to rub off their outlook on life on anyone who decides to befriend them. And Kimbrough made it a staple to avoid them and other idle relationships with friends.Making A differenceKimbrough has been into business for over five years now and he's gradually transformed the lives of everyone who's come in contact with him. At the very start of his career, he pledged to himself not to achieve success solely for the purpose of making money, but also for the value he would add to people's lives.He built his personal brand around this and hasn't faltered since then. And Unlike other individuals in the industry, his business model is genuine and transparent. He won't sell a product to a customer for the reason of making a profit, instead, he makes sure that the product is well crafted to meet the customer's needs, and if it's not, he doesn't force them to purchase.In Recent TimesKimbrough's future in the entrepreneurship/investment space seems to be very promising, when asked about how he intends to move forward, he states that he is doubling down on whatever efforts that have worked for him in the past and focusing on what truly matters; transforming the lives of everyone around him.You can reach out to Kimbrough on his Instagram PageContact Details:Contact Name: Vance FundoraCompany Name: Fundora EnterprisesEmail: Contact@ VanceFundora.com Website: www.vancefundora.com SOURCE: Vance Fundora
SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Impel NeuroPharma, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients living with central nervous system (CNS) disorders with high unmet medical needs, today announced the appointment of Sheena K. Aurora, MD, as Vice President of Medical Affairs  Migraine Franchise. Dr. Aurora will report to Dr. Stephen Shrewsbury, Chief Medical Officer, and will be responsible for leading medical affairs strategy and execution for INP104, Impel's lead product candidate for the treatment of acute migraine.

"I am delighted that Sheena has chosen to join Impel at this exciting time for INP104. She brings nearly 25 years of acclaimed experience in primary headache disorders, both as a respected clinician and a cutting-edge researcher. Having worked with her previously on the MAP Pharmaceuticals program developing MAP0004, a dihydroergotamine (DHE) product, I know she will be an invaluable addition to the Impel team," said Dr. Shrewsbury. "As an organization, we are incredibly pleased that our technology and pipeline piqued the interest of someone of her caliber and we look forward to her contribution as we prepare to submit the New Drug Application (NDA) for INP104 later this year."

Prior to joining Impel, Dr. Aurora was a Senior Medical Fellow, Global Launch Leader at Eli Lilly where she supported the market introduction and medical communications of the company's calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) development platform. Prior to her position at Eli Lilly she was a Clinical Associate Professor, Neurology at Stanford University's School of Medicine. Dr. Aurora's focus is on novel treatments for migraine and other primary headache disorders. A national leader in headache research and treatment, she was the lead author and a key investigator for the phase two study and the pivotal, FREEDOM-301 study, for MAP Pharmaceutical's pulmonary inhaled DHE program (MAP0004), which failed to launch due to lack of regulatory approval. A graduate of Christian Medical College, Dr. Aurora attended Henry Ford Hospital where she studied neurology. She then served as Director of the Headache Clinic at Henry Ford Hospital for four years before becoming Co-Director of the Headache Center at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, Washington. From 2001-2012, Dr. Aurora served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Aurora was voted as one of the best doctors in Seattle Magazine's "Seattle Best Doctors" in 2010 and 2011.

"My personal connection to migraine led me to devote my career to better understanding the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders and to empathize with the magnitude of impact they can have on those living with these debilitating diseases," said Dr. Aurora. "Despite recent breakthroughs, there continues to be significant unmet need across the spectrum of migraine and other disabling headache disorders, particularly in acute treatment. I believe that INP104 has the potential to transform the way we manage acute migraine and I am excited to lend my experience as Impel ushers this promising program forward."

Dr. Aurora currently serves in five professional societies, including the National Institutes of Health Headache Research Planning, the American Academy of Neurology, Migraine Research Foundation Medical Advisory Board, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Common Data Elements, and the American Headache Society.

About INP104

INP104 is a drug-device combination product being studied for the treatment of acute migraine. It is comprised of a nasal formulation of dihydroergotamine (DHE) and Impel's proprietary Precision Olfactory Delivery, or POD, device which delivers drug to the richly vascularized, brain-adjacent upper nasal cavity. The family of POD devices is designed to deliver consistent and predictable doses of drug, offering the potential for rapid and reliable bioavailability without injection. Because INP104 is designed to deliver a reduced dose of DHE compared to FDA-approved and other investigational DHE products in development, patients may be able to reap the established efficacy benefits of DHE, without the undesired side effects that are typically experienced with delivery to the lower nasal space. DHE is an established and highly effective treatment option for acute migraine treatment.

The safety of INP104 is currently being investigated in the "STOP-301 Trial" (Safety and Tolerability of POD-DHE), a Phase 3, open-label safety and tolerability trial evaluating long-term (24/52 week), intermittent use of INP104 for the treatment of acute migraine.

About Acute Migraine

Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe head pain and associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and to sound. Migraine affects approximately 39 million people in the United States. Of the approximately 19 million diagnosed migraine patients, only four million are on prescription treatment. While triptans account for almost 70 percent of migraine therapies, approximately 30 to 40 percent of patients do not respond adequately to triptans and up to 79 percent of the patients who do respond to triptans report being dissatisfied with their current treatment and willing to try a new therapy.

About Impel NeuroPharma

Impel NeuroPharma, Inc., is a privately-held, Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative therapies for people living with central nervous system (CNS) disorders that unlock the full potential of therapeutic molecules for patients with high unmet medical needs. Impel NeuroPharma is currently investigating INP104 (POD-DHE) for acute migraine headache, INP107 (POD-carbidopa/levodopa) for reversal of OFF episodes in Parkinson's disease and INP105 (POD-olanzapine) for acute agitation in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

Impel's product candidates are delivered via its proprietary Precision Olfactory Delivery, or POD, technology which targets the richly vascularized upper nasal cavity with the goal of achieving enhanced bioavailability of therapeutic molecules.

IMPEL, POD and the IMPEL Logo are trademarks of Impel NeuroPharma, Inc. To learn more about Impel NeuroPharma, please visit our website at http://impelnp.com.

About Precision Olfactory Delivery or POD Devices

Impel NeuroPharma's proprietary POD nasal drug delivery device is designed to deliver drugs to the richly vascularized upper nasal cavity to improve biodistribution and bioavailability of both small molecules and biologic drugs. By consistently and predictably delivering therapeutics to the upper nasal cavity, the POD device may improve overall bioavailability of drugs without IV injection. Impel has developed dry powder and liquid compatible POD devices to improve upon current treatment options for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Contact:

Melyssa Weible

Elixir Health Public Relations

Ph: (1) 201-723-5805

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Impel NeuroPharma

Related Links

http://www.impelnp.com


Real Estate Roundup is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of industrial real estate used for logistics and transportation. This week: Delta Apparel upgrades in Tennessee; Gap expands in Ohio; QVC bulks up Pennsylvania facility

Clothing stores have been among the hardest-hit sectors of the retail industry over the past couple of years  Forever 21, Gymboree and Payless ShoeSource are a few of the chains that have closed hundreds of stores.

Electronic commerce is the culprit and some apparel retailers are tweaking and strengthening industrial real estate holdings to capitalize on potential efficiency gains from logistics and distribution.

Delta Apparel, the Greenville, South Carolina-based maker of the Salt Life and Coast Apparel brands, is spending $15 million to upgrade a distribution center in Clinton, Tennessee. The center is located inside the Eagle Bend Industrial Park near Knoxville.

"The distribution facility we own in Clinton, Tennessee... is strategically located to reach a broad geographic area," Deb Merrill, chief financial officer of Delta Apparel, said during a Nov. 21, 2019 conference call.

Delta Apparel will add retail packaging operations to the distribution center, allowing the company to service its growing direct-to-retail business, according to Sports Insight Extra. The project will also integrate Delta's DTG2Go digital print and fulfillment services with the distribution center's operations.

Additionally, Delta Apparel is moving out of logistics and distribution facilities operated by third parties, including one in Dallas. It has moved some of those operations to centers that the company runs itself, located in New Jersey, Ohio and Texas, the company said in its 2019 annual report.

The Gap Inc., (NYSE: GPS) which owns its namesake clothing brand plus the Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta brands, is spending $100 million to expand a distribution center attached to a regional headquarters building in Groveport, Ohio, according to the company. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Story continues

As part of the project, The Gap will construct a 420,000-square-foot warehouse next to an existing 950,000-square-foot warehouse, according to the trade publication Area Development. The expansion is designed to support the company's growing online business, a Gap executive told the publication.

The project, which also includes a buildout of the headquarters building, will create 600 jobs in the Columbus, Ohio area. The Gap's warehouse is located inside Duke Realty's Groveport Commerce Center.

The home shopping giant QVC Inc. began moving into a new distribution facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in September 2019. The move-in should wrap up in the third quarter of 2020, according to the Allentown Morning Call.

QVC's CEO acknowledged that ecommerce has forced the company to reassess its distribution strategies.

"The fear persists that this business is in long-term decline," CEO Mike George said during a Nov. 21, 2019 investor meeting. "Fear that there are three boogeymen that will kill this business that we've heard for years and years, right? Cord-cutting, Amazon and millennials."

As part of the decision to move into the new facility, QVC closed fulfillment centers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Roanoke, Virginia, according to a regulatory filing. QVC is leasing the 1.7 million-square-foot center in Bethlehem for 15 years.

The facility is located inside Liberty Property Trust's industrial park in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. In October, Liberty (NYSE: LPT) agreed to be acquired by Prologis (NYSE: PLD) for $12.6 billion.

(Editor's note: Prologis is an investor in FreightWaves)

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has realised a remarkable leap in the World Banks Women, Business and the Law 2020 report, with a score of 70.6 out of 100.

The report ranks the Kingdom as the top reformer and top improver among 190 economies that it covers. The report also places Saudi Arabia first among GCC countries and second in the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia has made outstanding improvements in 6 out of 8 indicators measured by the report: mobility, workplace, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, and pension.

The kingdom- with other leading economies- is a global benchmark in four areas of reform: womens mobility, workplace, entrepreneurship, and pension.

Thanks to a bold set of 12 legislative reforms that it has implemented, the kingdom has significantly transformed the lives of women by enhancing their economic participation and strengthened the kingdoms global competitiveness.

Issam Abu Sulaiman, the World Banks Regional Director for GCC, lauded the kingdoms achievement: Saudi Arabia basically has become one of the leaders in the Arab World in terms of women empowerment, he said. We expect that this will contribute tremendously to the realisation of Vision 2030 when it comes to economic growth, diversification and women employment.

The package of legislative reforms include: expanding womens access to employment opportunities in new sectors of the economy, lifting restrictions on their mobility, ensuring their access to public services, guaranteeing equal pay and retirement benefits and protecting them against harassment and discrimination.

The kingdoms new global standing, as pointed out by the WBL report, is testimony to its leaderships commitment to expanding the economic opportunities to all citizens, notably women and youth, as outlined in Vision 2030.-- Tradearabia News Service
Labour senator Ged Nash, who is a former TD for Louth, has described the murder of teenager Keane Mulready-Woods as grotesque, medieval and barbaric.

Senior Garda officers have said they were shocked by the brutality of the murder and the way the 17-year-olds body was dismembered.

The murder was indicative that criminals had reached a new low, Senator Nash told RTE radios Today with Sean ORourke show.

People in Drogheda are sickened, by what happened, he said.

Keane was a child, absolutely no one deserves to die like this. People are demanding that this type of atrocity stops.

He said that while people had every confidence in the Chief Superintendent and the garda siochana locally, the fact was that they could not understand how the people responsible for this carnage of death are getting away with this with impunity and why has no one been brought before the courts.

Senator Nash called for a Mulvey style commission as was successful in Limerick to be introduced in Louth.

Labour senator Ged Nash

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan agreed that such a commission should be introduced in Drogheda. There should be a move towards broader response not just a criminal response.

The Commission for Future Policing provided a blueprint for a radical transformation of the force, he said with 157 recommendations on a range of issues including increased community policing, a multi agency approach involving the HSE, Tusla, local youth groups along with the garda siochana.

The main object is to protect the people.

The Minister also called on the public to look at the consequences of drug dealing which had resulted in a number of deaths.

People need to recognise the consequences of their drug consumption.

He agreed with Senator Nash that joined up thinking was needed and said that in order for the gardai to get people behind bars they needed local people to provide evidence.
Indian HC to Singapore Jawed Ashraf heading to France next as part of an envoy reshuffle: Reports

According to media reports, the Indian government has cleared the appointment of outgoing Singapore High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf as the next Ambassador to France. However, no official announcement has been made yet.

Ashraf, who has earlier served in the US, Germany and Nepal, is likely to succeed Vinay Kwatra, a 1988 batch IFS officer, who has been sent to Nepal as a replacement for superannuated Manjiv Puri. Photo: Connected to India

A Hindustan Times report stated that Ashraf has been given the assignment to further cement special strategic relations with France, an important ally of India, especially after his key role in strengthening Indo-Singapore ties. Ashraf played a major role in developing India's strong partnership with Singapore as part of Prime Minister Modis Act East policy, leading to the implementation of key development projects at home like smart cities and skill development.

Photo courtesy: Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy

Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy, a Visiting Fellow, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU, wished the outgoing high commissioner a successful stint in France, stating he was one of the gems of Indian foreign service; knowledgable, friendly, an excellent speaker, innovative, and a great achiever.

His posting there is a good move as France has emerged as one of the most important partners for India. Perhaps that is a reason for the political leadership to send one of the best diplomats there, he said.

Ashraf, who has earlier served in the US, Germany and Nepal, is likely to succeed Vinay Kwatra, a 1988 batch IFS officer, who has been sent to Nepal as a replacement for Manjiv Puri.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, currently High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, will take over as the US Ambassador from Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Photo courtesy: PIB

In a reshuffle of envoys, the Ministry of External Affairs is also reportedly sending Taranjit Singh Sandhu to Washington DC and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar to Austria.

Official sources said Sandhu, currently High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, will take over as the US Ambassador from Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who will return to India to take over the post of Foreign Secretary from Vijay Gokhale, who is retiring later this month.

Gopal Baglay, currently in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in New Delhi, will replace Sandhu in Colombo.

Raveesh Kumar, one of the youngest MEA spokespersons, will take over from Renu Pall in Vienna. Pall was transferred back to New Delhi after an impending investigation against her over allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement.
MILAN, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On the afternoon of January 12, 2020, in Milan (CET), a fashion conference, which integrated modern art and classical Eastern charms, was held in Piazza del Duomo, Milan's main city square. Classic oriental string music, such as the pipa and the guqin and trendy segments such as street dance, tie dye clothing, and a catwalk took place one after the other, creating an impactful audiovisual feast with their use of countless, soulful artistic elements to express the conference's overall theme of having people witness and appreciate the allure of the East.

The star of the event was a milk product from China created by Sanyuan Foods, a leading brand in the Chinese food industry. The packaging of the new milk product is culturally inspired by the national treasures housed within "The Palace Museum", giving us a sense of the cultural charms of the East. "Sanyuan Forbidden City Milk" features creative and artistic packaging. The package design was created by Swiss designers who drew their inspiration from international pop art, new Fes, De Stijl art, and elements of traditional Chinese musical instruments. At the conference, the intense color combinations of the packaging took everyone's breath away.

What we see here is not just a milk product that comes from China, but more of a dialogical cultural exchange between China and Italy. Mr. Stefano De Martino, former Vice President of the City Council of Milan, Ms. Giuseppina Merchionne, Executive Chairwoman of the Belt and Road Communication and Cooperation Center in Italy, Mr. Mario Dll'orto, Art Consultant of the EU-China National Culture and Art Centre, Mr. Pansisa Firippo, Consultant for the China Italy Geographical Indication Development Association, and Mr. Alesantlo Rosso, professor at Milan's Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, attended the conference. Among them, Mr. Stefano De Martino has visited China 80 times and was awarded the honorary title of Ambassador of Friendship with the Chinese people. Martino expressed his pleasure to see that "civilized, open, and inclusive China" was receiving more and more international support.

On the verge of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Italian diplomatic relations, the two countries continue to share mutual benefits and win-win results, making new contributions to promote China-Europe connectivity and intercommunication, and even world development and prosperity. Sanyuan Foods and other outstanding Chinese enterprises will also make efforts and contributions to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples of the two nations, and enhance friendship between the two countries. We look forward to seeing more outstanding Oriental brands that present the world with more creative works of art.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077835/Sanyuan.jpg
The man facing charges of dumping buckets of feces on several people in Toronto last fall will return to court late next month.

Samuel Opokus case briefly returned to a Toronto courtroom Thursday morning, although Opoku himself did not appear.

Just administrative stuff. Now I have to go read through these papers, talk to the Crown and then well be back here, Opokus lawyer, Jordan Weisz told the Star after the brief court appearance.

Opoku, 23, was arrested last November following a series of bizarre attacks in which he allegedly hurled buckets of liquefied fecal matter on five people  two incidents took place at the University of Torontos downtown campus, and a third happened at York University.

Police charged Opoku with five counts each of assault with a weapon and mischief.

He was released on $1,000 bail last month with conditions that include him not getting in contact with the victims and avoiding the area where the attacks took place.

Weisz has spoken about his concerns over mental health issues in the case, telling reporters in December that jail was not an appropriate place for his client.

He is doing well. Much better, Weisz said Thursday after the appearance, without giving further details.

Opoku is due back in court at Old City Hall on Feb. 26.
The United States has justified its airstrike that killed Iranian General Solomani to the United Nations claiming that its actions were in self-defence. After the airstrike, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at military airbases housing US troops in Iraq. The US has vowed to take additional actions as necessary to protect US personnel deployed in the Middle East.

Regarding the airstrike on US troops in Iraq, US President Donald Trump claimed that no Americans were hurt in the attack. In a letter that was sent to the UN, US Ambassador Kelly Craft has claimed that the US stands ready to engage in serious negotiations with Iran and it has the ultimate goal of preventing further endangerment of international peace and security.

US uses UN Charter 's Article 51

The US used Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify the killing of Solemani, Article 51 states that a country may undertake certain aggressive certain actions in case it is acting in self-defence. Craft also added that the US would undertake further actions in the region to protect US personnel and interests.

Read: House To Vote On Restraining Trumps Actions Against Iran

Under Article 51 of the UN charter, any action taken in self-defence must be notified by the country in question to the UN Security Council. The US had previously used Article 51 to justify taking action in Syria against Islamic State militants in 2014. The Iranian Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi stated that Iran does not wish for an escalation of hostilities with the US after it took retaliatory measures against US military installations. Ravanchi further added that the operation was precise and thus collateral damage to civilians and civilian assets were kept to a minimum.

US President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, addressed the media after the attacks on Iraqi military bases housing US officials and urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene in the matter. He called for peace and spoke about making a deal with Iran.

Read: Trump Was Eating Ice-cream, Meatloaf, When Pentagon Confirmed Soleimani's Assassination

Trump also made it clear that the US does not need oil and gas from the middle east and that now US is the number one producer of these items. Lastly, he also spoke about working together on shared priorities with Iran and have a better future for all the countries.

Read: US Lawmakers To Vote To Limit Trumps War-making Power Against Iran

Read: Analysis: Trump Changes Terms Of 2020 Race With Iran Turmoil
Two days ago, we hailed the good news that a trial court judge in Wisconsin held the Elections Commission and three of its Democrat members in contempt because they refused to abide by his December order that they remove 200,000 non-viable names from the state's voting records. One day later, on Tuesday, the state appellate court stepped in to stop the Elections Commission from cleaning out the cemetery vote:

The removal of as many as 209,000 names was put on hold a day after an Ozaukee County judge found three members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission in contempt of court for ignoring an order he gave in December 2019. An appeals court judge also blocked the contempt finding in a separate order, putting on hold a decision that fined the three Democratic members $250 a day each until they voted to purge the names. The appeals court on Tuesday ordered the lower court's order against the commissioners, and a Dec. 13 order to purge the names from voter rolls, "stayed until further order of this court," the court clerk wrote. The rulings will ensure, temporarily, that thousands of names will not be removed from the rolls, until the appeals court reviews the dispute. Democrats have raised the alarm over the potential removal of so many names from the voter roll in a state set to be a battleground when President Donald Trump seeks reelection in November.

The same judges  Michael Fitzpatrick, JoAnne Kloppenburg, and Jennifer Nashold  had on two previous occasions refused to step in to block the purge. This time, however, they moved so quickly that they did not even have time to write an order explaining their reasoning:

They wrote that they issued the order quickly because they knew the commission was meeting Tuesday. They will spell out their reasoning in a later opinion, they wrote.

It should be noted that the decision to remove names was not arbitrary or under the control of a single person or party. Instead, it was the last phase in a formal notice procedure:

The order to remove hundreds of thousands of names was initially made last month, and came after the state Elections Commission sent notices in October last year to more than 230,000 people that were thought to have moved, requesting that they update their voter registrations or indicate that they hadn't moved. The letters were sent to the voters based on data from the Electronic Registration Information Center that suggested they had potentially changed addresses. If they didn't respond, they were in danger of being removed from the rolls by 2021.

Commissioner Julie Glancey, a Democrat, complained that it just wasn't fair to remove people from the rolls because once upon a time, in the past, they were valid voters:

Responded Commissioner Julie Glancey, a Democrat: "These are eligible, registered voters. They are not by any stretch of the imagination illegal or anything else. They are true people who registered to vote and are eligible to register to vote. They may or may not have moved. "This is not an example of 200,000 illegal registrants on our voting list."

Glancey ignores the fact that in Wisconsin, it's incredibly easy to re-register on election day, whether online, at the polling place, or at the county clerk's office. Glancey's complaint therefore cannot be about the risk of disenfranchising legitimate voters.

Same-day re-registration means that no one can argue that the Republicans are pushing to purge voter rolls in order to suppress voter turnout. That leaves one to conclude that the only reason Democrats want to keep 200,000 names on the rolls, even though the people attached to those names have moved on, is to have a roster of names that people who cannot vote can "borrow" for the day, also known as voter fraud.
A Belfast-based company has been awarded a 1.3m contract by the Office for National Statistics to distribute anonymised Census 2021 data (stock photo)

A Belfast-based company has been awarded a 1.3m contract by the Office for National Statistics to distribute anonymised Census 2021 data.

Sensible Code and its privacy-preserving technology will spread the anonymous data for ONS over three years.

The firm said it specialises in products for modernising statistics.

ONS said it is improving the way it disseminates data in order to "add value to its community of users".

Cantabular applies data anonymisation in real time as a user makes a census query. Sensible Code said this means data can be published sooner, users can self service their queries and researchers can process data more easily.

Aine McGuire, commercial director of Sensible Code, said: "We're delighted to be working with the ONS, given its international reputation as the gold standard in statistical practice.

"Our technology will transform the way Census 2021 data is disseminated and deliver higher value to the economy, through better policy, better business decisions and valuable research.

"The software applies robust statistical disclosure control techniques in real time. The ONS is able to compute millions of tables of data at high speed whilst protecting anonymity and to ensure data are non-disclosive."
Full roster of Vancouver conferences for January

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - HighGold Mining Inc. (TSXV: HIGH) (OTCQB: HGGOF) ("HighGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company recently began trading today on the US Over-the-Counter market under the ticker HGGOF, in addition to HighGold's primary stock exchange listing on the TSX Venture exchange.

"We understand the importance to our US investors of having a US quoting and trading platform. To that end, we are very pleased to offer this option to our current US shareholders and those we hope will become shareholders now that we are on this over-the-counter platform," commented HighGold CEO Darwin Green. "The Company is currently working toward DTC (Depository Trust Company) eligibility for greater efficiency in clearing trades for those who trade HighGold through the OTC platform."

HighGold will also be attending several conferences being held in Vancouver in January:

Friday Jan. 17/Saturday Jan. 18

Vancouver Metals Investor Forum at the Hotel Georgia

HighGold presentation Friday Jan. 17, 2:30pm

Sunday Jan. 19/Monday Jan. 20

Vancouver Resource Investor Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Monday Jan 20 - Thurs Jan 23

AME Roundup at Canada Place, West Building

HighGold featured in the core shack Monday January 20 and Tuesday January 21

HighGold technical presentation Thursday Jan 23, 11:15am

About HighGold

HighGold is a mineral exploration company focused on premier high-grade gold projects located in North America. HighGold's flagship asset is the high-grade Johnson Tract Gold (Zn-Cu) Project located in south-central Alaska, USA. The Company also controls a portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp, Ontario, Canada that includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, which is renowned for its high-grade mineralization, and the large Golden Mile and Golden Perimeter properties. HighGold's experienced Board and senior management team, are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful stewardship of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

On Behalf of HighGold Mining Inc.

"Darwin Green"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the HighGold Mining Inc. website at www.highgoldmining.com, or contact:

Darwin Green, President & CEO or Naomi Nemeth, VP Investor Relations

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: information@highgoldmining.com.

Website: www.highgoldmining.com

Twitter: @HighgoldMining

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 includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future Johnson Tract exploration, the Company's Canadian gold projects and other future plans, objectives or expectations 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51563
Harvard has released a radical proposal to fix America's broken democracy.

Researchers suggest Congress needs to pass legislation reducing the size of Washington, D.C. to just a few core federal buildings and declaring its 127 neighborhoods as states.

These new states would add enough votes for Congress to rewrite the Constitution in a way that 'every vote counts equally' by ratifying four amendments.

The plan entails equal representation in both the Senate and the House, replacing the Electoral College with a popular vote and modifying 'the Constitution's amendment process that would ensure future amendments are ratified by states representing most Americans.'

The authors of the proposal suggest dividing D.C. in to states because it is the only area in the US that can do it legally and every subdivision voted overwhelmingly for the Democratic party in the 2016 election.

And, according to the anonymous writers, 'the Democratic caucus in Congress could be confident that new states created within the District would elect like-minded delegations to Congress.

Scroll down for video

Harvard has released a wild proposal to fix America's broken democracy. Researchers suggest Congress pass legislation reducing the size of Washington, D.C. to just a few core federal buildings and declaring its 127 neighborhoods as states. Pictured are the neighborhoods in DC that the report suggests should be admitted as states

'Radical as this proposal may sound, it is no more radical than a nominally democratic system of government that gives citizens widely disproportionate voting power depending on where they live,' according to the unsigned note, entitled 'Pack the Union: A Proposal to Admit New States for the Purpose of Amending the Constitution to Ensure Equal Representation'.

'The people should not tolerate a system that is manifestly unfair; they should instead fight fire with fire, and use the unfair provisions of the Constitution to create a better system.'

As it stands, every state has two senators that carry votes equally.

However, the issue is that voters in less-populated states have more influence over what happens in Congress than those in more-populated states.

The plan entails equal representation in both the Senate and the House, replacing the Electoral College with a popular vote and modifying 'the Constitution's amendment process that would ensure future amendments are ratified by states representing most Americans'

PLAN TO FIX AMERICA'S BROKEN DEMOCRACY The first step of the proposal is to add new states.

Admitting Washington D.C.'s 127 neighborhoods as states is legal, as it is not a state and therefor can be divided into states.

The report notes that the subdivisions voted overwhelmingly for the Democratic party in the 2016 election, so the Democratic caucus in Congress could be confident that new states created within the District would elect like-minded delegations to Congress.

The next part of this plan would be to amend the Constitution, which Congress would have to first pass legislation to separate the neighborhoods into states.

These states will then have enough votes to ratify four amendments: (1) a transfer of the Senates power to a body that represents citizens equally; (2) an expansion of the House so that all citizens are represented in equal-sized districts; (3) a replacement of the Electoral College with a popular vote; and (4) a modification of the Constitutions amendment process that would ensure future amendments are ratified by states representing most Americans. Advertisement

Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson noted: 'Can we forget for whom we are forming a government? Is it for men, or for the imaginary beings called states?'

However, according to the report, 'States do not have interests independent of the people who live in them, so equal numbers of people ought to be entitled to an equal number of representatives.'

And the problem of unequal representation seems to get worse.

There are more Americans living in larger states, yet are at a disadvantage in terms of federal representation.

Data predicts that by 2040, 40 percent of the population will like in just five states.

Half of the population will be represented by just sixteen senators and the other by eighty-four.

For the first time ever, nearly half of the bills and nominations passing the Senate were supported by senators representing less than half of the population  this is where the proposal comes into play.

'An 'easier' way to amend the Constitution would be for Congress to admit a large number of new states whose congressional representatives would reliably ally with the existing majority in sufficient numbers to propose and ratify new amendments fixing the problem of unequal representation,' reads the document.

Because Congress can admit new states with a simple majority, this would provide a more attainable political threshold.'
China on Thursday played down Russia's backing for India and Brazil's entry into the UN Security Council as permanent member, saying all parties have "major differences" in the matter and instead advocated for a "package solution".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, backed India and Brazil to be permanent members of the UNSC.

"We are convinced that the overriding trend of the global development is the objective process of the formation of new centres of economic might, financial power and political influence and India is obviously one of them," Lavrov said.

Reacting to Lavrov's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said member countries of the UN have differences over reforms in the world body.

China, which has veto power in the UNSC being one of its five permanent members, has been stonewalling India's efforts to become permanent member of the powerful UN body for years, pointing out lack of consensus even though the other four -- US, UK, France and Russia -- have backed New Delhi's membership.

Beijing's all weather ally, Pakistan, is also opposed to India becoming a permanent member.

India, Germany, Brazil and Japan have formed the G4 bloc to press for their permanent membership demand as part of the reforms in the United Nations.

China however has backed India for non-permanent membership of the UNSC for the year 2021-22.

In his reply on Thursday, Geng said reform of the UNSC is very important as it concerns the long-term development of the UN and interests of all members.

"Now all parties have major differences on this and we do not have broad consensus on the reform. So, China would like to work with other members to find a package solution that accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties through dialogue and consultation," he said.

He said the UNSC is the core of international collective security mechanism and any reform to better implement its duty enshrined in the UN charter and the reform should enhance the representation and say of developing countries, so that more medium sized and small sized countries can participate in the decision-making process of the security council, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canada says its investigators have visited the site of plane crash near Tehran that included 57 Canadian fatalities among the 176 people killed in the tragedy.



Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau on January 15 said the countrys investigators have not yet been allowed access to the flight and cockpit recorders of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 that had just taken off from Tehran en route to Kyiv on January 8 when it was shot down by up to two Iranian missiles.

Iran has issued visas to a team of Canadian officials, including two specialists from the Transportation Safety Board, hoping to determine how and why Irans military shot down the airliner, killing all on board.



Most of the victims were Iranian and Canadian nationals, with smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Afghans, Swedes, Britons, and Germans.



"What we have been told by the Iranians is that we will be allowed to participate in not only the decoding of the [black] boxes, but also the analysis," Garneau told an Ottawa news conference.



"We're standing by at the moment to find out where that is going to happen. We have not had that signal."



Garneau said he and foreign ministers from Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, and Britain are scheduled to meet on January 16 to press for "full cooperation from Iranian authorities."



"Canada will not accept a situation where we feel that we're not being given the information that we're looking for," he said. "Make no mistake about it, Canada is going to get to the very bottom of this."



Tehran originally denied its forces shot down Flight PS752 but, as evidence mounted, the country's military on January 11 admitted the Ukrainian plane was shot down "unintentionally" by an antiaircraft missile.



The tragedy occurred with Irans air-defense forces on high alert following an Iranian ballistic-missile attack a few hours earlier against U.S. forces in Iraq.



The governments action and denials have angered many Iranians, leading to protests against the clerical establishment.

President Hassan Rohani on January 15 called for national unity, as Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said people have been demonstrating "against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days.



Meanwhile, Amnesty International accused Iranian security personnel of using "unlawful force" against peaceful protesters who had gathered in Tehran and other cities on January on 11-12.



Video footage, photographs, and testimonies from victims and eyewitnesses indicate that security forces targeted protesters with rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray, and air-gun pellets, according to the London-based human rights watchdog.



It said demonstrators were also kicked, punched, beaten with batons, and arbitrarily arrested.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Photo: Whit Andrews/Flickr

Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in New York City.

Off-duty US Secret Service agent fatally shoots dog in New York

Law enforcement sources told NBC New York that the agent fired at the dog after it charged at him around 10 p.m. on Monday.

Read the full story on NBC News.

Baby Yoda comes to life in one New York City neighborhood

Artist Will Power says he loves Baby Yoda and wanted to bring happiness to neighborhood kids.

Read the full story on ABC New York, WABC.

New York City property values rise 4.7%

New York City is reaping the benefits of a construction boom.

Read the full story on Bloomberg.

Weinstein judge warns jury pool: No tweeting about case

As if picking a jury for Harvey Weinsteins rape trial wasnt complicated enough, some potential jurors have been posting on social media about their involvement in the New York City case, violating court rules that could land them behind bars, the judge said Wednesday, as the selection process stretched into a seventh day.

Read the full story on FOX26.

President Trump lifts hold on $8 billion for Puerto Rico; protests held in New York City

Protesters rallied outside Housing and Urban Development offices in Lower Manhattan and other cities. They say the department owes the island $20 billion.

Read the full story on ABC New York, WABC.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Thursday discussed recent regional development and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), an agreement signed in 2015 to limit Tehran's nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.



The meeting of the two leaders took place on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020, which is currently going on in the national capital.

During the meeting, it was agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020, said Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

Both leaders also recalled positive outcomes of Jaishankar visit to Tehran for the 19th Joint Commission Meeting in December.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zarif held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Zarif, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2020, targetted the US over its air raid which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

Early this month US struck and killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, or PMF. Following which, Iran carried out airstrikes on two basses in Iraq housing US forces. This event marked the escalation of tensions in the regions which were already at fever pitch since Trump withdrew from 2015 nuclear deal.

The JCPoA is on the verge of collapsing ever since Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018. The deal was signed between Iran and P5 +1 with the European Union. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Since Trump announced withdrawal from the deal, Tehran and Washington are engaged in the war of words and have also been involved in carrying out attacks to infuriate each other. Washington imposed several sanctions to pressure Iran to renegotiate the deal and designated Iran's elite force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Meanwhile, Iran has also targeted the United States allies and people. (ANI)


Mumbai, Jan 16 : Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar beams with energy at the age of 75 and says he still has to do a lot of work.

"A lot of people have achieved so much more than me. I feel I have earned love of friends. I feel that I still have to do a lot of work. I can do a lot of things. I can write much more poetry, lyrics and scripts. I can associate myself with causes in which I believe in. I can speak my mind at different panel discussions, so that I can bring in change in people's mindset," said Akhar, at a photo exhibition organised on the occasion of his 75th birthday on Wednesday in Mumbai.

Akhtar, who has been active in the film industry for nearly five decades now, said: "Every human being goes through good and bad, happy and sad times in his life. I feel people have to look at their grand total, and if you keep cribbing about your past then there is no use. If your grand total is correct and if you are happy with it, then you will feel happy." Asked Akhtar what his kids had gifted him on his birthday, he said: "He (Farhan) has gifted me a really nice brown watch, so whenever I wear a brown kurta then I wear that watch. Zoya also gifts me things whenever she returns from her international trips but I feel she is the biggest gift of mine. What else I can ask for?" Celebrities including Zoya Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar, Sudhir Mishra, Divya Dutta, and Riteish Deshmukh attended the photo-exhibition.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Sandia National Laboratories pumped an all-time high of nearly $3.68 billion into the economy in fiscal year 2019 by spending on goods, services, payroll, taxes and other payments, Labs Director James Peery announced today.

"Sandia is proud of the past success but will not rest," Peery said. "We will keep building on these successes and seeking partnerships with highly qualified, diverse suppliers that can contribute to Sandia's national security mission and spur economic growth in New Mexico and across the country."

A big part of the spending impact included $1.54 billion in payroll. Sandia added more than 1,100 new positions last year, helping to raise the number of Sandia employees above 14,000 for the first time.

The more than $1.41 billion spent to purchase goods and services from suppliers in fiscal year 2019 also played a significant role in the overall spending impact, said Scott Aeilts, associate labs director of Mission Services, referencing the newly released 2019 Sandia Economic Impact brochure. Nearly $522 million was spent on New Mexico businesses, and the state's small businesses received nearly $364 million in subcontract payments.

"These numbers continue to trend upward on a yearly basis and show Sandia's continued commitment to small businesses and New Mexico," Aeilts said. "As Sandia grows, we are able to return investment into the communities, the states and the country that we serve."

Other economic impact highlights, based on data reflecting actual payments made during Sandia's fiscal year from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, include:

Sandia's close to $3.68 billion in spending was an increase of nearly $363.5 million compared to fiscal year 2018.

The more than $1.41 billion spent on goods and services -- about $1.32 billion in subcontract payments and roughly $90.2 million in procurement-card purchases -- was up about $140.7 million from the previous year.

Sandia paid about $98.1 million in corporate taxes.

The labs spent nearly $2.17 billion on labor, including payroll, and other non-subcontract related payments. That was up about $221.6 million from fiscal year 2018.

Strong commitments to small businesses, New Mexico

The data released today also showcases Sandia's commitment to small businesses, which received nearly $784.2 million, roughly 59%, of the more than $1.32 billion spent on subcontract awards in fiscal year 2019.

New Mexico businesses received more than $509.4 million in subcontracts, or about 39% of the total subcontracting amount. New Mexico small businesses received nearly $364 million, or about 71% of subcontract payments to New Mexico companies.

Compared with fiscal year 2018, subcontract spending was up about $47.2 million with New Mexico businesses, with much of that increase coming from the state's small companies. Total U.S. small-business spending increased by nearly $127.9 million from fiscal year 2018 to 2019.

"Small businesses are essential to Sandia's success in accomplishing our national security mission," said Delfinia Salazar, senior manager of the labs' Supply Chain Integration department. "We will continue to focus on developing those relationships in an effort to support economic growth in New Mexico and the nation."

Having a symbiotic relationship with small businesses

One New Mexico company benefiting from Sandia's maintained focus on small businesses is Albuquerque-based nStone Corp., a consulting engineering firm that has supported Sandia since 2011.

"We've had a great continued relationship with Sandia," said nStone President Donald Lincoln. "Sandia is very easy to work with. They bend over backward to be helpful, and they want us to be successful."

nStone provides engineering services in the areas of facility maintenance management, environmental safety and health operations, construction projects, project management, quality assurance, real property maintenance and management, and several other areas.

"Our team has a strong history of support with Sandia and understands the challenges of working at both the New Mexico campus and the remote locations," Lincoln said. "We are proud to support Sandia's critical national defense mission now and in the future."

The drive continues for small and diverse suppliers

Sandia seeks out small businesses such as nStone through a variety of programs, such as public forums with suppliers and civic leaders to discuss subcontracting opportunities and listing opportunities on its website. In fiscal year 2018 Sandia launched a 5% pricing preference for New Mexico small businesses and followed that up in fiscal year 2019 with the development of a mentor-protege program based on the Department of Energy model for small businesses.

"Small Businesses, especially those right here in New Mexico, are what makes Sandia's mission a success year after year," said Paul Sedillo, Sandia's small-business program manager. "Sandia recognizes the value of small, local and diverse businesses and continues to make a conscious effort to meet with local suppliers and increase spending in New Mexico."

For the past three years, Sandia has hosted small-business open houses to meet with business owners and representatives. In fiscal year 2019, Sandia hosted eight such events attended by 431 companies that could meet with subcontract professionals, supplier diversity advocates, other Sandia personnel and a free New Mexico small business resource center, the New Mexico Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

In fiscal year 2019, Sandia added more than 537 new small businesses to its supplier base. In all, small businesses represent 65% of all Sandia suppliers.

The amount of subcontract-related payments to small businesses were up the across federal categories of small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran owned, and small businesses in impoverished, HUBZone areas.

"The Sandia small business team partners with a variety of agencies and national labs across the country to provide education on opportunities for local businesses to grow at Sandia as well as within the industry as a whole," Sedillo said. "Sandia had a lot of great opportunities in 2019 for small and diverse suppliers. Expect to see more great opportunities in 2020."

###
All the while, Googles unique and freewheeling corporate culture appears to be crumbling. Activist employees have complained that Google is cracking down on workers who speak out on issues such as the companys treatment of sexual harassment or working with the American military on technology that could be used to improve weapons.

Last year, Google fired several employees active in labor organizing for what it described as clear and repeated violations of our data security policies. It has also been working with a firm known for helping companies fend off unions.

Jack Poulson, a former research scientist who left Google in 2018, said the companys focus on maintaining growth and keeping Wall Street happy had changed its character.

The ethical lines are being rolled back, said Mr. Poulson, now the executive director of Tech Inquiry, a nonprofit that helps tech workers raise ethical concerns about products they are working on. He said he had resigned from Google to protest the companys efforts to introduce a search engine in China that would adhere to the Chinese governments censorship requirements. (Google has said there are no current plans to launch its search engine in China.)

Google faces other challenges. Regulators and lawmakers around the world are scrutinizing the company for vacuuming up peoples private information and chilling the technology landscape with its market dominance. In the United States alone, it faces investigations from Congress, state attorneys general and the Department of Justice.

The company will also be under the spotlight this year with the American presidential election. It has grappled with criticism over how it allows politicians to target specific audiences with digital ads, a practice that it recently scaled back. The company is also scrambling to prevent misinformation spreading on YouTube and Google search results, as it did in the 2016 election.

These issues now fall on the shoulders of Mr. Pichai, 47, a former McKinsey management consultant who has proved adept at handling the traditional executive functions  like earnings conference calls with Wall Street analysts  that Mr. Page and Mr. Brin spurned. Yet he is often described as lacking the visionary chops of the companys founders.
Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - One World Pharma, Inc. (OTCQB: OWPC), "OWP," a fully licensed pure-play cannabis and hemp ingredient producer in Colombia, has been honored by the Assembly of the Department of Cauca, Colombia for its efforts to invest in, develop and empower the local population in the region. The award is the highest distinction granted by the Assembly, and was approved unanimously by the governing body.

One World Pharma's mission is to create a leading international cannabis and hemp ingredient company which leverages the extremely beneficial natural conditions in equatorial Colombia with the best interests of the indigenous people in mind. To that end, OWP has put the people of the once troubled State of Cauca first; hiring, training, and partnering hand-in-hand with them in a shared goal to capitalize on the unique Colombian cannabis and hemp opportunity.

The company has already hired a large number of indigenous people and created new opportunities for them to partner in profitable outcomes. In addition, One World Pharma has overseen the construction of new roads, running water and other essential amenities.

"We are proud to walk-the-walk and not just talk-the-talk," stated Brian Moore, President, One World Pharma. "Our company was and is intent on a business model that lifts others up, changes their lives for the better, and harnesses that goodwill as the driving force to become a real agent of change in Colombia and the international cannabis and hemp marketplace. This award, given by those who know us best, is a testament to our commitment and to the life-changing impact of our devoted team."

"This is more than just an honor from our friends and partners for a new Colombia," stated Moore. "It is an affirmation of our pledge to work in partnership with the people who need it most, and to collaborate in this emerging part of Colombia to benefit their people."

"As we draw ever closer to our first harvests and revenue generating activities, it is heartening to have our core humanitarian mission acknowledged," added Moore. "The people of Cauca are now closer to living the lives every human deserves."

One World Pharma Company Contact:

Mimi Tekabe

One World Pharma Inc.

1.800.605.3210

www.oneworldpharma.com

One World Pharma Investor Relations & Financial Media

Integrity Media

team@integritymedia.com

Toll Free: (888) 216-3595

www.IntegrityMedia.com

Information about Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: the Company's need for additional funding, the demand for the Company's products, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the Company's ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, risks related to operating in Colombia, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company's liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other risks that may be detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting One World Pharma, please refer to the Company's Current Report on 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2019, which is available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51550
The 2020 lineup for Dancing with the Stars was announced on Tuesday.

And it didn't take long for former Bachelorette star Lee Elliott to voice his disapproval over the casting of one particular contestant.

In a blistering Instagram post, the 38-year-old mechanical plumber took aim at MAFS 2018 'villain' Dean Wells, whom he described as a 'sexist'.

Reality stars at war: The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott (left) has slammed Dancing with the Stars for casting a 'sexist and chauvinist' like Dean Wells from Married At First Sight (right)

Lee, who won Georgia Love's heart on The Bachelorette 2016, was clearly frustrated by the inclusion of Dean, who is known for his old-fashioned views on gender roles.

'When did this country start celebrating intolerable, sexist, chauvinistic [people]?' he wrote over a promotional image of the DWTS cast.

Lee made sure that Dean was the only star in view when he shared the post, so his followers didn't think he was referring to anyone else.

Ouch! Lee, who won Georgia Love's heart on The Bachelorette 2016, was clearly frustrated by the inclusion of Dean, who is known for his old-fashioned views on gender roles

Making his point: Lee made sure that Dean (far right) was the only star in view when he shared the post, so his followers didn't think he was referring to anyone else

Dean, who describes himself as an 'alpha male', sparked controversy in 2018 when he said in a MAFS trailer that men should be in control in relationships.

He later cheated on his 'wife', Tracey Jewel, with another bride, Davina Rankin.

Responding to Lee's Instagram post, Dean told Daily Mail Australia: 'Everyone's entitled to their opinion. However, if he had ever actually met me, he would know that I am as far from any of those things as a person can be.

'I don't judge anyone based on gender, ethnicity, sexuality or any other such traits.

Controversy: Dean (right), who describes himself as an 'alpha male', sparked controversy in 2018 when he said in a MAFS trailer that men should be in control in relationships. He later cheated on his 'wife', Tracey Jewel, with another bride, Davina Rankin (left)

'I am choosing to ignore negativity and focus on the challenge of learning to dance and hopefully raising money for my nominated charity, the BridgIT Water Foundation.

'That's what it's all about. Dancing with the Stars is such a great show and I am honoured and humbled to be chosen amongst such a talented bunch of people.'

Dancing with the Stars premieres Sunday, February 9 on Channel 10
(Newser)  As far as Hugh Grant is concerned, Prince Harry's actions distancing himself from the British royal family are perfectly justified. "Im rather on Harrys side," the actor told Andy Cohen on Cohen's SiriusXM radio show, per the Guardian. "The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother, now theyre tearing his wife to pieces. I think as a man, its his job to protect his family, so Im with him." The newspaper notes fellow British celebrity Piers Morgan, who used to be the editor of the Daily Mirror, disagrees with Grant on this point, calling Harry and wife Meghan Markle "the two most spoiled brats in history."

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Also not on Harry's side: Canada's biggest newspaper. Per the New York Post, the Globe and Mail is out with a "scathing editorial" explaining why he and Markle aren't welcome there permanently. "You are welcome to visit, but so long as you are senior royals, Canada cannot allow you to come to stay," it reads. "This isnt about breaking up with the Crown. On the contrary, its about maintaining Canadas unique and highly successful monarchy. ... A royal living in this country does not accord with the long-standing nature of the relationship between Canada and Britain, and Canada and the Crown." (Read more Prince Harry stories.)
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu on Thursday said that increased pressure is needed to reform the UN Security Council.



"Estonia believes increased pressure is needed to reform the UN Security Council," he said in his address at the Raisina Dialogue 2020 here.

Earlier on Wednesday, Reinsalu met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and conveyed his country's support for India's candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-2022.

"The two leaders met here on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020. They extensively discussed various issues of mutual interest for further deepening the partnership between India and Estonia," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The ministry also said that Reinsalu's visit will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Estonia.

Speaking to ANI, Reinsalu termed his meeting with Jaishankar as "very marvellous." "Meeting was very marvellous. There is no political agenda because India and Estonia's political relation is cloudless," he said.

The Estonian Foreign Minister also called India a 'rising star' in the global economy and said that his country is looking for cooperation with New Delhi in digital and cyber fields. (ANI)


Chinese New Year arrivals too early to tell, says TAT Phuket chief

PHUKET: The Chinese New Year holidays from Jan 25 to Feb 1 are expected to see more than 430,000 tourists visit Phuket and generate an estimated B15.825 billion for the local economy, reports Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon.

tourismeconomicsChinese

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Thursday 16 January 2020, 12:51PM

Tourists take photos of the top of Bangla Rd in Patong. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Ms Kanokkittika told The Phuket News this week that according to a report drafted by the Phuket TAT office, the projected hotel occupancy rate for the island stands at an average of about 78.85%, down some 4.29% on the occupancy rate for the Chinese New Year holidays last year.

This is not very high compared with previous years, but there are a lot of new hotels, Ms Kanokkittika said.

However, Ms Kanokkittika also noted that the projected tourism figures for the upcoming holidays over the eight days were based on advance bookings with hotels, and were likely to underestimate the true boost to the local economy the holidays will bring.

Tourists coming for the Chinese New Year, mostly Mainland Chinese, are expected to stay about 2.84 nights on average, Ms Kanokkittika added, noting that foreign tourists are expected to comprise an estimated 86.59% of tourist arrivals for the period, with the remainder being Thai domestic tourists.

Ms Kanokkittika also pointed out that the report did not account for any additional charter flights that are likely to arrive during the holidays.

We know there will be, but at this stage we just dont know how many there will be, she said on Monday (Jan 13).

We have wait to see what AoT [Airports of Thailand, which operates Phuket International Airport] reports. This information usually comes in at the last minute, she added.

Asked whether she thought there would be any marked increase  or decrease  in the number of tourists coming to Phuket for the Chinese New Year compared with previous years, Ms Kanokkittika said, It is just too early to tell.

Making it more difficult to predict the number of arrivals is the increasing popularity of Chinese tourists travelling independently, Ms Kanokkittika added.

At this stage we can see that there is a much higher number of Chinese tourists who come by themselves, not with tour packages, she said.

The TATs five main offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Kunming often hold business-to-business (B2B) events to promote travel to and investing in Thailand Ms Kanokkittika added.

The TAT Chengdu office on Jan 6 held an Amazing Thailand Networking Event that saw representatives from 65 tour agencies, 40 media companies, 15 airlines as well as 230 representatives from private companies and officials attend.

The also had an award ceremony for our outstanding connections, she said.

Also, I will move to be the TAT Chengdu office directer in February, she added.

Tepid growth

Meanwhile, at a national level, the TAT expects slow growth of foreign tourist arrivals during Chinese New Year, reported the Bangkok Post, citing a forecast released by the TAT.

From Jan 24-30, some 1.01mn foreigners are forecast to visit the country, up 1.5% from the seven-day festival last year. The outlook for national revenues from tourism during the period is B21.7bn, growth of 1.6%, said the report. (See story here.)

For Chinese markets, the TAT expects to welcome 312,000 visitors with estimated revenue of B8.4bn, both increases of 2%.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said growth in a release posted yesterday (Jan 16) will be limited because the continuing trade war with the US has weakened the yuan, while the baht remains strong. (See TAT post here.)

Some Chinese travellers may look for destinations that give them better value, the TAT explained.

A study by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute found that at least 7mn Chinese travellers will celebrate by taking New Year trips abroad, up 11% from last year.

Growth of Chinese visitors to Thailand will not keep pace with overall outbound Chinese travellers during the festival, the study said.

One positive factor for Chinese tourists is the waiver of visa-on-arrival fees until April 30, Mr Yuthasak said.

He said tourism-related agencies are preparing new stimulus schemes to propose to the economic cabinet on Jan 31, but they have not come to an agreement.

The package aims to boost the international market and help offset the effects from the bahts rise on the tourism segment.

Possible measures include visa-free entry for two major tourist groups, Chinese and Indians.

Apart from visa policy, the government stakeholders are discussing a wide range of measures such as plans to increase safety and security confidence.

Mr Yuthasak said competition in the tourism arena is intense, as many countries would like to attract higher volume from potential markets.

For example, Malaysias government recently approved 15-day visa-free travel for Chinese and Indian visitors throughout 2020.

Thailand is also on alert from the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, central China, which has prompted China's Public Health Ministry and local health officials to monitor the situation thoroughly.

The World Health Organization has said agencies in Thailand have to monitor the new coronavirus closely because of the influx of Chinese tourists during Chinese New Year celebrations, after the first coronavirus-infected Chinese person outside the mainland was diagnosed in Thailand.

The TAT is set to host Chinese New Year events in several provinces, including Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Chon Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Songkhla and Phuket.
Once again, the Supreme Courts reputation and honor are on the line, a crisis of credibility occasioned by the possibility that it may not give Democrats what they want.

In this case, the Court is personified by Chief Justice John Roberts, who will per protocol preside over President Donald Trumps impeachment trial in the Senate. And so the intimidation campaign has begun: Mr. Trumps impeachment trial will be perilous for the reputation of Chief Justice John Roberts, insists the New York Times.

Why should it be?

Oddly, but not unexpectedly, that is not made at all clear by Adam Liptaks report in the Times, which is not exactly a report. Liptak warns the chief justice against making displays of partisanship without ever establishing that Roberts is in need of any such admonition from the august pages of the New York Times. His quotations from Roberts are the definition of anodyne. We should celebrate our strong and independent judiciary, a key source of national unity and stability, Roberts said in his annual report on the state of the judiciary. Liptak detects in this a coded message to Trump. Well. What else? As the new year begins, and we turn to the tasks before us, Roberts said, we should each resolve to do our best to maintain the publics trust that we are faithfully discharging our solemn obligation to equal justice under law. So much for that.

Liptak quotes law professor Frank Bowman, who is the author of a book about impeachment, warning that even by the standard of presidential impeachments, This one in particular is so poisonous. About that very interesting claim, we might charitably note that the data set is very small.

So if Roberts gives us no especial reason to worry that he is about to turn into a slavering partisan operative on the model of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, then what, exactly, is the issue? The answer turns out to be O tempora! O mores! The Supreme Court is still reeling from a series of ugly confirmation battles that placed two of Mr. Trumps nominees on its bench, Liptak writes. Indeed it is reeling, but the reputational blot there is on Senate Democrats who cynically embraced a rape hoax for their own narrow partisan ends. Thats a neat political strategy: Attack an institution and then demand that it do things your way because it is under attack.

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One might be forgiven for suspecting that this is a cynical ploy.

The Democrats are great defenders of American institutions  provided those institutions serve their interests. In October 2016, the po-faced defenders of all that is good and precious were wearing themselves out demanding that Donald Trump and his supporters make a pledge to accept the results of the presidential election, a demand that was predicated on the assumption that Trump was going to lose. After making those demands, the Democrats have spent every single day refusing to accept the results of the 2016 election. They dont give a fig about the credibility of our electoral processes  they care about winning. The Electoral College, the Senate, the Bill of Rights  when the Constitution itself gets in the way, they are ready and eager to gut it.

Yesterday, Democrats were willing to slander a Supreme Court nominee, and then to continue slandering him as a justice; today, they are very, very concerned about the delicate reputation of the Supreme Court. Yesterday, Democrats were working to advance a court-packing scheme that would seal and certify the politicization of the Court; today, the Court is so sacrosanct that we must move heaven and earth to fortify its perceived legitimacy. It is difficult to take seriously the notion that they are moved by tender concern for the reputation of an institution that they insist is staffed by political hacks and rapists.

The incoherence of those who would pressure the Court into acting as a factotum for the Democratic party infects those on the Court who are themselves attempting to act as factota of the Democratic party, Justice Elena Kagan prominent among them. Kagan has argued that the Court faces a legitimacy deficit and suggested that the cure for it is the explicit politicization of the Courts votes in the search for an ideological middle. Thats a familiar kind of moderation and middle-ground seeking: the kind partisans discover and embrace when they think they are losing.

The Courts legitimacy depends on people not seeing the Court in the way that people see the rest of the governing structures of this country, she said in a 2018 speech, and then went on to argue that so-called swing votes on the Court  those justices who found the center  are the key to its credibility. The center of what? The important intellectual dispute concerning the federal courts is not about whether they should be ideologically and politically moderate but about whether they should be ideological and political at all. You may not agree with the originalist or textualist view, but Justice Kagan here is contradicting herself. (Not for the first time: During her confirmation, she insisted that she could find no fundamental right to same-sex marriage in the Constitution; after confirmation, she lost no time in finding one.) Either the Court tries to apply the law as it actually is written, refusing to bend to political pressure  and bending to political pressure is precisely what finding the center means  or it is in fact precisely like the rest of the governing structures of this country, a partisan super-legislature. Of course, Democrats see the Court as a partisan super-legislature and have long treated it as such. They do not object to the politicization of the Court. They object to the Courts not giving them what they want.

As it turns out, the Supreme Courts reputation is always hanging by the barest tatter when Democrats think they may not get what they want. See Sheldon Whitehouse on labor disputes (Senators Warn Union Case Risks Supreme Courts Reputation), Eric Holder on Brett Kavanaugh (Eric Holder claims the Supreme Courts credibility is at stake in Kavanaugh vote), Emma Long on Neil Gorsuch (The Legitimacy of the Supreme Court is at Stake), Mark Joseph Stern on the Census (The Supreme Court is Poised to Shred Its Credibility), or any of the thousands of other headlines making the same argument: The Courts choice is either destroying its own credibility or giving Democrats what they demand.

It isnt that the Supreme Court does not deserve criticism. It certainly does, and Chief Justice Roberts bears some responsibility for that. But where it has erred is in knuckling under to precisely these sorts of demands rather than standing up for its independence and its institutional integrity  and the law, which still matters at least a little bit.

As for this kind of media assault, we should understand it for what it is: a lobbying and bullying campaign undertaken by people who believe not that the Supreme Court should be apolitical but that it should be robustly political  in the service of their agendas.

More from National Review
Police have investigated more than 100 reported sex crimes at Northern Ireland hospitals in the last three years.

They were among over 3,000 crimes reported to have taken place at health sites in the three years to last April.

Health unions and MLAs described the figures as "truly shocking".

Police figures obtained by this newspaper show the number of crimes at hospitals here is on the rise.

They increased from 866 reported offences in 2016/17 to 1,090 in 2017/18 and 1,131 in 2018/19 - up by more than 30% over the three years.

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The total of 3,087 offences includes 128 reported sex crimes, analysis of the figures shows.

The details were released by the PSNI after a Freedom of Information request from the Belfast Telegraph.

Across the three years, the figures include:

1,767 violent offences.

569 reports of robbery, theft and burglary.

374 incidents of criminal damage.

183 drug offences.

Police said it was possible that offences may have occurred outside or within the vicinity of the hospital, for example in the car park.

The sharp increase in reported incidents, particularly in the last two years, has led to calls for action to make hospitals safer places.

This newspaper has reported on a series of crimes in hospitals - particularly attacks on health staff.

In August 2018 a man who physically assaulted four security staff at a hospital in Belfast received probation and community service.

And in May 2019 a woman who attempted to headbutt a hospital staff member was issued with a community resolution notice.

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Former Health Minister Edwin Poots said cases such as these underline the need for tougher sentences for those who are convicted of crimes which take place in and around hospitals.

"There needs to be a zero-tolerance approach against individuals who target healthcare staff and patients at hospitals," he said.

Revealing he has raised the issue with former Justice Minister Claire Sugden, he said it should be a priority for her successor.

"We will work towards getting tougher within our judicial system," he said.

"There should absolutely be tougher sentences and penalties for those who are convicted of offences that have taken place at hospitals."

Alliance health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw described the figures as "truly shocking". "The fact the annual totals are increasing is even more worrying," she said.

"We know staff working in our hospitals are under tremendous pressure and so to learn so many crimes are committed against them is absolutely appalling and truly shocking."

She added: "I will be writing to the Department of Health and chief executives of the Health and Social Care Trusts to ask what measures they are going to take to tackle these crimes and make the work environment safer for the healthcare staff."

Healthcare union Unison said the figures were indicative of the increasing pressures on an already crisis-stricken NHS.

Regional organiser Joe McCusker said: "These figures highlight not only the challenging delivery of services that healthcare workers face but the additional burden of day-to-day work.

"I'm calling for more stringent mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of workers and patients."

He said additional services are needed for victims of crime within a medical or healthcare environment.

"We also need better pastoral care for staff," he added.

The Department of Health declined to comment on the figures.
A former Port Huron-area pastor who also served as a counselor has received a 17-year prison sentence for sexually exploiting preteen and teenage girls he met through a website, according to federal officials.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday, Jan. 15 by U.S. Eastern District Court Judge Paul D. Borman against Jackie Douglas Woodburn, 64, of Burtchville, a previous director at the Colonial Woods Christian Counseling Center in Port Huron for nearly three decades.

He pretended to be a teenage boy in an un-monitored chatroom-based website to target girls, per federal court records.

Woodburn then used his prowess as an experienced counselor and pastor to manipulate these children into producing image and videos of themselves undressing or masturbating, reads the sentencing memorandum from U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Its completely reprehensible for any person  let alone a pastor and counselor  to abuse young children in this way, said Schneider in a prepared statement. We hope this sentencing will bring some closure to the innocent victims and their families who were so badly harmed by the defendant.

An indictment in the case alleged Woodburn sexually exploited a 12-year-old girl from Texas, a 13-year-old girl from Kansas, and attempted to entice a 9-year-old girl from Virginia along with several other victims not identified in an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Detroit Field Office.

Woodburn connected to the website at least 240 times between April 2016 and September 2017.

By the nature of his position, Mr. Woodburn was entrusted with protecting the mental and spiritual health of his community, said Special Agent in Charge Steven M. DAntuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division. But he was a wolf in sheeps clothing - looking to prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. Our office remains committed to working with our state and local partners to find and hold accountable this type of sexual predator.

Woodburn will also have to serve five years of supervised release after his prison sentence.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 06:42:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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ROME, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A worsening of the Libyan crisis "could entail higher risks in terms of terrorism threat and illegal immigration," Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said on Wednesday while addressing the parliament.

"Italy has no plan to intervene militarily in the (Libyan) conflict, and it keeps respecting the arms embargo strictly," Di Maio said.

He added Italian authorities have "stigmatized" foreign interference in Libya, and called for the EU to act united against such interferences.

Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The minister briefed both houses of the parliament over the Libyan crisis as well as the military escalation between United States and Iran on the Iraqi theatre, after holding a wide round of talks in the last days.

He appealed again for de-escalating tension between the United States and Iran, after the most recent developments occurred on the Iraqi soil.

"We must work in order to encourage the dialogue between Washington and Tehran, (which is) an ambitious but necessary goal," Di Maio stressed.
Australia's favourite weather presenter Jane Bunn was axed from 3AW earlier this week, leaving her loyal fans shattered.

Hundreds of listeners have expressed their outrage on Twitter, with many accusing the radio station of dismissing its most valuable asset.

'Genuinely saddened, you will be missed,' one person tweeted.

'Genuinely saddened, you will be missed': Australia's favourite weather presenter Jane Bunn (pictured) was axed from 3AW earlier this week, leaving her loyal fans shattered

'But but but... my whole morning is planned around listening to you! And I'm not the only one!' read a similar post.

'It's their loss Jane, you're a legend,' a third listener tweeted, while another added: 'Clearly they don't want the best delivering weather.'

One fan even suggested Jane start her own network dedicated to meteorology, writing: 'With the huge following you have it'd be an easy task.'

'It's their loss, Jane. You're a legend': Hundreds of listeners have expressed their outrage on Twitter, with many accusing the radio station of dismissing its most valuable asset

'In fact, that is what speaks volumes, tens of thousands of people trust and respect you and will follow you to whatever is over the next horizon,' they added.

Jane announced on Tuesday she had been stood down from her role at 3AW.

She tweeted: 'I've just been told that after 5 years delivering Melbourne's weather on @RossAndJohn 3AW that as of now I'm no longer required...'

'No longer required': Jane announced on Tuesday she'd been stood down from her role at 3AW

Phew! But Jane reassured fans they can still catch her weather reports at 4pm and 6pm on Seven News in Melbourne

But Jane reassured fans they can still catch her weather reports at 4pm and 6pm on Seven News in Melbourne.

A 3AW spokesperson told the Herald Sun: 'We thank Jane for her contribution to 3AW's breakfast program.'

She was most likely let go because 3AW is now owned by Nine - Seven's main commercial rival - following the Fairfax merger in late 2018.

In the public eye: Jane has become one of Australia's most popular TV stars on social media thanks to her cult following among middle-aged men

Jane is a talented meteorologist best known for presenting Melbourne's daily weather report on Channel Seven.

She has become one of Australia's most popular TV stars on social media thanks to her cult following among middle-aged men.

In addition to being flooded with flattering Facebook comments, one dedicated viewer even had her face tattooed on his rib cage in 2018.

Obsessed! One dedicated viewer even had her face tattooed on his rib cage in 2018 (pictured)

As reported by the Geelong Advertiser, the super-fan known only as 'Scott' asked for the tattoo to be as discreet as possible so as not to upset his partner.

Jane told the newspaper she was 'quite flattered [he] had gone to that much trouble.'

Before her big break at Seven, Jane was a fan favourite at WIN News Victoria between 2009 and 2014.
Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, is trying to distance himself from Robert Hyde, a Republican candidate for Congress in Connecticut and "weird character."

"He's a weird individual," Parnas reiterated to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow during an interview Wednesday. On Tuesday, new evidence Parnas had turned over to House impeachment investigators was made public, including text messages between Parnas and Hyde. They appeared to show the men were tracking former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch's movements in Kyiv, noting when she was at her computer and the status of her security situation.

A former federal prosecutor on Tuesday tweeted it sounded like they were plotting "a mob hit" against Yovanovitch, but Parnas scoffed at the idea that Yovanovitch was under surveillance. He claimed he never worried she was "in danger," because Hyde was "drunk all the time." Parnas met Hyde at a Trump hotel bar, where he was "a fixture," and he said he "didn't take him seriously. I didn't even respond to him most of the time."

Parnas was part of the smear campaign to get Yovanovitch removed from her post, and he told Maddow he badmouthed her to Trump, claiming she was saying nasty things about him. "I don't believe it, and that's why I want to apologize for it," he said. Parnas also alleged the only reason why he and Giuliani wanted Yovanovitch fired was because she opposed the effort to get Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. "That was the only motivation," he said. "There was no other motivation."

More stories from theweek.com

Trump again denied knowing Lev Parnas. So Parnas' lawyer posted more robust proof.

The start of Trump's impeachment trial had solemn oaths, 'lengthy' yawns, 'pained expressions,' lots of lefties

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for


Christopher Tolkien, the son of J.R.R. Tolkien and the famed authors literary executor, has died at the age of 95.

His death was announced in a statement from The Tolkien Society, which sent condolences to his family members, including wife Baillie and children Simon, Adam, and Rachel.

Christophers commitment to his fathers works have seen dozens of publications released, and his own work as an academic in Oxford demonstrates his ability and skill as a scholar  We have lost a titan and he will be sorely missed, Tolkien Society chair Shaun Gunner said in a statement.

Christopher was largely responsible for helping his fathers legacy live on after his death in 1973, as he edited and published many of his works, including The Silmarillion, which was released in 1977.

He was born to J.R.R. and his wife Edith in Leeds, England, in 1924, and had two older brothers, John and Michael, and a younger sister, Priscilla.

Christopher spent his childhood in Oxford and went on to serve in the Royal Air Force, where he was stationed in South Africa during World War II, according to the Societys statement.

He later became a lecturer at the University of Oxford, teaching Old and Middle English and Old Icelandic at the prestigious school, the statement said.

RELATED: J.R.R. Tolkiens Estate Slams New Biopic Starring Nicholas Hoult as Lord of the Rings Author

Following his fathers death, Christopher stepped in to ensure that many of his incomplete works would see the light of day, and posthumously published stories including the 12-volume The History of Middle-earth series and, most recently, The Fall of Gondolin in 2018.

Its enormously to my fathers credit that he took on that huge task, Christophers son Simon told the Guardian in 2012 of sifting through the unpublished words. I remember the crate loads of papers arriving at his home, and no one could be in any doubt at the scale of the work he had taken on.

Christopher was fiercely protective of J.R.R.s legacy, and was famously critical of how both his father and his stories were portrayed, most recently in April upon the release of the film Tolkien, which starred Nicholas Hoult as the author.

Story continues

RELATED: Lord of the Rings Author J.R.R. Tolkiens $6 Million Home for Sale in England  See Inside!

He also took issue with Peter Jacksons critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings adaptation, telling French newspaper Le Monde in 2012 that the book had been gutted to make an action film for 15 to 25-year-olds.

In the same interview, Christopher said he was frustrated with the development of his fathers legacy, and that the relentless commercialization of his works has reduced the aesthetic and philosophical impact of the creating to nothing.

Tolkien has become a monster, devoured by his own popularity and absorbed the absurdity of our time, he told Le Monde, as translated by the Guardian.

Christopher  who drew many of the original Middle Earth maps for the Lord of the Rings series  received a Bodley Medal from the University of Oxfords Bodleian Libraries in 2016, which goes to individuals who have made outstanding contributions [to] literature, culture, science and communication, according to the library.

He had reportedly lived with his wife in France since 1975.
WASHINGTON - The FBI has arrested three alleged members of a white-supremacist group on federal gun and alien-harboring charges amid growing concerns about safety surrounding planned gun rights protests in Virginia's capital next week.

The charges announced Thursday grew from an investigation of a collection of online extremists who refer to themselves as "the Base," which is the English translation of "al-Qaida." According to experts who track hate groups, its members promote racist views and seek to unite different hate groups in preparation for a race war.

Officials said Brian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, and William Bilbrough IV, 19, both of Maryland, were charged with transporting an alien and conspiring to harbor an alien. Lemley is also charged with transporting a machine gun. Also charged is Patrik Mathews, 27, who has been living in Newark, Delaware. He is accused of transporting a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit a felony.

Federal officials moved on the trio partly out of concerns they might engage in violence at a gun rights rally planned for Monday in Richmond, Virginia, according to people familiar with the investigation. The Virginia General Assembly's new Democratic majority is advancing four bills that seek to restrict some people's access to firearms.

"Lemley, Mathews, and Bilbrough are members of a white supremacist organization named 'The Base,' " the complaint charges. "Within The Base's encrypted chat rooms, members have discussed, among other things, recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organization's military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices."

Lemley previously served as an Army scout, while Mathews was a combat engineer in the Canadian army reserve, according to court papers.

Mathews went missing in Canada in August, and U.S. officials say that after he slipped across the border, Lemley and Bilbrough met up with him in Michigan and brought him to Maryland and Delaware.

The court papers charge that Lemley and Mathews used gun parts "to make a functioning assault rifle."

On Jan. 2, an FBI agent watched as Lemley took the weapon to a gun range in Maryland "and heard what appeared to be more than one bullet being fired at a time," according to the documents.

After returning from the gun range, Lemley allegedly told Mathews, "Oops, it looks like I accidentally made a machine gun," and noted that they would be in trouble if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found out about the weapon.

In advance of Monday's gun rights protests in Richmond, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, has declared a state of emergency, temporarily banning weapons from the Capitol grounds, citing "threats of armed confrontation and assault on our Capitol."

The governor's declaration means that from Friday evening until Tuesday night, firearms, sticks, bats, chains and other weapons will be prohibited on Capitol Square and throughout the Capitol complex.

Monday is the state's traditional citizen lobbying day, and gun rights groups are organizing a large demonstration to oppose the proposed legislation.

The rally has drawn interest from militias and extremist groups across the country, raising security concerns in Richmond.

Northam has asked "nonessential" state employees not come to work Monday, a state holiday during which legislative staffers would normally be on duty, since the legislature is in session.

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress in the fall that American neo-Nazis seem increasingly to be communicating with like-minded, violent racists overseas, but he cautioned that those links so far appear more inspirational than organizational.

"We are starting to see racially motivated violent extremists connecting with like-minded individuals online, certainly, and in some instances we have seen people travel overseas to train," Wray said.

In September, the FBI arrested an Army soldier who had allegedly hoped to join a militia in Ukraine, following the example of another former soldier who had done so.

Wray said that violent extremists in the United States still by and large lack organizational structure and direction but that there are now individual terrorism suspects who travel overseas to get training - behavior similar to that of Americans inspired by the Islamic State or other groups.

"We have seen some connection between U.S.-based neo-Nazis and overseas analogues," Wray said. "Probably a more prevalent phenomenon that we see right now is racially motivated violent extremists who are inspired by what they see overseas."
T he names Eilish. Billie Eilish.

When the then 18-year-old artist released the title track for No Time To Die, the 25th film in the James Bond franchise, all the way back in February 2020, she became the youngest ever musician to record a James Bond theme song.

In doing so, Eilish followed in the footsteps of some huge names: Shirley Bassey, Adele, Madonna, Tina Turner and more have all tried their hand at recording a song worthy of 007.

With No Time To Die now set to make its long-delayed cinema debut, more than 18 months after Eilish unveiled her song, what better excuse than to look back at nearly 60 years of cinema history to ask: which Bond theme is the all-time best?

First and foremost, its impossible to discuss the subject without mentioning the late John Barry, the visionary composer who scored 11 films in the series between 1963 and 1987. Hes the man who pioneered the so-called Bond sound, that rousing mix of mystery and intrigue  big and brassy, yet sleekly seductive.

He was also the person who came up with the James Bond theme, first featured in the 1962 film Dr No and subsequently featuring in every other Bond movie. Its one of the most celebrated pieces of music in film history and, as such, it feels unfair to rank it among the other themes. Lets just say its in a class of its own.

Here, weve listed the tracks  starting with From Russia With Love in 1963 and going all the way up to Writings On The Wall by Sam Smith in 2015  ordering them from worst to best.

24. Writings On The Wall  Sam Smith (Spectre, 2015)

Billie Eilish hardly had a tough act to follow. This damp flannel of a song has all of the pianos and strings but none of the necessary gravitas. That we were given this undercooked effort over Radioheads far superior alternative just adds more salt to the wounds.

23. Die Another Day  Madonna (Die Another Day, 2002)

Its far and away the worst Bond film in the series, and Die Another Days theme music is one of the films biggest crimes  along with the invisible car, ice hotel and laughable CGI work, of course. Fans not only got a needless cameo from Madonna as a flirtatious fencing instructor in the film, but were also subject to her half-hearted slice of glitchy early-00s synth pop, which sounded more like a discarded B-side.

22. On Her Majestys Secret Service  John Barry (On Her Majestys Secret Service, 1969)

This isnt all that bad, its just a bit of a non-event that lasts less than three minutes and doesnt have any vocals. It does have a tasty little Moog bassline, though. The film's main musical moment comes at the end, when Louis Armstrong's We Have All the Time in the World soundtracks the big emotional finale.

21. Tomorrow Never Dies  Sheryl Crow (Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997)

If were being honest, wed totally forgotten Sheryl Crow had recorded a Bond theme in the late 90s. Saying that, wed be surprised if Crow herself remembered it, given how unremarkable this dreary ballad is. Strangely, k.d lang also produced a song for the opening credits which was far better, but it was eventually relegated to the end credits and replaced with Crows effort. A shame.

20. For Your Eyes Only  Sheena Easton (For Your Eyes Only, 1981)

From its chillwave-style opening to the cheesy balladry of the chorus, this one just feels very un-Bondish. It was originally written with Dusty Springfield or Donna Summer in mind, but were not sure they could have done much to elevate it.

19. The Living Daylights  A-ha (The Living Daylights, 1987)

This one almost feels like an experiment. What happens if you take A-has new wave sensibilities and mash them up with classic Bond string arrangements? The answer: something confused that almost works but, ultimately, doesnt.

18. All Time High  Rita Coolidge (Octopussy, 1985)

Running around a circus dressed as a clown in Octopussy certainly wasnt an all time high for Roger Moores Bond, but the films theme wasnt quite so laughable. Rita Coolidges ABBA-esque ballad was a little restrained for the franchise, but a solid enough effort all the same.

17. Moonraker  Shirley Bassey (Moonraker, 1979)

Shirley Basseys third and final go at doing the Bond theme was also her weakest  fair enough really, seeing as she was only drafted in a couple of weeks before release as an emergency replacement for Kate Bush. The songwriting is pretty lacklustre, and once you hear that infernal triangle, you cant unhear it.

16. The Man with the Golden Gun  Lulu (The Man with the Golden Gun, 1974)

Its one of the most problematic Bonds and theres a slight Carry On feel to Lulus innuendo-packed Man with the Golden Gun theme, too. He has a powerful weapon, he charges a million a shot Love is required whenever he's hired, it comes just before the kill. Its completely ridiculous, but quite good fun all things considered.

15. A View to a Kill  Duran Duran (A View to a Kill, 1985)

Duran Duran powered up their synthesisers for this middling effort back in the mid 80s. The feel of the theme is right, propelled by huge drums and peppered with brass blasts. The tune just isnt quite up it though, and Simon Le Bons vocal performance is a little lacking too.

14. From Russia With Love  Matt Monro (From Russia With Love, 1963)

The songwriting here isnt particularly riveting, but its the baritone vocal of Matt Monro that wins us over  the final 10 seconds or so are truly something to behold.

13. You Know My Name  Chris Cornell (Casino Royale, 2006)

Surely one of the most underrated Bond tracks. Were big fans of all the drama that swells around this one, combining Cornells belting vocals with a great dollop of melodramatic rock and strings.

12. Licence to Kill  Gladys Knight (Licence to Kill, 1989)

This Gladys Knight power ballad has the hallmarks of a good Bond theme, hitting all the right cadences and showing off her blockbuster voice. The late 80s twist in production is a joy too  think huge gated reverb drum sounds, glittering synths and an enormous key change. Its another track thats underrated  much like Daltons stint as Bond.

11. Another Way to Die  Jack White & Alicia Keys (Quantum of Solace, 2008)

Jack White wrote, produced and played guitar, drums and piano on this hard rocking Bond theme, duetting with Alicia Keys. While it did feel a little unfocused, it was good to have some heavy riffage in the Bond world again  the first proper guitar motif since the days of Dr No and Live and Let Die.

10. The World Is Not Enough  Garbage (The World Is Not Enough, 1999)

It might come across as very turn-of-the-millennium now, but even more than two decades later, there's no denying that this one of the best modern Bond themes  no other track has mixed the dark allure of its classic predecessors with contemporary sounds quite as well as this one.

9. Thunderball  Tom Jones (Thunderball, 1965)

It felt like Tom Jones and Bassey were trying to out-belt each in the early years of Bond, and Jones really gives it some on this big band number. The orchestration and explosive brass flourishes are essential Bond, and there are nice allusions to the original theme from Dr No too, with Joness powerhouse vocals sitting in their midst.

8. No Time To Die - Billie Eilish (No Time To Die, 2021)

Eilishs Bond effort is downright haunting - and its testament to her and brother Finneas songwriting abilities that despite the tumultuous release saga, No Time To Die feels just as striking as it did when it was unveiled to much fanfare last year, at once strikingly modern (its more understated than your average Bond theme, with those muted opening piano notes and Eilishs whispering vocals) and plugged into the franchises musical heritage (thatll be the soaring strings towards the end).

7. GoldenEye  Tina Turner (GoldenEye, 1995)

Theres a distinctly sinister vibe to this one, thanks to both the songwriting of Bono and The Edge  who clung firmly to the traditions of the Bond theme, rather than try any great leaps forward  and the excellent, inky vocals of Tina Turner. Extra marks for the subtle guiro that comes in during the chorus.

6. Skyfall  Adele (Skyfall, 2012)

Adele took us back to the golden age of the big Bond theme in 2012, giving a memorable performance on the classy title track. The song, based around the classic descending three-chord progression so synonymous with Bond, was equally bold and restrained, accelerating towards an emphatic finish  much like the film itself.

5. Diamonds Are Forever  Shirley Bassey (Diamonds Are Forever, 1971)

It was a hard decision between this and Basseys other classic, Goldfinger, as to which should place higher on our list. Regardless, Diamonds Are Forever is a gold standard against which all the other Bond themes have since been judged. The sultry, sophisticatedly funky groove is the perfect backdrop for Basseys superbly wounded vocal performance.

4. Goldfinger  Shirley Bassey (Goldfinger, 1964)

It doesnt get more quintessentially Bond than the opening orchestral swell and scream of brass on Goldfinger. Its one of John Barrys finest moments, and the delivery from Bassey is one of the all-time great diva performances. Theres fantastic use of dynamics in the orchestration throughout, and the way Bassey attacks her way through the track, delivering the lyrics with relish, is worth its weight in well, gold.

3. Live And Let Die  Wings (Live and Let Die, 1973)

The first Bond theme ever nominated for an Oscar, and with good reason  its an absolute romp. Well excuse the awkward reggae bit in the middle (part of the film was set in Caribbean, but still, were not convinced) and just focus on that unbeatable main riff. When Macca and the gang are in full flow on this track, its impossible not to conjure images of a high-octane car chase or some death-defying fisticuffs. Superb.

2. You Only Live Twice  Nancy Sinatra (You Only Live Twice, 1967)

Surely John Barrys finest production, You Only Live Twice is a swirling beauty. Orchestral breezes blow over Nancy Sinatras sumptuous tones, while Barry adeptly works in some traditional sounds from Japan, the country in which the film is set (he certainly handles those elements with more panache than the film itself, whose tropes of the Far East are clumsy to say the very least). There are actually two versions of this song  a subsequent reworking by producer Lee Hazlewood added extra layers of guitar-led psychedelia  but its this original that endures as one of the most affecting Bond themes ever written.

1. Nobody Does it Better  Carly Simon (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977)

This perfect slice of power balladry has no real right to work as a James Bond theme, really  given how different it feels to other, more traditional songs in the franchise.

Carly Simons elegant tune was the first Bond song which didnt share the name of the movie, and its a big departure from the norm. The writers knew how different the song was  the line like heaven above me, the Spy Who Loved Me was added late in the day by Carly Simon, almost to justify its status as a Bond theme. The strength of the writing alone, though, is what earns it a position at the top of our list.

The opening piano flourish instantly hooks the listener, and everything that comes after  from Simons impassioned delivery to the woozy strings and propulsive chord progression  is perfectly pitched and still keeps us shaken and stirred to this day.

Its unshackled by some of the traditional hallmarks of Bond themes, and as a result its one of the only ones which manages to transcend the franchise completely  its not just one of the great movie themes, but one of the greatest pop songs of the 70s and beyond.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at a Woodcroft home on Thursday

The wounded man managed to get to a nearby takeaway restaurant

Police said the jogger was told to lie on his stomach and was stabbed

Victim, 24, was robbed by three men at Woodcroft Lakes early on December 2

A man is due to face a western Sydney court after another man was stabbed multiple times in the back while walking at a lake last month.

The 24-year-old victim was robbed by three men at Woodcroft Lakes early on December 2.

Police said he was told to lie on his stomach and was stabbed, before he jumped in the lake to escape the trio.

A man is due to face a western Sydney court after another man was stabbed multiple times in the back while walking at a lake last month

The wounded man managed to get to a nearby takeaway restaurant where he was met by police and paramedics.

He had surgery and has been released from hospital.

A 24-year-old man was arrested at a Woodcroft home on Thursday.

He is due to face the Blacktown Local Court on Friday charged with causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, and robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
Wyoming Business Tips for Jan. 20-26

A weekly look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Audrey Jansen, market researcher, Wyoming SBDC Network

When you are running a business, it is incredibly hard to find the time for social media. The phone is constantly ringing, and your email inbox is rarely, if ever, empty. On top of that, determining the return on investment for your social media efforts can be challenging.

Heres the thing, though. Your social media content matters because your feed is often the first interaction a potential customer will have with your brand. Its also one of the primary ways that you maintain a relationship with current customers. So, lets walk through some important questions you need to ask to determine if you are doing social media right.

-- Is it easy to contact me? Your phone number, email and physical address should all be easy to find on your profiles.

-- Do I tell users why my business matters? In your bio or on your about page, there should be a clear, compelling statement about what you do and why users should care. This is known as your value proposition.

-- Are people following me? Only a small percentage of your followers see your posts organically. So, the larger your number of followers, the higher the chance that they will actually see your content.

-- Are my profile and cover photos high-quality representations of my brand? In most cases, your profile photo should be your logo or a picture of you. Your cover photo should reinforce your brand through a mission statement portrayed in your brand colors.

-- Am I posting consistently with a wide variety of relevant content? If you want your brand to be on the top of your followers minds, then you have to put yourself there. You should post consistently with a wide variety of relevant, high-quality content.

We would love to help you analyze your social media content. If you are interested in no-cost, confidential assistance, then you can contact your local Wyoming SBDC Network adviser by visiting www.wyomingsbdc.org.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their businesses. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY 82071-3922.
Reuters

President Donald Trump lashed out at Apple Inc on Tuesday, castigating the iPhone maker for what he said was its refusal to unlock phones used by criminals while benefiting from government help on trade.

Trump's comments, made in a tweet, came a day after Attorney General William Barr accused Apple of not being helpful in an investigation of a fatal shooting at a Florida naval base last month.

"We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements," Trump said on Twitter. "They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW!" he said.

We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2020

Apple has said it cannot access data that is encrypted with a passcode and stored on an iPhone and that it would have to build a specific tool for doing so, known in the tech industry as a "backdoor." The company can and does, however, hand over data stored on its cloud storage servers to law enforcement officials, which often includes backups of iPhones, including iMessages.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment on Trump's tweet. On Monday, the company said it rejected the characterisation that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the investigation into the shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at the US Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida, last month.

(Also read: Apple could be working on satellite technology to beam down data to its devices)

Earlier on Monday Barr called the fatal shooting of three Americans by the naval base an act of terrorism and called on Apple to help the Federal Bureau of Investigation unlock two iPhones involved in the case.

Apple said it had responded to seven separate legal requests from federal investigators in December starting the day of the shooting.

The company said it turned over "many gigabytes" of data to investigators, including iCloud backups, account information and transactional data for multiple accounts. Apple said the FBI did not request help unlocking phones until January, with a request for a second iPhone sent on 8 January.

A federal judge has authorised the Department of Justice to access the contents of the dead terrorists phones. Apple designed these phones and implemented their encryption. Its a simple, 'front-door' request: Will Apple help us get into the shooters phones or not? Kerri Kupec, a Department of Justice spokeswoman, said in a statement on Tuesday.

After a shooting in San Bernardino, California, in 2016, federal investigators eventually turned to third-party cybersecurity firms for help to unlock the shooter's device.
State Rep. Annette Glenn participated in a joint committee of the House Health Policy Committee and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services to bring awareness to human trafficking in Michigan. Following the hearing, Glenn - who has one daughter and six granddaughters - issued the following statement:

"It is a common misconception that trafficking only happens in major cities.

"That's not reality. The reality is that it happens everywhere - including Midland and Bay counties. That tragic reality demands we have the most vigorous, aggressive, and effective prosecution of traffickers possible.

"Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow are stubbornly standing in the way of our ability to do so.

"I agree with President Obama's attorney general Eric Holder, who said that not having a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney for half the state of Michigan is a major impediment to effective law enforcement.

"On behalf of women and children in Michigan, I call on Sen. Peters and Sen. Stabenow to stop blocking the president's nomination of highly-qualified former prosecutor and House Speaker Tom Leonard to that position. His appointment has high-level bipartisan support.

"It's inexcusable that Senators Peters and Stabenow have for months been impeding the kind of focused, aggressive, and effective law enforcement that Michigan must have to best protect women and children from human trafficking.

"Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State. Approximately $87 million is made per day from sex trafficking transactions. The committee members heard testimony from human trafficking survivor Ruth Rondon and Kelly Carter, executive director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission.

"Ruth was very brave to share her heartbreaking story. By her coming forward, she is telling other survivors they are not alone and that there is hope."

Glenn supported House Resolution 210 that declared a Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. The resolution was adopted with overwhelming support.
Fire at the chemical plant in Tarragona. Josep Lluis Sellart

The explosion that hit a chemical plant in Tarragona at 6.38pm on Tuesday was so powerful that it shook the windows of buildings located more than 12 kilometers away. The blast sent flying a piece of metal weighing nearly one ton for more than two kilometers, until it hit a residential building, killing a man who was inside his home. Great clouds of smoke rose up over the surrounding areas and the flames were visible from nearby neighborhoods.

During a lapse of time that felt like an eternity to area residents, no one knew the extent of the accident or the danger it presented. There were no alarms, and no instructions were given. As time passes, there is growing evidence that the communication mechanisms did not work adequately, meaning that accountability must be demanded and protocols reviewed.

No one knew the extent of the accident or the danger it presented

The explosion, which killed three people and left several more seriously injured, took place in a 20-ton reactor of ethylene oxide at a plant surrounded by communities with 300,000 residents. This is one of the hazards most feared by those who live next to the industrial center, which is the largest petrochemical park in southern Europe. Every year, residents go through drills to see if the emergency plans work.

But on this occasion, the company did not issue an alert about the accident and Civil Protection took 20 minutes to activate the emergency plan. With little information on the type of accident or its reach, they decided to preventively tell residents from the neighboring areas and the three closest neighborhoods of Tarragona to stay inside their homes. But this order was communicated via social media. The fact that a report from firefighters later ruled out a toxic cloud cannot mask that the reaction to the accident was not the fast and efficient one outlined in protocols for chemical risks. Fortunately, the explosion did not create a toxic cloud, but if it had, the delay in adopting confinement measures could have had consequences.

This accident does little to build confidence in a community that is terrified about living so close to such a dangerous industry. Both the Catalan regional government and the other agencies involved in emergency management must review the action plans and apply corrective measures, such as unifying the security plans of the companies at the petrochemical park, a longstanding demand of the unions, and improving warning systems. Considering what happened, there must be a faster introduction of systems that directly warn people via their cellphones, something that already occurs in other countries and which is considered under European Union regulations.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
Neuroscience has given educators a new way of thinking about how students change and grow as they learn. Now one research partnership is teaching them how to see it happen in real time.

The Haskins Global Literacy Hub, a research lab associated with Yale University, partnered with two independent schools to study students as they learn to read over several years. But rather than just receiving feedback from the researchers, teachers at the Windward School in New York and AIM Academy in Philadelphiaeach of which serves students with language-related disabilities like dyslexiaare learning to monitor and understand their own students brain activity, to identify neurological markers of progress or problems.

A majority of neuroscience on reading has used functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, which measures changes in blood flow related to neural activity. This can give a good view of changes throughout the brain, but it is notoriously difficult for children to keep still and calm for readings in the machines, and they are impossible to use outside a lab. Haskins researchers instead train and guide teachers to use electroencephalography, or EEG, which uses a net of electrodes to measure electrical impulses in the brain. This cannot measure activity as deep within students brains as an fMRI can, but EEGs have been shown to be valid for studying reading and they are much easier to use in school settings.

With equipment just down the hall, teachers monitor incoming students in grades 1-6 twice a year (with students and parents consent). The teacher explains to the student how they place the EEG cap, and shows on the computer how the sensors catch brain activity when the student blinks or moves her head. Then the teacher walks the student through about an hour of tasks on speech and text perception, word reading, and even understanding movie clips. Students get time after each session to ask questions.

We can actually see that the brain is plastic, that the reading circuit does change as students learn the effective ways to read, said Danielle Scorrano, an 8th grade teacher at the Windward School who trained with the partnership. So, its really empowering for me as a teacher to know that by using these research-based methods, that Im essentially changing my students brains to read better. You know, I see it behaviorally in the classroom, but then being part of the research study, I can see how to track that change in the brain. Thats really neat.

Both the researchers and the schools hope in the long run, studies like this one will help predict which students will respond better or worse to different kinds of reading interventions.

I guess thats the golden fleece  of educational neuroscience right now, said John Russell, the executive director of the Windward Institute, a division of the Windward School, referring to the mythical prize. So we feel like were on a potentially a breakthrough research study. ...Thats a bit far off, but thats the goal.

The partnership involves a huge amount of professional development on both sides, said Nicole Landi, a psychologist at the University of Connecticut and the Yale Child Study Center, and the EEG research director for Haskins. Teachers get a crash course in cognitive neuroscience as well as how to use and understand the readings from their equipment. The teachers, in turn, help the researchers understand how reading interventions play out in the classroom.

School is kind of its own ecosystem, and this is not about just going in and collecting data, but in transforming knowledge. So its really important that knowledge doesnt go in one direction. We have a lot of discussion around what we need to know and how to ask, Landi said. A lot of teachers are extroverts, and theyre teaching us.

Scorrano agreed.

You know, we are directly collaborating with scientists, were learning their methods, and then were able to share that information that were learning with our students. So there is such an excitement and buzz from the teachers, Scorrano said. Theres just continuous learning from and collaboration between scientists, teachers, students, and their families.

Landi said the project will release its first year of pilot data later this spring, and will continue at least another three to five years, depending on funding. But she hopes the partnership could continue in perpetuity. This could be a really powerful model for all kinds of research.

Photos: Top: Windward School teachers Ruby Silverstein, seated left, and Anna Sewell, standing right, practice applying an EEG cap during a summer training session. Above: Haskins Laboratories researcher Dan Kleinman shows a 5th grader his brain waves during an EEG testing session. Source: Windward Institute

Related:

Do you have a question about education research, or just want to know what the evidence says about that pesky instructional problem? Let me know! Drop me a line at ssparks@epe.org, or
Chubb announced a series of changes to its European leadership team: a new head of Major Accounts for Europe; a new country president for France and a new director of Accident & Health Continental Europe.

Nadia Cote has been appointed head of its Major Accounts Division for Europe. Currently country president for France, Cote succeeds Suresh Krishnan who has been appointed chief operating officer of Chubb North America Accident and Health.

In this newly expanded role, Cote will set and implement business strategy for the Major Accounts Division so that clients and brokers benefit fully from Chubbs risk and underwriting expertise and multinational network and services, the company said in a statement. In addition, she will be responsible for global broker relationships and broker networks outside North America for Chubbs Overseas General Division.

Cote will relocate to London and report to Adam Clifford, division president for Chubb in Continental Europe, and Sara Mitchell, division oresident for the United Kingdom and Ireland retail business.

Cote successor as country president for France is Veronique Brionne, currently director of Accident & Health for Continental Europe. Brionne will be responsible for Chubbs property and casualty, accident and health, and consumer lines operations across France. She will continue to be based in Paris and will report to Adam Clifford. This appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Brionne will be succeeded as director of Accident & Health Continental Europe by Florian Eisele, currently country president for Switzerland. In his new role, Eisele will have responsibility for all of Chubbs A&H business throughout Continental Europe. He will be based in Zurich and report to Adam Clifford. A separate announcement on Florians replacement will be made in due course.

All appointments are effective March 1. In addition, Eisele will continue in his role as country president for Switzerland until his successor is named.

Source: Chubb

Topics Europe Chubb France
Four staff members of Turkey's official Anadolu Agency have been arrested and taken to an unknown location by Egyptian police in a raid on the news agency's Cairo office.



Police officers stormed the office Tuesday evening, cutting off security cameras and the internet connection and searched the office on early Wednesday. Officers also confiscated the passports, cellphones and computers of staff. The officers involved refused to disclose the reason for the raid to a lawyer working for the agency.



A female Egyptian journalist who was at the office was released at midnight, while four others were taken to an unknown location Wednesday morning.



The detained staff members include Hilmi Balc, a Turkish national who is in charge of the offices finance and administrative affairs department, and Egyptian citizens Hussein al-Qabbani, Hussein al-Abbas and Abdelselam Muhammad, who is an employee of the Turkey-based Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).



Kemalettin Eruygur, charge daffaires for Turkey in Cairo, contacted the Egyptian Foreign Ministry about the issue while Egypt's charge d'affaires in Ankara was summoned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Daily Sabah reported.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the detentions were "without reason" and constituted "an act of harassment and intimidation against the Turkish media." The ministry "strongly condemned" the incident.
Maratha Kranti Morcha on Thursday demanded an unconditional apology from Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut for his "objectionable" remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji and his ancestry.

Raut had said on Wednesday that BJP leader Udayanraje Bhosale should give proof that he is the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and asserted that no one has ownership rights over the Maratha warrior king.

Addressing a press conference in Pune, Maratha Kranti Morcha leader Sanjay Sawant said, "We condemn Raut's remarks and demand his unconditional apology. If he refuses to apologise within 24 hours, then we will not spare him."



Sawant also appealed to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to control Raut.

"If you don't control him, we will do it our way," he said, adding that the outfit also condemns Jay Bhagwan Goyal's "objectionable" book Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Sandia National Laboratories contributed nearly $3.7 billion to the economy in the 2019 fiscal year, Director James Peery said Wednesday.

It is an all-time high for Sandia, said Peery, who took over as director on Jan. 1. Sandias spending represented more than a $363 million increase over fiscal 2018.

We have already filled 1,100 new jobs, bringing our total workforce to more than 14,000, he said, giving much of the credit to the leadership team under former Director Stephen Younger, who retired at the end of last year. He said the workforce in New Mexico is more than 12,000. The labs spent nearly $2.17 billion on labor, including payroll, an increase of almost $222 million over 2018.

Sandia is proud of the past success but will not rest, he told a news conference at the labs. We will keep building on these successes and seeking partnerships with highly qualified, diverse suppliers that can contribute to Sandias national security mission and spur economic growth in New Mexico and across the country.

Peery said the potential was there for continued growth in fiscal 2020, but said it might be limited because Sandias facilities were at 98% capacity. But Associate Labs Director Scott Aeilts said the labs were looking for ways to expand.

In 2019, the labs spent more than $1.41 billion on goods and services, an increase of about $141 million from the previous year. Small businesses received more than $784 million in subcontract awards from the labs. Sandia spent more than $98 million in corporate taxes.

Nearly $522 million was spent on New Mexico businesses, and the states small businesses received $364 million in subcontract payments.

We are 100% committed to the community, Peery said. We live in this community.

These numbers continue to trend upward on a yearly basis and show Sandias continued commitment to small businesses and New Mexico, Aeilts said.

He added Sandia was very proud of our record of purchases in New Mexico. Aeilts said Sandia holds open houses to meet with business owners and their representatives.

He said the open houses help small business owners learn about the technology and research we do here.

Our small business needs are pretty much across the board, he said. One area where there is a need is construction.  Weve got a lot of construction we need to do.

Paul Sedillo  Sandias small-business program manager  said the lab also has a need for machinists, and said area machinery businesses have been a big help in helping the labs meet their missions.

Aeilts said Sandia was hoping to expand doing business with companies in southern New Mexico. He said the labs already had inroads to many businesses in northern and central New Mexico and that will continue.

Peery discussed a list of priorities during the news conference. Among them is helping Sandia to become a leader among Department of Energy facilities in diversity and inclusion in its workforce and in contracts it awards to businesses.

It is a passion for me and a business imperative, he said. Diverse teams are more creative and innovative.

The amount of subcontract-related payments to small businesses were up across federal categories of small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran owned and small businesses in impoverished areas, Sandia officials said.

It is good to know that Sandia is working hard to be a good neighbor by keeping contracts local and diverse by reaching out to small businesses in our communities and increasing access to life-changing opportunities throughout our state, said U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, who represents most of the Albuquerque area. By creating more than 1,100 new jobs, Sandia is growing our economy, and its employees are making a positive impact on New Mexico.
The CBI on Thursday said it has transferred from the city four officers, three of them deputy superintendents of police and one inspector, who were involved in the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams and Narada tapes scandal, from the city.

Those transferred are CBI deputy superintendent of police Ranjit Kumar, who was probing the Narada tapes scandal, DSP Tathagata Bardhan, involved in the Saradha ponzi scam probe and DSP Chojom Sherpa investigating the Rose Valley chit fund scam, a CBI spokesman said.

The fourth CBI officer to be transferred is Inspector Bratin Ghoshal, a former investigation officer probing the Rose Valley chit fund scam, sources said.

While Kumar and Bardhan were transferred to New Delhi, Sherpa was posted to Bhubaneshwar.

"This is a routine transfer and a part of the transfer policy," a CBI spokesman said.

One of the transferred officers told PTI, "This is a mass transfer. I do not know whether this is routine or not".

The central agency started the probe into the Saradha chit fund case in May, 2014, and the Rose Valley ponzi scam case at around the same time.

The investigation into the Narada sting, which showed persons resembling senior Trinamool Congress leaders and a police officer accepting money from representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours, began in March, 2017.

Earlier this month, the central investigating agency shifted Deputy Inspector General Abhay Singh to the Economic Offences Wing in Delhi from the Special Crime Branch in Kolkata.

Superintendent of Police Partha Mukherjee whose unit Economic Offences IV, based in Kolkata, was probing chit fund cases, had been transferred to the headquarters as additional inspector general (policy) in New Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Mumbai Sessions court found a 41-year-old Mumbai man guilty of molesting a former minor actress on board a flight. He has also been slapped with a three-year jail sentence, officials confirmed. According to ANI, he has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Special Protection Of Children From Sexual Offences Court (POCSO).

BCCL

The incident occurred on a Delhi-Mumbai Air Vistara flight in December 2017, sparking off a national outrage.

Special Judge A.D. Deo of the Dindoshi Sessions Court pronounced the convict, Vikas Sachdev, guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). Soon after the incident, the minor actress had posted details of her trauma on social media after which Sachdev was arrested.

"So, I was in a flight traveling from Delhi to Mumbai today and right behind me one middle-aged man who made my two-hour journey miserable. I tried to record it on phone to understand it better because the cabin lights were dimmed, I failed to get it," she said in her social media post.

"The lights were dimmed, so it was even worse. It continued for another five to ten minutes and then I was sure of it. He kept nudging my shoulder and continued to move his foot up and down my back and neck,", she said in a video post after the incident.

Mumbai: Vikas Sachdeva, a man accused of molesting a Bollywood actress on-board a flight, has been convicted by a court in Dindoshi under Section 8 of POCSO Act and Section 354 of IPC. Arguments on quantum of sentence to be held later today.  ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2020

Defending himself, Sachdev had accused the victim actress of possibly hallucinating since he was asleep throughout the flight.


San Francisco, Jan 16 : Facebook has announced to match up to $1 million (Australian dollars) in donations made to non-profit organisation GlobalGiving and donating $250,000 to the Australian Red Cross towards bushfires relief efforts.

Currently, Facebook Disaster Maps in Australia are being used by a range of national and international relief, response, and academic organizations.

Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization focused on health and emergency response, is using these tools to analyze evacuation proceedings and has plans to distribute more than 500,000 respiratory masks to the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales.

"They're proving to be a remarkable tool for responders to the catastrophic Australian bushfires which so far have destroyed more than 15 million acres, more than seven times the acreage of the shocking California fires of 2018 or last year's Amazon wildfire," Facebook said in a statement late Wednesday.

At least a billion animals have been killed, wiping out multiple species of native Australian wildlife, including 30 per cent of the world's koala population.

Facebook said donations made through its Crisis Response pages for the bushfires across New South Wales or the bushfires across Victoria and South Australia will be matched up to AU$1 million.

Bushfires in Australia have killed more than 25 people, decimated Australia's wildlife, and are expected to rack up historically high damage costs of multiple billions of dollars.
Experts in criminal behavior say so-called family annihilators, are often trying to spare their families from an indignity or tragedy, either real or imagined.

Its a title that would describe Anthony Todt if hes convicted of the crimes for which hes been charged. Police in Florida say the Connecticut physical therapist confessed to killing his wife, three children and the family dog.

I always want to ask, what was the problem and why did they decide that killing the family was the best solution, said Dr. Stepahnie Leite, a psychologist in Hartford. Theyre trying to fix a problem and the really horrible solution theyve come up with is to kill their family.

Police in Osceola County, Fla. confirmed that 42-year-old Megan Todt, 13-year-old Alek Todt, 11-year-old Tyler Todt and 4-year-old Zoe Todt were killed sometime in late December 2019. Anthony Todt confessed to the killings, police said, who did not offer a motive.

N.G. Berrill said so-called family annihilators fall into one of three categories.

In these cases there are several different reasons why poeople will committ a mass murder of their own family including spouse and children, said Berrill, a forensic psychologist and director of New York Forensic, a private consulting group in New York City. One obvious reason is that the person is suffering from some sort of psychosis.

In cases like that, Berrill said, there may be hallucinations.

They become delusional and believe that this is a way of sparing their wife and children from some horrific event that they imagine might occur, Berrill said. They think theres some satanic forces or theres some message theyre receiving from God that says this is what needs to be done.

Other so-called family annihilators are under a different kind of stress, often financial.

Todt has not been convicted in the deaths of his family, but records searches showed the family was being evicted from their Celebration, Fla. home, and that they were in a significant amount of debt.

Berrill said perpetrators of familicide often believe that somehow this is the way to spare his family the humiliation, the stress,and himself the embarrassment of hitting rock bottom.

Dr. Neil Websdale, director of the National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative and author of Familicidal Hearts published in 2010, said that financial strain is a common theme among family annihilators.

Roughly a quarter to a third of family annihilation cases appear to have financial problems at their root, Websdale said. Often what we see here is a deep sense of male shame.

Perpetrators of familicide are often highly repressed individuals, Websdale said, facing potential eviction or bankruptcy. The family may be facing destitution, but appear on the surface to be respectable.

The goal, Berrill said, is to spare the family all these assaults to their sense of well being and their sense of normalcy. It reflects very distorted thinking and very strained and depressive type thinking and desperation which culminates in this kind of terrible act.

This act is called anomic familicide, according to Dr. Kevin Barnes-Ceeney, assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven. Its when you feel like you're going to lose everything and you have an attempt to immortalize the family.

The third kind of family annihilator is attempting to extricate themselves from a family life that they cant tolerate, Berrill said. Perhaps theres an impending divorce, a threat to remove the children or an extramarital affair

They decide that theyre going to take matters into their own hands, Berrill said, in order to presumably pursue a better existence without being shackled by the constraints of having a family to support and take care of.

This is the most common sort of intimate partner homicide, Leite said: Its at the moment they feel that they are losing that control that they have the brilliant idea that the only thing to do is to kill them.

Police say Todt killed his family in late December, and he was taken into custody at the family home this week.

That, for Berrill, would suggest that the first two possibilities are more likely. If true, it would point to Delusional thinking that hes brought peace to the family, Berrill said. It suggests there is some kind of genuine attachment to the family.

Whats most telling about the whole thing is that he didnt leave, he said.

Most so-called family annihilators are men, Berrill said  Websdale estimates that 95 percent of perpetrators are male  though they are so rare there has been no real studies on the subject.

Its fairly rare, Berrill said. It might come up every couple of years. It requires an awful lot of killing.
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The global vinyl flooring market is predicted to register a momentous growth at a splendid CAGR over the predicted years (2016-2022). Vinyl flooring has gained immense recognition over the years owing to its alluring characteristics. It is designed to seem as realistic as it is possible and when it comes to its design possibilities it is truly endless. These floors are available in both sheet and tile form for both residential and commercial use. Also known as resilient floors they are highly moisture-resistant, easy to maintain and durable compared to many alternative materials. Thus, it is highly preferred for bathrooms, residential kitchens, commercial, retail establishments and healthcare facilities. The best part, it comes in myriad colors and styles and also in shapes which can be custom cut. It is widely utilized in healthcare facilities as it is impervious to water thereby providing notable sanitary benefit over carpeting. Such characteristics are crucial especially for day care centres, nursing homes, extended care facilities and hospital rooms. Besides, it works well with homes that are newly constructed for families on a tight budget and with kids and pets.

There are abundant factors that is propelling the growth of the vinyl flooring market. These factors as stated by the Market Research Future (MRFR) report include increase in consumers purchasing power, increasing disposable income, the environment-friendly nature, growing construction and building activities, growing attention of consumers for aesthetics in construction, versatility and easy installation and maintenance. On the contrary, shortage of labors, inability of taking heavy loads, susceptibility of getting damaged through sharp objects, direct sunlight may fade the color, damage resulting from extreme temperature and the need for greater skills and extensive training needed for vinyl flooring installation are factors that may deter vinyl flooring market growth over the predicted years.

Market Segmentation

MRFR report provides an extensive segmental analysis of the vinyl flooring market on the basis of product and application.

Based on application, it is segmented into non-residential (business applications) and residential application (homes). Of these, residential application will garner the maximum share in the market over the predicted years.

Based on product, the vinyl flooring market is segmented into vinyl sheet, printed vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles, carpets and others. Of these, luxury vinyl tile will dominate the market over the predicted years.

Regional Analysis

By region, the vinyl flooring market covers growth opportunities and latest trends across Rest of the World, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Of these, Asia Pacific will witness a towering growth over the predicted years owing to development of the construction industry, changing preference and lifestyle of people, and population growth that offers immense potential for new infrastructure development and housing demand. India, China and Japan are the key contributors here. The vinyl flooring market in North America will have a favorable growth over the predicted years owing to government initiatives and regulations that are encouraging eco-friendly housing, demand for eco-friendly houses and established construction industry. Canada and the USA are the country-specific markets that are garnering utmost market revenue. In Europe too, the vinyl flooring market will have a notable growth. The UK, Germany and France are the most vital country-specific markets here that is contributing towards a significant growth. On the other side, the Rest of the World that covers Middle East and African countries will have a small share in the market over the predicted years. This is owing to lack of advancement in technology, lack of education, lack of awareness and poor countries.

Key Players

Leading players profiled in the vinyl flooring industry include TOLI Floor Corporation (Japan), Tarkett Group (France), Shaw Industries Group Inc. (USA), Polyflor Ltd. (UK), Mohawk Industries (USA), Mannington Mills Inc. (USA), Interface Inc. (USA), Gerflor Group (France), and Armstrong Flooring Inc. (USA).

May 2019- To commemorate Bauhaus 100th year, Atrafloor has come up with its latest vinyl flooring that is inspired by the iconic geometric design and art of Bauhaus. The flooring has simple geometrics and architectural elements in a range of block, bold color palettes (yellow, green, blue and red) inspired via Bauhaus art schools influential work.
Singapore makes it obligatory for registered businesses to hold annual general meetings, file annual financial statements, and to be officially audited.

Businesses or business groups that are classified as small are exempted from official audits.

Foreign investors should use the services of registered local advisors to ensure they stay compliant with the relevant regulations.

Singapores transparent business and legal system have made the island nation a popular destination for international companies to establish their regional headquarters.

In maintaining this vibrant business climate, the government has obliged certain businesses to adhere to its audit and compliance regulations. However, the countrys audit and compliance procedures are considerably less burdensome compared with its ASEAN peers, which is why Singapore is consistently ranked number one in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business index.

According to Singapores Companies Act , the primary legislation regulating the conduct of companies in the country, companies must comply with annual filing requirements of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Agency (ACRA), as well as the Inland Revenue of Singapore (IRAS).

Foreign investors should use the services of registered local advisors to ensure they stay compliant with the relevant regulations.

Determining the financial year-end

All companies in Singapore should determine a financial year-end (FYE) (that is, the last day of the companys first financial year) after incorporation. Many companies choose December 31 for their FYE while others have chosen the end of any quarter (March 31, June 30, and September 30).

In deciding an FYE, companies should consider whether the chosen date affects their eligibility to receive tax incentives. Starting in 2020, qualified new companies can receive a 75 percent tax exemption on the first S$100 thousand (US$73 thousand) of chargeable income during the first three consecutive years. There is a 50 percent tax exemption on the next S$100 thousand.

For certain companies, it is, therefore, more advantageous to have December 31 as their fiscal year-end date.

Who is obligated to be audited?

The Companies Act states that private limited companies must have their financial statements audited by a qualified public accountant at least once a year.

Annual general meeting

An annual general meeting (AGM) is obligatory for a Singapore company. The AGM can be held anywhere in the world, whereby the shareholders discuss the following items:

Approval of the audit reports;

Re-elect directors (if required);

Re-appointing auditors;

Declare dividends; and

Transact other business.

AGMs are to be held:

Once every year;

Within 15 months from the previous AGM; or

Six months from the FYE date.

Auditors

Within three months of company incorporation, company directors must appoint an auditor, unless they fall under the following criteria:

Annual turnover is less than S$5 million (US$3,700,00);

The total number of shareholders is less than 20; and

All shareholders are individuals and not corporations.

Audit exemptions

The role of the auditor is to report if the companys financial statements comply with the relevant financial reporting standards and to provide an objective analysis of the companys financial performance. Additionally, only public accountants registered with ACRA can conduct company audits.

In July 2015, ACRA amended the Companies Act through the Small Company Concept. This amended the audit exemption criteria for businesses.

Companies that qualify as small are exempted from having their accounts audited and from appointing an auditor. They first need to fulfil two of the three following criteria:

Total revenue must not exceed S$10 million (US$7,400,000);

Total number of full-time employees must not exceed 50; or

Total assets of the company should not exceed S$10 million (US$7,400,000).

Group company audits

Holding companies and their subsidiaries can also be exempt from audit compliance if they qualify as a small group. To qualify, the group (comprising of all the companies) should fall under two of the three criteria as written above for small companies.

Businesses that are exempt from audits are advised to prepare annual financial statements.

Annual filing requirements

Singapores authorities require companies to submit their year-end financial accounting. This accounting should include the following:

Statement of comprehensive income (profit and loss accounting);

Balance sheet;

Cash flow statement; and

Statement of changes in equity.

Penalties for non-compliance

Businesses that fail to hold an AGM and are late to file financial statements are at risk of fines, summons, and even an arrest warrant issued by ACRA.
She recently split from her model beau of two years, Elliott Reeder.

Yet Love Island's Montana Brown was not letting her love life get her down as she put on a smouldering display in an LBD while rubbing shoulders with the stars at the Cirque du Soleil press night at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday.

The reality star, 24, looked incredible in her sexy dress as she hit the red carpet before larking around behind the scenes with Myleene Klass' son Apollo.

A vision: Love Island's Montana Brown was not letting her love life get her down as she put on a smouldering display in an LBD while rubbing shoulders with the stars at the Cirque du Soleil press night at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday

Montana looked sensational as she hit the red carpet in her tight black mini dress while ensuring she turned heads at every angle.

Once inside the party, she was focusing her attention on little Apollo, who appeared to have won the hearts of a legion of showbiz guests.

Myleene, 41, was joined by her beau Simon Motson who wore their five-month-old son Apollo in a leopard print papoose on his chest before handing the tot over to an adoring Montana who cradled the him gently.

Montana's split from Elliott was revealed on Monday. The couple dated for two years and went Instagram official back in February, just eight weeks into their relationship.

Baba! The reality star, 24, looked incredible in her sexy dress as she hit the red carpet before larking around behind the scenes with Myleene Klass' son Apollo

Stunner: Montana looked sensational as she hit the red carpet in her tight black mini dress while ensuring she turned heads at every angle

Family time: Myleene, 41, was joined by her beau Simon Motson who wore their five-month-old son Apollo in a leopard print papoose on his chest before handing the tot over to an adoring Montana who cradled the him gently

Legs eleven: She was displaying her lithe figure in the sexy ensemble

The Sun report that Montana is now single again after the couple decided to split. Elliott supported Montana through her best friend Mike Thalassitis' death last year.

The former Love Island star has had a really tough time after her close friend Mike Thalassitis was found dead at the age just 26 back in March. She later confided in the publication that she was having counselling after being targeted by online trolls.

Montana previously said: 'It's been really difficult to be honest. It's hard when you're in the spotlight, because people see you happy on Instagram and they're like 'why are you happy, are you not sad about Mike anymore?'

'It's been something that's been really difficult; I've been getting quite a lot of hate about it which has been really, really upsetting.' She added: 'I'm looking to get some counselling, I'm on the mend.'

All over: She recently split from her model beau of two years, Elliott

Gone: The Sun report that Montana is now single again after the couple decided to split. Elliott supported Montana through her best friend Mike Thalassitis' death last year

W Models Management's Elliott appeared to be a pillar of strength to Montana and held her hand during Mike's funeral.

He also took to social media to write a supportive post. He said: 'The biggest killer of men under 40 is suicide. Mental health ain't no joke.'

Montana previously spoke about her jealous streak over the amount of attention Elliott gets.

She said: 'There are people in the limelight who follow him and like his pictures who don't even know him. It's not very nice when people want to go for your man.'

Pain: Montana has had a really tough time after her close friend Mike Thalassitis (left) was found dead at the age just 26 back in March (pictured in January 2019)
A federal appeals court has overturned a San Francisco mans conviction for possessing a gun in a school zone and said the jury should have been allowed to decide whether the nearby Bayview district preschool is actually a school, as the law defines it.

Charles Burns was convicted in April 2017 by a federal court jury in San Francisco of possessing the .45-caliber handgun that he arranged to have another man sell for $800 in 2015 to a buyer who turned out to be an undercover federal agent. Burns was sentenced to a year and a day in prison but has been free on bail during his appeal.

Federal law prohibits possessing a gun in a place that the possessor knows, or has reason to know, is in a school zone, within 1,000 feet of a public or private school. The gun sale was about 400 feet from the Leola M. Havard Early Education School, which was renamed in 2011 for the school districts first African American female principal. It had previously been called the Burnett Child Development Center, named for Peter Burnett, Californias first governor and an avowed white supremacist.

The preschool on Oakdale Avenue offers what it describes as active participatory learning to children between the ages of 2 and 5. Its teachers are state-licensed.

Burns lawyers argued that the institution was more like a child care center than a school and presented testimony from the principal, who said it was not an elementary school. But after the jury determined that Burns had possessed the gun, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the Havard campus was a school, finalizing the guilty verdict.

In reversing Burns conviction on Tuesday, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said whether an institution meets the definition of a school is, at least in part, a factual question that a jury must decide.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Breyer was entitled to tell jurors how state law defines an educational institution, but whether this institution actually provided elementary education under that definition should have been given to the jury, the court said in a 3-0 ruling.

The court also sided with the defense on another issue. The undercover agent had discussed the sale with Burns in a series of text messages, but later erased about 80% of those messages, according to Burns lawyers. If the case is retried, the court said, jurors must be told that they should assume the erased messages would have been favorable to the defense, unless prosecutors prove otherwise.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Liszt Ferenc International operator Budapest Airport inaugurated a pier to serve low-fare airline passengers that will gradually be expanded in an 8.5 billion forint (EUR 25.5m) investment.

The 5,500sqm, climate-controlled structure has a concession area, three large washrooms and a smoking area.

Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Prime Ministers Office, said the new pier was the outcome of a row with the airport operator over facilities for low-fare passengers that had been an affront to human dignity.



Government officials as well as passengers had earlier complained of a shantytown of shipping containers that gave foreign visitors first impressions unworthy of the capital.





The temporary structures earlier used for low-fare passengers boarding and disembarking are now being dismantled to create space for an expansion of the new passenger pier to an area of 11,500sqm.



MTI Photos: Kovacs Tamas
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yellowpageslist.com is very popular in Facebook and Twitter. It has 51 twitter followers. Furthermore its facebook page has 1744 likes.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the yellowpageslist homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if yellowpageslist has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the yellowpageslist homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the yellowpageslist homepage on Twitter + the total number of yellowpageslist followers (if yellowpageslist has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the yellowpageslist homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the yellowpageslist homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE Business search, yellow pages list, business Philippines, yellow pages Malaysia, about west Africa DESCRIPTION A great place to find yellow pages list, white pages, yellow pages Malaysia, business Philippines, Yellow pages Africa, business Asia, about west Africa, news on Africa, business search, middle east business and general information about business KEYWORDS yellow pages list, white pages, yellow pages Malaysia, business Philippines, Yellow pages Africa, business Asia, about west Africa, news on Africa, business search, middle east business, Business malaysia, Business africa, Business USA, Business China, Bu OTHER KEYWORDS more details, details, business, search, directory, global business directory, global business



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Strict CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. The language of yellowpageslist.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for yellowpageslist.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Yellowpageslistcom/343981112352393 DESCRIPTION Global Business Directory LIKES 1744 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 3 PAGE TYPE Consulting/business services TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE

A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The URL of the found Facebook page. The type of Facebook page.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/YellowPageslist DESCRIPTION Yellow Pages ACCOUNT CREATED ON 11 Aug 2012 LOCATION null TWEETS 12 FOLLOWERS 51 LISTED 0
Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 1:38PM

Samsung brings its ruggedized Galaxy Tab Active Pro to Canada. First launched in the US last October, the ruggedized tablet is designed for workers in industries like construction, oil/field, public services (police/utility), and retail/warehouse.

It's designed to work well outside of the office, so it's capable of withstanding excessive drops, temperatures, vibrations, and more. It has been tested against military-specification MIL-STD-810G. The Galaxy Tab Active Pro also has an IP68 certification for water- and dust-resistance.

Since it's designed for work, Samsung DeX (desktop experience) is available on this tabletanother first for the company's ruggedized tablet series. The Galaxy Tab Active Pro also supports LTE connectivity and Samsung Knox data encryption.

The tablet comes with a 10.1-inch screen, which Samsung claimed is the largest display for a ruggedized tablet to date. It also has a 13-megapixel AF back camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, and support for Google's AR Core augmented reality platform.

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro comes equipped with a replaceable fast-charging battery that can be used for up to 15 hours on a single charge.

Businesses interested in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro can inquire via the Samsung Store, Samsung.com, or through Samsung's IT reseller partner channel.
A man is in hospital after he was stabbed in Fortwilliam Parade in north Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

A man has been stabbed a number of times in a Belfast attack police are treating as attempted murder.

It happened in a house in Fortwilliam Parade area around midnight on Wednesday.

The man is in hospital for treatment to his injuries. The extent of his injuries are not known.

Police have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police have appealed for information. Information can be passed to police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A resolution entitled "Annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy" was adopted by an overwhelming majority of votes during the plenary meeting of the European Parliament held on January 15 in Strasbourg, Trend reports on Jan. 15 referring to Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry.

In accordance with item 36 of this resolution, the EU has once again confirmed its commitments to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all Eastern Partnership countries.

The issue of territorial integrity is mentioned in the resolution along with the expression "internationally recognized borders".

The document calls on to demonstrate a unified approach to all conflicts in the territory of the Eastern Partnership countries, as well as to support the efforts to resolve them within the norms and principles of international law and provide support to those suffering from these conflicts, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The document also refers to 'A Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy' published in 2016 and the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels in 2017.

In the strategy for the EU's foreign and security policy, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the state borders of the countries were recognized as the most important elements of European security.

The Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels also explicitly expresses support for the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Eastern Partnership countries.

The resolutions adopted by the European Parliament annually are binding documents that may influence the activity of the European Commission during the year.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:48:35|Editor: xuxin

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PHNOM PENH, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Natural Gas Co Ltd and Chinese firm CNOOC Gas & Power Group Co Ltd teamed up in importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to distribute within Cambodia's market for the first time, an English-language daily newspaper reported on Thursday.

A local company's officer said the cooperation is to import the LNG to supply demand in the local market, as the company focuses on hotels and restaurants in the first-step plan.

Pheng Sros Choronei, administration officer at Cambodian Natural Gas, said the LNG containers were shipped in from China and arrived at Cambodia's Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Tuesday.

"The demand of LNG consumption in Cambodia will increase as we see the ongoing demand of using the LNG in other countries going high," Choronei was quoted as saying by the Khmer Times.

The company plans to expand to 25 provincial cities. Currently it focuses on the capital Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk province.

According to the Chinese embassy in Cambodia, CNOOC Gas & Power Group Co Ltd partnered with Cambodian Natural Gas Group to achieve China's export of natural gas to Cambodia for the first time.

The embassy wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday stating that the close relationship of the two countries has opened up new investment between them.

"Under the leadership of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Cambodia joint construction of the 'Belt and Road' has continued to go deeper and further," the embassy said.

"Both companies worked together to make the first use of LNG in Cambodia and supplied some of the Cambodian energy market and it will open a new chapter in the application of clean energy in Cambodia," the embassy wrote.

CNOOC Gas & Power Group Co Ltd is an enterprise in China with its main office in Beijing. It operates in the natural gas distribution industry.
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi Visits Kayah State as Party Tries to Improve Ties With Ethnic Groups

2020-01-15 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with ethnic Karenni youth in eastern Kayah state Wednesday to discuss local grievances there, the latest step to shore up her ruling National League for Democracy's relations with ethnic groups as the party faces year-end elections.

The visit, and a trip on Jan. 10 to Kachin state, follows the formation last September of a new committee dedicated to engaging with and promoting relations with ethnic political parties in the multiethnic country that has seen decades of internal warfare.

Aung San Suu Kyi's travel also comes as her government grapples with a sputtering peace process marked by ongoing warfare between national forces and rebel ethnic armies in its far-flung regions, producing hundreds of thousands of displaced villagers. She had made forging peace and creating a democratic federal union the primary goals of her administration after winning elections in 2015.

It also came as the government faces genocide-related lawsuits in three international courts, including the U.N.'s top court, the International Court of Justice. The ICJ will issue a decision on Jan. 23 on a request filed by Gambia to order provisional measures to prevent further violence against Rohingya Muslims, 740,000 of whom were driven into exile in Bangladesh in 2017.

During a 20-minute meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi in Loikaw, the state capital, seven Karenni representatives asked her to intervene in an issue involving confiscated farmland and arrested farmers, and to remove a controversial statue of her father, General Aung San, from a public park in Loikaw.

"We discussed our concerns only briefly," said Khun Thomas, joint secretary of the Union of Karenni State Youth. "She said all of our concerns will be recorded, but she didn't make any decisions."

The youth leaders agreed to hold negotiations with representatives from the state government, Union government, Karenni youth groups, and ethnic civil society organizations to try to resolve by peaceful means the disagreement over the General Aung San equestrian statue erected in February 2019, said Karenni youth leader Khu Reeral.

"The state counselor also assigned the ethnic affairs minister to implement the negotiation mechanisms," he said. "The ethnic affairs minister said his ministry is working to implement them as soon as possible."

Many ethnic minorities oppose the erection of the statues in their states because Aung San, a hero in the country's fight for independence from British rule, came from the ethnic Bamar (Burman) majority that dominates the country, and because they believe that the current government should focus on achieving equal rights for them.

Six young Karennis who demanded the removal of the statue and openly criticized Kayah state government authorities over the handling of the issue have been sentenced to six months in prison.

The Karenni youth representatives also asked Aung San Suu Kyi to look into lawsuits filed by Myanmar's army against 40 farmers from two state townships, charged with trespassing, damaging public property, and destroying military fences. Eleven of them are currently in prison.

Ban Yar, director of a Karenni human rights group who participated in the meeting with the state counselor, said that although the meeting was brief, it presented a good opportunity to discuss pressing local issues with her.

"We think it was a good opportunity that seven of us from youth groups and farmers were allowed to meet with her and talk about our concerns," he told RFA's Myanmar Service.

"For the farmers, the [government] could create a mechanism to handle their problems with land grabs," he said. "But there are still many issues to talk over. It will take time."

Committee to promote ethnic engagement

The NLD's new Ethnic Affairs Committee consists of chairman Nhtung Hka Naw Sam, a lower house lawmaker from Kachin state, and 15 members from other states and regions. Tin Myo Win, chair of Myanmar's Peace Commission, serves as one of two committee vice chairmen along with Karen state Chief Minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint.

Nhtung Hka Naw Sam said the committee will mediate issues such as those concerning the erection of General Aung San statues in ethnic states rather than getting involved in armed conflicts in ethnic areas.

"We have been criticized that we are weak in dealing with ethnic political parties after winning the 2015 election and forming the government," NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told RFA at the time.

"That's why we've formed a separate committee to promote engagement," he said. "This is a required process in the path we are taking. This new committee will help facilitate understanding and cooperation with ethnic political parties."

Tun Aung Kyaw, former secretary of the Arakan National Party (ANP) and current member of the party's Policy Committee, said the NLD has not forged good relations with the dominant ethnic parties in Rakhine and Shan states.

"The NLD doesn't have good relations with either the SNLD [Shan Nationalities League for Democracy] or the ANP, two ethnic parties that won the most seats in their respective states [in the 2015 elections]," he said.

"That's why we've concluded that the NLD has mishandled [ethnic] issues," he said. "It has especially treated ethnic political parties as if it has the upper hand."

Senior SNLD leader Sai Leik said better relations will be necessary before the NLD government can forge a federal union.

"If it wants to build a genuine federated Union in 2020, it has to have good relations with ethnic political parties," he said. "This is a multiethnic country. If a single major party is winning every election, then we are returning to a one-party authoritarian system. So, the NLD needs engagement with ethnic parties."

No plans to negotiate

Salai Kyae Oo Bi Htaung of the Chin National Democratic Party (CNDP), which represents the interests of ethnic Chin people, questioned the sincerity of the NLD government's new ethnic affairs committee.

"We have been listening to their statements, [and] they have said that they don't have any plans to negotiate with ethnic political parties and allies to form a coalition government," he said. "Now, they are trying to engage as the next election approaches."

Tu Jar, chairman of the Kachin People's Party (KPP), welcomed the creation of the new committee.

"Major parties should take ethnic people's issues into consideration," he said.

"The ethnic minorities have fragile emotions due to repression, so I think the NLD is reaching out to ethnic parties for engagement, and it is a positive change," he said. "It is best if it continues to engage with mutual understanding and respect."

But political and ethnic affairs analyst Maung Maung Soe said the NLD might be too late with its latest attempt to win over ethnic political parties.

"If they cannot negotiate with the ethnic parties, they will not be successful in the 2020 elections," he said.

NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt indicated that the committee was formed to focus on soft issues and not on improving relations in the run-up to the elections.

"The committee is intended to work on issues related to ethnic culture, literature, language, and affairs," he said. "The committee should also work on exchanging views on what the federated union should look like."

"We don't intend it to improve relations with ethnic groups ahead of the upcoming elections," he said. "We still have a long way to go in conceptualizing a model of a federal union suitable for Myanmar. We understand that there should be close negotiations between ethnic parties and the NLD. "

Aye Kyaw, executive director of Open Myanmar Initiative, a nonpartisan NGO that monitors parliamentary activities, said matters concerning culture should be carried out at the local level.

"If the NLD really wants to promote ethnic culture and literature, it should do it at the grassroots level," he said. "It can conduct the research on recording, collecting, and promoting ethnic culture and literature. Then, the ethnic people will be persuaded to vote for the party."

Khun Bedhu, a campaign manager for the Kayan National Party (KNP), said the NLD intends to use the committee to improve relations with ethnic people as a part of its campaign endeavors for the upcoming elections.

"Indeed, if it really wants to nurture the literature of ethnic people, it should reform education policy to promote the teaching of ethnic languages in the schools," he said. "It should change the schools to allow multilingual teaching."

"But the NLD government didn't change the fact that ethnic language and literature lessons are still extracurricular activities at schools," he added. "It gives only meager support for these lessons. I conclude that the committee it formed is just for campaigning ahead of the elections."

Civilian casualties climb

Chief among the NLD's ethnic concerns is the ongoing armed conflict in northern Rakhine state between Myanmar forces and the Arakan Army (AA), which is fighting for greater autonomy in the region.

An escalation in hostilities which began over a year ago has resulted in the displacement of more than 100,000 people as estimated by a domestic relief group, and a growing number of civilian casualties.

The armed conflict has claimed about 20 causalities so far this year, with RFA's figures showing at least nine dead and 11 injured in Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Buthidaung townships in northern Rakhine and in Paletwa township in of Chin state since Jan. 5, joining dozens who were killed in 2019 in shootings, mine and artillery shell explosions, and murders by unidentified attackers.

A recent report by the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC), a Sittwe-based organization that promotes ethnic rights and has been tallying numbers of dead and wounded, said 102 civilians had died and 252 had been injured during the past year as of Jan. 4.

"Fighting became intense since earlier this year," said REC secretary Zaw Zaw Tun. "The number of causalities has increased due to the fighting. Children who had nothing to do with the war were among the causalities."

A mine explosion near Htikehtoopauk village in Buthidaung township on Jan. killed four Rohingya children aged eight to 10. Their 25-year-old teacher and five other children were severely injured and had to be hospitalized.

A toddler was shot to death on Jan. 15 when a displaced family from Nyaung Kan village in Minbya township was returning home by boat. Family members and local residents blamed Myanmar soldiers for the shooting, but the army dismissed the charge.

"We can't say for sure who we can hold accountable and responsible or who we can file complaints with," said Myat Tun, director of the Rakhine State Human Rights Defender's Association.

"Human rights groups like ours have reported these issues to the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission in the past, but we were told that it has to acknowledge the conclusions of the Tatmataw [Myanmar military] because it's difficult to access those areas," he said. "So, there's no responsibility and accountability."

Some deaths have also occurred from a spillover of fighting into neighboring Chin state.

On Jan. 10, a schoolteacher and two other residents of Siphalaung village in Paletwa township were killed.

The same day, the Khumi Affairs Consultative Council reported on January that an AA soldier attempted to sexually assault a young woman from Paletwa's Kyee Lay village, and that those who intervened in the incident were beaten.

AA conducts probe

The AA released video footage on Jan. 14 claiming to have conducted an investigation and finding the accusations to be untrue, though villagers have said otherwise.

"We have never covered up issues of human rights violations," said AA spokesman Khine Thukha.

"We sent senior commanders to investigate the incident in Kyee Lay village," he said. "We then addressed the issue as best we could together with the people. We will take decisive action against anyone who commits crimes."

Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun has insisted that soldiers always follow the rules of engagement when it comes to war and did not answer a questions about whether any actions has been taken against troops who violated military rules in Rakhine state.

There have been reports of Myanmar soldiers shooting civilians in villages and beating up or torturing others thought to be aiding the enemy during interrogations amid the conflict.

The REC said that 337 people were arrested in 2019 on suspicion of having links to the AA, while 21 others were reported missing.

"The war in Rakhine state is taking place among the local population," said political analyst Maung Maung Soe. "It appears to be guerilla warfare, so fighting has occurred near villages and towns."

"Some shooting has been indiscriminate," he said. "It's hard to avoid civilian causalities as long as the war is going on. The best way to avoid civilian causalities is to sign a cease-fire agreement."

Reported by Nay Myo Htun, Phyu Phyu Khine, Wai Mar Tun, and Min Thein Aung for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung and Nandar Chann. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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(ANSA) - Algiers, January 16 - Premier Giuseppe Conte said after talks in Algiers Thursday with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune that "we cannot accept other military troops in Libya, now is the time for dialogue and talks".

Dialogue is "more effective" than arms, he added.

Conte was taking ahead of Berlin peace talks on Sunday which will be attended by rivals Premier Fayez al-Sarraj and General Khalifa Haftar.


By Yadarisa Shabong

(Reuters) - Recruitment firm Hays Plc <HAYS.L> warned of lower first-half operating profit on Thursday, as it struggled with a hiring squeeze that worsened in December in some of its largest markets including Britain, France and Australia.

London-listed shares of the company fell as much as 9% in early morning trade before recovering to trade 2.5% lower as of 0930 GMT.

Global recruiters have been pummelled by widespread uncertainties around the globe, ranging from Brexit worries in the United Kingdom to protests in Hong Kong and poor market sentiment due to the U.S.-China trade war.

Its peers PageGroup Plc <PAGE.L> and Robert Walters <RWA.L> also had a tough quarter ending December, with weakness in hiring seen in similar markets including China, UK and France.

Hays' profit warning was the first this year among its peers but comes just three months after similar warnings from PageGroup and Robert Walters.

First-half 2020 operating profit is expected to be about 100 million pounds ($130.36 million), Hays said, compared with 124.1 million pounds it reported last year.

Hays said it expects to reduce overhead costs by 5 million pounds in the second half of the year, following a review of its cost base in the second quarter of 2019.

"Hopefully, a clear UK election result and a trade deal between the U.S. and China should position us to return to growth over the next year or two," Finance Director Paul Venables told Reuters.

Hays reported a 4% drop in like-for-like net fees in the second-quarter, also blaming a stronger pound for the fall.

Venables said net fees were initially down 3% during most of the quarter, driven primarily by deterioration in Germany, before falling further due to the spread of general strikes in France, the British election and bush fires in Australia.

"Each event impacted markets already facing challenging economic conditions and low business confidence," Chief Executive Alistair Cox said in a statement.

Story continues

Germany, its largest market, saw further decline in net fees of 9% in the quarter as business confidence continued to be subdued and companies reined in costs and deterred hiring, particularly in the manufacturing and automotive sector.

In China, where the recruiter derived some strength in the previous quarters, net fees also declined 9% and was driven by a slowdown in investment in the manufacturing sector, Venables said.

(This story corrects to remove reference to consultant headcount in paragraph seven)

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Emelia Sithole-Matrise)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-15 19:38:34|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim (1st R) and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (2nd R) attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 15, 2020. The Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday arrived in Baghdad on an official visit to hold talks with Iraqi leaders in a bid to mitigate the growing tension between the United States and Iran in the Middle East. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday arrived in Baghdad on an official visit to hold talks with Iraqi leaders in a bid to mitigate the growing tension between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.

Al Thani arrived in Baghdad airport in the morning and was received by his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, and the two held a meeting to discuss the latest development in the region and means to ease the tension as well as preventing Iraq from being the battleground of the regional conflict.

At a joint press conference after their meeting, al-Hakim said that the Qatari minister "briefed us with Qatar's efforts to ease the tension between Iran and the United States, and we have confirmed that Iraq's sovereignty should be respected by all parties.

"Our concerns are common and talks with our friends is very important whether on the Iranian side or the American side. We have focus in our talks on mitigation in the region and not to allow making Iraq the battlefield for the conflicted parties," al-Hakim said.

For his part, the visiting minister told the reporters that "Iraq is in the center of the events in the region, and we have stressed reducing the tension and acting wisely to keep Iraq out of being a battleground."

"We can see today that mitigation of regional tensions has started, and we wish that to continue," Al Thai said.

The visiting Qatari minister is also scheduled to hold talks with Iraqi President Barham Salih, caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and the parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi.

Al Thani's visit to Baghdad came after an official visit by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani a few days ago to Iran as part of efforts made by Qatar to ease the escalation of tension in the region after the killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps by a U.S. drone strike on Jan. 3 near Baghdad International Airport.

Early on Jan. 8, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.
BEIRUT - About 40 anti-regime fighters and Syrian government loyalists have been killed in clashes in the Idlib region of northwestern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported Thursday. The source noted that the clashes had occurred over the previous 24 hours along the Maarat al-Numan front in southeastern Idlib, a stronghold of the region held by opposition forces and where operations by the Russian military and the Syrian government have been stepped up in recent weeks. SOHR said that 22 opposition fighters have been killed and 17 regime soldiers.

In airstrikes Wednesday by Russia on inhabited areas of Idlib, at least 15 civilians were killed including children and 35 were injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:03:53|Editor: yhy

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DHAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese New Year celebration ceremony was held in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Wednesday night with artists from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region giving performance to entertain the audience.

Dignitaries including Bangladeshi Education Minister Dipu Moni and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming, among others, attended the ceremony.

The Chinese embassy in collaboration with the department of culture and tourism of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh and China State Construction Engineering Corporation organized the ceremony which also marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his welcome speech, Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming said over the past 45 years, based on the principles of mutual respect and benefits, the China-Bangladesh relationship has withstood the test of the time and changes of international situation and maintained the momentum of robust growth.

Looking forward into the year of 2020, the Year of the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, he said the Chinese side is ready to join hands with the Bangladeshi government and people, taking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides as a great opportunity, to enhance synergy of development plans of the two sides, jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative, increase mutual understanding, build a stronger China-Bangladesh community with a shared future and embark on a new journey to take the China-Bangladesh strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.

Bangladeshi Education Minister Moni said Bangladesh's friendship with China has a history of thousands of years.

Noting that Bangladesh and China have always been good friends since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the minister said Bangladesh will work together with China to boost cooperation in all sectors for more fruitful outcomes in the future.
STAMFORD  Stamford-based Americares has deployed an emergency response team to assist families displaced by the volcanic activity in the Philippines, according to a news release.

The team, based out of the Americares office in Manila, is distributing protective masks, cleaning kits and essential hygiene products to families staying in evacuation centers in the Batangas province.

Toxic ash and debris spewed from the Taal Volcano on Sunday, triggering mass evacuations, canceling hundreds of flights at Manilas main airport and prompting a state of calamity in Batangas province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert to a Level 4, indicating an imminent explosive eruption and ordered a total evacuation within 14 kilometers of the volcanos danger zonea process made difficult by the poor visibility and, for many, a lack of transportation. Local authorities have also warned of a possible volcanic tsunami in the lake surrounding the volcano, which can be triggered by falling debris after an eruption, according to the release.

Our first priority is ensuring displaced families have access to critical relief items to protect their health, said Paul Pagaran, Americares country director for the Philippines, in the release. Our emergency response experts are ready to meet the most urgent health needs in the hardest-hit communities.

Inhaling volcanic ash particles can cause breathing problems, particularly for children, the elderly and those with chronic respiratory issues. Residents of affected communities have been advised to wear protective masks or place a wet cloth or towel over their face when going outdoors.

Located in the Pacifics Ring of Fire, a seismically active region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Taal is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines.

Americares has been providing assistance to the Philippinesone of the worlds most disaster-prone countriesfor more than 20 years. Americares established a base of operations in Manila in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 to respond more quickly to disasters and strengthen health care for families in need. In addition to preparing for and responding to disasters, the Americares Philippines team helps to repair, rebuild and support critical local health centers, often the only source of care for thousands of people.
Imperial Valley News Center

President Donald J. Trump is Signing a Landmark Phase One Trade Agreement with China

Washington, DC - "From day one, my Administration has fought tirelessly to achieve a level playing field for the American worker." ~ President Donald J. Trump

SIGNING A LANDMARK PHASE ONE TRADE AGREEMENT: Today, President Trump is signing a new, fully-enforceable Phase One Trade Agreement with China.

President Trump is making good on his promise to fix the failed policies of the past and deliver fairer trade for the United States.

This historic agreement will begin to rebalance our vital trade partnership with China and benefit both of our countries.

The signing of this agreement will be an incredible boost for American businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and innovators.

ENACTING CRITICAL REFORMS: China has agreed to make significant structural reforms in a wide range of critical areas.

This agreement will help level the playing field for Americas innovators to compete and win.

Importantly, the reforms included in the agreement are fully enforceable and include a strong dispute resolution system to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.

For the first time in any trade agreement, China agreed to end its practice of forcing foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies in order to gain market access.

China will address numerous longstanding intellectual property concerns in the areas of trade secrets, trademarks, enforcement against pirated and counterfeit goods, and more.

China agreed to strong commitments on currency practices regarding currency devaluations and exchange rates.

The agreement addresses a wide range of trade and investment barriers that have prevented American financial services companies from being able to compete in China.

The agreement addresses structural barriers that have unfairly limited United States food and agricultural exports. The agreement includes significant commitments by China on accepting United States agricultural biotechnology products.



REBALANCING TRADE: This agreement will begin rebalancing our trade relationship with China and provide new opportunity for American businesses and farmers.
A sign is pictured on top of the Rogers Communications Inc. building on the day of their annual general meeting for shareholders in Toronto, April 21, 2015. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD PACKAGE SEARCH BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD 17 OCT FOR ALL IMAGES

Rogers Communications (RCI-B.TO)(RCI) is rolling out 5G wireless networks in various downtown markets across Canada, and an analyst expects that once the rollout is consumer-ready, more Canadians will upgrade their phone plans to take advantage of faster speeds.

On January 15, the Toronto-based national carrier said it was activating the next generation of wireless networks in downtown Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. However, consumers wont be able to access these networks until 5G-enabled smartphones are available.

Rogers said in a press release that 20 other markets will also be 5G operational by the end of 2020.

Edward Jones analyst Dave Heger said in an interview with Yahoo Finance Canada that customers with limited data plans will choose to pay $10-$20 more so they can take advantage of 5G speeds, which are expected to be faster and more reliable.

A number of customers, in general, are on limited data plans where they werent necessarily using as much data as they might like to because they didnt want to hit overage charges. So, [for Rogers], there are some base customers who will actually step up from what they are paying for a month to get the unlimited capability, Heger said.

In June 2019, Rogers was the first carrier to announce unlimited data plans starting at $75. Bell and Telus launched similar plans shortly after.

In its Q3 results, Rogers reported that it had signed approximately one million wireless subscribers to its Infinite Unlimited Data plans; Rogers has over 10 million wireless subscribers.

Rogers said that customers who migrated to an unlimited plan, on average, use over 50 per cent more data than before.

Heger said over 50 per cent of Rogers existing wireless subscriber base will migrate to unlimited plans in the next two to three years because theyll be willing to use their data, rather than trying to get on Wi-Fi, which they have in the past used to avoid overage charges.

Duncan Stewart, director of technology, media and telecommunications research for Deloitte Canada told Yahoo Finance Canada that, based on data reported a year ago, Canadians consumed about one to two gigabytes per month.

Story continues

He said he expects consumers will use closer to 10 gigabytes per month when 5G becomes available to them.

Bell, Telus wont be affected with Rogers early roll out

Bell and Telus have yet to choose a 5G vendor as they await an announcement on whether the federal government will ban Chinese-telecommunications manufacturer Huawei.

Rogers uses Ericsson as its 5G vendor.

Bells spokesperson Marc Choma confirmed in an email that the carrier expects to launch similar Early 5G service in these and other centres this year as capable smartphones become available.

Canada has an opportunity to lead the world in 5G if our regulatory environment continues to encourage wireless infrastructure investment. Policies that hamper or restrict the significant capital investment required will lead to the opposite outcome, Choma wrote.

Heger doesnt believe Rogers has some dramatic advantage over Bell and Telus by being the first to roll out 5G networks because he expects the two carriers to roll out something similar this year.

5G will benefit consumers at concerts, sporting events

Rogers said that it will use 2.5 GHz spectrum to start, which is used to deliver communications services. But later in the year, it plans to use 600 MHz spectrum, which can deliver wireless data over long distances and through populated and dense urban locations.

Telecom and tech expert Peter Nowak said in an emailed statement that 5G will result in faster wireless speeds with less latency and more network capacity.

However, he added that Canadas wireless networks are already pretty good so it has not been demonstrated how 5G will in fact benefit the consumer once the higher costs are considered.

Its safe to assume that costs of 5G network upgrades will be passed on to the consumer, he said. We can, therefore, expect 5G to be a net negative for consumers - the expensive upgrade no one asked for.

Nowak suggested that the Big Three (Bell, Telus, and Rogers) will use the argument of ongoing network investment as a rationale for regular price increases.

According to Stewart, consumers will see the benefit of 5G at large sporting events or concerts.

The problem with 4G is it only supports fewer than 1,000 devices simultaneously within an arena. If I have 5G rolled out, and I am now at a game or a concert, my regular cellular [network], all of a sudden supports many more devices in a small area, he said.

Rogers said in the release that it will turn on the 5G network at the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and Rogers Arena, located in Vancouver.
STAMFORD  A city teen already charged with the August rape of a Cove woman has been charged with a second rape, of a woman walking home on East Main Street in late October.

Stamford police said in a statement Wednesday that the unidentified 17-year-old was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree strangulation and armed robbery. The youth has been incarcerated since his first arrest on Dec. 5 and is being held in lieu of a $2.5 million court appearance bond in this latest case.

The teen has been charged in both cases as an adult, but recent laws protecting the identities of juveniles placed on the adult docket prohibit the release of their names.

Stamford Police Lt. Tom Scanlon said the arrest came as the result of a joint investigation by a broad team of personnel from various agencies.

I would like to commend lead investigator Angel Gonzalez for his work on this case, Scanlon said. I would also like to recognize the efforts of many other investigators in the Stamford Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit that assisted in various capacities, including many hours of surveillance.

He also credited States Attorney Richard Colangelo and Assistant States Attorney Maureen Ornousky for their assistance in directing and expediting the analysis of critical scientific evidence; and the United States Marshals Service, which apprehended the suspect.

Stamford investigators tracked the juvenile after he fled Connecticut. U.S. Marshals arrested him in Maryland on Nov. 27.

On Dec. 5, he was taken to Stamford and charged with the Aug. 23 rape. Police said that attack occurred at about 3:30 a.m. in the Cove neighborhood in Stamford. The victim, an adult woman, told police she was dropped off from work in the early morning hours and was violently assaulted as she approached her home, police said. At the time of the assault, police said the suspect pulled the woman to the side of her home by her ponytail and demanded money and credit cards. When the woman said she had none, he pulled her to the ground, according to police.

The teenager was charged in that attack with first-degree sexual assault and criminal attempt at first-degree robbery.

After that, arrest the state did a DNA analysis and the second arrest warrant was granted for the October sexual assault, police said in the release.

At the time of the Oct. 24 assault, police said the woman was walking home on East Main Street at about 12:30 a.m. when an attacker pulled her off the sidewalk and raped her. Police said the woman was in her 20s.

Police Wednesday said the juvenile grabbed the woman from behind and dragged her to the area of an abandoned home and committed the sexual assault.

The Stamford Police Department said in a statement it hopes that the teens arrest will help the victims overcome the effects of these crimes.

If there are any other sexual assault victims that have not come forward, they are asked to call police at 203-977-4417.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it has provided $11,028,500 in bridge financing for The Vistas Fox Valley, a 136-bed supportive living facility in Aurora, Illinois. The debt was structured and provided by Walker & Dunlop's bridge lending program, which utilizes the company's own balance sheet to offer short-term, non-recourse loans for properties that are being acquired or repositioned as part of a new business strategy.

Walker & Dunlop Managing Director Joshua Rosen and the bridge lending team structured the financing to cover acquisition costs for the owner, Cascade Capital Group. Featuring flexible prepayment options, the loan includes a nine-month term with full-term interest only payments. The property is well-positioned to convert to permanent financing through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in late 2020.

Mr. Rosen commented, "This transaction is a perfect representation of Walker & Dunlop's unique range of offerings, which provide tailored solutions to our clients when they need them. Our short-term financing enabled the borrower to quickly execute this acquisition on an expedited timeline. He added, "It's a pleasure to offer a longtime client the experience and service that differentiates Walker & Dunlop."

Located in Aurora, Illinois, a far-western suburb of Chicago, The Vistas Fox Valley is one of the most advanced providers of post-hospital care in the Fox River Valley region. The Vistas Fox Valley is designed to appeal to the unique needs and expectations of seniors 65+, offering a safe, engaging environment with full medical support and rehabilitation services. The property is conveniently located near many of the area's top hospitals and healthcare facilities and offers hotel-like amenities such as spacious private suites, housekeeping services, expansive family lounges, an on-site spa and salon, dining services, transportation options, and 24-hour medical assistance.

Walker & Dunlop is ranked the 3rd largest HUD MAP lender, 2nd largest Fannie Mae DUS multifamily lender and 4th largest Freddie Mac OptigoSM multifamily lender and closed nearly $800 million of seniors housing and healthcare transactions in 2018 alone. To complement its strong presence in the multifamily and healthcare lending space, the company offers a full suite of financing options, including the bridge lending program and dedicated senior housing property sales teams in Chicago, Illinois and Portland, Oregon. Since the inception of the bridge lending program, Walker & Dunlop has completed more than $2.4 billion in bridge financing. For more information about our bridge lending capabilities, read the following press releases:

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of capital solutions for all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as investment sales brokerage services to owners of multifamily properties. Walker & Dunlop is included on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and was ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Walker & Dunlop's 800+ professionals in 39 offices across the nation have an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction.

SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

Related Links

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Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday, challenged Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar to make his stand clear on the issues of Population Register (NPR) and Register of Citizen (NRC).

"I challenge Nitish Kumar to make it clear before Amit Shah that he will not let the NPR and NRC be implemented in Bihar," Tejashwi told ANI.

He also attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and accused him of spreading hatred in the state through his visit.

"If Nitish is serious and has got authority, he should call for a special session of Assembly. He should take everybody in confidence and must write to Centre that NRC will not be implemented in Bihar," he added.

Yadav also stated that his party will continue to organise event in different districts of the state to address the issues of people.

"We have organised programmes in Kishanganj, Katihar and Araria. We will address people who are sulking over NRC. We will encourage them, tell them about the agenda of this Govt," Tejashwi said.

Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a rally in Kharuana in Vaishali district ahead of the poll.

The BJP has been busy for the last 15 days to make this mega rally a grand success to show the party's strength in state and to give a message to the Opposition that people of Bihar stand firm with CAA.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fire plays a central role in indigenous life and could hold the key to better management of bushfires in Australia.

Djandak Wi, Australia  Aboriginal park ranger Trent Nelson walks through the bush, demonstrating traditional fire techniques.

He mimics the lighting of small spot fires on certain shrubs  fires his ancestors have lit for thousands of years before him.

What happens, is when the fire goes through, a lot of these plants dont get impacted, he explained.

The fire only gets to probably about [a foot] high as it goes through, so these are protected and they can grow. It also protects the trees in the canopy.

In the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional lands in the northern part of Australias Victoria state, this section of the bush is known as Djandak Wi, meaning fire country.

When Aboriginal people use the word country, they refer to the distinct region they come from, with pre-colonial Australia akin to an indigenous version of Europe.

And while catastrophic bushfires rage across much of Australia, the country of Djandak Wi is eerily quiet and peaceful.

Sounds of the bush

The soft sound of insects scurrying in the undergrowth is interrupted only by the wind in the trees overhead and the distinct call of a kookaburra.

The gentle fragrance of eucalyptus hangs in the air, a stark contrast to the pungent haze of smoke that engulfs much of southeastern Australia.

This is the bush that Australians  and millions of tourists alike  have come to know and love.

Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owner and park ranger Trent Nelson in his country in the northern part of Australias Victoria state [Ali MC/Al Jazeera]

Yet this is also the bush that Indigenous people maintained for thousands of years prior to colonisation, in particular, through the use of fire.

For our country to survive and for our people to survive on country, techniques of fire were used, Nelson said.

We know from research weve done, from over 200-plus years of documentation, that fire was actually in our landscape.

Nelson describes how Aboriginal people would move through the bush, systematically setting undergrowth alight, in order to promote the growth of new plants, rid the bush of flammable materials such as bark and leaf litter and attract animals to hunt.

In fact, the practice of lighting fires was such a constant feature of daily life for Indigenous people, that the first European colonisers noticed.





When [the] first settlers moved into our area they actually witnessed fire being put into the landscape[and] smoke plumes right across our country, he explained.

Nelson leads a small team of Aboriginal park rangers in northern Victoria whose aim is to reintroduce what he describes as cultural burning; traditional techniques using fire to manage the landscape.

While it is acknowledged that the impacts of climate change and the continuing drought have contributed to this years fires, Trent hopes that the wider adoption of cultural burns will reduce the potential for such large-scale fires in the future.

Reading the land

But cultural burning is not only about avoiding bushfires.

As Nelson explains, fires were traditionally lit for cultural purposes  for hunting and regeneration of food and fibre in the landscape.

Food for us to survive is not just the animals that we hunted  kangaroos, emus, fish  but also the starchy fibrous tubers that grow in the ground. They actually need burning on a regular basis to provide that propagation of the seed and seed banks.

A cultural burn on Indigenous land in Australia. [Koori Country via Al Jazeera]

Regular burning also helped clear dry leaf and bark litter  highly flammable materials that build up on the floor of the bush and have contributed to the spread of Australias recent fires.

While park rangers do regularly burn large swathes of the bush in order to reduce such fire hazards, Nelson says cultural burning is different.

A normal burn off typically aims to reduce fire hazards by burning large areas at a high temperature, essentially setting fire to the entire ecosystem.

In contrast, Nelsons team will instead choose smaller areas and specifically burn certain plants at particular seasons.

He says that his team creates a mosaic pattern on the ground and will not set fire to every piece of leaf litter, choosing which plants to burn and giving organisms and animals the chance to escape or find shelter.

We actually use a [fire] pattern that adheres to the land and what is required in terms of fire in the landscape, he said.

We read the country as well  we dont put fire in the landscape when its not ready. We make sure that it is ready and will relate to that fire and that impact.

Nelson said is also important to protect the tree canopy, in which much of the life of the bush lives.

The way we put fire into the landscape, we have to be careful to put it into the right areas. Because fire is a tool and a technique that we use. We make sure that when we put fire into the landscape that it doesnt actually harm the trees and doesnt actually get into the canopy.

Fire is a tool

The use of fire also has particular cultural protocols, and as Nelson repeatedly states, was not simply used as a way to mitigate catastrophic bushfires.

Nelson with an ancient scar tree. Indigenous people fear that as well as flora and fauna, key cultural sites have been lost to this seasons catastrophic fires [Ali MC/Al Jazeera]

However, Nelson says that it is evident that Aboriginal fire management techniques do reduce fire risk, and that Indigenous people should be acknowledged and involved if Australia is to tackle the fire threat it faces.

Fire for us is a tool. We know that it was used in the landscape for thousands and thousands of generations. For us, fire is not to be afraid of.

Id like to see more traditional owners across [Victoria] and Australia being involved in fire practices on country, and just being part of the conversation and having our voices heard.

Because weve got a lot of knowledge. Our old people managed the country for thousands of years and that knowledge is still embedded in what we do as Aboriginal people.

Further north in the Blue Mountains, which has been ravaged by this summers fires, Wiradjuri traditional owner Dennis Barber is also on a mission to bring back cultural burning.

Like Nelson, Barber is a professional park ranger and firefighter, who also works for an Aboriginal-run fire programme called Koori Country Firesticks.





He says he was introduced to cultural burning by elders from Cape York in 2010, and that it was unlike anything Id ever done in a professional capacity.

Thats when I realised that what Id been doing as a professional firefighter  lighting up the bush with torches and doing hazard reduction  was not even close to what traditionally the approach was.

Bush as fuel

Barber also maintains that the use of cultural burning could contribute to a reduction of large-scale bushfires.

It doesnt matter where I go  I can go to any National Park and more often than not you find huge fuel loads in the bush. Tourists think its lovely, but all I see is rubbish. All I see is a ticking time bomb, knowing the amount of fuel sitting in that area of the national park. And sure enough, what we end up with are these wildfires.

While he acknowledges that climate change and drought are all contributing factors to this years crisis, the actual management of that country is a missing component.

Barber is also concerned not only about the loss of ecosystems, plant and animal life, but also the cultural heritage that the bush contains, including one sacred area in his own country that he suspects has now been lost to the fires.

We are just wiping out our flora and fauna, micro-organisms and everything. We do talk about the koala and the loss of iconic animals, but country is about everything. There are so many aspects to country [such as] the bush medicines that Aboriginal people relied on.

While Prime Minister Scott Morrison has recently proposed that a Royal Commission into the fires be established, what role Aboriginal traditional owners will have in the discussions has yet to be determined.

Barber  like Nelson  acknowledges cultural burning is not the silver bullet to avoid such fires in the future, but he is convinced that tapping into the knowledge of the Aboriginal people who have lived on the land for generations will help modern-day Australia better manage its unique landscape.

Do you really believe that Aboriginal people would have survived in this country had we allowed it to burn like it is burning now? he asked.
The Massachusetts House unanimously passed a bill that would create a registry of caretakers who are accused of abusing a person with a disability, joining 26 states that have similar registries.

Families and people with disabilities are waiting for this and really appreciate the vote today, said Leo Sarkissian, executive director of The Arc of Massachusetts, an advocacy group for people with disabilities.

The bill creates a registry to track Massachusetts caregivers who are credibly found to have mentally, emotionally or financially abused people with disabilities. It also includes an appeal process for caregivers accused of abuse with some differences between the House and Senates versions.

The Senate unanimously passed its version of the bill in October. Now the House and Senate must agree to a consensus bill before it goes to Gov. Charlie Bakers desk.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael Moore, a Millbury Democrat, and Rep. Linda Campbell, a Methuen Democrat, is named Nickys Law after Nicky Chan.

Nicky Chan was beaten several years ago while at a day program for people with intellectual disabilities, his mother testified last year.

His mother, Cheryl Chan, said that she learned about the abuse from the states Disabled Persons Protection Commission. The alleged abuser was fired from the program and prosecuted, but he was found not guilty at trial.

Under Nickys Law, the Disabled Persons Protection Commission would place a caretaker facing a credible allegation of abuse on a registry, which would include the caretakers name and date of birth. The registry would be hosted on the commissions website.

Rita Gardner, president of the board of directors at Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools, called the bills passage in the House a victory for the state.

Students who attend MAAPS member schools include students who may be non-verbal and medically fragile, said Gardner, president and CEO of Melmark New England, a school system that serves students with intellectual disabilities. The Massachusetts Legislature has time and time again shown its support for our most vulnerable populations.

The Republican reported in December that employees of a Guidewire group home in Springfield racked up allegations of misconduct that ranged from running a fight club in 2011 to raping a resident in 2015.

Eight employees were fired following the reports of the fights, according to the state Department of Developmental Services. In 2018, the employees were given the right to return to work at facilities funded by the department.

No criminal charges were filed.

Michael Long, a nighttime caregiver accused of raping a resident in 2015, was arrested on charges related to the incident but worked for another human services provider while his case was pending. He worked for ServiceNet from May 2016 until October 2017.

Long pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability. He was sentenced in January 2019 to five to seven and a half years in state prison.

Twenty-six states have an abuse registry, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association.

Under the bill, state must notify a caregiver facing credible allegations that the person will be named in the registry. The caregiver has the right to appeal the decision to be added to the registry.

The Senate version of the bill gave alleged abusers 10 days from the day theyre given notice about the registry to file an appeal.

The House version tweaked the language to make sure the caregivers get 10 business days to make sure those who want to fight allegations have enough time to submit an appeal.

The House version also states that if a caregiver appeals within 10 business days, the commission must hold off on adding the caregivers name until the appeal is reviewed by the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. The commission would be expected to notify the Department of Developmental Services, the caregivers employer, the victim and, if applicable, the victims guardian, of the results of the appeal.

There are so many good caretakers out there and its a very difficult, exhausting job, both physically and emotionally, said Campbell, one of the bills sponsors. Most of these people are extraordinarily good people who provide a good service to our fellow human beings. We want to make sure that people continue to go into this field because we need more, and we want to take care of the ones that are in the field now.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo told reporters that lawmakers were able to strike a balance between protecting vulnerable residents and making sure caregivers have due process if they face an allegation.

The bill, I think, today does provide that protection ... at the same time providing legal protection, the due process, for those who are being accused, said DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat.

The registry would only be shared with potential employers, who would be required to check the registry before hiring someone. The Department of Developmental Services and any state-licensed care provider would not be allowed to hire anyone on the registry.

Caregivers can also petition to have their names removed from the registry after five years.

Only a fraction of caregivers accused of abusing people with disabilities leads to criminal charges.

In fiscal 2016, the state reviewed 9,449 abuse allegations and referred 1,536 to local prosecutors, according to the annual Disabled Persons Protection Commissions annual report. In fiscal 2017, the state reviewed 11,395 abuse allegations and referred 1,478 to local prosecutors.

About 101 referrals in 2016 and 102 referrals in 2017 led to criminal charges, though the commission said the statistics on criminal charges are fluid and can vary.

In fiscal 2018, the state reviewed 11,900 abuse allegations and referred 1,698 reports to local prosecutors. Those referrals led to roughly 133 criminal charges by the time the 2018 annual report was released.

In fiscal 2019, the state reviewed 13,102 abuse allegations and referred 2,214 to local prosecutors. The commissions report did not say how many led to criminal charges.

This article included reporting from the State House News Service.
Implementing peace deal only path for stabilization in Mali: UN peacekeeping chief

15 January 2020 - Implementation of the 2015 peace agreement in Mali provides the only pathway for stabilization there, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix updated ambassadors on developments in the West African country, where a UN operation, known by the French acronym MINUSMA, supports political processes and restoration of state authority against a backdrop of insecurity, intercommunal violence and increasing displacement.

MINUSMA was established following fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels in January 2012, leading to the occupation of northern Mali by radical Islamists.

The authorities and two separate armed group coalitions signed the peace deal three years later.

"The rapid and thorough implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable path for the stabilization of Mali. It provides the framework for the required political and institutional reforms to restore and decentralize State authority, to build a Malian state that reflects the diversity and interests of all its citizens", said Mr. Lacroix.

"The peace agreement also provides for mechanisms to address the grievances of those Malians who feel excluded from the country's political life and economic development and who see little hope for their future."

National dialogue concludes

Despite slow starts and disagreements, both between and among the sides, the UN peacekeeping chief reported that progress has been achieved in Mali, such as the holding of an inclusive national dialogue which concluded in December.

Foreign Minister Tiebile Drame characterized it as a milestone for his country.

"The national dialogue was an important point in the life of the nation: a point at which a true national consensus was forged with lively solidarity," he said, speaking via videoconference.

"For his part, the President of Mali has taken the commitment of doing everything in his power to ensure that the resolutions and recommendations of the national dialogue, pursuant to current law, be implemented."

Regional plans

Another step forward has been the disarming and subsequent integration of former combatants into the national defence and security forces.

Mr. Lacroix said redeploying reconstituted army units to the north remains an "urgent priority", with a first battalion expected in the region by the end of the month: an important step towards restoring state authority nation-wide.

At the same time, the UN has increased its presence and activity in Mopti, located in central Mali, which has contributed to de-escalating intercommunal violence and massacres.

However, this has meant diverting assets from the north, leading to what Mr. Lacroix described as "dangerous gaps" in some areas. To address the challenge, MINUSMA will make some adaptations within its authorized troop strength.

"The plan provides for the establishment of a Mobile Task Force, which will enhance the Mission's ability to implement its mandate and protect civilians. It will make MINUSMA more agile, flexible and mobile with tailored units and enhanced capabilities, most importantly additional air mobility", he explained, before calling on ambassadors for their support.

Support for the Sahel

Mr. Lacroix began his briefing by addressing the "alarming" deteriorating security situation not only in Mali but in the wider Sahel.

Just last week alone, 89 soldiers from Niger were killed and 18 peacekeepers injured in two separate attacks. There has also been a rise in the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against UN convoys.

"Terrorism continues to feed into inter-communal violence in the centre of Mali," he reported. "There are now more displaced persons suffering from hunger in the Mopti region than there were in the past."

The United Nations supports the G5 Sahel regional body, which brings together Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, all of which are experiencing rising extremist violence.

French ambassador Nicolas de Riviere told the Council that following a recent summit held in his country, the G5 and its international partners have established a coalition for the Sahel.

"The aim is to step up our support for countries of the G5 Sahel, but also beyond that to incentivize them to engage in reform: of course, security reform, but also governance and human rights reform," he said. "With these conditions being met, we can eradicate terrorism."

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Four APC governorship aspirants in Edo State have forged a united front, to tackle Governor Godwin Obaseki to save the state from relapsing into abyss.

The aspirants at a joint news conference in Benin City, the state capital on Thursday, said the state had been embroiled in needless crisis since 2018, arising from deliberate alienation of party leaders.

The aspirants are the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Pius Odubu, a former Minister of State, Works, Christopher Ogiemwonyi, former PDP governorship candidates in the state, Charles Airhivbere and Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, Mr Odubu, noted that of particular concern was the inability of Edo State House of Assembly APC members to perform their law-making jobs.

This is unprecedented and does not represent the progressive character of Edo State people.

We also observed with trepidation the orgy of politically-motivated violence across the state, targeted at members of our great party, who dared to hold opposing views from government.

This is unacceptable in a democratic setting.

As stakeholders, we have both individual and collective efforts at restoring sanity to the polity but it appears that as we inch closer to the elections, the apprehension in the land is on the increase.

We, therefore, commend traditional institutions in Edo State that took various steps to promote peace and unity in our state.

Mr Odubu disclosed that the aspirants in consultation with other critical stakeholders welcomed the urgent intervention of the newly-constituted Ahmed Lawan-led reconciliation committee for the party.

READ ALSO:

He urged every stakeholder of the party to cooperate with the committee.

We collectively desire a party that is stable, virile and viable for us to realise our individual and collective aspirations.

We also believe and rightly too that the attempt to close the political space and shut the doors against potential contestants for the office of the governor of the state by the incumbent governor is antithetical to the established norms of democracy.

We must all be allowed to subject ourselves to the democratic process without let or hindrance.

He said further that they would maintain their unalloyed support for the leadership of the APC in the state headed by David Imose, the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and President Muhammadu Buhari as well as other national party leaders for their insistence on party supremacy.

(NAN)
Four children, including a newborn baby, have been left orphaned after their parents died in a horrific crash on a highway on Western Australia's southwest coast.

Three of the children were badly injured and their father Eduardo Hernandes Pereira Rodrigues, 41, and mother Danielle Bileski de Mello Pimental, 37, were killed when the Brazillian family's 4WD overturned on the Forrest Highway in Binningup on Sunday afternoon.

Three-month-old Rafael, Anthony, 3, and Andre, 6, remain in a stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital.

Mr Rodrigues and Ms Pimental have a 15-year-old son, Joao Miguel, who was not involved in the crash.

Eduardo Hernandes Pereira Rodrigues, 41, and Danielle Bileski de Mello Pimental, 37, were killed when the Brazillian family's four-wheel drive overturned on Sunday afternoon. Source: Facebook

Mr Rodrigues' parents were also injured in the crash and are believed to be in a stable condition.

The family had been returning to Perth from a holiday at Margaret River.

A GoFundMe page created on Monday is aiming to raise $200,000 to help with funeral expenses and travel costs for grieving family members in Brazil.

More than $102,000 has so far been donated.

The Brazilian community of WA will host a tribute to the couple at 7pm on Thursday at the Scarborough Sunset Markets Amphitheatre.

Perth's Brazilian community has been shaken by the sad loss of Danielle and Eduardo, who were both active and beloved members of the community, members wrote the GoFundMe online.

Three-month-old Rafael, three-year-old Anthony and six-year-old Andre remain in a stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital. Source: Facebook

Police say the 4WD was heading north on the Forrest Highway near Binningup, just before 4pm when it rolled a number of times.

Mr Rodrigues had been driving and his wife was a rear passenger. Both died at the scene.

The childrens grandfather who survived the crash told 9News Perth he hopes the children can stay and be raised in Australia. He said the family moved from Brazil to Perth nine years ago.

Everything that we think now is about the kids, they want the kids to be here with good people which now he believes that they will, he told the publication through a translator.

A number of comments, mostly in Portuguese, have been left by donors on the GoFundMe page and on Facebook.

Story continues

The grandfather of three boys orphaned in a fatal car crash earlier this week has tearfully thanked Australians for their support. @elizabethcreasy #9News pic.twitter.com/XJkH6FcnXq  Nine News Perth (@9NewsPerth) January 15, 2020

Im very sorry for what happened! No one should grow up without parents, and no parent should lose their child so early," one donor wrote.

"Know that the Brazilian community is here to give you all the necessary support at this very difficult and sad time."

Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash or can provide dashcam footage.

- with AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sudan: Lives of traumatized, displaced women in West Darfur under threat

15 January 2020 - Ongoing instability in Sudan's West Darfur region has left the lives, health and safety of thousands of women hanging in the balance, according to the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.

Since 28 December, intercommunal disputes in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have left more than 40,000 civilians displaced, of whom an estimated 10,800, are women of reproductive age.

More than 50 were killed and 60 others injured, the UN has reported, and thousands of civilians in recent weeks crossed the border into Chad, seeking refuge.

Citing two flash reports this year, the UN agency shone a light on a serious lack of adequate reproductive health services and protection.

"Following the recent attack on the camps in West Darfur, women had to flee leaving behind their burnt houses and all of their personal belongings", explained Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative in Sudan. "The attack has left them traumatized and in need of psychological support".

Moreover, as they have no private shelter, the women "continue to feel unsafe and are very vulnerable towards violence and harassment", he added.

Immediate action needed

Based on data from the Ministry of Health and Social Development, there are an estimated 3,442 pregnant women in dire need of adequate reproductive health services  some 700 women of whom are in their ninth month of pregnancy, living in 41 different IDP sites.

Some 373 deliveries took place in the past 10 days alone. UNFPA stressed that immediate action is needed to save lives and ensure women's health and safety.

"The unavailability of obstetric services for pregnant women and the lack of access to safe delivery is the reason for loss of lives both for mothers and newborns," maintained Mr. Diana. "Overcrowding at hospitals during instability is common and in the case of current events in West Darfur means that women are delivering babies in shared rooms or open squares."

While an estimated 160 midwives have been deployed, the availability of safe delivery facilities remains inadequate, leaving women to give birth in makeshift spaces, including classrooms in the presence of other women and children.

UN steps up assistance

UNFPA is supporting the State Ministry of Health and other partners in establishing sexual and reproductive health clinics in 31 IDP sites, which will include the services of 60 midwives.

The UN agency has also shipped 31 different emergency reproductive health kits from Khartoum to El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, to cover the needs of pregnant women.

Having no access to emergency obstetric care leads to an increase in maternal and neonatal deaths -- UNFPA

"Having no access to emergency obstetric care leads to an increase in maternal and neonatal deaths so this is a life-saving intervention," pointed out Mr. Diana.

Credible information, including from rapid assessments, also indicates that amidst rising displacement, gender-based violence (GBV) is being perpetrated on a large scale and in different forms, especially for women and girls.

The Population Fund noted that a team of GBV and reproductive health coordinators were deployed to El Geneina and emergency reproductive health kits were dispatched to support the humanitarian response.

Moreover, prevention and response efforts are being strengthened, including by coordinating and providing psychosocial support and other services.

"Gender-based violenceis one of the most pervasive human-rights abuses in the world," the UNFPA Representative spelled out. "Both priorities must always be treated with immediate attention  regardless of whether it is an emergency or not."



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S ir David Attenborough has warned the moment of crisis has come in the worlds efforts to tackle climate change.

The renowned naturalist and broadcaster told the BBC: "As I speak, south east Australia is on fire. Why? Because the temperatures of the Earth are increasing.

He added: "We have been putting things off for year after year. We have been raising targets and saying: Oh well if we do it within the next 20 years.

(But) the moment of crisis has come.

Australia fires - In pictures 1 /78 Australia fires - In pictures A firefighter hosing down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images An aerial view of bushfires burning south of Canberra Getty Images Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest on Kangaroo Island in January Reuters German tourists Julia Wasmiller and Jessica Pryor pose for a photo at Mrs Macquarie's chair, wearing face masks due to heavy smoke in December Getty Images A small aircraft dumps fire retardant behind houses at the foot of Mount Tennant as the fire front of the Orroral Valley fire creeps through the Namadgi National Park on January 30, 2020 in Canberra, Australia Getty Images A pyrocumulonimbus cloud is generated by the intense Orroral Valley bushfire buring to the south of Canberra. Getty Images Eugenie Bouchard of Canada takes a moment to catch her breath during her qualifying match against Xiaodi You of China during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Bernard Tomic of Australia receives medical attention in his match against Denis Kudla of the USA during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Massive smoke rising from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria in January AP Smoke looms over Sydney A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire at Snowy Valley, Australia in January AFP via Getty Images Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits a resident's property in an area devastated by bushfires in Sarsfield, Victoria state in January POOL/AFP via Getty Images An injured koala rests in a washing basket at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in January Getty Images A pedestrian wears a mask as smoke shrouds the Australian capital of Canberra, Australia in January AP A large smoke plume is seen over a sheep property in the Parndana region in January Getty Images NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff prepare to air-drop carrots for animals in bushfire-stricken areas, in Newnes, Wollemi National Park, New South Wales in January via Reuters A wallaby eats a carrot after NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff air-dropped them in bushfire-stricken areas around Wollemi and Yengo National Parks, New South Wales in January via Reuters Nurses feed an injured male koala at Adelaide Koala Rescue in January Getty Images A woodchip mill burnt by bushfires is seen as smoke rises in Eden in Australia's New South Wales in January AFP via Getty Images Kylie Minogue donates to the cause @kylieminogue Cars line up to leave the town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales to head north in January AFP via Getty Images HMAS Choules off the coast of Victoria, Australia in January Reuters The property of Lyle Stewart is razed to the ground at Nerrigundah, Australia in January AP Rural Fire Service firefighter Trevor Stewart views a flank of in Tumburumba, Australia Getty Images A plane flies in the tobacco-coloured skies over Auckland, New Zealand, as smoke from the wildfires traveled from Australia in January Getty Images An orange glow darkens the sky in Auckland city from the wildfires in Australia Getty Images Kiahan Bellchambers and her brother Jesse Bellchambers looking for belongings amongst the ruins of their house destroyed during bushfires in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images Lieutenant Kynan Lang from the 10th/27th Battalion visits the scene where his uncle and cousin died in a bushfire to place a memorial on Kangaroo Island, Australia in January via Reuters A firefighters backs away from the flames after lighting a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia AP Black ash and fire debris is washed up on Boydtown Beach and the banks of the Nullica River in Eden, Australia REUTERS Barb Copus holds a rescued baby brushtail possum at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in the Parndana region on Kangaroo Island, Australia Getty Images A burnt car is seen after bushfire in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images A burning gum tree is felled to stop it from falling on a car in Corbago, as bushfires continue in New South Wales, Australia in January Reuters General view of the Dunn Road fire in January Getty Images Australian Army CH-47 Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment deliver hay bales to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island, Australia via Reuters Volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area in December Reuters Thick smoke from wildfires shroud the Sydney Opera House in December AP A property burns from bushfires in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images A fireman fights a bushfire to protect a property in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images Helicopters dump water on bushfires as they approach homes located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Australian wildfires turn sky red in December brendanh_au/Twitter Firemen inspect a house recently destroyed by bushfires on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Firemen prepare as a bushfire approaches homes on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Monitoring the Tianjara fire from a helicopter in the Moreton and Jerrawangala National Park in December Getty Images People wear face masks to protect from the pollution over Sydney Harbour in December Getty Images A fire approaches the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP An old car burns from bushfires in Balmoral AFP via Getty Images The remains of burnt out buildings are seen along main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images Wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale, Australia in December AP A horse trying to move away from nearby bushfires at a residential property near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images Fire and thick smoke remains the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP Gary Hinton stands amongst rubble after fires devastated the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images A helicopter drops fire retardent to protect a property in Balmoral in December AFP via Getty Images The sky glows red as bushfires continue to rage in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia in December via Reuters A fire and rescue team inspect the damage around Torrington in Glen Innes, Australia in November Getty Images Flames from an out of control bushfire seen from a nearby residential area in Harrington, Australia in November AFP via Getty Images Bushfires taken from a plane in over north eastern New South Wales in November AFP via Getty Images An Air-crane water bombing helicopter drops water on a bushfire in Harrington, Australia in November Reuters Haze blanketing Manly Beach, Sydney in November Sydney Coaches via Reuters

Sir Davids comments come amid Australias devastating fire season , which has claimed at least 28 lives since September, destroyed more than 2,600 homes and razed more than 25.3 million hectares.

He said we know perfectly well that human activity is behind the heating of the planet.

"We have to realise that this is not playing games," he added.

Australian wildfires turn sky red 1 /16 Australian wildfires turn sky red via REUTERS brendanh_au/Twitter via Reuters via REUTERS via REUTERS via REUTERS via REUTERS via REUTERS Getty Images Courtesy of Stacey Broadfoot/AFP Courtesy of Caitlin Nobes/AFP vi BradleyWDeacon/Twitter

"This is not just having a nice little debate, arguments and then coming away with a compromise.

"This is an urgent problem that has to be solved and, what's more, we know how to do it - that's the paradoxical thing, that we're refusing to take steps that we know have to be taken."

Sir Davids comments highlight the slow international negotiations around climate change despite increasing evidence about the need for a rapid response.

The most recent talks, held in Madrid last month, were branded a disappointment by the UN Secretary-General, the British government and others.

Australia and Brazil were both accused of trying to dodge their commitments and decisions on several key issues were put off.

Sir David urged the response needed to change and that China needed to lead the way.

We have to change not by appeals to different kinds of optimism, but to deliberate, compelling life or death decisions.

If the Chinese come and say: Not because we are worried about the world, but for our own reasons, we are going to take major steps to curb our carbon output, because our climate is changing, we are going to do it, everyone else would fall in line, one thinks.

Sir David's comments came in a BBC News interview to launch a year of special coverage on the subject of climate change, Our Planet Matters.

Scientists this week confirmed the world has just experienced its hottest decade on record, with 2019 among the warmest years ever seen.
Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - The unexpected return of two former presidents to the Central African Republic, the main figures in a civil war that still bloodies the country despite an 11-month-old peace accord, has set the stage for high-stakes political chess ahead of elections in December.

Francois Bozize, who is under an international arrest warrant for his role in the conflict, returned from exile in Uganda in mid-December -- timing that would enable him to mount a presidential run under electoral rules.

Thousands of supporters from a section of the opposition to President Faustin-Archange Touadera turned up at a rally urging Bozize to run for the top job.

He has yet to meet with Touadera. Government spokesman Ange Maxime Kazagui said Bozize had returned "in obscure conditions and has set conditions for a meeting" with the president.

Meanwhile the man who overthrew Bozize in 2013, Michel Djotodia, is also back in the country.

Even though Djotodia may also have his sights set on the presidency, Touadera greeted him at the airport upon his arrival in Bangui on Friday.

These machinations are potentially explosive in a country where fighting is still claiming lives despite a peace accord signed last February.

More than two-thirds of the former French colony is still under the control of armed rebel groups fighting over its rich mineral resources.

Nathalia Dukhan, a CAR expert with the US anti-corruption group The Sentry, described Djotodia's return as "planned and negotiated".

She added: "The current government, already very unpopular, is showing that it has just one goal: (Touadera's) re-election at any cost."

Bozize "is still very popular... which directly threatens this re-election," Dukhan said.

Another analyst, who heads the Association of Central African Bloggers (ABCA), goes further, seeing Djotodia's return as a deliberate move by Touadera.

"This way, Touadera ensures he has the support of voters in areas under the influence of (former rebels) thanks to Djotodia's support," Rosmon Zokoue said.

Story continues

- Arrest warrant -

Bozize took power following a 2003 coup before being overthrown 10 years later by Djotodia, head of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebellion in the predominantly Christian country.

Vicious sectarian violence ensued between the Seleka and vigilante militias dominated by Christians and animists known as the anti-Balaka.

Djotodia resigned in January 2014, a month after a French-led military intervention ousted the Seleka from power.

After a transitional period, Touadera was elected president in 2016 but was unable to stop the fighting, despite the presence of a multinational UN force.

While Djotodia has avoided prosecution by Central African or international justice, Bozize's is a different story.

The UN imposed sanctions against him and CAR issued an international arrest warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity for allegedly stoking the violence.

Analyst Thierry Vircoulon said "Bozize's legal situation is a lot more complicated" and it was uncertain whether he would be eligible to run for president.

Moreover, the Touadera camp may not look kindly on a Bozize candidacy if the president's re-election is threatened -- a scenario that could inflame the campaign.

- 'Race against time' -

"With less than a year before the presidential election, all the political clans are engaged in a race against time," Dukhan said.

Some observers warn that while Bozize's ambitions are clear, Djotodia's intentions are anyone's guess.

He has said simply: "The future belongs to God."

Meanwhile, Djotodia remains the political head of the CAR's main armed rebel group, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC).

The group maintains control over the northeast of the country with violence including killings, looting and rapes, according to Lewis Mudge, Human Rights Watch's CAR director.

The run-up to the December elections is thus potentially explosive in a country still embroiled in a conflict despite a relative calm since the Khartoum accord last February.

"It's a bad sign that Bozize can return to the political landscape despite the sanctions," Mudge said.

"The same for Djotodia, who was head of the Seleka which committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. It shows that the cycle of impunity has not been broken."
By Julie Owsik Ackerman

Marie Kondo and her theories of tidying up have introduced some conflict into my marriage. I cant be the only one. Her idea is simple: First, pick a category, like clothes; next, put all of them into the middle of the room; finally, pick out and keep only the ones that spark joy.

Setting aside the fact that making time for such a project is enough to make me want to bury my head under one of my many unnecessary pillows, what I want to ask Marie is: What about all of my husbands things that dont spark joy? That instead spark intense, dark, brooding hatred? What to do with those?

My husband feels sentimental attachment for things he has no business being attached to. Case in point: My grandmother lived for 60 years in a house on our block, and when it was time to sell her house, I managed to avoid taking almost anything, even the silver, which had an O engraved on it. After her 10 children had a chance to choose items they wanted, what remained went to the dumpster.

Except for the things my husband insisted on keeping.

Like a globe from circa 1960. It has the USSR on it! he said.

Or the series of decorative tin plates from states my grandparents visited. Under no circumstance are those plates coming into my home, I said.

Ill bring them to school, he said, his frequent rejoinder to my objection about keeping things.

Several great-aunts have died in the last 15 years, leaving behind lives of accumulated stuff. Aunt Adelaide gifted us her gigantic ceramic Nativity set, which I swear I will give away this year, so help me baby Jesus. Aunt Maureen left us a series of five drawings, framed in gold, with instructions that the collection remain together. Although they could be valuable, I dont see an Antiques Roadshow trip in my future. Cant I just put them on the curb?

Finally, there is Aunt Minnie. We bought Aunt Minnies house 14 years ago. Because we had little furniture, I agreed to keep the dining room set even though I detested it, until we got something else. Twelve years later, I managed to give the table and chairs to our neighbors daughter, but the hulking china cabinet remained until this year, taunting me.

But of all the hand-me-down objects, perhaps my least favorite was the bullfighter painting that hung in Aunt Minnies red wallpapered bedroom. My husband loved it. Why did my aunt have such a painting? She had no connection to Spain or to bullfighting that I knew about. And NEITHER DO WE. Yet it hung in my living room until last year, when I had a full-blown tantrum about it, and my husband, unable to part with it, moved it to the basement.

My recent discovery of the Buy Nothing Project has helped us let go of things more easily. Buy Nothing is a website for hyperlocal Facebook groups with the purpose of keeping things out of landfills and building community through meeting neighbors. Members post items they want to pass along, and people who want them respond, no money exchanged. Through Buy Nothing, I have gifted desks, bureaus, china, clothes, shoes, a rug, dog costumes. I have also received a bassinet, a crib, a baby swing and a baby wrap. It feels great to give people things they want and need, and to receive the same.

But Im still confounded when it comes to deciding with a spouse what stays and what goes. It seems fair that each partner should have a few things they love displayed in the house, so maybe the trick is to look for the things you can agree on, and find hidden spaces for the rest. We may need a professional referee. I wonder if Marie Kondo does consultations.

Julie Owsik Ackerman teaches writing in Narberth, Pa.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
British Pound Talking Points:

The GBP pulled back to begin the year, fresh on the heels of a profusely strong bullish breakout in the month of December. With an exit date from the EU now set, will GBP bulls continue to reclaim lost ground?

Those recovery moves have shown in a varied manner, running aggressively against the Yen and slightly less so against the US Dollar EUR/GBP has been a bit quieter but, potential remains given the current technical backdrop.

GBP Claws Back Early-Year Losses

The New Year started off in a bearish manner for the British Pound, as GBP/USD fell from a perch above 1.3250 all the way down for a test below the 1.3000 psychological level. Support began to show in Cable on Monday, as taken from a bullish trendline projection connecting swing lows from November and December, and that support held through Tuesday trade until buyers were able to make a concerted push back above the big figure.

GBP/USD Daily  Threatening Topside Break of Bull Pennant

Chart prepared by James Stanley; GBPUSD on Tradingview

As looked at in the Tuesday webinar, at the time that support was setting-in there was a portion of unfilled gap remaining from this weeks open. That gap had projected around the 1.3050 level, and that gap has now been closed as buyers have continued to push as the week has progressed.

At this point, resistance potential shows around the resistance side of the recent wedge formation. Above that, a Fibonacci level at 1.3117 lurks overhead, and above that is another potential resistance level at 1.3187. On the support side of the matter, that same 1.3000-1.3013 remains of interest should this recent bullish advance falter.

GBP/USD Two-Hour Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley; GBPUSD on Tradingview

EUR/GBP Tests Near-Term Support After Resistance Hold

Another area of potential interest for Sterling bulls is against the Euro. EUR/GBP put in a stark 1,000+ pip run as Brexit optimism was getting priced back-in to the GBP from August-December of last year. The traditionally-rangy pair set a fresh three-year-low in December at .8276, finding a bit of pullback into year-end as shorts covered ahead of the New Year open. That recovery topped-out on December 23rd at .8592; and that level came back into play on Tuesday to help hold the highs; after which sellers started to re-enter the equation.

EUR/GBP Daily Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley; EURGBP on Tradingview

At this point, sellers have pushed price action down to yesterdays low for another inflection on near-term support; and below current price action remains a portion of unfilled gap from this weeks open, down to approximately .8515. Below the .8500 psychological level, support shows near the 2020 lows which have, similar to resistance, held two separate tests thus far in the New Year, around .8453.

EUR/GBP Four-Hour Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley; EURGBP on Tradingview

GBP/JPY Tests Fibonacci Resistance at Weekly Highs

The British Pound continues to claw back early-year losses against the Japanese Yen. The quick spike of Yen-strength shortly after the 2020 open propelled price action all the way down below the 141.00 level, finding support at the same area that caught the early-December swing-lows. But as Sterling strength has continued to show, GBP/JPY has put in a topside move to find resistance at a key Fibonacci area on the chart, taken from the 38.2% retracement of the 2016-2018 major move on the chart. This was the same price that set support through March and April of last year, finally succumbing to selling pressure as Brexit-pessimism was getting priced-in last year.

GBP/JPY Daily Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley; GBPJPY on Tradingview

On a shorter-term basis, a potential issue for bullish approaches is the rising wedge formation thats built on the hourly chart. Such formations will often be approached with the aim of bearish reversals, and given the shorter-term nature of the formation, this wouldnt necessarily obviate topside approaches as much as urge caution from chasing. This can place focus on support potential around levels such as 143.21, which was a prior point of resistance that came in to help set this mornings swing-low. Below that, a zone of support potential exists from weekly low of 143.24 up to yesterdays swing-low (and the start point of the formation) at 142.65. Should neither of those hold, the next spot below would be around the Fibonacci level at 141.50.

GBP/JPY Hourly Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley; GBPJPY on Tradingview

--- Written by James Stanley, Strategist for DailyFX.com

Contact and follow James on Twitter: @JStanleyFX
(CNN)  One little boy has done so much to help his animal friends in Australia and he's doing it by making one clay koala at a time.

Owen Colley, a 6-year-old from Hingham, Massachusetts, was upset to learn about the Australian bushfires two weeks ago, his mom Caitlin Colley said. He asked if any animals had been hurt in the fire and his mom said yes.

Quiet, he left the room and drew a picture of a kangaroo, a koala and a dingo in the rain. The picture represented his wish for Australia, a wish for rain and wildfire relief, his mom said.

"It was really the first time Owen had made a wish for something other than Lego or something other than himself," Caitlin Colley told CNN on Tuesday. "We asked him if he wanted to help and ... together we came up with this. We could make some clay koalas and give them in response to donations from friends and family."

Owen started making little gray koalas out of clay and his parents set up a way for people to donate to Wildlife Rescue South Coast, a wildlife rescue group in New South Wales. The Colley family is sending one of Owen's koalas to each person that donates $50 or more. So far, he's made about 55 clay koalas.

As of Tuesday evening, Owen has raised more than $20,000 for the rescue group in just a week, his mom said. It started with $1,000 in donations via Venmo in an Instagram post, which was their fundraising goal. It got so big that the family launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Nearly half a billion animals have been affected by the fires in NSW alone and millions of them are potentially dead, according to ecologists at the University of Sydney. Birds, reptiles and mammals, except bats, are among those affected. Insects and frogs aren't included in that number.

He wants people to know more about Australia

"I want them to know more about Australia and I want them to know more about what animals are in Australia," Owen said.

The kindergartner knows a lot of animals from Australia and he can prove it. He rattled off a list of animals: Tasmanian devil, kangaroo, wombat, kookaburra and koala.

While it's about helping the animals, Owen is also helping because he has a connection to Australia. His father, Simon, grew up in the suburbs of Sydney and Owen even lived in Australia for a few months when he was a toddler.

"He has a pull to Australia," Colley said. "He's very proud of the fact that he lived there. I don't think he remembers any of it but he's proud of it."

Owen talked about missing Australia and wanting to go back. His mom said he was sad when she told him it wasn't a good time to go because of the fires.

Making each koala with 6-year-old hands

Owen already enjoys making clay creations, so making these special koalas for a good cause made sense, Colley said. His mom made a sketch of the koala, an iconic Australian animal, and together they created the design for the clay creatures.

It takes 3 or 4 minutes to make each koala. Making the koala heads is Owen's favorite part, he said.

Owen uses silver Sculpey clay to make the koala's head and body. He adds white clay to make its fluffy ears and black clay to shape the animal's face.

The koalas bake in the oven at 275 degrees and that takes 17 minutes, Colley said. The creations are called Owen's clay koalas.

So far, Owen has made about 55 koalas. The only problem is that he ran out of clay. His mom said she's bought all the Sculpey clay she could find within a 20-mile radius and they're waiting for more to ship in.

"We're seeing all of the donations coming in and we're like, 'Oh my gosh, we don't have the clay,'" Colley said. "We have every intention to fulfill every koala, it just won't happen by tomorrow. It's a 6-year-old using his little hands to make the spaces and the ears, so it does take time."

The donations range from $5 to up to $150, Colley said. Donations that earn an Owen-created koala have come in from just about every US state, Colley said. Mom and dad will pay the shipping costs of the koalas when they're ready to be sent out.

Owen aspires to help more organizations and help animals across Australia, Colley said. The family is looking at how to do that.

Owen's parents are explaining the online campaign in a way he can understand it. Every $25 raised helped feed a joey for a month. A joey is Aussie slang for a young kangaroo. They've helped hundreds of joeys thus far.

Colley hopes that other parents and children can find ways to help with those affected by the bushfires.

"Anyone can make a difference and when we come together we can make an even bigger difference," Colley said. "I just I love the idea that maybe other kids can take this to their communities and sell little clay koalas locally and raise money for this great cause."

This story was first published on CNN.com 'A 6-year-old is making clay koalas to raise money for the Australian fires. He's raised over $20,000'
By AFP

TOKYO: Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said on Thursday. It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand.

Japan's health ministry said that a man who had visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported a persistent fever.

Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was infected with the new virus. "This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus. We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment," the ministry said in a statement.

The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.

Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1. Japanese authorities said the man had not visited the market and that it was possible he had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan.

Health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita told reporters that the risk of the disease spreading from the patient was considered low, with careful checks done on those who had been in close contact with him. "At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home.

Officials declined to give further information on the man, including his nationality, citing privacy concerns. The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution".

Hinoshita said Japan would need to raise its guard ahead of the Lunar New Year, a popular travel period in China. "It is expected that Japan will see many visitors from China," he said. It is not yet clear whether the mystery virus can be transmitted between humans, but on Wednesday authorities said it was possible it had spread inside a family.

The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market.

And WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another".

The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan. Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.
Governor Anusuiya Uikey, who was in BJP before her elevation as first citizen of the state, addressed the House while inaugurating the special one-day session to ratify Constitutional amendment for 10 years' extension of reservations to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Raipur, Jan 16 (IANS) In an unprecedented event, the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed a boycott of the Governor's address by main opposition parties on Thursday.

The House ratified the amendment before adjournment.

The BJP was joined by Janata Congress MLAs in the boycott. BJP leader Brijmohan Aggarwal said: "We had sought extension of time to discuss the Governor's address which was not granted. That is why all BJP MLAs walked out".

Former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi said a wrong precedent has been set with no discussion being allowed on Governor's address. The Governor finally read her Address despite the walkout.

The Opposition resented the fact that the Governor's address being included in two sessions. It was not being done as per constitutional provisions. With the ratification of the Constitutional amendment being the key issue on the agenda, there is no scope for discussing the Governor's address before a motion of thanks. Like Madhya Pradesh the Chhattisgarh assembly should have also provided for another day's sitting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravindra Choubey called the boycott a political stunt. Former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh has said an important tradition of the House has been broken. "We could not be a party to this".

Last Sunday, the BJP Legislature Party met Governor Anusuiya Uike and Speaker of the Assembly Dr. Charandas Mahant and presented its objections. The MLAs argued that a one-day session could not do justice to the agenda with no discussion taking place on the Governor's address. It has never happened before, they said.

The Governor said the Chhattisgarh Assembly has established a good reputation in a short time with its excellent functioning. She said on her first visit to the assembly, she is quite emotional and energised.

The Governor said: "I am very happy to say my government has given better life to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh".

The state is ruled by the Congress government headed by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

naidu/prs
An angler caused a stir when he walked into a beachside pub with a huge fish slung over his shoulder and ordered a beer.

Peter 'Goatman' Riley hauled in the huge 20kg yellowtail amberjack on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth, on Saturday.

On the way back to his room he stopped by the Rottnest Hotel and strolled inside carrying his catch without a care in the world.

Peter 'Goatman' Riley caused a stir when he walked into the Rottnest Hotel with a huge fish slung over his shoulder and ordered a beer

Mr Riley hauled in the huge 20kg yellowtail amberjack on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth, on Saturday

Photos from the pub showed him ordering a pint from the bar with the fish still over his shoulder and his rod balanced against the jump.

Mr Riley got part way through his beer before the bouncers said he couldn't be sitting around among other drinkers with a fish.

So he skolled the rest of his glass and wandered out with the amberjack in one arm and his fishing rod in the other.

Photos from the pub showed him ordering a pint from the bar with the fish still over his shoulder and his rod balanced against the jump

That night he and and his friends handed out pieces of the fish to fellow holidaymakers, feeding about 40 in one evening.

Rottnest is a popular holiday destination for West Australians as it is just a short boat ride from Perth and great spot for fishing and snorkeling.

Usually a family-friendly location, two weeks of the year it is flooded with high school and university students celebrating the end of exams.
A bill that would ban Hudson County property owners from converting apartments to condominiums hit unexpected opposition Wednesday when its own legislative sponsors suddenly dropped their support.

The legislation (S2957) would have established a five-year moratorium on the so-called condominium conversions in any New Jersey county with a population of more than 500,000 residents and 8,500 people per square mile. Hudson County is currently the only county that fits the description.

But the bills sponsors  state Sen. Brian Stack (D-Union City), Assembly members Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City), and Annette Chaparro (D-Hoboken)  called on Gov. Phil Murphy to not sign the bill into law, saying its final version went beyond the legislators original intent.

This amendment to the Tenant Protection Act was intended to be limited to Union City and address housing affordability concerns while the city examines how best to protect tenants without impeding economic growth," the legislators said in a joint statement. "Because the bill text is more expansive than intended, we have asked the governor to pocket veto the bill so that we can introduce a more specific remedy in the new session.

After passing the Senate, the bill was immediately panned by the Hudson County real estate industry, whose members said the five-year moratorium would negatively impact homeowners and property values.

Ron Simoncini, executive director of the Jersey City Property Owners Association, initially called the bill rotten government" and a sick, sick political mechanism.

Simoncini did not immediately return a message seeking comment after the bills sponsors made their announcement Wednesday.

The bill would not have affected condominium conversions currently in progress. Nor would it prevent developers from building new condominium buildings. Instead, it was designed to protect the future stock of rental units in Hudson County. Its supporters said converting apartments into condominiums decreases the supply of affordable housing.

Being a legislator in Hudson County, one of the most densely populated counties in the state, I have seen first-hand the number of residents facing a shortage of affordable housing," Stack said in a statement prior to the reversal.

Since 2011, the supply of low and moderate housing throughout the US has been declining and condominium conversions further exacerbate the shortage of affordable housing, Stack added. "This legislation will help mitigate some of the negative effects condominium conversions have on the affordable housing supply resulting in additional protections for tenants and more access to low and moderate housing.

Gov. Phil Murphy has until Jan. 21 to sign or veto the bill. If he does nothing, the bill would die. A spokesperson for the governor declined to comment, saying the governors office doesnt comment on pending legislation.

Brian, a Jersey City developer who preferred to use only his first name, said his condominium conversions are a boon for the local economy.

Very often, with the right factors, a condo conversion helps a lot of people, he said. Im going to hire contractors, Im going to have insurance. Theres various people that are going to benefit economically from that.

The conversions also help drive up property values, which leads to more tax revenue for local municipalities, he said. People that are owners, their property values are going to go down, bottom line.

Joseph Hottendorf, executive director of the Liberty Board of Realtors, had said the legislation would hurt longtime residents who are hoping to capitalize on their multi-family properties by converting them into condos. To improve housing affordability, he said the government should instead target young professionals who move to Hudson County but commute to New York City for work.

All the old-time families are being moved out of Hoboken, he said. No one is taking any of that new money that is coming in.
Rise in demand for convenience foods, customer preference towards frozen flatbread products, and expansion in quick service restaurant drive the growth of the global flatbread industry market

PORTLAND, Oregon, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Flatbread Market by Product Type (Tortilla, Naan, Pita, Focaccia, Fry Bread, and Others) and Distribution Channel (Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192026". According to the report, the global flatbread industry was pegged at $41.17 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $62.8 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 6.2% from 2019 to 2026.

Chief reasons for market fluctuations

Rise in demand for convenience foods, customer preference towards frozen flatbread products, and expansion in quick service restaurant drive the growth of the global flatbread industry market. However, rise in geopolitical tensions to restrict flatbread trade, and gluten in flatbread restrain the market growth. In addition, maintaining freshness and softness for prolonged period remains a challenge for the players. On the other hand, focus on improving quality, shelf life, and lessen production costs, clean label in flatbread packing, and consumer preference for gluten free and sugar free flatbread create new opportunities in the market.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6262

The tortilla segment to rule the roost through 2026

Based on product type, the tortilla segment held the largest share in 2019, accounting for more than half of the global flatbread market. This is due to its health properties and low carb count. Furthermore, the demand for organic tortilla made with whole grain and gluten-free certified would boost the segment. On the other hand, the fry bread segment is expected to portray the fastest CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period.

The business-to-business segment dominated the market

Based on distribution channel, the business-to-business segment held the lion's share in 2019, contributing to more than three-fifths of the global flatbread market. This is due to innovation in ingredients and new types of bread by manufacturers. However, the business-to-consumer segment is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. This is due to increase in penetration of various online portals in developing regions and the rise in number of offers or discounts, especially in online channel.

North America held the largest share in 2018

The global flatbread market across North America dominated in 2019, contributing to nearly two-thirds of the market. This is due to high penetration of ready-to-eat and convenient products in this region. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 9.6% during the study period. This is due to increase in urbanization, growing product awareness towards clean label products and health ingredients products.

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Major market players

Kontos Foods Inc

Klosterman Baking Company

California Lavash

Evron Foods Ltd

Kronos

S.A.B. de C.V.

GRUMA

Ole Mexican Foods Inc

Tyson Foods

La Brea Bakery

Nina Bakery Europe

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A former Boston firefighter who was placed on leave in 2018 after sexually assaulting a woman inside a city firehouse was convicted Thursday on the charges, prosecutors said.

David Sanchez was found guilty in the West Roxbury division of Boston Municipal Court of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and on assault and battery, Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement.

The 39-year-old man from Hyde Park has resigned from the fire department effective immediately, Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said in a statement.

These actions go directly against the values we hold at the Boston Fire Department," the statement said.

The assault took place in April 2018 at the firehouse located on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. A woman went to the station to retrieve her personal belongings, and Sanchez pulled her pants down, exposed himself to her and tried to kiss her, WCVB reported.

The survivor in this case showed a great degree of strength and courage by standing up for her rights and helping us hold the person who harmed her accountable, Rollins said in the statement. That the defendant is a firefighter, a noble profession committed to helping others, and would inflict this harm makes his actions all the more disturbing.

Sanchez is expected to be sentenced Jan. 24, prosecutors said.

Services for survivors of sexual violence can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help/search, Rollinss office said. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center also offers a confidential 24-hour hotline at (800) 841-8371.
RICHMOND, Virginia  Citing concerns about potential violence at a planned rally involving Second Amendment advocates on Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency that will temporarily ban possession of guns on Capitol grounds, according to reports.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Northam says law-enforcement officials in the city say they have received credible, serious threats of violence. The threats reportedly include plans by armed, out-of-state militia groups to storm Capitol grounds and to weaponize drones.

They are not coming to peacefully protest. They are coming to intimidate and to cause harm, Northam said about the out-of-state groups, according to the Virginian-Pilot. Northam said the violent rhetoric is similar to what has been seen before other major events such as Charlottesville," a reference to the Unite the Right rally in August 2017 that left one person dead and dozens injured.

The temporary ban takes effect Friday and continues through Tuesday. Weapons included in the ban are guns, bats, torches, knives, shields, helmets and pepper spray, the Virginian-Pilot reports. Capitol Police, Virginia State Police and the Richmond Police Department will share law-enforcement duties on Monday, the Times-Dispatch reports.

Mondays rally is being held by the gun-rights group Virginia Citizens Defense League. The Times-Dispatch reports the group believes up to 50,000 people will attend, intent on protesting the states proposed gun-control legislation.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the group, and Republican lawmakers in the state are questioning if Northams temporary ban is legal.

At this point, were going to try to take the governor to court," Van Cleave tells the Times-Dispatch. "So it may mean guns arent banned on Monday. The rally is going on no matter what. The group did send an email to its members urging them to protest peacefully.
The long-awaited United States (US)-China trade deal has arrived. But has it? A relatively shallow phase one agreement was reached by the two countries. The most substantive issues, notably technology and subsidies, were barely touched. The sense is that US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, would like a temporary truce to their economic confrontation. With US presidential elections formally kicking off next month, Mr Trump would like China to resume buying agricultural products. US farmers, who lost their largest export market, have been vociferous critics of the tariff war. Mr Xi has his own concerns, notably an economy whose slowdown is exacerbated by tensions with the US.

The strength of the agreement can be best judged by the fact that neither side will change a single law or regulation. Instead, there is a series of ad hoc decisions to lower some tariffs, buy a few things and water down punitive rules on both sides. For example, the US removed China from its currency manipulator list, Beijing made another unenforceable promise to not steal technology and US financial companies received some access concessions. All of these measures are reversible. The main accomplishment has been that President Trump will be able to claim to US workers that he scored over China on the trade front.

All of this means the US-China trade war will resume at some point down the road. Much of what the US is demanding goes right to the heart of Chinas State-dominated economy. Beijings domestic economic structure is fundamentally not about free markets and the private sector; it is shot through with State subsidies and controls. India, itself a victim of subsidised Chinese exports, has been quietly supportive of the USs efforts to constrain Chinas predatory economic practices. It will probably hope a similar symbolic victory will be enough to bury its own, much less acute, trade difficulties with the US. But the US-China struggles negative impact on the World Trade Organisations future is a source of long-term concern.
ALGIERS - Premier Giuseppe Conte said after talks in Algiers Thursday with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune that "we cannot accept other military troops in Libya, now is the time for dialogue and talks".

Dialogue is "more effective" than arms, he added.

"We will work together for the Berlin (conference) and to use all the possible opportunities to achieve a political solution in Libya, and the first step is the ceasefire, which isn't important if it is only formal, but if it is substantive and lasting". Conte was talking ahead of Berlin peace talks on Sunday which will be attended by rivals Premier Fayez al-Sarraj and General Khalifa Haftar.

Eastern Libyan strongman Haftar, who has so far failed to sign a ceasefire deal, has been attacking Tripoli and its UN-recognised government since April.


BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Ukrainian low-cost airline SkyUp Airlines launches new flights from Odessa to the capital of Georgia Tbilisi, Trend reports citing the airlines press service.

As noted, the SkyUp will launch first flight in May 2020. The cost of a one-way ticket without baggage will be 1,289 hryvnias ($53.47).

The flights will be operated on Thursdays and Sundays.

Since March 29, SkyUp launches flights Kyiv-Bologna, Kyiv-Rome and Kyiv-Bergamo. The cost of a one-way flight with hand luggage will be from 1,530 hryvnias ($63.47) in three directions. Flights will be operated three times a week.

In addition, from January 16, SkyUp will introduce new rules for air transportation and passenger and baggage service.

SkyUp was founded in 2016. It first appeared on the Georgian market in summer 2018 with direct flights from Batumi International Airport.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
ORLANDO, Fla.  More police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty in 2019, and the number of reported police suicides rose for the fourth consecutive year, according to data from Blue H.E.L.P., a mental health advocacy group for police and their families.

In 2019, 228 police officers died by suicide, and 132 were killed in the line of duty. In comparison with 2018, duty deaths for police officers decreased 20% while suicides increased 35%, according to Blue H.E.L.P., which tracks law enforcement suicides.

At least 10 New York City officers died by suicide last year.

Blue H.E.L.P. has reported two suicides in 2020 already.

Doug Wyllie, media relations adviser for Blue H.E.L.P., said the data on officer suicides is aggregated from a number of sources, including law enforcement agencies, news reports and families. Reports are verified with secondary sources, he said.

While the data seems to suggest police suicides are becoming more frequent, Blue H.E.L.P. cautions against drawing that conclusion. The higher numbers could be due to the way suicides are reported or an increased willingness to talk about an issue previously considered taboo. Suicides have long gone under-reported or miscategorized, Wyllie said.

The Orange County (Florida) Sheriffs Office has an employee assistance program that connects all employees to counseling through an anonymous call line and ensures employee have access to mental health care providers, Sheriff John Mina said. Additionally, employees have successfully sought treatment through UCF RESTORES, a clinic that treats active duty and retired military, first responders and trauma survivors.

While these services are anonymous, Mina said, supervisors can order a deputy to undergo counseling and a duty fitness review if the deputy seems to be struggling at work.

We dont want it to get to that point, he said. If youre feeling like youre struggling with post-traumatic stress or anything else  it could be your marriage, it could be financial difficulties  we want you to reach out anonymously before it gets to the point where its affecting your work.

After facing particularly traumatic situations, deputies are required to go through mandatory counseling, Mina said.

If theyre involved in a life-and-death situation, if theyre shot at, if they have to use their weapon in a deadly force situation, we send them for a mandatory referral, we call it, and they wont be released back to duty until they get that referral, he said. In most cases, theyre able to go to one session, sometimes two, and theyre cleared by the counselor and put back on the streets.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

By Katie Rice, Orlando Sentinel (TNS)
An Equal Rights Amendment march in Washington, D.C., in 1978. Photo: Ann E. Zelle/Getty Images

Nearly after a century after the National Womens Party first proposed the Equal Rights Amendment, the article  which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in the U.S. Constitution  has finally met a major benchmark.

On January 15, Virginia approved the amendment, making it the 38th state to do so. While long overdue, this development is significant, or at the very least symbolic. After Congress passed the amendment back in 1972, it went to the states, where, in order to become enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, it would need to be passed by 38 states (three-fourths of the 50 states). But when the congressional deadline rolled around in 1982, only 35 states had passed it. Over the past few years, though, womens-rights groups such as National Organization for Women have revived calls for its ratification, and additional states have approved it: Nevada in 2017 and Illinois in 2018. And now, as of yesterday, Virginia.

After nearly 100 years of working to put equality into the Constitution, a document that lays out our nations most fundamental rights and laws, we are taking the historic step to make ratification a reality, Virginia state House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn said of its passing. Finally, women will be represented in the Constitution.

But isnt discrimination on the basis of sex already illegal?, you might be wondering, given the legal advancements that women have made over the past few decades  the Equal Pay Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and Title IX, for example.

While women have won many rights and protections in the past few decades, Martha Davis, a constitutional law professor at Northeastern University School of Law, told the Cut that the progress has largely been through statute or judicial opinions, which can be reversed much more easily than a constitutional amendment. In particular, Davis thinks the ERA could help strengthen protections against pregnancy discrimination: While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act was signed into law in 1978, Davis says the ERA would make clear that discrimination on the basis of sex-specific characteristics would also constitute sex discrimination, and that pregnant women are entitled to equal treatment.

Additionally, she says the version of the ERA that is currently being considered includes a section indicating that Congress can take necessary steps to enforce equal rights for women, which would potentially give them greater authority to address violence against women, bias in state courts, bias in law enforcement, and so on.

So will we soon see discrimination on the basis of sex  and as a corollary, issues like gender pay inequality  prohibited in the Constitution? While Davis says the development out of Virginia is certainly worth celebrating, the the path forward isnt free of obstacles.

The main issue is that the deadline for ratification technically passed nearly four decades ago. And, while most legal experts agree that Congress has the authority to lift that deadline, that power has already been challenged. Earlier this week, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel issued opinion disputing that Congress could change the deadline, and in turn temporarily binding the National Archives and Records Administration  the agency that certifies ratification of amendments  from moving forward with the ERA. Additionally, five states have attempted to rescind their ratification, and three states recently filed a federal lawsuit in an attempt to stop the National Archives from ratifying the amendment. The opposition to the ERA is pretty predictable: Some conservatives, for example, fear that the ERA will be used to expand abortion rights.

However, Davis is optimistic that the growing public support for the ERA will inspire Congress to do what it can to ratify it. There is increasing popular support for recognition of womens rights in the Constitution, and I think thats only going to continue, she told the Cut. This is a campaign thats gone on for 96 years, and it has not gone away. Theres a lot of energy, and its just going to keep going.

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Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the country's biggest oil firm, will decide on bidding to buy Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) after the government lists out rules for the stake sale, its Chairman Sanjiv Singh said Thursday.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on November 21, 2019 decided to sell government's entire 53.29 per cent stake in country's second-largest state refiner BPCL, but a tender for sale hasn't yet been issued.

"The expression of interest (EoI) (for BPCL stake sale) hasn't been issued yet. We don't know the conditions. We have no information whether PSUs are allowed to bid or not," Singh told reporters here. "I cannot comment if IOC will bid or not unless we see the conditions set out in the EoI."



He said a decision on the issue can only be taken once there is clarity on the bidding process the government intends to follow.

Soon after the Cabinet decision, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had hinted that PSUs will be kept out of BPCL privatisation.

"Since 2014, we have a clear vision that the government has no business to be in business," Pradhan had said on November 22, 2019. "We have examples of 2-3 sectors such as telecom and aviation where ushering in private participation has led to customers benefiting from price cuts, efficiency, and better service."



Asked if the company has been told that PSUs will be kept out, Singh said there is no information on whether state-owned firms can bid or not.

BPCL will give the buyer ready access to 14 per cent of India's oil refining capacity and about one-fourth of the fuel marketing infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing energy market.

It, however, will be sold after carving out Numaligarh Refinery from its portfolio and given to a pubic sector unit. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd is also to be sold out to a PSU, possibly through a bidding process.

Singh said he cannot comment if the company will bid for the Numaligarh Refinery unless tender conditions are revealed.

"We don't know if Numaligarh Refinery will be sold with marketing infrastructure or without its marketing infrastructure. We have to wait for details before IOC can take any decision," he said.

Numaligarh refinery was set up as per the Assam Peace Accord and the government has decided to keep it in the public sector.

At the current trading price of BPCL, the government's 53.29 per cent stake is valued at around Rs 53,400 crore. On top of this, the acquirer will have to make an open offer to buy an additional 26 per cent stake from minority shareholders for about Rs 26,000 crore.

The price of BPCL has been hammered since the November 21 CCEA decision. On that day, the government stood to gain Rs 62,000 crore from privatisation but will now get about Rs 8,000 crore less.

The stake sales are critical for the government to meet its disinvestment target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore set for the current financial year.

The government had allowed PSUs to bid when it sold petro retailer IBP Co Ltd in 2002. IOC had bagged the government's 33 per cent stake in IBP for Rs 1,153.68 crore or Rs 1,551 a share.

The other bidders for IBP were Reliance Industries, Royal Dutch Shell, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. The reserve price for IBP was Rs 337 crore.

Last year, the government sold its entire stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) for Rs 36,915 crore.

BPCL operates four refineries in Mumbai, Kochi (Kerala), Bina (Madhya Pradesh) and Numaligarh (Assam) with a combined capacity of 38.3 million tonnes per annum, which is 15 per cent of India's total refining capacity of 249.4 million tonnes.

After removing 3 million tonnes capacity of Numaligarh refinery, the new buyer will get 35.3 million tonnes of refining capacity.

It also owns 15,177 petrol pumps and 6,011 LPG distributor agencies in the country. Besides, it has 51 LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) bottling plants. The company distributes 21 per cent of petroleum products consumed in the country by volume as of March this year and has more than a fifth of the 250 aviation fuel stations in the country.

The government is keen to get international energy majors such as Saudi Aramco, Total SA of France and ExxonMobil to operate in the downstream fuel marketing business so as to bring in greater competition.

Currently, 95 per cent of retail petrol and diesel sales and near 100 per cent of cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene sales are controlled by the public sector units.

As on March 31, BPCL reported cash and cash equivalents of around Rs 5,300 crore against Rs 10,900 crore of debt maturing over the next 15 months.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] Troop Zero and Bitsbox Inspire Kids to Express their Individuality

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitsbox, the #1 STEM subscription box for kids, along with the upcoming family film Troop Zero, will celebrate girls in STEM. Bitsbox is the first company to teach type-based coding to elementary and middle school kids, and more than a million kids have built apps on the website. Set in rural 1977 Georgia, in Troop Zero a free-spirited young girl dreams of making contact with outer space. When a national competition offers her a chance to be recorded on NASA's Golden Record and become part of space history, with the help of an unlikely troop leader, she recruits a makeshift troop of Birdie Scouts forging friendships that last a lifetime and beyond. The film stars Academy Award winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney, Mckenna Grace, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Epps, Edi Patterson, Charlie Shotwell, and introducing Milan Ray, Johanna Colon and Bella Higginbotham. Almost half (48 percent) of active Bitsbox users are girls, so the connection to Troop Zero is a natural one. Coding is a language, and like any language, it takes time and practice to learn. Plus, languages are much easier to learn at a young age. Also crucial at a young age is the encouragement to dreamkids should be able to think freely about what they are capable of and what they aspire to be when they grow up. To spread the spirit of Troop Zero, Bitsbox will: Include a FREE Troop Zero app project in every box delivered for the next month.

app project in every box delivered for the next month. Be featured by Amazon as the Deal of the Day on Sunday, January 19 , with an offer for 50 percent off the first box when new consumers purchase a subscription .

, with an offer for 50 percent off the first box when new consumers . Highlight a digital downloadable version of the free coding project, Troop Zero: The App, for anyone who wants to give coding a try. "At Bitsbox, our mission is to teach all kids to code by providing challenges - just like life - so they learn how to overcome - just like the Birdie Scouts in Troop Zero," said Scott Lininger, co-founder and CEO at Bitsbox. "Amazon has been a tremendous collaborator for us, so we are thrilled to build on our relationship with this unique initiative." To get started with Bitsbox, kids start by typing the code on the project cards provided in each box, and then progress to modifying the code to make it their own. Ultimately, kids will build their own apps from scratch, which work on real devices like tablets and phones. Kids can watch the movie Troop Zero, get inspired, then live that inspiration through creating the app. Watch Troop Zero starting January 17 on Prime Video, and shop the Bitsbox Amazon Deal of the Day on January 19! About Bitsbox

Bitsbox was founded in 2014 by two dads and ex-Googlers: Scott Lininger and Aidan Chopra. There are many tools that teach kids about coding, but Bitsbox is the first to teach type-based coding to elementary and middle school kids. Now, Bitsbox ships to 78 countries around the world and over 1.6 million kids coding accounts have been created. To learn more, visit bitsbox.com .







MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sara Loveday Andrea Daily On Behalf of Bitsbox Bitsbox [email protected] [email protected] 303-502-4274 720-476-4030

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/troop-zero-and-bitsbox-inspire-kids-to-express-their-individuality-300988249.html SOURCE Bitsbox

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)  Ahead of Vice President Mike Pence's Latinos for Trump rally in central Florida, state Democrats have paid for a billboard showing an image of the president tossing paper towels at a Puerto Rican church after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria.

The Florida Democratic Party unveiled the billboard Monday in Kissimmee, a city outside Orlando with a large Puerto Rican population, including many who came to central Florida after the 2017 hurricane.

Above the image of President Donald Trump tossing the paper towels into a crowd, are the words Prohibido Olvidar, or Never Forget in English. Critics at the time said the president's tossing of the paper towels showed a lack of sensitivity to the devastation on the island.

Pence is the featured speaker at a Latinos for Trump rally being held in Kissimmee on Thursday. The vice president and his wife also are attending a Keep American Great rally in Tampa that day.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Airlines (NYSE:SAVE) is spicing up the San Francisco Bay Area by flying more of the brightest planes in the sky into Oakland (OAK). Americas fastest-growing airline starts service to and from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) April 1, making Spirit the only airline flying OAK to FLL nonstop.



Right now, our Guests on both coasts have limited options between the Bay Area and South Florida, said John Kirby, Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning. Offering the only nonstop connection between Oakland with Fort Lauderdale makes it easier for travelers on both ends, and it shows our Guests were tailoring our options to them as we keep growing our nationwide network.

OAK is the Bay Areas most centrally-located airport, making it the most convenient option for more than 3 million of the regions 7.7 million residents.

We are thrilled to welcome Fort Lauderdale to Oaklands route map, said Port of Oakland Director of Aviation, Bryant L. Francis. This flight will make it more convenient than ever for our travelers to reach the sun and sand of South Florida. Plus, it gives them access to Spirits dozens of international destinations and the cruises departing from South Floridas ports.

Spirit started Oakland service in 2011 with a single flight to Las Vegas (LAS) and grew to third place among Oaklands largest carriers. The new Fort Lauderdale flight joins existing service to Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH) and Los Angeles (LAX), along with whats become four daily flights to Las Vegas.

Oakland (OAK) to/from: Effective: Frequency: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) April 1, 2020 Daily, seasonal Chicago (ORD) Now Daily, seasonal Detroit (DTW) Now Daily, seasonal Houston (IAH) Now Daily, seasonal Las Vegas (LAS) Now 4x daily Los Angeles (LAX) Now 2x daily

Spirits commitment to invest in the Guest and deliver the best value in the sky continues to pay off. The U.S. Department of Transportation closed out 2019 by ranking the airline third place for on-time performance among U.S. carriers, based on the latest-available data from October. Last month, Spirit won Low Cost Airline of the Year at the CAPA (Centre for Aviation) World Aviation Summit , adding to a long list of recent accolades. The airline also unveiled a complete cabin redesign featuring an improved aesthetic, a modern look and feel and seats that offer more padding and usable legroom.

About Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments and refreshments  something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We operate more than 650 daily flights to 77 destinations in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving the communities we serve. Come save with us at spirit.com . At Spirit Airlines, we go. We go for you.

About Oakland International Airport:

Oakland International is the most centrally-located airport in the 7.7M population Bay Area region, and closest airport to the regions wealth of business and tourism venues. Oaklands air service roster to over 60 nonstop destinations is offered on 12 different airline brands  four of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.

The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs in the region and over a million jobs across the United States.

For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com . Dont forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact:

Spirit Media Relations

954.364.0231

media_relations@spirit.com
If you were this person and think 'well all I know for sure is I have three cows, seven goats and some soy beans and I don't go back and take care of them, I know I'm screwed,' than someone telling you to stay away for two weeks and maybe nothing happens - you're in trouble anyway."
A boy stands by his house that has been partly swept away by erosion in the Mekong Delta's province of Soc Trang, June 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen.

The U.K. government has launched a project worth 2 million ($2.6 million) to help Vietnam protect the future of its Red River and Mekong deltas.

The Living Delta Hubs project was kicked off Wednesday via an event organized by the British Embassy in Hanoi.

The Red River delta, including capital Hanoi, is where the river flows through after it starts in Yunnan Province in Southwest China to the Gulf of Tonkin, and the Mekong Delta in the south is where the Mekong River runs through before it meets the South China Sea.

Both are major eco-social systems and key food sources of Vietnam, the embassy said.

However, the deltas are facing increasing threats, either from human exploitation or from the environmental degradation, it said. Both deltas are victims of unabated sand dregding which puts local communities under huge risks of erosion.

The project, funded by the Global Challenge Research Fund, a 1.5 billion fund announced by the U.K. Government in late 2015 to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries will be deployed in Vietnam until 2024 to protect the future of the two deltas by building adaptabilities for local communities and promoting sustainable development.

The Living Deltas Hub is said to operate on a model of equitable partnerships with delta residents and the research community working together. The project will develop new knowledge and policies to safeguard delta futures through more resilient communities and sustainable development, the embassy said.

The four goals it wants to achieve are more equitable livelihoods for delta people, sustainable management of delta landscape, stronger local and regional monitoring toward sustainable development, and better local and national policies for delta sustainability.

Vietnam is identified by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2014 as one of the countries likely to be most affected by climate change due to its extensive coastline, vast deltas and floodplains, location on the path of typhoons, and that 25 percent of the nation could not be in use by 2100 due to sea level rise.

Most recently, the Global Climate Risk Index, published by the environmental think tank Germanwatch last month, ranked Vietnam sixth among countries hit hardest by extreme weather events in that period, standing behind Puerto Rico, Myanmar, Haiti, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Aside from Vietnams two deltas, the U.K. project also includes the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna that belongs to Bangladesh and India.

Andrew Thompson, chief executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council at U.K. Research and Innovation, said this project is one of the most ambitious investments of the U.K. in international research and development that proves its effort in supporting the livelihood among worlds most difficult and remote areas.
Swinerton CEO, Eric Foster I look forward to carrying forth with our initiatives focusing on the talent of our employee-owners, thoughtful expansion of our geographic footprint, and exploration into new lines of business and services, said Eric Foster, CEO.

Swinerton is proud to announce a key leadership transition, naming Eric Foster as Chief Executive Officer and Dave Callis as President. Jeff Hoopes, Swinertons Chief Executive Officer since 2013, retired at the end of 2019 after 35 years with the company. This marks only the 11th CEO leadership change in the companys 132-year history.

As we look forward, I believe the time is right for transition, and the time is right for the strengths of our deep leadership team to shine, Hoopes said. Erics deep belief in our values, his calm demeanor, his business savvy, his exceptional understanding of our operations, and his leadership skills make him the right leader for this job.

Since joining Swinerton in 1982 as a Project Engineer for the San Francisco Structural division after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Civil Engineering, Foster has progressed through several roles from Project Manager to Division Manager, and most recently as the companys President and Chief Operations Officer. He serves on the Board of Swinerton Incorporated and The Swinerton Foundation.

Its an honor to be the twelfth CEO in Swinertons history, said Foster. After working alongside Jeff for over 30 years, I look forward to carrying forth with our initiatives focusing on the talent of our employee-owners, thoughtful expansion of our geographic footprint, and exploration into new lines of business and services.

Joining Eric at the helm of Swinertons executive leadership team is President Dave Callis, who will continue to drive sustainable growth across the entire Swinerton family, through his innovating perspective to the management of business processes, the execution of work, and the development of strong and adaptable teams. Callis joined the Swinerton organization in 2001 as a Senior Project Manager for the Orange County division, where he steadily progressed in rank, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Region Manager for the divisions located in Southern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Executive Vice Presidents Frank Foellmer, John Capener, and Don Adair complete Swinertons seasoned executive team. Swinerton has been and will remain, a 100% employee-owned company. This personal investment drives their commitment to provide peace of mind in everything they do and to those they serve. This entrepreneurial spirit and the trust they have in each other will continue to bring Swinerton to the forefront of whatever comes next.

About Swinerton

Swinerton provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States and is a 100% employee-owned company. Recognized nationally since 1888, Swinerton is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it servesproudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. For more information please visit: https://swinerton.com/
UPDATE: The source has updated its story, admitting it may have made a mistake. Huawei said the following: HUAWEI Ads is an ads platform provided by Huawei Services Co., Limited, a Huawei subsidiary based in Hong Kong, for advertisers to serve ads on HUAWEI and third-party apps. This actually sounds like Huawei plans to offer a chance for advertisers to push system ads via EMUI, if / when the company decides to offer such a service. That may not happen soon, or at all, by the way. Huawei has to think about its place in the market at the moment, with the US ban and everything. Therefore, it probably wont make this step anytime soon.

ORIGINAL STORY: It seems like ads may be coming to Huaweis EMUI Android skin. EMUI is also known as Emotion UI, and it comes pre-installed on Huaweis Android devices.

Up until now, EMUI did not include ads, but Huawei may be ready to change that. Do note that this information has not been confirmed per se, but one of the latest EMUI builds hints it may happen.

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Huawei Ads may be a part of HMS on EMUI

MySmartPrice shared some screenshots online. One of their employees received an update on an unnamed Huawei device, which comes with the recently-unveiled Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).

HMS is here to replace GMS on Huawei devices, due to the US ban. That being said, one of the screenshots mentions the Huawei Ads platform.

The T&C page reveals some information about Huawei Ads as well. It says that the personal data used for ads personalization is retained for one year from the time of collection.

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This page also notes that such data is stored in the data centers located in Hong Kong and Singapore. If a user consent to it, Huawei Ads will also collect and process GPS information for geographically relevant ads.

Huawei also notes that such data may be processed by its local custom services located in various countries. The location of processing will be dependent on where you reside, of course.

The source does note that no ads have been spotted thus far. So, it is impossible to say where will these ads be served. Do note that this may be a Chinese build of EMUI, as HMS is not available on global EMUI just yet.

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Huawei is expected to comment on this in the near future, especially if it plans to start offering ads. It is possible that these ads will be localized to some applications, though. They may even be localized to some regions, even.

Xiaomi is no stranger to providing ads in MIUI for its Chinese consumers

Xiaomi did something similar with MIUI a while back, and received a ton of negative feedback. The company realized that made a mistake, and tweaked the way it does things.

Do note that the global build of MIUI does not contain ads, though. So those of you who do not use Chinese builds do not have contact with ads whatsoever.

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It remains to be seen how and where Huawei plans on using ads. It may not even affect the vast majority of you, or any of you, as nothing has been officially announced.
Vice President Joe Biden (R) swears in Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro (L) as his wife Erica and daughter Carina look on during a ceremonial swearing in ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington on Aug. 18, 2014. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Biden Says He Would Consider Castro, ORourke for VP or Cabinet Positions

Former Vice President Joe Biden said he would consider ex-San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) as potential vice president picks or for cabinet positions.

Biden, 77, is vying for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Both Castro, who also served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration, and ORourke, who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2018, were in the 2020 race but dropped out.

Biden told the Dallas Morning News and NBC 5 while campaigning in Texas that hes spoken to both men and praised them.

I would consider either or both of them. Ive spoken to each of them, Biden said. My plea to both of them is that they stay engaged. They are talented, talented people.

Since exiting the race earlier this month, Castro announced his endorsement of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). ORourke hasnt made an endorsement as of yet.

I guarantee you theres going to be Latinos in my cabinet and I guarantee there will be Latinos in my White House, Biden said. Castros family is from Mexico. ORourke is white, whose given name is Robert Francis.

Democratic presidential candidate and former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-TX) speaks to his supporters after announcing he was dropping out of the presidential race before the start of the Iowa Democratic Party Liberty & Justice Celebration in Des Moines, Iowa on Nov. 1, 2019. (Joshua Lott/Getty Images)

Asked whether hed consider a Republican such as Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), who is retiring at the end of 2020, Biden said, No  unless they agree.

He noted that President Barack Obamas cabinet included Republicans and he thinks they were great cabinet members.

Heres where I am: We have to unite the country, Biden said.

Biden said last month thatd hed consider a Republican as his vice president.

I cant think of one right now, he said, adding that he is also considering a woman for his running mate.

Let me explain that. You know theres some really decent Republicans that are out there still, but heres the problem right now of the well-known ones: theyve got to step up, he told a woman who asked him if hed consider a GOP member for a running mate.

Biden has also said in the past that he wants someone as his vice presidential nominee who is a person of color and/or a different gender. He has named Warren and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), another former 2020 contender, as possibilities.

Whoever I would pick for vice president, and theres a lot of qualified women, theres a lot of qualified African-Americans. There really truly are. Theres a plethora of really qualified people. Whomever I would pick were I fortunate enough to be your nominee, Id pick somebody who was simpatico with me, who knew what I, what my priorities were and knew what I wanted to, Biden said. We could disagree on tactic, but strategically wed have to be in the exact same page.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Thadi acquires 24 per cent stake in Hung Vuong

On January 8-10, Thadi  a VND35 trillion ($1.52 billion) charter capital company  bought 53.9 million shares for VND8,000 apiece, equalling a 24.28 per cent stake, to become a large shareholder of Hung Vuong Corporation (HSX:HVG). Before the transaction, Thadi had no HVG shares.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, THACO chairman Tran Ba Duong said that Thadi will hold 35 per cent in Hung Vuong and 65 per cent stake in the joint venture between the two parties, which is established to focus on breeding mother pigs.

THACO will support Hung Vuong in restructuring its operations and manufacturing system, as well as development strategy, and deal with its financial problems. Thadi will assign senior personnel to hold the positions of vice chairman of the board of directors, financial director, and technical experts in Hung Vuong, Duong said.

The joint venture will invest VND2 trillion ($86.96 million) in breeding mother pigs in An Giang and Binh Dinh provinces while Thadi will invest in developing pigs farm (1.2 million pigs per year) with the process meeting the Development Food Security Activities (DFSA)standards.

Hung Vuong has published its audited financial statement with the after-tax loss of VND1.07 trillion ($46.52 million), up VND599 billion ($26 million) compared to the statistics from the financial statement built by the company.

Regarding Thadi, the company has implemented a fruit growing project covering an area of 10,000 hectares, 5,000ha of which are used to grow banana and farm systems with the scale of 90,000 cows. Besides, the company is also in charge of selling products for Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agricultural JSC with a fruit area of 26,500ha.

Previously, in August 2019, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG) announced completing the sale of 60 million HNG shares of HAGL Agrico. After the sale, HAG's ownership rate was reduced to 51.04 per cent, equivalent to about 452.7 million shares. The trade took place between July 15 and August 2, 2019.

After the deal, THACO holds a total of 393.02 million Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agrico (HNG) shares, equivalent to nearly 35.5 per cent of the capital. Among of which, THACO chairman Tran Ba Duong bought 50 million HNG shares, increasing his personal ownership from 3.38 to 9.02 per cent, equivalent to 80 million shares. He was estimated to have spent more than VND1 trillion ($43.48 million) on this purchase.
Versace has been praised by animal rights campaigners for banning use of kangaroo skin in its collections.

As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Australia, increased attention has been placed on the scores of animals harmed and killed across the country, including kangaroos.

Following the news that an estimated one billion animals have lost their lives in the fires, it has been revealed that Versace has ceased the use of kangaroo skin in its ranges, following the Italian fashion houses 2018 pledge to ban all use of fur.

In a statement released online, Italian animal rights organisation LAV stated that it had been in contact with the luxury fashion label, who confirmed an ultimate ban of kangaroo leather, starting from its 2019 collection.

LAV stated that 2.3 million kangaroos are hunted in Australia on an annual basis, saying that it is asking Italian companies that feed the import of products obtained by killing kangaroos to make a public commitment to ban kangaroo leather (or meat) from their productions.

Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 Show all 8 1 /8 Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty Versus Versace Spring-Summer 2017 AFP/Getty

We welcome Versaces announcement as a sign of responsibility, today more than ever: the fires that are devastating Australia, in fact, add up to the massacres of hunting, with dramatic consequences for the populations of kangaroos," the organisation wrote.

LAV added that it is continuing to appeal to Italian firms to stop using kangaroo leather, as a demonstration of a symbolic and extremely concrete action.

Although Versace has not released its own statement with regards to the kangaroo skin ban, the fashion house told The Guardian: We do not have an official statement on this matter but we can confirm the definite stop of the use of kangaroo leather starting from the 2019 collections.

Recommended Jennifer Lopez wears iconic Versace dress at Milan Fashion Week

In March 2018, after revealing her eponymous fashion label was to stop using real animal fur in its products, Donatella Versace explained her discomfort over the use of fur in fashion to The Economists 1843 magazine.

Fur? I am out of that, the fashion designer said.

I dont want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesnt feel right.

In November 2019, Queen Elizabeth IIs official dresser revealed the monarch will no longer wear real fur, opting for faux fur instead.

The Independent has contacted Versace for comment.
A crowd of men hit the cars transporting opposition legislators according to a video recorded by an opposition member.

Armed civilians have reportedly attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying Venezuelan opposition politicians to congress, backing recent efforts under President Nicolas Maduro to bar opposition leader Juan Guaido from presiding over parliament.

A crowd of men hit the cars on Wednesday with traffic cones and crowbars, breaking one cars back window, according to a video recorded by an opposition member from inside the vehicle. The convoy then sped away, tailed by several individuals on motorbikes.

Guaidos spokesman said four opposition politicians were in the vehicles, including Carlos Berrizbeitia, Guaidos second congressional vice president. No one was injured.

#15Ene | Imagenes de como quedaron los vehiculos tras el atentado de los paramilitares del regimen contra los diputados.#SecuestroMilitarYParamilitarDeLaAN pic.twitter.com/mOGqEjYcPg  Asamblea Nacional (@AsambleaVE) January 15, 2020

Translation: Images of how the vehicles were left after the attack by the regimes paramilitary against lawmakers, the National Assembly, an account managed by the opposition tweeted.

On January 5, troops blocked Guaido from entering congress and the Socialist Party declared allied legislator Luis Parra as head of parliament, allowing Maduro to seize control of the one Venezuelan institution outside his grip.

Opposition legislators in a separate plenary that day re-elected Guaido to a second term as head of the National Assembly and he later returned to the legislative palace to hold session. Guaido has branded Parra, who defected from the opposition after becoming embroiled in a corruption scandal in December, a traitor.

Guaido will instead hold Wednesdays scheduled parliamentary session in the Caracas suburb of El Hatillo, the National Assembly said on Twitter.

We are not going to risk the lives of our lawmakers, Carlos Prosperi, one of the deputies in the vehicles, told reporters after the attack.

While Guaido said the government could not prevent them from holding their session separately.

They will not stop us from exercising our mandate, the leader said, The parliament is formed by its lawmakers, we will hold the session anyway!

A separate legislature

Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, a separate legislature controlled by the government, gloated over the attack during a session, calling the opposition crazy and finished.

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I feel proud because this is a group defending these spaces belonging to the Bolivarian Revolution, Cabello said, referring to the socialist movement first started by Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez. As he spoke, other pro-government legislators chanted The homeland must be defended.

The United States Treasury on Monday imposed sanctions on Parra and six of his allies and said they attempted to block the democratic process in Venezuela. Parra condemned the sanctions as a foreign nation meddling in the assemblys affairs.

Last January, Washington recognised Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate head of state and began ratcheting up sanctions and diplomatic pressure in an effort to remove Maduro. Guaido calls Maduro a usurper for securing re-election in a 2018 vote widely considered fraudulent.

A year later, however, Maduro remains in power, backed by the military as well as Russia, China and Cuba.
New Delhi:

In a first disclosure, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised. In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, General Rawat, delving into the situation in Kashmir, said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

These people can still be isolated from radicalisation in a gradual way. But there are people who have been completely radicalised. These people need to be taken out separately, possibly taken to some de-radicalisation camps, he said.

We have got de-radicalisation camps going on in our country, the Chief of Defence Staff said.

He said that Pakistan too has de-radicalisation camps.

Let me tell you even Pakistan is doing the same. Pakistan also has de-radicalisation camps as they have understood that the terrorism that they have been sponsoring is actually hitting back at them, Gen Rawat said.

It is for the first time a top-ranking official publicly has talked about existence of de-radicalisation camps in India.

Gen Rawat said containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism, adding radicalised young people were involved in pelting security forces with stones in Kashmir.

Identifying radicalisation is a major challenge, he said, adding it can be countered with effective programme.

You got to start looking at where the radicalisation is taking place. Who are the people involved in radicalising the people. It is happening in schools, universities, from religious places and sites, and then there are group of people who are spreading this, he said.

The former Army chief said it was important to isolate people who have been radicalised.

You have to start isolating these people gradually and then start a counter radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised and to what degree.

You have to segregate them... Then look at those who have been completely radicalised. First target them and then also start looking at the future, like what we have seen in Kashmir, he said.

On pelting of stones on security forces in Kashmir, Gen Rawat said the stones used were as lethal as pellet guns. We have had casualties including death being caused because of stone pelting.

The former Army chief also claimed people in Kashmir suffered pellet wounds on their faces and eyes when they tried to pick up stones from the ground.

The security forces were not aiming for the face. They aimed for the leg. But the face gets hurt when people tried to pick up stones from the ground," he said.

Gen Rawat said an impression is being created that Indian Army has been heavy-handed in Kashmir.

Indian Army had to be heavy handed in the initial phases of the proxy war when it was launched in early 1990s. Thereafter we are not using such an approach, he said.

Gen Rawat pitched for a hardline approach to deal with terrorism in the region, saying the model adopted by the US to take on terror networks after the 9/11 strike needs to be replicated.

In a clear reference to Pakistan, he also sought strong global action including diplomatic isolation against states sponsoring terrorism, asserting that there is a need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause of terrorism.

"We have to bring an end to terrorism and that can only happen the way the Americans started after the 9/11. Let's go on a spree on global war on terror and let the nations join and fight terrorism together," Gen Rawat said.

"In trying to do that, you have to isolate the terrorists. Anybody sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task," he said.

After the September 11, 2001 terror attack, the US had declared a global war on terror which included legislative measures as well as military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tunisia, Somalia, Mali and Nigeria.

"You cannot have partners who are partnering with you in the global war on terrorism and yet sponsoring proxies and terror. You have to have an international messaging that has to go to them. Hard action should be taken," Gen Rawat said.

He said action like blacklisting countries by global anti-terror watchdog FATF could be a good option.

"You have to bring about acceptability in the nations that there are sponsors of terrorism. Denial of terrorism cannot be allowed to continue," Gen Rawat said.

He said there was a need to strike at the root of terrorism.

"As long as there are states which sponsor terrorism, we will have to live with the menace. We need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause," he said.

He also compared cyber warfare by terrorists to "soup" in a banquet, "starters" with missiles and drone attacks and "main course" with combat in air and sea.

"The banquet can well be attacked by a swarm of bees in the form of terrorists," he said, adding the future of terrorism is going to be as dirty as conventional combat.

"The war on terror is not ending. The war on terror is something which is going to continue. We will have to live with it until we understand and get to the roots of terrorism," he added.

The former Army chief said terrorism is going to stay as long as certain states are going continue sponsoring it and use terrorists as their proxies besides providing weapons and funds to terror groups.

Asked whether he supports ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, he said talks should be initiated with everybody provided they give up the "weapon of terrorism".

"You have to come to a peace deal with everybody. You have to go for a negotiated deal but in that the Taliban or whoever it may be must give up the weapon of terror," he said.

Asked whether Pakistan will continue its support to Taliban, Gen Rawat replied: "the answer is yes."

"You have to change the ideology behind Taliban for lasting peace (in Afghanistan). It cannot be a temporary measure," he added.

Asked about his new post, he said the CDS is the first among equals but he has got clear and well defined responsibilities.

"While he is the first among equals, he has some authority over the three service chiefs except on operational issues," he said.

(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Trucking Associations commended Congress and the Trump administration for ratification of the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement, setting the stage for increased free, fair and equitable trade between our three countries.

"Trade is central to the trucking industry  76% of all surface freight between the U.S. and our nearest neighbors moves by truck  so the newly ratified USMCA will be a boon to our economy and our industry," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "This agreement will boost both U.S. exports and gross domestic product, meaning more truck movements and delivering measurable returns for our industry."

USMCA is projected to increase annual U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico by a combined $33 billion above the current NAFTA baseline. The agreement is also expected to increase U.S. GDP $68 billion, stimulating broad sectors of the economy that the trucking industry services, like agriculture and manufacturing.

"NAFTA was the oldest of our 17 trade agreements and due for the sorts of modernization that USMCA made," said ATA Chief Economist Senior Vice President of International Trade Policy and Cross-Border Operations Bob Costello. "With this new trade agreement in place, we can expect to see increases in exports to Canada and Mexico and a measurable increase in our gross domestic product in the years ahead. Because trucks move 70% of all freight in the U.S., implementation of USMCA will have direct benefits to the trucking industry."

In 2018, trucks moved more than $770 billion worth of goods between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and transnational trade between the three countries supported roughly 90,000 U.S. jobs in the trucking industry. Those figures should only increase as USMCA is implemented.

"But more than that, it is proof positive that even in this increasingly polarized political environment, our elected leaders can still get big things done for the good of our country," Spear said. "President Trump, Speaker Pelosi and Leader McConnell all deserve credit for setting aside partisanship and moving this important modernization of our trade policy forward.

"We hope that this shared victory will pave the way for more bipartisan solutions on the critical issues facing our country, such as the infrastructure crisis and the skyrocketing costs it's imposing on the American people."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

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http://www.trucking.org


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BEIJING (AP) -- The possibility that a new virus in central China could spread between humans cannot be ruled out, though the risk of transmission at the moment appears to be low, Chinese officials said Wednesday.

Forty-one people in the city of Wuhan have received a preliminary diagnosis of a novel coronavirus, a family of viruses that can cause both the common cold and more serious diseases. A 61-year-old man with severe underlying conditions died from the coronavirus on Saturday.

While preliminary investigations indicate that most of the patients had worked at or visited a particular seafood wholesale market, one woman may have contracted the virus from her husband, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a public notice.

The commission said the husband, who fell ill first, worked at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. Meanwhile, the wife said she hasn't had any exposure to the market.

It's possible that the husband brought home food from the market that then infected his wife, Hong Kong health official Chuang Shuk-kwan said at a news briefing. But because the wife did not exhibit symptoms until days after her husband, it's also possible that he infected her.

Chuang and other Hong Kong health officials spoke to reporters Wednesday following a trip to Wuhan, where mainland Chinese authorities briefed them on the outbreak.

The threat of human-to-human transmission remains low, Chuang said, as hundreds of people, including medical professionals, have been in close contact with infected individuals and have not been infected themselves.

She echoed Wuhan authorities' assertion that there remains no definitive evidence of human-to-human transmission.

The outbreak in Wuhan has raised the specter of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. SARS is a type of coronavirus that first struck southern China in late 2002. It then spread to more than two dozen countries, killing nearly 800 people.

___

Associated Press videojournalist Katie Tam in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
Relatives and friends of Mark Anthony Ruivivar, who was killed in an alleged shootout with Philippine police during an anti-drug operation, join his burial ceremony in Manila, Dec. 15, 2019.

A Filipino lawyer has retracted a complaint he filed against President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it was being used as propaganda against the Philippine leaders drug war.

In a 28-page letter addressed to ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, attorney Jude Sabio said that the complaint that he filed in April 2017, in which he alleged that mass murder was continuing to take place in the Philippines, should be withdrawn.

I fervently request that the legal matter pending with your office in relation to the war on drugs in the Philippines should just be set aside and thrashed, Sabio said in his letter.

Sabio said his client Edgar Matobato had executed a sworn statement that he did not approve of the attacks against Duterte.

Matobato, a self-confessed hitman for Duterte, had testified during a Senate inquiry that Duterte had ordered the killings of criminals and his political enemies when the president was still the longtime mayor of southern Davao city. Matobato went into hiding shortly after testifying in 2016, and rights groups and other opposition figures had taken turns to protect him.

Sabio said that Matobato had a change of heart and now believes that Dutertes critics, such as former senators Antonio Trillanes and Leila de Lima, were using the 77-page document he had filed in the ICC to besmirch the controversial leader.

Official figures indicate that more than 6,000 people have been killed in the drugs war since Duterte took office in 2016. On Wednesday, the New York-based Human Rights Watch, in its annual report, said the death toll could be as high as 27,000, citing estimates provided by rights workers in Manila.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters Wednesday that Sabios move effectively discredits the murder case against Duterte at The Hague-based ICC.

Slowly but surely, the destabilizers of the Duterte administration are being undressed, he said. Their obnoxious smell, like ashfall, pollute the air.

De Lima, a former human rights commissioner, is under detention while awaiting trial on charges that she received money from drug lords to fund her senatorial campaign. But De Lima has repeatedly denied the accusations, saying they were fabricated by Dutertes government to stop her from criticizing the drug war.

Meanwhile, Trillanes belittled Sabios action, saying it will have no effect in the ICC probe since the international tribunal was also hearing other complaints against Duterte.

Sabios planned withdrawal has no effect in the ICC case because ICC processes do not work that way. Courts in the Philippines work differently, Trillanes said.

In a statement on Wednesday, De Lima said Sabio has become very vulnerable to the machinations from the dark forces. She did not elaborate.

Im pretty sure there are forces, desperate ones, behind this development, she said.

Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, accused Duterte on Wednesday of continuing to endorse his deadly anti-narcotics campaign, quoting the Philippine leader during a Sept. 25 speech that, if you go into drugs, I will kill you.

President Dutertes anti-drug campaign remains as brutal as when it started, with drug suspects being killed regularly across the country, Phil Robertson, HRWs deputy Asia director, said in a statement. Four years into the drug war, the need for international mechanisms to provide accountability is as great as ever.
Channel 5 has launched two Endemol Shine Group channels on its VOD service, My5, as part of an expansion of third party content partnerships on the platform.

From today, two genre based channels, Masters of Food and Reel Truth Crime, will be available on My5, adding 60 hours of specialist food and crime content to the platform. Twenty additional hours will be added to each channel on a monthly basis throughout the year.

The Masters of Food channel will feature a selection of food focused series, including Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Zero Point Zero Production Inc. for CNN), which follows the late chef on his travels and exploration of cuisines from around the world. Cooking gameshow My Kitchen Rules Australia (Seven Studios Australia production) will also be amongst the first batch of content.

Meanwhile, Reel Truth Crime will house a collection of true crime documentaries including Crime Investigation Australia (Foxtel Original Production), which explores some of the countrys most horrific crimes and Death Row Stories (Jigsaw Productions and Sundance Productions for CNN) , which revisits some of the most compelling capital murder cases in the USA, made by Academy Award-winning directors Robert Redford and Alex Gibney.

Oli Thomas, VP, Digital Lead, Channel 5 said Third party channels are an important part of the content mix on My5, as they increase the breadth of programming on the platform and provide an additional monetisation window for partners. The Endemol Shine Group channels will add an exciting new dimension to the content on My5.

Kasia Jablonska, Head of Digital Distribution and Monetisation, Endemol Shine Group added We are very pleased to have My5 as a content partner and deliver their viewers a great selection of Endemol Shine Groups diverse catalogue. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to developing cross-industry partnerships and actively contributing to the digital revolution.

My5 already houses six third party channels, including PBS America, A+E Networks UKs channel, BLAZE, as well as six Pluto TV channels.

Last week it was announced that Channel 5 is also set to add the ViacomCBS owned Smithsonian Channel to My5. Programming will include specials The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, The Pacific War in Color and Princess Dianas Wicked Stepmother. The launch will mark Smithsonian Channels first foray into streaming in the UK.

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New Delhi: Hours after claiming that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to go and meet yesteryear's gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut retracted his controversial statement and said that his statement was taken 'out of context'.

Karim Lala was one part of the trio of gangsters who ruled the city for more than two decades from the sixties to the early eighties. The three ganglords, Lala, Haji Mastan and Varadarajan (Varada bhai) agreed to split the city limits so that they could run their illegal activities without running into conflict with each other.

At a point in time, Karim Lala's dominance was such that several Bollywood celebrities and eminent politicians used to attend his parties and Eid celebrations.

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Karim Lala was born in Kunar, Afghanistan as Abdul Karim Sher Khan, he came to Mumbai at the age of 21 looking for a job. One of his early illegal business was when he started a gambling house in the name of Social Club.

Lala became a part of the "Pathan gang" and helped in running gambling dens, liquor dens, illegal money recovery, illegal land evictions, kidnapping, protection racket (hafta), contract killing (supari), distribution of narcotics and counterfeit currency.

He quickly rose up the ranks and started leading the "Pathan gang" and mostly operated his work out of South Mumbai like Dongri, Nagpada, Bhendi Bazaar, and Mohammad Ali Road.

He died in Mumbai on February 2002 at the age of 90.
New Delhi, Jan 17 : As a measure to boost domestic small and medium industry, the government may consider a hike in customs duty on over 300 items like toys, furniture, footwear, coated paper, rubber items among other in the Union Budget.

Besides giving relief to the domestic industry and boosting employment, the move to keep imports down and help to raise revenue. Many of these are industries which are essentially concentrated in the small and medium sectors and employment intensive.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry in its budget recommendations has proposed rationalisation of basic customs on over 300 items across sectors including furniture, chemicals, rubber, coated paper and paper boards.

On footwear and related products, the Ministry has suggested increase in duty to 35 per cent from the current 25 per cent while for new pneumatic tyres of rubber, it has proposed to hike customs duty to 40 per cent from the current 10-15 per cent.

The import duty hike on footwear is a move to thwart the increase in imports of undervalued and cheap footwear. While the majority of imports are coming from ASEAN countries, with which India has a free trade agreement, it is suspected that China is re-routing large quantities of footwear through these countries.

The ministry has proposed to increase import duty on wooden furniture to 30 per cent from the current 20 per cent. For coated paper, paper boards and hand made papers, it has suggested doubling the duty to 20 per cent.

The Ministry has asked for the removal of import duty on waste paper and wood pulp, which is currently at 10 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively. The paper industry has expressed concerns about cheap imports and a surge in inbound shipments.

For wood, metal and plastic toys, the ministry has suggested increase in import duty to up to 100 per cent from the current 20 per cent. Import of these toys increased to $304 million in 2018-19 from $281.82 million in 2017-18 from China and Hong Kong.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Authorities charged 51-year-old Joseph Melton with first-degree murder while armed in the killing of Kevin Chamberlain, of no fixed address, police said in a statement. Officers found Chamberlain in the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue NW about 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, and medics took him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.
Longford will restore balance in general election 2020, that was the verdict of Fionnan Sheahan, editor with the Irish Independent newspaper, who forecast that Longford will regain a seat following the elections on February 08.

Mr Sheahan noted that on the back of a Longford politician not winning a seat in the last general election, which was the first time this ever occurred, the county is likely to gain a seat this time around.

Also read: Longford/Westmeath general election count likely to be held in Athlone

All four candidates chosen in the last general election last time around were from Co Westmeath and Mr Sheahan anticipates that either Councillor Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail) or Councillor Micheal Carrigy (Fine Gael) will gain a seat for the county.

Pretty simple. The four TDs last time were all from Westmeath, so a Longford candidate will take a seat this time. He said.

Fine Gaels Micheal Carrigy squares off against Fianna Fails Joe Flaherty for the title.

Mr Sheahan anticipates the remaining seats in the district will be filled by Fine Gaels Peter Burke, Fianna Fails Robert Troy and Independent Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, though he feels they may have to worry about a potential surge from Labours Alan Budda Mangan on the Westmeath side.

Also read: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to visit Longford and Edgeworthstown as general election campaign intensifies
The Kremlin pursues subversive activities in various directions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin never abandoned plans to seize part of Ukraine, says Information Resistance OSINT group coordinator Kostiantyn Mashovets.

Following his statements voiced at a press conference in December on the "original Russian territories" of the Black Sea littoral and eastern Ukraine, the Russian leader could go for concrete steps, Mashovets told Obozrevatel, a Ukrainian online outlet.

"For the Kremlin, this is a comprehensive issue, so they will address it in a comprehensive, mainly hybrid way, as it was in Crimea and Donbas," the military expert says.

Read alsoRussia reviving ISIS threat in Europe  OSINT group

It will be a combination, he added, of "military, political, economic, social and, above all, information-psychological factors of influence."

The Kremlin pursues subversive activities in various directions: "The most vulnerable regions are southeastern ones, this is in terms of continued hybrid aggression, and from a military perspective, almost the entire territory [of Ukraine] remains vulnerable."
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeniorVu, a Lead Management Platform company for senior living communities of all care levels now provides a medium for sharing technology trends, digital marketing expertise, speed-to-lead prowess, staffing solutions and industry analytics. The show is co-hosted by a Digital Marketing wizard and a Broadcast Journalist with 25+ years of experience.

There are very few people in the senior living space broadcasting a genuine and friendly conversation about the areas in senior living that need some help, said co-host Billy Daniels. While most communities do a great job with the Seniors under their care, many struggle with providing a great experience for the families while searching for their senior loved one. We want to talk about proven solutions  big and small that can help them fix that problem today.

Daniels is Vice President of Digital Marketing at SeniorVu. His co-host Valissa Smith is a former television anchor and reporter now on SeniorVus leadership team.

Senior living communities are full of caregivers, not tech wizards like Billy, Smith, Vice President of Strategic Communication joked. We want this podcast to be a safe space so those caregivers can listen at their convenience, learn technology tips and tools, gain confidence and knowledge about innovation that can make a significant difference in their community.

Topics the team plans to explore include a multitude of 3rd party provider headaches in senior living, applying speed-to-lead management to staff turnover, using analytics to predict move-ins, and other conversations to help communities improve occupancy without getting distracted from caregiving. Guests for the podcast come from inside and outside the industry and from all over the country.

Off Your Rocker: A SeniorVu Podcast can be found on all podcast platforms. New episodes are typically published every 3-4 weeks.

ABOUT SENIORVU

SeniorVu is a state-of-the-art Lead Management Platform company that gives communities control of their leads, brand, time and money. Their technology combined with the contact center means 100% of inquiries are reached within 5-minutes. With real-time analytics communities can determine where and when to spend their marketing dollars. After analyzing aggregated data from more than 1,000 communities in a 4-year period SeniorVu delivers repeatable and predictable results to their Community clients.
Around noon Eastern, the seven impeachment managers assigned by the House are expected to read the charges aloud in the Senate chamber. Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the trial, will then administer oaths to all 100 senators binding them to render impartial justice. Heres what to watch for.

Whats next: Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, has indicated that the trial will begin in earnest on Tuesday.

Go deeper: If recent history is any guide, President Trumps impeachment trial will be an intensely partisan display that will make the polarization of the Clinton era look like a bygone period of political harmony, our chief Washington correspondent writes.

Related: Lev Parnas, the businessman who played a central role in the campaign to pressure Ukraine to investigate Mr. Trumps political rivals, told The Times on Wednesday that the president was fully aware of the effort. Separately, Ukraines government said today that a criminal investigation had been opened into whether Mr. Trumps allies had the U.S. ambassador to the country under surveillance while she was stationed there.
Xnor.ai, spun off in 2017 from the nonprofit Allen Institute for AI (AI2), has been acquired by Apple for about $200 million. A source close to the company corroborated a report this morning from GeekWire to that effect.

Apple confirmed the reports with its standard statement for this sort of quiet acquisition: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans." (I've asked for clarification just in case.)

Xnor.ai began as a process for making machine learning algorithms highly efficient  so efficient that they could run on even the lowest tier of hardware out there, things like embedded electronics in security cameras that use only a modicum of power. Yet using Xnor's algorithms they could accomplish tasks like object recognition, which in other circumstances might require a powerful processor or connection to the cloud.

CEO Ali Farhadi and his founding team put the company together at AI2 and spun it out just before the organization formally launched its incubator program. It raised $2.7M in early 2017 and $12M in 2018, both rounds led by Seattle's Madrona Venture Group, and has steadily grown its local operations and areas of business.

The $200M acquisition price is only approximate, the source indicated, but even if the final number were less by half that would be a big return for Madrona and other investors.

The company will likely move to Apple's Seattle offices; GeekWire, visiting the Xnor.ai offices (in inclement weather, no less), reported that a move was clearly underway. AI2 confirmed that Farhadi is no longer working there, but he will retain his faculty position at the University of Washington.

An acquisition by Apple makes perfect sense when one thinks of how that company has been directing its efforts towards edge computing. With a chip dedicated to executing machine learning workflows in a variety of situations, Apple clearly intends for its devices to operate independent of the cloud for such tasks as facial recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality. It's as much for performance as privacy purposes.

Its camera software especially makes extensive use of machine learning algorithms for both capturing and processing images, a compute-heavy task that could potentially be made much lighter with the inclusion of Xnor's economizing techniques. The future of photography is code, after all  so the more of it you can execute, and the less time and power it takes to do so, the better.

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It could also indicate new forays in the smart home, toward which with HomePod Apple has made some tentative steps. But Xnor's technology is highly adaptable and as such rather difficult to predict as far as what it enables for such a vast company as Apple.
YEREVAN.  A group of cattle farmers have gathered in front of the government of Armenia today to say that the government is forcing them to slaughter their animals at the slaughterhouses, but it does not provide corresponding conditions.

"There is a lot of rats and cats roaming the slaughterhouses," one of these cattle farmers said.

Another demonstrator said there is one slaughterhouse in Vayots Dzor Province, but they say there that the animals are too small, and therefore not slaughtering them.

Another cattle farmer said that slaughterhouses demand money to slaughter each animal, but they cannot pay each time.

According to them, transporting their cattle to slaughterhouses also entails additional costs.
The enemy used proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, UAVs, as well as grenade launchers types, heavy machine guns, rifles.

Russia's hybrid military forces on January 15 mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA).

Read alsoSBU busts "LPR" attempt to recruit official from Ukraine's Justice Ministry

"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 11 times on January 15. One Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 16.

The enemy opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, UAVs, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. In addition, the enemy engaged snipers.

Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Svitlodarsk, and the villages of Pisky, Vasylivka, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne, Nevelske, Orikhove, and Novotoshkivske.

In particular, the enemy dropped six 30mm AGS-17 grenades from an unmanned aerial vehicle outside Pavlopil.

"Since Thursday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Travneve, using grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles," the update said.

No Ukrainian army casualties for Thursday have been reported yet.
One expert reminds consumers that airlines are required to offer refunds for canceled flights

Southwest Airlines may have escaped major cancellations from New Years weekend, but its in the hot seat now. The discount carrier pulled 658 flights off the board on Thursday, according to FlightAware. Another 519 were canceled on Friday, and there are another 230 cancellations predicted for Saturday and 19 for Sunday.

In an email to ConsumerAffairs, a Southwest spokesperson explained that ongoing staff challenges  most likely coronavirus-related sick calls from wor...
Opposition parties on Wednesday denounced the "unwarranted and malicious" action taken by Uttar Pradesh government against anti-CAA protesters.

After a meeting on Wednesday, leaders of CPM, CPI, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Loktantrik Janata Dal held a press conference and expressed their opposition to the action taken against those protesting the -citizenship law, Population Register (NPR) and Register of Citizens (NRC) by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath government.

Leaders like Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Manoj Jha, Sharad Yadav, Vrinda Karat were present in the meeting. These leaders alleged that the Yogi government was adopting "unconstitutional methods" to stop demonstrations against CAA.

Speaking to the media, CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said that CAA is completely unconstitutional and now the attitude of the Yogi government is even more unconstitutional.

"Specific class is being targeted in the whole case. During the riots in Gujarat, the then Chief Minister was advised by the then Prime Minister to follow Rajdharma. Now the same Chief Minister is the Prime Minister today, so who will give him this advice," he said.

Sharad Yadav, head of the democratic Janata Dal, said that there is an undeclared emergency-like situation in the country.

"The emergency imposed during Indira Gandhi's time did not give freedom to the people in jails. However, those from outside the jail were at least free. But, today no one feels free. In 70 years, it had never happened that people with sticks, batons and axes entered the university," he said.

spokesperson of Rashtriya Janata Dal Prof. Manoj Jha alleged that "the country is facing a very difficult time."

The activists who came with these leaders alleged that they are being persecuted continuously without any offence.

All these leaders declared that their fight to 'Save the Constitution' will continue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following the abduction of a student at the Hampden Charter School of Science, educators will be focusing on aiding the girl in her transition back to class and furthering discussions surrounding childrens safety.

Parents were alerted by the schools superintendent, Tarkan Topcuoglu, in a Facebook post that police recovered the girl safely Wednesday night. The girl had no apparent injuries, according to Massachusetts State Police.

This was a rough day for the school community, Topcuoglu told MassLive. We are relieved that she is safe and has been found.

She was grabbed by a stranger around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of Amherst and Princeton Streets in Springfield after she got off the school bus and was walking home. Her abduction led to an Amber Alert being issued for a blue or dark-colored Honda and authorities pulling over dozens of cars matching the description.

The girl was found in a car heading eastbound on the Massachusetts Turnpike after a driver reported seeing a vehicle matching law enforcements description. Troopers flooded the area, and police pulled the car over in a work zone.

Administrators at her school were asked via email and social media to reach out to the Springfield Police Department if they had any information on the incident. The community responded instantly, according to Topcuoglu, who thanked both state police and parents for their efforts.

I think that shows how strong the community was, he said.

The school has been talking with her family and will provide support and services to make sure that [her] transition back to school is as smooth as possible, according to the superintendent.

Shes a nice, smart young girl, and shes very ambitious about her classes. Shes really good, said Topcuoglu, who added that the school community was happy to hear she was recovered. There will be more conversations. I know these are tough times.

Topcuoglu said he views the incident as an opportunity for administrators, parents and children to talk about proper safety precautions students can take, including walking to and from school in groups and reporting any suspicious activity.

The charter school in Chicopee also held a morning meeting Thursday for guidance counselors and administrators, and the school will be providing assistance to students or parents who have any questions or concerns, according to the superintendent.

The councilors are available for any students who are feeling down, he said.

The school is still keeping an open line of communication with Springfield police. If anything comes up, well be speaking with them, Topcuoglu said.

Miguel Rodriguez, 24, was arrested in connection to the abduction, police said. The Springfield residents family said he has a history of schizophrenia and paranoia. He was expected to be arraigned Thursday morning in Springfield District Court.

The Hampden Charter School of Science, which teaches students across Western Massachusetts from sixth to 12th grade, has an east and west campus, both located on Johnson Road in Chicopee.

Related content:
Thousands of villagers in southern Cambodias Kampot province are being forced from their homes by work on a nearby seaport which has filled in long stretches of seashore, barring them from traditional fishing areas, sources in the country say.



No longer able to fish, many former residents of the Teuk Chhou districts Prek Thnoat commune have now left to find work elsewhere, one villager told RFAs Khmer Service on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.



Before the Try Pheap Group took over this area, my family was able to make between 30,000 riel [U.S. $7] to 100,000 riel [$25] from fishing every day, but now thousands of fishing families have lost their jobs because the seashore has been completely filled in, he said.



Some people have now left their homes to work for someone else, he said



The Try Pheap Group, which began work on the seaport in 2017, has now built a wall two kilometers long along the seashore to prevent villagers from entering the area, RFAs source said, adding that villagers are afraid to protest against the company because they fear persecution by authorities.



Previously, authorities would quickly arrest villagers entering flooded forest areas to clear trees, the villager said. But when the Try Pheap company began filling in the seashore, authorities did nothing to stop them.



Concerns over transparency



Also speaking to RFA, Yun PhallyKampot provincial coordinator for the Cambodian rights group Adhocconfirmed that the Try Pheap Groups presence in the area has caused thousands of families to lose their jobs, with some now turning to construction work and others forced to migrate from their homes.



Meanwhile, the companys ban on seashore access for local residents is a possible sign that company owner Try Pheap is concealing details of his investment plans, Adhoc official Soeung Senkaruna said, adding that authorities need to carefully investigate the companys activities there.



We dont know if the relevant authorities have properly examined the legitimacy of the investment, or if they have looked at the [projects] environmental and social impacts in the area, he said.



If the company is fully complying with the law, it shouldnt bar entry by local residents he added.



Calls seeking comment from a Try Pheap Group representative and from commune, district, and provincial officials rang unanswered this week.



Company hit with sanctions



On Dec. 9, 2019, International Corruption Day, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it had levied sanctions against Try Pheap and 11 of his companies, saying he had established a network of government officials and military figures who had helped him smuggle timber out of the country in exchange for bribes.



Land disputes are a bitter problem in Cambodia, where rural villagers and urban dwellers alike have been mired in conflicts that a U.N. special rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia has warned could threaten the countrys stability.



The countrys land issues date from the period of the 1975-79 Khmer Rouge regime, which forced large-scale evacuations and relocations, followed by a period of mass confusion over land rights and the formation of squatter communities when refugees returned in the 1990s after a decade of civil war.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Pheap Aun. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian lambasted TV stations critical of him on Thursday, saying that they belong to corrupt individuals and wage an information war against the Armenian government.

Pashinian said the government should expose the real owners of the private channels. He did not name any of them.

I would say that the level of democracy in Armenia is so high that even corrupt persons have TV companies in Armenia nowadays, he told a weekly cabinet meeting in Yerevan. The logos of at least two TV channels can be replaced with the words Corruption or Corruption Group.

Pashinian claimed that he is not unhappy with this situation because these broadcasters help the authorities combat corruption by frequently interviewing former officials facing corruption charges and exposing their other tentacles.

Nevertheless, he went on, the government needs to enact legislation that will require them to reveal their real owners and thus increase broader transparency in the Armenian broadcast media. Justice Minister Rustam

Badasian told Pashinian in that regard that his ministry is already working on such a legal mechanism. Badasian did not elaborate.

At least two Armenian TV channels are owned by individuals thought to be linked to former Presidents Serzh Sarkisian and Robert Kocharian or their relatives in one way or another. They regularly air strong criticism of the current authorities in their news programs and talk shows.

The official owner of one of the pro-Kocharian Fifth Channel, Armen Tavadian, was arrested late last month on charges of seeking false testimony in favor of the jailed ex-president. Tavadian rejected the charges as politically motivated. Some Kocharian loyalists and Fifth Channel executives claim that Tavadians arrest is aimed at silencing the opposition media outlet.
CHICAGO  A 14-year-old lion at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago mysteriously fell into her enclosure's dry moat and died less than two weeks after her mate was put down for age-related issues, officials said.

After the female African lion named Isis didn't show any signs of recovery from the 15-foot fall, the zoo's veterinary staff decided to euthanize her, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Zoo staff said her death was unexpected, mysterious and especially difficult.

The lion was fine when staff checked on her at 9 a.m. Monday, an hour before the zoo opened, but she was found unresponsive at the bottom of the moat a half-hour later, said William Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs. Her fall wasn't seen by anyone or caught on camera.

The design of the moat allows a lion to climb back out on the habitat side, but Isis essentially didn't move during roughly 24 hours of treatment and observation before her death.

Right now, it's just a tragic accident and we're trying to make heads or tails of it, Zeigler said. We don't really know what happened.
SCLC Names Winners of MLK Essay & Oratorical Contest

Six middle and high school students emerged as winners of the 5th Annual MLK Essay and Oratorical Contest.

The event, sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California, was held Jan. 11, at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in South Los Angeles. Arnetta Mack, SCLC-SC program director, coordinated the program, which was part of SCLC-SCs King Legacy Month activities.

The students addressed the theme, Building Dr. Kings Beloved Community, and had to select one of two topics related to either social issues of the day such as homelessness, gun violence and racism or the impact of full participation in the 2020 Census and voting.

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Fifty-five students from 11 schools entered the contest and 24 finalists advanced to the finals. Finalists were scored by a panel of judges based on the content of their four-minute speech, relevancy to the topic and overall delivery.

Listening to these speeches, our young people are deep thinkers, said Pastor William D. Smart, SCLC-SC president/CEO. They dont have to wait for the future to make change, their time is now!

The middle school winners were Zion Townshend, Garvey Allen Visual & Performing Arts School / Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa League  1st place; Violet Cueva, Wilders Prep Academy  2nd place; and Tyler Malbrew, Wilders Prep Academy  3rd place.

The high school winners were Dior Naylor, Vistamar School  1st place; Micah Dailey White, Ramona High School  2nd place; and Kai Amin Ciofassa, Verbum Dei High School  3rd place. Winners received $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively.

The first place winners will give their oratorical presentation on Jan. 18, at the Skirball Center during the King Celebration with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and will be featured at the SCLC Gala at the Loews Hollywood Hotel on Jan. 19.

For SCLC-SC King Legacy Month schedule, visit sclc-sc.org or call 213-268-4820.
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is set to visit Drogheda, Co Louth, in the coming days in the wake of one of the

The death of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods as a result of a gang feud in the eastern town has shocked the nation.

With no end to the feud in sight, and the incidents involved escalating in depravity, the Fine Gael leader was keen to assert that no expense would be spared in bringing the killers to justice.

Mr Varadkar described the killing, which saw the youngsters dismembered body dumped in different locations on Dublins northside following his disappearance last Sunday, as the most gruesome, grotesque murder I can think of.

I was really shocked by it. I just want to reassure the public, particularly the people of Drogheda, that the gardai will have all the resources they need to find the people who carried out this crime and bring them to justice, he said.

The murder of Keane comes at the apex of a feud that has been growing in savagery for the past three years, and in particular the past nine months, with the boys death the third murder in that timeframe.

Speaking at the launch of Fine Gaels economic plan in Dublin, the Taoiseach said that he wanted the people of Drogheda to know that we stand right behind them, and Im going to try and get there in the next couple of days because I think the whole country is really shocked by this.

I just want people to know that the Minister for Justice is very engaged on this and were going to make sure that the gardai have the resources they need in Drogheda to find out who did this and bring them to justice and end this cycle of violence.

Its not acceptable and I can only imagine how the people of Drogheda feel at the moment given the cycle of violence thats occurring there, but Im confident the gardai can get on top of it. Weve had cycles of violence like this before, in Dublins north inner city for example, and it is possible to put a stop to it, but it does require people getting 100% behind the gardai, he said.

Anybody who has information should give it to them, and well continue to invest in additional Garda resources, weve been doing that consistently for months and well continue to do so.

Mr Varadkar said that, in the longer term, the State needs to really act seriously against some of the underlying causes that give rise to crime in the first place, weve done it in the north-east inner city, and we need to give consideration to having similar programmes in other parts of the country as well.
Markkanen laughed after that statement, but the environment is important to him, enough so that he is ready to speak up about it in his third year with the Bulls. He feels comfortable being vocal about it, because it all feels so logical to him, especially as he sees the place where he was born changing in front of his eyes.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 01:20:18|Editor: yan

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BEIRUT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 483 members of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) have been injured since the beginning of nationwide protests in last October, the ISF said Thursday.

"It is true that there were injuries among civilians but they were mostly affected by tear gas only," Imad Osman, director general of the ISF, told a press conference.

He assured that the security forces do not aim at attacking anyone, but they have to defend themselves against the attacks by protesters.

Osman's press conference came following a sit-in staged by journalists near the Interior Ministry on Thursday to protest the attacks by security forces against media outlets during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Protests have been held in Lebanon since last October to demand a complete overhaul of the country's political system which has been paralyzed by political division and corruption.
Kids these days don't know how lucky they are. (That is the most "old guy" sentence I've ever written.)

When we get in the car, Ayla and Hailey think it's their job to tune the radio. If I'd tried that when I was a kid, my dad would have slapped my hand and asked, "What the heck do you think you're doing?"

With Dad behind the wheel, it was either the classical music station (not classic rock, but Beethoven and Bach) or it was what passed for talk radio in the 1970s. That meant a lot of Paul Harvey.

So, my formative years were spent listening to some smooth-voiced man say, "And now ... the rest of the story."

A Sailor's Tale

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For the Jan. 7 Post Bulletin, I wrote a story about a sailor from Kellogg who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that started our country's involvement in World War II. Lloyd Timm died along with a couple of hundred of his fellow crewmen aboard the USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941.

I learned about this  and the fact that his body had been identified and will be returned to Kellogg for burial  on Jan. 6, 2020. In the process of writing my story, I tried to find some next of kin to talk to about Lloyd, but was unsuccessful before deadline.

Well, last Wednesday one of those family members  Lloyd Ness of Woodbury  called me back.

"I was supposed to call you about Lloyd Timm," Lloyd Ness said. "Does that ring a bell?"

Yes. Yes it did. And, now, I'm going to tell you ... the rest of the story.

Step Aside, Paul Harvey

Here's what I learned from Lloyd Ness. First, he's the nephew of Lloyd Timm, son of LaVonne, who was the youngest of the Timm siblings and probably about 4 years old when her big brother died at Pearl Harbor.

Second, Ness said his memories of his Uncle Lloyd come from a few stories he, his siblings and his cousins heard from their parents. But most were stories about a kid, not a young man.

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"He was a kid," Ness said. "He died at 19."

Being named for his uncle, Ness said he did think about him from time to time. If he was having a bad day or a tough time in life, he said, "Id think how would it be to be 19 and be killed by a torpedo?"

Things could be worse. I can still go on. That was a lesson from Uncle Lloyd.

Family Connections

Ness said he and three relatives submitted DNA samples about four years ago, and those samples were matched to a few remains belonging to Lloyd Timm: an arm, a leg, his skull.

Those remains will be returned to Minnesota for a burial on Memorial Day. Uncle Lloyd will be buried at Greenfield Cemetery in Kellogg. There's no room to bury him next to his own parents there, so he'll be buried next to Ness' sister, Jeanie Lienke, who was the one who went to all the family reunions and learned as much as she could about the family both in her present time and from back in the day.

"She would go to the survivor reunions, so I think it's fitting he'll be buried next to her," Ness said, not that Jeanie, who was born in 1959, would have ever met her Uncle Lloyd.

Jeanie, like Lloyd Ness, grew up in Rochester. Both graduated from John Marshall High School, so the family certainly has roots across the area. But not all the cousins stayed in the area.

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Thanks, Uncle Lloyd

Lloyd Timm came from a fairly big family. He was one of six siblings  all of whom have passed away at this point  including four boys and two girls. But, like many families, the offspring of the Timm family has begun to spread out in the world.

Lloyd Ness said the military will fly in up to three relatives for the burial in May. Two of the relatives who plan to come are cousins Ness said he hasn't seen in about 30 years. So, even though he's gone, Uncle Lloyd is still bringing the family together.

"It also adds a lot of closure to this," Lloyd Ness said. "We had a choice of where we wanted to do this. We decided Kellogg was where he grew up and Kellogg is where he should be buried."
Michigan Tech alumnus to provide more than 20 pre-college students with full scholarships to the Universitys Summer Youth Programs.

Most of David Brules philanthropic contributions over the years have no formal record or press. With more than 40 years in business and thousands of employees, Brule 72 has seen and heard of hardships. Whether an employee in need of a new furnace, a sudden illness involving a young child or a tragedy such as a house fire, Brule has always been motivated to help.

Brules legacy of giving was first cultivated during his time as a business leader in Michigans Upper Peninsula (UP). Born, raised and schooled in the UP, Brule has deep gratitude for the regions people and opportunities. After a brief stint at Northern Michigan University and a taste of a career as a lineman, in 1969 Brule transferred his spark for all things electric north, to Michigan Technological University. Older and a little wiser, Brule said he felt committed to the rigorous academic experience Michigan Tech offered. Here, his aptitude for analytical thinking was refined.

Providing Opportunities

Brule has long supported Michigan Tech and its outreach arm, Summer Youth Programs (SYP), and this year, his giving holds new possibilities for middle schoolers at Bothwell Middle School in Marquette, Michigan. Together with his wife Thu, Brule will fund full-ride scholarships for more than 20 pre-college students to experience the weeklong STEM explorations held on Techs campus in Houghton.

Legitimate priorities have to take place in a family, and sometimes  often  that wont allow experiences such as these, Brule said. SYP is so much more than a camp  its a life-changing experience to be in an academic environment, challenged by science. Their life expands in that short week.

Brule also has a vested interest in the Michigan Tech College of Business, dating back to 2006 when he helped launch the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. In 2019, a new $50,000 donation made on the Day of Giving (April 11) goes directly to student scholarships.

My interest in business stems from my own experiences in the working world. Techs business program synergistically blends business with technology, and as I experienced, that is critical in todays environment, he said.

Engineering a Thriving Business

An electrical engineer by training, after a few years of hands-on engineering, Brules career pivoted toward the leadership ranks when he established a new division for northern Michigan-based M.J. Electric in 1975. By 1978 he was a vice president and by 1992 he purchased a majority stake in the company, which would go on to spawn BOSS Snowplow, one of North Americas largest manufacturers of snow and ice control equipment, and Systems Control, the largest control and relay panel manufacturer in the nation. Brule credits his Tech-honed analytical ability and exposure to STEM for his formidable success in business.

His fondness for this land is rooted in its hard-working, authentic people. The Northwoods Ethic, a term Brule penned long ago, is to this day etched in the walls of his former workplace: Hard working. Integrity. Honesty. Traits embodied by Yoopers.

I always credit my achievements in business to my employees. Anyone can have an idea, but you need dedicated, hardworking people to bring it to life, Brule said.

Putting People First

Throughout his career, Brule made helping people a priority. Education is the great leveler in society, Brule said. When young people have opportunity, success follows.

His devotion to help has led him to Nepal, India, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zambia and South Africa, where through the nonprofit Room to Read, he supported building new schools and libraries, and sponsored scholarships so young girls could pursue an education.

Thu and David Brule devote themselves to projects that make a difference in other peoples lives.

Closer to home, Brule has held a deep interest in and a long-standing relationship with the Special Olympics; each year he and his company planned a bowling event for hundreds of Special Olympic athletes. Working with them was an incredibly rewarding experience. At the end of the day we were physically exhausted, but spiritually revived. There is so much joy in something as simple as bowling together.

Making an Immediate Impact

Retired since 2018, Brule recently married Thu and the couple have immersed themselves in projects that make a difference in the lives of young people and families. This fall, they were publicly lauded for their support of the YMCA branch in Marquette, Michigan.

Thu and I are regular users, and the facility serves more than 5,000 community members  its essential for the physical and mental health of the community, Brule said. A million little miracles happen every single day in these organizations, which are unfortunately always underfunded.

Typically, it isnt the couples style to give in a public manner. But Brule says they have come to realize that communities  especially tight-knit, remote UP towns  need philanthropic leaders; giving needs to be visible to inspire more people to do so.

Dave and Thu are people of action, said Dean Johnson, dean of the Michigan Tech College of Business. Its inspiring to work alongside donors such as them because together we can directly and immediately impact future Michigan Tech students.

The Brules hope by investing in young people, more will have the opportunity to graduate and stay or return to the Upper Peninsula. Dreams can become reality, and that process starts with a great education. Thu and I dont just give  we expect a return, its just that the return doesnt come to us. It goes to those we help. Its never a handout, its always a hand up.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Police are inquiring into a link between the line of work and the death of a sex worker whose body was found in her unit in Sydney's eastern suburbs this week.

Kimberley "Kim" McRae's body was found in a state of partial decomposition inside her apartment in Mount Street, Coogee, on Tuesday, homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty told reporters on Friday.

Kimberley McRae was found dead in her Coogee apartment on Tuesday. Credit:NSW Police

He said that Ms McRae, 69, was known to conduct her work from her apartment.

Police were called to the unit block by Ms McRae's sister, who was concerned because she had not heard from her.
January 16, 2020 - Wolters Kluwer, Health announced today that it will begin publishing the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (JCRS) under its Lippincott portfolio as part of a new partnership with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). The January 2020 issue of JCRS will be the first to be published by Wolters Kluwer, which will also take over publication of a freely available companion journal, JCRS Online Case Reports.

Long known to readers as the "orange journal," JCRS is the preeminent journal of ophthalmic surgery featuring high-quality articles and original clinical studies on all aspects of anterior segment surgery. The amalgamation of two peer-reviewed journals - the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery from ASCRS and the European Journal of Implant and Refractive Surgery from ESCRS - JCRS also features a consultation section, practical techniques, important cases and reviews, as well as basic science articles.

"The JCRS is the scientific pillar of the ESCRS and a testament to the excellent collaboration we have with our American colleagues," said ESCRS President Rudy Nuijts, MD, PhD. "I am confident that partnering with Wolters Kluwer will strengthen greatly the journal's reputation for scientific excellence and increase our influence in the field of cataract and refractive surgery."

"We look forward to this new alliance with Wolters Kluwer," said ASCRS President and JCRS U.S. Editor Nick Mamalis, MD, of the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah. "They have a long history of publishing high-quality journals and an excellent reputation. Furthermore, their focus on medical and allied healthcare publishing will strongly support the goals of the JCRS. We look forward to working with the publisher to expand the JCRS footprint, especially online and in the area of digital media."

The goal of collaborating with Wolters Kluwer is to amplify the scientific exchange of innovative research and breakthrough findings published in JCRS. This would, in turn, enhance surgical outcomes and ultimately improve patient care.

"Wolters Kluwer shares passion for rigorous scientific research that drives JCRS and look forward to providing with the analytics and technological support that will enhance its presence in and impact on the field of cataract and refractive research," said Jayne Marks, Vice President, Global Publishing, Wolters Kluwer, Health Learning, Research and Practice.

###

Read this story on our website.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2018 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 18,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth.

For more information, visit http://www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) will hold its fourth-quarter 2019 results and 2020 guidance conference call with the financial community on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 8:00 am eastern.

Participants will include Mirko Bibic, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Glen LeBlanc, Chief Financial Officer. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis.

To participate, please dial toll-free 1-800-273-9672 or 416-340-2216. A replay will be available until midnight on March 6, 2020 by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451 and entering passcode 1191984#.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on BCE's website at BCE Q4-2019 conference call.

About BCE

BCE is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced Bell broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communications services alongside Canada's premier content creation and media assets from Bell Media. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day  taking place this year on January 29  and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Media inquiries:

Marie-Eve Francoeur

514-391-5263

[email protected]

Investor inquiries:



Thane Fotopoulos

514-870-4619

[email protected]

SOURCE Bell Canada

Related Links

www.bell.ca


BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation between the coast guards of China and the Philippines will deepen mutual trust, boost friendship, open new approaches for maritime practical cooperation and inject new impetus into the healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

According to reports, a vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG), coded 5204, arrived at the port in Manila Tuesday morning. It is the first time for a CCG ship to pay an official visit to the Philippines.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang told a news briefing that the visiting CCG ship received a warm welcome at the ceremony held at the port. Coast guards from both sides visited each others' ship and had a friendly discussion.

"The CCG ship also donated its grain reserves to evacuees affected by Taal's recent volcanic eruption, expressing the good will and sincerity from the Chinese people," said the spokesperson.

The coast guards from both sides will carry out a series of scheduled tasks, including a joint maritime search and rescue exercise, a fire drill and an open ship day.

The visit is a part of the friendly exchange activities scheduled by the third meeting of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC) between the CCG and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Geng said, adding that the two sides will exchange views on issues of maritime law enforcement and other common concerns during the meeting, and discuss ways to strengthen maritime cooperation in combating transnational crime, anti-narcotics, maritime search and rescue and humanitarian relief efforts.

"This visit signifies a new step of cooperation between the CCG and the PCG, and we also welcome PCG vessels to visit China at a proper time," said Geng.
A Laois village is being used as a meeting point by drug dealers, according to a councillor.

Local residents have raised concerns about strange cars pulling up at an unlit layby next to bottle banks in Ballaghmore village in south Laois near Roscrea in Tipperary.

Cllr Conor Bergin has reported their concerns to local Gardai.

"Drug dealing has been seen there. They are doing drops, leaving packages. it has been reported to me by a couple of residents," he told the Leinster Express.

"There's old people living there, it's not nice for them to see strange cars pulling up," he said.

He raised the matter in a motion to the Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District meeting on Thursday, January 16, and called for more street lighting on that side of the village.

"You can't have one side of the village in the dark," he said.
Water woes and a lack of funding are among the many problems said to be affecting residents 
Exercise in absurdity: Last night, the media realized Bernie 2020 might not be so far-fetched after all, as Jim Newell writes. Josh Keating breaks down what Elizabeth Warren means when she talks about combat troops, and Lili Loofbourow reminds us all: Its time to actually vote for one of these Democrats to run against Donald Trump. And if you havent already heard, check out the IOWA BEEF between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

But hey, whos on trial? From Russian trolls to Twitter Nazis, racist Google results, and whatever that was with Travis Kalanick, keeping up with all the scandals in Silicon Valley can be dizzying. Separating out the meaningful threats from the noise is hard, writes tech editor Jonathan Fischer. Thats why we polled a group of journalists, scholars, and advocates to figure out which companies are really doing the most harm. The result is our Evil List, a delightfully digestible ranking of all the tech worlds recent ills. You can also read Cory Doctorow explain why we shouldnt worship our Apple devices, Siva Vaidhyanathan argue that ExxonMobil is actually the worst tech company, and Ashley Feinberg and Jordan Weissmann debate whether Facebook or Amazon is worse.

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Our president: Was Marie Yovanovitch, former ambassador to Ukraine, stalked by Trump-approved goons? Dahlia Lithwick explains and explores the very wild-to-even-consider idea that a president would hire people to harass a career diplomat from his own country.

Performance: Many people tuned in Tuesday to watch the three greatest Jeopardy! players of all time compete for the GOAT titlebut have you ever wondered about the contestants who just didnt do so hot? Dan Kois talked to Stephanie Hull, who earned the worst score ever in 2015, about her experience on the show, her continued Jeopardy! fandom, and how the internet reacts to TV events good and bad.

For fun: Happy National Hat Day!

Its been a lot of fun, yall,

Dawnthea
Trucks wait in a long queue for border customs control to cross into U.S. at the World Trade Bridge in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico April 2, 2019. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both Texas Republicans, joined with most of their colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a new North American trade deal.

The new USCMA agreement, negotiated by President Donald Trump, will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. Among other changes, the new trade deal will strengthen enforcement of labor and environmental laws and increase the threshold for how much of a car must be manufactured in a country to avoid tariffs.

The deal is of particular importance to Texas, the state with the most ports and the longest border with another country.
New Delhi: If you are an ardent 'Bigg Boss' follower, you probably would know the love-hate relationship between Telly actors Madhurima Tuli and Vishal Aditya Singh. In last night's episode, their fight touched a new low when the former hit Aditya's behind with a metal pan.

So what happened was that Vishal and Madhurima are known to indulge in verbal fights. In fact, Bigg Boss punished Madhu last week for beating Vishal with her sandal.

Now, her act of hitting Vishal with a metal pan after he threw water at her has invited a lot of reactions online. Former 'Bigg Boss 7' winner Gauahar Khan has slammed Madhurima for her violent behaviour and tweeted on how she deserves to be out after this episode.

She wrote: Violence , hinsa , is never a neechee mamla! Thats the reason for domestic abuse ! Happens behind closed doors ! #Madhurima is a violent person , if the man had done the same thing , would it still be a neechee mamla?? Deserves to be out!

Violence , hinsa , is never a neechee mamla! Thats the reason for domestic abuse ! Happens behind closed doors ! #Madhurima is a violent person , if the man had done the same thing , would it still be a neechee mamla?? Deserves to be out !  Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) January 16, 2020

If throwing water is violence then every person in tasks should be given punishment! If both kept it to throwing water n got punishment that would be ok ! But smashing someones behind with a metal pan n getting the same punishment as throwing water, is not done #madhurima

If throwing water is violence then every person in tasks should be given punishment! If both kept it to throwing water n got punishment that would be ok ! But smashing someones behind with a metal pan n getting the same punishment as throwing water , is not done #madhurima  Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) January 16, 2020

Well, Bigg Boss has punished Vishal for instigating and Madhurima for her aggressive action by asking them to stay inside separate jails. They will not be able to take part in any of the activities going on inside the house till the weekend.

'Bigg Boss 13' is a house full of drama. So, what do you think about the recent Madhurima-Vishal scene?

Keep reading this space for regular updates on 'Bigg Boss 13'.
Photo credit: S. Erland et al./PR-E/ty_yang/Pixabay

From Popular Mechanics

Researchers used 4D math to determine that airplanes board fastest when the slowest passengers go first.

Quality of life on planes already feels low, and slow boarding can even cause flight delays.

This research uses 10,000 simulated boardings to rank four boarding algorithms.

New research shows letting the slowest passengers board first leads to the most efficient boarding overall. Look for the followup study, How Exasperating Sighs and Eye-Rolling Slow Plane Boarding.

Trying to determine the best way to execute a chaotic activity like plane boarding is an optimization problem : Scientists choose parameters to try to minimize or maximize, like the time it takes for everyone to board the plane. These problems are very old, but computing technology has given scientists powerful new tools to brute force solutions, meaning they can run long lists of complex calculations that would have taken human mathematicians years or even lifetimes to do by hand.

Imagine trying to guess someones four-digit PIN by entering all possibilities, one at a time, into an ATM. A computer plugged into the ATM could spam all the combinations much faster and more directly. (This is one reason why the three-tries limit is so common.)

Photo credit: Sveinung Erland, Jevgenijs Kaupuzs, Vidar Frette, Rami Pugatch, and Eitan Bachmat

For their simulations, researchers in Norway, Israel, and Latvia used a four-dimensional model of spacetime. This approach, called a Lorentzian metric, uses the same principles that inform general relativity and lets researchers model whether passengers are delaying each other in line (timelike separation) or able to board simultaneously (spacelike separation). They posited that the fastest passengers are five times faster than the slowest and used a congestion parameter set at three different levels to gnarl the process in a realistic way.

The researchers made a group where 20 percent are slow passengers, and they board at 20 percent of the maximum speed. They ran four boarding styles: slow passengers first, fast passengers first, randomized boarding, and back-to-front.

Story continues

Remarkably, on average, the fast-first policy is leading all the way to around 98 [percent], the researchers write . But thats when the lingering slow boarders elongate the tail and drag the process out, and the fast-first policy finishes second. The slow-first approach wins, and fast first takes 7 percent longer. (Fast first is still notably faster than a purely random boarding.)

Photo credit: Sveinung Erland, Jevgenijs Kaupuzs, Vidar Frette, Rami Pugatch, and Eitan Bachmat

That the slow-first policy is superior can be intuitively explained by that it is the most parallel among all the policies, i.e., it better exploits the possibility to seat passengers simultaneously, while the other policies are more serial in structure, the researchers write. In other words, as slow passengers make their way down the aisle, the space behind them is available for faster passengers to move into and sit down, and that space grows larger as the slower passengers make more progress.

Its telling that the fast-first approach stays in the lead until 98 percent completion. When the slowest passengers board last, theyre still just as slow, but now theres no other passengers who can board in parallel with them. Instead, just the slow people have had the longest delay to begin boarding. Your minimum possible value is already bigger: the length of time the slowest people will take to board, plus however long they were delayed, instead of starting right away.

Airlines cant ask people are you a slow boarder? but there are demographic cues they could consider using, like elderly people, large groups boarding together, people who use mobility aids that need to be folded and stowed, or people with young children who need to be settled.

In practice, boarding by privilege level just makes boarding seem more peaceful to the passengers with more expensive tickets, or who have paid for premium boarding. And these delays affect airlines bottom lines: For airlines it is not only the average boarding time that matters. The frequency of departure delays due to an unexpectedly long boarding time could also be of relevance, the researchers write.

The team concludes that its model leaves a lot of room to add more parameters and complexity to model reality even better. However, the scientists say, recent empirical research shows that such models explain real data rather well. They believe their general conclusions based on running 10,000 simulated boardings are a sound foundation for future research to build on.

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By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 23 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Jan. 16, Trend reports.

The Armenian armed forces were using large caliber machine guns.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

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 Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.

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Inference question



Pre-thinking





We are given that scientists should not consider the consequences of their actions while people to whom ordinary morality is applied should.

Hence if a scientist were to follow ordinary morality, she would go against the traditional value system of scientists.





POE:



(A) Scientists should not be held responsible for the consequences of their research.

Whether a scientist should or should not be held responsible for her actions is out of scope here



(B) According to the dictates of ordinary morality, scientists doing research that ultimately turns out to yield harmful applications are acting immorally.

immorality is not discussed in the argument. We only know that according to the principles of ordinary morality people should take into consideration the results of their actions



(C) Science is morally neutral because it assigns no value to the consequences of theoretical research.

Why science is morally neutral is not given



(D) It is possible for scientists to both adhere to the traditional values of their field and violate a principle of ordinary morality.

In line with pre-thinking



(E) The uses and effects of scientifically acquired knowledge can never be adequately foreseen.

out of scope







Ethicist: Although science is frequently said to be morally neutral, it has a traditional value system of its own. For example, scientists sometimes foresee that a line of theoretical research they are pursuing will yield applications that could seriously harm people, animals, or the environment. Yet, according to sciences traditional value system, such consequences do not have to be considered in deciding whether to pursue that research. Ordinary morality, in contrast, requires that we take the foreseeable consequences of our actions into account whenever we are deciding what to do.The ethicists statements, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?
This blog is dedicated to the understanding of the current Greek (but also European) economic, political and institutional crisis. It was created by Prof. Aristides Hatzis of the University of Athens , after many requests by his students who seek a source of reliable analysis on the Greek current affairs. Its aim is to post commentary and reports published mainly in the major U.S. and European media and to encourage a rigorous discussion.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: Even as the real causes of deaths owing to the kidney-related ailments remain unknown in Chhattisgarh village of Supebeda, about 200 km east of Raipur, the state government has decided to go for genetic test for determining what led to the serious renal illness.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has instructed the state health department to undertake genetic diagnostics of the kidney-affected persons in Supebeda of Gariyaband district.

The decision was taken following the discussions with the renowned nephrologists Dr Vijay Kher and Dr Vivekanand Jha in Raipur.

Also, a team of doctors will be sent to study similar cases existing at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh where chronic kidney disease have been reported.

So far, 71 people have died, according to the records available with the Supebeda gram panchayat since 2009 owing to the persisting kidney disease. Still, around 300 villagers continue to battle with the disease.

A team from Raipur AIIMS some months ago visited the affected village and during the course of their interaction with the patients in the medical camp set up there, found the creatinine levels touching the risky point, fluorosis condition among the inhabitants besides the contaminated water with arsenic content.

We will have to study, water resources, genetic causes, food habits, medicinal or other causes to find the exact reason leading to kidney troubles, said the AIIMS Director Dr Nitin Nagarkar who then led a team of doctors.

The Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey also had direct interaction with the affected villagers at Supebeda on October 23 last year.

The plausible reasons as the cause of death owing to kidney-related ailments could be contaminated water, spurious liquor from neighbouring Odisha or even genetic factor, asserted the state health minister T S Singhdeo.
Every one of us is trying to survive longer. Immortality is something many scientists are striving to make a reality, but we havent really gotten anywhere close to it yet. However, things might change soon, sort of.

east2westnews

A Russian company that goes by the name of KrioRus is freezing brains and human cadavers in liquid-nitrogen cryogenic chambers, to save them from deterioration. Theyre stored at -196 degrees celsius while hoping that one day, technology will surface that will bring the bodies back to life.

While this isnt the first company in the world to offer cryogenic service like this, KrioRus is surely the first outside of the US to do so.

KrioRus has over 70 patients (thats what they call them) signed up for the service. In case you were interested to freeze your body for the future, KrioRus charges $36,000 (approximately Rs 25.50 lakhs). In case you only want your brain to be stored, itll cost you around $15,000 (approximately Rs 10 lakhs). However, these prices are only for Russians and non-Russians might have to pay higher than that.

However, there is very little data to believe that cryonics would really work the way we intend it to. In fact, the head of the Russian Academy of Sciences Pseudoscience Commission, Evgeny Alexandrov calls it as a commercial undertaking that doesnt really have any scientific basis. He said to the Izvestia newspaper, It is a fantasy speculating on people's hopes of resurrection from the dead and dreams of eternal life."

KrioRus

Valeriya Udalova, KrioRus's director had her dog put in a cryogenic chamber when it died in 2008, hoping that technology would help bring it back to life. She said, it is likely that humankind will develop the technology to revive dead people in the future, but that there is 'no guarantee of such technology.



She further adds stating that people signing up their family or relatives at KrioRus show how much they really loved them, She said, They try to bring hope. What can we do for our dying relatives or the ones that we love? A nice burial, a photo album. They go further, proving their love even more.
La Trinidad, Benguet (CNN Philippines, January 16)  Vegetable traders and farmers from this highland town are donating part of their harvest to thousands of people affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Groups that are part of the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post on Thursday sent 3,000 kilos of various vegetables to affected families and evacuees in Ibaan, Batangas.

A first batch of 3,000 kilos of vegetables from the same donors reached evacuation centers in Lipa City, Batangas Wednesday night, Major Roldan Cabatan of the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station said.

He said the local police coordinated with the farmers for this initiative.

Help continues to pour in as Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4, which means hazardous eruption is imminent.

LIST: Where to send donations for Taal evacuees

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, 53,832 people are taking shelter in 244 evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The council also reported that 65,184 people have been affected by the volcanos eruption.

Taal has dealt more than half a billion pesos in agricultural damage since it started spewing ash last Sunday. It has also hit tourism in areas near the volcano, particularly in the resort city of Tagaytay.
A Belgian man has been arrested at the Lima Airport in Peru for trying to smuggle 20 live birds to Europe. According to a wildlife service officer, Hugo Coninigs was arrested by the Peruvian police on Monday for transporting 20 wildlife specimens that he intended to sell in Spain.

Read: Bird Flu Outbreak In Chhattisgarh; Over 15,000 Birds Culled

Birds showed dehyderation symptoms

The 54-year-old was caught with his suitcase carrying the live birds. Among the 20 protected birds, there were two toucanets and 16 tanagers which are small brightly coloured birds. Some of the birds showed signs of dehydration and stress while others had lost part of their plumage due to hours of being trapped in the suitcase, the wildlife service said. According to media reports, the Madrid bound man could face up to five years in prison for illegal wildlife trafficking. All the rescued birds are native to the Peruvian jungle but also found in Ecuador and Bolivia. The South American nation is home to more than 1800 species of birds.

Read: Chinese Man Caught Trying To Smuggle 200 Venomous Scorpions Out Of Sri Lanka

Read: Man Held For Smuggling Fake Indian Currency From B'desh

In a similar incident, a Chinese man was recently apprehended by authorities at the Colombo airport while he was trying to smuggle 200 live scorpions in plastic containers out of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka authorities assume that the man was smuggling the scorpions for their venom and would have extracted the venom after reaching China.

While the identity of the man has not been revealed, it is known that the man who was apprehended was Chinese and planned on taking the scorpions back to China. The smuggler was fined Rs 100,000 ($550) and then was allowed to fly back home. The scorpions were packed in plastic boxes. The plastic containers were concealed in his luggage and customs officers arrested him as he was trying to leave the country.

Read: 'Birds Of Prey' New Clip Shows Black Canary & Renee Montoya Teaming Up | WATCH

Read: Bird Flu Outbreak In Chhattisgarh; Over 15,000 Birds Culled




On Tuesday, the Democratic Congress dumped a tranche of Lev Parnas text messages, letters, and photos. In this enormous document dump we learned some wacky, wild and deeply disturbing stuff, the most upsetting of which was that 61-year-old Masha Yovanovitch was being tracked by Giuliani and Lev Parnas. There were more nefarious hints, too, about what they were plotting, including Hydes assertion that "you can do anything in Ukraine with money."

Now we dont really know what any of this means, though Ukraine has decided to open an investigation into the surveillance. Its hard to know what this will amount to as a lot of evidence in Trumpworld just turns out to be bravado; theres nothing that Trumpists love more than nicknames and the threat of violence. But its still important to point out that these text messages illustrate a pattern which is all too common in this administration  especially where women are concerned.

Ukrainian ambassador Masha Yovanovitch is most famous for her November 15 Congressional testimony, which was met with live-tweeting from the president of the United States.

Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad, tweeted the president as Yovanovitch was testifying before Congress. Of course, Yovanovitch was placed in those bad places because they were hardship posts, places that needed a seasoned state department employee. At one point Masha opined, I do wonder why it was necessary to smear my reputation. And perhaps thats the most striking thing that happens to the female public servants of Trumpworld. Again and again, we see women who, because they refused to deviate from their jobs and do the bidding of Trump or Giuliani, are smeared and ruined, destroyed and discarded. Their life of service is used as a punchline, as a tweet, as anecdote in the Federalist or the Gateway Pundit or some other arm of the MAGA media.

If one of these women is supremely unlucky, they will end up mocked on a Fox News opinion show like Tucker Carlson or Sean Hannity. If that happens, their email inboxes will be flooded with death threats and their social media will be clogged with expletive-riddled messages. Few of these women went into the state department or the FBI with the thought that someday theyd be used as a prop in the presidents war against both women and democracy itself. Few of us could have predicted that the dysfunctional misogynist haze of Trumpism would coat and cover all aspects of government.

During that same November testimony, national security advisor Fiona Hill accused Republicans of believing a fictional narrative that has been perpetrated and propagated by the Russian security services themselves. She also instructed Republicans that in the course of this investigation, I would ask that you please not promote politically driven falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests.

 Marie Yovanovitch receives standing ovation after Donald Trump attacks her amid impeachment testimony

Hill had worked in government service since 2006. She had served under both Presidents Bush and Obama. In a normal government, Hill would have worked on the National Security Council, maybe written a book or two, and eventually just faded into the enormous mechanism that is the federal government  but she was a competent non-partisan civil servant who refused to go along with the scheming, so she had to be destroyed.

During her closed-door testimony, Hill said, I was very sensitized to this issue because in the whole first year at the NSC, people, myself included, were being accused of being Soros moles. And, indeed, I'm out on InfoWars again with Roger Stone, Alex Jones purporting that from the very beginning I've been involved in a George Soros-led conspiracy. Since Hill testified, Alex Jones has suggested she should be punished for doing so and made use of the phrase indict the whore.

When I interviewed FBI lawyer Lisa Page in December, she described to me what it was like when a friend would text her to tell her the president was talking about her at a rally again. Here was this FBI employee who had morphed into a presidential prop. It was almost like the president was an obsessive stalker, bringing her up as a punching bag whenever he needed a distraction from whatever particular malfeasance he was perpetrating at the time. Lisa was just an FBI lawyer  she wasnt a celebrity. She was a hardworking government employee like Hill and Yovanovitch.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

"The notion that American citizens and others were monitoring Ambassador Yovanovitch's movements for unknown purposes is disturbing," Yovanovitchs lawyer Lawrence S. Robbins said in reaction to the Parnas leaks. He may find it disturbing, but I doubt he finds it surprising, because this is what happens to women who try to survive in Trumps state department. Misogyny is a vein that runs deeply through the administration, and it infects most aspects of Trumpism. Federal employees find themselves with targets on their backs, and those targets are twice as large for women.

The misogyny of Trumpism is so baked in that its often an unnoticed driving force in a lot of things the administration does. At best women in positions of influence are treated like children (Ivanka, Hope Hicks) or wives (Elaine Chao); at worst they are treated like harpies. And the more women are punished for refusing to go along with the new status quo, the more Trumps government achieves its goal of kneecapping the federal government, clearing the way for more prejudice to continue.
Set myself on fire and the world will come to watch me burn. When 18th-century English cleric John Wesley uttered these words, he could hardly have imagined the Morrison governments missteps of these past few weeks.

Climate change protesters rally against Scott Morrison's response to the bushfire crisis in Sydney on Friday. Credit:Isabella Porras

The Newspoll on Monday that had the PMs satisfaction rating dip 11 points is not explained by the city dwellers anxious about climate inaction. It could be argued Morrison has misunderstood the very political pendulum that swung his government into office last May.

Self-dealing among political elites and their preoccupation with issues of little resonance to the local citizen has crushed the traditional left-right crusade. Look no further than the Trump presidency and the Brexit-inspired Boris triumph to see a politics now won on feelings of neglect and disempowerment.

This anti-establishment sentiment has allowed the right to capitalise on the lefts infatuation with its inner-city apparatchiks. The Australian Election Study shows how Bob Browns convoy of anti-coal protesters travelling from Melbourne and Sydney to rural Queensland entrenched a view of an elite-captured Labor Party. When Labor leader Bill Shorten described questions on the cost of climate action as dumb, it confirmed for many Australians struggling to afford soaring electricity bills that Labor would see them on the streets to secure another handshake in Paris.
JOS, Nigeria, January 15, 2020 (Morning Star News)  More than 200 Muslim Fulani herdsmen have attacked predominantly Christian villages in southern Kaduna state, Nigeria since Jan. 6, killing at least 35 people and kidnapping 58 others, including a mother and her 6-month-old baby, sources said.

Armed with AK-47s, the herdsmen on motorcycles rampaged through 10 predominantly Christian villages in Chikun and Brinin Gwari counties, Christian leaders said. Traumatized people displaced by the violence, dispossessed of their farmlands and homeless, later received calls demanding thousands of dollars in ransom for the release of their relatives, they said.

The herdsmen, or bandits as they now call them, began their attacks on our communities on Monday, Jan. 6, killing, maiming and kidnapping members of our families without restraint by security agencies or the military, pastor Habila Madama, a Christian leader in the affected areas, told Morning Star News. The herdsmen have destroyed our farmlands and left us with nothing. These Muslim Fulani herdsmen will usually come with their cattle, forcefully take over our farms, and destroy crops ready for harvests.

He appealed to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the Kaduna state government to take steps to end the violence.

As it is now, we dont know where to go, what to feed on, or where do we get clothes to wear, especially for our children  and worst of all, where to lay our heads, Pastor Madama said.

The assailants have called relatives of the 58 kidnapped people demanding 10 million naira (US$27,440) in ransom, said Jonathan Asake, president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) at a press conference at a refugee camp at Ungwar Beji, in Gonin Gora area of Chikun County.

About 35 people have been killed by the herdsmen, while about 58 persons have also been abducted, Asake said, noting that there are missing people still unaccounted for. As you can see from the way these people are, they are seriously traumatized and need immediate assistance to be able to hold on. We have been told that the bandits have destroyed all the farm products of the victims and also destroyed their houses, leaving them with nothing to call their own.

Asake said he has been told that about 8,000 people displaced by the attacks have arrived in Buruku with nothing in their possession, and that 200 people with no food, bedding or clothing had gathered at the Ungwar Beji camp.

Worst of all, most of the children are sick, he said. This calls for concern on all people of good will to come to their aid in any kind in order to give them hope of survival before steps could be taken on the area of their education.

6-Month-Old Kidnapped

On Jan. 6 in Kasso, Chikun County, the terrorists killed Eli Sule, a 35-year-old father of five children, and kidnapped a nursing mother, Ladi Yusuf, according to a press statement on Saturday (Jan. 11) from Luka Binniyat, spokesman for the SOKAPU.

Ladi Yusuf, a nursing mother, was abducted with her 6-month-old baby, Binniyat said. This morning [Jan. 11], Yusuf Sule received a call from the kidnappers. They used the phone of his kidnapped brother, Bulus Sule, and called him. The kidnappers are asking for the ransom of 5 million naira.

The brother told him that they are not in a good condition, and that the 6-month-old baby is critically sick because of the kind of condition they are being held captive in. Yusuf and the community have no means of raising that money after the bandits looted the little they had gathered, including two motorcycles Yusuf Sule owned.

Binniyat said Danjuma Bulus, a 30-year-old father of four children, and Istifanus Auta, a 31-year-old father of three, were also killed in the attack. Bulus Sule was kidnapped along with his wife, Rebecca Sule, he said, and Yusuf Sules son, Irmiya Yusuf, was being treated at a medical clinic for gunshot wounds.

In Chikun County, the villages of Kuduru, Tawali, Unguwan Madaki and Katarma were attacked for five days by more than 200 herdsmen riding motorcycles and armed with AK-47s, Binniyat said.

Information available to us has it that in Tawali village, six persons were kidnapped, and nothing has been heard of them ever since, he said. The ECWA [Evangelical Church of West Africa] church in the village was not spared as it was burnt down completely. Also, a young lad, by name Ezra Bala, 16, who is a student of Government College, Kwoi, was shot dead in Kuduru village during the attack.

The gunmen on Jan. 8 attacked the Good Shepherd Major Catholic Seminary in Buwaya, kidnapping four seminarians, he said. In an attack on Badna, Guruku Ward of Chikun County, 40 people were kidnapped, including a Baptist pastor, the Rev. Samaila Yusuf, he said. Assailants also looted Rumana Gbagyi and Rumana Hausa villages, carting away livestock and other valuables, he said.

In Guruku Ward, Bademi community was ransacked and looted as the assailants killed Idi Halidu and kidnapped two other people, Binniyat said. In Unguwan Buji, they killed a person identified as Sani Buji, he said.

In a display of brazen impunity, they kidnapped 15 people and vanished into the bushes with them, he said. In nearby Maloma community, the invaders robbed and ransacked the village and burnt a large quantity of rice and other grains before disappearing into the unknown. All these happened in a span of four days without any response from any security agency.

The attacks that began Jan. 6 marked a new high in casualties following earlier attacks, rights leaders said. On Dec. 16, in Chidunu village near Maraban Rido in Chikun County, the attackers killed 40-year-old Raphael Ayuba, who was married with five children, Binniyat said. Also killed were Habila Auta, 40, who left behind a wife and two children, and Buhari Abubakar, a 41-year-old father of four.

From available information, the armed men went from house to house killing and maiming these hapless victims with no help coming from anywhere, Binniyat said. The spate of killings, kidnapping, arson, looting, raping and amounts paid in ransoms to these terrorists by our communities is traumatizing and impoverishing our people on a daily basis, making them susceptible to hunger and disease.

The Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) estimates that Christians have paid about 400 million naira (nearly US$1.1 million) to kidnappers as of Jan. 11, Binniyat said.

We are shocked with the way that the federal government and the government of Kaduna state seem to be overwhelmed by these cruel crimes. These defenseless victims and the affected communities are left to their own fate, in the hands of these blood thirsty militiamen, he said. It is sad that the same communities who are victims of these mass murders, kidnappings, arsons, lootings, rapings and other mindless evils are forced to pay their assailants huge sums to gain their freedom or that of their loved ones.

The attackers use the ransom money to purchase more arms and enlarge their operations against the next community, he said.

We fear that with the unchecked boldness that these heinous crimes against humanity are spreading, there is a systematic plan to wipe out our communities and take over our lands, Binniyat said.

Those wishing to help the displaced are urged to contact the Christian Association of Nigeria ([email protected]), the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union ([email protected]), and the Stefanos Foundation ([email protected])

Nigeria ranked 12th on Open Doors 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution but second in the number of Christians killed for their faith, behind Pakistan.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Pool
Mumbai: Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday asked Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to withdraw his ill-informed remarks that former prime minister Indira Gandhi met underworld donKarim Lala.

Deora, who is the former Union minister, described Gandhi as a true patriot who never compromised on India's national security.

Raut, whose party is part of the ruling alliance with the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra, on Wednesday claimed that Gandhi met Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to the early eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Deora said politicians should refrain from distorting legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security, he said in a tweet.

As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers, Deora further tweeted.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will repent if he continues a false campaign against Gandhi.

Noting that Raut often shares poetry of others, Nirupam said it will be better if the Shiv Sena leader focuses on entertaining Maharashtra with such poetic stuff.

It will be better if Shiv Sena's Mr Shayar (poet) focuses on entertaining Maharashtra by sharing light-hearted poetry of others. He will have to repent if he carries out false campaign against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhiji. He should withdraw the statement he gave about Indiraji yesterday, Nirupam tweeted in Hindi.

During an interview Raut claimed, When (underworld don) Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai).

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that he has always stood up for former prime minister Indira Gandhi whenever people have targeted her.

"The respect that I have always shown towards Indira Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and the Gandhi family, despite being in opposition, nobody has done it. Whenever people have targeted Indira Gandhi, I have stood up for her," said Raut.

"Many political people used to come to meet Karim Lala, times were different back then. He was a leader of the Pathan community, he had come from Afghanistan. So, people used to meet him over the problems faced by the Pathan community," he added.

His statement came a day after he claimed Indira Gandhi used to go and meet yesteryear don Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Lala operated in smuggling, narcotics, gambling, forced property evictions, and extortion rackets in Mumbai for over two decades. He died in 2002 at the age of 90.

The Shiv Sena leader also claimed that he has photographed the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim and has even threatened him.

"I have conducted a photo session of Dawood Ibrahim and others. There are a few people in the country who have seen and talked to Dawood Ibrahim. I have seen him, talked to him several times and even threatened him but that was a different time.
Medical and dental products distributor extends Medline reach in Quebec

NORTHFIELD, Ill., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline Industries, Inc. today is announcing the acquisition of Medi-Select, a Quebec City-based medical and dental supplies distributor to join its Medline Canada operations. The all-cash transaction closed on January 9, 2020 and gives Medline Canada top market share in the Quebec market.

Medi-Select will remain an independent division of Medline Canada through 2020, led by current President, Philippe Cantin who will report to Ernie Philip, President of Medline Canada. All current employees will continue in their current roles and responsibilities.

"Medi-Select and Medline have a shared focus on the customer, nimble distribution and entrepreneurial culture," said Ernie Philip. "By joining these two family-owned healthcare companies, we are able to build on a strong legacy of quality and customer service while creating more opportunities for our customers."

This is Medline's second acquisition in Quebec since 2018, a sign of the company's increasing dedication investment and growth in the Canadian market. Montreal-based Dufort and Lavigne previously was acquired by Medline in 2018, giving Medline a coast-to-coast distribution network in Canada for the first time.

Philip added that the greater resources of Medline and its larger distribution network are expected to create synergies with our existing Dufort and Lavigne business and accelerate growth of Medline's brand into the Quebec market.

"We are excited to become part of a company that feels much like our own," said Cantin. "Medi-Select will get the benefit of the long-term operational stability of a global business while maintaining our local business, team and culture. It's a win-win for our companies and for the local healthcare providers Medi-Select serves."

About Medline

Medline is a healthcare company: a manufacturer, distributor and solutions provider focused on improving the overall operating performance of healthcare. Medline works with both the country's largest healthcare systems and independent facilities across the continuum of care to provide the clinical and supply chain resources required for long-term financial viability in delivering high quality care. With the size of one of the country's largest companies and the agility of a family-owned business, Medline is able to invest in its customers for the long-term and rapidly respond with customized solutions. Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois. Medline has 24,000+ employees worldwide, a fleet of nearly 1,000 trucks and does business in more than 90 countries. Learn more about Medline at www.medline.com.

About Medline Canada

Medline Canada has operated since 2006 and is now a $520M operating unit of Medline. Medline Canada's 420 employees, including 100 dedicated sales and clinical professionals, serve the entire continuum of care across Canada.



About Medi-Select

With unparalleled service, and an extensive selection of high quality products, Medi-Select stands apart as a leader in dental and medical product sales and distribution, trusted and relied upon by our distinguished clients. We collaborate closely with manufacturers worldwide as a distributor of medical and dental supplies in Quebec and Eastern Canada. We strive for constant innovation in everything we do, constantly looking for ways to improve and find solutions to serve healthcare better.

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India and the United States will discuss Indias energy security and the Asian country buying increased volumes of U.S. crude oil when U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet later this year, Financial Express reported on Thursday, quoting a senior official.

President Trump is expected to visit India later this year, but no specific date has been set for the visit yet.

India has already boosted its imports of U.S. crude oil after the United States ended the waivers for Iranian oil customers when it stepped up the sanctions pressure on Irans regime last year.

India was until recently Irans second-largest oil customer after China, but the U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports made India stop purchases of oil from Iran as refiners did not want to risk secondary U.S. sanctions if they continue doing business with Tehran.

Earlier this month, three officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Hindustan Times that India plans to double the volume of its oil imports from the U.S. as it looks to reduce its over-reliance on imports from the Middle East.

Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were Indias largest oil suppliers in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, while Kuwait is also a big supplier of oil to India.

We are in talks with the US government and private oil firms as petroleum is an unregulated business in that country. We expect good rates and better terms from American firms that would compensate for our transportation costs. In return, we can offer them an assured market, one of the officials told Hindustan Times.

India, which relies on imports for more than 80 percent of its oil demand, will see its oil consumption grow at the fastest pace than any major economy in the world by 2040, as the country is becoming increasingly influential in global energy markets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
"I survived by sliding into a small gap between a dish cabinet and the wall," he said. "I'm happy to be alive." Seismologists said the earthquake's epicentre was 20 kilometres deep in the earths crust under the Inland Sea island of Awaji. At least 500 aftershocks hit Kobe during the day  50 strong enough in be felt  and seismologists warned that another big quake might be on the way. As fires raged out of control and aftershocks rocked the burning city, thousands of residents were stripping food and bottled water from shops and fleeing the city or taking refuge in public parks. Early estimates put the damage to thousands of houses, offices and public utilities in excess of $100 billion  the heaviest toll in Japan since 1948 when a quake killed 4000 people.

The Prime Minister, Mr Tomiichi Murayama, declared a state of emergency and planned to visit the region as soon as possible. He described the quake as the worst since the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which killed 140,000. "I pray that the souls of the deceased may rest in peace," said a sombre Mr Murayama. "The Government will do its utmost." Hospitals were choked and emergency services overwhelmed as fire engines, ambulances and water-tankers battled through rubble-strewn streets. In Kobe, more than 8000 houses were wrecked or burned and major buildings  including the eight storey city hall building  seriously damaged. Kobe's main street was closed off as demolition crews moved in on several buildings which were tilted at an alarming angle.

One of the many buildings knocked off its foundation. Credit:Sygma/Getty Image The elevated Hanshin expressway, the main road artery between Kobe and Osaka which carries hundreds of thousands of cars and trucks a day, had its back broken in at least three places when giant concrete pylons crumbled. Twenty cars plunged to earth with it, and at least three motorists were among the dead. On one section of the highway, a dozen heavy trucks lay on their sides with their loads spilled. I saw something like lightning and heard thunder,' said a survivor who had been driving along an elevated expressway which collapsed. "I thought 'oh no' and hit the brakes but it was too late, the car fell. It was terrifying." Another survivor who had been driving along the freeway said: "My car was thrown up in the air for about a metre, and then crashed. The next thing I knew, there was fire everywhere and people from a service station were dragging me from the car."

Twelve trains were derailed when the quake hit, but  miraculously  no casualties were reported. Two hundred skiers heading off for holiday walked away from their train which toppled on to its side. Other survivors spoke of watching the shock of the quake move along railway lines like a wave; of hiding in bed while their houses collapsed around them; and of listening helplessly to the screams of people trapped. Municipal authorities in Kobe issued urgent appeals for food, water, clothing and blankets last night, as thousands of people prepared for a night of sub-zero temperatures in commandeered halls around the city. Bodies were laid out in temporary morgues  28 in the city gymnasium, and another 26 in an historic temple at one stage. Weeping relatives queued to claim their dead. Firemen, reinforced by hundreds of firefighters who rushed to the scene from Tokyo, stood by helplessly after ruptured mains cut off the water, watching street after street of traditional Japanese tile-roofed wooden houses explode like fireworks.

Railway tracks were twisted by the earthquake and trains derailed. Credit:Sygma/Getty Image Late today more than 70 fires were still burning out of control in the Kobe area as the authorities broadcast warnings for them to flee the area. Elderly women, wrapped in pink blankets and wrapping hachimaki headbands around their hair  a Japanese gesture like rolling up your sleeves  sat looking stunned on footpaths and park benches throughout the city as the flames boiled skywards. Tens of thousands of residents cowered in parks. The Australian embassy in Tokyo said it had no information on any Australians killed or injured in the quake. A number of Australian companies, including Ansett, Qantas and the Australian Tourism Commission have staff and offices in Kobe or Osaka, and thousands of Australian tourists visit Kyoto and Nara.

The worst single toll was at the town of Takarazuka, halfway between Kobe and Osaka where a hospital collapsed, killing about 50 patients and staff. More than 100 troops were working under floodlights to rescue 38 of the 250 patients and staff still trapped in the rubble of a third hospital, the West Citizens' Hospital, more than 12 hours after the quake. People trapped in a five-storey office building which capsized on to its side were seen waving frantically for help six hours after the quake hit. Sheets were draped down the walls of a wrecked hotel where guests had apparently climbed to freedom. Rural Awajishima island, the epicentre of the quake, looked as if it had been bombed, with more than 100 houses reduced to piles of matchwood. By nightfall, volunteers had dragged eight bodies from the ruins and rescued more than 100 seriously injured people. The quake rocked neighboring Osaka. Japan's third largest city, as well as the ancient imperial capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the cities of Wakayama and Shwa.
BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 55ip , the investment strategy engine that empowers advisors to deliver tax-managed investment models powered by sophisticated quantitative capabilities, today announced a new integration with Schwab Advisor Services, providing a single sign-on (SSO) solution from 55ip platform directly to the Schwab Advisor Center (SAC) platform.

This integration connects 55ip to the Schwab Advisor Center, allowing mutual advisor-clients who custody with Schwab Advisor Services to access several sections of SAC directly from the 55ip platform. Additionally, Schwab exports client account information daily to 55ip, allowing an easier way for advisors to analyze and set up tax transitions and ongoing management for their client accounts.

This integration is also available for 55ip's recent partnership with BlackRock Model Portfolios , allowing advisors to leverage 55ip for tax aware transition of client portfolios into BlackRock Models with ongoing tax management and trading.

"55ip enables advisors to offer investment strategies across their client base, and our tax technology gives them unique capabilities to transition and managed accounts with intelligent automation. Through our integration with Schwab we potentially save RIAs time to focus on client relationships and growing their business," said Swati Bairathi, Chief Product Officer at 55ip.

"We're pleased to welcome 55ip Investment Strategy Engine to our growing integration ecosystem," said Kartik Srinivasan, Managing Director, Digital Product Management for Schwab Advisor Services. "Their technology enabling advisors to own and automate model building and tax management aligns well with our strategy to offer integrated solutions that help advisors better serve their clients."

About 55ip

55ip's investment strategy engine and platform allow advisors to both own and automate their investment strategies, fueling a differentiated value proposition while freeing critical time to focus on client relationships. With 55ip, advisors can incorporate sophisticated quantitative capabilities and scalable portfolio implementation into their practices, facilitating the entire investment management workflow from client-level strategy customization through trade execution. More information is available at https://www.55-ip.com .

55ip is the marketing name used for software licensed by 55 Institutional Partners, LLC, an investment technology developer, and for investment advisory services provided by 55I, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All advisory services are provided by 55I, LLC. 55ip does not guarantee future results.

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From building liquefied natural gas export terminals to accommodating the rise of renewables and boosting the adoption of electric vehicles, San Diego utility company Sempra Energy has big plans for Texas.

Sempra recently put its Cameron LNG export terminal in Louisiana into commercial service and has plans to build a similar facility about 90 miles east of Houston in Port Arthur.

Nearly a year after closing a $9.5 billion deal to buy an 80 percent stake in the Dallas-based electricity transmission and distribution company Oncor, Sempra also plans to tap into the states rapidly expanding market for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The company is also building a regional headquarters in Houston.

Brian Lloyd, a former executive director of the Texas Public Utility Commission and now Sempras top executive in Texas, spoke with Texas Inc. about the companys plans for the Lone Star State.

Q: Oncor. Port Arthur LNG. Sharyland Utilities. Does it seem like Sempra Energy is expanding pretty quickly here in Texas?

More Information Sempra Energy at a Glance Founded: 1998 Primary Business: Electric and natural gas utility company Headquarters: San Diego Annual Revenue: $11.7 billion Employees: 20,000 Customers: 40 million Geographic Footprint: United States and Mexico Texas Holdings: Oncor (Dallas) Port Arthur LNG (Port Arthur) Sempra LNG (Houston) Sharyland Utilities (McAllen) Source: U.S. Secruties and Exchange Commission Brian Lloyd at a Glance Title: Regional Vice President of External Affairs Home Base: Dallas Age: 44 Undergraduate: Louisiana State University (Economics) Graduate: University of Texas at Austin (Economics) Career Highlights: Deputy Director at the Office of Texas Governor Rick Perry Executive Director at the Public Utilities Commission of Texas Source: LinkedIn Sempra Energy Through The Years June 1998 - Sempra Energy created by the merger of Pacific Enterprises and Enova Corporation April 1999 - Sempra buys Chilquinta Energia in Chile October 1999 - Sempra buys Luz Del Sur in Peru June 2009 - Sempra begins operations at the Cameron LNG import terminal in Louisiana June 2014 - Federal officials issue Sempra a permit to build the Cameron LNG export terminal in Louisiana March 2018 - Sempra closes on nearly $9.5 billion deal to buy Dallas-based power line operator Oncor April 2019 - Federal officials issue Sempra a permit to build the Port Arthur LNG export terminal in Texas May 2019 - Oncor buys Dallas-based power line operator InfraREIT May 2019 - Sempra buys 50 percent stake in McAllen-based power line operator Sharyland Utilities August 2019 - Sempra begins commercial operations at the Cameron LNG export terminal in Louisiana October 2019 - Sempra sells Chilquinta Energia and Luz del Sur November 2019 - Groundbreaking ceremony for Port Arthur LNG Source: Sempra Energy; Houston Chronicle Archives See More Collapse

A: When you think about it, 24 months ago we had no significant investments in Texas. We started with the Oncor acquisition. The platform we now have in Texas fits into the next decade of where energy world if going. As a company, were integrating wind and solar power markets with Texas and California leading the United States. And what the abundance of the natural gas means is that the United States has the potential to become this energy exporter to the whole world.

Q: Why did Sempra Energy buy Oncor?

A: We often referred to Oncor as the crown jewel of the Texas energy industry. Electricity is the thing that powers every other part of your economy. And Oncor is the largest pure-play transmission distribution utility. Theres no generation. It doesnt have a retail function. Its focused solely on providing safe and reliable wires. That type of asset becoming available for sale was a once in a lifetime opportunity for whoever was going to be the buyer.

Q: What plans does Sempra have for Oncor?

A: Texas is unique as one of the few states where electricity demand continues to grow at a healthy pace. You see a lot growth in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and down the IH-35 corridor. In Midland and Odessa, you have a bunch of oil and gas wells that need to connect to the cheapest power grid in the world. And then you have these new wind and solar projects that need to connect to the grid. Oncor sits in all three of those areas of infrastructure thats where the investment needs are.

Q: Oncor builds and maintains power lines. Are there any new power plants coming?

A: A majority of whats going to get built in Texas to meet this new demand, is going to come from wind and solar. There will be some incremental natural gas that youll need to help integrate those renewables. About 90 percent of whats going to be built in this state in the next five years is going to be wind and solar, and thats going to be in West Texas.

Q: How much that business will Oncor be getting?

A: Oncor will be positioned to build a lot of the infrastructure to connect them locally to the grid. We have more wind power than other state. This year, 20 percent of the power on the grid will come from wind. A couple percent will be from solar  thats small, but growing fast. Then 10 percent nuclear. This year, Texas has a power grid that is 30 percent carbon free. Thats a remarkable thing when you think about the production of oil and gas. By 2025, were going to be nearly 50 percent carbon free.

Q: Oncor promotes the adoption of electric vehicles on its website. Does the company view them as a growth market?

A: You see electric vehicles in Houston, Austin and the Dallas area, but I think what well see first in Texas is the use of electric vehicles in fleets like Amazon or FedEx or other last-mile delivery. You can really see how fleets of electric vehicles help those companies meet sustainability goals. Think of them as being start-stop vehicles in a limited geographic area and then going back to a depot. Youre going to need a charging station installed there.

Q: So does that mean Oncor will build the charging stations? Or a third party?

A: Think of a fleet of 200 electric delivery trucks. Youre going to have to beef up the grid to handle that demand. But whether or not the utilities need to own the end-use customer station, I think jurys still out on that. There was this fascinating story where Rudys BBQ converted some of their their gas pumps into electric vehicle charging stations. It takes a little bit longer to charge your vehicle and that means you can eat more barbecue.

Q: What would mass adoption of electric vehicles mean for the power grid?

A: Youre actually shifting your peak demand to a time where youre going to have less solar power. It makes the case that you need a lot of natural gas generation continued on the system, because if you move rapidly to electric vehicles youre going to need something to power them at night. But thats one of the advantage of a competitive market. The market will evolve and figure that out.

Q: Would battery storage technology help with that?

A: Were fascinated by where on the transmission and distribution grid that batteries can help improve reliability. The Legislature and PUC continue to look at  and struggle with  determining whats the role for utilities. You want to make sure that utilities arent using batteries in a way that ends up distorting market signals. Thats the big fear for generators and its a legitimate fear.

Q: So thats the utility side of the business. What the latest on Port Arthur LNG?

A: Port Arthur phase one is fully permitted.

Q: How much of the plants production is sold? And when will Sempra be making a final investment decision?

A: Phase one will be 11 million tons per annum. Weve got preliminary agreements with Polands national oil and gas company to 2 million tons. We also have a preliminary agreement with Saudi Aramco Services where they will take 5 million tons but theyre also taking a 25 percent equity stake in the project. So that gets us to about 70 percent contracted. Weve got a little bit more to fill out. Were still looking at mid-2020 for a final investment decision.

Q: You said phase one. What are the other phases?

A: Port Arthur is a great site. It has the potential to host seven or eight liquefaction trains (or production units). Whether we get there or not, well see. It has the potential to be one of the largest export facilities in the United States, if not globally. Were permitted for two trains right now. We have two more in pre-filing right now. Again, if the markets get there, well go file for the additional trains as they come up. We think it would be a fantastic story for a community that was hard hit by Hurricane Harvey to become the nations natural gas export hub.

Q: What does all that mean for your operations here in Houston?

A: Our LNG business is going to be increasingly based in Houston as we move our five strategic projects forward. Houston is the energy capital of the world and this is where that business will increasingly be housed. We have about 100 people here in Houston right now, but as our projects move forward, likely to hire double that number or more in the coming years. These projects take years to build and billions of dollars. That will require some people, and theres no better place to find people who know the energy business batter than in Houston.
A meeting of the subgroups of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on the peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine has begun in Minsk.

The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus wrote this on its Twitter account today, January 16.

"A meeting of the working subgroups of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine is taking place in Minsk, the report reads.

A meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group is also scheduled for today.

On January 14, Ukraine's representative in the TCG Leonid Kuchma met with Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the TCG Heidi Grau. They discussed the agenda of the first TCG meeting in 2020, which is scheduled for January 16.

ish
Berlin (AFP) - The Berlin villa which hosted the 1942 Wannsee Conference, at which top Nazi officials finalised plans for the Holocaust, will on Sunday launch a new permanent exhibition aimed at attracting more visitors.

The House of the Wannsee Conference has been open as a memorial since 1992, but organisers hope the revamped exhibition will increase awareness of how Adolf Eichmann and fellow Nazis planned the extermination of Europe's Jews.

At a press conference on Thursday, museum director Hans-Christian Jasch said the new exhibition aimed "to attract a wider audience", in particular among pupils at Berlin schools.

"Until now, the average duration of a visit has been 30 minutes... We are aiming for visitors to stay between 60 and 90 minutes," he added.

The previous exhibition, which was largely text-based, has been reworked entirely to become more didactic and interactive, Jasch said.

Museum directors also underlined the importance of efforts to increase Holocaust awareness against a backdrop of recent "discussions over anti-Semitism and racism" in Germany, he said.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Hungarian Holocaust survivor Eva Fahidi will attend Sunday's unveiling ceremony.

Located on the shores of the Wannsee lake just southwest of the German capital, the lavish villa was the site of a notorious meeting of 15 high-ranking Nazi officials on January 20, 1942.

Led by security chief Reinhard Heydrich and recorded by fellow SS officer Eichmann, the meeting formalised the technical, administrative and economic details of what was dubbed "the final solution to the Jewish question".

At his trial in Jerusalem in 1961, Eichmann told the court that the participants had been served "by butlers with cognac and other drinks" as they plotted the genocide.

The Nazis killed six million Jews in the Holocaust -- more than a third of the world's Jewish population at the time.

Jews from all over Europe were systematically deported from mid-1942 to six death camps: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor and Treblinka.

The opening of the new exhibition at Wannsee has been timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the camps.
New Delhi: New Delhi on Thursday confirmed it would invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Governm-ment meeting that will be hosted by India later this year, possibly in October or November.

The Shanghai Coopera-tion Organisation (SCO) is an eight-member Cen-tral Asian Grouping that comprises China, Kazakh-stan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbek-istan and Pakistan. India and Pakistan became SCO members in 2017. India will be hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting later this year. The meeting is held annually at the Prime Ministers level and it discusses the SCOs programme of multilateral economic cooperation as per the established practice and procedure within the SCO. All eight members of SCO as well as four observers states and other international dialogue partners will be invited, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

But there is speculation that the Pakistan PM may choose to send a senior minister instead if he is not keen on attending the meeting in view of the dismal state of Indo-Pakistan ties.

Sources said it was too early to say whether the Pakistan PM would attend or not, given that there was still about nine months to go for the SCO meeting in a situation wherein even a week is a long time in Indo-Pak ties.

New Delhi has always maintained it will continue to stand by its multilateral commitments. Ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has been deteriorating since 2016.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) provided more than $70 billion in financing to support the multifamily market in 2019, the highest volume in the history of its Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) program. Fannie Mae continues to build a broad and diverse investor base, while providing financing that meets the needs of our customers in all multifamily market segments in the United States.

"Our DUS program is well positioned to support the secondary market and play a key role as a stable source of liquidity for rental housing and underserved communities," said Jeffery Hayward, Executive Vice President of Multifamily, Fannie Mae. "Our goal is to build a profitable and sustainable book of business while continuing to provide support for the market."

Fannie Mae's Green mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issuances increased 13 percent to $22.8 billion in 2019, totaling $75 billion since the program's inception in 2010. Fannie Mae Green MBS can be backed by green certified properties or properties targeting a significant reduction in energy or water consumption.

Fannie Mae broadened the sources of liquidity available to the market in 2019 with its Multifamily Credit Risk Transfer (MCRT) program, which mitigates credit risk by transferring a portion of its risk to reinsurers and investors and increasing the role of private capital in the multifamily market.

"We want to thank our DUS lender partners for an outstanding 2019. Together, we supported all market segments and built a portfolio of mission-rich business," said Rob Levin, Senior Vice President for Multifamily Customer Engagement, Fannie Mae. "Our Multifamily Affordable Housing volume rose over 20 percent to $7.2 billion, demonstrating our firm commitment to the preservation of affordable housing for families across the country."

The following top 10 DUS Lenders produced the highest business volumes in 2019. Also listed below are the Top 5 Lender rankings for highest volumes in 2019 for Multifamily Affordable Housing, Small Loans, Green Financing, Seniors Housing, Structured Transactions, Manufactured Housing Communities, and Student Housing:

Top 10 Producers in 2019 Volume ($Billion) 1. Walker & Dunlop, LLC $8.5 2. CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc. $7.2 3. Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital $6.6 4. Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC $5.8 5. Greystone Servicing Company LLC $5.6 6. PGIM Real Estate Finance $5.0 7. Capital One, National Association $4.4 8. KeyBank National Association $3.5 9. Arbor Commercial Funding I, LLC $3.3 10. Newmark Knight Frank $3.1

Top 5 DUS Producers for Multifamily Affordable Housing in 2019

Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital Greystone Servicing Company LLC Jones Lang LaSalle Multifamily, LLC KeyBank National Association CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc.

Top 5 DUS Producers for Small Loans in 20191

Arbor Commercial Funding I, LLC Greystone Servicing Company LLC Hunt Real Estate Capital Walker & Dunlop, LLC Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC

Top 5 DUS Producers for Green Financing in 20192

Walker & Dunlop, LLC Greystone Servicing Company LLC CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc. Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC M&T Realty Capital Corporation

Top 5 DUS Producers for Seniors Housing in 2019

CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc. Capital One, National Association Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC M&T Realty Capital Corporation PNC Real Estate

Top 5 DUS Producers for Structured Transactions in 2019

CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc. Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital Capital One, National Association PGIM Real Estate Finance KeyBank National Association

Top 5 DUS Producers for Manufactured Housing Communities in 2019

Walker & Dunlop, LLC PNC Real Estate Hunt Real Estate Capital Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital, LLC Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital

Top 5 DUS Producers for Student Housing in 2019

Capital One, National Association Walker & Dunlop, LLC Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC CBRE Multifamily Capital, Inc. PGIM Real Estate Finance

Listed below are 2019 production highlights for individual business categories, which are included in the total multifamily production number.

Affordable Housing  $7.8 billion , comprised of $7.2 billion in Multifamily Affordable Housing (for rent-restricted properties and properties receiving other federal and state subsidies), an increase of 21 percent from $6.0 billion in 2018; and $629 million for properties with rent restrictions between 60 percent and 80 percent area median income

, comprised of in Multifamily Affordable Housing (for rent-restricted properties and properties receiving other federal and state subsidies), an increase of 21 percent from in 2018; and for properties with rent restrictions between 60 percent and 80 percent area median income Small Loans 1  $4.8 billion

 Green Financing 2  $22.8 billion , an increase of 13 percent from $20.1 billion in 2018

 , an increase of 13 percent from in 2018 Student Housing  $2.7 billion

Structured Transactions  $8.6 billion

Seniors Housing  $3.1 billion , an increase of 35 percent from $2.3 billion in 2018

, an increase of 35 percent from in 2018 Manufactured Housing Communities  $2.5 billion

1Small Loans are defined as loans of $6 million or less nationwide and loans for properties with 5-50 units.

2Green Loans are defined as loans for properties with Green Building Certifications or loans targeting a 30 percent reduction or more in energy or water consumption, inclusive of at least 15 percent energy reduction consumption.

**Due to rounding, amounts reported may not add up to overall totals.

Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the home buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit fanniemae.com and follow us on twitter.com/FannieMae.

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[January 16, 2020] GlobalWebIndex Adds 4 New Partners to Support Global Expansion

GlobalWebIndex, the leading supplier of audience insights to the global marketing industry, today announces the addition of four new partners to support corporate growth and client needs in key regions of GlobalWebIndex's 46 market reach. Partners will provide regional support to customers and prospects looking to leverage GlobalWebIndex's global survey representing more than 2 billion connected consumers to influence their business outcomes and campaign successes. GlobalWebIndex's clients in Greece, Egypt, Morocco, Romania, South Africa, Italy, Brazil and the UAE now have the ability to engage locally with fully trained and enabled representatives of the platform via agency partners: Tailwind, YouKnow, The Fool and Wild Tiger Marketing. Prospective clients can engage directly with these local representatives, allowing for faster service and regionally-informed guidance for research and campaign development. "Bringing these four partners on board is an instrumental step in allowing GloblWebIndex to continue making strides in market expansion," says Tom Smith (News - Alert), Founder and CEO of GlobalWebIndex. "We believe in the value of harnessing a deep understanding of niche audiences anywhere in the world to inform targeted campaigns, and our partners enable our clients to do this with local access and expertise."



"Working with partners was a natural next step for us to bring leading audience data to local markets" says Sebastian Hedencrona, Chief Revenue Officer of GlobalWebIndex. "Our unique insight into both global and local audiences bridges an essential gap for businesses of every shape and size, and it's generating demand from all corners of the world. Our partners are a crucial component for us to serve these needs at a local level."

For more information on the GlobalWebIndex partner program visit https://www.globalwebindex.com/partners. About GlobalWebIndex GlobalWebIndex is a market research company that provides audience insight across 46 countries to the world's largest brands, marketing agencies and media organizations. The company runs a global survey representing more than 2 billion connected consumers, which it leverages to create over 40,000 data points on the behaviors and perceptions of internet users around the world. Clients including Twitter, Google (News - Alert), Spotify, WPP, IPG and Omnicom Group can gather in-depth insights into audience behaviors, perceptions and interests through a combination of survey and analytics data using the GlobalWebIndex platform. Now featuring a TV reach and frequency solution that's improving how international campaigns are measured, advertisers can target previously untapped audiences. Its newly-launched B2B data set signifies an expansion of its profiling capabilities to include working professionals across 10 global markets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005193/en/

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Martha Kalifatidis struggled to keep her ample assets contained while donning a skimpy pink bikini earlier this week.

But on Thursday, the 31-year-old opted to do away with a top altogether while enjoying a romantic break with boyfriend, Michael Brunelli.

Taking to Instagram, Martha showed herself sans bikini top on Whitehaven beach, wearing nothing but a pair of leopard print G-string bikini bottoms.

Racy: Martha Kalifatidis (right) went topless when she stripped down to just a zebra print G-string while relaxing on Whitehaven beach with boyfriend Michael Brunelli (left) on Thursday

The makeup artist appeared to not have a care in the world on the picturesque beach, soaking up the sun alongside her hunky boyfriend.

The couple were clearly in high spirits, as they engaged in a passionate smooch session together.

The Melbourne-based star wore a black cowboy hat, and a pair of semi-transparent designer shades on the beach.

Romance: 'Ded @ how scared Michael was of everything on the beach. Even the flies,' Martha captioned the clip, in which she was kissing Michael

Appearing to be in a playful mood, Martha joked how Michael was bothered by the flies on the beach.

'Ded @ how scared Michael was of everything on the beach. Even the flies,' she captioned the clip.

Martha has been living the luxe life at Hamilton Island this week, with her happily flaunting her head-turning physique in a number of skimpy bikinis.

Dressed for success: Martha has been parading around in a number of skimpy bikinis this week, while holidaying in Hamilton Island

The beauty took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday to display her swimwear while holidaying on the island.

Posing in a number of videos, the brunette beauty turned back and forth, modelling her scant bikini top.

The metallic fabric struggled to contain the reality star's ample bust, with visible underboob tantalising the eye.

She wore a pair of loose white pants with the swimwear, and a black cowboy hat sat atop her head.

Nice spot! 'So, woke up to this. Paradise here,' she said in one video, panning down to her view of the beach from her high rise hotel room earlier this week

Despite being ready to enjoy a beach day, Martha had on a full face of makeup and her hair was straightened.

'So, woke up to this. Paradise here,' she said in one video, panning down to her view of the beach from her high rise hotel room.

She added: 'There's a spot right there with my name on it!' while zooming in on a patch of pristine white sand.

Throwback! It comes days after Martha shared a rare glimpse of what she looked like before undergoing a breast augmentation, nose job and lip fillers. Pictured left in 2012; right in 2019

It comes days after Martha shared a rare glimpse of what she looked like before undergoing a breast augmentation, nose job and lip fillers.

She has previously admitted her nose was her 'biggest insecurity' before tweaking it at the age of 22, and once compared herself pre-surgery to Shrek.
The first Session of India-Norway Dialogue on Trade & Investment (DTI) was convened in New Delhi on 15-16 January, 2020. The session was based on the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed between India and Norway on 8th January, 2019 in New Delhi, during the visit of Prime Minister of Norway. This was the first meeting after the signing of DTI. The first Session was preceded by an industry interaction on 15th January, 2020 with the representatives from Indian industry, where discussions were held on various areas of mutual interest likeblue economy, shipping & maritime, ICT, renewable energy, fisheries and MSME. Both sides exchanged views on investment opportunities available in the respective countries as also the facilitations being extended by respective Governments for creating attractive investment environments.

Presentations were also made by the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and Invest India.Representatives from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),fisheries,ICT, renewable energy, electrical equipment, IT and solar energy sectors participated in the industry interaction. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Economic Affairs highlighted various policy initiatives of the Government for promoting investment in the country.

Cumulative FDI equity inflows to India from Norway during April, 2000 to September, 2019 were around USD257 million. While economic exchanges between India and Norway remain satisfactory, there are ample opportunities for further intensification and diversification in mutually beneficial areas and their complementarities. Both sides noted that the dynamic nature of commercial exchange between the two countries will result in increasing number of companies interested in establishing and gaining access to the markets in India and Norway.

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The so-called uprising in JNU involved boycotting classes, not allowing faculty members to enter their laboratories, blocking ambulance service for an ailing Dean.

We have been told, all along, that the Left-backed student uprising in JNU is over a rise in fees.

This so-called uprising involved boycotting classes, not allowing faculty members to enter their laboratories, blocking ambulance service for an ailing Dean, holding a female associate Dean hostage for 30 hours, attacking the houses of wardens in the night, abusing and threatening their families, intimidating children or beating up students keen on registering themselves to continue with their studies.

Theres an argument that the entire controversy was a manufactured one since there has been no rise in tuition fees except a rise in charges for hostel services. VC Jagadesh Kumar has claimed in an interview that such a rise became inevitable after the UGC refused to fund the expenditure.

The administration rolled back the hike partially and gave concessions to students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds ) but the uprising went on. It is worth noting here that the government spends Rs 6.95 lakh per year of taxpayers money for each JNU student.

To sum up, some students at JNU, backed by a section of teachers, have been creating continuous unrest in the university, arresting academic activities, preventing new students from getting registered and indulging in thuggery, all because of a hike that was questionable to begin with, and has since been rolled back.

At this stage, the motivation of the protesting Leftist students and their backers become questionable. Things become a little clearer when we find president of Leftist JNU Students Union (JNUSU) Aishe Ghosh  whose role during the recent campus violence has come under the spotlight (she was brutally injured herself)  linking the protests in JNU (ostensibly over fee hike and then over CAA) with what has been happening in Kashmir.

JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh outside Jamia Millia Islamia: Hum is ladai mein Kashmir ka pichha aur unki baat nahi bhul sakte. Unke sath jo ho raha hai, kahin na kahin wahin se is sarkar ne shuru kiya tha ki hamare samvidhan ko hamse chheena jaye. pic.twitter.com/nnfnUQGjWx  ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2020

[Translation: In this battle, we cannot forget Kashmir. What is happening to them, the government started snatching our Constitution from there].

What has been happening in Kashmir? Is it anything illegal, immoral? Does it involve breaking of international law? Has the Constitution been violated?

Abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir was a sovereign decision taken through the due parliamentary process by a democratically elected government in Indias representative democracy on an issue that is internal to India. The move thus has constitutional ratification and enjoys popular appeal. To protest against this in itself is unconstitutional, invoking the Constitution while doing so is morally perverse.

Raising slogans of azadi on the JNU campus is one thing, connecting it to the Kashmir issue where the Indian State is fighting battles of separatism and cross-border terrorism for decades is quite another. It undermines Indias sovereign rights and legitimacy over Kashmir. This has implications for national security and places the Left leadership  that uses students as cannon fodder  squarely against the interests of Indian State.

This, however, is not unexpected from the Left which is struggling as a political force in Indias multi-party democracy but continues to carry out politics by proxy by weaponsing its hold over Indias premier academic institutions. This is not an Indian phenomenon either. The Left has proved adept worldwide at making institutions of higher education (specifically the humanities and liberal arts) their fortresses where only one kind of ideas are propagated and there is no tolerance for dissenting opinion or conservative viewpoints.

The Left and its liberal allys greatest sleight of hand lies in the fact that they unleash their reactionary authoritarianism while claiming to fight against it. And an unquestioning media, where Leftist influence remains prevalent, give them a wide rope.

The JNUSU has issued a diktat that all academic activities in JNU shall remain suspended unless its demand  the removal of the V-C  is met. In other words, if the JNU administration does not give in to its blackmailing tactics, then the administration is fascist a term Leftists use at will. Note how the Left turns the onus of their violent behavior on the victims instead of the perpetrators.

This, as author James Lindsay has explained in Quillete, is rooted in leftist academic social theory, which has blurred the distinction between word and action for decades. Under a prevalent view that has emerged from universities in recent years, a wrong opinion is seen as tantamount to a thrown punch or even an indication of a willingness to genocidewhich invites the idea that an offended party who throws a real punch (or worse) is simply acting in self-defence.

This is how Left distinguishes between violence. Violence by Leftists is morally justifiable and the onus for it lies on victims, while violence unleashed against them is unacceptable. This also indicates a kind of moral absolutism that is inevitable when places for learning and debates become homogenous and sanctified. Once again, India is merely mirroring the Western trend.

In the United States, a 2005 survey indicated that there was only one Republican sociology professor in the humanities for every 40 Democrat professors. This is also a denial of platform, and the Left does it meticulously to maintain its hold over academic institutions. The New York Times has quoted a study as saying that one-third of social psychologists admitted that if choosing between two equally qualified job candidates, they would be inclined to discriminate against the more conservative candidate.

The end result of this forced homogeneity is that students, exposed to only the Leftist school of thought, are imprisoned in a small, homogenous cultural universe where competing ideas have no space. This finds reflection in the students interaction with the wider world and they become intolerant of dissenting ideas and notions.

Swapan Dasgupta, Rajya Sabha member and noted intellectual from the Right, was recently locked up in a room for seven hours by protesting Leftist students at the Santiniketan campus of Visva Bharati University in West Bengal. The SFI members refused to allow Dasgupta to commence his lecture on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

This campus censorship is as rampant in the US as it is in India where conservative thinkers are regularly denied space for airing their views. So intolerant are these so-called progressives that they prevent the governor of a state from entering the campus during a convocation ceremony, as Bengals Jadavpur University did, and even rusticate the chancellor for holding political views different than theirs.
Photo: Peter Sciortinos Bakery/Yelp

Wondering where to find the best bakeries near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable bakeries in Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.

1. Peter Sciortino's Bakery

Photo: Peter Sciortinos Bakery/Yelp

Topping the list is Peter Sciortino's Bakery. Located at 1101 E. Brady St. in Lower East Side, the bakery is the highest-rated cheap bakery in Milwaukee, boasting 4.5 stars out of 87 reviews on Yelp. Products include cookies, cakes and pastries, according to the website.

The site can tell you a thing or two more about Peter Sciortino's Bakery.

"Our bakery was opened in 1946 by Peter and Grace Sciortino," per the history section of the business's Yelp profile. "In 1997 the business was sold to the Vella family. Long-time employees of the Sciortino family, Maria, Joe and Luigi have continued to run the business in the tradition of the Sciortino's and have added new products over the years to continue with the times."

Curious about who's behind the business?

"Maria has been a part of the bakery since the age of 13," the business notes in the bio section of its Yelp profile. "Now in her 30th year as an employee and 19th year as an owner. Maria loves to see her regular customers on a daily basis and continues to see the business grow."

2. Amaranth Bakery & Cafe

photo: amaranth bakery & cafe/yelp

Next up is Walnut Hill's Amaranth Bakery & Cafe, situated at 3329 W. Lisbon Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 65 reviews on Yelp, the bakery and cafe, which offers soups and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a low-priced option. Look for quiche, chicken pot pie and cinnamon pecan rolls on the menu.

The site has lots more information on Amaranth Bakery & Cafe.

"Amaranth Bakery & Cafe opened in 2006 in the Walnut Hill neighborhood of Milwaukee with one goal in mind  create a gathering place where people in their community could congregate to relax, work and visit with one another," the business says in the history section of its Yelp profile. "Even their sourdough starter was born here in the neighborhood! They've loved every second they've gotten to spend with their awesome patrons so far, and they're looking forward to many more years of made-from-scratch memories ahead."

Story continues

Interested so far?

"Amaranth opened in 2006 and is run by David Boucher and his wife, Stephanie Shipley, who does all the baking," according to the bio section of the business's Yelp profile. "Artisan-style baked goods are their specialty, and so is hospitality. The love they have for their community shines through in every interaction they have with their patrons."

3. Blooming Lotus Bakery

Photo: Lico J./Yelp

Northpoint's Blooming Lotus Bakery, located at 2215 E. North Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable bakery, which offers desserts, cupcakes and more, 4.5 stars out of 58 reviews. On the menu, look for blueberry lemon muffins and pumpkin gingerbread muffins.

The site has lots more information on Blooming Lotus Bakery.

"Grain-Free Dairy-Free Egg-Free Processed Sugar-Free Soy-Free," it notes on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties.

4. Canfora Bakery

Photo: Tina S./Yelp

Canfora Bakery, a bakery, is another cheap go-to, with four stars out of 65 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1100 E. Oklahoma Ave. to see for yourself. Menu items include pies, rolls and danishes.

If you're curious for more, we found these details about Canfora Bakery.

"Canfora Bakery in Milwaukee is serving up delicious lunch specials and provides a full-service bakery," it states on Yelp in the section about specialties. "Purchase fresh baked bread, cookies, cakes, treats and order your wedding cake for a taste your guests won't forget! Be sure to stop in and visit our deli where you will find daily lunch soup and sandwich specials, along with our beautiful bakery counter where you can experience a great variety of our pastries, cookies and breads."

5. Lopez Bakery & Restaurant

Photo: Beth P./Yelp

Over in Historic Mitchell Street, check out Lopez Bakery & Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 14 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the bakery, which offers desserts and more, by heading over to 1100 W. Historic Mitchell St. Don't miss the sweet bread and cherry pockets.

The site has lots more information about Lopez Bakery & Restaurant.

"Mexican bakery and restaurant. Family-owned since 1973. Dine-in or carry out," it writes on Yelp in the section about specialties.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Authorities of China's Wuhan Admit New Coronavirus Can Transmit Human-to-Human

Sputnik News

07:03 15.01.2020

BEIJING (Sputnik) - The health authorities of the Wuhan city in the central Chinese province of Hubei have admitted that human-to-human transmission of the newly registered type of coronavirus is a possibility to not be ruled out despite no explicit evidence available at the moment.

"Tests have not found any explicit evidence of the virus' human-to-human transmission at the moment. The possibility of human-to-human transmission is not ruled out but the risk of human-to-human transmission is relatively low," the authorities said in a statement.

Among 41 confirmed cases, there are members of the same family: a husband, who worked at a local seafood market  the suspected hotbed of the virus  and then a wife, who refuted visiting the market.

On Tuesday, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of the World Health Organization's emerging diseases unit, said that the virus could have limited human-to-human transmission but spread fast.

The unknown kind of viral pneumonia was reported from Wuhan in early January. The infected individuals reportedly display symptoms typical of pneumonia and other acute respiratory diseases. It prompted fears on the Internet that the nation might be experiencing a return of the SARS, an epidemic that had claimed more than 600 lives in China throughout 2002-2003.

Last week, the epidemic was confirmed to be a new type of coronavirus. On Saturday, China confirmed the first lethal case in Wuhan.

 Sputnik

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Egypt's State Information service (SIS) issued a statement on Thursday saying that the Cairo office of Turkish state news agency Anadolu was raided by police because the agency had no legal presence in the country.

The SIS listed the history and legal status of the Anadolu office in Egypt since the 1990s, and said it had been operating illegally in Egypt since 2013.

"Anadolu had one accredited correspondent in Cairo in the early 1990s, and he was deported from the country at the time for his implication in a smuggling case between Egypt and Turkey," said the SIS, adding that in 2010, Anadolu opened an office in Cairo after receiving accreditation.

Foreign media bodies and figures must register with the SIS, which oversees foreign media in Egypt, in order to receive accreditation to operate in Egypt legally.

In 2012, Anadolu submitted a request to convert its Cairo office into a regional office that included 42 reporters, photographers and technicians, according to the SIS.

"In 2013, due to violations committed by Anadolus Cairo crew in the aftermath of the 30 June revolution, the competent authorities shut down their office on 29 August 2013, and as of this date the Anadolu Agency has no legal presence in Egypt," said the SIS statement, adding that all attempts made by the Turkish embassy in Egypt to accredit the agency's reporters were rejected.

"This refusal is an exercise of the guaranteed sovereignty rights of every country on its territory," it said.

"Turkeys official statements reveal the fact that the [Anadolu staff in Cairo] were playing a role within the framework of aggressive Turkish policies against Egypt which in turn constitutes a violation of Egyptian law," the SIS said.

"The SIS refutes these fallacies and assures the foreign correspondents accredited and residing in Egypt that it is keen on preserving freedom of the press, and further reaffirms its commitment to internationally recognised professional rules of conduct of journalistic work, which is guaranteed to everyone who adheres to the rules of accreditation and the established procedures," the SIS concluded in its statement.

Egyptian police raided on Wednesday the Anadolu office illegally operating in Cairo, arresting four of its staff members including a Turkish national, according to a statement by Egypt's interior ministry.

Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the raid in a statement saying the action "reveals the negative approach of the Egyptian administration towards freedom of the press," while criticising Cairo's democratic record. The ministry summoned the Egyptian charge d'affaires in Ankara over the matter and demanded the immediate release of its detained staff.

The Egyptian foreign ministry responded by saying it "categorically rejects" the remarks against what it stressed were legal measures taken in dealing with "illegal Turkish electronic media committees in Egypt."

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By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, on Thursday, withdrew his statement about late Prime Minister Indira Gandhis meetings with underworld don Karim Lala in Mumbai after there were strong reactions from within the Congress about the statement and also the BJP tried to pin Congress over the issue.



If someone feels my statement has hurt Indira Gandhis image, or someones feelings, I take it back, Raut said as he announced withdrawal of his statement which he had made during his interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday.



Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (area of South Mumbai), Raut had said during while describing his experiences as a crime reporter in Mumbai in 1980s.



In the past, I have taken her (Gandhis) side and argued with people who tried to malign her image. In such cases, some Congress leaders had remained silent, Raut said today as he withdrew the statement.



Senior Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam took to tweeter on Thursday morning asking Raut to withdraw his ill-informed remarks.



Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on India's national security. As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers, Deora said in his tweets.



Another former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will repent if he continues a false campaign against Gandhi.



Maharashtra Pradesh Congress President Balasaheb Thorat expressed satisfaction that Raut withdrew his statement while adding that any repetition of any such things in future wont be tolerated by the Congress.

ALSO READ | Crack in MVA? Congress asks Sanjay Raut to withdraw 'underworld' remarks against Indira Gandhi

The BJP, meanwhile, tried to pin Congress over Rauts remarks asking whether underworld fund Congress?



Sanjay Raut has made major expos about late PM Indira Gandhi. Why was she visiting Mumbai and whether the Congress was funded by the underworld of Mumbai? Was it the beginning of criminalization of politics? Was the Congress in need of muscle power to win elections in those days? former CM Devendra Fadnavis asked.



Fadnavis quoted Raut as saying that underworld dons Chhota Shakeel and Dawood Ibrahim used to decide who would be the commissioner of police, as well as postings in Mantralaya (state secretariat), and said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi should be answering these questions.



Did the Congress support those who attacked Mumbai? Why is the Congress not coming out with an explanation? Fadnavis, who is now leader of opposition in state Assembly sought to know.



Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to the early eighties.



Sensing that the controversy is building over his remarks about meetings between Gandhi and Lala, Raut initially tried to say that his comments were twisted by those unaware of Mumbai's history.



Karim Lala was leader of Pathan community, he led an organisation called Pakhtun-e-Hind. It was in this capacity of the leader of Pathan community that he met several top leaders including Indira Gandhi. However, those who do not (know) the history of Mumbai, are twisting my statement, Raut said in a tweet on Thursday morning.



Rauts statement came on the day when Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray met Rahul Gandhi at his residence in New Delhi and two days after the Sena skipped a crucial opposition meet in Parliament complex.
A grazier who took on the big banks now wants foreigners banned from buying up mature Australian farmland as the Chinese buy bigger stakes in Barossa Valley wineries.

John Williams spent years pushing for a banking royal commission as a Nationals senator for New South Wales.

Now the sheep farmer from Inverell, in the state's north, wants foreign businesses banned from buying up Australian agricultural land, unless they develop it.

A grazier who took on the big banks now wants foreigners banned from buying up mature Australian farmland as the Chinese buy bigger stakes in South Australian vineyards (pictured is Kilikanoon in the Clare Valley)

John Williams spent years pushing for a banking royal commission as a Nationals senator for New South Wales

'If you can't prove you can do that, you should not be allowed to buy the place,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'There's one threshold, a simple threshold: when you're a foreigner and you want to buy land here in Australia - farmland whether it be wineries, dairy or whatever - you show us how you're going to increase production, increase output, increase exports, increase GDP, increase jobs, increase tax take for Canberra.'

Two years ago, China's Changyu Pioneer Wine Company bought an 80 per cent stake in Kilikanoon Wines, based in South Australia's Clare Valley.

Chinese business interests already own an estimated 10 per cent of nearby Barossa Valley vineyards and are possibly eyeing other wineries from the McLaren Vale on the other side of Adelaide to the Margaret River in Western Australia and the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne.

Two years ago, China's Changyu Pioneer Wine Company bought an 80 per cent stake in Kilikanoon Wines, based in South Australia's Clare Valley

Mr Williams feared Australians could soon end up paying more for wine as Chinese vineyard owners exported more of their produce - leaving little for the domestic market.

'If they take huge supplies out of the market, back to their country, of course that reduces the supply for domestic market - prices will go up for sure,' he said.

A growing Chinese middle-class market for wines meant Australian agricultural assets, like vineyards, were regarded as lucrative targets.

'If China gets bigger, a Communist country, they're also a very capitalist country - they'll make money everywhere they can,' Mr Williams said.

'They'll buy what they can to make money, I've done business with them.'

The Foreign Investment Review Board has the power to block foreign purchases of agricultural land if the transaction is worth more than $15million.

Chinese business interests already own an estimated 10 per cent of nearby Barossa Valley vineyards and are possibly eyeing other wineries from the McLaren Vale on the other side of Adelaide to the Margaret River in Western Australia and the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne

The threshold for foreign interests to buy an agricultural business is $55 million.

While China is Australia's largest trading partner, it is only the second largest owner of agricultural land.

The UK has the greatest ownership of Australian farmland, at 2.6 per cent, followed by China's 2.3 per cent.

Georg Chmiel, the executive chairman of Chinese international property website Juwai IQI, said foreign investment created jobs.

'Foreign companies are investing in infrastructure, jobs, and improvements and are paying taxes here in Australia for agricultural work,' he said.

'Australia's economy just doesn't have the capital to fund all this investment without offshore help.

'If you took away foreign investment, most likely land prices and agricultural output would would fall sharply and bush communities would suffer.'
GRANTS PASS, Ore.  Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) had an elementary school go into "lock-out" procedures while they searched for a suspect on Tuesday morning, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

Fruitdale Elementary School was placed on lock-out around 10 a.m. that morning. According to the Sheriff's Office, the measure was a precaution while deputies searched the area for a "high risk felony suspect."

"To complete the 'lock out' procedure, school officials kept everyone inside, locked the exterior doors, and continued the day as usual," the agency said. "The subject of the search was taken into custody without incident."

Sheriff's Office personnel stationed themselves at the school during the lock out. The agency said that there was never any threat to students or staff within the school.

"JCSO officials would like to thank Fruitdale Elementary School staff and parents for their teamwork and assistance during this situation," the Sheriff's Office said.
The deal was signed by representatives of Bru, the central, Tripura and Mizoram governments in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah (Photo Credit: PTI File)

New Delhi:

More than 30,000 displaced Bru tribals from Mizoram, who have been living as refugees in Tripura since 1997, will permanently settle in Tripura and an agreement was signed in this effect on Thursday. The deal was signed by representatives of Bru, the central, Tripura and Mizoram governments in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at North Block.

Under the agreement, over 30,000 Bru tribals will live in Tripura permanently, Shah said.

The Bru tribals have been staying in Tripura in different relief camps after they fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes between Bru and Mizo communities.

An agreement signed in July 2018 for repatriation of the Bru tribals to Mizoram did not materialise as majority of the community members refused to go back to Mizoram. So far, only 328 families have returned and settled in Mizoram.

"A 23-year-old problem, which has been lingering for so long, has reached its logical conclusion. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have been solving one after another complicated problem," Shah said.

Under the pact, Rs 4 lakh will be given to each Bru family in a fixed deposit account, Rs 5,000 per month for two years, a plot of land in Tripura and ration for two years. For all such assistance, the central government will provide Rs 600 crore.

"The Bru people, who have been living in sub-human conditions in different camps, can now live in their own homes permanently. They will enjoy equal rights of any Indian living in Tripura with voting rights. They will now live honourably," Shah said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma besides Tripura royal scion Pradyot Deb Barman were present at the event.

Sarma, who was a key person in hammering out a solution between the Bru people and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram, said the conflict resolution exercise has been going on in the Northeastern region and Thursday's agreement was part of it.

"Some more good news are in the offing," he said without elaborating.

Zoramthanga said with this agreement, a long-drawn problem has come to an end. Deb described the pact as "historic" and thanked the prime minister and the home minister for its successful conclusion.

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By David Letwin

This past November, the Highland Park Borough Council voted down a contentious resolution condemning anti-Semitism. The reason? Israel supporters in the borough insisted the resolution specifically condemn the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

The council was right to reject the resolution with this stipulation. The alleged connection between BDS and anti-Jewish bigotry is a hoax perpetrated by those desperate to silence the growing movement for Palestinian freedom.

In reality, the 2005 BDS call, modeled on the earlier BDS call against apartheid South Africa, is a rights-based campaign for justice and equality that explicitly condemns anti-Semitism, along with all forms of racism.

BDS demands an end to Israels occupation of the 1967 territories, full equality for Palestinians with Israeli citizenship (today, over 65 Israeli laws discriminate against Palestinians throughout historic Palestine), and the right of return for Palestinian refugees driven from their homes to make way for the Israeli state during the Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948. These demands are the crucial first steps in dismantling an apartheid Israeli regime where, in the words of Israeli academic Ilan Pappe, the value of ethnic superiority and supremacy overrides any other human and civil value.

In short, BDS rejects Zionism  a settler-colonial ideology that demands a Jewish-supremacist state in Palestine  not Judaism or Jews.

Unable to refute this distinction, Israel supporters are determined to erase it altogether through a sweeping set of laws, resolutions, and related measures, including several in New Jersey (see proposed senate antisemitism bills 4001 and 4169).

This lawfare campaign is undergirded by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) 2016 Working Definition of Antisemitism  adopted by the Trump State Department and Department of Education  under which anti-Zionism, or even lesser criticisms of Israel, are classified as inherently anti-Semitic.

Donald Trumps recent Executive Order demonstrates with chilling clarity how the fabricated IHRA definition, which the order explicitly incorporates, will be weaponized to threaten constitutionally protected expressions. Under the ruse of combating anti-Semitism on college campuses, the order effectively reframes anti-Zionist advocacy as a violation of Title VI civil rights protections.

The order, writes Joshua Leifer in Jewish Currents, makes a mockery of anti-discrimination law, laying the ground for the absurd yet all-too-imaginable scenario in which a granddaughter of a Palestinian refugee expelled from the Galilee in 1948 is held to have violated a fourth-generation American Jews civil rights for claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavor one of the IHRAs specific examples of antisemitism.

The rise of genuine anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence in this country is a frightening reality, as the Tree of Life massacre, the Jews will not replace us rally in Charlottesville, and other recent episodes remind us.

But responsibility for resurgent anti-Semitism lies with a white nationalist alt-right movement closely connected to, and emboldened by, the Trump regime. As diaspora Palestinian scholar and political commentator Nada Elia notes, some recent attacks may also result from others having picked up on this energized antisemitic discourse.

The Palestinian rights movement has repeatedly denounced these anti-Semitic attacks. Indeed, the alt-right draws inspiration from the ethno-nationalism of Israel and Zionism, not the anti-racist struggle of indigenous Palestinians.

Despite the movements denunciations, Zionists have exploited the current climate to further defame BDS. On January 9, congressional sponsors introduced pro-Israel H.Res.782, which falsely accuses BDS, with neither explanation nor evidence, of exposing students to rampant anti-Semitism on college campuses across the country. The message couldnt be clearer: if you stand up to Zionist apartheid, you will be smeared as a Jew-hater.

Omar Barghouti, BDS co-founder, advocates a single democratic state that recognizes and accepts Jewish Israelis as equal citizens and full partners in building and developing a new shared society, free from all colonial subjugation and racial discrimination and separating church and state.

BDS helps light the way for this vision of justice for all throughout historic Palestine. Those who slander it understand neither antisemitism nor justice.

David Letwin is a member of Jews for Palestinian Right of Return and SOMA (South Orange/Maplewood) for Palestine.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
An associate of Rudy Giuliani has claimed the Trump donor who allegedly spied on former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch was drunk all the time.

In an explosive interview with MSNBC, Lev Parnas, an associate of Donald Trumps personal lawyer, dismissed suggestions that Republican activist Robert Hyde was tracking the movements of Ms Yovanovitch.

Documents released by Congress on Tuesday suggested the former US ambassador to Ukraine, who was ousted by Mr Trump in May 2019, had been placed under surveillance, prompting calls for an investigation into Mr Hydes alleged actions.

However, Mr Parnas has told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow he doubted the credibility of the Trump donors claims.

I dont believe its true, I think he was either drunk or he was trying to make himself bigger than he was so I didnt take it seriously, Mr Parnas said.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

Ms Maddow then pushed him on that explanation by noting his conversations with Mr Hyde took place over a number of days.

It wasnt like one drunk night  this went for seven days. He couldnt have been drunk the whole time, she said.

Oh no, he is. He was drunk the whole time, Mr Parnas replied, laughing.

He wakes up and hes drunk, he starts at 6 I mean, Ive never seen him not drunk.

In text messages released by Congress, Mr Hyde can be seen telling the Giuliani associate he had unnamed sources who could let [him] know when she [Ms Yovanovitch] is on the move and suggested he knew when the ambassador's phone and computer were turned off.

The former ambassadors lawyer responded to the claim by calling for an investigation into Mr Hyde.

The notion that American citizens and others were monitoring ambassador Yovanovitch's movements for unknown purposes is disturbing, the lawyer said in a statement.

Ms Yovanovitch became a key figure in the impeachment inquiry of Mr Trump after she was removed from her position following a smear campaign against her by allies of the president.

It has been suggested that the ambassador was removed because she would have blocked attempts by the Trump administration to pressure Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, into announcing an investigation into 2020 candidate Joe Biden.

Mr Parnas, who has been indicted for campaign finance violations, said on Wednesday that the only motivation for removing Ms Yovanovitch was to stop her from blocking an investigation.

The associate also implicated Mr Trump and senior members of his administration, such as vice president Mike Pence and attorney general William Barr, in the Ukraine scandal which has become the basis for the presidents impeachment.

He said Mr Trump knew exactly what was going on with the alleged scheme and insisted Mr Giuliani was never investigating corruption in Ukraine.

The president and Mr Giuliani have both denied wrongdoing, as have Mr Pence and Mr Barr.

Mr Hyde has dismissed the allegations against him as laughable and said he will provide his email password and phone to investigators if needed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:22:47|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China will further deepen domestic reforms and open up wider to the outside world, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said here Wednesday.

Liu, who signed the phase-one China-U.S. economic and trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House earlier in the day, made the remarks during a briefing in the afternoon with some Chinese press.

Asked about what the deal means to China's reform and opening-up drive, Liu said that the goal of China's economic reform is to let the market play a decisive role in resources allocation and improve government functions on the premise of upholding the socialist system.

China has achieved rapid economic growth while maintaining lasting social stability, a great feat that should be attributed mainly to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country's socialist system, Liu added.

"We will continue to be committed to creating conditions for the Chinese people to satisfy their needs for a better life," said the vice premier.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, laid out four major areas for the next phase of China's reforms, the first of which is to invigorate micro-entities in the market, deepen the reform of state-owned enterprises, and facilitate the development of the private sector.

Secondly, market rules should be reinforced and fair competition promoted, said the vice premier.

The third priority is to further transform the functions of the government, which means the government should pull itself out from trivial businesses and focus more on macroeconomic regulation and public services, said Liu.

Last but not least, China will promote social reforms, insist on the perfection of social security system according to China's domestic situation, attach more importance to education and training, and expand human capital, added the vice premier.
A minibus crash in Thailand has left three Brits fighting for their lives and five others injured.

The accident occurred after a group of holidaymakers landed at Bangkok airport and were heading for the coastal resort of Pattaya.

The shocking footage above shows the white Toyota minibus colliding with the central reservation on the motorway just after 10.30am local time on Monday.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and took the injured passengers to hospital.

The Daily Mirror reported that the driver, Thanakorn To-iam, 53, suffered injuries to his right leg and nose, and was also taken to hospital.

Thanakorn explained that the van's rear left tyre had exploded on the motorway, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the barrier.

Police are investigating and examining evidence, including dash-cam footage and tyre tracks to check the driver's story.

A spokesperson for the Sawang Boriboon Foundation said: ''There were eight injured people in the minivan. They were all travelling together from the UK.

''Three of them were seriously injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital.''

Captain Nakhonrat Nontseelard from Pattaya Police said investigators would check the vehicle and interview the crash victims to find the cause of the accident.
French unions are staging a sixth inter-professional day of protest Thursday, in an effort to expand their anti-pension-reform strikes beyond the transport sector  where they have begun to wane.

This new national day of demonstrations will be a test for movement, with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe adamant the transport shutdown, now in its 43rd day, was at a dead end and would not derail the government's pensions overhaul.

Several of France's hardline unions, the CGT, FO, Solidaires, FSU and CFE-CGC, along with three youth organisations, have organised rallies in cities across the country.

Protesters in Paris will march between Montparnasse and Place d'Italie this afternoon, with all shops and restaurants along the route ordered to close.

In Paris, metros would be disrupted, but services running better than usual with all lines open. Normal traffic is expected on three lines, two of which are automatic.

National rail operator SNCF said 90 percent of its TGV and 80 percent of its TER trains would be running on Thursday.

Some schools are closed for the day as teachers join the 24-hour call to strike. Elsewhere seven sea ports are disrupted where blockades will continue until Friday.

A further three days of widespread protest are planned for 22, 23 and 24 January, when the pensions bill is examined by the Council of Ministers.
Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) leader Babulal Marandi, who was also Jharkhand's first Chief Minister (Image: Twitter/@yourBabulal)

Former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandis party is set to start the process of merging with the BJP, top sources in both parties have confirmed to The Indian Express.

The move comes close on the heels of the BJP getting voted out of power in the recently-held Assembly elections in the state. In fact, the saffron party has been left without a leader after key people faced defeat in the assembly polls; it is also yet to appoint a Leader of Opposition. Among those who lost was BJP chief and tribal face Laxman Giluwa. He has submitted his resignation, but it is yet to be accepted.

The move to merge with Marandis Jharkhand Vikas Morcha Prajatantrik is also being seen as BJPs attempt to woo tribal voters, especially after the saffron party won a measly two tribal seats  nine less than the previous election tally. On the other hand, current CM Hemant Sorens JMM-led alliance had won 25 of the 28 seats in tribal dominated areas.

A close aide of Marandi told the newspaper, Both the BJP and JVM(P) are looking at their political interests. JVM(P) has dissolved its working committee and Babulal met BJPs central leadership in Delhi on January 15. The aide mentioned that the process of the merger will begin as soon as Marandi returns to Ranchi.

It is noteworthy here that that the JVM(P) had offered unconditional support to the ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance after the election results were declared. The party had contested for all 81 Assembly seats, but had won only three.

Also, a merger with the BJP would be homecoming for Marandi, who has held the post of Jharkhands BJP chief earlier. An RSS ideologue, Marandi had floated the JVM(P) after parting ways with the BJP in 2006.
NEW ORLEANS - A disabled Honduran man who is seeking asylum has been released from detention by immigration authorities in Louisiana, a civil rights group said Thursday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana says Manuel Amaya Portillo, 23, was granted humanitarian parole and will stay with a sponsor in New Jersey while his asylum case plays out.

He had been detained in Louisiana facilities since October after being picked up for being in the country without authorization.

The ACLU said Amaya Portillo is only about 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall. He has a malformed leg and neurological and heart problems. Amaya Portillo is seeking asylum after suffering persecution in Honduras because of his disability and physical deformities, the ACLU said in a news release.

The ACLU has said immigration authorities failed to provide him with adequate facilities or medical treatment while he was detained, first at a facility in Winnfield, then in Jena.

The system has failed him from the start, attorney Eunice Cho said in an interview last week.

In a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials last week, ACLU lawyers said Amaya Portillo had not had access to facilities for the disabled or a wheelchair at Winnfield. He had a wheelchair at Jena, the letter said, but could not navigate it through the detention dormitory and had difficulty using bathroom facilities.

This is good news, but we cant lose sight of the fact that there are thousands more asylum seekers suffering from brutal conditions in remote detention centres across the state, many of whom are held in facilities run by private, for profit operators, Katie Schwartzmann, ACLU of Louisiana legal director, said in Thursdays news release.

An email seeking comment from an ICE official in Oakdale, Louisiana, did not receive an immediate response.
A Human Rights Watch official on Wednesday said the trial of a top Cambodian opposition leader on treason charges is "completely bogus".

Speaking in Bangkok, Deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division Phil Robertson called on the Cambodian government to "end this charade right now".

Opposition leader Kem Sokha was charged with treason on Wednesday, more than two years after he was arrested in what is widely seen as a politically motivated prosecution.

Sokha was head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party when he was arrested in September 2017 on the basis of an old video showing him at a seminar where he spoke about receiving advice from US pro-democracy groups.

His party was then dissolved by Cambodia's Supreme Court in November 2017.

He could be imprisoned for up to 30 years if found guilty.
Despite the growing interest among international tech firms, overseas investment in Vietnamese high-tech parks in 2019 remained lacklustre, and solutions will need to be found in order to create an upward trend.

Completed infrastructure surrounded with trees and spacious buildings and accompanied with favourable transport links are the first notable changes at Hanois Hoa Lac High-tech Park (HHTP) this year.

Located about 30km from the citys centre, the facility has marked a year of mass production of aero engines for South Koreas Hanwha Group at the first foreign-invested aircraft engine parts factory, worth $200 million.

We made revenues of $35 million in 2019, and are expected to increase this to $52 million this year. We are making a good performance there, said general director Kam Sang Kyun of Hanwha Aero Engines, a subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group.

Hanwha Areo Engines is one of very few major foreign-invested projects that HHTP has attracted in recent years, despite the effects of Decree No.74/2017/ND-CP which came into effect in 2017, governing the special mechanisms and policies for HHTP.

Why less attractive?

According to the HHTP Management Board, the park lured in just four domestically-invested projects in 2019, registered at VND7.46 trillion ($324.3 million), thus increasing its accumulative registered total capital to VND86.37 trillion ($3.76 billion) in 91 projects.

The park had no foreign-invested project during the year, despite having meetings with around 70 delegations of international investors, and 30 other domestic equivalents.

With the sum, we met the whole-year investment attraction target of $300 million, but have yet to meet expectations of attracting investment in social infrastructure such as workers housing, hospitals, trade centres, and other services, Tran Dac Trung, director of HHTPs Co-operation and Investment Division, told VIR.

HHTP attracted 11 projects in 2018 registered with VND17 trillion ($739 million), a record high over the past 20 years. Notable names involved included Nidec, Mitsubishi, and Hanwha Group.

Currently, the filling rate of the park is 30 per cent of its 1,500 hectares, while foreign direct investment (FDI) accounts for 30 per cent of total investment.

The figures show wavering attraction of the park, which was founded in 1998 and boasts the longest history among the countrys three high-tech parks. HHTP has more lucrative advantages than the other parks thanks to Decree 74, which includes unique incentives such as the 10 per cent corporate income tax (CIT) within the first 30 years for a new investment project of at least VND4 trillion ($174 million).

Thus far, only Hanwha Areo Engines is enjoying the special incentive. Japans Nidec is likely to follow, but can only access the incentive after this year when it completes investment disbursement and procedures with tax agencies.

The HHTP Management Board partly blamed legal barriers for the situation, especially regulations on refund of site clearance cost that investors use pocket money in advance. The other is a lack of social infrastructure  looking around HHTP, it can be seen that the necessary facilities for this area are still absent.

Similarly, the performance of Saigon High-tech Park (SHTP) and Danang High-tech Park (DHTP) has not been as high as expected. In particular, SHTP saw just one big foreign-invested project last year  the $650 million from Hong Kongs Techtronic Industries, licensed towards the end of the year.

Although that project helps SHTP surpass the whole-year FDI attraction target and contributed 8 per cent to the citys total, FDI at the park itself was modest in the first 11 months, with the biggest such project licensed being worth $5 million.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, SHTP is the most successful attractor of international investment among the countrys three national high-tech parks. In 2018 it was estimated to have lured in $150 million worth of FDI.

Le Bich Loan, deputy director of the SHTP Management Board, told VIR previously that the park missed many options because of limited land funds. It is seeking to expand the park by 200ha to seize opportunities.

Meanwhile, DHTP lured in $178 million in total in 2019, thus increasing the total accumulative registered capital of $337 million in FDI. The projects in operation are the aerospace manufacturing factory of the US-based Universal Alloy Corporation, Tokyo Keiki Precision Technology, Japans NIWA Foundry, ESTEC, and ICT VINA medical device factory for South Korea.

DHTP also has special incentives for investors such as land lease fees, refund of site clearance cost, CIT, import duty, and credit, among others.

Industry insiders said that the three high-tech parks now have the advantage in attracting investors thanks to completed infrastructure, favourable transportation, and incentive policies. The problem here is how to implement more effective promotion campaigns to lure in investors.

Moreover, the high-tech parks in Vietnam are operating like an industrial park rather than a sci-tech hub. To increase their attractiveness, together with effective special incentives, the high-tech parks should have a dynamic working environment, as well as modern and synchronous infrastructure, said one expert.

Future solutions

In an effort to improve FDI attraction, HHTP is working with relevant governmental agencies on the amendments to laws on investment, enterprises, land, and personal income tax, along with relevant decrees. The park also plans to co-operate with the Ministry of Finance in revising Decree No.35/2017/ND-CP issued in 2017 on collection of land leasing fee in economic zones and high-tech parks to facilitate refund of site clearance cost.

This year, HHTP will intensify co-operation with international organisations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Japan External Trade Organization, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, and others to promote investment opportunities at home and abroad. The park aims to call for investment and complete procedures. Currently it is processing procedures to grant investment certificates to 10 projects, including housing and social services. It also plans to develop workshops for lease.

In similar moves, Danang will organise investment promotion programmes abroad, including Europe, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Canada, India, Taiwan, and Singapore, for DHTP and industrial parks.

Notably, DHTP has signed an MoU with Ai20X Silicon Valley on co-operation in the promotion of American investment in DHTP, and in developing DHTP into an innovation and incubation centre. Also, experts of Ai20X Silicon Valley will give advice to schemes related to high-tech industrial sectors, innovations, and startups in Danang.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, sci-tech is one of the four most attractive sectors to foreign investors, with total registered investment of $1.57 billionin 2019.

With the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement being set to go live this year, and the governments supporting programme to come out in line with Industry 4.0, the FDI picture at the three high-tech parks may be brighter as technology firms from Japan, the US, South Korea, and Europe are making business and investment plans in Vietnam, on the back of their countries new policies.

Thus far, the US has announced the US-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership, the Republic of Koreas President Moon Jae-in announced the New Southern Policy, and Japan piloted the Nurturing New Industries scheme within the ASEAN. VIR
The chess world was amazed when the computer algorithm AlphaZero learned, after just four hours on its own, to beat the best chess programs built on human expertise. Now a research group at Aarhus University in Denmark has used the very same algorithm to control a quantum computer.

All across the world, numerous research groups are attempting to build a quantum computer. Such a computer would be able to solve certain problems that cannot be solved with current classical computers, even if we combined all these computers in the world into one.

At Aarhus University they share the ambition of building a quantum computer. For this reason, a research group under the direction of Professor Jacob Sherson has just used the computer algorithm AlphaZero to learn to control a quantum system.

What makes AlphaZero interesting is that it can learn on its own without any form of human expertise. In this manner, AlphaZero has beaten both humans and specialized computer programs in games such as Go, Shogi, and Chess, and it learned to do so only by playing against itself. After just four hours of playing against itself, AlphaZero managed to beat the leading chess program Stockfish. AlphaZero was so superior that Danish grand master Peter Heine Nielsen compared the program to a superior alien species that had visited the earth just to beat us in chess.

AlphaZero is good alone - but better with researchers

The research group at Aarhus University has, via computer simulations, demonstrated the broad applicability by applying AlphaZero on three different control problems that could each potentially be used in a quantum computer. Their work was recently published in Nature Quantum Information.

The team was very impressed with AlphaZero's ability to learn, as the lead PhD student Mogens Dalgaard described: "When we analyzed the data from AlphaZero we saw that the algorithm had learned to exploit an underlying symmetry of the problem that we did not originally consider. That was an amazing experience. ''

However, even though AlphaZero in itself is an impressive algorithm, the research team achieved the best results when they combined AlphaZero with a specialized quantum optimization algorithm. As Professor Jacob Sherson concludes: "This indicates that we are still in need of human skill and expertise, and that the goal of the future should be to understand and develop hybrid intelligence interfaces that optimally exploits the strengths of both".

In an attempt to speed up development in the field, the research group has made the code openly available and they were surprised about the interest. "Within a few hours I was contacted by major tech-companies with quantum laboratories and international leading universities to establish future collaboration" Jacob Sherson says and continues "so it will probably not be long until these methods will find use in practical experiments across the world."

Background info, the quantum computer:

A quantum computer uses quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the smallest building blocks of our universe. At this small scale, the rules are fundamentally different. For instance, a system can exist in more than one state at a time. When translated into computer language, this means that a quantum computer can perform multiple calculations at a time, which gives a huge speed-up over regular computers. But even though the theory of quantum computers is well-established, no one has managed to build a full-scale quantum computer yet. This requires, among other things, that we improve our ability to control these systems.

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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 13:15 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3225c777 1 Business Jokowi,omnibus-bill,omnibus-law,labor-law,labor-union,intelligence,National-Police,BIN,Attorney-General Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has called on law enforcers and intelligence agencies to approach organizations and communicate with them about an omnibus bill being drafted by the government.

I ask, especially the National Police chief, the State Intelligence Agency head, the attorney general and all relevant ministry officials to approach and communicate with existing organizations at the same time that the bill is being deliberated at the House of Representatives, he said during a limited Cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He also asked his Cabinet members to finish drafting the bill this week.

We aim to have this omnibus bills deliberations finished in fewer than 100 working days, the President said.

The government is preparing an omnibus bill on job creation, which, if passed, would amend more than 1,000 articles in various prevailing laws, including the Labor Law, whose rigid provisions have been blamed for hampering investment in the country. The bill is expected to ease doing business in the country and attract more foreign investment and in turn create jobs.

Read also: Government sheds light on labor market reforms as unions take to streets

However, labor unions have voiced objections to the draft, claiming it will undermine labor rights.

On Monday, hundreds of people representing seven labor unions and organizations, including student groups, under the auspices of the Labor with the People Movement (Gebrak) expressed opposition to the omnibus bill in front of the House building in Jakarta.

On Jan. 9, a smaller protest with about 100 people marched on the streets of Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta to slam the governments plan.

The Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union said in a recent release that it would hold another strike on Jan. 20 to protest against the bill, as well as take other actions.
[January 15, 2020] Gemspring Capital Invests in Skyline Displays

Gemspring Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce an affiliate has completed the simultaneous acquisitions of Skyline Displays, a leading provider of displays, exhibits and services for trade shows and large corporate events, and TradeTec, the largest Skyline independent dealer. The combined company will continue to operate under the Skyline brand. Skyline is headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, and is a recognized leader in the industry, with an exceptional reputation for quality, design and service. Critical to Skyline's historical success has been leveraging its market leading exhibit and display design and manufacturing capabilities into the provision of related trade show services, such as asset management, installation and dismantling and equipment rentals. Skyline's customers are seamlessly served across the United States and internationally through its network of nearly 80 locations, including 27 Skyline-owned retail centers, four regional service centers and 45 independent dealers. Bill Dierberger, President & CEO of Skyline, commented on the transaction: "We are excited to partner with Gemspring during the next phase of growth for Skyline. Gemspring's understanding of our industry combined with their resources, relationships and partnership mentality will be invaluable as we continue to provide customers with world class products and services through both comany-owned locations and our extraordinary independent dealer network."



Don Gerne, Managing Director at Gemspring, said: "Bill and his team have done an incredible job growing Skyline into the trusted partner for its independent dealers and customers. We believe that Skyline provides an unmatched value proposition and portfolio of products and services to its dealers and customers that uniquely position the company for continued growth. We are excited to support the Skyline team in this next stage of the company's growth." About Skyline Displays

Skyline Exhibits is North America's leading brand of exhibit systems. Known for high-quality manufacturing, cost-saving portability, innovative functionality, creative design and exhibitor training and education, Skyline has a network of nearly 80 Dealers and Design Centers in North America, Regional Service Centers in top venue cities, and representation in 30 countries. The Company manufactures a broad range of products for events and trade shows - from basic banner stands and pop-up trade show displays to large custom modular exhibits. With over 25 integrated exhibit systems, state-of-the-art production including large-format graphics, laser cutters, and 3D printers as well as options for exhibit rental and services, Skyline provides event and exhibit solutions for virtually any size or budget. Skyline is the innovation home for Skyline WindScape, the World's First Air-Powered Exhibit System worldwide. About Gemspring Capital Gemspring Capital, a Westport, Connecticut-based private equity firm with $355 million of capital under management, provides equity capital to growing lower middle market companies headquartered in the United States and Canada. Gemspring partners with talented management teams and takes a partnership approach to helping drive revenue growth and value creation. Target (News - Alert) companies have up to $350 million in revenue and are in the business services, industrial services, software, media, or specialty manufacturing sectors. For more information, visit www.gemspring.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200115005898/en/

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Supreme Court of India

There have been instances in the past of petitions being filed in the Supreme Court under Article 131 in matters relating to dispute between the Centre and state governments. However, the suits questioning the legislative competence of Parliament in increasing frequency mark a new phase.

On January 15, the Chhattisgarh government has filed an original suit in the apex court challenging the National Investigating Agency Act of 2008, asserting that it violates the Constitution. A day earlier, the Kerala government approached the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), maintaining that the new law hurts the fundamental rights of the citizens granted by the Constitution.

There may not be any issue with the maintainability of both suits because similar pleas challenging the action of the central government have been filed in the past as well.

The suits may serve the purpose as a means of political posturing, but the challenge to the competence of Parliament to frame laws does not seem to be destined to achieve any success. For, unlike the past such instances, which mostly involved subjects where the state government concerned had a reason to get agitated about their impact on the state per se and therefore had locus standi, the prayers in both suites exceed their domain as the issues raised are more national in nature rather than provincial.

In simple terms, the crux of the Chhattisgarh argument is that the NIA Act creates a national police, which under the division of powers between the Centre and the states is a state subject. However, post-Independence experience with issues such as terrorism has shown that there may be situations where solutions lie beyond the responsibility of any state or group of states, warranting effective central intervention. In such cases, the role of the Centre becomes unquestionable.

There is no immediate provocation for the Congress government is Chhattisgarh to move the court other than to build up pressure on the Modi government in the wake of the widespread agitation against the new citizenship law. Fighting terror is as much a concern for the state as it is for the Centre, and a conflict of interests in this respect can only be seen as political.

The Kerala petition is even more curious, although it can be seen as part of grandstanding by the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government against the CAA. In fact, Kerala has been in the forefront of the anti-CAA campaign, with the state assembly passing a resolution calling upon the Modi government to scrap the law. This even inspired some other Opposition-ruled states, including Punjab, to contemplate similar moves.

The Supreme Court move by the state government is indicative of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans ambition to emerge as a national champion in the fight against CAA. He was the first Opposition Chief Minister to declare that the new population law will not be implemented in his state. Even within the Opposition, there is a section of the United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly the Congress, which feels Vijayan is hijacking the anti-CAA campaign to consolidate his partys support among the minorities, which have traditionally been supporters of the UDF. This had even caused distrust among Congressmen about their joint participation in the campaign.

Apart from scoring political points, it is difficult to see the Kerala government prayer to the court to strike down CAA going any distance. The plaint argues that the law violates the provisions of the Constitution and is in breach of the fundamental rights of the inhabitants of the state. While the Muslim minority angle in the argument is obvious, there is nothing in the new law that applies specifically to Kerala as opposed to other states. So it does not give any pre-eminence to the state to claim grievance.

A major fault-line with the Kerala argument is that it confuses between favour and right. Any state can demand that its citizens must not be discriminated against in terms of religion; it cannot demand that favours be bestowed uniformly. It may be morally wrong to exclude any section, but in terms of law and constitutionality, nobody can demand a favour as a matter of right. This is where Keralas prayer, like the one made by Chhattisgarh, fails to hold water.
MIAMISBURG, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) ("Verso" or the "Company") today announced that promptly following the consummation of the proposed sale of Verso's Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills to Pixelle Specialty Solutions (the "Pixelle Transaction"), the Verso Board intends to return net proceeds from the Pixelle Transaction to stockholders in an aggregate amount of up to $282 million and not less than $225 million.

The following charts illustrate the breakdown of the estimated net proceeds and uses of net cash proceeds from the Pixelle Transaction:

Purchase Price $400 million Pension Assumption by Pixelle - $35 million Estimated Working Capital Adjustment - $17 million Estimated Transaction Expenses - $12 million Estimated Net Cash Proceeds $336 million

Use of Net Cash Proceeds

Return of Capital to Verso Stockholders $225-282 million Verso Pension Contribution $54 million General Corporate Purposes, while

the Board of Directors continues its

ongoing review of strategic alternatives $0-57 million

The Verso Board expects that the return of capital will be made by way of dividends, share repurchases, conducted either by way of modified Dutch tender offer, accelerated share repurchase program or open market purchases, or a combination of dividends and share repurchases, taking into account the then composition of the Company's broad and diversified shareholder base. Pension contributions are expected to be made in fiscal year 2020 and to offset estimated tax liabilities.

Following the closing of the Pixelle Transaction, Verso will continue to be a debt-free, streamlined company with significant financial flexibility. The Company expects that its remaining mills will continue to provide strong operating cash flow with low SG&A expenses, and that Verso will be well positioned to respond to industry trends and to take advantage of opportunities with high-risk adjusted returns. As previously announced, the Verso Board, as disciplined stewards of capital, intends to continue its strategic review in order to create and maximize shareholder value.

The Pixelle Transaction requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares outstanding. Each stockholder's vote FOR the Pixelle Transaction is imperative and will ensure the opportunity for stockholders to receive net proceeds from the transaction.

Verso stockholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2019, are entitled to attend and vote at the Company's upcoming 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 31, 2020. The Company's proxy statement and other important information related to the Annual Meeting can be found online at http://www.stockholderdocs.com/VRS.

Verso's Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" ALL seven of Verso's nominees, "FOR" the approval of the Pixelle Transaction (Company Proposal 2), and "FOR" Company Proposals 3 - 8 on the WHITE proxy card TODAY.

Any stockholder having questions or needing assistance in voting Verso's WHITE proxy card should contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

1407 Broadway, 27th Floor

New York, New York 10018

[email protected]

(212) 929-5500

or

Toll-Free (800) 322-2885

About Verso

Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. A leading North American producer of specialty and graphic papers, packaging and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release, all statements that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or "Securities Act," and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or "Exchange Act." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and other similar expressions. They include, for example, statements relating to our business and operating outlook; assessment of market conditions; and the growth potential of the industry in which we operate. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available business, economic, financial and other information and reflect management's current beliefs, expectations and views with respect to future developments and their potential effects on us. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties that may affect us and our business. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the long-term structural decline and general softening of demand facing the paper industry; our exploration of strategic alternatives, including the possible sale or merger of our entire company or a material portion of our business and our ability to consummate any such strategic transactions, including the proposed sale of our Androscoggin Mill and Stevens Point Mill; the risk that the purchase agreement for the sale transaction would limit our ability to pursue other strategic alternatives to the sale transaction; the risk that the purchase agreement for the sale transaction might expose us to contingent liabilities; risks related to our ability to obtain stockholder approval for the sale transaction; the risk that the pending sale transaction could create unknown impacts on our future prospects; the risk that the amount of net proceeds that we would receive from the sale transaction is subject to uncertainties; the risk that stockholders are not guaranteed to receive any of the proceeds from the sale transaction; the risk that management could spend or invest the net proceeds from the sale transaction in ways against stockholders' wishes; the risk that some of our executive officers might have interests in the sale transaction that might be in addition to, or different from, stockholders' interests; the risk that our business following the sale transaction would be reduced and less diversified; the risk that we would be unable to compete with respect to certain specialty paper products for two years after the closing of the sale transaction; the risk that we may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the sale transaction, or required governmental and regulatory approvals may delay the transaction or result in the imposition of conditions that could cause the parties to abandon the sale transaction; the risk that an event, change or other circumstances could give rise to the termination of the sale transaction; the risk that failure to consummate the sale transaction might materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation; the risk that a condition to closing of the sale transaction may not be satisfied; the risk that we would be required to pay a termination fee or expense reimbursement if the purchase agreement for the sale transaction is terminated under specified circumstances, which might discourage third parties from submitting an alternative proposal; the timing to consummate the sale transaction; the risk that any announcement relating to the sale transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of our common stock; the risk of and the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation related to the sale transaction or the Annual Meeting; the risk of disruption from the sale transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; our adoption of a limited duration stockholder rights plan and its ability to delay or discourage a merger, tender offer or change of control; negative effects of a proxy contest and the actions of activist stockholders; developments in alternative media, which have and are expected to continue to adversely affect the demand for some of our key products, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; intense competition in the paper manufacturing industry; our dependence on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our business; any additional closure and other restructuring costs; our limited ability to control the pricing of our products or pass through increases in our costs to our customers; changes in the costs of raw materials and purchased energy; negative publicity, even if unjustified; any failure to comply with environmental or other laws or regulations, even if inadvertent; legal proceedings or disputes; any labor disputes; our ability to continue to execute and implement our strategic plan; our initiatives to improve our financial and operational performance and increase our growth and profitability; our future operational and financial performance; the effect that the election of Atlas/Blue Wolf's nominees to our board of directors will have on our execution of our long-term plan and long-term stockholder value; the future effect of our strategic plan on our probability, growth and stockholder return; and the potential risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as amended, Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and "Risk Factors Relating to the Sale Proposal" of our definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on December 30, 2019, as such disclosures may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including subsequent annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement made in this press release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or actual outcomes.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the solicitation of proxies concerning the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting, including the proposed sale transaction, the Company has filed a definitive proxy statement, WHITE proxy card and other materials with the SEC. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD, AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. Investors may obtain copies of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and from the Company.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company, its directors, executive officers and other persons related to the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting, including the proposed sale transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company and their ownership of Company common stock is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is also in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when such materials become available.

SOURCE Verso Corporation

Related Links

http://versoco.com


SPRINGFIELD, Ore.  The search for a new city manager in Springfield is narrowing. Five finalists have been selected, and the public is invited to meet them at an informal meet and greet Thursday evening.

Springfield hasn't had a city manager since June when former city manager Gino Grimaldi retired.

RELATED: SPRINGFIELD CITY MANAGER SEARCH CONTINUES ON

All the candidates have backgrounds in local governments, with many having held city manager positions before.

Adam Hammatt has more than 12 years of experience, most recently as a city manager for the town of Whitefish, Montana.

Jacque Betz works in Gladstone as city administrator and was once the city manager of Florence in 2014. She has more than 10 years of experience.

Nancy Newton worked in Clackamas County in 2013 but currently serves as an assistant county executive in Sacramento County, California. She also has more than 10 years of experience.

Raymond Lee has more than 10 years of experience working in various departments within local governments in the state of Texas.

Robert Wood holds more than 21 years of experience in government, at one time as a city manger and most recently as a city administrator in Texas.

You can learn more about these candidates and meet them Thursday night in the lobby of Springfield City Hall. The meet and greet is from 5 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
ALBANY, N.Y.  New York State Assemblyman Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton), Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, family members of crime victims and law enforcement recently spoke out at a press conference calling for the repeal of the bail and pre-trial reforms passed last spring.

The assemblyman is a sponsor of the repeal legislation, A.8855, which was unveiled Wednesday.

Since the bail changes have taken effect, Ashby notes numerous reports have shown the great flaw in the so-called reforms which have allowed confessed criminals free to only to be rearrested.

The recent changes to our criminal justice system were done irresponsibly and have put New Yorkers at risk, Ashby said in a news release.

Providing a healthy and safe environment is one of the most critical functions of our State and as such, I am hopeful that Gov. Cuomo and my colleagues in the legislature will join me in supporting legislation that will give discretion back to our Judges and set realistic expectations for our District Attorneys and law enforcement officers, Ashby added.

In the first 15 days of 2020, we have seen the real consequences of these reforms. The concerns of law enforcement can no longer be dismissed as fear-mongering, this is fact, Donnelly said in the release.

Criminals are being released and are reoffending. Victims and their families are fearful  it is happening. The time is now to get this right, Donnelly, a Democrat, added.

Two family members of victims were in attendance joining the call for a repeal of the law:
Seen above is a mockup of Hyundai Motor's S-A1 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 7 (Korea Standard Time). Courtesy of Hyundai Motor



Ex-NASA expert says Hyundai's air mobility biz is feasible



By Nam Hyun-woo





Hyundai Motor Executive Vice President Shin Jai-won speaks during an interview on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 7 (Korea Standard Time). Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
Jammu, Jan 16 : Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to probe whether there were any criminal links between arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP), Davinder Singh and 2001 Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru.

J&K Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh, told reporters that since Davinder Singh has been accused of being involved in nexus with the terrorists, his role in the Parliament attack conspiracy would also be thoroughly probed.

"Nobody will be protected. Whosoever has disgraced his uniform and tried to tarnish the image of J&K Police will get the punishment he deserves.

"The role of Davinder Singh in the Parliament attack and his criminal links, if any, with Afzal Guru will be probed," Dilbag Singh said.

In 2013, Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru had told his lawyer and also issued a statement that Davinder Singh had tortured him and threatened to kill his family unless Guru agreed "to do a small job" for him.

Guru said Davinder Singh told him to carry a terrorist to Delhi, rent a flat for him there and also buy a secondhand white Ambassador car for the use of the terrorist.

The allegations levelled against Davinder Singh by Afzal Guru in 2013 were not looked into as the state police and the intelligence agencies dismissed the allegations 'as a figment of Afzal Guru's imagination'.

Sources have confirmed that Afzal Guru was interrogated by Davinder Singh at the Humhama interrogation centre on the outskirts of Srinagar city after the former's arrest by the SOG where Singh was posted.

The police chief said the department has recommended dismissal of Davinder Singh from service and also forfeiture of the gallantry award given to him by the previous state government in 2018.

The DGP also said keeping the highly sensitive nature of the case in mind the UT government has requested the NIA to take over the investigations into this case.

"It has been decided that the case will be handed over to the NIA," Dilbag Singh said.

It must be mentioned that since Davinder Singh was a gazetted officer holding the rank of the Dy.SP, his dismissal from police service can only be ordered by the Union Territory government headed by lieutenant governor, G.C.Murmu.

Highly placed sources told IANS a team of the NIA is reaching here within the next three or four days to formally seek the custody of Davinder Singh and Naveed Baba, the dreaded terrorist who was arrested with Singh on Saturday on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

It is also important to mention that Naveed Baba, who was second in command of the Hizbul outfit, is accused of killing 11 civilians, including non-local labourers, truck drivers and fruit merchants in south Kashmir districts after August 5 last year when Article 370 was abrogated.

A top source said it will also be investigated whether the arrested police officer had any direct or indirect role in those killings.

Recruited as an assistant sub-inspector in 1990, Davinder had a meteoric rise in police department becoming a Dy.SP within a short period of 10 years.

His promotion to the rank of the superintendent of police (SP) was under consideration before he was arrested, sources added.
"Just Mercy"; Cast: Michael B. Jordon, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, OShea Jackson Jr., Karan Kendrick; Direction: Destin Daniel Cretton; Rating: *** and 1/2 (three and a half stars)"Just Mercy" is a thought-provoking true story of a literal social-justice warrior, who highlights how corrupt the American system of jurisprudence is.

Set in Monroeville, Alabama, the real hometown of author Harper Lee who wrote, "To Kill A Mockingbird", the narrative follows Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), a young, optimistic, Harvard-educated lawyer, who in the late 1980s launched the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, to help the neediest and desperate cases.

His first client is Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a black man who is on death row for a murder he says he did not commit, a contention backed up by ample evidence.

The injustice suffered by McMillian is unsurprisingly one of innumerable such cases, and systemic, and the film is at its best when angrily drawing attention to them. It is practically impossible for any liberal thinking viewer not to stew in rage as McMillian is stonewalled by a hyper-bureaucratic and thoroughly racist legal institution, and one where oppressing black people and other minorities is merely the norm.

The film's opening moments hit the ground running and suggest it has no time to waste on racist cops or Defence Attorneys who are inexplicably more concerned about their conviction rate than with getting actual violent criminals off the street.

The setup might seem a flamboyantly energetic and successful, awards-courting legal drama. But, in actuality, the film soon slips into shop-worn, over-familiar genre tropes, and is trite with overly expository dialogues while conveying historical context and legal jargon. The first hour depicts the long slog of justice with flat, uninspiring scenarios, and mediocre visuals revealing anti-death penalty messages.

It is in the last act that the film begins to find a compelling rhythm. At this point the urgency of McMillian's situation becomes deathly clear. The film is energised quite dramatically, especially with the arrival of Ralph Myers as an inmate who holds the winning piece of the defence's puzzle.

What keeps you glued to the screen is Jordan's warm and sensitive portrayal of Bryan Stevenson. He is a picture of reserved stoicism for most of the runtime, nevertheless he brings a dignified likeability to his character. In fact, your heart breaks for him and then rages with him, when he is being stripsearched before entering prison to visit his client.

Similarly, Jamie Foxx commands the screen whenever he is on it. He shoulders the crush of unfairness with a posture that might feel regal if it weren't also inescapable.

Brie Larson as Stevenson's co-worker Eva Ansley is equally competent, as she breathes life into an unfortunately, underwritten character.

Rafe Spall as the public prosecutor Tommy Chapman and Tim Blake Nelson as Ralph Myers, first resemble caricature of a racist and conservative society, but with their nuanced performances they make their characters humane and memorable.

The others in smaller roles who leave an indelible mark are Rob Morgan as Herbert Richardson, an older inmate whose execution date looms near, and O'Shea Jackson Jr as McMillian's other cell neighbour Anthony Ray Hinton.

Mounted with moderate production values, the film's finale takes place in a manicured court-room. Here Stevenson's speech, pre-packaged with American idealism, robs the film of its sting, but nevertheless it opens your eyes to the fact that America is no different from most countries across the globe.
New Jersey, NJ, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the report published by Fior Markets, the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market is expected to grow from USD 268.34 Million in 2018 to USD 489.63 Million by 2026, at a CAGR of 7.81% during the forecast period from 2019-2026. Increasing the use of CNSL as an alternative to the unsaturated phenols is anticipated to drive the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market over the forecast period.

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a multipurpose by product of the Cashew industry. The nut has a shell of about 1/8 inch thickness inside which is a soft honey comb structure containing a dark reddish brown viscous liquid. CNSL undergoes all the conventional reactions of phenols, CNSL aldehyde condensation products and CNSL based phenolic Resins are used in applications such as surface coatings, adhesives. Various polyamines synthesised from CNSL are used s curing agents for epoxy resins. CNSL and its derivatives have been used as antioxidants, plasticizers and processing aids for rubber compounds, modifiers for plastic materials and used to provide oxidative resistance sulphur-cured natural rubber products. It is also added to rubber gum stock or nitrile rubber to improve the processability, mechanical properties and resistance to crack and cut properties of the vulcanisates. Thus increasing use of CNSL as an alternative to the unsaturated phenols is anticipated to drive the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market over the forecast period.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT AT https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/407136/request-sample

Global Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Market Key Findings:

Factors such as rising utilization of CNSL in the end user industries as well as rising preference for CNSL over unsaturated phenols are driving the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market.

The volatility in the raw material prices and erratic supply of raw materials is expected to hinder the market growth. However, the erratic supply of raw materials is the major challenge for the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market

The type segment is divided into raw cashew nut shell liquid and technical cashew nut shell liquid. The raw cashew nut shell liquid segment emerged as the leader in the global CNSL market with a revenue of USD 152.47 million in 2018. Growing demand for the raw CNSL from the processing industries was one of the primary reason driving market.

The application segment includes friction linings, paints and varnishes, laminating resins, rubber compounding resins, cashew cements, polyurethane based polymers, surfactants, epoxy resins, foundry chemicals, and others. The friction linings segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.92% over the forecast period. This increased growth rate can be attributed to the growing utilization of the CNSL in the stabilizing agent in disk pad brakes and drum linings.

The end user is fragmented into coating industry, automotive industry, fuel industry, leather industry, tobacco curing industry, and others. The coating industry segment dominated global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market with a revenue of USD 97.06 million in 2018. CNSL based surface coatings possess excellent gloss and surface finish with optimum levels of toughness and elasticity. Thus increase demand for the corrosion resistant, high quality paints form the shipping industry is driving this market share.

The regions analyzed for the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market include North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. The Asia Pacific region emerged as the largest market for the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) with a 39.03% share of market revenue in 2018.

Factors such as ready availability of the raw material, presence of well-developed end user industries, coupled with growing demand for the CNSL as an alternative to the unsaturated phenols led the Asia Pacific region to dominate the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market in 2018.

The North America region held a considerable share market owing to rising demand for the CNSL from the end user industries

CNSL is extensively used in polymer based industries such as friction linings, paints and varnishes, laminating resins, Rubber compounding resins, cashew cements, polyurethane based polymers, surfactants, epoxy resins, foundry chemicals and intermediates for chemical industry, Automobile, pesticides.

For instance, in 2015, Cardolite introduced Polyols, a cashew nutshell liquid-based product for adhesives, coatings, foam and elastomer applications. Polyols derived from CNSL have unique qualities compared to widely known polyester and polyether polyols, and other natural based polyols. This new product line is comprised of diols, and medium and high functionality polyols.

For instance, 2018, DekelOil Public Limited, the West African focused agricultural company, announce that it has agreed an option to acquire 58.5% of share capital of Pearlside Holdings Ltd (Pearlside), an investment holding company (the "Option"). Pearlside has one wholly owned subsidiary Capro CI SA, a raw cashew nut business which is developing a large-scale 30,000tpa RCN processing project at Tiebissou in Cote d'Ivoire.

Major players in the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market are K2P Chemicals, Sri Devi Group, K Subraya Anantha Kamath and Sons, Muskaan, Senesel, Shivam Cashew Industry, Cardolite, Palmer International, and Olam Agro India Pvt. Ltd among others.

Browse full report with TOC at https://www.fiormarkets.com/report/cashew-nut-shell-liquid-cnsl-market-by-type-407136.html

All the segments have been analysed on global, regional and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each segment.

This study forecasts revenue growth and volume at global, regional, and country levels from 2016 to 2026. Fior Markets has segmented the global cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) market on the basis of below mentioned segments:

Global Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Market by Type:

Raw Cashew Nut Shell Liquid

Technical Cashew Nut Shell Liquid

Global Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Market by Application:

Friction Linings

Paints and Varnishes

Laminating Resins

Rubber Compounding Resins

Cashew Cements

Polyurethane Based Polymers

Surfactants

Epoxy Resins

Foundry Chemicals

Others

Global Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Market by End User Industry:

Coating Industry

Automotive Industry

Fuel Industry

Leather Industry

Tobacco Curing Industry

Others

Global Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Market by Region:

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa

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Fior Markets is a futuristic market intelligence company, helping customers flourish their business strategies and make better decisions using actionable intelligence. With transparent information pool, we meet clients objectives, commitments on high standard and targeting possible prospects for SWOT analysis and market research reports. Fior Markets deploys a wide range of regional and global market intelligence research reports including industries like technology, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, food and beverages, chemicals, media, materials and many others. Our Strategic Intelligence capabilities are purposely planned to boost your business extension and elucidate the vigor of diverse industry. We hold distinguished units of highly expert analysts and consultants according to their respective domains. The global market research reports we provide involve both qualitative and quantitative analysis of current market scenario as per the geographical regions segregated and comprehensive performance in different regions with global approach. In addition, our syndicated research reports offer a packaged guide to keep companies abreast of the upcoming major restyle in their domains. Fior Markets facilitates clients with research analysis that are customized to their exact requirements, specifications and challenges, whether it is comprehensive desk research, survey work, composition of multiple methods, in-detailed interviewing or competitive intelligence. Our research experts are experienced in matching the exact personnel and methodology to your business need.

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It was in the late 1980s when Ismail Qaani -- then a local commander in Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- first became active in Afghanistan.



It was to be the start of Qaani's decades-long involvement in Irans eastern neighbor, where Tehran has carved up influence by arming and offering political and economic backing mostly to the Shi'ite and Persian-speaking communities.



Qaani on January 3 became the chief of Irans elite Quds Force, the overseas operations arm of the IRGC, established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution to defend the country's theocratic system.



The 63-year-old general succeeded Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, early on January 3. He had long served as Soleimani's deputy.



Mysterious Visit



Soon after Qaani's appointment, photos of the media-shy general appeared in the Afghan media from a mysterious trip he took to Afghanistan in 2018.



Qaani was in several photos alongside Mohammad Tahir Zuhair, the governor of Bamiyan Province, a predominately Hazara area in central Afghanistan.



Zuhair told RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan on January 9 that Qaani introduced himself as Irans deputy ambassador to the country and said his name was Ismaili. He says he didn't know that Qaani was the deputy chief of the Quds Force.



"We were informed by Kabul that an Iranian delegation was coming to Bamiyan to visit a hospital that was being built with Iranian funds, said Zubair. They went straight from the airport to the hospital. They were at the hospital for around 45 minutes. Then they came to my office. I held talks with them for around 10 minutes. They assured us that the construction of the hospital would be completed.

Afghanistans acting foreign minister, Idrees Zaman, said on January 7 that Kabul was investigating the "exact nature" of Qaani's visit.

"At this point, I can assure you that he was never the deputy ambassador in Afghanistan, said Zaman.



Qaani also visited Kabul in the same year.



He was among an Iranian delegation that held talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, local media reported.



History Of Violence



Qaani's recent trips to Afghanistan are just the latest examples of his activities in the war-torn country.



Born in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad -- less than 200 kilometers from Afghanistan -- Qaani joined the IRGC in 1980.



After the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, Soleimani spearheaded Tehrans operations in the west, spreading Tehrans influence in the Middle East. Qaani, meanwhile, led Iranian activities in the east: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. He was also stationed in Iran's Khorasan Province, which shares a border with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

In the 1990s, Afghanistan was consumed by a vicious civil war among the warring mujahedin factions that had toppled the communist regime in Kabul just three years after the end of the Soviet Unions decade-long occupation. The civil war ended when the Taliban seized power of the capital in 1996.



In the 1990s, as a local IRGC commander, Qaani got involved in Irans war against Afghan drug cartels and later in the war in Afghanistan, said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.



Tehran provided support to the Northern Alliance, a loose coalition of mujahedin militias that maintained control of a small section of northern Afghanistan as it battled the Taliban. The military front was led by Ahmad Shah Masud, the famed anti-Soviet commander.



Afghanistans Tolo News published a photo of what it said was Qaani and Masud in Tajikistan in 1999.



Alfoneh, an IRGC expert, said Qaani was involved in providing logistical, financial, and military support to the Northern Alliance. Tehran was one of the main backers of the alliance alongside India, Russia, and the United States.



He added that Qaani frequently visited Tajikistan -- Afghanistans northern neighbor -- where the Northern Alliance sent its fighters for treatment and received weapon shipments from allies abroad.



Qaani appears to have traveled into Afghanistan to establish a presence, said Alfoneh. That is particularly true after the Taliban seizure of Kabul.

It was around this time that Soleimani made Qaani his deputy.



Shiite-majority Iran backed the alliance because it was concerned about the growing strength of the Taliban, a fundamentalist Sunni group that was backed by Tehrans regional rivals -- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan.

Iran and the Taliban were on the verge of war in 1998 after eight Iranian diplomats and an employee of Iran's state-run IRNA news agency were killed at the Iranian Consulate when Mazar-e Sharif was overrun by Taliban fighters. The Taliban denied any involvement in their deaths. Outraged by the deaths, Tehran deployed tens of thousands of troops along the border with Afghanistan -- but stopped short of invading the country.



The Northern Alliance toppled the Taliban regime after the U.S. invasion in 2001.



Afghan Proxy



When the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, the IRGC sent military advisers and deployed thousands of trained Shiite fighters to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Among them was the Fatemiyoun Brigade, comprising mainly Afghans from the Shi'ite Hazara minority.



The Fatemiyoun Brigade included veterans of the Abuzar Brigade, an Afghan militia made up of Shia that fought on Irans side in the war against Iraq.



Qaani may have been personally involved in its reorganization, said Alfoneh, although he added that it was midlevel Quds Force commanders who deployed the Fatemiyoun in Syria and not Qaani himself.



Qaani is also reported to have visited Afghanistan on several occasions at the height of the Syrian conflict.
LEO Varadkar has accepted an apology from Sinn Fein councillor Paddy Holohan over comments he made about the Taoiseach.

Earlier today, Mr Holohan apologised for comments he made about the Taoiseach, claiming they were "misinterpreted".

The South Dublin County Councillor faced backlash for comments he made about the Taoiseach on his No Shame podcast.

In an episode with director Terry McMahon, the Tallaght South councillor spoke about Mr Varadkar and admitted he has a lot of quarrels with this man.

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Leo Varadkar came out to the public, now not that he has to, but why did he come out, if he wasnt going to come out as a minister, as a doctor, as being gay, why did he come out two years before the [marriage] referendum? he asks.

Publically, as gay? If youre not going to do it back then, why do it now?

The councillor adds that it bugs him to death that Mr Varadkar leads the country.

Hes so separated not even from society now, but hes so separated from the history of this country, he said.

Im for immigration, Im for bringing people into the country.

He said that Mr Varadkars grandfather was not part of the history of this country.

Leo Varadkars blood obviously runs to India you know so his great grandfather is not part of the history of this country, you know what I mean? Now, Leo obviously is, hes an Irish citizen but his passion doesnt go back to the times when our passion goes back to, he added.

The councillor said that he wants a family man to run the country on the podcast.

We need people running the country and not against Leo or anything like that, but to me I want a family man running the country, Cllr Holohan said.

I want somebody that knows what its like to have kids, maybe hopefully boys and girls so when youre creating the policies of all of the stuff that's going to go on, they are like, right, it makes sense, I know what its like to collect my kids from school so I know what school time traffic is like, he said.

So when Im making decisions, Im kind of, I can have experience and bring that into the equation.

Leo, as a person, he kind of is we talked about it last week that he had the ability to be one of the greatest leaders ever , he said.

If you pick out a man who goes to work looks after his kids, has come up through the system, has experience maybe is a solicitor as well.

Thats who should be running the country, who knows what the masses of people are going through.

Cllr Holohan has since apologised for any offence his comments caused, claiming that they were "misinterpreted.

"I would like to apologise as my comments may have offended people as I of course did not intend to do so, he wrote on social media today.

"My comments have been misinterpreted and not in anyway [sic] meant the way they have been portrayed.

Mr Varadkar responded to the Sinn Fein councillors remarks saying: I understand that he has apologised in the last few hours and you know thats good enough for me.

He added that theres a wider issue.

Mr Varadkar said: I think anyone in Ireland who is from a minority background - whether mixed race or gay or lesbian - has experienced some form of racism or homophobia in their lives.

I am fortunate in that I havent received too much of that, I know it has been a lot worse for a lot many other people.

Mr Varadkar said: One of the things I would like to do if I am re-elected as Taoiseach is to run another cross-Government campaign against racism..

We just need to raise awareness of the issue and make sure that we have a properly united country, whether you are a man or woman, no matter what background you come from, whether you are a member of the travelling community or not, or who you love.

None of those things should matter in the kind of society I believe in.

Mr Varadkar said parties should dump candidates if they engage in anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Fine Gael deselected Verona Murphy in Wexford after she made controversial remarks linking immigrants to Isil.

He said: Every party has to have standards and we have learned from experience in that regard in my party and we have revised our party pledge on foot of that.

Returning to Mr Holohans remarks he said: But at the same time, I think if somebody makes a remark that they regret and they apologise and they withdraw it, I think that should be accepted.

And I accept in this case the apology has been made.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that she is also satisfied with his apology.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the partys stance on state pension age in a community centre in Cabra this afternoon, she said that she will not be asking the councillor to withdraw from the party and that apologising was the gracious thing to do.

"I think that Paddy has apologised for the remarks and that that was the appropriate thing to do, I think all of us know that every citizen and every person is entitled to run for public office in this country and to aspire to the office of An Taoiseach.

That's the position, Paddy has apologised and of course that was the absolutely correct thing to do."

She said that Cllr Holohan is frustrated that his comments gave the impression that he holds other views.

I think that Paddy is probably frustrated at the fact that he is known to be a very approachable, very open minded and a very kind person and unfortunately the remarks that he has made have given the impression that he holds other views, she said.

And I imagine, even though I can't speak for him, that that's what he means in terms of the interpretation."

She was asked if this will cause hurt to the party in the lead up to the general election.

"I'm here to talk about pensions and obviously we're not doing that, she said.

But look, it is what it is, the campaign is three weeks long.

"Where hurt or offence is given, the gracious thing to do and the correct thing to do is apologise for it and I am satisfied that he has done that, she added.

She said that Sinn Fein insisted Cllr Holohan apologised for his remarks.

"We insisted that he apologised, he has apologised.

"It's not a matter of being happy [to apologise] or otherwise, if you've made a mistake you accept that you've made a mistake."

"The best of people can make a mistake and can speak out of turn and can cost hurt, she added.

Sinn Fein earlier urged the councillor and former MMA fighter to withdraw the remarks.

Paddy Holohan has made comments on his podcast that have caused offence, and are quite obviously not the views of Sinn Fein, said a spokesperson.

"He should apologise and withdraw these remarks.
PENNSUAKEN, N.J.Williams Trading Co. has added several new product lines from European distributor EDC Wholesale, including Boners, Luv Egg, Panty Rebel and Rosy Gold.

We are pleased to offer these new product lines from EDC Wholesale within the US at the start of our long-term partnership, said Rich P., vice president of sales.

The full collection is available for review at the digital flip snack here.

The Boners collection offers a wide range of rings, stretchers and drugstore products. Boners products are easy to use, have a masculine design, and are suitable for all men.

The Luv Egg collection features three pastel-colored wireless eggs with a remote control. Each Luv Egg has a powerful motor with 10 vibration settings. The egg is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and wrapped in body-safe soft silicone that feels comfortable against the skin.

Rosy Gold is a luxurious brand, designed with Art Deco styling, and features images of women from the 1920s. Rosy Gold embraces the sexual revolution of the Roaring Twenties and takes self-love to this era.

The Panty Rebel collection offers two gorgeous options. Break the habit of conventional intimacy and give your sexual pleasure a new impulse of suspense and excitement. Embrace your freedom with this remote-controlled panty vibrator and be a Panty Rebel.

In immediate support of EDC Wholesales product lines, Williams Trading Co. has created custom landing pages for each of the four lines from EDC Wholesale so that retailers may shop these collections more easily. Williams Trading Co. is also offering support in the form of a digital flip snack catalog that showcases the Boners, Luv Egg, Panty Rebel, and Rosy Gold lines, as well as banners and a New Vendor page on the Williams Trading Co. website.

Long term, in support of the EDC new product lines, Williams Trading Co. will be offering e-learning modules on the Williams Trading University platform, drop shipment services, and retail brick and mortar point-of-sale support.

We feel strongly that our retail customer base will embrace these new lines from EDC Wholesale, and will have the convenience to add-on and expand these product lines to their weekly orders, said Scott D., director of sales and marketing.

Located in the Netherlands, EDC Wholesale grew from a small online store in founder Eric Idemas attic. Within only a short span of timeapproximately 10 yearsEDC Wholesale now occupies 8,000 square meters of space and carries more than 35,000 products, including several lines of their own.

Already big in the European market, EDC Wholesale is branching out to reach a wider audience: the U.S. market.

Andre Visser, sales director at EDC Wholesale, said, We are very excited to be partnering with Williams Trading, they have a tremendous track record as a large and established company in the U.S. Scott and Randy, and their team are amazing and have a great knowledge of the U.S. market; we are thrilled to introduce these brands to the U.S. retailers, together with Williams Trading. We cant wait to see these products roll out in the shops there.

With nearly 45 years of experience in the pleasure product industry, veteran distributor Williams Trading Co. was the perfect fit for EDC Wholesale and vice versa.

For ordering and product information, call a Williams Trading Co. Sales Representative at (800) 423-8587 or visit WilliamsTradingCo.com.
STRASBURG, Pa.  Its a melancholy morning.

The mist is heavy enough to make the long drive feel foreign.

And in many ways, it is. Were in Strasburg, the heart of Amish Country. Were about to step inside an Amish kitchen, learn how to make traditional Pennsylvania Dutch-style chicken pot pie, and later well be sharing a table with both the Amish and refugees from Syria, Iraq, Congo, Burma, Somalia, Nepal and Kenya.

Needless to say, this is not your typical Saturday brunch.

As my photographer and I cut through the fog in his Ford Fiesta, we slip into a time warp. We step out and are met by a black Lab and Chow Chow mix guard dog. Shes a pup  and a talkative one at that.

She follows, yapping alongside us as we make our way toward the front door of a renovated farmhouse.

As the door opens, two more pups storm out. A middle-aged woman introduces herself as Martha Beiler. She and her husband own the farm. Theyre hosting a multicultural luncheon later in the afternoon in partnership with loKal, a Lancaster-based tour guide company, and Experience Bridge, an at-home dinner experience with refugee families.

The Beilers will open their home to 70 strangers, including several refugees, to share stories, food and welcome one another as neighbors.

Martha is preparing chicken pot pie for the dinner. Shes not ready for us yet and tells us we can explore the farm, find her husband, and speak with him.

Shes politely dismissive.

And so, we set out to meet her husband, Ivan.

Hes a mason by trade and a preacher in his familys Amish district. He has a large, gray Amish beard, and straw hat with pair of sunglasses resting over top.

Ivan tells us that this is the first dinner theyve hosted with refugees. He estimates his family has welcomed strangers into their home nearly a dozen times since the summer began. Thats excluding the Witness tours he partners with loKal Experience for.

The farm is the same one from the 1985 movie Witness, starring Harrison Ford, one of the highest-grossing films of that year.

Ivan slows the conversation to a murmur and invites us to explore the farm on our own as we wait for his wife.

Inside an Amish kitchen

We make our way back toward his familys farmhouse. A clothesline wraps around the U-shaped porch, his children are busy taking turns hanging up clothes. As we enter the house, we familiarize ourselves with the alien creak of an air-powered washer.

Inside the Beilers kitchen is Martha. Her apron and forearms are covered in all-purpose flour. A soup pot simmers behind her as she begins rolling out the pastry dough.

Shes preparing chicken pot pie.

I asked him (Ivan) what he wanted me to cook, he said chicken pot pie, so here we are, she said.

The kitchen is quaint. The entire home is. The wooden table and countertops are hand-made, and a gas mantle hovers over a dozen coffee-flavored whoopie pies.

But Marthas focus is on the dough. The whoopies can wait.

As she begins rolling out the dough, an older Amish woman walks in. She gives us a brief smile as she darts past. She marches straight up to Martha and begins speaking Pennsylvania Dutch.

The silver-haired woman is Emma, a neighbor  approximately three or four miles away, by Emmas estimate.

They both live in the same district, which is a group of Amish families, often 20 to 25, living in close proximity to one another, Emma tells us. They often break up when they grow close to 50 families, Martha says.

Emmas presence seems to relax Martha. The two are comfortable working together. Theres a harmony between Emmas chopping and the rattle of Marthas pastry wheel as she cuts each piece of dough.

Ive never made pot pie for this many people before, she said. Ive done it quite often for our family.

The Beilers are expecting dozens for the luncheon, and Martha wants to make sure each guest has at least a cup and a half of pot pie.

The recipe is familiar to any central Pennsylvania native. Theres no crust, just a stew with chicken broth, bits of chicken, mir poux and, of course, fluffy chunks of pastry dough floating throughout the mixture.

I ask her, if this is pot pie, what does she call pot pie with a crust?

Oh, thats chicken pie, she says.

As she slices the dough, one of the pups makes its way back into the kitchen. Before her youngest son retrieves it, she tells us only the talkative black Lab mix is her and Ivans. Shes dog-sitting for her son, James, who is at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware with their 9-month-old grandson. The little one has a hole in his heart and requires surgery.

Shes candid with her tone. Her voice doesnt waiver or search for sympathy  it simply, is what it is.

She sends her daughter out to grab potatoes from their cellar. A few moments later, she returns, a dozen fist-sized potatoes with a few eyes in tow. She hands them off to Emma, who begins washing, peeling and cutting them.

Theres a method to the pairs cooking and mannerisms  somewhat mechanical. They dont usually have a camera in their kitchen, yet they do not want to be impolite to their visitors either.

Some could mistake the rigidness as rude, but it is not. Rather, its a battle between that unwavering approach to the task at hand with a foreign presence in their home. It makes Martha uneasy. The tension evaporates each time Emma and Martha speak in their native tongues.

Later in the day, Martha tells me, I dont like being the center of attention. I like people, I like serving, Im just camera shy.

Alongside the kitchen is a decorative window panel. A petrified white rose sits in the middle of it, a gift from their sons wedding. Underneath is a chalkboard with a handwritten quote: We may not have it all together  but together we have it all.

Ivan grew up just a half-mile behind their current farm. Martha grew up 12 miles north. The pair married in 88 and now have nine children, including seven grandchildren. A commemorative board in their living room highlights each defining moment in their family: new siblings and new marriages.

Above their living room cabinet, hanging from the ledge, is a Settlers of Catan board game  another common item, like Ivans sunglasses, that only seems out of place in the hands of an Amish family.

Ivan steps into the kitchen and double-checks with Martha if everything is coming along. He tells her hes almost finished preparing the dining room on the second floor of the barn for guests. He shares the same pragmatic demeanor as his wife. There are tasks to be done, and theres marginal time for chit chat.

But when asked if he and his family enjoy hosting these events, he stops. A wide grin peeks out from behind his beard.

Bringing people together has been a good experience, meeting new people and showing them our home, he said.

Inside the barn

Touring the 83-acre farm, youll find remnants from the 85 film. The Beilers operated a dairy farm, but they cut their losses about 10 years ago, Ivan said. Now, the desolate stalls live in purgatory  shells of a Hollywood set and a once-productive source of income for an Amish family.

The dinners, as welcome an experience as theyve become for Ivan and his family, serve a dual purpose as an additional source of income.

Inside, adjacent to the abandoned dairy stalls, sits a silo. Yes, the same silo where Harrison Ford had corn dumped on top of him. It is rusted, empty and forgotten now.

A half-dozen horses sit on the opposite end of the building. An Amish buggy parked outside their pens. The broncos are friendly, bobbing their heads toward my writing hand searching for a nurturing touch on the bridge of their noses.

As cars begin to pull into the Beilers driveway, the horses dash toward the window, searching for the source of the commotion.

The vehicles carry incoming guests, each eager to find their seat at the Amish table.

Breaking bread

It is a chance to meet new members of the community, Lancaster resident Brendan ODonnell says. He has the look of a hipster. Well dressed, with a beard that could be mistaken for Amish.

Hes accompanied by a few friends. He tells me about how diverse his neighborhood is. How he and and his friends discussed the possibility of hosting an event that brings immigrants, his neighbors, together for a chance to share their stories and culture through food.

The discussion led to the discovery of this Amish and Refugee Meal Experience.

Were all originally immigrants, and there has to be time to cross-pollinate, Phil Lapp, brand ambassador for loKal Experience, says.

Lapp, who was raised in an Amish and later Mennonite community, met Ivan Beiler when he was a boy. It was a few decades later that he revisited the Beilers, asking them if he could bring a curated tour to their property, highlighting the farm and set for Witness. The tours turned into an Amish dinner series in partnership with AirBnB experiences.

Growing up here, I didnt think we were doing a great job acclimating ourselves to the city, Lapp says. Our vision was to have these stories told.

As the series grew, Lapp became aware of a similar group in Bridge founded by Somalian refugee Mustafu Nuur. Nuur launched Bridge two years ago and has already hosted over 2,300 events.

The idea for Bridge came about after a conversation Nuur had with an abrasive Lancaster native who wasnt entirely open to the idea of immigrant inclusion in their neighborhood.

The pair shared a coffee, conversation, and in the end, they discovered a shared middle ground  the two were neighbors, they should act as such regardless of the roadways traveled that brought them each to Lancaster.

It sparked my idea to bring people together, Nuur says. We live in a very diverse community, but we dont know or talk to each other.

The concept of Bridge is simple: Refugee families in Lancaster open their doors up, cook a meal and share their stories with guests. The experience is as the name suggests: a bridge between cultures.

The families from each share their stories, including 22-year-old Ahmad Khilo, who fled his native Syria in 2012. His family sought refuge with the International Organization for Migration in Turkey. However, the experience was barely more tolerable than living in his native, war-torn homeland.

They were taking advantage of us (in Turkey) because we were refugees, Khilo says.

Khilo, who speaks with a maturity in his voice that doesnt match his age, acknowledged that President Donald Trump hasnt been kind to refugees. The misinformation regarding the immigration system is often due to a lack of understanding from the vantage point of a refugee, he says.

When crossing into Turkey, Khilo says his family had two major obstacles to overcome as they sought refuge: Avoid corrupt officials who took bribes and illegally detained or broke families apart, and the ever-present danger of being shot and killed as they approached the border. Their bodies would likely be dumped back on the Syrian border, he says.

Its a reality I know nothing about and one that Khilo and other members of Bridge speak about with a level of candor that is difficult to digest at first, but nonetheless powerful.

We left because of the government, says Mukan Htoo, a Burman refugee who fled to Nepal with his family and later relocated to Lancaster in 2013. My parents wanted me to have the chance for a better life.

Htoo, who studies art at Millersville University, often apologizes for his broken English. His nervousness comes from a good place: He doesnt want to disrespect his adopted nation, nor does he want to be labeled as ignorant for not knowing the language better. He and his family have hosted several events since he met Nuur. Its an experience he relishes.

It is great me for me to share my culture and learn other peoples culture, he said.

Lunchtime

In the middle of the dining room, a variety of dishes from each family sits between the 70 guests. A batch of barriis, Somalian rice and Kardomah sits next to Kenyan-spiced chicken, Iraqi grape leaves and Sfiha and at the very end of the table, Marthas chicken pot pie.

As the luncheon begins, a toddler begins to cry. The mother, embarrassed, picks up her child and makes her way for the door. Shes stopped by Martha, who begins to play peekaboo with the toddler. Her motherly instincts seem to put both the toddler and the mother at ease.

It is a common situation that symbolizes what the luncheon aims to prove: At the end of the day, were all just people.

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Engine problems forced a United Airlines flight to make an emergency landing early Thursday at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The United 1871 to Los Angeles returned to Newark due to a mechanical issue, United Airlines said in a statement.

The flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally, the airline said. The passengers were switched to a different plane.

One passengers video showed what appeared to be sparks or flames shooting from one of the jets engines moments after takeoff.

The plane I was on had an engine malfunction minutes after take off, Gabrielle Guzzy tweeted.

FlightAware.com shows flight 1871 is now expected to land at Los Angeles airport around 8 a.m. eastern time.

This is the regular speed version of the incident pic.twitter.com/BrZJmiOq2O  Gabby (@gabby_guzy) January 16, 2020

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
The Lansweeper software shows all the discovered information in detailed reports. This helps IT teams a lot in detecting outdated and vulnerable software that is present within the network.

As of January 15th, 2020, Microsoft will discontinue the Windows 7 operating system. In other words: Microsoft isnt supporting or updating the OS any longer. If you keep running this software, you are liable to security risks, vulnerabilities and viruses. Thats why Microsoft recommends upgrading all the operating systems within your IT environment to Windows 10.

The Belgian Scale-up Lansweeper, located in Dendermonde, is focusing on this problem, because more than 35 % of PCs are still running Windows 7. This means a huge security risk and leaves companies vulnerable to cyber-attacks. With the Lansweeper software, the Belgian software company provides a complete and free solution to their customers: they can run a custom-made report to detect every outdated Windows computer in their IT network. A necessity, as large organizations cannot risk a security breach.

We provide a complete overview of a companys IT environment says CEO Dave Goossens. The Lansweeper software shows all the discovered information in detailed reports. This helps IT teams a lot in detecting outdated and vulnerable software that is present within the network.

The Lansweeper research and security team is always on the lookout for new vulnerabilities, malware or other malicious software to inform and help their customers. Since Windows 7 is used worldwide, we need to assist our customers in the detection of this vulnerability. Thats why we made a custom report, a how-to video and a blog post that explains every detail you need to know.

Do you want to know if your network is at risk? Download Lansweeper for free and scan your network (https://www.lansweeper.com/download/).
?? Fueron expulsados del pais los cinco ciudadanos extranjeros que son acusados de causar danos en el Parque Arqueologico Machu Picchu y por haber ingresado al pais de forma indebida https://t.co/yvcFkTppRL



Video: @MigracionesPe pic.twitter.com/Y63xJyeb9f
Iowa is the thirtieth most populous and twenty-sixth largest by area of all the American states. Iowa has a population of about 3,156,145 people with the most highly populated city being Des Moines. Iowa is situated in the Midwestern U.S., and it is surrounded by 6american states (Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois), Missouri River, and Mississippi River. Iowa was part of Spanish Louisiana and French Louisiana during the colonial times, and its flag resembles the flag of France. After the U.S. purchased Louisiana from the French, the locals started an agricultural-based economy in the region. The agricultural economy of Iowa transitioned to a diversified economy of green-energy production, biotechnology, information technology, financial services, processing, and manufacturing.

The Economy Of Iowa

The CNBC listed Iowa as one of the best states in the U.S. for business in 2010. It topped the list of states to do business when it came to the cost-of-doing-business, and this included the utility costs and taxes, among other costs associated with running businesses. The state was also ranked twelfth in Business friendliness, and twenty-ninth in technology and innovations. Even though Iowa is still considered to be a farming state, agriculture is a very small percentage of the states economy. Other sectors that contribute to Iowas economy include insurance and financial services, biotechnology, and manufacturing. Iowa had a GDP of $170.75billion in 2018, and the unemployment rate dropped from 3.4% in 2015 to 2.6% in July 2018.

The Biggest Industries In Iowa

Agriculture

Even though industrial-scale commodity-agriculture is common in Iowa, the state has experienced growth in the organic-farming sector. The number of organic farms increased by 5% in 2016 to 732 organic farms in Iowa. The size of land used for organic farming increased by 9,429acres to 103,136organic acres in 2016. The state has also experienced a growth in the demand for locally sustainably-grown food with northeast Iowa leading in the development of the regional food system. The Driftless part of Iowa is home to Seed Saver Exchange, the largest non-governmental seed bank in the country. Seed Saver Exchange protects more than 20,000varieties of heirloom seeds.

The direct sale and production of conventional agricultural products in 2007 contributed about 3.5% of the states GDP. The impact of indirect role-of-agriculture in the states economy was estimated to be 24.3% in terms of total-output and 16.4% in terms of value-added. The states main conventional products included dairy products, eggs, hogs, cattle, oats, soybeans, and corn. Iowa is one of the biggest producers of soybeans, corn, and ethanol in the United States. 92,600 farms in the state produced 14% of the countrys eggs, 30% of the pigs, 17% of the soybeans, and 19% of the corn. A considerable percentage of the agricultural produce in Iowa is exported to Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Some of the main agricultural commodities processors in Iowa include Heartland Pork Enterprises, Garst Seed Company, Ajinomoto, and Archer Daniels Midland, among others.

Manufacturing

The most significant industry in Iowa, which contributed $20.8 billion on the states GDP in 2003, is the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing sector has employed over 16% of Iowas workforce. Some of the major manufacturing sectors in Iowa include agricultural chemicals, heavy machinery, and food processing, among others. Deere and Company has plants in Waterloo, Ottumwa, Dubuque, Des Moines, and Davenport. The biggest component of Iowas manufacturing industry is the food processing sector. Other industrial outputs in Iowa include primary metals, chemical products, electric equipment, and machinery. Some of the firms with indirect or direct processing facilities in this state include Heinz, Barilla, Wells, Blue Bunny, Quaker Oats, General Mills, and Tones Spices, among others.

Renewable Energies And Fuel

Iowa is the premier leader in renewable energy production in the United States. The states legacy in manufacturing excellence and the strong agricultural foundation has helped Iowa excel in other sectors, including renewable fuel production and wind energy. Renewable energy has become one of the leading economic forces in Iowa with wind-turbine electricity growing exponentially since the 1990s. Wind-power accounted for 15.4% of the electricity produced in Iowa in 2010 and installed 3,675megawatts of generating capacity. Iowa ranked second in wind power-generating capacity right behind Texas and topped the list of states in the U.S. that produce wind power in 2010.

Currently, Iowa is the top producer of ethanol in the U.S. and ranks second in biodiesel production. Iowa ranks third in the country in wind power generation output. Renewable fuels contribute about 8% of the states GDP, while ethanol production in Iowa consumes over 33.3% of the states corn production. In 2009, the 39ethanol plants in Iowa produced 3.1billion gallons of fuel.

Health Insurance

There were 14 companies offering health insurance packages in Iowa in 2014. According to a report produced by American-Medical Association (AMA) in 2013, Iowa was 1 of the 10 American states that experienced a drop in competition levels in the health insurance sector from 2010 to 2011. The AMA reported that Wellmark Blue-Cross Blue-Shield provided over 71% of the health insurance in Iowa in their 2007 annual report. According to the report produced by the Iowa Insurance Division in 2014, Wellmark Inc dominated numerous insurance markets, including large group, small group, and individual markets.

Other Industries

Service is the main economic activity in Iowa, particularly insurance, banking, and education. Iowa has a robust insurance and financial sector with over 6,100 companies, including Voya Financial, Wells Fargo, Principal Financial Group, Aviva USA, Nationwide Group, and AEGON, among others. The tourism sector is also crucial in Iowa, with some of the main attractions being Fort Madison and Lewis-and-Clark State Park. Iowa is home to over 2business incubators, including BioVentures Center and the Iowa-State University-Research Park at Iowa University. The Research Park in Iowa University hosts over 50firms, including NewLink Genetics.

Some of the main producers of components and turbines in Iowa include Siemens Energy, TPI Composites, and Acciona Energy. Iowa was home to the headquarters of 3 of the top 2,000 largest companies on the planet in terms of revenue by 2016. These companies included American Equity Investment, Rockwell Collins, and Principal Financial. Other companies whose headquarters are based in Iowa include Fareway, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Von Maur, Vermeer Company, Pella Corporation, and Hy-Vee, among others.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:45:02|Editor: xuxin

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Visually impaired children touch a statue in Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At the main hall of the Egyptian Museum near Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, a group of blind children were touching the feet and legs of a massive granite statue of ancient Egyptian King Ramses II, while accompanied by their sightless tour guide.

They looked as if they were seeing the antiquities with their hands, using their imagination instead of their vision. They were assisted by Braille tags for each monument on their special path.

The tour was part of the activities of the museum's school for raising blind children's archeological awareness.

"It's not an actual school with a building, but it's an activity of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to raise visually impaired children's awareness of their heritage and monuments through their tour in the museum," said Adel Fouad, a visually impaired tour guide and a researcher at the ministry.

"Regular schools for blind kids tell them about Egypt's ancient history, but our symbolic school let them practically touch different archeological pieces and communicate with their own history," Fouad, the chief supervisor of the museum's school, told Xinhua.

Fouad and his fellow blind tour guides deal with all ages of blind visitors of the museum starting from the age of six. They follow psychological rules and consider the different mentalities of visually impaired visitors while guiding them during the tours.

The Children's Museum of Lego inside the Egyptian Museum was part of the tour, where the unsighted children would touch copies of Pharaohs and the Sphinx made of thousands of little Lego pieces.

Adam, a little boy who came with a group from a foundation for visually impaired children, seemed very excited during the tour, especially that he and his peers touched the features of a Lego-made copy of the golden mask of King Tutankhamun.

"I was very happy to play with the Lego pieces and touch the statues and all these nice things. I also touched the feet of a statue out there and they were too big. I would love to come here again," said the six-year-old child, who is in his first year of elementary school.

The museum's blind visitors have a special itinerary, including 12 masterpieces of Egyptian antiquities with a Braille map to guide them. Among the 12 pieces are the Narmer Palette, a statue of King Ramses II, the sphinx of King Amenemhat III, a mummification table, coffins, and others.

"The path for the visually impaired was gifted to the Egyptian Museum in mid-2019 by an Italian museum that also provided Braille labels in Arabic, English and Italian for the pieces of the itinerary," said Ahmed Naguib, a tour guide for visually impaired people.

He explained that visually impaired visitors cannot see all the antiquities featured in the museum because most of them are placed inside showcases, but they can only touch those uncovered pieces made of granite or basalt.

"As for the antiquities made of sandstone or limestone, they can only touch their copies," said the visually impaired tour guide, who is also deputy supervisor of the museum's school for blind visitors.

Another group of blind children gathered around a large coffin in the museum's main hall, while Naguib gave them basic information about how ancient Egyptians kept mummies inside coffins. Some also approached a basalt statue of an ancient king, imagining his face via the tips of their fingers.

"We made an experiment during an exhibition inside the museum in 2016 called 'You Can See with Your Hands,' and the minister of antiquities himself closed his eyes and touched the special copies of antiquities made for the visually impaired," the tour guide told Xinhua.

The Egyptian Museum's school for raising archeological awareness of blind visitors cooperates with special schools and non-government organizations to arrange visits for the visually impaired to the museum.

The school also started a new initiative based on "mobility," through which the tour guides visit visually impaired children at their schools with copies of the museum's famous antiquities as if it's "a mobile museum."

Amal Ezzat, head of Hope City Foundation for handicapped children, said she was happy with the tour arranged with the museum's school to teach her visually impaired students about their country's history and heritage.

"We release our visually impaired kids from the prison of disability to explore life. We take them to museums and teach them what museums are and what they contain. They are not quick learners but with patience and persistence we integrate them into the society," the foundation's chief told Xinhua.
Britains most prolific rapist could die behind bars after Government lawyers moved to appeal against his 30-year jail term as too lenient.

Reynhard Sinaga, 36, an Indonesian student, was jailed for life earlier this month with a minimum term of 30 years before parole after drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment.

But after lawyers for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) wrote to the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox on Thursday, he referred the case to the Court of Appeal for senior judges to look at whether Sinagas sentence should be increased.

He could then be re-sentenced to a rare, whole-life term and would never be released.

Sinaga carried out an egregious number of attacks over a prolonged period of time, causing substantial pain and psychological suffering to his victimsAttorney General Geoffrey Cox

The Attorney General said: After carefully considering the details of this case, I have decided to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

Sinaga carried out an egregious number of attacks over a prolonged period of time, causing substantial pain and psychological suffering to his victims.

It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.

Sinaga, 36, a perpetual student studying for a PhD in Manchester thanks to his rich family, picked up drunk and vulnerable men by posing as a good Samaritan and offering help, Manchester Crown Court heard during his trial.

Passing sentence, Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said a whole-life order had never been made before in a case other than one involving murder, but despite the vast scale of offending making Sinagas a borderline case, she would shrink back from passing a whole-life term.

However, she added: In my judgment, you are a highly dangerous, cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released, but that is a matter for the Parole Board.

Richard Littler QC, defending Sinaga, submitted that the legal authorities did not support the passing of a whole-life sentence in the defendants case.

This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it cannot accurately be described as a violent crimeRichard Littler QC, defending Sinaga

He said the Court of Appeal has never imposed a whole-life order for a discretionary life sentence and, to date, whole-life terms had not been passed in non-homicide cases.

Mr Littler said: This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it cannot accurately be described as a violent crime.

Police established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them, but 70 of them remained unidentified.

After reporting restrictions were lifted and Sinaga was publicly identified following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said it had seen a very positive response with multiple calls made.

It is thought Sinaga laced his victims drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy.

The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinagas phone.

He was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017  136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police, St Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182.

The National Male Survivors Helpline can be contacted on 0808 800 5005.
On Thursday (Jan. 16), the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey issued a press release that urges horsepeople to submit feedback regarding a current piece of legislation.

The SBOANJ release explains that both the senate and assembly have passed legislation (A1045 / S2856), sponsored by assembly members Ron Dancer, Eric Houghtaling, Joann Downey and Senators Vin Gopal, Steve Oroho, to exempt horse boarding, maintenance and related services from the state sales tax. Horse boarding, maintenance and servicing businesses are required to register as a seller with the Division of Taxation in the Department of Treasury. Under current law, they are being taxed as space for storage. The bill relieves these businesses and services from sales tax obligations.

The bill is now with Governor Phil Murphy for consideration. The more NJ residents that contact the Governor and ask him to sign the bill the better.

If you click here, the form contains a message box where you can tell Governor Murphy how important the tax exemption is to our industry and ask for him to sign it. Please contact the governor before Monday, January 20 or the bill will be put into pocket veto and the process will have to start over.

(With files from the SBOANJ)
If you are looking for a country that is the best for raising a child, you should not consider the United States. It is not even on the Top 10 but on the 18th, according to the annual report of Best Countries.

Out of the 73 countries evaluated, seven European countries made it to the Top 10, with Denmark and Sweden occupying the first two slots.

Deidre McPhillips, a senior data editor at U.S. News & World Report, explained that these countries are hailed as such because of many incentives like generous paternal and maternal leave, and good over-all public education systems.

Meanwhile, the undesirable rank of the United States in the safety metric -- 32nd rank -- has a huge factor on why the country ranked at 18th, McPhillips also explained.

Other non-European countries on the list are as follows: Canada (4th), New Zealand (8th), and Australia (9th). The United Kingdom ranked at 11th.

The worst performing in Kazakhstan, followed by Lebanon and Guatemala.

Also not the best country

The "Best for Raising Children" is just a part of a variety of metrics that evaluate the performance of the 73 countries involved.

The said evaluation has nine sub rankings, namely Adventure, Citizenship, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power, and Quality of Life.

The US ranked 8th overall, with an overall score of 9.2.

The country leads the world in terms of political influences. However, it hit an abysmally low record of 16 out of a 100-point scale in "trust", which is a criterion for Power. McPhillips explained that it is at least 50 percent less compared to the result in the first survey conducted in 2016.

Other notable performances are on Business (3rd) and Cultural Influence (4th).

The "Land of Free", however, lags behind on Open for Business subcategory -- at 45th. This means it is not easy to be an entrepreneur in the US because of many factors, including manufacturing costs, corruption, and bureaucracy. This sub ranking has a weighted score of 11 percent, the fourth-lowest.

The ranking of the US is also not great for the Mover, the category for economic growth and development. This subcategory is heavily concentrated in Asia, with the United Arab Emirates, India and China occupying the first three.

So which is the best?

According to the panelists, Switzerland is the best in the overall ranking. It got a perfect, and all but Heritage subcategories are above Top 20.

The country's strong economy is driven by favorable tax rates and high-quality financial services. This leads to a low unemployment rate and high gross domestic products per capita.

When it comes to culture, Switzerland boasts its diversity. Regions have distinct cultural identities and have four different major languages - German, Italian, French, and Romansh.

Lastly, the small country in Central Europe is known for its neutrality. For instance, it is not a member of the European Union and has never participated in the world wars.

As a result, it became a popular location for multiple international bodies, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations.

ALSO READ: Australians Are More Climate Conscious than Americans - New Study
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In 1788, the principle of religious freedom was so unifying that our Founders included it in the First Amendment to the newly ratified U.S. Constitution. The Founders took care to ensure this freedom was among the first freedoms guaranteed in our new nation, that has been a city upon a hill long since.



But sadly, the term religious freedom garners great animosity from some in our postmodern era. Two months ago, a prominent news outlet ran a headline explicitly calling religious freedom poisonous, anti-LGBTQ bigotry. Other journalists and politicians regularly make similar statements. But this perspective on religious freedom was not shared by our Founders. And until fairly recently, it also wasnt shared by politicians on either side of the aisle.



In 1993, President Bill Clinton began the annual tradition of proclaiming today, Jan. 16, as Religious Freedom Day. It was that same year that Congressman Chuck Schumer now the Democratic Senate Minority Leader  introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which passed Congress with a nearly unanimous vote.



RFRA was passed largely in response to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Employment Division v. Smith, which has its 20th anniversary later this year. In Smith, the court ruled that a state could deny unemployment benefits to a Native American worker who was fired for his sacramental use of peyote, an illegal drug. More fundamentally, the court held that the First Amendment does not protect an individuals religious exercise if it violates a generally applicable law.



Americans with various religious backgrounds on both sides of the aisle recognized that Smith threatened everyones religious freedom. The decision has also been criticized by a diverse set of political and legal organizations, including left-leaning groups such as the ACLU. Observing this consensus, legal scholars have remarked that Smith has been criticized by every side. Thats one reason why only three members of Congress voted against its passage in 1993.



After the Smith ruling, Christians bravely led much of the effort to pass RFRA through Congress, in addition to many successful efforts to pass RFRA laws at the state level. These Christians, and the rest of the broad coalition that formed in opposition to Smith, understood that protecting religious freedom benefits everyone. Americans of all political stripes agreed that the government should not restrict religious expression or compelling people to act contrary to their faith.



Thomas Jefferson understood this principle well. It was on this day in 1786 that his proposed Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was enacted. That statute ensured that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever. In other words, government could not force citizens to support a different religion or church through attendance or taxation.



We take this freedom for granted today, but in Jeffersons time, it was a revolutionary idea. And without this revolutionary idea within the seed of the American founding, our country never would have grown into the diverse world power it is today.



Critics of religion frequently fail to recognize that religious freedom is what has allowed the American experiment to be so successful. Throughout world history, such a diverse group of people from so many ethnic and religious backgrounds has never lived together in peace and harmony as they have in America. This did not happen by accident or happenstance. Societies that safeguard religious freedom stimulate a culture in which people learn from their differences, respect those differences, and ultimately treasure them. America was the first nation to protect this freedom from its founding. And the result proves its value. As the Gospel tells us, By their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20).



As a Christian, I may not understand why the Native Americans in Smith believed peyote was necessary for their religious ceremonies. And others may not understand why Christians like myself (as well as Jews, Muslims, and others) believe in the traditional view of marriage. But on Religious Freedom Day, all Americans can recognize that these differences of opinion can be held peacefully, without hostility, and we can recognize that the government has no right to force people to express messages that conflict with their religious beliefs, or to restrict people from peacefully exercising their religion.



Religious freedom gives you the right to honor God as you please. And thats freedom everyone should celebrate.
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Lev Parnas said that Mike Pence knew about the Ukraine plot and went to meet with President Zelensky on Trumps behalf in Poland.

Rachel Maddow asked Parnas if Mike Pence knew the real reason for his Ukraine trip being canceled. He answered, Im going to use a famous quote by Gordon Sondland  everybody was in the loop.

Parnas continued, I know he went to Poland also to discuss this on Trumps behalf, so he couldnt have not known.

Video:

#PenceKnew about the Ukraine shakedown because he went to meet with Zelensky on Trump's behalf. #LevSpeaks pic.twitter.com/Q16uMmbodF  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) January 16, 2020

Parnas is right. It is impossible for Pence to have met Zelensky on Trumps behalf to discuss the Ukraine shakedown and not know about the plot to withhold congressionally appropriated military aid unless the Ukrainians launch an investigation into Joe Biden. Mike Pence didnt just know. The vice president was involved in the scheme.

Lev Parnass interview was a ten-ton bomb dropped on the Trump administration, because is scratched the surface of how deep this conspiracy went inside the Executive Branch. The Ukraine scandal is a Trump administration scandal. It a massive problem for the Republican Party. Mitch McConnell wanted to sweep impeachment under the rug, because as more details emerge, Trump and the GOP look increasingly doomed in 2020.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  The court has found the Quezon City Government led by then Mayor Ismael Mathay, Jr. liable for the Payatas dumpsite tragedy that buried alive more than 200 people two decades ago.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court ordered the local government to pay a total of 6.49 million to the families of 59 victims who filed for civil damages.

In a 133-page order signed October 30, 2019 and released to the media on Thursday, Acting Presiding Judge Marilou Runes-Tamang ruled that the city government's "improper and irresponsible dumping of waste... is the proximate cause of the violent death of the victims and loss of personal and real properties.

The victims and their families were relocated from different parts of Quezon City to a place called Lupang Pangako in Barangay Payatas between 1987 to 1990.

From that time until 2000, the city government used a portion near the relocation area as a dumpsite. It was already shut down by the national government in 1998, amid complaints that the garbage drew nearer to the residents' houses. It later reopened and received trash not just from Quezon City but from other parts of Metro Manila as well, the court said.

On July 10, 2000, the upper portion of the mountain of garbage collapsed, burying hundreds of people and their properties. A total of 234 people were confirmed dead, while more than a hundred were missing or unidentified, according to goverment data.

The Quezon City government then argued that from July 7 until the morning of July 10, 2000, barangay officials and the police had repeatedly asked residents to evacuate as the dumpsite showed signs of a possible collapse. The people refused to leave, the city government said. It added that it should not be blamed for the trash slide, since the collapse was directly caused by heavy rains.

The court, however, ruled that the victims' decision to stay "was not sufficient to relieve the City Government of Quezon City of liability."

"The mere fact that they maintained a mountain-like pile of garbage within their jurisdiction is a crushing proof of its gross negligence," the court said.

It added that the tragedy could have been avoided if only the city government managed the dumpsite in a manner that would minimize its adverse effects to the nearby community.

The court asked the city government to pay 110,000 in damages for each of the victim, totaling 6.49 million for all of the complainants, and another 100,000 for lawyers' fees. The victims' families had initially asked 3 million in damages for each deceased victim.

The Payatas open dumpsite has since been converted into a controlled disposal facility in 2004, a project that converted biogas to energy. It reopened as a sanitary landfill in 2011 and was permanently closed in 2017 after reaching is capacity limit.
NEW YORKThe sin of pride leads to more than a few comeuppances in Dion Boucicaults 19th-century farce London Assurance. This chestnut of a show is currently being revived by the Irish Repertory Theatre.

In 1841 London, the wealthy and widowed Sir Harcourt Courtly (Colin McPhillamy) is a poster boy for denial. With thinning hair, being somewhat corpulent in stature, and 63 years of age, he nonetheless sees himself as an attractive ladies man; he does not admit to being over the age of 40 next March. This is despite the fact that he has a 25-year-old son, Charles (Ian Holcomb), who supposedly is a quiet and studious sort.

Sir Harcourt is preparing to marry 18-year-old Grace Harkaway (Caroline Strang). This marriage of financial convenience has been long since arranged. The reserved Grace, who lives with her uncle Max (Brian Keane) on his estate in Gloucestershire, has no compunctions about such a union. Shes never embraced the idea of love, and thus reasons that one man is just as good as another.

It soon becomes obvious that Charles Courtly is not nearly as innocent as his father believes. Charles enthusiastically partakes in nightly rituals of drinking and carousing and runs up massive debts in the process. In an attempt to avoid his creditors, Charles gets himself invited to Maxs estate, under an assumed name and accompanied by his new friend Dazzle (Craig Wesley Divino).

Upon arriving in Gloucestershire, Charles finds himself falling madly in love with Grace. To her extreme surprise, she realizes that she likewise has romantic feelings for him.

Sir Harcourt notices none of this, as he has become enamored with Lady Gay Spanker (Rachel Pickup), a vivacious and emancipated 40-something woman married to a much older man (Robert Zukerman), who seemingly acquiesces to his wifes every whim.

Wrapped in a story showcasing a battle between the sexes, London Assurance presents a warning about the dangers of pride. Everyone believes that he or she has the upper moral hand, and with a certainty of knowing what is best for everyone else. Thanks to eavesdropping, miscommunication, or overblown self-importance, each finds his or her plans for love, sexual conquest, or sheer freedom repeatedly stymied.

In the case of Charles and Grace, Charles thinks that he has the upper hand and knows whats best, but since Grace overhears his musings on the matter, shes a step ahead of him all the way.

Lady Gay has a habit of charging into everything full throttle, which causes her to cross a line that her normally obliging husband, thanks to Maxs urging, will not tolerate. She then finds herself being given an out that would seemingly solve everything. Only, it may be a solution that neither Lady Gay nor her husband wants.

Boucicaults text is filled with biting comments, many having to do with ones attitude or appearance, all of which the cast takes great delight in delivering; for example: Plain people always praise the beauties of the mind. McPhillamy and Keane in particular have fun with this back-and-forth interplay.

The author also takes potshots at the legal profession, via the character of lawyer Mark Meddle (Evan Zes in a wonderful scenery-chewing performance). The character is always looking for a legal angle so as to secure a case and thus earn himself a hefty fee.

Despite plenty of fun, for a farce to work, it needs to be played at a frenetic pacebut thats not always the case here. Especially in the early going, the delivery of plot exposition and character introductionsmore laborious than rapid-fireslows things down. The pacing does improve as things progress, helped tremendously by the addition of characters and the unfolding comic situations.

The Performances

McPhillamy is particularly effective as Sir Harcourt. To bring the self-assured fool that is his character to life, the actor gleefully mugs his way through the role.

Divino has a ball as Dazzle, a person who verbally runs over anyone who gets in his way. Exactly who this man is becomes a running gag throughout, as well as a commentary on how easy it is to pull the wool over someones eyes. All one apparently needs are the proper clothes and the right attitude.

Pickup is a hoot at Lady Gay. The actress plays the character at 100 miles an hour, no matter the circumstances. And Zukerman is hilarious as her husband, a fellow who finally puts his foot down, only to learn that whats supposedly right for others is not necessarily right for him.

Holcomb and Strang are fine as the young lovers, though there doesnt seem to be much chemistry between them.

James Noones sets of the Courtly and Harkaway residences are nicely done, and the costumes by Sara Jean Tosetti all work well.

London Assurancethe title a reference to a line in the play regarding overconfidenceis a very entertaining effort. It may not always work as well as it should, but most will leave the theater with smiles on their faces.

London Assurance

Irish Repertory Theatre

132 W 22nd St, New York

Tickets: 212-727-2737 or IrishRep.org

Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (one intermission)

Closes: Feb. 9

Judd Hollander is a reviewer for Stagebuzz.com and a member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle.
Ravinder Raina was on Wednesday reelected the Jammu and Kashmir BJP president at the party headquarters here.

He was reelected in the presence of party election observers Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and BJP National Secretary Tarun Chugh.

Senior party leaders Varinderjit Singh and Munish Sharma were entrusted with the responsibility of supervising the organisational elections in the state. Morale of the party workers has remained high under the dynamic leadership of Ravinder Raina, Vardhan said as he extended his greetings to him on behalf of the central leadership.

The Union minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an example of selfless work for the nation and Home Minister Amit Shah has set new benchmark for organisational work.

Now, the onus of development of J&K lies with Raina, he said, assuring him the support of all central ministers in development works. Chugh said the party is committed to finish terrorism from JK. Certain mainstream politicians bring bad name to the nation by speaking for anti-India elements and Pakistan. But, we assure the public of India that we will expose every such person, he said.

He claimed some people cannot digest the fact that J&K been ridden of stone-pelting and bomb blasts, and they are trying to burn the nation by propagating misinformation on other issues.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) & The Midnight Mission today announced SoCalGas employees' contribution of nearly $23,000 to The Midnight Mission in support of its programs. SoCalGas presented a check to The Midnight Mission on January 16 in recognition of the grant. In addition to the grant, SoCalGas employees will ring in the new year by continuing their tradition of volunteering at The Midnight Mission. For the last six years, SoCalGas employees have traveled to the shelter, located in the heart of Skid Row, every Friday to volunteer and support the shelter's mission. SoCalGas employee, Marco Tachiquin, spreads awareness of the volunteer opportunity among employees and has led the effort for the last six years.

SoCalGas Employees Give $23,000 Grant to Los Angeles Homeless Shelter & Development Center, The Midnight Mission The Midnight Mission

"SoCalGas recognizes the important work The Midnight Mission is doing within the Los Angeles community in helping those in need to get back on track, and we are committed to assisting this organization in whatever way we can," said Jawaad Malik, Vice President of Gas Acquisition at SoCalGas. "We believe that it is important to support our most vulnerable friends and neighbors, and we are thrilled not only to provide this grant to The Midnight Mission but also to be a part of their organization through our volunteer work."

From 2016 to 2019, SoCalGas employees have volunteered nearly 75,000 hours of their time and given over $3.2 million through payroll deductions to community organizations. SoCalGas has contributed over six thousand logged volunteer hours to The Midnight Mission since 2014 with over 1,300 volunteers.

The Midnight Mission, founded in 1914, is a comprehensive homeless shelter and homeless services provider that offers a path to self-sufficiency for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. The organization offers the structure and the resources that people experiencing homelessness need to truly improve their lives.

Gas Company employee Marco Tachiquin, a project manager in the Pipeline Safety Enhancement department, leads the volunteer effort each Friday and has done so since 2014. The company's gas acquisition department has also begun organizing clothing auctions to raise money for The Midnight Mission and started the employee grant for the non-profit, which over the years has expanded to the entire gas company.

"This is an effort that is very important to me," said Marco Tachiquin. "I feel that it is my responsibility to help make a difference in someone's life because I'm lucky enough to be able to. Giving up a couple of hours each week is the least I can do to make a difference, and I am grateful to all of the SoCalGas employees who show up each week and have done so for the past six years. In numbers, we make a much bigger impact  it's a team effort."

"Gratitude in action can help create bridges to significant transformation," said Midnight Mission President & CEO Mike Arnold. "We are so proud to work with the extraordinary employees from SoCalGas who volunteer with us year-round, supporting our basic needs programming and helping us to provide pathways to self-sufficiency to those experiencing the tragedy of homelessness. This grant will have an incredible impact on our organization and the thousands of individuals and families we serve each day, many of whom are still living on our streets, hungry and without a home. We are deeply grateful for our partnership with SoCalGas."

Please see photos from the check presentation event here.

About The Midnight Mission

Founded in 1914, The Midnight Mission offers paths to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost direction. Our emergency services and 12-step recovery, family living, job training, education and workforce development programs offer a compassionate bridge to achieve and maintain healthy, productive lives. We remove obstacles and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to be productive in their communities. Our conviction and commitment to their success define us. For additional information, please visit www.midnightmission.org.

About SoCalGas

Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, clean and increasingly renewable gas service to 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California, where more than 90 percent of residents use gas for heating, hot water, cooking, drying clothes or other uses. Gas delivered through the company's pipelines also plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians about 45 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.

SoCalGas' vision is to be the cleanest gas utility in North America , delivering affordable and increasingly renewable energy to its customers. In support of that vision, SoCalGas is committed to replacing 20 percent of its traditional gas supply with renewable gas (RNG) by 2030. Renewable gas is made from waste created by dairy farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. SoCalGas is also committed to investing in its gas system infrastructure while keeping bills affordable for our customers. From 2014 through 2018, the company invested nearly $6.5 billion to upgrade and modernize its gas system to enhance safety and reliability. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.

SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

Related Links

http://www.socalgas.com


LONDONThe governments of five countries that lost citizens when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner demanded Thursday that Tehran accept full responsibility and pay compensation to the victims families  though they had little to offer besides moral pressure to get Iran to comply.

After a meeting in London, foreign ministers from Canada, the U.K., Afghanistan, Sweden and Ukraine urged Iran to allow a thorough, independent and transparent international investigation, as well as a criminal probe and impartial judicial proceedings against those found responsible for downing the plane.

All 176 people aboard the Ukraine International Airlines aircraft died when it was brought down by ballistic missiles shortly after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport on Jan. 8.

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens, as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens, as well as Iranians.

We are here to pursue closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the victims, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said after meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko, Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Ann Linde, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and U.K. Middle East Minister Andrew Murrison.

Before the meeting at the Canadian High Commission, ministers from the five nations lit candles at a vigil in memory of the dead passengers and crew members.

Iran initially blamed a technical fault for the plane crash, before acknowledging in the face of mounting evidence that its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had accidentally brought down the jetliner.

Champagne said it was a good first step that Iran had accepted responsibility.

From that admission obviously flow consequences, he said, including the need to pay compensation.

In keeping with international norms. Iran has invited Ukraine, Canada, the United States and France to take part in the crash investigation. The Boeing 737 was built in the United States and the engine was built by a U.S.-French consortium. But its unclear whether Iran will share all key details or give the countries experts full access.

Canada  which doesnt have an embassy in Iran  has demanded official status in the investigation. Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau said Wednesday that two Canadian investigators were in Iran as part of an international team and had good co-operation, but Garneau wants their participation in the probe formalized.

Garneau said the planes voice and flight data recorders are in Iranian hands, but another two Canadian investigators are ready to go wherever and whenever they are examined.

Champagne said Canada, the other four affected nations and the Netherlands, which lost almost 200 citizens when a Malaysian airliner flying from Amsterdam was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, had offered to provide expertise to the investigation. He urged Iran to accept and to allow full access for the countries consular officials.

He said discussions were underway with Tehran on allowing international experts to participate in identifying the victims remains.

Asked what pressure could be applied if Iran did not co-operate, Champagne said: Its called the international community.

Iran has a choice, and the world is watching, Champagne said.

The downing of the plane came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over the killing of Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike. Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for his death.

American allies have avoided blaming the Trump administration, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the crash victims would be alive today if tensions had not escalated in the region.

If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families. This is something that happens when you have conflict and the war. Innocents bear the brunt of it, Trudeau told Global News Television this week.
A photograph of a elderly woman eating alone from a plastic container using the window sill of a shop as a table has sparked outrage online.

The image shows the woman eating alone on a dark Grafton Street after accepting a food donation from Dublin charity The Homeless Street Cafe, lit only by the electricity of a business on the Irish capital's main shopping street.

It was shared by the charity on its Facebook page, who called the current state of homelessness in the Republic of Ireland as 'beyond crisis'.

A spokesperson said that they watch the elderly woman eat her meal from a plastic bowl on a window sill every week, adding: 'I despair that this is her "golden years".'

The image shows the woman eating alone on a dark Grafton Street after accepting a food donation from Dublin charity The Homeless Street Cafe, lit only by a shop window

The small charity's spokesperson also called for Irish people to bear the image in mind when they go to the polls for a general election on February 8th.

They added that while the night had been a 'successful' one for the charity - handing out food, clothes, toiletries and even treats to everyone who came - 'even on your best night it's nothing but a plaster or a band-aid on what is just a horrific wound.'

'This issue is beyond crisis. People always want to talk to us about the children we meet and how sad that is. If I'm honest I find the older generation that use our service even more heartbreaking,' the post continued.

'It seems there is no time left for change for them, a dearth of hope really. To be living in food or heat poverty at their age, relying on a soup kitchen for necessities is horrifying to witness.'

In reaction, one woman wrote: ' What a world we live in, how did it come to this, that poor woman,' while another added: 'This is just so wrong and makes me so angry'

The post also turned attention towards a homeless man left with life-threatening injuries on Tuesday after the tent he was sleeping in was removed by an industrial vehicle in 'an attempt to tidy the canal walkway' in Dublin.

'The indignity of it all. We are all saddened but unfortunately not surprised,' the post read, wrongly stating that the man had died before an update reflected that he is still alive, but in a serious yet stable condition.

In reaction, one woman wrote: ' What a world we live in, how did it come to this, that poor woman,' while another added: 'This is just so wrong and makes me so angry. Nobody should have to live without knowing where their next meal is coming from or where they are going to sleep night after night. Its just heartbreaking to see that photo.'

Following the incident with the man who was injured on the canal, Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar said he was 'very concerned' about the situation

A third person said: 'How lucky are we who have enough and how sad and lonely it must be for those people who have little or nothing I'm sick to my stomach just thinking about it something has to change.'

The post ended: 'Please vote with these people in mind on the 8th, the current government has failed miserably while claiming to be successful, time for radical change!'

A second charity, Feed Our Homeless, urged the Irish government to declare a state of emergency after they were overwhelmed by what they called 'unprecedented demand'.

The charity soup kitchen dealt with record crowds of 650 people on Sunday and had to stop its service half way through their usual time frame.

The spokesperson said that they watch the elder woman eat her meal from a plastic bowl on a window sill every week, 'and I despair that this is her "golden years"'

The Dublin organisation offers food, hot drinks and clothing to adults and kids in emergency accommodation and rough sleepers from 7pm until 10.30pm but had to shut up shop by 9pm on Sunday.

Chief Tony Walsh said he went back to charity partner Tesco twice and received a further 40 tins of soup which were snapped up immediately.

He said 'a large number of elderly people and several young kids' were among the crowds.

The homeless man had been sleeping along the banks near the Grand canal in Dublin (general view of canal pictured) when his tent was removed by utility vehicle on January 14

The Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said he was 'saddened' to hear of the incident on Twitter

Ireland has been under the leadership of independent politician Michael D. Higgins since 2011.

On the steps of Government Buildings in Dublin on the same day the homeless man was hospitalised, Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar said that the nation 'have every reason to be hopeful and positive about the future.'

Beforehand, he said 'incomes are rising and poverty is falling' but Sinn Fein's David Cullinane said that Varadkar's Fine Gael party had overseen 'failures' in housing and health and public services.

A report from November 2019 suggested that over 10,000 people are homeless in Ireland with over 4,500 in Dublin alone.
Is Speed Apparel Holding Limited (HKG:3860) a good dividend stock? How can we tell? Dividend paying companies with growing earnings can be highly rewarding in the long term. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments.

Some readers mightn't know much about Speed Apparel Holding's 2.9% dividend, as it has only been paying distributions for the last two years. Many of the best dividend stocks typically start out paying a low yield, so we wouldn't automatically cut it from our list of prospects. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying Speed Apparel Holding for its dividend, and we'll go through these below.

Explore this interactive chart for our latest analysis on Speed Apparel Holding!

SEHK:3860 Historical Dividend Yield, January 16th 2020

Payout ratios

Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. Looking at the data, we can see that 23% of Speed Apparel Holding's profits were paid out as dividends in the last 12 months. Given the low payout ratio, it is hard to envision the dividend coming under threat, barring a catastrophe.

Another important check we do is to see if the free cash flow generated is sufficient to pay the dividend. Of the free cash flow it generated last year, Speed Apparel Holding paid out 38% as dividends, suggesting the dividend is affordable. It's positive to see that Speed Apparel Holding's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut.

While the above analysis focuses on dividends relative to a company's earnings, we do note Speed Apparel Holding's strong net cash position, which will let it pay larger dividends for a time, should it choose.

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Consider getting our latest analysis on Speed Apparel Holding's financial position here.

Dividend Volatility

From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. The company has been paying a stable dividend for a few years now, but we'd like to see more evidence of consistency over a longer period. During the past two-year period, the first annual payment was HK$0.015 in 2018, compared to HK$0.016 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.3% a year over that time.

We like that the dividend hasn't been shrinking. However we're conscious that the company hasn't got an overly long track record of dividend payments yet, which makes us wary of relying on its dividend income.

Dividend Growth Potential

Dividend payments have been consistent over the past few years, but we should always check if earnings per share (EPS) are growing, as this will help maintain the purchasing power of the dividend. It's good to see Speed Apparel Holding has been growing its earnings per share at 20% a year over the past five years. Earnings per share are growing at a solid clip, and the payout ratio is low. We think this is an ideal combination in a dividend stock.

We'd also point out that Speed Apparel Holding issued a meaningful number of new shares in the past year. Trying to grow the dividend when issuing new shares reminds us of the ancient Greek tale of Sisyphus - perpetually pushing a boulder uphill. Companies that consistently issue new shares are often suboptimal from a dividend perspective.

Conclusion

When we look at a dividend stock, we need to form a judgement on whether the dividend will grow, if the company is able to maintain it in a wide range of economic circumstances, and if the dividend payout is sustainable. It's great to see that Speed Apparel Holding is paying out a low percentage of its earnings and cash flow. We were also glad to see it growing earnings, although its dividend history is not as long as we'd like. All things considered, Speed Apparel Holding looks like a strong prospect. At the right valuation, it could be something special.

See if management have their own wealth at stake, by checking insider shareholdings in Speed Apparel Holding stock.

If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding above 3%.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Landi Renzo S.p.A. (BIT:LR), which is in the auto components business, and is based in Italy, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the BIT, rising to highs of 1.00 and falling to the lows of 0.89. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Landi Renzo's current trading price of 0.91 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Landi Renzos outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

See our latest analysis for Landi Renzo

What's the opportunity in Landi Renzo?

Landi Renzo appears to be overvalued by 26% at the moment, based on my discounted cash flow valuation. The stock is currently priced at 0.91 on the market compared to my intrinsic value of 0.72. Not the best news for investors looking to buy! If you like the stock, you may want to keep an eye out for a potential price decline in the future. Given that Landi Renzos share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us another chance to buy in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility.

What kind of growth will Landi Renzo generate?

BIT:LR Past and Future Earnings, January 16th 2020

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 72% over the next year, the near-term future seems bright for Landi Renzo. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation.

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What this means for you:

Are you a shareholder? LRs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading above its fair value. At this current price, shareholders may be asking a different question  should I sell? If you believe LR should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed.

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on LR for some time, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its true value, which means theres no upside from mispricing. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for LR, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters  the fundamentals  before you make a decision on Landi Renzo. You can find everything you need to know about Landi Renzo in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Landi Renzo, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
The United States on Wednesday resumed joint military operations with Iraq that had been put on pause after the US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad.

Two US military officials quoted by the New York Times said the Pentagon wanted to resume the operations in order to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group.

Washington began the pause on January 5 two days after the strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport.

U.S. Army soldiers stands next to a guided-missile launcher in Tal Afar, Iraq in a file photo

The same day of the suspension furious Iraqi lawmakers voted to expel the more than 5,000 US troops that are in Iraq.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Washington to work out a road map for a troop withdrawal. The U.S. flatly rejected that request and has not moved to pull the more than 5,000 troops out.

It was not immediately clear if anyone in the Iraqi government had approved the resumption of the joint military operations, the Times reported.

The Pentagon said it had no information to provide concerning a resumption when contacted the AFP news agency.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi (above) has already transmitted his request to Washington to work together on a road map for troop withdrawal

US soldier advising Iraqi forces is seen in the city of Mosul in a file photo. The U.S. currently has some 5,300 troops in Iraq

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that Iraqi leaders have told him privately they support the US troop presence, despite public appeals for them to leave.

'They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter terror campaign,' Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University.

One official said military leaders have discussed the resumption of operations with the Iraqis, but it's not clear who was involved in those talks or whether Iraqi government leaders are publicly endorsing the move.

Iraqi leaders were angry about the American drone strike and the retaliatory attacks by Iran. Iranian missiles struck Al-Asad Air Base last week, and hit near another base, but warnings sounded and no one was killed or injured.

Iraq officials, however, called the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani an unacceptable breach of Iraqi sovereignty. That strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. And thousands of anti-government protesters turned out in Baghdad and southern Iraq, with many calling for both the U.S. and Iran to leave their country.

Tensions in Iraq had been spiking since late December, when a rocket attack at a base in northern Iraq killed one American contractor.

The U.S. blamed Iran-backed fighters and quickly struck back. American airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed militia at five sites in Iraq and Syria, including weapons depots and command and control bases.

Over New Year's, hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen attacked the highly fortified American embassy compound in Baghdad. The Pentagon deployed hundreds of additional troops to the region, and scaled back military operations and training inside Iraq.

U.S. officials have said they believe Iraq is also interested in resuming the training, which has been going on since 2015, after IS began taking control of large swaths of Iraq and Syria. More details, including increased security for U.S. and coalition forces, are still being discussed.
The Iowa caucuses are never simple, but this year they could be even more chaotic with new rules that dictate more than one candidate could 'win' in the state.

New rules that will be implemented for the February 3 contest could give presidential candidates an unprecedented opportunity to spin the results. In previous years, the Iowa Democratic Party reported just one number: the number of state delegates won by each candidate. For the first time, the party will this year report two other numbers - who had the most votes at the beginning and at the end of the night.

The additional data is a nod to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters, who argue the previous rules essentially robbed him of victory in his 2016 race against Hillary Clinton. That contest ended in a narrow delegate victory for Clinton in Iowa.

Party officials in Iowa and at the national level argue the new process will enhance transparency. But as the caucuses approach in less than three weeks, there's a growing sense that the new information will breed confusion by giving multiple candidates the chance to claim victory.

The Iowa caucuses rules have changed this year and could spell out more than one winner in the Democratic caucus next month

Former Vice President Joe Biden (top left), Senator Elizabeth Warren (top right), Senator Bernie Sanders (bottom left) and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (bottom right) are the top four candidates vying for the Democrat nomination to take on Donald Trump

The new rules will report which candidates receive the most number of votes both at the beginning and end of the night, when usually caucus votes were only reported from the number of delegates won by each candidate by the end of the night

Every year in the Iowa caucuses, voters spend hours in high school gymnasiums or public libraries, starting their night by declaring support for their preferred presidential candidate. That's followed by a feverish round of lobbying in which supporters of eliminated candidates are pressed to make a new pick by the evening's end.

The Iowa caucuses are supposed to set the tone for the contests that follow, ultimately helping winnow the field. If multiple candidates can claim success in Iowa, it could prolong the fight for the Democratic nomination.

'Adding additional numbers is going to make it more confusing for news organizations and people watching the caucuses,' said Derek Eadon, who worked as Julian Castro's deputy campaign manager, was a top Iowa aide to Barack Obama in 2008 and is now supporting Sanders. 'People are going to want to know who won, and I don't know if there's consensus on one number that people will use to declare that.'

What's happening in Iowa will also play out in other states that hold caucuses, including in Nevada on Feb. 22. Three numbers will be reported: the first round of votes, the final vote total after low polling candidates are eliminated and what are called state delegate equivalents. They represent the number of delegates each candidate will have at the party's state convention in June. That, in turn, determines how many national convention delegates each candidate receives.

The Associated Press said Thursday it will base its race call of the winner on state delegate equivalents, because delegates are the metric used to decide the eventual winner of the nomination. Iowa and national Democratic Party figures emphasize this is the number to watch.

'This is a contest for delegates,' Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price said. 'Campaigns will highlight whatever number is the most advantageous for them. But in the end, what matters is the delegates that come out of Iowa to the national convention, and (state delegates) will remain the best indicator of that.'

Six candidates, the top four along with Senator Amy Klobuchar and billionaire Tom Steyer, participated in the first primary debate of 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday

David Bergstein, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, echoed that.

'The only way to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee is by winning a majority of national convention delegates,' he said. 'We strongly encourage anyone who wants to understand who is winning the race for the nomination to pay attention to those results.'

The question is whether candidates will follow their lead.

Sanders' chief adviser, Jeff Weaver, said his team is 'trying to win all three' categories of results. But he also suggested the campaign will emphasize the raw totals from the first round of votes no matter the eventual outcome.

'At the end of the day, the first impression is probably the most accurate portrayal of who won the night,' Weaver said.

There's a chance a candidate might win the most support during the first vote but lose out on the final alignment - and ultimately the delegate count - after supporters for candidates who are not viable realign after the first round of counting. This is a scenario that could play out for a candidate like Sanders or former Vice President Joe Biden, both of whom are expected to be viable in the largest number of precincts statewide.

Michael Halle, a senior adviser to former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, told reporters this week that the caucus metric that matters for the campaign is ultimately the delegate count. Biden's team expressed the same.

'Delegates are ultimately how the nomination for the Democratic Party will get decided, so delegates are obviously an important part of what comes out of the caucuses,' Biden campaign manager Anita Dunn said.

For lower-tier candidates such as Tom Steyer or Andrew Yang, the initial vote numbers could be crucial. If they don't hit the 15% support needed to win any delegates but still turn out more individual caucus-goers than expected, for instance, they could point to their initial support as evidence they remain competitive in the primary.

A candidate who's losing in the overall delegate count may try to make an electability case by highlighting his or her geographic strength, pointing perhaps to his or her raw support during the first or final alignment in counties that went from Obama to Donald Trump in 2016. A number of operatives suggested Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar or Buttigieg may frame the caucus results in this way.

The changes reflect a hangover from the 2016 campaign that looms over Iowa Democrats.

Some Sanders backers argued the publicly reported outcome of the caucuses, which showed Sanders and Clinton nearly tying in the delegate count, with Clinton slightly ahead, didn't adequately reflect the raw number of voters turning out to support the Vermont senator. That perceived disparity between Sanders' support on the ground and the delegate outcome - a disparity that is not backed up by publicly available data - fueled charges from his supporters that the caucuses were tilted in favor of Clinton.

Four years later, some Iowa Democratic operatives are concerned that if Sanders wins the most support in the state but loses the overall delegate count, that could again drive charges that the caucus process is stacked against a particular candidate.

Sanders' Iowa state director, Misty Rebik, said that 'the popular vote is very important. We fought for (the reporting change), and we're proud of that.' Rebik suggested the campaign is going to tout the first alignment numbers no matter the outcome.

'We want to emphasize that the way that we beat Donald Trump is by having the biggest, largest grassroots coalition, and that's through pure numbers,' she said.
Pink hats off to the hardworking, dedicated organizers of the 2020 Montana Womens March in Helena, and its partners, contributors and participants. A special shout out to Ronnie Whitaker, Rebecca Johnson, Clare Kearns, Sharon and Galen McKibben, Karen Lane, Janice Frisch and Andy Shirtliff  our core group thats been planning since September.

I encourage folks to join them and the hundreds of people from all corners of Montana, this Saturday, Jan. 18, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park. The event begins with an energetic rally of speakers and welcome by Helena City Manager Ana Cortez, inspirational poetry by our states Poets Laureate Mandy Smoker Broaddus and Melissa Kwasny, rousing music by Judy Fjell and the Montana Womens Chorus, followed by an enthusiastic march around nearby Centennial Park.

Ours is among hundreds of Women Rising marches in Washington, D.C., and around the country  harnessing the power of diverse women, including transgender women and people who are gender-nonconforming, and all of those who support them to make transformational social change. Its also to mark the 100-year anniversary of the womens vote in this country.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. Helenas theme is Put a Woman in Charge, to make room for everyone and level the playing field.

We all have our own reasons for taking part in the Womens March. At 16, I was prohibited from running for high school student president. Girls dont run for president, I was admonished. It was 1971 and I won the secretary position. At 30, when offered a promotion, it was for less pay than my male predecessor. The news director said, Mike has a wife and child. I had my own family financial challenges and I went to work for the competition.

Ill be wearing an Equal Rights Amendment button on Saturday, remembering back in July 1978 in my early twenties, hoping my old yellow VW Bug would make it from my home in Philadelphia down to D.C. and back. I marched on Washington with thousands of others wearing a sea of white for suffrage to extend the deadline to ratify the ERA, which passed in 1972, but wasnt yet ratified. Nearly a half century later, were still marching for ERA ratification, hoping 2020 is the year.

Since the original Womens March in 2017, where about 15,000 people descended on the Helena Capitol, and hundreds of thousands to our nations capital and other state capitols, its been a movement about womens rights, which are human rights, equal opportunity, and social, economic, environmental and climate justice.

Writer and womens activist Gloria Steinem said, A movement is only composed of people moving. To feel its warmth and motion around us is the end as well as the means. And as the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently put it: If you cant fly, then run, if you cant run, then walk, if you cant walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. Hope to see you at the Womens March.

Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, represents House District 84 in the Montana Legislature. She is also an organizer for the Montana Womens March in Helena.

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives to visit Canada House, in London on 7 January 2020. [Photo: Getty]

Meghan Markle made a second engagement during her visit to Vancouver mainland on Tuesday afternoon, it has emerged.

It was revealed yesterday that the Duchess of Sussex, 38, had left Mille Fleurs, a multi-million pound waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island where she is currently residing with baby Archie, to visit Downtown Eastside Womens Centre, a womens shelter in a deprived area of Vancouver.

READ MORE: Sussexes decided it 'wasn't necessary' for Meghan to join Sandringham summit

Now, it is evident that she made another stop during this outing, although it is unclear whether this was before or afterwards.

Justice For Girls, a charity which supports young women in poverty, posted two black-and-white picture featuring the duchess on its Twitter account.

In the first image, Meghan poses alongside members of the local community, while in the second she is see clutching a mug while she laughs in conversation with one of the young women in the first photograph.

According to the post, the duchess discussed climate justice for girls and the rights of Indigenous peoples during the meeting together with a holistic approach to social justice and the power of young womens leadership.

Yesterday, The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle visited to discuss climate justice for girls and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Was great to talk about the importance of a holistic approach to social justice, and the power of young womens leadership. #DuchessOfSussex pic.twitter.com/M9LaqEELl7  Justice For Girls (@JFG_Canada) January 16, 2020

The duchess wears the outfit  a cable knit jumper by The Row worn together with jeans and brown 375 Le Chameau Jameson Quilted Boots  as she did in her other appearance, highlighting the visits were made on the same day.

Story continues

It is unknown how long this visit had been anticipated.

However, it has been revealed that Meghans other visit to the Downtown Eastside Womens Centre was arranged via a mysterious email from a Hotmail account, which came from Meghans assistant rather than a royal staff member, the centre's boss Kate Gibson told the Mail Online.

Meghan flew back to Vancouver Island last Thursday, rejoining baby Archie who had stayed there with a nanny when the couple returned to London in early January.

However, Harry remained in London, where it is believed he will stay until next week.

"The duke has some meetings here early next week, a source told the PA news agency.

Prince Harry will carry out his first royal engagement today since he and his wife Meghan Markle announced they were stepping back as senior royals  a move that has been dubbed Megxit.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK:
As part of its ongoing co-operation and strong bilateral relations, a delegation from Bahrain's Ministry of Education visited Ebrahim K. Kanoo Managing Director, Talal Kanoo, at the companys corporate office in Manama.

Headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Lateefa Al Bonotha, the team thanked Kanoo for his unwavering commitment to national development through the companys support of the educational sector.

Kanoo welcomed the visit as a positive step towards bridging the gap between the private sectors requirements and educational programs offered by the Ministry. Ebrahim K. Kanoo is fully committed to enhancing the nations economy and we will continue to invest in the development of Bahraini youth by sharing knowledge and industry best practice. The Ministry has always been a strong supporter of private sector companies by introducing relevant and current curriculums into schools to increase employability of the students, stated Kanoo.

In September 2019, the Ministry added a new automotive body and paint repair curriculum to public technical schools, which has been spearheaded by the Ebrahim K. Kanoo Company.

The ministerial delegation presented Kanoo with a memento and a certificate of appreciation as they discussed further avenues of co-operation in the educational field. -- Tradearabia News Service
Digital Lab Africa (DLA) is calling on creatives and cultural entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan Africa to submit applications to participate in the DLA#4 acceleration programme. Applications will close on 1 March 2020.Managed by the South African innovation hub Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct since 2018, DLA is an initiative of the Embassy of France and the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS). Applications for DLA#4 are open to both cultural and creative industries including artists, producers, designers, collectives, students or entrepreneurs.Selected applicants will be given a DLA Incubation Pass to fast track the development of their project. Alongside mentorship and training sessions, the DLA #4 winners will be hosted in residency in France and also attend industry events such as Annecy Animation festival, Newimages, Paris Games Week or Les Nuits Sonores in France and the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival in South Africa.To apply visit #4DLA
Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed

PMC bank scam: SC stays release of HDIL promoters from jail

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Supreme Court on Thursday has stayed the release of HDIL directors, Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan, accused in the case, from Mumbai Arthur Road jail.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde and said the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) bank scam involved Rs 7,000 crore and the high court had on Wednesday passed a very "unusual order" while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL).

Mehta told the bench, also comprising justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, that the father-son are presently lodged under Arthur Road jail in judicial custody and if they are shifted to their residence as per the high court's order, it would be like bail to them.

Deposit Insurance Corporation recieves total claim of Rs 14,100-cr amid PMC crisis

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

The high court had on Wednesday set up a three-member committee for valuating and sale of encumbered assets of Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) to expeditiously recover dues payable by her firm to PMC bank.

The high court had directed the superintendent of Arthur Road jail to shift both the accused to their residence under the supervision of two jail guards to ensure their cooperation to the committee.

The high court had passed the order while hearing a PIL seeking direction for expeditious disposal of HDIL assets and properties attached by the Economic Offence Wing and the Enforcement Directorate and repaying PMC bank depositors at the earliest.

The fraud at PMC Bank came to light in September last year after the Reserve Bank of India discovered that the bank had allegedly created fictitious accounts to hide over Rs 4,355 crore of loans extended to almost-bankrupt HDIL.

PMC Bank scam: 32000-page chargesheet filed against 5 accused

According to RBI, the PMC bank masked 44 problematic loan accounts, including those of HDIL, by tampering with its core banking system, and the accounts were accessible only to limited staff members.

Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing and the ED registered offences against senior bank officials and HDIL promoters.
The festivity represents Puno people's Quechua world view, where land and water constitute elements that are essential to natural and social order, and strengths the collective identity of different sectors in Patambuco district and peasant communities.

Likewise, the Patambuco Carnival received a State recognition for being a cultural expression that gathers Andean and Hispanic elements linked to the agricultural cycle, as stated in a resolution published in El Peruano official gazette.
Elizabeth Warren, the U.S. senator from Massachusetts, has become a top contender in the race to become the Democratic nominee for president, showing some of the best results for candidates in polling and fundraising, where her election committee has raised tens of millions of dollars.

Warren previously taught at several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. She also led the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to protect consumers from financial tricks and traps, according to her campaigns biography.

Fast facts about the candidate

Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Age: 70

Offices held: U.S. Senate from 2013 to present, winning elections in 2012 and 2018

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What shes saying about:

Climate change

 How about we dont have a coal lobbyist at the head of the EPA?

 We could get to net carbon neutral by 2030  but that will only solve 20 percent of the problem.

 We up our investment in research and development on climate  tenfold.  And then we say to the whole world,  You can have all of it  but you got to build it here in the United States.

Guns

 Im in favor of a ban on assault weapons. I dont think weapons of war belong on our streets.

 I also believe in universal background checks.

 Weve got a lot of pieces that most Americans agree on, and  including gun owners, including members of the NRA.

College costs

(We can) provide tuition-free technical school, community college or four-year college for any kid.

We can  put $50 billion into our historically black colleges and universities.

We can cancel student loan debt for 95 percent of the kids whove got student loan debt.

Child care

Lets embrace universal child care and early education.

And we can do it without raising taxes one thin dime for working families.

The ultra-millionaire tax that Ive been talking about  requires families with a net worth above $50 million to pay a 2 percent tax on just that part  . That one change  one change in our tax laws  would ... completely cover the cost of universal child care and early education plan and still have a couple of trillion dollars left over.

Money in politics

If there is a decision to be made in Washington , its been touched by money.

This revolving door between the industry and Washington has got to stop.

Everyone who runs for federal office should have to put their federal tax returns online.

Economy

I want an economy that doesnt just work for those at the top.

We need more power in the hands of workers. Make it easier to join a union, and give unions more power when they negotiate.

Its time for a wealth tax in America  This hits the top one-tenth of 1% of great fortunes in this country.

Foreign policy

Foreign policy by tweet doesnt work.

In foreign policy, we need our allies.

Military is not our only tool. We also have economic tools and diplomatic tools.

Presidential candidate comparisons:

-- On the issues

-- Fun facts

--

Watch Warren answer New Hampshire voter questions face to face in an installment of "Conversation with the Candidate."
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) The Hague, Netherlands  Thu, January 16, 2020 11:21 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32256da3 2 SE Asia Myanmar,Rohingya-Muslims,ICJ,court-ruling,Gambia Free

The United Nations' top court said Wednesday it will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide against its Rohingya Muslims.

The ruling comes a month after Myanmar's civilian leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi traveled to The Hague to defend the bloody 2017 crackdown by her nation's army against the Rohingya.

The mainly Muslim African nation of The Gambia brought the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice after around 740,000 Rohingya fled over the border into Bangladesh, carrying accounts of widespread rape, arson and mass killings.

"The International Court of Justice... will deliver, on Thursday Jan. 23 2020, its order on the request for the indication of provisional measures made by The Gambia," the court said in a statement, adding that it would happen at 10:00 a.m. (0900 GMT).

The Gambian Ministry of Justice had announced the date on Twitter earlier Wednesday.

The Gambia brought the case against Buddhist-majority Myanmar with the backing of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation. Canada and the Netherlands have since also lent their support.

At the December hearing, The Gambia alleged Myanmar had breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, meaning that the case could go before the ICJ, the highest judicial organ of the United Nations.

It also said there was a "serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring" and called for urgent "provisional measures" to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence.

It is not clear how specific the emergency measures would be, but enforcing them would likely prove difficult.

If the court rules in The Gambia's favor, this would be just the first step in a case likely to take years.

An estimated 600,000 Rohingya still live in Myanmar's western Rakhine state in what Amnesty International has branded "apartheid" conditions.

UN investigators have said Myanmar's actions amounted to genocide.

Suu Kyi admitted in her appearance before the court that the army may have used excessive force against the Rohingya, but said the case was based on "misleading and incomplete" claims, calling for it to be dropped.

The 74-year-old, once regarded as a rights icon in the West, also said the case risked reigniting the crisis.

ICJ judges have only once before ruled that genocide was committed, in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia.

Suu Kyi's defense of the generals was widely condemned in the West but proved popular at home with a public largely unsympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya.

Myanmar insists its own investigations will ensure accountability for any human rights violations but critics deride the domestic panels as toothless and partial.

Myanmar also faces other legal challenges over the Rohingya, including a probe by the International Criminal Court  a separate war crimes tribunal  and a lawsuit in Argentina which notably alleges Suu Kyi's complicity.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:11:58|Editor: ZX

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OTTAWA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian military is resuming some operations in Iraq following a temporary suspension of activities last week, the Canadian Press reported on Thursday.

The suspension was called amid concerns over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian military general, Qassem Soleimani, near Baghdad International Airport.

The resumption came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani last Saturday following the Iranian admission of its missile "unintentionally" downing a Ukrainian plane, which killed all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadians.

Brigadier-General Michel-Henri St-Louis, commander of Joint Task Force Impact, which oversees many of Canada's anti-Islamic State (IS) efforts in Iraq and surrounding regions, told the Canadian Press that the military is again flying transport aircraft in and out of Iraq to supply troops there.

Canada's Department of National Defense also said some of the estimated 200 special forces in the country's north have started working again, without providing further details.

The 200 Canadian soldiers helping train Iraqi soldiers to fight IS remain largely hunkered down on Iraqi bases, where they have been since their activities were suspended last week, said the Canadian Press.
A $10,000 reward is being offered by Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest of a fugitive accused of wounding a police officer over the weekend and escaping from another after stealing their gun in an earlier incident.

Randy Ray Bishop, 35, is believed to have evaded officers Saturday night after a shootout with officers who had pulled over a vehicle with an expired license tag at Galley Road and Arrawanna Street.

One of the officers who returned fire was wounded in the exchange before the driver sped away. The car was later found abandoned after crashing about 1 miles away on East Pikes Peak Avenue. The officer had injuries that were not life-threatening and has been released from the hospital. Its unknown if Bishop was hit.

Bishop, who had been sought on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, menacing and child abuse, was taken into custody in November.

During a pursuit, police rammed his vehicle and Bishop was taken to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central. He escaped from a CT scan room and stole a detectives gun in a hallway struggle, during which two shots were fired inside the hospital. No injures were reported.

He then allegedly stole a car left idling in the valet area.

Bishop is facing additional charges in the escape, including attempted murder of a police officer.

Bishop is considered armed and extremely dangerous, the Crime Stoppers news release said Wednesday.

Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers online at crimestop.net, the P3 app or by calling 719-634-7867, the statement said.

Contact Liz Henderson, 719-476-1623
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong team carefully taking measurements of Lee Chong Wei to ensure close resemblance.

16 Jan  There's one more thing Malaysians have to be proud of when it comes to Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei  he's officially become the first Malaysian athlete to get his own wax figure displayed at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong!

"I would never have imagined a wax figure of my own! Thank you @madametussaudshongkong for the privilege and I'm extremely honoured to be the first Malaysian sportsman to join the list," he posted on his Facebook.

"Special shout-out to the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong team who were extremely patient and detailed during the detailing session. It was definitely a first for me!" He added, along with the hashtags #pleasedontplayabeckhamcordenprank, #honoured and #staystrongmomota.

Lee Chong Wei went through a 6-hour sitting session with the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong team.

A press statement from Madame Tussauds revealed that the athlete went through a 6-hour sitting session with the aforementioned team, where he not only provided full cooperation but also joked around from time to time to lighten up the atmosphere.

"I'm impressed at how they recorded details so meticulously, including the colour of my hair and eyes! I'm extremely honoured and grateful to be representing Malaysia. I hope that my wax figure will inspire more Malaysians to showcase their talent on the global stage," he was quoted as saying.

The process of creating a wax figure is highly meticulous, here Lee Chong Wei is seen selecting the eye colour closest to his own.

Lee Chong Wei making a cast of his hand as the team recorded every detail meticulously.

The former world no.1 international badminton player is the second Malaysian to get a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, following in the footsteps of actress Michelle Yeoh.

Although he retired last year, he was recently appointed as Malaysia's chef-de-mission for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That's not surprising considering the fact that he is the first ever badminton player to win the BWF Super Series Masters Finals for three consecutive years and he also ranked the world's top badminton player for a record 349 weeks.

His wax figure will be unveiled in the second quarter of 2020.
At least 35 people have been injured in violent clashes between police and protestors near the Russian Embassy in Lebanon's capital Beirut, the Lebanese Red Cross said.

On late Wednesday, Sputnik reported that the clashes erupted near the Russian diplomatic mission in the city. The embassy's press service told the outlet that no employees of the diplomatic mission was injured in the incident.

"As for the moment, 35 people have been injured and they have been hospitalised. Ten people received assistance at the site," the Red Cross said in a statement on late Wednesday.

Lebanese police and armed forces managed to restore control over the area near the Russian Embassy following the clashes.

The Wednesday clashes are just one more episode in the ongoing unrest in Lebanon, which started on October 17 last year, following the government's intent to introduce a tax on internet calls made via the WhatsApp messenger.

Even though the controversial measure was scrapped and the government of Saad Hariri resigned, people have remained in the streets to demand reforms amid a protracted economic and financial crisis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mike Supers upcoming performance in Lynchburg is more than a week away, but the magician already is feeling anxious about it, thanks to a grand finale he equates to playing Russian roulette over and over again.

That trick will find him revealing a prediction he made for a headline that will appear in The News & Advance on the day of the show, Friday, Jan. 24.

Super wrote down the prediction and mailed it to Lynchburg at the end of November, in a sealed envelope that has been stored in a safety deposit box inside the vault at the Bank of the James ever since it arrived in early December.

Staffers at the Academy Center of the Arts, which is hosting the show in the historic Academy of Music Theatre, had the envelope hand-delivered to the bank by BWXTs security force and have insured no one will open the envelope prior to the event through a policy filed with Campbell Insurance, according to Brittany Griffith, the Academys director of communications and marketing.

If Supers prediction is correct, the audience will be wowed. If he gets it wrong, hell reimburse them for the price of their tickets.

Hes done the trick before, he says, and never gotten it wrong.

People think, Well, hes done it before successfully, so it must always work out that way, or the odds are good, says Super, who was a finalist on season nine of NBCs Americas Got Talent in 2014. The hard thing about doing this, and I dont know how many more Ill do, is the more you do it, the more likely you are to have it go wrong. The odds only keep getting worse.

The advantage I have is I get to pick which shows Im going to do it for, he adds, without offering up any hints about what the actual prediction was this time around. A lot of it also is based off of news cycles. But the hard thing is anything can happen any day, and it could have nothing to do with the current news trends and cycles. Thats sort of the X factor, shall we say.

Super says he also will be debuting some new magic during his Lynchburg show, as well as doing some old favorites he performed during Americas Got Talent (AGT).

That includes an appearance, shall we say, by his imaginary friend, Desmond, who often offers an assist with his tricks; on AGT, he introduced Desmond with a piece that channeled his energy into breaking a glass pitcher held by judge Heidi Klum.

Super  who counts both David Copperfield and Jerry Seinfeld among his influences  is known for infusing his family-friendly shows with humor and audience interaction.

When youre a magician, my instrument is the magic trick but if thats all it is, you know, its like watching someone great at an instrument but having no other meaning associated with it.  It doesnt touch a person, which is what I think strikes relationships with people.

I dont like to call myself a mentalist or only an illusionist or only a magician, he adds, because I like to pull all of those things into a show. Comedy disarms people and it makes them relate to you.

Finding common ground, whether its trying to predict PowerBall numbers or performing a more sentimental piece that pays tribute to his late mother, is what its all about.

I try to go, What do we all have in common? .. Everybody has that person that has passed away that meant something to them. If you start a trick there, I can take the emotion further than if I was starting from square one, he says. The same with Desmond. Desmond came about because I wanted people to be unsure whether or not this was true. Weve all woken up at 3 in the morning, freaked out for no reason and for whatever reason you know theres no monster under your bed, but you dont necessarily want to let your foot dangle down there  and Desmond sort of taps into that.

Super first fell in love with magic while visiting Disney World with his family at age 6. From there, he started holding weekly shows in his backyard, wearing a Dracula cape from Halloween and charging a nickel per person, he writes on his website.

Prior to appearing on Americas Got Talent, he won NBCs magic competition series Phenomenon, which aired in 2007 and was judged by illusionists Criss Angel and Uri Gellear.

Super says he likes to add new tricks to his repertoire to keep things fresh and has a notebook where he keeps all his ideas  a lot like a comic who writes down jokes. Comedians and magicians, a lot of the process can be the same.

Hell sometimes practice new sleight-of-hand tricks with his daughters, who are 10 and 6 years old. Other times, he has to debut something new on the fly.

Theres been times where in the show, theyve had problems backstage moving props or something breaks, Super says. Theyre secretly telling me, Hey, we need 10 minutes. So Ill pull out something Ive wanted to try.

In one such instance, he tried a new voodoo trick during which he takes control of someones body.

I didnt think it would go over as well as it did, says Super, who later would perform the trick on America's Got Talent, with judge Mel B. I cant take it out of the show now.

"It really is an organic, ever-changing thing," he adds.

When brainstorming new tricks, Super always asks himself one question: Why would anyone care about this?

An audience, he explains, might be halfway interested if he's trying to escape from a straitjacket onstage. The more elements he adds, the more engaged they will become  is he hanging over spikes, perhaps, or a tank of water?

"Now they might see a person die, and they believe that is actually possibly going to happen, then they're captivated even more," he theorizes.

But what if he collected audience members' cellphones, and getting them back depended on him escaping?

Suddenly, he predicts, they'd be riveted: Its the exact same trick, but they care a whole lot more because theyre invested somehow.

Casey Gillis is the features editor at The News & Advance and editor of weekly entertainment publication The Burg. Reach her at (434) 385-5525.

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Kochi-based private sector lender on Thursday announced elevation of Shalini Warrier as an executive director.

The bank received approval of the Reserve Bank in this regard, the lender said in a statement.

Warrier has been the chief operating officer of the bank since November 2015, and also holding the additional responsibility of business head of retail banking since May 2019.

Warrier is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and was the first-rank holder in 1989. She is also a certified associate of Indian Institute of Bankers and has more than a quarter of a century of experience in banking.

Before joining Federal Bank, she served Standard Chartered Bank in India, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UAE.
To the Editor:

Re Key Figure in Effort to Pressure Ukraine Says Trump Knew Everything (news article, Jan. 16):

Lev speaks! The phrase what did he know and when did he know it? is often bandied about whenever a high-ranking government official is accused of wrongdoing. In the case of Donald J. Trump and Ukraine, the president knew everything, and knew it from the very beginning because he set it in motion.

In interviews with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC and with The New York Times, Lev Parnas, the indicted Soviet-born associate of Rudy Giuliani, left no doubt that Mr. Trump knew everything, and Mike Pence and Bill Barr were involved in a criminal conspiracy that attempted to pressure the young Ukrainian president to announce investigations of Joe and Hunter Biden that could have unfairly influenced our 2020 election.

This new evidence is accompanied by documents that Mr. Parnas recently turned over to the House Intelligence Committee, which will undoubtedly be used by the Democratic House managers when Mr. Trumps impeachment trial begins in the Senate. The only question that remains unanswered is how many Republican senators will vote to uphold their oath of office and how many will continue to support the criminal in the Oval Office.

Henry A. Lowenstein

New York
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Animal Protective League removed more than 100 cats from an East Side home Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation, an agency official said.

The cats found in the home are in various states of malnourishment and illness, Cleveland APL President and CEO Sharon Harvey said. She could not immediately provide more information about their conditions.

We are in the process of assessing them now, Harvey said.

Harvey declined to provide any information about the investigation that resulted in Wednesdays search of the home. She also declined to provide the address.

APL investigators have not filed any charges in the matter, Harvey said. It remains under investigation.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments page.

Read more crime stories:

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Cleveland mayors grandson pleads guilty to reduced charges, gets probation in assault case

Armed home invasion of 69-year-old man in Shaker Heights led to police chase, crash in Cleveland

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Robber asked to use drivers phone before taking SUV at gunpoint in Cleveland, records say
India has slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed one more time to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', on Wednesday stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on the day, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

India's Permenent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," Akbaruddin told PTI.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."



A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair".

Akbaruddin further said, "Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."



Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking it to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and kashmir.

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and (it) heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that."



Zhang later said China has stated its "position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."



When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: "I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful."



The current move by China was the third such attempt to raise the Kashmir issue in the UNSC since August last when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, and has criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

New Delhi's decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in October last for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held "successful" talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapuram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, signalling a recalibration of the bilateral ties.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] Lockheed Martin Launches First Smart Satellite Enabling Space Mesh Networking

DENVER, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A new era of space-based computing is now being tested in-orbit that will enable artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud networking and advanced satellite communications in a robust new software-defined architecture. Recently, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) launched the Pony Express 1 mission as a hosted payload on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft. "Early on-orbit data show Pony Express 1 is performing its important pathfinding mission very well. Lockheed Martin's HiveStar technology on board will give our customers unparalleled speed, resiliency and flexibility for their changing mission needs by unlocking even greater processing power in space," said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space. "This is the first of several rapid, self-funded experiments demonstrating our ability to systematically accelerate our customers' speed to mission while reducing risk from new technologies." Pony Express 1, an example of rapid prototyping, was developed, built and integrated in nine months, and was funded completely by Lockheed Martin Research and Development funding. This orbital proving ground is validating payload hardware and software, and is packed with new technology that fits into a satellite the size of a shoebox. Some of the key technologies being flight-tested include: HiveStar software validates advanced adaptive mesh communications between satellites, shared processing capabilities and can take advantage of sensors aboard other smart satellites to customize missions in new ways previously difficult to achieve in space. A software-defined radio that allows for high-bandwidth hosting of multiple RF applications, store-and-forward RF collection, data compression, digital signal processing and waveform transmission. 3D-printed wideband antenna housing developed by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Research Technology Center.



Pony Express 1 is a dual-use payload that enables mesh networks in space through HiveStar and a second function that tests space to ground remote sensing. Future research missions this year, like Pony Express 2, will further advance cloud networking concepts among satellites, as well as validating Lockheed Martin's SmartSat software-defined satellite architecture which enables streamlined hosting of flexible mission apps. This mission consists of two 12U cubesats with faster, more capable ultra-scale processors that unlock in-orbit data analytics and artificial intelligence. Equipped with miniaturized cross-link and precision timing, Pony Express 2 is a trailblazer for autonomous teaming in space and true cloud networking. About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., a Terran Orbital corporation

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. is an industry leader, delivering optimized, end-to-end nano- and microsatellite solutions. Trusted by civil, defense and commercial organizations, the Company leverages expertise, low-cost operating infrastructure, and the limitless opportunities of satellite miniaturization to achieve timely and economical mission success. Through its global ground station network, Tyvak provides worldwide coverage for on-orbit operations around the clock. For more information, please visit https://www.tyvak.com/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-launches-first-smart-satellite-enabling-space-mesh-networking-300988102.html SOURCE Lockheed Martin

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Warm, cold, just right? Physicists at the University of California, Davis are taking the temperature of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up about a quarter of our universe.

We have very little idea of what dark matter is and physicists have yet to detect a dark matter particle. But we do know that the gravity of clumps of dark matter can distort light from distant objects. Chris Fassnacht, a physics professor at UC Davis and colleagues are using this distortion, called gravitational lensing, to learn more about the properties of dark matter.

The standard model for dark matter is that it is 'cold,' meaning that the particles move slowly compared to the speed of light, Fassnacht said. This is also tied to the mass of dark matter particles. The lower the mass of the particle, the 'warmer' it is and the faster it will move.

The model of cold (more massive) dark matter holds at very large scales, Fassnacht said, but doesn't work so well on the scale of individual galaxies. That's led to other models including 'warm' dark matter with lighter, faster-moving particles. 'Hot' dark matter with particles moving close to the speed of light has been ruled out by observations.

Former UC Davis graduate student Jen-Wei Hsueh, Fassnacht and colleagues used gravitational lensing to put a limit on the warmth and therefore the mass of dark matter. They measured the brightness of seven distant gravitationally lensed quasars to look for changes caused by additional intervening blobs of dark matter and used these results to measure the size of these dark matter lenses.

If dark matter particles are lighter, warmer and more rapidly-moving, then they will not form structures below a certain size, Fassnacht said.

"Below a certain size, they would just get smeared out," he said.

The results put a lower limit on the mass of a potential dark matter particle while not ruling out cold dark matter, he said. The team's results represent a major improvement over a previous analysis, from 2002, and are comparable to recent results from a team at UCLA.

Fassnacht hopes to continue adding lensed objects to the survey to improve the statistical accuracy.

"We need to look at about 50 objects to get a good constraint on how warm dark matter can be," he said.

A paper describing the work is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Additional coauthors are: W. Enzi, S. Vegetti and G. Despali, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching, Germany; M. W. Auger, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, U.K.; L. V. E. Koopmans, Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands and J. P. McKean, Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Todays Food and Drug Administration moves much faster than it used to. That may not always be a good thing.

A review of drug approvals by the agency from researchers at Harvard Medical School released Tuesday found that the FDA is approving drugs more rapidly with weaker evidence than it did in the past. That can be beneficial when it leads to needed medicines getting to market quickly, and I believe thats the agencys intent. As the studys authors highlight, however, this emphasis on speed and flexibility could be eroding standards. It may be time for a gut check.

The gold standard for demonstrating efficacy  and the surest way of winning drug approval  is to demonstrate success in large, well-controlled studies that result in a hard outcome. But there are faster ways to get to market. In 1992, Congress created the accelerated approval program, which can green light medicines based on surrogate endpoints that predict rather than confirm benefit for patients, or those that have shown a shorter-term benefit. Its one of several initiatives that have changed how the agency works. According to the study, 80.6% of approvals between 1995 and 1997 were supported by at least two pivotal trials. That number dropped to 52.8% between 2005 and 2017.

Companies that get accelerated approval have to prove their drug works with a confirmatory trial in order to gain full approval, but theres no hard timetable no when that must be done. Thus, drugmakers often don't hurry to conduct those tests. This is problematic at best, dangerous at worst.

Heres just one case: In 2016, Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. sought approval of a medicine to treat a rare muscle-wasting disease in young boys based on weak evidence from a tiny trial. In the face of significant public pressure, the FDA approved Exondys 51 even though one of its scientists called the treatment an elegant placebo in a report. Sarepta is selling the drug for over $300,000 a year but has continually delayed a confirmatory trial. Its now years away from completion, and there have been no real consequences for the delay.

Story continues

When companies do complete post-approval trials, it sometimes reveals a mistake. Eli Lilly & Co.s cancer drug Lartruvo got accelerated approval in 2016. Lilly then pulled the medicine from the market last year after a larger trial found no benefit. Thats a rare outcome, but there are many expensive drugs on the market that have never moved beyond surrogate endpoints. A study of 93 accelerated cancer drug approvals between 1992 and 2017 found that only 19 had proved to help patients live longer in a followup trial.

There are some good reasons for faster approvals, as former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb outlined in a Twitter response this week to a critical New York Times editorial penned on Jan. 11. Scientists are better at evaluating the safety of medicines and trial design has improved, for example. And advances have made it easier to create drugs that target small populations and have dramatic effects, Gottlieb wrote.

He makes good points. But the agency arguably hasnt found the right balance between embracing advances and maintaining a high bar. It certainly has a ways to go on post-approval follow up. America is entirely unable to control the price of new medicines; the approval of marginal drugs has financial consequences.

The FDA will soon face one of its most important and controversial decisions yet. Biogen Inc. is seeking approval for the first purportedly disease-modifying Alzheimers drug  a medicine that could be used by millions of people and cost billions  without good evidence that it works. The agency often uses unmet need as a justification for shifting standards, and theres no bigger unmet need than Alzheimers. That doesnt justify an approval based on one failed trial and another that is a questionable success at best.

The agency will have to decide whether to review or approve the medicine in the next year or so. This choice is an opportunity to resist public pressure and move back toward demanding firmer proof of efficacy before drugs hit the market.

To contact the author of this story: Max Nisen at mnisen@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Beth Williams at bewilliams@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Max Nisen is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering biotech, pharma and health care. He previously wrote about management and corporate strategy for Quartz and Business Insider.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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A Chicopee woman was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to her part in a 2018 conspiracy to bring cocaine from Connecticut to Springfield.

Latoya McKreith, 37, was also sentenced to three years of probation after she is released.

She had previously pleaded guilty in February to charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possession more than 500 grams of cocaine.

McKreith and Lapress Gollman of Springfield were arrested in New Haven on May 30, 2018, after they drove there to purchase four kilograms of cocaine. At the time of their arrest, they were found with $100,000 in cash.

Gollman also pleaded guilty and in October 2018 was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
The work of the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) officially ended in December 2018, but the Commission has not completely closed its doors. If you move up from the lower part of the building, you discover that on the third floor people are working with great energy from early in the morning. The other four floors formerly occupied by the IVD in the Montplaisir district of Tunis were emptied and deserted several months ago, leaving only silence. But on the third floor, dozens of workers are stirring like a buzzing hive. For several days now, they have been putting the finishing touches to the transfer of the Commissions archives to the headquarters of the National Archives. This is the last mission of the IVD, which lived in this building for just over five years, the time it took to compile the victims files, listen to them, investigate cases of serious human rights violations and draft its final report.

Nearly 10,000 boxes

The law of 2013 governing and organizing transitional justice in Tunisia stipulates that the Commission entrusts all its documents and files to the National Archives or to an institution created for the purpose of preserving the national memory. The IVD has long hoped for the second alternative, an institution similar to the Institute of National Memory in Poland and Slovakia, or the Research Institute on Totalitarian Regimes in the Czech Republic. However, since the authorities had not set up a special structure for the dictatorships archives, the IVD was obliged, almost reluctantly, to hand over all its documents to the National Archives and its audiovisual recordings, containing the closed door testimonies of the victims, to the Office of the Prime Minister.

These key documents contain part of the truth about a dark history of human rights violations. They are also a likely target for hacking or leaking. And they are a major issue for many stakeholders such as researchers, historians, journalists, judges, victims and politicians.

Nearly 10,000 boxes of archives are being transferred.

Precious documents and victim protection

The head of the archives department at the IVD, Belgacem Faleh, details the contents of these boxes, which are divided into three main categories. First there are the files of victims complaints, which are contained in 6,851 archive boxes. Then there are the archives collected during the Commissions investigations, covering the entire period of its mandate, from 1955 to 2013. These documents are contained in 182 archive boxes. Finally, there are the archives produced by the IVD, namely the minutes of the meetings, decisions of the Council and the documents of the various commissions. They fill more than 750 boxes.

Faleh says that some of the most important files are those found in the presidential palace in Carthage, signed by former President Ben Ali himself, the files of Ben Alis ruling party (the Constitutional Democratic Rally, RCD) and diplomatic archives. This treasure also includes the files of the Ministry of Justice and the archives of the special courts at the time of Bourguiba, created in particular against the Youssefists (first opponents of Bourguiba in the 1950s) and the Perspectivists (Marxist students of the 1960s and 1970s).

Belgacem Faleh stresses the protection of victim identities. The boxes containing their personal data do not carry anything to identify them. As each victim has a number, you have to refer to a CD (which has also been handed over to the National Archives) to find the identity of these victims of serious human rights violations.

80,000 gigabytes of audiovisual testimonies

Audiovisual archives are a particular area of conflict between the IVD and the National Archives. Taking up 80,000 gigabytes, they contain thousands of hours of recordings of victims stories of rape, torture, police violence, harassment, humiliation, blackmail, deprivation of basic rights, unfair trials, inhuman prison conditions, etc. They include secrets, stories and accounts sometimes entrusted for the first time to a listener during closed-door hearings in the various offices of the truth commission. These valuable testimonies were used by the IVD commissioners as essential material for the drafting of their final report and by its investigators in cases subsequently transmitted to the specialized chambers. For historians, they constitute a mine of information.

But the IVD has delivered these archives of the soul, as the historian and documentalist Abdeljelil Temimi calls them, to the Office of the Prime Minister and not to the National Archives. The IVD explains this decision by the absence of a specific law on access to these human rights archives. In its report, it recommends the creation of such a legal framework. It also expresses the need to protect witnesses, victims, experts and all those it heard, whatever their status, from violations () by ensuring security meaures, protection against attacks and the preservation of confidentiality. But this transfer to a different place is also a symbol of the open war between the former president of the IVD and the director of the National Archives.

Reconciliation through archives

Hedi Jallab, director of the National Archives, thinks that current legislation is enough, and that it guarantees the security of these audiovisual documents through the archives law of 2 August 1988  one of the best laws in the world in this sphere  and new legislation on access to information and protection of personal data.

The National Archives is financially autonomous but operates under the supervision of the Prime Ministers Office. This attachment to the executive leaves some NGOs active transitional justice like Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) and Bawssala (Compass) with reservations about the independence of the National Archives.

ASF says legislative reform is necessary to limit the control exercised over the National Archives by the Executive with regard to the archives of the IVD and to define the obligations of the National Archives with regard to the preservation of the national memory. ASF and Bawsala also say the National Archives must have resources specifically dedicated to memory preservation activities and that the capacity of its staff should be boosted to specialize in the development of this precious collection.

Hedi Jallab intends to work first with his teams on describing and indexing these documents to put them on a database accessible to researchers. But he does not seem to have a clear strategy for showcasing the truth commissions legacy and bringing it to life. Instead, he is relying on consultations that have already begun, in serenity and calm, he says, with the victims and their associations to establish a programme for exploiting these archives. If the transitional justice process, which I think has been badly steered, has not achieved the required consensus, he says with a barb for the former president of the IVD, we do not want to miss the boat with the archives again. The ideal would be for these documents to make the objective of national reconciliation real.

Given all the desires and apprehensions, it seems the battle over these archives of living memory has only just begun.
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- C4, America's #1 pre-workout and fastest-growing energy drink brand, is spreading its signature blend of better-for-you performance energy across the globe. After a dominant year domestically-marked by nearly 2,500% growth, becoming NYC's fourth-largest energy drink brand, and breaking into the top 15 energy drink brands nationwide-carbonated C4 is exploding into 2020 with significant global expansion.

No stranger to the international market, C4 already enjoys strong worldwide brand recognition and currently sells pre-workout powders in over 100 countries. Carbonated C4 is experiencing rapid growth in key areas like Dubai, where it has established a strong partnership with Zoom, the largest convenience chain in the region. As a next step, the brand kicks off its official UK launch this month.

To introduce the UK community to C4's performance energy power, the brand is hosting an exclusive event at WIT Training-part of WIT Fitness, the UK's premier sport and fitness apparel destination. The sold-out day includes workouts, Q&A, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with two world-renowned C4 athletes: reigning four-time Fittest Man in the World Mat Fraser, and five-time Games competitor Brooke Wells. The kickoff will be emceed by WIT's own Head of Training, Gustavo Vaz Tostes, and attended by distribution partners, gym owners, fans, and athletes.

C4's parent company, Nutrabolt, recently hired 15-year industry veteran Russel Kaffenberger as VP of International Business Development, Beverage, to further supercharge its international growth. Kaffenberger specializes in rapid global market development and has successfully established beverage markets for some of the industry's most notable brands.

"We're excited to accelerate and spread the upward momentum of C4 to the world," Kaffenberger said. "We're working on local EU manufacturing opportunities and actively developing top international markets, including the UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, and additional European countries. We're excited to paint the globe yellow in 2020 with a better-for-you performance energy drink formulated to help enhance people's everyday lifestyle."

Powered by CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, BetaPower betaine, and other clinically studied ingredients that support explosive energy, alertness, and performance, C4 is available in nine amazing flavors with zero sugar, sodium, carbs, and calories.

Visit findc4.com to experience C4 near you in the US, and look for the C4 brand in the UK at a rapidly growing list of more than 1,000 retail locations. To add the power of carbonated C4 to your retail cooler, contact iwantc4@nutrabolt.com today.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078033/C4_UK.jpg
India did not join Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) because the partnership was not amongst equals", Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday and noted that India has very serious concerns about the way China carries out its trade and the way "Chinese ecosystem is locked down for fair trade practices" with other countries.

Goyal, who was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2020 here, said that he believes any multilateral, regional, comprehensive, or international agreement must recognise "numerous factors such as geographies, population, the political system of governance" and should be fair.

"We in India have clearly faced discrimination and a lot of unfair trade practices from different countries around the We are in the process of bringing out all of these issues, bringing them in the right perspective, placing them before our trading partners. That was one of the reasons we were not able to join the RCEP because very clearly the partnership was not amongst equals," Goyal said.

He was responding to a query on India not joining the RCEP.

"RCEP as a formulation had 16 countries, most of whom already had trading arrangements with each other... but we also had China in that room with whom we have very serious concerns about the way they are carrying out their trade, about the way Chinese ecosystem is locked down for fair trade practices with other countries," Goyal said.

The minister noted that India's trade deficit with the RCEP member countries grew by about 10 times from 2003-04 and 2013-14 and accounts for two-thirds of its global trade deficit.

"It grew about ten times from barely USD 7 billion to about USD 65-70 billion. Today, we have a trade deficit of USD 105 billion (with RCEP countries), which is two-third of my trade deficit," he said.

Goyal termed "lack of fair access to Indian products" in RCEP countries as a reason for the growing trade deficit.

"In the end, we realised that it would be only detrimental to Indian domes industries to get into RCEP, unless we get credible, fair, and accountable resolution on our concerns around origin rules, around the base year with which this agreement would take off," Goyal said.

"It would have been a good diplomatic move but a bad trade decision to join the RCEP," he noted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
File image: Reuters

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will sign the Bru agreement on January 16, reports suggest.

The agreement, significant as it will end the 22-year-old Bru refugee crisis, will be signed when Shah meets chief ministers of Mizoram and Tripura, along with representatives of the Bru tribes on January 16.

Why is the agreement significant? What new changes will it bring?

For one thing, the new agreement means the government will help settle around 35,000 Bru refugees in Tripura and will also contribute in their rehabilitation.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had agreed to settle the refugees in November 2019, though according to the 2018 agreement, they were to be settled in Mizoram.

The Brus are spread over an area across parts of Mizoram, Tripura and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. In 1997, after ethnic violence in the region, thousands of Brus were forced out of their homes and settled in Tripura.

In July 2018, the Centre had then announced signing of a "historic agreement" with the governments of Tripura and Mizoram as a part of which, over 32,876 persons from 5,407 families would be repatriated to Mizoram. These families were then staying in temporary camps in Tripura.

However, after Bru refugees expressed dissatisfaction with certain parts of the agreement, particularly those related to financial assistance, the Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Forum (MBDPF), a committee of Bru refugees and one of the signatories to the agreement, had pulled out of the pact on July 17, 2018.

Reports however suggest that it was not the first time that the Centre had been unsuccessful in carrying out the repatriation of the Bru population.

The process, reports suggest, has been going on for a long time  in fact, as long back as 2001  but had ended each time with some quibbles, and had been largely unsuccessful.

This time, according to a report in The Indian Express, the stakeholders in the issue are expecting a Rs 600 crore package from the Centre. Moreover, individual plots of land will also be provided to each Bru family, in addition to agricultural land. The Bru tribals will also be included in Tripura's voter list, the report adds. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the reports.
The Supreme Court will hear review petitions filed by telecom companies against its verdict on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) today. The hearing will be conducted in closed chambers at 1:50 pm on Thursday, although Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had called for an open court hearing. The companies have to pay pending AGR dues to the Department of Telecommunications by January 23.

Telecom companies, who are looking at a payout of Rs 92,000 crore, had sought urgent relief on the AGR verdict earlier this month. Following an urgent hearing on January 8, the SC bench led by Justice Arun Mishra comprising Justices SA Nazeer and MR Shah had ruled that the apex court would take a call after talking to the Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde, as to whether the review petitions filed would be heard in an open court or not.

With the payment deadline looming close, telecom players have expressed their inability to pay the pending AGR dues. Vodafone Idea Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla has said the telco would shut shop without the government's help. Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal has also asked the government to be sympathetic towards telcos.

ALSO READ:Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea seek urgent hearing of review petitions on pending AGR dues

The reason mentioned by both companies is heavy losses incurred by them since the entry of Reliance Jio. Vodafone Idea is struggling with losses for the past three years that ballooned to Rs 50,922 crore in the September quarter of FY20 - the highest quarterly loss in India's corporate history - as it had to make significant provisions for the AGR dues. Airtel reported record losses to the tune of Rs 22,830 crore in the same quarter.

The AGR dispute dates back to 2003 when the association of telecom operators filed the first plea with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) challenging the definition of AGR.

As per standard accounting practice, companies have to make provisions for such claims. As per estimates, Airtel owes about Rs 21,682 crore while Vodafone Idea's payout will be much bigger at Rs 28,308 crore. Their provisioning is far short of the actual amount due.

ALSO READ: Is DoT building a case in favour of Airtel and Vodafone Idea?
On Wednesday, Chinas effort, its third, to yet again help its all-weather ally Pakistan raise the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council failed and the country came in for sharp criticism from the other permanent members of the council , particularly the US, and also other members such as Germany and Estonia.

According to diplomats familiar with the matter, China tagged Kashmir onto a UNSC meeting called to discuss Peacekeeping in Mali and tried to force an informal discussion in the miscellaneous matter or any other matter category.

The diplomats said that the Chinese representative claimed tensions were escalating between India and Pakistan and quoted the statement of Indian Army Chief Mukund Naravane on the 1994 Parliamentary resolution seeking Pakistans vacation of PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). The Chinese envoy further added that there were regular ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Beijings representative went as far as to say that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India (UNMOGIP) should be strengthened with more funds.

Beijings pitch met with a very strong US and German pushback with the former saying that this issue does not belong here and should be addressed separately. The US Ambassador criticised China for even raising the issue. Germany, a non-permanent member of the UNSC, took Indias side and said progress has been made and that there was no need for the issue to be discussed.

But the biggest turnaround came from the United Kingdom, which had not opposed Chinas last move to raise the issue at the council in August, 2019.

This time, the UK Envoy made it very clear that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and had no place in the UNSC.

The envoy said the British PM had talked to both sides and come to the conclusion that it was for India and Pakistan to sort it out bilaterally.

France, a very close ally of India, dwelt on the terror aspect and said measures had to be taken to deal with the terrorists operating in the valley. The French envoy stressed that there was no need for the council to even discuss the issue informally.

Russia too said that the matter should be resolved bilaterally under Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, although it remained silent on the issue of whether the matter could be discussed informally.

A close strategic ally of India for the past seven decades, Russia has built very close trade links with China in the past decade.

While the two Latin American countries in the UNSC totally opposed the Chinese move, so did Estonia, whose foreign minister met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi this week.

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Conroe city officials have approved a design contract to create a hike and bike trail along Alligator Creek in an effort to provide connectivity between several city parks.

During a special meeting Monday, council members awarded a $52,300 contract to Conroe-based Bleyl Engineering for the design of about 800 feet of 8-foot wide hike and bike trail along Betes Street to Alligator Creek and 1,000 feet of hike and bike trail from Texas 75 along Alligator Creek to Roberson Park. The project will help connect Candy Cane Park and Roberson Park.

According to Director of Capital Projects and Transportation Tommy Woolley this is phase one of the effort to construct similar trails around the city. He said the construction of the trail on Dallas Street along Alligator Creek is still being reviewed.

The project also includes repair and rehabilitation work to the creek caused by recent flooding.

Its a good project, said Mayor Pro Tem Duke Coon.

The engineering of the project is included in the city Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

In other action:

Life station rehab  The council awarded a $55,850 contract to Bleyl Engineering for the design work for the rehabilitation of two existing lift stations. According to information from the city, the lifts stations are rated fair and poor and in need of repair.

Annexation  The city approved the voluntary annexation of 20 acres near Willis. The tract of land will be the site of Willis ISDs newest elementary school. According to Willis ISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider, the district is set to break ground on the project this this year with a competition date in 2021.

Transit stop  The council approved an agreement with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office for a transit stop the corner of Criminal Justice Drive and Hilbig Street. MCSO will purchase the shelter and maintain the area, according to city staff.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
'Central Vista stretch required for Republic Day parade will be ready in time, some facilities later'

Police bust Jaish module in Srinagar planning terror attack on Republic Day, 5 nabbed

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 16: Ahead of Republic Day, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday nabbed five terrorists and averted major terror attack planned on January 26 and worked out two earlier grenade attacks.

"In a major success, the Srinagar Police busts Jaish Module. Two grenade blasts in Hazratbal area worked out. Major attack averted ahead of Republic Day," J&K Police said in a tweet.

It said that huge explosive material has been recovered from the five terror operatives.

"Those arrested are Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh of Sadarbal Hazratbal, Umar Hameed Sheikh of Asaar Colony Hazratbal, Imtiyaz Ahmed Chikla @ Imran of Asaar Colony Hazaratbal, Sahil Farooq Gojri of Ellahibagh Soura and Naseer Ahmed Mir of Sadarbal Hazratbal," it added.

Last week, three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS have been arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

The three were arrested following an exchange of fire in Delhi's Wazirabad area, they said. The suspects have been identified as Khaja Moideen (52), Abdul Samad (28) and Syed Ali Navaz (32), police said.

The Delhi Police is already on alert for Republic Day and is keeping a close watch on all the suspects, along with the police is also taking quick action on intelligence information.

Earlier on Dec 26, five people were arrested and 10 detained in a major operation conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
A former employee of The Star casino said a gambling addiction "made [him] do bad things" when he decided to participate in a scheme to steal more than $90,000 worth of gaming chips last year.

Justin Ly, 23, was working as a casino gaming supervisor when he constructed a ruse with a patron, who was known to him, to cause dealers to pay out cash value chips to which they were not entitled.

Justin Ly outside the Downing Centre Local Court after pleading guilty to professionally facilitated fraudulent activity at a Sydney casino.

Ly pleaded guilty on Thursday to 13 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception at the Downing Centre Local Court, later saying he was "sorry" for his role in the fraudulent scheme conducted in August last year.

His co-accused, who can't be named for legal reasons, did not appear in court because "he forgot the matter was listed" and was "at work", the court heard.
President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Friday for London to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit holding on January 20.

The Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said the event would be hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The organisers said the event is expected to bring together African leaders, international business chief executives and heads of international organisations to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs to the benefit of people and businesses in African countries and the United Kingdom.

Apart from highlighting new perspectives on UK-Africa Partnership for Prosperity, issues of Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure; Trade and Investment; Future African Growth Sectors and Clean Energy and Climate, are expected to dominate presentations and discussions during the Summit.

With the expected take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in mid-2020, the London investment summit will provide Nigeria with the opportunity to project itself as a leading investment destination for new industries.

In addition, the summit will deepen Nigeria-United Kingdom investment ties post-Brexit given that Africa currently represents just two per cent of British trade activity, with Nigeria accounting for only 10 per cent of that total, Mr Adesina stated.

He further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to the investment meeting will showcase what the federal government had done through policies and legislation to improve the investment and business climate in the country.

While in the United Kingdom, the presidential aide said, Mr Buhari will meet with the Head of the Commonwealth, Prince Charles in Glasgow, Scotland.

The president and his delegation will also have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Johnson as well as heads of multilateral organisations, he added.

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He said the president would be accompanied to the Summit by Governors Yahaya Bello, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya and Okezie Ikpeazu of Kogi, Gombe and Abia States, respectively.

Also on the presidential entourage are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

Others include the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Mr Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Thursday.

(NAN)
Reading the news can be stress-inducing at the best of times. When the news is particularly worrying, many of us experience levels of anxiety so high that we can have difficulty coping. So how can we stay (reasonably) anxiety-free when the media bombards us with headlines that spook us? Share on Pinterest Does the news get you down? In this Special Feature, we look at some ways to fight off related anxiety. It may seem as though we have entered an age of bad news. Every day for the past few years, newspapers and news websites have turned out stressful headlines full-blast. There is news about wars and civic unrest, impending ecological disasters, failing economies, and violent, sad local events. And  why not admit it?  though we aim to provide our readers with constructive, actionable content at Medical News Today, we, too, sometimes end up highlighting news that could be stressful. While our intent is positive, to warn our readers about possible health dangers and empower our audience to avoid them, our content may sometimes lead to worry and anxiety. So what can you do if what seems like a constant cycle of negative news throughout every media outlet is getting you down and interfering with your well-being? In this Special Feature, we look at some tips for coping with the special kind of anxiety that can come from reading the news.

Headline stress disorder? While news cycle-related anxiety has probably existed for centuries, it became particularly obvious in 2016, a year packed with global events that polarized communities. When people started reporting tension and anxiety that stemmed from feeling bombarded by alarming news headlines, some therapists came to describe this as its own phenomenon. For example, therapist Steven Stosny, Ph.D., refers to it as headline stress disorder in an opinion piece for The Washington Post. He describes his personal experience with clients in whom the grueling news cycle triggered intense feelings of worry and helplessness, and he reports that this particularly affected female clients. Stosnys observations may be spot-on. According to a study from 2012 , women are better than men at remembering negative news for longer periods. They also have more persistent physiological reactions to the stress caused by such news, the studys authors conclude. Many feel personally devalued, rejected, unseen, unheard, and unsafe. They report a sense of foreboding and mistrust about the future, Stosny writes. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that between August 2016 and January 2017, people in the United States reported an overall average stress level increase from 4.8 to 5.1 on a scale where 1 means little or no stress and 10 means an extremely high level of stress. According to the researchers, this was the first notable increase in average stress levels in the decade since the association first started conducting these surveys. The APAs 2019 report on stress levels in the U.S. population did not find much of a difference compared with past years, except in one respect: Respondents said that they felt distinctly more anxiety about specific topics. According to the most recent poll data from the report, adults in the U.S. experienced the highest amounts of stress about politics, healthcare, and mass shootings. Meanwhile, climate change and sexual harassment  other topics frequently covered in the news  also caused significantly more stress in 2019 than in 2018. Millennials and Gen Zers most affected The reports authors found that More than 7 in 10 adults (72%) agree with the statement that the media blow things out of proportion, and more than half (54%) say that they want to stay informed about the news, but following it causes them stress. Differently aged groups reported different levels of stress that they attribute to the news media, with more people in their 30s and younger admitting to being upset by the news cycle: Around 3 in 5 Gen Z adults (61%) and millennials (60%) [say] they want to stay informed but that following the news causes them stress, while more than half of Gen Xers (55%) and half of Boomers (50%) express the same sentiment. However, just more than one-third of older adults (36%) say they want to stay informed but that doing so causes them stress. The authors also add that many people choose to deal with this issue by avoiding the news. Nearly 2 in 5 adults (39%) report that they have taken steps over the past year to reduce their news consumption, they write.

Take a break from the news When faced with anxiety about what feels like a constant cycle of negative news, the best approach may be to step away and take a break from these reports, at least for a while. For some, the anger, hopelessness, and feeling of powerlessness that can stem from sustained exposure to stressful news can really stand in the way of being productive on a day-to-day basis. MNT spoke with one person who says that she has been living with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For her, taking a break from the news was the only way to cope with news-related anxiety. I have huge news anxiety, she told us. I realized a decade ago that the only way to really cope with my mental health was to not read the news or watch the news on [TV]. It means that I rarely have a clue [as to] whats going on in the world, and I feel [bad] when I hear people talking around me, but it also means that I can get out of bed in the mornings. Switching to other activities may also help  not only to take your mind off negative scenarios for a while, but also to help regulate the emotions and make positive connections. Its vital to step back and recharge sometimes, another person who spoke with MNT about her news-related anxiety explains. My solution for news-based anxiety is the same as for any anxiety Im feeling  I need to get out into nature, read some books, engage in some face-to-face conversations, and shun screens for a while, she adds. As research has shown, reading can also help reduce stress, as can exercise, listening to music, and practicing meditation. Katherine C. Nordal, Ph.D., the APAs executive director for professional practice, likewise emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the news cycle and turning to other activities instead: Read enough to stay informed, but then plan activities that give you a regular break from the issues and the stress they might cause. And remember to take care of yourself and pay attention to other areas of your life.

Focus on what you can solve Instead of, or as well as, unplugging from the news, one way of coping with news-related anxiety is to focus on issues that you can help solve. Negative world news, regarding acts of violence or the impact of a devastating hurricane, for example, can make people feel powerless and defeated. But everyone can do a little something to make the world better  by contributing to positive changes in their communities, families, or even themselves. One reader who spoke with MNT said that constant exposure to bad news made her want to spring into action  so she did, at a local level. I was feeling helpless and useless after a summer of bad news, so I joined a small but passionate political party, she told us. It can be tempting to disengage, but stepping back was making me feel like I was letting others decide my future for me. Another MNT reader took a similar approach and found that making a conscious decision to turn away from the news and start focusing on positive changes in ones own life can feel empowering and help relieve anxiety. It feels like, increasingly, the news causes me anxiety. [] It used to really get me down, especially thinking about what kind of world Im bringing my children into, this reader told us. But one morning, after getting wound up by more anxiety-inducing breaking news, she and her partner decided that enough was enough: [My husband and I] briefly discussed [the distressing news], agreed [] that its not worth focusing on, and then quickly changed the subject to talk about what we are focusing on this year to make our planet and immediate community better. Doing that takes away the feeling of hopelessness and puts some power back in my own hands to make the change I want to see in the world. Research has shown that getting involved in ones community by volunteering for local causes can boost a persons sense of well-being, reinstill a feeling of purpose, and solidify a sense of identity within the community.
Exclusive: India plans cuts to imports from Malaysia, Turkey in Kashmir row FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads palm oil fruits from a lorry inside a palm oil factory in Salak Tinggi, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By Aftab Ahmed and Neha Dasgupta

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India is planning to cut some imports from Turkey and widen curbs on palm oil from Malaysia to oil, gas and other products, government officials said, targeting the two Muslim-majority countries for their criticism of India's policy towards Kashmir.

India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, has already effectively stopped importing palm oil from Malaysia by asking Indian importers to look elsewhere.

New Delhi is now planning to restrict buying of petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia, the two government officials, who did not wish to be identified, told Reuters.

The government is also planning to cut imports of oil and steel products from Turkey, one of the officials said.

"Our government has not taken kindly the comments of Malaysia and Turkey and we will restrict trade from both the countries," one of the officials said.

The Indian Commerce Ministry did not reply to an email seeking comment.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in whole by India and Pakistan and ruled in part by both.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said recently Hindu-majority India was "invading and occupying the country" of Jammu and Kashmir and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan had said Kashmiris are "virtually under blockade".

The Indian government withdrew the autonomy of Kashmir last year to tighten its grip on the region, shutting down internet access and detaining activists and politicians. India's Supreme Court last week ruled an indefinite shutdown of the internet in Kashmir was illegal.

Tension between India and Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, further escalated after 94-year-old Mahathir criticised India's new citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.

Turkey meanwhile has sided with Pakistan on issues such as its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which oversees the export of goods that can be used for nuclear weapons manufacturing.

Story continues

Turkey is also against the blacklisting of Pakistan by the world financial watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force, to curb its alleged financing of terror, something India has been lobbying for hard.

Indian trade data indicates that overall imports from both Malaysia and Turkey had already taken a hit last year.

(Reporting by Aftab Ahmed and Neha Dasgupta; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and Nick Macfie)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (CSE: DFLY) (OTCQB: DFLYF) (FSE: 3U8) (Draganfly or the Company), an award-winning, industry-leading systems developer within the commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and the Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) industry, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arms length definitive share purchase agreement dated January 15th, 2020 with the shareholders of Dronelogics Systems Inc. (Dronelogics), whereby Draganfly has agreed to acquire all of the shares of Dronelogics (the Transaction) for cash and common shares of Draganfly (Draganfly Shares).

Transaction Highlights

The Transaction continues to establish Draganfly as a leading, diversified drone organization. Dronelogics has been growing steadily with revenues in excess of CAD$3.0 million and expected 2019 year over year growth of 20.0%. Draganfly management believes the Transaction will generate combined pro forma revenue of between CAD$6 to CAD$7 million for the fiscal year 2020, representing an increase in Draganflys revenue of between 23% and 43%.

Strategically Positioned to Leverage Draganflys Brand: Dronelogics is a complementary business to Draganfly and the acquisition of Dronelogics will expand the product offering of Draganfly in the integration and engineering segments. This will expand Draganflys total addressable market and enhance its position as a leader in the UAV and UVS industry.

Expanded Customer Base. Draganfly and Dronelogics have limited overlap in customer base representing an opportunity to cross sell the expanded product offerings and further customized solutions to existing clients.

Established History of Providing Drone Services. Dronelogics has been in business for 10 years, working closely with Fortune 500 companies to provide insights into inventory metrics, asset management, volume-metric calculation and digitizing assets, among many other applications.

Enhanced Management Expertise. The acquisition will add a team of 9 employees. Post-closing, Mr. Justin Hannewyk (Mr. Hannewyk) will be President of the operating subsidiary and will also be appointed to Draganflys board of directors. The Dronelogics employee base brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to Draganfly.

Cameron Chell, Chairman and CEO, stated, "We are excited to welcome the whole Dronelogics team as part of Draganfly. Dronelogics has established itself as a trusted drone service provider. Its business is highly complementary to our business and the combined entity will deliver an enhanced product and service offering to the combined client base. This transaction further establishes Draganfly as a leading, publicly traded drone company, and provides a strong platform for us to pursue continued consolidation in the industry. "

Material Terms of the Agreement with Dronelogics

On closing of the Transaction (the Closing), the Company will pay the shareholders of Dronelogics (the Sellers) CAD$2.0 million, which will consist of the following: (i) a cash payment of CAD$500,000, subject to a working capital adjustment, and (ii) CAD$1.5 million in value plus certain closing adjustments to be satisfied by the issuance Draganfly Shares at a deemed price of CAD$0.50 per share.

The Sellers will receive a nomination right to appoint one person to the board of directors of the Company for a period of two years from the Closing or as long as Mr. Hannewyk holds a senior executive position with the Company.

The Draganfly Shares issued under the Transaction will be subject to resale restrictions in the form of pooling terms providing for release of these Draganfly Shares over a period of 24 months and a right to place in favour of Draganfly during the same 24-month period.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including the filing of required forms with the Canadian securities Exchange (the CSE).

The two Sellers will enter into executive employment agreements with the Company.

The Transaction has been approved by the board of directors of Draganfly and Dronelogics. In connection with the Transaction, the Company will pay fees of $160,000 to certain advisors; as to $100,000 by way of 200,000 in Draganfly Shares at a deemed price of $0.50 per share and as to $60,000 in cash or Draganfly Shares at a deemed price of $0.50 per share. At Closing, the Company will issue: certain additional Draganfly Shares to the Sellers, at a deemed price of CAD$0.50 per Draganfly Share, in satisfaction of accrued management bonuses in connection with their services to Dronelogics; (ii) grant 445,000 incentive stock options to certain employees of Dronelogics pursuant to the Company's share compensation plan, exercisable at a price equal to closing price of the Draganfly Shares on the CSE on January 15, 2020. The options shall have a term of 10 years and vest in three equal tranches, on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, and (iii) award 375,000 restricted share units (the RSUs) to certain directors and officers of Dronelogics. RSUs were awarded to certain directors and officers of Dronelogics pursuant to the Company's share compensation plan. The RSUs shall vest in three equal tranches, on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of award.

Advisors

Scotiabank is acting as Draganflys financial advisor, and Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP is acting as Draganflys legal advisor. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as Dronelogics legal advisor.

About Dronelogics

Dronelogics is a solutions integrator for custom robotics, hardware and software that provides a wide scope of services including sales, training, rentals, maintenance, flying and data processing services based in Vancouver, Canada. The wide variety of services, products and innovations that Dronelogics provides results in a unique one-stop-shop solution for their clients which aids in higher customer retention, diversified revenue streams, repeat business and protection against market volatility. Dronelogics customer base comprises well over 10,000 independent names and the company enjoys high repeat business due to its expertise, unique focus on service and broad scope of offerings.

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (CSE: DFLY; OTCQB: DFLYF; FSE: 3U8) is the creator of quality, cutting-edge, unmanned vehicle systems and software that revolutionizes the way people do business. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 21 years, Draganfly is an award-winning, industry-leading manufacturer within the commercial UAV and UVS space, serving the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections and mapping and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money and lives.

For more information on Draganfly, please visit us at: www.draganfly.com. For additional investor information, visit www.thecse.com searching DFLY or visit https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/ searching 3U8.

Media Contact

Arian Hopkins

email: arian@businessinstincts.com



Company Contact

Paul Sun, CFO

Email: paul.sun@draganfly.com



Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward looking statements and certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, will, believe or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to expected closing of the Transaction or the expected closing date of the Transaction, Transaction benefits, expected additional revenues, expected growth, results of operations, performance, industry trends and growth opportunities. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the risk that the Transaction may not be completed as expected or at all; the expected benefits of the Transaction and additional revenues may not materialize; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For more information on the risk, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the public filings of Draganfly which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

This news release also contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, FOFI) about the pro forma revenue of the resulting issuer which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date of this news release and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about Draganflys anticipated future business operations. Draganfly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. Such future-oriented production information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such outlook or information should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed in this news release.

The CSE has not in any way passed upon the merits of the listing of the common shares of Draganfly and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Land O' Lakes, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2020 -- LAND 'O LAKES, FLWhat's better than starting the new year off on the right foot? Helping a friend follow in your footsteps! Cornerstone Pros makes accomplishing both easier than ever. Offering a full menu of home services to the Tampa Bay area, residents can rely on this company to help themand their friendsget their homes in line.



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Cornerstone Pros offers all of the air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical services homeowners need to enjoy peace of mind all 2020 long. From repairing a faulty air conditioner to installing a new hot water heater in Hillsborough County, FL, contact Cornerstone to start the new year off the right way!



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Wolters Kluwer Signs Agreement to Acquire CGE Risk Management Solutions

January 16, 2020  Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory announces today that it has signed an agreement to acquire CGE Risk Management Solutions B.V. (CGE), a leading provider of risk management software, including the industry-standard BowTieXP solution. The acquisition will extend Wolters Kluwers presence in the growing operational risk management software market.

CGE Risk Management Solutions serves risk experts in over 2,500 leading corporations and public entities worldwide who operate in high-risk and asset-intensive industries, including oil & gas, energy, aviation, mining, transportation, utilities, chemicals, manufacturing, and healthcare. CGEs best-known product is the industry-standard BowTieXP, a barrier-based risk management solution for visual and qualitative risk assessment that can be used to analyze and communicate how high-risk scenarios around specific hazards develop. This solution allows the creation of bowtie diagrams to visualize risks, provide an overview of multiple plausible incident scenarios, and show what barriers organizations have in place to control these scenarios.

CGE will become part of Wolters Kluwers Environmental, Health & Safety and Operational Risk Management (EHS/ORM) software group, which also includes Enablon and eVision. The combined offerings will enable customers to improve their EHS, ORM, and risk performance and to conduct more responsible, productive, and safe operations.

CGE recorded revenues of 5 million in 2018, mainly from software and services. Wolters Kluwer expects the acquisition to achieve a return on invested capital (ROIC) above the groups after tax weighted average cost of capital (8%) within three to five years of completion. The transaction is expected to have a positive but immaterial impact on adjusted earnings in its first full year. CGE was founded in 2004 and has approximately 30 employees, with headquarters in The Netherlands. CGE has a global customer base with the majority of customers in Europe, North America, and Australia.

The addition of CGE Risk Management Solutions to our Enablon and eVision offerings will further the value Wolters Kluwer delivers to corporations in supporting their most critical workflows, and advances our leadership in the market, said Stacey Caywood, CEO, Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory.

We are very excited by the opportunity to join Wolters Kluwer, said Arjan Verboom, Jeroen van Dommelen and Arjan Zipp, CGE executive leaders. By combining forces, we can help deliver more value to our customers as we integrate BowTieXP into Wolters Kluwers broader EHS/ORM offering and create a comprehensive, dynamic barrier-based risk management solution.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the health, tax & accounting, governance, risk & compliance, and legal & regulatory 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 2018 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 18,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).

For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com , follow us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , and YouTube .

Media Investors/Analysts Annemarije Derogee-Pikaar Meg Geldens Corporate Communications Investor Relations t + 31 172 641 470 t + 31 172 641 407 annemarije.pikaar@wolterskluwer.com ir@wolterskluwer.com

Elke Colpaert

Communications Enablon/eVision

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory

t +32 479 91 07 47

elke.colpaert@wolterskluwer.com

Forward-looking Statements and Other Important Legal Information

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This portrait of blues legend Muddy Waters and his wife, Geneva, tucked into the soft shadows of a club, was one of the first pictures Shay took after arriving in Chicago  not to mention one of the most tender images of Waters ever made. But it also tells an important story: There was this idea that Chicago was the promised land, that people moving North from the Delta could escape the horrors of the Jim Crow South, says Gellman, who lived in Chicago for two decades before becoming an associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina. But migrants like Waters quickly realized that there were plenty of discriminatory conditions in Chicago as well. While Waters wasnt an activist, Gellman explains that the blues changed dramatically as a result of this migration. It amplifies, it speeds up because its reflecting the faster pace of the city. It becomes more of an urban protest music.
Boot Camp has given me a lot of hope and a lot of confidence in moving forward with our business process mapping and our software solution.

The business transformation and ERP consulting firm, Panorama Consulting Group, will host a training event to increase organizations confidence in pursuing large business projects.

These training events, which are hosted once or twice a year, attract a diverse group of both private sector and public sector attendees. These attendees are afforded the opportunity to have one-on-one time with experts during break-out sessions.

Through these consultative meetings and in-depth presentations, attendees learn how to implement organizational changes in a way that helps their organizations obtain reliable data insights and improve the customer experience.

ERP is really important to our company because at the end of the day thats where all our data is, said ERP Boot Camp attendee, Leah Smith of Kirk Key Interlock. It is our customers data, our product data [and] its everything about our business.

While Panoramas ERP Boot Camp attracts a wide variety of attendees in terms of level and area of expertise, it is particularly helpful to individuals who want to gain an understanding of the organizational change and process change aspects of ERP implementation.

I think the Boot Camp is really good [for helping] your team see the whole elephant, said ERP Boot Camp attendee, Dylan Ellis of Camden City School District. [You can] take your technical people and help them see the change management or business process management aspects.

Past attendees also have commented that ERP Boot Camp taught them how to solve deficiencies in their processes and technology. They also mentioned that ERP Boot Camp made them realize inadequacies in their business that they didnt know existed.

ERP Boot Camp prepares attendees for common business transformation challenges, including ERP selection, strategy definition, change management and business process reengineering. Attendees can earn CPE credits from NASBA, as well as PDUs from the Project Management Institute for PMP-relevant content.

Boot Camp has given me a lot of hope and a lot of confidence in moving forward with our business process mapping and our software solution, said ERP Boot Camp attendee, Marshall Dow of Silver Creek Materials. Its been an excellent experience so far.

The cost of the two-day training is $895, and group discounts are available. Interested parties can see the full agenda and learn more at https://www.panorama-consulting.com/erp-boot-camp/.

About Panorama Consulting Group

Panorama Consulting Group is an independent, niche consulting firm specializing in business transformation and ERP system implementations for mid- to large-sized private- and public-sector organizations worldwide. One-hundred percent technology agnostic and independent of vendor affiliation, Panorama offers a phased, top-down strategic alignment approach and a bottom-up tactical approach, enabling each client to achieve its unique business transformation objectives by transforming its people, processes and technology. Panoramas services include ERP Selection, ERP Implementation, ERP Contract Negotiation, ERP University, Digital Strategy, Technology Assessment, Change Management, Human Capital Management, Business Process Management, M&A Integration, Turnaround Analysis, Crisis Management, Financial Restructuring, Operational Restructuring, Project Auditing & Recovery and Software Expert Witness Testimony. Learn more at https://www.panorama-consulting.com/.
(Newser)  A 16-year-old student mistakenly shot his friend in their Houston-area high schools ROTC room before fleeing and being arrested several hours later, officials say. The two were in a room at Bellaire High School with four other students but no adult Tuesday afternoon when the 16-year-old took a semi-automatic pistol out of his waistband and pulled the trigger, killing 19-year-old Cesar Cortes, says Lt. Greg Bartlett. The suspect, whose name wasn't released, fled the scene after the shooting and was arrested about 3.5 hours later, authorities say. He was charged as a minor with manslaughter, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Bartlett says that the shooter confessed to other students but has not admitted guilt to the police nor helped in their investigation.

story continues below

District Attorney Kim Ogg said that based on evidence gathered so far, the shooting does not appear to have been intentional, the AP reports. She said the students were part of the school's ROTC program and there is no indication that they'd been fighting before the shooting. "They were friends," Ogg said. "Pulling a trigger on a gun, whether you know if its loaded or not, is an intentional act. But he did not, based on the evidence we have right now, intend to kill his friend." Authorities are still looking for the gun, which Bartlett says the student brought from home. It was not school property nor issued by the ROTC, he says. "This is a regular kid, evidently, who is now a violent offender, Ogg said of the shooter. "Whether he meant to be violent or not, he killed somebody. And that somebody was a son, and a student, and a friend, and its our community's collective loss."

(Read more Texas stories.)
After a three-week spree of stealing seven U-Haul and other rental trucks in Portland and Gresham, Shane Bradley Dorn Sr. literally just crashed, a Multnomah County prosecutor said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Dorn when he was found sleeping - and high on methamphetamine - in an unoccupied unit at Northeast Portlands Fort Knox Mini-Storage and U-Haul business, according to court records.

Dorn engineered his binge using a pry bar to break into overnight lock boxes where customers would return keys for the rental vehicles, the court records show.

I havent seen a crime spree of this intensity in recent memory over three weeks, Multnomah County prosecutor Eric Collins said at Dorns sentencing.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Benjamin Souede sentenced Dorn to four years in prison, accepting a joint recommendation offered by the prosecutor and defense lawyer stemming from a negotiated plea agreement.

Initially indicted on 30 charges, Dorn pleaded guilty to five charges: second-degree arson, second-degree burglary, first-degree aggravated theft and two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Dorn also pleaded guilty to a separate fourth-degree felony assault charge in a domestic violence case. He threw his pregnant girlfriend down a flight of stairs on March 27, nine days after she requested a restraining order be dismissed against him, according to prosecutors and court records.

He was unemployed and described as transient and couch-surfing during his serial U-Haul thefts.

As part of the plea agreement, he was ordered to pay a total restitution of $5,000 to one U-Haul rental business, $865 to another and $1,159 to a third, for a total restitution of $7,024. He also was ordered to pay another $7,803.05 in restitution to the mother of his child.

I apologize to everyone, the 34-year-old said as his family, his ex-girlfriend and his toddler son watched from the public gallery. I did lose control then, before being arrested. I just want to say Im sorry to everyone, and I hope to change my life.

He said hell work in prison to become a better person and a better father.

After his June 15, arrest, Dorn admitted his involvement in the multiple U-Haul thefts to Portland Detective Meredith Hopper.

An employee at Fort Knox Mini-Storage and U-Haul, at 5530 N.E. 122nd Ave., had found Dorn sleeping that day in the unoccupied storage unit. He had broken into the building and a fire alarm was activated, according to court reports.

Dorn was found with a small pry bar, metal wire cutters, scissors and two lighters, according to police and prosecutors.

He admitted he stole a van and truck on May 24 from U-Haul Storage at Columbia, at 955 N. Columbia Blvd. An employee there found someone had broken into the overnight key drop box and took off with a Ford F150 pickup and a van.

Five days later, the pickup was discovered parked and partially torched near Northwest 14th Avenue and Raleigh Street.

Portland Fire Investigator Wendy Staley determined the fire had been set in the passenger seat of the pickup, which melted the front seats.

Dorn told the detective he had set that truck on fire because he was done with it, according to a probable cause affidavit.

He said he had poured gasoline on the passenger seat and then lit papers on fire. Police criminalists later lifted Dorns fingerprint from a bottle found with the vehicle, the affidavit said.

Also on May 29, he broke into Vans Towing and U-Haul at 1520 N.W. Quimby St. , police said.

Employee and tow truck driver Carlos Amador said he approached the lot around 7:30 a.m. and saw the gate broken open. He soon noticed someone had smashed out a window to gain access to a trailer at the business and stole cash, other items and a 2018 GMC U-Haul cargo van, he said. Among the cash taken from the trailer was about $1,700 in personal money belonging to Amador.

He took a lot of stuff. We have tools in the truck that we lost, Amador told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The trailer was a mess.

The stolen U-Hall van was discovered later abandoned on the shoulder of Interstate 5, near the intersection with Highway 217, Amador said. It too had been burned.

Dorn admitted he stole two trucks from that location after prying open a fence but told police someone else was with him and broke into the business trailer on the property.

I dont want to see anyone go to jail but you have to pay for the damage, and he did a lot of damage, Amador said by phone after Dorns sentencing.

Dorn, according to an indictment, also broke into Robs Auto Repair shop at 3775 W. Powell Loop in Gresham on June 5 and stole multiple laptop computers, according to court papers.

Dorn said hed been using methamphetamine daily during his serial U-Haul thefts, according to court papers.

Dorns defense lawyer Gayle Kvernland said Dorn had successfully completed a prior five-year probationary sentence and inpatient treatment with Volunteers of America following 2014 convictions for possessing methamphetamine and criminal mischief.

But one month after his probation ended, he was in a car accident, was prescribed medication and then relapsed in 2019, using methamphetamine to self-medicate, she said.

Jourdon Blake, the mother of his son, said she was working two jobs and was supporting Dorn when they were together, but she said she had no idea of the extent of his crimes. She was 27 weeks pregnant when she was assaulted, according to prosecutors.

He had plenty of supportI offered to go to treatment with him to make sure he stayed clean and support, she told the judge.

Then she turned to Dorn, Was it really, all of it, worth it? she asked. My sons going to have no father, because of your actions.

Dorn just looked down at the defense table, saying nothing.

Once he completes his prison term and starts five years of probation in the domestic violence case, hell be on GPS monitoring and must complete a batterers intervention program. He also must not have contact with Blake or their son, unless he gets prior approval from his probation officer.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

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SCHENECTADY - The popular Stockade Inn will remained closed for a while after fire damaged part of the stately restaurant and hotel in the heart of the historic neighborhood.

Schenectady Chief Building Inspector Chris Lunn said Thursday afternoon that the city issued an order to vacate on the structure at the corner of North Church and Union streets.

"The kitchen sustained substantial damage," said Lunn, adding that the gas had to be shut off and water got into the electrical system. "They (owners) can go in there to do cleanup but they can't operate until this situation is remedied."

Assistant Fire Chief Don Mareno said Thursday afternoon that the business had been turned over to the owners and they planned to get some power into the building.

He said fire, which was reported about 1 p.m., started in an area that features a kitchen and dining area. It took fire crews about an hour to get the blaze under control.

Mareno said investigators do not believe the fire was deliberately set but were still trying to determine the cause.

Several streets around the Stockade Inn were closed to traffic while firefighters work in the tight confines of the city's original settlement.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to any neighboring structures.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"My understanding if everyone's safe and all my staff has been accounted for," said Robert Lizardo, the general manager of the inn.

Moreno said one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

The hotel has 18 guest rooms. Lizardo said eight of the bedrooms in the inn were occupied but most of the guests were in meetings or at work. No one was injured, he said.

For years, the building was home to the Mohawk Club. But Jack McDonald, a local engineer whose firm was located across the street, renovated the building and reopened it as an inn in 2003. The Mohawk Club dated from the mid-1800s.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. If youre interested in hearing from The Times regularly about great TV, sign up for our Watching newsletter and get recommendations straight to your inbox.

Ritzy Business

On Tuesday, just a day before the Houses articles of impeachment against President Trump were delivered to the Senate, Democrats released new evidence that had been turned over by Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian businessman. He provided handwritten notes (some on Ritz-Carlton stationery) and other records detailing his work with Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, to pressure Ukraines president into announcing an investigation of Joe Biden.
Once famed for her wild party lifestyle, Kate Moss began her birthday celebrations in a subdued manner as she stepped out in Paris on Thursday.

The supermodel, who turned 46 on January 16, enjoyed a quiet night out with her daughter Lila Grace, 17, and boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 33, as they enjoyed dinner at Brasserie Lipp in the French capital on Thursday.

Kate looked effortlessly chic in a blazer that had a leopard-print trip for an extra glamorous flair, and complemented her black trousers perfectly.

Outing: Kate Moss celebrated her 46th birthday by having dinner at Brasserie Lipp with daughter Lila Grace and beau Count Nikolai von Bismarck in Paris on Thursday

Kate kept her look simple as she stepped out in black ankle boots, while she accessorised with diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

Her blonde locks were brushed into a sleek, straight style and the model wore a natural palette of make-up to accentuate her pretty features.

Lila Grace took a note out of Kate's style book, as she paired a PVC biker jacket with a simple black T-Shirt and grey denim jeans.

The aspiring model completed her punk chic look by wearing statement black lace-up boots, while she added a touch of glitter by wearing a silver necklace.

Fashionista: Kate looked effortlessly chic in a blazer that had a leopard-print trip for an extra glamorous flair, and complemented her black trousers perfectly

Handsome: Meanwhile Nikolai put on a dapper display in a dark blue longline coat, which complemented his black jumper and smart trousers

Stylish: Kate's blonde locks were brushed into a sleek, straight style and the model wore a natural palette of make-up to accentuate her pretty features

Hands full: Nikolai held a box in his hand, which seemed to be Kate's present

Chic: Lila Grace took a note out of Kate's style book, as she paired a PVC biker jacket with a simple black T-Shirt and grey denim jeans

Meanwhile Nikolai put on a dapper display in a dark blue longline coat, which complemented his black jumper and smart trousers.

Earlier in the day, Kate was joined by Count Nikolai as she lefty her leafy property and climbed into the rear of a waiting car.

Immediately catching the eye in distinctively framed sun glasses, Kate looked relaxed ahead of her imminent day out with the British-German photographer.

Low-key: Once famed for her wild party lifestyle, Kate Moss began her birthday celebrations in a subdued manner as she stepped out in London on Thursday

A host of friends paid tribute to the iconic model as her birthday got underway, among them Kelly Osbourne and Sadie Frost.

With her hair neatly styled with a trademark centre parting, Kate was instantly recognisable as she prepared to celebrate her special day.

Following the supermodel, Count Nikolaj looked typically casual in dark sweater and blue shirt, teamed with heavily tinted sunglasses.

In good company: The supermodel, who turned 46 on January 16, was joined by boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck

Don't mind me: Immediately catching the eye in distinctively framed sun glasses, Kate looked relaxed ahead of her imminent day out with the British-German photographer

Old times: Close friend Sadie Frost shared a throwback shot of herself and Kate as she wished the model a happy birthday

A host of friends paid tribute to the iconic model as her birthday got underway, among them Kelly Osbourne and Sadie Frost.

Frost, whose association with Kate dates back to the '90s and the notorious Primrose Hill set, shared a throwback snap from their glory days on the party circuit as she wished her all the best.

The actress also shared a second photo of the pair pictured together on an outdoor patio table covered with tea cups.

Quaint: The actress also shared a second photo of the pair pictured together on an outdoor patio table covered with tea cups

Captioning the images, she wrote: 'Happy birthday Kate.. whether its been hanging out in wonderful places like Berlin. Or peaceful sunny days with the kids in the countryside drinking tea .. its all been so much fun .. I have so many wonderful memories - have a beautiful day ..'

Kelly also paid tribute to Kate by sharing a montage of images from her various nights out with the supermodel.

Captioning the shots, Kelly - who is currently in Los Angeles - wrote: 'Happy birthday #Skabers. 'Im so sad Im not home celebrating with you today!!!

'You truly are a one of a kind there is no one I have more fun with than you'

Memories: Kelly Osbourne also paid tribute to Kate by sharing a montage of images from her various nights out with the supermodel

Say cheese: In one image the pair are pictured with a group of friends as they pose for the camera
Meet Hulk, the puppy who was born bright green originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A family's dog gave birth to a healthy litter of eight puppies, but she also delivered one very colorful surprise.

Shana Stamey, the owner of a white German shepherd named Gypsy, told ABC News Asheville, North Carolina, affiliate WLOS that the fourth puppy "was lime green."

PHOTO: Junaluska Animal Hospital veterinarian technician Suzanne Cianciulli told WLOS that some puppies can come out with a green tint from meconium, an infant mammal's earliest stool. (WABC / WLOS)

"I knew it wasn't like harmful. But I still had to look it up again to make sure," Stamey said.

MORE: Great Dane gives birth to 'never-ending puppies,' 19 to be exact

Junaluska Animal Hospital veterinarian technician Suzanne Cianciulli told WLOS that some puppies can come out with a green tint from meconium, an infant mammal's earliest stool.

PHOTO: Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. (WLOS/WABC)

"The sack that they're in when they're in their mom, there can be meconium in there and that tends to stain them," Cianciulli said.

The veterinarian told Stamey that the mother "licks it away until I bathe it and then, I guess after a couple of weeks, it will finally like fade out."

When they first came up with names for the newborn puppies, Stamey said the bright green color gave them a few fun early contenders.

PHOTO: Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. (WABC/WLOS)

"Hulk! It was lime green. He was super mad. So, yeah, he became Hulk," Stamey said of the name after the Marvel comic book character. We thought about Gremlin -- Pistachio. We call him Mr. Green sometimes.

But already, the pup has become a more muted hue of neon yellow, which Stamey said has spurred new names like Pikachu.

Even though they would love to keep their puppies, Stamey told WLOS that their family plans to find loving families to adopt the dogs once they're old enough.

She called Hulk "a good luck charm -- he's pretty special."
The CA exams are held twice a year, in November and May

ICAI CA Final Result| The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is likely to release the Chartered Accountants (CA) final exam result on Thursday on its official website - icai.org. The ICAI CA exam result for Foundation and Intermediate courses will be declared either on 3 or 4 February.

ICAI will also release All India merit (upto the 50th rank) along with the result. The last session exam result was declared on 23 January. The CA exams are held twice a year, in November and May.

How to check ICAI CA Final Results:

Step 1: Visit the official website of ICAI - icai.org

Step 2 : Click on the link saying CA final result

Step 3: Candidates should enter their respective login credentials

Step 4: Results will be displayed on screen

The ICAI has also announced the CA exam schedule for May 2020.The result of the CA exam that is to be held in May is likely to be announced in August, noted NDTV.

Disclaimer: As has been observed over the course of the past few weeks, the dates and time of result announcements have been frequently changed around. The information above has not been independently verified. However, this article will continue to be updated to reflect official updates as and when they come in.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday delivered an unusually blunt message to China for its attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, asking it to seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from taking such action in the future.

India also slammed Pakistan for trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue with the help of China, saying Islamabad's "desperate" measures to "peddle" baseless allegations and presenting an alarming scenario about the Valley lacked credibility.

"Pakistan can avoid this global embarrassment time and again by putting their energy in something constructive," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

China, an 'all-weather ally' of Pakistan, on Wednesday made a fresh bid to raise the Kashmir issue at an informal closed-door meeting of the UNSC in New York.

ALSO READ | 'It's bilateral matter': UNSC rejects Pakistan's plea to take up Kashmir issue

Noting that the meeting concluded without any outcome, Kumar said an overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that the top decision-making body was not the right forum to discuss the Kashmir issue.

"China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in future," Kumar said, replying to a question on why India has not reacted strongly to Beijing raising the Kashmir issue at the UNSC.

"I suggest that this question should be posed to the Chinese side as well," he said.

Kumar said the views by an overwhelming majority at the UNSC reflected the global consensus that if there was any issue between India and Pakistan, then it should be discussed bilaterally.

"An effort was made by Pakistan through a member of the UNSC to once again misuse the platform of UNSC for discussing a bilateral matter," he said.

"The overwhelming majority of the UNSC members were of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and this should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan.

The informal closed-door meeting, therefore, concluded without any outcome," he said.

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

"We sincerely hope that the message has gone across loud and clear to Pakistan that if, at all, there is any matter between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be discussed bilaterally," Kumar added.

Asked how many member countries out of 15 opposed the move, the MEA spokesperson said an overwhelming view was that the UNSC should not to be misused by Pakistan through a member.

However, he did not give specific number of countries.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status.

However, the meeting did not yield the desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J-K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory.

China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

After the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told PTI that, "we once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others.

We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today."

On his part, Chinese envoy Zhang Jun in New York said, "I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful."
Related Erdogan says Turkey starting troop deployment to Libya

Egypt, Greece and Italy have discussed the impacts of Turkeys recent decision to send forces to Libya.



Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday made phone calls with his Greek and Italian counterparts to review the latest developments in Libya.



They emphasized on the danger and negative effects of the Turkish move on Berlin conference and the situation in Libya.



The diplomats voiced their deep concerns that the Turkish step could lead to undermining efforts exerted by the international community and other countries seeking to secure Libyas interests and stability.



The ministers agreed on the importance to support the political process in Berlin to help in resolving the Libyan crisis.

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BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Global Transaction Solutions (GTS), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance, announces the launch of Contingent Legal Risk Insurance within its global portfolio of transactional risk products and services. Aude Bonnemaison, a seasoned Representations and Warranties/Warranty and Indemnity Insurance underwriter within Liberty GTS with prior experience with this product, is now Liberty GTS' first underwriter dedicated to the Contingent Legal Risk Insurance product. She will report to Liberty GTS Chief Underwriting Officer Gareth Rees, who will also head this new division.

Contingent Legal Risk Insurance policies can cover a very broad and diverse range of known liability risks, with the common theme that they must be capable of legal evaluation and analysis. Such risks may, and often do, arise in the context of an M&A transaction but they may also be stand-alone risks with no connection to a deal. Where used on a deal, Contingent Legal Risk Insurance may be used in conjunction with R&W/W&I policies and are often used to cover a known risk that has been excluded from cover under the R&W/W&I policy, and which may otherwise block a deal if neither the buyer nor the seller is willing to bear that risk. Contingent Legal Risk Insurance policies, like Tax Liability Insurance policies, cover known legal risks, whereas R&W/W&I policies cover unknown risks. Liberty GTS' capacity for Contingent Legal Risk Insurance will be up to a limit of $165 million per policy.

"The Contingent Legal Risk Insurance product is a natural fit within our portfolio, reflecting our commitment to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions to the M&A market," said Liberty GTS President Rowan Bamford. "Our team of seasoned underwriters will focus on the specific facts that shape and inform the contingent risk in order to provide bespoke insurance policy coverage meeting our clients' needs."

The risks covered by Contingent Legal Risk Insurance policies are typically low probability but high severity in nature. Examples of the risks that may be covered by Contingent Legal Risk Insurance policies include: the risk of a Court judgement being overturned on appeal, the risk of a regulatory permit or consent being revoked, the risk of an identified diligence finding crystalizing into a financial loss for the target business and the risk of creditor claims preventing either cash being released from an escrow or from investment funds winding-up and liquidating closed portfolio company holding vehicles.

Liberty GTS operates as a global, stand-alone business, providing brokers and clients with centralized M&A insurance capabilities across its international network of offices, backed by a dedicated claims management team.

Liberty GTS underwrites M&A lines of business on behalf of Liberty Mutual's Lloyd's of London Syndicate 4472 and Liberty company platforms.

www.libertygts.com

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liberty Mutual's purpose is to help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. The promise we make to our customers throughout the world is to provide protection for the unexpected, delivered with care.

In business since 1912 and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today we are the fifth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2018 gross written premium. We also rank 75th on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S., based on 2018 revenue. As of December 31, 2018, we had $41.6 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

We employ nearly 50,000 people in 30 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers' compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety and commercial property.

You can learn more by visiting: www.libertymutualinsurance.com

Contact:

Richard Angevine

617-833-0926

[email protected]

SOURCE Liberty Global Transaction Solutions (GTS)
Scores of Delhi University students came together on Thursday to voice their dissent against the amended citizenship law outside the Arts faculty of the varsity.

Anju Simon, a law student, said, "Change is happening and people are coming out to protest. It gives us positivity."



Sehmat KP, another law student, said, "I am a law student and it scares me whether I will have this Constitution after I finish my studies. It is important to study in classrooms but it is important to protest also.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Her cousin Stormi rang in her first birthday with the shockingly ornate Stormiworld celebration.

Kim Kardashian's daughter Chicago West turned two in a more intimate fashion on Wednesday.

The adorable toddler got her face painted like Minnie Mouse for an all-Disney birthday replete with painting stations and delicate French macarons.

Minnie Mouse fan: Chicago West, the youngest daughter of Kim Kardashian, 39, and Kanye West, 42, enjoyed a Disney-themed second birthday on Wednesday

Though Kim, 39, and her husband Kanye West, 42, presumably put on the party for the second-youngest child, they didn't share anything photos on social media.

Instead, Kim's youngest half-sister Kylie Jenner, 22, posted some sweet shots of Chicago to her Insta Stories.

The Disney fan had on a pair of Minnie Mouse ears, despite having the same ears and bow painted on her face.

She also had on a loose white T-shirt to cover up her birthday clothes as she painted on a canvas.

Painting her masterpiece: Her aunt Kylie Jenner shared photos of Chicago hard at work on a painting while wearing Minnie Mouse ears, with a second set painted on for good measure

Disney party: Chi got a multi-tier cake with Minnie Mouse pasted to it, along with lovely blue and pink frosting roses

Tea time: The party was set up like a tea party, with disposable paper tea cups and saucers, along with mouse-shaped Rice Krispies treats and frosted cookies

Kylie also posted photos of the cake and snacks, most of which were in shades of pink.

Chi got a multi-tier cake with Minnie Mouse pasted to it, along with lovely blue and pink frosting roses.

The party was set up like a tea party, with disposable paper tea cups and saucers, along with mouse-shaped Rice Krispies treats and frosted cookies.

Cousins: Kourtney Kardashian celebrated Chicago's birthday with a cute photo that seem to be from a different date. Her daughter Penelope wore a gray dress and white boots and she held Chicago, who wore a white satin dress

Three generations: Kris Jenner also shared some adorable throwbacks of her granddaughter. One image featured Kris holding Chi while her mother MJ held Khloe's daughter True

Sibling love: Another featured the adorable baby with her older brother Saint, who flashed a devious smile

Like mother, like daughter: One funny shot with Kim showed Chicago mimicking her mother's unimpressed expression

Kourtney Kardashian celebrated Chicago's birthday with a cute photo that appeared to be from a different date.

Her daughter Penelope wore a gray dress and white cowboy boots and she held Chicago, who wore a white satin dress.

Kris Jenner also shared some adorable throwbacks of her granddaughter.

One image featured Kris holding Chi while her mother MJ held Khloe's daughter True.

Another featured the adorable baby with her older brother Saint, who flashed a devious smile.

One funny shot with Kim showed Chicago mimicking her mother's unimpressed expression.

Motherdaughter time: Kylie also shared a hilarious photo of herself and her daughter Stormi, who'll turn two on February 1. She held the toddler while dressed in a black and pink patterned shirt and leather pants

Stylish ladies: Stormi had on a long black T-shirt and had a tiny Louis Vuitton bag resting on her arm, and both wore the thin sunglasses the KardashianJenner clan often favor

Having a laugh: 'Don't talk to me or my daughter ever again,' Kylie joked in her caption, a play on a popular meme

Kylie also shared a hilarious photo of herself and her daughter Stormi, who'll turn two on February 1.

She held the toddler while dressed in a black and pink patterned shirt and leather pants.

Stormi had on a long black T-shirt and had a tiny Louis Vuitton bag resting on her arm, and both wore the thin sunglasses the KardashianJenner clan often favor.

'Don't talk to me or my daughter ever again,' Kylie joked in her caption, a play on a popular meme.
Islamabad: A Pakistani man has been arrested in the 2005 killing of a British woman police officer who was gunned down as she responded to a robbery in the city of Bradford in 2005, police in the UK said.

The 71-year-old suspect, Piran Ditta Khan, who was taken in custody earlier this week, appeared before a court in Islamabad on Wednesday over an extradition request from Britain.

His arrests was the result of close cooperation between Pakistani authorities and British detectives, police said.

Khan was remanded in custody and is due back in court later in January, British police officer Sharon Beshenivsky, a 38-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed outside a travel agency in Bradford while responding to an armed robbery call.

Six men were later arrested in Britain but Khan, who was suspected of being the armed gang's organiser, had fled abroad.

In 2016, police in Britain issued a fresh appeal for Khan who remained at large despite a reward of 20,000 British pounds (about USD 26,000) for information leading to his arrest.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed Khan's arrest in Pakistan.

UK detective Mark Swift on Wednesday thanked "the National Crime Agency officers in Pakistan and partners who have made this arrest possible."
The world has been breathing a sigh of relief at the de-escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, writes Azza Radwan Sedky

The year 2020 started with a vengeance. According to some pundits, the Middle East has been teetering towards World War III, with the Iranian-US conflict triggering this terrible prophecy.

But lets go back a few decades and open Pandoras Box to reveal something of the strife between Iran and the US. The two states have not seen eye to eye since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979 followed by the attack on the US Embassy in Tehran when US diplomats were held hostage for 444 days.

Many years later, former US president Barack Obamas efforts to appease Iran were shunned by President Donald Trump when the US exited the Iran nuclear agreement and imposed crushing sanctions on Iran. However, Trump did not retaliate after Iran downed a US drone in June last year or after it attacked Saudi oil facilities in September.

More recently, the crisis became more acute. In Iraq, Iranian-backed militiamen killed an American contractor and wounded others in rocket attacks. This time, the US retaliated by ordering strikes in Iraq and Syria, killing 25 militia fighters. Iraqi protesters then rallied outside the US Embassy in Baghdad, got inside the compound and set sections of it ablaze.

Using a drone strike, the US killed Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Iranian Al- Quds Force who had played a pivotal role in attacks in many countries in the region, including Lebanon and Yemen. From the Iranian perspective, Suleimani was a heroic figure, and ironically his death united a disgruntled people and a government facing internal dissent against the US, that is until the gunning down of the Ukrainian passenger plane.

Those who have been against Trump in the US were quick to reject Suleimanis assassination. On the US TV channel CNN, journalist Fareed Zakaria said that Suleimani was regarded as a completely heroic figure, personally very brave, while journalist Anderson Cooper, again on CNN, compared Suleimani to former French president Charles de Gaulle.

Those who have supported Trump hailed his actions. US journalist Thomas Friedman writing in the New York Times pointed to Suleimanis work with Iranian proxies across several countries. Hizbullah in Lebanon and Syria, the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen  these created pro-Iranian Shiite states-within-states in all of these countries. And it was precisely these states-within-states that helped to prevent any of these countries from cohering, fostered massive corruption and keeping these countries from developing infrastructure  schools, roads, electricity, he said.

A tit-for-tat conflict between Iran and the US brewed. Trump warned in a tweet that should Iran strike any US person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. He even threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites, an unheard-of approach that is totally unprecedented from a developed country.

Iran responded swiftly by firing a dozen missiles at two US military bases in Iraq. It threatened more crushing responses, but the attacks resulted in no casualties, which was a great relief. A day later, small rockets pelted the diplomatic area in Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone.

The Iraqi parliament voted to expel US forces from the country after Suleimanis death, causing Trump to threaten to impose sanctions against Iraq. Speaking to reporters on the US presidents jet Air Force One, he said that if they do ask us to leave, if we dont do it in a very friendly basis, we will charge them with sanctions like theyve never seen before ever. Itll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame.

That was not all, as at the same time, and minutes after take-off, a Kiev-bound Ukrainian 737 Boeing plane departing from Tehran Airport went down killing the 176 passengers onboard including 63 Canadians who were mostly of Iranian descent. After US and Canadian officials announced that investigations had proven that the plane was shot down by surface-to-air missiles, a statement on Iranian TV acknowledged that Iran had unintentionally shot down the Ukrainian passenger plane.

Until a few days ago, war seemed imminent as the rhetoric and aggression surged. Then things took a surprising turn. In a speech following the Iranian missile attacks on the US bases, Trump preferred to de-escalate hostilities rather than to escalate them.

He signalled that no new US strikes would follow, and in an astonishing change in tone he also said that he was ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, when just a day earlier he had said that if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. He also called for negotiations towards a new agreement with Iran.

Iran took the same approach, seemingly uninterested in a wider confrontation and satisfied with the effects of its limited retaliatory measures. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that his country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defence, adding that we do not seek escalation or war.

Both the US and Iran may have realised that this is as far as things should go and that further military force would be more damaging than beneficial. A war would put pressure on Trump domestically who had earlier campaigned in the US presidential elections on a promise to remove the US from further endless wars.

Moreover, the consensus on Suleimanis assassination was that it was illegal, and Trump may have deemed US allies unsupportive and reluctant to support another war.

According to US journalist Alex Ward writing on the US news website Vox, a war would have meant a deadly opening attack. Nearly untraceable, ruthless proxies spreading chaos on multiple continents. Costly miscalculations. And thousands  perhaps hundreds of thousands  killed in a conflict that would dwarf the war in Iraq.

The ripple effect would likely have reached the far end of the world with skyrocketing oil prices, attacks against American and allied targets anywhere around the world, and no backing down on either side leading to disastrous consequences.

Regardless of whether the Iranian and US approaches constitute appeasement, backing down or playing things right, the world is now breathing an overwhelming sigh of relief.

The writer is the author of Cairo Rewind on the First Two Years of Egypts Revolution, 2011-2013.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif held extensive talks on the fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed ties between Iran and the US over the killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Thursday held extensive talks on the fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed ties between Iran and the US over the killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani.

In the meeting over breakfast, Zarif apprised Jaishankar about the overall situation and Tehran's position over it. It is learnt that the two ministers also deliberated on various aspects of bilateral ties between India and Iran including the progress of the Chabahar port project.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit in the midst of global focus on escalating tension between Iran and the US following the killing of Soleimani in an American drone strike.

On Wednesday Zarif told PTI that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as it is an important regional player. In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, he hit out at the Trump administration for the killing of Soleimani and attributed the action as a "sad reflection of a serious problem in Washington's thinking".

"If you are an ignorant-arrogant or an arrogant-ignorant, with power, it brings disaster," he said on Wednesday, alleging that Soleimani's killing was a US attempt to unilaterally shape policies in the region. The attack, he said, was "unforgivable".

India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on 3 January. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq.
(Reuters) - Women make up one third of executive boards but occupy only a small minority of leadership roles in Europe's biggest companies, according to a study by an EU-sponsored non-profit organisation.

The study, published on Wednesday by Brussels-based association European Women on Boards, found that only 28 women headed companies included in Europe's STOXX 600 index, which tracks companies across 17 European countries. Only 7% of those companies have female board chairs.

The United Nations has set a 2030 target deadline for achieving gender equality, but studies https://www.reuters.com/article/us-women-conference-equality-index/its-a-mans-world-as-equality-pledges-fail-14-billion-women-idUSKCN1T4151 indicate that no country has yet managed it.

Despite good intentions, "today's corporate world is still far from gender equality," said Paivi Jokinen, the association's chairwoman.

The report offered no specific recommendations, but Jokinen said the research suggested countries that have adopted diversity legislation and binding quotas did not seem to do better than those where progress has been made through social change.

Among the 12 countries with at least 10 companies represented, Norway ranked top for gender diversity, followed by France, which had the highest number of women in supervisory boards and control committees. At the other end of the table, Spain has the second lowest gender diversity score, with Switzerland closing the ranking.

The study https://europeanwomenonboards.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Gender-Equality-Index-Final-report-vDEF-ter.pdf named Swedish real estate firm Castellum <CAST.ST>, French luxury group Kering <PRTP.PA>, and French food services and facilities management group Sodexo <EXHO.PA> as the index's top three companies on gender diversity.

The study included 598 companies listed on the index. It did not make comparisons to the previous year's edition, which had a much smaller sample.

(Reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sarah Morland; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Rosalba O'Brien)
A 68-year-old convict of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, Jalees Ansari, went missing on Thursday morning while being on parole, officials said.

Ansari, a resident of Mominpura in Agripada here who is serving a life term, is suspected to be involved in many bomb blast cases across the country, an official said.

He was on parole for 21 days from the Ajmer Central Prison, Rajasthan, and was expected to surrender before prison authorities on Friday, he said.

During the parole period, he was ordered to visit the Agripada Police Station everyday between 10.30 am and 12 pm to mark his attendance, he said.

However, Ansari did not visit the police station on Thursday during the designated time, the official said.

In the afternoon, his 35-year-old son Jaid Ansari approached the police station with a complaint about his "missing" father, he said.

According to the complaint, Jalees Ansari woke up in the early hoursand told family members he is going to offer namaz, but did not return home.

On his complaint, the Agripada Police registered a missing case, he said.

The Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra ATS have launched a massive manhunt to trace him, he said.

Jalees, who is known as Doctor Bomb, was allegedly connected with terror outfits like SIMI and Indian Mujahidin and taught terror groups how to make bombs, he said.

He was also questioned by the NIA in 2011 in connection with the 2008 bomb blast in Mumbai, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Why is the ISI chief against the release of his photos and videos

ISI sheltering Dawood who still lives in Pakistan: Former aide

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: Ejaz Lakdawala, who was once part of the D-Syndicate has told interrogators that his former boss Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pakistan. He also said that it is the ISI that is sheltering Dawood and his men in Pakistan.

Most members of the D-Gang who had fled India are being provided protection by the ISI, Lakdavala also said. It may be recalled that he was nabbed by the Mumbai police. There was a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Ejaz shuttled between India and Nepal and was involved with the underworld. He was running a major extortion racket and would make calls to businessmen, builders and film personalities.

His arrest involved a major operation. His daughter, Shifa Shaikh was planning to flee to Nepal along with her one-year-old daughter. For the passport, she had submitted fake documents. She was however caught and arrested at the Mumbai airport on December 28, 2019.

During her interrogation, she is said to have given clues about Ejaz's location. The police immediately verified this information and rushed to Patna. Ejaz was arrested from the jurisdiction of the Jakkanur police station in Patna.

Mumbai Police arrests former Dawood aide Ejaz Lakdawala from Patna

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

Ejaz is married with a son and a daughter. He grew up in Mahim, Mumbai and was educated in a convent school. The first time he was arrested was when he was in 8th standard. He attacked a student with a compass and was then sent to a juvenile home.

Ejaz in case contact with the underworld in 1980 and then joined the D-Gang. He parted ways with the D-Gang and joined Chhota Rajan. In 1993, he killed Razi, an accused in the 1993 blasts. In 1994, he was arrested, but fled the country, when he was granted bail.

Since 2001, he has been working independently after he broke off with Rajan in 2001. In 2002, the D-Gang ordered a hit on him at Bangkok. Despite being hit by 7 bullets, he survived.
The Real Housewives of Sydney could return for a second season, despite claims the show had been permanently axed for being 'too nasty'.

According to cast member Matty Samaei, producers have been in talks to renew the Foxtel reality program and filming could begin as early as this year.

'With Melbourne Housewives, we know that it's coming back and normally once the franchise is starting to produce one city there's no reason they will not do Sydney,' Matty, 45, told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.

'We will be back!' Real Housewives of Sydney's Matty Samaei has claimed the show is returning in 2021 - despite reports it was axed for being 'too nasty'

'So my intuition and from some of the things I've been hearing, we will be back but I don't know when it will be,' said the Double Bay cosmetician.

Matty added that RHOS would most likely return to screens in 2021.

Meanwhile, fans of the Housewives franchise are gearing up for the fifth season of Real Housewives of Melbourne, which is set to air later this year.

Hopeful: Matty (pictured) said there is 'no reason' why producers won't film a new season of RHOS, given that production of the Melbourne version is already underway

Pictured: Real Housewives of Sydney stars (left to right) Nicole O'Neil, Lisa Oldfield, Athena X Levendi, Melissa Tkautz, Krissy Marsh, Matty Samaei and Victoria Rees

RHOS premiered in 2017, and followed the lives of socialites Athena X Levendi, Krissy Marsh, Lisa Oldfield, Nicole O'Neil, Matty Samaei, Victoria Rees and Melissa Tkautz.

But Foxtel's executive director of television, Brian Walsh, told TV Tonight last year that the show wouldn't be returning for a second season.

'Sydney won't happen again. Once bitten twice shy,' he said.

Too mean for screens? Foxtel's executive director of television, Brian Walsh, told TV Tonight last year that RHOS wouldn't be returning for a second season. Pictured: Lisa Oldfield

Walsh also told The Daily Telegraph around this time that he believed RHOS had simply gone 'too far' in terms of its content.

'A lot of the women in this show were nasty for nasty's sake and have no redeeming features,' he said.

American network Bravo, which has aired several seasons of RHOM, also reportedly refused to pick up the Sydney version because of its 'extreme' nature.
Coretta Scott: The Queen Behind the King

She is most notable as the wife of the one of the most iconic Civil Rights figures in the world, but Coretta Scott Kings legacy can stand all on its own.

A leader in her own right, Scott King was an author, an activist and advocate. Long after the death of her husband, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she continued to fight for equal rights for all.

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Coretta Scott was born April 27, 1927 in Marion, Alabama. She was the third of four children born to Obadiah and Bernice Scott, two upwardly mobile African Americans in that town at the time (her mom worked as a school bus driver and church musician and her father was a businessman). Scott and her siblings attended a one-room elementary school five miles from their home and later, Lincoln Normal High School, the closest Black high school to where they lived.

From there, she graduated as valedictorian and with a love of music that she would later carry into her advocacy. Scott attended Antioch College in Ohio with a scholarship from the Interracial Scholarship Fund, an entity that aimed to diversify Antioch College. There, she joined the Antioch Chapter of the NAACP.

Scott transferred out of Antioch when she won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was while studying singing at that school with Marie Sundelius that she met Martin Luther King, Jr. The couple married in June of 1953 and had four children, while working inside of the Civil Rights Movement.

Things werent always blissful with the couple, however. Then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover released tapes of MLKs alleged affairs with other women as a way to discredit him and the movement. Scott stood by her husband though, and continued to fight alongside him.

But, Scott criticized the sexism of the Civil Rights Movement in January 1966 in New Lady magazine, saying in part, Not enough attention has been focused on the roles played by women in the struggle. By and large, men have formed the leadership in the civil rights struggle butwomen have been the backbone of the whole civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King Jr. himself limited Corettas role in the movement and expected her to be a housewife. Scott participated in a Women Strike for Peace protest in January 1968, at the capital of Washington, D.C., with over five thousand women. In honor of the first woman elected to the House of Representatives, the group was called the Jeannette Rankin Brigade. Coretta co-chaired the Congress of Women conference with Pearl Willen and Mary Clarke.

Scotts life changed drastically in April 1968 when her husband was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee shortly before a sanitation workers strike was to take place. Scott headed that march herself on April 8, 1968. During a speech days after her husbands death, Scott spoke about her husbands views and told the audience that King was dead but his spirit would never die.

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She approached the African-American entertainer and activist, Josephine Baker to take her husbands place as leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Baker declined after thinking it over, stating that her twelve adopted children (known as the rainbow tribe) were too young to lose their mother. Shortly after that, King decided to take the helm of the movement herself.

Scott eventually broadened her focus to include womens rights, LGBT rights, economic issues, world peace, and various other causes. As early as December 1968, she called for women to unite and form a solid block of women power to fight the three great evils of racism, poverty and war, during a Solidarity Day speech.

On April 27, 1968, King spoke at an anti-war demonstration in Central Park in place of her husband. King made it clear that there was no reason why a nation as rich as ours should be blighted by poverty, disease and illiteracy.

Scott eventually founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, consisting of several buildings in Atlanta, Georgia, including Martin Luther King Jr.s boyhood home and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and both his father, Martin Luther King Sr., and he were pastors.

Every year after the assassination of her husband, Scott attended a commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church to mark his birthday on Jan. 15. She fought for years to make it a national holiday. She was finally successful in this campaign in 1986 when Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was made a federal holiday.

According to thekingcenter.org, Scott has been considered one of the most influential African American leaders of our time. She received honorary doctorates from over 60 colleges and universities; authored three books and a nationally-syndicated newspaper column; and served with and helped found dozens of organizations, including the Black Leadership Forum, the National Black Coalition for Voter Participation and the Black Leadership Roundtable.

During her lifetime, Mrs. King dialogued with heads of state, including prime ministers and presidents, as well as participated in protests alongside rank-and-file working people of all races. She met with many great spiritual leaders, including Pope John Paul, the Dalai Lama, Dorothy Day and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

She witnessed the historic handshake between Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Chairman Yassir Arafat at the signing of the Middle East Peace Accords. She stood with Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg when he became South Africas first democratically-elected president.

A woman of wisdom, compassion and vision, Coretta Scott King tried to make ours a better world and, in the process, made history, said a King Center spokesperson.

Scott suffered a heart attack and stroke in the summer of 2005. Six months later, while seeking treatment for ovarian cancer in Mexico, she died of complications. She was 78-years-old.

Her funeral was held on February 7, 2006 at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, eulogized by daughter Bernice King. The televised service lasted eight hours and had over 14,000 people in attendance, including U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, along with most of their wives. Barack Obama, then a senator, was also present.
It's never been easier to travel the world than it is today. The internet has made planning exotic overseas trips a total breeze. Intense competition between airlines means airfares stay low. Airbnb and VRBO have made lodging much more affordable. And the proliferation of travel media means wanderlusters are but a finger tap away from all the travel inspiration they can handle.

While scoring that Instagram-ready Airbnb and finding the family-run, handmade-pasta restaurant certainly merit their respective research, travel planning should also include learning and understanding the laws of your destination because adventuring abroad can quickly turn sour if you run afoul of local customs and laws. Even the best-laid travel plans go awry. In his seminal travelogue, The Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain mused The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become, until he goes abroad.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Australian, Danish and Hungarian counterparts and held bilateral talks with them.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne met Jaishankar on the sidelines of India's flagship global conference Raisina Dialogue.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Payne noted the progressive development in the bilateral relationship and affirmed that strategic partnership between the two countries is based on mutual understanding, trust, common interests and the shared values of democracy and rule of law.

"India and Australia reaffirmed their desire to work together to build a free, open, prosperous, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Both sides agreed to prioritise the building of a strong multi-faceted trade and economic cooperation as well as cooperation in defence and security," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

They acknowledged that the growing threat of terrorism constituted a major threat to peace and security in the region, and called for stronger international partnership in countering terrorism and violent extremism, it said.

"Australia conveyed that India could consider it as a stable, reliable and trusted supplier of high-quality mineral resources... and in this regard, both sides agreed to diversify and expand existing resources partnership," the statement said.

Jaishankar also met Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and held discussions on bilateral ties and global affairs.

"Welcome FM Peter Szijjarto of Hungary to his first Dialogue. A good discussion this morning on our relationship as well as on global affairs. Appreciate his contribution to the #Raisina buzz, Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also met Denmark's Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and explored prospects of a Green Strategic Partnership.

"Very productive talks with FM @JeppeKofod of Denmark. Explored the prospects of a Green Strategic Partnership. Agreed on the importance of multilateralism in world politics," he said in another tweet. PTI UZM



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SPRINGFIELD - Longtime Hampden County judge David G. Sacks said that in one respect his career on the bench has come full circle.

At his retirement party Wednesday in the Hampden County Hall of Justice, Sacks tugged at his suit coat and pointed out it was the same jacket he wore at his swearing-in ceremony in 1986.

John F. Kennedy once wrote there are three things that are real: God, human folly, and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension so we must do what we can with the third one.

He said he was going to wear the accompanying vest to complete the 1980s retro-look but wife Deborah Leopold convinced him that the vest was a little too tight.

Dozens of friends, colleagues, and associates shoe-horned themselves into the second-floor conference room to pay tribute to Sacks, who is retiring after 34 years as justice with the Hampden County Probate and Family Court.

Speakers celebrated Sacks of Holyoke for his wit, wisdom, professionalism, and compassion in his time on the bench since his appointment in 1986 by then-Governor Michael S. Dukakis.

Sacks, in his remarks, took a moment to praise Dukakis for the appointment so many years ago.

I am deeply indebted to him for the gift he gave me with the 1986 appointment, which is the gift that keeps on giving, he said.

Family and probate court is where disputes over divorces, paternity, child support and custody, wills and guardianships are decided. Speakers said the wear and tear from the log of heated, emotional cases showing the worst in people and people at their worst can take its toll on the judge -- but not apparently Judge Sacks.

Associate Hampden Superior Court Justice Mark Mason who has known Sacks for years as a friend, as a lawyer arguing in his court, and as a colleague on the bench, said that though it all, Sacks has always cared about people.

And thats why hes a great probate and family court judge. Because if theres a court where we need to care about people, its the probate and family court, he said. My head turns 360 degrees when I try to fathom what it is like to sit, day after day, on the 4th floor for 34 years. Ladies and gentlemen, if that isnt deserving of applause, I dont know what is.

Judge John Casey, chief justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, said he has never met a probate judge who relished the job the way Sacks has.

He has gotten up every day for 34 years looking forward to dispensing justice, he said. Most judges start checking out the retirement calendar at about three years or so. I dont think David has looked at it to this day. If he did it was probably to find a loophole that allowed him to sit here past age 70.

Springfield lawyer Kathleen A. OMalley, representing the Massachusetts Bar Association, said her time before Judge Sacks in probate court made her a better lawyer. He demanded lawyers appearing before him be on time, be brief and be prepared.

The greatest lesson I learned from Judge Sacks was to be prepared. And I think a lot of attorneys learned that just by stepping in his courtroom, she said.

Judge Sacks, you made us better lawyers.

Sacks thanked his extended family in the courthouse for their support for all these years.

He also thanked Leopold for all her support at home.

Noting that with his appointment in 1986 he attained the title of honorable.

For her putting up with him for all these years, he said: Deb deserves an honorable mention.

Sacks thanked his fellow judges and all the lawyers who have appeared before his bench. But he also took time to thank all the people who make the courthouse function: the clerical staff, interpreters, custodians, and court security.

He noted his first job in high school was working in the old district court where he would bring lunches to prisoners awaiting a court appearance, and mop out the restrooms.

He also paid tribute to his late father, Edward Sacks, who was a deputy sheriff who became a court officer in 1964 and retired in 1986. Their respective careers as court officer and judge overlapped by two days, Sacks said.

So theres been an unbroken Sacks presence in this court for 55 years, and Im very, very proud of that, he said.
By Trend

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is looking for new opportunities in the financial sector of Uzbekistan, especially the ones, which will contribute to the development of private sector in the country, EBRDs representative told Trend.

Recently Trend reported that Uzbekistans Ipoteka Bank signed loan agreements with the EBRD in the amount of 18 million euros.

"The EBRD funds to Ipoteka Bank will be on-lent to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of Uzbekistan for investments, which will strengthen their competitiveness and resilience," the official stated

In 2018, the EBRD Board of Directors approved a new strategy for Uzbekistan, which defined the bank's priorities for the next five years.

Following the adoption of a new country strategy for Uzbekistan, EBRD signed 12 projects worth almost 400 million in 2018, a record level of business for the Bank in one country in a single year. Significant investments were made in the municipal and power infrastructure sectors, including the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure in the Fergana Valley, as well as in banking and industry.

In 2019, the EBRD has already invested almost 250 million into Uzbekistan's economy.

To date, the EBRD has invested 1.3 billion through 70 projects in economy of Uzbekistan. Support of small businesses is particularly important as the country moves to reform its economy and strengthen its private sector.

---

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The suspended proceedings for the case of the death of Private Arman Hakobyan has been restarted.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia told Armenian News-NEWS.am that the Committee hosted a working meeting within the scope of the public monitoring task force today.

Among those attending the meeting were representatives of the non-governmental organization that has examined the materials of the criminal case instituted in relation to the death of Private Arman Hakobyan.

Earlier, the representatives had submitted to the Investigative Committee a report on the course of investigation of the case and had pinpointed several actions required for disclosure of the case.

The General Military Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia examined the submitted report and made a decision to restart the suspended proceedings for the criminal case instituted in relation to the death of Private Arman Hakobyan.
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday, fixed February 17, to rule on an interlocutory summons by defence, challenging the evidence of a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

Defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had asked the court whether having regards to facts contained in its exhibits, PW5 ought to be allowed to give evidence in respect of facts contained in his extra judicial statement of May 2019.

Mr Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

He was first arraigned on October 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on October 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

The defendant was subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Olatoregun, following EFCCs petition.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

The commission has since opened its case, and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

At the last adjourned date in November 2019, prosecution had called a witness, one Johnson Abidakun, who was about to be sworn on oath, when defence raised objection.

Defence had accused the EFCC of prosecutorial misconduct on the grounds that they (defence) had studied the proof of evidence of the said witness and had made discoveries.

These discoveries were in relation to an earlier testimony by a 13th witness, one Adewale Aladegbola who had testified before the former judge, (Olatoregun).

But the prosecutor, in a swift reaction, revealed to the court that the said witness referred to, had been tampered with by the defence.

Recall that the prosecution had called the 13th witness, (Aladegbola), who during the aborted trial before Olatoregun, had introduced himself as driver of a bullion van.

The testimony of this witness, was however, abruptly discontinued by the prosecutor, who had sought an adjournment from the court, to decide on whether to declare the said witness as hostile.

Defence, consequently, argued that although the testimony of this witness was halted by prosecutor, he never declared him hostile, but has now sought to call the instant witness (Abidakun) to cure the lacuna of that previous witness.

Defence counsel had described this procedure as prosecutorial misconduct, and had proceeded to file an interlocutory summons, activating the courts jurisdiction to give directions on the procedure.

On Thursday, Mr Ojo brought his application pursuant to relevant statutory provisions, and attached an affidavit, further and better affidavit, a reply, written address, and exhibits A1 and A2.

First, Mr Ojo argued that the deponent of the counter affidavit of prosecution was one Akintunde Olasunkanmi, a litigation officer of the EFCC, and not the prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs.

He argued that the prosecutor, (Jacobs) could not, therefore, make such averments as contained in paragraph four of the affidavit, since he is not an operative of the EFCC.

Mr Ojo said, to do otherwise, will amount to hearsay, which deprives the document of any probative value.

He, therefore, described the procedure as being an abuse of court process, and urged the court to so hold.

In his responses, Adeniyi Adebisi, who appeared for prosecution, urged the court to dismiss the application with substantial cost against the defence.

He argued mainly that the proceedings before the former judge (Olatoregun) had been discontinued and that trial had begun afresh.

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Besides, he argued that prosecution reserves the right to amend its document.

My Lord, this is a strange application, whatever happened before your learned brother judge is gone and this matter has begun de novo, he said

He urged the court to dismiss the application in its entirety and award costs against the defence.

Mr Aneke has now reserved ruling until February 17, after which trial will continue.

During trial before Mr Olatoregun. the prosecution had called witnesses from several commercial banks as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Mr Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Mr Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from Mr Obanikoro, who was the Minister of State for Defence without going through any financial institution.

He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Mr Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sum of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sum of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

The offence, the anti-graft agency said, contravened the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

(NAN)
The Senate forfeited any claim to immunity from lawsuits over its suspension of Mike Duffy, because its actions were politically motivated and unlawful, the senators lawyer argued on Thursday.

In submissions to the Ontario Court of Appeal, Lawrence Greenspon said the decision in November 2013 to suspend Duffy without pay came at the direction of then-Conservative prime minister Stephen Harpers office.

Its constitutionally outrageous what happened here, Greenspon said. Our claim is that parliamentary privilege  does not extend to unlawful conduct.

The P.E.I. senator was ultimately acquitted in 2016 of 31 criminal charges in a ruling that slammed the conduct of Harpers office in what was one of the biggest political scandals of his government. Despite Duffys exoneration, the Senate refused to repay the hundreds of thousands of dollars he lost in pay and pension, court heard.

Duffy now wants $7.8 million in reimbursement and damages from the Senate, RCMP and federal government. However, a lower court in December 2018 sided with the Senate that parliamentary privilege made it immune to lawsuits, prompting Duffys appeal.

Greenspon told the three-judge panel that immunity  designed to separate parliamentary and executive powers  should not apply in this case. The Senates actions against Duffy, he said, were carried out on behalf of what he called misconduct in the Prime Ministers Office.

The Senate bowed to the directions of the executive from which it was supposed to be independent, Greenspon said. Unlawful conduct caused the loss. Parliamentary privilege  does not extend to unlawful conduct.

Among other things, Greenspon said Harpers office threatened Duffy that hed be kicked out of Senate unless he admitted to inadvertently abusing his expense account and repaid the money, about $90,000. The threats, the lawyer said, amounted to extortion.

If the Senate believes its actions were proper, Greenspon said, it should defend itself in court.

Let them call the evidence, Greenspon said. Let them defend the propriety of their actions.

Government lawyer Maxime Faille urged the court to dismiss the appeal. Separation of powers, he argued, is a constitutional cornerstone.

Parliamentary privilege is one of the ways the fundamental constitutional separation of powers is respected, Faille said.

Both Chief Justice George Strathy and Justice James MacPherson queried whether such privilege is absolute, even if the Senate were acting for a corrupt purpose as Duffy alleges.

The action here is that the conduct of the executive branch poisons both the Senate process and the resulting decision relating to Sen. Duffy, MacPherson said. If thats true, is there no remedy?

Faille countered that the Senate is the sole judge of whether it follows its own rules. Duffys suspension and request for reimbursement falls entirely within Senate purview, and allowing the courts to review internal Senate decisions would be an unprecedented undermining of its independence, he said.

We are dealing with a Senate decision regarding the use of Senate resources by a senator, Faille told the panel, which also includes Justice Mahmud Jamal.

Duffys side believes his case was given a boost by a top court ruling in the United Kingdom last fall that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted illegally when he prorogued the British parliament.

The U.K. decision, Faille argued, was a review of executive action  not parliamentary proceedings  something courts have done for centuries.

But Greenspon said in closing that asserting privilege if the underlying conduct is unlawful defies logic, fairness and the rule of law.

This is an important case and well reserve, Strathy said.

Read more about:
Rosslyn Academy Nairobi is an international Christian school that was opened in Kenya in August 1967 as a more central location with better health care and air travel. The school follows the North American educational curriculum including the Advanced Placement program. Rosslyn Academy is not only recognized as one of the best international schools in Nairobi but also one that ranks among the top learning institutes in the country that offer the American curriculum.

Image: Instagram, @rosslyn-academy

Source: Instagram

Rosslyn Academy being an international school has a richly diverse and cosmopolitan learning environment with students from over 50 countries and every continent.

They offer English language learning to students with a different first language to help them participate fully academically and socially. Rosslyn Academy provides special education for students with mild to moderate learning needs. The following are the school's mission and core values:

Mission: To inspire and equip each student to develop their God-given gifts for Christ-like service in the world community. Core values: they include;

Excellence- Maximizing God-given talents and gifts, as individuals and as a school, to His honor.

Christ-likeness- Practicing what we say and do as individuals and as a school by imitating Jesus Christ.

Service- Supporting others in the model of christ's example of selflessness.

Intellectual virtue- Developing God-honoring thinking habits that result from an earnest pursuit of truth consistent with scripture.

Community- Creating a united family of diverse members who are welcoming and supportive behind the school's mission.

Rosslyn Academy Nairobi

Image: Instagram, @rosslyn-academy

Source: Instagram

Rosslyn Academy was founded in Tanzania in February 1947 and later changed its name to Mara Hills Elementary School.

Due to rapid growth, the school was moved to Kenya at its current location as a boarding school but closed it's dorm in 1986 and became a day school.

The school was joined by Southern Baptist missionaries in August 1975 and later by the Assemblies of God in February 1988. The Christian community helped transform Rosslyn into an International Christian school.

Rosslyn Academy fees

Rosslyn Academy is a private school and therefore does not receive any funding from the government. To get more information about the Rosslyn Academy fee structure, you can book an appointment with the school and get to know the Rosslyn Academy tuition fees from the administration office.

Rosslyn Academy scholarships

To find out if the school offers scholarships, visit the administration office.

Rosslyn Academy location

For direction to the school, you can only access Rosslyn Academy from Magnolia Close. The Limuru Road entrance is a private access road and will require a person to have a proper sticker to enter.

Rosslyn Academy contact information

Physical address: Magnolia Close, Off UNEP Avenue, Off Limuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Mailing address: P.O BOX 14146 - 00800, Nairobi, Kenya

Phone numbers:

Mobile: +254 732 646602, +254 727 646602

Landline: +254 20 263 5294/ 263 5295/ 263 5296, +254 20 236 5261

E-mail:

info@rosslynacademy.com

admissions@rosslynacademy.com

recruit@rosslynacademy.com

Rosslyn Academy, not only believes in academic excellence but also instills the Christian faith and beliefs to its students. Rosslyn regards education to its students not only as a means of getting into a good college or getting a good job but as a transformative and powerful way of growing them into difference-makers in the world. As a vibrant Christian international school, it serves over 650 students from the diplomatic, business and missionary communities.

READ ALSO:

Potterhouse School contacts, fees structure, and curriculum

Cheapest IGCSE schools in Kenya

Details about Kagumo High School KCSE results, contacts and teachers

Kitengela International School - KCPE results, fee structure, location, contacts

Juja Preparatory School - fees, IGCSE, admissions, and contacts

Source: TUKO.co.ke
January 8, 2020 Amber Kirkendall , 4022233514

Beatrice, Nebraska  On Sunday, January 19, at 2:00 p.m., Homestead National Monument of America will host its first of three square dancing workshops being held at the Education Center. These workshops are free to participate in and are being sponsored by the Friends of Homestead. Square dancing is unique in that the caller walks you through the steps so it is much easier to pick up then other traditional forms of dancing that require routine memorization. Lanny Weaklend, an experienced caller from Omaha will teach guests the fundamentals of square dancing and will host lively session.



Sessions will be held three consecutive Sundays in a row. Workshops are self-contained so you can get all needed instruction by attending any of the three events, or all of the three events. These events are open to all ages and skill levels. These Superintendent Mark Engler stated that Square Dancing served as a social activity amongst neighbors in rural homesteading communities. Square dancing still has the potential to connect people through fun activity.



All three events will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Homestead National Monument of Americas Heritage Center.

Sunday, January 19

Sunday, January 26

Sunday, February 2



Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2020. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America).

www.nps.gov



About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the 420 parks in the National Park System and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/ nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/ natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/ nationalparkservice.
Lending to small business has dropped across the country. (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Big banks are pulling funding for small businesses in some of the poorest regions of England, according to new analysis.

Lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Great Britain fell by 8% between 2014 and 2018, with the most deprived areas worst-hit, according to business lender iwoca.

It found that lending to small businesses in Blackpool  the most deprived area in England, according to government statistics  fell by 27.6%, but Wokingham in Berkshire, the least deprived area, increased by 18.2%.

Small businesses in the wealthiest areas of England were able to borrow 2 billion more than those in the poorest parts of the country, despite having similar populations.

The North West was hardest hit, with lending from big banks falling by 16%, or 1.6 billion. The North East and Yorkshire also experienced a squeeze.

London got off lighter than any other region, with a 3% drop in funding. Westminster saw the sharpest rise in the capital with a 41.3% boost in lending.

Iwoca chief executive Christoph Rieche said: Its  concerning that, in many parts of the country, major banks arent serving small and microbusinesses with the funding required to help them thrive.

SMEs are vital for the health of the economy.

The company looked at ONS wage data which showed that the average weekly salary in the 20 local authorities worst hit by the drop in lending was 488. In these areas SME financing fell by an average of nearly 35% over five years.

At the opposite side of the spectrum, people earned 529 a week in areas where lending increased at the fastest rate  a difference of more than 2,100 a year.

However, despite a drop in small business loans, the data showed that lending to individuals has increased across England.

In the most deprived areas, personal lending has risen by 15%, and in the wealthiest it has increased by 22%.

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: Were backing businesses right across the country. 7 billion from the government-owned British Business Bank is supporting over 91,000 SMEs, the majority outside London and the South East and our Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has invested over 135 million in smaller businesses across the North of England. But we are determined to do more to level up across the country.
Criticising China for helping Pakistan in raising the issue of Kashmir in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India asked Beijing to seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from taking such action in the future.

"China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such actions in the future," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a press briefing.

Kumar's remarks come a day after China and Pakistan held an informal closed-door consultation on Kashmir in the UNSC in New York, more than five months after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 of the Constitution in August.

The overwhelming majority of the UNSC was of the view that it was not the right forum for such issues, Kumar said when asked about the developments in the UNSC.

"The formal closed-door meeting, therefore, ended without any outcome," said Kumar.

He said that India, during the meeting, highlighted Pakistan's desperate measures to "peddle baseless allegations and present an alarming scenario."

"In our view, it was once again highlighted Pakistan desperate measures to peddle baseless allegations and present an alarming scenario it lacks any credibility," the spokesperson added.

The UNSC's closed-door meeting was called to discuss an issue relating to an African country. China made a request to deliberate on the Kashmir issue under the agenda of "Any Other Business Points."

No other UNSC member, barring China, commented on the meeting after it ended given that it was an informal consultation.

China's ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, warned against further escalation between India and Pakistan's over Kashmir and hoped that the Security Council meeting would encourage both the countries to seek a solution through dialogue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Todays email brings this hysterical warning from the good folks at The Nation:

Trumps attacks on public radio are sickening. Trumps new budget will literally END funding for Public Radio! Public Radio is SO important for millions of Americans. It provides accurate journalism and high-quality educational programming. Trump knows these cuts mean less educational programming for rural Americans, but he doesnt care.

Could there be anything more cheering and cockle-warming than hearing that the Federal government might actually cut funding for NPR? (Though I seriously doubt that Trumps budget proposal will literally END funding.) And can we do the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities next, please?

Next, Business Insider tells us that Ronald and Nancy Reagan Hosted the Best White House Parties of All Time. Surely this approaches a Jeffersonian self-evident truth? Seriously, how can you hope to beat this:
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders had a tense exchange immediately after the televised Democratic debate on Tuesday night, an audio recording has revealed.

While other candidates were still shaking hands at the podiums, Ms Warren made a beeline for Mr Sanders, but rejected his outstretched hand.

I think you just called me a liar on national TV, she said.

Mr Sanders said: What?

She repeated: I think you called me a liar on national TV.

The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony. She has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord Vice News The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty

The spat was captured by CNN audio following the debate in Des Moines, Iowa, after which viewers noticed Ms Warren appearing to snub the Vermont senator's handshake.

The rival candidates for the Democratic nomination had clashed over Ms Warrens accusations that Mr Sanders once told her that a woman could not win the presidency, which her opponent denies.

Lets not do it right now, Mr Sanders said when confronted after the debate. If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion.

Anytime, said the Massachussetts senator.

Appearing to have a change of heart, he then said: You called me a liar. You told me, All right, lets not do it now.

Another candidate, the billionaire Tom Steyer, had hung around during their awkward exchange to say hi to Mr Sanders. Yeah, good, OK, he replied.

The two progressive candidates have been feuding for days over what was said during a private dinner at Ms Warrens Washington apartment in December 2018.

Following a CNN report, she claimed that Mr Sanders told her a woman could not win an election against Donald Trump, the incumbent president.

Her opponent denied the account, saying he had outlined the likely tactics of Mr Trump, whom he called a sexist, a racist and a liar.

The argument was brought up during Tuesdays debate, with both Democrats sticking to their versions.

Ms Warren said she disagreed with Mr Sanders when he told her a woman could not beat Mr Trump, before reminding the audience that the two women onstage  herself and Amy Klobuchar  were the only candidates to have won all their elections, while the men onstage had collectively lost 10 races.

Meanwhile, Mr Sanders defended himself against charges of sexism. Does anybody in their right mind believe that a woman cant be president? he said. I dont think anybody believes that.

The two progressives had reportedly made an agreement not to attack each other as they bid to become the Democratic presidential nominee to challenge Mr Trump.

However, Ms Warren said she was disappointed earlier this week to hear that Mr Sanders campaign had urged volunteers to paint her as a candidate for the elites.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Another Groundhog Day is approaching in Pennsylvania and we all know what that means. If the rodent sees its shadow we can expect skyrocketing school property taxes  and if it doesnt, we can expect skyrocketing school property taxes.

Either way, it doesnt matter because state legislators, who are really good at passing puff-ball legislation that does absolutely nothing to help the people  such as naming the Eastern Hellbender the state amphibian  have failed for decades to solve one of the most prevalent problems plaguing the state.

For years volunteers traveled all over the state, knocking on doors with the message of property tax elimination and a better way to fund public schools. This idea has received support from citizens statewide. In 2017, 56 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties voted yes for the Homestead Property Tax Exclusion ballot question. Yet a majority of legislators still supports keeping the brutal, oppressive system of property taxation to fund public education.

On Feb. 3, the day after Groundhog Day, there will be a March on Harrisburg for the complete elimination of school property taxes. The Capitol Rotunda is reserved for this event from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. If you cant attend, dont let that stop you from calling your state senator or representative, because they need to keep hearing you. No tax should have the power to leave you homeless.

Ed Kihm

Quakertown
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is not your typical federal contractor. Created by two Turkish immigrants who arrived in America as students with little more than their backpacks, it has become a trusted supplier of high-tech solutions to the military, the intelligence community and civil agencies such as NASA.
In 2016, the Obama administration determined that candidate Trump was an imminent threat to its chosen career criminal candidate Hillary Clinton. They were worried that the power they had amassed, while remaking America, was in jeopardy. Therefore, they decided to use massive amounts of taxpayer money and many agencies to take Trump out. Doesn't that clearly violate the Hatch Act?

The first thing they had to do was get Hillary off from her many violations of the law. They had the Justice Department do a pretend investigation. Then there was a chance meeting of Attorney General Loretta Lynch with Bill Clinton followed up by a pretend interview with Hillary. Then congenital liar James Comey, who had exonerated Hillary months before, came out and listed all the crimes Hillary had committed but lied that no prosecutor would ever take the case.

Next, they had to go after Trump and his associates.

The corrupt Hillary campaign and the DNC obviously couldn't find truthful information to take out Trump and couldn't run on their unpopular policies, so they paid a foreign national, Christopher Steele, more than $10 million to produce a fictional document to take out Trump. The DNC and Hillary also filed fraudulent documents with the FEC claiming that these were legal fees.

The Obama administration, through the corrupt, politicized Justice Department and intelligence agencies, had illegally spied on thousands of Americans during its term and had to figure out a way to mislead the FISA court in order to spy on people surrounding Trump so they came up with the idea to claim that Trump was colluding with Russia despite having zero evidence that that was true.

They decided that Carter Page was expendable, so they claimed he was a spy. They continually lied (they did not make mistakes) to the FISA court about evidence, but all they had was the fictional dossier from Steele. An attorney at Justice altered documents, and they didn't even tell the court that the dossier was paid for by the DNC and Hillary. The truth was inconvenient, so they continually lied to the court. All these facts have been evident for years, yet the complicit media haven't cared because they also don't want Trump as president. It is dangerous to America to have an in-the-tank media.

The Obama administration also decided it wanted informants in the Trump campaign, so it went after George Papadopoulos to entrap him. He was also expendable.

The DNC computers were hacked, and the DNC's people blamed Russia but refused to let government officials examine the evidence. The fact that they didn't see evidence didn't make any difference to the Obama administration, journalists, or other Democrats. They just repeated what they were told, like puppets.

The Russian collusion story was obviously fake, or they would also have targeted the Clinton campaign, which had many connections and contacts with Russia.

President Obama obviously wasn't very concerned because in the summer of 2016  he gave a stand down order to his cyber-security chief to stop investigating Russia.

The targeting didn't work, and Trump was elected. The threat to bureaucrats and Democrat policies was now more imminent than ever, so they had to attack harder. The strive to impeach started on day one. President Obama, suddenly, changed the way classified documents could be shared. Susan Rice and others started illegally unmasking names and leaking like a sieve. Somehow, only people surrounding Trump were targeted for unmasking.

Michael Flynn was now expendable and was targeted and entrapped, and the corrupt, politicized Justice Department illegally hid exonerating evidence as it bankrupted and charged him.

Then, with no evidence, we got the two-year Mueller investigation and endless congressional investigations vainly searching for a crime to impeach Trump with. Sadly, they couldn't find any.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh, soon to be nominated to the Supreme Court, was also determined to be an imminent threat to the Democrat agenda, so they sought to take him out with no evidence. There is no end to the number of people the media and other Democrats will seek to destroy as they quest for and protect their power. They will even seek to destroy white teenagers who dared attend a pro-life rally wearing MAGA hats.

The election of 2020 was coming up, the economy is good, and Trump is a bigger imminent threat to radical Democrat policies than ever. Magically, a whistleblower (leaker) shows up and makes up some stuff about a conversation Trump had with the Ukraine leader, even though he wasn't privy to the conversation. Suddenly, whistleblower rules were changed not to require direct knowledge. The leaker went to congenital liar Adam Schiff's staff before the complaint was filed.

Trump was such an imminent threat that the Democrats had to rush through impeachment. They still couldn't come up with actual crimes, so they created fictional ones. Facts again are irrelevant.

The threat was so imminent that they rushed the vote without evidence and fact witnesses. Survival of America was at stake. But wait, after the vote, Pelosi violated Trump's sixth amendment rights and withheld the impeachment articles from the Senate for a month.

Now, after three years of targeting and destroying many people surrounding Trump, we have found someone journalists and other Democrats have determined has been unfairly targeted. Iran's chief terrorist, General Qassem Soleimani.

They have questioned whether this terrorist killer, who has been responsible for the killing and maiming of hundreds of thousands, including hundreds of Americans, was an imminent threat and should have been killed.

My guess is every member of our military, private contractors, Iranian protestors and innocent citizens throughout the Mideast consider themselves under imminent threat every day of the year because of terrorist groups sponsored by Iran and because of Soleimani.

President Obama and his administration are responsible for a significant amount of money Iran and Soleimani had to carry out terrorism throughout the world.

They lied to get the deal done, bribed the leaders with $1.8 billion, stopped an investigation into drug running, released $150 billion in frozen funds and dropped the sanctions which freed up $100's of billions. The Europeans also have major responsibilities into ratcheting up the danger of Iran.

But Trump is the imminent danger because he killed the terrorist general and Congress must now limit his power. Not once did they have a resolution reigning in Obama as he attacked Libya and used drones to kill, but Trump is the problem and dangerous.

The Democrats want to rein in Trump, but they refused to vote for a resolution condemning Iran for taking down the airline and for killing over 1,000 protestors. They won't even support the protesters against the tyrants. Why is there so little reporting that Iran killed so many of its own people? The answer is that it doesn't fit the Democrat agenda.

Democrats Block Resolution Condemning Iran For Murdering Protesters, Shooting Down Plane

House Democrats blocked a resolution on Tuesday that expressed support for oppressed Iranian protesters and condemned Iran for shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane last week that killed 176 people. "Consideration and a vote on House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's resolution was blocked  by a vote of 226-191," The Daily Caller reported. "The resolution would have condemned the Government of Iran for killing 1,500 Iranian citizens who were protesting their government, as well as condemned the Government of Iran for shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, killing 176 people."

The greatest imminent threat to America's peace, prosperity and freedom would be to listen to journalists and vote for Democrats as they seek to take out Trump who is trying to return the power and purse to the people as fast as he can and protect us from terrorist sponsoring countries like Iran.
A dramatic election that produced a stunning victory for democracy got too little attention here last weekend, as Americans focused on Iran and impeachment.

In a blow to Beijing, Taiwans voters decisively reelected Tsai Ing-wen, a tough female president who rejects Chinas demand that her island democracy unify with the mainland.

Angry Chinese officials insisted the unification of the island with the communist mainland was inevitable. This, despite the failure of military intimidation, economic incentives, and rampant election meddling to convince the Taiwanese public.

 READ MORE: Why U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan could rise I Trudy Rubin

U.S. policy since 1979 has been to dissuade Beijing from forcibly seizing the island, and to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons to make that less likely. But Taiwans fate is the issue with the most potential to spark a military confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

So its time for Americans to pay more attention to Taiwans ongoing struggle to preserve its democracy against an authoritarian Beijing regime.

On a trip to Taiwan and Hong Kong in November, I was impressed at the impact Hong Kongs pro-democracy struggle had made on Taiwan, despite differences in population and history.

Taiwan was never part of the Peoples Republic of China, although the PRC has always claimed it. Known as The Republic of China, Taiwans government was formed when Chinese nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek and his army fled to Taipei in 1949 after his mainland government was defeated by the Communists.

Initially a military autocracy, that government evolved into a raucous democracy. The capital, Taipei, is far less ostentatiously wealthy than Beijing or Shanghai, but rich in good eateries, universities, and a great national museum. Skilled at small business and advanced technology, its 23 million people have lived in a gray zone, considering themselves separate from China, but never declaring full independence lest Beijing attack.

Tsai Ing-wen has walked a careful line, insisting the self-governing island was sovereign, but not declaring independence. We dont have a need to declare ourselves an independent state, she told the BBC after her reelection. We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The far more glitzy and multinational Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain in 1997 under a formula known as one country, two systems by which Beijing was supposed to permit Hong Kong to retain rule of law, an independent judiciary, and increasingly free elections for 50 years. But China has consistently reduced Hong Kongs freedoms, leading to the ongoing protests.

 READ MORE: Hong Kong crisis a test of U.S.-China relations I Trudy Rubin

Tsais campaign was faltering before the Hong Kong demonstrations  with pro-Beijing politicians gaining. But her polls soared as China cracked down on young Hong Kongers. China was trying to use Hong Kong as a model, but we see it is a fake, I was told by Wang Ting-yu, chairman of the Foreign and Defense Committee of the Taiwanese parliament. Taiwanese dont believe in one country, two systems. Democracy cannot exist under the Chinese system.

Adds Ketty Chen, vice president of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy: Taiwanese are not necessarily pro-independence. But they do not want to be part of the Peoples Republic of China, especially looking at what is going on in Hong Kong. The PRC is not capturing the hearts and minds of the people here, not from what it is doing in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Of course, Beijing has shown no interest in winning hearts and minds. Had it done so, the situation in Hong Kong could have been calmed months ago, with the appointment of a truly independent commission to look into police violence against protesters.

Now the question is whether Xi Jinping will pay any attention to hearts and minds in Taiwan  and the young people there who increasingly identify there as Taiwanese rather than Chinese.

So far no sign he will do so, preferring to flaunt military might designed to intimidate Taiwan. Beijing will also pressure or bribe the remaining 15 nations that still recognize Taiwanese sovereignty to withdraw their embassies. And it is unlikely Xi will renew a cross-straits dialogue with Tsais government that Beijing broke because she would not recognize one China.

Xi has pledged to reunify the island with the mainland by 2049, the centennial of the PRCs establishment, but some analysts believe he might use force to do so, sooner, while he is president. Others believe China has so many more pressing problems he will refrain.

The Trump administration has sold Taipei billions worth of defensive weapons, and effusively congratulated Tsai on her reelection. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo commended her for maintaining stability with Beijing in the face of unrelenting pressure.

But the United States has no formal defense pact with Taiwan, and no one is certain what President Trump would do if China attacked the island. The United States, along with other democracies, must make clear to Beijing that any such attack would make it a pariah. They must also encourage Tsai Ing-wen to stay in the gray zone: a sovereign democracy short of independence that gives Beijing no pretext to attack.
A question mark hangs over Labour's participation in the general election in Kerry after an announcement by Cllr Terry OBrien, former mayor of Tralee and Kerry that he has decided he will not run.

Mr O'Brien said he has been approached by the party but will not go forward for election.

If they fail to get a candidate, it would be the first time since 1933 that Labour will not have fielded a candidate in Kerry.

During its heyday, at the height of the Dick Spring era, the party held two seats in the county  one in Kerry North, and one in Kerry South.

In a statement, Mr OBrien, who has been a councillor for 20 years, said: I would like to confirm that I have been approached by the Labour Party to contest the 2020 General Election.

"I would have been honoured to represent the party, as I believe in what it stands for, but after a few days of deep negotiations and reflection, I have decided not to put my name forward.

Health was a factor in his decision, said the popular Tralee man who uses a wheelchair. To do the job properly and to meet his own standards of commitment he would have to be in Dublin at least three days a week.

Mr O'Brien ran for the party in the 2007 general election but failed to win back the seat lost by Dick Spring on the election of Sinn Feins Martin Ferris in 2002.

Data courtesy of The Irish Times

The Kerry North seat was won back for Labour in 2011 by Arthur Spring, nephew of Dick. However Arthur Spring failed to retain the seat in 2016 when Kerry became one constituency.

The last Spring to be involved in politics, Cllr Graham Spring, mayor of Tralee withdrew from politics before the last local elections in May. He has not lost interest in politics, he said, but had to develop his career to provide for a young family.

There is some speculation that Labour will approach Ben Slimm who ran in the local elections in May but who failed to make an impression.
- Seth Van Beek has inked his name in the history book as UKs youngest qualified commercial pilot

- The 18-year-old successfully completed a GHC634,000 (85,000) flight school course in Greece after his mother sold her three-bedroom home to fund his dream

- Seth Van Beek received his licence from the European Aviation Safety Agency

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

At eight years old, Seth Van Beek had the dream of becoming a pilot and through relentless hard work, he has inked his name in the history book as UKs youngest qualified commercial pilot.

Seth Van Beek received his licence to fly passenger airlines after successfully completing an intensive 85,000 flight school course in Greece.

Metro UK reports that after 18 months of training and 150 hours in the air, he passed with flying colours.

Seth Van Beek owes his success to his mum Frances, a 42-year-old Zimbabwean native, who had unshakable faith in her son, sold the family's home to fund her son's dream.

READ ALSO: How Ghana's historic homecoming is changing Africa

Frances downsized her three-bedroom Milton Keynes home for a flat to pay for her sons course.

The teenager, who was top of his class reveals that he wanted to succeed at all costs to make his mum proud.

The young prodigy believes that he is fortunate to have made it in his dream career because of his mother.

''None of this would have been possible without her, I love her to pieces,'' Seth Van Beek said.

His mother, who didnt have the opportunity to receive proper education said she has been overwhelmed by the success story and accomplishment of her son.

READ ALSO: Charles Ampofo: More photos of ex-hubby of Kan Dapaahs side chick

''For years I have told him that as long as he has faith and believes in himself, he will be able to achieve anything he sets his mind to. To think hes the youngest licensed commercial pilot in the UK it blows me away.''

At 17, he began attending prestigious Mediterranean flight academy Egnatia Aviation Training College.

Seth, was one of 14 students, who opted to learn in Greece so he could break the world record.

He practiced flying at Kavala International Airport every three months, taking to the skies five-times-a-week during these periods and spending 828 hours studying learning theory and averaged an exam score of 90.6%.

In September 2019, he graduated top of his class and received his licence from the European Aviation Safety Agency a month later at age 18, beating a record previously held by Luke Elsworth who passed out aged 19.

In other stories, YEN.com.gh previously reported that eight-division world champion and Senator, Manny Pacquiao, has visited victims of Kidapawan earthquake in the Philippines to hand-out packages which included food, water and other essential relief items.

Nearly 300 families were displaced and evacuated to centers following a series of powerful earthquakes in October 2019.

READ ALSO: Charles Ampofo: More photos of ex-hubby of Kan Dapaahs side chick

Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
A man accused of opening fire at a crowded house party in Hobbs  killing three people and wounding four  is being charged with murder months after the crime.

Bishop Henderson, 19, faces three counts of first-degree murder in the Aug. 25 deaths of Lamar Lee-Kane Jr., 22, Khalil Carter, 18, and Kristal Avena, 24.

He is behind bars at the Lea County Detention Center.

Henderson was already facing four counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting. The murder charges were tacked on in an amended criminal complaint filed Tuesday in 5th Judicial District Court.

Rontrell Hills, Michael Major, Turon Windham and Jasmine Stansell were injured in the shooting.

According to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday:

Hobbs police responded to a loud party at a home in the 1700 block of East Bond around 12:30 a.m.

It was the second time they had been called to the home for loud music that night. But this time, arriving officers found Lee-Kane Jr., Carter and Avena dead in the backyard.

Soon afterward, police found Hills, Major and Stansell in a red truck a few miles away. All three had been shot and told officers it happened in the backyard during the house party.

At some point, Windham went a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the face.

Officers searched the home and spoke with witnesses who said the DJ at the party, later identified at Henderson, opened fire in the backyard.

Police spoke with Henderson an hour before the shooting when they responded to the home earlier in the night.

One witness told police it wasnt long afterward that Henderson pulled a gun out and fired it into the air several times as he was playing music.

Then, the witness said, Henderson aimed the gun at a man playing beer pong across the yard and shot him. The court document doesnt say when the other people were shot or specify a motive for the shooting.
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Thu, January 16, 2020 17:00 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3226bc64 1 National West-Java,administration,bandung,Kertajati-Airport-Majalengka-WestJava Free

The West Java administration plans to move its main offices from Bandung to either Cileungsi, Bogor; Cikalong Wetan, West Bandung; or Kertajati, Majalengka.

West Java Public Works and Housing Agency head Dicky Saromi said that the agency had shortlisted the three areas after conducting a city planning study, which was mandated by regional government regulation (Perda) No. 22/2010 on urban planning. Based on socioeconomic and regulatory research, Kertajati was awarded the highest overall score.

Dicky said that after conducting the study, they decided to keep the gubernatorial seat in Bandung and to move only the agency offices.

He also said there would be no problem if the capital city were separated from the administration center.

The administration center in South Kalimantan is located in Banjarbaru while the capital remains Banjarmasin. The North Maluku provincial administration has also transferred its capital city  from Ternate to Sofifi.

The relocation study found that the new center would require 243 hectares of land, including 92 hectares for a business center.

We still have a long way to go. We are considering adopting a smart city, smart building and smart area concept, Dicky said.

Although the new location for the West Java administration center has not been confirmed, some realtors are already offering to sell land to the public, as revealed by several ads on Bandung's busy streets. (dpk)
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has claimed rival party Fianna Fail cannot be trusted on Brexit as one of its MEPs said he will vote against the Withdrawal Agreement.

Mr Varadkar launched Fine Gaels General Election campaign in Combilift factory in the border constituency of Co Monaghan on Wednesday alongside Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.

Fine Gael are putting their role in securing a Brexit deal front and centre of their campaign strategy.

Fine Gael putting #Brexit front and centre at their General Election campaign launch showing a video of their achievements on it and Northern Ireland #GE2020 pic.twitter.com/sfNAvC1fDS  Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) January 15, 2020

Mr Varadkar said he is concerned Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher is going to vote against the EUs Withdrawal Agreement with the UK.

Mr Kelleher has said he has fears the deal could erode the rights of Irish and EU citizens in Northern Ireland.

I was really concerned to learn yesterday that Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fails only MEP in the European Parliament, has indicated that hes going to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement, Mr Varadkar said.

It demonstrates to me that Fianna Fail cant be trusted on the issue of Brexit and also, once again, Fianna Fail is internally divided on a critical issue.

Mr Varadkar said he would call on Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin to explain why Mr Keller is the only MEP to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement.

Thankfully Fianna Fail has not got much influence in Europe and, as a result, that Withdrawal Agreement will pass through the European Parliament, he added.

Story continues

Mr Varadkar said he would like to have a Fine Gael Government reinstated before a crucial EU summit at the end of March.

He highlighted Fine Gaels experience of helping to steer the Brexit negotiations.

Because of the UK self-imposed deadline, we have the risk of trade going off a cliff at the end of the year, he said.

We have the experience and the ability to secure that deal.

As part of our new relationship with the UK, we want to make sure that we rebuild and reimagine our relationship with our nearest neighbour.

Minister for Business Heather Humphreys reiterated that Brexit is only at half-time and said rival party Fianna Fail are not equipped to carry out the negotiations if elected.

Mr Varadkar will meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on her first official visit to Dublin later on Wednesday.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The German minister of foreign affairs, Heiko Maas, said Wednesday that the Berlin deal that will be adopted during the International Berlin Conference on Libya aims to sap the capacity of the warring parties in Libya to carry on the military conflict in the mid and short term in a bid to pave way for the UN-backed political process
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to take the exceptional step of leading Friday prayers in Tehran this week, according to the country's state media.

The occasion marks the first time in eight years that Iran's top religious and political authority will give the weekly sermon himself, rather than pass it off to a trusted cleric. Amid international and domestic pressure, it will allow the 80-year-old supreme leader to present his position to the Iranian people.

"Leading Friday prayers in the capital is a symbolically significant act usually reserved for moments when the Islamic Republic's highest authority wishes to deliver an important message to the people," Mehdi Khaliaji, a fellow at the Washington Institute, wrote on Thursday.

Despite Iran's ongoing standoff with the United States after the killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the global anger over the Iranian shoot-down of a Ukrainian passenger jet and street protests in which hundreds may have been killed, Khamenei's rare previous sermons show he is unlikely to use the moment as an opportunity to back down.

- - -

Following a disputed election on June 12, 2009, Iranians took to the streets in some of the largest protests since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Facing unprecedented pressure for change, Khamenei chose to come out from behind the scenes and deliver Friday prayers a number of times.

The supreme leader gave a long address days after the vote in June. But he offered little support for the protesters and no sign of compromise. Instead, he took aim at opposition leaders, telling them that "flexing muscles on the streets" is "not right."

The protests ended in bloodshed, with the opposition claiming scores had been killed and hundreds arrested. But months later, Khamenei gave another sermon in which he said Iranian security forces could retaliate more.

"Resisting the system and taking out the sword against the system will be followed by a harsh response," he said in September 2009.

The protests failed to oust Iran's hard line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who remained in office through August 2013. But the crowds in the street were some of the largest seen in Iran until last November, when rights groups estimate hundreds of people died after the government cracked down on mass demonstrations across the country.

- - -

Though Khamenei opposed protests in his own nation, he welcomed the Arab Spring that shook the wider Middle East from 2011. Speaking at a Friday sermon in February 2011, he spoke of an "Islamic liberation movement" in the rest of the Arab world.

"The awakening of people is a war between two wills, the will of the people and the will of the enemies of the people," Khamenei said. The Egyptian army should side with the people and "focus its eyes on the Zionist enemy," he added, according to Reuters.

But he warned of Western influence. "They are trying to replace one spy with another. They are trying to focus the spotlight on certain faces to impose the rule of the spies on you. Do not accept anything less than an independent popular regime that believes in Islam," he said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

- - -

The most recent time Khamenei spoke at Friday prayers was in Feb. 3, 2012, when Iran was facing increasing economic pressure from Obama administration sanctions designed to block an Iranian nuclear program.

"[O]ur advances in nuclear technology have become famous, and everybody inside and outside the country has focused his attention on our nuclear technology," he said.

Criticizing the influence of the United States and Israel, which he called "the Zionist regime" and described as a "cancerous tumor in this region," Khamenei said sanctions had ultimately strengthened Iran by forcing it to rely on its own scientific and economic advances.

The Iranian leader went on to say President Barack Obama's decision to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq showed that its influence was coming to an end. "As it happens, certain western intellectuals said a few days ago that today the situation of America and the west is like the situation of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, which resulted in its collapse," he said.
FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe has said Local Property Tax (LPT) will increase for some households under planned reforms but insisted they will be "affordable."

It came as he also confirmed that Fine Gael will stand by its promise to cut income tax if it is returned to office.

The current LPT regime is based on 2013 house values and tens of thousands of people who bought homes since are exempt.

Last year Mr Donohoe put off plans to reform the LPT system and no changes will be brought in until 2021.

The announcement - before the 2019 Local Elections - saw Mr Donohoe accused by Sinn Fein of kicking the can down the road and "cute hoor politics".

Mr Donohoe rejected those claims at the time and saying he wouldn't take lectures on cute hoor politics from a party that was seeking to abolish LPT outright.

Earlier today Mr Donohoe was asked about Fine Gael's plans for the LPT at the launch of his party's election promises on the economy.

He said a key element of the plan is to bring those who are exempt into the net as they should be "treated the same way" as their neighbours.

He claims that by making changes to the LPT bands and councillors' discretion to raise and lower the tax, most homes in Ireland won't see a change in how much they will pay.

Mr Donohoe conceded that changes in property values since 2013 will see some households face increases but insisted they would be "affordable".

Meanwhile, Fine Gael has long promised income tax cuts where the threshold that workers hit the higher 40pc rate will be raised to 50,000 over five years.

Mr Donohoe said the party is standing by this pledge in the election.

He said: "We will be doing that because we believe that it is neither fair or indeed even efficient... that you would have somebody who is on an average wage paying paying the higher rate of income tax."

He said that as wage growth continues to recover from what he claimed was the "Fianna Fail crash" more people on average wages would end up paying the higher rate.

"I don't believe that's fair. I believe it should change."

In relation to the economy, Fine Gael claim they will deliver 200,000 jobs by 2025, increase infrastructure investment to almost 11bn, ensuring wages keep going up and that they will responsibly manage the economy.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pledge that his party will end the "cycle of boom and bust" that he blamed Fianna Fail governments for.
Online education startup jumpAgrade has partnered with leading educational publisher Folens to make 26 scholarships for an online exam preparation course in Maths available.

The programme was designed for Leaving Cert Maths students who are

not able to access traditional grinds like so many other students can and do in Ireland today.



 Applications open for scholarships to a 10-week online exam preparation course designed for Leaving Cert Maths students

 One student from each of the 26 counties of Ireland chosen by selection panel

 Targeted at students who cannot access additional support outside of the classroom such a grinds

 First initiative offered through a partnership between jumpAgrade and Folens

 Applications open now, and will close on the 31st of January

 Students can apply here: https://forms.gle/9xyyL3whBQ92cLTQ7

 More information on the programme available here

The Opportunity

Of the hundreds of students that use the jumpAgrade service on a weekly basis, half of all these students come from less fortunate backgrounds or underrepresented groups. The Equality of Education initiative began when their local Youth Service reached out to the Limerick startup in its first year. Rather than passing any costs on to those families, the company sourced corporate sponsorship, and was able to work with that group of students in the run-up to exams. With that, the Equality of Education initiative was born and jumpAgrade have gone on to win the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award for 2019 on the

back of this.



It was at that point that we realised that this wasnt just about how we could improve the effectiveness of grinds or support outside of the classroom, says David Neville, jumpAgrade Co-Founder & CEO, There was a much bigger societal problem at play, and a far greater opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of the students we work with. The growing grinds culture was leaving students behind, and we decided to be part of the solution rather than adding to the problem.



The knock-on effect of greater opportunities for young people to achieve and progress in education is huge. In some of the most affluent parts of Ireland, progression rates from post-primary to third level are 100%. In some of the lowest income areas like Ballinacurra Weston in Limerick, progression rates are as low as 3%. There are national and international directives for widening access to education. Access to



Who is this for?

While the financial barrier is the most common, there are also geographical, personal, medical or other barriers that students face when seeking additional support preparing for exams. These are all factors that the selection panel will consider when choosing the awardees. The call for applications is open to all students across Ireland from the 13th of

January and will close the 31st of January. It is open to those that will be sitting the Leaving Certificate Maths exam in June 2020. It is available for students sitting either the Higher Level or Ordinary Level paper. It is open to students of all levels of ability and confidence.



The Programme

The lucky students awarded the scholarship will go through a 10-week online exam preparation course designed for Leaving Cert Maths. 26 students, one from each county of Ireland, will be chosen by the selection panel to receive a scholarship for the course. This will allow each student to work with their own jumpAgrade teacher each week. Every teacher

that works with jumpAgrade has experience correcting State Exams. Each week, the students will complete their own personal assignment, submit photos of their work and get video feedback from their teacher explaining where they went wrong and how to improve. The 10 weeks will also be supplemented by Learning Snacks where expert teachers break down specific topics or problem areas for all students on the programme. Applications can be made here.

How to Apply

Students can complete their application form here: https://forms.gle/fCtMFEyVeMMHw4mD9

There is also an option for a teacher, parent, guardian, family member or friend to apply on behalf of a student they feel deserves to be awarded a scholarship for this programme. After following the application link, applicants are prompted to fill out an application form which asks for a paragraph on what they believe makes them the student that should be awarded this Scholarship.




TUCSON, Ariz. - A federal judge on Wednesday said he would inspect a Tucson Border Patrol facility that migrants say is plagued by extreme overcrowding, freezing temperatures and unsafe conditions.

U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bury said he was going to inspect the main Tucson Sector facility after plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the conditions rested their case, leaving Wednesday afternoon open.

For years, migrants have complained about conditions at the holding facilities. The Tucson Sector comprises most of Arizona and includes eight stations where immigrants are held before theyre deported or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The lawsuit was filed in 2015. The next year, the judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring the Tucson Sector to provide clean mats and thin blankets to migrants held for longer than 12 hours and to allow them to clean themselves.

The agency also must turn over surveillance video and statistics such as time in custody.

The trial began Monday and affects only that sector, although similarly poor conditions have been reported at other Border Patrol facilities along the Southwest border.

The Border Patrol says the facilities are designed for short-term stays for adults.
Priscilla Shirer is recovering well after surgery, Beth Moore says

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Popular faith leader Beth Moore shared an update on Priscilla Shirer's recovery after she underwent surgery to remove a lobe of her left lung after doctors discovered a small nodule that contained some dangerous irregularities.

Im going to just give you the very basics because I want to leave every kind of detail to the family and respect [them] completely in this, Moore said on Instagram Tuesday while driving back to Houston from Dallas, Texas, where she joined others in praying for Shirer during her surgery.

She did very very well during the surgery. The surgeon said that it went absolutely according to plan. That her body is strong and they have every anticipation that shell heal up well, she continued.

Moore revealed that the War Room star will spend the next couple of days in the hospital and has more recovery time ahead.

Moore and Christine Caine marched around the Dallas hospital where Shirer was being operated on and prayed for her and the surgical team. Moore and Caine shared on Instagram that they were headed to the hospital at 6 a.m. Monday armed and dangerous with anointing oil and the Bible.

After the surgery, both Christian speakers had the chance to visit with Shirer.

We just had the sweetest few minutes with her. Shes just a rockstar to us, so dear and precious to us, Moore said.

She ended her surgery update by asking everyone to keep Shirer in their prayers.

Pray for a smooth and comfortable recovery and, Id add to that, a time of respite for this family we all love so much. Your prayers MATTER. Keep them up, Moore concluded.

Shirer, who recently lost her mother, Lois Evans, to a rare form of cancer, revealed on Facebook last week that doctors would be removing an entire lobe of her left lung.

The surgery was delayed but I cannot put it off any longer without jeopardizing my own health, the Christian speaker and actress said last week.

The day before surgery, Shirer shared a video on Instagram showing Moore at her house cleaning up for her after a family gathering.

When youve had a few really tough weeks and youre on the eve of a few more tough ones but then your people show up  cooking and cleaning and making a celebration out of thin air, Shirer gratefully shared.

Shirer decided to speak openly about the procedure after word began to spread on social media.

On Tuesday, the women in my home church surrounded me in prayer regarding an upcoming surgery that I have scheduled, she explained. Since then, news of this procedure began to spread on the inter webs by concerned individuals so I wanted to take a moment to address it personally.

This past summer, it was clear that something surgical needed to be done as the nodule had begun to grow and show signs of dangerous irregularities, she said.

Shirer has not shared an update on her condition.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : In a setback to Alka Lamba, who switched to the Congress and is eyeing the party ticket from Chandni Chowk, former MP J.P. Agarwal said that it is his seat and it is his right to contest from there.

Agarwal, speaking to the media, said, "I am a fourth generation Congress man and it's my right to contest." Agarwal has said that those who have come from other party can't claim the seat.

However, he said that he will abide by whatever interim party president Sonia Gandhi decides.

Agarwal was one of the leaders who met Sonia Gandhi on Monday and told her that if she wants he will contest the Delhi assembly polls.

Chandni Chowk has been a seat from where Congress has won five times with Prahlad Singh Sahni being elected from the seat. Now Sahni is a candidate from the Aam Aadmi Party and Lamba, the sitting MLA, has defected to the Congress.

Sources close to Lamba said that Sonia Gandhi has assured her a ticket as Agarwal has been contesting elections from trans Yamuna.

The Congress has asked all its senior leaders to contest the Delhi assembly elections.

However, sources say Ajay Maken is unlikely to contest and has reportedly gone abroad so he cannot be contacted and text messages to his phone were not answered. Maken is believed to have told the leadership that he has some family issues. Delhi Congress in charge P.C. Chacko also could not be contacted despite several attempts.

Meanwhile, Delhi Congress Chief Subhash Chopra claimed that those who have been denied tickets from the AAP are in touch with the Congress including Adarsh Shastri who has been replaced by another candidate.

The Congress' first list is expected on Thursday as the party's election committee has met and finalised candidates for half the seats but last minute hiccups are being ironed out, a party leader said.
FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads palm oil fruits from a lorry inside a palm oil factory in Salak Tinggi, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's palm oil imports in December fell 8.6% from a year ago as a rally in prices prompted refiners to shift to rival soyoil, a leading trade body said on Thursday.

Lower purchases by India, the world's biggest importer of edible oils, could weigh on Malaysian palm oil prices <FCPOc3 >, but support soyoil prices.

India imported 741,490 tonnes of palm oil in December, while soyoil imports nearly doubled from a year ago to 168,048 tonnes, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India said in a statement https://bit.ly/2FUWa6K.

The country's sunflower oil imports in the month fell 16.1% from a year ago to 197,842 tonnes, it said.

New Delhi's palm oil imports in January are likely to fall as the government last week placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil and has informally asked traders to stop importing all kinds of palm oil from Malaysia, said a Mumbai-based trader.

Palm oil accounts for nearly two-thirds of India's total edible oil imports. The country buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil annually, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia.

"Soyoil and sunflower oil imports could rise in coming months as refiners are reducing palm imports," the dealer said.

India mainly imports soyoil from Argentina and sunflower oil from Ukraine and Russia.

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Weaponization: Weintraub said that politics has moved online but the law has yet to catch up. A medium that many people hoped would be a great democratizing force has been shown to have a dark side, she added. The internet has been a source of disinformation and conspiracy theories and a venue for voter suppression. I worry that with microtargeting, false and misleading messages may be disseminated in a way that does not allow people with conflicting information to counter those messages, because they wont see them. And the vast data that the platforms collect about us will be weaponized in a way that allows those trying to influence how and whether we vote.

Weintraub said that politics has moved online but the law has yet to catch up. A medium that many people hoped would be a great democratizing force has been shown to have a dark side, she added. The internet has been a source of disinformation and conspiracy theories and a venue for voter suppression. I worry that with microtargeting, false and misleading messages may be disseminated in a way that does not allow people with conflicting information to counter those messages, because they wont see them. And the vast data that the platforms collect about us will be weaponized in a way that allows those trying to influence how and whether we vote. Bothsidesism : Vice Media writer (and CJR alumnus) David Uberti says one thing he finds a little amusing is the extent to which Facebook mimics mainstream media organizations in the way they respond to conservative criticism. The political right, Uberti says, has found ways to take advantage of Facebooks policies and norms in much the same way its found ways to take advantage of media outlets policies and norms. Call it bothesidesism at scale. That strategy suggests that conservative elements in the US  and possibly even within Facebook itself  have played on the companys fear of angering the right, and achieved the outcome they were hoping for when the platform declined to fact-check political ads.

: Vice Media writer (and CJR alumnus) David Uberti says one thing he finds a little amusing is the extent to which Facebook mimics mainstream media organizations in the way they respond to conservative criticism. The political right, Uberti says, has found ways to take advantage of Facebooks policies and norms in much the same way its found ways to take advantage of media outlets policies and norms. Call it bothesidesism at scale. That strategy suggests that conservative elements in the US  and possibly even within Facebook itself  have played on the companys fear of angering the right, and achieved the outcome they were hoping for when the platform declined to fact-check political ads. Not neutral : Rutgers Law professor Goodman says the US has an increasingly polluted civic information space, and the pollution is pumped out as paid advertising and as organic shares, and in hybrid forms when advertising is shared organically. Platforms like Facebook promote this pollution, she says, whether through their algorithm or the rewards they give to amplifiers. The platforms argue that theyre not responsible because they are neutral, Goodman says, but everything theyre doing screams were actually not neutral. So heres what I would say to Facebook: youve admitted youre not neutral about speech or reach; so what do you stand for?

: Rutgers Law professor Goodman says the US has an increasingly polluted civic information space, and the pollution is pumped out as paid advertising and as organic shares, and in hybrid forms when advertising is shared organically. Platforms like Facebook promote this pollution, she says, whether through their algorithm or the rewards they give to amplifiers. The platforms argue that theyre not responsible because they are neutral, Goodman says, but everything theyre doing screams were actually not neutral. So heres what I would say to Facebook: youve admitted youre not neutral about speech or reach; so what do you stand for? Disingenuous: Guardian reporter Julia Carrie Wong says Facebooks argument that it provides tools for users to assess the truth of ads is weak. It is simply impossible for any citizen to hear and assess the unfiltered messages that Facebook lets politicians pump out at a truly astonishing scale, she says. According to the companys ad library, Donald Trump has run more than 280,000 different Facebook ads since Facebook started collecting them in May 2018. Thats just one candidate, and only covers about half of his time in office, Wong says. So its deeply disingenuous for Facebook to suggest that even the most informed citizen should be able to sort through all this information and understand what various politicians are saying.

As the 2020 federal election draws closer, the issue of online political advertising is becoming more important, and the differences in how the platforms are approaching it more obvious. Twitter has chosen to ban political advertising , but questions remain about how it plans to define that term, and whether banning ads will do more harm than good. Meanwhile, Facebook has gone in the opposite direction, saying it will not even fact-check political ads. So whose strategy is the best, Twitters or Facebooks? To answer this and other questions, we convened a virtual panel of experts this week on CJRs Galley discussion platform , including Federal Election Commission member Ellen Weintraub, Alex Howard from the Digital Democracy Project, Ellen Goodman of the Rutgers Law School, and Dipayan Ghosh from Harvards Shorenstein Center (all of those interviews and more are available here ). Ghosh said he believes Twitter has taken the right approach. If companies cannot figure out how to shut down the threat of coordinated disinformation operations over their political advertising systems, I believe that they should temporarily and indefinitely shut down those systems, he said. That is why Jack Dorseys announcement should be praised: the company has said that it will put democracy over profits. Facebooks decision not to fact-check ads, he said, opens up a tremendous threat to the functioning of the political process in this country. Harvard Law student and Berkman Klein affiliate Evelyn Douek, however, said in her view neither company is 100 percent right. The best path is somewhere in the grey area in between, she said. Its not obvious that a ban improves the quality of democratic debate. Facebooks position, on the other hand, seems to rest on a notion of free expression that is nice in theory, but just doesnt match reality. Tatenda Musapatike, director of campaigns for a media-strategy firm called Acronym, said that her organization supports Facebooks decision not to ban political ads on the platform, because she says such a ban would put progressive organizations at a disadvantage in terms of raising awareness. When it comes to the companys position on fact-checking political ads, however, Musapatike  who used to work at Facebook on the political ad team  says she wholeheartedly disagrees with the policy. I think this argument is indicative of the dangerously optimistic, or even naive, attitude that I think is cause for so many of the platforms issues, she says. Alex Howard says the idea behind the Honest Ads Act, which he helped draft while he was at the Sunlight Foundation, was to compel disclosure and transparency, but none of the companies is really measuring up, although he said Googles policy and infrastructure around ads is the most mature and least problematic.Ellen Weintraub, a member and three-time chairperson of the Federal Election Commission, said the American people are entitled to have access to a variety of perspectives on the important issues of the day. But they are also entitled not to have their personal data used to manipulate them. Weintraub said she thinks Twitter went too far in banning political ads altogether, but Facebook has gone too far in the other direction by having a hands off attitude. As for the companys argument that it is merely doing what TV networks do with political advertising, Weintraub said: My television does not collect the kind of information about my likes, dislikes, and preferences that Facebook does. Goodman said that Mark Zuckerberg is simply wrong when he says that broadcasters take whatever political ads theyre given. They dont. Furthermore, they are subject to a raft of regulations, and they face community backlash (and possibly license problems) when they fail. Ultimately, Douek says , I dont think this issue is going to be solved by platitudes about free speech or categorical statements about the difficulty of defining truth. Im much more interested in empirically informed ideas somewhere in between. Those kinds of ideas, she says, could include reducing financial incentives to run polarizing ads, ensuring that we know who paid for an ad, and perhaps even spending caps and limitations on the extent and types of microtargeting that are allowed for political ads. Ghosh, meanwhile, says that limits on targeting arent enough, and that the big digital platforms should commit to not using their proprietary systems to channel ads to the communities that will react most strongly to them. Heres more on the platforms and political advertising:

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
The EUs trade boss has warned the UK that a full Brexit trade deal by the end of the year is just not possible.

Phil Hogan, Irelands EU commissioner, said he was certainly not going to be able to meet Boris Johnsons ambition of having a comprehensive agreement in place by 31 December.

He was echoing comments by chief negotiator Michel Barnier, who said publicly earlier this month that Mr Johnsons timetable did not give enough time for a deal.

Certainly by the end of the year we are not going to get everything thats in the 36-page document on the future relationship agreed because Prime Minister Johnson decided we are going to have everything concluded by the end of the year, Mr Hogan said at an event in Washington.

Its just not possible. Especially if we have to make a decision about the transition by 1 July.

The commissioner also warned the British government that a trade deal with the US wont be as easy as the United Kingdom thinks.

We need to wake up to this reality that gamesmanship and brinkmanship are not going to work on this occasion, he said, referring to the UKs longstanding strategy in Brexit talks.

If you want to do a deal together I wish you well, but Im hearing messages from the various players in this town that it wont be as easy as the UK and the US think; certainly it wont be as easy as the UK thinks for the UK to strike a deal that actually meets the objectives of the administration here.

Some UK cabinet ministers are reported to want simultaneous discussions with both Washington and Brussels on trade to play both sides off against each other. The UK has also long tried to divide the EU countries to get one-up in talks, so far without any success.

Mr Hogan, a longstanding critic of Brexiteers, added that the EU was certainly open to suggestions on how to manage the situation but that Mr Johnsons decision to set deadline was not the wisest thing.

Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Show all 8 1 /8 Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Conservative party leader Boris Johnson drives a JCB through a fake wall POOL/AFP via Getty Images Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes REUTERS Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty

The prime minister has ruled out extending the transition period beyond the end of the year and staked his political credibility on getting Brexit done  despite negotiating an option for extension in the withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels.

Mr Barnier has previously said both sides will have to prioritise negotiations during the short timescale to get a basic deal in place.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

Azerbaijan must continue to maintain its leading positions in the field of transport, communications and high technologies in the region, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said receiving Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, Trend reports.

As the quality of roads improves today, intercity routes are provided with new buses, the Azerbaijani president said. Of course, these buses must meet the highest safety standards. Since you have opened the night service, the quality and safety of these buses, as well as the training of drivers and their medical examination must be in the spotlight. Inspection should also be carried out in this area  what percentage of buses fully meets the standards? Private companies work in this area more. They also need to be supported so that they can raise their work in this direction at a higher level.

Another issue is related to cargo transportation, Ilham Aliyev noted.

The volume of goods transported from Azerbaijan abroad is growing and will continue to grow, the Azerbaijani president added. Our non-oil sector is growing. Last year, our non-oil exports grew by 14 percent. However, many of our goods are transported by foreign companies. This is due to the fact that the vehicles and trucks used in Azerbaijan for cargo transportation are poorly provided by local companies. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this issue.

First of all, you should analyze and report to me on what percentage of cargo transportation is carried out by Azerbaijani companies, said Ilham Aliyev. You should do the truck fleet review. What is their condition and is their quantity consistent with our increasing production? If the state can help private companies in the acquisition of new TIR trucks, then we are ready for this. This area can also be provided with low-interest loans. Since the transport sector of Azerbaijan is developing rapidly and international organizations acknowledge that, then all components in the transport sector must meet high standards. Of course, any country wants its cargo to be transported by local companies. Therefore, I am instructing you to analyze this issue and report to me.

In November last year, Kazakhstan hosted the ceremony of laying the foundation of a new communication line between this country and Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani president noted.

This is also a very important project, Ilham Aliyev added. Azerbaijan has made great strides in the field of communications and high technologies. The traditional Bakutel exhibition attracts huge attention. Bakutel has been held for over 20 years and is the main exhibition and conference of the region. The head of the International Telecommunication Union usually also attends this exhibition and conference. During meetings with me, the leaders of this organization always appreciate the work Azerbaijan is doing in this area.

Since Azerbaijan has already become one of the important transport centers of Eurasia, our country must certainly turn into a center in the field of laying communication lines, the Internet and fiberoptic communications, said the Azerbaijani president. Therefore, the foundation-laying ceremony held in Kazakhstan in November last year is of particular importance. I am sure that this line will soon be laid. Its length is 400 kilometers. At the same time, the number of Internet users is gradually increasing in Azerbaijan  it is already 80 percent. To provide high-quality Internet, additional funds must also be provided.

So a lot remains to be done in this area this year, Ilham Aliyev noted. However, it is gratifying that excellent results have already been achieved, and we will only go along the development path in the future. Azerbaijan must continue to maintain its leading positions in the field of transport, communications and high technologies in the region, and we must build up our potential.
In the 36 years before then-senator Barack Obama promised "Change We Can Believe In" during his 2008 presidential campaign, won the presidency, and made history by becoming America's first black president, shootings at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were infrequent and rare events. During that time, 13 shootings occurred at HBCUs, killing four students and injuring another 12 victims, 11 being students.

While change did occur during the Obama presidency, it wasn't hopeful change we can (or even should) believe in. Empirical data of shootings at HBCUs, available at www.schoolshootingdatabase.com, have uncovered that during the eight years of the Obama administration, shootings at HBCUs surged 430% (in roughly 28 less years) to 56 shootings, with gunfire killing 12 and injuring 66 more. Ten of the 12 victims (83%) killed during the Obama presidency were students, as were 39 (59%) of the injured.

The chart below shows that during President Obama's eight-year reign as commander-in-chief, gun deaths at HBCUs spiked 300%, and gun injuries went up by 550% from the previous 36 years.

Shootings at HBCUs Throughout the Years

Eras Time Span Number of Years Number of Shootings Number of Victims Killed Number of Victims Injured HBCU Shootings During Pre-Civil Rights Era 19181953 35 1 1 0 HBCU Protest Shootings During the Civil Rights Era 19541972 18 5 8 40 PostCivil Rights Era (36 years before Obama Administration) 19731981 9 1 0 1 19821990 9 1 1 0 19911999 9 2 0 5 20002008* 9 9 3 6 Obama Administration January 20, 2009 to Jan 19, 2017 8 56 12 66 Trump Administration January 20, 2017 to Present Day 3 12 4 8 Totals - 101 87 29 126

*During the Bush administration, eight shootings occurred, killing two and injuring six.

When comparing the Obama administration's record on gun violence at HBCUs to that of its predecessor, the Bush administration, the numbers surge to a 700% increase. During the eight years of the Bush administration, eight shootings occurred at HBCUs, killing two and injuring six. Only eight months into President Obama's first term in office, two students were shot and killed, and 19 others received gunshot injuries in eight shootings at HBCUs, eclipsing the eight shootings that happened during the entire two-term Bush presidency.

Even the racial tensions at HBCUs during the Civil Rights Era don't compare to the devastation brought to HBCUs by the Obama presidency. HBCUs endured five high-profile racially motivated shootings by law enforcement during Civil Rights protests with eight people getting shot and killed, 40 receiving gunshot wounds, and scores more getting roughed up and injured in the race riots. It's profoundly sad and ironic that the 56 shootings at HBCUs that occurred during the eight years of the Obama Administration are 11 times greater than the number of shootings that occurred at HBCUs in nearly 20 years of turbulent racial hatred of the Civil Rights Era.

Most of the shootings at HBCUs are incidents that arise from fights over petty grievances, involve gangs, or are crimes stemming from drugs or robberies. Rival gangs from Missouri City and Fresno, about 30 to 40 minutes away from Texas Southern University, were responsible for a drive-by shooting that occurred at TSU during a concert and community rally that "featured a voter registration drive, HIV testing and appearances by Houston rapper Trae the Truth" that injured eight people, ages 14 to 21, including one male TSU student.

With all the violence that HBCU students are constantly subjected to, students at the time, like 19-year-old freshman at TSU Daijsa Fowls, are left to ask, "How do you study and watch your back? Daijsa also said, "A bullet has no name. It can happen to anybody." Another TSU student fearing for her safety, Kendra Horn, also voiced her concerns, stating, "It's literally here in front of our faces. I can't feel safe walking all the way to class; how am I supposed to focus in class without thinking I'm going to get shot?"

To better understand the depth of the plague of shootings at HBCUs during Obama's tenure in the White House, the list below illustrates 34 shootings that occurred at 11 HBCUs while President Obama was in office. Sometimes the frequency of the shootings is a matter of years, months, weeks, or even days. It is also important to keep in mind that students also have to be concerned with shootings that happen just off campus and in the surrounding area, which occur even more frequently than on-campus shootings.

HBCUs With Multiple Shootings during Obama Administration

Langston University: 5 Shootings

August 16, 2009: 4 Injured

September 28, 2009: None Injured or Killed

October 14, 2010: 1 Injured

October 18, 2014: 1 Injured

October 15, 2015: None Injured or Killed

Lane College: 5 Shootings

September 16, 2011: 1 Injured

February 1, 2012: 1 Killed

September 17, 2013: None Injured or Killed

April 2, 2015: 1 Injured

December 18, 2015: None Injured or Killed

Texas Southern University: 4 Shootings

July 22, 2009: 8 Injured

August 26, 2015: 1 Killed, 1 Injured

October 6, 2015: 1 Injured

October 9, 2015: 1 Killed, 1 Injured

Elizabeth City State University: 4 Shootings

November 5, 2011: Assailant injured by law enforcement

April 11, 2013: None Injured or Killed

April 13, 2013: 1 Injured

October 8, 2014: None Injured or Killed

Savannah State University: 3 Shootings

September 21, 2013: 1 Killed

September 5, 2014: 1 Injured

August 27, 2015: 1 Killed

Tennessee State University: 3 Shootings

May 18, 2009: 1 Killed, 1 Injured

January 28, 2014: 1 Injured

October 22, 2015: 1 Killed, 3 Injured

Morgan State University: 2 Shootings

September 12, 2012: 1 Injured

November 3, 2012: 1 Injured

Bethune-Cookman University: 2 Shootings

February 23, 2015: 1 Injured

March 29, 2015: 1 Injured

Paine College: 2 Shootings

May 4, 2015: 1 Injured

May 5, 2015: 1 Injured

Delaware State University: 2 Shootings

February 13, 2009: 2 Injured

April 13, 2015: 3 Injured

Grambling State University: *2 Shootings

April 16, 2013: 3 Injured

*January 28, 2015

*alleged shooting  "The Gramblinite, the student newspaper of Grambling State University, tweeted that the university was on lockdown due to an allege(d) campus shooting."

Gun violence wasn't the only destructive force HBCUs suffered through under the navigation of President Obama. Devastating budget cuts and low enrollment also hindered the prosperity of HBCUs while President Obama was in office. Even though the Bush administration had designated $85 million for HBCUs, within months of becoming commander-in chief, President Obama decided not to renew the "$85 million pot of money earmarked for HBCUs by his Republican predecessor." Obama's failure to financially support HBCUs also led economist Julianne Malveaux, who was the president of Bennett College in North Carolina at the time to ask, "Why is it that a recalcitrant Bush would do more for HBCUs than an ostensibly sympathetic Obama would?"

From 2000 to 2008, HBCUs "received on average 3.5 percent of federal money going to institutions of higher education," but by 2013, even as the overall federal higher education budget grew, the HBCU share was down to 2.8 percent, according to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which lobbies for black colleges and supports students with scholarships." In February 2015, Hampton University president William Harvey attended a meeting of the White House's advisory board and "delivered some blunt criticism" of the Obama administration's poor treatment of HBCUs. Harvey, who is the advisory board chair, said, "We are not consulted when it comes to policy changes and decisions impacting  in a major way  the institutions on whose behalf we are to advocate. Overall support to black colleges is down."

After HBCUs were forsaken by the Obama administration for eight years, the former Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, pointed out the difference between the Obama and Trump administrations. After President Trump signed an executive order titled "The Presidential Executive Order on the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities" in just 45 days once he took office in 2017, Taylor explained that President Trump's actions were "something that, frankly, the black college community assumed would have been easily accomplished with the first African-American president, and after over eight years of repeated requests, to think that within 45 days of his presidency we were able to convene all of the [HBCU] presidents in the Oval Office [Monday] and [on Tuesday] a subset of us were able to come back and sign the executive order the same day that the [president] is preparing for first State of the Union address. [That] gives this tremendous importance. It's bittersweet, but at the end of the day, we focus on the sweet."

As 2019 comes to an end, President Trump also signed the FUTURE Act, which is a "bipartisan amendment to a bill that would permanently re-authorize millions of dollars in federal funding to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) for a decade."

How did the Obama administration honestly hope to effect real positive change for HBCUs without addressing the skyrocketing gun violence during its two terms in office and by slashing their already strapped budgets? After the Sandy Hook tragedy, President Obama could be seen wiping away a single tear in a press conference as he predictably pushed for the agenda of gun control. How come President Obama didn't hold a press conference or shed any tears for any of the HBCU victims and their families as an epidemic of shootings at HBCUs surged under his leadership? Were tears not appropriate for the 12 people killed and 66 others who received gunshot wounds under the neglect of President Obama's tenure?

Ironically, President Obama's idea of "Hope and Change" increased shootings at HBCUs by seven times and put black American students at risk of being killed threefold and 11 times more likely to be injured from gun violence under his leadership compared to the previous eight years of the Bush administration. What does President Obama leaving behind a legacy of neglect, less money, and more violence for HBCUs, a cornerstone of the black community, say about America's first black president? President Obama's tattered legacy of dereliction, financial neglect, and escalating violence for HBCUs has proved that the Trump administration is the real driving force for actual "Hope and Change" at HBCUs, as opposed to the never-ending line of empty and broken promises of the Obama administration.

Image: Ari Levinson via Wikimedia Commons.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump with quiet ceremony Thursday  senators standing at their desks to swear an oath of impartial justice as jurors, House prosecutors formally reciting the charges and Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.

The trial, only the third such undertaking in American history, is unfolding at the start of the election year, a time of deep political division in the nation. Four of the senators sitting in judgment on Trump are running for the Democratic Partys nomination to challenge him in the fall.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! intoned the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order just past noon.

Senators filled the chamber, an unusual sight in itself, sitting silently under strict rules that prohibit talking or cellphones, for a trial that will test not only Trumps presidency but also the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances.

The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer, and Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court to the Capitol. He has long insisted judges are not politicians and is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings. Senators rose quickly when he appeared in his plain black robe.

Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand, Roberts said.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators responded they would, and then they lined up to sign an oath book.

Trump faces two charges after the House voted to impeach him last month. One, that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump is also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

The president insists he did nothing wrong, and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House: Its totally partisan. Its a hoax.

Eventual acquittal is expected in the Republican-controlled Senate. However, new revelations are mounting about Trumps actions toward Ukraine.

The Government Accountability Office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

At the same time, an indicted associate of Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, has turned over to prosecutors new documents linking the president to the shadow foreign policy being run by Giuliani.

The developments applied fresh pressure to senators to call more witnesses for the trial, a main source of contention that is still to be resolved. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with subpoenas from Congress requesting witnesses or other information.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? asked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident, he said. The House of Representatives has accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the new information from Parnas demands an investigation, which she doesnt expect from Trumps attorney general. This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Before the swearing-in, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee formally read the articles of impeachment.

Seven lawmakers, led by Schiff and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

All eyes were on Schiff as he stood at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanours, he began, reading the nine pages.

The other House prosecutors stood in a row to his side.

Senators said later that when Roberts appeared the solemnity of the occasion took hold. Security was tight at the Capitol.

I thought this is a historic moment, and you could have heard a pin drop, said Republican John Cornyn of Texas. And so I think the gravity of what are undertaking I think was sinking in for all of us.

Republican House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took a far different view of the charges and proceedings.

He opened the chamber decrying Pelosis decision to hand out souvenir pens on Wednesday after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the Houses entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

GOP Sen. James Inhofe was absent, home in Oklahoma for a family medical issue, but plans to take the oath when he returns as the full trial begins next week, his office said.

The Senate will issue a formal summons to the White House to appear, with the presidents legal team expected to respond by Saturday. Opening arguments will begin on Tuesday.

The president suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that.

Instead, the presidents team expects a trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

It would take a super-majority of senators, 67 of the 100, to convict the president. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules, call witnesses or dismiss the charges.

A group of four Republican senators is working to ensure there will be votes on the possibility of witnesses, though its not at all certain a majority will prevail for new testimony.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee are among those involved.

I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful, Collins said in a statement. It is likely that I would support a motion to call witnesses.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

The House managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshmen  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando, and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on a congressional staff during President Richard Nixons impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clintons.

___

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
London, United Kingdom, Jan. 16, 2020hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last October. Award recipients are nominated from among the community to recognize exceptional contributors to the evolution and ongoing guardianship of SNOMED CT.

The Award for Excellence is given for outstanding contribution to the improvement of SNOMED CT and its successful implementation in health and social care. In 2019, this award was presented to Dr. Mark Jurkovich. Mark's commitment to SNOMED CT's Dentistry Clinical Reference Group and its Special Interest Group predecessor, has made it among the most productive and successful of its kind. First established as an element of an American Dental Association cooperation agreement signed in 2012, Mark was appointed Chair and has continued to play a leadership role since that time.

Mark's ability to bring together different parties with varied backgrounds, knowledge and views on the alignment between SNODENT and SNOMED CT has been critical to support the global requirements for the General Dentistry Diagnoses refset and the Odontogram refset. His diplomacy has ensured that all contributions are respected, leading to a consensus view supported by all stakeholders.

Mark continues to be a great ambassador for SNOMED CT, the SNOMED International organization and the Dentistry clinical reference group, as well as for vendors who are implementing Electronic Dental Records. His contributions in support of the profession of dentistry and the development of interoperability standards in the oral health setting are nothing short of extraordinary.

This past October, the organization was pleased to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to 2 recipients, Dr. Stewart Jessamine and Lies van Gennip, PhD.

Through the course of his professional lifetime, Stewart Jessamine dedicated over 25 years to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, progressing and successfully accomplishing many projects of which SNOMED CT implementation was a principal focus. He impressed upon everyone his vision for a future health system that ran on information, enabled by SNOMED CT. At the Ministry of Health, he worked in medicine regulation, chairing a ministerial committee for over 20 years, and eventually becoming the executive responsible for all public health. It was in founding the New Zealand medicines terminology that Stewart's association with SNOMED CT began.

Stewart was a driving force and contributor to the IHTSDO and now SNOMED International community. His passion for the global implementation and adoption of SNOMED CT was unparalleled, lending his time to progress the development and evolution of our vision and mission, having served as Chair of the General Assembly on two separate occasions.

Stewart was instrumental to the changing role of governance for IHTSDO, having not only impacted it from the leadership level, but also his support and guidance for changes in the organization. Awarded posthumously after Stewart's untimely passing in February 2019, his contributions and jovial attitude has left a lasting impression on all he worked alongside.

SNOMED International could not be more pleased to recognize the recent Chair of the General Assembly, Lies van Gennip also as a 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Lies has made a significant and sustained contribution to the community of practice and to the ongoing development of SNOMED CT. Throughout her career, Lies has focused on promoting initiatives improving population and patient health at the national level in the Netherlands.

With this experience, Lies has developed an appreciation for the important role of standards in improving quality and safety. As CEO of Nictiz, the national IT institute for health and care in the Netherlands, Lies navigated a challenging era and made it the leading organization in the nation's effort to improve health through better information, consistently describing the value of SNOMED CT in achieving unity of language and clear recording and exchange of data.

Lies has served SNOMED International by representing the Netherlands with General Assembly representation over many years, and has held the position of General Assembly Chair twice. Lies has been consistently open, fair, honest and extremely knowledgeable of both the intricacies and nuances of e-health, and also the sensitivities and individual needs of Members and their respective countries. A vocal and adamant proponent of SNOMED CT, Lies has supported its value and uptake not only in the Netherlands, but also through her writings in blogs, articles and in many speaking occasions internationally.

Establishing a number of initiatives both within the General Assembly and other groups across SNOMED International, Lies is a collaborative leader who never forgets that citizens and patients are at the center of what SNOMED International does, and what SNOMED CT can deliver. Lies' has an unwavering and lifelong passion to achieve better health outcomes for citizens achieved by data-driven clinical informatics and has demonstrated strong and undeniable support for SNOMED CT. This organization owes significant gratitude for all that Lies has done over the years for SNOMED International and its Members.

Please join SNOMED International as we recognize the dedication and achievements of our 2019 award recipients, Dr. Mark Jurkovich, Dr. Stewart Jessamine, and Lies van Gennip, PhD.

ABOUT SNOMED CT:

SNOMED CT is the most comprehensive and precise clinical health terminology product in the world, owned and distributed by SNOMED International. SNOMED CT has been developed collaboratively to ensure it meets the diverse needs and expectations of clinicians worldwide and is now accepted as a common global language for health terms.

ABOUT SNOMED International:

Owned and governed by its Member countries, SNOMED International (formerly IHTSDO) is a not-for-profit organisation charged with setting global standards for health terminology, a critical element of safe and effective healthcare. Our core product, SNOMED CT, is owned, administered and developed by SNOMED International and establishes vocabulary that enables the clear exchange of health information across all health systems, services and products in the world.

Learn more at www.snomed.org

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Fresh from firing experienced prosecutors for...prosecuting crimes, Hugo Chavez's fair-haired boy in San Francisco, newly elected district attorney Chesa Boudin, is going himself one better and launching a new program to allow criminals charged with felonies and misdemeanors off the hook if they go into "diversion" programs. His condition? Having a kid in the household.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle:

"I grew up visiting my parents behind bars," Boudin said in a statement announcing the policy. "I know the kind of trauma the sudden loss of a parent can have on a child and the kind of resources that are needed to make that child whole again. This is about taking responsibility, protecting the sanctity of the family, and ensuring innocent children are not condemned to repeat the mistakes of their parents."

Commit a crime with a kid in the room, get off scot-free. Commit the same crime without a kid, and off to the can you go. Amazing, that newfound respect for "sanctity of the family," as if the communist left believed in anything sacred beyond the party. Chesa's parents were sent to the can for driving a getaway car in a terrorist-linked robbery that resulted in the murder of black police officer Waverley Brown, another officer, and a security guard. Based on young Chesa's statement, these killers should have been sent to a diversion program instead of the big house because separating them from their kids after what they did would have been hard on the kids, and never mind how hard their crimes were on the dead cop's kids. Weather Underground terrorist ringleaders Bill "guilty as sin, free as a bird" Ayers and his sidekick, Bernardine Dohrn, ended up raising young Chesa in a wealthy radical Chicago enclave with his parents' "values," but apparently, it wasn't enough.

Now everyone gets off. Drug-dealers, porno-purveyors, perverts, and wife-beaters are going to have a field day, but only so long as they have a kid nearby when they do it. It can't be a kid who lives someplace else, according to the derivative law passed by the far-left fanatics in Sacramento, which makes this sort of thing an "option."

Want to sell meth? Get your baby mamma and the kid in the room, since you're all now "a family," or rather, a "working family," and the worst that can happen so long as Junior is around is "diversion." You can bet there are going to be a lot of kids exposed to crime now that crooks will recognize their useful human shield purpose, and they will now be handy additions from the baby mamma somewhere to the household.

And are these people going to verify that the kids are theirs? Will "stepchildren" do? Or maybe, as the illegals have learned, a little human-trafficking, with kids passed around from lawbreaker to lawbreaker to get around the law, will serve the same purpose. Message: If you're a crook, get yourself a kid in the vicinity.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the D.A.s on the inside are "terrified."

The California District Attorney's Association opposed the law, and sent a letter to Skinner last year highlighting its potential consequences. A misdemeanor charge of contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense, for example, requires an offender to register as a sex offender and future violations carry state prison terms. "Under SB 394, however, there may be no conviction and thus no registration requirement," Larry Morse, the association's Director of Legislation, wrote in the letter. The new policy was also met with concern from some in the district attorney's office. A source high up in office, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, is "terrified for current and future victims, particularly women and children in abusive homes."

According to prosecutors, the only "diversion" that's going to happen now is that new crimes will get diverted onto more people.

It should worry them because even crooks respond to incentives. This loophole from consequences for crime is roughly equivalent to feds' incentive for illegal aliens to use kids as human shields in order to avoid detention and get free pass into the country. Family separation, see. It's what triggered the border surges and caravans of the last few years  remember all those expensive strollers. For the left, "family values" has its political uses.

The substitution of "diversion programs" is pretty gamy, too.

The Chronicle reports:

The policy will suspend criminal proceeding for 6 to 24 months while a defendant goes through the program that may include parenting classes, anger management, job training, drug and alcohol treatment, and counseling.

The Chronicle reports that the law has supposed safeguards to say anyone accused of abusing the child in the household "won't qualify" for the diversion. But the presence of "parenting classes" and "anger management" in that menu suggests something different. Even the exclusion of child abusers is skeezy, given that it will take a Chesa-approved DA to make that accusation, and no accusation, no problem, diversion there, too. Maybe they get one free kids to abuse and the rest of the kids are permitted to have the parent with parenting lessons in the household. You can bet some child abusers are going to slip through on that one and some kid will end up dead from wife-beater daddy or drug dealer mommy and the news will be full of lamentation, or the whole thing will get ignored as politically inconvenient.

Here's the other thing: Instead of punishment for crimes, the premise of diversion is "education." Since Chesa will approve that education, one can only wonder what kind of education that's going to really be. Knowing his background and approved associates, it could very well be "re-education" rather than actual "training" or "counseling." One awaits the social justice warrior angle that will emerge from those programs. Chesa in effect is likely taking crooks accused of "non-violent" crimes (and few really are given their deleterious effects) and placing them in some kind of re-education in order to create an army of socialists, maybe even the goon squad kind with guns on motorcycles like he experienced in Venezuela, reportedly as a participant according to Venezuelans sources. "Colectivos," they were called.

What a convenient thng to be able to recruit all the city's crooks and have them at your rapt attention as you seek to share your Ayers-ian and Chavista Marxist "values," through re-education in the old Stalinist and Maoist style, the embrace of which will enable the crooks to stay out of jail, and the end product may be an army of Marxist loyalists.

Image credit: Oscar via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
LUMPKIN, Ga. - In a locked, guarded courtroom in a compound surrounded by razor wire, Immigration Judge Jerome Rothschild waits -- and stalls.

A Spanish interpreter is running late because of a flat tire. Rothschild tells the five immigrants before him that hell take a break before the proceedings even start. His hope: to delay just long enough so these immigrants wont have to sit by, uncomprehendingly, as their futures are decided.

We are, untypically, without an interpreter, Rothschild tells a lawyer who enters the courtroom at the Stewart Detention Center after driving down from Atlanta, about 140 miles away.

In its disorder, this is, in fact, a typical day in the chaotic, crowded and confusing U.S. immigration court system of which Rothschilds courtroom is just one small outpost.

Shrouded in secrecy, the immigration courts run by the U.S. Department of Justice have been dysfunctional for years and have only gotten worse. A surge in the arrival of asylum seekers and the Trump administrations crackdown on the Southwest border and illegal immigration have pushed more people into deportation proceedings, swelling the courts docket to 1 million cases.

It is just a cumbersome, huge system, and yet administration upon administration comes in here and tries to use the system for their own purposes, says Immigration Judge Amiena Khan in New York City, speaking in her role as vice-president of the National Association of Immigration Judges.

And in every instance, the system doesnt change on a dime, because you cant turn the Titanic around.

The Associated Press visited immigration courts in 11 different cities more than two dozen times during a 10-day period in late fall. In courts from Boston to San Diego, reporters observed scores of hearings that illustrated how crushing caseloads and shifting policies have landed the courts in unprecedented turmoil:

--Chasing efficiency, immigration judges double- and triple-book hearings that cant possibly be completed, leading to numerous cancellations. Immigrants get new court dates, but not for years.

--Young children are everywhere and sit on the floor or stand or cry in cramped courtrooms. Many immigrants dont know how to fill out forms, get records translated or present a case.

-- Frequent changes in the law and rules for how judges manage their dockets make it impossible to know what the future holds when immigrants finally have their day in court. Paper files are often misplaced, and interpreters are often missing.

In Georgia, the interpreter assigned to Rothschilds courtroom ends up making it to work, but the hearing sputters moments later when a lawyer for a Mexican man isnt available when Rothschild calls her to appear by phone. Rothschild is placed on hold, and a bouncy beat overlaid with synthesizers fills the room.

He moves on to other cases -- a Peruvian asylum seeker, a Cuban man seeking bond -- and punts the missing lawyers case to the afternoon session.

This time, shes there when he calls, and apologizes for not being available earlier, explaining through a hacking cough shes been sick.

But by now the interpreter has moved on to another courtroom, putting Rothschild in what he describes as the uneasy position of holding court for someone who cant understand whats going on.

I hate for a guy to leave a hearing having no idea what happened, he says, and asks the lawyer to relay the results of the proceedings to her client in Spanish.

After some discussion, the lawyer agrees to withdraw the mans bond petition and refile once she can show hes been here longer than the government believes, which could help his chances.

For now, the man returns to detention.

___

In a federal building in downtown Manhattan, the docket lists stretch to a second page outside the immigration courtrooms. Crowds of people wait in the hallways for their turn to see a judge, murmuring to each other and their lawyers, pressing up against the wall to let others through.

Security guards pass through and chastise them to stay to the side and keep walkways clear.

Immigration judges hear 30, or 50, or close to 90 cases a day. When they assign future court dates, immigrants are asked to come back in February or March -- of 2023.

The countrys biggest immigration caseload is in New York City, spread over three different buildings. One in 10 immigration court cases are conducted there, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

On average, cases on the countrys immigration docket have been churning through the courts for nearly two years. Many immigrants have been waiting much longer, especially those who arent held in detention facilities.

With so many cases, immigrants are often double- and triple-booked for hearings. That can turn immigration court into a high-stakes game of musical chairs, where being the odd man out has far-reaching consequences.

Rubelio Sagastume-Cardona has waited two years for a New York judge to consider whether he should get a green card.

The Guatemalan had a hearing date in May but got bumped by another case. On this day, he finds himself competing for his space on Judge Khans calendar with someone elses case -- a space Sagastume-Cardona only nabbed because his lawyer switched him with another client, who now must wait until 2023 for a hearing.

Its been more difficult to get my clients case heard than to litigate it, says his attorney, W. Paul Alvarez. Its kind of crazy.

The protracted delays are agonizing for many immigrants and their relatives, who grapple anxiously with the uncertainty of what will happen to their loved ones -- and when.

And it isnt confined to New York. In myriad courtrooms, similar scenes play out as immigrants and their lawyers jockey for space on too-cramped calendars.

Courts in San Francisco and Los Angeles each have more than 60,000 cases. And cases have been pending an average of more than two years in courts from Arlington, Virginia to Omaha, Nebraska, according to TRAC.

In Boston, Audencio Lopez applied for asylum seven years ago. The 39-year-old left a Guatemalan farming town to cross the border illegally as a teenager in 1997 and soon found a job at a landscaping company where he still works, maintaining the grounds at area schools. But it was just this past November that he headed to the imposing Boston courthouse to learn his fate.

He brings his wife and three children into the courtroom, including a baby girl who munches on Cheerios while sitting on her mothers lap until his case is called.

Lopez tells the judge about his devout Christianity and Bible studies, his kids education at a charter school and dreams of going to college, his fear of having to move his children to a dangerous place theyve never been.

Hes hoping to stay in the country under a provision for immigrants who have lived in the country more than a decade and have American children who would suffer if they were they gone.

After about an hour of questioning, Judge Lincoln Jalelian tells Lopez hell take the case under advisement. The government attorney says she wont oppose granting Lopez a visa due to his exemplary record and community service, which means hell likely be able to stay.

But even as he dreams of his familys future in America, Lopez admits the hope and joy are tempered by uncertainty because his wifes status is still unresolved. She applied separately for asylum five years ago and has yet to have her immigration court hearing.

Its a good first step, Lopez says a week later. He praises God, but we hope He can show us another miracle.

___

A toddlers gleeful screams fill the immigration courtroom in a Salt Lake City suburb as he plays with toy cars while his mother waits for her turn to go before the judge.

Ninety minutes later, the boy is restless, and the 32-year-old woman from Honduras is still waiting. She pulls out her phone, opens YouTube and plays childrens songs in Spanish to calm his cries.

There are many children in the immigration courts, though the courts are hardly a place for kids.

In Chicago, a plastic box of well-worn books in English and Spanish sits in the corner of the court waiting room. But the chairs dont move and there are no changing tables in the bathrooms, leading a mom to change her newborns diaper on a narrow counter between sinks.

Many children have immigration cases of their own. AP reporters saw appearances by children as young as 3. They sit on wooden benches with their parents, grandparents or foster families.

Teenagers scroll through smartphones; a toddler with a superheroes backpack swings his tiny, sneakered feet.

There are also American-born kids tagging along with immigrant parents the government seeks to deport.

The number of children in these courts has swelled since the Obama administration and continues to grow under Trump, with border arrests -- many of them children and families -- soaring in May to a 13-year high.

Now, nearly one in 10 cases in the immigration courts is a child who came to the country without parents, court data shows. Since September 2018, another 118,000 cases involving parents and children were placed in fast-tracked proceedings aimed at deciding cases in a year.

The administration aggressively tried to slow the arrival of young migrants by separating families -- a policy that was later reversed -- and tightening rules for relatives to get them out of detention. But thousands still arrive each month and end up in immigration courts -- sometimes, into adulthood.

Veronica Mejia left El Salvador as a young teen and has now lived a third of her life in the United States.

And it took her that long to get her day in a Los Angeles immigration court.

Now 20, Mejia raises her right hand and vows to tell the truth. She says she was barely a teen when a classmate who belonged to the MS-13 gang pressured her to be his girlfriend. After being assaulted and harassed by gang members, she moved to live with her adult sister in a new city and her family later decided to send her north.

Six years later, she has a job in a California warehouse, a boyfriend and an 8-month-old daughter with chubby cheeks and pierced ears waiting down the hall.

Immigration Judge Ashley Tabaddor in Los Angeles asks why she didnt stay with her sister. The government lawyer questions Mejias credibility.

The hearing ends, and Tabaddor takes a five-minute break. Mejia sits and waits in the courtroom, tears streaming down her face.

When Tabaddor returns, she says she believes Mejia. But she says she doesnt qualify for asylum under the law and issues an order for her to return to El Salvador.

Mejia walks down the hall with her lawyer. Her boyfriend hands her the baby.

Were going to appeal, she says, sitting down to nurse the wide-eyed infant. For her -- how am I going to leave her here?

___

A piece of toast with jam sits on the desk in Tabaddors office, half-eaten from the mornings breakfast though it is nearly lunchtime.

On her computer, there are eight colour-coded dashboards showing how close she is to meeting goals set by the Department of Justice for the countrys 440 immigration judges. Like many, shes nowhere near completing the annual case completion target, and her dashboard is a deep red.

So far, everyone has told us theyre failing the measure, says Tabaddor, speaking in her capacity as president of the immigration judges union.

While they wear black robes and preside over hearings, immigration judges are employees of the Department of Justice and dont have the same power or autonomy as criminal court judges.

The Trump administration has made that clear, issuing new quotas and rules for the judges and placing them under tight scrutiny in a push to move cases more quickly through the clogged courts.

The measures have pitted the judges against the agency in a full-on fight. The judges union has called for the courts to be made independent and free of government influence. In turn, the Department has asked federal labour authorities to put an end to the union.

All of this is frankly psychological warfare, Tabaddor says. Ive had so many people say, I have a mortgage; I have a child who needs braces. I dont want to fight.

In the immigration courts, the friction has taken its toll. Judges are overbooking calendars to try to meet quotas, while the Trump administration has limited their ability to manage dockets as they see fit, adding to the mounting backlog.

Officials also issued rulings making it tougher for immigrants fleeing gangs or domestic violence to win asylum, leading to more denials and potentially more appeals.

In a glass building overlooking the Potomac River from Fall Church, Virginia, officials at the Departments Executive Office of Immigration Review try to find ways to stay ahead of the ever-growing backlog.

Theyre adding interpreters in Spanish and Mandarin, judges and clerks. Theyve started special centres to handle video hearings for immigrants on the U.S.-Mexico border, while smaller cities like Boise, Idaho, that were once served by travelling judges are now video-only.

Theyre moving to an electronic system to try to put an end to the heaps of paper files hoisted in and out of courtrooms.

The entire effort is a quest for efficiency, though director James McHenry acknowledges were still getting outpaced by new cases.

The agency hopes tightening the system can make proceedings more efficient, while remaining fair to all. We are trying to break down the false dichotomy between fair and efficient, he says.

The attorneys for Immigration and Customs Enforcement tasked with upholding the countrys immigration laws also feel the crunch. Their numbers havent changed even as the docket has swelled, says Tracy Short, the agencys principal legal adviser.

Theyre in court four days a week with caseloads that have doubled from a decade ago, leaving minimal time to prep for hearings.

I feel like Im already stretching them to the breaking point, says Wen-Ting Cheng, who oversees the agencys 100 trial attorneys in New York.

___

The disorder stretches well beyond the bustling courts of the countrys cities. A lawyer takes a red eye from Los Angeles to Houston, then flies to Louisiana, rents a car and drives for an hour to reach a remote detention facility.

Michael Navas Gomez, a political activist from Nicaragua, is wearing a jail jumpsuit, and ready for his day in court after being detained five months. He and attorney Joshua Greer watch a video monitor for their hearing before an immigration judge who sits 1,000 miles away in Miami, Florida, along with the governments attorney.

But the stack of documents recounting how Navas Gomez was captured, beaten and burned by pro-government forces is missing. The judge searches for the files while Navas Gomezs lawyer scrambles to get them sent again so the judge can read them.

The system requires careful choreography among judges, lawyers and language interpreters. Immigration attorneys travel long distances to reach remote courts and follow clients shuffled to different detention facilities, while interpreters crisscross the country to provide translation to immigrants when and where they need it.

Theres so much chaos its hard to keep track. At times, an interpreter is missing, or stumbles over dialects or local slang. Video systems fail.

And there are papers everywhere -- except, sometimes, where they are supposed to be.

Adding to the problem is that many immigrants dont have lawyers, and theres no requirement for the government to provide any for them. So oftentimes, immigrants wind up arguing their cases on their own in an incredibly complex area of law.

At the facility in Lumpkin, Georgia, most attorneys offices are hours away from the town, which has more detainees than residents. Immigrants have no access to email or fax machines and the phones dont always work. When they do, immigrants must pay for expensive calls to relatives to ask for help finding records to back up their cases.

And thats also the case in other detention facilities like the Louisiana one where Navas Gomez has his hearing.

The 30-year-old is lucky to have a lawyer who gets a detention officer to scan and email his files in time. The judge steps out to read them, and his hearing goes ahead.

Navas Gomez tells the judge how his captors scalded him with boiling water, leaving a scar, and released him days later in a remote sugarcane field. The judge agrees to consider his case, and nearly a month later, he is granted asylum and leaves the detention centre a free man.

It was truly beautiful, thank God, he says weeks later, living in Los Angeles.

Not all are so fortunate. At the Stewart facility in Georgia, a Honduran man who wants to apply for asylum isnt sure hell be able to get the documents he will need to make his case. His mother fled to Costa Rica, and his daughter is here with him.

He asks the judge if theres way for him to let the court know if he decides before his next hearing that hed rather just be deported.

Judge Jeffrey Nance tells him he can request deportation by putting a note in a box by the facilitys cafeteria, and hell call the man back to court.

The man nods and returns to take his seat in the gallery, his cheeks damp with tears.

___

The stakes are high for those vying to remain in the country. Some want to stay under a provision that opens the door for those without legal papers who have American relatives.

Others, who arrived recently, are seeking asylum to protect them from violence or persecution.

Those hearings are especially daunting, and most asylum seekers dont win.

The rest are mostly slated for deportation and often have little chance of being able to stay legally in the United States -- at least for now.

Their fate often depends on the luck of the draw in a system with extreme disparities from judge to judge. There are judges who reject 99 per cent of asylum cases before them; others approve more than 90 per cent, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

The Trump administration last year started forcing some asylum seekers to wait in Mexico until the day of their hearings, and families often stay in ramshackle border cities for weeks with their children, with virtually no shot at finding a lawyer. Many of them appear in tent courtrooms on the border that are closed to the public and difficult for lawyers to access.

In El Paso, Texas, immigrants waiting in Mexico show up on the border before dawn and are loaded U.S. government vans and driven to a downtown federal building for their hearings. They appear in courtrooms so crowded the government has barred observers from attending, and immigration detention guards patrol the hallways and escort immigrants on trips to the bathroom.

Immigration Judge Lee OConnor, who hears these cases in San Diego, snaps at a Honduran mom whose infant bangs on audio devices in court and warns a Salvadoran woman shell be at a disadvantage without a lawyer.

I cant defend myself because I dont know anything about the law, she tells him, sobbing.

Miguel Borrayo, a 40-year-old mechanic who sits before an immigration judge in a courtroom outside Salt Lake City, tried to find a lawyer to help him argue he should be allowed to stay in the country with his American children, despite lacking legal papers.

But he was told it would cost up to $8,000, and he didnt have a strong case.

So he goes it alone.

Borrayo tells the judge he never had any trouble with the law since slipping across the border from Mexico in 1997 until he turned his car into a McDonalds parking lot on a family outing for ice cream and came close to a man who was passing by.

The man was an immigration agent. Shortly after pulling into the drive-thru, Borrayo was arrested.

But Immigration Judge Philip Truman spends little time on how Borrayo ended up in his courtroom. He asks about the immigrants two teenage children.

Borrayo tells Truman they are both healthy and good students. His 16-year-old daughter dreams of someday becoming a veterinarian. His 13-year-old son wants to become a mechanic, like his dad.

His wife, the teens mother, works part-time so she can care for them.

Ironically, this all dooms his case. Truman says it doesnt seem like his children would suffer tremendously if Borrayo returned to Mexico. Regrettably, he must deport him.

Hes given a month to leave the country  one last Christmas in his familys home surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

He shrugs off the loss and leaves the courtroom. But days later, he wonders what went wrong.

I just tried to tell the truth so that they would help me, he says.

___

The Associated Press immigration team sent journalists based around the country to courts from Nov. 12, 2019 to Nov. 22, 2019. Those contributing reporting to the project include:

Philip Marcelo, Boston, @philmarcelo; Sophia Tareen, @sophiatareen, and Noreen Nasir, @noreensnasir, Chicago; Cedar Attanasio, El Paso, Texas, @viaCedar; Nomaan Merchant, Houston, @NomaanMerchant; Amy Taxin, Los Angeles, @ataxin; Kate Brumback, Lumpkin, Ga., @katebrumback; Adriana Gomez Licon, Miami, @agomezlicon; Deepti Hajela, New York, @dhajela; Astrid Galvan, Phoenix, @astridgalvan; Brady McCombs, West Valley City, Utah, @BradyMcCombs; Elliot Spagat, San Diego, @elliotspagat, and Colleen Long, Falls Church, Virginia, and @ctlong1.
IDBI Bank on Thursday said Suresh Khatanhar has taken the charge as bank's deputy managing director (DMD) for a period of three years.

Prior to his role as DMD, he was associated with IDBI Bank as an executive director heading mid-corporate group and trade finance, the LIC-controlled bank said in a statement.

LIC owns 51 per cent stake in the Mumbai-based bank.

Khatanhar has been with IDBI Bank for 22 years during which he was responsible for managing varied aspects of commercial banking, the statement said.

Prior to joining IDBI Bank in 1997, he was associated with Dena Bank, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mukesh Singh had approached a Delhi court seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President of India. (Photo Credit: File Photo)

New Delhi:

The mercy plea of Mukesh Kumar Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, was rejected by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday. The development comes a day after the Arvind Kejriwal government sent a recommendation of rejection of the mercy plea to the LG. Acting on that, Baijal rejected the mercy plea, News Nation has learnt that Baijals recommendation has already been sent to the Union Home Ministry. Sources in the government say that the Amit Shah-led ministry will send the recommendation on mercy plea to President Ram Nath Kovind today itself.

What Delhi High Court had said

Mukesh Singh had approached a Delhi court seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President of India. The court will hear the matter at 2 pm on Thursday. The Delhi High Court Wednesday declined to entertain Singhs plea against the death warrant issued by a trial court and gave him the liberty to challenge it in sessions court.

The plea was mentioned before Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora who has issued notice to the state and parents of the Nirbhaya for Thursday. The court asked the counsel for Mukesh to supply an advance copy of the plea to the prosecutor. Mukesh's counsel moved the trial court immediately after the Delhi High Court declined to entertain his plea to set aside the January 7 order issuing his death warrant and asked them to approach the lower court.

"There is nothing wrong with the trial court's order," the High Court said.

No relief from Supreme Court

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court dismissed the curative petitions filed by two Nirbhaya convicts. Two convicts  Mukesh Singh and Vinay Kumar Sharma  had filed the curative pleas after a Delhi court issued death warrants against them. A curative petition is the last legal remedy available to a convict apart from mercy plea. A five-judge bench of Justices NV Ramana, Arun Mishra, RF Nariman, R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan was hearing the curative pleas.

Nightmare of December 16

The 23-year-old paramedic student was gang raped and brutally assaulted on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a moving bus in south Delhi by six persons before being thrown out on the road. She died on December 29, 2012 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:00:28|Editor: ZD

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the Annual Evaluation Meeting for 2019 in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 16, 2020. Turkey is sending troops to Libya to support the UN-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ANKARA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is sending troops to Libya to support the UN-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.

"We are sending our troops to Libya to ensure the survival and stability of the legitimate government in this country," Erdogan said at the Annual Evaluation Meeting for 2019 at Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara.

"We will continue to mobilize all our means and political, commercial, humane, diplomatic and military facilities to ensure Turkey's security," he added.

During the speech, Erdogan also said that his country will start exploration and drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean in the fields that were covered in a deal signed with the GNA.

"We start exploration and drilling activities. First, Oruc Reis seismic research vessel will conduct seismic studies in the region," he said.

Turkey signed two memorandums of understanding last November, a military pact and a maritime deal with Libyan GNA's Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

On Jan. 8, Erdogan announced that Turkey has deployed 35 soldiers to Libya to support the GNA in a non-fighting capacity against the Libyan National Army (LNA), the rival of GNA.

Since the uprising killed former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, the country has been divided between two powers of GNA and the eastern-based LNA, led by Khalifa Haftar, who has launched a military campaign since last April aimed at taking over the capital Tripoli where GNA is based.
Scooping waste from a Malaysian river to stop it reaching the sea, a solar-powered barge named the "Interceptor" is the latest weapon in a global battle to rid the world's waters of plastic. Trash is being dumped into seas and rivers in enormous quantities, polluting vital habitats, endangering a kaleidoscope of marine life and sullying once pristine tourist spots. Some eight million tons of plastics enter the world's oceans every year, from straws tossed into gutters to mismanaged waste from rapidly growing economies, according to US-based group Ocean Conservancy. But as governments and environmental protection groups struggle in the face of the growing tide, a Dutch non-profit group -- The Ocean Cleanup -- has come up with a novel solution in the form of the Interceptor. The 24-metre-long (78 feet) vessel resembles a large houseboat and uses a curved barrier to catch waste floating downstream. The trash, much of it plastic, is directed to the "mouth" of the barge -- which operates autonomously and silently -- from where it rolls up a conveyor belt and is dropped into dumpsters. The barge can collect up to 50 tons of waste a day. In October an Interceptor was stationed on the Klang river, a heavily polluted, major Malaysian waterway which flows through the capital Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas. Ocean Cleanup is working with local government company Landasan Lumayan, which started cleaning the river in 2016, and says efforts are bearing fruit. "The Klang river was like a floating landfill," said Syaiful Azmen Nordin, managing director of the Malaysian firm. "Boats could not pass through, and there was a lot of plastic. Now you can see the river is generally free from floating debris." - Tyres and teddies - Ocean Cleanup hopes their project will have a major impact in fighting the waste crisis globally, as rivers are one of the greatest sources of plastic flowing into the seas. Some 80 percent of plastic waste that ends up in the sea floats down just 1,000 rivers worldwide, according to the group, which hopes to one day station trash-collecting barges in all these waterways. The Klang river alone sends more than 15,000 tons annually into the sea, a map on their website shows, making it one of the 50 most-polluting rivers across the globe. "We know the goal of 1,000 rivers is ambitious, but it is a necessary one," said group spokesman Joost Dubois, adding they aimed to have dealt with the problem within five years. But the group has some way to go to turn the tide -- they have so far built four Interceptor boats at a cost of 700,000 euros ($775,000) each, although they expect the price will come down as more are produced. As well as the barge in Malaysia, one has been stationed in Jakarta, the overcrowded capital of neighbouring Indonesia, while two others will be sent to Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. Thailand has signed up to put one near Bangkok and an agreement is being negotiated to station a vessel in Los Angeles. The barge on the 120-kilometre (75-mile) Klang river complements seven existing log barriers placed along the waterway to catch trash. Rubbish taken out of the river is currently sent to a landfill, although efforts have begun to retrieve recyclables. Some 50,000 tons of garbage have been hauled from the water since clean-up work started four years ago, according to Syaiful. "We have (collected) tyres, teddy bears, even dead animals... but generally it is plastic," he said. While the barges may help, they will only succeed if people do their part and act responsibly by refraining from thoughtlessly tossing plastic away, Syaiful added. "Some people don't see the impact of throwing rubbish. They throw the plastic on the streets and eventually the plastic will flow into the river," he said. "If we change our behaviour, we can help our rivers (become) clean."
The Taliban have offered a brief ceasefire to the US, two insurgent sources said Thursday, a move which could allow for the resumption of talks seeking a deal for Washington to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Washington has for weeks been calling on the militants to reduce violence, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave the country in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight. "It is an offer for a ceasefire either for seven or 10 days," a senior Taliban official who requested anonymity told AFP, adding that the offer was made to US negotiators in Doha. "It has been finalised and given to the Americans. It is going to pave the way for an agreement." A second insurgent source, based in Pakistan, confirmed that the offer had been handed to the US. The Taliban have yet to release an official statement, and Washington has not said whether it has received any offer from the insurgents or what its response will be. The Taliban and the US had been negotiating the deal for a year, and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar, but were paused again following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan, which is run by the US. On Saturday, two Americans were killed in a Taliban-claimed bomb blast targeting a US forces vehicle in southern Kandahar. The insurgents' offer, if accepted by the Americans, could see the negotiations begin again. Graeme Smith, a senior consultant with International Crisis Group, called the reports of a temporary ceasefire a "positive signal", saying a recent reduction of attacks in urban centres has added weight to the process. "The Taliban have been sending an even bigger message with their actions in recent months. Two months have passed with no major Taliban attacks in any urban zone. That pause in attacks on cities is unprecedented over the last dozen years," said Smith. - 'Positive progress' - The Taliban have only observed one ceasefire in their nearly two decade fight with the US, when the insurgents agreed to a brief three-day truce in June 2018 to mark Eid, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It saw Taliban fighters celebrating with ordinary Afghans in the streets, sharing ice creams and posing for selfies, raising hopes of a post-conflict Afghanistan. Many analysts argued that the ceasefire proved the Taliban had widespread control over their rank and file fighters -- although it was only with Afghan forces, not the US. The claim from the insurgent sources came hours after Pakistan's foreign minister said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence. "Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement. He gave no further details. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- an American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. A deal would then hopefully pave the way for intra-Afghan talks. Many observers agree that the war can no longer be won militarily, and that the only route to a lasting peace in Afghanistan is for an agreement between the Taliban and the US-backed government in Kabul. The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans. emh-sjd-str-ds/st/ecl
Chief Justice Anin-Yeboah

16.01.2020 LISTEN

There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice. Baron de Montesquieu (French Philosopher) 1689-1755

DESTINY HAS PLACED KWASI ANINYEBOAH as this country's Chief Justice (CJ), becoming the 14th Chief Justice; and he was so crowned on Constitution Day, January 7, 2020, a public holiday for the commemoration of the virtues of constitutionalism. But AninYeboah did not attain this position on a silver platter. Ralph Waldo had noted: The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. AninYeboah had struggled through life at Toase (Ashanti), Nkroma, Amaniampong Secondary School, Mampong, Apam Secondary School, the University of Ghana, the Ghana School of Law, to be where he is now. He has over thirty-nine years of legal practice, having been called to the bar in 1981.

It is pleasant to note that the creamy 'creme de la creme' were present: former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kuffour. Also present were Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and the two former Chief Justices: Justice Georgina Wood and Justice Sophia Akuffo. Of course, members of the Council of State, ministers and parliamentarians, the diplomatic corps, security capos, as well as the bench and bar, family and friends were all at the ceremony.

In mid-December, last year, Sophia Akuffo was due to say goodbye to the bench, and in order to avoid vacuum, the President, Nana Akufo Addo submitted Anin-Yeboah's name to the respectable Council of State for advice, in line with the constitutional provisions.

In the 'Court of Public Opinion,' allegations were rife, one of which showed the puerile thinking of some persons with diabolical mindset was that AninYeboah's son had failed the entrance examination to the Ghana School of Law, and for that reason, he had left for the Gambia to do more law. A notable person, a man imbued with sagacity, noted: This should go to his credit; as a law lecturer, he himself did not lobby for his son's admission to the Ghana School of Law.

The Appointments Committee of Parliament subjected the new CJ to a rigorous, comprehensive vetting. The 'proclivity' to elicit the best out of the candidate showed in the way Honourable Mubarak Muntaka made references to case upon case and bombarded the candidate with questions. Of course, the CJ should not have expected to be treated with kid gloves.

The new CJ has a heavy task of ensuring that democracy works, and he should bear in mind that power ought to serve as a check to power. In the 'Spirit of Laws', Baron de Montesquieu (born as Charles Louis de Secondat) described the distribution of political power as: legislature, executive, judiciary (the 'trias politica' model), and extolled the society that ensured this 'Separation of Powers'. John Calvin was also in favour of democracy, and he noted, It is an invaluable gift if God allows a people to elect its own government and magistrates.

The 'Rule of Law' is a bastion of democracy. Aristotle had written: It is more proper that law should govern than any one of the citizens. Upon the same principle, if it is advantageous to place the supreme power in some particular persons, they should be appointed to be only guardians, and the servants of the law. It implies that a person will only be subject to the law, and the people, including law makers, law enforcement officials and judges should ensure this. Dicey, the British jurist, diving into the history of the legal concept of the rule of law in ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, India and Rome, argued that no man is punishable or can be lawfully made to suffer in body or goods except for distinct breach of the law. All these concepts had been embodied in the Magna Carta Liberatatum of 1215 (the Great Charter of the Liberties) prescribed under King John of England.

And our President was right when he remarked at the swearing-in ceremony, The Judiciary has the onerous responsibility of being the bulwark of the defence of the liberties and rights of our people, and it can only carry out that task well if it has unalloyed respect. The President was, again, spot-on when he criticized judges who gave rulings (and judgments) without citing any authority, or gave orders without reason.

The new Chief Justice, one hopes, will take good note of all that his predecessors had done while in office and be guided by their firmness and their frailties. He may remember Justice Abban's 'Page 28' debacle with the 'Free Press' columnist, Mensah Bonsu, in the case NPP v Attorney General (reported in [1993-1994] 2 GLR35, SC). The Free Press had captioned an article Judicial Chicanery accusing the bench of being used for politics of undisguised partisan nature and as, having done violence to the truth. Even though Mensah Bonsu suffered a month in jail and Eben Quarcoo a day, the image of the Chief Justice did not remain the same.

Justice AninYeboah may also be guided by the Aremeyaw Anas's: Ghana in the Eyes of God of September, 2015, that allegedly exposed corruption within the judiciary. Under this so-called 'investigative journalism', court clerks, bailiffs and other court workers were entrapped to connive with respectable judges to influence court cases. As many as 34 judges and magistrates were allegedly caught on hidden cameras receiving inducements of money, goats and food stuff. All these happened at the time Justice Georgina Wood was CJ. Does one need to remind the new CJ to be circumspect in reviewing these cases  in his own domiciliary? Don't tell us we do not see 'entrapment' when there is one.

The new Chief Justice may not engage in mass production of lawyers, just like his predecessors, but may be enjoined not to hurt the feelings of the struggling students when their case comes before him. He may, please, not add insult to injury by making disparaging utterances, because he had passed through the legal system of Ghana before. He may be passionate about those proposing reforms in the legal education of Ghana because the intention may not be to 'ruin' it, but to 'improve' upon it.

We know the love the new CJ has for his town, Toase. He should continue to demonstrate the same love to the town. We expect the townsfolk to reciprocate this gesture.

We wish the new CJ, Akwasi AninYeboah a successful tenure. Some of us who know him personally can vouch for his positive principles (uprightness, rectitude, incorruptibility, honesty and integrity), and we trust that he will deliver to the satisfaction of all Ghanaians.

For all those who also had an eye on the position, we say well done for your lofty services. This is not the end of the road. Better luck next time. The Chief Justice, from the hall he was resident in, may remember the priest and poet, John Donne, on 'The Hill of Truth': On a huge hill Cragged and steep. Truth stands and hee that will. Reach her about must, and about must goe.

[email protected],com

By Africanus Owusu  Ansah
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took another swipe at Facebook on Thursday over the social media giants reluctance to police disinformation, calling its executives accomplices for misleading the American people.

Pelosi has been angry at the Menlo Park company since it refused last year to take down a video of her that had been edited to make her appear to be slurring her speech. Asked at a news conference Thursday if Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have too much power, the San Francisco Democrat said the firm cared only about making money without regard for the truthfulness of information.

Pelosi said Facebook has made it clear that they intend to be accomplices for misleading the American people, with money from God knows where.

She added, They didnt even check on the money from Russia in the last election. They never even thought they should. ... I think their behavior is shameful.

Pelosi also said Facebook has schmoozed the Trump administration because all the company wants is tax cuts and to avoid antitrust litigation against it.

Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.

Last week, Facebook announced that it will unveil a tool this summer to let users decide if they want to see fewer political ads. But the company has come under fire for refusing to monitor campaign ads for truthfulness.

While Twitter has chosen to block political ads and Google has chosen to limit the targeting of political ads, we are choosing to expand transparency and give more controls to people when it comes to political ads, Rob Leathern, Facebooks director of product management, wrote in a blog post.

When Facebook refused to take down the Pelosi video last spring, the House speaker said the companys attitude was, I know this is false and its a lie, but were running it anyway.

I can take it, Pelosi said. But (Facebook is) lying to the public.

Last week, Monika Bickert, Facebooks vice president of global policy management, told House lawmakers that Facebooks new policy to combat manipulated media would not lead it to remove the doctored Pelosi video. However, Facebook should have labeled it more quickly at the time as false, she said.

It was labeled false, Bickert testified. But we think we could have gotten that to fact-checkers faster, and we think the label that we put on it could have been more clear.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
A federal judge on Wednesday halted President Donald Trump's executive order that gave state and local officials the ability to shut the door on refugees, and ignited a fierce debate in communities about how welcoming the United States should be

Silver Spring: A federal judge on Wednesday halted President Donald Trump's executive order that gave state and local officials the ability to shut the door on refugees, and ignited a fierce debate in communities about how welcoming the United States should be.

US District Judge Peter Messitte in Maryland said in his ruling that the president's order flies in the face of clear Congressional intent" of the 1980 Refugee Act by allowing state and local governments to block the resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions.

In issuing a preliminary injunction, Messitte said the process should continue as it has for nearly 40 years, with refugee resettlement agencies deciding where a person would best thrive.

Church World Service, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and HIAS  a Jewish nonprofit  filed the lawsuit in Greenbelt, Maryland, on 21 November. They said they already work closely with state and local officials before resettling refugees in an area.

They called the order an attempt at a state-by-state ban on refugees. Messitte agreed. It grants them veto power. Period, the judge wrote.

The Trump order, which was issued in September and had been set to go into effect in June, required agencies to get written consent from state and local officials before resettling refugees in their jurisdictions. Trump said he acted to respect communities that believe they do not have the jobs or other resources to be able to take in refugees.

The White House said in a statement that the ruling was preposterous"and that Congress under the Refugee Act afforded the president authority over the refugee resettlement process. Another lawless district court has asserted its own preferred immigration policy in place of the laws of the United States  and, in so doing, robbed millions of American citizens of their voice and their say in a vital issue directly affecting their communities, the statement said.

The order was the latest attempt by the Trump administration to thrust states and cities into immigration policy. It caused heated debates and raucous meetings in several towns from North Dakota to Tennessee, and put Republican governors in an uncomfortable position between immigration hardliners who want to shut the door and some Christian evangelicals who believe helping refugees is a moral obligation. Others say refugees are vital to fill jobs and keep rural communities afloat.

Trump has brought the order up on the campaign trail. At a Minneapolis rally in October, he said Washington leaders had sent large numbers of refugees to your state from Somalia without considering the impact on schools and communities and taxpayers.

The ruling comes less than a week after Texas became the first state to say it did not want more refugees.

Gov. Greg Abbott said in a letter released 10 January that Texas, which took in more refugees than any other state during the 2018 fiscal year, has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system. Abbott's office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on Wednesdays ruling.

Refugees have the right to move anywhere in the US after their initial resettlement, but at their own expense.

The head of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Krish OMara Vignarajah, said Trump's order was already causing irreparable harm to refugee families." Agencies were forced to dedicate time and resources to getting written consents instead of focusing on efforts to help refugees integrate with language classes and job training.

Agencies have gotten consents from 42 states.

Mark Hetfield, the head of HIAS, estimated about 1,800 refugees this year will be resettled in Texas, where most have family members already, unless the Trump administration appeals the ruling and wins. Mayors from the state's major cities have welcomed them.

Ali Al Sudani, chief programs officer for Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, said many refugees were anxious after Abbotts announcement. One Iraqi man contacted Al Sudani to say that he was in the process of being approved to go to Texas and asked whether he should request another state instead.

Al Sudani called Wednesday's ruling great news". But we dont want this to polarize different communities even further, he said. I hope and wish that everyone would come and see the fact that this is the right thing to do.

The Trump administration has capped the number of refugee admissions at 18,000 for the current fiscal year. About 30,000 refugees were resettled in the US during the past fiscal year; between 150,000 and 200,000 remain in the pipeline for possible U.S. resettlement while they live abroad, according to plaintiffs' attorney Linda Evarts, of the International Refugee Assistance Project.
A woman missing for six days in California has been found alive in her car, which was buried in snow.

Paula Beth James, who has dementia, was rescued after a search helicopter spotted her SUV in mountains in the north of the state.

The chopper landed and two officers hiked to the vehicle, which was about 150 yards from the road. They found the 68-year-old in the car, police said in a statement.

Its wonderful news and this is the outcome that we had all been hoping for, said Megan McMann, a spokeswoman for the Butte County sheriffs office. Especially with a storm coming in.

According to local weather services, temperatures in the area reached freezing earlier this week, with a winter storm expected to further blanket the region.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Ms James went missing on 9 January, but authorities said it was unclear how long she had been stuck in her car.

She was visibly cold when she was transported on Wednesday to paramedics, but officials later said she was in a stable condition.

"It just felt like we were doomed," her stepdaughter, Laura Powell, told radio station KTXL. "So it was just literally a miracle that those guys found her in just the nick of time."

"I just am so thankful for the relief that everyone is going to have tonight knowing that she's safe and warm and fed and we'll get to bring her home soon.
The Great British Bake Off stars today told of their sadness as Sandi Toksvig announced she is leaving the Channel 4 programme after three years as a presenter.

The 61-year-old, who hosts the baking programme alongside Noel Fielding, said today that she wants to leave the Bake Off tent to focus on other work projects.

Her co-stars lamented her departure, with Noel Fielding saying he 'feels like Tom without Jerry', Paul Hollywood telling how she 'will always be part of the Bake Off family' and Prue Leith insisting they would be 'lifelong friends way beyond the tent'.

Copenhagen-born Toksvig will appear in the forthcoming charity series of Bake Off, The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off, before departing the show for good.

The presenter, also known for hosting quiz shows QI and Fifteen To One, will host a new Channel 4 series called The Write Offs, which looks at the issue of adult literacy.

Toksvig is thought to have received 200,000 per series for Bake Off, and claimed in January 2018 that she was the highest paid star on the programme.

Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding star on Channel 4 programme The Great British Bake Off

Toksvig (rear left) with fellow Bake Off stars Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Prue Leith

Co-star Noel Fielding said: 'I feel like Tom without Jerry ! Mick without a Keef :( gonna miss yooooooooooooooooo and the wonderful times we got to play together in the tent ! Double acts are rare and magical beast and working with you was a pleasure x x x all my love Mr Noel x'

Toksvig said: 'When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.

'Unusually, I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.

Sandi Toksvig with her wife Debbie at The Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party in London on June 4, 2019

'Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life. These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.

'Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can happily withstand a change of hosting personnel.

'The reason for that, of course, is that the true stars of the show are the bakers themselves. I wish everyone well.'

Toksvig has fronted the programme alongside Fielding and judges Hollywood and Leith since 2017 after it moved to Channel 4 from BBC One.

Toksvig, Fielding and Leith joined the show when previous presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, and judge Mary Berry, quit following the channel move.

Hollywood is the only original star of Bake Off, which started on BBC Two in 2010.

Toksvig said in a statement that 'spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life'

Bake Off judge Prue Leith tweeted: 'I have absolutely loved working with Sandi, she's been a brilliant host and enormous fun and I am in awe of how hard she works juggling so many different projects. We shall be lifelong friends' way beyond the tent. #GBBO #sanditoksvig'

Paul Hollywood paid tribute to Toksvig in an Instagram post, with a picture of the four stars

Fielding tweeted today: 'I feel like Tom without Jerry ! Mick without a Keef :( gonna miss yooooooooooooooooo and the wonderful times we got to play together in the tent!

Who is the favourite to replace Sandi Toksvig? Nadiya Hussain wins Bake Off in 2015 Nadiya Hussain 2-1

2-1 Susan Calman 3-1

3-1 Davina McCall 4-1

4-1 Rachel Riley 6-1

6-1 Jo Brand 6-1

6-1 Noel Edmonds 8-1

8-1 Rylan Clarke-Neal 10-1

10-1 Clare Balding 12-1 Advertisement

'Double acts are rare and magical beast and working with you was a pleasure x x x all my love Mr Noel x'

Leith tweeted: 'I have absolutely loved working with Sandi, she's been a brilliant host and enormous fun and I am in awe of how hard she works juggling so many different projects.

'We shall be lifelong friends way beyond the tent. #GBBO #sanditoksvig.'

Hollywood also paid tribute to Toksvig. He said: 'It's been great fun working with Sandi. We will miss her but I hope that she will get time to visit us in the tent when we film later this year. She will always be part of the Bake Off family.'

Bookmaker Coral said 2015 Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain is the 2-1 favourite to replace Toksvig, followed by Scottish comedian Susan Calman at 3-1.

Also said to be in the running are Davina McCall at 4-1, Rachel Riley and Jo Brand both at 6-1, Noel Edmonds at 8-1, Rylan Clarke-Neal at 10-1 and Clare Balding 12-1.

Channel 4 reportedly paid 75million to take Bake Off from the BBC in 2017.

Sandi Toksvig: How the Copenhagen-born archaeology student became one of the most loved TV personalities in the UK Toksvig in London at an event on Monday Sandi Toksvig was born in Copenhagen in 1958 and spent much of her childhood in New York where her father Claus worked as a foreign correspondent for Danish television. She gained first-class honours in law, archaeology and anthropology at Girton College, Cambridge, where she took part in the Footlights revue with Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson. She has written novels and books for children and has previously hosted a range of corporate events, where she showcases her comedic skills. She had three children with her ex-partner Peta Stewart, who carried the babies using sperm from a donor, before they split in 1997. She was then with fellow broadcaster Alice Arnold, who is now married to her fellow TV presenter Clare Balding, before starting a relationship with psychotherapist Debbie. They joined in a civil partnership in 2007 before marrying in December 2014, and live together on a houseboat in Wandsworth, South London. Before taking on the role on Bake Off, Sandi was probably best known for replacing Stephen Fry as the host of the comedy quiz show QI. However, she had already been a contestant on the show and appearing on Call My Bluff, Mock The Week and Whose Line Is It Anyway?. She also spent nine years at the helm of The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4, before handing the reins over to comedian Miles Jupp in 2015. In 2018, Toksvig revealed she was paid less than half of Fry's fee for hosting QI  despite asking for equal pay when she took over the job. Fry was estimated to earn about 245,000. Toksvig, who was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 2014, has written more than 20 books for children and adults, and a series of plays which have run in the West End. She has previously admitted that losing four stone, which saw her drop from dress size 22 to 12 - gave her the confidence to move from radio to TV. Toksvig is thought to have received 200,000 per series for Bake Off, and claimed she was the highest paid star on the programme in January 2018. Advertisement

Viewing figures are down from the 13million people who watched the show on BBC One, but a healthy average of 6.9million tuned in for the most recent final last October whch saw David Atherton crowned the winner.

Channel 4 had previously said it wanted between five to seven million viewers, and needed to attract at least three million viewers per episode to break even.

Ian Katz, Channel 4's director of programmes, said: 'Sandi is a huge part of why Bake Off's move to Channel 4 has been such a success and we are immensely grateful for her contribution to the show.

'We will miss her warmth and wit, not to mention her endless willingness to be the butt of jokes about being the least tall person in the Bake Off tent.

'Fortunately, her unique voice will continue to have an important presence on the channel with new shows in development - none of which involve cake.'

A post from the official Bake Off Instagram account confirmed that Toksvig will appear in the upcoming series of The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off before her departure from the show.

'All pud things come to an end,' the post said. 'The upcoming series of The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off will mark the end of Sandi's magnificent stint as a presenter on the show.

'We would like to thank her for all the wonderful memories and wish her the very best for the future. #GBBO.'

Miss Toksvig, whose wife Debbie is a psychotherapist, became one of the first women on British TV to come out publicly as gay in 1994, prompting her bosses to say that she would 'never work again'.

She had three children with her ex-partner Peta Stewart, using sperm from a donor, before they split in 1997.

She has often discussed her love of food, but radically changed her eating habits in 2014 when she lost four stone to shrunk from a size 22 to a size 10.

Richard McKerrow, chief creative officer and executive producer for Bake Off's production company Love Productions, said: 'We'll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4, along with Noel, Paul and Prue.

'She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years, with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the dozens of bakers during her time in the tent.

'We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond.'

'I've heard Meghan is free!' Bake Off fans speculate over Sandi Toksvig's Bake Off replacement as bookies make Nadiya Hussain favourite while others call for Dawn French or Richard Ayoade

Channel 4 has begun the search for Sandi Toksvigs replacement after she said she is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three years as a presenter.

Nadiya Hussain, Jo Brand and Richard Ayoade are among the favourites after Toksvig said she wants to leave the show to focus on other work projects.

Channel 4 has said candidates 'must have experience of mopping up spills and the occasional tear, making tea and keeping the amateur bakers to time'.

Other potential hosts include Joe Lycett, Jenny Ryan, Liam Charles, Davina McCall, Noel Edmonds, Rylan Clarke-Neal and Rachel Riley.

Also put forward for the position are Clare Balding, French and Saunders, Miriam Margolyes and even Fielding's Mighty Boosh co-star Julian Barratt.

Here are some of the celebrities who could be in line for a role on the show:

- Nadiya Hussain

After winning the show in 2015, Hussain has gone on to carve out a successful broadcasting and food-writing career.

She landed her own TV series, including The Chronicles Of Nadiya and Nadiya's British Food Adventure, and has become a household name.

Hussain was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to broadcasting and to the culinary arts.

- Jo Brand

Brand, who has fronted the baking show's spin-off Extra Slice, could be in line for a role on the main programme.

When Bake Off moved from the BBC to Channel 4, Brand was the odds-on favourite to front the series, according to William Hill.

Back in 2013, Brand also appeared on the Comic Relief version of the show.

- Richard Ayoade

Comedian and filmmaker Ayoade has a history of hosting Channel 4 programmes - having presented Crystal Maze, Travel Man and Gadget Man.

He has also racked up a number of TV appearances alongside existing Bake Off host Noel Fielding on the Big Fat Quiz Of The Year and Gadget Man.

- Joe Lycett

A former contestant on the Great Celebrity Bake Off, comedian Lycett may also be considered for the role.

He also has experience of working with Channel 4 after being named as Ayoade's replacement on Travel Man after appearing as a guest on the show.

- Jenny Ryan

The Chase star has thrown her hat into the ring to succeed Toksvig on Bake Off.

Following the announcement that a vacancy has appeared on the show, she tweeted: 'I like cakes. I like biscuits. I like bread. I like tents. Just putting that out there.'

- Liam Charles

Former Bake Off contestant Charles, who has also been a judge on the programme's junior spin-off, could be considered as a replacement for Toksvig.

While he did not win the competition, Charles proved a hit with fans of the show and was subsequently handed his own six-part series titled Liam Bakes.

- Davina McCall

Big Brother presenter Davina McCall, currently working as a judge on The Masked Singer, could also be considered for the role.

She has hosted various TV shows from The Million Pound Drop to The Jump and Five Minutes to a Fortune to Long Lost Family.

When linked with the role in 2016, she claimed she couldn't take it on, saying: 'No! I'm sugar free! I can't do it, can you imagine me when someone says 'try this cake', oh it's got sugar in it. Do something sugar free!'

- Rachel Riley

Mathematician Rachel Riley is among the favourites for the role, having worked on Channel 4's Countdown for more than a decade.

The Strictly Come Dancing contestant has also co-presented 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Gadget Show.

She went on maternity leave from television ahead of the birth of her daughter Maven last month.

- Noel Edmonds

Deal Or No Deal presenter Noel Edmonds, who rose to fame with Mr Blobby on BBC variety show Noel's House Party, might also be considered for the role.

He has hosted a wide range of programmes over a career which began with him hosting Top of the Pops in 1970 after working as a DJ for BBC Radio 1.

- Rylan Clarke-Neal

Rylan Clark-Neal, who found fame on The X Factor and later won Celebrity Big Brother, will present the rebooted Ready Steady Cook on the BBC this year.

He has also hosted Big Brother's Bit on the Side, This Morning and The Xtra Factor - and the revived version of Supermarket Sweep.

Clark-Neal took part in a Bake Off show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer in March 2019 when he presented the judges with a cake that resembled dog excrement.

- Clare Balding

Sports presenter Clare Balding has previously quashed rumours over her being considered for the Bake Off role, but could now be considered again.

The 48-year-old has worked for Channel 4 as a horse racing and Paralympics presenter, and also presented on BBC Sport and BT Sport.

In September 2016, she said, saying: 'It's absolutely hysterical and of course I'm flattered, but it's funny. I wouldn't be interested in presenting it. I like watching it - why would I want to be presenting it? I can't cook.'

- French and Saunders

The French & Saunders sketch comedy double act of Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have also been put forward for the role.

French is also known for starring in BBC comedy The Vicar of Dibley, while Saunders was in the sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

Saunders took part in a Comic Relief special of Bake Off in 2015 in which she won Star Baker with a tiered chocolate cake.

In March 2017 it was claimed that the double act turned down a 2.5million offer to host Bake Off.

- Miriam Margolyes

Actress Miriam Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, has also been put forward for the Bake Off role.

Among the other movies she is known for is Romeo + Juliet in 1996, while she was also a voice artist in the 2001 film Cats and Dogs.

- Julian Barratt

Some social media users have suggested Julian Barratt should be involved in Bake Off, after working with Noel Fielding in surreal comedy show The Mighty Boosh.

Barratt has also been involved in various TV series over the last few years including Flowers, Killing Eve and Sally4Ever.

And here is what people on social media are saying about the replacement today:
Russian-Indian cooperation in the oil and gas sector could make India the first non-Arctic state to extract resources in the Arctic, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with The Times of India.

"We are establishing cooperation in geological exploration and joint development of oil and gas fields in the territory of the two countries, including offshore projects, which will eventually allow India to become the first non-Arctic state extracting resources in the Arctic. Specifically, Indian companies are participating in the development of oil and gas fields under the Sakhalin-1 project, as well as the Vankor oil and gas condensate field," the minister said.

Moscow and New Delhi are looking into ways to improve the energy supply routes from Russia to Indian partners. The agencies concerned are studying the possibility of expanding cooperation in the field of hydroelectric and thermal power generation and energy efficiency, as well as in the design and construction of renewable energy facilities, the foreign minister added.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: A hardcore militant, belonging to Saoraigwra faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-S), was gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in Assams Kokrajhar district.

According to defence sources, the Army killed Jewel Narzary alias Tamang alias Jwnwm, who was an area commander of the outfit, at a place near the India-Bhutan border on Wednesday.

Army personnel raided the area based on specific inputs. When they zeroed in on the rebel, he challenged them by opening fire and tried to escape. In the resultant controlled fire, he was hit and he succumbed to his injuries later, the sources said.

The incident occurred just days after some 50 militants, belonging to the NDFB faction, entered Nagaland and Manipur from their hideouts in Myanmar and surrendered, reportedly to join peace talks. Their top leaders, including Saoraigwra, are believed to be in Delhi now for a peace process with the Central government.

This NDFB faction, earlier headed by S Songbijit, was responsible for the massacre of over 80 Adivasis (tea tribe community) in December 2014. Following the bloodbath, most of its members fled to Myanmar and Bhutan as the security forces launched a massive operation against the rebels. The operation is still continuing.

A defence source told this newspaper they had not received any direction from the government for suspension of the operation against the outfit.

There is no direction with respect to whether there is a settlement or suspension of the operation against the group. Some 12-14 rebels of the outfit, including its leaders G Bidai and Batha, are holed up in Bhutan. There is no guarantee that they will follow in the footsteps of fellow rebels as they are facing charges from the National Investigation Agency and the charges are of heinous nature due to their role in the massacre, a defence source said.

If we get a direction tomorrow to stop the operation, we will stop it the very next minute, it added.

There is a perception Bidai and Batha, both most wanted militants, could form a breakaway faction.
New Haven, Conn. -- Volcanic activity did not play a direct role in the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs, according to an international, Yale-led team of researchers. It was all about the asteroid.

In a break from a number of other recent studies, Yale assistant professor of geology & geophysics Pincelli Hull and her colleagues argue in a new research paper in Science that environmental impacts from massive volcanic eruptions in India in the region known as the Deccan Traps happened well before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago and therefore did not contribute to the mass extinction.

Most scientists acknowledge that the mass extinction event, also known as K-Pg, occurred after an asteroid slammed into Earth. Some researchers also have focused on the role of volcanoes in K-Pg due to indications that volcanic activity happened around the same time.

"Volcanoes can drive mass extinctions because they release lots of gases, like SO2 and CO2, that can alter the climate and acidify the world," said Hull, lead author of the new study. "But recent work has focused on the timing of lava eruption rather than gas release."

To pinpoint the timing of volcanic gas emission, Hull and her colleagues compared global temperature change and the carbon isotopes (an isotope is an atom with a higher or lower number of neutrons than normal) from marine fossils with models of the climatic effect of CO2 release. They concluded that most of the gas release happened well before the asteroid impact -- and that the asteroid was the sole driver of extinction.

"Volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous caused a gradual global warming event of about two degrees, but not mass extinction," said former Yale researcher Michael Henehan, who compiled the temperature records for the study. "A number of species moved toward the North and South poles but moved back well before the asteroid impact."

Added Hull, "A lot of people have speculated that volcanoes mattered to K-Pg, and we're saying, 'No, they didn't.'"

Recent work on the Deccan Traps, in India, has also pointed to massive eruptions in the immediate aftermath of the K-Pg mass extinction. These results have puzzled scientists because there is no warming event to match. The new study suggests an answer to this puzzle, as well.

"The K-Pg extinction was a mass extinction and this profoundly altered the global carbon cycle," said Yale postdoctoral associate Donald Penman, the study's modeler. "Our results show that these changes would allow the ocean to absorb an enormous amount of CO2 on long time scales -- perhaps hiding the warming effects of volcanism in the aftermath of the event."

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German researcher Andre Bornemann was co-lead author of the study. Yale researcher Ellen Thomas was a co-author of the study, along with additional researchers from institutions in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, Denmark, and the United States.

The International Ocean Discovery Program, the National Science Foundation, and Yale University helped fund the research.
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Demonstrators from the Anglo-Iranian Communities in the UK attend a vigil opposite the gates of 10 Downing Street in central London on Jan. 10, 2020, for the victims of the Ukrainian airliner which was downed by Iranian military on Jan. 8, killing all 176 onboard. (Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)

Public Reaction in Times of War

Commentary

While the ultimate outcome of the recent brush-up with Iran isnt yet known, there are a few lessons to take away from it, especially regarding the public reaction to hostility and the threat of war.

It seems important to get some issues on the table now.

The overall situation began much earlier, but matters came to a head when U.S. forces killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a man responsible for at least 600 American deaths and likely many more. Soleimani had been head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, an elite unit that handles Irans extraterritorial operations.

The United States had already designated Quds Force as a foreign terrorist organization, and on orders from President Donald Trump, U.S. forces took Soleimani out with an airstrike at Baghdad (Iraq) International Airport.

Among the first accounts that I saw was a Jan. 2 tweet from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. It included a video clip of people running and celebrating. Pompeo wrote: Iraqis  Iraqis  dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more.

Iraqis  Iraqis  dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more. pic.twitter.com/huFcae3ap4  Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020

On Jan. 7, he tweeted again:

After years of suffering under Soleimanis brutality, Syrians are finally free to celebrate his demise thanks to @realDonaldTrumps decisive action. Syrian streets are ringing with shouts of Soleimanis gone and filled with festive sweets. https://iranwire.com/en/features/6586

After years of suffering under Soleimanis brutality, Syrians are finally free to celebrate his demise thanks to @realDonaldTrumps decisive action. Syrian streets are ringing with shouts of Soleimanis gone and filled with festive sweets. https://t.co/9N3drsWGza https://t.co/aU4tzU2jWh  Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 7, 2020

Numerous comments and replies to these tweets purported to be from Iranians, Syrians, and others who had suffered under Soleimani and were celebrating his demise.

According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, The overwhelming majority of Iranians despised Soleimani, an infamous symbol of the regimes intimidation and murder, for his crimes against the Iranian people and throughout the region. The Iranian people and Iraqi protesters who have been calling for Soleimanis expulsion from Iraq for some time welcomed his death as a sign of the waning of the regimes control over their country.

Among the recent barbaric acts attributed to him is overseeing the death of about 1,500 Iranians late last year. They were part of a crowd that was protesting the closure of the internet and restrictions on free speech when authorities opened fire; Soleimani is thought to have given the order.

Eventually, however, the narrative regarding the public reaction to Soleimanis demise changed. Suddenly, news outlets were referring to him as an inspirational leader and a hero. Large groups in the Middle East that seemed to have been celebrating liberation were now protesting the United States assassination of Soleimani. What happened?

According to Iranian-born author Parnaz Foroutan, this is all a product of Iranian propaganda. She claims that the Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian people are indeed happy to see Soleimani gone, but the regime is forcing out a false propaganda message to make Americans question the decisions made by their government. It wouldnt be the first time that something like that has happened.

In an NBC News op-ed, Foroutan reminds us that Iran controls its press.

The news has widely shown crowds weeping and chanting, images carefully curated, the angle of the cameras intending to show the congestion of mourners in the streets of Iran, among them close-ups of weeping children, to suggest unequivocal support for the regime.

So the actors may be coerced, and the stories carefully framed. Thats the perfect recipe for an agenda-driven false story.

This kind of propaganda (or disinformation) is developed in order to persuade the American populace not to support the U.S. military. If people question their leaders in times of war, it weakens the resolve and ultimately the military.

The Soviets knew this during the Vietnam War, and they did all they could to sway American popular opinion. In fact, they were so effective that Americans are still trying to make up for the way so many veterans were greeted upon their return to the United States.

Ion Mihai Pacepa, former head of foreign intelligence in communist Romania, has explained that KGB chief Yuri Andropov thought the war in Vietnam provided a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make Europe fear Americas military power and instill discord between the Old Continent and the United States; therefore, he made the disinformation operation a priority from almost the first days of the Vietnam War.

All hands were on deck, including Pacepas Romanian intelligence office. By 1968, anti-Vietnam War protesters in the United States numbered almost 7 million. Many young Americans came to regard their own government, not communism, as the real enemy. It reached the point where bashing the U.S. commander in chief in times of war became as American as apple pie.

Pacepa had a meeting in 1972 with Andropov, who had said the disinformation program turned America against her own government. It damaged Americas foreign policy consensus, poisoned her domestic debate, and built a credibility gap between the United States and European public opinion that was wide and deep. It also transformed the worlds leftists into deadly enemies of American imperialism.

All the Soviets had to do was to continue planting the seeds of disinformation and water them day after day after day. Eventually, Americans would seize upon the idea and start pursuing it of their own accord. In other words, it was very effective.

This new Iranian disinformation may be having a similar effect. Last week, on his show Hardball, MSNBCs Chris Matthews compared Soleimanis death to that of Princess Diana and Elvis Presley.

He said: When some people die, you dont know what the impacts going to be. When Princess Diana died, for example, there was a huge emotional outpouring, [and, for example,] Elvis Presley in our culture. It turns out that this general we killed was a beloved hero of the Iranian people, to the point where, look at the people, we got pictures of it now, these enormous crowds coming out. Theres no American emotion in this case, but theres a hell of a lot of emotion on the other side.

In other words, Matthews is accepting the packaged news from the Iranian press as gospel. Thats exactly what they would want him (and others) to do.

No one wants war, and I certainly hope that tensions continue to ease. Decisions, however, must be based on facts, not on disinformation.

Prior to the order to kill Soleimani, CIA chief Gina Haspel advised the president that the risks associated with taking the general out were less than those associated with leaving him in place. That information, not propaganda from state-controlled Iranian media, is the proper basis for making decisions like that.

Lets hope its the correct decision and that it leads to a safe and peaceful 2020.

Ronald J. Rychlak is the Jamie L. Whitten chair in law and government at the University of Mississippi. He is the author of several books, including Hitler, the War, and the Pope, Disinformation (co-authored with Ion Mihai Pacepa), and The Persecution and Genocide of Christians in the Middle East (co-edited with Jane Adolphe).

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Our modern lifestyle would be immensely different without rechargeable batteries. Owing to their low-cost, recyclable technology, these batteries are used in most portable electronic devices, electric and hybrid vehicles, and renewable power generation systems. And why shouldn't they be? They offer an elegant solution to the world's growing energy demands. Moreover, rechargeable batteries are an essential tool in systems that harvest renewable energy, such as the wind and sunlight, because these sources can fluctuate greatly with the weather. Rechargeable batteries allow us to store the generated electricity and dispatch it on demand. Thus, it is no surprise that researchers globally have been focused on improving rechargeable batteries as a step towards developing sustainable energy resources.

Since their commercialization, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the go-to rechargeable batteries because of their excellent performance. However, with the ensuing spike in their demand, coupled with the limited availability of lithium and cobalt (another necessary element for LIBs) in Earth's crust, using LIBs may soon become a major problem. This is why a team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science led by Prof Shinichi Komaba decided to walk the road less traveled: they focused on replacing the exhaustible element lithium with better alternatives like sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium are in the same alkali metal group in the periodic table of elements, and their chemical natures are, therefore, quite similar. But, unlike lithium, these elements are widely abundant on Earth, and using them to develop high-performance rechargeable batteries would be a breakthrough towards creating a more sustainable society.

In 2014, Prof Komaba, along with Prof M. Stanley Whittingham, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, analyzed the current state of development of sodium-ion batteries and published his assessments as a review. This became a highly cited study, with over 2,000 citations only in the past 5 years. Prof Komaba and his team then explored other plausible alternative to LIBs, potassium-ion batteries (KIBs), which have slowly become the focus of extensive research since 2015 after certain pioneering studies (e.g., a study published in Nature Materials in 2012), some of which were carried out by Komaba's group. The use of potassium in batteries is promising because they show comparable (or even better) performance to LIBs. What's more, the materials necessary to build KIBs are all non-toxic and much more abundant than those required for LIBs. Prof Komaba states, "By studying new materials for applications in lithium-, sodium-, potassium-ion batteries, we wanted to develop an energy-efficient and environment-friendly technology."

In a remarkable effort to facilitate further research on KIBs, the research group led by Prof Komaba analyzed the workings of KIBs in great detail in a comprehensive review published in Chemical Reviews. Their paper encompasses everything related to the development of KIBs, from cathode and anode materials, various electrolytes and all-solid KIBs, to electrode doping and electrolyte additives. Moreover, the review compares the different materials used in lithium-, sodium-, and potassium-ion batteries. Being the only study that comprehensively analyzes several aspects of rechargeable batteries, it could prove really useful for leading current and future researchers in the right direction. Having comprehensive volumes of past research on KIBs and all the acquired insight condensed onto a single article is of immense value to anyone interested in delving in this research topic.

The continuous development of KIBs will hopefully bring about a rise in the use of this coveted alternative to LIBs. "As evidenced by recent intensive research, KIBs are recognized as promising next-generation battery candidates owing to their unique characteristics, such as cost-effectiveness, high voltage, and high-power operation. Further improvements to the performance of KIBs would pave the way for their practical application," explains Prof Komaba.

However, research on certain aspects of KIBs, such as their safety, has been limited, and focus should be placed on obtaining more insight into what's going on physically and chemically between the different components and elements. Prof Komaba is hopeful in this regard and concludes by saying, "Research on KIBs, including electrode materials, non-aqueous/solid electrolytes, and additives will provide new insights into the electrode reactions and solid ionics, opening up new strategies that would allow for the creation of next-generation batteries." His research group has also focused on supercapacitors and biofuel cells along with both LIBs and sodium-ion batteries, which could all find very important functions in a more sustainable society in the future.

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About The Tokyo University of Science

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators.

With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field.

Website: https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/

About Professor Shinichi Komaba from Tokyo University of Science

Prof Shinichi Komaba obtained his Ph.D. from Waseda University, Japan, and then joined Iwate University as a research associate. After one-year post-doctoral research in France, he joined Tokyo University of Science in 2005 to work on developing electrodes, electrolytes, and binding materials for various types of rechargeable batteries. His research group carries out cutting-edge research in the field of rechargeable batteries and their electrochemical applications. He is also the corresponding author of this review article. With more than 250 publications to his credit, Prof Komaba has won numerous international awards, including the title of "Highly Cited Researcher" in 2019.

Funding information

This study was partly funded by the MEXT program "ESICB" (JPMXP0112101003); A-STEP program (#JPMJTS1611); and CONCERT-Japan program(#JPMJSC17C1), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST); and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP16K14103, JP16H04225, and JP18K14327.
CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Record Storage Systems, a leader in document storage and information management services, recently announced a significant investment in new information management software. The new software will offer notable enhancements to the company's already established records inventory management, operations and transportation, and customer service processes. This Charlotte, North Carolina document management provider has a history of innovative updates and enhancements that enable them to remain a leader in the industry. The significant software investment affirms their commitment to remaining on the forefront of the information management landscape, while offering improvements in efficiency and automation that translate into more convenience and cost savings for the end user.

Claude Mitchell, Vice President, had this to say about purchasing the new information management software, "Without a doubt, the document management business is constantly changing when it comes to completing data-related tasks. At Record Storage Systems we feel this new software purchase shows our commitment to investments in new data management technology and operational improvements." He added that the software will also help customers better adhere to government regulatory requirements through customized record retention and inventory control, and increased data security through improved client web access methods.

The newly purchased software will offer more transparency for customers throughout the document management workflow process - from new client onboarding and record retention planning, to file retrieval, record delivery, and finally document destruction. Record Storage Systems drivers will enjoy optimized route planning for record delivery and new box pickup, streamlined box scanning, electronic signature capture, and chain of custody tracking for files and boxes. Mitchell said the new software is making document management smarter and simpler for customers by giving them the ability to manage hard copy and digital records inventory, data protection, destruction dates, digital records requests, and more.

The software will be available for use in the first quarter of 2020, giving customers the opportunity to take advantage of the new features for the upcoming year and beyond. For more updates regarding the software launch, current customers and other interested parties can visit the company's main website at https://recordstorage.com.

Record Storage Systems started its document services business in Charlotte, N.C in 1984. They are a privately held, full-service document management provider that specializes in lifecycle information management services. The company offers businesses a wide variety of data and document management solutions, including document storage, scanning, electronic management, and document shredding. A partnership with Record Storage Systems offers customers unparalleled industry experience, innovative solutions, and superior customer service.



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View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573293/Charlotte-Document-Management-Provider-Announces-a-Significant-Investment-in-New-Information-Management-Software
Damon Dash claims We TV made his son Damon 'Boogie' Dash II booze for their cameras for the show Growing Up Hip Hop program in a new lawsuit he's filed against the network.

The 48-year-old music and fashion executive, according to TMZ, said the insistence made upon his son, 28, came in direct breach of a verbal agreement he'd came to with producers on the topic.

The New York City native said that We TV's insistence Boogie drink caused emotional distress for his family.

The latest: Damon Dash, 48, claims We TV made his son Damon 'Boogie' Dash, 28, booze for their cameras for the network's Growing Up Hip Hop program in a new lawsuit he's filed against the network

Dash, who founded Roc-A-Fella with Jay-Z, added that We TV hasn't compensated him for his appearances on the show.

According to the outlet, he asked the court rule on a related issue, as all funds under current legal agreements would go to creditors, but he says his company Poppington should be paid by We TV.

The show, which debuted in January of 2016, follows the children of hip hop stars as they pursue their professional paths.

Others profiled on the cable series include Angela Simmons, the daughter of RunD.M.C.'s Rev. Run; Romeo Miller, the son of 90s rap phenom Master P; and Briana Latrise, the stepdaughter of R&B stalwart Mary J. Blige.

Unhappy: Dash said We TV's insistence Boogie drink caused emotional distress for his family

Pay me: The New York City native says he hasn't been paid for his time on the show

It's the latest family-related legal tangle for Dash, whose ex-wife Rachel Roy and ex-girlfriend Cindy Morales last month sought legal intervention toward eliminating him from the process of recouping their back child support.

Donnell Suares, a lawyer for Roy and Morales, asked a New York City court to approve an arrangement that would essentially garnish an incoming settlement Dash is set to receive from Empire creator Lee Daniels over a separate matter. Suares presented the plan during a hearing regarding Dash's outstanding balance when it comes to child support.

The deal was laid out in detail along with Natraj Bhushan, who is Dash's lawyer in the case, and a judge just needs to OK it, TMZ reported. Dash and Daniels agreed to a settlement in 2019 stemming from a $5 million suit Dash had filed.

Per the terms of the proposal, Roy and Morales would receive payments in the thousands until the balance is eliminated. The proposal was derived from a similar arrangement Roy and Morales sought in filing a suit against Daniels.

In addition: Dash's ex-wife Rachel Roy and ex-girlfriend Cindy Morales are looking to eliminate him from the process of getting their back child support. The music mogul was snapped in NYC in 2018

The latest legal turn in the case came weeks after Dash was arrested in connection with $404,000 in unpaid child support to Roy and Morales November 19.

Dash was handcuffed and taken to Bronx Family Court amid a pair of felony warrants, the New York City Sheriffs Office told Page Six. Sheriff Joseph Fucito said authorities had been 'looking to arrest [Dash] since 2015,' as a warrant was issued in April of that year over $62,000 he owed Morales.

Earlier this year, another warrant was issued over a contempt of court conviction, with the court ordering him to pay an additional $342,000.

Dash was released after he went to a Manhattan court and paid a debt of about $1 million for an outstanding warrant. He was then taken into custody by seven deputies as he headed to handle his other warrant, he told TMZ of the incident.

He was then reportedly processed and transported to the Bronx Family Court to handle the outstanding remainder of his balance. Dash told TMZ that the deputies were very understanding and cooperative in the process.

Out and about: Dash was snapped in Burbank in April of 2019

Industry veteran: (L-R) Dash, Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg, the late Tupac Shakur and MC Hammer were snapped at a Grammy party in February of 1996

Officials had previously urged Dash to turn himself into custody but he left New York, a police insider told Page Six.

Dash, who co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records along with Jay-Z, told the court last week he's got a 'virtually nonexistent' income, and was only surviving on money from a $2 million debt owed to him by Daniels following a recent court settlement.

Dash told the court he's strapped for cash as he's expecting another child with fiancee, Raquel Horn.

Dash was married to fashion designer Roy, 46, from 2005 to 2009 and has two daughters with her - Ava, 20, and Tallulah, 11. He's also father to Boogie, 27, with ex Linda Williams, and a son named Lucky with Morales.
Rising geriatric population and increasing cases of disabilities around the globe are driving the global mobility devices market says Fortune Business Insights in a report titled Mobility Devices Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Product (Wheelchairs, Cane, Crutches, Mobility Scooters, Lifts), By End-User (Homecare settings, Hospitals & Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities), And Geography Forecast Till 2026. Growing demand for safe and affordable mobility devices among disabled people is driving the global market.

Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/mobility-devices-market-100520

Leading Players operating in the Mobility Devices Market are:

Key players are involved in mergers and acquisition to strengthen their market position. Owing to increasing competition frequent innovations are taking place in the market. Some of the companies operating the industry are:

Sunrise Medical LLC

Invacare Corporation

OttoBock,

Stryker

Medline Industries

GF Health Products Inc

Hoveround Corporation

LEVO AG

Permobil AB

Merivaara Corporation, among others.

Mobility Devices Benefits People with Disability

Mobility devices and transportation equipment are designed to aid individuals suffering from mobility impairment. Mobility devices are utilized to extend independent mobility to physically impaired or geriatric people. The devices are built in a way to assist while providing various benefits to the users, such as a reduction in pain, independence, confidence and self-esteem. The rising geriatric population around the world is supporting the growth of the global mobility devices market. Mobility devices market on the basis of product is segmented into, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Mobility scooters are the most widely used mobility devices around the world. The rising elderly population and growing prevalence of disabilities around the world are some of the factors likely to boost the growth of mobility devices in the forthcoming year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around 10% of people globally require mobility devices for their daily activities and physical movement.

Mobility Device Market Segmentation:

By Product

Wheelchairs

Manual

Electrical

Cane

Crutches

Mobility Scooters

Lifts

Others

By End User

Homecare settings

Hospitals & Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Facilities

Others

By Geography

North America (U.S. and Canada)

Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America)

Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)

Reasons to Purchase this Report:

Comprehensive analysis of the Mobility Devices Market growth drivers, obstacles, opportunities, and other related challenges.

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Users Also Search For- personal mobility devices, bell mobility devices

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What are the key companies operating in the market?

Which company accounted for the highest market share?

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The Vaccines Market should see a stand-out year in 2020 | Fortune Business Insights

How Worldwide Trends are Creating Waves in the Hip Replacement Market 2026

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Donald Trump had left PM Modi absolutely stumped after he was told by the US President that 'India and China didn't share a border', a book revealed. Authored by two Washington Post journalist, A Very Stable Genius--based on the Donald Trump further mentioned that New Delhi took a "step back" in its diplomatic relationship with Washingon. Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig in their book mentioned that Trump said, "Its not like youve got China on your border" and reportededly, PM Modi's eyes "bulged out in surprise" after the US President evidiced his geographical knowledge and brushed off the possibility of a threat to India from China.

The book mentioned that "Modi's expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation," adding that one of Trump's aides said that PM Modi likely "left that meeting and said, 'This is not a serious man. I cannot count on this man as a partner." Following the meeting between the heads of India and US, Donald Trump's aide told the reporters, "the Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States."

READ| From Wikis to website sections, the Internet is riddled with compendiums of Donald Trump's lies

READ| Is that a fly stuck in US President Donald Trump's infamous hair?

US President and the Prime Minister of India have met on multiple occassion since both came to power, however, the book does not mention the exact meeting when the incident was recorded. Donald Trump is likely to visit India next month. This isn't the first that that Trump's geographical knowledge was put under the scanner, previously TIME magazine had reported that the US President said that he 'knew both Nepal and Bhutan are a part of India.' The US President, apart from getting his geography wrong, had even mispronounced Nepal and Bhutan.

Unfazed by fierce criticism and fears over his "mental" health, US President Donald Trump described himself as being a "genius" back in January 2018. Identifying "mental stability" and being "really smart" as his two greatest assets, Trump in a series of tweets had said that winning the presidential election on his first attempt qualifies him as a "genius". "I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius and a very stable genius at that!" said Trump in a tweet.

Imran Khan's geography

Apart from Donald Trump, who was described as 'Dangerously uninformed' in the book by a White House official, another leader joining a similar league is Imran Khan. In April 2019, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Oxford degree was put to test, after Imran Khan claimed that the European country, Germany, shares a border with Japan, an Island in Asia. The Pakistan PM made the statement at a joint press conference in Tehran in April 2019.

READ| Donald Trump calls Osama bin Laden, Hamza "tall, very handsome"

READ| Coke bottle catch your eye at PM Modi-Trump bilateral? Explained

(With PTI inputs)
Genene Jones, dubbed the killer nurse after she was convicted of killing an infant in 1984, was sentenced Thursday morning to life in prison for the death of a San Antonio baby in 1981.

Jones, 69, was a pediatric nurse at Bexar County Hospital, now University Hospital, at the time of the deaths.

She had served about a third of her original sentence and was eligible to be released from prison in 2018, but in 2017 she was newly indicted in the deaths of Richard Ricky Nelson on July 3, 1981; Rosemary Vega on Sept. 16, 1981; Paul Villarreal on Sept. 24, 1981; Joshua Sawyer on Dec. 12, 1981; and Patrick Zavala on Jan. 17, 1982. All were patients at the hospital and ranged in age from 3 months to 2 years.

The children were injected with an overdose of a muscle relaxer or an unknown substance, according to court records.

At a hearing Thursday morning, Jones agreed to plead guilty to killing Joshua Sawyer in exchange for a life sentence and the dismissal of the other four cases.

Catherine Babbitt, chief of major crimes for the Bexar County District Attorneys Office, said Jones will have to serve 20 years before she is eligible for parole.

The odds are that she will take her last breath in prison, Babbitt said after the sentencing, which was held in the 399th state District Court, Judge Frank J. Castro presiding.

Jones has been in prison since 1984, when she was convicted of killing Chelsea McClellan, who was 15 months old, by injecting her with a fatal dose of a muscle relaxer at a doctors office in Kerr County.

Jones was sentenced to 99 years in that case and received 60 years for a similar attempt on a San Antonio child who survived.

A law designed to ease prison crowding made her eligible for release in March 2018. But a year before, then-District Attorney Nicholas Nico LaHood took five cases to two grand juries, which returned five indictments.

As part of the plea agreement, all of the other cases were dismissed, but relatives of those children were allowed to give victim impact statements, as did Connie Weeks, Joshua Sawyers mother.

Had Jones been indicted today on those charges, she could have been charged with capital murder-child under 10, a charge that did not exist in the 1980s. That capital offense is punishable by death or life in prison.

This is a developing story.

Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Meghan McCain will be the lone conservative on The View after this Friday when Abby Huntsman sits for her last show. The show will most likely have a rotating chair of different personalities as they audition on-air to see if theres chemistry. However, one of McCains besties might have dropped that she could in contention to fill the open spot.

Meghan McCain | Lou Rocco/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

On last nights Watch What Happens Live, S. E. Cupp, guest-starred and Cohen made her spill the tea. The CNN co-host was cautious with what she said but it was what she didnt say that left everyone intrigued.

The Bravo co-host asked the political analyst if there was any truth to the rumors there was animosity between McCain and Huntsman.

No, shes sad Abby is leaving. Shes wishing her the best, Cupp said. Abby is leaving to join her dads campaign in Utah for governor. Meghan, as someone who is really close with her dad, totally understands more than anyone. So she wishes her nothing but the best.

S. E. Cupp | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

When Cohen tried to go deeper and asked her if she was McCains ear when there was drama on The View, she said, We talk a lot.

It was the last question on The View subject where Cupp tried to spin and not answer directly.

Ive done The View a lot. Its a really iconic, dynamic group of women, Cupp tried to play coy.

I understand your question Andy, she added smiling.

It was obvious Cupp was avoiding the question. Our theory is maybe McCain might be putting her name in with producers for consideration. If the conservative would not or could not consider sitting at the Hot Topics table, she would have probably shut it down completely.

Abby Huntsman quits The View

Following days of rumors around the co-hosts on The View, Huntsman announced she was leaving the show.

Family has always been my number one priority, and is where I need to be focused at this time, Huntsman said in a statement to People. We are incredibly close and are there to support and help each other when it matters. Its not often there is a political campaign that involves someone you love and believe in, but this is one of them.

Huntsman will be leaving on Friday after two seasons on the ABC morning talk show.

Im so thankful for this opportunity and for ABC believing in me, the host added. It was always a dream to sit at The View table. I have the deepest gratitude for all of my co-hosts and the team at The View who dont get enough credit for what they do every day  Ive learned so much from each of them and this will always be a special place to me.

Although Huntsmans time on The View was short, she made a lot of friends behind-the-scenes. The political analyst also left a note to the staffers.

To the Best Team in TV, ABC has been my family for a long time and I am so thankful to have had a seat at the table on an iconic show like The View. After much deliberation over the holidays, I have decided to leave the show to dedicate myself full-time in support of my dad and his campaign for Governor of Utah, the note read according to People.

The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT/CT on ABC.
A federal judge revoked bail for Michael Avenatti on Wednesday after prosecutors presented evidence of new financial crimes the embattled celebrity attorney allegedly committed while he was free and awaiting trials in New York and California.

Judge James Selna said Avenatti likely committed the crimes and was a threat because of the prospect he would continue committing crimes while free.

'I believe the danger to the community is real and palpable,' Selna said in court.

He ordered that Avenatti remain in federal custody for possible violation of his pretrial release conditions.

The attorney, best known for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels, will be transported from Los Angeles to New York by Friday, prosecutors said, where he will stand trial next week on extortion charges.

A federal judge revoked bail for Michael Avenatti on Wednesday after prosecutors presented evidence of new financial crimes the embattled celebrity attorney allegedly committed while he was free and awaiting trials in New York and California

Prosecutors described several schemes orchestrated by Avenatti to hide his assets from a client, a former legal partner and an ex-wife while living in an $11,000-a-month apartment, being chauffeured in a Mercedes and staying at luxury resorts.

He pocketed $1million in legal fees during the period and then shifted the money around to conceal the payment despite mounting debts that surpassed $20million, prosecutors said.

After receiving the money, he even sought legal representation from a public defender while declining to provide a financial affidavit to show his ability to afford a lawyer.

Defense lawyers contested the evidence, saying Avenatti didn't hide funds, has been paying his bills and posed no threat.

Attorney H Dean Steward said Avenatti was making it difficult for creditors but didn't commit any crime.

'I suggest it doesn't go over the line,' Steward said.

The new twist in a saga playing out on opposite coasts threatens to disrupt Avenatti's trial scheduled next week in Manhattan on charges he tried to extort $25million from Nike, a New York federal judge said during a hearing Wednesday.

'The arrest of Mr. Avenatti this close to the trial has essentially thrown the trial into chaos,' US District Judge Paul G. Gardephe said.

'Mr Avenatti has been on bail in the California case for a long time. So there are certainly questions in my mind about why it was necessary to raise allegations about bail violations so close to the trial, and it certainly has put defense counsel in a very difficult position.'

Gardephe said he would consider postponing the case after he learned the outcome of the bail hearing in Santa Ana, California.

Avenatti is pictured leaving Craig's Restaurant in Los Angeles on January 10. The attorney was arrested during a court hearing on Tuesday

Avenatti was arrested by IRS agents at a state bar court hearing Tuesday, where he was facing suspension of his license to practice for allegedly stealing from a client.

He was collared during a break in his testimony.

'Completely innocent,' Avenatti said as he was being led out of the Los Angeles courthouse, according to the Daily Beast.

Prosecutors were seeking to hold Avenatti behind bars for allegedly committing new acts of wire and mail fraud, both federal offenses, as well as possible state crimes in California and Washington state.

Avenatti had been free on an unsecured $300,000 surety bond that required he not commit any crimes.

The alleged new crimes follow a pattern of misconduct since 2011 and appear to mirror crimes he is charged with committing in a 36-count indictment, prosecutors said.

'Defendant's extensive pattern of criminal conduct and the overwhelming evidence supporting those charges demonstrate that defendant is a substantial danger to the community,' prosecutors wrote in a court document.

'If allowed to remain on bond, defendant will almost certainly continue to engage in further fraudulent and obstructive conduct.'

Avenatti faces trial in May in California for dozens of charges alleging he defrauded clients of millions of dollars, stiffed the IRS and committed bank fraud.

He has pleaded not guilty to those charges, along with the Nike extortion allegations and a separate case charging him with ripping off ex-client Daniels of book deal proceeds.

The arrest of Avenatti marks a new low for the attorney who was flying high a year ago while in the spotlight championing Daniels' case against President Donald Trump.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, went to court to tear up a $130,000 hush money deal she said she made to cover up an affair with Trump before he was president.

Avanetti, best known for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels (pictured together in January 2019), is accused of defrauding clients of millions of dollars

Although Trump has denied the affair, he chose not to challenge that effort, so she effectively won what she was seeking.

But the president won a judgment for his legal expenses after successfully challenging a related defamation case Daniels brought against him.

Avenatti had positioned himself as a Trump troll of sorts, attacking the president on Twitter frequently, and even flirted with running for president at one point, making appearances in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Despite losing the Daniels defamation case, Avenatti had claimed he would eventually prevail and win her even larger lawyer fee judgement than the nearly $300,000 she owed Trump.

But Daniels hired a new lawyer to take the case, and Avenatti's own criminal legal problems began with his arrest in New York in March.

While free on bond, prosecutors said Avenatti funneled $717,000 from $1million he earned in a legal settlement to an account his first wife set up.

She then returned $500,000 to him and used some of the remaining balance to buy her ex-husband a used Mercedes for $50,000.

Avenatti maintained his membership at Exclusive Resorts, a Colorado-based company billed as as the 'world's elite private vacation club,' according to prosecutors.

He paid over $35,000 to the club last summer and stayed at the club's resorts four times in California, Florida and New York between August and November.

His girlfriend, who is not named in the court papers, also stayed as his guest at one at an Exclusive Resort in Tuscany, Italy, prosecutors said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

Big delegation from Russia will arrive in Azerbaijan to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of Russias State Duma (lower house of the parliament) Leonid Slutsky said, Trend reports referring to "Election 2020" Independent Media Center established by Azerbaijan's CEC on Jan. 16.

Slutsky noted that the delegation includes members of the Russian Federation Council and Russian MPs.

In addition, Russia will observe the elections as part of international structures, which include Russia, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and other organizations, said the chairman. I have repeatedly observed presidential and parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. Im sure that these elections will also be fair.

The early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will be held Feb. 9.
eye-on-india Reporter's Take | Pharma cos bribing doctors: IMA at loggerheads with IPA Moneycontrol's Shraddha Sharma talks to Vishwanath Pilla to get more details about the controversy.
A Libyan military commander waging an offensive to capture the capital Tripoli is committed to a ceasefire, Germanys foreign minister said on Thursday, in an apparent advance for efforts to end a near-decade of turmoil in the North African country.

The minister, Heiko Maas, added that commander Khalifa Haftar is also willing to attend a conference in Berlin on Sunday aimed at addressing the conflict, the foreign ministry said, after Mass visited the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

Haftars office was not immediately available for comment.

But informed sources in the Greek capital Athens said Haftar was expected to have talks there on Friday with Greeces prime minister and foreign minister during a stopover on his way to Berlin.

Maass comment follows failed efforts by Russia and Turkey to persuade Haftar on a visit to Moscow this week to agree to a lasting ceasefire and halt the offensive on the Libyan capital. Haftar left Moscow without signing the proposal.

The nine-month-old war over Tripoli is just the latest bout of chaos in Libya, an OPEC oil exporter that has become a hub for human traffickers to ship migrants by boats to Italy, while fighters have exploited the widespread disorder.

Germany will host a summit on Sunday, bringing together foreign powers and the Libyan rival camps backed by them to try end the war over Tripoli and resume talks over a power-sharing deal.

Maas flew to Haftars base in eastern Libya on Thursday to discuss the Berlin summit.

General Haftar has signalled his readiness to contribute to the success of the Libya Conference in Berlin and is willing to participate. He has repeated his commitment to observe the existing ceasefire, the ministry tweeted Maas as saying after meetings in Benghazi.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the development and said one aim of the Berlin conference would to be to get back to a weapons embargo.

At the Libya conference we must above all see that the weapons embargo is adhered to again, which is basically agreed by the UN but unfortunately not honoured, she told reporters.

Libya has been fractured and deeply unstable, with outside powers providing support to rival factions, since veteran dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a 2011 uprising.

Turkey backs Serrajs government, while Haftar has received support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Russian mercenaries.

Turkey steps up war of words

Turkey has begun to send troops into Libya in support of the internationally recognised government in Tripoli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier on Thursday.

In order for the legitimate government in Libya to remain standing and for stability to be established, we are now sending our soldiers to this country, Erdogan told an event in Ankara.

Erdogan warned on Tuesday that Turkey would not refrain from teaching a lesson to Haftars eastern Libyan forces if their attacks against the GNA continue. The talks in Moscow were the latest attempt to stabilise Libya, which has the largest proven reserves of oil in Africa.

Turkey and Libya signed two agreements in November, one on military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan said Turkey will quickly start granting licences for exploration and drilling in the region.

In the areas that remain between Turkey and Libya, it is now legally impossible for there to be exploration and drilling activities or a pipeline without the approval of both sides, he said.
A Baton Rouge man accused of striking and killing another man during a 2017 police chase that reached speeds of nearly 120 mph was charged Thursday with the stiffer crime of manslaughter after he rejected an offer to plead guilty to vehicular homicide.

As part of that offer, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office would have dismissed two drug charges against Reginald Weeden, prosecutor Kathleen Barrios said in court. He would have been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Now, the 33-year-old Weeden faces up to 40 years in prison on the new manslaughter charge. He had been scheduled to stand trial next week on the vehicular homicide charge that he no longer faces.

+2 Baton Rouge man gets January trial date in fatal 2017 police chase crash A 32-year-old Baton Rouge man accused of striking and killing another man during a 2017 high-speed police chase will be tried in January, it w

"We're still going to work diligently to resolve this matter," Weeden's attorney, Ron Haley, said outside state District Judge Richard Anderson's 19th Judicial District courtroom.

Weeden's speed reached 119 mph on Sept. 5, 2017, while Livingston Parish deputies pursued him from Walker into Baton Rouge, where Weeden's car struck a vehicle on Florida Boulevard driven by Jonathan Scott, 23, of Baton Rouge, a police report states.

Weeden was being pursued by narcotics detectives. Drugs were found in his system after the fatal crash, prosecutors have said.

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Officials: Man fleeing Livingston deputies after trying to run them over causes fatal crash in Baton Rouge A Tuesday night drug investigation by Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office in Walker that transitioned into a chase ended on Florida Boulevard i

At the time of the crash, Weeden was free on bail while awaiting criminal proceedings from an Aug. 11, 2017, drug arrest.

Weeden was initially booked on negligent homicide  a lesser crime than vehicular homicide  in Scott's death and was out on bail when he was arrested again on Nov. 11, 2017, on allegations of driving under the influence.

He was booked on first-offense DWI and drug counts. Methamphetamine crystals and marijuana were found in his car, East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's officials have said.

Weeden is being sued by Scott's family.

+3 Livingston Sheriff's Office sued over fatal high-speed chase that ended in Baton Rouge The family of a 23-year-old Baton Rouge man killed on Florida Boulevard during a September high-speed chase between Livingston Parish sheriff'

Weeden, who remains in custody, also is charged in Livingston with aggravated flight from an officer and aggravated assault on an officer. Those charges stem from the Sept. 5, 2017, chain of events. Authorities say he tried to run over narcotics detectives in Walker as he fled in his car.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky  A 15-year-old students photo with a rainbow-themed birthday cake was the last straw for a private Christian school, according to reports.

The Whitefield Academy in Louisville expelled Kayla Kenney last week, telling the girls mother that school officials had seen a photo of her daughter with the cake on social media and that it demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance contrary to that of Whitefield Academys beliefs, the Courier Journal reports.

The story has now gone viral as the school continues to defend its decision, saying Kenney had other lifestyle violations at the school during the past two years and that she and her mother, Kimberly Alford, had been warned about violations of code of conduct in October.

In the picture posted on social media, which was taken on Dec. 30, Kenney is seen smiling behind a cake with rainbow-colored frosting. She also is wearing a sweater with a rainbow across the front. Rainbow colors often are associated with support for LGBTQ rights. Alford says her daughter is not gay and the cake was not intended to make a statement, the Courier reports.

She was happy; she looked beautiful, Alford tells WAVE3.com. You know, of course as a mom, I took her picture of her blowing out her candles and I posted that on my Facebook page."

The Washington Post reports Alford received an email last week from Bruce Jacobson, the head of the school. It reads:

The WA Administration has been made aware of a recent picture, posted on social media, which demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance contrary to that of Whitefield Academys beliefs, Jacobson says in the email. We made it clear that any further promotion, celebration or any other action and attitudes counter to Whitefields philosophy will not be tolerated.

In a statement to the Courier, Jacobson says Kenney had violated the schools code of conduct numerous times in the past and says media reports of the expulsion are inaccurate. The Post reports the school would not detail the previous violations, but Alford tells the Post her daughter once was caught with an e-cigarette and did get in trouble for cutting out school during lunch.

Alford says the school rejected an appeal of the decision. She tells WAVE3.com the school agreed to change it from an expulsion to a voluntary withdrawal so it will not be on Kenneys record.
(Natural News) The stage is being set by Democrats and the complicit left-wing media (CNN) to turn Jan. 20th Lobby Day in Richmond, Virginia into a false flag bloodbath that will attempt to frame gun owners as terrorists and provide the justification for state-wide martial law and the confiscation of all firearms from citizens.

Ultimately, the plan is to escalate the conflict into regional civil war and widespread chaos that Democrats hope could help destabilize America and remove Trump from office, no matter what it takes.

We are issuing this urgent warning because all the signs of this imminent false flag are rapidly falling into place. For example, yesterday the pro-infanticide, blackface-wearing Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, issued an executive order filled with false, deliberately deceptive information that lays the groundwork for framing gun owners as terrorists. That executive order is found at this link and is entitled, DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO POTENTIAL CIVIL UNREST AT THE VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL.

The EO falsely claims that credible intelligence has determined that armed militias intend to engage in violence, rioting, and insurrection. This is further confirmed by Gov. Northam telling left-wing media sources that, armed militia groups plan to storm the Capitol. (See The Organic Prepper.)

Newsbusters is reporting that CNN is already laying out the Charlottesville narrative, preparing to blame gun rights supporters for the violence that left-wing operatives are conspiring to cause.

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Dave Hodges The Commonsense Show is also hearing from sources that say Antifa operatives are already in place, preparing to dress up like Trump supporters and commit acts of violence for CNNs cameras. Its all theater, of course. But in this case, at least, they cant cover their faces with black masks, so its going to be more difficult for them to pull this off (watch for them to cover their faces with patriotic-looking American flag bandanas to avoid being identified). As Hodges writes:

Antifa has long been rehearsing the belt-buckle strategy. This is where Antifa will dress up as Trump supporters, wearing MAGA hats and start trouble against the Left, or Northams storm troopers at the roadblocks.

Virginia has been designated ground zero for the next false flag violence intended to ignite nationwide chaos

As we previously reported on NewsTarget.com, Virginia Democrats have long been plotting to unleash martial law and attack the Second Amendment by rolling out roadway checkpoints where all firearms would be illegally confiscated from law-abiding citizens. This effort is intentionally designed to spark kinetic attacks on law enforcement, granting Northam the justification to declare a state-wide emergency and label all gun owners terrorists.

From NewsTarget, Dec. 19, 2019:

After passing extremely restrictive anti-gun legislation in early 2020, Virginia has a plan to deploy roadblocks at both the county and state levels to confiscate firearms from law-abiding citizens (at gunpoint, of course) as part of a deliberate effort to spark a shooting war with citizens.

Their end game is to unleash a sufficient amount of violence to call for UN occupation of America and the overthrow of President Trump and the republic. Such action will, of course, also result in the attempted nationwide confiscation of all firearms from private citizens, since all gun owners will be labeled domestic terrorists if they resist.

The purpose of the roadblocks, to repeat, has nothing to do with public safety or enforcing any law. Its all being set up to spark a violent uprising against the Virginia Democrats and whatever law enforcement goons are willing to go along with their unconstitutional demands to violate the fundamental civil rights of Virginian citizens.

We call on the DOJ to arrest VA Gov. Northam and Virginias treasonous Democrat lawmakers before they ignite a shooting war

One obvious solution to all this is for the DOJ to arrest VA Gov. Ralph Northam and his top Democrat co-conspirators for attempting to carry out acts of treason against the United States of America. Its time that these criminals be arrested and brought to justice. Sadly, it increasingly appears that the DOJ is part of the corrupt deep state thats actively working against Trump and the American people. The DOJ is playing a long con on patriots, claiming that if we just keep waiting, sooner or later they will get Comey, Brennan and Obama. Maybe even Hillary. Its all a con. There is no intention to ever hold those people accountable for anything. The entire DOJ strategy, along with the FBI, is to keep the patriots in check while they plot the overthrow of America.

If the DOJ wont do its job and arrest Northam for treason, its probably only a matter of time before the good people of Virginia decide to put their own house in order by arresting and removing these treasonous criminals from public office. This is why Virginias lawless, dangerous Democrats keep changing all the rules to shore up their own power.

As described in a popular Facebook post that has been going viral:

So Virginia introduces a bundle of radical laws to destroy 2A rights, militias, sale transfer and registration bills, and the People of Virginia says no, and were going to vote you all out next term.

Virginia government responds by introducing a bill to eliminate voter ID.

Virginia says were not going to wait, well petition your removal from office and gets almost a 3rd of the 240K signatures to remove the governor and starts petitions to remove delegates.

Virginia government responds by introducing a bill to raise the amount of signatures from 10% of the prevailing vote, to 25%.

Folks, this is the a textbook example of tyranny. Were the government, and well do anything we want, whether you like it or not. We wont let you vote us out, we wont let you remove us from office. And if you cant possess the weapons that a militia would need to force us out, of office, then theres absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Prepare for WAR: The Democrats are launching all-out attacks on America and all those who try to defend her

Prepare for Democrats to initiate WAR! The Democrats have already declared their intentions against America and its citizens. Democrats are lawless, dangerous, criminal-minded lunatics and terrorists who abuse their power to destroy the liberties and civil rights upon which America was founded.

Gov. Ralph Northam is a treasonous criminal who has betrayed all Virginians. He is an affront to America and a clear and present danger to the liberties of all good people across this nation. He must be stopped, defeated and removed from office.

The Democrats know that Americans are about to make a stand against tyranny, and those Dems plan to stage acts of violence to try to discredit the organic uprising against tyranny. So roll your cameras 24/7 when youre in public. We must capture these treasonous actors in the act and expose their criminal terrorism plots for all the world to see.

The time has come to stand up against tyranny and defeat it. No wonder Northam is demanding a ban on firearms, since the citizens of Virginia have every right to invoke the Second Amendment to defend their lives, their families and their state against the lawless tyranny that Northam is attempting to bring down upon innocent people who have violated no law.

The real criminals are the treasonous terrorists running Richmond.

Sic Semper Tyrannis.
Octopuses are relatives of shellfish and snails that lost their shells. They compensate for the absence of body armour by being strong, intelligent and able to become invisible against almost any background. In fact, no other animal has the level of sophistication that octopuses employ for camouflage.

Being boneless, octopuses can adopt a variety of shapes. They have specialised dermal muscles that change their skin from smooth to spiky, allowing them to imitate the appearance of smooth and rough surfaces. Finally, octopuses have in their skin differently coloured elements called chromatophores, iridophores, and leucophores that allow them to achieve an impressive variety of colours. They can appear red, white, brown or greenish, and the toxic blue-ringed octopus can even flash bright yellow and blue. This allows octopuses to match almost any substrate in brightness, colour and texture. All these elements operate under neural control, allowing the octopus to change appearance with exceptional speed (over several milliseconds). An octopus can be cryptic even on structure-free backgrounds because it adopts the shape, texture and colour of typical rocks from further away. It can also move slowly across sandy areas imitating a moving rock that is driven by current.

To choose an adequate camouflage strategy, an octopus needs to be intelligent and perceive the shape, texture and colour of the objects that it imitates. Indeed, octopuses have large brains and eyes that are optically superior to ours. While human eyes suffer from spherical aberration, providing a blurry image even in the case of fully corrected vision, octopuses have an aberration-free lens, which gives a sharp image. Octopuses can see polarisation, a feature of light that is invisible to us, but they cannot discriminate colours. Even for an animal that has colour vision, matching colours of background objects is difficult because different marine predators see colours differently. While marine mammals are colour blind, different fishes have different types of colour vision and sea birds can discriminate colours that are indistinguishable to us.

So how does the colour-blind octopus apparently mimic colours? Recently, we were awarded a Marsden Grant to find the answer to this question. The team  Luis Nahmad-Rohen, a University of Auckland marine science PhD student; Yusuf Qureshi, a marine science master student, and myself  have measured octopus colours and demonstrated that they can produce colours that are indistinguishable from typical background colours in the eyes of marine mammals and fish. However, sea birds are likely to be able to break the colour camouflage of an octopus. We still do not know which cues a colour blind octopus uses to extract information about colours. Does the octopus ability to see polarisation compensate for the absence of colour vision or does an octopus guess colour from an objects shape or its brightness? Does an octopus choose colours differently depending on the colour vision of an animal that is likely to look at it? To tackle these questions, we are conducting behavioural experiments with octopuses in captivity and observing octopuses in their natural habitat.

Luis Nahmad-Rohen checking an octopus trap in Omaha Bay.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday said that Davinder Singh helped terrorists plan attacks on India and his role should be investigated.



"DSP Davinder Singh's arrest in J&K raises disturbing questions critical to India's national security. It seems rather odd that he not only evaded detection but was entrusted with extremely sensitive duties like escorting foreign envoys to J&K under the prevailing circumstances. Whose orders was he working under? A full investigation must be made. Helping terrorists plan attacks on India is treason," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted.

On January 15, Jammu and Kashmir Police said it will recommend to central government that Davinder Singh, who was arrested while travelling with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, should be sacked.

"He has been suspended, we are recommending his sacking to the government. We cannot share right now what has been revealed during the interrogation," Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said.

Yesterday, NIA Director-General met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to the investigation into the matter.

The sources said that a team headed by IG level officer will go to Jammu and Kashmir for the investigation soon.

The probe team will investigate Davinder's link with terrorists. The NIA will also register a case after seeking details from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the sources added. (ANI)
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Tyson Steele watched his remote cabin go up in flames, mourned the death of his dog and then spent weeks in the Alaska wilderness, bundling up in an makeshift shelter against the subzero temperatures and eating canned food _ unable to reach the outside world.

He knew his best chance for rescue would come from worried loved ones sending a plane to check on him. Help came about three weeks later.

Steele, 30, was rescued Thursday, apparently in good health, according to Alaska State Troopers. He was waving his arms, an SOS signal stamped in the snow that he hoped a pass...
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Specialist firefighters have saved the worlds last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney, officials said Thursday.

Firefighters winched from helicopters to reach the cluster of fewer than 200 Wollemi Pines in a remote gorge in the Blue Mountains a week before a massive wildlife bore down, National Parks and Wildlife Service Director David Crust said.

The firefighters set up an irrigation system to keep the so-called dinosaur trees moist and pumped water daily from the gorge as the blaze that had burned out of control for more than two month edged closer.

Firefighting planes strategically bombed the fire front with fire retardant to slow its progress.

"That helped just to slow the intensity of the fire as it approached the site," Crust told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"The Wollemi Pine is a particularly important species and the fact that this is the only place in the world where they exist and they exist in such small numbers is really significant," he added.

In this photo taken early January 2020, and provided Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wollemi pines tower above the forest floor in the Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Specialist firefighters have saved the worlds last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney. (NSW National Parks and Wildfire Service via AP)AP

New South Wales state Environment Minister Matt Kean said the operation had saved the stand, although some plants had been singed.

"These pines outlived the dinosaurs, so when we saw the fire approaching we realized we had to do everything we could to save them," Kean said.

The Wollemi Pine had only been seen in its fossilized form and was thought long extinct before the stand was found in 1994.

The fire that threatened it was brought under control this week after razing more than 1.26 million acres. The fire also destroyed 90% of the 12,400-acre Wollemi National Park, where the rare trees grow, Crust said.

The exact location of the stand remains a closely guarded secret to help authorities protect the trees.

In this photo taken early Jan. 2020, and provided Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel inspect the health of Wollemi pine trees in the Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Specialist firefighters have saved the worlds last remaining wild stand of a prehistoric tree from wildfires that razed forests west of Sydney. (NSW National Parks and Wildfire Service via AP)AP

The Wollemi's survival is one of the few positive stories to emerge from the unprecedented wildlife crisis in southeast Australia.

The fires have claimed at least 28 lives since September, destroyed more than 2,600 homes and razed more than 25.5 million acres, mostly in New South Wales state. The area burned is larger than the U.S. state of Indiana.

But the fire danger has been diminished by rain this week in several areas. The first green buds of regrowth have already emerged in some blacked forests following rain.

By ROD McGUIRK, The Associated Press
The decision by a Japanese politician to take paternity leave has been heralded as a major milestone for a culture stymied by deep-seated gender imbalance and extreme working hours.

Japan's environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced Wednesday that he will be taking two weeks leave, spread over three months, following the birth of his first child later this month.

The 38-year-old, who has been touted as a possible future prime minister, said he hoped the move would encourage other fathers to feel comfortable taking time off to care for their new families.

"I hope my taking paternity leave will lead the way of working styles to one where everyone can easily take child-care leave without hesitation in the environment ministry," Koizumi said in a meeting with his staff on Wednesday.

Many commentators quickly took to social media to hail the move, while others claimed it does not go far enough.

@BillyMallard: @Japan's parental leave policies are among the world's most generous, but just 6% of eligible fathers take #childcare leave, most of them for less than a week. Trailblazer Shinjiro Koizumi will take ... 2 weeks over 3 months.

Japan has some of the most generous paternal leave policies in the world. Both men and women are entitled to take up to one year's partially paid leave  or longer if there is no public child care locally available.

Yet uptake among men is incredibly low. According to government statistics, just over 6% of eligible men working in the private sector took paternity leave in 2018, versus 82% percent of women.

That level is slightly higher among new fathers working in the public sector at 21%, but still well below other major economies like the U.K. and Brazil.
Siemens, a German global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) to modernize the country's national power grid at a cost of US$250 million.

The agreement which is under the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) initiative will see Siemens working collaboratively with GRIDCo to upgrade and extend Ghana's power transmission infrastructure, improve the country's grid capacity and stability, as well as enable and expand a stable power export to neighbouring countries in the West African Power Pool.

Addressing the President during a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House to seal the deal, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Siemens, Joe Kaeser, said he was pretty much excited that the deal has finally been completed.

The MOU we have signed together with our partners, GRIDCO, is aimed at modernizing the whole grid of Ghana to bring power to the people in a more efficient way, Mr. Kaeser said.

President Akufo-Addo in response to the submissions of the Siemens CEO noted that the signing of the MOU is a very important development in the history of the country.

This is a very welcomed development for us and the idea that Ghana is the first country on the continent to be getting a very significant transaction out the Compact (G20 Compact with Africa, CwA) is in itself a big vote of confidence by the German Leadership. We welcome that expression of confidence and we want to assure you that the monies will be put to good use

Siemens is one of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies. Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. In infrastructure and industry solutions, the company plays a pioneering role.

The G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) was initiated under the German G20 Presidency to promote private investment in Africa, including in infrastructure.

The CwA's primary objective is to increase the attractiveness of private investment through substantial improvements of the macro, business and financing frameworks.

---citinewsroom
Germany has been concerned about the threat posed by Chinese hackers seeking to steal information from the countrys companies, research facilities and ministries. But if sufficient evidence is found in the current case, it would be one of the first in years involving old-fashioned human espionage.

German officials were sifting through evidence gathered in the raids, which were carried out early Wednesday on nine homes and offices in Brussels and Berlin, as well as in the German states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria, Mr. Schmitt said.

The Chinese intelligence service is also involved in the inquiry, Mr. Schmitt said.

The German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, which first reported the raids, said that the three people targeted were suspected of passing private and social information to Chinas ministry of state security.

Der Spiegel said that one of the three was a German national who had worked as a diplomat for the European Union until 2017, when he switched to a well-known consulting company. The other two work for a different consulting company, the report said.

Although some of the searched properties are in Brussels, a spokeswoman for the Brussels-based European Commission said on Thursday that none of its premises had been searched. She also said it had not received any requests to work with the German authorities or to hand over any evidence.
BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday expressed regret over a decision by Britain, France and Germany to trigger the dispute mechanism in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

"This decision will not help solve the issues or ease current tensions," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press briefing in Beijing.

France, Britain and Germany announced on Tuesday that they have triggered the dispute mechanism set up in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the hope to preserve the deal and bring Iran back into full compliance with its commitments.

China has always believed that Iran reduced its commitments to the JCPOA due to specific reasons, said Geng.

He said that the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, while ignoring international law and its international obligations, imposing maximum pressure on Iran and obstructing other parties in keeping their commitments.

"Such practices are the root cause of current tensions," he said.

The hard-won JCPOA, endorsed and adopted by the UN Security Council, is an important outcome of multilateral diplomacy, an important pillar for the international non-proliferation system and peace and stability in the Middle East, and a significant part of the international order based on international law, Geng said.

China urged all relevant parties to stay calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation within the JCPOA framework, take concrete steps to restore the balance of the rights and obligations of the JCPOA and try their best to safeguard and implement the deal, said Geng.

China will stay in close contact and coordination with relevant parties and make tireless efforts to this end, he added.
Photo: Mimi Thian/Unsplash

Hiring for managers in Boston is going strong. Employers in the industry posted 196 new jobs over the past week and 576 in the last month, more than for any other job category in the area, according to ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace.

Local manager also came in first in terms of local employers adding new jobs by occupation. In the past month, 171 companies listed open jobs for Boston-based workers in the industry.

One of the top employers seeking local managers is HireResources a Tailored Solutions Company (WO). "HireResources recruiters are specialists in their industries providing quick access to industry top talent in select industry sectors," according to one of the company's recently posted job openings.

Other top companies seeking local hires in the same category include Heading Home and Mastro's Restaurants.

Jobs posted by HireResources a Tailored Solutions Company (WO) in the past month in the area also included engineers, systems engineers and recruiters, while Heading Home was hiring maintenance specialists.

This story was created automatically using local jobs data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Donald Trump once left Prime Minister Narendra Modi flabbergasted after he told him that India and China didn't share a border, revealing the US President's "woefully" poor knowledge of geography, according to a new book authored by two Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalists.

The 417-page book, A Very Stable Genius, written by Philip Rucker and Carol D Leonnig, detailed similar vivid incidents from Trump's tumultuous first three years as President, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

The businessman-turned-politician won the US presidential election in 2016 and assumed the position on January 20, 2017.

The book claimed during one of his meetings with Modi, Trump told him, "It's not like you've got China on your border."

However, the Washington Post report did not mention the year in which President Trump made this gaffe.

After Trump bungles his India-China geography, the authors, both Post reporters, claimed that "Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise" and his "expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation".

The two reporters were part of the team that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Trump and Russia.

The book quoted a Trump aide as saying that Modi probably "left that meeting and said, 'This is not a serious man. I cannot count on this man as a partner'".

"After the meeting", the aide told the authors, "the Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States."

India and China have an unresolved border dispute that covers the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control.

Modi and Trump, who have developed a personal rapport, met four times in 2019, including their joint appearance at the historic 'Howdy Modi!' event in Houston.

They spoke over phone at least twice last year.

During his visit to the US in September last year, Prime Minister Modi once again extended his invitation to President Trump to visit India along with his family.
Lucas Museum Acquires African American Film History Archive SEPARATE CINEMA

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, currently under construction in Los Angeless Exposition Park, is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of the Separate Cinema Archive, which documents African American cinema history from 1904 to 2019. Encompassing more than 37,000 rare items, the archive includes a major selection of original film posters, lobby cards, film stills, publicity material, scripts, an extensive reference library, and more. As one of the premier narrative art forms of the 20th and 21st centuries, film and the filmmaking process are central to the Lucas Museum mission. The Separate Cinema Archive allows the museum to present a more inclusive history about the making and selling of feature films. The Separate Cinema Archive is an important addition to the museums growing collection of narrative art, which includes paintings, illustration, comics, photography, film-related works, and more.

For Black History Month, the Lucas Museum is partnering with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to present a day of film on Feb. 8, 2020, in South L.A. featuring two Oscar-nominated moviesa family-friendly matinee screening of The Wiz (1978) and an evening screening of Do the Right Thing (1989) followed by a conversation with author, scholar, and Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart. Presented in celebration of LACMAs landmark Betye Saar: Call and Response exhibition and the Lucas Museums Separate Cinema Archive, this Black History Month program will explore how filmmakers engage with issues of race within the narrative of the American dream.

It is exciting to celebrate Black History Month by introducing the important Separate Cinema Archive and by screening these two iconic films even before our museum opens, said Sandra Jackson-Dumont, director and CEO of the Lucas Museum. Comprising original film posters, photography, and other archival materialsincluding for The Wiz and Do the Right Thingthe Separate Cinema Archive will not only provide film scholars with incredible opportunities for research, this treasure trove will also catalyze important conversations about the inspiring narratives of African American perspectives represented through film.

Following the Do the Right Thing screening, author and archivist Jacqueline Stewart, professor of cinema and media studies at the University of Chicago, will participate in a conversation with Ryan Linkof, curator of film at the Lucas Museum, about the portrayal of race within the history of cinema. Stewart made her own history recently when she was announced as the first African American host at Turner Classic Movies, where she leads the Silent Sunday Nights program.

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The screenings will take place at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plazas Cinemark Theater on Saturday, Feb. 8. The morning matinee screening of The Wiz will coincide with Melanin Market L.A., a regular pop-up market taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside the cinema that features Black-owned businesses and vendors. Guests can also engage in free family art-making stations at the market provided by LACMA and the Lucas Museum.
Indoor location is poised for growth as public and private sectors recognize its value to operations, safety, and revenue. We provide the scale to ensure the market can reach its potential.

InnerSpace, an IoT-based indoor location intelligence platform for Smart Buildings, today announced it has been awarded a patent by the US Patent Office for its approach to generating maps for indoor navigation. The patent (#10458798B2) titled Method for Sensing Interior Spaces to Auto-Generate a Navigational Map protects the companys unique approach leveraging LiDAR to create maps of indoor spaces.

The Indoor location market is poised for dramatic growth as public and private sectors recognize its value to operations, safety, and revenue, said James Wu, CEO, InnerSpace. We have systematically eliminated the barriers to implementation and scale to ensure indoor location can reach its potential. One of the ways we have done this is to tackle the need for on-demand floor plan creation to keep maps up to date as building interiors change.

InnerSpace is the most accurate indoor location platform available on the market today. It uses WiFi networks and/or its proprietary sensors to measure how people and things behave within an indoor space. The company makes it easy for clients in Food & Beverage Retail, Public Safety and Security, Workplace Experience, and Real Estate Operations to turn any building Smart. Clients use the InnerSpace platform which includes analytics, mobile apps, out-of-the-box integrations, and API access to drive meaningful improvements to operations and revenue.

The patent awarded, pertains to the InnerSpace Mapping Sensor which leverages LiDAR scanning capabilities to measure distances within an indoor space and create a local point cloud model of the environment which is converted to a 2D floor plan or map.

One of the biggest impediments to adoption of indoor location has been the manual effort required to create maps, and keep them updated as buildings change, continued James. Leveraging InnerSpace ensures that our clients can reconfigure their spaces at any time and see those changes reflected in their maps, applications, and analytics.

About InnerSpace

InnerSpace has created the worlds first turnkey indoor location platform that is designed to transform business operations. The companys location data platform, gives clients unparalleled speed-to-value with its easy-to-install IoT sensors, out of the box analytics, and workflow initiation solutions. With InnerSpace, clients are able to put their two biggest assets - people and real estate - to work in new ways that dramatically improve the bottom line. Innerspace.io
US Charges 5 Over Illegal Exports for Pakistan's Nuclear Program

By Masood Farivar January 15, 2020

Five Pakistani businessmen have been indicted in the United States, accused of operating an international network of front companies to export U.S.-origin products to Pakistan for use in that country's nuclear program, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

The men transported the goods to Pakistan's Advanced Engineering Research Organization and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission without export licenses, according to the indictment. It identified 38 illegal nuclear-related exports from 29 U.S. companies to Pakistan between September 2014 and October 2019.

The defendants tried to hide the destinations of the exports in Pakistan by using their network of front companies as the purported importers and end users, according to the indictment.

The men, who live in Pakistan, Canada, Hong Kong and England, were charged in federal court in New Hampshire, where three of the U.S. companies are based, with conspiracy to violate U.S. export control laws. None of the U.S. companies was found to be complicit in the unlawful exports.

Identities

The defendants were identified as Muhammad Kamran Wali, 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali, 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh, 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed, 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom. None of them has been arrested, although arrest warrants are pending.

The two Pakistani entities  AERO and PAEC  are on the U.S. Commerce Department's list of companies required to hold export licenses because their activities are deemed contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.

PAEC was added to the list in 1998 after Pakistan carried out a series of underground nuclear tests in response to Indian nuclear tests. AERO was included in 2014 after the U.S. found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to acquire goods for Pakistan's cruise missile and strategic unmanned aerial vehicle programs, the Justice Department said.

"The defendants smuggled U.S.-origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan's weapons programs," John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

Example for businesses

"This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable," Demers said. "It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs."

The indictment stemmed from counternuclear proliferation efforts by investigative agencies within the departments of Justice, Commerce, Homeland Security and Defense. Jason Molina, acting special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, said the agency's counterproliferation group proactively conducts investigations into violations of U.S. export-import licensing because of the threat they can pose to U.S. national security.

"The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region," Molina said.

Pakistan is one of nine nuclear powers in the world, with an estimated 150 to 160 warheads in its nuclear arsenal, according to the Arms Control Association.

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By Trend

The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) CJSC will launch a new tanker in 2021, named after First Vice President of SOCAR, academician Khoshbakht Yusifzade, Trend reports via ASCO.

In accordance with the decree of Azerbaijans president, a new generation tanker which is under construction by order of ASCO at the company Baku Shipyard will be named Academician Khoshbakht Yusifzadeh.

The head of state signed a decree due to the 90th anniversary of the first vice president of SOCAR, one point of which is the assignment of the name of Khoshbakht Yusifzade to one of the ASCO ships.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 12: Timothee Chalamet attends the

Timothee Chalamet just keeps getting more and more buzz every year. He's starred in huge movies like 2019's Little Women and Call Me by Your Name, which really got everyone talking about him in 2017. But we have some big news for you - you've probably been pronouncing his name wrong all along.

Timothee was born and raised in America, but his father is from France, which explains his unique name. Despite the accent mark, he pronounces his first name how you would imagine - "Timothy." However, he has said in various interviews that's supposed to be "Tim-o-tay," not Timothy. Sounds like he's fine with you saying it either way, though!

The actor's last name is a tad bit trickier. You may have been thinking it's "Shal-met" or even "Chal-met," but it has way more flair. Thankfully, back in 2014, when he was starring in Showtime's Homeland, Timothee was interviewed by Teen Vogue where he offered up a proper pronunciation of his name. Say it with us everyone, it's "Shal-uh-may." Not too hard, right?

According to houseofnames.com, Chalamet is a noble French surname. The name originates from the Lorraine area of France. As for Timothee, the French variation of the English name means "honoring God."

Timothee's parents appear to have given him the best of both worlds when he was growing up. The young actor was born and raised in New York City, but he speaks French fluently. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Timothee revealed he spent his Summers in France when he was growing up. His experience with one of the romance languages paid off when he decided to learn how to speak Italian for Call Me by Your Name.

Now you can confidently talk about Timothee with everyone while raving about Little Women or complaining about his tiny mustache that he's working on!
A court here on awarded five-year imprisonment to



three Bangladeshi nationals for illegal stay in the country.

The court also imposed Rs 19,000 fine on them individually.

They were held guilt of living in the country by forging a visa and passport.

Pronouncing the judgment, Special Judge Sanjeev Kumar said if the convicts did not pay the fine, each would have to spend six months more in the jail.

The convicts--Mohd Firdaus, Imran and Fariruddin-- were arrested from the Lucknow junction when they were trying to flee by the Amritsar-Hawarh Express in 2017.

The Uttar Pradesh ATS had registered a case against them.

The ATS had found during the investigation that the three had prepared a fake visa and passport.

In its judgment, the court said that the ATS successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

"The accused were found to have possessed fake documents to prove their identity," the court said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to stop releasing brown bears to the Pyrenees after a surge in deadly sheep attacks.

Pyrenean livestock farmers have met with Mr Macron to secure an assurance that he will not authorise the release of any more bears as part of an effort to save the animals from extinction.

He promised that the re-insertions [of bears] are finished, that he won't release any more, Jean-Pierre Pommies, a farmer who raises sheep and cows, said after meeting Mr Macron.

Mr Pommies attended the meeting with the president in the Pyrenean town of Pau on Tuesday to explain the concerns of farmers, who say their livestock has been devastated by the bears.

He was able to understand that it's a big problem for us, the farmer 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

We have reached the bottom, and the situation was ridiculous for Pyrenean herders," he added.

France began importing brown bears from Slovenia in the 1990s, when its own population in the Pyrenees was heading for extinction.

Eight bears were freed into the wild in 1996, 1997 and 2006, and another release of two Slovenian female bears following during the second year of Mr Macrons presidency in 2018.

The Pyrenean population is now estimated to be about 40 bears roaming over a long swathe of mountains along the border between France and Spain.

Bear attacks on livestock have surged in recent years, from a stable number of between 100 and 200 attack per year across the Pyrenees to close to 400 in 2018, according to the most recent official annual report.

Mr Pommies said one of his friends had suffered badly from the surge, when his flock was devastated by an attack last year and his sheep took fright and plunged off a cliff together.

There were 256 piled up at the bottom, he said.

They had to finish some of them off with their knives. For us shepherds, that is traumatic.

He added that he believes the presence of the bears is simply incompatible with the Pyrenean mountain economy that relies on herding.

The people who are pro-bear say that it used to work for the old timers, that they used to deal with it, Mr Pommies said, noting that he loves bears in other areas.

That is completely false. History shows that men have always killed them.

Emmanuelle Wargon, a deputy environment minister who attended the meeting, told broadcaster Sud Radio that Mr Macron reaffirmed that we don't have any plans to reintroduce [more] bears.

Ms Wargon said it was important for the government to reassure farmers of this.

Additional reporting by AP
DUNSTABLE (dpa-AFX) - British restaurant company Whitbread plc (WTB.L) reported Thursday that its third-quarter, total sales grew 1%, despite challenging market conditions in the UK. In its trading update, the company noted that total UK sales increased 0.3 percent, while UK like-for-like sales declined 1.3 percent. The company's performance in the quarter reflects a good food & beverage performance and marginally declining total accommodation sales. In the quarter, total accommodation sales edged up 0.3 percent, and food & beverage sales grew 2.2 percent. Looking ahead, the company said it is on track to achieve full year expectations for fiscal 2020. Further, for fiscal 2021, the company is taking a cautious approach to hotel demand, especially relating to business customer demand in the regions. 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.
Scarlett Moffatt has claimed she chose not to take part in the fourth series of 'CelebAbility' as Stacey Solomon has been named new team captain (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

Scarlett Moffatt has denied reports that shes been axed from CelebAbility in favour of Loose Womens Stacey Solomon, saying she couldnt have been a team captain on the upcoming season of the ITV2 game show because she had other work commitments.

I've just seen the advert for CelebAbility and I'm super excited," she told her Instagram followers in a series of stories. "I'm so pleased that Stacey Solomon is looking after the guests on the show.

I did it last year and it was so much fun, she added, before explaining that she was playing the Fairy Godmother in a production of Cinderella at the Sunderland Empire while season four was filming so she couldnt do it.

Read more: Scarlett Moffatt in tears over hate mail calling her 'so fat'

The 30 year-old concluded: I will be watching and good luck to all of the team.

Ahead of the series - which sees a bunch of famous faces take on one another in a series of physical challenges - making a comeback tonight (Thursday 16 January), presenter Iain Stirling sang Solomons praises.

She is just brilliant. She is an absolute professional, an absolute charmer and a joy to work with, he gushed in a prepared statement. Its been a real honour actually. TV royalty!

Solomon is set to join 'Love Island' narrator Iain Stirling when the ITV2 game show returns on Thursday 16 January (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Sterling and Solomon will be joined by the latters real-life partner Joe Swash on the show, as well as a whole host of celebrity participants including Katherine Ryan, Roman Kemp and Coronation Street actor Jack P. Shepherd.

Moffatt doesnt seem to mind that shes missing out on all the fun. Taking to her social media pages earlier this week, she shared a sweet, loved-up post about her and boyfriend Scott Dobinsons first anniversary.

"One official year of being @scottdobby girlfriend. I can safely say the best year of my life. Lovely little trip to Barcelona (one to tell the kids one day ha!) next trip is with all the Moffatts (so excited for that especially as sometimes I feel like my family love you more than they love me ha!)

Story continues

Read more: Scarlett Moffatt opens up about recent health scare as she urges others to get smear tests

"Its took me to the ripe age of 29 to find the one, so dont panic if youre turning 30 or older and feel like wow I dont have a family yet, she continued.

"Love happens in mysterious ways & at mysterious times."

CelebAbility returns tonight at 10:05pm on ITV2.
New Delhi:

A day after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Indira Gandhi met underworld don Karim Lala in Mumbai, pictures of the former prime minister meeting Lala surface on social media. An image of Karim Lala meeting with former Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray also emerged. Another report, quoting Lala's grandson Salim Pathan, said that there are pictures of the former prime minister, Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar meeting Lala. The report also claimed Pathan has shared Karim Lala's pictures with Indira Gandhi and other political leaders.

These pictures surfaced on social media:

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday, Raut had claimed that Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai).

"They [underworld] used to decide who will be Mumbai's police commissioner and who will sit in Mantralaya [state secretariat]. When [underworld don] Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie," claimed Sanjay Raut.

However, Raut withdrew his comment on Thursday saying, "If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image, or someone's feelings, I take it back."

Meanwhile, terming Raut's comment as 'wrong', Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said the party will not tolerate such remarks. Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan went a step further as he cryptically said that his party is "ready to pay whatever price required", but will not tolerate comments against the late prime minister.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
When hes right, hes right.

Taking a brief break from defending his boss legally indefensible impeachment maneuvers, Attorney General Bill Barr has escalated his request to tech giant Apple to help unlock two phones used by a Saudi national who killed three people at a naval air station in Pensacola, Florida, last month.

In this, Barr walks nobly in lockstep with frequent courtroom adversary Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, who for years has been begging one of the most powerful corporations on Earth to rejigger its hardware and software so that they can comply with legitimate search warrants issued by judges. His office now obtains an average of 1,600 devices a year, unknown numbers of which hold evidence key to convicting the guilty and exonerating the innocent.

Apple pleads powerlessness, saying its giving consumers sole power to control the information on their devices. But in the Pensacola case, the company has already turned over materials from the gunmans iCloud account, undercutting the claim that personal data is sacrosanct.

Google plays a similar game, insisting upon strong encryption on its smartphones while complying with many thousands of government requests on its other products, including Gmail.

We dont laugh off the concern that in many parts of the world, dictators champ at the bit to use encryption back doors to hunt perceived enemies of the state. The onus is on Apple to reject nefarious requests even as it complies with legitimate ones.

But in America, under our Constitution, tech industry absolutism must never become a suicide pact.

 New York Daily News
For Tom Williams, his first book just came as something to keep him occupied since his retirement.
Does the January share price for Public Joint Stock Company Interregional Distribution Grid Company of Siberia (MCX:MRKS) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the foreast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This is done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Interregional Distribution Grid Company of Siberia

Crunching the numbers

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Levered FCF (RUB, Millions) 2.74b 2.72b 2.96b 3.69b 2.99b 2.64b 2.48b 2.42b 2.42b 2.47b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -11.58% Est @ -6.2% Est @ -2.43% Est @ 0.21% Est @ 2.05% Present Value (RUB, Millions) Discounted @ 13% 2.4k 2.1k 2.0k 2.2k 1.6k 1.3k 1.0k 893 790 712

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 15b

Story continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the intial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 10-year government bond rate of 6.4%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 13%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2029  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 2.5b (1 + 6.4%)  13% 6.4%) = 38b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 38b ( 1 + 13%)10= 11b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 26b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 0.3, the company appears about fair value at a 1.6% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

MISX:MRKS Intrinsic value, January 16th 2020

The assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Interregional Distribution Grid Company of Siberia as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 13%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.802. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldnt be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Interregional Distribution Grid Company of Siberia, I've put together three additional aspects you should further examine:

Financial Health: Does MRKS have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does MRKS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Are there other high quality stocks you could be holding instead of MRKS? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every RU stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
The Contractors Registration Board (CRB) is a Tanzanian government institution with a focus on regulating the contractor environment. It was established under an Act of Parliament No.17 of 1997. Their main intention is to protect consumer's interests when receiving construction services in the country. Today, CRB Tanzania falls under the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communication, and they mostly facilitate registration, regulation, and development of contractors. The institution is headquartered in Dar Es Salaam and has satellite offices Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya.

Image: crb.go.tz

Source: UGC

Small and medium-sized contractors characterize the Tanzanian construction industry. Local contractors account for the most substantial proportion, making it a great challenge for a sustainable national contracting capacity for all.

The mission and vision statements of CRB in Tanzania are representative of their objective. They aim to be a leader in overseeing contractor matters in the region as well as create a competitive and sustainable industry. All these are in pursuit of sufficient economic growth. Therefore, CRB has numerous responsibilities that it fulfils in various ways.

READ ALSO: HESLB loan application 2020: fees and appeal

CRB Tanzania registration process

Any contractor interested in registering with CRB or is looking to upgrade to a different class must abide by the body's regulation. The criteria governing registration and upgrade of contractors are contained in Section 10 of the Act.

Basic requirements

These are the fundamental requirements that every contractor ought to satisfy before submitting his or her registration details.

The applicant must possess a registration certificate from the Registrar of Companies. The document can be for a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Company, or a Partnership.

Every form of registered business application ought to be accompanied by the necessary paperwork. For a Limited Company, there must be a Memorandum and Articles of Association. Both a Partnership and Sole Proprietorship should have an Extract from the Registrar.

One shareholder of the business being registered ought to possess technical qualifications. The individual also must not be in active employment. It is the responsibility of the board to review the resumes of every shareholder to ascertain that they are people of good standing and profession.

The CRB Tanzania class limit for first-time registration for a Partnership or Sole Proprietorship is six.

READ ALSO: Retirement Benefits Authority functions, offices, and contacts

Applying for permanent registration

If you are looking to make it to the list of contractors in Tanzania PDF, you must fill all the necessary application forms. Once you have submitted payment, you will be issued with different CRB forms. These are Form CRB-F1 and CRB-F2. Populate it with your company's profile and other relevant data. The application document contains data on all the additional attachments required at the end.

Temporary registration

Image: pexels.com

Source: UGC

Probably you are a foreign firm intending to complete a particular contract over a specific period. In that case, you will have to complete your application using Form CRB  F3 for your provisional application. Similar to the full registration, every dully-filled form ought to be accompanied by your company's profile. This application will include many data as specified in the application form.

READ ALSO: Kerio Valley Development Authority mandate, tenders, contacts

CRB Tanzania annual return form for a financial year

Are you wondering how you can access the annual return form for 2020/2021 fiscal year? Well, the Contractors Registration Board has simplified the entire process in a bid of cutting down on operating costs. The board has implemented a digital move that will eliminate travelling, printing, postage, and other charges associated with doing the returns.

To access the CRB annual return form, you will have to utilize the online system. You can use the same link for registration to access the platform. After registration, the applicant gets a username ID and password submitted to the email address specified in the registration process.

Any time that you intend to fill the annual return form online, you are going to utilize these login details. On the first page, you can click on the "ARF" tab and then head to "Create new ARF." Populate all the critical sections with the required data and click "submit" after completion.

The board before final approval individually reviews all forms. After review, one either gets successful or unsuccessful feedback. If it is the latter, you are supposed to rectify all the relevant data before subsequent submission. Only approval of successful submission will acknowledge receipt.

READ ALSO: Law School of Tanzania 2020: application form, admission, programmes

Contractor deregistration

The board, under Section 13 (1) b, c, and d and Section 15 (1) c of the Act, can deregister contractors. The sections stipulate the terms that a company can fall into the list of CRB deleted contractors. These are matters like when a firm fails to submit their yearly subscription fees for two consecutive years or do not meet specific registration criteria.

After they are deleted from the Registrar of Contractors, they are barred from qualifying for any contracts. However, any contractor that is not satisfied with the decision can file an appeal through the stipulated rules.

CRB Tanzania ascertains that all contractors comply with the law and all professional rules governing their practice. Therefore, they perform regulatory and development activities in the industry to make business better for both parties  the client and contractor.

READ ALSO: Best NIT courses 2020: fees, driving, short courses

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Hoboken PATH station will be closed this weekend for signal maintenance, Port Authority officials said.

Because of the closure, the World Trade Center PATH station, scheduled to be closed on weekends through most of 2020 for Superstorm Sandy-related work, will be open this weekend.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, the PATH station in Hoboken will be closed until 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. in order to complete essential signal maintenance at the station and in the adjoining tunnels.

The Journal Square-33rd Street line will operate on its normal weekend schedule, but there will be no service in and out of Hoboken.

During the Hoboken service outage, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system will cross-honor affected PATH riders at the Hoboken, Newport and Exchange Place stations, officials said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and US President Donald Trump speak during a bilateral meeting in Biarritz, south-west France on August 26, 2019, on the third day of the annual G7 Summit.

The United States has slowly lost interest in Europe as other countries and regions have enjoyed surging economic growth and influence, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Financial Times.

The German leader, in power for 15 years, noted a "shift" in how the United States looks at the world over the last few years.

"President (Barack) Obama already spoke about the Asian century, as seen from the U.S. perspective. This also means that Europe is no longer, so to say, at the centre of world events," Merkel told the FT in an article published Wednesday.

In 2011, former U.S. leader Obama said the Asia-Pacific region was the "top priority" for the United States. His speech at the Australian Parliament was seen as a challenge to China. At the time, the EU was heavily focused on surviving its sovereign debt crisis.

Almost 10 years after that speech, the European Union and the United States find themselves at a crossroads. President Donald Trump has challenged the 28-member bloc and, in particular, Germany on different occasions. He has accused Berlin of currency manipulation, of not adequately contributing to the NATO budget and has also threatened to impose tariffs on German cars.

Merkel argued that Europe "needs to take on more responsibility" to address this tense relationship with the U.S. "The United States' focus on Europe is declining  that will be the case under any president," Merkel said.

When asked about whether she had any personal tensions with the current president, Merkel said "I think it has structural causes."

To read the full interview, click here.
Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2020 -- According to a new market research report "Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market by Component (Hardware, Software & Data Processing, Launch Services), Type (Nanosatellite and Microsatellite), Application, Vertical (Government, Defense, Civil), and Region - Global Forecast to 2024" published by MarketsandMarkets, the Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market size expected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2019 to USD 3.6 billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.8% during the forecast period.



The satellites are used for several applications, such as communication, earth observation and remote sensing, scientific research, biological experiments, academic training, reconnaissance, and various other applications by the defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and/or government users. Continuous advancements in the miniaturization of technologies, such as electronics; low-mission costs; and the increasing use of satellite constellations are major drivers of the market.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market"

129- Tables

29- Figures

159- Pages



Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=130496085



Earth observation and remote sensing to account for the largest market size during the forecast period



Nanosatellites and microsatellites have brought novel opportunities for earth observation and remote sensing using inexpensive small satellites to capture images of the earth and gather specific data. Nanosatellites and microsatellites are expected to play a major role in remote sensing missions due to their enhanced computational and communication capabilities, along with competencies in taking decisions about the time and data to be shared. Successful programs to develop and examine advanced hyperspectral imaging systems compatible with nanosatellite and microsatellite missions enable small satellites to generate high-quality complex images.



The commercial vertical to account for the largest market size during the forecast period



The geospatial technology using earth-imaging small satellites for agriculture, education, intelligence navigation, mapping, and other uses, has driven the commercial sector in the past decade. Nanosatellites or microsatellites help commercial companies gather global real-time data and distribute the same at lower prices to customers across a wide geographic area. Nanosatellites and microsatellites are used for commercial purposes, such as communication, in the form of voice, data, and videos, internet communication, and video chat. Between 2013 and 2017, almost half the nanosatellites were launched for military or civil missions and the remaining half for business purposes.



North America to account for the highest market share during the forecast period



North America accounts for the highest market share in the Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market. The country leads in the adoption of nanosatellites and microsatellites and offers great opportunities for the overall growth of the Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market. North America has always been an early adopter of a new technology or software, and the North American market grows at a faster rate initially as compared to any other region. The demand for nanosatellites and microsatellites in North America is being driven by the booming digitalization across industries along with a surging demand for earth observation satellites.



Speak to Research Expert @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=130496085



The major Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market vendors include GomSpace (Denmark), Lockheed Martin (US), L3Harris (US), Sierra Nevada Corporation (US), AAC Clyde Space (Scotland), Planet Labs (US), Tyvak (US), NanoAvionics (US), Innovative Solutions In Space (Netherlands), SpaceQuest (US), Raytheon (US), RUAG (Switzerland), Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (England), Dauria Aerospace (Russia), Axelspace Corporation (Japan), Sky and Space Global (UK), Kepler (Canada), GAUSS (Italy), SpaceWorks Enterprises (US), and Berlin Space Technologies (Germany).



About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.



Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, and strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.



MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.



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[January 16, 2020] Fugue Open Sources Regula to Help Engineers Validate Terraform for Policy Compliance

FREDERICK, Md., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fugue, the company empowering engineers to build and operate secure cloud systems that are compliant with enterprise policies, today announced it has open sourced Regula , a tool that evaluates Terraform infrastructure-as-code for security misconfigurations and compliance violations prior to deployment. Regula rules are written in Rego, the open source policy language employed by the Open Policy Agent project and can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines to prevent cloud infrastructure deployments that may violate security and compliance best practices. "Developers design, build, and modify their own cloud infrastructure environments, and they increasingly own the security and compliance of that infrastructure," said Josh Stella, co-founder and CTO of Fugue. "Fugue builds solutions that empower engineers operating in secure and regulated cloud environments, and Regula quickly and easily checks that their Terraform scripts don't violate policybefore they deploy infrastructure." Regula initially supports rules that validate Terraform scripts written for AWS infrastructure, and includes mapping to CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark controls where relevant. Regula also includes helper libraries that enable users to easily build their own rules that conform to enterprise policies. At launch, Fugue has provided examples of Regula working with GitHub Actions for CI/CD, and with Fregot , a tool that enables developers to easily evaluate Rego expressions, debug code, and test policies. Fugue open sourced Fregot in November 2019.



Regula can identify serious cloud misconfiguration risk contained in Terraform scripts, many of which may not be flagged by common compliance standards. The initial release of Regula includes rules that can identify dangerously permissive IAM policies and security group rules, VPCs with flow logs disabled, EBS volumes with encryption disabled, and untagged cloud resources. View the full set of initial Regula rules here . Regula works independently of Fugue, but can be integrated with Fugue for end-to-end cloud infrastructure security and compliance. The Fugue SaaS product integrates cloud security into each stage of the software development life cycle. Fugue enables users to visualize cloud infrastructure environments, detect post-deployment misconfigurations and automatically enforce critical resource configurations through self-healing. Both Regula and Fugue utilize the open-source Rego policy language, and developers can easily create their own rules for Regula and Fugue using a similar syntax. In addition to Fugue Enterprise, Fugue offers Developer, a free tier available to individual engineers who need to ensure continuous security and compliance of their cloud infrastructure environments.

Regula is available today on Fugue's public GitHub repository . About Fugue

Fugue is enterprise cloud security developed for engineers, by engineers. Fugue prevents cloud misconfiguration, ensures continuous compliance with enterprise security policies, and provides full visibility into the security posture of AWS and Azure cloud environments. Fugue automates compliance validation for CIS Foundations Benchmarks, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, PCI, and SOC 2. Customers such as AT&T, TrueCar, and A+E Networks trust Fugue to protect their cloud environments. Fugue's investors include New Enterprise Associates, Future Fund, and In-Q-Tel (IQT). Fugue is an AWS Advanced Technology Partner and a Launch Partner in the AWS Cloud Management Tools Competency Program in the Governance category. Fugue has twice been named a CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award winner and a Gartner Cool Vendor in Cloud Computing. To learn more, visit www.fugue.co . Media Contact:

Rachel Kaseroff

415-341-5625

[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fugue-open-sources-regula-to-help-engineers-validate-terraform-for-policy-compliance-300987942.html SOURCE Fugue

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Whether students are interested in pursuing biology careers, academic research, or medical school, Georgia universities offer a variety of programs that can help biology students pursue their goals.

View Schools

Georgia Institute of Technology

In Georgia Tech's MS (Master of Science) in Biology program, students who plan on moving forward with a PhD and an academic career can choose the thesis track, while students who prefer to focus on building their understanding of biology for a career outside of research can pursue the non-thesis option. Georgia Tech also offers students three concentrations: (1) ecology, evolution and behavior, (2) molecular and cell biology, and (3) computational biology and bioinformatics.

Georgia State University

Students in Georgia State's 1- to 2-year MS in Biology program can also choose between a career oriented non-thesis track (that culminates in either a capstone paper or lab project) and a thesis track (that prepares students for PhD programs). Georgia State also offers a 1-year Master of Biology Medical Sciences (MBMS) program designed to prepare students for success in medical school.

Georgia Southern University

At Georgia Southern, students in the MS in Biology program have the opportunity to participate in their professors' active research projects. The university also allows students to pursue study in several subfields of biology, including conservation biology, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, medical entomology and physiology.

Valdosta State

Valdosta State University's 2-year, thesis-based MS in Biology program emphasizes academic research and scientific writing. The university offers tuition assistantship stipends for master's students who work part time teaching undergraduate labs and lecture courses.

Georgia College and State University

Students admitted to Georgia College's thesis or non-thesis MS in Biology program can complete their degree in anywhere from 2-7 years, depending on if they would like to pursue their studies full time or part time. The university awards graduate assistantships (financial assistance in exchange for undergraduate teaching) to its strongest applicants.

Mercer University

Mercer University's 2-year MS in Biomedical Science (MSBMS) program begins with academic classes on topics like human development and molecular genetics. In the second year and final year of the program, students take classes in research methods and conduct independent research projects.

Clark Atlanta University

Students in Clark Atlanta's 24-credit-hour MS in Biological Sciences program can study such areas as biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular biology. All students must write and defend a thesis.

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia offers a 36-credit-hour MS in Biology program. The program has a thesis option (for students who wish to focus on research and prepare for a PhD program) and a non-thesis option (for students who prefer to take additional coursework and prepare for professional work).

Columbus State University

At Columbus State University, biology is a concentration within the broader MS in Natural Sciences program (the other concentrations are chemistry, geoscience and environmental science). Within this 2-year program, students build a curriculum that best fits their research interests. They can focus exclusively on biology coursework or mix in courses from other tracks.

Kennesaw State University

In Kennesaw State University's 36-credit-hour Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB) program, students learn how to weave skills and approaches across the life sciences in pursuit of complex bioscience questions. Throughout their time of study, students work closely with an academic advisor to pursue their own research question and write a thesis.

University Programs Offered Graduate Tuition for Academic Year (2018-2019)* Georgia Institute of Technology Master of Science in Biology In-state: $13,788

Out-of-state: $28,568 Georgia State University Master of Science in Biology

Master of Biology Medical Sciences (MBMS) In-state: $7,020

Out-of-state: $22,518 Georgia Southern University Master of Science in Biology In-state: $6,636

Out-of-state: $26,518 Valdosta State University Master of Science in Biology In-state: $4,482

Out-of-state: $16,146 Georgia College and State University Master of Science in Biology In-state: $5,184

Out-of-state: $18,486 Mercer University Master of Science Biomedical Science $14,374 Clark Atlanta University Master of Science in Biological Sciences $16,128 University of West Georgia Master of Science in Biology In-state: $4,086

Out-of-state: $15,876 Columbus State University Master of Science in Natural Sciences, Biology In-state: 5,742

Out-of-state: $11,952 Kennesaw State University Master of Science in Integrative Biology In-state: $5,220

Out-of-state: $18,810

Source: *NCES

Admissions Requirements for a Biology Master's Degree Program in Georgia

Most Master of Science in Biology programs require students to have earned a bachelor's degree that included coursework in biology and chemistry. Competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Most programs require students to send in GRE test scores (minimum GRE scores vary across universities). Students must also send in their undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose essay. For thesis programs, students should name the professor whose research interests best align with their own.

There are a wide variety of options for graduate students interested in studying biology, including master's degree programs in biomedical science and integrative biology. Graduates can go on to pursue careers in bioscience research, medicine and more.
Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

BRIDGEPORT  A mother and two children were injured when a driver hit them at a city intersection and then fled, according to police.

The incident happened shortly after 5 p.m. in the area of North Bishop and Boston avenues. Fire units, police and medics responded to the area.
A Chinese restaurant in New York. Photo: David LeFranc/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Its very old news that MSG is, in fact, absolutely fine and a naturally occurring compound found in seaweed, tomatoes, and everything else you describe as having umami. MSG is, essentially, just concentrated umami. So it feels like a bit of a surprise, to Grub anyway, that the Merriam-Webster dictionary still has a straight-up definition of Chinese restaurant syndrome, which is entangled in racist and xenophobic attitudes toward Chinese people and, thereby, food.

As a term, Chinese restaurant syndrome dates back to 1968, as Vice points out, when the New England Journal of Medicine published a letter by Dr. Robert Ho Man Kwok in which he used the phrase and described symptoms like numbness after eating at Chinese restaurants. Its been challenged in the past, including over the last decade by figures like food scientist and author Harold McGee and Momofuku man David Chang.

This week, chef and author Eddie Huang and TV host Jeanne Mai called out Merriam-Webster, the woke dictionary, on social media. Their tweets are part of the #redefineCRS campaign from Ajinomoto, the Japanese company started by the chemist who discovered how to isolate MSG. Over email to the New York Times, Huang spoke for, well, everyone who knows writing, I was shocked that Chinese Restaurant Syndrome was an actual term in a dictionary. Mai added to the paper that hearing the definition hurt because I know its steeped in decades of xenophobia but doesnt believe it should be simply removed but redefined.

In response to the campaign, Merriam-Webster senior editor Emily Brewster tells Vice they dont have records of anyone contacting them about the term before and that the entry will be reviewed. She also added that the dictionarys aim is to provide accurate information about the meaning of words, including providing information about whether a use is offensive or dated.

In a comment to the Times, Brewster writes over email, we record the language  we do not create, sanction or promote any specific words; the languages speakers do this, and we provide a record of this use.
Electrification on track: 10 1 new models launched as a first milestone toward a 100% electrified range by 2025

Solid position in Europe: 16.8% market share

International businesses focused on profitable growth and manufacturing footprint development

Regulatory News:

Groupe PSA (Paris:UG):

"In all regions, our teams are driven by a strong commitment to performance, profitable sales and customer satisfaction in a highly changing environment. This commitment is supported by our Group's core model and core technology strategies and, in the long term, feeds our ambition to provide clean, safe and affordable solutions for people and goods, to counter the global warming effect." says Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Groupe PSA Managing Board.

Becoming a major player in electrified mobility

Groupe PSA has already launched 10 new plug-in hybrid or all-electric models, in line with its roadmap to offer a 100% electrified2 range from 2025, of which 50% will be electrified by the end of 2021 with 13 additional electrified models.

Since 2019, all new models launched by Groupe PSA come with either an all-electric or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. LEV orders are promising and in line with Group objectives to be compliant with European 2020 CO 2 target from Day 1.

The company mobilizes its recognized expertise and works with its partners and dealers to meet customer expectations by producing and offering a competitive line-up, with easy and state-of-the-art services for day-to-day life.

Growing LCV sales

Groupe PSA has historically offered best-in-class products to cover the full diversity of customer needs. In 2019, the Group sold 765,000 units (of which 554,000 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and 211 derivative passenger cars (PCs)), and consolidated its position with a 25.1% market share in Europe3, in particular driven by the successful renewal of its small and medium vans in the last three years.

The Peugeot Expert, Citroen Jumpy and Opel Vivaro will come in all-electric versions from 2020 and the whole LCV range (and passenger car equivalents) electrified by 2021.

The Group's LCV development is advancing at a good pace in Latin America, where the Group launched a comprehensive range of LCV products and services, and in Eurasia, with the Peugeot, Citroen and Opel medium van models.

Europe: focused on performance

Leveraging disciplined management to meet CO 2 targets, the Group maintained its position by achieving a 16.8% market share in a market that was up a slight 1.3%, by growing in main markets, particularly in Italy (+0.5pt) and Spain (+0.2pt), and by maintaining its market share in France and the United Kingdom while slightly declining in Germany (-0.6pt).

2019 was a year of consolidation for Peugeot. The brand completely renewed its B segment offering to support its sales growth in 2020. The new electrified range, driven by the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008, as well as the plug-in hybrid versions of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and 508 Hybrid sedan SW, are fully available for B2B and B2C customers and feature among the lowest CO 2 emissions of the market.

Citroen had the strongest growth among the top 12 best-selling brands in Europe, increasing its market shares in the main markets. Its performance was notably driven by the C5 Aircross SUV, launched in January 2019, which will be available in a plug-in hybrid version in 2020.

DS Automobiles sales surged globally, especially in the second half of the year (+56%) driven by the success of its renewed range. In France, DS main market, the successful DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 3 CROSSBACK models are now strongly positioned and the brand's performance is being enhanced by the growing exclusive DS network, with 356 point of sales to date.

Opel Vauxhall focused its strategy on profitable sales channels and market segments. Through the consistent implementation of the core model strategy, Opel Vauxhall have taken steps toward ambitious future CO 2 targets. The Grandland X (+29%) and Crossland X (+28%) SUVs and the LCVs (+20%) were particularly successful.

Middle East Africa: market share increase in major markets

Groupe PSA's market share increased by 0.4 pt in the region with registrations up 9,100 units compared to 2018, despite markets declining by 100,000 units 4. Strong breakthroughs were made in Turkey (+2.1pts), Egypt (+6.1pts) and Morocco (+2.1pts). 2019 regional performance versus 2018 remained impacted by the wind down in Iran (May 2018)5

The production started mid-September 2019 in the Kenitra plant, in Morocco. The production capacity will be doubled to reach 200,000 vehicles as early as Mid-2020.

China Southeast Asia: reshaping the business model

DPCA has set out its priorities in a six-year strategic plan presented last September, based on profitable sales, a lower breakeven point and a progressive increase in volumes for the Peugeot and Citroen brands. The DS brand is committed to the Chinese market and finalizes a new strategic plan. The sale of Groupe PSA shares in the CAPSA joint venture is part of this plan. 2020 will be the first year of Groupe PSA's NEV offensive in China, with five NEV models to be launched and sold in China6

In ASEAN, the Group's Malaysian hub NAM7 started production with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008.

Latin America: contracting markets

Markets were hard hit in Argentina (-43%) and Chile (-11%) by the economic and political situations. Driven by the success of the new SUV C4 Cactus and the LCV offering, Groupe PSA sales remained brisk in Mexico (+13%), Brazil (+2%) and in smaller markets (Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador and Uruguay).

India-Pacific: sales growth in Japan

Sales grew slightly in the region despite declining markets. The recurring success in Japan continued with sales up 20%. Groupe PSA started the production of transmissions in India (Hosur plant), with its partner AVTEC Ltd (a CK Birla Group Co.) and is on track to launch the C5 Aircross SUV in India in 2020, to be followed in 2021 by new and disruptive Citroen models designed locally.

Eurasia: relaunch of the Opel brand

Sales increased in the region in H2 2019, especially in Ukraine and Russia. The Group improves faster than the market in Ukraine, thanks to all four brands. The Opel brand strengthened its presence in the Ukrainian market at the beginning of 2019 and the DS brand was launched in H2 2019.

Whereas the Russian market was down -2.3%, Group LCV sales increased with the Peugeot Traveller/Expert and the Citroen SpaceTourer/Jumpy. The Group recently relaunched the Opel brand in Russia, starting with the Zafira Life and Grandland X models.

CONSOLIDATED WORLD SALES (CWS) by region

Consolidated World Sales 2018 2019 19/18 (in thousands) YTD Dec YTD Dec YTD Dec Europe Peugeot 1 231 327 1 198 579 -2.7% Citroen 824 623 834 571 1.2% DS 46 013 56 393 22.6% Opel Vauxhall 1 004 197 940 020 -6,4% PSA 3 106 160 3 029 563 -2.5% China South East Asia Peugeot 143 628 63 559 -55.7% Citroen 114 419 51 167 -55.3% DS 3 955 2 110 -46.6% Opel Vauxhall 581 248 -57.3% PSA 262 583 117 084 -55.4% Latin America Peugeot 112 774 82 569 -26.8% Citroen 60 404 51 252 -15.2% DS 969 824 -15.0% Opel Vauxhall 1 110 1 094 -1.4% PSA 175 257 135 739 -22.5% Middle East Africa Peugeot 223 838 84 294 -62.3% Citroen 34 731 42 901 23.5% DS 1 440 1 879 30.5% Opel Vauxhall 31 989 35 192 10.0% PSA 291 998 164 266 -43.7% India Pacific Peugeot 19 987 18 741 -6.2% Citroen 5 661 6 632 17.2% DS 831 1 266 52.3% Opel Vauxhall NS PSA 26 479 26 639 0.6% Eurasia Peugeot 8 660 8 721 0.7% Citroen 6 391 6 302 -1.4% DS 57 40 -29.8% Opel Vauxhall 180 576 220.0% PSA 15 288 15 639 2.3% Total Consolidated World Sales Peugeot 1 740 214 1 456 463 -16.3% Citroen 1 046 229 992 825 -5.1% DS 53 265 62 512 17.4% Opel Vauxhall 1 038 057 977 130 -5.9% PSA 3 877 765 3 488 930 -10.0% Total Consolidated World Sales Peugeot 1 596 216 1 456 463 -8.8% (excluding Iran) Citroen 1 046 229 992 825 -5.1% DS 53 190 62 512 17.5% Opel Vauxhall 1 038 057 977 130 -5.9% PSA 3 733 692 3 488 930 -6.6%

About Groupe PSA

Groupe PSA designs unique automotive experiences and delivers mobility solutions to meet all customer expectations. The Group has five car brands, Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall and provides a wide array of mobility and smart services under the Free2Move brand. Its 'Push to Pass' strategic plan represents a first step towards the achievement of the Group's vision to be "a global carmaker with cutting-edge efficiency and a leading mobility provider sustaining lifetime customer relationships". An early innovator in the field of autonomous and connected cars, Groupe PSA is also involved in financing activities through Banque PSA Finance and in automotive equipment via Faurecia.

Media library: medialibrary.groupe-psa.com @GroupePSA_EN

1 4 BEV: DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE, Peugeot e-208 and e-2008, Opel Corsa-e and 6 PHEV: Peugeot 3008 HYBRID, 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID, Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4x4

BEV Battery Electric Vehicle et PHEV Plug in Hybrid Vehicle

2 All-electric or plug-in hybrid

3 LCV market share excluding PC versions

4 Excl. Iran. Estimation at January 16.

5Volumes manufactured in Iran have not been recorded in consolidated sales since May 1, 2018

6 NEV New Energy Vehicles 2 BEV: Peugeot e-2008, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and 3 PHEV: Peugeot 508L HYBRID and 4008 HYBRID, C5 Aircross Hybrid

7 Naza Automotive Manufacturing

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200115005943/en/

Contacts:

Media contact: Karine Douet +33 6 61 64 03 83 karine.douet@mpsa.com
Firefighters battled to bring a blaze at Malabo's cathedral under control on Wednesday, as flames engulfed parts of the historic building, considered the most important Christian church in Equatorial Guinea.

Dozens of people gathered in silence near the cathedral in the early evening as the fire service sprayed water jets onto the century-old structure.

It was not immediately known whether anyone was hurt in the fire, in which huge flames consumed part of the facade of the building.

"We have just extinguished the fire, it's finished. The roof is gone, it is a catastrophe," firefighter Alfredo Abeso told AFP.

Another firefighter at the scene said: "The whole roof is gone, the interior is burned."

The cause of the fire is not known but the cathedral has been closed to the public since January 7 for restoration work.

Built in a neo-gothic style between 1897 and 1916, the cathedral is one of the central African country's main tourist attractions.

The blaze brought comparisons to the devastating fire that ravaged the 13th century Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris in April 2019.

The French Embassy in Malabo said the fire was a "cruel reminder" of the fire at Notre Dame.

"We share the emotion of our friends in Malabo and Equatorial Guinea and hope that the fire can be brought under control quickly," it said on Twitter.

Paris engineers are still working to stabilise the 13th century cathedral in the French capital after fire tore through its roof and dramatically toppled its spire last year.
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Linkedin Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020

The Depok administration has issued city bylaw No. 2/2012 on traffic implementation, requiring car owners in the city to park their cars in a garage  effectively banning on-street parking.

Officials said the new regulation was a response to residents' complaints that rampant on-street parking had disrupted the flow of traffic in the city.

"Many residents complained about a lot of parked cars occupying roadsides, so we decided to pass the bylaw on traffic implementation," Depok deputy mayor Pradi Supriatna said on Jan. 9, as reported by Kompas.com.

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The redevelopment of the former Black Diamond Enterprises/Stewart Silk Mill property on South Side Easton into 55 apartments is officially a go.

Easton's planning commission on Wednesday night gave unanimous, final approval to The Mill at Easton project at 430 W. Lincoln St./620 Coal St., across from Cheston Elementary School.

The city owns the property for now, under Pennsylvania rules to take advantage of a $1 million state grant for environmental remediation. That work began Jan. 3 and is expected to wrap up in March.

Construction is expected to begin around June 1 with the first tenants projected to move in during fall 2021.

The Mill at Easton LLC is a partnership between Cleveland, Ohio-based Partners in Residential Housing Leadership (PIRHL); Stewart Silk Mill Redevelopment Partners LP comprising principals John Robinson, the longtime property owner with Black Diamond Enterprises, and Tim Harrison, a developer whose projects have included Hamilton Crossings in Lower Macungie Township; and South Sides Easton Area Neighborhood Center.

Developers use the term attainable housing to describe the 11 onebedroom, 30 twobedroom and 14 threebedroom apartments planned for two new three-story buildings.

The Mill at Easton's residential phase calls for 11 onebedroom, 30 twobedroom and 14 threebedroom apartments in two new three-story buildings at West Lincoln and Coal streets on South Easton.Melillo + Bauer landscape architects

Because the project is supported by $1.25 million in tax credits awarded in July 2019 by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the apartments will be available only to renters who earn between 30% and 80% of the area's median household income. Easton's median household income in 2018 was $50,143, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

That works out to a range of monthly rents from about $300 to $1,100, according to Lara Schrager from PIRHL.

The project was also awarded a grant of $1 million from the National Housing Trust Fund awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation fund managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The city secured another $2 million for the project through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in addition to the $1 million cleanup grant from the Pennsylvania Industrial Reuse Program.

Black Diamond Enterprises manufactured metal surfaces and tabletops for restaurants on the property, formerly Stewart Silk Mill. The lot was hit by fire in 2016, leaving a debris field that remains today.

Contamination on the site includes some asbestos, as well as metals and semi-volatile organic compounds that are commonly found at former industrial sites in Pennsylvania, according to consultant Bryan McAtee with Moonstone Environmental.

Contaminated soil and other debris will be removed, not capped, said Rick Roseberry, project engineer with Maser Consulting. The remediation will meet state health standards for contaminants with the exception of arsenic contamination, which will be cleaned up to a standard set specifically for this property, McAtee said. That standard will meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys threshold for human health, he noted. There will be no risk of exposure for residents, he said in response to questions from the planning commission.

Photo of the Black Diamond site, formerly the Stewart Silk Mill at 430 W. Lincoln St. in Easton on Nov. 21, 2019.Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com

Easton had three attorneys review the environmental cleanup contract, city Solicitor Joel Scheer said during Wednesday night's meeting attended by the development team.

We spent a tremendous amount of time on the phone with all these people -- its nice to meet you in person -- to come up with an agreement that we felt sufficiently protected the city, which means hopefully the citizens, as well, Scheer said.

The ongoing environmental remediation will level the site, with the exception of a 150-foot-tall smokestack under contract for communications equipment.

The residential redevelopment is planned on 2.2 acres of the nearly 4-acre site, with a commercial component scheduled to come before the city for approval at a later date.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
"V-Migrate for Linux will complement the significant market traction we have built using V-Migrate for legacy Windows applications. V-Migrate for Linux unlocks new features of modern Linux distributions and releases and lets you also run those containers on Windows Servers." - Nigel Stokes, CEO

The new release of VirtaMoves award-winning application migration product V-Migrate for Linux now moves legacy Red Hat and other Linux application infrastructure forward with a stateful re-install of applications into a container. You can now easily move legacy applications from Red Hat Enterprise Linux RHEL 5 and 6 to new Linux Docker containers on modern Linux releases and even run those containers on Microsoft Windows Server 2019. V-Migrate for Linux software automatically moves Linux-based applications from older to newer operating systems, on modern in-house servers or on hybrid or public cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS clouds. RHEL 6 reaches End of Maintenance Support 2 on November 30, 2020. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft ended all support for Windows Server 2008 R2.

View a demo of V-Migrate for Linux here.

If youre moving legacy Linux applications to Linux containers on modern releases, you can get there in one step  no need to first upgrade Linux releases on a server. Where needed, software versions can be upgraded during migration. Stateful Linux legacy re-installs into containers do not require install scripts or source code.

Modernizing and moving legacy Linux apps lets you leverage modern release features and functionality. Moving to modern supported servers avoids security and noncompliance risks associated with running on an unsupported platform.

Says VirtaMove CEO Nigel Stokes, V-Migrate for Linux is an exciting new offering for VirtaMove. Given the pending EOS dates on RHEL 5 & 6, customers have shown great interest in moving legacy Linux applications forward. VirtaMove revenues more than doubled in 2019 and we achieved profitability. VirtaMove was also awarded important new OS upleveling patents. Moving forward, Stokes believes that V-Migrate for Linux will complement the significant market traction we have built using V-Migrate for legacy Windows applications. V-Migrate for Linux unlocks new features of modern Linux distributions and releases and lets you also run those containers on Windows Servers. Over the next decade, millions of legacy Linux applications will be containerized and modernized. VirtaMove is dedicated to the timely support of new Linux and Microsoft operating system releases.

Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Red Hat logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. IBM, the IBM logo, and ibm.com are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Azure is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Docker and the Docker logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Docker, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Amazon Web Services, the Powered by AWS logo, [and name any other AWS Marks used in such materials] are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries."

About VirtaMove

VirtaMove software provides a fast, flexible way to move server applications to new cloud or datacenter servers, without install scripts or source code. Encapsulating Windows and Linux applications in VM/OS-free moving containers, VirtaMoves patented software provides a stateful re-install of most complex server applications and moves them with ease. VirtaMove allows you to modernize your infrastructure, moving from an old OS to a newer one with automation  modernize and move forward to a new datacenter server or cloud in one step. For more information, visit http://www.virtamove.com and follow us on Twitter @VirtaMove. Move Forward!
A federal grand jury in Boston indicted a Worcester dentist, a Chelmsford dentist and a Worcester office manager for their alleged participation in a scheme to defraud the Massachusetts Medicaid program, commonly known as MassHealth, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Dr. Anthony DiStefano III, 70, of Worcester, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of health care fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of tax evasion.

Dr. Scott Cale, 65, of Chelmsford, and Robin Cronin, 58, of Worcester, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of health care fraud. The defendants were arrested Thursday morning and will appear in federal court in Boston, authorities said.

According to federal records, MassHealth excluded DiStefano in 2005 from participation in the MassHealth program.

DiStefano twice sought readmission into MassHealths provider network but was denied both times in light of significant concerns regarding the quality of dental care he delivered to patients, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. In order to circumvent his exclusion, DiStefano recruited another dentist, Cale, to join his practice.

Authorities allege that from 2014 to 2018, dental services that DiStefano personally delivered were billed to MassHealth using Cales provider identification credentials.

Cale, in turn, provided DiStefano a share of the money that MassHealth paid out.

The purpose of this arrangement was to deceive MassHealth into paying for dental services that were not reimbursable because MassHealth had terminated DiStefano from the MassHealth program, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Cronin, who worked as DiStefanos office manager, was aware of the arrangement and personally billed MassHealth for services that were not reimbursable, knowing that the claims were false, according to federal records.

The federal indictment alleges DiStefano owed substantial tax liabilities to the Internal Revenue Service for the years 2011 to 2014.

The IRS notified DiStefano of his outstanding tax liability and DiStefano evaded paying his outstanding liability by, for example, ceasing the use of bank accounts and operating his business in cash; cashing Social Security checks and checks from dental insurance companies at check cashing institutions, thus avoiding IRS levies on his bank accounts; and using the aforementioned Medicaid fraud scheme to conceal his income, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.
Five more Jammu and Kashmir political leaders, who were detained post the abrogation of Article 370, have been released.

On January 10, as part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the government revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Last year in December, some Jammu and Kashmir leaders who were detained were released.

Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the abrogation of Article 370.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Key Takeaways From Vladimir Putin's Address to Federal Assembly

Sputnik News

15:13 15.01.2020(updated 15:14 15.01.2020)

Despite a notable foreign policy context, this year Vladimir Putin talked to the Federal Assembly about domestic issues, for the most part. Changes to the Constitution and the economy topped the agenda this year.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday gave his annual address to Russia's lawmakers, ministers and other high-ranking officials.

The spotlight this year was on domestic matters such as economy and social policy.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the 72-minute speech:

On foreign policy

The president devoted just several phrases to foreign affairs, saying the five permanent members of the UN Security Council should work to ensure global order. The President also praised Russia's advanced defence capabilities.

He said: "[Russia] took steps to strengthen national security in a timely manner. For the first time in the history of nuclear weapons, we are not chasing anyone. On the contrary, other countries have yet to create weapons that Russia possesses. The country's defence capabilities are ensured for years to come."

On governance overhaul

Arguably the most significant part of the address, which will take some time for both officials and the public to process, is the proposed changes to the Constitution.

Vladimir Putin believes there's no need for a new Constitution, but some crucial amendments should be made regarding public service.

He said that international laws should be applied in Russia only in those cases where they don't contradict the Constitution as the basic law of the country.

President Putin called for tougher requirements for those running for president: a candidate for the office must have permanently resided in Russia for at least 25 years (currently 10) and must have had no dual citizenship (the Constitution in its current form doesn't prohibit this).

Despite saying that Russia should remain a "strong presidential republic", the President spoke in favour of giving more power to the Parliament. Specifically, lawmakers should be given the right to appoint the Prime Minister, his deputies and ministers (who are currently appointed by the President with the consent of the lower house).

He also proposed minor extensions to the authority of the Constitutional Court and the upper house of Parliament.

With his second consecutive (and fourth overall) term ending in 2024, many observers have expected Putin to say whether he would propose any constitutional amendments regarding the limits on presidential term. The Russian Constitution allows a president to serve no more than two consecutive terms and stipulates no limits on the total number of tenures. Putin said he agrees with the notion that the word "consecutive" should be dropped, but said he didn't feel like it was a "principal" issue.

Although the Parliament could adopt the proposed changes, Putin believes that a popular vote on them would be necessary.

On democraphics and health

Vladimir Putin offered to overturn unsatisfying demographic trends, such as the moderate fertility rate, by providing monthly social allowances to low-income families with children and increasing the family capital.

He also pledged to work to boost real wages and increase healthcare funding, saying that the GDP growth rate in 2021 should be above the global average.

In a follow-up to the address, Russia's Economy Ministry said Putin's proposals will help reduce poverty by over 10 percent by the end of 2020 and add 0.3 percent to overall GDP growth.

A Sputnik

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Puerto Rico will be barred from paying its $15-an-hour minimum wage to workers on federally funded projects. And none of the funds can be used on the electrical grid, although the Department of Housing and Urban Development has yet to release nearly $2 billion that was allocated for Puerto Ricos electrical system.

White House officials acknowledged that rolling blackouts continue in Puerto Rico but insisted there was no need for new money.

The requirements were first reported by The Washington Post.

A congressional aide involved in the issue said the White House and its budget office appeared to have chosen restrictions that would be politically difficult for Puerto Rican officials to carry out. That way, the aide suggested, the federal government would not appear responsible for withholding the aid.

For example, the fiscal control board is viewed in Puerto Rico as unaccountable to the people. And Puerto Rican officials are not inclined to tell workers they will be paid less than the minimum wage. With regard to the property and deed registrations, Puerto Ricans have long used informal ownership records.

The restriction relating to the electrical grid may just be a practical one: Congress has already appropriated a separate tranche of money specifically for the electrical grid, though it has yet to be allocated.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, called the new restrictions onerous and unprecedented and said they would add insult to injury for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico reeling from multiple natural disasters.

The White House announcement came four days after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake rocked an island reeling from a series of earthquakes this month and still struggling to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Parts of the island have lost power, and some Puerto Ricans have set up camp in public spaces instead of returning to their homes.
Former British consulate employee Simon Cheng could not have imagined that his participation in the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests would land him in a prison in China, while labeled an enemy of the state.

Last August, the Hongkongers short business trip to the Chinese border city of Shenzhen turned into a nightmare: For 15 days, Cheng was held incommunicado, accused by Chinese authorities of being a British spy, and tortured to extract intelligence about protesters in his home city.

Since June 2019, demonstrators had taken to Hong Kongs streets en masse in opposition to the Chinese regimes growing interference in the citys affairs.

Cheng was only released after making a televised appearance on a state-run broadcaster confessing his crime of soliciting prostitution, a violation of Chinese law.

Cheng has repudiated this confession, saying he was forced to admit the charge, which he described as politically motivated.

He has since resigned from his post at the UK consulate in Hong Kong and spoken out about his experience, insisting that he will not be silenced.

However, this has come at a cost. Cheng has cut off ties with his relatives in Hong Kong and mainland China in the hopes they can live in tranquility and peace, without external harassment and threat, he wrote in a Jan. 9 Facebook post.

We once loved and nurtured each other, now we better forget it, as we will take no more agony and worry, Cheng added.

A Nightmare

Over the summer, the then 28-year-old was at the forefront of several protests in Hong Kong. Sometimes, he would try to negotiate with local police who had surrounded demonstrators and blocked their way.

In early August, however, an encounter with mainland authorities turned his life upside down. While on the way back from his business trip, he was arrested at a mainland Chinese checkpoint at Hong Kongs West Kowloon Station, steps away from Hong Kong territory.

Mainland customs officers seized his backpack and phone, and put him in custody. Late that night, he was escorted onto a high-speed train to Shenzhen and handed over to Chinese police officers on the high-speed train to Shenzhen.

Cheng tried to ask the escorting police what they would do to him. Dont be so insolent, brat! he recalled a burly plain-clothes officer saying, in a Dec. 31 interview with The Epoch Times and NTD in London.

At this, Cheng immediately threw his hands up.

The officers took him to a police station in the district of Futian, Shenzhen.

Once the car got into the police station, you had nowhere to turn for help, because you are basically left to their mercy, you are in their domain, he said.

It marked the beginning of what Cheng would remember as a 15-day nightmare.

No Human Rights

The interrogation began shortly after his arrival at the station.

Cheng was made to sit inside a steel cage, with his hands cuffed and body shackled to an iron stool, while interrogators grilled him for seven to eight hours.

They pressed Cheng on his as well as the UK governments role in the Hong Kong riots, and asked him to give names of mainlanders who joined in the protests.

Suppose what you do is legal in Hong Kong, but where are you right now?  Once you are in mainland China, you are subject to the mainlands judicial standard, they told him.

It was a blatant contradiction of the one country, two systems policy, but I couldnt retort back under the circumstances. I could only express my sense of remorse, Cheng said, referring to the framework governing the city under which the Chinese regime pledged to maintain the citys autonomy and freedoms.

Cheng was transferred to two detention facilities throughout his ordeal. At each of these facilities, he was taken to a secret location for interrogation almost on a daily basis.

The guards would put a hood over his head, shackle and blindfold him before taking him to the interrogation location by van. He was also ordered to wear his prison uniformwhich contained his name and where he was frombackwards so as not to reveal his identity.

The interrogation sessions lasted about seven to eight hours each time.

During some sessions, he was blindfolded with his hands and feet bound into the spread-eagle positiona pose he had to hold for hours. At other times, he was made to squat while raising his hands up high.

If he made a slight move or if his pose was not perfect, the interrogators beat him and hit his vulnerable areasankle and knee jointswith what seemed to be sharpened baton. He had to say master whenever he wanted to speak, or get a slap on the face.

The interrogators said it was a training to keep him healthy.

They are the ones who make the call, this is their stage  they dont care if you talk or not, and they only let you talk when they feel like it, Cheng said.

An interrogator speaking flawless Cantonese said Cheng was no better than human waste, while a mandarin-speaker told him there were no human rights to speak of.

As he approached a mental breakdown and burst into sobs, they would release Cheng for a while and feed him, while still prodding him for intelligence.

They also labeled him a state enemy.

The torture stopped in the second week as police waited for directives from higher ups, he said. Officers applied drugs and ointment to his wounds in an effort to erase traces of abuse. For a period of time, Cheng could not move his legs due to the prolonged torture. He has since recovered.

Inmates From Hong Kong

During the second week of interrogation while at Luohu Detention Center, Cheng walked by a group of around 10 young prisoners held inside glass cells. Donning orange prison uniforms, they all looked down at their handcuffs, looking dejected. He suspected them to be Hong Kong protesters.

Cheng then heard a Cantonese voice from a guard while walking through the hallway: Raise your hands higher, didnt you raise flags very high during the protests?

He also brushed past a young girl of around 15 or 16. An officer said she was arrested for protesting in Hong Kong, and asked if they were acquaintances. He shook his head. Then thats the best, the officer said.

Interrogators also handed him photos of around 1,000 protesters, with some appearing like images pulled from social media, and asked him to provide information about those he knew. He was to fold one corner of the photo if he recognized the face and stamp it with his fingerprint. He had no choice but to comply and gave information about protesters he recognized.

New Start

In late August, Cheng was released to Hong Kong. Soon after, he booked a flight to Taiwan where he stayed for three months and shared about his experience with local media.

Three days after arriving, he found that that man following him. The man had no reaction when Cheng took a photo of him. About an hour later, he saw the same person checking his phone near himbut in a different outfit. After reporting the incident to Taiwanese police, officers told him that the man was not a local.

Alarmed by the occurrence, Cheng soon left for England, where he stays on a business visa.

His experience in Chinese prisons, Cheng said, provided him with a glimpse of the plight of persecuted faith groups in China, such as practitioners of spiritual practice Falun Gong, who refused to yield to the state persecution engine or renounce their beliefs.

Before in Hong Kong, Cheng had passed by stalls run by local Falun Gong practitioners where they displayed images of torture in China, and wondered if they were being dramatic. But he has since begun to see things differently.

I already appeared cooperative, but still I got punches and kicks, and went through torture. Its even harder to imagine what they might face, he said.

Fearing that the Chinese regime will retaliate by harming or harassing his family members, Cheng has cut off communication with his relatives in the mainland and Hong Kong.

He said that exposing such human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese regime is a moral obligation and what ensures his own safety. I dont want to be silenced by the CCPs [Chinese Communist Party] threats and blackmail  otherwise I will regret for life.

It has been a difficult choice  a price I paid.

From The Epoch Times
Press Release

January 16, 2020 PH RED CROSS RECEIVES DONATION FROM BELO, DAUGHTER SCARLET SNOW FOR TAAL ERUPTION VICTIMS Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), warmly welcomed dermatologist and television personality Dr. Vicki Belo and daughter Scarlet Snow at the PRC headquarters in Mandaluyong City as they personally handed over their donation worth P500,000.00 Wednesday. "Dra. Vicki Belo has always been so generous and supportive to the Red Cross. Was so happy to spend time with her and her wonderful daughter Scarlet Snow. We hope Scarlet grows to have the humanitarian heart of her mother," Gordon said. "The reason that I feel confident giving money to the Red Cross is because I know that the money will definitely go where it's supposed to go. You've been doing such a great job. PRC is the best place to give your donations because they already have logistics and the people," Belo responded as she turned over the check to PRC. As a token of appreciation, Gordon gave Scarlet one Pula teddy bear, which was introduced last November as part of the PRC's holiday gift catalog for 2019 to gather more funds to support the various operations being undertaken by the organization in connection with recent health emergencies and natural disasters.
Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has said free movement would have been a success if it was married with real investment in training Britains young people.

The Wigan MP said her constituents, who voted by 62% to Leave, did not oppose people coming from Europe to work but instead wanted the opportunity of working abroad to be available to them through better skills training.

In what will be seen as a bid to appeal to Labours left-wing membership, Ms Nandy confirmed she supported the partys re-nationalisation plans and its manifesto pledge of abolishing university tuition fees.

During her interview on the BBCs Andrew Neil Show, Ms Nandy defended the free movement of people from across the European Union.

For too long too many people have felt, not just in Britain but across the EU, that free movement favours the skilled and the mobile at the expense of governments investing in the skills of young people in towns like mine, she said.

Expand Close Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy arrives at RSA House to deliver a speech (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Nobody in Wigan resents the fact that we have people come across from the EU to take care of people in our local hospital and our care homes.

But they do resent the fact that those skilled jobs arent available to them as well.

She said free movement married with real investment would have allayed concerns in the run-up to the 2016 referendum.

It followed her comments made in an earlier speech at the RSA in London, where Ms Nandy said Labour should have been more prepared to defend free movement and its benefits.

I believe in free movement, she said on Wednesday.

If it were paired with renewed and radical investment that enabled opportunities for young people, decent jobs, training and skills  then I know that those concerns about freedom of movement would have fallen away.

But, in her BBC interview, she said the battles over free movement were gone now that Boris Johnsons 80-seat majority meant he could take the UK out of the EU by January 31 and put a stop to the concept.

Ms Nandy had called for a compromise Brexit deal before the election but she said the leadership of the party did not want to hear. She voted for Mr Johnsons deal.

The former shadow environment secretary defended voting against Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement three times, telling the BBC she had put her efforts into winning concessions to ensure MPs had more of a role in the trade negotiations with Brussels.

I told Theresa May that if she brought a Bill before Parliament that gave a role for Parliament in the next stage of the negotiations, I would vote for it. I was consistent in that all the way through, she said.

In a quick-fire question round, Ms Nandy said she supported re-nationalising Royal Mail and scrapping tuition fees but added: In the language of priorities, where I would start is restoring the education maintenance allowance and university grants.

The backbencher said she would renew Trident, Britains nuclear deterrent, as long as it was coupled with a multilateral disarmament pledge.

The 40-year-old said she was opposed to any incredibly damaging privatisation of the NHS.

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The five leadership hopefuls are trying to win the support of affiliates such as unions and constituency Labour parties as the second stage of nominations opened on Wednesday.

In order to progress to the postal ballot of members and supporters, candidates must get the support of 5% of local parties or three affiliates, including two unions, by February 14.

Ms Nandy won the support of the National Union of Mineworkers, while Sir Keir Starmer has been backed by Unison and SERA, which is the only environmental group affiliated to the party.

Both progressed to the current stage  along with Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry  after winning enough support from Labour MPs and MEPs.

The successor to Mr Corbyn, who led Labour to its worst general election defeat since 1935, will be announced on April 4 after members and other supporters cast their votes.
SKYKOMISH, Wash. - Rural mountain communities outside Seattle that have been without power for days and cut off from the outside world by a series of winter storms saw some relief as convoys brought in food and other supplies.

The storms have dumped several feet of unusual snow on parts of western Washington state. As they moved south Thursday, heavy rain and strong winds battered parts of Northern California, while the Lake Tahoe area braced for heavy snow.

Crews in Washington state cleared snow, power lines and trees that had fallen across a highway leading to small towns including Skykomish and Baring, allowing some residents who had been without power for nearly a week to leave and for supplies to be brought in Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon, U.S. Highway 2 fully reopened to all travellers.

Authorities had warned it could be several more days before power is fully restored for hundreds of people in an area along that highway about 60 miles (97 kilometres) northeast of Seattle in the Cascade Range.

Realistically, Im not expecting power here for another three or four days, Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek told The Seattle Times.

The problem that crews are facing is that as soon as one downed power line is repaired, another tree comes down and takes it out again because of the heavy snow, Puget Sound Energy spokesman Andrew Padula said. Late Thursday afternoon, however, Puget Sound Energy officials were estimating that power could be restored as early as Friday afternoon.

The Washington State Patrol said it was working with sheriffs deputies to check on people in those communities and that the Masonic Temple in Skykomish was providing hot food, supplies and water to residents.

Garry Vire of nearby Gold Bar, Washington, helped organize a convoy of SUVs and four-wheel drive vehicles that dropped off supplies to people in need.

These are my neighbours, my family. When the call went out for help, thats what we did, Vire told the Times.

Sarah Sadler headed to Vires town when the highway reopened Wednesday for bread, peanut butter, water. And restocking on gas, primarily for the generator and snowmobiles.

With power out in the tiny town of Index, she told the Times that she had been taking food out of her refrigerator and putting it in the snow.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said the state Emergency Management Division brought food, water and fuel to the area and also were offering voluntary evacuations.

We will work to provide whatever these communities need, he tweeted.

Farther south, snow also fell heavily on Snoqualmie Pass, a mountain pass that carries Interstate 90 through the Cascade Range. The state Department of Transportation said 80 inches (203 centimetres) of snow has fallen since last week, forcing several closures of Interstate 90, a major east-west freeway in the U.S.

The Seattle metro area didnt see much new snow, but on the Olympic Peninsula northwest of the city, people were digging out after getting hit with several feet of snow. Reports from the coastal city of Port Angeles were up to 20 inches (50 centimetres). North of Seattle, Mount Vernon got 8 inches (20 centimetres), while Anacortes recorded 12 inches (30 centimetres).

After several days of freezing temperatures, warmer weather will arrive by Saturday, melting snow but increasing the threat of flooding, forecasters said.

Heavy, wet snow caused about 18,000 customers on the Oregon-California border to lose power Thursday, according to Pacific Power. In Northern California, residents were advised to stay off roads and check in on vulnerable family and neighbours. Highways and streets in San Francisco, Oakland and Marin County were flooded.

Just east of the California-Nevada line, schools closed on the north shore of Lake Tahoe as the area faced a winter storm warning until late Thursday.
Moscow: Ukrainian authorities have announced a probe into possible surveillance of US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch before she was dismissed from her post by the Trump administration.

The statement by Ukraine's Interior Ministry on Thursday, local time, followed the disclosure of new documents in the impeachment proceedings into President Donald Trump.

Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch gives evidence during an impeachment hearing in November. Credit:Bloomberg

The material included exchanges between Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, and others about the need to push Yovanovitch from her post.

The documents - provided to the House Intelligence Committee by Parnas - include messages with Robert Hyde, a Connecticut Republican who is running for Congress.


Youll understand if some beer drinkers in a few cities known for bad weather are going to start hoping for a lot more snow.

Busch Beer announced that in some Midwest cities and Buffalo, it will rebate $1 off purchases of selected Busch packages for every inch of snow that falls, through March 21. Drinkers have to keep their receipts and submit it along with qualifying ZIP codes.

Being a city that drinks its share of beer and shovels its share of snow has its perks, wrote the Green Bay [Wisconsin] Press-Gazette, detailing the Busch Snow Day promotion.

The rebates go to consumers who purchase 18, 24 or 30 packs. Busch has details at a special website, which also includes a beer-price weather forecast map.



Along with Green Bay and Buffalo, other snowy places where the $1-per-inch deal is in effect are: Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Minneapolis; Fargo, North Dakota; and Omaha, Nebraska.

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Actually the the rebate goes to residents anywhere in the state where the cities are, so a Manhattan resident can take advantage of Buffalos misery just as well.

But an avalanche of snow would amount to just piling on. Busch limits the per-person rebate to $30 for the entirety of the time the promotion goes on, and it ends with the last day of winter, March 21.

Busch is among the Anheuser-Busch InBev brands that have been hurting as drinkers move either away from beer altogether or to more premium, import or craft beers.

So some incentives might work. And though January is just one of the snowy months covered by the promotion, its also when Dry January happens---the effort by some drinkers to stay alcohol-free for the month.

There were a few less-than-sober reactions on social media. Theres money coming out of the sky in WNY [Western New York] reads one tweet that accompanies a photo of a snow-covered road.

Others towns and states not part of the promotion felt slighted. Whatcha know #SouthDakota always catching the short end of the stick and missing out, read one. And a few cursed Buschs timing: Last year when we had 6000 snow days, where were you @BuschBeer? complained a tweeter in Wisconsin.
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell inside a Manhattan jail in August - New York State Sex Offender Registry

Jeffrey Epstein allegedly sexually abused and trafficked young girls on his private Caribbean island as recently as 2018, according to a new lawsuit filed by the attorney general of the US Virgin Islands.

Epsteins lawyers have insisted that, after his plea deal in Florida in 2008, Epstein was a changed man who led a law-abiding life.

However, the new case filed on Wednesday  the first to be filed in the US Virgin Islands  alleges that the abuse continued unabated after he was released from jail.

He had been charged by Manhattan prosecutors in July with sexually exploiting dozens of women and girls in New York and Florida, but they did not point to any actions beyond 2005.

Epstein, a wealthy financier, died by suicide inside a Manhattan jail in August, while awaiting trial. His victims, who number in the dozens if not hundreds, are now awaiting civil redress from his $577 million (443m) estate.

Little St James, the Caribbean island owned by Jeffrey Epstein

The case filed by Denise George, attorney general of the US Virgin Islands, accused Epstein of bringing girls as young as 11 and 12 to his secluded estate on the island of Little Saint James.

They also alleged that he kept a computer database to track the availability and movements of women and girls.

The suit was filed against Epsteins estate, and seeks the forfeiture of Little Saint James plus the second island he owned, Great Saint James. They also ask for the dissolution of numerous shell companies he established in the territory, which officials have said acted as fronts for his sex trafficking enterprise.

Epsteins victims included aspiring models from South America, according to court documents.

Jeffrey Epstein with Ghislaine Maxwell, pictured in 2005

As part of its policies, the government of the Virgin Islands could take any assets recovered from Epsteins estate and consider disbursing them to the women and girls he allegedly abused.

Epstein clearly used the Virgin Islands and his residence in the US Virgin Islands at Little Saint James as a way to be able to conceal and to be able to expand his activity here, Ms George said.

Story continues

Ms George said she believed the case could chip away at the regions reputation as a notorious haven for the rich and powerful.

We will not remain complacent, and we will enforce our laws whatever way we can, she said. It doesnt matter the social status of the person. Its that the laws apply equally.

Epsteins executor, Darren Indyke, has not responded to the suit.
Gangland identity Tomislav Little Tommy Ivanovic is suspected of high-level cocaine trafficking while on parole, a court has heard.

Mr Ivanovic, who was the only witness to the murder of Carl Williams behind bars, faced Sunshine Magistrates Court on Thursday to apply for bail after his arrest on deception charges in October.

Tommy Ivanovic and his partner had welcomed a baby shortly before his arrest.

The 44-year-old new father appeared via video link as police revealed he was also under investigation for the 2000 murder of fellow gangland figure Richard Mladenich. He was refused bail.

Mr Ivanovic's fiancee attended court with his four-month-old daughter, who was born just weeks before his arrest.
A Preview Debut of DENIM ROOM, PROJECTION, and WELLNESS

Plus, over 80 New Brands

NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading menswear trade event, PROJECT kicks off January 19th through the 21st in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center showcasing over 80 new brands and 300 brands in total ranging from contemporary, classic, lifestyle, footwear and accessories.

PROJECT New York will debut new show areas including DENIM ROOM, co-hosted by Brand Ambassador and Creative Director Maurizio Donadi (Co-Founder and Creative Lead at Atelier & Repairs). DENIM ROOM will preview heritage and next-generation mens and dual-gender brands that are pushing the denim world forward through creativity, responsibility, and innovation. Donadi will also showcase an extremely rare selection of denim artifacts from his personal collection to be on display for viewing and inspiration. Participating brands include: 34 Heritage, 7 For All Mankind, DL 1961, Fidelity Denim, Liverpool and Mavi.

PROJECT President Lizette Chin shares, Our new initiatives speak to our commitment to deliver a comprehensive, compelling and evolving show experience for our attendees and retailers. Through our 4-pillar strategy of community, education, media and experience, we are pushing the boundaries of trade events as we head into the F/W 2021 selling season.

The TENTS will showcase mens grooming and wellness products curated by grooming editor Garrett Munce. Participating brands include: Asystem, Gillettelabs, The Art of Shaving, Anchors Aweigh Hair Co., Unlimited Potential Global LLC, Function Botanicals, and Caswell-Massey. Fellow Barber will also be showcasing their products along with complimentary soft services to attendees. Munce will also be giving away copies of his new book, Self-Care for Men, which serves as a guide on how to improve your physical and mental health and overall well-being while introducing you to anti-aging products and practices.

Story continues

PROJECT New York is also introducing a new area, PROJECTION. Serving as a place to discover new brands and emerging talent, attendees can browse a selection of top products in a focused, preview environment on the show floor.

The N:OW Forums will return to set the stage for whats new, now, and next in fashion. WGSN, Highsnobiety, and guest speakers such as Eric Jennings, VP/Creative Director Peerless, Garrett Munce, Grooming Editor at Esquire and Mens Health, Jeff Carvalho, Managing Director, Highsnobiety, will share their expertise through trendcasting, bespoke presentations, and panel discussions. Click here to view the entire panel schedule.

PROJECTs Head of Sales, Brian Trunzo along with Podcast Blamo!s, Jeremy Kirkland will host a fashion model presentation on Sunday, January 19th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm showcasing the best looks from Made in Italy brands while discussing the joys of Italian fashion. The Made In Italy section carries over 80 exhibitors including Cortigiani, Di Bello, Enrico Mandelli, Marchesi di Como and Saint Andrews.

PROJECT has also partnered with L.A. based sustainable apparel house, Upcycle , to collaborate on PROJECT Merch. Grab your limited-edition sustainable tee and or tote inside the entrance at the PROEJCT Merch print space. While supplies last.

Additional show areas include:

PROJECT SOLE  Premium Footwear for Men; Casual to Bespoke. Brands Include: Alden, BedStu celebrating their 25th anniversary, Carmenia the Shoemaker, Clae, Edward Green, Geox, Paraboot, Johnston & Murphy who is also launching apparel, Loake, Sorel*NEW and launching mens collection, Trask and many more.

MRKet  Better Menswear, Classic to Lifestyle. Brands include Barbour, HISO, Norwegian Wool, Peerless, Luchiano Visconti, Maceoo, Seaward & Stearn and many more.

The Foundry  Emerging Contemporary brands and businesses less than two years old. Brands include: Beltology, CRWTH, Goorin Bros., Raga Man, Swell Fellow, Mr, Necktie and many more.

Brits in NY  British Apparel and Accessories. Brands include Bennett Winch, Dents, Derek Rose, Edward Green, Fox Umbrellas, Johnstons of Elgin, Grenfell, Tateossian, and many more.

Made in Italy  The Finest in Italian Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. Brands include: Cortigiani, Di Bello, Enrico Mandelli, Fray, Rota, Santo Stefano and many more.

For a complete list of panels, forums, show events and happenings please visit: https://www.projectfashionevents.com/en/marketplace/schedule.html

@PROJECTSHOW | #PROJECTNY #NOWPROJECT

About PROJECT | Held in New York and Las Vegas, PROJECT hosts the most influential and comprehensive menswear market events, gathering domestic and international buyers, innovative brands, influential media, and industry protagonists. Through this fusion of community, education, media, and experiences, PROJECT propels the next seasons top trends, generates global awareness, and ultimately, drives commerce. For more information, please visit www.projectfashionevents.com.

About Informa Markets | Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the worlds leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com

PRESS CONTACT I Sara Vaughn, sara.vaughn@informa.com, 212.600.3106




Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) will release the admit card for class 12th board examination on January 18. The admit card can be downloaded online at jac.jharkhand.gov.in.

Principals of each school will have to login using their User ID and password and download the admit cards of all students.

JAC will conduct the Jharkhand board theory examinations from February 11 onwards. The practical exams will begin from January 27 and end on February 8, 2020.

JAC Class 12 exams admit card: Steps to download

1) Visit the official website of JAC at jac.jharkhand.gov.in

2) Click on the link for Class 12 admit card in the recent announcements section

3) Go to school Login

4) Enter your login Id and password

5) Submit

6) Admit card will be displayed on the screen

7) Take a print out and download it on your computer

JAC secondary exam will also commence from February 11 with commerce/ home science paper will intermediate exam will begin with vocational paper. Both the exams will conclude on February 28.

The secondary exam will be held in first sitting from 9:45 am to 12 noon while the intermediate exam will be held in second sitting from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.

Click here to check full schedule and important guidelines on JAC Board exam.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-15 16:57:11|Editor: xuxin

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by Nick Kolyohin

JERUSALEM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- There is a global shift in paying with digital wallets instead of the traditional wallets and the use of credit cards, said Arik Shtilman, CEO and co-founder of Rapyd, a global fintech organization.

Shtilman was a keynote speaker at "The Future of Money" conference held in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on Monday.

The conference was organized by the leading Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist in collaboration with Israel's Bank Hapoalim.

There were about 800 participants, among them entrepreneurs, investors, senior executives of the finance industry, venture capital funds, insurance companies, and financial technology companies.

The keynote speakers at the event emphasized the global transition of the money system from the physical world into the computers' reality, where the possibilities for innovation are enormous.

The technological companies became a significant player in the realm of financial institutions, and they even have the potential to overcome the traditional banking system.

Banks from the other side are joining power with financial technology start-ups and becoming themselves kind of technological companies.

The boundaryless virtual world could enable the traditional local banks to become international scaled up players on the global stage.

New cooperations between banks, credit card companies, start-ups, and technology companies introduce innovative services, platforms, and applications for the consumers.

Big technology companies are replacing the more traditional ways of payment, paving the way to the future without the need for real money made of real-world materials.

Although people are becoming more connected to money applications than banks, the last ones still will be needed to move the money safely around the world, Shtilman told Xinhua.

"The regulation in every country is different, and the regulators want to control how money moves, especially because of taxes and money laundering aspects," stressed Shtilman.

This is the main reason why the money movement is not simple, because "money movement has a lot of negative effects also, and governments want to control it," said Shtilman.

While private ventures are trying to make dominating digital currencies, Shtilman predicts that governments are going to issue their internal digital money, which is going to replace the old currencies.

Ilanit Madmoni, head of innovation in the financial technology unit at Bank of Israel, said there would be many changes in the banking system in the coming future.

There will be much more variety of payment methods, and the big tech companies would probably offer their apps in Israel, "I'm sure that everything can change here," Madmoni told Xinhua.

Banks are afraid of the big technology companies, who have all the technology, money which makes them able to compete with the banks on the same level, said Madmoni.

The vision of Madmoni is that will be a constant reduction of the use of cash and plastic credit cards, "which is better for the economy," however, the system behind it will remain just in the virtual world.

Saar Zacharish, chief digital officer of Israeli Bank Hapoalim, said that the new payment applications have been adopted fast and expected to move into more fields of daily life.

Israeli banks in recent years launched digital wallets, which are applications on the cellphones that enable the user to transfer money to each other with a few clicks on the phone.

"Banks will have a very significant role in the future, and the banks already have a relationship with the customers. Assuming we can deliver on a very convenient experience, we will be there and lead the revolution," said Zacharish.

Nowadays, the banks are competing with high tech over the same talented workers, "the biggest challenge for us as banks is to recruit the best talent," Zacharish told Xinhua and added.

"We're turning into a technology company, and the key success factors in terms of delivering these products is having the best people work with us," Zacharish said.

But all the progress is also coming with challenges, said Michael Reitblat, CEO and co-founder of Forter.

"Almost every new system that's developed a new currency or new platform attracts first enthusiasts and fraudsters, and only if it survives, it starts to attract other people."

Reitblat is managing a fraud prevention company, and according to him, the new payment technologies scale up the amounts of money criminals could potentially steal if it is not protected good enough.

Another fraud prevention start-up that participated at the convention was Paygilant, whose CEO, Ziv Cohen, told Xinhua that its services detect the biometrical behavior of the customers.

Applications that use Paygilant products could identify when somebody else instead of their costumers trying to send money or do some other sensitive action without permission.

In the virtual world, our biometrical parameters and individual behavior leave a unique digital signature that probably even we would not recognize. Still, our digital guards could do that for us.
UPDATE 12:19 PM PACIFIC TIME: Chief Justice John Roberts was sworn in Thursday to preside over President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, then immediately administered the oath to the full Senate to ensure impartial justice as jurors for only the third such proceeding in American. history.

Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court before being ushered to the Senate chamber.

"Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand," Roberts said.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators, at their desks, responded and then were called up to sign the oath book.

The Constitution mandates the chief justice serve as the presiding officer. Roberts, who has long insisted judges are not politicians, is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than an active participant. Senators will ultimately render the verdict.

GOP Sen. James Inhofe was absent, home in Oklahoma for a family medical issue, his office said. He plans to return when the full trial begins next week.

The Senate opened the impeachment trial at the start of the election year as Trump seeks another term, a test not only of his presidency but also of the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances. Several senators are running for the Democratic Party's nomination to challenge Trump in November.

Earlier Thursday, House Democrats prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and formally read the articles of impeachment against Trump.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!" said the Senate's sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order at noon.

Senators filled the chamber, sitting silently at their seats under strict trial rules that prohibit talking or cellphones, as the ceremonial protocol shifted the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

Seven lawmakers prosecuting the charges, led by Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

With the permission of the Senate, I will now read the articles of impeachment, said Schiff, standing at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

All eyes were on him.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the united States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, he began, reading the nine pages.

The other House prosecutors stood in a row to his side.

Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.Ahead of the proceedings the Government Accountability office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

The president calls the impeachment a hoax," even as new information emerges about his actions toward Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

This undated image released by the House Judiciary Committee from documents provided by Lev Parnas to the committee in the impeachment probe against President Donald Trump, shows a photo of Lev Parnas with Rudy Giuliani. Parnas, a close associate of Trump's personal lawyer Giuliani is claiming Trump was directly involved in the effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden. Trump on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, repeated denials that he is acquainted with Parnas, despite numerous photos that have emerged of the two men together.AP

Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the presidents actions toward Ukraine.

Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

"This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Pelosi said, "and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber Thursday decrying Pelosi's decision to hand out "souvenir pens after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the House's entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. 'It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer renewed his party's request that the trial include new witnesses and documents not available for the House impeachment proceedings.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? Schumer said.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident," he said. The House of Representatives have accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that. Still, an eventual vote to acquit Trump is considered highly likely.

On Wednesday, in a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats carried the charges to the Senate.

Today we will make history,'' Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. This president will be held accountable."

Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall, filing into the Senate back row as the clerk of the House announced the arrival: The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of United States.

Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, ending a weeks-long delay to deliver the charges with a tally reflecting the nation's split.

The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this sad saga that tried to remove the president from office with the weakest case.

The president's team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

The seven-member prosecution team is led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosis top lieutenants.

On Wednesday, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with House subpoenas for testimony and documents.

The challenge is to get a fair trial, Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press. It shouldn't be a challenge  if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial, theyll want a fair trial. Thats obviously not where Mitch McConnell is coming from.

The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshman lawmakers  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of President Richard Nixon's impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clinton's.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

The Hill reported Thursday evening that Collins has said she will likely support calling witnesses during the initial phase of the impeachment trial, but she added that has not settled upon any particular individual.

While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful," Collins told The Hill in a statement. "It is likely that I would support a motion to call witnesses at that point in the trial just as I did in 1999.

Any four senators could force an outcome. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.
Source: Wikipedia

Turkey lifted its more than two-and-a-half year block on Wikipedia on Thursday, after the country's top constitutional court ruled the ban unconstitutional. The ruling comes as a win for free speech advocates in a country whose government is widely accused of increasingly eroding citizens' democratic rights. "We are thrilled to be reunited with the people of Turkey," Katherine Maher, executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation, said in a statement Thursday as the online encyclopedia celebrated its 19th year in existence. "We are excited to share this important moment with our Turkish contributor community on behalf of knowledge-seekers everywhere." Wikipedia was blocked in Turkey in April of 2017, after an English language page on the volunteer-powered site linked Turkey to support for terrorist groups including Al Qaeda and IS. Turkey's government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, enacted the ban by citing a law that enabled it to block access to websites deemed threatening to national security, public order or public well-being. "Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena," Turkey's communications ministry said of Wikipedia in a statement at the time of the ban, which applied to the entire website and all its different language pages, not just those in English.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a news conference in Budapest, Hungary, November 7, 2019. Bernadett Szabo | Reuters

The Wikipedia page in question, which remains published, noted many countries' accusations of Turkey as sponsoring Islamist rebel groups in Syria like Al Nursa front, which is Al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate. Former Vice President Joe Biden in 2014 accused Turkey of being among a group of countries "pour(ing) hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of tons of weapons into anyone who would fight against (Bashar) Al-Assad." Erdogan's son in law has been accused of facilitating and profiting off of IS' oil sales, and in early Kurdish battles against ISIS, the Islamist militants were able to attack the Kurds from the Turkish side of the Syrian border, suggesting Turkish support. Former U.S. envoy to the global anti-IS coalition Brett McGurk in 2019 accused Turkey of providing weapons and logistical support to IS. Ankara has denied the charges. Turkey accused the free online encyclopedia of "manipulating the public through mass media," and Wikipedia did not comply with requests by the government to edit the articles in question. The Turkish embassies in London and Abu Dhabi did not reply to CNBC requests for comment on Thursday.

Erdogan's clampdown

The ban came several months after Turkey's 2016 attempted coup, the aftermath of which saw Erdogan consolidate power and fire, jail, or suspend thousands of Turkish military personnel, civil servants, judges and educators suspected of being dissidents. Turkey has been listed among the world's top jailers of journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Wikimedia filed a series of appeals after the ban was upheld by a court in Ankara that ruled against the foundation. In March of 2018, it began a campaign with the hashtag "We miss Turkey," translated into Turkish as "Ozledik," and an image of a black censor bar over the Wikipedia logo.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Francois Bausch is currently in the United States to foster the US and Luxembourg's relationship.

Bausch and John Rood, the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, signed a mandate for a space cooperation working group. A second memorandum focused on security for space flights. The provision of space situational awareness will allow both parties to monitor debris and prevent it from colliding with satellites.

Delegated Minister of Defence Henri Kox focused more on the possibilities of space, including new meteorological satellites. They then met with the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to focus on current and future collaboration in space. The ministers were also informed of US progress in cyber defence, an area where both parties shared the observation that the field is growing in significance.

Bausch said he believes future conflicts will be accompanied by cyber attacks, thus making it essential for governments to prepare themselves due to society's dependence on such technologies.

 MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense  MAEE / Direction de la defense The photos published on this site are subject to copyright and may not be copied, modified, or sold without the prior permission of the owner of the site in question.

During the visit, the Luxembourgish ministers met with seven senators to discuss bilateral political and economic relations within the EU, and Bausch and Kox laid a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery's Battle of the Bulge monument to honour the fallen American soldiers. Finally, the ministers met with officials from the Center for Climate Security, an American think tank focusing on advice on the impact of climate change on security.
Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has expressed that President Muhammadu Buhari is begging for war in Nigeria.

The former minister made this statement while reacting to Ayo Adebanjos statement that President Buhari is stylishly leading Nigeria into war.

Also Read: Fani-Kayode Condemns FG For Proscribing Amotekun

This seems to be in connection with the proscription of the South West security outfit Amotekun.

The former minister expressed that if care is not taken, the most inconsequential thing may ignite the embers of war in Nigeria; which he claimed would be the most barbaric in Nigeria.

See his tweet below:
The man accused of stabbing at least five people with a machete at the home of a Hasidic rabbi during a Hanukkah celebration, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of attempted murder and three counts of felony assault.

Grafton Thomas, 37, appeared in state court Thursday and was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation after his lawyer, Michael Sussman, said Thomas suffers from mental illness and is not responsible for his actions.

But the prosecutor said Thomas is mentally fit and called the crimes 'deliberate and intentional' as he also argued the man's lawyer should not be able to represent him due to matters concerning evidence collection.

'We do enter a plea of not guilty to all charges,' Sussman said as Thomas' mother and another relative attended an arraignment at Rockland County Court.

Grafton Thomas, 37, pleaded not guilty to six counts of attempted murder and three counts of felony assault in state court Thursday. He was held on $10million bail during the arraignment at Rockland County Court

Grafton Thomas is accused of stabbing five people at a Hanukkah gathering in December 2019 in Monsey, New York, and was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation

'For the record, judge, we dont believe the defendant is incapacitated,' First Assistant DA Dominic Crispino responded.

'It was very deliberate and intentional,' he added, according to the New York Post.

Thomas was held on $10million bail after his appearance in an orange jumpsuit.

Josef Neumann, a father-of-seven children from New York, sustained a 'fractured skull' and had been 'sliced through his neck'. He is pictured following the horrific attack

The prosecutor asked the judge to throw the lawyer off the case pertaining to evidence found at the upstate Greenwood Lake and Wurtsboro cabin homes belonging to Thomas' mother.

Sussman claims he only got the evidence after investigators failed to collect the documents.

Prosecutor Dominic Crispino said in court on Thursday that Sussman should resign from the case because he videotaped evidence being taken out of Thomas' cabin and therefore became a witness, the Journal News reported.

Crispino said: 'He is now a civilian witness in this case.'

But Sussman responded to the judge: 'I am not resigning from the case your honor.'

Judge Kevin Russo said he would rule on the matter when the prosecutor puts his request in writing.

Thomas also pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges on Monday.

A federal grand jury indicted Thomas late last week on additional counts of attempting to kill victims based on their religion and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon.

It's in relation to the December 28 stabbing of members of the Orthodox Jewish community in Monsey, New York.

Each of the 10 federal counts carries a maximum prison term of life.

When asked by the judge whether he was 'clear' in his head during Monday's arraignment, Thomas replied in the affirmative.

Sussman then entered the not guilty pleas on his client's behalf and suggested that the mentally ill man does not fully grasp the charges against him.

When the presiding judge asked the defense lawyer whether he was satisfied with Thomas' understanding of the indictment, Sussman replied: 'no, your honor. He understands it to the extent he understands it,' according to New York Daily News.

His lawyer Michael Sussman (left) claims he is mentally unfit to stand trail

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II sits in the courtroom Thursday. The prosecutor asked the judge to throw the defense lawyer off the case pertaining to an evidence matter

Federal prosecutors have said Thomas targeted his victims because of their Jewish faith.

In a criminal complaint filed last month, they cited handwritten journals they seized from the suspect's home containing references to Adolf Hitler, Nazi culture and the Black Hebrew Israelites movement, identified by extremism experts as an anti-Jewish hate group.

Thomas also faces state charges for the attack, which his attorney, pointing to his client's long history of mental illness, has said was likely an expression of psychosis rather than bigotry.

Sussman, his lawyer, has said Thomas had a long history of mental illness and had been hearing voices. He requested the 37-year-old undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

One of the men wounded in the machete attack remains in serious condition. His family has said he may have permanent brain damage.

Thomas is accused of storming into the home of Rabbi Rottenberg, a prominent Hasidic Jewish leader in a predominantly ultra-Orthodox community of Monsey and attacking guests gathered there for a Hanukkah celebration.

Thomas allegedly took out a machete and started stabbing and slashing people in the home packed with dozens of congregants.

The five victims suffered serious injuries - including a severed finger, slash wounds and deep lacerations.

Grafton Thomas, 37 (pictured) on Monday pleaded not guilty to five federal hate crime charges in the Hanukkah stabbing spree

Thomas also faces federal charges in the December 28 attack inside the home of a rabbi in Monsey, NY

The most gravely injured is reported to be a 72-year-old man who suffered machete blows to his head, leaving him partially paralyzed, comatose and breathing on a respirator.

Josef Neumann, a father-of-seven children from New York, sustained a 'fractured skull' and had been 'sliced through his neck'.

Authorities said Thomas fled by car to Manhattan, where he was arrested later that night.

Thomas was arrested within two hours of the attack. When police pulled his car over in Manhattan, he allegedly had blood all over his clothing and smelled of bleach but said 'almost nothing' to the arresting officers.

Authorities say they discovered a blood-stained 18-inch machete and a knife smeared with dried blood and hair in Thomas' car after the attack.

The Monsey attack capped a string of incidents in which Jews have been physically attacked or accosted in the New York metropolitan area in recent weeks, including a shooting at a kosher supermarket in New Jersey that left two members of the Hasidic community dead.

One of the suspects in that attack - who died in the shooting - had also expressed interest in the Black Hebrew Israelites.

The picture above shows the apparent moment Grafton Thomas stormed into a rabbi's house in Monsey with a machete before allegedly attacking five Hanukkah celebrants
A Delhi court has sought CBI's reply by January 18 on a plea filed by Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in alleged sexual and physical assault on several girls in a Muzaffarpur shelter home, claiming that the testimonies of witnesses in the case were not reliable.

Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Kulshreshtha was hearing the plea which claimed that the case setup by the prosecution witnesses was "false, fabricated and concocted".

The court had earlier deferred for the third time pronouncement of judgement in the case till January 20 after the petition was filed before it.

The plea said the CBI on January 8 submitted a status report in the Supreme Court wherein it said that the some of the girls of the shelter home, who were thought to be allegedly murdered, were alive.

Thakur's petition, filed through advocate P K Dubey, has claimed that the prosecution witnesses in the shelter home sexual assault case were not trustworthy as the investigation into the allegations of murder were based on their statements.

These facts were relevant and essential for a fair trial, it said.

"It is pertinent to mention that the investigation into the allegations of murder were based on the statements made by the prosecutrixes (rape survivors) who are prosecution witnesses in the case. They had levelled false allegations against the accused before the court including inter alia allegations pertaining to murder," it said.

The plea, also filed through advocate Dheeraj Kumar, has further alleged that the case setup by the prosecution witnesses was "false, fabricated and concocted".

"These facts were not only relevant but sine qua non (essential) for the just adjudication in the present case.

"The facts prove that the aforementioned prosecution witnesses are unreliable and untrustworthy and they have mislead not only the investigating agency but also this court. Further, the case setup by the prosecution witnesses is false, fabricated and concocted," the plea claimed.

These facts were new developments which were not available with the accused at the time of the trial and therefore could not have been placed before the court despite all diligence, it said.

The court had earlier deferred the order till January 14 as the judge was on leave and prior to it, the judgment was deferred by a month as 20 accused, who are currently lodged in Tihar central jail, could not be brought to court premises due to lawyers' strike in all six district courts in the national capital.

The court had on March 20, 2018, framed charges against the accused, including Thakur, for offences of criminal conspiracy to commit rape and penetrative sexual assault against minors.

The accused included eight women and 12 men.

The Court had held trial for the offences of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugging of minors, criminal intimidation among other charges.

Thakur and employees of his shelter home, as well as Bihar department of social welfare officials were charged with criminal conspiracy, neglect of duty and failure to report assault on the girls.

The charges also included offence of cruelty to children under their authority, punishable under the Juvenile Justice Act.

All the accused, who appeared before the court, pleaded innocence and claimed trial.

The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

The court had reserved order on September 30 after final arguments by the CBI counsel and 20 accused in the case in which former Bihar Social Welfare Minister and the then JD(U) leader Manju Verma also faced flak as allegations surfaced that Thakur had links with her husband.

She had resigned from her post on August 8, 2018.

During an in-camera trial, the CBI had told a special court that there was enough evidence against all the accused in the case.

However, those accused have claimed that the CBI had not conduct a "fair investigation" into the case, which has been registered under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and entails life imprisonment as the maximum punishment.

The case was transferred on February 7 from a local court in Muzaffarpur in Bihar to a POCSO court at Saket district court complex in Delhi on the Supreme Court's directions.

During the trial, counsel for the CBI told the court that the statements of minor girls, who were allegedly sexually assaulted, point to the fact that there was enough evidence against all the accused and they should be convicted.

The matter had come to light after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) submitted a report to the Bihar government on May 26, 2018, highlighting the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls in the shelter home for the first time.

On May 29 last year, the state government shifted the girls from the shelter home to other protection homes. In May 31, 2018, an FIR was lodged against the 11 accused in the case.

The top court had on August 2 last year, taken cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of about 30 minor girls in Muzaffarpur's shelter home and transferred the probe to the CBI on November 28.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java  Thu, January 16, 2020 09:49 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32251316 1 National keraton-agung-sejagat,majapahit-kingdom,Central-Java,Fraud Free

The Central Java Police have named Totok Santoso Hadiningrat and Fanni Amanadia, who proclaimed themselves to be the king and queen of Keraton Agung Sejagat, suspects of fraud over the so-called kingdom that they claimed to be the successor to the ancient Majapahit Empire.

The charge followed the polices investigation into the case, which included conducting a search on the building that served as the kingdoms palace in Pogung Jurutengah village, Bayan district of Purworejo regency, Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel said.

We have changed their status to suspects after finding some preliminary evidence, Rycko said at a press conference at the Central Java Police headquarters in Semarang on Wednesday.

Totok and Fanni were arrested by the police on Tuesday afternoon, days after they declared the kingdoms existence, which went viral in social media. They were initially brought to Purworejo Police headquarters along with nine witnesses before they were taken to Semarang for further investigation.

Rycko claimed there was enough evidence to prove Totok, 42, and Fanni, 41, had tried to make money by withdrawing funds from those who wanted to be their followers while also giving the latter promises.

The two people allegedly required each of their followers to pay a contribution of up to Rp 3 million (US$219). Totok previously claimed that the Keraton Agung Sejagat (world empire) has about 425 followers.

In an effort to find followers, Totok and Fanni assured prospective members that they would meet with disaster if they did not serve in the palace, according to the police.

The two also reportedly convinced people that being followers of the kingdom would change their destiny for the better.

They were charged with violating Article 14 of Law No. 1/1946 on broadcasting false news and misinformation deliberately, which carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, as well as Article 378 of the Criminal Code concerning fraud.

From the results of the examination, Totok and Fanni were accused of having created their empire to defraud local people.

Based on the polices findings, Totok and Fanni, who claimed to have the royal titles of Rangkai Mataram Agung and Dyah Gitarja, respectively, have been confirmed to not be a married couple, but friends who both came from Jakarta.

During the declaration of the kingdoms existence on Sunday, Totok and Fanni claimed that their destiny was to fulfill a promise made 500 years ago by the Majapahit Kingdom -- which controlled much of maritime Southeast Asia during its peak in the 14th century -- when it collapse in 1518.

They also held a so-called Wilujengan Keraton Agung Sejagat ritual from Jan. 10 to12 to symbolize the return of Sri Maharatu of Java (highest Javanese king).

The Central Java Police had also asked academic experts from Diponegoro University in Semarang to find out whether the claims made in the case were based on any historical evidence. The results were reportedly negative. (syk)
In an ideal world, there would be no enemies, hence no war: war would be prevented by militaries before it occurs - Victory before War.





by Arlene J. Schar and Dr. David Leffler





The movie Wag the Dog was released a generation ago, one month before a presidential scandal which invited comparisons between that film and the reality of that time. Now, 23 years later, we find ourselves in the midst of yet another presidential scandal; one which has made this movie once again relevant to our times.





The premise, which hits uncomfortably close to home, is about a war fabricated to deflect attention from a president's indiscretions. War is described as "show business" with all the trappings: slogans, nicknames, theme songs, and even merchandizing to show solidarity; all orchestrated by a media intent on projecting a party's "alternate reality" on an unsuspecting public.









However war, whether fabricated or not, is serious business and there are casualties. Iran has recently admitted to unintentionally shooting down a Ukrainian passenger jet, blaming human error and "US adventurism" for the crash. Human error can happen, and can be especially heightened during times of war. 176 lives were lost from this particular error; how much greater would have been the loss of life if this were on a nuclear scale.





The 2014 Danish documentary The Man Who Saved the World tells the story of Stanislav Petrov, a former lieutenant colonel of the Soviet Air Defence Forces and his role in preventing the 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm incident from leading to nuclear holocaust. Thankfully in this case human error was successfully averted.





Human error is something that will always be present; and so we have to ask ourselves: is it worth it, to life and to our planet, to entrust such terrible war-making forces to fallible humans? The obvious answer is no, and yet we do. What can we do to change our ways, to guarantee our safety in an uncertain world?





In an ideal world, there would be no enemies, hence no war: war would be prevented by militaries before it occurs - Victory before War. There is a little known scientifically proven way to accomplish this, by using a brain-based technology known as Invincible Defense Technology (IDT). IDT incorporates non-religious advanced techniques of Transcendental Meditation (TM) which, when practiced twice a day in large groups, has the effect of raising the consciousness of all those within its field.





Extensive peer-reviewed scientific research has repeatedly confirmed that when large groups of experts practice these advanced techniques together, a powerful field effect is generated which affects the surrounding population. This results in measurable decreases in war deaths, terrorism, and crime whenever IDT is utilized.





IDT was previously utilized in Washington D.C. over a two-month period in the summer of 1993, where 4000 meditators gathered for an experiment to lower crime. The result, as documented by an independent board of criminologists, was a 24 percent reduction in criminal violence. This profound reduction in social stress also influenced the public approval of the US president, which suddenly changed from a negative trend to a positive trend, as predicted (Reference: Social Indicators Research, 1999, 47: 153-201).





A study published in May 2019 in Studies in Asian Social Science, 6(2), 1-45, found that IDT implementation by students trained in the advanced TM techniques resulted in a 96% decline in sociopolitical violence in war-torn Cambodia as compared to violence in the preceding three years.





The Global Union of Scientists for Peace (GUSP) advocates IDT as a cost-effective, simple means to rapidly reduce the societal stresses held to be the underlying cause of terrorism and war (see: https://www.gusp.org/global-peace-summit).





Military and civilian groups in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia are currently field-testing this approach by creating Prevention Wings of the Military, using IDT to reduce crime, quell violence, create prosperity, prevent the rise of enemies, and create the conditions for lasting peace.





No nation can afford another war, and no country can feel safe as long as nuclear weapons are available to be deployed, whether intentionally or by human error. It is time for all of us to consider embarking on a new course of action, utilizing IDT to raise the global consciousness so that positive solutions can be found which do not involve war.





Because our next war may well be our last.





About the Authors:





Arlene J. Schar has served as Dr. Leffler's Executive Assistant at the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS) http://www.StrongMilitary.org since 2015. She has edited and co-authored many of Dr. Leffler's articles.





Dr. David Leffler served as an Associate of the Proteus Management Group at the Center for Strategic Leadership, US Army War College. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director at CAMS.
She's a successful actress who always puts on a showstopping display at many a red carpet event.

And it was business as usual for Penelope Cruz as she exuded elegance while attending the 2020 Feroz Awards in Madrid, Spain on Thursday.

The Spanish beauty, 45, looked glam in a sequinned monochrome jacket and black maxi skirt as she walked the red carpet at the City of Alcobendas Auditorium Theatre.

Flawless: Penelope Cruz exuded elegance while attending the 2020 Feroz Awards in Madrid, Spain on Thursday

Penelope oozed confidence as she smiled for cameras in her eye-catching black and white ensemble.

The Everybody Knows star carried her essentials in a quilted black clutch bag, while she kept her accessories simple with small stud earrings and glittering rings.

The actress wore her raven tresses in a poker straight style, while she emphasised her pretty features with a sleek but subtle palette of make-up.

Wow: The Spanish beauty, 45, looked glam in a sequinned monochrome jacket and black maxi skirt as she walked the red carpet at the City of Alcobendas Auditorium Theatre

Showstopping: Penelope oozed confidence as she smiled for cameras in her eye-catching black and white ensemble

The film star was all smiles as she stole the show on the red carpet, before sharing a snap with director Pedro Almodovar.

She also posed for a group pictrure with Pedro, actor Asier Etxeandia, actress Julieta Serrano and producer Agustin Almodovar.

And Penelope was in good company at the bash as also in attendance was her younger sister Monica Cruz, who looked stunning in a black gown.

Glamorous: Penelope was full of glamour as she walked the red carpet in Madrid, Spain

Looking good: The Everybody Knows star carried her essentials in a quilted black clutch bag, while she kept her accessories simple with small stud earrings and glittering rings

Beautiful: The actress wore her raven tresses in a poker straight style, while she emphasised her pretty features with a sleek but subtle palette of make-up

Penelope has had a glittering film career spanning almost 30 years, with her first feature film being 1992's Jamon Jamon.

She later received recognition for her roles in films including Vanilla Sky, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and Blow.

In 2008, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Maria Elena in Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Penelope is married to fellow film star Javier Bardem, with the two sharing two children, Leo and Luna.

Elegance: The film star glowed as she posed up a storm on the red carpet in her black and white number

Say cheese: The film star was all smiles as she stole the show on the red carpet, before sharing a snap with director Pedro Almodovar

Group shot: She also posed for a group pictrure with Pedro, actor Asier Etxeandia, actress Julieta Serrano and producer Agustin Almodovar

Sibling: Penelope was in good company at the bash as also in attendance was her younger sister Monica Cruz, who looked stunning in a black gown
Bigg Boss 13: Mahira Sharma Broke Up With Bigg Boss 10 Contestant Manu Punjabi A Month Before Entering The Show?
The Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), enjoins member countries, including Ghana to provide at all times clean water and sustainable sanitation facilities for its citizens and also ensure the availability and sustainable management of its water resources.



The SGD 6 aligns with Government of Ghana's vision for the sector, enshrined in the Water Sector Strategic Development Plan (WSSDP), expressed as 'all people living in Ghana have access to adequate, safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable water services, and practice safe sanitation and hygiene'.

In line with meeting the requirements of the SDG 6 and national commitments for water and sanitation, CWSA, in 2017, initiated policy reforms in the Rural Water and Sanitation Sub-sector to change the existing Community Management Model to professionalized management of water supply services. The change in policy was triggered by recommendations by stakeholders and available research findings which point to the fact that the Community Management Model is not efficient enough to ensure the sustainable management of water supply infrastructure which government has committed so much investments into providing.

As part of the reforms, a cabinet memo was submitted to Cabinet by the sector ministry to consider and grant policy approval towards the amendment of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency Act, 1998 (Act 564) to transform the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) into a utility service organization, with focus on application of innovation and professional skills to achieve sustainability.

Hence, it was heartwarming when the Vice  President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced at the Mole 30 (Mole XXX) Conference on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) that Cabinet has given approval for the CWSA policy reforms towards transforming the Agency into a utility service organization. The announcement was received with applause and endorsement by stakeholders at the conference which was held from November 4 to 8, 2019 in Ho, Volta Region.

WHY THE REFORM?

The policy reform was necessitated by a number of challenges that threaten the sustainability of investments made in water supply infrastructure in rural communities and small towns by government and its development partners. These include the following:

1. Continuous cycle of breakdown and rehabilitation with resources that should have been used to provide water systems to 'first time' beneficiaries.

2. Many of the water systems cannot provide uninterrupted service to communities as a result of frequent breakdowns.

3. Water quality of most systems are not monitored, on a wrong assumption that groundwater which is the most used water source has a constant quality. High levels of iron, manganese, fluoride, arsenic, hardness, and salinity are common.

4. There is a water management knowledge gap at the district and community levels. Water provision, operation and maintenance is technical and involves application of complex technology and innovation which requires the use of qualified professionals. For instance, even when water quality tests are carried out, its interpretation is difficult for the districts and communities

5. Non- revenue water on rural piped water systems have increased steadily to between 45-60%, resulting in higher unit cost of production and water tariff. Effort is required to reduce this to the desired 10% maximum.

6. Inadequate accountability for revenue generated by WSMTs and Private Operators

7. Financing for post construction operation and maintenance is inadequate to guarantee regular monitoring, repairs and maintenance of the water systems by district assemblies and CWSA.

8. High indebtedness by community managed water systems to electricity companies has virtually made it impossible for the water systems to provide uninterrupted water delivery. In total, before CWSA's intervention, 90 water systems nationwide owed an accumulated electricity bill of GHS 3,322,900.71 to VRA and ECG.

OBJECTIVES OF THE REFORM

The ultimate objective of the policy reforms is to transform CWSA into a utility service organization, having responsibility for the provision and management of small towns piped water supply systems while providing point water systems (boreholes fitted with hand pumps), in collaboration with the MMDAs. This is to ensure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable water services to rural communities and small towns on sustainable basis.

The specific objectives of the reforms are as follows:

1. Professionalize the operation and management of piped water systems.

2. Improve on the operational efficiency of water systems.

3. Mobilize revenue from water system management for maintenance, expansion and construction of new facilities.

4. Increase water access towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

5. Create decent jobs for unemployed water management professionals.

6. Apply appropriate technology to reduce non-revenue water.

7. Adopt state-of-the-art technology to address water quality challenges.

8. Create a support mechanism for sustained operation and maintenance of point water systems

9. Improve access to Sanitation and Hygiene Services to maximize health benefits.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE REFORM - AUGUST 2017 TO DATE

Since August 2017 to date, the CWSA has made modest achievements under the reform programme. These include the following:

REHABILITATION

1. Seventy-three (73) boreholes in twenty (20) piped systems have been cleaned, redeveloped, pump tested and water quality reassessed.

2. Contracts for cleaning, redevelopment, pumping test and water quality re-assessment of one hundred and thirty-two (132) boreholes in fifty-one (51) piped water systems have been signed and works on-going.

3. Twelve (12) pump houses for six (6) piped water systems have been reconstructed

4. Rehabilitation works on forty-four (44) pump houses for nine (9) piped systems have been completed

5. Procurement for rehabilitation works on sixteen (16) pump houses for six (6) piped water systems in the Ashanti region is on-going

6. Seventeen (17) piped water systems are currently under-going major rehabilitation

7. Four hundred and four (404) bulk meters have been installed to improve recording of production and distribution, and estimation of non-revenue water.

8. Five thousand five hundred and seventy (5,570) manual service meters have been installed to improve measurement of water consumption and revenue.

9. Two thousand, five hundred and thirty (2,530) prepaid household water meters are currently being deployed to twenty-three (23) piped water systems in six (6) regions

10. Thirty-five (35) packaged water treatment plants are currently being procured for twenty-six (26) piped water systems in seven (7) regions.

11. Procurement of HDPE and UPVC pipes for rehabilitation of pipelines for piped water systems is on-going

JOB CREATION

1. Eight hundred and thirty-four (834) professional staff made up of engineers, technician engineers, accountants, water safety specialist, revenue officers, community relations officers have been deployed

2. Two hundred and sixty-nine (269) auxiliary staff (who are mainly community members) to manage Piped Water Systems across the country.

WATER SAFETY MANAGEMENT

Water safety plans have been developed for ninety (90) piped water systems. Ghana can now provide data to WHO as part of its obligations towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.

IMMEDIATE OUTCOMES OF THE REFORMS.

1. Revenue from the sale of water has increased on all the water systems without a raise in tariff.

2. Efficiency in the operation and management of piped water systems has improved tremendously

3. Reporting and tracking of performance has improved significantly

4. Capacity for technical and financial audit of the water systems have improved due to employment of professionals

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the best model for sustained water services delivery is the professionalization of the management of water systems, a shift from community management approach. This model will save the huge public investments in water infrastructure from deterioration and create a common pool of resources for the operation and maintenance of existing water supply systems and also provide new ones to communities with no access.

ABOUT CWSA

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) was established by an Act of Parliament 1998, Act 564 to facilitate the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services to rural communities and small towns in Ghana. The Agency was mandated to implement the National Community Water and Sanitation Programme (NCWSP) which was launched in 1994 to speed up access of communities to WASH services. The key management model under the NCWSP is Community Ownership and Management (COM) Concept which involves the training and engagement of community members, who are non-professionals, to operate and manage the water supply systems. Since 1994, modest gains have been made in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services to rural communities and small towns. Access to water supply in rural communities and small towns in Ghana increased from a low 27% in the early 1990s to 62.13% in 2017.
LEBANON, Ore.  A fire that sent one man to the hospital was set on purpose, Lebanon Fire District officials said.

The fire caused a limited amount of damage to a home under construction on the 1300 block of South Second Street. Firefighters responded at about 6:06 on Wednesday morning, putting the fire out and removing smoldering debris from the building.

RELATED: ONE HOSPITALIZED AFTER LEBANON HOUSE FIRE

Officials said the Lebanon Fire Marshals investigation discovered that a fire had been built inside the structure and it spread to a nearby structural lumber and shower insert. The damage was limited to this area and some wiring, wall studs, and subflooring material. There was no electricity in the home at the time.

At this point in time we dont have enough information to determine if there was criminal intent or if this was a warming fire which got out of control, Lebanon Fire Marshal Jason Bolen said.

After the fire started, a neighbor went into the home in an attempt to put it out. The man had fallen into an open crawl space access hole, officials said. The incident commander found the man leaving the home through a back door. He suffered smoke inhalation and blunt force trauma from his fall. He was taken to the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bolen urges the public to never enter a building that is on fire.

Fire can spread very rapidly, and a person can be overcome by smoke in a matter of seconds. he said. The best thing that a citizen can do is to call 911 immediately and stay out of the structure. If you escape the structure, do not go back inside and keep others from entering.

If anyone has information about the fire, contact the Lebanon Fire District at 541-451-1901.
On the same day President Donald Trump inked a new trade deal with China and Premier Mark McGowan was at Perth Airport celebrating the arrival of a direct flight from Shanghai, US consul-general David Gainer was preparing to spend the new year reminding Western Australians about our biggest investment partner.

With just about all the state's political and media focus on the state's controversial Asian trading partner, it is easy to overlook the fact that United States investment in Australia outstrips China by a factor of almost 15 to one.

The United States is 'open for business': US consul-general in Perth David J Gainer at Kings Park this week. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola

While China trumpets the dollar value of the WA's exports it buys, Mr Gainer said the depth and strength of the US-Australia relationship presented great opportunities for WA business.

It's a relationship Mr Gainer said was based on common values and a mutual respect for "the rules of the game", and one he hopes will become more valuable to both sides.
Dividend paying stocks like Swiss Life Holding AG (VTX:SLHN) tend to be popular with investors, and for good reason - some research suggests a significant amount of all stock market returns come from reinvested dividends. Yet sometimes, investors buy a popular dividend stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

In this case, Swiss Life Holding likely looks attractive to investors, given its 3.4% dividend yield and a payment history of over ten years. We'd guess that plenty of investors have purchased it for the income. The company also returned around 6.2% of its market capitalisation to shareholders in the form of stock buybacks over the past year. Some simple analysis can reduce the risk of holding Swiss Life Holding for its dividend, and we'll focus on the most important aspects below.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

SWX:SLHN Historical Dividend Yield, January 16th 2020

Payout ratios

Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. Comparing dividend payments to a company's net profit after tax is a simple way of reality-checking whether a dividend is sustainable. In the last year, Swiss Life Holding paid out 49% of its profit as dividends. This is a middling range that strikes a nice balance between paying dividends to shareholders, and retaining enough earnings to invest in future growth. One of the risks is that management reinvests the retained capital poorly instead of paying a higher dividend.

Consider getting our latest analysis on Swiss Life Holding's financial position here.

Dividend Volatility

One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Swiss Life Holding's dividend payments. Its dividend payments have declined on at least one occasion over the past ten years. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was CHF5.00 in 2010, compared to CHF16.50 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 13% per year over this time. The growth in dividends has not been linear, but the CAGR is a decent approximation of the rate of change over this time frame.

Story continues

So, its dividends have grown at a rapid rate over this time, but payments have been cut in the past. The stock may still be worth considering as part of a diversified dividend portfolio.

Dividend Growth Potential

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share (EPS) are growing. Why take the risk of a dividend getting cut, unless there's a good chance of bigger dividends in future? Swiss Life Holding has grown its earnings per share at 6.6% per annum over the past five years. Earnings per share have been growing at a credible rate. What's more, the payout ratio is reasonable and provides some protection to the dividend, or even the potential to increase it.

Conclusion

When we look at a dividend stock, we need to form a judgement on whether the dividend will grow, if the company is able to maintain it in a wide range of economic circumstances, and if the dividend payout is sustainable. We're glad to see Swiss Life Holding has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. Second, earnings growth has been ordinary, and its history of dividend payments is chequered - having cut its dividend at least once in the past. Swiss Life Holding might not be a bad business, but it doesn't show all of the characteristics we look for in a dividend stock.

Companies that are growing earnings tend to be the best dividend stocks over the long term. See what the 6 analysts we track are forecasting for Swiss Life Holding for free with public analyst estimates for the company.

Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
In some ways, there is little particularly remarkable about Dipti Bramhandkars story. After immigrating to the U.S. from India with her parents when she was very young, she grew up desperately wanting to assimilate to American culture in order fit in and make friends. Eventually she matures to a position of regretting having been ashamed of her familys native language, her mothers cooking smells, her own unique name, and her homes Ganesh statue.

As she moves into independent adulthood, she develops an understanding of herself and her history that is more nuanced and comfortable, if never entirely settled, and she lives her life now trying to find balance between heritage and lived experience. This is a familiar story told frequently by the children of immigrants.

But in other important ways, the familiarity of Bramhandkars story is precisely the point of her 60-minute monologue now receiving its world premiere at Luna Stage in West Orange. Because American Rookie, written and performed by Bramhandkar, is not really a coming-of-age story. Instead, it is a subtle examination of how the familiar and in some ways expected immigrant story is facing troubling rupture in recent years.

What used to be a story focused on cultural and existential turmoil gradually if imperfectly resolving themselves is now a story about fear and the threat of violence.

In Lunas intimate black box space, Bramhandkar tells her story calmly and frankly, often flavored with self-deprecating humor, like when she chuckles at her failed childhood efforts to redub herself DJ. Under the direction of Padraic Lillis, Bramhandkar seeks out a warm, conversational tone, which she occasionally finds, although the brushstrokes used to paint this portrait of a casual storyteller never quite fade. Each gesture, laugh, and decision to sit or stand shows traces of its careful rehearsal. Except for some emotional moments toward the end, the performance never quite stops feeling like a practiced recitation.

If the bulk of American Rookie seems familiar, the strongest resonance of that story comes at the shows opening and closing, when Bramhandkar troubles the coming-to-America trope. She opens the monologue with an anecdote about her mother and an Indian friend recently being insulted in a parking lot by a jingoistic bigot. We have lived here thirty years, says Bramhandkars mother, and this has never happened to us.

The damage enacted in this story is emotional and psychological, and late in the monologue Bramhandkar will touch on much more physical violence visited upon people who look like her. These bookends envelop the familiar immigrant story in the middle of the production, as if to say that which we may have thought was familiar can no longer be considered on solid footing.

There is one name here that Bramhandkar never mentions. You know the one. Starts with T. Rhymes with chump. The name is not part of American Rookie because it would be redundant: its presence is felt viscerally and unquestionably during the anecdotes of recent bigotry. But the show traffics less in blameas if that name is at fault for a recent uptick in nationalist violenceand more in a broader examination of an ethos. As Bramhandkar presents the situation, that one particularly notable bigot and his ascent to power are products of a shifting national ethos rather than a smoking gun behind recent violence. American Rookie is concerned with how the US is failing to deliver on its longstanding promises of opportunity and security.

One over-powerful man is an important component of that condition, but the show suggests that responding to it requires more complexity and nuance than just toppling a politician. It requires national and individual soul-searching examined through the lens of other people, one version of which Bramhandkars monologue provides.

AMERICAN ROOKIE

Luna Stage Company

555 Valley Road, West Orange

Tickets available by phone: (973) 395-5551. Running through Jan. 27.

Patrick Maley may be reached at patrickjmaley@gmail.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @PatrickJMaley. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
(TNS)  Starting Tuesday, travelers boarding certain international flights at Philadelphia International Airport will have their face scanned along with their boarding pass.Three gates at the airport will begin a 45-day pilot program for facial-recognition scanners that cross-check a live image of a person with their government photos. The scanners are meant to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection process passengers and speed up boarding, the airport said.Gates A15, A16, and A17 will each use a different biometric technology scanner for select outbound international flights on Qatar, British Airways, Lufthansa, and American Airlines. After the pilot program is complete, the airport will assess which brand performed best for permanent use.CBP will install the system for travelers entering the country through Philadelphia, too. There is no timeline yet for that installation, but it will be in the Federal Inspection Station located in Terminal A-West.All travelers will be scanned unless they ask not to be. But while foreign nationals are required to get additional screening, they can opt out of the scans for outbound flights and be verified through other documents, said Stephen Sapp, a CBP spokesperson.It is designed to expedite boarding by eliminating the time gate attendants take to verify the travelers identity manually," said Sapp. Passengers will still have to present their boarding passes and passports during the pilot, but over time, the technology is expected to replace that paper check-in process.The installation is part of a federal mandate and a more-than-decade-long push by Congress to track foreign travelers who enter and exit the country. As reported by the Washington Post , Congress in 2016 approved the use of up to $1 billion collected from visa fees to fund the technologys implementation. A March 2017 executive order directed the Department of Homeland Security to speed implementation.Currently, 26 airports use the biometric scans for people leaving the United States, 16 use it for people entering the country, and six seaports use it for both entry and exit. Government officials say the technology provides additional security, and has identified seven people traveling with another persons documents since September 2018.But privacy advocates fear bias, inaccuracy, and potential misuse of the information collected.Automation in the boarding process makes sense in the efficiency and economic standpoint, said Michael Kearns, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in machine learning, algorithms, and their biases. But this also means that much more data about us will be logged.It also moves us more and more towards a surveillance society," he said.Biometric technology, or tech that uses your physiological characteristics, like the thumb-print and facial scanners in iPhones, are not new to society, or to airports. British Airways has used the technology in Londons Heathrow Airport for close to nine years.As passengers board, a tablet device mounted on the gate kiosk scans their face and compares it to a database filled with passport or visa photos. If the images match, the machine clears the passenger for boarding. If there is a mismatch, the screen flashes, and the person may be pulled aside for additional screening.Once identities are verified, U.S. travelers images are deleted within 12 hours, CBP said. Foreign travelers photos are deleted from the comparison database within 14 days, but then may be retained in the Department of Homeland Securitys Automated Biometric Identification System, according to CBP.Inaccuracy and security is also a concern.Kearns said that traditional machine learning is inherently biased. Over time, certain minority groups may suffer delays in boarding, or be pulled aside by attendants more often.The question is not will it make mistakes, which it will," he said. But how might those mistakes be unequally distributed across demographics?
A group of dacoits took Behmai in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur Dehat by surprise on February 14, 1981, when they stormed the village, dragged out all the men from their houses, lined them up and shot them dead. The dacoits fired 150 rounds to kill 20 people, mostly upper-caste Thakurs, sharpened social fault lines, and brought in the limelight Phoolan Devi, their leader.

It was first time that lower-caste dacoits, mostly Mallahs, had joined hands to take on the Thakurs of 84 villages, who allegedly supported the upper-caste dacoit gang of Shriram and Lalaram, and to avenge Phoolan Devis loss of honour. Phoolan Devi accused the Thakurs of supporting her rival gang, which had allegedly abducted and gang-raped her at Behmai, and forced her to take up arms.

Almost 39 years later, the families of the 20 men await justice. They expected it to be finally delivered in a local court that was scheduled to pronounce its verdict in the Behmai massacre case on January 6. The families of the 20 gathered around the memorial to the slain men braving chilly weather in anticipation of an end to their almost four-decade-long battle for justice.

But it was not to be as the verdict was deferred again to January 18 (Saturday) much to the disappointment of the families of the slain men. It is nothing new. We have faced such disappointments over the years, said Sri Devi, (AGE) the widow of one of the men killed in 1981. She had been married for XX years when her husband, XXX, was killed.

Raju Porwal, district government counsel, said the defence counsel Raghunandan Singh and Girish Narayan Dubey sought time to file citations of judgments of superior courts that will support their case before the verdict is delivered. The court directed them to complete the process by January 16 and fixed January 18 as the next date for delivering the verdict.

Porwal said 17 of the 28 accused named in the case have died. Five were never arrested and only four have faced the trial. The charges against the four could be framed only 32 years after the carnage on August 24, 2012. The trial took eight years to conclude, said Porwal.

The four--Posa, 80, Bheekha, 70, Shyam Babu, 65, and Vishwanath, 65, were present in the court on January 6.

Porwal said he took over the matter in 2011 and added this is the oldest pending case in the district. Nothing had happened in all these years. I requested the court to reopen the case and begin the trial with the two accused on the record. Later, two more accused were arrested in 2017. That was the only way in which the oldest case could have been settled, he said.

Four of the five eye-witnesses have also passed away.

Phoolan Devi surrendered in 1983 and she was released in 1994. She successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket in 1996 when the Mulayam Singh Yadav government filed an application seeking withdrawal of the case against her.

Munni Devi became the face of the protests against the move. She led a protest in Mirzapur, where Phoolan Devi was contesting elections from, as well. Their effort, Munni Devi said, rekindled hopes but the public and medias interest in the case was lost after Phoolan Devi was murdered in 2001.

Everyone forgot Behmai and our plight. What did we get apart from the 7,000 from the government as compensation? The money was spent on the cremation...

The families of the slain men have threatened to stage a sit-in if the verdict is deferred again.

We will not leave the court premises unless justice is given. We, as of now are keeping our fingers crossed, as none of us know which way the verdict may go, said Genter Singh, who survived the massacre.

Sumitra Devi, 85, the oldest surviving of the widows in the village, has lost her vision but continues to follow the case. She has petitioned successive governments seeking help. At this stage, we need pension and support. Are we asking for too much? 

Munni Devi was just 11 and had been barely married off to 13-year-old Lal Singh four months earlier when he became the youngest person to be killed in the massacre. She said they rushed from her parents home to Behmai, where she saw Lal Singhs body. I asked my father who was he and why was he lying dead? My father wept... I later learnt he was my husband, she said. It was the first and the last time she had seen him.

Munni Devi never remarried as per local customs that bar widows from doing so. She has spent 39 years since then awaiting justice.

Hardeyi Devi, 73, a mother of five who lost her husband Dashrath Singh in the massacre, regularly attended the court proceedings till 1990 when she gave up. It used to be an arduous journey to Rajpur, which is 17 km from Behmai. From there, I would take a bus to get to the Kanpur court where the case was heard... She also had to raise her children without any support and work in the fields to feed them.

Her son, Kalloo Singh, said the accused and lawyers exploited the legal system to stall the trial. The charges could not be framed as the police could never produce all the accused required to frame them.

Man Singh, one of the accused, had even opened a dhaba. Yet police never arrested him, said Kalloo Singh. He added his mother finally gave up.

Raja Ram Singh, a local resident, said special judge (anti-dacoity) S K Saxena took a year to reject the governments application to withdraw the case against Phoolan Devi and delayed the trial. The rejection was challenged in the high court and the Supreme Court, which further delayed the proceedings.

Munni Devi wondered where will she go after her 70-year-old brother-in-law, Balister Singh, passes away. I am living with him but his son may not allow me to continue here in this house. I wear a sari of 100 and I borrowed this sweater... she said. I did not get justice. I did not get any of the benefits of government schemes like a house or widow pension.
This is a story about Wyomings near future, though it takes place in Arizona.

Entering Page, Ariz., the plan was to ask one question of ten people, With the closing of the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station (NGS), on Nov. 18, 2019, is the view less hazy? If I were not understood, I would ask something like, Can you now see the mountains over there more clearly? Or, I could ask, Has the air quality gotten a little better?

Nine out of the 10 answered in the affirmative. Their answers ranged from, Much more clear and better, to a tepid, A little better. One...
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds and discusses a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office saying that President Donald Trump broke the law by withholding military aid from Ukraine as she begins a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 16, 2020. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

As the Senate formally opened the impeachment trial on whether to remove Donald Trump from office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog on Thursday dealt the Republican president a blow by concluding that the White House violated the law by withholding security aid approved for Ukraine by US lawmakers.

Democrat Adam Schiff, who heads a team of seven House of Representatives members who will serve as prosecutors, appeared on the Senate floor to read the two charges passed by the House on December 18 accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress arising from his dealings with Ukraine.

The trial's opening formalities were to continue later in the day, with US Chief Justice John Roberts set to be sworn in to preside over the proceedings and then swear in all 100 senators to serve as jurors. Opening statements in the trial, only the third in US history, are expected on Tuesday.

The abuse of power cited by the House included Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid for Ukraine, a move Democrats have said was aimed at pressuring Kiev into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the president's possible opponent in the November 3 US election.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded, referring to the fact that Congress had already voted to appropriate the funds.

An arm of Congress, the GAO is viewed as a top auditing agency for the federal government that advises lawmakers and various government entities on how taxpayer dollars are spent.

While the agency's assessment was a setback to Trump, it was unclear how or even if it would figure in his trial in the Republican-led Senate given that key issues such as whether witnesses will appear or new evidence will be considered remain up in the air.

Democrats said the GAO report showed the importance of the Senate hearing from witnesses and considering new documents in the trial.

"This reinforces - again - the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a news conference.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said senators should consider only the evidence amassed by the House.

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The House voted on Wednesday 228-193, largely along party lines, to give the Senate the task of putting Trump on trial. The Senate is expected to acquit him, keeping Trump in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that requires a two-thirds majority.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a sham.

The GAO issued its opinion after receiving a letter inquiring about the aid from Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. The agency's findings are not legally binding, but its reports are seen by lawmakers as objective, reliable and generally uncontested. The GAO has no prosecutorial power.

Its report noted that the US Constitution grants a president no unilateral authority to withhold funds in the way that Trump did. Instead, a president has a "strictly circumscribed authority" to withhold spending only in limited circumstances expressly provided by law. Holding up money for a policy reason, which the Trump administration did in this case, is not permitted, the report said.

Asked about the GAO report, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy defended Trump's withholding of aid, citing concerns about corruption in Ukraine's new government.

"I think it was the rightful thing to do," McCarthy told a news conference.

Congress approved the $391 million to help Ukraine combat Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. The money ultimately was provided to Kiev in September after the controversy had spilled into public view.

A pivotal event leading to Trump's impeachment was a July 25 call in which he asked Ukraine's president to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden over unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and to look into a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election.

Democrats have said Trump abused his power by asking a foreign government to interfere in a U.S. election for his own benefit at the expense of American national security.

Republicans have argued that Trump's actions did not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. They have accused Democrats of using the Ukraine affair as a way to nullify Trump's 2016 election victory.

The Senate will formally notify the White House of Trump's impending trial later on Thursday, after inviting U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts to the chamber to be sworn in to preside and to swear in all 100 senators to serve as jurors.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said



that by arranging visits of Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has made a "third bid to spread lies" about situation there post abrogation of its special status.

Azad, who is here on a two-day visit along with his party colleague Ambika Soni, said the Central ministers are coming to the Union Territory to celebrate Jammu and Kashmir's "destruction".

"This is a third attempt to mislead and misguide people of the world, J&K and India. They are coming here for a third time to tell lies," Azad told reporters here.

His comments come a day after sources in Delhi said a group of central ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir starting from January 18 including sensitive areas in the Valley to spread awareness about the positive impact of abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region.

Azad criticised the move. "Till today, they don't know how to run the government. They have bitterly failed."



He said that in the past, the government twice "misled and deceived" the people of the country and the world by conducting "guided tours" of Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and foreign envoys.

In order to influence the international media reportage on the "destruction" and situation in Kashmir, the government conducted tours of MEPs and then envoys to propagate their version of the story to the world, the Rajya Sabha member said.

On January 9, a team of 15 envoys including the US Ambassador to India went on a two-day government-sponsored visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Before that, a Delhi-based think tank had taken 23 EU MPs on a two-day visit to assess the situation in the union territory. The government had distanced itself from the MEP visit.

Azad said on Thursday that by dividing JK into two union territories, keeping politicians under house arrest, "destroying" trade, industry, tourism, business and transport, and banning political activities of opposition, the government has destroyed J&K.

"The chapter of destruction of J&K started with formations of UT," he said.

He said that the political leaders from Kashmir who were called to New Delhi one by one and "tutored", were presented before the envoys, but civil society, media and traders were disallowed to meet them and the previous delegation.

On speculations of formation of a third front in Jammu and Kashmir, he said they are handed-picked by Centre and its agencies and "tutored" to toe their line.

He also demanded a fair probe into the case of suspended JK Deputy SP Davinder Singh who has been arrested for sheltering and assisting terrorists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 10:34:16|Editor: xuxin

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The UN-backed Prime Minister of Libyan government Fayez Serraj (L) and Chairman of the High Council of State Khalid al-Meshri are seen at a meeting in Tripoli, capital of Libya on Jan. 15, 2020. Senior officials of the UN-backed Libyan government on Wednesday stressed the importance of seeking a political solution to the Libyan crisis and ending the ongoing armed conflict. A meeting was held on Wednesday in the capital Tripoli among UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj, Chairman of the High Council of State Khalid al-Meshri, and a number of senior political and military officials of the UN-backed government, according to the Interior Ministry. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of the UN-backed Libyan government on Wednesday stressed the importance of seeking a political solution to the Libyan crisis and ending the ongoing armed conflict.

A meeting was held on Wednesday in the capital Tripoli among UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj, Chairman of the High Council of State Khalid al-Meshri, and a number of senior political and military officials of the UN-backed government, according to the Interior Ministry.

The participants of the meeting reviewed the latest developments of the crisis, including the talks toward a ceasefire agreement in Moscow and the upcoming Berlin conference on Libya, the ministry said.

They stressed the importance of political and military efforts to end the ongoing conflict, it added.

On Monday, intra-Libyan talks mediated by Russia and Turkey reached no settlement, though efforts to reach a deal will be continued.

The east-based army had been leading a military campaign since early April, attempting to take over Tripoli from the UN-backed government.

The conflict killed and injured thousands of people, and displaced more than 120,000 civilians.

Libya has been suffering escalating violence and political instability, ever since the fall of its then leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Reuters

Apple and other technology companies should cooperate with US investigators, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday as law enforcement officials continued probing last month's fatal shooting at a US naval base in Florida.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump lashed out at Apple in a tweet for refusing to unlock phones in criminal investigations while the company benefited from the federal government's help on trade issues.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking to unlock two iPhones involved in the case regarding the shooting of three Americans by a Saudi Air Force officer at the US Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida. Attorney General William Barr this week called on Apple to help.

We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2020

Their request has renewed attention to privacy issues in the digital age, with Apple and its rivals arguing strong encryption protects users while law enforcement officials counter it allows criminals to evade justice.

"I understand the president's view, and it is absolutely critical for our technology companies to cooperate with law enforcement," Mnuchin told CNBC in an interview.

Mnuchin later told reporters at the White House that he had not discussed the issue with Apple and did not know the specifics at hand. "I know Apple has cooperated in the past on law enforcement issues, and I expect they would continue ... to cooperate."

Apple has said that it has helped investigators in the Pensacola case by providing other data, but that it cannot access encrypted data stored on the actual devices without building a so-called "back door."
Tired of using your phone number for Google Duo? Well, theres good news: you can now use Google Duo phone number-free, though with some restriction.

According to a Google employee, Google Duo now comes number-free, allowing Duo users to use the service without worry over whether they have a phone number (and of course, data plan) or not. Those who live on Wi-Fi (home internet for some) can use the service free of one of its major restrictions.

Google Duos number-free update spotted

The new change from the previous Duo setup has been spotted by way of an APK file by tech website 9to5Google. APK files often reveal what companies plan to bring forward in future updates. Companies often make APK files available to developers for free before rolling out features to everyday users for testing purposes. To see the Google Duo number-free update in an APK file means that Google is at least toying with the possibility of a number-free video chat service. Google could always discontinue the feature and decide against rolling it out (possibly in a matter of weeks or months), but in many cases, what you see with APK files is what you get in future app update releases.

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Google employee confirms intention to release a number-free Duo update

An APK file spotting is one thing, but confirmation from the horses mouth (in this case, a Google employee) is another. In March of last year, a comment about Google Duos phone number restriction was met with a response from Google: Hi everyone, Thanks for your feedback. Were working on the feature to be able to use Duo without a phone number and will let you know once its available! the employee wrote in a Google Duo help forum.

This statement was in response to a commenter who wanted to use Google Duo without needing a phone number to contact others, and who wanted to be able to contact others without needing their phone number in return. Perhaps the APK file spotting by 9to5Google is a good sign that Google will soon make good on its promise.

Google Duo number-free, with a restriction

While the APK file reveals that a Duo free-number update is on the way, there is some restriction to its number-free ability: that is, Duo is only number-free on the Web, not the Duo app available for download via Google Play. This means that those interested in a number-free Duo experience will have to log into Duo on the web (yes, indicated by a URL) instead of going into the convenient Android app.

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Sure, this is frustrating, but hey, its a work in progress. At least Google is bringing a coveted feature to its video chat app to make it better.

Why a number-free Google Duo makes sense

A number-free Google Duo shakes things up a bit with Googles service and keeps it competitive, but it also makes sense for other reasons. One reason pertains to the way people use Google services.

Long-time Android users are familiar with the need to sign up for a free Gmail email address when owning an Android smartphone for the first time. The Gmail email address is how one logs into Gmail and all Google apps, and that same email address helps you access all your Google contacts on every Android device. By creating a number-free Google Duo on the Web, Google is eventually bringing this same setup to its audio and video chatting app so that Duo becomes as effortless to use as every other Google app.
Beauty sleep could be real, say scientists who have explained for the first time why having a good night's sleep could actually prepare us for the rigours of daily life.

Published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, the study in mice shows how the body clock mechanism boosts our ability to maintain our bodies when we are most active.

Because we know the body clock is less precise as we age, the discovery may one day help unlock some of the mysteries of ageing, said Professor Karl Kadler from the University of Manchester in the UK.

The discovery shines light on the body's extracellular matrix, which provides structural and biochemical support to cells in the form of connective tissue such as bone, skin, tendon and cartilage.

Over half of our body weight is matrix, and half of this is collagen -- and scientists have long understood it is fully formed by the time we reach the age of 17.

However, the researchers have now discovered there are two types of fibrils -- the rope-like structures of collagen that are woven by the cells to form tissues.

Thicker fibrils measuring about 200 nanometres in diameter are permanent, and stay with us throughout our lives, unchanged from the age of 17.

One the other hand, thinner fibrils measuring 50 nanometres are sacrificial, breaking as we subject the body to the rigours of the day but replenishing when we rest at night.

The collagen was observed by mass spectrometry, and the mouse fibrils were observed using state of the art volumetric electron microscopy every four hours over two days.

When the body clock genes where knocked out in mice, the thin and thick fibrils were amalgamated randomly, the researchers said.

"Collagen provides the body with structure and is our most abundant protein, ensuring the integrity, elasticity and strength of the body's connective tissue," said Kadler.

"It's intuitive to think our matrix should be worn down by wear and tear, but it isn't and now we know why: our body clock makes an element which is sacrificial and can be replenished, protecting the permanent parts of the matrix," he said.

Kadler said just like people need to oil a car and keep its radiator topped up with water, the thin fibrils help maintain the body's matrix.

"Knowing this could have implications on understanding our biology at its most fundamental level. It might, for example, give us some deeper insight into how wounds heal, or how we age," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A 27-year-old Ocean Springs woman was killed and her 7-year-old daughter critically injured in a Thursday morning crash in the St. Martin community.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said a truck driven by Joseph Pilgrim struck a car as the car pulled into the intersection of South Street and Seaman Road.

The cars driver, Alexandria Minter, was pronounced dead at the scene and her 7-year-old daughter was airlifted to University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile, Ala.

Ezell said no charges have been filed against Pilgrim and the accident remains under investigation.
La Paz Chattanooga, through their business development initiative, Compania, hosted a lunch and learn event to educate the latino professional community about the 2020 census at the Edney.

The event, one of 12 networking luncheons Compania and La Paz host per year, focused on the importance of census work for minority groups as well as communities and cities at large.

Attendees learned about potential employment opportunities through the U.S. Census Bureau and different government programs the census helps to fund on a local level.

Presenters for the lunch event were Melanie Harrison, partnership specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau - Philadelphia region, Tyler Yount, director of Special Projects for the city of Chattanooga Mayors Office, and Ana Mancebo, social impact coordinator at La Paz Chattanooga.

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone living in the country on April 1, no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or why they are in the country," said Ms. Harrison. "The count includes children and newborn babies, citizens and noncitizens, and temporary residents.

Everyone benefits from the public services that an accurate census supports, so everyone should be counted.

The information collected in the census will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds each year. These funds impact critical services, including education, health care, and public transportation.

Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of needs, including new roads, schools, and emergency services. The information is used to help protect civil rights laws and determine when services should be provided in other languages. The information can also attract businesses that cater to communities with diverse populations. It can help employers better understand the local talent pool and provide new job opportunities, said officials.

Chattanoogas efforts are focused through their Complete Count Committee and the community partnerships that help to ensure all different groups of individuals are counted.

We represent all Chattanoogans, especially those that have barriers to live the life they want in our city," said Mr. Yount. "That's why the city is partnering with organizations like La Paz to make sure everyone gets counted in the 2020 Census.

The future of Chattanooga depends on finding, helping, counting, and protecting all of our community members.

La Paz will be working alongside the citys Complete Count Committee as well as with Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee Rights Coalition as an anchor organization for their state-wide efforts.

"La Paz is committed to providing the education and tools necessary to help count Chattanoogas Latinx community in this years Census, said Ms. Mancebo.

"We understand the unique barriers and challenges that face the community and are prepared to help individuals overcome them. We are partnering with groups locally and across the state to spread awareness about the Census and are excited to help increase civic engagement and develop grassroots leaders here in Chattanooga.

The census will be mailed out to homes in the spring and will continue to be collected through the summer.

Get involved and make sure your neighbors are counted at connect.chattanooga.gov/census2020.
Bombardier Inc.'s Alain Bellemare, president and chief executive officer, arrives for the annual general meeting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada May 11, 2017. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi

Bombardier Inc. (BBD.TO) may have to consider selling one  or potentially all  of its existing assets, some analysts say, as the beleaguered company looks to accelerate payment of its significant debt load.

The Quebec-based companys stock tanked on Thursday, closing the day down 32 per cent at $1.22, after it revealed its financial targets would once again fall below original expectations, largely due to ongoing challenges at its transportation division.

Bombardier also said Thursday that it is considering an early exit from its joint venture partnership with Airbus and the Quebec government, which will require additional cash investment to support the ramp-up of production of the A220 jet. The plane and train maker suggested it will take a write-down on the business, which is now expected to generate a lower return over the life of the program.

Despite the barrage of bad news, chief executive Alain Bellemare said in a statement Thursday that the company is on a solid path toward organic growth and margin expansion.

We are actively pursuing alternatives that would allow us to accelerate our debt paydown, Bellemare said.

The objective is to position the business for long-term success with greater operating and financial flexibility.

How the company plans to accelerate the payment of its long-term debt, which analysts say is at more than $9 billion, remains to be seen. Given Bombardier has sold off numerous assets over the last several years, including most of its commercial aviation programs, it appears to have limited options.

Bombardier's stock plummeted Thursday by nearly 32 per cent to $1.22.

National Bank Financial analyst Cameron Doerksen said in a note to clients Thursday that he does not expect the company to seek an equity issue, which would be massively dilutive to existing shareholders, or an equity-for-debt swap.

Rather, we speculate that that company may be looking at strategic alternatives that could include the sale of one of its two remaining divisions, Doerksen wrote.

Story continues

If that is the case, the most obvious candidate in our view would be its Aviation business.

Doerksen said that Bombardiers aviation division  which consists of its business jet program  is a solid business with a refreshed lineup, decent margins and a good backlog that could potentially be worth $6.6 billion. That would leave Bombardier with just its transportation business, its most profitable segment.

JP Morgan analyst Seth Seifman wrote in a note to clients that the strong language used by Bombardier in the news release Thursday suggests some urgency and the potential to pursue strategic options, including a breakup and sale of all or part of the company.

Raising capital through asset sales is the only alternative we can think of and, for this to be meaningful, it may include one or both of Bombardiers two major businesses: (business jets) and trains, he wrote.

The Beaudoin-Bombardier familys views are a key variable in how this situation will evolve.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Walter Spracklin lowered the companys price target from $3.00 to $2.00 on Thursday, saying that what the company considers when it comes to strategic alternatives will be the key wildcard for Bombardiers stock performance.

Bombardier has been exiting the commercial aerospace segment over the last several years, selling off several key assets as it searches for sustainable growth and profitability. It has sold off the Q400 and CRJ programs, as well as its aerostructures business.

Bombardier handed control of the struggling CSeries program to Airbus in October 2017. Its current 30 per cent stake in the Airbus joint venture is its only remaining commercial aviation business, although the company is now reassessing its participation. Spracklin said Bombardier management indicated that the cash injection required to support the A220 production ramp-up is in the range of several hundred million.

This is the second time in the last six months that Bombardier has adjusted its financial targets because of rising costs tied to several key rail projects. In August, the company announced it will invest between $250 million and $300 million into its transportation division to ensure late-stage rail projects are completed and delivery schedules are met.

The company is in the final stages of Bellemares five-year turnaround plan that began in 2015.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
When I graduated from UCD in 2010, the economic climate in Dublin was quite challenging so I did an MSC at Cass Business School in London. That let me focus on what gripped me: strategy formulation and implementation, and business analysis. Before I finished, I was head-hunted by Spanish firm Telefonica. My Spanish was good; I'd spent time on Erasmus in Valencia.

The management team at Telefonica were on a mission to hire younger employees to get a new perspective.

I started as a treasury analyst for O2 (one of its companies) but quickly realised I was interested in the digital side and moved to a role on the M&A team - spending three years identifying and supporting opportunities, with a focus on digital business models, and also supporting its venture capital team in Silicon Valley.

Disruptive tech

Afterwards, I joined Schibsted Media Group's venture arm. My role was to identify very early-stage tech investment opportunities; attending tech events with the aim of spotting new business models.

This got me into the nitty gritty of disruptive tech, and its benefits to society, and I wanted to help fund these companies.

I joined Sure Valley Ventures - based in Waterford, Dublin and the UK - a year after it was set up, and relocated to Dublin in 2018, which I found teeming with potential.

Venturing forth

Venture capital is quite a niche job; some of the well-trodden ways in are from tech-focused investment banks or entrepreneurs turned investors.

It is still male-dominated but increasingly, there are women taking roles at all levels, and more female entrepreneurs are getting funded. I was lucky to start out in Telefonica with its culture of looking to graduates for fresh thinking.

This has stayed with me; not to be afraid to point out an angle I thought had been missed. The courage to speak up in meetings with very senior people gets easier the more you do it.

The entrepreneurs I meet and work with have a lot of knowledge about the products they are building, but outside perspective and knowledge is crucial for long-term success.

The VC process is about exchange - our mentoring, connections and funding for their ingenuity and ideas.

The perfect throw

We see many pitches and we can only invest in a few. The founder needs a strong vision that their software product or service can improve on what is already out there, or create a new market. We focus on the early seed stage and often the outcomes are uncertain.

My advice to those preparing pitches is you have to show you have the solution to a real consumer or business problem.

How will your technology solution meet real customer needs and is it scalable?

Our advice aims to help founders understand the competitive landscape better.

But they have to start with the realisation that to secure VC funding, you have to be fully signed up to a clear trajectory of growth.

Keyed up

I don't see my job as work, so I never really switch off. I travel a lot and the constant networking comes easy. I spend a lot of time immersing myself in learning about the industries we invest in (AI, augmented/virtual reality, the Internet of Things, fintech).

When I feel under pressure, I go for a run. I know everyone says running helps with stress, but it really works for me.

At Christmas and during the summer, I take a break and then realise how keyed up I am. I have a tendency to burn the candle at both ends. I really need that downtime to shore up my energy.

Working in VC is not everyone's cup of tea; there are hard deadlines, it can be intense and high-risk. But if you are comfortable with this, it is a hugely rewarding career where no day is the same.

Sounding board

I attend many board meetings and spend quite a bit of time mentoring, and I often need someone to act as a sounding board, usually another investor.

The founder-investor relationship evolves and changes, and idealism can sometimes collide with hard targets.

As an investor, you are responsible for investing other people's money in a founder's idea. And at the top of my mind is that this business must be able to scale with the potential of an eventual exit, so the investment can be recouped - hopefully, many times over.
Davinder Singh, the Jammu and Kashmir police officer arrested last week for terror links, will be probed by the National Investigation Agency, the countrys lead counter-terror probe agency. The Home Ministry on Thursday asked the NIA to start investigations into Singhs case to take a hard and close look at his involvement with terror groups, according to news agency ANI.

Davinder Singh was intercepted on Saturday when he was travelling on the national highway to Jammu along with three men. Singh was sitting in the front seat of the Hyundai i10 vehicle. Also in the car were Naveed Babu and Asif Ahmad, two men who have been described by the security establishment as Hizbul Mujahideen commanders, along with lawyer Rafi Ahmad.

Singh was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, or UAPA, the anti-terror law.

ALSO WATCH | Seeking Davinders sacking: J&K police chief on cop caught with terrorists

Politics around Davinder Singh

The arrest of a counter-terror police officer has set off a war of words between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party after Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called for a thorough probe into his activities in the past.

The question will now arise who were the real culprits behind the last year Pulwama attack, Chowdhury said on Wednesday, a reference to the bombing of a CRPF convoy that killed 40 troopers. India had blamed Pakistan-supported terrorists for the bombing and carried out retaliatory air strikes at terror camps in Balakot across the border.

Other Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi have also tweeted their attacks aimed at the government over Singhs alleged association with terrorists.

Named by the Parliament terror attack

Already, Singhs arrest for terror links had put the spotlight on an allegation made by Afzal Guru, one of the co-conspirators for the 2001 Parliament attack. Afzal Guru had told his lawyer in a letter that Davinder Singh had asked him to accompany co-accused Mohammed to Delhi and organise his stay.

Guru was hanged in 2013 for waging of war against the state, murder and criminal conspiracy; conspiring and knowingly facilitating terrorist acts and harbouring and concealing terrorists.

Questions have been raised about the impact on Azfal Gurus trial if Davinder Singhs alleged terror ties had been unearthed earlier.

Justice (retd) SN Dhingra, who awarded the death sentence to Guru back in 2002, this week told HT that the link, even if it was proven at that time, would not have made a difference to the outcome in Afzal Gurus case.

Azfal link will be probed

Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh told reporters that investigators will probe whether there were any criminal links between the arrested police officer and 2001 Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, according to news agency ANI.

Singh said since Davinder Singh had been accused of being in nexus with the terrorists, his role in the Parliament attack conspiracy would also be thoroughly probed.

Stripped of his gallantry medal

Jammu and Kashmir administration has already forfeited the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to Davinder Singh over charges that he helped terrorists move out of the union territory. An official order issued on Wednesday said the suspended officers act amounted to disloyalty and brought the force into disrepute.
Gardai in Limerick have arrested a Romanian national in connection with the murder of Rose Hanrahan.

Ms Hanrahan, 78, was murdered in her home at 55 New Road, Thomondgate in December 2017.

In a statement released today, gardai said that they have extradited a 45-year-old male Romanian from the United Kingdom.

Gardai said the man "was arrested for the murder of Rose Hanrahan at approximately 4pm at Dublin Airport and is currently being transported to Henry Street Garda Station."

They added that investigating gardai "obtained a European Arrest Warrant before the High Court, details of which were circulated through Interpol to the UK authorities.

"This EAW was executed by Sussex Police in July 2019.

"The male appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on 2nd January 2020, where his extradition was finally ordered on this European Arrest Warrant."

Investigating gardai and the Family Liaison Officers have informed the family.

Gardai said that the family have also been informed at every stage of this investigation.
The third impeachment trial of a U.S. president kicked off Thursday in Washington, and President Donald Trump is the defendant.

The Constitution stipulates that, if any federal official commits "high crimes or misdemeanors," the House of Representatives is empowered to impeach  formally charge  that official. The House voted Wednesday afternoon to formally send the impeachment charges against Trump to the Senate.

Trump's fate sits with the Senate, where a conviction would mean removal from office. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named seven House members to serve as "managers," essentially prosecutors, for the trial.

As the trial begins, here are answers to the questions you may be wondering:

Why do they say, "hear ye, hear ye" and use old English during impeachment proceedings?

Senate rules are explicit in providing details for an impeachment trial. The trial will begin with the proclamation Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! All persons are commanded to keep silent, on pain of imprisonment, while the Senate of the United States is sitting for the trial of the articles of impeachment." Translation: Be quiet and pay attention. Senators were required to be at their desks while the articles of impeachment were read by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

A summary of the day's impeachment news: Right to your inbox! Sign up for On Politics here

Will Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts walk to trial sessions?

After the House managers brought the articles of impeachment to the Senate, the Supreme Court's chief justice was summoned to the Senate. The Supreme Court is right across the street from the Capitol, but plans call for Roberts to go by car to the trial each day, escorted by a court security detail, a court spokesperson said. On Thursday, four senators escorted him into the Senate chamber, where Roberts took an oath before administering an oath to the assembled senators.

Story continues

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Feb. 6, 2019

What will John Roberts do?

Under Article I, section 3 of the Constitution, the chief justice of the Supreme Court must preside over the Senate trial. That means Roberts, appointed to the nation's highest court by George W. Bush, is in charge. Roberts "may rule on all questions of evidence," under Senate rules, which could give him sway on controversial calls such as whether former national security adviser John Bolton will testify. The hitch is that the Senate can overrule him. His role could end up being mostly ceremonial.

More impeachment: As Trump's impeachment process moves to the Senate, here's how it will all work

Doesn't the Supreme Court need their leader?

Roberts will have a tight but manageable schedule. Oral arguments are scheduled next Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, then no more are set until late February. And the trial won't start until 1 p.m. each day.

Senate opens impeachment trial: Here's what to expect

Why did Nancy Pelosi use so many pens?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used scores of pens to sign her name on the impeachment articles. Using multiple pens for signing important U.S. documents is nothing new. The pens are given out as keepsakes for historic events.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi uses a plethora of pens to sign articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

How long will this impeachment trial last?

The trial will really get underway Tuesday, after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, the Senate Majority Leader, has said he hopes to wrap it up in about two weeks. But the length of the trial will depend on how many witnesses, if any, are called. The Senate has not determined whether it will call witnesses or include new evidence uncovered in the case. The last such trial, for President Bill Clinton, lasted about five weeks.

Is Trump going to show up?

Probably not, although Trump said in November he would "strongly consider" facing his accusers. His tweet: "Even though I did nothing wrong, and dont like giving credibility to this No Due Process Hoax, I like the idea & will, in order to get Congress focused again, strongly consider it!"

Who is Lev Parnas?

Lev Parnas is a Ukraine-born associate of Rudy Giuliani, Trumps lawyer. He sparked controversy by claiming that President Trump knew exactly what was going on" during the White House's alleged pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Parnas said Trump and Giuliani were routinely informed of behind-the-scenes developments in the work he did on their behalf in Ukraine.

Contributing: Richard Wolf

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate impeachment trial of Trump answers: John Roberts, Lev Parnas
Opposition SAD and AAP members on Thursday walked out from the Punjab Assembly during the Governor's Address to protest "non-fulfilment "of various promises made by the state Congress government.

During the 30-minute address of Governor V P Singh Badnore to the Assembly on the opening day of its two-day session, Shiromani Akali Dal members tried to disrupt his speech and raised slogans targeting the Congress government over alleged non-fulfilment of various promises made to the people.

Carrying rattles, SAD members led by Bikram Singh Majithia stood near the Well of the House and raised slogans and tried to repeatedly disrupt the speech even as the Governor continued with his address.

Main opposition Aam Aadmi Party MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema also raised slogans against the Amarinder Singh government targeting it on various issues.

Cheema along with most of his MLAs then walked out.

Later, SAD members also walked out from the House.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and other Congress MLAs were present in the House.

The Governor was highlighting various achievements and programmes of the State government when SAD members tried to disrupt his speech.

SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal was not present in the House while party's rebel MLA Parminder Dhindsa did not attend the proceedings.

Three rebel AAP MLAs did not take part in the protest.

Ahead of the session, Majithia and other SAD members protested outside the Assembly targeting the state government on non-fulfilment of promises made at the time of polls in 2017.

Talking to reporters later, Majithia said, "Farmers were promised by the Congress that their debt will be waived, Rs 10 lakh assistance will be given to peasant families, jobs would be given to each family, sixth pay commission promise was made to employees, regularisation of jobs of contractual employees, besides slew of other promises were made, which remain unfulfilled.''



On AAP staging a protest, Majithia said, It is just an eyewash. AAP is baby Congress, it is their 'B' team. They are hand-in-glove."



Senior AAP leader Aman Arora told reporters that the Congress government had gone back on its various promises.

He said his party was also seeking scrapping of power purchase agreements signed by the previous SAD-BJP regime and had sought a discussion on it in the Assembly.

"Before the session, our party delegation had met Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana KP Singh and urged him to allow moving a private member bill 'The Punjab Termination of Power Purchase Agreements with 3 IPPs Act, 2020' in the Assembly session, but it was disallowed, Arora said.

The Punjab Assembly special session began on Thursday to ratify the Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill 2019 extending reservation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years.

Besides, other important legislative business would also be taken up during the session.

On the amended citizenship law, the Punjab government had recently said it will go by the will of the state assembly on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and the National Population Register.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A few days ago, Congress President Sonia Gandhi (pictured) held a meeting with senior leaders of the partys Delhi unit. She asked them to contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, which are on February 8. However, several key Delhi leaders are not keen to contest. Former state unit chief Ajay Maken has left for the US.

His daughter has taken unwell. Maken had conveyed to P C Chacko, who is in charge of Delhi affairs, that he would not contest. Senior party leader Naseeb Singh is also unwilling to contest. While former MP Sandeep Dikshit was not among those asked to contest, he has ...
PUEBLO, CO, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE  CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: CGRW), a Liaison and Consultant providing turnkey solutions to licensed growers, announces Category One Botanicals, LLC (C1B), the licensed grower at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Grow Facility, has undergone a change of ownership. Dr. John P. Janovec, Ph.D., has acquired 100% ownership of C1B. This acquisition by Dr. Janovec includes the State Cultivation License, the current sub-lease agreement with CannaGrow Holdings Inc., and all equipment owned by C1B.

Delmar Janovec, CEO, stated, This change of ownership with our tenant, Category One Botanicals, is another step in a carefully thought out master plan. Dr. Janovecs production, processing, and team leadership expertise has placed him at what many view as the top of the Cannabis Industry in the State of Colorado. Under his direction of operations rooted in a scientific outlook, the production, yield, and quality of C1B product at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility have reached the top tier.

Janovec went on to say, With the recent passage of Colorado HB-1090 allowing Public Companies to assume a more active role in all aspects of the industry, CannaGrow fully intends to explore and pursue all of the options and opportunities this change in regulations brings.

Dr. John P Janovec, C1B Managing Principal, added, During 2019, the entire industry went through a consolidation period as smaller, inadequately funded growers were forced to close their doors. While that is unfortunate, I can safely say that Category One Botanicals is ready to fill the void. Since assuming full control of operations at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility, we have implemented several production and processing techniques that will bring even greater results in the quality and yield of C1B product.

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries, Inc., will continue in its capacity of providing oversight as the Property Manager, working with the State/County Agencies and Category One Botanicals, LLC, Licensed Grower. The completion of this project will now provide the company with a clear demonstration of their ability to manage the planning, construction, and property management of Build-to-Suit Cultivation Facilities.

About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.:

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders.

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute, or sell marijuana or any substance that violates the laws of the United States of America.

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2018, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2019, at: http://www.otcmarkets.com.

The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein.
Shah also sought to dispel 'rumours' of discord within the NDA in Bihar, asserting that the upcoming assembly polls will be contested under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

IMAGE: BJP president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses an awareness rally on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Kharauna Pokhar near Vaishali, on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Hailing Bihar for giving 'the best response' to amended Citizenship Act, Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to the people to pledge their support to the new law by giving a missed call on a designated number from their mobile phones.

He urged the crowd attending a pro-CAA rally at Kharauna in Vaishali district, about 75 km from capital Patna, to give a missed call to the 8866288662, pledging their support to the legislation which has triggered country-wide protests.

Shah also sought to dispel 'rumours' of discord within the National Democratic Alliance in the state, asserting that the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Shah slammed the Opposition for misleading minorities about the Act in pursuance of their 'vote bank' politics and engineering violence that had erupted in the aftermath.

Underscoring that the law provided for granting citizenship and not snatching it away from anybody, he said the party was organising rallies across the country with a view to busting the misinformation campaign.

He talked in support of the CAA, but did not mention National Register of Citizens (NRC) or National Population Register (NPR) in his speech.

Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and their Grand Alliance partners in Bihar have been campaigning among the people against the CAA, proposed NRC and NPR.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD has been targetting chief minister Nitish Kumar over these issues. Kumar, whose party Janata Dal-United voted in favour of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Parliament to help it become an Act, has said a country-wide implementation of NRC was 'needless' and had 'no justification'.

On NPR, he said in state assembly on Monday last that his government agreed in principle to it as they did likewise when such an exercise was last conducted 10 years ago.

He, however, had emphasised that the census should be caste-based.

Shah sought support of the people to the Modi governments measures like CAA as also abrogation of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

With Bihar scheduled to see elections in the current year, Shah declared, "I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition with Kumars JD-U. The elections will be contested under Nitish Kumars leadership."

"Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era.

"The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar respectively", Shah flanked by Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nityanand Rai and Ashwini Choubey besides state unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, said.

Shah had earlier stated in a couple of TV interviews that the chief minister will lead the NDA charge in the assembly polls.

This was, however, the first occasion for him to make a pronouncement to the effect on the soil of Bihar.

Utterances of a few Nitish-bashers in the state BJP and comments of some JD-U leaders against CAA had triggered speculations if all was well in the NDA in the state.

Kumar, who had severed ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2013 and formed a government of the Grand Alliance with the RJD and the Congress in 2015, joined hands with the saffron party again in mid-2017 to form a NDA coalition ministry.

The NDA won 39 out of a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the last general election in Bihar. Now it would be interesting to watch if this could be repeated in the assembly polls before term of the present House comes to an end in November.

Squarely blaming the Congress for the Partition, Shah cited the dramatic fall in the population of non-Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh over the years and claimed this was on account of religious persecution which included forcible conversion and violence.

"Where did all the non-Muslims vanish? The CAA is aimed at helping those who had to flee these countries after their women were raped in front of their eyes, their property was captured and their places of worship desecrated," said the home minister about the new law to give citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Highlighting that leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Azad had all stressed on the need for ensuring minorities rights in Pakistan, the BJP leader said, "Rahul baba and his Congress should pay heed to the stance of their past generation of leaders and stop spreading misinformation about CAA."

Referring to Matuas and Namashudras lower caste Bengali-speaking refugees who have migrated to states bordering Bangladesh and stand to benefit from the legislation, Shah accused Lalu and 'Mamata didi' of being insensitive to their plight.

Training his guns at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party the BJP seeks to defeat in the coming assembly polls, Shah said, "When slogans like Bharat tere tukde honge hazaar (India shall be broken into a thousand fragments) a few years ago at JNU, the Narendra Modi government put the guilty behind bars. But Kejriwal government has been creating hurdles in their prosecution."

Taking a dig at civil rights activists who have been critical of Modi government on issues like mob lynching, abrogation of Article 370, Babri mosque demolition and also CAA, Shah said, "They should realise that hapless refugees also have human rights and our move is an endorsement of the same."
United Flight Returns to Newark Airport, Passengers Say Engine Was on Fire

A United Airlines flight from Newark to Los Angeles had to return to the airport just minutes after taking off due to a mechanical problem. Reports said that flames were shooting out of at least one of its engines.

A passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 1871 captured footage of what appears to be flames from the right engine of the plane after it took off from Newark Liberty International Airport Wednesday night, ABC News reported.

I didnt know what was happening, passenger Gabrielle Guzy told ABC7. My sister said she thought it was lights, but I knew it was fire from the engine. I kept reassuring myself wed be OK because we had only been in the air for a minute.

United Airlines officials confirmed the jet suffered a mechanical problem and had to return back to the airport. United 1871 from Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles returned to Newark due to a mechanical issue. The flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally. We are working on changing aircraft to get our customers to their destination as soon as possible, the statement said.

Officials told ABC7 the plane was forced to dump fuel before landing at the airport.

Another passenger described the incident as terrifying.

Most terrifying experience of my life. Flight delayed 2 hours for Maintence [sic] issues. Flight takes off, right wing of the plane (where Im sitting in the aisle seat) sparking and now one engine failed, the person wrote. Theyre making announcements but i cant hear anything b/c people are screaming, she added.

The incident comes just days after a Delta flight dumped fuel on several Los Angeles-area schools, requiring several dozen children and adults to seek medical treatment.

The Newark Liberty Airport in Newark, on May 27, 2017, in a file photo. (KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggested that an investigation might be conducted into the fuel release over Los Angeles, saying in a statement that the Delta flight should have dumped the fuel over unpopulated land.

There are special fuel-dumping procedures for aircraft operating into and out of any major U.S. airport, the FAA said. These procedures call for fuel to be dumped over designated unpopulated areas, typically at higher altitudes so the fuel atomizes and disperses before it reaches the ground.

In the incident, the plane dumped fuel on at least five schools and reportedly forced more than 50 people to seek medical treatment. Fire department officials were forced to respond.
January 10, 2020 - Manor, TX - The Manor Police Department along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating an incident involving a phishing email scam that resulted in the loss of approximately $2.3 million to the Manor Independent School District. pic.twitter.com/KTT8IHhQrT  Manor ISD (@ManorISD) January 10, 2020

A small school district in Texas has suffered a very costly cyberincident.Using an "email scam," hackers were able to steal $2.3 million from the Manor Independent School District, officials recently admitted.Both the city's police department and the FBI are now investigating the incident, and there are reportedly "strong leads" as to who the hackers are, said Angel Vidal Jr, the district's communications director While details of the incident could not be fully disclosed, Detective Anne Lopez of the Manor Police Department confirmed tothat the theft was discovered in December, with a district employee finding that three transactions the school had recently entered into had been fraudulent."Unfortunately [a lure email] was sent out and someone didn't recognize it was a phishing email until it was too late," Lopez said, explaining that her department is currently clearing local participation in the scam, and was looking to determine whether the hackers were based in the U.S. or overseas.It is unclear what the transactions were related to, but the incident has all the trappings of a social engineering incident  wherein hackers pose as legitimate actors in an online engagement as a means of gaining access to money or information.Last year, hackers made off with $1.7 million from a North Carolina county after posing as contractors with whom officials were involved in a development deal."It is the largest [cyberincident] that Manor Police Department has had to deal with since I've been here," Lopez added.But the Manor district isn't alone. Last year saw a significant uptick in hacks on schools districts nationwide , with ransomware being a prominent form of attack.According to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center , around 15 percent of cyberincidents at schools in 2018 were phishing-related. Experts generally agree that the best way for schools to avoid these incidents is a combination of increased digital literacy among staff and students and protective software.
DUBLIN, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, has been named one of three recipients of the 2020 Catalyst Award, which recognizes corporations and the groundbreaking initiatives theyve created to foster an inclusive workplace where women can advance.

Medtronic is being recognized for the Medtronic Womens Network (MWN) and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) initiatives, key drivers in the companys overall Inclusion and Diversity strategy.

One of five internally established diversity networks within the company, the MWN was refocused by Medtronic CEO Omar Ishrak in 2013 with the idea that diverse perspectives and people produce better decisions, better outcomes and better business performance. MWN is run by employee volunteers  men and women from around the world  who are committed to creating an inclusive workplace while fulfilling the company mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life. The MWN has more than 15,000 members in 68 countries who gain leadership and functional experience to advance their careers. They are empowered to drive holistic change, and MWN strategies are directly linked to company and performance metrics, success measures and advancement opportunities.

Medtronics WISE program focuses on advancing women in R&D and STEM roles. The comprehensive program seeks to build an inclusive work environment for women in science and engineering through outreach, recruiting, talent development and cultural awareness programs. WISE teams are currently active in 70 Medtronic sites across the United States, Canada, China, Europe, India, Israel and Japan.

As a result of these global initiatives, from 2015  2019 Medtronic has seen an increase in women leaders from 32 percent to 38 percent. In addition, women VP roles increased from 24 percent to 30 percent; women at the director level increased from 30 percent to 36 percent; and women in R&D increased from 24 percent to 29 percent. Today, 40 percent of Medtronic therapy revenue is led by women.

To us, this is more than hitting a number, said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. This is about creating a more inclusive culture that values all dimensions of diversity  because a more diverse culture fosters a more innovative culture, and innovation fuels our company growth.

We are known for innovation, and we need women in the mix, said Carol Malnati, vice president of Research and Development for the Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division, which is part of the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. Attracting and developing women, including female engineers, is a core strategy.

Since 1987, Catalyst has recognized nearly 100 initiatives at 89 organizations from around the world. Medtronic and this years other winning companies will be honored at the annual Catalyst Awards Conference and Dinner on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the New York Hilton Midtown. Keynote speaker will be Indra Nooyi, former chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo. Last years conference drew more than 1,500 attendees.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc ( www.medtronic.com ), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the worlds largest medical technology, services and solutions companies  alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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Public Relations

+1-763-526-8478

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+1-763-505-4626
The relationship between Parnas and Lutsenko turned hot and cold over the months of text messages in Russian. At one point in March, Lutsenko appeared to have grown impatient that he was holding up his end of the bargain  while Parnas was failing to come through with the ambassadors removal and other requests that would benefit Lutsenko or his boss, then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Native American arrowheads have been returned to the Rhode Island museum they were stolen from nearly 30 years ago.

Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security located the 34 white-quartz arrowheads in an eBay advertisement, WPRI-TV reported Wednesday.

The couple who attempted to sell the arrowheads say they did not know there were stolen, and claim to have traded a case of wine for the collection on Craigslist in 2017.

Jason Langlais, a descendant of the archaeologist who discovered the arrowheads, said they are up to 3,000 years old and were a part of throwing darts.

These belonged to people who were able to survive our harsh winters using sticks, stones and bones, Langlais said. This is what fed their families, and kept them from going cold in the wintertime.

___

This story has been updated to correct that WPRI reported this story Wednesday, not Tuesday.
Having you been listening to Pennsylvanias new podcast covering the commonwealths role in the 2020 presidential elections? PennLive Opinion Editor Joyce Davis has hosted 12 episodes tackling issues such as the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the roll and methods of political polls in our elections, the so-called Deep State and the escalation of tensions with Iran.

Catch up on the episodes below or through your favorite app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe/follow and please rate us in the app to make sure to get the latest episodes as soon as they are published.

Join the conversation on Twitter by following us @battlegroundpa and use the hashtag #BattleforPA. Or if you prefer, join us on Facebook. Have an idea for an episode or a guest we should have? Email us at topics@battlegroundpa.org.

Episode 1 | Why Pennsylvania is a Battleground State

PennLive Opinion Editor and host Joyce Davis premieres the podcast by discussing why Pennsylvania is a critical swing state to win as the presidential candidates campaign in the 2020 presidential election. She is joined by guests Jeffrey Lord, a Trump supporter and conservative pundit, and by Rogette Harris, the Chair of the Democratic Party in Dauphin County, Pa.

Episode 2 | The Impeachment Inquiry

Jeffrey Lord and Rogette Harris return to the studios with host Joyce Davis and discuss the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry and what it might mean for the 2020 elections.

Episode 3 | Fresh Poll

PennLive Opinion Editor and host Joyce Davis returns to the studio to discuss how registered voters in Pennsylvania feel about the top political issues facing the commonwealth. She discusses the results and implications of the Franklin & Marshall College Poll with Dr. Terry Madonna and PennLive political columnist John Baer. They weigh-in on recreational marijuana, taxing guns, the state of the economy, and the impeachment inquirys effect on how they may or may not vote in the 2020 primaries and election.

Episode 4 | Impeachment and Pennsylvanias local elections

PennLive Opinion Editor and host Joyce Davis returns to the studio to discuss the recent local elections in Pennsylvania with Trump supporter and former CNN commentator Jeffrey Lord and Dauphin County Democrat chairwoman Rogette Harris. And of course, they tackle how the impeachment inquiry may have affected the elections and whether or not the whistleblower should come into the light and be identified.

Episode 5 | Deep State or Policy Experts

This episode of Battleground PA is full of as many fireworks as the hearings that could lead to the impeachment of the nations 45 president.

And if Rogette Harris and Jeffrey Lord disagree on the impeachment hearings against Donald Trump, they also have different views on the Democratic candidates running to unseat him. Mayor Pete Buttigieg may have catapulted to the top the heap in Iowa, but both Harris and Lord agree on one thing  hes unlikely to become the nominee without more support among minority voters.

They also find common ground on another thing. They say Iowa is no longer a bellwether for just how well candidates will do throughout the nation.

Episode 6 | The Art of Polling

Polling has had a rough reputation after the 2016 presidential election. The majority of the polls failed to predict Donald Trump becoming the 45th President of the United States. Joyce Davis invites pollster Dr. Terry Madonna, along with political writer John Baer, to discuss what happened in 2016 and how polls have adapted and changed since 2016. Are they to be taken with a grain of salt, or are they reliable readings of the pulse of voters?

Episode 7 | Trump comes to Pa as the impeachment heats up in D.C.

Marc Polymeropoulos, a former Senior Intelligence Service ranks at the CIA, joins PennLives Joyce Davis on this weeks podcast and discusses the impeachment proceedings, the Russian interference in the 2016 election and the narrative that blames that interference on Ukraine. Republican pundit Jeffrey Lord and Democratic pundit Rogette Harris join in and discuss President Trumps upcoming visit to Hershey, Pa. on December 10, 2019.

Episode 8 | Battle for Pa. begins with Trump rally in Hershey

The Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania was filled to capacity with Trump supporters as Trump rallied his troops to help him win Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential elections. PennLive Opinion Editor is joined by political analysts, campaign correspondents and a protest organizer on this special episode of Battleground Pa. They discuss the campaign rally and its affect on next years election.

Episode 9 | From South Philadelphia to Western Pa.

Pennsylvania State House Representatives Jordan Harris, Democrat from southern Philadelphia, and Aaron Bernstine, Republican from western Pa., debate the issues important to their constituents and discuss how national campaign politics are playing out in their backyards. Hosted by PennLive Opinion Editor Joyce Davis, this podcast episode covers education and school choice, healthcare and medicare-for-all, the impeachment and President Trump and a host of other current issues.

Episode 10 | Youths on Impeachment

Cedar Cliff High School students join us to discuss the historical event of the month: The third ever impeachment of a US president. Hosted by PennLive Opinion Editor Joyce Davis, this podcast episode is joined by Republican Abigail Delligatti (11th grade), Democrat Kate Gannon (10th grade) and their teacher Jacques Weedon to weigh their thoughts on impeachment, division and the topics that they consider are on youths minds.

Episode 11 | Battleground Iran

Are we going to war with Iran after Suleimanis killing and what does it mean to Pennsylvanians? Were joined by Iranian scholar Dr. Mehdi Noorbash, a professor of International Affairs at Harrisburg University, John Micek, the Editor-in-Chief at the Pennsylvania Capital Star and by Jeffrey Lord, a former CNN pundit and Trump supporter. Joyce Davis leads the discussion which includes a background on Iranian American affairs.

Episode 12 | The 2020 Battlefield

We look ahead to what we can expect in the race for the White House in 2020. PennLive reporters Charlie Thompson, David Wenner and Editor Ron Southwick join Joyce Davis and share their insight from covering previous presidential elections.

Join the conversation on Twitter by following us @battlegroundpa and use the hashtag #BattleforPA. Or if you prefer, join us on Facebook. Have an idea for an episode or a guest we should have? Email us at topics@battlegroundpa.org.

Battleground Pa. logos

Battleground PA is produced by Penn Studios Salim Michel Makhlouf and edited by Martin Boutros.
Former cop Jamie L. Quinns first mistake was to lend her teenage son her department-issued cell phone.

Her next mistake, the one that cost Quinn her job and saddled her with a criminal record, was to tell her son to delete a sext he received on that phone involving his girlfriend.

Quinns Delete this now! order came while a state trooper was investigating an underage sexting case at the midstate high school her son attended.

A state Superior Court panel has refused to overturn the conspiracy conviction a Northumberland County jury slapped on Quinn after she was charged with evidence tampering.

Thats how Quinn, a corporal, ended her 22-year career with the Sunbury police.

In the state courts opinion, Judge Alice Beck Dubow noted Quinn gave her son her work phone in November 2016. The boy received two sexts from his girlfriend on that phone, deleted them, and told Quinn that another sext involving his girlfriend also was in circulation.

Quinn, 48, of Kulpmont, told her son to report the sexting to the girls parents and the police. Then, Dubow noted, Quinn realized that the photograph may have been on her work cell phone and texted, Oh, God! That picture was never on that phone; was it? Either way, make sure you dont have a copy of it, and never admit to anyone else that you have actually seen it.

When a trooper was assigned to investigate a report of sexting by seven students, including Quinns son, at Line Mountain High School, Quinn told the trooper about her son possessing her department phone and that she would be in trouble if the phone was seized, Dubow wrote.

Immediately after talking with the trooper, she sent her son texts ordering him to delete anything on the phone that may be incriminating. When the trooper requested the phone for his investigation, Quinn belatedly told her chief what had happened.

The jury that convicted Quinn of conspiracy in October 2018 acquitted her of a theft charge. County Senior Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr. sentenced her to 24 months of intermediate punishment, with 2 months on house arrest and the remainder on probation.

On appeal, Quinn contended the evidence didnt support her conspiracy conviction and that she deserved a new trial.

Dubow disagreed on both counts. She cited Quinns own admissions that she had told her son to delete the sext and to deny having seen it. That, Dubow found, is sufficient to support her conviction.
On December 15, Police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. (Photo Credit: PTI)

New Delhi:

The Jamia Millia Islamia will move court for the registration of an FIR against the Delhi Police in connection with the police action on students in December last year. The decision to move court was taken at an emergent Executive council meeting, they said. "An application will be filed very soon in the lower court under section 156(3) of the CrPC seeking direction to police to register an FIR," Ahmad Azeem, spokesperson of the university, said.

This comes two days after Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar met Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and urged him to lodge an FIR in connection with the police action on campus.

Azeem said the new examination date-sheet will be declared by the Controller of Examination in consultation with all the deans.

"Several steps have been taken to ensure safety and security of students inside campus. Steps will be taken further if required," he added.

On Monday, the vice chancellor had said the varsity administration will "explore the possibility" of moving court for registration of an FIR against "police brutality" on the campus after hundreds of angry students gheraoed her office demanding action against the Delhi Police.

What happened in Jamia Millia Islamia

On December 15, violence erupted during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in south Delhi's New Friends' Colony near Jamia Millia Islamia. Protesters torched vehicles and clashed with police.

Police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. They entered the university campus and cracked down on students.

National Human Rights Commission officials visit Jamia

A team of National Human Rights Commission officials visited Jamia to record statements of the students who were injured during police action on the campus.

The NHRC had last month sent a fact-finding team to investigate whether there were any violations of human rights during the police crackdown at the varsity premises on December 15.

"After conducting an on-spot inquiry earlier, NHRC has decided to further probe the Jamia university incident. The rights panel team will conduct this investigation from January 14-17," a source in the NHRC said.

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Snow may be in the forecast this weekend but there will still be plenty of boating enthusiasts out and about. Thats because The Hartford Boat Show is returning to Mohegan Sun, Thursday through Sunday. Hundreds of boats will be on display, in addition to fishing gear and more. Theres even a special Kids Cove section.

Of course theres plenty of music, comedy and theater, as well. Thursday is when Rhett Miller, of Old 97s, plays the Space Ballroom in Hamden. The Lords of 52nd Street, featuring players who toured and performed with Billy Joel for more than a decade, will entertain at The Ridgefield Playhouse Friday.
CAMDEN, N.J. - A New Jersey man who authorities said was the ringleader in a scheme that raised more than $400,000 with a bogus tale involving a homeless veteran rescuing a woman from the side of a highway pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges.

Mark DAmico appeared in court in Camden to face an indictment handed up last week that charges the 40-year-old with a total of 16 counts of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

DAmico, former girlfriend Katelyn McClure and homeless vet Johnny Bobbitt have already pleaded guilty in state court, and McClure and Bobbitt have pleaded guilty to federal charges as well.

Authorities say the trio made up a story in late 2017 about Bobbitt giving $20 to help McClure when her car ran out of gas in Philadelphia. They gave newspaper and television interviews and eventually raised more than $400,000 online. Authorities began investigating after Bobbitt sued the couple, accusing them of not giving him the money.

The federal criminal complaint alleges all of the money raised in the campaign was spent by March 2018, with large chunks spent by McClure and DAmico on an RV, a BMW and trips to casinos in Las Vegas and New Jersey.

DAmicos plea Thursday was entered by attorney Mark Davis. Last month, DAmico pleaded guilty in state court to misapplication of entrusted property and will serve a five-year term under an agreement with prosecutors.

___

This story was first published on Jan. 16, 2020. It was updated on Jan. 16, 2020 to correct in the headline that Mark DAmico pleaded not guilty to federal charges, instead of guilty.
A man who was left a widower by one of Britain's most notorious murderers has given advice on how to cope with a loss of a child to a grieving mother on This Morning.

Colin Caffell, 66, whose six-year-old twin boys and ex-wife Sheila were murdered by his brother-in-law Jeremy Bamber in a heinous crime - dubbed the White House Farm murders in 1985 - took phone calls from those who are coping with the loss of loved ones.

His tragedy has recently been brought to the forefront again in an ITV drama portraying the 1985 killings that shook the quiet village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex, starring Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas as schizophrenic Sheila Caffell.

Vulnerable ex-model Sheila was initially implicated in the crime, before police discovered it was her brother Jeremy Bamber who committed the murders.

Vanessa, said that her children, aged four and six, were really suffering with the loss of their sister who died from cystic fibrosis.

Colin Caffell, whose six-year-old twin boys and ex-wife Sheila were murdered in a heinous crime - dubbed the White House Farm murders in 1985 - took phone calls from those who are coping with the loss of loved ones.

The grieving mother did not reveal her late daughter's age.

Giving advice to the mother, Colin said: 'I have another daughter and I was faced with the difficult decision of having to tell her about her half brothers. So we made the difficult decision to tell her when she turned five.

'You don't have to tell them everything, but just tell them enough.

'If you don't say anything, you're setting a model of non communication and it's so important you yourself.

Colin Caffell with his twin sons Nicholas and Daniel who were murdered along with their mother Shelia Caffell and her parents at White House Farm by her adoptive brother Jeremy Bamber in 1985

'Hold a big soft pillow and and talk to it as if it's her and as if she's still there.

'And if you've got family don't protect them from your feelings, be with them and don't ask them to give advice - just listen.

'Most of the time, children just want honest. With Juliet (his daughter) we thought: "Let's talk to a school counsellor", but they were out of their depth

'I went with my own heart and we were very honest. We said she had two brothers and they had died and a bad man had killed them.

Colin (pictured) took a call from Vanessa, said that her children, aged four and six, were really suffering with the loss of their sister who died fro cystic fibrosis.

'She was fine with that, that was enough for her. Talking about these things is a good thing.

Speaking of discovering the loss of his children, Colin said: 'It was a terrible knock at the door, we had been planning a holiday and then I opened the door to two policemen who broke the news.

'I went through all the stages of grieving pretending it didn't happen and denial.

Colin Caffell, one of the victims of the Essex farmhouse massacre, arriving at Crown Court in Chelmsford to give evidence in the trial of Jeremy Bamber in 1985

In the wake of the killing, Colin spoke about welcoming the killer into him home believing him to be a victim of the slaughter too.

'I welcomed Jeremy into my flat and gave him all the brotherly love as a victim. But he was behaving normally - running up the stairs with wet hair copying a famous photo in the mirror.

'Once the funeral happened he was in the car and started larking around with Julie Mugford [his then girlfriend] about what he wanted to do with her later in the afternoon - then the next thing I knew he'd been arrested for the first time.'

Pictured is an August 1985 family photo showing the twins with their mother, Sheila Caffell

The mass murder sent shockwaves through the country, not least because Bamber tried to frame his dead sister Sheila, a fragile former model known as Bambi, for the crime.

So chillingly effective were the lies Bamber told that not only did he convince the police but even fooled Colin into believing his former wife had killed their twin sons in cold blood before beating and shooting her adoptive parents and taking her own life.

When the truth finally emerged, Bamber was jailed for life. But justice has not brought Colin peace.

Defending his ex-wife, Colin said: 'People couldn't wait to say things bout her on TV, she was mentally ill but she was heavily medicated.

The drama based on the small-screen portrayal of the 1985 killings that shook the quiet village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex starred Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas as schizophrenic Sheila Caffell

Bambi (real name Sheila Bamber) who became Mrs Sheila Caffel, was found shot dead by police after they were called to her farmhouse along with her parents Neville and June Bamber and her twin sons

'But because the story had all the elements of a glossy soap opera people in the village who didn't know her couldn't wait to get in front of cameras or papers.

'I was reading it all saying that is not the woman I know. She went through hell getting those twins she went through three miscarriages it became as obsession to have those twins so I was in shock, I didn't believe it was that woman.'

'I was set up to support Jeremy's story. I feel disgusted now. That's been the hardest thing to deal with  the sense of betrayal,' he told the Mail on Sunday. 'And the rage that came up inside me because of it which certainly didn't fit my own self-image.'
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar holds talks with Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Thursday held extensive talks on fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed ties between Iran and the US over killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani.

In the meeting over breakfast, Zarif apprised Jaishankar about the overall situation and Tehran's position over it. It is learnt that the two ministers also deliberated on various aspects of bilateral ties between India and Iran including progress of the Chabahar port project.

Need for coordinated global action against cyber terrorism: Jaishankar

The Iranian foreign minister arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit in the midst of global focus on escalating tension between Iran and the US following the killing of Soleimani in an American drone strike. On Wednesday Zarif told PTI that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as it is an important regional player In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, he hit out at the Trump adminstration for killing of Soleimani and attributed the action as a "sad reflection of a serious problem in Washington's thinking".

Delhi: Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif meets External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. pic.twitter.com/dQjO6C8amO  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

"If you are an ignorant-arrogant or an arrogant-ignorant, with power, it brings disaster," he said on Wednesday, alleging that Soleimani's killing was a US attempt to unilaterally shape policies in the region.

The attack, he said, was "unforgivable". India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on January 3. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 10:07 [IST]
New Delhi: United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has decided to observe a two-day nationwide strike on 31st January and 1st February 2020 as wage revision talks with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) failed on Wednesday (January 15).

In January, this would be the second bank strike after the first one was observed along with Bharat Bandh on January 8.

The UFBU, which represents nine trade unions, has also resolved to observe 3 days strike on 11th, 12th, and 13th March 2020, demanding early wage revision settlement which has been due since 1st November 2017.

Live TV

The bank strike is significant as it coincides with Budget day. The Economic Survey will be presented on January 31 while on February 1 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table her second Budget in the Lok Sabha.

Since February 1 is the first Saturday in that month, all commercial banks are expected to remain open on the Budget day. Notably, the stock markets have also decided to function on that day due to the presentation of Budget 2020-21.

On Monday, representatives of 9 constituents of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) held bipartite talks with the IBA but their wage-related demands were turned down.

Bank unions sought a 20 per cent hike on payslip components, merger of special allowance with basic pay and a uniform 5-day work week, along with other demands including scrapping of New Pension Scheme, improvement in family pension and defined working hours for officers.

Earlier on January 8, the Bharat Bandh was observed by 10 trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, along with six bank unions, affecting banking operations, including ATM services.

Among demands put forward by the trade unions included a raise in the minimum wage to Rs 21,000-Rs 24,000 per month, stopping the privatisation of public sector undertakings, and the repeal of the Citizens Amendment Act, National Register for Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).

The bank unions had also raised objections to the proposed merger of 10 PSU banks to create four entities as announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in August 2018.
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(Natural News) More shocking video has been released of Bernie Sanders campaign employee Kyle Jurek, who was caught on video by journalists working for Project Veritas Action, founded by James OKeefe.

Jurek has already been exposed in a previous video as calling for the mass executions of both liberals and conservatives once Bernie Sanders takes the White House. Its all part of a violent communist revolution being planned by Bernie supporters. If Trump wins the election, these radical Leftists say cities will burn.

As the video below clearly shows, these communist-leaning Leftists have ties to Antifa and are very often active members of the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America, a front group for hard-core communism).

This new video, now posted at Brighteon.com (see below), reveals how Kyle Jurek sounds almost exactly like eco-fascist AOC, and he claims that mass killings of conservatives must be carried out because the communists are fighting for survival of the entire human race.

He says, There are things that are more important than the rule of law in the United States when it comes down to the existence of the human race. He justifies the mass killing of human beings by claiming that only the most far-left communists can save the planet and save the human race despite the history of communist regimes carrying out mass murder and ecological destruction in places like China and Venezuela:

[W]ere at the end, were at the end of the road, and like the way we choose to go, is going to determine like hey are we going to continue as a species or are we going to f**king burn up in a f**king century?

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Like were here to preserve the planet, to preserve people. We dont want to f**king have to like eliminate people, right? But if people are going to try to fight back against the revolution, like when you hear about like, uh, so like atrocities committed by like, in Cuba, by like Fidel and Che, like killing people, like those people who were actively like, they were like anti-revolution, they were fighting against the revolution.

[I]f youre going to take up arms against the revolution, then you should expect a violent response. Right? Like its f**king natural

Watch the full video here and see for yourself.

Brighteon.com/952d8b4e-d9d9-4e2d-a17b-8dcc187a23e8

More complete transcript:

Im all aboard for gulags, like, I feel there needs to be re-education for a significant portion of our society.

I mean the alternative, instead of trying to like re-educate these people and put them back into society the only other alternative is to f**king you know what I mean?

Theres a lotta mes in the Bernie campaign.

Like were here to preserve the planet, to preserve people. We dont want to f**king have to like eliminate people, right? But if people are going to try to fight back against the revolution, like when you hear about like, uh, so like atrocities committed by like, in Cuba, by like Fidel and Che, like killing people, like those people who were actively like, they were like anti-revolution, they were fighting against the revolution. Like in any ware, like if you guys were in war, and you encounter people that were fighting against you, what did you do to those people? Right?

The same thing holds true in a revolution. Right? Like you cant abide people actively working against your f**king revolution. Like you can give them a choice like hey, you can join the revolution, you can not be a bootlicker, you can sit idly by and allow it to happen, but if youre going to take up arms against the revolution, then you should expect a violent response. Right? Like its f**king natural Yeah, and thats kind of where were at right now. Were at one of those moments in human history, where its like were fighting for survival, were fighting for both survival of the entire human race, were fighting for the survival of living creatures on planet Earth, and theres some people that will stop at nothing to preserve that, right? Like to see that, to see the human race continue into the future, right?

To try to save the f**king planet from f**king destruction. And no matter what country and what laws that exist, theyre irrelevant to, there are things greater than those systems, right? There are things that are more important than the rule of law in the United States when it comes down to the existence of the human race.

And thats where were at. Unfortunately, in like this is like there are very few, there are probably no other points in human history, in like recorded human history where like the stakes were as high as they are right now. Like we are at a f**king, were, were at the end, were at the end of the road, and like the way we choose to go, is going to determine like hey are we going to continue as a species or are we going to f**king burn up in a f**king century?



Journalist: So, I know you have an Antifa sticker on your laptop, have you ever done or been in any of those crazy

Kyle Jurek: There was a couple things, events that they came to. They came to Lansing and they came to Ann Arbor. I was there for those.

Journalist: Did you ever like, help out or participate in any of it?

Kyle: Yeah, I mean, so, I didnt help organize any of it, but I was there in support. Ive yet to punch a Nazi.

Journalist: Are there any Antifa people here?

Kyle: There are some here, a lot of them are probably on the Bernie campaign, but there is a DSA chapter here so like some of the DSA folks would probably, weve been looking for an action to like participate in

But like in regards to immigration and ICE, weve been looking for something to pop off so we can f**king pop right back off.

Im an anarcho-communist. So Im as far to the left as you can possibly get but Im also very libertarian.



See more breaking news on all this:

ProjectVeritasAction.com

Expose2020.com

Brighteon.com
Mainland China equity market finished session lower for third straight session on Thursday, 16 January 2020, as investors digested the signing of a highly anticipated phase one trade agreement between the US and China and awaiting for more signals about economic growth. Around late afternoon, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.51%, or 15.66 points, to 3,074.38. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, dropped 0.11%, or 1.94 points, to 1,812.27. The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 0.44%, or 18.25 points, to 4,148.48.

The U. S. President Donald Trump and China's chief negotiator, Liu He, signed the Phase 1 deal before a group of corporate executives and reporters at the White House, marking a truce in the dispute over import tariff which has unsettled markets world-wide and slowed economic growth. The pact eases some sanctions on China. In return, Beijing has agreed to step up its purchases of U. S. farm products and other goods.

The text of the deal includes promises by the Chinese to increase their purchases of U. S. agricultural, manufacturing, and energy products, along with purchases of services, by more than $200 billion over the next two years, though it also states that the parties acknowledge that purchases will be made at market prices based on commercial considerations. It also includes commitments by the Chinese to enforce intellectual property theft laws and a bilateral evaluation and dispute resolution arrangement that will encourage the U.

S. and China to work jointly to resolves allegations of patent and copyright infringement or intellectual property theft. In exchange, the U. S. slashes tariffs on $120 billion in Chinese goods to 7.5% from 15%.

With the deal between the world's two largest economies now behind, investors may be casting around for fresh catalysts. China GDP growth figures for 2019, along with key monthly data for December, expected to come on Friday, which will give investors more clues about how the economy is doing.

China's economy may have expanded by more than 6% last year, Vice-Premier Liu He said after signing the phase one trade agreement with the US in Washington.

Stocks related to China's railway sector rose after the state planning body approved a massive railway project. China's economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, said in a statement that it has approved an 81.49 billion yuan (US$11.84 billion) railway project from Xining, capital of Qinghai province to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan province. Transit equipment producer Beijing Dinghan Technology Group (300011 CH) was up close to the daily cap of 10% to 7.5 yuan. Oriental Yuhong (002271 CH), which provides waterproofing system and products for high-speed railway projects, jumped 5.25% to 28.02 yuan and high-speed train accessories provider Guangdong Huatie Tongda High-speed Railway Equipment (000976 CH) climbed 4.12% to 6.06 yuan. Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway (601816 CH), the operator of the high-speed rail link between China's two largest cities, soared 40.78% to 6.87 yuan on its debut in Shanghai.

Shenzhen Desay Battery Technology (000049 CH) climbed by the 10% daily limit to 46.41 yuan, after saying in a preliminary statement that net income probably rose by as much as 30% year on year to 520 million yuan (US$75.5 million) in 2019. The company cited strong sales, smaller losses at a subsidiary and an adjustment of foreign debts for the profit increase in an exchange filing.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Chinese yuan strengthened against greenback after firmer midpoint fixing by the People's Bank of China and after the United States and China ended some uncertainties for the world economy by signing a partial trade agreement. Prior to market opening, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) lifted its official midpoint CNY=PBOC for the fifth straight day to at 6.8807per dollar, its firmest level since July 26, 2019. The yuan CNY=CFXS firmed 0.12% against the greenback to 6.8820 per dollar.

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The Virginia governor on Wednesday said he was temporarily banning all guns and weapons from the area around the Capitol in Richmond ahead of a major gun rights demonstration set for next week.

Ralph Northam, who is leading the push for stronger gun laws in his state, said he wants to avoid a repeat of violence that erupted at a 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, when a march by white nationalists erupted into violence and led to the death of a counter-protester.

Northam said on Twitter he had received credible intelligence from law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding a lobby day against stricter gun laws planned for 20 January.

We support citizens rights to peacefully protest and express their views to their elected officials. But we must also keep the public, as well as those who work around Capitol Square, safe, Northam said.

Photograph: Jonathan Drake/Reuters

Related: Virginia Beach shooting: Booker and Warren seek focus on all gun violence

The lobby day, organized by a Virginia gun rights group, is expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the state capital, including members of anti-government groups from other states. Northam said on Twitter that law enforcement intelligence suggested militia groups and hate groups, some from out of state, plan to come to the Capitol to disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence.

A substantial number of the demonstrators may be armed, and have as their purpose not peaceful assembly but violence, rioting, and insurrection, the governors executive order read.

A state official told the Associated Press that threatening social media posts, including a photo of an AR-15 rifle and text saying there were great sight angles from certain buildings near Capitol Square, had prompted the governors decision.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), the state gun rights group organizing Mondays lobby day event, had previously asked supporters not to bring rifles and other long guns to the lobby day, citing concerns about the optics of gun owners toting AR-15s or AK-47s around the state Capitol. But the group had publicly anticipated that the event would attract enough citizens armed with handguns to take over a modern mid-sized country.

Story continues

Philip Van Cleave, the VCDL president, told the Guardian that the group was consulting its lawyers and exploring a legal challenge to the governors ban on weapons in Richmonds Capitol Square. In the meantime, he said, the group would advise supporters who wanted to be armed to stay in the area outside of the immediate Capitol grounds.

Because VCDL is expecting at least 50,000 supporters to show up to Mondays event, and the group has been informed that the Capitol grounds will only be able to hold 10,000 people, there will probably be a large number of armed gun rights activists in the streets of downtown Richmond regardless, Van Cleave said.

Asked about the threatening social media posts officials had cited, Van Cleave said that he himself had forwarded between five and 10 concerning posts to Virginia law enforcement, including one aerial photo of the Capitol grounds that had been marked with potential locations for a sniper, but that he was not sure if any of the posts were credible threats.

Anybody can get an overhead shot from Google, and they can get a red pen and they can circle spots, and they might not know what theyre doing, he said.

The group was dealing with a deluge of false and distorted information about lobby day, he said, and it wasnt clear how much of it was coming from some keyboard warrior.

Asked how credible he thought any threats of violence related to the event might be, Van Cleave said, I dont know. I personally havent lost any sleep over it.

Since Democrats won control of Virginias state government in the November elections and promised to pass a slate of stricter gun laws, pro-gun activists across the state have organized a vigorous grassroots movement to protest against the new bills. More than 125 counties, cities and towns across the state have passed second amendment sanctuary resolutions, pledging to respect gun owners rights and to not enforce any state gun laws deemed to be unconstitutional.

The local second amendment sanctuary movement has attracted hundreds and even thousands of supporters at local government meetings, drawing comparisons to the Tea Party movement. The rhetoric of some of these local activists has been intense, with calls of treason and tyranny, and open references to civil war. Lies, conspiracy theories and misinformation about Democrats proposed gun control bills have circulated widely, prompting outrage and threats of violence against Democratic politicians.

This grassroots gun rights movement in Virginia has attracted attention from pro-gun activists across the country, some of whom have pledged to come to Virginia to stand with local activists on Monday, Van Cleave said. He said he was expecting buses of gun supporters from as far as Texas and Connecticut, and even some activists from the west coast, including California, Washington and Oregon.

The movement has also been seized on by more extreme groups, including anti-government militias and white supremacists, who see the tensions in Virginia as a potential flashpoint that could lead to violent resistance and civil war, often referred to in online conversations as the boogaloo, according to an analyst at the Anti-Defamation League, which monitors extremists.

The Oath Keepers, a national organization of current and former law enforcement and military officials described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as one of the countrys largest anti-government groups, called for members to travel to Virginia to attend lobby day and said they also intended to train local activists.

A handful of the same extremists who attended the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 have also publicly suggested they might attend lobby day, the Daily Beast reported on Wednesday.

The bill that sparked the most outrage from Virginia gun owners, a proposed ban on assault weapons that originally included language that would ban the possession of certain military-style guns, has already been withdrawn from consideration by its sponsor, the state senate majority leader, Richard Saslaw.

Virginia Democrats have made some statements that have only increased tensions. In mid-December, Democratic congressman Donald McEachin publicly speculated that the governor might call in the national guard to enforce gun laws if local law enforcement officials refused, something that a spokeswoman for the governor said was not actually under consideration.

Gun rights activists in Virginia also pointed to Northams response to a question in early November about whether he supported confiscating assault weapons from citizens who already owned them. Asked directly about confiscation, Northam demurred, the Washington Post reported at the time.

Thats something Im working [on] with our secretary of public safety, Northam was quoted as saying. Ill work with the gun violence activists, and well work [on] that. I dont have a definitive plan today.

Two days later, during a National Public Radio interview, Northam was again asked if he planned to confiscate assault weapons that Virginia citizens already owned.

No maam, not at this stage, Northam said. Were looking at banning the sales of assault weapons ... that would be what we would start with.

The governors office clarified in a statement in early December that proposed assault weapon ban legislation, which had included language banning the possession of military-style weapons, would include a grandfather provision, allowing citizens who currently owned the guns to keep them.
Integrating advertising, technology, design and architecture, all under one roof, PBD is creating a paradigm shift within the real estate industry.

CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Partners By Design (PBD), a Chicago-based award-winning architecture firm, announces a "new economy" business model, by adding a fully-integrated ad agency, gravity.labs (GL), to the core of its group of companies. PBD is the first firm to embed a specific integrated process in which the latest advertising and brand strategy methods are executed in conjunction with architectural and design processes from the very beginning of the project. Having an internal advertising and marketing agency allows for fluid, faster and more accurate execution of projects from the onset, instead of at the end or long after a project is finished.

Founded in 2016, gravity.labs is the first ad agency Born from architecture, providing clients with a unique opportunity to have experts in both industries collaborating together, owned under one roof, throughout the entire lifecycle of a major project, with consumer messaging helping drive design. Incubated within PBD, GL joins Spark, a workplace branding company and Vizfire, a leading-edge VR/AR digital arts studio which brings physical and digital disciplines together to influence design while bringing brand positioning to life within office workplace environments.

Manifesting Brand DNA

"About twelve years ago, I began to notice more and more of a shift in which interior office design was being influenced by our clients' advertising and consumer messaging. Soon architectural features and wall art started to merge into branded concepts, some even coming to life via architectural and digital visualization," said Ron Carlson, founder of PBD and co-founder of GL. "It seemed to me at the time that consumer messaging was going to be the driving force behind the 'true office of the future,' and the only way to get ahead of this was to create a real in-house advertising agency."

Since its inception, GL and PBD have partnered on a number of large, successful projects, including Transamerica, a Fortune 500 insurance company. "As the company undergoes a transformational change, we wanted to develop a new workplace that would not only benefit their employees, but also be one that they would champion," said Carlson. "By working this way with our collaborative companies, where professionals in the areas of architecture and design are working together with experts in advertising and brand strategy, under one roof, we are the only ones able to create such an immersive employee experience, bringing Transamerica's brand and corporate positioning to life in the physical world."

"The culture of the company and the physical space are the foundation for the employee experience," said Carlson. "PBD and its group of companies approach each project from both an employee and brand perspective, integrated with an understanding of the organization's audience, in order to deliver a seamless, superior facility experience. This new approach is the path to creating the true office of the future and we are excited to lead this new frontier."

Most recently, PBD and gravity.labs has been tapped by Newmark Knight Frank and The John Buck Company in a high-profile, confidential project that will be a first of its kind in which fully integrated architectural and advertising teams to work collaboratively under one roof. "The fact that PBD has such a stellar reputation in the industry and they get our pain points, and our client's pain points, is something that we sought out in an innovative marketing partner," said Bill Rolander, Executive Managing Director for Newmark Knight Frank. "In addition to its reputation, one of PBD and gravity.labs's true competitive advantages are that any of the various pieces of our project can be ramped up or down at any point because you're all under one umbrella and in the same space, working tightly together. It just makes sense."

ABOUT PARTNERS BY DESIGN (PBD):

Partners By Design (PBD) is an award-winning full-service architecture and interior design firm celebrating 26 years of meeting the needs of diverse clients. With an active and growing global presence, PBD ranks as the 90th largest design firm in the country, based on size and billings. Named Interior Design Firm of The Year at Crain's Chicago Business Commercial Real Estate Awards in 2017, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2010, and 2006, Partners by Design was also named Architect of The Year in 2013. pbdinc.com

ABOUT GRAVITY.LABS (GL):

gravity.labs (GL) - a fully-integrated advertising agency for the new economy - is built on an Agency 3.0 model: better creativity, faster and cheaper. GL is the only new-economy agency with a talent-mandate at its core founded and staffed by big agency veterans and global brand experts. As part of the PBD Group of Companies, GL is the only ad agency to deliver united brand experiences that seamlessly connect digital to physical brand worlds. www.gravitylabs.agency

Media Contact:

Ruth Keefover

Ruth.Keefover@gravitylabs.agency

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[January 16, 2020] IDC Publishes Future of Work Framework to Help Organizations Tackle Work Transformation Challenges

The future of work is about rethinking the way work gets done. It is a fundamental shift in the work model to one that fosters human-machine collaboration, enables new skills and worker experiences, and supports an intelligent and dynamic environment unbounded by time or physical space. To help organizations structure their work transformation strategies, International Data Corporation (IDC) has published the Future of Work framework. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005554/en/ IDC (News - Alert) Future of Work Framework - Strategies for the New Work Experience (Photo: Business Wire) As organizations accelerate and expand their digital transformation (DX) initiatives and move into what IDC calls the "era of multiplied innovation," traditional work models simply aren't nimble enough, adaptive, nor scalable. The status quo presents organizations with four intransigent sets of challenges: inflexible work environments, talent limitations, rigid organizations and hierarchical leadership, and conflicting security, privacy, and trust requirements. In the new work experience, human workers will operate side by side with "digital co-workers," enabling human workers to focus on higher-value activities. By 2021, the contribution by digital co-workers will increase by 35% as more tasks are automated and augmented by technology, including AI, robotics, AR/VR, and intelligent process automation. Other factors driving the urgency for work transformation include employee expectations for more personalized experiences with easy and anytime/anywhere access to resources; a multi-generational workforce with a range of workstyles that must be accommodated; and broader macroeconomic trends such as globalization and sustainability. "The future of work isn't really about the future - it is about initiatives that companies need to pursue now," said Holly Muscolino, research vice president, Content and Process Strategies and the Future of Work. "IDC believes that organizations that embrace these technological and organizational changes and cultivate an agile, dynamic worker experience and work environment will gain a competitive edge."



To help organizations structure their work transformation strategies and scope future of work initiatives, IDC developed the Future of Work framework. The framework can be used by key decision makers to define the technologies and related services essential to the modern workplace. Technology suppliers can use the framework as a guide to ensure their solutions are meeting the demands of the enterprises that are and will be undergoing work transformation efforts. To learn more about IDC's Future of Work framework with guidance for the technology buyer and technology vendor or service provider, please read Holly Muscolino's new blog post at http://bit.ly/IDC_FoW_Framework.

The IDC report, Strategies for the New Work Experience (IDC #US45711419), reviews the challenges that organizations face as they transition to the new work experience and presents a framework for addressing those challenges. The report also addresses critical technologies that are essential to success and outlines the first steps organizations should take toward achieving the new work experience. About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter (News - Alert) at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights: http://bit.ly/IDCBlog_Subscribe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005554/en/

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India will invite Pakistan Prime Minister along with other leaders for the annual meeting of council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization later this year, officials said.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said all eight member countries, four observers and dialogue partners of the grouping will be invited for the meeting.

"The meeting is held annually at the prime minister's level and it discusses the SCO's programme and multilateral economic and trade cooperation," he said at a media briefing.

"As per the established practice and procedure within SCO, all 8 members of SCO, as well as 4 observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," Kumar said when asked whether Pakistan Prime Minister Khan will be sent an invitation to the meeting.

When asked specifically whether Khan will be invited, another official said, "yes".

For the first time, India will host the annual meeting of the council of heads of government of the SCO, the bloc's Secretary General Vladimir Norov said on Monday.

The government's announcement on inviting Pakistan to the mega event came in the midst of frayed ties between the two countries over India's withdrawal of special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

India and Pakistan became full members of the China-dominated grouping in 2017.

Usually, the heads of government meeting of the SCO are represented by foreign ministers while a number of countries send their prime ministers also.

India has always been represented by the external affairs minister in the heads of government meeting while the SCO heads of state summit is attended by the prime minister.

Kumar said the event will be preceded by a number of meetings in India including one of the SCO ministers of economic activities.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.
3 1 of 3 New Haven Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed Photo / New Haven Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3





NEW HAVEN  A city man faces at least five years in prison after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges, officials said Thursday.

Shannon Bishop Wicker, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham.
WASHINGTON - The Latest on President Donald Trumps impeachment (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

The Senate is one man short on the opening day of President Donald Trumps impeachment trial.

Republican James Inhofe is back in Oklahoma to be with a family member facing a medical issue, his office says.

Inhofe says hell return to Washington in time for the start of opening arguments on Tuesday. Hes considered a reliable vote to acquit Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He is one of just 13 senators who served in the body during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton 21 years ago.

Senators have been instructed to plan to be in attendance at all times during the proceedings, according to guidelines issued by Senate leaders for the trial.

Inhofes office says he plans to return to Washington on Tuesday where he will be sworn in with no delay to the impeachment process.

__

12:05 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says President Donald Trump can keep his Feb. 4 appointment with Congress to deliver his State of the Union address or he can ask to postpone it until after his Senate impeachment trial.

Pelosi told reporters Thursday the decision is up to the president.

Pelosi says the president has options. She says he could come that day, we are prepared to welcome him that day. She says he also could send a printed copy of his speech or he could ask us to postpone it if in fact he wants to have it after all of this is resolved.

But Pelosi says the timing of the trial on abuse and obstruction charges should not be hastened because of the speech he wants to make to the Congress of the United States.

There has been no response from the White House.

There is precedent for a president to speak amid impeachment proceedings. In 1999, an impeached President Bill Clinton defiantly delivered a State of the Union address to Congress as the Senate considered charges against him. Clinton spoke jovially for more than an hour and about policy and did not mention the trial.

Clinton said at the time, The state of our union is strong.

___

11:40 a.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says a federal watchdogs report on President Donald Trumps freeze of aid to Ukraine makes it more important for Congress to get new testimony and documents.

Pelosi spoke Thursday after a federal watchdog agency reported that withholding the military aid violated the law. Withholding the aid is at the centre of Trumps impeachment.

Trump became the third impeached president in history over his demand that Ukraine investigate his political rivals while he froze the congressionally approved money.

Pelosi told reporters: Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law.

She added: This reinforces again the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate.

The Senate begins transforming into a court on Thursday to consider the articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Trump has denied doing anything wrong.
LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- (Impressions Expo, Booth #2049)  Epson today announced its first industrial direct-to-garment printer  the SureColor F3070. Designed to provide low total cost of ownership (TCO) and reliability for exceptional performance and savings in high-production print shop environments, the SureColor F3070 is Epson's first direct-to-garment printer to leverage dual printhead technology and a bulk ink pack system, providing remarkably low ink cost and minimized waste compared to Epson cartridge systems. It touts all new automatic garment height adjustment and easy user maintenance features to increase production and reduce downtime for garment print shops creating custom apparel. The new printer will be on display in Epson's booth (#2049) at Impressions Expo in Long Beach, Calif. from Jan. 17-19, 2020.

"The printed textile market is seeing tremendous growth, complemented by new printing technology innovation," said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. "We are committed to driving the digital textile market and excited to expand Epson's award-winning product line to deliver our first industrial direct-to-garment printer for high-production print shops. Designed for mid-to-large size garment printers looking for a high-production, cost-effective equipment, the SureColor F3070 can produce a full-size shirt in about a minute, allowing shops to print hundreds of shirts per day."

Ideal for digitally printing custom garments on variety of fabric types including cotton, linen and rayon, the SureColor F3070 is designed to meet the increasing market demand for unique clothing driven by the millennial population in the U.S.1 The printer leverages a new dual 2.6-inch PrecisionCore printhead for high-quality output at production speeds with true one-pass printing for both color and White ink. Coupled with the first bulk ink system integrated into an Epson direct-to-garment printer, it is capable of housing 1.5 liters per color and 3.0 liters of White ink for less frequent refilling, lower operating costs, and less waste.

First ever automatic printhead height adjustment is set based on garment thickness and texture for optimal print quality without user interference, and easily switches between thin t-shirts and thick sweatshirts with less downtime between garments. Built for reliability, the SureColor F3070 features an ultra-durable linear rail system and CNC milled print carriage, designed for years of production, and features user serviceable parts, including printheads, and low maintenance time ideal for high production print on-demand service providers, fulfilment houses and in-house print on-demand production.

More about the SureColor F3070

Delivering high image quality, productivity and reliability in an affordable, highly intuitive design, the SureColor F3070 offers advanced features for the garment printing industry, including:

PrecisionCore Printhead Technology  Dual 10-channel printheads with 16,000 nozzles delivering industrial quality output at impressive production speeds

 Dual 10-channel printheads with 16,000 nozzles delivering industrial quality output at impressive production speeds Bulk Ink System  Replaceable bulk ink packs for less frequent ink refilling and lower costs compared to our ink cartridge systems

 Replaceable bulk ink packs for less frequent ink refilling and lower costs compared to our ink cartridge systems High-Quality Direct-to-Garment Printing  Epson UltraChrome  DG inks* are durable, vibrant and safe, with outstanding color performance, plus equal pricing for color and White inks

 Epson UltraChrome DG inks* are durable, vibrant and safe, with outstanding color performance, plus equal pricing for color and White inks Automatic Printhead Adjustment  Optimized for garment thickness for improved print quality without user intervention

 Optimized for garment thickness for improved print quality without user intervention Low Total Cost of Ownership  Low maintenance time and cost with dedicated cleaning solution channels and fabric head wiper system

 Low maintenance time and cost with dedicated cleaning solution channels and fabric head wiper system Fast Loading for More Productivity  Easy-to-use, all-new quick-load platen reduces traditional hoop platen load times

 Easy-to-use, all-new quick-load platen reduces traditional hoop platen load times Intuitive, Easy-to-Learn Workflow  Updated Epson Garment Creator Software, available for macOS  and Windows  , includes cost estimator, text tools, hot folders, and automation SDK

 Updated Epson Garment Creator Software, available for macOS and Windows , includes cost estimator, text tools, hot folders, and automation SDK Designed Exclusively for Direct-to-Garment Printing  An entirely purpose-built system featuring Epson's PrecisionCore printhead, Epson UltraChrome DG ink system and robust hardware

 An entirely purpose-built system featuring Epson's PrecisionCore printhead, Epson UltraChrome DG ink system and robust hardware Scale Seamlessly  Scale production capability with additional printers featuring an easily repositionable compact design that operates on standard 120v power

Support & Availability

The SureColor F3070 (estimated MSRP $49,995) offers a standard Epson PreferredSM Limited Warranty, limited on-site warranty with U.S.-based phone support. The Epson SureColor F3070 will be available in July 2020 through Epson Authorized Professional Imaging Resellers. For more information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to becoming indispensable to society by connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. The company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics, and is underpinned by original microdevices. Epson is proud of its contributions to realizing a sustainable society and its ongoing efforts to realizing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than U.S. $10 billion.

Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

* This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink. Other brands of ink and ink supplies are not compatible, and even if described as compatible, may not function properly.

1 Printed Textile Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ink Type, By Product, By Technology, By Application (Fashion, Household, Technical Textiles), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019  2025, Grand View Research: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/printed-textile-market

EPSON, PrecisionCore, SureColor, and UltraChrome are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson Preferred is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2020 Epson America, Inc.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

Related Links

https://epson.com


WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) announced that it won a task order, worth up to $1.6 billion, to provide secure network services and IT modernization solutions to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) via the General Services Administration's Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program.

We are preserving our nation's natural resources with network services for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

"The Department of the Interior selected CenturyLink to deliver secure, modern network services that will help the agency achieve its mission to conserve and manage our nation's natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people," said David Young, CenturyLink senior vice president, public sector. "This award from DOI shows that government agencies are increasingly turning to CenturyLink as their trusted provider to help them with their IT modernization efforts so they can focus on their mission."

The task order covers two areas and has a combined maximum value of $1.6 billion, with 11 one-year options that run through 2032.

Task area one is for managed core network services to design, engineer, build, secure, operate and maintain DOI's enterprise network from end to end, including software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), virtual private network, private line and ethernet transport services. It also includes managed security services, such as Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services (MTIPS), and implementation of zero-trust networking solutions that meet the government's strict security requirements. Task area two covers managed access services, including secure cloud connectivity and WiFi.

CenturyLink was the first supplier to receive authority to operate under GSA's 15-year, $50 billion EIS program last March. EIS is a multiple-award contract vehicle for federal government agencies to purchase information technology and telecommunications infrastructure services. It gives federal agencies the flexibility and agility to migrate to modern communications and IT services that meet strict government security standards.

Key Facts

The U.S. Department of the Interior has more than 65,000 employees, 280,000 volunteers and 2,400 operating locations.

By supplying cybersecurity, cloud, managed hosting and IT services over its carrier-class network, CenturyLink provides government agencies with the security and reliability they need to carry out their important missions.

CenturyLink is ranked No. 29 on Washington Technology's 2019 Top 100 list of federal government IT contractors.

Additional Resources

Learn more about CenturyLink winning the first EIS task order to provide fast, secure connectivity to NASA: http://news.centurylink.com/2019-04-08-CenturyLink-Wins-First-EIS-Task-Order-to-Provide-Fast-Secure-Connectivity-to-NASA

Learn more about CenturyLink being the first vendor to receive authority to operate under GSA's EIS contract: http://news.centurylink.com/2019-03-14-CenturyLink-Is-The-First-Vendor-To-Receive-Authority-To-Operate-Under-GSAs-EIS-Contract

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience. Learn more at http://news.centurylink.com/

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

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President Trump signed the Phase One trade agreement with China today at the White House. The agreement is far-ranging; you can read its entire text here. Among other things, it includes commitments from Beijing to purchase $200 billion of U.S. products over the next two years, halt intellectual property theft and refrain from currency manipulation. In return, the U.S. has reduced or eliminated some tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods, but other duties on $375 billion in Chinese goods will remain in place for now, as an incentive for China to proceed with Phase Two.

Reaction was predictably partisan. On CNBC, Steve Bannon said that President Trump broke the Chinese Communist Party, and the U.S. gave up very little in the end. On the same program, hedge fund manager Kyle Bass said that he sees the agreement as a temporary truce in which the U.S. got the better of China.

At the New York Times, on the other hand, there was wailing and gnashing of teeth:

President Trump signed an initial trade deal with China on Wednesday, bringing the first chapter of a protracted and economically damaging fight with one of the worlds largest economies to a close.

Has the trade conflict with China damaged the U.S. economy? To some degree it has, although it has certainly hurt Chinas economy more. This is the kind of short-term pain that Barack Obama, for example, was unwilling to accept. And yet economic growth under President Trump has been considerably better than under Obama.

The deal caps more than two years of tense negotiations and escalating threats that at times seemed destined to plunge the United States and China into a permanent economic war.

No one thought permanent economic war was a realistic possibility, except, perhaps, readers of the always-hysterical New York Times.

The agreement is a significant turning point in American trade policy and the types of free-trade agreements that the United States has typically supported. Rather than lowering tariffs and other economic barriers to allow for the flow of goods and services to meet market demand, this deal leaves a record level of tariffs in place and forces China to buy $200 billion worth of specific products within two years.

Phase One reduces or eliminates some tariffs and leaves others in place for Phase Two. This isnt really all that complicated, but the Times wants its readers to think that Trumps approach represents a departure from an imagined, purist practice of the past.

The Times points out that the deal, so far, isnt perfect:

The deal also does little to resolve more pernicious structural issues surrounding Chinas approach, particularly its pattern of subsidizing and supporting key industries that compete with American firms, like solar energy and steel. American businesses blame those economic practices for allowing cheap Chinese goods to flood the United States market, putting domestic firms out of business. Instead, like the presidents who preceded him, Mr. Trump plans to rely on allies and the World Trade Organization to try to push China to change its ways.

I suppose it would be churlish to ask what Barack Obama, the Timess favorite president, accomplished on these fronts.

Absurdly, the Times turns the floor over to the shameless Chuck Schumer:

This Phase 1 deal is an extreme disappointment to me and to millions and millions of Americans who want to see us make China play fair, Mr. Schumer said on the Senate floor. President Trumps Phase 1 trade deal with China is a historic blunder.

Right, Chuckie. Now lets hear your critique of Obamas eight-year-long, supine kowtowing to the Chinese. The only thing Schumer is actually disappointed in is that with a successful completion of Phase One, Trump is marching toward re-election. The Times cant entirely fail to mention the Phase One agreements substantial benefits to the U.S.:

The trade deal contains a variety of wins for American industry, including opening up markets for financial services, pharmaceuticals, beef and poultry. The text outlines what China will buy from the United States during the next two years. That includes substantial purchases from American farmers, who have been hit hard by the trade war. Of the $200 billion, just $32 billion, or 16 percent, of the purchases will be of farm products such as oilseeds, meat and cotton. Banks, drug companies and the energy industry are also big beneficiaries. China has also committed to refrain from forcing American companies to hand over their technology as a condition of doing business there, under penalty of further tariffs. Beijing has also promised to refrain from devaluing its currency, the renminbi, to gain an advantage in export markets, among other pledges.

Which, in turn, means:

The presidents approach may pay off politically. He will head into a re-election campaign with a commitment from China to strengthen its intellectual-property protections, make large purchases of American products and pursue other economic changes that will benefit American business. Even before the deal was signed, Mr. Trumps supporters said the president took China on and won.

Thats true. But politics shouldnt overshadow the substance of the agreement. I encourage you to at least skim the complete document, linked above. There is a lot in it, most of which is not being reported. For instance, it addresses the issue of low-quality and sometimes dangerous generic drugs that are manufactured in China, and often are mislabeled.

Another example: I know from my own experience that Chinas legal system has been a Wild West environment in which there is no assurance that even the simplest processes, like obtaining records from a Chinese company, are available or reliable. The Phase One agreement tries to bring China into the modern world with regard to legal processes:

Article 1.30: Document Authentication (Consularization) 1. In civil judicial procedures, the Parties shall not require formalities to authenticate evidence, including requiring a consular officials seal or chop, that can be introduced or authenticated through stipulation, or witness testimony under penalty of perjury. 2. For evidence that cannot be introduced or authenticated through stipulation, or witness testimony under penalty of perjury, China shall streamline notarization and authentication procedures. 3. The United States affirms that existing U.S. measures afford treatment equivalent to that provided for in this Article. Article 1.31: Witness Testimony 1. In civil judicial proceedings, China shall afford a party a reasonable opportunity to present witnesses or experts in its case and cross-examine any witness testifying in the proceeding. 2. The United States affirms that existing U.S. measures afford treatment equivalent to that provided for in this Article.

All in all, Phase One is a significant achievement of the Trump administration, accomplished in the face of hysterical opposition from the Democrats, who implicitly, at a minimum, have encouraged the Chinese not to make a deal, but rather to hold out in hopes of getting to negotiate with a Democrat in 2021. That context makes the administrations accomplishment doubly impressive.

President Trump understands the dynamic in play between the Red Chinese and the Democrats, and hasnt been afraid to talk about it. Thus, today he signaled that he is not worried about the 2020 election, and the Chinese shouldnt hold out in hopes of getting to negotiate with an anti-American like Bernie Sanders or a naif like Pete Buttagieg:

Mr. Trump said if the two sides could reach agreement on the next phase, all of the tariffs he has placed on China would come off. I will agree to take those tariffs off if were able to do Phase 2, he said. But Mr. Trump has already kicked the deadline for another agreement past the November election, and there is deep skepticism that the two countries will reach another trade deal anytime soon.

In other words, Trump is confident that he will be re-elected, and the Chinese should forget their hopes for a Sanders/Biden/Warren ascendancy.

Finally, the Democrats have tried to demonize Trumps America First slogan, but nearly all voters understand that putting America first is basically the presidents job description. The Phase One agreement with China is a good example.
JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today it will provide 2019 year-end results along with a business and financial outlook at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

A webcast of the presentation will be available on CMS Energy's website, cmsenergy.com. An audio replay will be available approximately three hours after the webcast and will be archived for 30 days on CMS Energy's website in the "Investor Relations" section.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business and owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

SOURCE CMS Energy

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BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday made an impassioned plea for the support of people of Bihar to measures taken by Narendra Modi government like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He also sought to dispel "rumours" of discord within the NDA in the state, asserting that assembly polls in Bihar will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally of the saffron party in this north Bihar district, Shah slammed the opposition for misleading minorities about the Act and engineering violence that had erupted in the aftermath.

Underscoring that the law provided for granting citizenship and not snatching it away from anybody, he said the party was organizing rallies across the country with a view to busting the misinformation campaign.

Shah sought support to the Modi governments measures like CAA as also abrogation of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition (with Kumars JD(U). The elections will be contested under Nitish Kumars leadership, he declared.

"Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era.

"The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar respectively", the BJP chief said.

Shah had earlier stated in a couple of TV interviews that the chief minister (Nitish Kumar) will lead the NDA charge in the assembly polls this year.

This was, however, the first occasion for him to make a pronouncement to the effect on the soil of Bihar.

Those who shouted anti-India slogans at JNU a few years ago were sent to jail by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but (Arvind) Kejriwal has refused to initiate prosecution, Shah said taking a swipe at the Delhi Chief Minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A series of protests were organised in several colleges of the Delhi University on Wednesday against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

New Delhi: A series of protests were organised in several colleges of the Delhi University on Wednesday against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

At Ramjas College, a group of students read out the Preamble of the Constitution. Organisers of the protest claimed that policemen were present inside the campus and the college administration tried to stop their agitation.

Today, SFI #Ramjas Unit led a vibrant protest against violence on Students, CAA-NRC-NPR and NEP despite ABVP's desperate attempts to disrupt the gathering and intimidate Students. #studentsprotest #DU pic.twitter.com/9KFNhbQIjf  SFI Delhi (@SfiDelhi) January 15, 2020

However, police denied that they were present on the campus.

An official of the college administration said authorities have made it mandatory for everyone to take permission for organising events at the institution's amphitheatre. He said clashes broke out between students in 2017, and the college administration does not want the same thing to happen again.

At Ram Lal Anand college and Hansraj college, public meetings were held against the new legislation, while at Zakir Husain college, students protested against the police action on their counterparts at Jamia Millia Islamia in December last year.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and other health workers on Thursday embarked on a peaceful protest walk in Abuja to express their grievances over rising incidence of assaults and violence on its members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters took a walk to the office of the FCT Minister over incessant attacks, assaults and violence meted on medical doctors and other health workers by relatives of patients.

The protesters carried placards with several inscriptions, including: We Care for You Why Beat Us, Better Securities in our Hospitals, Say No to Violence Against Health Workers, Doctors and Health Workers deserve Better.

The doctors had on Wednesday embarked on a three-day warning strike across FCT general hospitals over recent assault and stripping naked of a female doctor by relatives of a deceased patient in Maitama District Hospital, FCT.

Addressing the protesters, the FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, appealed to the doctors to call off the strike as the authority was already addressing the issue, which will bring an end to all forms of assaults on all persons.

I appeal that you call off the strike and just give us the benefit of the doubt and see what will be done in the shortest time. I will come personally and talk to all hospitals in the FCT to know whatever challenges you are facing there.

We appreciate your patience and understanding that you didnt take laws into your hands and we assure you that the issue is receiving attention your demand is taken seriously and given utmost attention.

Violence is not acceptable whether on male or female at the FCT or anywhere else in the country, she stressed.

She said the FCT will synergise with the ministry of health, information and culture and other stakeholders towards educating the public towards imbibing the right attitude and culture of law abiding citizens.

While calling on them continue their duties in providing medical care and attention to the public, the minister assured them of their safety and protection, while discharging their duties.

The FCT Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekpe Philips, said the association was pursuing through the National Health Act or Bills jail term for any person that perpetrate any form of violence on health workers.

Read also:

We are pursuing through the National Health Act or through the bills, we will make sure that if there is violence against any health worker, there is a particular term of jail to serve for such persons.

We are advocating that there should be an undertaking by the patients that the relatives would not show any violence against health workers in Nigerian hospitals again.

Also, the International President of Medical Women International Association (MWIA), Eleanor Nwadinobi, decried the series of attacks meted on health workers, which she said was a threat to their life and profession.

There should be no hiding place for perpetrators of this type of violence. It is important that we feel safe, while discharging our duties.

This is Nigeria, FCT in particular, where the 2015 violence against Persons (VAP) Acts was passed and signed.

We are here today to speak clearly and to say no more should this happen to any of us in the line of duty and we expect justice to be done to our colleague and she should have all the support she needs, she said.

On her part, FCT President, Medical Women Association, Aisha Umar, stressed the need for relatives of patients to exercise decorum, rather than inflict injuries on medical workers discharging their duties.

It is wrong for patients relative to take out their anger while expressing their grievances on the doctors or health workers; many doctors have left, we are the ones left behind, so we should not be treated that way, she said.

The FCT President, ARD, Roland Aigbovo, said the association would hold an emergency congress to address the issues on calling off the strike as appealed by the federal government.

(NAN)
Turkey says it is sending troops to Libya 'To support peace', no timeline or numbers provided

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JANUARY 16 - Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that the country was sending troops to Libya ''to support peace''.



He was speaking in a traditional beginning of the year address to the public. Erdogan did not provide other details and did not indicate whether the soldiers are already in Libya or how many will be sent. Previously, the Turkish president had confirmed in a private meeting with the leaders of his AKP party that 35 soldiers would be sent for ''coordination'' and to support the forces answering to Fayez al-Sarraj. Over 600 Syrian fighters receiving salaries from the Turkish government are also in Libya, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and local sources. (ANSAmed).




Even though the government has decided to stay out of the world's largest trade block RCEP, the 15-nation grouping offers a market potential of $125 billion if domestic firms improve competitiveness in 24 identified product categories, as per a World Trade Centre study. Citing domestic concerns, the government walked out of the 16-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November last year.

The 15 RCEP countries together accounted for 57 per cent or $105 billion of India's overall trade deficit in FY19, with China itself contributing to $54 billion of this.

It can be noted that India is among the top 15 exporters of these 24 product categories globally and have strong demand in China, Korea, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

"The domestic industry can benefit from $125.6 billion market potential, especially in sectors like metals, textiles and marine products, in 10 of these RCEP countries," says the World Trade Center Mumbai, quoting the latest UN Comtrade data, which is the repository of international trade statistics.

India is the seventh largest exporter of aluminum products in the world and yet it is not a major supplier of these products to these RCEP countries except to Korea.

In 2018, Japan, Thailand, Korea and China together imported $18.65 billion worth of aluminium products, while India supplied hardly $700 million of these products to these market, as per the commerce ministry data.

India is the sixth largest exporter of man-made fabrics and its major export destinations are the US, Turkey, Brazil, Bangladesh and the UAE.

But there is an over $10-billion import demand for man-made fabrics in Vietnam, Indonesia, China and Cambodia.

Similarly, being the second largest exporter of textile yarns, India can benefit by meeting the $13.6-billion annual import demand from China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

Being the fourth largest exporter of bovine meat, India can help it grab a $11-billion market in select RCEP countries, says the WTC.

In textile yarns and man-made fabrics, domestic exporters face stiff competition from China, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

But the trade body warns that it will be even more challenging for us to export to RCEP countries once this proposed mega trade agreement is ratified and signed by all the members. For instance, in case of man-made fabrics, leading exporters like Korea and China will have preferential market access to top importers such as Vietnam and Indonesia once the RCEP pact comes into force.
M inisters from five countries who lost citizens when a passenger jet was shot down over Tehran have called on Iran to accept full responsibility and compensate the victims families.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab joined his counterparts from Canada, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan for a meeting of the International Coordination and Response Group at Canada House in central London on Thursday.

A statement issued by the ministers following the meeting outlined five key elements they said would guide our engagement with the Iranian authorities.

This included ensuring Iran assumes full responsibility for the downing of flight PS752 and recognises its duties towards the families of the victims and other parties  including compensation.

They called for a thorough, independent and transparent international investigation into the crash, open to grieving nations and governed by the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Dominic Raab with other foreign ministers attended a moment of reflection before the meeting / REUTERS

They also demanded accountability for those responsible for downing the plane, through an independent criminal investigation followed by transparent and impartial judicial proceedings.

The five countries also called for full and unhindered access for their officials in Iran to provide consular services and that the identification and repatriation of victims was handled with dignity and according to the wishes of their families.

Present at the meeting with Mr Raab were Canadas minister of foreign affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne, Ann Linde, Swedens minister of foreign affairs, Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraines minister of foreign affairs and Idrees Zaman, acting foreign minister for Afghanistan.

Stef Blok, minister of foreign affairs for the Netherlands, also attended.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Champagne offered ministers deepest condolences to the victims families and loved ones.

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting of the International Coordination and Response Group for the families of the victims / PA

We are here to pursue closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the victims, he added.

Mr Champagne said the horrific tragedy had produced many, many questions and families want answers.

The world is waiting for those answers and we will not rest until we get them, he said.

Earlier, the foreign ministers took part in a solemn candle lighting ceremony at Canada House in memory of the crash victims.

All 176 people, including four British nationals, on board the Ukrainian International Airlines flight from Tehran to Kyiv were killed when the plane came down moments after take-off last week.

The majority of the plane crash victims were Iranians or Iranian-Canadians.

British citizens Sam Zokaei, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi and Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh were identified as among the dead.

After initially denying claims it was responsible, Iran has since admitted unintentionally shooting down the aircraft.

Mr Champagne said that to ensure the quality and standard of the investigation, the grieving nations were calling for international experts to participate in all aspects of the probe, including identification of remains.

He said: Today is the day for answers.

I think if you were to talk to the families of the victims and their loved ones what they have is grief and anger and they want us to stand for them, like we are doing today to seek truth and justice.

Idrees Zaman, Acting Foreign Minister for Afghanistan, Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, and Vadym Prystaiko, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, during meeting / PA Wire/PA Images

I would think today is not the day to assign blame. It is a day for us to work together to ensure they would have answers.

He said the Iranian government has accepted full responsibility which comes with consequences and that is what we will be pursuing.

Mr Champagne described Irans acceptance of full responsibility as a good first step but said there are still various issues, including compensation, that need to be resolved.

He said the investigation will clarify who committed the tragedy and how it was able to happen. The world expects full cooperation in every aspect of consular services, in terms of identification of the remains, in the investigation and in the prosecution of those responsible.

Foreign Secretary attends memorial for Iran plane crash victims

On Irans enrichment of uranium, Britains foreign minister Andrew Murison said: We want to keep the JCPOA alive.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme.

He said that we need to resolve this dispute adding that he wants Iran to come back into JCPOA so that we can get back on track.
Isaiah Wanjala, who scored 394 marks in 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations, shocked villagers and his parents when he said he is ready to sell one of his kidneys to fund his secondary school education.

The 14-year-old boy who hails from Gidea village in Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, was selected to join Chewoiyet Boys High School.

His parents have been unable to raise the over Sh50,000 required to join the national school that is based in West Pokot County.



My aged parents are not in a position to raise my school fees as well as provide the basic needs for my younger brothers and sister, said Wanjala.

Asked how he would execute the complicated process, Wanjala said he is prepared to undergo the operation to remove one of his kidneys as long as it will raise fees for his high school and university education.

But his parents, Rose Andisi and Fred Wanyonyi, have had sleepless nights since the boy informed them of his intentions.

The boy is the fifth-born in the family with nine children.

The parents have appealed to well-wishers to help raise the cash needed to help the boy fulfill his dream of becoming an engineer.

As a family, we are worried by his decision. We have tried to persuade him otherwise but he is adamant and determined to join his dream school, said the parents.

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The J&K police also claimed arresting a Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) associate of in Awantipore area of southern Pulwama district. It identified the accused as Ishfaq Ahmad Dar alias Maheed, a resident of Pulwamas Dangerpora-Padgampora village.

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday claimed that it has busted a Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) module which was planning a major terror strike ahead of Republic Day and arrested five of its members.

Deputy inspector general of police (Central Kashmir), V.K. Birdi, while addressing a hurriedly called press conference, said that following investigations into a grenade attack in Srinagars Habak area on January 8, the police arrested five persons involved in the incident. During the course of investigation, these persons confessed their involvement also in executing a terror attack (a grenade blast) near Sir Syed Gate of University of Kashmirs main campus at nearby Hazratbal on November 26 last year, he said.

Mr Birdi said that incriminating material, including arms and other explosive substance, were recovered during the course of investigations and that further investigation in the matter is in progress. He added, The police is also investigating their complicity in other terror crime incidents.

Later, the J&K police tweeted, In a major success the Srinagar police busts Jaish module. Two grenade blasts in Hazratbal area worked out. Major attack averted ahead of Republic Day. Five terror operatives arrested. Huge explosive material recovered.

Separately, a police statement said, The investigation, so far, has revealed their motives to enforce shutdowns and paralyse normal life activities in Srinagar City and further plans to execute sensational incidents like terror attacks and causing improvised explosive device (IED) explosions.

The police officer identified the arrested persons as Ajaz Ahmad Sheikh, Umar Hamid, Imtiyaz Chikla alias Imran and Naseer Mir, all residents of Hazratbal, and Sahil Gojri of Soura area of Srinagar.

The J&K police also claimed arresting a Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) associate of in Awantipore area of southern Pulwama district. It identified the accused as Ishfaq Ahmad Dar alias Maheed, a resident of Pulwamas Dangerpora-Padgampora village.

He has been assisting the active terrorists of proscribed outfit LeT operating in the areas of Padgampora, Sonrigund, Gulzarpora, Beighpora, Reshipora and Dangerpora areas of Awantipora, the police said, adding, He was involved in threatening and intimidating civilians residing in the area and also in providing logistic support and assistance to LeT terrorists operating in the areas of Awantipora.
Zymere Perkins limped into his kindergarten class one day in April 2016, his legs so badly beaten he could barely walk, the latest in a series of injuries his teacher had seen.

Not for the first time, the school contacted the citys child welfare agency. Later, a social worker gently coaxed the story from the boy: His mother and her boyfriend had hurt him repeatedly.

Five months later, his short life came to an end after yet another brutal beating, and on Wednesday, his mothers boyfriend, Rysheim Smith, 45, was found guilty of murder after a trial that started in early December.

The trial not only exposed the horrific torture and abuse the boy had endured at the hands of his mother, Geraldine Perkins, and Mr. Smith, but also laid bare a series of missteps by city officials who had failed to intervene despite clear signs the child was in danger. Zymeres murder sparked a public outcry that led to systemic changes within the citys child welfare agency, city officials said.
In 2018, Daniel Radcliffe was spotted filming a new movie right here in New Zealand and now, two years on, we've got our first look at it!

The new movie, called Guns Akimbo, shows Radcliffe forced into a citywide game of death for people's amusement online.

In the new trailer, you might recognise a few of the locations and that's because they were filmed on Auckland's Queen Street and Custom Street.

As well as Daniel Radcliffe, the film stars New Zealand's very own Rhys Darby along with Ready or Not's Samara Weaving and Peaky Blinders' Ned Dennehy.

Back when filming was taking place in 2018, Radcliffe joked on Twitter saying "If you see me around Auckland looking very worse for wear and covered in blood and bruises, don't worry, this is probably for filming."

Guns Akimbo is set to be released in New Zealand March 5th.
Details added (first version posted at 15:55 on Jan. 15)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 15

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade.

Speaking at the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- As is the case with all other spheres in Azerbaijan, transport sector developed well last year. This development is manifested in real projects and is also reflected in the reports of international organizations. Suffice it to say that a record figure was reached in the construction of roads last year - 1,300 kilometers of roads were built. Thus, intercity traffic improved and the construction of trunk roads was continued. The roads of hundreds of schools were improved and reconstructed.

The Davos World Economic Forum has praised the work Azerbaijan is doing in the transport sector. In general, Azerbaijans transport infrastructure ranks 31st in the world according to the Davos report. This is a fairly high indicator. In terms of this indicator, we are ahead of several developed countries. In terms of the quality of roads, we are in 27th place in the world. According to the efficiency of railway transport, we are in 11th place and for air transport in 12th place.

In other words, this essentially shows that the work recently done in the transport sector deserves the highest praise. Along with this, very important interstate projects were implemented last year. The commissioning of a new automobile bridge on the Azerbaijani-Russian border was a major event, because the previous bridge was built in the 1950s and had practically become unserviceable. The new bridge will serve the development of both transport and trade relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. At the same time, it is an integral part of the North-South transport corridor. Currently, a new highway is being built to the Russian border and the bulk of this highway will be commissioned by the end of the year.

In parallel, there are plans to build a new highway from Astara to the Iranian border. This issue has been agreed with the Iranian side. Thus, trucks will be able to directly move in the direction of Iran without entering Astara. In addition, a new automobile bridge will be built. A few years ago, a new railway bridge was built between the two countries, which is of great importance for the functioning of the North-South transport corridor.

Of course, more goods were transported along the North-South transport corridor last year. This is natural because there has been a lot of recovery in this direction since the commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Goods are being transported not only from the eastern direction, but also from Russia to Turkey and Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan, and the volume of cargo will grow every year. Thus, Azerbaijan, which does not have access to the world ocean, has become one of Eurasias international transport centers.

This year's investment program provides for sufficiently large funds for the development of the transport sector. At the same time, specific projects related to the construction of roads and railways will be implemented. The Laki-Gabala railway should be commissioned this year. At the same time, we are starting to design and build the Baku-Yalama and Khudat-Shahdag railways. Thus, we will significantly improve the quality of existing railways and train speeds will increase accordingly.

We also attach great importance to the development of urban transport. This year, an additional 300 modern buses will be delivered to Baku and work in this direction will be continued in the future. At the same time, on my instruction, new taxis should be delivered. Please report on this issue  have contracts been signed and when will new taxis be delivered to our city?

Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade said: Thank you, Mr President. In this regard, I would like to note that 1,500 London taxis are operating in Azerbaijan now. Of these, 1,200 are subordinated to our ministry. On your instruction, we have ordered 100 new London taxis that meet modern standards. The advantage of the taxis, which will be delivered to Azerbaijan within three months, is that they work on electricity, not on fuel. I want to note again that these taxis fully meet modern standards.

President Ilham Aliyev: What is the level of the taxi service in other cities?

Ramin Guluzade: Mr President, we need to pay more attention to this area in the regions because there are vehicles that do not fully meet standards, so we are working in this direction.

President Ilham Aliyev: I am instructing you to seriously analyze this work. How many taxis operate in each city? What is the quality level of the taxis? How is safety ensured and how are calculations carried out? We must make sure that there are modern taxi services in all our cities, first of all, in large ones. It is necessary to set up modern taxi stations, train drivers and arrange for their medical examination. As in all areas, in this area too, we must move from cash to card payments and install taximeters. So not only in Baku, but first of all in all large cities, and at the subsequent stage in other cities as well.

This also applies to bus transport because currently bus service in Baku and Sumgayit meets modern standards. But this is not the case everywhere. Low-quality buses with expired service life are still functioning in Baku. For this purpose, we deliver 300 buses to our country every year. According to the information provided to me, the bus sector in Ganja is outdated. How many buses operate in other cities, how many should be purchased? Of course, first of all, this issue should be resolved in the capital  the city of Baku. But other cities should not be ignored either.

How is the issue of intercity transport being addressed? What are the problems and achievements in this area?

Ramin Guluzade: Dear Mr President, a month ago we launched a long-distance night service. The main goal is for our citizens to be able to use not only daytime, but also nighttime buses. This service is provided by MAN buses meeting modern standards. At the same time, we are updating the bus fleet to the level of modern standards. We have already improved the standards. We will continue to work with entrepreneurs in relation to these standards.

President Ilham Aliyev: This is also a very important issue because as the quality of roads improves today, intercity routes are provided with new buses. Of course, these buses must meet the highest safety standards. Since you have opened the night service, the quality and safety of these buses, as well as the training of drivers and their medical examination must be in the spotlight. Inspection should also be carried out in this area  what percentage of buses fully meets the standards? Private companies work in this area more. They also need to be supported so that they can raise their work in this direction at a higher level.

Another issue is related to cargo transportation. The volume of goods transported from Azerbaijan abroad is growing and will continue to grow. Our non-oil sector is growing. Last year, our non-oil exports grew by 14 percent. However, many of our goods are transported by foreign companies. This is due to the fact that the vehicles and trucks used in Azerbaijan for cargo transportation are poorly provided by local companies. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this issue. First of all, you should analyze and report to me on what percentage of cargo transportation is carried out by Azerbaijani companies. You should do the truck fleet review. What is their condition and is their quantity consistent with our increasing production? If the state can help private companies in the acquisition of new TIR trucks, then we are ready for this. This area can also be provided with low-interest loans. Since the transport sector of Azerbaijan is developing rapidly and international organizations acknowledge that, then all components in the transport sector must meet high standards. Of course, any country wants its cargo to be transported by local companies. Therefore, I am instructing you to analyze this issue and report to me.

In November last year, Kazakhstan hosted the ceremony of laying the foundation of a new communication line between this country and Azerbaijan. This is also a very important project. Azerbaijan has made great strides in the field of communications and high technologies. The traditional Bakutel exhibition attracts huge attention. Please update me on what will be done in this direction this year.

Ramin Guluzade: Dear Mr President, in the future, the fiberoptic line connecting Baku and Kazakhstan will become a line linking Europe with Asia. This will allow us the opportunity to transfer the Internet from Europe to China and other countries through Azerbaijan in the future. This will be done to meet further Internet needs in Azerbaijan and other countries and use high-quality Internet. I also want to note that interest in the Bakutel exhibition is increasing every year. Visiting it, you also see that there is a growing interest in this area on the part of both local companies and startups. Such events are planned for the future too.

President Ilham Aliyev: This also needs great attention. Bakutel has been held for over 20 years and is the main exhibition and conference of the region. The head of the International Telecommunication Union usually also attends this exhibition and conference. During meetings with me, the leaders of this organization always appreciate the work Azerbaijan is doing in this area. Since Azerbaijan has already become one of the important transport centers of Eurasia, our country must certainly turn into a center in the field of laying communication lines, the Internet and fiberoptic communications. Therefore, the foundation-laying ceremony held in Kazakhstan in November last year is of particular importance. I am sure that this line will soon be laid. Its length is 400 kilometers. At the same time, the number of Internet users is gradually increasing in Azerbaijan  it is already 80 percent. To provide high-quality Internet, additional funds must also be provided.

So a lot remains to be done in this area this year. However, it is gratifying that excellent results have already been achieved, and we will only go along the development path in the future. Azerbaijan must continue to maintain its leading positions in the field of transport, communications and high technologies in the region, and we must build up our potential.
Chairman of the Transitional Military Council Abdalftah Alburhan A. Alrahman Alburhan and Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan Tran Thanh Cong (Photo: VNA)

He made the statement at a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan Tran Thanh Cong, who came to present his letter of credentials on January 14th.

Praising Vietnams economic achievements, the host said Sudan can learn a lot in various fields from the Southeast Asian country.

He said he hopes the Vietnamese ambassador will fulfill his missions and make active contributions to the development of bilateral relations.

Ambassador Cong highlighted the sound traditional relations between Vietnam and Sudan, and thanked Sudan for supporting his country at international forums.

He said their bilateral economic partnership was yet to be on par with their political ties. Therefore, in his position, the ambassador pledged to do his utmost to develop the relations in a pragmatic and effective manner, especially in fields of their strengths.

During his visit, the Vietnamese diplomat had a working session with officials from Sudans Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review cooperation fields that the two sides should promote.

The same day, he visited Honourary Consul General of Vietnam in Sudan Bakri Yousif Omer Osman.

Sudan established diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1969. The two countries have signed some cooperation documents in agriculture, oil and gas, and trade./.
Wilmington developers Buccini/Pollin faithfully recreated the 1958 facade of the National Products building for their new apartment building at Second and Arch. Read more

Old City has been many things in its history: a colonial-era neighborhood, a warehouse district, a manufacturing center, a cheap place for artist studios, a nightlife district. In its latest incarnation, it has become a residential neighborhood again. Since 2010, its population has swelled by 14 percent  to over 5,000 residents  making it the second-fastest growing neighborhood in Philadelphia after Northern Liberties.

Judging by the number of buildings under construction, many more people are coming.

Because of its eclectic past, Old City has never been a homogeneous place architecturally, in the manner of Society Hill. The buildings range from toylike colonial homes to muscular 20th-century factories. Their only constant is their adaptability.

Even though Old City is a designated historic district  protected, in theory, by the Historical Commission  its multilayered collection of buildings could easily be overwhelmed as more developers move in, turning it into a more generic place. But two new arrivals, The National and 218 Arch, offer some lessons for the future. Although theyre both budget-minded buildings, they actively incorporate elements of Old Citys heritage into their designs. Their architecture is the better for it, and so is the neighborhood.

The past is most visible at The National on Second Street, designed by Barton Partners for Buccini/Pollin, a Wilmington developer that is making its first foray into Philadelphia. The massive apartment building sprawls across a full acre, weaving its way from the old restaurant wholesalers on Arch Street to Elfreths Alley, one of Americas oldest, continuously occupied residential streets. The project takes its name from the former National Products store, which occupied the site until 1996. It also took National Products facade, a mid-century commercial masterpiece that was installed in 1958 and listed on the citys historic register in 2002.

Actually, thats not the original 1958 facade you see; its an exact replica. The high orange wall that sweeps down Second Street was painstakingly re-created using tiles produced by the same company that made the originals, Boston Valley Terra Cotta of Buffalo, N.Y. National Products stainless-steel signage was refurbished and reinstalled. The exuberantly curved script evokes Eisenhower-era cool. So does the jaunty pleated canopy over the entrance, now framed in a fresh band of orange mosaic tiles.

By itself, the original showroom was nothing special. The sprawling National Products building was cobbled together from a group of 19th-century warehouses by the companys founder, Harry Caplen. It was only after he decided to unify the hodgepodge with a jazzy terra-cotta billboard that National Products became one of Philadelphias great modernist landmarks.

Its doubtful that Buccini/Pollin would have bothered to re-create the mid-century facade if the restoration wasnt mandated by the Historical Commission. The tiles were already beyond salvage when they acquired the property in 2016. Three earlier developers had tried and failed to find an economical way to build an apartment house on the complex site.

To their credit, Buccini/Pollin never complained about the preservation requirement. Working with J&M Preservation Studio, they used laser technology to record the exact dimensions and shape of the original tiles, so they could be replicated. Fortunately, Boston Valley still had the formula for the orange glaze. The results at ground level are so good, they may be better than the original. As a bonus, the company also set aside the corner of Elfreths Alley for a new park designed by Land Collective, as part of a public effort overseen by the non-profit Community Design Collaborative.

Its a different story once you reach the second floor. The six-story, 198-unit apartment house is an unrelenting block of a building, dressed up in silver-and-orange metal panels, in the increasingly common fast-casual style. One consequence of such a big floor plate is that many apartments have bedrooms with no windows.

The saving grace is the way Bartons design plays off the 1958 facade. The architects used angled orange panels to outline the windows and give the facade depth. Their effort works reasonably well along Second Street but falls apart on Arch Street, where the huge maw of the garage entrance overwhelms the ground floor. That stretch of Arch Street happens to include some of the best buildings in Old City, notably the cast-iron Smythe Stores. But Bartons facade is oblivious to its surroundings.

Buccini/Pollin would have been better off following the lead of 218 Arch, a few doors to the west. Designed by Varenhorst Architects to mimic an old factory that had been built in stages, the brick-faced apartment building looks as if it had always been part of Old City.

Like the National, 218 Arch has a long and tortured construction history. At one point, a developer wanted to erect a 28-story tower on the site. The proposal so alarmed Christ Church  whose steeple dominates the Old City skyline  and the now defunct Old City Civic Association that they sued to stop the project. After several other groups joined in, a settlement was reached to reduce the height to 10 stories (107 feet). The project passed through several developers before landing with PMC, the company responsible for One Waterside on the Delaware.

The apartment house starts low on Arch, at five stories, then gets taller as it moves back from the street. Varenhorst used a different color brick for each setback  red, yellow and black  to help camouflage its size. It really does look like a factory that expanded incrementally over time. Modern casement-style windows add to the industrial feel and reference other Old City buildings. There are no fancy architecture moves, but 218 Arch is as satisfying as good bowl of pasta.

These two projects are just the beginning of massive change in Old City. At least two high-rise towers have been proposed, along with several townhouse developments. The National and 218 Arch have established an important precedent. Theyve shown that new buildings can earn their place in the neighborhood by paying attention to the past.
Judge Jagdale halted Dr Gupta's testimony several times because he felt it had neither order nor direction.

Tightly controlling his irritation, his lips compressed, the judge explained as patiently as he could: "What he has done in this case should come (out in his testimony) in a lucid manner. You eat chapati and then rice. You cannot eat half a chapati and then have rice and then eat half a chapati..."

"He is not a witness of facts. He is an expert witness. Either he is not prepared. Or you are not prepared."

Vaihayasi Pande Daniel reports from the Sheena Bora murder trial.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

The Wednesday, January 15, 2020 hearing of the Sheena Bora murder trial coincided with the winter solstice festival of Makar Sankranti.

Colour -- via the festive costumes of the court staff, all dressed to the nines in gaudy saris and kurtas, like tropical butterflies -- had stealthily seeped into the usually monochromatic, faded Mumbai city civil and sessions court at Kala Ghoda, south Mumbai, which is a place usually of government greys, drab whites and dull greens/browns.

Indrani Mukerjea, Accused No 1, who is Assamese, seemed to be marking the festival too (it is Bihu in Assam), in a bright purple and green kurta-churidar outfit.

That colour though didn't exactly extend to the witness box of Courtroom No 51, where the prim Dr Sudhir Kumar Gupta, 55, Prosecution Witness 61 and head of the forensic medicine department at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences, was deposing.

His testimony was utterly devoid of colour.

So too his manner, which was distant and mildly disconnected.

Absent, as well, was any vigour and starch in his 'testimony in chief'.

As the head of a select committee or 'medical board' of doctors, especially constituted in 2015 at AIIMS, to tender, at the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation, a second opinion on Sheena's remains, Dr Gupta offered no new information or substance, though he was a top forensic specialist in the country and an expert witness, with a lengthy and stellar curriculum vitae.

It was not clear why he had even been summoned to this court to testify.

A short, chunky-looking man, he had prominent facial features -- heavy cheeks, sharply upturned nose and close-set, fierce eyes. His voice, though low pitched and often inaudible, was gravelly and a bit Al Pacino raspy. A sharp dresser, he wore neatly-tailored shirts, and trousers of unusual hues and patterns (blue checks) and opted to wear a tie on Wednesday.

It was actually Dr Gupta's second day in court.

The first day, Tuesday, shut down abruptly early because CBI Special Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale was unhappy with the lacklustre testimony that seemed to being going all over the place. His anger was not directed at the witness so much as it was directed at CBI Special Public Prosecutor Manoj Chaladan.

Judge Jagdale halted Dr Gupta's testimony several times on Tuesday because he felt it had neither order nor direction.

Tightly controlling his irritation, his lips compressed, the judge explained as patiently as he could: "What he has done in this case should come (out in his testimony) in a lucid manner. You eat chapati and then rice. You cannot eat half a chapati and then have rice and then eat half a chapati..."

"He can't be bringing documents (referring to the original letter from the CBI that Dr Gupta tabled which should have been tabled much earlier by the prosecution) out of his pockets. He is not a witness of facts. He is an expert witness. Either he is not prepared. Or you are not prepared."

Chaladan in reply said the witness was perhaps not able to remember what he had done in 2015 and there was a vague prompting to relate some sort of interaction with Dr Sanjay Thakur (the Raigad doctor who conducted the first post mortem in 2012 and Prosecution Witness No 52) and Dr Zeba Khan (of Sir J J Hospital, south central Mumbai, who analysed the bones first) that Dr Gupta didn't recall.

A few minutes later, Dr Gupta got mixed up over which remains (Exhibits No 1 through 13 of sets of bones) he had examined and which he had not, especially since Chaladan believed he had examined all with his team.

Finally, the proceedings had gone beyond the judge's endurance and he told Dr Gupta, shortly, to come back the next day and Chaladan was asked to brief his witness further and better and make a fresh start on Wednesday.

Part of the lack of clarity seemed to stem from differences in court procedure between Delhi and Mumbai and language or communication barriers.

At one point Judge Jagdale, perplexed by Dr Gupta's flowery English that often contradicted itself, asked: "Generally, which language do you use in day to day to work? Which language are you using?"

Dr Gupta, temporarily dumbstruck, had no answer.

Later, Dr Gupta, after the hearing was over on Wednesday, confessed that the manner in which an expert like him deposes is quite different in Delhi where he said the prosecutor reads the doctor's report and cues him when to agree or contribute at crucial points.

Chaladan on the other hand was also baffled by Dr Gupta's lack of participation, telling him on Tuesday, after the hearing was aborted: "I can't ask you leading questions."

The missed cues or crossed communication lines didn't end on Tuesday and the testimony hobbled along on Wednesday too with very few highlights.

The key points:

1. After receiving the request from the CBI on October 13, 2015, to conduct yet another post mortem examination (the fourth) of the remains, said to be Sheena's, Dr Gupta put together a 'board' that consisted of himself and his juniors at the department of forensic medicine at AIIMS -- Dr Kulbhushan Prasad, Dr Adarsh Kumar, Dr Millo Tabin.

His colleagues, he said, visited the 'alleged scene of the incident' in 2015 and 'interacted' with the other doctors who had conducted the post mortem, namely Dr Shailesh C Mohite (Prosecution Witness 58) and his team at the B Y L Nair hospital, central Mumbai.

2. Dr Gupta also received a letter from the CBI on 23/10/2015 asking if the skeletal remains showed any signs of "gunshot injuries".

3. "The skeletal remains recovered in the exhumation were medically examined and found to be human in origin and female. Age about 23 years. And the stature of the deceased was 158 cm +/-."

4. "By consulting various parameters time since death I have precisely mentioned (in his report) was three years... No ante-mortem (before death) injuries...'

5. 'On basis of skeletal examination I could not confirm if there were strangulation injuries."

6. And then, in seeming mild contradiction to point 5 above, this bafflingly: "The death, in this case, is due to asphyxia as a result of strangulation by way of ligature or manual (there are three types of strangulation, the first being hanging. Ligature or garrotting is 'without suspension' and can use a cord or a similar tool. Manual or throttling is with 'hands, fingers or other extremities', as per Wikipedia) cannot be ruled out. This opinion is based on elimination of associated causes of death in suspicious death."

Judge Jagdale, surprised by Dr Gupta's flow of language: "... cause of death in suspicious death?!"

7. Dr Gupta said he had also consulted several Indian and international textbooks and journals while drawing up his final conclusions. He listed three books, one of which was written by himself!

The silver steel trunk in which Sheena's alleged bones must uncomfortably rest, part of the skeleton unearthed in a mango grove at Gagode Khurd of Maharashtra's Raigad district, was pulled down from on top of one of the courtroom almirahs, by the court peons.

A series of packets were pulled out and everyone peered at poor Sheena's bones and skull, who would nearly have been 33, like they were some freaky new novelties.

Dr Gupta disdainfully refused to pull the out the bones or the skull from their envelopes, citing "I have no gloves. I have seen it".

How he was able to identify which bones they were from a bunch of bony remains at the bottom of an envelope, for the court procedure, was a mystery.

Many moments like this in this murder case have similarly been a let-down. The sheer lack of dramatic importance given to these occasions that you think should be packed with it, is always confounding. They pass by almost unnoticed.

Chaladan, who is mild in his approach, did not push Dr Gupta to be more meticulous in recording the details of the bones either.

At one point, the hyper-efficient court clerk, Ujjwala, who was decked in a black and gold sari on Wednesday, confirmed with Dr Gupta if the bones in the envelope were ribs or vertebrae or whatever as was written on the packet.

That led the judge to comment angrily to Chaladan: "You have to ask. Not the court staff. Such a big chief examination now the court staff is conducting?!"

In exasperation, Chaladan returned: "But he (Dr Gupta) is supposed to tell!"

The defence lawyers Shrikant Shivade, Viral Babar, Harshman Chavan and Gunjan Mangla watched these proceedings with amusement writ large on their faces.

Did it already indicate Dr Gupta was going to be an easy witness to cross-examine? A pushover?

Oddly, Dr Gupta was no stranger to these kinds of courtroom procedures. He has numerous landmark cases under his belt and told the court roundly that he had worked on "more than 40 extra-judicial killing cases".

While dictating this for the court record, Judge Jagdale rolled his tongue around the usage of word "extra-judicial", repeating it, in emphasis, as if it was hard to believe.

The doctor's CV on the AIIMS Web site states: 'He has served the Nation and has helped in bringing justice through forensic investigations in various challenging cases in partnership with the Interpol, CBI, NIA, NHRC, Delhi Police, various state police and all the levels of judiciary'.

He had apparently, as per the AIIMAS Web site, offered sterling assistance in cases like: The recent Hyderabad vet rape case, the 'extrajudicial killings' in Manipur (between 1980 and 2011), the death of then Union minister Gopinath Munde in a road accident, the Jessica Lal case, the killing of former minister Vidya Charan Shukla in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, the Uphaar fire tragedy, the Shivani Bhatnagar case, the alleged Ilavarasan suicide tragedy, the Batla House encounter among others.

His role in a few cases apparently had attracted controversy. Several news reports from 2015 dwelled on a questionable role in the investigation into the death of Sunanda Pushkar, former Union minister Shashi Tharoor's wife, when he had announced that he had been under pressure to declare the death had been by natural causes.

This led AIIMS officials to file charges against Dr Gupta through the Central Administrative Tribunal.

When he mentioned the list of high-profile cases he had worked on to the court, he did not mention the Sunanda Pushkar alleged suicide.

He also said he had not "faced any departmental enquiry for the last 25 years (that he had been employed at AIIMS)."

Dr Gupta's cross examination will begin on January 20.

Indrani's bail application -- this time not on medical grounds, but on merit, although she vigorously denied that from the back of the courtroom -- came up.

Her lawyers wanted to know when they could have an answer.

The judge asked Chaladan when he would file his reply.

Chaladan: "Two weeks."

Judge Jagdale astonished: "Two weeks for what!?"

Chaladan waffled while giving his reply saying he needed to hear from K K Singh, the CBI's investigating officer on the case.

The judge wondered how Chaladan was going to contact Singh: "He has been absent for the last so many months and is busy with some other case."

Singh's absence and lack of response had already led to several complications in court. Accused No 2 Sanjeev Khanna had requested permission to renew his passport earlier but the passport was in Singh's custody and could not be obtained.

Chaladan said he still needed to consult either the investigating officer or the holding investigative officer before he could offer his reply to Indrani's bail request.

That didnt sit well with Judge Jagdale who said Chaladan was "an officer of the court" and did not need to hear from the IO or his stand-in to file a reply and he issued an order stating: "The SPP for CBI Mr Manoj Chaladan has submitted to the court that every time the holding IO is filing the reply to the bail application through public prosecutor. Unless and until the holding IO files his reply to the bail application, the prosecutor cannot forward the said reply..."

"Since the bail application is required to be decided as early as possible, the CBI has to file the reply on or before 21st January 2020. It is also important to note that, the SPP is the law officer and he has to answer the legal points raised by the accused."

After the hearing Indrani sat outside with her lawyers discussing perhaps her bail application and the merits of Dr Gupta's testimony. She seemed excited by a few of the contradictory statements he had made.

She hauled her lawyer Sudeep Ratnamberdutt Pasbola to a tiny corner and was whispering a range of instructions to him.

As if the drama inside the courtroom was not enough, Indrani always steps it up several notches, providing, without fail, to everyone's bemusement, her own additional Brand Indrani drama -- a television show/soap opera all by herself -- at each hearing, via her theatrical actions and exaggerated emotions, never failing to turn heads in these corridors.

An unstoppable character is Indrani Mukerjea.

Vaihayasi Pande Daniel covers the Sheena Bora Murder Trial for Rediff.com. You can read her fascinating coverage here.
Two Laois-Offaly election hopefuls have locked horns on farming policy after Independent TD Carol Nolan said "farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the threat being posed to their livelihoods by various Green Party policies."

Senator Pippa Hackett, herself a farmer and election candidate for the Greens, responded by raising concerns of farmers as a result of longtime Fine Gael and Fianna Fail policies.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after the Green Party Agriculture Spokesperson Pippa Hackett confirmed that the party would review and probably remove the Nitrates Directive if it were in government.

It is al very well for Pippa Hackett to say that farmers would have nothing to fear if the Greens were to return to power, but this threat around the removal of the nitrates directive and with it the nitrates derogation from Irish agriculture is deeply alarming," the Independent deputy said.

"As things stand at present the nitrate's derogation is in place until at least 2021. Are we to conclude from the Green Party spokesperson's statement that its removal would become a key negotiating factor before they entered office?

"The vast majority of farmers who have signed up to avail of the nitrates derogation did so on the explicit understanding that the government was encouraging the growth and development of Irish agriculture as it is detailed in the Food Wise 2025 growth plan.

"The removal of the derogation would, therefore, bring with it a major disruption to the business plans that farmers have already put in place," she claimed.

"This kind of policy flagging before a general election is going to create massive uncertainty among farmers around what the real financial impact of a Green Party return to office would mean.

"They are right to be concerned, and that is why I will be asking the Minister for Agriculture to provide explicit assurances to farmers that the retention of the Nitrates Directive and Derogation will remain in place until at 2021 and hopefully further out beyond that, concluded Deputy Nolan.

Responding, Senator Hackett said: "We have suggested that the Nitrates Derogation should be reviewed in conjunction with the EPA. It is already under fairly frequent review, so this is nothing new. It is always at risk of scrutiny from a European level, and with water quality issues under pressure from an increase in nitrates and other pollutants, it is not unreasonable to examine this derogation.

"It is a symptom of failed FF-FG policies which see our dairy farmers working harder and harder for less and less. Our dairy farmers receive one of the worst milk prices in Europe, if not the world - you dont see that making front-page news.

"Of our 140,000 farmers across Ireland, about 7,000 farmers avail of the derogation. We should be putting policies in place that help and support farmers to become less dependant on such derogations so that eventually they become unnecessary.

"Ultimately, we should be moving towards a model of agriculture that requires fewer synthetic inputs, works with nature, supports biodiversity, and commands a higher price in the marketplace. The high-end discerning consumers we should be targeting are demanding such," she concluded.
Weve been hearing a great deal about North Koreas gift to the United States in the form of the test of a long-range missile or satellite launch as punishment for the failure to agree to sanctions relief. Considering all thats at stake, a step-by-step deal under which Kim Jong-un slowly surrenders his nuclear program while the United States and United Nations let up on sanctions might seem sensible. Why not, its tempting to ask, deprive the North of a rationalization for making good on its threats?

Much as China, Russia and numerous pro-Northers would endorse such an agreement, a quick look at history would show that North Korea has never honored its promises. Donald Trump was not the first to succumb to the Norths deception when he seriously believed he had gotten rid of the danger of its nukes at his rendezvous with Kim Jong-un in Singapore one and a half years ago. He may have come to his senses when he walked out of his next summit with Kim in Hanoi last February, but hes still looking for a way to pronounce the problem solved.

Lets say we do have yet another tremendous conference, maybe of negotiators from all the countries with a stake in the standoff, and they come up with an elaborate deal under which, again, all sides claim success. Amid the rhetoric, however, its easy to forget that the North is guilty of much more than splurging on its nuclear-and-missile program at the expense of its impoverished people.

The Norths other great offense, besides breaking every promise it has ever made about a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, is its cruel violations of basic norms of human rights. Any mention of the Norths transgressions against the rudimentary rights of its citizens draws a rhetorical tirade from Pyongyang that is just as vitriolic as attacks on the United States for persisting in demanding complete denuclearization.

Knowing that Kim Jong-un is dead set against giving up his nuclear program regardless of whatever carefully crafted document he may sign, does Trump have any reason not to place human rights near the top of the agenda, right after weapons of mass destruction? If negotiators are going to talk about some formula for denuclearization, they would do well to demand a place for human rights in any discussion.

Oddly, however, the Americans seem to want to sublimate the whole issue. The fear is that the North Koreans would simply not talk about human rights, might well walk out of any meeting in which the topic arose and would not join in another round of negotiations on its nuclear program. It was no doubt for that reason that the United States refused to agree to a session of the U.N. Security Council to focus on North Koreas human rights record after the Norths U.N. ambassador said a meeting on that topic would be a provocation.

The North Korean leadership was incensed when U.S. negotiator Stephen Biegun, just named deputy secretary of state, supported a U.N. General Assembly resolution excoriating the North for its record on human rights. The U.N. resolution was fairly pro forma, almost a routine denunciation that would not have captured too many headlines, but it was enough for the North Korean foreign ministry again to resort to threats, warning of the high price the United States would pay for this insult.

It might be understandable for South Korea not to take a position on North Korean human rights that would totally sink any chance of North-South reconciliation. South Korea faces the North up close and stands to suffer the most in a breakdown of the seeming goodwill engendered by President Moon Jae-ins three meetings with Kim. If nothing else, South Koreans can always hope for understanding on issues ranging from reunions of divided families to renewed trade and tourism.

Really, however, theres no good reason for the United States to shy away from taking the North to task on human rights. With no real deal on the Norths nukes and missiles in the offing, the Americans should not be intimidated by the Norths big talk.

If talks are to resume between the U.S. and North Korea, the Americans should have the courage to put human rights on the agenda. There is nothing to lose and all to gain by reminding the world of what the North Koreans are doing. Weapons of mass destruction  nuclear, chemical and biological  pose the biggest long-range danger, but the daily suffering of North Koreas people should not be ignored in the rush to reach a nuclear agreement thats not going to happen.

Donald Kirk has been a columnist for Korea Times, South China Morning Post many other newspapers and magazines. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Jane David sat on a stone close to her newly constructed kiosk for her daily business as a Point of Sale agent popularly referred to as a mobile bank agent.

Mrs David looked exhausted, her gaze fixed on the Point Of Sale (POS) machine.

It was a few minutes to 6 p.m. on a Saturday in November. It was already dusk  the sun had calmed, preparing to take its rest.

Mrs David told PREMIUM TIMES that the business moved well during the weekends, so she closes late. The 35-year-old would soon complain bitterly about how the N50 stamp duty charges on POS introduced about a month before was affecting the business in the agricultural settlements around Luvu community in Nasarawa State.

I just moved here. I used to be at the main road before. People are closing down because customers are losing interest in withdrawing their money from us because of charges. They prefer to keep their money at home or wait for a day to travel the journey to Maraba or Area one in Abuja to withdraw their money, she said.

Luvu is a community in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Although Mrs David said she had no accurate data, she gave a rough estimate of mobile money agents around the community to be over 50, with half closing down the business due to financial constraints.

Heartbreak

Mrs David said it is worrisome that many agents are closing down their businesses because residents have refused to patronise them since the introduction of the N50 stamp duty charges in September.

A POS agent, Jane David explaining their challenges

We usually charge N100  N150 on N5000 before, but we have added N50 to it, so we collect N200. Do not forget that POS charge too is there. It is becoming challenging.

Mobile bank agents provide ready cash for people with debit or credit cards. In return, they deduct the equivalent of the cash given, plus charges, from the owners bank account using their POS machines. Such services are common in areas with little or no banking services and ATM machines.

The N50 stamp duty introduced by the CBN has thus increased the charges demanded by mobile bank agents like Mrs David.

Apart from the stamp duty that has reduced patronage, Mrs David, who said she left her teaching job for the business, also highlighted other challenges.

This business has a lot of challenges, which is the reason why people are closing down. It is capital intensive, and you know it is difficult to access loans. For example, if you are using the banks POS for this business, you will close the business early because it takes 24 hours before money drops on banks POS.

You will see people with bank POS machines panicking on a Friday because the money wont drop till Monday. But for company POS machines such as OPay, the money drops immediately.

Another mobile bank agent in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, who identified himself as Amos Ufmon, corroborated Mrs Davids position, in a separate interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

A Point of Sale machine

Mr Ufmon said most of the agents took loans before starting the business.

The N50 stamp duty has killed our business. Most of us took loans from friends and family to start the business, he said.

Explaining the process of being an agent, Mr Ufmon said one must have a registered company and open a current account with a minimum of N200,000 before the POS can be given to you.

Other mobile agents who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES in Abuja and Nasarawa State corroborated what Mrs David and Mr Ufmon said.

PREMIUM TIMES checks showed that the agents made a minimum of N2000 profit daily, depending on patronage.

CBNs stamp duty charge

The federal government recently mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria to strictly implement Merchant Service Charge, which would impose more charges on all POS transactions.

To this end, the central bank issued a circular to banks and other stakeholders titled, Review of Process for Merchants Collections on Electronic Transactions. Accordingly, the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) also issued a circular titled, Returns on Stamp Duty Collection for Merchant Transactions.

Both bodies are working closely in setting remittance processes that ensure the collection of stamp duty charges for the POS.

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Dogara Manji, the community chief of Kahodanu in Kuje Area council, Abuja.

The new policy covers every transaction that occurs on the POS platform, rather than the previous regime where charges are made on aggregate transactions. Thus, for every POS transaction of N1,000 or more, a stamp duty of N50 is paid.

The NIBSS data showed the total volume of POS transactions for 2017 stood at 146.3 million which was worth N1.4 trillion; 285.9 million transactions in 2018 valued at N2.3 trillion, and 187.7 million for six months  January to June 2019 worth N1.4 trillion.

Improving Financial Inclusion

Mobile banking like Mrs Davids is one of the methods the CBN hopes to use to increase financial inclusion among Nigerians.

In 2010, Nigeria made a commitment to reduce the adult financial exclusion rate in the country from 46.3 per cent to 20 per cent by 2020.

To attain this, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) adopted the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) in 2012.

According to the strategys document, the NFIS was built on four strategic areas of agency banking, mobile banking/mobile payments, linkage models and client empowerment.

It also identified four priority areas for guideline and framework development. They include Tiered Know-your-Customer (T-KYC) Regulations, Agent Banking Regulations, National Financial Literacy Strategy, and Consumer Protection.

A signpost in the community

A major aspect of the financial inclusion strategy is its focus on the end-users of financial services.

The end-user, the CBN said, refers to the adult population in the country, including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, artisans, and all economically active people, particularly those in the informal sector.

CBN explains POS directive

A director in Central Banks payment system management department, Musa Jimoh, explained the apex banks directive on the N50 POS charge.

Mr Jimoh said the stamp duty is a fee regulated by an Act.

The CBN does not regulate the stamp duty, so, we cannot change anything. Stamp duty, as it is today, has been misinterpreted, he recently said on a Channels Television programme.

Our circular that talks about merchants paying stamp duty, according to the law, does not say that the stamp duty should be paid by the consumer. Thats actually a misrepresentation of the CBNS directive, he said.

He said no individual should pay N50 in addition to the cost of the good.

What has happened is that they have transferred this fee, blatantly and openly, to the consumers. This is very wrong, he said.

He also said the stamp duty is not to be paid by individuals that are consuming the goods and services of the merchant.

The merchants, who are receiving the money, are the ones who are supposed to pay, he clarified.

But PREMIUM TIMES checks revealed that most businesses including mobile banking agents, stores and petrol stations in the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos State transfer the N50 charge to consumers who use POS.

PREMIUM TIMES checks were collaborated by the Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, in his recent tweets.

Mr Irukera said the commission will continue to protect consumers first, in every policy, while advising those still deducting N50 POS charge, to stop it.

A financial analyst, Jide Ojo, said the N50 might stamp duty charges may look small, but, if one looks at the millions of Nigerians who engage in financial transactions every day, it is much.

My worry is the lack of accountability on how much the government is generating with this fifty-naira stamp duty. Who is tracking? Has there been any form of accountability as to whether the banks that are making these reductions are even remitting? Is there a platform that, as that reduction is made, it goes directly to CBN or to the commercial deposit bank, who then will remit to the federal government?

He suggested that there is a lot of fraud and lack of clarity about the management of this deduction.

So this fifty-naira reduction stamp duty reduction, stamp duty is supposed to be collected by the Nigerian postal services. Is this fifty naira going into the account of Nigerian postal service as part of their revenue generation or is it going directly into the money deposit bank and they are remitting directly?

Not Interested In Banking

The central bank believes that the use of mobile banks like Mrs Davids would encourage many unbanked Nigerians, who live in communities with little or no banking facilities, to register for bank accounts.

A point of sale outlet

Across the villages and farm settlements visited by PREMIUM TIMES in the FCT, most of the farmers and local business owners interviewed said they never owned bank accounts, despite the presence of mobile banking in their areas.

Most of them said they use cash for their transactions. The multiple bank charges, now made worse by the N50 POS charge, is a major reason many of these people do not want to own bank accounts.

Even before the introduction of the N50 charge, however, the result of the 2018 Access to Financial Services (A2FS) Survey conducted by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), showed that mobile money usage was predominant amongst already financially included populations while cash transactions continued to hold sway among subsistence farmers and business owners in rural areas.

Poverty The Main Problem

In Kahodahanu, some of the farmers said there is no point in taking the little they make to the banks when they can barely feed themselves.

For 19-year-old Amina Alhassan, opening a bank account would have assisted in saving, but it is almost impossible, because, we do not make a profit.

She said banks remove a lot of charges and it will affect the rural farmers so much.

While recounting the daily stress of making ends meet, Ms Alhassan said all the women usually gathered around 7 a.m by the mango tree and set out for a journey of about two hours, to pack five bunches of plantain for N500.

She said coming back from the farm also takes almost two hours.

Mallam Haruna Ahmed, a traditional ruler in Mabobi community, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

The women suffer a lot to make ends meet and we cant afford to open an account or save any. Banks will still remove too much money from peoples savings and someone like me that is saving to further my education will always be sad if they are removing all those charges from what I am saving. It is not encouraging at all, she said.

Other women shared similar tales as Ms Alhassan.

Different Strokes

While many residents of rural Abuja complain about the new N50 charge on POS transactions, residents of rural communities in Bauchi, Jigawa and Nasarawa lamented the absence of mobile banking in their communities. For them, the presence of mobile banking, even with the additional N50 charge would be a relief.

In Sabongarin Nguwankasa, a farming community about 10 kilometres from Bauchi town, many residents said they have no bank accounts. The few who do said they seldom make use of the accounts.

The village head, Bala Umat, said since they moved to their present location about 32 years ago, they have not had access to banking services.

Road to Kahodanu community in Kuje Area council

I have a bank account through which I am being paid my stipend allowance as a village head. But I have never done mobile banking, he said.

The 40-year-old village chief said he travels about 12km to the nearest bank in Bauchi to access banking services.

He said the presence of mobile banking in his community would assist people like him and also encourage more farmers to open bank accounts.

We pay between N400 and N350 as transportation fees on a return trip from Sabongarin Nguwankasa to Central Bauchi, to cash our money,  he said.

A similar view was shared by residents of Sabon Nguwankasa in Bauchi Local Government Area.

A staff at the Bauchi State civil service, Danlami Abdullahi, said the community has been neglected by the government.

As for banking, I normally go to the bank in town to cash my salary at the end of the month. That is always once in a month, he said, lamenting the absence of mobile banking services in the community.

A trader, Muhammadu Shekarau, resident of Modobi community in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

In Jigawa State, Muhammadu Shekarau, a trader in Madobi community in Dutse Local Government Area said there are no mobile banks in the area, despite its closeness to the state capital.

Its a seven-kilometre journey to the state capital. Many people in this community have bank accounts, however, there are no financial agents to transact business with. More disheartening is the long queue we normally encounter in the town whenever we go to transact business. Sometimes, we have to leave home earlier in the morning to get access to bank services, on time, Mr Shekarau said.

Another resident, Sahabi Abdullahi, who works in a bakery, corroborated Mr Shekaraus experience.

Sahabi Abdullahi, a Bakery worker at Madobi community, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

Even this point of sale (POS) services are lacking in this community. At times, my wife sends me to the city to cash her little monthly stipend from the government. Many a time, I asked her to go there herself, whenever I have other important engagements in the village, Mr. Abdullahi said.

In its five-year strategy (2019-2024) plan, the Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, said the apex banks ultimate goal is to ensure that a 95 per cent financial inclusion rate is achieved by 2024.

Ensuring the presence of mobile banking agents in rural communities in Jigawa, Bauchi and others will surely help to achieve this target as more residents would be encouraged to open bank accounts and use banking services.

However, mobile banking agents like Mrs David believe the introduction of the N50 charge would discourage more people from using mobile banking and thus defeat its purpose.

If you want to retain your customers, you cannot afford to add such money, Mrs David said.
Passengers onboard a United Airlines flight started screaming in panic after what appeared to be flames were seen shooting from one engine.

Flight 1871 was heading to Los Angeles from Newark on 15 January when travellers noticed sparks issuing from the engine just minutes into the flight.

The flight quickly descended into chaos, according to those onboard.

Theyre making announcements but I cant hear anything b/c people are screaming, tweeted passenger Nicole Adamo.

Most terrifying experience of my life.

Flight delayed two hours for maintenance issues. Flight takes off, right wing of the plane (where Im sitting in the aisle seat) sparking and now one engine failed.

Others shared footage of the flames issuing from the jet on social media.

The aircraft was forced to turn back to New Jersey and make an emergency landing.

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Fire engines were dispatched to the scene, reported NorthJersey.com.

United attributed the incident to a mechanical issue and said all passengers had been rebooked after the flight landed safely.

United 1871 from Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles returned to Newark due to a mechanical issue, a spokesperson told NorthJersey.com. The flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally.

Recommended Plane makes emergency landing after engine catches on fire

The Independent has contacted United Airlines for further comment.

Its not the first time flames have been seen coming from an aircraft engine.

In November 2019, a plane had to make an emergency landing when it started spitting flames from its engine shortly after take-off.

One onlooker captured the moment that the Philippine Airlines jet started spewing flames and black smoke from the right-hand plane engine.

Philippine Airlines flight 113 suffered engine failure after taking off from Los Angeles International Airport at 11.38am local time on 21 November.

The flight was aborted before returning safely to the airport 30 minutes later, according to flight tracking site Flight Aware.
Public health officials in Utah wanted to get people talking about their new HIV-awareness campaign. So they hired an advertising firm to come up with a series of provocative, regionally specific come-ons - "Toss The Jello Salad," "Explore Utah's Caves" - and slapped them on condom packages.

The strategy worked - a little too well. On Wednesday, just hours after the Utah Department of Health began publicizing the promotion, Gov. Gary Herbert, R, deemed the jokes too risque and demanded that officials stop handing out the 100,000 condoms that officials had ordered.

"The Governor understands the importance of the Utah Department of Health conducting a campaign to educate Utahns about HIV prevention," a spokeswoman with Herbert's office said in a statement shared with The Washington Post. "He does not, however, approve the use of sexual innuendo as part of a taxpayer-funded campaign, and our office has asked the department to rework the campaign's branding."

The Utah-themed condoms, which were paid for with a federal grant, mixed local in-jokes with juvenile humor, presenting "SL,UT" as shorthand for Salt Lake City, Utah. One depicted a road sign listing the distances to Fillmore and Beaver, while another replaced the state's tourism slogan, "Greatest Snow on Earth," with "Greatest Sex on Earth." Others played on Utah's outdoorsy reputation - for instance, pairing "Enjoy Your Mountin' " with a picture of a mountain.

"Uintah Sex?" asked another, borrowing the name of one of the state's eastern counties.

Before the governor shut down the condom giveaway, Utah health officials told the Salt Lake Tribune that the goofy puns were designed to spark a conversation around sexual health. "If the condoms are fun, relatable, sex positive - people are more apt to talk about them, which we've already seen," Erin Fratto, an official with the Utah Health Department's Prevention, Treatment and Care Program, told the paper.

In addition to promoting safe sex, the jokey condom packages encouraged people to visit a website with information about HIV prevention and treatment. (In 2015, Utah ranked 36th out of 50 states when it came to the number of HIV diagnoses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Officials told KUTV that they specifically hoped to reach people "who are historically harder to reach through traditional communication channels," and were working with volunteers to distribute the condoms at bars and university clinics as well as local health departments.

The idea was modeled on successful campaigns in other conservative Western states, KUTV reported. In 2013, state health officials in Alaska began handing out condoms with slogans such as "Harness Your Husky" and "Spawn Safely." A similar promotion in Wyoming featured taglines like "Drill Safely." But the same approach didn't go over so well in deep-red Utah, which has a predominantly Mormon population.

One volunteer, Michael Sanders, told the station that he had been delivering the condoms to bars and LGBTQ centers on Wednesday when he received an email telling him to stop right away. When he called the governor's office to find out what was going on, he said, "I was told it was an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars."

Late Wednesday, just hours after several news stories about the condom promotion appeared, the Utah Health Department issued a statement apologizing for the "offensive packaging" and saying that it regretted "the lewd nature of the branding." The condoms "did not go through necessary approval channels," the agency said, and the groups helping to hand them out had been told to stop immediately.

"We remain committed to running a campaign to help in the prevention of HIV and intend to do so in a manner that better respects taxpayer dollars, and our role as a government agency," the statement concluded.

Utahns reacting to the about-face on social media were left with one burning question: What was going to happen to all the remaining condoms? And what would it take to acquire one?

"If you know anything about the ' Streisand Effect,' those Utah-centric condoms that are out on the free market are probably collector's items now," tweeted Fox 13 reporter Ben Winslow.
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KAMPALA  Legislators subscribing to the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) and Civil Society have launched a campaign dubbed My Body, My Consent aimed at fighting the increasing sexual violence in Uganda.

Addressing the media at Parliament, the National Youth MP, Ann Adeke Ebaju who also doubles as Chairperson of the Youth Parliamentary Affairs Association said that the campaign will focus on seeking justice against perpetrators of sex crimes including rapists and defilers, among others.

The development comes at the time when a number of Ugandans both male and female took to social media and narrated their rape ordeal, further exposing loopholes into the justice system in the country.

Adeke said that the experiences by the brave Ugandans left the national leaders shocked by the failure of the countrys justice systems to provide justice hence the need to launch a campaign that a joint action against all forms of sexual assault that has been committed against the women and girls in the country.

Because we recognize they need psychosocial support, which we are able to provide so kindly, if you are out there and you have been violated, please get in touch, not necessarily so that you record statement to the Police, but to get support, said Adeke.

She added that UWOPA and the Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum-Uganda cant afford to continue watching even after there are actions of bravery of survivors willing to talk about the heinous crimes.

According to the team, the two bodies will provide legal and psychosocial support to victims of rape and sexual assault and publicly condemning sexual violence in all its forms by encouraging the victims to speak up, naming and shaming the perpetrators of sexual assault and rape.

Adeke said, And with your consent, we shall be able to pursue the matter. It is something we are going to venture into because we are exploring the chances of going for a public interest litigation suit that will be spearheaded by me on behalf of all the victims.

She also revealed plans by MPs to table a motion on the floor asking Parliament to pass the Sexual Offences Bill before end of the month because it is the only adequate law that can curb the vices and give justice to the survivors.

Jovah Kamateeka (Mitoma Woman MP), said that it is so absurd that rape has been normalized in the country and victims are always further victimized.

According to the 2018 Uganda Police Crime report, there were 14,985 defilement & 1,335 rape cases reported and of those reported rape cases, 396 cases were taken to court, six ended in conviction and 375 are still pending with more than 600 are still being investigated.

On the other hand, a total of 4,651 defilement cases were taken to court, out of which 609 led to convictions, and 3,704 cases were still pending.

The report also highlighted that more than 60% of the cases in Ugandas criminal courts are sexual violence cases.

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In pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai tomorrow

PM Modis residence likely to be shifted so that he can walk to office from home

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16: The prime minister Narendra Modi's residence and office are likely to be shifted near the South Block and the vice-president's new house will be in the vicinity of the North Block as per a blueprint prepared by the government for its ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, sources said.

The vice president's residence is among those buildings identified by the government for demolition in Lutyens' Delhi, they said The redevelopment project of the Central Vista envisages a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, a common Central Secretariat and the revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath -- from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.

"Shifting the residences of the vice-president and the prime minister close to the North Block and the South Block, respectively, is being planned. This would also help in easing traffic in the area as VIP movements often cause inconvenience to the people in Lutyens' Delhi.

"The residence and office of PM will be close enough so that the prime minister can walk to office from home," a source said.

There is also a plan to convert the North Block and the South Block into two museums, the sources said.

The new Parliament building will have a seating capacity of 900 to 1,200 MPs, and have modern facilities like computer screens on tables and comfortable seating space, and offices for Union ministers and MPs, as per plans. "Once the redevelopment project is executed, the government will have a plan for the extension of the Central Vista from the Ridge to the Yamuna river," the source said.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

An official in the Union housing and urban affairs ministry, which is a nodal agency for the mega project, said a huge park near India Gate will also be developed.

The triangular Parliament building is targeted to be constructed by August 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024.

In October last year, Gujarat-based architecture firm HCP Designs won the consultancy bid for architectural and engineering planning of the Centre's ambitious project.

The firm, which will be paid Rs 229.75 crore for consultancy services, will prepare the master plan for the project, including designs, cost estimation, landscape and traffic integration plans, and parking facilities among others.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 11:43 [IST]
A law-enforcement body interrogated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Wednesday as part of its criminal investigations into his and other officials leaked phone conversations that caused an uproar in Armenia in 2018.

In one of those conversations secretly recorded in July 2018 and posted on the Internet two months later, then National Security Service Director Artur Vanetsian spoke to Sasun Khachatrian, the head of the Special Investigative Service (SIS). Vanetsian could be heard saying that he pressured a judge to sanction the arrest of former President Robert Kocharian prosecuted by the SIS on coup charges.

Vanetsian at the same time urged the SIS not to arrest Yuri Khachaturov, the then secretary general of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), warning of a negative reaction from Russia. He noted that Pashinian wants investigators to lock up Khachaturov.

Vanetsian also argued against Khachaturovs arrest in a series of wiretapped phone calls with Pashinian which were publicized in December 2018. The two men also seemed to discuss the fate of Kocharian just hours before a court in Yerevan allowed the ex-presidents arrest.

Pashinian confirmed the authenticity of the audio but said it was doctored to leave out important messages conveyed by him to Vanetsian. For their part, Kocharian and his lawyers portrayed it as further proof that the high-profile case is politically motivated.

Armenias Investigative Committee launched two separate inquiries into the scandalous leaks. It has not indicted anyone so far.

A spokeswoman for the law-enforcement body, Naira Harutyunyan, told RFE/RLs Armenian service that Pashinian was questioned both as a witness in the possible interference in the work of courts and as a victim of the illegal wiretapping.

The two interrogations lasted for two and a half hours, she said, refusing to give other details.

Pashinian took a selfie with an Investigative Committee officer and posted it on Facebook at the start of the questioning. The prime minister declined to talk to reporters as he left the committee headquarters in Yerevan afterwards.

Vanetsian fell out with Pashinian and was sacked in September 2019 for still unclear reasons. The two men have traded bitter recriminations since then.

In a weekend article, a Yerevan newspaper controlled by Pashinians family accused Vanetsian of organizing a smear campaign against it. The former NSS chief, who is increasingly signaling political ambitions, strongly denied the allegations.
A peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban would pave the way for the withdrawal of thousands of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a key campaign promise that Trump wants to keep. But reducing the troop level will also increase pressure on Afghan government forces, which continue to struggle to carry out operations without close U.S. support.
The energy ministries in the two countries issued a joint statement, saying that "the flow of natural gas from Israel to Egypt has begun. This is an important development that will serve the economic interests of both parties."

The commercial gas flow is being supplied through a subsea pipeline from Israel's offshore Leviathan natural gas reservoir to Egypt.

Then, gas will also be supplied to Egypt from Israel's smaller Tamar natural gas reservoir.

Under the deal, Dolphinus Holdings, a private company in Egypt, will buy 85 billion cubic meters of gas for about US$19.5 billion from Israel's Leviathan and Tamar over 15 years.

According to the Israeli and Egyptian energy ministries, the move "will also allow Israel to export some of its natural gas to Europe through Egypt's liquefied natural gas facilities and promote Egypt's status as a regional gas market."

Leviathan is a huge 622-billion-cubic meter gas reservoir that was found off Israel's Mediterranean coast in 2010.

Gas production in Tamar, a nearby smaller gas field, kicked off in March 2013.
On January 10, the fascist group Action Zealandia (AZ) posted pictures on Facebook of posters it stuck outside the office of Jian Yang, a Chinese-born member of parliament in the opposition National Party, in Auckland. One poster declared, Dont let them steal our country, with a picture of the Chinese flag being painted over New Zealands flag. Another bore the slogan honour your heritage.

AZ said it had sent a message directly to the traitors in parliament. The office of National MP and known Chinese Communist Spy, Jian Yang, was postered by our Auckland Members.

AZ was founded in mid-2019. Its website echoes the white supremacist manifesto of Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people at two mosques on March 15, 2019, and injured 49. Like Tarrant, AZ rails against corporations importing cheap foreign labour at the expense of the European community and calls on NZ Europeans to halt this ongoing replacement.

The group received widespread media attention last October after placing posters around the University of Auckland, prompting anti-racist protests. The attack on Yangs office, however, was reported only by Newshub in a brief article.

The incident reveals how the extreme-right in New Zealand has been emboldened by the anti-Chinese campaign of the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens government, along with much of the corporate media and academia. Labour and NZ First attacked the 20082017 National Party government for its links with Chinese businesses, while scapegoating Chinese people for the lack of affordable housing and other problems caused by capitalism.

Denunciations of Chinese interference escalated as the United States, New Zealands main ally, ramped up its economic war and military build-up against China, which threatens to unleash a war involving nuclear-armed powers.

A key turning point was the 2017 election, which resulted in the right-wing nationalist NZ First Party, which has repeatedly demonised Muslim and Asian immigrants, forming a coalition government with the Labour Party in exchange for key ministerial posts. NZ First leader Winston Peters became deputy prime minister and foreign minister, while NZ Firsts Ron Mark was made defence minister.

Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government has strengthened the alliance with the US and labelled Russia and China the main threats to the global order. It has also restricted the rights of immigrants to live and work in New Zealand. The coalition, supported by the unions and pseudo-left groups, helped create the atmosphere of racism and xenophobia in which the Christchurch massacre took place and fascist groups have become emboldened.

Claims that Yang is a spy were first made by academic Anne-Marie Brady just before the 2017 election and repeated by NZ First and much of the media. There is no evidence for the claim, which is based on the fact that, decades ago before immigrating, Yang taught English to Chinese military and intelligence cadets.

Bradys so-called research, which echoes US propaganda against Beijing, is funded by the NATO military alliance and has been praised by members of the Trump administration and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

On January 5, former Labour Party Prime Minister Helen Clark joined the chorus against Yang. On Twitter, she said she was surprised by Yangs involvement in organising an official visit to Beijing by National Party leader Simon Bridges last year. Bridges was denounced by Brady and numerous media commentators for advocating closer ties with China, highlighting divisions within New Zealands ruling elite.

Brady has also been hailed by the ostensibly left-wing Daily Blog, which is supported by the Unite union, Rail and Maritime Transport Union and the Dairy Workers Union. It supports the Ardern government, while calling for tougher anti-immigrant measures and anti-Chinese policies. The blog has echoed Bradys demand for stripping voting rights from recent immigrants and depicts Chinese people in New Zealand as pawns of Beijing.

Two days after Action Zealandia posted photos of its vandalism of Yangs office, the Daily Blog effectively supported the fascists by launching a petition to demand Chinese Spy Jian Yang be removed from National Party List before this years election. The blogs editor Martyn Bradbury declared, National is less a political party and more a front for Chinese business interests.

Bradbury cited a recent article in the Financial Times (FT) which quoted a senior intelligence official from the Five Eyesthe network of spy agencies from NZ, Britain, Canada, the US and Australiawarning that New Zealand could lose its membership of the grouping because of its supine attitude to China and its compromised political system.

The FT noted that China is New Zealands biggest export destination and suggested this was why Arderns government had so far avoided acting against Yang. In contrast, the newspaper praised Australias spy agency ASIO, which has made lurid claims that Chinese agents are seeking to infiltrate its parliament. Australia has introduced draconian legislation against foreign interference which can be used against organisations with international connections and presages major attacks on the democratic rights of the working class.

The alignment of Labour, the Daily Blog and other liberal pundits with the war propagandist Brady, the chauvinist NZ First and the fascist Action Zealandia (AZ) is not accidental. It reflects the sharp shift to the right by the entire political establishment, which is underway in every country in response to the worsening economic crisis.

Significantly, along with promoting racist pseudo-science, praising European colonisation and denouncing Marxists, globalists and Chinese influence, AZs website contains a statement describing the first Labour Party Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage, as one of the greatest Prime Ministers of the 20th century.

To this day the Labour Party, the unions and their pseudo-left supporters hail Savages 1930s government as a model. Its reforms, like Roosevelts New Deal in the US, were enacted to save capitalism from the danger of socialist revolution, which had growing support in the NZ working class. At the same time, Labour took New Zealand into the Second World War to defend the countrys interests as a minor imperialist power in the Pacific.

Anti-Chinese yellow peril racism was a staple of the Labour Party since its founding in 1916. Like its counterpart in Australia, Labour supported a white New Zealand immigration policy to prevent the international unification of New Zealand workers with those from Asia, the Pacific and elsewhere against imperialism.

Amid the most severe crisis of capitalism since the Great Depression, the ruling class and its political parties are reviving this chauvinist filth in an attempt to derail the growing struggles by workers against social inequality and to justify preparations for war against China.

The promotion of nationalism is directed against a resurgence of working class struggle around the world. Increasingly, workers recognise that they are part of an international class that confronts the same enemies and has the same fundamental interests.

As in the 1930s, the ruling elites are fostering extreme right-wing and fascist tendencies to be used as a weapon against the efforts to unite working people based on an international, socialist program.
John Merchant didn't always plan to go into real estate.

Before he became the owner of Calistoga's well-known Indian Springs Resort and Spa and several other local properties, Merchant joined the Jesuits, served in Vietnam and studied to be a doctor. His family described him as fearless -- both in his work and his everyday life.

"He wasn't somebody who worried a lot -- he just kind of did things," said his wife, Pat Merchant. "He was a risk- taker in every way."

While on his way home from a family holiday in Australia, Merchant died Tuesday of a health issue. He was 75.

The local developer, who with his wife split time living in Calistoga and Kentfield, was a prominent figure in Napa County.

"In the community of Calistoga, he contributed a lot to its vibrancy," his wife said. "He loved the town and wanted it to thrive."

Merchant was born March 10, 1944, in Sacramento, but grew up in Yakima, Washington, said his son, Danny Merchant. He joined the Jesuits after high school, but later decided to enlist in the military.

He was deployed to Vietnam, but came back to California after being injured by shrapnel, his son said. Hoping to become a doctor, he studied biology at the University of San Francisco. He even worked as a paramedic in the city after he graduated.

Then, at a friend's suggestion, Merchant bought a house to fix up in the city -- a move that sparked his interest in real estate.

He met his future wife in San Francisco about 40 years ago. The couple later moved to the Napa Valley, where they discovered the property that would become the Indian Springs Resort and Spa. They fell in love with the project and decided to buy and renovate it.

"That really is his baby," Danny Merchant, 35, said. "He loved being on that property. Up until he left for Australia on vacation, he was up there five days a week."

Merchant was a creative visionary who "loved making things beautiful," his wife said. He wanted to create a resort that was a beautiful place for families to relax together, said his 39-year-old son, Ryan Merchant.

"That's actually one thing I really admire about him -- he was a very creative person," said Ryan Merchant, who is a musician in Los Angeles. "I think I have infused that into my own life -- this idea of just kind of trying to delight people in whatever it is you create in the world, and trying to bring joy to people in some way."

The resort is truly a family business, Danny Merchant said. He and his 48-year-old sister, Erin Furtney, both work there, and frequently bring their children to play on the property. The resort's family feel stemmed from their father being a family man, he said.

Ryan Merchant recalled how his father was "always very present" while he was growing up. Even though he was busy running a business, John Merchant would still take his son to the park every day after school to play.

"Really, the family was front and center for him," Danny Merchant said. "He cherished time with his grandkids and children."

Merchant was a voracious reader and a talented painter, Ryan Merchant said. He loved to travel, visiting places as far as Sri Lanka and Japan. He and his wife even lived in Paris and Spain for a couple of years. But his favorite place to visit was India, which he'd been to at least five times, his wife said.

In addition to his wife, two sons and daughter, Merchant is survived by his sister, Judy Nied, and five grandchildren.

Pat Merchant said she was moved by the number of people who called her Wednesday to express their condolences and share stories about her husband. Even those who didn't always agree with him admired his personality and generosity, she said.

"He was a great guy -- not perfect, but great," his wife said. "He touched a lot of lives."

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced today that Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman, John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Gregory B. Willis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be participating in the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin 2020 and Airfinance Journal Dublin 2020 conferences (together, the "Conferences") during the week of January 20, 2020. For further details on the aforementioned speaking engagements, please visit the schedule or agenda located on the respective websites of the Conferences. Presentation materials utilized for the Conferences will be posted on Monday, January 20, 2020 to the Investors section of ALC's website at https://www.airleasecorp.com.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005804/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Mary Liz DePalma

Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations

Email: investors@airleasecorp.com

Jason Arnold

Assistant Vice President, Finance

Email: investors@airleasecorp.com

Media:

Laura Woeste

Senior Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: press@airleasecorp.com

Ashley Arnold

Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: press@airleasecorp.com
Aaditya Thackeray said workers of his party Shiv Sena will never make any unpleasant remark against the former prime minister.

Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Raut's controversial statements on the former prime minister were taken out of context.

Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, on Wednesday set-off a political storm with his remarks that Gandhi had met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

As the Congress, part of the ruling coalition, took strong objection to the controversial comments, calling them "ill-informed", Raut on Thursday withdrew the remarks.

Speaking to reporters, Aaditya Thackeray said workers of his party Shiv Sena will never make any unpleasant remark against the former prime minister.

"With the kind of respect late Balasaheb Thackeray had for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, I do not think there will be any unpleasant remark from Sena workers," Aaditya Thackeray said.

"Kareem Lalaji was a Pathan leader. What he became later is unknown to me. It was Rautjis observation about a meeting, but the issue is over now," he said, seeking to put an end of the controversy after Raut withdrew the remarks.

Before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Lala in his capacity as a representative of the Pathan community.

Asked whether Raut's often controversial remarks are putting the Shiv Sena in trouble, Aaditya Thackeray sought to defend his senior party colleague, saying that all his comments are issue-specific.

The Shiv Sena-led government in the state is being supported by the Congress and the NCP, whose leaders are also part of the Council of Ministers.
Musgrave has today announced an exclusive partnership agreement across the island of Ireland with The Happy Pear, the vegetarian and vegan food brand.

Under the terms of the agreement, Musgrave will have exclusive rights to the production, distribution and marketing of all Happy Pear retail products  i.e. packaged products sold in nationwide retail channels.

The Happy Pear will continue to operate its cafes, foodservice franchise partnerships, production facilities plus educational courses and related services, which are excluded from the partnership.

The agreement also includes a framework for both companies to co-operate in developing and activating international markets for Happy Pear retail products. The two companies have worked together since The Happy Pear joined SuperValus Food Academy Programme in 2013. The Happy Pear range of retail food products has been available in SuperValu, Centra and in other independent retailers and health food stores across Ireland.

Speaking this week, Dave and Steve Flynn of The Happy Pear said, "After starting out fifteen years ago with a small veg shop we have grown The Happy Pear to four cafes, a farm, a coffee roastery, an online health education courses provider and a supplier of an amazing range of healthy food products. Musgrave has been a big part of this story. We want more people to experience our healthy foods and we want to develop and offer new products. Musgrave gives us the scale we need and is a like-minded partner with a team of retailers who believe in helping people to live healthier lives."

Musgrave CEO, Noel Keeley added, "People are becoming more health-conscious and as Irelands leading retail group we have a driving commitment to support healthier lives. The Happy Pear is an excellent strategic fit for Musgrave and will strengthen our existing vegetarian and vegan offer to the market."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Stocks in the news today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Thursday's trading session based on recent and latest news developments. Investors are also awaiting December quarter earnings that are scheduled to be released today. Companies set to announce their earnings are Tata Metaliks, Cyient, Aditya Birla Money, South Indian Bank, Karnataka Bank among others.

YES Bank: Shares of YES Bank on Wednesday closed 3.24% or 1.25 points higher at Rs 39.80 on BSE. Yesterday, the lender released a media statement quoting,"Recently there have been some unsubstantiated and irresponsible press/ social media speculation about YES BANK. This release is being issued to firmly assure all our customers on YES BANK's liquidity and stability. In this regard, it may be noted that the Bank's overall Capital Adequacy Ratio is comfortably above regulatory requirements and all efforts are being made to financially strengthen the bank even further. Kindly, therefore, pay no heed to the unfounded reports".

Sterlite Tech Q3: Company's Q3 net profit (yoy) stood at Rs 51.6 crore as against Rs 149.71 crore in the same period a year ago. Company's revenue (yoy) in Q3FY19 stood at Rs 1,208 crore compared to Rs 1,345.30 crore during Q3FY19. On a quarterly basis, net profit declined 69% and revenue fell 12%.

L&T Infotech Q3: The IT company posted 0.32% increase in net profit to Rs 376.7 crore during the quarter under review compared to Rs 375.5 crore registered in the corresponding quarter last year. L&T Infotech's revenue registered a 13.7% year-on-year increase in December quarter to Rs 2,811.1 crore, as opposed to Rs 2,472.9 crore December quarter in the last fiscal.

ICICI Bank: The lender which holds 9.95% stake in IFFCO Kisan Finance Limited (Kisan Finance) has said it plans to raise capital from a new investor. Hence, ICICI Bank entered into an Amended Shareholders Agreement with Kisan Finance and other parties. Post the proposed capital raise by Kisan Finance, ICICI Bank's shareholding in Kisan Finance will reduce from 9.9% to 7.4%.

Indian Oil Corporation: The company has issued 20,000 unsecured, rated, taxable, redeemable, non-convertible debentures (Series - XV) of Rs 10,00,000 each aggregating to Rs 2,000 crores on private placement basis on 14th January 2020 to meet its Capex requirements.

Kotak Mahindra Bank: Lender said Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited, its wholly-owned subsidiary has executed a Share Purchase Agreement, for sale of its entire equity stake of 5.56% in Equifax Credit Information Services Private Limited.

Cox & Kings Financial Service: Company announced that Milind Ramesh Gandhi has resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer of the company with effect from 14 January 2020 due to personal reasons.

HDFC Bank, Bank of Baroda: BSE and NSE have sought clarification from Bank of Baroda and HDFC Bank with respect to news article on January 15, 2020, titled "ED charges HDFC Bank & Bank of Baroda of FEMA violation in Amrapali case".

PI Industries: Company informed the exchanges that the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for Information Security by British Standards Institute has been renewed for Udaipur and Gurgaon locations of the company and fresh certifications have been issued for all the plants located at Jambusar and Panoli.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea: Shares of telecom companies Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are likely to be in focus as the Supreme Court will hear the review petition by the telecom majors on payment of AGR dues today.

Q3 Earnings today: Tata Metaliks, Cyient, Aditya Birla Money, South Indian Bank, Karnataka Bank, Hathway Cable & Datacom, Fervent Synergies, Dolat Investments, Bombay Wire Ropes, Asahi Industries, 5paisa Capital, Sanathnagar Enterprises, Roselabs Finance, Rishabh Digha Steel & Allied Products, Rallis India are among the companies that are scheduled to post their December quarterly earnings today.
The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Italy on Thursday, 16 January and Friday, 17 January 2020.

Mr. Stoltenberg will attend a ceremony at Sigonella Air base to mark the delivery of Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) remotely piloted aircraft. The Chairman of Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Tod Wolters, will also participate at the Ceremony.

The Secretary General will deliver remarks during the ceremony.

Media advisory:

17 January 2020

11.00 NATO Alliance Surveillance Welcoming Ceremony

This event will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Photographs, video and a transcript of the Secretary Generals remarks at the press conference will be available on the NATO website after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg).
Photo: Kevin Tostado/Flickr

Looking for a fitness activity this week? From a free community health fair to a hike on a scenic trail and more, here are some solid options in and around San Diego to get off your duff.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

2020 Free City Heights Health Fair

From the event description:

MEMO @ UC San Diego is hosting its fifth annual free City Heights health fair. Our goal is to engage and educate lower-income families in San Diego communities so that they can seek out various local providers of health-related services to help them build happier and healthier lives. The fair will include representation from a wide variety of local health providers and mobile clinics for all to enjoy, including flu shots and health screenings.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Copley-Price Family YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Blvd.

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Outreach Hike to Ho Chi Minh Trail

From the event description:

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Hiking Trail with Outreach on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy its scenic views of La Jolla. This trail (also known as the Saigon Trail) is considered a moderate-difficulty one that descends from the northern neighborhoods of La Jolla to Blacks Beach. Make sure you are ready to get dirty and wear a pair of anti-slip shoes.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Start at Cafe Ventanas at ERC

Admission: $2.33

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

4 Year Anniversary Party at Elka Yoga & Wellness Center

From the event description:

We are celebrating our center and saying thank you to our community with live music from DJ DTO, food and drink from Cesarina, Boochcraft and Vida Kombucha, mini-healing sessions, a kava lounge, aerial performances and much more!

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Elka Yoga & Wellness Center, 4166 Voltaire St.

Admission: $35

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Story continues

Kick Ass & Say Om

From the event description:

Ladies, if you want to learn self-love and self-defense, this is the event for you! Start your 2020 off with a bang, and then add a sprinkle of zen with Kaimi Kuoha and Lauren White. Together, Lauren and Kaimi foster a powerful and relaxing space for you to connect with other women and with your own feminine energy. This-one-of-a-kind event includes breathing exercises to get inspired, warm and focused; followed by practical self-defense skills that anyone can learn; and finally, a calming yoga practice to relax and unwind.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Yard and Sea, 1425 Garnet Ave.

Admission: $35

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Rebel Congress Legislator in Puducherry N Dhanavelou was on Thursday suspended from the party on charges of indulging in 'anti-party activities.'

Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference here, PWD Minister and PCC president A Namassivayam said Dhanavelou had been indulging in 'anti-party activities' violating basic principles of party discipline.

He said the suspension of the legislator came into 'immediate effect'.

Namassivayam along with the Chief Minister V Narayanasamy returned from Delhi on Wednesday after apprising Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi of "continued anti-party activities of Dhanavelou."

The PCC leader said "on the recommendation of the high command Dhanavelou has been placed under suspension."

Namassivayam said a show-cause notice would be served on Dhanavelou seeking his explanation which would enable the party's Disciplinary Committee to go in for next course of action.

Dhanavelou elected from Bahoor constituency would be asked to submit his reply to the cause notice in a week`s time.

Namassivayam alleged Dhanavelou had been making attempts to topple the Congress government in collusion with the opposition AINRC and BJP.

The PCC leader also accused the Bahoor MLA of meeting independent legislator from Mahe N Ramachandran at one stage to seek his support to dethrone the Narayanasamy-led Congress government here, which the latter rejected.

Namassivayam also said that he and the Chief Minister had placed before the AICC leaders a detailed report about Dhanavelou's "anti-party activities" for some time now and now the high command had recommended his suspension.

Dhanavelou came out with serious allegations against the Congress government in the union territory recently.

The rebel MLA also met Lt Governor Kiran Bedi at her office and apprised her of various "corrupt practices and scandals" indulged in by the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

Asked if Dhanavelou would be disqualified as an MLA, the Chief Minister who was present at the press conference said, "Let us wait for the explanation from Dhanavelou in response to the show-cause notice which would be sent to him."
BEIRUT, Lebanon  Five months after Saudi Arabia released a doctor with dual Saudi-American citizenship from jail, he and seven family members remain barred from leaving the kingdom while he stands trial on charges the United States contends are meritless, a son and a senior State Department official said.

The Saudi authorities detained the doctor, Walid Fitaihi, during what they called an anti-corruption campaign in late 2017 and released him pending trial last summer. He has told confidantes that Saudi jailers tortured him. The authorities have confiscated his familys passports, leaving eight dual Saudi-American citizens stuck in the kingdom, the son and the official said.

My familys freedoms have been taken, the son, Ahmad Fitaihi, 27, said by phone from California.

While United States diplomats have worked to restore the rights of Dr. Fitaihi and his family, President Trump has never spoken publicly of his case, leaving his son wondering why he has not received the same attention from the White House as other Americans detained abroad.

President Trump has a great record in saving Americans, so why has he not saved my dad? Ahmad Fitaihi said.
Announcing the 2019 nominees for the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards on December 11, 2019. The 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California to honor the best achievements and immaculate creativity of films and motion pictures created in the year 2019.

Included in the nominations is, as fans say, the immaculate film by South Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon Ho, called Parasite. According to viewers, the movie "Parasite" is filled with visual wit and the richness and performance of the characters are unquestionable brilliance. This led to nominations in 6 categories in the 92nd Academy Awards.

The nominations of the movie are Best Picture (Director Barunson E&A Kwak Shin Ae, directed by Bong Joon Ho), Best Director (Bong Joon Ho), Best Original Screenplay (Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won), Best International Feature Film, Best Production Design (Lee Ha Joon), Best Editing (Yang Jin Mo).

It is confirmed that the main cast of the film including director Bong Joon Ho, actors Choi Woo Shik, Lee Sun Gyun and Park So Dam will be attending the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 19, 2020, and the actors will be leaving South Korea anytime this week.

They were honored to be nominated with award, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at this awards ceremony. Competing with them for the same award are films including "The Irishman", "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", "Bombshell" and "Jojo Rabbit". Actors of the film, Parasite, mentioned that they have adjusted their schedules to attend the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Other actors who take part in the film have participated in several past awarding ceremonies and film festivals in the United States. Parasite is also the 2nd foreign film and first Korean film who won Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Golden Globe Awards and received six nominations for the 92ndAcademy awards.

In the 26th Screen Actor Guild awards, which will be happening on the 19th day of January, represents about 160,000 actors and professionals in the film industry in America. It is said a film getting nominated and winning an award in the Screen actors Guild Awards will highly make a film's chances to be nominated in the Oscars as well. What makes the award show even more interesting is that the actors themselves choose the winners who are very much deserving of such awards.

The immaculate depiction of the film, Parasite, the richness of the characters who play in the movie and the shots that distill the themes of the movie is one of the factors that make the film deserving of the nominations and awards that they are getting. It is a story about family, protecting loved ones, saving each other. It is a thrill, a novelty, a fresh genre combination of thriller and family and an absolute must-watch.
You are now free to eat as many leafy greens as you want. The CDC and the FDA have announced that the long nationwide E. coli outbreak tied to romaine lettuce is officially over.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door.

(You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)

1. Impeachment

The long, confusing, uncertain wait is over. The House officially sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate last evening (there was a whole signing event and procession and everything). There will be more pomp and circumstance today, when the House's seven new impeachment managers read the articles aloud in the Senate. Then, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will swear in senators. After that, the Senate trial can officially start Tuesday, and everyone can stop pontificating over what happens next. The Senate also released its decorum guidelines for the trial, which read like the rules of a high school exam: no phones, no talking and no outside reading. President Trump reacted to this new phase by calling the impeachment a "hoax" during a conversation with Republican senators. Get briefed on the latest evidence and revelations in the historic process with CNN's Impeachment Watch podcast.

2. Russia

The entire Russian government is resigning. Yes, you read that correctly. We're talking the whole Cabinet and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The mass exodus was triggered when Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping changes to the constitution that would weaken his successors and allow him to hold on to power after his presidential term is up in 2024. Political experts have long suspected that Putin would find a way to ensure his continued influence in the country, and these proposals would pave the way for him to, for instance, step into a prime minister role specifically enhanced by this power shift. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, one of Putin's biggest critics, said it's clear that Putin's goal is to remain Russia's "sole leader for life." His critics aren't the only ones starting at the news: The Russian ruble briefly fell by 0.6% after the mass resignation, which is a big drop for a major currency.

3. China

After two years of back-and-forth tariffs, strained negotiations and economic squabbling, an initial US-China trade deal is officially on the books. As part of the deal, Beijing pledges to more than double its purchases from American farmers in the first year of a broader $200 billion package that will include more manufacturing and energy exports in the future. In return, the US agreed to reduce tariffs on $120 billion in Chinese products. Leaders on both sides have said this is a good first step in repairing the rift between the two powerful economies, but there is still work to be done. For instance, this deal doesn't include any promises from China to reduce tariffs on US goods. President Trump says the next round of negotiations, which are expected to address tougher economic issues, will start soon.

4. Immigration

The Trump administration is facing major pushback on some recent immigration policy changes. The American Civil Liberties Union and immigrant rights groups sued the administration, saying its policy of deporting asylum-seekers from the US is dangerous and doesn't help migrants find refuge. This policy was cemented last year when the US designated Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as "safe third" countries where migrants could be diverted after coming to the US. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the President's executive order that allows governors to stop refugee resettlement in their states, saying the order "does not appear to serve the overall public interest."

5. Syria

At least 21 people were killed and more than 60 injured in an airstrike in northwest Syria during what was supposed to be a ceasefire in the region. The ceasefire was brokered Sunday between Turkey and Russia, but since then, famed Syrian volunteer rescue team the White Helmets says it's counted at least a dozen violations of the pact. It blames Russia for the latest strikes. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has recently stepped up attacks in the last major opposition bastion -- home to 3 million Syrians -- bolstered by the use of Russian air power. If the attacks continue, international aid organizations warn hundreds of thousands of civilians could be displaced.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

The list of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2020 was released, and Dave Matthews Band fans are furious their band wasn't included

Guess they have ... "So Much To Say" about it.

Colgate has launched the first recyclable toothpaste tube

Raise your hand if you didn't know toothpaste tubes weren't already recyclable.

Rich people are staying healthy almost a decade longer than poor people

Now we know who needs help most.

New job seekers may eventually have to learn to nail an interview ... with an AI

As if trying to land a job wasn't stressful enough.

Ken Jennings has won the title of Greatest of All Time on 'Jeopardy!'

A true legend.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The 2020 election is an American Brexit -- a maximally polarized vote where the risk is less the outcome than the political uncertainty of what the people voted for. It's uncharted political territory, and this time in a country where uncertainty creates shock waves abroad."

The Eurasia Group, an international consultancy that named American politics the top global risk in its 2020 annual report

TODAY'S NUMBER

4,432

The number of firearms seized last year by TSA at US airports. That's a new record in the TSA's 18-year history. And 87% were loaded.

TODAY'S WEATHER

AND FINALLY

Hear the rainbow

There's something sooo satisfying about watching the construction of this amazing guitar -- made with hundreds and hundreds of colored pencils! (Click here to view.)
The Spotswood police chief and captain are suing the borough and its mayor alleging the mayor created a hostile work environment over the past decade, including when he pressured police to fix tickets issued to his children.

Chief Michael Zarro and Captain Philip Corbisiero, both 27-year veterans of the force, filed the suit on Monday in Superior Court of Middlesex County against Mayor Ed Seely, and business administrator Dawn McDonald, accusing both of official misconduct over a period of several years.

The suit claims Seely pressured police officers to dismiss tickets, including two issued to Seelys son for careless driving and one issued to his daughter, and tried to impede internal affairs investigations into officers he was friends with. The suit was first reported by mycentraljersey.com.

(Seely and McDonald) have worked in tandem to jeopardize (Zarro and Corbisiero) respective positions within the department and their future in law enforcement due to wrongful, retaliatory motives, the suit says.

A Borough investigation into McDonald and Seely found no evidence of harassment despite overwhelming proof, the suit claims.

McDonald told NJ Advance Media she was placed on leave as the investigation was conducted, from the end of July through the end of December 2019. She said the borough cleared her of any wrongdoing, and declined to comment further.

Seely did not respond to NJ Advance Medias request for comment Thursday afternoon. He was elected mayor in November 2016 after serving for 12 years on the borough council.

Zarro, who was promoted to chief in January 2014, says he has been subject to a hostile work environment for the past decade, and Corbisiero, who was promoted to captain in October 2015, said he experienced the same dating back five years.

The issues began in November 2007, when Zarro conducted an internal affairs investigation into an officer who was friends with Seely, the suit says. Seely tried to impede the investigation, and began to disdain Zarro, the suit says. The lawsuit also detailed the tickets issued to Seelys children and his efforts to have them dismissed. The first ticket was in October 2009.

The suit claims McDonald, the business administrator, was also hostile towards Corbisiero after he issued a traffic ticket to Seelys daughter. The suit claims McDonald retaliated against Corbisero by instructing a payroll clerk to revoke his ability to receive overtime.

In 2017, Spotswood started the process of entering into a shared services agreement with Helmetta to police the neighboring town. While funds from that agreement were supposed to go toward police, the suit claims Seely used the funds to award contracts and pave roads in an attempt to make himself more popular in town.

Seely also wanted to place GPS in all Spotswood police cars to track their movements through Helmetta, the suit says.

Plaintiff Zarro adamantly refused to take any part in this plan as it would have compromised logistics and officer safety and constituted a violation of existing policies and practices, the suit says. Zarro reported that request to the Middlesex County Prosecutors office and the New Jersey State Association of Police Chiefs, the suit says.

The ongoing conflict resulted in unfair contract negotiations for Zarro and Corbisiero, the suit says.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
The United States House of Representatives has transmitted its article of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, setting up a landmark trial.

A resolution cementing the decision was passed almost completely along party lines with a vote of 228-193. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., was the only Democrat who chose to vote against the action, which comes just a month after articles of impeachment were introduced against the President in relation to his dealings with Ukraine. Trump is accused of pressuring the Ukrainian President to open up an investigation into his political rival and 2020 Democratic candidate for President, Joe Biden.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, proclaimed ahead of the vote, according to Fox News.

When someone is impeached, they are always impeached, added the California Democrat. It cannot be erased.

Not everyone agreed with Pelosis sentiments, however. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., slammed the Democrats for becoming obsessed with the process, which many have called a partisan sham.

This is not a moment this body should be proud of. As Pelosi says, impeachment is a national civics lesson. Let's use this blunder as a teachable moment, McCarthy said.

We wouldnt abuse our power just for the sheer sake of politics to say youre impeached forever because I dislike you.

In a statement issued after the vote, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham lambasted the impeachment process as illegitimate and said that it proved Pelosi was focused on politics instead of the American people.

"The Speaker lied when she claimed this was urgent and vital to national security because when the articles passed, she held them for an entire month in an egregious effort to garner political support, Grisham added. She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing."

Fox News reports that Pelosi has named House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif; House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.; House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo.; Val Demings, D-Fla.; Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas; and Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif as impeachment managers to prosecute the case against the president.

The press secretary insisted that Trump has done nothing wrong and noted that "he looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate and being fully exonerated.

Opening arguments in the Senate trial are set to be presented next Tuesday.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/Staff

Will Maule is a British journalist who has spent the past several years working as a digital news editor. Since earning a degree in international relations and politics, Will has developed a particular interest in covering ethical issues, human rights and global religious persecution. Will's work has been featured in various outlets including The Spectator, Faithwire, CBN News, Spiked, The Federalist and Christian Headlines. Follow him on Twitter at @WillAMaule.
A new Labour MP sparked fury among her colleagues today after using her maiden Commons speech to bash former prime minister Tony Blair.

Zarah Sultana blasted '40 years of Thatcherism' in the UK as she addressed parliament for the first time - including 13 years when her party was in government between 1997 and 2010.

It is a Commons tradition that maiden speeches do not make party political attacks but the Corbynista 26-year-old told MPs she would not be stopped from lashing out at the Conservatives, accusing them of pitting communities against each other.

In a speech later praised by Labour deputy leadership front-runner Angela Rayner, as well as shadow ministers John McDonnell and Diane Abbott, she said: 'Ten years ago I was sitting my GCSEs at school. I was a teenager and I never dreamed I would be here today.

'In ten years' time, at the start of the the next decade, I want to look teenagers in the eye and say with pride - my generation faced 40 years of Thatcherism and we ended it.'

Her remarks prompted mockery from former ministers and MPs who served under Mr Blair and Gordon Brown.

Zarah Sultana blasted '40 years of Thatcherism' in the UK as she addressed parliament for the first time - including 13 years when her party was in government between 1997 and 2010

Angela Rayner, who is the runaway favourite to become Labour deputy leader, was among those who praised Ms Sultana's speech. But MPs including former minister Ben Bradshaw and Bermondsey's Neil Coyle hit back

Several took to Twitter to highlight the New Labour government's left-wing achievements, including massive funding increases for the NHS.

Sultana's history as a controversial Corbynista Zarah Sultana sparked controversy even before she was elected in Coventry South in December. She won the seat after previous Labour MP Jim Cunningham stood down. But his majority of almost 8,000 in 2017 was whittled down to just 400 in 2019 as Jeremy Corbyn's party struggled across the country. In November the former parliamentary officer for campaign group Muslim Engagement and Development was forced to apologise for saying she would celebrate the deaths of Mr Blair and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. In one of the posts, Miss Sultana took issue with the suggestion that it was wrong to celebrate the death of any person regardless of what they did. The former Birmingham University student wrote in 2015: Try and stop me when the likes of Blair, Netanyahu and Bush die. She also wrote of her support for violent resistance by Palestinians and used the hash tag extremistmuslim online. In one Facebook post about a Jewish student, Miss Sultana wrote: 'I can't believe this YT (whitey) thinks she can represent us.' In 2015, Miss Sultana, who sat on the national executives of both Young Labour and the National Union of Students, posted on Twitter: 'Yay, the white woman didn't win the Ethnic Minorities Officer Election!' It also emerged that Miss Sultana had previously criticised the police and the monarchy. In 2014, she posted: 'Can we get rid of the monarchy while we're fighting the establishment and its institutions? Viva la revolucion!' In 2015, she tweeted: 'Solidarity with those protesting in London right now. Keep safe from the thugs that are the police.' Advertisement

Bermondsey MP Neil Coyle wrote: 'Margaret Thatcher was famously hated for introducing the Human Rights Act and National Minimum Wage after a century of trade union campaigning.

'Her Sure Start programme and Tax Credits were also deeply unpopular. She also had record police levels and almost ended rough sleeping.'

Former MP Michael Dugher described Ms Sultana as 'daft'.

It is not the first time Ms Sultana, whose family came to the UK from Kashmir, has attacked Mr Blair, who led her party to three election victories during her childhood.

In November, before she was elected, she was forced to apologise for saying she would celebrate the deaths of Mr Blair and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

In one of the posts, Miss Sultana took issue with the suggestion that it was wrong to celebrate the death of any person regardless of what they did.

The former Birmingham University student wrote in 2015: Try and stop me when the likes of Blair, Netanyahu and Bush die.

She also wrote of her support for violent resistance by Palestinians and used the hash tag extremistmuslim online.

Flanked by hard Left Labour MPs including Leicester East's Claudia Webbe and Brighton Kemptown's Russell Lloyd-Moyle she also used her speech to warn of the widening class gap and take a potshot at Boris Johnson.

'The gap between the ruling class and the working class has widened and is widening, and the response from members opposite, as it always has been, is to divide and rule,' she said.

'That's what's happening when they compare Muslim women to bank robbers, when they call gay men tank-topped bum boys, and when they blame events like the Hillsborough disaster on drunken fans.

'They are pitting our communities against each other. They are diverting attention away from the billionaires that fund their party, dodge their party and rig the economy.

'Well, Mr Speaker, I'm a working class Muslim woman, and I know the Bullingdon boys will never be on my side, and they will never be on the side of the shop stewards in Coventry, the cleaners in Carlisle, the migrant workers in Manchester, teachers in Tottenham.

'I know my Muslim brothers and sisters, my Jewish comrades, my friends in the gypsy, traveller and Roma communities, and people of all faiths and none, are safer when we unite to defeat the far right - even as this Government has given them new-found confidence.

Labour candidate Zarah Sultana came under fire last November after it was revealed that she said she would 'celebrate' the deaths of Tony Blair and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu

Flanked by hard Left Labour MPs including Leicester East's Claudia Webbe and Brighton Kemptown's Russell Lloyd-Moyle she also used her speech to warn of the widening class gap and take a potshot at Boris Johnson

Labour MP Ian Murray brings his MUM to deputy leadership campaign launch Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray posed alongside his mum today as he kicked off his campaign to become the party's new deputy leader. The Edinburgh South MP embraced Lena Lavery as he unveiled his attempt to take the post despite trailing miles behind favorite Angela Rayner. The 43-year-old, Labour's only remaining MP in Scotland, came second in the ballot of party MPs behind the Ashton-under-Lyme MP. But a poll of party members last night showed she would win convincingly after just one round of voting, with 60 per cent of ballots. He kicked off his campaign at Wester Hailes Education Centre with a pledge to visit every corner of the UK to try to win back support for his party if he becomes deputy leader. Advertisement

Corbyn allies swipe at metropolitan Sir Keir Starmer: Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett urge northerners to join Labour and stop southern Remainer activists deciding leadership battle

Two of Jeremy Corbyn's top allies have urged northern working class voters to join Labour and prevent southern Remainers from deciding the party's leadership contest.

Ian Lavery, the Labour chairman, and Jon Trickett, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, have joined forces to swipe that the party is 'now disproportionately one that voted to Remain' and is 'drawn from the South'.

They also bemoaned the fact that much of the party's membership now comes from 'metropolitan areas and from the middle classes'.

Their comments are likely to be seen as a direct attack on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership bid with some on the left of the party deeply sceptical about the Holborn and St Pancras MP and former director of public prosecution's Labour credentials.

Their intervention came after a bombshell poll showed Sir Keir - the bookmakers' favourite in the race to replace Mr Corbyn - is trailing behind Rebecca Long-Bailey.

A Survation survey of party members for the LabourList website showed Ms Long-Bailey would win 42 per cent of first preference votes while Sir Keir would win 37 per cent.

Jon Trickett (left) and Ian Lavery have joined forces to urge northern working class voters to join Labour as they attacked the party's 'metropolitan' membership

Mr Trickett's and Mr Lavery's comments are likely to be seen as an attack on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership bid. Some in the party are sceptical of the former director of public prosecution's Labour credentials

The numbers suggested Ms Long-Bailey - the candidate backed by the current Labour leadership - would then win the top job in the second round after second preference votes have been counted with 51 per cent of the vote to Sir Keir's 49 per cent.

The numbers indicate that the battle to be named Labour leader on April 4 is on a knife-edge between the two frontrunners.

Meanwhile the remaining three candidates - Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry - all appear to be facing an uphill struggle to emerge victorious.

Ms Long-Bailey is viewed as the so-called 'continuity Corbyn' candidate in the race while Sir Keir is seen as a more moderate figure.

Ms Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, is the choice of leading figures such as John McDonnell and Diane Abbott.

But she has had a slow start to her campaign while Sir Keir has won the support of Britains largest union, Unison.

Non-Labour members have until 5pm today to become a 25 registered supporter of the Labour Party in order to secure a vote in the contest.

Mr Lavery and Mr Trickett used a joint column for The Mirror today to urge working class voters to sign up and help to 'rebalance' the party.

They said voters have a 'generational chance' to influence the direction of British politics as they said Labour needed to rebuild a 'coalition of working and middle class' in order to win elections.

'Labour has become Western Europes largest political party,' they said.

'However our membership is now disproportionately one that voted to Remain and drawn from the South, mainly from metropolitan areas and from the middle classes.

'To win again, the coalition of working and middle class people within our own party must be rebalanced.

'We want Labour supporters from working class backgrounds and from the North to become members of the party by January 20 and have their say in the leadership election.'

Rebecca Long-Bailey, pictured alongside Jeremy Corbyn in the Commons yesterday, has the backing of the current leadership in the race for the top job

The five candidates who are still in the race after securing sufficient support from Labour MPs must now win trade union or constituency endorsements to make it on to the final ballot paper.

Party members will then vote between February 21 to April 2 with the winner then announced on April 4.

The Survation survey also shone a light on the deputy leadership battle with Angela Rayner far ahead with 60 per cent  enough to avoid a second round of vote counting.

Richard Burgon, considered the Corbynite choice, came second with 19 per cent of first preferences.
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Costa Express technical advisors have experienced a 79% increase in first call resolution through their helpline, solving 50% of issues at source since deploying SightCall. When an issue cannot be resolved remotely, SightCall enables the technical advisors to accurately triage the maintenance with live video and determine the exact parts and expertise needed before dispatching an engineer.

SightCall is a cloud-based video platform for enterprises that enables secure visual support sessions between two parties in different locations. A Costa Express technical advisor can connect with a partner at a remote site to view the coffee machine, identify the any issues and provide remote guidance to resolve the problem through annotations and augmented reality on the partners screen.

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Costa Express is committed to providing excellent support to our growing network of partners, and this includes digitally transforming the way we serve our sites around the UK, stated Elizabeth Allanson, Transformation Leader at Costa Express. Adding SightCall to our Customer Helpline has enabled our technical advisors to assist partners and sites more efficiently. By connecting to our partners and sites through live video, our advisors have a clear view of the problems that they need to resolve and are able to resolve issues with clarity and confidence, reducing machine downtime and decreasing the risk of lost sales. SightCall makes it possible for us to solve more issues remotely, increasing the satisfaction of our partners and their customers.

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Making a positive contribution to the communities we are part of is extremely important to us, both here in the UK and across the world. Thats why we established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity with the aim of improving the life chances of children in coffee growing communities by helping them access a safe, quality education. So far, the Costa Foundation has funded over 80 school projects and changed the lives of more than 75,000 children. We also have a UK-wide Community Programme, which enables our teams to volunteer their time to good causes locally and to invite community groups to make use of our welcoming space in store.

In 2011 Costa Coffee purchased Coffee Nation rebranding it to Costa Express. Today, Costa Express operates over 8,500+ coffee bars in nine international markets and proudly serves the same famous Mocha Italia blend found in stores, combined with fresh milk to create a delicious and warming cup of coffee on the go.

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Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, has broken his silence since his arrest to make the claim that President Trump directed his actions in Ukraine.

Parnas came forward along with his lawyer on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday night to say he was not freelancing when he collaborated with Giuliani in an effort to get Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Trump rival Joe Biden while going after the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

'President Trump knew exactly what was going on. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president,' Parnas said.

'I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials. I mean, they have no reason to speak to me.

'Why would President Zelensky's inner circle, or Minister [Arsen] Avakov, or all these people, or [former Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko] meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret that they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.'

Parnas also claimed that Trump canceled Vice President Mike Pence's planned appearance at Zelensky's inauguration last May after Ukrainian officials refused to announce an investigation into the Biden family.

The stunning assertions came just hours before Chief Justice John Roberts is to swear in 100 U.S. senators who are to act as a jury weighing two articles of impeachment against the president.

Indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas says Donald Trump was directly involved in an alleged attempt to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate political rival Joe Biden

Parnas and his lawyer Joseph Bondy spoke to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow in an interview aired Wednesday night

Parnas said his work in the Ukraine was with the consent of Rudy Giuliani and the president. A trove released Tuesday revealed a Giuliani letter to the president of Ukraine seeking a meeting and citing Trump's consent

The impeachment inquiry was sparked by allegations the Trump administration tried to pressure Zelensky to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

Parnas, who is accused of federal campaign finance violations, has submitted a trove of documents to the House Intelligence Committee pertaining to his dealings in the Ukraine, a portion of which were made public on Tuesday.

The documents included a letter in which Giuliani requested a private meeting with Zelensky, stating that he had Trump's 'knowledge and consent' to make the request.

Speaking to Maddow, Parnas insisted that Trump was aware he and Giuliani were working on the effort in Ukraine specifically to hurt Joe Biden, a current favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination.

'It was never about corruption, it was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden,' he said.

Parnas also said he had no doubt that Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop.

Parnas said he had no doubt that Vice President Mike Pence and Attorney General William Barr were kept in the loop about efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens

Parnas and another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, were arrested in October on campaign finance charges for allegedly making $325,000 in illegal straw donations to a Trump super PAC.

Asked why he decided to speak out now, Parnas told Maddow: 'I want to get the truth out. I feel it's important for our country. I think it's important for me.'

Trump has previously denied knowing Parnas or Fruman, despite photos Parnas posted on Facebook in 2018 of himself with the president and his son Don Jr.

Asked about Trump's denial, Parnas said: 'He lied. He knew exactly who we were.'

Parnas accused Trump of lying when he said he didn't know him or his associate Igor Fruman

Parnas said that he was 'absolutely' working for the president in his capacity as a legal aide to Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer.

He said that he introduced himself to Ukrainian officials as a representative for Giuliani and the president.

Parnas addressed reports of his conversation with senior Zelensky aide Sergey Schafer, confirming that he told Schafer military aid would not be released to the Ukraine unless Zelensky announced investigations into Joe Biden.

'Basically, the message that I was supposed to, that I gave Sergey Schafer was a very harsh message that was told to me to give it to him in a very harsh way, not a pleasant way,' he said.

'Rudy told me after, you know meeting the president at the White House, the message was it wasn't just military aid, it was all aid. Basically their relationships would be sour, that we would stop giving them any kind of aid.'

'Unless?' Maddow pressed.

'Unless  there were several demands at that point. A, the most important was the announcement of the Biden investigation,' Parnas explained.

He went on to say that he also held out the promise of a White House visit for then-president elect Zelensky.

'I know it sounds crazy, but more support from the president, by having a White House visit, by having a big inauguration, by having the dignitaries there,' Parnas said.

'The announcement was the key at that time because of the inauguration, that [Vice President Mike] Pence would not show up. Nobody would show up to the inauguration.'

The impeachment inquiry was sparked by allegations the Trump administration tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodomyry Zelensky (pictured) to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter

Parnas said he relayed that apparent threat to Schafer on May 12, eight days before the inauguration.

He claimed Schafer told him that he would get back to him, and then blocked him on WhatsApp that night.

After Parnas updated Giuliani, the former New York City Mayor allegedly told him: 'Okay, they'll see.'

'To my awareness, Trump called up and said to make sure Pence doesn't go there,' Parnas told Maddow.

'You believe Mr Pence's trip to the inauguration was canceled because [Ukraine] didnt agree?' Maddow asked.

'Oh I know 100 percent. It was 100 percent,' Parnas replied.

'The chain of events, that was key to where we are today,' he added. 'After that, take a look at what transpires. Next within the next couple days, they realize that now they get word. Obviously when Pence cancels, they get word. So now they realize that what I was telling them was true.'

Asked whether he knew if Pence was aware that that was the reason the inaugural visit was called off, Parnas quoted something EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland said while testifying in the House impeachment inquiry: 'Everybody was in the loop.'

Parnas also said that Barr, Trump's attorney general, likely knew what was going on.

He said he never personally spoke to Barr but was present during 'lots of conversations' that Giuliani and another person had with Barr.

'Mr Barr had to have known everything. I mean, it's impossible,' Parnas said. 'Attorney General Barr was basically on the team.'

Giuliani and Parnas are seen having coffee at the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. in September, one month before Parnas was indicted for campaign finance violations

Parnas attorney Joseph Bondy (left) tweeted a picture of himself and his client with Maddow ahead of the interview Wednesday night

Parnas' involvement in that 'team' is laid bare in the cache of documents he's handed over to the House Intelligence Committee, which paint him as a middleman between Giuliani and Ukrainian officials.

They also provided additional details about the apparent campaign to remove Marie Yovanovitch from her post as US Ambassador to Ukraine last spring because she was impeding efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens.

Parnas expressed regret over his involvement in ousting Yovanovitch, saying: 'I want to apologize to her.'

Yovanovitch was the focus of text messages between Parnas and prominent Trump donor Robert F Hyde, which were made public on Tuesday.

Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate from Connecticut, repeatedly disparaged Yovanovitch in the messages and implied that she was under surveillance, often referencing her exact physical location.

However, Parnas told Maddow that while he was 'disturbed' by Hyde's messages, he never believed they were serious.

'I don't believe it was true, I think he was either drunk or was trying to make himself bigger than he was,' he said. 'I didn't take it seriously, and if you see, I didn't even respond to it most of the time.'

Maddow questioned whether Hyde could have been drunk throughout their text correspondence, which lasted several days.

Parnas replied: 'He's drunk the whole time. He wakes up and he's drunk. He starts at 6. I've never seen him not drunk.'

Hyde himself reacted to the release of the messages on Tuesday night.

He did not dispute the validity of the texts but said he was drinking when he sent the ones about surveiling Yovanovitch.

Some of the text messages Parnas submitted to House investigators were between him and Robert Hyde, a GOP congressional candidate in Connecticut and prominent Trump donor. Hyde and the president are pictured together in an undated Facebook photo

WhatsApp messages appear to show Hyde tracking the movements of Marie Yovanovitch

'Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money,' Hyde wrote in one message

Just before the MSNBC interview aired, House officials released a second set of documents submitted by Parnas' legal team.

Among the confusing trove of information is one message that identifies first daughter Ivanka Trump, a key advisor who Trump pointed out by name during remarks lauding a new deal with China in the White House Wednesday.

Trump lawyer Victoria Toensing, in a message to Parnas, mentions Ivanka in a discussion about a White House meeting. 'POTUS stood us up and sent Ivanka to speak in his stead. Victoria,' reads the message, dated March 3rd, amid the Ukrainian elections.

'That's what Rudy said,' Parnas replied. The messages are proceeded and succeeded by blacked out information.

A White House spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a question about the Ivanka message.

Another message references the president's eldest son, Don Jr., who helps run the Trump Organization.

'What should I send don to tweet,' writes Joseph Ahearn, who is listed by pro-Trump super PAC America First Policies as director of development in a March 20 message to Parnas.

Parnas replies: 'Wait tomorrow good stuff.'

'What should I send don to tweet,' writes Joseph Ahearn, who is listed by pro-Trump super PAC America First Policies as director of development, to Parnas

Attorney Victoria Toensing writes Parnas that the president 'stood us up and sent Ivanka to speak in his stead'

The documents include a series of back-and-forth messages about getting a retainer completed. An April, 2019 message from Parnas seeks to have it translated into Russian

'I WILL NOT BE BROKEN!' Giuliani complained former special counsel Robert Mueller was stalling his flight departure.

A Parnas text about a retainer mentioned a figure at the Ukraine ministry of justice

Another message is from Thomas Hicks Jr. Thomas O. Hicks Jr is co-chair of the Republican National Committee

Parnas has been photographed multiple times with Trump and key Trump World figures, including Don Jr.

A March 20 message includes a link to a story by John Solomon in The Hill that included some of Giuliani's claims about Ukrainian corruption. Another linked to a show by Fox News host Sean Hannity.

'Have jr retweet it,' writes Parnas.

'Sent,' responds Ahearn a minute later.

On March 24, 2019, Trump Jr. retweeted a link to a DailyWire story about pressure to remove the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.

'We need more @Richard Grenell's and less of these jokers as ambassadors. Calls Grow To Remove Obama's U.S. Ambassador To Ukraine,' wrote the president's son.

Other messages connect Parnas with shipping magnate Harry Sargeant III who has denied claims of involvement in a plan to export U.S. natural gas to Ukraine. When Parnas mentioned a coming meeting in Vienna, Sargeant responded: 'Just becoming expensive flying u guys everywhere LEV.'

Parnas and his associate Igor Fruman, both born in the former Soviet Union, have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Parnas lawyer Joseph Bondy says his client wants to testify and has been urging federal authorities to interview him.

Many of the matters referenced in his trove of electronic information were the subject of a House Democratic impeachment inquiry, which focused on the firing of Yovanovitch and efforts to get the Ukrainians to probe Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, where Hunter Biden served on the board.

Messages revealed Tuesday appeared to show an effort to surveil the movements of Yovanovitch.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Greater Lafayette Commerce has chosen East End Grill as the 2019 Small Business of the Year. Each month, GLC selects a small business of the month. Those businesses then get put in the running for small business of the year.

East End Grill is an industrial American grill located at 1016 Main Street. The restaurant is going on its fifth year of business.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski commended the restaurant for contributing to future connection between downtown and the Five Points area.

Scott Trzaskus is the owner of the fast-growing Lafayette staple. He said it's an honor to be the recipient of this award.

"It was pretty humbling to be honest. There were lots of good businesses here tonight and we feel really appreciative to have won," he said. "We really appreciate everyone's support from the city and most importantly our team at the restaurant for helping us to get here."

The restaurant is currently building a new concept right across the street from its current location. Trzaskus said it should open and ready for customers this fall.
Jaime Botin, the uncle of Santander Chairman Ana Botin, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined 52.4 million euros ($58 million) for smuggling a Pablo Picasso painting out of Spain.

Botin, former head of lender Bankinter and a member of the dynasty that has run Santander for more than a century, was found guilty of trafficking culturally important goods and ordered to hand over the artist's "Head of a Young Woman" which is valued at 26 million euros. The painting was seized from Botin's yacht in Corsica after he took it there in breach of court orders that it should stay in Spain.

Spain has some of the strictest heritage laws in Europe. Any work of art more than 100 years old that is considered culturally important can be deemed a national treasure, forcing owners to obtain a permit before taking it out of the country. Botin was denied such a permit for the Picasso.

Prosecutors argued that Botin was smuggling the painting out of Spain -- instructing the captain of his yacht to lie to law enforcement -- with the objective of selling it at a London auction house. Botin countered that since the painting had been kept on his yacht, it had never been on Spanish territory and that he therefore had the right to take it to Switzerland for safekeeping, local media reported.

Picasso painted "Head of a Young Woman" aged 24 in the early 1900s and Botin acquired the piece in 1977, according to U.K. website Artlyst. The work is a rare example of the "Rose" period predating the artist's shift into the cubist style that produced some of his most famous works, such as the anti-war "Guernica" displayed in Madrid.

Spanish authorities have long suspected Botin of planning to sell the painting. In 2012 he authorized Christie's auction house to seek an export permit from Madrid to London, Spanish Judge Elena Gonzalez concluded in her ruling. The painting was being billed as one of the top draws at an auction scheduled for February 2013, internal emails at Christie's presented as evidence in the court showed.

But Christie's and Botin hit a snag. Spain's Culture Ministry denied the permit to take the artwork abroad. In 2015, Botin had his chauffeur drive the painting from Madrid to Valencia where Adix, his 212-foot three-masted schooner was moored. When police inspected the yacht in June 2015 the captain of the ship omitted the painting from the list of artworks on board.

The Adix set sail soon afterward, bound for Corsica, where Botin had commissioned a private jet to take the painting to Geneva, court documents show. When French police received notification that Botin had requested a permit to transport the painting they inspected the yacht and found the painting in the captain's cabin, wrapped up in packaging.

While the high seas may not be the best place for works by one of the 20th century's most influential artist, it's not uncommon for the super-wealthy to decorate their yachts with trophy art. British billionaire Joe Lewis has hung Francis Bacon's "Triptych 1974 - 1977," worth an estimated $70 million, on the lower deck of his super yacht. A Saudi Crown Prince's luxury vessel was the reported location last year for the world's most expensive painting, Leonardo Da Vinci's $450-million "Salvator Mundi."

Today, so many of the world's wealthy are hanging artworks on their yachts that managing the pieces has become a line of business in the boating industry. The website of one firm providing such services cites insurance, light and climate control are as matters to consider when installing works on-board.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Botin must pay court costs on top of a fine double the painting's value. The piece was seized by the state and handed over to the Reina Sofia art museum in Madrid. It's currently sitting in deposit while authorities decide where to assign it.

Picasso's popularity in recent years will make Botin's loss all the more painful. In 2018, another work from the artist's "Rose" period sold for $115 million when Christie's auctioned off David and Peggy Rockefeller's collection, indicating the financier may have received an even higher valuation for the work.

Botin has 10 days to appeal the sentence.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): India and the United States are in contact through diplomatic channels over the proposed visit of President Donald Trump, Minister of External Affairs said on Thursday.



"Speculations have been made on this for months... When PM Modi met US President Trump, he had invited him to India... Both the countries are in contact over this. We will share with you as and when we get concrete information," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a weekly briefing in New Delhi.

Kumar's remarks come amid reports that Trump is likely to make a state visit to India towards the end of February.

A senior Indian official had told ANI that Indian diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu's appointment as the new Ambassador of India to the US will be announced 'soon' in light of the possibility that Trump is likely to be visiting India in February-end.

During the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in last September, Modi, who shared the dais with Trump, invited the latter and his family to visit India, saying it will give a new height to the shared dreams of the two countries.

The Indian invitation to Trump was reiterated last month by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar when they called on Trump at the White House after meeting with their American counterparts Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo during the 2+2 ministerial dialogue. (ANI)


Crime

By Ls Cohen Published: January 16 2020

A new website also launched to help catch the serial killer.

Photo: Initials found on a leather belt that is part of the evidence in the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer investigation. Courtesy SCPD.

Suffolk County Police held a press conference on Thursday to present a new key piece of evidence that might help in the search for the Gilgo Beach killer.

Reports say that the SCPD presented a black leather belt that they believe belonged to the killer. The belt has initials that could be HM or WH depending on how the belt is oriented.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart also presented a new website, www.gilgonews.com that will inform the public on new information and encourage people to share tips with investigators. A photo of the belt is on the site, as well as background information on the investigation and images of the nine victims connected with the case.

The new evidence and launch of the website coincides with the release of a new Netflix movie about the investigation later this month. The movie is based on a book by a journalist covering the case.

On the new website Suffolk Police have released the below narrative on the background of the case:

Shannan Gilbert, a Craigslist escort, went missing from a clients house in Oak Beach on the south shore of Long Island on May 1, 2010. During the months that followed her disappearance, canine officers incorporated training exercises into searches of the area surrounding Gilberts last known location. During one exercise, on December 11, 2010, a set of skeletal remains was discovered in an area near Gilgo Beach off Ocean Parkway. The remains located would later be identified as Melissa Barthelemy.

Two days after the first discovery, the remains of three other Craigslist escorts were located in close proximity to Barthelemys remains. The three sets of remains would later be identified as Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello. All four women were reported missing between July 2007 and September 2010.

Courtesy:Suffolk County Police Department.

While continuing the search for Shannan Gilbert several miles east of where the four Craigslist escorts were found, a set of partial skeletal remains was found on March 29, 2011. The remains were later identified as those of Jessica Taylor, another known escort. Taylors partial remains were previously discovered on July 26, 2003 off Halsey Manor Road in Manorville.

Less than a week later, as part of the continuing search for Shannan Gilbert, three additional sets of remains were discovered on April 4, 2011. The first set was later determined to be those of a female whose partial remains were discovered by hunters in a wooded area off Halsey Manor Road in Manorville on November 19, 2000. Those remains remain unidentified and are known as Jane Doe #6.

Courtesy:Suffolk County Police Department.

A second set of skeletal remains discovered near Jane Doe #6 were those of an unidentified female toddler.

West of Jane Doe #6 and the infant female toddler were the skeletal remains of an unidentified Asian male.

One week later, while searching further west along Ocean Parkway in Nassau County, two additional sets of skeletonized remains were found approximately seven miles away from the discovery on April 4. One set is believed to be the mother of the toddler found a week earlier. The other set of partial remains was linked through DNA analysis to remains found in Davis Park on Fire Island in 1996.
Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine

A Popular Inside Out Pizza

Popular Filling Combinations

Sausage, cheese, mushroom, peppers, and sauce

Pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce

Shrimp, cheese, garlic, cream cheese or Havarti

Peppers, olives, onion, mushrooms, cream cheese

Eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, sauce

Zucchini, tomato, cheese, tomato sauce

Mushrooms, sausage, olives, tomatoes, cheese, sauce

Any meats, tomato sauce, grated cheese and mozzarella, a dollop of ricotta

Ham, cheese, pineapple, cream cheese

Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce

Cooked chicken, tomato sauce, cheese

Spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic

Cooked steak, pepper, mushrooms, Havarti cream cheese

Cooked Chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese slice

Tools Needed

Rolling Pin

Knife

Cutting Board

Dough cutter

Pastry brush

Fork

Tips

Roll dough around 1/2 thick

Let dough rest at least a half-hour

Don't overfill the dough and keep to the middle

Crimp edges with a fork

Make sure oil is hot before frying test it

In a hurry? Use store premade dough

Filling suggestions(around 1 tablespoon)

sliced or loose cooked meats (Italian sausage, pepperoni, capicola) crushed Italian meatballs shrimp finely chopped onions or garlic any kind of chunk sliced cheese mozzarella, provolone, Havarti, or another good melting cheese you prefer diced peppers, eggplant, zucchini, spinach, escarole, arugula, tomatoes, olives marinara or meat sauce grated Parmesan/Romano cheese

Try Some Other Of Our Favorite Recipes

Italian Panzerotti Pin for later

Panzerotti is Popular in Jersey

panzerotti, fried pizza dough, hot pockets, fried stuffed pizza, inside out pizza pizza, dough, fried pizza, pizza dough, empanadas Italian Yield: 12 Author: Claudia Lamascolo Print With Image Without Image Italian Panzerotti This is a stuffed inside-out fried pizza called Italian Panzerotti. The recipe calls for homemade dough, sauce, and stuffed with melted oozing cheese. Prep time: 25 Min Cook time: 10 Min Total time: 35 Min Ingredients 3 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons of white sugar plus 1 teaspoon

vegetable oil for frying or another you prefer

1 cup water

2 1/4 packages of active dry yeast

1 thick ball or wedge of whole milk mozzarella cheese (or provolone you can use a little of both) around 16-ounce size

1 recipe of marinara sauce or jarred sauce and some for dipping in

Optional: Pecorino Romano grated cheese blended together, marinara sauce on the side for dipping these into Instructions Mix the yeast and 1 cup of water (warm water to touch) and let this sit for around 4 to 5 minutes. Add the salt, sugar, oil, and flour and mix until dough forms a ball. Let rest covered for around 2 hours. Roll into 12 balls add to a cookie sheet cover and let rest for 1 more hour. Roll out dough into rounds on a floured board Place 1 tablespoons sauce on the dough in the middle. Place around 1 tablespoon of sliced chunk style whole milk mozzarella or provolone 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce and around 1 tablespoon of any meats or other ingredients (do not overstuff or the dough will rip). Fold over the rounds like a half-moon. Crimp all edges with a fork or ravioli crimping tool. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Fry on both sides for around 2 minutes each side or until golden brown flipping with two spatulas Drain on paper towels. Serve with more sauce or great the way they are plain, these are truly delicious with nothing on them. Sprinkle with grated cheese then add any of the herbs, spices of choice. Best eaten after cooling for a few minutes the filling is very hot. Notes: Popular Filling Combinations

Sausage, cheese, mushroom, peppers, and tomato sauce

Pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce

Shrimp, cheese, minced garlic, cream cheese, and/or Havarti

Peppers, olives, onion, mushrooms, cream cheese

Eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, tomato sauce

Zucchini, tomato, cheese, tomato sauce

Mushrooms, sausage, olives, tomatoes, cheese, tomato sauce

Any meats, tomato sauce, grated cheese and mozzarella, a dollop of ricotta

Ham, cheese, pineapple, cream cheese

Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce

Cooked chicken, tomato sauce, cheese

Spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic

Cooked steak, pepper, mushrooms, Havarti cream cheese

Cooked Chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese slice

The American buffalo chicken version, thin-sliced cooked chicken breast, hot sauce, cheddar cheese (blue cheese dressing for dipping)

Philly style: grilled ribeye steak sliced thin, swiss, Havarti or cheddar cheese, sauteed onions

Sauerkraft, corned beef, Thousand Island dressing



Filling suggestions(around 1 tablespoon) sliced or loose cooked meats (Italian sausage, pepperoni, capicola) crushed Italian meatballs shrimp cooked thin sliced chicken finely chopped onions or garlic any kind of chunk sliced cheese mozzarella, provolone, Havarti, or another good melting cheese you prefer diced peppers, eggplant, zucchini, spinach, escarole, arugula, tomatoes, olives marinara or meat sauce grated Parmesan/Romano cheese



Nutrition Facts Calories 320 320 Fat (grams) 15 15 Sat. Fat (grams) 8 Carbs (grams) 21 21 Fiber (grams) 14 14 Net carbs 22 22 Sugar (grams) 6 Protein (grams) 11 11 Sodium (milligrams) 12 12 Similar Recipes 5 Stuffed French Breads Easy No Knead Bread Pizza Dough Recipes Grilled or Oven Baked Chicago Style Pizza Zucchini Pizza Crust Recipe https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2015/01/italian-panzerotti-recipe.html These are all copyright-protected images and content. Do not reprint/reuse this recipe or its images without my written permission.

Italian Panzerotti Pin for later

Don't Forget To Try My Favorite Fried Dough Recipe!

They are very popular in the New Jersey area.I have made them many times and these are always a treat since they take a little more time than a usual pizza pie.These finally came out exactly how I remembered them. Little like making a filled pizza fritte.More work but delicious!Shown is simple pepperoni and mozzarella with garlic, oregano, and fresh chopped parsley with some sauce inside.Make sure you drain them on paper towels before serving. Very yummy.Being popular in the New Jersey area, you will find these in many Italian restaurants there.The cities are famous for making some of the best tasting Italian Panzerotti, made to order here in America.Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2015. It was edited and re-published in 2021.
Rising petrol prices can harm consumers at the pumps as well as losses for businesses

As per the West Texas Intermediate oil pricing benchmark, the price per barrel decreased by 4.6 per cent to $59.70, the lowest price since December 16. Previously, shortly after skirmishes between Iran and the United States, the price peaked in April at $65.60 per barrel.

While a spiralling rise in the worlds oil price is benefiting Vietnams own crude oil exports, it brings more woes to the business community, especially logistics companies. Other affected areas include accommodation, fisheries, water supply, and warehousing services. Many businesses may fall in a dilemma due to the pressure of the rising petrol prices as transport fees increase proportionally and might cause losses for them.

According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, petrol currently accounts for about 35 per cent of the transport cost structure. Pham Dinh Thang, director of Decam Transportation and Services Co., Ltd., said that the freight charge calculations will change by 3-4 per cent if the petrol price increases or decreases by 10 per cent.

A representative from Singapore-invested Indo Trans Logistics Corporation said that each month, the company has to spend about VND3 billion ($130,000) on petrol to fuel its container trucks.

Maruichi Sun Steel JSC (SUNSCO), the first steel company in Vietnam that was fully invested by the Japanese, is also using logistics services as the company imports steel from their partners JFE from Japan and Posco from South Korea. Hoang Manh Hung, SUNSCO chief accountant told VIR, the company has to set aside $540,000 for the ups and downs of petrol prices.

Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC (BSR) set a plan of reaching after-tax profit of VND1.3 trillion ($56 million) in 2020, a decrease of 41.4 per cent compared to 2019, which is mainly caused by the strong changes of the price of petrol.

Bui Minh Tien, BSR general director, told VIR, The global oil market has a significant impact on the production and business activities of BSR. The price of crude oil and products fluctuated abnormally in 2019.

In 2020, BSRs parent group PetroVietnam assigned BSR to focus on ensuring the operation of Dung Quat Oil Refinery in the central province of Quang Ngai and to shorten the overall maintenance time to increase the operational efficiency of the plant. In addition, BSR will prioritise the upgrading and expansion of the refinery.

In 2019 BSR imported 7.45 million barrels of crude oil, three million barrels of which came from the US. The conflict brewing with Iran poses a high possibility of global oil prices mounting, and with Vietnams high reliance on imports  especially from the US  will affect the domestic oil market. According to the assessment of PetroVietnam, the price of oil will remain high after the OPEC and its allies curtailed its output by 1.2-1.7 million barrels a day until March. In this context, the stable operation of both Dung Quat and the Nghi Son oil refinery and petrochemical complex in the central province of Thanh Hoa will provide motivation for businesses.
Apple Pay's user interface / Captured from Apple's official website



Apple Pay unlikely to be available in Korea again this year



By Park Jae-hyuk



Apple's high-handed attitude toward Korean credit card issuers has been leading to a reduced likelihood of Apple Pay's launch here, as card firms have declined to accept the U.S. tech giant's unreasonable demands, industry sources said Wednesday.



According to the sources, some domestic card firms recently stopped negotiating with Apple for the launch of the U.S. firm's mobile payment and digital wallet service.



The card issuers have tried to bring Apple Pay to Korea since its launch in 2015.



Some of them recently visited Japan to study the usage of the mobile payment service there.



They regarded Apple Pay as their new income source for this year, hoping it would allow them to overcome the industry downturn.



However, they failed to reach an agreement with Apple because the tech firm wanted them to pay transaction fees and install payment terminals for Apple Pay.



Apple receives 0.15 percent commission on every Apple Pay transaction in the United States.



According to the sources, it demanded Korean card firms pay a higher commission than those in other countries.



In contrast to Apple, Samsung does not receive commission on Samsung Pay transactions.



"Apple and card firms pursued a partnership, but it ended in failure as Apple set higher commission rates in Korea," a domestic card firm official said on condition of anonymity. "Card firms have already suffered losses from their customers who use credit cards for micropayments. If transaction fees go higher, this will weigh more on card firms."



The sources said Apple also demanded Korean card firms provide their affiliated merchants with devices needed for Apple Pay.



Most merchants here use payment terminals for integrated circuit (IC) cards, not those based on the near-field communication (NFC) technology that Apple Pay uses.



Samsung Pay has been available in Korea and it uses both NFC and magnetic secure transmission (MST), allowing the payment service to work with older terminals.



In Korea, only 30,000 among 2.8 million merchants affiliated with card issuers support NFC-based payments.



Local card firms have remained reluctant to install NFC-based terminals, as it costs at least 150,000 won ($123) per terminal.



They once jointly pushed ahead with the installation of NFC-based terminals in 2017, but the nation's financial regulator prohibited it, saying it may go against the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act that is in place to prevent card issuers from bribing their affiliates.



"Apple officials met with Korean credit card firm officials when they visited here to promote Apple Pay, but it was virtually impossible for card firms to install hardware tailored for Apple Pay," another domestic card firm official said.



Apple declined to comment on Apple Pay's launch in Korea.


KAMPALA The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has topped the list of its 2019 scorecard with efforts to normalize relations with neighbour Rwanda, which had placed the region on tension in the past year.

Hon Henry Okello Oryem, the Minister of State for International Relations, said getting the two heads of state to a table for discussions in Luanda was a top diplomatic maneuver that the Ministry takes pride in.

The Ministry coordinated and participated in 14 peace and security initiatives with the objective of having a stable and peaceful region, said Okello Oryem.

These include the ministerial meetings of the joint Ad-hoc Commission set up to implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni to normalize relations between both countries, he explained.

Last week, Kampala released Rwandan nationals who were arrested on suspicion of espionage and were handed over to Rwandas High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj Gen Frank Mugambage.

This came from Kampalas efforts to dispatch Ugandas Head of Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, to Kigali to meet President Kagame.

At a news conference, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon Sam Kutesa, said the guilt or innocence of the suspects notwithstanding, the release of the suspects should be interpreted in the realm of seeking to thaw chilled relations between the two countries.

Okello Oryem, who was meeting the Committee on Foreign Affairs to present the Ministrys Budget Framework Paper, said Ugandas peacemaker role in the region would continue to be enhanced.

To achieve this, however, Okello Oryem said the Ministrys budget needs to be enhanced.

The Ministrys budget is set to decline to Shs33.3 billion from Shs54 billion in the current Financial Year.

On distraught Ugandans in foreign countries, especially those on desperate journeys in search of work, Okello Oryem said the Ministry can only offer consular services restricted within the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

This means that the Ministrys work will not extend beyond offering consular support unless funds are provided to offer extra services to Ugandans trapped in capitals overseas.

Committee Member, Lt Gen Pecos Kutesa (UPDF) said although there is commendable work being done by the Ministry, there should be efforts at enhancing commercial and cultural diplomacy for Ugandas transformation.

Related
Climate change wasn't front and center in last night's Democratic primary debate, but the topic produced some noteworthy moments.

Why it matters: It was the last debate before the Iowa caucuses, and multiple polls have shown that climate is among voters' priorities there.

A brief but telling scuffle broke out when a climate question arrived near the end.Amy Klobuchar, asked why she doesn't support calls to ban fracking, said natural gas is a "transition fuel" on the path to carbon neutrality by midcentury.

The other side: Bernie Sanders shook his head as she spoke. His plan includes a fracking ban and is generally far more aggressive than Klobuchar's.

Klobuchar also touted carbon pricing, which has lost cachet on the left and isn't in Sanders' plan.

Quick take: It highlighted the divide between moderate and left Democrats over the role of natural gas in the energy mix.

A standing reminder that a fracking ban is DOA in Congress (though a Democratic president could restrict fracking federal lands), and getting to net-zero emissions by 2050, let alone sooner, would be immensely difficult.

The big picture: Several moments captured the way climate is now stitched into the fabric of Democrats' discussion of lots of topics  and why Sanders' approach excites young activists.

Take the moment when Sanders cited the absence of climate provisions to explain his opposition to the USMCA trade deal.

When his USMCA answer veered into a mini-speech on climate, The Des Moines Register's Brianne Pfannenstiel interjected, "We're going to get to climate change, but I'd like to stay on trade."

Sanders replied, "They are the same in this issue."

My thought bubble: That view of climate as the mother of all cross-cutting topics is a reason Sanders is so popular in the Green New Deal camp.

More climate highlights

1. Candidates knew their audience as they made the case that their plans would help Iowa farmers. For instance, after frontrunner Joe Biden said, "We're the only country in the world that's ever taken great crisis and turned it into great opportunity," he added:

"And one of the ways to do it is with farmers here in Iowa, by making them the first group in the world to get to net-zero emissions by paying them for planting and absorbing carbon in their fields."

2. The heat from Australia's fires has made its way into the U.S. contest. Sanders, Tom Steyer and Pete Buttigieg all cited the fires. "This is no longer theoretical and this is no longer off in the future," Buttigieg said of the effects of climate change.

3. Biden didn't emphasize climate as much as Sanders and Steyer. He stuck to his message of citing his past work (including green energy spending in the 2009 stimulus) and job opportunities from building out climate-related infrastructure.

But, but, but: Biden gaffed a bit when he touted "12 billion gallons of gasoline  barrels of gasoline to be saved immediately" by reinstating mileage rules implemented when he was VP.

Biden gaffed a bit when he touted "12 billion gallons of gasoline  barrels of gasoline to be saved immediately" by reinstating mileage rules implemented when he was VP. He's presumably referring to 2012 estimates that standards imposed through 2025 would save 12 billion barrels of oil over the life of the covered vehicles.

Go deeper: 4 takeaways from the 7th Democratic debate
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

In Georgia's Kobuleti, an attack was made on the service center of the SOCAR Georgia Gas LLC, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan in Georgia, Head of SOCAR Energy Georgia Mahir Mammadov told Trend.

According to him, the offenders attacked a security officer at night and tied him up; then they attempted to break into a payment terminal, but could not get money from there.

Everyone is alive with no injuries. Such minor attacks sometimes happen, and this is the third time. We are already installing cameras to avoid such cases, Mammadov said.

As he noted, the attackers are wanted. The police works to identify the offenders.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
L-R: President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, during the signing of phase one of a trade deal with China in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

White House Expects Short Senate Impeachment Trial, No Witnesses

The White House is expecting a short Senate trial hearing the articles of impeachment against Republican President Donald Trump, senior administration officials said.

The administration is also expecting no witnesses to testify during the trial in the GOP-held Senate, the officials said in a phone call with reporters.

These are the weakest articles of impeachment that have ever been passed in any presidential impeachment, one official said. They state no violation of a crime, no violation of any law. And the idea that it is obstruction of justice, obstruction of Congress for the president to assert constitutionally grounded privileges that protect the separation of powers is absurd. We think that these articles fail on their face.

Were prepared, the official continued. We have been ready and are ready to get things moving in the Senate because the facts overwhelmingly show that the president did nothing wrong. And were happy now that were going to have a chance to vindicate the president and get this process behind the country so that the American people can move on and stop having time wasted by House Democrats with their obsession to try and attack the president.

The Senate is expected to vote on initial guidelines for the trial that are very similar to the ones used in the trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said. The guidelines would have both sides argue their cases before senators submit written questions. Only then would they vote on whether to call witnesses.

We dont think that theres going to be any need for witnesses in this trial, an administration official told reporters. I think that if the Senate decides to adopt similar procedures to the Clinton trialwhich seems to be a possibility and seems to be logical; all 100 senators agreed on it, at that pointit allows the senators to hear presentations and then decide whether they need to hear anything else. And we think, at that point, they wouldnt need to hear anything else because this is an extraordinarily weak case for the House managers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) signs the articles of impeachment of President Donald Trump during an engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

The impeachment articles signed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi being carried out by the House SAA Paul Irving (R) and House clerk Cheryl Johnson (L) over to the Senate side followed by impeachment managers on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

The House managers were appointed on Jan. 15. Later in the day, the Democrat-controlled body voted to send the impeachment articles to the Senate and the managers walked the articles over to the Senate.

GOP senators said this week that there isnt enough support to outright dismiss the articles of impeachment, which requires a simple majority. A removal from office, or conviction, requires a supermajority of 67 votes. One administration official said that it would be appropriate to dismiss the articles because theyre so weak, that, on their face, if this were a court proceeding, theyd be subject to dismissal.

The administration, though, is going forward with the defense of Trump. Officials believe the trial will wrap up fairly quickly, after senators have said it could last up to to six weeks.

I think its extraordinarily unlikely that wed be going beyond two weeks, an official said after being asked if Trump would still give his State of the Union in early February if the trial was still going on.

We think that this case is overwhelming for the president, and the Senate is not going to have any need to be taking that amount of time on this.
Today has seen a fresh move by Oriol Junqueras in his efforts to take up his seat in the European parliament. Following the decision by Spains Supreme Court to keep him in prison on January 9 thus ignoring the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the ERC leaders legal team has urged the Supreme Court to file a pre-trial question with the European court to ascertain whether Junqueras was lawfully convicted, considering the Spanish court never asked the European parliaments prior consent. In other words, Spain never asked for Junqueras immunity which, as the CJEU has ruled, he was afforded the moment he was elected to be revoked.

This is the substance of a new appeal filed by Junqueras lead counsel, Andreu Van den Eynde, on January 14, where the attorney claims that the Supreme Courts decision was unlawful: it is unlawful to submit a pre-trial question and then fail to apply the outcome of the interpretation of EU law made by the CJEU. And he goes on two argue that the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Manuel Marchena, cannot freely interpret the judgement issued by the CJEU, but must apply it.

According to the appeal, the legal proceedings against Junqueras should have been put on hold the day after the trial came to an end (13 June 2019), pending a ruling from the CJEU on the pre-trial question. The document insists that Junqueras is entitled to immunity and demands that he be allowed to travel to the European parliament to take up his seat in the chamber. Furthermore, the appeal denounces that Junqueras rights to freedom, free speech, equal treatment, due process, a fair trial and political participation and representation have been violated.

In a ruling earlier this year, Spains Supreme Court argued that Junqueras had no immunity and refused to release him so that he may take up his seat as an MEP. The court claimed that the judgement issued by the CJEU referred to Junqueras pre-trial detention, before he received a 13-year prison sentence. Still, Van den Eynde is adamant that immunity must offer protection from a prison sentence following a conviction, not just from pre-trial detention. And he adds that only the European Parliament may suspend a members immunity.

Van den Eynde emphasises that, on the same day he handed down his verdict, Justice Marchena had pledged in writing to abide by the ruling of the CJEU regardless of Mr Junqueras judicial or pre-trial status. Junqueras lawyer believes that the European courts ruling should have been enforced regardless of whether the trial [in Madrid] was over or not, and even if the defendant had already been convicted.
Chandigarh district court has sent Maninder Singh, accused of killing Sarabjit Kaur, a 27-year-old Sangrur-based nurse, to five-day police remand after he confessed to his crimes on live television.

Thirty-one year old Maninder was arrested by the Chandigarh police from the studio of a Punjabi news channel, where he had reached to confess his crime.

According to PTI, Maninder Singh is already convicted of killing another woman in 2010 in Karnal. He confessed to both murders during the news programme.

Maninder who later confessed in court said, Maitho galti ho gai (I have committed a mistake). He also said that he threw the phone in a water body near Sirhind and wrapped the knife and the hotel keys in a cloth and threw them out of a Ludhiana-bound bus. Maninder first strangled Sarabjit Kaur and then slit her throat with a knife.

Maninder was produced in the court of duty magistrate Kushal Singhla wherein the police sought six-day police remand. Chandigarh Police stated that they needed the remand to recover the murder weapon, his clothes and the hotel room keys.

PTI also reported that Maninder had committed the murder after he suspected the victim of infidelity. He claimed that the victim was ready for court marriage since his family had objected to the marriage due to their difference in caste.

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Prison gangs exploded onto the scene across the United States in the 1980s. While there is much speculation about these gangs, little research has been done to learn how they are organized and governed, who joins them, if people can leave them, and how gang membership affects people who are recently released from prison. A new book based on interviews with hundreds of inmates in Texas prisons as well as administrative data from the prison system addresses many of these unanswered questions.

The book, Competing for Control: Gangs and the Social Order of Prisons, was written by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Arizona State University. It is published by Cambridge University Press.

"Prisons have been called the final frontier in research on gangs as well as a topic that policymakers and criminal justice practitioners know little about," says David Pyrooz, associate professor of sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder, who coauthored the book. "We went to the source to learn about gangs in prison--the gang members themselves."

In the largest study of prison gangs, the authors interviewed 802 inmates at two Texas prisons; 368 were identified by the prison system as affiliated with a gang. They also used administrative data from the prison system, finding a strong overlap between what the prisoners said about themselves in the interviews and information in official records from the system.

Based on their work, the authors reached the following conclusions:

- Prison gangs are in a period of transition: They are not monolithic but vary considerably in their organization and structure. While they maintain power and influence in prison, particularly over contraband and violence, they lack iron-fisted control over the prisoners and the institutions in which they operate. And nearly all gangs operate outside prisons, too.

- Prison violence is concentrated among gang populations: This finding suggests that criminal justice officials need to develop new ways to fix the sources of violence in prisons. In addition, contrary to popular thought, gang membership does not protect inmates from victimization in prison. In these ways, gangs in prison resemble those on the street.

- About 20 percent of all inmates in Texas are affiliated with gangs: Half of those inmates joined a gang after becoming imprisoned and half were gang members before they entered prison and brought that affiliation with them when they were imprisoned. Black people in prison are more likely to bring prior gang affiliations with them, while White and Latino people in prison are more likely to join a gang for the first time while in prison.

- People in prison join gangs or maintain gang membership for a variety of reasons: Influences of family and friends, the desire for status and belonging, the need for safety and protection, and belief in a gang's ideology (e.g., related to race, religion, or general concepts like standing up to violence) are just some of those reasons.

- The popular notion of "blood in, blood out" among prison gangs is a myth: Although it is more challenging to leave a gang in prison than to do so on the street, it occurs regularly, even among the most serious gangs and gang members; there were more former than current gang members in the study. Disillusionment with the gang was the primary reason for leaving gangs in prison,

"Our work captures the nature of gangs in a time of transition, as they become more decentralized and their power is more diffuse, and as prison reform movements gain momentum," notes Scott Decker, professor of criminology and criminal justice at Arizona State University, who coauthored the book. "At this time, it is critical for public health and safety that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners understand the nature of gangs and gang members in prison."

###

The research reported in the book was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Gurugram: A man allegedly robbed a 27-year-old cab driver of his car after asking him for a lift near Sheetla Mata Mandir in Sector 5 on Tuesday. The police said that the suspect met the cab driver near the Delhi airport and told him that he needed to go to MG Road for an emergency.

According to the police, Chandan Kumar, the victim, is a resident of Dwarka in Delhi. The incident took place on Tuesday around 2am. The police said that the suspect stopped Chandan near the airport and told him that he had to go to MG road immediately.

Vicky Kumar, a relative of the victim, said, The man said that he did not have the time to book a cab to go to MG Road. To help him, Chandan agreed to take him to MG Road. When they reached there, the man got out and began smoking. Chandan then asked for some money, but the man said that he got confused and now needed to go to Sheetla Mata Mandir.

Vicky further said that when they were about to reach the temple, the victim stopped his car on roadside to answer natures call. While getting out of the car, Chandan took his phone and car keys along with him. But the man asked him to leave the car on as he wanted to recharge the battery of his phone. Chandan left the keys and went away to relieve himself. Suddenly, the man got into the drivers seat and fled with his car, he added.

Vicky said that the victim then approached the police. However, they allegedly did not lodge a complaint initially. The police kept him in the police station and did not file case, he said.

Samsudeen, station house officer, Sector 5 police station, denied the allegations and said, The victim did not know the exact location of where the incident took place. Our officials went out to search for the car right after he approached us.

A case was registered against the suspect under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at Sector 5 police station on Thursday night.
He's been blissfully married to Anna Heinrich for just over 18 months.

Now Tim Robards has admitted he doesn't take a 'single moment for granted' as the couple holiday in Mexico.

On Thursday, the 37-year-old took to Instagram to reflect on their whirlwind adventure - and his success.

'Not taking a single moment for granted': On Thursday, Tim Robards reflected on his travels in Mexico with his wife Anna and encouraged teenagers to work hard for their happiness. Pictured: the couple

'Not taking a single moment for granted,' the Neighbours actor started the post, alongside a gallery of five sun-drenched mages.

'Travel has always been one of my top goals because I love discovering new cultures, new sunsets and new adventure!

'Now I'm lucky to get to share my suitcase to accommodate Anna's hair straighteners and extra shoes,' he said.

Romantic! 'Now I'm lucky to get to share my suitcase to accommodate Anna's hair straighteners and extra shoes,' he said

The handsome hunk went on to explain that he only got to where he is in today with 'hard work' and 'discipline'.

'Seriously though, I am thankful to myself for the hard work I put in at school, which instilled the discipline I have today and has brought a lot of fun and love to my life,' he said.

'Any teenagers reading I urge you to find your own sense of discipline so you can live your life aligned to your values, not someone else's!'

Tim went on to explain that he only got to where he is in today with 'hard work' and 'discipline'

On Monday, Anna, 33, shared her own happy snaps of their Mexico trip, alongside her actor husband rocking a horseshoe mustache.

'I told him not to shave it... never listens. My Mexican lover,' she wrote in the caption.

The couple were in North America to attend the wedding of Anna's sister Charlotte.
Leaders fear for planet as they pack for "green" Davos WEF President Borge Brende attends a news conference ahead of the Davos annual meeting in Cologny near Geneva

By Mark John

LONDON (Reuters) - Climate change and environmental destruction top the risks highlighted by world decision-makers in a survey ahead of the 2020 gathering of the global elite in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.

For the first time the annual risk report, compiled by the World Economic Forum (WEF), found the top five concerns were all environmental, from extreme weather to biodiversity loss and events like oil spills and radioactive contamination.

That came as trade wars and the rise of nationalist politics around the world were also cited by the panel of more than 750 experts and decision-makers surveyed as making it harder for countries to work together on solutions.

This year's Davos takes place against the backdrop of some of Australia's worst ever bushfires. While the government there has avoided making a link to climate change, the fires have added to public concern about the heating of the planet.

"The visibility of the impact of extreme weather events, wild fires, flooding, has heightened awareness," said Emily Farnworth, WEF Head of Climate Change Initiatives.

"What we are now seeing is the reality of what it means."

This year's Davos, which runs next week, has chosen sustainability as its main theme and comes as campaigners such as Greta Thunberg ramp up pressure on business and governments.

BlackRock Chief Executive Larry Fink on Tuesday warned company boards to step up efforts to tackle climate change, seen as a big shift by the world's top asset manager.

At the same time, leading economies are behind on pledges to cut carbon emissions made with the 2015 Paris Agreement and activists remain wary of empty promises, pointing to the huge subsidies and private funds still on offer for fossil fuels.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend, although some world leaders will skip this year's Davos. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told his ministers to avoid an event seen by many as elitist.

Story continues

CARBON NEUTRAL

In a bid to preempt criticism that its jetset guests are part of the problem, the WEF said this year's Davos would use offsets to be fully carbon neutral, line up more electric vehicles and offer local food and non-meat protein options.

WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab also announced plans to launch a scheme using public and private funds to plant one trillion trees by the end of this decade.

Environmental concerns have been rising up the list of its perceived long-term risks, a marked change from a decade ago when the West's biggest economies were thrown into recession by the financial crisis.

The biggest risk that year was seen as a fresh collapse in asset prices, while inequality was the top concern from 2012 to 2014. Immigration loomed large in the 2016 survey as hundreds of thousands of migrants arrived in Europe, fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

Aside from the environment, the 2020 survey highlights concerns about shortfalls in governance of the technology sector, struggling health sectors and doggedly high inequality.

In its methodology for the survey, the WEF said a "global risk" was defined as one that could cause major harm to several countries or industries within the next 10 years.

Two-thirds of the respondees were male, with a majority from Europe and North America and most aged between 40 and 59. For the first time, the survey included results from 200 under-30s around the world identified as future leaders in various fields.

(Additional reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Writing by Mark John; Editing by Alexander Smith)
The Senate on Wednesday passed the USMCA trade agreement, the Trump administrations update of NAFTA, by a vote of 89-10.

The agreement will allow free trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada among farmers and manufacturers, while updating certain rules in response to technological changes over the past several years. Under the new agreement auto manufacturers will have to comply with a stricter set of rules in order to avoid tariffs, including producing a certain amount of parts in the U.S., and farmers will be granted unrestricted access to the Canadian dairy market.

USMCA also sets guidelines for the free exchange of information and data between the North American countries.

The bills passage came on the heals of the signing of a phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China, relaxing certain tariffs the countries had put in place in the midst of a trade war.

Its like the World Series and Super Bowl all in one week, Senator Rob Portman (R., Ohio) commented.

Mexico has already approved the agreement, while Canadas parliament is expected to ratify the agreement in late January.

The bills bipartisan support provided a contrast to the impending impeachment trial of President Trump. The bill passed the House in December with broad support, in a vote of 385a41, less than a day after the body voted to impeach the President.

More from National Review
[January 16, 2020] Gemini Launches Captive Insurance Company and Custody Insurance Solution with Leading Brokers Aon and Marsh

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemini Trust Company, LLC (Gemini), a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, today launched Nakamoto, Ltd. (Nakamoto), a captive insurance company licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to insure Gemini Custody. Nakamoto  the world's first captive to insure crypto custody  allows Gemini Custody to increase its insurance capacity beyond the coverage currently available in the commercial insurance market. This insurance solution gives Gemini Custody $200 million in insurance coverage  the largest limit of insurance coverage purchased by any crypto custodian in the world. "Insurance is one of the main barriers to crypto mass adoption," said Cameron Winklevoss, President of Gemini. "Gemini has created a captive insurance company to address this. Obtaining meaningful insurance in the crypto industry remains a challenge, and our captive will help to increase our insurance capacity and move the industry forward." Gemini Custody is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) and is SOC 2 Type 1 compliant. Separate from Gemini Custody, Gemini also offers insurance for customers' crypto held in its online Hot Wallet. U.S. dollar customer deposits are eligible for FDIC "pass through" deposit insurance. "Currently, the crypto industry laks insurance coverage similar to that available in traditional financial markets," said Yusuf Hussain, Head of Risk of Gemini. "Gemini recognized this gap and collaborated with two of the world's largest insurance brokers, Aon and Marsh, to solve for this."



Gemini worked with Aon to incorporate Nakamoto in Bermuda, the world's leading captive insurance jurisdiction. With Aon as Nakamoto's captive manager, Gemini will be able to tap into broader insurance markets, including the reinsurance markets, to obtain access to greater amounts of insurance capacity at optimal costs. By doing so, Gemini can pass the savings to customers, scaling customers' insurance needs as the crypto industry grows. Additionally, Marsh's Digital Asset Risk Transfer (DART) team brokered excess insurance from the commercial insurance markets to provide a robust custody insurance solution. Gemini was able to demonstrate a secure, compliant, and regulated custody offering, providing insurers the confidence to underwrite a substantive amount of insurance for Gemini Custody.

In addition to the coverage provided by its custody insurance solution, Gemini customers can now purchase additional insurance for their segregated crypto assets to provide even greater coverage. About Gemini Trust Company, LLC: Gemini Trust Company, LLC (Gemini) is a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian that allows customers to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ether, litecoin, and Zcash. Gemini is a New York trust company that is subject to the capital reserve requirements, cybersecurity requirements, and banking compliance standards set forth by the New York State Department of Financial Services and the New York Banking Law. Gemini was founded in 2014 by twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss to empower the individual through crypto. To learn more, visit https://gemini.com/custody Media Contact:

Carolyn Vadino

Head of Communications, Gemini

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gemini-launches-captive-insurance-company-and-custody-insurance-solution-with-leading-brokers-aon-and-marsh-300988035.html SOURCE Gemini

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Tuesday nights Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines, Iowa, the last before the February 3 Iowa caucuses, was dominated by discussion of the war crisis provoked by President Trumps assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and the devastating legacy of three decades of American wars in the Middle East.

All six candidates on the stageincluding the nominal socialist Bernie Sanders, who has been appealing to antiwar sentiment at his campaign ralliescriticized Trumps actions from the standpoint of advocating a more carefully considered strategy to defend and advance the interests of American imperialism in the Middle East and throughout the world.

Not one of the candidates called the killing of Suleimani what it clearly wasa criminal action by a criminal president. The word assassination, initially used by Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren in statements following the drone missile attack that killed the Iranian leader near the Baghdad airport, was not uttered in the course of the two-hour debate. Not one candidate so much as mentioned Suleimanis name.

There was no discussion of the fact that world politics has crossed an ominous line, entering new and uncharted territory, with the most powerful nation in the world killing a top military leader of a country with which it is not at war, and carrying out that action on the soil of a third country in gross violation of its national sovereignty.

Discussion of war and foreign policy, almost completely suppressed in previous debates, took up the first 45 minutes of the January 14 event, which was co-sponsored and moderated by CNN and the Des Moines Register newspaper.

Each of the candidates sought to present him- or herself as the most plausible alternative to Donald Trump as commander-in-chief of American imperialism.

Former Vice President Joe Biden touted his own experiencehe entered the Senate nearly 50 years agoand judgment, conceding only that his 2002 vote for the resolution authorizing the war in Iraq was a mistake. Biden, at that time chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, played a critical role in ensuring bipartisan support for the US invasion and conquest of Iraq.

The other candidates postured as opponents of the war in Iraq in order to chip away at Bidens frontrunner status, while offering nearly identical foreign policy perspectives. All of them, including Sanders, supported continuing the US military intervention in the Middle East and Central Asia, differing only on the exact mix of special forces, ground troops and naval and air assets they would deploy.

It was characteristic of the right-wing political framework shared by both the candidates and the debate moderators, led by the apologist for imperialist violence Wolf Blitzer of CNN, that there were no follow-up questions on the killing of Suleimani. The discussion of Iran revolved entirely around the claim that the Iranian regime was seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The candidates indicated, in virtually identical terms, that the US government had to prevent such a development, and that this was one of the highest priorities of American foreign policyeven though Iran has no ongoing nuclear weapons program and is cooperating with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Biden insisted that the next administration should reconstitute the international coalition that used economic pressure to compel Iran to sign the nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The next president has to be able to pull those folks back together, reestablish our alliances, and insist that Iran go back into the agreement, he said, which I believe, with the pressure applied as we put on before, we can get done.

Sanders followed suit, saying, We have got to undo what Trump did, bring that coalition together, and make sure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.

Former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg said, Ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons will, of course, be a priority, because its such an important part of keeping America safe.

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota argued that Trumps killing of Suleimani risked provoking an Iranian nuclear breakout, saying, I would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

Senator Elizabeth Warren and hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer did not address the Iran nuclear question directly, but each pledged to use military force when US interests were threatened. Warren said that an imminent threat was her criterionthe same language used by Trump to justify the assassination of Suleimani.

Steyer said, I would take military action to protect the lives and safety of American citizens, while adding that he was in general agreement with Biden, the most adamant defender of American military intervention in the Middle East.

More broadly on foreign policy, Klobuchar, Buttigieg and Steyer were generally aligned with Biden, while Sanders and Warren adopted a more critical tone toward military engagements, albeit without any substance.

Biden was the most categorical about reestablishing the aggressive interventionism of the Obama administration, defending actions such as the US-NATO bombing of Libya and unrestricted drone warfare across the Middle East and North Africa, claiming these were legal under existing congressional authorizations.

I would leave troops in the Middle East in terms of patrolling the Gulf, he said, And with regard to this idea that we can walk away and not have any troops anywhere, including special forces, wetheres no way you negotiate or have been able to negotiate with terrorists. You have to be able to form coalitions to be able to defeat them or contain them.

Biden and Klobuchar both attacked Trumps withdrawal of US troops from the Syrian-Turkish border, which gave a green light to the Turkish military incursion that has driven Syrian Kurdish forces away from the border region. Klobuchar added that when it comes to Iraq right now, I would leave our troops there, despite the mess that has been created by Donald Trump.

Buttigieg opposed an endless commitment of ground troops to the Middle East while backing the continued deployment of special forces equipped for counterterrorism and cyberwarfare. He also called for congressional action on a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that would apply to current conditions of drone warfare and US operations against Iran.

Warren presented herself as an advocate for the military, emphasizing her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. I work with our generals, with our military leaders, with our intelligence, but I also visit our troops, she said. I visit our troops around the world. Ive been to Afghanistan, to Iraq, to Jordan, to South Korea. Ive been to lots of places to talk with our troops.  You know, I have three brothers who were in the military, and I know how much our military families sacrifice.

Sanders recalled his opposition to the war in Vietnam and to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, but did not repeat his remarks of last week about wars in the Middle East being waged by the children of the working class rather than the children of billionaires. And he admitted that his own vote in 2001 for the AUMF that approved the US war in Afghanistan was a mistake, excusing it by the fact that only a single Democrat, Barbara Lee of California, voted against it.

And as the debates segued from military conflict to trade war, he voiced the most strident economic nationalism, attacking Trump from the right on both China and Mexico, and pointing out that, unlike Biden, he had opposed every trade agreement reached by US administrations, going back to the passage of NAFTA under Bill Clinton.

The remainder of the debate, extending more than an hour, was a desultory affair, and the moderators and candidates spoke on subjects such as health care, child care, education, impeachment (barely five minutes!), climate change and electability without saying anything of interest.

Among the topics not raised were economic inequalitysupposedly Sanders signature issuepoverty, and more generally the social crisis in America, as well as immigration, where Trumps fascistic and racist demagogy will be a main theme of his reelection campaign.

Also remarkable given the circumstancesthe final debate before the Iowa caucuses initiate actual voter participation in the Democratic nominating contestthere was not a single reference to the entry into the race of billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who has already spent more than $200 million, more than all other candidates combined.

While the moderators and candidates said nothing about this brazen effort to buy the nomination, they did make time for a political stink bomb against Sanders, a #MeToo-style provocation in which Warren claimed that Sanders had told her in 2018, in a one-on-one meeting with no other witnesses, that a woman could not win the upcoming presidential election.

Sanders has roundly denied Warrens account, and he did so again when asked at the debate. This led to the following extraordinary exchange with moderator Abby Phillip of CNN.

PHILLIP: So Sen. SandersSen. Sanders, I do want to be clear here, youre saying that you never told Sen. Warren that a woman could not win the election?

SANDERS: That is correct.

PHILLIP: Sen. Warren, what did you think when Sen. Sanders told you a woman could not win the election?

(LAUGHTER)

The audience laughed at Phillips brazen disregard for Sanders denial. She did not ask Warren to respond to it, but rather continued with the question as it had been drawn up ahead of time, hoping to provoke a conflict along gender lines that would pit the two supposed left candidates for the Democratic nomination against each other, to the benefit of their more right-wing opponents, who have the backing of the Democratic Party establishment and the bulk of the corporate media.
Press Release

16 January 2020

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee - The Canadian hotel industry recorded mostly negative year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 5-11 January 2020, according to data from STR.

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In comparison with the week of 6-12 January 2019, the industry reported the following:

Occupancy: -5.1% to 43.8%

Average daily rate (ADR): +0.4% to CAD141.23

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -4.8% to CAD61.81

Among the provinces and territories, Alberta experienced the only double-digit decline in occupancy (-12.5% to 36.7%), which resulted in the steepest drop in RevPAR (-14.2% to CAD46.23).

Newfoundland and Labrador posted the largest decrease in ADR (-6.9% to CAD115.83) and the only other double-digit decline in RevPAR (-10.8% to CAD37.68).

Saskatchewan saw the second-steepest drop in occupancy (-9.6% to 40.3%).

Quebec reported the only increase in occupancy (+1.4% to 43.4%) and RevPAR (+5.7% to CAD62.67). The province recorded the highest lift in ADR (+4.2% to CAD144.52).
Model turned crime author Tara Moss has been accused of negligence by her own doctor as she sues him over a hip injury that left her using a cane she calls 'Wolfie'.

Moss, who runs an Instagram account devoted to normalising walking stick use, is suing her GP Chris Coghill for damages in the NSW Supreme Court.

The 46-year-old Canadian-Australian claims the experienced doctor was negligent and failed in his duty of care by not diagnosing an injury to soft tissue in her hip.

But the doctor has denied any negligence and her allegations in court, saying he acted competently and professionally.

Dr Coghill's lawyers said in his defence that if the best-selling writer had suffered any 'damages ... they were caused or contributed to by (Moss's) own negligence.'

Model turned author Tara Moss with her cane, dubbed 'Wolfie'. Moss is suing a Blue Mountains GP, claiming he failed to diagnose her hip injury - but he denies being advised she was suffering from hip pain

Moss claims she suffered a dull pain to her right pelvis following surgery from another doctor, which forced her to use a walking stick. She has since launched an Instagram account about life with the cane to increase awareness of mobility aids

'Wolfie' canes on Tara Moss's dedicated Instagram account. The model turned crime author has previously told morning television that she wants to normalise the use of walking sticks in media

Dr Coghill's defence claimed Moss failed 'to ever advise the defendant (the doctor) that she was suffering from hip pain'.

In her statement of claim, Moss said she suffered a dull pain in her right pelvis following a surgery performed by another doctor in early 2016.

She claimed that pain became more intense after a second procedure, so much so she could not 'stand comfortably' during a photoshoot in March 2016.

Moss claimed she was using a cane to get around the house when she visited her GP in Katoomba in March 2016.

Moss claimed Dr Coghill initially attributed the pain to a 'blighted ovum', but the doctor denied that was the case.

Moss said she tried yoga and consulted a naturopath to ease her pain and saw a number of specialists over possible issues.

She repeatedly claimed that Dr Coghill failed to examine her pelvic or hip area for signs of a hip injury.

But the doctor rejected that, telling the court in his defence that 'there was no clinical indication to do so'.

Dr Coghill's lawyers also told the court in their submission that the injuries Moss claims to have suffered as damages since the incident were 'an inherent risk of suffering a torn labrum', part of the rubbery tissue attached to the hip socket.

Moss was a model in both her native Canada and Australia before becoming a successful crime novelist in her late twenties

The accounts of the treatment Moss's by her GP differ. Moss claims she visited the doctor in 2017 and claims she told him the pain was 'not resolving and was severe'.

But in his version of events of that appointment, Dr Coghill claims he was told 'her pelvic discomfort was slowly resolving' and denied other parts of her account.

In 2018, Moss visited a GP in Sydney's CBD who recommended she get an MRI scan of her hip area, which found she had a labral tear, she claimed.

She later had surgery. Moss launched legal action last year and has spoken publicly about her use of a walking stick, saying she wants to promote the use of mobility aids by people who 'is not white haired'.

Moss with her walking stick in native Canada recently

'Visibility matters, so it's important to start being more open about it,' she told The Morning Show.

'I was hoping that I wouldn't need it, but now I embrace it.'

'The walking stick helps me to be more active, enjoy my life more fully and with less pain, and that's true with a lot of people ... so I want to be out there and representing'.

Moss was born in Canada and worked as a model in Australia and North America before becoming a novellist. She calls both countries her home, with one of her properties even affected by the recent bushfire crisis.

Dr Coghill is a GP with more than 20 years' experience and is described online as a 'great proponent of evidence-based medicine'.

The court case continues. Moss and Dr Coghill's lawyers were contacted for comment on Thursday.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bracco Diagnostics Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., one of the world's leading companies in the diagnostic imaging business, does not comment on pending litigations per its corporate policy. However, Bracco is pleased to announce today that the lawsuit filed by Chuck and Gena Norris, in which Mrs. Norris alleged injury from Bracco's magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL, has been voluntarily dismissed by Mr. and Mrs. Norris. The case is now closed. The decision to dismiss the lawsuit was entirely that of Mr. and Mrs. Norris and their attorneys. No settlement payment was made and each party paid their own costs.

Bracco takes patient safety very seriously and stands behind the safety of all of its products, including the MR contrast agents ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL and MultiHance. For further information, please refer to the Bracco November 2, 2017 press release at https://imaging.bracco.com/us-en.

Indications and Usage for MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL:

MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use in:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults and pediatric patients (including term neonates) to visualize lesions with abnormal blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity of the brain, spine, and associated tissues and

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate adults with known or suspected renal or aorto-ilio-femoral occlusive vascular disease

Indications and Usage for ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL:

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL is indicated for use in MRI in adults and children over 2 years of age to visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the brain (intracranial lesions), spine, and associated tissues.

EXTRACRANIAL/EXTRASPINAL TISSUES

ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL is indicated for use in MRI in adults to visualize lesions in the head and neck.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for MultiHance and ProHance:

WARNING: NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for NSF among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of GBCAs in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other modalities. NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with:

chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ), or



acute kidney injury.

Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g. age > 60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing.

For patients at highest risk for NSF, do not exceed the recommended MultiHance/ProHance dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug from the body prior to re-administration. (see WARNINGS)



MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL

Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported, involving cardiovascular, respiratory, and/or cutaneous manifestations ranging from mild to severe. The possibility of a reaction should always be considered, especially in those patients with a history of a known clinical hypersensitivity or a history of asthma or other allergic disorders. Trace amounts of gadolinium may remain for months or years in the body organs including bone (highest concentration), brain, liver, spleen, kidneys and skin. Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies, particularly close spaced studies when possible.

ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL

As with all paramagnetic agents, caution should be exercised in patients with deoxygenated sickle erythrocytes and renal insufficiency with or without hepatic impairment. The possibility of a reaction, including serious, life threatening, or fatal, anaphylactic or cardiovascular reactions, or other idiosyncratic reactions, should always be considered, especially in those patients with a history of a known clinical hypersensitivity or a history of asthma or other allergic disorders. Trace amounts of gadolinium may remain for months or years in the body organs including bone (highest concentration), brain, liver, spleen, kidneys and skin. Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies, particularly close spaced studies when possible.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Medication Guide for additional important safety information for/regarding MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) injection, 529 mg/mL at https://www.braccoimaging.com/us-en/products/magnetic-resonance-imaging/multihance

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Medication Guide for additional important safety information for/regarding ProHance (Gadoteridol) Injection, 279.3 mg/mL at https://www.braccoimaging.com/us-en/products/magnetic-resonance-imaging/prohance

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

MultiHance is manufactured for Bracco Diagnostics Inc. by BIPSO GmbH  78224 Singen (Germany) and by Patheon Italia S.p.A, Ferentino, Italy.

ProHance is manufactured for Bracco Diagnostics Inc. by BIPSO GmbH  78224 Singen (Germany).

MultiHance is a registered trademark of Bracco International B.V.

ProHance is a registered trademark of Bracco Diagnostics Inc.

About Bracco Imaging

Bracco Imaging S.p.A., part of the Bracco Group, is one of the world's leading companies in the diagnostic imaging business. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic imaging agents and solutions that meet medical needs.

Bracco Imaging offers a product and solution portfolio for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: X-ray Imaging (including Computed Tomography-CT, Interventional Radiology, and Cardiac Catheterization), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers. The diagnostic imaging portfolio is completed by a range of medical devices and advanced administration systems for contrast imaging products.

The company operates in over 100 markets worldwide, either directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, joint ventures, licenses and distribution partnership agreements. With on-going research covering all key modalities, Bracco Imaging has a strong presence in key geographies: North America, Europe and Japan operating through the Joint Venture Bracco-Eisai Co. Ltd. The Company also operates in Brazil, South Korea, and China through the Joint Venture Bracco Sine Pharmaceutical Corp. Ltd.

Operational investments have been made in order to achieve top quality, compliant and sustainable eco-friendly production. Manufacturing activities are located in Italy, Switzerland, Japan, China, and Germany.

Bracco Imaging is an innovative Research and Development (R&D) structure with an efficient process oriented approach and a track record of innovation in the diagnostic imaging industry. R&D activities are managed in the three Research Centers located in Italy, Switzerland, and the USA.

To learn more about Bracco Imaging, visit www.braccoimaging.com.

Press contact:

Kimberly Gerweck

Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Media Relations

[email protected]

+1 609-524-2777

SOURCE Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
[January 16, 2020] Phenom People Raises $30 Million in Series C Proving the HR Shift Towards AI-Powered Talent Experiences

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phenom People , the global leader in Talent Experience Management (TXM), today announced $30 million in Series C funding, bringing total investments to $61 million. The round is led by WestBridge Capital , with participation from AllianceBernstein Private Credit Investors Growth Stage Capital Group . Contributions from existing investors include AXA Venture Partners, Sierra Ventures, Omidyar Technology Ventures, Sigma Prime Ventures and Karlani Capital. To support the global demand for AI-driven talent experiences, Phenom People will use the investments for continued company growth and scale.

Headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Canada, India, Israel, U.K. and Netherlands, Phenom People has grown to 500 employees with over 300 customers across all industries and ranks 120 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. Global organizations are shifting their spend from legacy singular HR tools to data-driven, intelligent talent experience platforms, said Mahe Bayireddi, CEO and co-founder at Phenom People. CHROs can make an investment in a modern approachconnecting every interaction across the talent lifecycle for candidates, recruiters, employees and management. Phenom Peoples talent experience technology is unrivaled in todays marketplace, said Sumir Chadha, founder and managing director at WestBridge Capital. Their solution is transforming and progressing HR in ways that point solutions and acquired technologies do not. This matches the market direction towards experience management for talent. Were prioritizing strategic investments that align with market trends, said Abhishek Sud, managing director at AB-GSC. Experience management is the next era for global companies investing in talentPhenom People is pioneering the standards and technology. They have an impressive portfolio of large global brands and a history of commitment to their customers success. Human Resources is a marketplace worth over $400 billion, with $32 billion spent on technology solutions. With over 45 million people changing jobs per year in the U.S. alone, the elaborate process of job searching, sorcing, interviewing and onboarding is time-consuming and costly. Employers require data and automation to personalize and optimize the journey for every talent experience. Yet teams continue to make the mistake of investing in a series of singular tools, widening the disconnect between people, processes and systems.



The Phenom Talent Experience Management platforma single platform that eliminates the need for multiple HR toolsconnects the four key stakeholder experiences in the talent lifecycle and reduces time-to-hire and cost-per-hire, while improving talent quality and productivity: Candidate Experience: Talent leaders make the candidate journey meaningful and personalized with the integration of their career site, chatbot, CMS and university recruiting app. Instant delivery of job recommendations converts more qualified applicants and allows recruiters to spend more time with top talent.

Talent leaders make the candidate journey meaningful and personalized with the integration of their career site, chatbot, CMS and university recruiting app. Instant delivery of job recommendations converts more qualified applicants and allows recruiters to spend more time with top talent. Recruiter Experience: Recruiters identify top talent faster with AI-powered fit and engagement scoring in their CRM. Email and SMS campaigns further engage passive candidates and build quality pipelines.

Recruiters identify top talent faster with AI-powered fit and engagement scoring in their CRM. Email and SMS campaigns further engage passive candidates and build quality pipelines. Employee Experience: Talent management empowers employees to identify new career paths, learning opportunities, and skill gaps with personalized job openings and internal mobility. Automating the referral process allows them to tap into their professional networks and help fill roles faster.

Talent management empowers employees to identify new career paths, learning opportunities, and skill gaps with personalized job openings and internal mobility. Automating the referral process allows them to tap into their professional networks and help fill roles faster. Management Experience: Leadership and hiring managers identify gaps in the hiring process and optimize strategies by evaluating talent analytics, reporting and forecasting. These analyses also allow talent leaders to develop succession plans that prepare the organization for future growth. Phenom People hosts the worlds largest talent experience conference, IAMPHENOM , for CHROs, talent leaders and HR practitioners. IAMPHENOM 2020 will be held in Philadelphia from March 35. Register here and use discount code SERIESC.

About WestBridge

WestBridge Capital is a highly experienced investment firm, managing ~$3 billion in capital. WestBridge seeks to partner with promising mid-sized companies run by outstanding entrepreneurs and management teams for the long-term, whether they are public or private. For more information about WestBridge, visit www.WestBridgecap.com . About AB Private Credit Investors and AB Growth Stage Capital

AB Private Credit Investors is the middle market direct lending platform of AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB). AB-PCI manages approximately $9.2 billion in capital available for investment and offers a range of financing solutions to middle market companies, including having the capacity to invest up to $150 million of credit to a single borrower while also making sizable equity co-investments. The investment in Phenom People was executed as part of AB-PCIs Growth Stage Capital initiative (AB-GSC). AB-GSC caters to high growth technology companies backed by leading venture capital and growth equity firms. Other recent AB-GSC investments include companies such as Rubrik, Workfront, Degreed, Punchh, Heap Analytics, Fuze and DataRobot. Additional information about AB may be found on our website, www.alliancebernstein.com . About Phenom People

Phenom People is a global HR technology company with a mission to help a billion people find the right job. We do this through an AI-based SaaS platform called Talent Experience Management. To see open jobs, visit Phenom Peoples career site . For more information, please visit www.phenompeople.com . Media Contact:

Derek Herman

Phenom People

[email protected] A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3922449-13e6-4ed9-a4ef-2b1a3776040a

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Hope Uzodinma

Spiritual leader of the Igbo nation, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has attributed the Supreme Court judgement against immediate past governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha to his vindictive disposition, according to TheNation.

He said he foresaw the gods reacting against him for demolishing structures and edifices dedicated to gods of the land before the Supreme Court judgement.

Ihedioha of the People Democratic Party was on Tuesday sacked by the Supreme Court, which declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress(APC) winner of the 2019 governroship election.

Reacting to the judgement on Wednesday, Ezeonwuka, a Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said he earlier raised the alarm over his (Ihediohas) apparent vindictive actions against his predecessor.

He said: Ihedioha came and concentrated on demolition of structures and edifices put in place by former Governor Rochas Okorocha and the gods reacted.

I warned that the demolition exercise will bring bad omen to the Ihedioha administration and I raised the alarm that he has to retrace his steps and focus on his own agenda.

I said this the day I condemned the demolition of a mosque at Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt by Governor Nyesom Wike.

I condemned the demolition along with what Ihedioha was doing in Imo State because as a spiritual leader, I know they have incurred the wrath of the gods.

You cannot demolish a structure or edifice dedicated to a deity or to a legacy of man loved by the gods of the land and expect the spirit of the gods to keep quiet. They will fight back, and they have fought back.

Ezeonwuka said he would continue to advise Ndigbo on laws and rules of the gods, culture and tradition of the fore fathers to prevent them from incurring the wrath of gods.

As a spiritual leader of the Igbo nation, Im under the obligation of using spiritai means to address the challenges facing Ndigbo and I wont relent in doing just that to the best of my ability, he added.
Photo: Garrett Morrow/Pexels

Here's what you need to know about what's happening in Seattle.

Seattle shelter gets window shot out on the coldest night of the year

Chief Seattle Club is a nonprofit that provides support to Native Americans in need of services and shelter.

Read the full story on KING5.

Why Seattle Public Schools canceled classes on Wednesday despite minimal snow

The district will have a make-up day for students on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Read the full story on KING5.

16 places to drink mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages in Seattle for Dry January 2020

Looking to decrease your alcohol consumption for January? We've compiled a handy list of places to find mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages around Seattle, so you can quench your thirst.

Read the full story on The Stranger.

Seattle ranks in the top 10 best cities for millennials. Here's why.

If you're a millennial and are looking to move cities, Seattle might be a good choice.



Read the full story on SeattlePI .

Officials want docks, fences removed for Seattle-area trail

Officials want the owners of about 150 properties along a Washington state lake to remove docks, boat lifts, decks, driveways, fences, landscaping and other amenities that stand in the way of completing a long-anticipated paved trail through the area.



Read the full story on Houston Chronicle.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Two Democratic senators will send a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday, calling for him to impose sanctions and visa restrictions on Egyptian officials responsible for the detention and death of Mustafa Kassem, a U.S. citizen, who died in an Egyptian prison this week after a lengthy hunger strike.

In the letter to Trump, obtained in advance by The Washington Post, Sens. Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland and Patrick Leahy of Vermont describe Kassem's detention and treatment in an Egyptian prison as "particularly egregious" because the United States provides some $1.4 billion in assistance to Egypt each year. Egypt is one of the top recipients of U.S. military aid.

Kassem, who was born in Egypt but was a naturalized U.S. citizen from Bethpage, New York, was detained at a shopping center in Cairo in August 2013 while visiting family members. He was held for five years in pretrial detention. Then, in a mass trial in September 2018, he was found guilty of attempting to overthrow the government of President Abdel Fatah el-Sissi and sentenced to serve 15 years behind bars.

After his sentencing, Kassem wrote a letter to Trump begging him to intervene. "I am putting my life in your hands," he wrote in the letter, which was smuggled out of the Egyptian prison where he was being held.

He also declared a liquid-only hunger strike at that time. Late last week, Kassem stopped taking liquids and died Monday, according to Pretrial Rights International, an advocacy group.

Egypt's chief prosecutor opened an investigation into his death this week.

Trump has publicly embraced Sissi and welcomed him to the White House, even as human rights activists warn that Sissi's authoritarian government has detained tens of thousands of people, including journalists and activists, clamping down on freedom of expression and dissent.

In their letter, Van Hollen and Leahy accuse Trump of emboldening Sissi's crackdown on Americans and Egyptians.

"U.S. efforts to secure the release of Mustafa Kassem, or other Americans detained in Egypt, are grossly undermined when you refer to President Sisi as a 'good man' and your 'favorite dictator,' " the letter says. "Statements such as these, which contravene our nation's values, embolden President Sisi to unlawfully detain and mistreat Americans, and engage in the brutal suppression of the rights of his own people."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that freeing Americans held abroad is a priority for his administration. But at least six Americans and two U.S. permanent residents are "unjustly detained" in Egypt, according to the senators' letter.

In January 2018, Vice President Mike Pence told reporters he had raised concerns about Kassem's imprisonment with Sissi. But the New York City taxi driver with two young children was never released.

In the summer, while on a trip to the Middle East and North Africa, Van Hollen said he met with Sissi and raised the issue of Kassem's detention with him directly.

"He claimed that there were reasons for the detention. I pressed him on what the reasons were, and he didn't have any good answers," Van Hollen said in a phone interview with The Post. "And he said he would look into it, but there was no follow-up."

"It's pretty clear that President Sissi and the Egyptian regime believe they can get away with the detention and death of Americans," Van Hollen added.

When it comes to sanctions, he said, "the administration should consider everybody involved, right to the top."

Other lawmakers have also condemned Kassem's killing. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., tweeted that it is "[c]ompletely outrageous that this happened at the hands of a government that is supposed to be a partner."
A Wisconsin police department shared a humorous Facebook post warning the public of "a highly addictive substance" coming to their area.

The "substance" being Girl Scouts Cookies, which the Kenosha Police Department jokingly says go by several street names, including Thin Mint, Shortbread, Smores.

The post goes on to say how easy it is to get "hooked" on the treats and if someone comes in contact with any cookies, they should bring them to the station for "proper disposal."

The full post on the station's Facebook can be seen below.

Related: Toledo Police SWAT Team Rappels Down Wearing Superhero Costumes Before Hockey Game
ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives Cox Media Group ("CMG") a 60-day extension before it must reduce the publication schedule of its Ohio newspapers. This means the company can continue publishing the papers seven days a week. CMG had until January 16th (today) to reduce the newspapers' publication from a daily print schedule to three days a week, in order to comply with a recent federal court decision.

Keeping the daily publication status of these papers intact has been and continues to be a major priority for CMG and the company's new owners, private equity funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. ("Apollo"). The FCC's extension gives CMG until March 16, 2020 to complete a sale to a party who is not obligated to modify the newspapers' publication schedule. CMG expects to have completed a sale to such a buyer by that time, and most importantly, the FCC move allows the company to maintain its focus on its employees and the communities in Ohio that those three papers serve.

When affiliates of Apollo agreed to purchase Cox Media Group on February 14, 2019, it was permissible for a company to own both a daily newspaper and a broadcast station in the same market  as Cox had done in Ohio since 1935 .

On September 23, 2019 however, prior to the transaction gaining approval from the FCC, a three-judge panel from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals revived an antiquated rule prohibiting an owner from operating both a daily newspaper and a broadcast station in the same market. The FCC has repeatedly sought to revise or repeal this rule and appealed the three-judge decision to the entire Third Circuit Court of Appeals. That appeal was denied on November 20, 2019; CMG was, therefore, left with no option but to agree to reduce the publication of these Ohio newspapers to three days a weekessentially making them non-daily newspapersfor the FCC to approve the sale of CMG.

When the FCC approved the sale on November 22, 2019, CMG had a tight timeline of only 30 days, post-close, to reduce the publication of the paper from a daily status to three days a week, or to find a new owner. The transaction closed on December 17, 2019 and completing a sale to another buyer in order to avoid a reduction in publication was not realistic in this time frame.

"We applaud the decision by the FCC and are grateful for the extension," said Cox Media Group CEO Kim Guthrie. "News does not conveniently schedule itself three days a week and we felt a reduced print schedule would negatively and severely impact the newspapers, our employees and the communities we serve. CMG and Apollo have been pushing for this outcome because we feel that maintaining a daily publication schedule is the absolute best way to continue to produce the solid and timely journalism that our readers deserve."

Since the Dayton Daily News published its first newspaper 121-years ago, the company has been unwavering in its commitment to local journalism. CMG Ohio's newspaper, radio and TV teams have worked together to provide quality journalism to inform their communities, diligently reporting on local stories like the outbreak of tornadoes in May 2019 and the mass shooting in the Oregon District in August.

"The FCC's extension aligns with our long-term commitment to daily publication," said Rob Rohr, market vice president of CMG's Ohio properties. "But it never would have happened without the hard work of Cox Media Group leadership, the support of Apollo Global Management's team and of course, the FCC. We can now work within a more realistic time frame to make thoughtful decisions and find the right solution for the future of these newspapers."

About Cox Media Group

Cox Media Group ("CMG") is an industry-leading media company with best-in-class brands, award winning content, and exceptional people. The new CMG was built in December 2019 when private equity funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. acquired the television assets of Northwest Broadcasting through the acquisition of NBI Holdings, LLC, which subsequently acquired certain television, radio, newspaper and other media assets of Cox Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates. CMG provides valuable local content to diverse audiences in the communities it serves.

Media Inquiries:

[email protected]

SOURCE Cox Media Group
(TNS)  The cyberattack afflicting New Orleans City Hall's computer networks will take months longer to completely fix than officials have previously indicated, as vendor payment issues and a lack of access to email systems continue to hamper government functions.Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Wednesday that the city is extending by two weeks the deadline for property tax payments, meaning residents now have until Feb. 14 to pay.She also announced that the cost of repairing the city's network has soared to more than $7 million so far.And it could now take as long as eight months to fully restore City Hall computer systems, officials said."We are not out of the woods," Cantrell told reporters during an update on the Dec. 13 cyberattack's aftermath.The update highlighted how the attack has proven much more disruptive and long-lasting than officials initially expected.Shortly after the attack, Cantrell said that city workers were told they might need to work on pen and paper through the end of the year, but that she wasn't expecting it to take that long. A week later, Louisiana National Guard Lt. Col. Stephen Durel, who was assisting in the recovery, said that restoring such a network would normally take several months, but that the city was moving much faster than that.Cantrell said Wednesday that internal systems for paying the city's bills and conducting other business have recently come back online, but employees now must reconcile the handwritten documents they've churned out since the attack with the newly accessible online software.Public email accounts are still down for two-thirds of employees, and emails from before the attack remain inaccessible.Complaints from residents and businesses about the speed of the city's recovery have mounted in recent weeks.Some residents have complained that the lack of access to police reports and disruptions to the Municipal and Traffic Court's systems have left them unable to file claims with insurance companies and have delayed certain court cases.The headaches began in mid-December when the city discovered the presence of ransomware on its internal systems. To halt the attack, the city shut down its computer networks.Officials then began the process of scrubbing more than 3,400 computers clean of the malicious software, updating most devices with newer operating systems, and replacing devices that could not handle that change. Roughly 800 computers were replaced, at a cost of $1 million.The city has also purchased new data storage and moved its email system from an internal server to cloud servers hosted by an external company, Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano said Wednesday.Officials have also paid for technical help to move and integrate the city's software. All told, the price tag has hit $7.2 million, a figure Cantrell said could grow.The city's cybersecurity insurance will cover about $3 million of those costs. But the city will have to pull the rest from its emergency fund, which Montano said totals about $27 million."We do anticipate increasing the level of (computer) insurance for the city moving forward, upward of maybe $10 million," Cantrell said.The city's financial operations have been hurt by the attack in other ways.City employees have been unable to access their payment software to approve and process payments to city vendors, leading to a backlog that prompted what Cantrell called "a war room" that had to be set up to "eyeball each check" being made out to a vendor.That software has been restored, but vendors should continue to expect delays as the backlog is remedied, officials said.Those and other issues mean the city will likely be late in submitting its comprehensive audit to the Legislative Auditor's Office this year, as it was after Hurricane Katrina.Other systems have begun to come back. New Orleans police recently gained access to their computer systems and have resumed filing reports of traffic accidents, thefts and other crimes electronically. Court employees also now have access to their work stations, clearing the way for court operations to resume as normal in coming days.The city is still handing out handwritten permits and licenses for businesses and residents, but its online permitting system has been restored internally and should be available publicly by Jan. 27, officials said.The online tax-payment system, which last week was set up on a temporary basis and with limited functions, has been restored to its full capacity.Officials said they are currently installing new protections for the city's network and plan to create a dedicated cybersecurity team. Employees will be instructed to frequently change and randomize passwords, along with other precautions.Still, Montano said there are no guarantees that New Orleans will be completely rid of future threats. "This isnt a matter of if this happens again; its when it happens again," he said.Meanwhile, some services were available at Municipal and Traffic Court on Wednesday after a weeks-long blackout, according to its chief judge and attorneys who practice there."We're about 95 percent there, barring anything horrible happening to us again. We should be online, fully operational by next week," said Judge Sean Early, who took over as the court's chief judge on Jan. 1.Traffic-ticket payments are finally back online, the judge said.John Radziewicz, a lawyer who frequently defends traffic cases, said he was able to enroll on cases and get court minutes for expungements.The judges are planning a joint meeting on Thursday to discuss their next steps, Early said.While the court system is lurching back to life, some people were still struggling to reinstate driver's licenses suspended as a result of the shutdown, according to Radziewicz.Early said that even though the court wasn't transmitting notices of non-payments to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, some people who already had payment plans set up may have been suspended. The court has not been able to process payments for weeks.Last week the OMV and the New Orleans court agreed on a workaround that should allow people to make payments to reinstate their licenses, according to OMV administrator Jill Jarreau.
Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger said Wednesday that another walkout to deny Democrats a quorum on their climate change vote remains a possibility, and that he would prefer to see the policy referred to voters.

It was the first statement from Republican leadership since Democrats unveiled a new version of their carbon cap and trade legislation at an informational pre-session meeting of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.

In a news conference Wednesday, Baertschiger, R- Grants Pass, said lawmakers were abusing the intent of the short 35-day legislative sessions in even numbered years by trying to pass expansive bills like the carbon policy and revamping the Department of Forestrys wildfire program.

Despite Democrats concessions to make the climate policy more palatable to rural Oregonians, Beartschiger said he felt the bill hadnt changed much from House Bill 2020, which was the version that died at the end of last session amid a walkout by Senate Republicans and last-minute flip-flopping on the bill by a few Democrats.

Whats changed? he asked. What has really changed in the bill? Not a lot up to now. That doesnt mean there wont be amendments. Republicans have been out of the room. They tried to interject some ideas, but none have them have really stuck.

The bill does, in fact, contain some significant changes designed to protect rural Oregonians from increases in fuel prices, and shield many industrial companies from compliance and increased natural gas costs. The Republican ideas, which were largely communicated to Democrats through Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, centered on incentivizing clean energy and transportation electrification through the use of tax credits, and avoiding any onerous new regulatory scheme.

Democrats largely stuck to their existing framework, and Girod said he left those discussions in disgust  another Republican who appears dead set against the policy.

Baertschiger said he was skeptical Democrats concessions would have the desired impact, and worried that companies and individuals could game the system. Even if rural Oregonians did get cheaper fuel, he said, the cost of the cap and trade program would flow through in many of the other goods and services they consume.

Baertschiger said his opposition ultimately boils down to the costs that will be borne by Oregon households. Though disputed by experts, he contends that corporations will pass on the entirety of the new gross receipts tax to individual taxpayers, and that will end up costing the average family of four $1,100 a year. The climate policy, he maintains, will tack on another $650 in annual costs, though he acknowledged that was a rough calculation based on last years legislation, derived by dividing the total revenues expected from that legislation by Oregons population. It is far from clear that regulated entities will pass along all the costs, and the legislation includes specific provisions to protect low-income households, rural residents and various industries.

But Baertschiger said, It always gets passed down to the average working family. They dont have any way to deflect it. So they have to figure out how to pay for it.

He added that the state has never been more starkly divided on partisan lines and that each party was playing to its base.

I dont see that ending, he said. We see it at the federal level and were certainly seeing it in Oregon. As we look at this bill, thats what has happened over the last two years.

Because of the Oregons increasing political polarization, and lawmakers inability to come to an agreement on the policy, he mused that the best resolution might be a direct referral of the legislation to voters. He added that there may be Republican votes if Democrats decide to go that direction.

Maybe its just time to let the voters make the decision, he said. We cant seem to come to an agreement. Maybe the voters can. I think thats the right solution for this legislation.
Leicester City 17-year old defender Camron Gbadebo, have finally completed his transfer move to Premier League champions, Manchester City, after undergoing a successful trial.

The centre-half who joined Leicester City in the summer of 2018, made 11 appearances for the Under-18s before Manchester City invited him to the Etihad Campus for a trial.

Im so happy to announce that Ive signed for @mancity. Thank you to every one that has supported me on my journey so far. This is only just the beginning! Gbadebo wrote on Instagram to announce the deal.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
The National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Chief Bisi Akande for his contributions to the progressives family a...





The National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Chief Bisi Akande for his contributions to the progressives family and Nigeria in general.





Tinubu, in a statement congratulating Akande on his 81st birthday on Wednesday in Lagos, described the former interim Chairman of APC as a highly principled and incorruptible leader.





He said Akande always stood as a father figure and mentor to many younger politicians across the country, particularly in the South-West.





Tinubu, also commending Akande, a former Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, said: Chief Akande is an unwavering progressive politician.





Since he enlisted in the Action Group in the First Republic, professing progressivism and following in the ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he has not looked back.





He is one of the few true associates of the late Awolowo and late Chief Bola Ige around today.





The APC national leader said that Akande devoted his public life to the ideals and practices that could engender a truly democratic and egalitarian society.





Because of his traits as an exemplary leader and mentor, many call him Baba awon omo ke ke ke, meaning the political father of the younger ones.





He has shown that one can be successful in politics by being kind to all and making concern for the common person and for a just society ones guiding vision.





For us in APC, Chief Akande has been a blessing, he said.





Tinubu said that Akande was a founding father of the APC and helped to lay a solid foundation for the party.





He said that APC owed Akande a debt of gratitude for the exceptional leadership he demonstrated while managing the party as its interim chairman.





He instilled discipline, transparency and accountability. Under him, internal democracy flourished.





Baba is a highly perspective and thoughtful leader.





He has proved invaluable in serving humanity and his fatherland.





What he gave to his state, to the Yoruba race, he also gave to his country; he gave his best, he said.





Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would grant Akande many more years so that he could continue to help the nation.





May he continue to stand forth as an example to young leaders and may his wise counsel and civic virtue help guide and shape this nation, he said.
In an effort to make the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district plastic-free, around 150 inmates of two correctional homes in the city have made eco-friendly bags to distribute among the pilgrims, an official said.

More than 50,000 bags made of cotton and jute had been stitched by the inmates of Dum Dum Central Correctional Home and Presidency Correctional Home, the official said.

"The environment-friendly bags are made of jute and cotton and being distributed among pilgrims in the Gangasagar Mela. The inmate-turned-artisans of the two correctional homes are excited for supporting the social cause," said an official of the Presidency Correctional Home.

Every year on Makar Sankranti, lakhs of pilgrims flock to the Sagar Island in the state to take the holy dip and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni temple.

The inmates had been trained by an NGO, Rakshak Foundation, in association with the authorities of two correctional homes and the National Jute Board to make the bio-degradable bags, he said.

"The inmates have been informed about how use of plastics is harming the and are happy for contributing to the cause," the official said.

This year, the Gangasar Bakkhali Development Authority (GBDA) and the South 24 Parganas district administration have decided to make the Gangasagar Mela an "eco-friendly, green and clean fair" by imposing ban on single-use plastic and thermocol items.

"Every year, about two crore plastic bags are generated during the mela. Apart from campaigning against the plastic pollution, we are distributing alternative bags among pilgrims during the seven-day fair which started from January 11," South 24 Pargans district magistrate P Ulaganathan said.

Around 50 lakh pilgrims from different parts of the country and neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal took a holy dip on the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW DELHI - Iran's foreign minister, addressing days of unrest in his country, said Wednesday that demonstrators were angry at being "lied to" after the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner last week that killed all 176 people on board.

The comments by Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to Iran's refusal for days to disclose the cause of the crash, after an Iranian air defense battery shot down the plane. A video that surfaced late Tuesday appears to show that two missiles, fired about 30 seconds apart, struck the aircraft.

The incident occurred during a week of heightened military tensions with the United States.

Iran's belated admission that it had mistakenly targeted the plane set off student-led demonstrations and rare internal criticism of the country's clerical leadership. Demands for accountability have come from protesters as well as President Hassan Rouhani and Zarif, both relative political moderates whose statements over the past few days have highlighted the divisions between Iran' s pro-reform and conservative camps.

"We've had people in the streets of Tehran demonstrating against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days," Zarif said at the Raisina Dialogue, an annual foreign policy conference in New Delhi.

"Our military forces were brave enough to claim responsibility early on. But people are angry even with those two days. That is the expectation that people have with the government - that the government should have disclosed the information," the foreign minister said.

"Why did it happen? Because there was a crisis," Zarif added. And in a crisis, "people make mistakes, unforgivable mistakes." He said the loss of life in the incident "was because of tensions created by the United States."

Marc Garneau, Canada's transport minister, told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday that Iran has the "black boxes" - the flight voice and data recorders - and has told Canada that its investigators will be allowed to participate in their decoding and analysis. However, Garneau added, "that remains to be seen because that has not happened yet.

Zarif's comments came a day after Iran's judiciary said it had arrested "some individuals" in connection with the downing of the Ukrainian airliner, without elaborating. Rouhani also called Tuesday for the creation of a special court to hear the case because of international scrutiny and domestic demands for justice.

The shoot-down killed 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians, including the crew. Most, if not all, of the Canadians were reported to be of Iranian origin or dual nationals.

Five days earlier, a U.S. drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump had killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of Iran's Quds Force, outside Baghdad's international airport, setting off a war of words and, eventually, a retaliatory strike by Iran on bases in Iraq that housed U.S. troops. As the tensions spiraled, Iran announced it would no longer abide by limitations on its nuclear energy program placed under a deal it signed with world powers in 2015.

On Tuesday, European countries triggered a dispute mechanism in the nuclear deal, a move that could lead to the return of United Nations sanctions on Tehran. Iran, in turn, accused the governments of Britain, France and Germany of obediently following Trump, who withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018 and has pursued a "maximum pressure" campaign against the government in Tehran.

Rouhani on Wednesday criticized the European move in threatening terms, according to comments carried by Iran's semiofficial Fars News Agency. "Today, U.S. soldiers are in danger, tomorrow European soldiers may be in danger, too," he said during a cabinet meeting, as reported by Fars.

Iran's state media reported Wednesday that British Ambassador Robert Macaire has left the country for undisclosed reasons. Macaire was briefly detained Saturday in Tehran after attending what had been planned as a "vigil" for the victims aboard the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800.

He was "summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Sunday for 'unconventional behavior' inconsistent with his diplomatic status and being present in an 'illegal gathering,' " the semiofficial Mehr News Agency reported, adding that he departed Iran on Tuesday.

Macaire is "returning to the [United Kingdom] today on a long-planned visit," a British Foreign Office spokesman said in a statement Wednesday. "He will have a number of meetings while in the UK and this is very much business as usual. He will be returning to Iran in the coming days."

- - -

Fahim reported from Istanbul. The Washington Post's Niha Masih in New Delhi, Karla Adam in London and Erin Cunningham in Istanbul contributed to this report.
DETROIT - A Detroit-area man who was arrested and was going to be deported to Iraq is now on a path to U.S. citizenship.

Usama Sam Hamama of Oakland County was the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union challenging U.S. deportations to Iraq, according to a report by Ed White for The Associated Press. The case was decided this week in favor of the immigrants.

Enforcing deportation orders for people with criminal records, the U.S. government began arresting hundreds of Iraqi nationals in 2017. Before that, they had been allowed to stay because Iraq wouldnt take them, the report said.

Hamama, a grocery store manager and father of four, had a decades-old assault conviction that made him eligible for deportation under that policy, the report said. Gov. Rick Snyder wiped the crime from Hamamas record with a pardon at the end of 2018.

Detroit Immigration Court Judge David Paruchs decision in the case means that Iraqi nationals will not sit in jail cells while they go to immigration court to make arguments about their safety if deported to Iraq.

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Michigan astronaut shares space photos of burning Australia
Shady Grove Fertility Unveils "Better Approach" Campaign Many delay seeking help from a fertility specialist often because theyre following well-intentioned advice that only prolongs the process. However, pregnancy rates are demonstrably higher when people seek expert counsel and diagnosis and appropriate infertility treatment early, without delay.

Ask anyone who is struggling to conceive and they will tell you, people often dont hesitate to share their two cents on what worked for them. Social media, chat rooms, and message boards are flooded with do this, do that  wait, dont do that!" And often, people wanting to conceive try it all, because they so badly want a baby.

A 2019 national survey of SGF patients with infertility revealed that nearly 100 percent of respondents said they had received some form of unsolicited advice on how to get pregnant, ranging from get more exercise, exercise less, wear looser underwear, eat gluten-free, practice abstinence unless its a full moon, just relax, eliminate stress, eat deer placenta  the list goes on and on.

While social support is important and giving advice is normal and has been going on throughout the ages, we want people to know from our campaign that infertility is real and its caused by a breakdown of the reproductive system or a natural age-related reduction of fertility, shares Patty Stull, Chief Marketing Officer, former SGF patient and mother of three.

All the fertility myths and advice from friends may seem to work for those without infertility. Keeping your legs up after sex or eating a pineapple core isnt going to help if there is an underlying condition thats making it difficult to get pregnant, says Anate Brauer, M.D., of SGF New Yorks Manhattan location.

SGFs new, multi-channel Better Approach" campaign uses sometimes humorous patient stories to highlight the absurdity behind some of the home-grown approaches people have tried in order to conceive. An online fertility quiz lets people see if its time to see a fertility specialist based on their answers, in context with the established medical criteria for infertility.

People are often hesitant to consult a fertility specialist or fertility center and the reasons vary widely, from a comfort level with their current doctor or being unsure if they actually need a specialist, to concerns about cost or the worry they will be pushed into in vitro fertilization (IVF). But delaying a consultation could have broader implications if its put off too long.

While the advice is generally meant to encourage, it can be harmful when people delay seeking real help. When time is such a major factor, wasting it on unproven methods or following bad advice, frankly, often leads to delay and frustration. Creating a plan with a fertility specialist, which may range from trying on your own or moving into treatment, is anxiety relieving, said Brauer.

According to a 2018 SGF survey of women and men with diagnosed infertility, 65 percent said they wished they hadnt delayed and sought the counsel of a fertility specialist sooner to help them overcome infertilitya condition defined by the length of time a couple has been having unprotected intercourse without conception based on the womans age. Respondents believe they could have saved time, money, and heartache if they had come directly to SGF.

What is a better approach? At SGF, we believe it is arming people with knowledge about their reproductive systems, raising awareness that infertility is a real disease that affects both men and women equally, and encouraging people to seek help from a specialist sooner than later so they can make informed decisions about their care and make progress toward their dream of parenthood, adds Stull.

To learn more about SGFs better approach, schedule a consultation with an SGF physician by calling 1-888-761-1967 or fill out this brief form.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 38 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
(TNS)  The National Security Agency announced that it had found a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Corp.s Windows operating systems that could enable cyberintrusions.The NSA recognized the severity of the vulnerability and disclosed it to Microsoft to expedite the process of fixing it, according to Anne Neuberger, the NSAs director of cybersecurity, speaking to reporters on Tuesday. Microsoft released a patch the same day.The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, released an emergency directive on Tuesday, saying that it strongly recommends organizations install these critical patches as soon as possible. DHS is urging federal civilian agencies to take a series of immediate actions to mitigate this risk and to minimize the exposure to associated threats to our federal information systems, said Bryan Ware, an assistant secretary in the department.The NSA chose to publicly share that it had found the flaw  a break from past protocol when information about how vulnerabilities were discovered wasnt made public  in order to build trust and encourage patching, Neuberger said.We wanted to take a new approach to sharing and also really work to build trust with the cybersecurity community, she said.Microsoft hasnt seen the flaw used in active attacks, the company said in announcing the patch.The flaw lies in a part of Windows software known as Crypt32.dll. That file is used by Windows 10 and the last two versions of the Windows Server operating systems  to implement many of the Certificate and Cryptographic Messaging functions in the CryptoAPI, such as CryptSignMessage  according to Microsoft. This means that the flaw could affect a broad range of users.The disclosure appears to represent an improvement in relations between Microsoft and the NSA, which previously secretly collected security exploits of Microsofts Windows in order to use the tools for its own hacks. Details of the practice became public in 2017 when a group known as the Shadow Brokers obtained and published the NSAs tools, leading to an emergency for Microsoft as the company rushed to patch the zero day exploits. One month later, Microsoft blamed the NSA exploits for the global spread of malicious software called WannaCrypt.Microsoft has a policy of regularly releasing security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, and this update aligns with that schedule, according to a Monday statement by Jeff Jones, a senior director at the company.We follow the principles of coordinated vulnerability disclosure (CVD) as the industry best practice to protect our customers from reported security vulnerabilities, Jones said in the statement. To prevent unnecessary risk to customers, security researchers and vendors do not discuss the details of reported vulnerabilities before an update is available.News of the NSAs discovery was previously reported by The Washington Post and Krebs on Security, a cybersecurity blog.The release of the patch draws attention to the flaw and creates an urgency for organizations to fix it before bad actors use it for malicious purposes, according to government officials.Sophisticated cyberactors will understand the underlying flaw very quickly and, if exploited, would render the previously mentioned platforms as fundamentally vulnerable, the NSA said in a Tuesday advisory about the vulnerability.Because patches have been publicly released, the underlying vulnerabilities can be reverse-engineered to create exploits to target unpatched systems, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Abby Huntsman is saying goodbye to The View. Huntsman recently confirmed her exit from the popular daytime talk show and is set to accompany her father, Jon Huntsman Jr., on the campaign trail in Utah. But supporting her fathers gubernatorial bid is not the real reason she is leaving The View. Inside sources say that Huntsman quit because of a toxic work environment related to how ABC treats everyone on the show.

The View Abby Huntsman | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Abby Huntsman announces her departure

Earlier this week, Huntsman told her fans that is leaving The View in order to support her father, who is currently running for governor of Utah. Although Huntsman has a good excuse for exiting the series, an inside source claims there is another reason why she is quitting her post.

Its an unhealthy environment  just the way that things are handled during shows and how people deal with each other, a source shared. Its intense. Abby made an issue [to executives] about the overall environment. Shes felt for a while that things had to change.

According to Page Six, the insider added that the network treated Huntsman like s**t. While Huntsman was not afraid to speak up, she is not the only co-host who took issue with the environment on set.

Whoopi Goldberg also complained about what was happening off-camera, though it is unclear how producers responded. Things even reached a point where Huntsman referred to the set as toxic.

Despite the complaints, ABC reportedly refused to do anything about it. The network has not commented on the rumors surrounding Huntsmans exit, but it will be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming weeks.

Inside Huntsmans decision to leave The View

Sources say that Huntsman decided to leave the show last month. She waited until the new year, however, to announce her departure, which took most of her co-stars by surprise.

Huntsman talked with all of her co-hosts and made sure that they heard about her departure first-hand. She then released a memo officially confirming that she will no longer be a part of the show.

After much deliberation over the holidays, I have decided to leave the show to dedicate myself full time in support of my dad and his campaign for governor of Utah, her memo read.

Behind the scenes w/@brianstelter: Abby Huntsman left "The View" amid complaints about toxic culture at the show and a strained relationship with Meghan McCain https://t.co/yckiVJhqiL  Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) January 13, 2020

The casting change comes amid reports that the hosts have been having a hard time dealing with Meghan McCain. Even though Huntsman was an ally to McCain on the show, even she started getting tired of her antics.

The insider did not say if McCains behavior had anything to do with Huntsmans departure, but it was probably a factor in her decision to leave.

Abby Huntsman and Meghan McCain butt heads

During most of her time on The View, Huntsman and McCain were good friends. But they recently experienced a falling out after Huntsman kept talking about her children on the show.

McCain has been very open about her struggles to have children. This past summer, for example, McCain wrote an article for the New York Times about the tragic miscarriage she suffered.

Sources say that McCain privately asked Huntsman to stop talking about her children so much, deeming it insensitive. When Huntsman refused, McCain confronted her backstage. The other hosts caught wind of the fight, which only put more strain on their friendship.

Abby was sick of being berated by Meghan for perceived slights, a source stated. She ultimately decided she didnt need this job and it wasnt worth it.

Although they have had their differences, McCain and Huntsman reportedly made amends upon her departure. McCain also gave Huntsman a shout-out on social media after her exit, wishing her nothing but the best on her next chapter.

Is McCain the real issue on The View?

In light of Huntsmans abrupt exit, fans have been speculating that McCain is the reason why things are reportedly so toxic on the set. Prior to Huntsmans announcement, sources revealed that all of the hosts on the show were ignoring McCain because of how she was treating guests.

McCain has butted heads with just about all of the hosts on the show. She even got into a minor spat with Huntsman on a recent episode, despite them both representing conservative viewpoints.

Abby Huntsman quit The View after drama with Meghan McCain became 'too much to handle' https://t.co/aQ3H1jCaZP  The Sun (@TheSun) January 14, 2020

ABC has not said anything about McCains behavior on the set of The View. The network has also not announced any plans to replace Huntsman, though there are plenty of candidates willing to step up.

It remains to be seen if the show will bring on another conservative or go a different direction altogether.

If the rumors about McCain are true, it is possible that Abby Huntsman will not be the only one leaving The View.
Astronomers have detected several supermassive black holes wandering through their dwarf host galaxies , providing new clues about how similar black holes evolved in the early universe.

Using the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the researchers identified 13 dwarf galaxies that are less than a billion light-years away from Earth and that host supermassive black holes . Astronomers estimate that these galaxies contain less than 1% of the mass of the Milky Way , making them the smallest galaxies known to host massive black holes, according to a statement .

On average, these supermassive black holes contain about 400,000 times the mass of the sun. And unlike most supermassive black holes that lurk near the center of their galaxy, about half of these objects were found wandering the outskirts instead.

Related: The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe

"We hope that studying them and their galaxies will give us insights into how similar black holes in the early universe formed and then grew, through galactic mergers over billions of years, producing the supermassive black holes we see in larger galaxies today, with masses of many millions or billions of times that of the sun," Amy Reines, an astrophysicist at Montana State University and lead author on the new research, said in the statement .

The same artist's depiction without highlighting the massive black hole. (Image credit: Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF)

The scientists used a galaxy catalog called the NASA-Sloan Atlas to select galaxies of interest, all of which were less than 3 billion times the mass of the sun. Then, they turned to the VLA, which took high-resolution views of 111 of the selected galaxies, revealing that 13 of the galaxies host a massive, active black hole that is consuming surrounding material.

And scientists were particularly interested by the off-center nature of half of these black holes, according to the statement. Those locations suggest the galaxies are the result of past mergers among smaller galaxies.

Images of galaxies that contain massive black holes, surrounding an artist's depiction of such an object. (Image credit: Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF; DECaLS survey; CTIO)

"This work has taught us that we must broaden our searches for massive black holes in dwarf galaxies beyond their centers to get a more complete understanding of the population and learn what mechanisms helped form the first massive black holes in the early universe ," Reines said in the statement.

The researchers presented their findings on Jan. 7 at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Honolulu. The study will also be published in the Astrophysical Journal. You can read the paper on the preprint site arXiv.org.

Follow Samantha Mathewson @Sam_Ashley13 . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook .
A Libyan military commander waging an offensive to capture the capital Tripoli is committed to a ceasefire, Germanys foreign minister said on Thursday, in an apparent advance for efforts to end a near-decade of turmoil in the north African country.

The minister, Heiko Maas, added that commander Khalifa Haftar is also willing to attend a conference in Berlin on Sunday aimed at addressing the conflict, the foreign ministry said, after Mass visited the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

Haftars office was not immediately available for comment.

Maass comment follows failed efforts by Russia and Turkey to persuade Haftar on a visit to Moscow this week to agree to a lasting ceasefire and halt the offensive on the Libyan capital. Haftar left Moscow without signing the proposal.

The nine-month-old war over Tripoli is just the latest bout of chaos in Libya, an OPEC oil exporter that has become a hub for human traffickers to ship migrants by boats to Italy, while Islamist militants have exploited the widespread disorder.

Germany on Sunday hosts a summit bringing together foreign powers and the Libyan rival camps backed by them to try end the war over Tripoli and resume talks over a power-sharing deal.

Maas flew to Haftars base in eastern Libya on Thursday to discuss the Berlin summit.

General Haftar has signaled his readiness to contribute to the success of the Libya Conference in Berlin and is willing to participate. He has repeated his commitment to observe the existing ceasefire, the ministry tweeted Maas as saying after meetings in Benghazi.
(AMF Autorite des Marches Financiers)

Regulatory News:

Genkyotex (Paris:GKTX) (Brussels:GKTX):

Genkyotex shares ISIN code FR00011790542 Euronext Paris Brussels Date Number of shares

making up the

share capital Number of voting rights December 31, 2019 8,683,449 Theoretical number of voting rights(1): 8,683,449 Number of voting rights exercisable at a shareholders'

meeting(2): 8,675,660

(1) In accordance with Article 223-111 of the AMF's General Regulation, this number of shares is calculated based on all shares carrying the right to vote, including those stripped of voting rights.

(2) Less shares stripped of voting rights.

About Genkyotex

Genkyotex is the leading biopharmaceutical company in NOX therapies, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels markets. Its unique platform enables the identification of orally available small-molecules which selectively inhibit specific NOX enzymes that amplify multiple disease processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, pain processing, cancer development, and neurodegeneration. Genkyotex is developing a pipeline of first-in-class product candidates targeting one or multiple NOX enzymes. The lead product candidate, setanaxib (GKT831), a NOX1 and NOX4 inhibitor has shown evidence of anti-fibrotic activity in a Phase II clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, a fibrotic orphan disease). Based on its positive results, a phase 3 trial in PBC is being planned. setanaxib is also being evaluated in an investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial in Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease (DKD). A grant from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) of $8.9 million was awarded to Professor Victor Thannickal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to fund a multi-year research program evaluating the role of NOX enzymes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease that results in fibrosis of the lungs, the core component of the program will be to conduct a Phase 2 trial with the setanaxib in patients with IPF. This product candidate may also be active in other fibrotic indications.

Genkyotex also has a versatile platform well-suited to the development of various immunotherapies (Vaxiclase). A partnership covering the use of Vaxiclase as an antigen per se (GTL003) has been established with Serum Institute of India Private Ltd (Serum Institute), the world's largest producer of vaccine doses, for the development by Serum Institute of cellular multivalent combination vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases.

For further information, please go to www.genkyotex.com or investors@genkyotex.com

Disclaimer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements by the company with respect to its objectives. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, estimates and expectations of Genkyotex's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as the company's ability to implement its chosen strategy, customer market trends, changes in technologies and in the company's competitive environment, changes in regulations, clinical or industrial risks and all risks linked to the company's growth. These factors as well as other risks and uncertainties may prevent the company from achieving the objectives outlined in the press release and actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Without being exhaustive, such factors include uncertainties involved in the development of Genkyotex's products, which may not succeed, or in the delivery of Genkyotex's products marketing authorizations by the relevant regulatory authorities and, in general, any factor that could affects Genkyotex's capacity to commercialize the products it develops. No guarantee is given on forward-looking statements which are subject to a number of risks, notably those described in the registration document (document de reference) registered by the French Markets Authority (the AMF) on 26 April 2019 under number R.19-014, and those linked to changes in economic conditions, the financial markets, or the markets on which Genkyotex is present. Genkyotex products are currently used for clinical trials only and are not otherwise available for distribution or sale.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005636/en/

Contacts:

Genkyotex
A 13-year-old Oregon girl battling a rare liver cancer whose mother refused to seek professional treatment has undergone a court-ordered surgery and is in recovery.

Kylee Dixon, of Wilsonville, underwent surgery on Tuesday at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland and is recovering in the intensive care unit, following a long legal saga over her medical care.

Kylee was diagnosed with differentiated embryonal sarcoma in March 2018 and doctors recommended she be treated with chemotherapy and surgery.

But her mother Christine Dixon opposed the surgery, which removed about half her liver. She claimed that the traditional treatments weren't working and tried to heal her instead using a mix of herbs, vitamins and CBD oils.

She went on the run with her daughter for seven days in June. The duo were found in Nevada and the teen was turned over to the custody of the state.

Kylee Dixon, 13, of Wilsonville, Oregon underwent a court-mandated surgery to battle her liver cancer on Tuesday, even though her mother opposed the surgery. Kylee pictured with mom Christine Dixon

Kylee was diagnosed with differentiated embryonal sarcoma in March 2018 (above) and doctors recommended she be treated with chemotherapy and surgery. But her mom opposed the surgery and took her daughter on the run to a different state to seek natural remedies

Kylee has been in state foster care since June because her mother failed to follow a court order to bring her in for prescribed medical treatment and instead pursued her alternative natural treatments.

Last week a Clackamas County judge ruled that Kylee would undergo surgery, agreeing with statements made by medical experts that her health was in state of 'emergency'.

The operation finally took place on Tuesday and was a success.

Dixon was alerted by the Department of Human Services late Tuesday night with notice that her daughter's procedure was completed.

Dixon thought she would have been given a heads up prior to the operation.

'My heart just hit the floor. And now she's here in the same ICU unit where Kylee flatlined and we've had serious issues before, it's scary,' Dixon said Wednesday to KPTV.

Dixon was escorted to her daughter's hospital room by police officers. She was barred from bringing her phone in to take pictures or record her daughter.

Christine Dixon treated her daughter's cancer with herbs, vitamins and CBD oil. After failing to bring Kylee in for a scheduled surgery in June, a court order was issued demanding Kylee be turned over to the state's custody. Kylee pictured in the hospital

The Tuesday operation took place at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland and Kylee is now in the intensive care unit in recovery

'She was alert and excited,' Christine Dixon said to KGW8. 'We're just praying and hoping for the best'.

'This part is the easiest part, the scariest part is the next six months,' Dixon said, fearing her daughter is at risk of liver failure.

Kylee was first rushed to Providence Portland Medical Center in February 2018 after she complained that she was in extreme pain, according to KGQ8.

Doctors discovered she had a mass on her liver that had ruptured, causing Kylee to bleed internally.

She was diagnosed in March 2018 with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma, a rare liver cancer that mostly occurs in children.

Dixon, who is facing criminal mistreatment charges, was escorted by police to visit her daughter in the hospital after the operation. 'My heart just hit the floor. And now she's here in the same ICU unit where Kylee flatlined and we've had serious issues before, it's scary,' she said

Last month Christine Dixon, 35, turned herself in to police after losing a bid to treat her daughter's cancer with alternative methods. She was charged with custodial interference and criminal mistreatment. Pictured in her booking photo left and right with Kylee

Scientists are unsure of what causes the cancer, but know that the cancerous cells grow early in a fetus's development.

Symptoms often include a swollen stomach, belly pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, diarrhea and a loss of appetite.

The cancer accounts for between two percent and 15 percent of all liver cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The five-year-survival rate is 92 percent for those who are treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Dixon is now facing criminal mistreatment charges after she took Kylee out of the state to pursue natural methods of cancer treatment last year. She'll be back in court for her criminal case in March.

However, it's not clear when Kylee will be able to return home. Christine is still hopeful she'll regain custody of her daughter.

'If they stuck to what they should do and their word and what their own protocol is, my daughter should be back in my own care immediately, right now,' Dixon said.
But many of the people who cause problems are likely the ones who could benefit from a long-term city partnership with a mental health service provider.
Indonesian fisherman Muhammad Farhan receives a medical checkup at a military hospital in the southern Philippine island of Jolo shortly after security forces rescued him from his militant captors, Jan. 15, 2020.

Philippine security forces rescued an Indonesian fisherman Wednesday, officials announced, weeks after authorities said he scampered, lost his way and was recaptured by Abu Sayyaf captors, while soldiers snatched two of his compatriots from the militants in southern Sulu province.

Muhammad Farhan, 27, was taken to a military hospital in Jolo town for medical examination after his rescue, Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the armys Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), told BenarNews.

Intensive combat and intelligence operations launched by the military troops led to the rescue, Encinas said.

Soldiers launched the rescue after receiving information from villagers about Muhammads whereabouts, Encinas said, without elaborating. It was not immediately clear if security forces engaged the Indonesians suspected abductors in a gun battle.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the WestMinCom chief, said in a statement sent to BenarNews that he was pleased with this remarkable accomplishment.

This proves that our sustained rescue efforts and security operations to run down and degrade ASG have been very effective, he said, using the acronym for the Abu Sayyaf Group, some factions of which had been linked with the Islamic State. This breakthrough will be sustained to thwart kidnappings, dismantle the terror group.

Last month, soldiers rescued two other Indonesian fishermen  Maharudin Bin Lunani, 48, and Samiun bin Maneu, 26  after a clash that left one militant and a soldier dead, officials said. The two men were fishing with Muhammad when they were grabbed by armed men off Lahad Datu in nearby Sabah, Malaysia on Sept. 23, 2019, and then taken to Jolo, authorities said.

Muhammad scampered away during the rescue last month and was dragged away by his captors as troops closed in on the gunmen during the fighting in a remote village in Jolo, the Philippine military said at the time.

The military had refrained from commenting on the abductions initially, saying the incident had occurred in international waters. But intelligence officials told BenarNews that the fishermen were grabbed by pirates and later turned over to the Abu Sayyaf gunmen for profit. Similar abductions have occurred in the past, they said.

Sobejana told reporters last month that security forces were aiming to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group and two of its top leaders, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Radulan Sahiron.

Sawadjaan, an Abu Sayyaf commander and a Muslim religious leader, is believed to be the new Islamic State leader in the south. He replaced Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed months after leading hundreds of fighters in taking over the southern city of Marawi in 2017. A five-month battle over the city killed 1,200 people, most of them militants.

The military said Sawadjaans group has been working with foreign militants and seeking new targets in the south after the fall of Marawi. Two Indonesian suicide bombers blew themselves up at a church in Jolo in January 2019, killing 23 people.

Last April, Filipino Marines rescued two Indonesian captives from their Abu Sayyaf captors, but one later died from his wounds after he was shot during a rescue operation on Simisa Island, part of a chain of islands in southern Sulu province, the military said.
In a big blow to telecom companies, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed their petitions asking to review its order on the interpretation of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The Supreme Courts October, 2019 order had resulted in imposition of around 92,000 crore burden on telecom companies.

The matter pertained to the Department of Telecom (DoT) claiming that telecom companies had under reported their revenues.

Levies in the telecom sector are based on a percentage of their adjusted gross revenues (AGR). The DoT contended that the telecom companies AGR also included income from dividends and revenue from sale of handsets bundled with services, an argument that the companies have disputed.

The Supreme Court accepted the governments argument and in October last year, asked the companies to make the payments within three months of the judgement. The DoT subsequently issued demand letters to these companies.

Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla had last month sounded a stark warning, saying the groups telecom unit, Vodafone Idea Limited, would have to shut shop if no relief is forthcoming from the government to soften the blow from a Supreme Court verdict.

If you ask me specifically, it is true we will shut shop if we dont get relief. Because there is no company in the world that can pay that kind of fine in three months, it just doesnt work like that, Birla said in a conversation at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS).

The industrialist, however, who is also chairman of Vodafone Idea, said he is hopeful the company doesnt find itself in a situation where it needs to exit from the market.

The telecom sector has been reeling under stress due to the AGR norms and predatory pricing.

In a relief to telecom companies, the Union Cabinet on November 20 approved a moratorium of two years for spectrum payments.

But the moratorium on spectrum payments coupled with the price hike that these firms have resorted to, will help the ailing telcos only to some extent as AGR dues are substantial.
DOD DVIDS

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY, New York -- First the Raven freed the stars, next he freed the moon and then finally he escaped with the sun placing it in the sky where it has remained ever since.

The story of the Raven and the light he brought into the world has passed from generation to generation within the Tlingit Tribe of southern Alaska. For U.S. Military Academy Class of 2020 Cadet Sylvan Blankenship, the story of the Raven and how he freed the stars, the moon and the sun also tells the origin story of his people.

Through his mother, he is a member of the Raven Clan within the Tlingit Tribe. Each summer, Blankenship and his entire extended family would travel from Ketchikan, Alaska where he grew up back to his mothers home village of Klawock to spend time immersed in the traditional culture of their tribe.

Blankenship, his mom and his siblings would make the annual trip to what is known as Fish Camp, as would his moms nine brothers and sisters, their families and his grandma. The summer gatherings served as a time to remember the elders who passed throughout the year and raise totem poles.

Class of 2020 Cadet Sylvan Blankenship is a member of the Tlingit Tribe of southern Alaska. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Ilyankoff / United States Military Academy at West Point

It was also a time to reconnect with family and mostly escape from the modern world, but it additionally served a practical purpose of preparing the members of the tribe for the coming winter. During the trip to Klawock, Blankenship and his family fished and harvested berries and other traditional foods for the winter.

Out on the water with his aunts and uncles, who played a major role in teaching him about his culture, Blankenship and his siblings job was to first call out fish they spotted to the captain of the boat. Then, once the nets had been cast and the fish trapped, it was their job to haul the nets and their catch aboard.

Typically, my uncles and my aunts who would take us out, showed us how to fish and then once we did catch the fish, how to process it, how to clean it, how to jar it and store and preserve it, Blankenship said.

His summers spent fishing and harvesting have given him an appreciation for the importance of the natural world and for preserving the resources that make his tribes traditions possible. He has carried that with him to West Point, where he will graduate in May with a degree in environmental engineering.

She (my mom) really has tried to convey upon my brothers and I the importance of our culture, and how important it is to realize who you are, where you come from and appreciate whats been given to you, he said.

Class of 2020 Cadet Emma Powless is a member of the Mohawk Tribe of the of the Iroquois Nation. On her fathers side, her family has traced their lineage back to Chief Joseph Brant, a prominent figure in the Mohawk Tribe during the American Revolutionary War. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Ilyankoff / United States Military Academy at West Point

While Blankenships heritage was an integral part of his life growing up, for fellow Class of 2020 Cadet Emma Powless arriving at West Point jump started an interest in her heritage as a member of the Mohawk Tribe of the Iroquois Nation.

On her fathers side, her family has traced their lineage back to Chief Joseph Brant, a prominent figure in the Mohawk Tribe during the American Revolutionary War. Her grandfather was born and raised on the tribes reservation in Canada, but other than some artwork in her home and a quote from Brant on the wall, Powless only connection to her tribe growing-up was through her grandfathers stories.

It was him who first taught her about the Trail of Tears and other history of the Mohawk Tribe bringing to life events that for most of her classmates were only paragraphs in a history textbook.

You hear my grandpa talk about when the colonists came over and talk about our tribe, which was decimated and to hear about that from the perspective of our family dealt with that or our ancestors dealt with that was pretty crazy, Powless said.

After arriving at West Point and becoming familiar with the warrior ethos that permeates throughout the academy, she felt a desire to dig deeper and learn more about her ancestors who embodied many of the same principles.

To help in her quest for information, Powless joined the Native American Club at West Point, of which she is now the cadet in charge. She also reached out to her great-aunt who is deeply connected with the tribes reservation in Canada.

Her aunt now sends her a monthly newsletter highlighting the tribe and has also sent her artifacts and books to help her learn more about the Mohawk Tribe.

I carry this Powless name and this is a Native American last name. I carry this name on my chest now every single day to do them proud and do my lineage proud because thats what they did, thats what they do, Powless said. The whole warrior ethos that we talk about here 100% stems from Native Americans and theyre very proud of whats theirs.

Blankenship and Powless are two of 48 cadets at West Point of Native American or Native Alaskan heritage according to the West Point Office of Institutional Research. They represent tribes from coast to coast including Blankenships Tlingit Tribe, Powless Mohawk Tribe, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and more.

Class of 2020 Cadet Sylvan Blankenship is pictured as a child in the traditional dress of the Tlingit Tribe of Southern Alaska. Courtesy photo

Currently between active duty Soldiers and those serving in the Reserve or National Guard, there are nearly 7,000 Soldiers of Native American or Alaskan descent serving in the Army, according to the Armys Strength Analysis and Forecasting Division.

Their heritage is celebrated throughout the month of November, which was first designated as National Native American Heritage Month in 1990 and has been celebrated annually since 1994.

West Point celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a luncheon on November 19, 2019, featuring guest speaker Monica Buckle, who works with the American Indian Heritage House in New York City.

As the month-long celebration of Native American heritage came to a close, Blankenship said he hopes people are respectful of the traditions and culture of tribes like his, even if they dont understand them.

Just have an open mind because a lot of our arts and our traditions, theyre very flashy and very extravagant, Blankenship said. Theyre loud and theyre boisterous and theyre colorful. I think that sometimes people can be a kind of intimidated by it.

DVIDS (Defense Video Imagery Distribution System) is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation that provides a timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the world and the military serving worldwide. This article is in the public domain

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The death from this summer's bushfires nationwide sits at 28, with many more injuries. Over 2000 homes have been destroyed and thousands of non-residential buildings have been damaged. With tourists shunning fire-hit regions, more than 100,000 businesses are suffering, according to the small business ombudsman. Nearly 14,000 insurance claims have been lodged since November 8, with insured losses estimated at $1.34 billion. Its a staggering amount of damage so, to help people affected, state and federal governments have released a range of relief packages, which are not to be confused with schemes for volunteer firefighters who lost income or wages while fighting fires. The relief packages often overlap and can be tricky to navigate. So how do they work who's covered and who isn't? The bushfire has destroyed many houses in Mallacoota in Victoria. Credit:Getty Images

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Do you have to live in a bushfire-hit area to apply? Not necessarily. Under most schemes, the damage you claim must have occurred in a declared disaster area. Often that means you lived through the fire yourself, or your home was affected by flame. But for some things, such as loss of income or damage to a business, its possible to claim even if you dont live in the affected area. There are government lists of eligible postcodes. You have to apply by these dates Disaster Recovery Payment: June 30

Disaster Recovery Allowance: June 30

Rural Assistance Grants: seven months after the damage occurred What if youve been injured or your relative has died?

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People who have been seriously injured or whose close relative has died can access the Disaster Recovery Payment. This scheme, offered by the federal government, promises a one-off lump sum of $1000 to every eligible adult and $400 to eligible children. Australian residents over 16 can apply for themselves or on behalf of any children under their care. You must show proof of injury or death, and applications should be made at a government services office, or by calling the Department of Human Services. What if your house has been destroyed or damaged? The Disaster Recovery Payment is also available to those whove lost their house whether it's covered by insurance or not. You must show proof of loss and the payments are still capped at $1000. Victorians can access emergency re-establishment assistance if their home is uninhabitable for more than seven days. The payments of up to $42,250 can pay for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing some damaged contents. Those who apply must meet income tests and show that their losses were not covered by insurance.

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Sarsfield, East Gippsland, December 31. Credit:James Ross What if youve lost property other than your house? When it was launched, the federal governments Disaster Recovery Payment did not cover damage to assets other than the home. That changed in mid-January: now, the scheme is available if you were adversely affected by damage to a major asset, such as a fence, water pump or shed. In Victoria, Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments provide immediate financial help for people who need things like emergency food, accommodation, clothing, medication and personal items. Payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child are distributed via prepaid debit cards. The maximum payment is $1960 per eligible household. The payment is not available to cover the cost of cleaning up fallen trees, business losses, replacing fences, car repairs or insurance excess. What if youve lost income?

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The federal Disaster Recovery Allowance exists for people who work in a bushfire-affected area and have lost income compared to their normal earnings. The scheme offers 13 weeks of income support and is administered by the Department of Human Services. A bushfire must be the direct reason for the loss, and only those currently earning under a certain threshold are eligible. Single people with no children must be earning less than $1060 a fortnight, while a single parent must earn under $1615. Loading For each member of a couple, the cut-off is $970 per fortnight. Lower thresholds apply for under-22s. Payment is capped at the same rate as Newstart, though it may be lower depending on the circumstances. For single people without children, the maximum payment is $559 per fortnight; single parents can claim a maximum of $780, while those in a couple will top out at $504. Those already receiving income support, such as Newstart or Youth Allowance, are ineligible. Applicants must show what their income was before and after the fires. There are separate schemes in the pipeline for people who lost income or wages as a result of fighting fires.

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China sent a new optical remote-sensing satellite for commercial use into planned orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province on Wednesday morning, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

The satellite, belonging to the Jilin-1 satellite family, also named Red Flag-1 H9, was launched by a Long March-2D carrier rocket at 10:53 a.m. Beijing time.

The new satellite, developed by the Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., has a super-wide coverage and a resolution at the sub-meter level. It is also capable of high-speed data storage and transmission.

It will work with the 15 satellites of the Jilin-1 family already sent into orbit to form a constellation that will provide remote-sensing data and services for governmental and industrial users.

Via the same carrier rocket, three small satellites including NewSat7 and NewSat8 developed by an Argentinian company were also sent into space.

The Long March-2D carrier rocket was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Wednesday's launch was the 325th mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.
PALM BEACH, Florida, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent article from Wall Street insider, Motley Fool, said that It's no secret by now that the marijuana industry is a big-money business However, there's a potentially larger growth trend contained within the cannabis movement that investors simply have to know about: Cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp plants are considerably cheaper to grow than cannabis, making hemp plants the preferred crop choice for CBD extraction. They said the big question is: Just how big could the CBD market be? Brightfield Group believes it has the answer. In a newly released report from Brightfield, the company is calling for year-over-year CBD product sales growth in the United States of 706% in 2019 to around $5 billion -- not a typo  and sales of $23.7 billion by 2023. Comparatively, about $620 million worth of CBD products were sold last year in the United States (based on 706% growth to $5 billion). Growing CBD revenue from about $620 million in 2018 to $23.7 billion by 2023 works out to (drum roll) a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a whopping 107%! Compare that to some of the most robust broad-based growth estimates for cannabis, which call for a CAGR of around 25%, and you can see why CBD is all the buzz (without creating an actual buzz) on Wall Street. Cultivators have taken notice of theses growth projections and are using every means that can to increase yields including new technologies such as drones. Active Companies from around the market with current developments this week include: Epazz, Inc. (OTCPK: EPAZ), Hemp, Inc (OTCPK: HEMP), Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB), cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD).

Industry websites have pointed out how this technology can help farmers figure out the optimal growing conditions for hemp-based CBD. To improve their farm's profitability, hemp farmers use drone technology to bring precision agriculture to their hemp fields for plant counting and canopy sizing. Instead of "walking the field" to estimate size, farmers are using drones and artificial intelligence to count and size plants. Use quantitative analytics to evaluate varieties, surface replanting opportunities, and monitor sexual maturity and harvest opportunities to prevent the loss of CBD concentration. They also use them for stress and disease monitoring. Rather than taking random soil samples and scouting for grey or yellow mold, powdery mildew, or dark and discolored watery lesions, they can apply a vegetative index to immediately surface indicators of stress.

Epazz, Inc. (OTCPK: EPAZ) MARKET NEWS: Epazz been in the news of late with a few major developments as this week the Company has announced that its holding, ZenaPay Inc., has successfully completed testing of its patent-pending drone charging pad, thus allowing the technology to move from the prototype stage to the preproduction stage. ZenaPay has already received 5 pre-orders for its drone charging pad from Greenheart CBD for delivery in April 2020.

The ZenaPay patent-pending drone charging pad has several major competitive advantages over charging pads currently on the market. The first is that the ZenaPay charging pad is affordable: The initial price will be approximately $1,000. In addition, the pad will allow for fast charging without needing to hire an electrician to switch outlets. The goal is to provide the ZenaDrone with a one-hour flight time and a one-hour charging time, allowing the ZenaDrone to work most of the day and night. By adding a second ZenaDrone, a customer will be able to have 24/7 coverage. This is a major benefit for companies looking to use drone technology for farming, security, crop insurance, law enforcement, and border protection.

One area ZenaPay is considering for marketing 24/7 coverage is livestock and wildlife protection. ZenaDrone multispectral sensors have the capability to be modified to create a tracking system for each animal. Although further research and development are required, the company believes that facial recognition technology can be used on animals.

EPAZ has also recently confirmed five preorders of patent-pending ZenaDrone Smart Farming Solution with GreenHeart CBD for Irish hemp farms. We are forecasting sales to be over $600,000 for the first year in 2020. We also believe the drone technology will generate profits its first year. The profits will be reinvested back into the technology.

In August 2019, the ZenaPay team beta tested its drone-mapping and plant-tracking solutions in Ireland with GreenHeart and Hemp Tech hemp farms. The beta test was a success, and ZenaPay signed up additional customers.

With the success of the beta test, ZenaPay Inc. and GreenHeart CBD LTD signed a distribution agreement for GreenHeart to sell ZenaDrone Smart Hemp Farming Solution to its network of farmers in Ireland and the United Kingdom with an option to expand through the European Union.

Paul Walsh, CSO and co-founder of GreenHeart CBD LTD, said, "Every farmer in its network would be required to sign up with ZenaPay Smart Farming solution to assure the quality of his or her hemp plants. GreenHeart is quickly growing its network. Ireland and the United Kingdom have hundreds of hemp farms." Learn more about EPAZ by clicking here: https://www.epazz.com/Investors

In the industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

Hemp, Inc (OTCPK: HEMP) has announced that approximately 33,000 pounds of hemp biomass have been processed and are now available for sale.

The biomass that is available for sale tested at a minimum of 7.5% cannabidiol (CBD). The biomass is from Pre-98 OG Bubba Kush, one of the top selling cultivars on the market. According to a report from Research and markets, the global industrial hemp market is projected to grow from USD 4.6 billion in 2019 to USD 26.6 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 34%.

Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG) recently announced the Company has scheduled its second meeting with one of the largest supermarket chains in the Southeast, consisting of 550 locations over its portfolio of supermarkets. The Company will also be meeting with a Florida based, fourth generation run, food distributor as well, who covers the Southeast United States. Both meetings are set for the end of the month.

Kona Gold also announced, in November and December, it had met with the majority of beer distribution houses in the state of Florida, receiving great response from its product portfolio. The Company is currently scheduling following up meetings with those beer distributors as those distributors ramp up for the new year and look to add non-alcoholic beverages to their portfolios.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) recently announced that its Aurora Sky ("Sky") facility has been granted its sales license by Health Canada, significantly increasing availability of both dried flower and derivative cannabis products across all cannabis markets the Company is targeting.

The Company also announced today that it has received a sales license from Health Canada, permitting the sale of cannabis softgel capsules produced at its state-of-the-art Aurora Vie facility located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Aurora and Capcium Inc. ("Capcium"), the Montreal-based manufacturer that specializes in high-volume softgel encapsulation have already commenced production of softgel capsules, which are targeted at the medical, wellness, and adult consumer use markets. The Company anticipates softgels to become a high volume, high margin product within all of its target markets. The Company holds a 19.99 per cent ownership stake in Capcium and is Aurora's exclusive manufacturer of cannabis softgel products in North America.

cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD) the company and the Registrar at National Day Calendar, have declared January as "National CBD Month." As the popularity of CBD continues to rise, millions of Americans are educating themselves on the prospective properties of CBD and how it can complement their everyday health and wellness routines. With a versatile array of CBD products to choose from, including tinctures, capsules, topicals, bath bombs, and a full pet product line up, cbdMD helps consumers experience which CBD application and regimen works best for their specific needs.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 01:36:19|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, on Thursday breathed a sigh of relief over the fact that Yemen emerged from the recent Gulf crisis unscathed.

"Since I last spoke to this council (on Dec. 12), our region has been going through a crisis, the consequences of which have threatened the gains we have been observing in Yemen. Fortunately, the immediate crisis seems to be over," Griffiths told the Security Council in a briefing.

He was referring to the extraordinary tension at the beginning of the year between the United States and Iran after the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. In retaliation, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two military bases housing U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.

"I venture to say that through the actions of many people, Yemen has been kept safe from such crisis for now. This achievement... is based on a consensus that Yemen must not be affected by regional tensions," he said.

"Most importantly, in this time of crisis, we have seen no major acts of military provocation in Yemen. This is remarkable. Indeed, it has been one of the quietest weeks of the war in Yemen since the war began (in 2015)."

In the past few weeks, apart from one airstrike, there was very limited military movement on the ground and there were no drone or missile attacks on neighboring states, he noted. "So I hope it is not premature to say that Yemen has emerged at this time unscathed."

This achievement has not come by chance. Yemeni leaders and leaders of the region have deliberately exercised restraint and withheld from acts of provocation, said Griffiths, the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen.

Yemen has been in civil war for almost five years, pitting Houthi rebels against government forces. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition force defending the internationally recognized Yemeni government against Houthi rebels allegedly supported by Iran.
The United States has resumed joint military operations with Iraq following a two week pause, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

The coalition resumed operations with the Iraqi military on Wednesday after a two week halt amid heightened regional tensions that began when pro-Iranian militias attack the US Embassy in Baghdad, the New York Times reported citing two US military officials.

The officials said the United States was eager to resume joint operations with Iraq against the Islamic State terrorist group (banned in Russia) to disrupt any momentum the organization may have gained from the brief pause.

On 5 January, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel coalition forces form Iraq over the US drone attack that killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the elite Quds Force of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abu Mahdi Muhandis, a senior leader in Iraq's Iranian-backed Shia Popular Mobilization Forces, near the Baghdad International airport.

American officials have repeatedly ruled out a complete pullback from Iraq. White House National Security Adviser Robert OBrien last week said the United States would leave on its "own terms."
GREENSBORO  World War II Army Air Force veteran Al Lochra, 94, is a founding member of the Steve Millikin Black Cap Veterans Group and one of the men behind the Guilford County Veterans Memorial at Country Park.

He was one of the first teachers at Page High School, director of vocational education and industrial arts for Greensboro City Schools and a longtime GTCC employee.

Now he can add knight to his resume.

Lochra will receive the French Legion of Honor chevalier (knight) award Thursday during a ceremony at his church, First Lutheran Church in Greensboro.

Paul Prewitt, a 99-year-old World War II veteran from Eden, will also receive the French Legion of Honor award in a ceremony Thursday in Rockingham County.

French government to grant knighthood to WWII vet Prewitt of Eden EDEN  Paul Prewitt is adjusting to the idea of knighthood and having plenty of chuckles as 

The medal, which has been awarded since the days of Napoleon Bonaparte, is usually given to French citizens but is also bestowed on American and British service members who fought for France's freedom during World War II.

Lochra, a radio operator and gunner on a B-17 during the war, isn't sure what qualified him for the honor, but he has an idea.

"We did do something for them (the French) just prior to the end of the war," he recalled.

Lochra's 100th Bombardment Group flew hundreds of French slave laborers back home to France from an airfield in Linz, Austria. They had been forced by the Germans to work in factories and fields.

They weren't emaciated, but "they looked like they could have used a meal or two," Lochra said.

About 10 clusters of people were standing on the airfield when the 100th Bombardment Group arrived. Each plane, with a crew of five, flew to a group and transported 30 to 35 people to their homeland, he said.

The group on Lochra's plane was all men. "I don't know if there were any women on the other planes, but there were no women on our plane," he said.

Lochra said he didn't speak French, and the passengers didn't speak English.

"We communicated by hand signals and pointing," he said. "They understood what we were doing, and we understood how they were feeling."

The passengers were taken to Chartres, France, southwest of Paris and home to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

"They were one batch of happy Frenchmen," Lochra said.

"That was one of my best flights ever," he said.

Some flights were far more dangerous.

We lost an engine on our second mission, and the ship started shaking like crazy," Lochra told News & Record veterans columnist Harry Thetford in 2018. "We completed the mission but force-landed at the first strip we came to after crossing the North Sea. By then, only one engine was working.

Other non-combat missions included flying U.S. casualties to Casablanca on their way home and dropping food and supplies to flood survivors in Holland.

Lochra has been working on his World War II memoir since before 2005, he said, and it will be complete after a few corrections.

"I carry it with me when I think I might need it," he says. He'll have it with him when he gets his award, just in case, he said.

Contact Cindy Loman at cindy.loman@greensboro.com, 336-373-7212 or on Facebook at Cindy News-Record Loman.
A unanimous decision by a New Jersey appeals court declared that a construction company must pay for a former worker's medical marijuana. Read more

In a ruling that could have far-reaching effects, an appeals court in New Jersey ruled this week that a contractor must reimburse a former employee for the cost of the medical marijuana that he uses to treat his incessant pain from a work-related injury.

This is huge. And the significance of this court decision cannot be overstated, said Steve Schain, a lawyer with the Hoban Law Group, which specializes in cannabis law. It sets a precedent for other states workers comp programs and national private health insurers.

Vincent Hager was a 28-year-old laborer in 2001 when a truck delivering concrete dumped its load onto him, according to court documents. The resulting nerve damage, and the spinal surgery Hager underwent to relieve the pain, left him unable to work. His employer, M&K Construction, denied his workers compensation claim for 15 years, according to court documents.

Hager became addicted to his opioid painkillers. A doctor suggested that Hager wean himself off oxycodone, OxyContin, and Valium with medical marijuana. It worked, and Hager successfully stopped taking the powerful drugs.

The cost of medical marijuana is not usually covered by insurance. Thats because marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 substance by the federal government. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that marijuana has no accepted medical use, despite laws in 33 states that allow the drug for selected ailments.

Hager, who uses two ounces of state-approved medical cannabis every 30 days, spends about $616 out-of-pocket a month.

In 2018, a workers compensation judge ruled that Hager had indeed been injured on the job. The judge ordered M&K to reimburse Hager for the cost of medical marijuana and any related expenses. The company balked and appealed.

M&K claimed that the federal Controlled Substances Act preempted New Jerseys medical marijuana laws. M&Ks lawyers said it would be aiding Hager in the commission of a crime if it reimbursed him for medical marijuana.

We are not persuaded, said the unanimous three-judge appellate division panel in its ruling.

One cannot aid and abet a complete crime, the appeals court wrote. M&K is not purchasing or distributing the medical marijuana on behalf of [Hager]; it is only reimbursing him for his legal use of the substance.

The New Jersey ruling sets a precedent because it marked the first time that a reimbursement case was focused on the Controlled Substances Act, said Jenifer Dana Kaufman, a workers compensation lawyer based in Abington. Kaufman has two similar cases pending in Pennsylvania  one in Brookville, Jefferson County, and another in Reading.

Saying its illegal is not enough, Kaufman said. The court took issue with whether federal law trumps state law and found if theres not federal preemption, state law applies.

There have been courts in other states  Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New Mexico  that ruled that specific injured workers must be reimbursed for their medical marijuana.

The New Jersey case is an important example of the courts recognizing the consequences of legalizing marijuana. said Bill Roark, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee.

On the surface, its a small issue, Roark said. But the courts have to get into the weeds, no pun intended, to provide clarity for the law and expand patient rights.

For more news about hemp, medical marijuana, and adult-use cannabis, go to Inquirer.com/cannabis.
The Navy and Marine Corps must join forces to combat threats China poses at sea, a top U.S. general said Wednesday.

The U.S. needs an integrated naval force that is prepared to take on China, Marine Commandant Gen. David Berger said at the annual Surface Navy Association conference. That's going to require the sea services to work a lot more closely than they have over the last 20 years.

"The significant thing that's driven as to where we are right now is a paradigm shift by China in moving to the sea," he said. "We have watched them build and expand a conventional defensive force and kind of yawned for a long time until they went to sea.

"Game-changer," Berger added.

Related: Unmanned Vessels Won't Count as Warships in Next Navy Force Assessment: CNO

China has been building forward-operating bases on man-made islands in the South China Sea. The islands have barracks, runways and hangars.

"New threats are here," Berger said. "We must change."

Here's a look at how the Navy and Marine Corps could adapt to take on China.

Marines on More Decks. Leathernecks aren't going to limit their cruises to amphibious assault ships. Marines could someday deploy on littoral combat ships and next-generation frigates too, Berger said.

"I think [those ships] have roles for Marines," he said. "I would just tell you there's nothing off the table for the Marine Corps and the Navy. There are no red lines, 'we don't get on that ship' or 'that's not for that use.'"

Marines must learn how to complement other platforms, the commandant added.

"Smaller, But Capable." The Navy and Marine Corps are going to need a lot more ships, Berger said, as the sea services look toward distributed operations across the vast Pacific theater.

Fixed bases and large ships would leave sailors and Marines vulnerable, he said, citing "Fleet Tactics and Naval Operations" by Wayne Hughes and Robert Girrier.

That doesn't mean big-deck amphibs will go away completely, Berger said. "But I think we add a lot of small" ships.

"I'm not talking cheap because we don't need cheap," he said. "It's great power competition -- they are good. But we need a distributed maritime force. ... That drives you toward more. Smaller, but capable."

Fit to Fight. The Navy and Marine Corps can no longer expect to operate from a distance when it comes to China.

Crews, he said, must be prepared to switch from deterrence to offense quickly.

"There is an argument to be made by some who feel that two great powers can stand off with long-range precision weapons and hold each other at bay," Berger said. "I am not in that camp. And reality over the last few years should tell you that doesn't work against this adversary because the farther you back away from China, they will move toward you."

Keeping Them Guessing. The Navy and Marine Corps can't send warships out that look the same every time, Berger said.

To "mess up an enemy threat's mind," he said, the Navy and Marine Corps must be unpredictable.

That could mean loading an amphib up with F-35B Joint Strike Fighter jets on one deployment then sending the next ship out full of MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, followed by a mix of the two.

"We need to constantly pose this adversary with different looks," the commandant said.

Force-Wide Reviews. The Navy and Marine Corps are both undergoing assessments that could reshape the look of each sea service.

The Navy's force-structure assessment will determine the optimal size of the fleet. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday said Tuesday that the assessment could be done within weeks and is likely to top the 355-ship fleet the last assessment suggested.

The Navy will also make room to add a fleet of unmanned vessels to that count, Gilday said. The service is working closely with the Marine Corps to determine the best fleet size.

The Marine Corps is looking at its fleet, too, in terms of personnel. Berger called a force-structure review his top priority in his planning guidance, and it could close some military occupational specialties while others ramp up.

In November, Berger said, "The Marine Corps ... will look very radically different than what we have right now."

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Read more: Force-Wide Review Could Result in a 'Radically Different' Marine Corps
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January 16, 2020 De Lima tells Guevarra: Be forthright about evidence of my persecution Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to be more forthright about the strong evidence of her wrongful imprisonment and political persecution she has to endure under the present Duterte administration. De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, argued that if there are strong evidence in her situation, it would be about the wrongful prosecution of her cases that led to her arrest and prolonged detention. "[T]here is strong evidence, not of my guilt, but of my wrongful prosecution and imprisonment, or my persecution," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 700. "I have questioned so many abuses of due process in my case. Some have been completely ignored and unacted upon altogether; others have been dismissed unceremoniously. Time and again, with every step, rules are being re-written and the law being twisted," she lamented. The lady Senator from Bicol also rebuked Guevarra for over-simplifying the Supreme Court's decision to affirm the charges filed against her and for refusing to look at the details of the 9-6 vote of the justices then. "What SOJ Guevarra also failed to point out is that, although nine of the 15 Supreme Court justices dismissed my petition, in truth I won in the Supreme Court because the differences in opinion of those [nine] justices, in fact, proved my point that the Information is void for being insufficient to inform me of the charges against me," she explained. De Lima, a former justice secretary herself, listed down what she calls the "devil of the details" of the Supreme Court decision where nine Justices, in their individual concurring opinions, failed to unite in defining the nature of the charges filed by the DOJ. Only five Justices, namely Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Lucas Bersamin, Samuel Martires, Andres Reyes Jr., and Alexander Gesmundo, voted together to hold De Lima in continued pre-trial detention for Illegal Drug Trading. Three Associate Justices, such as Teresita de Castro, Noel Tijam, and Diosdado Peralta, categorically stated that the offense charged is '"Conspiracy to Commit Drug Trading." One other justice - Mariano del Castillo - was ambiguous in his position. "Given such clear lack of consensus among the nine justices on the nature of the charge against me - which proves the very point of my petition! - due process dictates that the Court ought to have ordered my immediate release," De Lima stressed. "In fact," she continued, "even the DOJ under Guevarra acknowledged that there was something wrong with the charges against me when they moved to amend the information against me by - lo and behold! - changing the nature of the offense." It can be recalled that that the Justice Department spent months amending its charges against De Lima. She earnestly fought the amendment, saying they are two different crimes. According to her, this emboldened the government's prosecution to claim that all they need to do is present testimonies of personalities with questionable character, including inmates who have been convicted of heinous crimes. "I was no longer being charged with Illegal Drug Trading, but now mere "conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading", with the convenient effect that the Prosecution only needs to present witnesses who would confess to have conspired with me," she said. De Lima also decried the DOJ's "unbelievable move" when they objected her camp's subpoena to produce the alleged bank accounts the government prosecution team keeps on citing in open court. She also questioned the government prosecution team's obvious delaying tactics to present an alleged Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report supposedly containing evidence that she received money from the illegal drug trade. The Prosecution, though, in one of the hearings, admitted that none of the bank accounts belongs to De Lima. "More than three years since SOJ (Vitalliano) Aguirre claimed that they have proof, the AMLC report is still not ready. Now, we will have to wait and see and whether anyone in the AMLC will come forward and sign a false report, if at all," she said.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size At a conference in Tokyo almost 15 years ago, Rupert Murdoch stood in front of a crowd and publicly declared his dedication to the climate change cause. It was 2006 and the billionaire News Corp founder decided that while he had previously been sceptical of the global warming debate, it was his organisation's duty to "take the lead" on the issue. "Some of the presumptions about extreme weather, whether it be hurricanes or drought, may seem far fetched," Murdoch said at the Tokyo event. "What is certain is that temperatures have been rising and that we are not entirely sure of the consequences. The planet deserves the benefit of the doubt." The statement would be referenced by business entrepreneurs such as Dick Smith and former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull for years to come. In 2014, News Corp columnist Andrew Bolt wrote about how "warmists" demanded he write to his bosses' script. Murdoch, who was 75 at the time, certainly did not say it by mistake. Rupert Murdoch smiles as he speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on November 6, 2006. Credit:AP At the time the mogul was having conversations about his legacy with his younger son James and his wife Kathryn, second eldest daughter Elisabeth and Murdoch's then wife Wendi Deng  according to sources with insight into the family's inner workings. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retribution. The group represented the more progressive elements of Murdoch's family circle at the time and was pushing climate change as a cause. Eldest son Lachlan was on the outer at the time having temporarily quit the family business a year earlier.

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James had just turned UK pay-TV provider BSkyB, then controlled by News Corp, into a carbon-neutral company. A year later Rupert announced plans for all of the companies in his media empire to produce zero net-carbon emissions by 2010. They achieved their goal. "We always seek new ways to reach our global audiences and we address those issues that have the greatest impact on their lives. Global climate change is clearly one of those issues," Murdoch said in a memo to staff in May 2007. "It starts with us. On Wednesday in New York, I will launch CoolChange  an important energy initiative at News Corporation." In Australia that initiative was known as 1Degree and industry publication Adweek reported some News Corp staff were surprised, given Murdoch is better known for backing conservative policies. Indeed, News Corp's HR department reportedly sent out a second memo to clarify. But all signs pointed to the Murdochs taking climate change seriously. By 2017, News Corp had reached zero waste in all of its print centres internationally and had achieved 400 energy savings projects. Those who worked closely on the 1Degree initiative said News Corp management never knocked back a request on climate change initiatives. "News Corp has been a leader on reducing emissions," News Corp's former head of environment Tony Wilkins said. "They have been doing this for 20 years. Individual businesses have reduced emissions by as much as 56 per cent." James Murdoch, then CEO of BskyB, addressing a session during the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit in New York in May 2007. Credit:AP Yet few remember those efforts today. As bushfires rip through the country, criticism of News Corp's climate change coverage in its Australian newspapers has been unrelenting. As the links between climate change and the ferocity of the bushfires played out, a subsidiary debate about the appropriateness of certain articles and opinion pieces in The Australian, The Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun gathered momentum. Soon everyone from Rudd and Turnbull (who both blame Murdoch for undermining them while in office) to The New York Times were denouncing the Murdoch press.

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In an opinion piece in Time magazine Mr Turnbull wrote: "This issue has been hijacked by a toxic, climate change-denying alliance of right-wing politics and media (much of it owned by Murdoch), as well as vested business interests." Last week, this masthead revealed News Corp finance manager Emily Townsend sent an email to all employees accusing her employer of spreading a "misinformation campaign" on climate change that was "dangerous" and "unconscionable". Email from News Corp staff member Emily Townsend regarding climate change. The email was widely read throughout the Australian media industry, but it would be quickly overshadowed by an even more extraordinary development. Days later, James and Kathryn Murdoch took aim at what they described as climate denialism at News Corp. "They are particularly disappointed with the ongoing denial among news outlets in Australia, given obvious evidence to the contrary," a spokesman for the couple said in a statement to US publication The Daily Beast. James' criticisms are even more surprising given he is still a director of the family company (Lachlan and Rupert are co-chairman and chief executive officers). Rupert Murdoch told investors at the company's annual meeting last year that "there are no climate change deniers around". But News Corp has run many pieces that have questioned the legitimacy of widely-accepted climate-change science over the past decade. [James and Kathryn Murdoch] are particularly disappointed with the ongoing denial among news outlets, given obvious evidence to the contrary. Spokesman for James and Kathryn Murdoch

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Columns by Melbourne writer Andrew Bolt and Sky commentator (and The Australian Financial Review columnist) Rowan Dean in the tabloids and former ASX chairman Maurice Newman in The Australian have described climate change as a "cult" and "a socialist plot". In a broadcast on News Corp-owned Sky News Mr Bolt criticised the "constant stream of propaganda" on the ABC about the climate crisis. Many of these articles appeared while Lachlan was effectively running Australian operations. A friend of Tony Abbott, Lachlan is considered even more conservative than his father. For their part senior News Corp figures say privately that they are the subject of a witch hunt. Responding publicly to Townsend's all-staff email, News Corp's local boss Michael Miller said "News Corp does not deny climate change or the gravity of its threat". The Australian ran an editorial in its Saturday newspaper defending its coverage. The paper argued it had been "wilfully and ineptly misrepresented" by The New York Times and The Guardian. Loading Certainly, News Corp's coverage has become more moderate in recent days with The Daily Telegraph editorialising in favour of moving the climate change debate forward on Thursday. Nevertheless, the message from James this week has struck a nerve. News Corp now finds itself very much part of the climate change story. The organisation is preparing for a protest that is being planned for Friday outside its offices, and has increased its security measures in response to social media commentary of recent weeks. "We've been working with local police, but we are not sure how many protestors are planning to attend, so as a precaution the street outside the building will be blocked off," managing director of The Australian, NSW & Prestige Titles Nicholas Gray wrote to staff on Thursday. David Armstrong, a former editor-in-chief of The Australian from the 1990s who now lives in Thailand, said James' public statement would trigger a "new assessment" of News Corp.

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Former editor-in-chief of The Australian, David Armstrong, says James' public statement would trigger a "new assessment" of News Corp. "James has always been more forward-thinking on social issues than his father or his brother Lachlan, so I'm sure his and Kathryn's views are well-known within the family and the senior levels of the company," Mr Armstrong said. "But now that they are public, I hope News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller and his editors use James and Kathryn's statement as an opportunity to reassess their coverage, to ask themselves if it reflects the state of knowledge about  and now the devastating experience of  climate change and its impact on Australia. And then to act on the answers." Three former executives of News Corp, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to concerns about retribution, said James' statement was unsurprising  given his views on climate change and his difficult relationship with his brother, Lachlan, are both well known. "James and Lachlan are ideologically apart and will continue to be," one of the former executives said. One former executive said James would be looking to intentionally distance himself from the scrutiny his family was receiving over its local coverage. Many observers believe Rupert has become less interested in climate change since the flurry of announcements in the mid-2000s. It's not exactly clear what is behind this, or what drove him 15 years ago when he positioned his companies with a more pro-environment stance. Some with insight into News Corp's inner workings have suggested that the change in view came after the 2009 resignation of his right-hand man, Peter Chernin, who had backed efforts to make News Corp greener. Murdoch's split with his former wife Wendi is also considered by some to be a factor, as well as his closeness to Lachlan.

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The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,on Wednesday condemned the declaration by President Muhammadu Buharis ...





The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,on Wednesday condemned the declaration by President Muhammadu Buharis government that Amotekun, the new Southwest security outfit is illegal.





The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, made the announcement on Tuesday.





A statement signed by Malamis spokesman, Umar Gwandu, said, The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law.





In his reaction, Adams said stated that the right to life cannot be in the exclusive list of any serious government.

Adams, in a letter to Malami, added that he has advised Southwest governors to shun governments position on Amotekun.





See full text of letter below:





Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister,

Abuja.





Dear Sir





PROTEST OVER YOUR ILLEGAL ORDER TO SOUTH-WEST GOVERNORS





I find it disturbing your statement of Tuesday January14, 2020 declaring the security initiative of South-West governors Amotekun as illegal. You also threatened that the full course of the law will be applied to anybody promoting the Amotekun security initiative.





May be you have forgotten. I need to remind you that you are the Attorney-General of the country, not a section of the country. So, your outburst against the governors who were elected, not selected or appointed, is against the spirit of the 1999 Constituted (as amended).





The right to life is universal and no government can legislate against that. I dont need to bother you about killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal vices in the South-West recently.





Even Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was killed and nobody has been arrested in respect of all these killings.





One thing is clear: Nigerians have the right to protect themselves. Not only that: South-West people have a right to protect and defend themselves against attacks. Amotekun is an initiative by the South-West governors to defend our people.





Where you are getting it wrong is this: The Amotekun initiative has nothing to do with the territorial integrity of Nigeria. If there is a breach of the territorial integrity of the country, the military will come in immediately.





So, nobody is rising against Nigeria, as your letter to the governors, directly or indirectly, implied. What is happening is that our people no longer feel safe because the land has been invaded by some elements from within and outside the country.





It is unfortunate that rather than praise the governors, you are condemning their action, thereby strengthening the hands of those who believe the Federal Government is against some sections of the country.





As a lawyer and a Senior Advocate, you should know that you are not the law. You are only the Attorney-General, not a court. It is only a court of competent jurisdiction that will decide if what an individual, group of individuals, an entity or a state does is legal or otherwise.





So, it is only a court that can invalidate the South-West joint security initiative, not you. I want to establish this fact that the Yoruba have a right to protect themselves from attack or violence of any sort.





Issues of security is highly sensitive, and we can now understand where the threat is coming from. It is unfortunate that the FG is doing everything to frustrate the southwest governors efforts.





For instance, last Wednesday, that was less than 24-hours before the launching of Amotekun in Ibadan, the Presidency summoned the southwest governors to Aso rock.





We knew about the intrigues that played out at the meeting. We knew about the frustrations at Aso rock, but the governors, having realised the implications of playing politics with the lives of their people, stood their ground and went ahead to launch the security outfit as planned





So, it is your position on this volatile situation that is illegal, unlawful, immoral and of no effect because your declaration has proved some critics right that some states in the country are deliberately left vulnerable to attacks by criminals.





I have called on Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) to ignore your position on this matter.





Why do people employ guards in their houses? For security. Why do Community Development Associations (CDAs) employ guards to secure streets and areas? To ensure protection of lives and property.





Is that initiative in the exclusive list of the constitution? No. I repeat that the right to preserve and protect your life can never be in the exclusive list of any government.





I am aware of similar security outfits in other sections of the country. Why you are against the protection of the lives and properties of Yoruba people defies logic.





This week is the 50th anniversary of the end of the civil war. We should do everything to avoid plunging the country into another war.

Mr. Malami, please dont set a bad precedence.





Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams

15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland
ST. PAUL  U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-St. Paul, introduced a bill Wednesday, Jan. 15, that would permanently prevent copper-nickel mining with the same watershed as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, or H.R. 5598 , is aimed only at banning sulfide-ore mining within the 220,000 acres of the Superior National Forest and within the Rainy River Watershed, the same watershed as the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park. The bill would not impact the PolyMet copper-nickel mining project, which is proposed for the St. Louis River Watershed.

The Obama administration had placed a 20-year ban on mining within the same area during its final days in office, but the Trump administration lifted the ban in 2018.

The bill also does not ban the mining of iron ore, taconite, sand, gravel and granite within that area if it is determined water, air and forest quality would not be affected.

If made law, the bill would spell the end for the proposed Twin Metals mine. Twin Metals, owned by Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta, filed its formal mine plan last month detailing its proposed underground copper-nickel mine near Ely , within the Rainy River Watershed and on the edge of the BWCAW.

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In a statement, Twin Metals spokesperson Kathy Graul said, "A permanent withdrawal of these lands would be catastrophic for the economic future of our state."

"The bill that was introduced is an attempt to bypass the rigorous regulatory and environmental processes already in place to review and permit mining and industrial projects on public lands ... Our stringent state and federal standards for protecting the waters of the region are and should be applied consistently to any proposed project," Graul said.

Part of Teck's Mesaba project also extends into the Rainy River Watershed , but the project is still in its exploratory stages. Encampment Minerals is also exploring for minerals within the watershed .

Opponents of copper-nickel mining say its risk for toxic acid drainage, a result of sulfide ore mixing with oxygen, is too great and would permanently damage Northeastern Minnesota's wilderness areas.

"From the pristine, clear waters, to the stillness and quiet that is nearly unmatched anywhere else in the nation  this place is a refuge and source of adventure for many," McCollum said in a news release Wednesday afternoon. "The BWCAW is intact today because of more than a century of protections. We have an obligation to continue this legacy. This bill establishes federal, permanent protections for this vulnerable and fragile ecosystem to ensure it is not damaged and polluted from sulfide-ore copper mining."

The bill's co-sponsors include Reps. Dean Phillips, D-Minnetonka; Francis Rooney, R-Florida; Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona; Alan Lowenthal, D-California; and Fred Upton, R-Michigan.

Proponents of copper-nickel mining the area's so-called Duluth Complex, a deposit of valuable minerals stretching through Northern Minnesota, would support many much-needed jobs.

In a joint news release, U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Hermantown, and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Otsego, called McCollum's bill "Anti-Mining, Anti-Jobs Legislation."

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"I am absolutely outraged to hear another harmful piece of legislation has been introduced to reinstate a mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest, once again attempting to place this vast, mineral-rich area off-limits," Stauber said. "The highly partisan study implemented by the Obama Administration is nothing more than a political tool and delay tactic designed by anti-mining environmentalists who wish to paint mining projects in northern Minnesota as bad for the environment."

Tom Landwehr, Save the Boundary Waters executive director and former Department of Natural Resources commissioner, celebrated the bill.

"Rep. McCollums legislation is a necessary step to protect Minnesotas crown jewel and one of Americas great national treasures. Sulfide-ore copper mining is one of the most toxic industries in America, and doesnt belong anywhere near the Boundary Waters," Landwehr said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has taken it upon themselves to ignore the law, ignore science and fast-track this risky mining near the Wilderness, and Rep. McCollums bill is a welcome antidote."

But Frank Ongaro, executive director of Mining Minnesota, said the ban is unnecessary and called the bill "a desperate attempt to pre-emptively sidestep the rigorous review processes already well-established under federal and state statutes to determine the feasibility and safety of mining projects on public lands."

"As an industry, all we are asking for is a fair environmental review process and the bill is designed to prevent it," Ongaro said.

McCollum has introduced legislation aimed at copper-nickel mining in the Rainy River Watershed in the past. In December, language she introduced that would have required a study of the impact of copper-nickel mining on the BWCAW and Superior National Forest was dropped from the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill by White House negotiators.

But language that McCollum included in that bill would require a study on the effects of copper-nickel mining on international waters shared with Canada . A report is due by Feb. 18.
Mumbai:

A day after Sanjay Raut claimed that former prime minister Indira Gandhi used to come to meet gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena leader said that yesteryear don used to meet her as a leader of the Pathan community. Many political people used to come to meet Karim Lala, times were different back then. He was a leader of the Pathan community, he had come from Afghanistan. So, people used to meet him over the problems faced by the Pathan community, Raut said.

The Rajya Sabha MP also said that he has a lot of respect for the entire family. The respect that I have always shown towards Indira Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi & the Gandhi family, despite being in opposition, nobody has done it. Whenever people have targeted Indira Gandhi, I have stood up for her, he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut claimed that former prime minister Indira Gandhi used to come to meet yesteryear don Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Recalling days of the underworld in Mumbai, Raut, who was earlier a journalist, said gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, and Sharad Shetty used to have control over the metropolis and adjoining areas.

Gangsters used to decide who will be the police commissioner, claims Raut

They used to decide who will be the police commissioner, who will sit in Mantralaya (secretariat), Raut said in an interview to a media group during its award function here.

When Haji Mastan used to come to Mantralaya, the entire Mantralaya would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to come to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai), claimed Raut, whose party formed a coalition government with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra last year.

Lala, who operated liquor dens, gambling and extortion rackets in Mumbai from 1960s to 1980s, died in 2002.

Those were the days of theunderworld. Later, everybody (dons) fled the country. Now there is nothing like that, the Shiv Senas Rajya Sabha member said.

Raut claimed he clicked pictures of many gangsters

Asked if had photographed underworld dons, Raut claimed he clicked pictures of many gangsters, including Dawood Ibrahim, who is key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

The Sena leader also claimed that he had once rebuked Dawood Ibrahim.

I have seen him, I have met him, I have spoken to him and I have also admonished him, he added.

With PTI Inputs

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WASHINGTON  Sylvia Garcias second year in Congress is, as she put it, off to a hell of a start.

The Houston Democrat serving her first term in Washington will be among a group of seven representatives making the case to the Senate that President Donald Trump should be removed from office.

Its a big stage for the 69-year-old Texas native, who is new to Congress but has hit several rungs of the political ladder in Texas, serving as a municipal judge, county commissioner and state senator. It marks a new high point in that long career and an early sign of the clout Garcia has gained in her short time in Washington, where shes mostly focused on civil rights, immigration and voting access issues.

Garcia told Hearst Newspapers that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who announced the team of so-called impeachment managers on Wednesday, asked her to join the team the night before, during a short call that Garcia said needs to be kept between me and Nancy. The team includes the chairmen of the House intelligence and judiciary committees that oversaw the impeachment process in the House.

It feels sort of a mix of awesome and somber and kind of sad, Garcia said. When you think about it, this is prosecuting the president of the United States. Its a defense of the Constitution, its a defense of democracy.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Taking the job will almost certainly make her a target for Republicans, though she holds a solidly blue district in Houston where she won 75 percent of the vote in 2018. The Trump campaign was swift to rebuke Garcia.

Sylvia Garcia and House Democrats are desperate to undermine a duly elected president because they know they cannot beat him at the ballot box, Samantha Cotten, a campaign spokeswoman said. Texans will remember this baseless, partisan witch hunt and vote to reelect President Trump in November.

Garcia, an attorney, said the appointment is not something she sought out, but it also wasnt shocking. She said she believes she was picked because of her experience in the courtroom.

Pelosi seemed to confirm that when she announced the team: The emphasis is on litigators. The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom, she said.

Garcia, who shares with Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso the distinction of being the first Texas Latinas ever elected to Congress, is a member of the judiciary committee that wrote the articles of impeachment accusing Trump of abusing his power by withholding military aide to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden and of obstructing Congress.

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The House on Wednesday sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate, where a trial is expected to begin in the coming days. It could last weeks.

Shes prepared her entire career for this responsibility, said state Sen. John Whitmire, a fellow Houston Democrat who has known Garcia for much of her political career. Its really good for Houston, but more importantly, its good for the nation.

Shes no nonsense, Whitmire said. Shes very passionate about doing the right thing. Shell be objective when necessary but a great advocate.

For subscribers: Video of Rep. Sylvia Garcia breaking down at committee hearing goes viral

While Garcias time in Congress has been increasingly dominated by impeachment, shes been especially focused on immigration and voting rights in her first term.

She filed a bill to forbid immigration enforcement action around polling places on voting days, warning at the time that Trump could weaponize Immigration and Customs Enforcement to scare Latinos away from the polls.

At the time, she pointed to the Ukraine scandal at the center of the Houses impeachment case as evidence of that: Weve already seen, for instance through the Ukraine scandal, that this president would do anything to be able to win this election, including seeking the help in interfering in an election.

On Wednesday, Garcia said the case against Trump is about not allowing any foreign country to frankly dilute our vote if they can participate and rig the outcome.

For many of us, our right to vote is like one of the biggest rights we have, she said. When you vote, it determines the people who are going to decide whether or not you can exercise all your other rights.

It remains to be seen how the impeachment team will work together and what Garcias role will be. She said she doesnt yet know what approach they will take in making the case that the GOP-controlled Senate should oust a Republican president.

Garcia said shes hopeful that the weeks since the House voted to impeach Trump have given us space for Americans to really think about it, and also for some of the senators, too, to be able to go home and get input from some of their constituents.

For subscribers: Impeachment adds more heat to 2020 Texas elections

She said its encouraging that a handful of Republican senators have signaled theyd be open to calling witnesses  something that Republican leaders in the Senate have resisted  and having what I would call a real trial.

Americans know what a trial is, Garcia said. And that means witnesses. Without witnesses, there really isnt a trial.

Republicans have largely argued that Democrats in the House should have called more witnesses during the impeachment inquiry if they wanted them to be included at the Senate trial, though some potential new witnesses have emerged in recent weeks, including John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, who earlier this month expressed willingness to testify.

Texas Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, meanwhile, have been outspoken defenders of Trump, calling the impeachment a circus. Cornyn has suggested that Pelosi took weeks to send the impeachment articles to the Senate because she was looking for a way out. He called Pelosis decision to pick a freshman for the team kind of an interesting choice.

Garcia has been slower to support impeachment than some of her Democratic colleagues, including U.S. Rep. Al Green, another Houstonian, who three times tried to impeach Trump over what he calls the presidents bigotry.

I said all along I did not come here to impeach the president, Garcia said. Certainly I didnt come here seeking to be a manager. Im honored to do it.

ben.wermund@chron.com
On account of sensational events that seem to happen almost daily these days, we tend to forget legendary personalities. One such was Nani Palkhivala, whose 100th birth anniversary was on Thursday, January 16.

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), Palkhivala hailed from a Parsi working class family, and went on to become a household name in India. His father was in the palkhi (palanquins) business, and hence the surname Palkhivala.

Palkhivalas schooling was in the citys Tutorial High School. A brilliant student, after matriculation, he joined the St Xaviers College, and completed his masters in English literature. Palkhivala applied for a lecturers post in the Bombay University, but a Parsi lady was appointed to the post. Thereafter, he enrolled at the Government Law College. Had Palkhivala got the lecturers post, Bombay University would have got a brilliant lecturer, but the world of law would have been a loser.

Palkhivala had the good fortune of joining the chambers of the great Jamshedji Kanga in Bombay. He had no godfathers in the profession. His rise was meteoric. Within a couple of years, he was briefed in every important matter in the Bombay High Court. Palkhivala was also a part-time lecturer in Government Law College, Bombay. He endeared himself to the students by his clear exposition of the subject, the Law of Evidence, with a dash of humour and wit. His was one class that students did not bunk. Indeed, they all wished that his lecture would go on beyond the allotted time.

For sheer advocacy, Palkhivala was unsurpassable. Clarity of thought, precision and elegance of expression, impassioned plea for the cause he espoused, excellent court craft, and extraordinary ability to think on his legs rendered him an irresistible force. He was also briefed in practically every matter of constitutional significance in the Supreme Court (SC). His forensic performances in the bank nationalisation and privy purse cases were remarkable.

But the pinnacle of his fame was his advocacy and his submissions in the Keshavanand Bharti case in which he persuaded the SC to hold that the power of amendment of the Constitution was not unlimited, and could not be exercised so as to damage its basic structure. That was Palkhivalas great contribution to our constitutional jurisprudence. I had the good fortune and privilege of being his junior in that case, and have lively recollections of the preparations that went into the case. Palkhivala was at his forensic best in his submissions before the Bench, which was constituted to reconsider the Keshavanand Bharti decision. According to one of the judges on the Bench: The heights of eloquence to which Palkhivala had risen have seldom been equalled and never been surpassed in the history of the Supreme Court.

His feats were not confined to courts in our country. He represented India in three cases in the international fora. The first was before the special tribunal in Geneva (appointed by the United Nations) to adjudicate upon Pakistanis claim to enclaves in Kutch. Another was before the International Civil Aviation Organisation at Montreal, and later in an appeal before the World Court at the Hague.

Palkhivala was well-known for his famous annual budget speeches, which had humble beginnings in 1958 in a small hall of an old hotel in Bombay. He spoke without notes and reeled-off facts and figures from memory for nearly an hour, keeping his audience in rapt attention. It was said that there were two budget speeches, one by the finance minister and the other by Nani Palkhivala, and Nanis speech was undoubtedly the more popular and eagerly sought-after.

Palikhivala was not attracted by the rituals and ceremonies of religion. He believed in and practised the essence of Zoroastrian religion in which he was born, namely Humata, Hukhata, Huvarashta  good words, good thoughts, good deeds. Sri Aurobindo was his favourite writer and thinker, whose writings greatly attracted him. The fearlessness with which he spoke out, irrespective of the party in power, made him the voice of conscience of the nation.

The most outstanding quality of Palkhivala was his willingness to help people in need and his humility and modesty. Fame and fortune did not increase the hat size of the legendary Palkhivala. There was never a trace of arrogance or conceit. He was tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd.

In addition to law, literature was another bond between Palkhivala and me. We enjoyed Shakespeares sonnets, and the Victorian poets; Chesterton, Lucas and AG Gardiner were our favourite essayists. Palkhivala was upset, almost depressed, at the catastrophic decline in moral and spiritual values in our public life. His desire was to launch a movement for the regeneration of values, and to maintain and revive idealism among the young.

In the final lap, Palkhivala was ailing for some time. It was painful to see that a person so eloquent and articulate was unable to speak or recognise people, except occasionally in a momentary flash. He died on December 11, 2002. Born of the sun, he travelled a while towards the sun, and left the vivid air signed with his honour.

Soli Sorabjee is former Attorney-General of India

The views expressed are personal
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Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 11:30 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32257fde 1 Business Asabri,insurance,pension-fund,state-owned-enterprise,erick-thohir,investment,stock-market Free

The government is making assurances that the big investment losses suffered by the state insurer and pension fund for the military, police and defense ministry, Asuransi Sosial Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia (Asabri), would not affect its ability to pay out insurance claims.

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir said on Wednesday that Asabris Rp 10 trillion (US$732.18 million) investment mismanagement is not affecting its liquidity.

I assure you that Asabri is fine. Its cash flow and assets are all good, unlike Jiwasraya, he said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, referring to another state-owned insurance company, Jiwasraya, that is mired in financial losses after failing to pay out on matured policies.

Asabri has been in the spotlight as its stock portfolio plunged by more than 95 percent last year. Some of the stocks in the insurers portfolio were similar to those of the ailing Jiwasraya that were deemed low-quality stocks by the Supreme Audit Agency.

The stocks include those of businessman Benny Tjokrosaputros property firm, PT Hanson International, and Heru Hidayats agribusiness, PT Inti Agro Resources, both of whom were arrested by the Attorney Generals Office over their involvement in Jiwasrayas case of alleged corruption.

The government would not inject funds into Asabri, Erick said, adding that Asabri would still be able to pay claims to its policyholders, which consist of National Police officers, the Indonesian Military and employees of the Defense Ministry. The insurer is guaranteed by the Finance Ministry, he added.

The investment mismanagement that led to Asabris losses was caused by the insurers failure to implement good corporate governance (GCG) principles, Erick said.

[Like] Garuda and Jiwasraya, it all leads to problems in implementing proper GCG principles, he added. He referred to flag carrier Garuda Indonesias case in which its top executives were allegedly smuggling disassembled Harley Davidson motorcycle and upmarket Brompton bicycles on board a new Airbus A330-900 that was delivered from France in November 2019.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : India plans to more than double its oil imports from the United States next year and would negotiate concessional terms for oil supplies during the expected visit of US President Donald Trump next month.

President Trump would be accompanied by a high-level official and business delegation, including CEOs of top oil-producing companies. This would be used to negotiate better terms for US oil imports, diplomatic sources told IANS.

A discount of $2-4 per barrel on American oil to Dubai crude makes it cover higher freight costs. The India side would also negotiate for a higher credit period of 60-90 days that would bring import cost of US oil at par with Iranian oil.

"The shipment of US oil to India has already increased over the past two years and we may end up importing close to 10 million tonnes (mt) in the current fiscal year. This would be doubled in FY21 if official and company level negotiations next month yields positive results," said an official source.

If this level of oil imports is doubled in FY21, the US will reach close to meeting India's 10 per cent oil import needs, the same what Iran was meeting prior to the supply squeeze post the sanctions.

In the current fiscal (FY20), oil imports from Iran have dipped to 1.97 mt, down from 23.9 mt in FY19. Iran used to meet more than 10 per cent of country's total oil imports.

But since last fiscal, the Iran oil squeeze is being compensated through higher supplies by Iraq, UAE and Saudi Arabia. During the period, imports of US oil have also increased to 6.2 mt in FY19 from a level of mere 1.9 mt in the previous year. In the first half of this fiscal, import of US oil has already reached 5.4 mt.

Diplomatic sources said the talks between Indian and US officials on increased oil support by US has progressed smoothly since last year during Prime Minister Modi's US visit. In fact, the 'Howdy Modi!' event was also used to negotiate possible deals with US oil companies to meet the growing needs of world's third biggest oil importer. That time too, the US had indicated its intent of supplying increased quantities of oil and gas to India on a short notice to prevent the country from facing any shortages.

The talks with the US on oil supplies hinges on the terms of exports.

Sources said that the US could offer concessions on such oil exports that could be at par with the terms India enjoyed with Iran, which offers cheaper freight and a 60-day credit period to Indian importers such as the Indian Oil Corporation, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) and Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil).

Though Indian oil companies have started importing oil from the US for past couple of years, the quantity remains miniscule and forms just about 3 per cent of country's total oil imports. But the quantity can grow with US shale oil market becoming relevant again at current crude levels and an increase in total rig count again in December-January period in the world's largest oil-guzzling nation.

"The rig count in US had slowed in the second half of FY20 but has again picked up in last few weeks. The domestic rig count will be largely stable, at least through the first six months of the year, as companies spend their drilling budgets for the year and prepare the field to quickly execute on their budgets for the first half of the new year. This would make higher quantities of US oil for exports," said an oil sector analyst who did not wish to be named.

India's shift to US would not be sudden as gas transportation company GAIL, oil marketing firm Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and country's largest oil refiner Indian Oil Corporation have sealed deals for supplies of the US crude earlier as well. The shale oil price there has also become very competitive in comparison to Middle-East and Gulf crude.

(Subhash Narayan can be contacted at subhash.n@ians.in)

Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston
Pakistan's self-exiled former dictator on Thursday challenged in the Supreme Court a special tribunal's verdict that found him guilty of high treason and handed him a death sentence, according to a media report.

The Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

The special court in Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to the 74-year-old retired general, now based in Dubai, after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him.

However, on Monday, Musharraf's trial in the high treason case was declared as "unconstitutional", leading to the annulment of the death sentence against the ex-Army chief.

In a 90-page appeal, the former military called for the order of the special court to be set aside, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"Any other remedy that the honourable court deems fit and proper may also be granted," the appeal said.

The petition stated that the former president's absence from the special court was not intentional and he was unable to appear before the court as he was suffering ill health, the Express Tribune reported.

It further stated that the special court had accepted Musharraf's ailment but convicted the former president in absentia.

Musharraf, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, left for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

Dr Muhammad Amjad, Musharraf's close aide and the ex-chairperson of the All Muslim League (APML) party, had said that the former president was rapidly becoming weaker due to an unknown disease, which is why he was unable to return to Pakistan to face the treason case.
The worst result, after buying shares in a company (assuming no leverage), would be if you lose all the money you put in. But on the bright side, if you buy shares in a high quality company at the right price, you can gain well over 100%. For instance, the price of ad pepper media International N.V. (ETR:APM) stock is up an impressive 233% over the last five years. In more good news, the share price has risen 2.4% in thirty days.

Check out our latest analysis for ad pepper media International

We don't think that ad pepper media International's modest trailing twelve month profit has the market's full attention at the moment. We think revenue is probably a better guide. As a general rule, we think this kind of company is more comparable to loss-making stocks, since the actual profit is so low. It would be hard to believe in a more profitable future without growing revenues.

In the last 5 years ad pepper media International saw its revenue shrink by 9.4% per year. On the other hand, the share price done the opposite, gaining 27%, compound, each year. It's a good reminder that expectations about the future, not the past history, always impact share prices. Still, this situation makes us a little wary of the stock.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

XTRA:APM Income Statement, January 16th 2020

It's probably worth noting that the CEO is paid less than the median at similar sized companies. But while CEO remuneration is always worth checking, the really important question is whether the company can grow earnings going forward. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that ad pepper media International shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 23% over the last year. However, the TSR over five years, coming in at 27% per year, is even more impressive. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for ad pepper media International that you should be aware of before investing here.

Story continues

We will like ad pepper media International better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on DE exchanges.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
United States Department of Justice says the three men are members of a neo-Nazi group, The Base.

FBI agents on Thursday arrested a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who are linked to a violent white supremacist group and who were believed to be heading to a pro-gun rally next week in Virginias capital.

The three men are members of The Base, a neo-Nazi group, and were arrested on federal charges in a criminal complaint unsealed in Maryland, according to a United States Department of Justice news release.

Tuesdays complaint charges Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews, 27, and Brian Mark Lemley Jr, 33, of Elkton, Maryland, with transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony. William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, of Denton, Maryland, is charged with transporting and harboring aliens.

The three men were believed to be planning to attend the pro-gun rally planned for Monday in Richmond, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

In encrypted chat rooms, members of The Base have discussed committing acts of violence against black people and Jews, ways to make improvised explosive devices, their military-style training camps and their desire to create a white ethno-state, according to an FBI agents affidavit.

Mathews and Lemley were arrested in Delaware and Bilbrough was arrested in Maryland, according to Marcia Murphy, a spokeswoman for the US Attorneys office in Maryland. All three men were scheduled to make their initial court appearances Thursday afternoon in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Court papers say Mathews crossed the US border between official ports of entry near Minnesota in August and investigators allege Lemley and Bilbrough then drove from Maryland to Michigan to pick up Mathews before the three headed to Maryland in late August.

Mathews was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserve. Lemley was a cavalry scout in the US Army, according to a court filing.

The search

US and Canadian authorities had been searching for Mathews after his truck was found in September near the border between the two countries. He was last seen by family members in Beausejour, northeast of Winnipeg, on August 24, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Canadian militarys intelligence unit was investigating Mathews for possible racist extremist activities for several months, according to the Canadian Department of National Defence.

Authorities say Lemley and Mathews built an assault rifle using several parts, including an upper receiver that Lemley had ordered and shipped to a Maryland home. In December, the three men gathered at an apartment that Lemley and Mathews rented in Delaware, where they discussed The Base and its activities and members, passed around the assault file and tried to make the drug DMT, a hallucinogen, according to court papers.

A few days later, Lemley and Mathews bought 150 rounds of ammunition and paper shooting targets and Lemley was spotted by an FBI agent at a gun range in Maryland. Court papers say federal agents heard the gun firing in rapid succession and authorities allege that Lemley later told Mathews: Oh oops, it looks like I accidentally made a machinegun.

Federal agents appeared to be tracking the mens movements and set up a stationary camera near the gun range, which captured video of Mathews shooting the gun there on January 5. Court documents say Lemley had also ordered 1,500 rounds of ammunition and he and Mathews visited the gun range as recently as Saturday.

Lemley also is charged with transporting a machinegun and disposing of a firearm and ammunition to an alien unlawfully present in the United States.

The Anti-Defamation League said members of The Base and other white supremacist groups have frequently posted online messages advocating for accelerationism, a fringe philosophy in which far-right individuals have assigned to their desire to hasten the collapse of society as we know it.

The term is widely used by those on the fringes of the movement, who employ it openly and enthusiastically on mainstream platforms, as well as in the shadows of private, encrypted chat rooms, the ADL said.

In recent months, FBI agents have arrested several members of a different far-right group, the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Division. Atomwaffen has been linked to several killings, including the 2017 shooting deaths of two men at an apartment in Tampa, Florida.
US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member in his inner circle told US media.

Trump has strongly denied allegations he ordered a campaign pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate the business dealings of former vice president Biden and his son, part of the impeachment inquiry that will formally read out charges facing the president in the Senate Thursday.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC on Wednesday that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."



"He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president."



On Tuesday Democrats released newly acquired files that showed Giuliani working with Parnas early last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden.

They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out the US ambassador to the country, Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump.

Parnas, a Soviet-born American, was arrested on charges of campaign finance violations in October as he attempted to flee the country, and was ordered to turn over key documents to House investigators.

Representative Adam Schiff, who had led the investigation and who will now lead the prosecution against Trump, said previously that Parnas "reportedly worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukraine for dirt on Trump's opponents."



The president has denied all wrongdoing, and sought to distance himself from Parnas when he was arrested in October -- along with his business partner.

"I don't know those gentlemen... I don't know what they do," Trump said last year. "Maybe you will have to ask Rudy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has slammed Pakistan for repeatedly trying to raise the at the UN Security Council with China's help where it failed again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the "hard tasks" it has to address to ensure normal bilateral ties.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', on Wednesday stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the

The latest attempt failed as other countries of the 15-member council felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, China made the fresh pitch to raise the under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

"We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said.

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," Akbaruddin told PTI.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source, heading into the UNSC meeting, described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."



A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair".

Akbaruddin further said, "Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."



Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking it to pay attention to the current situation in

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and (it) heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that."



Zhang later said China has stated its "position very clearly. We remain concerned about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."



When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: "I am sure the meeting will help both the parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach each other and have a dialogue and seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful."



The current move by China was the third such attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC since August last when the special status granted to under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday welcomed the UNSC meeting on Kashmir and claimed that the issue was an internationally recognised dispute that remains on the agenda of the body.

"An internationally recognised dispute, Jammu and Kashmir remains on the Security Council's agenda and its consideration by the Council reflects a recognition of the seriousness of the prevailing situation," Khan said.

He said the issue "must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people".

"We will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until they secure their inalienable right to self-determination," he added.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that the UN has confirmed during its meeting on Kashmir that India's action of scrapping Jammu and Kashmir's special status has increased tension in the region.

Interacting with media persons in New York, Qureshi said at the request of Pakistan and with the support of China, the Security Council considered the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

"In the closed meeting of the Council, representatives of the UN and the UNMOGIP briefed the participants. The UN in its briefing confirmed that India's August 5 measures resulted in the rise of tensions and that the 'local situation' remains tense," Qureshi said.

India maintains that the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), established in January 1949, has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

The UNSC is "monitoring the situation", said Qureshi, who is on a three-day visit to the US as part of Pakistan's efforts to defuse the tensions between the US and Iran.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the Maharashtra government for dragging its feet over financial aid to Wadia Hospitals for women and children, and said the government has money for statues but not for public health.

A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla was hearing a public interest litigation seeking release of grants to Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state government.

The maternity hospital receives grant from the state government and the children's hospital gets it from the BMC.

Government counsel Girish Godbole told the court that the state finance department has sanctioned Rs 24 crore from the contingency fund.

"The amount will be released lump sum to the Wadia Maternity Hospital within three weeks," he said.

The bench, however, said it was unimpressed with this and that the amount should be released by Friday.

"The government wants to build Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue taller than the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue. For all this money is there, but those people whom Ambedkar represented all his life can die?" Justice Dharmadhikari asked.

"Do people require medical aid or statues to rid themselves of ailments and diseases?" the court asked.

Public health has never been a priority for the government, the bench said, adding that the "chief minister is busy inaugurating bridges".

"We thought there are new faces at the political helm, then all these matters won't come to court. This does not auger well," the court said.

The court also said that in a city like Mumbai, which is considered as the country's commercial capital, people from the poorer section of society are refused admission to a charitable hospital.

"This is disgusting. How can people, mainly women and children, be refused admission to a hospital? Children are dying and the state machinery is not doing anything in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat... should we have the same situation in Maharashtra?" Justice Dharmadhikari said.

The court said due to lack of funds, hospitals are finding it difficult to cater to the needs of patients.

"These patients cannot afford private hospitals as they are mainly from the poor section of society. They require urgent medical attention. In such circumstances, the state government is obliging nobody by making statements that funds have been sanctioned," the court said.

The BMC informed the bench that it will release Rs 14 crore for Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on Friday, when the government will have to state by when the funds sanctioned will be released.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Guatemala City: Alejandro Giammattei Falla, a doctor and retired surgeon, was sworn in as new President of Guatemala. During the ceremony on Tuesday, attended by six heads of state, Giammattei said he would try to straighten the direction the country was moving in, Efe news reported.

Giammattei, 63, received the presidential band at the hands of the outgoing President, Jimmy Morales, at a power transfer ceremony held at the Miguel Angel Asturias National Theatre in Guatemala City. "Let me speak to the real protagonists of today, those who are not in this big room, but I keep them in mind more today than ever before: thanks to the people of Guatemala," Giammattei said at the beginning of his inauguration speech.

The new President recounted that throughout his life he has had "to see death head-on" and that this is how he learned to serve others.

"Today, more than ever, I know that I must relentlessly strive to deliver a legacy of prosperity and progress within four years. This includes regaining trust in the institutions of the state, which has been lost to corruption," he added.

In one of his first measures, Giammattei announced the promotion of a legal initiative to declare criminal gangs as terrorist groups, which he said was terming them "what they are." In addition, he spoke of education reform. He also stressed that fighting malnutrition would be a priority for his administration.

He took over the baton from Morales, who has ruled the Central American country for the last four years, and whose government the new president had criticized Monday as "a waste."

The task is cut out for the new president in a country with one of the worst human development indexes on the continent, according to international organizations: it is among the worst when it comes to chronic child malnutrition, public investment in education and corruption alone. Guatemala is also among the 10 most violent nations on the planet and nearly 60 per cent of its 16 million inhabitants are poor, most of whom are indigenous. One in four also live in extreme poverty.

The ceremony was attended by the leaders of Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Ecuador. Giammattei is the 11th President to take office since Guatemala became a democracy in 1986.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who has been at loggerheads with the Left government over various issues since the past few days, on Thursday made it clear he was not a "rubber stamp."



The remarks were made by Khan a day after a section of the media reported he had allegedly refused to sign the ordinance on the Local Self Government ward re-organisation, which had recently received the cabinet nod.

"I have to apply my mind. I have to take my time. The file is with me. I will take some time to make up my mind on what to do about it," he told reporters at the airport.

Khan had not signed the ordinance with respect to the amendments to Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 1994 to increase the number of constituencies in Local Self Governments.

The Governor said on Thursday that he had only raised certain queries (with regard to the ordinance) and the Constitution expects him to apply his mind to ensure that the process of ordinance was not used for some extraneous purposes.

"I want to be satisfied. I don't want to argue. I have raised certain questions. Because these provisions, arrangements, they have a sanctity about themselves. You cannot do these things in installments. I have raised only certain questions...So I have to take take my time.

"The Constitution expects me to apply my mind. And to ensure that the process of ordinance is not used for some extraneous purposes," Khan said.

The Governor said he had also raised certain questions about the desirability of having an ordinance when the Assembly was going to meet in a few days time.

"Recently, a senior leader said, he appointed someone because of their ethnicity. The very oath which is prescribed by the Constitution asking to do good to all manner of people without ill-will and affection," he said.

"I consider myself under the law and nobody else is above the law. Law will have to be respected, enforced and clearly I am not a rubber stamp," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lorenza Mazzetti, who as a child in Italy survived the wartime killings of her caretaker family by German soldiers and went on to help create an influential British film movement and write a prizewinning novel based on her experiences, died on Jan. 4 in Rome. She was 92.

The death was confirmed by her twin sister, Paola Mazzetti.

Ms. Mazzettis work spanned film, television, painting and book-writing; she even ran a popular puppet theater in Romes Campo de Fiori neighborhood in the 1980s. Her searing experience in World War II shaped her most acclaimed book, Il Cielo Cade (1961), a best seller that won Italys prestigious Viareggio Prize. It was published in English the next year as The Sky Falls.

As children, she and her sister were placed in the care of her aunt Cesarina Mazzetti and her husband, Roberto Einstein, a cousin of the physicist Albert Einstein. The cousins had grown up together in Germany. When Albert fled Germany in 1933, settling in the United States, Roberto remained in Italy, where he had gone to study and had started a family.

As the German army was retreating from Italy, soldiers searching for Roberto and seeking retaliation for Alberts move to America came across the Einstein family villa near Florence. Roberto had already fled to the hills, but his wife and daughters, accused of being spies, were shot to death on Aug. 3, 1944.
Shelton, CT  January 16, 2020  TMC announces the launch of Cannabis on the Blockchain, sponsored by US Cannabis Pharmaceutical Research and Development, a welcomed addition to The Blockchain Event program, ITEXPO and #TECHSUPERSHOW. Held February 11, 2020 at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward Country Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Cannabis on the Blockchain will offer attendees insight into an industry primed to explode, bringing together Cannabis and blockchain pioneers to demonstrate how blockchain is coming into a focus as a technology central to success.

It is with great enthusiasm we introduce Cannabis on the Blockchain. The time is now to take advantage of the business opportunities at hand, and we aim to show you how, said Moe Nagle Cannabis on the Blockchain Conference Chair.

Topics covered:

Seed to Sale  experience what blockchain can do for the cannabis supply chain

Learn how science and technology have come together to underpin the nascent cannabis industry

Best practice for banking, investment and running a successful cannabis business

Discover how cannabis companies are quieting vaping critics with blockchain technology

As with any rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry that impacts the daily lives of millions of people around the globe, cannabis requires stringent regulation, diligent best practice and devout providers. According to New Frontier Datas U.S. Cannabis Report, the total sale of cannabis in current legal states will grow at a CAGR of 14%, placing market value at nearly $30 billion by 2025. The medical cannabis market is expected to experience a CAGR of 17%, surpassing $13 million by 2025.

Matching this meteoric rise is blockchain. Initially gaining prominence for its crypto capabilities, today the world is learning it can do much more. With heavy investment from firms like Walmart, Bank of America, IBM, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Apple and more theres no surprise Grandview Research puts the market at over $50 billion by 2025 experiencing a CAGR of more than 69%.

As these two explosive markets converge, its vital to not only educate, but act in best practice to better assist the cannabis community at large. Adopting new technologies and embracing a future-forward mindset is critical to setting up for success, Nagle continued.

Register today!

Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for Cannabis on the Blockchain contact TMC's Dave Rodriguez at (203) 852-6800 x146 or [email protected].

Companies interested in speaking opportunities please contact Moe Nagle at (203) 852-6800 x320 or [email protected].

About TMC

Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet .

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A Nigerian lady has taken to social media to share the heartbreaking story of how her younger sister fell victim to one chance robbers in Lagos.

Read her story below;

Read Also: Suspected One Chance Operator Nabbed, Burnt To Death In Abuja (VIDEO)

My younger sister called me crying profusely! I had to rush down to see her at home. Pls, be very careful entering private cars to Vi  Lekki  Ajah. Most of them are one  chance. Yesterday, she entered a Sienna car at berger around 5am going to Vi. She was the 2nd passenger

As soon as she settled in, 4 guys rushed in and started punching her while the car zoomed off. She was beaten, punched, knocked continuously for 1hrs. She was driven to Ikeja: assaulted, molested & threatened. She was choked, acid was brought out to be poured on her & blade to cut

Every question asked her was accomplished by slaps. Her phone was explored down to mails & all apps, her atm pin collected and they forced her to transfer from other banks to the one with atm she had. She was robbed of #400k. All her body was full of bruises and marks.

After the operation, ABONIKI Balm was applied on her face with deep punches. They almost poured her acid. Eventually, she was dropped at Opebi(pushed out of motion). Shes been traumatised since yesterday. Please, be very careful out there.
STAMFORDA Bronx, New York, woman who allegedly stole over $100,000 worth of furs at Mitchells in Westport and within hours tried to return them for a refund at the companys sister store in Greenwich will avoid jail if she can come up with $20,000 to resolve the criminal case.

Konis Coleman, 57, appeared before Judge Gary White this week and pleaded guilty to a felony charge of first-degree larceny. If she comes up with the $20,000 by July 14 and has no new arrests, she will be freed to face similar charges in New York state for similar conduct, said Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning.

If Coleman does not come up with the money, White told her he would proceed to sentencing on that date and give her 30 months in prison for stealing the furs, which were recovered by Greenwich police.

Colemans attorney, Toya Graham, said she will be very happy to resolve the case if Coleman can come up with the fine money.

Westport police were called to Mitchells department store in Westport at 4:24 p.m. on July 6, 2019, on the report of four furs missing from a display.

A review of the surveillance video inside the store showed a customer entering the store, taking the furs, walking into the dressing room and concealing the furs, then walking out of the store without buying them. Manning said the furs were worth $115,545.

Employees of the store called their sister store in Greenwich and told them to be on the lookout for the furs, in case someone brought them in, Manning said.

A short time later, Coleman showed up at the Greenwich store with the four furs and tried to get a refund, police said. Greenwich officers were called and stopped Coleman and searched her and her car and recovered the furs along with numerous items used to fool security measures to help in the theft, according to police.

Manning said the furs were immediately returned to the store despite being evidence in the case because the courthouse has no cold storage and the furs would be damaged there.

Manning said Coleman has numerous convictions for similar conduct and will be brought to New York following her prison sentence, where she is wanted on third-degree grand larceny charges.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Building brand trust has never been more important for the financial services sector, and, according to one specialist, looking at what other trusted brands are doing could be a great learning resource.

AA Insurance insights specialist Camille Cullen won the ICNZ and ANZIIF Scholarship in 2018, and spoke at the ICNZ conference in November of last year. She was awarded the scholarship for her essay on building trust in the insurance sector, and, when it comes to measuring trust, she says AA takes its guidance from several key factors.

One of the main ways that AA Insurance measures trust is through the Colmar Brunton Corporate Reputation Framework, Cullen said.
France, January 15, 2020 (SPS) - The association of Friends of the SADR in France expressed, again this year, their outrage and rejection of the passage of the Africa Eco Race Rally (12th edition - Monaco-Dakar) through the area of El Gargarat south of Western Sahara, in clear violation of the rights of the Saharawi people.

Many Saharawis arrived at the scene and organized a strong protest to denounce the illegality of the situation and express their rejection of the fallacies and expansionist maneuvers of Morocco at the expense of their neighbors.

On January 13, the Africa Eco Race Rally passed through the Elgargarat buffer zone south of Western Sahara, controlled by the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO. Each participant in the Rally carries a map of route that in effect constitutes a propaganda, that presents / displays the map of Morocco annexed with the one of the Western Sahara.

The association of Friends of the SADR in France regrets that as the Africa Eco Race Rally, which shows generous ambitions for peace and sustainable development, lends itself to political maneuvers that aim to legitimize the violent occupation of Western Sahara territory.

In addition, since January 2014, Morocco prohibits the entry into this territory of people in solidarity with the Saharawi people (274 expulsions of 20 nationalities, including political personalities, independent observers, journalists, jurists, etc.).

The Saharawi people have the inalienable right to self-determination and independence. 44 years after the Moroccan invasion of its territory, it has lost confidence in the peace process initiated by the United Nations. 

The Association of Friends of the SADR in France appealed to the UN, responsible for the decolonization of Western Sahara, to convince the organizers of the Africa Eco Race Rally to contact the Saharawi authorities in order to request their permission to the passage of the Rally through Saharawi lands and respect the rights of the people of Western Sahara. SPS

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Police are investigating after an alleged assault took place at a venue where former MP Keith Vaz was making his political return.

Mr Vaz was elected chairman of the Leicester East Constituency Labour Party (CLP) at a meeting on Tuesday evening, having represented the same constituency since 1987.

The former minister did not stand for the seat at the election, after receiving a six-month Commons ban over drug allegations involving sex workers at his flat.

Police are investigating allegations of an alleged assault which took place on Tuesday evening where former Labour Minister Keith Vaz, pictured, was elected chairman of the Leicester East Constituency Labour Party - which he represented as an MP between 1987 and 2019

Police have confirmed they are looking into allegations of an assault at the Leicester venue where Mr Vaz's election as chairman was held.

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said: 'We can confirm we received a report of an assault at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre yesterday evening.

'There are further investigations being carried out into the alleged assault to see if any criminal offences have occurred.'

According to Leicestershire Live, a Labour activist has complained to police of an injury to her right wrist as she attempted to get into the meeting, which about 150 people attended.

It is understood Mr Vaz's successor, Claudia Webbe, was not at the meeting, its timing on Tuesday making it difficult to attend while the Commons was sitting.

Mr Vaz's six-month Commons ban was the longest ever handed out to an MP.

A parliamentary inquiry looked at claims published in the Sunday Mirror in 2016 that he offered to buy cocaine for male sex workers while posing as an industrial washing machine salesman called Jim.

At the time, the Labour politician was chairman of the home affairs select committee, which was examining the issues of drug use and prostitution.

Mr Vaz, who complained of suffering from amnesia, told investigators the men were decorators, but his explanation was deemed 'incredible' and 'frankly ludicrous' by Parliament's standards watchdog.
FBI agents on Thursday visited the Connecticut home and business of Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate whose purported surveillance of the U.S. ambassador in Ukraine last year has become an issue in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

The visits came on the same day that Ukrainian officials said they had opened an investigation into Hyde's claims to Lev Parnas, a then-associate of Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, that he was tracking the movements of American ambassador Marie Yovanovitch last year when she was still posted in Kyiv.

Parnas and Giuliani last year were engaged in an effort to oust Yovanovitch as part of a broader push to get Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, the current front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The Senate on Thursday began its impeachment trial of Trump. The House of Representatives a month earlier impeached the president in connection with his withholding of congressionally appropriated military aid to Ukraine while he was pressuring that country's new president to announce a probe of Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukraine gas company. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

An FBI spokesman in New Haven confirmed the visits to Hyde's home in Simsbury, and to his business office in Avon on Thursday morning, after they were first reported by CNN.

Hyde, who is seeking to win the GOP nomination to unseat incumbent Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes in Connecticut's 5th District, began donating to Trump and to the Republican National Committee in September 2016.

Hyde had worked for more than 16 years as a landscaper and in construction, according to his LinkedIn page, but in December 2018 became president of a Washington, D.C.-based government and public relations firm, Finley Hyde & Associates, according to that page.

Messages for Hyde, 40, left by CNBC was not immediately returned.

A senior law enforcement official told NBC News that the visits were not to conduct a court-authorized search but did not elaborate on the FBI's reason for the visits.

A neighbor of Hyde told NBC that one FBI agent arrived at Hyde's residence before dawn and parked on the street in front of the home.

The neighbor spoke to the FBI agent and said to the best of his knowledge, the agent did not enter Hyde's home.

Tweet

Hyde's communications with Parnas over the text messaging service WhatsApp were disclosed in a set of documents released Tuesday by House Democrats as part of the impeachment process. Parnas, who has been criminally charged with campaign finance violations, turned over those documents to the House.

In a March 23 text message to Parnas, Hyde had written of Yovanovitch, "Wow. Can't believe Trumo [sic] hasn't fired this b----. I'll get right in that."

"She [sic] under heavy protection outside Kiev," Hyde texted.

He went on to describe Yovanovitch's location, her communications and her security level.

"They are moving her tomorrow," Hyde wrote Parnas on May 25.

Later that same day, Hyde texted: "She's talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off."

And then, "She's next to the embassy."
A crew of explorers from the planet Gaia comes to Earth, where their first contact with humanity demonstrates the power of emotion in the new novel Alien Encounter (published by Balboa Press AU) by Terry Parker.

The Gaians are looking for sentient life and find earth, which contains a society that is male dominated contrasted to the Gaians who follow a matriarchal system. A series of failures leads to the commander being exiled to earth where she battles with her main rival. The Gaians, a culture based on pure logic, realize that emotion is essential for a successful culture and take their friend, Jim, to Gaia to improve their society where another rebellion is crushed.

The book is an adventure that incorporates scientific theory which is intended to make the reader think and explore culture and science. The book also looks at the strengths and weaknesses of society from the outside.

The book is available for purchase at Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Encounter-Terry-Parker/dp/1504318919.

Alien Encounter

By Terry Parker

Softcover | 5 x 8in | 170 pages | ISBN 9781504318914

E-Book | 170 pages | ISBN 9781504318921

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Terry Parker was born in Yorkshire and has been writing since the age of twelve. He moved from the UK to Australia with his family at 14 and has served as a naval officer and an IT project manager. This is his first work of fiction. He currently lives in Wahroomga, New South Wales.

Balboa Press Australia is a division of Hay House, Inc., a leading provider in publishing products that specialise in self-help and the mind, body and spirit genre. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the Author Solutions self-publishing model. For more information or to start publishing today, visit balboapress.com.au/ or call 1800 050 315.
COOS BAY, Ore. -- Search and rescue teams are still running on an adrenaline rush after saving three fishermen after a boat capsized on Tuesday.

Officials from the United States Coast Guard said they were out patrolling when they saw the 38-foot fishing vessel capsize at the entrance of Coos Bay.

RELATED: COAST GUARD HELPS RESCUE THREE FISHERMEN NEAR COOS BAY

They said it was struggling to float due to the strong currents. Then, they saw a 14-foot wave hit the boat, which made it sink into the water.

All of a sudden, we didnt see the bright fishing light, the halogens on the vessel, said Connor Regan, a helicopter co-pilot for the Coast Guard. We completely lost them.

The Hauser Fire Department led the search with the help of the Coast Guard, North Bend Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, the Coos County Sheriffs Office and the Oregon State Police.

Captain Lawrence Van Hoof with Hauser Fire said they started the search in recovery mode, meaning they were looking to bring the boat to shore with no survivors on it.

He said the search lasted 3.5 hours when they found the boat upside down on the rocks of the north jetty.

We made contact. We could get the verbal commands out of them, but then they started kicking the boat from the inside, said Van Hoof.

Van Hoof said they cut a hole into the side of the boat and pulled the men out within minutes. He said hes grateful for the help of all emergency responders who helped because the men wouldnt be alive today if it werent for their team work.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 07:14:59|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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BRASILIA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Brazil has made significant progress in meeting the requisites to become a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday.

The government, said Bolsonaro, will continue to strive to meet the demands of the organization.

Brazil's membership depends on how the country adopts recommendations established by the OECD.

The United States on Tuesday announced it plans to recommend Brazil be the next country to be accepted as a full member.

"That is great news. We spent months working on it, discreetly, of course," said Bolsonaro.

Other Latin American member countries of the OECD are Mexico and Chile.
John Cox can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter: @TheThirdGraf. Sign up at Bakersfield.com for free newsletters about local business.
Two gay inmates have made history by tying the knot inside a Cyprus prison after one of the men got himself sent back to jail twice to be with his lover.

Former heroin addict Kevork Tontian, 34, and his Brazilian drug-smuggling lover Wemson Gabral da Costa, 30, met during a game of bingo and their relationship blossomed when they were granted leave to attend Cyprus' gay pride parade.

Tontian, a Cypriot, was so besotted that after he was released two years ago he broke the law to be reunited with Da Costa and after release a year after that, he again got himself sent back to the prison in the capital, Nicosia.

Now the couple, who share a cell and work together in prison's archive, have become the first to get married behind bars in the EU.

Former heroin addict Kevork Tontian, 34, (right) and his Brazilian drug-smuggling lover Wemson Gabral da Costa, 30, (left) met during a game of bingo and their relationship blossomed when they were granted leave to attend Cyprus' gay pride parade

'We dare, we dare, we asked. There is no shame. Love has no shame,' Tontian said from inside the prison walls with Da Costa sitting beside him

'We dare, we dare, we asked. There is no shame. Love has no shame,' Tontian said from inside the prison walls with Da Costa sitting beside him.

A drug-related offense landed Tontian in prison back in 2015. He battled his addition and overcame it, saying that he's been drug-free five years now.

Da Costa's journey to Cyprus was a complicated affair, Tontian said. Also rejected by his family because of his sexual orientation, Da Costa lived on the streets and prostituted himself to made ends meet, Tontian said.

It was an appeal by his ailing grandmother for money for medical treatment that led Da Costa to his incarceration.

Da Costa confided his problem to a friend, who offered to pay for his grandmother's medical expenses if he would act as a 'mule' and smuggle drugs to Cyprus. His arrest at Cyprus' Larnaca airport resulted in a five-year prison sentence.

Throughout their courtship, prisons authorities have been supportive, even when all wasn't smooth sailing, Tontian said. Inmates who verbally accosted the couple were transferred to other wings.

Da Costa (left) is currently undergoing hormone therapy at the Cypriot capital's general hospital as part of a potential sex change

Their decision to formalize their bond through a civil union was a product of their desire 'to get closer to one another,'said Tontian,

Tontian said Cyprus' Prisons Director Anna Aristotelous and her deputy Athena Demetrou helped do some of the legwork in gathering the appropriate paperwork for the civil union ceremony.

And despite some delays chalked up to the country's red tape, the ceremony - replete with a wedding cake - took place last week in front of prison staff and a handful of inmates who are friends of the couple.

Aristotelous said the ceremony is a reflection of the facility's respect for human dignity, diversity and sexual orientation of all inmates.

'The anachronistic perceptions of a few stood as no obstacle for us or to the equal treatment of all,' she said.

Da Costa is currently undergoing hormone therapy at the Cypriot capital's general hospital as part of a potential sex change.

Tontian and Da Costa are due to be released at the same time in June and they say they'll continue their lives together in Cyprus - as the spouse of a Cypriot national, Da Costa has the right to stay.

But the couple plans many trips abroad, including prolonged visits to Brazil where they hope that Da Costa's family will embrace them.

Same-sex couples in Cyprus can enter into a civil union which gives them the same rights and privileges as a married couple except that they are not allowed to adopt children

Tontian's message to other other inmates wishing to formalise their relationship is simple - 'dare.'

'Parents wont be with us our whole lives, at some point the parents will leave,: Tontian said. 'They should do it, they should dare. If they lose their family, so be it. At some point the family will regret it.'

Same-sex couples in Cyprus can enter into a civil union which gives them the same rights and privileges as a married couple except that they are not allowed to adopt children.
One month on, women have been at the forefront of the sit-in protest, ever since mid-December, at the Shaheen Bagh area to oppose the contentious Citizenship Amended Act (CAA) and proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Occupying the stretch of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area, people have been protesting, undeterred by the cold winters of the national capital. However, now frequented by politicians across party lines, the protest site at Shaheen Bagh is feared to have been converted into a political hub for leaders to propel their party's agendas.

With the impending Delhi Assembly polls, the stage saw an evident hijack by political parties including--Congress, AAP, AIMIM and the Left. Concerned over the politicisation of the Shaheen Bagh agitation, one of the organisers and a student of JNU, Sharjeel Imam on January 2 announced to withdraw the movement on social media. He said, "to avoid the impending violence from party goons and to avoid politicisation of the stage by parties." The protests gaining momentum amid media coverage, political parties were seen hovering around the area to allegedly gain electoral brownie points.

READ| JNU violence: Kanhaiya Kumar backs JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh amid Delhi Police's 2 FIRs

Politicisation of Shaheen Bagh

Congress

On December 22, former Union Minister Salman Khurshid turned up at Shaheen Bagh and addressed the protesters. Following his visit to the protest site, the Congress leader tweeted saying, "Amazing what true democracy looks and feels. Thanks to PM Modi for this gift of unity. Shaheen bagh true to its name of a bird flying high."

Congress MP Shahi Tharoor on Sunday joined the Shaheen Bagh demonstration, and called the protesting women the "pride of the city." The Congress leader addressed the demonstrators who have been on an indefinite sit-in since the violence that was unleashed inside the Jamia Milia Islamia University in December last month. After Shashi Tharoor, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar turned up at Shaheen Bagh on Tuesday. The Congress leader, during his address, extended his gratitude to the women of Shaheen Bagh who have braved all odds to sit on the protest against the Modi government.

AAP

AAP's controversial leader and Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan also addressed and represented his party at Shaheen Bagh and has been at the forefront of the protests. While CM Arvind Kejriwal his Deputy Manish Sisodia have never visited the site, Khan's showcase of support comes with the Delhi Assembly polls around the corner. Previously, Amanatullah Khan was accused of allegedly delivering a provocative speech during the protests against the CAA and was booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Gaziabad for inciting violence through his social media posts

AIMIM

Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM's national spokesperson, Waris Pathan on Tuesday rallied against the government alongside the protesters at Shaheen Bagh in the national capital. During his speech, the AIMIM leader lambasted the BJP-led government and the Delhi Police under the Home Ministry over the violence. In his address, he said, "If their police will use tear gas and bullets, we will use the Constitution. This is the fight of right versus wrong. We will have to face a lot of problems, but we will be successful."

READ| At Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, anti-CAA protesters ring in new year with national anthem

CPI(M)

The leaders of the Left party including Kanhaiya Kumar, Brinda Karat and others have been on the streets alongside protesters ever since the unrest began last month. CPI(M) leaders frequently visited and addressed the large gathering at Shaheen Bagh. On December 24, Brinda Karat and Sehba Farooqui took the Modi government to task over their alleged "lies regarding the NRC." Student leader and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar visited Shaheen Bagh on January 11 and addressed the massive crowd.

Delhi's BJP chief Manoj Tiwari in a twitter video appealed to the thousands of women protesting in the Shaheen Bagh area to call off their agitation. "I am making this video because I am distressed. Lakhs of people in the city are facing inconvenience everyday because of protests at Shaheen Bagh. They are completing a 25-minute journey in two-three hours," the actor-turned-politician said. Protests have erupted across the nation against the CAA, that aims to grant citizenship to 'persecuted' refugees from non-Muslim minority communities in three neighbouring countries--Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.




Major milestone in commercialization of precision medicine technology achieved

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - SQI Diagnostics Inc. ("SQI" or the "Company") (TSX-V: SQD;OTCQX: SQIDF), a life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics ("SQI"), along with University Health Network ("UHN") has successfully validated the TORdx LUNG Organ Assessment Assay.

This test has the potential to save thousands of lives worldwide by expanding the number of lungs qualified for human transplant. The Toronto Lung Transplant Program at UHN is widely considered to be the global leader in lung transplant medicine and the leading innovator in new transplant procedures and technologies.

The validation tests were performed on SQI's automated sqidlite system alongside clinical ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) inside the operating room at UHN's Toronto General Hospital. These Research Use Only kits were utilized to continue TORdx assay validation and advance towards the submission of clinical study data to multiple regulatory agencies, including Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These multi-agency clearances will allow TORdx test kits and sqidlite systems to be sold to transplant centers across North America.

TORdx LUNG is a proprietary assay that helps transplant surgeons determine lung quality by measuring inflammatory biomarkers of the donor organ. Utilizing these biomarker results, a score is generated based on an algorithm developed by UHN called the Toronto Lung Score. This score will help surgeons to determine if the lung is suitable for transplant, to reduce negative outcomes and time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU),and to improve overall donor organ utilization rates.

"We have already seen how the 45-minute TORdx LUNG assay will give us valuable information that, in the future, will let us make better clinical decisions regarding the transplantation of lungs that would otherwise have been rejected," said Shaf Keshavjee, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief, Sprott Department of Surgery and Director of the Toronto Lung Transplant Program at UHN. "I am extremely proud of the work the scientific teams, including Andrew Sage, PhD, Scientific Associate at UHN and Eric Brouwer, PhD, CSO at SQI, have done to date."

There are approximately 7,500 lungs donated in the US and Canada in 2019, but fewer than 2,000 will have been transplanted. Approximately 300 people die every year on lung recipient wait lists in North America. SQI and UHN are working together to increase the number of lungs that can be transplanted and to improve the lives of recipients and their families.

"This milestone in the process of making TORdx LUNG the standard of care for all lung transplants performed in North America and continuing our efforts towards achieving FDA approval shows the true potential for SQI's burgeoning suite of TORdx assays," said Andrew Morris, CEO of SQI. "Lung transplants are just the start. Discussions are currently underway for other organs, including liver and kidney. The TORdx Organ Assessment product line is going to be a significant part of SQI's future success."

About SQI Diagnostics

SQI Diagnostics is the life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics. The Company's proprietary microarray tests and fully-automated systems are designed to simplify protein and antibody testing workflow, increase throughput, reduce costs and provide excellent data quality. For more information, please visit www.sqidiagnostics.com.

Sales and Marketing Contact:

Vice President, Global Commercial Operations

Russ Peloquin

913.484.9022

[email protected]

SQI Investor Relations Contact:

Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Morris

416.674.9500 ext. 229

[email protected]

SOURCE SQI Diagnostics Inc.

Related Links

www.sqidiagnostics.com


Think minimalism is too stark, and maximalism too much? Then you're in luck, since the home decor pendulum seems to have swung to the middle.

So what is it? Fittingly, it's called happy-medium design. In a recent feature, the Wall Street Journal described the trend this way: "Pattern appears in measured amounts, colors tend toward palatable pastels, traditionalism shows up in gracefully curved antiques covered with updated textiles or contemporary shapes clad in classic upholstery. Designers welcome idiosyncrasy but not to a chaotic degree."

If you're curious about updating your home to get on board with this new balancing act, start with these simple steps.

What is happy-medium design?

Photo by LBF Interiors

Happy-medium design came about as a reaction to two design styles on opposite ends of the trend spectrum.

"Minimalism is the art of stripping down to the bare essentials of furniture and decor with a clean and neutral palette," says Courtney Turk, owner of Courtney Turk Interiors. Think straight lines and hard edges, white and light wood with no signs of plushness.

Maximalism is the exact opposite. Every square inch of a home is used to show off bold colors, textures, and patterns. Think of an Oriental rug atop a modern rug, or several types of bright patterns on several throw pillows on a colorful velvet sofa.

Naturally, happy medium is somewhere in between.

"It's finding the balance between clean lines and indulging in a little extra-saturated color and rich fabric choices," says Turk.

How to achieve happy-medium design

Photo by Bart Reines Construction

Maximalism goes all out with color; but with happy-medium design, you don't want to overwhelm the eye with too many hues. Start by minimizing the overall color in your home by painting most walls white.

"Think of white walls as the canvas of your home's artwork," says Turk. From there, you can start to build your happy medium.

Next, find a common thread between maximalism and minimalism, then use your design eye to bring them together, says Colin Haentjens, a New Yorklicensed architect and interior designer at The Knobs Company.

For instance, let's say you love several types of patterns next to one another (maximalism) but a coherent color palette (minimalism). To achieve a happy medium, find unique patterns that share a neutral shade (happy medium).

Your happy medium could be ornate pieces against a sedate background. Or an incredible arrangement of various artwork on a single wall, next to less distracting furniture and flooring.

"The fun part of happy-medium design is that there are so many ways to achieve the look, no matter where you like to place your focus," says Haentjens.

What does happy-medium furniture look like?

Photo by Gretchen Hansen

Whereas minimalism is cold and maximalism is an overabundance, happy-medium design combines the two in a comfortable way, says Leigh Spicher, national director of design studios for home builder Ashton Woods.

"Choose furniture that combines clean lines with soft, ornate touches," says Spicher, "such as a modern couch in velvety texture with tufted detailsthis combines the usual cleanness of minimalism with the soft, beautiful textures of a more over-the-top style."

The happy-medium color palette

Photo by Patterson Custom Homes

Select a rich color palette for your accents. This includes anything from a single painted wall feature down to your throw pillows.

"It's important to keep the color choice cohesive throughout the room so it doesnt start to feel maximalist," says Turk. Instead, you want the color to be an interesting focal point without overwhelming the space.

Photo by Chris Snook

And don't be afraid to go big, sometimes.

"A bold area rug is where you can max out textures and saturated colors," explains Turk. Because a rug is on the floor, it wont overpower a room on immediate entry and will maintain a home's happy-medium vibe.

You can also mix patterns and textures together in areas you wouldnt usually see to add an element of flair and originality, like a fireplace tile or cabinet color. (After all, happy medium doesn't mean boring!) Just be sure to balance bold areas with adjoining neutral decor.

Photo by Lauren Leonard Interiors

Maximalism demands you place all of your objects out on every surface, and minimalism would have you hide every last collection in a closet. But if you have organized shelving and places for your belongings, you'll reach that sweet spot in the middle where certain objects will become part of the overall decor rather than clutter.

Photo by Shanade McAllister-Fisher Interior Design

"Just remember, not every wall needs framed art, and not every table needs candles and decor items," says Spicher. The philosophy of happy-medium design all comes down to balance.

Bonus: "You can apply it to any interior style that you like, from farmhouse to industrial," says Spicher.

The post Can't Stand Minimalism or Maximalism? Try Happy-Medium Design appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Khalid Aliyu, a younger brother to the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, on Thursday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he paid for a N150 million property at Life Camp District, FCT.

Mr Maina, who is accused of diverting pension funds worth N100 billion, is facing trial for alleged money laundering.

He is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge. He is also accused of operating fictitious accounts and carrying out other fraudulent activities.

He has denied the allegations.

His son, Faisal, who was arrested alongside his father in September, is accused of operating an account he used to divert various sums of money, including N58 million.

The two men were arraigned by the EFCC on October 25, on separate charges. They pleaded not guilty.

On Thursday, Mr Aliyu, who is the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, told the court that he paid for the property on behalf of his brother, Mr Maina.

The witness disclosed that the money, which was in dollars, was paid in cash to Ali Sani.

Giving his evidence-in-chief before the court, which was led by Mohammed Abubakar, Mr Aliyu said: I know one Alhaji Ali Sani.

The first defendant directed me or sent me on an errand to one Alhaji Ali Sani for payment of a property located at Life Camp, Abuja.

The property was at the value of N150 million. The first defendant gave me the money cash at his residence in Kado Estate, Abuja, to deliver to Alhaji Sani at his residence.

The money was in dollar currency. I delivered the money to Alhaji Ali Sani, at his residence.

He collected, counted and confirmed with his people and handed over the documents of the property to deliver to the first defendant, Mr Aliyu said.

According to him, Mr Maina is his brother, and they share the same father and mother.

More revelation

The witness, a civil servant, said he worked with a new generation bank between 2008 and 2012.

I was an executive assistant as at that time. It is a position of relationship manager, in the private banking unit.

READ ALSO:

As relationship managers, we managed high network customers, we handled their transactions via telephone calls, text messages or walk-in transaction.

We have a large lounge where we keep our customers separate from normal savings account holders, he said.

Mr Aliyu also revealed how the bank account opened for his sister, Nafisat Aliyu, who was the fourth prosecution witness (PW4) in the trial, came about.

At some point, my brother (Maina) requested me and my colleague, Toyin Meseke, to open a savings account for my sister, Nafisat Aliyu, although she was not aware of the transaction.

We proceeded to her house at Wuse II at the time, collected the utility bill as part of the requirement to open the account.

Later, Toyin collected a copy of her international passport from my brother, Maina, to complete the account opening because at the time. Nafisat was supposed to accompany our mother to hospital and her passport and my mothers passport were with my brother for visa process.

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Toyin completed the account opening form and the account began transaction.

Later on, my sister, Nafisat, complained to me that she was receiving alert indicating debit alerts. So I asked her to show me and advised her to meet my colleague, Toyin, Mr Aliyu narrated.

Mr Aliyu added that Mr Meseke is the one managing the account. He is aware of the in-flows and out-flows in the account, although the account, after being registered by him, was placed under my balance sheet, in order to boost my balance sheet.

The witness also disclosed that a company, Cluster Logistics, which he was also a director, was registered by his friend, Sani Musa, with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to begin a small scale business in addition with the banking job.

My brother, the first defendant, was aware of our intention to start a small scale business.

The first defendant requested we allowed him to use the company for official exercise, which we agreed to.

He directed one Abubakar Mustapha to be a sole signatory.

Even though Abubakar Mustpha was the identification on the account opening form, the first defendant was the signatory, he told Justice Abang.

The matter was adjourned to January 16, for continuation.
The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) has awarded Dominion Energy with the association's Emergency Recovery Award for the company's outstanding power restoration efforts after Hurricane Dorian caused more than 172,000 outages in Dominion Energy's eastern Virginia and North Carolina service territory.

Dominion Energy crews restored service to 100 percent of customers within three days after the storm, dedicating some 53,400 man-hours to the recovery effort. This marks the ninth time the company has received the Recovery Award from EEI.

"It is an honor for us to accept this Emergency Recovery Award again, recognizing all the hours of planning and hard work that goes into a safe recovery effort," said Robert M. Blue, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Dominion Energy and president of Dominion Energy Virginia. "We earned this award because of the dedication from our employees and contractors to work safely and tirelessly to restore power to all our customers impacted during Hurricane Dorian."

This award is given to select EEI member companies to recognize their extraordinary efforts to restore power to customers after service disruptions caused by severe weather conditions or other natural events. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. Dominion Energy received the award during EEI's Winter Board and Chief Executives Meeting January 8 in Tucson, Ariz. This is the company's 12th response award from EEI.

Hurricane Dorian hit eastern Virginia and North Carolina on September 6 as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 35-to-55 miles per hour and gusts as high as 99 miles per hour, as measured at the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station in North Carolina's Outer Banks.

"Dominion Energy's work to restore service safely and quickly to customers, often in very difficult conditions, makes them deserving of this award," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Their efforts exemplify the high standards our industry seeks to uphold, and I applaud their commitment to their customers."

About Dominion Energy

More than 7 million customers in 18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with more than $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution and import/export services. The company expects to cut generating fleet carbon dioxide emissions 55 percent by 2030 and reduce methane emissions from its gas assets 50 percent by 2030. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

Contact

Jeremy Slayton, 804-771-6115, Jeremy.L.Slayton@dominionenergy.com
Extending support to the US-led peace process, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday said that the majority of people in his country would accept the presence of American forces if it brings peace in the war-torn country.

"Now the US has started the peace process which is a very very good thing which we strongly support and have given the support to ambassador [Zalmay] Khalilzad to carry on," said Karzai said during an interactive session at Raisina Dialogue 2020 here.

"A vast majority of people would agree with a US presence in Afghanistan provided Afghanistan to become peaceful, Afghan people are given the opportunity to live in a dignified way. There is no interference in and and institutions in Afghanistan aren't interfering with," he added.

On tensions in the middle eastern region following the killing of Iran Quds forces chief, General Qaseem Sulemaini, Karzai said that two "grave development"--Killing to Sulemaini and downing of Ukrainian plane by Iran-- will have an impact in the region. He said that both Iran and the United States will have to show "wisdom" in order to resolve the issues, adding that this wisdom must start from America.

"Two very grave development took place in the region the assassination of General Soleimani and the coming of people of Iran to the streets in protests in millions and millions of people showing unity of the Iranian people and the pride they have for their country and finally the unfortunate downing of the Ukranian airliner which made everybody sad including the Iranian people. the two development was definitely going to impact how Iranian sees themselves and their future," Karzai said.

"While there was extreme anger in Iran over what the United States has done, I have seen wisdom shown in not overly aggravating the situation beyond repair and I saw the same thing in the US, in their remarks and in their statements. I do see an opportunity and I hope their is an opportunity. we very much want wisdom to prevail on both side but I personally believe that this wisdom must start first with the US," he added.

While talking about its eastern neighbour, Karzai said that Afghanistan has serious complaints with the Pakistan government and its military for "promoting extremism" in the region

"When we became refugees after the Soviet invasion, Pakistani people received us with tremendously open arms. But, we have serious complaints against the Pakistani government and their military institutions for interference in Afghanistan for the promotion of extremism," Karzai said.

The former Afghan president contended India-Pakistan conflict has "impacted" Afghanistan tremendously.

"There is no other way for Afghanistan, we need the peace process to be successful. The India-Pakistan conflict has impacted Afghanistan tremendously. Maintaining a balance has been difficult." Karzai further said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 15:40 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32266b0a 1 National Jokowi,new-capital,capital-relocation,United-Kingdom,united-states,Japan,Germany,UAE,bappenas Free

At least five foreign investors have expressed their interest in developing Indonesia's new capital city in East Kalimantan, a minister has said, as the government seeks greater private sector involvement in financing the relocation plan.

National Development Planning Minister Soeharso Monoarfa said that the prospective investors were from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Japan and Germany.

Each [investor] has offered their respective capacities and technologies. [Japanese conglomerate] SoftBank, for example, wants to provide autonomous vehicles, Soeharso said at the Presidential Office on Wednesday, but stopped short of mentioning any details about the German investor.

During a recent visit to the UAE, President Joko Jokowi Widodo invited Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan to join the relocation project's board of advisors.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who accompanied Jokowi on the visit, said on Jan. 14 that former UK prime minister Tony Blair and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son were also expected to join the advisory board, as quoted by kompas.com.

The presence of internationally renowned figures on the steering committee was expected to attract more foreign investment to developing the new capital, said Soeharso.

Read also: City with population 'equal' to New York, London: Jokowi seeks investment for new capital

Jokowis UAE visit had also brought Indonesia closer to establishing its own sovereign wealth fund (SWF), a plan for which the UAE, SoftBank and the US International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) had expressed support.

Soeharso added that the SWF could provide financial capital for the relocation project as well as other infrastructure projects.

The government announced in August 2019 that the Indonesian capital would be moved to a 256,000-hectare area straddling the regencies of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara in East Kalimantan, citing a need to ease the burden off Jakarta and to spread development more equitably across the country.

The Public Works and Housing Ministry is to provide basic infrastructure in the new capital, particularly the new presidential palace and other government buildings in the 5,600 ha downtown area.

Read also: Nagara Rimba Nusa announced as winner of new capital city design contest

The government would invite the private sector to help develop non-public infrastructure through a public-private partnership (PPP) or direct investment, Jokowi said in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The President expected this would reduce the costs of moving the capital, which he estimated would be around Rp 100 trillion (US$7.29 billion).

Jokowi's estimate is considerably lower than the initial figure of Rp 466 trillion.
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Linkedin (Reuters) London, United Kingdom  Thu, January 16, 2020 22:06 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322725b0 2 Entertainment star-trek,Patrick-Stewart,television,series,Star-Trek-Picard Free

Sir Patrick Stewart said returning to Star Trek was irresistible as he led a new generation of cast members down the red carpet for the premiere of a series devoted to his much-loved character Jean-Luc Picard.

The 79-year-old British actor had repeatedly refused efforts to lure him back as the starship captain Picard.

But the writers of its latest chapter, Star Trek: Picard, helped change his mind to the delight of science fiction fans and his character is due back on screens later this month after a two-decade break.

"I came back because it was irresistible," Stewart said on the red carpet on Wednesday ahead of a screening at a cinema in London's Leicester Square.

"I was intrigued and that intrigue grew into something very exciting which is why I'm back."

But he warned fans that this was a new era for Star Trek.

"Everything's different. Everything. He's hardly the same man," he said of Picard.

There was also a question mark over whether the iconic colorful uniforms of the Starship Enterprise crew would return after Stewart said he told writers: "Don't put me in a uniform."

The new 10-part series picks up Picard's life 20 years after the character last appeared in the film set in the 24th century.

Read also: Emotional Patrick Stewart unveils new Star Trek

A trailer showed a retired Picard living a quiet life running a family vineyard when Dahj, played by Isa Briones, comes to him asking for help and he puts together a crew to return to space.

Quizzed on the red carpet, Briones said that the Star Trek experience had been "crazy".

"When you first sign on you really don't know what you're getting into," she said.

For co-creator and executive producer Alex Kurtzman, the return of Picard brings a message of hope, reminding viewers of what a great leader can be.

"I think in this moment when so many people are looking and seeing so much division in the world, to be reminded that a great leader can come forward, and bring us back together I think that's what it's all about," he said.

Stewart's history with Picard dates back to 1987 when he played the character in the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as in four feature films, the last of which was released in 2002.

Star Trek: Picard will launch on Jan. 24 with new episodes available weekly in the United States on CBS Corp's CBS All Access streaming service and in the UK and 200 other markets on Amazon.com Inc's Prime Video.

CBS All Access has already confirmed that a second season will follow.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 14:56 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32260b5a 4 Entertainment Nyanyian-Akar-Rumput,wiji-thukul,film,documentary,Movie Free

Award-winning documentary film, Nyanyian Akar Rumput (The Song of Grassroots), is set to hit cinemas starting Thursday.

Made over the course of four years, the film tells the story of Fajar Merah, the youngest daughter of late Indonesian activist Wiji Thukul, who was kidnapped by the New Order regime. He, alongside 12 other activists, disappeared in 1998. His whereabouts are still unknown.

Fajar, now a member of a local band, Merah Bercerita, was only 5 when it happened. She continues to preserve her fathers work through music.

The film also features several of Wijis poems, including "Bunga dan Tembok" (Flowers and Wall), "Kebenaran akan Terus Hidup" (The Truth will Live), "Apa Guna" (What Use) and "Derita Sudah Naik Seleher" (The Pain has Risen to the Neck).

Read also: Wiji Thukul's daughter heals tragedy with poetry

In a recent interview, director Yuda Kurniawan expressed his gratitude that the film was to be played across 12 cities, namely Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Malang, Surakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Palembang, Purwokerto, Bogor, Bandung, Depok and Semarang.

He also mentioned his hope that President Joko Jokowi Widodo would go to a screening, tempo.co reported.

Despite winning several prestigious awards including a Citra Award (2018), a NETPAC Award (2018), a Maya Award (2019) and an Honorable Mention Award from the Figueira Da Foz International Film Festival in Portugal (2019), Yuda said he was concerned about public perception as documentary films portray heavy topics.

He said he hoped to change this perception with Nyanyian Akar Rumput. (vel/kes)
The cast of Homeland went to the CIA to meet with 50 agents, spoke to Edward Snowden, set up a 'spy camp' in Washington D.C. and enlisted the help of Mossad agents as part of their research for the hit TV series.

The show's stars Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin, as well as the creators, revealed the secret tales of the spy drama in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday.

The previously unheard stories comes as the award-winning series prepares to air its eighth and final season on February 9.

Homeland's creators say that soon after the show started airing in 2011, the likes of President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would call up asking for early copies of episodes.

The show's stars Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin (above), as well as the creators, revealed the secret tales of the spy drama as it prepares to air its eighth and final season on February 9

Obama admitted once that he used to lie to his wife Michelle by saying he was going down to his White House office to work on Saturdays when he was actually just watching Homeland DVDs.

As part of their research for the show, the cast and Showtime network executives once arranged a meeting at the CIA headquarters in Langely, Virginia.

It is not clear when the meeting took place but it was during the time John Brennan was at the helm.

All of their phones were confiscated for the meeting and the whole team found themselves sitting across from about 50 CIA agents.

Brennan, who was director between 2013-2017, even came in the middle of meeting and alluded to the show's popularity, telling the cast: 'I don't know what your show is, but I know it matters to my people.'

Brennan also offered to show Mandy Patinkin, who plays the CIA director, around.

'He grabbed Mandy and said, 'Hey, do you want to see your office?',' said Gary Levine, who was Showtime's executive VP of original programming at the time.

As part of their research for the show, the cast and Showtime network executives once arranged a meeting at the CIA headquarters in Langely, Virginia

The show's cast and creators once met with then-CIA director John Brennan at Langley and even spoke to whistleblower Edward Snowden on video chat from Russia

The show's co-creator, Alex Gansa, said the agents spoke to the cast about how similar their professions were.

'It's a lot of acting, storytelling and feigned intimacy,' he said.

At one point during the series, the cast and creators found themselves on a video chat with American whistleblower Edward Snowden from Russia.

'You knew everyone at the CIA, the FBI and the GRU in Russia were listening in. You just knew it,' Patinkin said.

'I tried my butt off to get him to talk about personal stuff, but we couldn't budge him from his soapbox.'

The Homeland crew would also hold yearly 'spy camps' in Washington D.C. in January where they would meet with intelligence officers, ex-CIA, ambassadors, former military and journalists.

They would use the meetings as a fishing expedition by asking what national security issues would likely be coming up within the next year.

Danes plays CIA agent Carrie Mathison in the series. She has won Golden Globes and an Emmy for her role on the show

Homeland's creators say that soon after the show started airing in 2011, the likes of President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would call up asking for early copies of episodes

They would then use it as inspiration for that season, which would start filming by June.

'Every year, every individual echoed the same concerns, and it really started setting the tone for each season,' Patinkin said.

Danes added: 'It was an avalanche of unsettling information.'

The Homeland crew said the how was so popular with the intelligence community that they were willing to do anything to help out with research.

Part of that research included a Skype call with two senior Mossad officers in Tel Aviv about Iranian spy work.

So intense was the research that Lesli Linka Glatter, who is a director and producer on the show, said she now gets strip searched at Heathrow airport.

'To make sure I got shoots correct, I looked up the most incendiary videos - public hangings in Tehran, how to emigrate to ISIS, jihadi videos, beheadings,' she said.

'I downloaded it on my home computer, like an idiot, and now I get strip searched every time I go through Heathrow.'
A special forces soldier was killed on Tuesday during a routine free fall parachute training exercise in southern Arizona, according to an Army officials.

Master Sgt. Nathan Goodman, 36, of Hope Mills, North Carolina, was identified by army officials as the deceased serviceman who died near the city of Eloy.

Free falling is when parachutists jump from an aircraft and delay opening their parachutes.

Nathan was a beloved member of 3rd Special Forces Group and an exceptional leader in the Special Operations community, Col. Nathan Prussian, commander, 3rd SFG (A) said in a statement.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time, and our priority now rests with taking care of them and our soldiers, he continued.

Master Sgt. Nathan Goodman (pictured), 36, was killed during a routine free fall parachute training exercise near Eloy, Arizona, on Tuesday

Goodmans body was recovered in a backyard of a home in Arizona City near the intersection of Cleator Road and Concordia Drive, ABC 15 reports.

Fred Fishman, who lives near the scene, said there was a loud noise late Monday night and there were several helicopters.

It sounded like a small sonic boom. It was just horrible. I seen local sheriff helicopters, I seen private helicopters, military helicopters. It was very disturbing, Fishman said.

Goodman's body was recovered from a Arizona City resident's backyard by officials and neighbors describe hearing a 'small sonic boom' during the incident

Goodman (pictured) was a father-of-two from Hope Mills, North Carolina, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002

It is unclear what malfunction caused the incident.

Goodman enlisted in the army in 2002 and completed four deployments to Afghanistan, two to Africa, one to Iraq and one to Kyrgyzstan.

He was recently promoted to the role of Master Sgt. in July 2019 and became an Operations Team Sergeant for a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, ABC 7 reports.

Goodmans wife, Kelly Goodman, revealed on Facebook that the father-of-two suffered a back injury on the day of death six years ago and has called the day cursed.

I just have had the worst day of my life. This day is cursed to me!!! I will forever hate Jan 14th! Nathan 6 years ago broke his back on Jan 14th 2013. And I waited patiently by the phone for a call, which on that day I did receive!!! she wrote.

This day Jan 14th 2020, uncomprehendingly, that call never came!!!!! Its very difficult to comprehend!!! I cannot even make sense of it. He is such a skilled jumper, he has had hundreds of halo jumps! Theres no reason this should have happened! Im just out of words.

Kelly Goodman: 'I cannot even make sense of it. He is such a skilled jumper, he has had hundreds of halo jumps! Theres no reason this should have happened! Im just out of words'

Robert Adducci, Goodmans uncle, told ABC 15 that his nephew was the best of the best and a true American badass.

If you met him on the street you would know he was a badass. He was the nicest, most kindest, most gentlest guy. A great father and husband, Adducci said.

Adducci said the Goodman was eager to join to the military as a teen, despite knowing that he would most likely be deployed to a dangerous area following 9/11.

He viewed it as a job. When he came home he was still compassionate, his uncle said.

Goodman was dedicated to his job and endured sacrifices, like being deployed when his children were born and spoke with them on Skype with them during Christmas.

Adducci: 'If you met [Goodman] (pictured) on the street you would know he was a badass. He was the nicest, most kindest, most gentlest guy. A great father and husband

Pictured: Kelly Goodman (left) and Nathan Goodman (right) together during the holiday season prior to his death

Dozens of Arizona City residents gathered together for a vigil honoring Goodman, whom theyve never met, on Wednesday night.

Arizona City sends its condolences to the family, vigil organizer Kenda Baily said.

Army officials say the incident is currently under investigation and no additional information would be released pending an investigation.

Goodman became the third U.S. military fatality from the Chicago area in less than two weeks.

Private First Class Miguel Villalon, 21, of Aurora, Illinois, was killed in Afghanistans Kandahar Province on Saturday.

On January 5, Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr. of Hazel Crest, Illinois, was one of three soldiers killed when Al-Shabab extremists attacked an army base in Kenya where U.S. and Kenyan troops were stationed.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the United States Army Special Operations Command for further comment.
Imperial Valley News Center

Governor Newsom Statement on Retirement of California Supreme Court Justice Ming W. Chin

Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom issued the below statement today following California Supreme Court Justice Ming W. Chin's announcement that he will step down later this year:

We are grateful to California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin for more than three decades of distinguished service as a jurist. As one of the first Asian Americans to take a seat on the highest court in our state, Justice Chin broke barriers. Serving with distinction on one of the most diverse state supreme courts in the country, Justice Chin has made a lifetime of critical contributions to the legal system, including the use of DNA evidence and the integration of science, technology and the law. Everyone fortunate enough to work closely with him would also testify to his collegiality, abiding professionalism and commitment to public service. Justice Chins success exemplifies the promise of California, where a son of potato farmers could become a Supreme Court justice, and in turn help grow the next generation of lawyers and jurists in our state.

I am especially grateful for Justice Chins service as vice chair of the Judicial Council, where he has fought for the righteous cause of access to justice for all Californians. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement, I wish him and his family the very best.
Turkish leader says Ankara will start search-and-drilling activities off Libya in 2020 after issuing licences.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country will start exploring for gas in the eastern Mediterranean this year, comments certain to further upset neighbouring nations.

We will start search and drilling activities as soon as possible in 2020 after issuing licences for the areas, Erdogan said during a two-hour speech in the capital, Ankara.

He added Turkeys seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis would soon be deployed.

Ankara angered neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean with an agreement signed with the Tripoli-based government in Libya in November, which claimed extensive areas of the sea for Turkey to explore.

Greece said the deal fails to take into account the island of Crete, while Turkey has already upset Cyprus by sending ships to search for oil and gas off the divided island.

Erdogan said it was no longer legally possible for any search and drilling activities by other countries or a pipeline without Libyas or Turkeys approval.

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Earlier this month, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel signed a deal to construct a pipeline to ship gas to Europe, despite Turkeys vehement opposition.

Turkish forces on the ground

In his remarks, Erdogan also repeated that Ankara will send military forces to Libya to back the United Nations-recognised government based in Tripoli, the General National Accord (GNA).

Along with the maritime agreement, Turkey and Libya also signed a security deal in November, which was followed by the deployment of Turkish forces in the North African country.

While Turkey supports the GNA, countries such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates back Libyan renegade commander Khalifa Haftar in his assault on Tripoli against the GNA.

Erdogan added Turkey will continue to use all diplomatic and military means to ensure regional stability, including in Libya.

The Turkish leader first announced the beginning of a troop deployment to Libya early in January, but stressed Ankara would not send combat forces.





Sources told Al Jazeera about 180 Turkish forces are believed to already be in Libya acting as military advisers and trainers.

So far, the Turkish military hasnt stated anything about the potential size of the deployment to Libya to support the GNA, but were told the military will not be involved in combat, said Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul.

Berlin conference

Haftars eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) forces have been engaged in an offensive on Tripoli for more than nine months. The fighting has killed thousands of combatants and civilians, and displaced tens of thousands of others.

Erdogans remarks come days before a key conference on the Libya crisis in Berlin.

Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas, headed to Libya on Thursday to persuade Haftar to join the summit on Sunday.

Maas said Haftar supports a temporary ceasefire and is also willing to attend the conference, but it remains to be seen if he will.

200106062845414

French President Emanuel Macron expressed hope for a successful summit.

Both the LNA and GNA conditionally agreed to a truce brokered by Turkey and Russia last week, however, new fighting has been reported.

Haftars troops have failed to breach Tripolis defences but in recent weeks made small advances with help from Russian mercenaries, news reports say.

That pushed Turkey, which has business interests in the country, to deploy soldiers to Libya to help the Tripoli government.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday did not rule out the possibility of bringing a resolution against the amended citizenship law during the ongoing two-day assembly session.

"Wait till tomorrow," Singh said when asked if the government will bring in a resolution, on the lines of Kerala, against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Punjab's Congress government had on Tuesday said it will proceed according to the will of the House on the issue of CAA, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).

Singh had recently said his government would not allow the implementation of "brazenly divisive CAA Act".

After a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, his colleagues in the ministry had expressed concern over the implications of the "blatantly unconstitutional and divisive CAA, NRC and NPR."



They had also expressed alarm on the violence over the issue, which they said "threatened to rip apart the secular fabric of the nation".

"The ministers were of the view that the matter was bound to be raised during the two-day session of the assembly on January 16-17 and it was unanimously decided that the government should accept the will of the House," an official statement had said then.

The chief minister has earlier said the CAA, particularly when coupled with the NRC and NPR, "violated" the Preamble to the Constitution.

Amarinder Singh had said neither he nor the Congress were against granting citizenship to the minorities persecuted on the basis of religion but they were completely opposed to the "discrimination in the CAA against certain religious communities, including Muslims".

The CAA makes it easier for Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis to get citizenship if they have entered India before 2015, following religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Kerala Assembly had recently passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of the controversial law, becoming the first state in the country to do so.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first cannabis startup to raise big money in Silicon Valley is in danger of burning out. TechCrunch has learned that pot delivery middleman Eaze has seen unannounced layoffs, and its depleted cash reserves threaten its ability to make payroll or settle its AWS bill. Eaze was forced to raise a bridge round to keep the lights on as it prepares to attempt a major pivot to "touching the plant" by selling its own marijuana brands through its own depots.

TechCrunch spoke with nine sources with knowledge of Eaze's struggles to piece together this report. If Eaze fails, it could highlight serious growing pains amid the "green rush" of startups into the marijuana business.

Eaze, the startup backed by some $166 million in funding that once positioned itself as the Uber of pot  a marketplace selling pot and other cannabis products from dispensaries and delivering it to customers  has recently closed a $15 million bridge round, according to multiple sources. The funding was meant to keep the lights on as Eaze struggles to raise its next round of funding amid problems with making decent margins on its current business model, lawsuits, payment processing issues and internal disorganization.

An Eaze spokesperson confirmed that the company is low on cash. Sources tell us that the company, which laid off some 30 people last summer, is preparing another round of cuts in the meantime. The spokesperson refused to discuss personnel issues, but noted that there have been layoffs at many late-stage startups as investors want to see companies cut costs and become more efficient.

From what we understand, Eaze is currently trying to raise a $35 million Series D round, according to its pitch deck. The $15 million bridge round came from unnamed current investors. (Previous backers of the company include 500 Startups, DCM Ventures, Slow Ventures, Great Oaks, FJ Labs, the Winklevoss brothers and a number of others.) Originally, Eaze had tried to raise a $50 million Series D, but the investor that was looking at the deal, Anthos Capital, is said to have walked away at the eleventh hour.

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Eaze is going into the fundraising with an enterprise value of $388 million, according to company documents reviewed by TechCrunch. Its not clear what valuation its aiming for in the next round.

An Eaze spokesperson declined to discuss fundraising efforts, but told TechCrunch, "The company is going through a very important transition right now, moving to becoming a plant-touching company through acquisitions of former retail partners that will hopefully allow us to more efficiently run the business and continue to provide good service to customers."

Desperate to grow margins

The news comes as Eaze is hoping to pull off a verticalization pivot, moving beyond online storefront and delivery of third-party products (rolled joints, flower, vaping products and edibles) and into sourcing, branding and dispensing the product directly. Instead of just moving other company's marijuana brands between third-party dispensaries and customers, it wants to sell its own in-house brands through its own delivery depots to earn a higher margin. With a number of other cannabis companies struggling, the hope is that it will be able to acquire at low prices brands in areas like marijuana flower, pre-rolled joints, vaporizer cartridges or edibles.

An Eaze spokesperson confirmed that the company plans to announce the pivot in the coming days, telling TechCrunch that it's "a pretty significant change from provider of services to operating in that fashion but also operating a depot directly ourselves."

The startup is already making moves in this direction, and is in the process of acquiring some of the assets of a bankrupt cannabis business out of Canada called Dionymed  which had initially been a partner of Eazes, then became a competitor, and then sued it over payment disputes, before finally selling part of its business. These assets are said to include Oakland dispensary Hometown Heart, which it acquired in an all-share transaction (Eaze effectively bought the lawsuit, is how one source described the sale). This will become Eaze's first owned delivery depot.

In a recent presentation deck that Eaze has been using when pitching to investors  which has been obtained by TechCrunch  the company describes itself as the largest direct-to-consumer cannabis retailer in California. It has completed more than 5 million deliveries, served 600,000 customers and tallied up an average transaction value of $85.

To date, Eaze has only expanded to one other state beyond California (Oregon). Its aim is to add five more states this year, and another three in 2021. But the company appears to have expected more states to legalize recreational marijuana sooner, which would have provided geographic expansion. Eaze seems to have overextended itself too early in hopes of capturing market share as soon as it became available.

An employee at the company tells us that on a good day Eaze can bring in between $800,000 and $1 million in net revenue, which sounds great, except that this is total merchandise value, before any cuts to suppliers and others are made. Eaze makes only a fraction of that amount, one reason why its now looking to verticatlize into more of a primary role in the ecosystem. And thats before considering all of the costs associated with running the business.

Eaze is suffering from a problem rampant in the marijuana industry: a lack of working capital. Because banks often won't issue working capital loans to weed-related business, deliverers like Eaze can experience delays in paying back vendors. Another source says late payments have pushed some brands to stop selling through Eaze.

Another drain on its finances has been its marketing efforts. A source said out-of-home ads (billboards and the like) allegedly were a significant expense at one point. It has to compete with other pot-purchasing options like visiting retail stores in person, using dispensaries' in-house delivery services or buying via startups like Meadow that act as aggregated online points of sale for multiple dispensaries.

Indeed, Eaze claims that its pivot into verticalization will bring it $204 million in revenues on gross transactions of $300 million. It notes in the presentation that it makes $9.04 on an average sale of $85, which will go up to $18.31 if it successfully brings in "private label" products and has more depot control.

Selling weed isn't eazy

The poor margins are only one of the problems with Eazes current business model, which the company admits in its presentation have led to an inconsistent customer experience and poor customer affinity with its brand  especially in the face of competition from a number of other delivery businesses.

Playing on the on-demand, delivery-of-everything theme, it connected with two customer bases. First, existing cannabis consumers already using some form of delivery service for their supply; and a newer, more mainstream audience with disposable income that had become more interested in cannabis-related products but might feel less comfortable walking into a dispensary, or buying from a black market dealer.

It is not the only startup that has been chasing that audience. Other competitors in the wider market for cannabis discovery, distribution and sales include Weedmaps, Puffy, Blackbird, Chill (a brand from Dionymed that it founded after ending its earlier relationship with Eaze), and Meadow, with the wider industry estimated to be worth some $11.9 billion in 2018 and projected to grow to $63 billion by 2025.

Eaze was founded on the premise that the gradual decriminalization of pot  first making it legal to buy for medicinal use, and gradually for recreational use  would spread across the U.S. and make the consumption of cannabis-related products much more ubiquitous, presenting a big opportunity for Eaze and other startups like it.

It found a willing audience among consumers, but also tech workers in the Bay Area, a tight market for recruitment.

I was excited for the opportunity to join the cannabis industry, one source said. It has for the most part gotten a bad rap, and I saw Eazes mission as a noble thing, and the team seemed like good people.

Eaze CEO Ro Choy

That impression was not to last. The company, this employee was told when joining, had plenty of funding with more on the way. The newer funding never materialized, and as Eaze sought to figure out the best way forward, the company cycled through different ideas and leadership: former Yammer executive Keith McCarty, who co-founded the company with Roie Edery (both are now founders at another cannabis startup, Wayv), left, and the CEO role was given to another ex-Yammer executive, Jim Patterson, who was then replaced by Ro Choy, who is the current CEO.

I personally lost trust in the ability to execute on some of the vision once I got there, the ex-employee said. I thought that on one hand a picture was painted that wasnt the truth. As we got closer and as Id been there longer and we had issues with funding, the story around why we were having issues kept changing. Several sources familiar with its business performance and culture referred to Eaze as a "shitshow."

No 'Push for Kush'

The quick shifts in strategy were a recurring pattern that started well before the company got into tight financial straits.

One employee recalled an acquisition Eaze made several years ago of a startup called Push for Pizza. Founded by five young friends in Brooklyn, Push for Pizza had gone viral over a simple concept: you set up your favorite pizza order in the app, and when you want it, you pushed a single button to order it. (Does that sound silly? Dont forget, this was also the era of Yo, which was either a low point for innovation, or a high point for cynicism when it came to average consumer intelligence maybe both.)

Eazes idea, the employee said, was to take the basics of Push for Pizza and turn it into a weed app, Push for Kush. In it, customers could craft their favorite mix and, at the touch of a button, order it, lowering the procurement barrier even more.

The company was very excited about the deal and the prospect of the new app. They planned a big campaign to spread the word, and held an internal event to excite staff about the new app and business line.

They had even made a movie of some kind that they showed us, featuring a caricature of Jim  the CEO at a the time  hanging out of the sunroof of a limo.

Then just one week later, the whole plan was scrapped, and the founders of Push for Pizza fired. It was just brushed under the carpet, the former employee said. No one could get anything out of management about what had happened.

Something had happened, though: The company had been taking payments by card when it made the acquisition, but the process was never stable and by then it had recently gone back to the cash-only model. Push for Kush by cash was less appealing. They didnt think it would work, the person said, adding that this was the normal course of business at the startup. Big initiatives would just die in favor of pushing out whatever new thing was on the product teams radar.

Eaze's spokesperson confirmed that "we did acquire Push for Pizza . . but ultimately didn't choose to pursue [launching Push for Kush]."

Payments were a recurring issue for the startup. Eaze started out taking payments only in cash  but as the business grew, that became increasingly problematic. The company found itself kicked off the credit card networks and was stuck with a less traceable, more open to error (and theft) cash-only model at a time when one employee estimated it was bringing in between $800,000 and $1 million per day in sales.

Eventually, it moved to cards, but not smoothly: Visa specifically did not want Eaze on its platform. Eaze found a workaround, employees say, but it was never above board, which became the subject of the lawsuit between Eaze and Dionymed. Currently the company appears to only take payments via debit cards, ACH transfer and cash, not credit card.

Another incident sheds light on how the company viewed and handled security issues.

Can Eaze rise from the ashes?

At one point, employees allegedly discovered that Eaze was essentially storing all of its customer data  including users signatures and other personal information  in an Azure bucket that was not secured, meaning that if anyone was nosing around, it could be easily discovered and exploited.

The vulnerability was brought to the companys attention. It was something that was up to product to fix, but the job was pushed down the list. It ultimately took seven months to patch this up. I just kept seeing things with all these huge holes in them, just not ready for prime time, one ex-employee said of the state of products. No one was listening to engineers, and no one seemed to be looking for viable products. Eaze's spokesperson confirms a vulnerability was discovered but claims it was promptly resolved.

Today, the issue is a more pressing financial one: The company is running out of money. Employees have been told the company may not make its next payroll, and AWS will shut down its servers in two days if it doesnt pay up.

Eaze's spokesperson tried to remain optimistic while admitting the dire situation the company faces. "Eaze is going to continue doing everything we can to support customers and the overall legal cannabis industry. We're excited about the future and acknowledge the challenges that the entire community is facing."

As medicinal and recreational marijuana access became legal in some states in the latter 2010s, entrepreneurs and investors flocked to the market. They saw an opportunity to capitalize on the end of a major prohibition -- a once in a lifetime event. But high government taxes, enduring black markets, intense competition and a lack of financial infrastructure willing to deal with any legal haziness have caused major setbacks.

While the pot business might sound chill, operations like Eaze depend on coordinating high-stress logistics with thin margins and little room for error. Plenty of food delivery startups, from Sprig to Munchery, went under after running into similar struggles, and at least banks and payment processors would work with them. With the odds stacked against it, Eaze has a tough road ahead.
Members of the public gather outside of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in Phnom Penh during Kem Sokha's trial on charges of treason, Jan. 15, 2020.

A court in Cambodia held the second day of hearings in the treason trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha on Thursday, as the defendants party decried what it called a political show orchestrated by the government and authorities came under fire for refusing observers access to the proceedings.

On day two of the trial, prosecutors at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court focused on what they said were activities Kem Sokha undertook from 1993-2007 that amounted to conspiracy with foreign powers, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) presidents lawyer, Meng Sopheary, told RFAs Khmer Service.

Kem Sokha has said he did not invite any countries to invade Cambodia or cause Cambodia to lose its sovereignty or submit to a foreign invasion, she said.

He held official positions at the Senate and National Assembly [parliament], and ran the Cambodian Center for Human Rights from 1993 until 2007.

Meng Sopheary noted that the article in Cambodias criminal code related to conspiracy with foreign powers did not even go into effect until 2010, and said the court has no right to try him for any alleged crimes committed prior to that year.

Kem Sokha is a democrathe wouldnt do anything that would harm the nation, she added.

On Wednesday, prosecutors showed a two-minute clip of a video they say is proof that Kem Sokha colluded with the U.S. to try to overthrow Cambodias government, but Meng Sopheary said at the time that the context of the full hour-long video was missing.

The video cited as evidence by the court was recorded in 2013 and shows Kem Sokha discussing a strategy to win power at the ballot box with the help of U.S. expertsthough the U.S. Embassy had rejected any suggestion that Washington was interfering in Cambodian politics at the time of his arrest in 2017.

Kem Sokha, 66, was arrested in September 2017 and charged with treason over the video. He maintains his innocence and his lawyers have said that prosecutors lack evidence to convict.

Two months after Kem Sokhas arrest, Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP for its role in the alleged plot and banned 118 of its officials from political activities.

The move to dissolve the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Prime Minister Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media that paved the way for his CPP to win all 125 seats in parliament in the countrys July 2018 general election.

On Thursday, government lawyer Ky Tech echoed an earlier claim that he has lots of evidence against Kem Sokha, and that the CNRP chief cant avoid conviction. Kem Sokha faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if he is found guilty.

Ky Tech also said the days hearing had been tense and accused the defense of violating court procedures by asking questions in a bid to allow Kem Sokha to give a statement, when the prosecution should have been allotted time to question him.

The CNRP issued a statement on Thursday taking issue with the courts handling of Kem Sokhas case, in which it called the proceedings part of a political show organized by Hun Sens government to legitimize its dissolution of the opposition party.

The statement also called on the court to drop all charges against Kem Sokha and to restore his full freedom without conditions.

RFA was unable to contact a government spokesperson for a statement about the trial and Minister of Justice Chhin Malin declined to comment, saying he did not want to be accused of interfering in the judicial process.

Call for access

Day two of the trial came as a group of 82 Cambodian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) issued a joint statement called on the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to allow greater access to Kem Sokhas trial proceedings, which were limited to 30 seats mostly reserved for diplomats, relatives, and CNRP members.

Specifically, the groups urged court authorities to provide a real-time broadcast of the trial so that members of the media and NGOs can monitor the hearings and to provide transparency.

Many members of the public are interested in monitoring Kem Sokhas case because they have yet to hear the evidence the court has brought against him, the statement said.

Responding to the request for greater access, Minister of Justice Chhin Malin told RFA that even with limited space the court can still provide a transparent trial.

He suggested that reporters and NGOs contact lawyers for comment, adding that participating in the hearings wont help them to understand the case anyway, because it is so complicated.

[The NGOs] only expressed concerns because they were excited, he said, without clarifying.

US weighs in

The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia also weighed in on access to the trial on Thursday with a statement calling on the court to allow journalists into the courthouse, according to local media.

"We are aware that court officials have excluded media and civil society members from the proceedings, and we have urged the court to allow them in, Emily Zeeberg, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy, told Cambodias Voice of Democracy.

"Freedoms of expression and the press, an active civil society, and tolerance of dissenting views are vital components of any democracy."

Zeeberg also called on authorities to address the trials shortcomings and to adhere to guidelines in the countrys constitution that guarantee citizens the right to a fair trial.

Am Sam Ath, senior investigator with local rights group Licadho, told RFA that the court deliberately prevented the public and the media from participating the trial, adding that even with the limited number of seats, there were many spaces available at the courtroom.

Many people seek the truth from Kem Sokhas trial, he said.

The CNRP presidents trial will reconvene on Wednesday and Thursday of next week.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun and Chrea Vanarith. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
She is the co-founder of the billion dollar company, Honest.

And on Wednesday, Jessica Alba was seen leaving the offices of the famed company in Venice Beach, alongside a colleague.

The mother-of-three looked cozy chic in a comfort-meets-office ensemble.

Working woman: On Wednesday, Jessica Alba, 38, was seen leaving the Honest offices in Venice Beach, alongside a colleague

Jessica tucked in a grey roll neck into a pair of bell bottom jeans.

The Pomona, CA native highlighted her natural beauty with minimal make-up, and wore her light colored hair down and to one side.

The star was in full business mode as she carried what looked to be an iPad.

Her look: Jessica tucked in a grey roll neck into a pair of bell bottom jeans. The Pomona, CA native highlighted her natural beauty with minimal make-up, and wore her light colored hair down and to one side

Jessica co-founded the Honest Co. in 2012 with business partner Christopher Gavigan.

The baby company, which is estimated to be worth $1 billion, has also expanded it's range to include beauty and body products.

Jessica also authored a book called, The Honest Life, which premiered in 2013 and made the New York Times Best Seller list.

Boss: Jessica co-founded the Honest Co. in 2012 with business partner Christopher Gavigan. The baby company, which is estimated to be worth $1 billion, has also expanded it's range to include beauty and body products. She is seen in Beverly Hills earlier this month

When she's not in the office, the working mom is on set of her cop drama, L.A.'s Finest.

The series is a spinoff of the Bad Boys films, and co-stars Gabrielle Union.

The show, which debuted in June of last year, is currently filming it's second season.
By Allison Lampert, Rozanna Latiff and Tim Hepher

MONTREAL/KUALA LUMPUR/PARIS (Reuters) - Why was the Ukrainian airliner mistakenly shot down near Tehran by Iranian forces last week for the loss of 176 lives even allowed to take off from a country that had just fired missiles towards its neighbour? And why didn't the airline just delay or cancel the flight?

In short - because a century of international air travel has yielded no international agreement on how or when to close airspace; and because airlines often have to rely on their own, sometimes incomplete, assessments to make the call for themselves.

While air travel is global, and guided by streams of instantaneous electronic data, control over each country's airspace remains entirely local and subject to the pace of politics.

Iran itself suffered a similar tragedy in 1988 when the U.S. warship Vincennes downed an IranAir passenger jet in 1988.

Ukraine, too, has been acutely aware of the problem since 2014, when Malaysia Airlines MH17 was shot down over territory held by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine as it flew from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

MH17 led the United Nations' aviation arm, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to launch a conflict zone website where countries could share information on potential risks around the world so that airlines could avoid those regions. Despite the deaths of 298 people, it foundered after some countries saw a threat to their sovereignty and wanted a 72-hour window to respond, rendering it ineffective.

LACK OF TRUST

Those sensitivities are not new. Few countries trust others to declare their airspace off limits, especially knowing that such decisions can themselves be a product of conflict.

In 1985, Iraq declared Iran off-limits to civil aviation. But Iraq and Iran were then at war, and the move sparked fierce debate at the ICAO.

In 2015, the Netherlands, home to two-thirds of the passengers on MH17, tried at least to have the ICAO spell out criteria for when airspace should be closed. Those changes have yet to be made.

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Still, ICAO said Dutch recommendations after MH17 helped result in amendments to six annexes to the 1944 Chicago Convention, the basic global agreement on modern aviation.

Since 290 people died on IranAir 655, over 750 more have now been killed worldwide in attacks on various forms of civil aviation, according to Flight Safety Foundation data.

"Practice shows that states in which there is an ongoing armed conflict will not implement restrictions for their airspace on their own initiative," a Dutch Safety Board report last year said.

An Iranian commander said on Saturday that the Iranian military, which had been ordered to retaliate against U.S. troops in Iraq for the killing of an top Iranian commander by a U.S. drone, had requested a no-fly zone for the Tehran area but had been refused. He did not say why or by whom, and Iran has not commented on its decision to keep Tehran airport open.

It all puts the onus on airlines and other regulators to conduct their own risk assessments.

Yet each relies on different, potentially incomplete, intelligence briefings, and not all regulators have the same power to prevent their airlines - all operating under fierce competitive pressure - flying through conflict zones.

EAST-WEST CORRIDOR

Ukraine International Airlines said it had received no warning from Tehran before its flight PS752 took off, nor any reason not to fly. It was the 10th departure from Tehran airport that morning, according to FlightRadar24.

Even as conflict ripples through the Middle East, the region's skies are increasingly needed as an East-West corridor as airlines face growing environmental and economic pressures to save fuel by flying the most direct routes.

Ron Bartsch, ex-safety head at Qantas Airways, said airlines, acutely cost-conscious, rarely want to reroute far.

Three days after the U.S. drone strike on Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and a day before Iran's retaliatory strikes, there were around 1,000 flights over Iran and Iraq, the International Air Transport Association said.

None were American, however. The U.S. Federal Aviation Authority had already barred U.S. carriers from Iranian airspace after Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. But others assessed the risks differently.

IATA, representing global airlines, has said it will work to improve those assessments.

A source familiar with the matter said the ICAO was looking for ways to help countries improve communications between civilian authorities and the military.

And Oleksiy Danylov, secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council, told Reuters that Kiev would start an effort to create a new global civil aviation hazard warning system.

The world's air travellers will hope they have better luck than those who have tried, and failed, before.

(Reporting by Allison Lampert, Rozanna Latiff, Tim Hepher, Jamie Freed, Matthias Williams, Laurence Frost; Editing by Amran Abocar, Kevin Liffey and Richard Chang)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 17:30:08|Editor: xuxin

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KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 866,400 people moved into new houses in southwest China's Yunnan Province in 2019, thanks to the government's program to reduce poverty through relocation.

The provincial reform and development commission made the announcement at a press conference Thursday.

Construction of 244,855 houses were completed as of the end of last year for almost 1 million poor residents previously living in areas deemed unsuitable for living in rural areas.

Authorities tore down 159,000 old houses and returned the land for afforestation.

China aims to eradicate absolute poverty by 2020.
San Francisco schools are scrambling to cover an unexpected $31.8 million projected shortfall this school year, a financial hole that district officials say will only deepen over the next two years.

So far, the district wont have to make drastic cuts to cover the immediate deficit and will instead use accounting tricks to pay for cost overruns with one-time funding sources.

But under a worst-case scenario, district officials could face an $8.3 million hole  even after shuffling funds  that would require staffing or other reductions to balance the $1.04 billion total budget.

With an additional $60.5 million deficit expected next year and another $55.6 million the following year, the district likely will have to make some hard decisions before passing a new budget in June.

California refuses to fund schools at an appropriate rate, said school board President Mark Sanchez. I dont know how were going to make up that difference if we dont have another funding stream.

For the past two years, the district has been spending $10 million to $20 million more than it gets from local, state and federal funding sources, but has covered the gap with reserves. That money is running out and state funding is unlikely to keep up with cost increases, officials said.

In 2017, the district negotiated an 11% raise for teachers and other personnel, expecting a voter-approved parcel tax to help pay for it. But since Measure Gs passage last year, the validity of the tax has been tied up in court, with the revenue frozen.

But even with that complication, the district didnt expect the deficit to soar this school year. The spike is mostly because of an additional $25.4 million in projected special education costs, which surprised district officials.

The additional special education costs were driven by an extra $9.6 million required to send disabled students to non-public schools and another $15 million for additional staff to help special needs students in the district. That could include individual aides, speech or occupational therapists or other support.

These pressures related to special ed costs ... thats a systemic challenge that all districts are facing, said Myong Leigh, deputy superintendent of policy and operations. The magnitude of that increase is one of the things were trying to bear down on.

The district, with 60,000 students, has seen a significant increase in the number of special education students. An additional 550 special ed students joined the district in 2018, pushing the total to about 7,400  although its not clear why the number spiked, Leigh said.

The district also is anticipating $6 million more than expected in costs for substitutes, in part to cover medical, maternity or other staff leaves, as well as other minor budget increases.

Sanchez said he would like to see a city ballot initiative that would set aside city funding to boost spending to the national average adjusted for cost of living  or a $3,000 increase per student.

In the meantime: My feeling is were are going to have to cut, Sanchez said.

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

That could include cuts to the supply budget  including paper and pens  this year, but possibly central office staff layoffs in the next year or two. The cuts, however, would be as far away from the classrooms as possible, he added.

Like many districts across the state, San Francisco Unified is grappling with a combination of fiscal issues, including skyrocketing pension costs and salary increases. Currently, districts across the state are paying the equivalent of 19% of payroll costs for teacher and other staff pensions, up from about 8% in 2014.

Its pretty widespread, said Michael Fine, chief executive of Californias Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, which works with the states school districts on financial stability. Theyre all feeling the pressures, both revenue pressures and the expenditure pressures.

In general, districts need the state to provide about a 4% cost-of-living increase to keep up with cost increases, Fine said.

But last year, they got 3.36% and Gov. Gavin Newsoms recent budget proposal included a 2.26% boost.

The reality is weve been underfunding our schools, but we have these really high expectations for our students, which we should have, said Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, president of the California School Boards Association. Having a cost-of-living increase that doesnt even meet the true increases year to year, that means districts across the state are looking at deficit spending, looking to make cuts or dipping into reserves year after year.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
Vladimir Putin

Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russia's prime minister and cabinet abruptly resigned on Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin outlined proposed constitutional changes that could increase his power after his presidency.

The changes would limit and decrease the power of future presidents after Putin's term ends in 2024.

Though Putin has painted the changes as a pro-democracy move, they can be seen as Putin's trying to keep his grip on the country he has essentially ruled since 1999.

The resignation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was likely planned with Putin and will be a boost to the president, rather than as an act of protest. Putin has also named Medvedev's successor.

Here's what we know about Putin's plans and what his pick for Medvedev's replacement means.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Russian government headed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned en masse on Wednesday moments after President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes that could extend his power after his presidency ends.

Putin proposed changes that would weaken the powers of the presidency for future presidents, as he is expected to vacate the role in 2024, and strengthen the role of the country's parliament, where he might then move to.

Putin described the move as one that would enhance democracy, but experts believe the move was a calculated one that would only help him keep power over a country that he has led, in some form, since 1999.

Here's what's going on.

Putin outlined a slate of changes that would weaken the presidency after he leaves

Putin used a televised speech on Wednesday to suggest changes to Russia's constitution that would limit the maximum number of presidential terms that one person can hold to two  while Putin himself has held four under current constitutional rules.

He also suggested that Parliament should choose the country's prime minister and cabinet officials instead of the president, giving his successor less power over the direction of the running of the country.

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Vladimir Putin

Reuters

Putin also proposed restricting the requirements for presidential candidates, which include forbidding them to hold foreign citizenship or residency permits.

He has suggested that this should all be put to Russian people in a referendum.

These changes could herald more powerful future for Putin

Under Russia's current constitution, Putin must vacate the presidency in 2024. Under the current rules, presidents can only serve two consecutive terms.

Putin is currently on his fourth presidency, which he managed to make happen by having Medvedev step in as president 2008 and 2012 while Putin was prime minister.

Here's a list of the years he's been in power:

1999-2000: Prime Minister under Boris Yeltsin

2000-2004: President (first term)

2004-2008: President (second term)

2008-2012: Prime Minister under Medvedev

2012-2016: President (third term)

2016-2024: President (fourth term)

Putin's changes would mean that no one else would be able to be president for as long as he has.

In 2024, he could also return to his previous role as prime minister  with a more powerful parliament and weakened presidential successor.

Putin and Medvedev

Reuters/Sputnik Photo Agency

This is why experts, critics, and competitors see Putin's proposed changes as those designed to increase his own future power, rather than simply an effort to ensure no one else stays in power for as long as he has.

Putin has not yet said when the proposals would be voted on or come into effect.

Jeffrey Mankoff, a Russia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider's Ryan Pickrell that these changes show how Putin is likely to have a key role in the country even after his presidency ends.

He said they show "thinking about not only Putin's future but also what the country looks like once Putin isn't solely running the show, even if he's still kind of the power behind the throne."

"Wherever Putin ends up, exactly what his title is will be somewhat less important," he said.

Alexey Makarkin, a political analyst at Moscow think tank Center for Political Technologies, told The Guardian that the changes are a "distinct signal" that Putin will not find a way to continue as president, and that he could remain as the head of the State Council, a group that advises the president.

putin and medvedev

Maxim Shipenkov/AP

This would be similar to what happened in Kazakhstan last year, when Nursultan Nazarbayev stepped down from the presidency last year but remained head of the security council and the ruling party.

The New York Times said Putin would "likely" do something similar, noting that Nazarbayev took the title of "leader of the people" in his new role.

Opposition politician Leonid Volkov said: "It's clear to everyone that everything is going exclusively towards setting Putin up to rule for life," Reuters reported.

Medvedev, long considered Putin's 'lapdog,' resigned with his cabinet  but in deference or defiance?

Medvedev spoke on state TV shortly after Putin's announcement, painting the proposed changes as inevitable.

He said that "after those amendments are adopted," there would be "significant changes" to "the balance of power, namely to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of power."

He then announced that he was resigning.

FILE PHOTO: Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev listens to Chief Executive of Rosneft Igor Sechin during a meeting at the Gorki residence outside Moscow, Russia, October 1, 2019. Sputnik/Ekaterina Shtukina/Pool via REUTERS

Reuters

"In this context," he continued, "it is evident that we, as the government of the Russian Federation, should provide our country's president with an opportunity to take all the necessary decisions in these conditions. I believe it right for the government of the Russian Federation to step down in conformity with Article 117 of Russia's Constitution."

He said while sitting behind Putin: "Under these conditions, I believe it would be right for the government of the Russian Federation in its current state to resign."

Putin then thanked Medvedev for his service: "Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full," he said.

putin medvedev

Sputnik/Dmitry Astakhov/Pool via Reuters

While it is possible that Medvedev's resignation contained an element of protest, his statements present the appearance that he was resigning to make way for Putin's plans  a sign of deference consistent with the pairs' dealings in the past.

Putin announced on Wednesday that Medvedev that would start a new job as the deputy head of the Security Council, which Putin chairs, suggesting the move could have been a coordinated plan.

Medvedev has previously been described as Putin's "lapdog" and "poodle," and he was considered little more than a placeholder when he took over as president from Putin for those four years.

Though Medvedev has publicly clashed with Putin before, many are dismissive of his presidency as not a real one, and a proxy for Putin.

Putin

Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS

However, Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of political analysis firm R.Politik, told The Wall Street Journal: "This is an unexpected divorce between Putin and Medvedev."

"Putin is looking for somebody who can help implement his constitutional reform, through which he will want to control his future successor," she said. "And it appears Medvedev is not that person."

Though Putin has been dealing with a slip in his popularity  thus slightly weakening his grip on power  he remains much more popular than Medvedev. Perhaps Putin hopes this shift of power would satisfy Russians' desire for change.

The idea that Putin might fire Medvedev, given his low popularity rating, is also not a new one, and former Kremlin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov told The Journal Putin's popularity levels would "really shoot up" if he did.

Putin picked someone who appears skilled but little known as the next prime minister  and he could prove popular without being a threat

Russia's ruling party on Thursday unanimously backed Putin's choice to replace Medvedev as prime minister.

In a surprise move, Putin picked Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the Federal Tax Service  who is barely known in Russia.

Mikhail Mishustin

Russian Federation/Handout via REUTERS

Mishustin still needs to be approved in a confirmation vote in the parliament's lower house, but Gallyamov, the former speechwriter, told The Journal this pick could prove popular.

"That might satisfy the public's desire for new faces," he said. "[Mishustin] is a technocrat and Russia definitely needs economic reforms."

The New York Times also noted that Mishustin's relative obscurity and background means that he has little political machinery behind him, so could end up relying on Putin and not prove a political threat.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Unsplash

You can leave your umbrella at home for today, but light rainfall is in the forecast for Miami starting on Monday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone. The highest chance of rain is predicted on Monday at 58 percent, with the possibility of light rainfall of 0.32 inches.

The coming days will also see warm temperatures, due to stick around through Monday. Temperatures will turn cooler from Tuesday to Wednesday, getting up to just 65 degrees on Tuesday.

Winds are predicted to climb up to 20 mph on Friday, and remain moderately strong through Saturday. Skies will be cloudy today and mostly cloudy on Tuesday.

This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
[Read the latest updates on the Weinstein trial.]

One week before opening statements in his rape trial and deep into the jury selection process, lawyers for Harvey Weinstein asked a state appeals court on Thursday to delay the proceeding and move it away from the carnival-like atmosphere in Manhattan.

But after arguments at an impromptu hearing, an appellate judge refused to delay the case and said that the court would not decide on moving the trial until next week, when testimony is expected to begin.

Mr. Weinsteins 11th-hour request was submitted to the First Department appeals court even as seven jurors were seated for the trial, which is taking place amid sporadic protests and extensive media attention in State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

Jury selection is expected to continue on Friday and possibly into next week. The jurors selected on Thursday include four men and three women.
KABUL, Afghanistan  The Taliban have offered a brief period of reducing violence in Afghanistan during ongoing negotiations with United States diplomats, three officials familiar with the talks said on Thursday, a concession seen as important to finalizing a preliminary peace deal between the insurgents and the United States to end their 18-year war.

If the American side accepts the offer, it could amount to the most significant development in the yearlong negotiations since talks resumed after President Trump had scuttled the peace process on the eve of a deal in September.

Though the pledge to reduce violence falls short of the overarching long-term cease-fire sought by the Afghan government, Western diplomats had said getting the Taliban to agree to more than a modest reduction in attacks would be difficult before the withdrawal of foreign forces gets underway.

Details of the offer, confirmed by Western and Taliban officials familiar with the negotiations, were unclear, though the Taliban have said in the past that a reduction in violence would mean scaling back attacks on major cities and highways.
The late Qasem Soleimani was not just Irans leading military figure. He was also a central player in Iranian politics. Indeed, there were persistent rumors that he might stage a military coup.

Such a coup, rumor had it, would have been designed to save the hard line Iranian regime, which has increasingly been under fire for rampant corruption and incompetence. The idea would have been to bring down the civilian government of Hassan Rouhani, which would be blamed for the corruption and incompetence. In this scenario, Soleimani would, in effect, replace Rouhani and become the heir to Ayatollah Khamenei as Irans supreme leader.

Soleimani would have been the ideal leader of such a coup, and not just because of his military standing. As David Ignatius says, Soleimani had a public image as a man of humble origins, and his handlers tried in recent months to contrast him with the corrupt authorities who are mismanaging Iran.

If some of these authorities feared a Soleimani coup, might one or more them have turned to the Americans for help. Might one or more of them have fed our services the information they needed to carry out the attack that killed the terrorist general?

The idea that Soleimani was contemplating a coup is speculative. The idea that a potential target of such a coup, or someone who feared it on general principles, helped America take out Soleimani is extremely speculative. I rate the former as reasonably possible and the latter as unlikely.

What seems probable is that the regimes hardest liners have lost not just a military asset (I suspect that Soleimani has already adequately been replaced in that role), but also a major political asset. That asset will be difficult to replace.

According to Ignatius, the current heir apparent to Khamenei lacks distinction as a religious or spiritual leader. I think thats shorthand for calling him a hack. Ignatius describes Soleimanis military successor as a shadow warrior. I think that means hes not suited for domestic politics.

Soleimani was no hack and he was extremely well suited for domestic politics in Iran. The sputtering and wheezing regime (Ignatiuss words) has lost a significant political asset.
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein trafficked girls in the Caribbean as young as 11 years old up until 2018, according to a new lawsuit.

The lawsuit filed by US Virgin Islands attorney general Denise George claims that Epstein had brought girls as young as 11 and 12 to his secluded estate there, and kept a computerised database that tracked the availability of women and girls. The lawsuit could ultimately reduce the amount of money available to victims who have come forward as a part of claims against the estate in the United States, according to Reuters.

Epstein clearly used the Virgin Islands and his residence in the US Virgin Islands at Little Saint James as a way to be able to conceal and to be able to expand his activity here, Ms George said.

The lawsuit against Epstein, who died by suicide last year in a New York City jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, marks a broadening of the accusations against the financier who is known in part for his powerful social circle that at various times included Prince Andrew, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.

The latest accusations would suggest his exploitation did not stop following his previous convictions in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. That case against him began in 2005 when Florida police received a complaint from parents that the financier had abused their 14-year-old daughter. Charges in New York and Florida only alleged trafficking as recently as 2005.

Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Show all 9 1 /9 Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in court Billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein attends court as he pleads guilty to solicitation and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution, 2008 Zuma/Rex Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in court Billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to felony solicitation and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail. Epstein, allegedly paid several girls under the age of 18 in return for naked massages at his Palm Beach, Florida estate Zuma/Rex Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's car Jeffrey Epstein is whisked away from the Palm Beach County jail in a black car shortly after 6am on 22 July 2009. Epstein left the jail through the sally port, where prisoners are brought in, rather than through the main doors where prisoners are routinely released Zuma/Rex Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's mugshot Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's mugshot, taken after he was indicted for soliciting a prostitute on 26 July 2006. Beginning in mid-March 2005, Epstein became the target of a sexual battery probe conducted by the Palm Beach Police Department, according to the affidavit, which alleges that Epstein paid a series of underage girls to engage in sexual activity with him. In a 2002 New York magazine profile of Epstein, Donald Trump called the moneyman a 'terrific guy' who 'likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' Epstein, who reportedly runs a multibillion-dollar investment fund, travels in his own Boeing 727 (upon which he has transported Bill Clinton to Africa) and owns a 45,000-square-foot mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jack Goldberger, Jeffrey Epstein's attorney Jeffrey Epstein's attorney, Jack Goldberger, talks with reporters gathered outside the Palm Beach County jail on 22 July 2009 after Epstein was whisked away from the jail in a black car Zuma/Rex Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein Florida Police department sexual offenders database picture of Jeffrey Epstein taken in 2013 Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's mansion His Palm Beach mansion in Florida Google Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's island The private Caribbean island, Little St James is part of the US Virgin Islands NBC News Jeffrey Epstein: Controversies surrounding paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's island The private Caribbean island, Little St James is part of the US Virgin Islands NBC News

Epstein later served 13 months in jail, receiving a contentious and extensive work release allowance that let him leave the jail for much of his sentence.

He was also only forced to plead guilty two two of the crimes he originally faced, even though federal officials had identified dozens of girls he had sexually abused.

The new lawsuit was filed against Epsteins estate, and seeks the forfeiture of the Little Saint James residence where the alleged abuse occurred. It also seeks forfeiture of Epsteins second private island, Great Saint James, and the dissolution of numerous shell companies that officials say acted as fronts for the sex trafficking efforts.

Government policy on the Virgin Islands has determined that the assets could be distributed between the women and girls who were victimised in the region, according to Ms George.

In the weeks leading up to his death, Epstein and his estate vigorously denied that he had engaged in sex trafficking.

It is unclear how Epsteins $500 million worth of assets will be allocated, and legal experts have noted that there is relatively little precedent to help the courts determine how to proceed.
Houston-area voters have never had so many choices for Congress.

A record 63 candidates are on the crowded March 3 primary ballot in the areas nine congressional districts  more than twice as many candidates as in the 2016 presidential election cycle and a few more than the previous record, which was set just two years ago.

The back-to-back records are part of a national spike in political activism that has translated into more candidates running for office in the era of President Donald Trump, said Jennifer Lawless, a politics professor at the University of Virginia.

Trumps election provided the political catalyst for Democrats in 2018, Lawless said. Now there is a response from Republicans, which is an indirect effect of Trump.

But there are other factors also driving the activity. The number of retirements in Congress from Texas has opened an easier path for many candidates who see a chance to win a seat without vying with an incumbent. And then theres the impact of New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 29-year-old bartender who shocked the political world by defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Joe Crowley in a 2018 primary. Lawless said a lot of young Democrats, particularly progressives, have taken inspiration from her success.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Democratic presidential contenders turn attention to Texas

Whatever the motivator, in Houston it has led to 39 Republicans and 24 Democrats on the ballot to run for Congress. In 2016, a total of 29 candidates ran for Congress in the nine Harris County districts.

Trump was certainly part of the inspiration for Republican Matt Hinton, a 34-year-old auto sales finance director who is making his first run for Congress in the 22nd Congressional District, which includes most of Fort Bend County, plus parts of Brazoria and Harris counties. Hinton, one of 15 Republicans battling in the GOP primary, said seeing Trump come from a non-political background and beat more seasoned politicians made him believe more people from outside the political establishment should get involved.

Outsiders are the key to fixing the government, Hinton said. Look at how much resistance there was to Trump, as hes been pushing back against the Republicans and the establishment.

A few years ago, Democrat Elisa Cardnell said she couldnt have imagined being a candidate for Congress. But the 33-year-old Navy veteran and single mom said shes fed up watching a Congress filled with people out of touch with regular Americans. She said watching other veterans  particularly women  win seats in Congress, encouraged her to take a shot.

I can bring a fresh perspective, Cardnell said. We need an influx of everyday Americans.

More Information Key primary election dates Feb. 3 - Last day to register in order to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary Feb. 18-28 - Early voting March 3 - Texas presidential primary See More Collapse

Cardnell is one of three Democrats running in the 2nd Congressional District, which stretches from West Houston to Spring and wraps around to Atascocita. U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, currently holds that seat. The race has become even more competitive with former U.S. Senate candidate Beto ORourke endorsing another Democrat in the field, Sima Ladjevardian, who is also making her first-ever run for office.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Even longtime incumbents are finding more primary opposition than in the past. An example is in Houstons 18th Congressional District, which U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has held since 1995, rarely facing any primary opponents. This year, she has six challengers in the Democratic primary.

That list includes Stevens Orozco, a teacher and 2017 Texas Southern University graduate, who said Ocasio-Cortez is an inspiration for himself and many other young progressives.

I absolutely credit her, and others like (Michigan Rep.) Rashida Tlaib and (Minnesota Rep.) Ilhan Omar, for showing that progressive policy can work and can win, said Orozco, who frequently retweets posts from Ocasio-Cortez and whose agenda includes backing Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal as well as Medicare for all, free public college and student loan forgiveness.

Rep. Al Green of the 9th Congressional District, also faces one primary challenger, Melissa Wilson, who runs an insurance and real estate business. She is Greens first primary foe since 2004.

The surge of candidates also comes as the states congressional delegation undergoes a serious makeover. In 2018, eight members of Congress from Texas retired and two longtime incumbents were defeated. This year, six incumbents are not seeking re-election. A total of 14 retirements in two election cycles is dramatic given that, in the prior decade, only four Congress members from Texas retired.

Fifteen Republicans qualified to compete the GOP primary for the seat being vacated by the retirement of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, in the 22nd Congressional District. Four Democrats are battling in the other primary. Olson narrowly won his re-election in 2018, beating Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni, who is running again this year, by just 4 percentage points  one of the closest elections in the state.

While the candidates include familiar names such as Sheriff Troy Nehls, Republican activist Kathaleen Wall and Pierce Bush, the grandson of President George H.W. Bush, other candidates with little political experience are also in the race. Aaron Hermes, a 40-year-old professional musician, said he has little doubt he knows more about the Constitution and liberty than many of the contenders. He said after Olson announced he wasnt running, he got a lot more serious about jumping into the race.

I thought, not only am I qualified to do this, but I have to do this right now, Hermes said.

He said its definitely a challenge to run for Congress when you dont have political connections  and even harder to raise money. But he said it feels like this is the time for outsiders to challenge career politicians.

I can stand up to these people, he said.

Another race drawing a large field is Houstons 7th Congressional District.

U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, defeated longtime Republican incumbent John Culberson in 2018 by 6 percentage points.

But this year, six Republicans have qualified to battle in the GOP primary, all with the hope of taking out Fletcher and proving the last election was an aberration. The best-funded candidates in the GOP race, former Bellaire Mayor Cindy Siegel and Army veteran Wesley Hunt, have both pointed to Fletchers support for impeachment of Trump as a key campaign issue in a race that national Republicans have targeted as one of the most important in the nation. While its never easy to beat an incumbent, political experts say if its going to happen, it is usually in a candidates first re-election, before their name identification has been established.

We have a window of opportunity to beat Lizzie Fletcher and take back the House, Siegel said.
After struggling to raise the required $60 million from private sources, the State Department announced today that the United States would nevertheless have a pavilion at this falls Expo 2020 Dubai after securing funding from an unexpected source: the United Arab Emirates government itself.

The US pavilion is made possible by the generosity of the Emirati government in recognition of the strong partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates," the State Department said in a statement. "This is a historic opportunity for a global audience to experience the U.S. pavilion and Expo 2020 Dubai when it opens its gates in October 2020 for an expected 25 million visits during the six-month long event."

US participation had been in doubt after Congress declined to authorize taxpayer dollars to make up for the shortfall, triggering criticism that the United States risked losing clout to China and other rising powers if it skipped a global event that organizers expect to attract 25 million visitors and 190 participating countries. Last month the State Department said it was exploring other options that would allow for the United States to participate.

While the gift allows the United States to save face, US participation is also critical to the UAEs plan to use the expo to showcase an image of modernity and tolerance amid continued criticism of the monarchys human rights record and regional interventions from Yemen to Libya.

The nonprofit Expo2020 Dubai signed a one-year, $1.044 million contract with Washington lobby shop Sanitas International in April to provide senior level counsel, international media engagement and key stakeholder outreach. Lobbyists for the UAE itself have also been personally involved.

The US must be present.  UAE lobbyist Hagir Elawad

US participation at Expo 2020 is valuable on several levels as it provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote both US commercial interests and public diplomacy efforts, UAE lobbyist Hagir Elawad of UAE Strategies wrote in an Oct. 28 email to unidentified colleagues as Congress considered authorizing federal spending for a pavilion. The US must be present.

Related coverage:

Explore Al-Monitor's award-winning database of Middle East lobbying here.
Rival airlines have called on the Government to reveal details of its Flybe deal (Steve Parsons /PA)

Ryanair has joined the chorus of condemnation for the UK governments decision to back a rescue of embattled regional carrier Flybe by allowing it to defer a huge tax bill in order to survive.

Flybe, part of the same group that operates Aer Lingus Regional, has an unsustainable business model and has lurched from failure to failure, claimed Ryanair.

Ryanair said it has written to the UKs chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, calling on him to extend what the carrier described as an air passenger duty eco tax holiday being given to Flybe, to all other UK airline competitors including Ryanair, Easyjet and British Airways.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary insisted that unless this was done, the governments deal with Flybe is in breach of both competition law and state aid laws.

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The UK government will potentially allow Flybe to defer a tax bill of about 100m for three years under the deal struck with the carrier.

Ryanair said the Flybe owners do not need a government subsidy to prop up their failed airline investments.

Ryanair said it also rejected the false claims made by UK secretary of state for business, Andrea Leadsome, that Flybe has a viable business model when everyone in the industry knows that the Flybe business model is doomed to fail again and again.

The UK government agreed this week to help prevent the collapse of Flybe, which is Europes biggest regional airline, and whose routes include services to Dublin, Cork, Ireland West and Belfast.

Out-going IAG chief executive Willie Walsh also this week condemned the government-backed rescue of Flybe.

This is a blatant misuse of public funds, he said.

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren has also criticised the government plan to help Flybe.

Flybe is part of the Connect Airways consortium, which acquired the ailing carrier early last year. Connect is owned by Dublin-based Stobart Air, Virgin Atlantic and US private equity firm Cyrus Equity Partners.

Stobart Air, which is owned by the UKs Stobart Group, also operates the Aer Lingus Regional service on a franchise basis.

When they acquired Flybe, Connect Airways pledged 100m in loans to the business without even having operational control of the carrier until July when the European Commission sanctioned the takeover. Tens of millions of pounds have already been injected into Flybe by Connect. The consortium has vowed to pump more money into the carrier in return for the government support to save it.

Flybe employs about 2,000 people.
UPDATE: Abducted 11-year-old has been found: Police stopped suspect car on Massachusetts Turnpike

SPRINGFIELD  An 11-year-old girl is believed to have been forced into a car and possibly abducted as she was coming home from school Wednesday afternoon.

Police have issued an Amber Alert for the girl, who was last seen at about 1:30 p.m. on Lafayette Street, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman.

This is being treated as a possible abduction, Walsh said.

The preliminary investigation suggests that a ... male was walking behind [her] and forced her into the back of an older model, dark blue or black Honda, possibly a Civic, with an unknown plate, said David Procopio, state police spokesman.

The suspect is a man who is either white or Hispanic. The car is believed to have been driven by a white or light-skinned Hispanic woman. State Police changed the original description of the suspect after receiving more information, Procopio said.

Police are asking for anyone who has seen the car - described as an older blue or dark-colored Honda sedan, possibly a Civic, with two doors, dark tinted windows, distinctive after-market rims, a moonroof and no front plate - to immediately call 911. The car is believed to be a 2001 to 2005 model, he said.

More than a dozen police officers have responded and are investigating her disappearance. Massachusetts State Police are assisting Springfield officers in the search for the child and the car.

Anyone who has seen the car or has any information about the whereabouts of the 11-year-old girl or the possible abduction is asked to call 911 immediately. People can also Text-a-Tip anonymously, Walsh said.

Police also released a video that captured her walking from the bus on Tuesday. The adult recorded in the video and the car that drives by is similar to the one involved in the abduction, Walsh said.

This is a breaking story. MassLive will continue to update as more information becomes available.
This years theme, Working Together, Restoring Trust, is a response to the way the pandemic has shone an unforgiving light on the failure to grapple with persistent global issues such as inequality and climate change. Despite these challenges, we firmly believe in the power of unlocking the potential of those who advance the world. In this vein, were looking forward to joining leading experts from business, society and government to work towards solutions that rebuild trust and shape a more sustainable future.

Among other things, our experts are looking forward to diving deep into conversations with fellow thinkers and leaders to discuss artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability, and the future of workthree critical forces that will continue to influence policymaking and business strategy in the years ahead.
Gaganyaan crew to start training in Russia this month

The four trainee astronauts selected for Indias first manned space mission, `Gaganyaan, will start their training in Russia this month, most likely in the third week of January, union minister of state for development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, personnel, public grievances, pensions, atomic energy and space, Jitendra Singh, said on Wednesday.

He said the four astronauts shortlisted for the mission will receive training for 11 months. All the four astronauts selected for the mission are men, he said, but refused to reveal their identity.

After 11 months of training in Russia, the astronauts will receive module specific training in India. In that, they will be trained in crew and service module designed by Isro, learn to operate it, work around it and do simulations. As per the Isro sources, India's heaviest launch vehicle Bahubali GSLV Mark-III will carry astronauts to space.

The manned mission has sanctioned funding of Rs10,000 crore and the Gaganyaan launch will coincide with the 75th year of Indias Independence, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day last year.

While Rakesh Sharma, was the first Indian to go into space, in 1984, the spacecraft in which he travelled was not Indian. Therefore, Gaganyaan will be the first-ever human space mission conceived and developed in India, as an extension of the prime ministers `Make in India vision.

Earlier this month, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief K Sivan declared, This is going to be the year of Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan, and that four astronauts have been selected for Indias first manned mission.

As per the plan, the spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400km.

We have identified the four astronauts, they were sent to Russia for medical checkup. They will undergo training in Russia, the ISRO chief said. An advisory committee has also been formed for Gaganyaan. The training of the astronauts in Russia was finalised after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year.

This emerged after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin as they decided to step up cooperation in the field of outer space.

There is a special test for these astronauts. This was initially conducted at an IIM and then in Russia and based on the results, four people were selected. They are from the Air Force, Sivan said.

Gaganyaan is reported to have two unmanned and one manned flight to space. We will be sending a humanoid as part of unmanned mission. Six science experiments will be conducted, related to microgravity and bioscience, Sivan said.
The Bachelor producers have approached a world champion athlete on Instagram to sign up for the show.

Dave Pow Tabain took to the platform on Wednesday to reveal that he was contacted by a Warner Brothers casting agent asking him if he's interested in applying for the dating show.

Sharing a photo of the message he received, the 30-year-old kettlebell world champ and author asked his followers: 'Bachelor YAY or NAY?'

Is this the next Bachelor? Producers have approached world champion athlete, Dave Pow Tabain (pictured), on Instagram to sign up for the show

'We are currently casting for the next series of The Bachelor Australia and searching for the man himself,' the message read.

The agent added: 'We were hoping to chat to you about the casting process, if you were first of all single? And if you were interested in hearing more at all?'

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Dave admitted he had never actually watched the show.

Will he find love? Dave took to the platform on Wednesday to reveal that he was contacted by a Warner Brothers casting agent asking him to apply for the dating show

'I had a bit of a laugh and I dont watch TV but Id heard a lot about the Bachelor and I thought it was funny they were hitting me up via Instagram to get me to apply.'

He went on to say that it is however a 'potential way to meet someone that could be the right fit for you.'

Dave also revealed that he did take his application further and contacted the casting agent.

'I had a bit of a laugh': Despite being approached, Dave admitted he's never actually watched the show but 'has heard a lot about the Bachelor'

Meanwhile, a casting call has opened for all hopefuls wanting to appear on Bachelor or The Bachelorette in 2020.

The Bachelor website urges men and women between the ages of 23-40 to 'apply now'.

'Filming will roughly commence mid February to mid May of 2020 and may take up to 12 weeks,' the site states.
A day after sharing the first look poster of her biographical drama 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', actor Alia Bhatt on Thursday extended her thanks to her fans for showering love on the poster.

The 26-year-old actor took to Twitter and said, "Thank youuuu everyone, for all the love!!! It has given us a new burst of energy to work even harder everyday."

Earlier on Wednesday, the 'Kalank' actor shared two pictures of herself as the mafia queen.

Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' marks the first collaboration between him and Alia. This project will also see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada's Pen India Limited.

The film is based on Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai'. The story of the movie revolves around Gangubai Kothewali, a brothel owner and matriarch.

The much-awaited flick will hit the theatres on September 11, 2020.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Anthony Todt  the Colchester man accused of killing his wife, three children and the family dog in Florida  appeared before a judge Thursday and was denied bail on the murder charges.

He was granted a public defender. Judge Margaret Schreiber is presiding over the case.

Todt, 44, was charged Wednesday by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office.

Police confirmed during a Wednesday afternoon news conference that 42-year-old Megan Todt, 13-year-old Alek Todt, 11-year-old Tyler Todt and 4-year-old Zoe Todt were killed sometime in late December. The familys dog, Breezy, was also killed.

Anthony has cooperated with the investigation and he has confessed to killing his wife Megan Todt ... and their three children, said Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson. Anthony also killed their family dog, Breezy.

The bodies were discovered Monday when deputies went to the Reserve Place home in Celebration, Fla., with federal agents to serve an arrest warrant for Anthony Todt from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Deputies made contact with Anthony (Todt) in the home with federal agents and he was immediately detained. A safety check of the home was conducted where deputies discovered four deceased individuals inside, Gibson said.

Gibson wouldnt say how the wife and children died, but said he wanted to wait until the coroner released definitive findings  This is still very much an active investigation.

Gibson said the Sheriffs Office was still awaiting official identification of the bodies from the medical examiner but, given the circumstances and Todts confession, investigators are confident they are Anthony Todts wife and children.

Gibson said he was unsure whether Anthony Todt told investigators why he allegedly killed his family, but did say that Anthony Todt has been cooperating with the investigation.

Although the family had been living in Florida for about two years, Anthony Todt did not live in Florida full-time.

Anthony Todt worked Monday through Friday at his physical therapy practice in Connecticut, then returned to Florida on the weekends.

Court records across three states made clear that he had been facing mounting financial pressure, and he is also currently the subject of both state and federal fraud investigations.

The federal arrest warrant for Todt was issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for charges of health care fraud, according spokeswoman Tesia Williams.

Anthony Todt had been licensed to practice physical therapy in Connecticut since 1999, but his license had expired due to non-renewal at the end of September, according to Connecticut records.

Megan Todts license was still active through the end of January.
An estimated 5 million 5G capable smartphones were sold in December 2019 alone it is expected that more than 20 per cent of the smartphones under $290 will be 5G enabled this year, news portal GSMArena reported on Tuesday.

Beijing: Chinese local research agencies suggests that 20 per cent of all mid range smartphones will support 5G, thanks to the expansion of the network in the country.

By 2021, the same statistics are expected to be applicable across the globe.

Xiaomi co-founder Lei Jun recently announced the company is planning to pump $7 billion in 5G, AI and IoT over the next five years.

Lei said: "We need to turn our continuous advantage we have in a combination of AI, internet technologies and intelligent life into absolute victory in the intelligent scene, and completely cement our king status in the smart era."

Earlier, Lei had also revealed that the company is planning to release more than 10 5G phones this year.

Additionally, US based investment banking and financial service company Goldman Sachs forecasted a hefty 200 million 5G smartphone shipments globally this year.

The new predicted value is about 20 times more than the sales figure of 2019.

According to estimates, there will be about 1 million new 5G base stations in China this year. This is higher than the original 600,000 prediction by Goldman Sachs.
SUCCESS ON THE WAY, ASK DR. JEANETTE: The Substitute

Which would you prefer? Would you prefer being a substitute or long-term or permanent? Whats the difference?? To be a substitute doesnt lend itself to a degree of permanence. Does it? Lets think of it this way. Can you think of anyone or anything that was substitute, but also permanent? What did I hear you say? Oh, I heard you say something like, Jesus Christ, right! He was our substitutionary atonement. You got the answer right. He was treated like a common criminal. He was rewarded [if I may use that word] with the most egregious and horrible of deaths in use in the Roman Empire. Why did he die? Why was He executed? What was behind it? Who decided it? Who carried it out? Listen to this! Jesus Christ was a threat to the powers that be. He was a national threat, meaning that His enemies said, the Romans are going to take away our Temple privileges and our nation! Of course, they must also have been concerned about all the taxes being collected by the tax collectors who were getting paid on the side. Remember how the moneychangers were collecting money in the Temple for the animal sacrifices, doves, animals, etc. Jesus was breaking up their playhouse. He was a threat to the entrenched political and religious systems in place. The accusers were political and religious entities: The Chief Priests, Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes, the elders composing the Supreme Court, the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas made that great prophecy, even though he did not know what he was prophesying, he did it unwittingly. He did not know that he was prophesying even until the end times by saying, You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish. Now this he did not say on his own authority, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of god who were scattered abroad. (John 11:49-52; Ephesians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:24) No less than ten times was He either attempted to be arrested and attempts to kill him! After the raising/resuscitation of Lazarus, they were really incensed against Him. When confronted with dire circumstances, such as attempting to be stoned with large stones and thrown off a cliff, he would miraculously convey himself through the crowd escaping death. Why did he do this? Was he afraid? He was fully human and fully divine. But as the day of confrontation was dawning and He saw the time of His departure was coming near, he sequestered himself away more secretly, because He knew that he had to do The Fathers work and wait until the exact timing that The Father had told him before He was to be hung, hands/wrists nailed, ankles stabbed with sharp large nails, a horrendous unimaginable torturous death.

One of the statements which I have grown to appreciate greatly is Christs grace and forgiveness as He hung on the cross; when he is nailed to the cross, exudes the principle of forgiveness. Yes, my wonderful readers who I appreciate greatly, this is what happens when you begin to trod into the bureaucracy and tear down their strongholds. They are threatened and go after people. The Bible says we set ourselves out to be prey when we are doing Gods work. But, our Almighty Father is alive and well watching what we are doing and all will be called to accountability for all their deeds, whether good or not. Thank you for reading! Happy New Year!!!

Ask Dr. Jeanette Parker; Articles copyright  Inquiring Minds Want To Know Jeanette Parker is Founder/Superintendent of Todays Fresh Start Charter School www.todaysfreshstart.org [email protected] thanks for reading!

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ST. HELENA  The city of St. Helena is facing a $57,000 fine after its Wastewater Treatment Plant discharged effluent to the Napa River that failed to meet quality standards.

Samples taken in February and March 2019 exceeded limits for cyanide, copper, total coliform, residual chlorine, total suspended solids (TSS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), according to a letter from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The cyanide is a byproduct of the ascorbic acid the plant uses to dechlorinate treated water  a process that will be less necessary once the plant undergoes a $12.5 million upgrade.

The TSS and BOD violations were attributed to heavy rain and faulty sewer pipes. Heavy rainfall last February and March, combined with old and decaying sewer pipes throughout the city, allowed a high volume of groundwater to infiltrate the sewer system and reach the plant for processing.

That resulted in highly diluted samples with abnormally low levels of TSS and BOD, which are common in sewage but not in rainwater. The treatment plants permit requires it to filter out at least 85% of TSS and BOD. With so little TSS and BOD there to begin with, the plant missed those targets.

Even if its mostly rainwater, you still have to meet these reduction targets, said Public Works Director Erica Ahmann Smithies.

Groundwater infiltration is a problem for aging sewer systems across the U.S., and increasingly extreme weather events compound the problem, said Eric Sanders, chief wastewater treatment plant operator.

The plant has been under a cease-and-desist order since 2016, when the Water Board issued a new permit containing more stringent limits than the plant can comply with in its current configuration.

The city is on a Water Board-approved timeline to investigate and implement the upgrades necessary to meet the new restrictions.

The City Council came one step closer to upgrading the plant on Tuesday, when staff presented a conceptual design for the upgrade. The new plant will be funded by debt capacity, grants, impact fees, and wastewater funds.

The upgrade wont solve the infiltration problem, but the more effective treatment system will put a dent in and hopefully eliminate the fines going forward, Smithies said.

The new plant will use ultraviolet light during the cleaning process, with only a small dose of chlorine. By relying less on chlorination, the new plant wont require the level of dechlorination that created residual cyanide last year.

That problem should be eliminated with the new plant, Smithies said.

The plant currently uses a passive treatment system to clean wastewater as it flows through a series of ponds. Under the new configuration, those storage ponds wont be full all of the time, so they will be able to accommodate heavier flows than the current plant can handle during heavy storms.

The upgraded plant will also be capable of tertiary treatment, producing water suitable for landscaping and other non-potable uses.

The city plans to award a design-build contract for the new plant later this year, with construction sometime between 2021 and 2023. The city is on track to be in full compliance with the plants permit by the deadline of March 1, 2023.

Long-term upgrades to the citys sewer pipes will reduce groundwater infiltration. Consultants are conducting a master utility plan of the citys underground water, wastewater and storm drain systems to estimate costs and determine which repairs are the most critical.

We cant afford to take on the whole body of work in a short period of time, said City Manager Mark Prestwich. But this will help us prioritize those investments.

The fine is part of a tentative order and proposed settlement announced Jan. 7. The Water Board is accepting public comments on the settlement through Feb. 6.

Prestwich said the city anticipated the fines last year and included a $50,000 line item in the 2019-2020 budget.

You can reach Jesse Duarte at 967-6803 or jduarte@sthelenastar.com.

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On an island famed as Australia's "Galapagos" for its unique and abundant wildlife, rescuers are racing to save rare animals in a bushfire-ravaged landscape. The charred forest floor on Kangaroo Island is littered with corpses of animals incinerated by the blazes that swept through two weeks ago. Unprecedented fires across swathes of southern and eastern Australia over the past five months have killed an estimated billion animals. With forests and coastal areas roughly the size of Portugal burnt through, environmentalists fear the fires will drive some species to extinction. On Kangaroo Island -- home to unique koalas, the critically endangered mouse-like dunnart and many threatened plants -- concerns are particularly acute. Amid the stench of rotting animal flesh, rescuers are combing the island's Flinders Chase National Park looking for injured, lost and starving animals. "When we found this area we never thought anything could have survived, but we have pulled survivors out of there every day," Kelly Donithan, a Humane Society International crisis response specialist, told AFP while on patrol this week. But with huge parts of the animals' habitats destroyed, the chances of many surviving are fading by the day. "Time is of the essence," Donithan said. "Every day that goes by, the animals get weaker and weaker and their organs are becoming more susceptible to irreparable damage." - Deathly silence - Kangaroo Island, a short ferry ride from Adelaide in South Australia, was before the fires a popular tourist destination because of its pristine landscape and wildlife. One of its most famous animals is the glossy black cockatoo, a bird with a bright tail that is extinct on the mainland. But as rescuers walked through the death zones of the national park on Wednesday, no birds could be heard. Another top concern is the Kangaroo Island dunnart, a small grey marsupial which was already facing extinction before the blazes. "We think there were about 500 of them left (before the fires)," Zoos South Australia chief executive Elaine Bensted told national broadcaster ABC. She said most of the dunnarts were in the western part of the island, which has been most severely impacted by the fires, many still burning. - 'Insurance' koalas - The rescuers say it is difficult to find small species that have survived so their focus has mainly been on larger animals. These notably include the local koala population, the only one in Australia entirely free of chlamydia -- a sexually transmitted infection also found in humans that is fatal to the marsupials. This has made them a key "insurance population" for the future of the species. They are even more crucial now that huge numbers of koalas are feared to have died in the bushfires on the Australian mainland. Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley this week said koalas had taken an "extraordinary hit" and could be listed as endangered for the first time. Rescued koalas are being taken to a makeshift sanctuary at Kangaroo Island's Wildlife Park. But some are so badly injured that they are having to be euthanised. The battle to save remaining wildlife creates a "rollercoaster of emotions", Humane Society International's Evan Quartermain said. "Sometimes we're out there for hours walking through catastrophic landscapes (with) hundreds and hundreds of bodies on the ground... and you get down -- you can't help it -- it's extremely traumatic," he told AFP. "But then you find a (koala) joey at the end of the day and we bring it in and we give it a chance and we're filled with joy."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after being accused of seeking to politicise the serious injuries to a homeless man in Dublin this week.

On the first full day of the general election campaign, Mr Varadkar came in for stinging criticism after he called on the Fianna Fail lord mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, to account politically for the shocking incident which left the homeless man with life-changing injuries.

The man was in a tent that was removed by a utility vehicle during works being carried out by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland at Wilton Tce and he remains in a critical condition in St Vincents Hospital.

Last night, at a joint press conference with new EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Varadkar insisted he never sought to make the shocking incident a party political matter during the campaign.

In terms of what the lord mayor has to say, I have never sought to make homelessness a party political issue, he said.

It is a very complicated social issue that every country struggles with. I have never sought to make it a party political issue and I think, if anything, we have been on the receiving end of that rather than the perpetrators of it.

Earlier in the day, Mr Varadkar said he was concerned about the incident and called on Mr McAuliffe to make a statement. Mr McAuliffe is a Fianna Fail candidate in Dublin North West in the general election but Mr Varadkar denied that he was attempting to make the incident political.

No, I didnt mention blame at all, said Mr Varadkar. I think it is reasonable that the lord mayor of Dublin, who is politically accountable for Dublin City Council, should also make a statement. I am sure he would be willing to do that.

Mr McAuliffes party leader Micheal Martin said it was extraordinary regarding that terribly tragic event that Mr Varadkar had suggested that Mr McAuliffe should make a statement on the matter.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar being helped to put on a high visibility jacket ahead of a factory visit to the shop floor of Combilift in Annahagh, Co. Monaghan after launching the Fine Gael's general election campaign. (Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

Thats not how I would do politics, he said, adding that the incident reflects the blight of homelessness across this country.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy also came in for significant criticism after one of his campaign posters was pictured on a lamp post beside the scene of the incident.

He took to Twitter to express his sorrow and said he ordered the poster to be removed. I was saddened to hear of the incident by the canal yesterday, he said.

My thoughts are with this poor man as he recovers in hospital. Ive demanded a full report in to the incident which is under Garda investigation. My campaign poster which was located at the scene has been removed, said Mr Murphy.

Responding to Mr Varadkars comments, the lord mayor said he was disappointed that the Taoiseach went down this road today.

Data courtesy of The Irish Times

A man was seriously injured and yet An Taoiseach appeared to be more interested in apportioning blame to someone else, he said.

All of these details will now be the subject of a Garda investigation. There may be an election ongoing at the present but a human being has been seriously injured this morning.

That was my first concern when I heard about it, and I wanted to find out the details and so I have asked for a full report. It seems that the Taoiseachs first thought was to play a political game, Mr McAuliffe said.

Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy, meanwhile, described the incident as being unconscionable.

Even if the tent had been empty, she said, it seems particularly inhumane to sweep up somebodys sole source of refuge from the elements as if it were rubbish causing a nuisance.
The two-month occupation of a vacant West Oakland house by a group of homeless mothers illustrated the desperation, desolation and depth of the regions housing crisis.

Everything about the standoff, from start to eviction, was unsettling. The women had no legal right to seize the house at 2928 Magnolia St., as an Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled Friday. The owner, Wedgewood Properties, had no obligation to resell the home to a nonprofit of housing-rights advocates choosing.

Still, from a standpoint of human compassion, its impossible not to empathize with the plight of the women, Moms 4 Housing, who were seeking shelter for their families as winter set in.

They are not alone in their predicament. Encampments have popped up all over the East Bay city with its 47% increase in homelessness in just two years. The dire living conditions, with the attendant public health and safely concerns, would be intolerable anywhere  but all the more unconscionable in a region that prides itself on its commitment to social justice.

This is a difficult situation, and it is clear evidence that our laws are not working properly, Mayor Libby Schaaf said Tuesday.

The Oakland mayor served as the Bay Area representative on the governors Council of Regional Homeless Advisors. Its newly released recommendations included a constitutional amendment requiring all cities and counties to provide sufficient housing or shelter for all homeless people within their jurisdictions. Gov. Gavin Newsom sounded encouraging.

This notion of accountability, a mandate of sorts, is a good one, Newsom said.

Its going to be a heavy lift politically for state legislators to get it on a statewide ballot  opposition from many local officials is a certainty  and the potential cost is daunting. It could take years to implement.

In the meantime, there are Californians such as the mothers in Oakland who have an urgent need for a place to live. As symbolic as their stand has become  and as sympathetic as their situations are  no one should be under the illusion that vacant houses owned by speculators are a significant source of the problem or that confiscation of such is a potential route to a solution. In fact, California vacancy rates are quite low.

There is no escaping the reality that a dearth of housing production is at the core of the affordability crisis that is a major contributor to homelessness. Breaking down political and regulatory barriers to housing construction must be a high priority for the governor and Legislature.

As if Bay Area residents needed any more reminders about the extent and human cost of homelessness, none could be more stark than the sight of the Sheriffs Offices predawn raid to evict and arrest the Moms 4 Housing, complete with armored vehicles and officers in riot gear breaking in with a battering ram.

California needs to apply an equally determined show of force in addressing the roots of the crisis that is leaving these and other moms homeless.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
VALPARAISO  A 15-year-old Gary boy charged with murdering a Portage woman late last year has failed in his first attempt to block his murder case from being waived to adult court.

Porter County Juvenile Court Magistrate Gwenn Rinkenberger Thursday rejected an argument by the defense that the boy is not charged properly to qualify for a waiver and thus the prosecution's waiver petition should be dismissed.

Porter County Juvenile Public Defender Harold Harper argued the waiver statute in question allows for waivers only if the juvenile is "charged with an act that would be murder if committed by an adult." The boy, by contrast, is charged with aiding, inducing or causing a murder; murder in perpetration of a robbery (felony murder); and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.

Rinkenberger said the boy's charges amount to murder as is called for by the statute.

She ruled that past cases referred to by the defense in support of its argument do not apply to this current murder case.

The ruling sets the stage for a March 18 waiver hearing to go forward in juvenile court.
Future Group founder on Thursday said brick-and-mortar stores and digital retail have their own sets of advantages as well as challenges, and bringing in a hybrid model of 'phygital' can help businesses perform better.

Biyani, in a fireside chat at Amazon's SMBhav event, said physical and digital retail started in different eras but will eventually come together in the next 3-4 years.

"Physical has its own advantages and nuances and digital has its own advantages. Both of them came in different eras and they will meet, I think in next 3-4 years it will be 'phygital'," he said.

Interestingly, Amazon India and Future Group have entered into long-term business agreements for expanding the reach of the latter's retail stores and consumer brands through the former's online marketplace.

Future Group, which operates over 1,700 stores under various entities like Big Bazaar, EasyDay, Heritage Fresh, Nilgiris and WH Smith, attracts over 350 million footfalls across its retail network.

Biyani explained that physical retailers will need digital, while digital will need physical presence because of the costs related to acquiring customer and fulfilling orders.

"...ultimately, there will be a hybrid model which will help our business to perform better," Biyani said.

Noting that both the formats have their own challenges and advantages, he said digital platforms have a reach that physical formats do not. Brick-and-mortar stores, on the other hand, bring in customer interaction.

"...I think we need everything. I think the best is 'phygital' which is happening, and will happen in India much earlier," he added.

E-commerce has been growing at a phenomenal pace in India with Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart accounting for a lion's share of the market.

According to a report, India is among the fastest growing markets for the e-commerce sector and revenue from the sector is expected to increase to $120 billion in 2020 from $39 billion in 2017 - growing at an annual rate of 51 per cent.

While Amazon and Flipkart have been pumping in millions of dollars to boost the India business, many small traders have alleged that these players are offering deep discounts and indulging in unfair practices to gain market share.

The two players are also facing a CCI probe for alleged malpractices, including deep discounting and tie-ups with preferred sellers on their platforms.

However, Amazon chief Jeff Bezos - who is in India this week - on Wednesday announced a $1 billion (over Rs 7,000 crore) investment in India to help bring small and medium businesses online and committed to exporting $10 billion worth of India-made goods by 2025.

Before this, the online retail giant had committed $5.5 billion investments in India - Amazon's most important market outside of the US and a key growth driver.

On Thursday, Biyani also spoke of what he thought was his "craziest" mistake ever.

"I made two films that did not work. That was the craziest mistake I have made so far," he said. Biyani had produced two films - 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum' and 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne' in 2002 and 2003.

"I made two films in one year. The failure of these films taught me that don't get attached to what you create... The customer can reject you in an hour," he said.

Emphasising that making mistakes is also an important part of an entrepreneur's journey, Biyani said people need to learn from the challenges they face.
Kenneth Petersen, a 21-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of bias intimidation by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey

A Texas college student has been charged for making racially charged statements in a New Jersey area group chat where he suggested that 'all the black people at the school' should be shot.

Kenneth Petersen, a 21-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of bias intimidation by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey, according to a release.

Authorities first investigated the messages in May 2018 after a Northern Burlington High School student alerted authorities that someone she did not know had sent the message on the GroupMe app.

The group chat had been initially created to discuss senior pranks at the New Jersey high school.

The student told her teacher, who then notified police. Police were concerned with the message as it occurred around the same time as the school's graduation.

According to the release, the Mansfield Police Department provided increased security detail on the campus but authorities soon confirmed that the threat had come from out of state.

Investigation was launched in May 2018 after a Northern Burlington High School student alerted authorities about the message on her GroupMe app. Increased security was given to the New Jersey school (pictured) as they were gearing up for graduation

Police soon determined that the message had been posted by Petersen, who was attending a college in Texas at the time

Police soon determined that the message had been posted by Petersen, who was attending a college in Texas at the time.

It is currently unknown as to why Petersen targeted that particular group chat

Petersen - who identifies himself on Facebook as a Trump supporter - states on social media that he attended Tarleton State University.

The 21-year-old was arrested in September 2019.

It is currently unknown as to why Petersen targeted that particular group chat.

'There can never be any tolerance for racially-motivated threats like this and, especially during recent times when we have seen threats escalate to actual acts of violence, law enforcement must respond with the utmost seriousness,' Prosecutor Scott Coffina said.

'You cannot hide behind a cell phone halfway across the country while spewing such hatred.'
WABC-TV(NEW YORK) -- A Nashville woman filed a $5 million lawsuit against a former New York City police officer who broke into her home, threatened her and yelled racial slurs in the midst of a drunken rage.



Conese Halliburton, who is black, filed a federal lawsuit against Michael Reynolds on Wednesday, accusing him of charges including assault, trespassing and emotional distress.



While visiting Nashville for a bachelor party in 2018, Reynolds, who is white, kicked in Halliburton's door and screamed that he would "break every f------ bone" in her neck and called her and her children the N-word, according to the lawsuit.



"Approximately eight minutes after invading Ms. Halliburton's home, terrorizing Ms. Halliburton and her minor children, hurling racial slurs at them, and threatening them with deadly force, Officer Reynolds casually returned to the Airbnb where he was staying when it became clear to him that police were about to arrive," the lawsuit said. "Upon leaving Ms. Halliburton's home, a companion of Officer Reynolds yelled out and asked him: 'Did you make her strip?'"



Reynolds, who resigned from the New York Police Department earlier this month, was convicted on charges of assault and criminal trespassing in connection with the July 2018 incident. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years' probation in December after pleading no contest to four misdemeanors, according to court records.



An attorney for Reynolds declined to comment when reached by ABC News.



More than 10,000 people signed an online petition calling for his firing in support of Halliburton. Reynolds testified that he and his friends had been drinking before the incident. He could not remember how much he drank, but he said he entered Halliburton's the home by mistake, thinking that it was his rental property, according to court testimony.



"Ms. Halliburton hopes that ex-officer Reynolds has had some time to consider the consequences of his actions while serving his jail sentence," Daniel Horwitz, the woman's attorney, told ABC News in a statement Wednesday. "She also intends to continue pursuing this matter until Mr. Reynolds and the other officers who helped him try to cover up his egregious and criminal misconduct are held fully accountable."



Halliburton said the episode had left her and her children traumatized.



"My kids want to move. They don't want to be in that house anymore," she said at the officer's sentencing last month. "We don't have peace. To know that you've been living somewhere all your life, and you don't have that anymore, and where would you go, it's not fair."



"It's not fair that somebody can laugh in your face and their friends can laugh about it like it's a joke, and your life stops, and their life can keep on going," she added.



Halliburton is seeking punitive damages of $3.75 million and compensatory damages of $1.25 million, according to the suit.



Earlier this month, the NYPD revealed that Reynolds had been placed on "modified duty" in light of the ongoing case. It announced the officer's resignation, effective immediately, a few days later.



"He will receive no pension or health benefits, nor will he be allowed to carry a firearm," the NYPD said in a statement after the resignation. "His actions are wholly inconsistent with the values and standards the New York City Police Department expects and demands of its officers."

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
A north Alabama school district is closing some of its schools this week after a tornado caused heavy damage at an elementary school, the superintendent said.

A twister that forecasters determined was an EF-2 with winds up to 120 mph devastated Brindlee Mountain Primary School at Union Grove on Saturday. Ten classrooms, the gymnasium and cafeteria were destroyed, a weather service assessment said.

Superintendent Cindy Saye Wigley, writing in a public message on Facebook, said it was fortunate students werent in class at the time. Students and staff will have to be shifted to a middle school and high school, so all three schools will be closed this week, she said.

The Marshall County school board will meet on Monday to address the emergency and request state funding.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Education Alabama
A 14-year-old Kenyan boy named Isaiah Wanjala has thrown his village, Gidea into unwanted limelight after reports emerged that he offered to sell his kidney in order to fund his secondary school education.

According to Daily Nation, the boy decided to sell off his organ because he does not think his aged parents would be able to raise the fee.

Read Also: The Man With 6 Kidneys: Meet The Father-Of-2 Who Has A New Organ Transplant Every 5 Or 10 Years

Wanjala said; My aged parents are not in a position to raise my school fees as well as provide the basic needs for my younger brothers and sister.

Commenting on the boys move, his parents Rose Andisi and Fred Wanyonyi :

As a family, we are worried by his decision. We have tried to persuade him otherwise but he is adamant and determined to join his dream school. This is coming after the Kenyan government notified parents and guardians of the deadline for form one admission.
A couples argument in the waiting room of a Bethlehem area medical center ended in the parking lot with a woman beaten, police said.

Bethlehem Township police said the woman and Michael Harper, of the 1400 block of Presidential Drive in Whitehall Township, got into an argument on Jan. 9 while in the waiting room of Miller Heights Medical Center on Linden Street in the township.

The argument continued into the parking lot, where staff witnessed the 41-year-old Harper punch the victim on the side of her head, throw her to the ground and hold her there by the base of her neck, police said.

Harper reportedly said he was getting a gun to shoot the woman, then walked to his car and drove off.

The victim had redness and swelling on her head and neck, and blood in the one ear, police said.

Harper was arrested and charged the next day with aggravated assault, simple assault, making terroristic threats and harassment.

He is free after posting 10 percent of $100,000 bail on Sunday. Efforts to reach Harper for comment were not successful. An attorney has not yet entered an appearance in the case.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Motel 6, a leader in the economy lodging segment in the United States and Canada, today announced partnerships with Truckers Against Trafficking and New Friends New Life as part of the company's ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. These two partnerships come as the nation recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, which highlights the growing problem worldwide.

"We're deeply committed to the fight against human trafficking in all forms, and we continue to expand our efforts through new initiatives and partnerships," said Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Through vigilance, education, training of every single Motel 6 team member, and coordination with local, state and national organizations, we are focused on doing our part to battle this global problem."

Truckers Against Trafficking (https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/) is a national not-for-profit organization that trains members of the trucking, bus, and energy industries to assist law enforcement in the recognition and reporting of human trafficking, in order to aid in the recovery of victims and the arrest of their perpetrators. The organization created the Freedom Drivers Project, a first-of-its-kind mobile exhibit educating audiences about the realities of domestic sex trafficking.

"We are thrilled to welcome Motel 6 as a new partner and sponsor," said Laura Cyrus, director of corporate engagement for Truckers Against Trafficking. "We recognize the overlap between the work of our two entities, and the team at TAT is excited to see what we can accomplish together in the fight against human trafficking. As more professionals from both the transportation and hospitality industries are made aware of this crime and how to combat it, we know our combined efforts will have a meaningful impact."

Motel 6 will also begin a three-year partnership with Dallas-based New Friends New Life (www.newfriendsnewlife.org/) to support survivors of human trafficking through programs such as job training, interim financial assistance, education, mental health treatment, and spiritual support. The company's commitment includes financial support and in-kind donations, fundraising initiatives, and educational trainings and workshops.

"New Friends New Life is pleased to have Motel 6 joining in our efforts to combat human trafficking," said Kim Robinson, CEO of New Friends New Life. "The hotel and lodging industry can play a critical role in helping identify victims and in creating barriers for traffickers. Our partnership with Motel 6 will undoubtedly help change the lives of trafficking survivors here in Dallas and will impact survivors across the country."

Ongoing Commitment to Fighting Trafficking

These new partnerships further enhance the broader efforts by Motel 6 to combat human trafficking. In addition to working closely with local law enforcement and not-for-profits with expertise on the issue, Motel 6 has proactively introduced a range of internal initiatives emphasizing awareness, education, training, and survivor support. Additionally, the company has put in place a Rapid Response Team to address potential instances of human trafficking. To learn more about these initiatives, visit https://g6hospitality.com/about-us/combating-human-trafficking/.

About Motel 6

Motel 6 helps travelers save more for what they travel for with nearly 1,500 company owned and franchised locations throughout the United States and Canada. Motel 6 has used the tagline, "We'll leave the light on for you" for more than 29 years, earning the chain the highest brand recognition in the economy lodging segment. Motel 6 offers standard amenities including free Wi-Fi Internet access, free local calls, no long-distance access charges, free morning coffee and expanded cable channel line-up. Most locations offer swimming pools and guest laundry facilities. For more information, visit www.motel6.com.

About Truckers Against Trafficking

Truckers Against Trafficking is a 501c3 organization created in 2009 to educate, equip, empower and mobilize the members of the trucking, bus and energy industries to fight human trafficking as part of their everyday jobs. It does this by saturating the industries with TAT materials; partnering with law enforcement and government agencies to facilitate the investigation of human trafficking; and marshaling the resources of TAT partners to combat this crime. For more information, visit https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/.

About New Friends New Life

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers formerly trafficked and sexually exploited women, teen girls and children. By providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health and spiritual support, New Friends New Life helps women, teen girls and children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities. In 2019, NFNL served 372 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of human trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. More than 100 girls visited the YRC during its first year. In 2015, NFNL organized its Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. For more information, visit http://www.newfriendsnewlife.org.

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Italian Archaeologists Make 'extraordinary Discovery' At Assyrian Site in Iraq

A group of Italian archaeologists from the University of Udine in Italy has made significant progress at an ancient site in the Kurdistan Region's Duhok province.

Il Giornale Dell'Arte published some photos of the excavation site on Tuesday, describing the recent progress as "extraordinary."

The new discovery includes the uncovering of 10 new rock inscriptions that show "the Assyrian ruler Sargon in the presence of divinity," which date back to 705-720 BC.

The discovery took place along an ancient irrigation canal approximately seven kilometers long in the Faida district, located 20 kilometers south of Duhok.

The joint project, called "Land of Nineveh," began in August 2012 with support from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the University of Udine in Italy.

The group of archaeologists intend to make new discoveries during their excavation campaign in 2020 and apply for the site to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Il Giornale Dell'Arte said.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - TROUBADOUR RESOURCES INC. (TSXV: TR) (OTC Pink: TROUF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the recently completed four hole, 1,075m drill program on the Company's 100% owned Amarillo Project intersected large intervals of mineralization and alteration indicative of an alkalic porphyry system.

Key Highlights

Drilling encountered extensive lengths of highly anomalous copper, zinc, molybdenum, silver and gold in the three holes targeting the Trench Anomaly area;

The precious metal mineralogy in conjunction with the alteration is highly indicative of a fertile porphyry system;

The extent and zonation of mineralization is interpreted as the area between the inner propylitic and core of a porphyry system; and

In response to the drill results the Company has staked an additional 751 ha of prospective ground adjacent to the Trench Anomaly.

2019 Drill Program

A total of 693m of drilling in holes AMAR-19-006, 007, and 008 targeted a multi-tier 3D IP, magnetic and geochemical target in the Trench Anomaly area. Within a broadly mineralized zone the highest metal value interval graded 0.14% CuEq1 over 11.5m from 15.5m to 27.0m downhole in AMAR19-008. The copper mineralization encountered has a strong geochemical relationship to the gold and silver results, which suggests the system being targeted has a greater affinity to alkalic systems comparable to the Copper Mountain deposit rather than the nearby Brenda deposit as previously thought. This is further supported by a moderate to strong, phyllic and inner propylitic alteration suite being observed in 70% of the meters drilled at the Trench Anomaly target area.

"This is a significant turn-of-events for the Project and has proved the potential for a new hidden porphyry copper occurrence at Amarillo," stated Company President Geoff Schellenberg. "The positive results from this program will significantly help in vectoring and targeting our next drilling campaign in search for the higher-grade mineralized core of the system. Our work to date is only an initial foray and we have barely scratched the surface of the 1 km long Trench Anomaly."

The Trench Anomaly drill holes contained a variety of key geological indicators of porphyry systems including several lithologically-variable breccia zones where discrete intervals are host to disseminations of pyrite and chalcopyrite within both the clasts and matrix and a variety of partly sericitized porphyritic intrusive dikes of variable widths that are host to disseminated pyrite and finer chalcopyrite. This conceptually places the targeted area of this drill program above a buried intrusion and will aide in targeting for the Company's next drill campaign.

This stage of drilling has shown a significant improvement to the subsurface understanding of mineralizing processes within the Trench Anomaly target area. Of particular interest is the fact that the most anomalous results and alteration profiles occurs within 50m of the surface in the targeted area.

Based on the success of this drill campaign and valuable geological information gathered, the Company has staked an additional 751 hectares of prospective ground, increasing the size of the property to 5,449 hectares.

The remaining drill hole of the fall 2019 drill program, AMAR-19-005, targeted the CAP Anomaly, which is the highest IP chargeability identified on the property to date and encountered no detectable metal content that would explain the geophysical response.

AGM Results

The Company is also pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting of shareholders held December 18, 2019 in Vancouver BC. The shares represented at the meeting were 24.28% of the issued shares with all motions receiving unanimous support by the Company shareholders including the following:

Approval of the number of directors at four;

Election of all four nominees to serve as directors until the next annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company, or until their successors are elected or appointed. Directors elected are Gary Schellenberg, Geoff Schellenberg, Michael Sieb and Paul Chung;

Approval of the Company's stock option plan; and

The appointment of Davidson & Company, Chartered Accountants as the Company's external auditors.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank the shareholders for their ongoing and continued support.

Amarillo Project

The Amarillo project is host to some of the more prospective targets developed in this world class porphyry camp in decades. The multiple overprinting anomalies (e.g. soil geochem, prospecting and geophysical anomalies) established over the last couple of years, compound the potential for a major discovery.

The Amarillo Project consists of nine (9) mineral tenures totalling 5,449 hectares and is situated within the heart of a major mining district. The multi-element geochemical signature of the Amarillo Project is consistent with a large multi-phase mineralizing system and is acutely similar to some of the neighbouring mining operations including the Copper Mountain porphyry mine located 60km to the southwest and the past producing Brenda porphyry mine located 10 kilometres to the north.

Patrick McLaughlin, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

1Copper equivalent = Cu (%) + (Au (ppm) x 0.7815) + (Ag (ppm) x 0.00782) + (Zn (ppm) x 0.3636). Metal values used in the above calculation are USD $1500 Oz Au, USD $15 Oz Ag and USD $1 lb Zn. This method assumes full metal recoveries as metallurgical work has not been conducted.

For further information please contact:

Troubadour Resources Inc.

625 Howe Street, Suite 488

Vancouver, BC V6C 2T6

Geoff Schellenberg, President

Office: (604) 681-0221

geoff@troubadourresources.com

Forward Looking Information

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51551
By Trend

Joint working plans for 2020 were signed between Turkmenistan and UN organizations in Ashgabat on Jan. 14, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen government.

A number of annual working plans for 2020 were signed with UNICEF.

Among them are documents entitled "Improved legislative framework on the rights of the child" signed with the Turkmen parliament, "Survival and well-being of children" and Qualitative and inclusive early childhood education signed with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, "Improved social protection system for children" signed with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, "Enhancing access to qualitative data" signed with the Turkmen State Statistics Committee, "Coordination and monitoring of the rights of the child" signed with the Turkmen Institute of State, Law and Democracy, and Protection and promotion of the rights of the child signed with the Turkmen Office of the Ombudsman.

A number of annual working plans for 2020 were signed with the United Nations Population Fund.

Among them are Improving Youth Access to Reproductive Health Knowledge and Promoting Strengthening the System and Mechanisms for Promoting Gender Equality signed with the Turkmen parliament, Improving the Quality of Integrated Services in Reproductive Health and Disaggregated Data for Sustainable National Development signed with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, "Improving Youth Access to Reproductive Health Knowledge" signed with the Ministry of Education and "Promoting Strengthening of the System and Mechanisms for Promoting Gender Equality" signed with the Turkmen Institute of State, Law and Democracy.

The annual joint action plan for 2020 within the Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen government and the UN Office for the Coordination of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Preparedness, Response was also signed.

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Alphageo share price was locked in a 10 percent upper circuit on January 16 after the company received orders from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

The company has received notification of award (NOA) of contract from ONGC, Jorhat for the acquisition of 3D seismic data through outsourcing for "Bogapha Syncline" area of A&AA Basin for an estimated Rs 43.23 crore.

The other contract includes the acquisition of 3D seismic data through outsourcing for "Tichna" Area of A&AA basin for an estimated contract value of Rs 68.75 crore.

There were pending buy orders of 10,285 shares, with no sellers available.

At 1500 hours, Alphageo (India) was quoting at Rs 201.45, up Rs 18.30, on the BSE.
In a sharp attack on Pakistan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat said that terrorism will not end till the time there are countries which provide funding to it.

The future of terrorism is going to be as dirty as conventional combat. Terrorism is here to stay, so long as their are states who are sponsoring it, General Rawat said at Raisina Dialogue on Thursday.

War on terror will continue, and we will have to live with it until we get to the root of it, he added, saying that the best remedy to put an end to it is isolation. We need to isolate terrorism - you cannot have countries which are partnering with you in the global war on terror with you and are yet sponsoring proxies and terrorism. For this, an international messaging has to go - like blacklisting in FATF - it was a good measure, General Rawat said.

Watch: General Bipin Rawat lashes out at Pakistan for sponsoring terror

This is not for Pakistan, but for all the countries which are doing this, he added. General Rawat also said that the countries need to accept that yes, they are sponsors of terrorism. To say that they are not denying it, and that they themselves are the victims of terrorism cannot go on forever.

He also advocated a peace deal with the Taliban. You have to come to a peace deal with anyone, including Taliban. They (Taliban) need to understand that have to come to political mainstream, General Rawat said, adding that these negotiations should be for lasting peace and not temporary.

They were in power last time, but they had the power of the gun behind them, he added. You have to change the ideology behind the Taliban. Only then can you bring peace in the region, General Rawat said.

Pakistan is under diplomatic pressure to show progress on combating the menace of terrorism. The Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental organisation formed to check financial aid to terrorism, has asked Pakistan to show progress report on this front.

Pakistans Parliament narrowly passed a bill earlier thing month to allow the exchange of information and of criminals with countries - to meet a key requirement of the FATF. It approved amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Act and the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act.

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A Republican who donated thousands of dollars to Donald Trump has found himself at the heart of explosive new revelations surrounding the presidents impeachment after suggesting he placed the former US ambassador to Ukraine under surveillance.

Robert Hyde, a GOP candidate running for Congress in Connecticut, appeared to inform associates of the presidents personal attorney Rudy Giuliani that he was monitoring US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch as she travelled throughout Ukraine.

The findings were revealed this week in a series of WhatsApp messages between Mr Hyde and Mr Giulianis associate Lev Parnas, who shared a trove of documents with the House Intelligence Committee this week.

Mr Hyde apparently had his own associates in Ukraine tracking Ms Yovanovitchs movements before the president ordered her dismissal in May 2019. Some Republicans and allies of the White House had criticised Ms Yovanovitch at the time for reportedly blocking an investigation into one of Mr Trumps 2020 political rivals, Joe Biden, despite Mr Trump encouraging his Ukrainian counterpart to launch the probe.

They know shes a political puppet, Mr Hyde wrote to Mr Parnas. They will let me know when shes on the move They are willing to help if you/we would like a price.

In another message, Mr Hyde wrote: Guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money what I was told.

Another, to Mr Parnas, read: "They are moving her tomorrow. The guys over they (sic) asked me what I would like to do and what is in it for them. Wake up Yankees man. She's talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off. She's next to the embassy. Not in the embassy. Private security. Been there since Thursday."

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff released the messages on Tuesday and also said in a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler that there were additional call records with sensitive personal information that should be protected from public disclosure.

Story continues

Shortly after the release of the messages, an attorney for Ms Yovanovitch described Mr Hydes reported actions as disturbing and called for an investigation into his claims of tracking her.

Needless to say, the notion that American citizens and others were monitoring Ambassador Yovanovitchs movements for unknown purposes is disturbing, her attorney Lawrence Robbins said in a statement.

He added: We trust that the appropriate authorities will conduct an investigation to determine what happened.

When asked by CNN whether he planned to harm the then ambassador, Mr Hyde said: "No effing way." However, he declined to say whether he had had her under surveillance.

Before Tuesdays revelations, Mr Hyde was known in Washington as a relatively minor lobbyist who had donated to the president and other Republicans on Capitol Hill.

In an email to the Daily Beast, he insulted Mr Schiff and referred to Mr Parnas as a "dweeb".

He wrote: "How low can liddle Adam Bull Schiff go? I was never in Kiev. For them to take some texts my buddy's and I wrote back to some dweeb we were playing with that we met a few times while we had a few drinks is definitely laughable. Schiff is a desperate turd playing with this Lev guy. Have fun with your witch-hunt liddle Schiff."

Mr Hyde, a former US Marine who is thought to have served in the Iraq War, was also known for a crude tweet he posted against California Democrat Kamala Harris after she announced the end of her presidential campaign.

He was also detained at a resort owned by the president in Florida last year, Mother Jones reported on Tuesday.

Officials described him in a police report as a male in distress fearing for his life. According to the report, Mr Hyde explained that his computer was being hacked by Secret Service. He was reportedly held by police under a Florida law allowing officials to detain individuals who may pose threats to themselves or the public.

Read more

Giuliani assocaite requests release of 'voluminous' records to House
(Newser)  A 14-year-old lion at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago mysteriously fell into her enclosure's dry moat and died less than two weeks after her mate was put down for age-related issues, officials said. After the female African lion named Isis didn't show any signs of recovery from the 15-foot fall, the zoo's veterinary staff decided to euthanize her, the Chicago Tribune reported. Zoo staff said her death was unexpected, mysterious and especially difficult, the AP reports. The lion was fine when staff checked on her at 9am Monday, an hour before the zoo opened, but she was found unresponsive at the bottom of the moat a half-hour later, said William Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs. Her fall wasn't seen by anyone or caught on camera.

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The design of the moat allows a lion to climb back out on the habitat side, but Isis essentially didn't move during roughly 24 hours of treatment and observation before her death. Right now, it's just a tragic accident and we're trying to make heads or tails of it, Zeigler said. We don't really know what happened. Staffers who cared for the big cats watched Isis closely after the death of her longtime mate, Zenda, and although she did call out more frequently, Zeigler said she seemed to get over the death within a few days. At a tabloid (newspaper), it would be an anthropomorphic question" about whether Isis had somehow given up the will to live, Zeigler said. However, nothing in her behavior indicated that was the case. A CT scan showed that Isis had no broken bones but that she did have seizures indicating possible swelling of the brain. An autopsy will be conducted to determine what killed her.

(Read more zoo stories.)


Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that he supported a negotiated peace deal between the US and Taliban in Afghanistan. Gen. Rawat was speaking along with other world leaders at Raisina dialogue organised by India's influential think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).



Arguing that terrorism was going to stay in the world as long as states were going to use it against other states, he said it was important to prevent states from using terrorism as a "proxy war".



"The only way to deal with it was what the US did post 9/11," he said, adding that the war against terror was necessary.



However, now a peace deal with Taliban is required, Gen. Rawat said.



"It must be a negotiated peace deal so that the Taliban stops using terrorism," he added. Hinting that the US should maintain its presence in Afghanistan, the CDS said that though Afghan security forces are now equipped to fight back terror groups in Afghanistan but they still need support.



The newly appointed CDS officially confirmed that India has shifted its stance on Taliban. India has traditionally been opposed to the Pakistan-backed Taliban in Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans were given refuge in India when they fled the country due to oppression and terrorism of the Taliban regime. India is in alignment with the democratically elected government in Kabul that the Taliban remains supported by Pakistan.




One woman was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly threatening a man with a machete before engaging in a standoff with police on the Northeast Side, San Antonio police said.

The 41-year-old victim said that 36-year-old Kristina Nicole Davern allegedly woke him up just after 3 a.m. with a machete held to his neck, according to police. He said that he grabbed the machete by the blade and pushed it away from him before running out of the hose to call police, SAPD said.
Moraless call for creation of armed militias in Bolivia sparked outcry from the countrys interim government.

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday retracted his call for the organisation of militias in his home country after the comments sparked an outcry from its interim government.

A few days ago, my words about the formation of militias were made public. I retract them. My deepest conviction has always been the defense of life and peace, Morales said in a statement tweeted from Argentina, where he is living in exile.

Morales told Reuters News Agency on Sunday that Bolivians had the right to organise and defend themselves, without firearms, from what he said were attacks by Bolivias interim government, which he says took power in a coup late last year.

At the time, he confirmed that he was the voice in a recording played on Bolivian radio calling for the creation of armed militias as in Venezuela, but said he meant slingshots rather than guns.

Reafirmo mi conviccion mas profunda por la vida y por la paz. pic.twitter.com/RGeGuavSv8  Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) January 16, 2020

Translation: I reaffirm my deepest conviction for life and for peace.

The comments prompted Bolivias interim government to send a letter to Argentine Foreign Minister Felipe Sola, asking that Argentina disavow the comments made by Morales.

We have not received an answer yet, but in fact, there has been an indirect response, implicit, in the warnings that the government of Mr Fernandez has given to Mr Evo Morales, warning that he should lower the tone of his statements and should not make the kind of threats that clearly border on crime, Bolivias acting foreign minister, Karen Longaric, told journalists in La Paz on Thursday.

A spokesman for Argentinas foreign ministry declined to comment on whether the government had spoken to Morales about his comments.

Morales, a former coca farmer who led Bolivia for almost 14 years, resigned and fled his home country in November after political unrest sparked by his controversial election win broke out.

After initially going to Mexico, he moved to Argentina, where he has continued to play a key and vocal political role with his Movement for Socialism party before new elections called for May 3.

Argentinas centre-left Peronist President Alberto Fernandez, who was inaugurated on December 10, has previously supported Moraless rights to speak freely, though granting him asylum has created tensions between his new administration and the United States.
Stephen Colbert didnt even bother to hide his disbelief on Wednesday night as he displayed a copy of a note scrawled on stationery from the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Vienna. It was written by Lev Parnas, a former associate of President Donald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, and one line, in particular, caught the CBS hosts eye.

Next to an asterisk, Mr Parnas had scribbled, get Zalenksy (sic) to Annouce (sic) that the Biden case will be Investigated.

You dont write the crime down, you dummy, Colbert said, throwing up his arms in mock frustration. He later joked, It didnt help that the next note was Leave paper trail of impeachable offences and Steal Ritz-Carlton stationery.

The note is just one piece of documentation in a trove of materials Parnas supplied Congress that exposes new details about the efforts of Mr Giuliani and his associates to dig up dirt on former vice president Joe Biden.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

House Democrats released the collection of text messages and documents late on Tuesday, just days ahead of Trumps impeachment trial opening in Senate. Their contents have already been described as ridiculously incriminating and a bombshell.

On Wednesday, hundreds more pages were made public by the House Intelligence Committee.

But for Colbert and his fellow late-night hosts, this weeks cache served a different purpose: providing the comics with ample fodder to tear into the apparent bumbling nature of Giulianis shadow Ukraine campaign, which is now at the centre of Trumps impeachment.

When it comes to Trump crime, the scale goes, incriminating, very incriminating, ridiculously incriminating and Rudy on merlot, Colbert quipped.

Comedy Central host Trevor Noah was equally bewildered by the Parnas documents, specifically a May 2019 letter from Giuliani, in which he requested a meeting with Ukraines then-President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky, specifying that he was acting with Trumps knowledge and consent.

Seriously? They wrote down the plot of their crime and then kept it? an incredulous Noah asked. That is a literal paper trail. Why would you do that?

Only Donald Trump would hire henchmen who are also into scrapbooking, Noah said. Theyre like a bunch of criminal Martha Stewarts  also known as Martha Stewart.

The materials provided by Mr Parnas, who has pleaded not guilty to federal campaign finance charges, included pages of text messages and handwritten notes documenting his involvement in successful efforts to have Marie Yovanovitch fired as the US ambassador to Ukraine.

The texts largely captured conversations between Mr Parnas and his associate, Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate from Connecticut who is the newest player to emerge in the unfolding drama. In messages, Hyde repeatedly called Yovanovitch a b***h and suggested that he had her under surveillance in Ukraine.

Please spell-check your hateful misogynist threats, Colbert said after reading one of Hydes texts in which the Republican candidate misspelled Trumps name as Trumo.

You sound dumber than Trumo, said Colbert.

Lev Parnas arrives at federal court for an arraignment hearing on October 23, 2019 in New York City (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Describing one of the documents as a crime to-do list, the host said Parnas had written, Do my magic and cut a deal.

He calls committing crimes, Doing my magic? Colbert said, before speaking as Parnas: Believe me, when I do my magic people disappear. Abra-cadaver, ta-dead!

On NBC, Seth Meyers also offered a blunt assessment of Mr Parnas and Mr Hydes ability to be criminals.

Trevor Noah above mocks the note on NBCs The Late Night show

These guys are a lot dumber than the criminals on TV, Meyers said. Those criminals are always using burner phones and switching cars, meeting in back alleys. In real life, these guys were texting each other and putting up posters on telephone poles that said, Looking for thugs to do crimes. This is for Trump as citizen, not as president. He is my friend. Here is picture of us.

Meanwhile, Mr Parnas was implicating the president and the vice president, Mike Pence, in an explosive interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow that aired on Wednesday night. The sit-down was broadcast not long after House Democrats released the second collection of materials from Parnas: pages of photos, messages and calendar entries showing how he used his connections within the Trump world to carry out the Ukraine dealings.

In the interview, Parnas asserted that President Trump knew exactly what was going on, adding, He was aware of all my movements. Parnas also claimed that Pence knew about the efforts in Ukraine.

Trump has not publicly commented on the materials released this week or Parnas MSNBC appearance. But by late Wednesday, the interview had gone viral, with some suggesting wishfully that it could mark the beginning of the end of the Trump administration. Soon, President Pelosi, referencing Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, was trending on Twitter.

Just finished (Maddows) interview, one person tweeted. So what time does President Pelosi take the oath of office?

The Washington Post
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore into Facebook on Thursday, telling reporters that the social media company does not seem concerned with fighting disinformation ahead of the 2020 election.

"The Facebook business model is strictly to make money," she said of the company, which has an office in her San Francisco district. "They don't care about the impact on children. They don't care about truth. They don't care about where this is all coming from. And they have said even if they know it's not true they will print it. I think they have been very abusive of the great opportunity that technology has given them."
Instagram is walking back its decision to restrict a digitally altered picture that third-party fact-checkers labeled as 'fake' after backlash.

The image in question was a popular edit of a photo taken in California's Death Valley that was originally captured by a photographer named Christopher Hainey and altered by Ramzy Masri.

Instead of depicting the National Park's actual beige rolling hills, the image was doctored to make the geography appear rainbow.

Instagram filtered out an image (pictured above) that had been digitally altered after it's algorithm detected that it had been flagged by fact-checkers. Now the platform reversed the flag after 'feedback from the community'

In a statement following the removal of the image, Instagram said it fact-checked the fact-checkers and has decided to reinstate

'Upon feedback from the community, NewsMobile [an Instagram fact-checking partner] reviewed the fact-check and have changed their rating,' an Instagram spokesperson told The Daily Beast.

'Now that the fact-check is removed, its no longer being labelled on Instagram as false.'

According to an initial report from PetaPixel, an algorithm introduced by Instagram in December which is designed to mitigate the spread of fake images, was the culprit behind flagging the image.

Photographer Toby Harriman was the first to document the phenomenon and noticed noticed the image had been restricted for 'false information.'

Interesting seeing this pop up for the first time when scrolling the main Instagram feed. Looks like Instagram x... Posted by Toby Harriman on Friday, January 10, 2020

After clicking through a warning label to view the underlying content, Harriman noticed that the walled-off content wasn't propaganda, but photograph which has been edited to depict a rainbow of multi-color hills.

As reported by The Verge, the photo in question had been flagged by a fact-checking website as false causing Instagram's algorithm to kick in, meaning it wasn't the fact that the image was doctored, but that it had been reported to a fact-check that caused the restriction.

Critics of Instagram's decision to block the image worried what the implications were on digital artists who use tools like Photoshop to manipulate pictures.

For instance, if an artist's photo is shared on the platform enough times, it's possible for the image to spiral beyond the creator's control, increasing the chance it will be reported as fake.

In the event that an image is flagged as fake, Instagram's restrictions all but kill the chance that it will be viewed by others on the platform.

Another image (pictured) was also flagged by Instagram for being flagged as 'fake' by fact-checkers

In addition to being hidden behind an extra screen that requires users to click-thru to see the image, it is also then removed from Instagram's trending content and explore page.

Instagram initially said it stood by the decision to filter out the content, telling The Verge: 'We will treat this content the same way we treat all misinformation on Instagram.

'If third-party fact-checkers mark it as false, we will filter it from Instagrams recommendation surfaces like Explore and hashtag pages.'
Part I of a series

RAPID CITY  A lawsuit filed in October in the Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation scandal that defrauded retirement trust funds of $43 million, alleges three law firms and several individuals involved, failed to perform their due diligence in the issuance of worthless bonds and is waiting to go to trial.

The Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation , located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as one of the poorest areas in the Nation, was the victim of a complicated scheme orchestrated to use these unsica (poor) people as a front to enrich themselves.

The main perpetrators were caught and are currently serving federal jail time for securities fraud

However the trust funds that were bilked out of $43 million believe more individuals and several law firms are culpable in the scheme and have filed suit.

Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation: A mounted bison graces the community hall in Wakpamni Lake.

The case, filed by Chicago Transit Authority Retiree Health Care Trust and the Board of Trustees for the Chicago Transit Authority Retiree Health Care Trust (RCHT) is aimed at the law firms Dilworth Paxson, LLP; Timothy Anderson; and Greenberg Traurig, LLP

According to the brief filed on October 18, 2019, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois County Department, Law Division the lawsuit arises from the Defendants' participation in, and assistance with, the issuance of $43 million in worthless bonds (the "Bonds") to unwitting public pension funds, including RHCT. The Bonds were not part of a legitimate public finance project, but rather a criminal scheme to enrich several individuals connected to the Defendants, including well known fraudster, John Galanis, his son, Jason Galanis (collectively, the "Galanises"), and fly by-night tribal financiers, Steven Haynes and Raycen Raines, the latter allegedly was romantically involved with the Greenberg partner [Heather Dawn Thompson] representing the issuer during the transaction.

According to the lawsuit Heather Dawn Thompson, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, who once served as a federal prosecutor and currently a partner at Greenberg Affiliated in their Denver office, was hired in 2014 by Raycen Raines the CEO of the WLCC to represent them in bond transaction.

The brief states, In or about May, 2014, [Timothy] Anderson informed Raines that he would be representing the Galanis's and their companies in the bond transaction, and not his former client WLCC. As a result, Raines needed to find separate counsel to represent WLCC.

Heather Dawn Thompson ("Thompson") is a partner with Greenberg affiliated with its Denver office, but lives in South Dakota near or on the Oglala Sioux's Pine Ridge Reservation.

Thompson, who specializes in matters related to tribal law and economic development, served as Greenberg's primary client relationship attorney for the bond transaction.

Thompson was allegedly dating Raines, WLCC's CEO, at the time Greenberg represented WLCC in the Wakpamni bond transactions, and the two are now married.

Thompson was assisted by two partners from Greenberg's Denver office: Michael McGinnis and Jennifer Weddle. McGinnis is an experienced bond lawyer and member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

According to the lawsuit Raines had previously incurred criticism for being involved in what was termed predatory lending practices in the set-up of online payday loan companies which allegedly put him at odds with the leadership of the Oglala Sioux Tribe

Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at production@nativesunnews.today

Copyright permission Native Sun News Today

Greenberg Traurig

The Greenberg Traurig firm has issued a statement in connection with the lawsuit. It follows:

"The fraud perpetuated against WLCC was a tragedy for all. WLCC was a victim of the fraud and its attorneys did not assist the fraud in any way. That is shown by the fact that neither WLCC or its attorneys were charged in the criminal proceedings against the wrong doers who have pleaded guilty.

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The fall that killed Gabriel Seth Brutley happened on a lift designed for freight, not humans.

Brutley was inside a Pilgrims Pride poultry plant in Guntersville on Jan. 6, riding a material lift similar to an elevator that moves tools and goods up and down. Few details about the fall have been made public, but it resulted in injuries that killed the 35-year old employee.

When news of the death broke, Debbie Berkowitz of the National Employment Law Project took notice.

I Immediately recognized it as one of the plants USDA allowed to increase line speeds, Berkowitz said.

Berkowitz and NELP have been on the front lines of efforts to block speed increases at poultry processing plants, which already have higher-than-average rates of worker injuries. In her position as the worker health and safety program director at NELP, Berkowitz collects OSHA reports on serious injuries inside poultry plants. And she had several in her database from the same Pilgrims Pride plant in Guntersville.

Records Berkowitz obtained from OSHA show four workers have suffered major injuries at the Pilgrims Pride plant in Guntersville since 2016.

Pilgrims Pride is one of the largest chicken producers in the United States, with headquarters in Brazil and several processing facilities in Alabama. The chicken industry is big business in Alabama  which is second only to Georgia in the number of broilers, or chickens for eating, produced each year. The area around Guntersville sits in an area where chickens vastly outnumber residents.

Any previous issues that have taken place at the facility  four in 10 years  have been resolved in coordination with OSHA to enhance safety at the Guntersville plant, said Nikki Richardson, a spokeswoman for Pilgrims Pride. They are completely unrelated to the tragic accident that recently took place. Line speeds also in no way impacted this incident, as it did not occur on the production floor. Pilgrims safety experts have been on site to investigate and implement any necessary corrective actions to help prevent an accident like this from happening again.

None of the previous accidents were fatal.

In February 2016, a worker taking product off the test line lost the tip of his thumb when a piece of machinery unexpectedly activated. Officials from OSHA fined the company for violating workplace safety standards.

In July 2017, another worker tripped over the leg of a stand and fractured his left hip  an injury that required hospitalization. That incident did not trigger an inspection from OSHA, which lost dozens of inspectors that year due to cuts implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Six months later, in early 2018, machinery amputated the thumb of another worker while he replaced the chain on a piece of equipment. He was hospitalized and the injury was reported to OSHA, which did not inspect the facility.

Inspectors returned to the plant in March 2019 after an ammonia leak in October 2018 triggered a fire and evacuation. They found two serious violations, defined as one with a substantial risk for death or physical harm, related to chemical handling and fined the company $13,000.

Even after all that, in April 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture gave Pilgrims Pride permission to increase line speeds to 175 birds per minute  up from 140. The increase means workers must inspect three chickens a second. Two serious accidents followed, but neither occurred on the production line.

Less than three months before Brutleys death, a worker fell 8 feet while assisting a contractor. He broke his left elbow and wrist and sustained a head injury that required hospitalization, according to OSHA records.

On Jan. 6, Brutley lost his life. Agency officials have opened an investigation into Brutleys death, according to a spokesman who said he could not provide any additional information. Investigations can take several months, Berkowitz said.

Berkowitz said increased line speeds put pressure on all workers in the facility, which can lead to accidents like the one that killed Brutley.

Workers are hurt a lot in poultry plants, but it is rare for them to be killed in poultry plants, Berkowitz said.

Workplace safety advocates from NELP and the Southern Poverty Legal Center have opposed line speed increases, arguing the changes endanger workers in an already perilous industry. A report from Human Rights Watch found that employees of meat and poultry plants suffer some of the highest rates of occupational injury. Amputations and other serious injuries sent them to hospitals at a rate of one almost every other day between 2015 and 2018, according to the report.

Were really concerned that many of the plants that have been allowed to increase line speeds already have a history of serious worker injuries, said Julia Solorzano, staff attorney for the SPLC.

Solorzano said she doesnt know the details surrounding Brutleys death. But OSHA reports have shown that line workers arent the only poultry plant employees at risk of serious injury.

Its a highly dangerous industry in a climate of deregulation, and we are very concerned that could lead to more injuries or even deaths, Solorzano said.

Berkowitz said chicken producers should do more to improve safety, and that OSHA should hold them accountable for injuries and deaths caused by unsafe working conditions. But the agency faces obstacles under Trump, she said. The number of OSHA inspectors is at a 40-year low, according to research by NELP. Workplace inspections have also become less frequent since 2015  down an average of 6,099 inspections every year compared to the first half of the decade.

Workers get killed from unsafe conditions, and employers have a responsibility to keep workers safe, Berkowitz said.
Christopher Tolkien, the son of the writer J.R.R. Tolkien, who guarded his legacy and brought forth monumental posthumous works, like The Silmarillion, based on his fathers writings, died on Thursday in Provence, France. He was 95.

His death was confirmed by Daniel Klass, his brother-in-law.

For nearly 50 years after his father died in 1973, Mr. Tolkien worked to keep alive the world he had created in The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1949)  the spiders of Mirkwood, the Eye of Mordor, the elves of Rivendell and thousands of pages worth of other characters, places and plot twists. In all, he edited or oversaw the publication of two dozen editions of his fathers works, many of which became international best sellers.

Mr. Tolkien was his fathers literary executor but played a far more expansive role than that title usually implies. While the elder Tolkien was writing The Lord of the Rings, he was also creating a vast world of legends and mythologies that he hoped would accompany the book. But he was a notorious perfectionist and was never able to put this work in publishable form before he died.

His son spent four years organizing and compiling those myths and legends, publishing them in 1977 as The Silmarillion.
The countrys top FMCG stocks, such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Nestle, Britannia, Godrej Consumer Products, and Dabur, among others, are currently trading at around 41x their trailing 12-month earnings, down from their peak P/E multiple of around 48x at the end of December 2018.

Stocks of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms have begun losing some of their sheen, as volume growth slows in the industry.

There has been sharp decline in the valuation premium that FMCG stocks enjoyed over the broader market, even as investors fret over the industrys earnings trajectory, given a broader slowdown in consumer demand.

The price-to-earnings (P/E) premium of FMCG stocks over the Nifty is now down to an 11-year low of 16.5x, from 22.6x a year ago.

In the last 12 months, there has been de-rating of FMCG stocks on the bourses, against a P/E expansion in the broader market.

Volume growth in the industry - that was 11-12 per cent till a year ago - has now shrunk to 6-7 per cent for most FMCG firms.

"This raises a question mark over their ability to generate strong double-digit growth in earnings, leading to some sell-off in richly valued FMCG stocks, says Shailendra Kumar, chief investment officer, Narnolia Financial Advisors.

The countrys top FMCG stocks, such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Nestle, Britannia, Godrej Consumer Products, and Dabur, among others, are currently trading at around 41x their trailing 12-month earnings, down from their peak P/E multiple of around 48x at the end of December 2018.

In the same period, the NSE Nifty50 companies trailing P/E multiple is up is nearly 150 basis points (bps) to 26.7x, as the index made a fresh new high.

As a result, the FMCG premium over Nifty50 in terms of P/E ratio declined to a 35-quarter low or nearly an 11-year low of 14.5x.

Such a low premium was last seen during January-March 2011, when the market rally was more broad-based and the overall corporate earnings were growing in strong double digits.

At its peak, the top average P/E ratio in the FMCG sector was nearly twice that of Nifty stocks.

For example, FMCG stocks in the Business Standard sample were trading at a P/E ratio of 46.6x during the June 2018 quarter, against the Niftys average trailing P/E ratio of 22.8x in that quarter.

As their valuation contracts, FMCG stocks are not leaders on the bourses for the first time in years.

There was little contribution from the FMCG stocks to the incremental rise in the broader markets in the past 12 months.

The top eight FMCG stocks in the Business Standard sample added only around Rs 21,000 crore, or 1.8 per cent to their combined market capitalisation (m-cap) since December 2018.

In contrast, the index companies combined m-cap is up by Rs 12.2 trillion, or 15.5 per cent during the same period.

According to Kumar, the broader market is now being led by lenders, especially corporate banks.

Investor money is now moving to cyclical corporate banks, such as ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Axis Bank. Investors believe the worse is behind them, given a steady decline in their bad assets ratio and some recoveries.

"They are expected to report faster earnings growth, says Kumar.

Consumer stocks were the top gainers in 2018 with a 22.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in their m-cap, following 32 per cent YoY gains in 2017.

In the same period, the Nifty rose 3.2 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively.

For others, it is part of a cycle that occurs in every rally.

There was lot of risk aversion till recently and investors sought safety in steady earnings growth and debt-free balance sheets that FMCG stocks provided.

"Risk appetite is now back, and investors are betting on sectors and stocks with beaten-down valuations, G Chokkalingam, founder and MD of Equinomics Research & Advisory Services, said.

According to him, the risk on trade favours mid- and small-cap stocks, besides many front line and large-cap stocks that saw huge value erosion in 2019.

Photograph: PTI Photo
Protest follows self-exiled leaders insistence in recent audio recording that The Gambia guarantee his right to return.

Thousands of supporters of The Gambias former leader Yahya Jammeh have demonstrated on the outskirts of the capital Banjul, demanding his return from self-exile.

The protest on Thursday came days after Jammeh was heard in an audio recording insisting that the West African state guarantee his right to return.

Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years but fled in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to a relatively unknown Adama Barrow.

Calls for his return from Equatorial Guinea have grown recently as tensions heighten over Barrows decision to stay in office for five years  reversing a previous pledge to step down after three.

On Thursday, thousands of supporters of Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party gathered in Sukuta, a town 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Banjul.

We need him 100 percent. We are ready to die for him, Ismaila Colleyk, a 26-year-old protester, told AFP news agency, referring to Jammeh.

Before Jammeh left here for exile, there was an agreement for him to come back into the country after three years.

Thousands of Gambians protested last month, demanding Barrow step down, and similar protests are planned for January 19 or 20.

Barrow supporters have also held counterdemonstrations.

Right to return

The former presidents supporters argue that he has a right to return under a joint statement from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, published at the time of his exile.

The organisations committed to working with the government to ensure Jammehs security and rights, in particular, his right to return.

Maimuna Jaju, a 23-year-old businesswoman, told AFP news agency that people were experiencing hardship under Barrow.

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This is why we want former president Jammeh to come back and take over the mantle of leadership, she added.

In the audio recording issued by Jammehs political party last week, the former leader said he supported Thursdays protest.

The fact of the matter is to meet the authorities and make it very clear to them that the agreement must be implemented, Jammeh said in the recording.

Barrows cabinet has said Jammeh can return as a citizen, but cannot run for president again.

Jammeh is accused of numerous human rights abuses.

Since January 2019, about 190 witnesses have appeared before a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission set up to investigate abuses under his rule.
A Delhi court on Thursday granted regular bail to Irshad Ali, one of the accused in the Seelampur violence case.

Ali was granted bail by the court of Additional Sessions Judge Lalit Kumar. Twelve out of the 16 accused in the case have been granted bails earlier.

Court has now granted bail to 13 accused out of 16 so far in the Seelampur violence case on a surety bond of Rs 15,000.

On Wednesday, Delhi's Karkardooma Court had granted bail to 10 people while two have already been granted bail on medical grounds earlier.

Additional Sessions Judge Lalit Kumar said, "The policemen injury is normal as per the MLC report. Apart from this, nothing has been proved on the basis of police CCTV footage. It has been a month since the accused people have been kept in jail but neither the Delhi Police nor the Crime Branch have been able to prove the culprit."

Zakir Raza, the lawyer for the accused persons in this case, told the court during the hearing that the police had registered a false case of Article 307 on them.

"The police had picked up people from the house in Seelampur area and arrested them in the afternoon while the FIR was lodged at night. The police threw tear gas in the area and arrested the injured people who were going for treatment," said Raza during the hearing.

"Police wants to prove that these people have committed violence by showing broken glass in place of violence in the name of evidence," he added.

On January 2, court of Chief metropolitan magistrate Vinod Kumar Gautam extended the judicial custody of 14 accused persons till January 16. Two of the accused in the case were granted interim bail on medical ground earlier.

On December 31, Delhi court had granted bail to two accused persons who were arrested after a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the Seelampur area.

The Delhi Police had arrested 16 people during the protest on December 17. Subsequently, the court sent them to 14-day judicial custody a day after.

They were arrested after a protest in Delhi's Seelampur area turned violent. The protesters had allegedly clashed with policemen and vandalized three buses during the protest. Many people were also injured in the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in the United Arab Emirates on a working visit, met with Executive Director of Tawazun Economic Council Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, the Armenian Presidents Office told Armenpress.

Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) was founded in 1992 in Abu Dhabi. Its an industry enabler responsible for the creation and development of a sustainable defense and security industry in the UAE. Tawazun serves as a catalyst for economic growth for the enhancement of the defense and security industry.

At the meeting the Armenian President and the Tawazun CEO continued their previous discussions on cooperation areas and the agreements reached during the Council delegations visit to Armenia.

Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani said they expect practical, fast, long-term and productive cooperation and plan to open their representative office in Yerevan in the future.

The sides touched upon the cooperation opportunities in new technologies, startups, education, scientific-research fields, in particular the implementation of joint programs within the frames of the new Armenian presidential initiative ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) dedicated to science and technology development.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan






KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian police said Thursday they have opened an investigation into the possibility that the U.S. ambassador came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before she was recalled from her post in May.

The announcement came two days after Democratic lawmakers in the United States released a trove of documents that showed Lev Parnas, an associate of President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, communicating about the removal of Marie Yovanovitch as the ambassador to Ukraine.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, during the second public impeachment hearing of President Donald Trump's efforts to tie U.S. aid for Ukraine to investigations of his political opponents. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry, which runs the police forces, said in a statement that Ukrainian police "are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States."

"However, the published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state," the statement continued.

"Our goal is to investigate whether there actually was a violation of Ukrainian and international law, which could be the subject for proper reaction. Or whether it is just bravado and fake information in the informal conversation between two U.S. citizens," the ministry said.

The Interior Ministry also said it has requested the FBI provide relevant materials. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov "suggested that the U.S. side take part in the investigation," the statement said

In another move touching on the Trump impeachment, Ukraine said it was opening an investigation into reports that Russian hackers gained access to computers of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Hunter Biden, the son of Trump opponent and former U.S. vice president Joe Biden, was on the board of that company. The impeachment inquiry began with allegations that Trump had tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy into investigating Burisma by withholding promised military aid.

The FBI has been invited to take part in the Burisma hacking investigation, the ministry said.

By YURAS KARMANAU, The Associated Press

More: Are you ready for the 2020 presidential race? | Battleground Pa. podcast
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: After embarking on a mega conservation project for Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar, Odisha Government has initiated the process to enact a special legislation for management of the 11th century shrine.

The legislation is being enacted on the lines of Shree Jagannath Temple Act. As of now Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri is governed by the Special Act, but all other temples are managed as per the provisions laid down in Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Act.

The members of the Committee constituted for enactment of the special legislation met recently to finalise the modalities and select a team of advisors who will guide them in the process. Principal Secretary in the Law department Sashikanta Mishra chaired the meet.

The Committee selected a three-member panel of advisors comprising former administrator (Niti) of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Hrusikesh Tripathy, former Collector of Khurda Narayana Chandra Jena and former member of Shree Lingaraj Management Trust KC Badu to discuss the proposed legislation.The Committee also approved inclusion of former administrator of SJTA Mahimohan Tripathy as a special invitee and take his suggestions if needed. It was first meeting of the committee. Along with the selection of advisors panel, possible provisions to be included in the legislation were also discussed. It was a preliminary discussion. The next meeting is scheduled on January 31, said a Law department official.

The decision to enact a Special legislation for Lingaraj Temple was taken following repeated demands from temples servitors to regulate the affairs of the shrine. They claimed that property of the temple is being encroached upon in the absence of a special legislation.

The temple has around 1500 acre in various parts of the State and the land in most of the places are under encroachment. Though the State Government has started eviction of encroachment around the temple, the Special Act will help in management of property.
By Trend

Ukraine and Azerbaijan are two friendly countries, which have never had any serious issues with each other, Vadym Tryukhan, the Ukrainian diplomat and political analyst, told Trend.

Threats and challenges that both countries face are mainly of the same nature, the analyst noted.

Strategic goal is the restoration of territorial integrity, and this brings together both states and both peoples, said Tryukhan.

The analyst also noted huge potential for cooperation between the two countries adding that it primarily includes energy sector, agriculture and military-industrial sphere.

The Ukrainian diplomat also noted that trade between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, which reached nearly $900 million in 2018, is far from the figure that can be achieved.

Tryukhan added that the trade turnover between the two countries over the next five years can actually reach $2-3 billion.

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan were established in February 1992. Ukraine is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, and both states are members of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova).

Azerbaijan holds an important place in Ukraines foreign policy, which, first of all, is conditioned by wide opportunities in the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, trade, economic, fuel and energy, transport spheres, the analyst added.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
After courting controversy over his statement of 'Indira Gandhi meeting underworld don Karim Lala', Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in his defence has now changed the image of Karim Lala from an underworld don of yesteryears to a leader who worked for the welfare of Pathans. He said that not just Indira Gandhi but several politicians used to meet Karim Lala.

READ | Sanjay Vs Sanjay: Furious Nirupam Hammers Raut For Saying Indira Gandhi Met Gangsters

"Karim Lala was a leader of an organization called Pakhtun-e-Hind which worked for the welfare of Pathans in India. He had come from Afghanistan and he was associated with Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan. He used to meet then Prime Minister Indira Ji and several other politicians. His home was filled with photographs of him with several politicians."

After angering the Congress with his comparison, Raut said, "If someone misinterprets my statement or puts it in a misleading way then it is their political compulsion. I have always respected Indira Ji, Pandit Ji, Rajiv Ji and all our leaders. Congress leaders should especially know that whenever people used to comment or even till date if anybody comments on Indira Ji, I have always stood for her when Congress has stayed quiet".

The Shiv Sena MP has also taken to Twitter to defend his statement.

READ | Satara Shut Down, Sanjay Raut's Name Emblazoned On Donkey For Questioning Shivaji Heir

Kareem Lala was leader of Pathan community, he led an organisation called 'Pakhtun-e-Hind'. It was in this capacity of the leader of Pathan community that he met several top leaders including Indira Gandhi

However, those who do not the history of Mumbai, r twisting my statement  Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) January 16, 2020

READ | 'Did BJP Apologise To Maharashtra For Udayan Raje's Defeat?': Sanjay Raut

In another tweet, he lauded the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who imposed emergency, calling her the iron lady.

I have never shied away from praising Indira Gandhi as an iron lady who took decisions with iron fist. Surprisingly those who do not history of Indiraji are shouting on top of the voice. @AUThackeray@RahulGandhi @SATAVRAJEEV @  Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) January 16, 2020

WATCH | Sanjay Raut Confronted On Cong Neta's 'Keep Uddhav Happy Or He'll Resign' Warning

Raut's statement

In an interview with a local Marathi news agency on Wednesday, Raut claimed that Indira Gandhi met with underworld don Karim Lala. Talking about the past influence of the underworld over Mumbai, he claimed that the underworld decided who will be the city's commissioner and in the state secretariat. Moreover, he claimed that the entire secretariat would meet don Haji Mastan when he was in town.
Ohio public school funding was declared unconstitutional more than two decades ago. Rather than fixing this problem, which has caused discriminatory funding across the state, the legislature has compounded the inequity problem by an ill-conceived, underfunded, and recently expanded EdChoice Scholarship voucher program, costing local public-school districts and overburdening local property taxpayers.

What the legislators fail to realize is that, in addition to building a shared civic culture, a robust statewide public school system that attracts new businesses and population is critical to the economic vitality of Ohio. The legislature needs to fix the problems with the EdChoice Scholarship Program before the Feb. 1 deadline for the next school year and then address the unconstitutional funding of our public schools.

Cristine C. Rom,

Cleveland Heights
WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is resuming operations against Islamic State militants in Iraq and is working to soon restart training Iraqi forces, U.S. officials said Wednesday, despite deep divisions over the American drone strike that killed an senior Iranian commander in Baghdad and the resulting missile attacks by Iran on Iraqi bases.

One official said some joint operations between the U.S. and Iraqi forces have already begun, but there are not yet as many as before. The official said details are still being worked out to restore the training of Iraqi forces, but that could happen relatively soon.

Relations with Iraq were fractured after the U.S. launched a drone strike near Baghdads international airport on Jan. 3 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The Parliament later voted to expel U.S. forces from the country and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Washington to work out a road map for a troop withdrawal. The U.S. flatly rejected that request and has not moved to pull the more than 5,000 troops out.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss decisions not yet made public.

One official said military leaders have discussed the resumption of operations with the Iraqis, but its not clear who was involved in those talks or whether Iraqi government leaders are publicly endorsing the move.

Iraqi leaders were angry about the American drone strike and the retaliatory attacks by Iran. Iranian missiles struck Al-Asad Air Base last week, and hit near another base, but warnings sounded and no one was killed or injured.

Iraq officials, however, called the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani an unacceptable breach of Iraqi sovereignty. That strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. And thousands of anti-government protesters turned out in Baghdad and southern Iraq, with many calling for both the U.S. and Iran to leave their country.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, dismissed the calls for American troops to leave, saying the forces are critical to the fight against the Islamic State group.

We are happy to continue the conversation with the Iraqis about what the right structure is, Pompeo said during one White House appearance last week.

Tensions in Iraq had been spiking since late December, when a rocket attack at a base in northern Iraq killed one American contractor. The U.S. blamed Iran-backed fighters and quickly struck back. American airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed militia at five sites in Iraq and Syria, including weapons depots and command and control bases.

Over New Years, hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen attacked the highly fortified American embassy compound in Baghdad. The Pentagon deployed hundreds of additional troops to the region, and scaled back military operations and training inside Iraq.

U.S. officials have said they believe Iraq is also interested in resuming the training, which has been going on since 2015, after IS began taking control of large swaths of Iraq and Syria. More details, including increased security for U.S. and coalition forces, are still being discussed.

The New York Times first reported the resumption of joint military operations.
has set an target of Rs 40,000 crore over the next three years which will make the state among the top ones in the sector, state Industry and IT minister Amit Mitra said.

In 2018-19 exports from the state's IT sector was Rs 22,897 crore as compared to Rs 8356 crore in 2010-11, he said.

Speaking at an event organised by TiE here, he said "I am setting a target of IT exports from the state at Rs 40,000 crore in the next three years" and it will catapult to being one of the top states in terms of IT exports.

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) is a not for profit organisation which fosters entrepreneurship through networking, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Mitra said that bank lending in the MSME sector this financial year will touch Rs 70,000 crore, up from Rs 55,000 crore last fiscal.

He said that in 2019-20, Bengal's state gross domestic product will be double of that of the country.
A corpse in a body bag was left lying in the middle of a busy junction after falling out the back of a hearse.

The footage was recorded in San Antonio de Padua in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the video, the black body bag can be seen on the carriageway at a cross-section of road as dozens of cars attempt to edge past it.

One man in the background can be heard laughing as he says: 'The deceased fell.'

The driver of the hearse then comes back into sight from the left-hand side of the screen after realising that his cargo is missing.

He reverses closer toward it with the boot wide open in an attempt to retrieve it.

One of the men then gets out of the vehicle and hurries toward the stretcher that the body is rested on.

The footage was recorded in San Antonio de Padua in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the video, the black body bag can be seen on the carriageway at a cross-section of road as dozens of cars attempt to edge past it

A police officer, who has been watching on, jogs out into the road help him raise the stretcher off the ground.

The corpse is rolled back toward the car before a third man joins to manoeuvre it back inside and the video ends shortly afterwards.

Residents have repeatedly complained about the state of the road in that area but it is unclear why the body fell from the hearse, according to local media reports.

The footage was shared online where social media users were quick to comment.

The driver of the hearse then come back into sight from the left-hand side of the screen after realising that his cargo is missing. He reverses closer toward it with the boot wide open in an attempt to retrieve it

One, Roxana Garay, commented: 'It looks like a comedy movie. I hope the poor family was not told how their relative was treated.'

Another, Mary Medina, said: 'Thank God it was dead! What a lack of responsibility.'

It is unclear if the body was being taken to a funeral and it has not been identified in reports.
Previous owner Ronald Pavelka will be back to help, said new owner Can Lao. As will all the bakers. Lao plans to reopen sometime by the beginning of February, he said, but definitely by Paczki Day. This year thats Feb. 25.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing. (PHOTO: Screengrab from Gov.sg YouTube channel)

SINGAPORE  Singaporeans five, permanent residents (PRs) one  thats the ratio of how new jobs were distributed among Singaporeans and PRs between 2015 and 2018.

Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing revealed the data during an interview on Thursday (16 January) with mainstream media on the Economic Development Boards performance for the past year. He said that of the nearly 60,000 new jobs created for the local workforce between 2015 and 2018, about 50,000 went to Singaporeans and about 9,000 went to PRs.

This trend looks set to continue. Chan added that the majority of the over 32,000 jobs that are created by new investments in 2019 will go to Singaporeans.

Currently, there are six Singaporeans to each PR in the entire workforce.

This is the first time that the minister is revealing these employment figures after a recent heated debate in Parliament. Workers Party chief Pritam Singh had repeatedly grilled him about the breakdown of the overall number of new jobs that went to Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners in Parliament on 6 January.

In response, Chan had then questioned the point behind the Aljunied GRC Member of Parliaments queries while adding that the government had nothing to hide and could provide the numbers, though figures were not revealed during the parliamentary session.

During Thursdays interview, Chan said that the slightly stronger employment growth for PRs should be expected, given very simple reasons.

"Because we pre-select the PRs, it would not be surprising that in some sectors, the PR performance is just slightly better than Singaporeans," he said. He added that Singaporeans should be worried if the reverse was true.

On the other hand, the Singaporean workforce is made up of a wider age group of between 20 to more than 60 years old.

I know how some opportunists will want to stir and say, Why is the outcome for the Singaporeans worse than the PR and worse than the foreigners?, Chan said.

Story continues

Chan also revealed that there are three resident workers, comprising Singaporeans and PRs, for every one foreign worker.

The 3:1 ratio does not take into consideration jobs that Singaporeans are unlikely to take, such as construction and domestic work. If such jobs were to be included, the ratio is 2:1.

He also pointed out that the proportion of foreigners is higher in sectors that are fastest-growing such as infocomm technology. There is a global shortage of such people. That's why we can expect some sectors to have a higher foreign complement than others, he said.

Chan also reiterated a point he made in Parliament  while some foreigners are in jobs with higher positions and better pay than local employees, the latter group is taking over these jobs over time.

He also explained about the possibility of a lower unemployment rate among foreigners compared to Singaporeans and PRs.

"The truth of the matter is if a foreigner is unemployed, why would we allow the foreigner in Singapore? So the unemployment rate for foreigners in Singapore must be zero," Chan said.

Have a tip-off? Email us at sgnews.tips@verizonmedia.com. In your email, do provide as many details as possible, including videos and photos.

More Singapore stories:

Singapore drew S$15.2 billion in investments in 2019, beating EDB's estimates

Judge denies SDP application for POFMA case to be heard in open court

Undergrad accused of illicitly filming women blocked from leaving Singapore but gag order maintained

Caregivers with intellectually disabled siblings showcased at MINDS film festival
Delegates to the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting Plus Working Group pose for a group photo. (Photo: VNA)

The senators comprise Jim Risch and Cory Gardner from the Republican Party, Bob Menendez from the Democratic Party, who is also Chairman and a ranking member of the Senates Foreign Relations Committee, and Ed Markey, also from the Democratic Party, Chairman and a ranking member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.

In a press statement issued on the day, they also thanked Thailand for its effective stewardship in 2019.

We look forward to a fruitful year of collaboration that leads to concrete progress on the most critical issues for ASEAN members and the entire Indo-Pacific region. The time is ripe to realise the ASEAN Economic Community, build capacity in the industries of the future, and posture ASEAN as a driver of regional economic growth. ASEAN members, including Vietnam, have demonstrated a willingness to stand up for freedom of navigation and international law in the East Sea, they said.

They expressed hope that Vietnam will exercise this type of leadership and cooperating with its ASEAN partners on these issues in the coming year, especially as ASEAN and China negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

ASEAN is an important partner to the US, the senators said, stressing their commitments to deepening this relationship, starting with the US-ASEAN Special Summit.

The senators said they look forward to supporting the many promising US-ASEAN initiatives underway, including those authorised by the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act.
JSW had moved competition watchdog alleging Asian Paints threatened various dealers from dealing with the company.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a probe against Asian Paints for allegedly using its domination of the market to hinder the entry of JSW Paints.

The latter had alleged that Asian Paints warned dealers in Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu from any dealing with JSW.

The office of the director-general at CCI will investigate.

The Commission is of the view that evidence provided by JSW Paints is prima facie sufficient to indicate that Asian Paints denied (it) access to the distribution channels in the relevant market by threatening and coercing such dealers through various means," goes the CCI order.

JSW is the first local player in years to enter the Rs 50,000-crore overall paints market.

Part of the Sajjan Jindal-led group, it had announced its foray into this market last year with a portfolio of 1,808 shades, all priced at Rs 477 a litre.

JSW has said it aims at a paints turnover of Rs 600 crore this financial year and of about Rs 2,000 crore annually in two to three years.

Supplying to JSW Steel alone is expected to give it around half the latter target.

The order is self-explamatory, said a JSW spokesperson.

An Asian Paints spokesperson said: "We will take appropriate legal recourse and extend full cooperation to CCI regarding the matter.

JSW Paints says Asian Paints threatened dealers with stoppage of supplies and an end to discretionary discounts, among others.

These restraints appear to be in the nature of exclusive supply agreements and refusal to deal, it alleged.

Its complaint also snotes Asian Paints has the highest market share and there have been no new players in this sement for 10 years.

A strong dealer network is the backbone of the paints business.

For new entrants, building a dealer network would be a challenge.

"Dealers could be reluctant to hold their stock, as product offtake could be limited, despite higher margins, observes Abneesh Roy, senior vice-president at brokerage Edelweiss.

Photograph: Reuters
A journalist, Maxwell Nashan, who worked with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has been hacked to death in a bush on the outskirts of Vunokilan, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Locals said some female farmers found the victim tied, with his mouth sealed and cuts on his body.

The women then contacted operatives of the civil defence who rushed to the scene.

He reportedly died on the way before reaching the hospital, sources said.

One of his colleagues, Fidelis Jocktan, said the victim, who was preparing for his wedding, was picked by his assailants at his residence in Bachure area.

They did not take anything from his house. They took him away and dropped him near the station tied up and unconscious.

There are signs of beatings and cuts on his body. Some women going to the farm saw him and reported to civil defence operatives at the station who rushed him to hospital, Mr Jocktan said.

Confirming the development to NAN, the Adamawa Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Donald Dedan, said Mr Nashan died at the hospital.

Mr Dedan urged the police and other security agencies in the state to fish out the killers.

He decried the growing cases of insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry in Adamawa.

When contacted, the Adamawa police command spokesman, Suleiman Yahaya, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to get full details.
Russian human rights advocates to work on proposals for Constitution amendments

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:51 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  Members of the Presidential Council for Human Rights have come into the working group on the development of proposals for amending the Russian Constitution, according to information published on the advisory bodys website.

Namely, Deputy Chair of the Council Irina Kirkora and other members, President of Rusfond charity foundation Lev Ambinder, ombudsman of the Sverdlovsk Region Tatiana Merzlyakova and the head of the journalists' union Vladimir Solovyev, have entered the group.

On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin signed an order on the creation of a working group for drafting amendments to the Constitution following his annual address to the Federal Assembly.

Chairman of the Federation Councils Committee for Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrey Klishas, Chairman of the State Duma Committee for State Building and Legislation Pavel Krasheninnikov and Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Talia Khabriyeva are billed as co-chairs of the group.




Mary Munoz, Senior Managing Director at Ziegler, commented it has been exciting to work with this wonderful team of the SF Zen Center, Kendal and Greenbrier Development to create what will be a truly unique offering in the life plan industry and in California..."

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of Enso Villages $12,350,000 Tax-Exempt Series 2019 Bond Anticipation Note (BAN), to Zieglers knowledge the first BAN ever issued in California.

The Kendal Corporation and San Francisco Zen Center have come together to create Kendal at Sonoma, a California not-for-profit corporation which will develop and own a new Zen-inspired life plan community to be known as Enso Village. Enso Village will be located in Healdsburg, California, in the Northern California Sonoma County wine country. The community, which will be welcoming to all, will include 200 market-rate independent living apartments, 20 below-market rental independent living apartments to accommodate certain retired Zen teachers with significant tenure, 30 assisted living apartments and 24 memory care suites. The project is currently in the pre-development stage and is expected to break ground in 2021.

The proceeds of the Series 2019 Bonds will be used to repay a $1 million Series 2018 taxable pre-development loan, finance the acquisition, development and construction of the project, and fund costs of issuance. The Series 2019 BAN was placed directly with a San Francisco-based family office interested in the sustainability aspects of the project design.

Kendal and San Francisco Zen Center are committed to creating a community rooted in the fundamental values of kindness and compassion and to building residences with a simple, beautiful aesthetic yet following the ecological principles of living lightly on the land, said Stephen Bailey, Kendals Senior Vice President, New Business & Development. The community will be designed to meet the highest level of environmental standards while maintaining high standards of design and simplicity.

Mary Munoz, Senior Managing Director at Ziegler, commented it has been exciting to work with this wonderful team of the SF Zen Center, Kendal and Greenbrier Development to create what will be a truly unique offering in the life plan industry and in California. I first connected with Susan OConnell of the Zen Center over 10 years ago and heard her vision for this community. We are excited to see such a positive response from prospects and look forward to bringing the permanent financing at the earliest opportunity.

Ziegler is one of the nations leading underwriters of financing for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:

Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. We have a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales & trading and research. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This clients experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
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Introduce requirements for pregnant sex doll design

Dean, who was twice divorced, also showed how his favorite doll, how to balance it with all his 12 "lady", and how they helped him through the difficult times in this exclusive clip! They have a strict policy not to produce male sex doll based on someone s appearance without their permission. I offer comfort ": sex doll makers reproduce life-size dolls of deceased loved ones

He then showed the audience the company's "most popular" dolls, including a Japanese sex doll called "Violet," which allows visitors to taste what they expect when they arrive. After proudly pointing to the company's framework media articles, he then walked into the lab. He said that five years ago, if someone told him that he would live with 12 character dolls, he would laugh at it. But today, he cannot imagine doing anything else. Dean said he chose to live with sex dolls because he knew he had been for a long time and lacked the companionship he wanted. He is very interested in companionship.

He chose not to describe in detail the request he received to design a Pregnant sex doll. However, the sex doll producer revealed in 2017 that the late actress Marilyn Monroe topped the list of celebrity requests they received. Stanley showed a sample of a basic model sex doll on stage, which is available for purchase. Schofield questioned whether people asked for the service. Stanley said: "Yes, I have actually accepted it. Loneliness is a huge problem in the UK and I think one of the most surprising aspects of this industry for me is that it is really not all shabby And sex,

During the symposium, a worker visited their factory to participants through a video link. He explained: "We have a lot of very great things going forward and we have vision." "So with vision, they will have three-dimensional space and facial recognition capabilities, which will bring a range of other options. For everyone to come That said, it's very exciting because the real sex doll robot successfully stands out. The customers who received them are satisfied with them so we will see that we can move it further. "

Owner Randy told CTV News that Natel charges $ 250 and can be careful when sending it out. He also said that although they encouraged the use of protective gear, sex doll had to be thoroughly cleaned. The company uses a five-step process and uses ultraviolet light for processing. But some people have opposed it. The Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter calls it "inhumane." Production manager Mike Wilson first talked to attendees at the reception in the US office, which were decorated with doll frames.

The website states: Our vision for GYNOID doll is to regulate the fact that people desire and healthy sexual desire is normal. The use of artificial objects is a way for people to exercise any fantasy and desire in a controlled environment. Dolls come with a personal profile and backstory. Ski instructor Anastasia, recently retired from the army, Lara and the only Cameron on the roster.

http://news.abc24.it/news/pregnant-sex-doll-helps-him-fill-the-gap-in-life.html

https://www.urdolls.com/love-doll-c-58.html
Festus Akinbusoye: The scandal of rising assaults on police officers. And what must be done to help reduce them.

Festus Akinbusoye is Chairman of Milton Keynes Federation and was 2015 Parliamentary candidate for West Ham. He runs his own business.

A police officer is assaulted every two minutes in England and Wales. Figures for 2018/19 show 30,977 were reported, of which, more than 30 per cent resulted in an injury. This is a near 20 per cent increase on previous year, but a whopping 70 per cent increase since 2011.

Other measures indicate this is a gross underestimation of the reality  with officers calling for urgent assistance 82 times a day. Though the law was changed in 2018 increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting an emergency worker from six to twelve months, we must do more than this in protecting those who are there to protect us. Here is why.

Home Office figures published last year show that 9,427 officers joined one of the 43 Forces in England and Wales in 2018/19. Over the same period, 8,727 left the service. To put it more simply, 92 per cent of the new entrants are replacing those that are leaving. I am informed that two-year attrition rate of new recruits is approximately 40 per cent in some areas.

Admittedly, some of these officers are leaving after decades of gallant service, while a very small number leave simply because they do not meet the professional standards required for policing. However, and as I found out while on a twelve-hour night shift in Luton with two brilliant and dedicated officers a few weeks ago, I can say some are disillusioned by what the role has become, which is a far cry from catching criminals. But theres more.

A few days before that night shift, two female police officers were assaulted in broad day light while members of the public watched, and others filmed the attack. The quick response of Bedfordshire police officers nearby helped to apprehend the attackers. If I were a potential recruit witnessing such a scene, and how seemingly defenceless these officers were, I might think twice about putting in an application.

Home Office from 2018/19 s indicate that 2,370 officers are on long term sick leave and a Freedom of Information request by Channel 4s Dispatches found that 500,000 days of sick leave were taken by officers due to mental health related issues. A Cambridge University research study of 17,000 officers found that 43 per cent reported sensing heightened levels of threat to themselves because of their exposure to traumatic incidents, including personal assaults while on duty. One-third of those surveyed suffered from flashbacks, which could have an impact on performance or longevity in the job. The research did find that 34 per cent of police officers who were forced to retire on health grounds did so due to mental health issues.

Each officer that is off work due to physical or mental injury suffered by an assault on the job, is one less bobby on the beat to help arrest the 200 per cent increase in county line drugs gangs.

As alluded to above, the law has already been strengthened by increasing the maximum sentence for anyone found guilty of attacking a police officer and other emergency service workers. However, it is not unusual for such perpetrators to walk away from court with a suspended sentence or a 80 fine for choking and attempting to gouge out the eye of an officer as was the case recently.

Day to day experience of our front-line officers indicate that many see it as part of the job to be assaulted, which contributes somewhat to the under-reporting of such incidents. It need not be so. I do not believe it good enough for anyone to go to work expecting to be kicked, spat at, stabbed or run over by a car. Nonetheless, our policemen and women go about their jobs daily, knowing the risks involved but hoping to win the day as law enforcement officers.

Sadly, this is not always the case, but it takes a toll eventually. Police and Crime Commissioners, working closely with Chief Constables play key roles in supporting officers through such difficult experiences and I am aware of one such force where this is happening. We need a standardised support protocol to be in place.

I very much welcome the governments funding of tasers for officers which was recently announced. This provides a much safer tool for officers in maintaining law and order, compared to the use of a truncheon or other restraining techniques. The role-out of body worn cameras will be more effective if magistrates were required to view footage during prosecution of cases of assaults on a police officer.

Perhaps we need to move towards a mandatory minimum sentence to send a clearer message. Lastly, this tide cannot be stemmed by legislation alone. It is imperative that we begin a wider societal discussion about respect for the police and other emergency service workers as integral parts of maintaining the democracy and freedoms we all cherish.
At the beginning of this month, President Trump stated that his administration did not seek regime change in Iran. Now, according to Trump support for protesters could backfire (Page A4, Jan. 15), the president is personally exhorting the Iranian people to rise up and be heard as their protests against Irans shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet have intensified.

Funny, but that sounds like an attempt by Trump to foment unrest in order to create regime change in Iran. Here are two words that certainly cant be used to describe Trumps foreign policy objectives: consistent or coherent.

Richard Fairchild, Walnut Creek

Jarring disconnect

To illustrate Downside of a decade of boom (Page A17, Jan. 12), several weeks ago, a Lamborghini was parked right outside my apartment building. Several days ago in the exact spot, sat a nondescript car with a mattress tied to the roof, blankets covering the windows from the inside. Someone or two or three people were sleeping inside. The disconnect between the two lives represented by these two cars was jarring. I thought of the Joads and Rose of Sharon from Grapes of Wrath.

Jeannine Toussaint, San Francisco

Responsible management

Delta island sinking amid habitat battle (Page 1, Jan. 13) highlights an important issue: finding balance between wildlife habitat and agriculture in the face of a changing environment. However, it incorrectly maligns The Nature Conservancys management of Staten Island. Demonstrated across three weeks of testimony, TNC has successfully managed Staten Island since 2001 to protect vulnerable sandhill cranes while respecting farmers livelihoods. Staten Island is part of the Pacific Flyway, a critical area where millions of birds stop to rest during migration. Unfortunately, much of their habitat has been lost to development or agriculture. Our mandate is to protect bird species while working cooperatively with farmers to implement wildlife-friendly agricultural practices. Two decades later, the crane population now thrives. Environmental issues in the Delta are complex  from changing agricultural practices to land subsidence to sea level rise.

As TNC continues to manage Staten Island and its levees, weve conducted scientific research to help address these, while testing crops like corn, wheat and rice that can be valuable food for birds. We work with the community to balance wildlife and farming. Were confident as the case plays out, the facts presented reinforce our science-based, responsible management of this ecologically important place.

Mike Sweeney, San Francisco

Ongoing problem

Regarding The suspect next door: A gruesome murder (Page 1, Jan. 12): Thank you to Matthias Gafni for his in-depth reporting of the arrest and incarceration of an innocent man in Sutter County. There is national attention on problems of false arrest and overcharging in the South. It is important to remember that poorly trained, poorly supervised and ignorant police and prosecutors exist in California.

The fact that the case against Michael Patrick Alexander is not closed, despite overwhelming exculpatory evidence, is indicative of an ongoing problem in this county that should be addressed by the voters.

Mia James, Santa Rosa

Expensive sushi menu

As a Japanese American citizen who enjoys consuming raw fish, I looked with eager eyes at a news story called N.Y. sushi veteran opens own spot (Business, Jan. 15). Then, when I read that a new restaurant, Sushi Shin, would be serving omakase, a meal consisting of a couple of small plates and about a dozen pieces of nigiri for $130 in my hometown of Redwood City, I stopped feeling so eager. While restaurant owner Jason Zhan might believe that the Bay Area is lagging behind New York when it comes to sushi, it certainly isnt lagging behind when it comes to expensive menu prices.

Takeshi Hashimoto, Redwood City

Get homeless off the streets

Regarding San Franciscos never-ending Struggle to rescue neediest homeless (Page 1, Jan. 13): The comment of Erik Deiters really stood out when he said of unhoused methamphetamine users that I dont think the system even knows how to handle this population. Well, the same can be said of course about all the homeless people living in filth and squalor on the streets, which is also now destroying the city for us all. Heres one suggestion on how these so called experts can deal with it: Get them off the streets, then try to treat whatever problems led them to this sorry state.

But no one should be allowed to live on the streets whether they desire it or not! Its that simple and to continue to enable this bad behavior will only further perpetuate their problems and invite more of the same.

Nick Yale, Oakland

Governments efficiency

Regarding Study basic economics (Letters, Jan. 15): The author states, The idea that somehow government is a more efficient spender of those tax dollars is laughable. I would simply ask if he feels that he, or I, individually would be a more efficient procurer of aircraft carriers, builder of bridges and dams, or funding agency of the Apollo program that ushered in the computer age? If its not him or I, then who? Perhaps a committee of our peers that we vote on.

Charles Ward, Concord

GOPs fear of democracy

What are they afraid of? Why is Senate Majority Leader McConnell so afraid to allow testimony or evidence at President Trumps impeachment trial. Are GOP Senators afraid of Trumps wrath? If he has nothing to hide, if Trump did nothing wrong, he can clear everything up by offering to testify himself. Maybe he could bring those tax returns he promised to share while hes at it. Why is McConnell afraid to allow votes in the Senate on so many bills passed by the House, including crucial election security bills? Why are these cowardly Republicans so intent on making it harder to vote in national elections? What is becoming more clear is that the Republican Party is afraid of the will of the people and afraid of democracy.
[January 16, 2020] SpinLaunch Receives Additional Investment of $35 Million From Formidable Group of Investors, Bringing Total Investment to Date to $80 Million

Jonathan Yaney, Founder and CEO of SpinLaunch, Inc., has announced that the company has received an additional investment of $35 million for continued development of the world's first kinetic launch system, designed to provide the lowest-cost, environmentally responsible orbital launch system to serve the rapidly growing small satellite industry. The responsive launch system utilizes a large mass accelerator to provide on demand launches of small satellites in virtually any weather at an order of magnitude lower cost and higher frequency than any existing or proposed launch system. Investors include Airbus Ventures, GV, KPCB, Catapult Ventures, Lauder Partners, John Doerr (News - Alert) and Byers Family. The funds from this investment will be used to scale the SpinLaunch team and technology and continue to build out SpinLaunch's new corporate headquarters in Long Beach, California, and complete the flight test facility at Spaceport America in New Mexico. "Our team at SpinLaunch greatly appreciates the continued support of this formidable syndicate ofinvestors, who share our vision of enabling low-cost and frequent launch of imaging and communications constellations that will protect our planet and humanity." said CEO Yaney. "Later this year, we aim to change the history of space launch with the completion of our first flight test mass accelerator at Spaceport America."



In January 2019, SpinLaunch relocated to a new 140,000 square foot facility in Long Beach, California, and funds will be used for the buildout of this corporate headquarters and investing in equipment and machinery to be a world-class R&D manufacturing facility. In addition, the company is hiring additional talent for both its Long Beach headquarters and Spaceport test facility. First flight test is expected later this year. SpinLaunch is reimagining space launch by revisiting fundamental physics and leveraging proven industrial technologies to create a system that accelerates the launch vehicle to hypersonic speeds using ground-based electricity. Applying the initial performance boost from a terrestrial-based launch platform will enable the company to provide a substantially lower cost launch to orbit, multiple times per day.

SpinLaunch was founded in 2014, by Jonathan Yaney, who serves as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Yaney is a 1,000+ hour pilot and serial entrepreneur with 15 years' experience founding companies in IT, construction, consulting, and aerospace industries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005780/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
This is part of a three-year plan to upgrade roads across Egypt

Egypt will allocate an additional EGP 2 billion (approximately $126 million) in the current fiscal years budget for road development in several govenorates, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said.

Part of the funds will be directed towards roads connecting cities within the same govenorate, with some projects having already been launched, the cabinet quoted Madbouly as saying in a statement.

The move is based on the directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis to draw up a plan to upgrade roads in govenorates, starting from the current fiscal year that began last July and extending for two more years.

Some EGP 4.17 billion (approximately $263 million) was earmarked for the development of around 2,000 roads across the country in the current fiscal year, before the approval of the additional funds, according to local development minister Mahmoud Shaarawi.

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Robert D. Hays, Jr., chairman of King & Spalding, described Rosenstein as an exceptional trial lawyer, strategist, and leader who has unquestioned integrity and toughness.

Rosenstein emphasised the firms bipartisanship as key to attracting former top government lawyers. The experienced lawyer, who has worked with many current and former firm lawyers in both Republican and Democratic administrations, said that the firm stood out to him while choosing where he should pursue his private practice because of its long and distinguished record of success in courts, its focus on helping clients resolve complex and sensitive matters in the US and beyond, and its inclusive and collaborative culture.

Rosenstein joins a long list of former senior officials of the US Department of Justice who have joined King & Spalding. The firm has attracted the likes of Sally Yates, former deputy US attorney-general; Zachary Fardon and John Horn, former US attorneys; Alicia OBrien, former associate deputy attorney-general; and Zack Harmon, former FBI chief of staff.

The firm also recently added Dan Coats, former US director of national intelligence, as well as Stephen Vaughn, acting United States Trade Representative (USTR) and former general counsel of the USTR.

Rosenstein earned his economics degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. He earned his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He clerked for Judge Douglas Ginsburg of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in 1989 before joining the US Department of Justice in 1990, starting at the prestigious Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division.
A nonpartisan U.S. Congressional watchdog says the administration of President Donald Trump violated federal law by withholding security assistance to Ukraine.



The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a January 16 report that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violated the law last year when it withheld the aid that had been appropriated by Congress -- a key focal point of the impeachment proceedings into Trump.

The nine-page report, written by the agencys general counsel Thomas Armstrong, concluded that the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law.



It further said the OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA).... The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA.



Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is granted the power of the purse, and the president, as the executive branch of government, is given a narrow scope in ignoring appropriations mandated by lawmakers and passed into law.



The report was released just hours before the Senate was sworn in to start the impeachment trial of Trump, who is accused of abusing the power of his office for personal gain and obstruction of Congress.



The two articles of impeachment specifically relate to Trumps dealings with Ukraine.



They include holding up $391 million passed by Congress in military aid for Ukraine, a move allegedly intended to pressure Kyiv into investigating political rival Joe Biden, the Republican presidents potential Democratic opponent in the November 3 U.S. election.



It remains unclear how the watchdogs report will affect the impeachment trial given that the ground rules havent been determined by the Republican-controlled Senate, including what, if any, new evidence will be admissible during proceedings.



Although the GAOs findings arent legally binding, its reports are considered reliable and the agency is viewed as the federal governments preeminent auditing agency.

Based on reporting by CNN, Reuters, AP, and dpa
In the first two years of the Trump administration, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the late ruler of Oman, confronted a stark situation: Iran-backed Houthi rebels were fighting on his doorstep in Yemen, Israel was attacking his Palestinian allies, and Washington was largely giving up on diplomacy in the Middle East.

Instead of seeking refuge in the Saudi Arabia-led alliance of Sunni Gulf states, the veteran leader did something different. First, he invited the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, to his palace in Muscat. Then, he welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Yossi Cohen, the head of the Mossad, Israels spy agency, for a formal state visit.

In almost any other Arab country today, hosting the leaders of both the Jewish State and the Islamic Republic would be unthinkable. For Qaboos  who died on Jan. 10 after running his country for nearly 50 years  this was simply a way of reinforcing Omans status as the regions most ambidextrous conciliator.

Though he remained little known outside diplomatic circles, Qaboos was, for much of his long career, an indispensable linchpin of the international order. In recent years, he often seemed like a throwback to another era.
The Donald Trump administration abruptly canceled four classified Iran briefings on Capitol Hill this week and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo refused the Houses request that he speak at a public hearing on the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

Brian Hook, Trumps special coordinator for Iran, and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker were initially scheduled to brief the Republican-controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Iran on Wednesday, but abruptly canceled. Politico reported the same day that the State Department also canceled another classified briefing in the Democratic-held House on embassy security, as required by law every month. The embassy security briefing was initially expected to focus on Burundi, but staffers had requested a broader briefing on the impact the Soleimani strike would have on embassy security. Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Pentagon canceled a briefing that was scheduled today for the House Armed Services Committee, while the FBI canceled an Iran counterintelligence briefing for lawmakers.

The abrupt cancellations come after Pompeo rebuffed the House Foreign Affairs Committees request that he testify on Iran and the Soleimani strike during a public hearing Tuesday, citing time constraints. Toward the end of the hearing  which featured no one from the Trump administration  Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., noted, Secretary Pompeo doesnt have the time to come to this committee, but while were holding this hearing, he did have time to go on Fox News.

Why it matters: Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and CIA Director Gina Haspel did hold classified briefings for all lawmakers last week. That was not enough to dissuade the House from passing a war powers resolution directing Trump to disengage from unauthorized hostilities against Iran. Politico also reported Wednesday that the US intelligence community has asked Congress not to hold its annual public hearings on worldwide threats  where Iran features prominently  for fear of angering Trump, as occurred last year when intelligence officials "presented findings that diverged from the presidents statements."

Furthermore, Wednesdays classified briefings were also set to occur the same day as a partisan House vote to transfer the articles of impeachment to the Senate, setting the stage for Trumps trial to begin today. On Tuesday night, the House Intelligence Committee also released a trove of documents implicating Trumps associates in the alleged surveillance of Maria Yovanovitch, when she was the US ambassador to Ukraine.

Whats next: Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., announced earlier this week that he has enough Republican votes to pass an Iran war powers resolution in the Senate  mirroring the House vote last week. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., has also committed for there to be a vote on a measure to defund offensive military action against Iran and a repeal of the 2002 Iraq war authorization, which the Trump administration used as the legal justification for the Soleimani strike, at the end of the month.

Know more: Read congressional correspondent Bryant Harris story outlining how Congress multiple Iran votes reflect the growing clout that the Congressional Progressive Caucus  which includes presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.  have on foreign policy.
Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash arrives at court in Vienna, Austria, February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader

Thomson Reuters

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday night, Rudy Giuliani's associate Lev Parnas said he sought to broker a deal with Ukrainian energy tycoon Dmytro Firtash.

He claimed that he wanted US corruption charges against Firtash dropped in exchange for information that would damage the credibility of the Mueller probe, and help digging up dirt on Joe Biden.

Firtash has been fighting extradition from Austria since March 2014 at the request of US authorities. He has strenuously denied bribery charges that have been filed against him.

He was regarded as a key ally of pro-Russian Ukrainian President Yanukovich before his ouster, and has been accused of links to "top tier" organized crime by prosecutors in the US.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In an explosive interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas discussed at length what he says was a previously unknown attempt to secure the help of a Ukrainian oligarch in the hunt for damaging information on top Democrat Joe Biden.

Parnas spelt out an attempt to broker a quid-pro-quo with oligarch Dmytro Firtash, in which he apparently requested that an extradition order for him to return to the US was quashed in return for information that would damage the Mueller probe  and Biden's chances of being elected president in 2020.

"In order for us to be able to receive information from Firtash, we had to promise Firtash something. So for Firtash it was telling him his case was worthless here and that he's being prosecuted for no reason and basically to get taken care of."

He said that he had been informed that Firtash had information indicating that a Mueller investigator was involved in "illegal stuff," and attempted to secure that information. The effort eventually came to nothing.

Story continues

"It was all connected, at the end of the day the agenda was to make sure the Ukrainians announce a Biden investigation."

Firtash has denied helping Parnas, or other Trump allies seeking information that would damage Biden's candidacy ahead of the 2020 elections.

The Moscow Project (@moscow_project) January 16, 2020

In hand-written notes released by the House Intelligence Committee Tuesday, Parnas described playing a role in Firtash replacing former Clinton adviser Lanny Davis with pro-Trump attorneys Victoria Toensing and Joe DiGenova last July.

Firtash told the New York Times that he replaced his legal team to help his chances of obtaining a meeting with Attorney General William Barr.

In his interview Wednesday, Parnas described Barr as "basically on the team"  or a member of the group of Trump officials enlisted in the shadow Ukraine foreign policy. The Justice Department described the accusation as false in a statement to MSNBC.

Toensing and DiGenoava did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Parnas' key link to the White House, Giuliani, also allegedly sought to solicit Firtash's support.

lev parnas note

Mark Lennihan/AP; House Intelligence Committee

A photograph obtained from Parnas' legal team and published by The Washington Post shows Parnas, fellow Florida businessman Igor Fruman, and Giuliani in a cigar bar in Paris in May with an associate of Firtash.

According to the report, Giuliani was involved in the bid to broker contact with members of Firtash's circle in several European capitals.

"I never met him"

Giuliani has denied meeting the oligarch.

"I never met him. I never did business with him," he said of Firtash, in a statement to the Post.

He said he had contacted an attorney working for Firtash to establish if he had evidence relevant to his investigation into corruption in Ukraine.

"I asked some questions about him because I thought he might have some relevant information," Giuliani told The Post. "I determined that he didn't."

Who is Dmytro Firtash?

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash arrives at court in Vienna, Austria, February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader/File Photo

Reuters

So who is Dmytro Firtash, and why was Parnas  as he claims  sent to enlist him in the shadowy mission in Ukraine that has resulted in Donald Trump becoming only the third president in history to be impeached?

Firtash is one of Ukraine's richest men, and made his fortune in the energy sector, brokering the transfer of Russian gas into Ukraine.

According to analysts, his role working closely with Russia's Kremlin-controlled energy sector would only have been possible with Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval.

A leaked diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks in 2010 quoted Firtash as claiming he got his start in business with the help of notorious Russian mafia kingpin Semion Mogilevich.

"He acknowledged ties to Russian organized crime"

"He acknowledged ties to Russian organized crime figure Seymon Mogilevich, stating he needed Mogilevich's approval to get into business in the first place," the leaked cable said.

US prosecutors have also accused Firtash of mob ties, describing him in a 2017 court filing as an "upper-echelon [associate] of Russian organized crime."

He was widely seen as one of the most powerful backers of Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovich, before he was ousted in the Maidan revolution by Ukrainians seeking an end to corruption and foster closer ties to the West.

In 2014, Firtash was arrested in Austria after the FBI filed charges against him, alleging corrupt business practices. Firtash has been fighting extradition ever since.

He has strenuously denied the charges against him, and allegations of links to organized crime.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Cincinnati Bell Inc. CBB, with its subsidiary Hawaiian Telcom, has partnered with YouTube TV, an over-the-top Internet television network, to deliver the latters offerings in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii. The move underscores the telephone companys commitment to reinforce competitive products and services in the regional market while addressing the increasing demand for fiber capacity through cost-efficient content platforms.



Per the deal, YouTube TV will provide access to more than 70 cable and broadcast networks such as ESPN, FOX, CNN, NBC and HGTV with unlimited storage capacity, uninterrupted streaming, and live nationwide and local coverage, without any baffling long-term contracts. Backed by high-speed Internet connection, the video sharing platform enables the distribution of its subscription-based streaming plan with personalized recommendations to six accounts per household with a personal digital video recorder.



The distribution contract for YouTube TV comes after the service struck a similar deal with Verizon VZ last year. Supported by exceptional fiber density and operational efficiency, the agreement will enable YouTube to reach more customers while aiding the cord cutters to conveniently manage multiple bills. Primarily targeted at Fioptics TV customers, the agreement will accelerate Cincinnati Bells predominant strategy to create a differentiated and balanced revenue mix by expanding its high-bandwidth fiber optic network as customers migrate from legacy services to advanced fiber offerings.



Cincinnati Bells efforts to evolve from a legacy copper-based telecommunications company to an IT firm with contemporary fiber assets, offering seamless network solutions to both consumer and business customers, are remarkable. Its move to prioritize customer satisfaction, followed by the creation of job opportunities augurs well for the regions economic development.



Notably, the companys investment in fiber supports the growing IoT trend, which proliferates the usage of broadband connections, along with smart-home devices. Claiming to future-proof 50% of its network services, Cincinnati Bell is undergoing a drastic transformation to upgrade its network infrastructure to the next-gen fiber. This will support the burgeoning demand for data and accelerate 5G mobile technology growth.



However, the company continues to experience erosion in high margin local access lines. With Digital Subscriber Line and cable modems gaining widespread acceptance, customers are deactivating the extra phone lines that were used to access the Internet via dial-up modem.



The shift to wireless services, along with aggressive rollout of VoIP and long-distance services by Tier-1 competitors in Cincinnati and Dayton, has further contributed to access line erosion. Also, the company is facing competitive threats from local cable operators that aggressively deploy local phone service in addition to television. This has already resulted in the loss of major business customers.



Backed by proper execution of its operational plans, the stock has rallied 26.6% against the industrys decline of 29.3% in the past year.

Story continues





Cincinnati Bell currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).



A couple of better-ranked stocks in the industry are Telefonica Brasil S.A. VIV and Telefonica, S.A. TEF, both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Telefonica Brasil has a long-term earnings expectation of 8.6%.



Telefonica has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 9.2%.



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The Congress on Thursday slammed the government over its decision to send 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir and said if everything was "normal" there, what was the need to send "propagandists".

A group of Union ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this month to spread awareness about the positive impact of abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region.

The schedule for the visit of the ministers to the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Friday.

"Amit Shah says all is normal in Kashmir. If so, why send 36 propagandists to Kashmir? Why not allow non-propagandists to go and understand the situation prevailing there?" tweeted senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

Thirty-six Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory starting from January 18 to January 24 and the Home Ministry is coordinating it.

"36 Ministers running around J&K in 6 days is a sign of Panic not normalcy. Abrogating Article 370 was a blunder & no quick fixes will work Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again," tweeted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

This will be the second round of visit by the Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state on August 5.

Earlier this month, in one of the meetings of the council of ministers, a presentation was also been made on the development initiatives taken by the Centre following the imposition of the governor rule in the region.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  State volcanologists said they would observe if the downtrend in Taal's activity continues for at least two weeks before deciding whether to lower the alert level over the volcano.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Alert Level 4 remains, indicating a potential hazardous eruption, despite Taal's reduced activity on Thursday.

Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief Mariton Bornas said they are now studying the data for the sake of evacuees who are uncomfortable leaving their homes and staying in evacuation centers.

"Kung maging matagal ang lull, pwedeng babaan ang alert level," she said in a briefing.

[Translation: If the lull lasts, we can lower the alert level.]

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said in a press briefing later in the day that volcanologists would usually observe for two weeks to see if there is a downtrend in volcanic activity before deciding whether to lower the alert level.

Bornas said it's typical for a volcano to enter a lull during a prolonged eruption, adding it doesn't mean a hazardous eruption is no longer possible. Alert Level 4 remains pending Phivolcs' decision, she added.

"Hindi namin sinasabi na ibababa na  May nasusukat pa tayong mataas na sulfur dioxide, mayroon pa tayong earthquakes, may fissures tayo na na-develop at namaga 'yung bulkan. So nandiyan pa rin 'yung potential for an explosive eruption," she said.

[Translation: We're not saying that we will lower it ... We're still measuring high levels of sulfur dioxide, we're still having earthquakes, new fissures are developing and the volcano is swollen. So the potential for an explosive eruption is still there.]

Despite the volcano's calmer exterior, the Phivolcs official warned there is potentially dangerous activity underneath Taal. She said there are fewer volcanic earthquakes but its intensities remain strong. The volcano also continues to emit high amounts of sulfur dioxide. These signal there is movement of magma or molten rocks underneath.

Taal is the country's second most active volcano and one of the smallest in the world.

Bornas advised residents to avoid going back to their homes located in the "danger zone" or within a 14-kilometer radius of the volcanos crater as the threat of a hazardous eruption remains.

"Kami po ang magsasabi kung maaari na pong ibaba ang ating guard. Status quo muna dahil ganoon pa rin ang kalagayan," she said.

Authorities on Thursday gave residents of Talisay, Batangas a few hours to check their homes and valuables amid an order to evacuate the town. Talisay is a low lying area, making it vulnerable to dangerous volcanic explosion.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The attack on a Sikh man in the city took a political turn with BJP and Akali Dal pointing fingers at the ruling BJD. On Tuesday, Parvinder Pal Singh was beaten black and blue when he reportedly asked two men to move their vehicle aside from the entrance of his apartment under Laxmisagar police limits on Tuesday.

Terming the assault as the outcome of Sikh protest to Mangu Mutt demolition at Puri, Delhi Akali Dal MLA and president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed that Parvinder was one among those who opposed the demolition of the heritage Mutt. The Akali Dal leader said Tuesday attack on Singh looks preplanned.

In a series of tweets, Sirsa said Parvinder Singh was attacked because he protested against demolition of Sikh Heritage Mangu Mutt in Puri. I condemn this attack which is a blot on Indian democracy and appeal to @SPPuri1 @odisha_police to take action against culprits.

Tagging the office of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Sirsa said, Shocked and angry to see such a merciless hate attack on Amritdhari Sikh Parvinder Pal Singhji in Bhubaneshwar; the attack looks planned and with full support of local administration since a policeman is seen in the video who doesnt help the innocent person.

Condemning the attack on Singh, State BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said assault on Singh in the presence of Commissionerate Police speaks volumes. Police did not stop the attackers as they belong to the ruling party.

BJD spokesperson Sambit Patra said the saffron party should not politicise the incident which is purely a criminal act. The city police have taken prompt action against the criminals and a policeman was suspended due to his failure to take prompt action.
The Ekasi Techfest & Gaming Expo, now simply known as the Techfest Expo, will return for a fourth time at the Soweto Theatre from 26 to 27 June 2020.

The expoaims to meet the needs of technology and gaming enthusiasts in Soweto and the surrounding areas which are together home to several million people, most of them under 30 years of age.The annual tech and gaming expo will feature popular esports titles on the agenda such as FIFA 20, Tekken 7, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and PUBG Mobile. As well as giveaways, arcade corner and technology experience zones.Weve seen interest from every sort of gamer from all over the country. The expo has positioned itself as one of South Africas leading gaming event and has developed into a real family-friendly weekend packed with something for everyone  from esports tournaments to VR Experiences. The Techfest Expo is looking forward to continuing developing into the leading tech and gaming expo, with impressive growth in years to come, says Gabriel Ramokotjo.Tickets to the Techfest Expo will be on sale from Friday, 1 February 2020, online at www.techfestexpo.co.za . Tickets will also be on sale at the door.
Triggers that launch payments on Ukraine's value recovery instruments (VRIs) have not appeared, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova has said.

"Today, the triggers have not appeared. Both the Finance Ministry and our team that is involved in debt management, are attentively analyzing all instruments, including potential," the minister said during the presentation of the Strategy of Ukrainian Financial Sector Development until 2025 held in Kyiv on Thursday.

Markarova said that "today these instruments are not part of our debt."

As reported, the Finance Ministry and the Cabinet of Ministers are discussing a strategy for VRIs. At the same time, the finance minister said that it was too early to talk about it.

VRIs were issued as part of the restructuring of the public debt in 2015 in exchange for eurobonds with a nominal amount of $3.2 billion and are not part of the national debt. Payments for VRIs will be made annually in cash in U.S. dollars, depending on the dynamics of growth of Ukraine's real GDP in 2019-2038, however, after two calendar years  that is, between 2021 and 2040.

The VRI mechanism begins to operate only if Ukraine's GDP reaches $125.4 billion. The amount of payments for them depends on GDP growth dynamics: at rates up to 3% inclusive, payments are zero in nature; from 3% to 4% they will amount to 15% of each percent of GDP growth exceeding 3%; from 4% they will be 40% of each additional percent. In addition, from 2021 through 2025 the payments are limited by 1% of GDP.
For example, the 86 is agile and overall a hoot to drive but, for some, a nimble RWD car that doesnt need to be driven fast to generate quite the thrills simply doesnt do the trick. Take this nice chap from Australia, for example.

Before the new Supra arrived, Toyotas solely purpose-built sports car was the 86 (or GT86 or FT86 or Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S, if you wish). In the U.S., the 2020 86 makes 200 or 205 horsepower and 151 or 156 pound-feet of torque depending on which gearbox you pick, so while its not oozing power, the 86 has other aces up its sleeves.

Josh Armstrong took a perfectly working 2014 Toyota 86 and Frankenstein-ed it with a blown 2JZ Supra engine. The reason: he wanted to do something different and out of the box. Fair play, Josh, fair play.

The general idea behind the project was quite simple: take a lightweight Toyota platform - hence the use of the 86, add a tough Toyota engine - hence the iconic 2JZ, and make it muscle. And what screams muscle better than a big-ass supercharger coming out of the hood? Thats right, pretty much nothing else.

via GIPHY

Speaking of the blower, it is a TBS 6-71 race supercharger. Other additions include a mechanical Enderle fuel system that runs on methanol and most importantly, it is all part of car that Josh built himself, with, of course, a little bit of outside help. Some mods quickly ensued:

We cut the whole rear end out up to the original rear seats  which it still has  and replaced it with a shortened nine-inch diff and ladder bar.

However, the car actually runs on the standard front suspension and standard brakes but thats not why we brought you here. Youre here because this 2JZ-swapped Toyota 86 can rip a mean burnout. And by mean we mean the type thats capable of causing flight delays due to the sheer amount of smoke that comes out of the rear tires. Which, we guess, are also screeching their rubber out but we cant hear it because of THAT engine sound.

Oh, and the dyno reading on power says 430 horses, which is not bad at all considering that the standard Aussie-spec Toyota 86 makes do with 204 horsepower. Heck, it now packs more than double the factory oomph.

Check it out in the video below:
Lev Parnas, close associate of Rudy Giuliani, arrives to court in New York last month. Read more

WASHINGTON  Documents and text messages released by House Democrats on Wednesday evening show how Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani, used the extensive entree he had to President Donald Trumps world to help put in motion Giulianis shadow Ukraine campaign.

Hundreds of pages of photos, messages and calendar entries show Parnas enlisting a top official at the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action to assist in promoting media coverage he helped arrange and attending functions with Republican congressmen and Trump family members. A calendar entry released as part of the cache shows Parnas had a scheduled breakfast with Trump in New York on Sept. 26  after the public revelation of a whistle-blower complaint about a call the president had with his Ukrainian counterpart.

The new materials made public by the House Intelligence Committee follow an initial trove released Tuesday night that showed Parnas directly involved with efforts to get the Ukrainian president to announce investigations related to former vice president Joe Biden.

The latest cache of documents comes as the Senate prepares to begin its impeachment trial of Trump on Thursday.

In an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Parnas said the president knew about his activities.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, he said. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials.

In text messages to The Washington Post, Giuliani suggested that Parnas was not being truthful, declining to offer specifics.

"Who cares? Believe him at your peril," he said, adding: "We all make mistakes. I feel sorry for him and his family."

 READ MORE: House delivers articles of impeachment to Senate

The new material indicates that Parnas played a central role in arranging an interview with a Ukrainian prosecutor who claimed there was a plot in his country to help Hillary Clinton  and then urging a senior contact at the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action to get Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., to tweet it.

Links to stories about Ukraine that Parnas sent to America First Action finance director Joseph Ahearn were tweeted by both the president and Trump Jr., the material shows.

Peter Chavkin, a lawyer for Ahearn, said it was not surprising that his client would be interacting with Parnas, a donor to the super PAC.

"It's apparent that Mr. Ahearn, who worked at America First, was occasionally corresponding with an individual who had interactions with the organization," Chavkin said in a text message. "Nothing in the communications seems out of the ordinary or sparks any concern."

A lawyer for Trump Jr., Alan Futerfas, declined to comment on the newly released documents, as did Kelly Sadler, a spokeswoman for the super PAC. An attorney for Parnas declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The materials also shed light on a far-reaching effort to dislodge then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch from her post.

The documents include a May 9, 2018, letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from then-Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, calling for Yovanovitch to be removed. I have received notice of concrete evidence from close companions that Ambassador Yovanovitch has spoken privately and repeatedly about her disdain for the current administration, Sessions wrote.

In February 2019, lawyer Victoria Toensing, a longtime Giuliani ally involved in his Ukraine efforts, asked the former New York mayor in a message, "Is there absolute commitment for HER to be gone this week?"

 READ MORE: Democrats to investigate 'profoundly alarming' Ukraine texts

Giuliani responded, Yes, not sure how absolute. Will get a reading in morning and call you. Pompeii [sic] is now aware of it. Talked to him on Friday.

Toensing declined to comment. Giuliani did not respond to a request for comment about the exchange.

In a May message to Ahearn, Parnas wrote, "It's more important than ever to get a good ambassador that's loyal to our president in there please make sure you pass on the message every ear more important than ever."

In his MSNBC interview Wednesday, Parnas apologized to Yovanovitch, saying he now believes he was wrong about her.

The new materials released by House Democrats also include months of messages between Parnas and then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko in which the Ukrainian official provided Giuliani's team with interviews and information in exchange for a pledge that Yovanovitch would be removed from her post.

The messages show Parnas helping arrange a video interview for Lutsenko with John Solomon, a conservative columnist at the Hill newspaper. On March 12, Parnas sent a letter from Solomon to Lutsenko requesting the interview and included a list of questions to be addressed. "I sent you the questions and the invitation from the journalist, call me when you wake up," Parnas writes after sending the letter to Lutsenko.

After the interview posted online, Parnas texted it to Ahearn and wrote, "Have jr retweet it."

"Sent," Ahearn responded.

Parnas then urged Ahearn to "Watch Hannity."

Later that night, Trump himself tweeted coverage of the story by Fox News' Sean Hannity.

Several days later, Parnas sent Ahearn an article about calls to push out Yovanovitch, to which Ahearn responded, "That's a good article."

That same day, Trump Jr. tweeted out the article and wrote that the United States needed "less of these jokes as ambassadors," referring to Yovanovitch, a career diplomat.

The relationship between Parnas and Lutsenko turned hot and cold over the months of text messages in Russian. At one point in March, Lutsenko appeared to have grown impatient that he was holding up his end of the bargain  while Parnas was failing to come through with the ambassador's removal and other requests that would benefit Lutsenko or his boss, then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

"I'm sorry, but this is all simply b------t," Lutsenko wrote on March 13. "I'm f-----g sick of all this. I haven't received a visit. My [boss] hasn't received jack all. I'm prepared to [thrash] your opponent. But you want more and more. We're over."

Another batch of messages show Parnas and Giuliani in February 2019 discussing possibly signing a "retainer" with the Ukrainian Justice Ministry, appearing to reinforce reporting that Trump's personal lawyer was in advanced discussions to represent that government.

The Post reported last year that Giuliani had negotiated to represent Ukraine's top prosecutor for at least $200,000 as he was hunting for damaging material about Biden from Ukrainian sources. At the time, Giuliani wrote on Twitter that he "did NOT pursue a business opportunity in Ukraine" and that he was "paid ZERO."

In the newly released messages, Parnas wrote to Giuliani: "This is who the retainer should be me out to: ministry of justice of Ukraine Att: minster Pavlo Petrenko."

"How much?" Giuliani responded. Giuliani said he would follow up with a call, and the messages suggest he sent an agreement to Parnas, who agreed to "print it out and deliver it."

Later, Parnas asked Giuliani to send wire instructions and requested a copy signed by Giuliani and "Victoria and joe" so the contract can be executed  an apparent reference to Toensing and her husband, Joe diGenova.

"Can do that tomorrow," Giuliani replied.

The next day, Parnas wrote, "I received signed retainer."

The Washington Posts Dalton Bennett, Karoun Demirjian, Rosalind S. Helderman, Michael Kranish and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this article.
PORTLAND, Maine, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tilson, a national network deployment and IT professional services firm, has appointed Sheryl Tullis as the newest member to its Board of Directors. Ms. Tullis is a Partner at Direct Technology, a veteran-owned software and services company, and Head of Strategic Communications for TA Group Holdings, a private equity firm. She brings over 30 years of experience in the mobile and technology sectors across a broad range of leadership positions including at Microsoft and as a US Army Signal Officer. Ms. Tullis joins recent board member appointee Stephanie Copeland, former President at Zayo, the most recent addition to Tilson's Board of Directors.

"Sheryl brings significant expertise in veteran workforce development, tech business growth, and marketing that will be a key driver in shaping Tilson's future strategy and operations moving into 2020," said Joshua Broder, Tilson CEO. "Sheryl's mission drive, incredible energy and industry leadership made her an obvious choice as we continue to build on our strong momentum building America's information infrastructure."

In her current position, Ms. Tullis serves as a strategic advisor and shared services leader across the TA Group portfolio of companies. Prior positions include senior vice president for mobile and technology at Iconmobile, vice president of client services at Essence Mobile, chief of staff at Microsoft, and New Ventures brand manager at Procter & Gamble. Commissioned from West Point as an Army Signal Corps officer, she served as Deputy Director of Information Management, leading a multinational unit that provided mission-critical telecommunications services across EMEA.

"Tilson's culture of innovation has powered impressive growth and magnified its nationwide impact and opportunities," said Ms. Tullis. "I'm excited to be part of Tilson's continued industry leadership as they propel information systems infrastructure and access across the nation."

Ms. Tullis resides in Redmond, Washington where she founded several mobile industry organizations and serves as an advisor to early stage companies and non-profits. As the Global President Emeritus of mBolden, an organization to advance women in mobile and digital, she was selected for the People's Choice Award at the 2019 Mobile Growth Summit. An advocate for veteran hiring and a veteran herself, Ms. Tullis co-created the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy to help military members transition to high tech, high trajectory roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

About Tilson:

Tilson is on a mission to build America's information infrastructure. Recognized nine consecutive years on the Inc. 5000, Tilson provides network deployment and information system professional services to telecom, construction, utility and government clients. With over 550 employees in 35 locations nationwide, Tilson builds high-performing technology project teams who take on the largest and most impactful information infrastructure projects in the country.

For more information: www.tilsontech.com

SOURCE Tilson

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Third embryo created in efforts to save northern white rhino from extinction

Researchers say they have successfully created another embryo of the nearly extinct northern white rhino in a global effort to keep the species alive.

Just two animals remain, and both are female.

The viable embryo is just the third to be created in a lab with eggs taken from the females and inseminated with frozen sperm from dead males, according to Wednesdays statement.

The embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen to be transferred into a surrogate mother, a southern white rhino, in the coming months.

Its amazing to see that we will be able to reverse the tragic loss of this subspecies through science, said Kenyas wildlife minister, Najib Balala, in the statement by the Kenya Wildlife Service and conservationists from Kenya, the Czech Republic, Germany and Italy.

The ultimate goal is to create a herd of at least five animals that could be returned to their natural habitat in Africa.

Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) said in its statement that their mission is to examine evolutionary adaptations of wildlife to global change and develop new concepts and measures for the conservation of biodiversity. #northernwhiterhino pic.twitter.com/yioqoRN7fv  Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife-Kenya (@Min_TourismKE) January 15, 2020

That could take decades.

The two remaining female northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, are hosted by Kenya.

The three viable embryos have been created with eggs from Fatu.

Now the team will make every effort to achieve the same result for the 30-year-old Najin before it is too late for her, said Thomas Hildebrandt with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research in Germany.

The procedure has proven to be safe and can be performed regularly before the animals become too old, the new statement said.

Story continues

The next step is to select female southern white rhinos among those at Kenyas Ol Pejeta Conservancy to serve as a surrogate mother, Kenyas wildlife minister said.

Decades of poaching have taken a heavy toll on rhino species.

Female northern white rhinos Fatu, 19, right, and Najin, 30, left, the last two northern white rhinos on the planet (Ben Curtis/PA)

The animals are killed for their horns, which have long been used as carving material and prized in traditional Chinese medicine for their supposed healing properties.

The last male northern white rhino was a 45-year-old named Sudan, who gained fame in 2017 when he was listed as The Most Eligible Bachelor In The World on the Tinder dating app as part of a fundraising effort.

Sudan, named for the country where he was born in the wild, was euthanised in 2018 because of age-related ills.
[January 16, 2020] Mobile App Gives Middle-Class Americans a New Way to Save for College

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Middle-class American parents, many still reeling under the burden of the millennial student debt crisis, have a new way to save for their kids' college costs: a free mobile app from CollegeBacker. Millennials are no strangers to college debt, which has doubled over the last 10 years and now stands at more than $1.7 trillion. When it comes to saving for their own kids' college costs, they are starting earlier than prior generations and turning to family and friends for help. 1 "The millennial generation does everything on their phones, so it made sense to launch our service as an app," said CollegeBacker CEO and founder Jordan Lee. "Our app makes it extremely easy to start a top-tier 529 college savings plan any time, anywhere, and then invite family and friends to contribute or send the gift f college savings to another family."



By using its unique gifting features, CollegeBacker families are saving an average of 43% more by soliciting gifts for birthdays or baby showers, holidays, and graduations. More than 50% of the CollegeBacker families who have been on the platform for a year have received gifts into their college funds, compared to an industry average of 1%-2%. With the free CollegeBacker app, families can set up and fund their child's college plan in under 5 minutes, monitor the growth of their investment, customize beautiful gifting pages for their kids, and invite family and friends to make a lasting gift to their child's future with easy payment methods like credit/debit cards. CollegeBacker is currently available for iOS on the Apple App Store  https://try.cbkr.co/iphone  but will soon be available for Android as well.

By bringing free robo-advice and a seamless mobile app to the college savings industry, CollegeBacker is expanding the audience for 529 plans, with over 50% of its families self-identifying as low- or moderate-income. "Surveys show 70% of Americans  most in lower income brackets  are still unaware of 529 college savings plans, even though the experts agree that it's the best way to save for a child's education," said Lee. "Like a retirement account for college, the investment can grow tax-free. We hope the availability of an easy-to-use app will raise 529 awareness and spur more families to start saving earlier." About CollegeBacker

CollegeBacker is democratizing access to education with a free and easy way to invest tax-free for college and save more with gifts from family and friends. An SEC-registered investment adviser, CollegeBacker provides robo-advice to start investing with a top-tier 529 plan and portfolio. CollegeBacker is a venture-backed startup based in San Francisco that counts Princeton, Dartmouth and USC as investors. It has introduced thousands of low and moderate income American families to 529 plans, helped them save over $5 million for college, and helped their kids avoid over $15 million in student loans. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobile-app-gives-middle-class-americans-a-new-way-to-save-for-college-300988363.html SOURCE CollegeBacker

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A half dozen White House hopefuls will gather on a debate stage in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday night at a critical moment in the Democratic primary. They will all be white  and all but two will be men.

For a Democratic field that was once the most diverse in history, the debate stage will be the starkest example yet of the challenges facing candidates of color.

Andrew Yang, an Asian American entrepreneur who participated in last month's debate, didn't meet the thresholds for Tuesday's forum. And New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker's decision on Monday to drop out of the 2020 race leaves only three people of color  Yang, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Samoan American, and black former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick  in the race at all. None of them is in the top tier of contenders for the Democratic nomination.

The Democratic field's eroding diversity comes as the party is navigating broader debates over how to reflect and embrace the crucial role minority voters play in choosing a presidential nominee. There are concerns that the majority-white states that kick off the Democratic contest  Iowa and New Hampshire  no longer represent the party's diverse base.

For many activists, Tuesday's all-white cast is a reminder of why it's important to have a roster of candidates that looks like them.

There were a lot of choices for voters to make at the outset of the primary, said Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, a national organization that works in states across the country to mobilize black voters. It was important to allow people to actually practice real democracy. You can do that when you have a lot of good choices, not just one or two. I think, ultimately, it is a problem that we dont have it anymore.

So far, polls have repeatedly shown former Vice President Joe Biden holding a commanding lead among black voters. That has hurt black candidates including Booker and California Sen. Kamala Harris, who struggled to chip into Biden's loyal following.

Story continues

In an interview with The Sacramento Bee published on Tuesday, Biden said he wished more people were on the debate stage while noting his strength with African American voters.

Thats my base," he said. Im not sure this whole debate setup has made any sense anyway to begin with. But it is what it is.

Candidates of color have also struggled to raise money. Booker, a former Newark mayor, was only the latest candidate to leave the race saying they couldn't raise the funds to keep going. Harris and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro called it quits in part for the same reason.

Each of those candidates brought not only their professional experience to a debate stage, but also their experiences growing up as people of color and women in their communities, Shropshire said. There were issues on the debate stage that frankly would have gone unmentioned if not for this presence.

At a Des Moines event last week launching Black Americans for Booker, Booker told a group of about 30 women that by focusing on issues that disproportionately affect African Americans, you transform the outcomes for all Americans.

This is about making sure  through the lived experience of the person who is your nominee  that when they're at the table, they're going to fight, not just be the person who speaks for diverse communities, Booker said.

With Harris, Booker and Castro no longer in the race, it puts us where we started, said Frederick Gooding Jr., an African American studies and honors college professor at Texas Christian University.

Shanell Dunns, an education advocate for Newark-based Roots & Bridges, said residents there aren't surprised that Booker had to shut down his campaign because his polling numbers were low.

The handwriting was kind of on the wall, Dunns said Tuesday. That doesn't mean they were excited about him dropping out. We did want him to stick it out as long as possible, given the limited amount of money he had.

Dunns has said some young people in Newark weren't sure if Booker was the black voice for them. Now, it's not clear if others still campaigning are the answer.

No one has shown that they care enough to find out what that message should be, she said. It's like going back to the drawing board. I agree anyone but Trump, but you also have to be able to advocate for what you need. You have to have someone open to hearing those thoughts and the interests and demands of the people they are representing.

Some of the remaining white candidates do appeal to black voters. Beyond Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has made some progress in attracting black support, especially from younger voters. And Waterloo, Iowa, Mayor Quentin Hart, an African American, endorsed former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg this week.

No Harris, Booker or Castro just means voters  especially black voters  have to educate themselves on the remaining candidates, said Helen Moore, a member of the Detroit-based Keep the Vote-No Takeover grassroots organization.

Im saying: Wait until you see the white of their eyes before you start jumping on a candidate,' Moore said. We want to make sure its the best fit for us. I think we are going to decide the next president. The black folks in the United States do not realize their power. If they united together, they could decide an election.

___

Associated Press writer Sara Burnett in Chicago contributed to this report.

___

Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game.
Encana Corporation ECA recently announced that 90% of its shareholders have voted in favour of the reorganization resolution wherein it intends to redomicile in the United States under the new name, Ovintiv Inc. The company had earlier confirmed the plan to relocate.

Through this restructuring, Encana with approximately 71% of its shareholders in the United States and 20% in Canada will effectively exchange five common shares of Encana for each Ovintiv common stock.

The transition will take place this year after which, shares of the company will be dually traded on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the ticker symbol, OVV.

Oil production is surging in Canada but producers are far from happy as their profit margin is sinking. They are struggling to stay competitive due to pipeline bottlenecks. Notably, pipeline construction in Canada failed to keep pace with the rising domestic oil, forcing producers to sell their products at a discounted rate.

Encana Corporation Price

Encana Corporation Price

Encana Corporation price | Encana Corporation Quote

Despite the distress in Canadas oil industry, Encanas move to switch its head office from Calgary to Denver will enable it to avail of larger avenues of capital resources for investment including the U.S. index funds and passively regulated accounts as well as create a better connectivity with its U.S. peers.

In a similar news in 2018, another company from the oil and energy industry got rechristened. Statoil ASA, a Norway-based major international integrated oil and gas company rebranded itself as Equinor ASA EQNR. The companys board of directors wanted to chuck out "oil" from its name, expecting this strategic action to reflect the player's growing interest and reach beyond petroleum.

Encana, one of the leading North American oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P) entities, was founded in 2002 through the merger of Alberta Energy Company Ltd. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter 2019 results shortly. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter is earnings of 16 cents on revenues of $1.9 billion.

Story continues

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Encana currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other top-ranked players in the energy space include Cenovus Energy Inc. CVE and Suncor Energy Inc. SU, each carrying the same solid Zacks Rank as Encana. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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The billionaire daughter of Angola's ex-president, Isabel dos Santos, says she would consider running for president in the next election in 2022. Dos Santos is being probed under an anti-graft campaign launched by her father's successor President Joao Lourenco, who has vowed to root out corruption and rebuild the economy. Prosecutors last month froze the bank accounts and holdings owned by the 46-year-old businesswoman and her Congolese husband Sindika Dokolo. Dos Santos has been named "Africa's richest woman" by Forbes magazine, which last year rated her net worth at $2.2 billion (two billion euros). Among many Angolans, her wealth and privileged status have earned her the nickname of "The Princess." Dos Santos has denied any wrongdoing and denounced the investigation as "politically motivated." Asked in an interview with Portuguese state broadcaster Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) whether she would run for the top job in Angola, dos Santos said it was "possible". "I will do everything I need to do to defend and serve my country," she said in the interview, broadcast late Wednesday. Angolan political activist Rafael Marques dismissed her comments as a ploy to divert attention from the "plundering of the country". "There are some who want to take refuge under a political cloak to say they are being persecuted for political reasons," he told AFP. - 'Selective' agenda - The investigation surrounding dos Santos centres on alleged use of state-owned companies to siphon off over one billion dollars. It is delving into irregularities involving Angola's national oil company Sonangol and Sodiam, a national diamond marketing firm. Dos Santos was appointed head of Sonangol by her father Jose Eduardo dos Santos in 2016, a year before he stepped down and handed the reins to Lourenco. The president forced her out of the position within months of coming to power. He has since launched a large-scale purge of the dos Santos administration -- an iron-fisted 38-year rule during which top positions were awarded to the ex-president's cronies and wealth was amassed by a privileged few. Dos Santos' half-brother Jose Filomeno -- nicknamed "Zenu" -- went on trial last month for allegedly embezzling $500 million from Angola's sovereign fund, which he oversaw from 2013 to 2018. Zenu, who faces a maximum of 12 years in jail if found guilty, is the first member of the dos Santos family to be prosecuted. "The selective manner of this so-called fight against corruption (is being used) to neutralise future political candidates," dos Santos told RTP, adding that she continued to be "shocked" by the allegations. - Lourenco should 'do his job' - The dos Santos family has accused Lourenco of unfairly targeting its members. They have pointed to former vice-president Manuel Vicente, who escaped a corruption trial in Portugal after Lourenco pushed to transfer his case in Angola. Vincente is now a deputy of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has ruled the country since independence from Portugal in 1975. "If we want to target corruption in Angola we must look (for it) where it is," said dos Santos. Her holdings in Angola include private banks, telecoms firm Unitel, a supermarket chain, a cement company and cable television. "There has never been any doubt that long-term, Isabel dos Santos carries political ambitions," Alex Vines of Chatham House think tank told AFP. "She has deep pockets and can over time build up a support base, especially if the Angolan economic reforms fail to deliver." Lourenco has been falling behind on his promise to diversify Angola's oil-dependent economy, which was hard-hit by the 2014 fall in crude prices. The country is the biggest oil exporter in sub-Saharan Africa. Angola is still reeling from a 1975-2002 civil war, and wealth from its extensive oil, gas and mineral reserves has failed to benefit the majority of the population. "It's time President Lourenco focus on his job," said dos Santos' half-sister Welwitschia, reminding AFP that the president was hand-picked by her father. "We had never seen hunger and even famine like we are seeing in Angola now under Mr. Lourenco?s government." Isabel dos Santos has denounced corruption investigations against her as politically motivated
Aerial view of the Thanh Ha Water Park in Ha Dong District, Hanoi, January 15, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Huy Manh.

An unlicensed water park in Hanoi where two children drowned last year has been demolished.

Around 100 workers and eight bulldozers were dispatched on Wednesday to the Thanh Ha Water Park in Ha Dong District following a decision by the district last month.

Duong Ngoc Thoa, deputy chairman of the Phu Luong Ward Peoples Committee, said: "The water park did not get approval for construction."

Thoa said the authorities sent a notice to the park owners to dismantle it on November 27, 2019. As the deadline passed and the owners did not do it, the authotiries had to do it themselves.

The demolition would be completed in two days, he added.

Cienco5 Real Estate Development firm, the parks main stakeholder, confirmed receipt of the notice for demolition, but declined to provide further information.

The VND200 billion ($8.63 million) Thanh Ha Water Park, opened in June last year, saw two children aged two and six drown on two separate occasions.

The park closed for a month after the first drowning in June. After the second tragedy in September, it drew a lot of attention and authorities discovered it had not obtained a permit.
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Two Auburn University students were selected for the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, an opportunity that will allow them to spend the next 15 months developing and implementing service projects that address the root causes of health disparities in under-resourced communities. Harley Moore, a member of the Harrison School of Pharmacys Class of 2022, and Emily Munn, a doctoral student in the School of Kinesiology, will join 15 other fellows from the state.

Moores selection marks the second time in three years for the Harrison School of Pharmacy to have a student selected for the prestigious fellowship.

I am honored to have been selected for the fellowship as it allows me to pair my two passions of health care and service, said Moore. I am humbled to be able to serve my community with a project that will be uniquely mine. The Schweitzer Fellowship has a long line of successful past fellows who have led the way and helped shape their communities and I am excited to bring a new sustainable project to Lee County to help address the health disparities facing our community.

A native of Decatur, Alabama, Moore was asked to submit three needs she perceived in the Lee County community. Over the first three months of her 15-month term in the fellowship, she will narrow down her focus to one specific community need and develop a plan to address it. The three needs Moore identified were food insecurity, high rates of sexually transmitted infections and mental health.

Health disparities have a huge impact on individuals within our community and these factors not only place a significant burden on specific populations, but affect their overall health outcomes, said Moore. I have had the privilege to live and work in Lee County for five years and within this time I have been a witness to some key health disparities. I believe if you want something to change you must be willing to work towards the change.

A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Munn is pursuing a doctoral degree in motor development. She researches how cognitive functioning is affected by exercise in individuals with disabilities, and she will carry that research into the fellowship.

I try, as an individual and in my career path, to advocate for individuals with disabilities, and when given the chance, educate others on how to do so, she said. I truly believe I need the guidance and focus of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. I was drawn to this one specifically because of the community of other fellows and the mentors.

Over the next 15 months, Munn will be working with individuals with development disabilities to increase their amount of exercise during a given week. While Munn doesnt know where she will be working yet, she said shes looking forward to making a difference.

I hope to be able to advocate for this population and drastically impact this community for the better, she said. I hope that the fellowship will be instrumental in developing my skills for educating and applying the knowledge Ive gained with my studies to my community. I believe that this fellowship will be crucial for progressing these ideals and goals beyond just my realm of influence and into a more significant impact of the entire area.

Moore and Munn join other graduate students from Samford University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Montevallo. The fellows will learn to effectively address social factors that impact health and develop lifelong leadership skills. In doing so, they will follow the example set by famed physician-humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, for whom their fellowship is named.

I decided to apply for the Schweitzer Fellowship because, like many of my peers, I became a pharmacist because I want to help make a difference in my patients lives, said Moore. This fellowship not only allows its fellows to selflessly serve their community but teaches the fellows how to critically evaluate a community and implement a needed sustainable project.

Their projects will be implemented in collaboration with a community-based health and/or social service organization. The exact projects of the 2020 fellows will be determined through a three-month exploration of needs, community assets and evidence-based models for interventions. Many community organizations will participate in the training program as co-educators.

These students have joined us at a critical juncture in our organizations history, said Kristin Boggs, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama. Thanks to the support from local philanthropic partners, we have added three months to a previously year-long experience. We are impressed by the willingness of these students to devote more time to using data and community voice to accurately understand what organizations and citizens value and desire to see improved.
Multiple Demopolis City Schools officials failed to protect a black Alabama 9-year-old girl from racially and gender-based bullying which led to her death by suicide, according to a federal lawsuit filed against the school system by the girls family on Thursday morning.

Mckenzie Adams died by suicide in Linden in December 2018. She was a fourth-grader at U.S. Jones Elementary School who had dreams of being a scientist.

A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama in Selma by Birmingham-based law firm Grant & Eisenhofer states Mckenzie faced relentless bullying based on her race and gender by classmates. But the school system officials were indifferent to Mckenzie and her family members complaints about the bullying, the lawsuit said. Grant & Eisenhofer filed the lawsuit on behalf of Mckenzies mother, Jasmine Adams, and grandmother, Janice Adams.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages.

Demopolis City Schools, which is located in Marengo County, and U.S. Jones Elementary School are listed as defendants along with Demopolis City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff and former U.S Jones Elementary School principal and assistant principal Tori Infinger and Tracy Stewart. Mckenzies fourth grade teacher, identified as Gloria Mims, is also mentioned in the lawsuit.

As of Thursday morning, Kallhoff said he has not seen a copy of the lawsuit and referred all questions to the school boards attorney Alex Brasswell. At the time this article was published, Brasswell has not responded to phone calls from Al.com seeking comment about the lawsuit.

The 40-page complaint details the following timeline concerning the bullying Mckenzie endured from the time she was enrolled at U.S. Jones Elementary for the 2018-19 school year until she passed away on Dec. 3, 2018. For four months, Mckenzie was targeted by a 9-year-old white male classmate who repeatedly called Mckenzie ni**er and an ugly a** bit**.:

August 2018: Janice Adams called Mims and requested a meeting with the teacher to discuss the white students behavior and Mckenzies state of mind. Adams didnt receive a phone call from Mims, according to the lawsuit.

September 2018: Janice Adams contacts Mims again to request a meeting.

Oct. 1, 2018: Janice Adams received a generic notice saying that there was no need for a teacher-parent meeting. That same month, Janice Adams received Mckenzies progress report, which showed that Mckenzie was failing math, which is the subject that Mims taught. Janice Adams believes Mckenzie was struggling in the course because of the emotional toll of being bullied and harassed by her classmate.

October 12, 2018: Janice Adams went to Mims classroom to request a meeting. She also identified the white classmate student, told Mims Mckenzie was being bullied by the student and asked the school to address it. Adams left her number for a follow up meeting. The lawsuit states Mims failed to call Adams back. The lawsuit said Mckenzie told Mims multiple times about the student who was bullying her. The lawsuit states the teacher told Mckenzie multiple times to, Tell it to the wall because I do not want to hear it.

October 24, 2018: The white student passed a note to Mckenzie calling her a bit** and a pus** sucker. According to the lawsuit, Mims contacted Adams after possessing the note and informed Adams that instead of disciplining the white student who passed the note, Mckenzie would be disciplined for responding to the harassment.

October 25: Stewart contacted Adams about the note and told Adams that Mckenzie would be disciplined for responding to the bullying. Adams told Stewart that Mckenzie was being bullied and had been a target of bullying since the beginning of the school year. In a three-way phone call with Adams and Jasmine Adams, Mckenzies mother, Jasmine Adams expressed concerns about the bullying and the fact that Mckenzie was going to be disciplined by the school. Jasmine Adams then told Stewart she was going to contact the Alabama State Department of Education about the persistent bullying. Stewart asked Jasmine Adams not to contact the state department and that the matter will be handled.

November 5, 2018: Mckenzie writes about two boys who were bullying her at school in her diary.

Dec. 3, 2018: Attorneys representing the Mckenzies grandmother and mother believe the white student told her that she was better off dead and instructed her on how to taker her own life. Mckenzie died the same day in her grandmothers home in Linden.

The lawsuit states the school system didnt adhere to both state and federal laws regarding anti-bullying measures. The Jamari Terrell Williams Bullying Prevention Act, which expanded on Alabamas 2009 anti-harassment law, requires schools to define, control, report and take other measures against bullying. The complaint states officials in both the Demopolis City school system and U.S. Jones Elementary failed to comply.

The complaint also said the school district violated Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits harassment based on gender, and Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race. The lawsuit also accuses the school system of denying Adams equal protection under the 14th Amendment.

Mckenzie was one of three Alabama students whose deaths captured headlines and hearts nationwide during the 2018-19 school year. Mckenzie passed away about a month after another 9-year-old from Birmingham, Madison Maddie Whittset, died by suicide in November 2018. Nigel Shelby was 15 when he died by suicide in Huntsville in April 2019. Bullying was cited by family members in all three deaths.

Diandra Debrosse Zimmerman, Grant & Eisenhofer director and lead attorney on the case, said school officials failure to respond to both Mckenzie and her familys complaints led to Mckenzies death.

The behavior of school and district officials was not only morally appalling but also a direct contravention of federal and state law, which require schools to enact and enforce policies against harassment and bullying, Zimmermann said. U.S. Jones Elementary, which says its mission is to ensure that students are safe, loved, and provided opportunities to develop, tragically failed at all three in Mckenzies case.

This article was updated on Friday to include more details about the bullying as detailed in the lawsuit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the partial trade deal between China and the US signed in Washington on Wednesday in a brief letter to counterpart Donald Trump.

That aside, the Chinese reaction to the deal, which is being interpreted as a ceasefire and not a truce, from analysts and official media in Beijing, have been calibrated -- optimistic but certainly cautious.

Optimistic because after 22 months of a tit-for-tat trade dispute, theres definitely some movement forward, seemingly a temporary cessation of economic hostilities.

Cautious because much more needs to be done to smoothen the economic mistrust that both Washington and Beijing have for each other.

Trade between China and the US is expected to pick up after the deal and the easing of trade frictions.

According to the Peoples Daily website, between November and December, the growth of Chinas imports from the US recovered some. US shipments to China rose by 9.1 percent year-on-year to reach 78.83 billion yuan ($11.46 billion) in December.

Exports of US agricultural products to China reached 14.1 billion yuan last month, climbing 200 percent year-on-year. In the same month, China imported 23,000 automobiles from the US, up 150 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Misgivings remain.

Neither the Chinese foreign nor the commerce ministries had come out with a statement on the deal hours after it had been signed between Trump and Vice-premier, Liu He.

The deal will stabilise global expectations. The two parties in the trade war, which jointly contribute 60 percent of global growth, are too crucial to the world. The world needs a truce, Zhang Yansheng, chief research fellow with the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges wrote in an analysis.

If China agrees to specific purchases including semiconductor in the phase one trade deal, it will involve companies like Huawei - whether the US allows suppliers to sell devices to Huawei? If the US does not, how could the specific purchases be reached?

Zhang asked: Purchases of US products must follow the WTOs principles and market economy principles. China cannot force the US to sell. If the US refuses to sell, and China fails to buy enough to meet the target figure, who should we blame?

That China and the US have signed the phase one deal shows they can manage, if not altogether settle, their differences through negotiations based on equality and mutual respect. But we should not expect too much from the deal, as it was relatively easy for both sides to fruitfully conclude the phase one talks. By contrast, the issues likely to be discussed at the phase two negotiations would be much more difficult, Tao Wenzhao, a researcher in US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, analysed for the state-controlled China Daily newspaper.

An editorial in the nationalistic tabloid Global Times was more optimistic.

Both sides definitely have some regrets about the phase one agreement and are not so satisfied. This is precisely the type of response to a relatively fair agreement. Debating about who had lost or gained is shallow. Such debates are often exaggerated for certain political goals, the tabloid said in an editorial.

Huge uncertainty remains. It may be more difficult for China and the US to reach a comprehensive trade deal, but we hope the preliminary agreement will enlighten both sides further efforts. There have been twists and turns in the past 22 months, but neither side has given up contacts and negotiations and the desire to reach a consensus. This is one of the most profound experiences, the editorial said.
China drew a blank at the Security Council consultation at which it raised the Kashmir issue with members declaring it a bilateral issue and refusing to step in.

Beijing's Permanent Representative Zhang Jun himself acknowledged it saying the meeting encouraged India and Pakistan to seek a dialogue with each other.



India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said: "Pakistan's practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course today."



The consultation ended without a statement or an acknowledgement of the issues.





Vietnam's Permanent Representative Dang Din Quy, who is the Council president for this month, did not speak to the media or make a statement as is done usually after such consultations.



The consultation was held in a consultation room away from the Council chamber and no records of it are made.



In a virtual admission that it was a bilateral issue, Zhang, who asked for the consultation, told reporters the meeting encouraged India and Pakistan "to have dialogue and to seek means to seek solutions through dialogues."



A European non-permanent member said that the members felt there should be de-escalation of the situation there and it should be handled bilaterally.



Akbaruddin said: "We are happy that neither the alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in UN fora were found to be credible today."



"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he added.



Asked what the meeting had achieved, Zhang said, "I am sure the meeting helped both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue."



He refused to answer a reporter's question why China had raised the issue at this time.



Earlier, Zhang told the media: "We have also seen some tensions, so the Council had a briefing, heard a briefing, from the UN Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground."



He also referred to a letter written by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to the Council last month, which he said asked "the Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu Kashmir."



In the letter, Qureshi alleged that India had removed parts of the fence on the Line of Control in five sectors and deployed Brahmos, and anti-tank and other missiles being deployed along the line.



A source with knowledge of the closed-door meeting, said that France had been supportive of India during the session and encouraged the Council to treat it as a bilateral issue.



What emerged from this meeting is similar to the outcome of the consultation held in August, which also did not produce a statement.



Only China's envoy spoke to the media about it about after that meeting.



China had tried to bring up the Kashmir issue at the Council last month, but backed out at the last moment.



A diplomatic source said that China had hoped that with the Security Council's composition changing in January when five non-permanent members retired and were replaced by a fresh set, it would get some traction.



But it did not work out.



Qureshi is expected to meet Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande later on Wednesday.
By Tim Hepher

PARIS (Reuters) - The crash of a U.S.-built airliner in Iran with the loss of 176 lives looks set to strain fragile international protocols on co-operation in air disaster investigations at a time when the United States and Iran are mired in confrontation.

The relatively new Boeing <BA.N> 737-800NG jet flown by Ukraine International Airlines burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran and crashed on Wednesday.

The results of an investigation and even the way it is set up and coordinated could inflame political differences as mystery surrounds the jet's sudden nosedive, analysts said.

Iran and the United States are co-signatories of the basic global agreement on modern aviation 75 years ago and sit together at the United Nations' aviation agency, widely seen as an effective watchdog while serving in the past as a back-channel for Cold War adversaries. https://reut.rs/2s4FFSc

The 1944 Chicago Convention gave rise to strict rules about how air accidents should be investigated, marking a blueprint for co-operation that has largely stood the test of time even as member countries shunned other types of diplomatic cooperation.

Under those rules, Iran's AAIB air accident board automatically leads what could be a year-long probe into flight 572, designed to help avoid future accidents.

As the country where the jet was designed and built, the United States has a right to be accredited to the investigation and would normally appoint Boeing as its own technical adviser.

But the crash, coming shortly after Iran retaliated against a deadly U.S. drone strike against once of its top officials last Friday, immediately triggered fresh signs of distrust.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was prepared to offer Ukraine assistance and called for complete cooperation with "any investigation" into cause of the crash. He did not mention any role for Iran.

Iran said earlier it would not send black boxes from the crashed jet to Boeing - a step that would in any case be unusual, according to former investigators, but which appeared intended to snub any U.S. involvement.

Story continues

"Iranians will wonder if involving the United States means they get fair result," said Paul Hayes, safety director at aviation consultancy Ascend by Cirium.

The United States will on the other hand not want the probe to be hijacked by what it sees as political aims, others said.

Aviation experts say Iran, hardened by a high accident rate that the country's leadership blames on years of sanctions, has the technical capability to read the two flight recorders.

But it may need foreign help if the finger nail-sized circuit boards containing pilot voice recordings and up to 2,000 parameters of data are badly damaged inside their "crash survivable" steel or titanium casings. https://reut.rs/2R1Kx2U

"Iran has decent investigative capabilities. They produce solid accident investigative reports," Hayes said.

COOPERATION

Black boxes from crashed jets are sometimes sent directly to Boeing's suppliers - U.S.-based Honeywell <HON.N> or L3 <LHX.N> - whenever they are too damaged to be examined properly. That would normally be carried out in coordination with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

Iran could ask another country, possibly France or Russia, to help analyze the data if needed, Hayes said. With 62 of its nationals on board the crashed jet, Canada, which has advanced technical capabilities, could also play a key role, he added.

Previous Iranian accident reports, some of which are critical of domestic operators, have shown evidence of technical cooperation between Iran and the U.S. But there has been little if any contact since Washington exited a nuclear deal in 2018.

In 2015, Iran's AAIB asked the NTSB to produce a report on what it regarded as the harmful impact of sanctions on Iran's air safety. The NTSB responded this was beyond its mission.

It is not the first time countries have squabbled over sensitive investigations as economic influence in aviation shifts steadily eastwards, where travel demand is strongest.

In March last year, Ethiopia and the NTSB clashed over the crash of a different type of Boeing 737, the MAX, which remains grounded. https://reut.rs/2tI6mMU. France's BEA has aired differences in the past with Egypt over Airbus accidents.

The latest standoff comes at a time when the U.N. protocols - nicknamed Annex 13 - are struggling to adapt to the demands of social media and the increasing tendency of parties to give their own conclusions in public.

Boeing itself has been criticized for veiled criticism of Indonesian pilots in an earlier 737 MAX crash in 2018.

Ukraine's embassy in Tehran blamed engine failure for Wednesday's crash in Iran, only to retract quickly. Engine maker CFM urged restraint, calling such speculation "premature".

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Additional reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal, David Shepardson in Washington and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Editing by William Maclean)
HOLYOKE  The Center School recently purchased the Old Blessed Sacrament Primary School building on Northampton Street and adjacent parcels for $875,000.

The sale included the two-story school, secondary parking lot and a blacktop playground.

John Foley, The Center Schools executive director, said the sale would ease bus and car backups on Northampton Street. The center at 1913 Northampton St., is a few blocks from the Old Blessed Sacrament.

Were looking to have space where we can park vehicles and spread out our pickup and drop off for our transportation, he said. The surrounding streets are often clogged with busses and vans at those times.

Staff and faculty also park on side streets, which exacerbates the traffic situation. Its been a long-standing problem if you drive by there, particularly at dismissal time. Youll see a line of cars down to Beech Street, Foley said. Its a real nightmare.

The Center School will park vans and other vehicles at the Old Blessed Sacrament parking lot, which is fenced-off and shielded by a screen.

Foley said the old school, a bricked, two-story structure, has the potential to host educational programs.

Right now, there are probably three competing interest groups for using that space. The Holyoke Public Schools want to use it for the expansion of their dual-language program, he said.

Holyoke School Receiver Dr. Stephen Zrike confirmed the district is accepting proposals, which includes leasing the Old Blessed Sacrament School.

Were looking for space for the middle school expansion at Metcalf School, Zrike said. Were hopeful that well get a number of proposals, including Mr. Foley.

Metcalf School, only steps away from the Old Blessed Sacrament building, will become a pre-K - 6 school next year. The school now operates on a pre-K - 5 model and hosts the popular dual-language program.

However, the Old Blessed Sacrament does not meet American with Disability Act standards. With any building of ours, we would have to make sure it meets all accessibility requirements, Zrike said.

He added, We got a group of parents who are working closely with the principal of Metcalf to begin planning the designs for the first dual-language middle school. The district is also looking at other sites around Holyoke.

The parish built the primary school in 1914, closing it in June 2019. Staff, alumni, and parishioners bid farewell to the school in October.

Foley, his children, and father attended Blessed Sacrament School. Competing interest wants to convert it to housing or some sort. I want to see it continue to operate as a school, one way or another, he said.

He added, For me, I think I paid substantially over the market value for the property, both to benefit the parish and that no other competing offers overtook mine.

Rev. Robert Gentile, the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church, said all students now attend the Lower Westfield Road campus. The old building served first through fourth-graders.

We do a great job educating kids around here, and we still hope to do that well into the future, Gentile said. We think it gives us those kinds of opportunities to make sure we give our kids every opportunity to grow and become the best people they can be in the City of Holyoke.

Gentile said the Old Blessed Sacrament School doubled as a church from 1923 to 1953. The parish built the iconic round church that borders Northampton Street and Lower Westfield Road in 1953.

Were going to split the proceeds between the school and the church. Were going to set up an endowment for our school with the money that we have, Gentile said. Hopefully, we can support and encourage other kids, who may not have the economic means to come here, to utilize the school.
TWIN FALLS  City officials often talk about wanting to add more housing downtown. An $8 million apartment complex could be a good way to achieve that goal, but making the project a reality wont be easy.

Peter Candy, a Ketchum-based developer, spoke about the massive apartment building at the Urban Renewal Agencys Monday meeting.

The building would sit at the corner of Shoshone Street and Third Avenue South, and would include 94 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Those units would start at $700 and $775 per month. Construction could begin this year and finish in early 2021. The building would be made up of modular units, made in northern Idaho and assembled on site.

We think itll be a great addition to the downtown area, Candy said. What we really need is some financial help buying the property.

The URA doesnt yet know how it might assist Candy, and his partner Paul Kenny, in developing the property. But URA council members did say more housing would be a boon.

Its exciting to talk about more-affordable, more-accessible-to-a-broader-audience housing in downtown, URA Councilwoman Perri Gardner said.

Lot 17 is key

There are a few reasons why building the apartment complex could be difficult.

For one, Candy and Kenny say lot 17, which is a URA-owned parking lot on Shoshone Street across from the northern part of Wills Toyota, is a must. Lot 17 would be the northwest corner of the apartment complex site.

Its all about lot 17, Candy said. Without lot 17, we probably would not do the project. Thats not meant as a threat in any way, its just simply that without a rectangular site, the development plan doesnt make any sense.

The biggest snag for the project isnt lot 17  no URA council member or staffer stated any concerns about contributing that piece to the project.

The greatest potential hurdle is that Candy and Kenny want the URA to purchase property along Third Avenue from Shoshone Street down to Hansen Street. The apartment complex would be built on that land, after the existing buildings have been leveled.

That purchase is tricky for a few reasons. For one, it wouldnt be cheap. Candy said the current owner, Emilee Golay, is asking for $425,000 for the property.

The URA cannot buy property with the intent of flipping it to a specific developer. The URA can purchase property, then put out a request for proposals and select the best offer from those proposals.

What we cannot do right now is agree to purchase a property and sell it to him at a preset price or anything like that, URA Executive Director Nathan Murray said.

Murray emphasized that the URA does not have any plans to purchase the property. But staff could work with URA attorneys to figure out some way to contribute to the project.

Candy and Kenny dont want to spend $425,000 up front because theres a chance that developing the site might not make financial sense. They want to test before they invest.

The existing buildings are old, and there could be toxic materials on the site. If tests show there are hazardous materials present, project costs will go up.

If the URA buys the property, Kenny and Candy can wait to see if the site is free of hazardous materials and therefore feasible to develop. Once they know their proposal is still cost-effective, they can find investors and complete the entitlements process.

Candy said he cannot secure sufficient investment until he has all of the entitlements for the property. Once he gets the entitlements  which he said would take six months following the URAs purchase of the property  he and Kenny would reimburse the URA.

Without the entitlements in place, I just dont have the weapons, if you will, to raise that kind of money, he said.

Candy acknowledged that this wont be an easy decision for the URA.

I understand what your risk is, he said. You understand what our risk is.

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The term 'Big Data' has been around for quite some time, but what exactly is this concept and why is it so important today? Put simply, Big Data refers to voluminous raw data sets produced by businesses and consumers every day. Big Data can be collected through surveys, transactions, sales and financial records. It can then be stored and processed to produce analytics, which can be examined to find beneficial insights. While Big Data is incredibly valuable to businesses, it is often difficult to analyze. Previously developed spreadsheets and database management software have proven to not be quite as efficient anymore and businesses are increasingly looking for better ways to collect, store and analyze data. Many are now opting for scalable server environments, such as Node.js. Node.js has become highly favored in recent years, and to hire Node.js developer, to create platforms for business data has become increasingly popular.



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One of the most important roles Big Data plays is that of describing valuable customers. These are customers who open your website links, who click-through on advertisements and who make purchases. Businesses can use this data for marketing purposes, for process changes, to predict trends and to achieve growth. Let's look at how Node.js can assist in producing an environment where this data can be stored and processed:



About Node.js and Its Role in Big Data

Node.js is an open-source environment created on JavaScript runtime. It is used for building scalable network applications. Node.js makes use of event-driven, non-blocking input and output (IO) to stay efficient and lightweight, which make it ideal for data-intensive applications. Node.js can also be tailored to suit certain requirements, so if you need a customizable, fast and high-performance environment to handle really large data sets, it is an effective option.







Source: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/what-are-the-advantages-of-node-js/



With the increase in Big Data's popularity, the need for Node.js experts, such as Node.js developers, is also growing. A Node.js developer can create a tailored platform for a business' Big Data. This is highly valuable when a company no longer finds conventional data analytics platforms useful and is looking for an efficient and effective platform customized to their needs.



Many websites now advertise Node.js developers for hire, which includes listings around their skills, experience and the average Node.js developer salary, to make it easy to recruit a suitable candidate. If you're looking to hire a Node.js developer a quick online search will produce plenty of results.



Node.js offers many benefits, which include high speeds, versatility and scalability and there are several ways businesses can use it. A Node.js developer can design and build an entirely new platform or can use it to improve existing code to use Big Data. Let's look at a few techniques that can be used with Big Data:



Different Techniques Used to Work With Big Data in Node.js

Node.js provides plenty of useful tools to process large data sets. The most popular techniques include:



Reading the whole data file



This the most straightforward technique used to process data with Node.js. With this solution (fs.readFile()), the entire file is read into memory. From there, Node reads it and it is then acted upon. This is ideal for smaller files.



Using Streams



With Node's stream solution (fs.createReadStream()), you can move data from one place to another with ease, similar to Python and Java, while its stream library helps you to stream data reliably and to easily manipulate data.



Simply put, data is received, stored in the buffer, processed and passed on:







Source: https://www.wikitechy.com/tutorials/node-js/node-js-streams



These techniques can be used to process millions of records and then store the results in a database. It may seem complex, but a Node.js expert can effectively develop such an environment or integrate it into your existing code.



Final Takeaway

Big Data is highly valuable to any business in the modern world. Its analytics can allow businesses to grow by predicting future trends, to make important changes and to give them a competitive edge. Conventional techniques may no longer be sufficient to process data efficiently. Therefore, it is beneficial to invest in Node.js solutions. An experienced and skilled Node.js developer will be able to develop a customized solution for your business's data needs. Once you are able to process and read your data effectively, you can use it to scale and grow your business.


An inspirational Belfast mother has opened her heart to talk about her experience of suicide in the hope of reaching out to others in despair.

Stephanie McKittrick is thankful every day that her serious attempt to take her life three years ago failed.

As suicide rates spiral to an alarming level in Northern Ireland, she has a powerful message to anyone who believes there is no hope.

Read More

The 35-year-old, who was in a coma for three days after trying to take her life, said: "The day I decided to finally end it all, it was not a cry for help, I was determined.

"I sat on my landing floor, crying. I wanted my life to be different, but nothing I tried worked. Everything was a disaster. I just knew if I ended it, the pain would stop and everyone would move on without my drama.

"Boy, was I wrong. As I woke up from a coma, choking on the tube down my throat before passing out again, I realised how wrong I had been. I was honestly glad I was alive," Stephanie said.

"Nothing in my circumstance had changed, but I was glad. I didn't think I would be glad, but I really was.

"If you are reading this and you are in that place, please reach out and talk to someone. Tell them how you feel.

"There is nothing in this life that cannot be solved. You are needed. You are wanted. You are loved.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation that leaves a path of devastation. Reach out - you are worth so much more."

Stephanie hit rock bottom after an horrific period in her life which followed the diagnosis of a debilitating neurological illness and the devastating loss of her second baby.

She was 20 weeks pregnant in 2013 when she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus - a deadly build-up of fluid on the brain.

Doctors said that to save her life, they would need to put a thin tube called a shunt in her brain, but it could not be done while she was pregnant.

In a further blow, scans revealed her unborn baby had Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), meaning her diaphragm had not formed properly and her abdominal organs were growing in her chest cavity, preventing her heart and lungs from developing correctly.

Her baby had just a 30% chance of survival. Stephanie was advised to have a termination to save her own life, but she refused. Instead she underwent horrific surgery on her brain while awake. She recalled: "Doctors said my baby was unlikely to survive. But I couldn't sacrifice my baby to save myself. That goes against every single mothering instinct. Even if she was born and only lived for an hour, I still wanted to meet her.

"I felt so ill that I thought I was going to die, I thought it couldn't get any worse, but when they told me my baby was going to die, my whole world collapsed."

Stephanie was offered a procedure at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast known as an ICP bar, to help relieve the growing pressure, but it would involve surgeons drilling three holes into the top of her skull. As she was 30 weeks pregnant, they had to keep her awake during the surgery, with just a local anaesthetic and paracetamol to help with the pain.

Stephanie added: "It was the most terrifying hour of my life. I could actually feel the blood trickling down the sides of my head."

The determined mum carried her daughter to 39 weeks before she was delivered by C-section on April 29, 2013.

Her baby daughter was rushed to intensive care, but it was obvious she had no chance of survival.

A heartbroken Stephanie named her Layla and was able to cuddle and kiss her baby before making the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support when she was just 25 hours old.

Six weeks after losing Layla, Stephanie underwent a major operation - this time under general anaesthetic - in another effort to ease the fluid build-up in her brain.

She has since had nine more brain surgeries, including having a shunt fitted, but continued to endure horrific symptoms. This, combined with 'blocking out' her grief over the loss of her baby, led to a breakdown and suicide attempt.

She said: "I was grieving for Layla and fighting for my own life.

"Every day was a constant battle. I had to hold on to walls to walk as my balance was off and I had excruciating headaches. My vision was affected and I was constantly being sick.

"It was the worst time of my life and because I hadn't processed my grief, it hit me like a ton of bricks and swallowed me up."

It was two and a half years after the loss of her daughter that Stephanie hit rock bottom and felt there was nothing to live for.

Convinced that others would be better off without her, she planned to take her own life.

Now grateful to have survived the suicide attempt, Stephanie is happier and healthier than ever before and enjoying a new career as a credit specialist for a global cyber security company.

She volunteers with Stanton Health Care, a Belfast group supporting women facing crisis pregnancies and also supports people with chronic illness.

Stephanie hopes her story can impact anyone who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.

She added: "I would just like to say to people who are in despair that whatever darkness you are facing, there is always light and always someone beside you and that is coming from someone who has survived suicide.

"I have spent every day since feeling so glad that I did survive it.

"Society has to take some responsibility. As individuals, we need to speak to people and be nicer to people.

"To anyone who is feeling suicidal, I would say that there is always someone there to help. Even if it is not someone close to you, please speak to one of the helplines, don't be afraid to ask for help, things can change for the better."

Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, or who feels they need support can telephone Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or ring the Samaritans on 116 123
Mumbai, Jan 16 : Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar says he feels fortunate and proud that he is celebrated writer-lyricist Javed Akhtars son. He adds that he learned many things about life and work from his father.

Asked what his best memory with his father was, Farhan said: "When you really love and respect a human being then it is very difficult to point out one best memory. I feel fortunate that he is my father. I have learnt a lot from him about life, work, relationships, culture, etiquettes and languages. I will keep learning from him, so I couldn't have asked for a better person to be my father." Farhan was interacting with the media at a photo exhibition that showcased the life of Javed Akhtar on the occasion of the latter's 75th birthday on Wednesday in Mumbai.

Talking about his feeling after visiting the photo exhibition, Farhan said: "He is very respected and also loved as a human being, I am really happy that a photo exhibition has been inaugurated on his life and times." Asked if he felt nostalgic after seeing his pictures with his father from his childhood days, he said: "When I saw these pictures with him (Javed Akhtar), then it took me back to that time and it reminded me of my childhood. There are few pictures where Zoya and I are sitting on his lap, so it brought back memories of that photo shoot in our house. It was a different time. It makes you feel good." On film front, Farhan Akhtar will next be seen in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Toofan" along with Mrunal Thakur. The film scheduled to release on October 2.
But on Wednesday, when the White House freed up nearly $16 billion in relief funding that Congress had approved in late 2017, it also severely restricted how that money could be spent. That includes blocking spending on the islands electrical grid, suspending its $15-an-hour minimum wage for federally funded relief work and requiring budget plans to be submitted to Puerto Ricos federally mandated fiscal control board.

The Trump administration has finally showed signs of relenting in its attempts to illegally withhold vital aid to Puerto Rico, and must provide the rest of the assistance this Congress has already enacted for the island, said Representative Nita M. Lowey of New York, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. However, there are still urgent unmet needs on the island that necessitate additional relief.

Securing congressional approval for disaster aid and getting it spent have become fraught during the Trump administration. The president has repeatedly clashed with the islands leadership and balked at sending funds. Once the federal money has been approved, his administration has slow-walked its distribution.

This time, lawmakers included language that would allow Puerto Rican officials to combine the new money with previously allocated funds that have yet to be spent. The package would also set deadlines for the administration to complete grant agreements and establish procedural steps to spend the money.

In the months after the hurricanes, much of the funding from federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, went toward emergency work, like removing debris, providing tarps for leaking roofs and restoring power to the island.
MIDDLETOWN  An forum later this month will tackle the concerns of North End residents about the citys vision for conservation and development for the next 10 years.

The North End Action Team, at 654 Main St., will be hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the MAC650 Gallery next door to discuss planning and zoning in Middletown. The citys 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development, reexamined every decade, is in the pre-draft stages, according to city planner Marek Kozikowski.

The public is welcome to the event, which will include refreshments and child care.

The idea sprang from input received during a discussion held last month by Mayor Ben Florsheim at the Community Health Center, said event organizer Emily McEvoy, a Wesleyan University student and advisory board member at NEAT.

At the mayoral town hall, there was a lot of discussion about city planning, fixing sidewalks, street access in the North End between cars and bikes. After hearing that, we decided it was pressing, McEvoy said. One of our goals is to get people who might otherwise not be aware of the opportunities to get involved in planning in zoning and local municipality meetings.

Other issues residents face include access to healthful food, particularly in the winter, when the NEAT farmers market doesnt operate; as well as available transportation to grocery stores, such as Price Chopper and Aldis off Washington Street, and Stop & Shop in the north end of town.

Middletown Area Transit buses dont run in late evening, there are no Sunday lines, and on Saturdays, there are fewer runs.

The North End is pretty much a food desert, it doesnt have a lot of access to healthy food, grocery stores. Many residents have difficulty finding transportation, McEvoy said.

Those living in the North End are mostly concerned about housing and transportation, according to Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate Shanay Fulton, who also works at NEAT.

The vacant homes that exist arent available for home ownership. Transportation is bleak. Buses stop running past a certain time. There is a shortage in parking. Also the traffic between deKoven, St. Johns and Main Street affect the air quality and create opportunity for more accidents, she added.

Rush-hour traffic both morning and night will often bottle neck on Main Street at the intersections of Rapallo Avenue and Grand Street, making access to Route 9 north and south inconvenient and time-consuming.

The big thing for me is traffic lights. Sitting there is a huge ordeal, Fulton said.

We wanted to center the conversation around the North End, talking about things  not just transportation, necessarily  like the environmental effects of the way cities are planned. Theres a lot that adversely affects the community there, such as vehicle congestion because of the highway conjunction, McEvoy added.

The states project to remove traffic signals on Route 9 and make improvements to Main Street has been an ongoing issue in that area for the past several years.

A lot of people would like the city to put forth a position on what they are willing and not willing to do as far as plans, Florsheim said.

Theres concern among people in the North End whether that is going to significantly change the traffic patterns, turning Rapallo into an off-ramp and diverting traffic down Spring Street past Macdonough School.

Its the densest neighborhood in the city. Its the most walked. Macdonough has the highest percentage of students who walk to school, the mayor added.

Since before he took office, Florsheim has been holding discussions about walkability, bikeability, pedestrian safety, housing stock and affordability, as well as the impact of changes in the business landscape, he said.

Everybody is very happy to see tenants like Krust and NoRa (Cupcake Co.), places like that, present in the North End. We want to make sure thats happening in the interest of the existing residents as well as people who are coming in, he said.

Lack of adequate parking downtown is another issue Middletown faces. Florsheim expects to authorize a comprehensive parking study in the next few months, something he calls well overdue.

There are limited parking assets there as we bring in more businesses, he added, such as the opening last year of Perkatory Coffee Roasters in the old trolley barn off Kings Avenue as well as Eli Cannons Tap Room now offering a lunch menu, all of which has increased demand.

The more stuff we put down there, the more pressure it creates on the housing process, on parking, any number of factors. How are we striking a balance among all these things? the mayor asked.

Kozikowski anticipates the draft POCD, being drawn up by CME Engineering, a transportation firm based in Mansfield, will be complete in February and expects the Common Council to take up the issue at its April meeting.

A series of charettes took place last year after the city created a survey seeking community feedback.

As the planners began drafting different components of the plan, chapters were reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission members. Each of the three meetings garnered public input, Kozikowski said.

Up until Jan. 8, when the last meeting was held, Kozikowski has gathered testimony and recommendations from residents, along with his ideas and suggestions from his departments staff, as well as those from other municipal office employees.

Once planners incorporate all the community input, theyll prepare a revised draft of the POCD and present that to steering committee members. It will then go to another public session, Kozikowski said.

When I was at the Complete Streets Committee, they said there hasnt been as much North End input as there could have been, McEvoy said.

Historically that is true. There havent been enough resident voices at the table. Thats what were working to change, Florsheim said. Thats all the more reason this is good NEAT is doing this. There were a lot of stuff about the North End at least discussed in the idea/planning stages of the POCD. 

The citys goal is making sure we have an economic development plan that serves the North End  not at the expense of North End residents, Florsheim added.

The public can still email input to Marek.Kozikowski@MiddletownCT.Gov or by calling 860-638-4842. Check out the Facebook invite at NEAT Community Meeting: Planning & Zoning in Middletown.
The Taoiseach has condemned the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods as grotesque and gruesome and said the entire country is shocked by it.

Leo Varadkar has vowed to help gardai bring to justice those behind the murder of the teenager whose remains were found in Dublin.

The 17-year-old, from Drogheda in Co Louth, was murdered and his remains dismembered before being left at a number of locations in Dublin.

Gardai investigating his murder have strongly criticised the circulation of inappropriate images and footage on social media that purport to show human limbs in relation to his murder.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described the murder of 17 year old Keane Mulready as grotesque and gruesome and plans to visit Drogheda in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/6R0R27TLdT  Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) January 16, 2020

Speaking in Dublin on Thursday, Mr Varadkar pledged more Garda resources to Co Louth to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said: I want to assure the public and the people of Drogheda that gardai will have all the resources they need.

They need to find the people who carried out this crime and make sure that they are brought to justice.

I want to reassure the people of Drogheda in particular that we stand right behind them and I plan to get there in the next couple of days because the whole country is really shocked by this.

In the longer term, we need to really act seriously to tackle the underlying causes that give rise to violent crime in the first placeLeo Varadkar

It is probably the most gruesome, grotesque murder that I can think of  to have it perpetrated against a 17-year-old is just particularly shocking to me.

Were going to make sure that gardai in Coolock and Drogheda are given resources, find out who did this and bring the perpetrators to justice.

I can only imagine how people in Drogheda feel at the moment.

We have had cycles of violence like this before  for example, in Dublins north inner city  and it is possible to put a stop to it. It does require people getting 100% behind the gardai and anyone who has information about it should give it to them.

In the longer term, we need to really act seriously to tackle the underlying causes that give rise to violent crime in the first place.
After a series of catastrophic mistakes, Iran has handed the initiative in the Iran-US conflict back to the United States

Regime insiders in Iran were shaken and appalled by the killing of leader of the Al-Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Suleimani by the US in Iraq on 3 January.

But with masses of people joining his funeral procession and overpowering anger from ordinary Iranians towards Washington, senior officials in Iran felt that the only thing that could soften the blow of Suleimanis killing would be the solidarity shown in the Iranian streets during the three days of mourning.

As one Iranian diplomat put it to Al-Ahram Weekly, Trumps strike against Suleimani has achieved the impossible: Uniting the Iranian people and the different factions inside the regime.

Yet, within a few hours and only days after the official mourning was over, events accelerated in a way that snatched defeat from the jaws of victory as far as the Iranian regime was concerned.

In response to Suleimanis killing, Iran fired a volley of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military airbases hosting US and Coalition troops. The attacks seemed to have been calibrated to minimise any casualties, thereby possibly averting a broader conflict as Iran was not sure how Washington would react. US President Donald Trump had earlier said that any Iranian response might provoke disproportionate US strikes.

Hours later, an Iranian missile shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane minutes after it had taken off from the Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard, most of them Iranians and Iranian-Canadians.

Iranian officials claimed that the plane had suffered from a technical failure that had led to the tragic accident. But after growing international pressure, Iran was forced to admit that Iranian air defences had shot down the plane as they thought it was an American cruise missile.

This was a tragic mistake indeed. But what made it an unforgivable crime was the cover up attempts and lies.

If the officials in Iran had admitted from the start that a grave error had been committed by the air defence of the Revolutionary Guards, apologised, opened an immediate investigation, and promised compensation to the victims, the popular reaction would have been more understanding, Farzaneh, an Iranian academic in Tehran, told the Weekly.

Lying for days to the people and trying to obscure what had happened were what sparked the outrage that we see in the streets in Iran. The regime treats us like idiots, but not many Iranians thought that the plane had really crashed due to a technical fault, she added.

Popular anger has swelled over the last few days over the accidental shooting down of the plane and the cover-up attempts by officials, as online videos have appeared to show the security forces firing live ammunition and tear gas at the protesters in the streets.

Many Iranians have expressed their shock and outrage over the plane crash that killed many Iranians, among them scores of young people. They have also criticised the misleading statements from top officials, who only admitted responsibility three days later in the face of mounting evidence.

What sparked the outrage was the fact that the authorities made a great effort to ensure that no American or Western soldiers would be killed in the response to the assassination of Suleimani, but at the same time they acted with haste and recklessness in shooting down a civilian plane, Farzaneh said.

For a growing number of critics from ordinary citizens to Iranian public figures, the events have revealed a government that is incapable of following through on its incendiary rhetoric and willing to mislead its own people about a tragedy in order to avoid embarrassment.

Such sentiments first boiled over late on Saturday, shortly after the Revolutionary Guard admitted shooting the plane down by mistake. A candlelight vigil then rapidly turned into an anti-government demonstration.

Videos sent to the New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran and later verified by the Associated Press showed a crowd of demonstrators near Azadi Square in Tehran fleeing as a tear gas canister landed among them.

Another video showed a woman being carried away in the aftermath of the violence, a trail of blood visible on the ground. Those around her were crying out that she had been shot in the leg.

Tehran Police Chief Hussein Rahimi denied that his officers had opened fire. But the semi-official Fars News Agency reported that police had shot tear gas in some areas.

Fars, close to the Revolutionary Guard, also carried videos purportedly shot on Sunday night showing demonstrators chanting that we are the children of war. Fight with us, and we will fight back.

Another Fars video showed demonstrators in Tehran tearing down a poster of Suleimani.

Trump has encouraged the demonstrators, even tweeting messages of support in Farsi and warning the Iranian government not to fire on them.

In addition to the street protests, Irans government has also faced harsh criticisms from prominent artists, athletes and journalists. Famed Iranian film director Masoud Kimiai withdrew from an upcoming international film festival, and two state TV hosts resigned in protest over the false reporting about what had happened to the plane.

Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Irans most famous actresses, posted a picture of a black square on Instagram with the caption we are not citizens. We are hostages. Millions of hostages.

Saeed Maroof, the captain of Irans national volleyball team, also wrote on Instagram that I wish I could be hopeful that this was the last scene of the show of deceit and lack of wisdom of these incompetents, but I still know it is not.

He said that despite Irans national team qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there is no energy left in our sad and desperate souls to celebrate.

The events also lost Iran credibility from the European nations. Already suffering under crippling US sanctions, Tehran is at a crossroads since Britain, France and Germany have now triggered the dispute resolution mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, a step that could result in the collapse of the agreement and the return of European sanctions on Tehran.

Officials described the move as one taken more in sorrow than anger and said it had been prompted in part by fears that Iran could now be less than a year away from possessing the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb.

The leaders of the three nations said in a statement that they had been left with no choice, given Irans actions, but to register our concerns that Iran is not meeting its commitments.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that our goal is clear: we want to preserve the accord and come to a diplomatic solution within the agreement. We will tackle this together with all the partners in the agreement. We call on Iran to participate constructively in the negotiation process that is now beginning.

Trump has been pressing Europe to leave the nuclear deal since he unilaterally withdrew in May 2018. In one of the strongest calls yet from Europe for a new agreement to replace the 2015 deal, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the way forward was to agree what he called a Trump deal.

If were going to get rid of it, lets replace it, and lets replace it with the Trump deal President Trump is a great deal-maker, by his own account. Lets work together to replace the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] and get the Trump deal instead.

The Germans and the French also support renegotiation of the nuclear deal, meaning that the circles are narrowing around Iran.

The conflict between America and Iran was never going to turn into a full military confrontation even with the killing of the second-most influential military figure in Iran.

Tehran was always probably going to respond in phases, with the ultimate goal being to end the US military presence in Iraq and the Middle East. The killing of Suleimani handed Iran the initiative to start reducing the American influence in the region. But after a series of catastrophic mistakes, Iran has now handed the initiative back to America.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly: Defeat from the jaws of victory

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YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian humanitarian mission in Syria donated medicine and medical supplies to the Aleppo Hospital on January 16th, the groups spokesperson Nazeli Elbakyan told ARMENPRESS.

The mission is being carried out by the Armenian Center for Humanitarian Demining & Expertise and includes medical and de-mining activities.

In the period of 2019 February 8 until 2020 January 16 the Armenian medics treated 13680 patients. The groups de-miners have cleared 126000 square meters of territory.

The Syrian side once again thanked for the donation and emphasized the importance of the ongoing mission.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
I K Pandey, DG (RD) and Special Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), Govt of India said that the government is in the process of providing first-aid centers at all toll plazas as well as extending it to highways. This will ensure initial medical support in case of road accidents.

Speaking at Road Safety program on the theme 'Trauma Care - A National Mission' organized by FICCI, jointly with IRF, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and WHO, during the 31st National Road Safety Week, Pandey said that trauma care is not given much importance in our country as compared to other countries. He added that we need to adopt the procedures of faster turnaround in case of any road accident as prevalent in many developed countries. Pandey said that the ministry is the nodal ministry to guide and direct the 3 'Es', Engineering, Enforcements in the Motor Vehicle Act and Education.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Someone in Laredo just got about 17.5 million reasons not to show up to work tomorrow.

READ MORE: Laredo man allegedly crashed tractor-tailer into fence, charged with criminal mischief

The Texas Lottery Commission announced earlier this morning that a Laredo Stripes convenience store has sold a winning ticket for yesterday night's Lotto Texas jackpot.

The winner is entitled to the $17.5 Million jackpot, though the buyer has not claimed their winnings as of press time.

Located at 5301 McPherson, the Stripes store could be lucky, with the winning ticket coming as a result of the store's 'autopick' machine.

READ MORE: San Antonian trolls women with 'diva' alter ego in viral TikTok videos

The winning numbers were 16-34-38-40-49-54.
The past year has certainly been a pretty fantastic one for theatre! Current West End favourites are still standing strong among the plethora of highly-anticpated Broadway transfers, plus there have been plenty of big names having their turn at treading the boards. So without further ado, here are the shows you all bought plenty of tickets for in 2019!

10. Hairspray

Michael Ball and Michael Ball in Hairspray



Michael Ball is back in his Olivier Award-winning role of Edna Turnblad this summer as Hairspray returns to the West End - and you all made sure to get tickets for what is sure to be a joyful show. We can't wait to see Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle and Lizzie Bea as Tracy, as well as find out who else will be joining them as the "Nicest Kids in Town". London Coliseum - 23 April until 29 August 2020





9. Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen

 Matthew Murphy

When the news broke that this Tony Award-winning musical was transferring to the West End, tickets began to fly out of the door! The show - led by newcomer Sam Tutty - opened to great acclaim in November and we gave it the full five stars, calling it "quite extraordinary  a musical not like any other". Noel Coward Theatre - currently booking until 30 May 2020





8. Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Noah Thomas (Jamie), Bianca Del Rio (Hugo/Loco Chanelle) and the Queens



From Bianca Del Rio and Michelle Visage to Shane Richie and Hayley Tamaddon, the WhatsOnStage Award-winning musical has been welcoming a whole host of special guests in 2019, meaning you've all been going back for more! 2020 will also be an exciting year  the show has its first UK tour, a new Jamie takes the "Spotlight" in the West End and a film adaptation will be released. Apollo Theatre - currently booking until 29 August 2020





7. Only Fools and Horses the Musical

Only Fools and Horses

 Johan Persson

Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan's musical homage to one of the greatest British comedy shows has clearly been an audience favourite in the West End, and it's just extended until April so there's even more chance to see it. Featuring all the laughs, dodgy dealings, catchphrases and eclectic mix of characters you know and love, this really is a lovely jubbly night out. Theatre Royal Haymarket - currently booking until 25 April 2020





6. Come From Away

Come From Away

 Matthew Murphy

The Olivier Award-winning musical has been inspiring and delighting London audiences since it opened in January. Following the remarkable true story of a small town that gave a home to those from all over the world, the musical will soon be welcoming some new faces to the Rock, including Alice Fearn and Tarinn Callender  so why not book a(nother) trip to Gander in 2020? Phoenix Theatre - currently booking until 23 May 2020





5. Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof

 Johan Persson

We gave this production of the classic musical five stars when it first opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and were delighted when it transferred to the West End last year  and it looks like you all were, too! Andy Nyman starred in this "magnificent revival" by Trevor Nunn, with Anita Dobson and Maria Friedman joining the cast later in the run. "Miracle of Miracles" it returns soon! Playhouse Theatre - run ended





4. Pretty Woman: The Musical

Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac

 Oliver Rosser

You've all been getting excited for the new shows opening in 2020, with this one in particular causing a frenzy! Bryan Adams has written the music for this stage adaptation of the smash-hit 90s romcom which comes direct from Broadway, with Aimie Atkinson (SIX) and Danny Mac (White Christmas) starring as Vivian and Edward. We think it's going to be big  HUGE! Piccadilly Theatre - 13 February 2020 until 2 January 2021





3. Waitress

Laura Baldwin, Lucie Jones and Marisha Wallace in Waitress

 Johan Persson

Since the diner opened up last year it's been a firm fan favourite  and you've all been enjoying their cast album karaoke nights! The sweet show has welcomed lots of new faces across the run (such as Lucie Jones, Joe Sugg and Ashley Roberts), and will star its composer Sara Bareilles and Broadway's Gavin Creel for a limited six-week engagement at the end of this month. Adelphi Theatre - final performance 4 July 2020





2. Les Miserables: The All-Star Staged Concert

Matt Lucas and Katy Secombe

 Matthew Murphy

It's been a big year for Les Mis! The announcement of this incredible concert stirred you all into ticket-buying mania, as you made sure to book a seat to see Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Carrie Hope Fletcher and more in this special version of the long-running musical. You certainly all dreamed the dream! Gielgud Theatre - run ended





1. Sister Act! The Musical

Whoopi Goldberg and Jennifer Saunders

 Matthew Murphy and Oliver Rosser

Who would have thought that Whoopi Goldberg would return to the role of Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act? Not only that, but in the Alan Menken musical adaptation at a venue in London? As soon as this casting was revealed you all went crazy purchasing tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime show which also stars Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior - "Fabulous, baby!" Eventim Apollo - 27 July until 30 August 2020
Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday claimed that the Union government is on a weak wicket following countrywide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as it did not anticipate such a mass uprising.

On union ministers' scheduled visit to Kashmir to inform people of various development initiatives of the government, Chowdhury said he has been asking the Centre to send an all-party delegation under the leadership of Lok Sabha speaker to the valley.

"The union government is now on a weak wicket following countrywide protests over CAA. They never anticipated such a massive protest. They are puzzled and that is why they are now saying that there is no need to show any document for NPR," Chowdhury told reporters here.

Union ministers may visit Kashmir but it would not yield any result, the Congress leader claimed.

"I had suggested that an all-party delegation be sent to Kashmir. But the union government remained mum on it. Now they are sending a ministers' delegation to Kashmir. It would be of no use as people would hardly express their true feelings towards them," he said.

Chowdhury also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for holding a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Kolkata last week.

"Her political theatrics stands exposed. If she really wanted to talk to him over financial demands of the state, state finance minister and finance secretary should have accompanied her. This is a farce. We all know about the tacit understanding that both the parties have," he said.

Facing flak from opposition parties for meeting Modi, Banerjee had called it a "courtesy meeting".

Referring to the recent transfer of CBI officers who were investigating Saradha and Rose Valley Ponzi scheme, Chowdhury said, "Those who have been investigating the case since the beginning were shunted out all of a sudden. It is a result of the meeting at Raj Bhawan that took place between the prime minister and the chief minister,".

The CBI on Thursday said it has transferred from the city four officers who were involved in the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams and Narada tapes scandal, from the city.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the willingness shown by Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar to stick to a ceasefire in Libya and said a conference in Berlin on Sunday must try to get a weapons embargo enforced again.

"It is a good message that he is willing to keep to the ceasefire," Merkel said at a news conference with the Croatian prime minister on Thursday.

"At the Libya conference we must above all see that the weapons embargo is adhered to again, which is basically agreed by the UN but unfortunately not kept to," she said.

(Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
New York based jewelry brand Laruicci, designed by creative director Lauren Ruicci celebrates its 10th year anniversary with a capsule collection designed by Cem Cinar, formally of Rouge Margaux & Y-Project. Ruicci and Cinar presented the first drop of a 28-piece collection inspired by French traditional savoir-faire mixed with New York night life. The collection is a balance between oversized & fitted with a duality between masculine & feminine. 
Looks like Project Runway has some competition of its own. Yesterday, January 15th, Netflix released the trailer for Next in Fashion, a fashion competition show hosted by Queer Eyes Tan France and model/fashion designer Alexa Chung. Unlike with the Bravo show, theres a good chance youll be able to rock designs by the winning contestant because the grand prize includes a chance to retail their collection at Net-a-Porter. Start saving now, everyone.

What also sets the show apart from Project Runway is that the 18 contestants have already designed for major fashion brands like Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, and Rocawear, though they havent yet hit that next level.

But who amongst you is a household name? France asks the contestants in the latest trailer, followed by silence. Thats exactly why were here today, Chung responds.

Next in Fashion will feature guest judges like Instagrams Eva Chen, celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart, designers Tommy Hilfiger, Kerby Jean-Raymond, and Prabal Gurung, model Adriana Lima, and Net-a-Porters Elizabeth von der Goltz. The rotating panel of judges will decide which designers work should advance one step closer to the grand prize of $250,000 and that coveted collection, and whose work wont make the cut.

The Netflix competition series is one of many new shows channeling Project Runway. The original show is now rebooted with Christian Siriano in the Tim Gunn mentor role and Karlie Kloss stepping into Heidi Klums shoes. Gunn and Klum are collaborating on their own new fashion design reality show, Making the Cut, premiering March 27th on Amazon Prime Video.

Despite the high-stakes competition, the charming British duo behind Next in Fashion promise clever quips and French tucks, and the show will help showcase designers we probably already should have known. Dont mind us, were just counting down the days until it premieres on Netflix on January 29th.
The Transportation Security Administration caught more firearms at airport checkpoints in 2019 than in any other year since it was created in 2001, the agency said Wednesday, as part of a steady uptick that its leader called deeply troubling.

The agency said that it found 4,432 firearms last year in carry-on bags or carried by passengers, neither of which is allowed. That number was 5% higher than the 4,239 firearms discovered in 2018 and nearly five times the 926 found in 2008, the TSA said.

A vast majority of the guns found in 2019  almost 90%  were loaded, the TSA said. About one-third of the guns caught had a round in the chamber.

The continued increase in the number of firearms that travelers bring to airport checkpoints is deeply troubling, David Pekoske, administrator of the TSA, said in a statement Wednesday. He advised flyers to follow the rules of the proper way to travel safely with a firearm.

The airports where the most firearms were found in 2019 were at three major hubs: 323 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, 217 at Dallas/Fort Worth International and 140 at Denver International.

Jenny Burke, a TSA spokeswoman, said Thursday that the agency did not speculate on why the numbers were increasing because a lot of factors could play a role. She said it was important to note that there is an increasing volume of travelers every year.

Jeff Price, a professor of aviation management at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, said the increase was a conundrum our industry has been trying to figure out for a while.

Its not like its unknown to the average public that youre not supposed to carry a gun on the plane, he said.

Price, who trains airport staff nationwide on security issues, said improved technology could be detecting more firearms. He said generations increasingly unfamiliar with Sept. 11 may not be as concerned about the dangers of weapons on airplanes.

In many cases, people simply forget they have the firearms in their bags.

They just toss it in a bag, and it just lives there, he said.

Travelers are allowed to transport firearms in their checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case, the TSA said in its statement. Passengers should then bring the case to the check-in counter and tell an airline representative that they want to travel with a gun.

The agency has for years warned against not following those rules, often using some of the extreme items found in passengers luggage to remind the public about airport security rules.

The TSA found a missile launcher in a mans checked luggage at Baltimore-Washington International Airport in July, for instance. He had told authorities that he was an active member of the military and wanted take the missile launcher home with him to Jacksonville, Texas, as a souvenir from Kuwait. The weapon was confiscated.

Not all firearms are caught. In January 2019, a Delta Air Lines passenger carried, by accident, a loaded gun through a security checkpoint at Atlantas international airport. The passenger later discovered the firearm and alerted authorities, who met the plane when it landed in Japan.

In 2017, a shooting at an airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, highlighted the issue of guns at airports after a gunman retrieved a weapon from his checked bag, opened fire and killed five people.

Federal rules allowing guns to be checked at airports have sometimes caused confusion among passengers traveling to cities with strict firearm regulations. Some visitors to New York City, for example, have been arrested upon checking guns for return flights home, unaware that they cannot legally possess guns in the city without a city gun permit.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Dylan Cortes pointed to the sky late Wednesday while addressing more than 300 people gathered at Evelyn's Park, one day after his brother was killed in a shooting on the Bellaire High School campus.

"It fills my heart knowing that my brother is looking from above watching all of us," he said to the faces in the crowd, lit by flickering candles. "Pray for him, and be here for him."

Cesar Cortes, 19, was killed Tuesday afternoon by a classmate showing him a gun in the JROTC facility on campus, according to friends. The 16-year-old shooter has been arrested and charged with manslaughter.

The emotional candlelight vigil, organized by Crosspoint Church, brought together a swath of students and parents reeling from the tragedy. Local church leaders took turns guiding prayer, and Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg issued a call for unity. Attendees sniffed back tears as musicians from the church led the gathering in song. State Rep. Gene Wu and Houston city councilwoman Abbie Kamin were also in attendance.

At the event, Bellaire High student Sammy Ramirez clung to her mother. She said she was Cortes girlfriend. She described him as quiet and kind with a love for video games and Star Wars, in addition to a strong sense of duty to serve his country.

Cortes was a respected member of the schools JROTC 20th Battalion, whose ranks filled the park earlier in the day. He was also an Army recruit.

The way he smiled just brightened me up, Ramirez said. He kept to himself but he was so comfortable with me.

Ramirez' mother, Viviana, said Cortes just visited their home over the Christmas holiday. She described him as a sweet and respectful young man with "kind eyes."

"He had a whole life ahead of him," Viviana said. "He had dreams and aspirations... he worked hard to get to where he was in JROTC, and this is just devastating."

Some Bellaire High School students at the vigil dressed in their full JROTC uniform out of respect. Lia Hatvany, a 15-year-old sophomore, said she was in Cortes' company and saw him as a leader, despite his quiet nature.

"You knew he was in the room because of how much leadership he had," she said. "He knew what he was doing, and he made a big impact on anyone who came across him."

At the vigil, several people broke down as Dylan Cortes took the stage. After his brief speech, a large crowd gathered around Cortes' parents to express their condolences.

I will miss him, and he did not die in vain, Dylan Cortes said. Because I will live forward for him and my family.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com
The unprecedented death of nearly one million birds between 2015 and 2016, whose remains washed ashore in Alaska, US, was brought on by a severe and long-lasting marine heat wave, a new study says.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, said the common murre underwent the largest avian die-off ever witnessed due to an extreme marine heat wave known as "the blob" which squeezed out the bird's fish food supply in the Pacific Ocean.

"We believe that the smoking gun for common murres -- beyond the marine heat wave itself -- was an ecosystem squeeze: fewer forage fish and smaller prey in general, at the same time that competition from big fish predators like walleye, pollock and Pacific cod greatly increased," said study co-author Julia Parrish from the University of Washington in the US.

According to the study, warmer surface water temperatures off the Pacific coast -- a phenomenon known as "the blob" -- first occurred in the fall and winter of 2013, and persisted through 2014 and 2015.

This warming then increased through 2015-2016 due to a weather phenomenon called El Nino affecting wind and cloud movement patterns.

According to the scientists, this period saw a number of other species experience mass die-offs, including tufted puffins, Cassin's auklets, sea lions and baleen whales.

But the common murre die-off was by far the largest, they said.

Between May 2015 and April 2016, the researchers said, about 62,000 murre carcasses washed off onto beaches from central California through Alaska in the US -- a number that is 1,000 times more than normal for these shores.

"The magnitude and scale of this failure has no precedent. It was astonishing and alarming, and a red-flag warning about the tremendous impact sustained ocean warming can have on the marine ecosystem," said lead author John Piatt, a research biologist at the US Geological Survey.

Based on their analysis of fisheries studies conducted during this time period, the researchers said persistent warm ocean temperatures associated with "the blob" increased the metabolism of several marine organisms across the food chain.

These included small cold-blooded organisms from zooplankton, and foraging fishes, up through larger predatory fish like salmon and pollock.

As the predatory fished ate more than usual, the demand for food at the top of the food chain was unsustainable, the scientists said.

The once-plentiful schools of forage fish that murres relied on became harder to find as a result, they added.

"Food demands of large commercial groundfish like cod, pollock, halibut and hake were predicted to increase dramatically with the level of warming observed with the blob, and since they eat many of the same prey as murres, this competition likely compounded the food supply problem for murres, leading to mass mortality events from starvation," Piatt said.

The scientists believe the common murre deaths may help explain other die-offs which occurred during this marine heat wave period.

The study noted that scientists have also recently identified another marine heatwave forming off the Washington coast and up into the Gulf of Alaska in the US.

"All of this -- as with the Cassin's auklet mass mortality and the tufted puffin mass mortality -- demonstrates that a warmer ocean world is a very different and a very different coastal ecosystem for many marine species," Parrish said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As a last resort, Rene Colorado says, he calls 911 at least two times a day  nearly every day  from his restaurant in the Tenderloin, asking for help with an aggressive mentally ill homeless person outside his door.

He said he always calls the Homeless Outreach Team first, but they seldom respond fast enough. That leaves him with no choice, he said, but to call the police.

The police are stretched thin and doing what they can. So, rightfully, when they come to respond to a homeless person, they are frustrated, said Colorado, executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants Association. But I either call the police or have to close the restaurant for the day.

As the twin crises of homelessness and mental illness grip San Franciscos streets, nearly every city department  from Public Health to Public Works  has boosted resources and staff to address the issue. Now, a chorus of police commissioners and homeless advocates say officers are spending far too much time responding to people who would be better served by social workers.

On Wednesday, the San Francisco Police Commission unanimously approved a resolution encouraging city officials to come up with alternatives to a police response to homelessness. While resolutions are nonbinding, it is a notable statement for a department at the forefront of the citys homelessness response.

Meanwhile, in a new campaign called Solutions Not Sweeps, a group of advocates are calling on the city to go even further: Stop police from responding to routine efforts to address homelessness all together  like complaints about a tent blocking a doorway or open-air drug use  unless there is a threat to public safety.

The primary responders (to homeless) should not be the police. It should be individuals in social services, said Bob Hirsch, president of the Police Commission, which oversees policy decisions for the Police Department. It has become a huge burden on the department.

The amount of time that police officers spend responding to nonviolent homelessness complaints  like many of those by Colorado  has soared. The commission says the number of police officers devoted to responding to homelessness has increased to more than 80 in 2019 from 24 in 2017.

Were forced to turn to the police, Colorado said. The police are supposed to be emergency responders to serious violence or life-threatening situations, and we agree they shouldnt be responding to these types of complaints.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

But, he said, often police are the only ones available.

The citys Healthy Streets Operations Center was created a few years ago to coordinate the response to homelessness among different city departments, including the Homeless Outreach Team and police. The HOT team is supposed to build relationships with people on the streets and connect them to services, while the 28 police officers assigned to HSOC are meant to respond to criminal activity or violence.

While the preferred situation is to have a member of the HOT team respond to a complaint first, Andy Lynch, spokesman for HSOC, said thats not always possible.

Sometimes police are already in the area and can respond to a nonviolent complaint faster than a HOT team member. Other times, he said, no one else is available.

Police officers assigned to HSOC are specifically trained on how to offer health care and shelter, as well as best practices for engaging with people experiencing homelessness, Lynch said.

In October, the HOT team engaged with homeless people 1,057 times compared to police officers, who interacted with unsheltered people 1,449 times.

But, according to the resolution, having police respond to many homelessness complaints creates a costly revolving door that circulates individuals experiencing homelessness from corner to corner.

The resolution specifically calls on the Board of Supervisors and the mayors office to convene a group that includes staff from the homelessness department, health department and the police  to suggest a better way to respond to homeless complaints.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

That better way is already the goal of a sweeping plan to overhaul the citys behavioral health care system, called Mental Health SF. That plan, supported by the mayor and members of the Board of Supervisors, would require the city to hire more outreach workers and case managers, but its still years away from adoption.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesman for Mayor London Breed, declined to say whether she supports the resolution. But, in a statement, he said another committee is not going to help the city address homelessness.

Whats going to help us address homelessness is the 1,000 new shelter beds that were adding, the 2,000 new placements for people experiencing homelessness that the mayor announced (Wednesday), he said.

While many police officers are trained in crisis interventions, they often cannot provide the same type of care that a trained social worker can, said Jennifer Friedenbach, director of the Coalition on Homelessness, who helped craft the resolution.

We are relying on police officers to manage what is, in essence, a social problem, she said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Those on the streets may also often feel threatened by the presence of a police officer, which could make them less amenable to accepting help, she said.

Friedenbach is also helping lead the Solutions Not Sweeps campaign, which calls on the city to reform its response to complaints about homeless people and encampments.

In a letter sent to Breed earlier this month, the advocates asked for a host of reforms to the citys homelessness response, including removing law enforcement from routine efforts to address homelessness unless there is a threat to public safety.

Responding to our housing crisis with law enforcement further criminalizes people for trying to survive, the letter read.

The new campaign comes a month after a group of city officials  including police officers, members of the Department of Public Works and the HOT team  forced out homeless people camped on Willow Street, an alleyway in Civic Center, on a rainy December morning.

Two blocks away from Colorados restaurant, Willow Street has long been a magnet for tents and open-air drug dealing.

While officials said they spent several weeks visiting Willow Street and tried connecting as many people as possible to services, advocates and more than a dozen people living on the street said they were offered little warning, and few resources  like a Navigation Center bed  before being forced to move.

On Tuesday, the barricades erected by the Department of Public Works last month had been pushed to the side and the alley was once again lined with tents and people using drugs.

One woman on Willow Street, who gave her name as Molly McDonald, said she sometimes feels comforted by the police presence  but other times, she feels their response isnt helpful.

The city will go through this (alley) every once in a while, and make a big fuss about us being here, she said. But its just temporary. Obviously. Look around.

A few minutes later, as McDonald was preparing to inject a dose of heroin, an undercover police car drove into the alley and stopped.

Two officers walked out of the car, and McDonald and her friend scampered away, as they have many times before.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Some supporters of the two candidates tried to tamp down the flames. We saw what was happening yesterday and the day before that and the day before that, said Nina Turner, a national co-chair for Sanderss campaign. You dont need me to enumerate it. All Im saying is, sometimes good folks do bad things. We have to make sure we dont fall into these traps.
The enzyme Gemin3 was identified as the molecular 'bridge' between genes whose mutation or disruption causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study in Nature's Scientific Reports from scientists at the University of Malta.

ALS robs patients of their ability to walk, eat or breathe. The late-onset neurodegenerative disease destroys motor neurons, the long nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that tell the muscles what to do. Signals from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, which weaken and die. There is no cure for ALS, and, eventually, the disease is fatal.

Genetics contributes significantly to the development of ALS. Mutations in any of an ever-increasing list of genes have been identified to cause ALS with TDP-43, FUS and SOD1 featuring at the top considering that together they are responsible for a large percentage of ALS cases with a family history.

"We have been perplexed by the seemingly diverse functions of genes linked to ALS. The lack of commonality complicates the process for developing treatments that are broadly beneficial," said the study's lead researcher Dr Ruben J. Cauchi, PhD, a senior lecturer at the University of Malta's Faculty of Medicine & Surgery and principal investigator at the University of Malta's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking.

Through investigations on fruit flies, the research team were able to identify a gene whose mild perturbation was enough to trigger worsening of ALS symptoms caused by disruption of TDP-43, FUS or SOD1. The gene, named Gemin3, produces an enzyme offering researchers the possibility of tuning its function to ameliorate ALS symptoms.

"Our findings point to an overlap in disease-causing mechanisms underlying each different ALS-causing gene. This can potentially unveil new targets for therapies that are effective in a wide range of ALS patients," added Dr Cauchi.

Gemin3 has long been known for its alliance with the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. A deficiency of SMN causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease that strikes infants. Gemin3's activity is crucial for building the splicing machinery which edits the cell's genetic instructions. Earlier discoveries of the research group linked Gemin3 to several key players in this delicate process.

Right now, the research team is determining whether targeting multiple players in the pathway uncovered by Gemin3 can ameliorate ALS, a result that can potentially pave the way for development of treatments that are effective to a broad swathe of ALS patients.

###

Study co-authors are Rebecca Cacciottolo, Joanna Ciantar, Maia Lanfranco, Rebecca Borg and Prof Neville Vassallo from the University of Malta, and Dr Remy Bordonne from the Institut de Genetique Moleculaire de Montpellier (CNRS/Universite de Montpellier). Research in Dr. Cauchi's laboratory is founded by the Malta Council for Science & Technology, an Endeavour Scholarship (part-financed by the European Social Fund), ALS Malta Foundation and the University of Malta's Research Trust (RIDT).
The Peter McVerry Trust says tents are not a safe solution to rough sleeping.

It comes as a homeless man

Read More:

He was sleeping when it was removed from the banks of the Grand Canal during works by Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council.

Pat Doyle - who is the CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust - said when people are in tents, it is hard to know how they are.

He said: "You can't see how people are doing, they're not visible to you when they're in a tent.

"I experienced that myself when we went out to check the numbers late last Tuesday night.

"Tents are not the solution. We need to eliminate rough sleeping and the way to do that is housing first."

Gary is a soup kitchen volunteer and knew the man - he explains why people are opting to live in tents.

He said: "They try to keep to themselves as much as possible.

"The reason they're in these tents along busy areas is because when they're in quiet alleyways they're in danger of being set on fire or...

"This has happened, it's been reported in the news before tents being set on fire or tents being vandalised while people are in them."
Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler split because of distance.

The 'High School Musical' star had been dating Austin for almost nine years before their split in late 2019, and it has now been claimed theres no bad blood between the pair, as they simply called time on their romance because of the distance their hectic schedules put between them.

An insider said: "They're just shooting on two different continents and it's a matter of distance. There is no bad blood at all, and they have a lot of respect for each other.

Vanessa, 31, is currently overseas filming her new movie The Princess Switch 2, whilst 28-year-old Austin appears to be in production on his latest project, Baz Luhrmanns upcoming Elvis Presley biopic, in which he stars as the King of Rock and Roll.

Expand Close US actress Vanessa Hudgens (L) and US actor Austin Butler arrive for the premiere of Sony Pictures' "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on July 22, 2019. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp US actress Vanessa Hudgens (L) and US actor Austin Butler arrive for the premiere of Sony Pictures' "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on July 22, 2019. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP)

And although the pair are split for now, a second source claims they plan to see what happens and could reunite once their schedules settle down again.

The source told E! News: "They have such a history and deep connection they could find their way back to one another. Right now she felt like he needed to go and be single and see if that's what he really wants.

Vanessa and the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood stars break up was first reported earlier this week, but it is believed they called it quits late last year.

An insider claimed: "Vanessa and Austin are officially broken up, and Vanessa has been telling those close to her about their breakup.

Tongues started wagging among fans last year when the 28-year-old actor was absent from Vanessa's 31st birthday celebrations on December 13.

He also appeared to skip her trip to Vals, Switzerland, and they weren't together on New Year's Eve as she posed for photographs alone.

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India is planning to cut some imports from Turkey and widen curbs on palm oil from Malaysia to oil, gas and other products, government officials said, targeting the two Muslim-majority countries for their criticism of India's policy towards Kashmir.

India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, has already effectively stopped importing palm oil from Malaysia by asking Indian importers to look elsewhere.

New Delhi is now planning to restrict buying of petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia, the two government officials, who did not wish to be identified, told Reuters.

The government is also planning to cut imports of oil and steel products from Turkey, one of the officials said.

"Our government has not taken kindly the comments of Malaysia and Turkey and we will restrict trade from both the countries," one of the officials said.

The Indian Commerce Ministry did not reply to an email seeking comment.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in whole by India and Pakistan and ruled in part by both.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said recently Hindu-majority India was "invading and occupying the country" of Jammu and Kashmir and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan had said Kashmiris are "virtually under blockade".

The Indian government withdrew the autonomy of Kashmir last year to tighten its grip on the region, shutting down internet access and detaining activists and politicians. India's Supreme Court last week ruled an indefinite shutdown of the internet in Kashmir was illegal.

Tension between India and Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, further escalated after 94-year-old Mahathir criticised India's new citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.

Turkey meanwhile has sided with Pakistan on issues such as its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which oversees the export of goods that can be used for nuclear weapons manufacturing.

Turkey is also against the blacklisting of Pakistan by the world financial watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force, to curb its alleged financing of terror, something India has been lobbying for hard.

Indian trade data indicates that overall imports from both Malaysia and Turkey had already taken a hit last year.

ALSO READ: Malaysia PM defends criticism of India; says will speak 'against wrong'

ALSO READ: India imposes anti-subsidy duty on copper wire rod from Malaysia and 3 others for 5 years

ALSO READ: Govt imposes restriction on palm oil import after Malaysia's criticism of PM Modi's action on Kashmir, CAA
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, no longer.

This phrase, generally used during burial ceremonies, suggests that every life will one day come to an end. Today, the flurry of startups businesses seeking to change timeless traditions is challenging even this. Now, one can obtain eternal life by becoming compost witnessing rebirth as a tree.

Traditional funerals, in the form of cremation, embalming and burial, are now giving way to new alternatives with the emergence of new funeral startups that aim to disrupt the overpriced services sector by offering something cheaper and better.

The market they are targeting is sizable. With nearly 2.6 million deaths every year in the United States, a new class of entrepreneur sees plenty of opportunity to innovate.

Considering the fact that 41.4 million Americans live below the poverty line and that 40 percent of US citizens cannot afford an unexpected expense of just $400, it is clear that a majority of Americans would be unable to absorb the average cost of a funeral, which sits at around $8000.

Due to the nature of the business (that everyone is bound to use the service at some point) it was long believed that nothing could jeopardize the funeral industry. Yet, due to the high cost and availability of cheaper alternatives, it seems that all sectors of the industry have been reporting losses over the past decade.

Currently, the coffins and caskets market is worth some $550 million, but that belies an annual decline rate of 3.6% over the last five years. That rate is expected to accelerate to about 4.1% in the next five years. Skilled embalmers have been particularly hard hit, with employment in that profession declining 28% in less than 10 years.

Back in 2015, cremation surpassed traditional burial rates across the country for the first time, largely because of consumer attempts to reduce costs associated with funerals.

However, for environmentally conscious Millennials, even cremation is out of the question because the process emits some 270,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. That is equivalent to the CO2 from 22,000 homes, or the emissions of 50,000 cars.

Millennials, as tech-savvy and environmentally conscious consumers, are driving the popularization of green burials, which are both affordable and involve fewer synthetic chemicals.

Green burials cost an average of $2,000, which includes a plot and environmentally friendly casket. For those who desire even more eco- and wallet-friendly solutions, there is an option to ditch the tombstone and chose a GPS marker instead.

Composting is also on the rise as a unique way for one to give back to the planet more directly. The process involves sealing a body into a container with wood chips, alfalfa and hay and adding heat to stimulate microbial munching.

There are still a few legal issues to be resolved around the compost funeral, but the worlds first funeral home dedicated to composting human beings is set to open in 2021 in the state of Washington, the first state to legalize such services last year.

An even newer trend is the tree burial during which ashes are placed in the soil with a seed to plant a tree that wont affect the trees natural DNA.

There are also green burial options that arent wallet-friendly, and far surpass the traditional funeral costs. One such option is the space burial in which ashes are launched into space via a rocket.

And how about Cryonics? At a cost of a minimum of tens of thousands of dollars, a handful of companies are willing to preserve a body in the hope that one day the technology will exist to bring the deceased back to life.

The funeral industry though it was immortal. Its not. Todays consumers, even beyond the grave, want options and startups are more than willing to give them those options.

By Anes Alic for SafeHaven.com

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Newport Beach, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DPW Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) a diversified holding company (DPW, or the Company) announced that the NYSE American has authorized the application it previously submitted to the NYSE American related to the Ault & Company, Inc. securities purchase agreement which provides for its acquisition of up to a 19.99% ownership interest in the Companys common stock at a price of $1.12 per share.



On December 23, 2019, DPW entered into a securities purchase agreement with Ault & Company, Inc. to purchase up to 19.99% of the Companys common stock at a purchase price per share of $1.12, subject to the approval of the application therefor submitted to the NYSE American.

The application was authorized by the NYSE American on January 15, 2020. As a result, at the closing of the securities purchase agreement on January 15, 2020, Ault & Company, Inc. became the beneficial owner of 666,945 shares of Common Stock, or 19.99% of the common stock then outstanding.

Ault & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a private holding company controlled by Milton C. Ault, III, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Company recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read the Companys public filings and press releases available on its website at www.DPWHoldings.com under the Investor Relations section or available at www.sec.gov.

About DPW Holdings, Inc.

DPW Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, medical, crypto-mining, and textiles. In addition, the Company owns a select portfolio of commercial hospitality properties and extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. DPWs headquarters are located at 201 Shipyard Way, Suite E, Newport Beach, CA 92663; www.DPWHoldings.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press 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. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as believes, plans, anticipates, projects, estimates, expects, intends, strategy, future, opportunity, may, will, should, could, potential, or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Companys business and financial results are included in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Companys Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.DPWHoldings.com .
When Shane Grosss friend first saw the turtle while diving, it was enough to reduce her to tears.

Down amid the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the Bahamas, this noble animal had been snared and killed by an entirely man-made danger: abandoned fishing equipment.

A hook protruded from the creatures decomposing tongue and its body had been tangled in the mesh. Its eye sockets were empty it had been there so long.

But Gross, a photographer by profession, was determined the creature would not die in vain.

He dived down with his camera and snapped the small scene of horror.

Images like this can become warnings for the future, the Canadian said after the resulting picture won first place in the eighth annual Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest.

Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Show all 41 1 /41 Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Shane Gross /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Paolo Isgro /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Claudo Zori /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Alessandro Grasso /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Mok Wai Hoe /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Galice Hoarau /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Greg Lecoeur /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest George Kuo-Wei Kao /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Tae Wook Kang /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Qing Lin /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Enrico Somogyi /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Jose Antonio Castellano/SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Alessandro Buzzicheli/SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Taeyup Kim/SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Nicholas More/SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Hakan Basar /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Enrico Somogyi/SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Stephano Cerbai /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Wu Yung-Sen /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Hannes Klostermann /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Jay Clue /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Jules Casey /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Jenny Stock /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest George Kuo-Wei Kao /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Greg Lecoeur /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Paolo Bausani /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Dave Johnson /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Celia Kujala /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Ferenc Lorincz /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Steven Kovacs /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Tobias Friedrich /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Fabien Michenet /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Pedro Carillo /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Yat Wai So /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Fabien Martinazzo /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Fabien Martinazzo /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Fabien Michenet /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Tianhong Wang /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Johan Sundelin /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Greg Lecoeur /SWNS.com Underwater Photography Guide's Ocean Art Contest Paula Vianna /SWNS.com

We dont want any other turtles, or any creatures, to become doomed to the same unfortunate fate, drowned and wasted thanks to our negligence.

The photo took top honours in the contests conservation category  but it was not the only stunning image capturing the beauty and brutality of life beneath the waves.

Recommended Seahorses and shipwrecks among winners of underwater photo contest

Elsewhere in the competition, Paula Vianna, from Portugal, won first place in the marine life behaviour category for her shot of a pink whip stingray riding on the back of a larger ray on Australias Great Barrier Reef.

And French photographer Greg Lecoeur won overall best In show for his cold water shot of a crabeater seal sliding between chunks of ice in the Antarctic Peninsula.

The competition saw thousands of entries from some 78 countries around the world, with more than 65,000 handed out in prizes.
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom Dominic Raab has confirmed the invitation for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to pay a visit to London in the near future.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko wrote this on his Twitter account after meeting with Raab on Thursday.

"Dominic Raab reiterated invitation for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the earliest. Agreed to speed up negotiations on a new comprehensive agreement, covering Ukraine-UK relations after Brexit," Prystaiko wrote.

He added that the parties had also discussed ways of cooperation in investigating the cause of the UIA plane crash in Iran on January 8. A number of other issues, in particular on the protection of the sovereignty of Ukraine, were raised at the meeting.

In his turn, Raab noted Ukraine's leadership in establishing the facts around Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

ish
The Egyptian FM said that the three countries will meet in Washington soon to discuss technical and legal issues for a final, comprehensive agreement

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed that the statement signed after the last round of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations in Washington does not constitute a new agreement on its own.

Shoukry said that the negotiations defined the conceptual frameworks for an agreement, the positions that must be addressed, and various elements related to the issues of concern to the three parties.

In an interview with MENA news agency in Washington, Shoukry said that the United States' mediation contributed to reaching common ground on the general framework agreement on the GERD.

Following the three days of negotiations in Washington between the foreign and irrigation ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, Shoukry said that Egypt is "cautiously optimistic" about reaching a decisive point regarding the GERD.

The Egyptian FM affirmed that another date for negotiations has been decided by the three countries on 28 and 29 January to discuss the technical and legal consultations linked to the final comprehensive version of the agreement.

"The three countries have slated a date to reach an agreement after the next meeting in Washington within a timeframe that is not so long," Shoukry asserted.

"We hope this will be the end. Egypt always deals in good faith and with a high level of understanding for other parties, but we consider this a vital issue that must be dealt with sincerity and precision in order to protect the interests of the Egyptian people and also the people of Sudan and Ethiopia," Shoukry said.

The minister also affirmed that if a final agreement is not reached, then the articles of the Declaration of Principleswill remain in effect, and that the article on conflict resolution will certainly be activated.

The final agreement on the Declaration of Principles between Egypt, Ethiopia And Sudan includes a mechanism for settling disputes, including consultation, negotiation, mediation and conciliation, all of which are tools stipulated by international law to settle any disputes that may arise over the interpretation or application of some provisions of the agreement.

"I am optimistic that the sponsorship and participation of the United States and the World Bank in the preparatory period during the next two weeks will help finalise an agreement," Shoukry said.

The Egyptian FM affirmed that US President Donald Trump attaches special significance to reaching an agreement and that he appreciates the importance of maintaining water security for both Egypt and Sudan as Nile basin countries, as well as what the dam might represent for Ethiopia's development. Shoukry said he expects President Trump will attend the signing of the final agreement.

Shoukry pointed out that the Renaissance Dam negotiations had certainly taken a long time.

"It was expected that an agreement would be reached on several past occasions, especially since Egypt had affirmed its keenness to see Ethiopia receive the full benefits of the dam in terms of development and electricity generation, while considering Egypt's water rights and ensuring the flow of water to both Egypt and Sudan," Shoukry said.

The minister added that the most recent meetings held in the capitals of three countries, as well as the meeting in Washington, have contributed to reaching common ground on the general framework of the agreement.

Shoukry explained that the consultations that spanned five years have created common understanding of the points of view of the involved parties.

"We were hoping that things would happen faster to reach a final agreement in implementation of the principles agreement," Shoukry said. "But we are keen on not missing opportunities and maintaining relations between the three countries because there are many areas that we should take advantage of," the Egyptian foreign minister added.

Shoukry pointed out that the idea of resorting to a mediator other than the US was not raised by neither the three parties nor the sponsoring parties during the Washington negotiations.

Last Sunday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in Ethiopia's dispute with Egypt in the dam issue.

Following talks in the capital Pretoria, Abiy said he had requested Ramaphosa "mediate between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan" on the matter.

"The consultations in Washington focused on the substantive issues related to the technical issues of filling and operating the dam and the needs of the two downstream countries Egypt, Sudan," Shoukry said.

"Consequently, there was no mediation or sponsorship offered by any other party," he affirmed.

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The host of BBC Radio 4's PM was left mortified after realising that the expert guest on the show was not OJ Simpson's lawyer but was instead another American who shared the same name.

Evan Davis, 57, suffered the on-air blunder earlier this evening during a segment about television cameras being allowed into UK courts.

He had hoped to speak to the Robert Shapiro who had been OJ Simpson's lawyer during his double-murder trial in 1995.

But it did not take long for Mr Davis to realise that the wrong Robert Shapiro had been called.

In the segment, Mr Davis can be heard delivering an introduction into the topic before welcoming the American guest.

He says: 'But also joining us from the US, Robert Shapiro, who in 1995 was a member of the team of attorneys that successfully defended OJ Simpson in what must be the most high-profile televised court case in legal history.'

Mr Shapiro can be heard nervously laughing in the background as the prolonged introduction continues.

Evan Davis had hoped to speak to the Robert Shapiro (right) who had been one of the lawyers for OJ Simpson (left) during his double-murder trial in 1995. But it did not take long for Mr Davis to realise that the wrong Robert Shapiro had been called

Mr Davis adds: 'Robert Shapiro I'm fascinated in what you think about these rather tentative steps that are being taken here to showing court on television and whether we are moving on the right track'.

A bemused Mr Shapiro replies: 'Well, 'First of all, it's an honour to be on with Lord Sumption, second, let me say that I am Robert Shapiro, an adviser to Democratic Presidents, not the lawyer.

'You called the wrong Robert Shapiro.'

The presenter is quick to apologise and says: 'Oh my goodness, what a mistake we made. You are obviously in our Rolodex. I am surprised we didn't pick that up in the pre-conversation.'

Mr Shapiro replied: 'I am surprised too.'

Mr Shapiro (left), who is an adviser to the Democratic Presidents, carried on despite the blunder and provided his views on the new draft legislation put to him by Mr Davis (right)

The guest carried on despite the blunder and provided his views on the new draft legislation that could lead to television cameras being allowed into Crown Courts to broadcast judges' sentencing remarks.

He was joined over the phone by former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption - who had been called correctly.

Mr Davis said: 'We are obviously mortified by this. I hope we have the former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption on the line. '

At the end of the segment Mr Davis added: 'That is the worst mistake on air we have made since I think I started on this programme.

'Thank you so much anyway for knowing so much about it.'
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Linkedin Duncan Graham (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020

For Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) managing director Sophie Galaise, 19th century fairytale-teller Hans Christian Andersens quotation that said when words fail, music speaks still strikes the right chord.

Musical styles and cultural differences dont need to be barriers, she said recently at Yogyakartas Sanata Dharma University as Australian and Indonesian musicians tuned their violins.

By collaborating we can build bridges to understanding. Never underestimate the power of music.
Hundreds of parents picketed a top Bangladesh school and blocked a major road in the capital to protest against a decision to make Islamic dress optional for students.

Some 200-300 parents held hands and blocked a road in front of an Ideal School and College campus in Dhaka's Banasree neighbourhood on Wednesday, said local police chief Abdul Kuddus.

Ideal is one of the country's best private school chains, with branches in several middle-class neighbourhoods. Its students regularly top nationwide exam tables.

Parents said the school this year dropped a requirement for boys to wear Islamic skull caps and for girls to wear an "orna", a loose scarf-like shawl that covers the chest.

"It has been a tradition of this school since 1973 and we don't have any problem with it," said Tofazzal Hossain, a parent.

"Why did the authorities suddenly take such an anti-Islamic decision without discussing it with us?"



College principal Shahan Ara Begum said neither item of clothing had been banned, but rather made optional.

She said also that Muslim traditions should not be forced on pupils belonging to other faiths.

Although overwhelming Muslim, Bangladesh is officially secular.

Thousands of people took to social media to criticise the school's new dress code.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Srinagar, Jan 16 : Five more detained Jammu & Kashmir politicians are to be released on Thursday.

The number of leaders under detention stands at 21 now.

According to sources those who being released include National Conference leader Salman Sagar, PDP leader Nizamuddin Bhat, Showkat Ganai, Altaf Kalloo and Muktiar Baba.

On December 30, five other mainstream politicians, including two MLAs, were released from detention in the MLA hostel.

A total of 35 mainstream politicians were moved from the Centaur Hotel on the banks of the Dal Lake to the MLA Hostel in November.

Three former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been detained since August 5 following the revocation of Article 370.

Farooq Abdullah has been detained in his house at Gupkar Road that has been declared as a sub-jail. Omar Abdullah has been detained at Hari Niwas and Mehbooba Mufti is detained at a government house on MA Road in Srinagar.

According to sources Omar Abdullah is being shifted from Hari Nivas to Government Bunglow M-4 on the Gupkar Road in Srinagar.
Related:

People Up In Arms Over 'Jesus Christ' Video Game

Judge Orders Netflix To Remove Controversial Film

A Brazilian judge has ordered Netflix to stop airing a Christmas special that insinuates Jesus is gay.

Millions have signed an online petition for the film to be removed from Netflix.

The Portuguese-language satirical film is called "The First Temptation Of Christ," and is about Jesus coming home for his 30th birthday. In the film, Mary and Joseph have thrown a birthday party for Jesus. Jesus' friend Orlando hints that he and Jesus might have something going on.

The film, created by Porta dos Fundos, premiered in Brazil on Dec. 3.

Comedy Makes Claim Jesus Is Gay

At one point in the 46-minute movie, when Jesus takes Orlando to meet his family, and when they ask where Jesus knows Orlando from, he says "the desert."

Then, according to Sky News:

"Orlando later plays a keyboard and sings a song which includes lyrics such as: "God is so good, He created the world in seven days. And after a little while, He drowned his creation."

Ruling Contradicts Earlier One

The new ruling was brought down by Rio de Janeiro judge Benedicto Abicair, and was apparently in response to a Catholic group in Brazil that said "the honor of millions of Catholics" was being affected by the Netflix special.

Abicair said the withdrawal of the movie is beneficial not only to the Christian community, but to Brazilian society which is mostly Christian.

The judge's ruling contradicts an earlier ruling which rejected censorship of the movie. Either way, it remains valid until another court order comes through.

Company Says It's 'Artistic Freedom'

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has also come under fire amid claims he's fomenting a "cultural war," since funding there has been cut for artistic projects that oppose "Christian values."

On Dec. 24, Porta dos Fundos' headquarters was bombed with Molotov cocktails as a result of the backlash from the company's film.

Story continues

Porta dos Fundos released this statement before the Dec. 24 attack:

Porta dos Fundos values artistic freedom and humor through satire on the most diverse cultural themes of our society and believes that freedom of expression is an essential construction for a democratic country."

Three men have taken responsibility for the attack, in which no one was hurt.

Possible 'Cultural War'

This isn't Porta dos Fundos' first time facing controversy. Its film "The Last Hangover" is about Jesus disciples who are looking for him after the Last Supper. The film won the group won an International Emmy for best comedy web television special.

According to the Associated Press, Netflix said it would not comment on the matter. Porta dos Fundos also said it wouldn't comment.
The Indian Union Muslim League, the Kerala-based group that was the first to rush to the Supreme Court to challenge the new citizenship law, returned to the top court on Thursday to ask the judges to stop the government from implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Population Register, or NPR.

In two applications filed in the Supreme Court, the IUML also asked the court to get clarifications from the government whether it had plans to implement the National Register of Citizens, or NRC, across the country and if there was a link between the NRC and the population register.

The IUML request comes against the backdrop of the governments new stand on the NRC and the NPR after protests broke out against the amended law that seeks to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslims entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh before 2015.

Top government leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have insisted that there is no link between the new citizenship law, the register of citizens and the population register.

But the governments critics including opposition parties have pulled out statements made by top ministers that have emphasised the link between the CAA, NRC and NPR.

The population register was launched by the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance in 2010 against the backdrop of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to create a biometric database of residents that can be accessed by the security establishment without too many restrictions.

UIDAI, the body that runs the Aadhaar programme, had made it clear that security agencies would not be able to dip into its database at will.

The government had then decided to create the population register as the first step towards building the citizens register and draws the powers to force people to give information about themselves under the Citizenship Act.

The new IUML applications are designed to put the government in a spot. It quotes statements made by several ministers in parliament where the population register was described as a precursor to the NRC.
After criticism from ally Congress, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday withdrew his controversial remarks wherein he claimed that former prime minister Indira Gandhi met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

However, before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Karim Lala in his capacity as representative of the Pathan community.

Later, after Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam hit out at Raut over his "ill-informed" remarks, the Sena leader withdrew it.

"If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image, or someone's feelings, I take it back," said Raut, whose party is part of the ruling alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra.

"In the past, I have taken her (Gandhi's) side and argued with people who tried to malign her image. In such cases, some Congress leaders had remained silent," the Rajya Sabha member said.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday, Raut claimed, "When (underworld don) Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)."

He also said that "they (underworld) used to decide who will be Mumbai's police commissioner and who will sit in Mantralaya".

Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to early eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Taking strong note of the remark, former Union minister Deora and Nirupam asked Raut to withdraw it.

Deora said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will "repent" if he continues a "false campaign" against Gandhi.

While defending his comments, Raut said he had never shied away from praising Indira Gandhi.

"Kareem Lala was leader of Pathan community, he led an organisation called 'Pakhtun-e-Hind'. It was in this capacity of the leader of Pathan community that he met several top leaders including Indira Gandhi. However, those who do not (know) the history of Mumbai, r twisting my statement," Raut said in a tweet.

"I have never shied away from praising Indira Gandhi as an iron lady who took decisions with iron fist. Surprisingly those who do not (know) history of Indiraji are shouting on top of the voice," he said in another tweet while

tagging it to Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Rajeev Satav.

Latching onto the controversy, former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis sought an explanation from the Congress leadership over Raut's comments and wondered whether the Congress was "funded by Mumbai's underworld".

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader also questioned if (at that time) it was the beginning of "criminalisation of politics" in the state, and if the Congress "supported" those who attacked Mumbai.

Was the Congress in need of "muscle power" to win elections in those days? he asked.
(Alliance News) - Galantas Gold Corp on Thursday said it has been forced to cut costs and lay off more than half of its workers at the Omagh gold mine in Northern Ireland, where blasting operations remain suspended.

Blasting was suspended by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in October. Blasting operations in Northern Ireland must be supervised by police, and in October Galantas said current PSNI arrangements meant that blasting had to be halted.

Galantas said: "The company continues to be in positive discussions with the PSNI. The date when these matters will be concluded is not yet known."

Employee numbers at Omagh have been chopped by more than half to 21 from 46. The majority of the cut backs were made on November 15, Galantas said.

Concentrate production at Omagh has continued, albeit from stockpiled material.

The company affirmed that it is weighing its options at Omagh and may consider selling the asset or finding a joint-venture partner.

Shares in the company, based in Toronto, where it also has a listing, were flat a 1.28 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
More than a quarter-century ago, the North America Free Trade Agreement was signed right here in San Antonio. This innovative trade deal made sweeping changes to the way we do business with our northern and southern neighbors by giving us duty-free access to Mexican and Canadian markets. It also gave the I-35 corridor  and San Antonio  a starring role in North American trade.

By virtually any measure, NAFTA has been a huge success, leading to more than triple the trade with Mexico and Canada since it took effect. During that time, though, a lot has changed. Back then, the internet was in its infancy, smartphones didnt exist, and the only shopping you did was at brick-and-mortar stores. The way we do business has evolved significantly, and the once-revolutionary policies of NAFTA can no longer keep up.

More than a year ago, President Donald Trump reached a deal with the leaders of Mexico and Canada to bring our trade into the 21st century, and this week, it received the green light from the U.S. Senate. With strong bipartisan support, we passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which will take bold steps to modernize our trade with our northern and southern neighbors, and continue the prosperity Texas economy has experienced through NAFTA.

Since the deal was announced, Ive heard from countless Texans about the need to get the USMCA ratified, and some of its most vocal supporters are here in San Antonio. Community leaders, including elected officials, business owners and local Chambers of Commerce, have been clear: We need the USMCA.

This trade agreement preserves the hallmark provisions of NAFTA, while making changes to account for our ever-evolving economy. The USMCA includes strong protections for intellectual property, which is critical to safeguarding the incredible innovation we see at home. It cuts the red tape that has prevented small businesses from tapping into foreign markets. And it accounts for e-commerce and digital products as these products continue to make up a larger portion of our economy.

Some of the most significant changes will provide serious benefits to the auto industry. For cars to be imported duty-free, the original NAFTA required at least 62.5 percent of the parts automakers used in their vehicles to be North American-made. The USMCA will increase that threshold to 75 percent by 2023. Its a huge incentive for automakers to keep manufacturing and jobs right here in Texas, rather than sending them overseas.

The USMCA will also protect market access for the agriculture industry, which experienced tremendous growth in exports under NAFTA. We have more farms and ranches than any other state, and the annual economic impact of Texas agriculture totals about $100 billion. The USMCA will build on NAFTAs success, and ensure Canada and Mexico remain our top customers for agricultural products. Its expected to lead to a $2.2 billion increase in U.S. agriculture and food exports, and were sure to reap many of those benefits here in Texas.

Texas has the 10th-largest economy in the world, and is the engine behind much of our countrys trade. In 2018, we exported more than $137 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada, and with the passage of the USMCA, that number is expected to go up.

Experts say the USMCA will lead to increased wealth for the United States and 176,000 new American jobs. Its expected to have a positive impact on every industry sector of the U.S. economy and result in an increase of more than $33 billion in exports. Its a sign of even more good news to come for our national economy.

I was proud to vote in support of the USMCA, and Im eager for this agreement to finally take effect. Less than three weeks into 2020, weve already notched a major win for Texas farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and consumers.

More than 27 years after NAFTA was signed in San Antonio, the Alamo City can once again celebrate the start of a new chapter in North American trade, this time through the USMCA.

Republican John Cornyn is the senior U.S. senator for Texas.
Russias parliament confirmed Mikhail Mishustin as the countrys new prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes. WSJ explains how the reshuffle could extend Mr. Putin's grip on power after his term ends in 2024. Photo: Sputnik/Reuters
Press Release

16 January 2020

DALLAS - Motel 6, a leader in the economy lodging segment in the United States and Canada, today announced partnerships with Truckers Against Trafficking and New Friends New Life as part of the company's ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. These two partnerships come as the nation recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, which highlights the growing problem worldwide.

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"We're deeply committed to the fight against human trafficking in all forms, and we continue to expand our efforts through new initiatives and partnerships," said Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Through vigilance, education, training of every single Motel 6 team member, and coordination with local, state and national organizations, we are focused on doing our part to battle this global problem."

Truckers Against Trafficking (https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/) is a national not-for-profit organization that trains members of the trucking, bus, and energy industries to assist law enforcement in the recognition and reporting of human trafficking, in order to aid in the recovery of victims and the arrest of their perpetrators. The organization created the Freedom Drivers Project, a first-of-its-kind mobile exhibit educating audiences about the realities of domestic sex trafficking.

"We are thrilled to welcome Motel 6 as a new partner and sponsor," said Laura Cyrus, director of corporate engagement for Truckers Against Trafficking. "We recognize the overlap between the work of our two entities, and the team at TAT is excited to see what we can accomplish together in the fight against human trafficking. As more professionals from both the transportation and hospitality industries are made aware of this crime and how to combat it, we know our combined efforts will have a meaningful impact."

Motel 6 will also begin a three-year partnership with Dallas-based New Friends New Life (www.newfriendsnewlife.org/) to support survivors of human trafficking through programs such as job training, interim financial assistance, education, mental health treatment, and spiritual support. The company's commitment includes financial support and in-kind donations, fundraising initiatives, and educational trainings and workshops.

"New Friends New Life is pleased to have Motel 6 joining in our efforts to combat human trafficking," said Kim Robinson, CEO of New Friends New Life. "The hotel and lodging industry can play a critical role in helping identify victims and in creating barriers for traffickers. Our partnership with Motel 6 will undoubtedly help change the lives of trafficking survivors here in Dallas and will impact survivors across the country."

Ongoing Commitment to Fighting Trafficking

These new partnerships further enhance the broader efforts by Motel 6 to combat human trafficking. In addition to working closely with local law enforcement and not-for-profits with expertise on the issue, Motel 6 has proactively introduced a range of internal initiatives emphasizing awareness, education, training, and survivor support. Additionally, the company has put in place a Rapid Response Team to address potential instances of human trafficking. To learn more about these initiatives, visit https://g6hospitality.com/about-us/combating-human-trafficking/

About Truckers Against Trafficking

Truckers Against Trafficking is a 501c3 organization created in 2009 to educate, equip, empower and mobilize the members of the trucking, bus and energy industries to fight human trafficking as part of their everyday jobs. It does this by saturating the industries with TAT materials; partnering with law enforcement and government agencies to facilitate the investigation of human trafficking; and marshaling the resources of TAT partners to combat this crime. For more information, visit https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/

About New Friends New Life

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers formerly trafficked and sexually exploited women, teen girls and children. By providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health and spiritual support, New Friends New Life helps women, teen girls and children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities. In 2019, NFNL served 372 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of human trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. More than 100 girls visited the YRC during its first year. In 2015, NFNL organized its Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. For more information, visit http://www.newfriendsnewlife.org
A Belfast father whose son died after taking ecstasy during a night out has said figures showing nearly 200 people died from drugs in Northern Ireland in 2018 were the tip of the iceberg.

Billy Burns set up the One Pill Will Kill campaign after his 23 year-old son Jamies death in 2016 to spread awareness about the danger of drugs.

Data compiled by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) revealed that 189 people died from drugs in 2018, the highest number ever recorded.

Half of these deaths (95) were men between the ages of 25-44. Men accounted for 70.4% of all deaths during the 12 months.

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The number of deaths has more than doubled from the 89 drug-related deaths in 2008 and has risen by 39% from 136 deaths in 2017.

Mr Burns said that he believed the research was not telling the whole story about those killed by drugs in Northern Ireland.

He told the Belfast Telegraph that the figure only included those who had died as a direct result of drugs and that there would be many other deaths where drugs would have played a part.

We may be only scratching the surface of the real figure, Mr Burns said.

The increase in the amount of young people dying with more than one drug in their system is particularly concerning, instead of doctors having to treat for one drug they are dealing with a cocktail.

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Mr Burns said the figures also didnt reveal the impact the 189 deaths would have on the lives of the friends and family left behind.

There are 189 families on the same journey we have been on since 2016, its not a nice path to travel, he said.

The anti-drugs campaigner noted the majority of those dying from drugs were young men.

My son Jamie was 23 and thought he would live forever  at the age they all believe they are invincible. They all think this wont happen to them until it arrives on their doorstep and happens to a friend or family member, it can happen to anybody, Mr Burns said.

He said he believed police could be doing more to tackle the issue and expressed hope the restored Stormont Assembly would take action.

Education is a big part of it that I try to do, well never stop it, but I try and encourage people to think for 10 seconds before taking anything and ask themselves, Is this the last time I want to see my friends and family?, Mr Burns said.

We have had no government for the last three years and there has been nobody to take action to tackle these issues.

NISRAs research showed that there are notably higher numbers of drug-related deaths in deprived areas of Northern Ireland.

People living in the most deprived areas are five times more likely to die a drug-related death than those living in more well-off areas.

Over 85% (161) of all drug-related deaths in 2018 were classed as drug-misuse deaths, up from 59.6% (53) in 2008. Half of the drug-related deaths involved three or more drugs.

Heroin and morphine were the most frequently taken drugs which led to deaths in 2018, being connected to 40 drug-related deaths, up from 24 in 2017 and the highest number on record.

Deaths involving cocaine are also the highest on record at 28 in 2018, up from 13 in 2017.

Diazepam was involved in 40.2% of all drug-related deaths in 2018, a similar number to the previous year. Deaths involving Pregabalin, marketed under the brand name Lyrica, have risen consistently since the drug was first recorded in causing deaths in 2013. The drugs involvement in deaths has risen from nine in 2016 to 54 in 2018, 28.6% of all drug-related deaths.

Nearly 23% of the deaths in 2018 also mentioned alcohol as a contributing factor.

Of the 15,922 deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2018 1.2% were drug-related. The deaths accounted for 10 per 100,000 people.

Drug related deaths increased for both men and women from 2017. The rate for men increased from 11 deaths per 100,000 in 2017 to 14.4 in 2018.

The rate increased from 3.7 per 100,000 women in 2017 to 5.9 in 2018.

Of the 2018 deaths, 38.1% (72) were in the 25-34 age group with 26.5% (50) in the 35-44 group.
[January 16, 2020] Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Announces 2020 Advisory Council Members

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce the reappointment of five members of its Affordable Housing Advisory Council (the Council): Jeff Curry, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Michelle Den Bleyker, Midland, Texas

Chris Monforton, Gulfport, Mississippi

Jim Petty, Van Buren, Arkansas

Jacque Woodring, San Antonio, Texas All appointments began January 1 and will expire in 2022. The Council is comprised of 13 representatives from state, community and nonprofit organizations who are appointed by the FHLB Dallas Board of Directors (Board) and advise the Board on affordable housing and economic development issues. "The Advisory Council plays a critical role in guiding the community investment offerings of FHLB Dallas," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment for FHLB Dallas. "Together, they help ensure that our community investment dollars reach the communities where these funds can do the most good. Since the inception of our Affordable Housing Program (AHP) in 1990, FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $300 million through AHP and AHP set-aside programs assisting nearly 54,000 households." The reappointed members: Mr. Jeff Curry, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been involved with affordable housing most of his life. He has been the director of development for the JL Gray Company since 2004. Mr. Curry manages the company's acquisition and development of new housing, as well as the rehabilitation of existing properties. The JL Gray Company is a for-profit management and development organization that has specialized in multifamily affordable housing for more than 35 years. The company manages more than 130 HUD, USDA and LIHTC properties in five states. In addition, JL Gray participates in affordable housing policy discussions at the state and federal level and helped create the Southwest Affordable Housing Group to foster relationships between affordable housing developers, managers and agencies. Ms. Michelle Den Bleyker, of Midland, Texas, has more than 25 years of professional experience in affordable housing development working with municipalities, contractors, architects and other consultants. She also has strong relationships with state allocating agencies and municipalities in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Utah and Oklahoma.



She has worked more than 10 years at YES Housing, which seeks to build and revitalize communities with quality, affordable housing and accessible social services. Ms. Den Bleyker currently serves as vice president of real estate development for YES Housing where she supports all real estate development activities. Prior to joining the organization, she held various positions at the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Mr. Chris Monforton, of Gulfport, Mississippi, has been the president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity/Mississippi Gulf Coast (HFH/MGC) since 2006 and has worked for Habitat for Humanity since 1999. HFH/MGC is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that serves the tri-county area of Harrison, Jackson and Stone. It works in partnership with community stakeholders to create innovative, sustainable housing solutions and opportunities for people to transform their lives. Mr. Monforton also provides thought leadership and drives innovation in housing and community development in local markets as well as the larger Habitat network. He has been a Habitat for Humanity International Council member since 2013, advising the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors and senior staff on policy considerations and strategic focus and direction. Mr. Jim Petty, of Van Buren, Arkansas, is a veteran business owner and CPA. He currently is president and CEO of the Strategic Realty Companies, which includes Strategic Realty Developers, Inc. Since forming Strategic Realty in 2007, Mr. Petty has overseen the development and construction of more than $100 million in real estate transactions in Oklahoma and Arkansas. His companies develop, construct, manage and provide consulting services in the affordable housing industry. They have partnered with nonprofit agencies, housing authorities, community housing development organizations and other companies, providing various services needed to make affordable housing successful. Mr. Petty also serves on the city council in Van Buren. Ms. Jacque Woodring, of San Antonio, Texas, is the chief of staff for Prospera Housing Community Services, which provides safe, high-quality, affordable housing with supportive services to those in need. Prospera was founded in 1993 to address the lack of quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Ms. Woodring has primary responsibility for developing and implementing Prospera's Strategic Plan. She also acts as a liaison between Prospera and other internal and external businesses. Prior to returning to Prospera, Ms. Woodring worked for the Commonwealth Multifamily Housing Corporation as the vice president of regulatory affairs, and she provided asset management resources for two affordable rental communities in Texas. The remaining members of the Council are:







Mr. Keith Cunningham

Executive Director

Louisiana Housing Corporation Baton Rouge, Louisiana Ms. Angela Curry

Executive Director

Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation Greenwood, Mississippi Mr. Matt Hull

Executive Director

Texas Association of CDCs Austin, Texas Ms. Karen Phillips

Sebastian County Project Coordinator

Restore Hope Arkansas Fort Smith, Arkansas Mr. Tim Pierce (Chairman)

Executive Director

South Plains Association of Governments Lubbock, Texas Mr. Felipe Rael (Vice Chairman)

Executive Director

Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership Albuquerque, New Mexico Mr. Samuel Sanders

Executive Director

Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, Inc. Baton Rouge, Louisiana Ms. Michelle Whetten

Vice President and Impact Market Leader Gulf Coast

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. New Orleans, Louisiana

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.8 billion as of September 30, 2019, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 815 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005873/en/

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He may have grabbed headlines this week after his appointment to lead the prosecution team into Donald Trump's impeachment, but not a single contestant on 'Jeopardy!' last night could identify House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff from a photograph.

The photo, a clue for a $12,000 prize, was within the 'US Representatives' category and accompanied by the hint: 'One-fifty-third of California's House delegation is this House Intelligence Committee chairman.'

None of the three contestants buzzed in to identify him.

Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) speaks at the announcement of the managers from the House for the impeachment trial in the Senate in Washington, DC today

Last night on the classic game show 'Jeopardy!', not one of the contestants (one pictured), was able to name Schiff from a photograph

In fiarness to the contestants, episodes of the classic game show are filmed three months in advance and stations only receive the tapes a day or two ahead of the broadcast date.

This means that last night's show was filmed while House Democrats, led by Schiff, were questioning several witnesses in private about Trump's 25 July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but before he was chosen this week to lead the seven-member prosecution team.

Information obtained at the questioning led Democrats to pursue the inquiry, moving to a vote before the full House and referral to the Senate for trial.

Schiff was also involved in the inquiry into Russian collusion during the 2016 election.

The powerful chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said last year that 'there is direct evidence' of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia in the 2016 election.

Schiff cited emails between Russian officials and members of the Trump team, including the president's son Donald Trump Jr., in setting up the infamous 2016 Trump Tower meeting where the Russians claimed they had dirty on Hillary Clinton.
He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error, rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working.

An Iranian general defended his government's decision to lie for days about whether it shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing 176 people.

General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, whose troops oversaw the missile system that shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, said that Iran covered it up to defend national security, Business Insider reports.

He made the statement in a television address on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Hajizadeh said that Iran denied the shoot-down "for the betterment of our country's security, because if we had said this, our air defense system would have become crippled and our guys would have had doubted everything."

He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error, rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working.

Read alsoRussia could remotely control missile launcher that brought down PS752  media

Hajizadeh is part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful paramilitary force which answers directly to the country's supreme leader and is considered more hardline than its elected government.

His remarks are a significant turnaround from four days ago, when he said publicly that he felt such shame over the shootdown that "I wish I could die."

It was a Revolutionary Guard missile system which fired at flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, minutes after it took off in the early hours of January 8.

Iran insisted for three days that the crash was due to a mechanical fault. On the fourth day, Iranian officials admitted shooting the plane down.

Political and military leaders apologized unreservedly, promised to prosecute those involved, and insisted that the shootdown was a mistake.

According to the AP, the crash has also exposed gaps between Iran's government and the Revolutionary Guard.

Read alsoNew video shows two Iranian missiles hit Ukrainian plane  NYT

AP reported that Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, said that he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani only found out that the plane crash was due to Iranian missiles on Friday January 10, two days after the attack.

The Revolutionary Guard would have known straight away, raising the possibility that they hid the truth from their own government until after Western governments began publicly describing it as a missile strike.
CROWN POINT  There was a collision Wednesday between Sheriff Oscar Martinez and the Lake County commissioners over plans to buy 10 all-terrain vehicles and 20 patrol cars.

The sheriff said he came to Wednesdays commissioners meeting expecting to get the commissioners permission to order all 30 vehicles.

"Then Commissioners (Mike) Repay and (Jerry) Tippy voted to remove the vehicles from the agenda. When my attorney asked why, all they did was stare at each other and never answered the question, Martinez complained.

Each side of this political fender bender is blaming the other.

Martinez said after the meeting the delays "only jeopardize the safety of the men and women of my police department and the citizens of Lake County.

Tippy, R-Schererville, who voted to put the purchases on hold for a time replied, We own these vehicles, not him. We arent the ones trying to make a power play. We represent the taxpayers and are doing our due diligence.

He said the commissioners did everything the way it was supposed to be done.
Amsterdam, January 16, 2020 - StemJournal is pleased to announce the expansion of its editorial leadership with the appointment of Niels Geijsen, PhD, as new Co-Editor-in-Chief. Niels joins Chad Cowan, PhD, who has served as Editor-in-Chief since the journal launched at the beginning of 2019. Together they will guide the development of this open access, peer-reviewed journal in its mission to provide cutting-edge, high quality content to the global stem cell research community.

"I am honored to be working alongside Chad and an eminent international editorial board as StemJournal continues to evolve and grow. Our goals are to keep pace with developments in this burgeoning field and lower the barrier to publishing truly integrative biomedical research on stem cells. Our intention is to provide an environment uniquely positioned to publish important innovative research as well as foundational knowledge that is sharable and reusable across disciplines," commented Niels.

Niels currently heads his research group at the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht and is Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Utrecht University (The Netherlands). His group uses pluripotent stem cell-based 3D models of early embryogenesis to explore human development and genetic disease with a particular focus on skeletal muscle. In May 2020, the research group will move to Leiden University Medical Center when Niels' assumes the position of Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology.

Niels received his PhD in Molecular Biology at Utrecht University in 2000 and subsequently completed postdoctoral studies in 2004 in the lab of Dr. George Daley at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA. During his postdoc, Niels successfully pioneered a method for the in vitro generation of germ cells from embryonic stem cells. From 2004 to 2010, he was Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts General Hospital and principal faculty member of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute in Boston, MA. There, he explored the biology of pluripotent stem cells, which laid the foundation for later work modeling human genetic disorders.

In 2010, Niels returned to The Netherlands to the Hubrecht Institute of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences and became Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Utrecht University. In 2015, he cofounded NTrans Technologies based on a proprietary gene-editing platform developed in his lab. NTrans Technologies develops therapies for the treatment of genetic muscle disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In addition, he is co-founder and scientific advisor of Divvly, an open-science community that facilitates the sharing of research materials between scientists, promoting collaboration and reproducibility of research.

"Niels and I have collaborated in the past and I am delighted to be working with him now in this capacity," added Chad Cowan, PhD, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. "His expertise, prominence in the field and enthusiasm will benefit the journal in many ways as we seek to provide a forum for studies that use stem cells to develop novel therapies and perhaps even cures for people suffering from devastating diseases."

###
There has been widespread condemnation expressed locally following the brutal killing of Drogheda teen Keane Mulready Woods.

It emerged today that video footage which is believed to show the 17-year-old being murdered is being circulated on social media, with Gardai subsequently making a plea not to share the disturbing content.

Drogheda Mayor, Councillor Paul Bell confirmed that a rally will be held in on West Street in the town on Saturday week opposing the ongoing violence. Speaking on LMFM radio this morning, Cllr Bell, along with a number of other local representatives, spoke of their revulsion of the brutal killing and what transpired.

Louth TD Declan Breathnach in a statement this morning, said that following the election his party will reintroduce a bill which will increase the maximum sentence for carrying a knife with intent to harm from 5 years to 10 years.

As we saw with the recent murder and torture of 17-year-old Keane Mulready Woods, these gangs feel they are untouchable. People need to know they cannot simply walk around carrying a knife so there needs to be a serious deterrent.

"Its disappointing this Dail term has ended without this bill being enacted, but it should be a priority for the next Dail after the election. I hope this bill can come become law quickly sooner rather than later and the maximum sentence can be doubled from 5 to 10 years.

Sinn Fein councillor Ruairi O Murchu has said that the brutal killing "must herald real action to end to the reign of drugs terror across Ireland."

He added that "the people of County Louth are shocked, appalled and horrified by the horrendous killing"

"I have no doubt that the savagery of this murder is intended to instil fear in our communities," Cllr O Murchu continued.

"Currently the gardai are under resourced to address the murderous drugs feud that is taking place primarily in Drogheda, but which seeps out into communities in Dundalk and across Louth.

"We need more gardai in strengthened, specialised units to target known drug dealers and put them out of commission. We also need a multi agency community response including additional community gardai to stop our young people falling into the clutches of these unscrupulous and immoral gangs.

He added that, "we need a whole of government approach involving the Departments of Justice, Health, Children and Community Development and we need a huge injection of resources into communities or I fear we may see further killings of this nature."

Cllr O Murchu, who is the chair of the Louth Drug & Alcohol Forum, joined with Gerry Adams TD today to meet with Minister Catherine Byrne, and other local representatives and six drug awareness service providers which cover Louth.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Adams said:

In our discussion with Minister Byrne and her officials we made the case that this is now an emergency and the government needs to deal with it as an emergency. This requires a Minister dealing with this issue sitting at the Cabinet table.

"The current situation is untenable. There must be zero tolerance of drug gangs and criminality.

"This Fine Gael government has not taken the issue of drug addiction seriously. It has significantly underfunded vital public services for years.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-16 19:58:35

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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Jade Leader Corp. (TSXV:JADE) ("Jade Leader" or "the Company") is pleased to announce an update of the photo gallery for Wyoming Project Jades on its webpage at Jadeleader.ca , including stone testing results to date, including a range of stones from the last trenching and mapping program conducted in September/October of 2019.Stones tested to date have shown high degrees of competence and workability, little to no fracturing, and a range of color from greens to black to "sage" colored Jades. The textures of Jades tested to date have ranged from medium to very fine grained material, outlining potential uses for those materials ranging from carving, ornamental use and fine jewelry, as well as collector's specimens.Mr. Jean-Pierre Jutras, P.Geol, the President and a Director of Jade Leader, stated "Stone testing to date by in-house cutting, carving and polishing of Jade recovered from both outcrop and our trenches in bedrock have shown that our target systems carry a wide variety of colors and textures in highly workable nephrite Jade material. We continue to be very encouraged with results to date, and have now expanded the range of colors and textures found in our activities in Wyoming to encompass some highly desirable fine grained green Jades previously known to exist in this area from historical records, yet whose sources had remained largely elusive to date." Over the next week, the Company will be presenting and exhibiting its Jades at both the Global Chinese Financial Forum Vancouver Resource Investment Conference hosted by NAI Interactive on January 18th (booth number 3), as well as exhibiting its Jades at the Vancouver Mineral Exploration Roundup with a Core Shack booth on both Monday and Tuesday January 20 and 21st (booth 1022).Mr. Jean-Pierre Jutras, P.Geol., President of the Company, is the Qualified Person for the Company's Jade projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.On Behalf of the Board of Directors,"Jean-Pierre Jutras"Jean-Pierre Jutras,President/DirectorThe TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including words such as "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and similar expressions, are forward-looking information that represents management of Jade Leader's internal projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, future operating results and various components thereof or the economic performance of Jade Leader. The projections, estimates and beliefs contained in such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Jade Leader's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, those described in Jade Leader's filings with the Canadian securities authorities. Accordingly, holders of Jade Leader shares and potential investors are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted. Jade Leader disclaims any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Jade Leader Corp.
Lalu returns to Patna and minutes later son storms out of mothers home

Bihar By-polls: Lalu Yadav to campaign for RJD candidates on Wednesday to ensure 'visarjan' of Nitish Kumar

He can get me shot, cant do anything else: Nitish on Lalus visarjan claim

Lalu Prasad Yadav appears before CBI court in Patna in fodder scam case, to attend RJD event on Wednesday

Lalu appears before CBI court in the fifth fodder scam case

India

pti-PTI

Ranchi, Jan 16: Jailed RJD president Lalu Prasad appeared before a special CBI court here on Thursday in connection with a case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal o Rs 139.35 crore from Doranda Treasury when he was the Bihar chief minister in the 1990s.

This is the fifth and last fodder scam case against Prasad in Ranchi.

There is a sixth case against him in Bhagalpur in connection with the animal husbandry scam, popularly known a the fodder scam.

A total of 34 questions were asked to Prasad during the trial by the special CBI judge (AHD) Sudhanshu Kumar Shashi in about three hours on Thursday, a CBI advocate told reporters.

He has been convicted in the previous four fodder scam cases and has been ordered prison sentences ranging between three and a half years and 14 years by different special CBI courts.

The Doranda Treasury case RC/47 has 575 witnesses and 111 accused, a CBI official said adding the investigating agency has filed charge sheets against 170 people.

Prasad, who has been in jail since December 2017, is undergoing treatment for his illnesses at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences here.
SPRINGFIELD - The parents of the 11-year-old girl who was abducted by an apparent stranger of the streets of Springfield and then rescued hours later with help from alert members of the public issued a statement thanking everyone who participated in the rescue.

Her parents said they are eternally grateful for all those who were looking out for their daughter.

The outpouring of love and support, near and far, is overwhelming, the statement said.

The girl was grabbed on Lafayette Street Wednesday afternoon as she walked home from school and shoved into a car.

The public abduction triggered an Amber Alert that alerted people across New England to be on the lookout for a blue Honda. The car was spotted by Amanda Disley and her husband, who began to follow it while they called 911 to report their position. Police credited them with helping police locate and stop the car on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

She was found unharmed, and the man suspected of abducting her, Miguel Rodriguez, was taken into custody. He is charged with kidnapping and other charges.

The family, who have declined interviews, issued their statement through the office of Mayor Domenic Sarno.

The statement, penned by her mother reads: "My husband and I would like to thank our neighbors; the State, Chicopee and Springfield police especially Detectives John Lopez and Angel Marrero, Captain Trent Duda, Mayor Sarno, Commissioner Clapprood; all local and national news outlets, family, friends, our Hampden Charter and St. Michaels school communities, the doctor, nurse and social worker who assisted [our daughter] in the ER; and strangers near and far who, via social media, got the word out to help bring [our daughter] home.

"In particular, wed like to thank Amanda Disley and her husband for their vigilance and courage for putting themselves in harms way to make sure she wasnt out of their sight. The outpouring of love and support, near and far, is overwhelming. We are eternally grateful.

Sarno issued a statement that said, as the father of two daughters, he could relate to the anguish and fear the family felt.

No family should have to go through this," he said.

"Due to the quick and great police and public teamwork done not only with boots on the ground and technology but just as important with heart, we are all relieved and elated that [her] is back home safe with her mom and dad. I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to bring [her] home, and I am hopeful that our court system does the right thing and keeps this monster off our streets forever.

Police Commissioner Cheryl C. Clapprood said This was a good ending attributable to solid teamwork and cooperation from the public. Im so happy [she] is back home with her family and we found her as quickly as we did and I want to thank everyone involved."
As consumers start to tackle their holiday shopping lists, retailers are scrambling to finish preparations for whats likely to be a record-breaking year. Total sales could break through the US$1.1 trillion mark for the first time in history. Cyber Monday alone racked up an estimated $9.4 billion in sales.

When looking at their own businesses, most merchants typically understand how significant this time of year is. All the goods sold from now until the end of December can account for 20-30 percent of a retailers total annual sales. Yes, nearly one-third of revenue for the year is hitting the books in a little more than a month. Since most overhead costs will stay the same, retailers likely will get more margin from each sale.

The stakes are high, and potential customers have limitless options. If merchants do not deliver a high-quality experience that is frictionless and fast, they will lose. This is especially true for the thousands of small and mid-size retailers trying to build their brands and customer base.

You may think that delivering a quality experience simply means that your product descriptions are free of spelling mistakes and your site loads quickly. Unfortunately, there are many more ways of damaging a brands reputation and revenue besides bad copy and slow performance. None is more dire than a store not being able to process sales.

This is exactly what happened to major retailer J.Crew during Black Friday last year. The companys website struggled to process sales. Shoppers flooded social media listing problems: They couldnt log in; they couldnt add items to their shopping cart  or pay for them.

It took J.Crews team about five hours to fix everything, and by then the damage was done. Its estimated the company missed out on $700,000 in sales. It wasnt the only retailer that struggled. Walmart, Gamestop and Lululemon all faced issues with serving customers online.

These companies have deep pockets and brick-and-mortar shops to help cushion the blows. However, many e-commerce retailers dont have those luxuries. Being down for a few hours can be detrimental to their year.

The inability to manage high volume isnt the only threat. There are other ways a store can be compromised, potentially resulting in shutdowns that last for days, or even wiping out a business altogether.

External and Internal Cyberattacks

We have become used to seeing big names such as British Airways, Marriott and Target as the victims of cyberattacks. However, criminals are moving down the food chain and increasingly are targeting businesses of all sizes. In fact, cybercrime is the fastest growing criminal activity.

This year alone, its estimated that 70 percent of small businesses hit by a cyberattack were forced offline. In this compromised group were some stores that were down for days. One in 10 were forced to close their doors for good.

Ransomware has increased 500 percent from this time last year. There is often a spike in ransomware cases just before the holiday shopping season, when retailers are most vulnerable.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The costs of recovering from a cyberattack can be downright daunting. Some put the cost around $200,000 for small businesses  if they can recover from such a staggering hit, that is.

When retailers ramp up protections to combat cyberattacks, they need to realize that anonymous hackers are not the only threat. Employees and other third parties, like contractors who have access to their site, also pose a risk.

It may seem far-fetched, but disgruntled employees or contractors, if inclined, can completely sabotage your online presence. In one instance, a developer maliciously deleted more than 3,000 product listings. It took the business 18 months to perfect its site, but it was destroyed in a manner of minutes.

Third-Party Integrations

On average, a merchant relies on between four and 10 third-party integrations to help run all the pieces of its online business. The number spikes for large enterprise solutions. No two e-commerce stores are alike, and these solutions fill in the operational and software gaps that have popped up over time  helping with everything from billing to ordering, store optimization, emails, chat and more.

This reliance  specifically, the intimate connection third parties may attain with your store and data  is cause for concern. All third-party apps require different levels of access. Before you install an app, read the terms and conditions.

If the integration simply wants to View or See data in your store, you should be fine. However, if the app wants to Manage or Modify data, that is a major red flag. The deeper a third-party integration is entrenched, the greater your risk of something being manipulated or edited out of your control.

Online fitness brand Gymshark learned this the hard way. Unfortunately, it happened right in the middle of Black Friday. An app sitting idly in the background, not even being used at the time, had faulty code. The rogue app ended up crashing the entire site.

It took Gymsharks technical team eight hours to get the site up and running. By then, its estimated that the company missed out on more than $140,000 in sales, not to mention lost manpower and productivity. Gymshark was able to bounce back, but this scenario could break a small operation.

Human Error

We all make mistakes  they are inevitable. They often can be avoided though. It is common to encounter merchants wanting customized edits or changes to their theme code. Yet if experienced coders can make the odd error, imagine the risk a store is taking if a member of the marketing team attempts to write a killer program. It easily could end up killing your store.

The same goes for freelancers or contractors you bring into the fold. The more access you give them to your store, the greater potential for accidents to happen. Finding a reliable contractor is not as easy as you might think. If you search online sites where e-commerce merchants gather, you will see dozens (if not hundreds) of horror stories about contract work gone bad.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Sometimes mistakes are made simply due to the fact that people werent paying attention. You may have been trying to clean up product pages, blogs, customers lists or something else. Instead, you ended up deleting the data for good. This happens more often than you might think.

Heres the biggest problem: Even reliable platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce wont be able to help you get that data back.

E-Commerce Platforms Dont Back Up All Your Data

No matter how many times I have the conversation, online retailers are still shocked that not all their data is protected by e-commerce platforms. But its in the cloud, isnt it?! Well, yes and no. Lets say you use Shopify to power your online store, here are the sections NOT automatically backed up:

Products and Product Images

Inventory

Customers

Orders

Collections

Blogs and Blog Posts

Pages

Themes and Theme Files

Menu Navigation

Store Policies

Locations

Shipping Zones

Gift Cards

Customer Saved Searches

Metadata (for Enterprise plans)

Now be honest  thats more than you were expecting, isnt it? The next thing I usually hear is, I dont understand why these things arent backed up. That has to do with something called the shared responsibility model of backups.

This is the model for Amazon Web Services, but most platforms essentially follow the same model. A reputable e-commerce platform will ensure that its own software and infrastructure are always up and running. Yet when it comes to account-level data, merchants are responsible.

Even if these platforms wanted to help, they would have more luck locating a needle in a haystack. If account-level data or content is accidentally deleted, e-commerce platforms cannot flip a switch to restore it. It may be gone forever.

This situation may seem overwhelming, even hopeless  but it isnt. There are tactics and strategies even the smallest merchants easily can put in place to mitigate risks from all the scenarios discussed above.

Tighten Up Store Security and Access

First, create unique passwords  and not just for yourself. Create them for everyone who touches your online store. We all know that complicated, hard-to-remember ones work best, but the majority of people STILL do not follow this best practice.

To help overcome password fatigue, use a tool like 1Password and LastPass to help create and store all these hard-to-hack passwords. Pro tip: NEVER let a Web browser like Chrome or Firefox save your passwords. If you do, you are inviting trouble.

Second, install two-step authentication. Even the most complicated passwords are not 100 percent foolproof from cyberattacks. For the unfamiliar, two-step authentication is simply the process of using mobile technology to verify a persons identity.

A unique code is generated on your site, and a user enters it on a personal phone or computer to gain access. This ensures that the authorized user is the only person who can access the account. Password thieves still would need the users phone or verification code to get in.

Finally, give users access only to the areas of the site that overlap with their responsibilities. In other words, dont give someone in customer support the ability to edit code. This is a very simple but effective way to reduce human error, whether its malicious or erroneous.

Perform a Site Audit of Integrations

No matter how many third-party apps you are using, its important to revisit periodically what type of access they have and your associated risks. Research the app and the experiences of others. That will help you build a case for or against installing or keeping it. Ask yourself these questions:

What are the negative/positive reviews or ratings? Are they a four-star or two-star app?

How accessible is the party who built it? Can you contact them or are they digital ghosts?

Was it built by a firm that seems reputable or is it an anonymous avatar?

The goal is to determine whether the benefits of installing an app on your store are worth the risks. One quick tip that works well: Initiate a code or install freeze before any big event. Unless theres a serious problem that needs immediate fixing, it ensures you will not make any changes that may compromise your store during critical selling periods.

Put a Backup Strategy in Place

A proper backup strategy is the last wall of defense. Should anything  or even everything  go sideways, a comprehensive backup serves as an insurance policy for the worst-case scenario.

As in the previous examples, its not just the lost sales that hurt an online retailer. Its also a major drain on resources to fix site issues. A backup strategy for your account-level data will help reduce or eliminate this pain altogether.

There are three types of backup strategies you can employ for your e-commerce store:

You can take a manual approach and export CSV (comma-separated values) files for every single area of your store. A CSV is essentially data saved either in a spreadsheet or plain-text file. When you need to restore a section of your store, you import the file. Most platforms have instructions on how to do it. It sounds simple, but this method actually can be very complicated and time-consuming. If you recall the list of areas NOT backed up by e-commerce platforms, some of those areas cannot be exported into a CSV file. So if something is compromised or lost, it may be lost for good. Build a custom backup solution using a platforms application programming interface (API) framework. An automated program that makes a digital backup of all the key areas on your site, it saves the headaches of a manual strategy  but it wont be a cheap option, by any means. This is a job you will need to outsource to an experienced team (and we already highlighted how hard it is to find one). Furthermore, platforms constantly make updates, so you also will have to pay for ongoing audits, and regularly update your solution to ensure it doesnt stop working. Opt for an off-the-shelf, third-party solution. In some ways, this is the best of both worlds  no manual labor, no high costs. However, you will want to do your homework when it comes to third-party integrations. While prices can vary, so does the data a system can back up effectively. Make sure you do your homework and compare your options. Checking ratings and reviews in the various app stores to get peer reviews is essential.

Dont Put Your Holiday Sales at Risk

Its the most wonderful time of the year for shoppers, but the most critical time of year for retail operations  especially smaller players. Dont risk positive cash flow and profitability by ignoring all of the external and internal threats that can compromise your store and devastate your sales.

Update your security protocols, audit your site for risks, and implement a backup strategy. Shoppers will spend the next few weeks basking in the positive energy of the holiday season, and online retailers should get to do the same.
Good Morning America

With less than 10 months until the 2022 midterm elections, President Joe Biden heads to Georgia on Tuesday to make his biggest push yet for national voting rights bills and is expected to call for changes to the Senate's filibuster rules in order to get them passed. Echoing his impassioned address on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection when he blamed former President Donald Trump and his supporters for holding a "dagger at the throat of democracy," Biden's remarks in Atlanta are expected to be a "forceful" call to action to protect voting rights. "The president will forcefully advocate for protecting the most bedrock American rights: the right to vote and have your voice counted in a free, fair and secure election that is not tainted  by partisan manipulation," White House press secretary Jen Psaki previewed in her press briefing Tuesday.
Attorney General Bill Barr and justice officials hold a press conference at the Justice Department in Washington on Jan, 13, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

100 Percent False: DOJ Denies Lev Parnas Claim That Barr Was Part of Ukraine Scheme

The Department of Justice has said that a claim by an indicted businessman that Attorney General William Barr was working with President Donald Trumps lawyers Rudy Giuliani, Victoria Toensing, and Joe DiGenova on efforts with Ukraine was false.

Lev Parnas, 47, is an associate of Giuliani who was charged with making illegal contributions to politicians and a political action committee. He pleaded not guilty in October 2019.

Parnas appeared on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday night, making explosive claims that often lacked evidence or contradicted previous statements or existing evidence. In one case, he claimed that Barr was basically on the same team and best of friends with Giuliani, Toensing, and DiGenova, Rachel Maddow told the Department of Justice.

He said AG Barr knew, through contact with Rudy Giuliani, about the effort to get the Ukrainians to announce an investigation of Vice President Joe Biden. We welcome any comment you have for us about this, Maddow wrote in an email shared by department spokeswoman Kerry Kupec.

100% false, Kupec responded to Maddow.

Earlier tonight, The Rachel @maddow Show reached out to me for comment in advance of the Lev Parnas interview. Rachel read my response on-air. See below for request and response. pic.twitter.com/l7eLyjMUzV  KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) January 16, 2020

Kupec said a statement the department released in September regarding Ukraine hasnt changed. In that statement, the department said Barr first learned of Trumps July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several weeks after the call took place.

Barr didnt speak with Trump about anything relating to Biden or Bidens son Hunter Biden and Trump didnt ask Barr to contact Ukraine about any matter.

The Attorney General has not communicated with Ukraineon this or any other subject, the statement said. Nor has the Attorney General discussed this matter, or anything relating to Ukraine, with Rudy Giuliani.

In the call with Zelensky, Trump told his counterpart that Giuliani could help Ukraine probe Ukrainian gas company Burisma with regard to the Bidens, who have been accused of corruption in their Ukraine dealings.

I will have Mr. Giuliani give you a call, and I am also going to have Attorney General Barr call, and we will get to the bottom of it, Trump told Zelensky.

Parnas told Maddow on Jan. 15 that Giuliani told him hed spoken with Barr about the Ukraine situation.

Attorney General Barr was basically on the team, Parnas said. Attorney General Barr wanted to get to the bottom of the Biden situation and all of that as part of the investigation by U.S. Attorney John Durham, who is investigating how the counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign started.

President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has coffee with Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnas at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Sept. 20, 2019. (Aram Roston/File Photo/Reuters)

Parnas said he couldnt recall whether Barr spoke with any Ukrainian officials.

Giuliani has said he want aware of any illegal donations and hasnt seen any evidence that Parnas and another associate, Igor Fruman, did anything wrong.

I feel sorry for him, Giuliani told the Associated Press. I thought he was an honorable man. I was wrong.

Toensing, in a recent op-ed, disputed claims made by the Washington Post about her and Giuliani.

And the White House also pushed back on claims by Parnas that Trump knew exactly what was going on, including an awareness of all my movements.

Just to say Rudy told me these things doesnt mean that is has anything to do with the president, she said during a Thursday appearance on Fox & Friends. And it certainly doesnt mean that the president was directing him to do anything. We stand by exactly what weve been saying: The president did nothing wrong.
Elizabeth and Union County are taking New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to court over a city program that relocates homeless families to live rent-free for a year.

They are the latest localities seeking an end to the program that has placed more than 2,200 NYC families across 62 New Jersey municipalities. Both are urging NYC to provide additional help for families and disclose where people are living.

NYC is trying to relieve their homeless problem by dumping it on municipalities across New Jersey -- once they are out of their state, there is no follow up with these participants -- they are on their own, Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage said in a statement.

In the two civil lawsuits filed in Union County Superior Court this week, Elizabeth and Union County alleged NYC was coercing families to move into poorly-vetted and uninhabitable housing in the area and likely increasing homelessness by failing to provide a safety net after the years lease is up.

Newark was the first to sue NYC in December in federal court. In an agreement reached between Newark and NYC, the de Blasio administration agreed to temporarily halt its program in Newark and disclose the locations of where families relocated. Jersey City signed on to the lawsuit this month.

Kenyatta Stewart, Newarks corporation counsel, said code enforcement officers and NYC officials were already inspecting apartments. But Newark is the only city so far to receive a list of addresses. Other cities have requested the same information but say NYC denied their request.

A number of things we asked for, (NYC) has began to comply with, Stewart said. We are happy that we are starting to make progress but we still have a ways to go.

NYCs Department of Social Services announced major changes to the program last week, including no longer giving landlords a years worth of rent up front. Landlords will now be paid on a month to month basis and tenants can request a stop to payments if housing conditions deteriorate.

The move is significant and tempers concerns that families had no leverage over their landlords to demand fixes to leaking roofs and moldy apartments.

The de Blasio administration did not respond to a request for comment. But the city has countersued, alleging Newarks new rule banning the relocation of low-income families is unconstitutional and an attempt to wall itself off from that demographic.

The fight has prompted officials in Elizabeth and Union County to say they, too, want a list of locations to be able to inspect properties. Theyre also urging NYC to create a trust to fund services for relocated residents.

New York City has sent families to Union County without provision for essential services including food, health care, employment, child care and education, and without consideration for the impact on them and other homeless families in our community," Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said. We will continue to pursue all options at our disposal until New York City agrees to a collaborative, accountable policy that treats all homeless families with compassion, dignity, and genuine concern for their welfare.

Newark is also seeking additional commitments from NYC in its ongoing federal lawsuit.

They put a lot of energy and resources into making sure people have the ability to come to Newark," Stewart said. I want them to provide the same amount of support after the lease is over with.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 302 E. Grubbs St., Enterprise, will be giving away rice and beans to the first 50 people. This event will be held from 9-11 a.m. the third Saturday of every month.

For more information, call the church office at 347-8210.

Christ Helping Hands Ministry

The Geneva Baptist Association Christ Helping Hands Ministry is blessed with many quality donations. Please come by and see the hospital beds, complete bedroom suites, clothing, furniture and more. The hours of ministry are Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Through this ministry, many lives are blessed spiritually and emotionally and with assistance in meeting needs. The ministry is on 710 Dothan Highway in Hartford. For more information, call 588-3276.

Bible study

The Purpose-Driven Life is an ongoing, communitywide Bible study each Wednesday night at 7 at Pleasant Shade Baptist Church, Enterprise. Pastor Richardson will be teaching on the Scriptures in this book. You will need to purchase the book at your local bookstore, but if unable to do so, we will be happy to share. For more information, call the church office at 347-5195.
Power in the workplace does not stop women's exposure to sexual harassment. On the contrary, women with supervisory positions are harassed more than women employees. These are the results from a new study from the Swedish Institute for Social Research at Stockholm University, which examined the conditions in Sweden, USA and Japan.

By analyzing the responses from three surveys, researchers at the Swedish Institute for Social Research, SOFI, at Stockholm University, together with fellow American and Japanese researchers, have studied the prevalence of sexual harassment across the organizational hierarchy. The study shows that women with supervisory positions experienced between 30 and 100 per cent more sexual harassment than other women employees. This was true across the United States, Japan, and Sweden, three countries with different gender norms and levels of gender equality in the labour market. Comparing levels of leadership, exposure to harassment was greatest at lower levels of leadership, but remained substantial and similar to the level of harassment for the highest positions.

"When we first started to study sexual harassment, we expected a higher exposure for women with less power in the workplace. Instead we found the contrary. When you think about it, there are logical explanations: a supervisor is exposed to new groups of potential perpetrators. She can be harassed both from her subordinates and from higher-level management within the company. More harassment from these two groups is also what we saw when we asked the women who had harassed them," says Johanna Rickne, Professor of Economics at SOFI.

In all three countries, women with supervisory positions were subject to more harassment when their subordinates consisted of mostly men.

"Sexual harassment means that women's career advancement comes at a higher cost than men's, especially in male-dominated industries and firms. Additional survey data from the United States and Japan showed that harassment of supervisors was not only more common than for employees, but was also followed by more negative professional and social consequences. This included getting a reputation of being a 'trouble maker' and missing out on promotions or training," says Olle Folke, affiliated researcher at SOFI and associate professor at Uppsala University.

The study addressed the risk of measurement error from different awareness of sexual harassment among supervisors and employees. Questions on whether or not particular behaviours should, or should not, be defined as harassment showed similar answers in the two groups. This makes it unlikely that the results derive from different perceptions of work interactions, rather than different treatment in those interactions.

Facts: Measurements of sexual harassment

The study used two different measurement tools. The surveys in the United States and Japan included the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire, a survey instrument with a list of behaviours, developed for studies in the US military. All three countries were also surveyed with subjective questions about whether the person had been exposed to sexual harassment. The time span for all questions was the previous 12 months.

Facts: Research method

The Swedish results come from five waves of the Swedish Work Environment Survey, a nationally representative dataset collected biannually by Statistics Sweden (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007) and with a total of 23,994 female respondents. In the United States and Japan, the research team collected new survey material during 2019. The US sample included 1,573 employed female citizens, whereof 62 per cent had supervisory positions, while the Japanese sample included 1,573 respondents, of which 17 per cent of the women were in supervisory positions. Apart from questions about sexual harassments, respondents were asked about perpetrators, how they reacted to the harassment, and what social and professional consequences followed the victimization.

###

Read the ungated research article here:

Folke, O., Rickne, J., Tanaka, S., & Tateishi, Y. (2020). Sexual Harassment of Women Leaders. Daedalus, 149(1), 180-197. Open Access pa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_01781.

Contact:

Johanna Rickne, Professor of Economics, johanna.rickne@sofi.su.se, phone +46(0)7043373 88.

Olle Folke, Associate professor of Political Science, olle.folke@statsvet.uu.se, phone +46(0) 703670242
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The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has asked the investigative agencies like Enforcement Directorate, SFIO and the CBI to file an affidavit clarifying whether JSW Steel, a successful bidder for Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL), is liable for offences committed by the previous management of the debt-laden firm under the amended IBC.

A three-member NCLAT bench headed by Chairperson Justice S J Mukhopadhaya asked the agencies to file their reply affidavits by January 20 stating whether after insertion of section 32 A in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) last month, JSW Steel has immunity from the alleged fraud committed by the previous BPSL management.

"The Directorate of Enforcement and the central government through the Secretary, MCA on behalf of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are allowed to file additional reply affidavit by 20th January, 2020 stating therein as to whether JSW Steel, whose plan has been approved, are covered by newly inserted Section 32A of the IBC, 2016," said the NCLAT in an order passed on January 13.

It further said: "In case, the answer is in negative, they will enclose the evidence in support of their stand after serving a copy of the same on the learned counsel for JSW Steel and other appellants."

The appellate tribunal had directed to list the petition on January 23, for next hearing.

The government had last month amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and inserted section 32A inside it, which mandates that once management or control of a debt-ridden company changes after the completion of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), it would not be liable for any offences committed prior to the commencement of the insolvency resolution process.

The changes were made after the ED and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) went loggerheads over the attachment of the assets of BPSL by the former over the money allegedly siphoned off by the erstwhile promoters of BPSL, which is presently going through insolvency resolution process.

On October 10, the ED had attached assets worth over Rs 4,025 crore of debt-ridden BPSL in connection with its money laundering probe linked to an alleged bank loan fraud by its former promoters of BPSL.

JSW Steel, which has emerged as a successful bidder for BPSL with its bid of Rs 19,700 crore, filed an appeal against ED's move before the NCLAT, which had on October 14 directed them to be immediately released in favour of the resolution professional of the debt-ridden firm.

Earlier, on October 14, the NCLAT had directed the ED to release BPSL properties attached by the agency on the JSW Steel plea, alleging siphoning off of funds by its erstwhile promoters.

While the ED is of the opinion that it can attach the property of BPSL under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the MCA has been maintaining that the ED cannot do so as proceedings under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code was on.

Earlier, on October 25, the NCLAT had asked both organisations, which are presently headed by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to settle the matter adding that there was no question of amendment of laws.

On this, the ED filed an affidavit before the NCLAT questioning its jurisdiction.

In the said affidavit, the ED told the appellate tribunal that it has no jurisdiction over the properties attached by the agency under the PMLA and asked it to vacate its earlier order and dismiss the appeal filed by JSW Steel.

The validity of the attachment could be examined by an adjudicating authority only under the PMLA, and hence the NCLAT should vacate its order passed on October 14, directing it to release the assets of BPSL, the ED told the NCLAT.
Carnival Corporation & plc Declares Dividend

MIAMI, Jan. 16, 2020 -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) today announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share.

The company's boards of directors approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of February 21, 2020, and a payment date of March 13, 2020.

Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling.

Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by Bloomberg (BFIX) at 12 noon London time on March 2, 2020. Holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares wishing to receive their dividend in U.S. dollars or participate in the Carnival plc Dividend Reinvestment Plan must elect to do so by February 21, 2020.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of nine of the world's leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

Together, the corporation's cruise lines operate 105 ships with 254,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 16 new ships scheduled to be delivered through 2025. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

With a long history of innovation and providing guests with extraordinary vacation experiences, Carnival Corporation has received thousands of industry awards - including recognition by the Consumer Technology Association as a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree for OceanMedallion. A revolutionary wearable device that contains a proprietary blend of communication technologies, OceanMedallion enables the world's first interactive guest experience platform transforming vacation travel on a large scale into a highly personalized level of customized service. The prestigious CES Innovation Awards honor outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.seabourn.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com, and www.cunard.com.

CONTACT: Media Contact: Roger Frizzell, +1 (305) 406 7862; Investor Relations Contact: Beth Roberts, +1 (305) 406 4832
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As had been previously speculated, Sony has confirmed that it will be bringing new phones to MWC 2020. The company is yet to confirm how many it will unveil at the conference in Barcelona next month, but the current consensus is that at least the Xperia 5 Plus, or Xperia 5.1 as it may be called, will make an appearance. Last year, AndroidNext stated that Sony would announce a refreshed Xperia 1, the Xperia 1.1, at MWC 2020 too.

The press invitation that GSMArena posted online states that Sony will host a press conference on February 24 at 08:30 CET. Doors to Hall 3, where the Sony Booth will be located, will open fifteen minutes earlier at 08:15.

Alternatively, YouTube will host a live-stream of the event. You can watch the live-stream from the Sony Xperia YouTube channel. GSMArena expects Sony to announce a new mid-range Xperia smartphone too, powered by the Snapdragon 765. If true, then this device will probably succeed the Xperia 10 series.
Leaked audio has revealed a tense exchange between top Democratic candidates vying for the party nomination to take on US president Donald Trump in the countrys election later this year.

Following a Democratic debate on Wednesday (AEST), Elizabeth Warren accused Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar during the nationally televised event.

In a tense post-debate exchange caught on the candidates lapel microphones, and later released by CNN, its been revealed what was said as the pair exchanged words and Warren refused to shake the outstretched hand of Sanders.

I think you called me a liar on national TV, she says.

Sanders then gently brushes her with his hand, saying: Lets not do it right now.

You want to have that discussion? he continues. Well have that discussion.

Warren then replies: Anytime.

Sanders then adds: You called me a liar, before concluding: All right, lets not do it now.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders clash as Tom Steyer looks on after the Democratic presidential primary debate. Source: Getty Images

The confrontation marks a notable shift in the conduct of the two strong progressives candidates who have steadfastly refused to attack each other for more than a year on the campaign trail.

The interaction stems from an anonymously sourced report from CNN which claimed that Sanders disagreed with Warren during a December 2018 meeting that a woman could win the presidency.

Sanders, a 78-year-old senator from Vermont, has denied he said that, and did so again during the televised debate when asked point-blank by the moderator.

That exchange only lasted a few minutes but after the debate was over, Warren, a 70-year-old Massachusetts senator, approached Sanders, who put out his hand for her to shake. Instead, she confronted him, and the two talked briefly in tense tones.

Elizabeth Warren accused Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar on stage after Tuesday's debate. Here's the tense moment. https://t.co/cL3ppFmtxw pic.twitter.com/F5wFMmy8FX  CNN (@CNN) January 16, 2020

The moment was interrupted by fellow candidate and environmentalist Tom Steyer, who said: I dont want to get in the middle of it and greeted Sanders as the senator walked away.

Story continues

Warrens and Sanders aides have for days attempted to de-escalate the feud as some progressives worry that ill will between the two leading voices on the progressive left will ultimately hurt both of them, and leave the nomination wide open for frontrunner Joe Biden.

The most likely scenario is that both Bernie and Warren are telling what they believe to be the truth, neither remembers the word for word of what was said, and they have different understandings of what was meant. It still is a fabricated controversy that only helps Joe Biden  David Pakman (@dpakman) January 16, 2020

What even is this whole Sanders-Warren sexism hullabaloo actually about? Does anyone, including Warren, think hed be a bad president for women? At a time of such enormous, substantive challenges, what the hell are you all blabbering about?    (@joshzepps) January 16, 2020

hate everything about the warren bernie cycle. how it started, how it makes supporters feel, how press has fanned the flames for conflict, how platforms amplify that conflict (even when its fake...aka trending). theres nothing to feel good about. the stakes are so high.  Charlie Warzel (@cwarzel) January 16, 2020

Barrack Obamas former Vice President remains the leader in the polls and is the favourite the take out the nomination, ahead of Sanders and Warren.

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, 77, and former mayor of South Bend in Indiana, Pete Buttigieg, 37, also remain in the race.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who ended his 2020 presidential campaign Monday, weighed in on the clash on CBS This Morning, saying that "nobody should be attacking their character."

Meanwhile Andrew Yang, another progressive candidate who has garnered a groundswell of support with his promise of a type of universal basic income, did not appear in yesterdays debate.

 With AP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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A BA captain sent a Mayday alert and wore an oxygen mask as he was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow after his co-pilot was overcome by suspected fumes while at the controls, MailOnline can reveal.

The evening flight from Athens was four nautical miles from London when the first officer, who was flying the plane, fell ill.

As he could no longer function properly, the captain was forced to take over and raise the alarm in the final stages of the flight.

The incident is the latest in so-called 'fume events' involving flight crew on a BA passenger jet and the Air Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) is investigating.

A BA captain sent a Mayday alert and wore an oxygen mask as he was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow after his co-pilot was overcome by suspected fumes while at the controls, MailOnline can reveal

The evening flight from Athens was four nautical miles from London Heathrow when the first officer, who was flying the plane, fell ill. As he could no longer function properly, the captain was forced to take over and raise the alarm in the final stages of the flight

Almost 300 'fume events' were reported on BA flights last year and almost 100 cases of alleged 'aerotoxicity' are being brought against the airline.

In this latest incident, the first officer had been declared fit to fly before embarking the A320 jet in the Greek capital for the four hour flight on January 2.

While bringing the plane into its final approach to Heathrow, he complained about feeling unwell.

A spokesman for the airline denied claims made by BA insiders that the first officer had actually fainted and was slumped over the control column as the plane was about to land.

The captain immediately took charge, radioed the control tower and both he and the first officer put on breathing masks.

Within two minutes - at 8.25pm - the A320 aircraft had landed and was then grounded for 48 hours while BA investigated.

The first officer was met by medical staff, assessed and then allowed to go home while cabin crew and passengers remained unaware of the drama taking place in the cockpit.

BA admitted that the officer had fallen ill, the alarm was raised and oxygen masks were used but would not say what caused him to feel unwell.

However they said 'fume events' could be caused by a variety of reasons such as burnt food and e-cigarettes - even though these are banned on board.

MailOnline understands the captain put a breathing mask on himself and the first officer as they came into land on January 2. Within two minutes the A320 aircraft was on the ground and then grounded for 48 hours while BA investigated

Almost 300 'fume events' were reported on BA flights last year and almost 100 cases of alleged 'aerotoxicity' are currently being brought against the airline. Aviation experts said the most probable cause of a fume event is a broken seal or maintenance issue oil leak

BA said it was standard practice for pilots to put on oxygen masks if they fear their breathing has been compromised by potentially dangerous odours that affect their ability to fly the plane.

A BA spokesman said: 'The Captain landed the aircraft safely, and customers disembarked as normal.

'As the First Officer was feeling unwell, he was seen by an airport paramedic as a precaution, before going home.'

An AAIB spokesman said: 'An incident was reported to the AAIB and we are investigating. When our investigation has concluded we will publish a report.'

The airline is being sued by almost 100 staff who claim their health has been affected by the fumes from the engines that are said to smell like old socks.

Aviation experts say the most probable cause of a fume event is a broken seal or maintenance issue oil leak.

Oil for aircraft engines contains an additive called tricresyl phosphate, or TCP, that helps reduce wear on the engines. It is a toxin that can smell like old socks and causes nausea a vomiting to anyone who inhales it.

BA is currently fighting a class action against former staff who claim their health has been affected by continued exposure to toxic fumes or aerotoxicity. The case is being spearheaded by the family of BA pilot Richard Westgate, 43, who took his own life in 2012

His family say his ill health caused by toxic fumes led him to self medicate and contribute to his death. BA have denied any liability in Mr Westgate's death and the High Court case is ongoing

In April 2017, a coroner overseeing an inquest into Mr Westgate's (left) death ruled his overdose was accidental, but heard evidence that a post-mortem revealed damage to his heart and nervous system, which his family say were signs of his exposure to aerotoxicity

In its legal action Unite - which represents cabin crew - claims pilots and crew are exposed to frequent 'fume events' that can lead to chronic ill-health and life-threatening conditions.

Howard Beckett, from Unite, said: 'The airline industry cannot continue to hide from the issue of toxic cabin air whilst placing the health and safety of aircrew at risk.'

The case is being spearheaded by the family of BA pilot Richard Westgate, 43, who took his own life in 2012 from an overdose of sleeping pills.

His family say his ill health caused by toxic fumes led him to self medicate and contribute to his death.

In April 2017, a coroner overseeing an inquest into his death ruled his overdose was accidental, but heard evidence that a post-mortem revealed damage to his heart and nervous system, which his family say were signs of his exposure to aerotoxicity.

BA have denied any liability in Mr Westgate's death and the High Court case is ongoing.

The BA spokesman said: 'We would never operate an aircraft if we believed it posed any health or safety risk to our customers or crew.

In its legal action Unite - which represents cabin crew - claims pilots and crew are exposed to frequent 'fume events' that can lead to chronic ill-health and life-threatening conditions

BA said: 'We would never operate an aircraft if we believed it posed any health or safety risk to our customers or crew. Research by the European Aviation Safety Agency concluded that the air quality on board aircraft was similar or better than that observed in normal indoor environments'

'Research commissioned by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017 concluded that the air quality on board aircraft was similar or better than that observed in normal indoor environments.

'Safety is our first priority and every report is thoroughly investigated, with typically 151 engineering checks before an aircraft is cleared to continue flying.

'Fume or odour events have been found to be caused by a wide range of issues, including burnt food in the oven, aerosols and e-cigarettes, strongly-smelling food in cabin bags, and de-icing fluid.'




D onald Trump has unveiled an unusual campaign promise of better household appliances to thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Milwaukee.

The US President called out the Department of Energy for tightening energy efficiency standards for dishwashers, refrigerators and lightbulbs in front of cheering crowds in the vital swing state of Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidates sparred over climate change during a debate in Iowa.

Mr Trump used the rally on Tuesday to defend his Iran policies, but took a strange turn to appliances where he took offence at household items that limit water usage.

He also called out modern day dishwashers and refrigerators for not being as powerful as they predecessors.

Remember the dishwasher? Youd press it, boom! Thered be, like, an explosion.

"Five minutes later you open it up, the steam pours out, he said.

Mr Trump then criticised newer models, claiming women across the country have to now wash their dishes 10 times.

2020 Presidential Candidates - In Pictures 1 /33 2020 Presidential Candidates - In Pictures California Senator Kamala Harris REUTERS Senator Bernie Sanders EPA Former vice president Joe Biden AFP/Getty Images Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke AFP/Getty Images New Jersey Senator Cory Booker AP Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren AP Representative Tulsi Gabbard AP Former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro Getty Images New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Getty Images Spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Getty Images New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Former Silicon Valley businessman Andrew Yang AFP/Getty Images Senator Michael Bennet Getty Images Congressman Joe Sestak Getty Images Miramar, Florida Mayor Wayne Messam Getty Images Governor of Montana Steve Bullock AFP/Getty Images Representative Seth Moulton Getty Images Billionaire activist Tom Steyer Getty Images Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel Getty Images Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper REUTERS Washington Governor Jay Inslee AP Former Representative John Delaney AP Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttgeig Getty Images Representative Tim Ryan Getty Images

Anybody have a new dishwasher? Im sorry for that, he told the crowd, promising that under his presidency their dishes will be beautiful.

Mr Trump also complained about water restrictions on showers, toilets, and sinks.

Sinks, toilets, and showers, you dont get any water, they put restrictors on them try putting on buying a new faucet, turn it on and no water comes out.

We wont talk about toilets but we know he said as he made a flushing motion with this hand appearing to suggest it takes "10 or 15" times to flush a toilet.

How about the shower, I have this beautiful head of hair I need a lot of water. And you go into the shower right and you turn on the water: drip, drip.

Mr Trump also appeared to call out jokes that are made about the his orange skin tone, thought to be due to regular spray tans: The new lightbulb of course costs you five times as much and it makes you look orange, he said to laughter, I was more interested in the orange than I was in the cost.

Winning back Wisconsin is a key part of the Democrats 2020 strategy  and one of the reasons the party chose Milwaukee to host its national convention in July.

Mr Trump won the state by fewer than 23,000 votes in 2016 and he is expected to make frequent visits in the coming months as he works to maintain his edge.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:
Dublin, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Household Vacuum Cleaners Global Market Report 2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the household vacuum cleaners? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? This report answers all these questions and many more.



The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider household vacuum cleaners market, and compares it with other markets.



The global household vacuum cleaners market was worth $16 billion in 2019. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.16% and reach $21.1 billion by 2023



In 2019, North America was the largest region in household vacuum cleaners market.



The household vacuum cleaner market covered in this report is segmented by type of product into upright, canister, central, robotic, drum, wet/dry, and other. The household vacuum cleaner market in this report is segmented by mode of sale into offline, and online. The household vacuum cleaner market in this report is segmented by type of use into floor vacuum cleaner, window vacuum cleaner, and pool vacuum cleaner. The household vacuum cleaner market in this report is segmented by operation mode into self-drive, and remote control



The rise in awareness for hygiene contributed to the growth of the household vacuum cleaners market in the historic period. There has been an increase in pathogens and infectious diseases. This has led to an increasing awareness on the importance of maintaining hygiene in care, nursing and residential areas, which in turn has driven the market for household vacuum cleaners. In 2018, according to a poll conducted by Hygiene Company SCA in the UK, 47% of people spend more than five hours a week on domestic cleaning tasks. Increase in awareness for hygiene coupled with the rise in disposable income drove the market for household vacuum cleaners.



Rise in awareness about the adverse effects of high energy consumption, and the carbon footprint associated with the usage of vacuum cleaners is expected to restrain the market in the forecast period. Several factors such as increasing internet penetration led to an increase in awareness about the consumption of energy, rising cost of energy and adverse effects associated with the usage of several household appliances such as vacuum cleaners. In 2019, European Union banned the sale of vacuum cleaners containing motors more powerful than 900W. These factors will limit the growth of the household vacuum cleaners.



Household vacuum cleaner manufacturers are increasingly producing energy-efficient products to reduce carbon footprint and enable energy savings for the consumers. The rise of energy-efficient appliances can be attributed to the stringent government regulations on electric home appliances and advances in technology. Energy efficient vacuum cleaners are designed to utilize minimum energy to complete the required task. Currently, over 80 countries have standards and labels for energy efficient appliances. For example, European Commission- Eco design requirements for Vacuum Cleaners' contains eco-design requirements for several types of vacuum cleaners.



In July 2017, CDH Fund V, L.P., a private equity fund bought a significant stake in SharkNinja Operating LLC for an undisclosed amount. This partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of SharkNinja brand of products globally. Shark Ninja is a USA based manufacturer of home and kitchen electrical appliances including vacuum cleaners.



Major players in the market are AB Electrolux, Miele & Cie. KG, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Dyson Ltd., Bissell Inc., iRobot Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Haier Group Corporation, LG Electronics.



Companies Mentioned



AB Electrolux

Miele & Cie. KG

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

Dyson Ltd.

Bissell Inc.

iRobot Corporation

Panasonic Corporation

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Haier Group Corporation

LG Electronics

BISSELL

Nilfisk

Bosch

SEB

Oreck

Hoover

Sanitaire

Rubbermaid

Numatic

Karcher

Midea

Goodway

Fimap

Columbus

Truvox International

Pacvac

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qbn5y8

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
Heavens brother, Malik Ellis, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, testified for the prosecution at trial about that night when neighbors of all ages were outside enjoying the mild summer weather before the barrage of gunfire sent everyone scrambling.
Home  Just In  Belgian Princess to visit Nepal next week

Kathmandu, January 16

Princess Astrid, the younger sister of King Philippe of Belgium, is visiting Nepal from January 19 to 25.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the royal is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and have separate meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, and Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal.

Princess Astrid will visit Kailai, Nawalparasi and Chitwan districts. In Kailali, she will join the opening ceremony of a new tuberculosis centre and meet leprosy and tuberculosis patients. Likewise, she will visit the Midpoint Hospital in Nawalparasi and meet tuberculosis and leprosy patients there.

These facilities have been supported by the Damien Foundation, a Belgium-based NGO, in which the royal is involved as the honorary chairperson, according to the ministry.

The government hopes that the visit would contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relations and expanding the areas of cooperation between Nepal and Belgium.
Four Nigerian soldiers have been killed in an attack by IS-affiliated jihadists in the country's restive northeast, two security sources told AFP Thursday.

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in trucks fitted with machine guns late Wednesday launched a "surprise attack" on troops in Auno village, 25 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, they said.

"Four soldiers were killed in the attack and seven were injured," said the first security source.

Another security official confirmed the attack.

"The terrorists came through the bush at the rear instead of the usual highway, taking troops by surprise," said the source who gave the same casualty toll.

The jihadists were said to have overwhelmed the troops, and went into the village, looting and burning shops before withdrawing.

It was not immediately clear whether the militants suffered any casualties.

ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016 has intensified attacks against the military since the middle of 2018, repeatedly carrying out deadly strikes against soldiers.

The group has also been abducting motorists at bogus checkpoints in Borno state, targeting security personnel, anti-jihadist militia as well as Christians.

Auno lies on the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of neighbouring Yobe state, which has also been repeatedly targeted by the militants.

Last week four soldiers were killed and 11 others injured when the jihadists attacked a military base in nearby Jakana.

The decade-long jihadist conflict has killed at least 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria.

The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.
Odisha government Thursday decided to bring back the historic Dakota aircraft of former chief minister Biju Patnaik which he had used to rescue Sultan Sjahrir, the erstwhile prime minister of Indonesia from a jungle hideout in 1947.

The decision to bring back the aircraft kept at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, was taken at a high level meeting convened by chief secretary A K Tripathy, officials said.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) had sent repeated reminders to the state government to take back the aircraft.

Biju Patnaik, who was an ace pilot, with his wife had flown the Dakota to Java and rescued Sjahrir on the instructions of the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who viewed the freedom struggle of Indonesia from the Dutch colonial powers as parallel to that of India and viewed that country as a potential ally.

After rescuing Sultan Sjahrir in a daring act, he had returned to India via Singapore on July 24, 1947. A grateful Indonesia twice decorated Biju Patnaik with its highest civilian honour Bhumiputra for his bravery.

The state government in-principle today decided to bring back Biju Patnaiks Dakota aircraft from Kolkata. Later, we will decide where to preserve it, said Manoj Mishra, the special secretary to the state commerce and transport departments.

Mishra said the state government will soon write to the civil aviation ministry to take steps to facilitate Odisha government in bringing back the aircraft.

State government officials said that the aircraft is likely to be transported to Odisha by road. It may be dismantled and brought to the state after which it would be reassembled to give back its earlier look.

The aircraft is likely to be kept in the premises of Biju Patnaik International Airport here, they said.

Patnaik had 14 aircraft and the Dakota was said to be his favourite.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A deadly revolt Tuesday by Sudanese security forces protesting against their severance packages has underscored the importance of reforming and restructuring the countrys hydra-headed security services. But its a daunting task with ambitious armed men jostling for power.

When gunshots broke out in the Sudanese capital Tuesday, a local wag shot a little video clip of himself nonchalantly strutting through the Khartoum night. Im in the ghettoratatata! he intoned with insouciance, repeating, as the heavy gunfire persisted, RA-tatata! RA-tatata!



The Khartoum version of the Im in the Ghetto meme was promptly picked up and shared by social media users of Sudanese origin across the world. When popular western memes meet volitile [sic] African states. #ILoveMyPeople posted one Twitter user.





By Wednesday morning though, the generals were out, revealing the cause and fallout of the gunfire and it was clear it was no laughing matter.



"What happened on Tuesday was a revolt," Mohamed Othman al-Hussein, Sudans army chief of staff, told reporters in the capital.



The shooting broke out at Khartoum bases of the Directorate of General Intelligence Service  formerly known as the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS)  after some of its agents rejected a retirement plan proposed by the country's new authorities.



Sudanese troops from the regular army and from the paramilitary, former Janjaweed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) then crushed the rebellion after storming these bases amid heavy gunfire. Two soldiers and three civilians who happened to be in the area were killed in the fighting.



Hours later, the head of the countrys ruling transitional council, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, announced that life has returned to normal and warned that anyone who tries to disturb the security and stability of citizens will be defeated.



Sudanese transitional Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok described the mutiny as discord aimed at cutting off the nations transition to building a solid democracy".



But the breakout of fighting between two wings of Sudans vast, hydra-headed security services have raised fears of armed groups battling for power in the northeastern African nation, threatening a delicate democratic transition since the April 2019 ouster of Sudanese strongman Omar al-Bashir.



This is the nightmare people predicted back in April, noted Patrick Smith, editor of The Africa Report, in a phone interview with FRANCE 24. There was a feeling back then that, this is fantastic, the people have triumphed, the revolution has forced Bashir from power. But the fact is, Bashir was forced out of power by his own soldiers and there were fears over what was going to be the reactions of Sudans myriad security forces.



Not just a bunch of spooks



International attention through much of last year was rightly focused on the battle for control between civilians and the military in a country that sits at the crossroads of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Sudan experts however warned that reforming and restructuring the security services could pose a challenge, one that risked plunging the country into a fresh round of bloodshed.



Bashir, like many seasoned autocrats, oversaw a vast, entangled network of security services designed to prevent coups as well as surveil and crack down on any opposition.



His security-intelligence establishment included the Sudanese regular army, comprised of around 180,000 troops.



Meanwhile the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rose out of the Darfur conflict, when the dreaded Janjaweed militias indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) were officially merged. The commander of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo  widely known by his nickname Hemedti  is a widely reviled figure who and has been the focus of civilian ire since his troops conducted a brutal crackdown on the Khartoum protest camp in June 2019.



Sudan also has the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), an umbrella term for a range of militias and paramilitaries, as well as border security and policing services.



But theres also a more sinister security services branch, and its troop and arsenal sizes have never been publicly disclosed.



The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) is described as Sudans intelligence agency, but it was always much more than that. The NISS is the epitome of the Deep State, its the belly of the beast, explained Smith. This intelligence service is a military in itself. They had massive amounts of money under Bashir and they possess heavy weapons including helicopter gunships and armored cars. Its not just a bunch of spooks who happen to be good shots, they have military hardware.



Spy chief quits and disappears



Under its powerful former chief, Salah Gosh, the NISS played a major military role during the Sudan-Chad border hostilities that erupted due to the Darfur conflict as well as in coordinating militias in the troubled western province. Although Gosh grew threateningly powerful and was sidelined by Bashir around 2011, the NISS itself stayed loyal to the Islamist strongman.



In a 2019 academic report, seasoned Sudan expert Alex de Waal noted that the NISS is thoroughly interpenetrated with the NCP  referring to Bashirs Muslim Brotherhood-linked National Congress Party  and has its own commercial operations and external links (to many different Middle Eastern states) and thus parallel sources of finance.



An Islamist who was instrumental in helping al Qaeda set up branches in Sudan in the 1990s, Gosh was quick to realise his glory days were over when Bashir was ousted from power. Two days after the countrys regular armed forces removed the Sudanese strongman from power on April 11, 2019, Gosh resigned his post and has not been seen in public since. He is believed to have fled to Egypt although Cairo has never confirmed these reports.



Months later, the countrys ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) announced that the NISS would now be called the Directorate of General Intelligence Service. But few Sudanese put much store in a terminology revamp and the old NISS name has stuck.



The sudden public disappearance of the once omnipotent spy chief has sparked rumours and reports of Salahs whereabouts, continued behind-the-scenes flexing of power and bids to bring back Sudans old guard. But none of them have been confirmed.



The nub of transitional issues



The intrigue around Gosh peaked again on Tuesday, when NISS agents voiced their discontent over their retirement plans with volleys of gunshots and seized two oil fields in southern Sudan.



Dagalo (a.k.a. Hemedti)  whose RSF troops crushed Tuesdays rebellion  was quick to blame the former spy chief for the latest disturbances.



"This is a coordinated plan by Salah Gosh, Dagalo told reporters during a visit to neighbouring South Sudan. "The person behind this shooting today is Salah Gosh. He has many generals active within the security sector with an aim to create confusion and fighting."



But many Sudanese put little credence on Dagalos word. The ambitious provincial former Janjaweed commander who gained immense power and wealth by fighting wars for whoever would pay him  including Saudi Arabia and the UAE  is widely distrusted in Sudan.



Analysts were quick to note that the statement by the Sudanese regular army that the latest rebellion had been quelled made no mention of Gosh. Local reporters meanwhile noted that Hemedti appeared to be training his sights on Goshs successor, the new NISS chief, Gen. Abu-Bakr Mustafa, also known as Dambalab.



Seems like Hemediti [sic] is laying the groundwork to remove Dambalab (current head of Intelligence) & other high ranking Intelligence officials, noted a Sudanese media Twitter post.

But hours later, Mustafa handed in his resignation as spy chief. His quitting however did little to quell fears of a counter-revolution by Bashirs supporters.



The revolving door of senior uniformed men moving around the power board game with their armed fighters has underscored the importance of a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process for Sudan to avoid the fate of its northern neighbour, Libya.



This crisis gets to the nub of the transitional issues in Sudan: to what extent can the regular military begin to get purchase of the security services, explained Smith. The tragedy of Sudan now is the lack of focus on this critical issue.
Chief Justice John Roberts has been sworn in to preside over President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, immediately administering the oath to the full Senate to ensure impartial justice as jurors, for only the third such proceeding in American history.

Mr Roberts made the short trip across the street from the Supreme Court before being ushered to the Senate chamber.

Will all senators now stand, and remain standing, and raise their right hand, Mr Roberts said.

Expand Close Impeachment managers walk to the Senate on Capitol Hill (Julio Cortez/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Impeachment managers walk to the Senate on Capitol Hill (Julio Cortez/AP)

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

The senators, at their desks, responded and then were called up to sign the oath book

Mr Roberts, who has long insisted judges are not politicians, is expected to serve as a referee for the proceedings rather than an active participant. Senators will ultimately give the verdict.

The Senate opened the impeachment trial at the start of the election year as Mr Trump seeks another term, a test not only of his presidency but also of the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances.

Tune in as the Impeachment Managers cross the U.S. Capitol for the exhibition of the House-passed articles of impeachment. https://t.co/9z9r5xLE1s  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 16, 2020

Earlier Thursday, Democrats in the House of Representatives prosecuting the case stood before the Senate and formally read the articles of impeachment against Mr Trump.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! said the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order at noon.

Senators filled the chamber, sitting silently at their seats under strict trial rules that prohibit talking or mobile phones, as the ceremonial protocol shifted the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democrat-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

Those prosecuting the charges, led by Adam Schiff of the intelligence committee and Jerrold Nadler of the judiciary committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day.

With the permission of the Senate, I will now read the articles of impeachment, said Mr Schiff, standing at a lectern in the well of the chamber, a space usually reserved for senators.

House Resolution 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanours, he began, reading the nine pages.

Mr Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage.

Mr Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

Ahead of the proceedings the Government Accountability office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with Russia.

Expand Close Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts arrives at the Senate (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts arrives at the Senate (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

The president calls the impeachment a hoax, even as new information emerges about his actions toward Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

Ms Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the presidents actions toward Ukraine.

Ms Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Ms Pelosi said, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that.

Still, an eventual vote to acquit Mr Trump is considered highly likely. Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The Republican position on the House Intelligence Committees impeachment hearings was mostly that the process was a sham, a hoax, a coup, a conspiracy, and a distraction from the many real crimes committed by Democrats. But amid this defense-by-attack messaging for the MAGA base, they did now and then offer a justification for Donald Trumps Ukraine-directed 2019 behavior that, if not completely honest or commensurate with the facts, was at least internally coherent.

Trump, Republicans like Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan argued, was really just using his legitimate executive power for legitimate and high-minded policy ends. The president didnt withhold already-appropriated military aid from Ukraine while demanding investigations of Joe Biden and nonexistent 2016 UkraineDemocratic Party server collusion because he wanted to smear his political rivals, but because he had valid reasons as a statesman to believe Biden and the Democrats had behaved unethically and wanted to ensure Ukraines president shared his commitment to eradicating corruption.

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As funny as that sentence sounds to type about someone who is in the news this week for having told his Secretary of State he didnt think bribery should be illegal, it has the kind of respectable legal sheen that a certain type of Republican seizes on in order to avoid confronting Trump. (Its not that theyre cravenly allowing an anthropomorphic fraud settlement who may not know what happened at Pearl Harbor to turn the federal government over to Sean Hannity; its that theyre respecting the constitutional prerogatives of the executive branch.) The argument seems likely to be deployed frequently at Trumps Senate trial.

Unfortunately for Ben Sasses pre-written explanation of his vote for acquittal, though, the House Intelligence Committee is continuing to gather evidence from a Ukrainian businessman/hustler named Lev Parnas who was indicted by federal prosecutors for breaking campaign-finance laws while he worked on the Rudy Giulianiled effort to remove U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. (Giuliani and Parnas needed Yovanovitch out because she was actually working to eliminate corruption in the country, which put her at odds with the Ukrainian officials who they wanted to carry out the Biden smear. Previous testimony has shown that Trump told other U.S. officials in the region that all Ukraine policy had to run through Giuliani.) Parnas wants to save himself by turning states witness, and hes been giving documents to the House and doing interviews to get his story out.

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A lot of the attention around Parnass P.R. tour has concerned messages he received from a Republican hanger-on named Robert F. Hyde. In the messages, Hyde seems to be suggesting to Parnas that he was having Yovanovitch surveilled and could have her physically threatened if needed. But even Parnas told Rachel Maddow on Wednesday that Hyde was an erratic figure who may have simply been making extravagant claims while drunk.

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Parnas also made the explosive claim, to Maddow, that hed delivered a quid pro quo ultimatum to incoming Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys aides in May 2019; he says he told Zelenskys team that all U.S. aid and cooperation with the country was directly dependent on the announcement of a Biden investigation. But the claim (which his lawyer has made previously) does not appear to be backed up with documentation, and even other figures in the scandal who have made incriminating allegations have not mentioned such a direct, explicit extortion demand having been made that early in 2019.

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While Parnass wildest-sounding stories fly around uncorroborated, though, two hard documents that he turned over have snuck under the radar. The first is a letter that Giuliani sent to Zelensky in May requesting a meeting.

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Just to be precise, I represent him as a private citizen, Giuliani wrote. This phrase tends to undermine the claim that the investigations Giuliani would press Zelensky to launch were meant to benefit the United States rather than to advance Trumps interests as a private citizen, does it not?

Then theres a WhatsApp message, translated by the Washington Post, from former Ukrainian prosecutor Yuri Lutsenko to Parnas in March 2019. Lutsenko, who was a part of the Ukrainian regime that preceded Zelenskys, is the source for Giuliani and Trumps otherwise uncorroborated claims about Biden. (The boss that Lutsenko refers to is likely Ukraines previous president. One of the favors Lutsenko wanted was Yovanovitchs removalshe suspected, apparently correctly, that he was a crookbut its not clear what else he was asking for.)

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Im sorry, but this is all simply bt, Lutsenko wrote on March 13. Im fg sick of all this. I havent received a visit. My [boss] hasnt received jack all. Im prepared to [thrash] your opponent. But you want more and more. Were over.

If Lutsenko was being engaged in a legitimate anti-corruption effort rather than a political hit job, it seems like he probably would not have described its intended outcome as thrash[ing] your opponent.

Giuliani, press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway have all delivered the same response to questions about Parnas this week, which is that he is a proven liar who is under indictment and therefore not trustworthy. Typically, this kind of cant-trust-a-cooperating-witness argument is employed by defendants who say theyre being scapegoated for criminal activities that the witness was actually entirely responsible for. In this case, though, Parnas is under indictment for his work to help achieve an outcomeYovanovitchs firingthat Giuliani has bragged on TV about having coordinated. It cant be true that Lev Parnas is a crook who torched his credibility by participating in an illegal scheme but also that what Trump and Giuliani did was legal, above-board diplomacy when there is no question that Lev Parnas is the guy Trump and Giuliani asked to carry out the scheme. You cant trust this guys allegation that we engaged in criminal corruption by firing an ambassador, theyre sayinghes a criminal who engaged in corruption to successfully get an ambassador fired!

Grisham also noted that Parnas once created a company called Fraud Guarantee, a name which she presented as evidence that he was neck-deep in unsavory activities. Rudy Giuliani was paid $500,000 to act as Fraud Guarantees attorney.

Meanwhile, a report by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office released Thursday concluded that withholding appropriated military aid from Ukraine was inherently illegalwhich is to say it would have been illegal even if Trump believed he had legitimate policy reasons for wanting to do so.

Trump should go to jail. Send Donald Trump to jail, Ben Sasse.
House Oversight Committee Republicans Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows issued nine demands to FISA Court presiding judge James Boasberg in a Thursday letter in response to the appointment of Obama Department of Justice lawyer David Kris to help oversee the FBIs reform of FISA applications.

The letter, obtained by National Review, asked Boasberg to identify who else besides Kris was considered, whether Kriss past defense of the FISA application to surveil Trump-campaign adviser Carter Page was taken into account, and whether the FISC bears any responsibility for the illegal surveillance of Carter Page, among other concerns.

If the FISCs goal is to hold the FBI accountable for its serious misconduct, Mr. Kris does not appear to be an objective  or likely effective  amicus curiae for several reasons, the letter states. At minimum, the selection of Mr. Kris creates a perception that he is too personally invested on the side of the FBI to ensure it effectuates meaningful reform.

A Republican official with knowledge of the letter told National Review that the letter signaled a concerted Congressional effort to reform FISA.

For too long, the FBI has remained largely un-checked when it comes to the FISA process. Congress must ensure that FISC stands ready to protect civil liberties without even the slightest indicia of political bias, he said.

The letter appears to be a follow-up to Monday comments from Meadows, who said in an interview that Republicans were appealing this to the Judge regarding Kriss appointment. The North Carolina Congressman also slammed the move to appoint Kris, saying that theres no way Kris is the right man to address abuses if he doesnt even acknowledge that there is a problem.

Kris, a former assistant attorney general in the Obama DOJs national security division, has extensive experience with the FISA Court, serving as an amicus curiae, or special adviser, since March 2016.

A frequent contributor to Lawfare blog, Kris was an outspoken defender of the FBIs authority in surveilling Page, who was accused of being a Russian agent.

Story continues

Following the release of heavily-redacted FISA applications used to surveil Page in July 2018, Kris doubled down. It seems to me very likely that if we get below the tip of the iceberg into the submerged parts and more is revealed, it will get worse, not better, for Page, he told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow at the time. The letter references Kriss comment to Maddow as evidence that he is biased in favor of the bureau and against Page.

DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz revealed in December that the FBI knowingly withheld information that Page was a CIA informant in order to obtain a FISA warrant against him, and even doctored an email to keep the information from the court. The report also revealed that the bureau did not inform the FISC of the partisan origins of the uncorroborated Steele dossier despite its playing a central and essential role in their application to surveil Page.

In their letter, Jordan and Meadows also request that Boasberg give greater insight into the details surrounding the courts assessment of the Page applications, including when it first received any indication that information contained in the FBIs surveillance applications for Carter Page was misleading or false.

More from National Review
Nigeria and five other English-speaking West African countries have condemned the decision of their French-speaking counterparts to unilaterally rename the CFA Franc as ECO by 2020.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the decision of the French-speaking ECOWAS members who have the support of France to adopt the change of name.

The six countries issued the condemnation at the end of a crucial extraordinary meeting of their ministers of finance and governors of their central banks on Thursday. They met in Abuja under the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) on the ECOWAS single currency programme.

The communique at the end of the meeting was read on behalf of other member countries by Nigerias Minister for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

The six countries involved in the meeting are Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

According to the communique, they took note of the declaration by the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on December 21, 2019, to unilaterally rename the CFA Franc as ECO by 2020.

WAMZ Convergence Council wishes to emphsize that this action is inconsistent with the decision of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for the adoption of the ECO as the name of an independent ECOWAS single currency

WAMZ Convergence Council wishes to reiterate the need for all ECOWAS member countries to implement the decision of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government towards the implementation of the revised roadmap of the ECOWAS single currency programme.

WAMZ Convergence Council would be recommending an extraordinary summit of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the WAMZ member states will be convened soon to discuss this matter and other related issues.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 19:21:23|Editor: Xiaoxia

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Islamic State (IS) militants take part in a surrender ceremony in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 16, 2020. Sixty-six militants have surrendered to government security forces in two provinces, authorities said Thursday. (Photo by Emran Waak/Xinhua)

KABUL, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sixty-six militants have surrendered to government security forces in two provinces, authorities said Thursday.

In eastern Kunar province, 16 Islamic State (IS) fighters surrendered to Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Manogay district and handed over some amount of weapons earlier on Thursday, provincial governor Abdul Satar Mirzakwal told Xinhua.

On Monday, nine IS militants also surrendered to army personnel in Manogay district, he said.

About 50 Taliban militants laid down arms and give up fighting in Shahrak district of western Ghor province on Wednesday, the country's Ministry of Defense said earlier on Thursday.

"Fifty Taliban militants under the command of Abdul Qadir and Mullah Mustafa joined peace and national reconciliation process in Shahrak district, Ghor province. They also brought with them some amount of weapons," the ministry said in a statement.

More than 300 armed insurgents have laid down arms and surrendered to local authorities as government forces have geared up crackdowns on militants across the country since beginning January.

The militant groups haven't responded to the reports so far.
- Akon took to social media to announce the finalisation of the city agreement

- The city will be named after the famous music star

- According to reports, the city will be 100% crypto-based city as transactions and daily payments would be done with cryptocurrencies

Celebrated American- Senegalese star, Akon, has announced the finalisation of the agreement to build his own city in Senegal.

The one of a kind city dubbed Akon city or Wakanda is expected to run on renewable energy.

The star took to his social media accounts to express joy after signing his final agreement.

"Just finalised the agreement for Akon City in Senegal. Looking forward to hosting you there in the future," he wrote.

News about the city with unique features was first announced in December 2019.

The city is set to be built on a 2000-acre land space which was given to the music star by the president of Senegal.

According to reports online, the city will be 100% crypto-based city as transactions and daily payments would be done with cryptocurrencies.

The project is expected to be completed in a period of 10 years with the first stage set to be achieved by the year 2025.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Akon started construction of an entire city in Africa.

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The city which is called 'Wakanda' is to be built with unique features that have never been seen or experienced even in the major cities of the world.

The musician revealed on a radio show that Akon City construction has begun. The Akon City is to be built on a 2000-acre land space which has been given to the music star by the President of Senegal. It is reported that the city which is called the 'futuristic' city in Senegal, will run solely on renewable energy.

Naij.com (naija.ng) > Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

How Nigerian rappers can make money from their music - Hotyce | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh is open to increasing palm oil imports from Malaysia if it offers competitive rates, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak told Reuters on Thursday.

"If they approach us we'll welcome them," Razzak said. "We can raise imports from Malaysia if we get a better price from them."

India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, last week put curbs on imports of refined palm oil and informally asked traders to halt imports from Malaysia, after a diplomatic spat between the two nations.

"It's rather good, prices of palm oil are coming down," Razzak added, when asked about India's move to stop palm oil imports from Malaysia, the world's second biggest producer and exporter of the commodity after Indonesia.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Euan Rocha; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Power & empathy: ALT stages 'The Cover of LIFE' ALTON  There was a time when being on the cover of Life magazine was about as good as it could...

Biden administration to require insurers to cover at-home... On Jan. 15, private health insurers will be required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home...
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, authorities on Thursday directed police to strengthen the checkpoints on roads leading to the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials said.

These directions have been passed to the top police officers in view of the heightened threat perception.

Samba SSP Shakti K Pathak held a meeting with top officers of the Army, intelligence bureau and police to discuss the security arrangements.

During the meeting, they discussed various inputs received from the higher formations. The officers were advised to remain extra-vigilant to avert any untoward incident.

The Samba SSP directed all the station house officers (SHOs) and supervisory officers to collect information of tenants residing in and around the venues earmarked for Republic Day celebrations across the district.

Pathak directed them to strengthen the checkpoints on roads and establish joint checkpoints at selected places in view of the present security scenario.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kathmandu, January 16

Customs officials of Nepal and Tibet of China have failed to resolve a recent dispute ensued between them after Chinese officials demanded that Nepal export its products to China with the labels written in the Chinese language.

In a bid to resolve the issue and resume the cross-country trade, the officials had recently met in Kathmandu, but the three-day meeting did not make any solution, informs Punya Bikram Khadka, the chief of Rasuwagadhi Customs Office of Nepal.

During the meeting, Nepali officials reiterated that English labels should be accepted as per the law here, but the Chinese counterparts said their citizens could not understand English, hence the label should be in Chinese. The meeting has forwarded the issue to a higher level for further discussion, according to Khadka.
By Orhan Coskun and Thomas Escritt

ANKARA/BERLIN (Reuters) - Turkey said on Wednesday it was too early to say whether a ceasefire in Libya had collapsed after Khalifa Haftar, commander of eastern Libyan forces, failed to sign a binding truce accord at talks this week.

Russo-Turkish talks in Moscow have aimed to halt Haftar's nine-month campaign to seize the Libyan capital Tripoli from forces aligned with the internationally recognised government of Fayez al-Serraj.

Serraj, whose embattled government has struggled to repel the nine-month campaign, signed the truce proposal but Haftar left Moscow without adding his signature. He has not commented since then whether he will sign it or not.

Since veteran dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a 2011uprising, the North African country has been in turmoil, with outside powers providing support to rival factions.

Turkey backs Serraj's government, while Haftar has received support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Russian mercenaries.

"We cannot say that the ceasefire has collapsed, it's much too early for such an interpretation," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told reporters in Ankara. He added that Ankara was awaiting the outcome of diplomacy by Moscow, which has relations with Serraj even as it has given support to Haftar.

He blamed Turkey in particular for its recent military agreements with the authorities in Libya, saying it was a clear violation of a United Nations arms embargo.

Turkey has sent a training and cooperation team which is now active in Libya, Akar said. Turkey committed to military support for the Tripoli government in December after the arrival of Russian mercenaries helped Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) make some small gains along the Tripoli frontline.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday Turkey would "teach a lesson" to Haftar if his attacks on the Tripoli-based government continued.

On Sunday, Germany will host a summit on Libya involving the rival camps, their main foreign backers and representatives from the United Nations, the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, Turkey and Italy. Haftar and Serraj have also been invited but it is unclear whether they will come, a German government spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Story continues

France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said efforts by Russia to broker a ceasefire had been inconclusive and urged all parties, including foreign backers.

"Only a political process can help us get out of this impasse. There will be no military solution," Jean-Yves Le Drian told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday.

Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the Libya crisis in a phone call on Wednesday, Turkey's presidency said.

The nine-month war over Tripoli is just the latest bout of chaos in Libya, an OPEC oil exporter that has become a hub for human traffickers to ship migrants by boats to Italy, while Islamist militants have exploited the widespread disorder.

(Writing by Daren Butler and Ulf Laessing; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
When Google announced on Tuesday that it will bolster privacy protection online by eventually scrapping third-party cookies, the immediate response was almost equal parts praise, skepticism, and cynicism. The cacophony is fitting given the competing interests of the three largest stakeholders involved: internet users, advertisers, and Google itself.

According to a blog post by Chrome Engineering Director Justin Schuh, Chrome will phase out all third-party cookies on the browser by 2022. Until then, Google intends to make third-party cookies more secure and to continue to find (and crowdsource, apparently) less invasive alternatives for advertisers so that, as Schuh puts it, we can all have a healthy, ad-supported web.

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Cookies are bits of data that websites can leave behind in a users browser. Third-party cookies, set by domains other than the website youre currently on, serve as a trace for advertisers. For example, if youre browsing a shopping site that leaves a cookie from an advertising company, that cookie can later be picked up again, letting that ad company know what pair of sneakers you were looking at earlier. Over time, ad companies use those third-party cookies to create a rich profile of what sites you visit, your interests, and more. Chrome will already be limiting insecure tracking come February, as part of the Privacy Sandbox initiative Google announced last August. But this latest move is significant because it locks down a timeline for finally cracking down on third-party cookies, which Schuh argues will enhance privacy.

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Googles motives are perhaps not as benevolent as Schuh claims. Chrome, which has almost 66 percent of the market, is not only under pressure from competing browsersSafari and Firefox already blocked third-party cookies in 2017 and 2019, respectivelybut also from data privacy laws. Gaia Bernstein, a Seton Hall law professor and director of the Institute for Privacy Protection, told me that changes to the legal landscapelike Europes General Data Protection Regulation and the newly implemented California Consumer Privacy Actare forcing companies like Google to portray themselves as leaders in privacy. According to Bernstein, Google may be essentially saying Hey! Were regulating ourselves, theres no need to regulate us.

On its face, it sounds great, Bernstein said. I think the problem is we dont really have enough information of what theyre doing,

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As for what this means for the average internet user, like many things related to privacy online, the effects are unclear. You probably wont even really notice the change. I think that to the consumers point of view its all pretty arcane, said Gartner analyst Andrew Frank. Consumers are starting to care more about security online in a broader sense, Frank said, but changes to data collection through cookies might only be visible in the kinds of ads that do (or dont) follow you around.

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Advertisers, on the other hand, are scrambling to keep up. Frank sees Chromes new policy as potentially extremely disruptive for ad tech, since the industry has long relied on third-party cookies. Retailers whose main strategy is retargeting consumers around the web will be affected more than brands that simply aim to broadcast their message to a larger audience. According to Frank, the ideal alternative to third-party cookies for both consumers and advertisers will allow tracking with enough anonymous identification for marketing, but not the kind that identifies people as individuals with names, addresses, etc. Without such alternatives, many worry that advertisers will find other means of obtaining personal data.

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Its the company with vast pre-existing stores of personal dataand other means of acquiring morethat doesnt seem to have much to lose. One of the most serious concerns about Googles announcement centers on the antitrust implications of this move. But according to Bernstein, we dont know whether this will actually help [Google] entrench their monopolistic stature, because we dont really know what alternatives theyre going to come up with yet. Frank is likewise unconvinced that its necessarily written in stone that Google will be a big beneficiary in this change.

For now, while privacy advocates and advertisers alike furiously debate and pass judgment on Googles proposals, all that we users can do is sit back, wait, and kick off our new sneakers.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
KYIV, Ukraine - Police in Ukraine are investigating whether the U.S. ambassador came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before the Trump administration recalled her from Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities said Thursday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2018, photo provided by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, front center, poses for a photo after speaking in Kyiv, with front row from left: Morgan Williams; then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch; and president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine Andy Hunder. Also pictured are Alex Cranberg, top second from left, and Michael Bleyzer, top row fourth from left. Bleyzer and Cranberg, two political supporters of Perry, secured a potentially lucrative oil-and-gas exploration deal from the Ukrainian government soon after Perry proposed one of the men as an adviser to the country's new president. (U.S. Embassy Kyiv via AP, File)

KYIV, Ukraine - Police in Ukraine are investigating whether the U.S. ambassador came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before the Trump administration recalled her from Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities said Thursday.

The announcement came two days after Democratic lawmakers in the United States released documents and text messages that showed an associate of President Donald Trump's personal lawyer communicating with Rudy Giuliani about Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch's r emoval.

In announcing the investigation, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said the country's police are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States by conducting the probe.

The ambassador's firing last spring was at the centre of the inquiry launched by House Democrats that led to the president's impeachment. But it was the trove of newly released information from smartphones belonging to Giuliani associate Lev Parnas that prompted the Ukrainian police investigation.

In text messages to Parnas, Republican congressional candidate Robert F. Hyde gave updates on Yovanovitch's location and cellphone use. Hyde suggested in a tweet this week that the messages that made it sound like the ambassador was being watched were a joke.

Denys Lenets, deputy director of the Department of International Cooperation and European Integration of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry speaks to the media in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. Ukrainian police say they have opened an investigation into the possibility that the former ambassador Marie Yovanovitch came under illegal surveillance before she was recalled from her post in US. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Parnas has said Hydes texts shouldnt be taken seriously, but officials in Ukraine indicated they have a legal obligation to determine if the former ambassador was subject to surveillance by an unknown party.

"The published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The Interior Ministry said it has asked the FBI to provide relevant materials. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov also suggested that the U.S. side take part in the investigation, the statement said.

There was no immediate comment from the State Department  which one former diplomat assessed as extraordinary.

This has to be a first in American history, Nick Burns, who rose to become the third-ranking official at the State Department before his retirement, wrote on Twitter. A foreign government rushing to the defence of a senior U.S. career ambassador to defend her from people deputized by the President of the United States. And the Secretary of State refuses to say one word in her defence.

Democrats in the House of Representatives released the documents, text messages and photos from Parnas' phones this week as they prepared to send articles of impeachment to the Senate for Trump's trial.

The communications included Hyde and Parnas' exchanges about Yovanovitch.

Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Her computer is off, Hyde wrote in one message. He said the ambassador was under heavy security and we have a person inside.

Hyde texted: "They are willing to help if we/you would like a price, and guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money ... is what I was told.

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Parnas texted back: lol.

In another move touching on the Trump impeachment, Ukraine said it was opening an investigation into reports that Russian hackers gained access to computers of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Hunter Biden, the son of Trump opponent and former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden, was on the board of that company. The impeachment inquiry began with allegations that Trump had tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy into investigating Burisma by withholding promised military aid.

The FBI also has been invited to take part in the Burisma hacking investigation, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said.

___

Jim Heintz in Moscow and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this story.
On January 15, the WB and Ministry of Finance signed a financing agreement for a grant worth US$10.5 million to promote integrated urban development and transport connectivity along a new Bus Rapid Transit corridor in HCM City.

At the signing ceremony

The grant, provided by the Government of Switzerland through Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and administered by the World Bank, comes as additional financing for the World Banks ongoing Ho Chi Minh City Green Transport Development Project that is developing a new Bus Rapid Transit corridor.

This line, with 28 stations stretching along 23 kilometers, would provide reliable mobility service between the city center and its southeast and northwest peripheries.

The scale-up activities made possible by the additional grant will enhance the development impacts of the new bus system. By promoting integration between transport and urban development and among various transport modes, the new bus system would improve accessibility and mobility for commuters which in turn would draw in more and more riders, said Ousmane Dione, the World Bank Country Director for Vietnam.

The project will demonstrate considerable economic, environmental and social benefits, and guide urban development towards more sustainable patterns in HCMC, said Ivo Sieber, Ambassador - Designate of Switzerland to Vietnam. The project thus can serve as a blueprint for replication in other cities in Vietnam with similar challenges, Mr. Ousmane Dione noted.

The grant will help enable integrated and transit-oriented urban development around the new bus corridor.

This will include creating a regulatory framework for transit-oriented urban development and boost private sector investment for such development.

The new corridor can trigger urban renewal and create public spaces around the transit system, where it is scarce.

The grant will also help integrate the bus system with other transport modes, thanks to measures to maximize connectivity and ridership while also providing last-mile connections such as feeder bus services to carry people to and from the nearest bus station along the new line.

The grant will also finance capacity building for transport officials and urban planners.

The ongoing project aims to improve the performance and efficiency of public transport along a high priority corridor in Ho Chi Minh City.

The key economic benefits include reduction in travel times and vehicle operating costs and improvement of traffic safety.

These benefits are estimated to total more than US$120 million over the life of the project. The activities funded under the grant are expected to bring additional benefits in terms of improved livability and sustainability.

This first bus rapid transit line developed in Ho Chi Minh City is financed by an US$124-million credit from the International Development Association of the World Bank, and a US$13.45 million-contribution from the Government of Vietnam. VOV
Construction union boss John Setka is facing court action to stop him from stealing members from other sections of the powerful industrial body.

CFMMEU national secretary Michael O'Connor has lodged legal papers in the Federal Court in Melbourne seeking orders to prevent Mr Setka and 29 other construction division officials from poaching members from Mr O'Connor's manufacturing branch.

CFMMEU Victorian branch boss John Setka is facing court action to stop him from stealing members from other sections of the union. Credit:Jason South

Mr O'Connor is seeking permanent orders stopping Mr Setka and other officials from "encouraging or advising any members of the union in the Victorian district of the manufacturing division of the union" to resign their membership of the division.

In addition, Mr O'Connor wants orders preventing officers and organisers of the Victorian-Tasmanian division from enrolling members who have resigned, and the members and their union dues to be returned to the manufacturing division.
A reasonable man. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

A few weeks ago, the Washington Post published a trove of confidential documents detailing explicit and sustained efforts by the U.S. government to deliberately mislead the public about the prospects for victory in Afghanistan. These papers revealed that Americas military commanders distorted statistics to make it appear the United States was winning the war when that was not the case, while its civilian leadership buried intelligence testifying to the Talibans resurgent strength. The aim of this systematic mendacity was to insulate our foreign-policy elites plans for winning the conflict from the threat of an informed public debate. And yet, even as our leaders sacrificed democratic accountability to the higher cause of military victory, they had no clear idea of how to define the latter concept, let alone achieve it. Now, 18 years, $1 trillion, and over 2,300 American deaths later, the U.S. military is slowly but surely bequeathing Afghanistan to the Islamist forces that U.S. troops were trying to topple in the first place.

One week after the Post alerted the public to this historic scandal, Congress rewarded the bureaucracy responsible for it with a $22 billion budget increase. Before Donald Trump took office, the U.S. was spending more on its military each year than China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, France, the United Kingdom, and Japans military spending, combined. With the passage of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Pentagons budget is now $130 billion larger than it was in 2016. Meanwhile, nearly 2 million Americans are still living in places that do not have running water.

Eighty-six senators voted for that NDAA. Bernie Sanders was not one of them. Despite the Posts revelations  and the Talibans impending triumph  almost no one in Congress has been willing to describe the war in Afghanistan as a mistake. The socialist senator is an exception.

In recent weeks, as Sanders has secured his grip on second place in the Democratic primary, the senators heretical views on foreign policy have attracted media scrutiny. The tenor of this coverage tends to be facially neutral, but tacitly skeptical, if not outright alarmed. A Washington Post story titled How Bernie Sanders would upend Americas global role is a representative example. Sean Sullivans account of how a Sanders presidency could rattle the world order is somewhat fair-minded, dutifully acknowledging that history has proven the senators instincts on Iraq prescient. But the pieces overwhelming emphasis is on the radicalism of Sanderss views  a radicalism that it simultaneously exaggerates and declines to contextualize. The piece repeatedly informs its readers of the marginal position that Sanders has taken on a given issue, without offering any insight into whether that stance is well-reasoned or substantiated. The fact that his opinions are marginal is treated as more relevant than whether they are correct.

This prioritization is made clear in the pieces opening paragraphs:

When Bolivias leftist president was pressured to resign by his countrys military after an audit found signs of a tainted election two months ago, many American leaders showed little interest in condemning the ouster. Some said it was a potentially positive step for democracy  a sign, as President Trump put it, that the will of the people will always prevail. A sharply different response came from Sen. Bernie Sanders, who immediately condemned what appears to be a coup. The ousted leader, Evo Morales, who had challenged term limits to remain in power, later thanked the senator from Vermont and Democratic presidential candidate, referring to him affectionately as brother.

Readers are never provided with Sanderss argument for seeing Moraless ouster as an apparent coup, nor with information as to how ensuing events in Bolivia have validated or contradicted the senators assessment. We are only told that Morales presided over a tainted election and challenged term limits to remain in power. Among the things we are not told: (1) No one disputes that Morales won the most votes of any candidate in that tainted election, only whether his true margin was large enough to avoid a runoff, (2) in light of the audits concerns on the latter point, Morales agreed to convene new elections, (3) some well-reputed election analysts have disputed the audits premises, and (4) Moraless ouster brought a far-right, anti-indigenous faction to power that had received no democratic mandate whatsoever, and nevertheless proceeded to overstep its bounds as a caretaker government. As the Guardian reported in December:

Interim president Jeanine Anez vowed to unify the country when she took power  but packed the cabinet with members of the conservative elites and boasted that God has allowed the Bible back into the palace of a secular country. She exempted the military from criminal prosecution when maintaining public order; at least 17 indigenous protesters died after security forces opened fire. Police cut the indigenous Wiphala flag from their uniforms and anti-Morales demonstrators set fire to it. The interior minister has vowed to jail Mr Morales, in exile in Mexico, for 30 years for terrorism and sedition.

These are not the only relevant facts, of course. Morales did ignore a democratic mandate in favor of term limits, and had attracted real grassroots opposition, not only from the upper strata of Bolivian society but also pockets of its left. It is possible that Sanderss initial reaction to Moraless ouster was informed more by kneejerk sympathy for a fellow socialist than a careful appraisal of the situation. But from the few details the Post provides, a lay reader would scarcely gather that subsequent events have done far more to vindicate Sanderss description of Moraless fall than Donald Trumps. The important thing to know is that the presidents view was more in keeping with mainstream sentiment. The validity of that mainstream sentiment demands no scrutiny.

This indifference to the merits of Sanderss heresies is maintained in subsequent paragraphs:

Beyond his objection to Moraless removal, Sanders has pointedly declined to label Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a dictator. He called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a racist, and he has campaigned with Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), vocal supporters of a controversial Israel boycott movement. He said China has done more to address extreme poverty than any country in the history of civilization.

There is little question that Maduro is a corrupt and illiberal leader. But Merriam-Webster defines dictator as one holding complete autocratic control. The fact that an opposition movement secured control of Venezuelas National Assembly and proceeded to challenge the legitimacy of Maduros claim to the presidency would seem sufficient to establish that  at least for now  his autocratic control of Venezuelan politics is less than complete. Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, warned supporters on Election Day in 2015 that Arabs were being bused to the polling stations in droves  suggesting that Arab Israelis participation in the democratic process was on its face a cause for alarm. He later has made alliance with a Jewish supremacist party so virulently anti-Arab, AIPC has denounced its views as reprehensible. And, of course, Netanyahu presides over a military occupation that denies Palestinian residents of the West Bank basic political rights by dint of their ethnic identity. Finally, Sanderss assessment of Chinas progress on poverty isnt actually heretical. Its the conventional wisdom of Davos, a cornerstone of every apology for neoliberal globalization.

Sullivan ostensibly includes Sanderss echo of this conventional wisdom in his litany because it comports with a Cold Warera conception of what it means to buck bipartisan foreign-policy consensus from the left  namely, to be soft on authoritarian socialism. But the notion that the main disagreement between leftists and Cold War liberals on foreign policy concerned the permissibility of allying with autocrats was never credible. And in the present context  in which Americas most powerful corporations routinely abet Chinese propaganda, and billionaire centrists like Mike Bloomberg defend the legitimacy of Xi Jinpings rule  the premise is facially absurd. Sympathy for Communist China is not an aberrant trait of 21st-century progressives in general, or of Bernie Sanders, in particular. In fact, the Vermont senator has accused Xis government of cultural genocide, and cast it as principal member of an international authoritarian axis that America must use its soft power to combat.

The discrepancy between Sanderss actual position on China and the one the Post implicitly attributes to him is reflective of the pieces broader hyperbole. From Sullivans article, one would never guess that Sanders is not actually a reflexive opponent of U.S. military intervention, and supported Bill Clintons bombing of Kosovo, or that he has made qualified defenses of using drone strikes to preemptively murder alleged terrorists overseas. Sanderss dissent from his nations imperial prerogatives is not absolute.

I suspect that the impulse to exaggerate Sanderss foreign-policy radicalism, and the impulse to elide the factual basis for his blasphemies, are related. If the bipartisan consensus on foreign policy were easier to defend on the merits, there would be less need to paint its progressive apostates as ideologically blinkered suckers for neo-Soviet regimes. It isnt the extremity of Sanderss worldview that makes it threatening to the world order (as the Post conceives of that phrase), but its reasonableness.

Congresss bipartisan foreign policy consensus asserts that the United States has a vital interest in preserving Saudi hegemony in the Middle East (even though Riyadhs totalitarian Islamist regime is more oppressive than Irans, sponsors jihadism, and is no longer needed as a supplier of oil to the U.S. economy); that Israel cannot defend itself unless U.S. taxpayers subsidize its army (even though it is a wealthy nation with one of the worlds most powerful militaries); that terrorism poses such a dire threat to Americans physical well-being, the U.S. must bestride the globe preemptively executing every Islamist militia we deem suspicious (even though fewer than 300 Americans have been killed by terrorists on U.S. soil since 9/11, and majority of those deaths came as a result of domestic extremists); and, above all, that the Pentagons budget should always be higher (no matter how many trillions of dollars the Department squanders while misleading Americans into endless wars that exacerbate the very problems they were launched to solve).

The fundamental cause of all this rabid irrationality is simple: Americas foreign-policy consensus is forged by domestic political pressures, not the dictates of reason. Saudi Arabias oil reserves may no longer be indispensable to the U.S. economy, but its patronage remains indispensable to many a D.C. foreign-policy professional. Israel may no longer be a fledgling nation-state in need of subsidization, but it still commands the reflexive sympathy of a significant segment of the U.S. electorate. Terrorism may not actually be a top-tier threat to Americans public safety, but terrorist attacks generate more media coverage than fatal car accidents or deaths from air pollution, and thus, are a greater political liability than other sources of mass death. And the Pentagon may have spent much of the past two decades destabilizing the Middle East and green-lighting spectacularly exorbitant and ill-conceived weapons systems, but the military remains one of Americas only trusted institutions, and its contracts supply a broad cross section of capital with easy profits, and a broad cross section of American workers with steady jobs.

Bernie Sanders is not immune to the gravitational force of these political realities. But he is more resistant to Congresss collective madness than most of his peers. The senator has consistently opposed increasing the Pentagons gargantuan budget, called for rethinking the U.S. alliance with Saudi Arabia, and threatened to withhold U.S. military aid to Israel if it continues to expand settlements in the West Bank. To be sure, the man is no foreign-policy wonk. And his stated views on trade can be reductive and nationalistic. But on the whole, his outlook is both more evidence-based and more moderate  with its cautious approach to foreign intervention and allergy to unilateral assertions of American power  than the consensus he threatens to upend.
The Congress on Thursday slammed the government over its decision to send 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir and said if everything was 'normal' there, what was the need to send 'propagandists'

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday slammed the government over its decision to send 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir and said if everything was "normal" there, what was the need to send "propagandists".

A group of Union ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this month to spread awareness about the positive impact of abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region.

The schedule for the visit of the ministers to the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Friday.

"Amit Shah says all is normal in Kashmir. If so, why send 36 propagandists to Kashmir? Why not allow non-propagandists to go and understand the situation prevailing there?" tweeted senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

Thirty-six Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory starting from 18 to 24 January and the Home Ministry is coordinating it.

"36 Ministers running around Jammu and Kashmir in six days is a sign of panic, not normalcy. Abrogating Article 370 was a blunder and no quick fixes will work Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again," tweeted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

36 Ministers running around J&K in 6 days is a sign of Panic not normalcy.Abrogating Article 370 was a blunder & no quick fixes will work

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;

All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again. pic.twitter.com/CaoBoztYSH  Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) January 16, 2020

This will be the second round of visit by the Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state on 5 August.

Earlier this month, in one of the meetings of the council of ministers, a presentation was also been made on the development initiatives taken by the Centre following the imposition of the governor rule in the region.
Crosstown Doughnuts is bringing its limited-edition Tim Tam and Lamington doughnuts back in celebration of Australia Day, with a portion of sales going to bushfire relief efforts.

Fifty pence from sales of individual doughnuts, 1.50 from the Australia Day six-pack and 3 from each Australia Day 12-pack will be donated to Wires  Australias largest wildlife rescue organisation. The non-profit has launched an emergency appeal to help it rescue animals that have been caught up in the wildfires currently ravaging Australias landscape.

The doughnuts will be on sale from 24 to 26 January, the latter of which is Australia Day. They are:

Tim Tam: Crosstown said it has shipped a mountain of Tim Tams straight from Aussie shores for this limited-edition doughnut. It features Crosstowns cocoa sourdough filled with a chocolate custard made from Tim Tams, topped with a Tim Tam milk chocolate ganache and crushed Tim Tam pieces. Tim Tam is made by Australian biscuit company Arnotts and consists of two biscuits with a chocolate cream filling and a chocolate coating.

Crosstown said it has shipped a mountain of Tim Tams straight from Aussie shores for this limited-edition doughnut. It features Crosstowns cocoa sourdough filled with a chocolate custard made from Tim Tams, topped with a Tim Tam milk chocolate ganache and crushed Tim Tam pieces. Tim Tam is made by Australian biscuit company Arnotts and consists of two biscuits with a chocolate cream filling and a chocolate coating. The Lamnut: Based on Australian cakes called lamingtons, the Lamnut sees Crosstown cake dough, with a layer of homemade raspberry jam through the middle, dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut.

As an Australian in London, it has been very hard to see the level of destruction that is occurring while getting first-hand reports from friends and family, said JP Then, Crosstown Doughnut co-founder.

Although we are physically far away, its important we do our small part in supporting Wires through this challenging time. Our Australia Day doughnuts are always a real hit and, this year, the launch will be more meaningful than ever.
By Express News Service

PALAKKAD: A 62-year-old man allegedly bludgeoned his son to death after the latter created a ruckus in their house in an inebriated state at Paruvassery in Kannampra panchayat near Vadakkenchery in Palakkad district on Tuesday night.

Male nurse Basel, 36, of Mannamparambu house reportedly arrived at the house sozzled around 10.30 pm and picked up a quarrel with his mother and pushed her down, which led his father Mathai to hit him with an iron rod, killing him on the spot, Vadakkenchery police said.

Mathai has been arrested and is being questioned by the police team led DySP K M Devassia at the Vadakkenchery police station. He will be produced in court on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 10.30 pm on Tuesday, but it came to light only after Mathai went on his motorcycle to the house of Basels close friend Ramesh at Kollakode, which is one kilometre away, around 1.30 am. Mathai asked Ramesh to accompany him to his house, but did not inform him about Basels death at the time. Ramesh who came along with Mathai to the house saw Basel lying dead in a pool of blood and immediately informed the police. The police who arrived and took Mathai into custody.

According to the police, Basel arrived in a sozzled state and picked up a quarrel and pushed his mother Saramma to the ground. Basel who was a habitual drunkard then threatened to pull the pipe of the gas cylinder and set the house on fire. Mathai who was sleeping in the adjacent room woke up hearing the commotion and had heated arguments with the son. He then took an iron rod and hit Basel on the head which led to his death.

Mathai, who works in a shop run by a relative in Pattikad near Thrissur, used to go out in the morning and come home late in the evening. Basel was working as a nurse in Israel earlier but had been in his native place for the past one year. He was preparing to go to Spain to work as a nurse. Mathai, wife Saramma and Basel were living in Paruvassery. The couples daughter is living in the Gulf with her husband and children. Basel was unmarried. The family, originally from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, came to Paruvassery only ten years ago.The postmortem was conducted at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital.
Northern Ireland's new Communities Minister has been urged to adapt licensing laws so that breweries can open 'taprooms' on their premises all year around.

The UK-wide Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) claimed Northern Ireland's beer lovers are at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the UK as licensing laws mean that brewers can only run taprooms a few times a year.

CAMRA said it was calling on the new minister, Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey, to consider reform.

Taprooms are facilities on brewery premises for serving the beer brewed on site, often with food.

But in Northern Ireland, breweries are limited in the extent to which they can serve beer on site although they can obtain temporary licences for occasional events.

CAMRA national director Ash Corbett-Collins said: "In Northern Ireland, CAMRA members regularly support occasional taproom events that are held by local brewers. However, restrictive licensing laws mean brewers can only run taprooms a handful of times per year.

"That is why we are calling on the new Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to commit to changing the law to allow all brewers to open full-time taprooms should they choose to do so.

"This would allow Northern Ireland's beer scene to catch up with the rest of the UK and Ireland where local taprooms are going from strength to strength, helping to support the local economy and employ local people."

Belfast craft brewery Boundary Brewing has called for reform to the licensing process, and had urged its customers to respond to a Department for Communities consultation into potential reform of licensing laws late last year.

It has said that by comparison with Northern Ireland, breweries in Great Britain don't face the same restrictions.

It said that such breweries are able to grow their business and the availability of produce through taprooms, after-brewery tours, local markets and events.

As well as the growth of craft breweries like Boundary, a co-operative based in Belfast, Northern Ireland has also seen an explosion in the number of whiskey and gin distilleries from producers like Copeland, Jawbox and Shortcross.

Boundary said: "Northern Ireland's 43 breweries, eight cideries and 15 distilleries should be able to compete on a level playing field. Currently, comparable businesses in Great Britain can expand at a rate impossible to reach for those under Northern Ireland licensing restrictions.

"Consumers here can order beer online from Great Britain, but cannot buy local produce."

The Department for Communities did not respond to a request for comment.

However, the outcome of the earlier consultation into licensing is expected to be made available to the new minister.

The department had held a separate consultation into licensing earlier in the year over whether it should be able to designate an event as a "special event" and allow a variation in licensing laws for that event.

Speaking last year, the DfC Permanent Secretary said any reform to licensing "must be balanced with the need for regulation in the public interest".
" " A smiling quokka on Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth, Australia. Posnov/Getty Images

Each year, the internet freaks out about a different animal. In 2011, the honey badger captured the imagination of millions of people looking at screens. In 2012, everybody went wild for Grumpy Cat (RIP). The internet has lost it over blobfish, sneezing pandas, hand-holding otters, a Shiba Inu called Doge and more, but in 2013, everybody loved the quokka.

The great thing about quokkas (Setonix brachyurus)  aside from their being small, herbivorous wallabies with permanent smiles on their pointy little faces  is that they really don't mind taking selfies with people. Which, as you know, is a popular internet pastime.

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The Rat's Nest

" " A quokka joey peers out from its mother's pouch. Quokkas are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch for six months after birth. Schafer & Hill/Getty Images

Rottnest Island, a tourist destination off the coast of Perth, Australia, is crawling with quokkas. These little marsupials are about the size of a domestic cat, but resemble darling little kangaroos  or giant rats, depending on what you're used to looking at. In fact, 17th century Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh named the island after the quokkas  Rottnest translates to "rats nest" in Dutch. Rottnest is ground zero for quokkas  they are actually pretty rare creatures on mainland Australia (and don't live on any other continent in the world), and the habits of the Rottnest quokkas are different from those on other parts of Australia. For instance, much of the island population doesn't mind mingling with people, which is why they end up being photographed virtually cheek-to-cheek with so many tourists. You'd be lucky to catch sight of one anywhere else in Australia.

"There are anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 quokkas on Rottnest," says Matthew Hayward, a professor in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle, in an email interview. "They also occur on the mainland, where numbers are perilously low  maybe 100 in the northern Jarrah Forest, and 500 in the southern forests, plus another couple of hundred on Bald Island, off the Albany coast."

According to Hayward, the main cause of their decline is the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes), introduced to Australia in 1847. As the fox made its way into southwestern Australia in the 1930s, it wreaked havoc on the quokka population  people in the area almost immediately people noticed quokka numbers dwindling. They do well on Rottenest Island due to the fact it's fox-free.

"Quokkas once roamed several kilometres from their swamps and were reported as pests on pine plantations, but since the arrival of foxes, any quokka that leaves its swamp is likely to be eaten," says Hayward. "They are now only able to persist on the mainland because they live in thickly vegetated swamp systems that foxes cannot access."

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Quokkas Need Fire

Since quokkas have been persecuted by introduced foxes for well over 150 years, it's hard to speculate as to the place they originally held in their ecosystem. It probably didn't have anything to do with taking selfies, but rather with providing diamond pythons and dingoes with lunch. However, ecologists have an inkling that ancient humans and quokkas had a relationship around fire.

"Quokkas were important food to the Nyungar people of southwest Western Australia, who lit fires at one end of the swamp and speared them as they exited," says Hayward. "They hunted them so frequently that quokkas evolved to cope with the high-frequency  but low-intensity  fires used by aboriginal people. Now the long periods without fires that lead to the vegetation opening up too much are a threat to quokkas  it enables foxes to access them."

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And Quokkas Need Water

Although quokkas are doing vastly better on Rottnest than anywhere else in Australia, it's not an ideal place for them. Water is a limiting factor to their reproduction on the island, so although mainland quokkas might be able to breed up to three times per year, Rottnest quokkas only breed once per year because there's only enough rain during the summer to ensure that the joeys can leave their mothers' pouch in the autumn, when there is plenty of food for them.

"Quokkas need water to help them digest their food," says Hayward. "On Rottnest, the quokkas really struggle over summer when many starve to death because there is insufficient fresh water for them to drink."

And though it seems like people should probably be leaving the poor, persecuted quokka alone, some conservationists are encouraging people to go to Rottnest and selfie it up with these little cuties. Social media is a great place for raising awareness  about your new haircut or the smallest, smiley-est wallaby that needs our attention.

Now That's Interesting On Rottnest Island, quokkas harbor seven unique strains of salmonella bacteria.
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the direction of the Bombay high court which had ordered shifting of HDIL group promoters, Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan, who are accused in the PMC bank scam, from judicial custody in Mumbais Arthur road jail to their residence.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde ordered a partial stay on the high court order after the matter was mentioned by solicitor general Tushar Mehta on behalf of enforcement directorate (ED).

Until further orders, there shall be a stay of the directions given by the High Court in paragraph 15 (xv) and (xvi) of the impugned order dated 15.01.2020, the order said.

ED hurriedly moved the Supreme Court on Thursday against the high court order which had effectively released the father-son duo Rakesh and Sarang, from Arthur road jail where they have been confined since October 24, 2019 after they were remanded to judicial custody by a special court.

Wadhwans were arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police in September 2019 after it surfaced that the management of PMC bank in connivance with the Wadhawans allegedly concealed loan defaults by HDIL firms by replacing 44 loan accounts of HDIL with 21,049 fictitious accounts. The loss caused to bank was estimated at 4355 crore.

The ED also registered cases against Wadhawans under the prevention of money laundering act.

The Bombay high court in its order of January 15 constituted a 3-member committee for auctioning of assets of companies owned by the two accused and distribution of amounts realised from such auction to the depositors of PMC bank.

The high court also ordered that the two accused should assist the committee in its exercise to realise amounts from auctioning properties. The accused, the court said could remain in their residences but in custody with two guards each posted at their residences. They were also barred from travelling beyond Maharashtra.

The order was passed by the high court in a public interest litigation filed by an advocate Sarosh Damania who prayed that Wadhawans should be barred from being released on bail by lower courts till the recovery of the money defrauded by them.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court today that Bombay high court passed an unusual order yesterday by releasing two of the accused who are currently in judicial custody. Mehta sought a partial stay of the high court direction to shift the Wadhawans from jail to residence. He, however, submitted that the direction to sell assets of HDIL should continue to operate.

It is an unusual order. The high court has virtually granted bail in a public interest litigation, Mehta told the top court which acceded to his request and stayed the shifting of Wadhawans from jail to residence.

Best,

Murali
President Putin wishes to retain control over decisions related to the Russian military, broader geostrategic issues and his economic assets, but he does not want to govern Russia in perpetuity. His announcement allows some flexibility as to how he may do this, perhaps through chairing the State Council, said Heather A. Conley, director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Janata Dal (United) headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is exploring a tie-up with the BJP for the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, a senior leader said here on Wednesday

Patna: The Janata Dal (United) headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is exploring a tie-up with the BJP for the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, a senior leader said here on Wednesday.

"I am in talks with the BJP leadership. Once things finalised, we will be in a position to share details like seat-sharing," JD (U) national general secretary Sanjay Jha disclosed this at a function held to mark Makar Sankranti in Patna.

The JD(U) and the BJP are running a coalition government in Bihar since 2005, barring around a year half when the former was in power with the RJD and the Congress in the state.

The JD(U) had dumped its alliance partners in July 2017, forming the state government in alliance with the BJP again.

At its last national executive held a year ago, the JD(U) had declared that it would go alone in the Assembly polls in Haryana, Jharkhand and Delhi.

The party did contest alone in Haryana and Jharkhand, where it faced a rout, getting less than one percent of the total polled votes.

Jha also took a swipe at the Rashtriya Janata Dal, headed by Lalu Prasad Yadav, which is exploring a tie-up with the Congress in Delhi.

"The RJD must tell the people of Delhi about its misrule in Bihar, which had forced millions of people from the state to migrate elsewhere and made them objects of ridicule," said Jha, who is a close confidante of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Meanwhile, AICC in-charge for Bihar Shaktisinh Gohil said at a separate function that there was no problem in their alliance with the RJD.

But there are serious problems between the BJP and the JD(U), he said.

"We should read the fine print when (Home Minister) Amit Shah says the assembly polls will be fought under Nitish Kumar's leadership but refrains from saying that the JD(U) national president will be the chief minister in the event of the NDA victory," he said.

"The BJP is known not just dump but bury alive its allies once they outlive their utility. Nitish Kumar will be treated with the same ruthlessness," Gohil alleged.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A political group backed by Barack Obama and Eric Holder is targeting Ohios election this year, with an eye toward influencing how the state draws its congressional lines in 2021.

Ohio is among the 12 priority states designated by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, founded in 2017 to increase Democratic representation in Congress by influencing the state-by-state process of drawing district maps. The group plans to deploy resources into Ohio House races, but also is considering getting involved in the races to fill two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, according to NDRC spokesman Patrick Rodenbush.

Why Ohio?

Republicans currently control 61 of Ohios 99 House seats. But if Democrats net more seats, they would have more say in how the maps are drawn, under the new congressional redistricting rules Ohio voters approved in 2018 meant to make the process more fair. The new lines are due in 2021, and would take effect for the 2022 election.

As for the state Supreme Court, justices could play a role in redistricting if challenges to the maps end up in court. And if Democrats win both of the seats up for grabs this year, they would have a 4-3 majority on the court.

Because it was so gerrymandered after 2011, we want to try as much as possible to make that map more fair for the next 10 years, Rodenbush said.

Rodenbush said the NDRC hasnt decided how much it might spend in Ohio. He said it would depend in part on how the presidential race shapes up.

But the group gave at least $1.3 million during the 2018 election cycle to groups working to elect Democrats in Ohio, according to OpenSecrets.org, a site that tracks political spending.

A Republican equivalent to the NDRC led by the Republican State Leadership Committee also had named Ohio as a 2020 priority. But the group hasnt been as public about its plans, and an official didnt immediately return a message seeking comment.

The NDRC and its affiliates have raised $52.3 million since it was founded in 2017, including $17 million in 2019, Politico reported in December. Holder, the attorney general under Obama, is the groups chairman, while its organizational structure also includes remnants of Organizing for America, which evolved from the Obama campaign.

Some of the NDRCs largest donors include George Soros, the investor and progressive mega-donor, and organized labor groups like the United Food & Commercial Workers Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), according to OpenSecrets.

The groups national strategy is to serve as a counterweight to gerrymandering by Republican lawmakers, who drew favorable district lines in Ohio and in swing states across the country following the 2010 election that was a wave year for the GOP. The NDRCs tactics include pursuing lawsuits, mobilizing activists, backing reforms and funding campaigns, according to its website.

The group backed State Issue 1, the 2018 redistricting-reform measure that changed how Ohio draws its congressional maps to require greater minority-party input and to keep more counties intact. Republican and Democratic lawmakers backed the initiative, a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by voters, in a rare display of bipartisanship.

In each of the four congressional elections since the current map went into in effect in 2012, Republicans won the same 12 seats and Democrats the same four. But even in 2018, the high-water year for Democrats so far under the current maps, Republicans kept all 12 congressional seats  or 75% of the seats  even though Republican congressional candidates received only 52% of all votes cast statewide.

While promoting State Issue 1, Republican leaders acknowledged that Ohios congressional districts had contributed to uncompetitive elections and oddly-shaped districts. In making the case for reforms, they also cited the threat of outside organizing by NDRC and other national progressive activists who might force a solution onto the state.

But the NDRC has stuck around after State Issue 1, and plans to pursue organizing around its implementation, according to Katy Shanahan, state director for All On The Line, the NDRCs advocacy arm.

All On The Line hired Shanahan to work in Ohio in 2019. Other states with state directors include North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin  all states that could be up for grabs in the 2020 election or beyond.

Shanahan, an attorney and political operative from Columbus, said shes focused on promoting engagement with the U.S. Census, since congressional districts are apportioned based on population. Because of population growth in other states, Ohio is expected to lose one of its 16 congressional districts after the process is complete

And as the redistricting process ramps up in 2021, she said shell focus on engaging the public, elected officials and others to draw attention to the process.

We dont want the maps drawn in a bunker like they were the last time, she said.

Other recent Ohio political news:

Ohio Democrats release list of 2020 DNC delegates

OPERS approves future health benefits cuts for retirees

Medicaid report rips Kasich administration: Capitol Letter

Ohio bill proposes automatic voter registration for voting-age high schoolers

Ohio could save millions by keeping more road inspection work in-house, audit says

J.D. Vance starts new Ohio investment fund
Israeli warplanes attacked the T4 airport in the Homs eastern countryside, with just four missiles reaching their targets reports SANA.

A military source announced that the armys air defenses confronted an air aggression perpetrated by Israeli warplanes against the T4 airport in the Homs eastern countryside, from the direction of al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi borders, and shot down a number of the missiles.

On Tuesday, Israeli warplanes perpetrated a new aggression on T4 airport from the direction of al-Tanf region, the military source said.

It added that the armys air defenses immediately intercepted the hostile missiles and shot down a number of them, while four missiles reached the targeted area causing material damage, the military source added.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
A property manager has been accused of blackmailing a married businessman she had an affair with.

Rachel Roche, from Peppermint Grove in Perth, allegedly demanded $150,000 from the 50-year-old man.

The 38-year-old woman allegedly said she would tell his wife about the affair if he didn't pay up, reported WA Today.

Rachel Roche (pictured), from Peppermint Grove, Perth demanded $150,000 in writing from the 50-year-old man

Ms Roche has been charged with demanding property by written threats, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison under WA law.

The man's name has been suppressed by the court.

Ms Roche is due back in court on February 11.
Grandmother Patricia O'Connor's dismembered body was found in 15 parts "strewn" over a 30km-wide area of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains after she was killed at her home in a row with her daughter's boyfriend, a jury has heard.

Murder accused Kieran Greene (34) told gardai he hit Ms O'Connor with a hurley after she had attacked him with it, then buried the body in a shallow grave in a cornfield, before returning to dig it up, cut it up and throw the parts from a car.

He later changed his story and said Ms O'Connor had been killed by her husband, that the body was dismembered by another man and Mr Greene had been set up and "persuaded to take the blame".

The Central Criminal Court was also told that Ms O'Connor's granddaughter allegedly dressed up as her on the night of her alleged murder, to be recorded on a neighbour's CCTV as a "ruse" to pretend she was still alive.

Prosecutor Roisin Lacey SC was delivering her opening speech to the jury in the trial of Mr Greene, and three other people charged with impeding the Garda investigation.

Patricia O'Connor's remains were found scattered along Military Road in Co Wicklow between June 10 and 14, 2017.

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Kieran Greene denies murdering her at the house they and his co-accused shared at Mountain View Park, Rathfarnham, on May 29, that year.

Ms O'Connor's daughter and granddaughter, Louise (41) and Stephanie O'Connor (22), as well as Louise O'Connor's ex-partner, Keith Johnston (43), all deny acting to impede Mr Greene's apprehension or prosecution.

Stephanie O'Connor is alleged to have disguised herself as her grandmother, and her mother Louise is accused of agreeing to this.

Keith Johnston is alleged to have assisted Mr Greene in buying implements to use in the concealment of Patricia O'Connor's remains, and to have refurbished the bathroom to destroy or conceal evidence.

Ms Lacey told the jury Patricia O'Connor, the four accused and others had lived together in cramped conditions and tensions were high at times.

On June 1, 2017, Gus O'Connor reported his wife Patricia missing and between June 10 and June 14, "various human body parts" were discovered over a "disparate region".

Her head was found in a plastic bag along with her hands.

The head had been struck at least three blows with a solid implement and the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

On June 12, Kieran Greene went to gardai and admitted he had killed Patricia O'Connor, saying she had hit him with a hurley in a dispute in the bathroom.

He said he grabbed it and hit her a few times and she fell. He told gardai he took her body alone "up the Dublin mountains" in the boot of a Toyota Corolla.

The next day, he told gardai he had taken the intact body to Co Wexford and buried it in a shallow grave, then returned on June 9, dug it up and dismembered it, alone. He told them he put the body parts in plastic bags in the car boot and drove up the mountains were they were "strewn".

He took gardai to a cornfield at Blackwater, Co Wexford, to show them the shallow grave, where they saw hair and floral patterned fabric and arrested him.

When interviewed again, he said there had been a row "over a cat". He again described disarming Patricia O'Connor and hitting her.

On December 9, Kieran Greene told gardai it was Gus O'Connor who had killed his wife by hitting her with a metal bar and Mr Greene had "taken the blame".

He said it was Keith Johnston's plan to "get the equipment" and that Mr Johnston dismembered the body over three to four hours in the cornfield. The trial continues.
NEW YORK CITY  Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg says women who are debating whether or not to support him should just look at the record.

I got the right values to get them, Bloomberg told Yahoo News at his Women for Mike kickoff event in New York City Wednesday. The event was promoted as the launch of a groundswell movement to energize women across the country that support Mikes commitment to rebuild America and defeat Trump. It came days before thousands of women take to New York City streets for the annual Womens March.

Mike Bloomberg initiates the "Women For Mike" outreach campaign, Jan. 15, 2020. (Photo: Scott Heins/Getty Images)

Women are looking at Bloombergs record as the founder and head of his eponymous media company. At least 17 women, ABC News reported shortly after the former New York mayor entered the presidential race last fall, have taken legal action against the company over the past three decades, with three of the cases specifically naming Bloomberg for his role in the companys culture.

Bloomberg repeatedly faced allegations of making sexist comments to and about women as head of the global financial news company, fostering a frat-like culture.

The comments attributed to Bloomberg in court records are echoed in a gift book he received from colleagues in 1990: a compilation of his alleged quotes. The booklet contained alleged comments such as, Make the customer think hes getting laid when hes getting [expletive], and If women wanted to be appreciated for their brains, theyd go to the library instead of to Bloomingdales.

In response to the controversy, Democratic rival and front-running female candidate Elizabeth Warren called on the billionaire newcomer to answer for his controversial statements.

Bloombergs spokesman Stu Loeser issued a statement about the moguls crude remarks, saying, Mike has come to see that some of what he has said is disrespectful and wrong.

Similarly, President Trump, whose relationships with women have long been under scrutiny, launched a Women for Trump coalition last July.

Story continues

Trump faced a fierce backlash after a 2005 Access Hollywood recording of him bragging about kissing and groping women without their consent was leaked in October 2016. Still, Trump won the election with the support of a majority of white women and hopes to harness their votes again this year.

Bloombergs event was attended by about 1,200 people in the ballroom of the Sheraton New York hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where he had celebrated his third mayoral victory.

All of my success in life, everything Ive done, is thanks to the women around me, Bloomberg said. Speakers, including actress Lorraine Bracco and his longtime companion Diane Taylor, pointed to the former mayors record on issues important to Democratic voters, including climate change, gun control and education.

Tanya Ross-Willis was one of the hundreds of women shouting, in unison, I like Mike, over a playlist of Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Whitney Houston.

I dont really do politics, but I love Mike. Hes down to earth, hes real, Ross-Willis told Yahoo News before she was tapped to go on stage and stand behind Bloomberg as he spoke at the podium.

Bloomberg supporter Tanya Ross-Ellis. (Photo: Kadia Tubman/Yahoo News)

Ross-Willis, who was born and lives in Harlem, where Bloombergs campaign opened its first field office in New York last week, said she had hoped for a long time for Bloomberg to run for president. I like the fact that he knows hes rich, but doesnt act like it, Ross-Willis said, pointing out that the billionaire has been seen commuting by subway.

There is no other candidate she can imagine supporting, she said.

Samantha Gellert, a business owner, expressed the same loyalty. Gellert worked for Bloomberg in the 1990s, volunteered for his mayoral campaign and the day after he announced his presidential bid signed up to support her former boss.

He gave me my first real job, she told Yahoo News. Starting at 24 years of age, Gellert said she worked for the Bloomberg firm in New York, London and Italy, and hadn't experienced firsthand the misogyny some women say was common at the company.

Bloomberg supporter Samantha Topping Gellert. (Photo: Kadia Tubman/Yahoo News)

She attributed her successful career 1,000 percent to Bloomberg, and said she trusts hell make a better president than Trump based on his experience as a business leader.

He has a proven track record as a businessman and entrepreneur and mayor of the biggest city in the United States, Gellert added. And he's a global icon.

Another supporter, Carmen Gandulla, was invited to the campaign event through a female friend who currently works at Bloomberg. She was familiar with the reports about Bloombergs sexist comments, but said, we all have histories.

If someone can walk the path of forgiveness, apologize, and lead in that way, then we've made a lot of progress, she said. Mike is able to deliver a confidence that we need.

For Gandulla, rallying behind Bloomberg for president is a smart business decision.

"The people who voted for Trump made a business decision. If this [election] is a business decision, then [supporting Bloomberg] is the best decision to beat Trump, she said, adding, I vote with my heart and my pocket.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:53:52|Editor: yhy

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URUMQI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region said it has planned to help over 2.7 million rural residents find jobs in 2020.

Measures such as skills training, integrated development of agriculture and other industries and partnerships with private companies will be taken to create more jobs, according to the regional human resources and social security department.

Surplus rural labor, veterans, people with lower education levels, laid-off workers and the disabled will be prioritized in skills training.

In addition, the regional government said it will help 20,000 people from poverty-stricken households in underdeveloped southern Xinjiang areas to get rid of poverty through employment.

Last year, over 2.87 million jobs were created for rural residents.
Its pretty obvious by now that many Democrats are growing increasingly uncomfortable supporting charter schools. But twice in nearly the past 30 days, a group of New Hampshire legislators have taken the unusual step of essentially rejecting federal charter school grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education last year.

Heres the story: In August, the Education Department awarded New Hampshire about $46 million over five years to expand charter schools in the state. Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, and state Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut, a Sununu appointee, welcomed the news about the Charter School Program grants. But Democrats control both chambers of the legislature, and thats where pushback to the grants has come from.

Although the grant money comes from the federal government, in this situation the state legislatures joint fiscal committee signs off on whether the state education department can begin disbursing the grants. After the grants were awarded, the committee tabled an initial scheduled vote on releasing the money. Then lawmakers asked the state education department a series of questions about the impact of the grants and the process that went into applying for them. (The questions and the departments answers can be found here .) Those answers apparently did not satisfy a sufficient number of lawmakers, because on Dec. 13 the committee voted not to allow the department to start distributing the money.

The vote was 7-3, with all Democrats voting it it down and all Republicans voting in favor of it. Democrats made the argument that once the grant support for the expansion of new charter schools runs out after five years, the state would be on the hook for keeping the charter schools up and running without the grants.

We know this grant would cost the state tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions out of the education fund in the future, said Rep. Mary Jane Wallner, a Democrat and the committees chairwoman, said last month to WMUR, a New Hampshire TV station, after that vote. (We reached out to Wallner for additional comment, and well update this piece if we hear back.)

The state affiliate of the National Education Association applauded this decision. Cashing Betsy DeVos $46 million check obligated New Hampshire taxpayers to coming up with new long-term funding for years to come, jeopardizing our neighborhood public schools, said Megan Tuttle, the affiliates president, said in a statement on the associations website after that vote. We support efforts to increase charter accountability and slow the diversion of resources from neighborhood public schools to charters.

Last week, the same vote took place again, with the same result . One Democratic lawmaker said that if the state education department is applying for grants specifically for charter schools, it should also seek out additional federal aid to traditional public schools.

There are 28 charter schools in the state serving 3,800 students, in addition to a virtual charter school, and there are an additional 1,300 students on the waiting list to get into charters, according to the state education department.

Theres also a connection here between the situation in New Hampshirethe state with the first primary election in the 2020 presidential raceand the national political climate. The federal Charter School Grant program, which exists in large part to help charters expand, has been sharply criticized by two Democratic presidential candidates , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Both have said they would shut it down, in so many words.

Education Through Innovation

Edelblut, the state education commissioner, said in an interview that the state is required by law to apply for those grants. He also said the argument from Democratic lawmakers that the state will incur long-term and burdensome financial obligations for these charter schools is inaccurate, since the grants cover start-up costs and not operational expenses.

The cost of educating New Hampshire students falls to new Hampshire taxpayers. We are going to be paying to educate these students one way or the other, said Edelblut, who said that on a per-student basis, charter school students costs significantly less to educate than their peers in traditional public schools. If there is a cost concern, then one would absolutely want to embrace this opportunity ... for education innovation through grants. And on a long-term basis, were on the hook for far less to educate those students than we would be otherwise.

Charter schools can be formed by groups of parents and teachers well as school districts, the commissioner said, but cant be managed by for-profit entities. That means, in his view, that theres less of the tension that exists in other states where traditional public schools and districts a priori feel shut out of the charter community. And these charter schools would be eligible for federal grants, such as Title I, just like public schools, he added.

But in an interview, Tuttle rejected the notion that charter schools wouldnt constitute a long-term, additional cost for the state. And ultimately, she said it would mean that traditional public schools would lose out on aid to charters, which, she said, dont have the same accountability and oversight measures as their counterparts. Tuttle said the New Hampshire union doesnt oppose charters in all cases.

We need to fix whats going on with the current charter schools in New Hampshire, Tuttle said. She added that as far as the grants aim of expanding the number of charters in the state goes, Maybe in business thats an OK model. But Im not gambling my childrens future, the children of New Hampshires future, on, Well hopefully its going to work.

She added that her union shared its views with lawmakers who asked about the grants before the initial vote tabling a decision on releasing the grant money.

So whats the next step? Edelblut says the feds havent given him a deadline for when the state either has to start disbursing the money or send it back to Washington, but that hes going to continue working with lawmakers to free up the money.

The state education department, not the legislature, is the federal grantee in this case. If New Hampshires education department and lawmakers cant work out a deal, the money would revert to the U.S. Department of Education. And New Hampshire would forfeit any claim to the grant money going forward if that happens. .

Is there precedent for this kind of situation? Former Virginia Gov. George F. Allen, a Republican, initially rejected federal Goals 2000 grants during the Clinton administration because of his concerns about federal intrusion into education; he later agreed to take the grants when lawmakers amended the law governing to allow the money to be spent on education technology.

But Todd Ziebarth, a senior vice president at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, said its the first time hes seen a state reject federal charter school grants that it had been awarded in this way. He acknowledged that New Hampshires charter school sector has grown slowly over the years, but said the state has done a good job satisfying some common concerns about charters and said operators there are interested in expanding.

A key piece of this grant is actually trying to give some money to districts so that they can innovate, probably with small schools, Ziebarth said. Theyve made a pretty good case for demand from a variety of angles.

Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa .
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Amazon, Apple, Google and the Zigbee Alliance are teaming up on a new Internet Protocol-based standard for smart home device connectivity, they jointly announced Wednesday.

Connected Home over IP will be an open source project. A working group will define a specific set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification.

The goal is to enable communication across smart home devices, mobile apps and cloud services.

The project will leverage development work and protocols from existing systems such as Amazons Alexa Smart Home, Apples HomeKit, Googles Weave, and the Zigbee Alliances Dotdot data models.

The standard will complement existing technologies.

The message today to everyone already invested in current standards is to continue designing and bringing your products to market, said Zigbee Alliance CEO Tobin Richardson. Were here to support our flagship standards  including Zigbee  and address advancements as they develop.

The working group does not intend to standardize smart home user interfaces such as voice assistants, smart displays, or desktop and mobile apps.

Why IP?

Although Internet Protocol is the most common network layer used in homes and offices, there currently is no widely adopted open smart home standard based on it. Devices typically use proprietary protocols that must be tethered to a home network, according to the Connected Home over IP Working Group. A standard based on IP will allow devices to connect directly with standardized networking equipment.

There are multiple proprietary smart home device standards and three major platforms: Amazons Alexa, Googles Assistant and Apples Siri.

Amazon, Google and Apple are committed to continue support for consumers and their existing products, but there is no indication yet whether any of the other major players involved will do so.

Existing protocols on IP are out there, noted Ray Wang, principal analyst at Constellation Research. The key here is the ability to perform interoperably and deliver enterprise-class security as well.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Doing so is not an easy task, but its also not impossible and is very much needed, he told the E-Commerce Times.

This working group is in its infancy, and, as work gets under way, well have more details to disclose, Zigbee Alliance spokesperson Heather Chesterman told the E-Commerce Times.

First Look at Specs

A draft specification and a preliminary reference open source implementation are scheduled for release in late 2020.

The first spec release will focus on WiFi, up to and including 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), that is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax; Thread over 802.15.4-2006 at 2.4 GHz; and IP implementations for Bluetooth Low Energy, versions 4.1, 4.2, and 5.0 for the network and physical wireless protocols.

The reference implementation and its supporting tools will be developed and maintained on GitHub.

Compliant devices must implement at least one supported technology, but not necessarily all of them.

The standard likely will include other IP-bearing technologies such as Ethernet, cellular and broadband.

Hope Springs Eternal

Putting together a common industry standard typically requires a major player to drive the process, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Apple and Amazon are of equivalent power, and they dont like each other, he told the E-Commerce Times. Google has the power but lacks the focus needed, and Intel, Microsoft and Qualcomm dont appear to be playing, so the effort may also lack critical mass.

Most devices in smart homes use WiFi and Bluetooth rather than Zigbee, pointed out Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

So, if you want a solution that fits the home, you need the WiFi Alliance and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, he told the E-Commerce Times. Thats the first issue. Then you have the challenge of pulling hundreds or even thousands of viewpoints together. It would have been great if this was addressed five years ago.

Keeping Things Secure

Smart devices, including baby monitors, have been hacked for years, and frequent hacks of Amazons Ring device cameras led consumer groups to issue a warning.

There are two aspects to the problem: Device manufacturers treat security as an afterthought, and consumers neglect basic security precautions, such as changing the factory-installed password, or they use easily guessed weak passwords.

Security will be a fundamental design requirement for the upcoming standard.

The new standard should leverage the cloud, Enderle said. If done right, this will take much of the security problem away from consumers and put it in the hands of the cloud providers, who are now taking security very seriously.

However, I think the only solution is to have more intelligence in the home and not rely so much on the cloud, McGregor asserted. The combination of integrating AI and doing it locally is the only way to overcome some of the issues we see today with these devices.

A Pre-emptive Strike?

Is the emphasis on security a preemptive reaction to legislation? wondered Constellation Research Principal Analyst Liz Miller.

California Senate Bill 37 and Assembly Bill 1906 require connected device manufacturers to equip each device with a reasonable security feature appropriate to its function, specific to how it collects, receives and transmits data, Miller said.

There are no teeth to [the bills] but the reality is that legislation is coming, she told the E-Commerce Times. So is this move towards a unified standard meant to get out in front of the chaos and attempt to lay guide rails before legislation does it for us?
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 16 (ANI): BJP leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the Congress whether it was "funded by Mumbai's underworld" after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's made a controversial claim that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had met gangster Karim Lala in Maharashtra.



He also questioned the Congress if that was the beginning of "criminalisation of politics" in the state and if the party had also "supported" those who launched attacks in Mumbai.

He also slammed the party led by Sonia Gandhi for staying mum over Raut's comment against their former leader.

"Sanjay Raut revealed such a big thing about late prime minister Indira Gandhi. I want to ask the party was she visiting Mumbai to meet the gangster and whether the party was funded by the underworld of Mumbai? he questioned.

"Did the Congress need "muscle power" to win elections in those days? he asked.

He also quoted Shiv Sena leader Raut as saying that underworld dons Chhota Shakeel and Dawood Ibrahim used to "decide who would be the commissioner of police, as well as postings in the 'Mantralaya' (state secretariat)." (ANI)


By Trend

According to secondary sources, total OPEC-14 preliminary crude oil production averaged 29.44 million barrels per day (mb/d) in December, lower by 161,000 barrels per day (tb/d) month-on-month, Trend reports citing OPECs Monthly Oil Market Report.

Crude oil output increased mainly in Angola, while production decreased in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE, according to the report.

The share of OPEC crude oil in total global production decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 29.4 percent in December compared with the previous month. Estimates are based on preliminary data from direct communication for non-OPEC supply, OPEC NGLs and non-conventional oil, while estimates for OPEC crude production are based on secondary sources.

Preliminary data indicates that the global oil supply in December decreased by 0.06 mb/d to average 100.28 mb/d, compared with the previous month.

Non-OPEC supply (including OPEC NGLs) increased by 0.11 mb/d compared with the previous month to average 70.84 mb/d in December, higher by 1.55 mb/d y-o-y. Preliminary incremental production in December was mainly driven by the UK, Norway, Canada, Mexico and the US.

The 7th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, held in December 2019, decided for an additional adjustment of 500 tb/d to the adjustment levels as agreed at the 175th Meeting of the OPEC Conference and 5th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting. These would lead to total adjustments of 1.7 mb/d. In addition, several participating countries, mainly Saudi Arabia, will continue their additional voluntary contributions, leading to adjustments of more than 2.1 mb.

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French English





Alstoms orders and sales for the first nine months of 2019/20

Order intake of 8.2 billion

Record backlog of 43 billion

Sales reaching 6.2 billion, up 3% (+2% organic)

Alstom in Motion outlook confirmed

16 January 2020  Over the third quarter 2019/20 (from 1 October to 31 December 2019), Alstom booked 3.6 billion of orders, compared to 3.4 billion over the same period last fiscal year. The Groups sales increased at 2.1 billion compared to 2.0 billion over the third quarter 2018/19.

For the first nine months of 2019/20 (from 1 April to 31 December 2019), Alstoms order intake reached 8.2 billion. The Groups sales reached 6.2 billion, up 3% (2% organically) compared to the first nine months of 2018/19.

The backlog, on 31 December 2019, reaches a new historic record of 43 billion and provides strong visibility on future sales.

Key figures

Actual figures 2018/19 2019/20 2018/19 2019/20 Var. % Var. % (in  million) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 months 9 months Actual Organic Orders received 2,641 4,488 3,386 1,592 1,620 2,998 3,563 10,515 8,181 (22%) (23%) Sales 2,017 1,993 2,010 2,052 2,054 2,086 2,060 6,020 6,200 3% 2%

Geographic and product breakdowns of reported orders and sales are provided in Appendix 1. All figures mentioned in this release are unaudited.

Alstoms order intake was particularly dynamic this quarter, benefiting from a strong momentum in Europe and Asia Pacific with a major contract for Perths rail network, as well as significant orders in Signalling and Services in line with our Alstom in Motion (AiM) strategy. The Group is also proud to have contributed to the start of commercial services of emblematic transport systems, such as the Leman express between Switzerland and France and Sydney Light Rail.

The rail market is clearly undergoing a very positive momentum, in particular driven by growing environmental concerns. We are fully committed to contribute to the shift to a decarbonated future thanks to our portfolio of sustainable mobility solutions. said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

***

Detailed review

During the third quarter of 2019/20 (from 1 October to 31 December 2019), Alstom recorded 3,563 million of orders, versus 3,386 million in Q3 2018/2019. Europe accounts for the majority of the orders of the Group with notably a 755 million contract to refurbish and maintain Avanti West Coast Pendolinos in the United Kingdom and the renewal and automation of Marseille metro. It also includes 44 new generation metro trains for Ile-de-France Mobilites and RATP in consortium with Bombardier within a major frame contract for a total of up to 410 trains. Alstom also achieved a strong order intake in Asia Pacific at 1,276 million with a combined 800 million contract for rolling stock and maintenance for Perths rail network in Australia, as well as driverless trains and digital signalling system for Sydney Metro extension.

Orders in Signalling and Services were particularly positive with respectively 593 million and 1,266 million booked during the quarter.

Regarding sales, 2,060 million were traded in the third quarter 2019/20 (from 1 October to 31 December 2019) versus 2,010 in Q3 2018/19. Compared to the first nine months of 2018/19, Rolling Stock sales grew by 11% organic with the acceleration of major projects this quarter. Services show a slight decrease at 2% organic. Systems show a foreseen decline, by 22% organic, due notably to a fully traded contract for Panama Metro and contracts nearing completion in Middle-East. Signalling sales increased strongly by 16% organic, in coherence with our AiM strategy, with contracts executed mainly in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

***

Main events of the third quarter 2019/20

In October 2019 Alstom has successfully carried out the issuance of senior unsecured Eurobonds for a total of 700 million, at excellent financing conditions. The bonds have a seven-year maturity and a

fixed coupon of 0.25%, payable annually. The order book was more than three times oversubscribed.

In December 2019, Sydney Light Rail commenced revenue service and will contribute to transform the appeal of the city of Sydney. Alstom, as part of the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium, has been responsible for the integrated light rail system. The tram system integrates innovative power solutions, with a wire-free APS ground-based power supply and Hesop energy recovery substations.

French-Swiss Leman Express rail network started service with 17 Coradia Polyvalent and on-board digital solutions implemented by Alstom on 23 other trains, allowing cross-border operations. The Coradia Polyvalent Leman Express trains will contribute to providing a sustainable alternative to the car for the daily commutes of Greater Genevas residents, as well as a better service to the economic and tourist hubs of the entire region. The Leman Express is Europe's largest cross-border rail network (45 stations, 230 km).

In the frame of Denmarks countrywide signalling system replacement programme, Alstom is a first to supply full ERTMS1 Level 2 on a Denmark corridor, the line to Roskilde to Koge, which opened for commercial service in December. The system is fully digital and combines both ERTMS trackside and on-board signalling, while being fully integrated with the Traffic Management System. This technology (baseline 3) represents the latest level of the standard, allowing to further increase traffic throughput. Alstom is the first player worldwide to offer this integrated system2.

In line with the AiM strategy to be the leading global innovative player for a sustainable and smart mobility, Alstom committed during COP 25 to the Science-Based Targets initiative, a framework providing pathways to set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. This will enable us to be fully consistent with the objectives stated by the Paris agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. Alstom is the first train manufacturer to commit to set such a target.

***

Outlook

The Alstom outlook is provided at constant perimeter and exchange rates. It is set in accordance with the IFRS 15 and 16 norms.

The 2019/20 fiscal year will be a year of stabilisation of growth after a 2018/19 fiscal year with an exceptional sales and profitability growth. For 2019/20 fiscal year, the business cycle with the finalisation of major systems contracts and the evolution of large Rolling stock projects will lead to a sales and margin growth lower than the average objectives set in the context of AiM, and to a working capital evolution impacting the generation of free cash flow3.

Up to March 2023, Alstom targets an average annual growth rate of sales around 5% over the period 2019/20  2022/23, an adjusted EBIT margin4 to reach around 9% in 2022/23, a conversion from net income5 to free cash flow above 80% by 2022/233 and a dividend policy with a pay-out ratio between 25% and 35%.

Furthermore, Alstom will conduct a disciplined investment and external growth transactions policy to support its development and to create value.

About Alstom Leading the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, Alstom develops and markets integrated systems that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. Alstom offers a complete range of equipment and services, from high-speed trains, metros, trams and e-buses to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility solutions. Alstom recorded sales of 8.1 billion and booked orders of 12.1 billion in the 2018/19 fiscal year.

Headquartered in France, Alstom is present in over 60 countries and employs 36,300 people. Contacts Press:

Coralie COLLET - Tel.: +33 (1) 57 06 18 81

coralie.collet@alstomgroup.com







Samuel MILLER - Tel.: +33 (1) 57 06 67 74

Samuel.miller@alstomgroup.com



Investor relations:

Julie MOREL - Tel.: +33 (6) 67 61 88 58

Julie.morel@alstomgroup.com







Claire LEPELLETIER  Tel.: +33 (6) 76 64 33 06

claire.lepelletier@alstomgroup.com





This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current plans and forecasts of Alstoms management. Such forward-looking statements are relevant to the current scope of activity and are by their nature subject to a number of important risks and uncertainty factors (such as those described in the documents filed by Alstom with the French AMF) that could cause actual results to differ from the plans, objectives and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. These such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Alstom undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

APPENDIX 1A  GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

Actual figures 2018/2019 % 2019/2020 % (in  million) 9 months Contrib. 9 months Contrib. Europe 6,235 59% 6,092 74% Americas 1,937 19% 504 6% Asia / Pacific 1,168 11% 1,531 19% Middle East / Africa 1,175 11% 54 1% Orders by destination 10,515 100% 8,181 100%





Actual figures 2018/2019 % 2019/2020 % (in  million) 9 months Contrib. 9 months Contrib. Europe 3,005 50% 3,500 56% Americas 1,101 18% 1,015 16% Asia / Pacific 662 11% 655 11% Middle East / Africa 1,252 21% 1,030 17% Sales by destination 6,020 100% 6,200 100%

APPENDIX 1B  PRODUCT BREAKDOWN

Actual figures 2018/2019 % 2019/2020 % (in  million) 9 months Contrib. 9 months Contrib. Rolling stock 5,456 52% 4,099 50% Services 2,868 27% 2,719 33% Systems 1,262 12% 91 1% Signalling 929 9% 1,272 16% Orders by destination 10,515 100% 8,181 100%





Actual figures 2018/2019 % 2019/2020 % (in  million) 9 months Contrib. 9 months Contrib. Rolling stock 2,608 43% 2,897 47% Services 1,122 19% 1,109 18% Systems 1,338 22% 1,078 17% Signalling 952 16% 1,116 18% Sales by destination 6,020 100% 6,200 100%

APPENDIX 2 - NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INDICATORS DEFINITIONS

This section presents financial indicators used by the Group that are not defined by accounting standard setters.

Orders received

A new order is recognised as an order received only when the contract creates enforceable obligations between the Group and its customer.

When this condition is met, the order is recognised at the contract value.

If the contract is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the reporting unit, the Group requires the immediate elimination of currency exposure through the use of forward currency sales. Orders are then measured using the spot rate at inception of hedging instruments.

Order backlog

Order backlog represents sales not yet recognised on orders already received.

Order backlog at the end of a financial year is computed as follows:

order backlog at the beginning of the year;

plus new orders received during the year;

less cancellations of orders recorded during the year;

less sales recognised during the year.

The order backlog is also subject to changes in the scope of consolidation, contract price adjustments and foreign currency translation effects.

Book-to-Bill

The book-to-bill ratio is the ratio of orders received to the amount of sales traded for a specific period.

Adjusted EBIT

When Alstoms new organisation was implemented in 2015, adjusted EBIT (aEBIT) became the Key Performance Indicator to present the level of recurring operational performance. This indicator is also aligned with market practice and comparable to direct competitors.

Going forward (1st application for Half Year 2019/2020 publication), Alstom has opted for the inclusion of the share in net income of the equity-accounted investments into the aEBIT when these are considered as part of the operating activities of the Group (because there are significant operational flows and/or common project execution with these entities), namely the CASCO Joint Venture. The company believes that bringing visibility over a key contributor to the Alstom signalling strategy will provide a fairer and more accurate picture of the overall commercial & operational performance of the Group. This change will also enable more comparability with what similar market players define as being part of their main non-GAAP profit aggregate disclosure.

aEBIT corresponds to Earning Before Interests and Tax adjusted for the following elements:

net restructuring expenses (including rationalization costs);

tangibles and intangibles impairment;

capital gains or loss/revaluation on investments disposals or controls changes of an entity;

any other non-recurring items, such as some costs incurred to realize business combinations and amortisation of an asset exclusively valued in the context of business combination as well as litigation costs that have arisen outside the ordinary course of business;

and including the share in net income of the operational equity-accounted investments.

A non-recurring item is a one-off exceptional item that is not supposed to occur again in following years and that is significant.

Adjusted EBIT margin corresponds to Adjusted EBIT in percentage of sales.

Free cash flow

Free cash ow is dened as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures including capitalised development costs, net of proceeds from disposals of tangible and intangible assets. In particular, free cash ow does not include the proceeds from disposals of activity.

The most directly comparable financial measure to free cash flow calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS is net cash provided by operating activities.

Alstom uses the free cash ow both for internal analysis purposes as well as for external communication as the Group believes it provides accurate insight regarding the actual amount of cash generated or used by operations.

Net cash/(debt)

The net cash/(debt) is defined as cash and cash equivalents, other current financial assets and non-current financial assets directly associated to liabilities included in financial debt, less financial debt.

Pay-out ratio

The pay-out ratio is calculated by dividing the amount of the overall dividend with the "Net profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the parent as presented in the consolidated income statement

Organic basis

Figures given on an organic basis eliminate the impact of changes in scope of consolidation and changes resulting from the translation of the accounts into Euro following the variation of foreign currencies against the Euro. The Group uses figures prepared on an organic basis both for internal analysis and for external communication, as it believes they provide means to analyse and explain variations from one period to another. However, these figures are not measurements of performance under IFRS.





9 months 31 Dec. 2018



9 months 31 Dec. 2019 (in  million) Actual

figures Exchange

rate Scope impact Comparable

Figures Actual

figures Exchange rate Scope impact Comparable

Figures % Var Act. % Var Org. Orders 10,515 112 - 10,627 8,181 - - 8,181 (22)% (23)% Sales 6,020 72 - 6,092 6,200 - - 6,200 3% 2%









1 European Railway Traffic Management System

2 A full system (combining Onboard, Wayside, Traffic Management System) in Baseline 3

3 The free cash flow generation is subject to usual short-term volatility linked to customers down payments and milestone payments from customers

4 Including the share of net income of the joint venture with CASCO held by Alstom at 49%

5 Net profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the parent

Attachment
Sepsis is now a bigger killer than cancer worldwide and claims the lives of nearly five times as many Americans as breast cancer reach year, a new study finds.

One person every three seconds dies from the condition worldwide, which accounts for almost a fifth of global deaths, say researchers.

Their Global Burden Of Disease Report (GBDR) on sepsis estimates there were 48.9 million cases in 2017, and 11 million deaths, across 195 countries and territories.

This equates to just under a fifth (19.7 percent ) of all global deaths that year, including 189,623 deaths in the US, about a third as many Americans as are killed by any cancer annually.

The bloodstream infection, sepsis infections killed an estimated one out of every five people that died worldwide in 2017, a new study suggests doubling past figures and outpacing cancer

The most recent global estimate, in 2016, was of 19.4 million cases and 5.3 million deaths, based on data on adults in hospitals in seven high-income countries.

These were the US, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

But while the authors said they were 'alarmed' to see the death rates so high, their research shows cases of sepsis and deaths have been falling overall over the last 30 years.

The researchers estimated that there were 60.2 million cases of sepsis in 1990, almost a fifth (18.8 percent) higher than their 2017 estimate.

In the new study, published in The Lancet, half of all cases occurred in children and adolescents, particularly in low or low-middle income countries.

Some 15 percent of the cases occurred in high-income countries such as the UK, which was not included in the 10 countries with the lowest death and incident rates.

Experts warn that the number of deaths could rise if new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance are not found quickly.

The authors write: 'We have produced global sepsis estimates that are more than double previous calculations, with 11 million sepsis deaths and 48.9 million incident sepsis cases in 2017.

'We have shown a global trend of decreasing sepsis burden but, importantly, substantial differences between regions remain, in total number of sepsis deaths, age distribution of sepsis deaths, and case fatality.

'These differences by location are alarming and deserve urgent attention from the global health, research, and policy communities.'

Sepsis, which is hard to spot, occurs when the body responds poorly to a bacterial infection and attacks its own tissue and organs.

Symptoms include a high or abnormally low temperature, fast heart rate and rapid breathing.

Deterioration can be rapid, and if it is not detected early, can lead to multi-organ system failure and death.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington schools of medicine, looked at hospital records and data obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases.

The UK was ranked 132 out of the 195 countries listed by their estimated death rates from highest to lowest, with an estimated 71.8 deaths per 100,000 people.

But the country performed far worse globally (45th) when it came to total number of estimated deaths in 2017 - which the researchers put at 47,860.

And they estimated there were 245,783 cases of sepsis in the UK that year.

The researchers acknowledge their estimates may be conservative, due to reliance on death certificates which may not explicitly list sepsis as a contributing factor.

Previous research by PA has shown the number of admissions in England at a higher figure - with 350,344 recorded hospital admissions for sepsis in 2017/18.

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said the study 'cements sepsis as one of our biggest healthcare entities that we need to deal with, claiming one in five lives around the world'.

He said: 'There were 195 countries studied, 10 had data good enough to study in depth and the UK wasn't among them... we would reinforce the call for better use of data, better understanding of the condition.

'It's shocking that in a country with the most established national healthcare service in the planet, we can't get our act in order to give good data to studies such as these.'

The 10 countries with the highest death rates were all in Africa, with the Central African Republic leading the survey.

On the other end of the scale, those with the lowest death rates were mainly Middle Eastern and wealthier countries.
He allegedly killed three men whilst continuing to represent his team.

Hernandezs trials for the brutal killing of Odin Lloyd and two Boston-area men yielded a Pandoras box of secrets: a tumultuous and often abusive upbringing, a growing fascination with gang life, and other discoveries that painted a maelstrom of motivations behind his violent behaviour."

The doco dives into what Hernandez's life was like during the trial before his eventual suicide.

"Featuring exclusive courtroom footage, Hernandezs phone calls from prison, and interviews with those who knew Hernandez and Lloyd, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez meticulously examines the perfect storm of factors leading to the trial, conviction, and death of an athlete who seemingly had it all.

It has all the ingredients to become one of Netflix's darkest crime series ever and we can't wait to get our binge on!
CAIRO - Egyptian authorities released four people Thursday, including two Egyptian journalists, arrested in a police raid on the Cairo bureau of Turkeys state-run news agency, a judicial official said.

Turkeys Anadolu agency said Wednesday four of its staff members, including a Turkish citizen, were arrested the previous day by Egyptian police after they raided the agencys office. All four were released on $630 bail each, the judicial official said on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to brief the media.

Mohamed Saad Abdel Hafiz, a senior board member of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, wrote on his Facebook page that Anadolus Egyptian correspondents Hussein Qabbani and Hussein Abbas were released.

Egypts Interior Ministry said it targeted the news agency as part of its efforts to expose the plots of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood and the countries supporting it. It accused Anadolu of spreading false news about Egypt.

Egypt remains among the worlds worst jailers of journalists, along with Turkey and China, according to The Committee to Protect Journalists, a U.S.-based watchdog. In recent years, Egyptian authorities have jailed dozens of Egyptian reporters and occasionally expelled foreign journalists from the country.

Turkeys Foreign Ministry condemned the raid, demanded the immediate release of the Anadolu employees, and summoned the top Egyptian diplomat in Turkey in protest. It accused the Egyptian government of harassing and intimidating the Turkish media.

Turkish-Egyptian relations have deteriorated since 2013 when the Egyptian military removed Egypts democratically elected Mohamed Morsi following protests over his divisive rule. Turkish President Recep Tayep Erdogan has long backed the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypts oldest Islamist organization, from which Morsi hailed.
by Matthew Catalano | Stars Correspondent | Wed, Jan 15th 12:57pm EST

John Klingberg dished out the secondary assist on Denis Gurianov's second period power play goal against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact:

This was Klingberg's first game back since the outdoor game against the Predators on New Year's Day. He was dealing with a lower body injury, but he did not appear to miss much of a beat as he has now extended his point streak to four games.
Interior. (PHOTO: Mad Mex Singapore)

SINGAPORE The brand synonymous with authentic Mexican food with more than 70 locations in Australia and New Zealand has landed on our sunny shores. The location of choice for their first outlet here is at Marina Bay Financial Centre, a fitting locale given their dedication to 'a fast meal, but with homemade quality, made entirely of real ingredients, with the fewest preservatives, oils, and sugars possible'.

Mad Mex is an exciting, affordable addition to Singapore's Mexican food scene, following closely in the footsteps of other established options such as Guzman y Gomez and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill. They pride themselves on several food philosophies: always using the freshest of ingredients; complete disclosure of the nutritional information in all the food they offer; big, bold, and authentic Mexican flavours; 100% customisable burritos.

READ MORE:

INTERVIEW: Chef Damian DSilva of Kin on exploring identity through heritage food

Malaysian-style Nasi Lemak lands in Singapore

FOOD REVIEW: Go Noodle House from Malaysia opens at 313 Somerset for a slurping good time

Founder and CEO Clovis Young of Mad Mex sums up the ingenuity of Mad Mex's humble but revolutionary ethos, "I started Mad Mex in 2006, because I absolutely love Mexican food, and I wanted to share that love with all of Australia, and the world. I wanted my customers to get a fast meal with homemade quality, made entirely of real ingredients. That means the fewest preservatives, oils and sugarswhile always big on taste. You should never have to choose between a quick meal and quality healthy food."

It starts with a base of mild roasted tomato salsa and Guacamole, all made in-house and in-situ. From there, various toppings are added to create staples reminiscent of those you get in the streets of Mexico.

Burrito. (PHOTO: Mad Mex Singapore)

The burrito (Small, $8.90; Regular, $11.50) is made with the addition of nutrition-dense brown rice, black beans, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, and, in this instance, a chicken pollo, wrapped in a roll of soft flour tortilla. Of course, everything is customisable to your taste and preference.

Story continues

Naked burrito. (PHOTO: Mad Mex Singapore)

For diners who worship at the altar of life sans carbs, the naked burrito is made for you. It is priced similarly to the regular burrito and comes with everything except the tortilla. With options such as the Veracruz tofu, this can be easily transformed into a fresh and delicious keto dish.

Soft flour taco. (PHOTO: Mad Mex Singapore)

No Mexican cuisine worth its grain in salt would deny diners the pleasure of a traditional soft flour taco (1 Taco, S$4.50; 3 Tacos, S$10.90). Choose from chicken Pollo, chicken chorizo or beef barbacoa. The beef barbacoa requires an additional 50 cents top up but is worth the extra cost for beef that has been slow-cooked over eight hours and seasoned with Ancho chillies and aromatic spices.

Quesadilla. (PHOTO: Mad Mex Singapore)

My favourite is the good ole Quesadilla (Regular, S$11.50). I suspect it's the duvet of cheese that blankets a bed of sauteed onions and capsicum, chicken chorizo, tomato salsa, and Guacamole, sandwiched in a toasted soft flour tortilla. There's just something mildly comforting about the taste of cheese mixed with ultra savoury ingredients. It makes you reach out for more and more.

End a highly Mexican meal on a highly authentic note with sticks of churros (S$5.90 for 2) served with Belgian chocolate sauce. Having made several of these on my own at home, I can attest to its authenticity. It's also not overly sweet, making it a perfect end to a quick lunch break for all of you for whom lunch is more a necessity than a luxury. Live a little. You too, deserve churros.

For more information:

Website | Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Tower 3, 12 Marina Blvd, #02-05, Singapore 018982

Mon-Fri & Eve of PH: 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun & PH: Closed
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Aben Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ABN) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #405 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2020.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry.

Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors.

Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For further information:

Aben Resources Ltd.

Don Myers

604 639-3851

info@abenresources.com

https://www.abenresources.com/
WASHINGTON - The White House violated federal law when it withheld security aid to Ukraine last year, according to a decision by a congressional watchdog released Thursday.

The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan agency that reports to Congress, found that the Trump administration broke a law that governs how the White House disburses money approved by Congress by withholding $214 million worth of equipment, training and other support to help Ukraine in its battle against Russian-backed forces.

The Pentagon aid was overwhelmingly approved by bipartisan majorities in Congress.

The GAO report came as the Senate opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the decision says. "OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act."

The White House quickly rebutted the charge, criticizing the agency's decision as an "overreach" and an attempt to insert itself into the "media's controversy of the day."

Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford

The White House "complied with the law at every step," White House Office of Management and Budget acting director Russell Vought wrote on Twitter. He also criticized the GAO, saying the agency's "opinion comes from the same people who said we couldn't keep National Parks open during the shutdown" 12 months ago.

No potential criminal penalties are associated with violating the Impoundment Control Act, meaning there will be no prosecution of officials for the violation. The GAO has found at least half a dozen violations of the Impoundment Control Act in the past, including in previous administrations. But Democrats immediately tried to use the report to demand more disclosures as part of their impeachment push.

The OMB is part of the White House and is run by political appointees closely aligned with Trump, whose first OMB director was Mick Mulvaney, now White House acting chief of staff. Vought remains close to Mulvaney.

"The OMB, the White House, the administration broke - I'm saying this - broke the law," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday. "This reinforces, again, the need for documents and eyewitnesses in the Senate."

Republican senators, who now play a central role in determining the scope of Trump's impeachment trial, downplayed the implications of the GAO's findings. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., accused the watchdog of trying to meddle in Congress's affairs.

"I think they shouldn't be deciding who broke the law," he said.

But Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said that the GAO report singled out the OMB, not Trump himself, and that he also has had differences with OMB's practices in the past.

"It's the Office of Management and Budget, with whom I've had a few disagreements over the years about the withholding of money that's been appropriated by Congress," Cornyn said.

Last month, the Democratic-controlled House impeached Trump on charges of abusing the power of his office in a pressure campaign against Ukraine.

Trump has attacked the impeachment charges as politically motivated. White House budget officials have defended their power to stop the money from being given to the Defense Department, arguing that congressional lawmakers and executive branch officials routinely demand delays on funding already signed into law.

The GAO decision brings new scrutiny to a chain of events at the White House's Office of Management and Budget last year. When top White House officials gave directives to the Pentagon to withhold aid for Ukraine, some OMB officials objected, warning that the halt could be improper. At least two officials resigned, in part over concerns about the Ukraine money.

White House officials were withholding the security aid at a time when Trump was pressing Ukraine's new president to announce an investigation of Hunter Bide, a son of former vice president Joe Biden, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Trump. Emails released in late December showed that a senior budget official directed the Defense Department to hold off on the aid less than two hours after a July 25 call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump and the White House have strongly denied any wrongdoing over the hold on security assistance. Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, told Congress that he believed there was a connection between the aid and Trump's desire for Ukraine to announce an investigation of Hunter Biden.

The GAO found that the administration broke the Impoundment Control Act - a 1974 law that provides a mechanism for the executive branch to request that Congress reconsider a funding decision that's been signed into law.

"This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine" said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who requested in December that the GAO write the report.

The GAO review did not weigh in on the specific House impeachment charges. House lawmakers impeached Trump on two counts, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Lawmakers alleged that the president abused the power of his office by withholding the money as leverage to pressure Zelensky into publicly announcing an inquiry that would undermine a political rival, and then obstructed the investigation of those actions.

The release of the GAO decision, one day after the House voted to send its articles of impeachment to the Senate, may give political ammunition to congressional Democrats who hope to portray the president and his administration as willing to violate the law for political gain.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has characterized the House articles of impeachment as flimsy, and it is unlikely that there are enough votes in the Senate to remove Trump from office. Trump has "done nothing wrong," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday.

"These are taxpayer dollars going to another country that people believe there is corruption with a new administration. I think it was the rightful thing to do," House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said at a news conference Thursday, adding that he thinks withholding the aid was "100%" the right decision despite the GAO ruling.

The controversy has for months focused attention on the White House budget office for its central role in delaying the aid.

The administration has previously disagreed with the GAO's findings, including last year when the agency said the Trump administration violated federal spending law during the government shutdown by allowing popular park sites to stay open.

In cases of a violation, the most the GAO can do is sue the administration to release money, which has happened only once - in the 1970s. The lawsuit was later dismissed when the money was released.

Several administrations have been slapped by the GAO, including that of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In general, those administrations released funds after being cited, making lawsuits unnecessary. Most recently, in December 2018, the GAO said the Department of Homeland Security illegally withheld $95 million appropriated for the Coast Guard to support national security efforts. The money eventually was released.

The GAO also found in 2014 that the Obama administration broke the law in exchanging five Taliban commanders for a captured U.S. soldier without giving Congress 30 days notice.

The OMB began discussing the aid to Ukraine on June 19, the day Trump learned about the assistance from an article in the Washington Examiner..

The GAO is also scrutinizing whether the White House or the State Department or both violated the law by possibly withholding some portion of $161 million in foreign military financing during a six-day period in August, according to the decision.

"We have asked both State and OMB about the availability of these funds during the relevant period," Armstrong said in his decision.

State has provided "limited" information, as has the OMB, he said. "We will continue to pursue this matter" and will provide a decision to Congress, he said.

This lack of a full response is of "constitutional significance," he said. It hinders the GAO in its role of ensuring respect for Congress's power of the purse, he said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Rachael Bade contributed to this report.
US President Donald Trump, shakes hands during a press conference with Chinas Vice Premier Liu He(L), the countrys top trade negotiator, before they sign a trade agreement between the US and China during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on January 15, 2020.

China's Vice Premier Liu He said on Thursday that China's 2019 GDP is estimated to grow more than 6%, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua News.

Liu added that data for this month points to a better-than-expected economic outlook, Xinhua reported.

It wasn't immediately clear which data Liu was referring to.

Xinhua tweet: China's gross domestic product is estimated to record an expansion of over 6 percent in 2019, and the January data also indicates a better-than-expected economic outlook, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said

The comments come a day after President Donald Trump signed the "phase one" trade deal with Liu, marking a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two largest economies.

During the signing ceremony, Liu delivered a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who said the agreement is "good for China, for the U.S. and for the whole world," according to a translation.

In his own remarks, Liu said China's economy is "transitioning from high-speed growth to high-quality development."

He also said "China will continue to enhance the legal environment" and "welcomes investors from around the world," as the country continues to open up.
Information reaching YEN.com.gh indicates that certain parts of the Accra Academy school located at Bubiashie in Accra is in flames.

It is unclear what might have caused the fire.

According to an eye witness who spoke to Citi News, there were no casualties recorded as students were at prep as of the time the fire started at around 7pm today, Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo appointees buying confiscated cars at cheaper prices

Around 8pm I saw the flames and it looked very serious, it appeared to be at the area where a new dormitory is being constructed. The students were at preps as of the time of the flames, I did not see of them get hurt by the fire. the eyewitness said.

However, personal effects of students residing in the two halls have all been consumed by the fire.

According to the school authorities, the affected students would have to spend the night at other halls in the school until tomorrow when authorities are expected to make a special arrangement for them.

Eyewitnesses revealed that rather late arrival of the Ghana Fire Service proved unsuccessful leading to the burning of the two halls which are attached to each other.

READ ALSO: 6 Akufo-Addo projects he believes will win him election 2020

In other news, a gas explosion at Ablekuma, a suburb of Accra, has claimed the lives of a police officer and that of three children.

The incident is said to have happened on the first Sunday of the year, January 5, 2020, while she was cooking for her family.

The deceased policewoman has been identified as Inspector Kata Abban while her children were identified as; 21-year-old Emmanuel Agyei, 11-year-old Joyce Abban and nine-year-old Ebenezer Abban.

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
SPRINGFIELD  A city man who allegedly plied drug-addicted prostitutes with heroin is scheduled to plead guilty to sex trafficking and other charges in U.S. District Court.

William Coleman, 48, of Maryland Street, will plead guilty on Feb. 18. He is among four charged in the case, and is portrayed as a ruthless pimp who controlled his stable primarily with the drugs he provided them, according to an 83-page affidavit filed by an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

There is evidence that shows that many, if not all, of the young females associated with Coleman are addicted to illegal drugs, including heroin, and that Coleman supplying the drugs ... Opioid addiction can be so powerful that obtaining drugs to stave off the pain of withdrawal becomes the first priority in an addicts life, it reads.

Coleman was charged in June.

Investigators estimated Coleman employed approximately 20 young women over the past few years, often using Virginia Maldonado, the mother of his child, as his lieutenant to keep the other women in line, according to court records.

Maldonado, another woman who worked for Coleman named Jaclyn Lemlin, and a third named Shannon Roberts also were charged with conspiracy. Those cases are pending and sentencing dates have yet to be set.

The sworn statement filed in connection with the case suggests Coleman embraced his leadership role in the conspiracy.

There are well-organized rules to the game and pimps usually maintain a strong belief that the rules needs to be followed ... The rules are based on the unquestioned supremacy of the pimp over the prostitutes working for him, and the rules, which are often arbitrary and strict, are designed to keep the prostitutes on edge and fearful, the affidavit says.

One of the alleged prostitutes, named Female 1, in court records, was incarcerated at the Womens Correctional Facility in Chicopee in 2017, the documents say. There, she kept in touch with Coleman in recorded jail calls. The women tells Coleman her roommate was scheduled to be released in a week and wants to work.

Female 1 tells Coleman that this woman is down for good money. She also informs Coleman of the womans release date and Coleman states he will pick her up, the affidavit says. Female 1 also states to Coleman there are mad girls in here and she is about to recruit everybody. Coleman tells Female 1 she can network more in population and she states you know I will.

The sex trafficking ring was advertised on the now-defunct Backpage.com  shut down by the government in 2018  skipthegames.com, Facebook and other means, investigators say. Coleman shuttled his sex workers to hotels and motels in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as a home on Shawmut Street in Springfield, the affidavit adds. He routinely delivered drugs and collected money from those sites, according to tracking information on devices installed on a Chevy Malibu, a Kia and a Hyundai Coleman often drove.

Undercover federal agents who posed as customers before making arrests said Colemans employees charged $300 for full service.

Prior to his arrest, Coleman got caught in a sting as he attempted to recruit an undercover federal agent to work for him.

Hey luv ... we can speak in person ... also whats your size? I can have my booster grab some stuff from Victorias Secret, he wrote in a text message, according to court records.

Text messages attached to the affidavit between Coleman and his workers show he also pitted the women against one another.

Threaten the [expletive] outta Female B, he writes to Lemelin.

Can i hit her or na? she responds.

Not the face ... gut check one time, Coleman counsels.

In the 2019 indictment charging Coleman, eight unnamed victims were cited. He intends to plead guilty to nine criminal charges and faces at least 15 years in federal prison.
WASHINGTON  The articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump don't move to the Senate by themselves.

They are escorted by specific political stars along a tightly choreographed path from the House through the Capitol rotunda to the Senate for trial. There waits more history, pageantry and tradition of a type that's only been seen on television once, and not since the 1999 trial of President Bill Clinton.

Like Clinton, Trump is expected to be acquitted. But the nation has never seen Chief Justice John Roberts cross the street from the Supreme Court and preside over the Senate trial. Or witnessed four Democratic presidential candidates sitting in silence, without their phones, ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses.

Also, Twitter was not a thing the last time this happened. It's now the accused president's favorite bullhorn to proclaim his innocence and his fury in real time.

What to watch for Wednesday as the House transmits the impeachment articles to the Senate:

____

AT ISSUE

Under Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the House voted Dec. 18 to impeach Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his conduct toward Ukraine. Trump is the third president to be impeached in U.S. history. The others are Clinton and, in 1868, Andrew Johnson. President Richard Nixon resigned before the House could impeach him.

Pelosi delayed the transmission of the articles to the Senate, holding out for more specific terms of the trial.

___

THE CROSSING

First, Pelosi names the House prosecutors who will make the case to senators that Trump abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to investigate the son of political rival Joe Biden, and then obstructing Congress' search for what happened.

On Wednesday, Pelosi said revealed the managers' names: Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who led the probe, and Judiciary Chair Rep. Jerrold Nadler, whose committee approved the impeachment articles.

Schiff and Nadler will lead the seven-member prosecution team that includes a diverse selection of lawmakers, particularly those with courtroom experience.

They include Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida and Jason Crow of Colorado.

Around lunchtime, she'll speak on the floor and the House will vote to transmit the articles.

Later Wednesday, the whole prosecution team will line up behind House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving and House Clerk Cheryl Johnson, who will be holding the articles in folders. The procession will walk, two by two, through National Statuary Hall, past Pelosi's office, across the Rotunda and to the doors of the Senate.

Johnson then hands the articles to Secretary of the Senate Julie E. Adams.

The managers will return to the House until the Senate admits them.

___

FURNITURE AND OATHS

The Senate then considers some mundane-sounding details, as well as some historic ones, according to the precedent of Clinton's impeachment trial.

First, they'll consider resolutions on such things as how to arrange the chamber to accommodate the prosecution and defense teams, and who can watch from the galleries. Then, according to a memo circulated among senators, comes a series of formalities, including the reception of the House managers.

By the end of the week, the managers are expected to exhibit the articles of impeachment. Roberts and the senators will take their oaths. And the senators will sign an oath book used since 1986 for presidential and judicial impeachment trials that has been stored at the National Archives.

___

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THE SENATE CONVENES AS A COURT

Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! All persons are commanded to keep silent, on pain of imprisonment, while the Senate of the United States is sitting for the trial of the articles of impeachment.

So proclaimed James Ziglar, then the Senate sergeant-at-arms, at Clinton's trial in 1999.

Senate rules say the trial then begins, and runs six days a week  not on Sunday  until it's resolved. But senators could vote to change the schedule.

Arguments in Trump's trial begin next Tuesday, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

___

NO DISMISSAL

Trump has said he wants a full trial with witnesses while also suggesting he'd favor a dismissal.

But it takes 51 of 100 senators to do almost anything during a trial, and even Republican senators have rejected the idea of a dismissal.

___

WITNESSES?

The jury is out on whether the Senate calls witnesses, but it's possible.

Former national security adviser John Bolton has agreed to testify if subpoenaed, and some Republicans have been meeting privately to guarantee that witnesses can be called. With a 53-seat Republican majority, four GOP senators would have to vote with all Democrats to cross the 51-vote threshold.

On this, watch GOP moderate Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.

Any plan for witnesses would likely involve depositions and testimony from people called by Republicans and Democrats.

Trump has said he wants the Senate to call Pelosi and Schiff, but that's highly unlikely.

During the Clinton trial, former White House intern Monica Lewinsky was deposed privately but not called to testify. She and Clinton had had an extramarital relationship, they both said.

___

THE FOUR

Senators are fond of talking and any politician wants to stay connected to constituents. So the impeachment trial rule against speaking or consulting their phones on the Senate floor has the potential to make all of them cranky.

None moreso, however, than the four Democratic senators forced to decamp from Iowa less than three weeks before the election's leadoff caucuses. Look for Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Michael Bennet of Colorado to send surrogates to Iowa or make short trips back and forth.

Ive told them this trial is your responsibility as senators and scheduling is not going to influence what we should do, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told The Associated Press in an interview last month. He said none of them objected. There are benefits of running as a senator, Schumer added, and there are liabilities.

___

NEW INFORMATION?

It won't be a total rehash of the House proceedings that stretched through the fall. Bolton, who has firsthand knowledge of the president's pressure campaign on Ukraine, did not tell his story to the House.

The Senate also can consider a new trove of documents released Tuesday night by House Democrats that could shed new light on Trump's private lawyer's work to pressure Ukraine into investigating Biden as the president held up military aid to the U.S. ally bordering Russia.

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press
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Most of us here in the mid-Willamette Valley have never set foot in Australia, nor will we ever. We know the continent best due to its fascinating critters, as well as contributions to pop culture such as INXS, Crocodile Dundee and tales of the outlaw Ned Kelly.

But were paying plenty of attention to the land Down Under lately due to wildfires that have ravaged Australia, killing about 30 people and destroying 2,000 homes  and the responses generated by the blazes. Unfortunately, there are parallels to perils we might face here in Oregon.

Some are blaming the fires on arson and arguing against any role played by climate change in the disaster. In many cases, we fear, this myopic stance is due to a mix of online misinformation campaigns and the outright denial of accepted science. As if there wasnt enough dangerous smoke covering this continent.

Let us be forthright and clear about one of our constant editorial positions as we move forward: Climate change is real. Regardless of whether you think humans are a major contributor (nearly all scientists believe we are) or that humans can curb its impacts, climate change is a fact.

Oft-frozen Scandinavia is now a burgeoning wine region. Greenland has an emerging real estate market thanks to land thats emerging from shrinking glaciers. These ideas would have been inconceivable decades ago. But here we are.

According to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010-2019 was the hottest decade ever measured on Earth. NASA data indicates that 2019 was the second-hottest year in 140 years on record. The decade had eight of the 10 hottest years on record, with the others coming in 1998 and 2005, according to the two scientific agencies.

Before last decade, the hottest 10-year span recorded on the planet was, you guessed it, 2000-2009. And that decade was hotter than the 1990s, which were hotter than the 1980s. This isnt a coincidence. This is a pattern called reality.

And we can see the impacts locally. Residents are dealing with more 90-degree days per summer in recent years than ever before. (Also, a bit of a preemptive strike against Facebook trolls here Yes, we had school closures and delays due to wintry weather on Wednesday. One day doesnt disprove a trend thats decades long.)

Our summers, in general, are getting hotter and drier in Oregon and the rest of the West. And that puts us at risk for wildfires of increasing size and intensity. We pray that we dont experience another summer where, for days on end, going for a scenic jog along the Willamette would be the equivalent of chain-smoking a pack of Marlboros.

This summer (yes, its summer in the Southern Hemisphere), Australia has suffered a major drought and heat wave  conditions which ironically made it difficult to do preventative burns.

According to The Guardian, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and other agencies and experts have said that the major cause of the fires has been lightning. The Associated Press reported that state authorities have said a minority of fires were deliberately lit.

But troll farms and bot armies are part of a coordinated effort to spread false stories about the role of arson in creating the fires, including claims that environmentalists are to blame for the blazes. The reason, according to experts, appears to be that social media miscreants want to move the conversation away from climate change.

Climate change has surely worsened the scope of Australias wildfires, just as the increased risk of drought and heat waves, combined with population growth and record forest fuels, pose a growing fire threat in Oregon and the West.

The wildland fire season in Oregon in 2019 was mild, but, as weve stated before, its a good bet that was atypical. Thankfully, in the Beaver State, theres a move toward more active forest management thats supported by the general populace. There are still disagreements about best practices, however, and questions about funding  Gov. Kate Browns Council on Wildfire Response estimated that it will take $4 billion over 20 years to improve the states ability to respond to wildfires, and thats an awful lot of cash.

But Oregonians seem to agree that something must be done to prevent wildfires. After all, just look at Australia burn.

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By Maikel Jefriando

JAKARTA, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo

said on Thursday that a planned sovereign wealth fund to finance

infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia's biggest economy will

raise at least $20 billion once established.

Widodo discussed plans to establish the fund with Abu

Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed over the weekend

during an official visit there.

Sovereign wealth funds are typically used by countries to

direct funds from resource wealth such as oil, although

Indonesia also plans to invite foreign investment into its fund.

"When the law presiding over this is issued, we'll have a

minimum $20 billion inflow," Widodo told a financial industry

event in Jakarta.

Widodo, who began his second term in office in October, is

keen for an increase in foreign investment to help create jobs

and boost economic growth, which has been stuck at around 5% for

several years.

Discussions with the crown prince had included using the

sovereign wealth fund to channel investment into the

development of Indonesia's new capital city on Borneo island,

according to Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime

Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan.

In an interview with Reuters on Jan. 8, Pandjaitan said the

crown prince had agreed in principle to put money into the fund

but needed Indonesia to pass a law to ensure legal certainty and

then Jakarta would also put in cash and "brownfield" assets.

"When it's been established, anybody can join," said

Pandjaitan, adding that the fund would be like an equity fund.

The minister said tech conglomerate Softbank Group Corp

and newly established development financier the U.S.

International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) had also

expressed interest in investing.

With low-lying Jakarta on Java island facing a range of

pressures from congestion to flooding and pollution, President

Widodo announced last August a plan to relocate government

departments to a site in East Kalimantan on Borneo island.

To help attract investment, Indonesia has asked Abu Dhabi's

crown prince, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and

Masayoshi Son, the founder of Softbank, to join a steering

committee advising on the $33 billion plan to move the capital,

ministers have said.

"Their role on the steering board is to oversee the

development of the new capital," Indonesia's chief economic

affairs minister Airlangga Hartarto told Reuters on Wednesday.

Planning minister Suharso Monoarfa said that Softbank was

interested in providing self-driving vehicles for the capital.

In June, the self-driving car joint venture of SoftBank and

Toyota Motor announced plans to begin operating in

Southeast Asia this year.

A representatives for Softbank did not immediately respond

to a request for comment, while a spokeswoman for former prime

minister Blair declined to comment.

(Additional reporting by Stanley Widianto, Augustinus Beo Da

Costa, Fransiska Nangoy and Samuel Nussey in TOKYO

Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Toby Chopra)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A disturbing photo of an opossum with a knife sticking out of its face shows the suffering animal moments after it was stabbed Sunday night on a residential street in Sunnyside.

The young opossum died on Monday night.

A Cheshire Place resident, where the stabbing allegedly happened, said he started hearing some yelling on the street at around 10 p.m. Sunday and witnessed a quick scuffle with two men.

Then police arrived and while all the attention was focused on the people on the street he noticed something else -- an opossum with a knife sticking out of its face.

It was standing up, the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said of the animal. It was moving very slowly.

The man, who has been living in the area for a couple of years, said he has seen the opossum in the area before and it was never aggressive to anyone.

I was sickened, the man said.

Disturbed by the scene, the Sunnyside resident was stopped from heading outside by his wife. Still, the couple remained shaken by the image.

Both my wife and I couldnt sleep at night, he said.

A DESPERATE EFFORT TO SAVE THE OPOSSUM

Carolyn Randazzo, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the New York City Department of Environmental Conservation, said she received a call from a woman with whom she has been doing rescue work. The woman told her somebody had stabbed an opossum in front of her house on Cheshire Place.

When Randazzo arrived on Cheshire Place, police were there, the knife had been taken out of the animals eye and the opossum had been put in a crate, she said. The bloody knife was next to the animal, she said.

Carolyn Randazzo said she found a bloody knife next to where an opossum was stabbed on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. (Courtesy of Carolyn Randazzo)

Randazzo then took the opossum out of the crate and put it into another one in order to give it to Kathy Grabowski, the director of transport and emergency for The Opossums Pouch Sanctuary, Rescue and Rehabilitation, a non-profit organization that saves and takes care of misplaced and injured opossums.

Grabowski took the opossum to the animal health center in Stewartsville, N.J.

The knife had hit the nasal cavity and gone through the bone, said Grabowski. She ended up ingesting a lot of blood.

An opossum died on Monday night after being stabbed in the face on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 in Sunnyside. (Courtesy of Kathy Grabowski)

Usually, Grabowski said, opossums freeze and start drooling as a defense mechanism, but that they are not actually aggressive..

This case has blown my mind, said Grabowski, of Stapleton. It was a heinous crime.

NO ANIMAL CRUELY CHARGES FILED

Police have not arrested and charged anyone in connection with the animal cruelty incident, an NYPD spokesman told the Advance Wednesday.

They did, however, respond to the location for an assault, another NYPD spokesman previously told the Advance.

They arrested a 26-year-old man and charged him with a misdemeanor count of third-degree assault, the NYPD spokesman told the Advance.

He allegedly kicked another man, 24, in the right side of the chest.

The man was issued a desk appearance ticket and released from custody.

Another Cheshire Place resident said the altercation occurred where the animal was found.

A source with knowledge of the investigation told the Advance the victim was an off-duty police officer who was coming to the animals aid.
SENTINEL EXCLUSIVE: Chief Moore Responds to LAPD Corruption Allegations

Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced that an investigation has been initiated, centered on the actions of three officers who were working the LAPD Metropolitan Division crime suppression detail. The officers are accused of falsifying records.

This week, LAPD Chief Michel Moore told the Sentinel that the investigation has expanded to 19 officers and the number could grow as the investigation continues.

The investigation is going to go where the investigation takes us, said Moore.

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The elite Metro Division consists of 200 uniformed officers assigned throughout the city, not only South Los Angeles, but also other communities experiencing increased levels of violent crime or crime-related problems that these added resources are meant to fix by identifying the perpetrators, lowering the crime rate and improving community safety.

According to Moore, the department learned that a patrol stop conducted by the three officers in March 2019, which involved a Latino minor in the Van Nuys area of the San Fernando Valley, evolved into an investigative stop.

During that stop of that individual, the officers completed what is known as a field interview card, said Moore, who explained that the index card-size is an official LAPD report that contains the name, date of birth, physical description and residential address of an individual.

Another section of the report is designed for officers to describe the reasons for the interaction and whether the person is a victim, witness or a potential suspect involved in a criminal activity. Although Moore has yet to review the completed investigation report, he said he was told that the officers completed the field interview and the individual was released.

However, the submitted card showed that the officers had written that minor was an admitted gang member and they cited details to support that conclusion. As a result of that information, the LAPD prepared to log the minors name into the LAPD gang database and notified the minors parent via mail of the departments intention.

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The mother apparently got the letter and went down the local station and spoke to the supervisor and contested the information that was contained and also contested and asserted that her son was not a gang member, Moore said. A subsequent investigation by the officers supervisor, which included a review of body-worn camera footage of the interaction, revealed that the information on the car was false and events did not occur the way the officers had written in their report.

On the basis of that, the supervisor told the mother that this information would not result in this young man being entered into the gang database and apologized for this encounter, said the chief. But also, the supervisor initiated a complaint or formal internal affairs investigation into the facts and circumstances.

Moore said the department takes this matter very seriously and when he was briefed on the situation, he directed that not only would LAPD investigate the facts and circumstances of this particular stop in Van Nuys, but that they would investigate the facts and circumstances of other similar stops by these three individuals and determine whether or not this had happened in the past or there are additional instances of misconduct or apparent misconduct.

Again, everything I say here is pending me seeing the complete investigation, said Moore, who decided to expand the investigation to determine if the falsifying of records extends to others within Metropolitan Crime Suppression Unit.

To date, Moore said they have found a high number of instances in which there is no level of misconduct and that the officers actions were appropriate and verified by body worn video and other evidence. But, additional inaccuracies by other officers in the Metro Division have led Moore to assign 10 officers to home and received suspended peace officer powers until the investigations are completed.

In addition, Moore revealed that another group of nine officers has been assigned to non-field duties while the department reviews inaccuracies in reports that the officers submitted. There is much left to do on this investigation and what number of all these officers I talked about, ultimately the investigation proves that misconduct occurred; I withhold that estimation until I actually see the final investigation, said Moore.

He noted that approximately 24 personnel are assigned to the investigation and he is working with the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office. Also, Moore requested that the assistance of the Office of Constitutional Policing, an independent arm of the LAPD, in the investigation.

First of all, integrity is an expectation of every member of this organization and when that integrity is reached or broken, then there is absolutely no temperament or safe haven for that individual, said Moore. There is no place in this organization for a person who would falsify information.

But what I want the public and South Los Angeles citizens and community members to recognize is just how strong the action has been by the organization and that I, as a chief, embarrassed by this. I am very discouraged that this happened or apparently has happened and I am committed to ensuring that there are consequences and it is clearly understood that this type of failure will not be tolerated or excused, stressed Moore.

Secondly, the efforts of Metropolitan Division, I believe the vast majority of men and women who work that command are outstanding police officers of the highest caliber and qualification and this is not representative of their work. However, I also recognize over the past couple years with the expansion of Metro and the added focus, the communities  particularly in South Los Angeles and communities of color  that those proactive crime suppression efforts were engaged caused more problems with building trust than in restoring or deepening our trust.

And which is why Isignificantly reorganized Metropolitan Division and their primary focus now is to support local detectives and investigators on identifying individuals involved in shooting violence and other serious crimes. And once those individuals are identified, going out and bringing them before the criminal justice system, Moore said.

I am proud of the work of Metro in the sense that they have now shifted and they now are supporting these investigations at a local level and achieving I believe good results, insisted Moore. But to the public, its a long answer to say that we hear them, we are aware of the concerns, we are going to investigate and take this investigation where it goes and there will be consequences for those who fail.
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the release of HDIL directors -- Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan -- accused of siphoning of funds, in PMC Bank scam case.

The Bombay High Court had recently in its order had allowed both the Wadhawan's plea and ordered to be shifted from Arthur Road prison to their residences with the jail posting two guards at their residence.

Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan are accused of siphoning of funds, in the PMC bank scam case.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court appointed a three-member committee headed by retired Judge S Radhakrishnan to expeditiously recover dues payable by Housing Development Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) to crisis-hit PMC Bank by valuation and sale of encumbered assets of HDIL.

On December 27 last year, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police had filed the first charge-sheet in the multi-crore PMC Bank scam in Esplanade Court.

The EOW had arrested 12 people in connection with the case, however, charge sheet of over 32,000 pages had been filed against the main accused HDIL promoters Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan, Waryam Singh, Joy Thomas, and Surjit Arora.

All the five accused were charged under sections 409, 406, 420, 467, 468,471, 477A and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

San Francisco, 16 January 2020: The Report Unified Communication as a Service Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Deployment (Public Cloud, Private Cloud), By Industry Vertical (Real Estate, Legal), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019  2025

The global unified communication as a service market size is anticipated to reach USD 97.7 billion by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.5% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Technological proliferation in the communication sector is expected to offer growth opportunities over the forecast period. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities are expected to change the workforce dynamics, thereby replacing the enterprise voice calls with virtual assistants and bots.

The rapid adoption of AI-enabled communication solutions is paving the way towards an increasingly connected future. These solutions assist professionals to simplify the workflow process by allowing machines to interpret data, analyze information, and guide them to make better decisions. For instance, Amazon, Inc., launched Chime, a cloud-based unified communication solution for meetings, video conferencing, and business calls. The increasing need to enhance business productivity by simplifying processes is expected to trigger the demand for solutions with respect to unified communication as a service.

The growing adoption of hybrid cloud solutions among organizations to prioritize and bifurcate company data has provided new opportunities for service providers to transition towards offering hybrid cloud solutions. Hybrid cloud allows companies to leverage the benefits of both cloud and on-premise infrastructure when planning to migrate to the cloud seamlessly. Additionally, the hybrid cloud also helps organizations to leverage existing infrastructure, thus offering cost-saving opportunities.

Having realized the increased benefits of UCaaS solutions, enterprises are integrating the solution with various social media platforms to understand the customers needs better and foster better customer relationships. Moreover, social media bots can also be integrated to address customer queries and get quick responses. Apart from the customer point of view, unified communication as a service can be leveraged with social medias real-time features to ensure employee connectivity in remote locations for easier and efficient collaboration and engagement.

Healthcare has emerged as one of the promising sectors, which has opened new growth avenues in terms of growth and transformation. The digital transformation of the healthcare sector is expected to create a strategic approach in adopting solutions with respect to unified communication as a service, to improve the patient experience. The integration of UCaaS with healthcare sector-specific tools such as emergency paging, nurse call systems, and the patient-record system helps healthcare professionals in making quick decisions. Furthermore, the adoption of UCaaS ensures secure and efficient co-ordination amongst hospital staff, which is essential for patient well-being in critical situations, thus promoting market growth.

Access Research Report of Unified Communication as a Service Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/unified-communications-as-a-service-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

Private cloud is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to greater reliability, security, and more control offered by private cloud in the data center

The healthcare segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to rising expectations of patients and staff to facilitate modern and effective communication

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. The introduction of 5G in the region has expanded revenue opportunities through faster data processing and communication

Key players in the unified communication as a service market are 8x8 Inc.; Amazon.com, Inc.; Avaya Inc.; CenturyLink, Inc.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; and Fuze, Inc.

Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/communication-services

Grand View Research has segmented the global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) market on the basis of deployment, industry vertical, and region:

Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2014 - 2025)

Public Cloud

Private Cloud

Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Industry Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2014 - 2025)

Automotive

Education

Healthcare

BFSI

Hospitality

Real Estate

Legal

IT & Telecom

Others

Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2014 - 2025)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

MEA

Access Press Release of Unified Communication as a Service Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-unified-communications-as-a-service-market

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

For More Information: www.grandviewresearch.com
A technician at the Badische Stahlwerke steel plant in Kehl, Germany. Photo: Vincent Kessler/Reuters

Data from Germanys federal statistics office on Wednesday revealed that Europes biggest economy expanded by 0.6% in 2019. This was in line with analysts expectations, but highlights how the global slowdown, including Chinas cooling economy, and the US-China trade war have taken their toll on the export-reliant German economy.

Last years GDP growth was the lowest in the past six years  since the 0.4% growth it posted in 2013  and significantly lower than 1.5% in 2018, and 2.2% in 2017.

"The golden decade Germany has seen for growth is gradually coming to an end," Holger Schmieding of Berenberg bank told AFP.

Strong domestic consumption and an unabated boom in construction both buoyed the German economy in 2019, and helped it narrowly avoid a recession for the year. However, its key manufacturing sector is technically in recession and struggling with shrinking orders from abroad.

The German economy still has two faces: a strong domestic one on the back of record high employment, consumer and government spending, and a weak industrial one on the back of the global manufacturing slowdown and its sector-specific problems in the automotive industry, said ING chief economist Carsten Brzeski in a note.

The outlook for the coming year is reasonably positive, however, with the Bundesbank expecting 2020 growth to be about the same as 2019.

"The big question is: how long will the domestic economy last?" OECD economist Nicola Brandt told Reuters. "If the uncertainties are not eliminated, it can spill over onto the domestic economy."

Pressure is mounting on the government, which announced this week that it had a budget surplus of 13.5bn (11.6bn, $15bn) at the end of 2019, to start pumping investment into everything from the countrys crumbling infrastructure, to education, digitisation, and even a reduction in income tax.

Today, at a car summit in Berlin, the automotive industry will tell the government it needs billions in financial support to implement the huge transition to electric cars.
A step-by-step guide to whats next as the Senate prepares to hold Trumps impeachment trial.

The United States House of Representatives on Wednesday formally handed off two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, clearing the way for a trial.

The House of Representatives impeached Trump on December 18 for abuse of power related to his efforts to get Ukraine to launch an investigation into his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress for his refusal to participate in the impeachment inquiry. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson deliver the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump to Secretary of the Senate Julie Adams on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 15, 2020 [Jose Luis Magana/Reuters]

Trump is almost certain to be acquitted in the Republican-led Senate, but the trial could deliver some unexpected moments if witnesses are called.

As the Senate prepares for the trial, heres a look at what happens next.

When will the trial take place? What time?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the trial would start in earnest on Tuesday following procedural matters scheduled to be completed this week.

In terms of timing, most expect the trial to go six days a week (Monday-Saturday) and begin at 1pm local time (18:00 GMT).

What will happen first?

Following a host of formalities, including the swearing-in of members and other housekeeping matters, the Senate will put forth an initial resolution outlining how the chamber will move forward with the trial.

According to McConnell, that measure would set up a phase for arguments by the House managers, who act as prosecutors, and Trumps defence team. There would then be a period for senators to submit written questions, which would be answered out loud by managers and lawyers in the Senate chamber. This phase could last one to two weeks.

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi signs the Articles of Impeachment against US President Donald Trump [Brendan Smialowski/AFP]

McConnell only needs 51 votes to approve these rules. The Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. Unlike the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton, support for the Trump trial rules package will likely fall along party lines.

The Senate must also formally notify Trump of the impeachment articles and ask for his reply.

What about witnesses?

The partisan divide on the rules is largely due to the question of witnesses. Democrats want to call at least four witnesses, including acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former White House National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Most Republicans say that calling witnesses will only draw out the inevitable: an acquittal. There are some cracks within the Republican caucus, however, and Democrats are hard at work trying to lobby those Republicans to support a motion to call witnesses.

Some Republicans have also said they may want to call Biden and his son, Hunter, as witnesses.

How long will the trial last?

If witnesses are called, the trial could last well into February. The first voting of the 2020 Democratic presidential election takes place on February 3 in Iowa. Four senators  Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet  who are also vying for the Democratic presidential nomination will be off the campaign trail during the trial itself as attendance is mandatory.

Trump is also scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address on February 4 (Clinton gave his State of the Union speech while on trial in 1999).

Who presides over the trial?

According to the Constitution, the chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial. The current Supreme Court chief justice is John Roberts.

In his annual report at the end 2019, Roberts said: As the New Year begins, and we turn to the tasks before us, we should each resolve to do our best to maintain the publics trust that we are faithfully discharging our solemn obligation to equal justice under law.

Who are the House managers?

The House has named seven managers, who will serve as prosecutors in the trial. They are:

Adam Schiff Jerrold Nadler Zoe Lofgren Hakeem Jeffries Val Demings Jason Crow Sylvia Garcia

House Managers walk to the US Senate to deliver the Articles of Impeachment against US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill [Jim Watson/AFP]

Read more about the managers here.

Who is on Trumps defence team?

Trump is still in the process of finalising his defence team, but White House counsel Pat Cipollone will lead the group. The team will also include White House Counsel Jay Sekulow. Cipollone and Sekulow are expected to make the opening arguments before the Senate.

The team also is expected to include Pat Philbin and Mike Purpura, who are deputies of Cipollone.
Ann Arbor, Mich., a college town with deep research roots and ties to automotive history, is ground zero for testing the latest vehicle-to-infrastructure technology. Those behind the work hope it can be used to cut traffic in the region and beyond.The Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment (AACVTE) is considered the largest deployment of connected vehicle technology in North America, boasting more than 2,500 connected vehicles talking to some 75 connected intersections.The project, structured as a multi-pronged agreement among the city, the university and the private sector, was formed about seven years ago with the goal of using this city in southern Michigan near Detroit, and home to the University of Michigan, as a test site for real-world deployments of connected vehicle technologies which involve in-vehicle devices and roadside units.Much of this project is guided by Mcity , a research arm of the university designed to study advanced mobility research and serve as the nexus of academia, government and the private sector.What weve been trying to do is understand how we can use these new emerging technologies to improve the traffic, said Huei Peng, director of Mcity.Understanding, when, where, how people travel, where are the problems like congestion or safety issues are very important, he added.Mcity quickly formed relationships and partnerships with City Hall to deploy and test technologies, taking the lead to secure grants and other funding to make the urban landscape test bed a reality.One of the things that is important to underscore here is that UMTRI [University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute] and Mcity were very cognizant of the citys needs when they were putting together those grant proposals, explained Raymond Hess, transportation manager for Ann Arbor.If were looking at a large-scale deployment, like we have here, it was helpful to sell it to senior leadership and city council to say, Look, this isnt all on city time. This isnt all unpaid. The city is going to be reimbursed, said Hess.Up to this point, the project has been gathering data and exploring how to put this data to practical use. The university holds the data, while the city transmits it via its fiber communications infrastructure.I think theres a lot of potential there that still remains untapped, that were in continued discussions with university on, said Hess. And so whats great is theyre engaging us. Theyre asking us, What is it you want to know about whats happening along the corridor?A big part of the project is understanding the depth and origins of congestion in Ann Arbor, a city of about 125,000 that swells significantly with workers serving a medical campus, as well as the traffic generated by the university.We have fairly significant A.M. and P.M. recurring congestion, said Hess.Some of the data being explored revolves around the distance a connected vehicle stops before an intersection, suggesting congestion and stacking at that intersection. Other sensors feeding information into the traffic management system provide details about real-time signal timing.Using all of this we are able to build enough data and modeling to understand where are the traffic bottlenecks of the city, said Peng. We are envisioning how this new technology can be used by the city.Ann Arbor is updating its transportation plan, and is having discussions about what concepts should guide the transportation plan of the future. Safety will likely be a top value, as will sustainability, multimodal transportation and congestion management, said Hess.In about 10 months, the city hopes to have a clearer picture of which direction to take the updated transportation plan. Some of the data collected from the Connected Vehicle Test Environment could help to inform that planning process, added Hess.Ann Arbor as an epicenter for this sort of technology testing may not be the result of simply having a key ingredient in its backyard: automotive research with long connections to the industry. It is more likely, said Hess, a combination of rich academic tradition and city leaders eager to explore technology and innovation.Just because you have a major research institution, alone, may not be enough. Having leadership at the city thats supportive, I think, is an important element, said Hess.The citys leadership is very much willing to try things, he added. Theyre very much for something new and innovative.However admirable and desirable solving traffic congestion in Ann Arbor may be, Mcity hopes to have an even wider impact....What we see in Michigan, in particular the engineering school, we are not happy with just doing a science project, said Peng. We want to change the world. There are a lot of problems: food, water, illness and many other problems. And so, in transportation engineering we want to make sure that what we study is really changing the society.
Kim Kardashian West put her curves on full display during a recent vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

After returning home from her recent getaway, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, 39, rolled out a series of sultry swimsuit photos from the trip on Instagram. She simply captioned the slideshow of pics: Cabo.

In one photo, Kardashian West kneels on the sand with her backside facing the camera to give a hint of her sand-covered butt in the burnt orange, high-rise one-piece bathing suit. Wearing her hair in a super long braid that dropped all the way down to the sand, the star also accessorized with rectangular sunglasses and chunky gold drop earrings.

Kim Kardashian West/Instagram

Kardashian West took another photo, laying back in the sand to reveal the plunging neckline and front stomach cutout on the one-piece. The final photo showed the star staring out at the sea and flaunting her butt in the cheeky swimsuit.

Kim Kardashian West/Instagram

RELATED PHOTOS: All the Behind-the-Scenes Photos Kim Kardashian Has Shared from Her Fashion Fittings

The sexy photos got sister Kylie Jenners stamp-of-approval, who commented a fire  emoji on the Instagram post.

Kim Kardashian West/Instagram

Earlier this week, Kardashian West posted another swimsuit photo on Instagram  this time wearing a bubblegum pink string bikini  from inside her closet as she was packing.

Her vacation modeling session comes shortly after the fashion and beauty mogul opened up about cutting back the number of sexy pics she shares on social media.

I guess I just dont care as much anymore to want to take tons of photos in a thong bikini, Kardashian West said in a November interview with New York magazine. I think Im evolving to where I dont feel the need to want to keep up.

Instead, when shes enjoying some time away from work while on vacation, the reality superstar said she prefers to just kick back and relax.

I actually just want to lay out. I dont care to take the time out of my day on vacation like I used to, where Id pull up to the house and Id see, This is a setup, this is an Instagram pic. Now this is a different setup,  Kardashian West said. Now Im just like, Lets actually live in real time and enjoy it. If we happen to get a photo, great. 
A pair of lion and lioness was brought to the Van Vihar National Park here on Thursday from Chhattisgarhs Kanan Pendari Zoological Park.

Lion Satya and Lioness Nandi, both aged around four years, reached Bhopals Van Vihar National Park from Bilaspur- based Kanan Pendari Zoological Park, said an officer of the Madhya Pradesh government's Public Relations Department.

Minister for Forest Umang Singhar welcomed the pair on their arrival at the city zoo, he said.

The pair was brought by a six-member team headed by Van Vihar National Parks director Kamalika Mohanta, the official said.

The big cats were placed in quarantine for examination before putting them for public viewing, he said.

With this, the number of lion has gone up to two and that of lioness to four in the Van Vihar National Park.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
English French

2019 ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE

Activity in Q4 2019 impacted by an estimated loss in revenues of around 70 million in December, due to social movements in France

Good resilience of estimated current operating margin and Free Cash Flow

Announcement of the launch of an active search for a partner for operations in the Netherlands

In a particularly difficult context for the retail sector due to major social movements in France in December, Fnac Darty announces an estimate of its sales and results for the 2019 period. The Group is also launching a search for a partner for its operations in the Netherlands.

The estimates of the 2019 key figures for continuing operations would be the following:

Operations in the Netherlands are recognized as discontinued operations, following the application of IFRS 5, unaudited figures.

Revenues: around 7,340 million

Current operating income: around 293 million

Free Cash Flow: around  170 million

Enrique Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Fnac Darty, commented: For the second year in a row, business in France was impacted by social movements in December, the most critical period for our sector. In 2019, these events will materially impact the Groups performance. Despite this, thanks to our agility and cost control, our current operating margin should show strong resilience and would reach 4% in 2019 based on our most recent estimates. In addition, I have decided to initiate a search for a partner for our Dutch subsidiary BCC. In 2020, in a remaining uncertain environment, we would target slight growth in our revenues and our current operating income. Lastly, Fnac Dartys unique assets, its omnichannel platform, its range of products and services, and the quality of its teams, should enable the Group to achieve, in the mid-term, a growth higher than its markets and a current operating margin of 4.5% to 5%.

Preliminary analyses of 2019 estimated performances - continuing operations

In 2019, Group revenues would be around 7,340 million with a +0.7% growth on a like-for-like basis (2) compared to 2018, despite an estimated loss in Christmas sales of around 70 million caused by the year-end strikes in France which particularly impacted the Fnac brand and its city-center stores.



would be around 7,340 million with a +0.7% growth on a like-for-like basis (2) compared to 2018, despite an estimated loss in Christmas sales of around 70 million caused by the year-end strikes in France which particularly impacted the Fnac brand and its city-center stores. The gross margin rate would reach 30.4%, down by -20 bps in 2019 compared to 2018, mainly due to the weight of Christmas sales, which was impacted by the social movements in France, and the dilutive technical effect of the growth of the franchise network. The product/service mix effect would remain slightly positive as a result of the favorable impact of the integration of Nature & Decouvertes.



mainly due to the weight of Christmas sales, which was impacted by the social movements in France, and the dilutive technical effect of the growth of the franchise network. The product/service mix effect would remain slightly positive as a result of the favorable impact of the integration of Nature & Decouvertes. Thanks to good cost control, Current Operating Income from Continuing Operations is estimated at around 293 million . It would include a contribution from acquired companies for slightly more than 20 million in 2019. The current operating margin from continuing operations would thus reach 4%.



. It would include a contribution from acquired companies for slightly more than 20 million in 2019. The would thus reach 4%. Despite the considerable unforeseeable revenue losses related to the strikes in December, the Groups sound execution and the positive effects of the consolidation scope should enable it to generate estimated Free Cash Flow of around 170 million, up compared to 2018.

Search for a partner for activities in the Netherlands

Given the efforts made to improve its operational agility and a renewed focus on markets in which the Group has a critical size, Fnac Darty has decided to launch an active search for a partner for its operations in the Netherlands so as to allow its Dutch subsidiary BCC to better seize its market opportunities.

Groups objectives

In a still uncertain social climate in France, the Group remains cautious about the performance of its markets in 2020, but confirms its ability to outperform their growth and remains focused on cost control.

As a result, the Group would target a slight growth in revenues and current operating income in 2020.

Fnac Darty confirms its mid-term objectives and aims to achieve higher growth than its markets and a current operating margin between 4.5% and 5%.

Important notices

All figures relating to the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 presented in this press release are estimated financial data. These estimated financial data have been prepared in accordance with an accounting and consolidation process similar to the process generally used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. However, not all the annual closing procedures have been completed.

These estimated financial data were reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Company on January 16, 2020 and have not been audited by the Companys statutory auditors.

The final complete consolidated financial statements of the Group, which will be the subject of an audit report by the Companys statutory auditors, will be published on February 26, 2020 after the stock market closes according to the provisional publication timetable.

CONFERENCE CALL TODAY AT 7 PM

Enrique Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, and Jean-Brieuc Le Tinier, Group Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call in French (simultaneous translation into English) for investors and analysts today at 7:00 p.m. (CET); 6:00 p.m. (UK) ; 1:00 p.m. (East Coast USA).

Dial-in numbers for conference call in French:

France: + 33 1 70 71 01 59

Access code: 75688753#

Dial-in numbers for conference call simultaneously translated into English

Germany: +49 69 222 225429

UK: +44 20 7194 3759

US: +1 646 722 4916

Access code: 82147285#

Replay dial-in numbers (available until Friday, April 17, 2020)

France: +33 (0)1 72 72 74 02

Replay access code: 418898658#

Germany: +49 211 97190087

UK: +44 20 3364 5147

US: +1 646 722 4969

Replay access code: 418898660#

APPENDICES

Summary of unaudited key figures of continuing operations for 2018

and reminder of reported and audited data for 2018

( millions) 2018

Continuing operations (1) 2018 reported Revenues 7,132 7,475 Change on like-for-like basis(2) +1% Gross margin

As a % of revenues 2,182

30.6% 2,265

30.3% Operating costs 1,878 1,969 Current operating income (COI) 304 296 Operating margin 4.2% 4.0% Free Cash Flow(3) 158 153

Operations in the Netherlands are recognized as discontinued operations for 2018, following the application of IFRS 5 - unaudited data. Like-for-like: excluding the impact of currency, the scope of consolidation, openings and closures of integrated stores Free Cash Flow including payment of the 20 million fine to the Competition Authority

Disclaimer - Forward-looking statements

This release may contain statements concerning the objectives, prospects and areas of development of the Group as well as forward-looking statements. Although these statements are based on data, assumptions and estimates that are considered to be reasonable by Fnac Darty at the date of this press release, Fnac Darty cannot guarantee that the objectives described will be achieved or that the projections will be realized nor that the assumptions made by Fnac Darty will prove to be fair. These statements and projections may change over time as a result of uncertainties relating to the vagaries of any business and to the change in the financial, economic, competitive and regulatory environment in which the Group operates. Fnac Darty makes no undertaking to update or revise the objectives, projections, prospects and forward-looking information contained in this release except pursuant to any legal or regulatory obligation that might apply to it. Fnac Darty cannot guarantee and give an assurance that the objectives described in this press release will be achieved.

CONTACTS



ANALYSTS / INVESTORS Stephanie Constand stephanie.constand@fnacdarty.com

+33 (0)1 55 21 18 63 Thibault Abeille thibault.abeille@fnacdarty.com

+33 (0)1 55 21 84 41

marina.louvard@fnacdarty.com

+33 (0)1 72 28 17 08 Marina Louvard PRESS Audrey Bouchard audrey.bouchard@fnacdarty.com

+33 (0)1 55 21 59 25

Attachment
[January 16, 2020] Cadence Bancorporation Appoints Nine Community Leaders to Newly Formed Community Reinvestment Act Advisory Board

Cadence Bancorporation (NYSE: CADE) announced the formation of a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Advisory Board to support the community outreach and reinvestment initiatives of Cadence Bank, its wholly owned subsidiary. These initiatives are outlined in the bank's 2019-2023 Community Benefits Plan, created with input from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). The CRA Advisory Board serves to strengthen Cadence Bank's fair lending and CRA programs for low-to-moderate income and underserved minority communities. Members of the CRA Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance and direction on the bank's affordable housing, small business, economic and community development, and financial empowerment initiatives. The advisory board will meet twice annually, with its inaugural meeting scheduled for February 2020 in Houston. Seven community leaders have been appointed initially to the CRA Advisory Board: Robert Dickerson, Jr., NCRC Chairperson and Executive Director, Birmingham Business Resource Center, Birmingham, Alabama; Dickerson will serve as board chair.

Aidza Antonio-Thomas, Director, Solita's House, Tampa, Florida

Charles Harris, Executive Director, Housing Education & Economic Development, Jackson, Mississippi

Bambie Hayes-Brown, President & CEO, Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Atlanta, Georgia

Matt Hull, Executive Director, Texas Association of Community Development Corporations and Texas Community Capial, Austin, Texas

Jenn Jones, Chief, Membership, Policy and Training, NCRC, Washington, D.C.

Mary Ellen Juda, Executive Director, Neighborhood Concepts, Huntsville, Alabama

Mona Lisa Morris, Director of Financial Literacy Programs, Birmingham Business Resource Center, Birmingham, Alabama

Beverly Watts, Executive Director, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Nashville, Tennessee



The Cadence Bank team supporting the CRA Advisory Board includes: Sam Tortorici, CEO; Hank Holmes, President; John Acosta, Executive Group Manager; Tell Alessio, Treasurer; Sharon Geib, Mortgage Division President; Teresa Hemphill, Chief Credit Administration Executive; Eric Heslop, Executive Group Manager - Community Development Lending; Aimee Hamilton, Enterprise Risk Manager; Mark Washington, CRA Manager; Eula Jackson, CRA Community Development Officer, Alabama/Mississippi; Rod Loggins, CRA Community Development Officer, Memphis; Vikki McDonald, CRA Community Development Officer, Florida; Chris Marion, CRA Community Development Officer, Georgia; David Vasquez, CRA Community Development Officer, Houston/San Antonio.

About Cadence Bancorporation Cadence Bancorporation (NYSE: CADE), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a regional financial holding company with $17.9 billion in assets as of September 30, 2019. Cadence operates 98 branch locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, and provides corporations, middle-market companies, small businesses and consumers with a full range of innovative banking and financial solutions. Services and products include commercial and business banking, treasury management, specialized lending, asset-based lending, commercial real estate, SBA lending, foreign exchange, wealth management, investment and trust services, financial planning, retirement plan management, personal and business insurance, consumer banking, consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and loans, and credit cards. Clients have access to leading-edge online and mobile solutions, interactive teller machines, and more than 55,000 ATMs. The Cadence team of 1,800 associates is committed to exceeding customer expectations and helping their clients succeed financially. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005111/en/

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The government is not contemplating any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

He said that India believes in fair play and equal treatment to all the countries. "I don't think we have put any curbs on imports from Malaysia, and neither we are contemplating nor we have put any curbs on Turkey," he said here at the Raisina Dialogue. The minister said that any import curbs being imposed by India is only to protect interest of the country and it is uniform in nature. "If some of ...
A young elephant seal that apparently never picked up skills needed to survive in the wild has moved into the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Nessie the seal was rescued, rehabbed and released five times by Sea World San Diego Rescues Animal Care Team.

When she was rescued yet again, Sea World contacted the Pittsburgh Zoo, which is the only facility in North America that cares for rescued northern elephant seals.

When I got the call from Sea World San Diego about Nessie, I didnt hesitate to say yes, said Paul Moylett, curator of aquatic life at the Pittsburgh Zoo. We are definitely up to the challenge of caring for Nessie and we are looking forward to learning even more about northern elephant seals.

Nessie did not arrive with any physical impairments, such as both Coolio (the zoos late male northern elephant seal) and Ellie Mae, who both had severe sight impairments which prevented them from successfully hunting for food.

We believe that Nessie never developed the ability to forage for food, said Moylett. Each time she was found, she was severely underweight and malnourished and had beached herself.

Young northern elephant seals are left on their own at such a young age that many dont develop their natural instincts, such as foraging for food or finding shelter.

Northern elephant seal

Northern elephant seals, which are found in the North Pacific Ocean from southern California to Alaska, are the second largest seal in the world, after the southern elephant seal. Male northerns can grow to more than 13 feet in length and 4,500 pounds, while females can be 10 feet long and 1,500 pounds.

Elephant seals were named for the large, elephant-trunk-like noses of the adult males. They begin developing their enlarged noses at sexual maturity at about three to five years and it is fully developed at seven to nine years.

When Nessie arrived in Pittsburgh, like all new animals, she spent time in quarantine.

Quarantine provides the opportunity for us to conduct our first exam to ensure that Nessie is in good health and has no significant injuries, explained Ginger Sturgeon, director of animal health. The animal also has time to adjust to his or her new surroundings.

Then, late last year, Nessie moved into to her permanent home at the Waters Edge area of the zoo.

She is doing very well, said Moylett. She is curious about Ellie Mae, as well as our sea lions Nav and Piper. It is a slow process and we are taking our cues from Nessie, letting her set the schedule for when she is comfortable enough to share space first with Ellie Mae and then Nav and Piper.

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
In his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia shook up the country and its political class by calling for constitutional changes that would give him a new path to holding onto power after his current  and, in theory, last  term ends in 2024.

With that, the entire cabinet, led by a long-serving Putin ally, Prime Minister Dmitri A. Medvedev, abruptly resigned. The head of the Federal Tax Service, Mikhail V. Mishustin  a little-known but skilled technocrat  will become the next prime minister.

The spate of moves offers some clues about Mr. Putins plans and priorities, but also raises questions about what may lie ahead for the Russian president. Here are answers to some of them.

What is Putin doing?

Mr. Putins hold on power in Russia is unrivaled, built up over the last 20 years in his posts as president and prime minister.
Prehistoric trees in Australia saved from wildfires in secret mission originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Firefighters in Australia successfully embarked on a secret mission to save the prehistoric -- and extremely rare -- Wollemi pine trees from the bushfires ravaging the country, officials said.

The country's Minister of Energy and Environment said that thanks to the mission, the trees that "survived the dinosaurs ... look like they'll survive these bushfires."

"Wollemi National Park is the only place in the world where these trees are found in the wild and, with less than 200 left, we knew we needed to do everything we could to save them," Matt Kean, the country's minister of Energy and Environment, said in a statement.

MORE: How to help support the Australian wildfires relief effort

The exact location of the trees is kept secret from the public to prevent contamination, but four firefighters were asked to visit the site for the mission.

PHOTO: Wollemi Pines are pictured in the Blue Mountains in Australia, Jan. 9, 2020. A specialist team of remote firefighters have helped save the pre-historic species known as 'Dinosaur trees' from this seasons bushfires. (NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment)

The operation involved air tankers spraying fire retardant and firefighters setting up an irrigation system in the gorge where the trees are located to increase moisture content on the ground, according to a press release from Kean's office.

As the fire approached the trees, helicopters dumped buckets of water on the fire edge to reduce its impact on the grove of trees, which are sometimes referred to as "dinosaur trees."

PHOTO: Wollemi Pines are pictured in the Blue Mountains in Australia, Jan. 9, 2020. A specialist team of remote firefighters have helped save the pre-historic species known as 'Dinosaur trees' from this seasons bushfires. (NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment)

Until 1994, Wollemi trees were believed to have been extinct. Once officials realized some hundred still existed, they have worked to protect them. Because the trees are considered a "critical habitat," according to a spokesman for Kean, it is illegal for the public to go anywhere near them.

Wollemi National Park is located in New South Wales, a state that has been particularly devastated by the fires that began in September 2019.

MORE: More than 1 billion animals estimated dead in Australia wildfires: Expert

As of Friday local time, 85 bush and grass fires were still burning, according to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Thirty of those fires were still not contained.

Story continues

Yet heavy rain in the area offered reprieve and hope to many residents.

PHOTO: Wollemi Pines are pictured in the Blue Mountains in Australia, Jan. 9, 2020. A specialist team of remote firefighters have helped save the pre-historic species known as 'Dinosaur trees' from this seasons bushfires. (NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment)

In just 24 hours, more than 10 communities in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales recorded their best rainfall in years, according to the local network Nine News, citing the Bureau of Meteorology.

The rainfall wasn't all good news, though. Severe thunderstorms have caused power outages across New South Wales, according to Ausgrid, an electricity company.

This season's bushfires began about two months before the usual start date of December and are expected to continue for at least another few weeks, possibly months.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday said it will provide a formula for proceeds distribution among the creditors of debt-ridden IL&FS group firms. A NCLAT-bench headed by Chairperson Justice S J Mukhopadhaya said its formula would balance the interests of all stakeholders, including creditors.

The tribunal have also asked some of the lenders to file revised framework proposed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs within a week, stating their position in the resolution of IL&FS group, which has a cumulative debt of over Rs 90,000 crore.

"We are looking at the public interest, what should be done for the purpose of survival of the company which includes all those who have financed," the bench said.

It also said, "Let us have a formula in place for distribution. Creditors' interest is also public interest".

Senior advocate Ramji Srinivas representing IL&FS board submitted that the revised resolution framework provided a fair and equitable formula for distribution of sale proceeds catering to the interests of all creditors.

As per the road-map for IL&FS, which has a total debt of over Rs 90,000 crore, its group companies have been categorised into three categories -- Green, Amber and Red -- based on their respective financial positions.

Companies under the green category will be those that continue to meet their payment obligations.

Amber category is for those companies that would not be able to meet their obligations but can meet only operational payment obligations to senior secured financial creditors.

Amber category entities "are permitted to make only payments necessary to maintain and preserve the going concern".

Companies falling in the red category are the entities which can not meet their payment obligations towards even senior secured financial creditors.

Such companies will be permitted to make payment necessary to maintain and preserve.

The entire resolution process is based on the principles enunciated in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
The new trade deal between Washington and Beijing is intended in part to address one of the most acrimonious issues between them: China's tactics in acquiring technology from companies based in the West.

It's a thorny topic, and one that is unlikely to be fully solved with a trade pact.

The Trump administration blames China for stealing Western trade secrets, and it used those allegations as the legal basis for launching the trade war nearly two years ago. Trade talks between the two sides quickly became about broader issues, but the initial trade pact signed on Wednesday includes pledges by China to stop some of the practices that Western businesses have long criticised. Depending on the details, that could make the deal more palatable for US businesses.

President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He shake hands after signing the US-China trade agreement in the White House. Credit:AP

Underpinning these concerns is that China has repeatedly shown that it can acquire technology and, through heavy government subsidies, build competitive rivals to US companies. Businesses worry that it could do the same in other industries, like software and chips.
There is massive speculation around senior Congress leader and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's next move. On Saturday, the leader said a new political party is a necessity in Assam to throw BJP out of power. He was later missing from the Congress Working Committee meeting the same day in New Delhi.

Republic TV spoke to the veteran Congressman over his recent pitch. "We want a regional party. The AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) tied up with the BJP and it's now disappeared. AGP is dying. Those opposed to CAA and not in favour of Congress should form a party. Our sole motive is to defeat the BJP," Gogoi said.

READ | Cong Urges Amit Shah To Restore Z+ Security Cover Of Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi

Matter of electoral politics

Tarun Gogoi necessitated his argument saying that those in opposition to "communal parties" like BJP need to constitute a formal front. "It is a matter of electoral politics. We won't be able to check these communal parties with their divisive agenda if we don't defeat them is polls. I'm not asking them to form a new party, I am saying there is a need." He insisted that his statement does not mean the Congress has failed as an opposition party but that others opposed to BJP should form an outfit that can take on the BJP alongside Congress.

READ | 'Hindu Religion Not BJP's Monopoly': Says Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi

Dynamic Assam politics

Congress party has been at the receiving end of changing political dynamics in Assam. The BJP successfully pulled leaders like Himanta Biswa Sarma in 20166 to win the Assembly elections in alliance with AGP and other smaller parties. However, Assam has been on the boil since the NDA government at the Centre passed a new citizenship law that cleared the path for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh to gain citizenship, inviting backlash against the BJP.

Earlier, the Congress and the opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) had proposed CM Sarbananda Sonowal to dump the BJP and flip sides to form a coalition with UPA in their joint opposition to CAA.

READ | CONTROVERSIAL: Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi Calls PM Modi 'Hindu Jinnah'

READ | Cong Slams BJP For Not Taking Action Against Dilip Ghosh, Levels 'fascist Regime' Charge
1917

At Cinemark

(R)

Grade: A-

On April 2, 1917, the exact day Jeannette Rankin of Montana took her seat in Congress, President Woodrow Wilson asked for a declaration of war against Germany.

Four days later, on April 5, Congress began casting votes on entering the war. After midnight, on April 6, Rankins name was called to vote. Pulitzer-winning writer Will Englund captured the scene.

At 3 a.m., the roll was called, wrote Englund. Miss Rankin was evidently under great mental distress Her appearance was that of a woman on the verge of a breakdown. Would she betray her cause by voting against war? Or would she betray her conscience by voting in favor? She remained silent

The clerk went through the roll again. Miss Rankin, he called out twice.

She stood, clasped the back of the seat in front of her. I want to stand by my country -- but I cannot vote for war, she said. Does that, the clerk asked, mean no? She nodded, dry-eyed, and sat down.

Englund noted Rankin had cried often in the days leading up the vote, torn apart by the decision.

That vote probably cost her reelection. But, in 1940 she was elected to Congress again, and once again was asked to authorize American entry into a war. She, again, voted no, and a national headline screamed: Woman lone dissenter as Congress declares war.

"As a woman, I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else, she said, as she cast the only vote against sending America into World War II.

Its hard not to think of those who tried to keep us out of war when we see compelling films about the horrors of war.

Recently, weve seen two powerful depictions of World War I.

Peter Jacksons 2018 World War I documentary They Shall Not Grow Old used footage from the archives of Britains Imperial War museum. The narration was done by survivors of the Great War.

We moviegoers felt like we were standing next to soldiers who, in hours, would die from machine guns, or poison gas on the front in France or Belgium. Jacksons grandfather fought and was wounded in the Great War. Jackson wanted to honor him  and many others on both sides  100 years later.

Now in 2020, director Sam Mendes honors his grandfather by recounting that same war in the powerful film, 1917. Mendes based the script on stories his grandfather told him  part fact, part myth.

Once again, we are taken to the front lines in Europe, side by side with two British friends given a harrowing assignment: Take a note to the general on the front lines in time to stop an attack that will result in the slaughter of thousands of troops as they rush into a German trap.

Instead of seeing soldiers massacred on the battlefield, Mendes chooses to bring war home to us through constant low-level fear as we and the two soldiers step over bodies, slosh through mud, dive to avoid sniper fire, walk across broken railings of bridges and, finally, reach the front lines just as troops are huddled to rush into German fire.

The tension and fear are unrelenting.

Mendes counterpoints the horror of war with stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins. Images of pure horror are rendered as Louvre paintings. One scene finds our friend running for his life at night as flares are fired overhead so Germans can spot him and kill him.

One second, its dark. The next its breathtakingly beautiful as if sunrise has arrived in an explosion of color.

Battlefield death is not beautiful, but the artists working on this film captured the death of soldiers in a way that memorializes their sacrifice while making us want to join Rankin in trying to stop war.

The plot was loosely based on stories that Mendes grandfather had told him about his experiences as a messenger in the British military during the same period.

Mendes chose to cast actors he described as fresh, rather than seeking marquee stars. Although Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay have some notable credits including Chapmans Game of Thrones roles, they are intentionally meant to be every man, any soldier. Along the way they encounter some higher paid stars such as Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The film is getting considerable attention because of a camera technique described as designed to give the illusion of a single take following the men on their journey. Thats only partly true, of course, but seeing the war through a scared soldiers eyes keeps us relentlessly immersed in the story.

Jacksons documentary is actually the more powerful film, owing to its meticulous attention to detail and its use of authentic footage. Seeing them both, makes 1917 feel just a touch more Hollywood.

But the impact of 1917 at the end is like a requiem to good men, gone too soon. I just sat there, sad.

Ernest Hemingway called World War I the most colossal, murderous, mismanaged butchery that has ever taken place on earth.

Mendes takes us back one more time so that we may not relive history. Rankin tried to warn us.

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Ramey Jackson, CEO of Janus International, said, "We're very excited to have Steel Storage Australasia join the Janus family. This addition further solidifies Janus as a truly global turn-key solutions provider for the self-storage industry. The acquisition also positions our group of companies to meet rapidly increasing demand for Janus' products and technologies in the Australian market, including our mobile storage solutions and our Noke Smart Entry system."

"Janus continues to show strong growth both organically and through disciplined, targeted acquisitions like Steel Storage Australasia, a transaction that will add significant market opportunities for Janus' existing solutions," said Jose E. Feliciano, Managing Partner and Co-Founder and Colin Leonard, Partner, Clearlake. "We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Janus and we remain committed to supporting the company through our resources, relationships and the power of our O.P.S. framework."

ABOUT JANUS

Janus International Group, LLC is the leading global manufacturer and supplier of turn-key self-storage building solutions including: roll up and swing doors, hallway systems and re-locatable storage units, and facility and door automation tools. The Janus team operates out of several U.S. locations and five locations internationally. More information is available at www.janusintl.com.

ABOUT CLEARLAKE

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is a leading private investment firm founded in 2006. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with world-class management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to dynamic businesses that can benefit from Clearlake's operational improvement approach, O.P.S. The firm's core target sectors are industrials and energy; software and technology-enabled services, and consumer. Clearlake has managed over $16 billion of institutional capital since inception and its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 200 investments. More information is available at www.clearlake.com.

Media Contacts:

For Janus

(866) 562-2580

[email protected]

For Clearlake

Kristin Celauro

Ph: +1 732-433-5200, or

[email protected]

Jennifer Hurson

Ph: +1 845-507-0571

[email protected]

Lambert & Co.

SOURCE Janus International Group

Related Links

http://www.janusintl.com


Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 16, 2020

2020/01/16

Q: The entire Russian government headed by Medvedev resigned yesterday. President Vladimir Putin then proposed the candidacy of Russian Federal Tax Service chief Mikhail Mishustin for the position of prime minister. I wonder if the Chinese foreign ministry has any comment on that? Can any changes in the Russian government have any influence on the Russia-China bilateral relations?

A: We noted that in the news. The resignation of Mr. Medvedev and the Russian government is Russia's internal affair, which China, as its friendly neighbor, fully respects.

During his time in office, Mr. Medvedev worked actively to promote China-Russia relations. In particular, his many trips to China and meetings with Premier Li Keqiang under the framework of regular meetings between Chinese and Russian prime ministers are worth mentioning here. He has made important contributions to bilateral practical cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and energy. China speaks highly of all these. We hope and believe that in his new capacity, Mr. Medvedev will continue to contribute to the development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

As to your question about the influence of this on bilateral relations, I can assure you, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations have stepped into a new era where the relationship is more mature, stable and resilient, immune to the changes in the international landscape and domestic politics. China is fully confident in continuing to deepen and develop China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

Q: German prosecutors have reportedly launched an international investigation into a suspected Chinese spy ring. The investigation centers on three German nationals suspected of having passed on sensitive information including commercial data to Chinese handlers. Can you comment on this investigation?

A: I'm not aware of this.

Q: According to reports, Gwadar Port, a very important component of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has started handling transit cargo to and from Afghanistan, and the first shipment arrived at the port this Tuesday. Do you have any comment on that?

A: We've seen relevant reports and are glad to note the new progress in the development of the Gwadar port. We would like to see the port playing a bigger role in promoting trade in goods in the region. As has been proven, the CPEC not only benefits the people in China and Pakistan, but also boosts the development of other countries in the region and contributes to greater regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Q: About the EU Chamber of Commerce report on Belt and Road Initiative. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China surveyed members about their participation in the BRI and issued a report saying that only a small number of firms have been invited to participate. It also said that it's unclear how to bid for projects. We want to seek your comment on this.

A: I haven't read that report yet. But after hearing your description of it, I think their views and conclusions are inaccurate.

As we said repeatedly, the Belt and Road Initiative is an initiative for economic cooperation and an international public good. Following the "golden principles" of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, it champions open, inclusive and transparent cooperation. Under the BRI framework, Chinese and foreign companies all participate in projects in an open, transparent and fair way that follows market principles. The bidding process is open and transparent, too. Whether and how a company participates is entirely based on its market behavior, and whether a company can get the bid depends on its own competitiveness.

In the past six years after the BRI was proposed, a number of foreign companies including European ones have participated in it. For instance, Siemens expanded its market with over a hundred Chinese firms. Schneider Electric has carried out in-depth cooperation with Chinese companies in many infrastructure building projects in BRI partner countries. DHL and many other European companies are part of BRI logistics. I have a lot of similar examples on European companies' participation in the BRI.

I'd like to stress that the Chinese government will continue to encourage and guide Chinese companies to follow market principles in BRI cooperation. We also encourage them to engage in greater cooperation with local firms in host countries and with third parties, which will bring them bigger development opportunities and space for growth.

Q: After the signing of the US-China phase one trade deal, how does the Chinese government see relations with the US today? Is it dawn of a new era or still a long way to go?

A: China and the US signed the phase one trade deal in Washington D.C. Yesterday. Both delivered remarks at the signing ceremony, which I believe you have noted. There has also been a detailed press release from the Chinese side.

I would just like to stress that, conclusion of the phase one trade agreement between China and the US is good for China, for the US, and for the whole world. It also shows that our two countries have the ability to act on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and work through dialogue and consultation to properly handle and effectively resolve relevant issues.

Q: About the trade deal. President Trump said he would visit China in the not too distant future. Do you have any information about it?

A: As you may recall, in a telephone call between the two heads of state on December 20, 2019, they agreed to maintain regular communication and contact through various means.

Q: Yesterday in New Delhi, Russian foreign minister Lavrov said that India and Brazil deserve to be permanent members of the UNSC. Can you please explain China's position on this?

A: The UNSC is the core of the international collective security architecture. It needs to be reformed to better fulfill its mandate by the UN Charter. Developing countries should be able to have a greater representation and say, and more medium- and small-sized countries should be given the opportunity to participate in decision-making. Reforming the Security Council is a major undertaking that bears on the long-term development of the UN and the immediate interests of all members states. As of now, with significant differences persisting, there is not yet broad-based consensus on a reform proposal. China stands ready to continue working with other member states in search of a package solution that accommodates all sides' interests and concerns.

Q: The day before yesterday China has released its official bilateral trade data between India and China with a huge trade imbalance again. I'd like to know what steps China has taken after the Wuhan summit to correct this imbalance and what are the plans for China to address this issue in 2020?

A: China always attaches great importance to India's concerns about trade imbalance. We have never deliberately pursued a trade surplus with India. In recent years, China has taken a series of measures, including increasing imports of rice and sugar and accelerating approval process for import of medical and agricultural products from India. Over the past five years, China's imports from India have grown by 15 percent, with more and more Indian goods finding their way to Chinese households. In 2019, India's trade deficit with China has declined significantly. At the second China International Import Expo, the deals India secured registered the biggest increase by percentage among all countries.

China and India are both major countries and members of the G20. The two countries enjoy rapid economic growth and boast huge development potential. Both sides should view the trade imbalance in a dynamic light and strive to find new ways to solve the problem. At last year's informal meeting in Chennai, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi agreed to establish a high-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism between the two countries. We hope the two sides will work together to make good use of this mechanism, strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, and promote the balanced development of bilateral trade.

Q: During his annual address to Federal Assembly yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that five permanent members of the Security Council should work together to eliminate any preconditions for global conflicts and have a special responsibility for world peace and sustainable development. I wonder if China agrees with his position? Or do you think that other big countries should also bear the same responsibility?

A: China agrees with President Putin's view. The UNSC is the core of the international collective security architecture. The five permanent members of the Security Council shoulder special responsibilities for global peace and security. With rising instability and uncertainty in the world and surging regional hotspot issues, the international community is calling for commitment to multilateralism and a stronger role of the UN.

This year, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-Fascist war and of the founding of the UN, it is important for the five permanent members to strengthen communication over the international landscape and major international and regional issues, and step up coordination and cooperation, which will greatly contribute to upholding multilateralism and the post-war international order, the authority of the UN and the Security Council, and global and regional peace and stability.

Q: US Vice President Mike Pence said the US and China have begun phase two trade talks. Can you confirm this and give more details on what level these talks are at and what topics they are focusing on?

A: China and the US have signed the phase one trade deal. The pressing task at the moment is for the two sides to, in the principle of equality and mutual respect, honor their commitments in the agreement, accommodate each other's core concerns and earnestly implement the deal. This is important to the trade relations between the two sides going forward.

Regarding the specific question you asked about, I'll leave that to competent authorities.

Q: According to the text of the phase one trade deal, China will additionally purchase no less than 200 billion US dollars worth of agricultural products from the US in the next two years. Can China ensure purchase up to this huge amount?

A: As I just said, conclusion of the phase one trade agreement between China and the US is good for China, for the US, and for the whole world. The pressing task at the moment is for the two sides to honor their commitments in the agreement, accommodate each other's core concerns and earnestly implement the deal.

Q: I'd like to know what exactly is China's position on India's entry into the UNSC? Secondly, about the figures. You said there is a dramatic drop in the trade deficit between the two countries. In the past two years, it has been quite high...about $58 billion, and the new figure in 2019 was $56 billion. Considering bilateral trade has actually declined, the difference is not very obvious.

A: As for the reform of the Security Council, I just expounded on China's position in a thorough manner in my reply to a previous question. I have no further information to provide.

As for the trade imbalance between China and India you asked about, what I just shared with you was the data of 2019, which shows a clear drop in India's trade deficit with China. As I said, China always attaches great importance to India's concerns about trade imbalance. We have never deliberately pursued a trade surplus with India. In fact, in the past few years, China has taken a series of measures to expand imports from India. We believe that such platforms as the CIIE can also play a positive role in increasing our imports from India and addressing the trade imbalance between the two sides. All in all, China has every sincerity on this issue. We are willing to work with the Indian side to gradually resolve it.
Oil traded near its lowest closing level in six weeks as cautious hopes that the U.S.-China trade pact will support demand were offset by signs of ample supply.

Futures held near $58 a barrel on Thursday after settling the previous day at the lowest since Dec. 3. While the deal between Washington and Beijing promises increased Chinese purchases of American energy, and defuses some of the tensions that weighed on global markets last year, U.S. government data showed that combined inventories of crude and refined products rose to their highest since September.
This is the unbelievable moment a tourist trying to take a selfie with an elephant manages to escape alive after narrowly avoiding being trampled.

Shocking video footage shows a group of men fleeing for their life after enraging an Indian elephant in Hosur in Tamil Nadu, India, earlier this month.

One of the runners falls at the feet of the charging elephant and gets knocked by it.

He manages to escape an almost certainly lethal trampling once the elephant gets bored and walks off.

Shocking video footage shows a group of men fleeing for their life after enraging an Indian elephant in Hosur in Tamil Nadu, India, earlier this month

One of the runners falls at the feet of the charging elephant and gets knocked by it

More than 50 elephants had left the forest to find food but one was separated from the herd and followed by a large crowd of villagers.

Three of them then try to take a souvenir selfie with the creature before it starts to run after them.

The near-fatal attack happened just days after Vengita Lakshmiyammal, 75, was trampled to death at Kudisaganapalli village on January 4.

Dozens of people die in India every year in elephant attacks - with a significant but number of those attacks down to people trying to grab photos with the wild beasts.

Dozens of people die in India every year in elephant attacks - with a significant but number of those attacks down to people trying to grab photos with the wild beasts

The trend has been exacerbated by the fact that a lack of food has forced elephants out of the forests and into villages and towns on the hunt for rice.

According to a study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the Indraprastha Institute of Information in Delhi, India has recorded far more selfie-related deaths than any other country in the world in recent years.
[January 15, 2020] Bulgaria Will Participate in the Master Design Challenge, the World Final of Roca's Express Design Competition

- The winners of the second edition held in Bulgaria will participate in the grand world final in Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector - The activities that will be carried out during the competition are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Desislava Petrova and Liliya Ivanova, students of architecture in UACEG, winners of the second edition of the Roca One Day Design Challenge in Bulgaria, Roca's express design competition, will travel to Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector, from the 20th to the 22nd January to celebrate the first edition of the Master Design Challenge, along with the winners of all editions held all around the world in 2019. This world final will challenge the young designers to show their qualities o discover who will be the winner among winners. It will be held in collaboration with the BCD (Barcelona Centre de Disseny) and the We Are Water Foundation.



Throughout these three days, all activities will focus on innovation, creativity, design and sustainability and will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations, in order to achieve a better future for all. The proposals of the representatives of the 12 countries that will be attending the final will be assessed by an internationally acclaimed jury, made up of: Joao Bessa, founder of BESSA; Josep Congost, Design and Innovation Director at Roca; Kenneth Koh, founder of Quarters Architects; Isabel Pintado, Regional Managing Director at Wilson Associates; Vladimir Pirozhkov, president of the 'Astra Rossa' industrial design and innovation center; Isabel Roig, general director of the Barcelona Center of Design; and Xavier Torras, Roca Brand Communication Director.

The winner will be able to attend the prestigious Boisbuchet Design and Architecture school at Lessac, France, and will be presented with 3,000 in prize money and a BenQ monitor for graphic design with a value of 1,190. Roca, a leading brand in products for the bathroom space, organizes these initiatives to provide visibility to young talent. Roca One Day Design Challenge was first held in 2012 and since then its international expansion has increased over the years. The competition challenges young architecture and design students and professionals to create original and innovative products for the bathroom space in just one day.

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Exhibit of pastels by Lee Skalkos of Newtown: Runs through Feb. 29. Library, 62 Main St. South.

People, Places and Things - exhibit of works by Susan Grisell of Gaylordsville: Runs through Feb. 29. Reception, Jan. 23, 5-7 p.m. Presented by library at librarys temporary gallery at 19 and 23 Kent Green Boulevard. To RSVP to the reception, call 860-927-3761.

MARBLE DALE/NEW PRESTON

Journeys, A Retrospective - works by Grace Scharr McEnaney of Newtown: Runs through Feb. 9. The Loft Gallery at The Smithy, 10 Main St.

ROXBURY

The Artists Dance - works by Peter Frisbie: Exhibit runs through Feb. 22. Library, South Street.

SHERMAN

Water and Sky - works by Beth Carlson: Runs through Feb. 19. Library, Sherman Center.

WASHINGTON

Exhibit of works by Christine Vitarello: Runs through Jan. 25. Library, Wykeham Road.

Moving Parts - exhibit of works by Jen Abbott-Tillou: Opening reception, Feb. 1, noon-2 p.m. Runs through March 14. Library, Wykeham Road.

Music/Dance

KENT

Live Irish music: Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m. Bulls Bridge Inn, 333 Kent Road. For more information, email davepatonmusic@gmail.com.

SHERMAN

Open mic night: Thursdays. Sign-up, 6 p.m. Performances, 7 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 9 Route 39 South. $5/performer. $10 admission/member and non-member.

Concert with RivaJean: Jan. 18, 7 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 9 Route 39 South. $20/member. $25/non-member.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BRIDGEWATER

Pete the Cat event: Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Library, 62 Main St. South. In recognition of Take Your Child to the Library Day. For more information and RSVP, call 860-354-6937.

KENT

Digital device help: First Saturday of each month: one-on-one instruction with Michael Jay, noon-1:30 p.m. Bring iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc. Second Saturday of each month: device solutions with Bryan Gundel. Library, Main Street. For more information and RSVP, call 860-927-3761.

Program with Cindy and Jozzi of Wild Womens Coffee, LLC: Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m. Library, Main Street. For more information and RSVP, call 860-927-3761.

NEW MILFORD

Al-Anon family group meetings: Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, 7-8 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 Kent Road.

Bereavement support group: First and third Thursday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. Facilitated by Bob OKeefe, LCSW at New Milford VNA & Hospice, 68 Park Lane Road (Route 202). For individuals grieving the death of a loved one For more information, call 860-354-2216.

Living Without a Partner support group: Second and fourth Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m. Hosted by New Milford VNA & Hospice at senior center, 40 Main St. Facilitated by Catherine Vlasto, LCSW. For anyone

Bingo: Thursdays. Doors open, 4:30 p.m. Food available to buy, 5:15 p.m. Games, 6:30 p.m. VFW hall, Avery Road.

Roast beef dinner: Jan. 18, 4:30-7 p.m. Held third Saturday each month, 4:30-7 p.m. Odd Fellows Hall, 25 Danbury Road. $14/adult. $12/senior. $5/child 4-12. Free/child under 4.

Coffee with mayor: Jan. 25, 9:30-11 a.m. E. Paul Martin Meeting Room, town hall, 10 Main St.

IPA Tasting & Dinner: Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m. Hosted by Village Center for the Arts at St. Johns Episcopal Church, Whittlesey Avenue. For more information and RSVP, call 860-354-4318.

POW/MIA annual bell-ringing ceremony to mark the 47th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement: Jan. 26, noon. Arrive, 11:45 a.m. At St. Francis Xavier parish center, Elm Street. Bring handbell.

Veterans session: Jan. 29, 9-11:30 a.m.Town hall, Main Street.

Adult coloring program: Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. Library, Main Street. For more information and RSVP, call 860-927-3761.

SHERMAN

Author talk and book signing: Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. Library, Sherman Center. With Jamie Jackson Spannhke, author of The Lawyer, the Lion & the Laundry.

Spymistresses: The Story of Allied Women Spies of WWII: Jan. 19, 2 p.m. Library, Sherman Center. With John CIiio.

Connecticut Audubon Societys Deer Pond Farm offerings: Jan. 25: bird walk, 10 a.m.-noon. Jan. 25: Master Naturalist Explorations Wildlife in Winter: Adaptations & Signs, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 2: nature walk, 2-4 p.m. Connecticut Audubon Societys Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road. Free/member. $5/non-member. $10/non-member families. For more information and RSVP, call 860-799-4074.

WARREN

Pancake breakfast: Jan. 19, 7:30-11 a.m. Hosted by Womens Auxiliary of Warren Volunteer Fire Company at Warren Community Center, Sackett Hill Road. $5/adult. $2/child over 3. Free/child under 3.

WASHINGTON

Movie screenings:Jan. 27: Judy (PG-13), 1 p.m.Movie screenings: Feb. 3: Motherless Brooklyn (R), 1 p.m. Feb. 10: The Good Liar (R), 1 p.m. Feb. 24: Ford v. Ferrari, 1 p.m. Library, Wykeham Road. For more information and RSVP, call 860-868-7586.
Living Section

Miami, Florida - Groupers are sluggish-looking fat fish that kind of hang around the waters off the coast of Florida, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. How fat are they?

The one caught off the southwest coast of Florida recently by angler Jason Boyll weighed in at 350 pounds. And, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jasons fish was about 50 years old, making it the institutes oldest sample.
The Russian president is making early preparations for his retirement. What does this mean for Russia?

In this years state of the nation address delivered on January 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin made some bold proposals about changing the Russian constitution. With this unexpected move, he ushered in a new political cycle which will culminate in the rearrangement of the power vertical after he steps down as president in 2024 (or even before that).

His speech left many questions unanswered and we are nowhere closer to understanding what this new arrangement might be. The only thing that remains fairly certain is that Putin is not planning to retire from politics when his term ends in 2024.

In his speech, the president admitted that Russian society demands change. A number of polls over the past couple of years have detected a clear shift in public sentiments from the desire for stability to eagerness for change. A November survey showed that some 60 percent of Russians want major changes in the country.

A classic majoritarian, Putin built his popularity on telling people what they want to hear and striving to be everything for everyone  from nationalists to liberals  in a highly diverse society. He is also a master of imitation with a post-modernist penchant for historical re-enactment. For many years, he was successfully imitating the ambience of the Brezhnev era, which millions of Russians associate with political and economic stability.

Now the people demand change, so he seems to be offering a faux Gorbachev-styled perestroika. But as before do not expect Putins imitation to come close to the original.

The amendments to the constitution the Russian president proposed would increase the power of the prime minister at the expense of the president and boost the authority of the State Council, currently a consultative body consisting of top officials and regional governors.

Just hours after the speech, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev handed in his resignation and was replaced a day later by the little-known head of the Federal Tax Service Mikhail Mishustin, a man with a reputation for being a competent if uncharismatic technocrat.

As the news settled in, Russian and foreign political analysts came up with such a plurality of interpretations that it became clear that Putin has not really shown his cards yet.

The first and seemingly most obvious theory is that by weakening the presidency and strengthening the role of the prime minister, Putin is preparing to remain in charge of the country as the head of the cabinet with a pocket president at his side. That, in other words, means a remake of the tandem arrangement which he and Medvedev had between 2008 and 2012.

The weakness of that theory lies in the fact that even after these constitutional changes are made, the prime minister will not have that much power, so it will be hard to talk about Putin being the same omnipotent ruler he has been for the last two decades. It is also unclear whether he has sufficient enthusiasm to deal with the day-to-day economic and social problems of the country. He felt visibly tired of that towards the end of the tandem period, while Medvedev appeared more and more presidential, even allowing himself to reprimand his premier on some occasions.

Many analysts suggest that instead of that, Putin might become the head of the State Council, the body which he proposed a special clause for in the constitution. This could pave the way for a type of succession, which is now being tested in neighbouring Kazakhstan by Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has stepped down from the presidency but seemingly retained power.

It is unlikely though that this model will work in Russia, which has strong and vocal opposition, led by Aleksey Navalny, and an equally vocal cluster of independent media. Putins regime hinges on his very genuine, but dwindling popularity which will be difficult to maintain if he blatantly changes the constitutional arrangement to fit his personal interests. In fact, his ability to go around the constitution through the tandem scheme without losing power was admired by some of his supporters.

This is why other commentators say Putin is eyeing the post of the State Duma speaker in a country which will shift from a strong presidential state to a parliamentary democracy  or non-democracy, as one would expect with him in charge. A pocket technocratic prime minister would fit neatly into this picture.

As ever with Russia and Putin, one should allow for a certain degree of ambivalence. Yes, the very fact that a president, who has already tricked the constitutional arrangement to stay in charge for an extra 12 years, is amending the constitution during his last term is a perfect illustration of the regimes authoritarian and personalised nature.

But Putin, who like many other ageing gentlemen spends an excessive amount of time discussing historical matters, does not necessarily wish that his sole legacy would be a dictatorial state that would collapse as soon as he is gone  in the absence of an equally strong and popular figure.

It is therefore not inconceivable that he might be envisioning a more impersonal state with a functioning system of checks and balances. In fact, one of the Kremlins best-known narrative architects, Vladislav Surkov, has already formulated this arrangement in the most flattering terms for his boss.

He suggested that future Russia should be united not so much by Putin, a man of flesh and blood, but by Putinism as an ideology of collective coexistence and survival.

It sounds very much like Argentinas Peronism, which means it is not necessarily incompatible with democracy.

Ultimately there is one thing which Putin understand perhaps better than all Kremlinologists, both Russian and Western: It is that he is the product of the ever-changing Russian political culture, not otherwise. He is the living embodiment of what Russian experts often call the collective Putin. He can adapt as a politician to tectonic cultural and social shifts, but he hardly has the power to precipitate them or change their direction. Perhaps he can slow them down at best.

Covered by the dirty film of Russian foreign policy, these shifts remain invisible to outside observers. But they do exist and are powerful. They go in the direction of globalisation and greater convergence with the West  in lifestyle as well as the cultural products and ideas people consume, especially online.

It is these shifts, not Putin, that will define Russias future political setup.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
The US slammed Russia on Thursday for calling the Indo-Pacific initiative a "divisive approach" to disrupt the existing regional structures and said the concept was not aimed at excluding any nation, but was a "principled vision".

In his address at the Raisina Dialogue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had on Wednesday strongly criticised the US-led Indo-Pacific initiative, aimed at containing China's influence in the region.

Responding to the criticism, US Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger said a free and open Indo-Pacific was not a bloc or military alliance, but a principled vision.

"It is a community of countries that respects the rule of law, stands up for freedom of navigation in the seas and skies above, promotes open commerce, open thinking and above all, defends the sanctity of each nation's sovereignty," he said at the final session of the Raisina Dialogue.

"So, it is free and open, does not exclude any nation, but it does ask each nation to respect and promote those principles that we hold in common," Pottinger said.

He slammed the visions competing against the Indo-Pacific such as the Eurasian economic project, saying these visions were less free, less open, less flexible and tended to be more hierarchical and coercive.

Taking a dig at suggestions for Russia's possible alliance with China and Iran, Pottinger wondered what kind of talks would the three countries have -- "what kind of face recognition softwares you use to recognise protesters" or how to make a "better debt trap".

Agreeing with Pottinger that Indo-Pacific was a principled vision, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said Asia Pacific was a colonial concept.

"India was connected to China and South East Asia for millennia. That connect was broken by colonisation.... (Today) global commons are important and Indo-Pacific is a global common," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CANTON, N.C.  A familys dog gave birth to a neon-green puppy named Hulk.

Gypsy, a white shepherd owned by Shana Stamey, delivered eight puppies Friday morning. The dog's three-hour labor went smoothly until the fourth puppy emerged covered in lime green fur, Stamey said.

Little "Hulk," a Canton puppy born lime green on Jan. 10, is looking more like an Easter peep these days. "He looks bright yellow with a hint of the green," human mom Shana Stamey told the Citizen Times.

I started freaking out, Stamey told news outlets. But everybody was healthy.

How did Hulk get his verdant color? Liquid from his mother's stomach probably stained his fur in utero, said Suzanne Cianciulli, manager of Junaluska Animal Hospital in Waynesville.

Hulk's green hue should fade in a few weeks under a steady routine of baths and licks from Gypsy, human mom Stamey said. By Thursday, Hulk started to look more like an Easter peep than his namesake hero.

"He was very lime green at birth, and now he looks bright yellow with a hint of the green," Stamey said. Born at 15.6 ounces, Hulk weighs in at a whopping 1 pound, 8 ounces at 6 days old, Stamey said.

She said she's shocked by little Hulk's virality.

"Actually, I am amazed at how many are wanting to own Hulk," Stamey told the Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. "I really never intended to have such a following on him. Just thought he was special and unique."

Stamey plans to find "forever homes" for the litter once they're weaned at about 8 weeks old.

"If I can not find each a home, then we will just add to our family," Stamey said. "I love them all so much."

Contributing: The Associated Press

Follow Elizabeth Anne Brown on Twitter: @eabrown18

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Lime green puppy named Hulk was born to a North Carolina dog
San Antonio police are investigating after a woman was found dead in the yard of a North Side home Wednesday night.

When officers arrived to the 800 block of W. Olmos Drive just before 11 p.m., they found the woman dead in the yard with a gunshot wound to the chest, officials on scene said. The woman was in a car, which also had several gunshots, that had pulled onto the yard of the residence.
Six social and behavioral scientists were recently awarded the 2019 Impact in Action Writing Prize for their submissions detailing how their research makes a valuable difference beyond academia. Four submissions received the top prize from Social Science Space, an online social network sponsored by SAGE Publishing; two focus on education, one on immigration, and one on autism.

The recipients are:

Cheryl Durwin and Dina Moore of Southern Connecticut State University, who studied how conversations with children about the text they are reading can improve literacy among preschoolers from poor households;

Lynn Thigpen, director of The Wisdom Project, examined how to end illiteracy among adults in Cambodia;

Maria Kreuzer of the International University of Monaco looked at how receiving countries can make immigrants feel they belong sooner; and

Ian Male and William Farr of Britains NNHS Trust researched how to better assess children who may have autism.

The contest, which asked how researchers work has made a difference in a way that the public or policymakers could appreciate, received entries from around the world. Entries were judged on four criteria: the research itself, its impact, its wider applicability, and the writing skills exhibited in the article. The recipients received a cash prize for their work, and their articles will be published on Social Science Space in the coming months.

'Its so gratifying to see genuinely proud parents of truly impactful social and behavioral research telling their own stories of often unheralded advances, says Michael Todd, editor of Social Science Space. My hope is that more will choose to tell their stories at Social Science Space  or anywhere public, actually  about the benefits of todays social science.

In its inaugural year, Social Science Spaces Impact in Action Writing Prize is a part of SAGEs larger initiative to demonstrate, measure, and promote social science impact beyond citation counts. In 2019, the company released a white paper to lay the groundwork for improving social and behavioral science impact metrics. Sign up to receive a new quarterly newsletter sharing the latest on how to improve how SBS impact is measured and celebrated by emailing pr@sagepub.co.uk.

To read more about the awards and recipients, visit Social Science Space.

###

Those interested in engaging in the social science impact debate can do so at socialsciencespace.com/impact or on Twitter using #SocialScienceImpact

Sara Miller McCune founded SAGE Publishing in 1965 to support the dissemination of usable knowledge and educate a global community. SAGE is a leading international provider of innovative, high-quality content publishing more than 1000 journals and over 800 new books each year, spanning a wide range of subject areas. A growing selection of library products includes archives, data, case studies and video. SAGE remains majority owned by our founder and after her lifetime will become owned by a charitable trust that secures the companys continued independence. Principal offices are located in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC and Melbourne. www.sagepublishing.com

To unsubscribe from SAGE press releases, please contact PR@sagepub.co.uk.
PeopleImages / Getty Images

En espanol | About 58.5 billion robocalls  a record  bombarded U.S. phones in 2019, a 22 percent jump from the previous year, according to an industry estimate.

The data released Wednesday show Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, was ground zero last year for the annoying calls everybody loves to hate.

Washingtonians endured an average of 599 robocalls per person last year, which is 1.6 calls per person a day. This and the other estimates are for mobile phones and landlines combined.

The states hit by the heaviest barrages of robocalls per capita were Louisiana, 371 per person over the year; Alabama, 311; Nevada, 305; South Carolina, 300; Tennessee, 287; Georgia, 281; Arkansas, 256; North Carolina, 245; and Delaware, 240.

Have the urge to head to the Last Frontier? Here's a selling point: Alaska, the 49th state to join the union, was dead last for robocalls per capita, with 45 during 2019.

Only six other states had fewer than 100 robocalls per capita last year: Maine had 99; West Virginia and Wisconsin, 91; Vermont, 84; Minnesota, 78; and Massachusetts, 75.

The estimates are from YouMail, an Irvine, California, firm that offers free and premium robocall-blocking apps for mobile phones.

Other takeaways:

Heavily populated states bore the brunt of the raw number of robocalls. The top 10 were Texas, 6.64 billion; California, 6.01 billion; Florida, 4.44 billion; Georgia, 3.56 billion; New York, 3.49 billion; Ohio, 2.21 billion; Pennsylvania, 2.12 billion; North Carolina, 2.08 billion; Illinois, 2.05 billion; and Tennessee, 1.71 billion.

Six states earned the distinction of being called fast climbers, meaning the overall number of robocalls jumped at least 40 percent year to year. They are: West Virginia, which had a 55 percent jump; Idaho, 51 percent; Iowa, 47 percent; New Mexico, 44 percent; Wyoming, 42 percent; and Nebraska, 41 percent.

The single biggest source of last year's calls  25.9 billion  was scammers, who accounted for 44 percent of all robocalls in 2019.

Alerts and reminders resulted in 13 billion calls, or 22 percent. Financial reminders led to 11.4 billion calls, or 19 percent. Telemarketing calls were estimated at 8 billion, or 14 percent.

YouMail estimates robocalls and breaks out the types of calls using a patented technology, call patterns and customer feedback.

Two years, 100 billion-plus robocalls

There were 47.8 billion robocalls during 2018, the firm says.

CEO Alex Quilici said the two-year total of more than 100 billion robocalls makes it little wonder that Congress last year passed the TRACED Act, a measure aimed at deterring illegal telemarketers and scammers, and the president signed it into law.

If you find yourself longing for the good old days of 2017, here's a clue: There were only 30.5 billion robocalls then, according to a YouMail estimate. That signifies what the firm called a stunning 92 percent increase over two years.
Wind farms installed offshore to tackle climate change are actually threatening thousands of endangered seabirds around the UK, according to the RSPB.

The bird charity says new wind farms could be the final nail in the coffin for more than 1,000 birds across four of the most threatened species.

Many of these birds feed on fish at sandbanks, where developers prefer to build offshore wind turbines.

There are more than 15 proposed UK offshore wind farms, which tend to be more efficient than those on land, as stronger winds cause the turbines to spin faster, meaning they generate more energy.

Wind power is a sustainable source of energy and has a smaller impact on the environment than burning fossil fuels.

Offshore Windpark Burbo Bank Extension in Liverpool Bay on the west coast of the UK. New wind turbines are being installed as part of government plans to provide more green energy but their large blades can be lethal to feeding birds

However, in a report published in Biological Conservation, the charity has identified areas where the building of wind farm infrastructure should be banned, such as sandbanks, where birds tend to feed on small fish.

Using tracking data, scientists at the charity produced maps identifying the location of marine hotspots for kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and shags  which are all classed as Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK.

The maps identify the most important areas used by the birds at crucial times during the breeding season and when they are off searching for food for their young.

Heat maps show the hotspots of shag and kittiwake activity during breeding season, with red the most intense

Razorbill and guillemot activity data also demonstrate the large areas required by UK seabirds

There is now a 'vital need' to understand more about our seabirds, as decisions are being made relating to offshore wind farms, as well as fishing activities, the charity says, and these maps may help planning decisions.

Wind farms need to be built where the sea is fairly shallow, sometimes this means they are built on areas which are meant for foraging, Gareth Cunningham, the RSPB chief marine policy officer, told The Telegraph.

We need environmentally sensible installations. We have a biodiversity emergency  we don't want to make this worse while tackling climate emergency.

We need to deal with climate change but we need to make sure the measures we take to address climate change aren't the final nail in the coffin for seabirds.'

Guillemots standing on the rocks of Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland, England

The blades on wind farms can be lethal to birds as they fly to their feeding spots.

Even birds that navigate the huge swooping blades are forced to take detours, meaning they take longer to bring back food for their nesting chicks, threatening populations.

'There is a need for robust, strategic and spatial plans that tackle the climate and ecological emergencies together,' said Helen Quayle, RSPB policy officer.

'This research can help to direct development to areas where the risks to nature are lowest and direct supporting measures to where they can best boost the recovery and resilience of our sealife.'

According to a study published in Current Biology by the University of Aberdeen scientists, seabird populations dropped 70 per cent in the past 50 years.

Factors such as pollution, predation by invasive species on chicks, environmental changes and the destruction of their habitat by human activities has made seabirds the most threatened bird group, the study said.

The UK government announced last March that it aims to produce a third of British electricity through offshore wind power by 2030.

Kittiwake, which looks similar to common seagulls, on the Isle of May off the coast of Scotland

The Offshore Wind Sector Partnership would mean there would be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels for the first time in the UK.

There are more than 15 offshore wind turbines currently in the development or proposal stage around the UK, including the East Anglia Array about 30 miles off the east coast, which is set to be operational this year.

Just off the coast of Scotland, where seabird activity is heightened, planned offshore wind farms include Moray East and Neart Na Gaoithe.

Installing wind turbines at offshore sites could provide more than enough clean energy to meet global electricity demands, according to the International Energy Agency.

Replacing fossil fuels with renewables will be crucial to meet the globally-agreed goal laid out in the Paris Agreement of limiting the average temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius this century.
At a time when residential sales are low, many real estate developers are exploring options to boost liquidity through strata sale of commercial assets. In fact, many are now listing anywhere between 25-40 percent of their office supply for strata sale, according to a report.

Strata sale of office and retail spaces are emerging as a lucrative option for some companies to maintain cash flows,

The rental yield for Grade A commercial assets anywhere between 8-10 percent, 6-8 percent for Grade B against average of 3 percent in residential. The average investment ticket size is anything between 10 lakh in tier-2 cities and nearly Rs 10 crore in tier 1 cities, says data shared by Anarock property consultants.

Early in 2019, realty major Prestige Estates announced its plan to strata sell 25 percent of its office assets to individual investors looking for plays in high-yield realty assets.

In what is now a rare win-win situation for real estate investors and developers, the former can earn high returns and the latter can generate liquidity for business expansion. For developers, strata sales also eliminate the need to manage commercial properties. Thus, the strata-sale route allows them to consolidate their rental business, said Anuj Puri, Chairman  ANAROCK Property Consultants.

Sliding ROI in residential property investment is attracting more and more HNI and NRI investors previously focused on luxury real estate to strata-sold commercial spaces. As per ANAROCK data, the 5-year average residential returns have been as low as 5% across major cities. In the 2000-2009 period, returns were double or even triple.

This is in contrast to the prevailing 3 percent average rental yield (annual rent divided by property cost) of housing, Grade A commercial assets generate yields of 8-10 percent and Grade B properties 6-8 percent. Regular retail properties can generate similar or even higher yields, depending on location.

For both office and retail properties, location - both at the city and micro market levels - is critical.

Cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai are among the most lucrative for commercial investment plays, but Hyderabad and Pune also have high potential because of relatively lower capital values and high demand. Office spaces in the CBD areas are ideal (and far more expensive) but suburban locations can also be suitable as long as they are well-connected by public transport.

As for documents for loan eligibility, consideration are the same for both residential and commercial properties.
After the debate Elizabeth Warren, refused to take Bernie Sander's hand (AFP Photo/SCOTT OLSON)

Washington (AFP) - US presidential contenders Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders called each other liars in a heated exchange that could be seen but not heard unfolding onstage after the Democratic debate, CNN revealed Wednesday.

The spat between two of the primary campaign's most progressive standard-bearers, played out in the moments following the end of Tuesday's debate, when the majority of the six candidates cordially shook hands after the forum.

A visibly irritated Warren, however, refused to take Sander's hand, appearing to rebuke him as the two senators seemed to exchange angry words.

For months, Sanders and Warren have battled peacefully for the right to wave the campaign's progressive flag. But their non-aggression pact unraveled in recent days, with Warren endorsing a report that Sanders privately told her he believed a woman could not defeat Trump.

"I didn't say it," Sanders, 78, insisted at the debate, stressing it was absurd for anyone to think a woman could not win the White House.

Warren, 70, said he did, before insisting she was "not here to try to fight with Bernie."

The backup audio recordings recovered by CNN revealed they continued their exchange on the topic in the moments after the debate, lobbing accusations of "liar" at each other.

"I think you called me a liar on national TV," Warren said.

"What?" Sanders replied.

"I think you called me a liar on national TV," she repeated.

"You know, let's not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, we'll have that discussion," Sanders said, as Warren replied, "Anytime."

"You called me a liar," Sanders continued. "You told me -- all right, let's not do it now."

With no candidate yet to carve out a clear lead less than three weeks to go before the first votes in the nominations battle, the stakes in the debate were high.

Iowa caucuses on February 3 will begin the presidential primary season, as the candidates battle for the right to challenge incumbent Donald Trump in November's election.

burs-bfm/rbu
The foreign ministers of five countries that lost citizens in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner last week gathered in London on January 16 to discuss their response to the tragedy.



The ministers from Afghanistan, Britain, Canada, Sweden, and Ukraine are expected to put fresh pressure on Iran to give a full accounting of what happened to the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800.



The plane had just taken off from Tehran en route to Kyiv on January 8 when it was shot down by Irans air defenses, killing all 176 people on board.



Iran says the plane was brought down by error, hours after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted two bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq.



The victims of the crash included Iranian and Canadian nationals, with smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Afghans, Swedes, Britons, and Germans.



Countries have called for those responsible for the tragedy to be held accountable.



The possibility of taking legal action and the issue of compensation to families of the victims would also be discussed at the London meeting, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko.



Ahead of the talks, the ministers from the five countries lit candles at the Canadian High Commission to honor the dead.



The plane disaster has angered many Iranians, leading to protests against the clerical establishment.



On January 16, mourners shouted "death to the dictator" as they buried victims of the plane disaster in the western Iranian city of Sanandaj, videos posted online showed.



They referred to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Based on reporting by the BBC and Reuters
A female serial killer has been released from prison 33 years after she helped her girlfriend smother five people in a depraved game where they tried to choose victims whose initials spelled out 'MURDER'.

Catherine Wood, 57, walked free from prison in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday morning after being granted parole for her part in the slaying of five elderly women in 1987.

Wood and her accomplice Gwendolyn Graham, 56, dubbed 'the Lethal Lovers' and 'Angels of Death', suffocated the patients while they both worked as nurse aides at Alpine Manor nursing home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Catherine Wood, 57 (pictured left in 1988 when arrested and right in 2018 at her parole hearing) walked free from prison in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday morning after being granted parole for her part in the slaying of five elderly women in 1987

Wood claimed they killed because of their intense lesbian 'love bond'.

Their victims were: Mae Mason, 79, Edith Cole, 89, Marguerite Chambers, 60, Myrtle Luce, 95, and Belle Burkhard, 74.

The pair met in 1986 when Graham moved to Michigan from Texas and they quickly became lovers.

Graham and Wood murdered their first victim in January 1987. With that death put down to natural causes, the 'Angels of Death' ramped up their killing spree over the next year.

Woods has long claimed that partner in crime, Gwendolyn Graham (pictured) murdered the victims and that she had only played the part of the lookout

Wood (right) and her accomplice Gwendolyn Graham, 56 (left, both pictured during trial) dubbed 'the Lethal Lovers', claimed they killed because of their intense lesbian 'love bond'

They handpicked their victims by trying to select vulnerable patients whose initials spelled out 'MURDER' as part of a depraved game. However, this proved to be too difficult so they began killing victims at random.

Their murderous rampage came to an end in 1988 when Wood confided in her ex-husband about their crimes and he contacted police.

This led to Wood being interviewed by the police and confessing to the crimes, claiming that her lover had murdered the victims by suffocating them with washcloths and she had only played the part of the lookout.

At trial, Wood testified against Graham and Graham was convicted of first-degree murder of all five victims and handed five life sentences. She is serving her sentence in Michigan's women's prison where she has no chance of parole.

Wood pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder in Chambers' death and a separate count of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison.

The pair met in 1986 when Graham moved to Michigan from Texas and they both worked as nurses's aides at Alpine Manor nursing home (above) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Belle Burkhard (left) and Marguerite Chambers (right) were both suffocated by the 'Angels of Death' in 1987

She became eligible for parole in 2005 but had her request denied eight times before the Michigan Department of Corrections granted it in September 2018, stating she was no longer a menace to society and had accepted responsibility for her crimes.

However, families of the victims and investigators believe Wood downplayed her role in the murders.

Crime author Lowell Cauffiel, who wrote about the case, has previously said Wood was actually the mastermind of the crimes and the one who carried out the killings.

Wood allegedly confessed the killings to two prison inmates and admitted to turning on her lover after Graham left her for another woman who worked at the nursing home.

Cauffiel also claimed that Graham was likely to be incapable of the attacks because of her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

A retired detective who worked on the case also said he believes Wood was the 'brains' behind the murders.

'I believe that Cathy Wood was the mastermind, she was the one that was pulling strings on Gwendolyn Graham,' Roger Kaliniak told News 8.

'Gwendolyn Graham handled the dirty work and Cathy Wood was the brains behind it.'

Kaliniak said he fears Wood could strike again.

'For safety reasons, I wouldn't want my grandchildren or elderly patients around her,' he said. 'She's a serial killer and she could do it again, and most of them do.'

Detectives also believe there could be many more than five victims.

Court documents released in May to try and keep Wood behind bars revealed that the murderesses had tried to kill at least 10 patients.

The documents stated that Wood had told police during the original investigation that Graham had 'killed five female patients and tried at least five others, but was unsuccessful because some of the elderly men and women fought back'.

It added: 'She and Graham talked of spelling MURDER with the victims' initials but they abandoned that plan after some of the slayings failed.'

Retired Detective Sergeant Tom Freeman told 24 Hour News 8 last year that Wood had told him the murder count was higher but that the details were kept hidden because prosecutors could only prove five.

'She (Wood) thought there were approximately a dozen or so victims at Alpine Manor. Actually killed,' he said.

At trial, Wood testified against Graham and Graham was convicted of first-degree murder of all five victims Graham and handed five life sentences. Wood pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was granted parole in September 2018 and has been released from prison

Wood's partner in crime branded her former lover 'evil' in an interview back in June.

'I'm telling you, she's an evil person,' Graham told Target 8 from the Huron Valley Women's prison in Ypsilanti.

Graham also said the two were innocent of the murders: 'After all these years, I still don't believe that anybody was murdered. I just don't.'

Wood will move in with family members in South Carolina, official records show.
Foreign Minister Kang and her U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



Despite a rising controversy over the possible violation of global sanctions, key officials of the Moon Jae-in administration have reaffirmed the President's pro-engagement policy with North Korea this year through the pursuit of various inter-Korean projects.



During her latest visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha indicated that Seoul could proceed with inter-Korean projects irrespective of the stalemate in the North Korea-U.S. nuclear negotiations.



"Depending on the circumstances, North Korea-U.S. relations can proceed faster at some point, and South-North relations can do so at another point," Kang told reporters after her meeting with her U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday (local time).



"Amid the deadlock in North Korea-U.S. talks, what the two Koreas can do is to keep up the momentum for engagement. There have been some important agreements between the two Koreas. In particular, there are projects that are not restricted by the sanctions. If the sanctions become an obstacle, then there are sure to be ones that we can pursue after getting exemptions."



Her remarks come on the heels of President Moon repeatedly stressing that he will no longer stand by as the stalemate in North Korea-U.S. talks continues to cause a setback in the inter-Korean relations, and hampers the implementation of agreements made with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their summits. Moon has underlined his pro-engagement policy with Pyongyang as one of the core objectives of his administration this year on several occasions, including his Jan. 7 New Year speech and Tuesday's press conference.





Trump likens North Korea talks to 'beautiful game of chess' S. Korea to take action to improve relations with North Korea: minister South Korea looking into 'various formats' to allow individual trips to Mount Kumgang US slaps sanctions over North Korea overseas workers Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul also reiterated Seoul will no longer allow inter-Korean relations to be sidelined.



"In the New Year, the government will undertake measure to improve inter-Korean relations rather than wait until North Korea-U.S. relations are resolved," Kim said during a meeting with leaders of religions and civic groups.



Additionally, the unification ministry said Wednesday that individual tours to North Korea do not violate United Nations Security Council sanctions. "We are actively considering individual tours, if individual security is guaranteed by North Korea. We need to discuss this with the North Korean side," a unification ministry official said during a press briefing.



"Regarding inter-Korean projects, there are elements that require consultation with the U.S., but there are also areas for the two Koreas to pursue independently. As a member of the international community, we will continue to consult closely with the U.S. within the boundaries of the sanctions."



During the New Year press conference, Moon cited "individual tours" to North Korea as one area that could expedite inter-Korean exchanges without violating the sanctions.



But the Moon administration's renewed focus on engagement has sparked concern over a rift with the U.S., which has been firm about keeping the sanctions in place. Although Kang said his U.S counterpart showed "understanding" toward Seoul's position on the need to move forward with inter-Korean relations, there was no mention of this by the U.S. State Department following their meeting.



"Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang reaffirmed continued close U.S.-ROK coordination on North Korea," the department said in a statement. U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris also said earlier that any improvement or success in inter-Korean relations must take place in "lockstep" with the U.S.



The U.S. Department of the Treasury slapped fresh sanctions Tuesday on countries' firms exploiting North Korean overseas workers; but Washington has continued to keep the door open for dialogue with Pyongyang.



"I still remain hopeful that North Korea will make the right decision," Pompeo said during a speech in Silicon Valley, Monday, according to a transcript released by the state department.



He said the U.S. does not have a hostile policy toward the North Korean regime, saying "America doesn't pose a security risk to the North Koreans."




by Sara Guaglione , January 16, 2020

High Times plans to open two branded cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the company announced today.

It will mark the cannabis-focused media companys first move into brick-and-mortar retail stores.

According to a spokesperson, the Los Angeles store is an acquisition of an existing store, and the one is Las Vegas is a license acquisition. The company anticipates opening the Los Angeles store this quarter.

High Times says Los Angeles and Las Vegas are two of the largest cannabis markets in the U.S.; marijuana is legal in both states.

The dispensary stores will be branded with the High Times name and logo. They will carry High Times logo memorabilia and other licensed products, as well as cannabis products from other brands.

advertisement advertisement

There will also be a dedicated area in the stores for brands that won awards at High Times' Cannabis Cup festival.

High Times plans to reveal additional store openings in more locations in the coming weeks, as it expands its retail business, according to the company.

Separately, the company has also hired Paul Henderson as president and interim CFO. Henderson, the former president of Grupo Flor, a network of cannabis companies, will lead the brand's dispensary initiatives, with CEO Stormy Simon.

Simon, the former president of Overstock, was named CEO of High Times earlier this month. She succeeds Kraig Fox, who stepped down as CEO and president.

Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Henderson ran business units at Goldman Sachs, GE Capital and Apple. He succeeds David Newberg, who will remain as a consultant for a transition period.

High Times is in the process of launching an IPO.
Vladimir Putin Proposes That the Russian Parliament Should Choose a Prime Minister

Sputnik News

14:31 15.01.2020(updated 14:35 15.01.2020)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering the possibility of giving parliament the right to choose prime ministers instead of merely approving one appointed by the head of state.

Putin recalled that in accordance with the Russian Constitution, the president receives the consent of the lower house of parliament and then appoints the prime minister and the cabinet members.

"I propose changing the order of this, and entrusting the State Duma )the lower house) with not just approval functions but also with the function of choosing the candidate for prime minister," Putin said in his message to the Federal Assembly.

According to the president, the lower house will then appoint the entire cabinet based on the prime minister's recommendations.

"The president will be obliged to appoint them and will have no right to reject the candidates assigned by the parliament," Putin added.

The president believes that these changes will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament, parliamentary parties, as well as the independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members.

"The president certainly should retain the right to determine the tasks and priorities of the government, as well as the right to oust the chairman of the government, his deputies and federal ministers, in the event that they fulfil their duties improperly, or in connection with a loss of confidence," Putin concluded.

A Sputnik

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On Wednesday, the House of Representatives in a party-line vote passed a resolution to approve seven House impeachment managers and send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, triggering a Senate trial that will either acquit the president or convict and remove him from office.

The action marked only the third time in US history that a sitting president was impeached, the first being Andrew Johnson in 1868 and the second, Bill Clinton in 1998. Both were acquitted in the subsequent Senate trials, where conviction requires a two-third vote. Richard Nixon resigned his office in August of 1974 in the face of a virtually certain vote by the House to impeach him.

The Senate is set to formally accept the articles of impeachment on Thursday, one for abuse of power and the second for contempt of Congress, initiating preliminary formalities. The trial is expected to begin in earnest with opening arguments next Tuesday, following the recess for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson deliver the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to Secretary of the Senate Julie Adams on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The onset of the Senate trial, which will be presided over by the chief justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, and in which the senators will essentially serve as jurors, takes place in the context of an explosive political and social crisis and internal warfare within the American state without parallel since the Civil War.

The trial will unfold in the aftermath of the illegal assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, which has raised the specter of war with Iran and ratcheted up tensions between Washington and both foes, such as Russia and China, and nominal allies in Europe. It also coincides with the run-up to the first primaries in the 2020 elections.

The explosive character of the crisis that has produced the impeachment drive was expressed Monday in Trump's retweeting of an image of Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Charles Schumer dressed in Islamic garb and standing in front of an Iranian flag, accompanied by charges from Trump that the Democrats are allied with Iranian terrorists who are killing Americans.

This incitement of violence against Trump's political opponents, whom he brands as "far left" and "socialist," is part of Trump's efforts to create a fascist constituency and establish a dictatorial regime.

The Democrats, for their part, have based their impeachment drive on the claim that Trump is a threat to US national security because he temporarily withheld military aid to Ukraine, depicted as engaged in a "hot war" with Russia. The effort to either remove Trump from office or force him to adopt a more aggressive anti-Russian posture is an extension of the McCarthyite-style campaign against Moscow that has been at the center of the Democrats' opposition to Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign.

The impeachment and Senate trial are part of a bitter conflict within the ruling class over foreign policy issues. The Democrats are aligned with disaffected factions of the intelligence and foreign policy establishment that consider the removal of Russia as an impediment to US hegemony over the Eurasian landmass a precondition for confronting and defeating the greater threat to US imperialism, China. Trump speaks for factions that consider the confrontation against China as the first priority and believe that it may be possible to enlist Russia in this drive.

The events of Wednesday illustrated that there is no democratic or progressive content to the Democrats' impeachment drive and that both sides in the political warfare in Washington are right-wing and pro-war.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Pelosi announced seven impeachment managers, who will act as prosecutors of Trump in the Senate proceedings. The team will be led by Jerrold Nadler of New York, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Adam Schiff of California, who chairs of House Intelligence Committee. These two and their respective committees presided over the impeachment process in the House, which culminated in a party-line vote to impeach Trump on December 18.

The other managers are Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the chairman of the Democratic caucus in the House; Zoe Lofgren of California, who was a House staff member during the Nixon hearings and a member of the Judiciary Committee for the Clinton impeachment; Val Demings of Florida, the former police chief of Orlando; and two freshmen representatives: Sylvia Garcia of Texas and Jason Crow of Colorado. The latter is a former Army Ranger who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Crow is one of a group of influential freshmen House Democrats with intelligence, military or national security backgrounds identified by the World Socialist Web Site as "CIA Democrats."

The resolution approving the House managers and authorizing the forwarding of the articles of impeachment to the Senate was passed Wednesday on a party-line vote of 228 to 193.

In their remarks on the floor of the House prior to the vote to authorize the House managers, the Democratic leadership made clear the right-wing basis of its impeachment drive.

Nadler denounced Trump as a traitor, stating: He betrayed our country when he used the powers of his office, including withholding vital US military assistance, to pressure that government [Ukraine] to help him win reelection. He invited foreign interference into our elections, again. He jeopardized our national security.

Citing documents submitted to the House on Tuesday by Lev Parnas, a one-time associate of Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and Trumps personal lawyer, Nadler said the information further proves Mr. Trumps scheme to pressure Ukraine to go after his personal political opponents [former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter].

He then repeated the Democratic demand that the Republican leadership of the Senate commit itself to allowing new witness testimony and additional documents in the Senate trial, something that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is resisting. In making this demand, Nadler sounded what has become a major theme of the Democratsthe need to call Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness. The Democrats promotion of Bolton, an advocate of war against Iran, North Korea and Venezuela who broke with Trump over Ukraine, underscores the reactionary, pro-war basis of the Democrats impeachment drive.

Schiff, in summing up the case for conviction of Trump, said, He withheld hundreds of millions of US dollars in vital military aid to Ukraine, a close ally at war with Russia.

In her remarks, Pelosi tacitly acknowledged that the Democrats were not impeaching Trump for his real attacks on democratic rights--illegally shifting Pentagon funds to build the border wall with Mexico, deploying troops to the border to assist in the pogrom against immigrants, effectively abolishing the right to asylum, inciting violence against political opponents, pardoning US soldiers convicted of committing war crimesbut only for his threat to undermine the longstanding US effort to transform Ukraine into a staging ground for war against Russia.

She said: For a long time I resisted the calls from across the country for impeachment of the president for obvious violations of the Constitution that he had committed, but recognizing the divisiveness of impeachment I held back But when he acted the way he did in relationship to withholding funds from Ukraine in return for a benefit for him that was personal and political, he crossed a threshold. He gave us no choice.

She then reiterated the absurd claim that Russia had engineered Trumps election victory in 2016 and was preparing to do the same in 2020: You see the Russians now hacking in Ukraine Just reminds me that most Americans think that voters in the United States should decide who our president is, not Vladimir Putin I am concerned that all roads lead to Russia. All roads lead to Putin.

The impeachment and Senate trial are expressions of a crisis, not just of a government, but of bourgeois class rule. They arise from the confluence of geo-political crises, economic instability and historic levels of social inequality that are generating an upsurge of class struggle and a growth of socialist sentiment among working people. Whatever the outcome of the Senate trial, this crisis will only intensify.

The Democrats opposition to Trump has nothing in common with the hatred for the administration felt by millions of workers and young people. On the contrary, the Democrats are petrified of encouraging a movement from below that could challenge the capitalist system that is defended by both parties.
A Vogue cover girl is married to a millionaire property developer who was convicted of a vicious assault, MailOnline can reveal.

Hanaa Ben Abdesslem wed London millionaire property consultant Amerpal Lamba in a lavish two-day ceremony in her hometown of Nabeul, Tunisia last summer.

For the evening reception at the stunning La Badira hotel, Ms Ben Abdesslem wore a gown and veil made of real gold which took more than a year to make.

The glamorous couple live in London's exclusive Knightsbridge area, enjoying an extravagant lifestyle where they are regulars on the capital's social scene and frequently fly abroad for breaks.

Model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem is seen walking along a London street with her new husband Amerpal Lamba, 32, whom she married in a lavish two-day ceremony in Tunisia last summer

The happy couple were all smiles as they posed for family and friends during their wedding in Ms Ben Abdesslem's hometown of Nabeul, Tunisia, after a whirlwind two-year romance

Ms Ben Abdesslem, with Rita Ora at Paris Fashion Week three years ago, is a top model who appeared on Vogue's front cover and was the first Muslim model to grace the Pirelli calendar

In addition to her groundbreaking appearance in the Pirelli calendar, the Tunisian model has also worked with designers Jean Paul Gautier, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, and Oscar de la Renta.

She is also the first Muslim 'spokes model' for the French perfume and cosmetic house Lancome.

She has also featured on the front cover of a number of high profile fashion magazines.

The couple were introduced at a charity event on Lake Como two years ago with Lamba telling her on their first date that she would be his wife.

The model, 29, was said to have been close to tears as she supported her husband in court

Ms Ben Abdeseele, 29, was said to be 'close to hears' as she attended court to see her husband convicted of attacking a guest at his brother's engagement party.

His vicious assault at the Lamba family home in upmarket Hadley Wood, Barnet, North London, left a man in hospital requiring urgent treatment to his jaw and leaving him unable to eat properly for weeks.

The victim, Rajesh Tripathi suffered several chipped teeth and severe blood loss and told police he had never met Lamba before.

Lamba, 32, was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years last November at Wood Green Crown Court, North London, and ordered to pay property manager Mr Tripathi 2,000 in compensation.

Mr Tripathi, 38, told the court that he had a brief conversation at the bar and had offered Lamba a drink before being attacked by him.

Mr Tripathi told MailOnline from his Essex home that he was still recovering from the attack and receiving treatment, but declined to comment further.

A friend of the property manager said: 'This was a terrible attack that happened out of the blue.

'Raj was with his wife and they had been dancing and enjoying themselves when Lamba attacked him.

'Several people had to pull Lamba off who carried on hitting Raj even though he had blacked out.'

Lamba's family own the Smart Move property agency and have offices in Mayfair and Edmonton, North London.

Mr Lamba is a property developer who runs Smart Move. He assaulted a party-goer at the family home (above) in Barnet, North London, as they celebrated his brother's engagement

Despite his conviction, Lamba's Muslim role model wife whose motto is 'work hard, dream bigand never give up' is helping him through his problems and the couple were seen out together this week in London.

She has dyed her hair red and was last week posting pictures from Verbier, Switzerland with the message 'My Love.'

Ms Ben Abdesslem might not be a household name in Britain but she is well known in her native Tunisia and the Middle East, where she shot to fame in 2007 after coming runner-up in the Lebanese version of Project Runway.

A successful career in the fashion industry has followed in the years since.

Speaking once to New York Magazine, Ms Ben Abdesslem - who does not smoke or drink alcohol - said she was determined to change the perceptions of modeling in Tunisia.

'People in Tunisia have this misconception of what modeling is about,' she said. 'Modeling can be a career choice, too. I plan to change this misconception within my culture.'

At their wedding, Ms Ben Abdesslem wowed guests at the evening reception at the stunning La Badira hotel, with a gown and veil made of real gold which took more than a year to make

Ms Ben Abdesslem, pictured in Rio, is a household name in Tunisia and the Middle East, where she shot to fame in 2007 after coming runner-up in the Lebanese version of Project Runway

Recalling their meeting, Lamba told Vogue Arabia: 'We were introduced through our mutual friends and on our first date, I told her, 'You are going to be my wife'.'

The couple became engaged in March last year when Lamba popped the question on a snow-covered mountain in Switzerland.

Gushing over the proposal on Instagram, Ms Ben Abdesslem wrote: 'Out of all of my fingers, this one is now my favorite! It sure does have a ring to it Never thought I could experience such joy until I met you.

'You have opened my heart to a new part of life, making it complete. I say yes to you my darling, I say yes to life, to an endless love. He stole my heart, so I'm stealing his last name!'

MailOnline has contacted Lamba for comment.
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk'. So it might be obvious that you need to consider debt, when you think about how risky any given stock is, because too much debt can sink a company. We note that Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering Company Limited (HKG:8189) does have debt on its balance sheet. But the real question is whether this debt is making the company risky.

What Risk Does Debt Bring?

Debt assists a business until the business has trouble paying it off, either with new capital or with free cash flow. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. However, a more frequent (but still costly) occurrence is where a company must issue shares at bargain-basement prices, permanently diluting shareholders, just to shore up its balance sheet. Of course, the upside of debt is that it often represents cheap capital, especially when it replaces dilution in a company with the ability to reinvest at high rates of return. When we examine debt levels, we first consider both cash and debt levels, together.

See our latest analysis for Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering

What Is Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering's Debt?

As you can see below, at the end of June 2019, Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering had CN48.2m of debt, up from CN78.6 a year ago. Click the image for more detail. But on the other hand it also has CN69.6m in cash, leading to a CN21.4m net cash position.

SEHK:8189 Historical Debt, January 16th 2020

How Healthy Is Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering's Balance Sheet?

Zooming in on the latest balance sheet data, we can see that Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering had liabilities of CN175.4m due within 12 months and no liabilities due beyond that. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of CN69.6m as well as receivables valued at CN150.4m due within 12 months. So it actually has CN44.5m more liquid assets than total liabilities.

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This surplus suggests that Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering is using debt in a way that is appears to be both safe and conservative. Because it has plenty of assets, it is unlikely to have trouble with its lenders. Succinctly put, Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering boasts net cash, so it's fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load! There's no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. But it is Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering's earnings that will influence how the balance sheet holds up in the future. So if you're keen to discover more about its earnings, it might be worth checking out this graph of its long term earnings trend.

In the last year Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering had negative earnings before interest and tax, and actually shrunk its revenue by 7.3%, to CN367m. We would much prefer see growth.

So How Risky Is Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering?

We have no doubt that loss making companies are, in general, riskier than profitable ones. And the fact is that over the last twelve months Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering lost money at the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) line. Indeed, in that time it burnt through CN19m of cash and made a loss of CN133m. While this does make the company a bit risky, it's important to remember it has net cash of CN21.4m. That kitty means the company can keep spending for growth for at least two years, at current rates. Even though its balance sheet seems sufficiently liquid, debt always makes us a little nervous if a company doesn't produce free cash flow regularly. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Tianjin TEDA Biomedical Engineering (of which 1 can't be ignored!) you should know about.

At the end of the day, it's often better to focus on companies that are free from net debt. You can access our special list of such companies (all with a track record of profit growth). It's free.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
NEW YORK: The late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused and trafficked girls as young as 12 on his private Caribbean island until as recently as last year, a new lawsuit alleged Wednesday.

The suit, filed on behalf of the US Virgin Islands government and which sues Epstein's estate for damages, sheds new light on the extent of the 66-year-old's alleged criminal behaviour.

Epstein, who killed himself last summer in a high-security New York jail while awaiting trial for sex crimes, raped and held captive dozens of women on Little Saint James Island, according to the civil action.

The suit, filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George, accuses Epstein of bringing girls between the ages of 12 and 17 to his 577-million-dollar estate by boat, helicopter and plane between 2001 and 2019.

He also kept a computerized list of potential victims, prosecutors allege and ran a "trafficking pyramid scheme" whereby underage victims were forced to recruit other women to perform sexual acts.

Epstein's alleged crimes catch up with him in 2019

In 2019, it was revealed that billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's lavish, celebrity-filled lifestyle allegedly had a very dark underbelly, with the billionaire accused of luring underage girls to have sex with him and his friends. He would plead not guilty.

"Jeffrey Epstein carried out an expansive scheme of human trafficking and sexual abuse of young women," George told a press conference.

In July, prosecutors charged Epstein with one count of sex trafficking of minors and another of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors in New York and Florida.

The charges were related to crimes allegedly committed between 2002 and 2005.

Wednesday's suit says that air traffic controllers in the Virgin Islands saw Epstein leave his private plane with girls who looked 11 years old in 2018.

That year he also refused investigators checking up on the registered sex offender entry to his island and instead met them at his office.

The lawsuit records that a 15-year-old girl who was forced to engage in sex acts with Epstein and others once tried to flee his island by swimming but was caught and held captive.

His victims included aspiring models from South America, the documents showed.

Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager who befriended countless celebrities including Britain's Prince Andrew, was found dead in New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10.

Two prison guards have been charged over their alleged failure to monitor him.

Epstein's death fueled several conspiracy theories, mostly speculating that he had been murdered to stop him from revealing compromising information about some of his wealthy acquaintances.

Prosecutors are investigating any possible co-conspirators in his alleged crimes, including British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been accused of involvement by several women.

Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal struck with the then state prosecutor.

Dozens of women have come forward to say they were abused by him and several have sued his estate for damages.
(ANSA) - Rome, January 15 - Rome prosecutors are expecting "concrete results" from Cairo counterparts in the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni that may lay the groundwork for a future meeting between the prosecutors, judicial sources said Wednesday.

In particular, the Rome prosecutors are expecting answers to a request filed in April last year to question five members of Egypt's security apparatus they have identified as involved in the torture and murder of the 28-year-old Cambridge University research student in early 2016.

The Rome prosecutors were speaking after a meeting in Cairo.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told Premier Giuseppe Conte in Cairo Tuesday that Egypt wants to get to the truth about Regeni's torture and murder in the Egyptian capital.

He said Cairo "confirms its full support for the current cooperation between the authorities involved in Egypt and Italy to uncover the circumstances of the case".

Regeni, 28, a Cambridge University doctoral researcher working on street unions, was found dead in a ditch on the motorway to Alexandria on February 3, 2016.

He was last seen alive on the Cairo metro on January 25, the highly policed fifth anniversary of the uprising that ousted former strongman Hosni Mubarak.

At various stages, Egypt has put out several explanations for his death including a car accident, a gay lovers' tiff turned ugly and a kidnapping for ransom in which the alleged gang, criminals but presumably innocent of the Regeni murder, were later wiped out.

Judicial cooperation between Rome and Cairo prosecutors dried up after the Roman prosecutors placed the five members of the security apparatus under investigation.

It has since tentatively resumed.

Last month Rome prosecutors Sergio Colaiocco and Michele Prestipino said that Regeni was caught by a "spider's web" spun by the Egyptian security services.

"A spider's web was spun around Giulio Regeni by the Egyptian National Security Service in October (2015) before the kidnapping and murder," Colaiocco and Prestipino told a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the Friuli-born student's death.

"A spider's web in which the (security) apparatus used the people who were closest to Giulio in Cairo, including his lawyer flat mate, the street traders union representative and Noura Whaby, his friend who helped him with translations".

"It was a spider's web that closed in more and more and which Giulio ended up in the middle of".

Sisi has denied any official involvement in Regeni's death.


Hong Kong's police supervisory body on quashed a long-awaited report into the handling of the pro-democracy and anti-extradition protests, as the city's leader says there has been no police brutality in recent months.



The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) -- which has been criticized by its own experts, rights groups and protesters as a toothless body that relies on the police investigating themselves -- said it has indefinitely postponed the release of its report amid growing international criticism of police violence against protesters.



It said the reason for the decision was an ongoing judicial review questioning its right to initiate such an inquiry.



"The IPCC very much regrets that in light of the [judicial review], it would not be appropriate to publish the first interim report as planned," the agency said in a statement.



A limited report will be issued covering initial protests on , and the storming of the Legislative Council (LegCo) by protesters on , but ignoring the police's delayed response to an attack on Yuen Long subway passengers by a mob in white T-shirts on.



The announcement came a month after an international panel of law enforcement experts stepped down from the probe, saying the city's police complaints body has no power to gather evidence or compel witnesses.



The Independent Expert Panel, which was invited by the government in September to "provide international experience and advice" to the IPCC, said its attempts to negotiate stronger powers for the body had come to nothing in the past month, and the experts no longer wished to be associated with the probe.



The panel had been chaired by Sir Dennis O'Connor, who was tasked by the British government to write a report on the police after the 2011 London riots and included current or former police watchdog chiefs from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and a British specialist on crowd behavior.



Around one third of adults in Hong Kong have reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the protest movement escalated last June, according to a mental health survey published in The Lancet this month, which said the incidence of psychiatric problems was similar to those usually associated with war zones or terrorist attacks.



Rights groups have warned that Hong Kong is now in a state of humanitarian crisis after police fired more than 16,000 rounds of tear gas in recent months, with around 1,000 of those fired into the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) campus during a single day in November.



Excessive use of tear gas, water cannon, pepper spray

Frontline protesters, eyewitnesses, journalists and human rights groups have repeatedly said that the majority of violence during the protests has originated with the Hong Kong police, who have been widely criticized for the excessive use of tear gas, water cannon, pepper spray, as well as both non-lethal and live ammunition weapons on unarmed protesters.



The Lancet has also published concerns over the handcuffing and arrests of voluntary medical staff, including nurses and doctors, during the siege of the Polytechnic University by riot police in.



But Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam told lawmakers on that there had been no police brutality during the past seven months.



"I do not accept the description used by some people of the Hong Kong Police Force's handling of the past seven months of social unrest as police brutality," Lam told lawmakers. "[People] continue to vilify and even demonize the Hong Kong Police Force."



"I believe that the purpose is to weaken the police's ability to enforce the law. Who would most want to see that? A law-breaker, of course," she said, as pro-democracy lawmakers shouted slogans, calling on Lam to resign or accede to the protest movement's five demands.



LegCo president Andrew Leung ordered Claudia Mo, Alvin Yeung and Ted Hui to leave the chamber after they shouted slogans and waved placards during the question and answer session with Lam.



Meanwhile, Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang was making similar comments during a grilling by district councilors.



"I don't think that we can accept this [claim of] police brutality you are talking about," Tang said. "The only reason we come out to enforce the law is because rioters commit illegal acts or acts of violence."



Tang said police were now considering whether they had been "misled" after a woman reported being gang-raped inside Tsuen Wan police station. Multiple reports of sexual assault in police custody have emerged from male and female protesters since protests escalated in.



Tang also dismissed a widely held belief that someone died during an assault by riot police on Prince Edward MTR station on Aug. 31, saying it was "fake news."



Singing from the Chinese Communist Party's hymn sheet



Ivan Choy, senior politics lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), said the government is unlikely to change its tune because it is singing from the ruling Chinese Communist Party's hymn sheet.



"There's not much new in any of the government's statements: they all take a hard line in denying police violence and denying that everyone has lost faith in one country, two systems," Choy said, in a reference to the framework under which Hong Kong was supposed to maintain its existing freedoms and judicial independence after the 1997 handover to China.



"I don't see the standoff between the people, this government and the central government in Beijing resolving itself any time soon," he said. "The anti-extradition movement may be taking something of a breather, but if their grievances aren't resolved, then it will only give rise to long-term problems, including a total loss of trust in the system."



"As soon as there is a new spark in the powder keg, we will see another mass movement taking off -- possibly involving violence," Choy said.



A recent opinion poll by Reuters found that most of Hong Kong's residents support the five demands of the protest movement, with more than one third of respondents saying they had attended a protest.



Only 30 percent said they were opposed, compared with 59 percent of those polled who supported the movement.



The study authors said that the actual mental health impact may be even broader, however, as their study didnt include the under-18 age group, many of whom have been involved in frontline protests.



Plans by Lam to allow the extradition of alleged criminal suspects to face trial in mainland China sparked mass street protests, soon followed by widespread public anger at police use of force against peaceful demonstrators and demands for fully democratic elections.



Lam has since formally withdrawn the hated amendments to the city's extradition laws, but has stopped short of meeting protesters' demands for an amnesty for arrestees, an independent public inquiry into police violence and abuse of power, an end to the description of protesters as "rioters," and fully democratic elections.



Reported by Wong Lok-to, Lu Xi and Man Hoi-tsan for RFAs Cantonese and Mandarin Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
In a somewhat bizarre and deranged political extravaganza at the White House yesterday, US President Donald Trump signed a supposed phase one trade agreement with China, claiming it to be the biggest deal there is anywhere in the world, by far. Clearly, Trump was desperate to proclaim some kind of victory in the US economic war against China.

For almost an hour, Trump rambled through a long list of congratulations aimed at his closest advisers, cabinet members and dozens of the business leaders gathered at his feet. The assembly included the CEOs of some of the worlds biggest financial, industrial and technology companies, such as News Ltd, Boeing, Honeywell, Citibank, UPS, AIG, JPMorgan Chase, Dow Chemical and ConocoPhillips, Blackstone and Citadel, a prominent hedge fund.

Most of you, I can say, youre doing fantastically well, Trump told the business leaders. Thank you Mr President, he said, as if on their behalf. He nervously noted that while the confrontation with China had triggered stock market fallsmore than $US1 trillion in one day in Augustsince his arrival in the White House there had been 141 days where we had all-time highs.

For all the bombast, the interim dealarrived at after two years of aggressive America First trade-war measures against China, disrupting and reducing global trade, triggering financial market meltdowns and fuelling a worldwide slumpresolves none of the fundamental issues at stake.

Not only does it leave most of the punitive US tariffs and Chinese counter-tariffs in place. It does not address the core demands issued by Washington, which have been for the wholesale restructuring of the Chinese economy to prevent it from overtaking that of the US, particularly in high-tech industries. This underlying offensive has been set aside, for now, for a so-called phase two deal, for which no timetable has yet been set.

Trump said he would remove tariffs on more than $US300 billion of Chinese goods only if we do phase two. He added: Otherwise we have no cards to negotiate with. While expressed in the gangster language of a billionaire speculator, this epitomises the drive by the US ruling elite to escalate the confrontation with China in order to shore up the global supremacy that it secured by victory in World War II.

As Chinas delegation, led by Vice Premier Liu He, stood in stony-faced silence, Americas TV networks gradually tired of the spectacle, switching their coverage away to moves in the House of Representatives to send articles of impeachment to the Senate.

After nearly an hour, the Chinese vice premier was invited to read out a message from President Xi Jinping, in which he applauded the negotiations. It also shows that our two countries have the ability to act on ... equality and mutual respect, Xis letter stated. To make even greater progress, Xi wrote, I hope the US side will treat fairly Chinese companies and their regular trade and investment activities.

Whatever hopes the capitalist regime in China has for a mutually-profitable and power-sharing settlement with US imperialism, the underlying conflict will only intensify. Just two days before the White House ceremony, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo provocatively threatened China.

In a speech at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institute in California, he said Iranian leader Qassem Suleimani was killed as part of a broader strategy of deterring challenges by US foes that also applies to China and Russiaexposing the assertion that the Suleimani was assassinated because he was plotting imminent attacks on US targets.

The importance of deterrence isnt confined to Iran, Pompeo said. Thats the whole point of President Trumps work to make our military the strongest its ever been. He cited the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports as an aspect of the administrations strategy. Were restoring credibility to deterrence, he said.

Even in the short-term, many aspects of the phase one deal remain unclear. US officials said the agreement would reduce some tariffs and allow Beijing to avoid additional taxes on almost $160 billion of the countrys goods. The Trump administration also said it received commitments from China to purchase billions worth of goods and crack down on alleged intellectual property theft.

The administration refused to make public all details of the agreed Chinese purchases, but listed specific targets for four industries in 2020 and 2021. These included $75 billion in manufactured goods, $50 billion in energy, $40 billion in agriculture and as much as $40 billion in services.

About two-thirds of all US imports from Chinaroughly $370 billion worthwould still be covered by tariffs after the deal is signed, according to a December analysis from the Peterson Institute for International Economics. And more than half of US exports to China would still be subject to retaliatory tariffs, the institute said.

Steep tariffs are the new normal, wrote Chad Brown, a senior fellow at the institute and former economist at the World Bank, pointing to the wider use of trade war measure by the US, including against Japan and the European powers.

The US ruling class remains intent on reversing Chinas rapidly-gained ascendancy in developing artificial intelligence, 5G mobile networks and other technology that will be critical for economic and military activity this century. China and the US are already locked in a fight over US demands for bans on Chinese tech company Huawei, a leading global provider of telecoms equipment used to build 5G networks.

Trump has vowed that the phase one pact will be followed up with phase two negotiations, despite widespread scepticism that anything will happen before the US election in November, if at all.

Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, said this week he did not expect Beijing and Washington to reach a phase two deal in 2020. The US will still try and force China to change its economic structure, he said. China will make some concessions in this area, but the US should also make a similar level of concession.

Significantly, US Democrats condemned Trump for not going far enough to beat China down. They sought to whip up nationalist and protectionist sentiment, claiming to be wanting to protect American workers and farmers, while aligning themselves with the most aggressive elements within the military and intelligence apparatus.

President Trumps phase-one trade deal with China is an extreme disappointment, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York, wrote in a twitter post, sharing a clip of himself criticising the agreement from the Senate floor before it was signed. Hes conceding our leverage for vague, unenforceable promises China never intends to fulfill.

Schumer echoed the official statement issued by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in December, shortly after Trump announced the pending deal. Trump got rolled by the Chinese, the DNC said. Trump agreed to major concessions to China without addressing the major structural issues he promised to fix or even undoing all the damage thats been done since he promised to take on China.

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was among the most vociferous critics. Trumps deal with China wont fix a failed trade policy that has destroyed 3.7 million US jobs, he tweeted yesterday. In effect, Sanders, like the other presidential contenders, is blaming Chinese and other overseas workers for the ruthless job destruction, cost-cutting and profit-gouging of the US corporate oligarchy.

This reactionary bid to split increasingly poverty-stricken and angry American workers from their global counterparts serves to heighten the danger of a catastrophic military war with China.
Pet O'Connell looks at the region on the Cork-Kerry border that is such a renowned repository of traditional music and dance

Its a long way from Ballinahulla, but Denis Doody is big in Japan.

Nearly 6,000 miles from his home near Ballydesmond, the intricacies of the late Sliabh Luachra accordion players 1978 album Kerry Music now come under the scrutiny of eager students in the Pacific.

Fellow box player Bryan OLeary is impressed by the appreciation for the music of his homeplace on the Cork-Kerry border, encountered during his 2018 tour of Nagoya, Kyoto, and Tokyo.

They loved it in Japan, says Bryan. I thought Id have to fill them in on musicians styles and the next thing, I was being asked dyou know on Denis Doodys album, on track two?And they had Johnny OLeary, Jackie Daly tunes... I was amazed.

Bryan shares their admiration for the musicians in whose footsteps he walks - the likes of OKeeffe, Denis Murphy and his sister Julia Clifford, known as the Waivers, and his own grandfather Johnny OLeary

Not alone was the 2014 TG4 young musician of the year born into the tradition, but his academic education also encompassed a masters degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick, his thesis examining the Sliabh Luachra button accordion-playing of Doody, Daly, Johnny OLeary, and Jimmy Doyle.

But while Bryan is a proud purveyor of the areas distinctive polkas and slides, he admits the deceptive simplicity of its dance rhythms means Sliabh Luachra as a regional style can sometimes get undersold as a poor relation of the jigs and reels of Clare, Sligo, or Donegal.

As Matt Cranitch, who wrote a PhD thesis on fiddle master Padraig O Keeffe and the Sliabh Luachra tradition, observes, the relative ease with which the notes of polkas can be played may be inversely proportional to the difficulty involved in creating the appropriate rhythm and swing. And, unless the tune is imbued with these characteristics, then much of its real essence is missing.

Not only are Sliabh Luachras signature polkas and slides often misrepresented, adds Bryan, but they have become an overly narrow definition of a style which has a far greater breadth than is commonly appreciated.

Bryan agrees that polkas and slides of course are a massive part of the tradition and people of the area are very proud of them. But he points to a wealth of distinctive barn dances, waltzes, reels, jigs, and hornpipes in the playing of Murphy and Clifford, OKeeffe, and his own grandfather. You dont hear too many people playing them outside of Sliabh Luachra. Theres common repertoire that we all share with different traditions but theres also so much material that isnt fully appreciated yet and it needs to get the recognition it deserves.

He highlights the fiddle-playing of the late Mikey Duggan of Scartaglin. I called up to the house before he died to listen to him play by the fire. I was amazed - he was playing lovely jigs, reels, slides, polkas, and then he took off playing unusual waltzes that you wouldnt hear outside this niche. If people in other areas only knew the wealth of the repertoire. Were probably the most cut-off regional style and maybe we dont get the same level of promotion.

The musical intonation of Sliabh Luachra is something Bryan passes on aurally to his own accordion pupils. In a polka or slide you cant do it justice by writing it out on a piece of paper. It has to be developed by ear. When the emphasis is on the offbeat you cant write that down - that has to be developed from listening upon listening, he says. You need to make the rhythm yourself and lean on the long notes, otherwise it doesnt sound anything like Sliabh Luachra music.

Bryan honed his own skills from years of listening and playing with masters of Sliabh Luachra music, though never directly from his grandfather.

My earliest memories of Irish music are in his company because when I was young I used to be taken to some of his sessions, and in particular the one in Knocknagree, in Dan OConnells bar, which he played in for close to 40 years.

He would have played there in the earlier years with the great Denis Murphy but at the time when I was young going there I didnt fully appreciate that. I had a first cousin the same age as me and if the music was in the front of the bar, we were out the back doing our own thing.

So I have great memories of the place but unfortunately I didnt play with him and didnt have a gra for music at that stage.

His grandfather did, however, have a profound influence on his musical career, though it was a career that almost ended before it began.

Henry Cronin taught me tin whistle in first or second class. I was absolutely useless at it and couldnt bring out a note, he admits. There used to be mornings when he used to come that I used to be crying going down to school because I didnt want to take the tin whistle.

After his parents acceded to his requests to give up the whistle, it was the death of Bryans grandfather that sparked his interest in the music which had been around him all his life.

It was the day he died it really affected me and I was so upset by it. He was buried in Gneeveguilla and I said to my mother that day I think Im going to start the accordion.

She probably thought I was bluffing a bit, but the following week I went down to Henry again, only this time with a new instrument.

Classes followed with Nicky McAuliffe, a living encyclopedia of traditional music, who with his wife Anne was last year awarded a TG4 Gradam Ceoil lifetime achievement award.

Years of musical immersion saw Bryan learn from the likes of his aunt Ellen OLeary, Jimmy Doyle, and Julia Cliffords son Billy.

And I was always listening to Denis Murphy or Padraig OKeeffe or Johnny and I nearly forced myself to learn by ear. At the start I wasnt getting them fully right, but what really helped me in learning by ear was that I came to a session in Killarney, religiously every Sunday all through my teens, with Jimmy Doyle, Joe OSullivan and Paudie Gleeson, in Buckleys bar. With myself and Jimmy there was a special connection straight away because Jimmy had been a great friend of my grandfathers and a great disciple of his music. They grew up neighbours and Jimmy would have learnt all his early music from Johnny so it was a nice link because Jimmy would have passed the local stuff on to me.

This passing-on of the local tradition is its lifeblood, and while the vibrant music Bryan now plays, including with the group The Conifers, is anything but old-fashioned, it is informed by his knowledge of generations that went before him.

Some people say you should stop looking at the past but I draw my inspiration from the past, he says.

Bryan traces the tradition through his grandfather and the Waivers of Lisheen, via their teacher Padraig OKeeffe and another seminal figure on the Sliabh Luachra landscape, Tom Billy Murphy of Ballydesmond. Labyrinthine connections make up the areas cultural identity, and back another generation, OKeeffes teacher was his uncle Cal Callaghan.

Cal picked up influences from the music of Scottish fiddle players he worked with in America, and from Corney Drew of Dromtariffe, who also taught Tom Billys teacher, Tadhg O Buachalla, known as Taidhgin an Asail since he, like Tom Billy, travelled the roads by donkey, both being blind or partially sighted.

Though some also played other instruments they were, to a man, fiddle players - a not insignificant fact, even in an area where the button accordion is now firmly established in the tradition.

The fiddle was always the number one, says Bryan.

A lot of the research I was doing was based on the accordion music of the area, but youre always learning about the fiddle music while youre doing that because everything the accordion players did in Sliabh Luachra was based on the fiddle.

Regarding his grandfather Johnny, he relates: Padraig OKeeffe gave him two bits of advice when he met him first: First of all was to play C#/D style accordion tuning. He felt that it blended better with the fiddle music. It all came down to what fitted better with the fiddle. The second thing Padraig OKeeffe said to him was to leave off the bass because he felt that would overpower the tightness of the duet between the accordion and fiddle. All the stuff we have of Denis Murphy and Johnny is very sweet, and his accordion was always tuned tightly, like Jackie Daly did with Seamus Creagh - they wanted their accordions to blend with the fiddle - and Johnny would never use the bass when hed be playing with Denis.

When I was doing my research I was lucky enough to interview Jackie [Daly] and Jimmy Doyle and its amazing listening to them, that they were completely immersed in the fiddle tradition. Jimmy Doyle said when he was young he used to obsess over Denis Murphy and used to try and imitate the Waiver at everything.

One of Jackies main teachers growing up was a man called Jim Keeffe, who was a fiddle player that was a pupil of Padraig, so he was listening to fiddle music from day one.

In Johnnys music you can hear some of the double-stopping that fiddle players do, the chording. He might hold down two buttons at once which creates a kind of a chord, a bit of a drone, and thats taken completely from the fiddle music.

All the accordion players when they were growing up there were so many fiddle players around, so Jackie struck up the partnership with Seamus Creagh, Jimmy Doyle and Dan Leary; Johnny and Denis Murphy - they were all playing regularly with fiddle players.

By experimenting with bass, Daly broke barriers, because even on his first recording, Music from Sliabh Luachra, the way he uses the bass is outstanding... Jackie was the first to make the bass acceptable in polkas and slides. The CD with Seamus Creagh broke more boundaries because they arranged the music. It was exciting and it brought something new to the table.

To survive as a living tradition, music must constantly adapt and change, just as the polkas and slides of Sliabh Luachra are thought to have originally accompanied the quadrille dances fashionable across 18th and 19th Century Europe.

Bryans own music looks both forward and back, the title of his 2015 CD with Colm Guilfoyle repeating the words of Padraig OKeeffe, who when asked to describe his townland of Glountane once replied it was Where the Bog Is.

It would be an admirable attempt too at describing Sliabh Luachra, which literally translates as The Rushy Mountain, but defies precise geographical definition. Trying to pinpoint its location is akin to asking Google Maps for directions to Tir na nOg, the late writer Con Houlihan of Castleisland having famously described Sliabh Luachra not as an exact place, but a state of mind whose location had become a moveable feast.

Though its soil quality may be poor, the wild landscape which provided shelter for Rockites, outlaws and various other rebels has proved fertile ground not only for musicians but writers and artists.

Bryan says the creativity of the place is witnessed in the Irish language poetry of Aogan O Rathaille and Eoghan Rua O Suilleabhain, both from Gneeveguilla.

I always think they must have drawn inspiration from the hilly landscape. Im passionate about where I come from and I get inspired looking out my window at the hills and fields of the place.

The link between music, landscape, and people and is never more evident than in the playing of Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford, he says. They kind of painted a picture in your head, and great imagery comes to mind for me when I listen to the older musicians - youre nearly looking at the places they were from.

Con Houlihan came out with a comment about Denis Murphy, something along the lines of you can see the sun rising over Knocknaboul when you hear him play, and you can hear the cows being driven in for milking. He said he painted in marvellous colours, which a good musician should do because it should set you on a journey.

Sliabh Luachra music and its musicians and dancers have indeed journeyed far afield. Though its heart may beat loudly around Scartaglin, Ballydesmond, Knocknagree, and Gneeveguilla, it is in the blood from Newcastlewest and Listowel to Rockchapel and Freemount, Killarney, Newmarket, and Kanturk, and its soul can be found wherever in the world its rhythms are played.

The dance

The composer of many tunes, Bryan wrote a polka of special significance this year, in tribute to a central character in the set dancing tradition of Sliabh Luachra, Anne Keane, who died in July.

Every year we used play for a set in Milltown Malbay and Anne used to be the main woman, inside at the Westbridge which used to be seen as the Sliabh Luachra bar in Milltown. My mother and father, Ellen my aunt, and Eileen Buckley and Ger Connor used to form the set and it was a reunion for them after Dan Connells [bar in Knocknagree] closed.

You knew you were at ease when you played for them. The difference is that the people you were playing for, for the dancing, would happily sit down and listen to you for two or three hours. They were into the music along with the dancing.

I played at the funeral with a few more and as the coffin was leaving the church she wanted a set danced up at the top of the church and I thought what a way to go, with a polka set being danced.

This inspired the title of a polka in her honour Dance your way to Heaven. Bryan adds: I feel very strongly that people like that should be remembered. Its only a small token but its important to acknowledge her. She was an ever-present at all good things in the trad calendar to do with Sliabh Luachra.

The past masters

Padraig OKeeffe (1887-1963) from Glountane Cross, Cordal, gave up a career as a school principal for that a travelling music teacher. His pupils included Paddy Cronin, Denis Murphy, Julia Clifford, Paddy Jones, and hundreds more, and he developed a distinctive system of notating bowing and ornamentation.

They say he turned the ONeills collection of 1001 tunes inside out, says Bryan OLeary. He told my grandfather he knew every one of them, and the day he was being buried, Denis said to Johnny [OLeary] theres at least 1,000 tunes that we never heard of gone into that grave.

I would say theres truth in that because its rare that when Ive been given manuscripts of Padraigs that I wouldnt learn something new out of it. Its just a well, of all different tune types. You never know what youre going to get in any manuscript of his. Hes still teaching us because his repertoire was endless.

My grandfather said he would have got a lot of tunes from Tom Billy [Murphy] as well, kind of undercover, because apparently they used to have a bit of war, the two of them.

On one occasion the fair was on in Knocknagree and Tom Billy was inside the door of a bar playing and being blind, he was happy out, playing away on the fiddle, and Padraig came in and sat up by the bar and was listening to Tom and any tune that Tom played that Padraig didnt have, he used to go into the pocket and write it down shorthand.

Then, before he left, famously, there was another tune that Tom was after playing that Padraig hadnt heard, and he was after writing it down and on his way out he said that was a lovely tune Tom, what was the name of that? Tom knew the voice straight away and apparently he told him where to go.

The Future

There are certain sets I think every young person in the area should be taught from day dot  the Ballydesmond polkas, the Knocknaboul polkas, the sets from the Star Above the Garter album. I find it very hard to teach just one tune when I know theres another to go with it, says Bryan OLeary, who teaches in Tureencahill, Newmarket, and by Skype to students in Japan and South Korea.

Wherever in the world a musician comes from, there is no substitute for immersion in the tradition, he says, citing upcoming Kerry musicians Kirill and Michael Healy, both adopted from Russia.

The two boys live inside in the Arbutus sessions [in Killarney] with Jimmy Doyle and theyve immersed themselves in it. Their parents take them everywhere and theyve had such a grounding from Padraig Buckley in the Killarney School of Music that they have respect for the music and [know] the significance of being able to sit down in a session with John Brosnan or Jimmy Doyle or going up to Scartaglin and meeting Jackie Daly.

The boys are regular attendees and performers at Scaraglins monthly Handed Down series which, Bryan adds, is a massive resource for young musicians and Sliabh Luachra enthusiasts in general.

See: worldfiddledayscartaglin.ie
FORT LEE, N.J., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Ahmed, a board certified Internal Medicine physician, served most recently as the Chief of Hospitalist Medicine and Post Acute Care for Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, NJ. In her role at CareOne, she will be leading and developing clinical systems, infrastructure and protocols to support CareOne's entire network of services, which include sub acute care, long term care, assisted living, LTACH, home care, hospice, pharmacy services and specialized memory care. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed will oversee the development of CareOne's physician enterprise and C.I.N. (Clinical Integrated Network).

Lizzy Straus, CareOne's Executive Vice President stated, "we are thrilled Dr. Ahmed will be joining CareOne to assist our organization in elevating the care we provide to our patients throughout the many care settings and centers that we operate." She continued, "Dr. Ahmed is without a doubt the most experienced and outcome oriented physician practicing in the senior care field in New Jersey. CareOne will be able to launch several new initiatives that we have planned with even more confidence and success having Dr. Ahmed's leadership and experience."

About CareOne

A family owned and operated healthcare organization with more than 45 years of service; that include post-hospital care, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, long-term care and a variety of clinical specialty programs. CareOne offers compassionate care in gracious, professionally managed centers and communities and serves thousands of patients every day. CareOne's outstanding programs and services are conveniently located across more than 55 centers throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Maryland. Interested parties can engage with CareOne on social media by following @CareOneMgt on Twitter, @careonemgt on Instagram, and @CareOneManagement on Facebook.

SOURCE CareOne Management

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Russia, which is expected to be a landmark event in the modern history of bilateral relations, as was discussed at a meeting on January 16, 2020, of Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov with Russian acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov who arrived in Tashkent on an official visit, Trend reports citing Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry.

During the talks, the parties discussed current issues of Uzbek-Russian multifaceted relations with an emphasis on the prospects for their development in the political, trade, economic, investment, tourism, scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian and other fields, and also exchanged views on some international and regional problems.

The ministers noted with satisfaction that over the past two years, relations between Uzbekistan and Russia have acquired a steadily growing and comprehensive character. In the year that ended, more than 130 visits by delegations of ministries and departments, regions, company leaders, and business circles took place in the economic sphere alone. It was emphasized that the positive dynamics were achieved primarily due to the established trusting relationships and mutual understanding between the leaders of the two countries.

The proposals on the dates and agenda for meetings of the Joint Commission at the level of heads of government, the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, forums for interregional cooperation, in the fields of education and the media, and other bilateral events were also considered.

An exchange of views took place on interaction within the framework of the UN, CIS, SCO and other multilateral structures.

Following the talks, the ministers signed a Cooperation Program between the ministries of foreign affairs of Uzbekistan and Russia for 2020-2021, which is aimed at a systematic and fruitful interaction between the foreign affairs agencies of the two countries.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri
A screenshot shows the moment the grandmother was thrown to the ground: Jayne Miller

A 76-year-old grandmother was left shaken after being violently thrown to the ground by a police officer outside her home.

Police arrived at Rena Mellersons home in Baltimore County on Friday afternoon looking for her granddaughter following a disorderly conduct incident at a different location. A neighbour in suburban Gwynn Oak, Maryland, recorded what unfolded on her mobile phone.

The unsettling video shows Ms Mellerson, who police say interfered with the arrest of her granddaughter, being led out of the house by an officer. Another officer then runs up to the front door and throws her to the ground.

Ms Mellerson proclaims her innocence, and shocked bystanders can be heard questioning why such force was used against her. By the end of the video, six officers surround the now handcuffed grandmother.

In the earlier incident, Cierra Floyd, Ms Mellersons granddaughter, is said by police to have cursed at officers and caused a scene.

According to family, when the officer arrived at Ms Mellersons home, he pounded on the front door and tried to force his way in. No mention was made of having an arrest warrant for her granddaughter.

Ms Mellerson allowed the officer into the house, and Ms Floyd is said to have moved towards him in what was described as an aggressive manner, while his foot was caught in a door.

It was at this point he discharged pepper spray and a Taser was fired into a wall. All of this happened in front of Floyds six and nine-year-old daughters who were in the home at the time and are said to have inhaled pepper spray.

Having been forcefully removed from the house and thrown to the ground, Ms Mellerson was handcuffed, arrested and taken into custody on charges of assault, interfering with an arrest, and obstructing and hindering. She was not seriously hurt.

Floyd was also arrested and charged with similar violations in addition to a charge of disorderly conduct relating to the earlier incident.

Ms Mellerson's daughter Barbara questioned whether the officers had been properly trained and said: A reprimand is not going to be justice for me. You can reprimand them, but I want them terminated.

Story continues

I dont think you need the training to know not to slam a 76-year-old woman to the ground, added Gordon. I dont think you need classes for that.

Chief Melissa Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, called the video "unsettling" and said a full investigation had been ordered in which police body camera footage will be reviewed.

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T he ex-wife of a Russian oligarch once dubbed Vladimir Putins favourite banker has lost her bid to win a share of his former 9 million Chelsea home.

Galina Arkhipova had claimed that she was entitled to some of the proceeds from the pending sale of the property in Glebe Place where her former spouse Sergei Pugachev lived with his mistress.

The home is on sale after an earlier court ruling that it and other of Mr Pugachevs assets, including another London mansion worth nearly 10 million, should be returned to state creditors in Russia who had accused him of buying them with plundered money.

Ms Arkhipova had mounted an attempt to claim a share in the Chelsea home on the grounds that Mr Pugachev had withheld material information about their matrimonial assets, including Glebe Place, at the time of their divorce in 2014.

The 9m home in Glebe Place where Sergei Pugachev lived with his mistress / Graham Hussey

Lawyers representing Russias state-owned Deposit Insurance Agency, which has accused Mr Pugachev of stealing 655 million from a bank bailout, had already branded that as a device to delay the return of stolen assets and have now succeeded in having Ms Arkhipovas claim dismissed after a hearing at Londons Rolls Building before judge Chief Master Marsh.

He ruled that Ms Arkhipovas claim should be thrown out because of her casual approach to complying with a court order requiring her to make full disclosure of her bank statements and access to legal documents, as well as her unexplained failure to attend the latest hearing or instruct lawyers.

Sergei Pugachev with ex-lover Alexandra Tolstoy

His judgment came after barrister Tim Akkouh, representing the Deposit Insurance Agency, told the court that Ms Arkhipova had provided statements from only one bank account despite being ordered to provide statements covering all her transactions over 20 years.

Mr Akkouh said the details provided by Ms Arkhipova gave no indication of how she had funded her life in Russia, where she lives, or how she paid for 10 trips to the Cote dAzur in France. He said this made it inherently incredible that she had provided full details of her bank accounts, as ordered by the court.

He said she had also failed to comply with the courts demand relating to obtaining legal documents from her former Russian lawyers. Chief Master Marsh accepted his argument.

Ms Tolstoy said her life has been ruined by the legal action which has forced her to leave the Glebe Place home / Dave Benett/Getty Images for Sal

The new developments are the latest in a saga that began after Mr Pugachev, who was once dubbed Putins banker, was sued by the Deposit Insurance Agency over claims that he stole a fortune from a bank he founded after it was bailed out in the financial crisis.

A freezing order covering his assets was issued with further High Court litigation finding that Mr Pugachev had used sham trusts to conceal his ownership of about 100 million of wealth.

Mr Pugachev, who lived in London before the litigation began, has since fled to the south of France. He has claimed that he is a target for the Kremlin, which he says is persecuting him because of his knowledge of secrets, and that the legal allegations against him are absurd.
The United States called for a reduction in the number of UN peacekeeping troops in Mali on Wednesday, prompting a swift backlash from France and Russia. Cherith Norman Chalet, the US deputy ambassador to the UN Security Council, said it was "time for this Council to begin developing an alternative approach to address growing instability in Mali." "We must recognize that peacekeeping missions are not the answer to growing terrorist threats in Mali," she said. Washington, which is considering reducing its own military presence in Africa, has been regularly questioning the usefulness of the UN peacekeeping mission to Mali, known as Minusma, since 2018. The 15,000 Blue Helmets have an annual budget of a billion dollars and have been deployed in Mali since 2013. Wednesday's declaration sharpened the US position, with the envoy saying Minusma should stop trying to enforce the implementation of a much-violated 2015 peace accord and focus instead on "the mission on protecting civilians." She called on the Security Council to "develop a new approach that disrupts the status quo" by June, when the peacekeeping mission's mandate comes up for renewal. Chalet also demanded sanctions against "individuals and entities on all sides of the conflict, including government officials and armed group members" who have violated the peace deal. The French ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, told the Security Council that "Minusma remains a very important tool for us. We will continue to need and to support Minusma." Russia's deputy ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy categorically rejected the US demands on the peacekeeping force. "We are not inclined to examine options for any serious revision of the working parameters or a reduction of its presence," he said. Speaking on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, Niger's ambassador Abdou Abarry hailed the "progress" made in Mali and made "an appeal to bilateral and multilateral partners to reinforce their support for the government of Mali in implementing the peace accord." He called for international partners to "help the defense and security forces by strengthening their logistical, operational and intelligence capacities."
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday accused Lt Governor Kiran Bedi of "wrongly trying to malign" him and challenged her to prove the accusations of land grabbing.

"I challenge Kiran Bedi. If me or any of my family members are proved guilty in any land grabbing case, I will resign. But will Kiran Bedi quit if it's not proved? She is wrongly trying to malign me. She no longer deserves to remain Lieutenant Governor," Narayanasamy told reporters here.

Earlier this week, rebel Congress MLA M Dhanavelu had alleged that there have been continuous attempts by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy to stop welfare activities in the Bahoor constituency.

The MLA met Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Monday and raised concerns over the welfare activities in the constituency and complained against the Chief Minister, Congress had suspended the rebel MLA following these allegations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Human rights campaigners have condemned the British government for reportedly agreeing to repatriate children from Syrian camps on the condition they are separated from their mother.

Relatives of Mehak Aslam, who joined Isis with her husband in 2014, want her to sign paperwork that would allow her four children to return to the UK on the condition that she does not come with them.

They are currently being held alongside other Isis families at a camp in Syria, while her husband Shahan Choudhury is being held in a prison nearby, ITV News reported.

A letter from the Foreign Office to the family said that if Ms Aslam were to make a fresh request for her children to be repatriated without her, we would urgently investigate the practicalities of doing so.

If the same offer is made to other British detainees, it could provide a route out of Syria for dozens of children.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

But Maya Foa, director of the legal charity Reprieve, told The Independent amounted to family separation.

The UK government has the choice to bring back mothers in northeast Syria together with their children and preserve family unity, something which child rights organisations all agree is in the best interests of the children, she added.

If the mothers have charges to answer, they can and should be prosecuted here in the UK by our justice system which deals with complicated cases every single day.

The couple, from London, have been stripped of their British citizenship as part of controversial government attempts to prevent the return of alleged Isis members.

According to government documents, the deprivation of citizenship can only be used if it is conducive to the public good including for national security reasons.

Despite legal challenges, the government claims it can use the measure even if it makes a person stateless, as long as there are reasonable grounds to believe they can claim citizenship elsewhere.

The most recent figures show that 104 people were deprived of British citizenship in 2017.

Ms Aslams father, Mohammed, said his eldest granddaughter had been killed in an explosion in Isiss last stronghold of Baghouz and he feared for her siblings safety amid the continuing war and dire conditions in camps.

I can never forgive them for that, he told ITV News. They wanted to take this step for themselves. Thats fine, thats their problem, but why involve the kids in this?

 Jeremy Hunt says British officials didn't rescue Shamima Begum's baby because it was too dangerous

He said it would be a very hard thing for Ms Aslam to be separated from her children but added: I hope she will see the right side and realise this is in the best interests of the children.

Relatives of Ms Aslam and Mr Choudhury approached the Foreign Office after seeing an interview with the husband on television last June.

The government announced late last year that a small number of orphans would be brought back from the UK but charities estimate that up to 60 British children remain in Syrian camps.

Recommended Isis flag raised at Syrian camp holding jihadi families

Addressing parliament in November, Dominic Raab said: We have made it clear that we are willing to repatriate unaccompanied UK minors or orphans where is no risk to UK security.

We would consider carefully individual requests for consular support more generally and subject to national security considerations, but of course the UK has no consular presence in Syria from which to provide assistance, and that makes it very difficult to help, but we respond on a case-by-case basis.

The Independent understands that requests for assistance from families in Syria can be transmitted to the British government by friends and relatives in the first instance, as it has no consular presence in the country.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it would not comment on individual cases, adding: Every request for consular assistance is considered on a case by case basis.

Decisions take into account all relevant considerations including nationality, national security and feasibility.
The newly inaugurated governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has called for an investigation into contracts awarded by the state government from 2010 to date.

The governors in office within the stipulated time frame include Ikedi Ohakim (2007-2011), Rochas Okorocha (2011-2019) and the recently sacked Emeka Ihedioha (2019-2020).

He gave this order in his inaugural speech immediately he was sworn-in on Wednesday, and also ordered the Accountant General of the state to present a comprehensive financial status of the state within four days, a Punch report has revealed.

Prior to this development, Mr Uzodinma, a few hours after the apex court declared him winner of March 9 governorship election in Imo State, issued an order to all financial institutions where the state funds are maintained not to honour any draft till further notice.

With the addition of the wrongly excluded results from the 388 polling units during final collation of the governorship election by INEC, Mr Uzodinma, who originally came fourth, was declared winner by Justice Tanko Muhammad-led seven-member panel of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

In his inaugural speech, the governor lauded the Supreme Court for bringing him to power and vowed to make Imo State work again.

My government shall be anchored on reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery. Every Imo person shall have a say in my government.

My doors are wide open. I forgive those who conspired to rob me of my hard-earned mandate. Let us work hard to make Imo the pride of Nigeria.

I, hereby, direct the accountant general of the state to within four days forward to me the comprehensive financial status of the state from May 2010 till date.

I also direct the permanent secretaries of all the ministries to within the same period toward the status of the contracts awarded within the time frame. Payment of all ongoing contracts is hereby stopped, Mr Uzodinma said.
Planet Organic Market describes itself as "good for you" and "good for the Earth" but a number of small, local suppliers say the grocery and health-food store hasn't been good for business.

Despite repeated calls and emails to the company, which has locations in Alberta, B.C. and Ontario, several vendors tell CBC they are still out thousands of dollars for unpaid goods dating back to 2018.

Chris Lerohl, a co-owner of Edmonton-based Honest Dumplings, says he's not confident he will ever receive $5,850 owed for the specialty dumplings his company supplied.

"$5,850 would mean the difference for all of us getting a paycheck in a month," said Lerohl.

"So it is real and it does apply and you know we're a small business and any time that you don't get paid it hurts. We put in the work and put in the time and put in the effort and so did our team to make that product, to get it to customers. And then you don't get paid for it  I think is pretty frustrating."

Scott Neufeld/CBC

At the Planet Organic on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton, many shelves were bare Monday with little in the way of produce, meat or dairy as employees apologetically greeted the few customers coming in.

Posted signs cited "vendor issues" and assured customers the store isn't closing down.

Scott Neufeld/CBC

But vendors like Happy Camel say they stopped supplying Planet Organic last year after months without payment.

At her shop in west Edmonton, co-owner Mary Anne Korn pulled out a thick file folder of unpaid receipts totalling $20,208.02. An email from Planet Organic in October 2019 acknowledges the amount owed.

Planet Organic opened two new Edmonton area stores in 2018.

"That really irks me. The way I see it is they're using my money to open new stores," Korn said.

"Karma's a bitch. If that's the way you treat the people you deal with ... it's going to come around."

On its website, Planet Organic describes itself as a company 100-per-cent owned and operated by Canadians, a business that "proudly remains at the forefront of supporting the growth and well-being of local neighbourhoods across Canada."

Story continues

Some businesses have resorted to sending letters warning of legal action. Documents show Sage Valley Marketing, a Drumheller-area company that has done business with Planet Organic for 16 years, is seeking $29,075 in unpaid bills.

Scott Neufeld/CBC

Co-owner Shelley Rymal said the last time Sage Valley Marketing had trouble getting its bills paid, Planet Organic took proactive measures to contact the company to explain what was going on and arrange payments. But not this time.

"That's that's the most concerning thing  their inability to communicate with any of their vendors to say why or what they're doing or if they're going to make payments," Rymal said. "They just haven't had a plan for a year that they've shared with us."

In an emailed statement to CBC News, Planet Organic said it is continuing to work on a solution.

"This has taken much longer than anticipated," CEO Alan Thompson said in the statement. "We sympathize with all creditors and recognize their concerns. Once a solution is finalized we will be better placed to communicate."
VAISHALI: Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed the Congress-led opposition parties for opposing the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said that their anti-BJP propaganda will not succeed.

Addressing a rally in Bihar's Vaishali district, the Union Home Minister said, ''The opposition parties engineered anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) riots, which forced the BJP to hold rallies across the country to make people aware of their nefarious designs.''

Attacking top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, Shah said, "I have come here to tell Muslim brothers to read the CAA. I have also come to tell Rahul Baba (Rahul Gandhi) and Lalu Prasad Yadav to not mislead the people. Mamata Didi and Kejriwal Ji, you too do not mislead the people.''

The BJP president claimed that the CAA has received the best response in Bihar.

Live TV

"CAA intends to help those who came to India after their women were raped in front of their eyes. Their properties were snatched away. Their places of worship were desecrated. Why the government of India should not give them the country's citizenship," Shah added.

The CAA, which grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014, has triggered widespread protests across the country.

Referring to speculations about a rift between the ruling JDU and BJP, Shah said that the two parties will contest the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar together.

''I would like to put all rumours to rest. The next election in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar Ji. BJP and JD(U) will contest together,'' Shah said.

Shah further stated that he wants to end all rumours by openly declaring that the next assembly elections in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

The Bihar Assembly elections are due in October this year. The opposition parties - RJD, Congress and RLSP - among others have already launched their campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.

Lashing out at the opposition, Amit Shah had on Wednesday accused it of spreading negativity in the country saying that opposition was unable to find a solution to joblessness in last 60 years.

Speaking at an event in Delhi on Wednesday, Shah said, "Those saying negative things in India always talk about unemployment. When they talk about unemployment, a question always comes to my mind. You have ruled this country for 50-60 years, what measures did you take for this country's unemployment problem.''

"I want to ask them all, was any new solution found during your 50-60 years rule to provide employment to the youth of this country having 130 crore population...you did not do anything new and are now seeking answers from us," Shah said, without naming any particular political party.
Authored by Matthew Ehret via The Strategic Culture Foundation,

Trumps response to the attack on two US military bases showcase a hopeful about-face on a dark age agenda which many thought could lead nowhere but World War III in the immediate days following Soleimanis murder on January 3.

Immediately after the Iranian counter-attacks occurred on Wednesday morning at the same hour of Soleimanis assassination, Irans Foreign Minister stated:

Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.

Irans retribution was more moderate than many analysts imagined as fore notice was delivered to the Iraqi government 30 minutes before rockets were launched giving American military personnel in the bases ample time to seek shelter.

In Trumps remarks the following day, the President stated:

Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world ISIS is a natural enemy of Iran. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran, and we should work together on this and other shared priorities.

Although Trumps speech characterized Iran as a major supporter of terrorism and Gen. Soleimani as a top terrorist, his assertion that a common interest exists between the USA and Iran in the combat of ISIS is a spectacular break from the neocon agenda. This break is also one of many in a long line of internal struggles emanating from the corridors of American power in the days since Soleimanis murder. This includes the memo written to the Iraq government by William Seely, commanding general of the Iraq Task Force saying: We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure. Seelys memo created a major crisis amongst the radical war hawks like Mark Esper and Mark Milley who raced to deny the memos validity.

Recent revelations published in the Wall Street Journal demonstrating the incredible back channel discussion set up by Trump through the Swiss embassy in Tehran in the hours after Solemeneis murder also play into this movement of sanity within the USA.

The Paradox of America Resolved

This contradictory behaviour is undoubtedly not so confusing for leading figures among Eurasias intelligentsia who are not ignorant to the battle occurring within America between nationalists who genuinely wish to end the forever wars in the Middle East vs those Pax Americanists embedded throughout the neoconservative and neo-liberal establishments who would rather burn the earth than abandon their dark age ideology. Trumps many calls for positive relations with Russia and China over the past 3 years terrify these groups, and this potential US-Russia-China alliance has represented a real threat which todays London-steered impeachment debacle, and years of Russia-gating has always aimed to derail.

With the impeachment bill now sitting in the republican-dominated Senate, the neocons loyal to the Military Industrial Complex which Trump has so loudly criticized have major leverage on the President and are using it.

If you are thinking why would any republican ruin their careers by supporting a democrat-driven impeachment bill against a republican leader? then you havent realized that the drive for war with Iran (as well as Russia and China) is not a matter of practical politics for our later day fanatics of the evangelical pre-millennial garb like John Hagee or Benny Hinn who sincerely believe it is mans duty to usher in Armageddon and fulfill their twisted view of prophecy. Nor is it an issue for their Israeli counterparts who believe essentially in the same prophecy with the small exception that the Saviors arrival amidst the fires of war will be occurring for the first time rather than the 2nd. If you are reading this thinking certainly no one could be so nuts, then let this televised prayer led by Rev. John Hagee and Benny Hinn cause you to think twice:

Bill Kristol, a leading figure behind the neocon cult and co-author of the dystopian Project for a New American Century Manifesto has already poured tens of millions of dollars into billboards, commercials and lobbying teams gunning for Trumps impeachment. Kristol tweeted on October 17, 2019 that If Trump is not impeached and removed, the corruption will get even worse, the White House even more lawless, the violations of norms even more routine. The case for impeachment isnt merely retrospective; its prophylactic. And it isnt merely just; its urgent.

The most recent commercial promoting Trumps impeachment which Kristols think tank Republicans for the Rule of Law released raised the argument that since republicans supported Nixons impeachment in 1973, republicans should impeach Trump today.

This argument obviously overlooks the problem that while Nixon actually appeared to have committed crimes, nothing even approximating illegal activity has occurred in Trumps case.

Things are not as black and white as many believed until recently.

Irans recent military exercises with Russia and China have demonstrated clearly in the minds of saner Americans that no war with Iran is possible without taking Russia and China on as well. Putins brilliant maneuvers in the Middle East have led to the destruction of the Anglo-American plot to grow radical Islam as a geopolitical tool first against the Soviet Union in the 1980s and then against nation states more generally since the Soviet Unions collapse. For this reason, Putins enemies throughout the neocon world and British intelligence have never forgiven him. Although China has not brought much military might to bear in the Middle East, the Belt and Road Initiative has provided a gateway to a durable peace which cannot be overlooked, as BRI projects in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and beyond have given the Middle East a new chance for a future.

The question still remains whether or not Trump can continue to move away from the WWIII agenda and into this positive alliance.
Islamabad, Jan 16 : Pakistan's former President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday submitted an appeal in the Supreme Court against a special court's verdict that found him guilty of high treason and handed him a death sentence.

In the 90-page criminal appeal, Musharraf said that based on the grounds of the application, since the trial had been conducted and completed "in sheer violation" of the Constitution and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, the special court's judgement should be set aside, Dawn news reported.

"Any other remedy that the honourable court deems fit and proper may also be granted," the appeal added.

The appeal days after the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday declared the formation of the special court as "unconstitutional".

On December 17, 2019, the Islamabad-based special court handed a death sentence to Musharraf in a verdict split 2-1.

It was the first time in Pakistan's history that a military chief was declared guilty of high treason and handed a death sentence.

Musharraf was sentenced to death six years after the trial started. The case was filed by the then PML-N government for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007, when the former leader imposed emergency in the country.

In his petitions following the verdict, Musharraf had asked the LHC to set aside the special court's decision for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional. He also sought suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition is made.

The former military chief is currently in Dubai. He was hospitalised following the deterioration of his health last month.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has waded into international relations, calling for the ouster of the brutal government in Iran as he announced $10,000 one-time scholarships in memory of the 57 Canadian victims in last weeks plane crash in Iran.

Theres one person shot down that plane. That was the Iranian regime. The ruthless evil Iranian regime that needs to be changed, Ford told reporters Thursday.

I want to send a message: I support the protesters that are out there. We believe in democracy here in Canada and wed love to see nothing less than democracy in Iran.

The comments and the scholarship came after Ford, who also spoke at a University of Toronto memorial service for the crash victims, met Tuesday with families who lost spouses, children and other loved ones in the Jan. 8 crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 after it was hit by at least one Iranian surface-to-air missile.

It was absolutely heartbreakingthe pain that theyre going through, said the premier, whose own mother died a week ago Sunday after a battle with cancer. People are hurting. The Iranian community are hurting. And I just want to tell them that the rest of Ontario is hurting along with them.

Thirty-four of the 57 Canadian victims of the crash were academics, teaching, studying or engaged in research at universities across the country.

There were PhD candidates, professors, researchers, doctors, like the PhD in medical biotech who was researching a new drug therapy for breast cancer. These are the incredible stories of the people that were on Flight 752. These were people committed to their education and working hard to help our society, Ford said.

We have to make sure that we carry on their legacy and memory, he added, flanked by two Progressive Conservative MPPs of Iranian descent, Goldie Ghamari (Carleton) and Michael Parsa (Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill) at a news conference outside the premiers office.

Both have been helping families deal with the aftermath of the airliner tragedy.

The 57 scholarships will start in fall 2020, but Ford said they could be extended if donors step up.

Hopefully well have private sector partners to help out the following years.

Details of the scholarships to Ontario universities will be determined with input from families of the crash victims but the financial aid will be open to everyone, Ford said.

The Ontario government is also working with federal officials to connect families of crash victims with mental health services, community organizations and offering assistance in getting important documents such as death certificates.

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The Christian Council has expressed worry over what it calls continuous attacks on churches in Sub Saharan Africa.

The Council fears the situation may get out of hand if it is not brought under control.

Speaking at a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Chairman of the Council, Most Reverend Dr. Kwabena Boafo said the church in Ghana is ready to cooperate with security agencies to safeguard congregations.

We have many of our members living in fear in the wake of terrorist attacks on churches. We promise to work with security agencies in their bid to defend this nation against terrorist attacks and humbly request that they give us the necessary information and intelligence as and when needed to alert our members, he said.

Terror threats have been escalating in the sub-region over the last few years, especially in neighbouring Burkina Faso.

Islamist groups in Burkina Faso have committed targeted attacks and executions that have killed over 250 civilians since April 2019 , according to Human Rights Watch.

Witnesses have said that assailants sought to justify killings by linking victims to the government, the West, or Christian beliefs.

The armed Islamist groups responsible for the attacks began operating in neighbouring Mali and from 2016 spread into Burkina Faso.

Security analysts have warned that Ghana could be the next country to suffer from the spread of radical Islamists.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has in the past assured that the government will continue to equip the country's security agencies to prevent terror attacks.

He urged the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to accept and implement the ECOWAS Commission's proposals on dealing with terrorism in the Region.

The priority areas touch on every aspect of the terrorism canker, from promotion of inter-community dialogue, intelligence gathering and sharing, strengthening border security controls, training and equipping state actors, dealing with terrorism financing, coordination of counter-terrorism efforts, strengthening control of arms and dual-use goods, and the mobilisation of resources to fund counter-terrorism within the region, he said in September 2019.

citinewsroom
I ran will offer compensation to the families of victims of the passenger plane accidentally shot down by its Revolutionary Guard, the countrys ambassador to Britain signalled.

Hamid Baeidinejad said Tehran had accepted responsibility for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 with two missiles, and that the legal and financial implications would now be considered.

As foreign ministers from nations who lost citizens gathered in London today, he added that he did not envisage major problems over compensation.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and representatives from Canada, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan were holding talks on how to ensure there is a transparent inquiry into how the Boeing 737 was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehrans international airport on January 8, killing all 176 on board.

Justin Trudeau promises 'justice' for families after Iran plane downing

A military unit is believed to have fired two Russian-made Tor missiles at the plane, wrongly believing it was a US cruise missile fired in response to Iranian strikes on two Iraqi bases housing American troops.

These attacks had been launched in retaliation to Washington assassinating Revolutionary Guard General Qasem Soleimani.

Tehran initially denied that the plane had been shot down but eventually confessed as more evidence became public.

Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures 1 /13 Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures via Reuters AP AFP via Getty Images People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Images AP AP via Reuters AP Rescuers check the debris following the plane crash via Reuters Part of the wreckage from Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran shortly after take-off via Reuters

Asked on Channel 4 News about compensation, Mr Baeidinejad said: We dont see that there would be any major disagreement because we have accepted responsibility.

Irans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has accused Britain, Germany and France of giving in to high school bully Donald Trump by triggering a dispute resolution mechanism under its JCPOA nuclear agreement.

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration had threatened a 25 per cent tariff on European car imports if the three nations (E3) did not formally accuse Iran of breaking the 2015 deal, which aims to limit its ambitions but which the US pulled out of in 2018.
State Screening Mandates

When it comes to prostate cancer, early detection can be the difference between life and death. Cancer-screening services reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality but many patients do not receive cancer-screening services as recommended. Cost is often a barrier, especially for patients whose insurance does not cover screening services. ZERO is working on a state-by-state effort to remove all cost-sharing barriers to ensure access to vital prostate cancer screenings.

PSA Screening for HIM

ZERO is spearheading a bipartisan effort to introduce the PSA Screening for HIM Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The PSA Screening for HIM Act would allow men with the highest risk (African American or those with a direct genetic link) for aggressive prostate cancer to receive screenings without cost-sharing, regardless of their state of residence. This act is critical to the livelihood of men at high risk for prostate cancer and will bring the importance of early detection to the national stage.

ZERO is spearheading a bipartisan effort to introduce the PSA Screening for HIM Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The PSA Screening for HIM Act would allow men with the highest risk (African American or those with a direct genetic link) for aggressive prostate cancer to receive screenings without cost-sharing, regardless of their state of residence. This act is critical to the livelihood of men at high risk for prostate cancer and will bring the importance of early detection to the national stage. Research Projects Later this year, ZERO is launching a new research initiative focused on improving the screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our aim is to find new testing methods and speed the discovery methods of detecting aggressive prostate cancer and which treatments have the best chance to improve survival outcomes for each patient.

A question Ive often heard so far in the New Year is What is causing the rise in prostate cancer deaths? Part of the answer is that the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and Baby Boomers are wading deeper into the risk pool.However, the leading factor is the massive confusion around guidance for prostate cancer screening. As of recent, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, a government-appointed panel, has been the main driver of this misalignment by recommendingtesting for the disease. Not only has this contributed to the increase in deaths and a flattening of mortality rates, but some doctors also elect not to screen. A few physicians have landed in legal trouble for disregarding screening or the PSA test, as a Vietnam Vet was recently awarded nearly $2M when his doctors ignored his PSA test results.These deficiencies in the urgency and clarity around advising men to get tested for prostate cancer has resulted in more men being diagnosed later, which has led to more deaths. It is important to get beyond the headlines and focus on eliminating barriers to testing. At ZERO, we will focus on three important measures to solve the problem:Im optimistic that a change will come, but it takes your help to make it happen. I urge you to join other caring and energized individuals at the ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit in February. There, a diverse community of researchers, physicians, cancer survivors, patients, and advocates, will work together to take steps toward ending this awful disease.Written by: Jamie Bearse, CEO, Spokesperson, ZERO - The End of Prostate CancerSource: "How We Can Solve The Increase In Prostate Cancer Deaths | ZERO - The End Of Prostate Cancer". 2020. ZERO - The End Of Prostate Cancer.
The Senate Democratic leader recently said that as long as he can try to use the trial process to hurt some Republicans re-election chances, quote, its a win-win, Mr. McConnell said this week. Thats what this is all about.

Democrats bristle at the idea that they are playing politics and say that Mr. Trump put national security at risk by withholding military aid from Ukraine as leverage to force an investigation of a political rival and then stonewalled the House investigation of his actions.

In a tale of two chambers, the contrast between the House and Senate was on full display Wednesday. House Democrats showcased their selection of impeachment prosecutors and the ritualistic delivery of the articles of impeachment across the Rotunda while Senate Republicans treated the matter like a hot potato, appearing in no hurry to take possession of the charges. Mr. McConnell promptly put off until Thursday the formal reception of the paperwork.

The far left has been desperate to get rid of President Trump since Day 1, and that has been made abundantly clear throughout this process, said Senator Todd Young, Republican of Indiana, who nevertheless said he would try to weigh the merits of the case. Now that the articles are being delivered and a trial will be held in the Senate, I will uphold my duty as an impeachment juror and carefully evaluate the legal arguments.

Before the Clinton impeachment trial got underway, the full Senate gathered in the old chamber down a marble hallway from the Senate floor to work out their differences in a free-flowing private discussion that participants remember as a singular event during their service. They said the weight of what they confronted, and the historic surroundings of the chamber where illustrious senators of the past had roamed the floor, encouraged them to find common ground.

Mr. McConnell, in contrast, apparently wants nothing to do with the old Senate chamber. Republicans say he would prefer to stay out of the storied space for fear an all-hands meeting there would lend undue import to the trial and create an atmosphere in which some Republicans could decide to ally themselves with Democrats on procedural issues, effectively costing him control of the process.
President Vladimir Putin has named tax service chief Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's new prime minister in a surprise reshuffle.

The 53-year-old Mr Mishustin has worked in the government since 1998.

Mr Mishustin has a kept low profile while serving as the head of the Federal Tax Service since 2010.

Mr Putin's choice of Mr Mishustin, who lacks any political weight,indicates that he will not play an independent role.

Outgoing premier Dmitry Medvedev earlier resigned his post after Mr Putin announced proposed constitutional amendments.

Mr Putin kept his long-time ally in the Kremlin's leadership structure, appointing him to the newly created post of deputy head of the presidential Security Council.

Mr Medvedev, who served as a placeholder president in 2008-2012 to allow Mr Putin to observe term limits, said in televised comments that he needed to resign in light of his mentor's proposed changes in government.

Mr Putin thanked Mr Medvedev for his work.

Vladimir Putin suggested a nationwide vote on proposed constitutional amendments: "Everything must be ultimately decided by the people" - President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 15, 2020

In his state of the nation address earlier in the day, Mr Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow politicians to name prime ministers and Cabinet members.

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The authority to make those appointments currently belongs to Russia's president.

"It will increase the role of parliament and parliamentary parties, powers and independence of the prime minister and all Cabinet members," Mr Putin told an audience of top officials and politicians.

At the same time, Mr Putin argued that Russia would not remain stable if it were governed under a parliamentary system.

The president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, to name top defence and security officials, and to be in charge of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and departing prime minister Dmitry Medvedev (Alexei Nikolsky/AP)

Mr Putin emphasised that constitutional changes must be put to a nationwide vote.

Mr Putin's current term expires in 2024, and Russia's political elites have been abuzz with speculation about his future plans.

The 67-year-old Mr Putin has remained at the helm for more than 20 years - longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin.

He will have to step down after his term ends under the current law, which limits the president to two consecutive terms.

Political analyst Kirill Rogov said that Mr Putin's proposals indicate his intention to remain in charge while re-distributing powers between various branches of government.

"Such a model resembling the Chinese one would allow Putin to stay at the helm indefinitely while encouraging rivalry between potential successors," Mr Rogov said on Facebook.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Alexei Navalny, the most prominent Russian opposition leader, tweeted that the president's speech signalled Mr Putin's desire to continue calling the shots after his term ends.

"The only goal of Putin and his regime is to stay in charge for life, having the entire country as his personal asset and seizing its riches for himself and his friends," Mr Navalny alleged.

Mr Putin served two presidential terms in 2000-2008 before shifting into the prime minister's seat for four years to observe the term limit.

Mr Medvedev kept his seat warm and then stepped down after just one term to allow his mentor to reclaim the top job in 2012.

While in office, Mr Medvedev raised the presidential term from four to six years.

While Mr Putin continued calling the shots during Mr Medvedev's presidency, he was not quite happy with his performance.

#Constitution: Russia must remain a strong presidential republic. The President should be able to relieve the Prime Minister and deputy PMs - President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 15, 2020

He was particularly critical of Mr Medvedev's decision to give the green light to the Western air campaign over Libya in 2011 that led to the ousting and the killing of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Mr Medvedev's decision to step down after one term to let Mr Putin return to the presidency also sparked massive protests in Moscow in 2011-2012 in a major challenge to the Kremlin.

Observers speculated that Mr Putin may stay in charge after 2024 by shifting into the prime minister's seat after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority.

Political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin said Mr Putin's speech made it clear he was pondering the move to the premiership.

"Putin is advancing the idea of keeping his authority as a more powerful and influential prime minister while the presidency will become more decorative," Mr Oreshkin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the State Council (Shamil Zhumatov/AP)

Other potential options include a merger with neighbouring Belarus that would create a new position of the head of a new unified state, a prospect rejected by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

In his address, Mr Putin said the constitution must also specify the authority of the State Council consisting of regional governors and top federal officials.

Some analysts have theorised that Mr Putin may try to continue pulling the strings as head of the council after stepping down as president in 2024.

Mr Putin also emphasised the need to amend the constitution to give it a clear priority over international law.

"The requirements of international law and treaties and decisions of international organs can only be valid on the territory of Russia as long as they don't restrict human rights and freedoms and don't contradict the constitution," he said.

He also said that the constitution must be tweaked to say that top government officials are not allowed to have foreign citizenship or residence permits.

Mr Putin focused his state of the nation address on the need to encourage population growth by offering additional subsidies to families that have children.

The Russian leader said Russia would remain open for cooperation with all countries while maintaining a strong defence capability to fend off potential threats.

He added that new weapons systems would protect Russia's security "for decades ahead".

"For the first time in history, we aren't trying to catch up with anyone," Mr Putin said.

"On the contrary, other leading nations are yet to develop the weapons that Russia already has."
When Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason was tapped to lead the agency in November, he pledged to help reform the department that has been plagued with investigations into overtime abuse, troopers allegedly taking free guns and other scandals.

On Thursday, Mason and Gov. Charlie Baker announced theyre taking a proposal to implement reforms to Beacon Hill.

Baker, a Republican, and Mason introduced on Thursday a bill that would create stricter penalties for troopers who submit false claims for hours worked, streamline the process to suspend troopers charged with serious offenses and expand the candidate pool for the top state police position, currently held by Mason, to law enforcement officials beyond the department, among other changes aimed to improve internal policies.

Baker and Mason announced the bill after addressing the 85th Recruit Training Troop, which Baker said will be the first group to undergo the new trainings. Baker said this pool is believed to be the largest and most diverse pool of candidates in state police history.

We are also filing legislation to allow the Colonel to take swift action against Troopers who do not live up to the oath they swore, promote a more diverse workforce and bring Department policies in line with modern management practices," Baker said.

Mason, who was named colonel after Kerry Gilpins retirement, inherited a department that has faced numerous scandals over the past decade. Several troopers have been charged, and some convicted, in the overtime abuse investigation. The former head of the state police union, Dana Pullman, faces federal charges that he and Anne Lynch, a Beacon Hill lobbyist, defrauded the union in a kickback scheme that steered work to Lynchs firm. And two troopers are accused of taking free guns from a prospective vendor and weapons from the state police armory.

In the high-profile, overtime abuse investigation, 10 troopers were charged in state or federal court. Most have pleaded guilty, admitting to skipping shifts and, in some cases, writing up phony tickets to cover their tracks. Many of them served no time in jail, instead being sentenced to house arrest and probation. Some were sentenced to a day in prison, deemed served.

An attorney representing Trooper Eric Chin, who was sentenced to three months of house arrest in March, blamed the culture at the Massachusetts State Police.

There was a deep culture of corruption and entitlement in Troop E, said attorney Douglas Louison in federal court.

Mason said that he sees morale improving as he visits barracks across the state.

I would assess the current culture as a positive one ... I feel that were turning a corner, that morale is improving, Mason told reporters Thursday morning.

Mason pointed to the investigation of an 11-year-old girls abduction and Amber Alert as an example of good work that state troopers and Springfield police officers, who led the abduction investigation, strive to do.

Baker said the proposed measures include increasing diversity within the department, speeding up and strengthening penalties for overtime abuse and making sure promotions are merit-based.

Some of the proposed changes focus on disciplinary action. The proposal includes steps to streamline the process for suspending troopers, simplifying the disciplinary process for imposing lower penalties for minor violations, according to a news release.

The bill also calls for a new fraudulent pay statute so state and municipal agencies can recover damages from officers convicted of submitting claims for hours they never worked.

Another area of reform the bill tackles is the agencys hiring and promotion practices.

The bill includes a provision to create a cadet program as an alternative route to the State Police Academy, which Mason and Baker said would diversity the pool of prospective recruits. Baker told reporters Thursday morning that he still expects the academy to be a rigorous program that weeds out recruits who may not want to enter law enforcement for the right reasons.

For current troopers, the bill calls for changing how and when they are up for promotions to become sergeants and lieutenants, eliminating oral interviews as factors determining whether someone should be promoted to lieutenant or captain and eliminating the requirement that the agencys colonel be selected only from within the department. The bill opens up the position to external candidates with 10 or more years in law enforcement and five or more years in a police or military leadership position.

Mason also announced revisions to the academys curriculum and other changes within the agency, including new supervisory oversight policies for overtime assignments, ethics training that involves de-escalation, empathy and communication and plans to add 1,500 body cameras and 1,000 in-car video systems for troopers.

Baker said the proposal to revise the academys curriculum was part of Masons greater goal in Improving the culture within the agency overall.

When I interviewed the colonel for this position, the first question I asked him was what are we going to do with respect to some of the issues around culture? And his answer was the academy, Baker said of Mason.

Its absolutely the place where many recruits get introduce to what the Mass. State Police and its leadership thinks," he added.

The agency also created a Diversity Recruitment Officer position, which will focus on recruiting, hiring and guiding employees from historically underrepresented communities, according to the announcement.

We will hold the line as we move forward, but Im very optimistic about the state polices future and morale is on the rise, Mason said.

Related Content:

Lt. Col. Christopher Mason named head of the Massachusetts State Police after retirement of Col. Kerry Gilpin

Mass. State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin says she gave job her heart and soul, under the most trying of circumstances in retirement announcement

Former Mass. State Police troopers Paul Wosny, Michael Wilmot accused of taking free guns from vendor and weapons from the state police armory

Flowers, caviar and payments toward a $75K Chevy Suburban: What feds say Dana Pullman did with police union funds

Former Mass. State Police Lt. David Wilson, who admitted to OT abuse in federal court, may take plea deal in state case

Massachusetts AG Maura Healey: Investigation into state police overtime scandal isnt over
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:43:43|Editor: xuxin

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DAMASCUS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army said on Thursday that rebel groups have intensified their shelling on the residential areas in Aleppo city.

Scores of civilians have been killed and wounded by the repeated shelling, the army said in a statement quoted by the state news agency SANA.

It added that the rebels were also firing on the humanitarian corridors established by Russia and Syria for the civilians who desire to leave the rebel-held areas in Aleppo province and the nearby Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold.

The statement said the Syrian army's targeted the rebel positions as part of the retaliation against the rebels' shelling against civilian areas.

The army will exert all efforts to secure the evacuation of the civilians from the rebel-held areas, said the statement.

Aleppo, recaptured by the Syrian army in 2016, has largely remained safe except for occasional mortar shelling by the rebels.

The radical rebels, located in the western and northern countryside of Aleppo, frequently fire mortar shells at the city and other government-controlled areas.
(Alliance News) - Car dealer Inchcape PLC said Thursday it agreed to acquire Daimler AG's Colombian distribution operations for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and private vans for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will add to its Subari, Hino and JLR operations in the country, and enhance the group's Latin American platform which represents the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hino, Subaru, Suzuki and JLR brands, Freightliner and Fuso in eight markets across the region.

This follows the announcement in early November 2019 of Inchcape acquiring Autolider, a distributor of Daimler brands in Ecuador.

"The focus on our core Distribution capabilities and the disciplined allocation of capital are consistent with Inchcape's strategy of long-term sustainable growth," Inchcape stated.

Shares in Inchcape - which is based in London - were up 0.2% at 694.50 pence on Thursday.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Thursday rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya case.

The mercy plea was then forwarded to Lieutenant Governor, who has now sent it to Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The convicts were sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.

The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, had succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Luanda (AFP) - The billionaire daughter of Angola's ex-president, Isabel dos Santos, has said she would consider running for president in the next election in 2022.

Dos Santos has been targeted in an anti-graft campaign led by her father's successor President Joao Lourenco, who has vowed to fight corruption and rebuild the economy of sub-Saharan Africa's second biggest oil producer.

Prosecutors froze the bank accounts and holdings owned by the 46-year-old businesswoman and her Congolese husband Sindika Dokolo last month.

Dos Santos, reportedly Africa's richest woman, has denied any wrongdoing and denounced the investigation as "politically motivated".

Asked in an interview with Portuguese state broadcaster Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) whether she would run for the top job in Angola, dos Santos said it was "possible".

"I will do everything I need to do to defend and serve my country," she said in the interview, which was broadcast late Wednesday.

The investigation surrounding dos Santos is centred on the alleged use of state-owned companies to siphon off over one billion dollars.

It is delving into irregularities involving Angola's national oil company Sonangol and Sodiam, a national diamond marketing firm.

Dos Santos was appointed head of Sonangol by her father Jose Eduardo dos Santos in 2016, one year before he stepped down and handed the reins over to Lourenco.

- Large-scale purge -

The president forced her out of the position within months of coming to power in 2017.

He has since launched a large-scale purge of the dos Santos 38-year administration, during which top positions were awarded to the ex-president's cronies.

Dos Santos's brother Jose Filomeno -- nicknamed "Zenu" -- went on trial last month for allegedly embezzling $500 million from Angola's sovereign fund, which he oversaw from 2013 to 2018.

Zenu, who faces a maximum of 12 years in jail if found guilty, is the first member of the dos Santos family to be prosecuted.

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"The selective manner of this so-called fight against corruption (is being used) to neutralise future political candidates," dos Santos told RTP, adding that she continued to be "shocked" by the allegations.

Dos Santos has been named Africa's richest woman by Forbes magazine, which last year rated her net worth at $2.2 billion (two billion euros).

She has holdings in two private banks, mobile operator Unitel, a supermarket chain and cable television among others.

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File photo shows the dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. Read more

HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania officials announced Thursday that nearly $1 million in grants were awarded to prevent and respond to sexual assault at 36 colleges and universities.

The Education Department announced the recipients under the state version of the It's on Us initiative that began four years ago.

The money will help train students and staff, increase public awareness and provide services to victims.

This years recipients include the first grant for research. St. Vincent College was given $15,000 to assess the statewide impact of the Its on Us program and suggest ways to improve it.
Congress MLA Dhanavelu was temporarily suspended from the party for 'anti-party activities' here on Thursday.

Recently, Dhanavelu met Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and raised concerns over the welfare activities in the Bahoor constituency and complained against the Chief Minister.

Dhanavelu had alleged that there had been continuous attempts by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy to stop welfare activities in the Bahoor constituency.

"There have been continuous attempts by the Chief Minister to stop welfare activities in my constituency (Bahoor). The officials have been instructed to not carry out developmental work here," the MLA told the reporters on Monday.

Chief Minister of Puducherry V Narayanasamy, who has been at loggerheads with Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi over administrative issues as the state government has alleged that she has been impeding various welfare schemes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pan Qunfang has been practicing brush writing for around three years. The strokes written by the 13-year-old boy are similar to Chinese characters, however, only people from Sui ethnic minority can understand the ancient writing.

"This character means gold, and the other means fire. The characters were created by the Sui ethnic group," Pan told a group of visitors.

Pan lives in Shuiwei Village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. There are a total of 314 students at his school, among which 215 are from the Sui ethnic group.

With a population of over 400,000, Sui is among China's 56 ethnic groups. Sui people mainly live in Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

To cultivate students' interests in their own culture, Pan's school has been introducing Sui culture in classes since 2017.

"My grandpa and father know how to read and write Sui characters, but they are too busy to teach me at home. At school, three teachers teach us to read and write Sui characters," Pan said.

"More and more students are becoming interested in learning Sui culture, and the cultural knowledge enriches students' lives at school," said Wei Yongliang, one of the three teachers.

Pan's school is not exceptional. According to the department of education of Guizhou, there are more than 5,000 schools offering interest-oriented lessons about ethnic cultures. The figure was only around 100 in 2002.

Guizhou was one of the first provinces to include education of ethnic cultures at schools around the year 2000.

The contents of the lessons include ethnic martial arts, instruments, dances, songs, sports, literature and customs.

Liuguan junior middle school, located in Xixiu District in the city of Anshun, is another school that provides such lessons. Its curriculum includes woodcarving and Tunpu culture, as well as local opera and folk costumes, which originated from the Ming Dynasty more than 600 years ago.

Cao Zijian, who has taken woodcarving classes for just one year, has learned to carve masks out of wood.

"I saw these types of masks when I was a kid, but I never knew how they were made and had been curious until I joined the woodcarving class," Cao said, adding that he has also learned about the stories behind the masks and has fallen in love with mask-carving.

"The school has been trying its best to encourage more students to get involved in woodcarving," said Ren Fujiang, a craftsman hired by the school. The 47-year-old has been teaching carving at the school since 2012.

"The reason why I chose to teach craftsmanship at school is that I hope more and more students will like woodcarving so that the skills can be passed on," Ren added.

So far, more than 1,000 students have participated in woodcarving lessons since 2006, according to the school.

Introducing ethnic and folk cultures into the curriculum can not only pass down the cultures from generation to generation but also enrich students' multi-cultural cognition, as well as cultivate students' cultural confidence," said Zhao Chenghong, headmaster of the school.

"It doesn't matter whether they will continue the craftsmanship or not. The most important is that they have a unique experience," Zhao added.
Peel Region police have identified a dead body found in Brampton as that of a Toronto woman who went missing recently.

Early Monday night, a body was found in a wooded area near Nexus Avenue and Fogal Road. The death was determined to be suspicious and Peels homicide and missing persons bureau was called in to investigate.

On Thursday, the victim was identified as Heeral Patel, a 28-year-old from Toronto. She was reported missing Saturday and was last seen near Islington Avenue and Steeles Avenue West, according to Toronto police.

Patels ex-husband, 36-year-old Rakeshbhai Patel, is considered a suspect in her death. Police are encouraging him to contact a lawyer and arrange to turn himself in.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact homicide and missing persons bureau detectives at 905-453-2121, ext. 3205.

Iain Colpitts is a reporter for Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Reach him via email: icolpitts@mississauga.net

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Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site recently spoke to residents from northern towns of New South Wales (NSW) affected by the ongoing bushfire crisis. The region has been experiencing a drought since 2017, which has exacerbated the spread and intensity of the fires. Most areas are still under level-four water restrictions, the most severe, since the WSWS reported a month ago.

Across the country, the fires have resulted in at least 26 deaths, the destruction of more than 2,100 homes and the decimation of millions of hectares of bush and pastoral land. Broad swathes of the NSW coast have been devastated by blazes unprecedented by their size and intensity.

The crisis has revealed the immense growth of social inequality, and the failure of successive governments to put in place measures to mitigate the impact of annual fires. It has also underscored the criminal refusal of the political establishment to address climate change, which is a major contributing factor.

Reg and Usha are retirees living near Taree, 300 kilometres north of Sydney. Usha said: These fires have unraveled the lie that the economy is separate from the environment. How does the economy work if you cant grow your own produce? They are very much integrated.

The drought is in large part due to deforestation and all sorts of anti-environmental policies extending way back to the start of white settlement. Its all coming back to haunt us. You cant have infinite growth of this economic system, its unsustainable.

Reg added: The problem is that the fossil fuel industry is so entrenched in the economy, and politicians are cowards who just want to stay in office as long as possible. I cant remember the last time a courageous independent thinking person was preselected by the two major parties. The regime is totally corrupt.

Reg and Usha

Usha pointed to broader political issues, stating: Weve come to a position where we have the prime minister openly speaking about crushing environmental activists. I think it all started from the war on terrorism almost 20 years ago. The censorship laws that have built up since have made politicians arrogant enough to be more authoritarian in their approach.

There could not have been a Peter Dutton or a Scott Morrison before. This has an absolute connection to the persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the state of politics today. They feel free from public sentiment and scrutiny. Australians like to think we live in a free society but were definitely not.

One member of the Rural Fire Service, the volunteer force that has had to tackle many of the blazes, told the WSWS: The ferocity of the fires has led to a lot of fatigue-related accidents, with instances of people rolling their trucks. Ive come to a scene where a fire tornado had picked up a truck weighing 1013 tonnes and tossed it over a farm fence. Ive never seen anything like it. Ive seen two dead bodies, severe burns. Ive become numb to it now.

Fires have been starting overnight, running 40km in one instance. One travelled 5km in one hour. Traditional, 100-foot containment lines have been helpless. I often joke that the only thing thats going to stop these fires is the Great Eastern Firebreak. People ask, Whats that? I say: Its the Pacific Ocean.

No white man has seen a drought this bad before. I had 70 head of cattle and Im down to 30. Most have been lost due to hunger and misadventure in search of food. The cattle have been using the dried-up Manning River like its a highway in search of food.

There are a whole number of factors coming together to create this fire season, and its not simply a lack of funding. The RFS is good for rapid response but reacting to this crisis is too late. The fuel load and conditions for severe and widespread fires have been building for a long time.

One of the issues is that people are not as wealthy as they were 40 or 50 years ago. Gone are the days of single income homes. Now everyone is trying to outdo each other. We are up to our eyeballs in debt. Living costs are so high that many people are uninsured.

Most RFS members in the past were farmers, but there has been a massive shift in the last 20 years with a loss of experience and knowledge. Volunteers are dwindling in numbers and the average age is increasing. You cant go flogging these people for 11 weeks of fire-fighting.

There has been a widespread failure in the duty of private landowners, the council and National Parks to manage properties for fire risk. There needs to be far more resources devoted to mitigation. Funding for social services such as the National Parks and State Forest (NPSS) has been reduced, with limited staff available for hazard reduction burns.

A large amount of crown land was signed over in the 1990s by Bob Carrs Labor government to the NPSS when their 99-year leases ran out. This virtually doubled its jurisdiction in size, but without the corresponding funding to deal with it. So they just locked it up, creating a highly flammable forest.

Matthew

Matthew is a resident of Gloucester, about 100km west of Taree, who owns a nursery. He said: Theyve run out of water here. They should have gone on water restrictions a lot earlier, its not been well planned. Theres got to be a certain amount of water in the river before they go on restrictions. You can see the rivers not running at the moment. Its as dry as Ive seen it, and I'm forty-five.

The fires didnt reach where I live, Ive been lucky. But for the environment and for the wildlife, theres millions and millions of animals dead. If anything had survived you would think it would be in the small bits that hadnt burned, but theres nothing there either, the fires are that hot.

My brother used to work in the national parks, and the federal and state governments have cut their funding. Over the last four or five theres been about 130 less jobs. With less jobs and less funding, theres less people to do back-burning. They need more funding for people to do the burning-off.

With this drought, some of the fire-fighters have said that even with the burning-off it wouldnt have stopped the fires. And there are places, like up near Tenterfield, or at Wollemi National Park, where you cant really burn-off safely any time of year. Every year its worse. So climate change is having an effect, and I still think that we need to respond to it.

I think the government isnt funding the national parks or the firefighters because it would cost them money, and then theyd have to admit that climate change is real and that they havent done anything about it. Its like the state government whove said theyre putting money in and theyve bought two more water bombers. Thats nowhere near enough, and it doesnt matter how many water bombers you have, it does nothing to prevent fires in the first place.

Paul

Paul, a farmer at the Gloucester markets, said: The bushfires near Taree were right up close to us because our property joins up with the Coopernook forest. They had to bring in a lot of resources, including aircraft, that werent there at the start.

Theres been a lot of trouble with the way things are set up. They couldnt even get water close to here and some of the helicopters had to refuel as far away as Williamtown which is 100km away. Theyre getting some salt-water out of the rivers for fighting fires but they are trucking in town water here at Gloucester now because theres nothing. At our place were just relying on dams and wells.

I also think that those volunteer firefighters should be paid. They are putting their life on the line to save others. Weve had three or four of them lose their lives.

Paul noticed the WSWS reporters Free Assange t-shirts and commented:

I think Assange should be freed, hes been set up. The Swedish allegations were false, Ive known that for a long time. Hes a good fellow from what I know of him. He told the truth. And when the truth is exposed, shit hits the fan as they say. Its the same all over the world. The truth is, if the people who write for the Sydney Morning Herald or the Daily Telegraph published what Assange has published, theyd lose their jobs. Its the same with these bushfires, they dont want the truth to get out.
Australias months-long and continuing bushfire calamity has produced multiple declarations of emergency, revealing some of the extraordinary powers that governments and police forces can invoke in times of crisis, and not just climate-related disasters.

By gutting firefighting and other critical civilian resources, and refusing to address global warming in order to bolster corporate profits, Labor and Liberal-National governments alike have helped create the hellish conditions of fire, smoke and economic ruin that millions of people are facing. At the same time, they have seized upon this catastrophe to trigger the use of draconian state of emergency measures.

No federal emergency powers legislation exists in Australia, but each state and territory has statutes that give powers to their executive governments, individual ministers and police chiefs to tear up basic legal and democratic rights. By declaring states of emergency, they can take whatever actions they deem necessary, including to issue orders and directives, and arrest and charge anyone who fails to comply.

Amid the bushfire devastation, the corporate media coverage has uncritically proclaimed these powers as necessary and kept the population in the dark about their extent. In particular, nothing has been reported about their capacity to be used to override any law, including supposed human rights protections, in order to suppress rising popular unrest and political discontent.

In addition to hundreds of local emergencies declared in immediately fire-threatened suburbs, towns and villages, statewide emergency proclamations have been issued in the countrys three most populous statesNew South Wales (NSW), Victoria and Queenslandsince the infernos began last September.

The Labor government in the northern state of Queensland, where fires erupted in September, including in rainforests previously regarded as too damp to blaze, set the first precedent. In early November, a state of fire emergency was declared across 42 local government areas throughout much of the state. It banned a long list of activities that could spark fires and handed authorities powers to commandeer facilities and equipment, backed by heavy fines or imprisonment.

Next, on November 11, NSW Liberal-National Premier Gladys Berejiklian proclaimed a seven-day state of emergency covering the entire state. On December 19, that was followed by another declaration for a week, and then a third such declaration on January 2. These declarations handed vast powers to the states Rural Fire Service Commissioner, including to:

 Direct any government agency to conduct or refrain from conducting its functions

 Override any legislation or regulations

 Control and coordinate the allocation of government resources

 Order the evacuation of people from declared areas

 Close roads and thoroughfares to traffic

 Shut down essential utilities in declared areas, including electricity, gas, oil and water

 Enter or take possession of property.

Under Section 33 of the NSW State of Emergency and Rescue Management Act, the premier has effectively unbridled power to declare such an emergency. Emergency is defined to cover not just fire, flood, storm and earthquake, but also other occurrences such as explosion, terrorist act, accident, epidemic or warlike action. That definition is wide enough to include political protests or revolts, which can be deemed terrorist under the sweeping laws imposed under the cover of the war on terror since 2001.

This repressive content is even more blatant under the state of disaster proclaimed by Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews on January 2 and extended on January 9 for a further 48 hours. Utilising powers introduced after 173 people were killed in the states 2009 Black Saturday bushfire disaster, Andrews issued a declaration that covered six local government areas, plus Alpine resorts, across the eastern third of Victoria.

In addition to a similar list of powers as in the NSW legislation, Victorias Emergency Management Act specifically hands the emergency services minister the far-reaching power to suspend the operation of any legislation, regulation or rule.

The definition of emergency specifically includes an act of terrorism, a hi-jack, siege or riot and a disruption to an essential service. Under the Act, the government can proclaim any service to be essential.

Anyone who obstructs or hinders the minister, or any official authorised by the minister, can be jailed for up to two years. No-one can sue the government or any official for any damage, loss, death or injury sustained because of the exercise of these powers.

In addition, senior police officers can declare emergency areas and order the removal of anyone in the name of public safety. Fines of up to nearly to $20,000 apply for defiance of any order or instruction. The only exception is that the owner of any land or building cannot be compelled to evacuate from it.

In Queensland, the Public Safety Preservation Act features further powers for police or emergency commanders to declare that an emergency has arisen, or is likely to arise, including an incident that causes or may cause a danger of death, injury or distress to any person or a loss of or damage to any property.

How these powers can and will be used for violent repression was demonstrated in 2004, when anger over the brutal killing of an Aboriginal man in a police cell boiled over on Palm Island, north of Townsville. Residents stormed the islands police station, barracks and courthouse over the death of Cameron Doomadgee, 36, who had been locked up on a minor drunk and disorderly charge. Doomadgees death was one of hundreds of deaths of indigenous people in police custody or prisons over the past five decades.

As soon as the unrest erupted, the police invoked emergency powers and flew in at least 80 officers, including the para-military Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). Backed by the Labor Party state government of Premier Peter Beattie, an emergency situation was declared under the Public Safety Preservation Act. Police seized control of the islands airport, school and hospital, closed roads and launched terrifying raids on homes. Amid large-scale arrests, school classrooms became temporary holding cells and police dormitories.

Under the Australian Constitution, the states have retained authority over police and emergency services, giving them the frontline access to such police-state powers. But, facing deepening political disaffection, intensified by the bushfire disaster, moves are underway to reinforce this framework by allowing federal governments to more quickly mobilise the military for emergencies, with or without any state government request.

That is the content of Prime Minister Scott Morrisons pronouncement this week of a new normal of inevitable climate disasters. According to his Liberal-National government, backed by the Labor Party, conditions justify casting aside the constitutional framework, in order to accustom the population to the deployment of thousands of troops. These measures are not driven by any genuine concern for the human suffering and ecological devastation being caused by corporate-driven climate change, but by fear of the rising popular discontent.
The son of a county councillor and general election candidate has been charged with possession of cocaine for sale and supply.

Barry Coleman, with an address at Ballinacourtha, Belgooly in Co Cork, has also been charged with possession of cocaine.
To the extent that the Murdoch family is Australias home-grown version of the royals, then the firm that is the News Corp empire had its very own Prince Harry moment this week.

The decision by Rupert Murdochs youngest son, James, and his wife, Kathryn, to issue a very public rebuke of the familys media company and its seeming promotion of climate change sceptics during Australias bushfire crisis is notable less for its unexpectedness than for the very targeted barb fired at elder brother Lachlan. Lachlan Murdoch now has day-to-day control of what is still arguably one of the worlds most powerful media entities.

Rupert Murdoch flanked by sons Lachlan, left, and James at Rupert and Jerry Hall's wedding blessing at St Brides Church in Fleet St, London, in 2016. Credit:Doug Peters, PA

The long-simmering feud between the two brothers over the philosophy required to take the company into the future, politics, liberalism, and climate change in particular, has been well known within the company, but up until now it has been largely dealt with quietly, away from the public domain.

As with the royals, most everyone knew there were rumblings of discontent within the palace walls. But as with Prince Harry and Meghan Markles announcement that they intend to leave the royal family, few expected the tensions between the Murdoch siblings to spill over into the outside world and do so with such targeted precision.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is launching a fundraising campaign for the upcoming elections in December 2020.

The party will use the event today to also launch the Adopt a constituency/branch policy.

Already, the party has launched a new electronic platform, including an application interface dubbed: NDC GHANA.

It has also launched a website and a short code, *216# or *714*24# that would serve as platforms for special contributions and dues collection among its members.

Follow todays event in the live updates below.

---Myjoyonline.com
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (PCIA) has announced that Matthew Eickman has been named national retirement practice leader for its Qualified Plan Advisors brand.

Matthew is the perfect person to lead our retirement plan advisory business moving forward, said Glenn Spencer, chief executive officer. He is a nationally respected leader in the retirement plan advisory space and an ERISA expert. We have built a national brand and Matthew's leadership will take us to even greater heights. Plan sponsors value a retirement consulting firm that is practical, innovative and participant-focused.

One of the great benefits of having Matthew in this position is that he is highly regarded as a thought leader in the retirement plan advisory community, said Scott Colangelo, founder and chairman of Qualified Plan Advisors.

Eickman is an ERISA attorney who currently serves as both the director of ERISA Services for Qualified Plan Advisors, and the managing director of PCIAs Omaha operations. Matthew provides fiduciary training, Investment Policy Statement oversight and design, and vendor benchmarking. He is also a member of the firms Investment Advisory Committee, serves as co-chair of the Defined Contribution Plan Subcommittee for the American Bar Association's Tax Section, and holds his FINRA series 7 and 66 registrations.

Scott Colangelo developed QPA to provide real financial solutions to employees through in-person, one-on-one training, Eickman said. With todays tight job market, employers are looking to stand out when competing for talent. They recognize our services as a high-value benefit, and it's exciting to continue Scott's vision and dedication to their retirement plan needs.

QPA sees an incredibly large demand for additional financial wellness education in the current marketplace. However, few companies have the philosophy or service commitment to provide real one-on-one education. Many choose to rely strictly on technology, leaving little room for individualizing a retirement plan based on the unique needs of the participant.

Since launching its brands in 2017, PCIA has more than tripled assets under management, doubled its revenues, opened more than a dozen additional offices across the country and launched a number of new product and service offerings.

About Prime Capital Investment Advisors

Prime Capital Investment Advisors provides a client-centric team approach to full-service financial planning, including fee-based asset management and wealth management through its Prime Capital Wealth Management brand. Through its Qualified Plan Advisors brand, the firm also provides retirement plan advisory services, as well as plan participant education. PCIA currently has 23 locations throughout the United States, with investment advisor representatives serving clients across the nation.

Advisory services offered through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC. (PCIA), a Registered Investment Adviser. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., 7th Floor, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) and Prime Capital Wealth Management (PCWM).

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Valve's Index VR headset is sold out in most regions where it's officially available, and just a few months before Half-Life: Alyx comes out. According to RoadtoVR, which checked its availability across 31 countries, you can only get a unit in Japan at the moment. Even then, you can only buy the headset or the headset with controllers bundle: the full kit with base stations is also sold out in the Asian country. On the headset's official page, the developer notes that it's "busy catching up with the demand" for the device.

Valve has added a "Notify Me" button on its page, and clicking it takes you to portal where you can choose to be notified about the availability of various Index products and bundles.

Valve

A spokesperson told RoadtoVR: "We are working hard to build more units and meet the high demand. We are targeting to be back in stock before Half-Life: Alyx ships." The full-length VR entry to the company's first-person shooter franchise is scheduled for release in March 2020. While it will work with other PC-compatible VR headsets, Valve promised that Index owners will get a copy for free.
All told, glass buildings are responsible for up to one billion bird deaths in the United States each year. At a time when two-thirds of North American birds are in danger of extinction from climate change, its no exaggeration to say that glass architecture is a threat to life on Earth. Yet buildings sheathed in smooth glass walls continue to go up, not because they are cheaper to construct or better from an architectural standpoint, but because they embody modern luxury.  The New Republic
The nation's historic houses and their treasures are under siege from an army of insects, says the National Trust.

Historic artefacts, including 18th century furniture, rare Chinese wallpaper and even tweed knickerbockers worn by playwright George Bernard Shaw, have been damaged by pests, the organisation says.

The charity has released, for the first time, which pests are most troublesome to its restoration efforts, amid fears warm winter will increase their numbers

The National Trust says the top three pests are silverfish, webbing clothes moths and woolly bears - carpet beetle larvae which eat silk, wool, fur and feathers.

Scroll down for video

Some treasures have already been ruined by pests, including this gilded armchair from 18th century Rome at the Italian-style palace Ickworth House in Suffolk

Silverfish and webbing clothes moths are the most problematic, the National Trust reveals. Pictured, green tweed knickerbockers with holes in from moth damage

Pictured, Silverfish damage to a book cover. Silverfish are attracted to the sugars found in paper, the glues used in book bindings and the paste used to hang wallpaper

Silverfish have seen staff at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, where the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots was filmed, take special measures to protect the rush matting in its Mary Queen of Scots room.

Some treasures have already been ruined by pests, including a gilded armchair from 18th century Rome.

Located at the Italian-style palace Ickworth House in Suffolk, its legs are now peppered with holes from the so-called 'woolly bears'.

Meanwhile insects called silverfish have eaten away part of the beautiful and extremely rare Chinese wallpaper at Saltram in Devon.

Silverfish have also forced staff at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, where the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots was filmed, take special measures to protect the rush matting.

A carpet beetle infestation has seen curtains hand-designed by the artist Rex Whistler temporarily removed from Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire.

Clothes moths have also munched away at tweed knickerbockers worn by playwright George Bernard Shaw and displayed at Shaw's Corner, his country home in Hertfordshire.

The National Trust, which lay traps to monitor insect numbers, says the number has doubled from 178 to 356 between 2014 and 2019.

Nigel Blades, the Trust's preventive conservation adviser responsible for interior environmental conditions, said: 'Insect damage to objects is not new - we know, for instance, that textiles and foodstuffs from as far back as ancient Egypt suffered from insect infestations.

'Fortunately only a tiny proportion of insect species in the UK attack or eat historic material. However a small percentage of these have the potential to become serious pests and can cause irreversible damage to collections in a short period of time.'

Silverfish are attracted to the sugars found in paper, the glues used in book bindings and the paste used to hang wallpaper.

The wingless silvery-blue insects have caused significant damage to one of only a few remaining examples of the early history of Chinese wallpaper, thought to have been at the Georgian mansion Saltram since around 1750.

In the Chinese bedroom of the house, the insects' larvae have munched away at the intricate wallpaper design, made by printing black and white scenes and then painted by hand.

Insects called silverfish have eaten away part of the beautiful and extremely rare Chinese wallpaper at Saltram in Devon

Conservator using small vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the headcloth of the King James II bed prior to removal, at Knole, Kent. The bedroom suite was ordered in 1688 is in urgent need of conservation to prevent further degradation

Pictured: furniture beetle damage to book. The National Trust has released, for the first time, which pests are most troublesome to its restoration efforts

Furniture beetle larvae have also eaten into the Sleeping Lion made by the Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldson, who is more famous for his sculpture of Jason with the Golden Fleece (pictured)

At Mottisfont, 'woolly bears' invaded the lining of the curtains of the Whistler Room, which the great artist hand-painted to look like ermine. The drapes had to be removed and frozen to kill the beetles, larvae and eggs, and the lining will now be remade.

Furniture beetle larvae have also eaten into the Sleeping Lion made by the Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldson, who is more famous for his sculpture of Jason with the Golden Fleece.

The wooden lion, thought to have been created between 1821 and 1899, is kept in a store room at Springhill, a 'Plantation' home in County Londonderry.

National Trust staff in the Mary Queen of Scots room at Hardwick Hall - which the Queen was once said to have stayed in, but never actually did - have had to scale back their dampening of the rush matting.

While this is important to stop it drying out, it attracts silverfish.

Other pests causing problems, based on reports from 164 National Trust properties, are the Australian spider beetle and the common booklouse, which feeds on paper.

Although there has been no recent rise in pest numbers, Hilary Jarvis, assistant preventive conservator for the National Trust, said: 'We are a little concerned about the past two warm winters, as that is the time when we rely on cold temperatures to kill some of the larvae.

'They may also be breeding more because of the warm weather we have seen, so we will be keeping an eye on that.'

The National Trust safeguards more than a million objects in its collections, sometimes using a water-based insecticide and temperature controls to keep pests away.
I remain concerned about the accessory costs that are beyond the pure academic mission of our beloved university, trustee Stuart C. King said. I want us to do all we can to make sure these costs are contained, and the students and their families are being required to pay only for those services which they require as they pursue their education.
By Sarah D. Wire, Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Government Accountability Office says the Trump administration violated federal law by withholding aid to Ukraine last summer, an act at the root of the House impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law. (The Office of Management and Budget) withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act, the watchdog agency said in its report released Thursday morning.

The report comes hours before the Senate is scheduled to receive articles of impeachment from the House.

This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. The publicly available evidence also shows that the president himself ordered this illegal act.

The agency goes on to say that the Office if Management and Budget has not provided sufficient legal justification for holding up the aid, something the president is allowed to do in certain limited situations.

The Office of Management and Budget has called the withholding a programmatic delay, not a violation of the Impoundment Control Act. The Government Accountability Office said that explanation is insufficient and the Budget Office and the Department of Defense have failed to provide the agency with a satisfactory reason the hold does not violate federal law.

-- The LA Times via Tribune News Service
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The US Senate will begin examining the charges against President Donald Trump as part of the impeachment process on January 16th, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

He called the House impeachment inquiry a "the kind of anti-democratic recall measure that the founding fathers explicitly, explicitly did not want."

McConnell's comments come as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named the House impeachment managers on Wednesday.

Senators are expected to be sworn in this week with the trial getting underway as soon as Tuesday.

Trump is accused by the House impeachment inquiry under two articles  abuse of power and obstruction of a Congress inquiry.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Young people, really young people, are increasingly the leading voices in political causes like the fight for gun control and against climate change. Eighth-graders at Manhattan Country School will gather at the Harriet Tubman Memorial in Harlem to demand equity now, the theme of this years march commemorating King. Students will give speeches and wield handmade signs to make sure theyre heard over the citys formidable din.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music

Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.; bam.org.

For Nikole Hannah-Jones, Kings life and work of is not a thing of the past. The New York Times journalist, and keynote speaker of this years daylong celebration at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, has made her career showing that the fight for civil rights is ongoing and the achievements of King and others must be protected and renewed. Onstage, Ms. Hannah-Jones will be joined by the musical guests Son Little and the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. Picture the Dream, an exhibition of artwork by local children inspired by King, on view through Feb. 9, will also emphasize the continuing relevance of his legacy.

Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church

Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 6753 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn.

Bay Ridge for Social Justice has decided to postpone its annual March for Visibility Against Hate until the weather is more conducive to gathering outdoors. In its place, the activist organization and several co-sponsors are holding a day of educational events at the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, which will focus on community safety and conflict resolution. According to the events Facebook page, a potluck lunch will be held to connect community members, and child care will be provided.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday rescued 50 trekkers, including 9 foreign nationals, who were the part of ongoing Chaddar Trek got stranded when some portions of the frozen Zanskar River melted in Ladakh.

The melting caused the flow of the water to become too strong, for the trekkers to continue across the river on foot, an IAF official said.

The stranded trekkers managed to move to Niraq, a small camp site upstream and were awaiting to be rescued.

To carry out a rescue by helicopters, a makeshift helipad was prepared along the river bank.

Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) were immediately pressed into action from Air Force Station.

IAFs helicopters have rescued 107 individuals during the last two days.

The rescued trekkers include one male and one female from France and four male and three females from China, who as per the information were rescued from Padum.

IAF will continue the ongoing rescue operation till all the stranded trekkers, guides and porters are evacuated and brought to safety, IAF Spokesperson Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee said.

Additionally, in order to provide medical facilities to the stranded trekkers a medical officer and a medical assistant were also flown from AF Stn Leh to Niraq.

The team has setup a medical assistance camp at Niraq and are providing basic medical assistance to the stranded trekkers.

The operations were undertaken by IAF in close coordination with Ladakhs newly formed Civil Administration, nearby Indian Army units and local Disaster Relief Teams.

UNI ASH SHK2206
ALTON  After years of rumors and buzz about possible Alton Square Mall movie theater developments that never panned out, the news is real.

Mall property owner The Hull Group on Thursday afternoon held a press event to announce NCG Cinemas plans to build an eight-screen theater in the space formerly occupied by Sears. Its expected to open this summer.

Its been a very long time coming, Alton Mayor Brant Walker said at the announcement, held at the mall Wednesday, and attended by a flock of area officials.

It took us 24, 25 years to make it happen, he said. Without the community, this wouldnt have happened.

He said the project wouldnt be possible without a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement, which allows property owners to use property tax dollars, that would normally go to taxing bodies, to help pay for pricey infrastructure improvements and construction.

Representatives from many of those taxing bodies, such as Alton School District, attended the event.

This really is a true collaboration among not only the city of Alton, but the entire region, Walker said.

Walker gave high praise to The Hull Group, which purchased the struggling property in summer of 2015 with confident promises of a data-driven business resurgence at the mall.

Without Mr. (Jim) Hulls vision and his commitment to this community, none of this would have happened, so we couldnt be happier, Walker said. Thank you for the commitment and just the work youve done so far, we cant wait for more to come.

Weve got many more announcements to come in 2020, but I cant think of a better way to start off 2020 than with the announcement of an eight-screen movie theater, here in Alton Square Mall, he added.

Hull, who is based in Augusta, Georgia spoke, offering his customary confidence that the mall will continue building success.

We love Alton, he said. Were so excited for the future, and having this NCG (Neighborhood Cinema Group) Cinema here  this state of the art, (luxurious) theater.

Alton is going to have the best theater, Hull continued. Better than any theater in St. Louis or anywhere else.

Hull Groups Rob Johnson, whos leading the theaters construction, said the cinema will have four larger theaters and four smaller.

He said construction will take about seven months, with another three or four weeks for NCG crews to install seating and its business operations.

Were getting started early, while we finalize some other things, and were looking forward to the months ahead  as challenging as itll be, but itll be worth the challenge at the end, he said.

Wayne Grovenstein, general counsel for The Hull Group, also spoke, praising city and government officials hes worked with on the legal side of the malls redevelopment, which has been assisted by the TIF agreement.

The complex agreements cap property tax funding allotted to taxing bodies for several years. The excess revenue generated by naturally increasing property values is then put into a coffer used to fund business infrastructure for private property owners, thereby accelerating all tax revenue. Ideally, TIF agreements will eventually benefit the taxing bodies involved when they expire. TIF plans must be agreed to by all affected taxing bodies.

You all are very, very fortunate to have the type of leadership that you have in this community, he said. Its very strong, and very progressive. We wouldnt be here today without their work. Thank you to the (Alton) City Council for placing their trust in us and what were trying to do.

This will be another catalyst, if you will, for more things, and better things, to come.

 

State of Alton Square Mall

Jim Hull on Thursday evoked a saying that hes used as a mantra when talking about The Hull Groups investments.

There is no bad property. Theres just bad ownership. Hopefully were going to be the right ownership.

The groups first major project was demolition of the space formerly occupied by Macys. That was followed by multiple interior renovation projects.

Were feeling good about the interior, Hull said. Now, what weve got to do is make the exterior feel as good as the interior feels. Thats our future path.

In March, the Hull Group announced plans for a new OSF St. Anthonys Healthcare speech, occupational and physical health facility.

The 12,000-square-foot rehabilitation facility will be on the upper level of the mall in the area formerly occupied by the food court.

To those who say the two major announcements arent enough, Hull maintains realistic goals.

Weve got to keep the tenants we have now, he said. Thats what were going to work on. We have a lot to do, and were excited about the future.

 

About NCG Cinema Group

Neighborhood Cinema Group, branded as NCG Cinemas, is bringing the cinema to the city. NCG is a movie theater chain headquartered in Owosso, Michigan and are owned and operated by the Geiger family. The chain consists at present of 25 theaters with 147 screens across the Midwest. Operated by NCG, the Alton theater will feature eight state-of-the-art auditoriums, with luxury seating, in the space formerly occupied by Sears, inside the Alton Square Mall.

 

Telegraph reporter Jeanie Stephens contributed to this story.
Specialty Technical Publishers

Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) and Specialty Technical Consultants (STC) announce the availability of the newly updated International Audit Protocol Consortium (IAPC) EHS audit protocol for Victoria, Australia. Leading companies around the world use IAPC EHS audit protocols to understand the scope of their EHS regulatory obligations and rapidly collect, share, archive, and export audit findings in a cost effective manner. IAPC EHS audit protocols are now prepared by STC in partnership with STP and continue to focus on those national (plus, in some cases, regional or provincial) EHS requirements that have site-specific application for manufacturing operations. As a leading EHS management consulting firm with a global network of experienced EHS teaming partners, STC has indepth knowledge and technical expertise of local/regional EHS requirements.

STP and STC maintain leading-edge EHS audit protocols for more than 50 jurisdictions. The protocol documents are written in English and are available in MS Word, Adobe Acrobat and Excel formats, as well as through STPs web-based portal or can be integrated into an existing company platform. Using the protocols custom templates and advanced functionality features, auditors can easily track audit findings and manage data over time to improve compliance, risk management and safety performance. In addition, STPs formatting is compatible with leading risk management and sustainability platform providers.

Highlights of selected legislation covered in the newly developed protocol include:



Victorias new Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2018 reflect national changes to the transport of dangerous goods. The new regulations are mainly the same as the revoked Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2008 with a few changes to numbering. These regulations came into operation on October 25, 2018.

The State Environment Protection Policy (Waters) replaced the State Environment Protection Policy (Groundwaters of Victoria) and the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) effective October 23, 2018. The policy provides a framework for the protection and management of water quality in Victoria, covering surface waters, estuarine and marine waters and groundwaters across the state.

The Dangerous Goods Act 1985 was amended effective 26 September 2018 to adopt new requirements for properties that contain asbestos that was installed on the property on or after January 1, 2004.

The Building Regulations 2018 revoked and replaced the Building Interim Regulations 2017 effective June 2, 2018. The new regulations largely follow the previous regulations, but have been updated and revised to reflect modern work practices and state of knowledge, and are also designed to align with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

The national Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 were updated following a review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Program. The major change was the introduction of a phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) imports from 1 January 2018 to enable Australia to meet the HFC phase-down obligations of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, starting in 2019. Other changes include the addition of new efficiency measures, including streamlining of licensing provisions, waiving uneconomic levy debts, and reduced reporting frequency.

The national Product Emissions Standards Act 2017 commenced on 15 September 2017, establishing a national framework to address the adverse impacts of air pollution from certain products on human and environmental health. The provisions of this Act are implemented by the Product Emissions Standards Rules 2017. The Act and Rules prescribe emissions-controlled products, which are marine-propulsion engines and certain nonroad engines (new spark-ignition engines with a maximum power of 19 kilowatts, or 25.5 horsepower). Only products that meet prescribed emissions standards, or have an exemption, may be imported into or supplied in Australia.

The 2016 version of the National Construction Code Series Volume One  Building Code of Australia was amended out-of-cycle prior to the next scheduled update in 2019. Amendment 1 to the 2016 edition of NCC Volume One, was adopted by the Commonwealth, States and Territories on 12 March 2018. This amendment introduced a new verification method for limiting fire spread via external wall assemblies, references the revised 2017 edition of AS 2118.1 (Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems  General systems), clarifies provisions for the use of external wall claddings and attachments, and revises the evidence of suitability provisions. The 2019 edition of the NCC was adopted by all States and the Northern Territory as of 1 May 2019.

Victoria has adopted a new Waste Management Policy (E-waste) which became effective July 1, 2019. This policy supports Victorias ban on e-waste from landfills (also effective July 1, 2019), and seeks to increase resource recovery and ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner that minimizes to risks to human health and environment. The policy applies to any person who generates, collects, stores, handles, transports, or reprocesses any e-waste and establishes specific requirements for e-waste service providers.

Victorias lead process regulations are being revised as part of changes included in the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Regulations 2018, and will become effective on June 5, 2020. The changes will lower the workplace exposure standard for lead and make changes to requirements for lead-risk work, which include reducing the mandated blood lead removal levels, adjusting the testing frequency of workers, and reducing the blood lead levels permitted to return to lead risk work.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 were amended effective August 20, 2019, to include new requirements that are intended to address risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The requirements prescribe the minimum level of controls that must be used when cutting, grinding or undertaking abrasive polishing of engineered stone.

The Radiation Regulations 2007 were revoked and replaced by the Radiation Regulations 2017 on August 27, 2017. Under the 2017 regulations, the security of high consequence sealed sources and high consequence groups of sealed sources have been strengthened, and the occupational dose limits to the lens of the eye have been lowered to reflect recent international developments.

Victoria is making significant changes to its environmental protection legislation. The Environment Protection Act 2017, which went into effect July 1, 2018, revised the governance framework and objectives of the EPA. In August 2018, the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018, which significantly amends the Environment Protection Act 2017, was passed. The 2018 amendments are expected to come into force on July 1, 2020, and will repeal the Environment Protection Act 1970. New regulations and standards for the implementation of the Environment Protection Act 2017 have been proposed, and are expected to be finalized in early to mid-2020. The existing six sets of regulations under the Environment Protection Act 1970 will be replaced by one consolidated set of regulations and some separate transitional regulations. The new regulations and standards will also replace existing State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs), Waste Management Policies (WMPs), and Notifiable Chemical Orders (NCOs). A number of new subordinate instruments will be introduced, including Environmentally Hazardous Substance Orders (EHSOs), Obligations on Managers of Land and Infrastructure (OMLIs), and compliance codes.

For more information on all International EHS audit protocols offered by STP and STC click here.

About Specialty Technical Publishers

Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) produces technical resource guides covering environmental, health & safety, transportation, accounting, business practices, standards and law, offering comprehensive guidance on key compliance and regulatory issues. STP is a division of Glacier Media Inc., a Canadian information communications company that provides primary and essential information in print, electronic and online media. Glaciers Business and Professional Information Group publishes directories, technical manuals, research and development materials, medical education, electronic databases, investment information and specialty websites.

About Specialty Technical Consultants

Specialty Technical Consultants, Inc. (STC) is a specialized management consulting firm working to enhance environmental health and safety (EHS) performance. Through its consulting services, STC partners with clients to strengthen management systems' design and implementation, and identifies needs and implements solutions to meet business objectives. Services provided include: EHS compliance support; risk assessment; EHS auditing; corporate responsibility and sustainability; EHS management systems development and implementation; EHS regulatory information tools; and EHS training.

STC is certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Supplier Clearinghouse for the California Public Utilities Commission, and as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. On January 16, in accordance with the arrangement reached with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh, the OSCE Mission conducted a planned monitoring of the ceasefire regime on the border of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, in the north-east of Akna, the Artsakh foreign ministry told Armenpress.

From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring was conducted by Field Assistants to the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) Ghenadie Petrica (Moldova) and Mihail Olaru (Moldova).

From the opposite side of the border, the monitoring was conducted by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, his Personal Assistant Simon Tiller (Great Britain) and staff member of the Office of the CiO Personal Representative Martin Schuster (Germany).

The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. However, the Azerbaijani side did not lead the OSCE mission to its frontline positions.

From the Artsakh side, the monitoring mission was accompanied by representatives of the Republic of Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense.
A small restaurant has been handed a legal warning from McDonald's after launching a burger called the 'Better Mac'.

Burger Head in Penrith, western Sydney announced its new product in a Facebook post on Monday - but quickly found itself in hot water.

Sharing a picture of the burger, which looks remarkably similar to the Big Mac, The company wrote: 'You've seen @mcdonadsau bring out the bigger better Big Mac and the Grand Mac Here's our take on things.

'We could list the ingredients, but you all know what's in this.'

Two days later McDonald's wrote the restaurant a letter saying the name was an infringement of its copyright and asked for it to be changed.

 Slide me  Burger Head's 'Better Mac' (left) looks remarkably similar to the Big Mac (right)

Burger Head in Penrith, western Sydney announced its new product in a Facebook post on Monday - but quickly found itself in hot water

The letter said: 'You would be well aware that you have not been authorised by McDonald's to use the Offending Mark in relation to the Offending Promotion'.

'We therefore request that you take immediate steps to cease all use of the Offending Mark including removing the Offending Promotion from your social media platforms, and other websites or media.'

The letter said McDonald's would call in external lawyers if nothing was changed.

The founders of Burger Head, Joshua DeLuca and Timothy Rosenstrauss, have said they were surprised by the letter but said they will comply.

'We can understand why they came to us, but at the end of the day we're just a small business,' Mr DeLuca told nine.com.au.

'It was a little bit cheeky on our behalf, but we'll edit the post the reflect the changes they requested,' he said.

Mr DeLuca said there were no issues with copying the burger because the ingredients are different.

'We handmake all the beef, pickles and sauces in store  something very different to McDonald's,' he told Nine.

A McDonald's spokesman said: 'This is simply a marketing ploy to leverage our well-established and iconic brand.

'We hold no issue with the burgers themselves, however the name and promotion are infringing on our trademark by clearly mirroring our famous Big Mac.'




Haiti - Education : Scholarships 2020 offered by Taiwan ICDF





The Embassy of Taiwan (Republic of China) in Haiti, informs that scholarships entitled "2020 ICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Programs" are offered by Taiwan ICDF, to Haitian students with a good level of English, wishing to continue their studies in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in Taiwan.



In addition, the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) encourages young disabled people with the required profile to participate in the competition organized to determine the scholarship recipients in order to seize this new opportunity.



For more information, visit the Taiwan Embassy website : www.taiwanembassy.org/ht_fr/post/1928.html



Online registration at : www.icdf.org.tw/ct.asp?xItem=12505&CtNode=30491&mp=2



Registration deadline March 1, 2020



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The drama to come out of Tuesdays Democratic presidential debate  the last one before the Iowa caucuses next month  had nothing to do with policy differences or competing visions for the future of the party. It revolved around an aborted handshake, charges of sexism and a dispute over who said what at a dinner in 2018 between the two New England senators now fighting to be the fields progressive standard-bearer, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

Ms. Warren contends that, during a tete-a-tete in late 2018, Mr. Sanders told her he did not believe that a woman could win the presidency. Mr. Sanders has dismissed the charge as ludicrous and initially accused some on the Warren campaign staff of lying about it.

When asked about the comment by the debate moderators, Mr. Sanders doubled down on his denial. Anybody knows me knows that its incomprehensible that I would think that a woman cannot be president of the United States.

Now, one could point out that believing a woman can be president of the United States is not the same as questioning whether a woman can get elected president.
File image: Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on January 15 said India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was responsible for the delay in Goa's liberation, and that it was due to him that the state was freed from Portuguese rule 14 years after the rest of the country.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Sawant, while speaking at 'Know Your Army' programme in Panaji, said if Nehru had "the political will, if he was really concerned about Goans then, and really felt that Goa should have been liberated from the Portuguese then we would have got liberation 14 years earlier".

"Never mind in 1947. He should have thought about us at least in 1950," Sawant said, according to the report.

"Why did we have to live under Portuguese rule for another 14 years, they have now to answer. Thanks to the military services. Goas freedom fighters and freedom fighters from around the country, they forced them to send military forces to Goa," Sawant reportedly said.

The Indian Army had liberated Goa in an operation called Vijay. The Portuguese had surrendered without offering any resistance.

The report suggests that Sawant's comments have sparked sharp reactions. Prabhakar Timble, a former State Election Commissioner, said Nehru was acclaimed "internationally as statesman" and he "unified India".

According to the report, experts have also pointed out that an armed annexation of Goa was decided only after diplomatic efforts had failed.

Earlier, the report states that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had made similar comments, and had said it was because of Nehru's "wrong policies" that Goa's liberation was delayed.

Responding to Sawant's remarks, Congress' Goa chief Girish Chodankar said it is easy for leaders like Sawant and Chouhan to "make statements standing here today".

"They do not know what the situation was back then because their parent organisation (referring to the RSS) was not involved in the freedom movement. Even today, they are looking at the issue from a British perspective," the report quoted Chodankar as saying.
Eric Williams Photography

Cyndi Lauper made a true name for herself when she created an anthem for generations to come, Girls Just Want To Have Fun. How has one song endured so iconicly for so many years? The underlying message may be that truly, life is made for enjoyment. With so many things going on around us, why not just go and have fun? Forget the problems of life for a minute and run screaming down a beach. Its a relief many of us want and crave, giving us room to let loose and be our best selves. Were on a path, and that path is an endless pursuit of wanting to have fun. This was what I began to ponder when I went to Fun Noodle Bar in the Heights.

What truly makes it a fun noodle bar? The interior alone is visually exciting in a subdued way, all modern and clean with a dark color scheme meshing with the large windows that fill it with natural light. The seats around the tables were all full, no small feat for a noodle joint on a Sunday around 2pm. We got set up at a table and hadnt even had a chance to look at the menu before my attention shifted to the man behind the bar making noodles by hand. These were traditional, hand pulled, twisted, spun and slapped right in front of us. There was precision in his work, a stoic and learned methodology where every movement was measured, perfect, no waste to be found. Rarely do you see someone who is a master at something perform casually in front of you, and its mesmerizing.

We ran a simple order, the Pad Thai ($9.99), the Orange Chicken ($11.99) and the Tonkotsu Black Ramen ($11.99). The menu as a whole features a wide gamut of both noodle dishes as well as standard Chinese fare, so if youre in the mood for either, youll be glad to find yourself within their walls. Along with a robust food menu, theyve got a great drink menu, featuring wine and sake, as well as a decent selection of bottled and draft beers to pair up with your meal. Throw in the fact that they carry Ramune, and youre set up for all you need.

Lets begin with the Orange Chicken. It had a perfect crispy exterior, with that hot and steamy tender interior youre looking for on your chicken. The orange sauce was a little sweet, a little spicy and jam-packed with flavor. Theres fresh slices of peeled orange that decorate the plate, along with your choice of white rice, fried rice ($1 upcharge) or pan-fried noodles ($3 upcharge). Its a straight-up pleasure to eat, invoking those feelings that make orange chicken so good in the first place. Its not citrus heavy, its not an excessively sticky sauce. Its a light and flavorful piece that truly dances on your tongue.

The Pad Thai was equally amazing. The stir-fried noodles had a good hint of fire on them, with that nutty peanut taste that makes pad Thai a favorite to so many. Its a very traditional take on the dish, but it worked in its favor, allowing it to just exist happily as it was meant to be, the familiarity of it carried the brunt of the front taste immediately. What was left was the nice, even layer of flavor from the noodles that contributed to an overall enjoyable experience.

And finally, the ultimate dish, the Tonkotsu Black Ramen. It comes with a pork chashu, spinach, green onion, Shanghainese greens, fried onion, sweet corn and cilantro, all in a massive bowl with a deep, rich broth. I earnestly dont know where to start. Dine-out ramen is held to such a high standard, considering the alternative is typically a $0.30 bag that you literally spend two minutes making. This is so high above what I expected that I was earnestly left speechless. This broth is equal parts spicy and creamy, which I know sounds strange but it works unlike any other broth Ive had before. Conversely, you have these handmade noodles in it that are so fresh, its a whole new level of eating that you get taken to by them. Add on all these little additions, and suddenly, its not like any ramen youve had before. Its an earnest dish that almost feels like its being slighted because of the ramen label. Its so much more than that.

Theres this abundance of flavor that hides beneath that red and oily surface. You manage to find a new combination of flavors every single time you ingest a little more. What keeps this dish going is the fact that you dont know what to expect bite to bite, and its the best thing about it. All these different pieces work in strange ways to cumulate into something that leaves you excited to keep eating. Its never too spicy, but it does have heat, but that heat takes a backseat when the sweet corn makes it into your mouth with some broth. Any combination of the noodles with another ingredient brings out subtleties in the dish that you werent expecting to find. This isnt a meal that you just casually enjoy. This is a treat. This is an experience. This is fun.

I have no doubts in my mind that Fun Noodle Bar fits perfectly in the Heights. With the University area having the Noodle District comfortably operating at this point, the expansion has to begin in new places. I always think interesting and different restaurants should try their hand in the Heights, because its an area starving for growth in that sector. I do believe the residents will be having fun in this noodle bar for a very long time.
A 15-year-old elephant who was blamed for pushing an elderly monk to his death has been mercilessly whipped with sharp sticks at a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.

Footage shows the wild animal, which has its legs chained to trees, lying in a murky pool at the Bellanwila Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

One keeper is seen viciously slapping the elephant's leg with sticks.

Myan Prince was viciously whipped with sharp sticks by keepers at the Bellanwila Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is seen lying on his side in a murky pool while a keeper slaps his body

Another keeper appears to clean the animal's leg and give it a scrub while the elephant tries to move his head and starts helplessly crying.

The elephant, known as Myan Prince, wails in pain and tries to grab onto one of the chains with his trunk.

In February 2018, he was blamed for killing an elderly monk at the temple.

The elephant (pictured) appears to be 'beaten on a regular basis', according to activist Maneesha Arachchige, who has recently visited the temple. She fears 'for the safety of those around the elephant as well as Myan Princes safety and wellbeing' if no action is taken

He allegedly pushed Wimalarathana Thero, 77, to the ground during his breakfast feeding.

Bellanwila Temple denied the local reports and claimed the senior monk fell and suffered a heart attack.

Maneesha Arachchige, an activist from Rally for Animal Rights and Environment, said she is concerned about Myan Prince as he appears to be 'beaten on a regular basis'.

She told the Metro: If action is not taken quickly we fear for the safety of those around the elephant as well as Myan Princes safety and wellbeing.

Media reports claimed the elephant (pictured) killed senior monk Wimalarathana Thero, 77, in February 2018. The claims were denied by Bellanwila Temple

STOP to cruelty to animals in Sri Lanka wrote on Facebook: 'Shame on Sri Lankas Buddhist teachers and communities for not speaking up and instead promoting the captivity of elephants.'

More than 125,000 people have signed a petition to release the elephant back into the wild.

It comes as figures show a record number of elephants have died in Sri Lanka during 2019.

A total of 361 have died since Sri Lanka became independent in 1948, according to conservationists.

Seven were found dead after being allegedly poisoned by local residents for destroying crops.

Almost 85 per cent died as a result of human activity, says the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform.

Please sign the petition for Myan Prince to be released into the wild here.

Bellanwila Temple has been approached for comment.
Newspaper describes the US threat over Irans nuclear programme as secretive and designed to influence foreign policy.

The administration of United States President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on European automobile imports if the United Kingdom, France, and Germany did not formally accuse Iran of violating a 2015 nuclear deal, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed European officials.

The three European countries triggered a dispute mechanism under the nuclear agreement on Tuesday, which is the strongest step they have taken so far to enforce the agreement that requires Iran to curb its nuclear programme. The mechanism amounts to a formal accusation against Tehran that it broke the terms of the deal. It could also lead to the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions that were lifted under the accord.

The European powers were all signatories to the nuclear deal. They said on Tuesday that they took the step to avoid a crisis over nuclear proliferation being added to an escalating confrontation in the Middle East.

In a statement, the three countries said that they still want the deal to succeed and that they were not joining a maximum pressure campaign against Iran by the US. The US abandoned the deal in 2018 and has reimposed sanctions.

Iran has criticised that move, calling it a strategic mistake.

Though Trump has previously made threats to slap tariffs on European automobile imports, the intent behind those threats was to receive better terms for Washington within the US-European trade relationship. This latest threat, in contrast, was intended to shift European foreign policy, according to the Washington Post.

It was not clear if the threat was necessary since the Europeans had signalled an intention to trigger the dispute mechanism for weeks, the newspaper reported.

The White House and US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters News Agency.

Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal  the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action  in 2018. Washington has said its abandonment of the pact is part of a strategy intended to force Tehran back to the negotiating table to hammer out a new deal.

Iran denies its nuclear programme is aimed at building weapons. The Middle Eastern nation has gradually rolled back its commitments under the agreement since the US pulled out of the deal.

Russia, another signatory to the pact, has said it sees no grounds to trigger the dispute mechanism.
IRBIL, Iraq - Turkish airstrikes inside Iraq targeting members of an outlawed Kurdish rebel group have killed at least four minority Yazidi fighters allied with the rebels, an Iraqi army official said Thursday.

The strikes, which took place on Wednesday, hit a military pickup truck in the northern town of Sinjar in Nineveh province, said the army official, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations.

The pickup was carrying members of the Iraqi Yazidi militia known as the Shingal Resistance Units, affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which is fighting an insurgency in Turkey and has been outlawed by Ankara.

Kurdish television channels in northern Iraq reported that Yazidi commander Zardasht Shingali was among the dead and that another five fighters were wounded in the strikes.

In Baghdad, Iraqs joint operations command said five people were killed in the attack in Sinjar. The different casualty tolls could not immediately be reconciled.

The Yazidi militia was formed in 2014, after the Islamic State group overran much of northern Iraq in August of that year and took over security in Sinjar after IS was pushed out of town in November 2015. It maintains strong relations with Kurdish groups such as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, in Syria, and the PKK in Turkey.

Turkey has repeatedly struck the Yazidi militia positions in Sinjar in efforts to cut supply routes of the PKK. Also, a Turkish airstrike there last year killed Zaki Shingali, a PKK commander.

Elsewhere in Iraq, a car bombing wounded at least four Iraqi solders on a highway leading to a border crossing with Saudi Arabia, according to a statement from the Iraqi joint command.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but it was suspected to have been carried out by remnants of the Islamic State group.

___

Associated Press writer Samya Kullab in Baghdad contributed to this report.
A crime branch team here on Thursday arrested a Nigerian and seized contraband drugs from his possession.

The accused, arrested from Vaddy Siolim area, has been identified as 37-year-old Onyinyechi Eniyinnaya Arungwa Peter.

According to the police, he was carrying cocaine weighing around 48.30 grams and LSD paper weighing around 0.12 gm worth Rs 5.4 lakh in his Scooter near Vaddy Siolim Goa.

Working on a tip-off, a team consisting of Police Inspector Narayan Chimulkar, Head Constable Ashok Gawade, Police Constable Kalpesh Toraskar, Police Constable Udesh Kerkar intercepted the accused and subsequently arrested him.

The team was led by Police Inspector Rahul Parab under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Mahesh Gaonkar.

The drugs and the scooter have been seized. Further investigation is in progress, an official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed a plea by a defendant, Zulkifik Abba, to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from closing its case, in the ongoing trial of a former Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako.

Mr Zulkifik, who is the third defendant, had on November 13, asked the court to order the EFCC to call three witnesses listed among the prosecutions prospective witnesses shortly after the anti-graft agency signified intention to close its case.

The EFCC had called 21 witnesses in the ongoing trial and indicated its plan to close its case because the remaining three witnesses, it had planned to call, were no longer available.

However, Mr Zulkifiks lawyer, Yakubu Maikyau, objected to the prosecutions decision to close its case and urged the court to compel it to call the three witnesses on the grounds that they were relevant to his clients case and for him to cross-examine them.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Abang held that the request by the defendant has no foundation in law.

The judge said the Evidence Act, the Rules of Court and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) which applied to a criminal trial, did not allow the court to compel the prosecution to call witnesses it could not produce.

Mr Abang noted that the prosecution had, while applying to close its case, said it could not reach the three proposed witnesses, one of who it said is currently receiving medical treatment in London.

He criticised the third defendants claim that his request was hinged on its right to fair hearing.

He held that fair hearing has been complied with in this case, which means that the trial has been conducted following the law and rules of court.

The court has adequately complied with the provision of 36(6)(b) of the Constitution. The section did not say a defendant should be provided with all facility to conduct its case; it said adequate facility and that has been done.

The the decision by the prosecution not to call the three witnesses was not deliberate. They were not available.

READ ALSO:

The request by the third defendant in his application is not provided for under the ACJA.

If the defence is desirable of calling these three witnesses, it can apply for the statements of the witnesses and also apply for the issuance of witness summons on them, the judge said.

No case submission

At the conclusion of his ruling, Justice Abang allowed the EFCC lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, to close its case, following which the defendants lawyers indicated their intention to make no-case submissions for their clients.

A no-case submission is when there is no sufficient evidence adduced by the prosecution upon which the court can convict the accused or the defendant and when there is no need for the accused or defendant to enter his defence and make a case proving his innocence.

If the no-case submission succeeds, the trial is terminated and the defendant freed. But, if it fails, the defendant is ordered to enter a defence.

Justice Abang, later, adjourned to March 6, for parties to adopt their written addresses in relation to the no-case submission.

Trial

Mr Nyako, the former governor of Adamawa, his son, Abdulaziz Nyako and seven others, including companies, are standing trial on a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The charges against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, the opening of multiple bank accounts and stealing to the tune of N40 billion.

They were accused of diverting the said funds, using five companies namely Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd., Pogada Fortunes Limited, Tower Asset Management Ltd and Crust Energy Limited.

The defendants, who were arraigned by the EFCC, allegedly opened over 30 different accounts with Zenith Bank Plc. with the money, between 2011 and 2013.
Kerala, Bengal make it official: Say no to NPR

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: Kerala and West Bengal have communicated to the Registrar General to put on hold the exercise of the National Population Register (NPR). The Registrar General has received the communication, two weeks after both the state governments had said that the NPR would not be implemented.

The states had written to their respective district magistrates saying that this process would be detrimental to public and hence the same be put on hold, a Home Ministry source confirmed to OneIndia. The source, however, added that the Home Ministry has no reason to believe that these states would not cooperate. The manpower for such an exercise is drawn from the states.

The official said that states do not have the powers to stall such a move. Citizenship falls under the union list under the Constitution of India. Moreover, it is an exercise that benefits the state. The official also said that when a similar exercise took place in 2010 and 2015, these states had taken part in it and West Bengal, in particular, had used the NPR for ration cards.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

No documents will be asked or biometric taken for NPR: Home Ministry

In the new NPR form, the Registrar General of India has asked for Aadhaar number, driving licence number, Voter ID details, mother tongue and place of birth of parents.
After travelling from Zambia to the DRC to honour his mother on the 10th anniversary of her death, Augustine Mukoka was shocked by what he found.

Its business as usual in Lubumbashi. The city is alive as the sun sets. The main road, which is small by other countries standards and links the city to Kasumbalesa on the southern border with Zambia, is buzzing and congested. Its very difficult to determine which lane the driver is supposed to be in. But life goes on anyway. Welcome to the Democratic Republic of Congos second-largest city. What appears to be a two-lane road suddenly splits and heads in the opposite direction. Just as suddenly, there are four vehicles attempting to navigate the traffic. The scene is chaotic and the ensuing traffic jam causes major frustration among motorists.

Passengers

The public transport vehicle I boarded in Kasumbalesa, about 100km from Lubumbashi, had 10 passengers and goats strapped down on top of the Toyota Noah. The space between the drivers seat and the pedals is reserved for a live chicken wrapped in a plastic bag. A little hole has been punched into the bag to help the bird catch some fresh air so that it reaches the city without suffocating. The shock on my face could be mistaken for malice. But I havent been back here for 10 years and things have worsened since then. Everyone on board appears to be content, and the adage when in Rome, do as the Romans do makes me shut up and enjoy the ride.

As we approach the city, we come to Kisanga, a crowded township that is a hive of activity as you enter Lubumbashi. Traffic is bumper to bumper. The driver exclaims: Papa, hide your phone before these guys break my window and aim for it. Thugs, masquerading as street hawkers referred to as ba Shegue by locals, have a penchant for snatching cellphones from unsuspecting travellers or visitors. The drivers warning was a wake-up call for me. I needed to be careful with my belongings in the place I had not visited in nearly a decade.

Attack

Ten years ago I had laid my mother, Elizabeth Kayinda Tshimwish, to rest after she suffered a heart attack while visiting her relatives. Although she was born in the former Zaire, my mother had lived most of her adult life in Zambia, where she was married and had her five children. Just before what turned out to be her final trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009, she promised to return re-energised. However, as she prepared to go back to her home in Zambia, she succumbed to cardiac arrest on April 28, 2009. It remains the saddest day of my life. As her children, all we could do was offer my mother a decent resting place to preserve the memories we shared when she was alive.

A resting place for the departed is considered a sacred and protected site. Its most certainly why, when a loved one dies, commiserations are accompanied by the phrase rest in eternal peace. Yet when we started preparations to remember our mother on the 10th anniversary of her death in April last year, we were greeted with disturbing images of her burial site. The tombstone was decimated. It was a nightmare to imagine that people would descend on a grave and just rip it open. The destruction of a site we treasured as a resting place for our matriarch was unacceptable and, in any decent society, this would land such perpetrators behind bars.

Apparently local leaders referred to as chef had begun parcelling off pieces of the graveyards land. They sold these pieces of land for between US$200 (R2 800) and US$1 000, according to the self-appointed young men who guard the cemetery. When the piece of land is sold in the cemetery, the buyers and their families start building their houses and move in. Its strange, but thats the reality of life in this part of Lubumbashi. About one metre from where my mother rests are remnants of what used to be her tombstone. Following the desecration of the graves, families with the means are forced to rebury their loved ones. The relocation of the burial sites comes at a significant cost  the process costs between US$5 000 and US$10 000.

The ripple effect of the carefree attitude of the leadership can be unbearable for citizens. Its difficult to understand how and why people would choose to build houses on top of graves, destroying tombstones in the process. This does not only raise many questions about such conduct, but it also causes relatives emotional anguish. In fact, it is the epitome of the lawlessness that is evident across this mineral-rich country. Where are the city planners? Who approves land title deeds in Lubumbashi? Are people a law unto themselves in this part of the world? Are the majority of the countrys people so morally bankrupt that they can dance on peoples graves? The problem is larger than the graveside where my mother is buried. If the dead cant be spared a broken system, how will the country cope? Soldiers and police officers are paid peanuts, which fuels corruption. The rule of law needs to return to the country so that my mother and others can rest in peace. The living also need to be treated with respect.
CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Segall Bryant & Hamill (SBH) today announced the results of the latest Workplace Equality Index survey. For nearly two decades, SBH has screened public companies on their workplace equality policies through this proprietary Index as it is our belief that companies that treat their employees fairly provide better shareholder returns over the long run. The survey is designed to assess trends in workplace equality among public companies that meet the criteria for inclusion in the Workplace Equality Index.

Highlights from the 2019 survey include that 89% of respondents agreed that senior leaders at their company support diversity and inclusion as a core corporate value. In addition, 79% of respondents said their company has done more to foster an inclusive workplace in the last two years. However, some of our survey respondents in the banking, communications and health care industries felt that their companies were not leaning in to foster diversity and inclusion.

"Businesses that embrace diversity and inclusion understand that diversity can enhance a company's long-term financial success," said John N. Roberts, principal and senior portfolio manager at Segall Bryant & Hamill. "While companies that invest in their human capital support this concept, our survey shows that they could do a better job communicating the business case to employees."

Less than half of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the proposition that their company primarily focuses on the business case when discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion. Industries in which we received positive feedback on this statement included financial services, industrial, and consumer products firms.

To see full survey results, visit Workplace Equality Survey. To learn more about SBH's Workplace Equality Fund, which invests in equality-minded companies, visit sbhfunds.com.

About the Survey

Segall Bryant & Hamill's Workplace Equality Index has tracked stock performance of equality-minded companies since 2001. Part of our screening methodology involves surveying employees at public companies. Respondents include employees, employee resource group members, and human resources and diversity and inclusion officers. In 2019, surveys were sent to more than 1,300 employees nationwide and we received a 26% response rate (i.e., 331 responses). The survey responses are anonymous and kept in strict confidentiality.

About Segall Bryant & Hamill

Segall Bryant & Hamill (SBH) is an independent investment firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Denver, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Naples, Florida. The firm was established in 1994 and had over $20 billion* in assets under management/assets under advisement as of September 30, 2019. SBH offers a range of investment strategies and customized solutions for institutional, advisor, and wealth management clients, including domestic, international, and global equity; fixed income; and alternatives. For more information, visit sbhfunds.com or www.sbhic.com.

*Model UMA assets of approximately $377 million are included in the AUA portion of the AUM/AUA total as of September 30, 2019.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Segall Bryant & Hamill. Workplace Equality Index is a registered trademark of Segall Bryant & Hamill.

Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Workplace Equality Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other important information about the Fund, click here. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The funds of the Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust are distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC. 9361945-UFD-1/9/2020

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain current performance as of the most recent month-end, please call (800) 392-2673.

Risks: Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. Sector Concentration Risk: The Fund may concentrate its investments in companies that are in a single sector or related sector. Concentrating investments in a single sector may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund's investments are concentrated, the Fund may perform poorly during that period. ESG Investing Risk: Investing primarily in investments that meet ESG criteria carries the risk that the fund may forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities or increase or decrease its exposure to certain types of issuers and, therefore, may underperform funds that do not consider ESG factors. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Jury selection began Thursday in the murder trial of a Mariners Harbor man accused of slaying an innocent 67-year-old bystander in an alleged gang-related shooting in New Brighton two years ago.

Isaiah Kelson, 23, a reputed gang associate, fatally shot Frances Williams on July 10, 2018, prosecutors allege.

The victim, who police said was not the intended target, was standing at a bus stop near the intersection of Jersey and Pauw streets when she was shot.

Authorities believe Kelson and others were seeking retribution for brawls which occurred earlier that morning near the Staten Island Courthouse and culminated a short time later in the death of a friend, Robert Craigwell, 26.

Also on trial with Kelson are two co-defendants, West Brighton residents Jaleel Hewitt, 27, and Marquise Tart, 26.

They are not charged with murder.

Hewitt and Tart are accused of conspiracy and criminal facilitation stemming from the events leading up to the shooting.

Tart is also charged with hindering prosecution and evidence tampering.

Both Hewitt and Tart rejected plea offers Monday on the eve of trial.

Jury selection is expected to take several days.

Opening statements are anticipated some time next week.

The trial, in state Supreme Court, St. George, will likely take a few weeks.

Attorney Robert Reuland represents Kelson.

Mario Romano is Hewitts lawyer; attorney Rick J. Pasacreta is representing Tart.

Assistant District Attorneys Adam Silberlight, Andrew Botelho and Arda Ozdinc are prosecuting the case.
Every dollar Terry Rolin had saved over a lifetime was stacked in a large Tupperware container: $82,373. At 79, he was aging and worried about keeping so much cash on hand, his daughter said, so during one of her visits he asked her to open a joint bank account.

Rebecca Brown was catching a flight home from the Pittsburgh airport early the next day and said she didn't have time to stop at a bank. She confirmed on a government website that it's legal to carry any amount of cash on a domestic flight and tucked the money in her carry-on.

But just minutes before departure in late August, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent met her at the busy gate and questioned her about the cash, which showed up on a security scan. He insisted Brown put Rolin on the phone to confirm her story. Brown said Rolin, who is suffering mental decline, was unable to verify some details.

"He just handed me the phone and said, 'Your stories don't match,' " Brown recalled the agent saying. " 'We're seizing the cash.' "

Brown said she was never told she or her father were under suspicion of committing any crime and neither has been charged with anything. A search of her bag turned up no drugs or other contraband. Neither she or her father appear to have criminal records that might raise suspicions.

Brown and Rolin filed a federal, class-action lawsuit Wednesday against the DEA, Transportation Security Administration and agency officials, claiming the agencies violate the Constitution's ban on unlawful search and seizures by taking cash from travelers without probable cause. The lawsuit claims the only criteria the DEA has for seizing cash is if it finds amounts greater than $5,000.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Pennsylvania, seeks the return of Rolin's money and an injunction against the practice.

Both the DEA and TSA declined to comment on the lawsuit's allegations.

"We can't comment on ongoing litigation," said Katherine Pfaff, a DEA spokeswoman.

"As a matter of policy, TSA does not comment on pending litigation," TSA spokeswoman Jenny Burke wrote in an email.

Brown said the loss of the savings has prevented Rolin from getting treatment for painful tooth decay and gum disease and kept the family from fixing up his pick-up truck, which is his only means of transportation. Rolin is living on retirement benefits from a job as a railroad engineer.

Brown said her grandparents kept their savings in cash because they lived through the bank runs of the Great Depression, and her father adopted the habit.

"I get they are trying to quash drug distribution, but this is a blatant overreach," Brown said. "This is a working person, a taxpaying citizen of the United States trying to take care of her elderly parent, and they took the money."

Dan Alban, a senior attorney for the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of Brown and Rolin, said the family's story is not unique.

"This is something that we know is happening all across the United States," Alban said. "We've been contacted by people who have been traveling to buy used cars or buy equipment for their business and had their cash seized."

The DEA made more than 8,850 seizures worth $539 million in 2017, according to the latest agency statistics for a full year. A 2016 USA Today investigation found DEA agents seized at least $209 million in cash from travelers at the nation's 15 busiest airports over the previous decade.

Federal law gives the DEA and other law enforcement agencies power to seize cash and property linked to drug and criminal activity, a process known as civil asset forfeiture.

The agencies say it is an important tool to undermine the financial viability of criminal networks, deprive organizations of illicit proceeds and confiscate property like cars and houses that might be used to carry out or harbor crime.

But the practice has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Critics argue local police departments and federal agencies have used asset forfeiture as a cash cow to fatten budgets. In the DEA's case, the agency feeds seized assets into a Justice Department fund that disburses the money to agencies and victims of crime.

A 2017 review by the Justice Department inspector general found only 44 of 100 seizures by the DEA were related to an ongoing investigation or resulted in a new investigation, arrest or prosecution. Most of the seizures occurred at transportation facilities like airports or bus stations.

The Supreme Court limited the power of local state agencies to seize property in an important ruling last year.

Brown said she initially encountered issues when going through the TSA security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport on Aug. 26. Brown was flying to Boston, where she lives outside the city.

A TSA screener noticed the cash in Brown's carry-on during a scan and pulled her aside for questioning, Brown said. The screener asked what the money was for, photocopied her ID and travel documents and held her luggage until a Pennsylvania state trooper arrived. The lawsuit claims the TSA exceeded its authority in holding Brown's bag.

Brown said she repeated the explanation that the money was her father's life savings to the trooper and then retold it to his superior.

Finally, she said she was allowed to proceed to the gate, where she was met by the DEA agent.

Brown said it was humiliating to be questioned by the agent in front of other travelers at the gate. When he seized the money, she said he put it into a plastic bag and told her someone would be in touch with her.

Brown said she stumbled onto her flight in shock as the doors were closing. She didn't have time to fully explain to her father what had happened before takeoff, and he left seven frantic messages while they were in flight. In October, she received a notice that the DEA planned to permanently seize the cash, citing its authority to make such moves to combat crime.

"I was shaking the entire time," Brown said of the flight. "I was embarrassed. I was afraid."

- - -

The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report.
India will invite Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan along with other leaders for the annual meeting of council of heads of government of the SCO later this year, officials said.

New Delhi: India will invite Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan along with other leaders for the annual meeting of council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization later this year, officials said.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said all eight member countries, four observers and dialogue partners of the grouping will be invited for the meeting. "The meeting is held annually at the prime minister's level and it discusses the SCO's programme and multilateral economic and trade cooperation," he said at a media briefing.

"As per the established practice and procedure within SCO, all eight members of SCO, as well as 4 observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," Kumar said when asked whether Imran will be sent an invitation to the meeting.

Raveesh Kumar, MEA: As per the established practice & procedure within SCO all 8 members of SCO, as well as 4 observer states & other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting. https://t.co/28MY5TVOzW  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

When asked specifically whether Imran will be invited, another official said, "Yes." For the first time, India will host the annual meeting of the council of heads of government of the SCO, the bloc's Secretary General Vladimir Norov said on Monday.

The government's announcement on inviting Pakistan to the mega event came in the midst of frayed ties between the two countries over India's withdrawal of special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

India and Pakistan became full members of the China-dominated grouping in 2017.

Usually, the heads of government meeting of the SCO are represented by foreign ministers while a number of countries send their prime ministers also.

India has always been represented by the external affairs minister in the heads of government meeting while the SCO heads of state summit is attended by the prime minister.

Kumar said the event will be preceded by a number of meetings in India including one of the SCO ministers of economic activities.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.
Lucknow, Jan 16 : BJP President and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a public rally in Lucknow on January 21 to dispel doubts over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The rally is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's countrywide campaign on the CAA issue. All party leaders have been asked to hold rallies, meetings and discussions on the issue and clear the doubts that have been created by opposition parties.

Besides Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also hold a rally in Meerut city on January 22, while the BJP's Working President J.P. Nadda will take part in a similar event in Agra the following day.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already kicked off the BJP's 10-day door-to-door campaign to spread awareness on the new Citizenship law aiming to reach out to nearly 30 million families, to enlighten them about the real purpose of the CAA.

Uttar Pradesh ministers and legislators were also undertaking similar exercises in their constituencies.

Shah has said, time and again, that the opposition parties and elements with vested interests were trying to misguide the minorities in the country.

However, the opposition continues to label the CAA as a violation of secularist principals enshrined in the constitution of India, apart from being discriminatory towards Muslims.

The CAA has witnessed widespread protests as it allows illegal Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Christian, Buddhist, and Jain immigrants, excluding Muslims, to obtain Indian citizenship if they arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

More than 2,000 people have been arrested and nearly 5,000 others detained during the protests against the law in different parts of the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:46:44|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Thursday banned loud music and videos from being played on buses and warned of strict legal action against drivers who ignored the regulation, local media reported.

Sri Lanka's National Transport Commission (NTC), quoted by media reports as saying that CDs containing traditional, soft music had been distributed to all bus drivers and bus depots across the country, and only this music would be allowed to be played when carrying passengers.

"Many music videos played in buses are inappropriate for children. The new regulation will apply to both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board buses. The NTC has the right to take legal action against bus drivers and conductors based on public complaints," NTC Director-General Nilan Miranda told reporters.

The Transport Ministry said last week that there had been frequent complaints from long-suffering passengers over ear splitting music being played on buses, while many on social media had called for a complete ban.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-16 15:03:02

London, United Kingdom, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SNOMED International recently presented its Award for Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Award at its Awards Gala held in conjunction with the SNOMED CT Expo 2019 hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last October. Award recipients are nominated from among the community to recognize exceptional contributors to the evolution and ongoing guardianship of SNOMED CT.

The Award for Excellence is given for outstanding contribution to the improvement of SNOMED CT and its successful implementation in health and social care. In 2019, this award was presented to Dr. Mark Jurkovich. Marks commitment to SNOMED CTs Dentistry Clinical Reference Group and its Special Interest Group predecessor, has made it among the most productive and successful of its kind. First established as an element of an American Dental Association cooperation agreement signed in 2012, Mark was appointed Chair and has continued to play a leadership role since that time.

Marks ability to bring together different parties with varied backgrounds, knowledge and views on the alignment between SNODENT and SNOMED CT has been critical to support the global requirements for the General Dentistry Diagnoses refset and the Odontogram refset. His diplomacy has ensured that all contributions are respected, leading to a consensus view supported by all stakeholders.

Mark continues to be a great ambassador for SNOMED CT, the SNOMED International organization and the Dentistry clinical reference group, as well as for vendors who are implementing Electronic Dental Records. His contributions in support of the profession of dentistry and the development of interoperability standards in the oral health setting are nothing short of extraordinary.

This past October, the organization was pleased to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to 2 recipients, Dr. Stewart Jessamine and Lies van Gennip, PhD.

Through the course of his professional lifetime, Stewart Jessamine dedicated over 25 years to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, progressing and successfully accomplishing many projects of which SNOMED CT implementation was a principal focus. He impressed upon everyone his vision for a future health system that ran on information, enabled by SNOMED CT. At the Ministry of Health, he worked in medicine regulation, chairing a ministerial committee for over 20 years, and eventually becoming the executive responsible for all public health. It was in founding the New Zealand medicines terminology that Stewarts association with SNOMED CT began.

Stewart was a driving force and contributor to the IHTSDO and now SNOMED International community. His passion for the global implementation and adoption of SNOMED CT was unparalleled, lending his time to progress the development and evolution of our vision and mission, having served as Chair of the General Assembly on two separate occasions.

Stewart was instrumental to the changing role of governance for IHTSDO, having not only impacted it from the leadership level, but also his support and guidance for changes in the organization. Awarded posthumously after Stewarts untimely passing in February 2019, his contributions and jovial attitude has left a lasting impression on all he worked alongside.

SNOMED International could not be more pleased to recognize the recent Chair of the General Assembly, Lies van Gennip also as a 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Lies has made a significant and sustained contribution to the community of practice and to the ongoing development of SNOMED CT. Throughout her career, Lies has focused on promoting initiatives improving population and patient health at the national level in the Netherlands.

With this experience, Lies has developed an appreciation for the important role of standards in improving quality and safety. As CEO of Nictiz, the national IT institute for health and care in the Netherlands, Lies navigated a challenging era and made it the leading organization in the nations effort to improve health through better information, consistently describing the value of SNOMED CT in achieving unity of language and clear recording and exchange of data.

Lies has served SNOMED International by representing the Netherlands with General Assembly representation over many years, and has held the position of General Assembly Chair twice. Lies has been consistently open, fair, honest and extremely knowledgeable of both the intricacies and nuances of e-health, and also the sensitivities and individual needs of Members and their respective countries. A vocal and adamant proponent of SNOMED CT, Lies has supported its value and uptake not only in the Netherlands, but also through her writings in blogs, articles and in many speaking occasions internationally.

Establishing a number of initiatives both within the General Assembly and other groups across SNOMED International, Lies is a collaborative leader who never forgets that citizens and patients are at the center of what SNOMED International does, and what SNOMED CT can deliver. Lies has an unwavering and lifelong passion to achieve better health outcomes for citizens achieved by data-driven clinical informatics and has demonstrated strong and undeniable support for SNOMED CT. This organization owes significant gratitude for all that Lies has done over the years for SNOMED International and its Members.

Please join SNOMED International as we recognize the dedication and achievements of our 2019 award recipients, Dr. Mark Jurkovich, Dr. Stewart Jessamine, and Lies van Gennip, PhD.

ABOUT SNOMED CT:

SNOMED CT is the most comprehensive and precise clinical health terminology product in the world, owned and distributed by SNOMED International. SNOMED CT has been developed collaboratively to ensure it meets the diverse needs and expectations of clinicians worldwide and is now accepted as a common global language for health terms.

ABOUT SNOMED International:

Owned and governed by its Member countries, SNOMED International (formerly IHTSDO) is a not-for-profit organisation charged with setting global standards for health terminology, a critical element of safe and effective healthcare. Our core product, SNOMED CT, is owned, administered and developed by SNOMED International and establishes vocabulary that enables the clear exchange of health information across all health systems, services and products in the world.

Learn more at www.snomed.org

Attachments
WASHINGTON  Lev Parnas, the Soviet-born businessman who played a central role in the campaign to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rivals of President Trump, completed his break with the White House on Wednesday, asserting for the first time in public that the president was fully aware of the efforts to dig up damaging information on his behalf.

In an interview with The New York Times on the day the House transmitted articles of impeachment against Mr. Trump to the Senate, Mr. Parnas also expressed regret for having trusted Mr. Trump and Rudolph W. Giuliani, the presidents personal lawyer and the architect of the Ukraine pressure campaign. His lawyer said he was eager to cooperate with federal prosecutors investigating Mr. Giuliani.

Mr. Parnas made his remarks as House impeachment investigators released more material he had turned over to them. The material, including text messages, photos and calendar entries, underscored how deeply Mr. Parnas and others were involved in carrying out the pressure campaign and how new information continues to surface even as the Senate prepares to begin Mr. Trumps trial next week. And it provided additional evidence that the effort to win political advantage for Mr. Trump was widely known among his allies, showing that Mr. Parnas communicated regularly with two top Republican fund-raisers about what he was up to.

Text messages and call logs show that Mr. Parnas was in contact with Tom Hicks Jr., a donor and Trump family friend, and Joseph Ahearn, who raised money for pro-Trump political groups, about developments in the Ukraine pressure campaign.
Supporters of BJP leader Udayanraje Bhosale on Thursday staged protest here in western Maharashtra over Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's comment that the former give proof that he is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Raut and Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad came under attack from Bhosale's supporters also for stating that NCP chief Sharad Pawar is the 'Janata Raja' (enlightened king), a title generally used for the legendary Maratha warrior king.

The angry supporters tied placards bearing names of Raut and Awhad, an NCP minister, in the necks of two donkeys as they raised slogans against the two leaders.

On Wednesday, Raut had said Bhosale should give proof he is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and asserted no one has ownership rights over the Maratha warrior king.

Bhosale, a former NCP leader, on Tuesday maintained that Chhatrapati Shivaji alone was the 'Janata Raja' as he took a veiled dig at Pawar.

The former Satara Lok Sabha MP's comments came in the wake of controversy over a book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the 17th century Maratha warrior king, a highly revered figure in Maharashtra.

The book, titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', is written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal.

Bhosale, who joined the BJP ahead of the last year's assembly polls in Maharashtra, had said none can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji, but also took a jibe at Pawar over the 'Janata Raja' appellation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ravinder Raina was on Wednesday reelected the Jammu and Kashmir BJP president at the party headquarters

Jammu: Ravinder Raina was on Wednesday reelected the Jammu and Kashmir BJP president at the party headquarters. He was reelected in the presence of party election observers Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and BJP National Secretary Tarun Chugh.

Senior party leaders Varinderjit Singh and Munish Sharma were entrusted with the responsibility of supervising the organisational elections in the state. "Morale of the party workers has remained high under the dynamic leadership of Ravinder Raina," Vardhan said as he extended his greetings to him on behalf of the central leadership.

The Union minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an example of selfless work for the nation and Home Minister Amit Shah has set a new benchmark for organisational work.

Now, the onus of development of Jammu and Kashmir lies with Raina, he said, assuring him the support of all central ministers in development works.

Chugh said the party is committed to finish terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. "Certain mainstream politicians bring a bad name to the nation by speaking for anti-India elements and Pakistan. But, we assure the public of India that we will expose every such person," he said.

He claimed some people cannot digest the fact that Jammu and Kashmir been ridden of stone-pelting and bomb blasts, and they are trying to burn the nation by propagating misinformation on other issues.
New Delhi: Electrical appliances major V-Guard would increase its focus on in-house manufacturing and plans to move towards 100 per cent production of its products online in years to come and would also focus on economical manufacturing.



Speaking to IANS, V-Guard's Chief Operating Officer, V. Ramachandran Asaid, said that currently around 45-50 per cent of its production is done in-house, which is likely to increase to 60-65 per cent in the next two years.



"Three-four years back, 30-35 per cent of our business was in-house. In 12-24 months, it could grow to about 65 per cent. It will be about 45-50 per cent right now," he said.



"We are moving more and more into manufacturing in-house, particularly post GST. This has gained a lot of traction so that with manufacturing and sourcing we are able to drive margins," he said.



Ramachandran also said that the company would continue to expand its product portfolio and added that the company would add a new category every 12-18 months.



"We are continuously strengthening our product portfolio to compete in the market place and are expanding our range," he told IANS.



Talking about the company's emphasis on smart and connected products, the COO noted that it has been about three years since the company first came out with smart water heater, inverters and fans and now the the electronics major plans to make the manufacturing more economical which would also make them cheaper for the buyers.



On the application of artificial intelligence (AI), he said along with the technological development in smart products, the company is also working with AI.



Ramachandran noted that over the past 3-5 years, V-Guard has invested in strengthening its research and development (R&D) segment and the company also has an internal industrial design team along with electronics R&D team and R&D for individual product categories.



The company would also focus on the geographical expansion of its operations, he said.



Currently, 60 per cent of its revenue comes from the south while 40 per cent comes from rest of India. He said the company's business is growing at the rate of 2-3 times than that of the business in south India.



"One of our focus is expanding our business from south to non-south, which is the journey we started 8-9 years back. Today our non-south business is about 40 per of the revenue, our non-south business is growing 2-3 times our south business."
A new analysis presented at the Critical Care Reviews annual meeting in Belfast, has found that the number of people dying from sepsis worldwide is twice as high as previously estimated.

Image Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com

The study, which was also recently described in The Lancet, found that a disproportionately large number of deaths are occurring among children living in poor areas.

The analysis found that in 2017, there were 48.9 million cases of sepsis worldwide and 11 million deaths  representing one in five deaths worldwide.

About sepsis

Sepsis arises when the bodys immune system launches an uncontrolled response to infection and attacks its own organs and tissues, potentially causing life-threatening organ dysfunction and death. Even if sepsis does not cause death, it can leave victims with significant morbidity and life-long disability.

Any contagious pathogen has the potential to cause sepsis, but antimicrobial resistance is a key factor in determining whether a patient responds to treatment and whether sepsis and septic shock develop.

Sepsis may arise as the result of infections acquired in community settings or in healthcare settings. However, healthcare-associated infection is one of the most common adverse events associated with healthcare delivery and accounts for millions of patients affected globally every year. Since the infections have often developed antimicrobial resistance, they can quickly cause debilitating illness.

More details about the study findings

Led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington School of Medicine, the analysis found that most cases of sepsis  85% in 2017  arose in low- or middle-income countries, with the highest burdens reported for sub-Saharan Africa; South, East and Southeast Asia and the South Pacific islands near Australia.

Incidence was higher among females than males and peaked in early childhood, with almost half of cases affecting children under five years of age.

I've worked in rural Uganda, and sepsis is what we saw every single day. Watching a baby die of a disease that could have been prevented with basic public health measures really sticks with you," Kristina Rudd.

Rudd says she participates in sepsis research because she wants to help solve the tragedy, but asks how researchers are supposed to know whether they are making progress if they do not know the size of the problem: "If you look at any top 10 list of deaths globally, sepsis is not listed because it hasn't been counted.

What did the current study involve?

The researchers used data collected for the Global Burden of Disease Study, a comprehensive epidemiological analysis conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in collaboration with the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Currently, the GBD 2017 Study reports on 282 primary causes of death. Primary causes does not include sepsis because it considered an intermediate cause of death that ultimately occurs as the result of a primary cause such as cancer.

Previous worldwide sepsis estimates were limited because they used hospital databases from certain middle- and high-income countries and did not account for the substantial number of cases occurring outside of the hospital setting, particularly among low-income countries.

The new findings presented this week are unparalleled because they are the first to account for death rates both within and out of the hospital setting.

"We are alarmed to find sepsis deaths are much higher than previously estimated, especially as the condition is both preventable and treatable," says senior author Mohsen Naghavi.

What is the solution?

"We need a renewed focus on sepsis prevention among newborns and on tackling antimicrobial resistance, an important driver of the condition," warns Naghavi.

Rudd thinks one solution lies in addressing public health infrastructure and ensuring that access to vaccines, clean drinking water, adequate nutrition for children and maternal healthcare are is available to everyone.

However, she points out that sepsis is still a problem in the U.S., where it is the leading cause of death among hospital patients: Everyone can reduce their odds of developing it by getting the flu shot, and the pneumonia vaccine when appropriate. Beyond that, we need to do a better job preventing hospital-acquired infections and chronic diseases, like diabetes, that makes people more susceptible to infections.

"Finally, for people in high-income countries who want to help reduce the rates of sepsis in low-income areas, we need to support research into treatments and advocate our elected officials for the importance of supporting sepsis prevention and control efforts in low-income communities," concludes Rudd.
Authorities in Ukraine announced Thursday that they have launched an investigation into the possibility that former U.S. ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, a key witness in President Donald Trumps impeachment hearings, came under illegal surveillance before she was recalled from her post by the Trump administration.

The announcement came two days after Democratic lawmakers in the United States released a trove of documents that showed Lev Parnas, an associate of Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, communicating about the removal of Yovanovitch as the ambassador to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry, which runs the police forces, said in a statement that Ukrainian police are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States.

"However, the published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state, the statement continued.

Parnas, in an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow on Wednesday night, said Trumps efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government to announce investigations against a political foe, former Vice President Joe Biden, were hampered by Yovanovitch.

Parnas, who has pleaded not guilty to campaign finance charges, told Maddow the president knew exactly what was going on when it came to urging Ukraine to investigate Biden.

The House of Representatives impeached Trump over his interactions with Ukraine, with a Senate trial set to begin next week.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- January 23rd, 2020 marks the 43rd anniversary of National Handwriting Day. Established in 1977 on the birthday of one of America's most celebrated scribes, John Hancock, National Handwriting Day was created to acknowledge the history and influence of penmanship. The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA), National Handwriting Day's founder, offers insight to honor the writing holiday.

Handwriting Benefits Children and Adults

Handwriting not only is an art, but has several benefits in cognitive development. According to Scholastic.com, though writing in cursive may seem dated, it provides a significant boost to critical reading and writing skills. Scholastic.com identifies three benefits for children: your child may become a better speller; your child will likely be able to form words more easily; and your child could become a better writer overall. Writing by hand is not just beneficial for children, adults who keep up with their handwriting enjoy benefits as well from increased learning comprehension and unleashing creativity to slowing down the mental aging process and easing depression and anxiety (littlethings.com). While the use of technology may make certain tasks easier, the act of putting a pen or pencil to paper and writing has been proven to have a positive impact.

As we recognize the National Handwriting Day, WIMA suggests honoring the art of handwriting in any of the following ways:

Write a letter.

In the days of email so much is lost in regards to emotion and feelings with typed words. Grab a piece of paper and write a letter to someone, it will go a long way when the recipient sees the time you took to express your feelings in handwritten words. Get creative.

If written words aren't your style, grab some crayons, colored pencils or markers and create art! Draw something that inspires you and makes you smile. Practice your " John Hancock ."

Even with the invention of digital signatures, a handwritten signature is still a necessary skill to have. Create your own identity with your personal signature. Jot down thoughts in a journal.

Grab a notebook and jot down your inner most thoughts, dreams and goals, you may find yourself referring back to them more often when it's in writing. Construct a story.

Some of the most famous stories in history were first written by hand. Take that creative story you had and bring it to life on paper. Once you get started it will flow and you may be surprised by how quickly a story unfolds.

"The best way to honor National Handwriting Day is by getting a pen and pencil in your hand," says David H. Baker, Executive Director of WIMA. "Whether it's a letter, a note, a story or a drawing, start writing today to honor the importance of handwriting."

SOURCE Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) A Senate panel is set to tackle next week the current issues surrounding Filipino workers deployment to the Middle East.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the upper chambers labor committee, said he has called for a hearing to discuss appropriate government measures to ensure protection of overseas workersespecially those in the Middle East.

This coming week, I will call another hearing in the Senate to talk more about this and how we will be able to protect our OFWs, especially our kababayans in the Middle East-- not only with repatriation, but also with these bilateral agreements, Villanueva told CNN Philippines The Source on Thursday.

Villanueva said the panel will summon representatives from different agencies including the Labor Department, the Foreign Affairs Department, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to help lawmakers in dissecting the issues.

The hearing, which may happen by Wednesday or Thursday, also aims to look at Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

(Migrants Act of 1995 is) supposed to come up with government information system for migration-- database of all our OFWs hindi pa ito naiimplement (its not yet implemented), Villanueva added.

Issues on welfare of overseas workers were put into the spotlight following the death of domestic worker Jeanelyn VIllavende, who was allegedly killed by her Kuwaiti employers.

Villavendes case along with other reported maltreatments and deaths of Filipino workers in the Gulf state prompted the Philippine government to impose a deployment ban to Kuwait.

The ban covers all OFWsincluding household service, semi-skilled, skilled, and professional workers.
Weddings capture some beautiful moments of the bride and groom as they exchange their vows for a happily-ever-after. But things were a bit out of the box for this couple as their wedding witnessed a massive volcanic eruption.

The couple, Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar, went ahead with their wedding as planned even though the Taal volcano of Philippines erupted behind them. The event was captured in some jaw dropping wedding photographs by photographer Randolf Evan, who was shooting the wedding.

The wedding venue was situated just a short distance away from the Taal volcano which suddenly started spewing ash and smoke on Sunday, the day of the wedding. We noticed white smoke coming out of Taal during preparations around 2 pm and from then on we knew something unusual was already going on with the volcano, Randolf Evan told BBC.

The couple, however, didnt cancel their big day. The result was a magical ceremony with some truly extraordinary photos. Some dramatic photos taken by Evan quickly became viral on social media.

The photos have collected a ton of comments from netizens. Along with being awestruck by the pictures, people have poured in good wishes for the new couple.

This must be the wedding photo of the decade. Amazingly unique and beautiful, writes a Facebook user. You two are now famous here in Germany. Such amazing photos! says another. What a way to say, Ill love you forever, writes a third.

What do you think of the spectacular photos?
Lawmakers should be given more time to study the Union budget and have a deeper understanding of the budgetary process to help Indias economic growth, presiding officers of Parliament and several state assemblies concluded on Thursday.

During a debate on scrutinizing budgetary proposal at the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Chapter, delegate after delegate spoke about shortcomings in the budgetary process.

The discussion assumes significance as the budget sessions of Parliament and state assemblies will begin in the coming weeks. Parliaments budget session is scheduled from January 31 to April 3, with a recess in between.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who heads the conference, pointed out that capacity building of lawmakers was essential to have an informed and meaningful discussion on the budget, and announced that a team of experienced MPs would go to the states to discuss the budget process with MLAs.

Rajasthan assembly speaker CP Joshi said during the conference that lawmakers usually talk less about policies and more about their constituencies, while Bihar assembly speaker Vijay Kumar Chowdhury questioned the large number if guillotines during the demand for grants in the budgetary process.

After the budget is presented, an extensive review of budget requirement of select ministries is done on the floor of the House. Due to the paucity of time, the demand for grants of other ministries are not separately discussed and directly taken up for the approval of the House. This process is called guillotine.

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh maintained that everyone wants India to be super power and all political parties want economic growth. But as lawmakers, we should know more about economic and social indicators to understand the budget.

He added that lawmakers must know more about Indias social and economic indicators and technical and economic terms related to budget.

Joshi even said that because political parties look at winnability while distributing tickets for election, several deserving candidates fail to come to Legislative house.

Several speakers said that a proper analysis of the budget did not happen on several occasions.

The Lok Sabha speaker wanted that a calender for 2020 be prepared for legislatures in advance, so that they have enough time for such consultations and conferences.

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China on Thursday said the phase-1 trade deal signed with the US "considerably addressed" mutual concerns and is "good" for both the countries, as the world's two top economic powers move forward to end their bitter two-year tariff war that has rattled markets and weighed on the global economy.

On Wednesday, China and the US signed the deal in Washington, raising hopes of improvement of trade ties between the two countries hit by the tit-for-tat tariff hikes of nearly half-a-trillion dollars worth of products.

The deal was signed by US President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier and top trade negotiator Liu He at a special ceremony at the White House.

Briefing the Chinese media after signing the deal, Liu said the phase-1 trade agreement has "considerably addressed the concerns" of both sides.

It has both economic and political significance with bearing on world peace and prosperity, state-run Xinhua agency quoted Liu as saying.

The deal has injected positive energy into the stability and development of the world economy, he said, adding that China's commitments under the deal on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, technology transfer and financial market opening would also be applied to Beijing's other trading partners.

China will further deepen domestic reforms and open up wider to the outside world, Liu said.

Commenting on the state of the Chinese economy, which was on a slowdown due to the trade war, Liu said China's gross domestic product is estimated to record over six per cent for the full year of 2019, which would fulfil the annual growth target between 6 and 6.5 per cent.

While Trump praised the deal, asserting that it "marks a sea change in international trade", Chinese President Xi Jinping said the agreement "is good for China, for the US and for the whole world".

In his letter to Trump, that was read out by Liu during the signing ceremony, Xi said, "It (the deal) shows that the two countries have the ability to act on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and work through dialogue and consultation to properly handle and effectively resolve relevant issues."



In the next step, Xi said, the two sides should implement the deal in real earnest and optimise its positive impact to make greater progress in the bilateral trade ties.

In an apparent reference to the US ban on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, Xi called on Washington to treat Chinese companies fairly.

"I hope the US side will treat fairly Chinese companies and their regular trade and investment activities, and give support to the collaboration between enterprises, research institutes, and schools and colleges of the two countries as it will help enhance mutual trust and cooperation between us," he said.

Significantly the text of Xi's letter was released by the White House and not by the Chinese official media.

According to analysts, with relentless pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and increasing strategic competition with the US on many fronts, China has agreed for some intrusive mechanism to enforce the deal. Also much to the chagrin of Beijing, America's 25 per cent tariff on USD 360 billions worth of Chinese products stays.

Trump launched the trade war with China in 2018, demanding Beijing to reduce the massive trade deficit, which was USD 375.6 billion in 2017.

Both sides so far have imposed additional tariffs on nearly USD half trillion worth of goods. The US has imposed tariffs on more than USD 360 billions of Chinese goods, and China has retaliated with tariffs on over USD 110 billions of American products.

The official media hailed the deal as a hard-fought agreement, which should be cherished by both the sides.

"China and the US eventually signed the phase one trade agreement. The hard-fought agreement should be cherished by both sides," the Global Times said in its editorial on Thursday.

The editorial noted that though a huge uncertainty remains, which might make it difficult for China and the US to reach a comprehensive trade deal, "the preliminary agreement will enlighten both sides' further efforts".

Xinhua in its commentary piece said the deal shows that the two sides are looking for "a more reasonable approach" to managing their differences. However, it warned that the deal should only be considered "a good start" to address a dispute that is "long-term, complicated and arduous".

The People's Daily, the official media of the ruling Communist Party of China, struck a hopeful note, stating that the bilateral trade relationship "is now standing at a new starting point".

China's "huge demand" means it should have no problem buying an additional USD 200 billions of American goods, which Beijing has committed to buy under the deal.

The deal is less of an agreement and "more of an MoU with spending targets", Beijing-based current affairs commentator Einar Tangen said.

"Enforcement will be a major issue, both politically and practically. The reason for the secrecy is revealed because the big numbers have weak enforceability. Trump has defined political transactionalism. Expect China Hawks and Democrats to pounce on this agreement, as far from comprehensive or enforceable" he told PTI.

Shen Jianguang, chief economist at Chinese fintech giant JD Finance said despite the deal, the road ahead remains full of obstacles.

"Even if the trade agreement is implemented in the short term, the losses caused by the tariffs that have been imposed are difficult to recover," he was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Putin Calls For Constitutional Changes, More Social Spending In Annual Address

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

Russian President Vladimir Putin has used his annual state-of-the-nation speech to call for broad changes to the constitution that would strengthen parliament's powers ahead of the end of his term in 2024.

In a January 15 address to Russia's two-chamber parliament -- the Federal Assembly -- Putin said the country's 1993 constitution should be amended, including giving the State Duma -- the lower house of parliament -- the right to name cabinet ministers and the prime minister, a power that currently belongs to the president.

At the same time, Putin said Russia must remain a "strong presidential republic," with the president retaining powers such as the right to dismiss the prime minister and cabinet ministers, as well as naming top defense and security officials.

"This will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament," Putin said.

"Given that the proposed reforms concern significant changes to the political system, the work of legislative, executive, and judicial authorities, I believe it is necessary to hold a plebiscite on the entire package of the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution," Putin added without specifying any date for a vote.

Russia last conducted a referendum in 1993 when it adopted the constitution under Putin's predecessor Boris Yeltsin.

Putin also suggested tightening the requirements for becoming president, saying any future Russian president should have lived in the country for at least 25 years and have no foreign citizenship or residency.

In addition, he also talked about a constitutional change that would enshrine the priority of domestic legislation over international law.

The speech came with the country still under Western sanctions for its actions in Ukraine, Syria, as well as its election meddling in the United States.

The sanctions have hampered the country's economic growth, leading to rising poverty rates and growing discontent highlighted by protests last summer in Moscow.

Putin, 67, has dominated politics in Russia for two decades, serving as president or prime minister since 1999. In 2018, Putin was reelected to another six-year term. He will have to step down after his term ends under the current law, which limits the president to two consecutive terms.

The address at Moscow's Manezh exhibition hall is one of three regularly scheduled national appearances that Putin makes each year -- the others being a lavish question-and-answer session with the public and a stage-managed annual press conference.

It is the 16th time Putin has delivered the address before an audience that also includes government ministers, judges from the constitutional and supreme courts, leading regional officials, and other members of the political elite.

In response to public discord, Putin spelled out social-spending measures to counter Russia's declining population, which he characterized as a "direct threat" to the country's future, including a nationwide school hot-meal program.

Putin said low incomes remain an obstacle to increasing the population, now at about 147 million, as the country faces the consequences of the post-Soviet economic collapse that led to a steep drop in the birthrate.

"We need to expedite achievement to meet the large-scale social, economic, and technological challenges our country faces," he said.

"Our society is clearly demonstrating a demand for change. People want development and are trying to make progress in the fields of vocation, knowledge, and well-being," Putin said.

In his speech, Putin also boasted about Russian weaponry. He claimed that Russia is leading in the global arms race and no longer forced to "catch up" to other world powers.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-to- give-state-of-nation-address-to- federal-assembly/30377694.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Twenty four people, including 17 college students, were injured when a bus collided with a truck in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Thursday morning, a police official said.

The mishap took place at Nagothane around 8.30 am when the state transport bus was going to Mumbai from Alibaug, located around 95 km from here, he said.

The driver of the speeding truck, which was coming from the opposite direction, lost control over the wheels. As a result, the vehicle collided with the bus, he said.

"Twenty four people, including 17 students of a college and the truck driver, were injured. All of them were rushed to a nearby hospital. Two of those injured were later shifted to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai," the official said.

All the injured persons were reported to be out of danger, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture taken on Jan. 8, 2020. (Planet/Handout via Reuters)

US Army Mulls Sending Missile-Defense Systems to Iraq: Report

The U.S. Army is considering sending missile-defense systems to Iraq following last weeks ballistic missile attack by Iran on a military base housing American troops.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters on Jan. 15 that the Pentagon is also mulling deploying other capabilities to protect American soldiers and bases from future strikes, according to Military.com.

Describing Iran as a very capable enemy, McCarthy warned that it has the capability to strike and hit Americans.

So we are looking at additional capabilities that we could send to the region, he said, according to the news outlet. It could be a variety of enablers like missile defense, so we are looking at that.

In retaliation for the earlier U.S. drone strike that killed the head of the Iranian armed forces, Iran on Jan. 7 launched 16 ballistic missiles at two bases housing American troops. There were no casualties in the attack.

Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy testifies to the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing examining military housing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 3, 2019. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

The missile attack followed the drone strike on Jan. 3 of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Quds Force, which the United States has designated as a terrorist organization.

The Pentagon said Soleimani, who was responsible for the killing of hundreds of Americans over the years, was killed in self-defense.

Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs, on Jan 6, rejected claims that the intelligence was razor thin, telling reporters, Ill stand by the intelligence I saw, saying it was compelling, it was imminent, and it was very, very clear in scale, scope.

In addition to the strike on the Iraq missile base, Iran responded to Soleimanis death by announcing it would no longer abide by the terms of the international deal aimed to curb its nuclear ambitions, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran has breached the terms of the deal a number of times over the years.

The UK, France, and Germany, three countries still involved in the deal, triggered a dispute mechanism in the JCPOA following Irans announcement said it was suspending all limits on its production of enriched uranium.

While Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018, the UK, Germany, France, Russia, and China have so far stood by the deal.

Following the triggering of the dispute mechanism, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Jan. 15 threatened the safety of European forces in the Middle East, saying in a televised speech that they could be in danger.

Irans military ambitions rely on proxies, hybrid warfare, naval power, and missile defense, according to an unclassified Pentagon report, published in November, but are clipped by financial constraints and sanctions.

The report is a snapshot of how the Pentagon sees the 40-year-old Islamic regimes current military strengths, strategies, and ambitions, following the publication of similar unclassified documents by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on Russia and China in the last couple of years.

Iran employs a hybrid approach to warfare using both conventional and unconventional elements, Christian Saunders, the DIA senior analyst on Iran, said in a statement.

On the conventional side, Irans military strategy is primarily based on deterrence and the ability to retaliate against an attacker, he added. Iran also uses unconventional warfare operations and a network of militant partners and proxies.

According to the DIA report, Iran relies on three core capabilities: ballistic missiles, naval forces capable of threatening navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuzone of the worlds most strategically important choke points through which more than a firth of the worlds oil passesand unconventional capabilities including the use of partners and proxies abroad.
The Associated Press reported in October that Zelenskiy had huddled three days earlier, on May 7, with a small group of key advisers in Kyiv to seek advice about how to navigate the insistence from Trump and Giuliani for a probe into the Bidens. He expressed his unease about becoming entangled in the American elections, according to three people familiar with the details of the three-hour meeting. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue, which has roiled U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
Five aid workers abducted by Boko Haram insurgents last December have been released, security sources have told PREMIUM TIMES.

The workers, two females and three males, were kidnapped on December 22 after a gang of gunmen believed to be Boko Haram terrorists ambushed their vehicle between Monguno and Damaturu.

According to the sources, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, on strict conditions of anonymity, the release of the five abductees was facilitated by the State Security Service.

It is a big day for us here in Borno with the release of the five abductees, one source said.

The source said the five victims arrived at the SSS office in Maiduguri at about 4 p.m.

Two of the abductees were staff of ALIMA, an international NGO; one from Solidarity International, one from International Organization on Migration and one from Red Cross, the source said.

But the Red Cross and IOM have in separate communications confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that none of their staff was among the rescued aid workers.

The source did not mention if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the five abductees.

The spokesperson of the SSS, Peter Afunanya, however, told PR Nigeria that the five aid workers were rescued by the agency.
While Kate Middleton's royal wardrobe is known for its bright and colourful pieces, there is one monochrome style that the Duchess returns to time after time - houndstooth.

The mother-of-three, 38, has stepped out in a number of check print outfits this year, most recently donning a smart 89 houndstooth dress from Zara yesterday during a royal visit to Bradford.

She has shown how the style can work in a casual jacket and trouser combination - at an outing in November for Shout - as well as in more formal settings, such as when she visited the V&A Museum to open its new Photography Centre in 2018.

Speaking to FEMAIL, stylist Susie Hasler, who runs Styled by Susie, revealed the print was not only 'timeless' and 'conservative' for Kate, but also an 'edgy' choice for the royal.

Kate Middleton, 38, pictured meeting boxer Amir Khan, opted for an 89 trendy check midi dress from Zara during a visit to Bradford yesterday

Kate has been seen in a selection of different check dresses and jackets in a variety of styles over the years.

The choice to wear the bold print by the usually demure duchess could also be seen as a nod to Princess Diana.

The late royal wore a red and white houndstooth jacket by Moschino with a black and white houndstooth skirt on several occasions.

Susie revealed the print is often seen as a means of 'power dressing' in an edgy way, explaining: 'Houndstooth has always been a symbol of wealth, since the 1930s when the Prince of Wales favoured this print in his every day wear.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been seen wearing the houndstooth pattern over the years, often adding new monochrome pieces to her wardrobe (pictured in London in September 2015)

'It is also a nod to the bold colour clash of houndstooth that Princess Diana wore in the 90s.'

She went on: 'Houndstooth has become more fashionable over the years, featured by Alexander McQueen and Moschino in the 2000s.'

Susie explained that while Kate often chooses a modest look, the print allows her to add a little bit of spice to her outfits.

'Catherine always favours a more conservative look and houndstooth ticks all the boxes for formal wear, with a bit of an edge,' she said.

The royal - who is known for her love of bright colours - has been snapped wearing the monochrome pattern on a number of occasions such as this one, at the V&A Museum in London in June 2017

Proving the print was not just for day events, the royal opted for a fit and flare gown from Erdem in October 2018

'Heritage print is going to be huge this SS20, as the tailoring trend continues. Heritage print has a masculine edge to it, and is a great way of power dressing in a subtle way.'

Susie said the Duchess deftly adds the style to her royal wardrobe by keeping the fit and style of her garments feminine.

'It's great to see a change from florals and something a little edgier on the duchess,' she added.

'She keeps the look feminine and fitted at all times, with waist definition and killer heels.

The choice of pattern could be seen as a nod to Princess Diana, who stepped out in this clashing houndstooth ensemble on several occasions

'I would love to see the Duchess rock a trouser suit next, but that might be a step too far with power dressing!'

Meanwhile celebrity stylist Lucas Armitage agreed with Susie, explaining: 'Kate has long been a fan taking the traditional cloth and giving it a feminine and flirty twist.

'As a traditional menswear suiting fabric its symbolic of female empowerment when utilised in womens fashions.

'The monochrome element of the fabric gives her a very put together especially when paired with simple black accessories or when other block colours are introduced.'

As well as wearing the business-like print in stylish dresses, the Duchess has also donned blazers in the pattern (pictured during a visit to Shout's Crisis Volunteer celebration event in November 2019)

He added: 'Of course we cant think of houndstooth without thinking of some of Dianas more iconic fashion moments and potentially her sartorial choices are a nod to her.'

In September 2015, the Duchess wore a 1,000 houndstooth shirt dress from Ralph Lauren as she made her way to a children's mental health centre in London.

And in June 2017, she adopted a similar style with a Gucci gown for the opening of a V&A exhibition.

Meanwhile in October 2018, Kate donned a check mid-calf fit-and-flare frock from British label Erdem's SS18 collection during a visit to the Victoria & Albert museum.

Today's ensemble combined two of the Duchesses' favourite styles, the houndstooth print and the pussybow blouse neckline

The dress boasted a bateau neckline - a style favoured by Kate's sister-in-law the Duchess of Sussex - frayed sleeves and featured a purple Prince of Wales check pattern.

And in November last year, the Duchess donned a smart checked blazer costing 620 from favourite label Smythe.

The blazer, which was also in a Prince of Wales check - named after the title held by her father-in-law - was also worn by the Duchess on an outing in October 2018.

Today's ensemble, which was from high street brand Zara, was the first of Kate's houndstooth outfits to in cooperate another of her favourite trends - the pussybow neckline.
Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu has taken to his Instagram page to share a piece of shocking information.

According to the actor, many Yoruba actresses share the same boyfriend.

In his words;

Read Also: You Will Get A Baby Boy In 9-Months Time  Uche Maduagwu Tells Dakore (Photo)

There is love in sharing, but when popular actresses begin to share each others boyfriend, that is

nonsense I just left a new #movie location in #Festac, and I was shocked to hear some

actresses discussing how their #yoruba actress #friend caught another Yoruba #actress in bed

with her boyfriend in his new #Lekki house, honestly, I was sad because a particular

Yoruba actress complained bitterly over this same issue at an #event I was paid to attend

in #Ibadan. What exactly is happening in the #YorubaMovie industry? Just yesterday someone

told me how another Yoruba actress went to #Dubai just to sleep with her colleague boyfriend.
Pakistan PM likely to be invited to China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit India will host later this year.

New Delhi will invite Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit when it hosts the event later this year, a senior Indian official has said.

India will be hosting the heads of government summit later this year. As per established practice and procedure within SCO, all the eight members, as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners, will be invited, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday.

The SCO is a China-led economic and security bloc to which India and Pakistan were admitted in 2017. India is hosting the SCO summit for the first time.

A final decision on whether Khan attends the meeting, scheduled for October, is to be made by Islamabad. In past years, countries have sometimes sent their foreign ministers instead of their heads of government, officials said.

If Khan decides to come, it will be his first visit to India as prime minister, setting the stage for a meeting with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and a possible thawing of ties.

Tensions have been running high between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours since a suicide bombing by a Pakistan-based rebel group killed 40 troops in Indian-administered Kashmir in February last year, prompting retaliatory attacks from India.

In August, Indias decision to revoke the special constitutional status of its part of Kashmir and impose a lockdown on the region further spiked tensions between the two nations, who have fought two of their three full-scale wars over Kashmir.

Kumar said the particular meeting is conducted annually at the prime ministerial level with a focus on multilateral economic and trade cooperation.
German government promises to help those affected as it aims to stop burning coal for energy by 2038.

Germany has reached a 40 billion euro ($45bn) agreement with its coal-producing states to begin phasing out the use of brown coal, or lignite in energy production, as the country aims to shut down all coal-fired power plants by 2038.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier said on Thursday that companies in western Germany would receive 2.6 billion euros ($2.9bn) as compensation, and those in the eastern Germany would receive 1.75 billion euros ($1.95bn).

The government is looking to table the coal exit law in Parliament on January 29, while the agreement between the federal government and states is biding and should be finalised by May, he added.

What we have here is a good agreement for climate protection because it makes it clear that we are taking it seriously, Altmaier told reporters.

Closing the power plants would also mean shutting the mines that feed them, adding to the economic cost of the shutdown.

The government will pay up to 14 billion euros ($15.61 billion) in financial aid to the affected states of Brandenburg, North-Rhine Westphalia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt until 2038, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in an earlier statement.

Berlin would take further measures worth up to 26 billion euros ($29bn) to help brown coal regions until 2038 at the latest. It would pay compensation to employees affected by the coal exit law until 2043.

The government will also provide an annual subsidy starting 2023 to energy-intensive companies who compete internationally in order to compensate for higher electricity costs caused by the new law, Seibert said.

In 2026 and 2029 the government would review whether Germany was producing enough power from alternative sources to justify completing the coal exit in 2035, three year earlier than planned.

The loss of adjustable energy sources caused by the coal exit should be replaced by two additional natural gas-powered plant capacities at existing plants, for example at Jaenschwalde in Brandenburg, the spokesman added.

Chancellor Angela Merkels government concluded a deal with regions most affected by the plan on Thursday after discussions that began on Wednesday evening and lasted well into the night.

It was a long night  it lasted until 2am  but we were able to achieve a sensible agreement, Armin Laschet, minister president of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. The timeframe that weve agreed on is ambitious, but realistic.

Laschet estimates that approximately 3,000 jobs in his state will be affected by the closures.

The agreement is part of measures to help Merkels administration achieve a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 55 percent of their 1990 level by 2030.

A massive expansion of wind and solar energy will be necessary to exit coal, Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Svenja Schulze said.

Germany is the worlds largest producer of lignite and it fuels about 19 percent of the countrys electricity capacity. However, the fuel is considered the most polluting type of coal because its low heat content means more must be burned and it contains a large amount of impurities such as toxic chemicals.

Late last year, the German government agreed not to force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years. The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close hard coal plants beginning this year.
I know Im a bit late but may I take this opportunity of wishing all the readers of the Kilkenny People especially those who read these columns firstly a healthy and then a prosperous 2020.

Last Thursday we held our first cattle sale of the year with an entry of 500 head.

Trade was solid if not spectacular with most sellers happy with their transactions.

There appears to be more confidence from potential buyers around the ring which is to be welcomed.

Beef quotes have risen slightly in the past few weeks but the expected significant rise has not materialised.

The factories are stating that the presence of China as a main importer is not as significant due to the fact that there is now a glut of beef in this market and prices have slipped by at least 30% from the optimistic highs of late 2019.

Its ironic but when that market was very anxious to secure supplies we did not have fully clearance and factories were swamped with numbers so were able to manipulate what they would pay to the farmer.

With prices in the UK and Europe remaining ahead of quotes here perhaps the impact will not be that negative.

Numbers are not overly big and this should help to consolidate prices.

Hopefully the cattle producer will have a more productive year than 2019.

The sheep trade has remained very solid over the past few weeks and it was pleasing to see the increased numbers on Monday meeting a solid trade.

Lambs or hoggets (whatever terminology you wish to use) saw a top call of 123 with cull ewes to a top of 125 per head. The average price for hoggets /lambs between 50 to 60 kilo was 121 with 40 to 50 kilo recording an average of 110 with 30 to 38 kilo averaging 85.

If you have sheep to sell prices should remain positive in the weeks ahead.

Our dairy sale on Monday only attracted 40 head even though over 70 were entered.

Many potential sellers did not travel due to Storm Brendan which luckily did not cause too much damage in this part of the country.

In-calf Friesian heifers ranged from 980 to 1,210 with fresh calved Friesian Cows and heifers making from 1,100 to 1,500 per head.

Buyers from Westmeath, Cavan, Offaly, Wexford, Tipperary and Laois helped to consolidate prices. Our dairy sale will take place every Monday at 12.30pm.

We held our calf sale on Monday with just over 20 on offer. Most were a month old or more with prices for bulls ranging from 180 to 340 with heifers from 160 to 275 per head.

We will hold calf sales each Monday after our sheep sales at 11.30am for January with our first stand alone calf sale on Tuesday, February 4 at 11am.

Until next week do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 19:48:27|Editor: xuxin

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ANKARA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is sending troops to Libya to support the UN-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.

"We are sending our troops to Libya to ensure the survival and stability of the legitimate government in this country," Erdogan said at the Annual Evaluation Meeting for 2019 at Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara.

"We will continue to mobilize all our means and political, commercial, humane, diplomatic and military facilities to ensure Turkey's security," he added.
Pro-choice supporters pose for photos outside the Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center in St. Louis, Missouri, May 31, 2019.

Planned Parenthood will spend $45 million to support candidates in favor of abortion rights, the largest electoral program of its kind in the group's history.

The money will go toward supporting candidates at the presidential, congressional and state levels.

"For too long, politicians in power have stood on the wrong side of the people," said Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, the organization's super PAC that is behind the push. "From the wave of abortion bans to the gutting of affordable birth control programs to the confirmation of anti-abortion judges, the attacks on our health and rights from Trump and his buddies in Congress have been unprecedented."

"Our country is at a crossroads, but now it's time for us to reclaim our power. In 2020, we're fighting back and electing reproductive champions up and down the ballot  because our futures depend on it," Lawson said.

The investment, which was first reported by CBS News, will fund canvassing and grassroots operations, along with digital and TV ads. Planned Parenthood aims to reach 5 million voters in nine key states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The effort, dubbed "We Decide 2020," launched this week and comes after a volatile year for abortion-rights groups.

Republican-led states last year, emboldened by the Supreme Court's new conservative majority and President Donald Trump's anti-abortion policies, passed 59 abortion restrictions.

Also in 2019, a wave of state-led abortion bans defined the year in reproductive rights news. Each was temporarily blocked in court, but some states will appeal to higher courts.

Read more: The battle over abortion rights: Here's what's at stake in 2020

Experts project 2020 could be just as volatile.

The Supreme Court in March will take up its first major abortion-related case with both of Trump's appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, on the bench.

The high court will review a 2014 Louisiana law that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility where the abortions are provided. Opponents said it would effectively one abortion provider for a state with about 04.5 million residents.

On Jan. 2, 207 lawmakers, including two Democrats, filed an amicus brief in the case, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that legalized abortion.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged the Centre to keep away and present a "good" budget that focusses on issues like pollution, transport and Yamuna cleaning.

Kejriwal said he would write to the Centre and request special allocation in the Union budget for tackling pollution and ensuring the city's cleanliness.

"The Centre should keep away from the budget and I want to request the Centre to present a good budget," he said.

"I have been under pressure from all corners to write to the Election Commission objecting to the budget being announced on February 1 during the period of the model code of conduct being in force. But I am not in favour of stalling the announcement of the budget by the government merely for the election," Kejriwal told reporters.

He appealed to the central government to make new announcements for solving problems that the people of Delhi face.

"There are so many problems that need to be solved like pollution, Yamuna cleaning, sewerage, etc. The Centre should make announcements on all these issues. should not come in the way of Delhi's development," he said.

Briefing the media, Kejriwal said he believes the progress and development of Delhi should not stop at any cost.

"We would want the budget to include policies and schemes for the progress and development of Delhi," he said.

Kejriwal said the Central budget must provide adequate funds for the reduction of pollution in Delhi.

"They should also provide adequate funds to the state governments of Punjab and Haryana, to take preventive measures on the pollution caused by stubble burning in these states.

To bring the transportation sector in Delhi at par with the international standards, the government must provide funds to improve the transport infrastructure in Delhi," he said.

He said adequate funds must be provided to the Delhi government for cleaning up of river Yamuna, to provide sewer connections to each household, expansion of metro routes in the city, and for the cleaning of Delhi.

"We want this for the welfare of our state so that any party that forms the government in the state can utilise those funds efficiently," he added



The CM also pointed out the inadequacy of funds provided to the MCD by the central government.

"We also want the MCD to get adequate funds from the central government. The budget from the central government to the MCD will pass through the Delhi government, but we have time and again requested funds for the MCD and have assured the centre that the funds will be transferred to the MCD on the same day," he said.

"Irrespective of who wins the election on February 8, whichever party comes to power will then be able to utilise those funds for the people of Delhi," he added.

"Even if we do not receive adequate support from the central government, we will not let the development of Delhi stop. More funds will accelerate the development process of Delhi but we will keep on working for the people," Kejriwal said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Thursday said the government has set a target of achieving a turnover of $26 billion by 2025 in defence production as India cannot remain dependent on arms import forever.

The government has taken several steps to support the private sector to boost indigenous defence manufacturing, Singh said after flagging off the 51st K-9 Vajra-T gun at the Larsen and Toubro's (L&T) Armoured Systems Complex at Hazira here in Gujarat.

"India cannot remain dependent on arms import. We have set a target of achieving a turnover of $26 billion by 2025 in the defence production. This involves an investment of $10 billion in this sector and generation of two-three million employment opportunities," he said addressing the gathering.

Singh noted that participation of private sector in defence manufacturing was negligible in the past.

"The private sector could not perform because of lack of support. This scenario increased our dependence on imports," he said.

"Our government has taken many steps to change this scenario so that India becomes not only self-reliant, but also a net exporter in this sector," the said.

He listed various steps taken by the Modi government to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.

"We have streamlined the defence offset policy and we will make more improvements in it. We have created a defence investment cell in the Defence Ministry to address bottlenecks related to investment in this sector," he said.

Referring to the Howitzer gun being manufactured by L&T at Hazira, Singh said, "A new dimension in the area of defence manufacturing, involvingprivate sector, has been added today."



He, however, said there is a lot to be done to make India a defence manufacturing hub.

"Our government is committed to channelise the entrepreneurship spirit. We will try to remove roadblocks," the minister assured.

Singh earlier performed puja of the gun, drew 'swastika' (holy symbol) on it and showed a green flag to the 51st gun.

Before the launch ceremony, Singh sat in the vehicle on which the gun was mounted and was driven around the Hazira complex. He witnessed a demonstration of the weapon in the testing area.

L&T Defence is currently executing the 'K9 VAJRA-T' 155mm/52 calibre tracked, self-propelled, howitzer guns program.

The engineering conglomerate, which had won the contract to deliver 100 such howitzer guns, has already delivered 50 units to the Indian Army in the past while on Thursday it handed over the 51st gun, the company said in a release.

The hi-tech gun is also equipped with other India specific modifications for desert conditions such as auxiliary power pack, air-conditioning systems, fire fighting systems, and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection systems which are being indigenously produced, it said.
Dublin, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hydrogen Peroxide Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global hydrogen peroxide market is expected to register a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period, majorly due to its rising applications in pulp & paper industry.



Increasing consumption of hydrogen peroxide as raw material for polypropylene oxide production (HPPO process) is augmenting the growth of the market. Health hazards associated with long-term exposure of hydrogen peroxide is likely to hinder the market's growth. Newer opportunities for hydrogen peroxide in wastewater treatment is projected to act as an opportunity for the market in future.



The global hydrogen peroxide market is consolidated in nature, with the top five players occupying nearly 70% of the market. Majority of companies are focusing on expanding their production capacities, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region. Growing end-user segments, such as electronics and consumer goods, have been the prime focus areas for a lot of companies in the recent times. These players include Solvay, Evonik Industries AG, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Arkema Group, Kemira Oyj.



Key Market Trends



Increasing Demand from Pulp & Paper Industry

Hydrogen peroxide is extensively used in the paper and pulp industry as a bleaching agent, and it is used in the production of various types of pulps, such as mechanical, chemical, and recyclable pulps. It helps ensure optimal whitening of the pulps for these industries.

Hydrogen peroxide serves as a principal bleaching agent in the bleaching of mechanical pulps. It can be used alone or with other bleaching agents. The use of hydrogen peroxide helps impart optimal whitening to the mechanical pulp.

In the manufacturing of chemical pulp, hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorate are the most extensively used bleaching agents. Hydrogen peroxide is the principle bleaching agent on total chlorine-free (TCF) sequence and is used to ensure a high degree of brightness, while minimizing the impact of effluents.

Hydrogen peroxide also finds its application in re-pulping of wastepaper over other bleaching agents, as it aids in reducing the bleaching costs and decreases the effluent color.

The United States, Asia-Pacific, and Europe are expected to witness strong demand for hydrogen peroxide in applications relating to the paper and pulp industry.

The aforementioned factors are likely to increase the demand for hydrogen peroxide over the forecast period.

In Asia-Pacific, China is Projected to Dominate the Market

In Asia-Pacific, China is the largest economy in terms of GDP. China is one of the fastest-growing economies globally and almost all the end-user industries have been growing, owing to the rising population, living standards, and per capita income.

The country holds the highest share in rare minerals production, followed by other major countries, such as Australia, the United States, and Russia, among others. Further growth prospects in this sector are expected to provide positive outlook for the market studied in the near future.

China is a hub for chemical processing, accounting for a major chunk of the chemicals produced, globally. With the increasing demand for various chemicals globally, the demand for hydrogen peroxide from this sector is projected to rise during the forecast period.

China is the largest pulp and paper producing nation in the world. The industry is modern and highly mechanized, and the labor is inexpensive. Due to government afforestation initiatives, forest cover is increasing in China. While this is a positive sign, there are concerns regarding social and environmental issues. As the largest wood importer in the world, with complex and opaque supply chains, significant challenges are also present.

The electronics industry in China is the largest in the world. Electronic products, such as smartphones, OLED TVs, tablets, etc., have the highest growth in the market in the consumer electronics segment. With the increase in disposable income of middle-class population, the demand for electronic products is projected to rise in the near future, thereby driving the hydrogen peroxide market.

Hence, with growth in the various end-user sectors in the country, the demand for hydrogen peroxide is likely to increase in the future.

Key Topics Covered



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions

1.2 Scope of the Study



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Rising Demand from the Paper and Pulp Industry

4.1.2 Increasing Consumption of Hydrogen Peroxide as Raw Material for Propylene Oxide Production (HPPO Process)

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Health Hazards Associated with Long-term Exposure of Hydrogen Peroxide

4.3 Industry Value-Chain Analysis

4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.5 Technological Snapshot

4.5.1 Production Process

4.5.2 Technology Licensing and Patent Analysis

4.6 Trade Analysis

4.7 Price Analysis

4.8 Supply Scenario

4.9 Upcoming Projects

4.10 Regulatory Policies



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION

5.1 Product Function

5.1.1 Disinfectant

5.1.2 Bleaching

5.1.3 Oxidant

5.1.4 Other Product Functions

5.2 End-user Industry

5.2.1 Pulp & Paper

5.2.2 Chemical Synthesis

5.2.3 Wastewater Treatment

5.2.4 Mining

5.2.5 Food & Beverage

5.2.6 Cosmetics & Healthcare

5.2.7 Textiles

5.2.8 Other End-user Industries

5.3 Geography

5.3.1 Asia-Pacific

5.3.2 North America

5.3.3 Europe

5.3.4 South America

5.3.5 Middle East & Africa



6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements

6.2 Market Share Analysis

6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players

6.4 Company Profiles

6.4.1 Arkema Group

6.4.2 BASF SE

6.4.3 Chang Chun Group

6.4.4 Dow

6.4.5 Evonik Industries AG

6.4.6 Grasim

6.4.7 Guangdong ZhongCheng Chemicals Co. Ltd.

6.4.8 Gujarat Alkali and Chemicals Ltd.

6.4.9 Hodogaya Chemical Co. Ltd.

6.4.10 Kemira Oyj

6.4.11 Kingboard Holdings Limited

6.4.12 Merck KGaA

6.4.13 Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc.

6.4.14 National Peroxide Ltd.

6.4.15 Nouryon

6.4.16 PeroxyChem

6.4.17 Qingdao LaSheng Co. Ltd.

6.4.18 Solvay



7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

7.1 Newer Opportunities for Hydrogen Peroxide in Wastewater Treatment

7.2 Growth of the Electronic Industry in Developing Asian Countries



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jawb3r

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
The airline will be donating 10% of all EmiratesRED sales on every flight from 17 January until 16 February 2020 and matching this dollar-for-dollar. The proceeds will go towards the recovery and rebuilding efforts taking place in the communities affected across Australia.

"We are deeply saddened by the bushfires in Australia and the impact they have had on families, communities, wildlife and businesses across the country. There's been an outpouring of support from all over the world for Australia, including from the UAE. At Emirates we'd like to do our part not only through monetary contributions, but also to use our global reach to help to maintain awareness and support, and to drive donations for recovery and rebuilding efforts," said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline

"Emirates remains committed to Australia and its people who have welcomed us into their home for over 20 years. We will be working closely with relevant organisations to contribute funds to those who need it most. Emirates is also waiving flight change fees for residents affected by the fires, many of whom we know have had their lives greatly impacted already."
Mark Wilson/Getty

Donald Trump threatened the UK with a 25 per cent tariff on its cars unless the British government officially accused Iran of breaking the 2015 nuclear deal, it has been reported.

The secret threat last week, first reported by The Washington Post, which cited unnamed European officials, would have seen the tariff imposed on all European automobile imports to the US unless Britain, France and Germany agreed to the ultimatum.

It came days before the three European Union powers on Tuesday triggered a dispute mechanism under the agreement which does amount to a formal accusation against Tehran of violating its terms. It could lead to the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, but is being framed by the Europeans as the last chance to save the nuclear deal.

Iran said on Thursday the European countries had succumbed to a high school bully.

Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter, using the acronym of the 2015 accord's official title.

It wont work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully?

The 2015 pact was agreed between Tehran and world powers, offering Iran relief from sanctions if it curbed its nuclear work. Mr Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed US sanctions, telling Tehran he wanted a more stringent deal on nuclear and other issues.

Iran has responded to the US sanctions by scaling back its compliance with the deal, culminating with an announcement this month that it would reject all limits on production of enriched uranium, although it says it wants to keep the deal in place.

Boris Johnson said a Trump deal could replace the existing one, were it to fail, while Paris said broad talks were needed.

Two European diplomats confirmed to the Washinton Post that the US had threatened tariffs but said leaders of the three European states had already decided to trigger the mechanism before that.

Story continues

A third diplomat said such US tactics only undermined the Europeans, who are trying to apply pressure independently.

True or not it has the effect of discrediting the Europeans, but then Trump doesnt really care about that, the diplomat said. From the Iranian side, it just proves that only the US matters in this.

The Europeans have long opposed Mr Trumps decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal, but have been threatening for months to trigger the dispute mechanism if Iran did not comply with it.

The dispute mechanism begins a complex diplomatic process that can end with UN sanctions on Iran snapping back into place, although the Europeans say that is not their aim.

In triggering the dispute mechanism, the European countries said they were not backing a US policy of maximum pressure on Iran, and they still hope to salvage the nuclear deal.

The nuclear dispute lies at the heart of Irans long-running standoff with the West that spiralled into open conflict this month when Washington killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq.

During that period of high alert, Iran shot down a civilian airliner in what it says was a tragic mistake. It has triggered anti-government protests at home.

Enriched uranium can be used to create material for nuclear warheads. Iran denies Western accusations it wants such weapons and says it wants nuclear material for peaceful purposes.

We are enriching more uranium than before the deal was reached, president Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. Pressure has increased on Iran but we continue to progress.

US sanctions meanwhile have hammered Irans economy. Washington aims to reduce its oil exports to zero.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Read more

Ukraine opens investigation into 'spying' on former US ambassador

Dangerously uninformed Trump faces fresh humiliation from new book

Trump didn't understand Pearl Harbor, book says: 'What's this about?'
When I reviewed Damian Duffy's and John Jennings' graphic novel adaption of, I ended my review by saying, "But ifsells as well as it ought to, then I suspect we'll see more of her [Butler's] work crossing over into comic formats. Here's to hoping Duffy and Jennings are tapped for those as well!" And indeed, they were tapped to translate Butler's 1993 novelThe story begins in 2024 and follows teenage Lauren as she witnesses the dystopian world around her. Society, as we know it, has all but collapsed due to climate change and wealth inequality. The cities that remain are largely run by corporations and the residents are effectively slaves to them. Outside the cities, people try to band together in small communities and/or family groups to ward off marauders and looters. When Lauren's community is ransacked and her family killed, she and two friends decide to try hiking up the coast where, allegedly, potable water doesn't cost more than food. As the three make the dangerous trek on foot (no one can afford gas) from southern California to maybe Oregon or Canada, they meet a number of others who are in essentially the same position. In some cases, they join together and start to form a new community -- as they continue hiking -- around Lauren's new Earthseed religion which is based around the idea of "God is change."At first, I was a little surprised that Duffy and Jennings opted foras the second of Butler's books they wanted to adapt. The original is basically written as a series of journal entries from Lauren, interspersed with tenets/passages from thethat she's writing, and it wouldn't strike me as particularly conducive to a graphic novel format. While that certainly would make it a challenge to develop, though, the messages within the story itself seem frighteningly more timely now than when Butler first wrote it. Half of the events depicted in here are literally the nightmares that wake me up at night today! (And the other half are nightmares I hadn't considered before, but am terrified of now.) The 2024 that Butler created back in 1993 seems like it could really come to pass on that schedule. There's no flying cars or teleporters or laser guns or anything; you can read this now in 2020 and easily see how this can all happen in four short years.But you know, that's all stuff you can read in reviews and summaries of Butler's original. The question here is: how did Duffy and Jennings do in adapting it?The more I sit and think on it, the more impressed I am honestly. Interestingly, they mostly keep the same narrative hook of presenting Lauren's journal entries. They're presented here as captions, but hand-written on lined notebook paper. However, what struck me was that, despite being fairly caption-heavy to accommodate Lauren's journal entries, it nevercaption-heavy. I think you'd risk the danger of the book feeling more like illustrated prose than sequential art, but it never comes across that way. It's not uncommon to go several pages without any actual dialogue (instead the only words being the journal-style captions) but you never get the sense that things can/should have been handled differently. I suppose that might be, in part, because it's all written from Lauren's point of view, but they do a good balancing act of being sure to include the actions and dialogue of other characters, so it doesn't feel like a giant monograph.One hallmark of good comic book writing, I think, is to know when to hold back on the script and led the art do the storytelling. It's easy to find examples -- in older comics especially -- where caption boxes and dialogue basically just reiterate what's being shown. That's also a challenge, I think, in adaptations, where there's a desire to include as much of the original author's text as possible. I think it's a sense of trying to "distort" or "edit" their work as little as possible. I haven't gone throughto do a word-by-word comparison, but it does appear like there was a lot of thought that went into what should be said versus what should be shown. And, if certain scenes were to be shown, how much dialogue might need to be added/removed relative to what Butler had originally written? Whatever ended up getting added or removed, though, the whole thing flows very smoothly, and I never feel like they've skipped over a chunk to save space.Visually, there are some distinct and different challenges here compared to. In that book, for example, we watched as characters grew up from childhood to adults -- depicting a character consistently isn't always easy, and doing so while making them gradually look older is obviously more difficult. There's no real concerns like that in, but there is a much larger cast of characters, few of which have quick/obvious visible signals to identify them. Lauren's father is the only character, I believe, with a white beard but few other characters share such hallmarks. Despite this, though, the reader is never really at a loss for following who is who, even as the number of characters grow larger and larger. There's almost two whole different casts here, in fact: the community Lauren lives in for the first half of the book, and then the community she builds in the second half. But Jennings manages to make them all individuals -- a very welcome boon for someone like myself, who tends to get lost in prose with a long string of names. (And good grief -- me trying to read a play? I never know who's supposed to have said what! Why did they make usplays in high school anyway? The whole point is that you were supposed toa play! It's an inherently audio/visual medium! But I digress...)One of the interesting ideas Butler introduced in her original is that Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition where she literally feels the pain of those near her. This is originally explained via Lauren's journal entries, but throughout the book, Jennings has created a set of visual cues that alert the reader when Lauren is experiencing this, so that it doesn't need to be reiterated in the text repeatedly. It's another benefit that comics have over prose is that it can mix and match different types of signifiers for readers that help streamline the book.Let me try to sum things up this way... if you didn't knowwas initially a prose novel, you wouldn't get the sense that Duffy and Jennings' version here wasn't the original. It doesn't seem like an adaptation; it seems like it was designeda graphic novel from jump. It's not just excellent as an adaptation, it's excellent as a comic. Between that, and the powerful story Butler wrote in the first place, I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be the next book you read.If you already like Butler's work, reading this is a no-brainer -- they do a great job of telling the story in a new medium. If you like Duffy and Jennings' work, reading this is a no-brainer -- I honestly think it's the best work I've seen from either/both of them. If you have any concerns about what you see/hear on the news, you should definitely put this at the top of your TO READ pile -- forewarned is forearmed, after all, and I would not be at all surprised to see 2024 look exactly like it's depicted here. It's scary as f*** out there right now, but it can get a whole lot worse. But if enough people see this and/or start at least attempting Lauren's hyperempathy, maybe we keep this book safely cataloged in the fiction section.
Mikhail Mishustin was President Vladimir Putin's nominee for the post of prime minister - AFP

Russias parliament on Thursday approved a former tax chief as the countrys new prime minister the day after Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes, amid questions over his $10 million (7.7m) property portfolio.

Mikhail Mishustin, 53, was voted in as Russia media and opposition politicians raised questions about his lavish property and his wifes income.

Mr Mishustin was nominated for prime minister on Wednesday after Dmitry Medvedev, the outgoing premier, announced a surprise resignation, which he said was necessary to let Mr Putin see through the constitutional changes that he floated several hours earlier.

Mr Putins proposals, which focus on cutting the presidents powers, were widely seen as an indication that after 20 years in power he still intends to stay in charge but in a different job.

Before the vote, Mr Mishustin said in a speech in parliament that he would focus on cutting red tape and improving living standards during his tenure.

People should begin to feel tangible changes for the better right now, he said.

Russian media and the opposition raised questions about Mr Mishustins wealth shortly before he was confirmed.

Investigative website Proyekt quoted property records showing that Mr Mishustin bought an upscale property in an exclusive Moscow suburb worth hundreds of millions of rubles when he was a deputy tax minister without an income to match it.

Separately, anti-corruption campaigner and opposition leader Alexei Navalny quoted public records, saying that Mr Mishustins wife declared a total of 800 million rubles (9.9 million) in income from an unnamed source in the past nine years.

If you wanted to become the second most important person in the country can you be so kind and tell us what kind of business has been bringing in millions for your family? Mr Navalny wrote on his blog.

A government spokesperson had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

Story continues

Former Duma lawmaker and businessman Ilya Ponomarev who has known Mr Mishustin for more than 15 years dismissed the allegations, telling The Telegraph that the future prime minister would be able to afford that property as he made at least several million dollars from his IT projects in the 1990s.

Id be surprised if he was involved in some corruption dealings - hes not the type, he said.

Mr Mishushin, who trained as an engineer, is a relatively obscure bureaucrat who has been lauded for sweeping reforms at the Federal Tax Service which he had been leading since 2010.

Herman Gref, CEO of Russias largest lender Sberbank, in televised comments on Thursday hailed the former tax chief as a pioneer of digital technology and credited him for creating an innovative platform for tax collection that would be the envy of the most progressive nations.

Under Mr Mishustin, Russias tax service, once one of the most corrupt bodies in the country, underwent a swift transformation by getting rid of the red tape for which it had become notorious.

Dmitry Marinichev, Russias internet ombudsman who has known Mr Mishustin for more than 10 years, described him as a talented engineer and a fast-paced person who speaks fast and always moves forward.

Mikhail Mishustin was tapped for the post by Mr Putin Credit: The State Duma, The Federal Assembly of The Russian Federation via AP

As a prime minister, he will be efficient, focused on a digital economy, he told the Telegraph, adding that the former taxman reminds him of Apples former CEO Steve Jobs.

Mr Ponomarev, the former Duma deputy, described Mr Mishustin as a progressive bureaucrat in the best sense of the word.

He has a good head on his shoulders, Mr Ponomarev said of Mr Mishustin, adding that the former tax official is likely to view his new job as a business task, not a political one.

Mr Ponomarev, a scathing critic of Mr Putin, said he wishes Mr Mishustin well but conceded that it will be tough to achieve results as long as Vladimir Putin is in power.
Or is this all about having ones cake and eating it too (a ubiquitous Megxit cliche), a desire on the part of a highly privileged and very wealthy young couple to duck dull responsibility in the rain, commune with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and the Obamas and set themselves up to leverage their positions (he, royalty; she, showbiz) to make yet more cash with a veneer of doing glamorous, multi-platform good? Is this really about young people who have yet to figure out that choices have consequences and that to gain something you want, you invariably have to give something up, however painful that may seem.
The screenplay by Chris Bremmer, Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan offers buddy-cop greatest hits dialogue like He dies last We had a deal,; If its the cartel, shes gonna have serious backup; and the ominous One last time? One last time. But Lawrences riffs almost always land.

They especially need to in the final quarter, when the movie sets the bar high for this years Dopiest Movie Plot Twist competition. Its a moment thats meant to enhance character and raise emotional stakes, and the movie takes it seriously for maybe a minute and 45 seconds before Lawrences character starts making light of it. This is as it should be. As for the action, the directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (taking over from Michael Bay, who has a coy cameo as a wedding M.C.) blow things up real good, and do so in ways that are more often buoyant than grisly.

Bad Boys for Life

Rated R. Bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Running time: 2 hours 3 minutes.
Proceeds from the latest GovX Patch of the Month support Navy SEAL Foundation. "Were thrilled to see GovX members embrace the Patch of the Month program to help fund valuable services offered to the men and women who keep our country and communities safe." - Alan Cole, GovX CEO

Setting a new company record for charitable contributions in a year, GovX, the online shopping site exclusively for Americans of service, raised and donated over $75,000 to nonprofits serving military, first responders, law enforcement professionals, and the families who support them.

Organizations the GovX community supported in 2019 include:



Workshops for Warriors  A veteran-powered machining and manufacturing school that aims to reignite the fire of American industry.

Active Valor  A nonprofit manned by passionate combat veterans who mentor Gold Star Children, the sons and daughters of fallen American servicemembers.

Team Rubicon  The global disaster response team comprised of American military veterans and first responders.

FirefighterAid  The nonprofit that cares for firefighters and their families in distress and advocates for firefighter health nationwide.

COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors)  Aims to rebuild the shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line of duty deaths.

Green Beret Foundation  Supports the Army's special forces and connects them and their families to the right resources to prosper and thrive.

IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)  Lobbies on behalf of post-9/11 veterans for healthcare benefits and offers 1-on-1 case management support

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund  Tells the story of American law enforcement, honors the fallen, and aims to make the job safer for those who serve.

Individual sales among GovX community members of the Patch of the Month series fueled the 2019 charitable efforts of GovX Gives Back. Each month offered a new entry in the originally designed collection, with proceeds from each sale supporting individual foundations every month.

"The Patch of the Month series is a unique advocacy platform that allows GovX members to show their support for the various organizations working on behalf of the military, law enforcement and firefighting communities," said Alan Cole, GovX CEO. "These nonprofits and Veterans Service Organizations work hard every day to support the brave Americans and their families serving in our neighborhoods around the world. Were thrilled to see GovX members embrace the Patch of the Month program to help fund valuable services offered to the men and women who keep our country and communities safe."

The Patch of the Month collection continues into 2020. The first patch of the year is on sale now and supports the Navy SEAL Foundation, which honors and supports members of the US Navy's special warfare community and their families.

About GovX

GovX.com is for the men and women who protect our country and communities. The members-only eCommerce site offers thousands of products, tickets and travel services from hundreds of premium brands at exclusive, below-retail pricing. Eligible members include active and veteran U.S. military, firefighters, law enforcement officers and federal agents. Membership is free and more information can be found at GovX.com.
U.S. House Delivers Impeachment Articles For Trump's Trial To Senate

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

WASHINGTON -- The Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives trial "managers" on January 15 delivered to the Senate the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump -- another step in the process that will lead to a trial to decide whether to remove the president from office.

The trial managers, who were named earlier in the day by speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat-Califorina), marched to the Senate to "transmit" the charges against Trump after Pelosi signed the articles on live television -- representing only the third time in U.S. history that a president has been impeached and must face trial in the Senate.

Before signing the documents, Pelosi said that Trump failed to uphold his duty to the Constitution of the United States and that his actions "jeopardized" the country's national security.

She said that lawmakers "will be making it clear that this president will be held accountable. That no one is above the law and that no future president could ever entertain the idea...that he can do whatever he wants to do."

Pelosi added that it was "so sad, so tragic for our country."

Moments later, the Democratic managers solemnly walked over the articles to the Senate chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the floor that senators would officially receive the articles at midday on January 16 and would begin to consider them shortly thereafter. He said a trial would begin on January 21.

White House officials said they expect a trial to last about two weeks -- far shorter than the other presidential impeachment trials, of Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1999. Both were acquitted by the Senate.

The articles charge Trump with abusing the power of his office for personal gain and obstruction of Congress.

Earlier on January 15, the Democrat-led legislative chamber approved by a margin of 228-193 the resolution that also appointed the seven lawmakers who will be trial managers, or prosecutors in the case against Trump.

"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Pelosi said before the House vote.

All the trial managers have legal backgrounds and will be led by 10-term Representative Adam Schiff, a former federal prosecutor in California and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

He will be joined by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (New York), Hakeem Jeffries (New York ), a former litigator in private practice; Jason Crow (Colorado), a former Army Ranger and private attorney; Val Demings (Florida), a former police chief; Zoe Lofgren (California), a former immigration lawyer; and Sylvia Garcia (Texas), a former judge.

The managers delivered the formal charges tooud on the Senate floor shortly before 5:30 p.m., after which the impeachment trial can commence. The senators will be jury members in the trial, and Chief Justice John Roberts will be the presiding judge.

In explaining her decision on who to name as trial managers, Pelosi said the emphasis was on litigators.

"The emphasis is on comfort level in the courtroom. The emphasis is making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our constitution, to seek the truth for the American people," she said. "I'm very proud and honored that these seven distinguished members have accepted this serious responsibility."

The adoption of the resolution came four weeks after the House in December charged Trump with abusing the power of his office for personal gain and obstruction of Congress.

He specifically is suspected of trying to influence a foreign government -- that of Ukraine -- to investigate his political rivals.

Trump has also been accused of withholding documents that the House requested during the fact-finding phase of the impeachment proceedings and of blocking or preventing testimony of administration officials.

Trump denies the charges and has called the impeachment proceedings a "witch hunt."

"The only thing speaker Pelosi has achieved with this sham, illegitimate impeachment process, is to prove she is focused on politics instead of the American people," Trump said after Pelosi's news conference, as cited by the White House press office.

"She failed and the naming of these managers does not change a single thing. President Trump has done nothing wrong. He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate...and expects to be fully exonerated," the statement said.

"I have great confidence there is enough evidence to impeach the president," Pelosi said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-house-transmits- impeachment-articles-senate-trump/30379647.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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LONDON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Street's European Commercial Property Outlook exposes the increasing divergence visible among European real estate sectors. While asset values for office and industrial sectors are at all-time highs (up circa 10%) and yields are at all-time lows, this is in stark contrast to retail, which is undergoing a paradigm shift due to ecommerce. Over the next five years, operating fundamentals in the industrial and office commercial real estate sectors are expected to outperform retail by circa 20%.

Pan-European retail spending growth remains in positive territory; however, with ecommerce likely in the middle of a robust growth phase, Green Street believes brick-and-mortar retail sales will continue suffering. The result is negative for retail real estate, but largely positive for industrial, stemming from strong tenant demand - especially for locations close to population centers with lower-than-average ecommerce penetration rates.

Despite retail woes, Green Street notes that Pan-European commercial real estate values rose 5% in 2019 and are set to increase again by mid-single digits in 2020, with overall returns screening attractive relative to investment grade and high yield bonds.

Green Street's outlook for Pan-European commercial property is now released with a new private market research product offering, European Real Estate Analytics. The platform provides market participants with a seamless way to compare and underwrite real estate investments across geographies, property sectors, and currencies. Covering the 25 top European markets, European Real Estate Analytics provides unbiased, third party analysis on property fundamentals and valuation through its report suite and interactive mapping and analytics platform, Atlas. It also includes coveted, proprietary market grades, which are not available through alternate providers.

DOWNLOAD the full European Commercial Property Outlook report

EXPLORE Green Street's new European Real Estate Analytics platform

 Specifically referring to market-RevPAM growth - a proprietary market level measure combining rent and occupancy growth.

Green Street Advisors (UK) Ltd.

Green Street Advisors (UK) Limited is an affiliate of Green Street Advisors, LLC, which was founded in 1985 and is the preeminent independent research and advisory firm concentrating on the commercial real estate industry in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The company is a leading provider of real estate research, analytics, and data on both private and public markets. For more information, please visit www.greenstreetadvisors.com.

Media Contact: Gabriella Peak

+44 (0)203 290 6551 or gpeak@greenstreetadvisors.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1076105/Pan_Euro_CPPI_Graph.jpg
Structureless democracies topple at any slight distortion, hence the need for proper governance. In Kenya, the President has the support of the Cabinet in running the country's affairs. They include professionals that head different government ministries. These are the pillars of the State; they form a formidable and robust wing of the executive. The Constitution is clear on the appointment, reassignment and dismissal of cabinet secretaries in Kenya. The President is mandated to nominate, and upon approval by Parliament, appoint his Cabinet.

List of cabinet secretaries in Kenya. Photo: @StateHouseKenya

Source: Twitter

The new Constitution implemented massive alterations in government structures and operations. Cabinet members, whom most were referred to as "ministers" are no more. A new, technical term has been adopted  "Cabinet Secretary."

The change that brought Kenyan cabinet secretaries resulted in a phase of exercising duties and authorities by the specific occupants. The President, his Deputy, Attorney General and a minimum of fourteen cabinet secretaries make the Cabinet in Kenya. These appointees qualify after extensive parliamentary vetting. It is only after approval by the Members of Parliament that they start overseeing ministerial functions.

Current cabinet secretaries in Kenya

Are you familiar with the latest list of cabinet secretaries in Kenya? Since they are state appointees, supporting the devolved government functions, they have distinct roles measurable by performance indicators.

1. Dr Fred O. Matiangi, EGH  Interior and Coordination of National Government

Chief Administrative Secretary  Hussein Dado

2. Hon Najib Balala, EGH - Tourism & Wildlife

Chief Administrative Secretary  Joseph Boinnet

3. Mr James W. Macharia, EGH - Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development & Public Works

Chief Administrative Secretary  Chris Obure and Wavinya Ndeti

4. Amb Raychelle A. Omamo - Foreign Affairs

Chief Administrative Secretary  Hon Ababu Namwamba

5. Amb Amina C. Mohamed, EGH, CAV - Sports, Culture & Heritage

Chief Administrative Secretary  Hassan Noor Hassan

6. Mr Adan A. Mohamed, EGH - East African Community & Regional Development

Chief Administrative Secretary  Ken Obura

7. Mrs Sicily K. Kariuki, EGH - Water & Sanitation and Irrigation

Chief Administrative Secretary  Andrew Tuimur

8. Hon Charles Keter, EGH  Devolution and the ASALS

Chief Administrative Secretary  Abdul Bahari

9. Amb (Dr) Monica K. Juma, EGH  Energy and Petroleum

Chief Administrative Secretary  Simon Kapchapin

10. Mr Joe Mucheru, EGH - Information, Communication, Technology (ICT), Youth & Innovation

Chief Administrative Secretary  Maureen Magoma Mbaka and Nadia Ahmed Abdalla

11. Hon Peter Munya, EGH - Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Cooperatives

Chief Administrative Secretary  Linah Chebii and Anne Martha Muakami Nyaga

12. Prof Margaret Kobia, EGH - Public Service & Gender

Chief Administrative Secretary  Rachel Shebesh

13. Hon John K. Munyes, EGH Mining and Petroleum

Chief Administrative Secretary  John Mosonik

14. Hon Eugene L. Wamalwa, EGH - Defense

Chief Administrative Secretary  Peter Ondonyo

15. Mr Simon K. Chelugui, EGH - Labour & Social Services

Chief Administrative Secretary  Patrick Ole Ntutu

16. Mr Keriako Tobiko, EGH - Environment & Forestry

Chief Administrative Secretary  Mohammed Elmi

17. Ms Farida C. Karoney, EGH - Lands & Physical Planning

Chief Administrative Secretary  Gideon Mungaro

18. Hon (Amb.) Ukur K. Yatani, EGH - National Treasury and Planning

Chief Administrative Secretary  Nelson Gaichuhie

19. Prof George A.O. Magoha, EGH  Education

Chief Administrative Secretary - Zachariah Kinuthia Mugure and Mumina Bonaya

20. Hon Mutahi Kagwe - Health

Chief Administrative Secretary  Rashid A. Amana and Mercy Mukui Mwangangi

21. Ms Betty Maina - Industrialization, Trade & Enterprise Development

Chief Administrative Secretary  Lawrence Karanja

The above list of new cabinet secretaries in Kenya has undergone public vetting by Parliament before swearing-in. They have different levels of experience in their professions. This team is a constitutional gift to Kenya. Various changes have taken place in the different governmental sectors due to their efforts.

Facts about cabinet secretaries in Kenya

Everybody remembers the old status quo. After every general election, parliamentarians scrambled for a piece of the executive arm of government. Although the minister/MP role worked, it was ambiguous and full of mismanagement.

Therefore, at an opportunity to alter the supreme rule of the country, professionals made the amendment. Cabinet secretaries in Kenya today are not MPs. This is one of the significant changes implemented by the new Constitution in a move to reduce the administrative burden. It is a bold move with interest in increasing efficiency in ministries.

They affirm their faithfulness to the citizens of Kenya. On top of that, they are sworn in before the President. These ministerial heads fulfil their roles as mandated by the Constitution. There are definite terms on how they are supposed to be dismissed, reshuffled or appointed.

The President possesses the power to reassign and dismiss a Cabinet Secretary after they assume office. Also, a Member of Parliament (MP), supported by at least a quarter of all parliamentarians can propose a motion for the President to dismiss a Cabinet Secretary.

For an MP to start the removal process, they have to certify that the Cabinet Secretary grossly violated the Constitution, committed crimes or performed gross misconduct. The appointee can also submit a written resignation letter while in office.

A dismissed Cabinet Secretary has a right to appear before the selected National Assembly committee during the investigations. If the report findings are substantial, the Cabinet Secretary has a chance to be heard after whereby the National Assembly shall vote whether they are in support or not.

Additionally, if the majority in the National Assembly supports the dismissal proposal, then the President shall dismiss the individual. Such occurrences may lead to the appointing of new staff to the affected positions.

The functions of Cabinet

The Cabinet is a prominent wing of the executive. Photo: @StateHouseKenya

Source: Twitter

The Cabinet is a prominent wing of the executive. They frequently hold meetings with the President and other members to update on the government's state of affairs.

The President

The President has the highest executive authority of the republic, with the assistance of the deputy and cabinet secretaries. He also has the power to assign, dismiss or replace any Cabinet Secretary.

The role of a Cabinet secretary in Kenya are evident; however, the Constitution states that they are accountable to the President. It also includes how they use the legal powers vested in them and their performance in the government.

The Deputy President

Article 147(3) of the Constitution allows the Deputy President to act as head of State, in the absence of the President. Moreover, the deputy can carry out presidential duties when the President is temporarily unable to function effectively.

The Cabinet Secretaries

These help in steering the country's development. The Uhuru Cabinet list, which he has recently refreshed are vital players in the government's agenda. They are supposed to dedicate their energy to their respective sectors and ascertain that everything is running smoothly.

Cabinet secretaries in Kenya are also answerable to the peoples representatives  the Parliament. They do this by submitting periodic reports to different parliamentary committees. They oversee any undergoing development contracts in the governmental sectors.

The Attorney General

He or she is the country's lawyer and chief legal advisor. Therefore, the AG is a professional that holds exceptional legal prowess. On top of that, he/she ensures that the rule of law is protected and upheld. The AG also defends the public interest.

Frequently asked questions on cabinet secretaries

The adoption process of the new Constitution was and still is a structural nightmare. Many amendments restructured different government departments. The Cabinet Secretary position was a major one. Hence, the public is in total disarray on who represents what ministry.

Who appoints cabinet secretaries?

The President appoints Kenyan Cabinet Secretaries. Although he has the powers as mentioned above, they are not without oversight. Before holding office, every nominated Cabinet Secretary undergoes public vetting through Parliament.

It is only after the Members of Parliament's approval that they become Cabinet Secretaries. The process might take a few days or even weeks, depending on the volume of approvals they are handling.

How many cabinet secretaries are there in Kenya?

Currently, there are 21 cabinet secretaries in Kenya. However, the recent reshuffles have resulted in two nominees that are awaiting approval by Parliament. The Constitution stipulates that the President can appoint a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 22 cabinet secretaries. Principal secretaries assist these state appointees in better management of different ministries.

What is the work of the cabinet?

The Kenyan Cabinet consists of the President, Deputy President, Attorney General and Cabinet Secretaries. These state officers act as the main governing body of the nation and fulfil different public roles. The Cabinet holds meetings to make decisions on significant matters of the country. Every decision ought to be made in writing.

How are cabinet secretaries selected?

Since the President nominates all cabinet secretaries, he or she applies personal judgment in the shortlisting process. The Constitution states that the nominees must represent Kenya's diverse culture.

Simply, put  Cabinet Secretaries are answerable to the President. However, they are individually and collectively responsible for their actions in office.

How much are cabinet secretaries paid in Kenya?

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regularly posts the salaries that public servants ought to earn in a Kenyan Gazette Notice. Cabinet secretaries count as one of the best-paid civil servants with attractive gross pay and hefty allowances.

On average, most earn more than KSH.500,000 gross. SRC has been attempting to reduce the massive wage bill brought by devolution.

Who swears in cabinet secretaries in Kenya?

Ordinarily, cabinet secretaries are sworn in by the Head of Public Service at State House after passing the vetting process. The President, Deputy President and other invitees are usually present to preside over the ceremony. After the swearing-in operation, they assume their new role as cabinet secretaries responsible for their respective ministries.

It is now ten years after the promulgation of the new Constitution. Many sections are yet to realize full implementation as different wings of government are struggling to terminate old structures. Cabinet secretaries in Kenya are a great representation of the efficiency created from the elimination of Ministers.

Tuko.co.ke posted an article that Fred Matiang'i is likely to become Kenya's President in 2022. The latest poll shows that Matiang'i topped Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua in the national survey TIFA research conducted between November 7 and November 13, 2021 Read more in the article.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Donald Trump once left Prime Minister Narendra Modi flabbergasted after he told him that India and China didn't share a border, revealing the US President's "woefully" poor knowledge of geography, according to a new book authored by two Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalists.

The 417-page book, 'A Very Stable Genius', written by Philip Rucker and Carol D Leonnig, detailed similar vivid incidents from Trump's tumultuous first three years as President, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

The businessman-turned-politician



won the US presidential election in 2016 and assumed the position on January 20, 2017.

The book claimed during one of his meetings with Modi, Trump told him, "It's not like you've got China on your border."



However, the Washington Post report did not mention the year in which President Trump made this gaffe.

After Trump bungles his India-China geography, the authors, both Post reporters, claimed that "Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise" and his "expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation".

The two reporters were part of the team that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Trump and Russia.

The book quoted a Trump aide as saying that Modi probably "left that meeting and said, 'This is not a serious man. I cannot count on this man as a partner'".

"After the meeting", the aide told the authors, "the Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States."



India and China have an unresolved border dispute that covers the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Modi and Trump, who have developed a personal rapport, met four times in 2019, including their joint appearance at the historic 'Howdy Modi!' event in Houston.

They spoke over phone at least twice last year.

During his visit to the US in September last year, Prime Minister Modi once again extended his invitation to President Trump to visit India along with his family.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BJP on Thursday cited an SIT report to accuse the Congress of protecting those involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying it never showed interest in providing justice to the victims and its leaders even "justified" the violence against the community.

BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice S N Dhingra has brought to fore the truth and said what happened in 1984 was not just riots but the "worst kind of genocide" against Sikhs.

Javadekar said Congress leaders like the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and more recently, Sam Pitroda "justified" the violence with their comments.

The report shows that the hands of the Congress are with "murders", he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Palestinian citizens in Israel expect to see an increase in their number of Knesset seats in the third election cycle in less than one year in Israel. Days before the window is set to close for submitting election lists, due Jan. 17, polls show it is possible the Joint List  a unified slate of predominantly Arab parties  could garner as many as 15 members in the March 2 elections, a whopping 50% improvement over the results of the April 2019 elections when the Joint List was split and only able to reach 10 seats. When Arabs united in the September 2019 elections, they gained 13 seats.

Botrus Mansour, a Nazareth-based lawyer and an astute observer of Arab voting trends in Israel, told Al-Monitor the Joint List will improve because of its stability, lack of internal squabble this time around and proven ability to influence politics in Israel. He said, For years, Palestinian citizens of Israel felt their representatives in the Knesset had no influence. But when Ayman Odeh, head of the Joint List, recommended to President Reuven Rivlin that Knesset member Benny Gantz become prime minister, this drove home to many that Arabs can, in fact, have influence. Mansours comment reflects the fact that previously, Arab members of the Knesset had not nominated anyone for prime minister.

Ziad Omari, a well-to-do businessman and the new owner of Radio Nas, a licensed Arabic language radio station broadcasting out of Nazareth, told Al-Monitor there are many reasons why people are more hopeful regarding the upcoming elections. Arabs are more hopeful that as a result of the newly found power, Arab Knesset members can be part of the effort to finally remove the longest-serving prime minister of Israel and his right-wing partners, Omari said.

Omari noted that Arab legislatures in Israel could very well benefit from some of the new alignments among Zionist parties. The unity between the left-wing Meretz Party and the Labor Party will most likely free many citizens to vote for the Joint Arab List, he said.

The merge between the two parties meant that Meretz member Issawi Freij ended up in the hard to reach the spot of 11th on the list. The latest polls dont expect the Meretz-Labor coalition to reach more than 10 seats.

Omari is hoping his radio station and other media outlets will be successful in getting the vote out in Arab communities so as to reach this latest goal. Unfortunately, the incitement against Arabs continues, and therefore we at Radio Nas will have a role to fight against the racist incitement by Benjamin Netanyahu and the right wing by encouraging our people to vote. This is a national and democratic right, and every citizen must take advantage of it, Omari said.

In March 2019, only 49.2% of Israels Palestinian Arab voters participated. The percentage went up considerably in September 2019 to nearly 60%. But if the goal of the Joint List is to reach 14 or 15 seats, they need to come close or even match the turnout of Jewish voters. Israeli Jewish participation in the September 2019 elections of the 22nd Knesset reached nearly 70%  up from 68% in the March 2019 elections.

Omari said he is generally happy with the roster of candidates in the upcoming elections, and he had special praise for the head of the Joint List. Ayman Odeh is honest and serious about his work, and he has a vision for the future. If we succeed in the coming elections, Arabs can be part of a coalition that will block any right-wing extremist government from being formed, said Omari.

If Palestinian turnout is high and the Joint List can reach a record 15 seats in the 23rd Israeli Knesset, this result will also mark a precedent. Iman Khatib Yassin, nominated by the Islamic Movement in Israel (one of the four coalition partners) and who stands at the 15th slot, could become a unique member of the Israeli Knesset. Khatib, a mother of four from the Galilee village of Yafa of Nazareth, holds a masters degree from Tel Aviv University in womens studies. If the Joint List wins 15 seats, she will become the first hijab-wearing woman to enter the Israeli Knesset. She told Al-Monitor that she is not concerned about harrasment over her head dress. "I have heard criticism in previous elections and that doesn't bother me, I believe in what I do and I am not doing anything against my faith or against morals."

While the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has carefully stayed out of Israeli politics during election cycles, President Mahmoud Abbas urged Palestinian citizens of Israel to participate in the upcoming elections, saying they can have a major influence.

While the third elections in less than a year are not expected to produce any major changes in the electoral map, it is possible that an increased turnout could provide a record number of Knesset seats to Palestinian citizens of Israel, and that could  depending on the rest of the voting patterns  be just enough to help create a blocking majority that can finally make it possible to push the indicted Israeli prime minister out of his current office.
A fifth of around 46,000 cancer patients given an emergency diagnosis in Northern Ireland had a survival rate of just 23% after three years, according to a report.

A total of 46,068 patients who received a cancer diagnosis, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, between 2012 and 2016 were examined for a Department of Health study.

Pathways to a Cancer Diagnosis, published yesterday, is the culmination of an 18-month project by analysts from the Health and Social Care Business Services Organisation (BSO) and researchers from Queen's University Belfast.

'Red-flag' diagnoses - urgent GP referrals where there is a suspicion of cancer - accounted for 28% of all those carried out, while routine GP diagnoses formed 21% of diagnoses, with each route having a three-year survival rate of 72% and 71% respectively.

Meanwhile, the proportion of patients diagnosed through the red-flag route increased from around 26% in 2012 to just below 31% in 2015.

The study also found that the proportion of patients diagnosed through screening (6%) and emergency presentation (20%) here was broadly comparable to rates in England.

However, the report concluded that Northern Ireland has a greater proportion of patients diagnosed via outpatient and inpatient elective routes, but a smaller proportion of red-flag and routine GP routes when compared to England.

The research said extra study was needed to understand the reasons behind the figures.

It added: "Further work is required to understand the local factors which might be driving such differences, given that for many patients their route into secondary care will typically begin with a consultation with their GP."

A breakdown of cancer types - female breast, colorectal, lung and prostate - also revealed differing rates of the various routes used to diagnose patients.

For both breast cancer and colorectal, the most common route was red-flag referrals at 50% and 27% respectively.

GP referrals ranked highest for prostate cancer patients at 37%.At a slightly lower rate (35%) was emergency presentation for lung cancer patients.

The emergency presentation route to diagnosis made up around a quarter or more of the patients with blood and lymph cancer (28%), digestive cancer (42%), upper gastrointestinal tract cancer (27%) and head, neck, brain and eye cancer (24%).

Overall, patients diagnosed via emergency routes had worse survival outcomes.

Welcoming the report, Dr Finian Bannon, from Queen's University, said the findings would help "improve patient outcomes by increasing our understanding of how cancer services are delivered and how services can be improved".
Jenna Coleman looks unrecognisable in first-look pictures from new crime drama The Serpent.

The former Doctor Who star appears opposite Ellie Bamber, Tahar Rahim and Billy Howle in the BBC One thriller about Charles Sobhraj, one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century.

In the first pictures from the eight-part drama, in which Coleman plays Sobhrajs partner Marie-Andree Leclerc, she is seen with long, dark brown hair, colourful 1970s attire and tinted sunglasses.

Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim in The Serpent (BBC)

Alongside her is French actor Rahim as Sobhraj, the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepals Hippie Trail in 1975 and 1976.

Howle and Bamber are seen in character as Herman and Angela Knippenberg respectively.

Described as a psychopath, con man, thief and master of disguise, who repeatedly slipped the grasp of authorities worldwide, Sobhraj was Interpols most wanted man by 1976 and had arrest warrants issued on three different continents.

The drama will see Outlaw King and MotherFatherSon actor Howle as Herman Knippenberg, a junior diplomat at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walk into Sobhrajs intricate web of crime, and set off a chain of events that will see him try to bring Sobhraj to justice.

Ellie Bamber and Billy Howle in The Serpent (BBC)

Nocturnal Animals star Bamber previously said that discovering the Knippenbergs story has been every bit as inspiring as it is fascinating.

Coleman said that the programme intoxicated me into the dark seductive world of Charles Sobhraj, adding: Im so looking forward to delving into hippie trail depths and bringing to life this unfathomable real life story.

The series, produced by Mammoth Screen, was filmed on location in Thailand and will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland.
Historic Act enables voting for 16 and 17 year olds  renames Assembly to Welsh Parliament

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 16th, 2020

A historic Bill which will introduce a new name for the National Assembly and extend voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds in the Welsh General Election has become an Act of the Assembly and now law.

The Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill received Royal Assent and was officially transferred to the National Assemblys Chief Executive and Clerk, Manon Antoniazzi by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford.

The handing over of the Bill to the Assembly Clerk in the Senedd Siambr marked a historic step which saw the Bill become an Act.

Llywydd of the Assembly, Elin Jones AM, announced the status of the new Senedd and Election (Wales) Act at the start of the Plenary meeting yesterday.

The contents of the Act  which introduces a new name Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament and extends the voting franchise to foreign nationals and 16 and 17 year olds  will not come into force until early May 2020. This is the largest franchise extension in Wales since 1969, when the Representation of the People Act in 1969 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18.

Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales says; I am honoured to mark this significant chapter in the story of our Assembly with the passing of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill into an Act of the Assembly.

In May we will have a new name, which will reflect our status as a mature legislature, and we will see the biggest extension to the franchise since 1969  notably giving 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in the Welsh General Election for the first time in 2021.



(Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, Elin Jones AM, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Assembly, Manon Antoniazzi and First Minister, Mark Drakeford.)

The Llywydd added, It is a moment of great pride to watch our Assembly evolve in order to continue to be at its best to serve the people of Wales.




Haiti - Culture : The National Carnival 2020, will be held in Port-au-Prince (Official)





In a note dated January 15, 2020, Jean-Michel Lapin, the Minister of Culture, also acting Prime Minister, informs that the official organization of the National Carnival will be held this year in Port-au-Prince, under the theme "Ann pote kole pou Ayiti dekole".



This important cultural event which belongs to the Haitian tradition, will take place on February 23, 24 and 25, 2020, at the expense of the state authorities.



Minister Lapin wishes everyone a happy Carnival and encourages the participation of culture and arts professionals in these popular festivities.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Two people were injured after the terrace of a house collapsed in Delhi's Mukundpur area on Thursday, a Delhi Fire Service official said.

The fire department received a call about the collapse at around 12.44 pm after which two fire tenders were rushed to spot, they said.

According to the fire department, a terrace of a house collapsed leaving two persons injured. They were rushed to the hospital with the help of the police.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo: Hanny Naibaho/Unsplash

If you love to take advantage of the live music offerings near you, this week offers several great reasons to leave the house.

From a reggae and rock concert to an Edgar Allen Poe ball, read on for a local music to-do list to fill your calendar this week.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Cowboy Irie, Joseph Mach and Big Trick at Independence Brewing Company

From the event description:

Calling fans of reggae, classic rock and soulful tunes! Sip on some brews at this all-ages show featuring three different bands.

When: Friday, Jan. 17, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Independence Brewing Co., 3913 Todd Lane, #607

Price: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Sydney Wright and Kelsi In The Black Lodge

From the event description:

Enjoy live music, food and craft beer specials. Check out a performance from Sydney Wright who has been compared to pop stars like Sara Bareilles.

When: Friday, Jan. 17, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Cenote - Windsor Park, 6214 Cameron Road

Price: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Atash in Concert - 20 Year Anniversary Show - Homage to Rumi 2020

From the event description:

Come out and celebrate Atash's 20th anniversary. Expect a night of music, song and dance with poetry about the life of Sufi mystic Rumi. This event also features bellydancing by Loaya Iris Quesada, Rania Kandil and Vanessa Montoya.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30-10 p.m.

Where: George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St.

Price: $15

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

The Fresh Pour Comedy Tour

From the event description:

This Sunday, get your laugh on with The Fresh Pour Comedy Tour. Nationally-touring comedians back at The Infinite Monkey Theorem on a mission "to create community through humor, " according to its website. when the

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.

Where: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, 702 Shady Lane

Price: $6 (Half Off Tickets)

Story continues

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

American Gothic: An Edgar Allan Poe Ball

From the event description:

Join hosts DJ Cresendoll & Neph for a celebration of the most famous American Gothic writers. Try cocktails to cure ailments like The Plague, scarlet fever and consumption while enjoying your favorite goth rock, industrial, new wave and related genres of music.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 p.m.

Where: Elysium, 705 Red River St.

Price: $12 - $25

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
The Interior Ministry took note of materials published on January 14 by investigators of the U.S. House of Representatives about possible illegal surveillance in Ukraine of former U.S. envoy Yovanovitch.

The National Police of Ukraine have begun criminal proceedings after the U.S. House Intelligence Committee published materials stating that former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch had allegedly been under illegal surveillance and possible interference with her electronic gadgets by private individuals on orders from U.S. citizens.

"The Interior Ministry, in accordance with the requirements of international and national legislation, guarantees the protection, security and inviolability of diplomats of any foreign state in Ukraine, including representatives of the diplomatic corps of the United States," Deputy Director for International Cooperation Department at the Interior Ministry of Ukraine Denys Lenets said at a briefing on Thursday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

The Interior Ministry took note of materials published on January 14 by investigators of the U.S. House of Representatives about possible illegal surveillance in Ukraine of former U.S. envoy Yovanovitch.

"As you know, the House Intelligence Committee has published notes and other documents stating that during the then U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch's term, she was allegedly under illegal surveillance and [faced] possible interference with her electronic gadgets by private individuals on orders from U.S. citizens," Lenets said.

Read alsoUkraine asks FBI for help to probe suspected Russian hack of Burisma  media

He noted that Ukraine's position was not to interfere in U.S. domestic affairs. However, Lenets added the published records contain a fact indicating a possible violation of the legislation of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat in the territory of another state.

He said Ukraine could not ignore such illegal actions on its territory.

Having analyzed these materials, the National Police of Ukraine have initiated criminal proceedings upon on the fact of their publication under Part 2 of Article 163 (violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations, telegraphic or other correspondence) and Part 1 of Article 182 (illegal collection, storage, use of confidential information about a person, violation of privacy) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

"Our goal is to promptly investigate whether there was a violation of Ukrainian and international legislation. After that, there must be an appropriate response. Or it was just bravado and fake in an informal conversation between two U.S. citizens," the official said.

In addition, in accordance with the memorandum on mutual cooperation and information exchange between the Interior Ministry of Ukraine and the FBI, signed by Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Christopher Wray in April 2018, the Interior Ministry asked the FBI to provide all materials and information about persons who may be involved in this possible criminal offense.

According to Lenets, using international mechanisms, Avakov invited the American side to take part in such a probe. "Ukraine is looking forward to U.S. feedback on the invitation and hopes for cooperation," he added.

As reported earlier, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel said the reports that had been published as part of the impeachment case against U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch had been under surveillance before she was fired.
External Affairs Minister and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Thursday held extensive talks on fast-evolving situation in the Gulf region in the wake of frayed ties between Iran and the US over killing of Commander Qasem Soleimani.

In the meeting over breakfast, Zarif apprised Jaishankar about the overall situation and Tehran's position over it.

It is learnt that the two ministers also deliberated on various aspects of bilateral ties between India and Iran including progress of the Chabahar port project.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit in the midst of global focus on escalating tension between Iran and the US following the killing of Soleimani in an American drone strike.

On Wednesday Zarif told PTI that India can play a role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region as it is an important regional player



In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, he hit out at the Trump adminstration for killing of Soleimani and attributed the action as a "sad reflection of a serious problem in Washington's thinking".

"If you are an ignorant-arrogant or an arrogant-ignorant, with power, it brings disaster," he said on Wednesday, alleging that Soleimani's killing was a US attempt to unilaterally shape policies in the region.

The attack, he said, was "unforgivable".

India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players, including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as it has important interests in the region.

Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on January 3.

Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq.
A carjacking in Norwalk led to a pursuit with local and state police that ended in a deadly officer-involved shooting in West Haven, officials said Wednesday.

Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema, a spokeswoman for Connecticut State Police, confirmed Wednesday night that the suspect shot during the officer-involved shooting in West Haven was fatally wounded.

What led to the pursuit and deadly shooting began earlier in the afternoon when Norwalk police officers responded to the AT&T store on Route 7 for a report of a disturbance and information about a suspect armed with a knife around 4:30 p.m.

While en route, a vehicle was reported stolen by the suspect in the disturbance. The responding officers saw the vehicle and tried to get the driver to pull over.

Police said the driver did not stop, prompting a brief pursuit.

Norwalk police supervisors called off the pursuit and advised the dispatch center to notify surrounding police departments and Connecticut State Police of the vehicles description and what happened.

Police in Norwalk are still investigating the carjacking.

But as news reached troopers out of the Bridgeport barracks at Troop G, officers spotted the suspect vehicle and tried  as Norwalk police had  to get the driver to pull over.

Trooper Josue Dorelus, a spokesman for state police, said the driver instead engaged police in a pursuit that went into West Haven. Dorelus did not clarify what town or city the pursuit began in.

There have been reports of an officer-involved shooting which occurred in the town of West Haven stemming from this aforementioned incident, Dorelus said in a statement Wednesday night.

Dorelus did not say what specifically prompted the gunfire. He did not say how many troopers were involved in the pursuit or how many might have fired their weapons.

It was unclear if the suspect had a gun or if the suspect tried to use a weapon on any police officers.

Brian Foley, a spokesman for the state police Commissioner James Rovella, said no troopers were injured in the shooting. He said multiple troopers were taken to local hospitals per protocol.

Dorelus stressed that the information was preliminary and that more information would be shared as it became available.

The shooting prompted emergency personnel to shut down the Exit 43 off ramp of Interstate 95 north in West Haven. The closure was announced in a traffic alert by the state Department of Transportation around 5:20 p.m.

The alert indicated the closure was because of police activity. Drivers in the area were advised to seek another exit.
, 16 January 2020 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Ghali, has called on the United Nations and Security Council to assume their respective responsibilities to close the illegal breach built by Morocco in the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat in southern Western Sahara, in a letter to Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres.



As we have warned on previous occasions, the Moroccan illegal breach remains a hotbed of constant tension and may trigger war at any time. We therefore urge you and the Security Council to assume your respective responsibilities to close this illegal and provocative breach, which is jeopardising not only the situation in the Buffer Strip but also the very basis that sustains the ceasefire and related military agreements that have been agreed by both parties and endorsed by the Security Council, said the President of the Republic.



In this regard, the President of the Republic expressed the surprise and dissatisfaction of the Frente POLISARIO at the statements of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Western Sahara and regarding the unlawful passing of the so-called Africa Eco Race through occupied Western Sahara, considering it utterly unacceptable that the United Nations has so far remained silent in the face of the continued escalation and provocations by Morocco.



The President of the Republic confirmed that the recent popular protests in Guerguerat were the practical embodiment of the widespread dissatisfaction and resentment felt by the Sahrawi people at the failure of the United Nations and MINURSO to take any action in the face of Moroccos unlawful actions in occupied Western Sahara, adding that Moroccos desperate attempts to involve foreign entities to open so-called consulates and hold sportive events in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara are just a few recent cases in point.



Below is the full text of the Letter:



H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres



Secretary-General of the United Nations



United Nations, New York

Bir Lehlou, 15 January 2020

Your Excellency,

The Frente POLISARIO noted, with surprise and dissatisfaction, the statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Western Sahara dated 11 January 2020 and the statement given by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General during his daily press briefing on 13 January 2020 regarding the unlawful passing of the so-called Africa Eco Race through occupied Western Sahara.



It is astonishing and utterly unacceptable that the United Nations has so far remained silent in the face of the continued escalation and provocations by Morocco, the occupying power of Western Sahara, which are jeopardising peace and security in the whole region. Nonetheless, instead of holding Morocco accountable for its recent aggressive and destabilising actions, the United Nations Secretariat simply chosen to call for exercising maximum restraint so that the so-called Africa Eco Race could pass peacefully through the Moroccan-built illegal breach in the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat in southern Western Sahara.



The statements issued recently by the United Nations Secretariat have regrettably reinforced the impression amid our people that the so-called regular civilian and commercial traffic through the Moroccan-built illegal breach in the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat is much more important than ensuring full adherence to the terms of the ceasefire and Military Agreement No. 1. Furthermore, by accepting the existence of the Moroccan illegal breach, the United Nations has unfortunately contributed to the creation of a de facto lawless area within the Buffer Strip that serves as a point of passage for all kinds of goods including illicit ones such as Moroccan-made drugs. What is even worse is that the United Nations remains a bystander to these unlawful activities that pose a serious threat to the security of the whole area.



The position of the Frente POLISARIO regarding the illegal breach in the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat is very clear and unequivocal. As we have made it clear on numerous occasions, the breach that Morocco opened in Guerguerat across the Moroccan military wall did not exist at the time of the entry into force of the ceasefire on 6 September 1991. It did not either exist when Military Agreement No. 1 was signed between MINURSO and the Frente POLISARIO on 24 December 1997 and between MINURSO and Morocco on 22 January 1998. None of these agreements included any provisions authorising the creation of breaches or crossing points for civilian and commercial traffic or other activities along the Moroccan military wall. The Moroccan breach, which represents an illegal, unilateral change of the status quo in the Buffer Strip, was negotiated neither between the two parties nor between the two parties and the United Nations.



The existence of the Moroccan illegal breach therefore undermines the very concept and rationale of the Buffer Strip and represents a persistent violation of Military Agreement No. 1 and the spirit of the peace plan. As we have warned on previous occasions, the Moroccan illegal breach remains a hotbed of constant tension and may trigger war at any time. We therefore urge you and the Security Council to assume your respective responsibilities to close this illegal and provocative breach, which is jeopardising not only the situation in the Buffer Strip but also the very basis that sustains the ceasefire and related military agreements that have been agreed by both parties and endorsed by the Security Council.



Your Excellency,



The recent popular protests in Guerguerat were the practical embodiment of the widespread dissatisfaction and resentment felt by the Sahrawi people at the failure of the United Nations and MINURSO to take any action in the face of Moroccos unlawful actions in occupied Western Sahara. Moroccos desperate attempts to involve foreign entities to open so-called consulates and hold sportive events in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara are just a few recent cases in point. These provocative and hostile actions constitute a violation of international law and a serious breach of the international legal status of Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, under the responsibility of the United Nations. However, despite the illegality of these actions and their possible dire consequences on the fragile UN peace process, the United Nations has unfortunately chosen to look the other way.



The Frente POLISARIO and the Sahrawi people can never accept that Morocco persists in its annexationist actions aimed to forcibly entrench its illegal occupation and impose a fait accompli in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara while the United Nations remains silent and looks the other way. Morocco is playing with fire and it would be making a serious mistake if it persisted in testing the patience of the Sahrawi people who are now more determined than ever to defend, with all legitimate means, their sacrosanct rights and legitimate national aspirations for freedom and independence.



Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.



Brahim Ghali



Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO (SPS)



062/SPS
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The Geberit Group (GBERY.PK, GBERF.PK) announced, in 2019, its sales rose by 0.1% to 3.08 billion Swiss francs. The increase in local currencies was 3.4%. For 2019, the company projects operating cashflow margin (EBITDA margin) of around 29%. Fourth-quarter sales were 702 million Swiss francs, a decline of 1.1% in Swiss francs and a currency-adjusted increase of 1.9%. The company will release its complete financial statements and annual report for 2019 on 10 March 2020. Geberit also announced that its Group Executive Board member Egon Renfordt-Sasse will retire effective 31 March 2020. 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.
Reuters

On January 15 Sonam Kapoor took to Twitter and warned people about her Uber experience in London. She shared her experience in a tweet and said,

Hey guys Ive had the scariest experience with @Uber london. Please please be careful. The best and safest is just to use the local public transportation or cabs. Im super shaken.  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 15, 2020

Her London cab experience had seemingly left her shook and she talked about it on Twitter, tagging the company and urged people to take public transportation instead of cabs.

Here's how people reacted:

I think uber driver know it you are a daughter of underworld Mafia daud's friend.

Driver ke sath charas, piyogi to aisa hi hoga.  Arun Singh (@ArunSinghVVIP) January 15, 2020

What happened, sonam? As someone who takes cabs in London, it would be good to know!  Priya Mulji (@PriyaMulji) January 15, 2020

The driver was unstable and was yelling and shouting. I was shaking by the end of it.  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 15, 2020

Here are some other incidents that happened in India with these famous personalities:

Comedian and actor Mallika Dua:

Instagram-Mallika Dua

Mallika dua faced verbal abuse while she was on an Uber cab. She shared her experience on Facebook with detailed post:

Uber India is the most vile organisation to exist. They dont check their drivers profiles before hiring them and seem to learn NOTHING from their mistakes. This driver Chetan brought the car to a screeching halt and asked me to get out of the car when I asked him to increase the air conditioning. Yes OVER THE AC TEMPERATURE. He ended the trip and said uttar gaadi se. Nahi badhaunga AC. Uber Tum logon ko ad mein kuch bhi dikhaata hai ki apna gaadi samjho. Aisa kuch nahi we got into a very heated argument where I yelled my guts out at him screaming How battameez he is and how I will take action and he said nikkal tu gaadi se bhenchod and started to drive off with me still in the car. When I screamed and asked him to stop he asked me to get out again and started screaming bhenchod saali madarchod out in the open. I can afford a car and a driver in this city. What about those who dont have that option? Are they supposed to put themselves at risk each time they order a cab? THESW are our successful startups? My ass. HOW THE FUCK does a multinational company like UBER have NO customer care/ point of contact in India? Im shivering right now in broad daylight. If anyone has any contacts at the elusive bloody Uber, do let me know.

Bengali actor Swastika Dutta:

Instagram- swastika023

Tv actor Swastika Dutta was thrown out of the cab and was threatened and harassed by the cab driver. This incident took place in Kolkata and she took to Facebook to share her side of the story. She booked the cab from home to go to a shoot location.

In the post she mentioned, The driver after picking her up from the location, cancelled the trip suddenly and asked her to get down from the cab. She further added, when she refused to get down, he took the car to his locality and pulled her out of the cab and threatened her.

She later filed a police complaint and the police took action and arrested the driver.
- with reporting from Elaine Keogh

Gardai are speaking to residents in Rathmullan Park in Drogheda, following the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods.

The 17-year-old was murdered as part of the ongoing gang feud in the Co Louth town.

Gardai are appealing to people not to share videos and photos that appear to show Mr Mulready-Wood's final moments.

The gruesome content is being circulated on social media.

They say it is unverified and upsetting to the 17-year-old's family.

He was killed and his body dismembered as part of the ongoing gang feud in Drogheda, which has terrorised the town since July 2018.

A house in Rathmullan Park in Drogheda remains sealed off as gardai work to establish if its the murder scene.

Results of DNA analysis on the second set of remains found in Ballybough in Dublin are expected today.

Taoiseach

Read More:

With no end to the feud in sight, and the incidents involved escalating in depravity, the Fine Gael leader was keen to assert that no expense would be spared in bringing the killers to justice.

Mr Varadkar described the killing, which saw the youngsters dismembered body dumped in different locations on Dublins northside following his disappearance last Sunday, as the most gruesome, grotesque murder I can think of.

Meanwhile, the independent local radio station for Louth and Meath, LMFM, devoted the whole of its popular Michael Reade programme to the reaction to the murder of local teenager Keane Mulready-Woods.

The station said they made the decision, because of the response of listeners, ordinary citizens in Drogheda trying to get on with their day to day lives who are clearly deeply upset and shocked by the teenagers brutal killing.

Although many listeners were not brave enough to go public and speak on air, a number did including one mother of three teenagers who spoke of the impact that the drug feud in having on her children.

The caller said that although she lives, in what would be described as a posh part of town drugs are everywhere.

The station said that the programme was inundated with calls from members of the public who expressed their revulsion at what occurred, with the message coming across loud and clear that the people of the town have had enough.

A number of politicians, at local and national level, contributed and the station spokesperson said: Its important for a local radio station to be the voice of its listeners and to reflect the mood of the community and we feel that we did that this."

The Mayor of Drogheda, Paul Bell, took part in programme and as it was coming to a close he announced that a non-political rally against criminality will be held in the town on Saturday week the 25 January.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Nitish Kumar would be the chief ministerial candidate in Bihar and the alliance between his party and the Janata Dal (United) was unbreakable, putting to rest speculation of a rift between the allies over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, and a proposed all-India National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Shah was addressing a rally at the Gharauna Pokhar ground in Vaishali district to drum up support for the new citizenship law.

With Bihar scheduled to go to the polls in October, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, and Nitish Kumar will lead the alliance in the state.

I want to end all rumours by declaring openly here that the next assembly elections in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, he said.

Lalu Prasad (Rashtriya Janata Dal chief), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to the RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era...The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, respectively, PTI quoted Shah as saying.

Attacking the Opposition, especially the RJD and the Congress, Shah said it was the NDA, which led the state from jungle raj to janta raj (peoples rule) from 2005 to 2020.

Shah also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, blaming them for the violence that took place in different parts of India in protests against CAA. Opposition parties engineered anti-CAA riots, which forced the BJP to hold rallies across the country to apprise people of their nefarious designs, Shah said.

The BJP president also accused Lalu Prasad and Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of misleading people on CAA. I have come here to tell Muslim brothers to read the CAA. I have also come to tell Rahul baba (Rahul Gandhi) and Lalu Prasad Yadav to not mislead the people. Mamata Didi and Kejriwal ji, you too do not mislead the people. The CAA has received the best response in Bihar, he said.

CAA grants citizenship rights to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. It was passed by Parliament on December 11. It has come under criticism from several quarters for linking citizenship with religion, and for not including Muslims.

The BJP president also announced that construction activity for the Ram temple at Ayodhya would begin in the next four months.

RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwary said Shahs assertion that chief minister Nitish Kumar would be the chief ministers face of the NDA for the 2020 Bihar polls was on expected lines. This was expected. The announcement by Shah batting for CM Nitish as NDAs face for the top post reflects how the BJP has backtracked on its big plans to go alone in Bihar, realising it cannot win the polls independently. The BJP has conceded ground to the JD(U) and does not want to make new enemies after its poor show in Jharkhand and debacles in few other states, Tiwary said.

According to Prabhat Prasad Ghosh, director , Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Patna, and an avid political observer, the announcement of chief minister Nitish Kumar as NDAs face for the 2020 assembly polls was on predictable lines as both parties have been in the alliance for long.  The JD(U) and the BJP are in an alliance and this is a result of it . Both partners may have had some differences of opinion but there was no major confrontation as such, he said.

Several central ministers, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Giriraj Singh, Ashwini Kumar Chaubey, Nityanand Rai, state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal, Bihars deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, state ministers Nand Kishore Yadav, Prem Kumar and Suresh Sharma; and MPs Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Veena Devi, RK Sinha, and CP Thakur were present at the rally.

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[January 16, 2020] Anita Pouplard Appointed Leader of Boyden's Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice

Boyden, a premier global talent advisory and leadership solutions firm with more than 65 offices in over 40 countries, announced it has named Anita Pouplard, a Managing Partner of Boyden France, as the Leader of its newly formulated Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice, effective immediately. Ms. Pouplard, a trusted advisor to the C-suite and boards, has completed numerous international search assignments over the past 20 years. A large share of her client work is in fast-growing sectors with large volumes in investment by PE and VC firms in technology, digital transformation, SaaS (News - Alert), Internet of Things, fintech and cleantech/greentech. "Anita was our board's unanimous choice to lead our Global Private Equity and Venture Capital Practice, which has been growing for several years in succession," said Trina Gordon, President & CEO of Boyden. "Her vision, multisector expertise and impressive cross-border assignments are all important qualities to further build this key practice as we enter the new decade."



"With the continuing growth of private equity and venture capital, combined with an overall talent shortage, driving the growth of portfolio firms and ultimately maximizing returns requires expertise in solving human capital challenges," said Ms. Pouplard. "Our global footprint and three lines of business make Boyden the partner of choice to address leadership strategies in the PE and VC industries. We're continuing to focus on securing our clients' investments by recruiting leaders who will be decisive in resolving immediate challenges, while balancing caution with innovation to optimize performance in the longer term." In 2019, total global private equity funds closed at U.S. $595 billion, marking the fourth year in a row of more than $500 billion, according to analysis by Prequin Ltd. However, in the throes of growth, PE and VC firms and their portfolio companies face significant challenges, including attracting and retaining the right talent to manage increasing complexities. This issue is discussed by Pouplard and other leading Boyden partners, PE firms and experts in Boyden's recently released report, Executive Monitor: Private Equity and the Industrial Sector.

Ms. Pouplard holds a postgraduate degree in marketing from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Polytechnic in the United Kingdom. She is fluent in French and English. About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 65 offices in over 40 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. For further information, visit www.boyden.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005031/en/

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Nobody could ever have predicted that it would end this way.

Back in the early 1970s when Gerry Adams first emerged on the streets of Belfast as a young Provisional IRA leader, he seemed on course for a very different future.

The fiercely intelligent, serious young militant, who dressed like a sociology lecturer, may have appeared destined for the traditional republican path - a lengthy prison sentence or the grave.

A career that would see him elected to both the British and Irish parliaments did not look on the cards.

Nor did the journey that he would take the republican movement on. With the invaluable assistance of Martin McGuinness, he brought the Provisional IRA to not only lay down its arms, but to decommission them, without ending partition.

As Leo Varadkar dissolved the Dail yesterday, an emotional Adams was telling a party meeting in Dundalk he would not be seeking re-election as the Louth TD.

He can take pride in utterly transforming Sinn Fein, bringing it from the far-flung margins to the centre-stage of Irish politics. He made it into a formidable electoral machine - although as he bows out, the party's fortunes do not look as bright as they did not so long ago.

Adams has said he was never "caught up in the notions of leadership" but you don't remain at the top of the republican movement for four decades without ruthless ambition.

He first saw the electoral potential for Sinn Fein during the 1981 hunger strike when Bobby Sands was elected MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

It is sometimes presented as a case of John Hume and Dublin convincing him of the merits of constitutionalism or half-dragging him along. But former senior IRA colleagues insist that he had long been set on that destination.

As a former Army Council member, he may have sanctioned some of the worst atrocities of the conflict - yet without him the current peace would not be in place.

Yet while McGuinness won the grudging respect even of those who despised his paramilitary past, Adams is universally disliked outside the nationalist community.

As he stepped down from frontline politics, he celebrated the return of power-sharing here last week. In the corridors of Stormont, where he served as an MLA for 12 years, there is little warmth for him beyond the Sinn Fein team.

He lacked McGuinness' easy charm. He always came across as too aloof and calculating. It is Adams' strategising that saw him not only survive so long, but prosper. He played the long game while those around him were caught up in the day-to-day realities of the conflict.

His two closest comrades back in the 1970s had very different experiences. Ivor Bell was cleared two months ago of soliciting the murder of mother-of-10 Jean McConville. It was the end of a five-year legal battle for the 82-year-old who is in ill health.

Former Belfast Brigade commander, the late Brendan Hughes, knew Gerry Adams intimately. A photo on his living-room wall showed two tanned, smiling young men in Long Kesh with their arms wrapped around each other - Adams and Hughes.

In 2006, two years before he died, Hughes told me: "Gerry wasn't trusted by (IRA) grassroots and I was. He used me to 'up' his own status. I had 100% faith in him. I defended him so many times when I shouldn't have.

"I never saw his agenda. He was far too shrewd, which is why he is where he is today. He was charismatic like Mick Collins but at least Mick Collins didn't just give orders, he fired shots himself. Gerry never did, not even at training camps in the South.

Hughes said: "I thought the struggle was about improving life for the community, not about certain people climbing up the ladder. It was never about glory for me. There is no glory in war, there is no glory in killing people. But for Gerry it was about using people to get glory and power. I never met anybody more false."

The IRA ceasefire, which has saved so many lives, is the former Sinn Fein president's greatest achievement.

But it is heart-breaking that what we have now - a power-sharing Executive at Stormont - was on offer in the Sunningdale Agreement in 1974, yet Adams and other IRA leaders rejected it.

In the intervening years, 2,000 people died. Brendan Hughes would lie awake at night tormented by the thought that it was all for nothing. Gerry Adams, by comparison, appears to be a man entirely at ease with his conscience.
Pete Sikora member of New York Communities for Change. In response to the findings of a new report by Majority Action, members of New York Communities for Change (NYCC), Mothers Out Front (MOF), Sunrise Movement NYC, Sierra Club, and 350Brooklyn gathered for a press conference on September 17, 2019 outside BlackRock offices in New York City.

BlackRock announced this week that it will avoid investments in companies that have a high sustainability-related risk, a move the firm's CEO Larry Fink says will fundamentally change how American companies conduct business.

BlackRock, the world's largest money manager with nearly $7 trillion assets under management, will begin to exit investments in coal production, introduce funds that ban fossil-fuel stocks and vote against corporate managers who aren't making progress on fighting climate change.

"Awareness is rapidly changing, and I believe we are on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance," Fink wrote in the annual letter to company executives. "The evidence on climate risk is compelling investors to reassess core assumptions about modern finance."

The announcement, which comes as BlackRock grapples with growing global protests against its investing practices, received mixed reactions from climate activists.

While the plan could transform how companies respond to the climate crisis, it's unclear the extent to which BlackRock will pursue the approach and pressure companies to become more sustainable. Many climate activists argue that BlackRock isn't doing enough to combat climate change since it continues to own oil and gas stocks, and warn that it won't be easy for the company to reform its investments.

"BlackRock's announcement today is a major step in the right direction and a testament to the power of public pressure calling for climate action," said Sierra Club campaign representative Ben Cushing.

"But BlackRock will continue to be the world's largest investor in coal, oil and gas," he added. "BlackRock should expand on its commitments and other financial institutions should follow suit."
New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) aims to fast-track citizenship for six persecuted minority communities -- Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians -- who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014 from Muslim-majority Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The contentious law, an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, came into force on January 10 when the Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement through a gazette notification -- almost a month after it was passed by Parliament on December 11, 2019 during the winter session -- which triggered widespread violent demonstrations in the eastern state of Assam as protesters feared it would convert thousands of illegal migrants from neighbouring Muslim-majority Bangladesh into legal residents.

The Act got President Ram Nath Kovind's assent on December 12.

Some Muslims also protested against the law as it does not give the same rights of citizenship as members of other faiths, a move critics say undermines the secular Constitution.

Elsewhere in India, protesters say the citizenship law will be followed by the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which they fear is designed by the Hindu-nationalist government to expel Muslims who do not have sufficient citizenship documentation.

The government has refuted those allegations and vowed to protect all citizens equally, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarifying "CAA is a law to provide citizenship, it does not snatch citizenship. The government is providing citizenship through the law, it is not taking back the citizenship of anyone".

Over a hundred security personnel were injured during violent demonstration against CAA, the strongest dissent against Prime Minister Modi since he first came to power in 2014. Over 2,000 people have been arrested and around 5,000 detained while protesting against the CAA.

Clearing misconception fuelled by the opposition regarding the CAA, the government has, on many occasions, clarified that the law has "absolutely nothing to do with citizens of India" as the rumour was raised that it is against the Muslim community and people belonging to the community residing illegally will be deported.

"It has nothing to do with the deportation of any foreigner from India," the government has said.

"The deportation process of any foreigner irrespective of his religion or country is implemented as per the mandate of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920." Why Is The Citizenship Act Controversial?

Under the law, India will grant citizenship to the six communities that Modi's government says have historically faced persecution in the three Muslim-dominated neighbours. The government says Muslims cannot be treated as persecuted minorities in those countries.

Critics say the law discriminates against Muslims and undermines India's secular Constitution. They question why the law does not include Muslims fleeing Sri Lanka and Myanmar, which are majority Buddhist.

Who Does The Law Leave Out? Opposition parties say the law is discriminatory as it singles out Muslims, who make up nearly 15 per cent of the population. The government says that Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are Muslim-majority countries, so Muslims cannot be treated as persecuted minorities.

Who Could Suffer? Rights groups say Modi-supporting lawmakers have cleared the bill to justify deportation of thousands of Muslims living in the northeastern state of Assam who are unable to provide documents to prove Indian citizenship.

What Are The Discrepancies? The law does not clarify why minority migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan are favoured over those fleeing Sri Lanka and Myanmar from where minority Muslims have sought refuge in India.

What's Next? The law has been challenged in India's Supreme Court by a Muslim political party, lawyers and rights groups on the grounds that it violates the secular Constitution. More than 500 eminent Indian jurists, lawyers, academics and actors have signed a statement condemning the legislation.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
German automaker Opel plans to cut another 2,100 jobs in Germany by the end of 2021. The news was announced by the companys Human Resources manager Ralph Wangemann and Works Council Chairman Wolfgang Schafer-Klug at a meeting of the workforce at the company headquarters in Russelsheim on Tuesday.

These layoffs are just the tip of the iceberg. The Opel executive has been given a green light by the works council and the IG Metall union to wipe out an additional 2,000 jobs by the end of the decade. After these cuts take place, out of the 19,000 employees who worked for Opel in Germany before the company was sold by General Motors to the French company PSA in 2017, just 8,100less than halfwill remain.

In addition, thousands of jobs in related supply industries have been lost, jobs which are not covered by protection against compulsory layoffs. The logistics service provider Rhenus SCR, which employed 700 people two years ago in Russelsheim, has announced it is shutting down operations and shedding its remaining 95 workers. Opel terminated its contract with the company and plans to carry out the same work with its own workforce.

The Lear Corporation, which produces seats for Opel, also plans to close its plant in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg after reducing the number of its employees from 400 to 250.

As has long been the case in Germanys auto and engineering industries, the plans for layoffs were worked out and signed off by the so-called employee representatives in the trade unions before the workforce was even informed. The unions and works councils regard as their top priority the suppression of any opposition on the part of the workforce and to smoothly facilitate the companys strategy.

Citing comments from trade union circles, Germanys Handelsblatt newspaper wrote that the agreement is painful, but the best possible solution with Opel boss Lohscheller fiercely determined to further reduce the number of staff. Unfortunately, this cannot be prevented entirely.

As is customary in such cases, well-paid works councillors and union officials claim that job cuts will be implemented in a socially acceptable manner and that the company has committed to avoid compulsory layoffs until 2025.

In practice, this means that short term contract workers will be the first to be fired, while older workers will be pushed out of the company via partial or early retirement and severance payments. This is to apply to workers born before 1963, i.e., from the age of 57. For those affected, the end result is a reduced pension and the prospect of a retirement in poverty. Their jobs are gone foreverwith devastating effects for the regions concerned.

If Opel makes use of its agreed option of slashing more than 2,100 jobs, then the ban on compulsory redundancies will be gradually extended up until 2029. The deal is just as absurd as it is cynical: the more workers lose their jobs, the longer alleged protection against dismissal applies!

This latest round of job cuts comes at a time when Opel is once again posting increasing profits: 859 million euros in 2018 and 700 million euros in the first half of 2019.

When PSA took over Opel two-and-a-half years ago, PSA boss Carlos Tavares set a target of a six percent profit margin by 2026. Now, thanks to the services of the works council and IG Metall, he can achieve this goal much earlier. Although sales have dropped significantly, the slashing of 6,800 jobs has produced such an increase in individual worker productivity that the group is once again generating high profit levels.

In fact the worst is yet to come. With the new job cuts, writes the Handelsblatt, Opel boss Lohscheller is reacting on the one hand to underutilisation in his factories and the shift in auto manufacturing to electro-mobility. On the other hand, he is responding to a certain extent to the expected merger of parent company PSA with the Italian-American rival Fiat Chrysler (FCA).

As the result of this merger, which will produce a colossus comprising 16 different brands and an annual turnover of 170 billion euros, thousands of jobs are likely to be on the line, the Handelsblatt predicts. This applies not only to production, but also to research departments. FCA currently has 18,000 auto developers, PSA over 19,000, with 4,000 of them based in Russelsheim, PSAs largest research and development center. Experts consider at least a third of these positionsover 12,000to be obsolete.

The PSA takeover of Opel and the forthcoming merger with Fiat Chrysler are part of a global process of concentration that is wiping out hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwidein France, Italy and Spain, as well as in Germany, the United States and many other countries. Auto workers are being subjected to increasingly brutal exploitation while profits, stock prices and managers salaries soar to astronomical heights.

Workers confront not only the global auto companies and their multi-billionnaire shareholders, but also the unions and works councils that support the company offensive and divide workers by playing off one factory and location against another. Not a single job can be defended without breaking with these organisations which have been bought and paid for by the company.

The defence of jobs, wages and social rights requires an international strategy and a socialist program. Developments in the auto industry show the madness of the capitalist system, in which every technological advance serves to increase the exploitation of the working class, fill the pockets of a small minority and plunge hundreds of thousands into misery, as we wrote two months ago, when Audi announced the cutting of 9,500 jobs. It is a powerful argument for transferring the car industry to social ownership, putting it under worker control and planning rationally.

The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party call for the establishment of independent action committees organised and led by ordinary workers. In contrast to the pro-capitalist unions, such action committees must defend the rights and needs of the working class, which are incompatible with the interests of capitalists. These committees must be based on the principle of internationalism and the unity of the working class, which faces the same corporations and financial interests around the world. Their goal is to organise resistance to corporate attacks and establish contact with other action committees around the world.
Desantiss Florida Agrees to Buy Swath of Everglades to Protect It From Oil Drilling

The state of Florida has reached a deal with a private real estate firm to buy a large swath of environmentally sensitive wetlands in the heart of the Everglades to spare the tract from oil drilling, the governor announced on Wednesday.

Floridas agreement to purchase 20,000 acres (8,094 hectares) of land from Kanter Real Estate LLC, if consummated, would mark the largest wetlands acquisition by the state in a decade, Governor Ron DeSantis said in a statement.

This purchase would be the largest wetland acquisition in a decade and will permanently save the land from oil drilling. See more here  https://t.co/GBgc13ZiEd  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 15, 2020

The deal was reached after a Florida appeals court last year sided against the state Environmental Protection Departments bid to deny the Miami-based real estate company a permit to explore for oil on the land in question.

The Kanter family agreed to sell the property for $16.5 million, but the price would jump to $18 million if the deal closes after June 30.

Acquisition of the Kanter property would bring to nearly 600,000 acres (243,000 hectares) the amount of wetlands placed under permanent protection within a key Everglades conservation area set aside for environmental restoration and recreation, said the first-term Republican who has made Everglades restoration a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign and policy agenda since taking office.

This significant purchase will permanently save these lands from oil drilling, he said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces, during a press conference at the Broward County Courthouse, that he is ordering a statewide grand jury investigation into how the Broward Countys school district and other districts in the State of Florida handle student security on in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,on Feb. 13, 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

He recently proposed $625 million annually in state funding for Everglades restoration and related water quality projects.

The larger conservation area at issue provides habitat for more than 60 endangered and threatened species of wildlife, according to the head of the Environmental Department, Noah Valenstein. Among the Everglades most notable creatures under federal protection are the Florida panther, the American crocodile, the American alligator and the West Indian manatee.

A 2-year-old Florida panther is released into the wild by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 3, 2013. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Water flowing through that area also recharges the Biscayne Aquifer, the source of drinking water for all of South Florida, including the greater Miami metropolitan area, said Temperince Morgan, executive director of the Nature Conservancys Florida chapter.

Her group and others have worked with the state and federal government for years to rebuild water storage and treatment for the wetlands in and around the parcel that the DeSantis administration has agreed to purchase, Morgan said.

The tract represents a critical remaining remnant of the original Everglades, a vast expanse of subtropical wilderness now encompassing about 1.5 million acres (607,028 hectares) of saw grass marshes, mangrove forests and hardwood hammocks.

About half of South Floridas original wetlands have been lost to human development, and the region remains under pressure from agriculture, urban sprawl, rising sea levels and invasive species, such as the Burmese python.

John Kanter, president of the real estate firm, told the Wall Street Journal his company had planned to pursue oil exploration with the highest degree of safety.

By Steve Gorman
Former Manitoba reservist linked to neo-Nazi group arrested in U.S.

Patrik Mathews, who had been missing since he was accused of recruiting for a global neo-Nazi terrorist group while serving in Canada's army reserves, has been arrested in the United States.

He was taken into custody in Delaware on Thursday and is scheduled to appear in court in the afternoon.

Mathews, 27, was one of three people arrested by the FBI, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The others are Brian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, and William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, both from Maryland.

It's alleged all three are members of the racially motivated and violent extremist group The Base, the release says.

Mathews had worked as a combat engineer and had basic explosives training as a member of the Winnipeg-based 38 Canadian Brigade Group. The military, which had been investigating his association with right-wing extremist views, subsequently fast-tracked his release, while the RCMP were reportedly conducting their own investigation.

At the time, it was alleged Mathews was a major recruiter for The Base.

RCMP swarmed his home in Beausejour, Man., northeast of Winnipeg, on Aug. 19.

Police seized a number of firearms but no charges were laid.

His truck was later found abandoned on a rural property in Piney, in southern Manitoba near the U.S. border, prompting speculation he had entered the U.S.

That is exactly what he did, according to the federal criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. It doesn't say where he went from there, but on Aug. 30, Lemley and Bilbrough allegedly drove from Maryland to Michigan to pick up Mathews.

All three returned to Maryland the following day.

On Sept. 1, Lemley drove Mathews to Delaware, where the two had been residing in a rented apartment ever since.

The three men used The Base's encrypted chat rooms to discuss, among other things, recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organization's military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices, the criminal complaint says.

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RCMP

While in the Delaware apartment, Mathews built a functioning assault rifle while all three men also attempted to manufacture DMT, a hallucinogenic drug, the complaint says.

According to a report from the New York Times, the men had discussed travelling to a pro-gun rally next week in Richmond, Va.

Thousands of protesters are expected to converge in Richmond on Monday to protest the Virginia Legislature's proposed restrictions on gun purchases.

"There will be a significant number of similar-minded people at this rally, that also have access to weapons," said freelance reporter Zachary Kamel, who has been following The Base for Vice.

The protest "I personally think, could potentially pop off and could be another Charlottesville-esque type situation," he said, referring to the violent white supremacist march and counter-protest in the Virginia capital in 2017.

If convicted, Lemley and Bilbrough could each face a maximum sentence of five years for transporting and harbouring Mathews, and 10 years for conspiracy to do so.

Lemley and Mathews could each face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony offence.

Mathews also could face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

A spokesperson for Canada's Department of National Defence declined to comment on Mathews' arrest.

"As he's no longer a [Canadian Armed Forces] member, we have nothing further to share at this time," Jessica Lamirande wrote in an email to CBC News.

The RCMP also declined an interview, saying it "does not comment on investigations being conducted by other countries."

Gary Solilak/CBC

Omar Kinnarath, organizer of Winnipeg-based Fascism Free Treaty 1, says he was surprised and relieved by Mathews' arrest.

"These individuals, and these type of groups, pose dangers," Kinnarath told CBC News. "They're not just your run-of-the-mill racist, or your typical Internet trolls. These people mean business."

That the three men allegedly moved between locations in different states makes sense, he added, because groups like The Base "have a vast network of safe houses."

"I'm just surprised how wide the reach was and how far [Mathews] got without being detected," he said.

Others wonder why it took so long to finally catch him.

"If Mathews had  pledge[d] allegiance to a group like ISIS, there would have been a much more intense manhunt for him," said Joshua Fisher-Birch, a New York-based research analyst with the not-for-profit Counter Extremism Project.

"Hopefully, with this arrest, groups like The Base will be at the forefront of law enforcement efforts on domestic terrorism here in the United States."

Moving forward, Fisher-Birch expects more investigations into The Base, stemming from information gathered from the arrests.

Kamel, however, says arrests like this tend to be used for propaganda by radical groups and, to some extent, help recruitment efforts.

Watch CBC's interview with the journalist who exposed Mathews:
A 31-year-old woman from Lunza Village in Butere, Kakamega County, Kenya is nursing injuries at the Mbale Hospital in Vihiga County after she was allegedly stabbed in the private parts and breasts by her husband on Tuesday, January 14.

Lucy Moraa told K24 Digital that her partner, Ephraim Malenge, attacked her at their Lunza Village home after she declined to give him money to spend on alcohol.

He [Malenge] came home and told me to give him Ksh40. I said that I did not have the money. He, thereafter, responded, warning: You either give me the Ksh40 I am demanding, or I behead and walk around the streets carrying your severed head. I thought he was joking, but, nonetheless, I gave him the Ksh40, Moraa said on her hospital bed.

He left, but returned home minutes later. He found me carrying a purse, and ordered I give him the money that was in the bag so that he could go drinking. I declined, telling him that the money in the purse was our childrens school fees. It was at that point that he reached for a kitchen knife and stabbed me in the chest and private parts. He even attempted to attack our child with the knife, but the baby was rescued by neighbours, added the mother-of-two.

The 31-year-old woman claimed that her marriage to Malenge has been marred by physical abuse.

He has formed the habit of seeking forgiveness every time he wrongs me. After a significant period of marital peace, he, again, goes back to his old habits [of violence]. I am still ready to accept him back, but he has to apologise to my family and assure me that he wont mete out violence on me, again. I want him in my life because he is the father of my children, said Moraa.

The suspect is yet to be arrested because Moraa is yet to file a formal complaint with police.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
needs to do more and take "non-reversible" action against to avoid being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the UK said on Thursday, asserting that terror groups operating within that country pose a threat to the stability of South Asia.

Gareth Bayley, the UK's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said "all options are on the table" for the next stage in FATF on on the basis of evidence submitted by it.

"It is absolutely clear that terrorist groups are operating from within They pose a serious challenge to the government of Pakistan and to South Asia's regional stability. Absolutely clear," Bayley said at a session of the Raisina Dailogue here.

He said the only way forward was to engage with the country at all levels to deal with the issue.

Responding to the charges that the UK is soft on Pakistan, he said it was just a "simple matter of necessity" as it was necessary to be engaged with countries across South Asia.

Talking about the FATF, he said the UK is actually the penholder within the FATF on Pakistan and it sifts over evidence given by the country to the task force.

The FATF is impartial and objective, and a technical body that scrutinises evidence that is put to it, he said.

"So far, definitely there has been some progress that has been made (by Pakistan). There is so much more progress that needs to be made. We say to Pakistan at various highest levels and they agree with us that a step change is required," Bayley said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa have made very clear commitments and those commitments can be seen as a public record, he said.

"We can decide whether or not Pakistan has met those commitments," Bayley said.

"We know all options are on the table on the basis of evidence submitted to the FATF....What is important is that the Pakistanis too recognise that they need to keep moving in a sustainable, significant, and non-reversible direction," he said.

FATF, the Paris-based terror financing watchdog which kept Pakistan on the 'Grey List' for an extended period till February 2020, had warned in October that Islamabad would be put on the 'Black List' if it did not comply with the remaining 22 points in a list of 27.

Pakistan has submitted a report comprising answers to 22 questions to the FATF.

Bayley also said that the UK has a really deep counter- dialogue with India.

"Britain has foiled 19 major terror attacks on its soil. We can share our experience with India just as India has a lot of experience to share," he said.

The British diplomat said Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to take bilateral ties with India to a new level and deepen the relationship.

Besides Bayley, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Mobi Group CEO Saad Mohseni and Erin Saltman, Head of Counter Policy (Europe, Middle East & Africa), Facebook, also took part in the panel discussion.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canada has convened a meeting of countries that lost nationals in the downing of a civilian plane by Irans military last week.

Canada has convened a meeting of countries that lost nationals in the downing of a civilian plane by Irans military last week. All 176 passengers on board the Ukrainian International Airlines flight from Tehran to Kyiv were killed. Investigators are trying to establish what happened in the flights last moments, but the investigation is being undermined by regional tensions.

Al Jazeeras Neave Barker reports from London.
Bahraich/UNI: Three suspects, hailing from Kashmir, were taken into custody by the police in this district of the Devipatan division of eastern Uttar Pradesh, close to the Nepal border.

Deputy Inspector General of Devipatan zone, Rakesh Singh on Thursday said that a patrolling team of the police questioned three youths from Kashmir in a roadways bus in the Payagpur area, late Wednesday night.

He said that owing to their suspected activities, they were taken to the police station for further interrogation. The trio was on their way to Gonda from the Digiha 'chauraha' of Bahraich.

The youths have identified themselves as Liyaqat Husain (20), Mohammad Iqbal (35) and Liyaqat Husain (22). The youths told the police that they had come to ask for donation and help for a 'madrassa.'

Dr Singh said that all three belong to the Hadibuda area of the Poonch district of Kashmir.

Police are trying to confirm the information which has been received about the youths.
Scientist are blaming climate change for the death of millions of animals along Pacific Coast.

A mysterious heatwave, nicknamed 'the blob', stretched from Alaska to Mexico that increased ocean water temperature by 13 degrees Fahrenheit in 2013 through 2016.

The warm temperatures triggered algae blooms that are toxic to marine life and ultimately destroyed food supplies  leaving creatures to starve to death.

Data from beach surveys showed that an estimated 1.2 million birds and hundreds of sea lions, fin wales and sea otters perished over the three year span.

Scroll down for video

A mysterious heatwave, nicknamed 'the blob', stretched from Alaska to Mexico that increased ocean water temperature by 13 degrees Fahrenheit in 2013 through 2016. The warm ocean water reduced the quantity and quality of phytoplankton, which murres (pictured) survived on

By the end of 2015, the Pacific fishing industry and upended the marine food chain had been shutdown.

Then the following year, about 62,000 bird carcases washed up on the beaches along the West Coast -most of them in Alaska and specifically of the murre population

However, experts believe that many of the bodies never made it to the shore and estimate 530,000 to 1.2 million birds actually died during the heatwave.

According to a paper published in PLOS ONE, there are two factors that, combined, caused murre populations to plummet.

Experts believe that many of the bodies never made it to the shore and estimate 530,000 to 1.2 million birds actually died during the heatwave. Bird carcasses were found all up and down the Pacific Coast

By the end of 2015, the Pacific fishing industry and upended the marine food chain had been shutdown. Then the following year, about 62,000 bird carcases washed up on the beaches along the West Coast -most of them in Alaska and specifically of the murre population

The warm ocean water reduced the quantity and quality of phytoplankton, which murres survived on.

The second factor was higher ocean temperatures sped up the metabolism of larger fish who compete with the murre for food.

Experts warn that this die-off will have long-term effects on the population and two-thirds of the murres that died were adultsa 'substantial blow' to breeding populations.

In 2014, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists recorded a 13 degree Fahrenheit rise in temperatures off the coast of Newport Oregon in just the span of one hour.

The warm ocean water reduced the quantity and quality of phytoplankton, which murres survived on. The second factor was higher ocean temperatures sped up the metabolism of larger fish who compete with the murre for food

In addition to birds, experts found hundreds of sea lions, fin wales and sea otters also perished over the three year span

Although warming water is coming  it warms a bit from the sun and then cools at night- the major spike was anything but normal.

Chelle Gentemann, a NOAA scientist who studied the blob, said: 'The timing of this warm event indicated that it wasn't due to the normal daily heating, but that it really was due to advection [spreading] of a warm patch of water into the area of the buoy.

'And that warm water was from the blob'

Gentemann and her colleagues found that prolonged heat from the blob, combined with unusually weak coastal winds, hindered upwelling along much of the Pacific Coast during the marine heat wave.

'It was preventing the winter storms from hitting the West Coast,' Gentemann said.

'Storms typically usher in windier weather along the coast that help churn the ocean surface and foster upwelling.'

'There were just no storms. It was just sunny the entire winter.'

She also explains that because there were fewer storms, there was also less wind and upwelling, which meant fewer nutrients for fish were a food source for many of the animals.
Italian police said on Wednesday they had dismantled a massive Mafia operation in Sicily which had been defrauding the European Union of millions of euros in funds destined to farmers. Since 2013, the Tortorici Mafia -- named after a town in the mountainous Nebrodi area in the island's northeast -- had defrauded about 10 million euros ($11 million) from the EU, said prosecutors. A total of 94 people were arrested in early-morning raids and 151 agricultural businesses tied to Mafia members were seized, authorities said during a press conference in the northeast city of Messina. Those arrested included the heads of two Mafia families, a notary, entrepreneurs and public administrators tasked with helping farmers access funds. The clan falsely claimed they owned plots of land that were in reality were owned by the region and local councils, thereby tapping EU funding. "Instead of being usefully employed for the development of agriculture in this area, (funds) were misappropriated and ended up in the hands of the Mafia," Messina's chief prosecutor, Maurizio de Lucia, said on the sidelines of the press conference. The swindle presented the Mafia with "low legal risks, in the face of very high profits," prosecutors wrote in a statement. Key to the scam were employees of a public agency for agricultural payments, which distributes EU funds to farmers, and those working for assistance centres set up to help farmers access available funding. In a charge sheet, Judge Sergio Matroeni said the swindle relied on the "unprincipled support" of white-collar workers who were able to access public funds and knew how to exploit lax controls. - 'Particularly active' group - The once-powerful Sicilian Mafia has largely been surpassed in recent years by the notoriously ruthless 'Ndrangheta organised crime group in Calabria as well as the Naples-based Camorra. Still, prosecutors said the well-connected clan was a "particularly active" group, heavily involved in drug trafficking and extortion. Forty-eight of those arrested were sent to jail while the others, including the mayor of Tortorici, were placed under house arrest, authorities said. Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said the operation underscored the need for "careful supervision of the distribution of funds to prevent the Mafia from eluding controls and taking advantage of huge European subsidies to the detriment of honest producers and farmers." In Brussels, European Commission spokesman Daniel Rosario said the agency had "zero tolerance" for misuse of funds. "First of all, it's for member states to ensure that solid measures are in place to manage these funds and take necessary measures in case of suspicion," Rosario said. But despite Wednesday's police operation and dozens like it in recent years, liberating Sicily from the Mafia was unlikely to come purely from judicial proceedings, Judge Matroeni wrote. "The measures do not stop a world reconciled to the Mafia."
On 13 January 2020, the Pau Summit of the G5 Sahel member countries Heads of State and the French president Macron took place in the south of France. The objective of the Summit was to discuss the security situation in the Sahel-Sahara Strip that has been deteriorating throughout the past years. The Summit resulted in the adoption of the Joint Declaration of the Heads of State that defined the new framework, the Coalition for the Sahel bringing together France, other involved countries and organizations. The framework will contain four pillars covering the areas of I) the fight against terrorism, II) strengthening the military capacities of the states in the region, III) support for the return of state and administrations on the territory and iv) development assistance. In particular, Pillar III on support for the return of state and administrations on the territory includes the training and deployment of staff, including at local level, in the areas of civil administration, internal security (police, gendarmerie, customs) and justice.

The World Customs Organization has been long advocating the role of Customs at fragile borders and a comprehensive research programme with the similar title was launched three years ago. Having witnessed the situation where Customs administrations were obliged to abandon their positions at borders in a number of countries has led to dire consequences both from the security and trade perspective, said the WCO Secretary General, Dr Kunio Mikuriya. Through the research and subsequent action we managed to demonstrate the value added of Customs in these fragile areas and, based on that, we launched a global advocacy and concrete projects in this area. For this reason, the WCO welcomes the Pau Declaration that emphasizes the critical need for a strong Customs presence at fragile borders, he added.

In December 2015, the WCO Policy Commission adopted the Punta Cana Resolution addressing the Customs role and contribution to border security and counter terrorism efforts. Throughout the last four years, the WCO has been heavily involved in supporting a number of security initiatives in West and Central Africa including the WCO research programme on the role of Customs and trade at fragile borders; the Securite par Collaboration (SPC ++) that is the initiative of the Nigerian Customs presented at the Regional Conference of Directors General of the West and Central Africa Region in April 2016 (the project currently unites five countries in the region and is aimed at expanding further); and the West and Central Africa Security Project aimed at countering the threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) precursors that is to be finalized in 2020. In October 2019, the WCO Secretary General visited the fragile borders between Niger and Burkina Faso to demonstrate the WCOs full support and commitment in this field.

Under the umbrella of the West and Central Africa Security Project, the WCO hosted a Security Conference entitled, African perspective on security challenges at its headquarters in Brussels. The Conference which took place from 11 to 12 December 2019, brought together more than 150 delegates from more than 50 countries and organizations to discuss the security challenges impacting the work of Customs in Africa. Taking into consideration the outcomes of the WCO Security Conference and building upon the recognition of this critical matter in the Pau Declaration, WCO stands ready to continue enhancing the capabilities of the Customs administrations at fragile borders with the support of key development partners.
MIAMI - Authorities have thwarted two separate attempts by smugglers to bring Chinese migrants illegally into the U.S. through Florida aboard yachts.

Three men are facing human smuggling charges in federal courts in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The Miami Herald first reported they are accused of ferrying a total of 26 Chinese migrants from the Bahamas in two unrelated cases where authorities also confiscated more than $300,000.

It wasnt clear if the Chinese migrants were seeking to stay in South Florida or go elsewhere once they hit land. The Bahamas has imported thousands of Chinese workers to build hotels and other tourist attractions as Beijing invests in development projects throughout beach resorts.

In the most recent detention, the Coast Guard caught 51-year-old Rocco Oppedisano in December piloting a yacht with 14 Chinese passengers and one Bahamian. Authorities confiscated $36,000 and $171,850 Bahamian Dollars, which is on par with the U.S. dollar. The Italian man appeared before a judge Wednesday and is scheduled for arraignment next week. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last July, the Coast Guard caught two men attempting to smuggle 12 Chinese migrants in a yacht. Crew member Robert L. McNeil Jr. had initially said they were taking eight Japanese passengers who did not need additional visas to enter the U.S.

Authorities found $118,100 behind wall paneling in the yachts master bedroom, court records show. The captain, James A. Bradford, told authorities that he never checked to see if the passengers had the required travel documents.

McNeil pleaded guilty to one count of alien smuggling to make a profit. Bradford is awaiting trial in Fort Lauderdale federal court. McNeils attorney said she would not comment, and Bradfords attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
By Laman Ismayilova

The Azerbaijani State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater will stage Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" ballet on February 15.

Azerbaijani and Russian ballet stars Teymur Asgarov and Kristina Kretova have been invited to perform the main parts in the ballet.

Since 2011, Asgarov has been working in the Mariinsky Theatre. He is a winner of the "Spirit of Dance" in the category "Rising Star" by Ballet magazine in 2012, prizewinner at the 11th International Ballet Dancers' and Choreographers' Competition in Moscow in 2013, and recipient of the Azerbaijan Presidential Youth Prize for Culture in 2013.

Asgarov was recognized as the best male dancer in duet nomination of the International Ballet Competition and contest of choreographers that took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in 2013.

His repertoire includes Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Carmen-Suite, The Legend of Love, Le Corsaire and Chopiniana.

With the Mariinsky Ballet, Asgarov have toured around Europe, Asia and America.

Kristina Kretova is prima ballerina of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater Kristina Kretova. She is a winner of multiple international competitions.

The theater's leading soloists, including Peoples Artist Gyulaghasii Mirzoyeva, Honored Artists Samir Samadov, Nigar Ibrahimova, Makar Fershtandt, Elmira Suleymanova, Jamila Karimova, as well as Teymur Odushev, Ayan Eyvazova, Julia Fershtandt and others.

The ballet will be conducted by the theater's main conductor, Honored Artist Eyyub Guliyev.

The "Swan Lake" is a romantic ballet in four acts. The story of the ballet is based on a German fairy tale. It is about a prince named Siegfried. He falls in love with the Swan princess, Odette. She is a swan by day, but a young woman at night. She is under a magic spell that can only be broken by a man who will make a promise to love her for all time. Siegfried makes the promise. He is tricked though by the magician who cast the spell. The ballet ends with the deaths of Siegfried and Odette.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is widely considered the most popular Russian composer in history. The works by great Russian composer are characterized by open-hearted melodies, impressive harmonies, which evoke a profound emotional response. His oeuvre includes 7 symphonies, 11 operas, 3 ballets, 5 suites, 3 piano concertos, a violin concerto, 11, 4 cantatas, 20 choral works, 3 string quartets, a string sextet, and more than 100 songs and piano pieces.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
India and the United States are in contact through diplomatic channels over the proposed visit of President Donald Trump, Minister of External Affairs said on Thursday.

"Speculations have been made on this for months... When PM Modi met US President Trump, he had invited him to India... Both the countries are in contact over this. We will share with you as and when we get concrete information," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a weekly briefing in New Delhi.

Kumar's remarks come amid reports that Trump is likely to make a state visit to India towards the end of February.

A senior Indian official had told ANI that Indian diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu's appointment as the new Ambassador of India to the US will be announced 'soon' in light of the possibility that Trump is likely to be visiting India in February-end.

During the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in last September, Modi, who shared the dais with Trump, invited the latter and his family to visit India, saying it will give a new height to the shared dreams of the two countries.

The Indian invitation to Trump was reiterated last month by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar when they called on Trump at the White House after meeting with their American counterparts Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo during the 2+2 ministerial dialogue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Chester University had an interesting visitation this past October extending from a Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Pairs of polite young men were approaching students in the quad to discuss, of all things, religion.

Were they Mormons or Evangelicals or perhaps Jehovahs Witnesses? None of the above.

They were part of a volunteer visitation program conducted by a large group of seminarians from Mount St. Marys Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the nations oldest Catholic seminary. It has been doing this for years, not just in Maryland but many surrounding states, all with permission from the local college and Catholic campus ministry.

College years can be a critical period of spiritual formation for young people, but all too often the opposite is true. For many young men and women the last time they attend church services is the week before they leave for college, while still under parental oversight.

This is true no matter what denomination, and it doesnt matter of its a public, private or most church-related colleges. Finding new friends or the closest party is much more a priority.

The challenge is re-evangelizing them or introducing them to God if he was not previously in their life. There many ways to do this, and one size does not fit all.

This venture in West Chester was to be peer, or near-peer, dialogue.

Their visit was a shot in the arm for our ministry, said Father Thomas Gardner, an archdiocesan priest and the Catholic Newman Centers director at the 17,000-student West Chester University. It definitely helped with opening a conversation with the students, getting them to think about their faith.

It gave the students who are active in the faith a boost in confidence to speak to their fellow students about it. The main purpose was to talk about the faith to students, to bring the church to the secular world.

As part of the visit, a large pavilion was erected on the quad where the Blessed Sacrament was reserved and benediction was celebrated. This too was an opening for conversation as students born into the faith explained the significance of the Eucharist to fellow students.

We brought 26 seminarians, said Michel Amman, the student coordinator for the visiting seminarians, who is himself from Fort Wayne, Indiana in his third year of theology, studying for the Diocese of South Bend.

This was his ninth such campus visit and probably his last. Previously hes been on missions to Temple University, the University of Massachusetts, University of Pittsburgh, George Mason University and James Madison University, among others.

It started in 2011 and we do this to spread the Gospel, he explained. College and be a rocky road and many people do lose their faith. We found this not just with Catholics but with Protestants and other faiths.

Its an easy format, he said of the visit. Many people are just sitting around the quad. If they dont want to talk to you, you just move away. But most are willing to talk.

Generating religious vocations is not the purpose of the campus evangelization visits but there have been a couple of men who decided for the priesthood through the experience, Amman said.

Although the visiting seminarians were a key ingredient the effort also involved many others, including students from the Newman Center and other Catholic young adult groups including FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).

While the seminarians are visiting, the various groups pitch in through hospitality, perhaps finding places for the visitors to sleep or donating extra meals from their college meal plan. Its really a time for the entire Catholic community to come together to make it a successful visit.

One of the groups that answered the call from Father Gardner for help with the St. Mary Seminary visit to West Chester University was the members of Msgr. Henry Schuyler Council Knights of Columbus, centered at nearby St. Agnes Parish, West Chester.

The K. of C. Council has worked with the Newman Club in the past, not so much as to attract new young members but to provide service to the church, according to Past Grand Knight Gary Novinskie. We are there to help, he said.

In this case, Father Gardner asked if the knights could provide breakfast for the two mornings the seminarians were present, which they gladly did, complete with cooking and cleaning up.

In the past, Schuyler Council has done power washing and painting for the Newman Club, among other projects.

We say, You have a need, we will try to fulfill it, Novinskie said.

Other outreach projects of the council include working ecumenically with the local Quaker community on charitable works and especially working with the Immaculate Heart Sisters at Camilla Hall on a range-painting project.

They could not afford to have it done otherwise, Novinskie said.

He admits he was skeptical as to what difference this large group of seminarians coming to the campus could make.

By the time the initial shock wore off, you could see the results, he said. For the students, it was not just sitting in a church listening to a pastor who may be 70 years old.

I think the students got to see what seminarians are really like, they are human beings too. I saw in the quad six or seven seminarians surrounded by kids who had a lot of questions, and they answered them. The outreach was beneficial to them.

The visit of the Maryland seminarians was a three-day event. But just as important is the continued presence of Msgr. Henry Schuyler Council in their area, just continuing to what they have been doing for a century or so  answering the needs of their Catholic community.
It feels like royal news has been on overdrive these past couple of weeks, but just when we thought it was slowing down, Kate Middleton gave the world a scoop of her own: No, she and Prince William dont have any plans to try for baby #4.

This week, during a visit to Yorkshire to meet with community groups at the Khidmat Centre in Bradford, Middleton revealed that the odds of expanding her royal clan (which already includes Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1) are slim.

I dont think William wants any more, she explained to royal well-wisher Josh Macplace according to a People report.

Le sigh. We get it, but we also have to admit that the Duchess of Cambridge sort of got our hopes up when she admitted she was feeling a bit broody after meeting an adorable five-month-old baby boy during her royal tour of Northern Ireland with Prince William last year.

Its fine. She and William have already brought the ever-adorable George, Char and Lou into the world. Still, if you need us, well be busy reminiscing about the thrill of those Lindo Wing announcements. (#TBT to when George accompanied William to meet Charlotte.)

RELATED: Kate Middleton Broke Out Her Go-To Parenting Move Today

---Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK---
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The largest declines among non-OPEC producers will be in Mexico, though Mexicos production declines slow from 0.2 million b/d in 2019 to less than 0.1 million b/d in 2020 and 2021, Trend reports citing the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EIA estimates that non-OPEC petroleum and other liquid fuels supply increased by 2.0 million b/d in 2019.

Production growth of 1.6 million b/d in the United States accounted for more than 80 percent of the 2019 supply growth, and Brazil, Canada, Russia, and China collectively added an additional 0.6 million b/d.

EIA expects non-OPEC petroleum and other liquid fuels production will rise by 2.6 million b/d in 2020 and by 0.9 million b/d in 2021.

Forecast growth in the United States contributes 1.7 million b/d and 0.6 million b/d, respectively, in each year. Brazil provides another 0.3 million b/d in 2020 and 0.2 million b/d in 2021. Norway contributes 0.4 million b/d of growth in 2020, and then its production growth slows to less than 0.1 million b/d in 2021

EIA expects Canadas total liquid fuels production will increase by almost 0.2 million b/d in 2020 and 2021.

Canadas production growth will accelerate compared with 2019 as the Alberta Governments production curtailments are reduced and more rail takeaway capacity gives producers an outlet for supplies. However, EIA still expects lower production growth in Canada than experienced during most of the past decade.

EIA does not expect any additional production from new oil sands projects to come online during the forecast, and production growth stems from expansions of existing projects. EIA expects Brazils total liquid fuels production will grow by more than 0.3 million b/d in 2020 and by 0.2 million b/d in 2021.

EIA currently forecasts that Russias production levels in 2020 and 2021 will be similar to production in 2019 because EIA assumes that the agreement between Russia and OPEC to restrain production will continue throughout the forecast period.

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Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn
Turkey was the only country in the world apart from China to entirely block access to the online encyclopedia. (Photo Credit: Twitter)

New Delhi:

A Turkish court on Wednesday lifted a ban on Wikipedia after almost three years. Turkey blocked Wikipedia in April 2017, accusing it of being part of a "smear campaign" against Ankara, after the website refused to remove content that allegedly portrayed Turkey as a country supporting the Islamic State group and terrorist organisations. Turkey was the only country in the world apart from China to entirely block access to the online encyclopedia.

But its constitutional court ruled last month that the ban, in place since April 2017, violated freedom of expression.

An Ankara judge gave the order on Wednesday for the ban to be lifted by the telecommunications watchdog. Users said the website was still inaccessible on Wednesday though it was expected to be gradually unblocked nationwide.

Wikipedia declined to remove content from the community-generated site, citing its opposition to censorship.

Last year, Wikipedia launched a social media campaign with the hashtag WeMissTurkey to press for the removal of the block.

"We did not comply with the demand to remove the articles because we believed that the content in question was legally protected free expression and because we defend our volunteer editors' decisions about what information should be included on Wikipedia," said Samantha Lien, the communications manager for Wikimedia Foundation, which runs the website.

Wikipedia is richer, more representative and more accurate when many people can contribute to its articles, Lien said. If we lose one country, region, or cultures participation on Wikipedia, the entire world is poorer for it.

Turkey has a poor record on censorship and suppression of free speech, which intensified following a failed military coup in 2016 against President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government.

Tens of thousands of people were arrested or dismissed from government jobs and thousands of media organizations or civil society groups were shut in a clampdown in the aftermath of the coup attempt.

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R yanair boss Michael OLeary has threatened to launch legal action against the Government over the help given to regional carrier Flybe.

Mr OLeary wants all of Flybe's rival operators to be given a tax holiday after it was reported that HM Revenue and Customs had allowed the troubled airline to defer paying its Air Passenger Duty (APD).

If the same "tax holiday" is not extended to other airlines, Ryanair intends to launch legal action against the government, Mr O'Leary said.

Writing to Chancellor Sajid Javid, the Ryanair boss accused the Government of distorting fair competition between airlines, and said it had given Flybes billionaire owners a subsidy.

The Government's help for Flybe is thought to centre on extra time to pay around 100 million of outstanding APD.

PA

Meanwhile, British Airways and Aer Lingus owner International Airlines Group (IAG) has written to the Treasury, Transport and Business departments asking a series of questions over the deal.

Bosses want to know if the Government is a financial guarantor to Flybe, whether a tax deferral been agreed and what reassurances have been made by the owners.

The questions, sent in a Freedom of Information request, IAG say, are being asked due to a lack of transparency about the Governments involvement in the rescue package for Flybe.

On the APD issue, the company asks: Has it (the Government) agreed to alter the timing or amount of Air Passenger Duty due to be paid by Flybe and, if so, the terms of that agreement and the reason behind it?

It also calls for details of any Government funding or loans to Flybe, the basis on which those agreements were reached plus whether it has contemplated future loans.

Ministers are asked if they have ensured Flybes owners  Stobart, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital  have met their previous funding commitments to invest 100 million in the airline when they bought it last year.

And IAG says: Is the Government satisfied that the terms and agreements for connecting passengers between Flybe and its shareholders airlines are on normal commercial grounds that protect the interests of Flybe?

Over at Ryanair, outspoken boss Mr OLeary said he believes the Flybe rescue clearly constitutes illegal state aid.

We deeply concerned and shocked by reports of your Governments bailout of Flybe this week, which distorts fair competition between airlines, he said.

Downing Street has insisted there has been no state aid to Flybe.

The Government has confirmed it will review APD, but it has declined to confirm or deny that a deferral has been agreed.

HMRC also said the individual and company tax affairs were confidential, but did say deferrals are a common tool in avoiding company collapses.

Sources close to HMRC stressed the taxman is unlikely to pass deferred tax agreements on to other companies in a sector just because a rival has.

Mr OLeary asked the chancellor to confirm how the Government is supporting Flybe, and to extend any possible APD holiday to its competitors such as Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways.

Should you fail to confirm these facts within the next seven-day period, please be advised that Ryanair intends to launch proceedings against your Government for breach of UK and EU competition law and breach of state aid rules Mr OLeary said.

The airline was saved from collapse on Tuesday evening as the Government reached an agreement with Connect Airways, Flybes owner.

However, the exact nature of the agreement is unknown.

Downing Street has insisted there has been no state aid to Flybe and any support that is given to the firm would be on strictly commercial terms.

Flybes owners, a consortium which includes Stobart, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital, have said they will invest more cash into the airline.
Micromotors are artificial microscale devices which can achieve autonomous movement by converting supplied fuels or externally provided energy into kinetic energy. Since the concept of micromotors was proposed, great scientific interest has been attracted, as a consequence, impressive progress has been made in exploiting various kinds of micromotors. Major efforts have revealed that micromotors present copious values in fields of biomedical engineering, environmental science, and so on. In particular, there is considerable interest in the use of micromotors in biosensing. Compared with traditional methods, these micromotors based strategies are able to greatly enhance the sensitivity while largely reducing the assay time of biomolecules since the continuous movement of micromotors can increase the possibility of target-receptor contacts. Although with many progresses in this aspect, recently available micromotors employed in biosensors can only carry out with single target screening and cannot meet the requirement of multiplex and high-throughput analyses, which is usually necessary to guide diagnosis. Therefore, functional micromotors with the multiplexing capabilities are still anticipated in the biomedical areas.

In a new research article published in National Science Review, scientists at Southeast University present a novel kind of micrototors with stable structural color for multiplex assays. They formed particles of colloidal crystal clusters with stomatocyte morphology by rapid extracting solvent and assembling monodispersed nanoparticles in droplets. These stomatocyte particles could not only show striking structural colors and characteristic reflection peaks due to their ordered nanoparticles arrangement, but also provide effective cavities for the integration of functional elements. Thus, by using the platinum (Pt) and ferric oxide (Fe3O4) dispersed hydrogel to fill and duplicate the stomatocyte colloidal crystal particles, the barcode micromotors with catalyst or magnetic elements in their cavities, as well as with corresponding structural color coding, could be achieved. When these micromotors were exposed to a solution with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) additive, the Pt-dispersed hydrogel in their cavities could propel the micromotors by expelling catalytic bubbles, while the present Fe3O4 could impart magnetic guidance for the micromotors. It was demonstrated that the self-movement of these structural color barcode micromotors could efficiently accelerate the mixing speed of the detection sample and greatly increase the probe-target interactions towards faster and more sensitive detection, and the magnetism of these barcode micromotors enable the flexible collection of the micromotors, which could facilitate the detection processes. Based on the specific identification feature of the stable structural color coding, the barcode micromotors could also perform an unprecedented simultaneous multiplexing capability for DNA detection. These results indicate that the structural color barcode micromotors will provide an ideal platform for ultrasensitive multiplex assays in different fields.

###

This research received fundings from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 51522302 and 21473029), the NSAF Foundation of China (grant U1530260).

See the article:

Li-Jun Cai, Huan Wang, Yun-Ru Yu, Fei-Ka Bian, Yu Wang, Ke-Qing Shi, Fang-Fu Ye, Yuan-Jin Zhao

Stomatocyte structural color barcode micromotors for multiplex assays

Natl Sci Rev nwz185

https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwz185

The National Science Review is the first comprehensive scholarly journal released in English in China that is aimed at linking the country's rapidly advancing community of scientists with the global frontiers of science and technology. The journal also aims to shine a worldwide spotlight on scientific research advances across China.
By Anne-Marie Slaughter and Yuliya Panfil





Anne-Marie Slaughter Yuliya Panfil
SHOWS: LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 15, 2020) (UFC - ACCESS ALL)

1. CONOR MCGREGOR (LEFT) AND DONALD "COWBOY" CERRONE (WEARING HAT) FACING UP TO EACH OTHER (2 SHOTS)

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) REPORTER SAYING:

"Hey, a couple of quick questions for Conor about the legal issues. Real quick, Conor, what can you tell us (BOOING AND JEERING BEGINS FROM AUDIENCE)"

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) DONALD "COWBOY" CERRONE SAYING:

"We're here to talk about a fight, nothing he does outside a fight, why do you want to keep going there?"

REPORTER: "For the rest of the week, it's fight questions, I promise."

DANA WHITE, UFC PRESIDENT, SAYING: "He answered these questions yesterday on ESPN. He answered these questions."

REPORTER: "Anything specifically about the status of the sexual assault allegations in Ireland?"

WHITE: "He answered that yesterday, on ESPN."

REPORTER: "Was there ever a point where you guys were concerned that that might imperil this fight?"

WHITE: "Was I? No."

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CONOR MCGREGOR SAYING:

"You know, I'm certainly more grown, more experienced, and I've been through certain things that have helped shaped me as a man like us all on this journey of life, but if you asked my family and my people who I am, I'm no different."

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) REPORTER ASKING MCGREGOR OVER A SPLIT SCREEN ALSO SHOWING CERRONE:

"What do you think is the most dangerous element to Cowboy's game?"

MCGREGOR: "You know, I can read Donald, I like him a lot, he's a good guy, but I can read him like a children's book, to be honest. He's a good fighter, he's got some good tricks up his sleeve. I know the tricks he has, and I know what he's planning and what he hopes to achieve. We are well prepared, and, we'll see on the night, it's going to be a good night."

REPORTER: "Back to you Cowboy, do you have any tricks up your sleeve for Saturday night?"

CERRONE: "No, he can read me, so we'll see, hopefully... (laughs). Hopefully he's got some hooked on phonics, he'll see what's going on, I don't know."

Story continues

5. MCGREGOR AND CERRONE POSE FOR CAMERA, SHAKE HANDS AND LEAVE THE STAGE

STORY: UFC star Conor McGregor remained silent as a reporter tried to ask him at a press conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday (January 15) about two sexual assault allegations made in the past year against the Irishman in his home country.

McGregor, who was in Las Vegas with American Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, promoting UFC 246, a welterweight fight taking place there on Saturday (January 18), has not been charged regarding either allegation.

The 31-year-old Irishman is making a comeback to the sport, having only fought one UFC bout since 2016, a defeat to Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission in October 2018.

Since then, McGregor has been involved in other incidents, pleading guilty in November 2019 to assault and fined 1000 Euro following an attack in a Dublin pub in April that year.

Despite this, the Irishman was in a cheerful and confident mood for Saturday's fight, joking about Cerrone that he could "read him like a children's book", with the American saying that McGregor would need "some hooked on phonics" to know what would be going on.

(Production: Mike Brock)
Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

On Wednesday, Rudy Giulianis fixer in Ukraine, Lev Parnas, appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show, claiming that the senior staff of the Trump administration were in the loop of President Trumps plan to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election.

It was never about corruption, Parnas said, referring to the unreliable Trump-team claim that the administration wanted to go after profiteering officials in Kiev. Parnas claimed that the president knew exactly what was going on, as he worked with Giuliani to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate the Biden family.

"He lied," Parnas says of President Trump's denial that he knows him. "He knew exactly who we were. He knew exactly who I was especially because I interacted with him at a lot of events... I was with Rudy when he would speak to the president  plenty of times." pic.twitter.com/Y3D51xtSTi  MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 16, 2020

He was aware of all my movements, Parnas added. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. Explaining his access to the Zelensky government, he said that officials were told to meet with me because I was on the ground doing [Trumps] work.

Parnas also alleged that Vice-President Mike Pence was aware of the scheme to withhold aid in exchange for dirt on the Bidens, suggesting that his decision not to appear at President Zelenskys inauguration in May was due to Zelensky opting at the time not to announce an investigation. He added that former national security adviser John Bolton was also aware of the plot because of the firing of Marie Yovanovitch.

While there is evidence to corroborate aspects of Parnass claims so far, statements on former ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch find the fixer in unsubstantiated territory. Without Boltons testimony, we do not yet know Boltons role in the ouster of Yovanovitch. (Thanks to Fiona Hills testimony, we do know he was aware of Giulianis dealings in Ukraine at-large, however.) Responding to texts released on Tuesday suggesting that GOP surrogate Robert Hyde was surveilling the ambassador, Parnas downplayed Hydes importance, claiming that he didnt take apparent threats on Yovanovitchs safety seriously.

The most explosive  and to-date, unverified  allegation Parnas made on Wednesday involved Attorney General William Barr: Although Parnas did not speak to the AG personally, he claimed that Giuliani was in contact with Barr about the investigation and that he had to have known everything. He described Barr as basically on the team pushing for Kiev to announce an investigation into the Bidens.

Though the fraud guarantor  arrested last year for a campaign-finance violation  has a credibility problem, he has also provided lawmakers with a mass of evidence helping to prove some of his allegations and further the investigation into the Ukraine scandal. The Maddow interview also helps shed light on his motive for cooperation, beyond the potential of leniency in the Southern District of New York:

Wow. Maddow telling ODonnell Parnas is talking now because hes worried about his physical safety and wants truth out in case something happens to him  Gabriel Sherman (@gabrielsherman) January 16, 2020

Even without the Maddow interview, Parnas had a notable day: Shortly before the MSNBC broadcast, Devin Nunes admitted that he does, in fact, know Parnas. (Previously the California representative said that he couldnt recall if he had spoken with Parnas.) On Fox News on Wednesday, Nunes said that he previously did not recognize the name Parnas, despite being the head Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, which helped lead the investigation into the Ukraine scandal. In his interview, Parnas added that Nunes was already aware of the plot in Ukraine by the time the two spoke.

Earlier on Wednesday, Democrats released an additional trove of evidence provided by Parnas, including more pictures with Trumps inner circle, including photos with Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The president still denies knowing Parnas, despite their picture together, and an email released Tuesday showing that Trump consent[ed] to a plan for a former Trump lawyer to represent Parnas.

Parnas turned the initial Maddow appearance into a media blitz, conducting interviews with the New York Times, the Daily Beast, and a second night on MSNBC, where he claimed that President Trump attempted to fire Ambassador Yovanovitch as many as four times.

Responding to the presidents repeated claim on Thursday that he knows nothing about Parnas, the fixer countered with an intriguing proposal to post a new picture of them together for each Trump denial. The offer has been valid so far: After Trumps Thursday statement, Parnass attorney posted a video of the two together at Mar-a-Lago in 2017:

Heres the I dont know him at all, dont know what hes about, dont know where he comes from, know nothing about him guy, w Lev Parnas & Roman Nasirov, former head of Ukrainian Fiscal Service, at Mar-a-Lago 12/16. @POTUS .@realDonaldTrump @Acosta #LevRemembers #LetLevSpeak pic.twitter.com/5B5QY2DJEg  Joseph A. Bondy (@josephabondy) January 16, 2020

This post has been updated.
- Diamond has stamped his authority as one of Africa's greatest entertainers

- The Bongo Flava star believes his influence on fans is similar to that of pop icon Michael Jackson

- The king of baby daddies said this while showing off a crowd in Guinea Bissau cheering his entrance

Diamond Platnumz has earned the attention of Africa and the world through his powerful music and being able to stick to his cultured style of delivery.

The popular Bongo star has held major concerts in Africa towards the end of 2019 that saw him receive massive recognition.

READ ALSO: Comedian Dr Ofweneke unknowingly shows off beautiful daughter's face on Instagram

READ ALSO: Student creates 350 emojis to change African story from poverty to beauty

Diamond believes his influence in the music industry is the same as that of celebrated pop icon, Michael Jackson.

Sharing a video of one of the shows in Guinea Bissau, he alluded he's been pulling the same crowds and cheers from fans as the late musician.

He captioned the video, "MJ type of stuff", with an emoji of the pop star at the end, indicating his influence on fans to be similar to MJ's.

READ ALSO: Diana Marua fulfils promise to poor 100-year-old grandma, pays her grandkids' school fees

READ ALSO: Marekani yatangaza kuwa na mpango wa kupunguza mgao wa ufadhili wake Kenya

Well, it will not be the first time that the star has thought himself as the best in the industry.

He recently ridiculed his rivals Ali Kiba and former associate Harmonize for reducing ticket prices to a major concert for it to sell out.

He also bragged about his busy schedule with shows around different African countries while claiming he was the only artiste that would fill up stadiums.

And true to his word, the artiste was named as the only East African act on the CNN list of Africa's best entertainers.

Diamond came in third place behind Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo who took the first two spots respectively.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

How we lost our babies at the hands of Kenyan doctors during delivery | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Works boss Kevin Keaney has stepped down after nearly nine years at the helm just two months after a shock profit warning sent its shares tumbling.

The high street retailer said chief executive Mr Keaney has been replaced by chief financial officer Gavin Peck.

Shares in The Works surged as much as 13% at one stage after news of the changeover at the top and as the groups Christmas update showed like-for-like sales growth of 1.5% over the crucial trading weeks.

It comes after shares crashed more than 40% in November when the arts and crafts chain alerted over profits for the second time in 2019 due to a 3.6% drop in half-year sales.

The Works confirmed it is scaling back its store opening programme amid the tough retail climate and rising costs, scrapping plans for more outlets over the remainder of its financial year.

It has 538 stores in the UK and Ireland, and had previously aimed to boost this to 560 in 2019-20.

Mr Keaney said it was the right time for me to hand over to a new CEO to lead The Works through its next phase of development.

He added: Whilst this has been a very difficult decision, it feels like the right time to take a break, spend time with my family and think about what I want to do next.

Chairman Dean Hoyle paid tribute to the long-standing boss.

He has helped establish The Works as a leading multi-channel value retailer, has built a fantastic culture and successfully guided the company through its IPO (initial public offering) in 2018, Mr Hoyle said.

Interim results on Thursday showed underlying pre-tax losses more than doubling to 8 million in the 26 weeks to October 27 from 4.4 million a year earlier.

While the group said first-half losses reflect the seasonal nature of the business, it sales were hit as last years so-called mega trends for Squishies waned.

When stripping out the impact of Squishies  squeezable toys for children  half-year like-for-like sales dropped by 1.9%.

Story continues

Over Christmas, strong demand for Frozen 2 products helped drive record sales, according to the firm.

The group confirmed it saw growth across its stores and online in the 11 weeks to January 12, despite a difficult consumer backdrop.

It also comes against tough comparatives from a year earlier, when festive sales lifted 4.5%.

The Works said profits were set to remain in line with the recently lowered expectations.
Canada and Iran are co-operating to an unusual degree as they investigate last weeks fatal downing of a civilian airliner. It is in the interest of both countries that they keep doing so.

Irans aim is to demonstrate to the rest of the world that it is not a rogue regime. This explains Tehrans surprisingly rapid about-face on culpability.

After initially denying that it had anything to do with the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752, the Iranian government suddenly reversed itself and accepted responsibility for shooting the airliner out of the sky.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called his own countrys action unforgivable. Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif issued an apology to the families of the 176 killed in the crash, including those from other affected nations such as Canada.

Even Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader, was contrite, calling on Irans armed forces to determine who was responsible for the missile strike.

All of this is noteworthy because it is uncommon. Nations that mistakenly kill innocent civilians are not always quick to accept responsibility.

For instance: After mistakenly shooting down an Iranian passenger jet in 1988, the U.S. ragged the puck for eight years before finally agreeing to compensate the families of the 290 it had killed.

Even then, Washington refused to admit legal liability or apologize.

Similarly, Moscow has refused to accept any responsibility for the 2014 downing of a Malaysian airliner. A Dutch-led inquiry found that the civilian plane, with 298 on board, had been hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile launched from rebel-held territory in Ukraine.

Iran, however, is in a more difficult situation. Crippled by U.S. economic sanctions, it cannot afford to make any more enemies. Hence its willingness to accept blame and co-operate with countries, such as Canada, in the investigation of the crash.

Up to now, at least, Iran appears to have kept its word. It has allowed Canadian investigators onto the crash site, giving them more access than is required under international law.

In return, Ottawa has refrained from using incendiary language to describe Iran. Instead, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been politely firm but consistent.

Canada, he says, wants a full investigation to understand what happened. And it wants justice, including compensation, for the families of the 57 Canadians killed.

But then Canada, too, has an interest in reducing tensions between Iran and the West. Donald Trump wants NATO countries like Canada to join the U.S. in confronting Iran  or as he puts it  become much more involved in the Middle East.

The U.S. president has even come up with a new name for his recalibrated alliance. You call it NATO-ME, he told reporters recently. What a beautiful name.

Drawing NATO into the Iran quagmire would allow Trump to confront Tehran militarily without risking as many American lives.

It would also fit into his crusade against free riders. Trump argues that since Europe is more dependent on Middle East oil than the U.S., it should bear more of the financial and human cost of policing the region.

Other NATO members are less enthusiastic about this idea. But many would find it hard to dismiss the alliances senior partner out of hand.

Canada would find it particularly difficult. Thanks in large part to the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is dependent economically on the U.S. It cannot afford to be in Trumps bad books.

Thats why Ottawa, too, has an interest in defusing the standoff against Iran. Allowing that country to demonstrate that it is more or less normal  albeit through the handling of a disaster for which it was responsible  may help to achieve this goal.

Thomas Walkom is a Toronto-based freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Reach him via email: is a Toronto-based freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Reach him via email: walkomtom@gmail.com

Read more about:
A hybrid condo-hotel building is sprouting up on Rainey Street in Austin. And now the public can take a look at its projected completed look.

Dubbed Natiivo Austin, the 33-story tower will feature 249 furnished units that can be rented for the night or outright purchased. Buyers have the option to lease them out, too, which will should be efficient since Airbnb has signed on to facilitate bookings and offer its "Airbnb Experience" packages.
MBABANE  Dilapidated!

This is how the current state of the countrys roads has been described by motorists. They stated that the roads were soon becoming a death trap and a crying shame to investors who wished to invest in the country. In some of the highways of the country, potholes are deep enough to swallow half an average car tyre. Along Malagwane Hill, there is one pothole that has been affecting motorists so much that they even expressed their concerns on social media.

Worst

Other roads include the King Mswati II Highway that runs from Motshane to Piggs Peak which is said to be the worst road when it comes to potholes. Serious accidents, where lives were lost, have also occurred along that particular road in the past years. Residents of Motshane said they would now and again receive people asking for assistance to repair or change their tyres saying they hit a pothole and their tyres got damaged. The residents stated that it was becoming worse when even tourists would experience same and that had elements of killing the tourism industry in the country. It is the same case even on roads around the city, including that from the Mbabane Government Hospital to the ministerial buildings via His Majestys Correctional Services, towards Nkwalini.
Lincoln police arrested three people from Minnesota on suspicion of an armed robbery of a south Lincoln jewelry store Wednesday evening.

Officer Erin Spilker said employees at Elder Jewelry near 29th Street and Pine Lake Road called police at around 5:20 p.m. to say two men had just come into the store, one armed with a handgun, and demanded merchandise.

They left with an undisclosed amount of jewelry. No one was injured.

Employees suspected a woman who had been in the store just before it happened was involved, too.

Spilker said police recovered some of the jewelry, which had been dropped as the thieves ran.

She said about an hour later, at 6:30 p.m., police got a call from a resident in a neighborhood near the mall about a suspicious man asking to come into their home.

Spilker said at 7:30 p.m. they located the man, who still was in the area, and identified him as one of the alleged robbers. They arrested Brandell McKissic-Elliot, 19, of Minneapolis.
Mainstream Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has received the MSPAlliance Cyber Verify Risk Assurance Rating for Managed Services and Cloud Providers. Cyber Verify is designed to provide consumers greater transparency and assurance when it comes to the cyber security practices of those providers.

Cyber Verify is based on the Unified Certification StandardTM (UCS) for Cloud and Managed Service Providers and governed by the International Association of Cloud and Managed Service Providers.

"Today, more than ever, the consumer needs assurance when it comes to matters of cyber security and IT risk. We are honored to award Mainstream Technologies, Inc. with the AAA rated Cyber Verify seal and congratulate them on their exemplary display of dedication towards providing one of the highest levels of assurance possible to the consumer, said Celia Weaver, President of MSPAlliance. Today, less than 1% of the global MSP community has achieved a AAA Cyber Verify rating, placing Mainstream Technologies, Inc. in a very elite group of managed service and cloud providers world-wide.

John Burgess, President and Chief Security Officer of Mainstream, adds: We are proud to receive this independent confirmation of Mainstreams commitment to the security of our customers systems and data. Our customers can take our AAA Cyber Verify rating as further proof of how seriously we take our responsibility as their provider of Managed IT and Managed Security services.

Cyber Verify Rating System

The Cyber Verify evaluates many different aspects of a companys service delivery, paying particular attention to security. Cyber Verify evaluates internal service delivery security practices, business continuity of the provider, cyber insurance usage, and many other characteristics, which are important in the evaluation process of customers seeking out professional and secure providers.

Cyber Verify applies the following rating system:

 AAA - evaluates the providers cyber security practices on a 3-12 month period of review

 AA - evaluates the providers cyber security practices on a particular day

 A - evaluates the providers cyber security practices based on a thorough and in-depth self-attestation examination.

Cyber Verify must be renewed annually. The Cyber Verify is a first in the industry and specifically designed for outsourced service providers and the customers they service.

ABOUT MSPALLIANCE

MSPAlliance is a global industry association and accrediting body for the Cyber Security, Cloud Computing and Managed Services Provider (MSP) industry. Established in 2000 with the objective of helping MSPs become better MSPs. Today, MSPAlliance has a robust and global reach of cloud computing and managed service provider members across the globe and works in a collaborative effort to assist its members, along with foreign and domestic governments, on creating standards, setting policies and establishing best practices. For more information, visit http://www.mspalliance.com/

ABOUT MAINSTREAM

Since 1996, Mainstream (http://www.mainstream-tech.com) has evolved into one of the most established IT services companies in the Mid-South, serving clients from its Arkansas locations including headquarters in Little Rock, a second operations facility in Conway, as well as a sales office in Bentonville. Their staff of information technology professionals serves business and government customers across the nation with Managed IT Services, Custom Software Development Services, Cyber Security Services, and Hosting.

# # #
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The application process for SME Education Foundation Scholarships remains open through Feb. 1, 2020. Eligible students include high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students pursuing degrees in advanced manufacturing/technology and related engineering fields at two and four-year colleges.

"We're committed to supporting students and young people as they build their futures," said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. "The deadline for applying is approaching, and we want to ensure awareness of these scholarships that support hundreds of students every year."

The SME Education Foundation awarded 587 scholarships to young men and women in 2019. $1,647,000 went to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students as part of the Foundation's mission to inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent.

The SME Education Foundation awards scholarships annually, so students can reapply every year. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $40,000 and can be used for tuition, books or lab/course fees related to attaining a technical or engineering education.

Students wishing to apply for a scholarship must register first. Once registered, using a streamlined online application process, students fill out just one application that will match them to every scholarship for which they are eligible. Useful tips for the application process are also available online.

About The SME Education Foundation

The SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Since its organization by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation works to bring students, educators, industry and communities together through its SME PRIME schools program; awards annual student scholarships and conducts the Student Summit Event Series held at SME events in North America. Learn more here, and follow @MFG_EDUCATION on Twitter.

SOURCE SME Education Foundation

Related Links

https://www.smeef.org


- Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence that the people of Ghana would reward his good governance with a resounding victory in the 2020 elections

- According to him, his administration met a difficult situation but has attained great milestones and would be paid back with victory

Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

President Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence that the people of Ghana would reward his good governance with a resounding victory in the December 2020 polls.

He said his administration met a difficult situation but has attained great milestones and would be paid back with victory.

The President said this when he opened the maiden Ghana Results Fair, a platform to exhibit policy outcomes of ministries, departments and agencies to showcase the impact the interventions and flagship polices implemented by the government has had on the lives of Ghanaians.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo planning to distribute ambulances few months election 2020  NDC claims

We will not be complacent; we will work hard for victory, regardless of the fact that one good turn deserves another.

We need four more years to do more, especially four more for Nana, he said.

The President said the fair was an indication of the commitment the government attached to the expansion of inclusivity and accountability and that it would serve as a medium for open engagement between ministries and Ghanaians.

He added that it would also provide an avenue for receiving first-hand information and feedback from the beneficiaries of the success or otherwise of government programmes and achievements.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo is not like Mahama; he has been accountable to Ghanaians - Mustapha Hamid

In other news, President Nana Akufo-Addo is not like his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, when you talk about accountability, according to Minister of Zongo and Inner Cities, Mustapha Hamid.

According to Mustapha Hamid, Akufo-Addo has accounted for everything in his administration as compared to what Ghanaians saw during the tenure of former president John Mahama.

Speaking in an interview on Accra based Kingdom FM, the Zongo Minister noted that the NPP is asking for four more years because of the enviable leadership shown by Akufo-Addo.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo appointees buying confiscated cars at cheaper prices

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Pakistan on Thursday appointed Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar as the new military spokesman replacing incumbent Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, who has been posted as the General Officer Commanding Okara in Punjab province, bordering India.

Maj Gen Iftikhar will be the Director General of the military's media wing - the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The announcement came after Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, DawnNewsTV reported, citing sources.

During the meeting, professional matters relating to the military were discussed, it said.

Ghafoor was appointed as DG ISPR in December 2016. His three-year tenure ended last month.

He has been posted as the general officer commanding of the army's 40th Infantry Division Okara in Punjab. He has commanded an artillery brigade at the Line of Control, infantry brigade on the eastern border and a division at Swat, Malakand.

Ghafoor posted a farewell message on Twitter, thanking the public and the media for their support during his stint as army spokesman.

During his stint as the DG ISPR, Ghafoor was very active on the social media and on several occasions he tweeted controversial posts and fake

Early this month, Ghafoor praised Bollywood star Deepika Padukone as a "brave person" for standing with the protestors at the JNU, but soon deleted the tweet.

Maj Gen Iftikhar was commanding an Armoured Division before being appointed as DG ISPR. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff College Quetta, National Defence University Islamabad and Royal Command and Staff College Jordan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seoul Pushing to Revive Pyongyang's 'Engagement Momentum' in Peace Talks

Sputnik News

02:19 16.01.2020

While US-North Korean relations have suffered in recent months amid failed denuclearization talks, inter-Korean cooperation should be viewed as a separate matter and proceed as planned, suggested South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Wha.

"Our basic stance is that North Korea-US talks and inter-Korean dialogue complement each other in a virtuous cycle," Kang said following a Tuesday meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other diplomatic counterparts from the US and Japan, as reported by Reuters.

She explained that while dialogue between Pyongyang and Seoul is not completely dependent on the progress of the US and North Korea's denuclearization negotiations, it would benefit all involved to renew "North Korea's engagement momentum" through the peninsula's peace talks.

Kang's remarks in Palo Alto, California, came just hours after South Korean President Moon Jae In rejected reports of Washington stalling potential cooperation between the two Koreas.

"We are not at the stage for now to be pessimistic about South-North dialogue and North Korea-US dialogue, although it's not at a stage to be optimistic," he said during a New Year's press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. The South Korean president has also extended an invitation for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to revisit Seoul in the coming months.

The Korea Times reported that South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon Chul expressed his commitment to exploring additional "active efforts in improving inter-Korean relations" during a Tuesday luncheon with pro-unification groups. He also revealed that Seoul is prepared to take a more "flexible" approach with Pyongyang in order to promote peace talks on the peninsula.

In September 2019, inter-Korean relations had mended so much that Moon and North Korean leader Kim signed an end-of-war declaration for the 1950-53 conflict and took unprecedented steps toward removing travel and trade barriers between the two countries, which have been split since the end of World War II. The Soviet Union liberated the northern half of Korea from Japanese rule before the Japanese Empire surrendered to the Allies in August 1945, leaving the United States in control of the southern half. The two global superpowers built new states on the peninsula along their own ideological lines: a communist north and a capitalist south.

A technical state of war has persisted between the north, which is formally called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on one side, and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the US on the other, since the Korean War broke out in 1950. The shooting war ended in 1953 with a ceasefire agreement establishing the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South, but no permanent peace treaty.

As for the US' approach, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control introduced sanctions against Korea Namgang Trading Corp and Beijing Sukbakso on January 14, noting that their "exportation of North Korean workers raises illicit revenue for the government of North Korea in violation of UN sanctions," according to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

Despite the sanctions-related crackdown and Kim's vow to continue weapons development, the Trump administration is also calling for the DPRK to return to the negotiating table.

"We've reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October," White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien revealed earlier this week.

A Sputnik

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Scores of apartment blocks covered in the flammable cladding that encased Grenfell tower do not have plans in place to remove it, figures show.

Two and a half years after the fatal blaze in Kensington, government data reveals that more than 21,000 households are still living in flats wrapped in the Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding that allowed the flames to spread so rapidly in the early hours of 14 June 2017.

The figures, published on Thursday, show that of 450 high-rise residential buildings in England found to have the combustible cladding, 315 are yet to undergo works to remove it, with 76 of these not having any plans in place to do so.

Labours shadow housing minister, Sarah Jones, said the fact that tens of thousands of people were still going to sleep in flammable buildings was shameful, adding: With deadly tower blocks still being discovered two and a half years after Grenfell, there are serious questions about the governments ability and willingness to fix this crisis.

Grenfell Tower was consumed by flames after a blaze broke out in the kitchen of a fourth-floor flat, killing 72 people.

Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Newcastle ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures People release balloons in front of the Grenfell Tower during a vigil to mark the second anniversary of the fire (Peter Summers/Getty Images) Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Downing Street is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire EPA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Kensington Palace is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Salford ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in by the Grenfell Tower ahead of the second anniversary of the fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Cards bearing names of victims of the Grenfell fire are attached to a railing nearby to the tower Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures People obersve a memorial during a vigil to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Salford ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures The Grenfell Tower is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Kensington Palace is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Downing Street is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire EPA

In response to the fire, the government banned the installation of combustible materials including ACM cladding in high-rise residential buildings, but the ban does not apply retrospectively to buildings that already have the panels fitted.

The process of identifying these blocks is still ongoing, with 24 private sector residential buildings awaiting confirmation of their cladding status.

All local authority housing identified as having ACM cladding  of which there were 46 owned by 15 councils  have now been remediated, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the LGA, said that while councils had acted "swiftly", some private landlords had shown a "lack of urgency" to identify which buildings have cladding systems that have failed fire safety tests and taken steps to make them safe.

In July, the then-housing minister James Brokenshire said all private sector buildings with ACM cladding would be fixed by June 2020, a pledge branded irresponsible and unrealistic by London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Housing expert Stuart Hodkinson said the government's response to the Grenfell tragedy had been "too slow, too narrow, too hands-off, and too many vested interests involved".

He said private building owners without remediation plans were "putting profit before resident safety and well-being" and called on ministers to take over the buildings' management immediately, resource the remediation and work out liability afterwards.

"But these numbers of dangerous buildings only scratch the surface: the problem extends way beyond ACM cladding on residential buildings over 18 metres. We need a national emergency declaring now. It is that serious and urgent," Mr Hodgkinson added.

Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Newcastle ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures People release balloons in front of the Grenfell Tower during a vigil to mark the second anniversary of the fire (Peter Summers/Getty Images) Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Downing Street is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire EPA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Kensington Palace is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Salford ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in by the Grenfell Tower ahead of the second anniversary of the fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Cards bearing names of victims of the Grenfell fire are attached to a railing nearby to the tower Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures People obersve a memorial during a vigil to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Campaign group Grenfell United project a message on to the side of a tower block in Salford ahead of the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire to highlight the number of blocks that are still covered in flammable cladding, despite the role that it played in the fire PA Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures The Grenfell Tower is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Kensington Palace is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire Getty Grenfell fire remembered two years on: In pictures Downing Street is illuminated green to mark the second anniversary of the Grenfell fire EPA

Responding to the figures, Grenfell United, the survivors and bereaved families group, said: Over two and half years later, its obvious that the government have no intention of making people safe and are continuously dragging their feet on the matter.

Its only a matter of time before another tragedy happens, and the blame will lie solely at the governments door.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government said: Residents safety remains our utmost priority and it is completely unacceptable that people are having to live in buildings with unsafe ACM cladding.

We have written to building owners to reiterate their responsibility in keeping residents safe and we will not hesitate to name and shame those who do not have a clear plan to safeguard their residents.
Beaumont ISD has updated online information about how much board members were reimbursed after initially sharing erroneous and incomplete numbers at Decembers meeting.

When asked about specific reimbursements for costs such as lodging and transportation for training and other district-related activities, BISD officials discovered that incorrect information had been shared.

We looked into this and the report that was shared actually left off Ms. (Zenobia) Bush and included some incorrect information, district spokeswoman Hannah LeTulle told The Enterprise in a written statement. We will be posting a revised report on the website soon.

The change was made last week.

The information was included in an addendum to the 2019 Financial Management Report, a rating system designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

BISD ranked superior on the report for first time since 2013, a continued sign of financial stability after the district reported a clean audit earlier this year.

Related: BISD ranks superior in state-mandated financial review

The original report left off reimbursements for Bush and former BISD board member Kevin Reece, as well as understating the reimbursement costs for former member A.B. Bernard by more than $200 and current board president Thomas Sigee by more than $1,000.

In both reports, the amount of Sigees reimbursements is significantly higher than his colleagues.

The reasoning behind Mr. Sigees extra expenses can be linked to the fact that he chose to attend more training out of the city, while the others attended more locally, LeTulle said.

Officials in BISDs finance department reviewed the rest of the report several times and found no inaccuracies, district officials said.

It was a simple human error that was corrected immediately following the board meeting and reviewed this week by our finance team, LeTulle told The Enterprise last week.

Superintendent Shannon Allen did not receive any outside compensation, according to the report.

While the additional information was incorrect, it has no impact on the superior rating, according to an official with the Texas Education Agency.

The purpose of a management report is simply to provide transparency to district taxpayers and the local board of trustees, the official said. An incorrect report would not impact a FIRST rating.

Related: BISD gets clean audit as board prepares to resume local control

LeTulle stressed that the error was quickly corrected.

We would like taxpayers to know that upon discovering the error in the report, it was expeditiously corrected and reviewed multiple times, she said. We have posted an updated version for everyone to review on our website.

The corrected report, as well as other financial information, can be found on BISDs website.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes
With the "Made in France" European tour of the uncrowned queen of chanson, Mireille Mathieu will visit Hungary, in March.

At her last concert in Budapest, she was genuinely cheered by a full house of the whole Hungarian audience. This time on the 3rd of March 2020, she will be accompanied by the Czech National Philharmonic, and a number of surprise guests at the Papp Laszlo Sport Arena.



Charismatic French Chansonniere, Mireille Mathieu, began her musical career in 1970 and has recorded more than 1,200 songs, released over 40 albums and performed them all around the world.



"We are delighted to work with Madame Mathieu again. Her concerts are not simply only about singing. It is a magical performance, with an incredible tone, elegance, and not least a special atmosphere created together with the band. All this, is what makes the show unforgettable. It has created a unique basis for the European taste."



Mireille Mathieut is rightly called the successor of Edith Piaf. The whole world knows her famous songs, Mon belu, Qu'elle est belle, Mon bel amour deete, but also her typical short bubi hairstyle that inspires hairdressers around the world. Madame Mathieu has collaborated with international superstars such as Charles Aznavour, Julio Iglesias, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Paul Anka.



Mireille Mathieu recorded her new album during fall, so we're all waiting for those never heard new songs, at the Budapest show.



Be part of a lifestyle experience that will provide fans and new enthusiasts with a musical refreshment.



Tickets:

HUF 12,900 - 55,000



Date and time:

Tuesday, 3 March, 8 pm



Venue:

Budapest Arena

1143 Budapest, Stefania ut 2.



Source and tickets:

eventim.hu

Photo courtesy of the organisers
The Peruvian authorities deported five tourists and arrested a sixth accused of damaging a temple at Machu Picchu, the famous Incan ruins in the Andes, the National Police said.

The tourists were caught just before 6 a.m. on Sunday by staff members who work at the archaeological park, the Ministry of Culture said in a statement on Tuesday, identifying them as four men and two women from Argentina, Chile, Brazil and France.

The ministry said there was evidence that the group had sneaked into the site illegally on Saturday night and damaged a stone wall in the Temple of the Sun by causing a piece to fall about 20 feet and crack the floor. Fecal matter was also found at the site.

On Wednesday, five of the tourists were deported to Bolivia, the National Police of Peru said. An Argentine tourist, Nahuel Gomez, 28, faced a charge of committing a crime against cultural heritage and remained in custody in Peru.
Wang said China and Sri Lanka are good friends and partners who always support and help each other. China will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding its sovereignty and national dignity.





Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met separately with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to further promote relations between the two countries.





Sri Lanka has attached utmost importance to developing ties with China as it is a trustworthy and long-term cooperative partner of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan president said, expressing gratitude to China for its support for Sri Lanka's socio-economic development.





Gotabaya Rajapaksa said Sri Lank is ready to enhance Sri Lanka-China ties, strengthen bilateral win-win cooperation in various fields and actively promote the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative to build regional shipping and logistic hubs.





The Sri Lankan government fully supports the development of major projects such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said, noting that these projects will not only help develop the country's economy and improve people's livelihood, but also become a major driving force for the friendly cooperation between the two countries.





The prime minister said Sri Lanka welcomes more Chinese tourists as well as more Chinese investments.





He also called for closer coordination and cooperation between the two countries in international affairs.





For his part, Wang said China and Sri Lanka are good friends and partners who always support and help each other. China will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding its sovereignty and national dignity.





China is willing to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries, so as to push for further promotion of their strategic cooperative partnership.











The senior Chinese official called for discussion on jointly forging the China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future which features sharing opportunities and outcomes and enjoying common development and prosperity.

China and Sri Lanka should speed up the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, develop the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port into two major engines for the fast development of the Sri Lankan economy, Wang said.





Wang also called on the two sides to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of agriculture, technology, education and tourism.





He said China will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka and help the country build shipping and logistic hubs as well as industrial and financial centers in the region.





China-Sri Lanka cooperation has never targeted at any third party and also it should not be affected by any third party, Wang said, stressing that deepening cooperation between China and Sri Lanka will surely be conducive to the peace and development of the region.
CNBC's Jim Cramer revealed a list of stocks worth buying on a pullback after the U.S. and China authorized a long-delayed phase-one trade deal. The "Mad Money" host broke down why personalization is playing a larger role in the retail and pharmaceutical spaces. Later in the show, he went one-on-one with XPO Logistics CEO Bradley Jacobs to understand why the company is considering a spinoff.

Trade deal shopping list

President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He shake hands after signing the "phase one" of a US China trade agreement, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday Jan. 15, 2020, in Washington. Steve Helber | AP

CNBC's on Wednesday laid out a list of stocks that can ride off into the sunset after the United States and China finally settled on a trade deal, which could be the first in a series of agreements. As part of the initial compromise to quell a nearly two-year-long trade war, the Chinese showed willingness to open its market to more American businesses and buy an additional $200 billion worth of U.S. products in the next two years. "If the stocks of any of these companies with new access to China get hit, I think you need to be a buyer into weakness," the "Mad Money" host said. "I'm just hoping the market's general sense of ennui gives you that opportunity."

Personalizing medicine, retail

Twenty/20

There is a common thread running across industries from cancer treatment to retail to banking right now, Cramer said. It is personalization, and while it can be a tired cliche, Cramer said there is really something more to this trend. "Sometimes I get too skeptical and I worry that this stuff is all ... for show, that personalization is merely a Silicon Valley buzzword," the host said. "But then I realize that if your business isn't personalizing and the other guy is, you're gonna get eaten alive."

XPO Logistics potential break up

Brad Jacobs, CEO, XPO Logistics Scott Mlyn | CNBC

is testing the waters to unlock more value by breaking off as many as four of its business units, CEO Bradley Jacobs told CNBC. Wall Street is undervaluing the global logistics company and the four segments will stand better alone as smaller pure plays, he said in an interview with Cramer. "Now, we're not interested in selling LTL  we're not marketing LTL and we're not marketing the whole company  we're marketing [these] four businesses: North American and Europe, transpiration and logistics," Jacobs revealed. "What we're doing proactively, I think, is the best way to create a significant amount of value in the stock [by] holding auctions and going through a professional process for each one of those four business units."

Designing a new class of medicines

Stephane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna Therapeutics Inc., sits for a photograph at the company's office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Adam Glanzman | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Islamabad: Pakistan's self-exiled former dictator Pervez Musharraf on Thursday challenged in the Supreme Court a special tribunal's verdict that found him guilty of high treason and handed him a death sentence, according to a media report.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

The special court in Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to the 74-year-old retired general, now based in Dubai, after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him.

However, on Monday, Musharraf's trial in the high treason case was declared as "unconstitutional", leading to the annulment of the death sentence against the ex-Army chief.

In a 90-page appeal, the former military called for the order of the special court to be set aside, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"Any other remedy that the honourable court deems fit and proper may also be granted," the appeal said.

The petition stated that the former president's absence from the special court was not intentional and he was unable to appear before the court as he was suffering ill health, the Express Tribune reported.

It further stated that the special court had accepted Musharraf's ailment but convicted the former president in absentia.

Musharraf, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, left Pakistan for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

Dr Muhammad Amjad, Musharraf's close aide and the ex-chairperson of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party, had said that the former president was rapidly becoming weaker due to an unknown disease, which is why he was unable to return to Pakistan to face the treason case.
Matthew Aimers, center, walks into district court in Richboro holding hands with his wife, Kayla. Aimers has been accused of sexually assaulting an underage waitress at his wedding reception in November 2018. Read more

Matthew Aimers walked into District Court on Thursday with his new wife at his side, the two hand in hand as he prepared to face charges of sexually assaulting a teenage waitress at his wedding reception in Bucks County last year.

Aimers, 31, has been charged with indecent assault, indecent exposure, imprisonment of a minor, harassment, and related offenses in the November incident at the Northampton Valley Country Club in Richboro. He also faces charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest from a drunken encounter with police later that night.

Aimers attorney, Louis Busico, said Thursday that his client denies and rejects the accusations made by the woman, who is now 18, and said Aimers wife, Kayla, 150 percent supports him.

If he committed a crime, not even Dr. Phil could keep them together, Busico said. And the fact that they still are together shows that my client is an innocent man.

District Judge William J. Benz held the case for trial on all charges. Aimers will be arraigned next month in Bucks County Court.

The basis for the judges decision was unclear, because in an unusual and possible improper move, Benz allowed the victim to testify in a courtroom cleared of all spectators, including reporters. He did so at the request of Assistant District Attorney Megan A. Hunsicker.

Hunsicker declined to comment after the hearing.

Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub later issued a statement calling the prosecutors request to empty the courtroom an error of judgment with good intentions of protecting the victim.

The Inquirer does not name victims of sexual assault without their permission, but routinely reports on their testimony in court and the allegations they report to law enforcement officials.

In this case, the waitress told police he approached her and asked her to go outside and make out, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. He told the teen the two of them could "do whatever you want, the affidavit said. The waitress said she spurned his advances, but the encounter left her shaken.

Later, Aimers followed her into the womens bathroom, where he pulled her into an empty stall, sexually assaulted her, and exposed himself, she told police.

Hours after the alleged assault, as the reception was winding down, Aimers became unruly and assaulted a member of the country clubs staff outside the venue, court records show. When officers arrived, police said, Aimers tried to goad one into a fight by calling him derogatory names.

In his statement on the case Thursday, Weintraub stressed that the prosecutor was moving to protect the victim.

This request was an overreach on our part to accomplish the goal of protecting the victims identity, a goal we know the press shares in almost all instances," Weintraub said. "The transparency of the criminal process is paramount.

After the judge ordered the courtroom cleared, two reporters formally objected to the judges decision and questioned whether excluding the public from the hearing was improper.

Im not in the habit of doing things that are improper," Benz replied, so, no, I dont think that it is.

In fact, preliminary hearings in District Court are constitutionally required to be open to the public, said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. The public may be barred only if a prosecutor or defense lawyer shows good cause and obtains a ruling from a higher court. No such ruling was obtained before Thursdays hearing, court records show.
Harvest in discussions with Prairie partners to develop a hub for this partnership

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Harvest, a Prairie venture builder, announced its partnership with Western Canadian Innovation Offices (WCIO) as part of a collaborative effort to advance innovation and entrepreneurship across the Prairies.



The partnership with WCIO and its network of academic institutions across Western Canada will increase the ability for academic research to grow into globally competitive companies, and for researchers and institutions to deepen their connections with top corporate entities.

As part of this process, Harvest will be selecting a region to anchor this partnership. This hub will act as a catalyst for academic commercialization opportunities across the Harvest network and provide opportunities for startups to grow within a world-class ecosystem of entrepreneurs, business professionals, and investors.

With these partnerships, Harvest is capitalizing on research and development opportunities, while building a platform to commercialize ideas into companies, says Chris Simair, founder of Harvest and co-founder of startup success SkipTheDishes. These companies will have the potential to shape a more diversified Canadian economy.

For example, companies like Beyond Meat, that are fueled at its core by innovation, are being founded in Silicon Valley when the primary, world-leading research is actually being developed at home here in the Prairies.

The partnerships with the WCIO is integral in Harvests mission to keep innovative companies in the Prairies, addressing the loss of talent to other competitive markets often known as the brain drain.

We believe Harvest, with its management expertise and unique model will be able to increase the success rate of new technology based startups across Western Canada and are looking forward to growing connections within our network to create economic impact across the Prairies, says Darren Fast, Director, Partnerships & Innovation at the University of Manitoba and lead for WCIO.

Story continues

Harvest recently announced its move into Calgarys M2 Building for its pilot operations and plans to set up offices across the Prairies. The venture builder is considering Western Canadian cities to call its headquarters, including Calgary, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Harvests first portfolio company, Neo Financial , is also slated to launch this year.

For more information on Harvest, visit harvest.builders .

About Harvest:

Harvest is a not-for-profit co-builder of companies in the Canadian Prairies. It does this by taking founders with disruptive ideas and equipping them with world-class talent, funding, and support to co-build their company into a successful, fast-growing business. Harvest was founded by Chris Simair, co-founder and former CEO of SkipTheDishes, which sold for $200M in 2016 and is one of the largest tech companies in Canada, with over 2,000 employees across Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Calgary. The same infrastructure that made SkipTheDishes a success is what powers Harvest today. Harvests mission is nothing less than to create globally competitive companies right here in the Canadian Prairies and, in doing so, make the region a better place to live for future generations.

About Western Canadian Innovation Offices:

The Western Canadian Innovation Offices Consortium (WCIO) is an initiative that has been connecting Western Canadian industry needs with the array of research and innovation resources, including promising technologies that exist in WCIOs nearly 40-member consortium of universities, colleges and polytechnics across the West.

For Media inquiries, please contact:

Shauna MacDonald

Brookline Public Relations, Inc.

403-538-5645

smacdonald@brooklinepr.com
UPDATED Thursday, Jan. 16: Woman shot in NE Portland, marking second Cully neighborhood shooting in 8 hours

***

Portland police are investigating a shooting in Northeast Portland that left one person injured Wednesday evening.

Police said they responded around 5 p.m. to a shooting at Northeast 51st Avenue and Fremont Street. One person had a gunshot wound and was taken to a nearby hospital. Police said around 6:45 p.m. that they dont know what the persons condition is. The suspect left the scene, and police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the shooting.

Northeast Fremont Street is closed from Northeast 50th to Northeast 52nd Avenue.
Click here to read the full article.

Vogue is launching its 27th country edition in Singapore, returning to the South East Asian city after a short-lived attempt in the market back in the Nineties, this time joining forces with publisher Indochine Media via a license agreement.

Vogue Singapore, the next edition to follow right on the heels of the launch of Vogue Hong Kong last year, will take the form of a monthly print publication and web site. All content will be published in English and is to debut this fall, the two parties said Thursday.

More from WWD

Vogue Singapore rejoins the market at a time when Singapores local fashion design and talent are rising in the country and across the entire region, commented Wolfgang Blau, chief operating officer and president of international at Conde Nast. Vogue Singapore will play a vital role in boosting and supporting that talent as well as in bringing regional and international ideas to this edition of Vogue.

Times are very different and overall its a different stage that Singapore is now in with a fashion industry and designers that are much more internationally focused than before, said Michael von Schlippe, president of Indochine Media. The company has more than 10 years of experience in digital communication, luxury print publishing across South East Asia and also publishes regional titles for Buro., Esquire, Luxury Guide and Robb Report.

While Singapore is known for its many luxurious malls and bold experiential retail concepts like Jewel at the Changi International Airport, which includes a waterfall in the terminal, von Schlippe acknowledged that the city-state, with a population of 5.5 million people, is relatively small.

See Also: Glenda Bailey Steps Down as Editor of Harpers Bazaar

You have fantastic shopping malls, beautiful shopping areas, and all the international fashion brands are represented in Singapore, but the design and fashion scene is fairly small, he said.

Story continues

Nevertheless, he added, its important to understand that Singapore punches above its weight and has significance in business, finance, culture and in many other ways as well across the region and in fashion, too.

A print issue of Vogue Singapore will retail for around nine Singaporean Dollars. The web site will not be behind a paywall at launch, but von Schlippe said he couldnt exclude including one down the road.

Asked why the publication will not be bilingual to include Chinese as well, a common language in the city, von Schlippe pointed to three other editions of Vogue that publish in Chinese  Vogue China, Vogue Hong Kong and Vogue Taiwan  which he felt filled the space for readers of that language.

Although Chinese is widely spoken in Singapore, a lot of people dont speak it in Singapore, he said. Its a very cosmopolitan city, its the most non-Asian city in Asia and it is extremely multinational. If you want to reach a majority of people in Singapore it has to be in English.

See Also: Yoyo Cao Is Fashioning a New Singapore Girl

Vogue Singapore is still searching for an editor in chief to run a team of around eight full-time editorial staffers. The title will compete with Singaporean editions of Harpers Bazaar, Elle, LOfficiel and T Magazine.

In this competitive universe, you have titles and publications are closer to Vogue and some are more distant but they include Harpers, Elle, LOfficiel, T Style, to some extent the well established society titles in Singapore and nevertheless, wherever Vogue has been launched before, Vogue automatically takes the first spot, he said. For fashion, there is no other publication in the world that has the same prestige and such strong voice as Vogue.

Read more from WWD:

Are the 2020s When Print Media Will End?

Carine Roitfeld Looks to the Zodiac for Her New Wearable Calendars

Bobbi Brown to Bow New Beauty Podcast

WATCH: Building an Empire With Paris Hilton

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The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) will jointly organise a multi-venue exhibition, Vigyan Samagam, that will showcase India's mega science collaborations on January 21, officials said on Thursday.

The major projects that will be showcased are European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

These are crucial and path-breaking projects on which India is collaborating with other countries with regards to knowledge and funds.

The exhibition will be held from January 21 to March 20 at the National Science Centre (NSC), Pragati Maidan, here.

The inaugural function will be attended by KN Vyas, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST, and Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

Paul Ho, Director General, East Asian Observatory, Hawaii, USA will deliver the keynote address during the inaugural function.

"It is a science communication platform for policymakers, representatives of print and electronic media along with members of civil society,"Arun Srivastava, Secretary, AEC and Head, Institutional Collaboration and Programs Division (ICPD), Nuclear Control and Planning Wing (NCPW), DAE told reporters.

"The exhibition is also ushering fundamental science and research as a strong career option for the youngsters," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:48:15|Editor: yan

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WARSAW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian truck driver Fardin Kazemi is getting ready to return home from Poland after over 6,000 Poles contributed to replacing his truck, which had broken down over a month ago in southern Poland.

"I love Poland, Polish people, I will always have you in my heart," 52-year-old Kazemi said upon picking up the keys to his replacement truck on Wednesday night in Radlin, southwestern Poland.

"Every day that this truck is traveling in Europe or Iran or Turkey, it will be a reminder of the help I received from the Poles," the man added. He now carries a Polish flag on the vehicle.

The truck, which he had been driving around Europe for a living, broke down in early December nearby Czestochowa in southern Poland while he made a regular delivery of raisins just like he did about 40 times before. Kazemi's wife and children are dependent on his job. Touched by the story, Polish drivers and, increasingly, others started raising money to replace the man's truck, as fixing it turned out to be time consuming and expensive.

Poles have finally collected 272,000 Polish zloty (71,500 U.S. dollars) for Kazemi. While initially Kazemi was supposed to get a DAF truck, whose seller was offering it on a huge discount, this was eventually made impossible because of the U.S. sanctions on Iran. In the end, the man's benefactors were able to buy a used Scania truck. Kazemi's old truck will be repaired and delivered to him, as he cherishes his 32-year-old vehicle so much.
Norwegian Bliss docks island of Cozumel for first time

Cozumel, Q.R.  With a capacity for 4,002 passengers (in double occupancy) and 1,700 staff, the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship arrived at the island of Cozumel for the first time where it docked for several hours before continuing on to Alaska.

The 333-meter-long vessel was greeted by Cozumels municipal president Pedro Joaquin Delbouis, governor Carlos Joaquin and the general director of the Administracion Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), Alicia Ricalde Magana where the ships captain, Robert Lumberg, announced Cozumel will become one of its main destination ports.

The docking of the Norwegian Bliss will be added to the islands busy cruise ship schedule. By the end of 2019, the island of Cozumel registered 1,369 cruise ships and over 4.5 million passengers.

The Norwegian Bliss was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and had a schedule of debuting in Alaska in June 2018. The ship was designed for improved energy efficiency to meet Alaskas environmental regulations. This was the ships first visit to Cozumel.
Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Timothy S. Ferguson, 32, of 124 E. Wolcott St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 10:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of stolen property.

 Blake A. Day, 20, of 838 W. State St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 5:08 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Justin R. Stone, 32, of 446 Dorset Ln. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 9:04 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

BURGLARIES, THEFTS

 A home was forcefully entered and property was removed on the 1000 block of East Morton avenue overnight on Tuesday, according to a report filed at 10:24 a.m. Wednesday.

ACCIDENTS

 Shelley L. Cochran, 65, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of failure to yield after the vehicle she was driving and one being driven by Jeffrey S. Miller, 49, of Springfield collided at 4 p.m. Tuesday at West Lafayette Avenue and North Prairie Street.

Compiled by Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree and Marco Cartolano
Arizona News

Greenlee County, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced 34-year-old Neal Lee Tuomi, of Morenci, was recently arraigned on ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Greenlee County Superior Court.

Tuomi was charged in a felony indictment in October 2019 after law enforcement agents with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force learned he possessed multiple different digital images of minors engaged in exploitative exhibition or sexual conduct.

Law enforcement arrested Tuomi in Imperial County, California, after they learned he had left Arizona. Tuomi was extradited back to Greenlee County, Arizona. The indictment covers alleged behavior between August 20, 2019, and October 23, 2019.

Tuomi is currently being held in the Greenlee County Jail on $250,000 bond.

Tuomi has pleaded not guilty to the alleged charges. All defendants are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson is prosecuting this case.
One official said some joint operations between the US and Iraqi forces have already begun

Washington: The US military is resuming operations against Islamic State militants in Iraq and is working to soon restart training Iraqi forces, US officials said on Wednesday, despite deep divisions over the American drone strike that killed an senior Iranian commander in Baghdad and the resulting missile attacks by Iran on Iraqi bases.

One official said some joint operations between the US and Iraqi forces have already begun, but there are not yet as many as before.

The official said details are still being worked out to restore the training of Iraqi forces, but that could happen relatively soon.

Relations with Iraq were fractured after the US launched a drone strike near Baghdads international airport on 3 January that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

The Parliament later voted to expel US forces from the country and prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Washington to work out a road map for a troop withdrawal.

The US flatly rejected that request and has not moved to pull the more than 5,000 troops out. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss decisions not yet made public.

One official said military leaders have discussed the resumption of operations with the Iraqis, but its not clear who was involved in those talks or whether Iraqi government leaders are publicly endorsing the move.

Iraqi leaders were angry about the American drone strike and the retaliatory attacks by Iran. Iranian missiles struck Al-Asad Air Base last week, and hit near another base, but warnings sounded and no one was killed or injured.

Iraq officials, however, called the US strike that killed Soleimani an unacceptable breach of Iraqi sovereignty. That strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces.

And thousands of anti-government protesters turned out in Baghdad and southern Iraq, with many calling for both the US and Iran to leave their country.

US officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, dismissed the calls for American troops to leave, saying the forces are critical to the fight against the Islamic State group.

We are happy to continue the conversation with the Iraqis about what the right structure is, Pompeo said during one White House appearance last week.

Tensions in Iraq had been spiking since late December, when a rocket attack at a base in northern Iraq killed one American contractor.

The US blamed Iran-backed fighters and quickly struck back. American airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed militia at five sites in Iraq and Syria, including weapons depots and command and control bases.

Over New Years, hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen attacked the highly fortified American embassy compound in Baghdad.

The Pentagon deployed hundreds of additional troops to the region, and scaled back military operations and training inside Iraq.

US officials have said they believe Iraq is also interested in resuming the training, which has been going on since 2015, after IS began taking control of large swaths of Iraq and Syria.

More details, including increased security for US and coalition forces, are still being discussed. The New York Times first reported the resumption of joint military operations.
[January 16, 2020] MAXIMUS to Hire 590 in El Paso for 2020 Census

MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it will hire seasonal employees to help support the 2020 Census. In El Paso, Texas, MAXIMUS plans to hire more than 590 employees for its contact center work over the next several months. Every ten years, the U.S. Federal Government conducts a full census of every person in the country. The census results control the number of Representatives in the U.S. Congress apportioned to each state. Population counts also factor heavily into assigning billions of dollars in federal spending to state and city governments. "There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that goes into producing the U.S. Census. Our customer service representatives will have an opportunity to be involved in helping the public with this historic endeavor," said Tom Romeo, President and General Manager, MAXIMUS Federal. "We are seeking customer service representatives who will answer phone calls from all over the country as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's work. We are proud to play an integral role in this process and our recruitment efforts in El Paso are vital to the success of this project." Across the country, MAXIMUS will be hirin more than 8,000 limited service contact center employees to assist in this work. In El Paso, MAXIMUS is offering a competitive hourly wage of $15.95 for each of the 590 employees hired. Additionally, we are looking for bilingual candidates who are proficient in English and Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.



Seasonal employees will have a variety of shifts available to meet their lifestyle and family needs. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to be trained as a world-class expert in customer service and could receive bonuses for referrals. Those interested in applying to work for MAXIMUS as part of the 2020 Census can apply here at maximus.com/census.

About MAXIMUS Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005409/en/

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Hair Love / Oscar-nominated short film - Sony Pictures Animation [The Toon Boom team] were amazing partners to have in our corner, and an essential part of how we achieved the high quality standards we were striving for on Klaus

Netflixs first original animated feature, Klaus, received a nomination in the Animated Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards. Joining it at the Oscars is Sony Pictures Animations Hair Love, nominated in the Animated Short Film category. Both Klaus and Hair Love were created using Toon Boom software, Storyboard Pro and Harmony, which enables small studios and independent animators to tell their stories with the same workflow and technology used by award-winning 2D production houses around the world.

Annually at the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honours films that push the boundaries of artistic and technical achievement. This year featured a record-breaking slate of 32 animated feature films submitted  including acclaimed 2D animated films such as Bunuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles, Funan and Weathering with You.

[The Toon Boom team] were amazing partners to have in our corner, and an essential part of how we achieved the high quality standards we were striving for on Klaus, director Sergio Pablos told Toon Boom Animation ahead of the films premiere. We enjoyed a seamless transition from Storyboard Pro all the way through to ink and paint in Harmony. Toon Boom also provided on-the-fly solutions to animators and clean-up artists throughout the production.

Klaus was animated by The SPA Studios in Madrid, Spain. Although Klaus was Pablos directorial debut, he is widely-known as the co-creator of the Despicable Me franchise and industry veterans will recognize his earlier work as an animator and character designer on Disneys feature films from the late 1990s. Klaus has been widely praised for its impressive advances in volumetric lighting techniques, and the sheer amount of hand-drawn heart and craft is impossible for audiences to miss.

I made a rule to never write any dialogue with information that could be delivered through subtle, physical acting, said Pablos. That put strain on the animators, who found themselves dealing with a huge amount of subtext to contend with, but I feel that it made for a better film.

Hair Love was released to domestic cinemas ahead of Sony Picture Animation's The Angry Birds Movie 2 in August, and was animated by 6 Point Harness in Los Angeles. It began as a viral 2017 Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $284,000 against a goal of $75,000  setting a new record for short films on the crowdfunding platform. It has also been turned into a best-selling children's book by Penguin Random House. Creator and co-director Matthew A. Cherry hopes the animated short can help improve media narratives around African American children and parents.

In a recent interview, Cherry told Animation From Every Angle: We wanted to provide a mirror so that young people could see themselves and do the same for black dads, who tend to get a bad rap, and show that there are young men out there with tattoos and their locks in braids that are among the best fathers in the world. I think we have done a lot to change the conversation."

While Toon Boom Animation is celebrating these two outstanding nominations, we know that there was no shortage of 2D animated projects worthy of recognition in 2019, said Francois Lalonde, Toon Boom Animations Co-President and VP of Sales and Marketing. We look forward to supporting the creation of meaningful and groundbreaking animated productions throughout 2020 and beyond.

For more information on Storyboard Pro and Harmony, please visit: ToonBoom.com.

About Toon Boom Animation Inc.

Toon Boom Animation Inc.'s award-winning software is the global standard for animation and storyboarding. Storyboard Pro and Harmony solutions provide everyone from enthusiasts to professionals with the artistic freedom to create in any style and efficiently publish anywhere. Customers who chose Toon Boom animation software for the development and creation of their productions include Disney Television Animation, Amazon, Fox Television Animation, Nelvana, Ubisoft, Toei Animation, The SPA Studios, Xilam and Boulder Media, to name a few. The technology is currently available in Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. For more information, visit: toonboom.com.

For more information (press only):

Toon Boom Animation Inc.

Mike Schnier

Content Manager

content@toonboom.com
Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at the Congress and other opposition parties for spreading negativity on jobs and economy fronts, saying those who did nothing in 60 years of their rule are now questioning the Modi government.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) here, the minister said the government's target to make India a USD 5 trillion economy was achievable and the youth's inclination towards entrepreneurship may play a big role in achieving the objective.

Shah said the Congress could only manage to take the country's economy to a USD 2 trillion mark despite ruling for decades, but the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership took it to USD 3 trillion in just 5 years time.

Taking a dig at the Congress, he said those who did nothing to steer the country's economy in 60 years were now questioning the present government.

He said the government is taking necessary steps to ensure that youth get the required skills and employment opportunities and are future ready.

On the Opposition being raising the issue of unemployment, he said there are some who view things through a negative prism.

"When they talk about unemployment, a question always comes to my mind, you have ruled this country for 50-60 years, what measures did you take," Shah asked referring to different Congress-led governments that were in power at the Centre since Independence.

He further asked was there any new solution found during 50-60 years of Congress' rule to provide employment to the country's youth.

Is it justifiable that "you (Congress) ruled for 50 years without doing anything new and now you are seeking answers from us", he said.

The senior BJP leader said that the government has been taking several initiatives to skill the youth, saying that the young population is a major strength of the country.

"Some may view this as a weakness, but I think 70 crore young population is a major strength," the minister said.

He said the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) will not only help skill India's youth but will also make them job creators instead of job-seekers.

On this occasion, Industrialist Ratan Tata, whose group is partnering the government in setting up the institute, said many visionary initiatives were being taken up by the present regime.

"I only hope that if I was twenty years younger, I would have more actively participated in this landmark vision. This vision of skilling the youth of the country in market relevant skills is surely taking India forward while making mark on the global landscape," Tata said.

Union Minister for Skill Development Mahendra Nath Pandey said before Narendra Modi became prime minister, the country had seen politics of opportunism barring a small period of ruling under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Pandey also emphasised on skill development and said it ranged from areas from defence to artificial intelligence now.

The 20-acre Indian Institute of Skills is among the three institutes that the government is setting up.

The government has chosen Kanpur, Mumbai and Gandhinagar to set up Indian Institutes of Skills.

The foundation stone for IIS, Kanpur was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at NSTI, Kanpur in December, 2016. The foundation stone for the institute in Mumbai was laid last year.

The proposed institutes are to be modelled on Singapore's ITES. Shah laid the foundation stone of the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) at Nasmed in Kalol tehsil of Gandhinagar through remote control at a ceremony at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

The IIS Gandhinagar and Mumbai are being set up in partnership with the Tata Education and Development Trust. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran were also present on this occasion.

Shah suggested linking of the Indian Institute of Skills, Gandhinagar with around 272 industrial training institutes in the state towards upgradation of ITIs, a suggestion which was accepted by Ratan Tata.
New York authorities are searching for a private sanitation truck driver who fatally struck a 67-year-old woman crossing the street in Brooklyn on Thursday, 'splitting' her body in two.

Deborah Mutell had been jaywalking across 86th St. near Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst at around 4am when she was struck by the truck.

The woman fell under the wheels and was dragged several feet before her body fell off the vehicle in pieces, reported the New York Daily News.

Deborah Mutell had been jaywalking across 86th St. near Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst at around 4am when she was struck by the truck

Cops arriving at the scene had to use two separate body sheets for Mutell.

'It looked like two bodies at first but then one of the police officers said the body had actually been severed in half,' said witness David Reyes, who works at a nearby bagel shop.

'There were two separate blankets. That's what made it seem like there were two people.'

Officials say that the driver of the truck kept on down the road, leaving investigators unsure if he even knew he hit someone.

Officials say that the driver of the truck kept on down the road, leaving investigators unsure if he even knew he hit someone (stock)

'The cops said it looked like it happened without anyone realizing what happened until after the fact,' Reyes said.

According to investigators, Mutell's body only became dislodged from the vehicle after hitting a bump in the road.

'It's horrific. It's a very busy intersection,' said one nearby business worker. 'It's dark at that time, and especially in the winter, people dress in dark clothing.'

'Over the years, we've seen a lot of accidents. People don't like to cross at the corner because of the pillars for the train tracks, so they'll cross in the middle of the street and then motorists can't see if anyone is coming.'

City data shows that between 2010 and November 2017, some 43 people were killed by private trash carters
A 50-year-old man died after he allegedly jumped in front of a moving train at Dwarka Mor metro station on Thursday, police said.

The incident happened on platform number 1 around 10 am when the train was going towards Noida from Dwarka. He was rushed to DDU Hospital but could not be saved.

His identity is yet to be established and an investigation is underway.

"Delay in services between Dwarka Sector 21 and Rajiv Chowk due to a passenger on track at Dwarka Mor. Normal service on all other line," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation tweeted.

The services resumed later.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): The richest man on planet Jeff Bezo's India visit has been snubbed by the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal have not given an appointment during Amazon's founder and CEO's three-day visit, government sources told ANI.

A senior official said the meetings are not taking place this time as the world's largest e-commerce player is surrounded with controversies.

India's anti-trust body Competition Commission of India is probing the model of Amazon and its subsidiary company Flipkart following allegations of predatory pricing, deep discounting, exclusivity and preferential seller treatment.

Amazon is facing a similar investigation in the United States and Europe.

On Wednesday, Bezo announced plans to invest one billion dollars (about Rs 7,092 crore) in India and enabling 10 billion dollars in cumulative exports in the next five years by digitally enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traders.

But more than five lakh traders came together under the umbrella of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to protest against Bezo's visit.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said Amazon follows unethical and monopolistic practices, and the trade body will organise protests in 300 cities to oppose them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A young homeless woman has died in "tragic circumstances" in a hostel in Dublin.

The woman - who was in her late 20s - died at a hostel on Parkgate street on Wednesday evening.

She had been living in emergency accommodation at the Phoenix Lodge hostel.

"Gardai were called to the scene of a sudden death of a female in her late 20s that occurred at approximately 5pm on Wednesday, January 15th," a garda spokesman said.

"A file will be prepared for the Coroners Court."

Members of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) attended the scene after the tragic discovery.

The DRHE, on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of the individual, who tragically passed away yesterday evening in a facility that provides 24-hour emergency accommodation to people experiencing homelessness," a DRHE spokesperson said.

"The gardai and DRHE staff were in attendance.

Inner City Helping Homeless CEO Anthony Flynn said: "We cannot continue to compound peoples suffering at the most vulnerable time in their life."

"This week alone we have seen this tragic death, a man with life changing injuries as a result of his tent being removed by an industrial machine as he slept in it on Tuesday afternoon and this morning our case management team assisted a woman in her 60s who was sleeping rough in Dublin City," he said.

"What has our society become when human life holds such little value? Safe and secure accommodation with proper wrap around services as both of these are currently lacking within homeless services."

If you, or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues you can contact:

 Samaritans - freephone 116 123, text 087 2609090 or email jo@samaritans.ie
If approved Thursday by trustees, the base tuition for in-state undergraduates would rise $218 to $12,254 a year for enrollees in Urbana-Champaign, by $192 to $10,776 a year for enrollees in Chicago and by $97.50 to $9,502.50 for enrollees in Springfield. Tuition for some graduate, professional and online programs would increase by up to 2 percent at all three campuses.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge holds flowers up to Princess Charlotte of Cambridge as they depart Victoria on October 1, 2016 in Victoria, Canada. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage)

File photo dated 21/10/51 of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh covered with blankets watching a 'stampede' rodeo staged especially for them in Calgary, Alberta, during their tour of Canada

File photo dated 26/10/91 of the Princess of Wales with the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex at the Niagara Falls, Canada

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on September 29, 2016 in Victoria, Canada.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on September 29, 2016 in Victoria, Canada.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge are seen leaving from Victoria Harbour Airport on October 1, 2016 in Victoria, Canada. (Photo by Danny Martindale/FilmMagic)

Prince George of Cambridge with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on September 29, 2016 in Victoria, Canada

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend Canada Day Celebrations at Parliament Hill on day 2 of the Royal Couple's North American Tour on July 1, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images)

The British royals have a strong bond with Canada, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will live, in part, as they transition into their new lives.

The Queen is monarch of the Commonwealth realm and it has been her most frequent overseas destination. She has visited more than 20 times, including a trip as a princess.

Her planned visit in 1951 was postponed when George VI underwent an operation but eventually Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh flew to Montreal in October the same year.

By the time they returned nearly six weeks later, they had covered nearly 16,500 miles in Canada and the United States. It was during this tour that they were photographed in check shirts taking part in a square dance at Government House in Ottawa.

Expand Close File photo dated 21/10/51 of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh covered with blankets watching a 'stampede' rodeo staged especially for them in Calgary, Alberta, during their tour of Canada / Facebook

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Whatsapp File photo dated 21/10/51 of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh covered with blankets watching a 'stampede' rodeo staged especially for them in Calgary, Alberta, during their tour of Canada

The Queen, who uses her outfits as a diplomatic tool, channelled the red and white colours of the Canadian flag on her official tours. She even picked jewellery to reflect her affection for the nation, wearing her maple leaf brooch many times.

The diamond piece set in platinum shaped as the national symbol of Canada has been worn by a succession of royal women, from the Queen Mother through to the Duchess of Cambridge.

It was a gift from King George VI to his wife Queen Elizabeth, who later became known as the Queen Mother, to mark their visit to Canada in 1939 - the first tour of the country by a reigning monarch.

First worn during the royal couple's Atlantic crossing in the liner Empress of Australia, it was featured by Queen Elizabeth throughout the trip.

Her daughter Princess Elizabeth was loaned the iconic piece for her first visit to Canada in 1951 and, after she inherited it, she lent the brooch to the Duchess of Cornwall for her inaugural trip to the Commonwealth country in 2009, and also to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Canada has long been viewed as a welcoming destination for royal newbies. Kate and the Duke of Cambridge went there for their first joint official overseas trip following their wedding in 2011. More than 1,400 journalists and photographers from across the globe covered the trip, which saw the couple criss-cross the country as they travelled to seven cities over nine days.

Expand Close Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, depart the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, July 7, 2011 / Facebook

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Kate followed the Queen's lead by wearing the national colours in tribute on Canada Day, with maple leaf adornments on her hat. Thousands of Canadians flocked to Ottawa for their arrival.

The future King and Queen of Canada also took part in a dragon boat race on Prince Edward Island and wore 10-gallon cowboy hats as they opened the Calgary Stampede rodeo.

The Cambridges were back charming Canada again in 2016 when William and Kate brought along Prince George and Princess Charlotte for their first official tour as a family of four. Highlights included a children's tea party where one-year-old Charlotte was heard saying her first public words including "Pop" and "Dada".

William said at the time: "We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada.

"This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit."

Now with Harry and Meghan setting up home in Canada and the UK, it raises the prospect of whether royals on official tours to the country will also travel to see the Sussexes.

Expand Close File photo dated 26/10/91 of the Princess of Wales with the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex at the Niagara Falls, Canada / Facebook

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Whatsapp File photo dated 26/10/91 of the Princess of Wales with the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex at the Niagara Falls, Canada

Prince Andrew, now the Duke of York, studied at Gordonstoun in Scotland but also spent six months overseas at Lakefield College School in Ontario as part of an exchange scheme. William and Harry visited Vancouver as teenagers in 1998 with their father the Prince of Wales.

The brothers also joined their parents in Canada in 1991, visiting among other places Niagara Falls with the Princess of Wales. Philip was in Canada in 1969 when he delivered a classic gaffe, saying: "I declare this thing open, whatever it is."

Charles, who will one day be King of Canada, has visited the country 18 times. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has his own links to the monarchy. As a young child in the 1970s, Mr Trudeau met the Queen several times through his father, Pierre Trudeau, who was one of Canada's longest-serving prime ministers.

He revealed in an interview in 2013: "There were lunch hours where I wouldn't eat at school because we had to rush home to have lunch with the Queen."

Meghan lived in Toronto while filming US legal drama Suits and Harry and his future wife made their first official public appearance together in the city in September 2017 at the Invictus Games.
The Danville man accused of housing pornographic images of children on his computer could have faced a nearly 1,000-year prison sentence if found guilty by a jury. Instead, he traded a guilty plea for no more than 17 years in prison.

The paper titled plea of guilty to a felony holds the signature of John Mark Aaron and was signed Monday, the day he pleaded guilty in Danville Circuit Court to 50 counts of possession of child pornography.

A grand jury indicted Aaron, 36, with 100 counts last August. He was slated for a jury trial but waived it in favor of a plea deal.

Had Aaron been found guilty of the 100 counts, he could have faced the maximum penalty of 995 years in prison and fines of as much as $250,000. With the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed instead to limit his maximum possible sentence to 17 years in prison. As part of the plea, registration with the Virginia sex offender registry, probation, post-trial supervision and other aspects of his sentencing will be at the discretion of a judge.

Aaron fell under the suspicion of law enforcement April 3, 2019, when the Bedford County Sheriffs Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force had been monitoring child pornography on the internet and watched as someone moved a suspicious file through a shared network to a computer at a Martindale Drive home in Danville.

The Danville Police Department was alerted and served a search warrant at the Martindale Drive address. Once inside, officers found a room with a locked door. One of the occupants of the home told police that Aaron lived in that room. Aaron returned home, unlocked the door to his bedroom, where police found several computers and related hardware, notes the summary of evidence filed by the Danville Commonwealths Attorneys Office

Aaron gave the police the password to his computer and police conducted a preliminary search. They found multiple images of child pornography, court documents state. When interviewed by detectives, Aaron told police he believed there would be dozens of images on his computer. But a report prepared by the Virginia Attorney Generals Computer Forensic Unit stated there were many more such images.

According to the report, which was presented as evidence during Aarons guilty plea hearing, more than 3,000 pictures and 58 videos of suspected child exploitation material were discovered on the hard drive.

Aaron could have been charged with thousands of counts of possessing child pornography, explained Benjamin White, Danville senior assistant commonwealths attorney.

Under Virginia Law, a person can be charged for each individual image they possess. This applies to photographs and potentially each and every frame of a video, he wrote over email. Though the Commonwealth could bring 3,000 or more indictments, at a certain point, adding those additional charges would serve no tangible purpose.

During Aarons interview with the detective, the summary of evidence states, he told police he originally started downloading child pornography with the intent of helping law enforcement regarding child pornography. At some point, he said, the images and videos became appealing and he began to download them for his personal enjoyment.

White mentioned the case was hard to prosecute and investigate because of the subject matter.

Law enforcement officers, computer forensic analysts, and prosecutors are often required to view many thousands of horrific images and videos while investigating a case like this and preparing for trial, he wrote. Even after photos and videos are extracted from electronic devices, they often must be reviewed several different times by investigators and prosecutors to ensure that legal requirements are met, and ensure our ability to prosecute the case effectively.

Aaron, who remains free on bond, would not talk to the Danville Register & Bee about the case when reached at his home Wednesday.

I dont have any comment, he said.

A sentencing date has not been set.

Avent is a reporter with the Danville Register & Bee. Reach him at (434) 797-7983.

Avent is a reporter with the Danville Register & Bee. Reach him at (434) 797-7983.
Queen Mathilde Of Belgium put on a stylish display today as she welcomed prominent NATO and SHAPE officials to a New Year's reception.

The royal ,46, was joined her husband King Philipp, 59, in welcoming The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, at the Royal Palace In Brussels, Belgium.

Guests included NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Belgian Foreign Minister Philippe Goffin and the UK's ambassador to NATO Sarah MacIntosh.

The Queen looked typically polished in a white silk blouse with peplum cuffs paired with a midi-length tea cup skirt which was patterned with monochrome stripes.

Queen Mathilde Of Belgium (pictured) put on a stylish display today as she welcomed prominent NATO and SHAPE officials to a New Year's reception

The royal ,46, was joined her husband King Philipp (pictured left), 59, in welcoming guests at the Royal Palace In Brussels, Belgium

The Queen looked typically polished in a white silk blouse with peplum cuffs paired with a midi-length tea cup skirt which was patterned with monochrome stripes

Her hair remained loose while the royal opted for a natural make-up look, subtly highlighting her warm complexion with a peach toned blush.

She teamed her look with a pair of statement teardrop earrings, boasting huge pearl, paired with a matching dark ring, gold loose bracelet and a matching gold watch.

The royal wore suede court heels while her husband dressed to impress in a sophisticated pinstriped suit paired with a white dress shirt and an orange, spotted tie.

The Queen was seen smiling on as her husband shook hands hands with UK ambassador Sarah MacIntosh (pictured right)

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is pictured shaking hands with King Philipp at the event

The royal wore suede court heels while her husband dressed to impress in a sophisticated pinstriped suit paired with a white dress shirt and a orange, spotted tie

The Queen was seen smiling on as her husband shook hands hands with UK ambassador MacIntosh.

This comes after they greeted the EU dignitaries for a reception last week, such as EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and the President of the European Parliament David-Maria Sassoli.

It's been a busy time for the royal couple, who share four children, Princess Elisabeth, 18, Princess Eleonore, 11, Prince Gabriel, 16, and Prince Emmanuel,14.

Earlier this week they also welcomed heads of foreign diplomatic missions into the Royal Palace, such as the ambassador of Morocco, Mohammed Ameur, and his spouse, alongside the ambassador of Germany, Martin Kotthaus.

Mathilde's hair remained loose while the royal opted for a natural make-up look, subtly highlighting her warm complexion with a peach toned blush

The royal couple welcomed the likes of Commander General Tod D. Wolters and Nato Military Committee Chairman Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach
Cats have the power to control the minds of rodents, through a brain parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The pathogen exerts a strange mind control on rodents that make them lose their fear of cats and become easier to catch.

This attraction theory is flawed since instead of manifesting loss of fear for cats, rodents become less scared and anxious around a broad range of threats, suggests a new study published in the journal Cell Reports. The parasite then becomes a courage booster for small rodents, because they somehow dont exhibit fear overall.

Toxoplasma gondii. Protozoan which is transmitted from cats and other animals and causes toxoplasmosis especially dangerous for pregnant women. 3D illustration Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock

When the parasite infects a rodents brain, instead of being repelled by car odors or hiding, the mice are more likely to face the cat or feline. The parasite decreases anxiety, making the rodent more courageous and hence, increases the chances of being eaten.

For 20 years, T. gondii has served as a textbook example for a parasitic adaptive manipulation, mainly because of the specificity of this manipulation. We now show that the behavioral alteration does not only affect fear of feline predators but that major changes occur in the brain of infected mice, affecting various behaviors and neural function in general, Ivan Rodriguez of the University of Geneva, and co-author of the study, said.

Rodent courage booster

In the study, the team found that T. gondii infection does not selectively reduce the fear of cats alone, but according to a series of behavioral tests, the rodents infected with the parasite for five to 10 weeks, spent more time in the open arms of a maze compared to uninfected mice. This type of scenario is threatening for regular rodents since theyre exposed to various environmental hazards.

Further, the infected mice did not manifest the normal preference for interacting with a nonaggressive male mouse, than with objects like an apple or a metallic cube. Uninfected mice, on the other hand, exhibited defensive, avoidant, and anxiety-related behavioral responses to a potential threat, such as the hand of the scientist. Infected mice, however, even touched the hand of the experimenter, which is not normal for their nature.

Collectively, these findings demonstrate that animals chronically infected by T. gondii display reduced anxiety levels and risk aversion, as well as increased curiosity and exploration when put in challenging situations. Furthermore, infected mice do not discriminate between live and inert stimuli. Taken together, these observations suggest an altered ability to adequately process signals that may represent potential threats, the researchers wrote on the paper.

Brain scan of mice

To study the theory further, the scientists performed brain scans on mice about 10 to 12 weeks after being infected with the parasite. They used light-sheet microscopy to perform accurate mapping of the brain-wide distribution, size, and number of cysts in the brain of mice.

They found that the cyst density was markedly high in the cerebral cortex of the brain, which is involved in visual information processing. But the researchers also found that the cysts were widespread across the brain, hinting a random infection process.

What is toxoplasma gondii?

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite commonly found in cat feces. One the cat is infected; the parasite begins to reproduce in their intestines before going out in the stool. It is widespread across the globe, with an estimated 40 million people in the United States being infected.

In humans, there are very few symptoms since the immune system keeps the parasite at bay. However, in pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, the parasite can cause serious health problems. Toxoplasma gondii can pose a risk to an unborn baby, increasing the chance of the baby having hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, blindness, epilepsy, microcephaly, and other mental disabilities.
TURNOVER (M) 2019-2020 2018-2019* Change Change at constant scope and exchange rates 3rd quarter 69.0 66.0 +4.6% +4.4% o/w Closures 44.5 41.6 +7.0% +7.1% o/w Winemaking 24.5 24.4 +0.5% -0.1% 9 months 212.0 196.6 +7.9% +7.7% o/w Closures 136.6 124.6 +9.6% +9.8% o/w Winemaking 75.4 71.9 +4.9% +4.2%

* The Portuguese subsidiary SA Sobrinho (purchase/resale of cork and by-products) was classified as a discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5. Following the decision to retain this business, its turnover has been added back for the 2018-2019 comparative periods (0.3 million in sales in the third quarter and 0.9 million in the first nine months of the year).

Oeneo delivered turnover of 69.0 million in the third quarter of 2019-2020, representing an increase of 4.6% (up 4.4% at constant scope and exchange rates). Growth in the Closures division was once again robust at 7.0%, chiefly driven by a volume effect in the Diam range. The Winemaking division remained stable over the quarter, repeating the good performance shown in the same period one year earlier.

The quarterly performance lifted nine-month turnover by 7.9% to 212.0 million (up 7.7% at constant scope and exchange rates), in line with the Group's full-year growth targets.

Review by Division

CLOSURES: Robust performance

The Closures division turned in growth of 7.0% over the quarter, a slight downturn from the first half of the year. This can be explained by the gradual ending of the price effect to pass on some of the increase in cork costs last year to clients. Volume growth in Diam closures was very brisk, like in the previous few quarters, especially in the higher end of the range, with sustained success for the bio'sourced Origin line, for example. In addition, the division actively continued to increase its market share in the United States and achieved an excellent sales performance in Europe (particularly in Italy and Spain).

Nine-month growth amounted to 9.6%, in line with the division's business plan. Over the coming quarters, the division will continue to capitalize on the loyalty of existing clients and focus on making regular new wins across all geographic regions.

WINEMAKING: resilient activity in the third quarter

The Winemaking division turned in a good performance over the quarter, consistent with last year, which saw strong growth during the third quarter.

This performance is all the more satisfactory in light of the decrease in wine production volumes in Europe, particularly in Spain. In France, the Group achieved growth during the period thanks to its strong market position and the success of its large container range. Sales also fared well in the Americas, getting off to a good start in South America.

The division's total turnover for the first nine months came to 75.4 million, an increase of 4.9% (up 4.2% at constant exchange rates), in line with its expectations for the year.

Consequently, the division confirms its medium-term goal of gradually reaching 100 million in turnover.

Oeneo Group will publish its turnover for full-year 2019-2020 on May 4, 2020

About OENEO Group

Oeneo Group is a major wine industry player with high-end and innovative brands. Present around the world, the Group covers each stage in the winemaking process through two core and complementary divisions:

Closures, involving the manufacture and sale of cork closures, including high value?added technological closures through its Diam and Pietec ranges.

Winemaking, providing high-end solutions in winemaking and spirits for leading market players through its cooperage brands Seguin Moreau, Boise, Millet, Fine Northern Oak and Galileo, and developing innovative solutions for the wine industry with Vivelys (R&D, consulting, systems).

Oeneo prides itself in offering solutions in the production, maturing, preservation and enhancement of wines or spirits that faithfully convey all of the emotion and passion of each winegrower and improve their performance.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR WINE

INFORMATION AND PRESS RELATIONS

Oeneo Actus Finance Philippe Doray

Chief Administrative and

Financial Officer

+33 (0)5 45 82 99 93

Guillaume Le Floch

Analysts - Investors

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 70 Alexandra Prisa

Press - Media

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 90

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Senator Doug Jones Emphasizes the Importance of the 2020 Black Voter Turnout

The importance of voter turnout, the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, bipartisan politics, the Futures Act and environmental justice, counted among the topics candidly tackled during a historic fireside chat between National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Alabamas Senator Doug Jones, a Democrat.

Held inside the Hart Building near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the engaging hour-long conversation marked the first time that a sitting U.S. Senator sat down for a live-streamed video with the Black Press of America.

The discussion was broadcast live on the Black Press of Americas Facebook page.

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During the discussion, Jones said voter turnout  particularly that of African Americans  were crucial in his stunning upset of Republican Roy Moore in the 2017 Alabama Special Election.

The right to vote was hard fought for African Americans in this country, and I think too many people take that for granted. I think we proved that in the special election in 2017, that every vote counts, Jones stated.

Since the 2013 Shelby V. Holder decision, which eliminated a lot of voter protection, Jones said that voting rights have been under attack.

Its not the same as the old Jim Crow laws, but theres still efforts out there to suppress votes and keep people from having that free access to the booths, he stated.

Jones noted that hes working to restore teeth in the Voting Rights Act but doubts that the current GOP-led Senate and President Trumps administration would approve.

I dont see it happening, so its all the more important to get out and vote in the 2020 elections, Jones stated.

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Chavis asked Jones about the role Black women played in his winning election to the Senate.

It was critical. We focused on making sure that we got the African American vote out, Jones stated.

We did get more African Americans as a percentage out than even when President Obama did in his first race, a fact that I was very proud of. The Black community came out and worked hard. Its community engagement; its a 365-days a year job. And, thats why the Black Press is so important because it keeps the community engaged, he stated.

Late last year, Trump signed the Futures Act, a bipartisan measure that would put more funding into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions.

It was incredibly important. When it comes to federal dollars, there are two pots of money HBCUs get. Mandatory funding and discretionary funding, Jones stated.

The mandatory funding is absolutely critical so they can plan each year. Theres a lot of budgetary tugs that fought us, it wasnt easy, but we were just persistent, and thats the key in legislation in Washington, to be persistent, he noted.

Jones continued:

So, we were able to get that mandatory funding so that a base amount of money would go to HBCUs. In my two years in Washington, we have been able to get about a 30 percent increase in discretionary funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.

Providing that base is important to them and the economy of states like Alabama and North Carolina, and others.

Chavis spoke to Jones about race relations and asked about the senators forecast for the South and whether he sees a more inclusive and diverse South rising.

So many of the divisions we see in the country started in the South. It can also be a place of healing and bringing people back together, and I see tremendous opportunity in the South, Jones stated.

I think my election was something that people looked at and said the South was changing. The demographics are changing to some extent, but I think peoples hearts and minds are changing, he added.

We went from a one-party state in Alabama with Democrats to a one-party state with Republicans. There was never anything in between. When you get competitive political parties, you get people who have to talk to each other, and thats what you need.

These young people coming up dont have the same kind of biases and prejudices you saw when I was growing up. They also are beginning to see that the state is better off when everybody in that state benefits from it. I think the South can lead the nation in healing.

Jones also spoke of the importance of closing the achievement gap, although he said its a complicated issue.

He said education and getting broadband in rural communities are keys to helping close the gap.

The senator also noted that hes a proponent of raising the federal minimum wage, but conceded it couldnt be done overnight. He stated that Trumps 2017 tax cuts have helped to provide businesses with the needed resources to make a minimum wage hike possible.

With climate change a serious and growing issue, Jones stated the importance of the Black Press to continue to cover topics of environmental justice.

A lot of work needs to be done, he stated.

But I dont have much confidence in the Environmental Protection Agency under this administration, which is why the 2020 election is very important.

He included farming and Trumps trade and tariff wars as other vital issues for the 2020 election cycle.

Jones concluded the chat by noting the critical role of the Black Press, his disappointment in mainstream media, and his message to veterans in the wake of the new conflict with Iran.

I think the press, in general, is critical. Overall, Im a little disappointed in mainstream media, and I think the Black Press has a unique role, so the Black Press must stay focused on the issues, Jones stated.

He noted his appreciation for the U.S. military.

Im going to do everything that I can to continue to show appreciation. We eliminated the military widows tax weve got to demonstrate our commitment in more words  weve got to put our words into action, Jones stated.
Glen Ellyn, Ill., Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Approximately 200 police officers, law enforcement officials, alumni and members of the community gathered at the street scene in College of DuPages Robert J. Miller Homeland Education Center to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA). View more photos.

Representatives from local and regional law enforcement agencies commended the academy for 25 years of a job well done. Speakers included College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo, College of DuPage Dean of Continuing Education Joe Cassidy and Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Education Training and Standards Board Brent Fisher, who presented the College with a commemorative plaque in recognition for SLEAs years of service to the law enforcement community. During the celebration, SLEA also presented Program Coordinator Bob Nicholas with a plaque recognizing his 25 years of dedicated service to the program.

Created in 1994, SLEA has since become one of the premier training academies for police officers in Illinois. To date, the academy has graduated more than 4,000 basic academy recruits from police departments and law enforcement agencies throughout the counties of Boone, Champaign, Christian, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, Logan, McHenry, Ogle, Piatt, Sangamon, Schuyler and Will.

Learn more about the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy.

Attachment

Jennifer Duda

College of DuPage

(630) 942-3097

dudajen@cod.edu


She is due to give birth to her first child in the coming weeks.

And on Wednesday, a heavily pregnant Jesinta Campbell showcased her burgeoning baby bump as she left a photo shoot in Sydney.

The 28-year-old model and brand ambassador looked glowing in a blue silk wrap dress that highlighted her figure.

Oh, baby! On Wednesday, a heavily pregnant Jesinta Campbell showcased her burgeoning baby bump as she left a photo shoot in Sydney

Jesinta's frock featured a plunging neckline and a thigh split.

Meanwhile, she styled her brunette hair in a low ponytail and opted for a full face of makeup, including matte foundation.

She also accessorised with Christian Dior slides, a Louis Vuitton handbag and black cat-eye sunglasses.

Baby on board! The 28-year-old model and brand ambassador looked glowing in a blue silk wrap dress that highlighted her figure

Looking good! Jesinta's frock featured a plunging neckline and a thigh split

Details: She styled her hair in a low ponytail and accessorised with a Louis Vuitton handbag

Parents-to-be! The former pageant queen and her husband, AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, announced their baby news in August. Pictured together on September 24, 2018 in Melbourne

Jesinta appeared to be in high spirits as she left the photo shoot with her team.

The former pageant queen and her husband, AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, announced their baby news in August.

The former David Jones ambassador later said that falling pregnant hadn't been easy.

Smile on her dial: Jesinta seemed to be in high spirits as she left the photo shoot with her team

'We feel truly blessed': She revealed late last year that falling pregnant hadn't been easy

Making progress: Jesinta told Daily Mail Australia at the Melbourne Cup on November 5 that she was starting to feel better after a difficult first trimester

'The journey to get here hasn't been easy and this little life is the greatest gift and we feel truly blessed and grateful that we will have a little angel of our own,' she said.

Jesinta also told Daily Mail Australia at the Melbourne Cup on November 5 that she was starting to feel better after a difficult first trimester.

'I feel great,' she revealed. 'I think it's quite common for a lot of women to feel terrible in the first trimester, but I feel really good and feel really healthy.'
ALBANY, NY - A state board has approved a $500 million grant toward the $1 billion factory that semiconductor manufacturer Cree, Inc. is planning to build in Marcy.

The Public Authorities Control Board voted to approve the grant, which had already secured approval from the state's economic development arm, Empire State Development Corp.

A public hearing is scheduled for February 10th at the Marcy Town Hall to discuss the project.

Company representatives will be there, along with contractors who will be constructing the plant.

Cree plans to build the worlds largest silicon carbide manufacturing plant in Marcy, bringing about 600 jobs to the area over eight years. The size of the new facility will be up to 480,000 square-feet upon completion, approximately one-fourth of which will be clean room space, providing room for future expansion.
The ongoing protest against the Andhra Pradesh government's three-capital proposal on Thursday entered the 30th day.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Jayadev Galla, CPI secretary K Narayana, and leaders from other political parties visited the protesters and expressed solidarity to the movement.

Speaking to ANI, Galla said, "The protest is not going to stop. Whether its 30 days or 30 months, we are prepared to continue this protest. What is being done is unfair and unscientific, not only for the farmers of this region but for the entire state. The three capital idea is only going to increase the cost."

"Everything is available today in Amaravati to run the government. Rs 9,000 crore has already been spent in Amaravati. The three capital idea is going to be three times the cost and one third the efficiency. The future generation will have to live with the economic burden," he added.

Stressing that the people of Andhra Pradesh don't support the three capital proposal, the TDP leader said, "The efforts our farmers are putting today and the type of difficulties that they are being subjected to are being watched by everyone in the state. The movement is spreading beyond these 29 villages in the state. The people in other villages also say that they don't want Vizag as their capital. The government will have to come to its knees and make a change in their attitude."

"Supreme Court had earlier said that section 144 should not be used to suppress the democratic rights of the protestors and I think the High Court is taking cognisance of it. We are expecting a verdict in favour of the protestors from the Andhra Pradesh High Court," Galla said.

He added, "We want Section 144 and section 30 to be removed and the right to protest should be given back to the people. Apart from that, all the cases that have been filed using these sections against the poor farmers and women should be withdrawn."

Meanwhile, Narayana said that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has no right to change the capital unless people support it.

"Jagan Mohan Reddy has no right to change the capital. If he wants to do so, he should resign and go for a fresh mandate. We will take up the agitation to a level," the CPI leader said.

Narayana also lashed out at the Chief Minister for imposing Section 144 for a long time in the state.

The GN Rao Committee, which was set up by the Andhra Pradesh government to look into the suggestion of three capitals had earlier made a favourable recommendation saying the move will help in decentralise development and put the available resources to the best use.

It proposed Visakhapatnam as the executive capital and Kurnool the judicial capital while retaining Amaravati as the legislative capital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jailed RJD president Lalu Prasad appeared before a special CBI court here on Thursday in connection with a case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 139.35 crore from Doranda Treasury when he was the Bihar chief minister in the 1990s.

This is the fifth and last fodder scam case against Prasad in Ranchi.

There is a sixth case against him in Bhagalpur in connection with the animal husbandry scam, popularly known as the fodder scam.

A total 34 questions were asked to Prasad during the trial by the special CBI judge (AHD) Sudhanshu Kumar Shashi in about three hours on Thursday, a CBI advocate told reporters.

He has been convicted in the previous four fodder scam cases and has been ordered prison sentences ranging between three and a half years and 14 years by different special CBI courts.

The Doranda Treasury case RC/47 has 575 witnesses and 111 accused, a CBI official said adding the investigating agency has filed charge sheets against 170 people.

Prasad, who has been in jail since December 2017, is undergoing treatment for his illnesses at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences here.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 29-year-old woman, whose thighs and genitals were scalded when coffee was spilled in her lap at a McDonalds Drive-Through takeaway in Clondalkin, Co Dublin, has been awarded 30,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Ciara Corboy, of Oatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, told Judge Francis Comerford that in November 2017 while being handed a large Americano at the drive-through restaurant at The Mill Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, a lid that had not been properly secured to the cup had come off causing her to be scalded in her thighs, groin and private parts.

Barrister Noel Cosgrove, counsel for Ms Corboy, said she had suffered extensive burns and, while having been treated with gel in the restaurant office, later had to attend St James Hospital on six occasions to have her wounds treated. The hospital had provided her with a nappy-type dressing to wear.

Mr Cosgrove, who appeared with James McSweeney Solicitors, said the defendant, Gerla Restaurants Limited, Lucan, Co Dublin, had denied negligence in a full defence and had pleaded contributory negligence on Ms Corboys part.

Ms Corboy said she had been accompanied in her car at the time by her then partner, Ms Amanda Garvey, who had applied first aid gel to her wounds while she was being treated in the restaurant office.

She said she had experienced excruciating pain at the time and had suffered ongoing pain for at least six weeks after the accident. She and her partner had been unable to have any intimate relations for almost eight months.

Corboy denied in cross-examination by Ms Moira Flahive, counsel for Gerla Restaurants, that she had put the large coffee cup between her legs in her car which had caused the lid to pop off. She said that while waiting to be served her car had been in gear and her feet had been on the clutch and brake but denied the spillage had been caused by her car jolting forward.

Judge Comerford said he accepted that McDonalds training policy of providing a cup carrier with every hot drink that was handed out of the service hatch had been breached by the staff member involved. He felt training procedures should have been followed and had not been on this occasion which tipped the decision in Ms Corboys favour. He said cctv coverage of the incident showed the car moving following the spillage.

The judge said it was a difficult case to value from a point of view of general damages. Ms Corboys injuries had not fully resolved for up to eight months and photographs of her wounds were indicative of a stressful and painful injury.

They were bad burns in an extremely sensitive area and I accept there would have been some impact on sexual activity for five months or so after the incident, Judge Comerford said.

He said that while the injuries had been highly stressful and painful there had been no evidence of any permanent consequences as a result of them and therefore no necessity for damages into the future.

There was also a high degree of indignity involved in the way things occurred and from the photographs it is clear there was some blistering which required ongoing dressings having to be applied, Judge Comerford said.

He felt that despite the effects of the injuries not having lasted for a long period the court was of the view Ms Corboy should be awarded the sum of 30,000 damages together with her legal costs.

One of the most famous coffee scalding cases in legal history involved McDonalds and a 79-year-old Albuquerque, New Mexico, woman who scalded herself while sitting in her grandsons car in 1992.

Stella Liebeck acknowledged that the spill had been her fault, having placed the coffee cup between her legs, but had taken issue with the very high temperature of the liquid she had been served. It had caused third-degree burns on her legs and genitals and had required extensive surgery.

Not wanting to go to court she had asked McDonalds to pay her medical expenses of $20,000 but the company had offered her only $800 leading to her having filed a lawsuit in 1994.

A jury suggested she be awarded almost $3million but Liebeck eventually settled for less than $600,000. The case led to a global reduction in the temperature at which drinks are dispensed and to all takeaway receptacles containing very hot liquid carrying the warning: Contents May Be Hot.
Security Compass, a Toronto, Canada-based provider of enterprise DevSecOps software solutions, secured growth equity funding from FTV Capital.

CIBC Innovation Banking, the technology and software lending practice at CIBC, was the sole lender in providing financing for this transaction.

As part of the deal, FTV Capital partner Liron Gitig and principal Richard Liu, will join the Security Compass board of directors. The company intends to use the funds to further enhance its solutions portfolio and accelerate its planned global expansion.

Founded by Nish Bhalla and led by newly appointed CEO Rohit Sethi, Security Compass enables organizations to achieve agility at scale by streamlining software risk management without slowing down their business.

At the core of the companys solution is its policy-to-execution software platform, SD Elements, which translates policies into actionable tasks for technical teams. Security Compass adaptive Training and strategic Advisory Services enable cybersecurity preparedness and help organizations manage compliance.

Over 200 enterprise customers now use the solutions to manage the risk of tens of thousands of applications.

The company is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in the United States and India. Sethi, formerly COO and Security Compass first hire almost 13 years ago, has been an integral part of the organization and the creation of SD Elements. CFO David Rea will take on the combined position of CFO and COO.

FinSMEs

16/01/2020
The presence in New Delhi of Iran foreign minister Javad Zarif and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov provides just the sort of balance required to cope with the imminent Donald Trump visitation in the near future. Who knows, he may turn up with CEOs of Lockheed Martin and General Atomics whose dazzling Hellfire Missiles and MQ-9 Reaper Drones were employed in the murder of Irans Gen. Qasem Soleimani and deputy head of Hashd al Shaabi or Iraqs Popular Mobilization Front, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

It is unlikely that reverberations from Gen. Soleimanis assassination were not felt at the Raisina dialogue, which the two foreign ministers attended. Like Banquos ghost, Soleimani will be present during the Trump visit, too. It is, therefore, important to understand the sequence leading to the ghastly murder in Baghdad.

As the post-Cold War world transited to the post 9/11 Islamophobia, New Delhi, by choice and circumstance, held firmly onto American coat tails, even putting up with an insult or two. Pakistan, and not India, was first incorporated into the global war on terror. US Ambassador Robert Blackwill was terse: Yours is an old regional quarrel with Pakistan; that country is partnering us in our global war on terror. Only after the December 13, 2001, attack on Indian Parliament, did New Delhi become a bonafide victim of terror. It was a strange triangle: New Delhi and Islamabad were not on talking terms, but both were yoked in the US-led war on terror.

This was the state of play when in April 2003, George W. Bush was pushed into occupying Iraq by his neo-con drum beaters sketching designs of full spectrum dominance in the New American century. It was all very tempting when the Americans invited New Delhi to be their partners in Iraq which was now theirs. Troops were readied but Atal Behari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister put his foot down: it was a foolish idea.

The real author of the Iraq expedition, vice-president Dick Cheney, choreographed his victory speech on April 9, 2003, to synchronise with the pulling down of Saddam Hussains statue at Baghdads Firdos Square. The celebrating Iraqis did not appear.

In desperation, Americans contacted Shia clerics like Muqtada Sadr. The cleric was an iconic figure in a Shia ghetto north of Baghdad named Saddam city. Muqtada Sadr it was who mobilised Shias to come out in celebration, beating Saddams photographs with chappals even as the marines pulled down the statue with cranes. In deference to this act, the occupying power renamed Saddam city as Sadr city.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi was someone defence secretary Mark Esper consulted half an hour before the assassination. I advised him against the decision Mahdi revealed. But half an hour in the circumstances, was eternity. He could have alerted Soleimanis convoy. Why did he not?

The deputy head of Hashd al Shaabi, or Iraqs popular mobilization, also in the convoy was a key player in a group which has the sanction of Grand Ayatullah Ali Sistani in Najaf. It reflects on American caprice that in 2005 Sistani was a figure of adoration in the US establishment. In March of that year Thomas Friedman of the New York Times had proposed the Nobel Peace Prize for Sistani in his column titled A Nobel for Sistani.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was clearly Soleimanis eyes and ears in Iraq. But he was only the second in command of the Hashd. Where was the leader of the Hashd, Falih al Fayyadh? Last month he had made a surprise visit to Washington to meet defence secretary Esper, the very same person who alerted Prime Minister Mahdi about the action which killed Soleimani, Muhandis and a host of others.

The information obtained by Esper directly may have encouraged him to believe that the anti-American line up in Iraq was a divided house. Even Muqtada Sadrs visit to Riyadh some months ago would have been taken into this calculus.

The consequence is that the assassination-in-a hurry has united even disparate forces in Iran, Iraq and the larger West Asia. It left Europe dazed, Britain embarrassed and the rest of the world wondering as to what would happens next. The only country to have expressed support for the action is Israel. And Israel is on notice by the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.

Incidentally, New Delhi has been in interaction with Falih al Fayyadh. He arranged for the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis to be affiliated with al Nahran Centre for Strategic Studies in Baghdad. Studies by IDSA will surely augment the pool South Block will require for the Trump visit.

Soleimani caused extreme discomfort to the US, Israel, Saudi combine not because he was plotting military actions. He was hated because by knitting together powerful proxies on the periphery of Israel and Saudi Arabia he had defeated an idea: the strategic faultline invented by US-Israeli strategists. Palestinian issue had lost salience gloated the new theorists. Sunni Shia was the new strategic faultline. The inauguration of the Kuala Lampur summit of Islamic countries, and the winning lineup in West Asia has altered the picture. US and its allies look increasingly cornered and isolated. In this Soleimani had a decisive role as he did in defeating ISIS much to the chagrin of those who had begun to see terror groups as an asset to be relocated from one theatre of conflict to the other.

Once the dust settles, Soleimani in his death will be seen to have achieved something he strove for: US departure from Iraq. A US field commanders letter leaked to Reuters suggests plans for an exit strategy. Ofcourse, the shooting of Air Ukraine carrying 176 passengers has altered the mood in Tehran. But the detention of the UK Ambassador, Robert Macaire among the protestors, places a question mark on the new demonstrations.

The writer is a senior journalist and commentator based in New Delhi
An Atlanta woman who says she was raped by her supervisor while working as a cleaner at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is now suing her former boss and their employer, the countrys largest janitorial services provider.

Eddie Sanders, a 47-year-old airport contract employee from Stone Mountain, Georgia, was arrested in September 2018 and charged with raping a 20-year-old female subordinate.

According to the alleged victim, Sanders took her into a storage room and had sex with her against her will.

Sanders pleaded not guilty in Clayton County Superior Court. His trial is scheduled to resume in late February.

The woman has filed suit against ABM Industries, the large janitorial services provider that employs some 140,000 people worldwide.

The alleged rape took place in September 2018 in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (seen in the above stock image)

According to the victims attorneys, ABM emotionally raped their client by knowingly, intentionally, recklessly, and negligently condon[ing] sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual violence against its vulnerable female employees assigned to clean commercial properties throughout the United States.

DailyMail.com has reached out to ABM Industries for comment.

A message was left with Sanders lawyer in the public defenders office.

ABM told WAGA-TV: 'We cannot comment specifically on pending litigation.

'However, we can affirm that ABM has always been and continues to be committed to fostering a professional and safe working environment for all our 140,000 employees.'

According to the complaint, the victim began working the night shift as a janitor at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in the summer of 2018.

When she reported to work on the night of September 17, 2018, she learned that her supervisor would be Sanders.

Toward the end of the night shift at around 5:00am on September 18, Sanders propositioned her for sex, according to the lawsuit. The woman refused.

Soon afterward, Sanders allegedly led the woman into a room with no windows and no exit except the door through which they entered.

Sanders, who is said to weigh about 270 pounds, closed the door and stood between the woman and the door.

He then is alleged to have demanded that she submit to his demands for sex.

The woman refused. Sanders proceeded to rape her, according to the lawsuit. She begged him to stop, but he refused to listen, it is alleged.

Hours later, the woman called police. She was taken to a hospital, where medical personnel gave her a rape test as well as counselling.

Sanders was arrested and jailed.

The womans attorneys said in their lawsuit that Sanders was hired by ABM as a supervisor despite a criminal record that included a felony charge of armed robbery.

ABM Industries is the nation's largest provider of janitorial services. The New York-based company is named in the lawsuit

In 2010, ABM paid $5.8million to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the federal government on behalf of 21 Hispanic janitors who allege they were assaulted or raped while working the night shift.

The victims were subject to unwelcome touching, explicit sexual comments and requests for sex by 14 male co-workers and supervisors, one of whom was a registered sex offender, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Some of the harassers allegedly often exposed themselves, groped female employees private parts from behind, and even raped at least one of the victims,' the EEOC said.

In June 2015, a PBS documentary about widespread rapes and sexual assaults of nighttime janitors revealed that ABM was sued 42 times due to allegations of workplace abuse.

The federal government said ABM was guilty of lack of action, lack of attention, lack of a sense of responsibility in allowing the workplace culture to fester.

The victim in the Sanders case says that the alleged rape has caused her physical pain, humiliation, mental, emotional, and psychological stress, anxiety, and torment that continues to this day.

The lawsuit does not specify an amount that the victim is seeking in damages.
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Numi Organic Tea , an award-winning social enterprise, founding B Corporation member, and leading purchaser of organic, Fair Trade Certified teas, today introduced two new products, Sweet Slumber and Drinking Chocolates, in time for the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show. Along with the new products, Numi revealed its new plant-based packaging as well as a brand refresh featuring a bright, bold, ingredients-focused look.

Our new packaging is more eco-friendly than ever with the launch of our new, plant-based tea wrappers. We still use 90 percent post-consumer waste paper cartons, soy-based inks, and biodegradable Manila hemp tea bags, as weve done for the past 20 years, explained Reem Hassani, Numi Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer. Equally important is the new brand refresh, featuring package imagery and typography that engage our consumers in a way thats relevant, inclusive and hopeful. Each side of the carton tells a different storyfrom our ingredients to our Foundation. We want to bring more people in to join our movement for a better world.

The new tea wrappers represent a project ten years in the making in collaboration with OSC2 Packaging Collaborative , which was co-founded by Numi CEO Ahmed Rahim. With its new plant-based overwrap, Numi has subverted the packaging industrys status quo. The new wrapper features a thin, Non-GMO PLA layer made from renewable sugarcane, and 100% FSC certified paper, which guarantees no eco-toxicity when it breaks down. The plant-based wrapper requires less carbon to produce than traditional plastic, and is made from renewable resources, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels. This project has opened pathways into a fossil fuel-free future while paving the way for other brands that can benefit from increased access to plant-based flexible film.

Numi also introduced two new drinks that move the brand squarely into the wellness and functionality markets. Sweet Slumber is a new tea featuring a dreamy blend of sweet flowers and potent valerian root that relieves stress and inspires rest and relaxation. The low-sugar, paleo-friendly, gluten free line of Drinking Chocolates, which are crafted from pure organic cacao blended with organic cocoa butter, are available in four SKUs: Touch of Chili, Dash of Salt, Kick of Mocha, and Shroom Power. Numi will be sampling the new products at Booth 5783 at the Winter Fancy Food Show. Members of the press can schedule one-on-one tastings by contacting Molly Antos at molly@dadascope.com .

Numi has always been committed to the wellness of our customers, and thats why were happy to announce these new products that cater to specific emotional and physical health needs, said Ahmed Rahim, CEO and Co-Founder of Numi Organic Tea. A recent report from Gallup showed that the majority of Americans experience stress during the day, and consumers are seeking easy, safe solutions to counter their stress. Ingredients like valerian root, lavender, and chamomile continue to trend and grow in popularity given their natural, effective relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Thats why weve included these ingredients in Sweet Slumber, which can help people to calm down and sleep soundly at the end of the day.

Sweet Slumber features a variety of herbal ingredients for a calming bedtime experience, including Numis Fair Trade Certified chamomile flower sourced from tea farms in Faiyum, Egypt, valerian root, shown in several studies to improve the ability to achieve high-quality sleep without grogginess, hop flowers, lavender flower, and lemon balm leaf. Sweet Slumber will be available in February 2020 and retail for $6.99 for a 16-count box on numitea.com . Sweet Slumber is organic, caffeine-free, Non-GMO Verified, and made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients.

People are also looking for a delicious, decadent treat that doesnt compromise their health and instead might actually enhance it, continued Rahim. This is part of the reason that cocoa and drinking chocolate are quickly emerging as a major trend in the US, approaching $1B in revenue in 2019. Our new Drinking Chocolates can satisfy a sweet tooth with a low-sugar treat rich in cacao, a true superfood with ingredients containing more antioxidants than blueberries.

Drinking Chocolates feature organic ingredients such as cacao, vanilla bean, cayenne, chaga mushroom powder, and cinnamon for an indulgent-yet-functional drink. Drinking Chocolates will be available in July 2020 and retail for $9.99 a 6.3-ounce pouch on numitea.com . They are organic, vegan, low sugar, paleo friendly, gluten free, Non-GMO Verified, and made with Fair Trade Certified cocoa.

Numi marked its shift from tea to wellness with the introduction of its award-winning Daily Super Shots last year. With the introduction of Sweet Slumber and Drinking Chocolates, the company demonstrates its commitment to innovation in response to consumer demand for functional, better-for-you beverages.

During the Winter Fancy Food Show, Numi will host and participate in a variety of events that attendees and the media are invited to:

Chocolate and Tea Pairing Education Session Sunday, January 19th, 10am-10:40am (Chocolate Pavilion Moscone Center, second floor)  Guided by two experts from Numi and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), learn about the growing regions of tea and chocolate around the world, Fair Trade sourcing, and supply chain transparency while tasting carefully crafted artisan tea and chocolate. For more info, visit the SFA website .

Sunday, January 19th, 10am-10:40am (Chocolate Pavilion Moscone Center, second floor)  Guided by two experts from Numi and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), learn about the growing regions of tea and chocolate around the world, Fair Trade sourcing, and supply chain transparency while tasting carefully crafted artisan tea and chocolate. For more info, visit the . Sweet Slumber Wellness Happy Hour Sunday, January 19th, 4-5 pm (Booth 5783)  Treat yourself to a relaxing chair massage while sipping Numis new Sweet Slumber tea and Immune Defense, a signature blend of spicy cayenne pepper and fresh pomegranate juice.

Sunday, January 19th, 4-5 pm (Booth 5783)  Treat yourself to a relaxing chair massage while sipping Numis new Sweet Slumber tea and Immune Defense, a signature blend of spicy cayenne pepper and fresh pomegranate juice. Drinking Chocolate Wellness Happy Hour Monday, January 20th, 4-5 pm (Booth 5783)  Another chance to unwind with a chair massage while sampling Numis new Drinking Chocolates and Chocolate Spirit, a drink featuring Numis latest innovation, Dash of Salt Drinking Chocolate.

NUMI ORGANIC TEA

Founded in 1999 by brother and sister Ahmed Rahim and Reem Rahim, Numi Organic Tea is an award-winning social enterprise, founding B Corporation member, and leading purchaser of organic, Fair Trade teas distributed in more than 50 countries. Still family-owned and headquartered in Oakland, California, Numi supports community development projects both locally and internationally that create lasting positive impacts for people and the Earth. To date, Numi has contributed more than $1 million in Fair Trade Premiums in its tea farming communities. Numis Fair Trade and Fair Labor commitments have helped sponsor schools, hospitals, community centers, road construction and other improvements for living standards. Through plant-based and sustainable packaging, carbon offsets, and regenerative organic agriculture, Numi strives to protect the planet for generations to come.

To learn more, visit NumiTea.com and follow Numi at Instagram.com/NumiOrganicTea , Facebook.com/NumiTea , Pinterest.com/NumiTea and Twitter.com/NumiTea .

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29389de4-c6e9-4e9b-bb62-a2f2ab8d1a60

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c3a6fb7-7da9-475d-b875-0574b290a9d3
New Delhi:

Indian Coast Guard Navik Result 2020 has been declared. The list of Final Medical Examination at INS Chilka Navik  GD 01/2020 Batch is released. Candidates who appeared in the Indian Coast Guard Navik Exam will be able to check result on the official website of Indian Coast Guard, i.e. joinindiancoastguard.gov.in. It is to note that the reporting time of Medical Exam of shortlisted candidates will be from February 6 to February 8, 2020.

To check the Zone wise Reporting date, candidates need to click on the below mentioned direct link. Importantly, all selected candidates must make sure to carry their respective call letters for the Final medical Exam in person after January 25, 2020. Also, the call letter will be sent by post. At the time of recruitment, candidates need to appear with the respective Admit Card and Photo Identity Card.

Indian Coast Guard Navik Result 2020

In order to download the Indian Coast Guard Navik Result 2020, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps:

First, candidates need to visit the official website of Indian Coast Guard

Then, click on the List of Selected Candidates for Final Medical Examination

A new page will open in the PDF format

Check the roll number of selected candidates

Then, make sure to check the list of documents that candidates must carry at the time of medical exam at INS Chilka. Earlier, the Online application for Indian Coast Guard Navik started on October 30, 2019. The last date to apply for the Navik post was November 8, 2019. Candidates can click on the below mentioned direct link to check the Indian Coast Guard Navik 2020 Result.

Indian Coast Guard Navik 2020 Result Direct Link
The Internet is full of bizarre things which sometimes left us stunned or sometimes in shock. One case come to light from Uganda where an Imam was betrayed by his newly-wedded wife.

As per a media report, the Imam was in great shock after he found that his bride was actually a man.

Mohammed Mutumba and his bride had signed a marriage contract in a traditional nikah ceremony and two weeks later he found that his wife is a man.

After the marriage, the couple didnt consummate the marriage as the bride said that she was having her periods, Daily Nation reports.

"I was patient and waited for her to be ok," the Imam was quoted as saying. The worst part about his marriage that Imam didnt know the reality about his wife. His neighbor did.

As per Imams neighbours, his wife jumped over a wall to steal their belongings- a television set and clothes. Finally, the neighbours concluded that Imams wife was a man.

A case has been registered against the man by the neighbours. Soon after, Imam and his wife visited the police station as she wore Islamic clothes for women and sandals, as per the report in Daily Nation.

Before putting Imams wife behind the bars, a woman police officer discovered a very shocking thing.

"As is normal practice, a female police officer searched the suspect thoroughly before taking ''her'' to the cells. But, to the shock of the officer, the suspect had stacked clothes in the bra to hoodwink them that they were breasts," Isaac Mugera, Kayunga District Criminal Investigations Officer, said.

Also, the police found that the suspect had male genitals. During interrogation, the man confessed his crime and said that he married Imam for his money.

Imam met the suspect at Kyampisi Mosque as he was looking for a woman to marry and said, when I met a beautiful girl wearing a hijab, I asked her for love and she accepted. She told me we could not have sex until I take bride price to her parents and also exchange marriage vows with her."

Also Read: Couple ties knot just 10 kms away from volcanic eruption; pics will leave your eyes wide open!
China Aviation Daily | Jan. 13, 2020

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today operated a special 'eco-flight' from Abu Dhabi to Brussels, featuring a range of initiatives designed to illustrate the airline's broad commitment to sustainable practices in the air and on the ground.

Flight EY 57, which arrived in Brussels shortly before 7.00am, was operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the newest and most efficient type in the Etihad fleet, which consumes at least 15 per cent less fuel than any aircraft type previously flown by the airline.

The aircraft followed an optimised flight route facilitated by the European air navigation service provider Eurocontrol to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. A range of other initiatives were also undertaken before, during and after the flight including fuel optimisation measures and other actions in collaboration with partners including Brussels Airport and a range of cabin service suppliers to highlight incremental opportunities to reduce the airline's impact on the environment.

Today's flight was timed to coincide with the start of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an annual event held in the UAE capital to highlight sustainable initiatives across a broad range of areas.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, said: "Sustainable practice is a critical and continuing challenge for the air transport industry, which is striving to reduce carbon emissions and waste, while meeting soaring demand for air travel. It is also a key priority of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in which Etihad is a critical driver of both social and economic development.

"This year's national theme of the United Arab Emirates is '2020: Towards the next 50'. Etihad is committed to working continuously with a range of partners as part of a broader national focus on environmental sustainability."

At the core of its commitment to sustainable flying, Etihad Airways continues to invest in the latest generation, most fuel-efficient aircraft, increasing its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and preparing to induct three new types, the wide-bodied Airbus 350-1000 and Boeing 777-9, and the narrow-bodied Airbus A321neo.

Etihad Airways recently partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Markets to become the first airline to secure commercial funding conditional upon compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and is exploring options for similar funding of other initiatives.

The airline has announced the Etihad Greenliner Programme, through which its entire fleet of Boeing 787s will be used as flying testbeds for a range of sustainability initiatives by Etihad and its industry partners. The first such partner is Boeing, which will join Etihad in a comprehensive research programme, beginning next week with delivery of a new 'signature' Boeing 787, specially-themed to highlight the sustainability partnership of the two companies.

Etihad is also a strong supporter of sustainable aviation fuels and continues to partner with providers including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre) on future fuel initiatives. In addition to the optimised flight route and fuel optimisation measures, initiatives used to support this morning's Brussels 'Ecoflight' included:

- Minimal single-use plastics on board, including removal of plastic wrapping from blankets, headsets wrapped in paper (Economy) and velvet bags (Business), plastic-free amenity kits; lightweight metal cutlery (Sola Cutlery the Netherlands), meals served in aluminium dishes, water served in recyclable boxes (Oasis), and hot beverage cups replaced with recyclable cups (Butterfly Cup);

- Innovative wheat-based plates (Biotrem) for on-demand meals in Business class;

- Electric tractors to help ferry freight and luggage between the terminal and the aircraft in Abu Dhabi. The airline has just received the first 10 of 94 such vehicles, to be introduced during 2020;

- Expedited taxi time from the Abu Dhabi terminal to the runway, to minimise or eliminate holding time with engines running; and

- The use of ground power at both Abu Dhabi and Brussels airport terminals instead of the aircraft's own fuel-powered auxiliary power unit.

Brussels Airport is 'climate neutral' in its own carbon emissions through extensive initiatives including the use of electric buses for passenger transport and compressed natural gas for its own service vehicles, and is exploring options including the use of electric vehicles for aircraft push-back and taxi-out.

Etihad is also implementing or considering sustainability initiatives including:

- Waterless cleaning of aircraft exteriors, improving presentation and removing grease and dirt to 'smooth' the fuselage and minimise aerodynamic 'drag';

- 'Eco-wash' cleaning of aircraft engines to help improve fuel efficiency and minimise emissions, and;

- Reduction of single use plastics by 80 per cent by 2022.

Contributed by Etihad Airways
(TNS)  Bit by bit, Costa Mesa is moving ahead with plans to update its infrastructure capacity for 5G technology.The city Planning Commission unanimously passed an updated ordinance Monday that, despite the protests of some who believe the pioneering technology could have health risks, will now move to the City Council for consideration.5G is a fifth-generation wireless network that is intended to increase Internet speeds and provide more-reliable connections.Many guidelines for the infrastructure of wireless communication facilities  small boxes affixed to street and light poles  are federally mandated, though cities have a little leeway in regulating their aesthetics.Federal law, for instance, prohibits local governments from regulating construction of wireless telecommunications facilities based on perceived health effects.Some planning commissioners reflected on the difficult position they were in to deliver on a federally mandated policy while also trying to cater to the concerns of Costa Mesa residents.We are roped and tied and very limited with what we can do, said commission Chairman Byron de Arakal. The best thing we can do is put into place a regulatory regime within the constructs of federal law that creates a fairly rigorous set of hoops that these folks have to jump through to get their permits  and I think this does it about as best we can.The guidelines the commission approved resemble previous drafts , with some tweaks. For example, the rules advanced Monday stipulate that residents receive notice if a wireless communication box is proposed to be erected outside their home.Under the ordinance, a business requesting a permit for a wireless communication facility also would have to provide evidence that the structure it has chosen for a proposed location is the best one.Residents who spoke at Mondays meeting urged the commission to take more direct action to tighten regulations. Their main concern was the possible health risks posed by higher-frequency radio waves, which would be transmitted via the small boxes to a variety of devices, from smartphones to self-driving cars.Costa Mesa resident Alison Burchette, who said she is electromagnetically sensitive and could experience health risks from high-frequency emissions, asked that the city limit the number of cell facilities near schools. Burchette is part of the Costa Mesa Advocacy Group, which she said is a nearly 600-member organization fighting the city on the wireless regulations.Resident Ted Flittner, a 20-year veteran of the information technology field, said hes concerned about the potential for widespread 5G technology and its higher frequencies.I am not someone whos tech-averse; Ive got my cellphone right here, he said. But Im also someone who understands the technology. I understand the health implications of it. I understand that 5G is not the same as 4G. Its nothing like it in terms of the frequency.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is scheduled to hold an emergency National Executive Commitee (NEC) meeting on Friday.

According to an announcement by its National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, the meeting is to commence by 10 a.m.

All members of the PDP National Executive Committee(NEC) are hereby invited to an emergency meeting of the NEC tomorrow, Friday, 17th January, 2020.

Venue is NEC Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja and time is 10 a.m.

Members are enjoined to attend as the meeting will discuss the state of the nation, the announcement for the meeting read.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, sources in the party secretariat told PREMIUM TIMES the meeting is not unconnected to the recent verdict of the Supreme Court that sacked one of its members, Emeka Ihedioha, as Imo State Governor.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP as the governor of Imo State.

The apex court declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

Mr Uzodinma originally came fourth in the election while Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) and Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) cane second and third respectively.

The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad gave the unanimous decision on Tuesday in Abuja.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  If youre looking for the best place to raise a child, then Denmark is the place to be. The United States? It needs some work.

A ranking from U.S. News & World Report puts the U.S. at No. 18 out of 80 nations when it comes to ideal conditions for raising a child. Its actually an improvement from 2019, when the U.S. ranked 20th.

One area where the U.S. falls behind quite a bit is in the safety metric, Deidre McPhillips, senior data editor at U.S. News & World Report, tells CNN. In that attribute, the U.S. actually ranks 32, pretty far down the list. So that really impacts its ratings for raising kids, of course.

Denmark topped the list, followed by Sweden, Norway, Canada, Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia and Austria. The U.S. did top nations such as Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Israel, and Russia (No. 44).

The U.S. fared much better in the overall rankings of nations, finishing seventh, moving up one spot from 2019. Switzerland was No. 1, followed by Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, U.S., Sweden, Netherlands and Norway.

U.S. News & World Report says its rankings were based on 65 country attributes and that more than 20,000 people were surveyed from around the world. The attributes were condensed into nine subrankings: adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power and quality of life.
Turkey's court ruled to lift a ban on Wikipedia, after a decision by the country's top court that the block breached freedom of expression.

Turkish authorities had blocked the online encyclopedia on April 29, 2017, after which its parent organization, the Wikimedia Foundation, filed a case against the ban with the country's Constitutional Court.

A lower court in Ankara sent its decision to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority for further action, Anadolu Agency recalled.

Turkey's constitutional court ruled last month that the ban violated freedom of expression.
A study by the Catholic Church in South Korea shows that the number of Catholics in the past 2 decades has increased by 48.6 per cent, and today accounts for 11.1% of the nations population.

By Robin Gomes

The Catholic Church in South Korea has steadily grown over the past two decades according to a study by the Catholic Pastoral Institute of Korea (CPIK) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Korea (CBCK).

11.1% of South Koreas population

The number of Catholics has increased by 48.6 per cent, from 3.9 million in 1999 to 5.8 million in 2018 and today they make up 11.1% of South Koreas some 51 million population.

A copy of the study report sent to the Vaticans Fides news agency shows the Diocese of Suwon leading with an increase of 89.1 per cent. It is followed by Daejeon (79.6 per cent) and Uijeongbu (78.9 per cent).

However, the year-to-year growth rate in the Catholic population has gradually slowed to below 1 per cent. In 2000-2001, the Catholic population grew 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively, before falling to the 2 per cent range until 2009. The growth rate dropped to 1.7 per cent in 2010 and briefly rebounded to 2.2 per cent in 2014 due to Pope Francis' visit to South Korea. It then levelled off at around 1% per year.

As for the ratio of Catholics in the nation's population, it rose from 8.3 per cent to 11.1 per cent in the 1999-2018 period.

Declining church attendance

However, Sunday Mass attendance, considered a key indicator of faith life, has declined by about 10 points, from 29.5 per cent to 18.3 per cent during the past 2 decades.

The report speaks about the efforts of dioceses to revamp church attendance but there hasnt been any significant improvement as yet. The Catholic Pastoral Institute of Korea is urging the Church in the country to reflect on its missionary thrust and reconsider the direction of domestic evangelization.

Ageing Catholic population

The rapid ageing of the Catholic population is another aspect that the study is drawing attention to.

Between 2003 and 2018, Catholics younger than nine years old and in their teens made up 32.4 per cent and 33.2 per cent, respectively. But those in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s have expanded by 76.9 per cent, 93 per cent, 117 per cent and 251.6 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the number of nuptial Masses have decreased by 41.5 per cent from 24,227 in 1999 to 14,167 in 2018.

The number of priests increased 52.2 per cent from 2,972 to 4,456 over the same period, though the number of seminary students fell 17.7 per cent from 1,547 to 1,273. The number of Korean missionaries sent overseas has surged by 204.2 per cent from 356 in 1999 to 1,083 in 2018. (Source: Fides)
Six tourists have been arrested and are facing a jail term for reportedly damaging stonework and defecating in Machu Picchu. The 15th century Inca citadel is one of the seven wonders of the world and is located in the eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. The six tourists were reportedly arrested on Sunday after local rangers found them in the Sun Temple area which is usually off-limits for visitors.

Read: Video Of Tourists Escaping Avalanche On Himachal Road Breaks The Internet

Open defecation at Machu Picchu

According to Peru's local media, the six tourists are being investigated by the public ministry for their alleged crime against cultural heritage. Cusco regional police chief Wilbert Leyva told local media that human waste was found at the temple, which is being investigated as evidence the tourists defecated on the historical site. The police said that a hole in the ground was discovered which might have been caused by a lithic element that had fallen from a wall.

Read: EAM S Jaishankar Hails SCO's Efforts To Boost Tourism Within Member States

According to reports, the group consisted of one tourist from France, two from Brazil and Argentina respectively, one from Chile and they were all aged between 20 and 32. The Head of the Archaeological National Park of Machu Picchu, Jose Bastante has urged the police to speed up the investigation and punish those guilty for the damage. According to Peruvian law, people guilty of damaging cultural heritage are given a sentence of four years. Bastante also announced that CCTV will be put up at the site to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Read: 12 Tourists Face Harrowing Time To Reach Shimla City From Hilltop Jakhu Temple

This is not the first time that tourists have faced backlash, in the past, accoeding to reports, authorities have hit back at visitors who posed naked at the sacred temple. Four United States citizens were arrested in March 2014 for taking off their clothes before posing for a photo. In the same week, another incident was reported where two Canadians and two Australian tourists posed naked at the temple and were later arrested by Peruvian police.

Read: 'No-drone-zone' Posters Displayed In Four Languages To Warn Tourists At Taj Mahal
Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Minera Alamos Inc. (TSXV: MAI) ("Minera" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that construction of its Santana gold mine in Sonora, Mexico, is underway. This marks a major step in the Company's transition from gold project developer to gold producer in 2020.

Minera intends to provide regular construction updates at key milestones during the estimated 6-8 month construction period and will be adding photos to the website to help illustrate the progress being made for our shareholders. The first photos showing the newly constructed explosive storage and detonator bunkers can be found at the following link https://www.mineraalamos.com/our-assets/santana/media-gallery/

During January and February, the Company, with the assistance of members of the local community, will begin to prepare the areas designated for the leach pads and holding ponds as well as initiate road construction within the planned mine area.

"We would like to recognize the collaboration of the local community and the Mexican authorities with our team which has allowed us to reach this significant milestone in a timely fashion. This year will be an exciting one as we build and commission our first gold mine and complete the transformation of the Minera Alamos into a new gold producer, " stated Darren Koningen, CEO of Minera Alamos.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference Participation - Booth 838

Minera cordially invites you to visit with Company representatives at Booth #838 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday, January 19th - Monday, January 20th, 2020.

Minera looks forward to updating shareholders and conference attendees alike on its aggressive plans for 2020, following the conclusion of a highly successful 2019.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit:

https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference

Appointment of Vice-President Investor Relations

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Victoria Vargas de Szarzynski to the role of Vice-President Investor Relations. Victoria has been a consultant to Minera Alamos since September 2018. Prior to founding her consulting company, Strat-Advice, she was Vice President Corporate Communications and Investor Relations for Sierra Metals Inc.

Victoria also worked for Alamos Gold Inc. from 2004 to 2010 and led the effort to increase investor exposure by being instrumental in graduating the company from the TSX Venture to the TSX; and increasing analysts' coverage from 3 to 14. During her time at Alamos the company was twice nominated as best IR Small Cap Company. She has also held the roles of VP Investor Relations at Iberian Minerals, Romarco Minerals and Greystar Resources in her nearly 18 years in the mining sector. Victoria holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics and an MBA in Finance.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Victoria bring her depth of knowledge and understanding of Investor and Market Relations to our team," stated Doug Ramshaw, President.

Disinterested Shareholders Vote on Royalty - February 20th, 2020

Further to the Company's press release dated December 6, 2019, the Company will sell to Osisko Gold Royalties Inc. ("Osisko") a perpetual 3% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty (the "Royalty") on the Santana Property for a one-time cash payment of $5 million. Osisko will also grant the Company the right to draw down up to an additional $3 million in three equal instalments of $1 million. For each drawdown of $1 million, the Company will grant and agree to pay to Osisko an additional NSR royalty of two-thirds of 1% up to an aggregate of 2% (the "Optional Royalty") if the entire $3 million is drawn. The Optional Royalty (or any part thereof) shall, once drawn, apply for a period of 36 months following drawdown and thereafter be extinguished in full.

By virtue of Osisko being a related party of the Company as a result of its holding more than 10% of the Company's issued share capital, the Offering, the Royalty and the Optional Royalty, collectively, are considered a "related party transaction" as such term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirement under Section 5.5(b) and the minority approval requirement under Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively. In addition, as a result of Osisko being a Non-Arm's Length Party as defined in the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual (the "Manual"), closing of the Royalty and the Optional Royalty is also subject to receipt of the approval of the disinterested shareholders of the Company pursuant to Policy 5.3 of the Manual.

The Company will seek disinterested shareholder approval of the Royalty and Optional Royalty at a special meeting to be held on February 20, 2020.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Minera Alamos Inc.

Doug Ramshaw, President

Tel: 604-600-4423

Email: dramshaw@mineraalamos.com

Website: www.mineraalamos.com



Victoria Vargas de Szarzynski, VP Investor Relations

Tel: 289-242-3599

Email: vvargas@mineraalamos.com

About Minera Alamos Inc.:

Minera Alamos is an advanced-stage exploration and development company with a portfolio of high-quality Mexican development assets, including the La Fortuna open-pit gold project in Durango (positive PEA completed and change of land use permit granted) and the Santana open-pit heap-leach development project in Sonora (permits received).

The Company's strategy is to develop low capex assets while expanding the project resources and pursue complementary strategic acquisitions.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51575
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here's Dilruk Jayasinha was the first star to get the boot from the show on Thursday night.

Now the 34-year-old has revealed who he thinks will win the series during his exit interview with Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris.

Despite only being in the South African jungle for two weeks, the Sri Lankan comic said he had already identified the show's strongest players.

Prediction: I'm A Celebrity's first evictee Dilruk Jayasinha, 34, (pictured) revealed who he thinks will win the reality series during his final interview on Thursday night's episode

Dilruk said he believed it would be down to co-stars chef Miguel Maestre, entertainer Rhonda Burchmore and Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby.

'I think they're three absolutely wonderful characters who you can't help but fall in love with,' he said.

He went on to explain that all three of the stars are equally deserving.

'All three bring something that is so amazing to watch': Dilruk is backing Charlotte Crosby (pictured), Rhonda Burchmore and Miguel Maestre to make it all the way on I'm a Celebrity

'All three bring something that is so amazing to watch, all three equally are deserving.'

Dilruk has a soft spot for entertainer Rhonda, who he bonded with during his days in the South African jungle.

'Rhonda has tapped into this whole new persona... I think it's between the three of them,' he added.

Winner? 'I think they're three absolutely wonderful characters who you can't help but fall in love with,' he said. Pictured: Miguel Maestre

Dilruk then got to choose which celebrities would compete in the next trial, which will involve heights.

He went on to nominate Ryan Gallagher, Myf Warhurst and Erin Barnett.

After Dilruk's eviction it was revealed an 'internationally famous' celebrity is about to join the cast in the South African jungle.

I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here continues Sunday at 7.30pm on 10.
Find out What Gamers own and are Planning to Purchase

TIBURON, Calif., Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jon Peddie Research (JPR), in conjunction with Antikythera Intelligence and Research, and Wccftech, a technology publication house, held a worldwide survey of PC gamers from the 3.5 million Wccftech site visitors that resulted in 4,477 responses to 26 questions in October 2019. Survey results combined with the respondents demographic data produced 143,264 answers to critical consumer buying plans, market attitudes, and currently-owned equipment.

The largest response came from the U.S., followed by the U.K. Some of the results were surprising such as the 41 percent installed base of AMD processors, plans to purchase Nvidias newest graphics add-in-board (AIB), and attitudes about pricing for motherboards, AIBs, virtual reality (VR), and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

This 55-page report contains what PC gamers think and are planning to buy on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. It consists of the written report  including an executive summary, and the raw survey database will provide valuable market insights. Its intended for OEMs, component suppliers, and partners.

Survey questions sample:

What AIB do you currently own?

Do you have a Nvidia Turing card?

Are you planning on updating your graphics card?

What is the most you would pay for a top-notch AIB?

Which AIB vendor do you trust the most?



Pricing and Availability

The report can be purchased as a single user, site license, single issue or semi-annual subscription. Available as a report, report with database, or database only. Prices start at $5,000.00.

Click here to learn more about this report, or to download it now. For more information, call 415/435-9368 or visit www.jonpeddie.com.

JPR publishes a series of reports on the PC Gaming Hardware Market, covering the total market including systems and accessories from 31 countries.

Contact Robert Dow for a free sample of TechWatch, a bi-weekly publication (subscription) that offers consultations and custom reports.

Story continues

About Jon Peddie Research

Dr. Jon Peddie has been active in the graphics and multimedia fields for more than 30 years. Jon Peddie Research is a technically oriented multimedia and graphics research and consulting firm. Based in Tiburon, California, JPR provides consulting, research, and other specialized services to technology companies in a variety of fields including graphics development, multimedia for professional applications and consumer electronics, high-end computing, and Internet-access products development. JPRs Market Watch is a quarterly report focused on the market activity of PC graphics controllers for notebook and desktop computing.

Company Contact:

Jon Peddie, Jon Peddie Research

415/435-9368

jon@jonpeddie.com

Robert Dow, Jon Peddie Research

415/435-9368

robert@jonpeddie.com

Media Contact

Carol Warren, CREW Communications

714.890.4500

carol@crewcommunications.com

JPRs Market Watch is a trademark of Jon Peddie Research. All other tradenames and trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.
Virgil Abloh made headlines last week by predicting the end of streetwear, the trend he has ridden to the top of the fashion tree. His Off-White Paris men's fashion week show Wednesday lived up to his prophecy -- the least street that the American designer has produced for his ultra-hip label whose clothes are snapped up by rappers and copied by kids. The hyperactive architect-artist, who also designs Louis Vuitton's menswear, turned out perhaps his most sombre and beautifully tailored collection, led off with decidedly adult chocolate-brown and gun-metal grey double breasted suits. The style wunderkind -- who was forced to curb his manic globe-trotting schedule in September for health reasons -- marked his return to the fashion circuit with a comparatively muted and poetic show that seemed to channel his new seriousness. As a hat tip to mortality -- or perhaps a comment on his own condition -- the invitation for the show featured an ironic mock-gothic painting of a teenage girl fighting off a skeleton, a packet of pills marked "Anything" falling from her jeans. - New Air Jordan 5s - And rather than rush out to greet his army of fans at the end of the show, Abloh cultivated mystery by lingered brooding in the dark with his models in a little curtained-off room in the centre of the stage. The 39-year-old designer, who tends to put trainers with everything, sent out several of his models in shoes -- granted sometimes in different colours. He did, however, give a sneak preview of the new Off-White x Air Jordan 5s he has created for Nike, hidden under long billowing trousers. The show opened with a bravura tap-dancing display by American hoofer Cartier Williams, who wore an Off-White T-shirt with the legend, "I Support Young Black Businesses". A master of little style details that often go viral, Abloh's latest wheeze is little fabric stubs on the cuff of his jackets cut in the same Swiss cheese-like motif as the objects he created for his art and furniture show that opened in a Paris gallery the night before. "I have been trying to make work that responds to my generation, and it feels like I am getting into a space where that is translating," he told a melee of reporters afterwards. Abloh, whose parents come from Ghana, created something of minor fashion storm last week by telling Dazed magazine that streetwear's days may be numbered. - Belgian brass and decadence - "I would definitely say it is gonna die," he said. "It's time will be up... how many more T-shirts can we own, how many more hoodies, how many mores sneakers?" he asked. But he later clarified his comments, predicting fashion will veer toward vintage. "I think we're gonna hit this really awesome state of expressing your knowledge and personal style with vintage... I think that fashion is gonna go away from buying a boxfresh something. It'll be like, 'Hey I'm gonna go into my archive.'" Despite Abloh's razzmatazz, it was the rising Belgian Glenn Martens who came come up with the day's most surprising and decadent show. The Y/Project designer immersed fashionistas in a pool of red balloons up to their waists while his models strode around them to the strains of a Flemish carnival brass band. In grim times it was important for fashion to be fun, he insisted. "It's a celebration," Martens told AFP and "every single piece should be fun". "What we doing is very superficial. My mother's a nurse, she's doing way more important things in her life. We're talking about making clothes that are not even always meant for survival, it's really more for personal happiness and expression and I think we should not forget that." His compatriot Walter Van Beirendonck took a diametrically opposing view in his show, "War", whose title "reflects what we are living in today" he told AFP with the planet threatened by unthinking consumption. His spikey creations were like armour against an increasingly hostile environment and carried slogans like "Care", "Save Planet Earth", "Stop buying fast fashion" and "Ban banality". "I've always included (slogans) in my work, but I think today" it's even more important than ever to do these kind of statements, so it's a little bit of an overdose this time," he added. The Off-White collection was sombre and beautifully tailored Abloh's show seemed to channel his new seriousness Abloh lingered with his models in a curtained-off area in the centre of the stage Virgil Abloh:'I have been trying to make work that responds to my generation' Glenn Martens: 'In grim times it was important for fashion to be fun' Spikey customer: Belgian Walter Van Beirendonck hit out at fast fashion in his Paris show
India's import of palm oils declined by 8.64 per cent to 7,41,490 tonnes in December 2019, Industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said on Thursday.

India, the world's leading vegetable oil buyer, had imported 8,11,700 tonne palm oils in December 2018.

The country's total vegetable oil imports declined to 11.28 lakh tonne in December 2019, compared to 12.11 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

The share of palm oil is more than 60 per cent of the country's total vegetable oil imports.

According to SEA, import of palm oils have declined, while that of soft oils have risen due to reduction in the duty difference between the two oils.

Among palm oil products, import of crude palm oil (CPO) declined to 6,31,824 tonne in December 2019, from 6,70,244 tonne in the year-ago period, as per the SEA data.

The shipment of RBD palmolein dropped to 94,816 tonne, from 1,30,459 tonne, while that of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) rose to 14,850 tonne from 10,997 tonne in the said period.

Among soft oils, import of sunflower oil declined to 1,97,842 tonne in December 2019 from 2,35,824 tonne in the year-ago period.

However, the shipment of soyabean oil rose sharply to 1,68,048 tonne from 85,404 tonne in the said period.

SEA said the government on January 8, this year banned import of RBD palmolein to regulate excessive import of refined palm oils.

The import will now be subjected to license, to be issued by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The SEA has made a representation to the government to cap import of refined palm oils at 50,000 tonne a month and restrict issue of licence for import of palm oil and refined palm oil.

Going forward, India is likely to buy more palm oil from Indonesia as the government has issued an informal advisory to refiners not to buy the commodity from Malaysia following its remarks on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue, according to government and industry sources.

Against India's monthly requirement of about 19 lakh tonnes, SEA said currently the country has a stock of 13.75 lakh tonnes of edible oils which can meet the requirement for 22 days.

India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, and a small quantity of crude soft oil, including soyabean oil from Argentina. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
When Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to voluntarily resign in 700 years back in 2013, he vowed to remain hidden from the world. Skeptics wondered what that would look like in practice, especially since he continued living in Vatican City, wearing the white robes reserved for popes, and traveling in the same influential circles even after Pope Francis assumed the job. Benedict also took the newly created title pope emeritus, rather than giving up pope altogether. Several past popes, including John Paul II, had decided to stay in the job even as their health declined, for fear of the division and confusion that could result from two popes living side by side with different views on key issues and their own loyal factions.

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This week, the skeptics seemed to be proven right. Late on Sunday, news brokevia an excerpt published in conservative French daily Le Figarothat Benedict had co-authored a book making a forceful case for the necessity of celibacy in the priesthood, just as Pope Francis openly ponders the possibility of allowing some married men to be ordained. Suddenly, the ex-pope was opining in public about a topic the current pope is actively deliberating onand potentially undermining or influencing his future decision. This kind of intervention constitutes an illegitimate form of pressure on the one pope, a professor and theologian at Villanova University, Massimo Faggioli, wrote in the National Catholic Reporter. In the eyes of those who do not like Francis teachings, there is a parallel teaching being written.

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According to the excerpt, the book, From the Depths of Our Hearts, was co-authored by Benedict and Guinean cardinal Robert Sarah, the head of the Vaticans liturgy office and a conservative who has compared gay rights to terrorism. The book makes a strongly worded case for celibacy as a necessary condition of the priesthood and lambasts the diabolical lies and the fashionable errors that try to put down priestly celibacy. The cover featured the names and photographs of both Benedict and Sarah, presenting them as equal contributors to the books provocative central argument. It also uses the name Benedict XVI, rather than Joseph Ratzinger, giving it the imprimatur of the papacy.

From the Depths of Our Hearts was scheduled to be published in France on Wednesday. Instead, all hell broke loose. On Tuesday, an aide to Benedict said the ex-pope wanted his name removed from the book. Sarah initially defended the co-authorship, issuing a statement that said the retired pope had contributed significant portions of the text and approved the finished manuscript, the cover design, and the publication date. Sarah quoted Benedict as writing, I agree that the text should be published in the form you have foreseen. Ninety minutes later, Sarah reversed course, announcing that Benedicts name will be removed as co-author in the French edition and would be listed only as a contributor. The books American publisher, Ignatius Press, has announced it will still list Benedict as co-author.

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The issue of priestly celibacy is particularly fraught at this exact moment, which may be why Sarah made a point of mentioning that Benedict approved the books publication date. Last fall, Catholic bishops approved a proposal that would allow some married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region, where a drastic shortage of priests means some Catholics go years without receiving the Eucharist. The proposal is narrow, restricted to one region of the global church, and would apply only to men who are already deacons and esteemed men of the community. It would not mean that existing priests would be allowed to marry. (Married Anglican priests who convert to Catholicism are allowed to become priests on a case-by-case basis.) But it would still represent a fundamental shift to the 1,000-year tradition of priestly celibacy, one the New York Times said could revolutionize the priesthood.

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Some Catholics see the book dust-up as a prompt to revisit the wisdom of having two popes. (The Netflix drama The Two Popes, nominated this week for three Academy Awards, has only revived popular interest in the mysterious and nearly unprecedented relationship.) Perhaps the Vatican should issue new guidelines for future retired popes, such as banning them from publishing under their papal name after they have retired.

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This is not the first time in recent history that an aging religious figure has been blessed with a period of late, and perplexing, productivity.

Others wondered if the ex-pope really contributed to the book, or if the 92-year-old who retired for health reasons in 2013 was being exploited by people with an interest in undercutting Francis. Has the pope emeritus become a brand that some manipulate and administer at will? wondered the head of one Catholic website based in Rome. Benedict resigned precisely to avoid such indignities, prominent British Catholic writer Austen Ivereigh wrote in Commonweal, adding that Benedict sleeps much of the day, has difficulty writing, and finds it hard to talk. Benedicts secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, has been making public statements on Benedicts behalf. (Ganswein, cheekily nicknamed Gorgeous George, is also the prefect of Francis household, adding to the dueling-popes drama.)

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This is not the first time in recent history that an aging religious figure has been blessed with a period of late, and perplexing, productivity. Skeptics noted that the last book supposedly written by evangelist Billy Graham, 2015s Where I Am, displayed a fluency with the Bible and online theological debates that went far beyond his apparent abilities as a 96-year-old with serious memory loss and that its central claims about Gods wrath did not reflect his last known thinking on the topic. Grahams son, Franklin, wrote the books foreword and is listed as its copyright holder. Last December, when Franklin announced that Billy voted for Donald Trump in 2016, some Graham family members expressed their doubts in scathing terms. Ill never forget that day in 2016 when my grandfather, @billygraham, shrugged off the symptoms of Parkinsons and hydrocephalus, got up out of bed for the first time in a year, drove down to the polling station, and cast his vote, one of Billy Grahams grandsons tweeted. What a glorious memory!

If this were just a matter of reshuffling some names on a book cover, it would not have scandalized so many Catholics. But Francis defenders see something more diabolical at work: the frail ex-pope being taken advantage of by a faction of powerful anti-Francis conservatives in the church hierarchy. Unless Benedict speaks in his own voice, it wont be clear what herather than his advisers and acolytesthinks about any of this. For now, he remains hidden from the world.
After New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that a state-level net neutrality bill would be high on his 2020 legislative agenda, and with at least six other states already approving some form of open internet rules, the Pennsylvania legislature last week heard testimony aimed at passing a new law in that commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Democratic state lawmaker Elizabeth Fiedler last October introduced a net neutrality billas did legislators or governors in 28 other states following the FCCs repeal of Obama-era rules effective in June of 2018.

Under current law, the company you pay for your internet service could prevent you from going to a competitors website, interfere with speech that criticizes the company, or even block your access to a union website during a labor conflict at work, Fiedler said when she introduced the bill. We need to protect our equal access to information on the internet.

State Senator Larry Farnese, a Democrat from Philadelphia, has introduced a bill on the senate side that would require telecom companies to adhere to net neutrality standards or be disqualified from receiving state contracts.

At last weeks hearing, lawmakers heard testimony that also warned of coming restrictions and inequalities in online access, without net neutrality rules in place.

Joshua Stager of the Open Technology Institute warned that the internet would be divided in twoone for haves, another for have nots, according to the states Daily American newspaper.

If you can pay for the fast lane you get it, if you cant you go to the slow lane, Stager said at the state house hearing January 9. But he added that the process would be a slow onesudden, drastic moves by big telecom companies to take advantage of the FCC rollback remain unlikely.

The states Democratic governor, Tom Wolf, is also on record supporting net neutrality rules. But Republicans continue to hold majorities in both houses of the state legislature.

Pennsylvania, however, is one of 22 states to join a lawsuit against the FCC to reverse the net neutrality rollback. Filed in August of 2018, the suit is still working its way through the court system.

Photo By Governor Tom Wolf / Wikimedia Commons
CHANHASSEN, Minn., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New clubs, new territories and new milestones are on the horizon for Snap Fitness. With more than one million members and 2,000+ clubs open or scheduled for development globally, the world's 24/7 fitness brand is positioned to continue its international growth and brand development in 2020.

Snap Fitness celebrates the new year with its 100th club opening in Europe and the launch of a new state-of-the-art club design with bespoke lighting and the latest fitness technology in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Additional key markets for expansion in 2020 include Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

"Whether we are expanding in current partner countries or entering new markets, communities are embracing our 24/7 model that provides fitness opportunities for everyone," says Allison McElroy, Chief Global Development Officer of Snap Fitness' parent company, Lift Brands. "New gyms are in development across the world, and our international expansion is a priority in 2020."

Snap Fitness' growth exploded in 2019, including the first-ever club opening in Taiwan. The brand also experienced significant growth of 46 percent in the Asia Pacific region and an overall membership increase of nine percent.

"Snap Fitness transcends trends by offering consistency in a market that is crowded and fast-moving," says Weldon Spangler, CEO of Lift Brands. "The Snap Fitness advantage is to continually innovate our gyms and make fitness accessible to everyone at any time. Our success provides more people opportunities to find success in their fitness goals."

Snap Fitness offers a boutique atmosphere, the latest technology and a variety of equipment to help each member achieve and see results.

About Lift Brands

Lift Brands is a leading innovator in the fitness industry as the parent brand to several fitness franchises and fitness brands worldwide including Snap Fitness, 9Round International Franchise, YogaFit Studios Franchise, Steele Fitness, and Fitness On Demand. With more than 1 Million members and 2,000+ locations open or scheduled for development in more than 26 countries, Lift Brands delivers results through the most rewarding fitness experiences in the world and changes lives daily. For more information on Lift Brands, please visit www.liftbrands.com.

Media Contact: Caitlin Tvrdik

952-567-5902

[email protected]

www.liftbrands.com

SOURCE Snap Fitness
An expose aired on national television in early January shows many teenage girls were coerced into a prostitution ring in Hanoi. Illustration photo by Shutterstock.

Hanoi is investigating a shocking expose of high school girls tricking younger middle-school peers into joining a prostitution ring supplying virgins to customers.

Municipal Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung has asked the Hanoi Police Department to investigate an alleged teenage prostitution racket involving school girls in Ba Vi District.

The directive, sent Tuesday, followed the airing of an expose by national broadcaster Vietnam Television earlier this week.

The operation was busted by an NGO that wished to remain anonymous to protect future campaigns.

Several of the ring's victims, aged 14-15, said they were tricked into prostitution after being promised simple jobs like waiting tables. Some said they were forced to have sex with no protection.

One of them recalled the first time she was forced to have sex with two men in a hotel in Ha Dong District.

"He pushed me on the bed. When I resisted, he told me to go outside the room, where Nga would like to tell me something.

"Nga pushed me into another room that she'd just came out of. There was already a man there. I was too afraid at that point, so I did [what she asked]." Nga told the victim that she would not be allowed to go away from him if she did not submit a replacement.

Nga is an eleventh grader in a local high school.

The man in question reportedly paid VND10 million ($431) after the deed. The victim was given VND500,000.

"Nga gave me VND2 million. But Quynh took VND1 million, and Hien took VND500,000."

Another victim said she was not paid a dime, even though her client paid VND5 million.

Victims said they were taken long distances, possibly dozens of kilometers, on different vehicles, to service the men.

"I tried to push him away, but I couldn't. He locked the door, I tried to run but couldnt," one victim said.

Another one, who managed to escape by asking the taxi driver to stop the car then bolting out, said she was repeatedly coerced into prostitution again afterwards.

She said she tried to resist each time, but was forced into having sex and threatened severe reprisals if she told anyone about it. Many others also said they were threatened with violence if they refused to have sex. In some instances, they were asked to coerce their friends into the trade.

The high school girls who coerced the victims did so under instructions from other people. One girl said a woman who resides in Son Tay Town had told her that virgins can make a lot of money and that the more people she coerced successfully, the more money she would make.

The woman from Son Tay arranged for men to have sex with the victims at different locations. The victims were out of the communication loop and had little to no information about the men they were forced to have sex with.

One victim said Nga told her that the customer, a man in his 50s, was a bank director.

According to documents provided by one victim's family, a man stayed in contact with their daughter through communication app Zalo.

The expose was triggered by a teacher who got suspicious after seeing two students being picked up by a taxi near their school.

Later, at the police station, some girls admitted they were forced into prostitution by their peers.

In Vietnam, sex with girls 16 years old and under is deemed statutory rape.

Over 8,000 Vietnamese children have been either sexually or physically assaulted since 2015, according to data from the Ministry of Public Security. Over 17 children suffer from sexual abuse or harassment on average every day, according to the National Assemblys Judicial Committee.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Outten & Golden LLP and Raisner Roupinian LLP announced that Jack A. Raisner and Rene S. Roupinian have launched a new firm, Raisner Roupinian LLP, dedicated to representing employees who lose their jobs without proper notice in violation of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The two firms may collaborate on future partnership opportunities. These changes will also allow Outten & Golden, one of the country's premier employment firms, to reallocate and commit greater resources to its strategic areas of focus and continue to expand its presence nationwide.

"Victims of shutdowns and mass layoff require counsel who can extract value from companies that are bankrupt or distressed," said Ms. Roupinian. "That takes some extra tenacity, plus a passion for problem-solving that proved vital in growing a nationally-recognized WARN Act practice since the onset of the Great Recession." According to Raisner, "Outten & Golden has been an exponent and exemplar of those key lawyering traits over my past 21 years with the firm. Raisner Roupinian gives us the exciting opportunity to expand our WARN practice and continue to deliver excellent service and results for clients."

"Rene and Jack have done a stellar job building the WARN group at Outten & Golden and we wish them success in their new endeavor," said Outten & Golden Managing Partner Adam T. Klein. "Their departure offers Outten & Golden an opportunity to further focus on and invest its resources in its core employment practice areas, the class action practice group and individual practice area, representing executives and managers in high-stakes litigation and employment, compensation, and separation negotiations."

Raisner and Roupinian led the landmark U.S. Supreme Court victory on behalf of 1,800 terminated truck drivers in Czyzewski v. Jevic Holding Corp. As a result, they were recognized by Law360 as Bankruptcy Practice Group of the Year. Ms. Roupinian has litigated WARN cases for over 15 years and is a frequent lecturer on the WARN Act and testified in front of the U.S. Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in 2008 on the 20th anniversary of the Act's enactment. Mr. Raisner has represented individuals and classes in a wide range of claims and has argued WARN Act cases successfully in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second, Third and Fifth Circuits. He has worked on national WARN reform legislation and testified before state legislatures in support of WARN Act and severance pay bills.

About Outten & Golden

Outten & Golden LLP focuses on advising and representing individuals in employment, partnership, and related workplace matters both domestically and internationally. The firm counsels individuals on employment and severance agreements; handles complex compensation and benefits issues (including bonuses, commissions, and stock/ option agreements); and advises professionals (including doctors and lawyers) on contractual issues. It also represents employees with a wide variety of claims, including discrimination and harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, disability, national origin, religion, and age, and retaliation, whistleblower, and contract claims. The firm handles class actions involving a wide range of employment issues, including economic exploitation, gender- and race-based discrimination, wage-and-hour violations, and other systemic workers' rights issues.

Outten & Golden has nine practice groups: Executives & Professionals, Financial Services, Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment, Family Responsibilities & Disabilities Discrimination, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Workplace Rights, Discrimination & Retaliation, Whistleblower Retaliation, Class & Collective Actions, and WARN Act.

Outten & Golden has offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

Raisner Roupinian has offices in Manhattan, and can be reached at warnlawyers.com.

For media inquiries, contact Managing Partner Adam T. Klein at (212) 245-1000 or [email protected].

SOURCE Outten & Golden LLP

Related Links

https://www.warnlawyers.com


Newly restored, Roger Cormans riotously colorful adaptation of Edgar Allan Poes The Masque of the Red Death (1964) and Michael Curtizs shimmering pink-and-green Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933) are as gaudy as the day they opened  if not as scary.

The two vintage horror films are showing as a de facto double bill on Friday and Monday as part of the Museum of Modern Arts annual festival of preservation, To Save and Project.

The Masque of the Red Death was Cormans audacious attempt to make an art film for the drive-in crowd  a feast of roistering revelry with intimations of Bunuel, Fellini and Bergman. Eugene Archer, the most auteur-minded of the critics at The New York Times, was enthusiastic: The movie represents the dauntless young filmmaker at the top of his form, he wrote.

Also in top form is Vincent Price as a supercilious Satanist prince who terrorizes his subjects by contriving sadistic spectacles of humiliation. His foils include Jane Asher, who wanders through the proceedings in a state of wide-eyed alarm. Asher, who, as Paul McCartneys girlfriend, personified Swinging London, is one of several local elements. Red Death was shot in England using the sets left over from the seriously medieval Richard Burton-vehicle Becket, of which it might seem a travesty.
A Molotov cocktail of lies, abuse and bigotry is blowing up social media, discovers Arundhuti Dasgupta, Neha Alawadhi and Romita Majumdar.

Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Her nightmare never lets up. It makes her shrink in public and weep in private. Her life turned upside down after an abusive boyfriend posted nude photographs of her online.

By the time social media moderators took them down, the clips had been viewed several hundred times.

Removing them provided no relief either, because the Internet is relentless in its distribution of information -- like the demon that rises from each drop of his blood, so do the bytes and pixels.

"She is traumatised, doesn't leave her home without her face covered," says Prashant Mali, a Mumbai-based cybersecurity lawyer.

This was not the first violation committed by the man mentioned earlier. He had done the same to another woman, who woke up one morning to find nude pictures of herself all over her family groups.

This girl is brazening it out, though, facing down trolls with dogged determination.

Not every instance of abuse is as intense or as horrific, nor is every victim either a bundle of nerves or steel. Trolling scars are often invisible.

Sharmila Banwat, a Mumbai-based clinical psychologist, says, "The psychological effects of experiencing online trolling (OT) can be considered similar to the psychological effects of offline harassment or bullying. OT is an addiction (for abusers) and needs to be treated on the same lines."

Online abusers wield hate with pride. They use it to intimidate and bully as much as they do to gather their tribe across geographies. The communities of hate feed off each other and multiply with every like, share or retweet.

Hate is recyclable too. Abusers rake up old images and posts to fuel fresh conflict or hurl new obscenities at their targets.

In the ongoing slugfest at Jawaharlal Nehru University, for instance, fact-checking Web site Boomlive found that Raman Malik, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana, had posted an image of a young woman with a bottle of alcohol next to another holding up a protest placard.

The juxtaposition implied that the two were the same, hinting that if she spent less on a profligate lifestyle the woman could pay her university fees. Boomlive found the two images were not of the same person.

N S Nappinai, Supreme Court advocate and cyber law expert, sees a fundamental disconnect in the way abuse and hate are treated.

"Social media platforms must note that protection against victimisation through their platforms is a duty and not a favour to the user," she says.

While conducting research for her book Technology Laws Decoded in 2015, Nappinai came across videos depicting unspeakable crimes on women on social media sites.

By the time YouTube took them down, the videos had been seen 650,000 times. "The road towards victim protection is still long and requires socially responsible processes within such platforms and more effective enforcement mechanisms to expedite takedowns and remedial action," she says.

Social media networks employ artificial intelligence and a band of human moderators to weed out the hateful and the obscene.

Some moderators are employed in-house, but most are part of an outsourced team at a consulting organisation, which could be based in the US or at call centres, say, in India or the Philippines.

Sara T Roberts, professor at the department of information studies at the University of California Los Angeles, who has just published a book, Behind the Screen: Content Moderation in the Shadows of Social Media, writes that moderators work under tremendous pressure.

"They act quickly, often screening thousands of images, videos, or text postings a day. And, unlike the virtual community moderators of an earlier internet and of some prominent sites today, they typically have no special or visible status to speak of within the Internet platform they moderate. Instead, a key to their activity is often to remain as discreet and undetectable as possible."

According to a former employee at a social network, moderators follow a punishing schedule. Their breaks are timed and there are tight turnaround schedules.

"There is a turnaround time that moderators are expected to follow -- 80 seconds for a job. This becomes a deliverable and their remuneration is based on this," she says. (Facebook and Twitter have in their official blog posts denied the existence of turnaround times.)

Hate doesn't just trash the lives of users; it also affects those whose job it is to set up protective guardrails for users.

Content reviewers, moderators, process executives -- these are some of the names they go by -- contend with an abhorrent and Sisyphian chore. It is their lot to deal with an inexhaustible cache of insults and abuse.

The networks are concerned, though. They offer detailed explanations on moderation policies and regularly report on the takedowns and action taken against abusers.

A Facebook spokesperson says, "To ensure that everyone's voice is valued, we take great care to craft policies that are inclusive of different views and beliefs, in particular those of people and communities that might otherwise be overlooked or marginalised."

In India, say industry sources, greater attention is now being paid to casteist slurs and misogynistic statements masquerading as tradition.

In July 2019, Twitter updated its rules to proscribe language that dehumanises others on the basis of religion. It sought public comments on 'a new rule to address synthetic and manipulated media'.

Twitter describes this media as 'any photo, audio, or video that has been significantly altered or fabricated in a way that intends to mislead people or changes its original meaning'. These are sometimes referred to as 'deepfakes' or 'shallowfakes'.

Ellen Silver, vice president of operations at Facebook, recently wrote a blog on security processes at her organisation. She said a team of 30,000 worked on 'safety and security at Facebook. About half of this team are content reviewers -- a mix of full-time employees, contractors and companies we partner with'.

The constant exposure to violence leads to desensitisation and a host of mental health issues for people on the job, says a former employee of Facebook.

Internationally, there has been sustained reporting of the abuse that abuse-trackers undergo.

An investigative report published by media network The Verge revealed how employees at consulting company Cognizant, tasked with moderation for Facebook, said their workplace 'was perpetually teetering on the brink of collapse'.

Workers suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, the report said. Facebook denied the allegations, but Cognizant announced it was exiting the content moderation business and firing 7,000 workers.

Facebook's Silver had said in her blog post, 'This job is not for everyone -- so to set people up for success, it's important that we hire people who will be able to handle the inevitable challenges that the role presents.'

In India, though, where the job is regularly advertised on search engine portals, you don't hear anyone complain, says the former Facebook employee.

On the contrary, according to Indeed, a recruitment firm, there has been a surge in jobs for content managers and content editors.

January 2018 to January 2019, job postings for 'content manager' and 'content editor' roles saw a 72 per cent increase.

Job postings for these roles have gone up by 27 per cent between January 2016 and January 2019. Job searches for the same have seen an increase of 58 per cent during the same period.

Sashi Kumar, managing director, Indeed India, observes: "Content managers or content editors become custodians of an organisation's image."

Mark Childs, senior vice president (technology vertical), Genpact, said there is growing interest among young job seekers for this role.

Not all moderation jobs are about washing the blood off the Internet. Some moderators are part of teams that manage brand reputations where the abuse is of a different nature, but the process involved in weeding it out follows universal guidelines.

J R K Rao, managing director of digital marketing agency Rage Communications, explains. Companies set up listening posts -- trusted agents or bots -- that flag objectionable content.

The selected post or tweet is vetted by a team of moderators, who run it through a question tree (usually a template that is chopped and changed according to its country of use) and then red-flag it to the network till it is removed or retained.

In social media companies, says a former industry employee, moderators do not see the entire piece of content. One handles captions, while another checks the image and yet another watches the video or reads the post.

This is meant to protect the anonymity of those posting the content and ensure the speedy resolution of issues. The problem, however, is that these systems do not engage with the user and are not set up to react to user complaints.

In the end, they only serve the networks. As Roberts writes, 'The practice (content moderation)... is typically hidden and imperceptible.'

But hate singes all that come in its way, pushing the networks and the people who use them to the edge of darkness.

The story of Arundathi B, a doctoral student at Hyderabad University, is a case in point. Arundathi participated in a 'Kiss of Love' protest organised at Hyderabad University a few years ago.

Soon after, morphed pictures and lewd messages flooded her pages. "Since I had kissed in public, the virtual molesters thought I was 'readily available'," she says.

But when she began to name and shame the perpetrators they began apologising profusely. Not many can do that, though, and Banwat says many do not recover from online abuse.

"Victims experience sleep disturbance, emotional distress, sub-optimal functioning, shame, embarrassment and in worst cases even consider suicide," she says.

Many have sworn off social media as a result of the abuse. Actor Manoj Bajpayee said recently that he keeps his online presence to a minimum.

Author Manu S Pillai says that social media brings out the worst in people. "These people have nothing to lose; for them it's a 280 character tweet."

Besides, social media companies chase profits, he says; the more scandal and controversy there is, the more people join the platform.

Pillai says the recent exodus of Twitter users to Mastodon owed to the callous manner in which platforms treat trolling issues.

Mastodon is an "alternative to Twitter and a lot of open source technologists were promoting it for a while," says Srinivas Kodali, a volunteer with the Free Software Movement of India.

It attracted attention after Twitter suspended Supreme Court lawyer Sanjay Hegde's account when he posted the image of a German dock worker, August Landmesser, refusing the Nazi salute at a rally. Hegde has served a legal notice on Twitter.

Other microblogging and messaging platforms have also come to the fore, such as Gutrgoo and Mooshak and local language-friendly ShareChat and Helo.

But none is a real alternative, as one of the Internet's oldest users says, because they are simply not as big as Twitter, Facebook or TikTok.

Once their numbers grow to billion-plus members, there will likely be new monsters to confront.

Sundar Sethuraman contributed to this report.
That proposal comes as Holcomb and Republican legislative leaders have resisted calls from teachers unions and Democrats for immediate action to improve the states lagging teacher pay  and despite several thousand teachers attending a boisterous Statehouse rally in November during which stagnant salaries were a top concern. The governor has repeatedly said he would wait for recommendations later this year for what he calls a sustainable plan from a teacher pay commission he appointed in February.
The goal of this article is to teach you how to use price to earnings ratios (P/E ratios). We'll look at WNS (Holdings) Limited's (NYSE:WNS) P/E ratio and reflect on what it tells us about the company's share price. Based on the last twelve months, WNS (Holdings)'s P/E ratio is 29.91. That corresponds to an earnings yield of approximately 3.3%.

See our latest analysis for WNS (Holdings)

How Do You Calculate A P/E Ratio?

The formula for price to earnings is:

Price to Earnings Ratio = Price per Share  Earnings per Share (EPS)

Or for WNS (Holdings):

P/E of 29.91 = USD68.71  USD2.30 (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.)

Is A High Price-to-Earnings Ratio Good?

The higher the P/E ratio, the higher the price tag of a business, relative to its trailing earnings. All else being equal, it's better to pay a low price -- but as Warren Buffett said, 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price'.

Does WNS (Holdings) Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry?

We can get an indication of market expectations by looking at the P/E ratio. The image below shows that WNS (Holdings) has a P/E ratio that is roughly in line with the it industry average (32.1).

NYSE:WNS Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 16th 2020

WNS (Holdings)'s P/E tells us that market participants think its prospects are roughly in line with its industry. So if WNS (Holdings) actually outperforms its peers going forward, that should be a positive for the share price. Further research into factors such as insider buying and selling, could help you form your own view on whether that is likely.

How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios

Probably the most important factor in determining what P/E a company trades on is the earnings growth. Earnings growth means that in the future the 'E' will be higher. That means unless the share price increases, the P/E will reduce in a few years. Then, a lower P/E should attract more buyers, pushing the share price up.

Story continues

It's great to see that WNS (Holdings) grew EPS by 18% in the last year. And its annual EPS growth rate over 5 years is 17%. So one might expect an above average P/E ratio.

Don't Forget: The P/E Does Not Account For Debt or Bank Deposits

The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. Thus, the metric does not reflect cash or debt held by the company. In theory, a company can lower its future P/E ratio by using cash or debt to invest in growth.

Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio.

WNS (Holdings)'s Balance Sheet

The extra options and safety that comes with WNS (Holdings)'s US$93m net cash position means that it deserves a higher P/E than it would if it had a lot of net debt.

The Bottom Line On WNS (Holdings)'s P/E Ratio

WNS (Holdings) trades on a P/E ratio of 29.9, which is above its market average of 18.9. Its net cash position supports a higher P/E ratio, as does its solid recent earnings growth. Therefore it seems reasonable that the market would have relatively high expectations of the company

When the market is wrong about a stock, it gives savvy investors an opportunity. If the reality for a company is better than it expects, you can make money by buying and holding for the long term. So this free visual report on analyst forecasts could hold the key to an excellent investment decision.

Of course you might be able to find a better stock than WNS (Holdings). So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:49:36|Editor: xuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The President of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, has called for humanitarian support along with long-term development solution to deal with the situations of people in the Horn of Africa, where peoples' lives are affected by climate change and violence.

The ICRC President on Wednesday wrapped up his visit in the region, where he said millions of people are trapped in near-constant crisis as the combination of droughts, floods, and violence force people from their homes and erode already-fragile livelihoods.

After meeting with officials at the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) on Thursday in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Maurer told Xinhua that he had seen on the ground that communities in the region, despite different situations from country to country, are affected by climate change as well as war and violence.

"When I see communities on the ground, they reflect on the impact of climate change on their lives, and the impact of war and violence on their lives."

"When I was in Jigjiga, in Ethiopia talking to communities, it was interesting to hear them about the conflict, which has destroyed infrastructure, which has affected communities, which has led them to displacement, and on the one hand see how the dynamics of climate change accentuate and exacerbate some of the humanitarian challenges. That is the phenomenon which makes humanitarian response more complex."

The ICRC president has underlined the need to address both humanitarian and development issues in a coordinated manner.

Reiterating that five out of the 21 most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change are here in the region, Maurer said the local communities, especially, women, children, and the elderly would be affected most by the problem exacerbated with war and violence.

"But, we look at some of the most important displacement crisis worldwide is happening in the Horn of Africa. This affects women and children."

By the way, the elderly who are also living outside of the general production process, are affected heavily, he said.

Emphasizing on the complexity of humanitarian works in the region, the ICRC president has called for coordinated efforts from both humanitarian and development actors to deal with the different situations in the region.

"So, again for humanitarian activities means, we cannot just distribute foods and water; we have to look at schools; kids must not be out of schools for years. We have to look at health systems and health services to be provided for whole communities," he noted.

In its statement on Wednesday, ICRC said thousands of people are displaced each day from their homes by climate shocks or violence. Preliminary data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre suggest that, on average, the number of people displaced from their homes each day in 2019 was 3,715 in Ethiopia and 1,860 in Somalia.

The region started 2019 in drought and then experienced floods in May. It then swung back to drought before torrential rains in October and November unleashed the worst floods in decades.
On paper, China and the United States should fit nicely as energy trading partners. China is a fast-growing energy market, while the United States is a fast-growing energy exporter. China is trying to clean up the air of its polluted cities by burning less coal, and the United States is producing an enormous surplus of cleaner-burning natural gas. So any sign of an improvement in trade relations was viewed positively by executives.

Jack Fusco, chief executive of Cheniere Energy, the liquefied natural gas exporter with perhaps the most to gain from the deal, characterized it as a step in the right direction that will hopefully restore the burgeoning U.S. L.N.G. trade with China.

He was among several energy executives in the audience at the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Washington, and he was mentioned by name in President Trumps remarks.

Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, the main oil industry lobby in Washington, stressed that both United States tariffs on imports of industrial components vital to the oil and gas industry and Chinese retaliatory tariffs on American energy exports should be removed.

De-escalation of trade tensions is welcome news, he said. We encourage the administration to stay at the negotiating table until the U.S.-China marketplace for energy trade is fully restored and all remaining tariffs are lifted.

Before the trade war, China was the second-largest market for American oil exports, after Canada. As the Chinese market shrunk, American companies were able to divert oil cargoes to other countries, and petroleum exports continued to expand.

China represents an even bigger opportunity for the natural gas export industry. The United States began large-scale exports of liquefied natural gas in 2018, and export terminals are rising along the Gulf of Mexico. Dozens of new terminals may be built if a long-term Chinese market can be assured.
In addition to floor exercises during his visits, Saint is also given an acupuncture treatment by fourth-year veterinary student Savannah Giannasi, who has completed the CuraCore Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians certification course and the veterinary colleges course in complimentary medicine/physical rehabilitation. Highly popular among students, the rehab course was reinstated last year by associate professor of neurology Theresa Pancotto, a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

Saint is in good hands with Giannasi, last years American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians student member winner of the AARV/Royal Canin grant, allowing her to travel to the 2020 VMX Conference to present her case report, Physical Rehabilitation Exercises, Laser Therapy, and Acupuncture on an 11-Year-Old CM Labrador Retriever with Osteoarthritis and Suspected Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy, during the AARV lecture track.

I have a couple of goals for Saint today, Giannasi said. I definitely want to focus on the weakness in his hind limbs. And Im going to do some range of motion beforehand as I also want to check on his joints for signs of pain and inflammation.

Saint sprawls comfortably on a colorful mat during the session, hardly lifting his head to lick the baby food that Bliss offers while Giannasi inserts the needles with precision.

These needles are super-tiny, and patients usually dont feel much until after about five or 10 minutes, said Giannasi. Theyll let you know when theyre starting to feel a little sensation.

When Giannasi has completed the acupuncture, its time for a more conventional spa treatment to close out Saints session. Bliss rises and walks over to the underwater treadmill, adjusts the ramp, and leads Saint into the tank.

I remember the first time he went into the treadmill, Bliss said. He just flopped down as if he knew exactly what was going to happen. She explained that many patients are uncertain when being introduced to the treadmill: a closed-in space with loud noises and a moving floor.

We use a lot of positive reinforcement, and the owners are always present to reassure their pets," she said. We have several different techniques when introducing patients to the water, depending on their personalities, and we never force anything. Most patients will acclimate within two or three sessions, but Saint was a pro after the first time.

Once Bliss flips the switch, the holding tank quickly fills with warm water, some 400 gallons, and the treadmill begins moving. The machine makes a racket, but Saint walks in comfort because most of his weight is supported by the water, which helps take pressure off his joints. The exaggerated range of motion maintains joint health and the elasticity of surrounding muscles and tendons.

The water is kept between 78 and 82 degrees, so the tank time is truly therapeutic. Saint walks for nearly half an hour, intermittently offered a few licks of baby food to keep him on task. He loves the water treadmill. This is when we get to know each other, said Bliss with a big smile.

After the tank has completely drained, Saint is led back down the ramp to be dried. We should scent the towels so its really like a spa in here, said Bliss, who admitted that shed purchased a hair dryer specifically for the heavy-coated Lab. Saint then receives a granola snack for his final reward.

Both physically and mentally, Saint is just a brighter dog, said Virginia Kiefer Corrigan, assistant professor of community practice in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner who also works in the rehabilitation department. When he shows up, I always think to myself, you look just like a puppy. He gets so excited, and it really warms everyone's heart because he has lived a tremendous life of service.

Having participated in scores of rehab sessions, Corrigan added: Not only do these older patients get physically better, their mental status improves because they have something to think about, something to work on, something to learn. Old dogs can learn new tricks. Look what Saint has learned in two months time.
"It isn't gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes."

With that one comment about pop phenomenon Lizzo, celebrity personal trainer Jillian Michaels launched the Twittersphere into chaos. Not only was Michaels making a comment on another woman's health, she'd targeted the poster child for big body confidence worldwide.

Lizzo performing at the Sydney Opera House, earlier this month. Credit:Getty Images

The comments were made during an interview with BuzzFeeds AM2DM series last week.

I love her music, my kid loves her music, but there's never a moment when I'm like, 'I'm so glad she's overweight,'" the former Biggest Loser coach said. "Why do I even care? Why is it my job to care about her weight?"
Likhitha P Nair By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Weve all been told to dance like nobody is watching. There is something about unrestrained movements that liberates ones soul. For anyone who believes in the spirit of art and its ability to reinvent peoples lives, Moving stories is a soul-stirring visual experience. The documentary narrates the story of six dancers from the Dancing to Connect programme of Battery Dance Company, New York, who tour four countries for a week, connecting underprivileged children through dance.

They reach out to slum kids in New Delhi, who have been rescued from sex trafficking and gender abuse. In Bucharest, Romania, they pick up gypsy kids who have fought stigmas like thief and criminal all their lives. Busan saw 11 traumatized North Korean teens burdened by memories of their escape to South Korea, perform with seven Chinese defectors and nine South Korean teenagers. The group from Amman, Jordan had just one boy, a hip-hop dancer who knows he may be killed if he ever danced in his home country, Iraq.

The teachers deal with both bullies and leaders, all with a broken past. Through dance they reinforce optimism in kids who were pounded out of their creativity at a very young age, to quote one of the instructors. The movie premiered last year in February, to a sold-out audience at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art. But Dancing to Connect and Battery dance go beyond the scope of this movie. For Jonathan Hollander, who founded the company in 1976, the vision of inspiring the world through dance has a long way to go.

An artistic director and choreographer, Jonathan founded Battery Dance Festival which is now New York Citys longest-running public dance festival. He also collaborated to launch the Cape Town International Dance Festival in South Africa. Born in a musical family and exposed to all of the arts as a child, he was wary of having to choose between his creative outlets for the sake of a career. When I found dance, I realised it was the channel through which I could move through life and keep all of my interests intact, he says.

It is this interdisciplinary application of dance that probably charged his initiative to connect people with it. It has been my firm belief that everyone should have access to the arts. Not everyone wants to pursue an artistic career but arts are a fundamental part of life, not a frill. Art makes people more intuitive, tolerant, self-expressive and collaborative. You cant dance with someone you dont trust, he says.

In town this week for a screening of Moving stories, Jonathan has a deep connection with India and its cultural layout. Apart from co-founding the Indo-American Arts Council in 2000, he has worked extensively with Indian dancers and provided them with international platforms.

India has so much potential that has not been exploited. There is no other country with such a rich dance culture. Yet, the country lacks infrastructuredance studios and competitions still have stone floors, which is extremely unhealthy. I would love to see a time when arts gets better funding, support and maintenance, he says. Jonathan has also performed across India, collaborating with regional dancers like Unnath H R, and adapting classical art forms. I think global exposure helps regional art forms flourish with more attention and respect, he concludes. At Lokadharmi Kochi On January 17, 6.45pm onwards
The Legislatures budget committee on Thursday advanced a number of measures, including one that provides more funding to continue studying the environmental effects of high-capacity wells.

The bill, passed unanimously, releases an additional $487,300 to the Department of Natural Resources to complete a study commissioned in 2017 to examine the effect of high-capacity wells  those that can withdraw more than 100,000 gallons of water per day, often to irrigate crops  on water levels in areas near such wells in Waushara, Adams, Portage, Waushara and Wood counties.

The DNR began studying Pleasant Lake, Plainfield Lake and Long Lake in those counties in the spring of 2018 using budget funds. The DNR is slated to release a report in the spring of 2021 on whether the Legislature should pass regulations for groundwater withdrawal in the area.

Urged on by industry groups, Republicans who control the Legislature have loosened pumping rules in recent years, saying farmers need the water for crops. They have said they arent persuaded by scientific studies showing that heavy withdrawals from the underground aquifer have been drying up lakes, streams and other wells nearby.

Other action

The committee also advanced a bill that would cover acupuncture for pain under Medicaid, legislation aimed at helping to curb Wisconsins opioid epidemic. It would provide an additional $1 million in annual state funding for the reimbursement of acupuncture services as well as physical therapy and chiropractic services.

The bill still needs approval from the full Legislature and governor.

The committee also provided $100,000 in one-time funding to support suicide prevention and advanced a bill that would provide $1.5 million annually for rural dentistry scholarship programs.

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The Loose Women split opinion this morning after debating whether parents should be fined for picking up children late from school.

Christine Bleakley asked Stacey Solomon, Carol McGiffin and Brenda Edwards if they believe that UK primary schools were within their rights to charge tardy parents.

The discussion cause debate on Twitter, with many saying it's not the school's responsibility to look after children for tardy parents, while others thought it was just a money-making scheme.

Christine Bleakley asked Stacey Solomon (right), Carol McGiffin (left) and Brenda Edwards if they believe primary schools were within their rights to charge tardy parents

Carol questioned why so many children were being picked up from schools, and that when she was a child she walked a mile to get to class on her first day of infant school.

'I swear to god, my Mum never picked up us up ever,' she recalled.

'We were going to school, she had to work, if she didn't work we didn't eat.

'Now I just think, when kids are picked up in cars when they don't live far away... there's gridlock everywhere where I live because of the school run.

Carol (second right) questioned why so many children were being picked up from schools, and that when she was a child she walked a mile to get to class on her first day of infant school.

Clearly in disagreement, Stacey said that there were many angles to this.

The former X Factor star, 30, who has three children aged 11, eight and seven months, said: 'Yes a lot of parents are picking there kids up more, even when I was at school, but we hear and see our news so differently these days.

'We are constantly being told about abductions, stabbing, altercations out of school, and there's a huge fear among parents. God forbid you let your child walk to school and something happens.

Carol said: 'I swear to god my Mum never picked up us up ever. We were going to school, she had to work, if she didn't work we didn't eat. Now I just think, when kids are picked up in cards when they don't live far away... there's gridlock everywhere where I live because of the school run.

'By fining the parents your saying they could change being late. Most of the time they're working, people are leading busier lives,

'I think we don't give parents enough credit now days. Most parents both families are working.

'Most people are trying to wear every single hat as a parent.

'If I was at this school, I would be in debt, I really would. I could leave here on a good day and I get to school 20 minutes early, but on a bad run I'd be 20 minutes late.

Clearly in disagreement, Stacey said that there were many angles to this. The former X Factor star, 30, who has three children aged 11, eight and seven months, said: 'Yes a lot of are picking there kids up more, even than when I was at school, but we hear and see our news so differently these days

Brenda added that teachers have their own lives, and that charging something for repeat offenders to go back into the school is key.

Taking to Twitter, many disagreed calling Stacey 'naive' and saying it was standard practice at nurseries.

One viewer said: 'Book your children into after school care if you cant get to school on time. Why should the teachers look after your children? The problem is the parents who are persistently late they need to be fined to get them to change. It is awful for the children left waiting'

Taking to Twitter, many disagreed calling Stacey 'naive' and saying it was standard practice at nurseries.

Another added: 'At a previous school, if a parent is late, they just took the children to the supervised computer room and charged the parent. The money went to the school coffers. I like the system as no one was shamed for being unintentionally late.

'Stacey unfortunately is quite naive, there are many parents who do pick their children up late on purpose and aren't late because of their job! Why should the school teachers provide free child care? They do enough! There are after school clubs parents can use!' a third said.

While some viewers said they agreed with Stacey - but thought repeat offenders should dealt with.

'The world is a different place from when Carol was at School,' one said. 'However, for parents habitually late- something needs to be in place as it could be a bigger issue so I dont object to social services!' one said.

Another wrote: 'Yes Stacey there are lots of people like that. I see plenty at my kids school. Get real!'
At the UK  ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Business Breakfast Forum on ASEAN 2020 (Photo: VNA)

In his remarks at the UK - ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Business Breakfast Forum on ASEAN 2020 held in London on January 14th, Ambassador An said that the ASEAN member states welcomes the UKs goodwill and efforts in boosting cooperation with the ASEAN.

As the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam will work closely with other ASEAN countries for the blocs benefits and prosperity, he stressed.

Hailing the work and initiatives of previous ASEAN Chairs, such as smart city system of Singapore and sustainable development of Thailand, the diplomat informed that Vietnam has set the theme Cohesive and Responsive for ASEAN during the year it serves as Chair of the bloc.

The ambassador noted that this year, Vietnam also began to its tenure as a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council (UNSC); therefore, the country will work to promote ASEANs interests at the council, and will serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the UN so that the bloc can carry out its plan in accordance with the UNs targets.

The forum drew the participation of representatives from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Department for International Trade, and prestigious organisations and businesses such as ACCA, Asia House, HSBC, Shell, Vietnam Airlines, along with embassies of ASEAN member countries, among others. Delegates at the event also discussed ASEANs prospects as well as the UKs priorities for engaging ASEAN in 2020 and later years./.
Bankers said they are looking outside the bankruptcy courts and will be able to resolve a few debts in the power sector before January-end.

Banks might have to make an additional 20 per cent provisioning in the March 2020 quarter if bad debts are not resolved after the deadline to restructure such debts under the Reserve Bank of Indias June 7 circular expired on Tuesday.

Bankers said they are looking outside the bankruptcy courts and will be able to resolve a few debts in the power sector before January-end.

In such a case, they will not have to make provisions this quarter.

Banks have also asked for additional time from the regulator to resolve the pile of bad debt as they have an exposure of Rs 2.2 trillion.

Of this, Indias largest public sector bank State Bank of Indias exposure is estimated at Rs 57,000 crore, and the rest is shared among other banks.

A top SBI official said according to RBI norms, lenders will have to only make an additional 20 per cent provision, which can be written back on implementation of the resolution plan.

What we have to focus on now is for how many cases we have a viable resolution plan.

"For these cases, the lenders can hold inter-creditor agreement (ICA) and make 20 per cent provisioning if the plan is not implemented before March 2020, said a top SBI official on Tuesday.

Some major cases are already before the National Company Law Tribunal - including IL&FS and Dewan Housing Finance (DHFL).

In some cases in the power sector - like RattanIndia Power, Prayagraj Power, and Avantha's Jhabua Power - lenders will manage to resolve before end of January, the SBI official said.

The official added that banks need at least 9-10 months to resolve a bad debt account - considering the fact that many stakeholders are involved, which is why they demanded more time.

In its circular, the RBI had given a 210-day period to complete the resolution process.

If banks cannot meet the timeline, they have to either send the company to bankruptcy court, or make a 20 per cent additional provision and pursue resolution outside of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

On an average, banks are recovering less than 50 per cent of their exposure through bankruptcy courts and that, too, after prolonged litigation.

Hence, banks are trying to find a debt resolution plan outside courts.

This, however, has to be vetted by a ratings agency so that there is clarity on the cash flow of the company.

Corporate lawyers said banks have to comply with stringent provisioning in their books if there is no resolution.

Cases where the resolution involves restructuring or change in ownership outside IBC, the additional provisions may be reversed upon implementation of the resolution professional, said Nirav Shah, Partner, DSK legal.

In cases where resolution is pursued under the insolvency code, half the additional provisions made may be reversed on filing of insolvency application and the remaining may be reversed upon admission of the borrower into the insolvency resolution process under IBC.

In cases where assignment of debt or recovery proceedings is initiated, additional provisions may be reversed upon completion of that process, Shah added.

With inputs from Subrata Panda
Drivers

Growing sales of bra due to basic necessity of women

Increasing proliferation of variety of bra

Increasing numerous number of distribution channel across the globe

Restraints

Intense competition

Cases of counterfeit

The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.

The report classifies the market into different segments based on product type and distribution channel. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market.

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The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as:

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Groupe Chantelle

Hanesbrands Inc.

Jockey International, Inc.

L brands Inc.

The Phillipps-Van Heusen Corporation

Triumph International

V.O.V.A. Lingerie

Wacoal

Wolf Lingerie Limited.

A detailed description of each has been included, with information in terms of H.Q, future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other latest industrial developments.

SEGMENTATIONS IN THE REPORT:

By Product Type:

Padded Bra Sports Bra Nursing Bra Convertible/Multi-Way Bra Adhesive/Stick-On Bra Others

Non-Padded Bra Sports Bra Nursing Bra Convertible/Multi-Way Bra Adhesive/Stick-On Bra Others



By Distribution Channel:

Online Distribution Channel

Offline Distribution Channel Supermarkets And Hypermarkets Specialty Stores Others



By Geography:

North America (NA)  US, Canada & Rest of North America

Europe (EU)  UK, Germany, France & Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)  China, Japan, India & Rest of APAC

Latin America (LA)  Brazil & Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)  Middle East and Africa

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The Global Bra Market has been exhibited in detail in the following chapters 

Chapter 1 Bra Market Preface

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

Chapter 3 Bra Industry Analysis

Chapter 4 Bra Market Value Chain Analysis

Chapter 5 Bra Market Analysis By Product Type

Chapter 6 Bra Market Analysis By Distribution Channel

Chapter 7 Bra Market Analysis By Geography

Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape Of Bra Companies

Chapter 9 Company Profiles Of Bra Industry

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Global Designer Apparel and Footwear Market Research Report  Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2026

Global Lingerie Market Research Report  Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast till 2025

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Poland announces tax cuts meant to ease soaring inflation AP - 1 hour ago WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Tuesday announced a second round of sales tax cuts as part of the right-wing after it reached a 21-year high last month. $SPX : 4,699.55 (+0.63%) $DOWI : 36,173.27 (+0.29%) $IUXX : 15,794.49 (+1.15%)

Soybeans Higher at Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Futures initially extended Mondays pullback, but are attempting a Turnaround Tuesday through midday with 3 3/4 to 6 3/4 cent gains. Soymeal prices are still red with $0.80 to $2.60/ton losses. BO futures... ZSF22 : 1376-6s (+0.15%) ZSPAUS.CM : 13.4512 (+0.12%) ZSH22 : 1386-4s (+0.13%) ZSX21 : 1234-0s (+1.79%) ZSPX21US.CM : 12.3270 (+1.90%)

Cattle Market Gaining through Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Front month fat cattle futures are trading 47 to 75 cents higher at midday. Feb futures stand out with a triple digit midday gain of $1.60 so far. Front month feeder cattle futures are also trading in... LEG22 : 137.675s (+1.05%) LEM22 : 136.850s (+0.46%) GFF22 : 162.075s (+0.71%) GFH22 : 166.350s (+0.60%)

Cotton Trading Both Directions through Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago The Tuesday cotton trading session has futures working 64 to 70 points higher nearby. The thin October contract is UNCH at midday at $1.0033/lb, while the other new crop markets are red with 3 to 8 point... CTK21 : 89.48s (+3.77%) CTK22 : 113.89s (+0.73%) CTZ21 : 111.55s (+0.25%)

Corn Off Highs at Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Corn futures are trading fractionally to 1 3/4 cents in the black so far on Tuesday. Earlier turnaround attempts were faded as prices had been up by more than 5 cents. South Koreas KFA booked 130k... ZCH22 : 601-0s (+0.21%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.8795 (+0.21%) ZCK22 : 602-4s (+0.21%) ZCZ21 : 588-6s (+0.77%) ZCPZ21US.CM : 5.7930 (-0.49%)

Wheat Markets in the Black for Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Tuesday wheat futures are trading stronger through midday. CBT prices are up 5 to 6 3/4 cents so far. KC wheat is gaining as much as 10 1/2 cents. MPLS spring wheat prices are recovering with double digit... ZWH22 : 770-2s (+1.08%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.2874 (+1.14%) KEH22 : 791-6s (+1.73%) KEPAWS.CM : 7.7297 (+1.77%) MWH22 : 928-2s (+1.53%)

Hog Market Mixed for Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago So far for Tuesday lean hog futures are trading in both directions. The front months are down 10 to 55 cents through May, with summer contracts as much as 30 cents in the black. USDAs National Average... HEG22 : 77.850s (-0.67%) HEK22 : 89.775s (-0.61%) KMG22 : 90.050 (-0.50%)

Copper ETF $CPER Long Term Bullish Cycles ElliottWave-Forecast - Tue Jan 11, 11:13AM CST Firstly the CPER Copper Index Tracking instrument has an inception date of 11/15/2011. There is data in the HG_F copper futures before this going back many years. That shows copper made an all time high... CPER : 27.00 (+1.47%)
James Debney is out as president and CEO of American Outdoor Brands, parent company of Springfield gunmaker Smith & Wesson.

In a statement posted on the companys website Wednesday night, American Outdoors Brands said the ouster followed a determination by the Board of Directors that he engaged in conduct inconsistent with a non-financial company policy.

The company did not elaborate.

The Board of Directors has named Mark P. Smith and Brian D. Murphy as co-presidents and co-chief executive officers of American Outdoor Brands Corp. effective immediately.

We appreciate James contributions toward the growth and development of our company and its infrastructure. The Board believes the company is fortunate to have two highly capable and experienced leaders in Mark Smith and Brian Murphy, said Barry M. Monheit, chairman of the board of directors, in a statement. Each has played a critical role in the development of our strategic plans, including our intention to establish each business as an independent, publicly traded company. "

He added, "Mark and Brian have each demonstrated, through years of leadership and service, their extensive knowledge of and passion for our company, our customers, and our industries. Their capabilities and objectives position them well to share the combined CEO role as the team completes the separation of our two businesses later in 2020. The board has every confidence that they will provide the vision and determination to lead each independent company and its highly respected brand portfolio toward a successful future.

Despite the change in leadership, the company said it is proceeding with its previously announced plan to spin-off its outdoor products and accessories business as a tax-free stock dividend to its stockholders later this year.

The deal will create two independent publicly traded companies: Smith & Wesson Brands, which would encompass the firearm business; and American Outdoor Brands, which would encompass the outdoor products and accessories.
This has been a tense and tragic week in the Middle East.

Between the missiles Iran fired at Iraq military bases housing U.S. troops and the Ukrainian airplane crash that killed 176 people, including 63 Canadians, tensions around the world are on high alert.

And the strain between the U.S. and Iran could impact Iranian Christians, making them targets. We heard thousands of radical Muslims chant Death to America at General Qassem Soleimani s funeral  and in the minds of these extremists, America and Christianity are synonymous. They want all Christians eradicated, including those in their own country.

Believers in Iran have already undergone much persecution. Religious persecution watchdog Open Doors has listed Iran in its top 10 most dangerous countries for Christians in the world for the past decade.

Still, Christianity is growing at exponential levels in Iran. Church historians have noted that Iran is presently home to the fastest growing church in the world. Of course, this growth has caught the eye of extremists who oppose Christianity. The concern is they may use any excuse  including revenge for the death of Gen. Soleimani  to harass and persecute Christians and to incite crowds against them.

Thats why Im asking you to join me in praying for the underground church in Iran.

Pray that if persecution intensifies, Christians in Iran will remain strong and the church will continue growing at the incredible rate weve seen over the past few decades.

Pray that fearful hearts will find hope in Christ, and that the church will be strengthened, unified and seen as a beacon of hope.

Ask God to take away the authority that Satan has over this country and to soften the hearts of its leaders.

Continue to pray for both our U.S. military and our nations leaders.

As you pray for our troops, please remember to keep their families in your prayers, too.

Pray also for the families of the 176 victims of the plane crash as they grieve the tragic loss of their loved ones.

No matter what happens next, these are dangerous times for those living in the Middle East. Lets turn to God in prayer remembering, as Corrie Ten Boom once said, to never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

Photo courtesy: Pixabay

Vernon Brewer is the founder of World Help, a Christian humanitarian organization serving the physical and spiritual needs of people in impoverished communities around the world. Follow him @vernonbrewer.
New Jersey, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2020 -- HTF MI broadcasted a new title "Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market 2020-2026,With Breakdown Data of Capacity, Sales, Revenue, Price, Cost and Gross Profit" with 116 pages and in-depth assessment including key market trends, upcoming technologies, industry drivers, challenges, regulatory policies, with key company profiles and strategies of players such as China, USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia & South America. The research study provides forecasts for Employee Benefits Administration Software investments till 2024. The study also helps with cost structure benchmarking collectively derive after analyzing a vast coverage of industry players which is further compared with overall sector for each component such as Avg. Profit, Wages, Purchases, Depreciation, Marketing, Rent & utilities, Others etc.



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Market Development Scenario

Patent Analysis Briefing*

No. of Patents Issuance by Year / by Players / By Issuing Office

Key Development  Product/Service Launch, Mergers & Acquisition, Joint Ventures



Product Analysis:

This Report provides a detailed study of given products. The report also provides comprehensive analysis of Key Trends & advance technologies. The Global Employee Benefits Administration Software (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as , Cloud-based & On-premises



Application Analysis:

This report provides an advance approach to the market growth with a detailed analysis of the overall competitive scenario of the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software market. The market is segmented by Application such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Large Enterprises with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.



Industry Growth:

An in-depth study about key trends and emerging drivers with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for Employee Benefits Administration Software market. The market is expected to estimate at XX million by 2023 growing at a CAGR of XX%.



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Key Highlights of the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market :

- Market Share of players that includes China, USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia & South America to better understand how deeply they have penetrated the market.

- Conceptual analysis of the Employee Benefits Administration Software Market products, application wise segmented study.

- Clear study and pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics

- Analysis of major regional segmentation on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow



Key questions answered in this comprehensive study  Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market 2020-2026,With Breakdown Data of Capacity, Sales, Revenue, Price, Cost and Gross Profit

What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key market trends?

What is driving Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are the key vendors in Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market space?

What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market?

What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software Market?

What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc?



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There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Employee Benefits Administration Software market.

Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Employee Benefits Administration Software, Applications of , Market Segment by Regions;

Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;

Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;

Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);

Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc, Segment Market Analysis (by Type) [, Cloud-based & On-premises];

Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Change in overall Market Analysis (by Application [Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Large Enterprises]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;

Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [, Cloud-based & On-premises], Market Trend by Application [Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Large Enterprises];

Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;

Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Employee Benefits Administration Software by region, type and application;

Chapter 12, to describe Employee Benefits Administration Software Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;

Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Employee Benefits Administration Software sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.



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Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
The Income Tax Department has asked Ravi Gupta to explain transactions worth Rs 134 crore incurred in 2011-12, at a time when he earned Rs 7,000.

The notice seeking an explanation of the transactions were incurred in a business account opened with Gupta's Permanent Account Number (PAN) number, The Times of India reported.

The assessee, who hails from Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district, told the paper that he does not know how the account was opened, and suspects that it was a case of money laundering.

Gupta said his own investigation into the company revealed a link to absconding jewellers Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi. He claims the transactions were made by a Gujarat-based diamond trading company.

Modi and Choksi have been named in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, which is estimated to be over Rs 14,000 crore.

I was hardly 21 when these transactions were made. I had not been to Mumbai or Gujarat in 2011 or 2012. I was then working with a private firm in Indore, earning Rs 7,000 a month, which is non-taxable, Gupta said.

The I-T department has threatened to attach his properties to recover the money, Gupta told the publication, adding that he has written to the Madhya Pradesh cyber cell, Maharashtra police, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) and I-T officials to help resolve the case.

Gupta can file a complaint and demand an investigation, the article quotes a senior I-T officer as saying.
Mongolian scholars will have access to the Vatican Secret Archive. The Vatican will teach Latin to Mongolian scholars so that they can better understand the documents. In May, a photo exhibition will be held at the Holy See to mark 800 years of Mongolias ancient imperial capital.

Rome (AsiaNews)  The Vatican and Mongolia have decided to intensify their collaboration in the cultural domain. As part of this, Mongolian scholars will have access to the Vatican Secret Archive in order to learn more about their national history, this according to a report by Akipress, a Central Asian news agency.

This agreement was signed yesterday by L Purevsuren, ambassador of Mongolia to the Holy See and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations, and Mgr Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.

"It's really good news, said Fr Giorgio Marengo, a Consolata missionary who has lived in the Mongolia since 2003, speaking to AsiaNews. For him, Mongolian scholars will be able to study the sources that cover Mongolian history preserved in the Vatican Archives and Library.

Archbishop Gallagher said that the Vatican will teach Latin to Mongolian scholars so that they can study relevant documents. Together with Ambassador Purevsuren, he also announced a photo exhibition and a scientific conference at the Holy See, on 6-8 May, to further seal cultural collaboration between the two states.

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the founding of the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire, Karakorum, said Fr Marengo. The latter is located near modern day Kharkhorin where we Consolata missionaries opened a few years ago a small centre for interreligious dialogue and cultural research. With the latest initiatives, the Holy See shows its constant interest in the history and cultural heritage of this country and we are very happy about it.

The scientific conference will focus on interfaith dialogue in Mongolia. Although Christianity was allowed back in the country only in 1992 after the demise of the communist regime, the ancient imperial capital represents one of the first examples of peaceful coexistence between different religions.

In 1245, Pope Innocent IV sent Franciscan friar Giovanni di Pian del Carpine as ambassador to the court of the Khan. From his and other ancient stories we know that the imperial capital was cosmopolitan and multi-religious, with the presence of Nestorians, i.e., Syriac Christians.

In order to highlight relations between the successor of Peter and Mongol emperors, copies of the letters exchanged in the 13th century between Pope Innocent IV and Emperor Guyuk Khan were sent between 2017 and 2018 to the Museum of Kharkhorin at the request of local authorities, with the valuable help of the Apostolic Nunciature and the Vatican Secret Archive. The originals are still kept in the latter. (A.C.F.)
Elizabeth Warren appears to have given up on Medicare for Allat least as a talking point. At Tuesdays Democratic presidential debate in Iowa, the last before the caucuses, the 2020 hopeful did not utter the phrase a single time while discussing her health care proposal. Instead she talked about defending the Affordable Care Act and downplayed the differences between the candidates plans.

Ill use the power thats already given to the president to reduce the cost of insulin and EpiPens and HIV-AIDS drugs, Warren said. Lets get some relief to those families. And I will defend the Affordable Care Act. Ive got a plan to expand health care, but lets keep in mind, when we come to a general election, we Democrats may argue among each other about the best way to do health care, but were going to be up against a Republican incumbent who has cut health care for millions of people and is still trying to do that.

Warren did appear to approach the subject, but studiously refrained from using the phrase itself. Yes, we build on the Affordable Care Act, she said. But where we end up is we offer healthcare to all of our people, and we can offer it at no cost or low cost to all of them. Later, she added, Yes, we build on the Affordable Care Act, but where we end up is we offer health care to all of our people. And we can offer it at no cost or low cost to all of them.

Interestingly, when it came to speaking about her childcare policy, she had no problem referring to universal childcare for everyone, a marked contrast to her cautious language on health care.

Health care has perhaps been the defining issue of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, but Warrens commitment to Medicare for Alll has been a sort of open question throughout. Sitting in third place nationally, Warren has won prominent endorsements based on her pledged support for the plan, including that of dying Medicare For All activist Ady Barkan. Still, the New York Times recently noted that Warren has lately been avoiding mentioning the proposal in appearances with voters.

Even early on, despite having co-sponsored Sanders Medicare for All bill in 2017, the Massachusetts Senator had a tendency to equivocate when asked what her plan would ultimately look like. At a Jackson, Mississippi, town hall in March, she suggested that she would be open to multiple pathways to universal health care. Asked if she would eliminate private insurance as the Sanders plan would effectively do, Warren replied that she would get everybody together and thats what it is well decide. She went on to acknowledge that there could be a role for private insurance.

Three months later, at the June Democratic presidential debate, Warren raised her hand when moderators asked who on the stage would eliminate private insurance.

Look at the business model of an insurance company, the 2020 hopeful said. Its to bring in as many dollars as they can in premiums and to pay out as few dollars as possible for your health care. That leaves families with rising premiums, rising co-pays and fighting with insurance companies to try to get the health care that their doctors say that they and their children need. Medicare for All solves that problem.

For the next two months, that was Warrens position. In the July and August debates, the Massachusetts Senator teamed up with her rival from Vermont to defend Medicare-for-all against attacks from their more centrist opposition. At the July debate, Warren famously hit back at John Delaney, asking him, Why would anyone go through all the trouble of running for president just to get up on stage and talk about whats not possible?

Although her plan had not been fully fleshed out, Warrens poll numbers were steadily rising. So it wasnt long before she was facing mounting pressure to provide detailsparticularly on how she would pay for it. Asked whether or not middle class taxes would increase under her plan at the September debate, Warren would not directly answer, focusing instead on costs.

We pay for it, those at the very top, the richest individuals and the biggest corporations, are going to pay more, Warren told moderator George Stephanopoulos. And middle class families are going to pay less. Thats how this is going to work.

A direct follow-up did not yield a more direct answer and later in the week, rival Pete Buttigieg, the millennial mayor of South Bend, Indiana, whose own plan is a public option he calls Medicare for All who want it seized on the opportunity, describing Warren as extremely evasive.

At the following debate in October, Warren and Buttigieg clashed when she again declined to directly say whether or not her plan would raise taxes on the middle class.

I will not sign a bill into law that does not lower costs for middle-class families, Warren said.

When it was his turn to respond, Buttigieg said, We heard it tonight: A yes-or-no question that didnt get a yes-or-no answer. Look, this is why people here in the Midwest are so frustrated with Washington in general and Capitol Hill in particular. Your signature, senator, is to have a plan for everythingexcept this.

Following the debate, Warren announced that she would be releasing a new funding plan for Medicare-for-all. That plan came out on Nov. 1. Some panned it as regressive over its inclusion of an employer-side head tax. But others marveled at how it contained no explicit taxes on the middle class. Weeks later, Warren introduced a Medicare for all transition plan, which amounted to a public option and promise of pursuing additional legislation within three years of taking office. The senators apparent backtracking saw her poll numbers take a nosedive.

In September, Vox writer Dylan Scott described Warren as a Rorschach test for Democrats on health care. That description holds just as true today as it did then. Skeptics cite her inconsistencies as evidence that she is not a true supporter of Medicare-for-all. Meanwhile, Warrens backers insist her support is unwavering.

[Warren] is all in for #MedicareForAll, tweeted the official Progressive Change Campaign Committee account during the debate.
Multiple news outlets have reported that former Standardbred horseman and Woodbine Mohawk Park security guard Mario Ruffolo passed away during the evening of Wednesday, January 15 and that charges have been laid in regard to the incident.

According to the reports, Ruffolo, 63, was working a shift as a security guard in Guelph, Ont. when the incident occurred at roughly 8:45 p.m. The reports state that Ruffolo was at the VIA rail station on Carden Street when a fight was reported to Guelph police.

Police responded and found Ruffolo suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Guelph General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A 21-year-old Guelph man by the name of Jordan Langelier was arrested at the scene and has been charged with second-degree murder.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mario Ruffolo Jr.

(With files from Guelph Today and the Guelph Mercury)
[January 16, 2020] RENTELECOM and EllaLink close agreement for dark fibers to foster Data Center connectivity between Europe and Latin America

DUBLIN, Ireland and LISBON, Portugal, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The EllaLink Group has closed an agreement with RENTELECOM, a Portuguese public telecommunications network operator, to use dark fibers in Portugal and Spain for data center interconnection. RENTELECOM offers the largest neutral backbone in Portugal with more than 8,100km of fiber optic cables within their electricity and gas transport domains. EllaLink will integrate RENTELECOMs fibers in its optical platform to enhance its services from Sines to Madrid and Lisbon. The protected fiber ring will connect all the major data centers of both capital cities allowing EllaLink to serve PoPs with low latency capacity, open spectrum and managed spectrum services directly towards Fortaleza, Sao Paulo and Rio in Brazil.

In Sines, fibers will be used to connect the Sines Tech  Innovation & Data Center Hub, which is strategically positioned for the joint development of subsea cable systems and data center infrastructure, both at the core of todays Internet. Rui Franco, Director of RENTELECOM, said: Our aim is to continuously invest in our networks in order to address Portugals optical fiber needs. We already offer the largest and most stable neutral optical fiber backbone, with seven cross-border interconnections with Spain, interconnecting all telecom operators and the biggest Datacenters in Portugal. Diego atas, Chief Operating Officer of EllaLink, added: This agreement with RENTELECOM further reinforces our presence in Portugal and Spain, breaking ground for a long-term collaboration. The high availability of RENTELECOMs fibers over the shortest route to Madrid, marks a significant step in the expansion of the EllaLink terrestrial network to meet increasing bandwidth demands.



About RENTELECOM

RENTELECOM is the telecoms and IT provider of the REN group offering dark fiber, datacenter and connectivity services.



REN (Redes Energeticas Nacionais) is the utility in Portugal operating the electricity and gas transport networks  its significant ICT infrastructures covering Portugal and reaching the Spanish border, are critical to the energy business.





To learn more visit www.rentelecom.pt



Press contacts RENTELECOM, REN: [email protected] About EllaLink

EllaLink is an advanced optical platform offering secure high capacity connectivity on a unique low latency transatlantic route serving the growing needs of the Latin American and European markets. The EllaLink network directly connects Brazil and Europe, linking the major hubs of Sao Paulo and Fortaleza with Lisbon, Madrid and Marseille.



The EllaLink System is being built with state-of-the-art coherent technology initially offering 72Tbps of capacity over four direct fiber pairs between Europe and Brazil. The landing sites in Fortaleza (Brazil) and Sines (Portugal) have been secured, the marine survey is complete and cable manufacture has started. EllaLink is scheduled to be Ready for Service in 2020. EllaLink is a privately funded and independent company committed to providing products and services on a Carrier Neutral and Open Access basis.



To learn more visit ella.link Press contacts EllaLink: [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8bb35696-ad0f-4369-92fd-9338fe61b0a1



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New Delhi :

The year 2020 should be the year of implementation of the bilateral decisions taken by India and Russia last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday. PM Modi made these remarks when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on him, a statement from the Prime Ministers Office said. During their interaction, Lavrov briefed the prime minister on his countrys position on key international and regional issues. Lavrov is in Delhi to participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

The prime minister noted that several important decisions and outcomes were reached between the two countries in 2019. He suggested that the year 2020, which is also the 20th anniversary year of the establishment of strategic partnership between India and the Russian Federation, should be the year of implementation of those decisions, the statement said.

Lavrov conveyed that President Putin looked forward to the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Russia in May 2020 to participate in the 75th anniversary celebration of the Victory Day, and in July 2020 for the BRICS and SCO Summits. The prime minister welcomed the fact that he would get multiple occasions this year to meet Putin, and said he also looked forward to hosting the Russian president for the annual bilateral summit later this year in India.

During the interaction, PM Modi referred to the wide-ranging conversation he had with Putin over telephone on January 13, and noted the progress in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year.

Later, the prime minister met 12 ministerial-level delegates attending the ongoing Raisina Dialogue at his residence.

Latvia Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Afghan National Security Advisor Dr Hamdullah Mohib, Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Bangladeshs Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud called on Modi.

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, South Africas Minister of International Relations Jeppe Kofod, Danish Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov were also among the delegates who called on the prime minister.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the leaders to India and appreciated their participation at Raisina Dialogue 2020.

He spoke about the large-scale efforts undertaken by the government for rapid and inclusive socio-economic development and highlighted their significance for alleviating major global developmental challenges and attaining sustainable development goals, the MEA said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
By David Stanway

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Smog-prone regions near Beijing and Shanghai posted big improvements in air quality in late 2019, but pollution in other parts of China worsened as dirty industries were relocated rather than shut down, researchers said on Thursday.

China's Premier Li Keqiang launched a "war on pollution" in 2014, but its main focus has been on clearing the skies in the heavily industrialised and politically sensitive Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Yangtze river delta regions where smog levels are much higher than the national standard.

The two regions were on track to meet their target of cutting average concentrations of hazardous airborne particles, known as PM2.5, by 4% and 2% respectively over the six months to March 2020, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said.

However, China's average PM2.5 was unchanged in the final quarter of 2019 after double-digit increases in provinces like Heilongjiang, Jiangxi and Guangdong, according to analysis of government data by the Helsinki-based research group.

"The rest of the country outside the Beijing and Shanghai priority regions made little to no progress amid continued increases in coal and oil consumption," said Lauri Myllyvirta, CREA's lead analyst.

In Beijing, PM2.5 fell 18% from October to December 2019, while the surrounding province of Hebei - China's top steel producer and its most polluted region - also recorded an 18% fall in concentrations from a year earlier.

Polluting industrial output moved elsewhere, CREA said, with Hebei cutting steel production by 14% and cement by 7% in October and November even as nationwide output increased.

CREA said China is on track to meet its 2016-2020 air quality goals after cutting PM2.5 by more than a quarter and sulphur dioxide by more than half in four years.

However, nitrogen oxide emissions declined by a slower rate while ground-level ozone - another major health risk - actually increased.

Story continues

It warned China's war on pollution is increasingly subject to diminishing returns, after relying too much on the installation of control technology rather than cuts in fossil fuel use.

"Progress on air quality has relied entirely on better filters, and moving industrial production away from priority areas," said Myllyvirta, adding that China must now "accelerate the clean energy transition."

According to China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, average nationwide PM2.5 concentrations fell 2.9% to 34 micrograms per cubic metre from January to November 2019. It has not published calculations for the whole year. China's interim national standard is 35 micrograms.

Environment minister Li Ganjie told a meeting earlier this week that anti-pollution efforts would be stepped up in "non-core regions" in 2020.

(Reporting by David Stanway; editing by Richard Pullin)
WASHINGTON  Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose was already assured of a role in the nations all-consuming political drama as she walked through a Capitol hallway Wednesday evening with six other House Democrats to deliver the impeachment case against President Trump to the Senate.

Earlier in the day, Lofgren and her colleagues were named by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to be the Houses impeachment managers, the prosecutors who will try to persuade two-thirds of the Republican-controlled Senate that Trump should be removed from office.

The managers delivered the case after the House voted along party lines to forward the two impeachment articles for trial. Pelosi, D-San Francisco, signed the articles and handed out ceremonial pens to Lofgren and other Democrats.

Lofgren, a longtime ally of Pelosi, is one of six attorneys on the House team and offers a unique perspective: She is the only member of Congress to play a direct role in all three modern impeachment inquiries, from Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton to Donald Trump.

It is their responsibility to present the very strong case for the presidents impeachment and removal, Pelosi said as she introduced Lofgren and the others at a morning news conference. The impeachment managers represent the patriotism, pluralism and vibrancy of America.

The House vote to forward the articles ended a 28-day impasse between Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky over rules for the trial, which is expected to start Tuesday.

Pelosi and other Democrats wanted promises that the Senate would call witnesses who did not testify before the Houses impeachment inquiry. Whether Republicans, who hold 53 of the Senates 100 seats, will do so is still up in the air.

The chances that enough Republicans will desert Trump to convict him are minuscule, but Lofgren and the other House managers have a second job: making Democrats case to a nation that remains sharply polarized over impeachment.

Theres never been an impeachment where there were no witnesses, Lofgren said in an interview Wednesday. We want a fair trial. We want the truth to come out. And we want justice to be done.

Trump is accused of abusing the power of his office by withholding military aid to Ukraine while pressuring its leader to announce investigations that could damage former Vice President Joe Biden and call into question whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election. He is also accused of obstructing Congress investigation by blocking witnesses from testifying and withholding subpoenaed documents.

Pelosis impeachment team is a mix of lawmakers from liberal bastions and 2020 battleground states. It is led by Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank, who chaired Intelligence Committee hearings in the House inquiry, and includes Lofgren and Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Val Demings of Florida, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Jerrold Nadler of New York.

How trial could unfold Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he has the votes among his fellow Republicans to adopt rules for President Trump's impeachment trial, which could start as soon as Tuesday. He says the trial would closely follow the 1999 Senate proceedings against then-President Bill Clinton, who was accused of lying about an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and obstructing Congress' investigation. Here's how that trial was conducted: House members were given 24 hours to argue the case for why Clinton should be convicted. Clinton's legal team was then given 24 hours to argue his defense. Senators then had a total of 16 hours to ask questions of both sides. Afterward, the Senate decided whether to call witnesses. Senators agreed to have the House impeachment managers depose Lewinsky, White House aide Sidney Blumenthal and a Clinton ally, attorney Vernon Jordan. Eventually, the Senate viewed video excerpts of the depositions. Both sides then gave closing arguments, and senators were given 15 minutes each to speak. The Senate ultimately acquitted Clinton of the two articles of impeachment. See More Collapse

Trump will get his own defense team, led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone. The White House and Trumps Republican defenders in Congress say the president withheld aid because he was legitimately concerned about corruption in Ukraine and the possibility that Bidens son, Hunter, had been installed on the board of a Ukrainian energy company to curry favor with former President Barack Obamas administration.

Lofgren serves on the House Judiciary Committee that drafted the impeachment articles. She has been more measured than some members of her party who have bitterly sparred with Republicans over impeachment.

This is not something I sought or relish, she said in a statement Wednesday. Impeachment is a grave and solemn matter. Its a stress test for our democracy.

Democratic colleagues have often said Lofgrens lawyerly approach bolsters their argument that the trial isnt driven by partisanship.

Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, an early backer of impeachment, said he tried to persuade Lofgren to support an inquiry last summer, when the issue was not Ukraine but the investigation into whether Trumps 2016 campaign had worked with Russians who interfered in the presidential election. Huffman said he failed, though Lofgren backed an inquiry after details of the Ukraine affair came to light in September.

That reluctance gives her a unique credibility, Huffman said. She felt that if we eventually had to impeach, the country needed to know it was a very reluctant impeachment.

Lofgrens first foray into impeachment politics came in 1974. She was a law student and came to Washington to work as an aide to South Bay Democratic Rep. Don Edwards during the inquiry into Nixon.

Lofgren worked with the Judiciary Committee and helped draft an article of impeachment over Nixons authorization of the secret bombing of Cambodia in 1969-70. The committee didnt adopt that article, but Nixon later resigned over the Watergate scandal.

Lofgren was elected to the House in 1994 and served on the Judiciary Committee during the impeachment case against Clinton in 1998, when he was accused of lying about his affair with an intern. Lofgren argued that Clintons conduct didnt threaten the constitutional balance of powers and voted against impeachment.

In the Trump case, Lofgren was one of the last House Democrats to support an impeachment inquiry. Her hesitancy faded as more facts about Trumps conduct related to Ukraine emerged.

Ive made it clear throughout this investigation that I didnt want to be part of a third impeachment inquiry, Lofgren said during a hearing in December. But the direct evidence is very damning.

Its unclear how Lofgrens role could differ from that of the other six impeachment managers. While Schiff has relished the role of prosecutor and cable news regular, Lofgren has o ften focused on Trumps stonewalling of Democrats investigation.

She says his refusal to allow witness testimony or release documents to the House threatens the balance of power and the constitutional order, creating a dangerous precedent for any party in the White House.

I hope every senator is prepared to seriously consider and vote honestly with an open mind for the future of our democracy, she said Wednesday.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
Does the mayor think that white evangelicals  who support President Trump in such overwhelming numbers  might be open to his message? There must be many people in the pews hearing scripture, he said, where the words of Jesus are overwhelmingly about the poor, the marginalized, and wondering how this connects to what theyve been told they have to support. Yet the more receptive audience he identifies might be a very strong part of American Christianity that has never felt particularly wedded to the religious right but has also not heard or seen itself much in the political debate.
WASHINGTON - Documents and text messages released by House Democrats on Wednesday evening show how Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani, used the extensive entree he had to President Donald Trump's world to help put in motion Giuliani's shadow Ukraine campaign.

Hundreds of pages of photos, messages and calendar entries show Parnas enlisting a top official at the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action to assist in promoting media coverage he helped arrange and attending functions with Republican congressmen and Trump family members. A calendar entry released as part of the cache shows Parnas had a scheduled breakfast with Trump in New York on Sept. 26 - after the public revelation of a whistleblower complaint about a call the president had with his Ukrainian counterpart.

The new materials made public by the House Intelligence Committee follow an initial trove released Tuesday night that showed Parnas directly involved with efforts to get the Ukrainian president to announce investigations related to former vice president Joe Biden.

The latest cache of documents comes as the Senate prepares to begin its impeachment trial of Trump on Thursday.

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Parnas said the president knew about his activities.

"President Trump knew exactly what was going on," he said. "He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials."

In text messages to The Washington Post, Giuliani suggested that Parnas was not being truthful, declining to offer specifics.

"Who cares? Believe him at your peril," he said, adding: "We all make mistakes. I feel sorry for him and his family."

The new material indicates that Parnas played a central role in arranging an interview with a Ukrainian prosecutor who claimed there was a plot in his country to help Hillary Clinton - and then urging a senior contact at the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action to get Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., to tweet it.

Links to stories about Ukraine that Parnas sent to America First Action finance director Joseph Ahearn were tweeted by both the president and Trump Jr., the material shows.

Peter Chavkin, a lawyer for Ahearn, said it was not surprising that his client would be interacting with Parnas, a donor to the super PAC.

"It's apparent that Mr. Ahearn, who worked at America First, was occasionally corresponding with an individual who had interactions with the organization," Chavkin said in a text message. "Nothing in the communications seems out of the ordinary or sparks any concern."

A lawyer for Trump Jr., Alan Futerfas, declined to comment on the newly released documents, as did Kelly Sadler, a spokeswoman for the super PAC. An attorney for Parnas declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The materials also shed light on a far-reaching effort to dislodge then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch from her post.

The documents include a May 9, 2018, letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from then-Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, calling for Yovanovitch to be removed. "I have received notice of concrete evidence from close companions that Ambassador Yovanovitch has spoken privately and repeatedly about her disdain for the current administration," Sessions wrote.

In February 2019, lawyer Victoria Toensing, a longtime Giuliani ally involved in his Ukraine efforts, asked the former New York mayor in a message, "Is there absolute commitment for HER to be gone this week?"

Giuliani responded, "Yes, not sure how absolute. Will get a reading in morning and call you. Pompeii [sic] is now aware of it. Talked to him on Friday."

Toensing declined to comment. Giuliani did not respond to a request for comment about the exchange.

In a May message to Ahearn, Parnas wrote, "It's more important than ever to get a good ambassador that's loyal to our president in there please make sure you pass on the message every ear more important than ever."

In his MSNBC interview Wednesday, Parnas apologized to Yovanovitch, saying he now believes he was wrong about her.

The new materials released by House Democrats also include months of messages between Parnas and then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko in which the Ukrainian official provided Giuliani's team with interviews and information in exchange for a pledge that Yovanovitch would be removed from her post.

The messages show Parnas helping arrange a video interview for Lutsenko with John Solomon, a conservative columnist at the Hill newspaper. On March 12, Parnas sent a letter from Solomon to Lutsenko requesting the interview and included a list of questions to be addressed. "I sent you the questions and the invitation from the journalist, call me when you wake up," Parnas writes after sending the letter to Lutsenko.

After the interview posted online, Parnas texted it to Ahearn and wrote, "Have jr retweet it."

"Sent," Ahearn responded.

Parnas then urged Ahearn to "Watch Hannity."

Later that night, Trump himself tweeted coverage of the story by Fox News' Sean Hannity.

Several days later, Parnas sent Ahearn an article about calls to push out Yovanovitch, to which Ahearn responded, "That's a good article."

That same day, Trump Jr. tweeted out the article and wrote that the United States needed "less of these jokes as ambassadors," referring to Yovanovitch, a career diplomat.

The relationship between Parnas and Lutsenko turned hot and cold over the months of text messages in Russian. At one point in March, Lutsenko appeared to have grown impatient that he was holding up his end of the bargain - while Parnas was failing to come through with the ambassador's removal and other requests that would benefit Lutsenko or his boss, then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

"I'm sorry, but this is all simply b------t," Lutsenko wrote on March 13. "I'm f-----g sick of all this. I haven't received a visit. My [boss] hasn't received jack all. I'm prepared to [thrash] your opponent. But you want more and more. We're over."

Another batch of messages show Parnas and Giuliani in February 2019 discussing possibly signing a "retainer" with the Ukrainian Justice Ministry, appearing to reinforce reporting that Trump's personal lawyer was in advanced discussions to represent that government.

The Post reported last year that Giuliani had negotiated to represent Ukraine's top prosecutor for at least $200,000 as he was hunting for damaging material about Biden from Ukrainian sources. At the time, Giuliani wrote on Twitter that he "did NOT pursue a business opportunity in Ukraine" and that he was "paid ZERO."

In the newly released messages, Parnas wrote to Giuliani: "This is who the retainer should be me out to: ministry of justice of Ukraine Att: minster Pavlo Petrenko."

"How much?" Giuliani responded. Giuliani said he would follow up with a call, and the messages suggest he sent an agreement to Parnas, who agreed to "print it out and deliver it."

Later, Parnas asked Giuliani to send wire instructions and requested a copy signed by Giuliani and "Victoria and joe" so the contract can be executed - an apparent reference to Toensing and her husband, Joe diGenova.

"Can do that tomorrow," Giuliani replied.

The next day, Parnas wrote, "I received signed retainer."

- - -

The Washington Post's Dalton Bennett, Karoun Demirjian, Rosalind S. Helderman, Michael Kranish and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.
Asian Paints fell 0.46% to Rs 1833.35 after the Competition Commission of India ordered a probe against the company for unfair business practices.

The media reported that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a probe against Asian Paints allegedly hindering the entry of JSW Paints by virtue of its dominance in the market for manufacture and sale of decorative paints.

The order came after JSW Paints filed a complaint alleging that Asian Paints threatened various dealers in Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu from dealing with JSW Paints, reports added.

CCI is of the view that evidence provided by JSW Paints is prima-facie sufficient to indicate that Asian Paints has denied access to the distribution channels in the relevant market to JSW Paints by threatening and coercing such dealers through various means.

JSW Paints, in its complaint, reportedly alleged that the dealers faced punitive action at the hands of Asian Paints if they continued to deal with JSW Paints. It was also alleged that Asian Paints threatened the dealers to discontinue their supplies, and disallowed discretionary discounts, among others.

In a regulatory filing made after market hours yesterday, Asian Paints said CCI has passed a prima facie order dated 14 January 2020, directing the Director General to cause an investigation against the company, under the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, basis information received from JSW Paints.

The company is currently examining the order and will take appropriate legal recourse and will extend full co-operation to CCI in the matter, it said.

Asian Paints is engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling and distribution of paints, coatings, products related to home decor, bath fittings and providing of related services.

The paint maker's consolidated net profit rose 67.5% to Rs 823.41 crore on 9.43% rise in net sales to Rs 5,050.66 crore in Q2 September 2019 over Q2 September 2018.

The company will declare it third quarter earnings on 22 January 2020.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

"We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today," Akbaruddin told PTI.

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, had described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be "low key."

A top European diplomat said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair."

Akbaruddin further said that "Pakistan's practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."

ALSO READ | 36 Union ministers to visit Kashmir almost six months after Article 370 abrogation

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that".

Zhang later said China "has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said: "I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful".

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-K's special status.

However, the meeting did not yield the desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

ALSO READ | France consistent on Kashmir being a bilateral issue between India, Pakistan: Sources

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J&K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory.

China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

India's decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in October for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held "successful" talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapuram, signalling a recalibration of bilateral ties.
Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) delivered remarks on the floor of the United States Senate as the Senate prepared to receive articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

Harris was Thurdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are her words:

Just across the street from where I stand today sits the United States Supreme Court. That building has four words etched in marble above its entrance: Equal Justice Under Law.

The promise of those four words is that in our country, our system of justice must treat everyone equally, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.

But too many people in our country grow up knowing and experiencing that in America we have two systems of justice: one in which certain people are held accountable, and another in which powerful people like Donald Trump escape accountability altogether.

This has been true from the first days of our nations history, when a group of men gathered in Philadelphia to debate lofty notions of justice and equality, yet produced a document that literally counted Black Americans as fractions of a person.

In the Declaration of Independence, we were told that All men are created equal  but we know that in our nations founding, at that time the policy of our nation was to rob indigenous people of their land and their livelihood and to exclude women from the right to vote.

So, to make true the promise of America and move us toward that more perfect union, people have organized, fought, and marched for justice. From the suffragettes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., those fights have won us progress towards a more just and inclusive nation.

But clearly there is still more work to be done to achieve Equal Justice Under Law.

When the determination of whether you sit in jail before trial is too often based on the size of your bank account rather than the size of your crime, we have not yet achieved Equal Justice Under Law.

There is more work to be done when young people selling drugs on the corner too often become felons for life while white collar criminals face no accountability.

There is more work to be done when regarding the sexual assault of women, the current president has said, When youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.

There is work to be done when the American people know that the rules arent equally enforced against powerful people. Unless we acknowledge these truths, too many Americans will remain distrustful of our institutions and cynical about our government and our leaders.

And this is the point, my colleagues. We now face a choice: will we insist that we have one system of justice that applies equally to all? Or will we continue to have two systems of justice, in which some are above the law?

Later this week, the Senate will likely begin the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. This moment in our history will have consequences. The Senate is charged with deciding whether the President of the United States, with all of his power and supposed wealth, will be held accountable for his actions  and whether we will finally live up to the principle: Equal Justice Under Law.

This is why I speak to you today, fully aware that I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me in our nations ongoing fight for equality.

I speak because I was raised by people who spent most of their lives demanding justice in the face of racism, misogyny, bigotry, and inequality.

I speak because I have dedicated my entire career to upholding the rule of law and bringing integrity to our system of justice.

I speak to ensure that everyone in California and throughout our country can enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to them by the United States Constitution.

And as a United States Senator, I speak fully prepared to uphold my solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, and to affirm that my first obligation is to serve the people of the United States. All the people.

I hope my colleagues can agree that our nations founders had the foresight to create a system of checks and balances that anticipated the need to remove a president who might yield to foreign influence or use the presidency for personal power and benefit.

Our founders feared that a day like this might come, and so they empowered the United States Congress with the tool of impeachment to hold a lawless president accountable.

And so this week, after months of investigation, sworn testimony, public hearings, and debate, the House of Representatives will likely send to the United States Senate two articles of impeachment. These articles charge President Trump with abusing his power for his personal and political gain and with obstructing Congresss efforts to investigate his misconduct.

In this trial, the United States Senate must not only consider the charges against the president, but also conduct itself in a way that demonstrates to the American people that in our system of justice, no one is above the law.

Each senator must exhibit the kind of moral and ethical leadership that this president abandoned when he pressured a foreign nation to interfere in our elections.

There is no question that President Trumps misconduct has left a vacuum of leadership in our country, and the American people are therefore looking to the United States Senate to demonstrate that their leaders are worthy of the publics trust.

The American people should expect their senators to seek the truth, and not cover up the facts.

So let us honor our oath to defend the Constitution by doing the job the American people have entrusted to us.

Let us ensure that this trial is a search for truth and that we follow the facts where they lead and come to a verdict based on all of the available evidence.

Let us do our jobs and insist that we hear from Mick Mulvaney, John Bolton, and anyone with firsthand knowledge of the presidents misconduct.

Let us demand that the White House turn over additional emails and documents that shed light on the presidents motives for withholding military aid from Ukraine.

And let us be clearan order from this president to block evidence or witness testimony will itself be further evidence of his efforts to obstruct the United States Congress.

The importance of this moment in our history cannot be overstated. What we do in this trial will show the world who we are as a country.

Our answer will also send a message to further precedents and future presidents of the United States about the kind of conduct that is acceptable from the leader of our nation.

As the United States Senate, we must say that its unacceptable for a president to shake down a vulnerable foreign nation for personal or political benefit.

We must say, with one voice, that no president can disregard the legitimate oversight authority of the United States Congress.

And we must say, as leaders of the United States of America, that in our system of justice everyone will be held accountable for their actionsincluding the president of the United States.

And my final point: years from now, people are going to judge whether we rose to the solemn occasion that is the impeachment trial of the president of the United States.

And we cannot be passive in this moment. I am mindful of Coretta Scott Kings words that freedom is never really wonyou earn it and win it with each generation.

It is incumbent on this generation to fight for a system of justice in which all are treated equally.

And in that ongoing fight, we in the United States Senate must agree that we cannot speak about the ideals of equality and justice and then act in ways that violate those very principles.

It is our duty both as senators and as proud Americans to protect the Constitution, to earn the peoples trust, and prove to the American people that it is still within power of the United States Congress to hold the president accountable.

History is watching. Our actions here will shape this bodys legacy.

So I urge my colleagues to have the courage, the foresight, and the patriotism to act in the interest of our nation and its people. I urge my colleagues to fight for one system of justice in the United States of America and to ensure that no one is above the law.

I urge my colleagues to reaffirm the most basic of American principles: that ours is not the government of one man, but a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
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BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Thursday submitted a complaint to Maharashtra Governor B S Koshyari against NCP corporator Kaptan Malik, who was seen in a video roughing up some labourers at a construction site in suburban Kurla.

In the video clip which surfaced on Tuesday, the corporator, who is brother of state Minority Affairs Minister and senior NCP leader Nawab Malik, was seen thrashing the labourers and asking them to show the work order.

Later, Kaptan Malik claimed the labourers were "illegally" laying fibre cables for Internet of some private firms along the busy LBS Road in his ward no. 170 in Kurla.

Somaiya submitted a written complaint in this connection to the governor.

The former BJP MP said Koshyari assured to look into the matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bishops from across Europe and North America have concluded their visit to the Holy Land, imploring their "governments to help build a new political solution rooted in human dignity for all in Israel and Palestine.

In a final statement following a six-day visit to the Holy Land, the Bishops Co-ordination group have urged their governments to ensure that international law is applied in Israel and Palestine.

The Bishops who travelled on their annual visit to support the Holy Lands local Christian communities said they were inspired by the enduring resilience and faith of the people they met, while touring Gaza, East Jerusalem and Ramallah despite the worsening situation.

They also encouraged people making pilgrimages to the Holy Land to ensure they encounter the local communities.



Referring to a recent message by local Bishops who lament the international communitys failure to realize justice and peace in the land of Christs birth, the Co-ordination group said that while the political solution had ultimately to be shaped by the people of the Holy Land through dialogue, there was an urgent need for the governments in their own countries in Europe, Canada and the USA to play their part.

The Bishops stressed that what was needed was the application of international law; following the Holy Sees lead in recognising the State of Palestine; addressing the security concerns of Israel and the right of all to live in safety; rejecting political or economic support for settlements and resolutely opposing acts of violence or abuses of human rights by any side.

They concluded their statement by praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Bethalto man originally charged with first-degree murder pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of aggravated driving under the influence causing a death.

Caleb Lenhardt, 22, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and will begin serving immediately. He was escorted from the Madison County courtroom in handcuffs. Lenhardt must serve 85% of his sentence.

The agreement came after Madison County Circuit Judge Kyle Napp announced at 11 a.m. Thursday that the jury had become deadlocked 7-5, as they were trying to decide between a charge of first degree murder or a charge of reckless homicide.

In exchange for his plea, the prosecution agreed to drop the first-degree murder charge in the death Katie Bunt, 21, of Wood River, on July 22, 2018. The reckless homicide charge was considered as a lesser included charge, according to jury instructions.

The sentence for the reckless homicide count would be five years with a day off for every good day he served, with credit for about eight months time served in the Madison County Jail. Probation would have been presumed, under state law. The sentence for first-degree murder is a prison sentence of between 20 and 60 years.

Because of the jury deadlock, and the impending mistrial and retrial of the case, plea negotiations began, according to a spokeswoman for the Madison County States Attorneys Office.

First Assistant States Attorney Crystal Uhe said she was confident in the first-degree murder conviction, prosecutors met with the victims family members who said who expressed they could not withstand another trial.

Family members and other supporters of both Lenhardt and Bunt sat in silence for several minutes after the court session ended.

Out of respect and understanding for the family and all of the witnesses who have felt the pain of this trial, our prosecutors consulted with the defense to negotiate a plea for the defendant, Uhe said.

Every case presents unique challenges, Uhe said. This case was no different. It is not in my nature to back down from difficult cases like this.

I will continue to try the hard cases in order to seek justice for victims of violent crimes. My heart goes out to all of the many victims in this case and their families.

Lenhardt also pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated battery for injury to Ashley Allgood, who was standing next to Bunt. The agreement on that charge is for a four-year sentence to be served concurrently with the 10-year sentence.

Lenhardt had been free on $100,000 cash bond, which was revoked. He was taken the Madison County Jail for later transport to the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Private equity has been investing in businesses for more than a century, but private equity funds targeting the energy industry didnt appear until roughly 30 years ago.

Even in that short amount of time, the marketplace has changed significantly, according to David Hopson, a partner in PetroCap LLC.

Addressing members of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists last week, Hopson said more than $178 billion is looking for a home in upstream or midstream assets.

Those billions will have a hard time finding a home, and Hopson detailed several reasons why.

OIL REPORT: TXOGA: Energy industry must address environment to maintain growth

The leading source of private equity funding has been foundations and public pension funds, followed by private pension plans and endowments, such as from the University of Texas and Stanford, Yale and Harvard universities, he said.

But now those same endowments are under tremendous pressure from professors and students to stop investing in oil and gas, making it harder for private equity to raise funds, he said.

He went on to note that private equity funds, as a rule, dont see returns on their investments until they sell the assets. But public equity funding to the energy industry has essentially been shut off, making it difficult for the private equity funds to sell those assets.

Private equity funds have figured out they need to hold their assets for a longer period, he said. The funds have lowered their threshold on rates of return and shifted their strategy from build and flip to build a business, he said.

And theyre re-evaluating their portfolios, he said.

As the big funds realize they have 17 companies at work in the Delaware Basin that theyre paying overhead for, they realize they cant do that any longer, so they take those 17 companies and say We only need seven or eight or five and they squish them into that number. The dark side of that is, if youre a company that gets squished, all that work you put into that company, all that youve built, is now owned by someone else.

The larger equity funds are now focusing on investments of $100 million or more.

Large funds such as EnCap, NGP and Kayne-Anderson are raising billions, Hopson said, and are having to invest those billions in larger increments in order to see returns.

OIL REPORT: Chemical company offers solution to frac hits

Funds are also returning to their roots and focusing on proved, developed, producing assets with cash flow and low risk and working to lower costs and improve operational efficiencies, he said.

A number of funds are establishing portfolios focused on mineral and royalty rights.

In 2016, private equity spent money to sponsor royalty companies, he said. There are 36 private equity fund sponsors that have made 62 commitments to mineral and royalty companies.

Hopson urged his audience to extend their focus on ESG, and said private equity firms as well as Wall Street investors are studying how operators deal with the environment, social issues and corporate governance.

Whether or not they agree with all the environmental movements positions, he said, the green movement is real.

Citing Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, he said, A lot of what she says appeals to those 16 to 30 who are making up their minds about how they feel about our industry.

If a potential investor asked PetroCap about ESG concerns and was told there was nothing to those concerns, our investments would stop, he said.

A number of the supermajors, such as ExxonMobil and Shell, and even large independents such as Pioneer Natural Resources are addressing concerns. Hopson said much of it is common-sense issues such as emissions and how secure berms are in holding drilling and frac ponds.

By the way, this applies to all industries, he said. We need to understand where theyre coming from because they will have a bigger say in how our industry is run.
Russian lawmakers are set to quickly approve the appointment of a new prime minister Thursday, a day after President Vladimir Putin kicked off an unexpected reshuffle of his inner circle that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024.

Mikhail Mishustin, the chief of Russia's tax service, met with lawmakers from various factions in the State Duma ahead of the confirmation vote in the Kremlin-controlled lower house.

Mishustin vowed to focus on social issues and improve living standards.

We have all the necessary resources to fulfill the goals set by the president, he said.

The president wants the Cabinet to spearhead economic growth and help create new jobs. Raising real incomes is a priority for the government."



Mishustin would succeed Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin associate who was Russia's prime minister for eight years. Medvedev resigned hours after Putin proposed sweeping changes to the constitution.

Medvedev served as president in 2008-2012, keeping the seat warm for Putin who continued calling the shots as prime minister when he was forced to step down from the top job due to term limits.

Under Medvedev, the constitution was amended to extend the presidential term from four years to six, although it limits the leader to two consecutive terms.

Putin has kept his longtime ally Medvedev in his close circle, appointing him to the newly created post of deputy head of the presidential Security Council.

The 53-year-old Mishustin is a career bureaucrat who has worked as the tax chief for the past 10 years, keeping a low profile and showing no political ambitions.

He has won a good reputation among experts who praised him for boosting tax collection and streamlining Russia's rigid tax administration system.

The reshuffle sent shock waves through Russia's political elites, who were left pondering what Putin's intentions were and speculating about future Cabinet appointments.

A constitutional reform that Putin announced in a state-of-the-nation address indicated he was working to carve out a new governing position for himself after his current six-year term ends in 2024, although it remains unclear what specific path he will take to stay in charge.

Putin has been in power longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin, who led from 1924 until his death in 1953. Under the current law, Putin must step down when his current term ends.

Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members.

The president currently holds the authority to make those appointments.

At the same time, Putin argued that Russia would not remain stable if it were governed under a parliamentary system.

The president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, to name top defense and security officials, and to be in charge of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies, he said.

In his address, Putin said the constitution must also specify the authority of the State Council consisting of regional governors and top federal officials.

Observers speculated that Putin might try to stay in charge by shifting into the prime minister's seat again after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority.

Others suggested that he could also try to continue pulling the strings as head of the council and could even shift into a new position before his term ends.

Another potential option is a merger with neighboring Belarus that would create a new position of the head of a new unified state.

That prospect that has been rejected by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an autocratic ruler who has been in power for more than quarter century.

Later on Thursday, Putin is expected to attend a meeting of the working group to draft constitutional amendments.

Putin said that the constitutional changes need to be approved by a public vote, but officials said it doesn't imply a referendum and it wasn't immediately clear how it will be organized.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lebanon has been without an economic rescue plan since Saad Hariri resigned as prime minister on October 29

Lebanons caretaker finance minister has asked the countrys central bank governor to hold off on selling Eurobonds due to mature in 2020 and using the proceeds to buy bonds that mature later, after ratings agencies warned the proposed swap could constitute a selective default, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters News Agency on Wednesday.

The central bank has proposed a Eurobond swap to ease pressure on dwindling foreign currency reserves amid a deep financial crisis.

In a letter to central bank governor Riad Salameh, caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said the government needed first to decide how it would finance its bonds maturing in 2020, the source told Reuters.

One of the most heavily indebted countries in the world, Lebanon has $2.5bn in Eurobonds due in 2020, including a $1.2bn bond set to mature in March.

In the letter, Khalil recognised the central banks right to manage its own bond portfolio but asked that it hold off on the swap because of the potential implications for its sovereign rating, according to the source.

Central bank chief Salameh told Reuters on Wednesday that no swaps would go forward before the government takes a decision on it.

Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government or economic rescue plan since Saad Hariri resigned as prime minister on October 29. He was pushed out by sweeping protests against the countrys ruling elite.

Salameh also asked for extra powers last week, saying he wanted to standardise banking controls. Commercial banks have individually imposed controls on hard currency, putting tight caps on dollar withdrawals and blocking most transfers abroad.

The Ministry of Finance has asked Salameh to specify exactly what extra powers were being sought and on what legal basis, the source familiar with the matter said.
A handout photo made available by Taiwan's Presidential Office on Jan. 15 shows Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, right, giving an interview to BCC correspondent John Sudworth in Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 14. EPA-Yonhap



By Lawrence Chung





Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday said mainland China needed to face the reality that the island was "an independent country already", in remarks certain to infuriate Beijing following her election win.



In an interview with the BBC, Tsai also said the democratic island deserved respect from Beijing.



"We don't have a need to declare ourselves an independent state," Tsai told the BBC. "We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China, Taiwan."



Tsai garnered a record 8.17 million votes to secure a second term in Saturday's presidential election  a convincing win over her main rival, Han Kuo-yu from the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang, that gives her a mandate to continue her approach to cross-strait relations.



Official ties have been suspended since Tsai took office in 2016 and refused to accept the one-China principle  a political understanding that there is only one China with ambiguity over whether it is governed by Taipei or Beijing.



Mainland China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be returned to its control, by force if necessary. With Tsai as president, Beijing has ramped up pressure on the island, including by poaching its diplomatic allies and staging military drills nearby.



But Tsai warned against any military action from Beijing, which responded to her re-election by accusing her independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party of "dirty tactics".





In her latest interview with BBC, conducted three days after she was re-elected, Tsai said China should face the reality that Taiwan is an independent country and respect the will of Taiwanese people. EPA-Yonhap



"Invading Taiwan is something that is going to be very costly for China," she said. "We're a successful democracy, we have a pretty decent economy, we deserve respect from China."



In Beijing on Wednesday, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Council, said any pro-independence activities seeking to separate the island from the mainland would not be tolerated.



"We firmly attack and counter various forms of Taiwan independence and separatist activities in order to maintain overall peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Ma said in a press briefing.



He said Tsai had "unilaterally damaged" the basis for official exchanges by refusing to accept the one-China principle. Ma added that Tsai had supported and tolerated the pro-independence movement in Taiwan, which he said would only block cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.



In the BBC interview, Tsai said she believed her election victory was proof of how little appetite there was now for the "one China concept" and the ambiguity it created over Taiwan's status.



She said the "situation has changed" and such "ambiguity can no longer serve the purposes it was intended to serve".



She also insisted that the sovereignty of the self-governing island was not in doubt or up for negotiation.





Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Council in Beijing. South China Morning Post
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Express, the second train to be run by railway subsidiary IRCTC, will be flagged off by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Ahmedabad on Friday.

The commercial run of the train will start from January 19, 2020 from Ahmedabad, the railways said. The first such train, the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, has been running since last year.

The tickets of this train can be booked only online on website and there will be no booking available at railway reservation counters, they said.

The train seats can also be booked through IRCTC's online travel portal partners like Paytm, Ixigo, PhonePe, Make My Trip, Google, Ibibo, Railyatri and others.

This train 82902/82901 shall ply on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Ahmedabad route six days a week with Thursday as an off-day for maintenance activities.

To start with, this fully air-conditioned train shall have two executive class chair cars having 56 seats each and eight chair cars having capacity of 78 seats each.

The total carrying capacity of the train will be 736 passengers. The train will start its journey at Ahmedabad at 06:40 hours and will reach Mumbai Central at 13.10 hours, having scheduled commercial halts at Nadiad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi and Borivali.

For the return journey, the train will leave Mumbai Central at 15:40 hours and will reach Ahmedabad at 21:55 hours having scheduled enroute halts at Borivali, Vapi, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara and Nadiad.

While there will be no concession tickets in the train, children below 5 years of age have been exempted from fare and will be booked along with their parents. Names of children so booked will not appear on the chart. Children of age five years and above will be booked at full fare and will be provided with a seat, the railways said.

Train fare will be dynamic in nature keeping in consideration the prevailing bus, taxi, rail and airfares. The train will have different series of fares for lean, busy and festive seasons. Further, train fares will be on point to point basis.

Current booking will be available to users after preparation of first chart which will normally be between four hours before and up to five minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.

There will be no tatkal quota or premium tatkal quota in the train. There will be only General Quota and Foreign Tourist Quota. Foreign Tourist Quota of 6 seats in EC and 12 seats in CC will be available for Foreign Tourists.

All passengers travelling on train will be provided with Rail Travel Insurance of up to Rs 25 lakhs, free of cost by This complimentary travel insurance also includes an exclusive coverage of Rs. 1 lakh against household theft / robbery during the travel period of the passengers.

Besides this special feature, in a first of its own, IRCTC will also pay a compensation of Rs 100 in case the train during its run is delayed by more than one hour and Rs 250 in case of delay of more than two hours to every passenger.
Photo: Guifang Jian/Getty Images

At the end of last year, 8tracks CEO David Porter announced that the popular music-streaming service was shutting down. Citing heavy competition and a lack of funding, the company would be folding after, as he calculated in a blog post, 137 months. The surprising announcement struck a chord with people who remember 8tracks launch in 2008, back when the MP3 reigned, and streaming media and recommendation algorithms barely existed. The service was largely powered by its users, DJs, who curated playlists based on taste and mood.

Over the last 12 years, a lot has changed in the online-music industry, and those shifts eventually left 8tracks without many options except to call it a day. 8tracks was, for a time profitable, even as music royalties threatened to eat up much of its revenue. Yet finding funding became almost impossible from the get-go as investors sought unicorn-level valuations instead of reliable businesses with lower returns. Porter spoke with Intelligencer last weeks about what went right and what went wrong.

How was 8tracks conceived?

The idea goes way back. The original impetus or idea came from my time in London in the 90s. I worked for an accounting firm called Arthur Andersen, back when that existed. The thing that I thought was so interesting about the music scene there was, for electronic music, it was really focused around the DJ rather than individual artists. DJs who werent even producing music. DJs who played at clubs, who put out compilation CDs. The emphasis was on the curator rather than the creator.

This paradigm of the DJ as focal point made even more sense in this world where there was information overload. You really needed a great filter to help separate signal from noise. With that concept in mind, I wrote a business plan for a class in the fall of 99 and the idea that I put into this plan was a platform where people could maintain a profile and the main type of content that people could share was playlists. I didnt have my head fully around the copyright and royalty requirements, but I knew a service that allowed people that were passionate about music to share with others would be super compelling.

There was a specific feature of Napster that painted a vision of that. If you were downloading music that was not so mainstream and a particular users name kept on cropping up, you could click on that user and then click a button labeled Hot List and it would show you all of the MP3s on their hard drive. It was this unorganized form of social music discovery at a grassroots level, and I thought that was really cool. I thought maybe there was a way to add some organization to that platform.

[After some work at other music start-ups,] I put together the business plan for 8tracks. We couldnt get funding. I pitched Fred Wilson at Union Square Ventures in 2006, and he let me know pretty quickly and in a very nice way that at this stage, VCs dont fund business plans, they fund businesses. The world had changed and you needed to bootstrap your way out of the gate and then once you had some traction then you could begin discussing funding with VCs. So we bootstrapped and launched in the summer of 2008.

This was a couple of years before Instagram rolled out, and it was a cool way to create a work where the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. You had this cover art and a description, and it was almost emulating the mixtape concept. There was also this freeform tagging structure that was useful for music. You could label your playlist by a genre or by an artist, but we found that users started tagging in the human dimension, like with an activity or a mood. We were sort of the pioneers in programming in that way.

So people could listen to those playlists on 8tracks directly? Were you hosting the music yourself?

At that point it was an iTunes-dominated world. People would upload MP3 or AAC files and fashion a playlist. It had to have at least eight songs, and if you do the math at about four minutes a song, the idea was that would provide a natural breakpoint where we could put an ad or something. And we would stream together a set of similar playlists, but each of those playlists was curated by a person. People at the micro level, and algorithms at the macro level.

[User uploads] was at that point the only way we could function legally. We operated under the Compulsory License for Webcasting, which is a set of rules that makes sure its similar to a radio experience and thus is promotional of music sale and not substitutional. You were limited to how frequently you play tracks from a particular artist, there was a limitation on how many skips you could have, you couldnt rewind, you couldnt see the track list in advance.

What body governs the Compulsory License?

The Compulsory License was established by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. It allows an entity to stream in the U.S. and the rates for doing that werent set initially. They put in place a process that would set the rates, where a copyright royalty board would review existing deals and testimony from the record labels and the webcasters and come to a decision about what the rates ought to be. Those rates get reset every five years. That was the regime under which we operated for the sound recording royalties. There are also music composition royalties that are paid to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Those royalties go to the songwriter.

At the time you launched, those royalties were not excessive?

At the time we launched, those royalties were definitely cheaper. What was unique about our situation was that just the year prior, in 2007, the rates came down. There had been a lot of pushback from Pandora and its listeners that Congress strongly encouraged an alternative set of rates. One of the new categories was the Small Webcaster license. The rates are generally a per-play rate so you pay a certain amount for every track streamed irrespective of how much revenue youre generating. The rates under the Small Webcaster arrangement were a percentage of revenue or a percentage of expenses, subject to a minimum. What was nice about those rates is that they grew as you grew. In the early days when youre not of sufficient scale to be generating premium CPMs and are relying on programmatic advertising, you could still pay the bills. That was great for us because it allowed us to scale up in a sensible way. 2013 was the last year we operated under the Small Webcaster license. Had that not existed we wouldve run out of cash a lot sooner.

How did people find 8tracks?

At the outset, it was just a lot of my friends that lived in downtown New York and Williamsburg. We did get some good early press. There was a piece comparing us to Muxtape, which was another kind of hipster Williamsburg favorite of that era. They had just gotten shut down by the labels, so we were the better legal alternative or something. And then we just steadily grew. The nice thing about the crowd-curated model is that, in addition to providing this deep programming model that emphasizes music discovery, every time a DJ creates a playlist they share it as widely as possible. So there is this inherent social quality. The people making your programming are also your marketers. A few months after launch we were getting a lot of love on StumbleUpon. There were two mixes in particular, one was a mixtape of mashups between classic hip-hop tunes and the soundtrack from Zelda called The Ocarina of Rhyme. The other was our guy Tyler, now the CTO at Bustle, made a playlist called Songs to make you feel better. Happy music for recessionary times, I guess, since it was early 2009. Those two mixes blew up. We jumped from 30,000 unique visitors in a month to 300,000 and thats when we knew we were on to something.

So what changed? It seems like music licensing was a real sticking point for you?

Things changed when we went for a small webcaster to a large webcaster, because we had hit thresholds for revenue and monthly streaming hours by the end of 2013. We were being charged on a per-play basis. That made things much more expensive.

We did have this halcyon period where everything was up and to the right. The big uptick in traffic in 2009 begat even more traffic. We did raise a round from Andreessen Horowitz and others and that allowed us to hire more people. We thought we were on the right trajectory. By 2012, 2013 we were the No. 3 internet radio service in America, and we were gaining on iHeartRadio in the younger demographics.

Probably even more impactful than the royalty arrangement, in December 2013, Spotify rolled out their free mobile offering. That basically gave people a pretty good user experience for on-demand listening in their pocket. If you plot our monthly active users and our total streaming hours  which is probably our best measure of activity  those both started to fall off in March or April of 2014. At that point we were 8 million MAUs, and 32 million monthly streaming hours, and that began to steadily decay. I forget the timing on this, but their lean-back offering [streaming service slang for algorithmic recommendations] got way better after their acquisition of The Echo Nest, which was arguably best-of-breed music-recommendation technologies. For a lot of listeners, it was good enough. I dont really think weve lost any meaningful listenership to any other service, I think its almost exclusively been Spotify.

The third thing was the inaccessibility of more funding. When we went to try and raise the Series A round, investors passed. One potential investor said our trajectory was fantastic, and what that signaled to them was that we would likely be acquired by a bigger player, and that would cap the investors return. That did make it more challenging to raise from other venture guys. We ended up raising a Seed 2 round, not enough to constitute an A Round but figure out our next step. At the end of 2014, Google tried to buy us; we turned that down because it seemed like we had an A Round lead on an investor, and the offer was more of an acqui-hire.

In 2015, we decided that we should try and sell, but ultimately there were no takers. We then decided we would try Regulation A crowdfunding, which is different from Kickstarter, because its equity-based. Its also different from Regulation C crowdfunding in that you dont have to be an accredited investor. It made a lot of sense because so much of our product is created by our community. There were a lot of hiccups along the way. We ended up setting a cap of $11 million, I thought wed raise maybe five or six million. But because of a lot of issues, including the inability to take payment via credit cards, we ended up raising only $2 million. We couldnt really get ourselves back to the growth that we needed to.

Do you regret not selling to Google?

I do now. It wouldnt have been an amazing outcome but personally it wouldve been good. Maybe I could put a down payment on somewhere in San Francisco, but its a mixed bag. Under those circumstances at that point in time, given what I knew, I still think it was the right decision. Everything was up and to the right, it looked like we were getting new funding in, there was no indication whatsoever that wed see a dropoff. I felt like we were sufficiently differentiated in the market.

As someone who is not well-versed in finance and works in the ailing media industry, Im always sort of baffled every time I hear about VC funding. Any business that operates in the black sounds good to me. Was it frustrating to hear that your profitability and growth wasnt enough?

Its certainly frustrating. I guess Im looking at it from my lens now a number of years on but it was frustrating at the time. Because we hadnt really taken much money yet. Wed been living on a shoestring  that initial funding was only $1.2 million  and yet, with almost no cash, we were able to goose growth to get to five times and profitability. We were clearly superserving a segment of the market that no one else could touch. It seemed to be that we could do a heck of a lot more if we had more funding. Its hard to know what kind of ROI a VC could see, but Spotify had raised a lot by that point in Europe, and the big boys had endless amounts of money to put into a loss-leading music service.

The music industry is challenging. Theres fierce competition on the demand side [streaming services] and the supply side [record labels] are an oligopoly, strictly definitionally. I understand their investment thesis; theyre looking for home runs. Thats just the structure of that model. Theyre looking for highly risky bets that really pay off and subsidize everything else. I do think there is a middle ground thats being under-served today. The question that we always have is Whats wrong with a $100-million company? That seems like a reasonable thing to back but it does fall outside the venture model.

Given what you said about record labels being an oligopoly, an interesting thing about streaming start-ups is that the costs per user dont really fall as a user base increases. The royalty rates always stay the same, right?

There was some talk recently from Jimmy Iovine about the lack of scalability because the royalty rate is fixed. Thats not new news, weve all known that. The real point here is it makes it hard for the business to work unless you have sufficient scale to sell a ton of ads with a direct-sales team and achieve premium CPMs. Spotify has 100 million users and a subscription plan and yet it still struggles to reach profitability.

No matter how big a music start-up gets, its not a curved graph. The expenses rise in a straight line.

I think thats right. The way I would think about that is: what weve seen borne out in the marketplace is that in order to have a profitable model of streaming music, you have to be the market leader with massive scale. I think Spotify is close to profitability, but they are by far the market leader. There are markets where you can have competition, but given the economics here, its just not that possible. Its unclear if the other big tech companies would be profitable on a standalone basis with their streaming services, or if they serve primarily as loss leaders.

Just recently, Spotify announced that they would start targeting ads based on the podcasts people listen to. The general think was that the reason Spotify has leaned so heavily into podcasts, and bought Gimlet, is because they dont have to pay record-label royalty rates on podcasts.

A hundred percent. You can strike deals because the suppliers of the podcasts are not in a situation where they can call the shots to the same degree. One last point I would make on the music side is that I saw something recently that the most-streamed songs this past year had considerably fewer streams than the previous year. There was a similar study that came out about a year ago segmenting the the market  the top 50 streams of the year, top 500 streams, etc.  and comparing that year on year. What was fascinating is that the top two segments, as a percentage of the total, were going down. What this suggests is that there is a greater push down the long tail. Were finally seeing that shift in music thanks to on-demand streaming and a subscription-based model. Were still very much in an oligopoly and a star system today, I think there is going to be a steady push down the independent sector and DIY artists.

That sounds good to me.

Its a democratizing trend. I think its also good for listeners because theres more diversity.

Do you see any differences in user behavior between people who use streaming services and who use something more deliberate like 8tracks?

Youre asking, if you look at a music fan circa 2008 and a music fan circa 2020, how do they differ?

Yeah, what got me thinking about it was how 8tracks started as a service you had to upload files to. Very few people, only psychos like me, download music anymore. Is there a behavioral difference between people who have local files and those who rely on streaming?

I do think theres a difference. The DJ community on 8tracks is only like one percent of the user base. So the people who are still uploading, those are still the collectors. I still think people amass libraries on Spotify, but I do think the people still making playlists fall into this collector bucket where they want to own their music. They dont want to be dependent on a service that could go out of business or suddenly raise prices or lose music rights. They want to own that music in the truest sense. That aficionado market is still real.

Given that, whats the response to your announcement been like?

Its been lovely. I was blown away by how many people have sent us tweets and emails. Its an outpouring of love and fond recollection of 8tracks. Even to this day, people are like Theres never been anything like it. Theres other services but theres something special that still hasnt been captured or emulated in the same way. Theres a feeling of loss among many. Weve accepted this downward path for a long time, but there has been some new interest since the blog post, and so were entertaining some discussions about a possible buyer. Im not sure any of those will come to fruition. Upshot is Ive been pleased that so many people found so much value in the service. The quintessential is people who listened to 8tracks during college from 2008 to 2012 or 2013 and that was like the soundtrack to their life, it helped them at certain times. It was a special tool, not to sound cheesy.

What would you say is the special thing that 8tracks had?

To my mind, theres probably three things. One is the depth of music discovery. Theres an element of serendipity and surprise when its a person instead of an algorithm. Maybe a song doesnt fit the genre but theres a contextual link. Thing two is this programming that gets really granular. A listener can pick a cue like yoga or rainy day and an artist and get this really thinly sliced taste and context thats really unique. There are a lot of mood-based playlists on Spotify and others, but if you go to 8tracks, you can crosscut those with a taste cue like genre or artist. The third thing is a little bit more elusive, but its this sense that theres a soul behind the music. Theres a narrative and a story communicated through the mix art, through the title and description. And you can interact with that person directly if you want.

What happens to the 8tracks archive?

Were gonna keep the site up. Well eventually run out of cash if theres not a buyer. We dont stream from our servers anymore, but weve left the site up for now. We believe we might be able to get a buyer more if we leave the site up. We also want to give as much time as possible to export their playlists.

Whats next for you?

TBD! If we do find a buyer for 8tracks I want to help with the transition. Im kind of thinking about whether theres an opportunity that makes sense at a larger streaming company. The thing Im excited about is a productivity and mindfulness app that Ive been working on called NextUp. The goal is to help people plan and execute their day in a thoughtful fashion. I think of it as another tool toward being happy in the same way one might do yoga or meditate.
Photo: Israel Palacio/Unsplash

If you love to take advantage of the music offerings near you, this weekend offers several great reasons to leave the house.

From the Samantha Fish Cigar Box Guitar Festival to day five of the The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival, read on for a local music to-do list to fill your calendar this week.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

School of Rock Presents ENCORE

From the event description:

School of Rock Presents Encore. Come check out the best of the best of School of Rock's fall seasonal shows! You'll hear the best from our Classic Metal, Rolling Stones, and our Talking Heads vs. The Cars show. PLUS, there will also be a performance by our enthusiastic and talented Rock 101 students. Additionally, our group of incredibly talented music instructors will perform a special set showcasing our next seasonal shows; Tribute to Led Zeppelin and Indie Rock. Don't miss this live special event!

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 1-4 p.m.

Where: The Art Garage, 2231 St. Claude Ave.

Admission: $10

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Samantha Fish Cigar Box Guitar Festival

From the event description:

A star-studded lineup playing handmade instruments in the greatest musical city in the world!

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 3-11 p.m.

Where: The Howlin' Wolf, 907 S. Peters St.

Admission: $25

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Tattered Rabbit

From the event description:

Killer all local psyche/rock/experimental gig, featuring Tattered Rabbit, The Ivory Sons, The Foragers and Sunday Circus.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 p.m.midnight

Where: Gasa Gasa, 4920 Freret St.

Admission: $10

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Ray Volpe

From the event description:

Ray Volpe returns to New Orleans to bring a dose of heavy bass to start off the new decade right.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 p.m.-3 a.m.

Where: Republic NOLA, 828 S. Peters St.

Admission: $15

Story continues

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Day 5 - The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival

From the event description:

Learn about the life and legacy of jazz musician Danny Barker.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave.

Admission: $10

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
LEAD | Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab) is in the final days of accepting applications for 2020 summer internships.

Here are 10 reasons why potential applicants should act now.

No matter the area of study, theres an internship for you.

Through the David Bozied and Chris Bauer internship programs, Sanford Lab offers internships in the fields of Communications; Science; Engineering; Environment, Safety and Health; Education and Outreach; Operations; and Underground Access.

With opportunities in diverse fields, interns gain hands-on experience on unique engineering projects; stimulating science writing; sitewide safety; or experiments in the fields of particle physics, biology, chemistry and geology.

It doesnt get more unique than Sanford Lab.

Internships are all about the experience. Whether youre a writer learning how to communicate dark matter research, an engineer learning how to provide electricity to remote locations, or a biologist looking for microbes in dark drifts, youll find yourself exploring our unique facility throughout your internship.

Invest in South Dakota STEM.

Sanford Lab is propelling cutting-edge research and education programs in the state of South Dakota. Interns support the development of STEM in our state.

For Sanford Lab, internships are an investment in the future, said Peggy Norris, deputy director for Education and Outreach at Sanford Lab. A strong STEM workforce in South Dakota is crucial for the future health of the lab and its workforce. For the student, internships are an important component of their education. Internships reinforce their choice of careers, or perhaps they will realize that a career path is not for them. In either case, they will learn important life and work skills.

Spend a summer in the heart of the Black Hills.

In the midst of the Black Hills, Lead offers fantastic hiking trails both locally and in nearby Spearfish Canyon. With hometown restaurants, rich history and beautiful views, Lead is a stunning place to spend your summer.

Take part in Neutrino Day 2020.

Summer interns assist their departments during our free, citywide science festival. Neutrino Day draws thousands of visitors to Lead each July. Whatever your area of study, this is your opportunity to share your passion and work with this community through education and outreach.

Real-world learning is matched with hands-on experience.

Internship programs offer students valuable experience while helping meet the challenges of operating the deepest underground science laboratory in the United States.

My internship provided me hands-on dark matter research; I worked with researchers from LUX and the Majorana Demonstrator experiment to help calibrate detectors, said Joseph Mammo, a science intern at Sanford Lab in 2016. Now, he is a graduate assistant in the physics department at the University of South Dakota. I also developed and implemented my own data analysis software that analyzes the underground data collected at Sanford Lab using multiple particle detectors. It was an extensive experience in data analysis and dark matter research.

At the end of a 10-week program, each intern will give a presentation about their experience at Sanford Lab.

Its worth the competition.

We receive dozens of applications for a limited number of positions each year. But trust us, its worth applying.

This year was the third time I applied for an internship here, said Bradley Drake, an engineering intern in 2018. In the past, I just didnt have the right experience. This year I really focused on nuclear engineering and worked really hard because I wanted to make it in. It finally paid off.

Find your niche in a multifaceted organization.

Our diverse departments are always working together. By working in a multifaceted organization, youll sharpen your specific skills while learning to consider the safety, environmental, scientific, logistic, educational, global and public impacts of each project.

Discover a world of opportunity.

During their presentations, I caught two interesting comments from interns, said Constance Walter, communications director at Sanford Lab. One student said the experience opened her eyes to an entire spectrum of career choices she hadnt considered before. Another said the experience helped him narrow down his choice to a specific field. That's what internships are all about.

Whether you want to discover more opportunities or narrow down your choices, real-world experiences can help you discover your passion.

Our people make it work.

The staff at Sanford Lab are dedicated to the success of this facility and each person here. Youll work alongside professionals who have contributed to this facility for more than a decade, as well as visit with experts from around the world. Were excited for you to join the team.

The summer internship program is a win-win for Sanford Lab and the students, said June Apaza, former director of Education and Outreach. The students are provided a valuable real-world learning experience and Sanford Lab benefits from having these talented students in the summer workforce.

The deadline to apply is coming up quickly, Jan. 20, 2020. Visit our website to apply or for details concerning the period of employment, compensation and eligibility.

For more information on internships at Sanford Lab, contact Peggy Norris at 605-722-5049 or pnorris@sanfordlab.org.

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen on Thursday pitched for a hardline approach to deal with terrorism in the region, saying the model adopted by the US to take on terror networks after the 9/11 strike needs to be replicated.

In a clear reference to Pakistan, he also sought strong global action including diplomatic isolation against states sponsoring terrorism, asserting that there is a need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause of terrorism.

"We have to bring an end to terrorism and that can only happen the way the Americans started after the 9/11. Let's go on a spree on global war on terror and let the nations join and fight terrorism together," Gen Rawat said.

"In trying to do that, you have to isolate the terrorists. Anybody sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task," he said.

After the September 11, 2001 terror attack, the US had declared a global war on terror which included legislative measures as well as military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tunisia, Somalia, Mali and Nigeria.

"You cannot have partners who are partnering with you in the global war on terrorism and yet sponsoring proxies and terror. You have to have an international messaging that has to go to them. Hard action should be taken," Gen Rawat said.

He said action like blacklisting countries by global anti-terror watchdog FATF could be a good option.

"You have to bring about acceptability in the nations that there are sponsors of terrorism. Denial of terrorism cannot be allowed to continue," Gen Rawat said.

He said there was a need to strike at the root of terrorism.

"As long as there are states which sponsor terrorism, we will have to live with the menace. We need to take the bull by its horns and strike at the root cause," he said.

He also compared cyber warfare by terrorists to "soup" in a banquet, "starters" with missiles and drone attacks and "main course" with combat in air and sea.

"The banquet can well be attacked by a swarm of bees in the form of terrorists," he said, adding the future of terrorism is going to be as dirty as conventional combat.

"The war on terror is not ending. The war on terror is something which is going to continue. We will have to live with it until we understand and get to the roots of terrorism," he added.

The former Army chief said terrorism is going to stay as long as certain states are going continue sponsoring it and use terrorists as their proxies besides providing weapons and funds to terror groups.

Asked whether he supports ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, he said talks should be initiated with everybody provided they give up the "weapon of terrorism".

"You have to come to a peace deal with everybody. You have to go for a negotiated deal but in that the Taliban or whoever it may be must give up the weapon of terror," he said.

Asked whether Pakistan will continue its support to Taliban, Gen Rawat replied: "the answer is yes."



"You have to change the ideology behind Taliban for lasting peace (in Afghanistan). It cannot be a temporary measure," he added.

Asked about his new post, he said the CDS is the first among equals but he has got clear and well defined responsibilities.

"While he is the first among equals, he has some authority over the three service chiefs except on operational issues," he said.
As booksellers prepare to gather in Baltimore for the American Booksellers Associations 15th annual Winter Institute, the areas regional association has announced a professional certification program for indie booksellers. The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association, which represents booksellers from the mid-Atlantic and New York State, will offer the certification program for booksellers nationwide.

For years, booksellers across the country have been asking for a career path in bookselling, said Bill Reilly, co-owner of the Rivers End bookstore and NAIBA board president, in a statement. I believe that NAIBAs Professional Bookselling Certification will provide an important first step along this path.

The five-module course will feature training programs on human resources, operations management, events, and inventory control, along with the basics of frontline bookselling. Booksellers who complete all five modules will become Certified Professional Booksellers. The organization is also offering a fast track module for long-time professionals.

The courses will combine online components with in-person courses at regional and national conferences. The first course will be unveiled later this year.

The new program follows a highly successful NAIBA conference in Cherry Hill, N.J. last fall, where workshops and round tables on improving professionalization drew significant interest from booksellers. Over 100 people attended the conferences main workshop on improving human resources.

NAIBA executive director Eileen Dengler will be the point person for the program, taking inquiries from interested booksellers. Dengler said that while professionalization has always been a focus for booksellers associations around the country, the program will allow other booksellers to be able to see that someone has the appropriate training to do certain jobs. People have been asking for some recognition for bookselling skills, and now NAIBA will make it happen.
Just recently, actress Jung Ryeo Won sat down as a guest in JTBC's "JTALK" to give an interview about her drama "War of Prosecutors." The story of the drama "War of Prosecutors" follows the daily lives of ordinary prosecutors who work like salarymen.

The story centers on the prosecutor named Lee Sun Woong played by Lee Sun Gyun. Lee Sun Gyun works at his local Public Prosecutors' Office in the district office in Jinyoung. He seems easy going and doesn't appear to have an urge to succeed in what he does.

On the other hand, Cha Myung-Joo played by Jung Ryeo-Won is a high end and rising star prosecutor on the fast track in the Central District Prosecutor's Office in Seoul. One day, she is suddenly transferred to the district public prosecutor's office in Jinyoung. Both their paths will cross when they're assigned to the same office.

Jung Ryeo Won shares her insights about her character in "War Of Prosecutors" in an episode of "JTALK". As the character of Cha Myung Joo, Jung Ryeo Won said that Cha Myung Joo has a laser focus when it comes to her job. But she has a very cold and inexpressive personality. She added that when she first saw and read the script, she thought that the character was rather suffocating. But she has her own reasons for being that way.

The actress continued to describe her character she said that Cha Myung Joo has always been on top and she's always competing to be the best, but she has scars in her past as well. She also shared that she likes that Cha Myung Joo does not care what other people think of her and always speaks her mind. She said that she is not like Cha Myung Joo in real life. This is something that has come to her to be part of the image she is portraying. In real life, she shared that she a very constrained person, so she lives vicariously through her acting.

The actress also talked about working with Lee Sun Gyun. She said that she thought that Lee Sun Gyun was the only person who could play Lee Sun Woong, so she's happy that he took on the role. She added with laughter, "Apart from filming, the restaurants he recommends are great."

Here is additional information about the drama:
Investment in large-scale clean energy projects plunged 56 per cent in Australia last year, dropping to its lowest level since 2016 amid renewed uncertainty over the industry's future.

Data compiled by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) says spending on new utility scale renewable energy assets totaled $US3.2 billion ($4.6 billion) in 2019. When spending on other renewables, such as rooftop solar, was included, the drop was 40 per cent, the consultancy said.

A solar farm under construction outside the township of Nevertire in western NSW. Credit:Wolter Peeters

"Australia's major political parties took ideologically opposed clean energy platforms to the May 2019 federal election, once again stymieing any hope of long-term policy certainty," Leonard Quong, an energy analyst at BNEF, said.

"Conditions across Australia's thinly spread out electricity network continued to deteriorate," he added. "Falling loss factors cut revenue expectations for many, curtailment began to bite for some and connection delays were a major source of pain for a few."
Jimmy Fallon, Host, NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon speaking during the launch of Comcast's streaming service at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York on January 16, 2020. Read more

NEW YORK  Comcasts streaming service will try to lure cord-cutters with exclusive access to new originals, the Olympics, and hit movies and shows. But when Peacock takes flight this spring, the streaming service will give consumers something else they cant find on Netflix or Disney+.

Commercials.

Unlike many of its rivals, Comcast will offer free and cheaper streaming products supported by advertisements. During an investor presentation Thursday, held in Studio 8H of 30 Rock featuring Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers, the company said it will make a limited version of Peacock free to anyone, while a premium version will cost $4.99 a month. In addition, the Philadelphia company is bundling Peacock Premium to 24 million Comcast and Cox customers for free. Consumers can pay an extra $5 to watch Peacock without ads.

Comcast Xfinity customers will get early access to Peacock on April 15, with the service set to launch nationwide July 15.

Comcasts streaming strategy is quite different from others in the increasingly crowded streaming market. Rather than seek more revenue from consumers through higher subscription fees, Comcast hopes to lure viewers with cheap or free content and show them ads, much like Hulu, YouTube, or Roku. The move could help Comcast-owned NBCUniversal recoup advertising dollars that it has lost to digital and internet-connected TV competitors, according to industry analysts. It could also reflect that Comcast doesnt have as strong of a content library at launch as competitors, analysts said.

By making Peacock free for cable customers, Comcast could quickly add tens of millions of users to the service while convincing cord-cutters to stick with Xfinity by bundling broadband with content. The cable and media giant has been losing hundreds of thousands of TV customers quarter after quarter.

Comcast said it expects to reach about 35 million active accounts by 2024. By then, the company estimates Peacock to generate $2.5 billion in revenue.

We have one of the most enviable collections of media brands and the strongest ad sales track record in the business, Steve Burke, chairman of NBCUniversal, said in a statement. Capitalizing on these key strengths, we are taking a unique approach to streaming that brings value to customers, advertisers and shareholders.

Comcast enters the streaming wars with a somewhat limited content arsenal. The company boasts of 15,000 hours of movies and shows from the NBCUniversal library on the premium Peacock, from the Friday Night Lights TV series to the Fast & Furious film franchise. Peacock will also carry new originals, including Battlestar Galactica and Saved by the Bell reboots. And it will feature live news, sports, and access to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers hours before they air on TV.

But it wont have exclusive rights to hit comedies Parks & Recreation and The Office until October and January 2021, respectively. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which Comcast will use to promote Peacock, starts in July.

By comparison, rival Disney has Star Wars and Marvel superheroes at its disposal, while AT&T will combine premium HBO shows with Warner Bros. content such as Friends, one of the biggest streaming hits of all time, when it launches HBO Max in May.

They dont really have popular originals or exclusive content on the platform at launch, Bloomberg analyst Geetha Ranganathan said earlier this week of Peacock. When you dont really have a huge competitive edge, I think it makes sense to go in for a lower-priced option. That is something that could spur much greater adoption across the board.

Peacock Premiums ad-supported tier is cheaper than Netflix ($12.99 for high definition) and Amazon Prime Video ($8.99), neither of which sells ads. Hulu charges $5.99 for its ad-supported service and $11.99 for ad-free streaming.

Newer entrants charge or will bill anywhere from $4.99 a month (Apple TV+) to $14.99 (HBO Max) for their libraries of on-demand movies and shows. Disney+ costs customers $6.99. None of them shows ads.

Peacock will run up to five minutes worth of ads per hour of video, Comcast executives said. The company expects to earn roughly $5 a month from each user from ads, using improved data collection and targeting capabilities. In unveiling Peacock on Thursday, NBC announced that the streaming service will launch with State Farm and Target, among others, as initial sponsors, bringing in hundreds of millions of advertising revenue.

Connected TV ad spending is expected to double to $14 billion by 2023, from nearly $7 billion last year, according to the market research firm eMarketer. Thats still a fraction of the $70 billion spent on traditional TV advertising in 2019. But the TV ad pie has been steadily shrinking. Its expected to drop to more than $68 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, digital ad spending should grow from $34 billion last year to $59 billion in 2023, eMarketer predicts

When it comes to traditional television as weve known it, audiences have eroded. The characterization of the melting iceberg is probably the best way to describe it, said Brian Wieser, global president of business intelligence for GroupM, the worlds largest advertising media company.

As traditional TV faces a shrinking supply of ratings, advertisers seeking brand-safe environments could flock to ad-supported subscription services, UBS analyst John Hodulik wrote in a November research note.

The company plans to spend roughly $2 billion on Peacock over the next two years, largely on content and marketing, far less than incumbent Netflix, which was set to pour roughly $15 billion on content alone in 2019. Comcast executives expect to break even on Peacock in five years.

Comcast is embracing streaming as its customers flee costlier pay TV. The company reported losing 238,000 TV customers during the third quarter last year. At the same time, Comcasts broadband business has boomed, signing up 379,000 new high-speed internet customers in that quarter. The broadband gains helped lift Comcasts profits by 11.5% to $3.2 billion.

The company is now giving internet-only customers a streaming box called Flex that comes with a voice remote, allowing customers to access streaming services and 10,000 free movies and shows, including live TV from ESPN3 and other networks. Flex is expected to prominently feature Peacock.

Comcast could soon steer customers who dont want traditional TV to its Flex and Peacock bundle, to mitigate the cord-cutting woes.

Thats a really compelling option because if you can get both video and broadband for lets say a discounted bundle or discounted package, I think a lot of people will like that, Ranganathan said.
The GAO review did not weigh in on the specific House impeachment charges. House lawmakers impeached Trump on two counts: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Lawmakers alleged that the president abused the power of his office by withholding the money as leverage to pressure Zelensky into publicly announcing an inquiry that would undermine a political rival and then obstructed the investigation of those actions.
Prince William was left flummoxed after mistaking a cupcake featuring a picture of himself for Princess Charlotte yesterday.

The royal, 37, who was visiting Khidmat Centre in Bradford with Kate Middleton, 38, stopped when he was shown cupcakes with photos of the Cambridge family - including a picture of himself as a child.

He was heard exclaiming: 'Is that me? Or is that Charlotte? Is that me?', as he looked around to Kate and baker Siama Ali of Cup Caker Bradford.

William continued: 'Is that me? Oh my goodness that looks just like Charlotte, that is incredible'.

Prince William was left flummoxed after mistaking a cupcake featuring a picture of himself for Princess Charlotte yesterday. The royal, 37, who was visiting Khidmat Centre in Bradford with Kate Middleton, 38, stopped when he was shown cupcakes with photos of the Cambridge family - including a picture of himself as a child

Talented baker Siama had created a collection of cakes and cupcakes documenting the Cambridges' love story, complete with gold edible frames.

But the cupcake which particulary took William's fancy showed a picture of him as a boy at Buckmore Park Playscape in 1992, aged 10.

Meanwhile a comparison picture of Princess Charlotte at Princess Eugenie's wedding, aged three, shows the little girl has inherited William's eyes, nose and lips - as well as brown locks, and quickly did the rounds on Twitter.

And the comparison of the two pictures quickly went viral among fans on Twitter, who remarked on the similarities between William and Charlotte.

The one cupcake which particulary took William's fancy was the one with a picture of him as a boy at Buckmore Park Playscape in 1992, aged 10

A comparison picture of Princess Charlotte at Princess Eugenie's wedding, aged three, shows the little girl has inherited William's eyes, nose and lips - as well as brown locks, and quickly did the rounds on Twitter among royal fans

One fan wrote: 'Amazing. William favors his mum maybe Charlotte will favor her grandma as she grows'.

Another added: ' I got in an argument with somebody else on another page that they were saying that Princess Charlotte looks like the queen and no disrespect to her your highness but I said she looks just like her dad and her grandma Princess Diana I said it from the beginning pretty cool.

Elsewhere one tweeted: That discussion of who Charlotte takes after is now officially closed. She's a Spencer like her daddy!'.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were visiting the Khidmat Centre in Bradford to hear about the activities and workshops offered at the centre and the organisations that they support.

Following the visit, baker Siama took to Instagram to express her delight at the meeting and reveal she packed the cakes for them to take back home.

Sharing a picture of the cupcakes, she wrote: 'Will never forget their reactions I loved every second and was a honour to meet them.

'Kate shook my hand twice the top tier and all framed cupcakes were packed for them to take.

'What a honour thank you to everyone for their love & support I cannot explain how I feel at the moment.. #dukeandduchessofcambridge'.

Talented baker Siama had created a collection of cakes and cupcakes documenting the Cambridges' love story, complete with gold edible frames, and shared a snap to Instagram

Following the visit, baker Siama took to Instagram to express her delight at the meeting and reveal she packed the cakes for them to take back home
Proteomic Atlas of Senescence-Associated Secretomes can be used by the research community to speed translation of therapeutics to clinical use

Senescent cells, which stop dividing under stress, are long- recognized drivers of multiple diseases of aging. Mouse studies have shown that targeted removal of these cells and the inflammatory factors they secrete, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), has beneficial results on multiple organ systems and functions. Success in the laboratory has given rise to companies and research projects aimed at developing either senolytics, drugs that clear senescent cells, or senomorphics, drugs that suppress the SASP. But drug development and clinical utilization require simple, reliable biomarkers to assess the abundance of senescent cells in human tissues. Publishing in PLOS Biology, researchers at the Buck Institute have extensively profiled the SASP of human cells and have generated a curated database available for use in the field.

"The stage is now set for the development of clinically-relevant biomarkers of aging," said Judith Campisi, PhD, Buck professor and one of the senior authors on the paper. "This will speed efforts to get safe and effective drugs into the clinic and, in the long term, could enable physicians to give patients a clear read-out of how well, or poorly, their various tissues and organs are aging."

The study, led by postdoc Nathan Basisty, PhD, expanded the number of proteins known to be secreted by human senescent cells by about 10-fold, to over 1000. Researchers show that a 'core' set of senescence factors, which were secreted by all types of senescent cells studied, are significantly increased in human plasma as we age, and may be the basis for developing "whole body" biomarkers of aging, and biomarkers to assess the efficacy of senolytics and senomorphics in human trials. Using advanced proteomic analysis, researchers also propose signatures that identify specific subsets of senescent cells.

"The complexity of the SASP, which is typically monitored by a few dozen secreted proteins, has been greatly underappreciated, and a small set of factors cannot explain the diverse phenotypes senescence produces in vivo," said Basisty who describes the SASP Atlas as a comprehensive proteomic database of soluble and exosome SASP factors originating from multiple senescence inducers and cell types. Each profile consists of hundreds of largely distinct proteins, but also includes a 'core' subset of proteins elevated in all SASPs.

"The work points out how different inducers of senescence and different cells types result in different secretomes," said Campisi. "For the first time we have the capability of measuring the burden of senescent cells in vivo and making educated guesses on how they became senescent and how neighboring cells are being affected."

"Proteomics allowed us to take a totally unbiased approach in this project and is the perfect example of how you can utilize high-end technology to move forward with biological questions," said Birgit Schilling, PhD, senior co-author and assistant professor and director of the Buck Institute's Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Center. "Our hope is that the SASP Atlas will facilitate identification of proteins that drive specific senescence-associated phenotypes and catalog and develop potential senescence biomarkers to assess the burden and origin of senescent cells in vivo."

This initial research at the Buck utilized senescent human lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells from the kidney. Results were validated by comparing them with markers of aging found in plasma from The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), America's longest-running scientific study of human aging which is maintained by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and involves more than 3,200 volunteers. "Our research shows that we all age differently," said Luigi Ferrucci, MD, the Scientific Director of the Intramural Research Program at the NIA and one of the co-authors of the study. "The development of senescence-associated biomarkers will allow us to identify factors that drive aging and disease in specific tissues and will hopefully lead to early detection and interventions that will prevent disease progression. We are pleased to partner with the Buck Institute in this effort."

###

Citation: A proteomic atlas of senescence-associated secretomes for aging biomarker development. PLoS Biol 18(1):e3000599. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000599

Other Buck Institute researchers involved in the study include Abhijit Kale, Ok Hee Jeon, Chisaka Kuehnemann, Therese Payne, Chirag Rao, Anja Holtz, and Samah Shah. Vagisha Sharma, from the University of Washington, Seattle was also a collaborator.

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (U01 AG060906-02, PI: Schilling; P01AG017242 and R01AG051729, PI: Campisi) and a National Institutes of Health Shared Instrumentation Grant (1S10 OD016281, Buck Institute). N.B. and O.J. were supported by postdoctoral fellowships from the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research. A.K. was supported by the SENS Foundation. V.S. was supported by the University of Washington, Seattle Proteomics Resource (UWPR95794).

Judith Campisi is a scientific co-founder and shareholder of Unity Biotechnology Inc., which has licencing rights to certain patents filed by the Buck Institute.

About the Buck Institute for Research on Aging

At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations. We bring together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to study mechanisms of aging and to identify therapeutics that slow down aging. Our goal is to increase human health span, or the healthy years of life. Located just north of San Francisco, we are globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging, the number one risk factor for serious diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes. The Buck wants to help people live better longer. Our success will ultimately change healthcare. Learn more at: https://buckinstitute.org
An associate of Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists was arrested from Awantipora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Thursday.

"Police arrested a terrorist associate of proscribed outfit LeT in Awantipora," a police spokesman said.

He has been identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Dar alias Maheed resident of Dangerpora-Padgampora in Pulwama district, the spokesman said.

"As per police records he has been assisting the active terrorists of proscribed outfit LeT operating in the areas of Padgampora, Sonrigund, Gulzarpora, Beighpora, Reshipora and Dangerpora areas of Awantipora," the spokesman said.

As per the investigation, Dar was involved in threatening and intimidating civilians residing in the area, the spokesman said adding he was also involved in providing logistic support to LeT cadres operating in Awantipora.

Case under relevant section of law has been registered at Police Station Awantipora and further investigation in the matter is in progress.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Joining forces with Astreya enables us to move with the speed of a startup and the financial security of a much larger company. Astreyas customers include some of the most innovative organizations in the world, and we believe this is exactly where BI automation can have the greatest impact.

Astreya, a leading global IT solutions provider for many of the world's most recognizable and innovative organizations, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RelayiQ. The acquisition expands Astreyas technology-enabled services to include RelayiQs powerful portfolio of machine learning-driven solutions for business intelligence automation.

RelayiQs technology solves the last mile analytics problem by bridging the divide between business intelligence solutions and business processes. Using machine learning, RelayiQ automates the detection of important changes in KPIs, prescribes customized action plans, and notifies those who can take action via email, text, and social channels.

RelayiQs vision has rapidly grown from data-driven alerting to becoming the premiere machine learning-driven BI automation suite for the enterprise. When this vision was resoundingly validated at TC19 (Tableau Conference 2019), we knew we needed to accelerate our development and our go-to-market strategy, said RelayiQ CEO Brian Borack. Joining forces with Astreya enables us to move with the speed of a startup and the financial security of a much larger company. Astreyas customers include some of the most innovative organizations in the world, and we believe this is exactly where BI automation can have the greatest impact.

With this deal, Astreya positions itself as an important player in BI automation, empowering its customers for a future where machine learning plays an increasingly important role in digital transformation.

We see the disconnect between the massive investments that have been made in business intelligence and business processes in the field every day. Were committed to solving this last mile problem by investing in the technologies and solutions our customers need to successfully drive analytics adoption. With RelayiQ, our customers can quickly improve both data-driven decision making and data-driven activity to dramatically improve their company performance, said Jay Preston, Senior Vice President of Global Service Delivery.

About Astreya

Astreya is a premier IT solutions provider offering strategic and tactical support for the most demanding organizations. Utilizing innovations in information technology, Astreya services include 24/7 end-user support, program management, and data center operations. Astreya recently launched Astreya Professional Services, a consultancy of seasoned data center and cloud architects delivering strategic infrastructure management. Since forming in 2001, Astreya team members span 35 countries with headquarters in the heart of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.astreya.com.

About RelayiQ

Our mission is to solve the last mile analytics problem through business intelligence automation. We believe data-driven decision making should be accessible to everyone.

Our journey began in 2015 when we realized that analysts were making incredible interactive dashboards, but almost nobody was using them. As a result, massive investments in analytics were not translating into making better decisions and taking effective actions. The excitement of using a dashboard to slice and dice data quickly faded as dashboard fatigue set in. In fact, more often than not, many business stakeholders simply reverted to just asking the analyst to send them information directly.

With RelayiQ, you can quickly detect insights from existing data sources, prescribe plans of action, and deliver those plans to people who can act on them in the communication channels they use most. No more monitoring and deciphering dozens of dashboards. Put your data to work and let the actionable intelligence come to you!
Southwest Airlines said Thursday it doesn't expect the Boeing 737 Max to be included in its flight schedule until early June, following similar moves by American and United.

Ahead of the peak summer travel season, the airlines face the likelihood that pilots will have to be trained on simulators before the jets return.

The problem has worsened for carriers because they had expected Boeing to deliver more jets at the time of the grounding last March, after the second of two fatal crashes that killed 346 people within five months. Regulators, who ordered airlines to stop flying, have repeatedly said they have no firm timeline to approve the planes again for commercial flights.

Boeing earlier this month said it would recommend pilots undergo simulator training before airlines start flying the planes again, a process that could further delay the Max's return to service and one that promises to add to Boeing's costs.

Southwest, which operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet  mostly older models  reached a compensation agreement last month with Boeing over the grounding, but it could receive more as the flight ban wears on.

Southwest is pulling the planes through June 6, an effort to "reduce last-minute flight cancellations and unexpected disruptions." The Dallas-based carrier plans to remove 330 weekday flights from its peak-day schedules of more than 4,000 flights, 50 more flights than when it expected to have the planes back in service by early April.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has threatened to take action against the UK government over its bailout package for regional airline Flybe. Photo: PA

Ryanair (RYA.L) CEO Michael OLeary on Thursday told chancellor Sajid Javid that his airline was considering launching legal action against the UK government over its bailout of regional airline Flybe.

In a strongly worded letter, OLeary told Javid that the measures contained in the proposed bailout package, such as a potential short-term extension on tax payments, should be extended to other airlines.

The boss of Europes largest low-cost carrier said that to not do so would contravene competition rules, because Flybe would have an unfair advantage.

OLeary said that his airline would launch proceedings against the government if it does not offer the same assistance to other airlines operating in the UK.

In part, the letter sent to the chancellor seeks to confirm the nature of the bailout package that the government intends to grant to Flybe.

READ MORE: BA-owner IAG files complaint with EU over Flybe rescue package

Should you fail to confirm these facts within the next seven-day period, please be advised that Ryanair intends to launch proceedings against your government for breach of UK and EU competition law and breach state aid rules, OLeary said.

OLearys letter comes after British Airways-owner IAG (IAG.L) on Wednesday said that it had filed a complaint with the European Unions executive arm about the rescue package.

IAG also believes that the bailout, which could see the government offer Flybe an extension on unpaid air passenger duties worth more than 100m ($130m), constitutes illegal state aid.

Willie Walsh, the CEO of IAG, blasted the governments decision to rescue regional airline Flybe, calling the move a blatant misuse of public funds.

Ministers on Tuesday evening announced a bailout that could end up being worth more than 100m for Flybe, saving more than 2,000 jobs.

READ MORE: BA boss Willie Walsh calls Flybe bailout a blatant misuse of public funds

Walsh said on Wednesday morning that the consortium that owns Flybe wanted taxpayers to pick up the tab for their mismanagement of the airline, branding it a blatant misuse of public funds.

Story continues

In February 2019, the consortium, Connect Airways, completed the purchase of the assets and operations of Flybe for 2.8m.

The consortium is owned by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Aviation, and Cyrus Capital Partners. Virgin Atlantic is 49% owned by US airline Delta.

Walsh pointed out that prior to the acquisition by Connect Airways, Flybe had argued that taxpayers should subsidise regional routes.
Johannesburg , January 16, 2020 (SPS)- The African National Conference called on the international community to honour a promise made twenty eight years ago to the Saharawi people on the refferendum for self-determination.

The ANC reaffirmed, during the 15th Congress of the POLISARIO Front held from the 19th -23rd December 2019 in Tifariti, liberated territories of Western Sahara, its principled support to the Saharawi people.

"The 15th Polisario Congress takes place during a critical juncture whereby MINURSO is almost 30 years old without fulfilling one of its core mandates of organising a referendum of self-determination for the Saharawi people. The people of Western Sahara have been waiting for the United Nations to fulfil its promise and responsibility towards the peace-loving people of Western Sahara" stressed the ANC in a statement.

The ANC noted in its 54th National Conference that Western Sahara is the only remaining colony on the African continent, and further reaffirmed the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence.

"It is a lamentable fact that Western Sahara remains the only country still suffering under the yolk of colonialisation and subjugation despite a clear legal precedent as provided for by resolution 1514 of 1960 on the right to self-determination and independence" added the statement.

The conference of the ANC reaffirmed that its position is further consistent with the 1975 decision of the International Court of Justice and related resolutions that Morocco has no legitimate territorial claim over Western Sahara. Accordingly, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen and intensify South Africas support for the Saharawi people in their quest for self-determination.

"The ANC pledges its continued solidarity with the peoples of Western Sahara and further calls on the International Community to expedite the resolution of the conflict of Western Sahara and bring an end to inhumane and prolonged suffering of the people of Saharawi people" concluded The statement . (SPS)

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WICHITA, Kan. - An attorney for a Kansas researcher accused of concealing work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas hit back on Thursday against a new indictment, saying the case has nothing to do with the Chinese governments alleged attempts obtain U.S. intellectual property.

Feng Franklin Tao, 47, of Lawrence, was charged in a superseding indictment Wednesday with two counts of wire fraud and one count of program fraud for failing to disclose on conflict-of-interest forms the work he was doing for China while employed as a full-time associate professor at the University of Kansas.

His attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, said in an email that Tao denies the charges and will be vigorously contest them in court, and that Tao looks forward to clearing his name.

To be clear, this case has nothing to do with the Chinese governments alleged attempts to convert U.S. intellectual property, Zeidenberg said. Instead, the government has alleged that Dr. Tao improperly filled out two conflict of interest forms. There is no allegation that he diverted any grant money for his personal use or improperly disclosed intellectual property or trade secrets.

In the indictment, prosecutors argue in general terms that China spurred its economic growth by offering scholarships or funding to foreign students or visiting professors who were studying or working at U.S. universities. China also used talent plans to encourage the transfer of original ideas and intellectual property from U.S. universities to Chinese government institutions to enhance Chinese scientific development, economic prosperity, and national security, they allege.

Prosecutors say the Changjiang Professorship was one such program sponsored by the Chinese government and the Communist Party, and they allege that Tao did not disclose to the University of Kansas his selection for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in Fuzhou, China. They also allege that Tao tried to recruit other researchers and students for the Chinese government.

Zeidenberg did not directly address those specific allegations contained in the indictment.

Tao, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Kansas, was born in China and moved to the United States in 2002. He has been employed since August 2014 at the Kansas universitys Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis in Lawrence. The centre conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.

Tao, who remains on paid administrative leave, gets a salary of $110,682. During his time at the University of Kansas, he has been principal investigator on federal grants totalling more than $4.16 million, the university said.

The University of Kansas learned of potential criminal activity in the spring of 2019 and reported it to authorities, its spokesman, Andy Hyland, said in an email. The university has continued to work with law enforcement and federal granting agencies throughout the investigation, but said it cannot share additional details given that this is an ongoing criminal and personnel matter.
The face of the Indian armed forces is changing with the inclusion of more women in different roles. Over the years, the role of women has expanded in the armed forces  Indian Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

Various measures have been taken by the government to attract women to join the armed forces. Presently, women are inducted in Indian Army through SSC entries. In the Air Force, women are inducted in all the branches and streams.

Take a look at how women are making in big in the armed forces, one feat at time:

Captain Tania Shergill

Captain Tania Shergill, a fourth-generation Army officer, shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman officer to lead an all-men contingent at the Army Parade held on January 15 in New Delhi.

Tania, from the Corp of Signals was the parade adjutant.

She did her Bachelors of Technology in electronics and communications and was commissioned in March 2017 from Officers Training Academy Chennai.

Her father was in 101 Medium Regiment (Artillery) while her grandfather was in the 14th Armed Regiment (Scinde Horse). Interestingly, her great grandfather was in the Sikh Regiment.

Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth

In a step that would encourage young women to make it big in combat role in the Indian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth has created history by becoming the first woman to qualify for combat missions on a fighter jet.

She has successfully completed the operational syllabus for carrying out combat missions on MiG-21 Bison aircraft, during the day. She is the first women fighter pilot to be qualified to undertake missions by day on a fighter aircraft.



"She is the first woman fighter pilot to be qualified to undertake missions on a fighter aircraft by day. She has been able to achieve this feat with her hard work and perseverance," Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Bhawana who was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as one of the first women fighter pilots in 2016 had joined the fighter squadron in 2017. She flew solo on MiG-21 Bison last year and is now posted at the Nal base in Rajasthan's Bikaner.



Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi

Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi led a contingent of 144 male personnel, first time in the history of Indian Army. Though, in 2015 lady officers from tri services had led a squadron with 148 personnel each on the Republic day, no woman officer prior to Lt. Bhavana had led the Army day parade.



On the 71st Army Day, she led the Indian Armys Service Corps (ASC) contingent. This parade is all the more significant because the ASC is taking part after a gap of two decades.

Our center is in Bangalore and Im coming from our regimental center and its been six months we are practicing. Along with me, there are two male officers from the center are practicing as contingent commanders, Kasturi said while speaking to the Daily Pioneer.

Sub Lieutenant Shivangi

Sub Lieutenant Shivangi hailing from Bihars Muzzafarpur, became the first woman pilot of Indian Navy.

Shivangi graduated to become the first female Pilot of Indian Navy. She hails from Muzzafarpur, Bihar and completed her schooling from DAV Public school, Muzzafarpur," a defence source told PTI.

She was inducted into Indian Navy as SSC (Pilot) as part of 27 NOC course in Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and got formally commissioned by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, in June last year.

The Navy's Aviation branch has had women officers operating as air traffic control officers and as ''observers'' in the aircraft who are responsible for communication and weapons, the source told the news agency.

Lieutenant Shivangi, who had been undergoing training at the Southern Naval Command, received authorisation on December 2 to fly Dornier aircrafts.

Chief of Indias Army, General Manoj Mukund Naravane has revealed that the force would induct a total of 1,700 women into the military police over a period of 17 years.

We are getting more women into the corps of the military police. A total of 1700 will be inducted into the military police corps. Training for 101 women has already started from 6 January this year, said Naravane at fourth Armed Forces Veterans Day in western Jaipur on Tuesday a day ahead of Army Day on 15 January.
Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi arrived Jan. 11 in Erbil  his first official visit to the Kurdistan region since taking office  to discuss the countrys stability and the need for Kurdistan to cooperate with a push to expel US forces.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted Jan. 8 that Iran will "kick all US forces out of the region" in response to the Jan. 3 killing by US forces of Qasem Soleimani, chief commander of the Quds Force in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units.

At an extraordinary session Jan. 5, Iraq's parliament passed a nonbinding decision urging the Iraqi government to expel all foreign forces from Iraqi territories. However, most Sunni lawmakers, including Kurds, boycotted the parliament session and accused the Shiite blocs of appeasing Iran rather than doing what's best for Iraq.

Despite the dissent, and Washington's refusal to leave, the Iraqi government declared Jan. 14 it will implement parliaments decision to oust foreign forces from Iraq.

During their meeting in Erbil, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and [Abdul Mahdi] reiterated that Iraq should not become a battleground for settling rivalries among regional and international powers. They also emphasized that Iraqs relations with other countries must be on the basis of mutual interest and respect for the sovereignty of Iraq, read a statement from Barzani's office. They underlined that all sides should work together to prevent further escalation of the situation while restoring peace and stability, and that the interests of Iraq are the priority for all parties.

Abdul Mahdi also met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Cabinet members. Abdul Mahdi later visited Sulaimaniyah city and met with officials from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) political party, which has good relations with Iran.

A source close to the Iraqi government told Al-Monitor, Abdul Mahdi has told Kurdish officials the Kurdistan region is part of the Iraqi federal state, thus they must abide by the Iraqi parliaments decision to eject US forces from Iraqi soil once the decision is put into practice."

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, Abdul Mahdi also told the Kurds his government soon will try to reach an agreement with the US on how to implement the Iraqi parliaments decision. Kurds should cooperate with Baghdad in this regard. No foreign forces are allowed to stay in Iraq under any pretexts."

However, "Kurdish officials in Erbil told Abdul Mahdi that they prefer the coalition forces to stay in Iraq to help prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State [IS]. PUK officials told Abdul Mahdi the same thing, but said they will eventually abide by any Iraqi decision regarding foreign troops presence, the source concluded.

Al-Monitor contacted Saed al-Hadisi, the Iraqi government's official spokesperson, but he was not immediately available to comment.

KRG spokesperson Jotyar Adil told Al-Monitor the main agenda of Abdul Mahdis visit was to improve relations and discuss joint cooperation politically, militarily and on matters of security.

Concerning the KRGs formal position toward the presence of the US-led global coalition against IS, Adil said, The Kurdistan Regional Government has made its position on this matter clear. Iraq and the Kurdistan Region still need coalition support in the war against IS. The threat of IS is still there and the group has resumed its movements. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the people of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region that stability prevails, which would help all other sectors.

There were unconfirmed news reports as well as claims by Iraqi social media users that Abdul Mahdi intends to backtrack on his recent resignation with the Kurds' support, and that the purpose of his Erbil visit was to ask senior officials from the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the PUK to help him accomplish this by mediating with Iraqi President Barham Salih, who is from the PUK and selected Abdul Mahdi for prime minister to begin with. However, the KRG spokesperson rejected such claims, stating, This subject was not mentioned at all. Iraqi protesters had demanded Abdul Mahdis resignation.

While the United States and Turkey want to preserve a presence at bases inside Iraqi territory, Iran and its Shiite allies in Baghdad want all foreign forces to withdraw from the country. There's a lot at stake for the Kurds in the US-Iranian conflict in the area, and they want to maintain balance in dealing with both sides to survive the current tensions and keep their region the most stable part of Iraq.

According to a KRG statement, Erbil and Baghdad agreed on the importance of resolving disputes through constructive dialogue, and reaffirmed their commitment to implement the agreements already reached between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq, which will benefit all Iraqis.

The anonymous source who spoke with Al-Monitor also said Abdul Mahdi mentioned during his trip the oil deal between Baghdad and the KRG. He said the pact will be implemented and the KRG should soon fulfill its duty under the arrangement to submit 250,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Iraqi State Oil Marketing Co. in return for receiving a fair share of the countrys 2020 budget.
Pearson is fighting for its place on the FTSE 100 after a bleak warning about its prospects sent shares tumbling.

More than 411million was wiped off the publisher's market value yesterday as the company, once a titan of the business world which now sells text books, said profits for 2019 would total around 590million.

This was at the lower end of its September guidance, of 590million to 640million.

More than 411m was wiped off Pearson's market value yesterday as the company, once a titan of the business world which now sells text books, said profits for 2019 would be around 590m

Pearson added that profits in 2020 were likely to fall to between 500million and 580million. Shares plummeted 8.9 per cent, or 55p, to 563.4p, its lowest level for more than 11 years.

The rout has left Pearson, formerly owner of publishers Ladybird and Penguin, with a market value of just 4.4billion  right at the bottom of Britain's blue-chip index.

It is in danger of being relegated to the FTSE 250 when the index provider, FTSE Russell, completes its next reshuffle in March.

Pearson started out as a construction company, founded by Samuel Pearson in Yorkshire in 1844.

It was later passed on to his grandson Weetman, who built up the family business and later took the title Lord Cowdray following a career in politics.

One of Pearson's construction agents, Ernest Moir, helped build the Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames.

Since then, the company has owned a stable of famous brands.

From Penguin to French wine Founded in 1844 as a building and engineering firm, Pearson has been through many forms. It acquired a major stake in merchant bank Lazard Brothers in 1919, and the construction business closed its doors just a few years later. It then began to scoop up daily and weekly newspapers, forming the Westminster Press Group which was sold to News Corp in 1996. In the latter half of the 1900s, it bought the Financial Times, a 50pc stake in The Economist and publisher Longman. It even briefly owned a stake in French wine estate Chateau Latour and Chessington Zoo, now theme park Chessington World of Adventures. After listing on the stock market in 1969, Pearson snapped up publishers Penguin, Ladybird and Pitman Publishing. It even dabbled in broadcasting, investing in a number of TV businesses around the world. It started to sell off assets, such as Lazard in 1999. Over recent years it has sold all of its big-name firms, and now focuses on education.

Marjorie Scardino, boss of Pearson until 2012, said owning the Financial Times could help open doors for Pearson's education business in countries such as China.

Its sale under the current chief executive, John Fallon, in 2015 has since proved controversial.

Pearson is now languishing in the doldrums, as it struggles to find its feet as an education-focused publisher in an increasingly digital world.

Its unit which provides print and digital textbooks for US higher education course accounts for 24 per cent of revenue, but performance declined by almost 12 per cent in 2019.

In 2020, Pearson expects to make between just 500million and 580million in profit  including the money it made from selling its final 25 per cent stake in Penguin Random House for around 510million.

The company has slimmed down its business enough to be saving 335million per year from the end of 2019, and said revenues in its wider course-ware units and assessment businesses had stabilised.

But Pearson will have to fight to keep up the pace of change as Fallon is retiring this year.

Chief financial officer Coram Williams had been the heir-apparent. But he announced yesterday that he too would be stepping down to take up a role in continental Europe.

He will be succeeded by his deputy Sally Johnson, who has been with the company for almost 20 years.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'John Fallon and Coram Williams are hardly getting out while the going is still good, but you do wonder whether they are getting out before things get even worse.

This could still happen, even after multiple warnings, a dividend cut and a steady share price decline over time, despite the cost-cuts and efforts to recondition the business for the digital world. The outlook is potentially very difficult for the company.'
Tennessee lawmakers started off their annual session by passing a controversial new bill prohibiting faith-based adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples.

As reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the bill passed the Republican-led Senate last year with a 20-6 vote and was handed to Republican Governor Bill Lee, who is likely to sign it.

To the extent allowed by federal law, no private licensed child-placing agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the agencys written religious or moral convictions or policies, the bill reads.

Nashville-based Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention pushed for the legislation.

This was a high priority, tweeted ERLC. We engaged on this bill because it was based on the principle of freedom for anyone to help children; the freedom for faith-based organizations, like the [Tennessee Baptist Childrens Home] to keep doing their good work consistent with their principles.

In other states, adoption agencies have been forced to shut down because legislation required allowance of same-sex couples, according to Sen. Paul Rose, who introduced the bill.

This bill does not restrict any rights to place a child with a family, what I would consider a traditional family, mother and father, he said during debates.

The Tennessee Equality Project, however, opposed the bill, calling it part of the states slate of hate. In 2019, the state was second in the country to enact the most anti-LGBTQ legislation, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Oklahoma was first.

Democrat senators also argued that because religious-based agencies take public funds, they must adhere to states rules. Sen. Jeff Yarbro said, When those organizations are contracting with the state of Tennessee, when they are receiving dollars from public funds, they are no longer acting as private actors. Theyre acting as public actors.

A few Republicans also joined the side of Democrats over the bill. Republican Senate speaker Lt. Gov. Randy McNally stated that the bill was unnecessary.

I would argue that its best to leave alone what we have, because the protections already exist, he said, though he also explained that the President has stated he would not enforce President [Barack] Obamas mandate regarding religious organizations not being able to choose who they give children to and other things.

But Christian adoption agencies in Tennessee are celebrating the victory.

I am thankful to live in a state where the governmental leadership respects religious liberty, said Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. This adoption bill recognizes the biblical values of Christian adoption agencies in Tennessee and provides a measure of protection as these values are exercised. I am confident that Gov. Lee will sign the bill into law.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Nastco

Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine.
A Moscow man made national news headlines this week for putting a drawing he made when he was only six-years-old on sale online for no less than 140 million rubles ($2.3 million).

41-year-old journalist Vladimir Mkrtchyan placed the ad for his old childhood drawing on Russian classifieds site Avito on Monday, and it quickly went viral due to its exorbitant price. 140 million rubles seems kind of steep for a childish drawing, but the seller considers its worth twice that much, because it reflects the realities of the Soviet era through the innocent eyes of a six-year-old boy.

Photo: Vladimir Mkrtchyan/Avito

When I painted this picture, I was small, it was Soviet time, Mkrtchyan told 360TV. In my works I reflected the reality that came to us from TV screens, from books. I was interested in the theme of the civil war in that period.

Titled Red Army Man on Horse, the expensive artwork was recently rediscovered by Vladimir Mkrtchyan while he was sorting through his old things. The idea to sell it for a fortune came to him suddenly, after realizing what a true treasure his childhood drawing really was.

I put all my soul and all my childhood delight into it, the journalist said. As you know, the artists hand is guided by God, which means He liked it so much.

Photo: Vladimir Mkrtchyan/Avito

Mkrtchyan told Russian media that he had already been contacted by a potential buyer, but they made the mistake of asking him whether the 140 million ruble price was negotiable. That was considered disrespectful by the artist, because in his eyes, the price is already half of what the artwork is really worth.

The price is really amazing, it is extremely low for such an artwork, the 41-year-old said. The price tag just represents the money I need right now.

Even to me, the person who painted it,the horses expression is really impressive. Its like it is looking straight into your soul, the artist said, trying to justify the price of his childhood drawing.

This may be just a gimmick designed to attract attention, and if thats the case, it worked to perfection, but we are living in a world where a banana taped to a white wall can sell for $120,000 so anything is possible.
While signing a trade deal Wednesday at the White House, President Trump said a fireworks show will return this July 4th to Mount Rushmore and that he may attend the display.

I called up our people and in 15 minutes got it approved and we will have the first fireworks display at Mount Rushmore, and I will try and get out there if I can, Trump said at a signing ceremony for an initial U.S.-China trade deal.

The president also brushed aside what he said were dubious environmental concerns that had previously prevented fireworks at the landmark.

What can burn? Its stone. Nobody knew why, Trump said.

Gov. Kristi Noem announced in May 2019 that South Dakota and the U.S. Department of the Interior would be working together to return fireworks to the monument on July 4, 2020, and her press secretary said on Wednesday that Noem would attend the July 4 event to which Trump is invited.

Fireworks shows have not been held since 2009, when a pine beetle infestation killed thousands of trees in the Black Hills National Forest, creating potential fire hazards.

A recent U.S. Geological Survey report also cited past fireworks displays at the monument as the probable cause for elevated concentrations of contaminants in groundwater near the monument.

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Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday filed two fresh petitions in the Supreme Court seeking stay of the operation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 notification issued by the Centre.

The party has earlier filed a plea in the apex court against the CAA calling it "unconstitutional". Earlier, the Kerala government, which also passed a resolution against the amended Citizenship Act moved the Supreme Court against the new law.

The CAA grants grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New evidence shows Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused and trafficked hundreds of young women and girls on his private Caribbean island as recently as 2018, significantly expanding the scope of his alleged conduct, a top law enforcement official said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Epstein, a wealthy financier who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail last year, was bringing girls as young as 11 and 12 to his secluded estate in the Virgin Islands, known as Little Saint James, and kept a computerized database to track the availability and movements of women and girls, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit, which was filed by Denise N. George, attorney general of the Virgin Islands, broadened the dimensions of the wrongdoing in which Epstein was said to have engaged. He had been charged by Manhattan prosecutors in July with sexually exploiting dozens of women and girls in New York and Florida, but they did not point to any actions beyond 2005.

In August, Epstein hanged himself at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he was being held awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Prison guards had not checked on him for hours on the night he died, and the circumstances surrounding his death are now the subject of at least three federal investigations.

In the weeks before Epstein killed himself, he and his lawyers vigorously denied the criminal charges. His lawyers had previously said he had been law-abiding since his 2008 conviction in Florida for solicitation.

The suit was filed against Epsteins estate and seeks the forfeiture of Little Saint James and Epsteins second private island, Great Saint James, as well as the dissolution of numerous shell companies he established in the territory that officials have said acted as fronts for his sex trafficking enterprise.

As part of its policies, the government of the Virgin Islands could take any assets recovered from Epsteins estate and consider disbursing them to women and girls who were victimized by him in the region, George said.

The new accusations  which draw both from independent investigations by Georges office and court documents from cases across the country  argue that Epstein ran a decades-long sex trafficking scheme that had a primary nexus in the Virgin Islands.

Epstein clearly used the Virgin Islands and his residence in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Little Saint James as a way to be able to conceal and to be able to expand his activity here, George said.

The suit underscores the legal complications of reckoning with such wide-reaching crimes as those Epstein is said to have committed. Georges suit is the first filed against the estate by a government entity, but it joins a field of similar claims filed by more than a dozen women.

It remains unclear how Epsteins assets, which are valued at $500 million, could be allocated.

We dont have a long history of figuring out what to do in cases of human trafficking, said Bridgette Carr, director of the Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, who consulted with Georges team on the case. I think this litigation and the courts are just trying to come up with the best, imperfect solution.

Epsteins executor, Darren K. Indyke, could not immediately be reached for comment.

George said she believed the case could chip away at the regions reputation as a notorious haven for the rich and powerful.

We will not remain complacent, and we will enforce our laws whatever way we can, George said. It doesnt matter the social status of the person. Its that the laws apply equally.

The court documents said that Epstein operated with impunity for years at Little Saint James and Great Saint James, which he obtained through a straw purchaser in 2016.

As recently as July 2018, Epstein refused to permit an investigator from the Virgin Islands Department of Justice to enter Little Saint James, claiming the islands dock was his front door, according to the lawsuit. The investigator was doing routine monitoring of Epstein because he was a registered sex offender.

Epsteins victims included aspiring models from South America, according to court documents.

Epstein used a ring of associates to rotate the women and girls in and out of sexual servitude, using fraudulent modelling visas to transport them across state lines and international borders, the lawsuit said. He tracked their availability and proximity using the database, court documents said.

The suit also said air traffic controllers in the Virgin Islands observed Epstein leaving his private plane in 2018 with girls who looked as young as 11.

In one undated incident detailed in the lawsuit, a 15-year-old girl attempted to swim off Epsteins island and escape after she was forced to engage in sex acts with Epstein and others. The girl was found, and held captive on the island after he confiscated her passport, the suit said.

Prosecutors in New York have said their investigation has continued and anyone who helped Epstein could face criminal charges.

In addition, the lawsuit said, Epstein embarked on several illegal construction projects at Great Saint James, which caused damage to native coral and wildlife.

The more than a dozen women who have filed lawsuits against Epsteins estate in New York City since his death have accused him of exploiting and sexually abusing them when they were young women and girls, according to court documents. Many are seeking financial compensation.

The lawsuit in the Virgin Islands appears to be the first filed against the estate in that jurisdiction. Epstein maintained his legal permanent residence  and his estate  there. He hastily filed his will in a Virgin Islands court just days before he killed himself.

Georges lawsuit also seeks to head off an effort by Epsteins executor, Indyke, to turn Epsteins vast wealth into a victims compensatory fund. Indykes proposal, which is currently being litigated in a separate Virgin Islands case, imposes confidentiality on any claimants, George said.

The estate continues to engage in a course of conduct aimed at concealing the criminal activities of the Epstein enterprise, the lawsuit said.

In a statement when that fund was first announced, Indyke said it would give victims the opportunity to obtain appropriate compensation and to be heard and treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
Japan on Thursday reported its first case of a new coronavirus that has sickened 41 people in China, adding to concerns about the spread of the virus outside Chinese borders before a major holiday.

A Chinese man in his 30s has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Japanese health ministry said Thursday. The man, who was a resident of Kanagawa prefecture, had returned to Japan on 6 January after traveling to the Chinese central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The man was hospitalised 10 January, but was discharged five days later because he had recovered, according to the health ministry.

Japans health ministry said the patient had not visited any seafood markets in China. The World Health Organisation had said it was highly likely that the virus had spread from a seafood market in Wuhan, China, which also sold live fish, animals and birds.

It is possible that the patient had close contact with an unknown patient with lung inflammation while in China, Japans health ministry said in a statement.

It was the second confirmed case of the new coronavirus reported outside China in the past week. In Thailand, authorities also detected the countrys first case Monday in a 61-year-old Chinese woman.

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

Dr Sopon Lamsirithaworn, director of the communicable diseases division at Thailands public health ministry, said the woman also had not visited the seafood market. However, the doctor said that the woman went to a smaller wet market near where she lives.

The woman who tested positive is in good health now, according to Dr. Suthat Chottanapund, a senior official of the disease control department from Thailands health ministry. But he said health authorities are waiting until the labs confirm that she is free from the coronavirus before discharging her. She said she wanted to do some sightseeing after she is discharged, he said.

The revelations that both patients in Japan and Thailand had not visited any seafood markets are troubling signs that the outbreak could be spreading beyond people who had contact with the market.

Alarm is growing across the region after Chinese health authorities said in late December that a new mysterious virus had caused dozens of people to fall ill in Wuhan. The Wuhan health commission said Wednesday that the risk of a rapid spread of the virus among humans is low but it could not rule out the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus. Officials also said they detected the first cluster of the virus involving members of a family.

The World Health Organisation has reiterated that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

While the new coronavirus appears to be less virulent and deadly than the virus that caused the 2003 SARS outbreak, many questions remain. Experts say they want to know how the virus was transmitted to humans and the incubation period of the patients. The last case in China was detected 3 January and the minimum incubation period for some viral infections is 15 days, suggesting that it may be a few more days before authorities can determine the full extent of the illness.

That has fueled concerns among governments across the region, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins next week, a time when hundreds of millions of people in China travel.

The New York Times
(Newser)  The mystery of what Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren said to each other after she refused to shake his hand wasn't a mystery for long. CNN, which hosted the Democratic debate in Des Moines Tuesday night, managed to find audio of the post-debate exchange and released a recording Wednesday. "I think you called me a liar on national TV," Warren tells Sanders, who replies: "What?" "I think you called me a liar on national TV, Warren says again. "You know, lets not do it right now," Sanders says. "If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion." "Anytime," Warren replies. "You called me a liar," says Sanders. "You told meall right, let's not do it now," he says. Tom Steyer then gets in the middle, saying, "I don't want to get in the middle. I just want to say 'Hi, Bernie.'"

story continues below

Warren and Sanders had been talking about their dispute over whether he told her in 2018 that a woman couldn't win the presidency, the New York Times reports. He denied the claim during Tuesday's debate, noting that he had said decades ago that a woman could win. The rift between the two progressives has alarmed supporters of both candidates, who worry that it could benefit centrists like Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg. Neil Sroka, an activist with the Democracy for America progressive group, tells Politico that the dispute has galvanized Sanders supporters, who donated more than $1.7 million Tuesday. (Read more Election 2020 stories.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  Six people died and six people were injured in the fire that razed homes in Tondo in Manila City early Thursday morning, officials said.

Manila fire marshall John Joseph Jalique said a mother and her three children died. Two people were also found in other houses.

The blaze broke out around 2:38am in the residential area of Yuseco Street in Abad Santos in Tondo. It quickly reached the third alarm at 2:59am.

Officials declared the fire under control at 3:53am.

At least 50 houses of around 100 families were affected by the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Raut's controversial statements on the former prime minister were taken out of context.

Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, on Wednesday set-off a political storm with his remarks that Gandhi had met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

As the Congress, part of the ruling coalition, took strong objection to the controversial comments, calling them "ill-informed", Raut on Thursday withdrew the remarks.

Speaking to reporters here, Aaditya Thackeray said workers of his party Shiv Sena will never make any unpleasant remark against the former prime minister.

Sanjay Rauts statement was taken out of context. With the kind of respect late Balasaheb Thackeray had for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, I do not think there will be any unpleasant remark from Sena workers," Aaditya Thackeray said.

"Kareem Lalaji was a Pathan leader. What he became later is unknown to me. It was Rautjis observation about a meeting, but the issue is over now, he said, seeking to put an end of the controversy after Raut withdrew the remarks.

Before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Lala in his capacity as a representative of the Pathan community.

Asked whether Rauts often controversial remarks are putting the Shiv Sena in trouble, Aaditya Thackeray sought to defend his senior party colleague, saying, All his comments are issue-specific.

The Shiv Sena-led government in the state is being supported by the Congress and the NCP, whose leaders are also part of the Council of Ministers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
General Sessions Court Judge Alex McVeagh on Tuesday sent a first-degree murder charge to the Grand Jury against 25-year-old Marquise "C-Banger" Burress in the shooting death of 29-year-old Robert Gill.

However, the judge did not find enough proof against the second defendant, Javonte Wynn, and that case was dismissed after he took some time to deliberate.

The criminal problems for Wynn continued, though, as he has now been charged in Federal Court with being a felon in possession of a gun.

The victim's body, with multiple bullet wounds, was found on a driveway on South Street in the early morning of last June 19.

Detective Corey Stokes acknowledged it is unknown why the body wound up there, and there is no known motive. No murder weapon was found.

The opening state witness, who said she had been seeing Gill at the time, gave scant information during her testimony. She said the state had been "harassing" her and said the detective "ruined my son's birthday" when he chose to bring her in for an interview at the time of the celebration.

After the woman had been dismissed from court, the state played portions of a video of her police interview in which she spoke much more freely.

She said Burress and Wynn had been at her home on the afternoon prior to the morning of the slaying. She told of Burress holding a gun that had been tucked under a couch cushion. She said she went to her bedroom later and Gill joined her there. She said she heard voices outside the bedroom that appeared to be those of the two earlier visitors.

The woman said Gill left the bedroom around 5 a.m. and she afterward got word from her sister that he wanted her to call him. She said she reached him on the phone, and as they were talking, she heard 6-7 shots. She said she then hung up.

She said she later "wished I had stayed on the line." She said she tried twice more to reach Gill to no avail. In one she asked if he was okay.

Detective Stokes said he located video showing Gill with Burress shortly before the slaying, and he also located a red car with some missing hub caps that Burress had been driving. He said cell phone records showed Burress and Gill in the same vicinity around the time of the crime.

Both defendants were not arrested initially, and Wynn was not in jail until August and Burress not until late November.

Prosecutor Miriam Johnson told Judge McVeagh that the female friend of the victim told that she had heard voices outside their bedroom that appeared to be those of the earlier visitors - Burress and Wynn.

The Wynn attorney, Blake Gilbert, said he had heard no proof against his client. He said, "We were just along for the ride for the Burress hearing."

Burress, who also has a gun charge against him in the case, is represented by attorney Chad Wilson.

Attorney Wilson asked that the bond for Burress be lowered, while Ms. Johnson thought it should be raised. Judge McVeagh kept it at $200,000.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuroptika, a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of novel regenerative treatments for ophthalmic diseases, today announced that the first patient was enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial of NRO-1 for the treatment of dry eye disease. NRO-1 is a novel therapeutic with the potential to protect and regenerate corneal nerves in ophthalmic diseases.

"Existing treatments for dry eye disease are focused on symptomatic therapy and are considered inadequate by many physicians and patients. Corneal nerve degeneration is often observed in patients diagnosed with dry eye and we believe that NRO-1 has the potential to become a disease modifying treatment. NRO-1 promotes the regeneration of damaged corneal sensory nerves thereby normalizing the ocular surface and improving the symptoms of dry eye," said Tim Min, Chief Executive Officer of Neuroptika. "Based on the positive results from the Phase 1 single and multiple ascending dose study, we are pleased to initiate the Phase 2 clinical trial and look forward to the continued development to bring a novel, regenerative treatment option to patients suffering from dry eye disease."

The Phase 2 clinical trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of NRO-1 in patients with dry eye disease. The Phase 2 clinical trial will test two concentrations of NRO-1 against vehicle over 28 days of treatment in 120 patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease, including post-surgical patients. The endpoints will include standard signs and symptoms characteristic of dry eye disease and will also include nerve morphology imaging and biomarker analysis. Results from the Phase 2 study will be available in the second half of 2020.

About Neuroptika

Neuroptika is a clinical stage biotechnology company formed in December 2018 as a spin out of Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, a privately held pharmaceutical company based in Japan. Neuroptika is developing NRO-1, a novel therapeutic that protects and regenerates corneal nerves. NRO-1 has generated compelling data demonstrating accelerated nerve regeneration which led to the recovery of functional nerves and corneal sensitivity in animal studies. A successful Phase 1 SAD/MAD trial was completed and a Phase 2 trial for dry eye disease is currently enrolling patients. While most dry eye treatments are focused on treating signs and symptoms, NRO-1 has the potential to become the first disease modifying regenerative treatment. NRO-1's benefit is also being studied in other indications, including post-LASIK care, neurotrophic keratitis, glaucoma and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Our mission is to improve patients' lives by developing novel regenerative treatments for ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please visit www.neuroptika.com.

SOURCE Neuroptika

Related Links

https://www.neuroptika.com


It's the kind of nightmare that no one would ever want to experience but it seems like bad luck didn't spare this newly married Ugandan Imam. The man was in for a rude shock after he found out that his newly-wedded wife was actually a man.

Twitter

Mohammed Mutumba and his 'bride' signed a marriage contract in a traditional nikah ceremony two weeks ago. According to local reports, Mutumba reportedly tied the knot with his wife Ms Swabullah Nabukeera about two weeks ago after which he made the shocking discovery that turned his world upside down.

The couple reportedly did not consummate the marriage as the bride had 'claimed' to be on her menstruation cycle.



Shock as Kayunga imam discovers his newlywed wife is a man#NTVNews



Read More  https://t.co/ZxPxc1j2MV pic.twitter.com/Oe06eGqzUe  NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) January 11, 2020

The Imam told Daily Nation, "I was looking for a woman to marry and, when I met a beautiful girl wearing a hijab, I asked her for love and she accepted. She told me we could not have sex until I take bride price to her parents and also exchange marriage vows with her."



"I was patient and waited for her to be ok," the Imam was quoted as saying.



But Mutumba's neighbours were the first ones to notice that something wasn't right. The Imam's neighbours alleged that his 'wife' jumped over a wall so as to steal their belongings - a television set and clothes. Thereafter, the neighbours concluded that 'she' was a man.

Uganda Imam suspended for marrying a fellow man, albeit, or so he claims, unknowingly https://t.co/T9jQyFH6vm  DENIS NZIOKA (@DenisNzioka) January 13, 2020

A case was filed at the police station by the neighbours. Soon after, the Imam and his 'wife' arrived at the police station and 'she' wore "Islamic clothes for women and sandals", as per the report in Daily Nation.



"As is normal practice, a female police officer searched the suspect thoroughly before taking 'her' to the cells. But, to the shock of the officer, the suspect had stacked clothes in the bra to hoodwink them that they were breasts," Isaac Mugera, Kayunga District Criminal Investigations Officer, said.



During the search, police also found that the suspect had male genitals. Upon further interrogation, the suspect confessed that he had deceived the Imam for his money.


Joe Jr. Restaurant | Photo: Steven B./Yelp

Looking to try the best diners in town?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable diners in New York City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.

1. Joe Jr. Restaurant

Photo: Bernard L./Yelp

Topping the list is Joe Jr. Restaurant. Located at 167 Third Ave. (at the corner of Third Avenue and 16th Street) in Gramercy, Joe Jr. Restaurant is the highest-rated budget-friendly diner in New York City, boasting four stars out of 361 reviews on Yelp. Open seven days a week, this old-school spot serves a full menu of diner favorites, including all-day breakfast.

Yelper Patrick C., who reviewed Joe Jr. Restaurant on Aug. 27, wrote, "I don't care what people say, but it is the best burger I've ever had."

Benson Y. added, "I ordered an egg white omelet with mushroom, spinach and Swiss with a side of turkey sausage and a sugar free iced tea. Everything was cooked perfectly including the vegetables and the cheese was melted just right."

2. La Bonbonniere

Photo: Telly L./Yelp

Next up is La Bonbonniere in the West Village, with four stars out of 356 Yelp reviews. Back in August, this spot's egg breakfast was named among Eater New York's "12 Stand-Out Dishes to Try in the West Village." Head over to 28 Eighth Ave. (between 12th and Jane streets) to see for yourself.

Yelper Susam B., who reviewed La Bonbonniere on Aug. 1, wrote, "Amazing food. The pancakes were scrumptious! I [had] an omelet and coffee; it was great."

3. The Brothers Cafe

Photo: Nora F./Yelp

And over in Sunnyside, check out The Brothers Cafe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 97 reviews on Yelp. This casual spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Dig in by heading over to 3949 43rd Ave.

Yelper Dan Z., who reviewed The Brothers Cafe on Dec. 14 wrote, "Food came out fast and hot. I got the Mexican breakfast. The sauce is flavorful but not salty, so you can really pile it on. The home fries are excellently crisped."

Story continues

4. Pop's Diner

Photo: Gabrielle P./Yelp

Finally, there's Pop's Diner, a Flushing favorite with four stars out of 271 reviews. Pop's Diner boasts a full menu of comfort food classics, as well as a vintage throwback interior. Stop by 44-29 Kissena Blvd. to hit it up next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings on a budget.

Yelp can tell you a thing or two more about Pop's Diner.

"Through the years, many people have come to love Pop's for the simple fact that we have always upheld our level of service, quality and affordability," according to the history section of the business' Yelp profile.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
PMLA case: ED summons Air Asia executives, CEO Fernandes

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned senior executives of Air Asia including CEO Tony Fernandes for questioning in connection with a money laundering case, officials said on Thursday.

The agency had registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the airline and its officials in 2018. Officials said while Fernandes has been summoned on January 20, few others have also been asked to depose for questioning in the following days. The fresh summons have been issued to take the probe forward, officials said.

CBI summons director of AirAsia India for questioning

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

The ED probe is related to allegations that the airline tried to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get the international licence for its Indian venture Air Asia India Limited. The ED case was registered after the CBI filed an FIR to probe these allegations.

The ED is also probing this case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Investigation in the case was initiated on the basis of the claims of ousted Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry's allegation that fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore, were carried out in an instance involving the airline.

The CBI and ED, in their criminal FIRs, had booked Group CEO of Air Asia Fernandes, Tharumalingam Kanagalingam also known as Bo Lingam, former Deputy Group CEO of Malaysia-based Air Asia Berhad, and R Venkataramanan, Director Air Asia India Ltd, Bengaluru, besides companies Air Asia India Pvt Ltd and Air Asia Berhad.

The allegation pertains to Air Asia officials and others allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get an international licence for its Indian venture Air Asia India Limited.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:28:12|Editor: ZX

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NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China leads in the innovation and transformation of the retail industry and provides some experience in this to the West, an executive with Microsoft's Asian operations has said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

China is one of the leaders in the retail industry, especially when it comes to consumption and how it drives the transformation, said Raj Raguneethan, who currently leads Microsoft's retail and consumer goods industries business across Asia.

"We see a lot of our global customers working with us to come and understand what's happening and how Chinese consumers engage and how the retailers are delivering that experience, and then bring back some of those from the East to the West," said Raguneethan on the sidelines of Retail's Big Show 2020, an annual expo of the U.S. National Retail Federation.

Raguneethan cited the amount of sales, supply chain and customer engagement on China's Singles' Day on Nov. 11, a shopping event akin to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the United States, as an example in this regard.

Delivery for products and services within 30 minutes is still the benchmark which the rest of the world is looking to meet, said the experienced retailer.

As retail is one of Microsoft's top priorities in China, the company has engaged extensively with both domestic and international clients and helped them with digital transformation, said Raguneethan, who has been working at Microsoft since 2010.

He said Microsoft has helped Chinese products and services go global and has also brought global customers to China.

Microsoft has showcased applications of its artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on various platforms, featuring customers' age groups, personalized promotions and pricing as well as supply chain logistics fulfillment and optimization of the supply chain, he added.

AI technology in the Chinese retail industry has been widely used from engaging customers to delivery, said Raguneethan.

He added that China's online-to-offline model of delivery is very advanced and probably one of the best when it comes to consumer experience.

Microsoft has an accelerator program in China, working with startups to stimulate innovation and scale it up in Asia, said Raguneethan.

Raguneethan added that brick and mortar stores still contribute a lot to retail sales and its ratio will continue to grow.

Retailers will increasingly use AI for customer engagement, supply chain logistics fulfillment and warehouses, and AI will become standard in the future, said Raguneethan.
T hree alleged members of a neo-Nazi group have been arrested by the FBI ahead of a gun rally in Virginia suspected of wanting to start a "race war".

The men were in court on Thursday having been detained for possessing a machine gun and planning to incite violence at the gun-rights event on Monday.

Thousands are expected to attend the rally.

Brian Lemley, a former cavalry scout in the US Army and Patrik Mathews, a Canadian citizen who was illegally in the United States and was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserve, along with suspected white supremacist William Bilbrough were arrested.

Their court appearances came the day after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency banning any weapons around the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, saying investigators had seen groups making threats of violence.

Harsher gun laws supporters hold us photos of gun violence victims during a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday / AP

Lemley and Mathews stood calmly before the judge in US District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Thursday, Lemley wearing a T-shirt and pyjama pants and Mathews wearing camouflage pants and sporting a bushy blonde beard.

Both answered "yes" and "no" when the judge asked if they understood the charges against them, which include transporting a firearm with intent to commit an offence, and if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The judge set their detention hearings for Wednesday.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have been sharply criticised for not focusing enough on the threat of far-right extremism following a spate of attacks on synagogues and a 2017 white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Heads of both of those agencies have said in recent months that they were taking the threat more seriously.

Gun-rights groups are asking a judge to block the Virginia governor's ban on firearms at a massive pro-gun rally scheduled for next week / AP

Several thousand gun rights supporters are planning a large rally in Richmond, Virginia's capital, on Monday in response to the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature's push to stiffen gun laws.

Virginia, where Democrats took control of the legislature by promising stronger gun laws, has become the latest focal point for the contentious American debate around the right to bear arms.

Many gun-rights groups contend the US Constitution guarantees their ability to possess any firearm. Those opposed say gun laws would help lessen the number of people killed by guns each year.

The three men are accused of interstate commerce of weapons, harbouring illegal aliens, an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and aiding and abetting.

The FBI also said in the court filing that the men had attempted to manufacture DMT, a chemical resembling the structure of psilocybin in psychedelic mushrooms and an illegal drug under federal law

While federal authorities can bring criminal terrorism charges against those suspected of working on behalf of foreign extremist groups like al Qaeda, they lack those tools when pursuing those affiliated with domestic extremist groups, whose views are protected by the free-speech clause of the US Constitution.

The FBI said in the court filing that the three are members of the neo-Nazi group The Base. The FBI said in the court document that it had monitored encrypted chats among the group's members, in which they discussed creating a white ethno-state and carrying out acts of violence against minorities.

The men were in possession of what appeared to be a fully automatic rifle, according to an FBI agent who watched the men fire the weapon at a gun range.

Shortly after firing the weapon on Jan 2 at a Maryland gun range, Lemley told Mathews, "Oh, oops, it looks like I accidentally made a machine gun," according to the court document.
Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday asked Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to withdraw his "ill-informed" remarks that former prime minister Indira Gandhi met underworld donKarim Lala.

Deora, who is the former Union minister, described Gandhi as a "true patriot who never compromised on India's national security".

Raut, whose party is part of the ruling alliance with the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra, on Wednesday claimed that Gandhi met Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to the early eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Deora said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

"Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security," he said in a tweet.

"As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers," Deora further tweeted.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will "repent" if he continues a "false campaign" against Gandhi.

Noting that Raut often shares "poetry of others", Nirupam said it will be better if the Shiv Sena leader focuses on entertaining Maharashtra with such poetic stuff.

"It will be better if Shiv Sena's Mr Shayar (poet) focuses on entertaining Maharashtra by sharing light-hearted poetry of others. He will have to repent if he carries out false campaign against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhiji. He should withdraw the statement he gave about Indiraji yesterday," Nirupam tweeted in Hindi.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune, Raut claimed, "When (underworld don) Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:11:22|Editor: ZX

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate approved a bill to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Thursday, just ahead of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the upper chamber.

The measure passed the Senate in an 89-10 vote, following an approval from the U.S. House of Representatives last month, with a 385-41 vote. House Democrats and the administration had negotiated for months over issues including labor and environmental enforcement, as well as pharmaceutical provisions before finally reaching an agreement.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime Republican U.S. Senator from Kentucky, said on Twitter that he is grateful to the president "for prioritizing this deal and delivering on this major promise," noting that it's a "big win" for Kentucky and for American families in all 50 states.

After the Senate passage of the bill, President Trump is expected to sign it, which would put the new trilateral trade deal into effect more than a year after leaders of the three countries signed the new deal, replacement of the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

While the Trump administration has touted the USMCA as pro-growth, a recent analysis published by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) showed that the deal is "a net negative" for all three economies.

The USMCA modernizes trading rules and strengthens the enforcement of labor and environmental rights, but its restrictions on auto trade and investment and on auto production "will hurt U.S. industry," said PIIE trade economists Mary Lovely and Jeffrey Schott, authors of the analysis.

"The Trump administration's stated goal was to ensure that more of the vehicles will be produced in North America. But the outcome will be just the opposite," the economists said.
Lawmakers are debating whether to exclude Huawei from 5G bids. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is opposed to a ban, is facing a rebellion from her intelligence agencies, who are worried about Americas threat to limit intelligence sharing if Huawei is allowed to participate. China is also not shy about exploiting the fact that German automakers like VW, BMW, Audi and Daimler, who work closely with Huawei, depend on the company.

Quotable: Just because we have an American president who doesnt like alliances, we give all that up? said a former German foreign minister and vice chancellor. Why would we? Especially since he does exactly what the Chinese do and threatens the German car industry.

Related: German authorities raided the homes and offices of three people suspected of spying for the Chinese government, officials said on Thursday.
Greece sets up sustainable tourism observatory To collect data an draw up strategies

(ANSAmed) - NAPLES, JANUARY 16 - The Greek tourism ministry will organise a working group to create a national observatory for sustainable tourism development. Minister Harry Theoharis made the announcement after signing the agreement initiating the project. The observatory will gather data on the environmental impact of tourism in the country to then bring in policies to increase sustainability. The working group will consist of seven high-level officials from the ministry, tourism sector experts, and representatives from the academic sphere. The Greek Travel Pages website noted that in the coming months, the working group will gather information to create a sustainable tourism index, submit proposals to the government for the development of an information system on tourism data, and gather data on tourism trends at the local, regional, national, and international levels, making it possible to make timely decisions for the management and promotion of Greece as a destination. It will also draw up a map of areas in which the offices for the observatory will be set up and submit proposals and guidelines for the development of information systems facilitating the development of sustainable tourism and the transformation of the country's tourist destinations. The working group will be tasked with implementing the first four actions by February 28. (ANSAmed).




The flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, January 16, 2020 launched an electronic payment platform that will enable party members and sympathizers contribute financially to the 2020 campaign.

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Speaking at the launch at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, the former president said the innovation is also to ensure transparency of how political parties are funded in the country.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo is not like Mahama; he has been accountable to Ghanaians - Mustapha Hamid

The electronic payment platform will help the NDC mobilize funds through the collection of dues and also an easy and simple way for non-party members to make contributions to the partys cause.

The event was well attended by party members and top national executives. Also present were former appointees and regional executives of the NDC.

READ ALSO: George Quaye resigns from Charterhouse again

Mr. Mahama also told the gathering he will bring back the automatic promotion for teachers if the party wins election 2020.

He promised to cancel the teacher licensure exams as well.

READ ALSO: Sack Frimpong Boateng or lose 4 regions  Kennedy Agyapong tells Akufo-Add

We will bring back the automatic promotion of teachers. And cancel the teacher licensure exams. They say that we introduced the licensure exams; to be clear we never sort to use exams as a means of licensing teachers, he said.

In other news, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Minister of Zongo and Inner Cities, Mustapha Hamid had stated that President Nana Akufo-Addo is not like his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, when you talk about accountability.

Speaking in an interview on Accra based Kingdom FM, the Zongo Minister noted that the NPP is asking for four more years because of the enviable leadership shown by Akufo-Addo.

Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Source: YEN.com.gh
ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) doesn't get a lot of respect in today's market as its heavy spending to boost production has yet to generate notable improvements. That could be about to change. Here are a couple of reasons why dividend investors might still find Exxon of interest, despite the ugly image.

Down but not out

Despite a dirty image that has ESG investors rooting for the demise of oil and natural gas, Exxon and its peers are very clear that they believe the market for commodities will remain a vital one for many years. Simply put, people around the world are still demanding these easily portable and well-supported fuels. That, however, doesn't change the fact that oil and natural gas are both selling at relatively low prices today, putting pressure on profits throughout the energy sector. And then there's the not-so-glamorous fact that Exxon's production has been declining for a few years.

To put some numbers on that last point, Exxon's oil equivalent output dropped 1% year over year in 2016. It fell another 1.7% in 2017. Then it declined again in 2018, this time by 2.6%. And while 2019's final results aren't in yet, it's unlikely to be a year of robust growth. But there was an important inflection point made during the year, with year-over-year growth resuming on a quarterly basis as the year progressed.

Despite that important shift, Exxon's stock remains a laggard relative to the broader market and many of its peers -- and on an absolute basis. For example, over the past five years Exxon's stock, off by around 23%, lags well behind most of its closest peers. The underperformance is noteworthy, since the next worst performer, Royal Dutch Shell, was "only" down about 7% over the span. The S&P 500 Index, for reference, was up about 60% over the period.

Weak production is one piece of the puzzle, but there's another: The money the company is spending to boost production (up to $35 billion a year) hasn't materially improved Exxon's return on capital employed numbers (ROCE). That's basically a measure of how well the company is using its shareholders' capital. Where once Exxon was an industry leader, it now sits below many of its peers.

But these problems actually set up a potential opportunity for value-conscious investors, particularly those with a flair for dividend stocks. For example, Exxon's 5% yield is near a 30-year high. The company's price to tangible book value is near a 40-year low (though roughly in the middle of the pack relative to peers). In other words, historically speaking, Exxon looks cheap.

Is it cheap for a reason?

To some extent, Exxon's relatively weak stock performance is understandable. The often volatile prices of oil and natural gas are key drivers of its financial performance, and the prices of these commodities have been low and volatile lately.Production declines and weak ROCE numbers are also not something that energy investors like to see. A lack of enthusiasm makes complete sense.

However, there are a number of reasons to be positive to which investors may not be paying enough attention. For starters, Exxon continues to have one of the strongest balance sheets of its oil major peers despite being in the middle of a material investment program. In other words, it has the financial strength to weather a weak market and continue to invest for the future.

That said, the investments Exxon is making are starting to show results. As noted above, its production appears to be turning a corner. That, however, has come on the strength of just one of its big projects -- onshore U.S. oil drilling. To put a number on that, production from this business increased a massive 73% year over year in the third quarter of 2019. And that's just the start, as management still expects to more than double production from current levels by 2025. So there's still a lot more growth to come here.

ExxonMobil Year-Over-Year Production Growth 2016 2017 2018 1Q 2019 2Q 2019 3Q 2019 -1% -1.7% -2.6% 2% 7% 3%

Then there's the fact that one of the oil giant's big offshore projects, located in Guyana, came online in late 2019. This happened too late in 2019 to have a material effect on the year's production numbers, but it should provide a notable boost to 2020's results. In the near term the output from this region is expected to be around 120,000 barrels per day. However, that number is projected to increase six-fold by 2025 as additional wells in Guyana get drilled. In other words, like the company's onshore U.S. production, it looks like a multi-year period of growth is just starting to take hold.

Behind these two projects are new upstream opportunities in Brazil, Mozambique, and others. So, after a few years of weak production numbers, Exxon appears to be on the verge of an upturn. That may or may not show up in 2019's production results, but the change of direction is very likely to become increasingly apparent in the very near future. And the trend will probably continue for several years. And as the exploration (read spending) phase on these projects gives way to the production phase, it is reasonable to expect Exxon's ROCE to improve, as well. Oil and gas prices will continue to be the driving force at Exxon, but investors are still likely to take a different view of the stock once production gets back on a growth track.

A position of strength

While it's true that Exxon probably won't see a big stock gain without an oil rally, it is clearly making progress in turning its production around. That progress will begin to show up more notably in 2020, as a second big project comes online. Investors are likely to rethink their dour view on this energy giant as that happens, especially if an upturn in ROCE follows. There are still all sorts of reasons to dislike Exxon (such as the environmental impact of using carbon fuels, for ESG investors), but it is remains attractive for those who like to buy stocks when they are on sale. That's augmented by the fact that there's a positive catalyst on the horizon that should help it earn some love from investors. If you wait too long, though, you might miss out as Wall Street catches up to the good news developing at Exxon.
State Dept., HHS, Anti-Human Trafficking NGOs Testify as Historic Trafficking Law Marks 20th Year Cryptocurrency, labor standards & protections, faith-based partnerships, online threats must be addressed in future



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Jan. 16, 2020



WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- The battle against modern day slavery was the focus of a bipartisan congressional hearing held by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission along with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Wednesday on Capitol Hill.



The main U.S. weapon in the fight to save lives and bring justice to traffickers who ensnare victims of sex and labor traffickingthe landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), was front-and center today.



"This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Trafficking Victims' Protection Act (TVPA), and the occasion provides an opportunity for reflection and assessment of the TVPA's efficacy, accomplishments and limitations," said Congressman Smith, who wrote the original TVPA and four other anti-trafficking laws, and founded the congressional Human Trafficking Caucus. "It also provides us with an opportunity to think about future challenges, many of which could not have been anticipated twenty years ago, such as how ever-evolving technology is being utilized by both traffickers, for their nefarious purposes, and also law enforcement, as it seeks to protect the vulnerable and exploited." Click here to read Smith's opening remarks.



Signed into law 20 years ago in 2000, the TVPA is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that has impacted many countries' approaches to human trafficking. With its annual tier ranking of countries based on their efforts at prosecution, protection and prevention of human trafficking, the State Department has become the lead agency in encouraging other countries to adopt best practices. Subsequent updates of the law have renewed and expanded the anti-trafficking mandate and have broadened efforts at prevention, including an education component that was part of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2018, also authored by Smith and enacted in the last Congress.



Testifying at the Jan. 15 hearing were key leaders in the State Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as advocacy groups. John Cotton Richmond, Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) at the State Department, and Katherine Chon, Director of the Office of Trafficking in Persons and Senior Advisor on Human Trafficking at HHS, led the witnesses. Co-Chairman Smith held a hearing on Jan. 15 about future needs in the fight against human trafficking. The hearing marked the 20th anniversary of Smiths Trafficking Victims Protection Act.



Ambassador Richmond, the top official at State Department's TIP office, said, 2020 is a noteworthy year for the U.S. Government's fight to combat trafficking in persons. "The enactment of the TVPA in 2000 was transformational to the U.S. legal framework and our ability to combat all forms of human trafficking. At the same time, passage of the TVPA ensured that this issue would be an integrated part of our foreign policy and diplomatic engagement." Richmond singled out the drop in prosecutions as a concern: "Human trafficking is a high reward-low risk crime, and traffickers know it. According to the TIP Report, the leading global source of information about victim identification and prosecutions, there has been a 42% drop in global prosecutions since 2015. Deemphasizing criminal accountability only allows traffickers to operate with impunity."



Director Chon, head of the TIP office at HHS, said HHS seeks to both prevent human trafficking and protect victims of its diverse forms of exploitation: "Human trafficking is a violent crime, a grave human rights abuse, and a public health problem that disrupts the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. HHS addresses social determinants of health intersecting with human trafficking by integrating anti-trafficking responses across multiple systems serving populations at high risk to trafficking, including patients served by federally qualified health centers and individuals supported through child welfare, runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence victims, refugees, unaccompanied alien children, and Native American communities."



Witnesses included anti-human trafficking advocacy groups, including: "The Trafficking Victims Protection Act included a number of 'sea change' criminal code reforms including treating as a victimand not a perpetrator of a crimeanyone exploited by a commercial sex act who had not attained the age of 18 and anyone older where there was an element of force, fraud or coercion. The TVPA radically reformed the US criminal code to authorize asset confiscation and jail sentences of up to life imprisonment," Smith said.Ambassador Richmond, the top official at State Department's TIP office, said, 2020 is a noteworthy year for the U.S. Government's fight to combat trafficking in persons. "The enactment of the TVPA in 2000 was transformational to the U.S. legal framework and our ability to combat all forms of human trafficking. At the same time, passage of the TVPA ensured that this issue would be an integrated part of our foreign policy and diplomatic engagement." Richmond singled out the drop in prosecutions as a concern: "Human trafficking is a high reward-low risk crime, and traffickers know it. According to the TIP Report, the leading global source of information about victim identification and prosecutions, there has been a 42% drop in global prosecutions since 2015. Deemphasizing criminal accountability only allows traffickers to operate with impunity." Click here to read Richmond's opening testimony Director Chon, head of the TIP office at HHS, said HHS seeks to both prevent human trafficking and protect victims of its diverse forms of exploitation: "Human trafficking is a violent crime, a grave human rights abuse, and a public health problem that disrupts the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. HHS addresses social determinants of health intersecting with human trafficking by integrating anti-trafficking responses across multiple systems serving populations at high risk to trafficking, including patients served by federally qualified health centers and individuals supported through child welfare, runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence victims, refugees, unaccompanied alien children, and Native American communities." Click here to read Chon's opening remark Witnesses included anti-human trafficking advocacy groups, including: Liat Shetret, Co-Founder of Elliptic, a provider of cryptocurrency anti-money laundering tools, told the commission human traffickers use a variety of techniques to mask activity when engaging in transactions. He said, "These include the use of online payments, prepaid cards, informal banking systems, anonymous shell companies and real estate transactions. Human trafficking is an agile criminal enterprise, constantly adapting to the regulatory environment, the capabilities of law enforcement and the new technologies at their disposal. Over the past few years, cryptocurrency has been one of the new technologies that human traffickers have begun to exploit. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin can be thought of as digital cash. Like cash they have properties that make them attractive to criminals - such as the lack of a central authority that can block transactions or seize funds. There is also the perception that cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous and untraceable... ." Click here to read Shetret's opening statement.



Lori L. Cohen, Executive Director of ECPAT-USA, testified that solid progress has been made since Smith authored the TVPA twenty years ago, but noted that future laws must keep a focus on online threats to children. Cohen said, "As traffickerswhich not only include pimps and brothel owners, but also buyerscontinue to evolve and expand their online presence, we must continue to ensure that the next reauthorization of the TVPA provides the necessary laws and funding to thwart anyone who would dare to sexually abuse our youngest citizens and the future of our nation." Click here to read Cohen's testimony.



Neha Misra, Senior Specialist, Migration and Human Trafficking, Solidarity Center, lauded progress of the past two decades, and noted human trafficking and forced labor both involve violations of worker rights and lack of labor standards and protections for workers. Misra said, "As we reflect on the past 20 years of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), there is much to laud in terms of progress that has been made to address this horrific human rights abuse. There are significantly more resources dedicated to combating the problem from the public and private sectors. We have a much more clear definition of human trafficking and understanding of the scope of the issue. The U.S. government and governments around the world have passed more laws to combat human trafficking. We are much more knowledgeable about the underlying root causes of and vulnerabilities to human trafficking." Click here to read Misra's testimony.



Limnyuy Konglim, Head of U.S. Liaison Office, International Catholic Migration Commission, said it was inspiring to participate in a hearing with governmental, non-governmental and faith actors all committed to a single cause- combatting human trafficking. She said, "The Trafficking Victims Protection Act has provided a policy framework that prioritizes the protection of those who have been unjustly exploited. It is within this same spirit that faith-based actors are invaluable partners in these efforts. Churches and other religious institutions are stalwarts within communities. They embody community and remain present... . Churches are safe havens for individuals and often times the first place that victims seek protection and support." Click here Konglim's opening statement. For the most updated version of this release, click on:

https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406312



SOURCE Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)



CONTACT: Jeff Sagnip, 202-225-3765



Related Links



http://chrissmith.house.gov



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Funding for Caspers ongoing reconstruction of Midwest Avenue is up in the air after the U.S. Department of Transportation denied the citys application for grant money to finish the project.

Caspers Midwest Avenue is getting a multi-million dollar makeover, and the city had hoped federal grant money would pay for the final phase of the project.

The streets reconstruction has been identified by city officials as necessary for future economic development and downtown growth. The project has been broken into three phases, the first of which wrapped up this fall.

Construction on that stretch wont begin until spring, but the city is preparing to begin the bidding process for that work.

The final stretch of road is the only part of the project still unfunded. The grant the city had hoped to receive would have contributed nearly $2 million of the $2.5 million needed to complete the street. The final roughly $500,000 would come from 1-cent money as well.

It had seemed like the citys most recent attempt to secure the $2 million grant would be successful this time around. Casper has applied for the grant multiple times before, but each time the application has been rejected.

We were surprised because we really improved upon our application from prior years, Casper Community Development Director Liz Becher said.

Indeed, city officials have been meeting with Wyomings congressional delegation, have traveled to Washington and have met with Department of Transportation officials all in anticipation of finally getting the federal dollars.

Becher said they still have some time to apply again next year because construction for the third phase of the road wouldnt begin for another two years.

Shell be meeting with somebody from the Department of Transportation to discuss how to strengthen the citys application for the future.

If the city is unable to secure federal money for the last stretch of Midwest Avenue, Becher said theyll likely tap into 1-cent funds. Even though the expenditure hasnt been specifically budgeted, Becher said sales tax collection is trending above what the city had projected for the year, and if the trend continues she said using the money for Midwest Avenue would be financially sound.

That would be a last resort, however. Becher said shes still hopeful federal funds will pay for the street.

Follow local government reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @morganhwrites

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A Belfast man allegedly threatened to kill a priest and burn down his church, a court has been told.

William Jeffrey Collins, 32, is accused of telling the clergyman he would stab him after being asked to leave the city centre chapel over a suspected attempt to steal.

Collins, of Parkend Street, was remanded in custody after a judge suggested a potential hate motive to the alleged offences.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on charges of threats to kill and criminal damage to a PSNI car.

Police said a priest had asked Collins to leave St Mary's Church on Chapel Lane because he was suspected of trying to steal a handbag on December 20.

It was claimed that he exited, but then returned and refused to leave again.

At that point he allegedly told the priest: "I will f****** come back and stab you."

Eventually he did depart after repeating the threat by saying "I will f****** kill you", according to the police case.

Collins was arrested on Wednesday after being seen back at St Mary's.

The court heard that as he was being taken into custody he allegedly spat on the windows of a police car and shouted "dirty Fenian b******".

In subsequent interviews he was said to stated that he would burn down the church when released.

Defence barrister Richard McConkey acknowledged the seriousness of the case, but raised issues about any comments allegedly made during questioning.

He argued that his client could be released on conditions including a ban on being in the city centre.

Refusing bail, however, District Judge Peter Magill stressed that Collins is charged with threats to kill a priest.

"He went back in January and when arrested by police he allegedly made remarks of a sectarian nature, so there's a possible hate motivation as well," Mr Magill said.

"What is particularly concerning is that he repeated threats to burn down the church to police in interview.

"This man represents, in my view, a clear and present danger, and should not be released."

Collins was remanded into custody, to appear again by video-link in four weeks time.
The amount of land in the Amazon where deforestation has taken place has increased dramatically under the presidency of Brazils Jair Bolsonaro  amid concerns his environmental stance has emboldened those keen to turn one of the most important regions in the world for biodiversity into agricultural land.

Mr Bolsonaro has long denied responsibility for attempts to cut back the Amazon by illegal loggers and ranchers, who are believed to be at least in part to blame for the mass wildfires that swept the rainforest in the summer of 2019, which immolated 2.24 million acres of land once teeming with life.

However, data released by Brazils National Institute for Space Research (INPE) that covers the entire length of his tenure in office has shown the organisation marked 9,166 square kilometres of rainforest with deforestation warnings across 2019, compared to 4,946 square kilometres in 2018.

While the warnings  logged through the agencys DETER system  are not used as the official way of measuring deforestation in the country, they offer mounting evidence against Mr Bolsonaro alongside data released in November by the same agency which showed areas of complete deforestation had risen 30% from 2018 to 9,762 square km.

Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire rages in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billlows from burning tracts of the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Para on August 23 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire rages in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Land in the Amazon rainforest left scorched in the fires in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil on August 23 AFP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire tears through a farm in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures An area of the Amazon rainforest left scorched in the fires in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 24 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Satellite images show a series of fires in the southwest Brazilian state of Rondonia on August 15 AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A satellite image released by NASA shows the active fires that have been detected in the Amazon region EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Indigenous people from the Mura tribe wallk in a deforested area inside the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 20 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire tears through a farm in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Indigenous people from the Mura tribe wallk in a deforested area inside the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 20 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A view of logs felled illegally in the Amazon rainforest are seen in sawmills in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 22 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A scorched patch of land in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil on 20 August EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Several fires are seen burning in the Amazon rainforest in this satellite image taken by NASA on 11 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures The sunsets behind clouds and smoke from fires in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 18 August EPA

And Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of group MapBiomas that monitors the rate of forest destruction, has warned 2020 could be even worse for the rainforest if urgent measures are not introduced in the run up to this years dry season.

"It would be expected that it will be worse than last year unless something really big happens in the next two or three months to avoid the high season of deforestation that starts in May" Mr Azevedo said.

The worlds largest rainforest, largely contained within Brazil's borders, stands as a bulwark against global warming because of the vast amounts of heat-trapping carbon dioxide it soaks up from the atmosphere.

It also provides Brazil with hydropower, and its abundant rain provides irrigation-free agriculture.

In November, a study published in Scientific Reorts found fires and the resulting soot from the rainforest was directly responsible for melting glaciers in the Andes more than 1,000 miles away.

Dr Newton de Magalhaes Neto, the studys lead author, explained there is the potential to increase glacier melting as snow that is darkened by black carbon or dust particles [that] reflect less light.

A separate study by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in 2016 found some areas covered by glaciers in the Andes have nearly halved since the 1970s.
T he US will head to the polls in November to decide whether Donald Trump will lead them for another four years.

Mr Trump, as the Republican candidate, is vying for a second term as Americas 45th president, while the race to select his Democratic opponent is heating up.

A whittled-down list of candidates are continuing their battle across the country in a bid to win over voters across all 50 states .

But the nomination process is long and unpredictable, with months until the final ballots are counted.

So who are the current contenders? And what how will the final candidate be decided?

Heres our complete guide to the Democratic race for the 2020 US presidency.

Donald Trump launches 2020 re-election campaign - In pictures 1 /36 Donald Trump launches 2020 re-election campaign - In pictures President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet supporters at a rally where the president formally announced his 2020 re-election bid AP A supporter holds a placard during a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump formally kicking off his re-election bid in Orlando, Florida Reuters A man holds up a sign as the crowd waits for US President Donald Trump to arrive at a rally at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida to officially launch his 2020 campaign AFP/Getty Images Protestors hold up anti President Donald Trump signs during a rally AP White House senior advisors Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner react as U.S. President Donald Trump formally kicks off his re-election bid with a campaign rally in Orlando, Florida REUTERS A supporter dances to music at a rally where President Donald Trump announced his 2020 re-election bid AP Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives to speak at his re-election kickoff rally AP Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) and Donald Trump Jr. arrive at a rally for US President Donald Trump, to officially launch the Trump 2020 campaign AFP/Getty Images A supporter poses for photo before U.S. President Donald Trump holds a campaign kick off rally at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida REUTERS US Vice President Mike Pence speaks with US President Donald Trump at a rally to officially launch the Trump 2020 campaign AFP/Getty Images First lady Melania Trump speaks to supporters at a rally where President Donald Trump formally announced his 2020 re-election bid AP A woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty protests against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images Opposition groups protest against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump demonstrates outside the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida AFP/Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold placards near the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida AFP/Getty Images Opposition groups protest against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images Donald Trump launches his re-election campaign at a rally in Orlando, Florida Reuters Donald Trump greets First Lady Melania Trump as he takes the stage for the official launch of the Trump 2020 campaign at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida AFP/Getty Images Thousands of supporters gathered at the rally Reuters Michael Boulos, Tiffany Trump, Lara Trump, Eric Trump, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Donald Trump Jr. arrive at a rally for US President Donald Trump, to officially launch the Trump 2020 campaign, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida AFP/Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump and press secretary Sarah Sanders hug at a campaign kick off rally at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida REUTERS U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign kick off rally at the Amway Center in Orlando Reuters Protesters attend a rally against US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images A woman protests against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images Members of the Proud Boys face off against anti-Trump protesters outside a rally where President Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images Opposition groups protest against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images Opposition groups protest against President Trump outside a rally where Trump officially launched his re-election campaign Getty Images

What is a primary and how is it different from a caucus?

Primary elections and caucuses are the two methods used by states to select a potential presidential nominee. They take place between January and June.

Some states only hold primary elections, some only hold caucuses, and others use a combination of both.

Candidates' aim at each primary or caucus is to win over as many delegates as possible. These are individuals who represent their state at national party conventions. The candidate backed by the most delegates wins the partys nomination.

Most parties hold one of these conventions when the primaries and caucuses are over. This is when the winning candidates are put forward to fight their political rivas in the general election.

If no candidate wins the majority of a partys delegates during the primaries and caucuses, delegates at the national convention choose the nominee through additional rounds of voting.

Voters will cast their ballots on Election Day in November / AFP via Getty Images

Primaries

In general, primaries use secret ballots for voting and are run by state and local governments.

They are held in much the same way as the November general election: voters go to a polling station, cast their vote and leave.

Primaries can be open, closed, top-two, or hybrid:

Open primaries allow any eligible voter to cast a ballot, regardless of political affiliation.

primaries allow any eligible voter to cast a ballot, regardless of political affiliation. Closed primaries allow only registered members of the party to participate.

primaries allow only registered members of the party to participate. Top-two primaries generate two winners, who then both proceed to the general election.

primaries generate two winners, who then both proceed to the general election. Hybrid primaries are a mix of open and closed primary nomination processes.

Voters watch on during a campaign rally in Cedar Falls, Iowa / Getty Images

Caucuses

Caucuses are private events that are directly run by the political parties themselves rather than state or local governments.

At these gatherings, individuals who are viewed favourably within the party are identified as potential delegates.

After discussion and debate, an informal vote is held to decide which candidates will serve as delegates at the national party convention.

Caucuses tend to have a relatively low voter turnout compared to primaries but this varies from state to state.

Who are the Democratic candidates still in the race?

Joe Biden

The former VP has launched his third presidential campaign / AP

Age: 77

State: Delaware

This is the third presidential campaign run by Barack Obamas former vice president after he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008.

Long considered the frontrunner in this years race, Mr Biden has been a vehement critic of Mr Trump, accusing him of "trashing American values".

He and his son Hunter are at the heart of the ongoing impeachment case against the current president who is accused of trying to coerce the Ukranian government into dishing up dirt on the pair.

Elizabeth Warren

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren remains among the favourites for the nomination / AFP via Getty Images

Age: 70

State: Massachusetts

The former assistant to Barack Obama is a favourite of the progressive left for cracking down on Wall Street and for her vocal criticism of income inequality.

She has been at loggerheads with rival Bernie Sanders over claims he told her "a woman couldn't win the White House". Despite their differences both are targeting a similar socialist demographic.

Ms Warren has promised to bring about big, structural change, with the goal of giving more power to working people and diluting the influence of big corporations.

Bernie Sanders

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has overcome health issues to continue his campaign / AFP via Getty Images

Age: 78

State: Vermont

Mr Sanders' socialist platform built up a huge following during his long-shot campaign for the 2016 democratic vote, which he eventually lost to Hillary Clinton.

His policy agenda includes a number of popular proposals including expanding health care and making higher education free.

He will be 79 on election day and many have questioned his physical fitness for the job after he suffered a heart attack last year.

Pete Buttigieg

Former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg is appealing to young and progressive voters / Getty Images

Age: 37

State: Indiana

Mr Buttigieg would be the youngest and first married gay president if elected.

The military veteran and former South Bend mayor is also the only gay presidential hopeful and would be the first candidate to go from the mayor's office to the presidency.

He is touting himself as a voice of the young.

Amy Klobuchar

Senator Amy Klobuchar is fighting for the support of moderate Democrats / AP

Age: 59

State: Minnesota

The three-term Minnesota senator is looking to win over working class midwesterners with her homegrown grit.

The former prosecutor, won praise for her cool competence during sexual misconduct hearings against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Michael Bloomberg

Billionaire business magnate Michael Bloomberg is often referred to as 'little Michael' by Donald Trump / REUTERS

Age: 77

State: New York

The billionaire former New York mayor officially entered the race on November 24, announcing he was standing "to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America".

Born in Massachusetts, he began his career as a Wall Street banker before founding his eponymous publishing empire.

He is now one of the richest men in the US, with a net-worth of 42 billion ($54.4 billion), according to Forbes.

Tom Steyer

Tom Steyer has been a major donor to the Democrats for many years / Getty Images

Age: 62

State: California

The hedge-fund billionaire has been a major Democratic donor in recent years, funding organisations promoting liberal causes and helping to drive the impeachment of Mr Trump.

In 2018 he spent more than 77 million ($100 million) to support Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives, which suggests he may be willing to invest at least as much in his bid for the Democratic nomination.

Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard made history in 2012 when she became the first Hindu member of the US Congress / Getty Images

Age: 38

State: Hawaii

Ms Gabbard is the first American Samoan and first Hindu member of Congress.

The Iraq War veteran and Hawaii congresswoman has drawn criticism for voicing opposition to abortion rights and gay marriage but is otherwise largely seen as a progressive candidate.

She was also condemned for meeting with Bashar al-Assad in January 2017 - after the Syrian president had been accused of using poison gas on his own citizens.

Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang was appointed Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship in 2015 by the Obama administration / AP

Age: 45

State: New York

The tech entrepreneur and law school graduate announced he was running for president back in November 2017.

He is best known for launching Venture for America  a fellowship programme connecting recent graduates with startups.

He wants to give all Americans a universal basic income of around 760 ($1,000) per month to address economic inequality.

Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick governed Massachusetts from 2007 to 2015 having served under Bill Clinton as Assistant Attorney General / AP

Age: 63

State: Massachusetts

The former Massachusetts governor reversed his previous decision to stay out of the running by announcing a late-entry to the race in November 2019.

In 2006, he became the states first African American governor following a number of distinguished private sector jobs and a stint in the Justice Department.

In a video announcing his candidacy, he said he wanted to "build a better, more sustainable, more inclusive American Dream for the next generation."

John Delaney

John Delaney was officially the first entrant into the 2020 Democratic presidential race / AP

Age: 56

State: Maryland

The self-made businessman was, at one point, the youngest CEO on the New York Stock Exchange.

He was officially the first entrant in the race for the Democratic nomination, declaring his candidacy in July 2017.

The Maryland congressman is calling for a return to bipartisan co-operation and has focussed his policy agenda on jobs, education and infrastructure.

Michael Bennet

Colorado senator Michael Bennet is known as a soft-spoken moderate / AP

Age: 55

State: Colorado

The former superintendent of Denver Public Schools overcame a battle with prostate cancer in April last year to enter the Democratic drunning.

He has pitched himself as a pragmatic lawmaker with a progressive voting record, having served in the Senate since 2009.

The two-term senator has cited his priorities as healthcare, education and equitable economic growth through bipartisan consensus.

Key dates

Voters will turn out in their millions in November / Getty Images

February 3: Iowa caucus captures first votes in Democratic race

February 7: Eighth Democratic primary debate in Manchester, New Hampshire

February 19: Ninth Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas

February 25: Tenth Democratic primary debate in Charleston, South Carolina

March: Eleventh Democratic primary debate (details TBC)

March 3: Fifteen states across the US hold primary contests on 'Super Tuesday'

March 3 - 10: Democrats Abroad primary gives US citizens living abroad a week to cast their votes

July 13-16: Democratic delegates nominate presidential candidate during Democratic National Convention in Milwakee

August 24-27: Republicans hold annual nominating convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

September 29 : First 2020 presidential debate held at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana

October 7: Republican and Democratic nominees for vice president debate at the University of Utah

October 15: Second 2020 presidential debate held at the University of Michigan

October 22: Third and final 2020 presidential debate held at Belmont University, Nashville

November 3: Election day

December 14: Electoral college representatives formally cast votes

January 6: Congress enters electoral votes into the record, and the Senate president announces vote tallies
Amid mounting tensions between the US and Iran, Iranian foreign affairs minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday said India will not find a stable and reliable energy partner other than Iran.

He said losing Iran as a reliable source of energy will not make Indian economy more reliable.

"For India's economic growth you need more and more energy and energy security, which has been an area of concern. I can assure you that you can't find an energy partner which is more stable more reliable than Iran.

"We never involved politics in our energy relations. And if we did, we don't have political problem with India. We are the secured source of energy for India," he said at the FIEO meeting in Mumbai.

India had stopped importing oil from Iran after the US refused to extend exemption from sanctions since last year.

The minister, who is on a four-day visit to India, further said that India also needs diversification of the sources of the energy.

"Losing Iran as the reliable provider of indian energy needs, certainly does not make India more secured, does not make Indian economy more reliable," he said.

Condemning the Donald Trump government for the recent "terrorist attack" on Iran which killed its top commander Qassem Soleimani, and imposition of the sanctions, the minister said these actions by the US are regrettable.

"These attempts are to ensure that the people of Iran starve. It is regrettable that he (Trump) said if Iranians want to eat they should listen to him. But we won't beg to the US to eat. Starvation is crime against humanity and punishable."



"These are also attempts made so that they (the US) can increase the prices of oil and energy. Now the US is the biggest exporter of oil and they want to take Iranian share in Asia through the sale of their shale gas, which is much more expensive and much less reliant energy. We need to find a response to this. But I want to tell you that Iran can continue to provide economical and reliable oil to India," Zarif said.

He further said Iran can also supply gas through land pipeline or sea pipeline as also LNG.

"We just adopted a legislation expanding Chabahar port as a free trade zone that is a new possibility for India to use the port as a source for production of and export of LNG," he said.

The minister also said that the two countries can collaborate and complement each other in various other areas as well.

"We have, like India, young and talented human resource and there are more Iranian graduate engineers here in Iran. If we bring our resources together we can ensure we can have the cutting edge technology," the minister said.

He said both the countries have complementary economies. "Iran and India have possibilities for cooperation in various fields. There are almost no areas of economy where we compete. We can complement each other with India's great advances in many ways," Zarif said.

He added that for the bilateral trade to continue to be viable, Iran needs money coming in so that it can buy Indian rice, technology and other products and the main source of that money is oil.

"I have, at various meetings with the Prime minister Narendra Modi, security adviser and the Indian foreign minister, said and discussed possibilities of trade. We don't want to put our friends in difficult situation. But we need to find mechanism for improving the trade," he added.

He said the bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a sharp decline in 2019 mainly impacted by oil exports.

While it stood at $17 billion in 2018, it fell to $7 billion in 2019 and will go further low if money dries up, Zarif said.

"There is an interest in long and short term perspective. We are not being able to buy commodities from India. Therefore it is in our interest to find mechanism for trade. We hope India will pick up our oil and gas. This will give India a much bigger bargaining power. We can also start a more developed system of barter. We need to innovate to think about barter where we can provide anything for anything. We need to start working in the right direction," he added.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Friday he wants to avoid war after Tehran and Washington appeared on the brink of direct military confrontation in early January for the second time in less than a year.

Ahead of parliamentary elections on February 21 -- predicted to be a challenge for Rouhani's camp -- and amid high tensions between Tehran and the West over Iran's nuclear programme, the president said dialogue with the world was still "possible".

"The government is working daily to prevent military confrontation or war," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

The region seemed on the brink of new conflict earlier in January after the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad, prompting Iran to retaliate against US military targets in Iraq with a volley of missiles days later.

The strike caused significant material damage but no casualties, according to the US military.

Rouhani said the strike amounted to "compensation" for the death of Soleimani, the architect of Iran's Middle East military strategy.

The tensions between the two enemies seemed to subside in the wake of the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner hours after the retaliatory strikes, as Iran was on high alert for US reprisals.

The tragedy killed 176 people, mostly Iranians and Canadians.

Canada's foreign minister on Thursday vowed to push Iran for answers about the tragedy.

"Families want answers, the international community wants answers, the world is waiting for answers and we will not rest until we get them," Francois-Philippe Champagne said in London.

Ottawa said earlier that US President Donald Trump's policies had contributed to the heightened tensions that led to the catastrophe.

In June 2019, Iran and the US had also appeared to be on the brink of direct military confrontation after Tehran shot down a US drone it said had violated its airspace.

Trump said he called off retaliatory strikes at the last minute.

The animosity between Washington and Tehran has increased since Trump withdrew the US from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed biting sanctions.

In Iran, the air disaster sparked outrage and anti-government demonstration took place every day from Saturday to Wednesday.

Concentrated in the capital, they appeared smaller than a wave of national protests in November. Prompted by a fuel price hike, those demonstrations were met with a crackdown that left at least 300 people dead, according to Amnesty International.

Rouhani implicitly acknowledged a crisis of confidence in authorities, but looked to regain control on Wednesday, calling for "national unity", better governance and more pluralism.

On Thursday, Rouhani also defended the policy of openness to the world that he has pursued since his first election in 2013, and which Iran's ultra-conservatives criticise.

"Of course, it's difficult," he acknowledged, but he added, "the people elected us to lower tensions and animosity" between the Islamic republic and the world.

Rouhani said that with the nuclear deal "we have proven in practice that it is possible for us to interact with the world." Rouhani was speaking the day before supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is expected to lead the main weekly Muslim prayers in Tehran for the first time since 2012.

Khamenei, who maintains the West is not trustworthy, bans dialogue with Trump.

On Thursday, Rouhani said Iran's "daily enrichment" of uranium was currently "higher" than before the conclusion of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Rouhani, who instigated the negotiations, made the comments while justifying his nuclear policy and Iran's progressive disengagement from the accord. He also stated his willingness to continue dialogue on the agreement.

In response to the US withdrawal from the deal and sanctions, an increasingly frustrated Iran has hit back with a step-by-step suspension of its own commitments under the deal, which drastically limited its nuclear activities.

On Tuesday, Germany, the UK and France -- the three European parties to the deal -- announced they triggered a dispute mechanism in response to the latest step back from the deal by Tehran.

But Germany on Thursday confirmed a Washington Post report that the US had threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports of European cars if EU governments continued to back the nuclear deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the European parties of having "sold out" the deal to avoid trade reprisals from the US and said Trump was again behaving like a "high school bully".

According to a European Union Statement, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell met Zarif in New Delhi on Thursday and urged Iran to "preserve" the increasingly fragile nuclear deal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
REGINAA retired Catholic priest living in Saskatchewan and facing extradition on decades-old abuse charges has lost an appeal of the order.

The Archdiocese of Regina previously said that Rev. Robert MacKenzie is accused of physical and sexual abuse from when he worked at two schools in Scotland from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Evidence heard at his extradition hearing is under a publication ban.

A lawyer for MacKenzie has said his client, who maintains his innocence, was seeking a judicial review of a surrender order from Canadas Justice Ministry that authorizes his extradition to Scotland.

The archdiocese said that while in Canada, MacKenzie served mostly in small communities around Regina.

Last year, when it revealed the allegations against MacKenzie, it reported that none had surfaced from his time serving with the archdiocese.

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If youre worried about getting a bad airline seat, it pays to check multiple sources before booking. Read more

Ask Clayton Conway about the worst seat on a plane, and hell tell you about the time he flew from Denver to Seattle on Frontier Airlines.

"It was the worst flight experience Ive ever had," says Conway, who manages a digital marketing agency on Camano Island, Wash.

"I was seated in a bulkhead seat that not only didnt recline but was also kitty-corner to a restroom, Conway says. So every restroom visitor would inadvertently waft the nose-wrecking toilet stench directly toward me. It was horrific, and there was no escape."

Which airline seat is the worst? Thats a hard question to answer with any specificity. On an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, for example, the seat-rating site SeatGuru warns of several bad seats, denoted in red. They include all the seats in row 30, at the back of the aircraft. The reasons are obvious: The seats in row 30 are next to lavatories and dont fully recline.

But all the row 30 seats arent equally bad. The middle ones  30B and 30E  are particularly torturous. In addition to the seats being next to the lavatories and not reclining, a passenger is confined on both sides by other passengers. Thats a trifecta.

If youre worried about getting a bad airline seat, it pays to check multiple sources before booking. Consult SeatGuru or another site, such as SeatMaestro, or talk to a travel adviser. Heres a short list of donts:

 Dont buy the cheapest ticket. "Step back from the computer and the thirst to score the lowest fare," says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir. Instead, he says, make a list of "must-haves" when picking a flight. Do you need an assigned seat? Do you need a window or an aisle? Extra legroom?

Make sure the flight you book has all of your must-haves. Sure, youll have to pay extra. "But youll be glad you did on your travel day," Klee says.

Years ago, when my family lived in Austria, my parents found the cheapest fares from New York to Vienna on Tarom, the Romanian flag carrier. Our seats were in the back of the aircraft, next to the lavatories, with zero recline  and in the smoking section.

 Dont wait until the last minute to book. If you buy a cheap ticket at the last minute, youre practically asking to end up in 30B. Exception: If you book an unrestricted economy class or business class seat, youre in luck. Most airlines set aside a few choice seats for big spenders.

 Dont forget to vet your carrier. Not all airlines are the same, says Tim Leffel, author of The Worlds Cheapest Destinations. Some domestic airlines, such as JetBlue and Southwest, have reputations for providing more legroom. For some trips, Leffel also suggests looking at a low-cost airline such as Mexicos Interjet thats "known for not jamming in so many seats."

 Sometimes its not a matter of avoiding a particular seat, but an entire airline. Conways experience is a case in point. Frontier Airlines  part of a group of ultra-low-cost carriers that includes Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines  is not known for seat comfort or amenities.

 If you dont have a seat assignment, mind your manners. "Dont dress badly, be rude, loud or otherwise self-important," says frequent flier Matt Woodley, who writes a blog about international moves.

According to Woodley, nothing says I belong in the middle seat like traveling in your jammies, being loud and obnoxious, or incessantly bugging the gate agents about how important you are, how long youve been waiting or how important your appointment at the other end is.

Ticket agents can and do judge you based on your appearance or behavior. Theyre only human.

Its worth exploring why air travel somehow feels worse these days. My familys flight on a communist-era Romanian airline was, in many respects, less degrading than air travel today. No one demanded that we pay extra to sit together. Those economy class seats, despite their undesirable location, came with a humane amount of legroom. The flight attendants served two meals and drinks at no extra cost.

Airlines use our collective fear of the worst seat to prod us into paying extra for seats that have the same amount of legroom we had on that Tarom flight. They know well fork over more money to avoid the 30Bs of the world or to avoid being separated from our kids. In short, our fear of getting stuck on the worst seat on the plane is just one of the industrys powerful tools for increasing profits.

Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist, and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Contact him at elliott.org.
Massachustts State Police have located the missing 11-year-old girl who was abducted Wednesday afternoon after getting off of her school bus.

An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday evening for Charlotte Moccia, of Springfield, after she was forced into a car around 1.26pm on Wednesday 'not long after she got off her school bus', Massachusetts State Police said.

Police say a man was walking behind her and forced the little girl into the car, a blue Honda Civic. Authorities say that vehicle was being driven by a woman.

Cops say the suspect is a man who is either white or Hispanic and a woman also white or light-skinned Hispanic.

Wednesday evening State police stopped the suspect vehicle on the Massachusetts Turnpike and found the girl inside the vehicle.

Massachusetts State Police have located missing 11-year-old girl Charlotte Moccia who was abducted Wednesday afternoon after getting off of her school bus

The Springfield girl (left and right) was abducted shortly after she got off her school bus and was forced into a car around 1.26pm on Wednesday. State Police stopped that vehicle on the Massachusetts turnpike Wednesday night and found Charlotte inside 'safe and sound'

Charlotte is described as white with brown eyes and long brown hair. She is 4-foot-2 and weighs 60 pounds. She was last seen wearing her school uniform when she was kidnapped - khaki pants and a dark shirt with her school logo on it

State Police said Charlotte is 'safe and sound' and does not have any apparent injuries.

'Troopers flooded the area after a motorist called 911 to report seeing the car. The car was stopped in a work zone and Charlotte was recovered,' State police said.

Two people in the car were arrested and are being transported to the Charlton Barracks for booking.

Charlotte was returning home from school at Hampden Charter School of Science and was last seen walking on Lafayette Street before her rescue. She was forced into the car near the corner of Princeton and Amherst streets.

The school issued a release to parents after she was abducted.

'I have some unsettling news to share with you and a request for help. One of our students, 11-year-old Charlotte Moccia, may have been abducted this afternoon on her way home from school,' Tarkan Topcuoglu, the school's superintendent, said in a release.

'Obviously, we are concerned for Charlottes safety and will keep you up-to-date with any further developments,' the statement added.

An Amber Alert was issued for Charlotte Wednesday evening

Springfield Police Department pleaded for help form the public in locating the child

Authorities say that vehicle was being driven by a woman, either white or light-skinned Hispanic

Charlotte was last seen walking on Lafayette Street in Springfield before her rescue

She was returning home from school at Hampden Charter School of Science when she was forced into the car near the corner of Princeton and Amherst streets in Springfield, Massachusetts (above)

Springfield Police released pictures of the car she was believed to be taken in and video footage showing her walking home from the school bus the day prior.

The car she was forced into had two doors, dark tinted windows, distinctive after-market rims, a moonroof, and no front plate. The car was believed to be a 2001 to 2005 model.

More than a dozen police officers responded and are investigating Charlotte's disappearance, according to MassLive.com.

The motive behind her abduction is not clear.

Anyone who has seen the car or has any information about the whereabouts of the 11-year-old girl or the possible abduction is asked to call 911 immediately.
Worldwide IT spending is projected to total $3.9 trillion in 2020, an increase of 3.4 per cent from the previous calendar year, according to the latest forecast by Gartner, Inc.

Global IT spending is expected to cross into four trillion dollar territory next year, the research firm said.

"Although political uncertainties pushed the global closer to recession, it did not occur in 2019 and is still not the most likely scenario for 2020 and beyond, said John-David Lovelock, distinguished research vice president at Gartner, in a statement.

"With the waning of global uncertainties, businesses are redoubling investments in IT as they anticipate revenue growth, but their spending patterns are continually shifting," he added.

Software will be the fastest-growing major market this year, reaching double-digit growth at 10.5 per cent.

"Almost all of the market segments with enterprise software are being driven by the adoption of software as a service (SaaS)," he said.

"We even expect spending on forms of software that are not cloud to continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate. SaaS is gaining more of the new spending, although licensed-based software will still be purchased and its use expanded through 2023," Lovelock added.

Growth in enterprise IT spending for cloud-based offerings will be faster than growth in traditional (non- cloud) IT offerings through 2022, said.

Organisations with a high percentage of IT spending dedicated to cloud adoption is indicative of where the next- generation, disruptive business models will emerge, it noted.

The headwind coming from a strong US dollar has become a deterrent to IT spending on devices and data centre equipment in effected countries.

"For example, mobile phone spending in Japan will decline this year due to local average selling prices going up as a result of the US dollar increasing. The U.K's spending on PCs, printers, servers and even external storage systems is expected to decline by three per cent, too," said Lovelock.

Despite last quarter showing the sharpest decline within the device market among all segments, it will return to overall growth in 2020 due to the adoption of new, less- expensive phone options from emerging countries.

"The almost $10 billion increase in device spending in Greater China and Emerging Asia/Pacific is more than enough to offset the expected declines in Western Europe and Latin America," said Lovelock.
New Delhi: The audience is ready to witness a fresh on-screen pairing of Disha Patani and Aditya Roy Kapur in Mohit Suri's upcoming thriller 'Malang'. The makers have unveiled the title track of the movie and it looks like a perfect romantic mushy track.

'Malang' title song is sung by Ved Sharma, who has also composed the music. The song beautifully presents the love story between lead characters Disha and Aditya.

Watch it here:

The lyrics of 'Malang' title track are penned by Kunaal Vermaa and Harsh Limbachiya. The film also features Anil Kapoor and Kunal Kemmu in pivotal parts. It has been jointly produced by Luv Ranjan, Ankur Garg, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Jay Shewakramani.

'Malang' is directed by Mohit Suri and is majorly shot in Goa. The makers had unveiled the trailer some time back and it managed to create a buzz around the movie. Aditya and Disha have never been paired together before this and the fans are excited to watch their reel chemistry which looks palpable.

It is set to hit the screens on February 7, 2020.

So, are you excited to watch Suri's 'Malang' in Valentine Week?
Police were today accused of 'effectively decriminalising cannabis' as it emerged two thirds of users in Britain only receive 'community resolutions'.

Officers are using the informal agreements, which do not result in a criminal record, for 50 to 70 per cent of people caught with the drug, reported the Daily Telegraph.

The resolutions are used to avoid drawing those with cannabis into the justice system and give police an alternative to formal charges, fines, cautions or warnings.

Officers are using the informal 'community resolution' agreements, which do not result in a criminal record, for 50 to 70 per cent of people caught with cannbis (file image)

Their usage by the Metropolitan Police has risen tenfold in three years, up from 3.8 per cent in 2015/16 to 50.7 per cent of users in the first quarter of 2019/20.

Guidance from the force states the resolutions are for first-time offenders who must admit the offence - 'no ifs, no buts' - and agree 'an act of reparation'.

They must also read information on 'how cannabis can have a negative impact on your future' or have an officer read it aloud to them or watch it on video.

Simon Kempton, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, said there now needs to be 'an open, honest, transparent debate about how we tackle this issue'.

He told the Telegraph: 'There are bigger issues that must be considered here about how we as a society deal with the issue of illegal drugs.'

The usage of community resolutions by the Metropolitan Police (whose headquarters are pictured) has risen tenfold in three years, up from 3.8 per cent to 50.7 per cent in 2019/20

The Government has rejected legalising cannabis and said the resolutions 'must be used proportionately and never to let adult offenders off the hook'.

Forces with highest proportionate use of community resolutions for having cannabis Hampshire 70.2%

70.2% Leicestershire 61.8%

61.8% Staffordshire 57%

57% West Yorkshire 53%

53% Metropolitan Police 51%

51% Cambridgeshire 45%

45% Surrey 39% Figures from the first quarter, 2019-20 Advertisement

Other forces also using more community resolutions include Leicestershire, up from 39.9 to 61.8 per cent of people caught with cannabis; Cambridgeshire, rising from 4.2 to 45.1 per cent; and Hampshire, up from 7.5 to 70.2 per cent.

But David Green, of criminal justice think tank Civitas, told the Telegraph: 'I suspect this is just a way of getting it off police books and not doing much about it.

'If it doesn't send a strong message of disapproval, then you are effectively decriminalising cannabis and making it likely to be used again.'

It comes as a former drug tsar said today that alcohol is the most damaging drug people can take, with laughing gas being far less toxic or addictive.

Professor David Nutt was sacked in 2009 as the government's chief drug adviser, a day after claiming that ecstasy and LSD were less dangerous than alcohol.

He alleged in a research paper that alcohol and tobacco were more harmful than many illegal drugs, including LSD, ecstasy and cannabis. He stands by that claim.
Travellers on the Mexico City subway system often blame authorities for broken-down escalators at subway stops, but Metro officials have another explanation: vast amounts of pee.

Somehow, urine is penetrating and corroding the drive wheels and mechanisms of the escalators that carry riders up from underground stations.

In a list published on Tuesday, the Metro system listed corrosion due to urine as one of the top five causes of escalator breakdowns.

Fermin Ramirez, the systems assistant manager for rails and facilities, said riders appear to be urinating on escalators at off-peak hours and lightly used stations, even though it seems hard to believe.

When we open up escalators for maintenance, there is always urine, Ramirez said. Most stations have no public bathroom facilities, a fact Twitter users were quick to point out, noting there are not even any pay toilets.

Of the systems 467 escalators, 22 are out of service on any given day. The biggest problem, subway authorities admit, is that the many escalators are old, or have been damaged by rough use. The city plans to replace about 55 escalators over the next two years.

With over 1.6 billion rides per year, the Mexico City subway is considered the eighth largest in the world by some measures, and one of the cheapest. A 25-cent ticket will get you a single ride to any destination on the 140-mile (226-kilometer) system. Just remember to use the bathroom before setting out.

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By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 15, 2020 | 05:16 PM | PADUCAH

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department arrested 24-year-old Ricky Rashaad Cole on January 8 after a disturbance on College Avenue. He was jailed on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and alcohol intoxication.





Detectives and ATF agents continued investigating, and learned that the pistol Cole was carrying had been stolen from a home on Springwell Lane, but the owner hadn't noticed it was missing.





On Wednesday, detectives cited Cole, who is still in McCracken County Jail, on a charge of receiving stolen property - firearm.





Detectives say Cole is a person of interest in two other investigations into shots fired. In the early morning hours of November 29, at least two people fired shots on Delaware Street. Then, on December 20, someone reported a man shooting at a black car on College Avenue. There were no reports of injuries or damage in either incident.





If anyone has information on Cole or these incidents, they are encouraged to call the Sheriff's Department at 270-444-4719, Paducah Police at 270-444-8550, or the local AFT office at 270-444-5380.

A man already in jail on a gun charge has been cited for an additional crime.

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Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani at the center of the Ukraine scandal that led to President Donald Trumps impeachment, said both men were fully aware of all my movements and that the president knew exactly what was going on as he waged a pressure campaign to dig up dirt on a presidential campaign rival.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow in an interview set to air Wednesday. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials.

The explosive comments come the same day the House voted to send two articles of impeachment against the president to the Senate for trial. The House voted largely along party lines to impeach Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress last month. He is just the third American president to be impeached.

The pressure campaign in Ukraine was a central fixture of the House impeachment vote after a parade of current and former Trump administration officials detailed an effort by the White House to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter in exchange for political favors.

Parnas emerged as a key figure in that effort during the House inquiry. He was indicted last fall on campaign finance charges and has since split with Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, pledging to speak openly about his efforts with Ukraine.

In the interview with Maddow, Parnas elaborated that members of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys team were told to meet with him because he was on the ground as a representative of the Trump administration doing their work.

I mean they have no reason to speak to me, Parnas said. Why would President Zelenskys inner circle, or Minister [of Internal Affairs Arsen] Avakov, or all these people or [former]...

Continue reading on HuffPost
GIPAP (Glivec International Patient Assistance Program) is a programme to support patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) having health insurance for less than 36 months to have Glivec completely free of charge. This programme has been implemented globally by Novartis since 2002 to support patients in low and middle-income countries (80 countries) through the Max Foundation.

In Vietnam, the programme has been implemented from 2005 to 2019, co-ordinated by Max Foundation and supported 100 per cent of the cost of Glivec drug treatment by Novartis. It is implemented in seven hospitals nationwide, including K Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital, and Hue Central Hospital.

VPAP (Vietnam Patient Assistance Program) is a programme to support patients with CML and GIST having health insurance continuously for 36 months to have Glivec or Tasigna completely free of charge. Patients are supported 100 per cent of treatment costs, of which the Health Insurance Fund pays 40 per cent of medicine costs and Novartis supports 60 per cent of the cost of Glivec and Tasigna.

As a beneficiary hospital of the GIPAP/VPAP programme, Pham Nhu Hiep, director of Hue Central Hospital, told VIR, This is a very important and meaningful programme, helping patients return to normal life, have a better mentality, and reduce treatment costs, especially for poor patients.

Hue Central Hospital is one of the most famous in Vietnam which is home to good and well-trained doctors and advanced technologies. In 2019, the hospital saw an increase of 165,000 in the number of in-patients.

At the conference, the MoH, Vietnam Social Insurance, Novartis, and other stakeholders together discussed the solutions that best suit the current policy, the patient's access to treatment without affecting the state budget.

Patients with CML and GIST are increasing in Vietnam and new solutions are significant for each patient.

Our patients were sad to learn that the programme will end. To have sustainable treatment for such cancer patients, Novartis should further reduce price, while the percentage of health insurance covering the supporting price should benefit patients, Hiep noted.

The first phase of the programme was implemented in Vietnam in 2010-2014 (according to Decision No.5128/QD-BYT dated December 25, 2009 of the MoH), the second phase ran from 2015 to 2019 (according to Decision No.5404/QD-BYT dated December 27, 2014 of the MoH), and is currently being extended until February 29, 2020 (according to Decision No.6105/QD-BYT dated December 31, 2019 of the MoH).

The GIPAP (nearly 15 years) and the VPAP (more than 10 years) have helped nearly 100 per cent of patients with severe illness of CML and GIST to be examined and treated, prolong their life, and reduce the pressures of treatment fee. Nearly 8,000 patients with CML and GIST have been supported through the programme with the number increasing every year (834 patients in 2010, 2,214 patients in 2014, and 4,435 patients in 2018). This is one of the first medicine support programmes implemented in Vietnam and by far the medicine support programme which has the largest number of patients supported.

Through the programme, hospitals have access to a new treatment method, apply advanced scientific achievements, have the opportunity to compare the effectiveness of treatment and participate in scientific research reports around the world. The programme also demonstrates the social security of health insurance. Patients increasingly trust the policies of the MoH, Social Insurance, and health agencies.

As a global healthcare group based in Switzerland, Novartis inherits more than 250 years of history from its predecessors Ciba, Geigy, and Sandoz which merged in 1996. Today, Novartis is a leading pharmaceutical company in the world, using advanced science and technology to invent breakthrough treatments for disease treatment and healthcare.

In Vietnam, Novartis has been present since the 1950s through the presence of Sandoz, Ciba-Geigy, and other partners. In 2008, Novartis Pharma Services AG Representative Office was established, and recently, Novartis Vietnam Co., Ltd. in February 2019. Currently, Novartis Vietnam is one of the leading companies in invented drugs in many areas of treament, such as immunology and dermatology, cardiology, respiratory, pain relief and neurology, ophthalmology, as well as high-quality generic and biological medicine.

Through its investment and co-operation activities in Vietnam, Novartis has become a trusted partner with the government, state agencies from central to local levels and partners in various fields, including clinical trials, science and technology transfer, strengthening primary healthcare, and public-private partnerships.
Police arrested a 19-year-old Lincoln man Tuesday night after he allegedly struck a teenage girl, hitting her and the 1-year-old child she was holding.

Officer Erin Spilker said the 16-year-old girl was trying to break up an argument Krisjanis Pool was having with his girlfriend, her 16-year-old roommate.

It happened in the area of 11th and Van Dorn streets just after 11 p.m.

Spilker said police were called to a house on a burglary in progress. She said officers were told Pool had broken a window to get inside the home and was arguing with his girlfriend when her roommate tried to intervene. Her father heard what was happening and was able to get Pool out of the house. He was in the backyard when officers arrived.

Spilker said Pool tried to run but was caught. She said he had tried to dump a 9mm handgun.

On Wednesday, prosecutors charged Pool, of 2777 Cable Ave., with possession of a defaced firearm. He was cited on suspicion of third-degree assault, criminal mischief, obstructing police and child abuse. He hasn't yet been charged on those allegations.

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Members of Congress and farmers from across the country rally for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on the National Mall in Washington on Sept. 12, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Senate Passes USMCA Deal, Sending It to Trumps Desk

8 Democrats, 1 Republican, and 1 independent vote against new pact that supplants NAFTA

WASHINGTONThe Senate on Jan. 16 approved the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) in an 89 to 10 vote, giving President Donald Trump another victory on trade.

The Senate approval comes a day after Trump signed the phase one trade deal with China that marked a milestone in the nearly 2-year-old trade dispute between the worlds two biggest economies.

With the same kind of bipartisan support, USMCA cleared the U.S. House of Representatives, 385 to 41, on Dec. 19. The agreement now heads to Trumps desk for his signature.

USMCA will replace the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It maintains tariff-free access to Mexico for U.S. exporters. And for Canada, it provides tariff-free access for 99 percent of U.S. goods and lifts some non-tariff barriers facing U.S. dairy and poultry exports.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed on the new trade deal in October 2018 after a lengthy and intense negotiation process, and the countries leaders signed it on Nov. 30, 2018. The deal, however, was caught up waiting for U.S. congressional approval since then.

Democrats, who control the House, raised issues concerning enforcement, labor, environmental, and pharmaceutical provisions of the agreement. The Trump administration and House Democrats formed a working group to address those issues. After months of negotiations, both sides resolved their differences on the agreement. On Dec. 10, the trade deputies of the three countries signed the modifications to USMCA in Mexico City.

The agreement is composed of 34 chapters and 16 side letters. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, USMCA maintains most chapters of NAFTA, but makes significant revisions in the areas of market access for autos and agriculture as well as investment, government procurement, intellectual property rights, labor, and the environment. It also addresses new issues such as digital trade, state-owned enterprises, and currency devaluation.

USMCA is estimated to have a significant impact on the U.S. manufacturing sector, particularly automotive. A study by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative found that the agreement would boost automotive manufacturing investments in the United States by $34 billion over the next five years, adding nearly 76,000 new automotive jobs.

Labor provisions of the agreement hold Mexico accountable for improving workers rights, and the agreement grants the United States new enforcement authorities.

Its also a win for U.S. dairy farmers as it provides increased access to Canadian markets. It has also eliminated Canadas Class 7 milk-ingredient pricing program, which the United States has regarded as an unfair system for American dairy exports. In return for market access, Washington expanded import quota levels for dairy and sugar products from Canada.

Eight Democrats, one Republican, and one independent voted against the trade deal. Those who voted against were Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)

Schumer said the new deal had strong labor provisions and enforcement mechanisms but fell far too short in addressing climate change.

Despite the improvements Democrats secured to better protect workers: I am voting against USMCA. Because it doesnt address climate change, the greatest threat facing our planet, Schumer wrote on Twitter before the Senate vote.

Businesses and farmers throughout the country praised the passage of the agreement in the Senate.

While no deal is perfect, USMCAs updated rules on digital trade, non-tariff barriers, and services promise real benefits to American businesses and consumers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue said in a statement.

Todays vote sends a powerful message to the world that America remains open for business.

A study released in April 2019 by the U.S. International Trade Commission showed that the trade pact would raise the United States real gross domestic product by $68.2 billion, or 0.35 percent, and create 176,000 new jobs.
Phones across Massachusetts buzzed with an urgent message on Wednesday evening: An 11-year-old girl from Springfield was abducted and believed to be in a blue Honda Civic.

The Amber Alert flashed across road signs. It interrupted radio and television broadcasts.

The Springfield girl was located roughly six hours after she was kidnapped while walking home from her school bus stop in Springfield. Police arrested Miguel Rodriguez, 24, of Springfield, as he was heading eastbound on the Massachusetts Turnpike. He now faces charges in court.

The suspects father received the alert.

We heard about it in the news, when we heard the Amber Alert, Rodriguez father, Henry, told MassLive. The kids came and told me, and they say, yeah this looks like Miguels car.

Amid the search for the girl, questions arose as to why the timing of the Amber Alert, which was issued several hours after she was taken.

5 Springfield Police investigating possible abduction of 11-year-old girl: Amber Alert issued

We had to do some investigation before the Amber Alert is issued, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said during a press conference after she was found late Wednesday. The Amber Alert has certain qualifications. We had to make sure these met the qualifications. The Amber Alert was invaluable in this case.

The commissioner added that the use of Amber Alerts are rare and authorities want to make sure the system is being used correctly.

The Amber Alert System began in 1996 when Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters teamed with local police to develop an early warning system to help find abducted children.

Amber stands for: America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It was created after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas 24 years ago. The little girl was found murdered and her case remains unsolved.

Other states adopted the system after Ambers death.

Below is the criteria for law enforcement to use the system, as set by the U.S. Department of Justice.

There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred:

Law enforcement must confirm an abduction before sending the alert. Authorities need to use a best judgement approach while quickly assessing the situation and the danger to the child.

The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death:

Authorities need to determine if a child is at risk for serious bodily harm or death.

This element is clearly related to law enforcements recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children, the Department of Justice said. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the best judgment approach.

In the Springfield case, Clapprood said the suspect was evil and he had her for nefarious reasons," adding, It was a matter of finding her quickly.

If they hadnt received help from other agencies and citizens, Clapprood said the news could have been much different.

There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child:

Authorities need to have details to send to the public including details on the child and the suspect along with any other important information such as vehicles involved.

"Issuing alerts in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The abducted child is 17 years old or younger:

Every stated adopted the 17 years old or younger standard, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The uniform standard helps eliminate confusion when an activation crosses into other states.

The child's name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system:

Amber Alert data is entered immediately into the National Crime Information Center system. The information includes the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the case must be flagged as a child abduction situation.

Many plans do not mandate entry of the data into NCIC, but this omission undermines the entire mission of the Amber Alert initiative, the U.S. Department of Justice said. The notation on the entry should be sufficient to explain the circumstances of the disappearance of the child. Entry of the alert data into NCIC expands the search for an abducted child from the local, state, or regional level to the national.
An island in that was regularly submerged during monsoon seasons is ready to house 100,000 Rohingya refugees, but no date has been announced to begin relocating people from crowded and squalid camps on the country's border with Myanmar, officials said Thursday.

Flood protection embankments, houses, hospitals and mosques have been built on Bhasan Char, or floating island, in the Bay of Bengal, officials said.

"Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place," refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner Mahbub Alam Talukder told The Associated Press.

The island is built to accommodate 100,000 people, just a fraction of the million who have fled waves of violent persecution in their native Myanmar.

About 700,000 people came after August 2017, when the military in Buddhist-majority Myanmar launched a harsh counterinsurgency campaign against Rohingya in response to an attack by insurgents.

Global rights groups and the UN called the campaign ethnic cleansing involving rapes, killings and torching of thousands of homes.

Foreign media have not been permitted to visit the island.

Saleh Noman, a Bangladeshi freelance journalist who recently visited, described a community emerging there.

"I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables," he said.

"All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines."



is a low-lying delta nation. The island, 21 miles (34 kilometers) from the mainland, surfaced only 20 years ago and was never inhabited.

The Bangladesh navy has been implementing a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster the swampy island, which was submerged for months during monsoon season.

aid agencies and the United Nations have vehemently opposed the relocation plan since it was first proposed in 2015, expressing fear that a big storm could overwhelm the island and endanger thousands of lives.

Mostofa Mohamamd Sazzad Hossain, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh, said Thursday the agency isn't ready to endorse the relocation and is waiting for a chance to visit the island after a November trip was canceled.

"The UN has emphasised the importance of undertaking independent and thorough technical and protection assessments that consider safety, sustainability, and protection issues prior to any relocation taking into place. The assessment process should include onsite visits to Bhasan Char," Hossain said.

The current refugee camps near the beach town of Cox's Bazar are overcrowded and unhygienic.

Disease and organized crime are rampant. Education is limited and refugees aren't allowed to work.

Still, most Rohingya have expressed an unwillingness to return to Myanmar, citing safety concerns. Government officials didn't have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to be relocated to the island.

On Thursday, two Bangladeshi contractors involved with development of the island described construction there.

They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

"We have built quality infrastructure. Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work. This is like a modern township project," one contractor said.

"We have built multifamily concrete homes, hospitals, mosques, schools, playgrounds and roads. There are solar power facilities, a water supply system. We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly told the UN and other partners that her administration will consult them before making a final decision on the relocation, and that no refugees will be forced to move.

Bangladesh attempted to start sending refugees back to Myanmar under a bilateral framework last November, but no one was willing to go.

The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, rendering them stateless, and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination.

A UN-sponsored investigation in 2018 recommended the prosecution of Myanmar's top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence perpetrated against the Rohingya.

Myanmar is now facing the Court of Justice in the Hague after the West African nation of Gambia brought a case against the country with the backing of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands last year.

Gambia in its submission said there was a "serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring" and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence.

The court is expected to deliver a decision on Jan. 23 on whether emergency measures should be imposed in Myanmar.

Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh's top government official in Cox's Bazar, said Thursday that discussions attempting to convince refugee families to move to the island are continuing.

"We are ready. This is a continuous process," he said.
India on Wednesday asserted that Pakistan needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations. (Photo Credit: PTI)

New Delhi:

India on Wednesday asserted that Pakistan needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations. This came after Pakistan tried to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support. However, Pakistans strong ally, China stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

Apart from China, all the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council - France, Russia, the US and the UK felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

What India's UN representative Syed Akbaruddin said on UNSC meet

Reacting to this, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: We once again saw an effort made by one-member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others.

We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today, Akbaruddin told news agency PTI.

We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India, he said.

Akbaruddin further said that Pakistans practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun's on UNSC meet

Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And Im sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and kashmir.

The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that.

Zhang later said China has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir).

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Srinagar/IBNS: While India continued to reach out to the global community over its bold move of abrogating Article 370 in Kashmir last August, the Valley's young leader Mir Junaid led a delegation of 30 members for a meeting with 15 ambassadors from different countries and appraised them about the situation in Kashmir following the Centre's move.

Mir Junaid said his delegation apprised the foreign delegation on numerous issues like 'Pakistan, which leaves no stone unturned, in spreading radicalization upon the plank of religion" even as it stands exposed regionally, nationally and internationally.

He told the foreign delegates that "our security apparatus has been fighting a tedious task of keeping these Pak-sponsored terrorists at bay, and have been braving all odds to serve Kashmiris in particular and the nation in general."

He said: "Pakistan has no locus standi in our J&K, it's our country's internal matter. Pakistan should refrain from fiddling with it and should rather focus on Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA & their dwindling economy."

The Modi government on Aug 5 scrapped Article 370 and 35A and bifurcated the terrorism-wracked Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir with an assembly and a Buddhist-dominated Ladakh without an assembly.

The delegation informed the foreign ambassadors that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want to live a normal life of peace though "Pakistan does not allow the nation to do so."

The team informed the foreign delegation that internet ban was necessary to be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to pre-empt rumor-mongering and consequent loss of lives.

Internet connection was banned in the region for a long period of time last year.

"Dynast politicians like Abdullah's, Mufti's, & Lone's who are responsible for the mess that we found ourselves in, should not be given any patronage by the dispensation at the centre.Rather, they should be held accountable for the graft & mal-practices that they have indulged in over the course of decades. Anti-graft agencies like ED, ACB & CBI, ought to be let loose upon them for good," he said.

Sixteen envoys from different countries, including the United States, visited Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day tour last week.

This will be the second visit by any foreign delegates to Jammu and Kashmir after it has lost its special status in August, 2019, following the scrapping of Article 370 by the Indian government.

In October, 2019, the government had allowed 23 lawmakers from the EU to visit Jammu and Kashmir though the entire trip was a private one.

The EU lawmakers' trip had infuriated the Opposition which was till then not allowed to enter Jammu and Kashmir.
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik happens to be the only rival of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which, despite all criticisms, has stood by the latter during all political crises. Though the two parties traded acrimonious charges during the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held simultaneously in the state, they have never presented themselves as adversaries in public.

The regional party has not failed to extend its support to the BJP when it comes to passing controversial bills in Parliament. The growing cordiality has baffled leaders of other political parties.

The BJD which claims itself a secular party and enjoys an unflinching support of Muslims in the state supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 in Parliament. Earlier, it had supported the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 (famously known as Triple Talaq Bill) and abrogation of Article 370 that guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Triple Talaq Bill and many other pieces of legislations have been passed in the Rajya Sabha where the National Democratic Alliance does not have the required number to ensure the passing of bills.

In the aftermath of passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 when the BJP's rivals like Trinamul Congress, Congress, Left parties along with some of its like-minded parties and allies like Janata Dal(United) and Shiv Sena have upped their ante against the BJP-led NDA, Mr Patnaik has remained inexplicably silent.

Though a few Muslim organisations, known to be close to the BJD, in Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts initially raised their voice against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), Mr Patnaik adroitly assured their leaders that no Muslim in the state will be affected by the CAA. He even announced that the NRC exercise would not happen in the state.

Mr Patnaik, who entered state politics in 1997, has been ruling Odisha since 2000. His first stint from 2000 to 2004 and the second term from 2004 to 2009, together with its ally BJP, almost went by peacefully, barring a few days when the two partners broke alliance to go to 2009 polls separately. Mr Patnaik had then shunned the BJP dubbing the latter as "communal". Seething in anger, the BJP had done its best to dislodge the party from power. It always raised the issues of chit fund scam and mining scam to shatter Naveen Patnaik's much-claimed honest image, but the saffron party could not gain much. In all elections held ever since, Mr Patnaik returned to power with flying colours.

As many wonder why an arch rival of the BJP is supporting the saffron party and all its activities - both on the floor of Parliament and outside, critics say the astute politician Naveen Patnaik, who has convincingly defeated the BJP election after election, at present senses no threat from the latter and hence does not want to lock horn with it so as to focus on development activities in his current fifth term.

By extending support to the BJP on the floor of the House, Mr Patnaik has successfully shielded his scam-tainted ministers and party leaders against the action by federal investigating agencies. He has also managed to extract more grants which he utilises to roll out new schemes and fund the existing ones, thus further securing his vote banks, says Prof. Kishore Chandra Swain, a political analyst who teaches at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.

Prof. Swain dismisses the speculation that the CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik's support to the BJP is a political compulsion to ward off actions by the investigating agencies.

Naveen's support to BJP is purely a high level of sensible political exercise. As the Congress is almost wiped out and is not in a position to revive itself due to lack of unity among the leaders, the CM wants to rob the BJP firepower by constant support. After consolidating his vote banks in almost all sections of people, he has aptly created a much-required confusion among the people whether the BJP is BJDs rival or ally, says Prof. Swain.
A federal appeals court has granted a new trial to an African American man serving life in prison for a 1989 murder who learned, after his lawyers death, that the attorney was a racist who regularly expressed contempt for minority clients.

After San Bernardino attorney S. Donald Ames died in 1999, his daughter and others described incidents in which he used racial slurs to refer to nonwhites, particularly African Americans. In 1990, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said, he described a client who had been sentenced to death as a n who got what he deserved. He said black people cant learn anything, declared that a Latino client deserved to fry, and referred to an Asian American judge as a f Jap who should remember Pearl Harbor.

In 2018, a three-judge panel of the appeals court acknowledged Ames racism but said it was required to uphold Ezzard Charles Ellis murder conviction, based on past precedents, because Ellis had not been aware of Ames bigotry during his trial and could not show that it had affected the attorneys performance.

But the full appeals court then granted a rehearing, and on Wednesday a larger court panel voted 10-1 to overturn Ellis conviction. The majority did not explain the ruling, saying only that the state attorney generals office, which represented the prosecution in Ellis appeal, had agreed that the conviction should be reversed.

But three judges in the majority issued a separate opinion relying on the courts 1994 ruling that overturned the bank robbery conviction of a black man whose lawyer addressed him with a racial slur and threatened substandard representation if he went to trial. Based on that ruling, the judges said Wednesday, a court can presume that a racist lawyer did not provide adequate legal representation to a minority client.

A trial is fundamentally unfair if defense counsel harbors extreme and deep-rooted ill will toward the defendant on account of his race, said Judge Jacqueline Nguyen, joined by Judge Mary Murguia and Chief Judge Sidney Thomas. They also noted that Ames had not objected to the seating of an all-white jury.

In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan said Ellis conviction should be upheld because he had not shown that Ames racist beliefs adversely affected his performance at trial.

The task before us is not to eradicate every vestige of racism in the criminal justice system, as important as that goal may be, but only to decide whether the evidence shows Ellis right to legal representation was violated, Callahan said.

Ellis was charged with the robbery and fatal shooting of a customer at a McDonalds drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino County. He was tried five times, with two mistrials because of witness unavailability and two more because of deadlocked juries, before a jury found him and another man guilty in 1991.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Ames represented him in the last four trials. Unlike the prior panels, Nguyen said in her opinion Wednesday, the jury that convicted Ellis was all-white, after prosecutors, without objection by Ames, successfully challenged the prospective black jurors.

While Attorney General Xavier Becerras office told the appeals court at a hearing in June that Ellis conviction should be overturned, the San Bernardino County district attorneys office filed arguments defending the conviction. The district attorneys office was not available for comment about plans for a retrial.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Criminal court cases are set to be televised for the first time.

In a major break from tradition, cameras will be allowed into Crown courts to film judges as they send convicted criminals to jail.

Only the judge's sentencing remarks will be televised and cameras will not be allowed to film criminals, jurors, victims or any other court staff, ministers announced.

It means the final moments of some of the most high-profile criminal trials in England and Wales will be seen on TV, including terror cases, murders and rapes.

In a major break from tradition, cameras will be allowed into Crown courts to film judges as they send convicted criminals to jail. Pictured is the Old Bailey

Only the judge's sentencing remarks will be televised and cameras will not be allowed to film criminals, jurors, victims or any other court staff, ministers announced. Stock picture

The Bar Council, which represents barristers, gave the scheme a lukewarm response and warned it risked making a 'spectator sport' out of criminal sentencing.

However, the move is likely to be seen as a significant step towards modernising out-of-date legal practices.

Currently, the courts do not even allow tape recorders to be used in courtrooms and are frequently accused of arcane and opaque practices.

The Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, said: 'This Government, alongside the judiciary, is committed to improving public understanding of our justice system and allowing cameras into the Crown Court will do just that.

'It will ensure our courts remain open and transparent and allow people to see justice being delivered to the most serious of offenders.'

The first cases could be televised as early as this summer as a minor change to legislation is expected to be completed within two months.

Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: 'Sentencing must not become an armchair, spectator sport.

'We must guard against unwarranted attacks on judges where the sentence isn't popular with the public.

The Bar Council, which represents barristers, gave the scheme a lukewarm response and warned it risked making a 'spectator sport' out of criminal sentencing. Stock picture

'Given that it is only the judge's sentencing remarks that will be televised, the public may well not fully appreciate why a particular sentence has been given without seeing the evidence presented during trial, the mitigating factors and other relevant information, such as probation reports.

'This is especially the case in a trial where the judge will have seen and heard the victim, the defendant and other witnesses, but the judge's evaluation of them, may not be clear from the televised hearing.'

She added: 'This is an opportunity to showcase how justice is delivered in our country, but the legislation must factor in the particular risks involved in televising the process.'

The new legislation will apply to the sentencing remarks of High Court and Senior Circuit judges, who will have to give permission to broadcasters in advance.

It means sentencings at courts such as the Old Bailey will take place on TV.

Currently, cameras are only allowed in to certain Court of Appeal cases and hearings at the Supreme Court.

Broadcasters welcomed the development.

ITN's John Battle said: 'This is a landmark moment and an important day for open justice and transparency of our legal system.

'For the first time the public will see images of proceedings in the Crown Court on television news.

'This change will help a wider audience to see and understand the criminal justice process for themselves.'
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday tweeted a picture of saint-poet Thiruvalluvar with saffron robes and deleted it later after drawing flak from the twitterati.

As soon as the image of the celebrated poet in saffron and Hindu religious symbols like holy ash was noticed, a section of users on the social networking service opposed it.

There were also others who endorsed the picture of the saint in saffron robes.

"@VPSecretariat, please use the official picture of #Thiruvalluvar from TN Govt. This is not right.

Please remove the saffronised picture you have posted depicting him in religion and caste. He is celebrated by all," said Dr Senthilkumar.S @DrSenthil_MDRD, Dharmapuri DMK MP.

Following such comments, the picture was replaced with an image usually used in Tamil Nadu and approved by the State government that depicts the poet in white robes, sans any religious symbols.

In a tweet, the vice president said, "The earlier tweet was posted by mistake by a staff of Vice President Secretariat and was deleted soon after it was noticed."



Many users, including Senthilkumar, thanked the vice president for replacing the image with one that is acceptable to all.

On Thiruvalluvar day that is observed today, Naidu in a series of tweets paid rich tributes to the poet.

"Remembering great Tamil Poet, philosopher and Saint, Thiruvalluvar on his Jayanti today.

Thirukkural, authored by him provides guidance to mankind on how to lead a noble life. Thiruvalluvar Tamil," the vice president tweeted.

Also, he said: "Considered as one of the greatest classics in Tamil Literature on morality, values and ethics, the treatise on a variety of subjects, including governance remains relevant for all times."



Recently, a controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu after the BJP state unit tweeted a picture of the poet in saffron robes and religious symbols.

Though several parties, including the DMK opposed it, the saffron party maintained that there was nothing wrong in it since "Thiruvalluvar was a Hindu saint.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid registration boycott by a section of students, the Jawaharlal Nehru University again extended the deadline to register for the next semester till 17 January

New Delhi: Amid registration boycott by a section of students, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) again extended the deadline to register for the next semester till 17 January.

"The registration deadline for ongoing winter session has been extended up to 17 January without late fees. However, registration will continue till 9 February by paying late fees up to Rs 500," a senior varsity official said.

"After that deadline, the VC may consider written requests for registration and grant the permission for late registration, if deemed fit, with imposition of appropriate amount of fine at his discretion," the official added.
WENDYS WINDOW: Justice For All

I have been a member of SAG-AFTRA for close to 30 years. As a young girl, I was in several beauty pageants and I saw myself pursuing a career as an actress or model. During my teen years and into my twenties, I was able to make a modest living doing some catalog modeling and a little acting. Although I never made it big in the industry, Ive stayed involved on the periphery and kept up my membership. Over the past several years, Ive also been selected to be one of the members chosen to view various films and vote on whether they should be considered for certain awards. This year was no exception. As Ive watched several of the movies sent to me (I cant believe some of the movies that get green lit for making), the one that has truly stopped me in my tracks was Just Mercy.

Just Mercy is the story of a young Black man by the name of Bryan Stevenson who graduated from Harvard Law School in 1989 and decided to practice law in Alabama to help defend individuals who were wrongly condemned or who could not afford proper legal representation. A gentleman by the name of Walter McMillian happened to be one of the men he decided to help. In the late 1980s, Mr. McMillian was wrongly accused of killing an 18-year-old White girl and was sentenced to die; despite all the evidence that proved his innocence. The movie shows how, despite overt racism, racial injustice, legal and political maneuverings, Mr. Stevenson never gave up fighting for Walter McMillian. Stevenson believes theres always something that can be done to right injustice.

The reason this struck such a chord with me is because even though I know racism was (and actually still is) alive and well during the 1980s, I am still flabbergasted at the levels of hatred that still existed over a century after the end of slavery. In 1981, while I was in college, I had the opportunity to serve as an intern in Washington, D.C. for California Congressman Julian Dixon. Coming from California, I was not aware of some of the things I became exposed to while working on the Hill. Hate crimes such as lynchings were still happening in the South with little repercussions to the White men that were doing these heinous acts.

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This type of hatred and treatment towards Black men has been happening for generations. When I was a little girl, I would hear family members talk about the fact that my paternal grandfather had to leave Texas in the middle of the night because White men wanted to lynch him for being what they called, an uppity n*gg*r. My grandparents came West to California with seven children to start a new life. When they arrived in California, they faced a different type of racism that was more covert and hidden behind the veil of segregation; but at least he didnt fear for his life. One of the themes also discussed in Just Mercy was fear  and not false evidence appearing real; it was the real deal. Black people feared for their lives every day, even if they were totally innocent.

Not all people from any race or ethnicity are good or bad, nor are they all racist. But, history has shown that the playing field has not provided equal justice under the law for people of color. We must all be willing to stand up for what is right and do whatever we can to set things right. It is never too late to stand up for justice. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Healing Without Hate: Its a choice. Its a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author and speaker.
The banking regulator is seeking an early exit mechanism for private banks under Prompt Corrective Action.

In a first, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to auction private sector banks that have been suffering from poor financial health for a prolonged period.

This is part of the RBIs plan to adopt a differentiated regulatory regime for public and private banks under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework.

The banking regulator is seeking an early exit mechanism for private banks under PCA.

One measure it is exploring is to auction these banks, said an RBI executive, requesting anonymity.

Private banks cannot remain under the PCA framework forever. If the promoters are unable to revive the bank for a long period of time, the RBI may look to auction the assets, liabilities, and operations of the bank, the executive said.

At present, there are six lenders under the RBIs PCA framework that includes two private banks - IDBI Bank and Lakshmi Vilas Bank.

While IDBI Bank came under the PCA in May 2017, Lakshmi Vilas Bank followed suit in September 2019.

To date, the RBI has adopted the merger route to address the fragile health of private banks.

In the last such instance, the RBI had put a moratorium on the erstwhile United Western Bank in September 2006, in view of its poor capital base.

Following this, 17 entities had submitted an expression of interest and the RBI decided to merge UWB with IDBI, after imposing a months restrictions on operations.

In 2004 too, it had merged private lender Global Trust Bank with state-owned Oriental Bank of Commerce after imposing a three-month moratorium.

However, no weak private bank has been auctioned so far.

The regulator is empowered to do so under existing laws.

"Earlier, the RBI would use its discretion to address the fragile health of private banks through forceful mergers.

"But it didnt include a plan to auction banks.

"This seems to be a progressive approach followed by the RBI, as the shareholders will be able to extract the best value out of the failing bank.

"Its good for the system, said Ashvin Parekh, managing partner at consulting firm Ashvin Parekh Advisory Services.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an independent agency in the US with the mandate to look into bank resolution, auctions failing financial institutions to healthy banks.

There are a few projects that have received momentary relief through central government schemes of providing a coal- or power-sale agreement.

In the past two years, the Ministries of Coal and Power started two schemes for reviving stressed assets.

Under the SHAKTI scheme for supplying coal to stressed projects, eight benefited.

The Union power ministry did one round of bidding for medium-term power purchase agreements for assets that dont have any sale agreement.

There were six projects that received an interest from four states to buy power for three years at Rs 4.24 per unit.

In June last year, the RBI issued a Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets, replacing all its earlier circulars, including the one in February, which directed banks to treat one-day payment failure as a default and initiate insolvency proceedings.

The RBIs norms direct banks to resolve NPAs through debt restructuring and sales of assets, failing which the assets face insolvency at the NCLT.

Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A Wasilla man suspected of stealing catalytic converters from at least 21 vehicles has been charged with 52 felony and misdemeanour counts of theft, criminal mischief and trespass.

Tristen Balthazore, 24, was arrested Wednesday, Alaska State Troopers announced. He was jailed at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and scheduled for arraignment Thursday. Online court documents do not list his attorney.

He is charged with 22 counts of felony theft, 19 counts of felony mischief, one count of felony scheme to defraud and 10 counts of misdemeanour criminal trespass.

Catalytic converters are control devices on vehicles that reduce pollutants. They are relatively easy to steal and can be sold, troopers spokesman Ken Marsh said.

Our troopers acknowledge that a market exists, Marsh said.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals that can be salvaged and may be sold to scrap yards for around $200, Marsh said.

Replacement costs to victims, however, can be considerably more, he said after speaking to an investigator.

Thieves receive pennies on the dollar for catalytic converters. But replacing one stolen from a 2019 commercial semi could cost upward of $18,000, Marsh said.

Those replacement costs and damages to the vehicle are reflected in the charges when thieves are caught, Marsh said.

Troopers working in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough started receiving reports of catalytic converter thefts in October. The Palmer Criminal Suppression Unit of the troopers in January started a formal investigation. They determined that 21 vehicles had been targeted with $42,000 in losses.
Haryana government will provide free bus passes to construction workers to travel to their work place from their homes in the state transport buses.

A decision to this effect was taken at the 19th meeting of the Haryana Building and Others Construction Works Welfare Board held in Gurugram on Thursday

"The meeting decided to provide bus passes to construction workers to commute in the state transport buses from home to workplace. The cost of this bus pass will be borne in by the Board," said an official statement.

For this, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has instructed the officials of the Labour Department to outline a plan in consultation with the officials of the Transport Department.

He also said that the scheme will be named 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shramik Avagaman Yojana. Similarly, in the Char Dham Scheme, which has been planned for the labourers, wherein a bus will carry construction workers to any religious place as a trial by the state transport. If this trial is successful, it will be implemented.

In the meeting, it was also decided to give Rs 1,01,000 in two instalments for the marriage of labourer's daughters. The first instalment will be of Rs 50 thousand which will be released before the wedding. It has to be verified by an elected public representative for its appropriate usage. The second instalment of Rs 51 thousand will be given after marriage.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that to take advantage of the schemes of the Labour Department, it is necessary to register the workers. He said that instructions will be written in this regard to the concerned departments to ensure that the labourers who are engaged with the contractors working with them are also registered with the Board.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
According to his family, Miguel Rodriguez of Springfield has had a history of schizophrenia and paranoia. The 24-year-old was arrested Wednesday, accused of forcing an 11-year-old girl into a car and abducting her on her way home from school.

Police conducted an extensive search Wednesday after the report of Springfield girls abduction.

She was reportedly grabbed by a stranger after she had gotten off the school bus at about 1:30 p.m. and was walking home.

She was screaming, got in definitely unwillingly, and they left the area, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said.

She was found in Rodriguez vehicle as he was driving eastbound on the Massachusetts Turnpike Wednesday evening. Massachusetts State Police flooded the area after a motorist called 911 to report seeing a vehicle matching the description given in the Amber Alert.

We heard about it in the news, when we heard the Amber Alert," said Rodriguez father, Henry, at the familys home on Bay Street in Springfield. "The kids came and told me and they say 'yeah, this looks like Miguels car.

We knew that sooner or later he was going to do something of this nature, said Henry Rodriguez. But not something this crazy.

Miguels father talked about the times his son would stand outside the house and spit at cars or even try and kick them as they drove past.

According to the father, Miguels sister has had to take out a restraining order against him due to sporadic violent attacks toward her. The police were called, according to the family, when he first started acting out three years ago.

Miguel had been given medication by Baystate Medical Center, according to Henry but he didnt take them.

He said hes not crazy. He said he didnt feel nothing. He said he didnt like the flavor of the medications ... We wanted him to take them but we couldnt make him, Henry said.

As the father spoke of his son, both Miguels brother and mother listened on the stairs. The whole family was shocked by the events of the day.

We feel really bad, you know, as parents. We have kids ourselves, said Rodriguez. "We feel relieved that the girl was found safe and sound. We were relieved that nothing happened to that little girl and that she is back with her family. We are grateful shes all right.

We want to say sorry to her and her family for what they went through in those hours.

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The WSWS contacted Juan Branco, a prominent French media figure and legal advisor to Julian Assange, after he made powerful comments last month condemning illegal surveillance conducted against the WikiLeaks founder and his associates, including his lawyers.

Branco tweeted a video of himself in a confidential discussion with Assange in Ecuadors London embassy, where the publisher was granted asylum in 2012. The video was apparently taken by UC Global, the private Spanish firm which was contracted by the Ecuadorian government to manage security at the embassy.

Juan Branco

UC Global founder David Morales is accused of conducting a vast spying operation in the building on behalf of the US Central Intelligence Agency, beginning in 2015. This allegedly included recording Assanges private conversations with lawyers, including Branco, in a flagrant violation of the right to attorney-client privilege. The spying exposes the utter criminality of the attempt to extradite Assange from Britain to the US, where he faces espionage charges and life imprisonment, for having exposed Washingtons war crimes, diplomatic intrigues and human rights violations.

Branco has been a legal advisor to Assange and WikiLeaks for a number of years. He was the Paris-based media contact for the organisation in 2015 when WikiLeaks exposed the US National Security Agencys illegal surveillance of French and other European government officials. He has made representations on Assanges behalf to the United Nations and the French authorities.

Branco has previously worked for the International Criminal Court and the French foreign ministry and has published commentary in a number of media outlets, including Le Monde diplomatique. He answered a series of questions from the WSWS by email earlier this week.

The WSWS began by asking Branco to comment on the significance of the CIA spying against Assange, and its implications for the extradition case.

Juan Branco: We believe this is a crucial element in our battle to avoid Julian Assanges extradition. The gross violation of the principles of a fair trial, including the right to a fair defense, are epitomized in this episode.

The lack of secrecy of his exchanges with his lawyers was not only the fruit of covert operations: the dispositives were probably also used to collect evidence that could be used in trial, i.e., that could be legalized. In these conditions, in which the material basis of an indictment is based on illegal spying operations that violate the basic rights of the defense, it seems to us extremely difficult to argue that an extradition to the US would not violate the basic requisites that apply in these circumstances.

WSWS: You noted that you also appeared on footage secretly taken by UC Global. Could you speak about the way in which your legal rights, and those of all of Assanges visitors were also violated?

JB: The Bar of Paris and I are going to file a complaint in France over the violation of the rights of the defense, professional secrets and the violation of my privacy. What we are trying to do is to fight against the normalization of practices that are devastating the privacy not only of our client, but more broadly of millions of citizens. In our case, the situation was particularly intense, with a few of us being the subject of tailing operations, photo operations, burglaries and so forth.

Branco with Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy

WSWS: When you addressed a Web Summit in Portugal last November, attended by thousands of people, you remarked on stage that Tony Blair had been present at the event. You commented that while the war criminals exposed by WikiLeaks are free, Assange is behind bars. Could you elaborate on this point?

JB: Tony Blair was responsible for a war that triggered hundreds of thousands of deaths and a wave of violence that hit Paris, London and many cities across the world as a consequence.

The fact that he still is a guest of honor at many conferences, while Assange and Chelsea Manning, who unveiled the crimes committed during these wars, are at the same moment behind bars, is a scandal that reveals the lack, not only of democracy, but also of firmness of our civil societies. It is a miracle that I was able to take the stage in front of 15,000 start-uppers a few minutes after Tony Blair to remind the organizers and attendees of how unnatural this situation was.

WSWS: You also described the way in which the attacks against Assange are part of a broader assault on alternative media. Could you speak on the way in which this is the case?

JB: We live in a paradoxical era in which tools of oppressionsocial networksallow us to make visible the distortions and manipulations of the media of the previous eramainstream outlets. A shift in power is happening, and in the intertwinement of this process, monsters are exposed and reveal their true nature.

I think Gramsci wasnt fully right: monsters are not born during those periods, they are revealed. These situations, which are extremely embarrassing for all those who pretended to fight for ideals and are actually exposed in their corruption and compromises, create intense waves of violence through which apparatuses of power try to save face by crushing whoever tries to expose them.

WSWS: The persecution of Assange has gone hand-in-hand with a growth of state repression, including directed against the yellow vest protest in France and other oppositional movements, along with major police crackdowns in Spain. Could you speak about the relationship between the persecution of Assange and this broader turn to authoritarianism?

JB: I think they are separate subjects. Catalonias situation cant be equated to the French situation, and so forth: we have to be very careful with political comparativism. What Im certain of is that structural changes are happening in the public sphere that allow for strong expressions of dissensus and a recomposition of political structures. The technological revolution were experiencing couldnt be without consequences. Apparatuses of power are now trying to resist the unavoidable changes that are being called for.

The state, because of its nature, is the last to adapt, while citizens and private interests are embarked on a speed race. Citizens have their mass and geniuses like Julian Assange on their sideprivate interests have their economical power, cynicism and capacity to corrupt on theirs. The state becomes more and more the spectator of this struggle, and the vehicle for both forces to interact. Until a crackdown reconfigurates the scene and gives birth to a new era.

WSWS: Over the past month, there has been a growth of support for Assange, reflected in open letters opposing his persecution by hundreds of lawyers, doctors and journalists. Have you noted mounting support for the WikiLeaks founder, and what do you think accounts for it?

JB: I think the situation is extremely favorable. It has been extremely complicated to work with Julian and WikiLeaks at times. The extraordinary pressure put on all his collaborators and lawyers has been huge, and often created a feeling of isolation and doubt.

But over the last months, especially thanks to movements like the yellow vests, weve experienced a strong shift that we now need to nurture. It creates a huge responsibility. A lot of people are putting their faith and trust into our hands. We now must fight as hard as we can to correspond to that expectation and help Julian Assange be set free and WikiLeaks continue to do his work.
The Alhambra Shriners delivered two donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, Ky. The first donation was from the Alhambra Shriner Clowns, proceeds from the local community consisting of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The Clowns collected donations on street corners and intersections in November-December plus made a donation from the clown unit, combining to total $46,300.

The Alhambra Potentate and Divan joined the members of the Clown Unit to present an additional donation of $100,000 from an anonymous donor to Shriners Hospitals as well. These donations were made at the monthly meeting of the Board of Governors meeting in Lexington on Monday.

Shriners operate 22 hospitals for children in North America, Canada and Mexico providing children with orthopedic care and with burns. The local Alhambra Shriners provide free transportation to children from this three state region as well as supporting the hospitals.

For more information on child care, contact the Alhambra Shriners at 892-0223.






- The winners of the second edition held in Poland will participate in the grand world final in Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector.

- The activities that will be carried out during the competition are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations.

BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Aryna Muha and Wioleta Petynia, of the Architecture faculty at the Cracow University of Technology, winners of the second edition of the Roca One Day Design Challenge in Poland, Roca's express design competition, will travel to Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector, from the 20th to the 22nd January to celebrate the first edition of the Master Design Challenge, along with the winners of all editions held all around the world in 2019.

This world final will challenge the young designers to show their design qualities to discover who will be the winner among winners. It will be held in collaboration with the BCD (Barcelona Centre de Disseny) and the We Are Water Foundation.

All activities will focus on innovation, creativity, design and sustainability and will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations, in order to achieve a better future for all.

The proposals of the representatives of the 12 countries that will be attending the final will be assessed by an internationally acclaimed jury, made up of: Joao Bessa, designer and founder of BESSA; Josep Congost, Design and Innovation Director at Roca; Kenneth Koh, founder of Quarters Architects; Isabel Pintado, Regional Managing Director at Wilson Associates; Vladimir Pirozhkov, president of the 'Astra Rossa' industrial design and innovation center; Isabel Roig, general director of the BCD; and Xavier Torras, Roca Brand Communication Director.

The winner will be able to attend the prestigious Boisbuchet Design and Architecture school at Lessac, France, and will be presented with 3,000 in prize money and a BenQ monitor for graphic design with a value of 1,190 .

Roca, leading brand in products for the bathroom space, organizes these initiatives to provide visibility to young talent. Roca One Day Design Challenge was first held in 2012 and since then its international expansion has increased over the years. The competition challenges young architecture and design students and professionals to create original and innovative products for the bathroom space in just one day.

SOURCE Roca
Long after the high dissipates, marijuana use can still make even sober users worse, more dangerous drivers, a new study suggests.

Researchers at McLean Hospital and Harvard University found that people who used marijuana heavily and on a long-term, recreational basis drove faster, ran more red lights and got int more accidents in a driving simulator than did others.

The earlier the participants had started using pot, the worse their driving was.

Although their study didn't explore the underlying brain changes in these individuals, the scientists speculate that the drug may change neural wiring to make people maker more rash decisions and behave more impulsively.

High drivers and the effect of legal weed on road safety are a growing concern in the US, where marijuana is now legal for either recreational or medicinal use in 33 states.

New research suggests that marijuana's long-term effects on the brain may make chronic recreational users worse drivers even when they're sober (file)

Already these states where pot is legal are facing challenges in establishing what constitutes and how to quantify when someone is too high to drive.

But the link between legal weed and sdagnerous driving is hard to deny.

Collectively, Colorado, Oregon and Washington saw an average 5.2 percent jump in car crashes after recreational marijuana was legalized.

Another study published in February found that there were about 170 extra road deaths in the months after the ban on pot was lifted.

Arbitrary though the the basis for the legal limit on blood alcohol levels is in the US, it's easy enough to measure via breathalzyer.

But weed is metabolized differently and has less consistent effects on each user. It remains in the body for much longer before breaking down, so blood and urine tests struggle to pick up how much someone has used and how recently.

That may also have something to do with why it affects the brain differently in the long run.

Researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago, found evidence in 2018 that marijuana may alter the development of the prefrontal cortex in adolescents.

This part of the brain drives decision-making, planning and self-control.

And the McLean researchers believe those changes may be long-lasting and lead to bad driving into adulthood and after the high has faded.

They had study participants get behind the simulator wheel at least 12 hours after they'd ingested or smoked pot and when they showed no signs of intoxication.

Some of the test drivers were chronic users and some had started even before the age of 16, while others were casual or never-users.

The differences emerged quickly.

Cannabis users were speed demons with a penchant for running red lights, compared to their peers who didn't partake.

Tokers were also more prone to swerving and crossing over into neighboring lanes.

And those who started smoking weed regularly before they turned 16 were the worst offenders, scoring more poorly on their simulated driving tests.

'People who use cannabis dont necessarily assume that they may drive differently, even when theyre not high,' said the study's senior author, Dr Staci Gruber, who's spent much of her career studying marijuana's cognitive effects.

'We're not suggesting that everyone who uses cannabis will demonstrate impaired driving, but its interesting that in a sample of non-intoxicated participants, there are still differences in those who use cannabis relative to those who don't.

'Its important to be mindful that whether someone is acutely intoxicated, or a heavy recreational cannabis user who's not intoxicated, there may be an impact on driving, but certainly not everyone demonstrates impairment simply as a function of exposure to cannabis.'

But Dr Gruber was careful to note that her study's findings don't mean that marijuana can't be used responsibly, especially by medical card holders, for whom it may have considerable benefits.

'This is especially important to keep in mind given increasing numbers of medical cannabis patients who differ from recreational users with regard to product choice and goal of use,' she said.
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the release of Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan - prime accused in the PMC Bank scam - from jail to their residence. The order came on Centres plea against the Bombay High Court order to the police to release them.

The central government on Thursday moved Supreme Court asking for an urgent hearing in the matter.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had told the apex court that the Bombay High Court passed an unusual order on Wednesday by releasing the two accused, who were in the management of the bank, and are currently in judicial custody.

It is an unusual order. The high court virtually granted bail on a PIL, Mehta. had said.

The father-son duo of Wadhawans were promoters of Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL), and triggered the PNB Bank sam.

The Bombay High Court had constituted a three-member committee on Wednesday for auctioning the assets of companies owned by the two accused and distribution of amount so realised to the depositors of crisis-hit PMC Bank.

The high court had also ordered that the two accused should assist the committee in its exercise to realise amounts from auctioning properties. The accused, the court said, will remain in custody with two guards each posted at their residences. They would also not be allowed to travel beyond Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court further said in its order.

The order was passed by the high court on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate Sarosh Damania.

On December 27 last year, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police had filed the first chargesheet in the multi-crore scam in Esplanade Court.

The EOW had arrested 12 people in connection with the case, however, chargesheet of over 32,000 pages had been filed against the main accused Rakesh and and Sarang Wadhawan, Waryam Singh, Joy Thomas, and Surjit Arora.
Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney answers questions during a briefing at the White House October 17, 2019 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee | Getty Images News | Getty Images

But a policy reason "is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act" to withhold funds appropriated by Congress, GAO said. "The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA." "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the report said. The agency noted that the Constitution "specifically vests Congress with the power of the purse." And the report said that Trump, like all other presidents, "is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law." "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said, "The OMB, the White House, the administration, broke  I'm saying this - broke the law." Tweet OMB spokeswoman Rachel Semmel, said, "We disagree with GAO's opinion." "OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the President's priorities and with the law," Semmel said. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "GAO's findings are a pretty clear overreach as they attempt to insert themselves into the media's controversy of the day." Trump's trial formally began in the Senate chamber later Thursday. But GAO General Counsel Thomas Armstrong said its report was not deliberately timed to release at the same time as the trial. "Our legal decisions are issued when we have completed all of our research and are ready to come to a sound conclusion," Armstrong said in a response to CNBC's inquiry about the timing of the release.
New Delhi:

Fuel Rates Today: After remaining unchanged for a day, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a downward trend on Thursday, January 16. The rates came down by up to 20 paise across major cities of the country. According to the Indian Oil website, the petrol rates are Rs 75.55 per litre in Delhi, Rs 81.14 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 78.14 per litre in Kolkata, and Rs 78.49 per litre in Chennai, respectively. On the other hand, the diesel prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai remained at Rs 68.92, Rs 72.27, Rs 71.39, and Rs 72.83 per litre, respectively.

In Noida, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.68 a litre, while diesel price is Rs 69.19 a litre. The price of petrol in Gurugram is Rs 74.88 a litre while diesel was selling at Rs 67.77 a litre.

India is 84 per cent dependant on imports to meet its oil needs and any spike in global prices has a direct bearing on its economy. Not just imports but even domestic crude oilwhich forms the raw material for making petrol, diesel and other petroleum productsis priced according to international benchmarks. Middle East accounts for more than two-thirds of the countrys oil imports, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being the top suppliers.

Why Petrol, Diesel Prices Change Every Day?

The fuel prices are in India are revised daily. Petrol and diesel prices are revised every day at 06:00 am to sync it with the variation in global oil prices. Oil marketing companies (OMC) review the global fuel prices and decide petrol and diesel daily. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum release the new rates at 6 am every morning. Generally, when international crude oil prices gain, prices in India move higher. Other factors also impact the price of fuel like rupee to US dollar exchange rate, cost of crude oil, global cues, demand for fuel, and so on.

Why Fuel Prices Differ In Every City?

The price of fuel includes excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), and dealer commission. As VAT varies from state to state, the price of fuel is different in every city.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
NORTHSIDE councillor Brian Leddin has called for a strategy which could identify parts of the city where tall buildings could be built.

Councillor Leddin, who is running for the Green Party in the upcoming General Election, said while many would be aghast at the idea of tall buildings, many can provide density and contribute to the compact growth of the city centre.

But, he added, We need to strategically consider which locations are suitable for such buildings, rather than dotting them around the city without regard to sensible planning principles and the architectural context.

Cllr Leddin pointed out that many local authorities in Britain have such strategies, and if Limerick were to follow suit, it would offer developers an element of certainty.

At present, the only high-rise developments planned for the city centre are in Project Opera, and at Bishops Quay. Both are office developments.

There are some housing developments planned on the edge of the city which would entail apartment blocks if they get planning permission.

Already there are some high-rise housing developments in the city, including along the riversides and in the Mount Kennett Place area.

Cllr Leddin said: We need to give certainty to developers, heritage groups, and other interested parties by considering where it is appropriate to have taller buildings. A lack of a clear policy means that every proposal is contested and this is resulting in delays.

My own view is that we should protect the streetscape of the Georgian and Medieval areas of the city, and restrict taller buildings to the riverfront and perhaps former industrial sites like the lands around Colbert Station earmarked by the Land Development Agency, he added, but ultimately this decision is best made by experts in partnership with robust public consultation and the various heritage groups in the city.

Brent Council in North-West London, a borough which includes Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, are one of the local authorities cross-channel which is planning a tall building strategy.
A Colchester man has been charged with killing his wife, their three children and the familys dog in a case that law enforcement in Florida  where it all happened  called evil and horrendous.

Police confirmed during a Wednesday afternoon news conference that 42-year-old Megan Todt, 13-year-old Alek Todt, 11-year-old Tyler Todt and 4-year-old Zoe Todt were killed sometime in late December. The familys dog, Breezy, was also killed.

Reading through the names and ages of the victim, Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson got choked up sharing the age and date of birth for the couples youngest child.

Anthony Todt, 44, was charged Wednesday with multiple counts of homicide and one count of felony animal cruelty, Gibson said.

Anthony has cooperated with the investigation and he has confessed to killing his wife Megan Todt ... and their three children, Gibson said. Anthony also killed their family dog, Breezy.

But investigators dont think the killings happened Monday, or even a few days prior. Gibson said the investigation and Anthony Todts statements to investigators so far have revealed that the homicides happened in late December.

The bodies were inside the home the entire time until we located them on Monday, Gibson said.

More for you 4 CT family members feared dead in Florida

The Todt family were first brought to the attention of Florida law enforcement on Dec. 29.

A family member of Anthony Todt reached out to Florida police to check on the well-being of the Todt family. She told police she was told the family had the flu. She said she hadnt heard from any of them in two days.

Gibson said deputies responded to the familys home at 202 Reserve Place in Celebration, Fla., but were unable to make contact with anyone.

The deputies checked around the residence and noticed the blinds were closed, but ultimately they did not report anything suspicious and left.

Gibson said its possible that when deputies responded to the home in late December, the family members and the family dog might have already been killed.

Then, Gibson said, on Jan. 9 federal agents got in touch with Osceola County Sheriffs Office about an investigation involving Anthony Todt. Gibson said the investigation involved local police or a local branch of federal government in Connecticut.

It was something that was occurring up there in Connecticut, Gibsons aid.

Again, deputies responded to the home  this time alongside federal agents.

And again, the law enforcement officers were unable to get in touch with anyone at the home. That pattern continued throughout the weekend. But again, Gibson said, there was nothing suspicious to push them to further investigate.

This family was known to travel, Gibson said, adding that it wouldnt be unusual for them to have picked up and gone somewhere for the day or the week.

So on Monday deputies again responded to the Reserve Place home with federal agents to serve an arrest warrant for Anthony Todt from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Deputies made contact with Anthony (Todt) in the home with federal agents and he was immediately detained. A safety check of the home was conducted where deputies discovered four deceased individuals inside, Gibson said.

But before law enforcement could formally charge Anthony Todt, he was taken to a local hospital.

He may have ingested some dosage of Benadryl ... and he also made comments of potentially harming himself and so we took him to the hospital as a precautionary measure, Gibson said.

He was released from the hospital Wednesday, which is when he was charged with the homicide and animal cruelty offenses.

Gibson said Anthony Todt was transported to the Osceola County jail Wednesday afternoon.

Gibson said he hasnt been made aware of whether Anthony Todt has told investigators why he allegedly killed his family, but did say that Anthony Todt has been cooperating with the investigation.

Autopsies were performed Tuesday and the manner of death for the four family members were each ruled homicide.

This is despicable and cannot be tolerated anywhere in the United States of America, let alone Osceola County, Gibson said.

He wouldnt say how the wife and children died, but said he wanted to wait until the coroner released definitive findings  This is still very much an active investigation.

Gibson said he was unsure whether Anthony Todt told investigators why he allegedly killed his family, but did say that Anthony Todt has been cooperating with the investigation.

We grieve along with the victims family and friends, along with the community, for this tragic loss of innocent lives, Gibson said. Myself, I cannot understand what would cause a person to commit such evil and horrendous acts.

Up until Wednesdays news conference, police in Florida had been tight-lipped about the investigation since the bodies were discovered Monday.

Speculation was in abundance over whether those involved were linked to the Todt family, who have extensive ties to Connecticut.

Although the family had been living in Florida for the past couple of years, give or take, according to Gibson, Anthony Todt did not live in Florida full-time.

He said Anthony Todt worked Monday through Friday in Connecticut, then returned to Florida on the weekends.

In December, an eviction suit was filed with the Osceola County clerks office over alleged non-payment for the familys Florida home. According to the lease, which was filed as an exhibit with the court, the family had been in the home since May.

Megan Todts Facebook page indicated that she studied at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. The university did not immediately respond to Hearst Connecticut Medias request for confirmation on this Wednesday.

Anthony Todt and Megan Todt are listed as the owners of Family Physical Therapy, which has locations at 7 Park Ave. and 744 Middletown Road in Colchester, according to the business Facebook page.

Connecticut Department of Public Health medical licensing records indicated that Anthony Todt allowed his license as a physical therapist to expire in September. His license was listed as being out of Celebration, Fla.

Megan Todts license as a physical therapist would set to expire Jan. 30, DPH records show. Her license is out of Kissimmee, Fla., records show.

Town officials in Colchester issued a statement Monday as the investigation in Florida was still unfolding and said services would be offered in the schools for students who needed it.

Colchester First Selectman Mary Bylone in a statement Monday called the news shocking and heartbreaking.

I know that the thoughts and prayers of our entire community are with the relatives and friends of the family involved, Bylone added. We cant always make sense of moments like this, but we can support each other.

Colchester Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Burt said in a statement Wednesday that the entire town is grieving.

As a close-knit community, we have come together and aligned our schools crisis teams with local mental health counseling resources to assist students who may be struggling with this shocking and deeply upsetting news, Burt said.

Reporting by the Associated Press was included in this story.
[January 16, 2020] AssetLink Global Ensures Real-Time Visibility and Safety of Vessels in Congested South East Asia Waters

Distributed IoT Ship Mounted Edge Intelligence and GPS Technologies Play a Critical Role in

Safeguarding Ship Crews, Marine Assets, and Fish Populations EVERGREEN, Colo., Jan. 16, 2020 /CNW/ -- AssetLink Global LLC today announced that it is deepening ties with Kemilinks, a Singapore based telecommunications Service Based Operator (SBO) licensed by the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), by supplying marine grade distributed computing IoT hardware and ubiquitous connectivity services in support of regional commercial shipping and fishing markets. Kemilinks has authorized a large order of AssetLink's AssetPack family of IoT solutions for use in its Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), for tracking, emergency alerts, situational awareness in relation to critical maritime borders, and other fishery-related data and sensor communications. AssetLink IoT solutions are purpose built offering real-time track & trace and edge intelligence required by Kemilinks to precisely monitor location and activities of fishing vessels operating in territorial waters across South East Asia. Kemilinks' VMS bolsters the efforts of regional governments and oceanic agencies to counteract forced labor practices and obviate illegal, unreported, and unauthorized fishing, through a series of commercial fishing laws and the issuance of vessel operating licenses regulatedand enforced by individual member countries. The AssetPack, a key component of the Kemilinks VMS, provides critical GPS geofencing and panic button capabilities, and is currently in use by fishing vessel owners registered with Myanmar's Fisheries Department (DOF) and other regional agencies.



"Keeping our crew safe and productive remains top of mind as we head into the new year, and AssetLink IoT technologies are an integral and cost-effective component of our enterprise VMS strategy," said Frankie Neo, CEO of Kemilinks. "AssetPack Hybrid provides the visibility and situational awareness required for complex, real-time monitoring of our fleet vessels at sea." AssetPack is a next-generation, solar-battery powered IoT device capable of bi-directional communications over high-availability cellular and satellite data networks in unforgiving marine environments, anywhere on the open seas. AssetPack is composed of precision GPS and sensor-agnostic interfaces designed to track the movement of fleet assets, gather data on local marine ecologies, and allow for emergency communications and geographic awareness of vessels in relation to sensitive borders and fishery boundaries. The solution may be easily and cost effectively installed on a wide range of marine assets -- including fishing vessels, drift trackers, and buoys -- and is engineered to withstand perpetual maintenance-free operation in unforgiving marine environments.

"We are proud to be supporting Kemilinks' important initiatives to bring a new level of visibility, safety, and sustainability to fishing operations across South East Asia," said David J. Goldstein, President & CEO of AssetLink. "The AssetPack configured for VMS use culminates over two decades of technology experience designing, manufacturing, and implementing IoT solutions for a broad range of oceanic and terrestrial use-cases deployed in every one of the world's oceans." About AssetLink Global

AssetLink is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and execution of remote monitoring systems and next-gen cloud IoT services, seamlessly connected over enterprise-grade communications networks. Best-in-class solutions combined with our growing provider ecosystem address the evolving needs of Fortune 500 and public sector organizations in industries including agriculture, heavy equipment & mining, oil & gas, maritime, and transportation. About Kemilinks International Pte Ltd.

Kemilinks International was established in 2001 and staffed with experienced satellite communications and software systems professionals to provide a wide range of mobile satellite products and services for maritime and land-based applications to customers within Singapore and surrounding countries. The company holds a Service Based Operator license and various licenses from Singapore's Info-communications Development Authority (IDA). Kemilinks International's main office and development center are based in Singapore, with presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and China. For more information on Kemilinks International Pte Ltd, visit www.kemilink.com. Contact:

David J. Goldstein

AssetLink Global

Phone: +1 303.862.8745

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/assetlink-global-ensures-real-time-visibility-and-safety-of-vessels-in-congested-south-east-asia-waters-300987997.html SOURCE AssetLink Global

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Ethnic Chinese Residents of North Korea Penalized for Failing to Participate in Political Events

2020-01-15 -- Authorities in North Korea are threatening to impose fines as punishment on ethnic Chinese residents for failing to participate in political events, signaling a possible end to the leniency the community has traditionally enjoyed as foreign residents, RFA has learned.

Called Hwagyo in Korean, ethnic Chinese residents are not North Korean citizens and as such are not afforded certain rights that citizens have, but they have traditionally been exempt from obligations expected of citizens, including participation in political events.

This exemption, however, is no longer in effect, say sources who cross the China-North Korea border regularly.

In the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25 this year and is one of Northeast Asia's most important holidays, many Hwagyo plan trips to China and are absent during political events that take place during the period.

The new plan to penalize them for leaving the country at the end of each year indicates that under Kim Jong Un's leadership, Hwagyo may no longer enjoy special privileges.

"These days, the Hwagyo in Hamhung are leaving for China one by one to celebrate Lunar New Year," a Hwagyo from Hamhung, South Hamgyong province told RFA on Friday.

"But only those who participated in the [solar] New Year's Day ceremony by paying contributions for floral tributes to the statues [of late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il] can get exit visas," said the source.

"A Hwagyo living in Hamhung's Hoesang district had prepared to leave the country to spend [solar] New Year with his relatives in China, but had to delay his trip when he was told that he would be slapped with a huge fine if he missed the [local] New Year's Day ceremony," the source said.

"Even though his mother who had returned to China permanently was ill, he was unable to leave because he was worried about what might happen to him if he missed the event," said the source.

The source said Hwagyo are now expected to participate in every political event that is mandatory for North Koreans.

"[We] are obliged to take part in political events on major holidays such as New Year's Day, Kim Il Sung's birthday and Kim Jong Il's birthday," said the source.

"Just like North Koreans, we must contribute monetarily and pay tribute in person to the statues of [the late leaders] from dawn [on these days]. If we don't do it we will face various disadvantages," the source added.

According to the source, Hwagyo civic organizations are outwardly trying to maintain their loyalty, even organizing special tributes.

"On the first day of this year, the Hwagyo committee of South Hamgyong province paid tribute to the statues as a group," the source said.

"Some of the members of the Hwagyo committee went to Pyongyang as representatives and presented a basket of fresh flowers to the Kim Il Sung statue at the Mansudae Grand Monument," the source added.

The monument complex at Mansudae is an iconic landmark that includes the famous 66 ft. statues of the former leaders.

"At the end and beginning of each year, Hwagyo have to go to China to raise funds for their yearly business, but as more and more of us are repeatedly absent from political events during the New Year, the authorities are starting to fine and penalize us," the source said.

A resident of North Hamgyong province told RFA on Saturday that Hwagyo make most of their money during this period.

"They can earn a living as a peddler, selling [North Korean] goods in China, and [bringing back goods] from China [to sell in North Korea], or they can work at Chinese companies during that time," said the second source.

"The best time for business is at the end and beginning of each year," the second source added.

"But by traveling to China they were exempt from national political events or social support projects. Authorities caught on and started to impose hefty fines and reign in on issuing exit visas to force the Hwagyo into participating," said the second source.

The second source cited an example of a Hwagyo trader from Chongjin who had to make a large contribution to continue operating his business.

"He donated 30,000 yuan (U.S. $4,347) as a loyalty offering to the State Security Department [Foreign Affairs Division], because he has to go to China to make money," the second source said.

"He needs approval from the [department] to do this, so that's why he made such a large offering," the second source added.

The second source said that under Kim Jong Un, expected Hwagyo offerings for political and social events have risen significantly.

"The Hwagyo Committee in Chongjin told its members to pay 5,000 yuan (U.S. $725) if they fail to attend the New Year's political event. This caused many of them to attend and postpone their trips to China.

Hwagyo in North Korea are not recent immigrants from the PRC. Most entered the Korean peninsula at a time when the Republic of China (ROC) controlled the Chinese mainland or during the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949).

During the Korean War, many Hwagyo in North Korea fled to South Korea. Today in the South, most Hwagyo who have not naturalized as South Korean citizens hold ROC citizenship but have few or no ties to Taiwan, the territory currently controlled by the ROC.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

Copyright  1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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WASHINGTON  For at least two decades, sitting presidents have challenged what millions of Americans learned in social studies class: that the three branches of government are coequal, and that while each branch has different powers, no branch is more powerful than any other. That is no longer the case because the White House has grown in stature so that it now towers over both Congress and the courts.

The imperial presidency has been a bipartisan project, enthusiastically taken up by George W. Bush but continued by Barack Obama and, most recently, Donald Trump. All three have waged war abroad with only meager congressional authority. All three have also resisted efforts by Congress to exercise oversight over domestic affairs.

In recent weeks, however, there have been signs  admittedly nascent  that the imperial presidency faces more intense resistance than it has in years and that Congress is intent on reclaiming some of the power it has ceded to the White House. The judiciary is fighting back too, helping Congress reassert its power.

Presidents George W. Bush, Donald Trump and Barack Obama. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP [4], Getty images [3])

The anti-imperial push is reflected in a ruling by District of Columbia District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who recently held that the White House could not grant senior officials absolute immunity from honoring a congressional subpoena related to the investigation into Russian electoral interference.

Presidents are not kings, Jackson wrote in an opinion that resounded with the Founding Fathers own anxieties about the limits of executive power.

Some of this constitutional pull-and-tug is a function of politics, with Democrats in the House of Representatives determined to check the president at every turn. Much as they might care about checks and balances, their main goal is to get rid of Trump.

Party politics, however, cannot account for Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah fuming about the Trump administration's inadequate explanation for the airstrike that killed an Iranian general in Iraq. Or a handful of House Republicans voting with House Democrats in endorsing a war powers resolution that would severely curtail Trump's ability to unilaterally engage in a military conflict with Iran. Ineffectual as they might turn out to be, these are nevertheless the rumblings of principle.

Story continues

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, challenged the Trump administrations explanation for an airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Solemanei. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

And while impeachment has been a starkly partisan affair, here too Congress has fought to maintain its prerogatives. Even as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell seeks a quick trial that will exonerate Trump, reports came on Friday that Susan Collins, R-Maine, was, according to the Bangor Daily News, working with a fairly small group of fellow Republican senators to ensure that the trial will include witnesses, a demand by Democrats that Republican leaders have resisted. By Monday, it was widely reported that at least three Republicans would side with Collins. If so, they and the chambers 47 Democrats would constitute a majority that would likely frustrate Trumps desire to have the trial move along as briskly as an episode of Night Court.

Even some of the presidents closest supporters have grown skittish, perhaps aware that any power he accrues he will likely leave to a Democratic successor. Writing in the conservative Washington Times, former judge and Fox News mainstay Andrew Napolitano warned of the dangers of a Trump imperial presidency. That one of the presidents formerly closest supporters would sound such a warning amounted to a warning of its own.

And then there was Tucker Carlson, the primetime Fox News host who acts as an informal presidential adviser, thundering against the attack on Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a striking departure from the boosterism of colleagues like Sean Hannity. Our leaders should explain to us how that conflict will make the United States richer and more secure, Carlson said last week. There are an awful lot of bad people in this world; we cant kill them all. Its not our job.

The imperial presidency is an informal term  coined by the historian Arthur Schlesinger  to describe the insistent accumulation of power in the executive branch, and the Oval Office in particular. Power is finite and must come from somewhere. Throughout U.S. history, the growing power of the president has been paralleled by the waning power of Congress.

That has been especially true in times of war, when it is easiest for presidents to claim they are taking unilateral action for the sake of national security. Some date the birth of the imperial presidency to the Civil War, when Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, thus violating one of the sacrosanct principles of American government. Lincoln the Dictator, a 2010 scholarly article called him.

Richard Nixon is the most notorious imperialist in American history. Without any authority from Congress, he initiated the secret bombing of Cambodia. Displeased by $8.7 billion that Congress appropriated for various domestic programs, Nixon simply impounded the money so that it could not be spent.

In a TV speech on April 30, 1970, President Richard Nixon announces that several thousand American troops have entered Cambodia to wipe out Communist headquarters. (Photo: Bettmann Archives via Getty Images)

After leaving office, Nixon offered a defense that could also serve as a justification for any number of presidential actions, from Obamas drone warfare in the Middle East to Trumps emergency declaration to build a border barrier in Mexico: Well, when the president does it, Nixon mused, that means it is not illegal.

Watergate was enough of a scare for Congress to reassert its power in the years following Nixons resignation. That rebalancing culminated in the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998. The End of the Imperial Presidency, said the headline of a New York Times op-ed by presidential historian Michael Beschloss, published just as Clinton was preparing to leave office.

Nine months later, airplanes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Three days after that, the House voted 420 to 1 to pass the Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF, which effectively gave the president power to fight terrorism wherever and however he saw fit, without seeking additional congressional approval.

A lone legislator, Rep. Barbara Lee of California, voted against the measure. While some criticized her for an alleged lack of patriotism, her dissent has come to be seen as a prescient stand against unchecked power. In a vindication of Lees original vote, last year the House voted 226 to 203 to sunset the AUMF.

That second vote was as much a rebuke of Obama as of Trump. Despite winning the Nobel Peace Prize early in his first term, Obama used his AUMF authority to launch 563 drone strikes in Africa and the greater Middle East, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

Rep. Barbara Lee, second from left, flanked by author Alice Walker, actor Danny Glover and author Ishmael Reed at a Thank You, Barbara rally in October 2001. Lee cast the only congressional vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force, which effectively gave the president power to fight terrorism however he saw fit in the wake of 9/11. (Photo: D. Ross Cameron/MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty Images)

And he continued with Bush-era practices like warrantless detention of terrorism suspects. This isnt exactly change we can believe in, grumbled legal adviser Harold Koh, quoted in Kill or Capture, a book about Obamas tortured national security strategy by Yahoo News Editor in Chief Daniel Klaidman.

Obama also engaged in imperial behavior on the domestic front. For example, his administration refused to turn over White House visitor logs. When it finally did so, in the face of a legal challenge, those logs were heavily redacted.

With his agenda largely stymied by Congress, Obama signed momentous  and controversial  executive orders providing a path to citizenship for some children of undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, establishing more strict gun control measures and preparing the American economy to transition to an all-renewable energy portfolio.

Like every other Republican nominee, Trump promised to end Obamas rule-by-decree. I don't like executive orders, he said shortly after declaring for the presidency in 2015. That is not what the country was based on. You go, you cant make a deal with anybody, so you sign an executive order.

Since taking office, however, Trump has signed 137 executive orders, issuing them at a faster rate than Obama.

The executive orders are a relatively minor issue for the Democrats who have wanted to remove Trump from office ever since they retook the House in the 2018 midterm elections. Trump has branded their efforts  whether over the Russia investigation or the Ukraine pressure campaign  a politicized witch hunt.

At the same time, Trump has made things harder for himself by utterly refusing to comply with any of the Democrats investigations into his administration. He has claimed that Article II of the Constitution affords him the right to do whatever I want as president. Such hubris has inadvertently bolstered the Democrats case, allowing them to argue that as much as they are worried about Trump, they are even more worried about the imperial presidency he has come to epitomize.

What President Trump is trying to do is a huge step toward an imperial presidency, the Republican strategist Matthew Dowd counseled on Twitter last year. Time for Congress to recapture authority.

Congress has tried. Its most visible effort has been the impeachment inquiry, with the House endorsing two articles of impeachment against Trump. He has laid siege to the foundation of our democracy, said Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., as he prepared to vote for both articles.

And in two lawsuits now moving through District of Columbia circuit court, House Democrats are challenging Trump on his refusal to comply with any oversight of his administration. One lawsuit demands that former White House counsel Don McGahn testify before Congress; the second seeks grand jury testimony from Robert Muellers probe into Russian electoral interference.

President Trump speaks to reporters after watching Gordon Sondland, U.S. ambassador to the EU, testify at House Intelligence Committee impeachment hearings, Nov. 20, 2019. (Photo: Erin Scott/Reuters)

Realistically, Democrats know that neither lawsuit is likely to be resolved in time for them to take meaningful action against Trump in his first term, but a Supreme Court decision in either could actually prove more consequential than the outcome of a Senate impeachment trial, which is all but certain to culminate in an acquittal by the Republican-controlled chamber.

Thats because the lawsuits strike at the heart of the imperial presidency. Arguments by administration lawyers have brought that point into stark relief. At a recent hearing, Justice Department attorneys maintained that Congress essentially has no authority at all to oversee the White House. That assertion seemed to stun the judges. Is there no proper role for the courts? one of them wondered.

Reasserting that authority is arguably more important than catching Trump in a lie about Ukraine, especially since no amount of Democratic fact finding seems likely to lead to his removal from office.

The killing of Soleimani came in the midst of the Ukraine impeachment inquiry and seemed only to exacerbate concerns about Trumps refusal to allow for any executive accountability. Members of Congress had no prior notice of the planned strike; nor did the briefing they received after the fact allay concerns.

If anything, it made things worse. That was insulting, complained Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. That was demeaning to the process ordained by the Constitution. And I find it completely unacceptable. Lee quickly offered assurances that he remained an ardent Trump supporter. Yet he did not retract his rebuke.

Another rebuke came when the House passed a resolution, predicated on the War Powers Act of 1973, that would hamper Trumps ability to conduct an expanded military campaign against Iran, which was considered a real possibility just last week but has not yet materialized. Whereas no House Republicans broke ranks on the impeachment vote, this time three of them voted with Democrats to restrain the presidents authority to wage war. And at least four GOP members are expected to vote for the resolution once it makes its way to the Senate floor.

Among the House dissenters was Matt Gaetz of Florida, who is among the presidents most ardent supporters on Capitol Hill. Reclaiming Congressional power is the constitutional conservative position! a staffer for Gaetz wrote in an email to other Republican legislators.

A displeased White House urged Gaetz to reconsider his points of view. He declined to do so.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
In a major escalation of online censorship, Google, Facebook and Twitter have deleted accounts and removed social media posts on multiple platforms that are opposed to the criminal assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani by the Trump administration in a drone missile strike on January 3. There are indications that these censorship moves have been carried out at the direction of the US government.

YouTube, the video sharing platform owned by Google, on Monday deleted the account of Irans Press TV UK, under orders from the US government, and Facebook and Instagram have removed posts expressing support for Suleimani by dozens of Iranian journalists and other social media influencers.

Reports by alternative news sources said on Tuesday that YouTube terminated the account of the British wing of the Iranian-based Press TV without warning or explanation. As of this writing, no major corporate news organization in the US has reported Googles blatant censorship.

Instagram announcement telling a user that their pro-Soleimani post is in violation of community guidelines

On Monday, Press TV UK posted on Twitter that its YouTube account had been permanently disabled without justification amid US-led anti-Iran sanctions and hostility. Press TV is a 24-hour English and French language news and documentary network affiliated with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) with headquarters in Tehran. Press TV UKs YouTube channel has 28,000 subscribers.

Press TV UK journalist Ahmed Kaballo posted a video on Twitter in which he said, Google acted as the judge, jury and executioner. We dont know what weve done wrong, we dont know what laws weve violated and there is no right to appeal. ... Even if you dont agree with what we say, I urge to defend our right to say it because first they came for Press TV, who knows who will be next?

A statement from Press TV said, After the illegal assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Suleimani by the United States, Facebook began removing all social media posts and banning users for sharing information which painted a picture of Irans most beloved general, which went against the Western media narrative. Included in this anti-Iran purge from social media and Google is now Press TV UKs YouTube account.

Indicating that the censorship is being directed by the US government, a Facebook spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday that it had removed pro-Suleimani social media posts and accounts because they were in violation of US sanctions laws. ABC reported that the accounts of Iranian journalists had been deleted by Facebook, according the Association of Iranian Journalists in Tehran (AIJT).

The Facebook statement said, To comply with these [US] sanctions, we remove accounts maintained by or on behalf of a sanctioned party as well as remove content posted by others that supports or represents the sanctioned group or individual. ... We review content against our policies and our obligations to US sanctions laws, specifically those related to the US government's designation of the IRGC and its leadership as a terrorist organisation.

In every instance, social media users impacted by the censorship were sent messages saying that their posts or accounts had been deleted because they violate community standards or guidelines with no further information or directions as to how the accounts can be restored.

ABC also reported that Roshan Rizvi, a publisher who manages several Facebook accounts on Indian politics and has more than 40,000 followers, had lost access to his accounts after he was banned for commemorating the death of Suleimani. He told ABC, He [General Suleimani] was a saviour for those who were trapped under the brutal killers called ISIS.

Rizvi also said Twitter had also shut down his accounts saying, I didn't post anything, I just followed an account that was giving live updates of the attack that happened at Al-Assad base and my account was suspended.

As many journalists have pointed out, due to the global nature of social media, the anti-Iranian censorship is a threat to independent media. Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), said, At a time when Iranian citizens need access to information it is unacceptable that Instagram should choose to censor Iranian media and individual journalists and users.

Although Facebook and Twitter are banned in Iran, users are able to gain access through virtual private networks (VPNs). On the other hand, Instagram is not banned Iran and there are an estimated 24 million Iranian users of the platform. There have been some reports that the censorship has extended beyond Suleimani and include posts mentioning Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Ben Norton, a reporter for the Grayzone and Consortium News, reported on Sunday that the latest social media censorship operation is part of an information war by the Trump administration against Venezuela, Syria and Iran.

Enlisting the social media monopolies in its assault, Norton wrote, In the first two weeks of January, Twitter suspended dozens of accounts run by real, live peoplenot botsin Venezuela, Iran and Syria. Those erased from the website included heads of state, numerous state institutions, media outlets, and many average people who do not work for their governments.

Norton said that the social media giants are closely linked to the US government and have increasingly acted as an extension of it, specifically targeting the accounts of officials within governments targeted by Washington for regime change, also including China, Russia, Cuba, Palestine, and beyond.

In the case of Venezuela, Norton reported that Twitter has suspended hundreds of government accounts and those of civilian leftists while simultaneously verifying and promoting the accounts of US-backed opposition activists and coup-mongers, like Juan Guaido and his rapidly fading shadow regime.

These actions by Twitter show how the social media company relies on organizations funded by the US government and European allies to crack down on foreign state media and suspend accounts that challenge Washingtons narratives.

Nortons report in the Grayzone says that as of January 7, Twitter suspended the major accounts of the Venezuelan government such as the National Guard, Navy, Air Force, Strategic Command, Petroleum Ministry, Penitentiary Services Ministry, National Commission of Information Technology and Foundation Engineering Institute along with those of the Capital District and the office of the Vice President of the economy and the press office of the armed forces.

Norton also reported that Twitter repeatedly suspended or restricted and then restored beginning on January 4 the official account of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The enlistment of the Silicon Valley social media corporations in a worldwide censorship operation by the US government is a warning to the working class internationally. It indicates that pressure for war within the American ruling establishment has reached an unprecedented degree of intensity and that control of information and regulating the ability of masses of people to communicate with each other is a primary concern.

The testing and perfecting of the practical integration of the tech monopolies such as Google, Facebook and Twitter into the military-intelligence apparatus against foreign targets is part of the preparations for the coming confrontation with the number one enemy of US imperialism: the American working class.
Photo: Spring Shabu-Shabu/Yelp

Spending time in Brighton? Get to know this Boston neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Mexican spot to a deli.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Brighton, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Los Amigos Taqueria

PHOTO: TIFFANY L./YELP

Topping the list is Mexican and Tex-Mex spot Los Amigos Taqueria. Located at 366 Washington St., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting four stars out of 81 reviews on Yelp. Los Amigos Taqueria offers chipotle chicken burritos, Baja-style fish tacos, quesadillas and more.

2. Spring Shabu-Shabu

Photo: mimi t./Yelp

Next up is Japanese spot Spring Shabu-Shabu, situated at 304 Western Ave. (between Everett Street and Callahan Place). With 4.5 stars out of 709 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. On the menu, look for pork dumplings, fish cakes and hot pot.

3. Irish Village

Photo: megan h.Yelp

Pub Irish Village is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 224 Market St. (between Saybrook and Faneuil streets), 4.5 stars out of 59 reviews. Irish Village serves up Guinness on draft, Wachusett Blueberry, half bottles of wine and more.

4. Jim's Deli & Restaurant

PHOTO: JAMES B./YELP

Jim's Deli & Restaurant, a deli, diner, breakfast and brunch spot, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 573 Yelp reviews. Head over to 371 Washington St. (between Argus Place and Leicester Street) to see for yourself. Menu offerings include New York-style Reubens, bacon cheddar burgers, Buffalo chicken wraps, grilled chicken sandwiches and fries.

5. Fiorella's Express

Photo: sarah r./Yelp

Finally, check out Fiorella's Express, which has earned four stars out of 206 reviews on Yelp. You can find the fast-food Italian spot at 2 Tremont St. (between Washington and Tip Top streets). Fiorella's Express serves up Caprese salads, lasagna, eggplant Parmigiana, pizza and chicken salad.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
The parents of a young conservative who took his own life after protesting at a drag queen library event have paid tribute to their 'devoted son'.

University of Queensland Liberal National Club president Wilson Gavin, 21, was found dead at 7.07am at Chelmer train station in Brisbane's south on Monday.

In the hours before, he had been on the receiving end of fierce social media backlash after interrupting a session on Sunday where drag queens were reading books to children at Brisbane Square Library.

Mr Gavin's parents, Michael and Bridget, and his two sisters released a statement on Thursday, thanking people for sharing stories of 'who Wilson Gavin really was'.

'To those who have described Wilson as "a deeply troubled young man", including so-called family members  with all due respect  you never knew him,' the statement read.

'To anyone who is or was angry with Wilson  we know he regularly got the how wrong and occasionally got the what wrong. This made us angry with him too.'

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University of Queensland Liberal National Club president Wilson Gavin, 21, was found dead at 7.07am at Chelmer train station in Brisbane's south on Monday

Mr Gavin (pictured) had led a group of between 15 and 20 others chanting 'drag queens are not for kids'

'To the LGBTIQA+ communities and Rainbow Families Queensland  we love and support you.'

The family urged politically motivated people to 'seek kind and wise mentors' who will not use them.

They said they share the pain of people who are 'regretting words said or typed in anger that may have contributed to another person's suffering'.

'To the people impacted by our sons decision to end his life in the way that he did  words cannot express our sorrow for you,' Mr and Mrs Gavin wrote.

Mr Gavin's family gave their 'deepest respect and gratitude' to the police and emergency services personnel who treated the family 'with such dignity and compassion'.

'We loved Wil for his compassion and sense of justice  just some of the many things he got right,' the family wrote.

'We respected the unwavering strength of his convictions and desire to make the world better.'

They admired their son's compassion and contribution to the community - working at a soup kitchen every Saturday and spending a year teaching children in Mongolia.

'He would regularly give the last note in his wallet to a homeless person on the street,' the statement said.

Wilson Gavin, the president of the University of Queensland's Liberal National Club, died about 7am on Monday in Chelmer, south of Brisbane's CBD

In the hours before, he had been on the receiving end of fierce social media backlash after interrupting a session on Sunday where drag queens were reading books to children at Brisbane Square Library

'Wil worked tirelessly for causes without personal gain, gratitude, or in some cases, loyalty.'

'We remember him as a devoted and loving son and brother. We will love him, always and will be forever grateful he was part of our family.'

Mr Gavin had led a group at the library of between 15 and 20 others chanting 'drag queens are not for kids' and online backlash included angered criticism from The Veronicas' Jessica Origliasso.

She later shared a brief tribute to Mr Gavin and removed the video of his protest she had posted following his death.

It earlier emerged Mr Gavin was house sitting for a Coalition senator when he died.

In an insight into his final hours, multiple sources told Daily Mail Australia Mr Gavin, 21, was minding the home of federal Liberal National Party Senator Paul Scarr over the weekend of the tragedy.

Daily Mail Australia has been told Mr Gavin had been house sitting at the home of Liberal National Party senator Paul Scarr, who did not respond to multiple requests for comment

Friends have suggested the social media backlash likely played a role in the 'irreverent' and bold demonstrator's tragic death.

Daily Mail Australia approached Mr Scarr, a former mining executive and lawyer, for comment, but calls and emails were not returned.

Mr Gavin was understood to be family friends with the Scarrs. He followed the LNP senator on Instagram.

One of his friends Drew Pavlou told The Project the news of Mr Gavin's death was a complete shock and he had regarded the young Liberal as 'bullet-proof'.

'I heard from other people as late as 7pm (on Sunday night) he was telling people "it's all good, we're going to keep going, we're fine",' the friend said.

Friends Drew Pavlou (said) the news of Mr Gavin's death was a complete shock and he regarded the young Liberal as 'bullet-proof'

THE FULL STATEMENT FROM WILSON GAVIN'S FAMILY: To everyone who knew our son and brother and shared their stories of who Wilson Gavin really was  we thank you. To those who have described Wilson as a deeply troubled young man, including so-called family members  with all due respect  you never knew him. To anyone who is or was angry with Wilson  we know he regularly got the 'how' wrong and occasionally got the 'what' wrong. This made us angry with him too. To the LGBTIQA+ communities and Rainbow Families Queensland  we love and support you. To young, politically motivated people of all persuasions  we implore you to seek kind and wise mentors who will guide you, and not use you or wash their hands of you when you no longer serve their purposes. To those who are now regretting words said or typed in anger that may have contributed to another persons suffering  we know and share your pain all too well. To the people impacted by our sons decision to end his life in the way that he did  words cannot express our sorrow for you. To the police and emergency services personnel who have treated us with such dignity and compassion, and work with this type of trauma far too often  you have our deepest respect and gratitude. We loved Wil for his compassion and sense of justice  just some of the many things he got right. We respected the unwavering strength of his convictions and desire to make the world better. And we admired Wils drive to contribute, so often in ways not many knew about  like serving at a soup kitchen every Saturday or the year he spent teaching kids in Mongolia. He would regularly give the last note in his wallet to a homeless person on the street. Wil worked tirelessly for causes without personal gain, gratitude, or in some cases, loyalty. We remember him as a devoted and loving son and brother. We will love him, always and will be forever grateful he was part of our family. Advertisement

'And then suddenly in the morning we all woke to the terrible news. It just was a huge shock. It was the last thing you would ever expect.'

Mr Pavlou said he disagreed with the protest, but hoped the tragedy would stop social media users trolling people whose views they disagreed with.

'The thing is though you are not a full person at the age of 20. You can make mistakes,' he said.

'You may think your individual contribution, or your individual small attack is meaningless, but really it all adds up and when there's that level of feeding frenzy, it all adds up and no 20-year-old can handle it.'

Rumours have circulated he left a note of some kind but friends said, if that's the case, it was not believed to be left at the Scarr home.

Protester Wilson Gavin and friends stormed a drag queen story-time event for children at a library in Brisbane's CBD (left and right). He confronts Diamond Good-rim above

A Queensland Police representative said investigators are not treating Mr Gavin's death as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Condolences have poured in from all quarters - including the drag queens involved in the library incident - and his closest mates are shell-shocked.

Mr Pavlou spoke to Mr Gavin several times at the weekend, having dinner with the student politician on Saturday following a demonstration about China's treatment of the minority Uighur people.

He was genuinely irreplaceable ... we won't see the likes of him again'. Close friend Christopher Stewart

Mr Gavin did not mention his plan to crash the drag queen reading event during their catch-up. The next day, social media exploded after Mr Gavin and friends stormed the library chanting 'drag queens are not for kids' on Sunday.

Twitter taunts against Mr Gavin reportedly included 'there is something about Young Liberals that makes me 'stabby'' and trolls calling him an 'oxygen thief'.

Mr Pavlou said his mate was 'defiant' when he asked him what had happened on Sunday.

'Then I woke up to the news (that he had died on Monday). It's just surreal,' Mr Pavlou said.

Mr Pavlou described his friend as a 'glorious troublemaker' whose politics were hard to place as he was an 'outsider' to the Liberal National Party.

Mr Gavin, from Kangaroo Point, was a devout Catholic who sometimes attended full Latin mass at a church in Annerley.

Wilson Gavin with friend Drew Pavlou

He was a state chairperson for the Australian Catholic Students' Association and an out and comfortable gay man for many years.

One devastated friend, Christopher Stewart, told Daily Mail Australia: 'He was genuinely irreplaceable ... we won't see the likes of him again'.

A third mate, Satya Marar, met Mr Gavin through a monarchist group.

Mr Marar said he saw the drag queen story break and thought 'oh god, Wilson, what have you gotten yourself into?'

But he did not know the seemingly confident young man was grappling with demons.

'I expected he would turn up on Sky News tomorrow and tell the haters to go stuff themselves - and do what he does best.

'I didn't think this could happen'.

As for Mr Pavlou, one of his fondest memories of his friend was a dramatic gesture he made at a protest against the Chinese communist party at university.

During the protest, Mr Gavin apparently climbed up onto the roof of a uni building and hoisted up the Taiwanese flag - a controversial sign given tensions between the island and China.

'It was insane, and it was beautiful,' Mr Pavlou said.

For 24/7 confidential crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids' Helpline 1800 551 800
Russias political order, largely unchanged since the early 1990s, was thrown into feverish uncertainty on Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes that could extend his hold on power indefinitely.

Adding to widespread bewilderment, Putins loyal protege promptly resigned as prime minister, along with the rest of the government.

Putin described his proposals, announced in his annual State of the Nation address, as an effort to enhance democracy. But his political rivals and many independent analysts interpreted them more as a strategy for keeping power after the end of what is supposed to be his final term in 2024.

Mikhail M. Kasyanov, a former prime minister under Putin who is now a fierce critic, said the president had given a clear answer to questions about his future: I will remain president forever.

Few others found that degree of clarity, especially after the surprise announcement by the prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, that he was resigning. Medvedev then took a new job as deputy head of the Security Council, an important body but one that will leave him little space, since it is headed by Putin, 67.

Posing a question asked by many shocked observers, Dmitry Smirnov, a Kremlin reporter for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, said on Twitter: Why has this all happened in a single day? His answer: It just means that those in Kremlin know history well: revolution has to be made swiftly, even if its a revolution from above.

In his speech Wednesday, Putin proposed amending the constitution to expand the powers of parliament, the prime minister and a body called the State Council. The council currently carries little weight  but should Putin step down as president and take it over, it could become the dominant power center, especially if the powers of the president are diminished.

Medvedev had hinted that his days might be numbered since the start of the year, when he delivered a melancholy New Years speech that quoted Russian writer Anton Chekhov: We must not forget that the newer the year, the closer to death, the more extensive the bald spot, the more sinuous the wrinkles.

At a meeting with his Cabinet and the president on Wednesday, Medvedev, a lawyer who has known Putin since they worked together in St. Petersburg in the 1990s and has helped him stay in power, linked his departure from the premiership to the proposed constitutional overhaul. It would, he said, substantially change not only many articles of the constitution but also the balance of power  executive, legislative and judicial.

The Russian Constitution limits a president to two consecutive terms, meaning that without a change, Putin would have to leave that office in 2024. But he has dropped hints about keeping his grip on power beyond that date.

With the clock running down on Putins final term, Russias political class has been abuzz for months with speculation about his intentions.

Some predicted a destabilizing succession crisis, but most expected the president to find a way to keep power despite constitutional term limits, as he did in 2008. That was when he left the Kremlin to become prime minister, with Medvedev serving as presidential place holder, until Putin returned as president in 2012.

By leaving his reclaiming of the presidency to the last minute amid a tainted parliamentary election, Putin ignited a backlash of pro-democracy demonstrations. This time by starting the process four years early, he seems intent on avoiding abrupt and destabilizing changes.

The constitutional changes, which Putin said should be put to a popular vote, would be the first major overhaul of Russias political order since 1993, when the countrys first democratically elected president, Boris Yeltsin, subdued a rebellious legislature and then ordered a referendum to endorse a new constitution strengthening presidential power.

Unlike Yeltsin, who was deeply unpopular and faced an uphill struggle to get his new constitution approved by voters, Putin has amassed such overwhelming personal power and popular support that he can be confident of reshaping the system in virtually any way he wants.

His popularity, reinforced by the Kremlins tight grip on television and many other news media outlets, allows him to add a veneer of democratic legitimacy and avoid the path taken by China, where the Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping, has effectively established himself as leader-for-life through executive fiat.

One scenario now considered likely is for Putin to leave his post as president and create a system similar to that of Kazakhstan. In that central Asian country, the longtime president, Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, stepped down last year as his countrys formal leader but stayed on as the head of the ruling party and took the new title of leader of the people.

This has established Nazarbayev as the equivalent of Chinas former paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, who had no formal executive position in his later years but remained in overall control of his country until his death in 1997.

It was not immediately clear whether the resignations of Medvedev and his Cabinet signaled a rift at the top of Russias hierarchy or  a far more likely possibility, according to most observers  were part of a well-coordinated but as-yet-unclear plan by Putin to hold onto power by reshaping the political system.

Medvedevs replacement as prime minister is Mikhail Mishustin, an accomplished technocrat who is credited with modernizing Russias tax service. But as a virtual unknown bereft of close ties to the security apparatus, he is not regarded as a plausible successor to Putin.

Putin, by many accounts, had originally hoped to stay on top while stepping down as president by taking up a new supreme post as the leader of a united Russia and Belarus. But moves to unite the two countries, initiated by Yeltsin back in the 1990s, were resisted by Belarus and eventually stalled.

In a sign that Putin still ultimately depends on public support, he preceded his unexpected political moves by offering a grab-bag of handouts to the electorate in his State of the Nation speech. He promised free school meals, extra financial allowances for mothers who have more than one child and other measures focused on easing poverty.

Real wages have mostly stagnated or fallen since Putin returned to the Kremlin in 2012 after the four-year interlude as prime minister. He has attributed the poor economic record to the Western sanctions imposed over his annexation of Crimea in 2014.

His political position, however, has remained unassailable, despite a flurry of street protests in Moscow and a few other cities last summer. The only real question has been whether and how he would engineer a way to again avoid term limits.

On Wednesday, Putin shed no light on his exact plans, but instead opened a Pandoras box of possible options. The resulting uncertainty puts the political elite off balance, helping to ensure that Putin avoids becoming a lame duck and remains the pivot around which the country revolves.
Representational picture

China on January 16 played down Russia's backing for India and Brazil's entry into the UN Security Council as permanent member, saying all parties have "major differences" in the matter and instead advocated for a "package solution".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, backed India and Brazil to be permanent members of the UNSC.

"We are convinced that the overriding trend of the global development is the objective process of the formation of new centres of economic might, financial power and political influence and India is obviously one of them," Lavrov said.

Reacting to Lavrov's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said member countries of the UN have differences over reforms in the world body.

China, which has veto power in the UNSC being one of its five permanent members, has been stonewalling India's efforts to become permanent member of the powerful UN body for years, pointing out lack of consensus even though the other four -- US, UK, France and Russia -- have backed New Delhi's membership.

Beijing's all weather ally, Pakistan, is also opposed to India becoming a permanent member.

India, Germany, Brazil and Japan have formed the G4 bloc to press for their permanent membership demand as part of the reforms in the United Nations.

China however has backed India for non-permanent membership of the UNSC for the year 2021-22.

In his reply on Thursday, Geng said reform of the UNSC is very important as it concerns the long-term development of the UN and interests of all members.

"Now all parties have major differences on this and we do not have broad consensus on the reform. So, China would like to work with other members to find a package solution that accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties through dialogue and consultation," he said.

He said the UNSC is the core of international collective security mechanism and any reform to better implement its duty enshrined in the UN charter and the reform should enhance the representation and say of developing countries, so that more medium sized and small sized countries can participate in the decision-making process of the security council, he said.
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said global online retail giant Amazon.com Inc indulged in predatory pricing even as Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Chauthaiwale took a dig at its founder Jeff Bezos for publishing unduly critical reports on the Modi government in The Washington Post, which he owns.

A day after Bezos, currently on a visit to India, announced fresh investments of $1 billion in India, Goyal said Amazon was not doing any favours to the country with its investment asked whether the huge losses made by the company were linked to predatory pricing or some unfair trade practices.

Goyal acknowledged Amazons investments in warehousing but asked whether the money was being brought in largely to finance losses in an e-commerce market place model. He added that this raised questions of where the loss came from.

There has been considerable pressure on the government from the affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its ideological parent, and also trader groups to reconsider the policy on FDI in online retail. Traders claim Amazon is taking away their business. Amazons position is that it serves as a platform in India and that many of the traders who complain are themselves on the platform.

Ashwani Mahajan of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS, said Goyals comments indicate that the Centre may have become more sensitized to the problems of opening up FDI (in online retail).

There is a fear in every traders mind that these global chains will kill their business.

Meanwhile, reacting to a statement by Bezos where he said the 21st century will be Indias; Chauthaiwale tweeted: @JeffBezos, please tell this to your employees in Washington DC. Otherwise your charm offensive is likely to be waste of time and money.

I am a regular customer of Amazon and not against them. But I am definitely against what Washington Post is writing, Chautaiwale said.

An Amazon spokesperson did not immediately comment on the matter.
A British Airways captain was forced to make a Mayday call just minutes before landing after fumes reportedly filled the cockpit.

The flight from Athens was on the approach to Heathrow when the co-pilot steering the plane fell ill, forcing the captain to take over and put on an oxygen mask.

The terrifying scenes unfolded in darkness just four nautical miles before the A320 aircraft touched down at Britains biggest airport.

A probe has been launched by the Air Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) amid fears another fume event could strike the airline.

It is already fighting almost 100 class action cases of alleged aereotoxicity and 300 suspect fume leaks have been reported.

The dramatic scramble for oxygen masks unfolded as a British Airways approached the Heathrow runway / PA

The latest incident, on Flight BA633 on January 2, saw the first officer on the Heathrow-bound jet fall ill with two minutes to go before landing.

The captain made an emergency call to the control tower, seized control of the plane from the co-pilot and they both donned oxygen masks.

Medical crews met the plane immediately after it was safely down and assessed the first officer, with passengers oblivious to the drama. Insiders said he fainted and was slumped over the controls but BA denied this, MailOnline reports.

The jet was grounded for 48 hours while engineers searched for what went wrong, and the first officer was allowed to go home. BA confirmed the Mayday call was made and oxygen masks were used, but would not reveal what made him unwell.

Passengers were oblivious to the last-minute Mayday call two minutes before the flight touched down / AFP via Getty Images

The airline is currently being sued by almost 100 former staff members who claim they were exposed to hazard fumes or aerotoxicity, with claimants led by the family of Richard Westgate.

Mr Westgate, a former BA pilot, died by suicide aged 43 in 2012, which his family says was a consequence of him self-medicating for previous exposure to toxic fumes. BA deny any liability in an ongoing High Court case.

Aviation experts say the fumes could result from tricresyl phosphate (TCP), a chemical in the oil used to reduce wear on plane engines. Smelling like old socks, it can cause vomiting if inhaled.

The BA first officer fell ill while in charge of the plane controls, forcing the captain to take over / Getty Images

An AAIB spokesman said: An incident was reported to the AAIB and we are investigating. When our investigation has concluded we will publish a report.

A BA spokesman said: The Captain landed the aircraft safely, and customers disembarked as normal.

As the First Officer was feeling unwell, he was seen by an airport paramedic as a precaution, before going home. We would never operate an aircraft if we believed it posed any health or safety risk to our customers or crew.

Safety is our first priority and every report is thoroughly investigated, with typically 151 engineering checks before an aircraft is cleared to continue flying.
Kalray (Paris:ALKAL) (Euronext Growth Paris: ALKAL), a pioneer in processors for new intelligent systems, today announced that the Board of Directors of the company has appointed Erwan Menard, among the world's leading experts in Storage for Cloud and Enterprise businesses, as an independent Board Member. Erwan, 46, based in California-USA, provides the company with strategic expertise on storage and infrastructure technology in cloud and data centers, which support Kalray's ambitions in this market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005583/en/

Erwan Menard (Photo: Business Wire)

Erwan Menard is currently leading Google Cloud's Infrastructure and Applications Modernization portfolio of solutions. Previously, he was the CEO of Elastifile, a start-up providing scalable enterprise file storage solutions for the Cloud, acquired by Google in 2018. Previously, Erwan has been President COO at Scality, a provider of software-defined cloud storage solutions, where he led the company's growth phase to becoming a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader. Prior to Scality, Erwan Menard served on various executive positions at DataDirect Networks, a provider of massively scalable high-performance storage systems for Big Data, Hewlett-Packard and Alcatel-Lucent.

"Erwan's expertise and market understanding in Data Center and Cloud, especially in storage and network infrastructure technology, is extremely valuable to Kalray", said Eric Baissus, CEO of Kalray

"The Board is delighted to welcome Erwan Menard and looks forward to his strategic contributions to Kalray's next phase of growth in the new generation of Data Centers", said Gilles Delfassy, Chairman of the Board of Kalray

"Transformation of Data Centers along with the continuous need to accelerate processing create a significant opportunity for innovative intelligent processors such as Kalray's MPPA", said Erwan Menard. "I am delighted to join Kalray's Board of Directors and eager to contribute to Kalray's growth and success."

The Board of Directors now has 9 members, including 3 independent members

Next publication:

January 22, 2020: H2 2019 business report

ABOUT KALRAY

Kalray (Euronext Growth Paris FR0010722819 ALKAL) is the pioneer in processors for new intelligent systems. A genuine technological breakthrough, "intelligent" processors are able to intelligently analyze a vast quantity of data on the fly and to make decisions and interact in real time with the outside world. These intelligent processors will be largely deployed in fast-growing sectors such as new-generation networks (intelligent data centers) and autonomous vehicles, as well as in healthcare equipment, drones and robots. Kalray's offering spans both processors and global solutions (electronic boards and software). Created in 2008 as a spin-off of CEA ("Commissariat l'Energie Atomique", the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), Kalray addresses a broad spectrum of customers including server manufacturers, intelligent system integrators and consumer product manufacturers such as car makers. Read more at: www.kalrayinc.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005583/en/

Contacts:

INVESTOR CONTACTS

Eric BAISSUS

contactinvestisseurs@kalray.eu

Tel. +33 (0)4 76 18 90 71

ACTUS finance communication

Caroline LESAGE

kalray@actus.fr

+ 33 1 53 67 36 79

MEDIA CONTACTS

Loic HAMON

communication@kalray.eu

Tel. +33 (0)4 76 18 90 71

ACTUS finance communication

Serena BONI

sboni@actus.fr

Tel. +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92
: A Delhi court on Thursday directed the Tihar Jail authorities to file a proper report by tomorrow about the status of the scheduled execution of all four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case.

The court passed the directions after jail authorities informed that they have written to the Delhi government on the issue of scheduled execution on January 22 in view of pending remedies. The matter is now listed for Friday at 3:30 pm.As per the Delhi Prison rule 840, the jail authorities are supposed to write to the Delhi government seeking a response whether the date of execution be postponed.
The K Street encampments removal comes weeks after city officials said at least 117 homeless people died in the District last year, four of them in the area of the NoMa underpasses. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Washington Post, the citys Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said 52 homeless deaths were classified as accidents, including 44 cases of intoxication and three in which people were struck by a vehicle. Twenty-seven were classified as natural and eight were homicides.
THE Department of Trade Industry (DTI) has opened two retail exhibits on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, that are meant to help the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain market exposure and boost revenue at the height of the Sinulog festival celebration.

DTI unveiled the annual Sinulog Fiesta Fair in SM City Cebu and Cebus first One Town, One Product (Otop) Philippine (PH) Hub inside the seaport terminal of Pier 1 in Cebu City.

For Boholana entepreneur Marie Frances Macabenta, participating in the Sinulog Fiesta Fair means an opportunity to access a big market, especially that it is annually mounted inside a mall that records high foot traffic.

Macabenta, who already participated in several fairs organized by the DTI office in Bohol, said the exposure brought her various cacao products to the shelves of big malls in Tagbilaran City.

It brings awareness to the public that we exist. Our products have already reached overseas like the US, Canada and Australia, Macabenta said.

She said she would personally manage her booths so she could interact with the customers on what products are currently in demand in the market.

The Sinulog Fiesta Fair, organized by the DTI-Cebu Provincial Office, the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation Inc., will run from Jan. 16 to 26, 2020.

Josefina Lumanjoc, who manned the Ver&Ver Handicrafts Trading, said the fair is a big help to her business.

It boosts our sales performance and brings us more customers, she said.

There are 49 exhibitors and 34 booths in this years Sinulog Fiesta Fair, which is comparatively lower than last years attendance of 96 exhibitors, where it generated P10.2 million in sales.

This years fiesta fair will only run for 11 days compared to last years 18 days, with extension.

This is because we are preparing for the 500th quincentennial celebration. We will double the number of booths and we are intensifying our product development for the tourists and pilgrims that are expected to flock here, said DTI 7 Director Asteria Caberte.

Story continues

The participants of the fair are from select enterprises under the Otop, Kapatid Mentor Me, Philippine Commission on Womens women entrepreneurs, the Great Women Project 2, featuring MSMEs with cacao-based, wearables and homestyle products.

The product lines exhibited in the fair are gifts, decors and houseware, wearables and fashion accessories, processed food, cacao and coffee.

Cebus first Otop PH Hub

Meanwhile, DTI 7 unveiled Cebus first Otop PH Hub inside the seaport terminal of Pier 1 in Cebu City. It is the fifth Otop Hub in Central Visayas.

Caberte expects the products featured in Otop PH Hub will sell fast since the seaport terminal is a chokepoint of both international and local tourists going to neighboring islands of the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Otop Hub in Pier 1 is the first Otop PH Hub to be launched in Cebu Province in partnership with the DTI, Cebu Port Authority and Cebu Gifts, Toys and Houseware Foundation Inc.

It is a retail space where Otop offerings from Cebu and other provinces can be found, she said. It is DTIs flagship market access program that serves as a marketing vehicle and incubation platform to promote and champion Otop products.

Other Otop hubs in the region are located in Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete.

We are hoping we could open another one. We are really targeting areas where many tourists pass so they could see and buy the different products Cebu has been pride of, she said.

The Otop Hub features different pasalubong items ranging from jewelry and accessories, processed food to other high priority products like agri-based food.

The DTI said there are now 35 Otop hubs operating in the Philippines after it was relaunched in 2017.

The program has assisted 6,519 MSMEs and developed or improved a total of 4,960 products and prototypes.

In Cebu Province, over 200 MSMEs have participated in Otop Next Gen initiatives.

Close to 80 MSMEs have already availed themselves of the intensive product and market development services under the Otop program.

Otop hubs can be found mostly in airports, terminals, pasalubong centers, tourist spots, Negosyo Centers, public markets and other consumer-frequented locations, including malls.
Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn, director of the communicable diseases division at Thailands Ministry of Public Health, said the woman had not visited the Wuhan seafood market, and had come down with a fever on Jan. 5. However, the doctor said, the woman had visited a different, smaller market in Wuhan, in which live and freshly slaughtered animals were also sold.

The woman is in good health now, according to Dr. Suthat Chottanapund, a senior official in the disease control department of Thailands Public Health Ministry. But, he said, the health authorities were waiting for laboratory results to confirm that the woman is free of the coronavirus before discharging her. She said that she wanted to do some sightseeing after she leaves the hospital, he said.

The revelation that neither the patient in Japan nor the first one found in Thailand had visited the Huanan Seafood Market, to which most of the cases have been linked, is a troubling sign that the outbreak could be spreading in Wuhan. The market was shut down and disinfected on Jan. 1, but new cases have appeared since, suggesting the virus has not been eradicated.

Concerns have grown across the region since the Chinese health authorities announced the discovery of the mysterious new virus, which has sickened dozens of people in Wuhan with pneumonialike symptoms. The citys health commission said on Wednesday that the risk of human-to-human transmission is low but possible. Officials also said they detected the first cluster of the virus involving members of a single family.

The new virus has stirred memories in China of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. That virus, which is believed to have jumped to humans from animals at markets, originated in China and killed more than 800 people worldwide in 2002 and 2003. At the time, the Chinese government tried to cover up the problem, resulting in a backlash among its people. While flu experts have said the Chinese government is trying to be more transparent now, many in China are skeptical.

The local authorities in Wuhan and the W.H.O. have reiterated for weeks that no cases of human-to-human transmission have been confirmed.

Last week, researchers in China said they had initially identified a new coronavirus as the pathogen behind the mysterious respiratory illness. Of the 40 cases diagnosed in Wuhan, the majority of patients are middle-age and older men, the citys health commission said on Wednesday. Five people are in critical condition, officials said.
When dozens of Catholic leaders prepared to meet with Trump administration officials last month, one advocacy group planned a reception at an increasingly common stopping point for conservative religious groups in Washington: President Donald Trump's hotel in the District of Columbia.

Catholic Vote, a political action group that lobbies on behalf of candidates who oppose abortion and gay marriage, held a 50-person afternoon reception on Dec. 16, the same day it and other Catholic groups met administrative officials for a briefing on "religious freedom," according to internal hotel documents obtained by The Washington Post.

The afternoon reception, offering drinks plus appetizers including beef Wellington and jumbo shrimp cocktail, was organized by former Republican Congressman Tim Huelskamp, the group's senior political adviser, according to the documents.

Huelskamp, a former chairman of the House Tea Party Caucus, is known for his strong social conservatism including opposition to gay marriage.

Catholic Vote selected the Trump hotel not to curry political favor with the administration but because it was a nice hotel nearby to the White House, said a spokesman for the group, Joshua Mercer.

"It's pretty simple, actually. It was a beautiful venue with close proximity to the White House," he said.

The event was modest by luxury hotel standards. Documents show it likely cost at least $2,500 but not tens of thousands of dollars that large room bookings and events can bring luxury hotels. Mercer declined to provide a total of the group's spending at the hotel. A Trump Organization spokeswoman did not return a request for comment.

Catholic Vote is the latest in a long line of conservative religious organization to book an event at the Trump hotel while trying to build support for its cause in Washington, causing concern among ethics experts, government watchdog groups and congressional Democrats.

Other religious groups that have booked events at the hotel during Trump's presidency include the Museum of the Bible, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Revival Outside the Walls Ministry, the First Liberty Institute and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, according to hotel documents and news reports.

Catholic Vote is not connected to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, as the bishops of the U.S. Catholic Church have their own lobbying efforts. Recently the president of Catholic Vote announced plans to use cell phone tracking data to target Christian voters in key states this year.

At the Dec. 16 briefing, held in the Executive Office Building the day of Catholic Vote's hotel reception, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and attendees discussed legislation introduced by House Republicans earlier in December. Called the "Fairness for All Americans Act," the bill attempts to balance LGBTQ protections with concerns of conservative religious leaders, according to the Catholic Telegraph.

LGBTQ advocates oppose the legislation and some take issue with business that conservative religious groups are booking at Trump's hotel.

"The reality is Catholic voters overwhelmingly support full non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people," said Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a D.C. group that advocates for the LGTBQ rights, in a statement.

David called Catholic Vote's booking of the Trump hotel shameful and said "the fact that this corrupt back channel exists in the first place is the deeper problem."

Catholic Vote's opposition to LGBTQ non-discrimination protections appears to be out of step with the majority of Catholics. More than 70 percent of American Catholics support such protections, according to polling this year from the Public Religion Research Institute.

Critics of Trump have routinely raised concerns about special interest groups currying favor with the administration by spending money at the president's hotel, which he still owns because he retained his stake in his business when he entered the White House.

The president's company, now run by his adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, is trying to sell its lease to the hotel, which operates in a federally owned building, the Old Post Office pavilion, on a lease the company signed in 2013. The deadline for bids is Jan. 23.

Last week, House Democrats Peter DeFazio of Oregon and Dina Titus of Nevada stepped up the pressure by announcing that they plan to hold a Jan. 28 hearing on the General Services Administration's withholding of documents relate to the hotel.

"In addition to discussing GSA's development and execution of the OPO lease, we will examine GSA's role in the Trump Organization's current effort to sell the OPO lease," the Democrats said in a statement.

- - -

The Washington Post's Sarah Pulliam Bailey and David A. Fahrenthold contributed.
Seattle, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Wikileaf Technologies Inc. (CNSX: WIKI) ("Wikileaf" or the "Company") announced today that Dan Nelson, its founder, will step down as the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company and take on the role of Chief Growth Officer. Dan will remain on and continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Company also announced today that Derek Firth, an early-stage investor and advisor to WikiLeaf Technologies Inc., has been appointed as the CEO of the Company. These changes are effective immediately.

The Company also announced today that in connection with Derek's appointment as the CEO, the Company has granted him incentive stock options ("Options"). Options to purchase up to 1,000,000 common shares of the Company were granted, pursuant to the Company's share compensation plan, exercisable at a price of $0.12 per common share. The Options shall have a term of 10 years and vest over tranches and based on achievement of milestones over a period of 24 months as follows:

250,000 shall vest automatically one year from the Effective Date;

250,000 shall vest if on or before the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation reaches the Break-Even Point as evidenced by the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the relevant period;

250,000 shall vest if on or before the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation achieves greater than $5 million USD in revenue as evidenced by the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the relevant period; and

250,000 shall vest if on or before the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation achieves greater than $10 million USD in revenue as evidenced by the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the relevant period.

Quotes

"When I started this company, I had one goal: to assist cannabis consumers with finding legal, location-based pricing information. Wikileaf has and will continue to be guided by this principle. But, I also realize, as a publicly traded company, I owe it to our supporters, shareholders and team members to ensure the best leadership is in place. I have worked closely with the Board and Derek to ensure this transition is successful. I look forward to working with Derek and benefiting from his experience as an entrepreneur with an over 20-year history of launching and driving profitable digital properties."

-Dan Nelson, Founder, Wikileaf

"Over the past five years, Dan has been dedicated to creating Wikileaf and growing it into the third-most-trafficked cannabis website in the U.S. I've been working closely with him since 2017. His vision and passion for this industry are what attracted investors like Nesta and myself to the company. Dan will continue to be the innovative driver of Wikileaf and I thank him for establishing the foundation for a company that is very well-positioned to lead in the emerging cannabis technology space."

"With recent market volatility in the cannabis space, Wikileaf, as one of the first cannabis technology companies to be publicly listed on the CSE, has a unique offering and opportunity to attract investors. We are focused on monetization and telling our story to the capital markets. I look forward to working with the Wikileaf team to position us for the next phase of growth."

-Derek Firth, CEO, Wikileaf

About Wikileaf

Wikileaf is a price comparison platform for recreational and medicinal cannabis consumers. Wikileaf provides consumers with instant price comparison among dispensaries in their immediate vicinity. It is a portfolio company of Nesta Holding Co. Ltd. ("Nesta"), a private equity firm focused on the global cannabis industry. Nesta was founded in 2015 by Chuck Rifici, Chair of Auxly Cannabis Group and co-founder of Canopy Growth Corporation.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's monetization strategies and 2020 goals. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Stay Connected

For more information about Wikileaf, please visit www.wikileaf.com or follow us on Twitter @Wiki_Leaf, Instagram @wiki_leaf, Facebook @Wikileaf and YouTube Wikileaf.

Media Contact

For media inquiries only: press@wikileaf.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51558
More than 20 bull tamers were injured during 'jallikattu' events on Thursday with the popular bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu being conducted at Palamedu here and Suriyur in Tiruchirappalli district as part of Pongal harvest festivities.

A bull sustained a minor injury at Palamedu, officials said.

An official told PTI that as many as 659 bulls were used at the Palamedu event which was inaugurated by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar.

A total of 675 tamers participated.

"As regards tamers, 16 sustained minor and 10 suffered major injuries and 10 cases have been referred (to a State run hospital)," the official said, adding only one out of the 600 plus bulls sustained a minor injury.

At Suriyur, 610 bulls were used.

Over 300 tamers took part in the event, officials said, adding a woman spectator was injured when a bull hit her near the exit point.

At Palamedu, which is more popular, announcements of a variety of prizes like gold coins, gift packs, cycles, and vessels kept the participants on their toes to dominate the animals and emerge victorious.

Bull owners were also anxious that their animals should evade the tamers and run over to the end point so that they could bag prizes.

Nail-biting moments were witnessed when a tamer hung over the hump of a fierce bull but lost his grip and fell right in front of its legs.

As luck would have it, the participant escaped unhurt as the animal effortlessly jumped across and fled.

Not all were however so lucky and some sustained injuries at both Palamedu and Suriyur. But, no bull was harmed by tamers, according to officials.

The presence of a slew of sponsors right from smartphone retailers, vessel merchants to consumer durable retail chains showed the event's popularity at Palamedu.

Also, many firms jostled for space to put up their advertisements in the form of banners in and around the sporting arena.

An official said participants took an oath to stick to rules and not do anything that may harm the animals.

Jallikattu was held at Avaniapuram here on Wednesday, marking the start of the annual events.

A key highlight of ongoing sporting season is the Alanganallur jallikattu and it will be held here on Friday.

The bull taming events had in the past courted several controversies with stiff opposition from animal rights activists who alleged violence against the bovines.

In 2015 and the following year, the sport remained banned following a Supreme Court order in May 2014.

The apex court had held jallikattu as violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), 1960.

However, in January 2017, widespread protests peaked across Tamil Nadu seeking approval for holding jallikattu.

Defying the ban, the sport was held in a number of places and slowly the protests took the shape of a mass movement and the vast expanse of the Marina beach in Chennai emerged as the epicentre of the stir.

All political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and main opposition DMK, supported the demand for permission to hold the sport.

Amid continuing protests, the Tamil Nadu Assembly on January 23, 2017 unanimously passed an amendment bill for conducting the bull taming sport without any hindrance.

The Bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was unanimously adopted after members of all parties spoke welcoming it.

The Bill defined jallikattu as an event involving bulls and conducted from January to May and it includes similar events like 'manjuviratu', 'vadamadu' and 'erudhuvidum' festivals.

It exempted jallikattu from the PCA Act's purview, considering the "vital role of jallikattu in preserving and promoting tradition and culture and ensuring the survival and continuance of native breeds of bulls."



The ancient name of Jallikattu is 'Yeruthazhuvuthal,' which meant embracing the bull and later it came to be known as jallikattu.

It is generally accepted that the word 'jallikattu,' evolved from 'salli kasu kattu.'



While salli kasu meant coins, kattu was a reference to the pouch of coins -the prize money- tied to the horns of the bulls in olden times.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fans and critics alike fell in love with the Monterey Five.

But Nicole Kidman fears the talented cast may be too busy to come together for a third season any time soon.

During the TCA Winter Press Tour for her new project The Undoing on Wednesday, the 52-year-old shared her doubts Big Little Lies would be returning for season three.

'Hopefully we can collide again': On Wednesday, Big Little Lies star Nicole Kidman weighed in on the future of the Monterey Five and Big Little Lies

'I don't think we'd ever get Laura [Dern] back!' Nicole said, laughing.

She also pointed out that in addition to her own projects, Zoe Kravitz's schedule was equally jam-packed as she's currently in Australia filming the new Batman film.

The acting legend still holds out hope for a reunion in the future, however.

Heartfelt moments: The acting legend still holds out hope for a reunion in the future. Pictured with Alexander Skarsgard

Busy cast: 'I don't think we'd ever get Laura back!' the Australian acting legend said, laughing. Pictured left to right: Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Reece Witherspoon, Nicole, Zoe Kravitz and Shailene Woodley

'Everybody's working. Hopefully we can collide again at one point,' she added.

Nicole had been promoting her new HBO mini-series The Undoing, another collaboration with David E. Kelley, who she worked with on Big Little Lies.

The six-part series is based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's book You Should Have Known, which follows a marriage counselor whose seemingly perfect life disassembles in front of her.

Connection: Nicole had been promoting her new HBO mini-series The Undoing, another collaboration with David E. Kelley, who she worked with on Big Little Lies

Nicole was joined on-stage with her co-star Hugh Grant at the press event held in Pasadena.

For the panel, Nicole cut a retro figure in a pair of bubblegum pink ribbed trousers and a patterned blazer.

Underneath her jacket, she was styled a rust-coloured blouse, which was artfully left open to reveal an off-white turtleneck sweater.

The blonde bombshell let her hair frame her iconic features and added a bit of dazzle with drop earrings.
India on Thursday hit out at China for helping Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, saying Beijing should seriously reflect on the global consensus and refrain from such actions in the future.

Pakistan has repeatedly tried to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council with China's help, but it failed again to find any support. The latest attempt failed as other countries of the 15-member council felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

The overwhelming majority of the UNSC was of view that it was not the right forum for such issues, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a briefing when asked about the developments in the UNSC.

An attempt was made by Pakistan to misuse the UNSC, he said, adding that Islamabad has a choice to avoid such a global embarrassment in the future.

Pakistan's attempt to peddle baseless allegations and show an alarming scenario failed as it lacked credibility, he said.

On another question on whether Pakistan will be invited when India hosts the SCO heads of government meet this year, Kumar said all eight member countries and four observers will be invited.
A Spanish court has sentenced a former top banker to 18 months in jail for trying to smuggle a Picasso painting deemed a national treasure out of the country on a sailing yacht. The court also fined ex-Bankinter head Jaime Botin 52.4 million euros ($58.4 million), according to the Madrid court ruling issued on January 14 which was made public on Thursday. It awarded ownership of the work, "Head of a Young Girl", to the Spanish state. Botin, 83, is unlikely to go to prison as in Spain first offenders for non-violent crimes are usually spared jail time for sentences of less than two years. French customs seized the work, which is estimated to be worth 26 million euros, in July 2015 on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, halting what they said was an attempt by Botin to export it to Switzerland to sell it. His lawyers argued at the time that he was sending it for storage in a vault in Geneva but the court found him guilty of "smuggling cultural goods" for removing the painting "from national territory without a permit". Botin, whose family are one of the founders of the Santander banking group, had been trying since 2012 to obtain authorisation to export the painting. However Spain's culture ministry refused the request because there was "no similar work on Spanish territory" from the same period in Picasso's life. In 2015, a top Spanish court sided with the authorities and declared the work of art "unexportable" on the grounds that it was of "cultural interest". Picasso painted it during his pre-Cubist phase in Gosol, Catalonia, in 1906. It was bought by Botin in London in 1977. Botin's lawyers had argued that the work should not be subjected to an export ban since it was acquired in Britain and was on board a British-flagged vessel when it was seized. When customs officials boarded the yacht, its captain only presented two documents -- one of which was the court ruling ordering that the painting be kept in Spain. The painting is currently stored at the Reina Sofia modern art museum in Madrid, which houses Picasso's large anti-war masterpiece "Guernica". Botin tried to smuggle out the painting on this yacht Picasso painted it during his pre-Cubist phase
Liam Cosgrove talks to local Dr Syed Ali over a recent spate of break-ins at his home

A Longford GP has told of how three burglaries in the space of the past four months has left him and his family prisoners in their own home.

Dr Syed Ali spoke out after the most recent heist in the lead up to Christmas resulted in the theft of a substantial haul of personal jewellery.

The local doctor said the frequency and audacity of the raids, the most recent of which took place in broad daylight, has brought with it a deluge of upset and personal torment.

Its (last break-in) nearly four weeks ago, he said, in reference to the December 14 burglary.

I was out Christmas shopping in Dublin when it happened. My daughter was in town only for a couple of minutes and the alarm wasnt turned on because she was coming back in a minute.

Dr Ali said the thieves gained access to his home by prising open a small bathroom window during which almost every room in his house was ransacked.

But it was the loss of several items of personal jewellery belonging to his wife which has had the deepest and most profound lasting effect on the family.

It was my wifes jewellery and its the sentimental side of it, he said.

The house was in bits, every room was in bits. Even my attic was in bits.

Read also: Vandalism to Longford Medical Centre walls branded a 'disgrace'

The Pakistani born medic also expressed his extreme frustration at the apparent lack of progress which has been made in relation to capturing those responsible.

In a further revelation, Dr Ali said he was also considering writing to both Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan in an effort to fast-track the investigation.

This is the third time I have been burgled in four months, he added.

The first time my alarm went on and I was in Saudi Arabia for my pilgrimage and the alarm was on for a couple of hours and the alarm people never informed me or the guards. My neighbour actually had to contact me in Saudi Arabia.

He also refused to rule out whether a link could be made to a graffiti attack on his surgery almost 12 months ago, but was left in no uncertain terms as to the connection between the events of the past four months.

Its very difficult to say (over possible link to graffiti attack) but it was my worry which I said at the time, he said.

A resident of Co Longford for the past two decades, Dr Ali said the recent spate of break-ins at his home had also shaken his confidence in the justice system.

Never has anything happened like this in my life before, he said.

My wife is extremely bad and has become very nervous and depressed.

She is terrified all the time and is a very brave lady and now she cannot stay in her home on her own in the evening time.

Its also the reason that I have to bring my daughter from Dublin to work with me and stay with her mother. We are terrified in our own home and we have become prisoners. The prisoners are running around outside and we are the people who are innocent. We are the ones who has served this country and we are becoming the prisoners while the criminals are laughing and yet nothing has been done.

Read also: Longford's defiant Dr Ali hits out at vandals: These people will not win


The year 2020 kick-started with the best of mens fashion shows in Milan, London and New York. And as compared to previous years, where one would only notice one or two Indian male faces scorching the international runway, this year, the number has risen to eight. Indian models  Rishi Robin, Ravi Goswami, Pratik Shetty, Farhan Alam, Pranav Bhargav, Tuhir Brahmbhatt and Prabh Uppal shone on global ramp, walking for major brands like Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Neil Barrett and Alexander McQueen, to name a few. They rendered a fresh perspective, proving modelling to be a serious profession by males, too.

Modelling agencies in India are now pushing their male models for international ramps and getting them signed up with international agencies. People are taking modelling seriously with global casting directors looking for authenticity. This year, we had eight Indian male models walk for major brands. Earlier it used to be barely two or three,says Ninja Singh from Ninjas Modelling Agency, whose 18-year-old model Neeraj Saini became the youngest Indian male model to have walked for Dolce & Gabbana show at Milan Fashion Week this year. Hell also walk for Louis Vuitton at the ongoing Paris Fashion Week.

Weve had many Indian home-grown female models on the international circuit. And earlier,when we would fly out to Paris, London or New York for meetings we would ask about Indian male models, too. But the answer would be no. I guess the right time, the right place, and the constant push for diversity has opened the doors for our boys. Were very happy about it, says Gunita Stobe, director of Anima Creative Management, a Mumbai-based modelling agency that promotes Indian models abroad.

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The leader of Yemen's southern separatists has warned against the looming collapse of a power-sharing deal, saying the region is menaced by the twin threats of economic catastrophe and Islamist attacks. The agreement to resolve a battle for control in the south, which was signed in Riyadh last November, was hailed as a step towards ending the wider conflict in Yemen that pits the government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels. However, analysts have said it is effectively defunct, having failed to meet deadlines for key measures including the formation of a new cabinet with equal representation for southerners, and the reorganisation of military forces. In an interview with AFP, Aidarous Al-Zoubeidi, who heads the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC), said he was committed to the deal "under the leadership of Saudi Arabia" which leads a military coalition against the Huthis. Zoubeidi said the agreement, which observers had welcomed as preventing the complete break-up of Yemen, united the south against the Huthis and recognised the STC as a legitimate party. "We consider the Riyadh Agreement an important political step, because we gained regional and international recognition," he said as he sat behind his desk in the main southern city of Aden in front of the flag of the formerly independent south. - 'People are suffering' - In August, deadly clashes broke out between the government and STC forces who seized control of Aden, ousting unionist forces who had set up base there when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled the Huthi-held capital Sanaa in February 2015. While the government and the STC are technically allies in the long war against the Huthis, the secessionists believe the south should be an independent state -- as it was before unification in 1990. However, Zoubeidi said they were willing to set aside that goal as the allies focused on the fight against the Huthi rebels, which had threatened to be derailed by the power struggle in the south. "We do not aspire during this phase for independence, we aspire for partnership... and the right to choose our own fate through democracy," he said. The troubled rollout of the deal comes against amid what Zoubeidi said was a dire situation in the south of Yemen -- a country which the grinding conflict has pushed to the brink of famine. "There is a shortage of food products, the warehouses are empty in the south and there are only reserves to cover the needs of the people for the next 10 days," he said. "People are also suffering from not getting their salaries," he said, referring to a chronic lack of funds to pay public sector employees. Zoubeidi said that Yemen's currency was sharply depreciating, and that it was possible that in the next few months the rial would be abandoned in favour of the Saudi or US currencies "because it will have no value". - Threats loom - Zoubeidi said that "many threats" loom large over the Riyadh Agreement, but the most critical was intensified activity by militant groups including the Muslim Brotherhood, which he said was working "under the cover" of the government. The tussle for control of the south, dubbed a "civil war within a civil war", exposed divisions between the coalition partners -- Saudi Arabia which backs the government, and the United Arab Emirates which has backed and funded the STC. The UAE, like the STC, has a zero tolerance policy towards the Muslim Brotherhood and Yemen's Brotherhood-influenced Al-Islah party which has representatives in Hadi's government. "These terrorist organisations threaten the Riyadh Agreement because they are terrorist organisations that will conduct terrorist activities that may lead to the failure of the deal," Zoubeidi said. The Riyadh Agreement set a timetable for the government's return to Aden, the appointment of a new head of security and a governor of the city, and the formation of a new 24-member cabinet with equal representation for southerners. Yemen's Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik returned to the city in December but the two sides have failed to meet the other deadlines. Around 3.3 million people have been displaced by the Yemeni conflict and some 20 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- need help to survive what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The leader of Yemen's southern separatists, Aidarous al-Zoubeidi, routinely speaks in front of the flag of the formerly independent south but says for now he is ready to hold off on independence for the sake of partnership and democracy Fighters of the separatist-dominated Security Belt Forces continue to stand guard outside public buildings in Yemen's main southern city Aden as a two-month-old power-sharing deal with unionist forces remains a dead letter Members of Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council say they remain committed to the Riyadh Agreement because it gave them international recognition
A Co Armagh man killed in a two-vehicle collision has been described as one of lifes genuine salt-of-the-earth individuals.

Edwin Kennedy - who was known as Eddie - died following the crash between a car and a lorry on the Monaghan Road on Wednesday morning.

The married man, who is aged in his early 60s, lived close to Armagh City and drove an oil lorry for a living. He was on his way to his place of work in his car when the collision took place around 7.15am.

The PSNI had previously issued a statement which said the road victim had been fatally injured at the scene.

Newry and Armagh MLA, William Irwin told the Belfast Telegraph he had known Mr Kennedy for around 25 years.

He was always one of this worlds salt of the earth people. At one time he drove a lorry for Fane Valley and he lifted milk from my farm, and I got to know him from that, he explained.

We had known each other for around 25 years. His wife, Hilary is devastated. My thoughts at this very difficult time are with his wife and entire family.

Describing Mr Kennedy as a gentleman, the DUP member said news of the Armagh mans death had sent shockwaves through the community.

It has shocked everyone. He drove a oil lorry and would have been very well known. Eddie was a very quiet, genuine person, added Mr Irwin.

He was a very conscientious and considered person. A lot of people in the farming community would have known him. Its very, very sad.

A death notice described Mr Kennedy as the dearly loved husband of Hilary, and dear brother of Sylvia, Barbara and William.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be released.

Meanwhile, a PSNI investigation into the collision is ongoing, with officers appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage available to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 187 15/01/20.
It's bad enough when police officers try to claim the skull symbol of the Punisher from Marvel Comics as their own. Gerry Conway, creator of the character, has spoken out about the absurdity:

It's disturbing whenever I see authority figures embracing Punisher iconography because the Punisher represents a failure of the Justice system. He's supposed to indict the collapse of social moral authority and the reality some people can't depend on institutions like the police or the military to act in a just and capable way. [] Whether you think the Punisher is justified or not, whether you admire his code of ethics, he is an outlaw. He is a criminal. Police should not be embracing a criminal as their symbol.

The Marvel corporation has also gone after weapons manufacturers and others who use their unlicensed IP in their designs. Even the Punisher himself has addressed it in the context of a comic book:

I'll only say this once: We're not the same. You took an oath to uphold the law. You help people. I gave that up a long time ago. You don't do what I do. Nobody does. You boys need a role model? His name is Captain America and he'd be happy to have you.

(This is also a reminder to read Nate Powell's brilliant comic essay on the fashion of fascism, if you haven't already)

But now the Punisher appropriation has taken a step further, with militia groups handing out flyers at QAnon rallies emblazoned with that familiar skull:

A souvenir from yesterday's Tampa QAnon rally: A flyer encouraging QAnon followers to "consider forming your own mutual assistance group with like minded friends. Or check out existing Patriot groups such as Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, Sons of Liberty, and State Militias." pic.twitter.com/8k5ynpK1ZS  Travis View (@travis_view) January 12, 2020

This use of the Punisher logo makes at least some sense, as it more encouraging of vigilantism through violent extremist fringe groups. I suppose, if we're being technical, the QAnon-inspired murder of the Gambino crime boss is very much something the Punisher would do. Except the Punisher has the benefit of (a) being a fictional character, and (b) living in a world inhabited by super-beings and narratively satisfying crime syndicates, which negates the need for him to invent elaborate conspiracy theories about pedophile pizza shops to justify his madness.

That being said: this Punisher-avatar'd QAnon tweet is pretty incredible.

I go back and forth between unfollowing QAnon accounts but sometimes their brain genius is truly awesome to behold pic.twitter.com/w1SS8MlS1v  Luke Barnes (@LukeBarnes_92) January 14, 2020

Image via Mike Mozart / Flickr
When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. To wit, the Valero Energy share price has climbed 96% in five years, easily topping the market return of 56% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 22% in the last year , including dividends .

Check out our latest analysis for Valero Energy

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

Valero Energy's earnings per share are down 5.1% per year, despite strong share price performance over five years.

Essentially, it doesn't seem likely that investors are focused on EPS. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics.

The revenue reduction of 0.9% per year is not a positive. It certainly surprises us that the share price is up, but perhaps a closer examination of the data will yield answers.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

NYSE:VLO Income Statement, January 16th 2020

Valero Energy is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think Valero Energy will earn in the future (free analyst consensus estimates)

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Valero Energy, it has a TSR of 135% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Valero Energy provided a TSR of 22% over the last twelve months. But that return falls short of the market. The silver lining is that the gain was actually better than the average annual return of 19% per year over five year. This could indicate that the company is winning over new investors, as it pursues its strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Valero Energy better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Valero Energy , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
A new month means new TV shows and films  February has a lot to offer Netflix fans.

Seeing as many fans of the streaming giant have already binged-watch majority of the shows January had to offer, it is time to take a look at the new things set to arrive next month.

Netflix has got us covered on the entertainment front with the sequel to To All The Boys I Loved Before, Cable Girls and Narcos: Mexico.

With the return of period dramas and thriller series, it seems there's truly something for everyone.

Clueless

Netflix Release Date: February 1

Everyone's favourite Austen-inspired high school comedy will be making its way onto Netflix. You've already seen it 1,045 times, so what's the harm in giving it another spin? 

My Neighbour Totoro

My Neighbour Totoro / Studio Ghibli

Netflix Release Date: February 1

The streaming service has now acquired the entire back catalogue of iconic Japanese production studio Studio Ghibli. The first animated classic to land on Netflix will be My Neighbour Totoro- and by April 1, all 21 films will be available to watch.

Rango

Netflix Release Date: February 1

Lady Bird

A24

Netflix Release Date: February 2

Greta Gerwig's directorial debut will be available to stream on Netflix for the first time. The coming of age story starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges and Timothee Chalamet is unmissable - and endlessly quotable - viewing.

Locke and Key

Netflix Release Date: February 7

This new series is based on the critically acclaimed graphic novels by Joe Hill (the son of Stephen King), taking place in a mysterious house where unlocking doors grants magical abilities

It tells the story of three siblings who move homes after a brutal murder of their father.

Trainwreck

Imperfect couple: Amy Schumer and Bill Hader

Netflix Release Date: February 7

Amy Schumer's 2015 film sees the comedian star as a journalist who - minor spoiler alert - starts falling for the sports doctor she is writing a profile on.

To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You

Netflix Release Date: February 12

The second instalment to the immensely popular 2018 teen rom-com starring Noah Centineo and Lana Condor is finally dropping in February.

Fans have been begging for a sequel after the adaptation of the novel its based became a favourite.

Narcos: Mexico: Season 2

Netflix Release Date: February 13

Narcos is a drama series that follows some of the worlds biggest drug lords and their quest to own it all.

This time the drama follows real-life 'narco' Felix Gallardo.

Better Call Saul: Season 5

Netflix Release Date: February 24

The fifth and final season will be released weekly on Netflix starting at the end of February.

The Breaking Bad spin-off will begin its weekly release schedule, ending the story of televisions resident seedy lawyer Saul Goodman

Cable Girls: Season 5  Part 1

Netflix Release Date: February 14

Cable Girls on Netflix / Netflix

Now the longest-running foreign series created by Netflix themselves, the final season of Cable Girls will wrap up the story of the telephone operators.

The final season will ultimately end with a second part due out in late 2020.

Altered Carbon

Netflix

Netflix Release Date: February 27

The sci-fi series, which takes place in a hi-tech dystopia hundreds of years in the future, returns to Netflix at the end of the month.

Queen Sono

Netflix Release Date: February 28

February 2020 will mark another landmark when Queen Sono becomes the first Netflix Original series from Africa.

A highly trained South African spy must face changing relationships in her personal life while taking on her most dangerous mission yet.
A Republican lawmaker is facing calls for a sexual harassment investigation after he told a young female reporter that a group of high school boys could have a lot of fun with her.

Peter Lucido, a Michigan state senator, has been accused of making inappropriate comments to local reporter Allison Donahue during a tour of the state Capitol.

Ms Donahue said the senator told her he would speak with her after addressing a group of about 30 boys who were visiting from De La Salle Collegiate, a nearby all-boys Catholic school.

Youve heard of De La Salle, right? Mr Lucido asked the reporter, who said that she had not.

Its an all-boys school. You should hang around. You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you, he replied, according to the Michigan Advance.

Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Show all 13 1 /13 Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Everyone Trump has fired or forced out John Bolton Trump claimed to have fired Bolton, his national security adviser, while Bolton claimed he offered to resign. An anonymous White House source that Bolton's departure came as a result of the national security adviser working too independently of the president AFP/Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Anthony Scaramucci Scaramucci lasted only six days in his role as Trump's communications director before being fired by John Kelly, the incoming chief of staff Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Rick Perry Rick Perry announced his resignation just as he became embroiled in the president's impeachment scandal. The White House said Mr Perry was asked by Donald Trump to work with Rudy GIuliani in regards to Ukraine. AP Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Rex Tillerson Tillerson, Trump's first secretary of state, was fired after a series of clashes with the president over policy Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out James Mattis Mattis served as secretary of defense from the beginning of Trump's administration until retiring on 1 January 2019. However, the president later claimed that he had "essentially fired" Mattis Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out James Comey Comey was fired as director of the FBI early in Trump's presidency after serving in the role for four years prior. His dismissal is widely thought to have been related to the Russia investigation Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Reince Priebus Priebus, Trump's first chief of staff, was forced out after six tumultuous months AFP/Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out David Shulkin Veterans affairs secretary Shulkin claims that he was fired, the White House claims that he resigned Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out John Kelly Kelly, Trump's second chief of staff, was forced out after 17 months in office. His departure was a confused affair though it is clear that Trump wanted Kelly out AFP/Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Michael Flynn Flynn lasted 24 days as Trump's national security adviser before being fired for lying to the FBI Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Lee Cisna Cisna served as director of citizen and immigration services between October 2017 and June 2019 before being asked to resign amid a major personnel change in the department of homeland security Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Madeline Westerhout Westerhout served as Trump's personal assistant after leaking private information about his family AFP/Getty Everyone Trump has fired or forced out Mira Ricardel Ricardel was forced out of her role as Deputy National Security Advisor after first lady Melania Trump publicly called for her to be fired

Ms Donahue has said she found the comments belittling and she was left feeling objectified and humiliated by the encounter.

The lawmaker told the Detroit Free Press his comments had been misinterpreted and insisted he was not talking about anything sexual.

Nevertheless, he later apologised for the incident on social media.

Recommended Female managers face more sexual harassment than women in other roles

I apologise for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue, Mr Lucido said.

Mike Shirkey, the Republican state senate majority leader, has condemned Mr Lucidos remarks as unacceptable and issued a joint letter with Jim Ananich, the Democratic minority leader, calling for a sexual harassment investigation into the case.

Sexual harassment has no place in the Michigan Senate. We take these allegations very seriously and trust that you will take appropriate action to resolve this matter, Mr Shirkey and Mr Ananich wrote in a joint letter to the state's Senate Business Office.

Officials from De La Salle Collegiate  a school Mr Lucido said he attended in his youth  have distanced themselves from the state senator and his comments.

Senator Lucidos comments do not represent De La Salle nor the values and conduct we instil in our young men, the school said in a statement.

We are very sorry the reporter was put in this position and we have met with the boys who were on the tour to discuss the improper nature of this situation.

Winnie Brinks, a Democratic Michigan state senator, also condemned Mr Lucidos apology over the incident.

This is disconcerting coming from the chair of the committee in which most bills regarding violence against women are heard, Ms Brinks said.

His apology shows he just doesnt get it, or maybe he just doesnt care to.
Dublin, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Commercial Aircraft Market - Annual Review - 2020 - Key Trends, Issues & Challenges, Growth Opportunities, Force Field Analysis, Market Outlook" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Commercial Aircraft Market is seemingly mired in a transient state of flux with the ongoing global trade war impacting air traffic & cargo movement growth severely while continued grounding of Boeing's narrow body workhorse 737MAX has been weighing heavy on the airlines & operators.

Airbus registered an 8% year on year increase in deliveries for the year 2019 to reach the pole position once again after 8 years with the French giant achieving a frantic production pace to deliver 863 aircrafts in 2019. Boeing, plagued by the 737MAX crisis, delivered around 345 aircrafts, primarily, from its wide body aircraft portfolio.



Airbus has further consolidated its grip on the middle of the market segment with its latest game changer, the A321XLR, while Boeing is still contemplating and at the decision making stage with reference to its proposed NMA program. Boeing, thus, is now battling on all fronts simultaneously, including, regulators, airlines, customers, suppliers and arch rival Airbus in difficult battlefield conditions with a new leader at the helm. The year 2020, thus, will be crucial for Boeing going forward as it tries to play catch up to recover its market position while Airbus will look to further consolidate its gains.



The ongoing trade war situations, wave of protectionism and macroeconomic slowdown as well as environmental uncertainty have been impacting the air traffic & cargo growth with airline profits projected to decline by almost 5% year on year for 2019 following a second downward revisionary forecast with a recovery in 2020 highly contingent on developments on the global trade scenario.

Additionally, the tightening of regulatory mandates, with the latest European environmental taxes and the upcoming CORSIA emissions reduction & offsetting scheme, are likely to put further pressure on airlines profitability along with an excess capacity situation likely to result from the return of MAX fleet in 2020. Additionally, a surge in crude oil prices emanating from the political volatility in the Middle East is likely to further exacerbate the situation and put even more pressure on airlines profitability.



Against this backdrop, the report analyzes and provides insights into key industry, market & technology trends likely to shape the future of the global commercial aircraft market over near to medium term followed by outlining emerging, potential growth opportunities.



Report Excerpts & Key Themes of Analysis



1. Analysis of Airbus' market positioning across segments and product portfolio as well as growth strategy led by the A320neo, A321XLR and the A350XWB as the flagship aircraft programs

2. Analysis of Boeing's market positioning post 737MAX fiasco, implications for future, near term priorities and likely strategy going forward

3. Emerging market scenario post the acquisition of Bombardier's & Embraer's regional aircraft business by Airbus & Boeing - Analysis of emerging equations, dynamics, relative gains & advantages for the OEMs

4. Insights into airliners growing preference for operating latest, long range narrow bodies on thin long haul routes based on operating economics & its consequential demand impact on order intake for traditional small to medium wide body aircrafts and likely opening & addition of new international point to point city routes internationally

5. Airbus gaining significant ground in the U.S. market with the A321XLR & A220 programs with multiple carriers looking at diversification of fleet across aircraft makers to reduce risks and to open additional point to point transatlantic routes with the A321XLR

6. Analysis of emerging global macroeconomic environment & trade scenario over near term & likely impact on passenger as well as cargo traffic

7. Insights into Airlines profitability scenario over near term and implications for the market

8. Airlines in consolidation mode, especially in Europe, while Boeing 737 MAX suppliers brace for impact amid production halt

9. Tightening global regulatory norms pertaining to CO2 emissions from Aviation and analysis of upcoming Carbon offset & mitigation schemes, including, CORSIA

10. Analysis of emerging Urban Aerial Mobility market as a key growth opportunity over medium term - Analysis of plans by key industry players pertaining to UAM

11. Evolution of the Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) Airlines Model in the U.S. Market and its Implications

12. Development of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Technologies by the Engine Manufacturers & the Road Ahead



Key Topics Covered



Section 1: Global Commercial Aircraft Market - Introduction & Market Overview



Section 2: Market Segmentation

Global Commercial Aircraft Market Key Segments

Global Commercial Aircraft Market by Segments

Global Commercial Aircraft Fleet Size

Section 3: Commercial Aviation Dynamics & Key Drivers



Section 4: Industry Trends



Section 5: Market Trends



Section 6: Technology Trends



Section 7: Key Issues, Challenges & Risk Factors



Section 8: Global Commercial Aircraft Market - Force Field Analysis Analysis of Driving & Restraining Forces and their Overall Dynamics

Driving Forces

Restraining Forces

Section 9: Global Commercial Aircraft Market Outlook for 2020



Section 10: Strategic Market Outlook & Demand Projections Global Commercial Aircraft Market through 2038

Analysis of Emerging Market Scenario for Commercial Aviation Sector

Global Demand Outlook Commercial Aircrafts 2019-2038

Demand Growth Projections for Commercial Jets through 2038 Narrowbody Widebody Regional Jets

Demand Growth Forecasts for Geographic Regions

Companies Mentioned



Boeing

Airbus

Bombardier

Embraer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/grkul2

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Second Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Democratic Donor Ed Buck

Attorneys for the family and estate of Timothy Dean, a 55-year-old fashion consultant, who died of a crystal meth overdose in California Democratic major donor Ed Bucks West Hollywood home on January 7, 2019, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in L.A. Superior Court. Filed with the court on January 7, 2020, just one year after Deans death, this is the second wrongful death lawsuit filed against Ed Buck involving crystal meth overdose deaths at his home. The lawsuit is seeking damages against Ed Buck for wrongful death, sexual battery, drug dealer liability, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and hate violence.

The civil lawsuits seek to remedy the actual racial and sexual injustice that Ed Buck perpetrated, explained attorney Hussain Turk, who also represents the Moore family in their lawsuit against Buck. The wrongful death lawsuits fill in the substantial gaps created by the inadequate federal and state criminal complaints, neither of which directly addresses Ed Bucks racism or his alleged intentional killings of Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean. The civil lawsuits are important because they seek to hold Ed Buck specifically accountable for engaging in racially- and sexually-motivated hate violence against Black gay men. These cases are not just about furnishing drugs that resulted in deaths and grievous bodily injuriesthese cases are colored by the racial identities and social positions of the victims and the perpetrator. Ed Buck didnt just hand out drugs that resulted in the deaths of Mr. Moore and Mr. DeanEd Buck deliberately and exclusively used drugs to commit disgusting acts of race-based sexual violence against a specific demographic.

These lawsuits will not bring back Gemmel Moore or Timothy Dean, added Jasmyne Cannick who has led the fight against Ed Buck since 2017. What they are is a small way for the families to achieve justice. They also send a message to the other Ed Bucks in Los Angeles that they too can wind up just like Buck.

On September 19, 2019, Buck was charged with two counts of the distribution of methamphetamine resulting in death. The criminal complaint also confirmed the disturbing pattern activists called law enforcements attention to where Mr. Buck exchanged drugs and money for sexual favors. They have cited at least 11 victims in the last two years, including one who said he left Mr. Bucks apartment after overdosing and called 911.

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Speaking at a vigil held for Dean on Jan. 7 in West Hollywood, Mark Chambers, a close friend of his reflected, Tim is very dramatic, very loving, very caring. No ones perfect, and he didnt try to be. He was just Tim. To have him taken away in such a public way  this is something that we will live with forever. There are media people out there who will go after what Tim did instead of who Tim was This man was loved.

Gemmel Moore was found dead of a crystal meth overdose in Ed Bucks West Hollywood home on July 27, 2017. Moores death was immediately classified as an accidental methamphetamine overdose by the coroner. On July 26, 2018, the District Attorneys office, under the leadership of Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey assisted by Assistant Head Deputy District Attorney Craig Hum, declined to file charges against Ed Buck in connection with Gemmel Moores death, citing insufficient evidence. Dean died almost six months later in Bucks apartment.

Bucks trial on his federal charges is set to start Aug. 4. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey has still not filed any criminal charges against Buck in the deaths of Moore or Dean.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

16 January 2020

RECOMMENDED CASH ACQUISITION

of

CHARLES TAYLOR PLC ("CHARLES TAYLOR")

by

JEWEL BIDCO LIMITED ("LMP BIDCO")

a company formed on behalf of funds advised by Lovell Minnick Partners LLC and its affiliates ("Lovell Minnick") to be effected by means of a Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006

COURT SANCTION OF SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT

On 19 September 2019, the boards of Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco announced that they had reached agreement on terms of a recommended all cash acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Charles Taylor by LMP Bidco (the "Acquisition") at a price of 315 pence in cash for each Charles Taylor Share, to be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act (the "Scheme"). The scheme document in relation to the Acquisition was posted to Charles Taylor Shareholders on 16 October 2019 (the "Scheme Document").

On 8 November 2019, the boards of Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco announced that they had agreed an increased offer price of 345 pence in cash for each Charles Taylor Share (the "Increased Offer"). A supplementary scheme document in relation to the Increased Offer (the "Supplementary Scheme Document") was posted to Charles Taylor Shareholders on 13 November 2019.

Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco are pleased to announce that the High Court of Justice in England and Wales has today sanctioned the Scheme pursuant to which the Acquisition is being implemented.

It is anticipated that the Effective Date will be 21 January 2020, which is when the Court Order is expected to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

Applications have been made for the de-listing of Charles Taylor Shares from the premium listing segment of the Official List of the FCA and the cancellation of admission to trading of Charles Taylor Shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities and will, subject to the Scheme becoming effective, take effect by 8.00 a.m. (London time) on 22 January 2020.

The last day of dealings in, and for the registration and transfer of, Charles Taylor Shares will be 17 January 2020 and the listing of Charles Taylor Shares on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the FCA and trading in Charles Taylor Shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities will each be suspended with effect from 7.30 a.m. (London time) on 20 January 2020.

Further announcements will be made when the Scheme has become effective and when the admission to listing and admission to trading of Charles Taylor Shares have each been cancelled.

The expected timetable of principal events for the implementation of the Acquisition remains as set out in the announcement by Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco made in relation to the satisfaction of certain Conditions to the Acquisition on 10 January 2020. If any of the times and/or dates in the expected timetable change, the revised times and/or dates will be notified to Charles Taylor Shareholders by announcement through a Regulatory Information Service and on its website (http://www.ctplc.com/investors/).

Full details of the Acquisition are set out in the Scheme Document and Supplementary Scheme Document. Capitalised terms in this announcement (the "Announcement"), unless otherwise defined, have the same meanings as set out in the Scheme Document.

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this Announcement will be available on the website of Charles Taylor at http://www.ctplc.com/investors/ and on Lovell Minnick's website at www.lmpartners.com/charles-taylor-documents by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following this Announcement.

Enquiries: Charles Taylor plc +44 (0) 20 3320 8888 David Marock, Group CEO Richard Yerbury, Group Corporate Development and Operations Director Rothschild & Co +44 (0) 20 7280 5000 (Financial adviser to Charles Taylor) Christopher Kaladeen Anika Sood Peter Brierley Alice Squires Liberum +44 (0) 20 3100 2222 (Corporate broker to Charles Taylor) Richard Crawley

Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco +1 610 995 9660 Jason Barg Spencer Hoffman RBC Capital Markets +44 (0) 20 7653 4000 (Financial adviser to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco) Martin Frowde Philip Creed Media Enquires: Newgate Communications +44 (0) 20 3757 6880 (Financial PR adviser to Charles Taylor) Elisabeth Cowell Ian Silvera Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4989 (Financial PR adviser to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco) Hazel Stevenson Jane Glover

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is providing legal advice to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco. Davis Polk & Wardwell London LLP is providing legal advice to Charles Taylor.

Important notices

Rothschild & Co, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Charles Taylor and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Charles Taylor for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

Liberum, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Charles Taylor and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Charles Taylor for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

RBC Capital Markets is the trading name for RBC Europe Limited, which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA and is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Capital Markets is actingexclusively for Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

Further information

This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any purchase, sale, issuance or exchange of securities or such solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale, issuance or exchange would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the laws of such jurisdiction. The Acquisition will be made solely by means of the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document.

This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with English law and the Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.

Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco urge Charles Taylor Shareholders to read the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document because they contain important information relating to the Acquisition.

Each Charles Taylor Shareholder is advised to consult its independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences to it (or to its beneficial owners) of the Acquisition.

Overseas Shareholders

The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom or who are subject to the laws of other jurisdictions should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable requirements. Further details in relation to the Overseas Shareholders are contained in the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person.

The Acquisition relates to shares of a UK company and is proposed to be effected by means of a scheme of arrangement under the laws of England and Wales.Neither the US proxy solicitation rules nor the tender offer rules under the US Exchange Act apply to the Acquisition.Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements, rules and practices applicable in the United Kingdom to schemes of arrangement, which differ from the requirements of US proxy solicitation or tender offer rules. However, if LMP Bidco were to elect to implement the Acquisition by means of a Takeover Offer, such Takeover Offer would be made in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including Section 14(e) of the US Exchange Act and Regulation 14E thereunder. Such a takeover would be made in the United States by LMP Bidco and no one else. In addition to any such Takeover Offer, LMP Bidco, certain affiliated companies and the nominees or brokers (acting as agents) may make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, shares in Charles Taylor outside such Takeover Offer during the period in which such Takeover Offer would remain open for acceptance. If such purchases or arrangements to purchase were to be made, they would be made outside the United States and would comply with applicable law, including the US Exchange Act.

None of the securities referred to in this Announcement have been approved or disapproved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission in the United States or any other US regulatory authority, nor have such authorities passed upon or determined the adequacy or accuracy of the information contained in this Announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

Charles Taylor's financial statements, and all financial information that is included in this Announcement, or that is included in the Scheme Document or the Supplementary Scheme Document, have been prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards, which differ in certain respects from US generally acceptable accounting principles, and may not be comparable to financial statements of companies in the United States or other companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles.

Unless otherwise determined by LMP Bidco or required by the Code and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the Acquisition will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in, into or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction. Accordingly, copies of this Announcement and all documents relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction, and persons receiving this Announcement and all documents relating to the Acquisition (including custodians, nominees and trustees) must observe these restrictions and must not mail or otherwise distribute or send them in, into or from such jurisdictions where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction.

The availability of the Acquisition to Charles Taylor Shareholders who are not resident in the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are resident. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable requirements.

The Acquisition is subject to the applicable requirements of the Code, the Panel, the London Stock Exchange and the FCA.

Forward looking statements

This Announcement, the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document, contain statements about Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and the Charles Taylor Group that are or may be forward looking statements. These statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and Charles Taylor (as the case may be) and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. All statements, including the expected timing and scope of the Acquisition, other than statements of historical facts included in this Announcement, the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document may be forward looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets", "plans", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "might", "should", "would", "could", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "strategy" or words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements may include statements relating to the following: (i) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of LMP Bidco's or the Charles Taylor Group's operations and potential synergies resulting from the Acquisition; and (iii) the effects of government regulation on LMP Bidco's or the Charles Taylor Group's business.

Such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in political and economic conditions, changes in the level of capital investment, retention of key employees, changes in customer habits, success of business and operating initiatives and restructuring objectives, impact of any acquisitions or similar transactions, changes in customers' strategies and stability, competitive product and pricing measures, changes in the regulatory environment, fluctuations or interest and exchange rates, the outcome of any litigation. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements, (which speak only as of the date hereof) and none of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco nor any member of the Charles Taylor Group (nor any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employees or advisers) provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied by the forward looking statements will actually occur. Further, each of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and each member of the Charles Taylor Group disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking or other statements contained herein or in the Scheme Document or Supplementary Scheme Document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

All subsequent oral or written forward looking statements attributable to any member of the Charles Taylor Group or Lovell Minnick or LMP Bidco, or any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employees or advisers, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above.

No profit forecasts or profit estimates

No statement in this Announcement is intended as a profit forecast or profit estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share for Charles Taylor for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share for Charles Taylor.

Dealing and Opening Position Disclosure Requirements of the Code

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified.

An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Code.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4 of the Code).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Panel's website atwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the Offer Period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

In accordance with the Code, normal United Kingdom market practice and Rule 14e-5(b) of the US Exchange Act, RBC and its affiliates will continue to act as exempt principal trader in Charles Taylor securities on the London Stock Exchange. These purchases and activities by exempt principal traders which are required to be made public in the United Kingdom pursuant to the Code will be reported to a Regulatory Information Service and will be available on the London Stock Exchange website atwww.londonstockexchange.com. This information will also be publicly disclosed in the United States to the extent that such information is made public in the United Kingdom.

Publication on website and hard copies

This Announcement will be available free of charge, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on Charles Taylor's website athttp://www.ctplc.com/investors/and on LMP Bidco's website atwww.lmpartners.com/charles-taylor-documentsby no later than 12.00 p.m. on the Business Day following this Announcement.

Neither the content of any website referred to in this Announcement nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks is incorporated into, or forms part of, this Announcement.

Charles Taylor Shareholders may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting Computershare Investor Services PLC ("Computershare") on +44 (0) 370 889 4020. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. The helpline is open between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Please note that Computershare cannot provide any financial, legal or tax advice and calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes. Charles Taylor Shareholders may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to them in relation to the Acquisition should be in hard copy form. If a Charles Taylor Shareholder has received this Announcement in electronic form, hard copies of this Announcement and any document or information incorporated by reference into this Announcement will not be provided unless such a request is made.
Our Alitalia flight left Romes Fiumicino airport shortly before 11 a.m., a few minutes late for New Yorks JFK.

It was a full flight and it seemed like it took forever for the passengers to board. My wife Paula and I had seats in the middle of the plane. I wasnt in a very good mood. My wife was complaining about the cramped seats. Before boarding, we had a dispute with the airline about paying to check our luggage. A few minutes before takeoff, the young couple in front of us slammed their seats into our knees. Nine hours of this, I thought.

It was a routine journey for about seven of those nine hours until we flew over the Canadian Maritime provinces. I remember reading clearly, St. John, New Brunswick on the TV monitor, which tells passengers where they are in the flight.

It was then that we hit the worst turbulence I have ever experienced. The plane suddenly jolted and bounced. It seemed to swerve, as if it were out of control. I could hear the groans and muffled cries of other passengers. I bent over and began to do breathing exercises to relax.

Suddenly the voice of the pilot came on over the planes loudspeaker. In Italian and English, he told us that we had flown into a severe storm and that all passengers and crew were to be seated and fasten their seatbelts. His voice was infused with deep concern. I gripped the arms of the seat. The plane jostled and bounced.

Oh, God, I thought, Is this plane going down? Even my wife, who normally sleeps through turbulence, woke up and said, Whats happening? The plane was tossed around. This is really scary, my wife said.

I held on even tighter and I prayed. The severe turbulence continued for another half-hour. And then, somewhere near Boston, the turbulence faded.

I thought about my years as a flier and how routine so many of them, most of them, had been.

For years starting from the time I was discharged from the U.S. Army in December of 1966, I had refused to fly. Stationed in Korea through 1965 and 1966 as a U.S. Army medic, I came back from Korea to Fort Lewis, Wash., and then took a train home to Connecticut, a three-day trip. I had no choice but to fly back and it was white knuckle all the way. In those days you could smoke on a flight. I finished a pack on the nine-hour flight.

I remember being stationed at Oakland Army terminal in California in September of 1965, prior to going to Korea and actually going AWOL, rather than go by plane. There are no more boats going to Korea, my company commander told me. Youll have to take a plane.

The AWOL cost me a fine of $120 fine. I ended up going by plane.

The fear actually started in April of 1962 when I took a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. In 1983, fed up with fear and the fact that my wife and I couldnt take a vacation, I took a Fear of Flying course with Dr. Albert Forgione at Bostons Logan airport. At the time I was living in Rhode Island and the one hour trip to Logan was an easy once-a-week trip for two months.

Our graduation flight was in early May of 1983. About 15 fearful flyers were in the course and they had gathered at Logan airport for the Delta flight to Portland, Maine. I had purchased the round-trip ticket for the 23 minute flight.

As I drove to the airport on what I remembered as a beautiful morning, I started to feel fear. Dr. Forgione had taught us breathing exercises and muscle relaxation methods to help us stay calm in flight. Now I began to wonder if they would actually work.

When I got to the airport, I told Dr. Forgione of my fears, He suggested that I wait at the airport and let the others take the flight. When they return you can interview them, he suggested. I thought about that for a few seconds, and decided against it. No Im going, I replied. I did not want to carry this fear around anymore; The years of fear would end now.

I took the flight that day. Two weeks later, I took another flight from Hartford to Providence. After that, I began to fly regularly. In September and October of 1983 my wife, my daughter, Noelle, and I took a two and a half week trip to Europe. Was I afraid? Yes. But not enough to not get on the planes. The breathing exercises helped.

Since then Ive e flow to many countries. In March of 2016 I took the longest flight: New York to Los Angeles and then on to Sydney, Australia. Ive flown to some countries many times. In fact the recent trip to Rome was my ninth trip to Italy.

I really have to fly these days. I have no choice. My daughter, Noelle, and my three granddaughters live in Portland, Oregon and flying there is really the only way to get to Portland, a six-hour flight from JFK and even longer from Bradley because there are no non-stops. I guess I could take a three or four day trip to Portland, on an Amtrak train. I like trains, but the idea of spending four days in one is not something I would care to do.

Since that day in. May of 1983, I still get worries about flying. But they have to do more with not being able to get on a plane. These days I fidget about the possibility of my flight being canceled or overbooked. Even the bumpy flight of last month isnt enough to stop me from flying.

Dave Crombie lives in New Haven and is a retired West Haven school teacher.
Update: Breathalyzer probe finds issues in 52 drunken driving cases

LANSING, MI -- In the Michigan county with highest rate of drunken driving arrests, suspects can expect a blood draw.

The effect on our office will be increased labor cost, taking the person to the hospital and waiting in line for the test to be conducted, meaning that the officer is out of service while they drive to the hospital, wait for the test, and then take the arrestee to the Jail for booking, said Crawford County Sheriff Shawn M. Kraycs, who manages nearly 15 full-time deputies in a county of nearly 14,000 people. That is what we will have to deal with in this small community. When you only have two or three officers on duty, you can see what taking one officer off the available lists would do.

Suspect breathalyzer machines responsible for thousands of drunken driving charges in Michigan each year are out of service. Drunken driving arrests, however, are not on hold.

Michigan State Police, in light of questions about the reliability of the states 203 breathalyzer machines and the company hired to test and calibrate them, placed the machines out of service Monday, Jan. 13.

As a result, defense attorneys and police from agencies across the state tell MLive arrested drivers will endure more needle pricks as officers revert to blood draws for drunken driving arrests; police will spend more time guarding and transporting suspects between hospitals and jail prior to booking; postage costs and hospital fees will rise as agencies mail blood samples to the state police forensic lab; prosecutors will wait longer to press charges in cases where a blood-alcohol levels are crucial; and courts may face new appeals in cases where suspect breathalyzer evidence was key to conviction.

Michigan State Police publicly accused employees of Intoximeters Inc., the St. Louis-based company hired in 2018 to calibrate and maintain the states breathalyzer machines, called Datamaster DMTs, of fraud.

The nearly $1.3 million annual contract calls for Intoximeters employees to calibrate and certify each of the states breathalyzer machines at least once every 120 days. The various agencies that house the Datamasters are responsible for running periodic tests to ensure they remain accurate. Intoximeters is also responsible for providing expert testimony" in court regarding the reliability and operation of the Datamaster machines manufactured by National Patent Analytical Systems of Mansfield, Ohio.

National Patent Analytical Systems of Mansfield, the company that continues to manufacture the machines, previously handled the maintenance duties that shifted to Intoximeters when their contract ended in 2018. .

Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper accused Intoximeters employees of deceptive falsification of certification records and said an audit discovered egregious discrepancies in data collected from eight machines at various departments. The ongoing investigation is expected to expose even more issues.

Review of vendor records in the last two days has yielded additional discrepancies that may point to the potential for a more widespread issue with the way in which some instruments were being serviced, Gasper said Monday. While the discrepancies do not directly impact or deal with the results of evidential breath tests, it is concerning that it appears as though some certification records have been falsified.

MLive has requested comment and is awaiting response from Intoximeters representatives.

While blood-alcohol results from roadside, handheld breathalyzers (PBTs) are not admissible in court and used mainly to determine probable cause before a drunken driving arrest, the sophisticated Datamaster machine is larger, stationary and often located in the booking area of county and local jails.

Those blood-alcohol results are considered scientifically reliable and allowed as evidence in court. The Datamaster uses what is referred to as infrared spectroscopy, a process that involves shining lights into a suspects breath to determine alcohol content.

State police on Jan. 13 asked agencies to halt use of the machines and instead conduct blood draws for evidence. Trained troopers have assumed calibration and certification duties.

" ... Placing the instruments temporarily out-of-service and assuming responsibility for maintaining all Datamasters in the state is an extreme move that places a burden on all of the states law enforcement resources, but it is an absolutely necessary move to safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice process," Gasper said.

Crawford County isnt the only one making adjustments.

In Emmet County, where the 2018 per capita drunken driving arrest rate was the second-highest in the state in 2018, 82 per 10,000 residents, Sheriff Peter A. Wallin said, theres going to be additional steps.

Obviously, theyre going to have to take everybody to hospital for a blood draw, said Walling, the 39-year law enforcer. Its going to add a little time to the arrest ... Everyone is going to be responsible for transporting to the hospital, getting the blood draw, doing the blood kit."

Wallin, who attributes the high drunken driving arrest rate in Emmet County to proactive police work, guessed it could add an hour to each arrest. Thats in addition to a $15 per-draw fee paid to the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey and postage to mail the sample to state police.

I mailed one out today, Wallin said Tuesday. Sometimes they come back in a month.

Other agencies, such as the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, told MLive they usually receive blood-alcohol toxicology results from state police in 10 days or less.

State police maintain say average turnaround time on blood testing is five days, as its been for two years, said state police spokeswoman Shanon Banner.

We do expect an increase in turnaround time due to an expected increase in blood draws, Banner said. "To prepare for the additional cases, we are shifting some trained employees from other disciplines back to toxicology temporarily.

We cant say with certainty what the turnaround time will be, but we do not expect it to increase by weeks or months due to the steps we are taking to add staff in the interim.

The State Police Toxicology Unit currently analyzes approximately 16,000 blood samples for the presence of alcohol each year, nearly 44 per day, according to the units website. Based on 17,723 Datamaster breathalyzer tests conducted in 2018, the labs daily workload could double while the machines are out of service.

Emmet County law enforcement used the Datamaster during 137 drunken driving arrests in 2018, state police reports show. There were 90 blood draws over the same period.

Previously, Emmet County deputies limited blood draws to fatal or serious-injury accidents, cases in which suspects declined a breathalyzer and a search warrant to draw blood was obtained or if the suspect faced a third-offence operating under the influence of liquor charge, Wallin said.

The sheriff said some drivers are incorrectly under the impression a court-ordered search warrant is required for a blood draw.

Under Michigans implied consent law, all licensed drivers have technically consented to submit to chemical testing during an impaired-driving arrest, which includes a breathalyzer, urine or blood test, as determined by the arresting agency. Refusal results in an automatic yearlong drivers license suspension and police still may forcibly draw blood with a court-ordered search warrant, Mullin said.

In Mackinac County, a tourist area that had the ninth most drunken driving arrests, per capita, in 2018, Sheriff Scott A. Strait said he expects the breathalyzer change to have little impact.

Its just a tool that we use in detecting crime and to make sure the public is safe, Strait said. We dont have that tool right now and well figure out alternative ways to make sure the public is still safe."

Strait said there are other, equally harsh crimes, such as operating while visibly impaired, that drivers may face instead of operating while intoxicated, which usually requires evidence of the drivers blood-alcohol level.

Observations by officers and jail staff, as well as standard field sobriety tests, can be equally damning in court, the sheriff said.

The 40-plus Datamasters located throughout Oakland County remained busy in 2018. According to the states annual drunk driving report, nearly 50 agencies in the county of 1.25 million people administered Datamaster breathalyzer tests to 2,738 suspects. Thats an average of nearly eight people per day, who may now be transferred to local hospitals for blood draws.

However, the largest police agency in the county, the Oakland County Sheriffs Department, which employed nearly 900 deputies in 2018, according to FBI data, seldom used the breathalyzer machines kept in its county jail.

In fact, due to the lack of use, state police removed one of the jails two Datamaster in 2019 and relocated it, Oakland County Sheriffs Capt. Christopher W. Wundrach said.

The jail administered breathalyzer tests 112 times in 2017, 67 times in 2018 and 74 times in 2019, Wundrach said. State police reports indicate Oakland County deputies instead submitted blood for alcohol testing 356 times during the same year.

Wundrach said the arresting deputy chooses a blood or breath test at their discretion. Despite being more invasive, time consuming and costly at $25 per draw, some deputies prefer using blood because the results are more difficult to dispute in court, Wundrach said.

While its unclear when breathalyzer machines across Michigan will be calibrated, re-certified and placed back in service, state police have begun the process.

Two machines at the Kent County Jail were tested, deemed accurate and returned to service Tuesday.

-- Gus Burns is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact him with questions, tips or comments at fburns@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, @GusBurns. Read more from MLive about medical and recreational marijuana.

More on MLive:

Michigan breathalyzers placed out of service

Michigan breathalyzer reliability under scrutiny

Roadside drug testing pilot extended

Marijuana most prevalent drug found in roadside tests
Ahead of polls in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address his first mega rally in Kharauna in Vaishali district in favour of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Thursday afternoon.

The BJP has been engaged for last 15 days to make this mega rally a grand success to show the party's strength in state and to give a message to the Opposition that people of Bihar stand firm with CAA.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister for State Home affairs Nityanand Rai said: "Public is very excited to listen to Shah. A large number of people will gather at the venue to listen to him and will give thanks to Prime Minister and Home minister from a historic place Vaishali for Citizenship Amendment Act."

Bihar BJP President and third time Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Jaiswal told ANI that people of Bihar in favour of the citizenship law. "People will teach a lesson to those parties doing politics in name of CAA, in the upcoming Assembly election in 2020," he said.

The opposition parties in Bihar have been protesting against the CAA, Register of Citizens (NRC) and Population Register (NPR).

On January 13, Opposition parties, including RJD and CPI (ML) MLAs, had held a protest outside the Bihar Legislative Assembly against the CAA, NRC and NPR holding placards that read, "A resolution must be passed against NRC, NPR and CAA in the state Assembly."

Bihar Assembly election is due in October 2020. Eyeing to the elections, opposition parties RJD, Congress, RLSP, among others have already launched their political campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canada appears split over whether to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with the couple branded 'freeloaders' by some while others insist their residency will elevate the nation's status in the world.

The country's prime minister Justin Trudeau has said that Harry, Meghan and eight-month-old Archie were among friends, and always welcome here as the family spent six weeks in a 10million Vancouver mansion over Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year.

Harry and Meghan's plan to live in Canada has captivated the nation as they negotiate an abdication deal with the Queen on money, titles and establishing their international commercial brand.

The Toronto Sun reported a poll saying Canadians were underwhelmed by Harry and Meghan - though the prince is still rated their favourite royal

Critics have said that the couple are simply not welcome to settle in Canada, suggesting their presence would cost taxpayers 5million [$10million] and would cause a constitutional crisis.

This is because no British royal has ever settled there and the nation prides itself about not having any aristocracy with anyone offered a peerage in the UK expected to renounce their Canadian citizenship first.

But respected broadsheet the National Post said yesterday that denying Harry, Meghan and Archie a home would be 'all-too-typical' of the North American nation, branding it 'Canadian cheapness at its worst'.

Columnist Matt Gurney wrote: 'It costs what it costs, and Canada should pay it. Grown up countries cost money to operate.

'Some of those costs relate to the protection of high-value public targets from possible attacks or harassment.

'Complaining about it is all-too-typical of us  Canadian cheapness at its worst.'

Columnist Philippe Lagasse argued in The Globe And Mail that the Queen, as monarch, is still important to people in Canada. But they have less time for the rest of her family

Readers battled it out in the pages of The Globe And Mail, with one writing: 'If they propose to freeload on the Canadian taxpayer, then no thanks'

But Matt Gurney in the National Post said Canadians who were critical of the couple were 'cheapskates'

Canada appears split over whether to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Pictured: Meghan photographed on Tuesday leaving the 10million Vancouver Island home where she and Prince Harry stayed over the holidays with Archie

Canadian poll finds 73% oppose Sussexes' move - but there is a glimmer of hope for 'popular' Harry A Canadian poll taken after the Sussexes quit last week has found: - 73% of Canadians say 'no thank you' to paying for any aspect of the couple's move or security; - 25% says Royal Family is getting less relevant to Canada and 41% say it has no relevance at all; - 45% say Canada should not continue as a constitutional monarchy - unchanged since 2016; - The Queen is favourite royal - but Prince Harry is next best loved, above his brother William and father Charles, with Prince Andrew the worst rated; Advertisement

And a new poll in Toronto, a city Meghan lived for seven years, has found that her husband is, after the Queen, regarded as their favourite Windsor.

The countrys biggest newspaper, The Globe and Mail, has written a scathing editorial said: Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.

It editorial condemned the couples vague and evolving plan to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, adding: The Trudeau governments response should be simple and succinct: "No"

The Globe and Mail, a conservative paper that traditionally supports the monarchy, wrote: If they were ordinary private citizens, plain old Harry and Meghan from Sussex, they would be welcome.

But this countrys unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in our constitutional system, means that a royal resident  the prince is sixth in the line of succession  is not something that Canada can allow. It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo.

The editorial said Canadas relationship to the monarchy was different from Britains, adding: Our royals dont live here. They reign from a distance. Close to our hearts, far from our hearths'.

The Globe and Mail said it was not a question of money, writing: It goes deeper than the possibility of the feds having to find a few million extra bucks.

And a new poll in Toronto, a city Meghan lived for seven years, has found that her husband (pictured with Archie in Canada during their six week break there over Christmas) is, after the Queen, regarded as their favourite Windsor

The newspaper has been inundated by letters and emails from readers, many of them also opposed to the Sussexes long-term presence in the country.

One critic wrote: 'Meghan and Harry: If you are reading these comments, please take them to heart and stay in Britain', another said: 'If they propose to freeload on the Canadian taxpayer, then no thanks. I see no need to subsidize the royal soap opera'.

Another angry reader said: 'As an immigrant from the United Kingdom and now every bit a Canadian, it seems to me the height of condescension that Harry, a UK citizen, and Meghan, a US citizen, seem to take it for granted that they may live as long as they please in Canada without having to go through any formalities. And worse, that the Canadian citizens should pay or his security staff while he loiters in this country'.

One more cynical view, repeated a number of times by readers, said: 'They dont really want to move to Canada. I think Meghan wants back to Los Angeles, thats the real, final destination'.

There was some support, however, with one fan saying: 'Of course they can live here. Long-standing traditions often come to an end. I think it would be great to have Harry and Meghan live here'.

Canadians are split over the royal issue, with some furious about reports their government has offered to pick up the tab for Harry and Meghans security  which will cost millions of pounds a year.

The Canadian finance minister has insisted that no such discussions have taken place.

A poll published in the Toronto Sun has found that Harry is the city's favourite royal as the Sussexes consider where to settle. Harry and Meghan courted in the city and will be drawn to returning.

But nearly three-quarters of people were opposed to paying towards their costs and while support for his grandmother the Queen is 'deep, broad and strong', two thirds said the royal family is losing or has lost its relevance and 45 per cent said Canada should not continue as a constitutional monarchy.

Writing in the Globe and Mail, Philippe Lagasse a professor at Carleton University, wrote: 'As Prince Philip once quipped most members of the Royal Family dont come here [Canada] for their health; they come because weve asked.

'A recent poll found that 73 per cent of Canadians are opposed to such spending and two-thirds say the House of Windsor is losing or has lost relevance. But their presence will be awkward. They would be more or less permanent embodiments of a British monarchy that remains attached to our independent Canadian Crown, reminding us of what we were  not what weve become'.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and his British, Ukrainian, Swedish and Afghan counterparts, lit a candle Thursday to commemorate the victims of a Ukrainian plane accidentally shot down in Iran last week, killing all 176 people on board. The ministers, which included British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko, Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde and Idrees Zaman, Acting Foreign Minister for Afghanistan, also held a meeting at Canada House to discuss the incident.

The shootdown - and subsequent days of denials by Iran that a missile had downed it - sparked days of angry protests in the country.

The current tensions between Iran and the US reached fever-pitch two weeks ago with the American drone strike in Baghdad that killed the powerful Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

The general had led Iranian proxy forces abroad, including those blamed for deadly roadside bomb attacks on US troops in Iraq.

Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile strike targeting Iraqi military bases housing US forces early last Wednesday, just before an anti-aircraft battery shot down the Ukrainian airliner taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.

New video obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday purported to show Iran fired two surface-to-air missiles at the doomed aircraft.
The High-Level Symposium on Intra-ASEAN Trade and Investment

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh affirmed that the ASEAN is one of the most successful groups in the world, reaping many achievements in the course of its existence.

Our total trade value has increased from about $89 billion in 1996 to $520 billion in 2019. For Vietnam, our trade with the ASEAN ranged from about $4 billion in 1996 to $58 billion in 2019, he said.

According to Khanh, facing newly-emerging challenges such as trade competition and protectionism, the ASEAN needs to unite, maintain cohesion and efficiency to ensure the progress of the implementation of the Master Plan of ASEAN Economic Community 2025, and continue to promote its role as a driving force for regional economic integration.

The speakers of the symposium

Aladdin D. Rillo, deputy secretary general of the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Secretariat, emphasised that the ASEAN needs to play a more active role in the open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system of the region, and consolidate the infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and human resources development.

Meanwhile, representatives from business associations expressed their desire for ASEAN governments to quickly act in promoting investment and trade, creating conditions for businesses to connect and benefit from trade agreements and ASEAN investment.

At the symposium, representatives identified main barriers to intra-ASEAN trade and investment flows, focusing on three clusters of key issues, including policy and institutional barriers; participation in the ASEAN's value chains; and supply chain development.

Former Vietnamese Minister of Trade Truong Dinh Tuyen said that in order to deal more effectively with barriers and difficulties, ASEAN countries need to step up institutional and business environment reform. "During the process of upgrading existing trade and investment agreements, the ASEAN should take the standards of the new generation of free trade agreements as a reference to build high-quality and comprehensive agreements." he said.
A new resort in NK Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



The government is pushing to start individual tours to North Korea in an attempt to improve inter-Korean relations, but questions are rising about their feasibility due to a disagreement with the U.S. and noncooperation from Pyongyang.



President Moon Jae-in has emphasized the need to expand cooperation between the two Koreas this year, irrespective of the stalemate in the North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks. "In addition to efforts to promote the success of the dialogue, the need to find realistic ways to further advance inter-Korean cooperation has become all the more urgent," Moon said in his Jan. 7 New Year speech.



During a press conference Tuesday, Moon highlighted the start of "individual tours" as one of the ways to start improving inter-Korea ties. The President's remark has raised expectations that tours to Mount Geumgang in the North, which have been suspended since 2008, may resume. The unification ministry also mentioned visits to North Korean hometowns by South Koreans who were separated from their family members during the 1950-53 Korean War.



Moon emphasized that individual tours do not violate global sanctions against North Korea. Currently, countries such as China and Australia allow their citizens to travel to North Korea through travel agencies. And as such, the individual tours the government is pursuing would be different from the kind of large-scale package tours managed by the state or a conglomerate such as Hyundai Asan.



Korea's key diplomats, including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and top nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon, have made consecutive visits to the U.S. this week to discuss a range of bilateral issues. Lee, who arrived in Washington, D.C., Wednesday (local time) for a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, told reporters at Dulles International Airport that he plans to discuss the issue of individual tours to North Korea. "They are not banned under the U.N. sanctions. It is important to engage in frank discussions and seek mutual understanding (with the U.S.)."



One of the biggest hurdles, however, will be to convince the U.S., which has continued to stress the need for sanctions after Moon's pro-engagement speech last week. According a recent Voice of America report, the State Department recently reiterated the importance of U.N. Security Council sanctions. "All U.N. member states are required to implement U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions, and we expect them all to continue doing so," said an official from the department.





A new resort in NK Yonhap



Such remarks seem to suggest that Washington may not agree with Moon's recent call for the restarting of inter-Korean projects, such as Mount Geumgang tourism, the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and the linking of railways and roads.



Another big hurdle to Moon's proposal is the lack of any response from North Korea.



"Exploring individual South Korean's visits makes sense as an effort to open the door to further inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. North Korea wants to grow its tourism sector and Seoul is concerned about the fate of facilities at Mount Geumgang. But the largest obstacle is actually Pyongyang. Individual South Korean tourists may not represent a large enough carrot to make North Korea bite," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.



Under these circumstances, some analysts raised doubts about the feasibility of the tourism suggestion. "With the clock ticking on this presidency, it seems Moon made the suggestion out of desperation to show results. The suggestion is unrealistic and is bound to face opposition domestically and internationally," a North Korean studies expert said on condition of anonymity.



In addition, there are details that need to be ironed out with the North, such as visas for South Korean tourists  but given that Pyongyang has refused any kind of dialogue with Seoul, there are few prospects for the two Koreas to start negotiations any time soon.





A new resort in NK Yonhap
Bolt believes it is the ride-hailing app best placed to take the lead if Uber's London ban comes into force. Photo: Bolt

Estonias Bolt, one of Ubers biggest competitors in the European ride-hailing market, has raised 50m (42.5m) from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The funding comes in the form of a venture debt facility, which combines the advantages of a long-term loan with repayment terms tied to the companys performance.

The EIB said on Thursday that the funding would support product development and research in areas where technology can improve the safety, reliability, and sustainability of its services.

This includes investments in ride-hailing and food delivery, the EIB noted.

READ MORE: Uber and Lyft's woes 'supporting' European rival Bolt, CEO says

Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, was valued at over $1bn in a funding round in 2019.

The ride-hailing start-up is near identical to Uber (UBER) in function. But while Uber has raised tens of billions since it was founded in 2009, Thursdays haul from the European Investment Bank brings Bolts total raise to around $250m.

The firms founder and CEO, Markus Villig, has previously extolled the benefits of raising less money, noting that it helped his firm focus on growing sustainably.

Ubers lavish bankrolling, on the other hand, has created a bloated company with a culture where nobody cares about costs, Villig said.

Villig, 25, founded Bolt in his native Estonia in 2013, when he was just 19.

While Bolt has not given away any equity to the EIB, the financial return of the loan for the bank will be calculated as a percentage of the start-ups future revenue streams.

READ MORE: Softbank-backed ride-hailing firm Ola to launch in London after Uber ban

Bolt launched in London last June. The EIB said on Thursday that the company is now profitable in approximately two-thirds of its global markets, calling it Europes leading on-demand transportation platform.

It said it was the fastest-growing transportation platform in Europe and Africa, noting that it has over 30 million users across 150 cities.

In London, Bolts user base reached 1.5 million customers in six months, it said.

The company is hoping to capitalise on Transport for Londons ban of Uber operating in the city. Uber is appealing the ban.
Hands-on STEM education is critical to building the pipeline of future engineers and innovators, and Teslas support enables us to impact thousands of young minds to potentially pursue a career in mobility. - Lori Gatmaitan, director of the SAE Foundation.

SAE Foundation announced today a four-year, $1.5 million grant to launch a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programming initiative in Nevada schools. The grant is part of Teslas $37.5 million investment in Nevadas K-12 STEM and sustainability education. SAE International and Tesla will work together to impact up to 25,000 kindergarten through eighth grade students in Nevada by implementing SAEs A World In Motion (AWIM) STEM Program. The hands-on and innovative AWIM program will be introduced in classrooms across the state and provide students with access to mobility industry professionals and students who are pursuing more advanced studies.

Tesla is on the forefront of the mobility industry, advancing innovations and knowledge sharing, so we are honored to partner with Tesla to expand our popular AWIM STEM program in Nevada and inspire students across the state through hands-on learning experiences, said Lori Gatmaitan, director of the SAE Foundation. Hands-on STEM education is critical to building the pipeline of future engineers and innovators, and Teslas support enables us to impact thousands of young minds to potentially pursue a career in mobility.

Benchmarked to national standards, SAEs AWIM program is a teacher-administered, industry volunteer-assisted program that incorporates STEM learning experiences through hands-on activities and challenges that reinforce classroom STEM learning.

AWIM supports Teslas K-12 STEM education pipeline through customizable programming that complements the structured programming of specific school districts to provide in-class, STEM exposure during each phase of education (grades K-3, 4-6 and 6-8). Additionally, where possible, programming will be integrated within districts and schools that feed into high schools that have active robotics teams supported by Tesla.

SAE will serve as a liaison between Tesla and participating schools, coordinating all program activities, including teacher and volunteer training, program implementation and teacher and volunteer support throughout the program. SAE and Teslas collaboration also includes plans to engage Formula SAE Electric students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno through SAEs AWIM LearnTwice, a program that places university and high school students in classrooms as volunteers and mentors.

The goal of the SAE-Tesla partnership is to reach up to 5,000 students in the first year of program implementation, increasing annually to almost 8,000 students per year in year four.

For more information on how to get involved with the SAE Foundation, visit: http://www.saefoundation.org.

About the SAE Foundation

The mission of the SAE Foundation is to increase student achievement and participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to build a STEM-fluent workforce. Funds raised by the SAE Foundation support SAE Internationals award-winning A World In Motion (AWIM) program, Collegiate Design SeriesTM (CDS), awards and scholarships. SAEs STEM education programs enable students to develop the 21st century skills needed to succeed in real-world work environments and connect classroom learning with real-life application. SAEs STEM programs have reached more than 6 million students worldwide and engaged more than 30,000 STEM industry professionals as volunteers. SAE International is a global association engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers to advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. Get involved today http://www.saefoundation.org

About Tesla

Teslas mission is to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy through all-electric vehicles and clean energy generation and storage products. The goal of Teslas education investment is to encourage students of all backgrounds to consider a career in STEM or sustainability, and to develop the next generation of engineers in Nevada. Learn more here.

Contact:

SAE International

Justin Falce

724.772.7562

pr@sae.org

Tesla

Press@tesla.com
A new scandal has erupted in Ukraine  not it is about high salaries of the officials and the ministers, who get some 10,000-20,000 USD monthly

Open source

A new scandal has erupted in Ukraine  not it is about high salaries of the officials and the ministers, who get some 10,000-20,000 USD monthly... I draw attention to the increase in salaries of ministers and their MPs in all the ministries! The average salary of the top officials has increased by 3.5-5 times! former Deputy Prime Minister Pavlo Rozenko wrote on Facebook. He adds that, according to his information, from January 1, 2020, the salary of MPs has increased to 100,000 UAH (4,100 USD) per month.

Parliamentary speaker Dmytro Razumkov has already denied this information. That is, today this news is fake but we cannot predict what would be tomorrow. We should recall here that even when Rosenko was in office, the official rates of members of the government and ordinary teachers were significantly different.

So, in particular, he indicated 30,000 USD of income in his 2018 declaration. Plus a gift from his mother for 400,000 USD (16,600 USD) and some other little things... But Rozenko is not the key object of our discussion here. Neither are government officials, who receive all the same sky-high salaries. Moreover, MPs are far from being the richest here.

The stakes were primarily raised by prosecutors. And this is already official since a corresponding government decree was issued. The government increased the prosecutors salary by more than 2.5 times. Ruslan Ryaboshapka will now sign on the payroll opposite the amount of 3,900 USD per month.

The salary of the first deputy prosecutor general would amount to 3,700 USD; deputy  3,500 USD; the head of the department  1,660 USD; heads of regional prosecutor's offices  1,580 USD; district prosecutor's offices  1,330 USD.

Of course, premiums and bonuses, a Soviet-related tradition, are added to all the voiced figures. A bonus for labor intensity and for performing especially important work (up to 100% of the official salary), a bonus for the length of service and for work instead of a temporarily absent comrade, as well as a bonus for access to a state secret.

Someone calculated that Minister of Culture Volodymyr Borodyansky and his deputies declared the total amount of their December salary in the amount of over 2 million hryvnias (80,000 USD). Borodyansky himself received in December 3,800 USD ("without taxes," the minister specified). But for some reason, his deputies receive higher salaries. First deputy minister Anatoliy Maksymchuk received 8,310 USD in December, deputy Iryna Podolyak earned 8,060 USD, and her colleagues Volodymyr Shumilin and Oleksiy Sivirin  6,850 USD and 7,200 USD respectively.

For comparison, as for December 2019, the average salary in Ukraine is 444 USD (according to the State Statistics Service). Which means that the level of financial support for cultural workers is about 20 times better than that of the direct consumer of this culture.

It is expected that this year Head of Ukrposhta Ihor Smelyansky would receive 1 million 866 thousand 808 UAH per month (nearly 75,000 USD). His monthly salary increased from 23,000 USD in 2018 to almost 75,000 USD as of today. Ordinary employees of this state enterprise are also not forgotten. This year, they will get an extra 33 USD to the existing 250 USD.

By the way, 250 USD is the average salary of Ukrainian postman.

And Naftogaz, meanwhile, strictly follows its traditions. In 2018, the company was already at the epicenter of scandal when the then head of the board, Andriy Kobolev, received a bonus of... 7.9 million USD (261 million UAH) because the company's lawyers won over Russian Gazprom in the Stockholm arbitration. This year, the winners of the Russians again rushed through the thorns to the stars. According to executive director of Naftogaz Yuriy Vitrenko, new bonuses will be paid to a group of leaders of the state-owned company.

Since the latter is involved in a Stockholm decision positive for Ukrainians (according to which the Russian Federation is obliged to pay 2.9 billion USD to Ukraine), they will be financially rewarded. Top managers of Naftogaz will receive 1% of the funds paid by Gazprom. That is 29 million USD.

The record of Naftogaz remains unbroken so far. But salaries in Ukraine are growing steadily. True, not for all the citizens. Former MPs and former anti-corruption fighters, who have joined the ruling political force, receive high salaries.

For example, in November 2019, Mustafa Nayem, MP of the previous convocation from the Poroshenko Bloc, received 310 521 UAH (13,000 USD). Recall, he is currently working as deputy general director of Ukroboronprom state defense concern. By the way, this concern is headed by Aivaras Abromavicius. According to information from MP from the Servant of the People faction, Oleksandr Dubinsky, the supervisory board of Ukroboronprom wants to increase the salary of the general director of the concern by 18 times - up to 18.6 million UAH (775,000 USD) per year.

By the way, when US President Donald Trump decided to transfer the entire annual (for 2019) salary to charity, it became known that we are talking about 400,000 USD. In other words, Washington's "pauper" earns some 34,000 USD a month. And this is less than some Ukrainian officials earn.
It may be true that 60 percent of Democrats prefer a candidate who can beat President Trump and 36 percent prefer a candidate whose views align with their own. But there is no basis to conclude that if former vice president Joe Biden and former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg lose both Iowa and New Hampshire, they cannot be nominated. In 2016, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton narrowly beat Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Iowa, and Mr. Sanders overwhelmingly defeated her in New Hampshire. This year, there is every reason to believe the four top candidates, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), will very narrowly divide the results in Iowa and Mr. Sanders will win in New Hampshire. Going into delegate-rich Super Tuesday, the most likely scenario is that it will remain a race that any one of these four candidates could win.
Yaw Nyame is a 6-year old boy with mild cerebral palsy, so he experiences some challenges with general posture, movement of his hands and blurred speech. His parents, who hail from Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region, were at first not enthusiastic about sending Yaw to school because of his disability. However, a little over a year ago they noticed he was getting along well with few friends he plays with in the community.

They have also noticed some improvement in his level of assertiveness as a result of the constant interaction with his playmates. Their observation changed their initial perception and decided to enroll Yaw in the community Primary school. In September last year, the parents took Yaw to the community Primary school to look for admission.

The head-teacher was very reluctant to admit Yaw on the grounds that he is a special needs child and the school does not have the support he may need. In attempts to convince the parents, he called in the class one teacher to indicate to the parents whether Yaw can be included in his class.

The teacher explained to the parents that Yaw will have serious challenge with writing with his hand, and so it will be difficult for him to cope with the pace with which the pupils are expected to copy from the black board. He continued that if he has to adapt the whole class to his pace, it will negatively affect the other pupils in his class. Consequently, the school head suggested to the parents to send him to a special school which has boarding facilities.

The parents were very much disappointed and angry that the boy has been refused admission to their community school where his playmates (at home) are enrolled. Unhappy with the community school's refusal to admit Yaw, they approached a social welfare officer for advice. On his part, he advised that if the parents did not want to send their boy to a special school because they want him to be interacting frequently with children with disabilities, then a better option would be an Inclusive School (private school) near the district capital. He explained, in that school, even though both children with and without disabilities are on the same school compound, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) have their own classrooms so they do not have to struggle with the pace of pupils without SEN. He explained that in this school, Yaw will have the opportunity to frequently play with pupils without disabilities during break times, so he can still improve on his self-assertiveness which the parents so much desired. While the parents understood his suggestion as a better option, they were frustrated in the sense that the school does not have boarding facilities so they have to either find someone in the school location whom Yaw would stay with or transport him say 2-3 times a week from Donkorkrom to the school and back. The parents of Yaw admit they have heard about inclusive education in Ghana, and how regular schools are expected to admit all categories of children including those with mild to moderate disabilities. However, they feel the reasons given by head of their community primary school are quite important and put things out of his control. Some six months down the line, the parents are still contemplating how to get formal education for Yaw Nyame in a setting that offers him better chance to develop social and adaptive skills for independent living in the future.

Misconceptions & Confusions

The concept of Inclusive Education (IE) is geared towards offering opportunities to all children to participate in regular school learning. It offers hope to children of differing backgrounds  disability, orphans and vulnerable children, ethnic minority, migrant, etc - to access formal education in regular schools. The concept is good in all intents, looking to correct years of systemic or institutional abuse of the human rights of children with special educational needs. Inclusive Education seeks to lift high the human rights face of a society that often uses vulnerability and special needs to justify discrimination and exclusion. However, there is widespread confusion or misunderstanding of Inclusive Education amongst many stakeholders at different levels in society. A focus to clarify these confusions or misunderstandings is essential to making the laudable concept of inclusive education to be realised in practice.

In spite of over a decade of introducing inclusive education in Ghana, many decision-makers at national and sub-national levels in the country continue to hold on to the old tradition that a means to fulfill the rights of children with disabilities or learning difficulties to education is to have special schools where children with disabilities are enrolled and learn together. This is the case of Segregation where children with disabilities are seen as 'being different' from those without, and so are separated from them, resulting in denial of opportunities for the two groups of children to interact and bond well to facilitate a process where they grow together to a future of inclusivity. Unfortunately, these decision-makers who are proponents of special schools do not advocate for the establishment of special industries or organisations where learners who graduate from special schools can be employed. Thus, being segregated through the special school system only makes it harder for persons with disabilities/learning difficulties to look for formal employment in future as many employers see them as 'being different' from other employees.

The supposed Inclusive Education School suggested by the Social Welfare Officer is a case of misconception. In fact, the description of the school puts it in the group of Integrated Schools. It is a case of integration where although both children with/without disabilities or learning difficulties are located on the same school compound, they do not learn together in the same classrooms. This is contradiction to the concept of inclusive education. By the concept of Inclusive Education, children with disabilities/learning difficulties are to be seated in the same classrooms to be taught by same teachers, sometimes including support teachers. True inclusive education embodies bringing learners with/without Special Educational Needs together in regular classroom where there is a shared sense of purpose and responsibility. Integration is not Inclusion.

The class teacher in Yaw's story seemed confused about providing the needed support to children with SEN. Inclusive Education has no requirements for learners with SEN to keep up pace with learners without. Similarly, the IE concept does not put a burden on regular learners to wait for learners with SEN to catch up with them. It is worth mentioning that in some cases, support teachers may be needed, but also most regular teachers have received basic training to provide classroom support to children with SEN. Following the development of Ghana's Inclusive Education Policy, the State has taken steps to ensure the needed training are given to all classroom teachers to be able to manage inclusive classrooms. A lot of awareness-raising and public education continues to be conducted to help remove all the confusions and misunderstandings about inclusive education. In Yaw's case as narrated above, an Assistive Device may be the only needed support to enable him participates well in regular classroom learning.

Inclusive Education involves bringing the support services to the child rather than moving the child to the services and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class rather than having to keep up with the other pupils/students.

The Writer is Auberon Jeleel Odoom, the National Co-ordinator of Inclusion Ghana.

Telephone: 0302243291 / 0208151523; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.inclusion-ghana.org
- The suspects include the duty officer at the rank of assistant superintendent of police, a sergeant, five corporals, one detective constable and a special police constable

- Kiira region police spokesman Diana Nandawula confirmed the charges saying the officers were on duty at the time of the incident

- The accused were charged with with theft and neglect of duty

Nine police officers have been charged with theft and neglect of duty at Jinja Central Police Station, Uganda, following the theft a 40-inch plasma TV at the stations reception on Monday, January 13.

The suspects include the duty officer at the rank of assistant superintendent of police, a sergeant, five corporals, one detective constable and a special police constable.

Nine police officers have been charged over theft of 40-inch plasma TV at Jinja Police Station. Photo: Daily Monitor.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Tracey Boakye stuns fans in a pre-birthday photo

Kiira region police spokesman Diana Nandawula confirmed the charges saying the officers were on duty at the time of the incident according to a report by Daily Monitor on Wednesday, January 15.

"Investigations into the matter have commenced and more updates on the progress will be availed," she said.

A file photo of a TV mounted on a wall. A similar set was stolen at Jinja Police Station on Monday, January 13. Photo: TV Wall Mounting Nairobi Kenya.

Source: Facebook

The 40-inch plasma screen that was given to the law-enforcement agency by Startimes Company last month was plucked off the wall adjacent to the reception that is usually manned by at least three officers who operate in shifts.

The TV was given to us last month by Startimes and it was fitted directly opposite the reception; unfortunately, it has been stolen and we don't know who took it," an officer who spoke in condition of anonymity said.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Jan. 19, 2020 is Justice Sunday, an event celebrated primarily in the United States, but also in several foreign countries. Denmark Technical Colleges first Justice Sunday will be held on Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Small Auditorium on the campus. This years theme, A Charge to Keep  A Chance to Heal, will be addressed by the colleges 12th president, Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr.

The afternoon will challenge, educate, involve, and inspire those in attendance through music, fashion, and poetry as well as with spoken and pictorial presentations. Queen Atterberry, a Charleston storyteller, will offer her drums to pay homage to the African American ancestral journey. A cornerstone of the evening will be Abyss, a Consciousness poet from Atlanta and he appears courtesy of Community Rural Arts Work League of Bamberg County. Todd will offer to the community an opportunity to hear him as president for the first time. Todd, a native son of Georgia, began serving as Denmark Techs president on Jan. 13, 2020. He is an award-winning playwright and holds a PhD in English from Georgia State University.

Local citizens of all ages will participate on Justice Sunday as well. Azaria Holman, an 8-year-old who is the voice of the audiobook Mia Learns to Soar, will introduce Todd. Blackville-Hilda High School honors student Anias Williams will bring forth the Challenge to Heal and Bamberg County Civic agent Mary Tilton will offer a Challenge to Dream.

Several members of the Denmark Technical College family will participate in both the Justice Sunday program and the reception that follows in the Samuel Love Faust Multicultural Center. They include National Alumni President James Bowden and Area Commission member the Rev. Herman Wallace. Alumni Choir members Ashley Jordan, Ladetria Holman, Tyrall Kinard, Naviree Johnson and Myron Brooker will provide music at the program and the reception. Cosmetology and barbering students will model to represent the protest movement of the 60s.

Area middle and high school students will be keepers of the dream and will punctuate the program with the ringing of a freedom bell. Donated by the estate of James and Myrtle McDaniel, the bell will become a permanent symbol of faith and justice; its displayed through design and construction by the DTC Welding program. Members of the community have been invited to represent the menagerie of individuals who supported Dr. Kings march on Washington; they range from those in Divine 9 sororities and fraternities to ministers and first ladies to Shriners, Masons, and Eastern Stars to motorcycle club members. The theme of inclusion will continue at the reception with a portrait gallery, Together We Climb, to a room designed to support healing, Tranquil Faith.

It will be at the reception that those in attendance can offer congratulations to members of the community who have received 2020 Community Steward Awards. Community Steward Awards are presented to individuals or organizations who continually exemplify the ideals that uplift the Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell communities and demonstrate faith and justice as set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Traditionally, justice events include areas of service. Denmark Technical College will incorporate its students at the reception as its human services majors will offer voter registration and culinary arts majors will assist with hospitality. Also at the reception, there will be a chance to speak with Todd as he will host a receiving line for the 27 2020 Community Steward Award winners.

Justice Sunday is promoted by the National Alliance of Faith & Justice, the 400 Years of African American History Commission, and the National Association for Black Criminal Justice. The afternoon is sponsored by Denmark Technical College with support from Aladdin Food Service, Ultramacs Music Group and Glyshae  the Artist. Visual artists are Michael Dantzler, Glover Richburg, Glover Richburg Jr., Terrance Washington, Brandon Hits, Naviree Johnson and Jessie Collins, with Velik Davis and Naviree Johnson serving as design technicians. Authentic buffalo soldier apparel is courtesy of Bobby Harley.

Justice Sunday is free and open to the public. The campus may be entered from Highway 78. For further information contact Dr. Yvette McDaniel at 803-290-6461, 803-793-5259 or mcdaniely@denmarktech.edu.

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated newly appointed Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, News.am reports.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia is committed to active cooperation with the new Government of the Russian Federation to further strengthen our partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats, including deepening of integration within the Eurasian Economic Union, the message reads.

Pashinyan expressed confidence that through joint efforts, we will be able to enrich the agenda of the Armenian-Russian allied partnership and to give a new momentum to multilateral cooperation based on the centuries-old friendship between the two nations.

Armenian PM wished Mishustin every success in his responsible office and peace and prosperity to the people of Russia.
With U.S. President Donald Trump regularly accusing Europe of not spending enough on defense, the air commanders hope such displays can highlight how NATO's planes are helping to protect the continent.

NATO held a practice drill to work out interceptions of Russian aircraft in allied airspace.

Violations of NATO airspace over the Baltics have fallen since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014, but air activity on allied borders remains constant as jets fly from the Russian mainland across the Baltic Sea to Kaliningrad, Reuters reports.

"They are present more or less everyday," German air force Lieutenant General Klaus Habersetzer, who runs NATO's northern European air policing command, told Reuters on Tuesday while flying over the Baltics.

Read alsoU.S. Army General Milley calls Ukraine 'key partner to NATO'

During the simulations, NATO pilots from Britain, France, Belgium, and Denmark carrying air-to-air missiles took turns to simulate the interception of a Belgian air force transporter - playing the role of a Russian plane - en route to Lithuania, performing visual inspections of the aircraft's status.

With U.S. President Donald Trump regularly accusing Europe of not spending enough on defense, the air commanders hope such displays can highlight how NATO's planes are helping to protect the continent.
(ANSA) - Rome, January 16 - Noemi Di Segni, the president of the Italian Union of Jewish Communities (UCEI), told an ANSA Forum on Thursday that League leader Matteo Salvini must be careful not legitimize far-right groups. "Salvini must recognise that he is a figure of reference for far-right groups and not legitimize them," Di Segni said. She praised the former interior minister for his stance on Israel.

"Salvini's attention towards hate towards Israel certainly should be appreciated," she said.

"His positions are precise, courageous and not shared by other figures on the Italian right".


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - American Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: ABC) (the "Company" or "American Battery") announces that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") dated January 13th, 2020 to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Bayshore Minerals Inc. ("Bayshore"), a private company incorporated in British Columbia, and its 100%-owned Elk Gold Mine Project in BC (the "Proposed Transaction").

Bayshore Minerals Inc. is an exploration and development company with its principal asset being a 100%-interest in the Elk Gold Project (the "Project") located in south-central British Columbia. Bayshore holds its interest in the Project through a wholly owned subsidiary, Gold Mountain Mining Corp. The Project is host to a NI 43-101 compliant Resource Estimate comprised of 442,600 Au ounces in Measured & indicated categories and 88,000 Au ounces in the Inferred category. The Project currently has a 'small mines' permit under the care and maintenance provision, has bonding in place for an exploration permit and an effluent discharge permit. Bayshore has been focused on reactivating and expanding the scope of the mine permit for a much larger operation.



Jeremy Poirier, President & CEO of American Battery Metals, commented "We are very excited to acquire Bayshore's advanced-stage, high-grade gold project located in the politically-safe jurisdiction of British Columbia. The Elk Gold Project is known as a high grade gold gold deposit that has been the subject of significant expenditures including over 125,000 metres of drilling property wide, over 110,00 metres of which forms the basis confirming the Project's high-grade resource estimate. Given the extensive exploration and development to date, we see the potential for near-term production coincident with the recent macro events which supports an improving gold market."

Under the terms of the LOI, American Battery would issue approximately 27 million shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding shares of Bayshore. The Proposed Transaction is subject to, but not limited to, the finalization by both parties or a Definitive Agreement, due diligence, and Bayshore shareholder approval, in addition to regulatory approvals. Completion of the transaction is anticipated to occur in Q1/2020.

In addition, American Battery Metals announces the termination of the proposed transaction with Climb Credit Inc. previously announced on October 1st, 2019.

Bayshore Minerals Inc.

Bayshore is a British Columbian based Canadian exploration and development mining company with its principal asset being a 100%-interest in the Project. The Project is located in south-central British Columbia, approximately 45 km southeast of Merritt and 59 km west of Kelowna. The Project is within the Similkameen Mining Division, Siwash Lake Area and consists of 27 contiguous mineral claims and one mining lease covering 16,566 hectares.

Included within this land package is the Elk Gold Mine which has two open pits that were mined for bulk samples, as well as nine other prospective zones that have been identified on the property. The property has been the subject of extensive exploration, over 125,000 metres of drilling to date, and is host to a NI 43-101 compliant Resource Estimate (pit-constrained and underground) which remains open at depth and at depth along strike. The NI 43-101 pit-constrained resource is comprised of a Measured and Indicated Resource of 2,036,000 tonnes grading 5.62 g/t gold (368,000 ounces of gold) plus an Inferred Resource of 147,000 tonnes grading 6.23 g/t gold (29,400 ounces). The NI 43-101 underground resource is comprised of a Measured and Indicated Resource of 240,000 tonnes grading 9.67 g/t gold (74,600 ounces of gold) plus an Inferred Resource of 202,000 tonnes grading 9.02 g/t gold (58,600 ounces).

Since acquiring the Project in May 2019, Bayshore has focused its efforts on permitting for a 70,000 tonne per year mining operation at the property and advancing it through to production. The Project currently has a 'small mine' permit in care and maintenance (M-199 Permit), exploration permit bonding and effluent discharge permit.

Table 1: NI 43-101 Resource Summary - Resource effective July 3, 2019





Mineral Resource calculation by Greg Mosher, P.Geo., Global Mineral Resource Services

Source: Technical Report on Resources of the Elk Gold Project dated October 1, 2019

To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6188/51521_7ecb09bd74a739cb_001full.jpg





Source: Bayshore Minerals Inc.

Figure 1: Elk Gold Property Location

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6188/51521_7ecb09bd74a739cb_002full.jpg

About the Company

American Battery Metals Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating natural resource properties. The Company has an option to acquire a 50% interest in the Fish Lake property located in Esmeralda County in the state of Nevada, USA.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Robert Wilson, P.Geo. and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

Jeremy Poirier

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Phone: 604.722.9842

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of American Battery's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, information concerning the timing to enter into a Definitive Agreement with Bayshore and any development timeline for the Elk Gold Project. Although American Battery believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward- looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that the Definitive Agreement and therefor the acquisition of Bayshore will be completed. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and American Battery does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. newswire services

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51521
Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Texas Capital (TCBI) reports results for the quarter ended December 2019. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 22, 2020, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus Estimate

This holding company for Texas Capital Bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.55 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +12.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $259.71 million, up 1.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions Trend

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings Whisper

Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Story continues

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Texas Capital?

For Texas Capital, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -3.04%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Texas Capital will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?

While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Texas Capital would post earnings of $1.49 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.70, delivering a surprise of +14.09%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom Line

An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Texas Capital doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.



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Fans of fake tan are rushing to buy a revolutionary foam formula which promises to hide cellulite and leave skin looking visibly younger, without the unpleasant 'biscuit' smell of most self-tanners.

Bali Bronzing Foam, a $44.90 vegan tanning liquid from Indonesia-based cosmetics brand Coco and Eve, claims to blur pigmentation and coat skin in a flawless, golden finish, making your body appear younger and healthier.

Natural ingredients like banana and papaya claim to 'blur imperfections' by reducing the appearance uneven tone and pigmentation, making skin look flawlessly smooth.

Exotic fruit extracts of mango and guava give the foam a tropical scent, instead of the typical yeasty smell commonly associated with fake tan, while the liquid soaks into skin so seamlessly, it develops in less than two hours.

Fans of fake tan are obsessing over Bali Bronzing Foam from Indonesia-based cosmetics brand Coco and Eve, which promises to banish cellulite and make skin look younger (pictured, Instagram influencer 'The Wild Inspired' wears the Bali Bronzing Foam)

The formula claims to blur pigmentation and coat skin in a flawless, golden finish, making your body appear younger and healthier (left, before applying the foam and right, the end result)

Antioxidant coconut and mandarin oils hydrate and repair, leaving skin firmer and more radiant, while fig and cocoa 'reduce signs of ageing'.

Meanwhile, orange and lotus flower minimise the appearance of cellulite and dimpling across the thighs and behind, two of the most common complaints women voice about their bodies.

Beauty lovers can't get enough of the foam, which already boasts hundreds of five star reviews online, with many calling it 'the best fake tan' they have ever used.

'I've tried all the popular ones like St Tropez, but this is a cut above the rest! No orange tone, and it wears away slowly and evenly,' one woman said.

'It's the best fake tan I've ever worn!'

Beauty lovers can't get enough of the foam (pictured right), which already boasts hundreds of five star reviews online, with many calling it 'the best fake tan' they have ever used

HOW TO GET A FLAWLESS FINISH USING BALI BRONZING FOAM 1. Remove unwanted hair and exfoliate thoroughly, ideally 24 hours before tanning. 2. Apply foam to dry skin, free from moisturiser. 3. Using the mitt and brush, apply to tricky-to-tan areas like the feet, hands, face and ears, pumping just a small amount onto the brush. 4. Use sparingly on problem areas like elbows, wrists, knees and hands which are likely to cake. 5. Allow to develop for a minimum of two hours or overnight for a deeper tan. 6. Shower in warm water to remove the guide colour. Gently pat skin dry. 7. Moisturiser daily to maintain results. The finished product: Influencer The Wild Inspired wears the Bali Bronzing Foam Source: Coco and Eve Advertisement

Longtime tanners said the quick-drying formula is even better than salon spray tans.

'I've been doing airbrush tans for more than eight years now. I've tried so many different products and have worked at numerous spas with amazing spray tan products. This foam doesn't even compare!' one woman wrote.

'It's so flawless, it dries so nicely so you aren't sitting there sticky - no disgusting funky tan smell either! I'm NEVER using anything else again!'

The tan is available in medium, dark and ultra-dark to suit all skin tones and desired finished.
16.01.2020 LISTEN

The National security in the Volta Region has picked up the Director of Radio Tongu, Bestway Zottor, at his residence in the South Tongu District over comments he allegedly made about his involvement in the activities of the secessionist group, Homeland Study Group Foundation.

The group has over the years been calling for parts of the Volta, Oti regions and northern Ghana be declared an independent state and named as Western Togoland.

Mr. Zottor allegedly criticized the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa accusing him of funding the activities of the separatist movement while in opposition but turning around to threaten them when his party came to power.

Dr. Archibald, during a press soiree in the Volta Regional Capital of Ho, advised the press to desist from airing programmes that seek to promote the activities of the group which declared parts of Ghana as an independent state on November 16, 2019.

The Minister said the media as the 4th estate of the realm is obliged to act in the supreme interest of peace and tranquillity in the country.

Mr Zottor, while speaking on the radio, also rebuked journalists who reported the call of the Regional Minister accusing them of compromising the standards of journalism and being accomplices in what he says is governments efforts to curtail press freedom.

He went on further to talk about what he claimed is the true history of the area the Homeland Study Group Foundation called Western Togoland which he said has minerals which could not be exploited because the UN had effected a regulation that bars Ghana from exploiting any natural resources in the Volta Region especially.

Mr. Zottor acknowledged that the police in the South Tongu District had held a meeting with him in May 2019 and advised him not to make commentaries that are inciteful; a piece of advice he heeded until the Regional Ministers recent caution to the media and to his station by extension.

He dared the security agencies to record his program and juxtapose same with the true history of the area to see if he peddled any falsehood.

He also asked the security agencies to arrest him.

He thus cautioned against the torturing of persons proclaiming the independence of the said Western Togoland state.

He said, no such person is a threat to Ghana and should not be subjected to any form of torture.

Bestway Zottors arrest becomes the latest addition to the several people standing trial for acting in a manner that threatens the peaceful existence of Ghana.

The octogenarian leader of the group, Charles Kormi Kudzordzi also known as Papavi Hogbedetor in his new year address from his hideout encouraged his followers to exercise restraint in their activism towards the independence of the Western Togoland.

citinewsroom
The president left his condolences in the book of memory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine to honor the memory of the Canadian citizens killed in the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS752 crash in Iran on January 8.

He left condolences in the book of memory at the embassy near the list of the victims' names, according to the president's press service.

Read alsoUkraine wants Iran to hand over PS752 flight recorders

"One day, people invented airplanes. One day, people invented weapons. But will people ever be able to find an effective way to protect themselves from their inventions? And could people ever invent words able to describe our common unbearable pain because of the tragedy of the downed Boeing-737?" he wrote.

According to Zelensky, historically, Ukraine and Canada have a lot in common, and now the two friendly countries are unfortunately united by a common grief.

"My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased citizens of Canada and Ukraine. My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased citizens of other countries  Iran, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. Eternal memory to the deceased!" Zelensky wrote in the book of memory.

The president also expressed his condolences to the Canadian people over the tragedy in a conversation with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza.

Zelensky said that 45 Ukrainian specialists had been sent to Iran to participate in the investigation into the causes of the plane crash. Some of them have already returned to Ukraine. At the same time, 10 experts remain in Tehran and continue their work.

Ambassador Galadza thanked Ukraine for its cooperation in the investigation. The parties agreed that the truth would have to be established in that matter.

The president also informed about his meeting with relatives of Ukraine's victims of flight PS752 and said they would be provided support from the Ukrainian government.
There was rage across the African continent last year, says Human Rights Watch in its annual report, with no sign of cooling down in 2020.

African public outraged

In Sudan and Guinea, there were manifestations of frustration with entrenched leadership. In Zimbabwe, protests mostly about economic conditions. While in rural Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were about the rights of communities displaced by conflict.

But the public outrage is good to see, said Human Rights Watch (HRW) at its Johannesburg report unveiling.

Africa Advocacy director for HRW Carine Kaneza Nantulya says ordinary citizens took the spotlight this year.

"We've seen, I think, the average men and women of the African continent taking agency, being agents for their own for the changes they wanted to see, which we saw an increase of peaceful protest in different countries, she said. The second takeaway is that we've also seen a backsliding from government in terms of political and civic space.

More expected from African leaders

That has taken the form of outright police aggression and repression, as seen in Southern Africa, says the groups Southern Africa researcher, Dewa Mavhinga.

"We expected more from southern African leaders, including President Ramaphosa of South Africa, based on their commitment and promises to fulfill people's rights across the region, he said. But we saw that there was a constriction of space for human rights defenders in countries like Zimbabwe, Mavhinga told VOA.

There was a clampdown on protesters, excessive use of force by the police and other arms of the security forces, he said. There was no accountability whatsoever.

Mavhinga said African leaders need to do more, as the people bring about change on their own. He pointed to the nation with the continents most progressive constitution, South Africa, which is taking up the rotating chairmanship of the African Union this year.

"South Africa has to step up to the plate, he said. It has to deliver on human rights and draw from (Nelson) Mandela's legacy, said Mavhinga. But we will have to continue to push, he said.

Hope in the Horn (and Sudan)

But there was also a glimmer of hope, as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize for his reform agenda and for his reconciliatory moves with arch-enemy Eritrea, noted HRWs Africa deputy advocacy director, Babatunde Olugboji.

"He's done quite a few great things in Ethiopia, hes released political prisoners and is actually reforming some repressive laws, he said. He sort of made peace with Eritrea. So things are moving in the right direction, mostly, said Olugboji. There's still a lot to be done in Ethiopia, he added.

Overall, Olugboji said it was an extraordinary year, raising hopes for a more outspoken African public in 2020.

He pointed to an event few people could have predicted at this time last year: the popular uprising that led to the ouster of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir after a 30-year rule marked by oppression, human rights abuses, and attempted genocide in the Darfur region.

"I think people are becoming more aware of their rights, said Olugboji. Who could have thought Bashir in Sudan would be overthrown?
Goldman Sachs' missed profit expectations as it blamed a surge in litigation charges

Legal costs relating to a Malaysian fraud scandal have weighed on Goldman Sachs' results.

The US bank missed profit expectations as it blamed a surge in litigation charges.

It made profits of 6.4billion over 2019, down 19 per cent from the previous year, after setting aside 940million to cover litigation.

The Wall Street giant has been rocked by the fallout from 1MDB, a Malaysian investment fund designed to direct money into strategic projects.

In 2015, then-prime minister Najib Razak was accused of channelling money from the fund into his own bank accounts.

Goldman Sachs sold bonds to investors on behalf of the fund, and much of the legal provisions it has set aside are expected to go towards a settlement to resolve accusations that it overlooked corruption at 1MDB.

The bank revenues in total for the year were effectively flat at 27.8billion.
U.S. shale growth may be slamming on the breaks, although analysts differ over how significant the slowdown will be.

The EIA says that U.S. shale growth will slow down this year, but the agency still has growth at a rather optimistic 1.1 million barrels per day (mb/d), putting the annual 2020 average at 13.3 mb/d. The agency does see a more dramatic slowdown in 2021, with growth of just 0.4 mb/d.

The upbeat assessment is echoed by Rystad Energy, which predicts growth of 1.9 mb/d from U.S. shale, although that figure includes natural gas liquids. The firm sees Brazil and Norway adding another 1.3 mb/d, which combined risks leaving the oil market oversupplied this year. The recently announced OPEC+ cuts might not be enough to sustain oil prices at $60 per barrel, Rystad said in a report.

Right on cue, rumors of OPEC+ delaying its March meeting until June hit the news wire on Tuesday. In this hypothetical scenario, the cuts, which are set to expire at the end of the first quarter, would be pushed off until June. The OPEC rumor mill is nothing new, but anonymous leaks to the press coming only two weeks after the latest deal went into effect isnotable.

But other market watchers are warning that the shale boom might be closer to a peak than is commonly thought. Adam Waterous, an investor at Waterous Energy Fund, says that the Permian basin is either at or near a peak in production. The North American oil market has been grossly overcapitalized, which is not sustainable, he told Bloomberg. Its impossible to continue to have uneconomic production and capex.

Even if the EIA is closer to the mark, the figures of over 1 mb/d of growth refers to an annual average. U.S. production ended the year at around 12.9 mb/d, according to the weekly data, so achieving 13.3 mb/d may be a bit less impressive than the annual changes suggest. The momentum is declining significantly, Commerzbank said in a note. The decline in drilling activity and the rising costs of exploration are likely to slow the rate at which production is expanded. Related: Oversupply Fears Are Front And Center In Oil Markets

Beneath the headline figures about production growth are ongoing operational challenges in the shale patch.

The average cumulative production per well over the first twelve months of output has been on the rise since mid-2015 until April 2018, when it peaked, and has slightly fallen since, JBC Energy said in a report.

The energy consultancy said that initial production rates increased in the North Dakota in recent years, but the tradeoff was steeper decline rates. The widely-cited productivity improvements in well design, along with an intensification of sand, water, lateral length, etc., all aimed at producing more oil and gas from a given well  those improvements are being offset by steeper decline rates, JBC said.

So even under the optimistic assumption that cumulative production plateaued over the past year and has not fallen further, an increasing number of new wells is needed to offset the decline from the constantly growing fleet of legacy wells, in order to retain growth. The JBC report was entitled Another Nail in The Coffin of US Shale Growth. Related: The World's Most Expensive Oil Nears $100 Per Barrel

This is not a new story, but it is one that is still unfolding. Either way, the steeper decline rates further complicate a business model that already has serious red flags.

Meanwhile, the latest EIA inventory data showed another build in refined products, and oil prices slid on the news. Short-term movements may not matter much, but the shale industry is very sensitive to price. With WTI slipping back into the $50s per barrel, and analysts warning about ongoing oversupply issues, that could lead to the shale growth projections coming in at the lower end of those forecast ranges.

The flip side of that is if production undershoots the consensus estimates, it could result in a tightening up of the market, which ultimately is a bullish trend. But for now, the main market narrative still assumes U.S. shale continues to add new production. The weekly EIA data also showed output topping 13 mb/d for the first time last week.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Faced with the threat of losing their local GP practice, the villagers of Byfield knew that they had to make a stand.

Around 400  almost a third of the village's population  descended on a meeting where councillors were to discuss the surgery's predicament.

It led officials to call in police to deal with scenes of 'utter chaos'.

But people-power succeeded in winning a delay on a local authority planning decision that could result in the practice's closure.



More than 400 village residents had turned up to a meeting at Daventry District Council to show support for a new doctors' surgery

As well as the 1,300 residents of the Northamptonshire village, Byfield Medical Centre also serves another 34 villages and hamlets, including some in neighbouring Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. If the practice closes, residents face either a ten-mile journey to Banbury or eight miles in the opposite direction to Daventry in search of a GP.

Glenys Smith, landlady of Byfield's Cross Tree Inn, was among the 'rowdy' crowd who turned out to support the existing surgery's plans to relocate to a purpose-built new site on the edge of the village.

She said: 'There was only space for a few dozen villagers to be admitted to the meeting.

'I was among the hundreds left outside. Feelings are running high over this  Byfield is an old community so it is vital that it has a GP surgery. We can't expect those who can't drive to be taking 25-minute bus rides to the towns whenever they need to see a doctor, especially as there are rumours that the service to Daventry might be axed in the summer.

'I'm 100 per cent in support of the new surgery.' Byfield Medical Centre was built in 1982 to serve 4,000 patients, but the number on its roll now stands at 8,300.

The surgery has lost two of its four GP partners during its two-year battle to relocate, and has been unable to recruit replacements because of its 'cramped' conditions and high patient numbers.

Planning officers had recommended that an outline application for a new medical centre in Byfield, Northamptonshire, should be refused. However, 2,000 residents had signed a petition in support of the plans because the current surgery is at full capacity

A local landowner has given the surgery a one-acre site with a covenant that the land must be used for development of a medical practice, as well as the promise of 1.25million towards the cost of the new building  to be funded by the proposed sale of neighbouring land to a housing developer.

But planners at Tory-run Daventry District Council have recommended that the surgery's outline application for the new site, and the associated 78-home housing development, be turned down.This is due to concern over access arrangements to the new houses, and the potential impediment to views of open countryside.

However, the surgery warns that without a new building to move to, the existing premises will ultimately have to close because staff 'cannot cope' with the volume of patients and lack of space.

Dr Rob Harvey, a senior partner at the surgery, said: 'If we cannot secure a new building the centre will close, meaning that all 8,300 patients will have to access GP services elsewhere.'

Practice manager Tracey Rymer added: 'We tend to offer most of our appointments on the day, so that those who are in most urgent need can see a doctor.

'They go live at 8am  online and by telephone  but by 8.05am they've all gone.' She said the surgery was part of a rural primary care network of five surgeries  including a new one at Brixworth  which was also built in conjunction with a new housing estate.

Almost half of Byfield's patients come from the neighbouring village of Woodford Halse, which has grown rapidly over recent years.

She said the two remaining partners at BMC would take out a mortgage to cover the balance of the cost of building the new surgery, estimated to be around 2million in total. Nearly 2,000 residents have signed a petition supporting the plans.

At Wednesday night's local authority meeting, councillors deferred a decision on whether to follow their planners' advice and refuse the application.

It comes as GPs are abandoning their practices in huge numbers, with morale said to be at an all-time low. Some 270 GP practices closed in 2018/19, taking the number of surgeries to the lowest since records began in 1995. There has been a fall of more than 1,000 GPs in England since 2015.

Byfield Parish Council has objected to the application on grounds including fears over flooding, traffic impact and the site's location outside village confines.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court here seeking implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the Congress-ruled state.

The PIL was filed recently by office-bearers of four social organisations in the state.

Talking to PTI on Thursday, advocate Ram Kishore Katiyar, who is one of the petitioners, said that state Chief Minister Kamal Nath and chief secretary have been made respondents in the PIL.

"The PIL has been filed in the wake of reported statements made by CM Kamal Nath that the CAA will not be implemented in the state," he said.

Kamal Nath had earlier said that he will not allow implementation any such law in the state which discriminates on the basis of religion and is against the spirit of the Constitution. Last month, he had even led a march in protest against the CAA in Bhopal.

The PIL states that the Centre has issued a gazette notification on CAA a few days ago after its passage in both the Houses of Parliament, Katiyar said.

As per the gazette notification issued by the Centre last week, the CAA, under which non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, will be given Indian citizenship, came into force from January 10.

Besides Katiyar, who is the president of Rachanatmak Adhivakta Sangh, the other three petitioners are- S K Menon, president of Akhil Bharatiya Malyalee Sangh, Chandra Prabha, president of Veer Veerangana and Ashish Sharma, general secretary of Akshar Jyoti.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
AUBURN, Ala., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced its ongoing expansion in Texas with its newest location in Tomball. Following the recent openings in Kingwood and Fort Worth-Ridglea Village, the Tomball restaurant marks Chicken Salad Chick's third Texas opening this month with plans to open additional locations in Fort Worth and Katy later this year. Located at 14030 FM 2920 Road near Tomball Town Center, the new Tomball restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on January 29 and will offer free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests.

During grand opening week, guests will experience the southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for, with giveaways and specials that include:

Wednesday, January 29  Free Chicken Salad for a Year  The first guest will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month.* Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can make a purchase and enter to win free chicken salad for a year.**

 Free Chicken Salad for a Year  The first guest will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month.* Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can make a purchase and enter to win free chicken salad for a year.** Thursday, January 30  The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free scoop or sandwich card for their next visit.

The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free scoop or sandwich card for their next visit. Friday, January 31  The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick Tumbler.

The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick Tumbler. Saturday, February 1  The first 50 guests to purchase two Large Quick Chicks will receive a free Chick tote bag.

The Tomball restaurant is owned and operated by multi-unit franchise owners Jake Alleman and Cody Gielen of Cojak Investments, LLC. With the debut of their new restaurant in Kingwood earlier this month, the Tomball location marks the duo's second location to open in the Houston market this month and sixth Chicken Salad Chick restaurant across Texas and Louisiana, in addition to nine Another Broken Egg Cafe locations throughout Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. Their commitment to growth and outstanding leadership make them standouts in the restaurant industry, further emphasized by Alleman's recent Most Valuable Performer win at the 2019 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference.

"It's been a pretty exciting month for Jake and me as we've opened two new Chicken Salad Chick restaurants and we couldn't have done it without our guests' unyielding support," said Cody Gielen. "Our craveable chicken salad flavors have become a hit across Texas and we can't wait to introduce the sweet and savory combinations to the residents in Tomball. The unique concept that is Chicken Salad Chick is sure to be a quick favorite."

The Chicken Salad Chick concept was established in 2008 by founder, Stacy Brown. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu offers a variety of options suitable for any guest. Under the leadership of CEO Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the company now has more than 145 restaurants currently open in 16 states and remains a standout brand within the fast casual segment.

Chicken Salad Chick in Tomball will be open Monday  Saturday from 10:30.a.m. to 8.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

*Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase a Chick Special and are required to download the Craving Credits app. Redemption will start 2/3.

For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/chickensaladchicktomball/

About Chicken Salad Chick

Founded in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Today, the brand has more than 145 restaurants in 16 states and is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in Franchise Times' Fast & Serious, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers and Entrepreneur's Top Food Franchises for the second consecutive year and QSR's Best Franchise Deals and Nation's Restaurant News' Next 15 in 2019. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

Contact:

Natalia Rodrigues

Fish Consulting

[email protected]

954-893-9150

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick

Related Links

http://www.chickensaladchick.com


The Philippines is compelling residents of 12 towns and two cities near the restive Taal Volcano to move to safer ground, even as the intensity of the eruption has weakened.

Forced evacuations have been enforced in areas prone to a tsunami and a surge of gas and rock fragments if the volcano 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of the capital Manila erupts violently, disaster management agency chief Ricardo Jalad said Wednesday night.

Two people have died and more than 121,000 people have fled to safety since Sunday, but poor visibility and slippery roads due to volcanic ash are hampering evacuation efforts, the military said Thursday.

The evacuations were done even as volcanic activity over the past eight hours "has been generally characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes 800 meters high from the main crater that drifted to the general southwest," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in an 5:00 p.m. bulletin. Nine weak explosions and more tremors were also recorded by the agency.

The second-highest alert in a five-step warning system remains in effect, suggesting hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours or days.

The nearby Cavite province has been placed under a state of emergency, joining Batangas province, which was given that status earlier this week to enable it to immediately disburse funds.

Taal Volcano, which lies in the middle of a lake, is a tourist attraction and is among the nation's most active and deadly volcanoes.

Portions of Pansipit River, the sole drainage outlet of Taal Lake, have dried up. Satellite images also showed the main crater lake has been drained and new vent craters have been formed inside the main crater, according to the Batangas disaster management office.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Hotels owned by JG Summit Holdings Inc., Megaworld Corp. and and SM Prime Holdings Inc. in the tourist city of Tagaytay near the volcano announced temporary closures in response to warnings of a possible explosive eruption.

Businesses in several villages in Tagaytay that opt to resume operations will have to sign a waiver that says they've been briefed of the hazards, the city's disaster risk management office said in a Facebook post.

The government will loan an initial 50 million pesos ($984,000) to small businesses affected by the eruption, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters Thursday, adding that his agency is guarding against price spikes.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered that no one be allowed to return and permanently reside on the island where the volcano is located in the near future. The government has "more than enough funds" to support affected localities, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 06:14:53|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Energy and Mining Minister Adil Ali Ibrahim on Wednesday announced that the Sudanese army restored two oil fields in Darfur region after they were earlier seized by elements belonging to the General Intelligence Service (GIS).

The armed forces have managed to contain the situation at Hadid and Sufian oil fields in east Darfur State, Ibrahim told reporters in Khartoum.

"They have been evacuated from the area, while the armed forces are completing receiving their weapons prior to transporting them to Khartoum," he noted.

The minister explained that an armed group, belonging to the GIS, on Tuesday entered Hadid and Sufian oil fields, seized the crude oil compilation area and forced the personnel and engineers to leave their sites.

He said the incident has affected the production at the two fields, noting that "the two fields produce around 7,000 barrels of oil a day, whereas the work stopped for about 10 hours."

On Tuesday, headquarters of the GIS's Operations Authority witnessed heavy gunfire, which sparked fear among the citizens of central Khartoum and the areas of the GIS's headquarters.

The Sudanese government described the incidents as a "rebellion" by a security force.

The former Transitional Military Council in August 2019 dissolved the GIS's Operations Authority. An estimated 13,000 dismissed ex-employees were asked whether to join the army or the Rapid Support Forces, or to be discharged and get end-of-service rewards.

The majority opted for the latter, and some refused to hand over their weapons until they get the rewards.
US President Donald Trump on January 16 pointed to Phase 2 trade talks with China, a day after Washington and Beijing inked a preliminary Phase 1 agreement, but gave no other details about the next phase of negotiations.

"We are now in a great position for a Phase Two start," Trump tweeted.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / RESAAS Services Inc. (TSXV:RSS)(OTCQB:RSASF), a technology platform for the real estate industry, is pleased to announce it will be participating in the AlphaNorth Capital Investment Conference taking place January 17-19, 2020 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas.

The conference introduces select growth-stage companies to active top-level capital finance individuals through scheduled one-on-one meetings. Participants on the investor side include top brokers, portfolio managers, institutional investors and high net worth individual investors active in growth stocks and looking for new opportunities for themselves and their clients.

The event will feature senior participants from BMO Nesbitt Burns, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, CIBC Private Wealth Management, CIBC Wood Gundy, Echelon Wealth Partners, Gravitas Securities, Haywood Securities, Industrial Alliance Securities, Leede Jones Gable, Mackie Research Capital, PI Financial, PowerOne Capital Markets, Richardson GMP and Scotia Wealth Management.

RESAAS' Chief Operating Officer, Sascha Williams, and VP Capital Markets, Don Mosher, will host individual investor meetings to discuss the Company's recent news, successful 2019 and growth strategy for the year ahead.

To arrange a one-on-one meeting with the Company at the event, please contact investors@resaas.com.

###

About RESAAS Services Inc.

RESAAS is a technology platform for the real estate industry that enables real estate brokerages, franchises and associations to bring real-time communication, new business opportunities and unique data to their agents on a global basis.

Visit www.resaas.com for more information.

For further information contact:

Don Mosher

RESAAS Services Inc.

Tel: +1 (604) 685-6465

Email: don.mosher@resaas.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The statements made in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from RESAAS Services Inc.'s expectations and projections.

SOURCE: RESAAS Services Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573251/RESAAS-to-Present-at-AlphaNorth-Capital-Investment-Conference
Vietnamese agencies have joined hands with a French partner on the research and production of vaccines against the African swine fever (ASF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD).

A health worker sprays disinfectants in a pig farm

The Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Dabaco Group and RTD Group which specialise in agricultural products, signed a cooperation agreement with Frances Ceva Group in Hanoi on January 14.



The deal aims to enhance prevention and combat of animal diseases, as well as create optimal conditions for the development of the animal husbandry sector.



The cooperation is deemed necessary for the strategy on disease prevention and combat and reduction of vaccine costs, among others.



According to the Animal Health Department, the ASF virus has so far spread to more than 7,700 communes of nearly 650 districts in all 63 provinces and cities of Vietnam. More than 5 million pigs have been culled.



Earlier, vaccine against AFS virus by the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) produced initial positive outcomes on experimental scale, unveiled MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong.



Meanwhile, the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus affected 3,479 heads last year, according to the ministry.



Vietnam has successfully produced the vaccine against FMD Type O, which was developed by AVAC, a member of the Rural Technology Development Group.

American, Vietnamese experts develop African Swine Fever vaccine A vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF) is being developed in Vietnam.
Irish farmers paralysed parts of central Dublin for the second time in as many months by parking over 100 tractors in the streets on Wednesday in a protest against the government on the first day of its re-election campaign.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar launched his partys campaign for the Feb. 8 vote - which he called on Tuesday - near the border with Northern Ireland to focus on his key role in Britains divorce deal with the European Union.

But in Dublin farmers arrived on tractors from all over Ireland to protest over low beef prices and government climate-change initiatives they say unfairly target their livelihoods.

Varadkar acknowledged on Tuesday that more had to be done for people to feel the strength of the booming economy in their pockets and his re-election could hinge on the attitudes of those whom opposition parties say feel left behind.

(Varadkars Fine Gael party) will suffer in rural Ireland, said protester Ollie Gargan, 43, who runs a farm with 30 suckler cattle in the northern county of Cavan. He voted for Fine Gael in the 2016 election but ruled out doing so again.

They are just throwing crumbs from the top table. Theres no future for young farmers, Gargan said.

Farmers staged a similar protest in cordoned-off areas of Dublin in November when, rather than leave at the allotted time, many slept in their vehicles overnight and refused to leave until Agriculture Minister Michael Creed met them.

Creed said on Wednesday the government could not intervene on beef prices but had secured an extra 120 million euros ($133.88 million) of income support for farmers this year in what he acknowledged was a difficult year for the industry.

At the wheel in tractors covered in placards with slogans such as Stop Farmer Exploitation and Help Save Rural Ireland, angry farmers said that was not enough.

Theres been no effort. Zilch, said John Denash, a 50-year-old beef farmer from the western county of Roscommon.

The woes farmers face, including potential losses from increased barriers to trade with post-Brexit Britain, may become a battleground in rural districts just as high rents and housing shortage is set to dominate the campaign in urban areas.

Fine Gael and the main opposition Fianna Fail are closely matched in opinion polls, some distance ahead of their other rivals, increasingly the likelihood that one of the two centre-right parties will head the next government.
The food and beverage giant has committed to making 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Food giant Nestle on Thursday said it will invest up to two billion Swiss francs ($2.07bn) to source more recycled plastics for packaging its products and reduce its use of new plastics by a third by the year 2025.

Regularly cited by environmentalists as one of the top plastic polluters, Nestle is under pressure to show it is serious about addressing the waste reduction problem.

The Switzerland-based company has pledged to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

We are high up on the list because we are one of the largest companies out there in packaged goods and now were also taking pretty big steps in using our size to actually solve the problem, Nestle chief executive Ulf Mark Schneider told journalists.

Nestle will allocate more than 1.5 billion francs to pay for the extra cost of food-grade recycled plastics.

At the moment, outside PET bottles, theres not a lot of recycled plastic available that is suitable for packaging food, Nestle chief technology officer Stefan Palzer told Reuters News Agency on the sidelines of an event. He said Nestles readiness to pay a premium should encourage investment in the area.

Schneider said the investment would have a neutral impact on earnings.

Industry peer Unilever has said it wants to halve its use of new plastic by 2025. Schneider said Unilevers goal had set a high benchmark for the industry, but most of the companys plastic packaging did not need to be food-grade quality.

Nestle, known for KitKat chocolate bars and Maggi soups, will also launch a 250 million franc sustainable packaging venture fund to invest in promising startups in that space.

Schneider said there was a very vibrant food startup scene on the west coast of the United States for both food and food packaging.

Theres more venture capital flowing into the food space these days because theres a lot happening there and the payback also comes quickly, after six months you know if the product is good, Schneider said.
Often called a pillar of the community, and known by his big personality and iconic smile, Ralph John Tenuta died Wednesday night at age 87 after a brief illness.

The son of John Tenuta, who founded Tenutas Delicatessen Liquors and Wines, 3203 52nd St., in 1950, Ralph grew the family business, retiring 20 years ago.

Over the years he employed hundreds of Kenosha youth, became a prolific supporter of Kenoshas academic institutions and a role model to fellow businessmen.

He was named Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year, KABA Person of the Year and was past president of Rotary West.

Community, education and work were important to him, said Ralphs son, Chris Tenuta.

Well known and well liked, he was sometimes called the informal mayor of Kenosha, said former Carthage College president Greg Campbell.

One of my favorite memories of Ralph is how hed stand in that center aisle (of Tenutas) talking with everyone. ... He knew the family trees of half of Kenosha, Campbell said.

He was a dear friend, a mentor, and one of the greatest business minds I ever encountered in the five decades I worked at the Kenosha News, said recently retired advertising representative Dennis Serpe.

Tenuta served as a Carthage College trustee for 25 years and received the 2006 Carthage Flame Award.

He gave reasonable advice and took initiatives, Campbell said.

Campbell credits Ralph with instituting a campus luncheon series that brought in political, professional and business leaders.

He built bridges between the Kenosha community and the college, he said.

He was instrumental in establishing the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and served as president of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Benevolent Foundation. In 2008 he received the UW-Parkside Lifetime Recognition Award.

He was also honored in 2015 as a Distinguished Bradford High School Alumni by the Bradford High School Alumni Association.

Growing the family business

Tenuta was born on May 26, 1932, to John and Lydia Tenuta.

After graduating from Bradford High School in 1950, he attended Marquette University and took courses with the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

He soon joined his father in the stores operations, helping grow it with innovative products and marketing ideas.

He worked seven days a week, Serpe said.

He was ahead of his time with things like the buy one get one, red tag (wine) sale and selling sandwiches outside. Other stores followed his lead, like offering craft beers and the idea of build your own six pack.

In business Ralph was a gentleman; firm but fair, Serpe said.

Ralphs cousin, Tony Bonnano, Tenutas deli manager, worked side-by-side with Ralph and said he taught him everything he knows about the deli business.

Me and Ralph would go to food shows, decide what to bring back, Bonnano said in a News article in 2018.

Ralph also introduced an expansive line of cigars. His love of cigars dated back to high school, Chris said.

He and some friends were in a club and had a contest to become the mayor of Kenosha. They had their pictures taken in a room in city hall smoking cigars. They got in trouble for that, he said.

Helping others

Ralph networked on behalf of the Italian community. In the days when bank loans were hard to come by, he and several others got together and formed a bank known informally as the Italiana Bank, said Serpe. This later became American State Bank.

Ralph was also a trustee of the Greater Kenosha Area Foundation. In a salute to Ralph, the organization credited him for providing jobs and financial incentives to young people.

Among the dozens of photos adorning the walls of Tenutas is a plaque of thanks presented to Ralph from former employees. For many of us it was our first job, and it was and is a great place to work!

He touched so many people, all those employees, over so many years, Serpe said.

He was also a great friend to many. He had a great sense of humor and a way of making people feel like they were better than he was, said lifelong friend Carlo Ricciardi.

He mentored me, not just in advertising, but taught me about life, Serpe said. His favorite saying to me was, You can look back, but dont stare: Life is ahead of you.

He did a lot of good for the community and didnt take himself into consideration, Chris said.

Funeral arrangements will be published at a later date.

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The Armenian government embarked on an ambitious reform agenda, including tackling corruption and reforming the economic and justice sectors, however, investigations into past violence and excessive use of force by law enforcement remained limited, Human Rights Watch World Report 2020 stated.

According to the report, violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, discrimination against and segregation of people with disabilities, and domestic violence persisted.

Armenias police have a long record of impunity for using excessive force to break up largely peaceful protests. Authorities revived an investigation into the 2008 deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, and in June 2019, charged a high-ranking official with murdering a protester while security forces were breaking up a demonstration.

However, investigations into two episodes of excessive police force against largely peaceful demonstrators and journalists in 2016 and 2015 remained suspended. Authorities claimed they were unable to identify the alleged perpetrators, the report said on accountability for law enforcement abuse.

What comes to environment, in August, environmental protests against plans to restart construction on the Amulsar gold mine turned into confrontations between police and protesters after security officials barred them from demonstrating in a public park surrounding parliament. Police briefly detained six protesters on misdemeanor disobedience charges.

The report also noted that domestic violence persisted as a serious problem.

According to official data, during the first half of 2019, authorities investigated 331 criminal domestic violence cases, including 176 that were newly initiated. They brought charges in 209 cases and sent 45 cases to courts, the source added. but in most cases, authorities do not protect women and child survivors of domestic violence, jeopardizing their lives and well-being.

According to them, Armenia has only one shelter for domestic violence survivors, while there are plans to open another shelter, with an overall capacity of 10 to 13 people, Armenia falls far short of the Council of Europe recommendation of one shelter space per 10,000 people.

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women reported that 10 women had been killed by their intimate partners in the first half of 2019, the report said.

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) had not been sent to parliament for ratification, the report said.

As report noted, however, Armenia made progress in transforming some residential institutions for children into community centers and supporting family-based care and Armenia aims to have fully inclusive education by 2025, whereby children with and without disabilities study together in community schools.

However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people often face harassment, discrimination, and violence.

Fear of discrimination and public disclosure of their sexual orientation prevent many LGBT people from reporting crimes. PINK Armenia, an LGBT rights group, documented at least 17 incidents of physical attacks based on sexual orientation or gender identity from January through August 2019, report said. In April, during a parliamentary hearing on human rights, a transgender activist, Lilit Martirosyan, took the floor to highlight the discrimination and violence transgender people face. A backlash followed her address, including hate speech and death threats directed at Martirosyan. Law enforcement refused to launch an investigation, citing lack of criminal intent.

It also recommended that the government ensure that groups that have legitimate interests could bring cases on behalf of an alleged discrimination victim.

At the end of the report, the report also noted the UN and EU reports welcoming Armenian steps and reforms agenda, but noted that: in October, the Venice Commission, a Council of Europe advisory body, issued an expert opinion countering harmful myths about the Istanbul Convention, and concluding that Armenias ratification of the treaty would not contradict its constitution.
As Haverford Township prepares to return to court in its 10-year battle against the erection of billboards on two major roads, Solicitor James Byrne (left) and Commissioner Steve D'Emilio (right) address residents during a presentation at a town meeting at the Manoa Fire Company in Haverford on Tuesday. Read more

It has been more than a decade since Gail Lovett and some neighbors in Haverford Township first opposed a proposal for billboards along Lancaster Avenue. They were worried about traffic safety, light pollution, home values, and the view from their windows.

And they still are.

As billboard proposals have come and gone in other towns, Haverford has been fighting one battle since 2009, when Bartkowski Investment Group sought to put the mega-signs up on two thoroughfares in the heart of the Main Line.

Two court appeals and 27 township hearings later, the saga over the four billboards proposed for Lancaster Avenue and West Chester Pike has been reawakened. A trial beginning Tuesday is expected to address whether the township must let the company proceed with alternative or modified billboards.

It just seems like its never-ending, said Lovett, a 26-year homeowner who, like an estimated 75 of her neighbors in the townships Bryn Mawr section, would be able to see the advertising from her windows. One map drawn by the township indicated the boards would be visible from the majority of properties within its borders.

Billboard battles have been waged in area municipalities for years, from Mount Laurel to Doylestown to Downingtown (and often against Bartkowski  including in Center City). Some towns have allowed the landscape-altering signs, others have kept them out, and some continue arguing.

In Haverford, the township first rejected the firms billboard proposal in 2012. A county judge upheld that decision, and Bartkowski Investment Group appealed to Commonwealth Court, arguing that the zoning ordinance Haverford used to reject its proposal was unconstitutional. In 2014, that court agreed the proposal was inappropriate for the locations but sent the case back to Delaware County with instructions for the lower court to rule on whether the township must approve some elements of the original proposal.

It has taken five years for the remanded case to reach trial  and if the losing party appeals, Judge Spiros Angelos ruling wont end the saga.

Both sides will present witnesses and evidence starting Tuesday. The township plans to argue that even smaller billboards would not be safe, while Bartkowski Investment Group says it should be allowed to build them.

The case is limited to four locations where Bartkowski leased property, so the judge will most likely be considering changes to the billboards size or shape rather than location changes.

The latest proposal calls for roughly 550-square-foot signs that would stand more than 50 to 70 feet high, said Township Solicitor Jim Byrne, in the Bryn Mawr and Havertown sections of the township.

Two along Lancaster Avenue near Dayton Road would bookend a stretch that includes an Acme market and a Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia satellite facility. One on West Chester Pike would sit above a car wash near Darby Creek, just before ramps linking to I-476. The other on that road would sit near Washington Avenue, next to a check-cashing shop that neighbors Trinity Lutheran Church.

In a place where you have children walking across the street, people riding bicycles, pedestrians . theres not enough time to react safely and read a billboard, said Byrne, who has worked on the case since its start more than a decade ago. "You drive down Lancaster  just imagine closing your eyes for two seconds.

In a statement from a spokesperson, the Bartkowski Investment Group told The Inquirer the Commonwealth Courts decision means the company is entitled to construct the billboards.

The Township has wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money by refusing to comply with the decision of the court and has been unwilling to engage in any meaningful dialogue toward a sensible resolution," the statement said. "Wed continue to prefer to work together, but that requires a willingness to engage in dialogue.

Our quality of life

After a few years lull in the legal processes, Haverford officials and residents organized this month to reengage resistance. An anti-billboard petition Lovett created is circulating among opponents; residents are mobilizing to pack the Media courtroom on Tuesday.

This could change our quality of life and the safety of our residents, said Haverford Commissioner Steve DEmilio, whose constituents would live within view of the billboards on West Chester Pike. Its a big-business ploy to put something in that they know that the community doesnt want. Theyre trying to act like this is some sort of compromise, and it isnt.

The townships board of commissioners unanimously opposes the project and has vowed to spend whatever it takes to continue fighting the Philadelphia-area investment group, run by outdoor advertising businessman Thaddeus Bartkowski. Board president Andy Lewis said they were prepared to fight this for another 20 years if we have to.

Thaddeus Bartkowski declined to comment beyond the companys statement.

Under a newer company, Catalyst Experiential LLC, Bartkowski has proposed to develop civic projects using revenue from digital billboards included in the project design  a dog park and an emergency-services building in Bensalem, an amphitheater in Coatesville, and an emergency-services building in Mount Laurel, all flanked by the electronic signs. The Bartkowski spokesperson would not discuss the status of those projects.

The firms statement said it has repeatedly attempted to discuss the billboard design and sizing with Haverford officials. We have a vast portfolio of potential designs, ranging from traditional monopoles and extending to clocktowers, community landmarks, amphitheaters, and even dog parks, it said.

Outrage among residents

Haverford residents arent interested in those designs  at least not according to the vocal crowd of nearly 200 who came to a Tuesday evening meeting to ask township officials how to stop the billboard developer.

We really just want to keep them out of the neighborhood. Its not a highway," said Terri Lynn Alizzi, 59, who has lived in Haverford her entire life. "Its a neighborhood. Its our neighborhood.

Gathered in a fire hall, the audience jeered at a screen-projected illustration of what one billboard might look like above West Chester Pike.

How does that make you feel? asked Commissioner Steve DEmilio.

Horrible! Sick! people called out. Others booed.

The stretch of West Chester Pike is so heavily traveled that the township recently got aid from PennDot to expand the entrance to 476, DEmilio said. He and others are worried that West Chester Pike, which is often crossed by children and seniors going to the Manoa Shopping Center, will become more dangerous if motorists eyes are being drawn to billboards.

His colleagues have the same worries about Lancaster Avenue, with its shopping centers and busy motor and foot traffic. Neighboring Lower Merion officials are concerned, too; that township filed as an intervenor in the lawsuit. As many as 150 people attended a Jan. 9 meeting led by the solicitor and commissioners in that area of town, Lovett said.

Residents believe their home values will drop dramatically if the billboards are erected. They also fear light pollution, particularly if the signs ever became digital, view and light blocking, and change to local aesthetic. Worries about what would happen if one of the signs fell over ran through community meetings on Thursday and Tuesday.

Thats a really big concern to me, said Christine Logan, 33, whose 3-year-old child attends nursery school at the church next door to one of the proposed West Chester Pike billboard sites. She said the outdoor signs dont belong in a residential area. Nobody in the community wants it, and I think that should count for something.
Nearly four decades after the death of her son, Connie Weeks got the justice she fought for when Genene Jones finally admitted killing her infant in 1981.

With a photograph of her boy by her side, Weeks shared her anger and pain as she faced Jones after a judge sentenced the woman dubbed the the killer nurse to life in prison Thursday for injecting Weeks son with a fatal drug overdose.

You should have to serve one year for every year of life you robbed from the babies that you murdered, Weeks told Jones, who sat with her defense team in 399th state District Court. I hope for you to live a long and miserable life behind bars.

It was a moment Weeks and relatives of the children Jones is believed to have killed in the 1980s feared never would come.

Jones, 69, was set to be released in March 2018 after serving part of a 99-year term for killing Kerrville toddler Chelsea McClellan in 1982. The early release stemmed from a law to ease prison crowding.

Extradited to Bexar County just before her time was up, Jones was indicted in 2017 on five more murder charges in the deaths of San Antonio babies in her care when she was a pediatric nurse.

On ExpressNews.com: Killer nurse Genene Jones expected to change her not-guilty plea in deaths of five San Antonio children

On Thursday, Jones, who was set to go to trial next month, instead decided to plead guilty to killing Weeks son, Joshua Earl Sawyer. He was 11 months old when he was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a house fire, and ended up in Jones care. He died Dec. 12, 1981, from an overdose of Dilantin, a seizure medication.

As part of the agreement, Jones was sentenced to life in prison for killing Joshua, and the other four cases were dismissed.

In addition to killing Joshua, she was accused in the deaths of Richard Ricky Nelson on July 3, 1981; Rosemary Vega on Sept. 16, 1981; Paul Villarreal on Sept. 24, 1981; and Patrick Zavala on Jan. 17, 1982.

All were patients at the pediatric intensive care unit of what later became University Hospital. The children ranged in age from 3 months to 2 years.

Despite the dismissals, relatives still were able to address Jones. Weeks was the first of four women to deliver an emotional victim impact statement.

Ive waited 38 years of my life to tell you I will never forgive you, Rosemary Vega Cantu sobbed as she faced Jones, whom she met when Cantu worked in housekeeping and made beds for the pediatric unit.

Cantu said her daughter and namesake was recovering from surgery when she saw Jones give her a shot. The child died after being injected with an unknown substance. She was 2.

I trusted you with my daughter! And you would tell me, Its going to be OK, Rosemary, she said through tears. My baby girl Rosemary never had a chance in life to go to school, to get married, and have my grandbabies.

Jones appeared to show no reaction, but spectators said she seemed to tear up when she was addressed by Cantu, who brought a photograph of her champion, Petti McClellan-Wiese, who died in June at 64. Her daughter, Chelsea, was killed by Jones.

On ExpressNews.com: Moms keep up fight despite loss of ally

Juanita Villarreal, Paul Villarreals mother, also was not there to face Jones. She died just before Christmas at 64.

Villarreals youngest daughter, Melissa Luna, addressed Jones, not just for herself, but for her late mother and the big brother she never knew. Paul was in the hospital for a routine checkup. He died after being injected with Heparin, an anticoagulant. She also spoke for Richard, Ricky Nelson, who was 8 months old when he died after being injected with a substance unknown. He has no living relatives.

Neither one of them made it to their first birthday because you made the decision to take their lives, Luna told Jones. You wanted to see how many times you could bring them back as if you thought you were God himself.

Calling Jones a cold-hearted monster, Luna said she feels vindicated that the world now knows that the mothers were right.

I can leave here today with a smile on my face because although my brother is in a box, I know that youll take your last pathetic breath in one, too, and youll never be able to hurt another baby or child again.

For the women involved in the San Antonio cases, losing McClellan-Wiese was a sharp blow. They shared tragedy that created a bond they say will never end.

McClellan-Wieses daughter, Kylie McClellan, who stepped in to support the women after her mothers death, traveled from the Houston area to represent Hope Zavala Pacheco, Patrick Zavalas mother, who was out of town.

Facing Jones, she introduced herself and said: My mother is Petti McClellan-Wiese, my sister was Chelsea McClellan.

She fought tears as she read from Pachecos statement.

Forty years have gone by since you took my babys life and I hate you for that, she read. I often wonder how a person can sleep at night after taking someones babys life. You must have a very large, black heart. At this point, Im not saying that I forgive you, but theres only one person you must answer to, and that is God.

Before accepting the plea, Judge Frank J. Castro expressed similar sentiments to Jones, as she stood between her attorneys Cornelius Cox and Brigitte Garza.

Something has to be said for you taking the plea to life on this murder, Castro said. It doesnt come close to what you did to these families, the tragedies that you caused. You took one of Gods most precious gifts, a baby. Defenseless. Innocent. I truly believe your ultimate judgment is in the next life.

Catherine Babbitt, chief of major crimes for Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, said that because the drugs used to kill Joshua Sawyer were deemed a deadly weapon, Jones will have to serve 20 years of flat time before she ever sees the desk of a parole board.

On ExpressNews.com: In court, grieving family members confronted a former nurse accused of killing five children in San Antonio

Babbitt said Jones also would get back a Bible and other personal documents that were seized as evidence during the investigation. She will get two years credit for time served in Bexar County Jail. She would be 87 at the time of her parole eligibility.

The families vow to attend parole meetings and write letters, much like McClellan-Wiese did once Jones became eligible in Chelseas case, to stop her from getting out.

The odds are that she will take her last breath in prison, Babbitt said.

Castros courtroom was packed with relatives, friends, spectators and former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood and two of his former prosecutors on the Jones cases  Jason Goss and Jay Norton.

Under LaHood, Goss worked with investigator Larry DeHaven, and took the lead in reviewing boxes of medical records, hospital schedules and interviews and combing through 65,000 documents to assemble enough evidence to present five cases to grand juries.

Although he was not able to finish the work he began, Goss said he is glad the ordeal is over for the families.

I am ecstatic that our efforts have culminated and paid off, Goss said. Kudos to the new administration for finishing this off. I am glad that it can be over, and whatever side of the bar that Im sitting in, Im just glad to be a part of that.

Speaking after the sentencing, Luna lauded the teams put in place under LaHood and Gonzales for getting the families the justice they sought.

We wanted her to be in prison for the rest of her life, Luna said. We knew that it was hard. Nobody wanted to take this case on. I am thankful for both teams. They both worked long hours to get where we are today. Without them, we wouldnt be here today.

Had Jones been indicted today on those charges, she could have been charged with capital murder-child under 10, a charge that didnt exist in the 1980s. That capital offense is punishable by death or life in prison.

Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
The battle has captivated people in China, where diplomatic rows rarely break into public view and the government often censors posts about politics.

The trolling comes at a time when the United States is pressuring American technology companies to censor content by groups the government has identified as terrorist organizations. Reports have emerged that Facebook, for example, is censoring some pro-Iran posts, including on Instagram. The company said in a statement that it was obliged to review some posts in order to comply with American sanctions.

Iran, for its part, has for years sought to hinder the flow of information from the West more broadly, blocking Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.

Chinese news outlets have covered the skirmish breathlessly, describing Weibo as the new battlefield between the two countries. A hashtag referring to the Weibo fight had been viewed more than 1.5 million times as of Thursday.

The Chinese authorities operate one of the worlds most aggressive censorship systems, routinely scrubbing reports, comments and posts on the internet that are deemed politically sensitive or subversive. Posts by foreign diplomats are known to have been censored, especially on topics such as North Korea or human rights.
JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of CMS Energy today increased the quarterly dividend on the company's common stock to 40.75 cents per share, up from 38.25 cents per share.

Based on Wednesday's closing price for CMS Energy common stock, $64.70, the dividend represents an annualized yield of 2.5 percent.

The first quarter dividend for the common stock is payable Feb. 28, 2020, to shareholders of record Feb. 7, 2020.

Patti Poppe, CMS Energy's president and chief executive officer, said the board's decision to increase the current dividend to $1.63 per share on an annualized basis reflects the successful execution of the company's business strategy.

"CMS Energy continues to deliver on our Triple Bottom Line strategy, focusing on people, planet and profit. This allows us to produce strong financial results year after year to our investors, in addition to world-class performance to the customers we serve," Poppe said.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com.

To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

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Opinion Article

16 January 2020

Research suggests that customer-experience (CX) technologies that serve every touchpoint, add personalization and drive satisfaction were at the top of operators' wish lists for 2020. To be effective and deliver a rapid return on investment, these solutions must successfully delight guests, increase operational efficiencies, inspire loyalty, and generate profits. One technology that is checking all these boxes - yet is often overlooked - is digital voice translation.

Considering that 55% of households are expected to own smart speaker devices by 2022 and 50% of all online searches will be voice-based by 2020, demand for hyper-convenient voice interactions while traveling is on the rise. Powering rooms with voice controls is gaining momentum (30% of hoteliers say they plan to bring voice controls to the guestroom in the coming year), but hoteliers need to expand their voice strategies beyond those four walls to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty and revenues - especially if the hotel or brand is favored by international travelers.

Global Travel Growth Sparks Demand for Voice Translation

Amadeus commissioned a study to explore the trends shaping the future of travel. What it found was that Asia - home to about 4.46 billion people speaking nearly 2,300 languages - will account for almost 22% of global arrivals by 2020 (up from 18% in 2008) and the region's residents will represent 32% of travel spending by 2020. To compete for a share of these travel dollars, hoteliers will need to communicate with these visitors who are fluent in Chinese, Hindi, English, Russian, Indonesian and Japanese. Furthermore, Europe is expected to produce 400 million more outbound travelers in 2020 than in prior years, most of whom will be speaking Russian, German, French, English, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Polish and Dutch.

To help people better connect and get help, the Google Assistant introduced a featured called interpreter mode that translates conversations in real time. Provisioned and managed by Volara, named the ' Best Voice Activated Tech Product of 2020 ' by HotelTechReport last week, the technology is now being rolled out to hotels that will enable staff to communicate with global guests easily - and in their native language.

The new voice translation technology is improving the quality of interactions between hotel staff and guests, resulting in better communications and high-value service. Google Assistant's Interpreter Mode can translate 29 languages in real time, including: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

With Volara's support, hotels can receive a Google Nest Hub to place at their front desk or Concierge station. When a guest needing translation assistance approaches, the staff simply says "Hey, Google, be my Spanish interpreter." Then, the interpreter mode will show text on the screen that translates their words as they speak and repeat the message in English.

This technology will enable international travelers to receive voice-automated professional hospitality in real time when they travel.

The Google Assistant's Interpreter Mode + Volara Places Hyper-Focus on Staff

While this translation technology is driving hyper-convenient interactions with guests, it is also enabling hoteliers to elevate their staff. According to the 2019 Customer Engagement Technology Study , 42% of hoteliers will be investing in staff-facing technologies in 2020 to enhance the customer experience. Happy employees mean happy guests, and happy guests spend more money. By giving hotel staff tools that will make it easier for them to do their jobs, it will ultimately increase guest satisfaction and drive revenues. Perhaps that's why 27% of hoteliers say they plan to add guest-facing self-service technology next year, and 24% are looking for technologies that automate service - both of which can be accomplished by the Google Assistant interpreter mode.

When looking at the key to unlocking ROI from customer experience technology, 2019 CET Study authors Daniel Connolly, Dean of the College of Business & Public Administration at Drake University, and Jungsun (Sunny) Kim, Associate Professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, UNLV, had this to say: "To remain relevant and competitive, hospitality leaders must be agile enough to adapt to shifting consumer demands and have a willingness to take calculated risks into uncharted territory if they are to stand out and capture new market share."

Digital voice translation technology may be uncharted territory to some, but those agile hotels and brands who are embracing it are finding it to be the missing link for improving guest engagement.
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The Women's Federation of Yunnan Province holds an activity to care for disadvantaged and left-behind children in Yijiu Village in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on January 10. [ThePaper]

"I'm very happy today. I not only received gifts and blessings from the aunties but also drew sun, clouds and bees with the aunty from the women's federation," said Li Zongyu, a pupil from Yijiu, a village in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

"My parents have migrated to other place for work. I live with my grandparents. An aunty chatted with me, and we drew pictures together. I am so happy. I like the gift. I will study hard and grow up happily," said Pu Zhilong, 8, a pupil who attended the activity.

Li and Pu were among the 80 disadvantaged children and left-behind children (whose parents have migrated to other places for work) who received gift packages from the Women's Federation of Yunnan Province during an activity held in Yijiu Village to care for disadvantaged and left-behind children on January 10.

Gao Mei, Vice-President of the province's women's federation, said she hopes the scarves and gloves in the gift packages will bring warmth to the children, the lamps and flashlights will bring them light, and the book Ordinary World by novelist Lu Yao will inspire them.

The activity is part of a nationwide campaign titled "Taking Love Home" launched by the All-China Women's Federation, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and several other departments and organizations last December, which aims to bring care to disadvantaged children during the winter vacation and the Spring Festival.

An official of the women's federation draws pictures with a girl during the activity held in Yijiu Village to care for disadvantaged and left-behind children on January 10. [ThePaper]

On January 7, officials of the Women's Federation of Kunming City, Yunnan Province, visited students in an elementary school in Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County. They gave school uniforms to 85 impoverished students, and they also gave financial assistance and down coats to extraordinarily impoverished student. They helped the school establish a library worth nearly 40,000 yuan (US $5,802.73).

On the same day, the Women's Federation of Longyang District in Baoshan City joined hands with donors and volunteers to hand out stationery to pupils in Pinglinzi Primary School and Sanping Primary School in Wadu Township in Longyang.

The Women's Federation of Ruili City and Ruili Women and Children's Development Center presented schoolbags, trousers and slippers to more than 70 students in Hulan Primary School on January 8.

Recently, the women's federations at all levels in the province called on people of all walks of life and the families across the province to volunteer to give care to disadvantaged and left-behind children, to spread good family traditions to the families, and to protect children's safety.

Pupils in Yijiu Village in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, draw colorful pictures during the activity held in Yijiu Village to care for disadvantaged and left-behind children on January 10. [ThePaper]

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)
Photo: Getty Images

Half of UK workers intend to ask their boss for a pay rise in the next 12 months, research suggests.

Data from Robert Half UK shows that record employment levels in 2019 have continued to support the emerging buyers market for professionals with in-demand skillsets, placing upward pressure on salaries, with highly skilled employees becoming increasingly impatient for a pay rise.

About 49% of UK workers intend to ask their boss for a pay rise in the next year, with the average worker asking for a 6% raise.This would equate to an increase in the average weekly wage from 585 to 620 for a full-time employee and an uptick from 197 to 209 for a part-time employee.

READ MORE: The richest workers in Britain  and they're not Londoners

Men are more likely than women to ask their boss for a salary hike, at 56% compared with 44%, while workers between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most likely to ask for a pay rise, at 58%.

Asking the boss

It takes about four months for employees to work up the courage to ask for a pay rise, while 14% of workers have been preparing to ask their boss to increase their salary for over six months, the data shows.

Over a third (34%) of workers delay asking their boss for a pay rise because theyre worried that they will say no, rising to two in five (38%) female workers.

Meanwhile, a quarter (24%) said that their workplace culture makes it difficult to ask for a pay rise.

READ MORE: Employers losing 15bn a year to workers' money worries

Almost half (46%) of all workers who have denied asking for a pay rise have done so because they were waiting for a performance review.

Meanwhile, a quarter (23%) simply dont have enough confidence, while 18% are too embarrassed, 13% said the company can not afford it, and 12% cant find the time.

Of those workers who are denied a pay rise, over half (55%) start looking for another job and one in five (18%) start their job search within a week of the initial rejection.

READ MORE: One in five UK workers spend more than half their day skiving

Matt Weston at Robert Half UK said: Record employment rates in 2019 have placed added pressure on employers. The war for talent shows no sign of slowing down and talented employees will be fielding multiple job offers.
New Delhi [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Major General Asif Ghafoor, the man known for making a series of gaffes, controversial posts and miscalculations on social media over months, including extending support to Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone over her visit to the JNU in Delhi earlier this month, was on Thursday removed from the post of the Director-General of the Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).



Ghafoor, who was serving as the DG ISPR since December 2016, has been posted as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Pakistan Army's 40th Infantry Division in Okara.

The announcement comes as Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Quoting sources, Dawn reported that professional matters relating to the military were discussed during the meeting.

Earlier this month, Ghafoor had praised Deepika Padukone as a "brave person" for standing with the protestors at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The tweet, which misspelled Deepika's surname, was deleted later by Ghafoor.

This is not the first time that the Pakistan Army spokesperson committed a faux pas by making spelling errors. In October, last year, Ghafoor had called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls.

Ghafoor was quoting a statement by Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa which reiterated that the country is fully "configured, prepared, and determined" to defend the "honour, dignity, and territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain of Pakistan and no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren."

In July 2018, Ghafoor attracted ridicule after posting a doctored video of war hero and retired IAF Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor.

Ghafoor had shared a video of Keelor on his Twitter account, claiming that the war veteran was talking about the "Indian failure" during the dogfight between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27 this year, just a day after the Balakot airstrikes.

Netizens were quick to point out that the video was recorded in 2015, approximately four years before the Balakot and its ensuing incidents occurred in 2019.



In fact, the interview titled 'Nehru lost India the war: Air Marshal Denzil Keelor speaks about India's battle losses' was posted by Wilderness Films India on August 9, 2015, on the video-sharing website, YouTube. The former Air Marshal was invited by the production house for a talk on the wars of 1962 and 1965, according to its description. (ANI)


HOUSTONA Texas inmate with a history of violence against women is set to be executed Wednesday evening for fatally shooting his wife, who had feared she would never get out of her marriage alive.

John Gardner, 64, is facing lethal injection for the January 2005 slaying of Tammy Gardner. Prosecutors said the couple was getting divorced when Gardner broke into his wifes North Texas home and shot her in the head as she was sitting in bed. She died two days later at a hospital.

If the execution happens, Gardner would be the first inmate put to death this year in Texas and the U.S. Seven other executions are scheduled in the next few months in Texas, the nations busiest capital punishment state. Last year, 22 inmates were executed in the U.S., with nine inmates being put to death in Texas, the most of any state.

His appellate attorneys had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, alleging Gardners trial lawyers were ineffective, particularly for failing to present evidence that he suffered from abandonment rage, a condition Gardner claims causes men to kill their female companions with excessive force when faced with recent or imminent abandonment.

The Supreme Court denied the petition on Monday. Seth Kretzer, one of Gardners attorneys, said he was deeply saddened by the Supreme Courts decision and no other appeals were planned.

For those of us who are foot soldiers in the long war for conviction integrity, the struggle continues, the hope endures and the spirit never dies, Kretzer said.

Prosecutors at trial described the marriage between John and Tammy Gardner as short but violent. She was Gardners fifth wife. The couple married in 1999.

He was a classic abuser, said Curtis Howard, who was one of the prosecutors for the Collin County District Attorneys Office.

Friends and family of Tammy Gardner, 41, testified she lived in constant fear of John Gardner, who would hit and choke her and threaten her with a gun. Tammy Gardner had wanted to divorce her husband but told her boss at a wholesale horse-equipment company, I cant leave, he will kill me.

In December 2004, Tammy Gardner filed for divorce after borrowing money from her company to do so.

At work, she marked Feb. 7, 2005 on her calendar, the date her divorce would be final. She would go over to the calendar and say, Youre almost there. Youre almost there, according to trial testimony.

She was on pins and needles  hypervigilant, looking out for him, said Howard, who is now an attorney for the Plano police department.

But sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight on Jan. 23, 2005, just 15 days before the divorce became final, John Gardner, who drove from Mississippi, broke into her home in Anna, Texas, located about 45 miles north of Dallas, and shot her in the head as she was sick in bed.

Despite being shot and unable to hear, Tammy Gardner called 911 and told a dispatcher that her husband had shot her and he had left in a white pickup truck with Mississippi plates.

She was hospitalized but went into a coma and was taken off life support two days later.

In the petition before the Supreme Court, Lydia Brandt, one of Gardners attorneys, had argued that if evidence of abandonment rage would have been presented at trial, it would have humanized him thereby providing a basis for a sentence of less than death.

Howard said the theory would not have made a difference at trial because abandonment was not related to all of his many acts of violence, which included shooting his second wife, who was pregnant at the time and later died from resulting injuries, abducting his third wife at knifepoint and savagely beating his third wifes daughter.

Howard said in his career he prosecuted three death penalty cases and two of them were related to intimate partner violence.

This is one of those tragedies that we see in Texas all too often, he said.

By Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk
In an opposition brief filed this week, attorneys for fired Barnes & Noble CEO Demos Parneros argue that the former CEOs surprise 2018 dismissal was engineered on false pretenses by an angry Len Riggio, and that a vaguely-worded B&N press release announcing the firing implied sexual misconduct, lumping Parneros with the Harvey Weinsteins of the world, and making the longtime executive virtually unemployable.

The filing, supported by hundreds of pages of depositions and exhibits, comes in response to B&Ns motion for partial summary judgment on two of the three claimsdefamation and breach of good faith and fair dealingin a bombshell lawsuit filed by Parneros over his July, 2018, dismissal.

In their motion, filed in November, B&N lawyers argue that Parneross defamation claim is without merit because the companys press release announcing Parneross dismissal was indisputably true, stating only that his firing was for violations of company policy not due to financial reporting, policies, or practices or any potential fraud relating thereto." And, with discovery now mostly complete, B&N insists there is no evidence that the company acted in bad faith or with deliberate purpose in depriving Parneros of his equity award.

But in his opposition memo, Parneros insists that the reasons for his firing were basically misrepresented to the B&N board by Riggio, who allegedly blamed Parneros for the collapse of a proposed deal to sell the company in June of 2018, and that the vagueness of the press release announcing his firing recklessly implied serious misconduct.

One recruiter testified that the Press Release's unmistakable implication was a firing for sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and that it ended Parneross career, the filing states. B&N employees received calls, including from investors, asking about Parneross engaging in sexual harassment. Articles and web postings resulting in millions of views linked Parneros to known sexual harassers. The announcement destroyed Parneross reputation and made it impossible for him to find employment despite hundreds of job search efforts.

Further, Parneros insists that the press release is false because he in fact did not violate any company policies.

Parneros was given three reasons for his firinghis bullying of CFO Allen Lindstrom; a single allegation of harassment by a female co-worker; and for allegedly undermining the potential deal to sell the company. But in the filing, Parneros insists all three claims are false.

In terms of his treatment of Lindstrom, Parneros concedes that he was unhappy with the CFOs performancea view, the evidence appears to show, that was widely shared by the B&N executive team, including Riggio. But Lindstrom testified that Parneross dissatisfaction was genuine and that Parneros never raised his voice to him, the filing states.

 'One recruiter testified that the Press Release's unmistakable implication was a firing for sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and that it ended Parneross career,' the filing states. 

The handling of an alleged sexual harassment complaint by an executive assistant remains puzzling. Parneros denies he harassed anyone. But the assistant does not appear to have made a formal complaint beyond sharing details of an uncomfortable exchange with Parneros with co-workers. And the details of what B&N executives call an investigation were held as privileged, Parneros attorneys complain, even though the matter was supposedly satsifactorily concluded with Parneros apologizing in a meeting with the executive assistant, set up at the suggestion of Riggio and then v-p of corporate communications Mary Ellen Keating, who attended the meeting.

But in the most interesting section of the brief, Parneros denies that he undermined a potential deal to sell the company at a June 18, 2018 meeting with the potential buyer (believed to be W.H. Smith), and insists that the deal collapsed because of B&N's declining performance.

In the May/June 2018 period, B&N sales were worse than anticipated and B&N executives told the Potential Acquirer that part of the cause was a computer-system problem. The Potential Acquirers executives grew increasingly concerned and the week before the June 18 meeting discussed the real possibility the deal would fail, the filing states. On June 19, 2018, the Potential Acquirer told Riggio that the deal was off, citing the sales decline and the B&N executives inability to explain it.

But in a deposition, the Potential Acquirer is said to have described the June 18 meeting as having gone as expected" and testified that, had the numbers been better by June 2018, it would have consummated the purchase.

If Parneros's defamation and good faith claims are ultimately defeated in a summary judgment, it would leave only the breach of contract claim for trial, for which, previous filing states, the former CEO seeks approximately $6.4 million. By contrast, Parneros is seeking approximately $70 million in damages for the defamation claim alone, previous filings state.

Barnes & Noble is also countersuing Parneros, seeking to claw back some of the CEOs compensation, alleging disloyal behavior.

Meanwhile, with the summary judgment motions proceeding, the parties are slated for a settlement conference before magistrate judge Gabriel Gorenstein, on January 27 in New York.
Local businesses were counting the cost in Beirut on Wednesday (January 15) after protesters vandalised shopfronts in a popular neighbourhood the night before.

Workers repaired and cleared debris from damaged banks, as restrictions remain in place on customers having access to their funds, as well as the blocking of most transfers abroad for more than two months.

In clashes on Tuesday, security forces fired tear gas outside the central bank.

Protesters retaliated by throwing rocks and other objects.

Reuters footage also shows security forces firing live rounds into the air.

Lebanon has been facing financial instability since the government was toppled by the resignation of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri in October.

His standing down was linked to ongoing protests against corruption and bad governance that are being labelled as root causes of the economic crisis.

The chaos left local people wondering on Wednesday, 'what next'?

(SOUNDBITE)(English) RETIRED LEBANESE WOMAN, HIND, SAYING:

"I have been coming here for the last three days. I only could take three hundred dollars (out of the bank), what to say, what to tell. What to tell?

(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) SHOPOWNER AT HAMRA STREET, MOHAMMED AL RAYYES, SAYING:

"Unfortunately the chaos was because of the politicians in the country. They led to the situation we are living in now."

Inactivity on the part of politicians failing to form a government has been criticised by the U.N, whose senior official Jan Kubis said on Wednesday that Lebanese officials were standing by and watching their economy collapse, instead of solving the crisis.
Eva Amurri has revealed she broke down into tears in her car after dropping off her children for their first weekend away with their father.

The actress, 34, has begun co-parenting her two children with David Martino after announcing their separation last year, and though it has been smooth for the most part, it has not always been easy.

Eva shared just how hard it was for her to initially be separated from her children in her blog, Happily Eva After.

'I sobbed in the car': Eva Amurri has revealed she broke down into tears in her car after dropping off her children for their first weekend away with their father

The exes, who share five-year-old daughter Marlow and three-year-old son Major together, are also expecting a third amid their separation.

'Kyle had the kids for the first time at his apartment right around the holidays. It was extremely emotional for me to drop them off not because they hadn't spent time with just him before (they had, of course), but because it seemed like such a big milestone in the life of our divorce.

'That first weekend 'away' from me felt so big to me sad and strange. Kyle was really kind about it, and helped me through sending me photos and videos of the kids nonstop. I sobbed in the car on the drive home, and texted some girlfriends some very dramatic things about my heart being left behind in Brooklyn. LOL. But then, I got home, I listened to the silence in my house, drew a bath, and started feeling A LOT better.'

Fortunately, the few days off served Eva well.

Family life: The exes, who are also expecting their third child together, share five-year-old daughter Marlow and three-year-old son Major together

'I ended up taking it easy for two days and really resting and by the time I got them back, I felt like a new woman and a better Mom. Since I have the kids the majority of the time in our new arrangement, I do get pretty burnt out. Mornings and school prep every day alone, and bed and bath time every night alone can take it out of me, especially while pregnant. It's nice to have a little break sometimes to rest.'

Overall, co-parenting between the pair has been rather smooth.

The exes communicate daily, and Eva will call up David should their children ask to speak with him.

Hey mama: Amurri showed off her bump while attending the Save The Children gala in New York in September 2019

The children are still adapting to this new routine as well.

'There have been times when he hasn't seen them in person for a few days when I notice them refusing FaceTime or being grouchy about a call. Kyle, to his credit, has taken those moments in stride and been really understanding. If theyre not feeling communication one day, we just try again later or the next day and keep things moving.'

Eva, who is the daughter of Susan Sarandon, and David announced they were separating after eight years of marriage in November.

The actress revealed earlier this month she had decide to go back to her maiden name while in the midst of their divorce.
You may have noticed Google's search results look a little different this week.

That's because of an effort aimed at clarifying sources of information, according to the company.

Google has added small logos to each search result that appear when someone enters a search query on their desktop. For example, a CNN or Fox News logo appears next to results that come from their respective news sites. A big, bold "Ad" logo appears next to advertisements.

But the logos show up for each search result -- not just news and ads.

The company said the new look is an expansion of an announcement it made last summer, which stated it would introduce the new look to mobile devices. This week, it launched the new look on the desktops.

The new look comes as Google and its parent company, Alphabet, face scrutiny from regulators and the public for struggling to contain misinformation. Calls for remedies have grown louder as the 2020 Presidential elections grow closer and the company faces a number of probes included antitrust related to its search business.

When asked for comment, the company directed CNBC to a tweet by "Google SearchLiaison" Monday.

tweet

"The format puts a site's brand front & center, helping searchers better understand where information is coming from, more easily scan results & decide what to explore," the company tweeted.

"This new design allows us to add more action buttons and helpful previews to search results cards, all while giving you a better sense of the web page's content with clear attribution back to the source," wrote Google Search senior interaction designer Jamie Leach.

WATCH: How Gmail beat Yahoo and Hotmail to dominate consumer email
Shares of Jet Airways (India) were locked in the lower circuit band of 5 per cent at Rs 47.75 on the BSE on Thursday amid reports that the Hinduja Group, that had explored investing in the beleaguered airline, has backed out as it found no value in the company.

A Dubai-based fund, too, had evinced interest in investing in the grounded airline, but did not submit an offer. However, according to the Business Standard report, South America-based Synergy Group and Delhi-based Prudent ARC submitted the EoIs yesterday -- the last day to submit the proposal for the revival of the ...
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a series of bilateral meetings with several foreign dignitaries, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.

In his meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar held a detailed exchange of views on key regional and international issues, including the situation relating to Iran, Syria and Libya.

Lavrov briefed Jaishankar on priorities for Russia as current chair of BRICS and the SCO whose summit meetings would be held in Russia in July.

Jaishankar accepted Lavrov's invitation to participate in the next RIC meeting to be hosted by Russia, the MEA said in a statement.

The ministers also reviewed key issues in various areas of India-Russia bilateral cooperation, including implementation of decisions taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September last year.

Jaishankar also met Mahmud and held discussions on furthering connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

"Pleased to meet Bangladesh Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud. Good to note that our initiatives on media are being taken forward. A good discussion on furthering connectivity," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also met Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu and held discussions on digital cooperation and global issues.

"Warmly welcomed FM @UrmasReinsalu of Estonia. A very productive conversation on digital cooperation and global issues. Look forward to our working together," he said in another tweet.

He met a delegation from the US and spoke about opportunities for further cooperation.

"Received the US delegates at #Raisina2020: Deputy NSA Matthew Pottinger, @LisaCurtisHF, @State_SCA Alice Wells. Spoke about our shared agenda and opportunities for further cooperation," Jaishankar said.

He also met National Security Advisor of Afghanistan Hamdullah Mohib and discussed the current situation and bilateral relations.

"Met Afghan NSA @hmohib. Discussed the current situation and our bilateral relations," he said in another tweet.

Jaishankar met Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid at India's flagship global conference Raisina Dialogue. "Nice to meet FM @abdulla_shahid of Maldives at #Raisina2020. Opportunity to take stock of our relationship," he said in a tweet.

He also met Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland QC and discussed addressing developmental challenges.

"Good to catch up with @PScotlandCSG, Secretary General @commonwealthsec. Discussed addressing developmental challenges," he tweeted
Amid the raging debate over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and what purpose it is aimed to serve, a timely story highlights the wide range of opportunities that those who acquire Indian citizenship get.

In November 2001, Nita Kanwar had migrated to Jodhpur from Sindh in Pakistan nurturing hopes for better education and finding a perfect match. Eighteen years later, educated and confident, the 36-year-old received her Indian citizenship in September 2019.



And now, she will contest for the post of sarpanch in the local elections, to be held on January 17, from Natwara gram panchayat in Tonk district.

This has come at a time when there have been widespread protests across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).

Nitas father-in-law Thakur Laxman Karan, who has been sarpanch thrice in Natwara, is her inspiration and guiding her to contest the panchayat polls from the village. Karan was also the district Youth Congress president earlier.





I was granted citizenship at the Tonk collector office in September last year. It took me at least three years to complete the process of citizenship. My father-in-law is guiding me in the panchayat election, Nita, who has a daughter and son, was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Nita and her elder sister Anjana Sodha (who also got Indian citizenship) migrated from Sindhs Mirpur-Khas 19 years back.

She completed her BA degree from the Sophia College, Ajmer, in 2005, and later got married to Punya Pratap Singh, who runs a travel firm in Tonk, in 2011. Her sister also got married and settled in Jodhpur.

Since Sindh is pre-dominated by Rajput Sodhas, who cannot marry another Sodha as per tradition, the sisters had decided to migrate to Jodhpur to find a match from the Rajput community here.

Initially, I stayed with my aunt in Jodhpur before moving to Ajmer for graduation. Till Class XII, I had studied in Sindh," she added.

I am contesting from a general seat, which is reserved for women. I want to work towards promoting gender equality, womens empowerment, providing good education and proper medical facilities for the girl child and helping them find employment. I am getting a lot of support from my family members and villagers, Nita told TOI.

While Nitas father Swaroop Singh and brother Rajawant Singh Sodha still live in the Sindh province and continue doing agriculture, her mother Mohan Kanwar lives in Jodhpur.
Lawmaker introduces 'anti-red flag' bill in Georgia to combat gun control proposals originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A legal fight could be brewing in Georgia after a General Assembly member introduced a measure to restrict any potential "red-flag" gun laws from being enacted.

The bill's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ken Pullin, is calling the measure the "Anti-Red Flag -- Second Amendment Conservation Act." It comes as the state and Congress consider legislation allowing judges to empower law enforcement to remove guns from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Pullin's bill, which has six co-sponsors, would make it illegal to enforce those laws in Georgia, establishing a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

"It is the responsibility of the General Assembly to protect the people of Georgia when unconstitutional legislation is passed and signed into law, or executive orders are issued by the United States Federal Government that infringes upon or interferes with people's preexisting rights and liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution," reads the text of the bill, which was introduced Monday.

PHOTO: Protesters attend March for Our Lives at National Center for Civil and Human Rights on March 24, 2018 in Atlanta. (WireImage/Getty Images, FILE)

Georgia state Rep. Matthew Wilson, a Democrat, last year introduced a red-flag bill that would have allowed family members or law enforcement officers to petition a judge to remove guns from potentially dangerous individuals -- people who've made explicit threats, have mental health issues or have inflicted self harm. That bill also had six co-sponsors.

MORE:'Red flag laws' offer tool for preventing some gun violence

Pullin's office didn't immediately return a request for comment from ABC News. He told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was unsure if his bill would pass, but he wanted to send a message and push back against red-flag proposals.

Jonathan Lowy, chief legal counsel for the Brady Campaign, called Pullin's bill one of the most outrageous pieces of legislation he's ever seen.

Story continues

"It would put law enforcement officers in a position where they would either have to neglect to do the job they are sworn to do, or go into prison," he said.

Lowy, who's led lawsuits against anti-gun control measures, said he would be keeping an eye on the Georgia bills and would not rule out legal action if Pullin's bill were enacted with its current language.

MORE: Trump has 'encouraging' call with bipartisan Senate negotiators on gun control

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have passed red-flag laws amid growing calls to curb mass shootings. In Florida, authorities removed 2,227 guns from individuals from March 2018, when the state's red-flag law was enacted, to July 2019, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Legislation in Congress to enact nationwide red-flag laws has stalled recently, even with bipartisan support for such measures previously. In August, President Donald Trump expressed support for such laws.

At the same time, several American towns, particularly in Virginia, declare themselves "Second Amendment sanctuaries," where they have declared to oppose state and federal laws that would limit the sale and ownership of guns.
Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said Thursday. It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand. Japan's health ministry said a man who had visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported a persistent fever. Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was infected with the new virus. "This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement. "We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment." The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan. The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003. Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1. Japanese authorities said the man had not visited the market and that it was possible he had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan. - Outbreak in Japan 'unlikely' - Health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita told reporters that the risk of the disease spreading from the patient was considered low, with careful checks done on those who had been in close contact with him. "At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home. Officials declined to give further information on the man, including his nationality, citing privacy concerns. Local media said the patient was a Chinese national in his 30s living in Kanagawa, just southwest of Tokyo. Public broadcaster NHK said he had already recovered and was resting at home, as quarantine officials at Tokyo's Narita airport boosted health checks on all travellers. The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution". Hinoshita said Japan would need to be on guard ahead of the Lunar New Year, a popular travel period in China. "It is expected that Japan will see many visitors from China," he said. It is not yet clear whether the mystery virus can be transmitted between humans, but on Wednesday authorities said it was possible it had spread inside a family. The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market. And WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another". Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.
Italy's Ernest Airlines must pay Ukraine's UkSATSE for air navigation services rendered since Nov

13:09, 16.01.20 1274

Ernest Airlines suspended its flights on January 11 due to the termination of the relevant license.
With the locust invasion in eight counties seemingly getting out of hand, there have been suggestions that turning the insects into meals can help eradicate them.

Indeed, fried locusts are a delicacy in parts of Western Kenya, but the Ministry has cautioned against turning them into food as a solution.

For starters, the locusts are too many, said Director of Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa, Dr Stephen Njoka.

You cannot finish all the locusts by eating them, one swarm may have up to 40 million insects, said the expert.

Dr Njoka further warned against eating the insects as there is no way to determine which ones have been sprayed in the ongoing eradication exercise.

The communities that eat them should be careful not to eat the ones that have been sprayed with the pesticide, he said.

At the same time, the expert said farmers should not fear that their crops will be destroyed by the voracious pests.

Farmers need not panic, continue with your regular practices including planting, this will be over soon, Dr. Njoka said.
Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has sparked another controversy by declaring himself a Pakistani and challenging the Centre to act against him.

While addressing a party gathering in Basirhat, Chowdhury attacked the Centre over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed pan-India National Register of Citizen (NRC).

Yes, I am a Pakistani. You do whatever you wish to do, he said, according to a report in the Financial Express.

I am being called a Pakistani. Today, I want to tell that I am a Pakistani. You do whatever you want. Whatever people sitting in Delhi say we have to accept it, otherwise we will be branded as a traitor, the Congress leader in Lok Sabha said.

India is not the personal property of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, he added.

This comes a day after Chowdhury had started a row by urging authorities to reinvestigate the Pulwama case after decorated Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) senior cop Davinder Singh was found travelling with terrorists.

Posting a series of tweets on January 14, the parliamentarian from West Bengal hinted that Singh, who is the Deputy Superintendent of JKP, might be involved in the February 14, 2019 attack that claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers.

Chowdhury tweeted that if the cop was named "Davindar Khan" (sic), the "troll regiment of RSS would have reacted more stringently". He further added that "we cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish".

"Now question will certainly be arisen as to who were the real culprits behind the gruesome Pulwama incident, need a fresh look on it," he added (sic).

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, however, has slammed the "nefarious designs" of the Congress to underplay Pakistan's involvement in terror attacks on India's soil.
A senior state government minister has hit back at Brisbane's Catholic Archbishop over controversial comments condemning proposed laws that would compel Queensland priests to report the confessions of child abusers.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey took to social media on Thursday morning to slam Archbishop Mark Coleridge's claims laws would "not make a difference to the safety of our young people".

Comments from Archbishop Mark Coleridge (left) received a scathing retort from MP Mark Bailey. Credit:AAP

"Given the exposure of widespread institutional sexual abuse of children within many organisations including the Catholic Church, Im deeply disturbed to hear the Archbishop of Brisbane advocate for continuing the exemption of priests from reporting child sexual abuse to police when made aware of it in confession," he wrote on Facebook.

"This goes against the recommendations of the ground-breaking royal commission widely accepted in our community to stop the sexual abuse of children.
It's like white rain.

That's how a new Canadian immigrant describes snow after seeing and touching it for the first time in Victoria this week.

It's been more than 10 years since Faustin Bameni Wavedila fled the violence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He arrived in B.C. with his family almost seven months ago, but it took a severe cold snap to bring the white stuff to the usually green capital city.

Wavedila says he and his family were very surprised and excited to see snow falling on Sunday evening outside their new home.

"I heard some funny noise, things knocking on my windows," Wavedila said.

The new immigrant describes calling his family to the window before they all headed outside.

CBC/Jean Paetkau

"We were all excited, going down the road. We went up to see what this snow was about. Even the flowers we always see is green, it's suddenly become white."

Wavedila says he was very surprised by the softness of snow, expecting it to be hard and icy. "It's like cold cotton falling from the sky," Wavedila said.

Wavedila's daughter, Samuella Lilas Wavedila, was also excited to make snowballs.

The 11-year-old, who was born in Namibia, says she had only previously seen snow in American movies. Samuella took part in her first snowman-building contest at school on Monday.

"Mine obviously failed and fell down," Samuella said with a smile.

Faustin Bameni Wavedila

She was also surprised at the coldness of snow, but this didn't prevent her from pelting her father with snowballs.

"You can throw it at people without hurting them," Samuella said.

Having experienced snow for the first time with his family, Wavedila says he has now seen the "real Canada."

"This is the Canada we were dreaming about."

And he adds that knowing that his daughter can walk safely to school alone is also part of the miracle of their new home.

"We've been saved from war," Wavedila said, "This is the greatest place I've seen in my life."
There was widespread traffic chaos as farmers taking part in a tractor protest moved to the M50.

Gardai warned of traffic delays across main routes, including the North Wall Quay, Alfie Byrne Road and East Wall in Dublin.

Motorists have been advised to use other routes.

In a statement gardai sad: Due to the ongoing large scale protest by members of the farming sector, traffic delays are now being experienced on the M50 southbound leaving the Port Tunnel.

Farmer tractor protest is currently exiting the Dublin Port Tunnel and heading for the M50 motorway. Traffic is heavy on all approaches. #m50safety  M50 Dublin (@M50Dublin) January 16, 2020

Dozens of tractors left St Stephens Green on Thursday, after farmers staged a 24-hour protest over beef pricing.

They travelled in convoy to the Port Tunnel, where they remained for a short time before moving towards the M50.

The Individual Farmers of Ireland, which organised the protest, held the demonstration over low beef prices.

Gardai closed a number of routes around Dublin city centre on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

A number of farmers taking part in the protest slept in tractors overnight.

Kevin Murphy, a 24-year-old beef farmer from Wexford, said: There are a number of issues  the main issue being the beef price that we are producing is below cost price.

The other issue is the carbon tax that the Government want to bring in.

If that comes in the way the blue shirts want it to, it doesnt make any odds what price the beef is, it will be game over for the farmers community with the price of green diesel.

Im not a full-time farmer like my father, but the way things are going there wont be a future in farming. It will be an expensive hobby.
WASHINGTON - The third impeachment trial in U.S. history officially began Thursday amid a swirl of new allegations about President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine, which several Republicans rushed to downplay as they dismissed Democrats' calls for further investigation.

Lev Parnas, a former associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, has alleged that Trump knew of his role in the effort to dig up dirt in Ukraine that could benefit the president politically - the central issue in House Democrats' case for removing the president from office - and this week provided Congress with documents to buttress his claims. Trump, who has appeared in several pictures with Parnas, denied knowing him on Thursday.

Republican lawmakers appeared unswayed by the new information, focusing on attacking the Democrat-led investigation in the House for not uncovering the evidence before sending the impeachment articles to the Senate.

"Look, no Republicans were for the inquiry to begin with so why would we be under any sort of obligation to feel like we need to complete the work that we never even agreed should've begun in the first place?," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said of the House investigation.

That sentiment was expressed by several other GOP lawmakers, many of whom said they did not want to hear from new witnesses or further investigate Trump's conduct during the trial.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said it is the responsibility of the House, not the Senate, to gather evidence and present a case for impeachment.

"As a juror, I'm not fishing, looking for more information on this," he said. "I'm trying to respond to what the House is sending over and what they're doing."

The chorus of Republicans unwilling to consider additional evidence served as an indication that Democrats will face an uphill climb in their attempts to further build a case against Trump as the Senate trial plays out. The impeachment charges center on the allegation that the president withheld military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Democrats accused their Republican colleagues of turning a blind eye to incriminating evidence against Trump and staging a political cover-up to protect the president.

They seized on the allegations made by Parnas in television interviews Wednesday that placed Trump at the center of the alleged plot to solicit political interference by Ukraine.

"The American people have seen allegations, and they're allegations," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday. "We need to see more evidence that would be contained in the documentation. This is just another avoiding of the facts and the truths on their part."

Democrats said their case was also bolstered Thursday by a report from a congressional watchdog agency that found the White House violated federal law when it withheld security aid to Ukraine last year.

The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan agency that reports to Congress, found that the administration broke a law that governs how the executive branch disburses money approved by Congress. The White House disputed the findings, which carry no potential criminal penalties. But Democrats seized on the report to push for more disclosures about the deliberations and chain of events that led to the money, which has since been spent, being held back last summer.

Parnas - who has been trying to get House impeachment investigators' attention for weeks - alleged in an interview with NBC News Wednesday evening that Trump personally blessed his covert effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political adversaries. He also admitted to conveying to the Ukrainians a "quid pro quo" message that aid would only flow when the nation publicly committed to such a probe.

That makes Parnas the second individual to say they conveyed such a demand to Ukrainian officials; Ambassador to the European Union Gordan Sondland also told impeachment investigators that he conveyed an ultimatum to the U.S. ally: an investigation for a White House meeting and military assistance.

In a phone call last year, Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden and his son Hunter. Despite his specific request in the call, Trump has said he was concerned with overall corruption in the country and was not seeking to leverage Ukraine's desire for a strong sign of support from United States in the face of Russian military aggression to secure investigations.

Parnas also submitted documents to Congress that showed Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate and former Marine, suggesting to Parnas last year that he was tracking former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually ousted from her post after a campaign led by Trump's allies.

Ukrainian authorities announced a probe Thursday into the possible surveillance of Yovanovitch before Trump dismissed her from the post. The FBI also visited Hyde's home and business Thursday. Parnas said in the interview with NBC that he didn't believe Hyde was actually tracking Yovanovitch and it was an empty boast.

Democrats, who delayed transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate for weeks as they tried to ensure that a trial would include testimony from key witnesses, said that Parnas's revelations strengthened their argument.

"I think it just underscores the point that we do need to bring in some witnesses and we need to make sure that all relevant documents and relevant witnesses are heard," said Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, one of the seven House impeachment managers.

While Democrats stressed the need to present Parnas' information, if not call him in to testify in a Senate trial, Republicans sought to challenge his credibility by highlighting that he had been indicted on campaign finance charges last year.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, dismissed the Giuliani associate as a "shady figure." House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters Thursday that Parnas, "lacks all credibility."

Trump on Thursday denied knowing Parnas and dismissed a photo of himself with the Giuliani associate as one of "thousands" he has taken with supporters as president.

"I don't know him at all," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of an event on religious freedom in the Oval Office. "Don't know what he's about. Don't know where he comes from."

Later, in his first tweet after the Senate impeachment trial began, Trump wrote: "I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL!"

The impeachment trial was able to begin formally after the seven House managers, led by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., arrived in the Senate to formally present the two charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

After the Senate sergeant of arms warned senators to remain silent "upon pain of imprisonment," Schiff read the text of House Resolution 755 "Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors."

"President Trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States," Schiff said as he finished reading from the articles.

Later, John Roberts Jr., chief justice of the United States, was sworn in to preside over the trial. Roberts then asked the senators to "solemnly swear" to "do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws."

While each senator said "I do," Democrats and Republicans immediately clashed over what constitutes a fair trial. The key point of division was whether to hear from witnesses who could shed additional light on Trump's Ukraine dealings.

Democrats are pressing for several witnesses who did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

"In America, trials have evidence, and cover-ups do not," said Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del.

The White House has blocked testimony from several officials with direct knowledge of Trump's conduct, but some Republicans indicated they were open to considering witnesses after the initial phase of the trial, which Sen. Mitch McConnell has said will begin in earnest on Tuesday, following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., was among a group of senators pushing the idea of "reciprocity," where Republicans and Democrats would each get to call witnesses. Some Republicans, including Trump, have said they are interested in hearing from Hunter Biden and the whistleblower whose complaint ultimately led to the impeachment inquiry.

Cramer said he would "be surprised if there weren't witnesses" at the end of the day.

"My view on it is, I want to wait and start by hearing from both sides and then ask the questions and then be informed by that," Cramer said. "You know, I think at this point we're all in jury mode, and that's the best way to proceed. It's really up to the House managers to make the case for these things. I'm certainly open to it. And we'll see that they say."

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said it was "likely" that she would vote for additional witnesses after the initial arguments. If all Democrats vote in unison, they would need four Republicans to join them in order to secure testimony from any particular witness.

But some senators sought to dodge the question of witnesses altogether, aiming to avoid reporters and underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.

Rather than answer a question about the impeachment trial, Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., repeatedly called a CNN reporter a "liberal hack" Thursday - an exchange that a McSally staffer taped and Trump's campaign later praised and promoted.

"THREE CHEERS for Senator @MarthaMcSally!!! THIS is how you handle FAKE NEWS @CNN," the @TrumpWarRoom campaign account tweeted.

- - -

The Washington Post's Colby Itkowitz, Isabelle Khurshudyan, John Wagner, Felicia Sonmez and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:31:41|Editor: xuxin

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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's palm oil products export revenue is expected to rise 21 percent year-on-year to 78 billion ringgit (about 19 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020 on firmer crude palm oil (CPO) price.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said in a statement on Thursday that this year should be a better year for the palm oil industry, due to stronger palm oil prices and demand.

"Starting the year with low opening palm oil stocks, firmer palm oil prices and strong palm oil demand, 2020 is predicted to be a better year for the industry," its director general Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said.

Malaysia's total palm oil products exports rose 12 percent year-on-year to 27.86 million tonnes in 2019.

Palm oil export volume also grew 12 percent to 18.47 million tonnes in 2019, due to higher demand from India, China and the European Union.
Shares of XPO Logistics rose more than 15% in extended trading after the logistics company announced it was exploring structural changes, including spinoffs.

XPO's stock has performed well recently, rising more than 45% since the beginning of 2019, but CEO Bradley Jacobs said in a press release that the company is undervalued.

"We continue to trade at well below the sum of our parts and at a significant discount to our pure-play peers. That's why we believe the best way to continue to maximize shareholder value is to explore our options, while remaining intensely committed to the satisfaction of our customers and employees," Jacobs said.

XPO generates the majority of its revenue through its transportation units, while 35% of sales come from the logistics unit, according to a recent presentation to investors. The company said it does not plan on selling its North American less-than-truckload transportation unit.

There is not a timetable for the review, and one or more business units could be sold or spun off, the company said.

XPO said it hired Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan to help explore its options.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they are going to step back as senior members of the royal family, they explained that they will communicate with the public directly and no longer participate in the royal rota system. It's a clear attempt to take more control over how they are portrayed by the media  though they are arguably underestimating what is already in place.

By Laura Clancy

After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on their website and Instagram that they are going to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, there was an explosion of interest on social media and the news. Everyone is asking what financial independence means, how this semi-separation will affect the monarchy, and whether the decision was affected by racist and sexist abuse against Markle.

Then there is media relations. The couple have said they will adapt their media approach for more diverse and open access to their work. This includes working with grassroots media organisations and more credible media outlets.

They will also be using official communication channels (the website and Instagram) to engage the public directly. Most notably, they will no longer participate in the royal rota system that determines which journalists can cover royal events in person  mostly royal correspondents from particular UK media outlets including the Daily Mail, The Times and The Sun. It all amounts to a clear attempt to take more control over how they are portrayed by the media  though they are arguably underestimating what is already in place.

No more priority access

The royal family need the media to function.

They need to share their initiatives, patronages and philanthropic projects to appear to be doing good. This is, as I argue in my forthcoming book, a key mechanism through which to produce public consent for the monarchy.

They know this. Despite serious recent missteps  Prince Andrews disastrous Newsnight interview, for example  the monarchy run a very sophisticated PR programme. There is a constant battle over visibility: the monarchy must retain some semblance of fairytale and superiority (of being above politics, for example), or it risks being exposed as an institution invested in maintaining wealth and power at any cost. Therefore, visibility has to be tightly stage-managed. As political constitutionalist Walter Bagehot famously wrote: we must not let in daylight upon magic.

The royal rota system essentially means that the monarchy has control over who covers their events, what access they get, and who they speak to. Royal correspondent for the Daily Express Richard Palmer has tweeted about how rota journalists are stationed so far away from the royals it becomes impossible to document what happens. This, he says, inevitably leads to a series of identical stories about good work or royal womens clothing.

As for the Duchess of Sussex, I'd like to make a couple of other observations as a reporter who's covered her engagements. Royal rota journalists are being kept further away from her than we were before the wedding. That means we can't hear what she is saying.  Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) July 31, 2018

Media coverage of royal tours works similarly. A team of correspondents have their itinerary organised by Buckingham Palace. This model reflects the embedded journalism agreement established during the Vietnam war. The agreement saw reporters attached to a particular military unit and deployed to war zones alongside it. This led to issues around impartiality and objectivity, since it essentially operated as Ministry of Defence propaganda.

Not that any mainstream UK news outlet is sufficiently critical about the monarchy anyway  particularly in terms of wealth inequality, racial inequality or neo/colonialism. But by controlling access, the royals remove a vital opportunity for scrutiny. In view of this, Harry and Meghans intention to step away from it is remarkable.

'Credible' journalism

This is not to dismiss the racist and sexist abuse that Meghan Markle has faced at points by certain (right-wing) media outlets. This ranged from articles littered with coded language that called her exotic to others that said outright that she was straight outta Compton and from a gang-scarred home . It raises serious questions about UK media-political alignments and ideologies, particularly at a time of growing far-right movements around the world.

Some coverage, however, such as criticism of the couple using private jets while campaigning against climate change, is entirely valid. Also, the couples statement that they will only be permitting credible journalists to cover their events begs the question, who gets to decide who is credible?

The National Union of Journalists has said that this is an attempt to prevent the media from functioning and [compromises] the ability of journalists to do their jobs, which is completely unacceptable. The new restriction, particularly in light of the couples recent statement about suing the Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter that Markle had sent to her father, feels like a sweeping criticism of all journalists and media organisations. While many have been particularly vicious towards Markle  the Mail on Sunday in particular  others such as Hello! have barely said a negative word about the royals in their history. This raises a different set of questions around bias.

The couples need to shape a new kind of royal relationship with the media justifiably raises issues about the practice of royal reporting, the role of the royal correspondent and the structural racism that exists within parts of the British media. It also exposes the battle for control over the royal narrative. As of yet, however, it is unclear whether circumventing the royal rota and carving a new path for engagement will give the Sussexes more say in the story that is told or how much they are hounded in the long run. As the news settles, it seems like things are just the same as they have always been.

Laura Clancy, Postdoctoral fellow, Lancaster University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Kansas City and Kansas Have Nearly 200 Tech Startups, But Hurdles Abound Kansas City, Missouri - Time was, a fledgling tech company called CivicPlus had to explain to prospective customers why it was based in Kansas - and not some tech-heavy coastal city. "We said, 'Hey, you get Midwest values, but with Silicon Valley quality,'" recalled Ward Morgan, owner of the government software maker based in the college town of Manhattan.

The promises of Internets job persist in this missive despite the dearth of employment numbers related to online hiring. In other words, this is mostly hype possibly intended to interrupt the afternoon gaming of so many locals who have exited permanently exited the workforce. Read more:
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (the "Company" or "Aires") is pleased to announce it has entered into the Best Buy Marketplace Agreement dated as of December 5, 2019, and following many weeks of implementation, American Aires' products are now sold online at bestbuy.ca.

The Best Buy Marketplace platform will promote Aires products to the 5.8M e-newsletter subscribers, and expand visibility to many forums, blogs, product reviews. With more than 250M visits, 2.3M orders per year, Best Buy offers Aires another powerful marketing conduit to increase sales in Canada.

All of Aires products are now available for purchase on the Best Buy Marketplace Canada at bestbuy.ca under 'Aires tech' and product sales have commenced.

"We are excited to see Aires Tech products to become the first of their kind in offering EMF protection to be featured in the Best Buy Marketplace." Added Dimitry Serov, President and CEO.

Additionally, in an effort to grow product sales further, Aires looks to employ additional marketing campaigns on bestbuy.ca. These campaigns will be comprised of Digital Marketing with Google Paid Search, and sponsored ads.

"Our sales target exiting 2020 is 1,000 orders a day. With our Best Buy online Market Place Agreement now signed and operational, we are one step closer to achieving this target." Serov adds. "As we move further in 2020, Aires is actively pursuing similar agreements in the USA, Europe, and Canada."

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. is an American multinational consumer electronics retailer headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota. It was originally founded by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler in 1966[2] as an audio specialty store called Sound of Music. In 1983, it was re-branded under its current name with an emphasis placed on consumer electronics. Best Buy Co., trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BBY.

About American Aires Inc.

American Aires is an Ontario based technology company that is focused on the research, development and implementation of innovative technology solutions to allow consumers to safely engage with electronic products of the 21st century. The Company is currently engaged in the business of production, distribution and sales of products intended to protect persons from the harmful effects of electromagnetic emissions, which is produced from electronic devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, tablets and electric cars to name a few. The Company has developed a technology that restructures and transforms electromagnetic field haze into a more biologically-compatible form to reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation. The Company's current principal products are the Shield Pro, Air Defender Pro and Air Guardian.

For more information please visit: www.airestech.com

Contact information:

Dimitry Serov, President & Chief Executive Officer

Email: dimitry@airestech.com

Phone: (905) 482-4667

Investor Relations:

Samina Deen, Head of Partnerships

Email: samina@airestech.com

wifi@airestech.com

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. 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 assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Not intended for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51522
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday reacted to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's fearmongering remarks on Citizenship Amendment Act at Shaheen Bagh protests on January 14.

In his statement, Shivraj stated that Mani Shankar should be ashamed of his statement and also alleged him of speaking for Pakistan.

"He should be ashamed. If you spit on the sun, it will come back to you. He is neither Mani or Shankar. What will the Prime Minister face even if he says so? He (Manishankar) speaks for Pakistan. This is the nature of Congress," Shivraj said.

READ | Mani Shankar Aiyar admits, 'Yes I came from Pakistan on Jan 13', after Shaheen Bagh attack

Manishankar Aiyar confirms Pak visit

In a telephonic conversation with Republic TV on Wednesday, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar confirmed that he was in Pakistan's Lahore, days before addressing the indefinite Shaheen Bagh sit-in at the National Capital. He admitted that he returned from Pakistan on January 13. In Lahore, speaking at a session on "Is Liberal Democracy Dead?" Mani Shankar Aiyar accentuated the need for India to act carefully under the current emerging circumstances. He spoke how Hindutva, a recently emerged concept, had captured India in 2014. Further stating that the women and students of India are resisting it. He lauded the all-women protest of Shaheen Bagh at the event.

The Congress leader said, "I went there a few days back. I came from Pakistan on the 13th. Yes, I visited Lahore." Republic accessed a video dated January 13, which does hint at Aiyar participating in an event in Lahore. In the past, Aiyar has once again been accused of making anti-BJP statements on Pakistan soil.

READ | Republic confronts Mani Shankar Aiyar, as he fearmongers over CAA at Shaheen Bagh

Mani Shankar Aiyar joins Shaheen Bagh protests

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Aiyar had visited Lahore just before he joined the Shaheen Bagh protests against the CAA. In his speech, he leveled an indirect attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He appealed to the crowd that he was ready to make sacrifices for the larger cause.

In his address at Shaheen Bagh, Aiyar remarked, "Whatever I can do personally for you, I am ready to do that. Jo bhi qurbaniyan deni hon, usme main bhi shaamil hone ko tayaar hun. Ab dekhein ki kiska hath mazboot hai, Hamara ya uss (wo) kaatil ka? (Whatever sacrifices need to be given, I am ready for the same. Now let's see whose hand is strong, ours or that murderer's?)"

READ | SENSATIONAL: Mani Shankar Aiyar went to Pakistan's Lahore before Shaheen Bagh, claims BJP

READ | Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar enters Shaheen Bagh protest, fearmongers over CAA
As the bitter cold of winter moves into much of the country, Jeep is delivering new North Edition models across its lineup, with legendary 4x4 capability and a host of standard content to tackle frosty commutes.

"When winter weather hits, your Jeep SUV can be your best friend," said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand  FCA North America. "Every Jeep 4x4 is engineered to easily tackle winter, and our new North Editions add features and technology to make winter driving even more of a pleasure."

North Edition models are available for sale and order through local Jeep dealers. The Renegade North Edition will arrive in Jeep showrooms in March.

Standard features on Jeep North Edition models include:

All-weather Jeep 4x4 capability with brake lock differential, anti-lock brakes and traction control

All-season or all-terrain tires for severe snow conditions and winter traction performance

Heated seats and steering wheel

Remote start system

Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM Travel Link Weather

All-weather floor mats to contain slush and snow

Power heated mirrors

Tow hooks

Jeep Trail Rated kit (tow strap, D-rings, carabiner, gloves, safety kit)

Three Jeep North Edition vehicles  Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee (New England Motor Press Association's past Official Winter Vehicle of New England) and Jeep Wrangler  will be on display at the New England International Auto Show (January 16-20) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Starting prices for Jeep North Edition models (excluding $1,495 destination fee):

Jeep Cherokee (Latitude): $29,755

Jeep Compass (Sport): $27,800

Jeep Renegade (Sport): $26,670

Jeep Gladiator (Overland): $45,720

Jeep Wrangler (Sahara): $44,465

Jeep Grand Cherokee (Laredo): $38,790

About Jeep Brand

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by global automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. For more information regarding FCA (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA), please visit www.fcagroup.com.

Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica

SOURCE FCA

Related Links

http://www.fcagroup.com


There's a lot of dirty secrets that hide beneath the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. A lot of people come to the city of dreams Mumbai to fulfil their aspirations. Most of them get stuck in the dirty cob-web that the industry is.

A lot of actresses in the past have revealed about their casting couch experiences. The ugly side of the showbiz is no more a secret, yet there are instances that keep startling us every now and then.

In yet another shocking incident, a Bollywood casting director has been arrested for running a prostitution racket in Mumbai.

newsd.in

The 32-year-old man named Navin Premlal Arya was arrested by the Social Service (SS) branch of Mumbai Police, according to a report on freepressjournal.in.



Reportedly, the police received a tip-off about him running a prostitution racket. That is when the police laid a trap to catch him red-handed.



freepressjournal.in

They nabbed him while was trying to pimp out two victims for Rs. 60,000 each.



It is said that Arya was involved in the prostitution racket for a few years.



hwnews.in

Two victims, one of which was a make-up artiste who was directly linked to Arya and the other one was sent to Mumbai by a Delhi-based pimp, were rescued.



Casting director Navin Premlal Arya, meanwhile, has been booked under sections of Immoral Traffic Prevention Act. He has been handed over to the Versova police station for further probe.


WASHINGTON  When President Donald Trump chose honorary co-chairs for his New York campaign Wednesday, he selected four of the five Republican House members who represent the state.

The only one missing was Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, who didnt support or vote for Trump in 2016.

Trump and the Republican National Committee selected Reps. Elise Stefanik and Tom Reed as the campaigns two co-chairs from Upstate New York.

Stefanik and Reed will join Long Island Reps. Peter King and Lee Zeldin, Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson and New York City Council member Joe Borelli as co-chairs.

Katko has tried to walk a fine line during Trumps three years in office, neither outright embracing the president nor rejecting him.

The reason for Katkos caution? Hes among only three House Republicans who still represent a district that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 presidential election.

One of the three GOP members, Texas Rep. Will Hurd, has announced he will not seek reelection this year. Hurd is the Houses lone black Republican.

That leaves Katko and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., as the only Republican incumbents seeking to win a district that Trump lost in 2016.

Katko has not indicated if he will support Trump as the partys nominee this year. He wrote in the name of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as his choice for president in 2016.

Read more

For Katko and Brindisi, Trump is a minefield like few in the House face

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751

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Instagram

I love Instagram. My Instagram feed consists of 60 percent dog photos, 30 percent travel photos and 10 percent photos posted by friends. It is always, and entirely, a positive part of my digital life. I follow one account that is, I kid you not, just close-ups of dog noses. How can you not smile when something like that shows up in your feed?

Instagram is significantly easier to make pleasant compared to Facebook and Twitter: Just dont follow accounts or hashtags you dont like. If someone only posts pictures of their amazing travels (and of that, I am very guilty), and that brings you down  dont follow them. You can also limit who sees your posts to cut down on people commenting, and even mute other peoples Feeds and Stories if you want, similar to unfollowing a profile on Facebook.

The exception to this simplicity is the Search tab, which shows seemingly random photos from random accounts. Ive heard people complain that Instagram only highlights influencers and bad beauty tips on the Search page. You know what mine shows? Sixty percent dog photos, 30 percent travel photos and 10 percent of other photos. The search page is absolutely not random. Instagram knows what you look at. Not just what you search for but what you tap on. Keep tapping on something and Instagram will assume thats what you want to see. Heres how specific it is: Insta doesnt just show me dogs, it shows me mostly corgis and shiba inus, which are my two favorite types of dogs. And you know what, thats exactly what I keep tapping on so of course it continues to show me that.

So, quite simply, if Instagram is showing you things you dont like, dont click on it. Click on something else. It wont take long to adjust and show you that. If you want to get rid of what you dont like faster, you can even have the app show it less. Or just skip the Search page altogether and only look at the accounts you follow, assuming youve culled that list down to just the ones that spark joy.

Twitter

While Instagram is easy to make positive, and Facebook generally so, Twitter is not. Its far more difficult to avoid what you dont want to see. You might follow a writer you like who posts about elves 99 percent of the time, then all of a sudden they post about orcs. Day ruined.

But on the other hand, there are a lot of funny accounts. Theres one account that just posts random, delightfully wholesome things and its just adorable. So it is possible to make positive, it just takes more effort than the other two platforms.

To start, the unfollow rule from Facebook and Insta applies here as well. Muting and blocking accounts is a good place to start. This gets rid of the most terribly toxic tweeters. Semi-usefully you can also mute words. This is time consuming, but it lets you slightly filter whatever regularly brings you down. This is a one-at-a-time manual process, but its something. Annoyingly, its not perfect. You can certainly mute the word orc but if someone tweets Look at this article and the article title is Orcs are better than elves youre still going to see it. If theres a specific account that always retweets content you dont like, but you like their original tweets, you can also turn off retweets on a per-account basis.
Louise Lawford, 49, had been looking after the animals for three owners when she claimed they suddenly bolted off after been spooked by a gun shot

A professional dog walker accused of losing several pets who were dubbed the 'Tamworth Five' will face prosecution for animal welfare offences, it emerged today.

Louise Lawford, 49, had been looking after the animals for three owners when she claimed they suddenly bolted off after been spooked by a gun shot in Hopwas Woods near Tamworth, Staffordshire, on June 23 last year.

Hundreds joined a search to track down Pablo, Maggie, Charlie, Ralph and Jack but they were never found, while suspicious owners - two of whom heard their pets had been found dead - contacted police after Lawford disappeared and stopped taking calls.

Police tracked down the businesswoman but decided after an investigation that there was insufficient evidence to charge her with theft.

However, it emerged today that Lawford, who ran Pawford Paws in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, will be hauled before court after the city council accused of a string of animal welfare offences.

She is accused of nine animal welfare offences, including five counts of undertaking group walks without ensuring each dog had been vaccinated, allowing dogs off the lead without written consent and failing to contact the owners or dog warden immediately when dogs were lost.

Owners of the missing dogs say they also plan to take civil action against Lawford following the outcome of the court case. Pictured is Becky Parsons (right) who owns Pablo (left)

Maggie was another one of Becky Parson's two dogs that had been left in the care of Ms Lawford

She also faces three counts of breaching conditions of the licence to operate a business providing home boarding for dogs and a charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment for a skin infection for a dog.

The city council also confirmed Lawford, of Erdington, Birmingham, had her dog boarding licence revoked on June 28.

Owners of the missing dogs say they also plan to take civil action against Lawford following the outcome of the court case.

Tamworth Five: The dogs that disappeared on a walk and have still not been found 1. Pablo: Male, black pug with a white flash on chest and greying muzzle, eight-years-old. 2. Ralph: Male, fawn pug, five-years-old. 3. Maggie: Female, Jack Russell, six-years-old. 4. Charlie: Male, black pug, three-years-old. 5. Jack: Male, French Bulldog Brindle, young adult. Advertisement

Becky Parsons, now 40, a barber, who owns dogs Maggie and Pablo, said: 'This is just the start of the progress we are making.

'We have a lot of our own evidence of what happened to the dogs and how they died. We are taking our own civil action as well. We are glad we got this far.

'We know what happened to the dogs but we can't discuss it at this point because of the legal action.'

April Lock, 28, a business administrator, said: 'We were told how the dogs died and the events surrounding it, so we have our own case to consider.

'We plan to take our own legal action afterwards but we are pleased with the latest developments and we will be at court. We want justice for the dogs.

'It is absolutely heartbreaking to lose a pet and the manner in which this has happened has devastated all of us.

'We always had that hope that they would come home. We still had that tiny bit of hope that they were out there. Our babies didn't deserve this. They were just innocent little dogs.'

She will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court next Thursday.

Ralph and Charlie pictured above also went missing, with their owner April Lock saying her life will 'never be the same'
Downing Street today appeared to wash its hands of a bid by Brexiteers to make Big Ben bong for Brexit.

Number 10 suggested Parliamentary decision-makers were standing in the way of the plan to formally mark the moment the UK leaves the EU on January 31 at 11pm.

Big Ben is currently undergoing a massive overhaul and Boris Johnson said it would cost 500,000 to get it working for the proposed set piece at the end of the month.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister backed plans for people to 'bung a bob for a Big Ben bong' as he suggested the public could pay for the bell to ring out.

But the House of Commons Commission has suggested it would not be possible to accept public donations, seemingly killing off any chances of the plan coming to fruition.

Today the Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Commission had flagged 'potential difficulties' with the donations plan and that Number 10 is now 'focused on the events we are planning'.

Meanwhile, a government source blamed the Commission's 'intransigence' for seemingly torpedoing the bongs plan.

Boris Johnson, pictured in the Commons yesterday, had backed a campaign earlier this week for people to donate money to pay for Big Ben to bong on Brexit night

But the House of Commons Commission has suggested it could not accept public money to pay for the bongs. Downing Street today blamed Parliament for blocking the bid to mark the UK's departure from the EU on January 31 at 11pm

The stand off between the government and Parliament means Brexiteer hopes of Big Ben bonging on Brexit day are now on life support.

It also means that even if the 'bung a bob' campaign hits the 500,000 target, it is likely to have all been for naught. Just over 100,000 has been donated so far.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations.

'I think the PM's focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark January 31.

'It is a significant moment in our history and we want to make sure that it is properly recorded.'

Asked if Mr Johnson was disappointed by the Commission's stance, the spokesman said: 'It is a matter for the House authorities and a question for them.'

Pushed on whether the PM was no longer encouraging people to donate to the campaign, the spokesman added: 'We are focused on the events we are planning.'

Number 10 is yet to set out what its plans to mark Brexit will actually entail.

It represents a humiliating U-turn for the Prime Minister who said during a BBC Breakfast interview on Tuesday: 'The bongs cost 500,000 but were working up a plan so that people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.

'We need to restore the clapper, in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night, and that is expensive.'

The Commission said in a statement that accepting donations to make the bell ring on Brexit night would be an 'unprecedented approach' as it appeared to pour cold water on the idea.

It said: 'There has been a suggestion that the cost of striking the Bell could be covered by donations made by the public.

'This would be an unprecedented approach. The House of Commons has well established means of voting through the expenditure required to allow it to function, and to preserve its constitutional position in relation to government.

'Any novel form of funding would need to be consistent with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure.'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) A lawmaker on Thursday called on fellow officials to impose a permanent ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait, amid the reported cases of maltreatment and deaths of Filipinos in the Gulf State.

Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source, Senator Joel Villanueva said the Philippine government should stop sending workers to Kuwait  until the 2018 labor deal between the two countries is fully implemented.

Talagang final, i-final at maging permanent itong deployment ban (We should make the deployment ban final and permanent), said Villanueva, who also chairs the Senate labor committee. But I am also calling on DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) to resume the negotiations with the Kuwaiti government and push this (agreement) that we signed in 2018.

If we continue to have cases of Joanna Demafelis, si Jeanelyn Villavende, yung (the) last time si Constancia Dayag, and the likes... I think we cannot afford to lose a single life, he added.

The two countries in May 2018 signed an agreement that aims to protect the welfare of Filipino workers in the Gulf State.

Philippine officials, however, lamented that some provisions have not been followed as both governments continue to disagree on certain rules in the document. The parties, for instance, have yet to finalize the proposed template contract for OFWs. The contract will let Filipinos keep their passports and cellphones and will likewise provide designated working and sleeping hours for workers.

There are more than 200,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, most of them domestic workers, according to government data as of June 2019.

RELATED: PH, Kuwait seek to finalize OFW template contract in January

Villanuevas camp said the proposal seeks to cover all newly-hired workers, as well as balik-manggagawa household service workers.

The Philippines in February 2018 also implemented a total deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait amid numerous cases of Filipino nationals deaths, including that of Joanna Demafelis who was found inside a freezer of her employer's home. The ban was lifted in May that year.

The governments latest total deployment ban, which was approved on Wednesday, came in the wake of the death of Filipina domestic worker Jeanelyn Villavende, who was allegedly killed by her Kuwaiti employers.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, in previous interviews, said he also wants a permanent deployment ban to the Gulf State following the latter's dishonest autopsy report on Villavende.

READ: Slain OFW in Kuwait was sexually abused, autopsy report shows

Data from the Kuwaiti government and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration show over 1,600 welfare casesincluding maltreatment, health problems, sexual abuse, harassment, and rape involving OFWs have been recorded in the Gulf State from January to November 2019.
Dan Pennington

It happened to me. I went to the store Jan. 4 and forgot about the bag ban. Yes, 2020 ushered in a new era of environmentally friendly policies, with this one taking immediate effect Jan. 1. I stood in Ghetto Smiths and looked around. The people there were frantic. I saw a woman start hoarding paper bags, a wild look in her eyes as she scanned the horizon for more. Her eyes found nothing but chaos. Another person watched as their groceries literally melted away in their hands, just becoming some amorphous blob on the floor, sending them back on a quest for more Honey Nut Cheerios. A child was holding a plastic bag, and a crowd swarmed them, hands grasping inwards to grab ahold of this precious, dwindling resource. This was the future liberals wanted, and they got it.

None of this actually happened but judging by the reactions of local residents in online comment sections, it would appear that it was the inevitable outcome, and that the world has gone crazy and theyre the only ones who see it. I have a recommendation for those people. My advice is deal with it. The word that comes up the most in these comments is inconvenienced, a word printed on a banner that is waved loud and proud above them as they pick this hill to die on. They dont know what theyll do with trash in their bathroom anymore, they are now completely lost about how to deal with cat litter, how will they construct their horrible Plastic-Man costume using only found goods or God forbid, they have to have their own bags when they go to the store like plebeians. These complaints send me up a wall, because they mean nothing in the grand scheme of the world. Theyre all so simple, so unobstrusive, it feels like its more effort to complain than to solve. This is what I want to focus on. Adaptability.

Inconvenienced is a strange word. Its not that it is necessarily a real obstacle, it just adds minor problems to the ultimate solution the seeker is seeking. Im sure as you read those above complaints, your mind did what mine does when it hears a complaint; it creates a solution. These are not real problems. These barely qualify as trouble. There are compostable bags for cat litter you can buy and use if you dont want to dump it straight into a trashbag that is already being used. 200 for $20. Your bathroom trash is the same way, you can purchase your own bags, environmentally friendly and far more useful. The goal here isnt a total ban on plastic, though what a world this would be if we could make that happen. The goal here is reduction. Many dont remember, but there was a time in New Mexico history when people said the state bird was a plastic bag, because wherever you went, you would be sure to see one lazily drifting through the sky, hanging in a tree and flapping its metaphorical wings noisily above the streets. It was a problem then, and its a problem now. Currently, a set of photos is making its way around social media of the drainage system to the Rio Grande, and its packed shut with plastic bags. We brag about the beautiful scenery out here, yet somehow want to allow things like this to continue. We have to strive for higher standards, even at the absurdly high cost of minor inconvenience.

The word that comes up the most in these comments is inconvenienced, a word printed on a banner that is waved loud and proud above them as they pick this hill to die on.

Littering has consistently been a problem, with the streets being unkept if not for the valiant efforts of do-gooders and workers hired by the city to patrol the main roads and collect what they can find. But it all feeds back to the main solution, one of reduction. Why spend all this time going out and cleaning when not having to clean at all is both cheaper and easier? Were removing a problem that is both timely and costly in exchange for extra seconds of our time in the store. More so, the ban has been instituted other places to great results, where people have adjusted, and life moved on. Sierra Sweet, a local student, told me I lived in California for three years and they enacted a bag ban there right around the time I moved (to the Sacramento area). People were pissy and freaked out there, too. Personally, I dont see much of an issue with the ban in theoryreducing plastic seems good all around. When we moved back to NM, we had to go grocery shopping right away and we went to Walmart to keep it cheap. Our cashier proceeded to bag about 50 items each in an individual bag, all double bagged. We were just watching this in horror.

So then what causes this plastic-induced anger? I think Albuquerque is a city that is very resistant to changethis is obvious when I hear people saying things like Who puts a bus lane in the middle of the street?! in regard to ART. But Im sick of seeing ugly plastic bags wrapped around our cacti, so Ill be embracing the bag ban, Sweet told me. Which feels like the crux of the issueof a lot of our issues, actually. Were a city resistant to change. For some things, I agree, keep them the way they are. Historic sites, cultural traditions and our amazing food scene are things I would hate to see change. But values, societal progress, compassion for those less fortunate, growth and the removal of plastic bags from our landscape, those are things that need to move forward with the times. This is a call for Albuquerque to be better, not that we arent, but we can continue to grow. Its easy to acknowledge that change is difficult, but we need to move with it, not against it. Were in a constant state of change, and things cannot ever truly stay the same. As time moves forward, so must we. We must be adaptable.

Theres no real obstacle at the end of the day. Reusable bags are everywhere, with most places selling them so cheap its almost laughable to consider it a consequence. Walmart is currently selling them at 10 cents each, though Target is just giving them away. Even the city stepped up, creating a ton of bags to give away over the coming weeks to help ease the transitional pain of losing our precious thin plastic ones. As time goes on, more and more places will be launching their own lines of bags, a way to show support for a business you love while also finding use of the product offered. There are nearly limitless ways to help be a part of the solution rather than the problem, and earnestly, the complaining is a little tired at this point.

I end on an anecdote. From the years I spent working with a homeless shelter, you found that there were needs that werent in the usual list of asks. Speaking with John Benton, Shelter Director for Hopeworks, he brought up the use of plastic bags by clients. For many experiencing homelessness, they carry everything they own on them at all times. One of the many problems they face was keeping these things, typically essentials, safe and protected. The easiest way was with a plastic bag. It had handles, it was lightweight and best of all, waterproof. Even before the ban, keeping bags available was always a struggle, though now, it may be next to impossible. For them, protecting their belongings, things like birth certificates and legal documents that help them reintegrate back into a normal life, will become more difficult than before. And yet, how many do you see speaking out against being inconvenienced?
- Atheists group launched an online fundraiser for one of Baringo top students

- The learner, Idriss, garnered 401 marks to secure a place at Maranda High School

- His worried mother appealed for support from well-wishers to raise the required fees

Members of Atheists Society in Kenya (ASK) have raised over KSh 30,000 towards a Form One student's school fees.

The organisation which does not believe in God, conducted an online funds drive to finance education of Baringo county bright candidate Idriss Saidi Lutta who is set to join Maranda High School.

READ ALSO: 8 photos of woman who snatched husband from Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei

The former Emining Primary School pupil scored 401 marks in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams. Photo: Atheists Society in Kenya.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Wanaoifanya elimu kuwa ghali zaidi nchini ni walimu wakuu, matapeli na wafanyabiashara laghai

The society's president Harrison Mumia confirmed sending KSh 27,000 for term one fees and additional KSh 8,000 for shopping even though the learner still needed KSh 14,000 to purchase uniforms and kits.

"We are requesting atheists, humanists and even believers to pull together to help us assist this child to go to school. As a society, we want to have a positive impact on society. Idriss now needs KSh 14,000 to buy uniform by Friday. He's reporting to Maranda High School on Friday," Mumia appealed.

Idriss' mother Lillian Ayabei thanked God for the good gesture but upon being informed of the well-wisher's activities, she noted the intent was all that matters not the source.

"I am grateful someone has offered to help. I was worried my son's education was coming to an end because I could not afford to pay school fees but now I am grateful to God. As long as they are not devil worshipers, we are grateful they have offered to help us and we accept. The intent is all that matters," she told The Standard.

The former Emining Primary School pupil scored 401 marks in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

For any action there will be reaction - Kiunjuri | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Putin Orders Creation of Working Group on Preparation of Proposals on Amendments to Constitution

Sputnik News

22:38 15.01.2020(updated 23:08 15.01.2020)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier on Wednesday during his annual address to the Federal Assembly that he did not see any need to adopt a new constitution, but did propose bringing up for discussion constitutional amendments.

Later on Wednesday, Putin ordered the establishment of a special working group on the preparation of a proposal for amendments to primary Russian legislation.

"To create a working group to prepare proposals for amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation. To approve the attached list of members of the working group on the preparation of proposals on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation", according to the directive which has been enacted by the Russian president.

The Russian president said earlier that these changes will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament and parliamentary parties, as well as the independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members. Putin stressed that, despite significant changes in the situation in the country over the past 25 years, there was no need to adopt a new constitution.

Putin offered to transfer the power to appoint a prime minister, governors and other top officials, from the president to the parliament, while at the same time limiting the president's power to reject parliamentary appointees.

Putin also proposed prohibiting top Russian political figures from having foreign citizenship or residence permits in foreign nations, as well as barring any individual from running for president unless they have resided in Russia for over 25 years and have never held any dual or foreign citizenship.

Adopted in 1993, on the simmering ruins of the Soviet Union, the the Constitution of the Russian Federation has been changed only once, in 2008, when parliamentary and presidential terms were lengthened.

Putin deemed the changes important enough to refer to Russian voters for approval of the amendments.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev informed President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day that the entire government would resign. The Kremlin's press service announced later that Putin had submitted the candidacy of the head of Russia's Federal Tax Service, Mikhail Mishustin, as the new prime minister for consideration by the State Duma (lower chamber of the Russian parliament).

A Sputnik

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Lending to small business has dropped across the country. (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Big banks are pulling funding for small businesses in some of the poorest regions of England, according to new analysis.

Lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Great Britain fell by 8% between 2014 and 2018, with the most deprived areas worst-hit, according to business lender iwoca.

It found that lending to small businesses in Blackpool  the most deprived area in England, according to government statistics  fell by 27.6%, but Wokingham in Berkshire, the least deprived area, increased by 18.2%.

Small businesses in the wealthiest areas of England were able to borrow 2 billion more than those in the poorest parts of the country, despite having similar populations.

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The North West was hardest hit, with lending from big banks falling by 16%, or 1.6 billion. The North East and Yorkshire also experienced a squeeze.

London got off lighter than any other region, with a 3% drop in funding. Westminster saw the sharpest rise in the capital with a 41.3% boost in lending.

Iwoca chief executive Christoph Rieche said: Its  concerning that, in many parts of the country, major banks arent serving small and microbusinesses with the funding required to help them thrive.

SMEs are vital for the health of the economy.

The company looked at ONS wage data which showed that the average weekly salary in the 20 local authorities worst hit by the drop in lending was 488. In these areas SME financing fell by an average of nearly 35% over five years.

At the opposite side of the spectrum, people earned 529 a week in areas where lending increased at the fastest rate  a difference of more than 2,100 a year.

However, despite a drop in small business loans, the data showed that lending to individuals has increased across England.

In the most deprived areas, personal lending has risen by 15%, and in the wealthiest it has increased by 22%.

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: Were backing businesses right across the country. 7 billion from the government-owned British Business Bank is supporting over 91,000 SMEs, the majority outside London and the South East and our Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has invested over 135 million in smaller businesses across the North of England. But we are determined to do more to level up across the country.
Even though the government has decided to stay out of the world's largest block RCEP, the 15-nation grouping offers a market potential of $125 billion if domestic firms improve competitiveness in 24 identified product categories, as per a World Centre study.

Citing domestic concerns, the government walked out of the 16-country (RCEP) in November last year.

The 15 countries together accounted for 57 per cent or $105 billion of India's overall deficit in FY19, with China itself contributing to $54 billion of this.

It can be noted that India is among the top 15 exporters of these 24 product categories globally and have strong demand in China, Korea, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

"The domestic industry can benefit from $125.6 billion market potential, especially in sectors like metals, textiles and marine products, in 10 of these countries," says the World Trade Center Mumbai, quoting the latest UN Comtrade data, which is the repository of international trade statistics.

India is the seventh largest exporter of aluminum products in the world and yet it is not a major supplier of these products to these countries except to Korea.

In 2018, Japan, Thailand, Korea and China together imported $18.65 billion worth of aluminium products, while India supplied hardly $700 million of these products to these market, as per the commerce ministry data.

India is the sixth largest exporter of man-made fabrics and its major destinations are the US, Turkey, Brazil, Bangladesh and the UAE.

But there is an over $10-billion import demand for man-made fabrics in Vietnam, Indonesia, China and Cambodia.

Similarly, being the second largest exporter of textile yarns, India can benefit by meeting the $13.6-billion annual import demand from China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

Being the fourth largest exporter of bovine meat, India can help it grab a $11-billion market in select RCEP countries, says the WTC.

In textile yarns and man-made fabrics, domestic exporters face stiff competition from China, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

But the trade body warns that it will be even more challenging for us to to RCEP countries once this proposed mega trade agreement is ratified and signed by all the members. For instance, in case of man-made fabrics, leading exporters like Korea and China will have preferential market access to top importers such as Vietnam and Indonesia once the RCEP pact comes into force.
Sonam Kapoor, who is in London right now to shoot for an ad, took to her Twitter account to share a scary experience of taking an Uber in the city.

She tweeted, "Hey guys Ive had the scariest experience with @Uber London. Please please be careful. The best and safest is just to use local public transportation or cabs. Im super shaken."

Hey guys Ive had the scariest experience with @Uber london. Please please be careful. The best and safest is just to use the local public transportation or cabs. Im super shaken.  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 15, 2020

A user asked her to share the details of what exactly happened with her, to which she replied, The driver was unstable and was yelling and shouting. I was shaking by the end of it.

After she raised a complaint on Twitter, the cab vendor apologized as she had such an unfortunate experience.

The driver was unstable and was yelling and shouting. I was shaking by the end of it.  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 15, 2020

After her tweet started to gain attention, her fans bashed the cab vendor and asked for immediate action against the driver responsible.

Hope you are okay...@Uber_Support please take strict action against the driver...  Punit (SidHeart) (@Punit03147132) January 15, 2020





@Uber_Support Can you please look Into it. This is serious.   mahi (@mahi_lahsgdidj) January 15, 2020





Some users expressed being puzzled as to why would she would need a cab to travel around the city when she could easily get a car of her own.

Something is cooking !! She has many luxury cars yet she is going in uber ??



Somehow this will be connected to RW later !!  Srikanth (@srikanthbjp_) January 16, 2020

I agree ... She can afford the best of cars, whether in India or even in the UK.. why did she opt for Uber  guess she wants free/cheap publicity... May be some picture of hers may be due to be released anytime soon...  Punit Jani (@_punit_jani) January 16, 2020

Of course, some people were sympathetic with Sonam, as they shared similar experiences of having a tough time with their cab drivers as well.



Actually uber drivers are not tested for drugs and we have had a similar experience in Delhi where the driver kept braking all the time and driving zig zag for no reason. Uber trains drivers for just half a day where they are only taught how to use the GPS.  chandnimathur (@chandnimathur5) January 16, 2020

Sorry to hear that. I always considered uber to be as good as personal vehicle. Off late, even I have faced few issues with Uber in London...  Nooruzzaman Mohammed   (@rahbarnoor) January 16, 2020

Today in delhi my dad faced similar issue where #Uber driver stopped his app and ended trip minutes after leaving IGI T3!  Divakar Sinha (@dsinha29) January 16, 2020

Uber is horrible. Be it London, Delhi or Mumbai. Customer is their last priority. Have been victimised several times.... @Uber_India  Karan Bhardwaj (@Karan_Bow) January 16, 2020

There were a few users who then informed that the particular cab vendor in question has apparently already lost its license and has been banned in London.

Oh dear hope your ok...Im pretty sure Uber lost their licence for London in November last year be careful dodgy people out there  Kiran khan (@Kirankhan79) January 15, 2020

Uber banned in London but how come u got it..

Publicity??  Bheeresh Kalasad | | (@ModifiedBK) January 16, 2020

I thought you were scared in India only. And by the way, how did you manage to board Uber when they aren't operational in London. Something's brewing up. Food for thought   Pooja  (@beyoond_starz) January 16, 2020

Pretty sure a lot of people, particularly office-goers can relate to this. You have our sympathies, Sonam.

On the work front, Sonam was last seen in The Zoya Factor,
Photo: Contributed

Before I begin my MP report, I would like to take a moment on behalf of the citizens of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola to express sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.

This heartbreaking tragedy has been felt across Canada including here in the Okanagan.

Please know that our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.

Now on to my weekly report.

As some may be aware, medical assistance in dying was legalized in the last Parliament based on a ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada.

During the last Parliament I wrote multiple reports on Bill C-14, technically known as An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying.)

I also canvassed support for this bill and our region was largely supportive.

At the same time I also voiced some concerns with the proposed legislation, and several challenges have arisen in the legalization framework.

One of those challenges comes from the fact that in order to comply with the terms of the legislation, one must be considered to be at the end of life with the reasonable foresee-ability of natural death imminent.

This can mean that someone who may otherwise meet the criteria and wish to access medically assistance in dying may have to suffer for a period of time until end of life can be diagnosed as 'imminent.'

In effect, this counters the original intent of the bill to medically assist individuals to end suffering from serious health challenges.

Recently a Quebec Superior Court has ruled this aspect of the bill unconstitutional.

As a result the federal government has undertaken to review of the current legislation to comply with the court ruling.

As part of the review process, the federal government has created an online questionnaire that citizens can participate in.

I will be posting a link to that online questionnaire at the end of this article.

Please be advised that the deadline for submissions is Jan. 27, 2020.

It should be noted that Parliament is also set to do its own review of the entire regime as the original legislation included a five year statutory review process and this will address areas outside of this Quebec court decision.

Since medically assisted dying has become legalized, over 6,700 Canadians have utilized the program.

That leads to my question for this week:

What are your thoughts about this potential change to the medical assistance in dying legislation?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Here is a link to the government consultation.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 07:42 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3224af29 1 Business omnibus-law,omnibus-bill,Jokowi,house-of-representatives,job-creation,labor-law,Airlangga-Hartarto Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo stated on Wednesday that his administration will submit an omnibus bill on job creation to the House of Representatives this week as the government strives to attract more investment.

This week, insya Allah [God willing], we will submit the omnibus bill to the House, he said during his opening remarks at an Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) event in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said that by submitting the omnibus bill, the government proposed to lawmakers the revision of 74 laws.

If we revise the laws one by one, it would take 50 years to revise them all, so we are submitting the omnibus bill. If the House can work on it quickly, this would be a big leap for our services to the people, businesses and small and medium enterprises that can contribute significantly to economic growth, he said.

If passed, the bill will amend more than a thousand articles in prevailing laws, including the Labor Law, which has been blamed for hampering investment into the country. The bill is expected to improve Indonesias ease of doing business ranking, which in turn would attract more foreign investment and create more jobs.

During an opening statement in a limited Cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta later on Wednesday, Jokowi said he expected the bills deliberations to be completed within less than 100 business days.

Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto told reporters after the meeting the bill would consist of 11 so-called clusters, namely license procurement simplification, investment requirements, labor, protection and empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises, ease of doing business, research and innovation support, government administration, sanctions, land procurement, economic zones and government investment and projects.

He said that, as of Wednesday afternoon, the government had identified 1,244 articles and 79 laws that would be revoked by the omnibus law.

The number of articles in the omnibus bill is still being determined but it will be different than that of the annulled articles, he said. (mfp)

Marchio Irfan Gorbiano contributed to the story
A young girl holds her pet dog while watching the sunrise at Mount Nam on Jan. 1, 2018. / Korea Times file



By Jun Ji-hye, Lee Suh-yoon



The government is facing growing backlash from pet owners over its plan to introduce a tax on possessing pets. Pet owners claim they already spend a lot of money to care for their animals.



A plan to introduce the "pet tax" was included in sweeping measures announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Tuesday, aimed at more effectively curbing animal abuse, protecting abandoned pets and improving animal welfare.



A ministry official told The Korea Times Friday that the MAFRA will review a variety of issues involving the pet tax before pushing to revise the Animal Protection Law and other relevant regulations.



"If introduced, the pet tax would be used to construct and operate shelters for abandoned animals and other professional facilities to protect them," the official said.



The measure was drawn up amid the rapidly increasing number of abandoned dogs here, and the increasing costs incurred by local governments in handling the issue.



The number of abandoned animals in Korea has been steadily climbing, reaching 121,000 in 2018, according to ministry data.



Pet owners said, however, that it was nonsense for those who are raising their pets well to share the responsibility of those who abandon them.



"Taxes are collected on income. Levying a tax on pet possession seems to be against this principle as pet owners do not get any economic gain from their pets," said Lee Ji-yoon, a 37-year-old office worker in Seoul.



Objectors also raised concerns that there would be more people who abandon dogs to avoid the tax if the pet tax were introduced.



Kim Sang-rok, a 34-year-old small business owner, added, "I would not be able to know whether the tax I pay is used transparently for the right purposes."



Regarding such concerns, the ministry official said, "A feasibility study on the pet tax and discussion between relevant ministries will begin in 2022. We will collect various opinions so the tax can bring due benefits to pet owners."



Except the pet tax, most of the measures announced by the ministry, which will be pushed for over the next five years, have been generating positive responses from animal rights groups and pet owners.



The measures include mandatory registration of pets and special training for "pet owners to-be."



"Registration was already mandatory but had a very low participation rate because there was a three-month grace period," Cho Hee-kyung, head of Korean Welfare Association, told The Korea Times. "Few came back to the shop to register. Now that pets can be registered at the time of purchase, we expect a higher registration rate."



Better registration can help locate lost pets, and make owners think twice about abandoning them on the streets.



For the deterrent to be effective, Cho said the government's next step should be making chip implants necessary in the registration process.



"With nametag registration, owners can evade authorities by simply taking off the pet's tag before abandoning them," she said. "With chip implants and other measures to better monitor the pet industry, we can create a positive cycle of lower rates of abandonment and more shelter adoptions."



Authorities will also track down and file criminal charges against people who abandon their pets.



Those found guilty will be subject to a 3 million won ($2,590) fine. Until now, those who abandoned their pets already faced a 3 million won administrative fine but were never caught because the act was not classified as being criminal, and thus authorities could not open formal investigations or check CCTV footage in order to track down the owners.



Additionally, the ministry plans to put together a short education program that warns pet owners to-be of their responsibilities before the purchase. It will also look into introducing animal welfare classes for elementary, middle and high school students by next year.



Pet owners who keep pets tied up with a short leash at home or keep them confined in small spaces without sunlight will also face penalties, the ministry said.



Those who abuse their pets, causing death will face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of 30 million won, and be barred from owning pets in the future.


Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:08:45|Editor: xuxin

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KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Eleven policemen and 10 Taliban militants were killed in clashes in Afghanistan's northern province of Kunduz during Wednesday night, a local official said Thursday.

"Militants waged an attack with assault rifles, machine guns and rocket propelled grenades on an Afghan National Police checkpoint in Posta-i-Godam in the western edge of Khan Abad district headquarters. The clashes claimed the lives of 11 policemen and 10 militants," district chief Hayyatullah Amiri told Xinhua.

The police personnel deployed at the check post responded and reinforcement arrived at the area early on Thursday, and carried out a pursuit operation for the attackers who fled the scene.

Local villagers said the militants seized a number of weapons and ammunition of the targeted checkpoint that provides security for a road, linking the provincial capital Kunduz city to neighboring Takhar province.

Zabiullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, in contact with media has confirmed the fighting in Kunduz, saying insurgents also clashed with additional forces as they approach the area.

The province has for long been the scene of heavy clashes between Taliban and government security forces.

Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency, killing government troops as well as civilians.

They frequently attack district offices, military camps, installations and security checkpoints, while the Afghan military respond with airstrikes on militant targets in the countryside.
French teachers opposed to the government's revamp of the end-of-school baccalaureate say they'll boycott the first round of exams, due to start next week.

Opponents of the new bac will refuse to supervise or correct the tests which, starting Monday, are to be spread out over the next six weeks in high schools across France.

The exams include history, geography, modern languages and mathematics  and will account for 30 percent of a student's final mark.

While teachers unions say the reform is ill-prepared, and are demanding it be postponed, Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer on Thursday defended the reform, insisting disruption to the bac would be minimal.

In the vast majority of establishments, things are looking very good  a small minority are seeking political action against the government, and this is not normal, he told French radio station RTL.

I have always disputed that school should be seen as a political playground.

Some schools were closed Thursday with many teachers opposed to the baccalaureate reform also protesting the government's planned overhaul of the pensions system.

The new baccalaureate was introduced for the 2018-19 academic year, with further changes to take effect from 2021.

It will replace the broad subject areas pupils currently choose from  science, literature or social sciences  with more specific courses.
SALISBURY, Md., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Perdue Farms is elevating its commitment to alleviate food insecurity with the launch of its new "Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors" hunger initiative and announcing a Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation-funded $1 million donation to support its Feeding America-affiliated food bank partners in celebration of the company's 100th anniversary.

"Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors" is a companywide initiative focused on providing access to nutritious protein for people struggling with hunger and making meaningful progress toward ending hunger.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 37 million people in the United States struggle with food insecurity or hunger, including more than 11 million children*.

"With one in nine Americans struggling with food insecurity, hunger knows no boundaries. As a food company, we're committed to fighting hunger in the communities we call home and beyond," said Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms. "We'll use this initiative to elevate awareness of hunger, continue our decades-long support through donations of nutritious protein, associate volunteerism and financial support, and work with stakeholders to make meaningful change."

As a first step, the Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, is donating a total of $1 million to 10 of its Feeding America-affiliated food bank partners in communities Perdue calls home. Each food bank will receive a $100,000 grant to help advance their hunger relief initiatives.

In February, Perdue Farms will launch a 10-stop tour to celebrate the donations and partnerships with the following food banks:

Maryland Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (NC)

Food Bank of the Albermarle (NC)

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (VA)

Food Bank of Delaware

Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

Feed More (VA)

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

and the Eastern Shore Redwood Empire Food Bank (CA)

Middle Georgia Community Food Bank

Perdue Farms is also doubling its annual protein donation commitment to Feeding America to four million pounds, with a goal to provide a minimum 20 million pounds by 2025. Since 2000, Perdue has donated more than 76 million pounds of protein, primarily chicken, to Feeding America food banks, the equivalent of more than 304 million servings of protein. Perdue Farms was one of the first meat companies to implement a formal program of ongoing donations of perishable protein products, creating a model for other companies to follow.

"People who struggle with hunger do not have regular access to enough food for a healthy, active life. Feeding America is grateful to Perdue for its generous support of member food banks and for helping people in need in communities across the country," said Blake Thompson, chief supply chain officer at Feeding America.

To learn more about Perdue Farms' hunger relief efforts, visit corporate.perduefarms.com.

Additional details of the company's first 100 years can be found at www.perdue100.com.

*According to the 2018 USDA Household Food Security in the United States report.

About Perdue Farms

We're a fourth-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The PERDUE brand is the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S., and the company is the leader in organic chicken in the U.S., and Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company. Now in our centennial year, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey and pork, and in USDA-certified organic chicken. Learn more at corporate.perduefarms.com.

SOURCE Perdue Farms
WASHINGTON In a ceremonial walk through the halls of Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate Wednesday, officially kicking off that chambers' role in trying President Donald J. Trump for alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The House voted 228 to 193 to approve a resolution to transmit the articles to the Senate and appoint impeachment managers, with one Democrat voting against.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has chosen House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., to lead the prosecution of Trump in the Senate, along with Reps. Jason Crow, D-Colo., Val Demings D-Fla., Sylvia Garcia D-Tex., Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.

In a ceremony at the end of the day, Pelosi signed the two articles with 32 different pens. Then, they were carried in a procession with the impeachment managers from the House side of the Capitol, under the rotunda, passed the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and over to the Senate.

The Senate trial is expected to begin on Tuesday, according to McConnell. But some trial activity may start earlier than that.

On Thursday, the House managers are likely read the resolution passed by the House  as well as the full articles of impeachment  on the Senate floor. Senators are expected to be sworn as early as Thursday afternoon by the Supreme Court's chief justice.

Exactly, what the Senate trial will look like is still being determined. On the first day of the trial, senators are expected to approve an organizing resolution laying out the format for the trial. This resolution will not answer the question of whether new witnesses will be called, McConnell has said. That will come in a later vote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has argued the Senate trial will not be fair unless witnesses are called, particularly in the light of more emails and evidence that have emerged since the articles were approved.

On Tuesday evening, House Democrats released a trove of new documents obtained from Lev Parnas, an associate of the president's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. The documents included handwritten notes about the efforts to persuade Ukraine to announce an investigation to benefit Trump and text messages suggesting that Parnas was trying to surveil the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

"I dont know how a senator could pick up the newspaper this morning, read the new revelations, and not conclude that the Senate needs access to relevant documents and witnesses in the impeachment trial of President Trump," Schumer said Wednesday.

House impeachment managers argued Wednesday Pelosi's delay in sending the articles has forced a weeks-long debate over whether more witnesses are needed.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The American people deserve a fair trial, our democracy deserves a fair trial, our constitution deserves a fair trial, said Jeffries Wednesday morning. Speaker Pelosi has given us the space for the American people to weigh in over the last few weeks.

If witnesses are called, it's likely both Democrats and Republicans will choose them. Democrats want John Bolton, the former White House national security advisor, to speak to Congress, while Republicans hope to hear from Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joseph Biden, who worked for a Ukrainian energy company in Ukraine.

Several witnesses testified this fall that Trump wanted Ukraine to promise investigations into the Biden to benefit him in the 2020 election and he used military aid to Ukraine as well as a meeting at the White House as leverage. Trump has denied wrongdoing. It appears likely the Senate will move to acquit Trump.

While the chamber debates Trump's removal from office, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, will be working on his re-election. Stefanik was selected as a Trump campaign honorary New York State Chair, the Trump campaign announced today.

"President Trumps agenda of creating jobs, strengthening our military, securing our borders, negotiating better trade deals, and lowering crime rates has historic support in the 21st Congressional District and across Upstate New York," Stefanik said. "Im looking forward to working with his campaign to deliver another decisive victory in my district."

Stefanik voted against the resolution to transmit the articles on Wednesday. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans against the resolution. Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, who switched from Republican to Independent last year, voted in favor of the resolution.
[January 16, 2020] Embarcadero Launches LearnDelphi.org, a Delphi-Centric Learning Ecosystem, to Promote Delphi Education

Embarcadero (a division of Idera, Inc.), a provider of cross-platform app development productivity tools, today announced the launch of LearnDelphi.org, a learning ecosystem for Delphi (News - Alert) developers, a teaching platform for Delphi educators, and a key destination for all things related to the Delphi Community. LearnDelphi.org is a collection of resources and free content for teaching and learning software development curated by and for Delphi developers. The site includes Delphi licensing options and resources such as ebooks, slideshows, and video tutorials, as well as ways to get involved. The content is compiled and supported by Embarcadero's MVPs, community members, subject matter experts, and employees, and will be available in multiple languages over time. Potential contributors, educational liaisons, and educators are always welcome and encouraged to get involved. "Now Delphi, the best language and IDE for learning to program, has a completely free environment for education," said Landerson Gomes dos Santos, logistics, and transport specialist and Embarcadero MVP. "Delphi's Community Edition includes all the features and facilities for those who want to take the first steps in developing applications for computers and mobile devices. LearnDelphi.org is an exciting initiative for the Delphi community, bringing together resources that students and teachers need to make learning in Delphi more efficient and fun." FAQs). Academic Edition is another free option that offers a group-oriented classroom licensing package that is ideal for high schools and universities that meet certain qualifications.



"Delphi's Object Pascal is the best programming language for anyone wanting to learn to program, and the Delphi Community Edition from Embarcadero is a great place to start building apps for Windows, macOS, Android (News - Alert) and iOS. It lets you quickly and easily build apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS," said Jim McKeeth, chief developer advocate at Embarcadero. "LearnDelphi.org is an intuitive compilation of resources that students and teachers need for learning to program with Delphi." Delphi expanded significantly in the context of RAD Studio, which pioneered rapid visual object-oriented programming. Over the years, Pascal and Delphi became a staple for computer education and continue to be standard in many countries where many students learn to program with it.

Today's Delphi has rich support for Objects, Anonymous methods, Generics, Multi-Threading, and a robust type system. With free libraries, it is easy to expand Delphi with Duck Typing, Domain-Specific, Functional Logic, Neural Networking, and more. No other programming language provides such diverse programming paradigms with a simple language, native compilation, and rich IDE and tooling. "Since the availability of the Starter Edition, and later with Community Edition, Delphi has been freely offered as a supported language on learning sites, such as Exercism.io," said Ryan Potts, software developer at Gateway (News - Alert) Ticketing Systems and Embarcadero MVP. "It is great to see Delphi regaining the momentum and popularity it truly deserves." Visit LearnDelphi.org to find learning resources or to get involved. About Embarcadero Embarcadero builds tools that solve productivity problems for application developers. The company's products allow users to design, build and run applications from a single code base across all platforms. Ninety of the Fortune 100 companies and a community of more than three million C++ and Delphi users worldwide rely on Embarcadero's award-winning products to deliver critical enterprise applications. Embarcadero is a division of Idera, Inc. To learn more, visit https://www.embarcadero.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005226/en/

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Job

Title: Regional Energy Officer

Organization: World Wide Fund

for Nature (WWF)

Duty

Station:

Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Africa region Energy Coordinator.

About

US:

The

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the largest independent conservation

organizations in the world. We are an international NGO committed to

environmental protection active in almost 100 countries. WWF has a growing

conservation Programme in the Republic of Uganda. WWF Uganda Country Office

(WWF UCO) works with central and local government agencies, the private sector,

civil society organizations (CSOs) and the local communities to implement its

various conservation programmes on Energy and Climate, Forestry and Wildlife,

and Freshwater in Uganda.



Job Summary: Support the Africa Energy Coordinator (AEC) in

developing the Africa Energy Access Initiative (AEAI) and delivery of the

Regional Energy Program as coordinated by the Uganda Country Office (UCO) as

the Africa Energy Hub for the WWF Global Climate and Energy Practice strategies

for Africa. Will closely support the mandates below.

 Development of a

coherent and well-articulated programmatic approach for the Africa Regional

Energy Hub, in collaboration with the WWF Global Climate and Energy Practice,

relevant WWF Country Offices, the Regional Office for Africa, as well as key

partners and the private sector;

 Development of the

Africa Energy Access initiative (AEAI)  specifically on areas related to

Energy finance and markets;

 Effective coordination

and collaboration between the WWF country offices in Africa in the development

and implementation of the Regional Energy Programme and AEAI, including

partnership development, proposal development and identification of other opportunities

within the Hubs mandates and priorities, and .

 Effective coordination

and collaboration with relevant strategic partners, such as Civil Society

Organizations (CSOs), interGovernmental Organizations, donors, etc.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

 Supports the

documentation and communication of energy access related best practices and

lessons learned in consultation with national focal persons in WWF Africa

country offices.

 Supports implementation

of key strategic energy interventions coordinated by the Hub including among

others, the Sustainable Energy Access Forums (SEAFs), and Leading the Change.

 Designs and implements

regional activities for strengthening CSOs for effective replication and up

scaling of high impacts energy access success stories.

 Supports development of

annual and quarterly work plans, budgets (and programs), and procurements of

the Hub.

 Supports AEC in

technical and management oversight for ongoing partnerships with CSOs, Regional

Economic Commissions and others





Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

 Advanced degree in

Renewable/Sustainable Energy Management/ Environment and Natural

Resources/Business Administration/ Marketing/Entrepreneurship development with

experience in energy related finance, markets, and private sector partnerships.

 At least 6 years

experience in program development and management Post

 Graduate training in

Project Planning and Management is an asset

 Demonstrated experience

in monitoring and evaluation, mentorship and capacity building, and

mainstreaming gender and cross cutting issues.

 Experience in energy

related-programs is required preferably with exposure to financial, marketing

and entrepreneurship development institutions.

 Experience in CSOs

capacity development, communication, networking, lobbying and advocacy.

 Good oral and written

communication skills within the energy space must be detail-oriented and have

the ability to multi-task under limited supervision.

 Fluency in English and

at least one other major regional languagespoken (Swahili, French) in Africa

region is an added advantage.

 Good conceptual,

analytical, logical and innovative problem-solving ability.

 Good understanding of

key energy issues in Africa.

 Demonstrated ability to

handle complex processes and information with a good understanding of how

platforms operate.

 Ability to remain

effective under pressure, and with minimum supervision while working in a very

small team.

 Ability to maintain

effective working relations both as a team member and team leader in a

multi-cultural environment

How to Apply:

Application letters, detailed Curriculum Vitae

including names, email addresses and telephone contact details of three (3)

referees, plus copies of academic qualifications (sent as one document) should

be emailed to: recruitment@wwfuganda.org . Please quote the position title in

the email subject line and remember to fill the respective Google form.



Click Here





Thank

you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only

candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for follow up. If you

have not been contracted, six weeks after the closing date, WWF is an equal

opportunity player and committed to having a diverse workforce. Female Ugandan

Nationals, are encouraged to apply

Deadline: 24th

January 2020

For

more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or

find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Your options when considering graduate studies in Latin American studies can include a graduate certificate, Master of Arts (MA), or a PhD. This article walks you through some of the programs and schools that are available in the United States.

View Schools

University of Louisville

Here, you can pursue a graduate certificate in Latin American and Latino Studies, which can be done as a standalone program or in conjunction with another Master's degree. The school offers you the opportunity to take classes in areas such as anthropology, Spanish, women's studies and law when pursuing this degree.

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh offers two graduate certificates, in Latin American Studies and in Latin American Social and Public Policy. The institution states that the Latin American studies certificate program is designed to be an additional credential alongside a graduate degree, and the social and public policy certificate is aimed at those wanting to drive change and policy in Latin American regions.

University of South Florida

This school offers you the opportunity to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, which can be completed in 15 credit hours. The program does require that you take six credits in both the humanities and social sciences.

San Diego State University

Here you can complete an MA or a dual Master of Public Administration (54-66 credits), Master of Public Health (63 credits), or Master of Business Administration (72 credits) alongside the Master in Latin American studies. The program asks that you take classes in three different departments, not including the mandatory classes for the program.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers you the opportunity to pursue an MA and has the option to pursue a dual degree. The school has four dual degree options in journalism, law, public administration, and public health.

University of Florida

The University of Florida provides several options to you when pursuing this discipline, including a graduate certificate or an MA. The program also offers a concentration in tropical conservation and development.

City University of New York

Here you may pursue an MA in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies. This program requires you to take three foundational courses, and then allows you to take 18 credits relevant to your studies; you can then complete your capstone project.

University of California Los Angeles

UCLA offers you the opportunity to pursue an MA. UCLA's course options allow for students to take classes that intersect with the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, the fine arts, and professional studies.

University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico offers you the option of pursuing an MA, PhD, or several dual degree options, including master's in business administration, community and regional planning, law, and public health. The university emphasizes the flexibility of the program, with the master's program offering 17 different concentration options.

University of Texas at Austin

This school offers you the opportunity to earn either an MA or a PhD in Latin American Studies. You can also pursue a dual degree with your MA, including a master's in business administration, journalism, law or social work. This institution prides itself on its Latin American Studies program being highly interdisciplinary, featuring faculty from 30 different departments.

Institution Program Options Tuition* (2019-2020) University of Louisville Graduate certificate $6,500 per semester in state; $13,557 per semester out of state University of Pittsburgh Graduate certificates $23,530 - in state; $39,898 out of state University of South Florida Graduate certificate $7,840 - in state; $15,864 out of state San Diego State University Master of Arts - Dual Degree $8,944 - in or out of state University of Arizona Master of Arts - Dual Degree $5,969.00 in-state; $10,063.50 - out of state University of Florida Masters of Arts - Graduate certificate $12,740 - in or out of state City University of New York Master of Arts $11,090 - in state; $20,174 - out of state University of California Los Angeles Master of Arts $17,272 - in state; $32,374 - out of state University of New Mexico Master of Arts - PhD - Dual degree $8,608.00 - in state; 24,942.00 - out of state University of Texas at Austin Master of Arts - PhD - Dual degree $8,928 - in state; $17,694 - out of state

Sources: all tuition costs came from the schools analyzed; differences may occur depending on course load, and whether you choose to pursue a dual degree. The costs assume two full-time semesters.

If you are considering a degree in Latin American studies you have a number of options available to you. Many programs have the flexibility to allow you to pursue a variety of areas of interest.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 04:08:42|Editor: yan

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TASHKENT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has tasked the government with expanding export potential of the country, attracting more foreign investments and raising localization level of production processes in 2020, the president's press service said Wednesday.

"The export forecast is approved for a three-year period. The plan for 2020 is defined at a level that exceeds last year (results) by 22 percent," the press service said in a statement.

The Uzbek government has started using a new system for determining and monitoring forecast indicators this year to further increase export volumes, according to the statement.

"Thanks to measures taken ... the export performance of our country increased by 28 percent. The volume of regional industrial exports increased almost twice," it said.

During a government meeting, the Uzbek president instructed the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade to develop a roadmap to ensure full implementation of the export forecast for the current year, according to the press service.

Uzbekistan's leader has also noted the need to tap the country's potential effectively in such leading industries as textiles, horticulture, leather and shoe production, construction materials, and the automotive industry.

The Uzbek government has approved more than 1,500 projects to be implemented this year by attracting private and direct investments, including 7.1 billion U.S. dollars of foreign direct investment and loans, according to the report.
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune organised a round table with the theme Innovations in Healthcare on 11th January 2020 at Lavale Pune. Technological advancements for customized services, use of big data analytics, focus on prevention and wellness are shaping the healthcare industry of today and tomorrow. The breadth of the Healthcare service providers is also increasing from clinics, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers, insurers to data-driven software firms and e-service providers.

Affordable care, care for all, personalized solutions, focus on wellness are some growing trends. This round table on innovations in healthcare discussed the various aspects of innovations across the globe and the future of the industry. Dr Ramakrishnan Raman, Director SIBM Pune shared that roundtable is being organized to add value to the students pursuing MBA (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) at SIBM Pune.

The round table panel constituted stalwarts from the industry and academia including Dr. Brett Trusko, President and CEO International Association of Innovation Professionals (IAOIP), Dr. Vijay Natarajan, CEO of Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Center (SUHRC), Dr. Madhav Sathe, Consultant Anesthesiologist at Bombay Hospital, Dr. Sanjiv Narangul, Advisor of Advent and Dr. Aravind Chinchure, Founder and CEO at QLEAP Academy. Mr. Parag Khare, CEO Paragon Health Consultants moderated the roundtable. Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya, Head Corporate Relation SIBM Pune welcomed the guests and introduced the panel members to the audience.

Students and faculty members of SIBM Pune and students from Gedhu College of Business studies, Bhutan attended the event along with founders of Startups like MumSmile, Innovation Igniter, Cognify etc. Innovation managers from corporations like Emerson India and John Deere India were among the audience present for the roundtable.

During the discussion Dr Brett Trusko stated that, the healthcare industry stakeholders should focus on effective usage of the medical database. Dr Natarajan, CEO of Symbiosis Hospital illustrated on how SUHRC is using innovative practices to provide quality healthcare services at affordable cost at the multispecialty hospital located at Lavale Pune. Dr Madhav Sathe gave insights on the opportunities for innovation in health that is given by rural India. Dr Chinchure CEO of QLeap Academy gave examples of innovation in health care from India. He also spoke on healthcare value chain.

Mr Sanjeev Navangul, invited students to study the trends in the drug industry and need-based innovations. He also gave insights on the opportunities that exist in the Indian scenario for innovation in health care. The roundtable provided the audience an overview of the current trends in the healthcare industry and also discussed the opportunities and challenges of healthcare startups, data analytics, medical device innovations, drug innovations for preventive healthcare to usage of Artificial Intelligence and big data. Prof. Yogesh Brahmankar, Programme Evangelist- (MBA-Innovation & Entrepreneurship) gave the concluding remarks and thanked the panel members.

Source: Digpu

Disclaimer: This content is distributed by Digpu News Network. No Hindustan Times journalist is involved in the creation of this content.
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Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 15:23 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32264678 1 Business fintech,P2P,SME,funding,peer-to-peer-lending,small-and-medium-enterprises Free

Financial technology (fintech) start-up Akseleran, a peer-to-peer (P2P) lender based in Jakarta, announced that it had raised US$8.55 million in Series A funding in its bid to capture a larger slice of Indonesia's small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) market.

The start-up said in a statement on Wednesday that Singaporean venture capital firm BeeNext led the Series A round. Other participating investors were Central Capital Ventura (CCV), a subsidiary of privately owned Bank Central Asia (BCA), Access Ventures, Agaeti Venture Capital and the Ahabe Group.

Akseleran said it would use the funds to develop its talent and technology.

Co-founder Ivan Tambunan said that the fintech start-up planned to expand its lender base by offering a higher return on investment through a safe and efficient platform. It also aimed to penetrate deeper into the Indonesian market, particularly in underserved areas.

Akseleran has disbursed more than Rp 1 trillion ($73.27 million) in loans to 2,000 MSMEs since its establishment in October 2017, and plans to disburse Rp 2 trillion this year.

Indonesian SMEs, which contribute around 23 percent to the economy, are a lucrative market for the countrys growing fintech industry. SMEs located in more remote regions beyond the reach of conventional banks but still have access to mobile networks, are particularly lucrative.

Akseleran is one of 12 fintechs in the P2P lending business that received their lending permit from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in December 2019. The permit certifies that the company meets the government's data security standards.

Agaeti managing partner Pandu Sjahrir, who is also a director at coal miner Toba Bara Sejahtera, hinted that Akseleran's certification was one reason the venture capital company had invested in the start-up, as it indicated that Akseleran could reliably support the financing gap of SMEs.
Leaders of the regime deceptively presented themselves as the defenders of the victims of the jetliner crash and allowed people only to mourn for the victims of the accident, but not endure any protests of the people and their slogans that have shaken the entire regime once again in the past two days.

The regime suggests that the anger of the people about the death of 176 innocent people should not be expressed by outrage and protests.

The state-run daily Jomhuri Eslami on 13 January called the protesters the enemy actors and those who scratching their own levees during the war.

The fact is that there is nothing in common between the Iranian people and this regime, and each has its own camp.

This is a reality that the people of Iran proclaimed to the world during the past three days with their overthrowing slogans.

The author of the Jomhuri Eslami adds that the subversive slogans are fluttering in cyberspace and that some words and posts seem like they are coming from Albania and added:  What happened Saturday night and Sunday in Tehran and some cities. What some people have expressed. What has been the motto  is all about the role they have written for us, and I cannot accept students as the elite of the community to take a step in such a field  Those who had hard words should believe that if they break the tower and castle of security, the next stones will fall on them.

The fact is that this writer admits to the fact that the main battle in Iranian society is between the regime and the people and of course the organized resistance. This is the main issue of Iran today.

The Jomhuri Eslami daily in another article called the uprisings of the past days opportunists that set fire the Caesarean because of a tissue and that some because of the failure to declare the truth about the crash of the Ukrainian plane and to form a protests rally for the victims of this irritant accident and expecting and dealing with the culprits, is very natural, but that some by the pretext chant against the principles and ideals shows that in our society extremism has been able to produce extremism. Some people allow themselves to criticize the entire regime because of a human error by an IRGC soldier.

This is also due to the brutality of the mullahs government, which compares shamelessly the killing of 176 innocent people to a napkin and a small thing and calls the peoples protests over this big crime opportunism.

It is noteworthy that they have nothing against just mourning for the victims and the people can mourn as long as they want, but slogans like IRGC! Shame on you! Let go of our country!, Death to liars, Commander in Chief [Khamenei], Resign, Resign!, Death to the dictator, and Death to [Ali] Khamenei, 1,500 of our people were killed in [the] November, Ill kill he who killed my brother, My death brother, Ill avenge your death. is considered to be insult and extremism.

State-run newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz says the gatherings of students has not the nature of the people and the students. (Vatan-e Emrooz, 13 January)

It is clear why this state-run media is also frightened by the slogans of the people in the past two days, as people have targeted the regimes supreme leader and the principle of clerical rule in their slogans. The fear is that when the core of the regime is targeted, the regimes writers future is also foggy.

The fact is that the uprising people and the students who, according to the writer of the Jomhuri Eslami daily, their slogans are inspired by Albania (main base of the MEK/PMOI) have been linked to the revolutionaries. With the resistance units, the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK/PMOI) and the Liberation Army are also at the same front, and this has frustrated the whole regime.

The author of Keyhan is also attacking the uprising and the student of why they did not have a quiet gathering, and their slogans focused solely on radical slogans rather than focusing on the air crash. (Keyhan 13 January)

The state-run daily Arman also called the gatherings of people in various cities scattered gatherings  which has happened in the wake of widespread cyber-space and satellite-based publicity campaigns in honor of Ukrainian passenger airliners. (Arman 23 January)

The real concern of these state-run media is that despite the severe crackdown on the November uprising and the killing of 1500 of the people, the uprising is not extinguished, a fact that from the very beginning of the student and popular gatherings, the slogans were purely political and challenging the entire regime.

They are concerned about the maturity of the Iranian peoples uprising and movement that will lead to the overthrow of the mullahs government. The people who have decided to completely uproot the Velayat-e Faqih (clerical) system.

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A look at some of todays top headlines.

Chris Cillizzas winners and losers from the Iowa debate The top six candidates debated Tuesday night in Iowa, the last chance for them to stand beside their rivals before Iowa voters kick off the nomination fight in 20 days time.

Warren makes the case a woman has the best chance to beat Trump Sen. Elizabeth Warren made a forceful case in Tuesday nights debate that a woman can win the White House, tackling the unpopular question that has loomed over the presidential race since Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton since 2016  buttressing her argument by pointing to the electoral losses of the men standing alongside her on stage.

Let them drink beer: The town with no water in Australias big drought Its 8 p.m. at the Royal Hotel in Murrurundi and the mercury is hovering at around 42 degrees Celsius (107F). After a sweltering day, the locals are gathering at their favorite watering hole  in a town that has no water.

Desolate images from Taal Volcano show horses and cows buried in ash Images from the erupting Taal Volcano in the Philippines show a desolate landscape of destroyed houses and snapped trees covered in a thick layer of heavy ash. Half-buried bodies of horses and cows that could not escape the island lay in black sludge or floating in the surrounding lake.

Chinas government poses a global threat to human rights, report finds The Chinese government increasingly poses a global threat to human rights, according to NGO Human Rights Watch.

Toyota is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles because of issues with the fuel pumps If you drive a Toyota, you might want to read on.

A Chinese traveler was caught trying to smuggle 200 live scorpions out of Sri Lanka (CNN)  A unnamed Chinese traveler was caught red-handed when he attempted to smuggle 200 live scorpions out of Sri Lanka on Monday. The 30-year-old man was scheduled to fly to Guangzhou in southern China from Colombos Bandaranaike International Airport when authorities detected the live scorpions in his checked-in luggage, Sri Lanka Customs spokesman Sunil Jayarathna told CNN.

Billie Eilish wrote and performed the new James Bond theme song. Shes the youngest artist to do so Billie Eilish can add another cool stat to her growing accolades: the youngest artist in history to write and record a James Bond theme song.

The mystery over whos been leaving 2,000 cash bundles in a UK village has been solved For years, residents of a small UK village were left baffled as to why bundles of cash, usually totaling 2,000 ($2,598) each, were being left on their streets. Now, the mystery has finally been solved  and two good Samaritans were behind the kind gestures.

Leading Democrats feud over woman president There have been seven official Democratic debates but this one had a real sense of urgency  in less than three weeks the candidates will face their first test. The primary season begins on 3 February with the Iowa caucuses, when the Democratic voters in this state will pick who they want to take on Donald Trump in November.

Iran arrests person behind video of plane downing Iran says it has arrested the person who filmed the footage showing a Ukrainian passenger plane being shot down by a missile. It is believed the person being detained will face charges related to national security. Flight PS752 was brought down after it took off from Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board.

Plane dumps fuel over school in emergency landing A passenger plane has dumped fuel over a school playground as it made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport. At least 17 children and several adults are being treated for skin irritation and breathing problems. Fuel may be dumped in emergencies landings, but only over designated areas and at a high altitude, aviation rules stipulate.

Manchester United scrap Gulf region training camp plans amid rising tensions Manchester United have scrapped plans for a training camp in the Gulf region during next months winter break because of security concerns. United do not play for 16 days between Premier League ties against Wolves on 1 February and at Chelsea on 17 February.

Africa Live: Lesothos first lady wanted by police  BBC News A mass grave has been opened to the public in Burundis main city, Bujumbura, believed to contain the remains of hundreds of people killed in clashes following the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye. The killing of Mr Ndadaye, the countrys first elected Hutu president, triggered a brutal ethnic civil war in 1993 between the minority Tutsi-dominated army and mainly Hutu rebel groups.

Google will phase out cookies in Chrome  just not anytime soon Google says it will phase out one of the main tools that allows companies to track you across the web. The company plans to eliminate support for third-party cookies in Chrome over the next two years.

Verizon launches privacy-oriented search engine OneSearch The internet has a brand new privacy-first search engine, this one courtesy of Verizon. On Tuesday, Verizon Media launched a search engine called OneSearch, which works on both desktop and mobile. The draw over its competitors is that OneSearch keep users privacy in mind in ways that other leaders in the search market do not.

Trump stumbles into encryption debate, tells Apple to unlock iPhones Donald Trump has some words for his old pal, Tim Apple. The President of the United States once again lost his cool Tuesday afternoon, tweeting that Apple must assist authorities in their efforts to unlock iPhones. In other words, Trump finally got on the encryption-backdoor train.

Netflix renews You for third season. What we want to see next. Editors independently select all products and services featured here. If you buy something through our links, we may receive a commission. Welcome back, you. Netflix renewed romantic (?!) thriller for a third season Tuesday morning, and though well have to wait the better part of a year to reunite with Joe Goldberg, Mayor of Murderville, were already thinking about our Season 3 wish list.

Microsoft just killed support for Windows 7 Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7, one of the companys most successful products, starting Tuesday. That means Microsoft will no longer patch Windows 7 bugs or offer technical assistance for the OS. And it also means that you should not be running Windows 7 anymore, period.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State University on Thursday announced the committees choosing the replacement for President Michael Drake, but has not released a timeline for the decision.

Drake, who served as president since 2014, announced in November that he would leave the presidential role and remain on OSUs faculty. He will lead the university through the end of the academic year.

While the board of trustees ultimately approves the pick, two committees will work on the search, along with search firm Isaacson, Miller. Cleveland.com has asked the university how much it is paying the firm for the search.

The first is the Presidential Selection Subcommittee which includes board of trustees members that chair or vice-chair board committees, including trustee Abigail Wexner, billionaire Lex Wexners wife.

The selection committee will work with an University Advisory Subcommittee of students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders, including a former mayor of Columbus and a former member of the OSU board of trustees. There are 20 members of this board.

The university will hold public forums for discussion and launch an online engagement tool to gather feedback on what people want to see from OSUs next president.

When OSU appointed Drake, committee meetings were often private with the Columbus Dispatch describing the process as veiled in secrecy.

Cleveland.com has requested whether finalists will be announced prior to a selection and how much of the process will be private. More universities are opting to gather university community members input and involve faculty and students in the searches, but to ultimately conduct a closed presidential search.

More information on the specifics of the search will be posted on OSUs website.
Groundbreaking international research, led by Dundalk Institute of Technology, may have identified a way to reduce the distressing tremors associated with Parkinsons Disease.

The pioneering work could help develop innovative new treatments for the disease which affects 6 million people globally.

Around 12,000 people in Ireland have Parkinsons, which is progressive and currently has no cure.

The tremors can be debilitating and leave people needing round the clock care.

This research looked at the role of the protein LINGO1 and its regulatory effects.

LINGO1 is found in the brains of people with Parkinsons and other neurodegenerative disorders with symptoms including tremors.

Professor Mark Hollywood who leads the research by the Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC) at DkIT said, these findings will have a significant impact on the understanding of the causes of tremor in Movement Disorders such as Parkinsons.

They suggest a new target for the development of innovative therapeutics and strategies that could dramatically improve the lives of people living with these debilitating disorders in the future.

The EU-INTERREG VA-funded study which included collaboration with University of Edinburgh, Queens University of Belfast and Reno School of Medicine (USA) was published this week in the leading scientific journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America (PNAS).

The research could impact on the understanding of a number of other disorders of the nervous system.

Prof Mike Shipston, Dean of Biomedical Sciences and Professor of Physiology at University of Edinburgh, also collaborated in the study.

He said: by bringing together an international team with complementary skills, this multi-disciplinary study promises to reveal how therapeutic targeting of LINGO1 and BK channels in the future may help reduce the motor disorders associated with major disorders of the human brain.

Dr Tim McCormac, Head of Research & Graduate Studies at DkIT said DkIT was proud to be part of this ground-breaking discovery. DkITs lead role in the project is a testament to the outstanding research capability of the Institute, both in blue skies and translational research. This work further underlines the strategic importance of SMRC and the Health research agenda at DkIT.

The study forms part of the cross-border research project BREATH (Borders and Regions Airways Training Hub) which is funded by the EUs INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU programmes body (SEUPB) and DkIT Research Office.

Commenting on the study Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body, which manages the INTERREG VA Programme, said: The EUs INTERREG VA Programme has invested significantly in the health and life sciences sector in order to support cross-border research work like this which has tremendous potential to positively impact the lives of many citizens. It is part of a project with partners based across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Western Scotland who by working together have been able to pool their knowledge, experience and expertise to shape an extremely important development in future healthcare. This is a truly inspirational discovery and I am delighted that the study is complete and has now been published.
New Delhi:

A couple got married in the Philippines on Sunday but what grabbed the attention was a volcano that erupted behind them. China Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar were married only 10 kilometers away from the Taal Volcano, which erupted that afternoon.

According to CNN, photographer Randolf Evan captured the stunning shots of the couple along with the clouds of ash and smoke that swirled in the distance behind them.

China and Kat decided to go ahead with the wedding despite the volcano eruption that forced the eviction of thousands. "We were actually nervous because while working we kept on checking social media for updates on the volcanic eruption. So we were actually aware of the warnings and escalating levels that was being announced real time," Evan told CNN.

"We also discussed discreetly among ourselves what we should do when worst comes to worst."

The pics left many impressed. "Photos seen here in France too. Congratulations!" wrote one commenter. "Spectacular photos!" said another.

Meanwhile, authorities are struggling to keep evacuees, some 50,000 of whom fled to shelters after Taal burst, away from the danger zone around the volcano.

For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, leaves the federal court with his lawyer Sidney Powell following a status conference with Judge Emmet Sullivan in Washington on Sept. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Michael Flynn Moves to Withdraw Guilty Plea

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn filed a motion on Jan. 14 to withdraw his guilty plea in the case brought by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Flynn accused prosecutors of breaching the plea agreement under which he admitted to lying to the FBI regarding his communication with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergei Kislyak in December 2016. His motion also indicated that the defense intends to submit a list of additional reasons for withdrawing the plea.

Flynns attorneys requested to withdraw the plea one week after his prosecutors opted to suggest a sentencing range of up to six months for Flynn, harsher than the probation-only punishment they originally suggested in December 2018.

The prosecutors argued that Flynn deserved the harsher sentence because he allegedly acted to undermine a separate criminal case against Bijan Rafiekianhis former business partnerand allegedly failed to accept responsibility for the crime to which he pleaded guilty.

Flynn alleges that the prosecutors are instead acting in bad faith and using the harsher sentence recommendation as a form of revenge for his unwillingness to provide false testimony in the Rafiekian case.

In October 2019, Flynn suggested his intent to withdraw the guilty plea. The formal withdrawal request is the latest twist in the first prosecution brought by Mueller as part of the Russia investigation. Flynn fired his lawyers last year and brought on a new team led by Sidney Powell, a fierce critic of prosecutorial misconduct within the Justice Department.

Powells opening salvo consisted of motions accusing the prosecutors of withholding exculpatory evidence and asking the judge to remove the government attorneys. Judge Emmet Sullivan denied all of Powells motions on Dec. 16, 2019.

Flynns cooperation in the Rafiekian prosecution is at the center of the dispute that led to the withdrawal of the plea. The prosecutors say Flynn sought to actively undermine their case against Rafiekian. Flynns attorneys say the retired three-star Army general is simply refusing to lie.

The only thing that changed in Mr. Flynns case was the appearance of new, unconflicted counsel on Mr. Flynns behalf, and Mr. Flynns refusal to lie for the prosecution of Rafiekian with the representation, protection, and advocacy of his new defense team, Powell wrote.

According to Powell, the prosecutors demanded that Flynn testify that he knowingly signed Foreign Agent Registration Act forms that contained false statements. The prosecutors made the demand after Flynn retained new attorneys.

Rafiekian was acquitted in September 2019 of acting as an agent of the Turkish government without informing the U.S. government, and two related charges.

Petr Svab contributed to this report.
T his mother and joey are among dozens of kangaroos being nursed back to health by a couple in an area described as Australia's bushfire ground zero.

Julie Willis and Gary Wilson have opened their home to about 60 and other animals whose habitat has been destroyed by the fires raging near their home in the small community of Wytaliba, New South Wales.

Two people died during the fires that hit the community, destroying homes and buildings including the local primary school.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KEVANI, Inc. ("KEVANI"), LA's market leader in digital out-of-home media sales, has been selected for a multi-year advertising representation contract for a double-sided digital display on Interstate 10. KEVANI has branded the display the "i10 BEACON," referencing both the location and monumental size of the structure.

Launching in April 2020, the i10 BEACON is a powerful large-format digital destination featuring 2,700 square feet of digital display space (1,344 square feet per face). The structure will rise 105 feet above I-10 near the Ontario Airport, with screens operating 24 hours per day, allowing advertisers to capture the attention of both eastbound and westbound traffic.

The visual artistry of the structure itself will be emphasized through curated narrative lighting that will capture the ambience of the city, celebrating holidays and other important seasonal events and occasions such as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

i10 BEACON joins KEVANI's other premium advertising destinations in Los Angeles that include The Towers , CIRCA , Marriott DTLA , The Queen Mary , Wilshire Landing , Broadway Spectacular , Ninth & Broadway , Solair , and DTLA Spectacular .

Kevin Bartanian, CEO and Founder of KEVANI, said "i10 BEACON is all encompassing. Its got prime location, high dwell time, size, dominance, and screen quality, demonstrating our ongoing pursuit of excellence in the Los Angeles market."

About KEVANI

KEVANI is an out-of-home (OOH) media sales organization promoting national and local brands through innovative outdoor advertising destinations that provide unique opportunities for our partners to captivate their audience. We started KEVANI because we want to bring value to our medium, from the development of new destinations to the way the medium is sold. Simply put, our mission is to transform our industry.

For more information, please visit kevani.com

SOURCE KEVANI, Inc.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced on Jan.14 that hell sign into law a measure that would assure continued taxpayer funding of faith-based foster care and adoption agencies that exclude LGBTQIAP+ families or other based on religious beliefs.

The GOP-controlled Senate gave the bill final passage on the first day of the 2020 legislative session after it was initially approved by the House last April. The bill was sent to the Republican governor amid warnings by critics of possible negative consequences for Tennessees reputation.

Lees communication director, Chris Walker, confirmed in a statement Tuesday evening that the governor would sign the bill. Earlier, before the Senate vote, Lee declined to weigh in after saying he had not read the two-page bill.

A handful of states to date have enacted similar legislation including Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, South Dakota, North Dakota, Virginia, Mississippi, and Michigan. But Michigan agreed in settling a lawsuit to no longer turn away LGBTQIAP+ couples or individuals because of religious objections.

Nationally, supporters argue that such measures are necessary to protect against lawsuits hostile to the groups religious beliefs. On the other hand, critics say that the proposals attack LGBTQIAP+ rights and limit the number of qualified families seeking to adopt or foster needy children.

This bill is solely about freedom, said Sen. Paul Rose, the Republican sponsor of the bill.

Rose said that the bill might not be necessary, pointing out that President Donald Trumps administration is currently proposing a rule that would impose the same protections. Yet he said he advanced the bill this year because there was no guarantee Trump would be reelected later this year.

Trumps proposal would rescind an Obama-era rule that prevented foster care agencies from receiving federal funds if they discriminated against families based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Ultimately, 20 Republicans approved the bill while five other Republican members simply voted present even after some questioned the bills benefits.

Dickerson was the only Republican to join the Senates five Democrats in opposition. He said the bill would allow certain groups to limit the families where children could be sent, adding I expect that waiting list to increase somewhat.

He added, This will have a direct fiscal impact on the state, not to mention the humanitarian impact and emotional impact on those children who  will now be in a foster setting for a longer time.

In 2011, Illinois declined to renew its state contract with Catholic Charities adoption services due to its policy of refusing child placement to same-sex couples. Catholic Charities has also stopped handling adoptions in Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and San Francisco over concerns they would be required to act against their religious beliefs.

By Kimberlee Kruesi and Jonathan Mattise
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 13:56:37|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A man was given the death sentence for killing a doctor in a hospital where his mother was being treated, a court in Beijing ruled Thursday.

The defendant, Sun Wenbin, was not satisfied with the treatment of his mother at the General Hospital of CAAC and killed the doctor on duty Yang Wen on Dec. 24, 2019, said the third intermediate people's court.
The Duchess of Cornwall has returned as her cartoon alter ego to launch BBC Radio Two's annual story-writing competition.

Camilla, 72, recognisable by both her trademark pearls and blond bouffant, can be seen showing off her royal wave from inside an iPad screen in the advert for 500 Words 2020.

In the short clip promoting the story-writing competition, it was revealed the final for this year's contest will take place at Buckingham Palace.

This is the sixth year that Camilla has acted as an honourary judge to the competition which was launched back in 2011 by former Radio Two host Chris Evans.

Camilla, 72, has been reimagined as a cartoon character in the advert for BBC Radio Two's short story competition

The Duchess of Cornwall has returned to act as an honourary judge for the competition for the sixth year (pictured, earlier this week in Aberdeen)

In the advert, the cartoon Camilla appears to be wearing a smart green suit, and beams as she waves at the camera.

Buckingham Palace is also given the animated makeover in the short clip as it is revealed the final for the contest will take place at the royal residence.

Other than the word count and being under the age of 13 there are almost no entry requirements with applicants permitted to write about whatever they want and spelling and grammar not taken into consideration.

Winners of the story-writing competition will be invited to attend the 500 Words Final at Buckingham Palace on Friday 12 June where celebrities will read the winning stories live on the radio.

It was revealed in the advert that this year's 500 words final will take place at Buckingham Palace (pictured)

500 Words is the UKs most successful short story-writing competition for children between the ages of 5 and 13.

It was launched back in 2011, by Chris Evans, and the presenter remains involved despite having left the BBC.

Gold prize winners take home Chris Evans' height in books, silver winners take home the more diminutive Duchess of Cornwall's height in books and bronze winners receive their own height in books.

In 2016 the Duchess became the first ever royal to be animated when she appeared in a short clip to promote the competition.

Last year the royal greeted Chris Evans like an old friend as she attended the live broadcast of the award ceremony for a children writing competition (pictured: Greeting Chris Evans)

The competition is designed to promote literacy among children, a cornerstone of Camillas work.

Last year, the royal appeared overjoyed as she presented the winners of the short-story competition with their prizes at Windsor Castle.

She greeted Chris Evans like an old friend before meeting the six winners of this year's competition, who are all girls.

Since its launch in 2011, more than 900,000 children have submitted stories for the competition.
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With 2020 now underway, city and state governments are ramping up efforts to support the forthcoming U.S. Census, which will determine the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding as well as political representation at the federal level.The Census, which is the largest peace-time mobilization of the United States government, is always a complex process. Complicating things more this year, however, is the fact that this effort will stand as the nations first high-tech Census , with the onus being on using digital means of being counted rather than traditional methods such as filling out paper forms.With so much at stake and a steep challenge looming, state and local governments are deploying a diverse range of approaches to supporting the work being done by the U.S. Census Bureau at the federal level.Plenty of cities and states are, of course, using tech to help overcome the challenge of executing the high-tech Census. Some concrete examples of this include jurisdiction-specific Census websites, with two of the most prominent examples of that being Michigan and Washington, D.C. Both of these sites, and others like them, are excellent resources for people in those areas looking to obtain more information about the Census at a local level.Michigan, for example, has a data map of its hard-to-count Census areas, which is a vital resource for activists and nonprofit groups trying to support the count. Washington, D.C., meanwhile, has a well-produced, one-minute video clip that explains why residents should fill out the Census, which is important because not understanding the point of the Census is a factor for citizens ignoring it.Many jurisdictions are also holding Census events that essentially serve as rallies for completing the count. New York City had one earlier this week, during which Mayor Bill de Blasio announced $40 million of city support would go to Census efforts. At the state level, Arkansas also held a similar event, live-streaming it online for any who were unable to attend in person. That video is available now on the states website In some parts of the country, Census work is being supported by academics and nonprofit groups, rather than government. In Nebraska, where there has been no state funding allocated to the Census, the University of Nebraska Omaha has stepped up, and that institution is disseminating its own info online about why the count matters Other online resources currently available for those interested in the Census include a Twitter list of relevant accounts across the country, as well as this list of state member networks put out by the Census Bureau itself.The Census will officially begin April 1, with work like this accelerating as the execution approaches.Code for America, the nonprofit and nonpartisan group that is at the head of the civic tech movement in the country, has launched a new platform that will text social services-related reminders to Louisiana residents.Dubbed LAMessage , the idea behind the platform is to ensure that residents who qualify for public benefits receive timely reminders when there are tasks they must complete to get access. LAMessage is a one-way text service, primarily focused on contacting residents with reminders as they go through the benefits enrollment and renewal process.Code for America developers note that the service was created in collaboration with low-income Louisianans in order to build something with a better understanding of what would make the application process more effective. The group also partnered with Louisianas Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, Office of Technology Services and Governors Office.A pilot program for the service was conducted among residents who enrolled in and were eligible for a number of benefits programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF and WIC throughout the state.LAMessage serves as an example of what is possible when users are put at the center of designing and developing a government service, Code for America wrote on its website. We are sharing our learnings in the hopes that other states and stakeholders can re-use this work and build upon it.That information, complete with the scripts and GitHub code, can be found here Bloomberg Philanthropies has picked 21 cities in Europe to add to a new digital innovation program aimed at finding new ways to solve challenges that local governments face across the world.These cities will now get technical support, access to a network of other city leaders and training from innovation experts about how to best improve services for residents. All 21 of the cities chosen are capitals. The idea is that the lessons learned from these cities participating in this program will be helpful to other cities across the globe. Some of the more noteworthy cities chosen include Amsterdam, Berlin, and London.The duration of the program will span two years, addressing a range of issues such as housing, mobility, health, education and employment. The program will kick off with a meeting in London this month, complete with a specialized executive education program to be delivered by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School faculty, who have often worked with American cities in this capacity Finally, in fun data news this week, the New York Public Library has shared the three books that have been checked out most by its patrons over the years. They areby Ezra Jack Keats,by Dr. Seuss, andby George Orwell.This is, obviously, not the most actionable data in the world, but it is fascinating nonetheless.
Lithium is of the key metals driving the high-tech revolution. The light, silvery metal, found in hard rock mines and salt lakes, is a vital component of lithium-ion batteries, the technology that powers your cell phone, laptop and other electronic devices.

Lithium  also known as "white petroleum"  is the primary element in the larger batteries that charge hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) as well, and as such is playing a dominant role in the industry's transition away from fossil fuels.

"As battery technology improves, lithium is expected to play a key role in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are responsible for global warming," according to a U.S. Geological Survey report. Lithium's "greatest potential for the most people" is in the form of these rechargeable batteries, the report states.

Where Lithium Comes From

There are two main sources of lithium: hard rock mines and briny lake deposits. About 87% of the world's lithium comes from the salt lakes.

The remaining 13% comes from more traditional mines.

Extracting lithium from salt lakes is a more time-consuming process than traditional mining, but it costs about half as much as mining hard rock. As a result, brine mining is exploding, along with global demand for EVs and high-tech products.

What Lithium Is Used For

About 56% of extracted lithium goes toward battery production.

The largest consumer of lithium-ion batteries is the EV industry, which accounted for around 64% of all such batteries in 2015 and 2016.

Thirty-six percent of lithium-ion batteries are used in portable electronic devices like cell phones and computers.

There are several reasons why lithium has become a metal of choice for makers of personal technology devices and electric cars.

Lithium is highly reactive; as a result, it easily conducts a current through a battery. Lithium is also much lighter than other metals used in batteries, such as lead. That means it is good for small objects such as phones, as well as for cars that require a lot of battery power. Last, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable.

Story continues

Automakers including Tesla, Honda and Toyota are all using lithium to power their electric cars.

Not all lithium is consumed by the tech and auto industries. Other sectors using lesser amounts of lithium include ceramics and glass and lubricating greases.

Global Demand

As demand for EVs and other electronics booms, global production of lithium is expected to almost triple by 2025 to more than 1.5 million metric tons, according to a recent report by SPGlobal. Zion Market Research projects lithium-ion battery sales to grow at an annualized rate of 13.7%, rising to $67.6 billion by 2022.

So far, China, South America and Australia are dominating efforts to control this part of the EV supply chain.

Figures represent annual production, by country (Sources: Investing News and SPGlobal):

Chile: Mine production: 16,000 metric tons (MT), Reserves: 8,000,000 MT Australia: Mine production: 51,000 MT, Reserves: 2,700,000 MT. One of the largest producers, Australia has been steadily ramping up production, bringing over 400,000 MT of new supply by 2025. China: Mine production: 8,000 MT, Reserves: 1,000,000 MT Argentina, Mine production: 6,200 MT, Reserves: 2,000,000 MT Zimbabwe, Mine production: 1,600 MT

Multiple sources report China is looking to expand its lithium output to meet demand for its EV market, the largest in the world. The country has been buying up stakes in mining operations in South America and Australia. Earlier this month, Chinese lithium firm Youngy Co signed an agreement to build a lithium ore processing plant in Sichuan province to process at least 1.05 million tonnes a year of spodumene (a lithium mineral) from its Jiajika mine in Sichuan, China's largest deposit of the mineral.

The U.S. produced just 3% of the world's lithium supply in 2015, from the only commercial lithium mine in North America: a brine mine in Silver Peak, Nevada.

However, according to SP Global, three more  the Authier, Rose and Whabouchi mines  are set to come online in Canada before 2025, increasing North America's share of the lithium supply by 5%.

Establishing a reliable, diversified supply of lithium has become a top priority for technology companies in the United States and Asia. The race is on.

Image by Tayeb MEZAHDIA from Pixabay

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Internal emails from Boeing employees could strengthen the legal case for families claiming the company's push to minimise the training needed for new 737 MAX aircraft contributed to two crashes that killed 346 people.

Employees bragged about fooling the Federal Aviation Administration into thinking pilots who'd flown older 737 models would need only computer training to fly the new version, emails released by the company show. Those comments support lawsuits claiming Boeing compromised safety to sell jets -- and may increase its liability, said Justin Green, an attorney representing 32 families of people who died in the Ethiopian Airlines crash last year.

Family members of crash victims holding up photographs of their loved ones at a US Senate hearing last year. Credit:Bloomberg

"The lack of training is essential to our case," Green said. "These documents show that Boeing led the FAA around by the nose and they confirm everything the families have alleged."

Boeing is accused in the lawsuits of seeking to bring a new airplane to market as quickly as possible to compete with Airbus SE's A320 neo. Part of the purported sales pitch was that pilots who already were qualified to fly the older 737 models wouldn't need costly and time-consuming new training for the MAX.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is not going anywhere anytime soon and will invest more money into its boardwalk facility despite issues the CEO said he has with the city.

During the first of two employee town hall sessions held at the Mark G. Etess Arena in Atlantic City Thursday morning, Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen announced the company would invest $15 million more in capital improvements in 2020 at the hotel and casino. Among the upgrades will be renovations to the ballroom, suites, and adding additional restrooms. The $15 million is on top of the initial $562 million investment in the beachfront hotel. Allen also said despite rumors floating around, Hard Rock is currently not looking at purchasing the adjacent Showboat property.

Allen told employees the company was giving 2,782 full-time employees, union and non-union, a minimum $250 bonus as a way to give back to its employees. The bonuses to be doled out will total more than $2 million. Allen said the bonuses were a way to thank the employees for the job they have done thus far.

We are going above and beyond and not just giving the holiday turkey, gift cards, and all those things that we do, but we wanted to put cash in their pocket and show them that we are putting our money where our mouth is, Allen said. We want to deliver the best product in Atlantic City, and we want them to have the entrepreneurial spirit so that they go the extra step. This is a sign of our thanks and appreciation.

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, right, talks to Marcellus Osceola Jr., chairman of Seminole Tribe of Florida, during a town hall meeting in Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Although the company has invested millions in the resort town, Allen said he wishes the city and state would do more to help spur more growth in Atlantic City, including improved safety and more efficient traffic signals around the resort town.

Frankly the towns in worse shape today than it was when we bought the building, he said.

He noted the street lights have been out for two months on several blocks along Pacific Avenue, a sign of a continuing trend that concerns him.

When youre in a resort environment where safety and security is so important, if the city cant get something fixed as simple as the street lighting, then maybe a change is needed, he said.

Allen also specifically referenced the state of the properties at the vacant Trump Plaza and Sands Casinos, even suggesting officials use the enforcement of eminent domain to force the property owners to maintain their holdings.

Carl (Ichan) is worth how many billions of dollars? Allen asked. To leave a vacant casino like that sitting, that is a safety hazard with debris falling off the building potentially hurting someone. I do not know why the city and Carl cant come together. I hear that they are in some form of negotiations. We work with Carl. He and his CEO are fine people, but we do not understand why that building is still there. And rather than finding out what happened at the Sands where it is a field full of weeds and a chain-link fence that looks like it is at a prison, do something to make it at least look nice. Nothing. Nobody does anything.

The Hard Rock Casino finished with the second highest amount of revenue in both slot and table games, garnering $324 million. The hotel also received $62 million in hotel revenue.
By Jeff Tittel

We are halfway through Gov. Phil Murphys term in office and he has failed to show leadership on many key issues. He puts out press releases and executive orders but doesnt deliver on many of his promises. The administration hasnt addressed the climate urgency or the impacts to our state. They have not repealed a single Christie-era rule or environmental rollback and many Christie appointees are still in the DEP. The administration hasnt taken action when it comes to pollution in our waterways or lead in our drinking water. Two years in, Governor Murphy can no longer hide behind the fact that he is not Chris Christie.

Theres a big splash when Murphy comes out with a policy, but theres no follow through. Over a year ago, he supported a fracking ban in the Delaware River Basin, but as chairman of the Delaware River Basin Commission he didnt adopt a rule to do so.

Because of public pressure he came out against the Meadowlands Power Plant, but has not changed the rules to prevent the plant from getting built. The governor committed to 100% clean energy by 2050, but has redefined clean energy to include dirty energy like incinerators and natural gas and fossil fuel plants. We rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a group that Gov. Chris Christie abandoned, but hes not targeting reductions in environmental justice communities and funds from the initiative are allowed to go to natural gas plants.

The governor called for immediate action on climate change, but he hasnt introduced any new rules dealing with climate change or sea level rise. New Jersey is still the only state in the region without a Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plan and we dont regulate CO2 or greenhouse gases. Murphy opposes a moratorium on new fossil fuel projects, meanwhile over a dozen projects are moving forward. We are subsidizing nuclear energy but have a cost cap blocking solar. New Jersey is the second fastest warming state and we have built more homes in flood-prone areas than almost any other state.

The administration downplayed the seriousness of our drinking water problems. They did not deal quickly with Newarks water crisis. A bond act is not a solution, it will take too long and is not enough money. They made a commitment for The Drinking Water Quality Institute to set new standards, but they havent allowed them to meet in over a year. They have not eliminated Christies rollbacks or strengthened important water rules like the Flood Hazard Rules and Coastal Area Facility Review Act.

Normally, the legislature tries to weaken strong bills from the governor, but this administration has done the opposite. There was consensus between the legislature and the business community on the Beach Access Bill, but the administration undermined it to block public access. They removed black carbon and real targets for reducing GHG emissions from the Carbon Bill and tried to lower targets for electric vehicles and charging stations for the Electric Vehicle bill. They also and made proposals to weaken the Plastic Bag Ban Bill and the Environmental Justice Bill.

Murphys first year was the only time in history that a governor didnt propose any new environmental rules or nominations. Now, he is moving forward, but some of the new rules actually weaken protections, like the stormwater rule that was criticized by Trumps FEMA and a rule that eliminates transparency from toxic cleanups. Though he made good nominations, he failed to fight to get those nominations through the Senate.

Governor Murphy campaigned to increase environmental funding, but we are 10th in the nation for environmental funding cuts. Governor Murphy committed to have 100 more DEP staffers than Christie, but instead we are 150 below Christie and there are currently no licensed planners in the Office of State Planning. He promised to stop the bear hunt, but instead he extended it and introduced a new rule blocking information. Our offshore wind goal has gone up to 7,500 megawatts by 2035, but theres no rule in place to make it happen.

Since last year, the Murphy Administration has made some progress. They moved to upgrade important streams to C1, put in place some good programs, and vetoed some bad bills, but thats not enough. We have some of the toughest environmental problems in the country, and the governor needs to show leadership and action to get us to 100% renewable and zero carbon, get lead out of our drinking water and clean up our waterways. He still has time to get this done, and our future depends on him.

Jeff Tittel is the director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

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OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has shut down British Columbia's attempt to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (725 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Pipe for the Trans Mountain pipeline is unloaded in Edson, Alta. on Tuesday June 18, 2019. The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an attempt by British Columbia to assert authority over what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has shut down British Columbia's attempt to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

The B.C. government wanted to require provincial permits before heavy oil could be shipped through pipelines in the province.

In 2018, it asked the B.C. Court of Appeal if such permits were in bounds. Last May that court said no, ruling they would violate Ottawa's authority under the Constitution to approve and regulate any pipeline that crosses a provincial border.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed.

"We are all of the view to dismiss the appeal for the unanimous reasons of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia," Chief Justice Richard Wagner said.

The decision was issued from the bench after several hours of hearings Thursday in Ottawa.

It removes one of the remaining obstacles for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which seeks to twin an existing pipeline running between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.

The twinned pipeline, with roughly twice the capacity of the original, would carry only diluted bitumen, a heavy crude produced in Alberta's oilsands. The existing pipeline is to continue to ship mainly refined petroleum products like gasoline, and light crude.

Canada's Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan welcomed the ruling.

"It is a core responsibility of the federal government to help get Canada's resources to market and support good, middle-class jobs," he said in a statement.

"We know this is only possible when we earn public trust and work to address environmental, Indigenous peoples' and local concerns, which we are doing every step of the way on TMX."

Federal lawyers argued B.C.'s attempt to require provincial permits for heavy oil to flow through pipelines was a clear imposition on the constitutional authority given to Ottawa over interprovincial pipelines.

Several of the judges on the Supreme Court agreed in their statements and questions throughout Thursday's hearing, before issuing their quick dismissal.

B.C's New Democrat government was elected in 2017 partly on a promise to oppose the expansion but the province had limited options because of the Constitution.

Still, B.C. argued it has jurisdiction to protect the environment within its borders and, since its land and people would bear the brunt of any damage from a spill if the pipeline ruptured, it should get a say in what can flow through it.

B.C. Premier John Horgan expressed the province's disappointment in a statement.

"Our government takes our responsibility to defend the interests of British Columbians seriously" he said. "When it comes to protecting our coast, our environment and our economy, we will continue do all we can within our jurisdiction."

The case had national implications for any project that crosses provincial boundaries, prompting Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec to all seek intervener status. All but Quebec sided entirely with the federal government.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney took immediately to Twitter to express gratitude for the court decision.

"We are very pleased with this outcome and look forward to construction continuing on the Trans Mountain Pipeline," he wrote.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said it is pleased, but not surprised, by the unanimous ruling.

"This is a project that has undergone historic levels of consultation, reviews and court challenges, and at each turn has been found to be in the best interests of all Canadians," Tim McMillan, president and CEO of CAPP said in a release.

"It is time to unite behind the completion of this nation-building project so Canadians can start to benefit from selling our responsibly produced resources to global markets."

Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, also received intervener status in the case. Lawyer Kegan Pepper-Smith said the court's decision will leave "communities and the environment vulnerable to toxic diluted bitumen spills."

"Ecojustice is also deeply concerned that the court refused to confirm that governments at all levels have both a right and a constitutional duty to protect the environment," he said.

This case was the catalyst that led to the federal government's decision to buy the existing pipeline in May 2018 for $4.5 billion from Kinder Morgan Canada. The company said the political risk that the project would never get built was too much to bear and was planning to halt the expansion.

The federal Liberals argue the pipeline is needed to get more Canadian oil to foreign markets beyond the United States and bought the existing pipeline with a view to completing the expansion once the legal and political challenges were out of the way.

It intends to sell it back to the private sector after the expansion is complete.

The expansion project has faced multiple legal and political barriers since Kinder Morgan first submitted its application for the pipeline to the National Energy Board in 2013.

Construction on the project halted in August 2018, after the Federal Court of Appeal ruled Ottawa's decision in 2016 to approve the expansion had not included proper Indigenous consultation or fully taken into account any impact on marine life from additional oil tankers that would result from the project.

Cabinet approved the expansion a second time last June after undergoing additional consultations and environmental review. Construction restarted in August.

Six Indigenous communities and several environment groups filed a second legal challenge, but the court agreed to hear only the concerns from the Indigenous communities.

Two of those communities withdrew their challenge after signing agreements with Trans Mountain Corporation, the Crown agency now running the pipeline. The case involving the other four was heard in December but no decision has yet been issued.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
By Laman Ismayilova

Spectacular jazz evening has been held at Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku.

The concert "Just Jazz" brought together Honored Artist Shahriyar Imanov (tar), Shur Trio, Coffee Band and talented musicians Suada Hajizade, Nijat Aslanov, Laman Abbaszade, Tural Rafael, Narmin Mammadli and Ayten Orujaliyeva.

The musicians and performers dazzled the audience with their thrilling jazz improvisations. They brilliantly mixed old and new, cozy atmosphere and swinging joy.

The history of Azerbaijani jazz dates back to the 1930s. There are certain musicians that played a major role in the development of jazz music in Azerbaijan.

The revival of jazz in the Land of Fire started thanks to the active efforts of great national composers Gara Garayev and Tofig Guliyev.

The first jazz orchestra in Baku was created by them. This orchestra, called the State Pop Symphony Orchestra, became the basis of Azerbaijani jazz.

The foundation of Azerbaijani jazz is associated with the name of the legendary musician Vagif Mustafazadeh. He was one of the founders of the new music trend called "jazz mugham".

The style reached its full fame in the 1950s and 1960s under the influence of composer Rafig Babayev and his Gaya Quartet. Dizzy Gillespie, the legendary American jazz trumpeter, reportedly lauded Mustafazadeh for creating "the music of the future".

Nowadays, Azerbaijan sees growth in the number of talented jazz artists, including Aziza Mustafazade, Isfar Sarabski, Salman Gambarov, Nurlan Novrasli, Rain Sultanov and others. National jazzmen successfully perform at international music events.

In addition, numerous jazz festivals are held across the country bringing together internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from all parts of the Earth.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Actor Tilda Swinton, best known for films such as "Orlando", "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, "Okja" and "Suspiria", will receive the British Film Institute's highest honour, the BFI Fellowship this year.

According to BFI's official website, the actor will receive the fellowship at the BFI Chair's annual dinner, on March 2 in London.

The award honours the Swinton's daring as a performer and her great contributions to film culture, independent film exhibition and philanthropy.

The 59-year-old actor said she is "happy and touched" by the honour.

"Fellowship and BFI are two of my favourite words. And the beginning and end of the reason I live my life in the cinema in the first place... And I share it entirely with my beloved filmmaking playmates, living and departed," Swinton said in a statement.

BFI chair Josh Berger said he is delighted that the actor has accepted the fellowship.

"It is a career full of courageous artistic choices that has earned her the deep respect of her peers, our industry and the admiration and enjoyment of audiences all over the world. Tilda inhabits the characters she portrays in the most compelling way.

"Her work is powerful and far-ranging and as such occupies a unique place in our collective film history; it captivates young filmmakers and actors, inspiring them to make bolder, braver and more profound work," Berger added.

The fellowship will be accompanied by a Tilda Swinton season at the BFI's Southbank venue in March, featuring screenings of her work and inspirations, alongside an in conversation event on March 3.

She has had a wide-ranging international career in both indie and studio-backed films and has worked with directors including Luca Guadagnino, Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch, Joanna Hogg and the Coen brothers.

Swinton won a best supporting actress Oscar and Bafta in 2008 for "Michael Clayton".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Tsai Ing-wen won Taiwan's elections, Hong Kong people took the streets to celebrate. Members of the pan-democratic parties are elated  for once, Hong Kong has influenced Taiwan's politics, according to outspoken Hong Kong Legislative Council member Claudia Mo.

It was such a pleasant outcome, says Claudia Mo, one of the 35 directly elected members of Hong Kong's 70-seat Legislative Council (Legco), of Tsai's victory. We just didn't expect her to get over 8 million votes. Now that's a really pleasant surprise!

Mo, who occupies the only seat of HK First, a political entity she created herself, is one of the more radical members of the Hong Kong legislature  and very critical of Beijing.

For decades it's Taiwan's politics that impacted Hong Kong. It's never been the other way around. But now, for the very first time, Hong Kong politics  the dire situation we have been in in the last six months  helped to shape Tsai Ing-wen's election. The threat of the 'one country, two systems' ending up like in Hong Kong tells Taiwanese whom to vote for.

Her victory will drive our desire even further. Voting actually works  you get into the establishment in order to take down the establishment, she says.

In her first interview since Saturday's re-election, Tsai said that there was no need to formally announce independence because the island already runs itself, pouring oil on the flames of Beijing's ire, which boils over at any suggestion of Taiwan's independence.

And Claudia Mo is one of the first in Hong Kong to have sympathy for Tsai's point of view.

Trauma

Mo started her career as a journalist for AFP. She was in Beijing when the People's Liberation Army crushed peaceful demonstrators on 4 June 1989, reporting first-hand about the unfolding tragedy.

"That was a huge trauma. I just couldn't believe that the government would crack down on its own people. In its own capital", she says.

That was in 1989, and Hong Kong was to be returned to China in 1997. I thought, we need to make sure that we help save Hong Kong."

She then turned to politics, and helped shaping the critical voice of many of Hong Kong's directly elected legislators.

At the age of 63, she has considered retiring after her current term, which ends with the next Legco elections in September.

But the increasingly tense situation in Hong Kong over the past six months has made her hesitate.

Before that, my thinking was: what's the point of coming back, when we have this twisted system where half of Legco's 70 seats are filled with people selected by business groups, so-called 'functional constituencies'," Mo says. "Beijing and the Hong Kong government know the results before the elections even start. We always lose because the Democrats are outnumbered.

But after all that has happened, I'm having second thoughts.

Business first

Mo says that Hong Kong's business interests are being harmed by Beijing's growing control, which could lead to the functional constituencies putting forward candidates who are sympathetic to the Democratic camp.

What if the Democrats can get half of the seats at the Hong Kong legislature? That would change our voting process  and that is significant when it comes to government policies and bills.

Local elections in November 2019 already gave an important symbolic victory to the "pan-Democrats", as anti-Beijing parties are called, with its candidates winning 17 out of 18 city councils.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's population is keeping up the pressure with more demonstrations.

This week, the city looks like business as usual, but looks can be deceiving, says Mo: "If you think, things are returning to so-called 'normal' and the protests might be dying down, you would be wrong. Very wrong."

Next weekend, a new anti-communist demonstration is planned, where organisers expect thousands to attend.

The 'last battle'

But has the increasing violence during demonstrations  with masked activists destroying shop windows and defacing Legco walls with anti-Beijing slogans  dampened enthusiasm for the protest movement?

On the contrary, says Mo: The more violent the protests have become, the more support the general population is giving to the protesters. That's very curious  and the Hong Kong government couldn't understand it either.

"They keep trying to malign and badmouth young people, calling them 'rioters'. But the older generation has woken up to the fact that for the past thirty years, we've been fighting to no avail for some basic democratic reform.

"So we understand  young people have every right to fight for it. If they don't come back out onto the streets, and instead return to work and to university  this could be the last battle. Then Hong Kong, by 2047, would be just like any other mainland Chinese city: no rule of law, no freedom of the press, no freedom to protest.

I wish I could live to the year 2047, when our 50-year one country, two system saga comes to an end, to see what Hong Kong looks like.

At the moment I'm just so appreciative of our young people. Without them this city would have sunk into some black hole, and no one would have paid much more attention to it anymore.
Syracuse, NY -- A Jamesville man blasted a judge Thursday for forcing him to go to trial for murder without enough time to prepare and an inexperienced lawyer who didnt even graduate high school.

I feel like Im coerced to go to trial with an inexperienced counsel who didnt even have a high school diploma, Amir Williams Jr. complained, adding later: Its not fair to my case.

What Williams left out was that he had decided to act as his own lawyer -- only two weeks before trial -- after having spectacular courtroom blow-ups involving all three of his previous legal teams in the past year. One accused him of threats while the another said they spent their entire time together arguing.

Williams isnt a stranger to the system, either: a judge once noted he didnt need to look up Williams criminal record, having presided over two of his illegal weapons cases in the past.

Nevertheless, Williams, 26, sought to convince a judge Thursday to assign a fourth taxpayer-funded lawyer and delay his murder trial for a third time in the Sept. 15, 2017 death of Zyree McMullen outside a Syracuse store.

Williams is facing up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. But theres some suggestion that an eyewitness may have implicated someone else.

County Court Judge Matthew Doran took a deep breath after Williams made his pitch. The judge later took a break to gather his thoughts in chambers.

And then Doran held firm: Williams would not get a fourth lawyer or another delay in trial. That means Williams will be going to trial as his own lawyer in a week and a half. His only other option would have been to accept the reinstatement of his most recent past lawyers.

Williams had vowed to go to trial alone after a final falling-out with those lawyers on Tuesday. But by Thursday, he was back in court asking for help.

Im too inexperienced and emotionally invested in the case, Williams said, pointing to factors he was warned of at the time he decided to act as his own lawyer.

Doran allowed him to have a lawyer on stand-by during trial. Attorney Graeme Spicer will sit near Williams during trial to help him navigate the legal waters.

What Spicer wont do is investigate the case himself or defend Williams from the accusations. Spicer made it clear Thursday that he would need far more than a week and a half to prepare an adequate defense.

Thats when Williams tried a new tactic: could he have Spicer assigned and delay the trial?

He noted that it was impossible in less than two weeks to adequately review the boxes of evidence turned over to him after he fired his previous lawyers.

Prosecutor Shaun Chase objected, suggesting that Williams was simply trying to trick the court into getting what he wanted.

After firing his last lawyers, Williams convinced a judge to give him previously confidential evidence with the understanding that the trial was less than two weeks away. It had been withheld to prevent witness intimidation in the jail.

Now, Chase noted, Williams wanted a fourth lawyer and a trial delay, after receiving the sensitive information that the court had previously kept strictly controlled.

Doran wasnt having it either: Weve been up and down this road for 13 months, he told Williams, in denying his request for the last time.

Williams trial will begin Jan. 27. He remains jailed until then.
The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday gave a lesson in the royal art of keeping calm and carrying on after a turbulent week for the House of Windsor.

The mother of three, who turned 38 last Thursday, was pictured laughing and joking with Prince William at a series of engagements in Bradford, northern England, where she hugged well-wishers and even drank a milkshake.

Dressed in a long, military-style khaki coat by Alexander McQueen, the British designer, over a black and white tartan pussy-bow dress from Zara, Kate looked cheery - even when she and her husband were faced with shouts about their in-laws during a walkabout.

They remained silent as they were asked "How was the summit at Sandringham?" and "Can I just ask about your brother?" William (37) did appear to make a subtle reference to the royal family's troubles, saying it was essential to acknowledge problems to deal with them, rather than "pretend they don't happen, which is no good".

Speaking of dealing with challenges head-on to avoid "paralysis" and "move forward", he reiterated the importance of bringing people together.

The visit, their first official joint engagement since their Christmas break, follows days of negotiations within the royal family about the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who hope to carve out a "financially independent" future in North America.

Prince Harry remains in Britain as palace aides draw up a blueprint, while his wife is in Canada with Archie, their son.

Queen Elizabeth, who led "very constructive discussions" on Monday, has said she will support the couple's decision, despite wishing they had stayed as full-time working members of her family.
In a harrowing incident, a Georgia police officer was struck by a train as he tried to catch a burglary suspect.

The officer named Andy Anderson was chasing suspect Jayden Moats, 18, when he was struck by the train and his bodycam recorded the chain of events.

According to a press release obtained by CNN, Anderson responded to a call about a burglary at a home near the Norfolk Southern railroad track and after checking the home, the cop was walking along the railway tracks when saw a man carrying a television set and figured he was the burglar.



During the chase at the rail tracks, Anderson saw a train approach and assumed that he was out of the train's path. But he couldn't judge the size of the engine from a distance and ended up getting hit just as he moved out of the track.





The video showed the officer being knocked into the woods from the train's force.



According to Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd, Anderson was so focussed on catching the suspect that he didn't realise how close he was to the tracks.

"We call that tunnel vision in law enforcement," Dodd said. "You get so focussed on the task at hand that you forget about your surroundings."

Anderson was released from the hospital on Sunday and is expected to make a full recovery.
A six-year-old boy has raised more than $47,000 (36,000) for the animals affected by the Australian wildfires by making clay koalas.

Two weeks ago, Owen Colley, from Hingham, Massachusetts, learned that animals were being hurt by the fires in Australia, which experts estimate have killed up to one billion animals.

Shortly after, Owen expressed a desire to help, according to his mother Caitlin Colley, who told CNN that the family came up with the idea to make clay koalas in exchange for donations together.

We could make some clay koalas and give them in response to donations from friends and family, Caitlin said.

When asked what his goal was, Owen said: To help the animals that have been hurted by the Australian bush fires.

Owen is sending the koalas to anyone who donates $50 or more (CBS)

While Owen crafted the little clay animals, Caitlin and her husband Simon, who is from Australia, set up a GoFundMe where people could donate to Wildlife Rescue South Coast, a wildlife rescue group in New South Wales.

Animals rescued during Australia fires Show all 25 1 /25 Animals rescued during Australia fires Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide AAP Image/Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter Pat Smith pouring water onto a possum's feet with burns from fires on the outskirts of the town of Tumbarumba in New South Wales Greenpeace Australia-Pacific/AFP Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Grey-headed Flying Fox bats prepared for a feeding at the Uralla, Australia, home of Jackie Maisey, a volunteer with Northern Tableands Wildlife Carers. The bats are swaddled in flannel wraps similar to those being made by thousands of crafters worldwide who are using their sewing, knitting and crocheting skills to make items for wildlife injured in the Australian brush fires Jackie Maisey/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires Sara Tilling takes care of a young injured Kangaroo which she and her partner Gary Henderson are nursing back to health in Cobargo EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan holds a baby Koala she just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Images Animals rescued during Australia fires Tracy Burgess holds a severely burnt brushtail possum Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Fire-impacted, orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joeys are seen at the property of WIRES Carers Kevin and Lorita Clapson in East Lynne, South of Sydney EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala receives water from a cyclist during a severe heatwave that hit the region, in Adelaide Instagram/BIKEBUG2019 via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned Flying-Fox is fed at the property of WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator, Janet Jones, in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan checks an injured Koala she had just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A wallabie eating a carrot dropped by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife services over the bushfire affected areas along the South Coast for wallabies NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services Animals rescued during Australia fires A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires Gary Henderson holds the young injured kangaroo he and his partner are nursing back to health EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala drinks water offered from a bottle by a firefighter during bushfires in Cudlee Creek, south Australia Oakbank Balhannah CFS via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid South Coast wombat coordinator Tony De La Fosse with two orphaned pouch-rescued Wombats at his property in Malua Bay EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Qantas, an orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey whose feet were burned in recent bushfires, is held by WIRES Carer Kevin Clapson at his property in East Lynne EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Various completed animal pouches for animals affected by Australia bushfires hang on clothing racks in Regents Park, Queensland Kim Simeon via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey hangs in a makeshift pouch at the property of WIRES EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A rescued koala injured in a bushfire in Kangaroo Island, South Australia Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator Janet Jones weighs a rescued Grey-Headed Flying-Fox at her home in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A weary kangaroo shelters on a patch of green grass surrounded by burnt bushland along the Princes Highway near in Milton Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Various animal wraps for bats affected by bushfires Simone Watts via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires A staff member moving a rescued koala to a temporary shelter at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney Taronga Zoo/AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire in Snowy Valley AFP via Getty Images

According to Owen, the plan was as simple. People buy them, then we get the money, then we give it to Australia, the six-year-old told Boston 25 News.

Those who donate $50 or more get a koala, which Caitlin said take Owen three to four minutes to make out of silver, white and black Sculpey clay. The koalas then bake in the oven for 17 minutes.

So far, Owen has made about 55 koalas, according to his parents - although he has raised much more than that.

By Tuesday, the family had met its $5,000 goal, then its $20,000 goal. As of Wednesday, the total has reached $47,859.

According to Owen, the new goal is $3m.

And while the kindergartener wants people to know about Australia and more about what animals are in Australia, his mother hopes the project will also inspire other children.

"Anyone can make a difference and when we come together we can make an even bigger difference," Caitlin said. "I just I love the idea that maybe other kids can take this to their communities and sell little clay koalas locally and raise money for this great cause."

You can donate to Owens fundraiser here.
A peer has faced criticism after waning that post-Brexit Britain could be "reminiscent" of Nazi Germany.

Liberal Democrat Lord Greaves also claimed people were crying themselves to sleep at night over the UKs withdrawal from the EU, as he warned against triumphalistic behaviour.

He made his comments as peers at Westminster started their line-by-line scrutiny of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which will enable the UK to leave the EU on January 31.

Lord Greaves said there were many people people in the country full of dismay and distress over the break with Brussels.

Lord Greaves in the House of Lords / Parliament TV

As some Conservative Tory peers signalled their dissent, he continued: People are crying when they go to sleep at night and when they wake up in the morning, and all they get from the unfeeling, hard-headed Tories is moans.

They are feeling a sense of loss which is akin to bereavement and a grieving process has only just begun.

Lord Greaves added: In these circumstances, triumphalistic behaviour, festivals of Brexit and all the rest will simply make things worse.

The people who are feeling it worst are those citizens of the EU who live, work and take part in our communities.

He went on: I am particularly concerned about what the Government is doing about prevention of discrimination in the transition period.

I am fearful that on January 31 some things may happen in some places which could be reminiscent of things happening in Germany in the early 1930s.

I am worried about this, because there is that sentiment amongst a hostile minority of the population.

But challenging him, Brexit-supporting Labour peer Lord Grocott said: Hes just made a comparison, Im slightly reeling from it, between Britain on February 1 this year and Nazi Germany in 1933.

Could he elaborate on that just a little bit, because that seems to me to be stretching the point just a bit?

Responding, Lord Greaves said: Well, we will see. What we do know is that the day after the referendum people had their windows put in. People were abused in the street. Paint was daubed on peoples houses. Its that kind of thing I am talking about.

I know of plenty of instances where people have been abused in the street and shouted at.

He added: It happened immediately after the referendum and I am very worried indeed that on February 1 and 2 there will be a wave of this kind of thing.

Police statistics show that the amount of racially-motivated offences has increased significantly since June 2016. I am not making it up. It is happening.

Home Office Minister Baroness Williams of Trafford said: To compare January 31 to Nazi Germany, I think, is rather a step too far.

But Lord Greaves said: I have not compared this country today with Nazi Germany and would not do so obviously, it would be ridiculous.

What I am saying is that some of the conditions which exist in this country are similar to conditions which existed in Germany between the wars, before the Nazis came to power and took over.

You can think thats right, you can think its wrong, but I believe that that is the case.
The Centre may give a relatively smaller window of just three months to those who want to apply for Indian citizenship in under the newly-enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), officials said on Thursday.

Some specific provisions are expected to be incorporated in the rules to be issued for the implementation of the CAA.

There is a possibility of giving a smaller window of just three months for those living in to apply under the CAA, an official, privy to the development, said.

The move came in view of the continuing protests against the CAA in Assam where protests have been going on since the legislation was passed by Parliament in December.

The CAA rules are expected to be issued in next two weeks, the official said.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and his Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week and made a request to keep a limited period window for applying under the CAA and also incorporate some other Assam specific provisions in the CAA rules.

Asked about the protests in Assam against the CAA, Sarma told reporters at an event here on Thursday: "Wait for some time. Some good news are coming".

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants and given Indian citizenship.

Another official said, an applicant will have to prove that he or she was a victim of religious persecution besides proving that he or she has entered India before the cut-off date of December 31, 2014.

The Assam specific provisions in the CAA rules are expected as the state has been witnessing widespread protests against the CAA.

There has been a growing feeling among the indigenous people of Assam that the newly-enacted legislation will hurt their interests politically, culturally as well as socially.

The Assam Accord provides for detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants, who have entered the country after 1971 and are living in the state, irrespective of their religion.

The protesters in Assam say that the CAA violates the provisions of the Assam Accord.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army's top brass has dismissed Indian Army chief Gen M M Naravane's "provocative" statements against the country as "irresponsible rhetoric" which could undermine regional peace and stability.

The statements made by Gen Naravane were discussed at a meeting of the corps commanders at the General Headquarters on Tuesday.

"Taking account of repeated provocative statements of Indian military leadership regarding aggression against Pakistan, the forum termed it as an irresponsible rhetoric with implications on regional peace and stability," the military's media division, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement after the meeting.

Army chief Gen Naravane, at a press conference in New Delhi on January 11, said his force can take control of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir if it gets orders from political authority.

He was replying to a question on whether the Army was ready to reclaim Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

The Army chief also said that the Army will remain very vigilant at the Siachen glacier as there was a possibility of collusion between China and Pakistan against India in the strategically sensitive area.

Earlier after taking charge of the 1.3-million-strong force, Army Chief Gen Naravane said India reserves the right to "preemptively strike" at sources of terror.

He asserted that a "new normal" in the country's response mechanism to acts of cross-border terrorism has already been "emphatically" displayed.

Pakistan Army had earlier dismissed as "routine rhetoric" Gen Naravane's statements.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 last year.

A review of the recent Middle East crisis, which began with the assassination of Iranian commander Gen Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike in Baghdad, was also on the agenda of the corps commanders meeting.
Prosecutors and police have been tight-lipped in releasing details about the shooting that killed a 19-year-old student outside Bellaire High School on Tuesday, but they did say a 16-year-old has been charged with manslaughter.

Does that mean the shooting was an accident?

Not necessarily, said Sandra Guerra Thompson, who leads the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston law Center.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Juvenile charged with manslaughter in Bellaire High School shooting

The first thing to appreciate is that prosecutors have a great deal of discretion in selecting charges, and especially in reducing charges, Thompson said.

They cant go beyond what the facts would allow. They cant charge something greater than what the facts would support, but it is always possible that although this may have technically been a murder, they decided to lower it for some reason.

One other juvenile was detained Tuesday night in the shooting, though that person hasnt yet faced charges. It remains unclear which one is the suspected shooter.

The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Tuesday, just before dismissal, according to one student there at the time. He said the victim was involved in the schools JROTC program.

The victim was shot in the chest, according to first responders scanner traffic, and taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

If manslaughter charges were the most severe possible charge, Thompson said, it would mean the suspect in this case didnt intend to kill someone. Instead, he or she would be accused of recklessly causing the death, which Thompson said means consciously disregarding a substantial risk.

On HoustonChronicle.com: One student dead, two people in custody after shooting at HISDs Bellaire High School

One example would be if someone thinks a gun is unloaded and decides to pretend to shoot somebody, but the gun was loaded. They didnt intend to kill the person, Thompson said, but theres no justification for pointing a gun at someone and pulling the trigger.

The varying levels of homicide are laid out in the Texas Penal Code, which defines murder, capital murder, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15)  The Department of Trade and Industry said it is suing 12 medical supply stores in Manila caught selling overpriced and substandard N95 masks.

The N95 face masks have been in demand since Sunday when Taal Volcano's eruption sent a cloud of ash into the air, which later spread to nearby towns and all the way to Metro Manila.

DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the cases have been prepared after authorities inspected establishments in Bambang. Residents flocked to the area known as the hub of medical supplies, only to learn that the price of dust masks there have skyrocketed.

"After the notice of violation, we will file charges against them. Bahala silang magdepensa ng kaso nila during the hearing," Castelo said in a Wednesday media briefing in Malacanang. " When found to really have committed profiteering, we can impose the highest penalty na 2 million."

READ: Duterte vows to give free masks amid reports of overpricing

Earlier, DTI and even the Manila City government have warned retailers against jacking up the prices of face masks. The Department of Health has also imposed a price freeze on these protective gear, saying the N95 mask should only cost between 45-105, while disposable surgical masks should cost a maximum of 8 per piece.

Castelo said businesses can only add a maximum of 10 percent to the acquisition cost for medical supplies. However, DTI's team discovered that some stores sold face masks for 120-150 each even if delivery receipts showed these cost only 60-65. Earlier reports showed that the N95 masks are being sold at 200 apiece after Taal's unrest.

Duterte vows to give free masks amid reports of overpricing Castelo added that DTI would also recommend that the Manila local government suspend the licenses of businesses caught overpricing N95 masks.

'Substandard'

The Department of Health also cautioned against using substandard face masks, citing DTI's report that there were many fake N95 masks being sold to the public.

DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Domingo said N95 masks are considered as medical devices and manufacturers must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He added that low-quality masks discovered by DTI's monitoring team in Bambang will have to be confiscated.

"From the look, it says 'N95' na may nakatatak dapat. Rigid, they are quite thick, and they are molded talaga sa contour of the face," Domingo said when asked how to check if an N95 mask is legitimate and can protect people from the ashfall. "Kapag mukhang duda kayo na masyadong malambot or manipis, at hindi talaga maganda ang contour sa face, then that's probably a falsified product or a counterfeit."

[Translation: By looking at it, an N95 masks should have that label printed on it. It should be rigid, quite thick, and molded to the contour of the face. If you think it's too soft or paper thin and the contour doesn't fit well, it's probaby a falsified or counterfeit product.]

READ: No need to use N95 masks in Metro Manila  Health Department official

Those caught selling counterfeit masks will face administrative charges from the FDA, as well as from the DTI.

"These people are taking advantage of the situation, the difficulty being experienced by consumers now, so consumers will not have a choice but will have to buy the N95 regardless of price," she said.

Castelo also encouraged residents to submit complaints with receipts to the DTI to prove that they have been overcharged for their masks.
New Delhi: Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday filed his nomination papers from the Patparganj constituency for contesting the upcoming assembly election in Delhi. A foot march and a bike rally was held ahead of Sisodia's filing of nomination papers.

During the rally, AAP supporters were seen chanting "Acche Beete Paanch Saal, Lage Raho Kejriwal". Sisodia, along with his supporters, held a foot march in his constituency - Patparganj - seeking people`s blessings ahead of filing the nomination.

Sisodia, also Delhi`s Education Minister, filed his nomination papers for the February 8 assembly polls. He is contesting from the Patparganj assembly seat for the third time after winning from here in 2013 and 2015.

Accompanied by scores of party workers, Sisodia met people and sought their blessings and urged them to re-elect him.

Live TV

Patparganj is one of the 70 assembly seats in the national capital, going to polls on February 8. The Congress and the BJP are yet to announce their candidates from here.

Sisodia said he is confident that the party will win the elections. "We won in 2015 on the basis of our 49-day government in 2013. Now, after working for five years, we are confident that we will be re-elected. We need your support," said Sisodia.

Nominations for the Delhi elections began on Tuesday. The last date to file nomination is January 21, the scrutiny will take place on January 22 while the last date of withdrawal of candidature is January 24.
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League

Jan. 16, 2020



NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the Utah legislator who is at war with Catholics:

Earlier this week, we contacted the Speaker of the House in the Utah legislature, Rep. Brad R. Wilson, expressing our outrage over a bill sponsored by his Democratic colleague, Rep. Angela Romero, that would vitiate the seal of Confession. The pretext of her legislation is knowledge of the sexual abuse of minors learned in the confessional.

We are very pleased with the response by Speaker Wilson: he is opposed to the Romero bill. Rep. Romero is now doubling down, saying she is going forward with her bill, accusing me of making a "soft threat."

Romero is obviously referring to the following concluding portion of my letter of January 10 to her. "You are treading on dangerous territory. When the government seeks to police the sacraments of the Catholic Churchor encroach on the tenets and practices of any world religionit is gearing up for a court fight. The First Amendment secures religious liberty, and that entails separation of church and state."

I stand by that statement. Regarding her remark, I would never accuse her of making a "soft threat." She moved well beyond the "threat" stage when she introduced a bill that attacks a sacrament of the Catholic Churchand there is nothing "soft" about that. Now she is claiming victim status because of a pushback by Catholics. What did she expect? That Catholics would allow an agent of the state to trample on their constitutionally protected rights?

Here is what Romero told the media. "Am I against organized religion? No. I'm Catholic. Maybe this is a little more personal for me. I've had victims here in Utah, people who have experienced and sexual abuse and child abuse. Their perpetrators were protected by a religious institutions. I have a problem with that." [This is exactly the way she was quoted.]

I have a problem with so-called Catholics telling me they are not against the Catholic Church when they seek to destroy one of their sacraments. That gets real personal. As for the perpetrators, there is no evidenceI have asked her to give it to meshowing that breaking the seal of Confession would result in prosecuting molesters.

It is a red herring, a contrived pretext that would allow the government to effectively cause the Sacrament of Reconciliation to implode. No practicing Catholic would ever sponsor such a bill, nor would a member of the faithful from any another religion.

Does Romero really think that if she succeeded that priests would cooperate? They would go to jail before putting themselves at risk of being excommunicated.

It would be too kind to say that she has embarked on a fool's errand: she will never succeed in getting what she wants, and what she wants is much more than foolishit is obscene.

Contact: angelaromero@le.utah.gov
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 09:25:08|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TOKYO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Japan confirmed its first case of pneumonia linked to the coronavirus, a government official said Thursday.

According to the official, a Chinese national tested positive for the virus in Japan.

The virus has affected dozens of people in China since the outbreak began last December in Wuhan, eastern China.

The Chinese national who tested positive is believed to have traveled to Wuhan, officials said.
he railway will conduct an inaugural run of Tejas Express on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route on 17 January.

Ahead of the launch of Tejas Express on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route on 19 January, the IRCTC shares hit a record high of Rs 1,008 in intra-day trade on the BSE on Thursday. The stock closed at Rs 1,003.30 per share, up 1.81 percent over previous close.

The Indian Railways will ply Tejas Express, the second private train in the country, operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) from 19 January. The railway will conduct an inaugural run of Tejas Express on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route on 17 January.

In October last year, IRCTC had made a blockbuster stock market debut with its shares zoomed over 101 percent to Rs 680 per share against the issue price of Rs 320. In September last year, IRCTC, a subsidiary of the Indian Railways, had launched the initial public offering (IPO) for raising about Rs 635-645 crore.

The timetable of several trains on the Western Railway will undergo some changes from 19 January to accommodate Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express, reported PTI.

The timings of 12 Mumbai-bound and 16 Ahmedabad-bound trains, including four MEMU (Mainline EMU) will change by five to 10 minutes at intermediate stations, a Western Railway (WR) release stated.

"Some Western Railway trains on Mumbai-Ahmedabad route have undergone minimal changes in their timings for the

operational requirements and convenience of passengers," chief public relations officer of Western Railway Ravinder Bhakar said.

The WR further informed that Ahmedabad-MGR Chennai Central Navjeevan Express and Porbandar-Mumbai Central Saurashtra Express will run with a delay of 25 minutes and 55 minutes respectively from Ahmedabad, but will still reach on their present arrival time.

"Despite minimal changes in timings at few specific intermediate stations, there has been an increase of just five minutes in the journeys of two Mail-Express trains and two MEMU trains," Bhakar said.

All the other affected trains will reach their destinations at their present arrival time, he added.

The train will run six days a week, barring Thursday, and will depart from Ahmedabad at 6.40 am and arrive in Mumbai

at 1.10 pm.

From Mumbai Central, it will depart at 3.40 pm and reach Ahmedabad at 9.55 pm.

According to railways, the fully air-conditioned train has features such as sliding doors, personalised reading lights, mobile charging points, attendant call buttons, bio-toilets, automatic entry and exit doors and CCTV cameras.

The first private train Tejas Express is operational on the Delhi-Lucknow route.

The Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express had made a profit of around Rs 70 lakh in 21 days from 5 to 28 October 2019 while earning revenue of nearly Rs 3.70 crore through sale of tickets signalling a steady start for the railway's new venture.

The train has run with an average occupancy of 80-85 percent since it began operations on 5 October.

 With PTI inputs
James Farrar arrives at Southwark Crown Court this morning. The 51-year-old had faced two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker

A judge has dramatically thrown out the case against a cab union boss who was accused of 'assaulting two police officers' by using a megaphone.

James Farrar, 51, faced two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker after he allegedly used a megaphone near to two police officers during a demonstration on March 4, 2019.

At the end of the prosecution case, Judge Philip Bartle QC told the jury at Southwark Crown Court to find Farrar not guilty after his defence argued there was no evidence he had committed a crime.

Judge Bartle said: 'The essence of the defence argument, which I accept, was the facts did not justify the offence in either case of assault by beating because the offence requires unlawful application of force.'

Farrar, the chairman of the United Private Hire Drivers' branch of the IWGB union, was part of a union demonstration against the congestion charge in Parliament Square when he used a megaphone near to Police Sergeant James Lewis and Pc Ann Spinks.

Prosecutor Terence Woods had told Southwark Crown Court: 'The defendant, it is alleged, used a loudhailer or megaphone in close proximity to police officers.

'There are two complainants who say their hearing was affected.

James Farrar at Southwark Crown Court (second from right) with fellow members of Uber. Mr Farrar was accused of two counts of assault against an emergency worker

'He accepts using the megaphone and I think accepts that everything was in very close proximity given the nature of what was taking place, namely a demo by private hire drivers against the congestion charge.'

Icah Peart QC, defending, said it would be 'violence to the English language' to say that using a megaphone was an application of force.

'There was no actus reus, a guilty act, because speaking through a megaphone cannot and does not amount to the application of force.

'What he was doing to address the protesters was, given the circumstances, entirely appropriate.'

Jurors previously heard Mr Farrar, of Hampshire, had used the megaphone before at the weekly protests which typically featured drums, air horns, whistles and vuvuzelas, as well as other megaphones.

A grab from footage of the IWGB union protests in Parliament Square on March 4, 2019

Mr Peart said: 'As the organiser of the protest, how else could he have made himself heard if he had not taken advantage of equipment such as the loudhailer?

'There is no suggestion that Mr Farrar ought to have appreciated that by using that loudhailer in the way he had done numerous times previously that anyone was going to suffer any discomfort over and above how they were going to suffer having been in that crowd in any event.'

He added: 'The evidence that either of these police officers experienced the discomfort they did solely based on what Mr Farrar did rather than being stuck in the protest for a couple of hours is not easy to see.'

Both Metropolitan Police officers had pre-existing conditions and neither suffered lasting hearing loss as a result, the court was told.

Making his decision on Thursday, Judge Bartle dismissed that the prosecution would have infringed on Mr Farrar's rights to protest and free speech under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Farrar (fourth left) is joined by supportive fellow Uber drivers, outside Southwark Crown Court on Monday

He also dismissed the defence argument that it would have been impossible for the jury to think that only the megaphone caused the officers' injuries.

He said: 'There is evidence that each of these two officers suffered immediate pain and injury to their ears.

'That is a matter on which a jury could conclude that the use of the loudhailer was a significant cause of the problem that both the officers had with their ears.'

But the judge went on: 'Taking account of all the circumstances, I am not satisfied that it does amount to an unlawful application of force.

'In particular, I take account of the fact that Mr Farrar had used the loudhailer on previous occasions other than the protest on the 4th of March.

'It was something he needed to use in order to communicate what he wanted to say to the crowd. The use, in my judgement was itself lawful and not in any way an unlawful application of force.'

Mr Farrar is now considering a civil case against the Metropolitan Police for a malicious prosecution, describing it as a 'corrupt and crude attempt'.

He said that the prosecution arose less than two days after he submitted a second complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) about how the demonstration had been policed.

'Within 48 hours of me escalating the complaint, there were charges,' he said.

The court heard Mr Farrar had complained about differences in how the private hire protest, which was mostly attended by BAME people, had been policed when compared to a black cab driver protest of mainly white British people earlier that day.

Mr Farrar added: 'Our figures show that 50% of private hire drivers have been assaulted at work and 85% have received racist or Islamophobic abuse.

'We can't get Transport for London to do anything about it, but they have time for this.'

The IWGB union, which mostly represents precarious workers in the gig economy, had fundraised for Farrar's legal costs.

Farrar, from Hampshire, had denied the two charges of assault.
The fifth question on a Texas school's biology assignment presented a violent scenario with little elaboration: "Suzy was assaulted in an alley and is a victim of rape."

Police collected a sperm sample from the crime scene, students at a high school north of Houston were told. Three people were in custody. Then came the challenge, above profiles of several possible culprits: "Which of the suspects raped Suzy?"

The exercise that officials say went home with about 90 freshmen last Friday drew swift concern, astonishing parents as it made the rounds on social media and then spawned headlines. The school district soon apologized for the "inappropriate" question given out by a teacher at Klein Collins High School in Spring, about 30 miles north of Houston.

"The assignment is not part of the District's approved curriculum and is by no means representative of the District's instructional philosophy," the Klein Independent School District said in a statement. It added that it investigated the homework's source and that "appropriate corrective action has been taken."

A district spokesman, Justin Elbert, declined to elaborate Thursday morning on steps taken. He said officials worked to address the issue "immediately" after seeing it on social media.

Parents shared their dismay at the assignment in interviews with a local news station.

"It's upsetting, and I know girls this age, just the thought . . . they know that rape is forced nonconsensual sex, and that upsets them," Cookie VonHaven, whose daughter is a 10th-grader, told KPRC 2. "That's why I can't fathom a teacher putting that on a test."

The shocked reactions kept unfolding in comments online even after the school district responded as people said there were myriad other ways to test students' skills and wondered about the judgment that let question No. 5 through.

"I'm still flabbergasted that this even made it onto a child's homework in the first place," one person wrote on Facebook.

The biology question was one of many school assignments that have been panned online and led officials to apologize. Last month, a Missouri school came under fire for a work sheet that asked fifth-graders to "set your price for a slave" - drawing similar worries about careless use of potentially traumatic material.

The assignment "does not speak to us taking care of each other as human beings," the president of the NAACP's local branch told FOX 2.
[January 16, 2020] Data Layer Security Startup Cyral Announces $15.1 Million in Funding

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cyral, the first cloud service for enabling security policies at the data layer, today announced the close of an $11 million Series A funding round led by Redpoint Ventures with participation from A.Capital, Costanoa VC, Firebolt, SV Angel and Trifecta Capital. The financing follows a previously undisclosed angel investment round of $4.1 million bringing the total investment raised to date to $15.1 million.

Data breaches cost American companies on average more than $8 million per incident, with big breaches (more than 50 million records) costing $388 million, according to a recent IBM study conducted by the Ponemon Institute . Many of the biggest breaches are the result of a shift in how the increasingly digitized economy operates. As companies have embraced the cloud, data is no longer stored in electronic fortresses. While the cloud has allowed companies to create new applications and services fast, traditional firewalls and agents for security slows things down. Engineering and business teams must jump through hoops and conform to archaic, tedious workflows to keep things safe. But when the key business priority is to get new products developed as quickly as possible, someone on the team often forgets to implement a solitary security control, leaving all data vulnerable. Cyral pioneered a new security architecture that goes beyond perimeter and agent-based security to protec enterprises most valuable information at the data layer itself. Cyral developed an API-first service that enables easy monitoring and policy enforcement across all data endpoints used by services, applications and users, in the cloud or on premises.



The Cyral service provides fine-grained visibility into data accesses, protects against data exfiltration, and creates a unified layer for privilege management, without negatively impacting performance or the user experience. The result is better visibility into whats happening in the cloud and, for those who use Cyral, no more headlines about millions of customers data disappearing into the dark web. The cloud has created transparency for enterprises in the same way that the Internet has created transparency for consumers, said Manav Mital, CEO and co-founder of Cyral. But the cloud  with microservices, containers and serverless architectures  can make threat detection and incident response very difficult for security teams. Older, host-based approaches with agents and watchpoints are not designed for modern environments. Cyral protects at the core data layer while giving more transparency to both security and backend teams, fostering better security, collaboration and improving productivity.

Cyral works by intercepting requests to data endpoints with no impact to latency or throughput. It continuously examines, normalizes and analyzes all request structures for sensitive data access. It automatically generates policies to baseline normal behavior (and can be manually augmented). Cyral then alerts on suspicious activity and can block threats and disallowed accesses. We do a lot of original fieldwork research and by far data security was the top priority in the companies we survey, said Satish Dharmaraj, Redpoint Ventures. Cyral is solving the biggest problem in security today with a unique architecture that deploys easily into existing environments with a proven management team that deeply understands the enterprise and cloud computing. Anything that affects throughput matters to our business and what we like about Cyral is that its lightweight and runs in parallel with the data traffic, with no impact on performance, said Peter de Groot, SVP & bChief Information Security Officer at PostMedia Network, Canadas largest news publishing firm. Its also a great way to show my data is secure for audits. It proves that only the right apps are pulling the right data at the right time and with the right access. For early access to the Cyral service, please visit www.cyral.com and register. About Cyral

Cyral enables companies to guard against data exfiltration without requiring any agents or application modifications. The Cyral service is easy to use and plugs seamlessly into an infrastructure-as-code framework. The Cyral founding team has deep expertise in building databases, compilers and proxy-based distributed services. The company is venture backed by Redpoint, A.Capital and Costanoa. Editorial Contact

Lonn Johnston for Cyral

+1 650.219.7764

[email protected]

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Bill de Blasio has back-tracked on his favourite bagel order after his original tweet was met with widespread criticism.

On Wednesday, the New York City mayor tweeted: New York City has the best bagels in the world. But our BEST bagel?

Bagel Hole in Park Slope. No contest. Dont get there as much as I used to, but it was our go-to when the kids needed a bite before Little League.

Whole wheat. Toasted. Extra cream cheese. #NationalBagelDay.

However, shortly after sharing his bagel opinion, de Blasio deleted his tweet - after it was pointed out on social media that Bagel Hole doesnt toast its bagels, and reportedly does not even own a toaster.

I just talked to the assistant manager of Bagel Hole, who explained to me they dont toast bagels because: We bake them here and theyre already hot its the old fashioned way, New York Post reporter Julia Marsh tweeted.

The New York Times food critic Pete Wells also weighed in, writing on Twitter: Its like saying the go-to order at your favourite slice joint is cauliflower, hold the cheese.

Wells then dubbed the incident toastergate, while others labelled it bagelgate.

Following the controversy, de Blasio attempted to share his bagel order again - this time tweeting the same tweet without mentioning the toasted aspect of the bagel order, to the amusement of people on the internet.

The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony. She has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord Vice News The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty

Despite the backlash, the mayor appeared to take the criticism well. In response to a tweet declaring it was breaking news that de Blasio had again tweeted the bagel order, he responded: What can I say, I must have a hole in my memory.

This is not the first time de Blasios food opinions have prompted disapproval. In 2014, de Blasio was widely mocked after he was photographed eating pizza with a knife and fork.
A Qantas plane was forced to turn around after experiencing 'engineering issues' mid-air.

Flight QF642 from Perth to Sydney took off about 9.30am on Thursday and was in the air for 58 minutes before having to make an emergency landing.

The flight arrived back at Perth Airport at 10.20am where it was met with emergency services.

'The aircraft had an issue with one of its three hydraulic systems, which meant the landing gear was unable to retract,' the spokesman said.

'We are working to get customers to Sydney as quickly as possible and apologise for the disruption.'

Flight QF642 from Perth to Sydney was forced to turn back around after experiencing 'engineering issue'

Passenger Tony Pignata said he heard a weird sound before the plane turned around.

'The captain came on the PA and said 'you would have heard a noise, that's the landing gear not retracting,' he told Perth Now.

'We circled for about 45 minutes before we came in to land.

'I felt pretty anxious and a bit stressed until we landed. Everyone was quiet there was no chatter, people were playing with their phones and just trying to stay calm.'

Mr Pignata took to Twitter and thanked the captain and the crew for their professionalism and bringing everyone back to safety.

'Well that wasn't pleasant having to circle for a bit and land in Perth after the landing gear failed to retract,' he wrote.

'Well done to the @Qantas captain and crew in getting us safely back on the ground and keeping us informed. Ah the joys of flying.'
In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, contradicted President Trump's claims that he decided to withhold millions in military aid to Ukraine last summer because he was concerned about corruption in the country.

"It was never about corruption," Parnas said. "It was strictly about Burisma, which included Hunter Biden and Joe Biden." During a July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump asked him to investigate Joe Biden, a political rival, and his son Hunter, who recently served on the board for Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company. This conversation was central to Trump's impeachment charges.

Parnas worked with Giuliani in Ukraine, setting up meetings as Giuliani attempted to dig up dirt on the Bidens. Parnas said Trump "lied" when he said he didn't know him, and they had many one-on-one conversations. Parnas has been indicted on felony campaign finance violation charges, and told Maddow he decided to speak to her because "I want to get the truth out. I feel it's important for our country. I think it's important for me."

More stories from theweek.com

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for

Watch Lev Parnas sing like a canary, or at least Harry Belafonte, via The Late Show

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow knew about Ukraine scheme, 'didn't want to be involved,' Lev Parnas says


As abortion has come into sharp focus during the 2020 election cycle, pro-lifers have come out in heavy numbers to kick off the year.

In Colorado, thousands attended the Celebrate Life march to rally against late-term abortions, according to Faithwire. A new measure in the state, called Initiative 120, proposes that medical professionals who perform an abortion after 22 weeksunless the mothers life is at riskcould lose their license for at least three years.

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, spoke at the event and recalled his time working at a hospital and seeing abortions.

It is tragic and I remember being stunned, he said. I can still remember the horror on the young womans face [during the abortion].

Despite the initiative only protecting fetuses after 22 weeks, protestors wanted their intentions made clear.

We are not voting for abortion, nor are we saying we agree with abortion up to 22 weeks, Aquila said. What we are saying, is that we respect life, and we respect it for all the pregnancy.

To the northeast, approximately 9,000 people appeared in Chicago to protest their beliefs in the March for Life Chicago. In 2014, only 1,000 showed to the event. This years theme was Life empowers: Pro-life is Pro-Woman.

Theres more people in Illinois and the Midwest who recognize the urgency of this, said March for Life president Dawn Fitzpatrick. We recognize that theres a human being thats created from the moment of conception.

Democrat U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski was one of the speakers in Chicago, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Every January, I am proud to brave the cold and join the March for Life Chicago, he said. As a member of Congress, I work to protect the most vulnerable, and no one is more vulnerable than the child in the womb and that childs mother.

Lipinski recently signed an amicus brief requesting that the U.S. Supreme Court revisit and overturn Roe v. Wade.

Dr. Karen Deighan, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loyal University Medical Center, was also in attendance. After the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement warning against bans on abortion care, Deighan raised the alarm to protect conscience laws which allow doctors to refuse to make healthcare decisions against their faith.

[The woman] and [the fetus] are equal, we care about both of them, she said. Difficult decisions are made every day. But its about protecting life and about protecting women.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Michael B. Thomas/Stringer

Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine.
House Republican Minority Leader Kurt Daudt said, "No one likes to be the turd in the punch bowl." But after a fair amount of pleasant banter, he decided to draw first blood.

"The last [legislative session] was an abysmal failure," Daudt said during a legislative preview forum in Rochester featuring leaders from both parties.

"We had over a billion dollar surplus, and somehow we ended up raising taxes two billion dollars in a biennium. All that happened behind closed doors, he added"

Daudt was expressing residual frustration at the manner in which last year's legislative session ended, when minority leaders from both chambers, including Daudt, were shut out of the final talks.

Not everyone on the stage shared his assessment. DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman said her proudest moment in the last session was preserving health care for more than a million Minnesotans. That would not have been possible without preserving the state's provider tax, which was set to sunset. Without it, the state would not have been able to provide the same level of care to the elderly and disabled.

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The state is projecting a $1.3 billion surplus, and legislators discussed their priorities for the session, including a middle class tax cut, reducing prescription drugs, and maintaining the state's roads and bridges.

The talk was moderated by Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President Kathleen Harrington, who kept the tone light and cheery early on by giving each legislative leader a chance to talk about themselves as people before diving into the brass tacks of politics. In addition to Daudt and Hortman, GOP Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and DFL Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk shared the stage.

In addition to passing a bonding bill, Gazelka said a top goal of his GOP caucus is cleaning up the state's beleaguered health and human services department.

"It's just one problem after another," Gazelka said. "I think the governor wants to wait a little bit longer. We don't want to wait any longer."

Olmsted County Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden, sitting in the audience, was asked by Harrington to weigh in. Kiscaden, who sits on a blue-ribbon commission charged with reforming the department, said that "transformational change" was needed at the department, but doing it right would take time. She appeared to appeal directly to Gazelka for that time.

"We haven't invested in the transformation," Kiscaden said. "Let's take our time to do this really well."

Gazelka noted that the problems plaguing the department are not new and go back as far the Pawlenty adminstration. But he seemed amenable to Kiscaden's approach.

"Normally, we change a bite at a time," Gazelka said. "Give me a bite or two that we can do this session. And we'll be partners."

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Daudt said he wanted to roll back the provider tax that was passed during the last session.

Bakk said it might sound heretical coming from a Democrat, but he wanted to reduce or eliminate the state's estate tax. He said Minnesota is only one of 12 states that taxes people's estates after they die. And too often older Minnesotans leave the state to avoid the tax.

"The state loses a lot when they leave," he said. "They should make the decision on the weather, not on their taxes."

Legislators also stressed the urgency of doing something about the state's achievement gap between white and black students. Hortman noted that Minnesota used to be ranked No. 1 in educational achievement, which corresponded with a No. 1 ranking in educational investment at the time. Now the state is ranked in the low 20s in educational achievement, about the same as its ranking on spending.

"It does matter if you invest," she said.

Too often, Daudt argued, the state's teachers union stands in the way of educational reform. In other states, reform has been achieved because of a bipartisan consensus. That doesn't exist in Minnesota, he said.

"The teachers union is so powerful, they won't allow it to happen," Daudt said.
Major differences among UN members over Indias permanent membership in UNSC: China

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16: Playing down Russia's backing for India and Brazil's entry into the UN Security Council as a permanent member, China Thursday said all parties have "major differences" in the matter and instead advocated for a "package solution", reported PTI.

During his visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had backed India and Brazil to be permanent members of the UNSC.

"We are convinced that the overriding trend of the global development is the objective process of the formation of new centres of economic might, financial power and political influence and India is obviously one of them," Lavrov said.

Reacting to Lavrov's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said member countries of the UN have differences over reforms in the world body.

China, which has veto power in the UNSC being one of its five permanent members, has been stonewalling India's efforts to become permanent member of the powerful UN body for years, pointing out lack of consensus even though the other four - US, UK, France and Russia - have backed New Delhi's membership.

Beijing's all-weather ally, Pakistan, is also opposed to India becoming a permanent member. India, Germany, Brazil and Japan have formed the G4 bloc to press for their permanent membership demand as part of the reforms in the United Nations.

China, however, has backed India for non-permanent membership of the UNSC for the year 2021-22. In his reply on Thursday, Geng said reform of the UNSC is very important as it concerns the long-term development of the UN and interests of all members.

"Now all parties have major differences on this and we do not have broad consensus on the reform. So, China would like to work with other members to find a package solution that accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties through dialogue and consultation," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

He said the UNSC is the core of international collective security mechanism and any reform to better implement its duty enshrined in the UN charter and the reform should enhance the representation and say of developing countries, so that more medium-sized and small-sized countries can participate in the decision-making process of the security council, he said.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 22:21 [IST]
She is newly-single after reportedly splitting from boyfriend Matt Smith after five years of dating.

And Lily James looked in high spirits as she joined fellow actor Freddie Fox for a performance of Les Miserables in London on Thursday.

The former Downton Abbey star, 30, cut a stylish figure at the Gala event, donning a black top with a matching skirt while she added height to her frame with brown boots.

Event: Lily James, 30, looked in high spirits as she joined fellow actor Freddie Fox, 30, for a performance of Les Miserables in London on Thursday

Wrapping up for the frosty January weather in a black coat, Lily styled her brunette locks into an updo for the evening.

Posing for a snap alongside Freddie, 30, the actress completed her look with gold earrings and matching necklaces.

Freddie looked dapper in a black blazer and matching trousers which he paired with a white printed T-shirt.

The outing comes after Lily's reported split from Matt which is said to have occurred due to their differing views on marriage and children.

Fun: Lily is newly-single after reportedly splitting from boyfriend Matt Smith after five years of dating

Matt and Lily first started dating in 2014 after meeting on the set of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, after the Doctor Who actor split from model Daisy Lowe in 2013. Lily also dated Fresh Meat star Jack Fox from 2011 to 2012.

The couple of five years reportedly called time on their romance amid a flurry of rumours about the Doctor Who actor's flirty friendship with his female co-stars and their hectic work schedules.

Both stars have previously been candid about their plans for the future, but while Matt. 37, gushed in 2018 that he was 'thinking about kids quite a lot,' Lily admitted she's 'gone through different phases of wanting and not wanting to get married.

Fashion: Lily cut a stylish figure at the event, donning a black top with a matching skirt

Style: Wrapping up for the frosty January weather in a black coat, Lily styled her brunette locks into an updo for the evening

Look: Freddie looked dapper in a black blazer and matching trousers which he paired with a white printed T-shirt

Matt told Desert Island Discs in 2018: 'I am thinking about kids quite a lot. I'd like a lot of them. A lot of my friends are having children and, dare I say, I think I'd be quite a good dad.'

He also previously said that the purpose of life is to 'procreate', explaining, 'for me it's my family and friends, getting involved. Taking risks, not looking back. Laughing as much as you can. I don't know. Who knows?'

'Every day unveils something different. But children and family are what I'd put at the top of that list.' He also said: 'Essentially, the purpose of us all is to procreate.'

All together: Lily was full of smiles as she posed with Twiggy, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, and model India Glover

Looking good: Lily accesorised her all black look with two gold necklaces and a delicate gold bracelet

Something funny? The actress giggled as India wrapped an arm around her

Lily though has been open about her changing views on settling down, admitting in January 2019: 'I've gone through different phases of wanting and not wanting to get married.

'I don't know where I sit with it now. What matters is the relationship and how you feel about each other.

'I come from the most incredible family, so that means a lot to me. Eventually, sharing your life with a family is the most important thing.'

Show: Lily added height to her frame with a pair of boots and also carried a black handbag (pictured with producer Cameron Mackintosh)

Relationship: The outing comes after Lily's reported split from Matt Smith, which is said to have occurred due to their differing views on marriage and children

Lily and Matt were recently pictured having a tense lunch outing at The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, London - their first public outing in four months.

Reports have emerged the couple split a couple of months ago after tensions grew due to their busy workload and a growing discomfort over Matt's close friendships with his female co-stars.

'Things haven't been right for a while, and a few months ago they decided to finally end it properly,' a source told The Sun.

'It has been difficult because they have many mutual friends, so hopefully it will all stay civilised. But for now the relationship is formally off.'

Split: The couple of five years have reportedly called time on their romance amid a flurry of rumours about the actor's flirty friendship with his female co-stars (pictured in 2017)

The insider added the 'relationship had been under strain for some time and there were rows about their schedules which meant long periods away from each other - and often close to other stars'.

In an interview with Marie Claire Australia in 2018, Lily talked about her and Matt's parallel lives, admitting that she was desperate to take 'a few months where I go travelling and just switch off.'

'When you're an actor, its like, 'you've got to keep the momentum up.' And I'm like, 'No!''

Out and about: Matt and Lily first started dating in 2014 after meeting on the set of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, after the Doctor Who actor split from model Daisy Lowe in 2013

'You have to trust that things won't go away if you stop for a bit. I haven't really stopped, and I don't think that's a feasible way to work. For me, eventually, that's not the lifestyle I want.'

She added: 'That's not only with regards to my relationship with Matt, but with my friends and family. There's so much you miss. That's why I know I can't keep working at this intensity. I finish a job; Matt starts one.'

It had also been alleged Doctor Who star Matt was leaning on his Crown co-star Claire Foy, 35, for support in the wake of split rumours.
15.01.2020 LISTEN

It appears 2020 is a year of speed with regards to Prophet Nigel Gaisies prophecies.

With just about a fortnight into the new year, two of his December prophecies have come to pass and his followers are surprised even though they do not doubt the spiritual abilities of the Prophet who happens to be the founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel.

Some few days ago, Prophet Nigel Gaisie revealed in a video captured by attractivemustapha.com that in the realms of the spirit, there will be accidents on two major roads which include the Cape-Coast road and Linda Dor on the Accra-Kumasi road.

Sadly, there was a fatal accident on the Cape-Coast Takoradi road on Tuesday dawn which can be taken as a confirmation of Prophet Nigel Gaisies revelation.

In a related development, the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed condolences to the bereaved families of victims of the horrible accident.
(TNS)  A South Carolina National Guard cybersecurity facility is slated for USC Aiken in Gov. Henry McMaster's executive budget.His budget provides $15 million for construction of the innovative DreamPort Cybersecurity Collaborative facility at University of South Carolina Aiken. The facility is expected to increase the state's cyber response capabilities through partnerships in an attempt to keep pace with increasing cyber threats and technology initiatives, according to a university release."I am thrilled to hear the governor has recommended $15 million for the National Guard's DreamPort Collaborative, which will be located on the campus of USC Aiken," Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, said in the release. "The City of Aiken is glad to be able to assist the National Guard as it continues to protect our security in the cyber domain. The cyber network in this region is ever increasing, and we are glad to know that Aiken will be at the heart of it all."In the facility, classified and unclassified environments will allow experts to solve some pressing challenges in the cyber realm, as well as utilize the S.C. National Guard's cyber security expertise to benefit the state. USC Aiken Chancellor Sandra Jordan said the university is honored to partner with the national guard."We are grateful for the support of Aiken and Aiken County's leadership and our local legislative delegation serving in the statehouse who are aware of the state's cyber needs and the threats that continue to emerge on a daily basis, and thus, have supported this unique initiative and worked to ensure it was part of the governor's budget," Jordan said in the release.According to the release, the facility would be located close to the Savannah River National Laboratory's Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative on the USC Aiken campus and will allow cyber experts in the private, government and academic sectors to work with Fort Gordon's cyber operations and SRNL's cyber researchers.According to the South Carolina National Guard, the design environmental and real estate considerations are expected to start in fall 2020 into the 2021 fiscal year. Construction is expected to begin fall 2022 and continue into the 2023 fiscal year.
Bolt, the European challenger to ride-hailing giant Uber, has secured 50 million euros ($56 million) in debt financing from the lending arm of the EU.

The European Investment Bank, or EIB, has invested in Bolt through a venture loan, which is used as an alternative to taking equity in a start-up to avoid diluting existing shareholders' ownership.

Tallinn, Estonia-based Bolt is one of several firms looking to chip away at Uber's dominance in the ride-hailing space. Founded in 2013, the firm was initially called Taxify but since changed its branding to offer more services like scooter sharing and food delivery. It currently has 30 million users in 150 cities across Europe and Africa.

The strategic financing from the EIB will help Bolt ramp up spending on research and development to make its services safer and more sustainable while also maintaining operational efficiency, Bolt and the EIB said in a joint statement Thursday.

That also means investing in Bolt's main line of business, ride hailing, as well as food delivery, which it added to its platform last year. Both services are key to the company's bid to take on Uber, its Silicon Valley competitor.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 05:17:37|Editor: yan

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RAMALLAH, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Palestine plans to request a UN investigation into Israel's environmental practices in the West Bank, the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority (PEQA) said on Thursday.

The Palestinian decision came a day after Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett approved a plan to create seven new nature reserves and expand 12 existing ones in Area C of the West Bank.

It violates international agreements, including the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, the PEQA stated.

Adala al-Attirah, head of the PEQA, said that the Israeli decision aims to serve its political goals, including the annexation of the area C, rather than the protection of the biodiversity and wildlife in Palestine.

She said that 9 percent of the West Bank is protected as nature reserves, of which 1 percent is forest area, and 2 percent is biodiversity area, which are enough to preserve a balanced ecosystem in Palestine.

"The waste water of settlements like Barkan and Ariel has damaged the Wadi Qana nature reserve, which is a clear example of Israel's damage to the environment," said al-Attirah.

The new plan announced by Bennett on Wednesday would see large areas of the West Bank confiscated in order to create those nature reserves or expand them.

Under the Oslo Accords signed in the 1990s, the West Bank is divided into three areas: Area A under Palestinian control, Area B under joint Palestinian and Israeli control, and Area C under full Israeli control. Area C accounts for over 60 percent of the West Bank's 5,655-square-km area.
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena's chief spokesperson and party's Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has triggered a controversy by claiming that the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, used to go and meet yesteryear's gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

"There was a time when Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, Sharad Shetty used to decide who would be Police Commissioner of Mumbai and who would sit in the `Mantralaya`. Indira Gandhi used to go and meet gangster Karim Lala. We`ve seen that underworld, now it`s just nothing,'' Raut said late on Wednesday.

The outspoken Shiv Sena made these remarks while speaking to a news channel during an award function. Recalling days of the underworld in Mumbai, Raut said gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel and Sharad Shetty used to control the metropolis and adjoining areas at one point of time.

"When Haji Mastan used to come to 'Mantralaya', the entire 'Mantralaya' would come down to see him. Indira Ji used to come to meet Karim Lala at his residence in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)," Raut claimed.

"Those were the days of the underworld. Later, everybody (dons) fled the country. Now there is nothing like that," the Shiv Sena leader remarked further. Late gangster Karim Lala operated liquor dens, gambling and extortion rackets in Mumbai between the 1960s to 1980s. He died in 2002.

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When quizzed if had photographed underworld dons, Raut claimed that he clicked pictures of many gangsters, including Dawood Ibrahim, who is key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

The Sena leader also claimed that he had once rebuked Dawood - believed to secretly residing in Pakistan now. "I have seen him, I have met him, I have spoken to him and I have also admonished him," he added.

It may be recalled that Raut's party led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is running a coalition government along with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra. Raut's remarks on Indira Gandhi has not gone down well within the Congress party, which has severely criticised Shiv Sena leader for his remarks and demanded an explanation.

Facing criticism from Congress, Raut later retracted his statement. ''Our friends from Congress need not feel hurt. If someone feels that my statement has hurt the image of Indira Gandhi Ji or hurt someone's feelings, I take back my statement,'' Raut said.

Meanwhile, the main opposition party in the state - BJP - has called for a thorough probe into Congress-underworld nexus. BJP's Ghatkopar MLA Ram Kadam has filed a police complaint in this regard.

Former Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar had attacked Congress after Raut's statement and alleged that the national party has always had a nexus with underworld dons and gangsters. Shelar also demanded a CBI probe into the claims made by Sanjay Raut regarding Indira Gandhi's alleged meetings with late gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.
The Congress government in Punjab has made every possible effort to fulfil its commitments, despite constraint of resources and an "empty treasury" inherited by it, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore said on Thursday.

Badnore made the remarks while addressing MLAs on the opening day of the Punjab assembly's two-day special session, even as opposition SAD and AAP members walked out from the House, alleging that the Amarinder Singh government had not fulfilled its promises.

The session has been specially convened to ratify the 126th Constitutional amendment to extend reservation for those belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes for another 10 years, Badnore said.

"The government has completed almost three years since it assumed office in March 2017. During this period, it has made every possible effort to fulfil its commitments, despite constraint of resources and an empty treasury inherited by it," the governor said in his speech reflecting the state government's initiatives.

It has re-established the rule of law, revived Punjab's economy and industry, maintained peace and amity at all costs, and made strenuous efforts to protect territorial and water rights of the state, Badnore said.

The Punjab government also "retained, restored and protected the rights of women, Dalits and other minorities and weaker sections of the state, provided for the measures to raise farmers' income and create more jobs in the state and provided debt relief to the farmers", he said.

The Punjab government has waived crop loans of Rs 4,736 crore of 5.83 lakh small and marginal farmers, who were indebted to various cooperative and commercial banks, Badnore said.

The waiver was given under the state's Farmers Debt Waiver scheme. It will continue in its next phase to achieve the targeted coverage, he said.

"Further, it (state government) is also working on a scheme of debt waiver for landless farm labourers who have taken loans from primary agricultural service societies," Badnore told the House during his 30-minute address.

He congratulated the government for successfully organising a series of events to mark the 550thbirth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev and said a historic landmark was achieved with the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor.

On the law and order front, he said, there has been a "perceptible decrease in crime" with the neutralisation of 12 'A-category' gangsters and arrest of 1931 members of different criminal gangs operating in the state. Besides these, the Punjab Police has busted 31 terrorist modules and arrested 151 terrorists, the governor said.

He said the government is fully alert to ensure right-based action to contain drug abuse in the state and added that the special task force set up in 2017 has proved to be very effective in comprehensively tackling the drug menace.

Touching upon the industry, he said the government has received investment proposals of Rs 57,735 crore on ground with potential to create 1.89 lakh jobs in the state.

The government proposes to introduce a new legislation 'Right to Business Act' to enhance ease of doing business for MSMEs in the state, he said.

With Punjab predominantly being an agricultural economy, the governor said the government has been giving greater thrust on measures that help increase farmers' income.

"Despite many challenges arising because of poor evacuation of food stocks from the state by the FCI, the government has ensured hassle free procurement of foodgrains for the last six crop seasons consecutively. The farmers have received an additional remuneration of Rs 44,000 crore during the last six crops procured by the government," he said.

Saving water and crop diversification remains a priority of the government and it has also requested the Centre to initiate and approve a national project to canalise state's three rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, the governor said.

He also touched upon steps being taken by state government on stubble burning issue.

The government intends to provide 14,953 free EWS houses to homeless SC/BC families under the Punjab Shehri Awas Yojna and the PM Awas Yojana for which deputy commissioners have identified over 6,000 acres of land, he said.

Towards the end of his speech, the governor told the members that the House is a true reflection on our secular democratic polity.You have always upheld these values as enshrined in our Constitution.., he said.

..

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- The winners of the first edition held in Malaysia will participate in the grand world final in Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector.

- The activities that will be carried out during the competition are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations.

BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Syafa Mustaffa and Aresha Suraya, of the International Islamic University Malaysia, winners of the first edition of the Roca One Day Design Challenge in Malaysia, Roca's express design competition, will travel to Barcelona, a benchmark in the design sector, from the 20th to the 22nd January to celebrate the first edition of the Master Design Challenge, along with the winners of all editions held all around the world in 2019.

This world final will challenge the young designers to show their qualities to discover who will be the winner among winners. It will be held in collaboration with the BCD (Barcelona Centre de Disseny) and the We Are Water Foundation.

All activities will focus on innovation, creativity, design and sustainability and will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by United Nations, in order to achieve a better future for all.

The proposals of the representatives of the 12 countries that will be attending the final will be assessed by an internationally acclaimed jury, made up of: Joao Bessa, designer and founder of BESSA; Josep Congost, Design and Innovation Director at Roca; Kenneth Koh, founder of Quarters Architects; Isabel Pintado, Regional Managing Director at Wilson Associates; Vladimir Pirozhkov, president of the 'Astra Rossa' industrial design and innovation center; Isabel Roig, general director of the Barcelona Center of Design; and Xavier Torras, Roca Brand Communication Director.

The winner will be able to attend the prestigious Boisbuchet Design and Architecture school at Lessac, France, and will be presented with 3,000 in prize money and a BenQ monitor for graphic design with a value of 1,190 .

Roca, leading brand in products for the bathroom space, organizes these initiatives to provide visibility to young talent. Roca One Day Design Challenge was first held in 2012 and since then its international expansion has increased over the years. The competition challenges young architecture and design students and professionals to create original and innovative products for the bathroom space in just one day.

Related Links

https://www.roca.es/



SOURCE Roca
A British teenager who was found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus has launched an appeal against her conviction.

Her lawyers have since said grounds for appeal against the public mischief conviction were submitted to the supreme court of Cyprus.

Michael Polak, from the Justice Abroad group, said the womans treatment was in clear contrast to that of the prosecution.

Activists protest outside the Famagusta District Court / Getty Images

Confirming the files were submitted on Thursday, he said: "When the trial proceedings are considered dispassionately, it is clear that the teenager did not receive a fair trial before the Famagusta District Court, and that her unfair treatment, and the treatment of her representatives and witness, was in clear contrast to the treatment the prosecution and its witness experienced.

"The conviction of the teenager not only breaches the teenager's rights under Cypriot law, but it also amounts to a breach of Cyprus's international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and as a member of the European Union."

Cyprus gang rape claim teen heading home after judge gives her a second chance

The teenager, who has not been named, claimed she was raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the town of Ayia Napa on July 17, before being charged herself after signing a retraction statement 10 days later.

She maintains she was raped, but was forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police following hours of questioning alone and without legal representation.

The dozen young men and boys, aged between 15 and 20, arrested over the incident were freed and returned home.

Immediately after last weeks hearing, the teenagers barrister Lewis Power QC said: The fight for her innocence will go on regardless.

We say and will maintain that this young girl was stripped both of her dignity and her basic human rights.
South of the U.S./Mexico between Arizona and Sonora, in the lush Yaqui Valley, there sits Ciudad Obregona city roughly the size of Wichita, Kansas, or Florence, Italy. This where entrepreneurs Luis Mario Felix and Jose Antonio Felix, owners of Ludica 59, are helping to plant a flag for specialty coffee in Mexico, outside of the world-class coffee scenes in cities like Mexico City and Guadelajara.

Ludica 59 opened in 2017, with a focus on bringing coffee quality to what they felt was an unexplored market. Coffee culture in Sonora is not like other parts of Mexicohere in the north, far from the coffee-producing regions of Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca, Mexican coffee producers and coffee lovers are disconnected by geography from coffee producers and consumers in the northern regions of the country. The Felix family wants to bridge that gap, and also to incorporate an educational component to the hospitality of their cafe. Customers will walk in during a production cupping, says Luis Mario, and suddenly it becomes a public cupping. These moments are invaluable from an educational perspective, and in fostering a sense of community and coffee culture here in Ciudad Obregon.

Today, Ludica 59 is meticulously sourcing and roasting Mexican coffees from various southern regions, though they had initially started as a multi-roaster. Luis Mario became inspired by Verve Coffee Roasters in the early stages of his coffee journey. He would often travel to Los Angeles to meet Verves staff in order to discuss coffee, culture, and community. During that time he also became energized by a well-known Mexican roaster based in Veracruz, Mexico, called Impetus Cafe. Both of these roasters were featured on Ludica 59s official coffee lineup for about a year, showcasing coffee not just from Mexico, but other parts of the world as well. This slowly introduced consumers to various flavor profiles aside from Mexican coffees.

Shortly after that, Luis Mario, his wife, and brother embarked on trips to origin with Impetus Cafe, to Veracruz. By doing so, Luis Mario realized the importance of becoming a roaster himself in order to display quality Mexican coffees to drinkers in Sonora. Impetus became a pivotal company by assisting Luis Mario in green coffee sourcing and purchasing. Luis Mario says that as part of his sourcing practices and ethical filters, he needs to believe 100% in the producer and the coffee in order to serve it to customers. I am the first customer of Ludica 59, he says. With that same mentality and focus, Ludica 59 has an intentional menu, ranging from various extraction methods like Hario V60, Clever, and French press, to espresso-based beverages as well as blended drinks and a range of traditional pastries incorporating local ingredients.

Ludica 59 is a brand on the grow, expanding to open multiple retail shops across the city. One of those is located inside a high school, where the Felix family can gradually introduce specialty coffee to the younger crowd; the other is managed by sister Emma Sylvia Felix under the brand Eureka 59, and housed inside of a busy coworking space. In Spanish, the word ludica refers to the act of learning and dominating various techniques, but there is also another hidden meaning, according to Luis Marioludica it can also mean leisure. That balance fits the brand just right: these are pleasurable, leisurely spaces, but with a huge emphasis on the preparation of every cup of coffee. Ciudad Obregon has much to be proud of.

David Palazuelos is a freelance contributor. Read more David Palazuelos for Sprudge.
Numerous news outlets, and even those within dairy circles, continue to publish internet click candy articles stating Wisconsin has experienced historic dairy farm losses.

On a numbers basis, that is inaccurate.

On a percentage basis, Wisconsin did indeed post the highest percentage loss in dairy farms dating back to 1992.

Thats the year when Hoards Dairyman began collaborating with the American Farm Bureau Federation to track national statistics related to the number of licensed dairy farms in each state, as noted in our Chronicles of Courage. Those numbers represent commercial dairy farms holding a license to sell milk. At the time, USDA had only tracked farms with milk cows. That included families with a few backyard cows to supply milk with no intention to sell milk to a dairy processing plant.

To gather that information, Ken Olson, who worked on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation at the time, contacted each state to gather permit numbers from state agencies. In the case of Wisconsin, the dairy farm totals came from its Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection. In 2004, USDA deemed this an important metric, so it took over the national data collection from Hoards Dairyman and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

A deeper dairy dive

There is no debating that milk prices have left dairy farm balance sheets in shambles. Its been a tragedy that any dairy farm family has been forced to leave the dairy business or prematurely retire due to the recent economic conditions.

However, one must still be accurate with the statistics.

The Wisconsin numbers



1993 to 2001, Wisconsins dairy farm exits (on a number basis) ranged from a low of 1,161 in 1993 to a high of 1,802 in 1994.

2002 to 2014, the dairy farms exits moderated to some degree with 2008s 440 sell-offs the low total and 2003s 911 departures being the high watermark.

2015 to 2018, the Badger States dairy farm closures ranged from 390 to 580.

Then came 2019, when 818 dairy farms called it quits  the highest total since 2003s 911.

The Wisconsin percentages

Indeed, the 10.1 percentage figure for 2019 is an alarming statistic . . . and thats been the drumbeat in monthly articles from media outlets. However, there were significant departures in 2001 when 8.3% of Wisconsin dairy farms called it quits.

When looking at the aforementioned time periods, here are the percentages:



1993 to 2001, Wisconsins dairy farm exits (on a percentage basis) ranged from a low of 3.71% in 1993 to a high of 8.3% in 2001.

2002 to 2014, dairy farms exits moderated to some degree, with 2005s 3.02% and 2006s 3.05% departures being the low watermark and 2013s 5.48% sell-offs were the high total.

2015 to 2018, the Badger States dairy farm closures ranged from 3.79% to 6.49%. Then came 2019, when 10.1% dairy farms called it quits  the highest total since national tracking began in 1992.

Editors note: As a point of information, year-end totals used in the Hoards Dairyman, American Farm Bureau Federation, and USDAs dairy farm numbers do not perfectly mirror Wisconsins DATCP data as each dataset has a different month for year-end final data.





To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020

January 13, 2020
President Hassan Rouhani spoke today at a ceremony for the Central Bank, where he discussed rising tensions with the United States and Irans upcoming parliamentary elections, in which a number of Reformists and moderates were banned from running by the conservative Guardian Council.

Regarding Irans bombing of the US Ain al-Assad base in Iraq in retaliation for the US strike that killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, Rouahani said, It is very few countries that bomb a [US] base. He added, It is very important that we can shake their base in the middle of the night and keep the Pentagon up for 24 hours and leave them no options but to retreat from their threats. Rouhani was referring to President Donald Trumps tweets that he will target 52 Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliates for the killing of Soleimani.

Rouhani also stressed the importance of high participation rates in the parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in February.

On Jan. 12, Irans 12-member conservative Guardian Council  half of which are selected directly by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the other half nominated by parliament  disqualified dozens of current parliamentarians from running again, specifically Reformists and moderates. The disqualifications included some well-known Reformists and moderate figures such as Mahmoud Sadeghi and Ali Motahhari.

In response to his disqualification, Motahhari, who has been a member of parliament since 2008 and is the son of Morteza Motahhari, one of the main theoreticians of the Islamic Republic, said he believes he was disqualified because he held views that are in opposition to some held by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Khamenei, however, Khamenei himself has welcomed those with differing views, meaning the Guardian Council is operating contrary to Khameneis own wishes.

Yesterday Rouhani was much more forceful in his criticism of the Guardian Councils decision to disqualify so many candidates. This way is not an election," Rouhani said. "This is not diversity. He told the council it was making a large population into the opposition.

Rouhani invoked Soleimani, saying that he was a non-partisan figure who got along with all political factions in the country and would seek everyones counsel. Lets implement the philosophy of Soleimani; lets become one and stand next to each other, Rouahani said.

Rouhanis message of national unity did not sit well with the Guardian Council. In a statement, it said, In a situation where the country needs unity, officials comments are expected to be more thought out and refrain from creating tension. The statement also accused the president of being uninformed on how the qualification process for candidates works.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.16

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Chairman of Kazakhstans Senate Dariga Nazarbayeva advocated the need to reconsider the program for development of countrys agro-industrial complex due to the decline in production and stagnation in the sector, Trend reports with reference to the press office of Senate.

Nazarbayeva made the remarks at the meeting with leadership of Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurship and KazAgro National Management Holding.

It was noted that two trillion tenge ($5.2 billion) was spent on subsidies within the framework of existing state programs for agro-industrial complex development; however, the industrys main indicators did not increase and even significantly stalled.

Kazakhstan is an import-dependent country in terms of goods processing. This negatively affects countrys food security, and constant changes seriously affect agricultural producers, the report said.

Lack of coordination between government agencies was also noted. Weak system of veterinary support was also named as one of the key problems in animal husbandry development.

Numerous reforms in veterinary medicine have significantly weakened control over veterinary conditions in the country, as evidenced by the increasing incidence of dangerous animal diseases outbreaks. Another problem is falsification of reporting statements, the report said.

The issue of the agricultural machinery service was also raised during the meeting. As an example, the work of service centers in other countries was noted, where even the most complex repairs according to the standard take three hours to solve, whereas in Kazakhstan the repair time varies from 12 days to three months. In this regard, it was proposed to reconsider the operating conditions of agricultural machinery service companies.

Nazarbayeva noted that state support is needed in this issue, due to the fact that expensive service, in turn, will affect the cost of end product.

Another problem raised during the meeting was the need to make amendments to the current legislation regarding the simplification of the unused agricultural land withdrawal.

Following the meeting, Nazarbayeva ordered the Committee on Agrarian Issues, Nature Management and Rural Development to study issues raised during the meeting and prepare agenda for discussion at the parliamentary hearings.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
Felers reaching us from Rome indicate that the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano is unhappy with the insinuation on social media that the knighthood bestowed on him by Pope Francis on Wednesday has placed him above every knight in South East Nigeria.

He was alleged to be angry that what ought to be a happy moment for his family and friends had been twisted into an outlandish tale of arrogance and chest-thumping by social media users who are unaware of the harm their insinuations would cause.

"I don't want this rare ocassion of joy and muted happiness in my family to be ruined by those who are making boastful claims that I'm now superior to every other knight in Igboland. That is not my attitude. That is not my way," he reportedly declared.

Sources close to the governor in Rome revealed that the governor's countenance changed when he read social media stories alleging that he had become the leader of all Catholic knights in the South East. "He didn't take kindly to those reports and regretted that the authors may have pitched some people against him without meaning to," the source further explained.

According to him, Governor Obiano was just content that Pope Francis had found him worthy of the great honour of becoming a knight. "I think that was enough for him," the source d.
A 12-year-old girl was found alive on Wednesday after being buried for 18 hours when an avalanche in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir engulfed her family's house.

Samina Bibi recalled screaming and shouting for help as she lay trapped in a room under the snow.

The death toll from Monday's avalanches in Neelum Valley, in the Himalayan region disputed by Pakistan and India, rose to 74, according to Pakistani officials, as rescuers continued to recover bodies.

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. 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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. 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Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Samina was one of the lucky ones. I thought I would die there, she told Reuters from a hospital bed in Muzaffarabad, where she and dozens of other injured people were receiving treatment after being airlifted out of the avalanche area.

For Samina's mother, Shahnaz Bibi, who lost a son and another daughter, the rescue was nothing short of a miracle. After being pulled out of the snow earlier, Ms Bibi said she and her brother, Irshad Ahmad, had given up hope of finding Samina alive.

Recommended 54 dead amid extreme weather in South Asia

Samina said she could not sleep while she waited to be rescued. Her leg was fractured and blood was oozing from her mouth.

For the family, the disaster happened very fast. We didn't hear a rumble, Ms Bibi said, recalling the moments before the avalanche buried the three-storey house where she and her family were sheltering with others from the village. At least 18 of them died.

Samina and her family were huddled round a fire when the avalanche hit. It happened in the blink of an eye, Ms Bibi said.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said the total number of deaths in snow-hit areas in Pakistan over the last couple of days had jumped to 100. More heavy snowfall is expected in the region from Friday.

Another 10 people were killed in the Indian part of the Kashmir valley.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. In 2012, an avalanche engulfed a Pakistani army headquarters near the Indian border, killing at least 124 soldiers and 11 civilians.

Reuters
New Delhi: Even as Jammu and Kashmir staggers towards normalcy after the abrogation of Article 370 in the region, we also come close to marking 30 years of the mass exodus of Kashmiri pandits from Jammu and Kashmir. On January 19, 1990, Kashmiri pandits had to flee their homes in the face of threats and violence that they were being subjected to by the Muslim fanatics.

As per the recorded accounts of the Kashmiri pandits who left Jammu and Kashmir, the Islamists had a very specific message for the Sikhs and Hindus. A message which said, "Ralive, Tsaliv ya Galive (either convert to Islam, leave the land, or die)."

While there was no official count of the Kashmiri pandits who fled the land during the 1990s, according to different estimates, 5 to 7 lakh Kashmiri Pandits left their homes. The displaced Kashmiri pandits were left with no choice than to leave their homes and move to other parts of India, particularly to the refugee camps in Jammu region of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Live TV

As per a documentary produced by Creative Hindu Alliance and Mohan Wanchoo, testimonies of Kashmiri Pandits who left Kashmir and are now settled in America talk about the horrors they faced in Jammu and Kashmir during that phase. Aditya Bakaya speaks about how terrorists shed blood under the guise of demonstrations by Muslim women and stones were handed to small children as young as 6-7 years.

"The kind of freedom slogans that are being chanted on the streets of India today are similar to the ones chanted 30 years ago on the streets of Kashmir. Slogans were raised to make Kashmir according to the rule of Prophet Mohammad. Also, Pakistan's currency was being distributed among the Kashmiri Muslims and they were being asked to follow the standard time of Pakistan," he said.

People like Virender Haque, Neerja Sadhu, Shashi Tikoo Ganju, and Neerja Haku are some Kashmiri Pandits who have seen this phase very closely and have suffered the pain of leaving their homes and city. It was revealed that in 1990, preparations were made to make Kashmir slaughter of Hindus. Pakistan TV channels were played in Kashmir at those times. These channels use to run propaganda against Hindus. Now, these Pakistani channels are completely banned in Kashmir.

These claims have been made by Kashmiris who used to live in the region in the 1990s and are recounting the atrocities they saw or faced, Zee News does not claim these to be facts.






TOKYO  Japanese attorneys representing Carlos Ghosn, including lead lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, quit on Thursday following the former Nissan chiefs flight to Lebanon from Japan, where he had been fighting financial misconduct charges.

Hironaka had been representing Ghosn in his defense against financial misconduct charges. His move, announced Thursday, was widely expected after Ghosn escaped to Lebanon late last month.

A second lawyer in Ghosns three-person legal team, Takashi Takano, also quit on Thursday, according to an official at his office.

A person who answered the telephone at the office of the third lawyer, Hiroshi Kawatsu, said she did not know if he still represented the former automotive executive.

Hironaka said in a statement that the entire team working on the case at his office will quit but did not outline reasons. He has said before he felt some empathy for Ghosn's reasons for escape, while stressing he had hoped to win vindication in court.

Hironaka is respected for winning high-profile cases in this nation where the conviction rate is higher than 99%. Among the cases he has handled is that of Atsuko Muraki, a Welfare Ministry official accused of falsely approving a group to qualify for mail discounts. She was acquitted in 2010.

Also Thursday, Nissan released steps it was taking to prevent a recurrence of Ghosn's scandal, and reiterated its denouncement of Ghosn. The automaker said in a report submitted to the Tokyo Stock Exchange that Ghosn had the authority to single-handedly determine directors' compensation and such information was not shared with other departments at the company. The underreporting of his future compensation is among the allegations Ghosn faced in Tokyo.

In a news conference last week in Beirut, Ghosn insisted again that he was innocent of the charges, which also included breach of trust in diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. He said he fled because he felt he could not expect a fair trial in Japan.

Story continues

Ghosn's flight while he was out on bail awaiting trial means his case will not go on in Japan. Interpol has issued a wanted notice but his extradition from Lebanon is unlikely.

Ghosn has accused Nissan and Japanese officials of conspiring to bring him down to block a fuller integration of Nissan with its French alliance partner Renault SA of France.

Ghosn, who has signed on an international team of lawyers, has expressed willingness to stand trial in Lebanon.

Nissan also said that Ghosn obtained compensation from a venture company in the Netherlands set up Mitsubishi, a smaller Japanese automaker with which Nissan set up an alliance under Ghosn. Ghosn has denied wrongdoing about the spending at the venture.

Nissan said independent outside directors had been added to its board. It denied recent reports about troubles in the Renault alliance, and has stressed the alliance remains strong.

Japanese prosecutors have said repeatedly they are confident they have a case, and Ghosn's flight underlines how he sought to skirt the law.

Ghosn led Nissan, based in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, for two decades, rescuing it from near-bankruptcy.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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The European parliament has passed a resolution condemning Burundi for restricting freedom of expression and violating human rights ahead of elections due in May this year.

The resolution passed on Thursday states that EU lawmakers are concerned about the governments intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrest of journalists, human rights activists and members of the opposition.

It says the media in the East African nation work in a climate of fear, creating conditions that are not conducive for credible elections.

Burundi government officials were not immediately reachable for comment on the resolution. The government has previously consistently denied violating human rights or restricting freedom of expression.

President Pierre Nkurunziza, who won a referendum last year that could allow him to stay in power until 2034, has said repeatedly that he will not seek a fourth term in office, but his ruling party has not named a candidate for the vote.

Hundreds of Burundians have been killed in clashes with security forces since 2015 when Mr Nkurunziza won his third term in office.

The opposition said his candidacy violated the terms of a peace deal that ended the East African nations civil war  but Mr Nkurunziza disputed this.

The EU parliamentary resolution is non-binding, but it adds to a steady stream of international criticism.

U.N. investigators warned in a September report that Burundi was at risk of a new wave of atrocities as the election neared and that there was a climate of intimidation against anyone who did not show support for the ruling party.

Burundis Human Rights Minister Martin Nivyabandi told Reuters at the time that the government denied the allegations.

The content of the report doesnt match the reality known within the country, he said.

The EU resolution condemned the governments decision to charge four Burundian journalists with undermining state security after their arrest in October 2019 while covering clashes between rebels and government forces in the north-west of the country.

In December 2019, the public prosecutor asked for a 15-year sentence for the journalists.

The journalists detention and trial comes amidst a suffocating atmosphere for Burundian journalists, said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa Director at Human Rights Watch.

These are no conditions for free and fair elections.

(Reuters/NAN)
By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Six Democratic U.S. presidential candidates sparred over war and trade, gender and health care, in a pressure-packed debate in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, with the first nominating contest in the state less than three weeks away.

Here is how each of them fared:

JOE BIDEN

The former vice president, who has been showing fresh signs of competitiveness in Iowa and New Hampshire, and who still leads in polls nationally, needed only a steady performance on the evening and largely delivered it.

He benefited from much of the attention staying on the flap between progressive allies Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren over whether he once told her a woman could not win the White House in 2020, which allowed Biden to stay above the fray.

When Sanders did turn his attention to Biden, it was regarding issues that have long been part of Bidens record: his vote as a senator in favor of the Iraq war and his support for global trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Beyond Sanders, Biden was hardly challenged, even by other moderates such as Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar, who may have the most to gain from him faltering.

Bottom line: Biden's ship stayed on course.

BERNIE SANDERS

Coming into the debate, Sanders campaign had been rocked first by reports that his volunteers had denigrated Warren to Iowa voters and then by another report that he had told Warren in a private 2018 meeting that a woman could not be elected to be president in 2020.

When the U.S. senator from Vermont was asked by a debate moderator whether he indeed made the remark to Warren, he forcefully denied it. But Warren insisted he had, essentially accusing Sanders of lying.

The tension between the two was palpable - as were the conflicts between their supporters on social media. Warren even refused to shake Sanders hand afterward.

The main question for Sanders going forward is whether the row with Warren slows some of the momentum his campaign had been building at a time when progressive and moderate Democrats alike want less intra-party fighting and more of a united front against their common enemy - Republican President Donald Trump.

Story continues

Bottom line: Sanders may face questions about his appeal to women.

ELIZABETH WARREN

Did Warren get the better of the exchange with Sanders over gender? Likely. She attempted to take the high road and not dwell on what he may or may not have said.

Still, in a thinly veiled case against the most unapologetically liberal candidate in the race, Warren said there was a real danger in Democrats picking a candidate who cant pull our party together or someone who takes for granted big parts of the Democratic constituency.

She said, We need a candidate who will excite all parts of the Democratic Party, bring everyone in.

There is also no mistaking that her campaign, whether it intended to or not, has now put gender front and center in a way it had not before.

Warren explicitly made the case that women, in fact, make for better candidates than men. Look at the men on this stage, she said. Collectively, they have lost 10 elections.

Bottom line: Warren is making a high-stakes bet on gender.

PETE BUTTIGIEG

In a different debate, the 37-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, might have been the top target of the evening. He has surprised  and at times annoyed  his rivals with his staying power. Polls show him a major player in both Iowa and New Hampshire, the two early voting states.

His lack of political experience and his lack of support from voters of color remain significant weakness, but both went largely unremarked upon on Tuesday. At one point, Klobuchar was given an opportunity to take a shot at Buttigiegs record and let it pass.

For his part, Buttigieg did what he has done at most debates: provide solid, if slightly wonky, answers to every question. He, more than anyone in the race, may benefit from being able to campaign while the U.S. senators in the race return to Washington for Trump's impeachment trial.

Bottom line: Buttigieg got a pass.

AMY KLOBUCHAR

The U.S. senator from Minnesota likely needed a dominating performance on Tuesday to gain some real traction in the race. Polls show her still trailing behind the top grouping of candidates in Iowa, where she must perform well to remain a viable candidate.

To that end, Klobuchar, more than any other candidate on stage, repeatedly turned the conversation back toward Trumps presidency. When she did focus on the rivals, she, as she has done before, effectively delivered a critique against the progressive agenda of Sanders and Warren.

But time is running out for Klobuchar, and she'll have to spend much of her time off the campaign trail and back in Washington for the upcoming impeachment trial.

Bottom line: A strong night, but likely not enough.

TOM STEYER

The billionaire from California was a last-minute qualifier for the debate and largely remained an afterthought throughout the evening, failing to make a case why he would make a better Democratic nominee than the other candidates on stage.

He was able to continually bring up his number-one issue, climate change.

His willingness to spend millions of his own dollars on his campaign, however, means that he could end up playing a spoiler role later in the race. He has shown surprising strength in polls of the early voting states Nevada and South Carolina.

Bottom line: Still at the big-kids table. For now.

(Reporting by James Oliphant, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Sonya Hepinstall)
A new caravan of hundreds of Honduran migrants set out bound for the US on Wednesday.

The caravan had reached the Central American country's border with Guatemala by the afternoon - where they were met with resistance.

Newly inaugurated Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said travel agreements between Central American nations required Guatemala to grant the migrants passage.

But Guatemalan police appeared to be detaining migrants at the Corinto crossing, apparently to demand they show identification.

'We cannot prevent people who have identification' from entering, Giammattei said. 'We are going to ask for their papers from the parents of guardians in the caravan, and if they don't have them they will be returned to Honduras. We have to protect the rights of children.'

A Honduran man carries a baby on a Guatemalan road after several migrants were able to break a police fence at the border crossing between Corinto, Honduras and Puerto Barrio, Guatemala

Hundreds of Hondurans were out early Wednesday and formed a caravan that was making its way to the Guatemalan border in hopes of crossing through their Central American neighbor's land and reaching Mexico and hopefully making their way to the United States border to apply for asylum

The caravan is reminiscent of last year's steady stream of migrants that streamed through Guatemala and Mexico bound for the US.

In April, more than 1,100 Hondurans crossed Guatemala and Mexico causing President Trump to threaten to close the U.S.-Mexico border, before changing course and threatening tariffs on automobiles produced in Mexico if that country does not stop the flow of Central American migrants.

Most subsequent attempts at forming caravans have been broken up by police and the national guard in Mexico, which has come under increased U.S. pressure to prevent migrants from arriving at the U.S. border.

Giammattei met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard early on Wednesday, and later told reporters that Mexico was determined to halt the caravan's advance.

The Guatemalan leader inherited a contentious deal that his predecessor's government struck with Washington designed to make migrants from Honduras and El Salvador seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States.

'The Mexican government told us that they won't let it pass,' said Giammattei, 'that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing.'

Some Hondurans waved their country's flag while walking and hitching rides from the city of San Pedro Sula, and shouted slogans against President Juan Orlando Hernandez as they made their way towards the Guatemalan border.

A Honduran family makes its way through the streets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, as hundreds formed a migrant caravan early Wednesday with the goal of crossing into Guatemala before continuing on to Mexico with the United States border being their final stop

Most countries don't allow minors to travel without the consent of their parents or guardians, and some participants in past caravans have traveled with children who are not theirs.

'We are going to be extremely demanding as far as minors are concerned,' Giammattei said.

Some migrants said they were aware that getting to the United States would be tough, but said they would try anyway.

'We aren't living here, we're just surviving,' said Elmer Garcia, 26, a migrant from the town of Comayagua who set out from San Pedro Sula early Wednesday. 'So it doesn't make much difference if you die there, or die here.'

Migrants ride on top of a truck moving along the highway, in hopes of reaching the distant United States, from San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Migrants walk along a highway in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in hopes of making it to United States border to apply for asylum

A baby sleeps while her Honduran family waited to board a bus early Wednesday in San Pedro Sula and travel to the Guatemala in an attempt to cross the border and make it to Mexico with their final destination being the United States southern border

Gerson Noe Monterroso, 34, has been unemployed for the last five years. He left his hometown of Choloma, just north of San Pedro Sula, in hopes of finding a job and sending money back to his family.

Monterroso set out with his toddler son in his arms, but left his other children with their grandparents in Choloma.

'Here in Honduras, opportunities are scarce and crime is unbearable,' Monterroso said. 'We are not even safe in our own homes.'

This, by his own account, was his third attempt to reach the United States. He was turned back the other two times.

The prospects for any kind of caravan like the one in 2018 - which involved thousands of people - appear remote. Many of the migrants from the 2018 caravan applied for asylum, something that is now difficult or impossible.

Hundreds of Honduran migrants started walking and hitching rides Wednesday from the city of San Pedro Sula, in a bid to form the kind of migrant caravan that reached the U.S. border in 2018 and sparked President Donald Trump's strict immigration policy

Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei said Wednesday that travel agreements between Central American nations required Guatemala to grant the migrants passage on the

San Pedro Sula, one of Central America's most violent cities, also was the departure point for a large caravan in 2018 that angered Trump, prompting him to press governments in the region to do more to contain migration.

Guatemala's former President Jimmy Morales last July agreed with the Trump administration to implement measures aimed at reducing U.S. asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador, averting Trump's threat of economic sanctions.

The U.S. has used a carrot-and-stick approach in bilateral agreements struck since July with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to deny people an opportunity to apply for asylum in the U.S.

They are instead to be sent to Central America with an opportunity to ask for protection there.

A group of Honduran migrants camp out after crossing the Guatemala border Wednesday

A bevy of Honduran migrants trek through a road in Entre Rios, Guatemala, after they were cleared at the border Wednesday

'The truth is, it is going to be impossible for them to reach the United States,' said human rights activist Itsmania Platero. 'The Mexican police have a large contingent and they are going to catch all the migrants without documents and they will be detained and returned to their home countries.'

Israel Connor, a Nicaraguan who has been living in Honduras since fleeing political and social unrest in his home country, was undeterred. He set out Wednesday with his wife Darlen Suazo and their three children, aged 3 to 5.

'We are going to struggle, but if God is with us, nobody can stop us,' said Connor. 'We know we are going to get through Guatemala, and God will soften the hearts of the Mexican authorities.'

That was similar to rhetoric heard from migrants in the first caravans, but things have changed since then.

Immigration analyst Sally Valladares told local media: 'The risks have become much higher because of Mexico's threats of deportations, but also because, when they are not able to cross (Mexico) as part of a caravan, they are going to search out routes as individuals, and they could fall into the clutches of criminal gangs that prey on migrants.'
Chennai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2020 -- S.H. Industrial Needs, established in the year 1987, is a leading broad-line supplier of MRO products or industrial consumables sourced from the world's leading manufacturers. The distributor is a single-source supply partner to the oil and gas, marine, shipbuilding, wind turbine, heavy engineering, energy and automotive industries across India, as well as in the Middle East, Sri Lanka and Africa. S.H. Industrial Needs distributes more than one million products globally. The distributor also has extensive experience in managing MRO contracts.



In a recently held industry event, the spokesperson of S.H. Industrial Needs said, "We now source industrial consumables from more than 3,000 reputed brands across the globe. We even import and supply every product that is listed in the Grainger and McMaster-Carr catalogues. Our product categories range from abrasives to adhesive sealant tapes, cleaning and janitorial products, electrical items, fasteners, and fleet and vehicle maintenance equipment. Our clients can also go for industrial hardware, HVAC refrigeration, hydraulics, lab supplies, lifting tackles, lubrication products, and machines and motors."



S.H. Industrial Needs adds to the value chain at every turn, helping to reduce working cost, increase production efficiency, and reduce total cost acquisitions. This reflects in its cost-effective offerings to its clients. The distributor can also make the supply within short lead times when its clients require any spares for their imported machinery or equipment. At S.H. Industrial Needs, they can find a variety of products, such as material handling equipment, outdoor equipment, painting equipment, pneumatics, plumbing items, pumps, and safety and security products.



The spokesperson also asserted, "Among our spray products, we now provide the zinc spray. It has a silver metallic degree of gloss that is similar-to hot-dip galvanization. The spray is heat resistant up to 300 degrees Celsius. The durable anti-corrosive quality for the repair of zinc-plated surfaces matched in color makes the zinc-aluminum primer particularly consumer-friendly. It is also suitable for coating blank metals to protect them from corrosion. The tamper-proof cap of the zinc spray bottle avoids its unauthorized use."



In addition to the best galvanizing spray, the distributor supplies a wide range of electrical adhesive tapes for those who want to buy 3M electrical tapes. Apart from that, S.H. Industrial Needs offers insulating and splicing tapes, corrosion protection tapes and special-use tapes. These include the Scotch Super 33+ Professional Use Premium Vinyl Electrical Tape, Scotch 35 Professional Use Vinyl Electrical Tape for Color Coding, Temflex 1500 Vinyl Electrical Tape, Tartan 1710 Vinyl Electrical Tape, Scotch 13 Semiconducting Tape, Scotch Pipe Primer, and Scotch-Seal 2229 Mastic Tape Compound.



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Lev Parnas sat down for an extensive interview with MSNBC to discuss allegations against Donald Trump: MSNBC

An associate of Rudy Giuliani has claimed the Trump donor who allegedly spied on former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch was drunk all the time.

In an explosive interview with MSNBC, Lev Parnas, an associate of Donald Trumps personal lawyer, dismissed suggestions that Republican activist Robert Hyde was tracking the movements of Ms Yovanovitch.

Documents released by Congress on Tuesday suggested the former US ambassador to Ukraine, who was ousted by Mr Trump in May 2019, had been placed under surveillance, prompting calls for an investigation into Mr Hydes alleged actions.

However, Mr Parnas has told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow he doubted the credibility of the Trump donors claims.

I dont believe its true, I think he was either drunk or he was trying to make himself bigger than he was so I didnt take it seriously, Mr Parnas said.

Ms Maddow then pushed him on that explanation by noting his conversations with Mr Hyde took place over a number of days.

It wasnt like one drunk night  this went for seven days. He couldnt have been drunk the whole time, she said.

Oh no, he is. He was drunk the whole time, Mr Parnas replied, laughing.

He wakes up and hes drunk, he starts at 6 I mean, Ive never seen him not drunk.

In text messages released by Congress, Mr Hyde can be seen telling the Giuliani associate he had unnamed sources who could let [him] know when she [Ms Yovanovitch] is on the move and suggested he knew when the ambassador's phone and computer were turned off.

The former ambassadors lawyer responded to the claim by calling for an investigation into Mr Hyde.

The notion that American citizens and others were monitoring ambassador Yovanovitch's movements for unknown purposes is disturbing, the lawyer said in a statement.

Ms Yovanovitch became a key figure in the impeachment inquiry of Mr Trump after she was removed from her position following a smear campaign against her by allies of the president.

It has been suggested that the ambassador was removed because she would have blocked attempts by the Trump administration to pressure Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, into announcing an investigation into 2020 candidate Joe Biden.

Story continues

Mr Parnas, who has been indicted for campaign finance violations, said on Wednesday that the only motivation for removing Ms Yovanovitch was to stop her from blocking an investigation.

The associate also implicated Mr Trump and senior members of his administration, such as vice president Mike Pence and attorney general William Barr, in the Ukraine scandal which has become the basis for the presidents impeachment.

He said Mr Trump knew exactly what was going on with the alleged scheme and insisted Mr Giuliani was never investigating corruption in Ukraine.

The president and Mr Giuliani have both denied wrongdoing, as have Mr Pence and Mr Barr.

Mr Hyde has dismissed the allegations against him as laughable and said he will provide his email password and phone to investigators if needed.

Read more

Trump 'knew exactly what was going on' during Ukraine plot
For many small merchants, it seemed Black Friday was more beige than black.

Black Friday is the biggest sales day of the year, but its often dominated by massive merchants. For smaller businesses, there are other peak sales days that might be better suited to their unique positioning. These alternative sales events provide small merchants with opportunities to target new customers and grow revenue, provided they are equipped to capitalize on them.

Perhaps unusually, for an American import, Black Friday quickly has become a European phenomenon. Black Friday was the busiest shopping day of 2018, with more transactions than any other day of the year. There were 21 percent more transactions in Europe than the next busiest peak sales day, Singles Day. There were 90 percent more transactions on Black Friday compared to the average Friday in 2018 throughout Europe, and 175 percent more spent than on an average Friday.

If Black Friday is the biggest sales day of the year, is it necessarily the best? The sheer scale of the event can make it difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to achieve any cut-through or make an impact.

E-commerce giants, notably Amazon, have extensive customer bases, ubiquitous brand presences, and colossal marketing budgets that give them an edge. Smaller merchants, with their limited brand recognition and inability to compete on discounts, struggle to contend for sales during Black Friday.

This is compounded in the case of growing businesses that dont have an adequate payments setup to cope with the increased demand.

What it ultimately means is that for many merchants, Black Friday is more of a Beige Friday for businesses that struggle to get the attention they deserve and dont see the spike in sales they would

Alternative Peak Sales Days

Luckily, Black Friday isnt the only peak sales day for merchants. A decade ago, the overall volume of sales would stay reasonably level throughout the year, with only a few peaks around major holidays. Today, however, there are more sales spikes during the year than ever before, and the number is increasing all the time.

There are the obvious international sales periods, including festivities like Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day, Halloween and so on. There are also local celebrations like Bastille Day in France, Bank Holiday weekends in the UK, and various national days across Europe.

Were also seeing merchants create their own peak sales moments. Amazon created its own annual Prime Day, and six French retailers (Casino Group, Showroomprive.com, Carrefour, Fnac Darty, Boulanger and La Redoute) collaborated to create French Days. Sales events like Barbecue Day have been established to push specific product categories  for example, promoting charcoal grills during the summer.

This isnt just limited to the large merchants  smaller businesses can get in on this too. American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010, encouraging consumers to shop at their local neighborhood stores on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Amex also runs a Shop Small campaign in which cardholders receive cash back for shopping at participating local businesses.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Independent record stores, spurred by the resurgence in popularity of vinyl, created Record Store Day, which often includes exclusive releases from prominent artists. Small bookstores see massive increases in sales around World Book Day.

Reaching New Customers With New Shopping Experiences

Based on peak sales transaction data over the past three years, consumers increasingly are happy to buy from e-commerce merchants in other countries. Cross-border sales rose by 70 percent on Black Friday, and by 71 percent on Cyber Monday last year.

Consumers increasingly value aspects of the shopping experience beyond discounts. Just 45 percent of UK consumers and 37 percent of Belgian shoppers valued discounts above all other considerations when shopping online, research indicated. Instead of discounts, half of Spanish consumers prefer incentives such as unique products, loyalty and referral bonuses, extended returns, or free next-day shipping. This high demand for alternatives to discounts is seen across Europe  46 percent in Belgium, 34 percent in Netherlands and 27 percent in the UK.

To tap into this growing cross-border opportunity, make sure your site can cater to these shoppers. International customers likely will complete a transaction only if theyre met with a checkout configuration they recognize and feel comfortable using. Offering local currency choices alongside payment preference options, such as iDEAL for the Netherlands or Carte Bancaire for France, will enhance your chances of conversion.

To attract buyers, SMBs should consider value-adds over discounts for the upcoming peak sales season. Price cuts might get consumers onto the site, but other incentives will ensure they return when normal service resumes. Such repeat business is far more valuable in the long term than short-term sales conversions.

SMBs also can develop other aspects of the shopping experience to target cross-border customers. Unique niche products and services play to the strength of a smaller business. Offering deep personalization options wherever possible  name engravings, customized product color schemes, etc.  can add the personal touch that many shoppers expect from smaller merchants.

Similarly, highlighting any click-and-collect options, as well as free delivery or returns policies, can give consumers the trust they need to shop at a new outlet.

Customer service is another area in which SMBs can outdo larger merchants. If theres one thing that shoppers hate, its having to deal with faceless, automated customer service systems. Smaller businesses can have direct, personal communication with potential customers  answering questions and making recommendations of the right products for the individual.

The Payments Experience

More and more, consumers rank payment simplicity high when shopping during peak sales events. This is an often-overlooked aspect of the shopping experience  particularly for smaller businesses  but its an important component for which there are some easily implemented solutions.

Creating a frictionless checkout and payment experience, such as offering single-click checkout and ensuring mobile functionality for payment pages, can increase consumer engagement.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Difficulty viewing products on a small screen may prove a minor irk for some consumers, but poor checkout configuration can have a significantly negative impact on merchants conversion rates. Investing in user experience to make the mobile shopping experience smoother and simpler will increase sales and avoid shopping cart abandonment.

These features make the shopping experience smoother and simpler, especially because customers are making purchases on mobile more often during peak sales periods.

In this regard, keeping up with the latest technology not only gives brands a pioneering image, but also means theyre well equipped for the future.

An advanced mobile platform opens the door to other tools and revenue enhancers, such as conversational commerce. Delivered via chatbot conversations in messaging apps, this new purchasing method provides a distinctive, highly engaging user experience  along with customer intimacy in what can be quite an impersonal digital world.

Localization is also incredibly important, particularly for cross-border purchases. Every region has specific expectations of the payment experience, which means offering local payment options and currencies is crucial. Customers from abroad are far more likely to convert if they see that they can pay with their preferred payment method or in their local currency.

Compliance and Regulation

Whether merchants deploy new technologies or not, they need to be aware of the latest regulations and standards that impact them. For example, PCI DSS compliance is an ongoing priority for merchants to ensure they provide a secure and seamless payment experience not just in-store but online too.

The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, is another key consideration for all businesses, inside and out of Europe. To comply with this law, merchants must protect customer data  both personal and payment  and safeguard it from misuse.

Other new regulations are impacting the way payments are authenticated. The Second Payment Services Directive, or PSD2, recently brought into effect new requirements for Secure Customer Authentication, or SCA. Any online transaction that involves an acquiring or issuing bank located in the European Economic Area must be verified with two or three factors: something the customer knows (such as a password or PIN number); something the customer has (such as a device or token); or something the customer is (authentication with a fingerprint or facial recognition, for example).

SMBs need to ensure that everything is above board. While peak sales days can be lucrative, failure to comply with regulations governing payments can have a disproportionate impact on smaller businesses. For these merchants, being unable to process payments, or losing customer trust by not handling customer data appropriately and securely, could lead to revenue losses that could cost the entire business.

Getting the Most From Your Payments Provider

During any peak sales event, a capable payments provider will offer full technical and function screening of merchant accounts so they can be monitored on the day. Security advice and proactive monitoring for fraud also are helpful.

A good provider will keep client operations running and extend support lines during peak events so customers can ask questions via phone or email. An outbound teamto identify issues and monitor affected customers is helpful. A providers relationship managers can send detailed reports with graphs showing the status of transactions, flows, traffic and more.

Beige Is the New Black

Black Friday is often dominated by e-cCommerce giants like Amazon, which means it might not be the best peak sales day for smaller merchants. However, Black Friday isnt the only peak sales day on the calendar  sales spikes occur throughout the year now, and there are many other national and international peak sales events businesses can capitalize on.

By focusing on what they do best and partnering with experts that can provide a bespoke payments system to cater to their customers needs, SMBs can target new customers in new markets and grow their market share.
25-year-old Waheeda Bagus, a Malawian who was shot by her husband in December 2019 has died.

Bagus, a niece to Trade, Industry and Tourism Minister Salim Bagus, succumbed to her gunshot wounds at Kamuzu Central Hospital almost a month after.

It has been revealed that the late Bagus conditions became worse and there was a need to raise K40 million for specialised treatment in India.

Bagus was shot by her husband Mark William Phiri on 15th December last year on suspicion that she was having extramarital affairs.



When the incident took place, Phiri attempted an escape but eventually handed himself over to Malawi Police and was charged with attempted murder.

Bagus hailed from Sekani Village, Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa.

Meanwhile, Lingadzi Police Public Relations Officer Salomy Chibwana Zgambo has revealed that the suspect will now answer murder charges.

In a statement released hours after Bagus death, Zgambo said Phiri attempted to bribe the Police Officers on duty who were left with no choice but to force him into custody.

Malawians have now taking to social media to mourn her.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
March for Life Chicago sees record turnout; organizers witnessing 'hearts and minds change' on abortion

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The Illinois-based pro-life group March for Life Chicago said this year's march drew a record number of attendees.

Dawn Fitzpatrick, president of March for Life Chicago's board of directors, said the organization estimated that at least 9,000 people participated in Saturday's march, the largest attendance yet for their annual event in the Windy City.

"Every year that we've done this march the numbers have grown, Fitzpatrick told The Christian Post in an interview on Tuesday.

Its an awesome opportunity for people to come together in solidarity to stand up for life and do something positive and really make a showing.

Fitzpatrick attributed the reported annual increase in attendance to strong enthusiasm from those interested in the event, adding that these folks have been excited to come all year long.

We believe in life; we believe in the sacredness of life. We believe that life begins at conception and that its really important to be able to make that feeling known and that belief known, she continued.

The Chicago Tribune reported that only about 1,000 people were at the pro-life march plus dozens of pro-choice counter-demonstrators, based on a figure they got from the Chicago Police Department.

However, Thomas Ciesielka, a spokesman for Chicago March for Life, told CP that the 9,000 estimate came from the group estimating that there were around 1,000 people marching per city block.

This method of measuring attendance for the Chicago march was first used a few years ago, per the advice of a local journalist.

Given that this year's March covered about nine city blocks, explained Ciesielka, the group estimated about 9,000 attendees for the event.

"There are videos of the 2020 March for Life Chicago that make it 100 percent clear that there were many more than what the police reported," he added.

The event featured a rally that included remarks from Pat McCaskey, vice president of the Chicago Bears; Congressman Dan Lipinski, a pro-life Democratic representative; and Claire Culwell, a pro-life activist who as a baby survived an abortion procedure.

"At this point, I see a lot of positive growth. A lot of people that are willing to stand up for life," Fitzpatrick told CP, adding that there were "a lot of young people involved in the movement."

"Its just a matter of time for us to continue to change the minds and hearts of people to realize that we're talking about humanity. This is a human being and science has proved that. A human being at the moment of conception."

March for Life Chicago is one of multiple demonstrations held by pro-life groups in the U.S. each January in response to the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.

Decided on Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in Roe that there was a constitutional right to abortion. The decision has remained controversial over the decades as more than 60 million babies have been aborted in the U.S. since that ruling.

Later this month, the national March for Life rally will take place in Washington, D.C., with participants gathering at National Mall and then marching to the Supreme Court building.

Last October, the March for Life organization announced that the theme for the 2020 gathering will be "Life Empowers: Pro-life is pro-woman.

The theme was inspired by the fact that this year marks 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

As we celebrate this great moment in history, we remember and honor the suffragists, the original feminist leaders who recognized the inherent dignity of the unborn and that abortion not only ended a life but harmed women, stated the March for Life.

The pro-life movement continues their legacy, recognizing that equal rights begin in the womb. That, in essence, is why we march. We march to end abortion, with the vision of a world where the beauty, dignity, uniqueness, and rights of every human life are valued and protected.
FILE PHOTO: ASML Holding logo is seen at company's headquarters in Eindhoven

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Trade relations between China and the Netherlands would be damaged if Dutch semiconductor equipment supplier ASML <ASML.AS> is not allowed to ship its newest machines to China, Beijing's ambassador to the Netherlands was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Reuters reported last week that the Netherlands had withheld the license ASML needs to export its newest machines to China following pressure from the U.S. government..

ASML, one of the Netherlands' largest companies, is a near monopolist in lithography, an essential step in the manufacture of computer chips. China has invested billions to develop its burgeoning semiconductor industry, but needs ASML equipment if its chipmakers are to compete with the best in Taiwan, South Korea and the United States.

"We are concerned that the Netherlands is politicizing our trade relationship under American pressure," Chinese ambassador Xu Hong was quoted as saying in the Het Financieele Dagblad newspaper.

"If this movement continues it will of course negatively affect bilateral relations."

After a lengthy trade war, the United States and China are expected to announce a limited trade deal on Wednesday that will not resolve disputes over technology transfers.

A spokeswoman for the Chinese embassy confirmed Xu had been interviewed by the newspaper, and said the embassy would publish a complete transcript later on Wednesday.

In the interview, Xu noted that China was an important export market for the Netherlands.

In 2018, the Netherlands also imported 39.2 billion euros ($43.7 billion) worth of Chinese goods, two-thirds of which was exported on to other countries.

ASML, which is due to report full-year earnings next week, has said it can't ship its newest machines without a license, as they are considered "dual use" goods with potential military applications. It says an export request is under consideration.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters on Friday the government treated dual use export requests on a case by case basis and he would not comment on individual cases.

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Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Irene Gerritsen said on Wednesday the government did not have any new response in light of Xu's remarks.

"When deciding whether to issue an export license, the Dutch government weighs both the economic and security interests," she said in an emailed statement.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling and Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Mark Potter)
OLYMPIA  The Washington Senate has once again approved a measure to ban single-use plastic bags.

The chamber voted 30-19 Wednesday to re-pass the measure it first passed during last year's legislative session. The bill now heads to the House, where it stalled last year.

The bill would ban stores from giving out single-use plastic carryout bags and require an 8-cent charge for other bags handed out. Thats 3 cents more than Oregon stores must charge for paper bags.

As is already the case in Oregon, the bill would require recycled paper bags to have at least 40 percent recycled material.

Some disposable plastic bags used inside stores would be exempt from the ban, including bags for fruits, vegetables, bulk foods, and meats, and loose bulk items like screws.

The Senate on Wednesday also passed a bill they first approved last year that would adopt California's emission rules for vehicles in Washington.

Lawmakers voted 26-23 in favor of that measure, sending it to the state House.

Under the bill, the state would adopt a system where car manufacturers are assigned credits based on the kind and fuel efficiency of cars they bring into the state.

Those credits would then be used to set a quota for how many zero-emissions vehicles the company would be required to import into the state, and to have the quota automatically adjust based on whether the majority of the cars they imported were more-efficient small hybrids or larger, more gas-hungry vehicles.

-- The Associated Press
THE general election campaign may only be days old but cracks are already beginning to appear on the city Fianna Fail ticket.

While former Defence Minister Willie ODea is publicly towing the party line in officially requesting his supporters to give their second preferences to his running mate, first-time Dail candidate, Cllr James Collins, a number of well-placed sources have indicated there isnt any great love between the pair.

And while he may have stopped short of endorsing another candidate, close associates of the veteran TD are suggesting that he is playing up his friendship with Independent Frankie Daly on the doorsteps.

Its something Ive heard on a number of occasions myself. Its been said. Frankie Daly will be picking up number twos from Willie, said a political confidante of Mr ODea. If Frankie comes in on Willies surplus and not Willies running mate, I wouldnt be surprised.

When contacted by the Limerick Leader this week, Mr ODea insisted he was urging voters to continue their preference for his party colleague.

But, another of the 2016 general election polltoppers long-time supporters said: Willie will be Willie at the doors, and will ask for number ones, and he couldnt care less where his number twos go, another source added. Im sure given the choice, hed have no running mate.

This comes with the Soldiers of Destiny running two people locally for the first time in a decade. The partys top brass hope the party gets a second seat in the ultra-competitive four-seater, a move which many feel could pave the way for a return to power.  Another source indicated the prize for Mr ODea bringing in a second candidate would be a seat at the cabinet table if Fianna Fail did return to government buildings after February 8.

The entry of Cllr Daly  who received a huge personal vote the council election  has left the race in the City wide open, with 11 candidates already declared, and more likely in the days to come.

No sooner had Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited Aras An Uachtarain, Cllr Collins was canvassing in Cllr Dalys northside heartlands of Kileely and Ballynanty. Cllr Collins declined to comment.

Political commentator Diarmuid Scully of the University of Limerick meanwhile, has warned of a miserable election campaign.

Separately, hundreds of people could miss out on a vote, unless they act to register by next Wednesday, January 22.

It comes in spite of the fact many people have registered already  but due to the early date of Election 2020, the new register wont become valid until February 15.

Sinn Fein candidate Maurice Quinlivan has urged Limerick Council to be proactive in helping ensure as many people are able to vote as possible.

The councils can put people who have applied onto the supplementary register. Im asking other councils to do it as a matter of urgency. I dont see how it is such a difficult job. The supplementary system is ridiculous anyway. The hoops people have to jump through, Mr Quinlivan said.

But a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said it is not possible to do this, and the authority must be guided by direction from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

To not do this would be breaking the law, they added.

In the city, Cllr Daly will be able to rely on the support of the other six Independent council members, with the group forming a loose bloc ahead of polling day.

This Wednesday, Cllr Richard ODonoghue, running as a non-party member in the county, erected election posters, which carried the backing of his fellow Independents.

The same will be the case with the former Labour man in the city, Cllr ODonoghue said.

We are all working together. We believe an Independent voice is wanted in both Limerick city and county. We will help each other, but as all have our own voice  no party line, no whip, he told the Limerick Leader.

Its the first time a general election will be held on a Saturday since 1918. And while some candidates have welcomed the move, there are fears in some quarters of a low turnout because polling day clashes with Irelands second Six Nations game against Wales.

More, see pages 6-7, and editorial, page 16
For Mobile playwright Tom Perez, Society Shell is the gas station that never quits pumping out satirical possibilities.

For those not in the know, the title is local slang for Griffith Service Station, a family-owned station at the corner of Ann and Government. That Midtown location on a major east-west artery has long made it a hot spot for local gossip, particularly that emanating from the Leinkauf and Oakleigh neighborhoods.

Perezs Society Shell premiered in 1986 with a fanciful premise based on the fact that real-life station operator Preston Griffith modeled in newspaper ads for a local furrier. In the play, he got an offer to go to the big leagues of modeling in New York City, and this forced some incisive soul-searching about Mobiles charms.

Much later, after years teaching abroad, Perez followed up with 2013s Dont Frack with Society Shell. It was another grab bag of whimsy, with subplots including the Ashland Place neighborhoods appeal to social climbers, a same-sex wedding in the service bay and even a loose-cannon Paula Deen cameo. Dont Frack was so popular that after selling out most of its first run it returned a couple of months later for an encore presentation.

Friday, Jan. 17, brings the premiere of Society Shell 3: So Long Slice at Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 N. Lafayette St.

This time, Perez said, the action starts out behind the station, where the Hump Day Happy Hour gang holds court. These four older gentlemen are wont to pass the time complaining about their various ailments, which in one case have reached terminal magnitude.

Its a dark comedy, in a sense. I dont like that word. I like gallows humor, said Perez.

Their peace is interrupted by the arrival of a Ph.D. candidate from the University of West Mobile whos hard at work on a thesis about male bonding in Deep South tribal rites. Wrapped up in her academic mindset, shes not always in on the joke. But then, neither are the good old boys.

They scam her, she scams them," said Perez.

While the play includes a few gags relating to Gov. Kay Ivey and former Sen. Jeff Sessions, Perez said he had a hard time grappling with national politics in the Trump era.

You cannot satirize the already outrageous, Perez said Where do you go? How do you get a handle on it?

Satire, for me, has to be subtle, he said. If not, it goes over into farce.

Doubtless its some consolation that Mobile is a reliable fount of satire-worthy attitudes. Perez said that in Society Shell 3, a key plot point hinges on the fact that one of the characters escaped full punishment after a prior indiscretion. When this comes up, another character is pointedly reminded that while some sins cant be forgiven in a certain Deep South port city, almost anything can be excused.

Well in Mobile, its who you know, said Perez. The twinkle in his eye made clear how much he likes the line. Itll always be that way, he said.

And at Society Shell, you can say it out loud.

Showtimes for Society Shell are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 17-18, Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 31-Feb. 1; and 2 p.m Sundays, Jan. 19, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, students, military personnel and educators. For online ordering, visit www.mobiletheatreguild.org.

Society Shell is presented by South of the Salt Line Theatre; it is written by Tom Perez and directed by Daniel Mainwaring.
A rise in temperature of just two degrees Celsius could lead to an additional 2,100 deaths from injuries every year in the United States (Photo Credit: Representational Image)

Paris:

A rise in temperature of just two degrees Celsius could lead to an additional 2,100 deaths from injuries every year in the United States, researchers said, highlighting another danger posed by global warming. Most of the extra fatalities would be men aged 15-34 years due to a heightened risk of drowning and road traffic accidents, with alcohol consumption tending to rise in line with temperatures.

Researchers from Britain and the US studied the number of deaths from injuries on a state-by-state basis for every year between 1980 and 2017.

The deaths were classed either as accidentalfrom vehicle crashes, falls, drowning and so onor intentional, from say assault and suicide.

They then tracked unusual temperature changes for each county over the same period and found that deaths from injuries tended to rise during warmer months, particularly in populous southern states such as California, Texas and Florida.

The authors of the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, said the findings indicated a strong link between the risk of dying from injury and rising global temperatures triggered by climate change.

These new results show how much climate change can affect young people, said Majid Ezzati, senior study author and a professor at Imperial College London.

We need to respond to this threat with better preparedness in terms of emergency services, social support and health warnings.

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics analysed by the team showed that in the 1980-2017 period, 4.1 million boys and men died from injury compared with 1.8 million girls and women.

They found that warmer temperatures increased the risk of dying from drowning and transport accidents, linked to increased swimming, driving and alcohol intake.

They used a statistical model to predict the number of additional deaths in a given year depending on whether temperatures warm 1.5C or 2C.

These are the temperature targets that nations agreed to work towards in the 2015 Paris climate accord.

The team found that 1.5C of warming would bring an additional 1,600 deaths each year; 2C of warming would see around 2,100 more.

With just 1C of warming since pre-industrial times so far, Earth has already experienced a cascade of deadly climate-related disasters that kill thousands of people and displace millions each year.

President Donald Trump plans to formally pull the US from the Paris deal later this year.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Supreme Court has dismissed review petitions by various telecom companies challenging the Supreme Court judgement in the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) case. The hearing was conducted in closed chambers at 1:50 pm on Thursday, although Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had called for an open court hearing. The companies have to pay pending AGR dues to the Department of Telecommunications by January 23.

Telecom companies, who are looking at a payout of Rs 93,000 crore, had sought relief earlier this month. Following an urgent hearing on January 8, the SC bench led by Justice Arun Mishra comprising Justices SA Nazeer and MR Shah had ruled that the apex court would take a call after talking to the Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde, as to whether the review petitions filed would be heard in an open court or not.

Also read: Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea shares rise up to 5% ahead of SC verdict on AGR dues

With the payment deadline looming close, telecom players have expressed their inability to pay the pending AGR dues. Vodafone Idea Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla has said the telco would shut shop without the government's help. Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal has also asked the government to be sympathetic towards telcos.

Also read: Infographic: Can telcos survive Rs 93,000 crore AGR blow?

The reason mentioned by both companies is heavy losses incurred by them since the entry of Reliance Jio. Vodafone Idea is struggling with losses for the past three years that ballooned to Rs 50,922 crore in the September quarter of FY20 - the highest quarterly loss in India's corporate history - as it had to make significant provisions for the AGR dues. Airtel reported record losses to the tune of Rs 22,830 crore in the same quarter.

The AGR dispute dates back to 2003 when the association of telecom operators filed the first plea with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) challenging the definition of AGR. As per standard accounting practice, companies have to make provisions for such claims. As per estimates, Airtel owes about Rs 21,682 crore while Vodafone Idea's payout will be much bigger at Rs 28,308 crore. Their provisioning is far short of the actual amount due.

Meanwhile, Airtel has said it's disappointed and is mulling a curative petition against the verdict. The company said issues raised by the telecom companies against the earlier verdict of the apex court were "genuine". "While respecting the Hon'ble Supreme Court's decision, we would like to express our disappointment as we believe the long-standing disputes raised regarding the AGR definition were bonafide and genuine," a company spokesperson said.

Highlighting the grim financial situation of the telecom industry, Airtel said the SC's verdict could further "erode" the viability of the sector as a whole.

The company said the money required to pay pending dues could well be used to introduce emerging technologies like 5G. "The industry needs to continue to invest in expanding networks, acquiring spectrum and introducing New Technologies like 5G. The money now required to pay punitive interest, penalty and interest on the penalty which forms nearly 75 per cent of AGR dues would have better served the digital mission of the country," it added.

ALSO READ: Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea seek urgent hearing of review petitions on pending AGR dues

Edited by Manoj Sharma
Washington  The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday mounted the first legal challenge against the Trump administration's policy of sending migrants who seek protection at the U.S.-Mexico border to Guatemala, a country with a skeletal asylum regime that has seen an exodus of hundreds of thousands of its own citizens in the past two years because of extreme poverty and endemic violence.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeks to halt the implementation of a controversial asylum agreement with the Guatemalan government. Under the deal forged last summer, the U.S. has sent more than 150 asylum-seekers from Honduras and El Salvador to Guatemala, denying them access to America's asylum system and requiring them to choose between seeking refuge in the Central American country or returning home.

The agreement, the ACLU said in its 54-page complaint, amounts to "a deadly game of musical chairs that leaves many desperate asylum-seekers without a safe haven, in violation of U.S. and international law."

"If this rule remains in effect, it means that the U.S. can completely wash their hands of any responsibility to provide safe haven for people fleeing persecution," Lee Gelernt, the ACLU's top immigration litigator, told CBS News. "It would end asylum at the southern border, plain and simple."

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told CBS News that while it cannot comment on litigation, "the U.S. Government and the Government of Guatemala remain committed to the asylum cooperative agreement and stand behind the integrity of the program."

GUATEMALA-US-MIGRATION-DEPORTATION

Migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras deported from the United States are seen outside the air force base upon their arrival in Guatemala City on December 12, 2019. Orlando Estrada / AFP via Getty Images For lead plaintiff, returning home isn't an option

As of last week, 158 Honduran and Salvadoran migrants have been rerouted by the U.S. to Guatemala, including dozens of families and at least 43 children, according to the Guatemalan migration institute. Nine people initially chose to request protection in Guatemala, but five of them have since abandoned their claims, the institute said. The rest have asked for help returning to their home countries.

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The lead plaintiff in the ACLU's lawsuit is a gay man from El Salvador who was sent by the U.S. to Guatemala after asking for asylum at the southern border. The man, identified only by the initials U.T., says he was sexually abused as a child, disowned by his family because of his sexuality and threatened by a gang member who solicited him for sex in El Salvador.

When he arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border, he was told he would be sent to Guatemala. He told Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who make the initial determination about whether migrants should be subject to the U.S.-Guatemala deal, that he feared being sent to Guatemala. His concerns fell on deaf ears.

He was then referred for an interview with an asylum officer and again expressed fear of persecution in Guatemala. Nonetheless, he was deported to the country shortly afterward.

During these types of interviews, migrants must affirmatively say they fear being sent to Guatemala. Even if they do, they have to meet a fear of persecution threshold that is much higher than that of the typical "credible fear" interviews most asylum-seekers at the southern border are subject to.

The ACLU says the man applied for asylum once in Guatemala, but officials there advised him to seek protection in Mexico instead, since Guatemala is "unsafe for gay people." The State Department warns of "societal discrimination" and police abuse against LGBTI people in Guatemala.

Returning to El Salvador is not an option for the asylum-seeker, who is currently in Mexico, since he "fears that he will be attacked or killed for his sexual orientation if he tries to live openly as a gay man," according to the ACLU.

Guatemala US Asylum

Two U.S. asylum seekers, one from El Salvador, one from Honduras, wait inside a migrant house after being sent to Guatemala from the United States, in Guatemala City, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. Oliver de Ros / AP "A way for the U.S. to simply pass the buck"

There are five other individual plaintiffs in the ACLU's lawsuit, including a woman and two families who were sent to Guatemala by the U.S. The Tahirih Justice Center and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, two organizations that provide legal services to asylum-seekers, are also named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit  which the National Immigrant Justice Center, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies and Human Rights First joined the ACLU in filing.

The group is asking the court to prohibit officials from enforcing a regulation the administration unveiled in November to implement the Guatemala deal and similar agreements that the U.S. brokered with Honduras and El Salvador which have not yet been implemented. The suit also challenges a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance document for asylum officers carrying out the agreement.

The ACLU alleged that both measures violate U.S. statutes designed to prevent officials from sending asylum-seekers to places where they may face persecution and that provide legal safeguards for migrants the government seeks to deport quickly. The group also said the policy violates administrative law, since the administration did not give the public a chance to comment on it and failed to provide "reasoned explanations" for dramatically changing the asylum system at the southern border.

The administration maintains that its agreements with Guatemala and the other countries in Central America's Northern Triangle will foster the "distribution" of asylum claims among nations in the region and provide protection to migrants "closer to home." But the ACLU says the so-called "Asylum Cooperative Agreements" represent a dramatic departure from the "safe third country" provision in U.S. law that the administration is using to defend their legality.

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law an act that codified the "safe third country" concept, allowing the U.S. to enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements to send asylum-seekers to third countries, as long as the U.S. government made sure those asylum-seekers would not face persecution based on a protected ground under U.S. asylum law and would have access to a "full and fair" process to request protection in those nations.

Gelernt and his group believe the accords with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras violate this law because the countries do not have fully functioning asylum regimes, unlike Canada  the only nation which has an official "safe third country" agreement with the U.S.

"There is no way the administration can plausibly claim that Guatemala can provide a safe, fair and full asylum process. This administration has simply thumbed their nose at Congress," Gelernt said, noting that Canada, a developed country with a robust asylum system, is a safe place for refugees.

"This is not a way to provide people with a fair asylum process but a way for the U.S. to simply pass the buck," he added.

Honduras Guatemala Asylum

The first Central American asylum seeker sent to Guatemala under that country's "safe third country" agreement with the U.S., Erwin Jose Ardon opted to return to his home in Honduras but said he hopes to perhaps set out again next year for the U.S., where his daughter was born seven months ago. Elmer Martinez / AP

Guatemala has experienced moderate economic growth since the end of a bloody civil war in the 1990s, but it continues to grapple with high homicides rates, drug trafficking, political instability and widespread poverty, especially among its large indigenous communities in the Western highlands of the country. Only about 262 migrants sought refuge in Guatemala in 2018, according to the United Nations.

The ACLU also noted in its lawsuit that the Trump administration hasn't publicly revealed any designations certifying that the Northern Triangle countries have the capacity to take in migrants rerouted there by the U.S., despite a requirement that such a certification be included in the government regulation to enforce the asylum agreements.

Sweeping implications for asylum-seekers

All three agreements the U.S. made last year suggest that they could grant the U.S. the power to reroute most asylum-seekers from any country in the world, barring a few exceptions, like unaccompanied children, to Central America. The ACLU underscored the sweeping nature of the deals in its suit, saying that in practice, the U.S. could send asylum-seekers from Afghanistan to one of the Northern Triangle countries, even if they did not travel through there to get to the U.S. southern border.

The administration believes it can include "all populations" in the agreements, and it recently announced it was planning to send Mexican asylum-seekers to Guatemala. The move sparked scathing criticism at home and abroad, with Mexico's government objecting to the proposal.

Unlike migrants from Honduras and El Salvador, Mexican asylum-seekers do not travel through Guatemalan territory to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. A plan to subject Mexicans to the U.S.-Guatemala accord could, in practice, lead to the U.S. flying a Mexican asylum-seeker from Tijuana, San Diego's neighboring city, some 1,500 miles away, asking her to seek protection in Guatemala.

How Guatemala continues to implement its "Asylum Cooperative Agreement" with the Trump administration will now be decided by the conservative government of President Alejandro Giammattei, who took office on Tuesday.

Guatemala Inauguration

Alejandro Giammattei, right, looks on after being sworn-in as president of Guatemala at the National Theater in Guatemala City, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. Moises Castillo / AP

The asylum agreements with countries in Central America are part of a series of policies the administration rolled out over the past year to restrict asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. These also include a sweeping rule that renders most non-Mexican migrants ineligible for asylum and the Migrant Protection Protocols program, which has required more than 57,000 asylum-seekers from Latin America to wait in dangerous Mexican border cities for the duration of their U.S. immigration proceedings.

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California truck drivers won another reprieve Thursday from AB5, the states new gig-work law.

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to the California Trucking Association to temporarily stop enforcement of AB5 against motor carriers. The judge, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, had previously granted an 11th-hour emergency restraining order in the same case on New Years Eve, hours before the new law took effect on Jan. 1. That emergency order was in effect until he ruled on the request for a preliminary injunction.

The new preliminary injunction means that the state cannot pursue the trucking industry over AB5/Dynamex compliance until the full case, which holds that the new law is unconstitutional, is decided. Dynamex is a 2018 California Supreme Court decision that the law, AB5, codifies

Truck drivers are passionate about the issue of whether they should become employees, as could be mandated by AB5, or remain independent contractors. Many say they operate independent businesses and wish to remain self-employed, having invested more than $150,000 apiece on their own big rigs. Others say they are exploited by shipping companies and brokers who pay them pittances for long hours, while their income is eaten up by unsustainable truck lease payments.

The trucking group argues that AB5 and Dynamex are preempted by the Constitutions supremacy clause, as a 1994 federal law regulates trucking prices, routes and services.

Benitez appeared to side with the groups arguments.

There is little question that the State of California has encroached on Congress territory by eliminating motor carriers choice to use independent contractor drivers, a choice at the very heart of interstate trucking, he wrote. In so doing, California disregards Congress intent to deregulate interstate trucking, instead adopting a law that produces the patchwork of state regulations Congress sought to prevent. With AB5, California runs off the road and into the preemption ditch of the 1994 federal law regulating motor carriers.

This ruling is a significant win for Californias more than 70,000 independent owner-operators and CTA members who have worked as independent truckers for decades, and who have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to own their own vehicle and comply with Californias strict environmental guidelines and regulations over the years, Shawn Yadon, chief executive officer for the California Trucking Association, said in a statement.

Rome Aloise, vice president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which is a defendant in the case along with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, said the injunction meant the issue of driver classification for now would be decided by a previous labor standard, called Borello. Several dozen recent court cases under that standard found that drivers were employees, he said.

For the most part, this is the biggest sham being perpetuated on workers in the trucking industry, he said. Theyre not real owner-operators. They may have a truck theyre leasing and that tractor may have been leased by six or seven or eight people before them who went out of business. The old saying is Theyre either in it or under it. Theyre either driving it or fixing it. Theyre working for the same broker or company all the time.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Aloise said he thinks provisions could be made to allow the drivers who truly are owner-operators to continue with that status.

There are people who have flexibility to bid loads and take the highest priced ones  theyre legitimate owner-operators, he said. But the vast majority of these drivers work every day for the same broker or the same company at the direction of that company, doing that companys bidding. Prior to deregulation, they were all employees. Theyre really employees by every test imaginable.

Becerras office said it is reviewing the decision.

Our office has and will continue to defend laws that are designed to protect workers and ensure fair labor and business practices, it said in an email.

In a separate case in the state courts that was further along in the judicial process, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled last week that AB5 and Dynamex are preempted by the 1994 federal law.

In that case, California vs. Cal Cartage Transportation, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer sued trucking companies claiming they misclassified drivers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Feuer plans to appeal the ruling.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
Breaking away from tradition, Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Thursday first took suggestions and questions at a meeting, and then delivered his speech, assuring city chambers of government measures to put the economy back on track.

The act by the Union minister of state for finance and corporate affairs came as a surprise to several members of the city-based chambers, who attended the pre-budget meet.

"Ministers normally first deliver their speech, then take questions and suggestions. But, Thakur is unique. He first listened to us before delivering his speech," Narayan Jain, a member of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, said.

This was corroborated by a few others who expressed hope that the Centre would listen to their pleas at a time when the economy is going through a down-turn.

The 44-year-old won accolades earlier this week when a photograph showing the BJP MP travelling on a passenger bus from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi went viral on social media.

During his interaction with the Merchants Chamber of Commerce, Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and two other professional association members, he assured them that the government has initiated actions to put the economy back on track.

"The government is taking various steps to increase demand and consumption. We have taken various steps in the past and will continue to do so in the coming days as well. You wait and see the upcoming Budget. That is why we are here for a consultation process," Thakur said.

Bank credit growth, which has remained subdued due to poor demand, is also likely to start picking up in the coming quarters, he said.

"They are in a position to lend more after recpatalisation.... There will be better credit availability and more demand in the coming months," he pointed out.

Highlighting achievements of the Narendra Modi government, Thakur said though there are apprehensions, USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 is achievable.

"This government had achieved its targets in the past and it will do so (in future) with support of all," he said.

The minister said the government will consider the demand for setting up an Appellate bench of the National Company Law Tribunal in the city, when a decision on the expansion of such benches is made.

Thakur said the ministry of corporate affairs was considering to de-criminalise over 40 offences related to violations under the Companies Act.

According to reports, the matter is expected to be considered by the Cabinet soon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hajipur, Jan 16 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said here on Thursday that the alliance of BJP and Janata Dal (United) in Bihar is "unbreakable" and that the Assembly election this year will also be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Addressing a public meeting in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Vaishali, he said that this law is not meant to take away anyone's citizenship, but instead to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities. He said that the opposition is misleading the youth and Muslims on this issue.

Shah said that when the country became independent, there were 33 per cent minorities in East and West Pakistan, but they were repressed and forcibly converted. He asked why the opposition is against giving citizenship to such oppressed people.

He said, "The families in which the daughter was raped in front of the father, the wife was raped in front of the husband, the gurdwaras and temples were converted into mosques and their human rights were violated. I want to ask the champions of human rights why this protest is happening when this Citizenship Amendment Act is for returning the rights of those people."

Discussing the politics of Bihar, Shah said, "Some people want to spread rumours. I have come here to put an end to all rumours. The NDA will contest elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar. The alliance of BJP and JDU is unbreakable. There can be no break up."

Shah said that Lalu Yadav is "dreaming" of becoming the Chief Minister even in jail. He said when Lalu ruled Bihar, its growth rate was three per cent which is now 11 per cent under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

The NDA government in Bihar is doing a consistently good job. He said that Lalu's "Jungle Raj" has been replaced by rule of the people.

hindi-kr
Photo: Bettmann Archive

Virginia is set to become the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Both chambers of the state legislature passed the ERA on Wednesday. The vote is an early victory for state Democrats, who successfully kept control of the House of Delegates last November and prioritized the passage of the ERA. A previous effort to ratify the amendment in Virginia failed last February. For the women of Virginia and the women of America, the resolution has finally passed, the states first female Speaker of the House, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn of Fairfax, said at the conclusion of the vote.

But the ERAs long road to ratification isnt quite over yet. As the Washington Post explained, Each chamber still has to approve the others version, even though they are identical. There are legal and political obstacles, too. Though some Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues to pass the ERA in Virginia on Wednesday, theyre a minority within their own party. Decades after the Christian right effectively killed the ERA at the federal level, conservative opposition to the amendment remains strong.

First introduced by suffragettes in 1923, and reintroduced in Congress every year until 1972, the ERA would amend the Constitution to ban discrimination on the basis of sex. Supporters say the amendment would help shore up the right to abortion and further protect against gender-based discrimination at work. Its conservative opponents, however, worry that it would affirm the legality of same-sex marriage and lead to forced co-ed housing in the military and on university campuses, which would violate some traditional religious beliefs. Those arguments havent changed much from the 1970s, when Phyllis Schlafly leveraged the superficial contradictions of her position as a female conservative in order to campaign against the ERA. The claim that American women are downtrodden and unfairly treated is the fraud of the century, Schlafly once famously claimed. The truth is that American women never had it so good. Why should we lower ourselves to equal rights when we already have the status of special privilege?

Schlaflys rhetoric worked. Though Congress passed the ERA in 1972, it stipulated that three-quarters of the states would have to pass the amendment first by 1979, and then by an extended deadline of 1982. ERA campaigners fell three states short. Five states later revoked their ratifications, though as the Post reports, ERA supporters say theres no constitutional basis for the states to rescind their votes. Nevada and Illinois eventually ratified the ERA in 2017 and 2018, so Virginias vote finally gets the ERA across the congressional finish line.

But that doesnt mean the amendment automatically goes into effect. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice released an opinion stating that the amendment has expired and is no longer pending before the States. The deadline has passed, in other words, and Virginias vote gets the amendment no closer to reality. Supporters, however, disagree. Advocacy groups filed suit this month arguing that the deadline initially set by Congress is invalid, Bloomberg Law reported. A collection of Republican-controlled states have filed their own suit taking the opposite position.

Schlafly is no longer with us. But Virginias vote ensures that the culture war she helped provoke will roar back into unholy life.
The government is not contemplating any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

He said that India believes in fair play and equal treatment to all the countries.

"I don't think we have put any curbs on imports from Malaysia, and neither we are contemplating nor we have put any curbs on Turkey," he said here at the Raisina Dialogue.

The minister said that any import curbs being imposed by India is only to protect interest of the country and it is uniform in nature.

"If some of the restrictions impact Malaysia, I don't think that is the only country that is being impacted. There are other exporters to India who would have the same impact," he added.

The government on January 8 imposed restrictions on imports of refined palm oil, which is expected to impact Malaysia.

Indonesia and Malaysia are the two countries which supply palm oil.

The move comes in the backdrop of remarks by Malaysia on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue.

On December 20 last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad had reportedly said, "I am sorry to see that India, which claims to be a secular state, is now taking action to deprive some Muslims of their citizenship".

"If we do that here, you know what will happen. There will be chaos, there will be instability and everyone will suffer," he had said.

Turkey too criticised India over the situation in Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Iraqi Christian at the center of a class-action suit challenging the detention of fellow Iraqi nationals in the Detroit area was granted a major victory in court Tuesday and will be allowed to stay in the US and become a citizen.

The decision in favor of Sam Hamama comes days after a legal setback for hundreds of others who had been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and released more than a year ago so they could litigate their individual cases.

Last Friday, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the classwide decision freeing the Iraqis from detention, potentially leading to redetainment and a renewed threat of deportation.

The whole point of the federal litigation was to give people time to fight their individual immigration cases, Margo Schlanger, one of the lead counsels in thecase, told CT. Hundreds of people assisted by the class action have done that, and, while some have lost, lots of them have won. For many others, the individual immigration cases are still pending. So Sams victory is one of many, were happy to say.

In 2017, more than 1,400 Iraqis living in the United States, most of whom had either overstayed visas or have criminal convictions, were living under final removal orders that made them targets for deportation. Hundreds of these Iraqi nationals were rounded up in ICE raids and held in detention facilities meant to house them until they could be deported.

The move was part of a policy shift spurred by the Trump administrations travel ban, as Iraq agreed to begin accepting deportees in exchange for being removed from the list of banned countries.

But the process faced a major obstacle. America has committed itself to not repatriate anyone into circumstances of likely persecution or torture. Supporters of the detained Iraqis have argued Iraq presents just such dangerous circumstances.

Due to violence and the ongoing persecution of Christians in Iraq (more than 300 of the detained Iraqis are Chaldean Christians), the prospect of deportations was met with enormous pushback. The dilemmadetaining deportees for a country too dangerous to accept themmeant the Iraqis were held in prolonged detention, with no end in sight.

By the end of 2018, as part of the flagship Iraqi deportation case Hamama v. Adducci, district court judge Mark Goldsmith ruled that the Federal Government cannot indefinitely detain foreign nationals while it seeks to repatriate them, when there is no significant likelihood of repatriation in the reasonably foreseeable future.

As a result, most of the Iraqis represented in the Hamama case were released and reunited with their families, some of them having spent nearly a year and a half behind bars.

On Friday, the Court of Appeals claimed, The district court had no jurisdiction to do what it did.

The release ruling was overturned in a 21 decision citing detentions statutes. Those are the statutes covered by the jurisdictional bar, and the [district] courts injunction prevented those statutes from operating, whether with respect to mandatory or permissive detentions, stated the Court of Appeals opinion. What was true the first time around remains true today.

While the opinion doesnt make a decision on deportationsthat depends on individual immigration cases and the Iraqi governmentit does put Iraqis at risk of additional detentions. The ruling could be implemented as soon as February 24.

We strongly disagree with the court of appeals decision, said American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) senior staff attorney Miriam Aukerman. It was not a mistake that your family was together this past year, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that your family isnt torn apart all over again in 2020.

Lawyers representing the Iraqi nationals have a variety of options for responding to the decision, including a rehearing, and individual immigraiton cases continue to move ahead.

These cases are bearing fruit. Hamama, an Iraqi who came to America as a refugee in 1974, recently won his hard-fought victory when he was granted permission to stay in the United States permanently and become an American citizen.

Along with some other at-risk Iraqi nationals, Hamama was eligible for 212(c) relief, available to lawful permanent residents who pleaded guilty to a crime before April 1, 1997.

In addition to receiving a pardon, qualifying for 212(c), having an array of resources and a strong legal team behind him, it still took Mr. Hamama years to breathe a sigh of relief, Nathan Kalasho, an advocate who heads a Detroit school focused on Iraqi Christians, told CT. That is how broken our system is.

Many tears were shed in immigration court today in Detroit, but this time they were tears of joy! stated Mike Steinberg, University of Michigan law professor and former legal director of the ACLU of Michigan.

Aukerman told CT that Hamamas case provides two chief lessons: the importance of due process, and the problem of indefinite and incredibly long periods immigration detainees are held waiting for their cases to be heard.

You cannot just lock people up and throw away the key. You cannot have prolonged detention divorced from reason, said Aukerman. That idea is just anathema to our sense of human decency.

Even as the potential for new ICE raids looms, some of the Chaldeans are making progress in their cases. But for many arent scheduled to appear in court until 2021 or even 2022, and they may be deported before their court dates.

Everyone at risk of deportation has an individual case, so there are different ways to seek relief, but many have exhausted their options, said Kalasho.

Several detained Iraqis have already been deported. The most controversial case is that of Jimmy Aldaoud who, at 41, knew no Arabic and had never lived in Iraq (he was born to Iraqi parents in a refugee camp in Greece) but was deported to Baghdad last summer. After two months, he was found dead, allegedly because he could not find access to insulin for his diabetes.

Theres a lot of anxiety, said Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Community Foundation, according to the Los Angeles Times. Jimmy was sacrificed because of US immigration policy, and that needs to change.

The new Court of Appeals ruling has ratcheted up that anxiety again.

Just earlier today I received a call from a panicked sister of a detainee who told me she is ready to give up, said Kalasho.

The situation is exacerbated by the current tensions in Iraq, now ranked No. 15 on the 2020 World Watch List. After Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani was killed in Iraq on January 3 at the order of President Trump, shockwaves of violence and anti-American sentiment have rippled.

Mass demonstrations against corruption and heightened US-Iran aggression has placed Iraq in another untenable situation, said Kalasho. Protestors have been met with violence from militia groups, including kidnappings, rapes, and murders. Just last week, two prominent journalists were killed. Even the Baghdad Airport, which would be receiving deportees, has been the target of attacks from multiple sides.

On the same day as the Court of Appeals decision, the US government issued a call for all Americans to leave Iraq.
Lois Peterson arrived at the Midland County Club on Wednesday morning expecting another meeting of the Midland Christian Women's Connection.

What she was not expecting was to walk into a surprise celebration of her upcoming 100th birthday on Jan. 27.

Peterson described the celebration as like a dream.

"I was raised during the (Great) Depression, so we didn't have big parties or big anything," Peterson said.

Woman's Connection Chair Carol Sweebe said Peterson is the first person in the group's history to reach 100 years of age, necessitating their first surprise birthday celebration.

"I've been chair since 2012, and I don't think (Peterson) has ever missing a meeting," Sweebe said. "She's a very faithful servant to the lord, and delightful lady  she's just amazing."

In addition to a cake specifically prepared by the Midland Country Club, Peterson was presented several cards prepared by other members of the Women's Connection.

Peterson was raised in Gladwin, moving to Midland after she graduated from high school. She was married to her first husband, Cyril Caterer, for 27 years before his death from a heart attack in 1965.

Four years later, she married Harlan Peterson, himself a widower at the time, and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where they lived for 42 years until returning to Midland in 2013. The two were married for 48 years until her husband's death from prostate cancer in 2016.

"Like the lord has told us over and over, 'I will take care of my own,' so I've always decided to be his own," Peterson said. "I'm as surprised as anybody else that I made it this far."

Besides being an opportunity to celebrate Peterson's 100th birthday, Wednesday's luncheon featured a presentation by Karen Brooks, a local author and owner of Kabscapes Photography.
People are stopped for body temperature check at Cam Ranh International Airport of Khanh Hoa Province, January 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Xuan Ngoc.

A Chinese national quarantined after landing in Da Nang on Tuesday suffers normal viral infection, initial tests show.

The 22-year-old man so far showed no sign of pneumonia, said Nguyen Thanh Trung, deputy director of Da Nang Hospital on Thursday. The patient is one of two Chinese from Wuhan City quarantined after displaying fevers.

The other, a 3-year-old boy traveling in the same group, suffered from a light fever and has since been discharged.

Test results from throat swabs and blood serum samples at Nha Trang Pasteur Institute confirmed both were not infected with a type of mystery pneumonia first reported in Wuhan last December that has since spread across China, Thailand and Japan.

This is the first case of sick foreigners entering Vietnam since the acute pneumonia outbreak in China, which has infected 41 in Wuhan and killed a 61-year-old man.

The disease, possibly caused by a newly emerging strain of the coronavirus family that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), has infected a Chinese woman in Thailand and a man in his 30s in Japan this month, Reuters reported.

There could be limited human-to-human transmission, potentially among families, said acting head of World Health Organizations emerging diseases unit Maria Van Kerkhove. Anti-virals are being considered and could be "re-purposed" to deal with the new virus, she added.

Airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Khanh Hoa Province, the latter two major destinations for Chinese tourists, have installed equipment to monitor arriving passengers' body temperature.

Vietnams Ministry of Health has warned people to keep their distance from those with acute respiratory infections and wear a mask when in conversation.

Keeping warm and maintaining personal hygiene, especially the regular washing of hands using soap and gargling with antiseptic rinse, are also recommended.

Those traveling from Wuhan showing signs of fever, coughing or difficulty in breathing should visit the nearest medical facility, the ministry said.
China and the US hold the signing ceremony of phase one trade deal in the White House on Wednesday morning local time. [Zhao Huanxin/China Daily]

Signing in Washington signals thaw in relations; world to benefit, experts say

China and the United States signed the long-awaited phase-one trade deal on Thursday morning Beijing Time, signaling a thaw in economic and trade relations between the world's two largest economies after nearly two years of trade friction.

The deal, agreed in mid-December following a dozen rounds of negotiations led by China's top trade negotiator Liu He and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was signed by US President Donald Trump and China's Vice-Premier Liu He at a ceremony at the East Room of the White House, which was attended by about 200 representatives from business, government and diplomatic circles.

The vital trade truce, which came 22 months after trade tensions flared between the world's top two economies in March 2018, has been widely expected to help reduce uncertainties that have dampened business investment moods in both countries and beyond.

Under the deal, China will increase imports of US agricultural products, and the US will gradually eliminate its tariffs on Chinese goods.

The deal covers intellectual property rights, technology transfers, food and agricultural products, financial services, exchange rates and transparency.

The signing of the phase-one deal will be beneficial to both countries and help bolster the global economy, analysts said. They also urged that concerted efforts be made to resolve potential uncertainties in the future.

Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, said, "The conclusion of the pact benefits consumers and companies in both China and the US, and will help restore confidence in the foundering world economy."

The phase one trade deal is signed by US President Donald Trump (right) and China's Vice-Premier Liu He (left) at a ceremony at the East Room of the White House on Wednesday morning local time. [Photo/China Daily]

The deal proves that the two economies complement each other and that cooperation is the best choice for them, he said.

Looking ahead, it may be inevitable that China and the US will "step on each other's feet", but the conclusion of the phase one deal will lead to dialogue in more fields and at deeper levels, Wei said.

Liu Liu, a macroeconomics researcher at China International Capital Corp, a leading investment banking firm, said that because the pact was concluded, "trade between China and the US will pick up".

"In general, the easing of Sino-US trade frictions will reduce external uncertainties and benefit global trade and the world economy," Liu said.

Consumer demand is expected to improve at home and abroad this year, along with trade growth, while the exchange rate of the yuan will have more support from improving fundamentals, he said.

Between November and December, growth of China's imports from the US recovered some. US shipments to China rose by 9.1 percent year-on-year to reach 78.83 billion yuan ($11.46 billion) in December.

China and the US hold the signing ceremony of phase one trade deal in the White House on Wednesday morning local time. [Gao Tianpei/China Daily]

Exports of US agricultural products to China reached 14.1 billion yuan last month, climbing 200 percent year-on-year. In the same month, China imported 23,000 automobiles from the US, up 150 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Bi Jiyao, deputy director of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research of the National Development and Reform Commission, said potential challenges persist this year, and coping with them will require more effort.

Also, protectionism may reignite, which, together with pending reforms of the World Trade Organization, will make it difficult for companies worldwide to make long-term investments, Bi said.

On Tuesday, before the signing of the deal, Vice-Premier Liu He said that Beijing and Washington will work together to obtain tangible results going forward, according to Xinhua.

Liu told International Monetary Fund President Kristalina Georgieva and some US representatives during a meeting in Washington that the deal would benefit both countries and the world.

Liu also said China and the United States can work together in a win-win relationship despite differences in their political and economic models.
The founder of the infamous Comanchero outlaw bikie gang has made a miraculous recovery after a horrific collision with a car allegedly being driven by brain surgeon Charlie Teo's daughter.

Nicola Teo, 24, is charged with driving down the wrong side of the road for up to 200m before hitting William 'Jock' Ross's Harley Davidson in Lower Macdonald, in Sydney's Hawkesbury region, about 3.30pm on September 25.

The grandfather of 12 was left fighting for life before he was rushed to Westmead Hospital and placed in an induced coma with leg, head and internal injuries.

He is now on crutches to take the weight off his leg, which had to be rebuilt with titanium plates, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Comanchero bikie gang founder William 'Jock' Ross was seriously injured after a horrific collision with a car allegedly being driven by brain surgeon Charlie Teo's daughter

Nicola Teo walked arm-in-arm with her older sibling Alex in October 2019 as she faced charges which prosecutors say could carry jail time. She is due in court again in February

'Aye, I believe in God, that day he was looking down on me,' the 76-year-old said.

Ross came close to death when his motorbike collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser last year.

He admitted it was a miracle he survived the collision, and said it was 'lucky' no one else was involved.

'I was dead, they didn't think I would make it to hospital  I had enough time to go 'oh f**k', I saw it coming,' Ross said.

Although he's made a miraculous recovery, Ross also has lots of physiotherapy to get through, with six weeks of constant specialist appointments lined up,

'I'm lucky to be alive. It may look like I'm walking but I'm not 100 per cent,' he said.

The Scottish-born immigrant was discharged from hospital before Christmas after spending almost three months in intensive care.

Nicola Teo (pictured with her father left and mother right) is believed to have driven down the wrong side of the road for up to 200m before hitting William 'Jock' Ross's Harley Davidson

Ross came close to death when his motorbike collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser last year allegedly being driven by Nicole Teo

Medics put him into an induced coma before undergoing surgery for his leg, hip and lower leg, and to stop bleeding from the internal injuries.

Much of his arm is now in his leg, with the doctors having to take out muscles and veins to rebuild the torn-apart leg.

They also added in titanium plates in both his hip and leg, with Ross losing 16kg since the crash.

Jock Ross (pictured in April 2019) founded the Comanchero gang in 1966

'I was a big bloke, if you want to lose weight, be in a car crash,' he said.

Ms Teo faced court in October, supported by her mother Genevieve and sister Alex, but without her famous father in tow.

She is facing possible jail time for charges of dangerous driving and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutors allege she refused to give particulars to police and also charged her with not keeping left of a dividing line.

Prosecutors believe they have a 'strong prosecution case with both witnesses, physical evidence and CCTV footage of the collision', court documents said.

Ms Teo was granted police bail with the strict condition she is 'not to occupy the driver's/riders' seat of any motor vehicle' as part of her conditional release.

Ms Teo is scheduled to face court again on February 24, but Ross says he isn't bothered in appearing at the case.

Bikies at the scene of the Milperra Massacre outside the Viking Tavern on Father's Day 1984. Ross was jailed for murder in 1987 over his role instigating the massacre

CCTV stills emerged of the moments before Nicola Teo allegedly hit the motorcyclist in Lower Macdonald, in the Hawkesbury region of Sydney

Ross, a Glasgow-born former soldier, founded the Comancheros on the New South Wales Central Coast with four other motorcycle enthusiasts on April 15, 1966.

Styled as the gang's 'supreme commander', he led them into the 1984 Milperra Massacre, in which four of his men as well as two Bandidos and a 14-year-old girl died.

He took a gunshot to the head which gave him vision loss and a brain injury - but he survived.

Ross was jailed for murder in 1987 over his role instigating the massacre. He was released in 1992 after serving just five years.

Following the Milperra Massacre, Ross, who lives in Lower Macdonald, had maintained nominal control of the Comanchero for almost 20 years until a new breed of bikie arrived.

Rapid recruitment of Middle Eastern members in the late 1990s was splitting the gang and members of the gang, led by Mick Hawi, beat the older leader, taking his club colours and motorbike and stripping of his leadership.

Since he was ousted, Ross has been captain of his local Rural Fire Service.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:06:47|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam will lead a top-level delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos with the aim to remind global political, business and media leaders that Hong Kong's enduring strengths and advantages continue to serve it well, the Chief Executive's Office said on Thursday.

The delegation, named TeamHK and comprising senior officials of the HKSAR government and major businesses, will be the largest and most high-powered Hong Kong delegation to attend the WEF in more than 20 years, it said.

Lam, who is scheduled to arrive in Davos on Jan. 21, said she understood the global interest in Hong Kong and would take the opportunity to engage as many Davos attendees as possible to impress upon them Hong Kong's strengths and advantages.

"Much has happened in Hong Kong over the past year, and challenges remain. But our fundamentals remain strong and our future remains bright," she said.

"We are a free and open society and a highly competitive international business and financial hub. This is the message I and TeamHK will take to Davos," she added.

Lam said she would stress the resilience and flexibility of Hong Kong and its people.

"This is not the first time we have faced a crisis. We always bounce back - that is the enduring power of Hong Kong," she said, adding that the enhanced presence at the WEF serves to update, reassure and remind people that Hong Kong is very much "ON" and will remain a globally significant place.

The chief executive said that whether addressing the current social unrest or paving the way for future development, Hong Kong would strictly adhere to the "one country, two systems" principle, which provides Hong Kong with a unique set of advantages in China and globally.

"Hong Kong continues to play an important role in China's further opening-up and reform," she said. "There are significant, long-term opportunities for Hong Kong in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and under the Belt and Road Initiative."

Lam said she would inform WEF audiences that the HKSAR government was dealing with deep-seated issues and would not accept violence in any way, shape or form to resolve them.

"Hong Kong is not alone in facing social problems related to topics such as upward mobility, youth discontent, income disparity and housing affordability," she said. "We know we need to deal with these issues, and we will."

Lam said she would reinforce the message that Hong Kong remains safe and welcoming for business and investment. She also emphasized Hong Kong's advantages such as strong institutional strengths, legal system underpinned by independent judiciary, smoothly-operating stock market, money market and banking systems, as well as substantial fiscal reserves.

"These are very solid foundations which continue to serve us well," she said.
Sandalwood superstar Yash recently celebrated his 34th birthday on January 8. The Rocking star received the kind of love and adulation from his fans thats never been witnessed in the country. An ardent fan of the actor had arranged a 5000kg cake for the superstars birthday. The special birthday cake set a world record as the biggest ever cake to be made for a celebrity.

Nearly 5 lakh fans from all over Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh gathered at an event in Bangalore to ring in their stars birthday. The die-hard admirers have also erected 216 feet tall cut-outs on Nice Road in Bangalore for the special occasion. Yash took part in the event along with his wife Radhika Pandit.

A source close to the superstar revealed, He didnt want to celebrate his birthday as such. When last year his senior co-actor Ambareesh whom he respects a lot, passed away, Yash declared he wont celebrate his birthday. One of his fans was so upset he set himself on fire in front of Yashs residence. Yash rushed to the hospital where the fan died. But not before he wished his idol a happy birthday. After last years horrible incident which has been weighing on Yashs mind, he decided to let his fans do what they like on his birthday this year.

The source went on to add, No actor in India has been this honoured. Such a tall cut-out has never been erected for any actor in any part of the world. It could have toppled over anytime and killed many in the field. Yash immediately asked the cut-out to be taken down. A chopper had to be used to bring down the cut-out.

Yash recently spoke about the grand celebration organised by his fans on his birthday. The actor confessed, It is a big responsibility. This kind of adulation is unheard of. What if I disappoint them with my behaviour? Luckily for me, for my birthday, my fans expected nothing from me. They just wanted me to come to the venue there. During my birthday, on earlier occasions I have served them food at my residence. This time I didnt even have a chance to extend that minimum courtesy and hospitality. All they wanted was for me to be there. Such unconditional love from the fans is overwhelming, and scary too. What if I let them down?

ALSO READ: KGF Star Yash Cuts The World's Biggest Birthday Cake Weighing 5000 Kg Prepared By A Fan

ALSO READ: Yash Opens Up About Co-Star Sanjay Dutt; Shares Other Details of KGF: Chapter 2
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Iraqs oil output boost may be hindered by heightened security concerns, Trend reports with reference to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Referring to the tension observed in the Middle East with killing of Iranian general and Iranian attack on US air base in Iraq, IEA said in its Oil Market Report that recent events showed Iraqs vulnerability as a supplier.

In the medium term heightened security concerns might make it more difficult for Iraq to build production capacity. In turn, this could make it more difficult to ensure there is sufficient spare production capacity to meet rising global demand in the second half of this decade, said the report.

IEA said that in recent years production and export capacity have expanded fast: in 2010 Iraq exported 2 mb/d and now the figure is 4 mb/d.

Iraqs rising capacity has been very welcome as sanctions have reduced Irans exports to only 0.3 mb/d and Venezuelas production has collapsed. Today, both China and India receive about 1 mb/d of oil from Iraq and another 1 mb/d moves to various European countries. In Indias case, around 20 percent of its crude imports come from Iraq. Amongst Iraqs other customers is the US. Data from the Energy Information Administration show that in January-October 2019 the US imported 337 kb/d from Iraq, and just below 1 mb/d from the Middle East Gulf as a whole, reads the report.

---

Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn
CHATSWORTH, Calif.Pipedream Products announced their Never Out Top Sellers list has been updated with the newest, hottest top-selling products just in time for Valentines Day.

Our Never Out Top Sellers list is a huge boon for retailers! Pipedream Products CEO Matthew Matsudaira said. Our goal is to ensure that retailers never have empty shelves or racks where one of Pipedreams best-selling products should be on display. Additionally, the NOTS list keeps retailers abreast of the hottest trends and makes them readily available! We predict many of our customers will take advantage of the list to stock up for Valentines Day so be sure to get those orders in!

The Never Out Top Sellers list offers retailers the security of knowing that Pipedreams 250 best-selling items are guaranteed to always be in stock. Launched in July of 2019 and updated as of Jan. 1, 2020, it features Pipedreams hottest lines including Anal Fantasy, Basix, King Cock, Fetish Fantasy, Icicles, Fantasy for Her, Juicy Jewels, PDX, Pump Worx and more. Periodic updates ensure the NOTS list will always feature the in-demand products consumers are looking for.

The NOTS list has everything retailers need to be prepared for the busy romance season. Retailers are encouraged to place their Valentines Day orders soon as rush. U.S. orders must be submitted by Jan. 27.

There is no sign up required to place orders with Pipedream and new customers get a 5 percent discount on their first order. The NOTS Promise: All products will be in stock and available to ship, or Pipedream will give you 10 percent off on your next order of the same product. To date, Pipedream Products has not broken its NOTS promise to any customers.

To place an order, contact your preferred representative or email [email protected]. Product images, dimensions, videos, and marketing materials are all available online at PipedreamProducts.com.
A woman uses smartphone to pay the bill in a supermarket in Hanoi, 2019. Photo by Shutterstock/SunnyVMD.

Vietnam seeks to launch commercial 5G mobile services this year, the Ministry of Information and Communications has said.

"5G is significant infrastructure for the digital economy and digital society, and mastering 5G equipment is of strategic significance for the country," the ministry said in plans posted on its website for the information-communications industry this year.

Vietnam is one of the few countries in the world that can produce 5G devices.

In June Vingroup JSC, Vietnams largest listed firm by market value, signed partnerships with Japan's Fujitsu and the U.S.'s Qualcomm to make 5G smartphones in the country.

Telecom giant Viettel broadcast its first 5G signals from its network of 5G base transceiver stations (BTSs) in Ho Chi Minh City in September last year.

The 10 stations will be used by Viettel to assess its 5G capability before launching it commercially this year.

The military-owned company installed its first 5G BTS in Hanoi in early 2019 and made the first 5G phone call in May that year. It was the first firm in the country to receive permission to trial 5G services, followed by MobiFone.

5G is said to offer speeds 100 times faster than 4G and support new applications like remote medical procedures and autonomous driving.

The number of 5G subscriptions in Vietnam could hit 6.3 million by 2025 or 6 percent of total mobile subscriptions, technology conglomerate Cisco has forecast.
If St. Francis of Assisi traveled back through time to perform a musical on Broadway, who would he invite? According to NY Times bestselling author James Twyman, he would invite people in need, the homeless and the forgotten. Twyman is traveling across the US on his way to the off-Broadway stage to perform a one-man musical based on the life of St. Francis, and when he arrives in NYC his primary audience will be people who normally would not be allowed in the theater.

Twyman will perform " Brother Sun, Sister Moon " in eighteen cities across the US as he makes his way to New York, hitchhiking and relying on support the entire way. When needed he'll sleep on the street with the homeless and invite them to attend his performances.

"In Santa Barbara I shared the musical at the Old Mission church and people were literally stuffing money into my pockets," he explained. "We immediately hit the streets and gave everything we had to the homeless men and women we found there. Before long we were penniless again and ready to move on to Phoenix where the next show was scheduled."

What does Twyman hope to accomplish with his extraordinary nationwide journey?

"The time St. Francis lived in was not very different from today. People were on one side or another, and there was no real communication taking place. Francis found a way to relate to everyone and get people talking again. That might be the most important lesson he can teach us today."

After Phoenix January 19th, the tour visits Sedona, Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe, Kansas City, St. Louis, Peoria, Chicago, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, Syracuse, Philadelphia, Boston and Hartford before finally arriving in New York. If you want to catch the show, or watch the first twenty minutes from a performance in Assisi, you can visit www.StFrancisMusical.com .

Media: Mary Elizabeth | [email protected] | 618.447.8333 | Beary, Ink.

SOURCE James Twyman

Related Links

http://www.StFrancisMusical.com


IDFPR has issued a warning to dispensaries that they must immediately come into compliance with law; any corrective action taken by dispensaries may be considered a mitigating factor in the Departments assessment of disciplinary action, she said. Understanding growing pains will be a part of any new industry, the administration expects dispensaries to follow the law in order to prioritize patients.
The disclosures have opened a new front in Trumps impeachment woes, while dragging Ukraine back into the spotlight six months after the controversial call between Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. Up to this point, Ukrainian officials had been careful not to criticize their most powerful Western allies, but Ukraine cannot ignore such illegal activities on its territory, the Interior Ministry statement said.
Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

After a weeks-long delay, Trump impeachment proceedings have finally moved to the Senate. Shortly after the proceedings were approved by a House, the seven impeachment managers selected by Speaker Nancy Pelosi marched the articles of impeachment against Trump over to the Senate, where the trial has been underway since January 21.

Heres the schedule for the rest of the process, which will be updated as more information becomes available.

Friday, January 31

After the New York Times revealed that John Boltons book detailed a damning conversation with President Trump about Ukraine aid, it seemed inevitable that he would be called to testify. But by the end of the week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was signaling that he had the votes to block Boltons appearance.

The debate over hearing new evidence began on Friday. But the witness vote seems likely to go Republicans way, after Senator Lisa Murkowski  the moderate Alaska Republican who was one of four senators who may have voted to hear from witnesses  put out a statement on Friday announcing the she would vote against admitting any additional evidence in the trial. That being the case, its not clear if Democrats will introduce new motions as a delaying tactic on Friday night. Its also unclear whether, or when, closing arguments will happen, as they did for Bill Clintons impeachment trial in 1999.

Saturday, February 1

The trial continued in an abbreviated session on Saturday, which allowed Democratic senators competing in the 2020 primaries to quickly flee back to Iowa.

Monday, February 3

With the outcome of the trial certain, President Trumps lawyers and Democrats laid out their closing arguments. The presidents team denied that there was a Ukraine/Biden quid pro quo, despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. They also argued that the decision of whether to remove Trump from office should be left up to voters in November.

Tuesday, February 4

More closing arguments are expected in advance of President Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Whether he will mention impeachment in it is not clear.

Wednesday, February 5

The final impeachment vote, on whether to remove the president from office, is expected around 4pm.

This post has been updated throughout.

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Another day, another statement by a ruling party member in Maharashtra has created a controversy in the state's political circles.

This time around, it is Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut who, during a programme on January 15, said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to meet underworld don Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Raut's statement has ruffled feathers in the political corridors of the state, particularly those of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, formed by the unlikely coming together of the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress.

The reaction from the Congress was along expected lines the party's state unit chief Balasaheb Thorat saying Raut should avoid making such "irresponsible and irrelevant" statements in the future.

But who was Karim Lala, the man who has come back to haunt the Maha Vikas Aghadi?

Lala was an Afghan-born underworld gangster, whose illegal business spread from interests in liquor trade to gambling and extortion rackets in Mumbai (then Bombay).

Reports from the 70's and 80's, and then from 2002, when Lala died, suggest that the underworld mafiosi lived a life that was more or less devoid of the grandeur that other gangsters of that era tended to have around them.

While he had started his life as a worker, he joined a gang of Pathans, working as illegal recovery agents, and then worked his way up.

"I dont think she (Indira Gandhi) met him because he was an underworld don. Lala was a respected figure in the Pathan community. Therefore, Pathans across the country used to come and meet him. And so did leaders and prominent personalities," Raut had later said.

Lala dominated the smuggling scene from 1971-74, but then reportedly took a backseat and handed over the reins of his business to his nephew, Samad Khan, who, in turn, was killed by rival Dawood Ibrahim gang in 1984.
California Department of Education

News Release

California Department of Education

News Release

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Appoints Elizabeth Dearstyne as Director of the School Fiscal Services Division

SACRAMENTOState Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that he has appointed Elizabeth Dearstyne as the new Director of the School Fiscal Services Division at the California Department of Education (CDE). The division apportions funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) and guides LEAs from the state level on fiscal solvency, audit resolution, and financial reports.

Elizabeth brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the states school funding systems after almost 20 years in education finance, said Thurmond. Her leadership and management skills will help the state provide crucial support to our schools so that they can provide a high-quality education to all students.

Dearstyne has spent the last 14 years at the CDE in the School Fiscal Services Division at different levels, most recently as the Associate Director since April 2019. She has provided her leadership, guidance, and support in a variety of K12 education finance areas, such as the allocation of state and federal funding to LEAs, issues related to LEA fiscal solvency, and the impact of emergency school closures on instructional time and funding. Dearstyne also led the team that implemented the school funding formula changes in 2013 for the Local Control Funding Formula.

Dearstyne holds a bachelors degree in government from California State University, Sacramento and a masters degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. She replaces Caryn Moore, who retired last year.

# # # #

Tony Thurmond  State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, July 20, 2021
In one instance, she alleged, Hyde ran across the lobby of the Trump hotel, shoved my colleague out of the way to try and grab and hug me. Other times, she wrote that Hyde had waited for her to leave events, tracking her once at a meeting with a Trump Cabinet secretary and another time dashing out from a hotel restaurant to follow her. Hyde stalked me at hotel and I had to have a colleague walk me to elevator for safety, she wrote.
A man with 424 previous convictions was ordered by a judge to go back and mop the cell he was staying in after he had urinated in it.

Richard OBrien, 58, appeared before Bandon District Court, having been ordered the previous day in Macroom District Court to clean up the cell.

Sgt Paul Kelly told Judge James McNulty that at 2.53pm last Tuesday, January 14, gardai came across Mr OBrien at Sleaveen East in Macroom, where he had been extremely intoxicated, slurring his words and required garda assistance to get into the patrol car. He had a naggin of whiskey on his person when gardai found him.

He had been arrested for and was later charged with intoxication in a public place, but once in the cell at Macroom Garda Station he urinated on the floor, resulting in a charge of criminal damage.

Sgt Kelly confirmed to the judge that there was in-cell sanitation. He did not make any request to avail of any other facilities, Sgt Kelly said, adding that Mr OBrien had rendered the cell unusable.

On Wednesday in Macroom District Court Judge McNulty had ordered that Mr OBrien - recently of the Simon Community, Andersons Quay in Cork - be detained overnight and get a bucket of soapy water, a mop and some gloves and that he clean up the mess he had made.

A garda from Macroom Station told the judge in Bandon that a good effort was made by Mr OBrien.

He said Mr OBrien had behaved well and said: I wouldnt say it is clean, sparkling and fresh", but added, he made a good effort.

Judge McNulty then ordered that Mr OBrien return to finish the job, but Sgt Kelly said professional cleaners had since been called, as per protocol, and were now cleaning the cell.

Sgt Kelly said of Mr OBriens 424 previous convictions, 276 were for drunkenness in a public place.

His solicitor, Diarmuid OShea, said Mr OBrien had a serious drink problem.

Mr OBrien, who said he was now living with his mother in Killarney, apologised to the judge.

It was my friends 50th birthday a few days ago, he said, adding that until then he had been doing good enough.

I am so sorry for what I did, he said. As for his efforts to clean the cell he said: I left it clean. I left it as good as when I went in.

Judge McNulty convicted Mr OBrien on the charge of criminal damage and sentenced him to two days in prison, which he deemed to have already been served, considering Mr OBriens time in custody since his initial arrest.

He said he would take the other charge of intoxication in a public place into consideration.

I accept your promise that nothing like this will happen again, the judge said. "If you are going through Macroom again, dont stop. Keep going.
A number of military pilots, mostly from the same area as President Assad, have been promoted to the rank of Brigadier writes Zaman al-Wasl.

Zaman al-Wasl has obtained Januarys promotion list of the 52 top officers in the Syrian Air Force.

Most of the officers operate as military pilots who carried out deadly airstrikes on opposition areas during the nine-year-long conflict that has claimed the lives of half a million people and displaced half of the countrys population.

On Jan. 1, 2020, the Syrian regime army also promoted three Brigadier Generals who gained fame for their brutality and killing.

Most of the promoted generals come from Bashar al-Assads hometown in coastal region and belong to the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

Assad, who believes that war is over along with his key allies Russia and Iran, has managed to survive with a powerless army by depending on local militias and Iran-backed-and-funded foreign militants.

Syrian activists said all active officers in the regime army have been involved in war crimes against the Syrian people.

Over the course of the war, more than 135,000 pro-regime fighters have been killed, according to local monitoring groups.

Brigadier General Pilot Tawfiq Mohamed Khadhour, originally from coastal Jableh region, was promoted to the rank of Major General after his appointment as the Commander of the 22nd Division.

The second Brigadier to be promoted to Major General was Mohamed Mansour. He was appointed as Deputy Commander of the 22nd Division.

The third promoted to Major General was the pilot Abdullah Suleiman, originally from Tartus province; he was appointed as Commander of the Coastal Unitary Headquarters of the Air Force and Air Defense.

Colonel to Brigadier

Forty-nine colonels were promoted to Brigadier across all formations, sectors, units, and headquarters of the Air Force, most of whom are technicians, navigators, and pilots who are suspended from aviation and are serving in the headquarters and leadership of the Air Force. Below is a list of the names of the majority of them:

Brigadier General Haitham Fayad

Brigadier General, Asaad Asaad

Brigadier General Issa Duweiri

Brigadier General Akram Abdel Salam

Brigadier General Abdul Rahman Hassan

Brigadier General Kamel Ahmed

Brigadier Pilot Mohamed Qunbas

Brigadier General Rafiq Ahmed Ibrahim

Brigadier General Abdullah al-Ahmad

Brigadier General Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Dakhil

Brigadier General Mohamed Heen Neisafi

Brigadier General Samih Halloum

Brigadier Pilot Khaldoun Adham Boueini

Brigadier General Mohamed Bakry

Brigadier General Pilot Hamza Haider

Brigadier General Ahmed Masoud

Brigadier General Ziyad Abu Al-Laith

Brigadier General Youssef Jammoul

Brigadier General Ali Asaad Habib

Brigadier General Melhem Abdel-Karim

Brigadier General Taher Ali

Brigadier General Tayseer Ibrahim

Brigadier General Adib Suleiman

Brigadier General Mansour Shahoud

Brigadier General Mounir Ayyash

Brigadier General Moataz Hamdan

Brigadier General Mohamed al-Dhamati

Brigadier General Khalil Sheikh Saleh

Brigadier General Riyadh al-Ahmed

Brigadier General Rami Mahfoudh

Brigadier Salim Jaber al-Ali

Brigadier General Sultan al-Ahmad

Brigadier General Hussain al-Ali

Brigadier General Yasser Mohammed

Brigadier General Abdul Karim al-Nasser

Brigadier General Abdul Razzaq al-Ahmad

Brigadier General Walid Hawash

Brigadier General Nadim Shahoud

Brigadier General Ramadan al-Saeed

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
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Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) lost it and screamed liberal hack at CNNs Manu Raju after he asked her about considering new impeachment evidence.

Video:

Video of Martha McSally's exchange with @mkraju when asked about considering new evidence in the Senate impeachment trial. pic.twitter.com/qHwrc0ubd3  andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) January 16, 2020

Here is Rajus description of the exchange:

Sen. Martha McSally, a Republican facing a difficult election race, lashed out when I asked if she would consider new evidence as part of the Senate trial. Youre a liberal hack  Im not talking to you. Youre a liberal hack. She then walked into a hearing room.  Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 16, 2020

McSally was rewarded by the Trump campaign:

THREE CHEERS for Senator @MarthaMcSally!!! THIS is how you handle FAKE NEWS @CNN. DONATE to Martha NOW  https://t.co/6SuZq3HR7r pic.twitter.com/K9YAsxvYwb  Trump War Room  Text FIGHT to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) January 16, 2020

McSallys childish outburst gives conservative media something to talk about that will distract Trump supporters from the fact that Senators are being sworn in as jurors at his impeachment trial and new bombshell first-hand evidence shows that Trump directly committed crimes.

Impeachment is making vulnerable Republican Senators like McSally very nervous. She is doing her MAGA best to win favor with Trump, but that may not be enough to prevent her from losing her seat in November.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
Handheld failures frustrate workforce and cost business, latest Panasonic research shows

BRACKNELL, UK. 16th January 2020 ? Handheld mobile computing failures are frustrating delivery drivers, warehouse workers, retailers and emergency services personnel across the UK and costing business. On average, the handheld mobile computing devices with bar code readers fail more than 2.5 times a year[1] and take 2.6 days or more to replace or repair, according to workers in the latest research undertaken by Opinion Matters, on behalf of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK.

On average over 63% of workers felt their handheld device was more prone to failure than other technology devices they used. But in this fast-paced business world, device users were certainly not treating their handhelds with kid gloves. Workers reported device damage was caused by a wide variety of issues from drops and spills, to being left in freezing or melting hot conditions to being run over by vehicles!

Problem caused by:

Device dropped  45%

Left it in a hot place  20%

Just stopped working  40%

Dropped in water  12%

Run over by a vehicle  8%

Spilt liquid on device  16%

Left in a cold place  7%

The most frequent damage from these accidents varied from battery, button and touchscreen issues to bar code reader failure.

Top reasons for failures were:

Battery problems  39%

Touchscreen issues  32%

Device stopped working properly  24%

Broken screen  22%

Buttons stopped  15%

Bar code reader failure  24%

Even when their devices were operating effectively, mobile workers still found them frustrating. The most annoying things about their handheld device were:

Slow or inaccurate bar code  16%

Unable to use wearing gloves  18%

Too heavy  15%

Poor battery life  18%

Poor screen sensitivity for signatures  10%

The top design improvements they would like to see made to their handheld devices were:

Anti-scratch coating  30%

Hand or shoulder strap  28%

Heat reflective coating  18%

Easier to clean  21%

Hot swap batteries  22%

Camera  17%

And if these improvements were made and they had their perfect handheld device, workers promised huge increases in productivity as a result. Workers estimated that they would be 39% more productive on average.

Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Mobile Solutions Business Division  Europe, said: ?There can be no doubt that mobile workers are feeling the frustrations of working with their current handheld mobile computing devices. As well as demotivating the workforce, these issues are having a huge cost and customer service impact on the businesses they work for.?

?The pressures are high in the business sectors where these bar code scanning handheld devices are used because every second counts. The work environment is also often difficult and exposed, which has an impact on the number of device accidents and failure rates. As a result, it is more critical than ever that technology buyers understand the device design factors that will have the biggest impact on their workforce and their business? ergonomic design, rugged protection and technology differentiators like hot swappable batteries and daylight visible screens.?

A full copy of the Handheld Troubles research executive summary can be found here: https://business.panasonic.co.uk/mobile-solutions/handheld-troubles-2020.

[1] Based on a sample of 250 UK device users
OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has shut down British Columbia's attempt to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (725 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Pipe for the Trans Mountain pipeline is unloaded in Edson, Alta. on Tuesday June 18, 2019. The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an attempt by British Columbia to assert authority over what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has shut down British Columbia's attempt to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

The B.C. government wanted to require provincial permits before heavy oil could be shipped through pipelines in the province.

In 2018, it asked the B.C. Court of Appeal if such permits were in bounds. Last May that court said no, ruling they would violate Ottawa's authority under the Constitution to approve and regulate any pipeline that crosses a provincial border.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed.

"We are all of the view to dismiss the appeal for the unanimous reasons of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia," Chief Justice Richard Wagner said.

The decision was issued from the bench after several hours of hearings Thursday in Ottawa.

It removes one of the remaining obstacles for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which seeks to twin an existing pipeline running between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.

The twinned pipeline, with roughly twice the capacity of the original, would carry only diluted bitumen, a heavy crude produced in Alberta's oilsands. The existing pipeline is to continue to ship mainly refined petroleum products like gasoline, and light crude.

Canada's Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan welcomed the ruling.

"It is a core responsibility of the federal government to help get Canada's resources to market and support good, middle-class jobs," he said in a statement.

"We know this is only possible when we earn public trust and work to address environmental, Indigenous peoples' and local concerns, which we are doing every step of the way on TMX."

Federal lawyers argued B.C.'s attempt to require provincial permits for heavy oil to flow through pipelines was a clear imposition on the constitutional authority given to Ottawa over interprovincial pipelines.

Several of the judges on the Supreme Court agreed in their statements and questions throughout Thursday's hearing, before issuing their quick dismissal.

B.C's New Democrat government was elected in 2017 partly on a promise to oppose the expansion but the province had limited options because of the Constitution.

Still, B.C. argued it has jurisdiction to protect the environment within its borders and, since its land and people would bear the brunt of any damage from a spill if the pipeline ruptured, it should get a say in what can flow through it.

B.C. Premier John Horgan expressed the province's disappointment in a statement.

"Our government takes our responsibility to defend the interests of British Columbians seriously" he said. "When it comes to protecting our coast, our environment and our economy, we will continue do all we can within our jurisdiction."

The case had national implications for any project that crosses provincial boundaries, prompting Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec to all seek intervener status. All but Quebec sided entirely with the federal government.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney took immediately to Twitter to express gratitude for the court decision.

"We are very pleased with this outcome and look forward to construction continuing on the Trans Mountain Pipeline," he wrote.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said it is pleased, but not surprised, by the unanimous ruling.

"This is a project that has undergone historic levels of consultation, reviews and court challenges, and at each turn has been found to be in the best interests of all Canadians," Tim McMillan, president and CEO of CAPP said in a release.

"It is time to unite behind the completion of this nation-building project so Canadians can start to benefit from selling our responsibly produced resources to global markets."

Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, also received intervener status in the case. Lawyer Kegan Pepper-Smith said the court's decision will leave "communities and the environment vulnerable to toxic diluted bitumen spills."

"Ecojustice is also deeply concerned that the court refused to confirm that governments at all levels have both a right and a constitutional duty to protect the environment," he said.

This case was the catalyst that led to the federal government's decision to buy the existing pipeline in May 2018 for $4.5 billion from Kinder Morgan Canada. The company said the political risk that the project would never get built was too much to bear and was planning to halt the expansion.

The federal Liberals argue the pipeline is needed to get more Canadian oil to foreign markets beyond the United States and bought the existing pipeline with a view to completing the expansion once the legal and political challenges were out of the way.

It intends to sell it back to the private sector after the expansion is complete.

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The expansion project has faced multiple legal and political barriers since Kinder Morgan first submitted its application for the pipeline to the National Energy Board in 2013.

Construction on the project halted in August 2018, after the Federal Court of Appeal ruled Ottawa's decision in 2016 to approve the expansion had not included proper Indigenous consultation or fully taken into account any impact on marine life from additional oil tankers that would result from the project.

Cabinet approved the expansion a second time last June after undergoing additional consultations and environmental review. Construction restarted in August.

Six Indigenous communities and several environment groups filed a second legal challenge, but the court agreed to hear only the concerns from the Indigenous communities.

Two of those communities withdrew their challenge after signing agreements with Trans Mountain Corporation, the Crown agency now running the pipeline. The case involving the other four was heard in December but no decision has yet been issued.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2020.
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Public relations companies long have been known for reshaping perceptions to favor their clients. Taking that practice to an extreme, some now engage in black PR  that is, the calculated spread of disinformation and misinformation online, according to a Buzzfeed report published Monday.

For example, Taiwan-based entrepreneur Peng Kuan Chins Content Farm Automatic Collection System harvests online articles and posts written in Chinese, reshapes them, and posts them on websites under its control.

Thousands of fake social media accounts owned by his company, Bravo-Idea, then spread this manipulated content across the Internet.

We see a lot of these black PR firms, remarked Ray Wang, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

A lot of them work today in local politics with big developers, lobbyists fighting individual activists and so on, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The Evil That Black PR Does

Nearly 70 percent of 6,100-plus Americans who participated in a Pew Research Center poll last year said that fake news greatly affected their confidence in government institutions. Fifty-four percent said it hurt their confidence in other people.

About 60 percent blamed political figures and their staff, and 53 percent blamed activists. Seventy-nine percent believed steps should be taken to restrict fake news.

Black PR is manipulation at scale for money without any concerns for the damage to the planet, country, or even individual safety, observed Rob Enderle, principal at the Enderle Group.

The danger is not only the damage this does, but given people dont like to be made fools of, the repercussions when they find out they were played, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Recall what happened with Gawker and Peter Thiel, Enderle said.

Where Black PR Is Going

Black PR per se is not new. For example, Hill & Knowlton famously orchestrated fake testimony about Iraqi troop atrocities in Kuwait that helped push the U.S. to launch the Gulf War.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Internet has made it easier, and much cheaper, to publish and disseminate misinformation and disinformation, however.

Last year, 19 online information operations were attributed partially or wholly to PR or marketing firms, according to a Buzzfeed review . Since 2011, there have been 27 such operations.

The black PR market is growing, and likely will expand through the 2020 U.S. election year, said Mike Jude, research director at IDC.

Fighting Black PR

Closing down accounts of people or organizations disseminating misinformation isnt enough, because they just pivot to a new account, Enderle said. Eventually, well use artificial intelligence for this, but the corrective tools are lagging at the moment.

Tech companies are fighting back. Twitter last month announced the removal of more than 5,000 accounts involved in a state-backed information operation.

Facebook has taken a series of actions:

Last month, it took down hundreds of accounts, pages and groups in two unconnected networks conducting operations on Facebook and Instagram;

Last spring, it banned Israeli black PR firm Archimedes Group for creating hundreds of fake social media accounts to influence elections in various countries; and

Early last year, it banned Philippine digital marketing company Twinmark Media Enterprises and its subsidiaries from its platform for coordinated inauthentic behavior.

Facebook, Google and Twitter last year teamed up with the BBC and publishers to fight fake news.

The Dangers Black PR Poses

No market expands forever, IDCs Jude told the E-Commerce Times. To the extent that black PR begins to do serious damage to individuals, expect governments to step in.

Germany, Malaysia, France, Russia, Singapore and China have made it a crime to create and distribute misinformation.

The EU in 2018 introduced a voluntary code of practice to battle online disinformation. Facebook and other tech companies have signed on.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Australia has pressured tech companies to fight fake news.

Actively censoring the news feeds to protect people from their own ignorance seems a bit extreme, Jude suggested. Turn the trial lawyers loose on this space and establish a few landmark cases, and I think the problem will be greatly diminished.

The Possibility of Self-Policing

Meanwhile, the PR industry is trying to police itself.

ICCO, the International Communications Consultancy Organization  an umbrella group representing PR trade groups around the world  has established the Helsinki Declaration, 10 principles it urges member groups to support.

ICCO also has a page on ethics in digital communication on its website.

In 2017, the UKs Public Relations and Communications Association expelled London-based PR firm Bell Pottinger for stoking racial tensions in South Africa for a billionaire client.

The answer isnt more centralization, Constellations Wang said. Its more decentralization that allows individuals to report fakes to others who will also apply techniques and algorithms to be vigilant.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 7.30 am ET Thursday, the European Central Bank publishes the account of the monetary policy meeting of the governing council held on December 11 and 12. Ahead of the release, the euro held steady against its major counterparts. The euro was worth 1.1162 against the greenback, 122.76 against the yen, 0.8542 against the pound and 1.0747 against the franc as of 7:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
In his new role, Grove will manage relationships with ANEs members in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as expanding the companys footprint in central and eastern Pennsylvania. Prior to joining ANE, Grove spent 16 years with Travelers, most recently as regional director in Pennsylvania.

Vetrano, who has more than 43 years of industry experience, will lead ANEs expansion into New York. Prior to joining ANE, he served as regional vice president with The Hanover. He has also held roles at Firemans Fund, USF&G, and St. Paul.

ANE, a network of independent insurance agencies, has more than 70 individually owned member agencies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The mayor is right and as we have indicated, our policies are undergoing close review, Timothy Rub, the Philadelphia Museum of Arts director and chief executive, said Thursday.

In an email message to staff on Tuesday that was obtained by The Times, Mr. Rub said he planned to hold departmental meetings and to cover the matter at an upcoming all-staff meeting. Some employees are planning a group walkout from the meeting in protest of the museums slowness to respond.

Nothing could be more important to me than the well-being of our staff and ensuring that we create a safe, productive work environment in which everyone feels free to express concerns and in which they are heard, Mr. Rub said in the message. I know that we have improvements to make, and I hope that you will join me in this significant work.

The Times reported that multiple women had accused Mr. Helmer of making advances toward them in the workplace while he was at the Philadelphia museum and that an intern had made a similar complaint in Erie. Mr. Helmer, who had been appointed to the Erie post in 2018, denied this misconduct but declined to discuss his relationships with female employees.

In the wake of the report, a Pennsylvania State senator, Pam Iovino, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, said in a statement: Workplace harassment has no place in Pennsylvania  it undermines the safety and dignity of employees and must be investigated and addressed. If an individual has created a hostile work environment, they should be held accountable.
By Scott Reeves, China Daily | Jan. 13, 2020

Fifteen years ago, Boeing considered David Calhoun for its chief executive officer. He didn't get the job.

But on Monday, the 62-year-old executive will assume the top slot amid the toughest crisis the world's largest aircraft manufacturer has faced: fallout from the crashes of two 737 MAX jets that killed 346 people.

The MAX, Boeing's top-selling plane, was grounded worldwide in March 2019. Boeing temporarily suspended production of the jet this month and has lost orders to Airbus, its chief rival.

It's unclear when MAX production will resume, a decision that could ripple through the aircraft industry's supply chain and, some analysts believe, cut as much as 0.4 percent off the United States' gross domestic product in 2020.

Airlines around the world have sued Boeing for lost revenue, pilots have sued for lost wages, families of those killed in the crashes have sued for wrongful death and some stockholders have sued because the share price fell after the worldwide grounding of the MAX.

The MAX grounding has cost Boeing nearly $10 billion - and counting, analysts said.

Boeing named Jim McNerney CEO in 2005, but kept in touch with Calhoun, who then worked for a General Electric division with annual sales of $47 billion that included the manufacture of aircraft engines. Calhoun left GE a year later to head Nielsen, a media and data company.

Clearly, Boeing liked what they saw in Calhoun and named him to the board of directors in 2009. On Dec 23, 2019, Boeing named him CEO.

Calhoun's management skills get rave reviews from his peers.

"Having seen him run GE's aviation business after 9/11, I know he can execute under pressure," former GE CEO told Jeff Immelt told Reuters.

Candor Is Key

Calhoun, who co-wrote a business book titled How Companies Win believes candor is key to leadership, an element that critics said was absent from former CEO Dennis Muilenburg, whom Calhoun replaced in the corner office.

Muilenburg was sharply criticized for his testimony before Congress following the crashes of MAX jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia and for his dealings with family members of those killed in the crashes.

Calhoun, according to media reports, has sought to do better. He has spoken privately with the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, and taken a less aggressive tone in getting the MAX back in the air.

In a major policy reversal, Calhoun agreed that pilots should receive additional training on a flight simulator before flying the MAX with its updated anti-stall system. But there may not be enough of the ground-based, computer-driven mock-ups of the plane's cockpit to train pilots in a timely manner.

In a video published in 2014, Calhoun said, "The second you get into the office until the second you leave, every interaction is judged. You try to hide anything from everybody and through your body language it becomes perfectly apparent."

Many business observers credit Calhoun with the swift - and deft - handling of the departure of Kevin McAllister as head of Boeing's aircraft manufacturing division last October. It appears McAllister's firing foreshadowed the quick ouster of Muilenburg.

So far, the only major criticism of Calhoun is that he's not an engineer. He studied accounting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly called Virginia Tech, and began his career as a member of GE's corporate audit team.

"Short term, (Muilenburg's firing) is an olive branch," said Robert Mann, president of R.W. Mann & Co, an aviation consulting firm in Port Washington, New York. "But it appears to be the end of engineers on the Boeing board of directors for now. Given the nature of the company in its commercial aviation, defense and space roles, I don't know that a well-intentioned board made up of accountants and lawyers have the skills to be informed decision-makers."

Design of the MAX's anti-stall system is at the center of Boeing's current problems.

Boeing updated an existing plane, the 737 NG, because designing, building and securing approval for an entirely new plane could take as long as 10 years, and Boeing was pressed by a new plane from Airbus, the A320neo. But the larger, more fuel-efficient engines on the MAX forced designers to place them closer to the fuselage and farther forward on the wing. This changed the plane's handling characteristics.

To solve the problem, Boeing developed an automated anti-stall device, called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System. Investigators believe the anti-stall system erroneously pointed the nose of the planes down to avoid a midair stall and into a fatal plunge.

Safety experts and members of Congress have faulted Boeing for not adequately informing pilots of the system and how to override it in an emergency. However, the MAX flew without incident for about two years prior to the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Rebuild Image

James Hall, managing partner of Hall & Associates in Washington and former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. said Muilenburg's firing was long overdue.

"Boeing needs to reset the table and put safety first," he told China Daily. "The whole thing was blown up when Boeing lobbied Congress to self-certify the MAX. There were a lot of missteps."

Boeing took another hit last week with the release of in-house emails that show employees boasting about bullying regulators and customers.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 09:44:10|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Wednesday said it has executed up to 150 projects in Nigeria with at least 6 million U.S. dollars through the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Program (GEF-SGP).

At least 25 out of the 36 states in Nigeria have benefited so far from the projects, co-financed by donors including non-governmental organizations since 2009, said Ronke Olubamise, the coordinator of the GEF-SGP.

Olubamise told reporters in Abuja that five priority areas being implemented through the program in Nigeria were conservation of biodiversity, prevention of land degradation, fight against climate change and persistent organic pollutants, and protection of international waters.

More than 500,000 poor rural dwellers have benefited directly from all the projects over the years, she said.

The projects were aligned with the government's priorities, in order to get its support for their smooth implementation, she added. Enditem
Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court has issued a final ruling nullifying executive authorities' decision to extradite six leaders and ministers of the late Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

The Jan. 7 decision cannot be appealed.

According to the ruling, which was emailed to journalists, sending the men back to Libya would endanger their lives, so the court barred their extradition on humanitarian grounds.

The ruling ends proceedings to extradite to Libya former Intelligence Director Khalifa Mesbah, former Minister of Public Security and Justice Moftah al-Senussi, former Minister of Interior Nasr al-Mabruk, former Minister of Transport Mohammed Abu Ajila and former deputies Mohammed Jarallah and Fouad Mohammed Abdullah.

Libya began seeking the extradition of 18 senior leaders of the Gadhafi regime in 2012, a year after Gadhafi was overthrown.

The ruling was based on Egypt's accession in 1954 to the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which stipulates penalties shall not be imposed on refugees who illegally enter Egypt while fleeing their country "coming directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened  provided they present themselves without delay to the authorities and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence.

The court noted that the Egyptian law, based on the UN convention, says refugees can be expelled "only if their presence constitutes a threat to Egyptian national security or [they] have been previously convicted by a final ruling in an important crime that constitutes a threat to the society of the state in which they are located; otherwise, refugees shall enjoy all their rights within the country.

Those rights guarantee "protection from prosecution, and prohibit their deportation or extradition to any country without their desire or will, especially if their life or freedom in it is at risk for any of the aforementioned reasons.

Ali Tarfaya, a researcher and writer specializing in Libyan affairs and a member of the African and Arab Affairs Association, told Al-Monitor, The Egyptian judiciary rules with the documents and laws it has at hand. Whatever the position of the Libyan leaders in whose favor the ruling on staying in Egypt was issued, they are now present with the power of the judiciary and cannot be harmed.

He said the ruling was based on international laws and agreements signed by Egypt, and the Libyan side should respect the Egyptian judiciary. Demanding the extradition of the leaders of the former Libyan regime should end." Tarfaya noted, There was a similar ruling stipulating that Ahmed Qaddaf al-Dam (Gadhafi's cousin) should not be extradited to the government of Tripoli issued several years ago (in 2013), and the Egyptian judiciary won the rule of law, and it ruled to cancel the procedures for extraditing him at that time.

Tarfaya refused to comment on the current ruling and its impact on relations between the Egyptian regime and its Libyan counterpart, saying one should never comment on judicial rulings.
A sex offender was caught undressing and trying to enter the home of a California couple through their doggy door.

A woman spotted Leroy Vance, 48, outside a house in Fairfield and thought he was preparing to rob the house.

While she was on the phone to Fairfield Police, Vance took off his pants and tried to gain access to the elderly couple's home through a sliding door. When he was unable to get through, he tried to use their doggy door.

Leroy Vance, 48, pictured, was chased by cops after he was rumbled trying to access the Farrell's home through their doggy flap. Once they caught up with him, they found the Fairfield resident was in breach of his parole for sex offences

After trying to enter through the couple's sliding door in Fairfield, the sex-offender opted to try the doggy door (pictured)

'(My wife) was very shaken up,' said 83-year-old Fred Farrell.

'He dropped his drawers and mooned her and was trying to get her outside.'

Farrell, who has lived in the Sycamore Drive neighborhood for 20 years, said that his wife also called 911 when Vance attempted to get inside the house.

Farrell was outside, working in his garage, when Vance tried to get through the purpose-installed dog flap.

A police spokesman said that officers attended the scene in under two minutes.

Fred Farrell, 83, pictured in an interview at home in Fairfield, said he wanted the sex offender locked up and wonders why he was ever let out

They tried to speak to Vance but he ran, with officers chasing him through the upmarket neighborhood.

Officers seized Vance and discovered that he was a sex offender wanted by authorities for breaching his parole and cutting off his tag.

The elderly couple said they were glad the sex offender was now off the streets and would no longer be of risk to children.

'I want him off the streets,' Farrell said. 'He ought to be put in prison. I just wonder why he was let out of jail.'
As BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda will take over as party's president on January 20, major changes will be made in the positions of secretary and vice-president of the party but any change at the general secretary level is unlikely.

The results of the organizational elections are being declared in the party on a very fast pace. On the other hand, election in-charge Radha Mohan Singh's team is preparing the electoral rolls.

In BJP, the President is elected with everyone's consent but the entire electoral process is followed for the final announcement of the elections.

The paperwork for the election of the president will be completed till January 17 and the election in-charge will announce the date for the election on the same day. With the end of the nomination, Nadda's name will be announced as the president on January 20.

According to sources, besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of all BJP-ruled states, Union Ministers, State president of many states will be the proponents of JP Nadda. Prime Minister Modi and senior party leaders will be present when Nadda will be elected unopposed.

But the question remains whether Nadda will work with the old team made by Home Minister Amit Shah or create his new team.

Even before the election of the National President in the party, the most important post, organization general secretary was changed. The change took place after 14 years and now BL Santosh has been made the General Secretary.

The team that Amit Shah formed after becoming the first president in 2014, largely that team is still working till now. So after a long time, fewer changes will be made at a top-level but comparatively some changes will definitely take place at the middle-level.

The most important posts in the party organization after the president and the organization general secretary are the posts of general secretaries, who are already trusted by Amit Shah's trusted people.

After the President and the General Secretary of the Organization, the most important posts in the party are the posts of general secretaries. General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav is closest to Amit Shah, he is in charge of Bihar and elections are to be held there later this year, so his functioning will continue as before.

Similarly, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has also got the responsibility in West Bengal, where the election will be taking place, so he too will continue in his post.

Party's General Secretary Ram Madhav, who is considered an expert in the Northeast and Kashmir matters and discussions are going around that he has full confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so even his post is unlikely to be tampered with.

Other general secretaries of BJP are Muralidhar Rao, Anil Jain, Arun Singh and Saroj Pandey and their responsibilities might be changed. Anil Jain, Saroj Pandey, Arun Singh are three Rajya Sabha MPs and they are waiting to play their roles in the government.

National General Secretary of BJP, Muralidhar Rao is, closest to the RSS but his role might be changed as well.

There is every possibility of some change in the number of responsibility of the Vice President and Secretaries. Also, there is definitely some discussion underway in BJP about the national spokespersons. Some new spokespersons might come in because anyway, as of now there are only five to six people in the BJP as the main spokesperson, due to which the BJP's hold in the media seems to be less.

Therefore, the number of spokespersons will be increased in the party and new spokespersons will also be added. Broadly, the new president of the BJP will work for the next one-and-a-half years with the old team. However, changes will be made at the middle-level positions but that will not change the functioning of the party too much.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Faith leaders pray over President Donald Trump during a 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held at the King Jesus International Ministry on January 03, 2020 in Miami, Florida.

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a series of new rules and guidance memos designed to push federal funds to religious organizations and advance prayer in public schools. The guidance comes amid a formal White House declaration recognizing Jan.16 as Religious Freedom Day.

In a reversal of Obama-era requirements that tightly restricted religious organizations receiving taxpayer money, almost a dozen federal agencies are rolling out proposals meant to ease those restrictions on religious groups, including schools and churches.

The Office of Management and Budget proposed a rule, for example, that says government organizations cannot make religion a determining factor on which to base a federal award.

The rule could override the Blaine Amendments, which prohibit taxpayer money from going to religious schools in 38 states.

Acting OMB Director Russ Vought said in a statement: "President Trump and this Administration are committed to religious freedom for every American."

"Today, through policy guidance, we are reaffirming that faith based organizations should be treated the same as secular organizations and that children in school are able to pray as they see fit, without repercussion from those in authority over them. We believe the constitution makes clear that as Americans, we don't have to leave our faith at the door of our home. "

Nine other agencies, at Trump's direction, will introduce rules that release some social service organizations from certain requirements.

The Department of Education, for example, will issue a draft regulation that says all religious student clubs must receive the same funds, rights, and privileges as secular groups in public colleges and universities.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a new conference to provide an update on the plane crash in Iran, in Ottawa on Jan. 10, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand)

Iran Must Compensate Crash Victims Families, Canada-Led Group Agrees

LONDONCanada and its allies sent a stern message to Iran on Jan. 16: Get ready to pay the families of those who died on board the Ukrainian airliner it shot down, and dont try to block any meaningful criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Those demands were among the five elements in the agreement that emerged from the meeting Canada hosted in London on Jan. 16 with representatives from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan, and Ukrainecountries that lost citizens in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

We are judging Iran every day, demand by demand, Foreign Affairs Minister FrancoisPhilippe Champagne said after a meeting of ministers.

The newly formed group of Iran watchers will have to remain vigilant for months, if not years, Champagne said.

That was underscored by the presence of Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. He joined talks to provide a briefing of the experience of the Netherlands in leading its fiveyearlong probe of the deadly shootdown of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, which investigators have blamed on Russia. That crash killed 298 people and the majority of them were from the Netherlands.

The countries expect Iran to deal with them on providing compensation to the families of victims, and ensuring a transparent investigation into the downing of the aircraft.

The international community is watching. I think that we took as a first positive step the fact that Iran admitted full responsibility, Champagne said, flanked by his fellow foreign ministers and their flags.

From that admission, obviously, flows consequences and we expect and demand a full cooperation from the Iranian authorities in every step of consular services, identification of remains, investigation, and prosecution of those responsible.

The group also called on Iran to respect families wishes on repatriating the remains of the 176 people killed when the plane came down, full access for consular officials and investigators, and an independent and credible criminal investigation into last weeks crash.

Everyone on board was killed when one, though perhaps two, Iranian surfacetoair missiles hit the Ukrainian airliner. Iran lost 82 nationals in the crash, while 57 Canadians were killed. The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 89 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

After denying for days that it shot down the passenger plane, Irans leaders apologized and admitted what they said was a mistake.

Champagne said further investigation was warranted to clarify who would have committed that, how it was committed, because we know the cause but obviously theres a lot of questions.

Behind closed doors, the ministers also discussed the tools they might need to use to force Iran to cooperate with them if that becomes necessary. Those include legal actions in European courts and possible resolutions against Iran at the United Nations Security Council, said a senior Canadian government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The gathering at Canada House on Londons Trafalgar Square opened with a solemn, wordless ceremony.

Champagne led the four ministers down a grand staircase, past flags from their countries to a podium where each lit one candle in quiet succession. The ministers then stood shoulder to shoulder behind the flickering flames to lead a moment of silence.

Since the crash, Canada has had to rely on allies because it severed formal diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012.

Coming at these issues with this group makes sense, said Dennis Horak, the retired diplomat who was Canadas last envoy in Tehran when its embassy was shuttered.

There is strength in numbers, especially for Canada which doesnt have diplomatic ties and had acrimonious relations with Iran even when we did.

But Horak said the group likely faces stalling tactics from Iran on compensation, and only a cursory commitment to bringing those at fault to justice after its announcement this week of arrests of an unknown number of people on unspecified charges.

Iran will say they have acknowledged their mistake and will hold those responsible to account through their courts in order to deflect criticism and basically say to the world we got this without being transparent, he said.

Champagne said Canada wants its two experts with the Transportation Safety Board who are now in Tehran to be part of the investigation when the planes flight recorders, or black boxes, are examined.

They could contain crucial flight data and cockpit recordings, and have been a bone of contention since the crash.

Shortly after the crash, a senior Iranian aviation official said the country would not turn over the black boxes from the 3 1/2yearold Boeing 737800 to the American company.
The Works boss Kevin Keaney has stepped down after nearly nine years at the helm just two months after a shock profit warning sent its shares tumbling (TheWorks.co.uk/PA)

The Works boss Kevin Keaney has stepped down after nearly nine years at the helm just two months after a shock profit warning sent its shares tumbling.

The high street retailer said chief executive Mr Keaney has been replaced by chief financial officer Gavin Peck.

Shares in The Works surged as much as 13% at one stage after news of the changeover at the top and as the groups Christmas update showed like-for-like sales growth of 1.5% over the crucial trading weeks.

It comes after shares crashed more than 40% in November when the arts and crafts chain alerted over profits for the second time in 2019 due to a 3.6% drop in half-year sales.

Whilst this has been a very difficult decision, it feels like the right time to take a break, spend time with my family and think about what I want to do nextKevin Keaney, The Works former chief executive

The Works confirmed it is scaling back its store opening programme amid the tough retail climate and rising costs, scrapping plans for more outlets over the remainder of its financial year.

It has 538 stores in the UK and Ireland, and had previously aimed to boost this to 560 in 2019-20.

Mr Keaney said it was the right time for me to hand over to a new CEO to lead The Works through its next phase of development.

He added: Whilst this has been a very difficult decision, it feels like the right time to take a break, spend time with my family and think about what I want to do next.

Chairman Dean Hoyle paid tribute to the long-standing boss.

He has helped establish The Works as a leading multi-channel value retailer, has built a fantastic culture and successfully guided the company through its IPO (initial public offering) in 2018, Mr Hoyle said.

Interim results on Thursday showed underlying pre-tax losses more than doubling to 8 million in the 26 weeks to October 27 from 4.4 million a year earlier.

While the group said first-half losses reflect the seasonal nature of the business, it sales were hit as last years so-called mega trends for Squishies waned.

When stripping out the impact of Squishies  squeezable toys for children  half-year like-for-like sales dropped by 1.9%.

Over Christmas, strong demand for Frozen 2 products helped drive record sales, according to the firm.

The group confirmed it saw growth across its stores and online in the 11 weeks to January 12, despite a difficult consumer backdrop.

It also comes against tough comparatives from a year earlier, when festive sales lifted 4.5%.

The Works said profits were set to remain in line with the recently lowered expectations.
Egypts prosecutor general on Wednesday said a new commission will be established to look into the 2016 killing of Italian student Giulio Regeni, a day after Italys premier visited Cairo.

A new commission will be tasked with establishing the truth in full neutrality and independence, prosecutor Hamada Sawy said in a statement.

Giulio Regeni, then aged 28, disappeared in Cairo in January 2016. His body was found on the outskirts of Cairo a few days later, mutilated and showing signs of torture.

After Regenis body was repatriated, an autopsy found numerous fractures, including of the skull, indicating that he had died under torture.

Egypt has faced accusations that a member of its security services murdered the student, who was researching trade unions  a sensitive topic in the country.

Cairo has denied those claims, first saying he had died in a traffic accident then saying he had been killed by a criminal gang.

Wednesdays announcement came the day after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo.

In a statement, Sisi voiced his support for cooperation between Egyptian and Italian authorities in their investigation into the circumstances of the Regeni case.

The case strained the traditionally close relations between Cairo and Rome, which has accused Egypt of insufficient cooperation in the investigation.

In April 2016, Italy recalled its ambassador to Egypt, only sending a new one almost a year later.
After extensive talks that stretched up to the level of the top leaderships of both parties, the BJP and Jana Sena on Thursday formally announced their alliance, seeking to emerge as the third alternative in Andhra Pradesh.

Jana Sena chief and Telugu film actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan and Andhra Pradesh BJP president Kanna Lakshmi Narayana announced the alliance at a meeting in Vijayawada and said it would work to end casteist, dynastic and corrupt regimes.

The alliance would certainly clinch power in the state in 2024, they asserted.

From the upcoming elections to the local bodies, our alliance will fight together till the 2024 general elections for the betterment of the state. Our alliance is intended to protect the state, they said.

BJP state in-charge Sunil Deodhar stressed that there was no question of any realignment with the TDP.

Pawan Kalyan had on Monday met BJP working president J P Nadda in New Delhi. Both the Jana Sena and the BJP have been reduced to the margins in Andhra Pradesh.

In December, Pawan had hinted at forging an alliance with the BJP soon. He had told reporters at Tirupati then that he had never distanced himself from the BJP but was very much associated with it. Political equations keep changing with time in the interests of the people. One should look at the change only in spirit of the Constitution, Pawan had said.

The actor, who is the youngest brother of popular film star and former Union minister K Chiranjeevi, launched the Jana Sena Party before 2014 general elections and supported the BJP-Telugu Desam Party combine in Andhra Pradesh, but did not contest the elections.

In 2019, Pawan differed with the BJP and the TDP and contested the elections in alliance with the CPI, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The alliance fared badly in the elections with the JSP winning just one seat in the 175-member assembly.

Pawan himself failed to win either of the two seats he had contested  Bhimavaram in West Godavari and Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam. The party registered a meagre vote share of 6.78 per cent and lost deposits in as many as 120 assembly seats. In the Lok Sabha elections for 25 seats in the state, it drew a blank.

The BJP could not win a single seat either in the assembly or the Lok Sabha.
With a heavy amount of bronzer, fake eyelashes and a towel on his head, Adam Martinez turns into Rosa, his viral-TikTok video making alter ego who trolls women who always seem to be in a rush while applying make-up.

The San Antonio native uploaded his first video as "the diva" Rosa on Christmas Day and said he was "shocked" to see so many people share it on different social media sites. One of his videos received over 17,000 retweets and nearly 60,000 likes as of Wednesday afternoon after someone shared it on their Twitter account.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:18:30|Editor: zh

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by Xinhua writers Liu Xinyu and Yao Bing

KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- It was almost midnight and the livestreaming sessions were still going strong in a Chinese jade market. The market was bustling with hordes of jade dealers and livestreamers, and you could hear excited shouts of "Deal!" from time to time.

Welcome to the Jiegao Jade Market in southwest China's border city of Ruili, a 22,000-square-meter jewelry bazaar that transforms into a "livestreaming base" every night, hosting more than 1,000 livestreamers who negotiate the price of jade crafts between dealers and a huge number of jade lovers across China.

"This pair of well-crafted earrings has a pure green color and good transparency. It fits fair skin. The seller is asking for 8,000 yuan (about 1,160 U.S. dollars)," said livestreamer Luo Yaying in the market to her viewers via a smartphone.

While informing the viewers of the price and quality, she used an electronic scale to measure the earrings and adjusted the phone's magnifying lens to show the details.

"One shopper offered 6,600 yuan. Is it OK?" Luo asked the seller standing beside her.

"Jade of this quality can't be sold for lower than 7,000 yuan!" the seller protested, but Luo's viewers did not offer a higher price. "Fine, I'll take 6,600 yuan," said the seller after a few seconds.

"Deal!" Luo said, letting out a sigh of relief. For every jade piece sold, she receives a commission of 5 percent of the final price.

Luo, who gave up her job as a jade retailer to become a livestreamer in 2018, has nearly 60,000 followers on Taobao Live, the livestreaming platform of one of China's biggest online marketplaces Taobao. Her daily livestreaming session usually starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until well past midnight.

"It is tiring work, and my voice often gets hoarse after long hours of livestreaming," Luo said. "But I helped sell jade crafts worth over 10 million yuan online last year, more than double that of when I ran a brick-and-mortar jade shop years ago."

"CITY OF JADE" REVIVED

Luo is among the tens of thousands of people who are cashing in on the livestreaming boom in Ruili, as the new model of online shopping has revived the city's famous jade industry.

Bordering Myanmar, the world's major jade producer, Ruili of Yunnan Province thrived as one of the country's largest jade trading hubs in the 1990s and has since been widely called the "City of Jade."

However, the city's jade industry started to shrink in 2014. "The influx of hot money into Ruili's jade market between 2007 and 2013 significantly pushed up the price of jade. As consumers have become more knowledgeable since 2014, the market began to cool off," said Chen Hui, president of the Ruili Gem and Jade Association.

Ruili's jade sales declined at double-digit rates annually between 2014 and 2016, according to Chen.

"At that time, some of our market's jade stores would only sell one piece of jade in 10 days," said Li Yuechao, vice chairman of the company that owns the Jiegao Jade Market, which hosts 200-plus physical jade shops.

Things started to turn around for Ruili's sluggish jade industry at the end of 2016, thanks to the emergence of the livestreaming business model.

Li said there were no more than five livestreamers in his market by the end of 2016, but the new business model has flourished since 2017, with most of his market's jade retailers jumping on the bandwagon.

"Livestreaming has helped drive up our sales," Li said. "In 2018, our market's jade sales via Taobao Live reached 1.6 billion yuan, a huge increase from 2016."

Such a livestreaming craze has swept the whole city of Ruili. The "City of Jade" now has nine livestreaming bases like the Jiegao Jade Market and more than 60,000 people are involved in the livestreaming industry.

The city's jade sales through livestreaming platforms are estimated to have exceeded 10 billion yuan last year, according to the Ruili municipal office of the cultural industry.

"Livestreaming provides convenience for online shoppers as it shortens the distance between sellers and buyers," said Luo.

She added that the pricing process has become more transparent under the more interactive business model, so the profit margin of a single jade piece has been reduced. "But we're selling much more jade pieces than before, so our sales have continued to grow rapidly."

Chen said the livestreaming model has proved especially effective in promoting the sales of medium- and low-end jade crafts valued below 10,000 yuan.

"Livestreaming has indeed injected fresh vitality into Ruili's jade industry," he added.

BETTER REGULATION

With an increasing number of people diving into the new form of e-commerce, problems have also arisen.

Li said his market received many customer complaints about counterfeit and low-quality products as well as livestreamers making exaggerated claims in 2016 and 2017 when livestreaming first emerged in the market.

In light of the irregularities, local authorities and jade markets in Ruili, as well as livestreaming platforms, have joined hands in regulating the booming sector since 2018.

"All livestreamers are now required to register with the jade market before going on air as per a regulation issued by the local government," Li said. "They will be blacklisted by livestreaming platforms in the case of false or exaggerated advertising."

Li's jade market has also established a patrol team to monitor fake products and livestreamers' misconduct.

Besides, every jade piece sold online by Ruili's livestreamers is required to obtain a quality certificate from independent testing organizations before being delivered to its buyer.

Li said his market received very few complaints last year thanks to these regulatory measures.

"It's safe to say Ruili's jade business is under better regulation in the 'livestreaming era' than in the old 'brick-and-mortar era,'" Chen said.
New Delhi: The ultimate sign of distress is suicide. Amid the ongoing rural distress, reports of farmer suicides are often used to highlight the plight of rural India. However, new data and research suggest that farmer suicides may not have increased in recent years and may have more complex causes than falling incomes or rising indebtedness.

According to the 2018 National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the rate of farmer suicides in India has decreased over the last few years. This decrease comes even as overall suicide rates remained fairly constant and rural poverty shot up. In 2018, there were 10.2 suicides for 100,000 Indians, largely in line with the World Health Organizations estimates of global suicide rates, but 3.6 suicides for 100,000 farmers and farm labourers.

National figures, though, mask the significant variation in farmer suicide rates across states. Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala reported the highest suicide rates in 2018, as per NCRB data. A 2014 study of farmer suicides between 1997-2012 had placed these three states among those with a major problem regarding farmer suicides. The study also classified a group of states that have had little problem with farmer suicides historically. This group included Punjab but that seems to have changed in recent years. Among the major agrarian states, Punjab has experienced a sharp jump in farmer suicides with more than a five-fold increase.

Some states seem to barely have a farmer suicide issue, the NCRB data suggests. In 2018, six states, including Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal reported zero farmer suicides. However, for states such as Odisha and West Bengal the claim of zero suicides seems implausible. In Odisha, ground reports of farmer suicides, including data presented in the assembly, do not match NCRB data.

A better way to understand farmer suicide data is to compare it with the overall suicide rate in the states. In some states, such as Karnataka and Maharashtra, both general suicides and farmer suicides seem to be more common. Conversely, other states, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have tended to report both lower overall suicide rates and farmer suicide rates in recent years. But there is a significant gap between overall suicide rates and farmer suicide rates in a few states. For instance, West Bengal reported a high overall suicide rate and has a history of farmer suicides, but reported zero farmer suicides in 2018. Punjab and Mizoram are the only states where the farmer suicide rate actually exceeded the overall suicide rate.

All this data is also likely to be underestimates of Indias suicide problem. Suicide data is collected by state police forces and then compiled by NCRB. This process is prone to underreporting errors, according to researchers. For instance, a 2012 study used field survey data to estimate that NCRB underreports suicide deaths in men by at least 25% and women by at least 36%.

Another way to analyse farmer suicide trends is to examine its share in total suicides in the country. In 2014, around 9.4% of all national suicides were classified as farmer suicides. By 2018, this figure had fallen to 7.7%. One group that has seen a sharp rise in suicides is daily wage earners. In 2014, daily wage earner suicides accounted for just 12% of all of Indias suicides, but by 2018 this had risen to 22%. This was the biggest increase among all the professions tracked by NCRB.

Suicides, especially farmer suicides, are commonly attributed to a single issue such as an agrarian crisis or rising indebtedness. Research suggests that explanations are more complicated. In the analysis of farmer suicides between 1997 and 2012, the researchers argue that farmer suicides are a result of three broad factors, including existing vulnerability in a region, agrarian crisis, and lack of alternative opportunities. There could also be social factors. In his book Unraveling Farmer Suicides in India, Nilotpal Kumar argues that patriarchy in societies makes farmer suicides an act of patriarchal honour. Successfully tackling farmer suicides will require comprehensive, multifaceted policies that address all these issues.

Sneha Alexander contributed to this story.

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(Natural News) For many people, social media provides the ultimate escape, an opportunity to peer into the daily lives of the rich and famous, or even just to see what their neighbors across the road are getting up to.

What many of us dont realize, however, is that several studies have linked social media use to an increase in depression and other mental health disorders.

The reality is that continuously feasting on images of other peoples supposedly perfect lives can create feelings of envy, sadness and isolation. A recent study by researchers in Indonesia has found that this is particularly true in developing countries like Indonesia. (Related: Is social media making you depressed? Science concludes yes.)

The burden of social media

As reported by EurekAlert, social media is amazingly popular in Indonesia. Around 54 million of its 272 million inhabitants are active on Facebook  making it fourth in the rankings of Facebook-using countries in the world  and 22 million Indonesians regularly comment on Twitter  making it the worlds fifth largest Twitter-using country.

Despite having the third fastest growing economy among all the G20 countries, however, Indonesia is a country of stark inequality, with an emerging consumer class that has left behind a large number of people who have not enjoyed the same employment and education benefits.

After examining the effects of Facebook, Twitter and chat use on 22,423 study participants located in 300 districts in the country, the research team found that this gap between the haves and the have-nots is cruelly highlighted on social media, with images of apparently happy, successful people creating envy and resentment among those who are struggling financially and have no real way to improve their circumstances.

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Indonesia is also a country that has been struggling for decades to establish a democratic form of government. In fact, it has tried to implement three different types of democracy, all of which have failed. These political struggles and failures are also regularly featured on social media, with negative results.

EurekAlert reported:

A cacophony of news about government failures, corruption, crime, conflicts and poverty is amplified on social media on a daily basis  providing little escape for the countrys citizens.

As the economic gap between the privileged class and those with little means has widened, and social media use has increased, the number of people diagnosed with mental health problems has increased exponentially, placing a significant burden on the country.

Indonesias 2018 Basic Health Research Survey revealed that around 11.8 million Indonesians struggle with a mental health disorder.

Its a strong reminder that these technologies can have a downside, warned Global Development Institute researcher, Gindo Tampubolon. We would like to see public health officials think creatively about how we can encourage citizens to take a break from social media or be aware of the negative consequences it can have on mental health. (Related: Is social media addiction a new type of psychiatric condition?)

Not just a problem in developing countries

The link between social media use and mental health problems has not only been established in developing countries, however. As reported by the Independent, social media use can affect anyones mental health negatively in at least six different ways:

It can negatively affect your self-esteem, leading to depression;

It makes forging bonds and connecting with others in real-time harder, creating feelings of isolation;

It can distort the way in which we remember things, because it tends to only highlight the good things that have happened in our lives;

It interferes with our sleep patterns by suppressing the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can increase feelings of anxiety;

It interferes with your attention span, meaning you are easily distracted; and

Studies have found that many social media users report that it makes them feel anxious, sad and depressed.

Clearly, whether we live in a prosperous country or in the developing world, there are good reasons to limit the amount of time we spend on social media each day.

Learn more about the link between social media and mental health disorders at Psychiatry.news.

Sources include:

EurekAlert.org

Independent.co.uk

APCSS.org[PDF]
Projectpew.net scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 11 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the projectpew homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if projectpew has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the projectpew homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the projectpew homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the projectpew homepage on Twitter + the total number of projectpew followers (if projectpew has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the projectpew homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE Project Pew DESCRIPTION The official site of the community servers for bros. KEYWORDS community, servers, pewdiepie, pewdie OTHER KEYWORDS project pew, project, servers,



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2.2.16 (Debian) (PHP/5.3.3-7+squeeze14) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. The language of projectpew.net as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Operative System running on the server. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for projectpew.net by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND

The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND
Judge William Pryor of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a jurist from Alabama with a long record in law enforcement, has twice now been high on President Donald Trumps short list of potential Supreme Court nominees. Its not hard to understand why. From his cramped view of Eighth Amendment protections to his opposition to reproductive rights to his antipathy for LGBTQ rights, Pryors draconian record as state attorney general and jurisprudence from the bench squarely track the goals and policies of the Trump administration.

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But if Pryor has one signature issue that ought to endear him particularly to this White House and this Justice Department, if there is one thing for which Pryor will be known even if he never becomes a justice, its his alarming crusade to breach the First Amendments vital wall between church and state. Like Attorney General William Barr, Pryor has made it known over and over again that he believes there should be more overt religion in public life. As SCOTUSblog put it, Pryor has consistentlyalthough not uniformlyruled in favor of parties raising religious liberty claims.

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Pryors dubious view of the role of religion under our constitutional system was on display again last week in a Florida case. He wrote a long, rambling dissent in a case that needed no such thing, a dissent that so jolted a fellow conservative judge on the panel that she felt compelled to write a concurrence aimed at diluting Pryors message that religious freedom ought to extend more fully to jury deliberations. That he would bring such views to the Supreme Court if Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say so isnt just a chilling thought; it also could turn jury trials into religious contests.

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The case in question rests at the intersection of the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial, the obligations of trial jurors to heed jury instructions and render impartial justice, and the role of religion in criminal cases. And its not just any old case, but a fraud and tax evasion case involving a sham charity run by former Rep. Corrine Brown, who was ultimately was found guilty of some of the charges against her and sentenced in 2017 to five years in federal prison. She appealed her conviction, and the central issue, for our purposes anyway, turns on the conduct of one of her trial jurors.

As soon as deliberations in Browns trial began, one juror told his fellow jurors that a higher being had told him that she was not guilty of all charges. Another juror flagged this comment, and others like it, to court officials. A quick hearing was held in the courtroom. Defense lawyers, unsurprisingly, said there was no reason to question jurors further; here, after all, was one jury vote in favor of their client! Prosecutors wanted the judge to question the jury foreperson. Instead, the judge questioned the God-fearing man now known as Juror 13.

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Pryor knows that his take on religion in the jury room is still, for now, an outlier.

During this colloquy, Juror 13 told the judge that he had indeed received instructions from his Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit, he told the judge, had told him the defendant was not guilty and Juror 13, in turn, had shared that information with his fellow jurors at the start of deliberations. At the same time, Juror 13 also had said that he understood the judges instructions, including the part about rendering judgment solely on the evidence presented in court. Nothing in the record suggests that Juror 13 understood his religious comments to be controversial or contrary to what he had been instructed to do by the judge before deliberations. The trial judge promptly dismissed the juror from the case and replaced him with an alternate juror. Brown appealed the judges removal of Juror 13 after she was convicted.

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Now, there is nothing complicated about this case. Of course a criminal trial cannot be decided by the vote of a juror who says he has been instructed by God to render judgment one way or another. As the trial judge in the case, U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, explained, the law permits a juror to pray to a higher being for guidance. A juror cannot be expected to render an impartial verdict based on the evidence, though, when the higher beingor the Holy Spirit is directing or telling the person what disposition of the charges should be made.

Jury deliberations, in other words, are and ought to remain a one-way conversation between the juror and God. Thats essentially what two judges of the 11th Circuit found last week in upholding Corrigans dismissal of Juror 13. Judge Robin Rosenbaum, for the majority, wrote that the entirety of our procedural mechanisms in criminal cases is geared to make sure that juries render verdicts based on the evidence and not on perceived divine intervention. To hold otherwise, Judge Rosenbaum wrote:

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would undermine our system of justice by allowing jurors to return verdicts based not on the evidence or law, but instead on a jurors perceived divine revelation, irrespective of the evidence. Though here, the jurors perceived divine revelation might have worked in the criminal defendants favor had the district court not learned of it mid-deliberations, a contrary holding would allow criminal defendants to be convicted based on a divine revelation divorced from the evidence, rather than the evidence presented at triala troubling result, to say the least.

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The problem with Juror 13 wasnt just that he believed he was being directed by God to render a decidedly secular verdict. The problem also was that he evidently did not understand that to say so, to believe so, would undermine his ability to abide by the judges instructions and evaluate Browns guilt or innocence based solely on the evidence in court. Give Juror 13 credit for being candid, at least. Surely there have been countless defendants convicted in America by jurors who secretly believed they were acting as Gods instruments.

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To Pryor, however, Juror 13 was a victim. In his 55-page dissent, the judge argued that Browns trial judge had discriminated against Juror 13 by removing him from service after misconstruing the import of the jurors religious statements. Upholding the removal of Juror 13, Judge Pryor predicted, would give lawyers a tool to target and eliminate certain demographics from jury service. For example, Pryor wrote: African American and evangelical Christians are more likely than others to believe that God speaks to them, and the majoritys decision now requires that these eligible jurors be stricken for cause if a discriminating lawyer elicits during voir dire that God communicates with them.

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In dissent, really a dissertation on the nature of prayer, Pryor pitched the idea that the jurors claim of divine intervention in his jury deliberations might well have been true. Provided the juror is telling the truth, Pryor wrote, it is hard to imagine what kind of evidence could prove more convincingly that a deeply religious juror should not be dismissed. Jury deliberations, in Pryors view, may indeed consist of a dialogue between a juror and the Holy Ghost or whatever other spirit to which he prays. Left unanswered by the judge are two essential questions raised by the case: Would you want your life or liberty to be decided by a juror who said he was acting on instructions from God? Would you want your appellate judge to presume this juror really was receiving communications from the Holy Spirit?

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So obvious is the peril to the nations jury system here that Judge Anne Conway, a Bush appointee, felt compelled to write a concurrence to explain what Pryors dissent didnt mean. This is not a case which turns on a jurors religious beliefs or religious freedom to engage in prayer or seek guidance during deliberations when applying the law to the evidence in the case, she wrote. Rather, it is a straightforward case about whether the district court having concluded based on direct questioning that a juror was not following the courts instructionsabused its discretion in dismissing that juror.

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It is unlikely that the 11th Circuit, en banc, will take up the case and even less likely that the Supreme Court will try to rescue the honor of Juror 13. This may explain why Pryor went as far as he did in his dissent. He knows that his take on religion in the jury room is still, for now, an outlier. He knows that the presidents evangelical supporters will still credit him for waving the banner of religious freedom if another seat opens up that Trump can fill. He knows his crusading views on the topic match those of the attorney general. Meanwhile, the rest of us are reminded again of whats really at stake on the Supreme Court this November.
[January 16, 2020] How Drone Technology is Helping Cultivators Increase Hemp Yield for CBD

Financialnewsmedia.com News Commentary PALM BEACH, Florida, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent article from Wall Street insider, Motley Fool, said that It's no secret by now that the marijuana industry is a big-money business However, there's a potentially larger growth trend contained within the cannabis movement that investors simply have to know about: Cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp plants are considerably cheaper to grow than cannabis, making hemp plants the preferred crop choice for CBD extraction. They said the big question is: Just how big could the CBD market be? Brightfield Group believes it has the answer. In a newly released report from Brightfield, the company is calling for year-over-year CBD product sales growth in the United States of 706% in 2019 to around $5 billion -- not a typo  and sales of $23.7 billion by 2023. Comparatively, about $620 million worth of CBD products were sold last year in the United States (based on 706% growth to $5 billion). Growing CBD revenue from about $620 million in 2018 to $23.7 billion by 2023 works out to (drum roll) a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a whopping 107%! Compare that to some of the most robust broad-based growth estimates for cannabis, which call for a CAGR of around 25%, and you can see why CBD is all the buzz (without creating an actual buzz) on Wall Street. Cultivators have taken notice of theses growth projections and are using every means that can to increase yields including new technologies such as drones. Active Companies from around the market with current developments this week include: Epazz, Inc. (OTCPK: EPAZ), Hemp, Inc (OTCPK: HEMP), Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB), cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD). Industry websites have pointed out how this technology can help farmers figure out the optimal growing conditions for hemp-based CBD. To improve their farm's profitability, hemp farmers use drone technology to bring precision agriculture to their hemp fields for plant counting and canopy sizing. Instead of "walking the field" to estimate size, farmers are using drones and artificial intelligence to count and size plants. Use quantitative analytics to evaluate varieties, surface replanting opportunities, and monitor sexual maturity and harvest opportunities to prevent the loss of CBD concentration. They also use them for stress and disease monitoring. Rather than taking random soil samples and scouting for grey or yellow mold, powdery mildew, or dark and discolored watery lesions, they can apply a vegetative index to immediately surface indicators of stress. Epazz, Inc. (OTCPK: EPAZ) MARKET NEWS: Epazz been in the news of late with a few major developments as this week the Company has announced that its holding, ZenaPay Inc., has successfully completed testing of its patent-pending drone charging pad, thus allowing the technology to move from the prototype stage to the preproduction stage. ZenaPay has already received 5 pre-orders for its drone charging pad from Greenheart CBD for delivery in April 2020. The ZenaPay patent-pending drone charging pad has several major competitive advantages over charging pads currently on the market. The first is that the ZenaPay charging pad is affordable: The initial price will be approximately $1,000. In addition, the pad will allow for fast charging without needing to hire an electrician to switch outlets. The goal is to provide the ZenaDrone with a one-hour flight time and a one-hour charging time, allowing the ZenaDrone to work most of the day and night. By adding a second ZenaDrone, a customer will be able to have 24/7 coverage. This is a major benefit for companies lookingto use drone technology for farming, security, crop insurance, law enforcement, and border protection.



One area ZenaPay is considering for marketing 24/7 coverage is livestock and wildlife protection. ZenaDrone multispectral sensors have the capability to be modified to create a tracking system for each animal. Although further research and development are required, the company believes that facial recognition technology can be used on animals. EPAZ has also recently confirmed five preorders of patent-pending ZenaDrone Smart Farming Solution with GreenHeart CBD for Irish hemp farms. We are forecasting sales to be over $600,000 for the first year in 2020. We also believe the drone technology will generate profits its first year. The profits will be reinvested back into the technology.

In August 2019, the ZenaPay team beta tested its drone-mapping and plant-tracking solutions in Ireland with GreenHeart and Hemp Tech hemp farms. The beta test was a success, and ZenaPay signed up additional customers. With the success of the beta test, ZenaPay Inc. and GreenHeart CBD LTD signed a distribution agreement for GreenHeart to sell ZenaDrone Smart Hemp Farming Solution to its network of farmers in Ireland and the United Kingdom with an option to expand through the European Union. Paul Walsh, CSO and co-founder of GreenHeart CBD LTD, said, "Every farmer in its network would be required to sign up with ZenaPay Smart Farming solution to assure the quality of his or her hemp plants. GreenHeart is quickly growing its network. Ireland and the United Kingdom have hundreds of hemp farms." Learn more about EPAZ by clicking here: https://www.epazz.com/Investors In the industry developments and happenings in the market this week include: Hemp, Inc (OTCPK: HEMP) has announced that approximately 33,000 pounds of hemp biomass have been processed and are now available for sale. The biomass that is available for sale tested at a minimum of 7.5% cannabidiol (CBD). The biomass is from Pre-98 OG Bubba Kush, one of the top selling cultivars on the market. According to a report from Research and markets, the global industrial hemp market is projected to grow from USD 4.6 billion in 2019 to USD 26.6 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 34%. Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG) recently announced the Company has scheduled its second meeting with one of the largest supermarket chains in the Southeast, consisting of 550 locations over its portfolio of supermarkets. The Company will also be meeting with a Florida based, fourth generation run, food distributor as well, who covers the Southeast United States. Both meetings are set for the end of the month. Kona Gold also announced, in November and December, it had met with the majority of beer distribution houses in the state of Florida, receiving great response from its product portfolio. The Company is currently scheduling following up meetings with those beer distributors as those distributors ramp up for the new year and look to add non-alcoholic beverages to their portfolios. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) recently announced that its Aurora Sky ("Sky") facility has been granted its sales license by Health Canada, significantly increasing availability of both dried flower and derivative cannabis products across all cannabis markets the Company is targeting. The Company also announced today that it has received a sales license from Health Canada, permitting the sale of cannabis softgel capsules produced at its state-of-the-art Aurora Vie facility located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Aurora and Capcium Inc. ("Capcium"), the Montreal-based manufacturer that specializes in high-volume softgel encapsulation have already commenced production of softgel capsules, which are targeted at the medical, wellness, and adult consumer use markets. The Company anticipates softgels to become a high volume, high margin product within all of its target markets. The Company holds a 19.99 per cent ownership stake in Capcium and is Aurora's exclusive manufacturer of cannabis softgel products in North America. cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD) the company and the Registrar at National Day Calendar, have declared January as "National CBD Month." As the popularity of CBD continues to rise, millions of Americans are educating themselves on the prospective properties of CBD and how it can complement their everyday health and wellness routines. With a versatile array of CBD products to choose from, including tinctures, capsules, topicals, bath bombs, and a full pet product line up, cbdMD helps consumers experience which CBD application and regimen works best for their specific needs. DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated twenty five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued by Epazz, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". 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The European Parliament began on Thursday debating a Spanish request to lift the immunity of two Catalan separatist MEPs wanted by Madrid.

"This request has been submitted to the JURI (legal affairs) committee" to examine the request against the two Catalan lawmakers, Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin, said Ewa Kopacz, one of the parliament's vice presidents.

The process could last for months.

Puigdemont, the former leader of the separatist movement of Spain's Catalonia regions that includes Barcelona, has been living in self-exile in Belgium to escape a Spanish arrest warrant over his organisation of a banned 2017 referendum on independence.

He took up his European Parliament seat on Monday under a European Court of Justice ruling last month that decided that his and Comin's immunity as MEPs kicked in on their election last May.

That judgment applied also to another elected Catalan ally, Oriol Junqueras, who was detained in Spain and convicted in October, and who is now serving a 13-year jail sentence.

The European Parliament removed Junqueras's mandate in line with a later ruling from Spain's Supreme Court, leaving him in jail.

The legislature often receives requests to lift MEPs' immunity from prosecution. It does not always agree to them, but does accede in the majority of cases.

Whatever decision the parliament's legal affairs committee ends up making will be subject to a vote by the entire assembly for final approval.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 12:14 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32258701 1 SE Asia #ASEAN,ASEAN,Vietnam,#Vietnam,leadership,#leadership,human-rights,#humanrights Free

Civil society groups have called for concrete actions from Vietnam, which begins its ASEAN chairmanship this year, to address the most pressing human rights issues in Southeast Asia.

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), a coalition of human rights organizations across the region, criticized Vietnam for excluding efforts to tackle the deterioration of civic space and violations of human rights from its priority programs during its ASEAN chairmanship.

This is all the more worrisome as these have been happening consistently and remain unaddressed over the past decades, the coalition said in a statement on Wednesday.

Citing documents from the 2018 Universal Periodic Review meeting at the United Nations, the coalition said Vietnam has systematically attempted to silence human rights defenders and bloggers at home through the implementation of vague national security laws, physical attacks and restrictions on the freedom of movement, as well as torture and ill-treatment in detention.

As Vietnam takes the chair of ASEAN and, as such, should lead efforts to promote and protect human rights in the region, we would like to point to the fact that Vietnam has a lot to do at home to prove that it is able to take human rights leadership on the regional level, the activists said.

ASEAN foreign ministers are set to meet in the coastal city of Nha Trang in southern Vietnam on Thursday for a closed-door retreat, when they are able to candidly discuss national and regional concerns.

The region has numerous long-standing human rights issues, Forum Asia said, including refugee crises, shrinking civic and democratic space, crackdowns on freedom of expression and deteriorating ecological sustainability.

ASEAN has been widely criticized for its persistent silence on these issues, as it fails to provide timely responses on various crises in comparison to other international and regional intergovernmental organizations, they said. (dis/ipa)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:06:46|Editor: ZX

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European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi (L) speaks during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, Albania, Jan. 16, 2020. Albania is ready to open accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said here on Thursday at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

TIRANA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Albania is ready to open accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said here on Thursday at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Varhelyi, who is on his first official visit to Tirana, said that Albania aims to open accession negotiations before the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Zagreb scheduled for May this year.

"The previous report of the European Commission continues to be valid. Albania is ready to open negotiations with EU and we want this to happen before the Zagreb summit," Varhelyi said.

The EU commissioner recognized the country's accomplishments on justice reform and urged the government to continue with the reforms, stressing that "there can be no progress without the support of all political parties."

"However, there are still challenges. Albania has to do more to fight organized crime and corruption," he said.

Rama said that he discussed with Varhelyi Albania's integration process and they exchanged views on the steps ahead.

"We will do everything in our power to guarantee the further progress of reforms, as required by the EU. We will do this for the future of the country and of our children," Rama said.

He said that whatever decision the European Council will take, his government will continue to roll out reforms.

Rama and Varhelyi confirmed that on Feb. 17 the EU will host in Brussels an international donors' conference to support the reconstruction efforts in Albania after the strong earthquake that hit the country on Nov. 26 last year.

On Thursday, Varhelyi, accompanied by Rama, paid a visit to the port city of Durres, one of the areas most affected by the quake.

During his official visit to Albania, Varhelyi will also meet President Ilir Meta and Speaker of Parliament Gramoz Ruci.

In October last year, the bid by Albania and North Macedonia to open EU accession negotiations was blocked due mainly to France's opposition. Paris justified its decision with the need for the EU to develop a new accession methodology.

Asked by journalists to comment on France's position, Rama said this was an "internal EU discussion."
Grenoble - France, January 16, 2020 - Kalray (Euronext Growth Paris: ALKAL), a pioneer in processors for new intelligent systems, today announced that the Board of Directors of the company has appointed Erwan Menard, among the world's leading experts in Storage for Cloud and Enterprise businesses, as an independent Board Member. Erwan, 46, based in California-USA, provides the company with strategic expertise on storage and infrastructure technology in cloud and data centers, which support Kalray's ambitions in this market.

Erwan Menard is currently leading Google Cloud's Infrastructure and Applications Modernization portfolio of solutions. Previously, he was the CEO of Elastifile, a start-up providing scalable enterprise file storage solutions for the Cloud, acquired by Google in 2018. Previously, Erwan has been President & COO at Scality, a provider of software-defined cloud storage solutions, where he led the company's growth phase to becoming a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader. Prior to Scality, Erwan Menard served on various executive positions at DataDirect Networks, a provider of massively scalable high-performance storage systems for Big Data, Hewlett-Packard and Alcatel-Lucent.

"Erwan's expertise and market understanding in Data Center and Cloud, especially in storage and network infrastructure technology, is extremely valuable to Kalray", said Eric Baissus, CEO of Kalray.

"The Board is delighted to welcome Erwan Menard and looks forward to his strategic contributions to Kalray's next phase of growth in the new generation of Data Centers", said Gilles Delfassy, Chairman of the Board of Kalray.

"Transformation of Data Centers along with the continuous need to accelerate processing create a significant opportunity for innovative intelligent processors such as Kalray's MPPA", said Erwan Menard. "I am delighted to join Kalray's Board of Directors and eager to contribute to Kalray's growth and success."

The Board of Directors now has 9 members, including 3 independent members.







Next publication:

January 22, 2020: H2 2019 business report







ABOUT KALRAY

Kalray (Euronext Growth Paris - FR0010722819 - ALKAL) is the pioneer in processors for new intelligent systems. A genuine technological breakthrough, "intelligent" processors are able to intelligently analyze a vast quantity of data on the fly and to make decisions and interact in real time with the outside world. These intelligent processors will be largely deployed in fast-growing sectors such as new-generation networks (intelligent data centers) and autonomous vehicles, as well as in healthcare equipment, drones and robots. Kalray's offering spans both processors and global solutions (electronic boards and software). Created in 2008 as a spin-off of CEA ("Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique", the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), Kalray addresses a broad spectrum of customers including server manufacturers, intelligent system integrators and consumer product manufacturers such as car makers. Read more at: www.kalrayinc.com







INVESTOR CONTACTS

Eric BAISSUS

contactinvestisseurs@kalray.eu

Tel. +33 (0)4 76 18 90 71



ACTUS finance & communication

Caroline LESAGE

kalray@actus.fr

+ 33 1 53 67 36 79 MEDIA CONTACTS

Loic HAMON

communication@kalray.eu

Tel. +33 (0)4 76 18 90 71



ACTUS finance & communication

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sboni@actus.fr

Tel. +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92

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Lev Parnas said that Attorney General William Barr was basically on the team for the Ukraine plot and trying to get dirt on Joe Biden.

Parnas was asked about Barr by Rachel Maddow and said, Not only Rudy Giuliani, Victoria, and Joe, they were all best friends. Barr was  Attorney General Barr was basically on the team.

Parnas was also able to explain some of what Barr is up to, We knew about the investigation, and Attorney General Barr wanted to get to the bottom of the Biden stuff. I think he might have got upset that trump talked  the president ousted him, maybe, he didnt want to be in the public eye, but it was known internally that he was investigating the investigators.

Video:

Parnas says Attorney General William Barr was on the team and involved in the Ukraine plot. #Maddow #Parnas pic.twitter.com/bL5ak6hIEs  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) January 16, 2020

If the House does not begin an investigation into Attorney General William Barr, they will not be doing their duty. Barr should be impeached. The Attorney General is abusing his power to dig up dirt on a political rival of the president. Trump is the head of the corrupt snake, but William Barr is a special danger to the nation that must be removed.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serengeti Resources Inc. (SIR: TSX-V). Further to the Companys news release of December 18, 2019 wherein it was announced that the Company had arranged a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of up to CDN $500,000 (the Financing), the Company reports that due to overwhelming interest, it increased the offering to $695,443. The Financing has now closed and the Company has issued a total of 3,863,572 units at a price of $0.18 per unit.



Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.26 for a period of two years following closing of the Financing.

Finders fees totaling $6,004 in cash and 33,360 share purchase warrants (Finder Warrants) were paid in respect of certain subscriptions incidental to the financing in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Finder Warrants are exercisable at a price of $0.26 for a period of two years from the date of issuance.

The securities issued by the Company in the Financing are subject to a statutory hold period which expires on May 17, 2020. Proceeds raised in the Financing will be used for ongoing general corporate and administrative expenses as well as for non-flow through eligible project expenses.

Serengeti also announces the receipt of a $1.08 million Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) refund which was due to Kwanika Copper Corp. (KCC), regarding expenditures made on KCCs Kwanika Property in 2018. KCC is contractually obliged to turn over any METC recovered on the initial $7 million of expenditures on the Kwanika Property to Serengeti, which includes the current refund which has been transferred to Serengetis account.

As announced September 4, 2019, the Company had arranged a Convertible Loan financing with various private investors (Lenders) for an aggregate loan amount of $700,000 and security for the Loan was the METC refund. Lenders had the right to convert all or any portion of their principal amount into common shares of the Company at a price of $0.32 per share, by delivering a completed conversion notice to the Company, however none of the Lenders elected conversion. The Company will arrange for repayment of the Convertible Loans, plus interest and an early repayment fee of 6 months interest on the principal amounts advanced, less any interest payments made prior to the date of repayment.

Vancouver Resources Investment Conference

Serengeti cordially invites you to visit us at Booth #1100 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday, January 19th through Monday, January 20th. Serengetis President & CEO, David W. Moore is also presenting in Workshop 1 at 1:40 to 2:00pm on Monday January 20, on A Balanced Copper-Gold Portfolio: Kwanika and Beyond

For more information or to register for the conference, please visit:

https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

David W. Moore, P. Geo.

President, CEO and Director

About Serengeti Resources Inc.

Serengeti is a mineral exploration company managed by an experienced team of professionals with a solid track record of exploration success. The Company is currently advancing its majority-owned, advanced Kwanika copper-gold project and exploring its extensive portfolio of properties in north-central British Columbia. A number of these other projects are available for option or joint venture and additional information can be found on the Companys website at www.serengetiresources.com.

Cautionary Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration plans and other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as well as a comprehensive list of risk factors are disclosed in the Companys documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or our estimates change, other than as required by law and readers are further advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Serengeti Resources Inc. Suite 520  800 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 2V6

Tel: 604-605-1300 / Email: info@serengetiresources.com / Website: www.serengetiresources.com
The Indiana credit union is not the only victim. Boston-based Aite Group estimates this type of fraud costs U.S. lenders between $10,000 to $15,000 per incident. One estimate from Auriemma Insights puts the losses at $6 billion annually. This is the fastest-growing financial crime, according to the Federal Reserve, driven in part by lending moving online.

What the firm learned in hindsight was that the "people" applying for loans never existed. The credit union was a victim of "synthetic identity fraud." Instead of stealing another person's identity, a fraudster invents an entirely new, fake person and applies for anything from auto loans to credit cards.

"These looked like bona fide real people  but when you pulled all of them together, especially out of the specific geographic area, red flags and alarm bells started going off," said Brian Vitale, chief risk and compliance officer at Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. "We finally identified that these people didn't exist. Unfortunately by that time, we were out $200,000."

Notre Dame Federal Credit Union reviewed the application. It did the necessary background checks, and authenticated the applicant's credit score and background. But it wasn't until a group of borrowers in Missouri abruptly stopped making payments that the South Bend, Indiana-based lender smelled trouble.

To fool lenders, fraudsters pick a random social security number, or buy one on the dark web. They will often look for one that was issued to someone younger than 18 years old  ensuring that person doesn't have credit history. They then link a fake name, date of birth, and in some cases social media accounts. They start applying for credit and building up a FICO score, which in some cases takes years.

"It's a really long con and an expensive one," Naftali Harris, co-founder and CEO of San Francisco-based start-up SentiLink, told CNBC. "But once you have this fake person who has an 800 credit score, you can then use that to get multiple high limit credit cards and unsecured loans from banks."

Credit bureaus link FICO scores to multiple factors  address, name, date of birth  as well as social security number. Harris said it's common for a social security number to be linked to multiple names, because of human error or a name change. As a result, banks often ignore the "flag" that goes up.

SentiLink uses data to help customers, including three of the top ten U.S. banks, to determine if a borrower is real or using a fake identity. Harris was a data scientist at Affirm, which was started by PayPal founder Max Levchin. Levchin is now backing the company, along with Andreessen Horowitz. Harris first came across the type of fraud at Affirm and found that synthetic identities show certain patterns that data can identify.

"Synthetic identities and real identities behave very differently," he said. "Real people show up, in terms of their credit history, roughly when they're 18 or in their twenties and go about their lives living in a pretty ordinary way. Synthetic identities, though, behave in really erratic ways."

Harris pointed to red flags like moving around a lot or aggressively growing credit. In many cases, he said they find organized crime rings that produce hundreds of different synthetic identities that behave in the same "unusual" way.

These instances are often under-reported, and categorized as normal credit losses. The Federal Reserve estimates that 80% to 90% of these instances are categorized as a credit losses.

"People don't know to call it synthetic fraud  they just think someone walked away from a debt they owed," said Jim Cunha senior vice president of secure payments and fintech at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. "It's significantly underreported because most small and medium banks don't believe they're victims of it."

There is not always a consumer victim, meaning no one individual is banging down the door of a bank to complain that their identity was stolen. But Cunha highlighted the possibility of criminals using younger peoples' social security numbers since they often don't apply for credit until they're 18 and won't notice a difference in their score.

This type of fraud has "sharply increased" over the past decade, according to Julie Conroy, research director for Aite Group's fraud and anti-money laundering practice. In a recent survey, most bankers told the firm that synthetic identity fraud problem is bigger than the losses they take as a result of identity theft. One factor making it easier to piece together real identities is information being sold on the dark web after data breaches.

"Criminals take a Social Security number here, and a name there, and bring them together to form a new Frankenstein person," Conroy said. The recent economic boom is also allowing credit issuers to loosen standards and that makes it "easier for a new synthetic record to get a foothold with the bureaus," she said.

In 2011, the Social Security Administration decided to start randomizing the issuance of Social Security numbers, which Conroy said has made it easier to pick a random social security number without being flagged. There used to be a logic of a person being born in 1984, and a social security number having digits consistent with that year.

"All of that logic went out the window, making it a lot easier for fraudsters to just pull a nine digit number out of the out of thin air," she said. "Collectors might track down folks and come across the person that owns the social security number  but none of the other identity information matched because it wasn't synthetic."

Some of the knowledge-based verification questions from lenders  including "did you live at that address?" or "what type of car did you drive?" can be easily answered by these criminals if they were the ones who formed the identity in the first place.

"What was most concerning was the fact that these new members to the credit union who applied online, passed the knowledge-based authentication questions with flying colors," Notre Dame Credit Union's Vitale said. "This was a highly coordinated attack on us, for a significant amount of money."
A photo of a Boeing 737 Max jet in 2019, after several fatal crashes led to its grounding. The companys CEO was recently fired amid reports that he will receive at least $62 million on his way out. Read more

The fact that Tim Swift was driving to volunteer at a Philadelphia soup kitchen when we got on the phone Tuesday afternoon should have been the biggest clue: I was talking to a 53-year-old professor of management who isnt your stereotypical former corporate telecom and computer-world guy.

This was a former AT&T and Unisys Corp. manager who, after 14 years, is now a Ph.D., a St. Josephs University Haub School of Business professor. He is no apologist, in the name of capitalism, for bad behavior. He is morally outraged about the way too many companies are being led with little accountability or moral focus.

And he minces zero words about it.

I can tell you stories, the head of the schools business ethics center told me about the 14 years he spent in corporate management.

Two stories that made headlines last week were, in fact, the reason I had found him at all. They were very different in scope  one, about the Boeing Co., under fire after two airline crashes killed hundreds of jet travelers. The other, about Wawa, involved an unsavory financial dispute between former employees and the companys founding family.

Wawa, according to a piece last week in The Inquirer, is being sued amid allegations that it reneged on a promise that cost former workers millions in company stock. Wawa previously paid out a $25 million claim, two years ago, while acknowledging no wrongdoing. This was a company I had recently praised for its reputation of treating employees relatively well.

 READ MORE: Wawa founding family accused of cheating former workers out of millions in company stock

Recent reports about Boeing went beyond questions of good faith between an employer and its workers. They painted a portrait so morally reprehensible that it makes hundreds of deaths in two crashes of its flawed 737 Max jet all the more sickening.

As the Washington Post reported, internal communications revealed conversations in which, in one instance, an employee described the jet as designed by clowns, who are in turn supervised by monkeys. You got the sense that the company valued cost containment at all costs.

Would you put your family on a Max-simulator trained aircraft? one pilot asks, then answers himself: I wouldnt. His colleague agreed, according to the Post.

Adding insult to it all, fired Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg walked away from this corporate dumpster fire he had overseen with at least $62 million as a parting gift. This became public last week on the very same day that workers at one of the Boeing Max jets key suppliers sent layoff slips to 2,800 employees.

Im not feeling all that great, I told the fair professor, about the idea of business ethics.

I expected him to reply with a set of its-not-as-bad-as-you-think corporate talking points. Instead, I got what only a man who runs the Pedro Arrupe Center for Business Ethics at a Jesuit university would deliver.

Youre not crazy to feel or sense that there is a decline in ethics in the industry, Swift said. And if you want to blame us as educators in business ethics, I dont blame you. For the average working family, the climate has been toxic  and its getting more toxic.

He hadnt yet read the piece on Wawa (company officials had declined to comment in colleague Joe DiStefanos original story). But Swift had formed strong impressions about the mess at Boeing.

I do have the general sense that Boeing really was negligent in moving that aircraft forward and in ignoring a lot of warnings, he said.

He was not shocked.

Its not the first time that Ive seen such a really surprising lack of consideration of ethical issues and social justice, said the South Jersey native. ...To take chances when so many lives were at stake was very sad.

Its all too typical in companies nowadays. The people in charge are given extraordinary, almost-celebrity-like power by the boards that oversee them. In a study that Swift said he cites liberally since it came out in the early 2000s, researchers found that even when highly influential board members seek to challenge the status quo, they are shunned by other corporate elites.

What you end up with is top brass  managers and their supposed watchdogs  living by this unwritten code of conduct, he said. They have all the decision-making power as labor and other stakeholders have been marginalized by federal law since the 1980s, and you end up with this: The ethical climate in American business is in decline, Swift said.

There is, however, a silver lining.

Its called bad publicity on social media.

When a CEO messes up, Swift said, theyre getting fired a hell of a lot faster than they used to. That is not explained by anything in our economy. ... Company profits are skyrocketing. Our science suggests that the reason that CEOs are being fired more frequently is the transparency thats being forced onto our corporations by social media.

Swift is a capitalist with a conscience. Lets take him at his word and demand better.
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Half of corporate treasury and finance professionals do not believe an economic recession is a threat in 2020, according to a recent survey conducted by TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, at the 2019 Association of Financial Professionals Annual Conference held in October in Boston, Massachusetts.

Instead, payments fraud and cyber security risk are high on their threat list, with 40% of respondents reporting this category as a top operational challenge for their organization this year.

Specifically, about one-in-three (34%) respondents said they are unconcerned by a potential economic recession, while 16% do not think that a recession is even imminent. Of the 50% of respondents who did indicate some qualms about a recession, they are implementing the following to help safeguard their organization:

Increasing capital reserves (25%)

Holding off on large capital spending projects (18%)

Accelerating debt payoff (11%)

Refinancing debt to save cash (8%)

"Finance professionals clearly won't be fretting much over the prospect of economic volatility in 2020, but cybersecurity is understandably a continued worry and the headlines show they are right to be concerned," said Rick Burke, Head of Corporate Products and Services at TD Bank. "The half of companies that report that they are preparing for turbulence in the economy report they have strategies to maximize finances to weather potential challenges."

Promising Approach to Faster Payment Solutions

In addition to surveying concerns for 2020, the TD report took a look at opportunities to grow in the coming year.

The largest opportunity for innovation in corporate treasury is faster or real-time payment use, according to 46% of respondents. With the increasing options for faster and real-time payments, the space continues to evolve. In fact, 30% of survey respondents already use faster payments, including RTPs for corporate treasury, and 18% expect to adopt one of these payment options before the end of 2020.

Of those who responded that they don't currently use or have a timeline to use faster and real-time solutions, 16% believe they need to implement them soon, while 14% revealed that they would love to use faster payments, but are waiting to move forward until they can reach all endpoints through a single solution.

As in previous years, however, the interest in using technology solutions does not match corporates' ability to currently adopt them. About a third (32%) of respondents named the ability to adapt to faster electronic payments as a top operating challenge in the 2019 survey, while 37% named this same obstacle in a similar question in 2018.

"Adoption of the newest payment standards will pay dividends for organizations over the long term," said Burke. "The cost to companies of not doing so will increase exponentially in coming years and inaction also presents operating risks. The best time to upgrade was yesterday, but today's your next best bet."

Blockchain Spending Falls Flat

Although technology continues to impact treasury operations, only 6% of professionals named blockchain and distributed ledger technology as the most opportunistic area of investment for treasury operations in the coming year. This weak predicted spending is in stark contrast to the 92% of respondents who, when led to consider the favorable aspects of blockchain in corporate treasury, named at least one positive benefit the technology would bring to the payments industry. Those benefits were speeding up the payments process (28%), improving cross-border payment efficiency (22%) and reducing payments fraud (22%).

The top areas of treasury operations where organizations do plan to invest and/or see the most opportunity include:

Data, analytics and reporting (23%)

Cybersecurity and fraud protection (22%)

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotic process automation (22%)

Automating payment and payment posting processes in A/P and/or A/R (16%)

Survey Methodology

TD Bank polled finance professionals at the 2019 AFP Conference held Oct. 21-23, 2019, in Boston, Massachusetts. A total of 329 responses were collected from industry professionals, including business end-users and financial and technology services organizations.

About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,200 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us . Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US .

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us .

SOURCE TD Bank

Related Links

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Sandi Toksvig has quit as host of The Great British Bake Off  and UK bookmakers think they have an idea who might replace her... (Channel 4)

Nadiya Hussain and The Circle presenter Emma Willis have been named most likely to replace Sandi Toksvig as host of The Great British Bake Off, UK bookmakers have announced.

Writer-broadcaster Toksvig revealed she was stepping away from the beloved show on Thursday 16 January in order to spend more time with [her] other work. She had been part of the new line-up  which consists of comedian Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood  since GBBO switched from BBC One to Channel 4 three years ago.

Read more: Noel Fielding feels like Tom without Jerry as Sandi Toksvig quits Bake Off

Now Paddy Power has claimed that former GBBO winner Hussain is the favourite to take over from Toksvig in the famous white tent, with 6/4 odds.

Willis and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown regular Sara Pascoe are joint runners-up with 6/1 odds, while Davina McCall comes in third and Richard Ayoade, whose double act with Fielding always goes down well with audiences on the networks Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, comes in fourth.

Former GBBO winner Nadiya Hussain has been named the favourite to take over from Sandi Toksvig. (Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images)

The likelihood of Fieldings former Mighty Boosh partner Julian Barratt stepping into Toksvigs shoes is currently coming in at 10/1, which equals TOWIE star Gemma Collins odds.

Peep Shows David Mitchell is rated 14/1, while Russell Brand and Jack Whitehall are both coming in at 16/1.

Other names being thrown into the ring include True Love Or True Lies? Maya Jama, Naked Attractions Anna Richardson, Im A Celebritys Emily Atack and Scarlett Moffatt and Love Island stars Caroline Flack and Maura Higgins.

The Circle presenter Emma Willis is another likely contender, says Paddy Power. (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Earlier this week, Toksvig revealed shes set to host an upcoming documentary series exploring adult illiteracy throughout the UK.

Titled The Write Offs, it follows eight grown-ups with difficulties reading and writing as they undertake intensive lessons to improve such skills.

Read more: Sandi Toksvig says anti-LGBTQ+ protesters assume being gay is 'a terrible thing'

I have had the extraordinary pleasure of spending time with eight courageous people who have approached their deepest fears with humour and determination, she said in a prepared statement.

Like me, I just know not only will everyone fall in love with them, they will review what they think they know about reading and writing.

I believe the ripple effect from these eight will be astonishing.
Eastern Australia has been hit by storms and its first significant rainfall in months, as the country continues to battle a deadly bushfire season.

Storms rolled into Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon and slashed Sydney on Thursday morning, after a low pressure system swept across the east.

A second weather system is forecast to hit Victoria, South Australia and western NSW from Monday, bringing more much-needed rain to the regions and triggering supercell storms.

Sky News Weatherchief meteorologist Tom Saunders said: 'By Monday, a cut-off low pressure system will bring widespread heavy rain.'

'We could see widespread severe weather with damaging wind gusts, further flash flooding and we could even see supercell storms.

'So there's going to be some big rain.'

Horror maps shared by Weatherzone showed the thunderstorms form over the east coast of Australia on Wednesday and Thursday.

Scroll down for video

A map shared by Weatherzone showed the accumulated rain over the east coast of Australia

Pictured: Thunderstorms over Victoria on Wednesday afternoon

Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said a low pressure trough combined with moisture-laden air to produce the current widespread showers and thunderstorms.

'While this type of weather pattern is not unusual for this time of year, it's the first widespread rain and storm event we've seen in eastern Australia so far this season,' he said.

'Showers and storms will start to increase over Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria from Wednesday and continue to effect parts of eastern Australia each day, until at least early each next week.'

Downpours have already helped to extinguish 32 bushfires in New South Wales as the number of blazes fell from 120 to 88 on Thursday morning.

Between Thursday and Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology expects between 30 and 80mm of rain in the east of NSW.

It means the end may be in sight for exhausted firefighters who have battled deadly fires for more than three months.

A total of 28 people have died in the horror blazes and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed.

Between 20mm and 40mm is also forecast in the ACT and the west of NSW where farmers have endured drought for three years.

Greater Sydney - including areas hit by bushfires - is forecast to get 3-8mm on Thursday, 8-20mm on Friday and 8-26mm on Saturday.

Pictured: Thunderstorms form over Australia on Wednesday afternoon, as the country continues to battle bushfires

Downpours have already helped to extinguish 32 bushfires in New South Wales as the number of blazes fell from 120 to 88 on Thursday morning. Pictured: Rain on Wednesday night

Winds of up to 133 kmh battered Melbourne, causing damage (above) to houses before a storm warning was lifted by first light

AUSTRALIA'S BUSHFIRE CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Evacuations are underway and emergency alerts are in place in NSW, Victoria and South Australia as authorities predict the devastating bushfires will continue burning until at least March. At least 28 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT Around 90 fires were burning in NSW on Thursday morning

20 people dead

More than 5.2 million hectares burned - equal to the metro areas of the five mainland state capitals

1,870 homes confirmed destroyed, more than 3,774 outbuildings and 200 facilities razed VICTORIA 19 bushfires burning in the Gippsland, northeast and alpine regions as of Thursday morning

Five people dead

More than 1.5 million hectares burnt

387 homes have been damaged or destroyed

602 non-residential structures have also been damaged SOUTH AUSTRALIA Three people, including two from Kangaroo Island, are dead

More than 274,000 hectares burnt

161 homes confirmed destroyed, along with 413 sheds and outhouses QUEENSLAND 2.5 million hectares burnt

48 homes confirmed destroyed WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.5 million hectares burned

One home confirmed destroyed TASMANIA 30,000 hectares burned

Two homes confirmed destroyed NORTHERN TERRITORY Five homes confirmed destroyed Advertisement

The rain will give firefighters some much-needed respite after months of battling ferocious blazes.

NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepherd said: 'It's the most positive forecast the RFS has had in months and will give crews a chance to regroup and work on containment lines.'

Rain has also hit Victoria. Melbourne was drenched last night as the suburb of St Albans saw a month's worth of rain - 77mm - in just half an hour.

Winds of up to 133 kmh battered the city, causing damage to houses before the storm passed and warnings were lifted by first light.

In the fire-ravaged areas in the east of the state there is an 80 per cent chance of showers today as a slow moving low pressure trough lingers.

Significant rain has fallen in Victoria (pictured) and more is set to hit New South Wales today

The fire danger rating is at its lowest level, giving firefighters some much needed respite. Pictured: Wind and rain in Melbourne

However, there are concerns that thunderstorms could bring more bushfire trouble.

Lightning ignited fires in Victoria's eastern Great Otway National Park on Wednesday and authorities fear it could do the same in the fire-ravaged East Gippsland and north east regions.

Thunderstorms are also likely to produce damaging winds and carry large hail and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued late evening on Wednesday for the north east, East Gippsland and parts of central Victoria.

'Thunderstorms, a bit of a two-edged sword. While they can bring some much useful rain, it can also come down in pretty fast, high quantities,' Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said.

'There's high concentrations of ash, very vulnerable landscape when it comes to short bursts of heavy rainfall - which could see very quickly mudslides developing.'

Mr Park also expressed his concern about debris such as soil, trees and rocks making their way to the waterways from from the fire landscape.

A road water alert was also in place for Melbourne on Wednesday evening, after some western suburbs like St Albans saw up to 77mm of sudden rain.

The rain helped clear the hazardous bushfire smoke blanketing the city on Wednesday, which had caused the closure of a runway at Melbourne Airport and some flights delayed.

There were 19 active fires across Victoria on Wednesday evening by 10pm, with eight 'Watch and Act' alerts in place.

Queensland will also see major rainfall between Brisbane and Mackay which is expected to add up to 100mm.

In New South Wales, firefighters celebrate the arrival of the first rain.

Late on Wednesday the RFS tweeted: 'Some rainfall has started falling across a number of firegrounds. We have everything crossed hoping for some good falls across these areas over the coming days.'

The Dunn Road fire on January 10, 2020 in Mount Adrah, near Wagga Wagga in NSW

Areas around the South Coast and Southern Tablelands are predicted to receive up to 30mm but the Bureau of Meteorology says the rain will be patchy and exact falls are difficult to predict.

The NSW SES says this could bring on the risk of flash flooding, falling trees and landslips after fire wiped out trees and growth.

'While the rain is welcomed, heavy rainfall and storms in fire affected areas can lead to dangerous conditions such as a higher risk of flash flooding, falling trees and landslips,' NSW SES assistant commissioner Paul Bailey said.

'In areas impacted by fires where vegetation has been destroyed, water from heavy rainfall can flow into riverbeds and we could see run-off in areas we wouldn't normally, resulting in flash flooding.

'The NSW SES is also asking residents in fire affected areas to watch for possible landslips as the ground and roads can be damaged, therefore creating a higher risk of a potential slip.'

The SES warned residents to prepare their properties but trimming overhanging branches, cleaning gutters and pipes, securing loose items in their backyards and not parking under trees or powerlines. .
Thousands more evacuate homes after Taal volcano blankets town with falling ash.

Warnings of another volcanic eruption in the Philippines have forced thousands more people to abandon their homes.

Access to high-risk areas is limited near the Taal volcano in Batangas Province.

Drone video shows a town near the volcano being blanketed with falling ash.

Buildings have collapsed and evacuation centres are almost full.

Al Jazeeras Rob McBride joined scientists as they monitored the volcano  and sent us this report.
Take it or leave it.

Thats Premier Doug Fords hardline message to teachers unions, saying the government will not offer their members more than a one per cent raise yearly  about half of what they are seeking.

He also accused union brass of bad leadership, accusing them of holding Ontario parents hostage with escalating job action, and defended his governments move to mandatory online classes as the way of the future.

Ford spoke to reporters Thursday morning, shortly after an announcement by Ontarios public elementary teachers calling for a second strike day next week  which now puts three education unions on the picket lines on Tuesday.

Teachers are fighting government plans to boost class sizes  phasing out thousands of jobs and limiting course options in high schools  and introduce mandatory online courses for teens. Elementary teachers are seeking a commitment to full-day kindergarten, more special education supports and say the government is looking for $150 million in cutbacks.

They are asking for yearly raises based on cost of living, or about two per cent, which the government has said is the main sticking point though the unions disagree.

Its tough to get a deal because this is a government that has absolutely dug in on eroding the quality of education in this province  that is what is the impediment to getting a deal, said Harvey Bischof, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario made the announcement about its second day of strikes in a memo sent to all 83,000 members, saying if no deal with the provincial government is reached four boards will be impacted: Superior Greenstone (Thunder Bay area), Renfrew, Grand Erie and Trillium Lakelands (Haliburton/Kawartha).

On Tuesday, they will join all English Catholic teachers in the province, as well as public high school teachers and support staff in 13 boards, who are also hitting the picket lines.

The elementary union had previously announced a one-day strike on Monday in Toronto  hitting both the public and Catholic boards (where the union represents early childhood educators), Ottawa-Carleton and York Region.

Fords government has already announced it will spend up to $48 million per day to repay parents for child-care costs during any work stoppage from teacher strikes.

The reimbursement is a little way of supporting (parents) if they have to go to daycare and have their kids in daycare, the premier said. They have lives to carry on. They have to go to work. And so I think it was a good move that were using the teachers salaries to compensate the parents that have to pay.

The mounting tensions between the province and teachers now means all four unions are engaging in job action for the first time in more than 20 years, from work-to-rule to daylong strikes.

Because Ontarios teacher unions also bargain for support and professional staff in schools, Catholic, French and public boards can all be impacted by just one unions job action.

The only teacher union currently bargaining with the province and school board associations is the AEFO, which represents teachers working in French-language boards. No dates have been scheduled with the other three.

NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles blamed Ford for the unrest.

Seeing all teachers unions take job action at once is unprecedented. I dont think Doug Ford counted on parents, teachers and students fighting so hard and being so united to protect public education, she said.

If the province goes ahead with two, mandatory online courses, it would be the only jurisdiction in North America with such a requirement. A handful of states, including Alabama, require or recommend just one e-learning credit.

Ford said teachers dont have good leadership at the head of the unions, and said parents hes heard from are frustrated that the teachers cant stay in the classroom and negotiate at the same time. So were confident well get a deal. And things will be back to normal hopefully sooner than later.

Ford said he hopes to have collective agreements in place by the time the legislature resumes on Feb. 18.

Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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A Canadian tourist who fell down the stairs of a double-decker tourist bus in Dublin when she claims it jerked after allegedly pulling in for St Patricks Cathedral has settled her High Court action.

Retired real estate administrator Susan Riches claimed she now suffers post-concussion syndrome and has regular migraines after she was propelled down the stairs, hitting her head, suffering lacerations to her face and breaking a finger.

On the second day of the case today, Mr Justice Bernard Barton was told the case had been settled and could be struck out.

The judge, noting the settlement wished the tourist and her husband a safe trip back to Canada.

It was the 63-year old tourists case that she was thrown headlong down the stairs. She was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and she suffered nightmares and flashbacks and she now says she has a significant fear of stairs and escalators.

The bus operators and owners claimed the bus had not stopped at the Cathedral but was stopped in traffic and had not reached the tour stop. They contended it was an unfortunate accident but it was the tourists fault.

Mrs Riches and her husband Patrick were in Dublin for the first time on the last leg of a Trans Atlantic cruise which had started in Miami and had taken in The Azores and Irish ports.

She told the court they docked in Dublin and got a Hop-On, Hop-Off tourist bus on April 30, 2018.

At St Patricks Cathedral, I headed for the stairs. I took a step and the bus turned and jerked and I flew through the air, she said.

She added:  I felt the bus turned. It propelled me forward. I hit my face. I ended up on the floor of the bus. I felt in shock and I was bleeding. 

Susan Riches (63) Olivers Road, Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Canada had sued the owners and operators of the tourist bus, Last Bus Ltd and Citi Bus Ltd both with offices at Moorhill House, Brannockstown, Co Kildare and Park Fly Ltd and Dockstop Ltd, both with offices at South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin.

She claimed the bus allegedly suddenly and without warning moved, jerked or jolted violently and she fell down the stairs.

She claimed there was an alleged failure to have regard for the safety of passengers they ought to have known were disembarking from the bus. She further claimed there was an alleged failure to warn the passengers the bus was going to be further moved as they disembarked.

The claims were denied and it was contended there was contributory negligence on the part of Mrs Riches and that she should have had regard for her own safety.

In evidence, Mrs Riches said the driver did not have bandages or a phone to call an ambulance but he helped take her off the bus.

A Romanian nurse she said called an ambulance and she was brought to hospital. She said she was in hospital about 13 hours until the early hours and they later that day got a flight home.
Environmentalists have sued the federal government to overturn a permit issued for a proposed Formosa Plastics plant in an area of Louisiana known as "Cancer Alley."

The Arizona-based environmental group Center For Biological Diversity and three other organizations sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the agency's chief executive, Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, to challenge a Sept. 5 permit issued for the project.

In a federal lawsuit filed on Wednesday morning before the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C., the groups argue that the Corps fast-tracked the project and failed to disclose the proposed plant's environmental damage and public health risks in one of the most heavily industrialized areas of state.

The Trump administration rubber-stamped this project instead of disclosing how Formosa Plastics would damage wetlands, poison communities and pollute water, Center for Biological Diversity Attorney Emily Jeffers said in a statement. Formosa has a terrible record of spilling plastic pellets and releasing toxic pollutants. The federal government is long overdue in regulating the plastics boom and holding this company accountable.

Environment: Formosa settles Lavaca Bay pollution case for $50 Million

Neither the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nor Formosa officials could immediately be reached for comment.

Formosa is not listed as a defendant in the Louisiana lawsuit but the permit challenge comes less than three months after the company entered into a $50 million settlement in a separate lawsuit filed in Texas over polluting Lavaca Bay with plastic pellets.

Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Taiwan, Formosa was ranked as one of the world's largest chemical companies. Formosa's U.S. headquarters is in New Jersey.

In previous statements, the company has said that it employs screening and monitoring systems to control pollution.

Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Shaikh Hamad Palace yesterday President of Seychelles Danny Faure and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed bilateral relations and co-operation mainly in the economic, trade and tourism fields. HM the King expressed hope the visit of the Seychelles President will further boost relations between the two friendly countries.

The Seychelles President expressed thanks and respect to HM the King for the gracious welcome and hospitality, voicing happiness about visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain and meeting him. HM the King underlined keenness on consolidating relations of friendship with Seychelles for the common interest of both countries and peoples.

HM King Hamad stressed the Kingdoms unwavering approach of boosting relations with other countries on the basis of mutual trust, understanding and respect. His Majesty also lauded the achievements of Seychelles under the leadership of President Danny Faure. Both leaders emphasised keenness to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation and avail of the promising opportunities available in both countries.

The Seychelles President commended Bahrains humanitarian initiatives, under the leadership of HM the King, and its efforts to promote the values of tolerance and co-existence. A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed between the two friendly countries.

Separately, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, signed a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Seychelles, with the Minister of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning of the Republic of Seychelles, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne. The signing took place on the sidelines of the official visit of Seychelles President Danny Faure to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The agreements are visa requirements exemptions for holders of diplomatic, private or official passports and a general cooperation agreement between the two governments, in addition to a memorandum of understanding between the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Central Bank of the Republic of Seychelles, and a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the field of tourism between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Seychelles.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised growing relations of friendship between both countries, stressing that the signing of these agreements and memorandums of understanding reflects keenness of the two countries on joint co-ordination and co-operation in various fields.

For his part, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne assured the Republic of Seychelless keenness to consolidate relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain and take advantage of the various opportunities available to develop mutual cooperation at all levels, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.
Yuri Kadobnov/Getty

At a celebration of the Russian Orthodox New Year on Tuesday, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev chose a grim message, the sarcasm of which left his audience on edge. But, then, Medvedev probably knew what Wednesday would bringthe resignation of his entire governmentand the audience did not.

Putins Power Play: Shuffle the Cabinet But Keep Command

On national television, the prime minister read at length from Anton Chekhovs story "A Night in the Cemetery," which suggests with ironic wit that celebrating the coming of the New Year is a foolish pursuit, unworthy of a properly functioning mind, since every coming year is as bad as the previous one, and the newest year is bound to be even worse. Instead of celebrating the New Year, Chekhov wroteand Medvedev readone should suffer, cry and attempt suicide. Every new year brings you closer to death, makes you poorer, your bald spots larger and your wife older, he said.

Medvedevs sour greetings brought on some awkward laughs and sparse applause from confused Russian bureaucrats in the studio audience, most of whom remained stone-faced. The prime minister seemed nervous and almost dropped his papers at the end of the speech.

Then Wednesday dawned, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in his annual state of the nation address proposed a constitutional overhaul. It supposedly is designed to boost the powers of parliament and the cabinet, but more likely is intended to give Putin, 67, a firm grip on the country for many more years, even decades, to come.

A few hours later, Medvedev submitted his resignation, and his entire cabinet submitted theirs as well. And while some of them may stay on, Medvedev, who once served a term as Putin's placeholder president, will move to a previously nonexistent post.

Putin offered the prime minister slot to Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the Russian Tax Service, who has been described as the taxman of the future, digitally acquiring receipts of every transaction in Russia within 90 seconds.

Story continues

It's unclear whether Mishustin will be a placeholder technocrat or assume other responsibilities currently known only to Putin. But in his annual address, Putin articulated the need to identify any persons with current or former double citizenships and foreign holdings, eliminating them from government service. Mishustin might become instrumental in such a reshuffling of Russias power elites, who are perceived to be unpatriotic by maintaining residences or bank accounts abroad. The added pressure will also give Putin further leverage over them.

In the past, Putin and Medvedev have choreographed moves that allowed Putin to remain in charge under different titles, swapping places to circumvent term limits.

This time around, Medvedev will assume a newly created position as the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council and all current ministers will remain in an acting capacity until a new government is appointed.

Meanwhile, the leader of Chechnya in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region, Ramzan Kadyrov has declared himself to be temporarily incapacitated, relegating his duties to the current prime minister of Chechnya, Muslim Khuchiyev.

Putins sweeping changes are widely interpreted as designed to weaken his successor, reshaping Russias power structure in order to create additional opportunities for Putin's continued control over the government, even after the conclusion of his fourth presidential term in 2024.

Putin proposed amending the Russian constitution to expand the powers of the legislative branch and investing additional powers in the State Council, leading to speculation Putin is contemplating his future return at the helm of a newly empowered Parliament, after the expiration of his current presidential term.

Commentary on the Russian presidents likely intention to carve out a new position for himself has been skillfully avoided by the Russian state media. Instead, Kremlin-controlled news outlets chose to focus on promised subsidies for families with young children, designed to address Russias demographic crisis by boosting the birth rate, and the general claim that Putin has, as it were, made Russia great again.

On the Russian state television show, The Evening with Vladimir Soloviev, the host proclaimed, The greatness of the country is indisputably tied to the name of Putin. Soloviev argued that the Russian president restored respect towards their country globally.

His take was echoed by the State Duma Deputy Chair Irina Yarovaya, who pontificated that Putin, having achieved his foreign policy and national security objectives, could now move on to his domestic agenda. Yarovaya said, We remember statements by [U.S. President Barack Obama] in 2014very recentlythat Russia is a regional power of minor importance. We remember all of that. We remember how the sanctions started. We remember how we werent invited to the G8. And today there is a line of world leaders waiting just to talk to our president over the phone

The sanctions started and Russia was disinvited after it seized and annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014, then incited and abetted a separatist war in Ukraine's east. They were intensified after Russia's flagrant interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.

Russian state media also highlight Putins promises of socioeconomic largesse and his prediction that Russia's economy will grow faster than the global average in 2021. During the last decade, the Russian leader has promised in vain that Russia will become the worlds fifth largest economy by 2024. It is currently ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world, with a smaller GDP than that of California.

President Putins current growth prediction is much more modest. Its still not realistic, but such promises had to be made as Russias declining standards of living have led to political unrest and mass protests.

Without providing any direct answers as to his own plans, the Russian leaderwho has now been in power for 20 yearscreated new venues for his continued reign in yet-to-be-revealed future capacities.

Amid all the uncertainties, maybe it shouldnt surprise us that Medvedev was reading Chekhovs story about a blind drunk civil servant who stumbles out of a New Years celebration only to get lost in a graveyardand then discovers in the morning he was somewhere else entirely.

Russia Loves the Impeachment Hearings Because GOP Is Parroting Kremlin Propaganda

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Huseyn Safarov - Trend:

Ukraine and Azerbaijan are two friendly countries, which have never had any serious issues with each other, Vadym Tryukhan, the Ukrainian diplomat and political analyst, told Trend.

Threats and challenges that both countries face are mainly of the same nature, the analyst noted.

Strategic goal is the restoration of territorial integrity, and this brings together both states and both peoples, said Tryukhan.

The analyst also noted huge potential for cooperation between the two countries adding that it primarily includes energy sector, agriculture and military-industrial sphere.

The Ukrainian diplomat also noted that trade between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, which reached nearly $900 million in 2018, is far from the figure that can be achieved.

Tryukhan added that the trade turnover between the two countries over the next five years can actually reach $2-3 billion.

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan were established in February 1992. Ukraine is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, and both states are members of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova).

Azerbaijan holds an important place in Ukraines foreign policy, which, first of all, is conditioned by wide opportunities in the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, trade, economic, fuel and energy, transport spheres, the analyst added.
Photo: Luca Micheli/Unsplash

Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in Los Angeles.

LA sheriff wants answers in slayings of 'innocent' teen girls

Erin Lavender, 19, and Dalelaja Hearn, 17, were shot dead on Dec. 15, 2019. The case has not been solved.

Read the full story on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.

Children held by Border Patrol should get flu vaccine, LA County says

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to challenge the federal governments anti-flu vaccine policy for migrant children at border detention facilities.



Read the full story on NBC LA.

First-time, full-time college students can get 2 years of free tuition at Cal State universities if AB 1862 passes

In a new bill (AB 1862) introduced on Wednesday by Assembly Member Miguel Santiago and members of the Los Angeles Community College District Board, college students will get two years of tuition-free education at any California State university, if it passes and becomes law.

Read the full story on Fox 11 Los Angeles.

LA murders are down, but number of homeless homicide victims has increased

Even as murders in Los Angeles have decreased in recent years, the number of homeless homicide victims has gone up, authorities said.



Read the full story on KTLA 5 News.

Transient man charged in murder, carjacking of 68-year-old cab driver

A man was charged with murder Wednesday in the fatal stabbing of a cab driver in a Burger King parking lot last November, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced.

Read the full story on CBS Los Angeles.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano and Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 11:22 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32257aae 1 Business Jiwasraya,corruption,erick-thohir,holding-company,State-owned-Enterprises-Ministry,insurance Free

The government plans to establish a state-owned insurance holding company next month in an effort to inject money and save state-owned insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya.

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir said on Wednesday that the holding company is expected to be established in mid-February.

The holding companys papers had just been signed and we have to follow the steps of forming the holding company accordingly as part of our suggestion in handling Jiwasrayas case, he said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

The holding company is projected to have a total of Rp 1.5 trillion (US$109.7 million) to Rp 2 trillion in cash flow, Erick said, adding that it would be used to help the ailing insurer improve its finances.

Erick said additional funding would likely come from the sales of the insurers stocks worth an estimated Rp 2 trillion to Rp 3 trillion and from strategic partners of subsidiary Jiwasraya Putra that could give the insurer an additional Rp 1 trillion to Rp 3 trillion in fresh funds.

The pooled funds will later be used to pay for the policyholders claims gradually, he said, adding that the ministry is working closely with the Finance Ministry to return Jiwasrayas policyholders money.

Erick, along with the Finance Ministry, is also to discuss these measures with the House of Representatives during its upcoming hearing on Jan. 20.

Jiwasraya met with trouble following an announcement in October 2018 that it had failed to pay out maturing JS Saving Plan policies worth Rp 802 billion. It was also unable to pay holders of policies worth Rp 12.4 trillion that were supposed to be paid in December 2019.

The Attorney General's Office arrested on Tuesday five people for their suspected roles in the alleged corruption at Jiwasraya. The five people included former Jiwasraya president director Hendrisman Rahim, former finance director Harry Prasetyo and the former head of the investment and finance division, Syahmirwan.

Publicly listed property firm PT Hanson International president director Benny Tjokrosaputro and publicly listed PT Trada Alam Minera president commissioner Heru Hidayat were also named suspects and arrested in the case.
Egypt's foreign ministry rebuked Turkey's reactions to what it said were legal measures taken by the Egyptian authorities against Turkey's state news agency Anadolu office in Cairo, while criticising the Ankara's freedom records.

Egyptian police raided on Wednesday the office where Turkeys state-run news agency Anadolu was illegally operating in Cairo, arresting four of its staff members including a Turkish national, according to a statement by Egypt's interior ministry.

Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the raid in a statement saying the action "reveals the negative approach of the Egyptian administration towards freedom of the press," while criticising Cairo's democracy records. The ministry summoned the Egyptian charge d'affaires in Ankara over the matter and demanded the immediate release of its detained staff.

The Egyptian ministry responded saying it "categorically rejects" the remarks against what it stressed were legal measures taken in dealing with "illegal Turkish electronic media committees in Egypt."

The committee worked under the cover of a company established by the banned Muslim Brotherhood group with the support of Turkey to "spread false and fabricated information about the political, economic, security and legal conditions in Egypt aiming to tarnish Egypt's image locally and internationally," the ministry added in a statement early on Thursday.

The statement asserted that all measures taken by the Egyptian authorities were carried out in accordance with laws and regulations applied in such cases.

It denounced the Turkish remarks saying they came from a regime "ranked one of the worst in violating freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of the press and other fundamental rights and freedoms."

It accused the Turkish regime of "funding extremist groups and terrorist militias in a number of countries in the region, seeking to control their fates."

Relationships between Cairo and Ankara have been strained since the 2013 ouster of Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi, who was backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The rift between the two countries has been further worsened over maritime demarcation in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Turkey's plans to send troops to Libya.

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S andi Toksvig has announced she is quitting Great British Bake Off after three years presenting the show.

The 61-year-old, who hosts the programme alongside Noel Fielding, said she is leaving in order to focus on other work projects.

Toksvig has fronted the programme alongside Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith since 2017, after it moved to Channel 4 from BBC One.

But who could replace her? The bookies have already picked their favourites - and so have we...

The Great British Bake Off Winners - In pictures 1 /14 The Great British Bake Off Winners - In pictures 2020 Peter Sawkins Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2019 David Atherton Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2018 Rahul Mandal Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2017 Sophie Faldo Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2016 Candice Brown Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2015 Nadiya Hussain Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2014 Nancy Birtwhistle Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions 2013 Frances Quinn BBC 2012 John Whaite Amanda Searle/Love Productions 2011 Jo Wheatley 2010 Edd Kimber

Why did Sandi quit Bake Off?

Toksvig said she was stepping down to focus on other work projects - although the details of these are yet to be revealed.

"When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family," she said.

"Unusually I am departing from The Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.

"Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life. These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.

Who could replace her? Seven stars who'd be perfect...

Julian Barratt

Joseph Lynn

Julian Barratt is perhaps best known for his work on The Mighty Boosh back in the early '00s, alongside current GBBO presenter Fielding.

The Leeds-born funnyman and his comedy partner gained a cult following with their bizarre and surreal TV series, with Barratt's Howard Moon standing in stark contrast to Fielding's Vince Noir - and we think it would be absolutely brilliant to see these two working together again.

Viewers may also recognise Barratt, 51, for his work on Nathan Barley, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and, more recently, for the Channel 4 critically acclaimed black-comedy Flowers.

Nadiya Hussain

Getty Images

Nadiya Hussain is a previous winner of the show, having taken home the crown on the sixth series of GBBO way back in 2015.

After winning Bake Off, Hussain went to have a successful broadcasting and food-writing career, presenting shows such as The Chronicles Of Nadiya, Nadiyas British Food Adventure, Nadiyas Family Favourites and Time To Eat.

The 35-year-old was also the co-presenter of The Big Family Cooking Showdown with Zoe Ball, has been a guest panellist on Loose Women and was invited to bake a cake for the Queens 90th birthday celebrations.

In 2017 she was named by Debretts as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting and to the culinary arts.

Richard Ayoade

Channel 4

Another Channel 4 funnyman, Richard Ayoade will be best known for his work as the socially awkward Maurice Moss on sitcom The IT Crowd.

Like Barratt, Ayoade has also appeared in a number of cult comedy shows such as Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Nathan Barley and The Mighty Boosh.

Viewers will also recognise him from his hilarious stints on Big Fat Quiz of the Year, Gadhget Man, Travel Man and his role as host on the revived Crystal Maze.

We think his typically sardonic, dry humour would work well on Bake Off, and of coursme his history of working with Fielding means they already have plenty of chemistry.

Candice Brown

(BBC) / Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions

Former GBBO winner Candice Brown would be another great addition to the show. After winning the seventh series in 2016, Brown appeared on the 2018 series of Dancing On Ice and was partnered up with professional skater Matt Evers.

The ex-PE teacher occasionally appears on This Morning to cook, and briefly worked for Tom Kerridge before buying her own pub in Bedfordshire.

In January, the 35-year-old returned to the Bake Off tent for a New Year's special but missed out on being crowned star baker, as series eight runner up Steven Carter-Bailey triumphed.

In the same month, she also won Celebrity Mastermind with her specialist subject Audrey Hepburn.

Rylan Clark-Neal

BBC

The hugely busy Rylan Clark-Neal first rose to fame after finishing in fifth place in the ninth series of The X Factor.

After triumphing on Celebrity Big Brother, the 31-year-old presented spin-off Big Brother's Bit on the Side, landed a guest hosting job on This Morning and before returning to The Xtra Factor.

Clark-Neal is also host of the Supermarket Sweep revival along with It Takes Two, and will present new series of Ready Steady Cook in 2020.

Yes, his schedule is packed - but it's for a good reason. Surely he could squeeze one more programme in?

Jo Brand

PA

Extra Slice presenter Jo Brand would make a great addition to the GBBO line-up, where she could bring her hilarious presenting skills to the famous Bake Off tent.

The comedian is no stranger to our TV screens, having first appeared on the comedy circuit in the mid 1980s before making her first appearance on TV in the early 1990s.

More recently, the 62-year-old has appeared on a number of panel shows such as QI, Have I Got News for You and Would I Lie to You?.

Joe Lycett

BBC/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon

The Birmingham funnyman is one of the UK's hottest comedians right now, and his effervescent brand of humour would go down well on in the Bake Off tent.

While he made his name on the stand-up circuit, the 31-year-old is also known for his may appearances on TV panel shows, such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Taskmaster.

And it a gig presenting one of Channel 4's top shows shouldn't be a problem for Lycett, who has hosted BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee since last year.

Liam Charles

Presenter: Liam Charles will host the show alongside Tom Allen / Channel 4

Everyone loved Liam Charles from series eight, didn't we? The Hackney-born baker was a fan favourite when he appeared on the show as a 20-year-old back in 2017.

And since his star turn in the Bake Off tent, Charles has gone on to add even more TV experience to his resume, having been presenting Bake Off: The Professionals alongside comedian Tom Allen since 2018.

In November of that year, Charles also presented the programme Liam Bakes on Channel 4, and the following year was even a judge alongside Prue Leith on Junior Bake Off.

The bookies' favourites

Hilarious return of Noel Fielding at The Great British Bake Off

Here's a full rundown of the odds on who will replace Toksvig:
CommerceWest Bank's CFO Leeann Cochran Nominated for CFO of The Year

CommerceWest Bank's (CWBK) CFO Leeann Cochran has been nominated for CFO of the Year by the Orange (News - Alert) County Business Journal. The 2020 CFO of The Year Awards are presented to financial professionals in Orange County for outstanding performance as corporate stewards for the preceding fiscal year.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005046/en/

Leeann Cochran, EVP Chief Financial Officer, CommerceWest Bank (Photo: Business Wire)

"I am honored to have been nominated for OCBJ CFO of the Year," commented Ms. Leeann Cochran. She continued, "This nomination is only possible because of the quality of the team that I am privileged to work with and the execution of our corporate objectives. It's awesome to have this opportunity to recognize the high performance of our Bank."







CommerceWest Bank is a California-based full service commercial bank with a unique vision and culture of focusing exclusively on the business community. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California. The Bank serves businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on clients in Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties. We are a full service business bank and offer a wide range of commercial banking services, including concierge services, remote deposit solution, online banking, mobile banking, lines of credit, working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans, and treasury management services.

Mission Statement: CommerceWest Bank will create a complete banking experience for each client, catering to businesses and their specific banking needs, while accommodating our clients and providing them high-quality, low stress and personally tailored banking and financial services.

Please visit www.cwbk.com to learn more about the bank. "BANK ON (News - Alert) THE DIFFERENCE"

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005046/en/
Multiple investigations have begun after a homeless man suffered life-changing injuries when the tent in which he was sleeping was removed by an industrial vehicle during a clean-up operation in Dublin.

It is understood the tent was lifted by a lorry with a claw at the Wilton Terrace and Leeson Street junction alongside the Grand Canal on Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses heard screaming and alerted the workmen who were unaware a man was in the tent.

The man, who is in his 30s, was yesterday moved to intensive care in St Vincent's University Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed the man may have been paralysed in his left leg, a senior source said last night.

The incident happened when Waterways Ireland, the body responsible for maintenance along the canal, was removing tents in the area.

Inner City Helping Homeless chief executive Anthony Flynn demanded a full investigation into the incident and said: "Answers need to be provided."

"Somebody's life could have been taken. Eviction notices were being issued to people living in tents along the canal, which is absolutely ludicrous. Appropriate checks clearly weren't put in place to make sure someone wasn't in the tent."

The man was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

In a statement, Dublin City Council said Waterways Ireland had been removing tents placed in a "precarious and dangerous location".

"The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive is currently liaising with the hospital and every support is being provided," a spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are with the man at this time.

"The executive has been engaging with the individual for some time and accommodation remains available to him."

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said his election poster, which was photographed at the scene, had since been removed.

"I was saddened to hear of the incident by the canal on Tuesday," he said.

"My thoughts are with this poor man as he recovers in hospital. I've demanded a full report into the incident, which is under Garda investigation. My campaign poster, which was located at the scene, has been removed."

Waterways Ireland said it was co-operating fully with the Garda investigation.

"Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council/Dublin Regional Homeless Executive work in co-operation to remove tents along the canals in Dublin where they have become a public safety hazard," a Waterways spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are very much with the individual who was injured.

"While the Garda investigation is ongoing, Waterways Ireland is obliged to not comment further."

Waterways Ireland has previously issued notices to homeless people along the canal, warning them to remove tents and personal belongings.

In one notice, seen by the Irish Independent, Waterways said: "You are trespassing on lands which are the property of Waterways Ireland.

"Waterways Ireland calls on you to vacate these lands, together with your tents and personal belongings.

"Unless you vacate the property by the date above, we will request An Garda Siochana to take action on this matter to ensure this property is vacated."
Brightly coloured male songbirds not only have to attract the female's eye, but also make sure their sperm can last the distance, according to new research.

In the study, published today in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters, a team of scientists led by Dr Kate Durrant from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, looked at how evolution shapes the plumage and the sperm cells of songbird species so that they mate successfully and pass on their genes.

Previous studies have focussed on a bird's appearance alone, but this is the first study that has looked at this together with the shape of the sperm, to understand if intense competition shapes both plumage (to compete before mating) and the sperm (to compete after mating).

The team looked at 278 species of song bird from around the world and a combination of data on their plumage and the shape of their sperm, to see how they have evolved to ensure successful mating.

The eye-catching plumage of some male songbirds has long been explained as a result of sexual selection: brighter males compete more successfully for mates, and leave more offspring, so evolution favours them. Female birds, by contrast, remain drab, because for them it is more important to be camouflaged on the nest.

How much competition for mates a male song bird faces varies between species, and depends on factors such as the number of available females, how dense the population is, and other things such as the structure of the vegetation they are in.

Dr Durrant said: "The intensity of sexual selection varies between species. If mate competition is really strong, not only are males really colourful and attractive, but they also need to have the best sperm too if they are going to compete."

The 'midpiece' in the bird's sperm produces energy-containing molecules, called ATP, to power movement. Previously, experts thought that if the sperm had a large midpiece, it produced a lot of ATP, and the sperm 'swam' really quickly and got to the egg first. Whilst this is true in some species, it is not always the case and it is more likely that a large midpiece allows the sperm to last longer, rather than swim faster.

Data on plumage from previous studies were used, together with data on the shape of sperm, for 278 species of song birds. The team found that males from species with more elaborate and colourful plumage, had longer sperm midpieces, which allows the sperm to last for a long time after the male mates with the female, who then stores it for when she is ready to release an egg.

"In a really competitive environment, lots of males are competing with each other for the female's attention, and there can be a high number that mate with the same female, and this is where sperm and how long it lasts is really important," said Dr Durrant.

"If a female bird mates with a number of males, she will keep the sperm until she is ready to release an egg. At this point, long-lived sperm can reactivate and fertilise the egg. So it is not enough to be colourful, you have to have the total package and produce sperm that can last.

"What we are seeing is what evolution has done to these species to solve the problem of competing for mates," adds Dr Durrant.

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Have you or a family member had the misfortune of needing an ambulance ride to the hospital?

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Prairie Mountain Health is hosting focus groups to gauge how ambulance users in the region view the quality of service provided. (File)

Have you or a family member had the misfortune of needing an ambulance ride to the hospital?

If so, Prairie Mountain Health would like to hear from you during a series of focus groups starting this month in Brandon.

"Health standards across Canada, and certainly internationally, are promoting and pointing to the importance and the relevance of having increased patient and family engagement in all levels of delivering health care," said Callum Melvin, director of PMH Emergency Response Services, "right from front-line engagement in the actual care that theyre receiving all the way up to policy development and kind of system design."

The patient/family focus groups will gather to talk about communication between patients, families and paramedics during the delivery of care as well as discuss what "quality" means to patients, and what is most important to them.

The first focus group will be held in Brandon on Tuesday at the Brandon Fire and Emergency Services hall, followed by Killarney on Jan. 28, Swan River on Feb. 5 and Dauphin on Feb. 6.

Melvin said they are hoping to get between six and 10 participants in each focus group.

EMS leadership will conduct the meetings with an agenda that puts forth questions and topics for discussion, he said.

"We have done some targeted reaching out to certain stakeholders and community groups," Melvin said, adding the focus groups were not precipitated by any problems or concerns regarding the EMS service.

"Its just more just trying to kind of trying to move forward as an organization, reach for those high standards and increase our patient and family engagement in our design and system-building process because we felt that there were opportunities to increase that and receive more feedback at the early stages from the users of the system," he said.

In November, the Manitoba government announced it had invested $10 million to purchase 65 replacement ambulances to modernize the provinces fleet, with PMH to receive 27 of those ambulances.

The new ambulances feature enhanced lighting, additional working space for paramedics to have better movement and access to patients and increased secure storage compartments for medical equipment.

Melvin said they havent received all of the new ambulances yet, "but we have been receiving them steadily over the last number of weeks and months."

Those interested in participating in a focus group can send an email to patientpartner@pmh-mb.ca or call toll-free 1-877-279-7858.

 brobertson@brandonsun.com
By Uday Sampath Kumar

(Reuters) - Gap Inc <GPS.N> on Thursday scrapped its plan to spin-off Old Navy and said it would instead work to stem dropping sales, while fewer discounts during the holiday season helped full-year earnings, sending its shares up about 4%.

The move came as a surprise as just two months ago the company had stuck to its plan to separate despite several analysts calling for the strategy to be canned due to weak sales and the abrupt exit of Chief Executive Officer Art Peck.

Peck unveiled the plan in February last year when Old Navy was a bright spot for the company, which was struggling with out-of-fashion apparel at its Gap brand.

However, sales for Old Navy have slowed in recent quarters, raising doubts about the brand's value as a separate entity.

"Old Navy's business has not been good. With the CEO out of the way, this is the right move," said Jane Hali, at research firm Jane Hali & Associates.

"Instead of thinking of spinning off companies, they should get back to the basics of giving customers what they're asking for."

The company on Thursday also said that Mark Breitbard, head of Banana Republic, will lead the Gap brand on interim basis after the departure of Chief Executive Officer Neil Fiske.

"The work we've done to prepare for the spin shone a bright light on operational inefficiencies and areas for improvement," Gap interim CEO Robert Fisher said.

The company is searching for a permanent CEO, whose primary task, according to Craig Johnson, president at retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners, will be to fix the big three brands - Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic.

"Launching an independent Navy when none of the big brands is ready for prime time would be a bridge too far," he said.

Gap said same-store sales for 2019 would be at the higher end of its prior outlook, but would still drop from a year earlier as brick and mortar retailers lose holiday shoppers to online competition.

Story continues

It forecast adjusted 2019 earnings to be moderately above its prior outlook of $1.70 to $1.75 per share.

Gap shares were up at $19.44 in extended trading.

(Reporting by Uday Sampath in Bengaluru and Melissa Fares in New York; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Social activist and founder of NGO PARI (People against rapes in India) Yogita Bhayana on Thursday wrote to Union Minister Smriti Irani demanding that the day of execution of Nirbhaya convicts be declared as the 'Rape Prevention Day'.

In her letter, she said "the execution should not be seen as an end to a case, but should mark a new era in India.

"I propose to declare the day as 'Rape Prevention Day'. Such naming shall help every Indian to understand what Nirbhaya and her family had endured and reaffirm their vow to the vision of a rape-free India." Speaking to IANS, Bhayana said: "It is history in making that four people will be hanged together for the first time in India for such a heinous crime like rape.

"It has never happened in history of India. It is happening after 15 years when Dhanajaya Chatterjee was hanged for rape.

"I have written a letter to Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani and have suggested that the day when these four will be hanged, should be declared as Rape Prevention Day." Bhayana earlier wrote to the Ministry of Information and Broadcast and demanded live broadcast of the execution of four convicts of ghastly Nirbhaya gang rape.

"I wrote to the I&B Ministry because I think a strong message must go to the masses that if somebody commits a heinous crime like rape, they will be hanged like these four.

"However, if they are hanged just like that people will forget it next year. Therefore the men should remember and acknowledge the consequence of the crime and not the criminals." Speaking about the repercussions of such broadcast if children watch, she said: "Children are exposed to all sorts of violence these days. Their video games are extremely violent, they constantly watch objectification of women in daily soaps.

"What purpose does this solve? Such broadcast will work as a deterrent and is for betterment of society. However I am still waiting for their response."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
(Natural News) In a few years, Sweden may become the worlds first cashless society. But is the Scandinavian country and its people truly ready to ditch cash for digital currency?

Swedish government officials have recently warned its citizens to stockpile banknotes and coins before the country completes its transition from conventional cash to virtual currency. They explained that a cyber attack or a disaster might take out the banks, thereby eliminating the primary provider of digital payments.

Consumers and sellers consider digital payments to be highly convenient. Sweden is one of the leading users and proponents of the technologies that will eventually enable a cashless society.

The KTH Royal Institute of Technology recently established that just 18 percent of the payments made in Sweden during 2019 used cash. The number dropped by 15 percent compared to that from 2018.

In the same vein, data from the Swedish Trade Federation (Svensk Handel) showed that 80 percent of the purchases at most local retailers get paid via credit card. Experts have predicted that the percentage would rise to 90 percent by 2020.

The figures show that Sweden relies heavily on digital commerce. Many experts believe that it might attain the status of the first cashless society  along with all the problems that accompany it. (Related: Public pensions risk everything, start piling money into crypto playing roulette with your retirement.)

Swedish citizens warned to stockpile cash in case hackers disable digital commerce

Recently, Swedish government experts have expressed worries about a large-scale cyber attack on their countrys computer networks. At best, citizens would lose access to their money for extended periods. The worst-case scenario is that they might lose all of their money.

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In response, the countrys Civil Contingencies Agency instructed every Swedish household to squirrel away cash in small denominations. Such a stockpile of old-fashioned hard currency will serve the citizens while the banks restore their systems.

Swedens government has considered different emergencies that might disable its digital commerce. Accidental interruptions include loss of electrical power and computer networks. Deliberate disruptions include cyber warfare and terrorist attacks.

The warnings and contingency plans in Sweden may affect other developed nations that are also adopting elements of a cashless society. In the UK, local banking expert Natalie Ceeney warned that her country needs to take action since it isnt that far behind Sweden.

Swedens big message to us is, Plan now before you get into a mess, warned Ceeney. Sweden hit its crisis when its equivalent of the NHS declared it was going cashless.

A future cashless society faces risks like cyber attacks and power outages

Sweden has a history of being on the cutting edge of currency. In 1661, it adopted the first example of the modern-day banknote. By doing so, it became the first European nation to issue paper money.

The second place went to England in 1694. Meanwhile, the US started issuing its first currency after the start of the American Revolution in 1775.

In modern times, government studies found that 15 percent of Swedens population would experience difficulties if they lost access to the bank accounts and credit cards that made spending convenient.

Swedish central bank Riksbank urged the government to investigate the challenges and dangers that a cashless society might face. Bank officials also recommended that local politicians consider pioneering the worlds first form of digital money with state backing.

In a meeting with the Swedish parliament, the Riksbank officials described the importance of hard cash during both war and peace.

Previously, the Riksbank issued warnings about switching to digital commerce. The head official, Stefan Ingves, pointed out that the company in charge of the digital payments possessed a lot of power in a cashless society.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

InterestingEngineering.com
Ex-Deputy PM of Russias Dagestan gets 4.5 years in jail in embezzlement case

 Moskva city news agency, Anton Kardashov

17:37 16/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI)  Moscows Lefortovsky District Court on Thursday sentenced a former deputy chairman of the government of Russias Republic of Dagestan Shamil Isayev to 4.5 years in prison as part of an embezzlement case, RAPSI reported from the courtroom.

The former Dagestani official was found guilty of aiding and abetting embezzlement of more than 80 million rubles ($1.3 million) allocated for repair works at a local tourist camp.

However, Isayev denies his guilt and is going to appeal against the ruling.

Isayev was arrested in February 2018 along with several other republican officials, acting chairman of Dagestans government Abdusamad Gamidov and acting deputy chairman Rayudin Yusufov.

In October 2019, Gamidov was sentenced to 6.5 year behind bars while Yusufov received 5.6 years in jail for embezzling 41 million rubles.




Christian school denies report claiming it expelled student over rainbow birthday cake

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A Christian school in Kentucky is denying claims that it expelled a 15-year-old student for having a rainbow cake at a birthday party.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported Tuesday that a family has accused Whitefield Academy, a private Christian school in Louisville, of expelling their teenage daughter over a rainbow birthday cake.

Kimberly Alford told the news outlet that Whitefield Academy expelled her daughter following a social media post, believed to be one of the student with the cake, as well as a rainbow sweater.

I just feel like it's a label (school officials) have put on her, she said to the Courier-Journal. Just because I'm wearing a rainbow doesn't mean I'm gay.

However, in a statement emailed to The Christian Post on Wednesday morning, Whitefield Academy denied that the photo was the reason for the expulsion.

In fact, she has unfortunately violated our student code of conduct numerous times over the past two years, the school told CP.

In the fall, we met with the student to give her a final chance to begin to adhere to our code of conduct. Unfortunately, she did not live up to the agreement, and therefore, has been expelled.

Whitefield went on to note that students enrolled at their institution must adhere to a lifestyle informed by our Christian beliefs and that parents are made aware of that from the onset.

There are numerous school options in our community for students who do not wish to attend a Christian-based school, and we wish our former student all the best as she finds a learning environment that is right for her, they continued.

It is unfortunate that one of the students parents chose to post internal family matters on social media, and we hope our former student is not adversely affected by what her parents chose to make public about her situation.

Whitefield Academy was founded in 1976, originally as a ministry of Highview Baptist Church, and offers educational programming from preschool to the senior year of high school.

Whitefield is looking for students from Christian homes who desire to be part of the Whitefield family. Our students have a desire to be successful both spiritually as well as academically, explains the FAQ section of their website.

Students looking to enroll should understand they will pursue an advanced curriculum designed to prepare them for college and life. Whitefields policies support the admissions of students from a variety of ethnic, denominational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
With the USPTO, Department of Justice and National Institute of Standards and Technology launching a new joint policy statement on remedies for standard essential patents last December, in-house counsel say they have been emboldened by what they see as a complete policy reversal

The document, titled Policy Statement on Remedies for Standards-Essential Patents Subject to Voluntary FRAND Commitments, sets out that an SEP owners commitment to give licences on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms does not stop them from seeking injunctions.

The new policy replaces a previous document introduced by the DoJ Antitrust Division and the USPTO in 2013 that many thought ruled out injunctive relief as a remedy in disputes between SEP licensors and potential licensees.

Lawyers from SEP-focused companies, including InterDigital, WiTricity and Huawei, say that on balance this publication is a good step in the right direction. They add that while the document is not legally binding, it has set a better tone for future and even current negotiations.

This policy has two effects: it emboldens SEP owners in their negotiations who are now confident that injunctive relief is on the table, and it makes infringers feel that they are no longer immune from repercussions, says William Merritt, CEO and president of InterDigital in Philadelphia.

We have been encouraged by the document because we have always been about fairness and are happy to have negotiations worked out by a third party, and this document speaks to that sense of fairness we all care about.

He adds that the company will leverage this new policy in its ongoing court cases, and that while it is true that the document has no legal standing, it will probably have a meaningful legal impact in those matters.

The USPTO, DoJ and NIST have sent a very strong signal, and it is now clear that there is a new sheriff in town, says Merritt.

Scott Witonsky, vice president of IP and licensing at electric car charging firm WiTricity in Boston, agrees that the newly released 2019 policy is much more positive than its 2013 predecessor, but adds that it is not likely to significantly influence his own processes.

The new policy is not changing anything for us right now. But we want people to use our technologies and take licences for them, so this document is nice to have.

Hopefully we will see a case ruling in the next few months that is consistent with this policy.

He adds that in that sense, the new policy could have a significant impact on company licensing strategies.

Witonsky notes that perhaps the more important question to answer regarding this change in policy is: why is it happening now?

Brian Pomper, Akin Gump partner and executive director at the Innovation Alliance, a group of R&D-focused firms including Qualcomm and AbbVie, says the new policy has been well received by the group and SEP owners broadly.

Speaking in his capacity at the Innovation Alliance, he says that the 2013 statement had muddied the waters and that the 2019 policy represents a big change in outlook among those at the USPTO and DoJ.

When this policy was issued late last year, it was not seen so much as a victory by SEP owners and it was a return to normality. It creates an environment that is conducive to fair negotiation where a mutually acceptable result can be obtained.

He adds that the document is likely to stifle efficient infringement in the US, where companies purposely drag out negotiations and take matters to litigation on the bet that such a strategy will ultimately cost them less or the same amount as taking a licence.

The other side

Not all companies were celebrating the launch of this new policy, of course. Sources say those companies that are primarily SEP implementers are furious about the change.

Morgan Reed, president of the App Association, a representative organisation of firms including Dogtown Media and Stroll Health, says the document does not go far enough in protecting SMEs from abusive SEP licensing.

We appreciate the reinforcement of the US Supreme Courts eBay standard, which accounts for the extraordinary impacts of SEP injunctions before awarding them.

We will continue our advocacy before these agencies on behalf of our thousands of small business members to ensure a competitive environment that supports innovators in developing software and other technologies that rely on open standards.

Steven Geiszler, US chief IP litigation counsel at Huawei in Dallas, adds that his company is a little more on the fence about the policy than some SEP owners, but thinks that it serves as a good reminder that injunctive remedies do exist in the US and were not killed off by eBay.

We own a lot of patents around the world and value enforceability, but we are also a large manufacturer and seller of products that incorporate SEP-protected components. Having that large footprint on both sides means we must take a balanced view on the matter, so I couldnt say that the policy was strictly good or bad.

The new policy has served to open up the discussion about SEP remedies again, however.

He adds that this policy is unlikely to affect Huaweis licensing approach significantly because the company has a global scope and isnt focused solely on the US.

The patent pendulum continues to swing back towards a pro-patent position in the US. With legislative revisions to Section 101 and Section 112 expected this year, this SEP remedies policy might also be the start of broader change to the licensing landscape.

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London: The EU says Donald Trump is "bluffing" in threatening to withhold intelligence if the UK breaks ranks with the Five Eyes countries and allows Chinese firm Huawei to build Britain's 5G network.

Phil Hogan, European Union trade commissioner. Credit:Bloomberg

Australia, the US and New Zealand have all banned the telecommunications manufacturer because of security fears.

The UK is poised to make its decision, nearly 12 months overdue, within the next fortnight and appears to be paving the way for Huawei involvement, despite intense lobbying from the US.
Samina Bibi has a fractured leg but is in good condition. Her home was buried and she lost her brother and sister. The Neelum Valley remains isolated. Recovery and rescue operations take place via helicopters. Tomorrow a more bad weather expected.

Islamabad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - "I thought I would die": says Samina Bibi, a 12-year-old girl whowas buried under snow for 18 hours and rescued alive yesterday in Pakistan. The young woman is hospitalized in Muzaffarabad hospital, in Pakistani Kashmir, with dozens of other wounded. She is one of the survivors of the sudden avalanches that have hit the Neelum Valley region in the past two days. According to authorities, at least another 100 people died buried in the snow or swept away while they were at home.

For Shahnaz Bibi, Samina's mother, describes the fact that her daughter is alive as "a miracle". The woman lost another daughter and son because of the avalanche that hit their home. "We were huddled around the hearth - she says - and it came in the blink of an eye. We didn't even notice." Then he adds that he did not hear the roar that usually precedes the avalanche and that "by now we had lost hope of seeing Samina again". The girl survived despite the cold. She has a broken leg and a split lip. She remember's "shouting for help while I was trapped."

According to the National Disaster Management Authority, more bad weather is expected tomorrow which could cause further damage. The valley is currently isolated due to the detachment of snow and boulders from the mountains. Rescue operations take place only via helicopters.

Authorities report that at least 84 homes and 17 businesses are completely destroyed, and 94 other homes and a mosque partially damaged. Other areas of the country have been hit by violent rains and cold. Accidents caused by rainfall forced the closure of the main roads and highways not only in Pakistani Kashmir, but also in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the competent authorities to provide "all humanitarian assistance possible immediately. The severe snowstorms and avalanches have caused misery and deaths. Qamar Javed Bajwa, head of the Pakistani army, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the military to continue supporting the civil administration in the rescue and assistance operations.
Piles of coal wait to be loaded into trucks at the Sufco Coal Mine, 30 miles east of Salina, Utah, on May 28, 2014. Sufco is one of four mines operated by Wolverine Fuels, a company that has threatened to sue the city of Richmond, Calif., if it imposes a ban on coal that would cut off a major export port for Wolverine. (George Frey/Getty Images)

Coastal City Moves to Ban Coal Exports, Cutting Off a Major Port

A coastal city in California is moving to ban coal exports, shutting down a port that handles about one-quarter of the coal exports from the U.S. West Coast.

While many media reported that Richmonds city council passed the ban into law on Jan. 14, the ordinance only passed one round of voting and it will go to a second reading sometime in the next few weeks before the council takes a final vote.

Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, who is a big supporter of the ban, told The Epoch Times, Its pretty well known that coal is among the worstif not the worst of fossil fuelsfor air pollution, contributions to greenhouse gases and global warming. Its really an unfortunate choice and its really unfortunate that its still around.

But opponents warn that a ban would result in lost jobsboth at the local terminal and at the Utah mines where the coal originatesand a costly court battle. Other coastal cities have similarly moved against the coal industry, including Oakland where a ban went into effect in 2016. In 2018, a federal judge repealed Oaklands ban, and the city is currently appealing that decision.

The coastal ports serve a growing demand for coal in Asian markets. Richmond handles about one million metric tons of the fuel annually, much of which is bound for Japan to meet its electricity needs following the discontinuation of its nuclear energy program. Richmonds terminal also ships petroleum coke to other countries, mainly for use in manufacturing.

Environmental activists view the ban on coal as a way to reduce local pollution from coal dust and cut greenhouse gas emissions globally. Richmonds coal ordinance states that businesses must phase out coal and petroleum coke within three years.

Protesters demonstrate against coal use during the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. (Pak Yiu/AFP via Getty Images)

Operating Engineer Manny Gouveia, a Levin-Richmond Terminal worker. (Courtesy of Operating Engineers Local 3)

Terminal Company Protests

We are disappointed with the vote and continue to urge that the City Council reject the proposal and instead adopt the Planning Commissions unanimous recommendation to get the facts before they vote on the ordinance, said Barbara ONeill, vice president of the Levin-Richmond Terminal Corporation (LRTC) which operates the terminal. The stakes are high. Adoption of this ordinance threatens jobs and will result in years of litigation, she said in an email.

One of the facts ONeill refers to is an assessment of local air quality related to the coal dust.

In 2017, former Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 617, an air quality management program. It includes the use of new air pollution monitoring technologies to assess air quality in communities. ONeill urged city council to delay any further action on the coal ordinance until the study mandated under AB 617 is complete.

She said an earlier air quality study by Sonoma Technology concluded that the terminal isnt causing harmful air pollution in Richmond.

We are hopeful the City Council will reconsider, she said. If not, we will be forced to pursue litigation to protect the interests of our employees and our company.

The LRTC has said that it cannot replace coal with other exports, as proponents of the coal ordinance suggest. Petroleum coke and coal account for 80 percent of its business.

A Berkeley Research Group economic analysis confirmed that LRTC could not replace these fossil fuel exports because there is no current, economically viable market for other commodities suitable for the Richmond facility.

The Levin-Richmond Terminal in Richmond, Calif., where coal and petroleum coke leave for export. (Courtesy of Operating Engineers Local 3)

We are proud of our 38-year history in the Richmond community, ONeill said. We want to continue to be among Richmonds valued businesses and continue to provide good-paying, important jobs to Richmond and East Bay workers, she said. However, adoption of the ordinance will put LRTC out of business and eliminate these jobs.

The city received a letter last month from Wolverine Fuels, a company that extracts coal from three Utah mines and ships it to the Richmond port.

A coal miner walks past mining equipment at the Sufco Coal Mine, 30 miles east of Salina, Utah, on May 28, 2014. Sufco is one of four mines operated by Wolverine Fuels, a company that has threatened to sue the city of Richmond, Calif., if it imposes a ban on coal that would cut off a major export port for Wolverine. (George Frey/Getty Images)

Wolverines lawyer Brian Settles said in the letter that the company would be left with no choice but to take legal action against the city if it imposes the ban. A spokesman for Wolverine Fuels could not be reached for comment as of press deadline.

Just Posturing

When asked about the expected loss of jobs and negative economic impact the ordinance could cause, Mayor Butt said the plan allows for coal exports to be phased out rather than immediately shut down.

A lot of this is just posturing, he said. The bottom line is that this is not going to happen for years. Theres a lot of what-ifs going on here. There is a provision in the ordinance to extend the period of time [to transition away from coal], which may or may not happen. The parties have all threatened litigation so this could go on for 10 years.

Or, it could be that if coal is not economically feasible five years from now, with coal companies shutting down all over the place, going bankrupt  it may go away on its own accord before its forced.

Union View

Chris Snyder, spokesman for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3, said that 50 union jobs will be lost if the terminal shuts down.

They are good private sector union jobs. We are dedicated to doing anything we possibly can to keep that place open, Snyder said. Its just a really sad loss, when the money could be spent on upgrades and phases for long-term solutions. Its short-sighted and its a tragedy for workers and their families.

In addition to the 50 union jobs, another 10 to 20 management, office, and clerical jobs would also disappear, he said.

Local 3 Director of Government Relations Chris Snyder holds a megaphone and directs workers and supporters during the Rally for Jobs outside Richmond City Hall. (Courtesy of Operating Engineers Local 3)

Snyder said the union is threatening legal action against the city. We looked at it, and the city cant prevent interstate commerce.

He disagrees with the mayors negative perception of the low-sulfur coal handled at the Richmond facility.

Its not true, Snyder said. This is some of the cleanest burning coal. It burns cleaner than gas.

Other sources of coal in China, for example, are much dirtier, he said.
Solar Stack non-penetrating solar PV mounting system from Unirac "We both share a passion and commitment for bringing innovation to the market and serving our customers, and we are very excited to see Solar Stack in the Unirac family of products.

Unirac, Inc., North Americas leading manufacturer of PV mounting systems, and Solar Stack, a Florida-based manufacturer of an innovative, non-ballasted, non-penetrating solar mounting solution, have announced an exclusive global license deal for the Solar Stack product. With the signing of this technology deal, the two companies are poised to expand on the momentum set by the founders of Solar Stack.

For more than 20 years, UNIRAC has paced the North American market as the leading provider of PV mounting solutions. The deal with Solar Stack continues Uniracs series of acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and new product and service introductions, part of Uniracs Better Solar Starts HereTM program to provide customers with the best installation experience for residential and commercial solar.

We are very excited to announce the partnership with Solar Stack as our quest continues to demonstrate our market leadership, said Peter Lorenz, Unirac CEO. Continuous improvement and innovation are the keys to pushing the market forward, and this partnership is yet another example of that.

Tim and Michelle Graboski, two of Floridas most influential roofing veterans, founded Solar Stack with a singular vision: providing solar installers with a groundbreaking but simple mounting solution that does not penetrate the roof. The founders applied knowledge gained from more than 30 years in the roofing industry and Tims service on the Florida Building Commission to develop a structural attachment of proven, code-approved commercial foam adhesive that bonds to the roof surface and anchors the patented Solar Stack pedestal. The product is equally well suited for fastened tile roofs, like those in Florida, and commercial flat roofs. It has had tremendous success in Florida, where it holds the most stringent certification for use in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones.

Tim Graboski, CEO of Solar Stack, commented: A partnership with Unirac was the obvious choice, and we felt strongly that they were the ideal partner. We both share a passion and commitment for bringing innovation to the market and serving our customers, and we are very excited to see Solar Stack in the Unirac family of products.

Please contact Unirac for information about the application of Solar Stack for your project, or for Solar Stack distributors in your area.

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The Duomo cathedral in Florence opened to the public on Friday for the first time since March

With 130,253 award-winning accommodation providers, Italy continues to be the destination with the largest number of satisfied travelers on the Booking.com reservation website. Spain is ranked second and France is the third-placed country in the "Traveler Review Awards."

Every year, accommodation properties registered on Booking.com receive a Traveler Review Award if they score highly in at least 5 reviews. Already at the top of the list in 2019, Italy has confirmed its leading position with 130,253 awards, ahead of Spain with 66,755 and France with 61,492. The rest of the ranking identifies a list of countries where a reservation on Booking.com is a safe bet to ensure a happy stay: Germany (49,777), Croatia (42,763), USA (42,112), UK (41,848), Poland (36,793), Russia (36,296) and Greece (33,259).

Apartments topped the list in terms of accommodation type, representing almost 40% of award winners; and while hotels came second, a huge 75% of the winning properties are homes, apartments and other unique types of accommodations.

In parallel with the Traveler Review Awards, Booking.com also establishes a list of the Most Welcoming Places on Earth. The winners for 2020 are Goreme in Turkey, which maintains its title from last year, followed by Tatranska Lomnica (Slovakia), Phong Nha (Vietnam), Kobarid (Slovenia), Cochem (Germany), Doolin (Ireland), Taitung City (Taiwan), Schenna (Italy), Monte Verde (Brazil) and Lake Tekapo (New Zealand).
The Union Home Ministry has received the mercy petition of one of the convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, recommending its rejection, officials said on Thursday.

Mukesh Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the case, filed the mercy plea a few days ago.

"The Home Ministry has received the mercy petition from the LG recommending its rejection. The petition is being examined and an appropriate decision will be taken soon," a Home Ministry official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress opened the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump Thursday, with Democratic prosecutors from the House of Representatives reading the formal charges from the well of the Senate before Supreme Court Justice John Roberts would swear in all 100 senators as jurors for just the third impeachment trial in U.S. history.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! said the Senates sergeant at arms, calling the proceedings to order.

Seven lawmakers prosecuting the charges, led by Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, made the solemn walk across the Capitol for a second day. Its the start of ceremonial protocol that shifts the proceedings out of Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate.

Schiff, standing in the well of the Senate usually reserved for senators, began reading the resolution, Impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the united states for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Later in the afternoon, Roberts was to administer the jurors oath to senators who swear to deliver impartial justice.

The events, unfolding during an election year as Trump seeks another term, will be a test not only of his presidency but also of the nations three branches of power and its system of checks and balances. Several senators are running for the Democratic partys nomination to challenge Trump in November.

The president calls the impeachment a hoax, even as new information emerges about his actions toward Ukraine that led to the charges against him.

Pelosi said new allegations from an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, only reinforces the need for the Senate to consider further testimony about the presidents actions toward Ukraine.

Pelosi noted that typically a special prosecutor would investigate but she doubted that would happen.

This is an example of all of the presidents henchmen, Pelosi said, and I hope that the senators do not become part of the presidents henchmen.

Trump faces a charge that he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.Ahead of the proceedings the Government Accountability office said Thursday that the White House violated federal law in withholding the security assistance to Ukraine, which shares a border with hostile Russia.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber Thursday decrying Pelosis decision to hand out souvenir pens after she signed the resolution to transmit the charges to the Senate.

This final display neatly distilled the Houses entire partisan process into one perfect visual, McConnell said. It was a transparently partisan process from beginning to end.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer renewed his partys request that the trial include new witnesses and documents not available for the House impeachment proceedings.

What is the president hiding? What is he afraid of? Schumer said.

The gravity of these charges is self-evident, he said. The House of Representatives have accused the president of trying to shake down a foreign leader for personal gain.

The president has suggested recently that he would be open to a quick vote to simply dismiss the charges, but sufficient Republican support is lacking for that. Still, an eventual vote to acquit Trump is considered highly likely.

On Wednesday, in a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats carried the charges to the Senate.

Today we will make history, Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. This president will be held accountable.

Moments later the prosecutors walked solemnly through the stately hall, filing into the Senate back row as the clerk of the House announced the arrival: The House has passed House Resolution 798, a resolution appointing and authorizing managers of the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of United States.

Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines, ending a weeks-long delay to deliver the charges with a tally reflecting the nations split.

The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this sad saga that tried to remove the president from office with the weakest case.

The presidents team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials. That would be far shorter than the trial of President Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of President Andrew Johnson, in 1868. Both were acquitted.

The seven-member prosecution team is led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerrold Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosis top lieutenants.

On Wednesday, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and prefers swift acquittal. The White House has instructed officials not to comply with House subpoenas for testimony and documents.

The challenge is to get a fair trial, Schiff said in an interview with The Associated Press. It shouldnt be a challenge  if the senators are really going to live up to their oath to be impartial, theyll want a fair trial. Thats obviously not where Mitch McConnell is coming from.

The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

Two are freshman lawmakers  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of President Richard Nixons impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clintons.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

Any four senators could force an outcome. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, but it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.
The owner of a historic 131-year-old house in Brighton, which was damaged by fire and is currently uninhabitable because it is infested with mould, has lost her battle to demolish the property.

In a majority determination, the Heritage Council last month refused a permit to knock down Spurling House. The body noted that once demolished, the cultural heritage significance of a place on the Victorian Heritage Register is ineradicably lost.

Spurling House in Brighton is currently uninhabitable. Credit:Eddie Jim

The case raises interesting questions about when the heritage significance of a property should outweigh the cost of maintaining it.

Dissenting Heritage Council member Patrick Doyle argued the refusal of the demolition permit was a disproportionate price for the (owner) to pay, for the sake of the broader public interest in maintaining the heritage values of the place.
Students in Beaumont ISD, one of the states longest-struggling school districts, were suspended at a rate more than six times the state average and far exceeding any other district with at least 1,000 kids last school year, a Beaumont Enterprise and Houston Chronicle analysis shows.

As districts across Texas have scaled back on suspensions and zero tolerance approaches to discipline in recent years, Beaumont has gone in the other direction, with administrators issuing 46 suspensions per 100 students last year, the states highest rate over the last decade.

By comparison, the district with the states second-highest rate, Port Arthur ISD, issued 31 suspensions per 100 students. The state average was 7 per 100.

Beaumonts suspension practices have coincided with dismal academic performance and behavior challenges afflicting the district, which barely eked out a C grade under the states accountability system in 2019. Frequent discipline particularly has affected Beaumonts black students, who make up about 60 percent of the districts population but received 87 percent of suspensions last school year.

There has to be a better way, said LaToya Traylor, whose 15-year-old son, Jamerson Bibbins, has received multiple suspensions for fighting and insubordination during his seven years in Beaumont public schools. There are some students who dont have anybody, and they are labeled as problem children. I dont believe any child is bad.

According to Texas Education Agency data, 3,325 out of Beaumonts 19,000 students were suspended last school year. They missed a combined 17,500 days of school. About 400 children were banned for more than two weeks, with one student at Smith Middle School receiving 27 suspensions totaling 65 days of class.

Related: Jasper tops list of preschooler suspensions, study says

Administrators cited fighting, insubordination, class skipping and other disruptions as the most common reasons for the student suspensions.

In interviews and statements over the past several weeks, Superintendent Shannon Allen and School Board President Thomas Sigee pledged to implement changes aimed at reducing the districts reliance on suspensions. Both said they were unaware of the districts far-above-average suspension rates until contacted for this article.

Theres no backing away from the fact that those numbers are real, said Sigee, who joined the board last May. When students are suspended, theyre not being educated. Were going to have to formulate a plan to do much better than we are.

Allen, a 23-year veteran of the district who became superintendent in July, said leaders are working to better implement strategies, such as restorative justice initiatives and the hiring of behavioral coordinators. She also called on residents to serve as stronger role models for children, declaring that the behaviors we see in our schools are a reflection of what we see in Beaumont, Texas.

Were doing a lot, but I will be frank and say we can do better and we will do better, Allen said. We have initiatives in place, and were not consistently following through on the things we have in place.

About 85 percent of Beaumont students quality for free or reduced lunch, nearly 60 percent are African-American and about 45 percent live in a female-led household with no husband present  three of the strongest indicators for higher discipline rates nationwide. Federal data show black students are four times more likely to receive suspensions than their white peers in public school, although there is disagreement on why.

Related: Hispanic parents voice concerns about language barrier in BISD

The district also continues to grapple with the effects of massive flooding that followed Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Depression Imelda four months ago.

The districts discipline issues have exacerbated over the past several years.

Financial mismanagement resulted in widespread layoffs in the mid-2010s, prompting a dramatic spike in the BISD suspension rate. In subsequent years, the district was taken over by a state-appointed governing board. Neither the board nor its since-retired superintendent comprehensively addressed discipline in schools, leaving educators unprepared to handle students complex behavioral needs.

These kids are disrupting the classroom to the point where theyre throwing everybody off track, said Krystal Johnson, who says her second-grade daughter has experienced bullying at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School. Not only are they affecting her learning, but theyre affecting her emotionally.  Theres never going to be a solution if its not acknowledged.

Old vs. new school attitudes

When a child acts out in a Texas public school, state law offers districts several options for exclusionary discipline, the removal of students from the classroom. The choices include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, placement in an alternative campus or expulsion to a juvenile justice academy.

In recent years, out-of-school suspensions have drawn particular scrutiny from educators and researchers, who concluded that taking kids out the classroom harms children more than helps.

A seminal 2011 study by The Council for State Governments and Public Policy Research Institute, using data from millions of Texas children, found that roughly half of students subjected to more than 10 out-of-school suspensions ultimately landed in the juvenile-justice system and/or failed to graduate high school.

Instead of being disciplined at school, theyre being put into suspensions or the criminal-justice system, and weve got to look at that and roll that back, said state Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, who filed legislation last year to increase state tracking of out-of-school suspension data.

Recent attempts by researchers nationwide to isolate the impact of suspensions have produced mixed results, most often showing they cause small reductions in test scores and graduation rates.

State lawmakers have passed laws aimed at curbing suspensions, limiting their length to three days in the mid-1990s, and banning nearly all of them for homeless students, kindergarteners and first- and second-graders in 2017.

Still, state law delegates wide discretion over discipline to districts, only mandating certain punishments for egregious or violent acts, such as assaulting a teacher or selling drugs at school. As a result, campus-level staff decide when and how to punish students in the vast majority of cases. Their decisions can be strongly influenced by administrative attitudes, district policies and training on disciplinary practices.

In Texas City ISD, about 40 miles southeast of Houston, Superintendent Rodney Cavness said he takes an approach considered more old school than many of his peers, setting strict expectations for student behavior. The district issued 24 suspensions for every 100 students in the district last school year, the Greater Houston areas highest rate.

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Were not here to raise everybodys kids and deal with everyones societal issues, Cavness said. We dont just kick kids to the curb. Were not going to do that. But when kids are going to become disruptive to other kids trying to learn, thats where I have a problem.

In Everman ISD, south of Fort Worth, administrators issued 7 suspensions per 100 students last school year while serving a student demographic similar to Texas City ISD. Evermans suspension rate has fallen by 79 percent over the past decade as administrators instituted a discipline task force, trained staff on new behavioral programs and held campus leaders accountable for their suspension data.

It has changed the focus and the culture of the district as a whole, said Felicia Donaldson, Evermans assistant superintendent of student services. Were reshaping kids, were reshaping their thought process.

Across Texas, suspensions are down about 30 percent over the past decade, while Beaumonts use of exclusionary discipline has increased.

Most notably, five medium-sized districts that most frequently suspended students a decade ago  Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman and Lancaster ISDs  since have combined to slash their rates by 55 percent. Like Beaumont, they all serve some of the states largest percentages of lower-income children.

Devastating cuts

In the early 2010s, BISD joined its Texas counterparts in cutting back on suspensions.

Then, in 2014, cascading scandals under then-superintendent Timothy Chargois stymied that progress. Poor financial management, lax accounting oversight and the embezzlement of $4 million by two high-ranking employees left the hurricane-prone district with no rainy day fund. The Texas Education Agency promptly stripped power from the districts elected trustees and appointed a new school board.

To stave off financial ruin, the replacement board cut the districts campus-level staff by 15 percent, eliminating about 200 teaching positions headed into 2014-15. In turn, Beaumonts suspension rate jumped from 29 to 43 suspensions issued per 100 students that school year.

When something like that happened, you lost the morale, said Helen Sutton-Tegbe, a former assistant principal at Beaumonts Ozen High School. That was very devastating.

Five years later, Beaumonts school board and top administrators have returned the district to solid financial footing, stashing away $53.6 million in its rainy day fund as of June 2019. Rebuilding the districts reserves, however, left little money for bolstering a demoralized teaching force, which remains at 2014-15 levels.

In the half-decade since the cuts, Beaumonts annual teacher turnover rate has more than doubled. About 23 percent of teachers did not return to the district following the summer of 2018, higher than the state average of 17 percent.

In addition, Beaumonts percentage of first-year teachers nearly has tripled during that time, reaching 13.4 percent in 2018-19. The state average was 7 percent.

Educators working in the district also have class sizes larger than the state average, despite serving one of Texas neediest student populations.

During that five-year stretch, Beaumonts suspension rate remained among the states highest, never dipping below 36 issued per 100 students.

We have a high number of teachers with very little experience dealing with some of the behaviors coming into our classrooms, Allen said. Thats just the reality of where we are.

Neglect of discipline

Following the staffing cuts, local and state leadership also did not successfully address the districts festering behavioral issues.

Under former superintendent John Frossard, who led the district from 2015 through the summer of 2019, the district implemented multiple initiatives to reduce behavioral issues, including restorative justice training for seven campuses and expansion of social-emotional curriculum. However, none of the efforts resulted in staff issuing significantly fewer suspensions, which some educators attributed to poor implementation.

Some of the administration would talk a good game, but when a teacher had a problem with one kid and 20 others in the classroom were feeding off that one, sometimes they didnt know what to do, said Michael Renfro, who taught in Beaumont middle and high schools for 22 years before retiring in 2018. It really wasnt a priority.

Frossard, who amicably left the district, said he was encouraged by the progress made during his tenure.

We are not denying that this data could be startling for some, but it is realistic for the challenges that our district faces, Frossard said.

A.B. Bernard, who served on Beaumonts appointed board from 2014 through mid-2019, blamed the districts high suspension rates on poor parenting and overburdened administrators.

I really believe theyre doing the best they can do under the circumstances, Bernard said. If its out of whack with whats going on in other districts, then so be it.

Texas Education Agency leaders did not respond to multiple questions about their role in Beaumonts discipline practices or any interventions in the district. In a statement, the agency noted its employees are providing training to Beaumont for a restorative discipline pilot program in three schools launching this spring.

Sigee, the districts current board president, applauded Frossards administration and the state-appointed board members for restoring the districts financial stability. Still, he said BISDs attention to student discipline has been unacceptable, adding that no superintendent is here only for finances.

It can be fixed

Allens administration took an initial step toward engaging the Beaumont community about discipline in mid-November, holding a public forum attended by roughly 200 people.

The districts message left Karen Young, a district parent liaison for about 15 years who counts about 20 relatives as Beaumont students, hopeful about the districts direction. Young said the district needs several changes to improve student behavior: stronger parenting, a larger teaching staff, more consistent leadership on discipline and better support from the state.

I do feel like (Allen) is in control and shes taking it seriously, Young said. However, I do feel like the system itself is set up or designed so that children who are misbehaving are going to continue to do so. Its going to be a problem as long as we have a shortage of teachers.

District data show BISDs suspension rate is on track to fall by 27 percent this school year, partially attributable to thousands of students missing multiple days of school due to flooding from Imelda. Beaumont United High School, which had the districts second-highest suspension rate last year, was closed for three weeks.

District data show BISDs suspension rate is on track to fall by 27 percent this school year, partially attributable to thousands of students missing multiple days of school due to flooding from Imelda. Beaumont United High School, which had the districts second-highest suspension rate last year, was closed for three weeks.

Students who are repeatedly suspended do not always continue down that path. Jamerson has faced few disciplinary issues since he began high school, his mother said, and looks forward to graduating in a few years.

She said parents and school leaders both bear responsibility for raising better-behaving children  and argued repeated suspensions arent the solution.

I think if someone really cares enough, Traylor said, it can be fixed.

This story was reported and written by Isaac Windes of The Enterprise and Jacob Carpenter of the Houston Chronicle.
A woman was arrested after she stripped off her clothes and strolled through Miami International Airport baggage claim - before she was seen sitting naked on top of a police cruiser.

The woman, who has not been identified, was caught on camera walking through the airport in her blue bra and pants just before midnight on Wednesday, singing aloud to herself.

She then proceeded to remove her bra, followed by her pants, leaving her completely nude.

Bemused airport staff and passengers looked on as she waved her bra in the air.

A woman (pictured) was spotted stripping off her clothes and strolling through Miami International Airport baggage claim on Wednesday

She then proceeded to remove her bra while walking followed by her pants, leaving her completely nude in the middle of the airport

Moments later, the woman was spotted sitting naked in the lotus position on top of a police patrol car outside the airport building, before running across the road toward a police officer.

Passengers at Miami International Airport told CBSMiami they were shocked by the incident and by the lack of response from passers-by.

'I would never expect to see something like that. That would probably make me bust down and I would want to help,' said passenger Tay Credit.

'That's the only thing that did confuse me, was no one tried to help, or cover her up; women especially.'

Moments later, the woman was spotted (above) sitting naked on top of a police patrol car outside the airport building

Another passenger Pru Ingelfield said: 'It's a shock. In fact, you wouldn't believe what you're looking at. It looks as if it isn't real.'

Airport police have confirmed that the female, who is not from Florida, was taken into custody for a mental evaluation.

They said she had been incoherent and delusional when they approached her.

The incident took place at Miami International Airport (pictured). Because the woman has gone for a psychological evaluation, it is unlikely criminal charges will be filed, officials said

'On Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at approximately 11:40 pm, Miami-Dade Police Department, Airport District officers, were dispatched to a call of a naked female running through the Miami International Airport (MIA) baggage claim area,' said the Miami-Dade police statement.

'The naked female was located at the MIA Central Plaza parking garage exit, behaving erratically. After conducting his investigation, the responding officer took her into custody and transported her to a nearby receiving facility for an involuntary examination, under the Florida Baker Act statute.'

Because the woman has gone for a psychological evaluation, it is unlikely any criminal charges will be filed, officials said.
Coretta Scott King, left, watches President Ronald Reagan sign the bill creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Holiday Hours: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is being celebrated Monday, Jan. 18. It is a federal holiday to commemorate the birthday of the civil rights activist born Jan. 15, 1929. It is observed on the third Monday in January.



King, a Baptist minister, led the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s by espousing nonviolent protest. His best-known address, the "I Have a Dream" speech, was given in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to a crowd of 250,000 who participated in the March on Washington. The 1964 Nobel Prize winner was assassinated on April 4, 1968.



While the reverend was born in Atlanta, he has ties to Massachusetts. He earned his doctorate from Boston University and met and married his wife, Coretta Scott, in Boston. The state's U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke sponsored the first bill to declare a holiday in his honor in the 1970s. MLK Day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1986 but a number of states, particularly in the South and West, did not add it to their list of state holidays until some years later.



While federal and state offices are closed, only about a third of businesses give their employees the time off.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition will hold its annual Day of Service on Monday but at a distance. The few activities will be done in a socially distanced manner and the annual Peacemaker Award will be presented virtually.

Berkshire Community College plans to hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service event completely virtually on Jan. 18 over the Zoom platform. This event is co-sponsored by the Berkshire Branch of the NAACP.

A list of activities can be found here.



Closed:

Federal, state and local offices; no mail delivery.

Banks

Stock markets

Open:
'Hippy crack' is less damaging than alcohol and should never have been banned, the Government's former drug tsar has said.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, gives users a feeling of euphoria. It was outlawed by officials three years ago.

Professor David Nutt said nos, as it is sometimes known, was a 'great British discovery' used for pain relief, particularly in childbirth.

And he added alcohol is more dangerous than illegal drugs and people should limit their intake to a third of a glass of wine a day

Alcohol is the most damaging drug people can take, with laughing gas being far less toxic or addictive, a former drug tsar Professor David Nutt has said

Professor Nutt said: Why do people use nitrous oxide? Because it's fun without the risks of alcohol.

'Its effect is over in a few minutes  you're perfectly safe, you can go back home, you can drive, you're not going to be mugged, you're not going to have a hangover.

'It's a logical alternative to alcohol for those people who don't want to be impaired and it's less toxic and less addictive.'

But drugs charity Frank warns: 'If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.

'People have died this way.' Regular recreational users of laughing gas can end up suffering with a deficiency of vitamin B12 or anaemia.

A severe deficiency can lead to extreme nerve damage, causing pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes.

The psychiatrist was sacked in 2009 as the government's chief drug adviser after claiming that ecstasy and LSD were less dangerous than alcohol.

He stands by that claim, warning: 'Alcohol is the most damaging drug in pretty much every Western country.'

WHAT IS 'NOS'? Nos, also known as laughing gas, is a gas called nitrous oxide which people inhale to get high. The drug is illegal for recreational use but is used by chefs to make whipped cream so is easy to buy. People inhaling the drug usually do so by filling a balloon with it and breathing it in over the course of a minute or so. The drug can produce a feeling of euphoria, lead to laughing or fits of giggles, cause hallucinations, and distort the sounds people hear. Its effects are usually short-lived but it can cause much longer lasting health damage. Because breathing it in essentially replaces the air you breathe with the drug, there is a risk of suffocation. People may also pass out because of the lack of oxygen. Inhaling nitrous oxide can also lead to severe headaches, dizziness, paranoia or stop you being able to think straight. It can also become addictive and, over time, lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause nerve damage in the hands and feet. Long-term use can also stop the body producing white blood cells effectively, damaging the immune system. Source: FRANK Advertisement

Launching the second revised edition of his book, Drugs Without The Hot Air, Professor Nutt said: 'Every family in Britain is damaged to some extent by alcohol.

'If not in terms of physical or psychological damage, then in terms of the financial damage that excess drinking causes.'

He said over the last 10 years it was 'very clear' that there has been 'absolutely no action whatsoever on the fact alcohol is the most harmful drug'.

But, he argued, any health gains from alcohol should be limited to consumption of 5g of alcohol per day - the equivalent of a third of a 175ml glass of wine.

If a bar refuses to sell such a small portion, he advised that people share drinks between friends.

'I suggest you order a standard pint or a standard wine glass and three straws and share it with your friends,' he said.

Professor Nutt - who earlier this month wrote in the Daily Mail's Inspire section that alcohol can cause women to lose their libido - called for a complete overhaul of Britain's drug policy.

Instead of simply banning drugs, the Government should provide regulated access to stop them turning to often more dangerous black market versions.

Under the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, nitrous oxide is illegal to give away or sell, with a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

Stephen Ream, director of Re-Solv, the solvent abuse support charity, said: 'Inhaling nitrous oxide, like any substance used for intoxication, carries risks.

'It is rare, but some people have experienced significant problems with the substance after developing a psychological addiction.

'There have been incidents of people using nitrous oxide while driving, which is concerning.

'There have also been at least 19 deaths associated with inhaling nitrous oxide in the last six years in the UK.'

A spokesman for the Alcohol Information Partnership, which is funded by the alcohol industry, said: 'Professor Nutt's focus on the effects of harmful drinking should not be allowed to detract from the fact that, as evidenced by the latest Government figures, our relationship with alcohol has changed significantly over recent years, with the vast majority of UK citizens drinking alcohol within the recommended guidelines.'
A member of the Concurrent Grand Jury said in a final report that he/she found the county jail "nasty" and is surprised there have not been more prisoner disturbances. The grand juror praised moves by county officials to set up mental health and drug courts. The grand juror wrote: "Hamilton County sorely needs a new jail. There is no outside space available for prisoners to exercise or just be outdoors. The inside space is smelly and,frankly, nasty. How the administrators supervise prisoners on six different floors puzzles me. I am surprised there haven't been more disturbances in the jail beyond the recent arson. Increase the publicity about the mental health and the drug courts. They are forward-thinking and making a real contribution to those who need the help and, ultimately, to our community." Here is the full report of the panel headed by Hugh Moore: Report of the Hamilton County Concurrent Grand Jury September - December term, 2019 In compliance with Rule 6(e)(7), Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Hamilton County Concurrent Grand Jury for the September - December term, 2019, submits its report, as follows:

Cases Presented:

During the term, 818 cases were presented to the Concurrent Grand Jury. The Grand Jury returned 631 true bills, 87 Presentments, and 100 no bills.

Presentations from Judges: Six Hamilton County Judges took time out of their busy calendars to meet with and take questions from the Jury (Judges Greenholtz, McVeigh, Poole, Starnes (twice), Statom, and Steelman). The judges' presentations were universally well received and appreciated by the Jury. Most Grand Jurors have no prior experience or familiarity with the criminal justice system. The talks enabled the Jurors to understand where their work fits in the system, and how vital their role is as impartial citizen gatekeepers to the Criminal Courts. Respect for law enforcement: During their four-month term of service the jurors hear from scores of local law enforcement officers, from not only the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office and the Chattanooga Police Department, but also from each of the suburban municipal departments, probation, Chattanooga Housing Authority police, Tennessee State Troopers, and others. The Jurors gain reinforced or new respect for these valuable civic servants who each day stand between the average citizen (e.g., the Jurors) and the often unseen world of criminal activity occurring around them. Each of these officers is to be commended for their dedication, hard work, and skill. Silverdale Detention Center (CoreCivic): The Jury toured the Silverdale Detention Center on October 14, 2019. The tour was conducted by the chief Hamilton County Sheriffs Office supervisor at the Center, and by the Core Civic Warden and his staff. The Jury visited the entire facility, including the intake area, men's and women's detention units, and dining facilities. The Jury learned how inmates are provided work opportunities in the facility, including the kitchen, and meal service. The Center seems well maintained and did not give the Jury the appearance of being overcrowded.

The Jury was impressed with the professionalism of the staff, and the evident effort by the Warden and others to maintain an appropriate rapport with those confined there. Several jurors had questions about classes or other opportunities available for prisoners. They learned that such activities are available (art and yoga, for example), but because of the brief time of average confinement at the facility, such activities are naturally limited. Personnel discussed with the Jury the ongoing problem with the introduction of contraband into the facility, and the need for a new facility. Hamilton County Juvenile Court: The Jury toured the Hamilton County Juvenile Court facilities on October I 4, 2019. Judge Rob Philyaw explained the operations of his Court and answered questions. The jury learned the broad reach of the Juvenile Court, and the difficult decisions that must be made. The Jury visited a courtroom, male and female detention units, a classroom, and dining facilities. Judge Philyaw and his staffs interest in and passion for the difficult work of this Court was evident. The facilities are well-maintained and appear to be securely staffed. It is difficult to imagine the recent problems experienced in another juvenile detention facility in this state occurring here. This facility appears to be secure, and the Hamilton County employees working there are well-trained and diligent. There is no overcrowding. School classes are available for the juveniles confined here. The Jury was particularly impressed by the dining facilities and the two employees who prepare the daily menus. It was difficult for the Jurors to hear about juvenile offenders who have perhaps their most nutritious meals while confined in the juvenile detention unit. Hamilton County Jail: The Jury toured the Hamilton County Jail on October 15, 2019. The tour was conducted by Lt. John Hargis, chief of security operations. The tour covered all of the Jail's six floors, including maximum and minimum security detention units, intake facilities, chapel, and medical unit. Each of the officers staffing the Jail is due substantial praise for their diligent and professional work in securing and maintaining this outdated and overcrowded facility. The Jury wondered why the County would continue to confine prisoners is such an inefficient building. The Jury would support the any effort to relieve the overcrowding at this outdated facility.

Observations and comments from individual Jurors: Being on the Grand Jury has been an enlightening experience for me. I was impressed with the way our officers do their jobs, also with getting to tour the jail, Silverdale and the juvenile facilities. I would like to say thank you for lunch and the tours. I think we definitely need a new jail as soon as possible. The one thing I would suggest is some kind of program for juveniles, maybe a Scared Straight program or something similar. **

It has been an honor to serve on the Grand Jury. A real learning experience and an opportunity to learn about the Judicial System in Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga. I have always had a respect for police officers and the work they do. Now I have a greater respect and admiration for their dedication to duty. The City and County really need to find a way to increase their budget to provide pay raises for all officers. The talks from the judges were very informative and I could tell by listening to them that they were passionate about what they do. I thank everyone for the work they do. ** Suggestions: Please tell jurors on their first day the hours of the parking garage exits and especially which one to use in the afternoon. In addition to the current information sheet for jurors, it would be helpful to hand out materials outlining blood alcohol levels for drunk drivers and an explanation of how and where the grand jury fits into the criminal justice process. It would also be helpful to know how the types of courts differ. What types of cases do they handle?

All the above information could be placed in a Manual for Grand Jurors, two copies of which could be kept in the jury room. Visits to the various courts, accompanied by the grand jury foreman to explain what jurors are seeing, would be instructive. Compliments and Thank Yous: The police officers present thorough reports. They are surprisingly well written, considering the time constraints on the officers. Talks by the various judges were enlightening and enhanced the feeling of respect given to the grand jurors-a feeling first established by the foreman.

Thank you for the free parking! Thank you for the tours of the jail, Silverdale workhouse, and the juvenile detention center.

Thank you for the lunch at Wally's that helped build a sense of community.

Thank you for the experience of serving as a grand juror. Although it was my civic responsibility, I received an unexpected and meaningful education in our court system. I am impressed with how smoothly it runs, how professional the officers and administrators are, and how thoughtful and caring the judges appear. Recommendations: It was sad to learn how many children are hungry much of the time. No wonder they behave angrily. Other than free breakfasts and lunches at schools, is there another way the community can provide food for children in need? Hamilton County sorely needs a new jail. There is no outside space available for prisoners to exercise or just be outdoors. The inside space is smelly and,frankly, nasty. How the administrators supervise prisoners on six different floors puzzles me. I am surprised there haven't been more disturbances in the jail beyond the recent arson. Increase the publicity about the mental health and the drug courts. They are forward-thinking and making a real contribution to those who need the help and, ultimately, to our community. ** This is my first experience with jury duty and I came into it not knowing what to expect. I have been very enlightened by my experience thus far. The first thing that I noticed is that we are expected to be on time every session and we often found ourselves sitting in the room with nothing to do. It would be nice if there was some sort of sign-up sheet for the officers/witnesses to use. That way jurors and the foreman would know how many cases would be available daily and could pace the jurors to ensure the work load is evenly distributed. Another thing that I noticed is that jurors should be prepped on the terminology prior to hearing cases. I do not watch any news or read the newspaper and Iwas not familiar with some of the terms that the police officers used when presenting their cases. I think selection day would be a great time to go over topics or terms that we may hear during our tenure on the jury.

It is very sad to hear of all of the things that go on in our city daily. This experience scared me with all of the details but helped me understand that 1 do need to be more aware and more informed of what is going on around me. 1 was very pleased to hear about mental health and drug courts. Those seem to be major issues in our city currently and it is great to know that people do care about those issues and that things are being done to address issues in some capacity. The tour of our jail facilities was a very eye opening experience. Silverdale was in excellent shape and was spotless during our visit. The pod style layout was unexpected but it seems to fit the culture of the facility. The workers seemed to be engaged and good at their jobs. The downtown facility was horrible. it was in desperate need of attention. I did not feel safe while touring and some of the inmates seem to have their run of the place. I enjoyed most of the guests that we heard. They were very professional, friendly and willing to share information with us. It was hard to have detailed discussions in 30 minutes and that was the only problem that I saw with the visitors. Mr. Hugh Moore and Mr. Bill West were great resources during my tenure. They were very professional and were a tremendous help in providing guidance and explanations as needed. It has been a pleasure to serve on this grand jury. * * * What has impressed me the most about my time serving on the Grand Jury, are the very dedicated and capable men and women of the various police departments who have brought cases before us. To, even in stressful situations, they all seem to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrated a high level of integrity and efficiency, as well as compassion for the people they serve. I have no idea how much Police Officers make, but I would hope that the city and county pays these men and women an equitable salary for the jobs they do to protect us every day.

I have enjoyed serving on the Grand Jury. I found it to be very interesting and enjoyable meeting new people (jurors) I will now call friends. The interesting and disturbing fact that we have such a drug problem,gang problem and thief problem in Chattanooga. It seems it is the same people over and over. Is the system broke? After a couple of times being arrested for such crimes.. does it make sense to let the criminal back on the street to repeat more crimes and in some cases were violent crimes?

It is interesting to know we have a drug addiction and mental health court programs. If these programs help just a smali percentage of the people to help keep them out of the criminal system - it is worth it. The public needs to be more aware of these programs and the good they are doing. It was interesting to hear from all the guest speakers. Very educational.

On a negative note, it was very disappointing that of most days we only heard such few cases. The jurors take their time to report to "Duty" and the officers are no shows or do not make other arrangements for someone to present for them.

Thank you to Bill West and Hugh Moore for a pleasant experience.

C onclusion:

The Jury wishes to extend its thanks to Assistant District Attorneys Bill West and Jerry Sloan who ably and efficiently presented the State's cases, and explained applicable law. The Jury appreciated the always pleasant and polite assistance provided by Sgt. Jeff Reardon, and Don Keasing who scheduled the appearance of witnesses. Larry Henry and his staff in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office (Margo McConnell) supported the Jury in every way. One suggestion from the Jury would be for the addition of handicap assist bars in the Grand Jury restroom.
'Putin Is Not Going Anywhere:' Reactions To Russia's Abrupt Political Shake-Up

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

The abrupt resignation of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on January 15, which came just hours after President Vladimir Putin's detailed broad proposed changes to the constitution, jolted Russia's political landscape and appears to have taken even senior officials by surprise.

"It was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky," the Russian business site The Bell quoted an unidentified acting federal minister as saying.

The shake-up, in which Medvedev was offered a newly created post of Security Council deputy chairman, together with Putin's announced plans to strengthen parliament's powers, signals the start of the Kremlin's planned transition ahead of the end of Putin's term in 2024 that would likely envision a new but still powerful role for him, several Russian political analysts and commentators said.

Here is a roundup of how Russian political scientists and public figures -- including politicians, officials, and journalists -- have reacted to the day's events, which are likely to have a dramatic impact on how Russia is ruled.

Tatyana Stanovaya, founder of the political consulting firm R.Politik

"Russia has entered its period of power transition ahead of schedule: in his State of the Union speech today, Putin revealed detailed plans for constitutional reform, and within hours had accepted the resignation of the government (in effect, Medvedev was fired -- he will now become the deputy head of the Security Council).

The president's aim is to prepare the country for the return of 'tandem-democracy.' It looks very much like Putin is preparing to leave the presidency (whether that will take place in 2024 or even earlier), and is currently trying to create a safety mechanism for his successor in case of conflict.

At the same time, he is getting rid of Medvedev, who has become toxic for the elite and the population at large -- this should make the transition period smoother. Putin looks like he is counting on becoming the head of the State Council, which will get increased powers and become a key decision-making platform with input from the Presidential Administration, the government and the governors."

Mikhail Kasyanov, opposition politician and former prime minister during Putin's first term

"The main takeaway from this [state-of-the-nation] address is that Putin is not going anywhere, and he is, overall, camouflaging this with the alleged strengthening of the role of the [State] Duma and the Federation Council. They are starting to hammer into the heads of Russians that everything is changing for the better, that there will be more discussion about the composition of the government.I think this is to divert Russians' attention from the main idea that Putin expressed today, that 'I, Putin, am not going anywhere, but in order for that to happen, we still need to strengthen the power vertical.'"

Mikhail Vinogradov, political analyst and head of the St. Petersburg Politics Foundation

"The [state-of-the-nation] address legalized the topic of the transition, legalized criticism of the super-presidential republic -- criticism that until recently was considered incendiary, and now, in essence, has become mainstream and a trend. And Medvedev's resignation showed that this is not only a blueprint, but that there are some further steps, in the mind of authorities, toward a change in the overall [power] structure. But for now there is no understanding which part of this is a clearly calibrated strategy, and which part is impromptu and a rough outline."

Aleksandr Kynev, political scientist

"The sum of the proposals in the [state-of-the-nation] address allows one to speak about a transfer of power along the lines of a modified Kazakh scenario -- of course there is no 'elbasy' [leader of the nation] here, but there will be a reallocation of functions among senior officials and, it seems, the State Council and the Constitutional Court. These are additional 'observation decks' from which tabs can be kept that Putin's successor doesn't grow into someone independent. To which 'observation deck' will Putin himself move? The text of the address allows one to make various guesses. It could be a renewed State Council or a strengthened parliament. In any case, I think that in 2024 there will be a new president, but under the control of these same 'observation decks.'"

Unidentified acting Russian minister

"No one expected this [Medvedev's] resignation. They called us together literally just now and told us. There were no indications in the morning, and there wasn't any hint of it in the [state-of-the-nation] address at [Moscow's] Manezh [Exhibition Center]. It was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky."

Grigory Golosov, political scientist

"Putin's constitutional ideas indicate fairly clearly that the baseline model being considered for the 'transition of power' is, after all, the Kazakh option: give the State Council (not the Security Council, in contrast to Kazakhstan) a constitutional role, which in the document itself will be defined in the broadest of terms, and place Putin at the head. And in the corresponding constitutional law give the State Council and its chairman any powers, all the way to unlimited. Everything else is secondary."

Kirill Martynov, politics editor at Novaya Gazeta

"For now it is unclear what role Vladimir Putin will have in the new power configuration: there is a broad expanse for maneuvering here. Most likely, if the current ban on three consecutive presidential terms remains, and in the case of weakened presidential powers, he could simultaneously lay claim to the post of prime minister and head of the State Council."

Fyodor Krasheninnikov, journalist and political analyst

"The transition has begun, and it will move very quickly, as we saw today, when over the course of one day there was a [state-of-the-nation] address with social promises, and constitutional reforms, and the resignation of the government, and the end of Medvedev. I think that Putin will carry out the next steps at the same crazy tempo. And the goal is simple: take the wind out of society's sails, and don't give it a chance to get together and figure out what to do. I think they will now swiftly rewrite the constitution, without any referendum, and swiftly reform the structure of government. And it will end with Putin forming such a constitution and such a government structure in which he plans to and will rule for life."

Yevgeny Roizman, former Yekaterinburg mayor and opposition politician

"It seems that some configuration [of government] will probably change. All the actions that are taking place now are actions aimed at keeping Putin in power indefinitely."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Current Time TV, The Bell, Vedomosti, and Novaya Gazeta

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-medvedev-resignation- reactions-putin/30379502.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine's interior ministry launched an investigation Thursday into claims former United States Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was placed under surveillance in the country by people linked to President Donald Trump's personal lawyer.

The probe by Ukraine came after House Democrats on Tuesday released a trove of documents, including phone records, suggesting that Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, discussed tracking Yovanovitch in March 2019. Parnas is a central figure in the Trump impeachment investigation.

In a statement, Ukraine's interior ministry said it does not want to interfere in U.S. domestic affairs, but it can't ignore potentially illegal activities and it needs to protect the rights and safety of foreign diplomats deployed on its soil. It said its investigation intends to determine whether "there actually was a violation" or "just bravado and fake information during informal conversation between two U.S. citizens."

Top Democrat: 'Profoundly alarming' threats against former U.S. Amb. Yovanovitch

The text messages released by House Democrats showed Parnas was in contact with Robert Hyde, a pro-Trump congressional candidate in Connecticut who claimed to have Yovanovitch under surveillance. In March, Parnas sent Hyde articles critical of Yovanovitch. Hyde responded, "Wow. can't believe Trumo [sic] hasn't fired this b****."

Hyde also sent Parnas a series of messages suggesting he had hired people in Ukraine to surveil the ambassador and was getting updates about her whereabouts and activities. "Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off," Hyde wrote in one message. In another: "They will let me know when shes on the move."

In an interview Wednesday with MSNBC, Parnas downplayed his connection with Hyde and said he didn't believe Hyde had really hired anyone to track Yovanovitch.

Story continues

"I dont believe its true," Parnas told MSNBC. "I think he was either drunk or he was trying to make himself bigger than he was. So I didnt take it seriously."

Hyde has also denied that he had Yovanovitch tracked and said he was not close with Parnas. He told a conservative broadcast outlet that he and Parnas were "joking around on WhatsApp."

FBI agents were at Hydes home and business in Connecticut on Thursday. A spokesman for the agency's field office in New Haven declined to say why agents were there, if theres a court-ordered search, or if theyre involved in Ukraines investigation on the alleged surveillance of Yovanovitch.

Yovanovitch was abruptly recalled from her post as ambassador in May 2019. Allies of the former ambassador say Giuliani pushed Trump to remove her because she was an impediment to the Trump administration's push for political favors from Ukrainian officials.

During her public testimony, Yovanovitch told lawmakers leading the impeachment investigation that she received an unsettling phone call last April from a top State Department official, who told her she needed to leave Ukraine on the next flight home.

"This is about your security. You need to come home immediately. You need to come home on the next plane, Yovanovitch said she was told by Carol Perez, director general of the State Department's foreign service.

Ukraine-born Parnas worked with Giuliani to execute Trump's alleged Ukraine pressure campaign, which Trump's critics contend was aimed at getting dirt on his political rival, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Trump denies the allegations.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Nov. 15, 2019.

On Thursday, a nonpartisan government watchdog found the White House violated federal law when it withheld military aid from Ukraine. Congress had appropriated that money, and Democrats believe Trump froze the funds as leverage in his push for an investigation of Biden.

The Government Accountability Office said the White House Office of Management and Budget did not have the authority to withhold the money.

"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the GAO concluded in a report published Thursday. "OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted" under the law.

The White House disputed the GAO's findings.

The White Houses decision to withhold the money is at the heart of the impeachment proceedings against Trump.

Parnas said in a Wednesday TV interview that "Trump knew exactly what was going on" in Ukraine during the White House's alleged pressure campaign, but Stephanie Grisham, White House press secretary, pushed back Thursday in a statement, saying that the "allegations are being made by a man who is currently out on bail for federal crimes and is desperate to reduce his exposure to prison. The facts havent changed  the president did nothing wrong and this impeachment, which was manufactured and carried out by the Democrats, has been a sham from the start."

Marc Short, Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, said Parnas "will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison."

Still, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the evidence revealed in the phone records "profoundly alarming."

In a letter he sent Wednesday night to Undersecretary of State Brian Bulatao, Engel wrote, "Mr. Hyde claimed in one message to have 'a person inside,' presumably in the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, who is 'willing to help if we/you would like a price.' The strong implication from these messages is that someone with detailed knowledge of the Ambassadors whereabouts and security protocols was providing that information in real time to Mr. Hyde and Mr. Parnas. I cannot overstate the profound security risk that this poses to the U.S. mission and our interests in Ukraine."

Ukraine's interior ministry also said it was probing a suspected cyberattack by Russian military hackers on the energy company Burisma, which is at the center of the impeachment investigation because of its ties to Joe Biden's son, Hunter.

Trump's impeachment trial officially begins Thursday, when House lawmakers will read aloud the articles of impeachment accusing the president of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, but it is not expected to start the trial in earnest before Tuesday.

Trump's impeachment: Chief Justice John Roberts likely to speak softly, set a good example

The House has already approved the articles of impeachment.

A two-thirds majority of the Senate would be required to convict and remove Trump from office, which is unlikely because Republicans there outnumber Democrats 53 to 47.

Burisma: Russians may have hacked Ukraine firm at heart of Trump impeachment

Contributing: David Jackson and Kristine Phillips

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine to probe whether U.S. Amb. Marie Yovanovitch was tracked
MAMBASA, DRC Two volunteers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) Red Cross were seriously injured following an attack during a safe and dignified burial of a suspected Ebola case near Mambasa, in eastern DR Congo.

The volunteers are now in hospital, receiving medical care and psychosocial support.

DRC Red Cross teams have faced incidents of violence and aggression from communities resisting safe and dignified burial protocols since the start of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri.

In this most recent attack, the family had consented to the burial but rumours and panic quickly spread among the community resulting in a violent assault against the Red Cross team.

Gregoire Mateso Mbuta, President of the DR Congo Red Cross Society said that t his incident is a stark reminder of the serious risks volunteers face when they carry out the dangerous task of safe and dignified burials.

While we deplore any violence towards our volunteers or staff, we understand first hand, the fear and frustration that communities harbour and shall continue to render the needed services to the affected populations.

The current Ebola outbreak, which began on 1 August 2018, is unfolding in an area affected by a two decades-long conflict that has claimed countless lives and raised fear and hostility towards responders.

Building community trust and acceptance has been at the core of the Red Cross Ebola response operations. This investment has paid off. Since the beginning of the outbreak nearly 20,000 successful safe and dignified burials have been conducted with a consistently high success rate.

Red Cross volunteers continue to work within affected communities, listening to concerns and gathering feedback that is then analysed and used to provide improved support to people in need. As a result, community resistance for safe and dignified burials has drastically declined over the course of the operation.

Nicole Fassina, Ebola Operations Manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said:

While we experienced an overall improvement in communitys acceptance of burials, this attack underscores why we cannot become complacent. The Red Cross will continue to engage and involve communities in the Ebola response if we want to bring this outbreak to end.

Related
After JSP and BJP forged an alliance in Andhra Pradesh, senior YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu said that both parties have no vote base in the state and hence their alliance will not affect prospects of other political parties.

"Both the parties have neither vote base nor any seats. Alliance of such parties will not affect anybody. Alliances are a common phenomenon in politics," he said.

"Pawan Kalyan worked together with BJP and TDP in 2014. Later he distant from TDP. He joined hands with Left and BSP in 2019 elections. He doesn't have a long-time association with any party," he said.

"We are not worried about this alliance. We fought alone and came to power. Now we are fulfilling our promises," he said.

Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) has forged an alliance with BJP in Andhra Pradesh.

Pawan Kalyan said, "people are vexed with TDP and YSRCP rules. They want the third alternative. BJP-JSP are going to give that alternative to the people. We will work together for achieving power in 2024.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Minors seeking abortions without notifying their parents in states that require it are denied by judges as much as 13% of the time, suggests a new CU Boulder-led study published Jan. 16 in the American Journal of Public Health.

"We found that judges are denying girls abortion care with impunity, potentially based on their own personal political opinions," said lead author Amanda Stevenson, an assistant professor of sociology who studies reproductive health policies.

The study, which examined abortion records in Texas over 18 years, is the latest in a series of papers by Stevenson and her co-authors exploring the impact of the "judicial bypass" process on teens seeking to terminate a pregnancy. It comes at a time when several states, including Florida and Massachusetts, are rethinking their parental notification laws.

Thirty-seven states, including Colorado, require minors to notify or obtain consent from parents first. If they can't, are afraid to, or have been denied by their parents, states must provide them with a chance to go before a judge for permission.

Depending on the state, anywhere from 2% to 23% of teens seeking abortions utilize judicial bypass, previous research has shown. But until now, no one has looked at how often they are denied.

For the new study, the authors analyzed data from Jane's Due Process (JDP) - a non-profit organization providing legal representation to pregnant minors seeking bypass - from 2001 to 2018 as well as official state statistics from 2016 to 2018, the only years state records were kept.

In the first three years, 5% of cases were denied, before the rate declined to about 3%. After 2016, when Texas implemented a new law (HB-3994) which made it more difficult to get a bypass, that number tripled to one in 10 among JDP cases and 13% among all cases before dipping again. That fluctuation - rather than a consistent trend - suggests that judges are making decisions based on something other than the merits of the case, the authors say.

For a previous paper, the researchers interviewed 20 adolescents who had undergone judicial bypass and reported that they found it "intimidating" and "scary" and encountered judges and guardians-ad-litem who preached to them and shamed them.

In four cases, the courts appointed church deacons or pastors to assist the girls with the legal process. In one case, the guardian brought staff from an adoption agency to the courthouse.

In another, a judge overrode the minor's physician's medical opinion and determined she was too far along in her pregnancy for the procedure.

"The results from our first paper showed how the judicial bypass process itself harms young people through humiliation and trauma. Our new data suggest the process additionally harms young people through the denial of judicial bypass, which then effectively eliminates access to abortion ," said Kate Coleman-Minahan, an assistant professor in the CU College of Nursing at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

Supporters of parental involvement laws - which are among the most common abortion-restriction laws - often view them as a means of letting parents stay involved in their children's medical care and view judicial bypass as an effective safety net for young women who may suffer harm, or be denied, when involving parents in abortion decisions.

But the new study points to holes in that net, the authors said.

"Judicial bypass exists to assure that a parent cannot veto a teenager's abortion decision," said Stevenson, referencing a 1979 U.S. Supreme Court decision concluding that no one can veto another person's right to abortion care. "But instead, it is just giving that veto power to a judge."

The authors note that the new study, the first to document that denials happen at all, looked only at Texas. But if denials happen there, they are likely happening in other states, they said.

At a time when Florida is considering a strict parental notification legislation, Massachusetts is mulling whether to drop its law, and other states are re-thinking parental involvement requirements, they hope their findings inject scientific data into a dialogue often fueled more by personal belief.

"This study shows that young people are not just harmed by this process, they are denied abortions and that can have life-long impacts," said Stevenson. "It appears to violate the constitutional standards that bypass is designed to meet."

###

Austin,Texas-based attorney Susan Hays, JD, co-authored the study, which is part of the Texas Policy Evaluation Project.
The deal included concessions by China on US farm goods imports, but did not address other long-standing issues.

The initial trade deal signed by the United States and China helps to defuse an 18-month dispute between the worlds two largest economies, but leaves many points of contention unresolved, analysts and industry leaders say.

They remain sceptical that the US-China trade relationship is on the mend as the deal fails to fully eliminate tariffs that have slowed the global economy, sets hard-to-achieve purchase targets for China and does not address concerns over Chinese subsidies of state-owned firms.

While acknowledging the need for further negotiations with China to solve a host of other problems, US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a win for the US economy and his administrations trade policies.

Together, we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers, farmers and families, Trump said in rambling remarks at the White House alongside US and Chinese officials.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He read a letter from President Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader praised the deal as a sign the two countries could resolve their differences with dialogue.

Still, analysts are concerned that China may not be able to meet a pledge to buy at least $200bn worth of US farm products and other goods and services over two years, a higher amount than a baseline of $186bn in purchases in 2017 before the US began imposing punitive tariffs.

It looks to me (like) a very big concession on Chinas side. I dont see how China can fulfil its commitments without increasing subsidies to domestic producers, Dan Wang, an analyst at The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), told Al Jazeera.

Domestic producers will suffer a lot(the deal) means direct competition for Chinese farmers, who are mostly small-scale and not competitive in this field, she added.

Liu said Chinese companies would buy $40bn in US agricultural products annually over the next two years based on market conditions. Beijing had baulked at committing to buy set amounts of US farm goods earlier, and has signed new soybean contracts with Brazil since the trade war started.

Soybean futures, which traded 0.4 percent lower throughout much of the deal-signing ceremony, sank even further after Lius remarks, a sign that farmers and traders were dubious about the purchase goals.

Brazil and other countries that export goods and services to China are likely to suffer under the initial trade deal as China will reduce its purchase of goods from other countries, said Yun Jiang, co-editor of China Neican.

Rare earths included

Chinas other commitments under the Phase One deal include $54bn in additional energy purchases, $78bn in additional manufacturing purchases, $32bn more in farm products, and $38bn in services, according to a deal document released by the White House.

It also agreed to buy two types of rare earth metals from the US, a surprising move for China, which is the top global producer of the specialized minerals used to make electronics, military weapons and other hi-tech equipment.

Scandium and yttrium, two of the 17 rare earths commonly used in lighting and computers, were among the hundreds of US products that China agreed to buy more of from the US over the next two years.

The trade agreement does not involve neodymium or praseodymium, the two most commonly used types of rare earths that are also mostly produced by China.

Neither scandium nor yttrium is currently produced in the US. However, several smaller mining firms are developing US mines to produce them and other rare earths.

The initial trade deal effectively gives those firms a guaranteed customer, a step that should help in the hunt for project financing.

This provides an additional market for US producers, said Anthony Marchese, chief executive of Texas Mineral Resources Corp, which is developing the Round Top mine in Texas with USA Rare Earth.

The US has also been in talks with Australia to develop a rare earths mineral supply plan to boost supplies from sources other than China.

Trump and his economic advisers had pledged to attack Beijings long-standing practice of propping up state-owned companies and flooding international markets with low-priced goods as the trade war heated up.

The US president also said China had pledged action to confront the problem of pirated or counterfeited goods and said the deal included strong protection of intellectual property rights.

The deal contains stronger Chinese legal protections for patents, trademarks and copyrights, including improved criminal and civil procedures to combat online infringement, pirated and counterfeit goods, the US Trade Representative office said.

Tariffs to stay

The Phase 1 deal, reached in December, cancelled planned US tariffs on Chinese-made mobile phones, toys and laptop computers, and halved the tariff rate to 7.5 percent on about $120bn worth of other Chinese goods, including flat-panel televisions, Bluetooth headphones and footwear.

But it will leave in place 25 percent tariffs on a $250bn array of Chinese industrial goods and components used by US manufacturers, and Chinas retaliatory tariffs on over $100bn in US goods.

Tariffs on Chinese imports have cost US companies $46bn and evidence is mounting that tariffs have raised input costs for US manufacturers, eroding their competitiveness.

Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc said on Tuesday the deal will leave it paying $150m in tariffs for engines and castings that it produces in China. It urged the parties to take steps to eliminate all the tariffs.

Trump, who has been touting the Phase 1 deal as a pillar of his 2020 re-election campaign, said he would agree to remove the remaining tariffs once the two sides had negotiated a Phase 2 agreement.

They will all come off as soon as we finish Phase 2, said Trump, who added that he would visit China in the not-too-distant future.
The Congress on Thursday claimed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has found its allegation of corruption in the tender process of Rs 1,000- crore worth Metro Bhavan project as "correct" and called for staying the work.

The party, now a constituent of the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra, accused the previous Devendra Fadnavis government of involvement in corruption.

"The complaint filed by the Congress with the CAG against the corruption in the tender process of the Metro Bhavan at Aarey Colony has been found to be correct, once again exposing the deep-rooted tender management racket in the Fadnavis government," a statement quoted Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant as saying here.

Sawant accused the previous Fadnavis government of running a tender management "racket" by allegedly ignoring, bending and even systematically framing new rules so that tenders of major projects can be allotted to a select few contractors.

"The corruption in contracts of the Rs 14,000 crore of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Navi Mumbai and the Metro Bhavan were financially linked," he said.

Sawant said as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) was to build 89,771 houses in Navi Mumbai.

The Rs 14,000-crore project was split into four different contracts and clauses of the tenders were framed such that select four players bagged the contract.

"A fifth company was asked to fill the tender to show there was a proper competition among the bidders after the Congress party filed RTI raising some queries," Sawant said.

"But his bid was cancelled subsequently and to reward the company for its help it was decided to offer it the Metro Bhavan's contract," Sawant alleged.

Sawant said the Congress had complained about this "scam" to the Prime Minister's Office as well as the Principle Accountant General on September 6 last year.

He alleged that 13 tender conditions were "tweaked" to help the company get the Metro contract.

"The CAG has found the allegations of the congress party credible after conducting an inquiry and trashed all the explanations offered by MMRDA," Sawant alleged.

Sawant said among other things, the CAG has objected to the experience criteria not being clearly defined and moreover the project being highly complex in nature, strict eligibility criteria was required.

He said, according to the CAG, the prospective bidders were not aware with the frequent changes in scope of work, rates of non-listed items showing inadequate preparedness for tendering of such a big project.

The CAG, Sawant added, has said that the scope of project was not finalised before tendering and that the changes were made on the advice of participating bidders which was not an ideal condition for a transparent bidding.

Further, by allowing change in eligibility criteria as per the wish of bidders chances of cartelisation by few bidders were increased, Sawant said.

"All these objections/observations of CAG indicate that the entire process was a model of corruption. It is very much clear that the Fadnavis government is involved in this massive scam," Sawant said.

"Hence, the Congress party demands to stay these projects and inquiry be conducted," he said, alleging the then CMO was directly working in collaboration with the senior officers of MMRDA and CIDCO.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nine students at four Air Force bases, including Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, were among the 21 Saudi Arabian military trainees sent home after a federal investigation sparked by the terrorist shooting last month at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, the Navy Times reported this week.

The students were found to have jihadi or anti-American content on their social media, or some contact with child pornography. The assignments at Air Education and Training Command bases suggest they were student pilots. Air Force Lt. Col. Uriah L. Orland, a Pentagon spokesman, said only that they were in flight training programs in the Navy and Air Force and declined to say where they were based.

The Dec. 6 shooting in Pensacola by a Saudi trainee left three American sailors and the gunman dead. The subsequent federal investigation found lapses in the Pentagons screening of foreign students before they come to the United States for language and military training, Attorney General William Barr has said.

The online contact that the probe uncovered did not rise to the level of offenses the government would typically prosecute, but was enough to remove them from U.S. military instruction programs, he said in a press conference Monday. Authorities in Riyadh will review each case for violations of Saudi law and have agreed to return any student the United States decides to prosecute, Barr said.

The Justice Department found that Saudi Royal Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani was driven by a jihadist ideology to gun down three sailors and severely wound eight others before he was killed in an exchange of gunfire.

I wouldnt suggest or speculate that improved vetting would necessarily have prevented this particular event, but I do think its clear, and I think the Department of Defense agrees, that we have to improve our vetting procedures and they are in the process of doing that, Barr said.

Twelve of the Saudis were based at Pensacola, a Justice Department spokesman said. The remainder were training at Randolph, Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Columbus AFB in Mississippi and Vance AFB in Oklahoma, the Navy Times reported. Officials at the Air Education and Training Command, which oversees those bases, declined comment.

Barr said 17 Saudis had social media containing some jihadi or anti-American content, but authorities found no evidence of any affiliation or involvement with any terrorist activity or group. Fifteen of them had some kind of contact with child pornography.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

The Saudis, like other foreign students, are free to travel off base, as Alshamrani did in a trip taken to the 9/11 Memorial in New York during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Foreign students have long trained at AETC bases, learning to speak English at the Defense Language Institute on JBSA-Lackland. Enlisted maintainers study English and learn to work on aircraft at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls. Foreign student pilots have been assigned to Randolph, Laughlin, Columbus, Vance and Sheppard.

The Defense Language Institute's English Language Center on Lackland instructs students from more than 100 partner nations, including militaries from the Middle East that purchase U.S.-made weapons. Saudi Arabia historically has made up a large contingent of students there.

On ExpressNews.com: Report: Language school leader sexually harassed students, teachers

The school, which an Air Force website says is known by foreign militaries worldwide as the DLI, has trained American allies for about 65 years in San Antonio. It has a staff of around 500, mostly Department of the Air Force civilians who teach English. Between 1,200 and 1,400 students a day attend the school, depending on the time of year.

Sig Christenson covers the military and its impact in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | sigc@express-news.net | Twitter: @saddamscribe
Those looking to buy a home in 2020 may be able to use a Christmas or New Year's bonus to boost their borrowing power by up to 33,000.

Numbers crunched by mortgage broker Private Finance reveal that picking a 'bonus-friendly' mortgage could add a significant chunk onto the amount some workers could borrow.

In most cases lenders allow 50 per cent of the average bonus pay received over the past two years to be added to a borrower's salaried income when making affordability calculations.

It's these calculations that determine how much a borrower can afford to borrow, and ultimately decide the size of the loan.

The reasoning is that there is no cast-iron guarantee that future bonuses will match past ones - meaning a borrower could potentially end up with a mortgage they can't afford.

Some lenders take 100 per cent of your average bonus over the past two years into account

Some lenders however will accept 100 per cent of the average bonus over the past two years.

This means they will base the size of the loan on the assumption that future bonuses will match or exceed those you've earned in the past.

This can make a significant difference to the amount buyers can borrow, particularly for those in high-bonus jobs.

For example, according to the Office for National Statistics, sales and marketing directors receive a median bonus at 14,448 on top of their annual income of 75,184.

Broker Private Finance's Shaun Church

Based on these figures, an industry standard mortgage product would allow a single buyer to borrow up to 370,836, according to Private Finance.

However, a mortgage with more bonus-friendly criteria would allow the same buyer to borrow up to 403,344  a difference of 32,508 and 9 per cent more.

Similarly, workers in the City of London  who receive average bonuses of 8,391 on top of an annual salary of 58,168  could borrow 299,462 instead of 280,582 by opting for a bonus-friendly product, a difference of 18,880 or 7 per cent.

But it's not just highly-paid directors and City traders who could benefit from this type of deal. Even the average UK worker  who receives a typical annual income of 24,897 and bonus pay of 1,329  could add 3,000 to the amount they can borrow, up from 115,027 to 118,017, which might make the difference to being able to afford their preferred home.

These deals could be especially useful for those working in careers such as sales where a large proportion of income is made up by bonuses.

Shaun Church, director at Private Finance, said: 'Mortgage lenders can be reluctant to include bonus payments in affordability calculations as generally, they're not guaranteed, and the amount can vary significantly from year to year.

'However, for those in highly paid professions where bonus pay is not just common but expected, it can form a significant chunk of their finances and make a real difference in terms of the type of property they can afford to purchase.'

Which lenders are best for bonuses?

Metro Bank, Skipton Building Society and Bank of Ireland all consider 100 per cent of bonuses when assessing mortgage affordability.

Some smaller building societies are likely to consider 100 per cent of bonuses on a case by case basis.

Santander, Nationwide and NatWest are also generous when taking monthly commission into consideration, according to Private Finance.

This can be particularly important if you work in a commission-focused role such as an estate agent.

Lenders in general are more likely to take your bonuses into account if you receive them at regular intervals such as weekly, monthly or quarterly, and if your payments have been fairly consistent for some time, according to mortgage brokers L&C.

If you're considering a mortgage and some of your income is made up by bonuses, an independent adviser will be able to help you pick the right lender. You can find one by clicking here.
By Shashi Bhasin





The U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani in a drone airstrike on Jan. 3 near Baghdad airport raised fresh tensions between the two countries and in the Middle East region, and worries of a major economic impact on the world in the event an all-out war starts between them. Oil prices shot up quickly on the future uncertainties between the U.S. and Iran. Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).







Following Iran's threat after the killing, President Trump warned it of further severe consequences if it tried retaliation of any kind against the United States. Trump went ahead threatening an attack on 52 Iranian installations marked on a U.S. plan if Tehran retaliated. Ayatollah Ali Khomenei vowed to take revenge and acted soon by going ahead with missile attacks on U.S. installations in Iraq.







It was a very careful maneuver of Iran showing a reaction which caused no American casualties. Some say that Iraq informed the U.S. of the expected attack at the U.S. installations, reducing the chances of any casualties. Reacting to the Iranian attack President Trump in an official statement also showed he was cooling down.







Both the U.S. and Iran don't want to enter an all-out war, hence they moved very carefully when retaliating against each other. Many in the U.S. see Trump's actions political moves ahead of the coming election.







The killing of Soleimani comes at a time when the Iranian regime is facing social unrest after the uprising of November 2019, and its economy is also not doing well due to the many American sanctions imposed on the country. These days Iran is facing a number of social issues within and may use this event as an opportunity to manipulate public sentiment.







Soleimani had been in the cross-hairs of the U.S. for quite some time after the Quds Force was declared a terrorist organization. The U.S. saw Soleimani as the mastermind behind the attack on U.S. military facilities in Kirkuk in Iraq on Dec. 27 by a Shia militia that killed a U.S. contractor. Iran has been operating in Iraq's territory illegally but is checked by the U.S. presence. General Soleimani's dream was to remove U.S. troops from Iraq.







Whatever it may be, the world has taken a sigh of relief in the reality that, unless Iran provokes the U.S. further, there is no imminent threat of all-out war between them. An all-out war between the two countries could have a serious economic impact worldwide. The U.S. has imposed additional economic sanctions including Iran's trading of steel, textile and mine output with other countries. We will have to wait and watch as events unfold in the future, and keep our fingers crossed for peace.









The writer (

) is a marine engineer in Calgary, Canada, who lived in Ulsan, Jinhae and Busan from 2007-2010.


The Rada tasked the Ukrainian delegation with encouraging Russia to fulfill its international obligations.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the country's parliament, on Thursday adopted a statement on the return of its delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2020, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

The statement says the Verkhovna Rada instructed its permanent delegation to PACE, realizing the country's right as a full member of the Council of Europe, to submit credentials to participate in the PACE annual session in 2020.

At the same time, parliamentarians called on Council of Europe member states to increase efforts to encourage the Russian side to fulfill its international obligations as a member of the CoE, including the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Assembly, in order to restore respect on the part of Russia for the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and inviolability of borders in Europe.

The Verkhovna Rada also called for measures to resume effective and full-fledged monitoring by PACE of the Russian Federation's fulfillment of the obligations defined by PACE Conclusion No. 193 (1996), including the resolution of international disputes exclusively by peaceful means, the settlement of border issues on the basis of international law, and the refusal to extend to individual countries the zones of their special influence, the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Moldova, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the like.

In addition, the document states the need for Russia to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in accordance with the obligations Russia undertook upon accession to the Council of Europe, as indicated in PACE Opinion No. 193 (1996).

The Verkhovna Rada also asked the Ukrainian delegation to PACE to submit to parliament a report on the results of participation in PACE 2020 to further determine the forms and methods of achieving the goals and objectives of the Assembly for the next period.

The statement said that the purpose of the Ukrainian delegation's participation in the PACE is to prevent the retaining of the existing situation in Europe resulting from the aggressive foreign policy of the Russian Federation, to bring objective information about the unlawful acts committed by the Russian Federation in the occupied territories of Ukraine and Ukraine's efforts to end armed aggression by a CoE member state and tackle its consequences, as well as prevent the use of the PACE platform to spread false narratives about the situation in Ukraine.

Read alsoUkraine to resume work in PACE: Rada considering resolution on participation

It is noted that the delegation of Ukraine, in cooperation with partners, will make efforts to promote the implementation of a positive agenda in order to help the Assembly achieve goals defined by the Charter of the Council of Europe, namely strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and protecting human rights and freedoms in Europe.

The Rada resolutely rejects any possibility for the Ukrainian delegation to support any PACE decisions that could contradict the statutory goals or undermine their achievements, and also emphasizes the need to develop proposals to strengthen PACE's institutional capacities and autonomy in responding to violations by its member states of statutory and contractual obligations, as well as, in the broader sense, of all resolutions and recommendations of the Assembly.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the PACE in April 2014 deprived the Russian delegation of the right to vote and excluded its representatives from all of the Assembly's governing bodies over the annexation of Crimea.

In this regard, Russia has not paid contributions to the Council of Europe since June 2017.

Many PACE members and politicians considered such actions of Russia blackmail.

On June 25, 2019, the PACE adopted a resolution, abolishing the mechanism for imposing sanctions, which had been in force at the PACE before. On June 26, 2019, the PACE supported a resolution approving the credentials of the Russian delegation without imposing any sanctions.

Read alsoChallenges of 2020: Verkhovna Rada as detonator of unification or split

Protesting the move, delegations of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine cut short their participation in the summer session.

The new delegation of Ukraine to the PACE officially refused to participate in the organization's autumn session over the Russian Federation's return.
New Delhi:

Actor Kalki Koechlin is praised for her acting chops, unconventional choices and out of the box role. Recently when she appeared in a chat show with Kareena Kapoor as the host, the actress let out what it takes to make life choices that do not abide by the societal norms, her recent being having a child out of wedlock.

On Kareena Kapoor Khans radio show What Women Want, Kalki said that her odd choices come from how she was born, for being brought up with a mix of cultures and that she is now ok with people expecting her to do something whack and crazy. When asked about her initial reaction to knowing that she is pregnant Kalki revealed it took her two to three days to realise the news and then make a conscious decision about it. She also revealed that her near ones have asked her to get her marriage registered.

Kalki Koechlin on her marraige plans and social media criticism

Revealing about her marriage plans Kalki revealed her mother advised her, Next time you marry, just make sure its for life. Honestly we are not against marriage, we do one to marry, its just the time has not come yet. I think it should be a conscious decision when we both happy to do it, and we can do it in a not rushed way.

When quizzed about how she tackles criticism for wanting a child out of wedlock, Kalki revealed she has a superpower which is she can switch off her phone and pay no heed to troll. She however, takes positive criticism by her relatives seriously and looking what should be done. We are looking into all those things because it does matter, how the child grows, what nationality does the child have, these are all things we are still working at.

Kalkis partner Guy Hershberg is a classical pianist from Jerusalem, Israel.

Kalki Koechlin on her seperation from her ex-husband, Anurag Kashyap

Talking about her first marriage with Anurag, the Sacred Games 2 actress shared that she and Anurag took time to reach their current equation. It just sort of happened organically. It took time. We did take a lot of time apart in the beginning. But ultimately, I think we have respect for each others work. You can still love a person and not be able to live with them, and I think we were both able to recognise that.

Also Read: I Would Not Have A Child Outside Marriage: Neena Gupta On Having Daughter Masaba Out Of Wedlock

Kalki was just 25 when she and Anurag tied the knot, and she feels that the timing just wasnt correct for them. She said, Also, its so much about timing, right? I feel sometimes, you are both just on very different time zones. Like, maybe I was very young and he was much older, and the timing just wasnt correct. We wanted different things at that point. I think that makes a big difference.

Watch video interview here:

In the later part of the show, Kalki revealed she enjoyed working in Dev D and Sacred Games 2 than Gully Boy and Made in Heaven respectively. She further finds Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani was a life changing experience as the character made her look lovable. Kareena meanwhile revealed that she has not yet watch the second season of Sacred Games that starred her husband Saif Ali Khan in pivotal role.

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16.01.2020 LISTEN

Some parts of the Accra Academy school located at Bubiashie in Accra is reportedly in flames.

It is unclear what might have caused the fire.

Photos and videos are rife on social media with some claiming that dormitories in two halls of residence in the school, namely Alema and Halm-Addo were gutted by fire

The fire service is currently at the scene battling the flames.

According to an eye witness who spoke to Citi News, there were no casualties recorded as students were at prep as of the time the fire started at around 8pm today (Wednesday 15th January 2019).

Around 8pm I saw the flames and it looked very serious, it appeared to be at the area where a new dormitory is being constructed. The students were at preps as of the time of the flames, I did not see of them get hurt by the fire. The eyewitness said.

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Around 700 bulls participated in the Jallikattu competition in Madurai's Palamedu on Thursday. It is organised in rural areas of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal, the harvest festival.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday had refused to entertain a plea challenging the Madras High Court order for conducting Jallikattu in various districts of Tamil Nadu, under supervision of monitoring committees headed by a retired district judge.

Madurai District collector had said that those below the age of 21 will not be allowed to participate in Jallikattu to be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur.

Over 2,000 bulls will participate in Jallikattu, which will be held till January 31 in the state. 730 bulls in Avaniyapuram and 700 bulls in Alanganallur are participating in the competitions this year.

The Supreme Court (SC) in 2014 banned 'Jallikattu' after a plea was filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) but the state government insisted that Jallikattu was a crucial part of its culture and identity.

The ban was later lifted in January 2017 with an amendment to the law after massive protests in Chennai.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A new law in California has gone into effect, regulating ride-hailing companies like Uber (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) for using subcontracting to avoid labor laws and for ignoring lawmakers concerned with their practices.

State legislator Lorena Gonzalez, who represents the California district encompassing San Diego and authored the new law, spoke to The Final Round on Monday about this controversial legislation and the changes she hopes it will effect not only in California, but across the nation.

AB-5 aims to prevent exploitation of gig workers

Assembly Bill 5  also called AB-5  only went into effect on January 1, 2020, but has been receiving a tsunami of criticism since its introduction last year. Most of this condemnation, which came from Uber and Lyfts respective camps, was anticipated: the ride-hailing structure depends on the gig economy, where workers are hired as subcontractors rather than employees with full-time benefits.

Drivers take part in a rally demanding more job security and livable incomes, at Uber and Lyft New York City Headquaters on May 8, 2019. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

But there was also disapproval from some gig economy workers. Though AB-5 aims to prevent the widespread exploitation of gig workers, many feel the legislation has instead taken away their freedom to choose.

California truck drivers have become some of the laws most vocal critics. Categorization as an employee under AB-5 is mandatory: should an individual want to provide a service for money, they cannot opt out if they prefer independence.

This mandate, however, poses a significant threat to the trucking industry, whose workers largely operate independently. In November, The California Trucking Association, which represents around 70,000 truck drivers, challenged AB-5 in court, arguing that the law will deny many truckers the ability to work as independent drivers in California who can profit from their own vehicles while setting their own schedules. A federal judge agreed, temporarily exempting truckers from AB-5.

Companies cut costs at the expense of workers

Gonzalez, the principal author of AB-5, insists that the goal is to protect more than a million Californians who have been misclassified by employers looking to cut costs at the expense of workers.

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First, [Uber] tried to find an exemption to AB-5. They then said they just wouldn't abide by the law. Then they said it didn't apply to them, Gonzalez said. Then they said they'd do an initiative to exempt themselves out of the law  and now they are saying, of course, that it's unconstitutional, says Gonzalez. [But] Uber and Lyft have not changed their practices, and they're still subject to the law.

According to Gonzalez, companies likes Uber and Lyft will only make changes when they're forced to. However, issues of corporate accountability remain unresolved.

If you get hurt in a crash with an Uber driver, you know, who's paying your bill? says Gonzalez. You hope that driver has enough insurance to pay that because Uber says, hey, that's not our problem. You get raped in an Uber and Lyft  we're seeing this every single day with new lawsuits. Who's at fault? Who's actually the underlying employer? That's what AB-5 gets at.

Gonzalez, who is aware of the grievances expressed by gig workers who find the law constrictive, said she hopes to modify AB-5 later in the year.

If you are a small business, a sole proprietor, an LLC, and you actually have multiple clients, you can continue to do that with AB-5, she says. What you can't do is have a company say, This individual is a small business but they're working for me exclusively. I'm setting their rates. I'm setting their working conditions, and I'm going to tell them when and how they can do it.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 04:27:44|Editor: yan

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ATHENS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proposed in a televised address on Wednesday top female judge Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou for President of the Greek Republic.

Sakellaropoulou is the first woman to become president of the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court. If her candidacy is ratified by the Greek parliament, she will be the first woman President of the country.

Although the office of the President in Greece is ceremonial, the chosen person has to reflect the nation's unity and in this period the country's revival after the harsh years of the debt crisis, Mitsotakis said, explaining the choice of nominee from the ruling conservative New Democracy party.

"This is a proposal of unity, above parties, progressive, and meets all conditions to be approved by the entire body of MPs," he stressed in the address which was broadcast on Greek national broadcaster ERT.

Greece's current President Prokopis Pavlopoulos' five year term ends in February.

The choice for the country's highest office "honors both justice and the modern Greek woman," Sakellaropoulou said in a statement to Greek national news agency AMNA.

No date has been announced yet for the vote in parliament. Currently the ruling party holds 158 seats in the 300-member assembly.

Born in Thessaloniki in 1956, Sakellaropoulou graduated from the Faculty of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1978. She has been serving as President of the Council of State since October 2018.
Like royal father, like royal daughter!

During Kate Middleton and Prince Williams visit to Bradford on Wednesday, they stopped by the Khidmat Centre  where a special dessert display was revealed. The couple was astonished by an elaborate red, white and blue cake surrounded by cupcakes, each of which featured photos of Kate and William.

The cake creator explained to the pair that each snapshot was a different moment from their lives, from their childhoods to becoming parents themselves.

Is that me? Prince William said while pointing to a portrait of himself as a youngster, before commenting that it looked like 4-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte. Because that looks just like Charlotte. That is incredible.

Kate was in agreement: It looks so much like Charlotte.

Charlotte Graham - WPA Pool/Getty

Prince William; Princess Charlotte | Anwar Hussein/Getty; Sam Hussein/WireImage

RELATED: Kate Middleton Shares Touching Moment (and a Big Hug!) with Young Fan Hoping to Meet Her

Kate, 38, learned that the photo frames were also edible and asked how long the impressive baking job took.

The royal mom of three also bonded with 18-month-old Sorayah Ahmad, who was part of a grandparents-and-babies group.

Sorayah was the star of the show, proud grandmother Maryiam Ahmad tells PEOPLE. She was dancing and they were singing nursery rhymes. Kate got hold of her and was joining in. Im totally overwhelmed. She was holding her and they were doing dancing. Kate is really lovely.

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For the day of outings, Kate wore a dress by Zara and a long green coat by Alexander McQueen  her wedding dress designer. She accentuated her signature bouncy blowout with earrings by Zeen, which she wore during the couples tour of Pakistan in the fall.

Kate Middleton

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to the chimes of bells from the city hall, which dominates Centenary Square. Despite Prince Harry and Meghan Markles shocking exit as senior members of the royal family, royal fans gathered to see the pair commented that Kate and William looked really happy.

Rukhsar Parveebn, 20, a politics student from Leeds, says that there was no hint from the couple of the internal turmoil of recent days. [William] didnt let it show that the drama had been going on, she tells PEOPLE. I love the royal family and I was really impressed with him.

Prince William and Kate Middleton | Samir Hussein/WireImage

Kate Middleton | Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty

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Dawn Eaton, 55, from Huddersfield  who said she had gone to London for the funeral of Williams mother Princess Diana 22 years ago  said that William seemed okay despite the upheavals of the week.

Adds her friend Julie Astbury, 52: He has got to carry on, business as usual. His mother was always my favorite and we have gone on to William and Harry and their children. Its sad. But we dont know what goes on behind closed doors.
What punishment should be meted out to the soldiers who pushed the necessary buttons that caused the downing of Flight 752 this month? Iran has already made several arrests and appears to be willing to discuss what would be suitable punishment.

The shooting down of an unarmed, civilian aircraft and the heartbreaking loss of life were tragic, senseless and 100 per cent avoidable. But before we consider the punishment, perhaps we should look at precedents.

On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes, a guided-missile cruiser, shot down Iran Air Flight 655, a civilian Airbus A300, killing 290 people. No plausible explanation for such an action was ever offered.

Capt. William Rogers III was not courtmartialed and no crew member was disciplined. In fact, following his tour of duty, Rogers was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer. He lived out his career as a naval officer, retired, and wrote a book about his experience.

The U.S. government expressed regret for the loss of lives, but never apologized or even admitted wrongdoing for the event. Washington told the United Nations that the attack had been a wartime incident and its ship had acted appropriately.

With that history behind us, how can we, in all honestly, seek justice (i.e. certain execution) from the Iranian perpetrators?

Richard Crane, Acton

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After their verbal provocations, Polisario mercenaries, armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles, attempted to stop the racers participating in the Africa Eco Race rally at Guergarat, but their attempts proved vain.

Actually, the United Nations said it was satisfied that the crossing of the Africa Eco Race rally from Morocco to Mauritania at the buffer zone of Guergarat on Monday unfolded peacefully.

We are pleased to see that the Africa Eco Race crossed Guergarat peacefully today, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during his press briefing in New York Monday.

On Saturday, the UN chief had called for the greatest restraint and for defusing tensions following the Polisarios threats to block the crossing of the Africa Eco Race in Guergarat.

The Africa Eco Race rally links Monaco to Dakar across Morocco, including the Southern Provinces, and Mauritania.

The Morocco phase was launched last week at the Tangier Med port with the participation of some 700 competitors and 270 vehicles.
CROWN POINT  A Griffith man was charged Wednesday with raping a 17-year-old girl July 31 after offering to give her a ride home.

Garland E. Hughes, 26, was identified as a suspect after the girl showed police the building at Park West Apartments where he lived and said she remembered thinking about Garfield the Cat after he told her his name, court records say.

Police searched a database for men with a name similar to Garfield and learned Hughes lived in the building, records state. The girl subsequently identified Hughes in a photo lineup.

The girl told detectives she was walking from a friend's house when Hughes stopped to offer her a ride and she accepted. He told her he had to stop at his apartment in the 1800 block of North Arbogast Street, and she went inside to use the bathroom, records state.

After they returned to the man's car, the girl got into the backseat and the man got in next to her and raped her, records allege. The girl told police the man then told her, "Put on your shorts and get out."

Hughes was charged with one count of rape, a level 3 felony.
Has the Pope Seen The Two Popes? Jonathan Pryce Says a Cardinal Asked for a DVD for Francis

Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins both earned Oscar nominations this week for their acclaimed Netflix movie The Two Popes  but what do the two popes themselves think?

Neither Pope Francis nor the retired Pope Benedict XVI has officially reacted to the film. But Pryce, who plays Pope Francis in the Netflix film, tells PEOPLE in this weeks issue Vatican officials reacted warmly to the movie and requested a DVD for the current pontiff.

We had a screening in Rome about three or four weeks ago now to which members of the Vatican were invited, says Pryce. We spoke to a group of priests and a bishop and a cardinal afterward, and they had all liked the film. There was a particular cardinal who is close to Benedict and to Francis who wanted to take a DVD to show to Francis because he felt he would enjoy it.

The movie focuses on the relationship between Francis, then known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, and Benedict (Hopkins) leading up to Benedicts surprising 2013 decision to resign as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Theres also been messages coming through from Francis family back in Argentina that they liked the film and they liked what wed done with their uncle, which is very nice to hear, says Pryce.

Anthony Hopkins, left, and Jonathan Pryce in The Two Popes. | Netflix

Known for movies such as Brazil and Evita and his recent turn as the High Sparrow in Game of Thrones, the veteran actor, 72, was raised Presbyterian in Wales but felt a connection to Francis. This Pope was the first one that I felt was speaking to me and speaking to millions like me. What he was saying, not necessarily about the church, but about society in general and about the climate crisis, the economic crisis, the refugee crisis, he was talking about all these issues that meant so much to me that I felt great empathy towards him. So, to get the chance to play him, it was a bit of a blessing.

RELATED: Pope Francis Kisses Nun After Jokingly Asking Her to Promise She Wont Bite Him

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A first-time Oscar nominee, Pryce had to learn to speak Spanish  with an Argentinian accent  and Italian for the role. But looking like Francis wasnt a problem. It seems like Ive been preparing to play him all my life, he jokes. Either he looks like me or I look like him, I dont know which.

Jonathan Pryce with wife Kate Fahy at the Golden Globes. | Frazer Harrison/Getty

Pryce didnt know Hopkins, 82, well before the movie, though theyre both Welsh and trained at Londons Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Hes a bit of a hero of mine, Pryce says. I think the relationship you see onscreen between Francis and Benedict, how that grows from being quite wary of each other and sniffing around each other like two dogs, it was a bit like that with me and Tony. As you see the two popes becoming great friends, so Tony and I became great friends.

In the movie, Francis even shows Benedict a few dance moves. That scene of the two of them tangoing together is how I feel about Tony, says Pryce. We havent tangoed together in life yet. Not yet, maybe we will.

The Two Popes is now streaming on Netflix.
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Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) is in big trouble after he was outed by Lev Parnas as a player in Trumps Ukraine plot to get dirt on Joe Biden.

Parnas said on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show, We dont have too much of a relationship. We met several times at the Trump Hotel, but our relationship started getting basically where it expanded was when I introduced to his aide, Derek Harvey, and the reason why Derek Harvey I was told because Devin Nunes had an ethics, an ethics committee, he couldnt be in the spotlight. He was kind of shunned a little bit and that he was looking into this Ukraine stuff also, wanted to help out.

An impeachment investigator on the House Intelligence Committee wanted to help out shaking down Ukraine.

Thats a problem, but it is what Parmas set next that has Nunes in a world of hurt, I was in shock when I was watching the hearings and when I saw Devin Nunes sitting up there, and then there was a picture where Harvey was in back sitting. I texted my attorney I cant believe this is happening. Because they were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden. I mean, Derek Harvey had several Skype interviews I set up with different prosecutors like the anti-corruption prosecutor in Ukraine, so its hard to see them lie like that when you know its like that scary because you know, he was sitting there and making all these statements and all that. He knew very well that he knew what was going. He knew what was happening. He knows who I am.

Video:

Parnas nails Devin Nunes as being involved in the Ukraine effort to dig up a scandal on Joe Biden. Parnas met with Nunes at Trump's hotel. #Nunes #LevSpeaks #Maddow pic.twitter.com/2Ujc2eHguY  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) January 16, 2020

Nunes is already under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which is why he was trying to be on the down-low with his role in the Ukraine scheme. Everybody knew that Nunes was Trumps mole in the House, but now he has been implicated in potentially criminal activities involving the Ukraine plot. Devin Nunes serves as a reminder that Ukraine is bigger than a Trump scandal. Its a Republican Party scandal.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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Five days after arriving in Colombia, Fiona Barry and Keith Ward met a rescue pup called Gracie, who gave them paws for thought, says Paula Burns.

When Dublin couple Fiona Barry and Keith Ward embarked on their dream of travelling the world, neither of them could have envisaged what the trip would have in store for them.

Leaving their jobs, they set off on an 18-month trip backpacking through South America and then onto South East Asia.

However, four months in and just five days after arriving in Colombia, their travels took an unexpected turn thanks to a Golden Retriever called Gracie.

On arriving in Colombia, Fiona and Keith found themselves staying in the pet shop area of Bogota.

For dog lovers like the couple, it should have been a delight, however it was far from idyllic.

We pulled up in a taxi to our apartment and there were three glass cages stacked on top of each other, each filled with puppies who were only about six weeks old, says Fiona.

Along the stretch of street there were 15 to 20 other pet stores.

The majority of these shops had puppies and kittens stacked in glass Perspex boxes, says Keith.

None appeared to have any water or food bowl in them. Some were positioned outside of the shop on the path where the sun would shine in on top of them for the majority of the day.

After just a couple of days of experiencing the cruelty that the dogs and cats were enduring, it became too much for the couple.

One particular golden puppy captured their hearts.

We had seen Gracie on October 5 and it was that day when I watched her urinate and drink it to keep herself hydrated, says Fiona.

After walking past her for two days and seeing her deteriorate, we went and rescued her.

Due to the harsh conditions Gracie had been living in, it became apparent very quickly, that she was an extremely sick girl.

After a trip to the vets, then to the animal hospital, they were told that Gracie had a very high fever, intestinal parasites, that she was infested with fleas, and was extremely dehydrated.

After three days in the hospital, the couple brought Gracie home only for her to have to go back again as the parasites were still causing her problems.

Though things seemed to turn around when Gracie left the hospital for a second time and was reunited with her sister Uimhy.

The day we rescued Gracie, we were asked if we wanted to also buy her sister, says Fiona.

We knew it would be too much to take on both pups so we hoped due to her upbeat personality someone would take her.

"Nine days passed and we knew before long shed become a street dog, so we rescued her too.

Despite being called Uimhir ado (Uimhy for short), she is far from second best.

The foursome then moved up to the mountains of Bogota, a place where the puppies could have space to play and bond.

They were in their absolute element up there and they would wake us at 5am for breakfast so they could begin their days adventures.

"They were as thick as thieves the two of them, and anything one did the other was soon to follow, Fiona adds.

Unfortunately this was to be the calm before a rollercoaster of emotions for Fiona and Keith.

After a few days Gracie became extremely ill and a visit to the vets confirmed Gracie had Parvo, aka the puppy killer disease.

My heart was broken, says Fiona. They immediately tested Uimhy whose results also came back as positive.

"Keith and I broke down, he was trying his best to console me as I lay on the floor, but he too was struggling.

Over the next four days, Gracie received treatment for the deadly disease, however, Fiona could see that her spirit and light had faded.

On Sunday November 3, the couple paid their daily visit to Gracie at the vets.

As it was a Sunday, they couldnt stay for long so reluctantly left, with the promise of updates.

Sadly at 3.30pm that afternoon, they were told to come to the vets immediately. But it was too late.

Gracie had lost the biggest battle of her short life.

The one moment I wanted with her was gone. It was robbed from both her and I and the beautiful innocent and defenceless puppy who spent the majority of her short life alone, died the same way, says a heartbroken Fiona.

The light through the darkness of their heartbreak has been Uimhy.

Unlike Gracie, medication has helped Uimhy fight Parvo. Just as they promised Gracie a life in Ireland  they brought her ashes home with them  Uimhy made her way home with the couple.

As Columbia is a high-risk country, a stop-off for 21 days in Canada was necessary for Uimhy before she could enter Ireland.

For Fiona and Keith, the guilt of having to buy Gracie and Uimhy in order to rescue them, along with leaving dozens of other animals in the pet stores, played heavily on their conscience.

Despite being nobodies in a country thousands of miles from home, they decided to take action.

We set up a petition on Change.Org called Ban the selling of puppies and kittens in shops in Colombia which currently has over 6,500 signatures from people across Ireland, South America, and North America, says Keith.

Next on the agenda was to address the situation with authorities in Bogota.

Unsure of where to start, they contacted the Irish embassy there. With the advisement of the Irish ambassador Allison Milton, they contacted the Department of Agriculture in Colombia.

They were shocked to find their demands had not fallen on deaf ears.

We saw an animal welfare page on Facebook who announced, along with pictures that a number of pet shops [including Gracies one] had just been raided by the Department of Agriculture, says Keith.

We couldnt believe it. In one of the pictures was the owner of the shop who sold us Gracie and charged us even more for getting her sister.

These people make a living on the suffering of animals, so to see this person being flanked by police and vets was a small but very rewarding victory.

Another obstacle was the high cost of vet bills. Being on a back-packer budget, they knew it wouldnt stretch so they took the hard decision to set up GoFundMe page.

It was never our intention to set up a GoFundMe. Both of us still feel a little bit awkward asking for money but the sheer cost of everything left us with little option, says Keith.

The couple were blown away by the generosity of the public.

They raised their goal of 12,500 that was needed to cover the cost of Uimhys medical bills and to bring her back to Ireland.

On arriving back to Dublin with Uimhy, the couple were greeted by Fionas family with a furry surprise, a rescue golden retriever pup called Sophie.

They rescued Sophie to help Uimhy settle in to her new home in Ireland, explains Fiona. The two are now best of friends.

To follow Fiona, Keith and Uimhy and Sophies travels. check out Instagram @blanktrails.
BERLIN - A former senior European diplomat and two others are being investigated on suspicion of spying for China, according to European officials, in a case that is sure to compound concerns about surveillance as Chinese telecommunications firms invest in Europe.

Apartments and offices in Germany - in Berlin, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria - and in Brussels were searched Wednesday over "allegations of espionage by secret agents," said Markus Schmitt, a spokesman for Germany's federal prosecutor. No arrests were made, he said.

The Belgian prosecutor's office declined to comment.

The investigation comes at a time of heightened European concern about expanding Chinese spy networks in Europe. European Union officials were reported to have received internal warnings about the proliferation of Russian and Chinese spies in the vicinity of its Brussels offices last year.

European countries have also been under pressure from the Trump administration not to use the services of Chinese tech giant Huawei as it rolls out its 5G networks on the continent. U.S. officials have said the Chinese government could tap into Huawei equipment installed overseas to spy on the West or disrupt infrastructure. The company has denied the allegations.

Two European officials, who spoke Thursday on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, identified the subject of the investigation as Gerhard Sabathil. Another senior EU official confirmed key biographical details that match Sabathil's career path.

During his long career, the former diplomat held senior posts in a number of EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European External Action Service, the bloc's diplomatic service. He was appointed EU ambassador to South Korea in 2015.

The senior EU official said Sabathil was recalled in 2016 after his security clearance was revoked. The German-Hungarian national left diplomacy in 2017 to join the European lobbying firm Eutop.

Attempts to reach Sabathil through Eutop and his LinkedIn page were unsuccessful on Thursday, and the firm did not respond to requests for comment. The Munich-based firm counts Deutsche Telekom and British American Tobacco among its clients.

The other two suspects work for a separate lobbying firm, according to German news reports.

Virginie Battu-Henriksson, a spokeswoman for the EU diplomatic service, said she was aware of the media reports but could not comment on an "ongoing investigation" by German authorities.

"Of course we are always ready to cooperate with national authorities," Battu-Henriksson said. She said that no EU buildings had been raided and that German authorities had not been in contact regarding the investigation.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

"Obviously China has stepped up its presence in Europe, there's no doubt about that, in quality and quantity," said Philippe Le Corre, a senior researcher on China at the Harvard Kennedy School and co-author of the 2016 book "China's Offensive in Europe."

However, an investigation involving a European diplomat is highly unusual, Le Corre said. "It's never happened in Europe, not like this."

The European diplomatic service has undertaken "protective measures" against hostile intelligence agencies, Battu-Henriksson said. Those include ensuring staff is properly briefed on how to deal with both "human" and cyber threats, she said.

- - -

Aries reported from Brussels and Mekhennet reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Luisa Beck in Berlin contributed to this report.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday sought to withdraw his statement that former prime minister late Indira Gandhi had met Karim Lala, a Pathan leader with underworld links, after his comment drew sharp reactions from the Congress.

Several Congress leaders hit out at Raut prompting him to withdraw his statement, saying that his statement was twisted.

During an interview to a Marathi newspaper in Pune, Raut had on Wednesday said, There was a time when Chhota Shakeel, Dawood Ibrahim, Sharad Shetty used to decide who would be police commissioner of Mumbai and who would sit in Mantralaya. Indira Gandhi had gone to meet Karim Lala in South Mumbai.

Congress leader Milind Deora took to Twitter to hit back at Raut. Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security. As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers, Deora tweeted.

Congress leader and state revenue minister Ashok Chavan said: We are willing to pay any price but wont tolerate insult of our national leaders.

Following the backlash, Raut on Thursday morning sought to clarify his comments. He said that they were twisted by those unaware of Mumbais history, as he meant that the former Prime Minister met gangster Karim Lala in the city as Lala was a representative of the Pathan community.

Later, Raut retracted his statement. On many occasions when Indira ji was criticised, many Congress leaders have remained silent. On those occasions, I have come forward and advocated. If someone thinks that Indira jis image has been dented by what I said, or if someones sentiments were hurt, I withdraw my statement, the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said Raut should be cautious before making any such derogatory statements.

Raut should be careful while making any such statement in the future. We would not tolerate any such derogatory statement about our national leaders. Indiraji was a tall leader who had taken strict action against the criminals in Mumbai and at the national level, he said.

Not only Karim Lala but Indiraji ensured that dons like Haji Mastan and Yusuf Patel were put behind the bars, Thorat added.

Meanwhile, picking up on Rauts statement, former chief minister and leader of opposition in the state assembly Devendra Fadnavis said, Why Indira Gandhi used to come to Mumbai? Did Congress use underworld support and funding to win elections? Did Congress use muscle power in elections? If underworld played a key role in deciding the police commissioner of Mumbai and power centre at Mantralaya, does not it mean the criminalisation of politics began during the Indira rule?

Asking why Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were silent, Fadnavis asked the party to clarify if it also shielded the underworld dons who attacked Mumbai.
PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told his counterparts from four central European countries on Thursday that Austria is not ready to accept European Union funding of their nuclear energy projects.

After meeting the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in Prague, Kurz said: It is important for Austria to support renewable resources but not nuclear energy.

Kurz, whose country decided to be nuclear-free many years ago, said that to use money from the planned 1 trillion-euro ($1.1 trillion) program of investment toward making the EUs economy more environmentally friendly would be a step in the wrong direction.

Kurz was making his first foreign trip after he was sworn in as Austrias chancellor earlier in January to lead a coalition government of his centre-right Peoples Party and the Greens.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary rely heavily on nuclear energy and are working to expand their nuclear programs to reduce emissions, something Austria strictly opposes. Poland remains heavily reliant on coal.

Nuclear energy plays an important role for Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said.

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Follow APs full coverage of climate issues at: https://www.apnews.com/Climate
(Newser)  Did associates of Rudy Giuliani in Ukraine have then-ambassador Marie Yovanovitch followed there? That's one of the accusations to surface in relation to one of those associates, Lev Parnas. Much is unclear about the accusation, but on Thursday, Ukraine said it would investigate, reports NBC News. The allegation arose thanks to texts between Parnas and Robert Hyde, a supporter of President Trump, that were made public by House Democrats late Tuesday. In those texts, Hyde suggested that he or people he knew were closely monitoring Yovanovitchboth her physical movements and her computer and phone use. There might be a simpler explanation, however, notes the Washington Post. It's possible Hyde might have been drunk.

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"I dont believe it's true," Parnas told Rachel Maddow. "I believe he was either drunk or was trying to make himself bigger than he was." To emphasize the point, he said: "He was drunk all the time.  Ive never seen him not drunk." Hyde himself, who is running for Congress in Connecticut, also referenced alcohol in an interview with Sinclair TV, reports Mediaite. "You know, we had a few pops way back when I used to drink," he said when asked about his conversations with Parnas. "Kind of unfortunate that the left had to get their panties in a bunch." When asked whether he put Yovanovitch under surveillance, he responded, "Absolutely not, are you kidding me?" Ukraine also said it is investigating claims that Russia hacked Burisma, the gas company that features prominently in the Ukraine controversy. (Read more Marie Yovanovitch stories.)
An Australian student who was briefly detained in North Korea last year over spy charges says he had been kidnapped by secret police and forced to make a false confession, according to an article written by him and seen by Reuters.

Alek Sigley was held for nine days from June 25 while studying for a postgraduate degree in modern Korean literature at the prestigious Kim Il-sung University in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.

He was expelled from the country after Swedish officials helped broker his release.

North Korean state media KCNA said he had admitted his "spying acts" including passing data and photos he collected by utilising his status as a foreign student to "anti-state" media outlets.

Alek Sigley was detained last year in June in North Korea and for the first time has spoken out about the ordeal. Source: Instagram/Facebook

Beyond denying that he was a spy and saying he was sad to have lost access to North Korea, Sigley has not previously publicised details of his detention.

In his first-hand account carried by a South Korea magazine, Sigley said that what appeared to be agents from the Stasi-like State Security Department, known as bowibu, "kidnapped" him from his dorm at the university.

"I was innocent but they filed false charges against me," he wrote, without elaborating.

"They endlessly tried to teach me some kind of lessons by forcing me to make a written confession which was a concoction of fabricated evidence and crimes and illogical legal reasonings."

Sigley said on Twitter on Wednesday he had avoided speaking directly to the media in favour of telling his story "in my own words".

The article was printed in North Korea Monthly, published by the Seoul-based North Korea Research Institute, and included stories from his childhood and details about the lives of international students in North Korea.

Australian Alek Sigley was working as a tour guide while studying in North Korea. Source: Twitter

During his detention, Sigley said he had "no idea" when he would be released because he was "completely cut off" from the outside world, while Australian officials were scrambling to secure his freedom with other countries.

"They succeeded in teaching me one lesson: the falsehood of the North Korean legal system," he said.

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During his time in North Korea, Sigley had published articles about daily life for NK News and other specialised websites.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
On average, an estimated three out of every 1,000 newborns will suffer a brachial plexus injury during birth, damaging the bundle of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the shoulders, arms and hands. In the most traumatic cases, even with surgery and physical therapy as an infant, there is no treatment that can guarantee a full recovery.

However, a new study from the University of Notre Dame has identified a strategy that may support the regeneration of nerves affected by a brachial plexus injury. The findings show that there could be a new path forward for a full behavioral recovery.

"Early on, our model showed that the nerve regeneration process after a brachial plexus injury differed from how these nerves connect the peripheral and central nervous systems during early development," said Cody Smith, the Elizabeth and Michael Gallagher Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and co-author of the study. "My lab worked to recreate that development-like process by using a chemotherapy treatment, paclitaxel, which helped stabilize axon invasion for spinal cord re-entry."

During early development, nerves known as dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory axons enter the spinal cord to then connect with specific neurons, which provide motor and sensory function for hands, arms and shoulders. However, after a brachial plexus injury, these DRG sensory axons are unable to penetrate the spinal cord barrier when attempting to regenerate. For the study, which was published in Cell Reports, the Notre Dame researchers aimed to identify a process that would allow severed DRG sensory axons to enter the spinal cord when regenerating after an injury within their model.

Once the DRG sensory axons penetrated the spinal cord, the researchers were able to establish connection between the nerves and with neuronal "partners," allowing for full functional recovery in the model after 48 hours. Although the study was intended to mimic regeneration after obstetrical brachial plexus injuries, there is potential for it to benefit those who suffer a brachial plexus injury later in life as a result of an accident or other trauma.

"Moving forward, our goal is to use our studies during development to identify more specific strategies for regeneration," said Smith. "It is exciting that we have a path forward to identify new regeneration molecules."

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The lead author of the study is Evan Nichols, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a current graduate student at Stanford University. Smith is an affiliated member of the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Notre Dame. The study was completed with the support of the Freimann Life Science Center and was funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Fund Research Grant from the Indiana State Department of Health.
A Canadian army reservist who was kicked out of the military after he went AWOL to allegedly recruit members into a neo-Nazi paramilitary group in preparation for an upcoming 'race war' has been arrested by the FBI along with two others.

Patrik Jordan Mathews, 27, was a combat engineer and explosives expert in the Canadian military before authorities said he became the ringleader of an alleged hate group that planned to attend a gun-rights rally in Virginia on Monday.

Mathews; Brian Mark Lemley Jr, 33; and William Garfield Bilbrough, 19 were detained and charged by federal authorities, who alleged they were part of the extremist group 'The Base.'

Federal investigators said Lemley once served as a Cavalry Scout in the United States Army.

Patrik Jordan Mathews, 27, was a combat engineer and explosives expert in the Canadian military before authorities said he became the ringleader of an alleged hate group that planned to attend a gun-rights rally in Virginia on Monday

Mathews (seen above in the undated file photo) is alleged to have recruited two Americans - Brian Mark Lemley Jr, 33; and William Garfield Bilbrough, 19 - into a neo-Nazi hate group

The federal government says The Base is an organization whose members wish to take up arms in order to create a 'white ethno-state' while 'committing acts of violence against minority communities' including African Americans and Jews.

In the court filing, the FBI said it had monitored encrypted chats among the group's members.

Mathews was kicked out of the Canadian military after it was learned he was recruiting members into 'The Base'

The Base is alleged to have set up military-style camps in North America where they teach recruits how to build and detonate improvised explosive devices.

Authorities allege Mathews crossed into the United States from Canada illegally. He is alleged to have entered the country near the border separating Minnesota and Manitoba.

Canadian investigators learned of Mathews' membership in The Base while he was still in the army reserves, according to Winnipeg Free Press.

Mathews was removed from the military's ranks in late August not long after he went missing.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Maryland federal court, Lemley and Bilbrough drove from Maryland to Michigan to pick up Mathews on August 30.

The three men then settled in the northeast Maryland-northwest Delaware region.

Authorities allege that last month Lemley and Mathew were constructing an assault rifle with parts ordered by Lemley.

Mathews; Brian Mark Lemley Jr, 33; and William Garfield Bilbrough, 19 were detained and charged by federal authorities, who alleged they were part of the extremist group 'The Base.' The above undated file image shows unidentified members of The Base

It is also alleged that the three men were trying to 'manufacture a controlled substance' - DMT - at an apartment in Newark, Delaware, shared by Lemley and Mathews.

DMT - or N-dimethyltryptamine - is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug that produces similar effects to that of other psychedelic substances like magic mushrooms and LSD.

Earlier this month, authorities allege that Lemley and Mathews bought approximately 1,650 rounds of 5.56mm and 6.5mm ammunition.

The two men are also alleged to have traveled to a Maryland gun range where they fired their assault rifle.

Authorities say that the two men went back to Lemley's old home in Maryland to retrieve plate carriers, which is used to carry ammunition on the body.

The arrests came the day after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency banning any weapons around the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, saying investigators had seen groups making threats of violence.

The men were arrested in Maryland and were expected to make an appearance in federal court later Thursday, a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters.

The federal government says The Base is an organization whose members wish to take up arms in order to create a 'white ethno-state' while 'committing acts of violence against minority communities' including African Americans and Jews

Several thousand gun rights supporters are planning a large rally in Richmond, Virginia's capital, on Monday in response to the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature's push to stiffen gun laws.

Virginia, where Democrats took control of the legislature by promising stronger gun laws, has become the latest focal point for the contentious American debate around the right to bear arms.

Many gun-rights groups contend the U.S. Constitution guarantees their ability to possess any firearm.

Those opposed say gun laws would help lessen the number of people killed by guns each year.

They are accused of interstate commerce of weapons and, in the case of Lemley and Bilbrough, harboring illegal aliens.

Gun-rights groups asked a judge on Thursday to block Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam from banning guns on Capitol grounds during the massive pro-gun rally scheduled for Monday.

Northam on Wednesday announced a state of emergency and banned all weapons from the rally, citing threats that armed militia groups were planning to attend.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (above) banned guns on Capitol grounds during the massive pro-gun rally scheduled for Monday

The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gunowners of America filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking an injunction against the ban on firearms.

David Browne, an attorney for the gun-rights groups, argued that prohibiting rallygoers from carrying guns would violate their Second Amendment right to bear arms and their First Amendment right to free speech.

Browne said carrying guns is a form of symbolic speech.

Virginia's solicitor general, Toby Heytens argued that the governor was well within his authority to declare the state of emergency and ban weapons after law enforcement identified 'credible evidence' that out-of-state groups planned to come to Virginia armed, with the possible intention of participating in a 'violent insurrection.'

Richmond Circuit Court Judge Joi Taylor said she would issue her ruling later Thursday.

While the court challenge was going on, Virginia senators were debating a package of gun-control bills.

Gun rights groups asked a judge on Thursday to block Northam's ban. The image above shows a gun rights activist carrying a handgun in a hip holster outside the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond last Wednesday

The Democratic-led Senate advanced legislation limiting handgun purchases to once a month, universal background checks on gun purchases, and allowing localities to ban guns in public buildings, parks and other areas.

Democrats said the measures were needed to improve public safety. Republicans decried the legislation as an assault on the Second Amendment.
She's known for stunning on the catwalk as a world famous model.

And Alessandra Ambrosio was back on the beach flaunting her fantastic figure for a Gal Floripa photo shoot in Brazil on Thursday.

The 38-year-old stunner rocked a dark blue bikini while walking on the sand in a new photo shoot for her swimwear line.

Walk it out: Alessandra Ambrosio was back on the beach flaunting her fantastic figure for a Gal Floripa photo shoot in Brazil on Thursday

Alessandra's golden complexion was on display as she walked through the waves wearing a royal blue suit.

Her strappy top featured a keyhole cut out with gold beads dangling from a ribbon tied across her chest.

Matching bottoms rested just below her hips with golden details sparkling in the last of the sunlight.

Beach babe: The 38-year-old stunner rocked a dark blue bikini while walking on the sand in a new photo shoot for her swimwear line.

Matching cheeky bottoms rested just below her hips with golden details sparkling in the last of the sunlight

She let her chocolate brown hair catch the wind and cascade down her back as a team of handlers helped her get the perfect shot.

Alessandra launched her lifestyle brand, Gal Floripa, in March 2019 and has since focused on her swimwear collection.

The former Victoria's Secret stunner collaborated with her sister, Aline Ambrosio, and best friend, Gisele Coria, to create the brand.

Boss: Alessandra launched her lifestyle brand, Gal Floripa, in March 2019 and has since focused on her swimwear collection; seen on Instagram

'We always had this dream. We grew up in Florianopolis, which is an island south of Brazil, and swim was always like our second skin,' Ambrosio told People magazine.

'We were always in a swimsuit going from one beach to another and always wanted to have a bikini shop there one day. That was our dream when we were 18.'

The brand's name is a combination of the ladies first initials and also a tribute to their favorite beach.
Among the many revelations in the spate of recent interviews by Rudy Giulianis associate Lev Parnas was a claim that Vice President Pence was in the loop regarding President Trumps plan to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden, the underlying act for which Trump has been impeached.

Im gonna use a famous quote by [Ambassador Gordon Sondland], Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow Wednesday night when asked about Pences involvement. Everybody was in the loop. He couldnt have not known.

Parnas made the same point to CNNs Anderson Cooper, who asked if Pence was aware that the administration was withholding military assistance to enforce its demand on Ukraine.

Of course, he replied.

Parnas, who is under federal indictment in the Southern District of New York on unrelated campaign finance violations, worked directly with Giuliani on the scheme, although neither of them had any diplomatic experience or official government position at the time. He gave investigators a letter from Giuliani to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he said he was representing Trump in his private capacity. Giuliani told the New York Times last spring that his efforts were intended to help Trumps campaign for reelection.

Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a signing ceremony with President Trump. (Zach Gibson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Parnas, who Trump claims not to know, although they have been photographed together numerous times, is not the only Trump associate to tie Pence to the Ukraine plot. U.S. Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland testified about a conversation he had with Pence ahead of a Sept. 1 meeting between Pence and Zelensky in Warsaw.

I mentioned to Vice President Pence before the meetings with the Ukrainians that I had concerns that the delay in [U.S. military aid to Ukraine] had become tied to the issue of investigations, Sondland said. I recall mentioning that before the Zelensky meeting.

"I dont know exactly what I said to him," Sondland said. "This was a briefing attended by many people and I was invited at the very last minute  I wasnt scheduled to be there. But I think I spoke up at some point late in the meeting and said it looks like everything is being held up until these statements get made and thats my, you know, personal belief."

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"And Vice President Pence just nodded his head?" Democratic counsel Dan Goldman asked.

"Again, I dont recall any exchange or where he asked me any questions. I think he  it was sort of a duly noted," Sondland replied.

On Thursday, the Government Accountability Office released a report that concluded that Trump and the Office of Management and Budget had violated the law by withholding $393 million in military aid allocated to Ukraine by Congress.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law. OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), the GAO report stated. The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Vice President Mike Pence in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

Pence has steadfastly denied any knowledge of the quid pro quo with Ukraine.

The vice president never had a conversation with Gordon Sondland about investigating the Bidens, Burisma, or the conditional release of financial aid to Ukraine based upon potential investigations, Pences chief of staff, Marc Short, said in a statement released following Sondlands testimony. Ambassador Gordon Sondland was never alone with Vice President Pence on the Sept. 1 trip to Poland. This alleged discussion recalled by Ambassador Sondland never happened.

Yet emails obtained by Just Security show that as concern over the White House delay on delivering military aid to Ukraine grew, officials at the Department of Defense saw Pence as a key player in resolving the impasse.

The Ukrainian PM [sic] speaks with VPOTUS on Tuesday. We expect the issue to get resolved then, Eric Chewning, chief of staff to then-acting Defense Secretary Mike Esper said in an Aug. 30 email to acting Pentagon comptroller Elaine McCusker.

Officials close to Pence say that while the vice president did urge Zelensky at his Warsaw meeting to step up efforts to root out corruption, he wasnt involved in the effort to leverage aid for the benefit of Trumps (and his own) reelection, the Washington Post reported.

The administrations defenders in Congress have maintained that the aid was withheld over concerns about corruption, and eventually released in September when those concerns were satisfied. But that is belied by the fact that John Rood, undersecretary of defense for policy, had certified in May that Ukraine had met the anti-corruption benchmarks established by Congress, by taking substantial actions to make defense institutional reforms for the purposes of decreasing corruption, increasing accountability, and sustaining improvements of combat capability enabled by U.S. assistance.

Lev Parnas and wife Svetlana Parnas arrive at federal court in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

One week before Pence was to attend Zelenskys inauguration in Kyiv on May 20, Jennifer Williams, a Pence State Department aide, informed Ukrainian officials that the vice presidents schedule has changed and he will not be able to attend President-elect Zelenskys inauguration.

According to Parnas, Pences cancellation was meant as a message.

"To my awareness, Trump called up and said to make sure Pence doesn't go there," Parnas told Maddow.

By this time, Parnas said he had already been telling Ukrainian officials that the key to the U.S. resuming military aid was for the government to publicly announce it was opening an investigation into the Bidens.

"That was the key to where we are today, because after that, take a look at what transpires," Parnas continued. "Within the next couple of days, all of a sudden they realize now  they get word because obviously when Pence cancels, they get word that Pence is not coming. So now they realize that what I was telling them was true."

While unlikely in a Republican-controlled Senate, Trump faces the prospect of being removed from office over what Democrats say is a plot to weaken a political rival. If that happens, Pence would become president.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Imperial Valley News Center

Iranian Nuclear Bomb in Less than One Year

Washington, DC - Israeli military intelligence has revealed its assessment that Iran will have sufficient enriched uranium to produce one nuclear bomb by the end of the year. Furthermore, it has been determined that Iran will have the missile capability to deliver such a bomb within two years.

Meanwhile, in the Democrats latest debate, candidate Bernie Sanders warned that President Trump is lying and dragging the United States to war with the Islamic Republic.

What do these latest developments mean for the ongoing conflict with Iran? From Jerusalem, Middle East expert David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh in Israel and author of the book, Trump and the Jews.

Snapshot with David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh Israel, is the author of the book, Trump and the Jews and five other books. Rubin is the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Childrens Fund, established after he and his then three-year-old son were wounded in a terror attack. He can be found at www.DavidRubinIsrael.com or at http://www.ShilohIsraelChildren.org

Q&A:

Question: How accurate is this latest report from Israeli intelligence that Iran will have a nuclear bomb in one year?

Answer: Its extremely accurate. Israeli intelligence is the best in the world. In fact, Irans Suleimani was found and eliminated based on information from Israeli intel.

Question: Doesnt the intel also say that the missile capability to deliver that bomb will only be attained within two years?

Answer: Yes, but two years passes by very quickly, plus there are more ways to deliver and detonate a nuclear device than just with missiles. Now is the time to prepare for that rapidly approaching eventuality.

Question: What kind of preparation are you suggesting?

Answer: I always say that the best defense is a good offense. I am calling for multiple preemptive strikes on Irans nuclear research facilities as the most effective way of stopping Iranian aggression.

Question: In the latest debate, Bernie Sanders warned that President Trump is lying and dragging us to war. Given what youve just recommended, is Bernie right? Should we just leave Iran alone?

Answer: We Israelis know the pain of war and terrorism far better than Bernie. I was wounded in a terrorist shooting attack and my three-year-old son was shot in the head in that attack. Furthermore, my other son, sixteen years old, just went for his first pre-conscription army physical. Bernie knows nothing about war, but one thing that should be clear, even to him, is that barring an internal overthrow of the Iranian regime, a preemptive strike may be needed.

For more information go to Amazon.com and type search Trump and the Jews.
While Meghan Markle is already in Canada and trying to enjoy time away from the spotlight, the battle continues in the United Kingdom between her and The Mail on Sunday.

On Tuesday, a surprising twist of events happened after the newspaper submitted legal documents which suggested that Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, will testify against her.

According to the legal documents that were obtained by NBC News, they suggested that The Mail on Sunday will use evidence provided by Thomas to back up its case.

Samantha Markle, the daughter of Thomas' first marriage, told the BBC, "If he is called, he will come."

Mail on Sunday filed its defense to Meghan's case, which denies her claims and argued there was a "huge and legitimate public interest" in the royal family -- including its "personal and family relationships."

Some of these members "generate and rely on publicity about themselves and their lives to maintain the privileged positions they hold and to promote themselves."

The paper and its parent company, Associated Newspapers, are accused of unlawfully publishing a letter from Meghan to her father in February 2019.

The Daily Mail -- the sister company of The Mail on Sunday -- published some of what was written in the defense papers. It included Thomas Markle's intention of releasing his daughter's letter to the world to prove that Meghan's friends were wrong about the Duchess "lovingly" had to plea for her dad.

Thomas kept Meghan's handwritten notes for months and only revealed it to expose "false" claims against what the Duchess of Sussex has been saying, particularly "reaching out to repair the relationship;

After Meghan's friends talked about it first to People Magazine, Thomas decided to release extracts of the letter to the press.

Jessica Mulroney, one of Meghan's best friends, once intervened to try to fix a "favorable" press article for her.

Thomas received no response after calling and texting his daughter and insisted he made multiple attempts to call her;

Aside from the letter he received in August 2018, Thomas had not heard from Meghan since he told her he was too sick to attend her wedding. He also claimed that he had never been introduced to Prince Harry or has met with his grandson, Archie.

Some of the messages were also detailed in the defense papers that were filed at the High Court in London on Tuesday. It said that after Thomas messaged Meghan saying he could not come to her wedding because he had been rushed to the hospital for emergency heart surgery, he received a text that appeared to be from Prince Harry.

The text accused him of causing hurt to his daughter and did not ask about his health.

Thomas replied, "I've done nothing to hurt you, Meghan, or anyone else. I'm sorry my heart attack is any inconvenience for you."

Meghan replied by saying her father left her "worried, confused, shocked and blindsided" just before her wedding.

The Mail on Sunday was sued by the Sussexes for breaching her privacy, her data protection rights, and her copyright when it published extracts of his letter.

The Duchess' lawyers declined to comment on Wednesday. The case is the latest development in a theatrical period for the royal family.
When French trade unions declared a nationwide strike to protest against planned pension reforms, Nicolas, a 34-year-old maintenance technician with the Paris metro, went on strike for three straight weeks.

Then he went back to work.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) 34-YEAR-OLD RATP MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, NICOLAS, SAYING:

"It will cost me 1,000 euros."

He'd just finished working an early shift deep in the tunnels under Paris and earns around 2,200 euros a month, but can no longer afford to strike full-time as the stand off against President Emmanuel Macron's government continues.

He still contributes to his union's strike fund, and goes out on strike for a day or two at a time, but admits the time has come to put the needs of his wife and young daughter first.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) 34-YEAR-OLD RATP MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, NICOLAS, SAYING:

"At some point, we can't be ashamed of going back to work, as we have personal problems. If one's been on strike for more than a month, that's a month with zero euros."

Data collected from public transport agencies shows the impact of the strike is on the waning, as Reuters sources close to President Macron believe it can eventually win the stand-off by wearing down the strikers resolve.

The proposals being put forward by the government are the biggest overhaul of France's state pension system since the Second World War.

Macron wants to end privileges for some professions and provide incentives for people to stay in work longer, and has shown no sign of bowing to the demand of hardline unions that he ditch the reform plans.

Winning the standoff would strengthen his hand to embark on further pro-business reforms as he eyes re-election in 2022.

But as the strike enters its seventh week, Nicolas remains defiant in saying that although he's going back to work, it's not to say he won't strike again.
Israelis came in for two pieces of bad news this week. The first emanated from the Finance Ministry, whose people reported at the weekly Cabinet meeting Jan. 12 on the governments resounding failure in protecting the public kitty. According to a forecast by the ministrys economists, the 2021 budget deficit would reach 4.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Two days later, on Jan. 14, the media reported on the annual assessment by the Israel Defense Forces Military Intelligence Directorate, presented recently to top political echelons, which described a crushing strategic defeat. The intelligence analysts expect Iran to have sufficient enriched uranium by the end of 2020 to manufacture one nuclear bomb, and a nuclear warhead a year later.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to reassure the public, saying, I reiterate  Israel will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weapons. He also took advantage of the opportunity to call on the West to expand economic sanctions on Iran. Netanyahu has presumably been updated on the refusal by European states, and by Russia and China, of course, to follow in the footsteps of his friend in the White House regarding tougher economic pressure on Iran. So how does the candidate for the premiership (Netanyahu) intend to prevent Iran from completing its nuclear program by the end of the year? Does the citizenry not have a basic right to know whether Israel is headed for all-out war, one expected to cost the lives of thousands of people in Israels unprotected heartland?

The prime ministers cavalier reaction to the military experts troubling assessment precludes any public or political discussion of the Iranian nuclear policy, which he himself shaped and implemented. The ambiguity behind which he hides allows him to evade responsibility for Irans decision to violate the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. The reason for Irans move and its timing are directly linked to the 2018 decision by President Donald Trump to pull the United States out of the agreement, a crucial measure for which Netanyahu has taken credit. Now it is up to Netanyahu to assume responsibility and publicly explain how he intends to deal with its outcome. If he keeps running away, the opposition must hold his feet to the fire at the ballot box on March 2.

Netanyahu is dealing with news of the deficit in the manner he likes best  storming the messenger. The prime minister and the chorus of his ministers disputed the projection and attacked the Finance Ministry officials who presented it. They forgot that the forecast prepared by the Bank of Israel put the deficit even higher than the Treasury did. According to a December 2019 projection by the governor of the central bank, professor Amir Yaron, 2021 would end with a 4.5% deficit and by 2025, the shortfall would range from 4.7% to 5.2% of the GDP if left untreated. How does Netanyahu handle this significant gap? He cuts short the discussion, and he can always pass the buck to Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

When Netanyahu forms his governments, he always has good reason to give the finance ministers job to enemies from within  such as former Finance Minister Sylvan Shalom of the Likud  or from other parties  such as Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and Kahlon, formerly of the Kulanu party  to ensure he has handy scapegoats. Netanyahu also has excellent reason to want the deficit issue to go away. Netanyahu was the most ideologically minded politician who ever held the finance ministers position, said economist Avichai Snir, referring to Netanyahus Treasury term from 2003 to 2005. His ideology was to slash government spending in order to energize the business sector, as Netanyahu famously explained when he likened the private sector to a thin man lugging around a fat man. Speaking with Al-Monitor, the Bar-Ilan University and Netanya College lecturer recalled that in order to implement deep spending cuts at the time, Finance Minister Netanyahu pushed through legislation capping the annual budget growth at 1% and fought valiantly for the deficit target to be as low as possible.

However, when the economists predicted a 2021 deficit in excess of 4%  which would force the next government to carry out deep budget cuts and/or raise taxes  Netanyahu dubbed them a bunch of pessimists. According to the counterassessment he presented, the deficit would only come to 3% or 3.3%, and would thus not necessitate cuts in public services and/or erosion of voters salaries. This discrepancy also presents the opposition with a challenge. The Blue and White party must expose the bitter failure of Mr. Economy Netanyahu and lay out a realistic economic recovery blueprint, without hiding the price it will exact from the public. The Finance Ministry estimates that cuts of over 30 billion Israeli shekels ($8.7 billion) will be required in 2021 to reduce the deficit.

The conversation with Snir leads to a junction where the bad news on the deficit and on Iran could result in a fatal collision. Snir argues that a deficit that slightly exceeds the target and a 1%-2% growth in government debt is not such a terrible development. However, he notes that this is the second year if not the third year in which the deficit exceeds the 2.9% target. Israels debt is still far lower than that of most developed countries, such as the United States, France and Greece. Nonetheless, Israel is located in one of the least stable parts of the world and therefore a deficit and debt growth incurred during times of economic prosperity such as todays could turn into an unbearable burden in times of war.

Netanyahu has earned a reputation as an undisputed expert in turning a lemon into lemonade. We can assume that in the coming weeks, he will add the Military Intelligence officers and the Finance Ministry and Bank of Israel economists to his long list of deep state/leftist/sourpusses. There is still a little room left next to the police investigators, state prosecutors and the media already dubbed as such. It is far easier and more pleasant to kill the messengers than to admit failures and propose realistic solutions.
On December 19, 2019 the Company and its Joint Venture partner, South32 Limited (ASX, LSE, JSE: S32; ADR: SOUHY) ("South32"), announced that South32 had exercised its option to acquire a 50% interest in a joint venture company ("Joint Venture") that will own the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") located in northwest Alaska.

Trilogy Metals will contribute all of its assets associated with the UKMP and South32 will contribute approximately US$145 million to the Joint Venture. Establishment of the Joint Venture is expected to occur in February 2020 and follows an initial exploration partnership between South32 and Trilogy Metals over three field seasons to advance both parties' geological understanding of the UKMP.

The Company will provide more details on the Joint Venture's planned work program and 2020 exploration activity following its formation. To view the December 19, 2019 press release please go to https://trilogymetals.com/news/2019/south32-and-trilogy-metals-to-form-upper-kobuk-mineral-projects-joint-venture.

Drilling Highlights  Arctic Project

The Company is also pleased to announce final assay results from the geotechnical and hydrological drill program completed at the Arctic poly-metallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposit (the "Arctic Project"), part of the UKMP located in the Ambler Mining District of Northwest Alaska.

The 2019 Arctic field season was comprised of advanced engineering and environmental work in support of Trilogy Metals' feasibility study for the Arctic Project and permitting. These results will be incorporated into the study which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020. Following its formation, the Joint Venture intends to undertake further work programs and studies for the Arctic Project.

Geochemical assay results from the geotechnical and hydrological drill program are shown below.

At a cutoff grade of 0.5% copper equivalent* the results from the new assay results at the Arctic Project are as follows:

AR19-164 intersected two mineralized intervals of:

5.8 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 4.54% (1.45% copper, 6.24% zinc, 0.83% lead, 0.28 g/t gold and 32.20 g/t silver); and

(1.45% copper, 6.24% zinc, 0.83% lead, 0.28 g/t gold and 32.20 g/t silver); and

16.4 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 7.80% (5.09% copper, 4.82% zinc, 0.53% lead, 0.47 g/t gold and 47.09 g/t silver).



(5.09% copper, 4.82% zinc, 0.53% lead, 0.47 g/t gold and 47.09 g/t silver). AR19-165A intersected one mineralized interval of:

1.8 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 2.97% (1.66% copper, 1.87% zinc, 0.34% lead, 0.52 g/t gold and 18.87 g/t silver).



(1.66% copper, 1.87% zinc, 0.34% lead, 0.52 g/t gold and 18.87 g/t silver). AR19-166 intersected five mineralized intervals of:

5.1 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 6.70% (2.95% copper, 6.22% zinc, 1.47% lead, 0.75 g/t gold and 51.07 g/t silver);

(2.95% copper, 6.22% zinc, 1.47% lead, 0.75 g/t gold and 51.07 g/t silver);

9.5 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 6.74% (4.12% copper, 4.78% zinc, 0.46% lead, 0.48 g/t gold and 40.61 g/t silver);

(4.12% copper, 4.78% zinc, 0.46% lead, 0.48 g/t gold and 40.61 g/t silver);

1.6 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 7.84% (2.71% copper, 10.13% zinc, 2.02% lead, 0.25 g/t gold and 56.36 g/t silver);

(2.71% copper, 10.13% zinc, 2.02% lead, 0.25 g/t gold and 56.36 g/t silver);

6.5 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 3.22% (1.68% copper, 2.12% zinc, 0.41% lead, 0.47 g/t gold and 35.65 g/t silver); and

(1.68% copper, 2.12% zinc, 0.41% lead, 0.47 g/t gold and 35.65 g/t silver); and

8.6 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 7.51% (3.62% copper, 6.81% zinc, 0.84% lead, 0.87 g/t gold and 56.00 g/t silver).



(3.62% copper, 6.81% zinc, 0.84% lead, 0.87 g/t gold and 56.00 g/t silver). AR19-167 intersected one mineralized interval of:

3.0 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 3.63% (2.40% copper, 2.60% zinc, 0.10% lead, 0.10 g/t gold and 16.92 g/t silver).



(2.40% copper, 2.60% zinc, 0.10% lead, 0.10 g/t gold and 16.92 g/t silver). AR19-169 intersected one mineralized interval of:

14.4 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 3.70% (2.20% copper, 2.61% zinc, 0.33% lead, 0.30 g/t gold and 24.20 g/t silver).



(2.20% copper, 2.61% zinc, 0.33% lead, 0.30 g/t gold and 24.20 g/t silver). AR19-170 intersected two mineralized intervals of:

13.7 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 6.24% (3.36% copper, 5.52% zinc, 0.74% lead, 0.33 g/t gold and 39.19 g/t silver); and

(3.36% copper, 5.52% zinc, 0.74% lead, 0.33 g/t gold and 39.19 g/t silver); and

7.1 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 7.17% (5.27% copper, 2.57% zinc, 0.02% lead, 0.91 g/t gold and 38.75 g/t silver).



(5.27% copper, 2.57% zinc, 0.02% lead, 0.91 g/t gold and 38.75 g/t silver). AR19-171 intersected one mineralized interval of:

16.6 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 6.30% (3.69% copper, 4.24% zinc, 0.85% lead, 0.45 g/t gold and 51.14 g/t silver).



(3.69% copper, 4.24% zinc, 0.85% lead, 0.45 g/t gold and 51.14 g/t silver). AR19-172 intersected one mineralized interval of:

16.1 metres with a copper equivalent grade of 1.71% (1.07% copper, 1.15% zinc, 0.18% lead, 0.10 g/t gold and 9.08 g/t silver).

* Assumptions used for the copper equivalent calculation were metal prices in USD of $2.90/lb copper, $1.10/lb zinc, $0.90/lb lead, $1,250/oz gold, and $18/oz silver. The following equation was used to calculate copper equivalence: CuEq = Copper (%) + (Zinc (%) x 0.379) +(Lead (%) x 0.310) + (Gold (g/t) x 0.629) + (Silver (g/t) x 0.009).

James Gowans, Interim President and CEO of Trilogy Metals commented, "The latest drilling results continue to demonstrate that not only is the Arctic Project one of the highest grade known polymetallic base metal projects in the world, but it is also incredibly consistent along strike and dip regardless of where you drill at the project. We believe there is the possibility of other "Arctic like" deposits being discovered within the 100-kilometer long Ambler Mining District. Further drilling by the Joint Venture is intended to test targets across the UKMP."

At the Arctic Project and as described above, the Company drilled ten holes comprising 2,422 meters of which eight holes were sampled and sent off for assay analysis. Hole AR19-165 was lost due to technical drilling issues and hole AR19-0168 did not intersect base metal mineralization as it tested the south highwall and did not target the mineralized zones. Drilling at Arctic during the 2019 field season was carried out to support mine design and the collection of further geotechnical and hydrological information. The material will be used for additional metallurgical test work in the future.

The VMS-style mineralization at Arctic was discovered by Bear Creek Mining Company in 1965 and is exposed on the east side of the north trending Arctic Ridge. The rock units exposed are typical of the Ambler Schist sequence and include quartz +/- feldspar and chlorite +/- talc schist, graphitic and graphitic quartz schist, and aphanitic and porphyritic meta-rhyolite units. Massive and semi-massive sulphide mineralization, consisting of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and tetrahedrite/tennantite, occurs in 0.1 metre to 26-metre bands generally at a contact between graphitic and quartz-chlorite +/- talc schist.

Results for the 2019 drill program at Arctic are presented in Table 1 at a cutoff grade of 0.5% copper equivalent. All the intersected widths are close to normal to stratigraphy and therefore can be considered to be true widths. Table 2 shows the drill hole locations. Figure 1 shows the location of the drill holes on a plan map and Figure 2 shows a cross-section through drill holes AR19-0164, and AR19-0166. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through drill holes AR19-0169, AR19-0170 and AR19-0171.

Table 1 - 0.5% Cu Eq cut-off* with maximum 3 m internal waste  Minimum 1.5 m interval

0.5% CuEq From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%) Zn (%) Pb (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) CuEq (%)* AR19-0164 148.77 154.54 5.77 1.45 6.24 0.83 0.28 32.20 4.54 161.27 177.68 16.41 5.09 4.82 0.53 0.47 47.09 7.80 AR19-0165A 125.11 126.95 1.84 1.66 1.87 0.34 0.52 18.87 2.97 AR19-0166 155.36 160.51 5.15 2.95 6.22 1.47 0.75 51.07 6.70 170.18 179.65 9.47 4.12 4.78 0.46 0.48 40.61 6.74 182.73 184.35 1.62 2.71 10.13 2.02 0.25 56.36 7.84 194.62 201.15 6.53 1.68 2.12 0.41 0.47 35.65 3.22 209.53 218.16 8.63 3.62 6.81 0.84 0.87 56.00 7.51 AR19-0167 197.21 200.25 3.04 2.40 2.60 0.10 0.10 16.92 3.63 AR19-0169 127.92 142.34 14.42 2.20 2.61 0.33 0.30 24.20 3.70 AR19-0170 137.77 151.49 13.72 3.36 5.52 0.74 0.33 39.19 6.24 253.33 260.43 7.10 5.27 2.57 0.02 0.91 38.75 7.17 AR19-0171 50.87 67.42 16.55 3.69 4.24 0.85 0.45 51.14 6.30 AR19-0172 178.49 194.54 16.05 1.07 1.15 0.18 0.10 9.08 1.71

* Assumptions used in USD for the copper equivalent calculation were metal prices of $2.90/lb copper, $1.10/lb zinc, $0.90/lb lead, $1,250/oz gold, and $18/oz silver. The following equation was used to calculate copper equivalence: CuEq = Copper (%) + (Zinc (%) x 0.379) +(Lead (%) x 0.310) + (Gold (g/t) x 0.629) + (Silver (g/t) x 0.009).

Table 2  Arctic Drill Hole Locations

Hole East (m) North (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) AR19-0164 613111 7452991 825 80 -80 182 AR19-0165A 613182 7453348 911 315 -65 222 AR19-0166 613111 7452991 825 0 -90 300 AR19-0167 613341 7453448 986 45 -65 271 AR19-0169 613335 7452909 915 100 -85 200 AR19-0170 613335 7452910 914 0 -90 351 AR19-0171 613508 7452944 947 120 -65 282 AR19-0172 613341 7453448 986 0 -90 240

QA/QC Program

The drill program, sampling protocol, and data verification were managed by qualified persons employed by the Company. Diamond drill holes were typically collared and drilled to depth HQ for the Arctic holes, except for holes AR19-0166 and AR19-170, which were collared PQ. Samples were collected using a 0.13-metre minimum length, a 2.5-metre maximum length and a 1.36-metre average sample length. Drill core recovery averaged 97% for Arctic core. Three quality control samples (one blank, one standard and one duplicate) were inserted into each batch of 20 samples. The drill core was sawn, with half sent to ALS Minerals in Fairbanks for sample preparation and the sample pulps forwarded to ALS's North Vancouver facility for analysis. ALS Minerals is an independent facility certified as ISO 9001:2008 and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025:2005 from the Standards Council of Canada. The assay and QA/QC results were reviewed by a third-party consultant, GeoSpark Consulting Inc. of Nanaimo, British Columbia, and in their opinion shows overall good quality for silver, copper, lead, and gold analyses. The Company submitted 5% of the mineralized assay intervals to an independent check assay lab.

Arctic Feasibility Study

Trilogy Metals continues to progress its Arctic feasibility study which is being prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. and John Wood Group PLC based on drill results and studies completed prior to formation of the Joint Venture. Trilogy Metals expects to release its Arctic feasibility study by the end of first half 2020, in advance of further work programs and studies planned to be completed by the Joint Venture.

Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project ("AMDIAP")

On October 29, 2019 the comment period closed for the AMDIAP Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS"). The Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), which is the lead agency, is now incorporating the comments into the final EIS. The BLM is expected to provide an update on the timing of the completion of the final EIS soon. The Company wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the BLM for making progress on the EIS process. For more information on the permitting process for the AMDIAP please go to BLM Ambler Road.

Additional Staking of State Claims in the UKMP

In October 2019, Trilogy staked an additional 465 (443 160-acre claims and 22 40-acre claims) Alaska state mining claims adjacent to our existing mining claim block to bring the total mining claims on state land to approximately 75,082 hectares (185,533acres), an increase of 66%. The total land package, including the Bornite Lands, is now approximately 172,675 hectares (426,690 acres) as seen in Figure 4. These lands will form part of the assets to be contributed by Trilogy Metals to the Joint Venture.

Qualified Persons

Andrew W. West, Certified Professional Geologist, Exploration Manager for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. West has reviewed the technical and scientific information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein.

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration and development company focused on exploring and developing the Ambler mining district located in northwestern Alaska. It is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts located in one of the safest geopolitical jurisdictions in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic VMS deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler mining district - the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within the Company's land package that spans approximately 172,636 hectares. On December 19, 2029 South32 Ltd., which is a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The Company has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a Regional Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler mining district in cooperation with local communities. Our vision is to develop the Ambler mining district into a premier North American copper producer.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the Company's ability to discover additional "Arctic like" deposits in the Ambler Mining District and the timing and status of the Arctic feasibility study, the timing and updates regarding the joint venture are forward-looking statements. The assay results disclosed in this press release should not be considered representative of other drilling results for future drilling campaigns. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements 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 the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving success of exploration, permitting timelines, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, supplies and services the interpretation of drill results, the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the development and operation of properties; the need to obtain permits and governmental approvals; unanticipated variation in geological structures, metal grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.

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The Republican primary in the Monroe County State Attorneys Office election is a contest between two old rivals who have never made an effort to hide their dislike for one another  and it doesnt look like theyre going to start now.

Im not real happy with [Monroe County State Attorney] Dennis Ward, said Mark Kohl, who led the Florida Keys prosecutors office for two terms from 2000 to 2008. Ive never really liked him in the first place.

Kohl, 63, filed to run against Ward Wednesday. Hes been in semi-retirement since Ward defeated Catherine Vogel in 2016 - four years after she beat Ward in a Democratic primary election.

Kohl, who used to be Vogels boss when he was state attorney, managed her office during her 2012-2016 term.

He said that other than wanting to defeat Ward, hes running again because he wants to get back into the courtroom.

Being a prosecutor has been my career, Kohl, who began his law practice as a West Palm Beach assistant state attorney in the mid-1980s. Its what I enjoy doing.

Dennis Ward

Ward, who worked under Kohl in the early 2000s and defeated him in 2008, jabbed at his old boss for his role as Vogels office manager, saying hes not sure if he accomplished anything during that time, adding the computer system when he took over in 2016 was in shambles.

I dont know what he did. He had a TV in his office. Maybe he watched television all day, Ward, 68, said Tuesday.

As the race stands now, whoever wins the August primary will face Key West attorney Donald Barrett, a Democrat, in the November general election.

Ward, who had a nearly 30-year career as a police officer before practicing law, is running on several accomplishments, including his record of convicting corrupt public officials during his first term.

The biggest fish were former schools superintendent Randy Acevedo and his wife, Monique Acevedo, who was also a high-ranking school system official at the time. They were convicted in 2009 for their part in a major financial scandal that rocked the district.

Story continues

But Wards aggressiveness in the Acevedo case, as well as several other cases involving defendants connected to influential people in Key West, motivated local activists to organize the Southernmost City vote against him during the 2012 primary, when he was a Democrat.

The Acevedos, who lived in Key West, maintained wide support in their hometown throughout the investigation into the scandal, which concluded with Monique serving eight years in prison for stealing almost a half a million dollars from the school district, and Randy receiving three years probation and a $15,000 fine for covering up his now ex-wifes theft.

Vogel, who was Randy Acevedos defense attorney during his public corruption trial, defeated Ward by almost 60 percent margins in most Key West precincts, nullifying his support in parts of the Upper Keys. She went on to defeat Kohl in the general election, a race that was very tame given the two are longtime professional and political allies, exemplified by Vogel hiring Kohl to manage her office after the election.

Ward is also proudly wearing criticism by his opponents that he is too tough on fisheries violations. Typically, those caught with undersized fish and lobster, or keeping too many fish, end up with fines. But, Wards office established baseline plea offers for violators that include jail time.

Its a major crime to me. Were getting nickled and dimed every day. After a period of time, that adds up, he said.

Barrett told the Keys Weekly newspaper in November that many of the people aggressively prosecuted by Wards office are tourists who catch undersized fish because they dont know the rules.

Mark Kohl

Kohl said Tuesday that Ward has gone all out on marine violations, which he said has been done at the expense of more serious crimes.

Ward, however, responded that his prosecutors can walk and chew gum at the same time, pointing to several high-profile violent crime convictions that led to judges handing down life sentences.

He said the criticism has become a talking point formed by unhappy defense attorneys who were used to getting their clients off with a slap on the wrist for knowingly breaking the law.

Our lobster and fish are under assault by people who dont live here. You need to respect the bag limits and size limits on our natural resources, Ward said.

But Kohl expanded his criticism of Ward to include his ability and experience as an attorney. Kohl said his decades as a prosecutor make him more qualified to lead the State Attorneys Office than Ward. He said Ward never handled a felony case in court as either a prosecutor or defense attorney.

In my first four years as a prosecutor in the Upper Keys, I prosecuted more than 500 felonies a year, he said.

Kohl also blasted Ward for what happened to one of his top prosecutors, Colleen Dunne, who was forced to resign in December after to admitting to a Florida Bar ethics violation connected to a 2009 attempted murder case. Dunne was accused and admitted to withholding discovery from defense attorneys in the case during a 2010 deposition. As part of the plea, she lost her law license for a year.

Kohl said the violation was the result of years of Dunne observing Ward, who he said has a history of skirting ethics rules.

When your setting an example like that, its no surprise your attorneys are doing what theyre doing, Kohl said. She crossed over the line, and the Florida Bar obviously saw that. I believe in leadership from the top. Its the top that sets the example.

Ward countered that bad advice from her supervisor at the time, who was Barrett, led to her making the decision to temporarily withhold knowledge of a jailhouse phone call made by the defendant that Dunne planned to use as evidence to argue against an insanity defense. Ward said the call should not have been considered as evidence in the first place.

Colleens problem was listening to Barrett about discovery on jail calls, Ward said.

Barrett, however, said that he had left the State Attorneys Office by the time of the deposition, and in a December interview leading up to the time when Dunne was forced to step down, he disputed the notion that jail calls werent regularly used as evidence by Keys prosecutors.

At the time, the jail calls were routinely listened to by most, if not all, prosecutors in the office, he said.

Barrett said Thursday that Ward should have taken responsibility for Dunnes actions since she worked under him at the time of the deposition.

Rather than accepting the ultimate responsibility for what happens in his office, Ward tries to pass the buck, Barrett said.

As to not handling felonies personally during his career, Ward, who was a Miami Beach police officer from 1972 to 2001, said leads an office of qualified line prosecutors, who he advises on cases.

I meet with prosecutors daily to discuss cases and to strategize, he said. I am an administrator, not a line prosecutor.

If Ward wins reelection, he said he plans to continue vigorously prosecuting major crimes and wildlife violations, but he also wants to implement more programs aimed at giving people who commit non-violent offenses and those who want help with alcohol and drug abuse as second chance.

One such program is one his office has adopted where juveniles arrested for minor crimes are issued civil citations instead of being prosecuted.

Hopefully, it sends them back in the right direction, Ward said. Its been a very successful program.
Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, speaks at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, June 4, 2019.

Dolkun Isa, the president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) exile group, is used to being on the receiving end of hostile Chinese propaganda campaigns, but the latest state media slander story carried sad news: His father had passed away.

The news came in a Jan. 10 report by the Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid, slamming the WUC and Isa personally in what the Munich-based group said showed Chinas growing frustration with his success in raising the profile of the issue of mass internment in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

Authorities in the XUAR have detained as many as 1.8 million Uyghurs accused of harboring extremist thoughts in internment camps since April 2017. Isa and the WUC have drawn world attention to the plight of the Uyghurs, making him and his family a target for state media in China.

Isa had also learned indirectly of the circumstances behind the death of his mother, Ayhan Memet, on May 17, 2018, through a subsequent investigation by RFAs Uyghur Service. RFA determined that she died at a detention center in her home prefecture of Aksu (in Chinese, Akesu) where she was detained for exhibiting religious extremism.

The last time I spoke with my mother in April 2017, my mother was well and didnt have any major medical issues. A year later, I learned of her death. I learned about her death in a camp after RFA confirmed it, Isa told RFA this week.

Then, it became clear from media reports that my father was sent to a concentration camp in May or June 2017, and died a year later, he said.

I am trying to find out what exactly happened but havent been able to know the facts, said Isa.

The Global Times Jan. 10 article, "Relatives of Xinjiang separatists condemn their lies," took aim at Isa and his predecessor at the WUC, Rebiya Kadeer, with purported comments from relatives denouncing the exiled activists.

Isa truly worried about relatives

The report referred to a video the newspaper said was released at an event in the XUAR capital Urumqi on the same day.

"It is really heartless of my younger brother Dolkun Isa to use my deceased parents to smear Xinjiang from overseas. We are very upset about it," the video purportedly quoted Azgul Isa, Isa's elder sister, as saying.

Dolkun Isa has for many years spread lies about Xinjiang, the Global Times said.

Recently, he claimed Xinjiang detained a large number of Muslim Uyghurs and the local government has been destroying Uyghur culture and suppressed Islam. He even claimed his mother died during her captive (sic) in the re-education camp," said the newspaper, published by the Communist Partys mouthpiece, The Peoples Daily.

What surprised me most is that Global Times published my sisters purported accusation in a video but her video is nowhere to be seen, Isa said.

In fact, I am truly worried about my sister, brother and other relatives. Whether they are alive or dead is a question now, he said, adding that he has lost contact with all of his siblings for almost three years and fears they may be in the camp system.

In a statement on Isas father, the WUC said To see his family used against him in this way and to learn about the possible death of his father in a Chinese propaganda article is incredibly painful.

The WUC said that beyond state media attacks on Isa and his organization, Chinas campaign to smear Uyghur activists has escalated into veiled threats and potentially more serious efforts to intimidate and threaten WUC staff.

Kadeer, whose son and two granddaughters were quoted as denouncing her in the Global Times video, asked the Chinese propaganda machine to confirm the whereabouts of 32 members of her extended family who are missing, and called the report an insult to common sense and the conscience of the international community.

To force children against their parents, forcing siblings to denounce each other, is an old tactic that CCP has used during the Cultural Revolution, she said in a statement.

The Chinese Communist Party has been recently using this old tactic more frequently after the strong criticism and pressure from the international community, Kadeer added.

Physical threats in Munich

The WUC statement cited a Jan. 12 incident at a funeral in Munich in which Isa was harassed and threatened with assault by family members of Shohret Zakir, the chairman of the XUAR.

Mr. Isa was approached by the two individuals who demanded that Mr. Isa stop criticizing Mr. Zakir for helping to cover up and facilitate the crimes against humanity being perpetrated against Uyghurs in East Turkistan by the CCP, it said, using Uyghurs preferred name for the territory.

The individuals told Mr. Isa that if he did not stop speaking about Mr. Zakir, Mr. Isas family members in East Turkistan would be at risk, it said.

As these individuals became increasing hostile, they attempted to physically assault Mr. Isa, which was only prevented due to the intervention of other attendees at the memorial service, added the WUC.

Isa, who has lived in exile since 1994, noted that he has long faced harassment and treats from China for his work, from efforts to get INTERPOL to arrest him to obstruction of his activities at the United Nations.

I was shocked by this incident, as I dont expect to be threatened in a democratic country. Although we are uncertain of the motivations of the individuals, we cant totally exclude that it may be part of Chinas strategy to silence human rights activists abroad, he said.

It is incredible that German citizens feel comfortable threatening a fellow citizen by openly stating that the Chinese government might carry out reprisals against his family, said Omer Kanat, executive director Uyghur Human Rights Project.

Perversely, these individuals had themselves been granted political asylum and are able to enjoy the rights of living in a democratic country.

Asked by RFA about his father, Isa said as a son and a human, I need to know whether my father is alive or not. This is what disheartens me. If he has indeed passed away, I need to hold a funeral ceremony for his honor.

I do not know if my father has passed away of old age or in a concentration camp, said Isa.

If the Chinese government wants to call me a liar, then the Chinese government should truthfully reveal when and how my father passed away.

Reported by Adile Ablet and Jilil Kashgary for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Alim Seytoff . Written by Paul Eckert.
Its unlikely people have ever been more switched on about their privacy rights than at this present moment.

I still recall how frenzied it was when the Privacy Act was launched in Australia decades ago, with many of us in customer service fearful wed contravene it accidentally.

Fast forward to today and that experience pales in comparison to how sensitive weve become. Its a level of sensitivity boosted with every new data breach and every fresh media expose.

The acceleration of technology will only serve to fuel privacy concerns. Credit:SHUTTERSTOCK

The workplace is one location where privacy dilemmas are both delicate and complex in what is often a tug-of-war between bosses and employees.
The state's Agriculture Department on Thursday said that no case of locust entering Punjab has been reported so far.

Secretary Agriculture KS Pannu has advised farmers not to panic as the officials of department are in constant touch with agriculture experts of Rajasthan and the Government of India, who are monitoring the situation.

Besides, the State government has already made elaborate arrangements to combat any unforeseen exigency in this regard.

Divulging the preparedness plans, Pannu said the Agriculture Department has already pressed into service several monitoring and survey teams to keep a close tab over the situation and constantly surveying the border districts of Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka.

Locust pest popularly known as 'Tiddi Dal' is a group of locusts, which devour the vegetation wherever it settles. The locust attack has been reported since past several days in parts of Rajasthan, which has emanated from the desert area in Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Love Jihad is real, Christian women being lured into trap says Kerala Church

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 16: Love Jihad is a reality the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has said. The largest Christian segment in Kerala said that Christian women are lured to join the Islamic State terror group after conversion.

Love Jihad has grown in Kerala in such a manner that it is endangering secularism and social tranquility. "It is a reality that there is love jihad targeting Christian women in Kerala. Out of 21 persons who joined the ISIS, half of them had been converted from Christianity. It should be an eye-opener for us," a press note from the Synod, the supreme body of the Church said.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut makes shocking claim, says Indira Gandhi used to meet Don Karim Lala

In the year 2012, Dr Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians had also spoken about women being trapped through Love Jihad. Wikileaks in its report had said that the Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council had reported that there had been 2,868 female victims of love jihad in Kerala between 2006 and 2009. The panel had made several recommendations to parents through its newsletter, including a recommendation to monitor children's cell-phones and computers, so that they can be better prepared to fight the phenomenon and resist charming young Muslim men involved in the scheme.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 7:47 [IST]
Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

New York-based global alternative investment manager Lexington Partners closed Lexington Capital Partners IX (LCP IX), an alternative investment fund that invests on the secondary markets, at $14 billion, surpassing its $12 billion target.

The manager of secondary acquisition funds said in a press note that the latest fund is 39% larger than the prior fund, $10.1 billion Lexington Capital Partners VIII, which closed in 2015.

"LCP IX will acquire private equity and alternative assets across sectors globally through a full range of negotiated secondary market transactions, principally the acquisition of partnership portfolios from large-scale investors as they undertake portfolio rebalancing and complemented by smaller opportunities leveraging Lexington's deep industry relationships," said the release.

Besides, LCP IX is expected to benefit from growth in GP-led deal flow as well as incremental opportunities through the secondary purchase of direct investments, equity co-investments, and hedge fund private equity assets. LCP IX also can invest in new private investment funds, it added.

LCP IX received commitments from over 450 investors, concentrated among major public and corporate pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance companies in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Endowments, foundations, family offices, and high net worth individuals also subscribed, with existing inves......................

To view our full article Click here
KAMPALA  Nataliey Bitature, a daughter to businessman Patrick Bitature will be awarded an honorary doctorate at Keele University, a United Kingdom leading institution that is known for its high student satisfaction rate.

Nataliey, who graduated from Keele in 2013 with a degree in Business Management and Education, credits the University with helping her get to where she is today.

She is a social entrepreneur and one of Africas brightest young achievers; she will be awarded at Keeles winter graduation ceremony later this month.

Bitature who is the Chief of Staff at The Simba Group, a family business spanning Hospitality, Energy, Telecom, Real Estate and a Foundation was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2015 and the World Economic Forum named her one of the Top 5 African Innovators.

After graduating from Keele, Nataliey attended the Hult Business School in San Francisco where she completed an MSc in Social Entrepreneurship. During this time she co-founded the concept for Musana Carts  a business that creates solar-powered street vending carts designed for micro-entrepreneurs across Uganda. Musana Carts has since partnered with Coca-Cola, The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard Foundation and Ideo.org.

After working with young women in urban and rural Uganda, Nataliey launched an initiative called HER, an online community programme where young women in business are equipped with both business and life skills that are designed to help them grow in their businesses and life.

Nataliey has also been invited to speak to the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, Rotary International, and the International Labour Organization, advocating for youth and womens empowerment.

Nataliey said: My time at Keele was fantastic and really helped me to develop both personally and professionally. The experience and knowledge I gained from my dual honours degree was second to none. I was able to study Japanese and astrology alongside my main studies and I learnt about different educational experiences in developing countries  which really helped me when I started my career.

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor at Keele University, said: We are very proud to call Nataliey a Keele University alumna and Im delighted to welcome her back. Her achievements are remarkable and it is a pleasure to award Nataliey this prestigious accolade for her outstanding career and commitment to supporting women in business. Nataliey is an inspiring entrepreneur and worthy role model for our students, we look forward to welcoming her to our graduation ceremony to help celebrate the achievements of all our graduates.

Related
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates court sitting in Ibadan yesterday ordered that a 25-year-old man Momodu Okunola who allegedly r3ped a mentally challenged girl, be remanded in a correctional centre, pending legal advice.

The police charged Momodu, who lives in Omi  Adio, Ibadan, with r3pe.

Ogunkanmi who ordered that Momodu be remanded in Agodi Correctional Centre, also ordered that the case file be returned to the Director of Public Prosecution ( DPP).

She adjourned the matter until Feb. 7 , for mention.



Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that on Jan. 8, at about 11: 30a.m., Momodu allegedly r3ped a mentally challenged woman.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol .II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

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WASHINGTON  Federal prosecutors in Washington are investigating a years-old leak of classified information about a Russian intelligence document, and they appear to be focusing on whether the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey illegally provided details to reporters, according to people familiar with the inquiry.

The case is the second time the Justice Department has investigated leaks potentially involving Mr. Comey, a frequent target of President Trump, who has repeatedly called him a leaker. Mr. Trump recently suggested without evidence that Mr. Comey should be prosecuted for unlawful conduct and spend years in prison.

The timing of the investigation could raise questions about whether it was motivated at least in part by politics. Prosecutors and F.B.I. agents typically investigate leaks of classified information around the time they appear in the news media, not years later. And the inquiry is the latest politically sensitive matter undertaken by the United States attorneys office in Washington, which is also conducting an investigation of Mr. Comeys former deputy, Andrew G. McCabe, that has been plagued by problems.

Law enforcement officials are scrutinizing at least two news articles about the F.B.I. and Mr. Comey, published in The New York Times and The Washington Post in 2017, that mentioned the Russian government document, according to the people familiar with the investigation. Hackers working for Dutch intelligence officials obtained the document and provided it to the F.B.I., and both its existence and the collection of it were highly classified secrets, the people said.
Today Microsoft is making the new Edge web browser available to download for Windows and Mac. The new Edge is based on the Chromium open source project, which makes it similar to Google Chrome in that regard. Microsoft announced the new Edge back in December 2018, when it decided to forego any further development of its own browser engine in favor of switching to the Chromium codebase.

It was a big undertaking, and after over a year of testing, the new Edge is finally ready. You can download the first stable version for Windows and Mac over here.

That said, if you're running Windows 10, you will be receiving the new Edge as an update, at some point in the next few months. The migration process will begin in the coming weeks with a subset of Insiders in the Windows Release Preview ring (which is what Microsoft calls its beta testing for some reason).

Edge syncs passwords, favorites, and settings across devices, while Bing lets you earn rewards just for searching. Collections are built into the new Edge, as well as a comprehensive set of learning and accessibility tools. There's also an Internet Explorer mode baked in, just in case you need to access an ancient website that demands that.

This first stable build is Microsoft Edge 79 (because the company is using Chromium versioning). This will update independently on a "roughly six-week" cadence.

Source | Via
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Ramachandra V Gunari By

Express News Service

SHIVAMOGGA: Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday said his budget will have special emphasis on the farm sector. A full-fledged budget will be presented on March 5 with special focus on the farming sector and impetus will be given to development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities,  Yediyurappa told reporters at his hometown Shikaripura.

Though the CM did not give any details about his plans for the agriculture or other sectors, he said preparations for the budget are already underway and it will take final shape by the last week of February. In the last few weeks, the CM has held several rounds of consultations with senior officers from various departments and experts. He had recently held a meeting with senior officers from various departments to review tax collections and had directed them to take steps to shore up revenues.

Sources said with the slowdown impacting revenue collection in core sectors, it will be a tightrope walk for Yediyurappa. While the CM is said to be keen on giving a push for ongoing irrigation projects as well as taking measures to double farmers incomes, the State Government also has to make financial allocations for the farm loan waiver scheme announced by the JDS-Congress coalition government, apart from taking up relief works in the flood-hit districts of North Karnataka. In his last tenure as CM, Yediyurappa had presented a separate Agriculture budget, but that practice was discontinued later.

On Wednesday, the CM said that apart from the farm sector, his budget will also provide grants for development and welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs.Apart from the budget preparations, the CM is also currently caught up with developments related to ministry expansion.

Yediyurappa on Wednesday reiterated that the cabinet expansion will be taken up after consultation with party national president Amit Shah, who will be in Hubballi on January 18 to address an awareness rally on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

First budget of new BJP govt

This will the first budget of the BSY government after coming to power in July last year. The CM, who holds the Finance portfolio, will present the budget. He is likely to resume his budget-related meetings after his return from Davos
KOLKATA: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday attacked the ruling BJP over its announcement to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 and the National Register of Citizen (NRC) across the country and said that his party will continue to oppose it.

''Yes, I am a Pakistani. BJP people do whatever you can do. No one is scared of you. The 'Ranga, Bila' sitting in Delhi will say anything and we will have to accept it otherwise we will be called traitor,'' Chowdhury said.

The Congress leader made these remarks while addressing a rally in Basirhat in the North 24 Parganas district in Kolkata. During his speech, he further said, ''India is not a personal property of Narendra Modi (PM) and Amit Shah (Home Minister).''

Chowdhury also took a dig at West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar for his recent remark that the arrows of Arjuna, a character in the epic Mahabharata, had nuclear power. Later, defending himself, the Governor said that he subscribed to the Indian history and culture.

Live TV

Slamming the Governor, Chowdhury said that he seems to have lost his mind completely. If Arjuna had nuclear power in his arrow, then what was the need for so much of research over this. ''The state of West Bengal has produced five Noble Prize winners and, if people like Dhankhar, who is also from Bengal, will make such statements, it will only bring dishonour to the state,'' the Congress leader said.

It may be recalled that Chowdhury and his Congress party had been running a vitriolic campaign against the ruling BJP over issues like CAA and NRC.

The senior Congress leader had on Sunday taken a jibe at new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane's statement about Pakistan occupied Kashmir and advised him to "talk less and work more".

Taking to Twitter, the opposition leader said, "New Army Chief, Parliament already had adopted a unanimous resolution on PoK in 1994, Government is at liberty to take action and may give direction (sic).

"If you are so inclined to take action on PoK, I would suggest you confabulate with CDS and PMO India. Talk Less, Work More, '' he had tweeted. Chowdhury's reaction came a day after the Congress said it does not comment on the institution of the Army.

When asked about the Army Chief's remarks on PoK, senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said that the region was an integral part of India and both the Houses of Parliament had resolved so. Chowdhury had earlier attacked Naravane's predecessor General Bipan Rawat when the latter had remarked that leading people to arson and violence during anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests was not a mark of leadership.

At that time, the Congress leader had tweeted, Army Chief's remark on CAA is highly objectionable, unethical and beyond his remit, he is appeared to be a BJP leader who is going to be promoted or rewarded as CDS. Rawat needs to be restrained to maintain the impartiality of our army.
Longroad Energy, a US-based renewable energy developer, owner and operator, announced today (1/15) the financial close and start of the repowering of two wind facilities in Minnesota: Community Wind North and Jeffers Wind. The projects are located in Lincoln and Pipestone counties; the combined output of the two facilities after repowering will be 70 MW.

"We are grateful for the support of the project landowners and communities. This is one of the first repowering projects in Minnesota, so there was not a lot of precedent to rely on. The regulatory community was constructive and supportive," said Paul Gaynor, CEO of Longroad. "Xcel Energy's support was also critical in getting the projects across the finish line. We are pleased to have come to an agreement to sell these assets to Xcel Energy once the repowering is completed."

The project repowering and construction is being performed by Vestas under a turnkey contract. Vestas is also the equipment supplier to the projects.

A construction loan in the amount of $128 million was closed in order to support the project - KeyBank and HSBC are the Coordinating Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners.

The project is to be operational by the end of 2020, at which point Xcel Energy will purchase the facilities. Longroad Energy has owned the projects since 2017.

About Longroad Energy Holdings, LLC

Founded in 2016, Longroad Energy Holdings, LLC is focused on renewable energy project development, operating assets, and services. Today, Longroad owns 1.2 GW of wind and solar projects across the United States in addition to operating and managing a total of 2.4 GW of wind and solar projects on behalf of Longroad and third parties. Longroad is owned by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Infratil Limited, and Longroad Energy Partners, LLC.
[January 16, 2020] Mobility And Innovation: The Deployment Of The 'Olli' Self-Driving Shuttle Starts In Turin

TURIN, Italy, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Olli, a self-driving, electric, 3D-printed shuttle, is an innovative product developed for urban mobility and designed with particular attention to accessibility and sustainability. Today in Turin, Olli's adventure begins with a trial period that will last four months, during which the shuttle will provide transport services within the ITC-ILO campus. Bringing Olli to the Piedmont capital, the first deployment of its kind in Italy, is the result of collaboration at the international level between the City of Turin, ITC-ILO, Reale Mutua and Local Motors. Turin was one of the winners of Local Motors' Olli Fleet Challenge, a contest between European cities to determine the best short-term urban use case for testing the self-driving shuttle. Through May, employees and guests of the UN ITC-ILO campus will be able to take a ride on Olli, while the self-driving vehicle can gather valuable data and insight from operating in real urban conditions. The vision of this initiative goes far beyond the implementation of self-driving technology, as it aims to offer a global solution to prepare for the shifting needs of mobility in the future. The deployment carries a light environmental impact as Olli will be charged with an ample supply of clean energy from partner IREN, which recently expanded its business model into the field of electric mobility. Self-driving technology, which shifts responsibility from a human driver to artificial intelligence, is an innovation that can be thoroughly studied and tested due to a significant contribution from main sponsor Reale Mutua. One of the unique characteristics of Olli is the way its components are produced, which includes 80% 3D-printed parts. This is an important aspect for the city of Turin, as it is currently in the process of refining similar technology at the Competence Centre for Industry 4.0. The research and innovation involved in the project around topics such as artificial intelligence, user experience and mobility are supported by the University of Turin and, specifically, its centre for transdisciplinary innovation, ICxT. Olli's deployment at the United Nations campus will also involve a support team consisting of young citizens and university students. Olli is designed to be easily accessible to the disabled, and this functionality will be further explored in collaboration with Turin's disability manager office. "Since 1964, the International Training Center (ITC-ILO) has had the mission of building decent work conditions and social justice for all. The Olli deployment is an example of how the world of work is changing every day under the pressure of technological, social and environmental innovation factors, and therefore is an excellent opportunity for us to explore the dynamics of the 'future of work,' the context in which we will be called to continue our mandate."

Yanguo LIU, ITCILO Director "Driving innovation, supporting it and making our country an attractive and competitive place in the field of new technologies is an essential step in our growth and development. Today in Turin, we see the impact of an important milestone that many cities are achieving thanks to the public-private partnership. As a government, we are working hard to ensure that new technologies can be used as real support for our ciizens. And I am sure this moment is getting closer."





Paola PISANO, Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation "The deployment of Olli, the self-driving shuttle, which begins today, can be seen running along the avenues of the Turin campus of the United Nations. It marks a new success for Turin that - through teamwork involving public institutions, universities and the business world - created the conditions to propose itself as an urban laboratory equipped for testing technologically innovative solutions. This launch is something extremely attractive for companies with a strong social impact and, especially an element that should never be underestimated  particular attention to environmental sustainability."

Chiara APPENDINO, Mayor of Turin

"The mobility of the future implies a necessary paradigm shift, which goes far beyond technology. It has new impacts on environmental sustainability and for citizens, new value-added services - such as new insurance models - forms of collaboration between innovation and ecosystem partners, new production systems such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing, new skills to be created and professionalism to be defined. The systemic vision that characterises this trial makes us proud. Our 'Turin City Lab' innovation strategy can only aspire to grow with international projects like this, making our city a fertile and attractive place/city for ideas, innovation and investments for local and foreign players. Welcome to Turin, Olli."

Marco PIRONTI, Councillor for innovation of the Municipality of Turin "As the University of Turin, we are partners and supporters of the launch of the Olli trial on the ITC-ILO campus in Turin. Our involvement stems from the priority we give to research through interdisciplinary innovation centres like ICxT. These are centers focused on highly interdisciplinary matters such as artificial intelligence, user experience, and mobility of the future. For this reason, we are very proud to be able to provide a new study and research opportunity to teachers and students who will be trained and involved in the Olli project. Research is the driving force of UniTo and is, for our University, closely related to the quality of the teaching."

Stefano GEUNA, Rector of the University of Turin "Local Motors is thrilled that our first Olli deployment in the EU is on the ITC-ILO, Turin campus. ITC shares our strong belief in equality and inclusivity," said Vikrant Aggarwal, President of Local Motors. "This partnership offers an opportunity to enhance the mobility experience to those dedicated to promoting social justice, and we are confident that collaborating with ITC-ILO will demonstrate the benefits of inclusive mobility. We look forward to continuing our work together to improve access to mobility in Turin, greater Italy, and Europe."

Vikrant AGGARWAL, President of Local Motors "We are very proud to contribute to an innovative project for Italy that promotes the trial of vehicles for urban transport capable of autonomous driving and low environmental impact thanks to their electrical power supply. The mobility paradigm is changing at an ever increasing pace, and we at Reale Group have been among the first in Italy to take an interest in the technical-insurance issues related to the world of self-driving vehicles. Reale Mutua plays two roles within the initiative: as a main sponsor, concretely supporting the development and diffusion of this new technology, and as an insurer providing third party insurance for potential damage caused by the vehicle during the deployment on the campus."

Luigi LANA, President of Reale Mutua "Iren has always been interested in innovative projects that can generate value for the region and contribute to the improvement of the services offered to its citizens. The subject of electric mobility, including elements of innovation such as self-driving, is of the utmost interest to our group. Through IrenGo, our business line is dedicated to e-mobility. In recent months, we have developed several sustainable mobility projects in the areas in which we are present, to the benefit of the environmental quality of our cities and consequently to the lives of their citizens."

Renato BOERO, President of IREN "For CIRFOOD, sustainability and innovation are essential, because we believe they are fundamental ingredients for the long-term success of a company. Every year we invest in projects to promote the culture of food, the prevention of waste, the reduction of the ecological footprint on the planet; as well as to enhance the contribution of our people by promoting good practices for an increasingly sustainable daily life and future, in line with the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, a point of reference also for our company."

Chiara NASI, President of Cirfood "'The Future is Now!' It is precisely because of the desire to act now that Olli's launch is a good match for the innovation path that our company has been following for ten years. Technological development, digitalization and attention to the environmental impact are aspects that have been a prominent part of our corporate culture and that project us into the future. With 90 years of experience behind us, we want to continue to be leaders in the years to come, when self-driving will lead to radical changes in our sector. We therefore wanted to be an active part of this project from the beginning: the future is now and we are there."

Giovanni BIANCO, Manager of Autolinee Nuova Benese City of Turin Press Office

Luisa Cicero tel. +39 01101121932 mobile +39 3462356935

[email protected] Reale Mutua Press Office

Elisabetta Rua tel. +39 011 4312309

Giulia Altea tel. +39 011 4315911

Katia Rabbiolo tel. +39 011 4312290

[email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1076769/Local_Motors_Olli.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/623895/Local_Motors_Logo.jpg

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Over the holidays, she made history yet again with her record-breaking 19th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100  for a song written 25 years ago.

And now, legendary songbird Mariah Carey has yet another accolade to add to her impressive resume, as on Thursday it was announced that the Long Island, New York native will be inducted as part of the 2020 class into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Just some of the other historic musicians to be included alongside Carey, 49, include Pharrell Williams, the Eurythmics' Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, Steve Miller and the Isley Brothers.

Legendary songbird: On Thursday it was announced that Mariah Carey will be inducted as part of the 2020 class into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

'I can't believe it... The SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME!!!!' Carey captioned a pair of images posted Thursday to her Instagram account.

'This is truly one of the greatest honors of my career. I'm so proud and humbled to be in the company of such legendary songwriters - both previously inducted as well as the incredible class of 2020!'

In the older snap, Mariah sits smiling in a clear globe chair, holding a notebook with another bound journal on a nearby side table.

In the background hangs a framed picture of the songstress, adorned with a giant golden butterfly.

In good company: Just some of the other musicians to be included alongside Carey include Pharrell Williams, the Eurythmics' and the Isley Brothers; Mariah seen here in October in Dubai

'I can't believe it... The SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME!!!!' Carey captioned a pair of images posted Thursday to her Instagram account

According to the Hall of Fame, a songwriter is eligible for induction as long as they boast 'a notable catalog of songs' that spans at least '20 years after the first commercial release of a song.'

That feat, in particular, is cake for Carey, since at the dawn of this new decade she became the first artist to make it to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in FOUR decades, from the '90s until the 2020s, thanks to her record-breaking Christmas hit All I Want for Christmas.

This years induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 11th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.



Recognizing greatness: Some of Mariah's famous followers to wish her well in the comments section included Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner, and Stranger Things' Millie Bobbie Brown

Just some of Mariah's famous followers to wish her well in the comments section of her Instagram post included Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner, and Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown, who wrote, 'Congratulations! So deserved' with a heart emoji.

Last year, Brown and Carey had the pleasure of meeting one another, when Mariah introduced her eight-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe to the Stranger Things star.

The Fantasy hitmaker's kids are reportedly obsessed with Millie, who plays central character Eleven, in the series.

Easy: According to the Hall of Fame, a songwriter is eligible for induction if they boast 'a notable catalog of songs' that spans '20 years after the first commercial release of a song'
Mumbai, Jan 16 : Hours after Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut retracted his comments on the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi having met mafia don Karim Lala, his kin as well as those of Haji Mastan on Thursday revealed that politicians and top film stars of the era and the much-dreaded underworld dons had enjoyed a great rapport.

Salim Khan, the grandson of Abdul Karim Sherkhan alias Kalim Lala, said not only Indira Gandhi but even other leaders like Bal Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Rajiv Gandhi used to meet him frequently in Mumbai or New Delhi.

"Though it is wrong to say that Indira Gandhi came down to Pydhonie (south Mumbai) to meet my grandfather, it's well known that they had met in New Delhi, there are pictures available," Salim Khan told IANS.

On the kind of discussions, he said Karim Lala was the leader of the Pathan community from the then North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) in Mumbai and other places and was very close to Frontier Gandhi, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan.

"Whenever there were problems concerning the Pathans, they would discuss and attempt to get them sorted out with the help of the leaders," Salim Khan said.

He categorically rubbished Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' statements questioning whether the Congress took muscle-power or funding from the so-called underworld to win elections.

"My grandfather was a businessman, with the Pathan community's interests at heart and was never interested in politics. He was too modest to finance any politician or a political party... Sanjay Raut's comments have been completely twisted out of context," Salim Khan emphasised.

Another reformed don-turned-politician, Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan, was much sought after by politicians and film stars alike, said his adopted son Sunder Shekhar.

"He had floated a political party, which is now called Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh. I am the President now. People like (now Union Minister) Ramdas Athawale and Dalit leader Jogendra Kavade were regulars at our home," Shekhar told IANS.

He recalled how Athawale was "a very poor, simple boy then, and many times went hungry... wanted work, and the kind-hearted Haji Mastan used to help him and many other youngsters like him".

"Haji Mastan and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray were buddies, born in the same year, just two months apart. They had frequent rendezvous at their favourite eatery in Juhu, Bagur Hotel, with fine beverages and dining. Balasaheb used to be accompanied by his close aide, Babban Salvi," Shekhar added.

Reminiscing further, he said that besides Bal Thackeray, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Sushilkumar Shinde, Vasantdada Patil, Murli Deora also used to meet Mastan regularly, and that he had "personally witnessed many such meets".

On Raut's statements which he was forced to withdraw, Shekhar said that while the Shiv Sena leader was not off the mark, but opposition politicians and sections of the media have misinterpreted him.

"We must understand the good old days of the 1970s-1980s, people were more humane, caring, there was a huge level of trust among the leaders and the common people. But in recent years, we are witnessing the poor are being harassed and looted, and feel deeply insecure. In those days, the common people might have been poor but they were happy and felt secure," averred Shekhar.

He added with a laugh that his father and many politicians used to eat and drink heartily, enjoyed gossip/jokes, and discussed political matters, especially during elections, but trashed suggestions of "financing any political parties" or "influencing government decision-making" of any kind.

Karim Lala's grandson-in-law Jahanzeb Khan said that even Giani Zail Singh had met Karim Lala, but this was also due to the close bonds all the political leaders of the era had for the towering Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan.

"People now call Karim Lala and others as 'mafia dons', but show one case or conviction against them... Raut rightly tried to portray the difference between the politicians, and underworld in those days and how they slid after the 1980s, but some people have misinterpreted his remarks," Jahanzeb Khan said.

He recalled an instance of Indira Gandhi once meeting Karim Lala along with Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan at the Mayor's Bungalow, but otherwise mostly they met in the national capital.

All the three lamented that the modern-day politics and the so-called underworld has changed, the great leaders of that era never "discriminated" against anybody on religion or caste, while Shekhar said there can be "no leader like the late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri" in recent years who can be called "honest".

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
A group of protesters wearing skull caps showed posters against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at an event of Muslim Rashtriya Manch organised here on Thursday to support the Act.

They also charged towards the RSS leader and patron of MRM Indresh Kumar showing anti-CAA and NRC pamphlets.

The protesting members and those who came in support of the Act exchanged few blows while the latter tried to push protestors out of the venue.

This drama that unfolded at the event organised by the RSS and Ulemas was followed by quick detention of the protestors.

While giving details of those detained, Yaser Ali, member of MRM said that six of the protestors were detained at parliament street police station.

Kumar too mentioned that he knew at least one of the protestors. "I can see one of them (protestors) he had come to me to resolve some issue at his household. I won't name them as they all the brothers but they need to understand that they can't indulge in anti- activity and I don't want media to hound them," said Kumar.

Post ruckus, Kumar dedicated an hour explaining how the event has actually benefitted the CAA movement.

"I am sure the media will show 'Shaitaan as Shaitaan'. There is a success in today's protest as it showed that there are few devils who are troubling the nation. Rest Muslims are peace lovers. Devil came and people gave them a befitting reply," he said.

"The success of this event is in the fact that Muslims have shown that they are Indian and will remain so. Those who are enemies of the nation indulged in 'Shararat' and those who love the country would give out the message of love and peace," added Kumar.

Even during the event, the organisers kept a vigil at the audience lest someone else too start the protest and disrupts the function.

Kumar said he is being called at Shaheen Bagh but he will go only when few of the 'devils' will lessen from the venue.

The RSS leader would be participating in a two-day conference on internal political and demographic situation of Pakistan to be held in Jammu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
No sooner had Peter Munya replaced Mwangi Kiunjuri as the new Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture than he got down to work.

Barely a day after he was transferred from the Industrialisation docket, CS Munyas first order of business was reversing his predecessors order where he asked Kenyans to send photos of locusts for identification.

Please stop sending us photos of locusts anymore, we already have competent people on the ground who are using scientific methods to identify them, he said.

Munya further announced measures that the government is taking to control the locust invasion. He said three more spray aircraft will be deployed Thursday across the affected areas.

He also confirmed that the government had dispatched two planes to spray the locusts in Isiolo and Meru.

Two aircraft from Kenya Pipeline Company, one from Kenya Wildlife Service and one from Kenya Forest Service are going through logistics to aid in surveillance, Munya said.

Two spray aircraft from the Desert Locusts Control Organisation of Eastern Africa have undertaken aerial control of seven locust swamps in Wajir, Abaswen, Lakdima, ARAMU, he added.

Additionally, he said the government has distributed over 20,000 liters of pesticide to affected areas.

Munya confirmed the eight counties have been affected: Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Meru, Samburu and Laikipia.

The CS said the State has allocated Sh30 million to buy chemicals.

We dont have challenges of resources right now as we speak. Aircraft from private sectors have come in handy in Isiolo, Laikipia counties, he said.

The CS noted that there has been effective control of the locusts contrary to reports.
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I dont go to church to live longer or to be happier. I go because I am commanded to go by the Bible (Hebrews 10:25). But study after study shows that those who actively go to church generally do live longer and happier lives.

I go to church because 2,000 years ago, the founder of the Church walked out of His own tomb. He was dead on Friday, and then He became alive on Sunday morning. If you have an open mind, you can even see that He left a virtual photograph behind.

Furthermore, the followers of Jesus were crushed and demoralized by His very public death. They cowered in fear, and then they became bold and unstoppable and went to the ends of the Earth proclaiming His death for the salvation of those who believe. What changed them? His resurrection from the dead.

Every Sunday morning is a weekly reminder throughout much of the whole world of His historical resurrection from the dead.

That is why people from every continent, nation, race, and tongue gather together then to worship Him the world over.

We dont worship Him for pragmatic reasons, but in the Providence of God, longer, more satisfying lives are often a by-product of active church-going  so notes study after study.

On Jan. 10, an Australian-born minister, Glen Scrivener, had a discussion with an American atheist, Matt Dillahunty, on a British-based online series called The Big Conversation.

Scrivener said, There is a tremendous amount of public benefit for religions to flourish in societies. Those people thrive in a world where, if the government were able to put a magic elixir into the water that could deliver those benefits  longer life, happier, healthier, societies, all of these things have been demonstrated in thousands of studies  it would make society better.

The atheist did not totally disagree, but he countered: The truth has to do with who we are and it maybe is the case that what people need is the community which religions have done a really good job of building, and its one of the things that secular organizations are working towards doing now, building stronger communities.

Meanwhile, just a little online searching shows that it is a consistent finding that attending church tends to cause people to live longer and healthier lives.

TIME magazine said (Feb. 15, 2018): If a long life is what youre after, going to church may be the answer to your prayers.

Harvard Professor Tyler J. VanderWeele noted: Over the last 20 years, research has gradually accumulated suggesting that religious service attendance is associated with better physical and mental health.

For example, a study published a few years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded: Frequent attendance at religious services was associated with significantly lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among women. Religion and spirituality may be an underappreciated resource that physicians could explore with their patients, as appropriate.

They also noted that an overall look at studies on the connection between attendance at religious services and mortality between 1994 and 2009 concluded that religious service attendance helped reduce mortality by 18% in healthy populations.

The New York Times (June 12, 2016) adds more details of this particular long-term research project involving 75,534 women: After controlling for more than two dozen factors, they found that compared with those who never went to church, going more than once a week was associated with a 33 percent lower risk for death from any cause, attending once a week with a 26 percent lower risk, and going less than once a week a 13 percent lowered risk. Risks for mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer followed a similar pattern.

The more often you go to church, the more healthy you tend to be.

These findings are consistent. About 15 years ago, I interviewed Dr. Byron Johnson, now of Baylor, then of the University of Pennsylvania, about the impact of church-going on peoples lives.

Said Johnson: There is research now that seems to indicate faith does add to lifestyle and satisfaction. ... So we reviewed over 770 studies, on religion, to see what the impact was. Every study that we could find. And thats when we came up with the conclusion that about 85 percent have a beneficial effect. ... People of faith report higher levels of satisfaction, higher levels of hope and meaning, purpose in their lives than their counterparts who dont have that same kind of commitment.

And he added this amazing statistic: We have serious research that indicates regular church attendance can add as much as seven years to longevity for white Americans and 14 years for African-Americans.

To me going to church is its own reward. But how nice to see it is also good for me.
A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine cautions the public against believing and acting on information on probiotics online because most of the websites offering such information are not dependable and their sources are dubious.

The researchers say that Google does a good job of selecting and pushing up the best-quality websites when a consumer uses its search function. However, this doesnt change the fact that most sites offering information about probiotics are commercial, backed by commercial or news outlets for the sake of profit. Researcher Pietro Ghezzi says that as a result, These provide the least complete information, in terms of not discussing potential side effects or regulatory issues.

In addition, they claim a lot of benefits for probiotics in diseases for which the evidence is not high-quality or has been collected from mouse studies rather than human clinical trials.

Intestinal bacteria 3d illustration Credit: nobeastsofierce / Shutterstock

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial living organisms that may improve the state of health when taken internally in adequate amounts, both in general and in specific disease conditions. These are now available over the counter in hundreds of different formulations.

Many millions of Americans use probiotics for a range of health and disease indications, with the market being worth $40 billion in 2017. However, because advertising regulations for products claiming to have health benefits are more stringent in the US, the European market is smaller. The consumer base for these products is constantly on the rise, however, because of the global rise in the sale of products online.

This prompted the study based on the huge volume of often exaggerated health claims for probiotics presented by online sites and news media. The indication was to evaluate the accuracy of the news and information that the average member of the public would get to hear, see or read through an online search.

The study

The purpose of the study was to examine what would happen if the word probiotics was typed into a Google search box. The first 150 pages were examined with reference to their location online, such as commercial, news, governmental, health portal, and professional, making 8 categories in all.

The researchers then looked at the quality of the health information on the site, based on two criteria: the JAMA score and the HONcode certification. The JAMA score is based on four elements:

Authors are named

Date of publication

Website owner is indicated

Sources are referenced

The Health-On-the-Net (HON) code is assigned by an independent Swiss organization that evaluates the reliability and credibility of the health information presented online using 8 criteria, ranging from the authors credentials and type of information, to relevant citations, justifiability, transparency (indicating editor and webmaster with contact information),financial disclosure and separation of advertisements from actual content in a clear manner.

Next, the diseases and pathological or physiological processes mentioned on the webpages mentioned were enumerated.

The organisms mentioned as being in the probiotics were listed.

Next, they assessed whether the site gave complete information, using four criteria:

whether scientific references were given

cautions that evidence was not always strong for all proposed probiotic benefits

safety issues with probiotics

regulatory status of the probiotic in question

Finally, they looked at the available scientific evidence for the efficacy of probiotics against these diseases for this purpose, they used the Cochrane library, which contains a vast amount of evidence-based information from clinical trials as well as meta-analyses.

The study also included a more practical aspect  the Google ranking of the websites and whether the information appeared within 3 or less clicks, which is the average range of the lay reader. Explains co-researcher Michael Goldman, Often the public will not go past the first ten results - these will therefore have a higher visibility and impact.

The results

The scientists found that in only 1 in 10 webpages were high-quality, in terms of meeting all four criteria. About 40% contained a caution as to possible limitation of benefits. About the same number referenced scientific work to support the claims they made. Only a quarter even spoke about possible adverse effects.

The researchers conclude that most of the first 150 results were linked to either commercial outlets (43%) or news providers (31%). However, the top 10 websites were health portals or commercial, at 44% and 22%. All 10 had an average JAMA score of 3 out of a possible 4. Among the 10, 44% had a HONcode seal but only 6% of the remaining websites.

Based on the analysis of the diseases mentioned in the webpages and the evidence that probiotics could help significantly in managing these conditions, the results showed that most of these top-ranked pages were providing misleading information. The average commercial website promoting probiotics was unlikely to provide reliable health information. The median completeness score was 2 and 1 for the top 10 and the remaining websites respectively.

Many of them did not even mention the risks of using probiotics in individuals with weakened immunity, nor was the issue of regulatory restrictions brought up. And many of the inflated claims that probiotics had been found to be useful in treating specific conditions in humans were based, in fact, on findings in mouse experiments. Only less than a quarter had supporting evidence, and one in five had no evidence at all!

Strikingly, probiotics were strongly recommended for gastrointestinal disorders, strengthening the immune system, mental disorders and cardiovascular disorders  however, only the first area has correspondingly heavy experimental references, while the others have no Cochrane reviews at all. Even with gut disorders, the evidence is partial and uncertain, which is not reflected in the webpages.

On the other hand, Google analytics uses very tight standards to make sure that websites offering health information conform to high standards of quality. The fuller the information, and the greater the scientific support, the higher the ranking of the probiotics-linked page, according to the researchers. This is particularly so if the webpage is part of a health portal. This will push up science-based probiotics webpages to a higher rank than a commercial webpage.

However, the sheer volume of commercially oriented information is a great problem for people who want to truly know if taking probiotics could help them. In realistic terms, it is now up to the consumer to evaluate the source of information on any site. It is necessary to set up a new framework as well as policies to regulate how probiotic information is presented to the public to avoid false claims and misuse of this freedom.
They star together in Just Mercy, the real-life story of an African-American man wrongly sent to death row in Alabama in 1988.

And Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx looked dapper as they attended a special screening of Just Mercy at Vue Leicester Square in London on Wednesday.

Michael, 32, cut a stylish figure at the event in a light green blazer which he paired with matching trousers and a crisp white shirt.

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, 32, and Jamie Foxx, 52, looked dapper as they attended a special screening of Just Mercy at Vue Leicester Square in London on Wednesday

The actor stood alongside his co-star Jamie Foxx, 52, who donned a navy blazer and trousers with a black top.

The pair looked in high spirits as they laughed and shared a joke while posing on the red carpet.

The actors were joined on the red carpet by Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and social justice activist who Michael plays in the film.

Just Mercy tells the true story of Bryan, a renowned civil rights attorney who sets out to free death row inmate Walter McMillian (played by Jamie).

Dapper: Michael cut a stylish figure at the event in a light green blazer which he paired with matching trousers and a crisp white shirt

Walter was a pulpwood worker from Alabama, who was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death despite being at a fish fry 11 miles away at the time a young woman was shot to death.

His conviction was founded on police coercion and perjury before the judge used a doctrine unique to the state called Judge Override to sentence him to death.

This meant that despite a jury imposing a sentence of life imprisonment, the judge sent him to death row, where he had already spent 15 months pre-trial.

In November 1988 Bryan, then 28 and a Harvard Law School and Harvard School of Government graduate, took on the task of appealing Walter's case.

Style: The actor stood alongside his co-star Jamie Foxx who donned a navy blazer and trousers with a black top

After serving six years, in 1993, the Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the lower court decision and ruled he had been wrongfully convicted.

After Francis McDormand's iconic Oscar speech that made 'inclusion rider' a hot-button term, Michael was the first actor to adopt it with all of his projects through his company Outlier Society.

His new film Just Mercy, which he executive produced, will become the first major studio film to adopt the inclusion rider.

It mandates that women, people of colour, LGBTQ people and others from underrepresented groups be considered for cast and crew jobs.

Screening: The pair looked in high spirits as they laughed and shared a joke while posing on the red carpet

True story: The actors were joined on the red carpet by Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and social justice activist who Michael plays in the film

Co-stars: Just Mercy also stars Brie Larson, Rob Morgan and Tom Blake Nelson

In a wide-ranging interview with Variety, Michael spoke about what drove him to adopt the inclusion rider.

He said: 'We're always coming from a place of not having power. I was like, man, I want my environment to be a reflection of the world I'm living in.'

We started figuring out a way to do this, so now if you want to do this project with me, you've got to accept these terms,' he added.

Michael's company Outlier Society has a first look deal with Warner Bros., the studio producing Just Mercy, and he also helped the studio and its parent company WarnerMedia to adopt the inclusion rider across all divisions of the company.

Director Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12, The Glass Castle) said that the inclusion rider allowed crew members who had worked in the industry for years to finally be the head of their own department.

Suave: Later, Jamie went for a stroll through Leicester Square following the film's screening

Out and about: The actor wrapped up in a black knee-length coat and also sported a pair of shades

'They did a kicka*s job,' said Cretton. 'That's the thing. These aren't favours that we're giving out. This is us getting to a point where we're finally giving people what they deserve.'

Brie Larson, who plays Stevenson's colleague Eva Ansley, said the more inclusive set lead to a much better environment.

She said: 'What I remember most is sitting as a group  cast, filmmakers, crew  and having these incredibly open, vulnerable conversations when the cameras werent rolling.

'Conversations that ultimately shaped the course of the filmmaking process in a powerful way. It wouldnt have been possible in a less inclusive environment.

Plot: Just Mercy tells the true story of Bryan, a renowned civil rights attorney who sets out to free death row inmate Walter McMillian (played by Jamie)

Jamie previously revealed he drew on his Texas background for the role.

He said: 'It allowed me to understand that when theyre saying "n****s," its sort of like very matter of fact.

'Its just another Tuesday. You have to have that sensibility to understand who this character is.

Just Mercy debuted Christmas Day in limited release to qualify for awards season, before expanding US-wide on January 10. It will be released in the UK on January 24.
GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Des Moines Partnership unveiled its 2020 Strategic Priorities and shared its 2019 accomplishments at the 131st Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center.

The Partnership announced its economic development work with state and local partners resulted in 22 existing business expansions, 11 new company locations and a capital investment of nearly $1.27 billion in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

The Partnership also unveiled its 2019 Annual Report video to highlight 2019 successes.

"The success of The Partnership is due in large part to our Investors and Members who are pushing our region forward," said 2019 Greater Des Moines Partnership Board Chair Kathryn Kunert, Vice President, Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy Company. "The region's continued progress is directly tied to projects like water trails that are true connectors for our communities and know no boundaries. We will continue to focus on Greater Des Moines' opportunities that will maximize our momentum as we move into 2020."

During the program, Partnership 2020 Board Chair Tom Mahoney, Chairman of the Board of ITA Group Holdings, discussed innovation as a theme for the next year and unveiled five Strategic Priorities for The Partnership in 2020:

Partner on the advancement of the DSM International Airport Project.

Enhance the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through activation of the Downtown riverfront and rivers.

Demonstrate progress toward the Future Ready DSM 75x25 goal by increasing the number of working-age adults who have completed a post-secondary education experience aligned to industry demand. This goal is in alignment with Future Ready Iowa.

Build upon momentum Downtown through the creation of a long-term Downtown Vision Plan.

Increase support for minority-owned businesses in DSM.

Learn how to take action on The Partnership's 2020 Strategic Priorities.

"The Partnership's 2020 Strategic Priorities will push the envelope on innovative ideas to continue growing our region," Mahoney said. "We will be thinkers and dreamers and doers, and it will take a collaborative effort to make our priorities successful."

The Partnership also announced its Board of Directors and Executive Board. In addition to Mahoney and Kunert's roles, Fred Buie with Keystone Electrical Manufacturing and Rowena Crosbie with Tero International will be Vice Chairs. Mike McCoy with NCMIC will be the Secretary/Treasurer. See the full list of the 2020 Greater Des Moines Partnership Board of Directors and Executive Board.

This year's Annual Dinner keynote presentation was headlined by Walter Isaacson, Professor of History at Tulane and an advisory partner at Perella Weinberg, a financial services firm based in New York City. He spoke on innovative figures throughout history and encouraged DSM leaders to think in an innovative way.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com .

Contact: Courtney Shaw

[email protected]

(515) 286-4919

Learn More About DSM USA

SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership

Related Links

https://www.dsmpartnership.com


By PTI

NEW DELHI: The government is not contemplating any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. He said that India believes in fair play and equal treatment to all the countries.

"I don't think we have put any curbs on imports from Malaysia, and neither we are contemplating nor we have put any curbs on Turkey," he said here at the Raisina Dialogue.

The minister said that any import curbs being imposed by India is only to protect the interest of the country and it is uniform in nature.

"If some of the restrictions impact Malaysia, I don't think that is the only country that is being impacted. There are other exporters to India who would have the same impact," he added.

The government on January 8 imposed restrictions on imports of refined palm oil, which is expected to impact Malaysia. Indonesia and Malaysia are the two countries which supply palm oil.

The move comes in the backdrop of remarks by Malaysia on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue.

On December 20 last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad had reportedly said, "I am sorry to see that India, which claims to be a secular state, is now taking action to deprive some Muslims of their citizenship".

"If we do that here, you know what will happen. There will be chaos, there will be instability and everyone will suffer," he had said. Turkey too criticised India over the situation in Kashmir.
Allegations have recently emerged linking Colombias former right-wing president and current senator Alvaro Uribe with Mexican drug cartels, right-wing paramilitary groups and the American Drug Enforcement Agency in a plot to traffic large quantities of cocaine into Mexico between 2006 and 2008.

If true, the allegations would represent the latest in a series of incidents and revelations exposing the so-called war on drugs waged by the United States and Colombia as a phony pretext for decades of militarization, as well as the intimate role played by both countries governments in the lucrative multi-billion-dollar narcotics industry.

Uribe has long been a dominant figure in Colombian politics and is the chief political patron of current President Ivan Duque, who heads the Democratic Center (CD) party founded by Uribe in 2014. Before the most recent allegations, Uribe had already been under investigation since 2018 by the Colombian Supreme Court on charges of tampering of witnesses who had testified that he was one of the founders of the far-right paramilitary group Bloque Metro when he was governor of the province of Antioquia. Recent revelations that the military has been spying on the prosecutors involved in this case, with President Duque being fully aware, have fueled widespread popular opposition to his administration, which has an approval rating of merely 24 percent.

A series of nationwide strikes and protests against government corruption, social inequality, political assassinations and state violence erupted on November 21, 2019, and are set to resume on January 21, with none of the protesters demands having been met. The protests have been the largest in Colombia since 1977 and are part of a region-wide and global resurgence of class struggle.

The recent allegations against Uribe were made by a former security chief for Colombian airliner Air Cargo Lines, in an interview with whistleblower and investigative journalist Richard Maok. Maok, a former detective and IT specialist with the Cuerpo Tecnico de Investigacion (CTI, the Colombian equivalent of the FBI) went public two decades ago with strong evidence showing top right-wing paramilitary figures working in close coordination with the army, intelligence agencies and other government institutions, including congress, to install Alvaro Uribe as the future president of Colombia.

For his exposures of criminality in the Colombian state, Maok faced death threats and assassination attempts, and was granted political asylum in Canada where he continues his journalistic activities and remains a fierce critic of the Colombian government.

According to the Air Cargo Lines security chief, between 2006-2008, while president, Uribe received large bribes from representatives of the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for helping traffic 10,000 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico. As part of the deal, Uribe authorized the construction of a hangar on the grounds of a Bogota airport to be used as a logistical hub for the operation, and instructed the countrys aviation authority to allow a privately owned Mexican DC8 aircraft to fly in and out of the country without first passing through customs.

The cocaine exported was provided by the Colombian Paisa cartel, which was composed of ex-members of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC, or United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia), accurately described by Latin American crime research organization Insight Crime as a coalition of right-wing death squads that used the [civil war] to camouflage their illicit economic activities [including] drug trafficking, displacement, kidnapping, and extortion.

The AUC paramilitary group has been exposed by Richard Maok as playing a key role in bringing Uribe to power in 2000. The latest whistleblower interviewed by Maok also alleges that he met several times at the American embassy with Emir Abreu, an official of the American Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stationed in Colombia, who gave his blessing for the operation. The arrangement ended in 2006 when a metric ton of cocaine went missing from the sixth shipment to Mexico.

While the former airline security official has chosen to remain anonymous, the allegations appear credible in light of other reports connecting Uribe to Colombian paramilitary and drug trafficking organizations. These date back to the early 1980s, when Uribe, then head Colombias civil aviation agency, was accused of giving air licenses to drug traffickers.

Previously classified cables from the early 1990s released by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and State Department in 2018 describe a politically emergent Alvaro Uribe as a close personal friend of Pablo Escobar, the richest and most powerful narco-trafficker in the world. Uribe was said to be dedicated to collaboration with Escobars Medellin Cartel, at the time responsible for most of the cocaine imported to the United States. The Medellin Cartel terrorized the population of the city and surrounding Antioquia region from 1976 to 1993, assassinating thousands and making Medellin the murder capital of the world.

As for the United States, among the most infamous drug trafficking episodes in the last five decades was the CIAs facilitation in the mid-80s of cocaine trafficking from Colombia through Panama into the United States by the CIA-backed Contra guerrilla group that waged a bloody insurgency against the left-nationalist Sandinista government of Nicaragua. Public exposure and a congressional investigation into the sordid affair did nothing to end the ongoing involvement of powerful sections of the state in international drug trafficking.

As the WSWS noted in 2014:

Relations between the US ruling elite and organized crime have flourished in the decades since the Contra war. In April 2006, the capture of a cocaine-laden DC9 owned by the Sinaloa cartel exposed money laundering operations by Wachovia bank on behalf of the massive cartel, which operates across more than 40 countries. The cartel, responsible for 25 percent of illegal drugs sold in the US, passed some $370 billion to Wachovia, investigators found. Large infusions of drug money played a key role in stabilizing the finances of the big banks during the 2008 financial crisis, according to top UN official for drugs and crime Antonio Maria Costa. During a 2012 Al Jazeera interview, an official spokesman for the government of Mexico's Chihuahua province accused the CIA of managing the drug trade.

Another notable incident possibly linking the CIA to the Colombian drug trade was the crash in 2007 of a Florida-based Gulfstream II Jet over Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula. Several tons of cocaine were discovered on the jet, which took off from the Rio Negro airport in Medellin, Colombia.

As documented by the WSWS, the bill of sale for the Gulfstream jet was listed as Greg Smith, a pilot previously employed by the FBI, DEA and ICE. The sale of the aircraft was facilitated by the son of Ismael Zambada Garcia, a top official in the Sinaloa Cartel, through Wachovia accounts. Highlighting the interconnection between the fraudulent war on drugs and war on terror, the plane was also identified as being involved in the CIAs extraordinary rendition and torture program, transporting captives to secret prisons around the globe.

The most recent revelations about Alvaro Uribes involvement with international cocaine smuggling further expose that large sections of the Colombian statethe closest ally of US imperialism in South Americaare deeply involved in the multi-billion-dollar cocaine industry stretching from Colombia to Mexico and the United States.

Colombias more than three-decade-long US-backed war on drugs was waged under the auspices of Plan Colombia. Launched under the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton in 1998, it funneled some $10 billion in mostly military aid to Colombia, financing a bloody counter-insurgency campaign that killed many tens of thousands, while driving millions from their homes.

The so-called drug war in Colombia, like that in the US itself, has served as a smokescreen for government criminality, while providing a pretext for violence inflicted upon the broader population. In Colombia, this war on drugs has translated into decades of militarization, political assassinations, the indiscriminate murder of workers, the poisoning of the rural population through Vietnam-style aerial fumigation and support for right wing death squads such as the AUC.
US President Donald Trumps shaky grasp of geography includes not knowing that India shares a border with China, according to a new book by a pair of reporters for The Washington Post.

The book, A Very Stable Genius by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig, highlights episodes of volatile behavior by the president along with his ignorance of basic geography and history.

Its not like youve got China on your border, the authors quoted Trump as telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting between the two leaders.

Also Watch l US, China sign Phase 1 of momentous trade deal

India and China share a border and the two countries went to war in 1962 over a disputed Himalayan section of the frontier.

Following Trumps border comment and seeming dismissal of the threat China poses to India, Modis eyes bulged out in surprise, according to the book, excerpts of which were published in the Post on Wednesday.

Modis expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation, it said.

After the meeting, the Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States, a Trump aide told the authors.

The book also recounts a tour by Trump of a memorial for the USS Arizona, a US warship that was sunk by Japanese planes in the December 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbour.

Hey, John, whats this all about? Whats this a tour of? Trump is quoted as asking his then-chief of staff John Kelly.

Trump had heard the phrase Pearl Harbor and appeared to understand that he was visiting the scene of a historic battle, but he did not seem to know much else, the book said.

He was at times dangerously uninformed, the book quotes a former senior White House adviser as saying.

The book said Trump lobbied then secretary of state Rex Tillerson in 2017 to help get rid of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which prevents US firms from bribing foreign officials for business deals.

Its just so unfair that American companies arent allowed to pay bribes to get business overseas, Trump is quoted as saying. Were going to change that.

The book also recounts an exchange between Trump and Anthony Scaramucci, who served briefly as White House communications director and is now a fierce critic of the president.

Scaramucci said he once asked Trump, Are you an act?

Im a total act and I dont understand why people dont get it, Trump reportedly replied.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 19:55:28|Editor: zh

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RABAT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-Moroccan cultural and tourist year in 2020 will be a new driving force for bilateral relations, Chinese Ambassador to Morocco Li Li said.

During a press conference on Wednesday in Rabat, the Chinese diplomat indicated that the Sino-Moroccan cultural and tourist year in 2020, which will be officially launched on Feb. 13, constitutes a new important milestone in Moroccan-Chinese relations.

Li said he is convinced that this year will promote human exchanges and mutual inspiration in the fields of culture and tourism cooperation, as well as allow the two peoples to consolidate their mutual understanding and friendship.

The Sino-Moroccan cultural and tourist year falls within the context of the state visit of Moroccan King Mohammed VI to China in 2016, during which the two countries established the strategic partnership crowned by the launch of a direct flight between Beijing and Casablanca, which will be inaugurated Thursday, he added.

Tarik Seddik, director of strategy and cooperation at the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, recalled that the visit of the Moroccan king to China and the visa waiver for Chinese citizens had a positive impact on the number of Chinese tourists to Morocco.

The Sino-Moroccan year is essentially based on culture and tourism, expressing the determination of the ministry to set up a remarkable program, reflecting the importance of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he added.

First of its kind, the Sino-Moroccan cultural and tourist year promises a rich Moroccan cultural activity in China, including the launch of the "Pavillon du Maroc," which presents moroccan musical instruments, artisanal products and traditions of tea, a product of common cultural interest between the two peoples.

A series of cultural and artistic activities as well as cooperation projects will be organized during 2020 in Morocco, notably the Moroccan-Chinese tourist forum, the activity "Let's pass the Chinese new year," in addition to the dance drama "the wind blows from the sea."
Hailing Bihar for giving "the best response" to amended Citizenship Act, BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to the people to pledge their support to the new law by giving a missed call on a designated number from their mobile phones.

He urged the crowd attending a pro-CAA rally at Kharauna in Vaishali district, about 75 km from capital Patna, to give a missed call to the 8866288662, pledging their support to the legislation which has triggered country-wide protests.

Shah also sought to dispel "rumours" of discord within the NDA in the state, asserting that the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Shah slammed the Opposition for misleading minorities about the Act in pursuance of their "vote bank" politics and engineering violence that had erupted in the aftermath.

Underscoring that the law provided for granting citizenship and not snatching it away from anybody, he said the party was organizing rallies across the country with a view to busting the misinformation campaign.

He talked in support of the CAA, but did not mention NRC or NPR (National Population Register) in his speech.

Opposition RJD, Congress and their Grand Alliance partners in Bihar have been campaigning among the people against the CAA, proposed NRC and NPR. Lalu Prasad's RJD has been targetting chief minister Nitish Kumar over these issues.

Kumar, whose party JD(U) voted in favour of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Parliament to help it become an Act, has said a country-wide implementation of National Register of Citizens was "needless" and had "no justification".

On NPR, he said in state assembly on Monday last that his government agreed in principle to it as they did likewise when such an exercise was last conducted 10 years ago.

He, however, had emphasised that the census should be caste-based.

Shah sought support of the people to the Modi governments measures like CAA as also abrogation of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

With Bihar scheduled to see elections in the current year, Shah declared "I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition with Kumars JD(U). The elections will be contested under Nitish Kumars leadership".

"Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era.

"The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar respectively", Shah flanked by Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nityanand Rai and Ashwini Choubey besides state unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, said.

Shah had earlier stated in a couple of TV interviews that the chief minister will lead the NDA charge in the assembly polls. This was, however, the first occasion for him to make a pronouncement to the effect on the soil of Bihar.

Utterances of a few Nitish-bashers in the state BJP and comments of some JD(U) leaders against CAA had triggered speculations if all was well in the NDA in the state.

Kumar, who had severed ties with the BJP in 2013 and formed a government of the Grand Alliance with the RJD and the Congress in 2015, joined hands with the saffron party again in mid-2017 to form a NDA coalition ministry.

The NDA won 39 out of a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the last general election in Bihar. Now it would be interesting to watch if this could be repeated in the assembly polls before term of the present House comes to an end in November.

Squarely blaming the Congress for the Partition, Shah cited the dramatic fall in the population of non-Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh over the years and claimed this was on account of religious persecution which included forcible conversion and violence.

"Where did all the non-Muslims vanish? The CAA is aimed at helping those who had to flee these countries after their women were raped in front of their eyes, their property was captured and their places of worship desecrated, said the Home Minister about the new law to give citizenship to non- Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Highlighting that leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Azad had all stressed on the need for ensuring minorities rights in Pakistan, the BJP leader said "Rahul baba and his Congress should pay heed to the stance of their past generation of leaders and stop spreading misinformation about CAA.

Referring to Matuas and Namashudras lower caste Bengali-speaking refugees who have migrated to states bordering Bangladesh and stand to benefit from the legislation



Shah accused Lalu Prasad and "Mamata didi" of being insensitive to their plight.

Training his guns at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party the BJP seeks to defeat in the coming assembly polls, Shah said "when slogans like bharat tere tukde honge hazaar (India shall be broken into a thousand fragments) a few years ago at JNU, the Narendra Modi government put the guilty behind bars. But Kejriwal government has been creating hurdles in their prosecution".

Taking a dig at civil rights activists who have been critical of Modi government on issues like mob lynching, abrogation of Article 370, Babri mosque demolition and also CAA, Shah said "they should realize that hapless refugees also have human rights and our move is an endorsement of the same.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A nudist retreat primarily used by couples over the age of 50 has been touted as Australia's answer to the Playboy Mansion.

Rainer Mueckenberger runs the Noosa Edge Paradise facility, which is hidden in plain sight in holiday haven of Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast.

The 70-year-old naturist offers bondage courses, tantric massages and pleasure rooms for his guests, as well as an onsite gym.

Romantic rock cave spa treatments for couples can also be purchased separately in 'The Cave' where people have the option of nestling into ceiling-high bubbles.

The Cave shares similarities with the original Playboy Mansion cave spa, which lit up at night and was often used for Hugh Hefner's infamous parties.

The website offers different packages to suit different couples needs, including group bookings

The retreat features a BDSM room and bondage swings, as well as other equipment

Mr Mueckenberger believes he has created an oasis where people, particularly couples who are later in life, can reconnect with their sensual sides and explore their sexual curiosities.

'Here you can be free of your restrictions,' he told Sunshine Coast Daily.

He said plenty of his clients are working professionals who feel they can come inside and drop their inhibitions.

'They want to drop their police uniform or their building uniform,' he said. 'You drop all your clothes and we are all the same.'

Another feature is The Cave (left), which has a spa and massage beds that people can rent out and is similar to the famous spa in the Playboy Mansion (right)

Pictured: A group of women enjoying their time in a spa at the Noosa Edge Paradise facility

Pictured: Part of the hot tub and pool area in the Playboy Mansion in 2013

Mr Mueckenberger previously told StartsAt60 the general assumption when he discusses his facility is that it hosts swingers events.

'I have a naturist retreat, I don't promote swingers parties but if you ring up and explain you want to rent The Cave for the night, I will book that,' he said.

In some cases, The Cave has been hired by more than one couple in a night.

'People want to come here to explore and play,' he said. 'If they've been married for a certain amount of years, they might become too shy to actually talk about their fantasies and fetishes.

Pictured: The inside of The Cave, where couples can treat themselves to a spa facility

Mr Mueckenberger believes he has created an oasis where people, particularly couples who are later in life, can reconnect with their sensual sides and explore their sexual curiosities

Room prices start at about $280 per night and go up to $400 per night, but services come at an extra cost.

A specially designed BDSM room stocked with chains, gags, ropes, a suspension cross, whipping benches and floggers are also available for an additional cost.

With enough notice, the venue can also make experienced dominatrix's available.

The experiences are open to anybody over the age of 18, but Mr Mueckenberger previously said most of his clients were in their 50s or 60s.
The heads of U.S. intelligence agencies are trying to wriggle out of their annual briefing to Congress on worldwide threatsat least the portion of the briefing thats open to the publicso that they wont have to appear on television disagreeing with President Donald Trump.

This effort, reported in Politico, marks the latest maneuver by Trump to impose total personal control over the executive branchand it reflects a growing tendency, on the part of federal agencies, to bow to his will.

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In their last public threat briefing to Congress, in January 2019, the intelligence chiefs testified that Iran was abiding by the nuclear deal signed by former President Barack Obama, that North Korea would never surrender all of its nuclear weapons, that ISIS continued to stoke violence in Iraq and Syria, and that Russian cyberoperations still posed a threat to Americas elections and infrastructure.

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All these claimsbased on analyses by all 16 U.S. intelligence agenciescontradicted assertions made by Trump, and he angrily struck back in a series of tweets, one of which lambasted the Intelligence people as extremely passive and naive and told them to go back to school!

Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, and his deputy, Sue Gordon, were fired a few months later for their overall disloyaltythe most egregious sin in Trumps eyes. Coats successor, Joseph Maguire, has not yet been officially nominated for the post; he remains acting director, which is the way Trump likes things. That means Maguire is still auditioning for the job and is therefore less likely to alienate his prospective bossand he has sworn no obligation to Congress, which he would have done in the course of a confirmation process.

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Intelligence agencies, of course, have been wrong in the past. And, in any case, a president has the right to disputeor pursue policies that rub againsttheir assessments. But those agencies are supposed to be independent, and for a reason. If they gear their reports to what they think a president wants to hear, theyre bound to miss some real threats on the horizonand to collude in the manufacturing of fake ones. In other words, they will endanger national security. (It is well known that, in the runup to the invasion of Iraq, Vice President Dick Cheney pressured the CIA to cherry-pick raw intelligence to make Saddam Hussein seem like a bigger threat than he was.)

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Trump is known to cite intelligence findings when they back him upand to ignore or outright reject them when they dont. In his 2018 summit with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, he said that, on the question of whether the Kremlin interfered in the 2016 election, he took the Russian presidents word over that of a unanimous U.S. intelligence report. And several times, he has taken North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns assurances on denuclearization over the intelligence warnings that Kim intends no such thing.

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It would be one thing if Trumps disagreements stemmed from his own thorough study of the situation, but, by his own admission, theyre usually rooted in a gut feeling.

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In their new book, A Very Stable Genius, Philip Rucker and Carol D. Leonnig, reporters for the Washington Post, note that, after Trump met Putin for the first time at a G-20 summit, he promptly declared himself a Russia expert, dismissing the insights of thenSecretary of State Rex Tillerson, who had worked with Russian leaders since the 1990s as an executive with Exxon Mobil. Tillersons years of negotiating with Putin and studying his moves on the chessboard were suddenly irrelevant, the authors write.  I have had a two-hour meeting with Putin, Trump told Tillerson. Thats all I need to know Ive sized it all up. Ive got it. 

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The Politico story predicts that congressional committees will demand that the intelligence chiefs appear in a public session whether they want to or not, and that the chiefs, who depend on the Hill for funding, will comply. But this is far from a sure bet, given Trumps recent patternseen most blatantly during the House impeachment inquiryof blocking officials from testifying.

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Meanwhile, all of Trumps top Cabinet officersincluding the confirmed onesare firmly in his pocket. Look at Secretary of Defense Mark Espers behavior after Trump told Fox News that Gen. Qassim Soleimani was about to attack four U.S. embassies before Trump ordered his killing. Asked about this on CBSs Face the Nation, Esper replied that he personally saw no such intelligence, which means no such intelligence exists. But then he added, I share the presidents view that probablymy expectation was they were going to go after our embassies.

Two points for Esper in Trumps book of whos loyal and whos not; 10 points against him in what might be a citizens ledger of whos committed to national security and the truth.
Description

GIS  16 January, 2020: An inter-sectoral collaboration is key to control and prevent the outbreak of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya, in particular during the currently prevailing cyclonic and rainy season.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, made this statement this morning, at the inter-sectoral meeting on Vector-Borne Diseases held under his chairmanship at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis. Representatives of various Ministries and other key stakeholders attended the meeting.

The Minister highlighted that Mauritius being a tropical country is considerably vulnerable to outbreaks and proliferation of vector-borne diseases. Mosquitoes, he pointed out, are one of the deadliest insects in the world due to their ability to carry and spread diseases to humans. Mosquito-borne diseases, he added, cause millions of deaths every year, with malaria being the cause of 438 000 deaths in 2015 while the worldwide incidence of dengue has risen thirty-fold in the past 30 years.

Moreover, Dr Jagutpal indicated that both the massive inflow of tourists and Mauritians travelling abroad can bring in imported cases of vector-borne diseases. Hence, the necessity of additional vigilance and control of passengers arriving from epidemic prone countries, he stated.

Government, the Minister emphasised, is ensuring that there is a proper planning for logistics to effectively monitor and control the situation across Mauritius, notably in high-risks areas. He dwelt on the series of preventive measures being taken by various parties including the disease surveillance system, the Central Health Laboratory, the Communicable Diseases Control Unit, the Vector Biology and Control division, and the Health Inspectorate Cadre.

Each stakeholder, recalled Dr Jagutpal, is required to implement measures in his respective sector. This can be achieved namely through the mobilisation of workforce and resources to engage in activities including cleaning campaigns, detecting and reporting suspected cases, awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of information as regards precautions to be taken.

According to the Minister, it is critical that there is a multisectoral collaboration as well as community participation for an effective and sustainable control of vector-borne diseases. He also spoke about the existing legal framework pertaining to the control of vector-borne diseases including penalty fees against offenders, the Environment Protection Act 2002 and the Public Health Act (Section 48), that will help to deal with potential outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.
South Africa can now strip refugees of their asylum status if they engage in any political activity related to their home countries, according to a new law that critics call illegal and deeply ironic after the ruling party fought the former apartheid government for years as a liberation movement in exile.

Representatives of refugees and asylum seekers say they will go to court to challenge the new law which they say limits freedoms of speech and expression guaranteed under South Africas constitution, a globally praised document created after the racist system of apartheid ended and the African National Congress came to power.

The new law quietly took effect Jan. 1, startling a community of refugees from around the continent who have long relied on the freedom in South Africa to speak out against what they call repressive governments back home in places such as Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Congo.

Asked whether the ban on political activities  including voting  contradicted the ruling ANCs own history in exile in African nations, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi asserted to local outlet News24 last week that the circumstances are hardly the same.

The ANC people who lived in countries did not go there to say, I am a refugee, just protect me. They went there and said, I am a freedom fighter, said Motsoaledi, whose bio says he was involved with the ANCs armed wing during apartheid.

The minister also described the leaders of some African nations that people have fled as being democratically elected, which human rights groups would reject. Rwandas President Paul Kagame won the last election with nearly 100% of the vote, Zimbabwes army opened fire on people protesting after its most recent election and the U.N. human rights office has called Burundi one of the most prolific slaughterhouses of humans in recent times over its election turmoil.

As questions over the new law continue, however, the Home Affairs minister on Tuesday told the South African Broadcasting Corporation it might be that the wording might have been wrong and if so, we will correct it.

But Motsoaledi defended the new requirement that any political activity by refugees first obtain his permission, comparing it to getting authorities permission for a public protest.

We need to know if its wrong and its going to cause war in the (home) country, he told the state broadcaster. We need to warn them and say, No, no, no, this will cause war with our neighbors, its not good for us.

That sentiment worries some refugees.

During an interview with The Associated Press, one Rwandan activist and refugee, Gabriel Hertis, paged through the South African constitutions Bill of Rights, which the constitutional court says has had the greatest impact on life in this country.

This new law is against all Im looking at, he said, listing guarantees of equality, dignity, freedom of association and more. This is an attempt to change the constitution through back-door channels.

For years, some African governments have complained to South Africa about the activities of people who fled here and found a relatively safe place to be outspoken, and until now South Africa had withstood the pressure, Hertis asserted.

He worried that informers with Rwandas government, which has been accused of hunting down opposition figures outside its borders, will now approach South African officials and say, Those people are doing politics.

South Africa is inviting the interference of governments, Hertis said.

The new law will have a drastic effect both on newcomers and those already in South Africa, said the spokesman of the African Diaspora Forum, which represents refugees and others from around the continent.

We might even see extraditions, Amir Sheikh told the AP, comparing the actions to U.S. President Donald Trumps restrictive executive orders regarding refugees.

Many asylum-seekers see South Africa as the most obvious choice of refuge on the African continent, said Alicia Raymond, an attorney and lecturer with the Wits Law Clinic at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Theyve heard of Nelson Mandela and they think theyll be protected, she said, referring to the Nobel Peace Prize winner and South Africas first black president. She also recalled people marching a few years ago in protest against South Africas periodic bouts of xenophobic violence.

That act could exclude people from refugee status now, she said. It does not make sense. She doesnt think the new law would withstand a constitutional challenge.

The new law is the latest example of the difficulties asylum seekers face in South Africa, where some 89,000 people are recognized as refugees but some 180,000 people are waiting for word on their claims, Sharon Ekambaram of Lawyers for Human Rights told the state broadcaster on Tuesday. Some have been waiting for more than a decade.

Some of them protested last year at the offices of the United Nations refugee agency in the capital, Pretoria, and in Cape Town, seeking better protection and even evacuation after South Africas latest outburst of xenophobic violence against foreigners.

Ekambaram said her legal group managed to meet with the Home Affairs minister about those and other issues last year  after six years of trying.
While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. We'll use ROE to examine Begbies Traynor Group plc (LON:BEG), by way of a worked example.

Over the last twelve months Begbies Traynor Group has recorded a ROE of 5.6%. That means that for every 1 worth of shareholders' equity, it generated 0.06 in profit.

See our latest analysis for Begbies Traynor Group

How Do I Calculate ROE?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

Or for Begbies Traynor Group:

5.6% = UK3.7m  UK66m (Based on the trailing twelve months to October 2019.)

It's easy to understand the 'net profit' part of that equation, but 'shareholders' equity' requires further explanation. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets.

What Does ROE Signify?

Return on Equity measures a company's profitability against the profit it has kept for the business (plus any capital injections). The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. A higher profit will lead to a higher ROE. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies.

Does Begbies Traynor Group Have A Good Return On Equity?

By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As shown in the graphic below, Begbies Traynor Group has a lower ROE than the average (13%) in the Professional Services industry classification.

AIM:BEG Past Revenue and Net Income, January 16th 2020

Unfortunately, that's sub-optimal. We'd prefer see an ROE above the industry average, but it might not matter if the company is undervalued. Still, shareholders might want to check if insiders have been selling.

Story continues

The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders' equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Combining Begbies Traynor Group's Debt And Its 5.6% Return On Equity

Begbies Traynor Group has a debt to equity ratio of 0.12, which is far from excessive. I'm not impressed with its ROE, but the debt levels are not too high, indicating the business has decent prospects. Judicious use of debt to improve returns can certainly be a good thing, although it does elevate risk slightly and reduce future optionality.

The Bottom Line On ROE

Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. Companies that can achieve high returns on equity without too much debt are generally of good quality. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
[January 16, 2020] doeLEGAL, Inc. Named as Finalist in 2020 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- doeLEGAL, Inc. was named a Finalist today in the Inbound Marketing Program of the Year category in the 14th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and will ultimately be a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Award winner in the program. The awards are presented by the Stevie Awards, which organizes several of the world's leading business awards shows, including the prestigious International Business Awards and the Stevie Awards for Great Employers. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements from among the Finalists will be revealed during a gala banquet on Friday, February 28, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 600 professionals from across the globe are expected to attend. More than 2,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, in 48 nations, were evaluated in this year's competition. Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 180 professionals worldwide, working in seven specialized judging committees. Entries were considered in more than 90 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; more than 60 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Senior Sales Executive of the Year to Sales Training or Business Development Executive of the Year to Sales Department of the Year; and categories to recognize new products and services and solution providers. doeLEGAL has demonstrated its transformation into an outwardly focused legal technology provider, most notably in their marketing efforts. Integrating information from their other business teams, they work together to ensure their messages resonate with the target audience and answer their needs. Their last 18-month campaign proved the benefits of their approach to the markets they serve by increasing overall market penetration, inbound traffic, and sales opportunities more so than ay other time in their 49-year history.



Maggie Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards, commented, "Every Finalist nominee should be proud of the work they did over the past 18 months to be recognized by the judges. They should also be proud of how well they effectively communicated those achievements to the judges. We look forward to recognizing them all with Gold Stevie Award trophies and Silver and Bronze Stevie medals in Las Vegas on February 28." "Being recognized as a finalist in this year's Stevie Awards demonstrates the strides forward doeLEGAL is making by aligning our sales and marketing efforts. The results prove the benefits of our team effort to create dynamic campaigns that meet the evolving needs of our unique markets," said Scott Miller, director of marketing for doeLEGAL.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales. About doeLEGAL

An enterprise-level provider of legal operations tools and elevated support that gives corporate legal departments and law firms anytime, anywhere control over cases and costs to inform decision making and drive more successful outcomes. Acting as a business partner, not a vendor, allows clients to gain valuable insights from a leader in legal technology. doeLEGAL is privately held, located in Wilmington, DE. Visit www.doelegal.com for information on Enterprise Legal Management and eDiscovery technology. Contact Scott Miller for more information at 302-798-7500. About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com. Sponsors of the 14th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include HCL Technologies, Sales Partnerships, Inc. and ValueSelling Associates, Inc. Related Images doelegal-logo.png

doeLEGAL logo

doeLEGAL, ASCENT & eDiscovery technology provider. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/doelegal-inc-named-as-finalist-in-2020-stevie-awards-for-sales--customer-service-300988443.html SOURCE doeLEGAL, Inc.

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Children from the Du Merci Centres in Kano and Kaduna States in Nigeria, which were forcibly closed on 25 and 31 December 2019 respectively, have published a statement condemning the detention of the co-founder of the orphanages, Professor Richard Solomon Musa Tarfa, on his 55th birthday.

Professor Tarfa was detained by authorities on 25 December when armed police officers and officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) raided the orphanage for unwanted children that he had co-founded with his wife in the Christian district of the Kano State capital, initially detaining Professor Tarfa for not having a licence to operate an orphanage. However, the charges were subsequently changed to criminal abduction of minors after his wife produced documentation proving the orphanage was duly registered.

On 3 January, the professors bail terms were set at N5 million (approximately USD13,800) and included the provision that one of his sureties must be employed as an under-secretary in a federal ministry. So far he has been unable to meet these stipulations and is marking his birthday in detention.

In the statement , the children from the orphanage condemn the detention of the professor and the charge levelled against him, saying: The centre provides accommodation for all children brought to the home, we view them as parents and are educated and cared for until we are able to live successful independent lives... He is not a criminal; his only offence is the love he shows to all of us.

Children from the Du Merci Centre at the government-run orphanage

Twenty seven children from the Du Merci Centres in Kano and Kaduna states have been in the government-run Nassarawa Children Home in Kano since being removed from the orphanages. Their current situation was described to CSW Nigeria (CSWN) as being physically, emotionally and psychologically challenging - and deteriorating. The children are reportedly exposed to mosquitos and the cold; they are made to share small beds, and they complain of insufficient food. CSWN was informed that when one of the girls fell ill, she was taken to hospital by officials from the home and effectively abandoned there, and Mrs. Mercy Tarfa made every effort to cover the costs of her treatment.

The childrens statement ends with a call to meaningful people around the world to support them so that they can be reunited with their family. Last week in the UK Lord Alton of Liverpool raised Professor Tarfas case with the Nigerian High Commissioner in London and the BBC, having written earlier to the Police Commissioner and Attorney General of Kano state.

CSWs Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: It is heart-breaking to see these children separated from a man they view as their father due to charges that are completely unfounded. Being taken so abruptly from a home, where they insist they were happy and well cared for, and placed in a far less suitable environment can in no way be considered as being in their best interests. The longer they are separated from the only people they have known as parents, the more psychologically damaging it could be for some of them. We call on the Kano state authorities to drop all charges against Professor Tarfa and release him immediately and without condition. We also echo the childrens call for meaningful people around the world to support their desire to be reunited with their parents, and call for the international community to raise this issue with the Nigerian authorities at every opportunity.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump executive order on refugee refusal in lawsuit by faith-based groups

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A federal judge has put a halt to an executive order that allowed local and state governments to prohibit the resettlement of refugees, siding with a coalition of faith-based charity groups.

U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte of the District of Maryland granted a preliminary injunction Wednesday against the executive order in response to a lawsuit filed by Church World Service, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and HIAS, a Jewish group.

In his decision, Messitte argued that giving states and local governments the power to consent to the resettlement of refugees  flies in the face of clear congressional intent, as expressed in the legislative history of the statute.

CWS President, the Rev. John L. McCullough, celebrated the ruling in a statement posted to the groups Facebook page Wednesday.

This ruling means that newly arriving refugees wont have to choose between being together and accessing critical services as they rebuild their lives, McCullough wrote.

It means that people of faith can continue to live out their calling to welcome the stranger.

HIAS President Mark J. Hetfield also supported the decision, saying in a statement that he believed it shows the country how this administration was wrong to attempt a state-by-state refugee ban.

Judge Messitte found it likely that the executive order is unlawful, and we are grateful for the clarity of this injunction. An overwhelming majority of governors and municipalities have already expressed their desire to continue welcoming refugees, he added. "To those few who have not, we say not only is it unkind and un-American to ban refugees from your states and towns, but it is unlawful.

Last September, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13888, which allowed states and local governments to opt out of resettling refugees.

In resettling refugees into American communities, it is the policy of the United States to cooperate and consult with State and local governments, to take into account the preferences of state governments, and to provide a pathway for refugees to become self-sufficient, stated the order.

State and local governments are best positioned to know the resources and capacities they may or may not have available to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance.

In response, the three faith-based groups filed suit last November against the administration over the executive order, being represented by the legal group International Refugee Assistance Project.

Congress has been clear. State and local governments are to be consulted in decisions about where refugees are placed in the United States, stated IRAP senior litigation staff attorney Melissa Keaney last year. But the Refugee Act establishes Congress unmistakable intent that states and localities were given a voice but not a veto where refugees would be resettled.

While the vast majority of state governors expressed their intention to continue accepting refugees for resettlement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asked to opt out.

Abbott explained in a statement that Texas carried more than its share in assisting the refugee resettlement process and appreciates that other states are available to help with these efforts.

Abbotts decision garnered criticism from some Christian groups, among them more than 300 Texas-based Christian leaders who signed a letter to the governor encouraging him to change his position.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (left) and US President Donald Trump display the signed trade agreement between the US and China in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. (SAUL LOEB/AFP)

"Today, we take a momentous step, one that's never taken before with China," that will ensure "fair and reciprocal trade," Trump said at the White House before signing the document.

Below are key elements of the text:

CHINA'S PROMISED US SHOPPING SPREE

China has agreed to buy US$200 billion more in US goods over two years than it did in 2017, before the trade war began.

This includes US$32 billion in American farm products and seafood, almost US$78 billion in manufactured goods like aircraft, machinery and steel and US$52 billion in energy goods.

"They're basically saying Chinese consumers and the Chinese economy needs these American products and so the deal will codify that," top White House economic aide Larry Kudlow told CNBC before the signing.

As for whether US farms could fill such giant orders, Kudlow added that while American production is not limitless "we've got plenty of capacity to open the throttle."

The agreement also contains provisions to ease regulatory barriers for trade in infant formula, beef, pork, seafood and agricultural biotechnology.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The agreement calls for punishment of the theft of trade secrets and for China to formally ban cyber-theft, the unauthorised disclosure of trade secrets and the use of stolen trade secrets.

It also calls for the creation of a mechanism for resolving disputes over medicine patents.

"The definition of criminal offenses regarding theft of IP and related matters is absolutely a crucial ingredient in this," Kudlow said.

There are also provisions to prevent counterfeiting, including counterfeit medicines, and online copyright infringement.

FORCED TECHNOLOGY TRANFERS

US officials and businesses have long alleged that China routinely forced foreign businesses to surrender technological know-how in return for permission to operate in the vast Asian market.

The agreement signed on Wednesday stipulates that neither side will force persons from the other to transfer technology "in relation to acquisitions, joint ventures, or other investment transactions."

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Under the agreement, China will make it easier for US banks to underwrite the debt of Chinese firms and lower barriers to market entry for certain investment services.

Additionally, China agreed to allow US electronic payment services like Mastercard, Visa and American Express to apply to become bank card clearing institutions.

By April of 2020, China is to allow wholly-owned US companies to participate in the life, pension and health insurance sectors.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump accused China of manipulating its currency to gain unfair trade advantages. Washington earlier this year formally branded Beijing a currency manipulator before dropping the allegation this week.

In the agreement, both sides commit to abide by the International Monetary Fund's principles on avoiding the manipulation of exchange rates and say they will work to achieve market-determined exchange rates and refrain from competitively cutting their value of their currencies.

ENFORCEMENT

The American side long promised any deal would have teeth.

Under the text of the deal, both sides agree that they can formally complain to each other if either feels the other side is not holding to its end of the bargain.

If they are not resolved, complaints will progressively rise up the chain of command to more senior officials.

If disagreements are still not resolved, the complaining side can cease abiding by one of its obligations under the deal.

The side receiving the complaint must not retaliate for such remedies if it believes they have been carried out in "good faith."

If such a measure has been taken in "bad faith," however, "the remedy is to withdraw from this agreement."
EBRD investments top 10 billion for first time in Banks history in 2019

Green economy investments account for record 46 per cent of total financing

Bank scales up work in local currencies, development of small firms, steps up inclusion

The EBRD delivered a record level of impact to its regions in 2019, honouring a pledge to raise both the quality and quantity of its investments in 38 economies across three continents.

The Bank financed an unprecedented 452 individual projects, compared with 395 a year earlier. Financing exceeded 10 billion for the first time in the Banks history, rising to 10.1 billion from 9.5 billion.

EBRD green economy financing hit a record 4.6 billion or 46 per cent of total business volume in 2019, underscoring the EBRDs very strong support for the global climate agenda.

At the time of the 2015 Paris climate accord, the EBRD had set itself a target of dedicating 40 per cent of annual investment to the green economy by 2020.

The Bank also stepped up its work last year to make economies more resilient by supporting the development of local currency markets and local currency lending. The number of local currency and local capital market projects increased to 157 from 134 in 2018.

Investments targeting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which have a strong potential to promote sustainable job creation, hit a new record of 1.4 billion across 194 projects.

Separately, the Bank achieved new records in economic inclusion, where it works to tackle inequality of opportunity and reaches out to members of society who are excluded from economic progress, often women, or young people or those living in more remote areas. It financed a record 71 projects with an inclusion element, compared with 51 in 2018, with a record 55 projects specifically addressing gender issues compared with a previous 40.

The EBRDs financial investments in 2019 were complemented by a strong level of support for reforms that help improve the business climate across its regions.

These included reforms to procurement processes to boost investment in renewable energy in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland and Tunisia. The Bank helped strengthen the investment climate in Central Asia, with support for a Business Ombudsman in the Kyrgyz Republic and a Foreign Investors Council in Uzbekistan.

Improved policies and institutions helped raise the skills of women, young people and refugees in Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. In Ukraine, the EBRD supported financial and road-sector reforms and better governance for state-owned banks.

The EBRD is particularly well placed financially to continue delivering high-quality support for emerging economies in its regions following what are expected to be very strong profits for 2019. The Bank will release details of its financial results in a few weeks.

Egypt, where the roll-out of economic reforms improved the business climate and supported growth, was the largest recipient of EBRD financing in 2019, with investment of 1.2 billion after a previous 1.1 billion.

One key investment was a US$ 150 million financing package to the National Bank of Egypt that supported sustainable energy and climate projects by small companies and included programmes to raise the skillsets of young people and address the challenge of youth unemployment.

Ukraine, the second-largest recipient of investment, saw financing back above 1 billion for the first time since 2014. The sharp rise to 1.1 billion from 543 million in 2018 came against a backdrop of accelerated reforms and a drive to restore economic growth and stability.

A 149 million loan to Ukraines Ukrenergo energy group provided finance for essential upgrades to the countrys electricity transmission infrastructure and contributed to reductions in CO 2 emissions.

Investments in third-placed Turkey, where the EBRD marked its 10th year of engagement in 2019, remained almost unchanged at just above 1 billion. As in 2018, around one-third of the Banks 2019 financing related to local currency and the development of local capital markets in order to help companies reduce currency risks.

One such lira loan, worth the equivalent of US$ 100 million to energy group Enerjisa Enerji, made an important contribution to capital market enhancements in Turkey with its link to a new risk-free benchmark overnight lending rate that the EBRD had helped develop.

The EBRD is currently preparing its next five-year strategy, which shareholders will approve at the May 2020 Annual Meeting in London.

As part of that preparation, the Bank has already agreed to scale up financing in its regions while ensuring even greater support for positive economic transformation.

It is also focusing on further possible engagement in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region and analysing potential options for expansion in new areas such as sub-Saharan Africa.

The EBRD continued to expand its membership base in 2019. San Marino became a member and Libya became a shareholder with a view to becoming a recipient of EBRD support.
Mantovani, the county member, said a big question is how much time the freeholders board will have to come up with a possible plan to submit to voters.

Its legally unclear, Mantovani said, whether the one-year time period spelled out in the Missouri Constitution started in late October, when a majority of the boards 19 members were approved, or starts when the city members are finally confirmed by aldermen.

At some point, the members who have been appointed and approved are going to have to convene, if for no other reason, to develop an understanding of what the status of the board is, said Mantovani, a retired business executive who ran unsuccessfully in 2018 for county executive.

Another county member, Jason Wilson, said the county and state appointees also may also want to consult attorneys to see if they can start reviewing reorganization issues without the city appointees.

It could get (city officials) motivated to move in the right direction toward approval, said Wilson, who also is a Clayton School Board member.
Gov. Gavin Newsom concluded his weeklong statewide homelessness tour Thursday in East Oakland, where he announced that Oakland would receive 15 state-owned trailers to house up to 70 homeless people.

A day earlier, Caltrans transported the former Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers to a vacant city-owned lot on Hegenberger Road near the Oakland Coliseum.

We own this issue, Newsom said. Its the issue of our time. This happened on our watch. None of us are naive about the challenge in front of us and none of us are stepping aside and waiting for someone else to solve it. We recognize our responsibility at all levels of government.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said that six of the trailers will be used to house youths in cooperation with Covenant House, a social services organization in the city.

The remaining nine trailers will house families. The trailers  which reporters toured Thursday  included a stove, microwave, bathroom and mattress. The nonprofit Roots Community Health Centerwill offer social services and a job clinic to the residents.

When we heard about the possibility of these emergency trailers being available to serve our homeless residents, Oakland was the first in line, Schaaf said.

Trailers have been used to provide emergency housing in the event of a wildfire. Newsom said that 58 trailers are available and 42 will be made available soon after being vacated by Camp Fire survivors in Chico.

In addition, Newsom said Alameda County will receive about $38 million  $19.7 million for Oakland  in state funds to address the homelessness crisis.

The funds, which are to be distributed in real-time, will be used as emergency aid for rapid rehousing efforts, help with rent, health services and converting motels or hotels into permanent or supportive shelters.

Californias homeless population of 156,000  up 16% in the past year  is the biggest in the United States and shows no sign of declining. In Oakland, homelessness skyrocketed in two years by 47% to 4,071. Oaklands increase is one of the biggest among any California city. The citys homeless population accounts for nearly half of Alameda Countys total  which increased by 43% since 2017.

Newsom signed an executive order on Jan. 8 announcing the state would deploy 100 trailers and crisis response teams to areas of need across the state. The trailers will house residents and mobile health and social services clinics until at least September.

Newsom said the delivery of the trailers is just a preview of what is to come in his plans to address the growing crisis.

No one is naive that 15 former FEMA trailers  is going to solve the crisis, Newsom said. Its about catalyzing a focus.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Newsoms order requires agencies to take urgent and immediate action by Jan. 31 to make state properties and facilities available as housing options.

His 2020-21 budget proposal includes more than $1 billion in funding to respond to the homeless crisis, including $750 million for a new fund for housing, as well as investments to reform Medi-Cal so that health providers transform health care to deliver integrated physical and behavioral health.

Newsom said Thursday that over the next few weeks, he plans to announce 100 state-owned properties  fairgrounds and other types of land  to be turned over to local jurisdictions to become Navigation Centers, shelters or permanent housing.

We are committed for the long haul to be real partners with cities large and small, counties large and small, he said.

Newsoms homelessness tour began Monday and included stops in Grass Valley (Nevada County), Riverside, Los Angeles and Fresno.

Sarah Ravani and Anna Bauman are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com, anna.bauman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sarravani, @abauman2
The severity of these fires have shown us a reality that was previously unimaginable. A fiery twister formed in the fires on Kangaroo Island. A fireman, Samuel McPaul, was killed when his truck flipped over in a fire tornado in Jingellic, New South Wales. Four thousand people huddled on the beach in the coastal town of Mallacoota as a wall of fire approached them; they had to be rescued by the Australian Navy.

Matthew Deeth, the mayor of Wollondilly, New South Wales, summed up the devastation. In some areas there was literally nothing left, he said just before Christmas, apart from a few burnt sticks in the ground.

We are only beginning to understand the fires disastrous consequences. Fragile forest ecosystems were decimated. Over a billion animals, experts estimate, perished. Perhaps thousands of birds, including our iconic yellow-tailed black cockatoos, died of exhaustion when they flew out to sea to escape the fires; their bodies washed up on beaches in East Gippsland. And our southern skies have been a smoky haze for days. More bad news will follow when rains wash vast quantities of ash from the fires into our waterways.

Australia remains caught in the nightmarish spell cast by these fires. Our hearts and minds have been thrown into a furnace; a volcano of anger has spewed from our mouths. Some of that anger is misdirected, aimed at arsonists or the Greens party for supposedly stopping trees from being chopped down as a fire-management technique. But most of the anger has been directed straight at Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whom people condemn for taking a holiday in Hawaii while his country burned.

Many people are starting to ask the right questions about climate change. When will we have leadership that reflects our needs? We urgently need governments that are not afraid to act to defend our planet from further destruction.

Aboriginal people are the caretakers of this ancient land. The nations leaders should value our knowledge. I join Craig Lapsley, who led the emergency response after the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria, in calling for the federal government to start a national Indigenous burning program. While the results would not be immediate, listening to Indigenous knowledge would help curb catastrophic fires of the future.

This terrible disaster has forced us to imagine our way in unimaginable times. I am guided by the words of my countryman Murrandoo Yanner, who reminds me of the strength of our ancient country. The greatest thing we have to offer today is our humanity, he said, because this is all we ever had.
Egyptian police raided the office of the Turkish state-run news agency in Cairo on Tuesday. The next day it detained four staff members and their whereabouts remain unknown, said the Andolu Agency. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands all staff be released and for the Egyptian government to release its tight grip on journalists and media workers.

According to the Aandolu Agency, Egyptian security forces raided its office on Tuesday night, shutting down security cameras and internet. The workers' passports, cell phones and computers were confiscated. After the sweep, police arrested four of the agencys staff : three Egyptians and one Turkish citizen, Hilim Balci, who is in charge of finance and administration.

A female Egyptian journalist was also arrested but released by midnight. The others were taken to an undisclosed location on Wednesday morning.

According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, it targeted the news agency because it was spreading false news with the aim of distorting Egypts image and as part of its efforts to expose the plots of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood and the countries supporting it, as reported by the Associated Press.

The raid on the Anadolu Agency comes amidst a political rivalry between Egypt and Turkey, who see each other as enemies after the military took over in Egypt in 2013. The Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni islamist organization, was proscribed and branded as an enemy of the state by the military, after removing the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi from power. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a long time supporter of the organization.

Egypt has a long-standing record of abusing journalists and muzzling press freedom. Just last month, the IFJ condemned the arrest of journalists Hossam El-Sayed and Solafa Magdy, who were accused of terrorist activities. This followed a string of arrests made of journalists and activists, in October 2019. The IFJ called on the authorities to stop the repression of media.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger, said: Journalists should not suffer from political strife between countries. Jailing media for spreading false news is an easy way of stifling critical voices. We strongly urge the Egyptian authorities to release all jailed media workers and to respect press freedom. No journalist should fear punishment for reporting the news.
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP) today announced it has joined the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), a nonprofit coalition of companies dedicated to the improvement of social, environmental and ethical conditions in their global supply chains.



The RBA Code of Conduct is a set of social, environmental and ethical industry standards. The standards set out in the Code of Conduct reference international norms and standards including but not limited to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO International Labor Standards, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises plus ISO and SA standards.



With the principles of corporate social responsibility as a fundamental part of Microchips DNA, we remain committed in every aspect of our business and operations to advancing human rights, ethics and health and safety worldwide, said Ganesh Moorthy, president and chief operating officer. Along with RBA member companies, we align under a set of common values that send a clear message of commitment to the global supply base and to our customers.



Founded in 2004, the RBA and its initiatives have nearly 400 company members committed to improving conditions in global supply chains; including safe working conditions and ethical labor practices.



Microchips values and operating principles including its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, certifications, sustainability reporting and other standards are reflected in the companys practices and actions of employees worldwide. Microchip is committed to aligning with organizations and companies worldwide to advocate for principals regarding workforce and labor standards, human rights, sustainability and anti-corruption.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The companys solutions serve more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Story continues

Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact: Reader Inquiries: Brian Thorsen 1-888-624-7435 480-792-7182 Brian.Thorsen@Microchip.com




Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are likely to rise if there is a break in the intense drought in eastern Australia, sinking the Morrison government's goal of lowering emissions in the short term.

The agriculture sector did most of the heavy lifting in emissions reduction in the year ending May 2019, falling by 4.2 million tonnes to 67.4 million tonnes. It reduced the sector's greenhouse contribution by 5.87 per cent, compared to the electricity sector's 1.15 per cent reduction.

The cattle industry is set to respond quickly when drought breaks and pasture grows, due to strong export demand. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen.

"That big drop in agriculture was twice the emissions reduction that came from the record rollout of renewables. But it's all built on the suffering of Australia's farmers under drought," Climate Council senior researcher Tim Baxter said.

The weather outlook is improving and the livestock sector is poised to rebound swiftly when the drought breaks.
An Australia in flames tries to cope with an animal apocalypse
Chen Zuoning (R), senior engineer of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Huang Lingyi, researcher with Loongson Technology Co, Ltd, are awarded the CCF Xia Peisu Award in 2019. [For Women of China]

Two women computer science research veterans were awarded Xia Peisu Award in 2019 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to China's computer industry by the China Computer Federation (CCF), on January 11, 2020.

Winner Chen Zuoning, born in 1957, is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering(CAE), a senior engineer and CCF member. She won the award for her long-term dedication to the research and development of domestic high-performance computer systems, the systematic and pioneering achievements she made in parallel computer architecture and system software, and her outstanding contributions to China's high-performance computing technology as it caught up with international advanced levels.

Chen received the master's degree in computer science and technology from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province.

Since 1979, Chen participated and took the lead in the research and development of several domestic high-performance computer systems, and took charge of many large-scale software projects.

In the 1980s, she led the development of China's first parallel operating system that was fully compatible with UNIX systems and reached the international advanced level in parallel processing technology.

Huang Lingyi, the other winner of the award, was born in 1936 and is a researcher of Chinese chip maker Loongson Technology Co, Ltd.

She was given the award for her more than half-century long frontline efforts in the research and development of discrete devices, large-scale integrated circuits, and general Loongson CPU chips, through which she made outstanding contributions to the development of China's core computer devices.

Huang graduated from the Huazhong Institute of Technology (now Huazhong University of Science and Technology) in 1958 and continued to study semiconductors at Tsinghua University.

In 1960, Huang returned to the Huazhong institute and established its semiconductor major and laboratories. In 1962, she joined the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and conducted developmental research on diodes, transistors, large-scale integrated circuits, producing the first CPU chip independently developed in China.

The Xia Peisu Award was established in 2014 in the name of Xia Peisu, the predecessor of computer science in China, to recognize women scientists and engineers who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in computing science, engineering, education and the computer industry.

Xia Peisu was a Chinese computer scientist and educator, and a pioneer in Chinese computer research. She participated in the development of China's first self-designed computer and laid the foundation for China's computer industry.

Xia was elected to the CAS in 1991. In 2011, she was given the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the CCF. In 2014, she died of illness in Beijing at 91.

After the awarding ceremony, the CCF held an inauguration ceremony for its new President Mei Hong. Mei, with the Academy of Military Sciences PLA China, was elected President of the Council of the CCF in October 2019.

(Source: ScienceNet.cn & China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)
The Woodlawn Theatre normally doesnt open its doors to the public on Monday nights, but it did just that recently in pursuit of a worthy cause: Finding just the right woman to play Gloria Estefan in its upcoming staging of On Your Feet!

The hit-laced jukebox musical traces the real-life rise to fame of Estefan and her husband and creative partner, Emilio Estefan. The show has come through on tour, but the Woodlawn is the first company in Texas to stage it.

To gin up some excitement for the production, which opens March 20, director Christopher Rodriguez decided to present the auditions live in an American Idol-style Search for Gloria, giving potential audience members an opportunity to weigh in on the role.

The first time we did this was for Dreamgirls, said Rodriguez, who is also the theaters executive and artistic director. And we had such great success with it. Not only did we have people come to our production that wouldnt normally have come, but we also auditioned performers that had never done stuff on our stage. So that was a way to reach out to the community.

On Your Feet! is a title that might not mean anything to fans of Estefan who arent also musical theater fans, he said. So he hoped the live auditions would help make that connection for potential ticket buyers.

About 150 people turned out for the auditions. Many packed the dance studio next door for a reception beforehand, chatting and munching on cupcakes and taquitos while the five finalists for the role were next door in the theater, squeezing in just a little more rehearsal time before the public was admitted.

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A few fans clearly came into the process with their minds made up. Cecilia Balldin, 9, who takes voice lessons with Gloria hopeful Nora Martinez in the Woodlawn Theatre Academy, turned up with her family and a sign identifying them as Noras #1 fans.

Cecilia was confident that the role would go to her teacher.

She totally has the voice for it, she said right before the theater opened and she dashed inside, eager to snag a seat down front.

The performers  Martinez, Lauren Cosio, Lauren Esquivel, Tori Rose Rodriguez and Jillian Sainz  began their bid to play the music superstar by auditioning in the dance studio the week before. About 60 people, including two women from Houston, tried out for the show, vying over two nights for the leads as well as spots in the ensemble.

They all sang and danced for Rodriguez and choreographer Carla Sankey, who jotted down notes as the women went through their paces. By the end of the second night, they had decided to call back six potential Glorias for another look.

Five showed up that night, which also included a monologue from the show. Then they got a tiny taste of playing Estefan at the public auditions.

In addition to audience members, who were given ballots where they could record their votes for the Gloria of their choice, three additional judges evaluated the performances: Rodriguez, who also served as master of ceremonies for the evening; Jaime Ramirez, music director for the production, who provided musical accompaniment for the performers; and Victoria Finch, promotions director for oldies radio station KONO 101.1, the theaters media partner this season.

The women  most dressed in black and red, and all working seriously fantastic hair  introduced themselves to the crowd, then got down to business. Each had a couple of moments all to themselves in the spotlight as they sang the songs they had auditioned with  Dont Wanna Lose You, 1-2-3, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Im So Excited and Coming Out of the Dark  as well as Here We Are, the song they were asked to sing at the call-back.

Most gave concert-style renderings, pulling the microphone from the stand and stalking the stage as they sang. Martinez, who sang Im So Excited, urged the audience to sing along on the chorus: You can dance, too, and clap along, she told the crowd.

At the end of the hourlong performance, ballots were dropped off at the merchandise counter in the lobby. Martinez, who was greeted with hugs from her supporters, said it had been a great experience.

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Its such a great opportunity to be able to perform, she said.

Alejandro Pesina, who works at Magik Theatre, was impressed by all five contenders.

I wish you could put them all together and make one Gloria, he said.

Rodriguez was impressed by what they did, too.

A performance one on one in a small room is one thing, he said. When they get in front of a live audience, it turns into a different monster, to see how people react to that. All five did a great job connecting with the audience and keeping the energy up.

A total of 131 ballots were cast, with Sainz winning the popular vote.

Ultimately, Rodriguez has the final say. The live audition will be factored in, as well as how the more traditional interviews went and the input of Woodlawn staff and board members. As of Wednesday morning, he was still putting all the pieces of the casting puzzle together.

We could cast any one of those ladies, he said. We have to dwindle them down to one.

dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
India has a long way to go to become a hub of arbitration and to do so it must be autonomous and free from government control, senior advocate Arvind Datar said on Thursday.

The senior lawyer, who has appeared in various high-profile cases in the Supreme Court, including the SEBI-Sahara, NJAC and Aadhaar matters, said the present law makes arbitration subject to government regulations which is completely contrary to international practice.

Talking to PTI about the present status of arbitration in the country, he said the recent amendments made to the Arbitration and Constitution Act have helped in improving the efficiency of domestic arbitration, but a lot more needs to be done if India wants to compete with Singapore and London as a preferred destination for international arbitration.

"More proactive steps are necessary to make India the hub of international arbitration. Effort should be made to adopt and benchmark the steps taken by Singapore, London and Dubai to make arbitration completely autonomous and free from government control," Datar said.

He added that the enforcement mechanism for recovery after an award is passed has to be strengthened since there is still substantial delay in enforcing an award in the country.

"New amendments have come and they require an arbitration council, which is yet to be appointed. The Act has put various restrictions on who can be an arbitrator. If we want to be an international hub, we cannot operate with this mindset," Datar said.

On foreign lawyers coming to India for arbitration, he said there is a great deal of uncertainty due to the limitations in the current law.

"India urgently needs to make changes to the Advocate Act, and the most important step is to make institutional arbitration a reality, and public sector undertakings - who have a large number of arbitration - must set an example," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Children are the invisible face of homelessness. Most Americans are unaware that an estimated 2.8 million children experience homelessness in communities across the country every day. In addition to housing, these children face instability in the form of hunger, chronic health problems, difficulty in school, and anxiety about their family's future. Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child Homelessness and Poverty presents a timely opportunity for policy and program leaders to come together and examine the issues of child and family homelessness from a variety of perspectives.

The sixth biennial conference, hosted by the Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness (ICPH), will take place at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City from January 16-17. At this two-day event, a diverse group of service providers, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and homeless and formerly homeless individuals will share expertise on pre-K and K-12 education, health, employment, higher education, shelter, housing, and advocacy. Roughly 800 participants from 40 states and the District of Columbia will be in attendance.

"ICPH is honored to host some of the most experienced problem solvers and brightest minds from around the country here in New York Citya city that itself has sustained a homeless family crisis spanning nearly 40 years," says Ralph da Costa Nunez, PhD, President of the Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness. "The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum for leaders and practitioners who are interested in moving the discussion beyond simply housing to include data and field-tested strategies that address the comprehensive needs of children and their families."

On Thursday, January 16, the first day of ICPH's 2020 Beyond Housing Conference, ICPH President Dr. Ralph da Costa Nunez will deliver a morning keynote speech exploring how the face of poverty and homelessness has evolved over the last 40 years, and the ways in which it has it stayed the same. David Williams, Policy Director at Opportunity Insights, will deliver the luncheon keynote speech examining which neighborhoods in America offer children the best chance to rise out of poverty and the local dynamics at play. An awards ceremony will take place the evening of January 16, honoring five individuals and organizations whose work goes "beyond housing" to provide services and support to homeless families while keeping the needs of the children at the forefront.

On Friday, January 17, the breakfast keynote will feature a panel discussion about the latest resources from Sesame Street in Communities, focusing on traumatic childhood experiences such as the opioid crisis, foster care, and food insecurity, as well as the decision to explore the topic of family homelessness through their character Lily. The final luncheon keynote speaker is Matthew Morton, Research Fellow at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, who will discuss the findings of the Voices of Youth Count initiative.

More than 60 sessions in the following 10 categories will be offered: advocacy; community; employment/adult skill building; education; health; organizational/staff development; partnerships; policy/research; program strategies; shelter/housing; and youth. Among the topics for sessions are: updates on federal policy on child, youth, and family homelessness; tackling attendance issues by understanding the causes; examining the health behaviors of homeless youth versus those of their peers; benefits of the Girl Scouts and how to bring this experience to your community; challenges faced by homeless youth during their K-12 education; navigating the challenges of reporting on family homelessness; innovative programming options for shelters; welcoming families into shelters with their pets; and much more.

For a complete list of sessions, speakers, and information about keynote and breakout sessions, go to https://www.icphusa.org/beyond-housing/.

The Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness (ICPH) is a New York City-based policy research organization focused on family and child homelessness in New York City and throughout the United States.

To attend the conference as media, contact Katie Linek Puello ([email protected],

212-358-8086 ext. 1207, Cell: 732-266-9168) or Linda Bazerjian ([email protected],

212-358-8086 ext. 1204, Cell: 347-782-2215).

*All media are required to contact ICPH before attending the conference. Day-of requests are permissible.

Contact:

Katie Linek Puello: [email protected] | 212-358-8086 ext.1207 | C: 732-266-9168

Linda Bazerjian: [email protected] | 212-358-8086 ext. 1204 | C: 347-782-2215

SOURCE Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness
She balances life as a single mother with her duties as an Instagram model and brand ambassador.

But Phoebe Burgess made her busy life look effortless on Thursday as she took her two young children to daycare.

The estranged wife of retired NRL star Sam Burgess shared three photos to Instagram of herself at the school gate with daughter Poppy, two, and son Billy, one.

'It's a school day': Former WAG Phoebe Burgess made her busy life look effortless while taking her children, Poppy, two, and Billy, one, to daycare on Thursday

The 30-year-old journalist wore a khaki wrap dress and accessorised with square sunglasses and studded green sandals.

'It's a school day,' Phoebe captioned the snap.

After dropping off the youngsters, both of whom had monogrammed backpacks, she went to a beauty salon for an eyebrow tinting procedure.

Stylish mama: The 30-year-old journalist wore a khaki wrap dress and accessorised with square sunglasses and studded green sandals

Fashionable tots: After dropping off the youngsters, both of whom had monogrammed backpacks, she went to a beauty salon for an eyebrow tinting procedure

It's hard work being a socialite! She documented the pampering session on Instagram Stories, sharing a video of herself relaxing in the salon chair as the beautician got to work

She documented the pampering session on Instagram Stories, sharing a video of herself relaxing in the salon chair as the beautician got to work.

Phoebe has been regularly posting happy snaps with her children since splitting from Sam, 31, in October last year.

The former couple reportedly sold their marital home in Maroubra, Sydney, for $5million on Christmas Eve.

Splitsville: Phoebe has been regularly posting happy snaps with her children since separating from retired NRL star Sam Burgess (left) in October last year

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the exes pocketed a $1.2million profit from the sale.

The French provincial-style home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a triple underground garage.

Sam and Phoebe had purchased the property for $3.8million in 2016, a year before welcoming their first child, Poppy, in January 2017.
London, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, Automotive IoT Market by Platform (Data Management), Component (Sensor, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), Data Converter (ADC), Connectivity (Embedded), End User (OEM), and Application (ADAS, Fleet Management, Infotainment)  Global Forecast to 2025, the global automotive IoT market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% from 2019 to 2025 to reach $541.73 billion by 2025.

IoT devices are used in the automotive sector to create innovative solutions and applications which can make vehicles smarter and intelligent, facilitating safe, efficient, and comfortable driving. IoT connects people, vehicles, auto parts, machines, and services to make the efficient flow of data, allow real-time decisions, and improve automotive experiences. In order to achieve this, leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers have started investing heavily in the Internet of Things. Growing demand for connected vehicles, government initiatives for smart cities & smart traffic management systems, approvals & funding for autonomous vehicle testing, demand of infotainment and real-time vehicle tracking system, and adoption of road vehicle safety solutions are the key factors driving the growth of the global automotive IoT market. However, high cost for IoT connectivity and lack of cellular connectivity coverage obstructs the growth of this market to a certain extent.

Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5071

The global automotive IoT market study presents historical market data in terms of value (2017 and 2018), estimated current data (2019), and forecasts for 2025. The market is segmented on the basis of offering (component, platforms, IoT services, and IoT solutions), connectivity (tethered, integrated, embedded), application (infotainment, fleet management, predictive maintenance, vehicle security, automatic driver assistance system (ADAS), traffic management, and others), and end-user (original equipment manufacturers, aftermarket). The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyses the market at a country level.

Story continues

Based on the offering, the platform segment is the largest as well as the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to its high adoption in both developed and developing countries for monitoring the data generated from connected vehicles. Also, factors such as increasing demand for data storage over the cloud and connected devices in the IoT ecosystem further helps to drive the growth of the automotive IOT platform market.

Based on application, infotainment application is estimated to account for the largest share of the overall automotive IoT market in 2019. However, predictive maintenance application is expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this segment is primarily attributed to increasing demand for predictive maintenance technology from fleet companies to avoid downtime as well as growing adoption of this technology in luxury vehicles as it optimizes engine performance and monitors and predicts ambient conditions, fuel consumption, and other factors for ideal performance.

Based on end-user, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The fast growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the government mandates in various countries to implement IoT features such as GPS, e-calls, and vehicle tracking systems in vehicles; growing need to improve the driver & passenger travel experience; and consumers demand for smartphone features in cars.

Geographically, Europe is estimated to command the largest share of the overall automotive IoT market in 2019. The large share of Europe is primarily attributed to the presence of major automotive companies and their focus on IOT, European Governments initiative to increase the IoT adoption in automotive; funding for autonomous vehicle testing facilities; and presence of strict telematics regulations. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this region is mainly attributed to the growing government initiatives for smart cities & smart traffic management systems. For instance, the government of India is working on the intelligent traffic system project in Delhi. The new project, which will cost around 1,000 crores (approx. $145.1 million), will aim to refit the current traffic system in Delhi. Moreover, factors such as rapidly developing economies, broadening internet connectivity and high-speed networks, and technological developments in the automotive sector are also supporting the growth of the automotive IOT market in Asia Pacific region.

The report also includes extensive assessment of the key strategic developments adopted by the leading market participants in the industry over the past 4 years (20162019). The automotive IoT market has witnessed number of product launches in recent years. For instance, in March 2019, TomTom launched the industrys first High Definition (HD) map horizon for automated driving. This HD map horizon helps vehicles to build highly accurate virtual picture of the road ahead, enhancing driver safety and comfort. Similarly, in September 2018, NXP Semiconductors N.V. introduced its newest NTAG DNA tag chip that deliver privacy enabled, multi-layered security for NFC and IoT authentication applications.

The global automotive IoT market is consolidated and dominated by a few major players, namely Texas Instruments Inc. (U.S.), NXP Semiconductors N.V. (The Netherlands), Intel Corporation (U.S.), Tom Tom N.V. (The Netherlands), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Google Inc. (U.S.), AT&T Inc. (U.S.), Apple, Inc. (U.S.), and Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), among others.

Browse key industry insights spread across 277 pages with 287 market data tables & 53 figures & charts from the market research report: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/automotive-iot-market-5071/

Scope of the report

Automotive IoT Market by Offering

Component Processor Digital Signal Processors (DSP) Microcontrollers FPGAs In-Dash Infotainment Head Unit Sensors Temperature Sensors Humidity Sensors Pressure Sensors Proximity Sensors Magnetic Sensors Other Wireless Communication Module Global Positioning System (GPS) Low Power Wireless Network (LPWN) Wi-Fi Bluetooth Zigbee IoT Gateway Data Converter Analog-to-Digital Converters (adcs) Digital to Analog Converters Others

Platforms Device Management Data Management Network Management

IoT Services Professional Services for IoT Cloud Services

IoT Solutions Real-Time Streaming Analytics Security Solutions



Automotive IoT Market by End User

Original Equipment Manufacturers

Aftermarket

Automotive IoT Market by Application

Infotainment

Fleet Management

Predictive Maintenance

Vehicle Security

Automatic Driver Assistance System

Traffic Management

Others

Automotive IoT Market by Connectivity

Tethered Connectivity

Integrated Connectivity

Embedded Connectivity

Automotive IoT Market by Geography

North America U.S. Canada

Europe UK Germany France Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

The Middle East and Africa

Request Sample Report@ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-sample-report/cp_id=5071

Related Report:

Automotive Artificial Intelligence Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2019-2025)

Digital Transformation Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2019-2025)

About Meticulous Research

The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze and present the critical market data with great attention to details.

Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, with the help of its unique research methodologies, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa regions.

With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth.





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Meticulous Research

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Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani who worked to open doors for him in Ukraine, told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday that his actions weren't a secret.

"President Trump knew exactly what was going on," he said. "He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials."

Parnas was arrested last fall and charged with campaign finance violations. Along with his business partner Igor Fruman, Parnas helped set up meetings for Giuliani with Ukrainian officials while Giuliani was looking to dig up dirt on a Trump political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter Biden. Trump's attempt to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching an investigation into the Bidens and the Democratic National Committee is central to the impeachment articles passed by the House.

Zelensky and other leaders "have no reason to speak to me," Parnas told Maddow, adding, "Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And that's the secret they're trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work."

More stories from theweek.com

Lev Parnas: Rick Perry said he told Ukrainian president aid was contingent on Biden investigation

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for

Mitch McConnell should recuse himself


India Gold February futures inch high on January 16 as details of the US-China Phase 1 trade deal failed to soothe investor concerns about the trade differences, as Washington retained tariffs on some Chinese goods.

The United States and China signed the interim trade deal, but still kept 25% tariffs on a $250 billion array of Chinese industrial goods and components used by US manufacturers, said a Reuters report.

On the MCX, Gold contracts for February were trading higher by Rs 44, or 0.11 percent, at Rs 39,655 per 10 gram at 09:20 hours.

Experts are of the view that as long as Gold prices hold on to 39,300-39,500 levels, chances of a retest of 39,800 is possible.

"On Daily chart, Gold traded flat to positive as investors remained concerned about existing tariffs and unresolved issues after Washington and Beijing signed a partial trade deal. Gold prices, overall, have priced in the trade deal phase I," Jateen Trivedi, Sr Research Analyst - Commodity & Currency, LKP Securities told Moneycontrol.

Gold & Silver Rates Gold Rate in Mumbai 10g of 24K gold in Mumbai 

10g of 22K gold in Mumbai  View more Silver Rate in Mumbai 10g silver in Mumbai 

1kg silver in Mumbai  View more Show

Gold and silver prices rebound from their lows on Wednesday after lower than expected US PPI and core PPI Data. Weakness in dollar index also supports the prices of both the precious metals.

US house voted for sending US President Donald Trump's impeachment to Senate. Gold prices crossed $1,550 and silver prices crossed $18 per troy ounce in the international market, Manoj Kumar Jain, Director, IndiaNivesh Commodities told Moneycontrol.

At MCX, Gold closed around 39,600 and silver closed above 46,300 levels. We expect both the precious metals to remain volatile and could test next resistance level of $1,564 and $18.20 per troy ounce, he said.

Jain further added that Gold holds support levels of 39,330 on a closing basis and could test 39,800 levels again. Silver also holds key support of 45,800 on a closing basis and could test 46,600-46,850 levels again.

Track live Gold price here

Trading Strategy:

Expert: Jateen Trivedi, Sr Research Analyst - Commodity & Currency, LKP Securities Ltd

Prices can be in some profit booking mode but the strong supports are placed near 39,000 and if the levels hold on closing basis then bounce expected. For the day 39,500-39,650 will act as resistance whereas 39,400-39,250 as supports.

Expert: Pritam Kumar Patnaik, Head Commodities, Reliance Commodities

MCX Gold February has given a gap up open & has traded in a narrow range of 39,500-39,700 levels. It may continue to trade on bearish note if it sustains below 39,800 levels up to 39,200-39,000 levels.

MCX Gold may hold at 39,000 levels and can see a bounce back from these levels. The International Gold has bounced back from $1,535 levels which will hold support & upside $1,563 will act a strong resistance. It may trade in $1,445-$1,454 range.

Expert: Hareesh V, Head Commodity research at Geojit Financial Services

"Gold is likely to trade down as the initial trade deal between the US and China has lifted global economic optimism which has limited golds safe-haven demand. Easing tensions in the Middle East may also pressure prices. However, worries about existing tariffs and the unresolved issues in the trade deal are likely to limit major downside.

On the technical side, a range trade inside $1535-1562 levels is initially expected. Breaking any of the sides would suggest a fresh direction to the commodity."

The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Years ago I attended an intimate gathering with Speaker John Boehner when he was fundraising for the NRCC. While we all knew what appeal and strengths the Democrats had, I asked him: What did he identify as their Achilles Heel and what were his plans to exploit those vulnerabilities in order to win back Democrat seats.

He was flabbergasted; hed never been asked that and hadnt given it any thought. As stunned as the remaining guests were with my query, I was even more stunned this had never been given any thought, for, how can you take on a political enemy and not have any inkling as to the vulnerabilities of the party in order to effectively craft a strategy to engage and defeat it?

Its relatively easy to pinpoint and have a plan of attack for an individual candidates shortcomings. Their records are exposed, often exalted. They are ubiquitous talking about themselves for months, sometimes years on end. As invincible as they portray themselves, their deficiencies are usually on full display and there are any number that can be exploited. Bernie Sanders  an angry communist sympathizer with great appeal to Zoomers who think capitalism has failed; Pete Buttigieg  a novice mayor who talks a big storm about equality but has let his South Bend minority community down; Liz Warren  an opportunist who will use her minority status as Native American or woman to get ahead, as opposed to any discernible accomplishments. Joe Bidenneed I elaborate? With oppo research, Republicans can fashion a campaign strategy around any of these qualities and neuter an opponent.

But identifying a chink in a political foes armor when they seem to be omnipotent, is a lot harder when that foe is an entity, like a political party, as opposed to a visibly flawed human being. I am not talking about targeting the individuals in a party. Im talking about disrupting and maybe even destroying the party itselfremember Obama saying at one point they were going to destroy the GOP?

Those qualities are often tangible, but neednt be. Just as a person can lack ingenuity or imagination, be arrogant, predictable or overconfident, so can a party. Those qualities can be enhanced by military strength, political power, control over the population or its institutions.

With the Democrats, we have a case of a predictable paternalistic party that controls the media, the educational system, and the culture. We must identify all of their vulnerabilities, which can overlap with their strengths, anticipate their moves, and devise a strategy to defeat them before they even know what hit them. Kind of like what the Democrats have been doing to us for decades.

Trump instinctively understands this. It is why with a word or two, such as pencil-neck or Fauxcahontas, he can identify a flaw and almost let it speak for itself. But Trump has gone beyond the individual and gotten to the heart of the Democratic Party by exposing their double standards, hypocrisy, alliances, inconsistencies, and even insanity. At the core of it all, Trump has honed in on their overweening arrogance and their sickening paternalism that they know what is best for the rest of us, and he has been chipping away at this chink in the armor, relentlessly.

Time will tell if he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have done the same with regard to the impeachment. For weeks now, I have been exploring, writing, talking to people, and trying to get all of us to think about Nancy Pelosis endgame. It is easy to dismiss her as having lost her edge or miscalculated. But all is never as it seems with the Democrats and Pelosi in particular, even when she appears to be teetering on Joe Biden-style senescence. I dont think she is as off her game as some suggest.

There was a point before she announced her refusal to send the impeachment articles to the Senate, when a few peoplemyself includedspeculated this might happen. As important as it is to anticipate your enemys moves, its vital to understand motivations or behind-the-scenes machinations that could be in play. The general consensus appears to be that Pelosi intended to squeeze McConnell and dictate the terms of the trial. On first blush, that appears plausible, but would only make sense if there was a serious possibility McConnell would cave to her demands. Given his demeanor, existing Senate rules on impeachment, and the Clinton precedent, that appears at best to have been a long shot and she had to know that.

What else did she have to gain? Time.

Some of us had suggested that the Democrats would exert untold pressure on weaklings in the GOP  Romney, Collins, Murkowski, Portman, Gardner, etc.to persuade them to vote with Democrats and against the Republican majority for a fair trial and any number of procedural votes that only required a 51-vote majority.

And thats exactly what happened. While smug Republican pundits were scoffing at Nancys supposed bungling of the entire matter, Democrats shrewdly targeted our Achilles Heelas evidenced by a MoveOn email sent the day after the impeachment vote, excerpts of which follow:

A majority of senators need to agree on the rules for Trump's impeachment trial, and that means that only four Republican senators need to insist on a fair trial in order to put a stop to McConnell's sham trial. MoveOn is ready to spring into action to put maximum pressure on persuadable Republican senators to agree to a fair trial. But we've been going all-out on impeachment for weeks now, and we need to sign up 5,000 weekly donors in the next 24 hours to launch billboards targeting these senators, extend the contracts of our organizers on the ground in key states, print more materials for protests and rallies outside senators' offices, and more. *** Any Republican senator who goes along with Mitch McConnell and the White House will be helping Donald Trump cover up the full extent of his Ukraine scandal. We only need to sway four Republican senators to insist on a fair trial, and we have to give it our all to make that happen.

In addition, they plan to:

Take on Trump's lies directly online and on TV.and need to have substantial resources to reach the activists who are ready to get involved to tell the truth and give them opportunities to act, like protesting, calling Congress, and showing up at their lawmakers' offices.[And,] expand bird-dogging operations in Washington, D.C. where [f]or months, MoveOn has been following lawmakers to ask themIs it OK for a foreign government to interfere in our elections? Now, we must bring that pressure to on-the-fence Senate Republicans. Wherever they run and hide, we must find them. And when they try to wiggle out of answering our question, we must make sure their constituents know about it. [Emphasis added.]

The appeal makes clear that their hope is bombshell evidence will drop out of the sky as it did with Nixon and persuade enough Republican senators to abdicate their support for Trump.

If you have any doubt that Democrats have exploited this weakness with their army of community organizers and mob of browbeaters working behind the scenes, embarrassing and harassing senators, long before Republican pundits or pols had even a whiff of it, just look to the recent spate of the usual RINOs calling for a vote on witnesses, distancing themselves from dismissal, and sowing the seeds of possible dissension from McConnell.

You might think that Trump and/or McConnell are ahead of the curve on this and maybe they are. You might think Trump doesnt lose sleep over this and maybe he doesnt. But the fact is, this is where Democrats outplay us every time. They knew from the get-go of this impeachment brouhaha that RINOs are our Achilles Heel. They knew that many Republican senators simply tolerate Trump but arent really behind him. They knew many of our senators care more about "principle" than party and are so worried about being the bad guy that theyll side with Democrats even though theyll politically shiv Republicans the first chance they get. They might target Mike Lee and Rand Paul knowing they will brazenly defy the president if agreement with him conflicts with a belief or principle they hold, or their views on the Constitution.

Maybe McConnell or someone else in the Senate is equally as cagey as Wile E. Pelosi, has anticipated this all, and has a plan to be on offense while it appears they are playing defense.

Butlessons learned. Do not take anything from the DNC or their leadership for granted. Ask what is behind what they do and plan accordingly. At the same time, we should be identifying their Achilles Heel(s) and be fully prepared to exploit them. And we should never assume we have the upper hand, until all hands are played and the results are in.

They might not ultimately remove the president, but theyll divide senators if they can, impact Senate rules on the trial if they can, and soil Trump for 2020, if they can. Forget about the Benjamins, baby. Its all about the disruption, man.

Image credit: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0
Green said he understands the need for an interim as the time frame for finding a replacement is uncertain, however he didnt want to get into a series of interim contracts should the search extend beyond the three months suggested. Green said he sees the opening at the city manager position as an opportunity for Scottsbluff to re-brand itself.

I think it would be a good time to look forward and say this is a new beginning, whatever it may be he said. I dont know how that would work if were stepping back and just rehashing the old stuff again. Thats not a dig on Mr. Kuckkahn or anything else, I see it as something we should move forward with.

Gonzales said he sees Kuckkahns role as interim as similar to what Western Nebraska Community College did when it brought back John Harms as interim president while that position was open.

I think it was a really good thing, Gonzales said of Harms role at WNCC. I talked to a lot of people in the community who said that they were really happy to have him back there. My concern here is the staff first and foremost. I think hopefully well get a city manager in here in three or four months. I know were going to reach out to some top executive search firms for some help in that process. So its not like (Kuckkahn) is going to be here for the long haul.

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[January 16, 2020] GI Partners Invests in DR Fortress, LLC

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GI Partners, a leading private investment firm, today announced the acquisition of a majority interest in DR Fortress, LLC, in partnership with the company's management team, including President Fred Rodi and CFO Rosa White, both co-founders. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Honolulu, HI, DR Fortress is Hawaii's largest data center operator, providing mission critical services in support of the Hawaii economy and trans-Pacific data networks. DR Fortress offers carrier-neutral connectivity, colocation, and related data center services. DR Fortress houses the densest concentration of IP carriers and is the only commercial internet exchange hub in Hawaii. GI Partners' investment will help DR Fortress accelerate growth and increase resiliency, while maintaining the company's focus on excellent service quality and local engagement. "Our partnership with the GI's data infrastructure team will greatly accelerate the timeline to help us make Hawaii a major digital hub in the Pacific," said DR Fortress President Fred Rodi. "We are working on multiple projects that will support the development of the technology economy in Hawaii, as well as the broader Pacific region." "DR Fortress provides truly essential infrastructure for the State of Hawaii, which is a unique IT ecosystem," said Mark Prybutok, Managing Director of GI Data Infrastructure. "We have an exciting opportunity, in partnership with Fred and Rosa and their team, to continue delivering world-class service to businesses serving Hawaii, and expand relationships with the largest and most important global cloud and content providers," said Steve Smith, Managing Director of GI Data Infrastructure. Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal counsel to GI Partners. Layer 7 Capital provided financial advice, and McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP provided legal advice to DR Fortress. About DR Fortress DR Fortress is the largest carrier-neutral data center and cloud services provider operating in Hawaii. The company assists both international and local companies with maintaining and securing their mission-critical IT systems. For more information, please visit www.drfortress.com . About GI Partners GI Partners is a private investment firm based in San Francisco. The firm has raised over $20 billion in capital from leading institutional around the world to invest in private equity, real estate, and data infrastructure strategies. GI Data Infrastructure invests primarily in hard asset infrastructure businesses underpinning the digital economy. For more information on GI Partners and its entire portfolio, please visit www.gipartners.com .







Media Contacts:

Chris Tofalli Gretchen Robinson Chris Tofalli Public Relations LLC GI Partners Investor Relations 914-834-4334 415-688-4866 [email protected] [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gi-partners-invests-in-dr-fortress-llc-300988301.html SOURCE GI Partners

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Houston Association of Realtors

Why does American real estate draw so much foreign investment? In part because U.S. policy has long encouraged it through the EB-5 visa program. In exchange for a certain level of investment, the government will provide green cards.

The program is ostensibly about job creation. Investors who channel their money to certain areas with high unemployment are only required to invest half as much as they would if they invested it elsewhere -- $900,000, instead of $1.8 million.
Oscar winner Jamie Foxx confirmed he is a member of the mile high club during The Ellen DeGeneres Show's Burning Questions segment airing Thursday.

'Am I member of the mile high club, that means you get high when you're in the plane? Yes, I smoke. I smoke it up!' the 52-year-old Texan joked before admitting, 'Yes I am.'

When asked about the last time he partied all night, Jamie told his 61-year-old 'comic hero' he was 'still at the party.'

'Yes I am': Oscar winner Jamie Foxx confirmed he is a member of the mile high club during The Ellen DeGeneres Show's Burning Questions segment airing Thursday

The 52-year-old Texan joked: 'Am I member of the mile high club, that means you get high when you're in the plane? Yes, I smoke. I smoke it up!' (pictured September 19)

'My birthday was December 13th [and] I have been sleepy and slightly drunk since December 13,' Foxx (born Eric Bishop) said.

'Every night. I'm like Leonardo DiCaprio.'

The life-long bachelor used his sense of humor to expertly deflect questions about his idea of the 'perfect date.'

'Reading scriptures. Just trying to get closer to the Lord,' Jamie - whose first kiss was at 'age 7 or 8' - stated before breaking into song.

'Every night. I'm like Leonardo DiCaprio': When asked about the last time he partied all night, Jamie told his 61-year-old 'comic hero' he was 'still at the party' (pictured March 16)

Foxx (born Eric Bishop) said: 'My birthday was December 13th [and] I have been sleepy and slightly drunk since December 13'

'Hallelujah Lord. Jesus! Trying to be saved tonight. Will you save me, Lord Jesus!'

Foxx then revealed how he manages to embarrass his daughter Corinne, 25; with Air Force veteran Connie Kline, and daughter Anelise, 11; with unemployed publicist Kristin Grannis.

'I don't wear underwear all the time. It's not a bad thing. I'm just a natural person so sometimes when I'm working on stuff, my kids,' the Beat Shazam host said before stopping himself.

'Okay let's just go to something else. You guys have the look of horror on your face. I'm just trying to be open and honest and I'm being persecuted!'

'I don't wear underwear all the time': The life-long bachelor then revealed how he manages to embarrass his daughters Corinne, 25; and Anelise, 11 (pictured August 19)

Fooled ya! Burning Questions was technically pre-taped last Thursday during Jamie's 19th appearance on the syndicated talk show

Coordinated: This Thursday's episode will also feature Independent Spirit Awards host Aubrey Plaza (sort of) doing a pole dance much to Ellen and her audience's amusement

Burning Questions was technically pre-taped last Thursday during Jamie's 19th appearance on the syndicated talk show.

This Thursday's episode will also feature Independent Spirit Awards host Aubrey Plaza (sort of) doing a pole dance much to Ellen and her audience's amusement.

For his role as Walter McMillian in Mercy, Foxx next competes for the best supporting male in a motion picture trophy at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards, which air this Sunday on TNT/TBS.

The In Living Color alum goes head-to-head against A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood's Tom Hanks, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Brad Pitt, as well as The Irishman duo Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

Finally hits UK theaters this Friday! For his role as Walter McMillian in Mercy, Foxx next competes for the best supporting male in a motion picture trophy at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards, which air this Sunday on TNT/TBS
(CNN) -- President Donald Trump continues to insist he doesn't know Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal attorney who now says the President was aware of efforts to surface dirt on political rivals.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he didn't know anything about Parnas, with whom he's posed in photographs.

"I don't know him at all, don't know what he's about, don't know where he comes from, know nothing about him. I can only tell you this thing is a big hoax," he said, adding, "He's probably trying to make a deal for himself."

Parnas, the Soviet-born businessman whose work in Ukraine with Rudy Giuliani stands at the center of the impeachment inquiry, implicated the President in the Ukraine pressure campaign on Wednesday in an interview with CNN.

"Perhaps he's a fine man. Perhaps he's not," Trump said on Thursday, later adding, "I don't believe I've ever spoken to him."

Trump said he takes thousands of photos at fundraisers, but suggested that did not mean he knows Parnas.

"I don't need the help of a man that I never met before other than perhaps taking a picture at a fundraiser," he said.

But on Wednesday, Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper that the efforts in Ukraine were "all about 2020" and not about working in the interest of the United States.

"That was the way everyone viewed it," Parnas said, disputing Trump's previous claim that the push to unearth damaging information about his political rival, Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, stemmed from concerns about corruption in Ukraine.

"That was the most important thing," Parnas said, "for him to stay on for four years and keep the fight going. I mean, there was no other reason for doing it."

Parnas was indicted in October by New York federal prosecutors on campaign finance charges alongside another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman. Parnas and Fruman have pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump continues to insist he doesn't know Guiliani associate Parnas"
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Indias exports contracted for the fifth month in a row, registering a fall by 1.8 per cent to $27.36 billion in December 2019. And with protectionism and global turmoil, the picture seems far from rosy in the coming months.

The data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday revealed that imports too declined by 8.83 per cent at $38.61 billion, thus narrowing the trade deficit to $11.25 billion during December, against trade deficit of $14.49 billion in December 2018.

Oil imports contracted by 0.83 per cent to $10.69 billion during the period, while gold imports dipped by about 4 per cent to $2.46 billion.

During April-December FY2019-20, exports slipped 1.96 per cent to $239.29 billion, imports declined by 8.9 per cent to $357.39 billion, leaving an overall trade deficit of $118.10 billion. Only 11 out of the 30 major product groups were in positive territory during December 2019.

Domestic issues including uncertainty over MEIS (Merchandise Export from India Scheme) was a major cause of concern as exporters claim for over five months are still pending, which has completely wiped out their liquidity and has kept them in doldrums with regard to finalising new contracts. The problem of risky exporters has further compounded the liquidity problem as their GST and drawback claims have also been held up, said Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).



The FIEO president reiterated that the stalemate over MEIS for apparels and made-ups should be resolved immediately. Besides, Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP) should be notified with immediate effect for all the products.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-15 20:47:47|Editor: Yurou

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LHASA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign formally kicked off Wednesday in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, with an appeal to Chinese travelers to visit the Himalayan country.

In 2020, the regional government will assist Nepal in organizing a series of promotional tourism events.

This will give a boost to Nepal's tourism industry, according to Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, the consul general of Nepal in Lhasa, at the opening ceremony of the campaign.

China is Nepal's second-largest source of tourists, with about 150,000 tourists visiting Nepal in 2018.

Tourism is one of the pillars of Nepal's economic development and the campaign held in China is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, Karkee said.

A total of 11 MoUs were signed at a recent meeting of the Nepal-China's Tibet Joint Tourism Coordinating Committee to enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.
(For the latest China news, Please follow People's Daily on Twitter and Facebook
Congress Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi has accused the central government of causing the delay in disposing of the mercy petition moved by Mukesh Kumar Singh, one of the death row convicts in the Nirbahaya gang-rape and murder case.

"Mercy petition can be disposed of in two hours if the government wants. The speed at which this government runs is tremendous only when it suits them," Tulsi told ANI.

In addition, Tulsi said, "I do not know what the attitude of the govt would be. The mercy petition can be rejected within two hours, two days or even two years...it's just their choice," he added.

Mukesh Kumar Singh, approached a Delhi court seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President.

His mercy plea was moved to the President after the Supreme Court dismissed his curative petition on Tuesday.

"The delay is maybe due to various reasons one can't know but in this case, I do not understand why the government takes so long particularly when a black warrant has already been issued," said Tulsi.

The matter will be heard today at the trial court at 2 pm.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An investigation has been launched after a protest by environmental activists at a pig farm in Co Antrim.

The farm, in Cloughmills, was also visited by police after the protest in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Around 40 people from animal rights group Meat the Victims made their way to the farm and shared pictures and videos of their protest on social media.

Activists from Northern Ireland were joined by others from abroad at the protest.

The group complained about the conditions at the farm and claim to have taken one pig with them to an animal sanctuary.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said that investigators had attended the farm following the protest.

"DAERA is aware of an incident during the early morning of Tuesday January 14 on a pig farm in County Antrim," a spokesman said.

"DAERA inspectors followed up on the incident today and are currently investigating.

"The department is responsible under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 in respect of farmed animals."

Police said that a protest "involving a number of people at a farm in the Cloughmills area" was reported to them at 4.30am on Tuesday morning.

"Police attended and spoke with the protesters who left the property shortly before 7am," a spokesman said.

"There were no reports of any criminal offence during the incident."

The spokesman said they would continue to work with partner agencies to establish if any criminal offences have occurred.
Makeup-obsessed YouTube fans were rocked last night with a video from one of the most influential makeup artists on the platform - and it had nothing to do with the latest foundation launch.

Nikkie de Jager, 25, better known as NikkieTutorials to her 12 million-plus subscribers, revealed that she's a transgender woman in a video that was trending on Twitter on Monday night and continues to be the most-watched video on YouTube on Tuesday afternoon, approaching 20 million views.

The Dutch makeup artist disclosed her gender identity after facing blackmail threats by people who wanted to take her story to the media for profit, she said. Announcing her transgender identity was a way for her to reclaim her power, she said.

"It feels good to finally do it. It is time to let go and be truly free," she said with her palms pressed together and glittery nails pointing toward the camera. "When I was younger, I was born in the wrong body - which means that I am transgender."

Since uploading her first video nearly 12 years ago, de Jager has amassed a cultlike following of makeup enthusiasts and artists alike who watch her videos for tips about how to perfect winged eyeliner, reviews on new cosmetic releases and marvel at her makeup artistry. Her passion for makeup and knowledge of how products should perform for consumers has led to collaborations with top cosmetics brands such as Too Faced and Orfra to makeup-transforming videos with elite celebrity makeup artists on her channel.

Her accomplishments were all achieved without any questions surrounding her gender identity - an intentional choice, she told viewers.

"I always wanted to live in a world where I saw myself as me, as Nikkie, as a woman, as a girl, as a boss lady," she said into the camera.

The YouTube star has been transitioning into the woman she is for years.

NikkieTutorials/YouTube/Washington Post

"Ever since I was born I always thought that I was a girl," she said, explaining her affinity for toys and styles of dress associated with little girls. "All of me was girly."

She was already dressing and styling herself as a girl by 7 or 8, she said.

De Jager was already taking hormone blockers and growth stoppers to help her transition by age 14 with support she received from her mother and schoolteachers, she said. By age 19, de Jager said she was "fully transitioned," hinting that she possibly received gender affirmation surgery.

The Netherlands has been a global leader on LGBTQ rights and was the first country to allow transgender people to openly serve in its armed forces in 1974, CNN reported. It was also the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001.

The country made it legal for transgender citizens to change their gender designation on identity documents in July 2014, removing requirements for hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgery and sterilization.

Much of de Jager's change was documented to an unsuspecting following.

"I transitioned while on YouTube," she said. "I have literally grown up and transformed into me."

She said she always wanted to reveal her transgender experience, but being blackmailed forced her own personal timeline.

"It was frightening to know there are people out there who are so evil that they can't respect someone's true identity," she said of her extortionists before flipping them off with a middle finger that showed off a squared, sparkling acrylic nail.

Her revelation doesn't change anything about her, she said, before briefly expressing concerns over how people would receive her news.

The response to de Jager's announcement has received mostly praise from the beauty influencer community.

Makeup maven Nikita Dragun, who's documented her makeup techniques and gender transition on her channel, tweeted that de Jager's "coming out" moved her to tears.

Julie Vu, a Canadian YouTuber better known as PrincessJules who has also detailed her transition for her subscribers, made a reaction video expressing shock and pride in de Jager's decision to share something personal.

Vu, a lifestyle vlogger and makeup devotee, said she could relate to being outed based on her own experience of being identified as transgender in dance clubs, and admonished de Jager's alleged blackmailers.

"Transgender people get killed all the time for being themselves," she said. "When you out somebody, you put their life in danger and that is not okay. Someone's life is not a joke."

At least 22 transgender or gender-nonconforming people were killed last year in the United States, according to a report from the Human Rights Campaign, which tweeted its support of de Jager.

De Jager said she hoped that her public acknowledgment of her gender identity would help younger children who might also feel out of place or not like who they truly are, she said.

"I don't know if people are going to hate me or accept me," she said toward the end of her video. "All I know is that I haven't changed. You're still seeing the same Nikkie now."
Donald Trump changed the country with his presidential campaign. Bullying and anger previously kept to the corners of the internet and within hate groups exploded onto the public, and worse, were adopted by people eager to direct their anger at different minority and political groups. As hate crimes and Twitter abuse skyrocketed, the consensus was: America is divided.

But Cory Booker didn't believe that. He understood there is a capacity beyond tribalism deep within every human being. And it wasn't just words  love and respect for all was apparent in every part of Booker's message and policies.

From the issue of abortion to his inclusion of animal welfare as an early campaign policy, Booker was unflinching in the courage and compassion he brought to problems. His advocacy for Black and Brown communities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community werent a matter of politics, rather of justice and humanity.

Hate and divisive language has become normalized in discussions of every issue under the sun. So the next time you feel hopelessness or animosity toward the other side, remember two words -- courageous empathy -- the two words Booker staked his campaign on. No matter what party you belong to or what candidate you support, Cory Booker cares about you. And I hope you care about him, too.

Jason Maikis, Silver Lake

Anti-Semitism column was spot on

What a powerful essay on anti-Semitism by Steve Goldberg (I wont be scared out of being a Jew, Dec. 31). It was very moving and appropriate in light of recent events.

Hyman C. Grossman, Monroe Township

Piscataway is an inclusive community

I feel compelled to speak out against a misleading op-ed written by Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization about Piscataways holiday display.

In the midst of racial and religious tension sweeping across the nation, the township strives to maintain a wholesome atmosphere for all residents. Yet, this groups undocumented accusations of prejudice sows discord and diminishes our ability to preserve interfaith harmony.

II have known Mayor Brian Wahler for many years and witnessed his commitment for the welfare of everyone regardless of race, creed or religion. In fact, the Muslim Center of Middlesex County recently honored him for his outstanding public service. Piscataway is known for its inclusiveness in keeping with the various celebrations that impact our diversity.

The PPDO suggestion for a menorah on Town Halls front lawn questions the separation of church and state. The communities of Edison, Highland Park, Metuchen and Monroe place their menorahs at non-government sites. In these perilous times, it is dangerous for the PPDO to stir up problems that can lead to unrest. Therefore, I humbly ask the PPDO to cease using religious sensitivities for political gain.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Sr., chairman Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission

N.J. should cap the cost of insulin

Recently the state legislature of Colorado passed a bill that would cap the cost of insulin at $100 a month.

New Jersey with a greater population and more diabetics, should follow Colorado, and put a cap on insulin at $75 a month.

How many New Jersey residents skip dosages because of cost? How many dont have insurance to cover any purchase of insulin?

New Jersey legislators should start a bipartisan bill that would save lives. Its not all politics. This is not about marijuana. Its insulin, invented over a hundred years ago. Why are people still dying because of cost?

Be responsible.

David Kaplan, Gillette
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has never voted in favor of a trade deal  until now.

One of Browns first votes as a member of Congress was against the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993. In the decades since, he has railed against the deal arguing that it cost American jobs.

I voted against every trade agreement since I've been member of the House or Senate, because every trade agreement has been written by corporate interests to enrich executives and stock holders and not for workers, said Brown.

Now, Brown plans to vote yes on the new NAFTA, known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement or USMCA when the full Senate considers it. He already voted to approve the implementation bill in the Senate Finance Committee last week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Tuesday he expects the full Senate to vote on USMCA by the end of the week.

I never thought this day would come, Brown said in an interview with Yahoo Finance. It happened because...people overwhelmingly understood that the NAFTA was bad for our communities, especially in the industrial Midwest.

Brown and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) worked together to push for stronger labor provisions in the deal.

Finally, we saw a chance to renegotiate it and we knew if we stuck together, and together meant all the Democrats put pressure on the president saying, Quit betraying workers. This matters for workers, and we succeeded, said Brown.

Democratic lawmakers in the House negotiated with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for months on the deals labor, environmental, pharmaceutical and enforcement provisions. Last month, Speaker Pelosi announced a compromise and the House passed the USMCA implementation bill in a landslide vote.

We went to work and we convinced the president  kicking and screaming  that we needed strong labor enforcement and that this agreement should be centered around workers, not around corporate interests, said Brown.

Brown pointed to provisions that protect Mexican workers rights to form union and measures to ensure Mexico upholds labor standards as key victories in the deal.

Story continues

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., accompanied by Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal, D-Mass., left, speaks at a news conference to discuss the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Itll mean Mexican wages will come up, Brown said. Mexican wages will come up so that it will be less attractive for American companies to shut down production in Dayton and move to Mexico.

Some Democratic opposition

While the Senate is expected to approve the deal by a wide margin, some Democratic lawmakers oppose the deal because it doesnt do enough to fight climate change.

USMCAs environmental provisions are insufficientand by not addressing climate change, the USMCA fails to meet the crises of this moment. Californians know that the climate crisis is already here. Communities across our state have experienced exacerbated fires, storms, floods, and drought, and the devastation will only get worse if we fail to take bold and immediate action to address it, said Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) in a statement.

Harris voted against the deal in the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday. Brown has acknowledged the deal isnt perfect and told Yahoo Finance Congress needs to do a better job of addressing climate change.

The Trump administration has said it plans to use USMCA as a model for future trade negotiations  so while this the first trade deal to earn Browns approval, it may not be the last.

One of the reasons we fought so hard for this is, we understood if we get this as part of USMCA, it becomes a model for the future. That strong enforceable labor standards, environmental standards, doing the right thing on access to medicines that can be the core of any trade agreements, he said. And then over time, we'll see trade agreements work in a way that companies are much less likely to outsource jobs from the United States overseas.

Still, his support for USMCA doesnt mean hell necessarily get behind the Phase 1 deal with China, which was signed on Wednesday. Brown has urged President Trump to stay strong in his negotiations with China. I want to make sure China's not the same thing and he's not really been open enough about what's in it, he said.

Jessica Smith is a reporter for Yahoo Finance based in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter at @JessicaASmith8.

Read more:
Primark suffered a dip in same-store UK sales in the last quarter, its owner Associated British Foods revealed in a trading update today.

But, taking into account new store openings, Primark's UK operations actually saw sales rise 4 per cent in the 16 weeks to 4 January.

With this is mind, Primark is poised to open 18 new shops in the current financial year, including its first outlet in Slovenia and a second store in Poland.

Dip: Primark suffered a dip in same-store UK sales in the last quarter

The fashion retailer's owner gave no actual figure for the fall in like-for-like UK sales dip, which is a measure of business recorded by the same number of stores a year ago.

But, Primark said it saw 'particularly good' trading over November and December in the UK.

On the back of this, the group said it 'delivered a further increase in share of the total clothing, footwear and accessories market.'

Primark is one of the few retailers sticking to its bricks-and-mortar roots, and plans to continue expanding its store portfolio to give shoppers cheap and fast fashion.

The fashion retailer's eurozone revenue was up over 5 per cent on a year ago, with its embattled operations in Germany enjoying a 'notable improvement' in the last quarter.

Meanwhile, Primark's US business, which also ran into some problems after launching, 'delivered like-for-like sales growth in the period', AB Foods said.

Taking into account all Primark's global operations, operating profit margin in the period fell, AB Foods added.

New Primark stores opening this year Primark has revealed a number of the locations for its 18 new stores: Trafford Centre, Manchester Mons, Belgium American Dream, New Jersey Lens, Noyelles SC, France Strasbourg, France Paris Thais Paris Plaisir Rome (South), Bellavita Barcelona, Placa de Catalunya, Spain Warsaw, Galeria Mociny Berlin Gropius, Germany

Shares in AB Foods rose over 3 per cent this morning, but are currently up 2.92 per cent or 74.5p to 2,629.5p.

Across all of AB Food's operations, group revenue for the period was up 4 per cent on a year ago.

It was bolstered by a pick-up in its sugar business and improved margins in its grocery arm.

Sterling's growing strength against the euro over the period also helped boost 'sales from continuing operations', the group said. The group's outlook for the year remains unchanged.

Sophie Lund-Yates, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'Primark is proof not every retailer struggled this Christmas, and the upturn in Europe is welcome news, particularly Germany where conditions have been tough.

'What's most striking about Primark is it's essentially an old school retailer. Lack of a meaningful online business makes the chain a high-street play, so the improvement to sales performance is even more impressive.

'Within the UK, repeat business did dip slightly, but new store space is offsetting that - which has been the tactic for a while now.'
AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A staple of downtown Akron's main street for the last eight years, OuterBox Inc. officially completed its move to Copley Township in December of 2019. The relocation of its headquarters comes about six months following the opening of a second satellite location in Columbus, Ohio.

The move stems from unprecedented growth OuterBox has seen over the last several years, resulting in the company outgrowing the renovated space it had called home in Akron's historic Kaiser building since 2013.

New OuterBox HQ Lobby in Copley, Ohio

The new Copley Township location provides more than 10,000 square feet of unique office space for OuterBox employees to work and collaborate. While the previous location was mostly an open floor plan, the new headquarters has large conference rooms for internal collaboration and client meetings, in addition to many smaller offices that form the building's perimeter.

The relocation also positions OuterBox well for future growth, according to OuterBox Director of Business Development Jeff Hirz. "Without having to leave Akron, our new location is significantly more convenient for our Cleveland and Columbus area clients," says Hirz. "We needed a more modern building with improved amenities and conference rooms to serve our clients better, but it was crucial to do so without sacrificing the collaborative culture we had worked so hard to foster in the Kaiser building."

Founded in 2004, OuterBox Inc. is a professional website design, web development, and digital marketing agency offering services like custom website design, eCommerce development, and search engine optimization (SEO). OuterBox also now provides online marketing services for Amazon.com sellers, including Amazon SEO and related services.

For more information, contact OuterBox Director of Business Development Jeff Hirz at 1-866-647-9218 or email [email protected]. Office interior design by Gem & Clay Interiors.

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The newly revised drug regulations in China have come into force since Dec. 1st, 2019. With the benefits from the national policies accompanying with the law, pharmaceutical enterprises will greatly improve their enthusiasm at R&D and innovation and achieve leapfrog development from generic drugs to new drugs.

Besides, the implementation of the innovative review mechanism and Marketing Authorization Holder system heralds that the regulation will be stricter, the market more regulated and the competition fiercer in the future. Innovation-driven and high-quality development is an essential for pharmaceutical enterprises, and R&D and innovation as the core momentum can help Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises seize the opportunities of the global pharmaceutical technology changes and continue to something new, increase industry competitiveness and accelerate the high-quality development of Chinese pharmaceuticals.

Emerging markets boosting the internationalization of formulations

Internationalized development is an important means to promote the structural adjustments of the Chinese pharmaceutical industry and the transformation and upgrading of pharmaceutical enterprises. "Belt and Road Initiative" has indicated the direction and provided great opportunities for Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises to reach cooperation with emerging markets. According to related data, by the end of Aug. 2019, there have been 136 countries and 30 international organizations that have signed 195 cooperation documents with China to build the Belt and Road together; the total amount of pharmaceuticals exported by China to countries along the Belt and Road reached USD14.863 billion in Jan. to Aug. 2019, growing by 20.71% YOY and accounting for 30% that of the total amount in the world.

Highly consistent with China's national strategy, innovating and leading with an international vision

FDF China always makes it its mission to boost Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises to "go global" and promote the innovation and development of industry. FDF China 2020 will be grandly held at SNIEC from June 22-24 together with CPhI China 2020. By then, over 100 excellent formulation enterprises, including Hengrui, Huahai and Hisun, etc. will participate, to negotiate for cooperation with Chinese and overseas buyers from over 140 countries and regions. FDF China aims to become an important link between Chinese and overseas practitioners to get them deeply involved. It's also a valuable but rare chance for overseas pharmaceutical enterprises as it widely opens the gate of the Chinese market for them to showcase their brands and products.

Various activities such as CPhI International Agencies Updates and Q&A Session, CPhI Formulation Companies Salon, and selection of Leading Formulation Suppliers (Top 20) will be held concurrently with the exhibition. Experts will be invited to interpret the latest policies and regulations and predict the industry development trends; industry benchmark enterprises will share information and experience to provide thoughts for reference of the participating enterprises' making of international market development strategies.

2020 will be the 20th year of CPhI China. The organizer, together with media and industry partners, will make the anniversary celebration activities gorgeous. Welcome to join us in the grand industry gala in June in Shanghai.

Visit www.cphi-china.cn/fdf/en for more information.

FDF China 2020

June 22-24, 2020, SNIEC, Shanghai, China

Organizer: Informa Markets, CCCMHPIE, Sinoexpo Informa Markets

Contact: Stanford Li

[email protected]

+86-21-33392548

SOURCE FDF China
 Flash

China expressed the hope Wednesday that Britain will take an objective and fair position, make an independent choice in line with its own interests on the issue of 5G, and provide a fair, just, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine press briefing when answering a question concerning the U.S. pressure on Britain to ban the use of Huawei's 5G technology.

Geng noted that Huawei has been operating in Britain for many years, investing billions of pounds, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, setting up joint research centers and actively fulfilling social responsibility.

He urged the United States to stop generalizing the concept of national security, smearing and blaming China and suppressing Chinese companies unreasonably.

"What is the real intention of the United States to slander China and suppress Chinese enterprises? I believe any country that upholds an objective and fair position can clearly see," Geng said.
Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday released five politicians including three former legislators after keeping them in preventive detention for more than five months following abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.

Officials said the five mainstream politicians were released from preventive detention this afternoon.

The leaders who were released include Altaf Kaloo (ex-MLA National Conference), Showkat Ganaie (ex-MLC National Conference) and Nizamuddin Bhat (ex-MLC PDP).

Former mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Salman Sagar (National Conference) and Mukhtar Bandh (PDP) were also released.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] Airports Company South Africa Selects BEONTRA to Improve Planning Efficiency at Nine Airports across South Africa

KARLSRUHE, Germany, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which owns and operates a network of nine airports across South Africa, has selected BEONTRA Scenario Planning, a subsidiary of Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), to help optimise its airline routes and improve flight planning across its network. The agreement will support route forecasting by enabling ACSA to assess the feasibility of new and improved routes, helping to attract more airlines to ACSA's airports and build the South African economy. ACSA will leverage BEONTRA's Suite B Route Development module that is designed to support aviation business development teams to assess market sizes, monitor passenger flows and traffic potential. The technology delivers rapid, comprehensive, and reliable scenarios supporting operational and strategic decision-making. ACSA was formed in 1993 as a public company and was partially privatised in 1998. The group owns and operates nine airports, including the three main international gateways of O.R. Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International Airports. In 2018, the nine airports facilitated more than 43 million passengers. ACSA's Cape Town International Airport has also consecutively won the award for "Best Airport in Africa". Matome Ramokgobedi, Group Manager, Traffic Development at Airports Company South Africa said, "The tool will aid the traffic development function to provide robust proposals for new route opportunities and thereby support the unit to achieve its organisational targets of improving connectivity to the regions we serve and contribute to increasing traffic through the airports we operate/serve." Thorsten Kolbinger, Managing Director of BEONTRA said, "We continue to expand our global footprint of more than 40 customers with ACSA. Establishing an African presence for BEONTRA will enable us to bring our unique capabilities in route development and scenario planning to the rest of the continent." About BEONTRA BEONTRA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, provides an integrated corporate scenario planning software suite for the aviation sector (BEONTRA Scenario Planning), which enables companies to create traffic forecast scenarios, capacity scenarios, route development studies and estimate aviation and non-aviation revenues as well as cost scenarios. From their headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany, BEONTRA has been supporting airlines and airport operators as an aviation system supplier and consultant for almost 20 years. Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 28, 2018, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.







Contact: Robert McNeill

Leidos UK

[email protected]

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Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday challenged Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to prove the land-grabbing allegations made by a rebel Congress legislator against him.

Puducherry: Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday challenged Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to prove the land-grabbing allegations made by a rebel Congress legislator against him.

Hitting out at Bedi for making public the allegations against him and his son by Congress MLA N Dhanavelou, the chief minister told reporters it was "shocking" that she came out with a press statement on the issue without ascertaining their veracity.

"It is really shocking that the Lieutenant Governor had come out with a press statement highlighting the charges the rebel legislator Dhanavelou had made during his meeting with her recently," Narayanasamy said.

"Bedi should have ascertained the facts and genuineness of the complaints Dhanavelou had made orally that my son and I had indulged in land-grab crimes," Narayanasamy said and challenged Bedi to prove the allegations. He also said if charges of land-grabbing were proved he would quit office.

"If charges of land-grabbing made out against me and my son by the disgruntled MlA are proved I will quit office," Narayanasamy said adding "if on the other hand the Lieutenant Governor did not prove them she should go out of public life once and for all."

Lashing out at the former IPS officer, the chief minister said, "Dhanavelou's allegations made orally against me and my son are unfounded. But the Lieutenant Governor had come out with a press statement referring to Dhanavelou's charges against me."

"Neither my son nor myself nor any of my family members had ever indulged in such crimes like land-grabbing."

Narayanasamy further said Bedi was trying to "tarnish his image."

He said Bedi had been overstepping her limits and accused her of 'maligning' his reputation and the entire ministry.

"Bedi does not deserve to be a Lieutenant Governor any longer as she does not know the administrative procedures and nuances of governance," he added.

Narayanasamy said during his recent visit to Delhi he had apprised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of Bedi's intervention in routine governance and sought her replacement.
Richard Herring, MD, President, Gaston Radiology Staying at the forefront of quality and innovation to provide the best level of patient care has always been our guiding principle. We are excited to work with other like-minded groups within the Strategic Radiology coalition to strengthen our clinical and business practices even further.

Gaston Radiology has joined Strategic Radiology, the third North Carolina practice to align with the leading coalition of independent radiology practices in the past year. Based in Gastonia, NC, the practice includes 18 radiologists.

Gaston Radiology has all of the hallmarks of a Strategic Radiology practice, said Arl Van Moore Jr, MD, FACR, CEO and chair, Strategic Radiology. It is committed to quality radiology, service excellence, and local, independent radiology practice.

Since 1949, Gaston Radiology has proudly served the needs of patients in and around Gaston county, part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. The practice includes fellowship-trained radiologists practicing the following subspecialties: cardiothoracic, abdominal, interventional, musculoskeletal, mammography, neuroradiology, and nuclear medicine.

Gaston Radiology provides 24/7/365 medical imaging services for CaroMont Health, a regional health system that includes a 435-bed hospital. The group practice also staffs two outpatient imaging centers equipped with advanced medical imaging technology and operates a mobile MRI.

Staying at the forefront of quality and innovation to provide the best level of patient care has always been our guiding principle, said Richard Herring MD, president, Gaston Radiology. We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded groups within the Strategic Radiology coalition to strengthen our clinical and business practices even further.

In addition to providing inpatient and outpatient imaging services, Gaston Radiology maintains high visibility in the community through sponsorship of many charitable organizations and events and is an active advocate for community health through its breast and lung cancer screening programs.

About Strategic Radiology

Strategic Radiology is a coalition of independent, private radiology practices, representing more than 1,100 radiologists. The coalitions goal is to achieve higher quality patient care and more cost-efficient delivery of medical imaging through an integrated approach of shared data and best practices, interchanging clinical expertise, and consolidating certain practice expenses. It operates the nations only radiology-focused Patient Safety Organization listed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.StrategicRadiology.org.

SR Members:


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The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating 20 officers for allegedly falsely identifying residents as gang members, after body camera footage revealed inconsistencies between some cops' documentation and their in-person interactions.

The Los Angeles Times broke the story Tuesday, reporting that the department launched the investigation after hearing from a mother in Van Nuys who received a letter saying her son was identified as belonging to a gang.

When she brought the accusation to her local police station and told them she believed it was incorrect, an internal review "found inaccuracies by the officer," the paper reported.

According to the Times, officers may have felt pressure to crack down on gangs by identifying or arresting members following an expansion of the Metro department meant to target guns and gang activity.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said Wednesday that while officers' activity does have to be tracked in some way, no such pressure existed.

"There are no demands placed on an individual within this organization that would ever justify lying or falsifying," he said in an interview with KPCC's AirTalk. "As we go out and do our work, we are accountable to what our activities are, how we spend our days. The measurement of that ... should never drive behavior that would break [our code of] ethics."

Moore went on to denounce such behavior in strong terms.

"There is absolutely zero tolerance for an officer to falsify a record of any type," he said. "Officers' integrity is their most valued and cherished possession, and when they lose that because of falsification ... they have absolutely zero worth as a police officer."

At a news conference earlier Wednesday, Moore said, "if an officer falsified information on a field interview card ... that is not just wrong, it's a crime."

LAPD's investigation is ongoing.
[January 16, 2020] Crestone Peak Resources Announces New Partnership for Real-Time Well Site Air Quality Monitoring

Crestone Peak Resources today announced an innovative partnership for a large-scale test of real-time continuous air quality monitoring at its oil and natural gas production sites in Colorado. Crestone is the first operator to commit to continuous emissions testing for a substantial majority of its production. This innovative, first-of-its-kind pilot program is designed to improve air quality and provide assurance of the company's ability to produce energy safely and responsibly. The partnership will demonstrate the value of utilizing state-of-the-art technology for monitoring emissions and improving air quality. Another key objective of the program is collecting environmental data that can help reduce methane intensity and emissions from oil and natural gas production. The partnership also includes Project Canary and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines. Project Canary, as the technology partner, will provide continuous air emissions monitoring devices and real-time data. Crestone and Project Canary are working with the Payne Institute to explore a role as an independent steward of collected emissions data. Crestone plans an initial deployment of the Project Canary monitoring technology on well sites representing about 80 percent of the company's production. Deployment of monitoring units at Crestone locations will begin this month, with data collection beginning immediately. Crestone has been testing the Project Canary technology successfully on individual well sites in Weld County since November 2019. Project Canary provides around-the-clock air quality monitoring that reports emissions data at operating sites every few seconds. By providing continuous real-time monitoring, the Project Canary solution helps oil and gas operators identify emissions sources and take action quickly to address abnormal air quality readings, faster than any other technology available today. The Project Canary solution uses technology originally developed for NASA by Colorado School of Mines graduates to monitor air quality on space stations. It provides accurate data in parts per billion, significantly more sensitive than other sensors currently available. "Our work with Project Canary and the Payne Institute is the latest in a series of advancements in air quality and emissions control technology and practices in Colorado's oil and gas industry," said David Stewart, Crestone vice president, environmental, health, safety and regulatory."This large-scale pilot program will offer further proof-of-concept for the Project Canary monitoring technology, which we believe represents a significant step forward in our industry's ability to ensure we're producing the energy that we all use every day in a safe, clean and responsible manner."



"The energy industry is strategically important to the Colorado economy and U.S. energy security," said Chris Romer, Project Canary president and co-founder. "As a B-Corp, Project Canary is accountable to the double-bottom-line of profit and social good. We are excited about this partnership and thrilled to be selected to participate in Crestone's proactive efforts for strengthening the energy industry's transparency and sustainability in Colorado." "At the Payne Institute, we take pride in our ability to act as an honest broker and to partner with the private and public sectors to address issues of societal concern related to energy and the environment," said Dr. Morgan Bazilian, Payne Institute director and professor of public policy. "We look forward to working with Crestone and Project Canary to take a data-based approach to understanding and managing air quality in connection with oil and gas production."

"This is an innovative example of industry stepping forward to develop and demonstrate forward-thinking environmental protections for our communities," said Andy Spielman, director of the Payne Institute's Future of Oil & Gas Initiative, and former chair of both the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Colorado Regional Air Quality Council. About Crestone Peak Resources Crestone Peak Resources is an independent energy company focusing on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas reserves in the Rocky Mountain Region. Formed in 2016, Crestone's team of nearly 200 professionals has significant operating experience, deep ties to communities in Colorado, and is committed to operating safely and responsibly. Crestone's acreage is located in the Greater Wattenberg Field of Colorado's Denver-Julesburg Basin. The company is headquartered in Denver and has an office in Firestone. For more information, visit www.crestonepeakresources.com. About Project Canary Project Canary, based in Denver, Colorado, is a mission-driven B-Corporation accountable to a double bottom line of profit and the social good. Its goal is to mitigate climate change by helping the oil and gas industry operate on a cleaner, more efficient, more sustainable basis. Project Canary provides trusted, independent and verifiable environmental data. Following a partnership with Lunar Outpost, a Colorado-based advanced technology company, Project Canary conducted live testing at the Methane Emissions Test and Evaluation Center (METEC). The goal of the test was to validate Project Canary hardware and to gain observed data on dispersion to prove the ability to detect leaks. Canary S sensors were able to accurately identify the emission plume paths, and accurately report verified VOC levels. The Project Canary solution is continuous, rugged, simple and affordable. For more information, visit ProjectCanary.com. About the Payne Institute of Public Policy The mission of the Payne Institute at Colorado School of Mines is to provide world-class scientific insights, helping to inform and shape public policy on earth resources, energy, and environment. The Institute seeks to link the strong scientific and engineering research and expertise at Mines with issues related to public policy and national security. For more information, visit PayneInstitute.MINES.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005612/en/

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Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a very high prevalence of Bartonella bacteria in tumors and tissues - but not blood samples - taken from dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. The work further supports the connection between persistent infection and some types of cancer and adds to the evidence that Bartonella can remain and thrive, undetected, within tissue.

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an aggressive, deadly cancer that arises from cells lining the blood vessels. It is responsible for two-thirds of all heart or splenic tumors in dogs, and is most common in medium-sized and middle-aged dogs. Since HSA usually cannot be diagnosed without major abdominal surgery, most HSA remains undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, resulting in a one-year survival rate of only 12 to 20%.

"There are clear precedents for the involvement of bacterial infections in tumor development," says Ed Breitschwerdt, Melanie S. Steele Distinguished Professor of Medicine at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine and corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "Given the established links between chronic inflammation and cancer, we wanted to determine whether chronic infection of blood vessels due to bacteria could be a contributing cause of this cancer."

Breitschwerdt and colleagues from NC State looked at tumor tissue, non-tumor tissue and blood samples from 110 dogs with HSA from across the U.S. They screened both the tissues and the blood for Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma, three bacteria associated specifically with blood infections.

Bartonella DNA was amplified and sequenced from 80 of the dogs with HSA: it was present in 34% of tumor tissue and 63% of non-tumor tissue, but appeared in none of the blood samples. Mycoplasma DNA was only amplified from 5 of the dogs and Babesia wasn't detected in any dog.

"Research in recent years has confirmed that persistent infection with or inflammation caused by stealth pathogens is a risk factor for developing cancer later in life," Breitschwerdt says. "With the exception of Helicobacter pylori, the emphasis on evaluating the relationship between infection and cancer has focused on viruses. But intracellular bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella may also play an important and previously uninvestigated role.

"Bartonella is a stealth pathogen - it can 'hide' in the cells that line blood vessel walls, which is part of what makes it so difficult to detect," Breitschwerdt says. "This work adds more evidence to the connection between infection and cancer risk, and demonstrates that molecular testing of whole blood samples does not rule out the tissue presence of this pathogen. Future studies are needed to investigate whether Bartonella infection can be a cause of HSA. Our team will be focusing on creating more sensitive diagnostic testing as part of this effort."

###

The work appears in PLOS ONE and was supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (Grant 2519) and the Comparative Medicine and Translational Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (T32OD011130). Ph.D. student Erin Lashnits is first author.

Note to editors: An abstract follows.

"Molecular prevalence of Bartonella, Babesia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs with hemangiosarcoma from across the United States"

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227234

Authors: Erin Lashnits, Pradeep Neupane, Julie Bradley, Toni Richardson, Rachael Thomas, Keith Linder, Matthew Breen, Ricardo Maggi, Ed Breitschwerdt, North Carolina State University

Published: Online Jan. 10, 2020 in PLOS ONE

Abstract:

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a locally invasive and highly metastatic endothelial cell neoplasm, accounts for two-thirds of all cardiac and splenic neoplasms in dogs. Bartonella spp. infection has been reported in association with neoplastic and non-neoplastic vasoproliferative lesions in animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in conjunction with two other hemotropic pathogens, Babesia spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., in tissues and blood samples from 110 dogs with histopathologically diagnosed HSA from throughout the United States. This was a retrospective, observational study using clinical specimens from 110 dogs with HSA banked by the biospecimen repository of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium. Samples provided for this study from each dog included:fresh frozen HSA tumor tissue (available from n = 100 of the 110 dogs), fresh frozen non-tumor tissue (n = 104), and whole blood and serum samples (n = 108 and 107 respectively). . Blood and tissues were tested by qPCR for Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Babesia spp. DNA; serum was tested for Bartonella spp. antibodies. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified and sequenced from 73% of dogs with HSA (80/110). In contrast, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA was amplified from a significantly smaller proportion (5%, p<0.0001) and Babesia spp. DNA was not amplified from any dog. Of the 100 HSA tumor samples submitted, 34% were Bartonella PCR positive (32% of splenic tumors, 57% of cardiac tumors, and 17% of other tumor locations). Of 104 non-tumor tissues, 63% were Bartonella PCR positive (56% of spleen samples, 93% of cardiac samples, and 63% of skin/subcutaneous samples). Of dogs with Bartonella positive HSA tumor, 76% were also positive in non-tumor tissue. Bartonella spp. DNA was not PCR amplified from whole blood. This study documented a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in dogs with HSA from geographically diverse regions of the United States. While 73% of all tissue samples from these dogs were PCR positive for Bartonella DNA, none of the blood samples were, indicating that whole blood samples do not reflect tissue presence of this pathogen. Future studies are needed to further investigate the role of Bartonella spp. in the development of HSA.
Firefighters work to put out the blaze at the chemical plant. MOSSOS D'ESQUADRA

More information Explosion at a chemical plant in Tarragona

A man who was in critical condition following an explosion at a chemical plant in northeastern Spain has died, bringing the death toll to three.

Another victim of the massive blast in the port city of Tarragona is being treated for major burns and remains in serious condition at Barcelonas Vall dHebron Hospital.

The explosion took place on Tuesday evening inside an industrial zone where petrochemical companies operate large facilities. The investigation points at a 20-ton reactor tank inside a plant that makes ethylene oxide, a flammable gas used to make plastics and detergents.

Shock wave sends reactor lid 2.5 kms After the explosion, a reactor lid was sent flying from the force of the shock wave. The one-ton metal piece, measuring 122 by 165 centimeters, hit a residential building in Torreforta more than 2.5 kilometers away, killing a 59-year-old man inside his home.

One of the victims is a man who was sitting inside his home, two kilometers away from the site of the accident. Firefighters have located a one-ton piece of metal that went flying through the air from the force of the blast and slammed into the apartment right above the victim, who was crushed by the falling rubble.

The second victim is a factory worker who was reported missing right after the explosion, which triggered a blaze that firefighters worked all night to contain. The worker was found dead on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters are now working to empty out the oxide tank to reduce the risk to the surrounding area, said the head of the firefighting crew, Albert Ventosa.

Thermal image taken by a drone of the chemical plant. CIVIL PROTECTION

The Catalan civil protection agency said that the company, Iqoxe, did not initially notify authorities about the accident, and that it was concerned citizens who called in beginning at 6.38pm on Tuesday.

We made a round of calls to the chemical companies, and we watched security camera footage. We could see that something was happening, but we could not tell what it was at first, explains Sergio Delgado, deputy director of the Catalan civil protection services. Protocols stipulate that the first thing a company needs to do is alert [the authorities].

Can you imagine a plant with an explosion and not being able to locate five colleagues? Its a very difficult situation, said Iqoxes CEO, Jose Luis Morlanes, in a statement to the media.

Map of the industrial zone where the accident took place.

This lack of warning could lead to sanctions, said Civil Protection sources, noting that an investigation is underway to clarify the facts of the case and to determine whether the companys communication channels were affected by the blast. These early warnings are one of the weak points of the system, admits Delgado.

The civil protection agency activated an emergency plan at 6.58pm, around 20 minutes after the blast. Firefighter crews accessed the plant at 7.10pm, and at 7.35pm it was determined that there was no risk of a toxic cloud outside the factory.

The plan stipulates that until there is no certainty of a chemical risk, the sirens are not activated. Thats why it was not done, says Delgado.

But before that, at 7.15pm, the agency had asked over 300,000 residents in seven nearby municipalities to remain indoors as a preventive measure. Ten minutes later this order was lifted in all but two of the nearest towns.

Nearby residents reported feeling confused at the fact that they were told to remain indoors yet did not hear the sirens indicating that a chemical accident emergency system had been activated, in an area where people are accustomed to holding annual drills to prepare for such an eventuality.

English version by Susana Urra.
Payless ShoeSource Emerges From Bankruptcy, Months After Closing 2,500 Stores

Payless ShoeSource, which was at one time the most popular discount shoe retailer in the United States, announced it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has plans to reopen some of the stores it shuttered last year.

The Topeka, Kansas-based firm said Thursday in a news release that it has appointed a new management team to unveil its new strategy for 2020, naming CEO Jared Margolis as the leader of the group.

The firm said it has emerged from bankruptcy with a number of stores in the Middle East and Latin America, despite closing down more than 2,000 stores across the United States. Currently, across the world, it has 710 brick and mortar stores, the company said.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead this iconic retail brand into a new strategic phase with a strengthened balance sheet and clean financial outlook. We will implement a new comprehensive strategic plan to strengthen our relationship with our vendors and suppliers, support our global franchise partners and deepen the trust of our customers, Margolis said in the release. The Payless brand stands for design, quality and value, and we plan to reinvigorate that proposition for our customers all over the world.

However, it will be the second time Payless tries to come up with a new business strategy and reinvent itself after following a bankruptcy filing. In 2017, the chain filed for Chapter 11 protection, and about a year-and-a-half later, it declared itself bankrupt again.

During the first bankruptcy, it had over 4,400 stores in more than 30 countries. Four months later, it merged from restructuring with about 3,500 stores and around $435 million in debt.

At that time, it was controlled by Alden Global Capital. Now, the new management team is from CAA-GBG, of which Margolis formerly served as president.

We intend to leverage Payless existing infrastructure, which is best in class and already includes product design & development, distribution, marketing, and a strong relationship with major footwear manufacturers. Thus, providing the new Payless with the ability to be nimble, innovative, and to fast-track our biggest growth opportunity: The United States, said Margolis in the latest news release.

In the second bankruptcy case, Payless said it would shutter about 2,500 locations across the United States.

The challenges facing retailers today are well documented, and unfortunately, Payless emerged from its prior reorganization ill-equipped to survive in todays retail environment, Stephen Marotta, Payless ShoeSources chief restructuring officer, said at the time, The Associated Press reported.

Payless was founded in 1956 by Louis and Shaol Lee Pozez to sell affordable footwear.
Some fighting has resumed in Libya after ceasefire talks stalled in Moscow. But not all hope of a deal is lost.

Sporadic fighting has resumed between Libyas warring sides after ceasefire talks stalled in Moscow.

Turkey and Russia brokered the fragile truce over the weekend, but Ankara says it is too early to say the ceasefire has collapsed.

Hopes have now moved to an international summit aimed at resolving the conflict, which will be held in Berlin on Sunday.

Al Jazeeras Jamal Elshayyal reports from Ankara, Turkey.
Dateline: Colorado

Swarms of mysterious drones have the residents of eastern Colorado on edge. Now the state's governor says he wants the mystery solved. According to Huffpost, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis told reporters last week that he would get to the bottom of the strange drone sightings reported in Colorado and Nebraska since mid-December. The swarms have been spotted flying by multiple witnesses and even the Phillips County Sheriffs Office, which tracked 16 of the flying machines in late December. So far, the drones haven't caused any harm, but residents say they're nervous about the intentions of the machine's operators. The swarms reportedly fly in formation, but some witnesses have reported observed them hovering in the air while shining a spotlight. Michael Yowell, a sheriffs captain in Lincoln County, told reporters that police estimate around 30 drones are being deployed each night in the area. Some of the drones are reportedly larger than 6 feet in diameter. Polis told reporters that the Department of Public Safety is investigating but hasn't released any substantial information on the case. A number of government agencies and private drone companies in the area have denied any knowledge of the drones' origins or purpose. It is likely that the operators are violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations by failing to register their drones, failing to maintain line-of-sight on the drone while in flight and by flying over third parties. The FAA also prohibits pilots from operating more than one drone at a timea possibility in this case.

Dateline: United Kingdom

A village in England has been targeted by mysterious dumpers who have left piles of manure in public areas. The Sun reports that the villagers of Bishopton, Co. Durham are trying to suss out the identities of the fecal dumpers but have so far failed. According to local reports, the mystery perpetrators strike only at night and have reportedly left dozens of mounds in public areas around town. Some of the piles have measured up to 50 feet long and 6 feet high. Some of the mounds were left where they would block motorists from using roads. Locals told reporters that at first it appeared a farmer was illegally dumping the mess out of neglect, but then the piles began to appear in different parts of town, leading many to believe the act is malicious. Many of the roads into town are reportedly impassable. It's unclear if authorities in the area have any leads as to the identity of the culprit. Councilor Brian Jones told reporters: Well have to catch the guilty party in the act  its the only way well get to the bottom of this.

Dateline: Denmark

Danish scientists say that tapping a shaken beer can does not reduce the risk of it fizzing over. Ars Technica reports that researchers from the University of Southern Denmark in Odense published a paper recently titled To beer or not to beer: does tapping beer cans prevent beer loss? According to the paper: Preventing or minimizing beer loss when opening a can of beer is socially and economically desirable. One theoretically grounded approach is tapping the can prior to opening, although this has never been rigorously evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the effect of tapping a can of beer on beer loss. To test the method, the researchers split 1031 beer cans of 330ml into four groups: unshaken/untapped, unshaken/tapped, shaken/untapped and shaken/tapped. The tapped cans were each given three taps on the side with a single finger. Shaken cans were shaken for two minutes each. The scientists weighed the cans, tapped or did not tap them, opened the cans, absorbed any beer loss using paper towels, then weighed the cans one last time. At the end of the experiment, they found that there was no statistically significant difference in the mass of beer lost when tapping compared to not tapping. It appears the common belief that tapping a beer can will lessen foaming is incorrect. According to the paper's authors, the only way to make certain that no beer is lost is to wait for bubbles to settle before opening the can.

Dateline: Florida

Police who were responding to what they believed were cries for help found a parrot instead. Newsweek reports that four sheriff's deputies were sent to a residence in Lake Worth Beach, Fla. in late December after a neighbor thought they'd heard a woman screaming, Help, help, let me out! In a video clip that has since gone viral, the officers can be seen approaching the home of a man who can be seen working on his car in the driveway. In a Facebook post made by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the man's statement was reproduced. I was changing the brakes on my wife's car and had my 40-year-old parrot, Rambo, on his outside perch where he sings and talks he said. Sometime later four police officers showed up  I promptly introduced the officers to Rambo  Sometimes Rambo yells 'help, help, let me out'. Something I taught him when I was a kid and Rambo lived in a cage. The misunderstanding was explained to the man's concerned neighbor. It is unclear if Rambo is currently facing any charges.
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NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the UN Geneva Meeting 2019, the President and Co-Founder of BlockchainArmy, Erol User, has urged all the institutions, governments, as well as the private sector corporations to join in the initiative called S.O.S, short for Save Our Space. The initiative is meant for beginning an organized space waste management.

In his speech at the meeting that was held in Geneva, Switzerland on December 14, 2019, Erol User said that now is the time for all of us to begin cooperating "to guarantee economically vital spaceflight" to facilitate innovative service offerings for the citizens along with future space developments. Continuing further, the founder-president stated that we need to keep up the dream of future exploration while also combining continual technological development and environmental awareness.

The Amazing Space and the Not So Amazing Space-litter

Not much needs to be said when it comes to how attracted humans have been towards space since the beginning of time. It has always been a very exciting element and has attracted several explorations from humanity through spacecraft, rockets, satellites, etc. The intentional or accidental explosion of space objects, flecks of paints from the space objects, residual elements from the space missions, etc., all end up floating at very high speed into an orbit that surrounds our earth called the "Low Earth Orbit" or LEO. For instance, deliberate destruction of the Chinese Fengyun-1C spacecraft in 2007 and the accidental collision of an American and a Russian spacecraft in 2009, as per NASA's reports are two of the main reasons why the LEO is turning into a space garbage orbit. The report revealed that these two incidents have dominated LEO's space debris levels by approximately 70%.

Over the years, these leftover space objects have contributed to space junk or space debris. Space Debris is a growing issue for humankind today, which can have its claws dug deep into the future generations.

Why is Space Debris So Dangerous?

Environmental Threat: Space debris is environmentally bad as we are leaving unnatural objects in space. Eventually, the satellites will need to come down into the earth's atmosphere, which poses a high possibility of them burning into flames. A much worse scenario is dealing with the leftover fuel in those space satellites leading them to blast in the earth's atmosphere. Are we prepared for such a future, with the current position of the thinning ozone layer?

Space debris is environmentally bad as we are leaving unnatural objects in space. Eventually, the satellites will need to come down into the earth's atmosphere, which poses a high possibility of them burning into flames. A much worse scenario is dealing with the leftover fuel in those space satellites leading them to blast in the earth's atmosphere. Are we prepared for such a future, with the current position of the thinning ozone layer? The Ever-Increasing Expensive Space Pollution: For simple purposes such as communication and weather reports, human-made satellites are orbiting around the earth in the geostationary orbit, which is 35000 km from the earth. These satellites are usually blasted into a "graveyard orbit," which is around 36000 km above the earth. In the past, the blasting episodes were less and manageable, but with the growing technology, space pollution is only becoming a burdening issue.

For simple purposes such as communication and weather reports, human-made satellites are orbiting around the earth in the geostationary orbit, which is 35000 km from the earth. These satellites are usually blasted into a "graveyard orbit," which is around 36000 km above the earth. In the past, the blasting episodes were less and manageable, but with the growing technology, space pollution is only becoming a burdening issue. The Dreadful Space Collision Possibilities: The space debris which is floating in the LEO is racing in orbit at speeds as high as 18000 miles per hour. Just imagine how prone to accidents and collisions our future space exploration spaceships, rockets, and other satellites can be!

Researchers from Australia are currently monitoring approximately 29000 pieces of space junk and have raised a red flag of space collisions possibility. There is a huge danger of collision dangling on the satellites that are worth billions of dollars. The danger will only increase with time, as more and more satellites are sent by more and more countries now and then.

Taming the Space Debris "cleanup and prevention challenge" Will Be a Great Feat to Achieve!

NASA's Endeavors to Prevent and Clear-up the Space Debris: Since 1979, NASA, through its Orbital Debris Program, is trying to lessen the creation of orbital debris and has been working to create equipment that can help in removing the space junk.

Since 1979, NASA, through its Orbital Debris Program, is trying to lessen the creation of orbital debris and has been working to create equipment that can help in removing the space junk. Endeavors From Australia's "Electro Optic Systems" in Collaboration With the US: Electro Optic Systems is Australia's aerospace technology company. Chief executive and technical director of the company, Professor Craig Smith , with his team of talented and dedicated scientists and engineers, and with close working with the US, are continuously trying to come up with a "high-powered, high-precision laser" as per reports. This laser is being created at the Space Environment Research Centre in the country. The ambition is to push away the space junk out of the way to prevent space collisions. Another use-case of the laser set-up can be of destroying the space junks eventually. The laser is expected to be fully functional in the coming three years. The professor further adds,

"The issue is, we have to be able to project the laser beam through the atmosphere without it being dispersed. [] It is challenging. The atmospheric turbulence causes the beam to disperse rather than stay focused on target, so the number of photons landing on the target is reduced, which means we can't propel it as far."

Possible Black-out for the Entire Telecommunication Industry: The entire telecommunication industry, at present, relies on the satellites up in space. These satellites consume a lot of fuel and other resources. Being expensive to maintain, the possibility of them going offline can pose serious issues in terms of replacement and other costs involved. It can very easily lead to a black-out of the entire telecommunication industry. On this, Professor Smith from Electro-Optic Systems, an Australian aerospace technology company said-

The entire telecommunication industry, at present, relies on the satellites up in space. These satellites consume a lot of fuel and other resources. Being expensive to maintain, the possibility of them going offline can pose serious issues in terms of replacement and other costs involved. It can very easily lead to a black-out of the entire telecommunication industry. On this, Professor Smith from Electro-Optic Systems, an Australian aerospace technology company said- It is a serious issue. We have oceans and rivers, and we pollute them until they become almost unusable. We have done exactly the same with space. We have left junk everywhere."

6000 Tons Worth of World's Largest Garbage Dump: The space debris in LEO has unfortunately become the World's largest garbage dump. An approximation from NASA's reports says that there are about 6000 tons of space debris materials orbiting in the LEO.

The space debris in LEO has unfortunately become the World's largest garbage dump. An approximation from NASA's reports says that there are about 6000 tons of space debris materials orbiting in the LEO. Strong Collaboration From All the Countries is Required: Space programs are generally very expensive for any nation, so imagine how much effort and money it will demand to clean up the World's largest garbage dump! Cleaning up the LEO will indeed call upon strong collaboration from all the countries on the planet earth.

Space programs are generally very expensive for any nation, so imagine how much effort and money it will demand to clean up the World's largest garbage dump! Cleaning up the LEO will indeed call upon strong collaboration from all the countries on the planet earth. The Moral Duty of One and All: LEO's clean-up challenge is not the sole responsibility of one country. Any country which intends to explore the wonderful space in current times, or the future should shoulder the responsibility. More than the usability factor, it is our environmental responsibility too to leave a healthy planet and space for the generations to come.

Walking the Talk Through BlockchainArmy's "Save Our Space (SOS)" Organization:

The Co -Founder and Chairman of BlockchainArmy, Erol User recently shared his views on the topic-

"I would like to bring debris into blockchain and do it as a social responsibility program. Therefore, I want to have an organization Save Our Space (SOS). I would like to have participation from all around to raise money."

Erol User has a very interesting viewpoint on possibilities and challenges. It reflects in his statement,

"You see things as they are, and you say, "Why? But I dream things that never were, and I say, Why not?"

BlockchainArmy's Chairman is very active in philanthropic activities that lift the society a notch higher with every effort. He has been seen supporting causes such as environmental causes, rights of the children, ethics in the economy, and so on.

BlockchainArmy is an international venture and capital advisory firm. Recently, the firm participated in the UN Geneva Meeting. There Erol User shared his views on the possibilities, benefits of the blockchain technology, and the unexplored potential of the blockchain technology through his speech. In the speech, he touched upon topics such as the need for- "a secure, low-latency digital infrastructure" for the internet, which blockchain can very much provide. He expressed his confidence in the blockchain technology's potential despite it being in its formative years.

The blockchain supporter also understands that good thing take time. While supporting the blockchain technology, he further added,

"Blockchain is not a "disruptive" technology - it is a foundational technology. Blockchain has the potential to create new foundations for our economic and social systems."

So, Is There Any Hope?

It will be too pessimistic to straight-up blurt, "no, there is no hope," and it will be too optimistic about throwing in a quick answer "yes, of course, there is hope!" The answer to this question lies in what we chose to do. The future of the present space condition is not fixed. It is both good news and the bad one. The openness of this question can be frightening if we continue to lead our lives selfishly without thinking of future generations and the future of our mother earth. On the other hand, the openness of this question offers a ray of hope through which we can learn from our past mistakes, mend our habits and ways.

About BlockchainArmy

BlockchainArmy is a global venture creation and capital advisory firm with blockchain technology development and broker dealer capabilities. Headquartered in Istanbul and Rotterdam City with a distributed team across 20+ countries, BlockchainArmy offers premium blockchain consulting services, with both regional and global representation for clients around the world. Here are some of the sample we're working on:

Energy

Healthcare

Finance

Agriculture

Taxation

Government Solutions

Supranational Organizations

Supply-chain Management

BlockchainArmy offers a turn-key approach to an ITO and can guide through the whole process of the whitepaper, explainer video and funding websites designed for international integrated digital marketing campaign, enterprise partnerships for real life applications, the crowd sale contract and security audit, liquidation to cover your team's expenses and placement of your company on world renown exchanges markets.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077416/Erol_User_BlockchainArmy.jpg
Technology company MGM Wireless has secured a sales agreement with UK retailer Dixons Carphone to sell its SPACETALK all-in-one smartphone, watch and GPS device to customers through its Currys PC World online store.

The Australian-listed MGM Wireless (ASX:MWR) says SPACETALK will be available through Currys PC World online for 199, with customers able to purchase their own SIM and the AllMyTribe App, which retails in the UK for 3.99 per month.



MGM says the new agreement broadens access to SPACETALK in the UK as Dixons Carphone is a leading multinational consumer electrical and mobile retailer with annual sales in excess of 10 billion, and the owner of Currys PC World which is the largest specialist electrical retailing and services operator in the UK and Ireland.



MGM Wireless CEO Mark Fortunatow said: Currys PC World is a top consumer electronics retailer and this deal furthers our UK rollout.

"Our UK post-launch sales already are 70% above post-launch sales in Australia for the same time. Currys PC World is a destination brand for electronics and mobile consumers and part of a group which reported 700 million website visits for FY19.

Increased availability of SPACETALK will help us capitalise on Skys marketing campaign which has lifted UK sales significantly since its commencement.

MGM says it is in advanced negotiations with Australian and overseas-based telcos and bricks and mortar stores, including other Dixons Carphones stores, to further boost distribution of SPACETALK.



The new UK sales deal comes as MGM announced to shareholders that according to mobile App ranking site App Annie1, its AllMyTribe App was the number 1 Top grossing App on iOS and number 2 on Google.
Toronto, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On February 1, TVO presents the world broadcast premiere of TVO Original There Are No Fakes. The feature documentary from filmmaker Jamie Kastner dives into the shadowy world of art fraud in Canada and brings into question the legacy of Anishinaabe artist and Canadian icon Norval Morrisseau.

Norval Morrisseau is a towering figure in Canadian art, says John Ferri, TVO Vice President of Current Affairs and Documentaries. But the great appeal and enduring popularity of his iconic work has a dark side. There Are No Fakes is a journey into that darkness, and a brilliant expose of how greed can corrupt a thing of beauty.

When a painting attributed to Morrisseau that is bought by Barenaked Ladies musician Kevin Hearn is labelled a fake, Hearn winds up suing the gallery that sold it to him. He soon finds himself in the middle of a feud between two warring factions, each claiming to be the true defenders of Morrisseaus legacy. Questioning the authenticity of Hearns painting throws into doubt some 3,000 Morrisseau-attributed works worth $30,000,000. Epithets are slung, suits and countersuits pile up, and rocks are thrown through gallery windows.

The story takes a darker turn when the investigations arrive in Thunder Bay, Morrisseaus birthplace. What starts out as a story about art fraud quickly evolves into revelations of Indigenous exploitation, abuse and violence.

Coming across the story that became There Are No Fakes felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience as a filmmaker, says Jamie Kastner. Meeting the people involved and learning their stories was a series of jaw-dropping moments, from amusing to horrifying, all quite unbelievable. Its an experience Ive tried to recreate for the audience."

There Are No Fakes repeats February 3 and February 5 and will be available to stream anytime beginning February 1 on tvo.org.

About TVO

TVO exists to ignite the potential in everyone through the power of learning. We provide learning opportunities for Ontarians of all ages through our portfolio of impactful digital learning products and services, in-depth current affairs analysis, thought-provoking documentaries, and award-winning TVOkids content that inspires and supports learning both inside and outside the classroom. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Our TVO Original documentaries explore current affairs issues that matter through a diverse range of perspectives and under-represented voices. For more information, visit www.tvo.org.

Where to find TVO
Bengaluru/Hubballi: The Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa who could not get a green signal from the party high command for a cabinet expansion to induct the newly elected party MLAs, has become a villain for pontiffs of many castes and groups besides the newly elected MLAs.

A seer of Panchamasali Lingayat math in Harihar, Sri Vachanananda Swamiji, while addressing a gathering of Panchamsalis, one of the four sub-sects of the Lingayat community, told the chief minister who was present alongside him on the dais that his community would withdraw support to the government if its leaders including one of the BJP MLAs from the community, Murugesh Nirani, was not given a ministerial berth. Irate over the threat at a public place in front of a huge audience, the chief minister had taken the seer to task. Mr Yediyurappa who spoke after the pontiff made the threat, set off a storm by offering to quit if pontiffs continued to make such threats.

The video, which went viral within no time opened the doors for the Opposition Congress party to ridicule the chief minister. Among the Lingayats who constitute nearly 16 per cent of the state's population, the sub-sect Panchamsalis dominate, with their share being over 40-50 lakh within the Lingayat bloc. It was this that saw the young pontiff who ascended to the post two years back, show the audacity to demand at least three cabinet berths for MLAs from the panchamsalis sect, insiders said.

Only days ago, Sri Jagadguru Valmiki Prasannananda Swami of Rajanahalli Valmiki Gurupeetha, another pontiff of scheduled tribes spoke in a similar tone and said one of the leaders from his community should be made deputy chief minister.

Mr Yediyurappa however has tried to get an appointment with party national president Amit Shah to finalise the date for cabinet expansion.

To date however he has received no positive response from Delhi, according to party sources. Now, the chief minister is hoping to end this imbroglio on January 17 and 18, when Mr Shah is scheduled to visit Karnataka to take part in various programmes including a massive pro-CAA rally in Hubballi on Saturday.

The Panchamsali Lingayat seers statement seems to have caused a rift among BJP leaders as a few of them contended that Nirani was the prime mover and shaker behind the threat given by the seer. Vijayapur MLA and former Union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has publicly launched a broadside against the former industries minister. Murugesh Nirani has not done anything except setting up of few factories of his own when Yediyurappa had earlier assigned industrial portfolio to him. The seers should stop threatening the chief minister over allotment of ministerial berth. It is not good to issue such a threat to the chief minister as he serves the people like a King, said Yatnal, who also belongs to Panchamasali sect of the Lingayat community.

Murugesh Nirani meanwhile has claimed that he is a strong contender for the ministerial post, insisting that his long list of achievements as industries minister saw him set up a global investors meet and separately generate over 70,000 jobs in the state.

He also lashed out against Yatnal who had accused him of paying the Panchamasali seer to issue a statement to push the CM to give him a ministry.

There is nothing wrong in Panchamasali seer's statement demanding ministerial berth for the community. His appeal has been misconstrued as a threat, Murugesh Nirani said, adding however that "it was the prerogative of the chief minister to decide who should be inducted into the Cabinet."

Meanwhile, the newly elected MLAs seem to be growing restless over the delay in expansion. Mr M.T.B. Nagaraja, K. Gopalaiah and other new BJP MLAs who have given the party the stability in the state, have been meeting the chief minister and demanding that the cabinet expansion be done at the earliest. One of the newly elected MLAs, on condition of anonymity, said that though they had not come out in the open to express their displeasure, the nervousness of the BJP not giving importance to them in the future was an issue of mounting concern.
The Michigan senator embroiled in controversy following an exchange he had with a female reporter is now alleging the way his comments were reported is inaccurate, according to a number of media reports.

Sen. Pete Lucido, R-Shelby Township, is under investigation by the Senate Business Office following Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahues account that he told her a group of high school boys could have a lot of fun with her when he was approached for an interview.

Lucido was with a group of students from De La Salle Collegiate, a Catholic high school in Warren, Donahue wrote, so he said he would respond after he was finished with them - but not before telling her it was an all boys school and adding, You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you."

Lucido did not dispute Donahues account in an initial statement sent to reporters Wednesday, which read in full: I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue.

But in subsequent interviews with a handful of Detroit media outlets and the Washington Post, Lucido claimed the interaction was misrepresented.

He told Detroit television station WDIV Local 4 that he was quoted inaccurately, calling the situation unfortunate.

In a Thursday interview with Paul W. Smith on WJR AM radio, Lucido said he was trying to be inclusive by letting her come on the floor, because you need a member from the state Senate to go on the floor.

Members of the media are allowed on the Senate floor during session.

He characterized his remark as inviting her to come onto the floor with the students to learn about good government and have some fun, suggesting Donahue interpreted his comments the wrong way.

That was never directed or meant to be derogatory in any way, shape or form, he said on the program.

I cant say the word fun anymore? How far has this society gone? he later continued.

On Twitter, Donahue said she remained confident in her reporting and subsequent statements on the matter.

And in a followup column, Michigan Advance editor Susan Demas said she and the rest of the newsroom is 100 percent behind Donahue, calling Lucidos followup comments gaslighting, pure and simple."

There is absolutely no question that what Lucido did was wrong. And the most disturbing part is that hes shown that he doesnt believe that, Demas wrote in her column.

Lucido did not speak with members of the media on the Senate floor Wednesday or Thursday, and his personal voicemail box was full when MLive attempted to reach him. A staff member who answered Lucidos office phone Wednesday said the initial media statement was the extent of his comments on the matter.

In a statement posted on social media, De La Salle Collegiate officials said Lucidos comments do not represent De La Salle or the values and conduct we instill in our young men and said they were sorry Donahue was put in that position.

Senator Lucidos comments do not represent De La Salle nor the values and conduct we instill in our young men. We are very sorry the reporter was put in this position and we have met with the boys who were on the tour to discuss the improper nature of this situation.  De La Salle Collegiate (@delasallehs) January 15, 2020

After Donahues piece posted Wednesday, the story was picked up across the country and sparked a viral reaction on social media, with Michigan lawmakers, with political insiders and others condemning the remarks.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey called the comments as reported very unacceptable Wednesday, and following a private conversation with Lucido teamed up with Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, to ask the Senate Business Office for an independent investigation into the matter.

Shirkey spokesperson Amber McCann said Thursday the timeline and scope of the investigation would be determined by the Senate Business Office, and implied it was likely the results of that investigation would not be made public. She later clarified the final determination would be made public, but not the report itself.

The business office is only subjected to the release of financial documents, McCann told reporters, later adding, There is not a precedent in the Senate for releasing personnel files.

Lucido is a first-term state senator and attorney who previously served in the Michigan State House. He chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and serves as the Senate Majority Whip.
Two years ago, Griffin was described by a Chicago Tribune columnist as simpatico with the president on some of his trade and economic agenda, but hes also criticized Trump. In 2018, the Financial Times reported, Griffin blasted Trumps criticism of the Federal Reserve, saying it was completely inappropriate for the president of the United States and warning it could hurt the U.S. dollar.
A day after the world's richest person Jeff Bezos announced fresh USD 1 billion investment in India, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said his firm Amazon was not doing a favour to the country by the investments and questioned how the online retailing major could incur such "big" losses but for its predatory pricing.

Goyal, who has not yet given Bezos an audience, said e-commerce companies have to follow Indian rules in letter and spirit and not find loopholes to make a back-door entry into multi-brand retail segment.

India does not allow foreign investment beyond 49 per cent in multi-brand retailing and has not yet approved any application of overseas retailers.

"They (Amazon) may have put in a billion dollars but if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year, then jolly well will have to finance that billion dollar. So, it is not as if they are doing a favour to India when they invest a billion dollars," he said at the Raisina Dialogue here.

The USD 1 billion investment by Amazon.com to help bring small and medium businesses online is on the top of USD 5.5 billion funding it had previously announced.

The minister wondered why an e-commerce market place model, where a firm provides an IT platform for buyers and sellers, incurring huge losses adding that it needs to be looked upon.

"They are investing money over the last few years also in warehousing and certain other activities, which is welcome and good. But if they are bringing in money largely to finance losses and those losses in an e-commerce market place model," Goyal said.

He added that in a fair market place model in a turnover of USD 10 billion dollars, if a company is incurring loss of billion dollars, it "certainly raises questions, where the loss came from".

Goyal said that how can a marketplace make such a big loss unless they are indulging in "predatory pricing or some unfair trade practices".

"These are real questions which need answers and I am sure the authorities who are looking at it seek those answers and I am sure the e-commerce companies will have their say on that," he said.

Fair trade regulator CCI (Competition Commission of India) has recently ordered a probe against e-commerce majors Flipkart and Amazon for alleged malpractices, including deep discounting and tie-ups with preferred sellers on their platforms.

"CCI based on its preliminary findings has already initiated an enquiry into the (audio unclear) practices of Amazon and Flipkart. And that is certainly an area of concern for every Indian," he said.

The minister added that India allows foreign investments in e-commerce market place model, which is an agnostic platform where buyers and sellers are free to trade, but the market place player cannot own the inventory, cannot have control over the inventory; cannot determine process; cannot have algorithms to determine which product will get a preeminent position or which product will get preference when offered to buyers.

There are several established rules for an e-commerce market place business in India and "I think as long as everybody follows these rules, we very much welcome e-commerce into India," he added.

Further, he said that India has strict rules for FDI in multi-brand retail trading and anybody who tries to use the e-commerce market place model to get into the multi-brand retail space surreptitiously will have to be questioned and investigated.

"Whether they are doing that or not is a matter of the investigators to decide...whatever (would be their) findings, that should be respected by everybody," Goyal said.

He reiterated that investors have to follow the laws in letter and spirit and do not try to find loopholes within the defined letter of the law.

Remarks against Amazon assume significance as domestic traders body CAIT has time and again alleged that e-commerce players including the US firm were violating FDI rules and following predatory pricing in India.

The Confederation of All India Traders (BJP) hailed the "bold and pragmatic statement" given by the commerce minister.

"With this stand, the minister has once again reiterated that the government is sensitive to the interests of seven crore traders who are severely affected by the malpractices of e-commerce giants," it said in a statement.

Traders are an important vote base for the BJP and Delhi is going for assembly polls on February 8.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The closed cafe outside the Millennium Library.
The Supreme Court on Thursday partially stayed the Bombay high court order allowing the shifting of HDIL promoters Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan, accused in the multi-crore Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank scam case, from Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to their residence.

IMAGE: File photograph of HDIL managing director Sarang Wadhawan, also known as 'Sunny Dewan', heading home after a party.. Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar.

A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobe and justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant took note of the submissions of solicitor general Tushar Mehta that the high court order, to the extent of allowing their release from prison, needed to be stayed.

The law officer said the other aspect of the high court order, such as sale of assets of the accused promoters under the supervision of a high court appointed committee, should be allowed to remain operative and the sole objection was with regard to their release from Arthur road jail.

The top court agreed with the submissions.

Earlier in the day, the apex court had agreed to consider the plea of enforcement agencies against the high court order to release them from jail and keeping them in their residence under the constant watch of prison guards.

Mehta mentioned before the bench that the PMC bank scam involved Rs 7000 crore and the high court had on Wednesday passed a very "unusual order" while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL).

Mehta told the bench that the father-son are currently lodged in the Arthur Road jail under judicial custody and if they are shifted to their residence as per the high court's order, it would be like granting bail to them.

The high court had on Wednesday set up a three-member committee for valuation and sale of encumbered assets of Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) to expeditiously recover dues payable by the firm to PMC Bank.

The high court had directed the superintendent of Arthur Road Jail to shift both the accused to their residence under the supervision of two jail guards to ensure their cooperation to the committee.

The high court had passed the order while hearing a PIL seeking direction for the expeditious disposal of HDIL assets and properties attached by the Economic Offence Wing and the Enforcement Directorate and repaying PMC Bank depositors at the earliest.

The fraud at PMC Bank came to light in September last year after the Reserve Bank of India discovered that the bank had allegedly created fictitious accounts to hide over Rs 4,355 crore of loans extended to almost-bankrupt HDIL.

According to RBI, the PMC Bank had masked 44 problematic loan accounts, including those of HDIL, by tampering with its core banking system, and the accounts were accessible only to limited staff members.

The Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing and the ED had registered offences against senior bank officials and HDIL promoters.
Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Thursday criticised the BJP-led government over the scheduled visit of 36 union ministers to Jammu and Kasmir to spread awareness about the central schemes and share views on abrogation of Article 370 and asked why opposition leaders were not being permitted to visit the region.

"They keep saying that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is normal and they have not levied any impositions. If yes, then why the ministers are going there to make people understand the benefit of Article 370. In so many months if people have not understood the benefits of the amendment made in Article 370, it means they are angry from the Centre," Sibal told ANI.

"If everything is normal why they are not allowing the opposition leaders to visit Jammu and Kashmir and connect with masses?" he asked.

The ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir from January 18 to January 25.

While the Citizenship Amendment Act remains on the agenda, the ministers would hold meetings with people to share their views on bifurcation of the state into two union territories after the abrogation of Article 370.

These ministers are set to hold 51 meetings in Jammu and eight in Kashmir.

They would share the vision and plans of their ministries for the development of the region.

The ministers would interact with the people, exchange ideas on possibilities in the region and discuss the scope of development in various sectors. The feedback would be utilised in bringing complete normalcy in the UT.

The outreach is also apparently aimed at strengthening the integration of people of Jammu and Kashmir with the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Stertil-Koni portfolio offers customers the broadest range of ALI-certified heavy duty vehicle lifts in the industry Stertil-Konis success really reflects our values and the way that we treat our closest friends and families. Simply put, we care deeply about the Stertil-Koni customer and we try to make that shine through everything we do and the manner in which we treat our customers.

Stertil-Koni, the recognized leader in hydraulic bus lifts and truck lifts, today announced that it achieved record sales in 2019, further boosting its presence in both the municipal and private sectors of the heavy duty vehicle lift market in the U.S. and Canada.

Driving its performance, noted company President, Dr. Jean DellAmore, have been three key success factors. First, he explained, we are true specialists  entirely focused on the design, manufacture and service of heavy duty vehicle lifts.

Second, Stertil-Koni is dedicated to exceptional product engineering that in turn directly translates into unparalleled lift performance, durability and safety. And third, our customers are supported by a world-class, highly trained network of distributor companies each of which has an average tenure of 15 years, is exclusive to Stertil-Koni in its respective geographic territory and embodies our vision to ensure the highest level of customer care in the industry.

The result, DellAmore added, is a unique combination of global product expertise fused with intensive, locally delivery customer support.

The story, however, does not end there. Stertil-Koni has also grown by virtue of a strategy that continues to build on its legacy strength  Mobile Column Lifts  and has expanded in recent years by diversifying its offerings to significantly reshape the inground heavy duty vehicle lifting market.

Two key additions to the Stertil-Koni product line exemplify this approach. Our DIAMONDLIFT, DellAmore continued, is a high-pressure, low-volume telescopic piston lift capable of lifting up to 105,000 lbs. in a three-piston configuration and setting new standards for inground lifts.

It has proven itself to be ideal for a variety of workshop situations with features that include:



Electronic synchronization for maximum safety and convenience;

Mechanical locking system utilizing hardened, nitro carburized locking rod for maximum protection;

Touch-screen, finger-tip control console for ease-of-use;

Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) Gold Certification from the industrys leading third-party watchdog; and a

Continuous Recess movable lifting system  ideal for low-clearance vehicles.

Stertil-Koni also achieved significant success in 2019 with strong sales of the industrys original, ultra-shallow, full-rise, axle-engaging scissor-style ECOLIFT. Noted Peter Bowers, technical sales manager for Stertil-Koni, ECOLIFT is available in a two- , three- and four-scissor configuration with an ALI-certified lifting capacity of 30,000 lbs. per scissor. It is ideal for installation in both retrofit and existing workshops  and that helps account for its widespread use.

ECOLIFT is differentiated by its ultra-shallow pit design  only 34 inches  and delivers wheels-free lifting, electronic synchronization and Continuous Recess along with a free-standing console for easy access and quick service.

Concluded DellAmore, Stertil-Konis success really reflects our values and the way that we treat our closest friends and families. Simply put, we care deeply about the Stertil-Koni customer and we try to make that shine through everything we do and the manner in which we treat our customers.

Looking ahead, there is much more for Stertil-Koni to accomplish in 2020 and our energy is laser-focused on delivering new enhancements and heightened levels of support to our customers across North America.

About Stertil-Koni

Stertil-Koni is the market leader in heavy duty vehicle lifts, notably bus lifts and truck lifts, and proudly serves municipalities, state agencies, school bus fleets, major corporations, the U.S. Military and more. Stertil-Koni's breadth of products meets all ranges of lifting needs and includes portable lifts such as Mobile Column Lifts, 2-post, 4-post, inground piston lifts, platform lifts, and its axle-engaging, inground, scissor lift configuration, ECOLIFT. The companys innovative, inground telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT is now available with an optional Continuous Recess system, ideal for low clearance vehicles. Stertil-Koni USA is headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland with production facilities in Europe, The Netherlands, and Streator, IL.

Contact: Paul Feldman, Paul.Feldman@Stertil-Koni.com, 410-643-9001
The Indian Coast Guard has planned to acquire 16 advanced light helicopters apart from 50 vessels to its fleet as part of its vision to have 200 ships and 100 aircraft inventory by 2025.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Coast Guard Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan said, "Today we have 50 ships under construction in various Indian shipyards and apart from that we have 16 advanced light helicopter MKIII under production with HAL, Bengaluru."



The first of the twin engine helicopter was expected to be inducted by March 2020, he said after the 19th edition of Indo-Japan joint exercise "Sahyog-Kaijin," about 50 nautical miles off Chennai coast.

Natarajan noted that the Coast Guard has recorded significant progress and the present inventory was at 145 ships and 62 aircraft.

"The budget (of Coast Guard) which was about Rs 1,000 crore has now grown to more than Rs 5,000 crore in terms of both revenue and capital," he said.

"We are also in the process of acquiring 14 twin engine heavy helicopters and 6 multi-mission maritime aircraft which will have a capability of maintaining surveillance in our exclusive economic zone," he said.

The Indian Coast Guard, fourth largest coastal security agency in the world, has installed 36 Coastal Surveillance Radar Network on the mainland and 10 on islands that can track suspicious vessels.

"We also plan to install 38 more Radar Stations apart from integrating the radar stations with Vessel Traffic Management System of the Ports. Our vision is to reach 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2025," he said.

On the joint exercise, he said this year it was the turn of Japanese Coast Guard to visit India, further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Natarajan said the Japanese Coast Guard has extended support to Indian Coast Guard by capacity building in the form of training.

"You all should know Japan Coast Guard is the second largest Coast Guard of the world, after the US. I can also proudly say Indian Coast Guard has acclaimed the stature of 4th largest with 145 ships in its inventory and 62 aircraft..," he said.

In 2019, the Coast Guard has apprehended Rs 2,000 crore worth of drugs with most of them from the Western Coast.

Referring to the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed with his Japanese counterpart, the official said Coast Guard has signed similar agreements with South Korea, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, Vietnam and Pakistan.

On the MoC, Japan Coast Guard commandant admiral Takahiro Okushima said the relationships between the two coast guards was getting stronger every year.

"So far we have conducted 18 such joint exercises. Through today's exercise we realise once again the partnerships steadily enhanced..," he said.

Earlier in the day, the exercise was conducted off the Chennai Coast as part of strengthening the bond between the two countries.

One ship of the Japanese Coast Guard and four ships and an aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard took part in the exercise.

Led by Commanding Officer Captain Kiyoshi Harada, the 'Echigo PLH08' and the four ships and a Dornier aircraft of Indian Coast Guard participated in the drill around 50 nautical miles off Chennai.

The exercise marked demonstrations of search and rescue, external fire-fighting and sharing of best practices.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
16.01.2020 LISTEN

The panic and fears of residents of Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions as well as the general public, following the contamination of the Tano River, have been allayed by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

According to the GWCL, the contamination of the Tano River has no effect on the water that it treats and pumps into homes.

The Ghana Water is assuring that water flowing through their taps is safe for consumption.

The contamination of the Tano River is as a result of an accident which occurred on January 13, 2020.

Management wishes to assure the general public, that GWCL Experts are working together with the Water Resources Commission, NADMO and the District Assembly to bring the situation to normalcy and that, there is no need for any anxiety in consuming water that flows through the tap, a statement from the water company added.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) had earlier advised all communities along the Tano River from Techiman  Tanoso in the Bono East Region to Chiraa in the Bono Region and Duayaw Nkwanta and Bechem in the Ahafo Region not to drink from the river until further notice because the water has been poisoned.

A press statement signed by the Offinso North District Director of NADMO, Elijah Mamos explained the directive had become necessary as a result of an accident that involved an articulated truck that was carrying vehicle batteries.

The vehicle plunged into the river at Tanoso in the Bono East Region.

As a result of the accident, the acid in the batteries washed into the water and culminated in the death of several aquatic animals including fishes and crocodiles among others.

We are by this urging all to carry the message to the target communities/people along the Tano river bank to save human lives. Below is the full statement from the GWCL: GWCL ASSURES PUBLIC OF SAFETY OF PIPE BORNE WATER

The Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) assures consumers in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions as well as the general public that water that flows through the taps in their homes is safe for consumption.

The panic in the above-stated regions which is as a result of the contaminated Tano River due to the accident which occurred on the 13th of January 2020, has no effect on the water that GWCL treats and pumps into their homes.

Management assures all that due to the stringent production processes the company employs in water treatment, water treated by GWCL meets the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) standards before it is pumped into the system for consumption.

All GWCL treatment plants are equipped with standard and in some locations, state-of-the-art laboratories, and as part of the treatment process, the pH of the raw water is tested at source, during the treatment process and ultimately the final clear water which is finally pumped for consumption.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pH testing is hourly on a daily basis but has currently been reduced to 30 minutes due to the current situation and also under 24-hour surveillance.

The pH test is done to check the acidity and or basicity of any solution. GWCL as part of the treatment processes, stock hydrated lime in all its treatment plants which is used in correcting the pH in the event where it is low or high.

The management wishes to assure the general public, that GWCL Experts are working together with the Water Resources Commission, NADMO and the District Assembly to bring the situation to normalcy and that, there is no need for any anxiety in consuming water that flows through the tap.

---CitinewsRoom
Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez rubbed shoulders with some of Indias biggest Bollywood stars as the power couple arrived for a party in Mumbai on Thursday.

The Amazon CEO appeared relaxed alongside his significant other as he continued his much-publicized tour of the country this week.

Later on Thursday, Bezos posted video onto his Instagram account showing him flying a kite alongside Indian teens.

'Any day is a good day when you get to fly a kite,' Bezos wrote in the caption.

He ended the caption with the hashtag #ThankYouIndia.

Bezos's trip through India has not been without controversy.

The world's richest man faced furious protests on Wednesday by street traders who claim the e-commerce giant is destroying their livelihoods.

The billionaire, who is facing an investigation by the country's competition commission, announced a $1billion investment program when he spoke at a business conference in New Delhi.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos (right) and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez (left), pose for photographs during an event at a hotel in Mumbai on Thursday

Bezos on Thursday took part in a fireside chat with Bollywood celebrities

The recently divorced Bezos has been seen in public frequently with Sanchez in recent months

Bezos and his girlfriend appeared to be adopting desi fashion during their night out on Thursday

But his visit sparked angry protests by traders who want Amazon and other online shopping platforms banned and waved placards outside saying 'Jeff Bezos, Go back.'

They claim Bezos, worth an estimated $115billion, is killing off India's traditional street vendors.

Sumit Agarwal, national secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders, said: 'We are not against e-commerce.

'We just want the commission and the government to set up a fair and equitable playing field where the Amazons and Flipkarts cannot abuse the system with unfair subsidies and their favored traders.'

Bezos on Thursday posted video on his Instagram account showing him flying a kite alongside Indian youths

Bezos high-fives a young Indian girl in the video, which was apparently filmed in Delhi

Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce giant. Last fiscal year, it generated an estimated $6billion.

In August 2018, American retailer Walmart purchased a 77 per cent stake in the firm for an estimated $16billion.

The Competition Commission of India announced Monday that it was investigating both Amazon and Flipkart over accusations they undermine traditional traders by favoring 'preferred sellers' on their platforms.

Bezos, who is on a three-day visit, said he wanted to help small and medium sized businesses in India to digitalize.

Bezos on Tuesday visited the Raj Ghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. His three-day trip to the country has been hit with controversy and protests

Bezos (left) on Wednesday faced furious protests in India today by street traders

Traders claim Amazon and other online shopping platforms are destroying their livelihoods

'We will use our global footprint to export $10billion worth of "Made in India" products across the world by 2025,' he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign to boost national production.

Bezos highlighted India's growing importance, saying 'the 21st century will be the Indian century' and that the US-India alliance will be the most important.

Amazon and Flipkart face increasing scrutiny and resentment despite their popularity among customers.

Media reports said Bezos has sought a meeting with Modi, but neither the government nor Amazon would confirm if talks would be held.

Bezos, who is on a three-day visit, said he wanted to help small and medium sized businesses in India to digitalize

Bezos spoke at a conference in New Delhi on Wednesday as street traders protested

Amazon has said it will cooperate with the competition commission investigation and was 'confident' it was operating legally.

The commission, which last year fined Google $21million for abusing its dominant position, said it will report in 60 days, but its inquiries normally take a lot longer.

The Hindu nationalist government is to announce a new e-commerce policy by March, and is under pressure to help small businesses because of a slowdown in the economy and high unemployment.

The merchants accuse Amazon and Flipkart of flouting India's tough foreign investment rules and pouring billions of dollars into discounts that harm traditional traders.

Agarwal highlighted special deals with mobile phone makers under which they are sold online, often at discount, before they reach high street shops.

He said 55,000 of the 100,000 small traders who have gone out of business in the past six months - when Amazon and Flipkart have fought a merciless price cutting war - were mobile phone sellers.

After arriving Tuesday, Bezos paid tribute to India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, dressing in an Indian kurta to lay flowers at a memorial in Delhi.
[January 16, 2020] Siyata Mobile Launches UV350 in Sweden and Receives First Purchase Order

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siyata Mobile Inc. (the "Company" or "Siyata") (TSX-V:SIM / OTCQX:SYATF) is pleased to announce that the Company has launched the UV350 dedicated in-vehicle IoT device in Sweden, and received its first purchase order to supply heavy trucks, forestry, logistic companies, and more, coming in 2020.

Marc Seelenfreund, CEO of Siyata Mobile, commented, We are very pleased to enter into the Swedish market with our Uniden UV350 dedicated in-vehicle IoT device. This represents an excellent European market for Siyata, as Swedish commercial vehicle owners look to migrate and augment single purpose hardware to the endless functionality and cost savings of our in-vehicle IoT solution. The UV350 will be a great asset for these vehicles and we are very excited at this opportunity to provide new technology to Swedish commercial vehicles. The UV350 is available through AT&T, FirstNet, Verizon Wireless, Bell Mobility and Rogers Wireless in North America as well as through additional partners in Europe and the Middle East. The Company anticipates further launches in additional countries in 2020. The Uniden UV350 is the worlds first dedicated in-vehicle IoT device with a Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) function, crystal-clear sound for voice calls, Android data applications, and more. This device was built and designed to minimize excessive clutter often found in commercial vehicles by incorporating the functions of multiple devices into one. The carrier-grade PoC network allows drivers to have nationwide unified communication between one another at the push of a button, ensuring safe communication for commercial fleet dispatch and first responder community. Uniden UV350 Features Include: 4G LTE high speed data

5.5 widescreen LED display for easy monitoring

edicated microphone and speaker for crystal-clear extra loud sound quality

In-vehicle installation ensures device is always powered by the vehicles battery

Extended cellular and GPS coverage with external antenna included

Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) ensures instant communication at the push of a button



For more information the Uniden UV350 visit: https://www.siyatamobile.com/uniden-uv350/

About Siyata

A TSX Venture Top 50 Company, Siyata Mobile Inc. is a leading global developer and provider of cellular communications systems for enterprise customers, specializing in connected vehicle products for professional fleets, marketed under the Uniden Cellular brand. Siyata has been a pioneer in the industry, launching the worlds first LTE all-in-one fleet communications device in 2017. Incorporating voice, push-to-talk over cellular, data, and fleet management solutions into a single device, the company aims to become the connected vehicle communications device of choice for commercial vehicles and fleets around the world. Siyata also offers rugged phones for industrial users and signal boosters for homes, buildings, and fleets with poor cell coverage. Siyatas customers include cellular operators, commercial vehicle technology distributors, and fleets of all sizes in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Visit www.siyatamobile.com and http://www.unidencellular.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SiyataMobile

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siyata-mobile/ On Behalf of the Board of Directors of:

SIYATA MOBILE INC.

Marc Seelenfreund

CEO Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

[email protected] Sales Department:

Glenn Kennedy, VP Sales

Siyata Mobile Inc.

416-892-1823

[email protected] 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. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Seeking to allay fears over the CAA, BJP leader Mahesh Sharma on Thursday said it was meant to grant citizenship to Hindus facing religious persecution in three neighboring Islamic countries and termed those opposing the legislation as "enemies" of the nation.

Addressing a press conference at BJP state office here, Sharma said the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was meant to provide citizenship to hindu minorities of three Islamic countries, who faced religious persecution and living in India as illegal migrants.

"Those who are opposing the CAA are enemies of this country... the CAA is not to take citizenship of Indians irrespective of religion.

All 130 crore people of the country are Indians and there is no threat to citizenship of any Indian," the Lok Sabha MP said.

Referring to alleged confusion created among people by Congress and other opposition parties, the former union minister said they should play a constructive role rather than destructive.

He claimed that those protesting against the CAA were not well-wishers of the country and only wanted to create hurdles in the way of development of the country.

Slamming Asaduddin Owaisi, he said the AIMIM president was trying to prove himself as messiah of muslims and trying to "mislead" them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton LLP ( www.blockesq.com ), a securities litigation firm representing investors and whistleblowers nationwide, is investigating whether McDonalds (MCD) and its board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders in connection with recent allegations that the company failed to put into place proper procedures and controls to prevent workplace discrimination.



On May 21, 2019, the American Civil Liberties Union ("ACLU") announced the filing of 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees. Then on November 3, 2019, McDonalds Chief Executive Officer, Steve Easterbrook, was terminated for having an undisclosed relationship with an employee.

Most recently, on January 7, 2020, two McDonald's executives filed a lawsuit against the fast-food giant alleging systemic racial discrimination and a hostile work environment under the company's former chief executive.

If you have purchased or otherwise acquired McDonalds common stock, and have questions about your legal rights, or possess information relevant to this investigation, you are encouraged to contact attorney Mark Delaney at (617) 398-5600, by email at mdelaney@blockesq.com , or by visiting https://shareholder.law/mcd .

Block & Leviton LLP was recently ranked 4th among securities litigation firms by ISS for recoveries in 2017. The firm represents many of the nation's largest institutional investors and numerous individual investors in securities litigation throughout the country. Indeed, its lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for its clients.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:
WASHINGTON  The impeachment of President Donald Trump is the Senates challenge now.

Directed by the Constitution, House officials and prosecutors somberly carried the articles through the dimly lit Capitol to the Senate on Wednesday evening, triggering a trial unlike any since President Bill Clintons in 1999. He was acquitted.

Look Thursday for a series of striking ceremonial matters to set up the Senate as a court of impeachment. Oaths will be taken. An oath book will be signed. And the seven House prosecutors, called managers, appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi will make an appearance in the well of the Senate to present the articles.

Then the senators will be commanded to surrender their phones, pay attention and not talk  a whole other level of challenge, especially for the four Democrats running for president ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses.

What to watch when the Senate opens for impeachment business:

HOUSE MEMBERS IN THE SENATE

At noon Thursday, the seven House managers will again cross the Capitol and be escorted into the well of the Senate, this time to formally present the articles of impeachment. They charge Trump with abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to help him politically and obstructing Congresss probe into what happened.

The prosecution team is led by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff of California and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York, who oversaw the impeachment investigation and hearings. The others are Reps. Zoe Lofgren of California, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Sylvia Garcia of Texas.

All have backgrounds in the law. Their challenge is to persuade four Republicans to join all Senate Democrats in demanding that the trial include new documents and witnesses most in the GOP senators would like to avoid. Even that modest goal could prove difficult.

Watch for the managers to start dividing up topics and arguments as the team prepares to lay out its case.

___

OATHS

In another extraordinary visual, Chief Justice John Roberts will make an appearance in the chamber. Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley of Iowa will administer Roberts oath as the courts presiding officer. Roberts, in turn, will swear in the senators, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

___

IMPARTIAL JUSTICE

The senators will swear to administer impartial justice on the articles, or charges. But already, the senator-jurors are questioning whether thats possible.

McConnell has given his flat-out answer.

Im not an impartial juror, he declared last month. The process is inherently political.

He also said hes coordinating tightly with the White House, a statement Democrats said was proof of McConnells partiality. Republicans, meanwhile, have pointed out that Democrats have widely spoken of their disdain for Trump and cast doubt on his fitness for office.

Late Wednesday, McConnell laid out how he sees the challenge for senators.

We will pledge to rise above the petty factionalism and do justice for our institutions, for our states and for the nation, he said.

___

THE SENATE MATH

100: The total number of senators.

53: The Republican majority.

51: The number of senators who must agree on almost anything to make it happen during an impeachment trial.

Four: The number of Republican senators who must join Democrats to get to the magical 51.

2/3: The proportion of senators required to convict and remove a president from office. So 67 members of the Senate would have to vote to convict if every senator is voting.

___

THE GANG

Watch the moderates for an emerging gang of three to four who could influence the outcome on such matters as whether to subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. That vote wont be taken for days if not weeks.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has been meeting with a small number of GOP colleagues who want to consider witness testimony and documents that werent part of the House impeachment investigation. Watch Republican Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for signs of whether this group can stick together and force the Senate to consider additional material.

___

THE FOUR

Senators love to talk. So the impeachment trial rule against speaking or consulting their phones on the Senate floor has the potential to chafe.

None moreso, however, than the four Democratic senators forced to decamp from Iowa less than three weeks before the elections leadoff caucuses. Look for Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Michael Bennet of Colorado to send surrogates to Iowa or make short trips back and forth.

Ive told them this trial is your responsibility as senators and scheduling is not going to influence what we should do, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told The Associated Press in an interview last month. He said none of them objected. There are benefits of running as a senator, Schumer added, and there are liabilities.

___

FULL SWING

The Senate is pausing for the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Arguments begin Tuesday.

Trumps team will be led by White House counsel Pat Cippolone.

___

Follow Kellman at http://www.twitter.com//APLaurieKellman
A court in Kazakhstan has ruled that an ethnic Kazakh man, who said he fled persecution from China's Xinjiang region, will not be deported. Tilek Tabarikuly and his family celebrated the January 16 decision in the the southeastern town of Zharkent.
Ukrainian police have opened an investigation into the possibility that the US ambassador came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before she was recalled from her post in May.

The announcement came two days after Democratic politicians in the United States released a trove of documents that showed Lev Parnas, an associate of President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, communicating about the removal of Marie Yovanovitch as the ambassador to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry, which runs the police forces, said in a statement that Ukrainian police are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States.

However, the published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state, the statement continued.

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Our goal is to investigate whether there actually was a violation of Ukrainian and international law, which could be the subject for proper reaction. Or whether it is just bravado and fake information in the informal conversation between two US citizens, the ministry said.

The interior ministry also said it has requested the FBI provide relevant materials.

Interior minister Arsen Avakov suggested that the US side take part in the investigation, the statement said

In another move touching on the Trump impeachment, Ukraine said it was opening an investigation into reports that Russian hackers gained access to computers of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Hunter Biden, the son of Trump opponent and former US vice president Joe Biden, was on the board of that company.

The impeachment inquiry began with allegations that Mr Trump had tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy into investigating Burisma by withholding promised military aid.

The FBI has been invited to take part in the Burisma hacking investigation, the ministry said.
Yousuf Deedat in critical condition after being shot by an unknown assailant.

A South African activist and son of a deceased prominent Muslim preacher is fighting for his life in a hospital after he was shot outside a court in the coastal city of Durban on Wednesday.

Police colonel Thembeka Mbele said 65-year-old Yousuf Deedat  son of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat  was shot in the head as he walked towards the Verulam family court on the outskirts of Durban with his wife.

Mbele said an unknown suspect opened fire, shooting Deedat in the head. He was later rushed to a hospital for medical attention, while the suspect fled in a car in an unknown direction.

He is in critical condition in a local hospital. While his injuries remain severe, we remain hopeful for Deedats recovery, Deedats family said in a statement late on Wednesday.

They also requested the familys privacy be respected.

Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, who died in 2005, was a prominent South African Muslim missionary who held several interfaith public debates with evangelical Christians.

He was known across the world as a respected public speaker and writer who published several widely-distributed booklets on Islam and Christianity.

He was the founder of the Islamic Propagation Centre International, which aims for Islam to be heard and understood across the world.

The late Deedat was awarded the King Faisal International Prize in 1986 for his 50 years of missionary work.

His son Yousuf is a famous community activist and Muslim scholar in Durban. Police said they were still investigating the reason behind his shooting.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Chennai-based Vijay Steels and Explosives, the firm in charge of segregating steel and iron rods from the concrete debris at the demolition sites at Maradu, will start the work at the Jains Coral Cove and Golden Kayaloram sites on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The segregation work started at Holy Faith H2O and Alfa Serene sites on Monday, but was halted after residents complained of dust. It was resumed on Tuesday.

Prompt Enterprises, the firm in charge of shifting the concrete debris from the demolition sites, is expected to start the work soon. Vijay Steels started its work a couple of days back. We expect to start shifting the concrete debris in three to four days, said Achyuth Joseph, a partner of Prompt Enterprises.

Maradu municipal chairperson T H Nadeera said water was being sprayed on all demolition sites to prevent the dust from spreading.

The segregation work and shifting of debris are expected to be completed in 60 days, she said. Vijay Steels will take the segregated steel while the sand produced from grinding the concrete will be used in road tarring.

Meanwhile, the municipality organised allopathy and homoeopathy camps in front of Holy Faith H2O on Wednesday.

Medical camps will be conducted in the coming days near Alfa Serene, Jains Coral Cove and Golden Kayaloram. ASHA workers and health officials will conduct routine visits to houses near the sites, said Nadeera.

Debris after implosion

Holy Faith H2O: 21,450 tonnes

Alfa Serene twin towers:21,000 tonnes

Jains Coral Cove: 21,000 tonnes

Golden Kayaloram: 7,000 tonnes
Appointment

16 January 2020

Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport recently announced the appointment of the hotel's new general manager, Joseph Cardone. Embassy Suites by Hilton is a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton (NYSE: HLT). Most recently, Cardone served as general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City.

A 30-year hospitality veteran, Cardone brings a wealth of operations and event experience to his new role at Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport. Prior to his former position at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City, Cardone was the hotel manager at Hilton Orlando. Throughout his career, he's held various positions ranging from director of catering services and director of event operations to director of room operations and resident manager at New York Marriott Marquis, Waldorf Astoria New York, Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Solana, The Mayflower Hotel and Orlando World Center Marriott.

Cardone holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Connecticut University.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

VAISHALI: After facing ally trouble in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, it seems the BJP, which lost both the states, is now playing it safe it Bihar. Party president Amit Shah on Thursday announced that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would be the uncontested leader of NDA for the state polls later this year.

In a big concession, he also nuanced his speech at a pro-CAA rally near Patna by skipping reference to the NRC, which Kumar is opposed to.

Shah attempted to firmly quell the voices against Kumar from within his party saying, I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition with Kumars JD(U). The elections will be contested under his leadership. Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo) may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to LED era.

The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Kumar respectively, Shah, flanked by Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nityanand Rai, besides BJP state chief Sanjay Jaiswal and Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, said.

The BJP chief had informally spoken about Kumar as NDA leader in Bihar earlier, but this was the first occasion that he made the unequivocal assertion in public.

Mindful of Kumars position on the NRC or NPR, Shah did not mention it even once even as he spoke on CAA, an issue on which the JD(U) had voted with the BJP in Parliament.

Two days ago, Kumar had unequivocally stated in the one-day special session of the Bihar Assembly that the extension of NRC outside Assam was needless and had no justification.

He had also said the party had been given no inkling by the Centre that it was to be expanded to the entire country.

The BJP president sought the support of the people to the governments measures like CAA and Article 370, while taking on Rahul Baba, Laluji, Mamata Didi and Arvind Kejriwal for speaking the language of Pakistan and misleading the minorities.

Congress blamed for plights of refugees

The CAA is aimed at helping those who had to flee these countries after their women were raped in front of their eyes, their property was captured and their places of worship desecrated, Amit Shah said, blaming the Congress for Partition and the violence during the recent anti-CAA protests across the country.


The race for a seat in the Longford/Westmeath constituency is quickly gathering pace, as was evident with the visit of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to the county earlier today, Thursday January 16, in support of party member and Longford general election candidate Cllr Micheal Carrigy.

Longford was identified as an area of extreme importance in the upcoming elections, with preliminary forecasts suggesting whichever party comes out on top in the constituency could possibly gain control of the government.

Mr Varadkar, alongside Cllr Micheal Carrigy, took in a trip to Longford town, where a meet and greet was held at Fabiani. It was here Mr Varadkar stressed the importance of Fine Gael gaining a seat in Longford, before offering his full support to Cllr Micheal Carrigy in the election race.

He stated: Every county should have a TD and ideally I think every county should have a Fine Gael TD, because I think we will be in a strong position to lead the next government.

I want somebody who is going to be able to knock on my door, come into my office and be able to say to me look, there is a problem here in Longford whether it is a school or a road whatever is.

Continuing he said: I think that has been missing in recent years, thats why I would really encourage people living in Longford to give Micheal Carrigy their number one. And, If for some reason they are not able to vote Fine Gael, give him number two.

Also read: Longford to restore balance in general election 2020?

When it was put to Mr Varadkar that some good work had been done in the county without a local TD, An Taoiseach was in agreement but says it is not the same as having someone who knows the ins and outs of a community.

He stated: Kevin Boxer Moran has done a very good job as a Minister, but it is not the same as having someone who is a county man, rooted in the community and area the way Micheal is.

I think he has a very bright future in politics if he is able to win this election.

When asked what Longford could expect should Fine Gael regain power, Mr Varadkar says road infrastructure, the implementation of the national broadband plan, healthcare and tackling the housing crisis will remain the focus of his government.

I am very committed to this county. said Mr Varadkar.

I am the Taoiseach who signed the national broadband contract. There are 20,000 premises in Longford who will benefit from that.

We hear other parties saying they will tear up that contract, which effectively means telling rural Ireland to wait again. I think rural Ireland has waited too long. If I am Taoiseach again, they are the kind of things that I can prioritise, alongside issues like housing and healthcare.

I think Longford will get heard a bit more and have a louder voice at the table if they have their own TD. I would like Micheal to be that TD, he concluded.

Also read: General election count likely to be held in Athlone
The U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's top commander showed Tehran that it can't get away with its provocations, but won't stop the country from continuing with its agenda, a former chief of Saudi intelligence told CNBC.

"The taking out of (Qasem) Soleimani definitely has been an important step to check at least some of the ambitions of Iran after its very provocative actions in the past year," Saudi Arabian Prince Turki Al-Faisal told CNBC's Hadley Gamble.

"The attacks on the oil tankers, culminating in the attack on the Aramco facilities, and there was no response," he said. "This was a sort of a wake-up call to the Iranian government and the Iranian leadership that they can't get away with it."

Tehran has denied involvement in both incidents.

However, Al-Faisal said the death of Soleimani would not halt Iran's "agenda."

"It definitely was a very important step," he said. "Whether it would stop further activities by Iran to use the methods that Soleimani was very clever in using  I don't think so."

That's because the Iranian leadership has an "agenda and a project," he said. "That project is to be the dominant representative, if you like, of all of Islam in the world."

Tehran has used "surrogates" such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen to advance its project, he said.

"That is going to continue," he predicted. "Maybe less efficiently than when Soleimani was alive, but inevitably, equally terroristic and, in my view, evil in its intent."
Quota Club sets Jan. 28 meeting

WATERLOO  Quotas regular monthly meeting will be Jan. 28 at the Majestic Moon (previously the Knights of Columbus Hall), 1955 Locke Ave.

A social begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. The program will be a representative from Try Pie.

The menu includes chicken noodle and vegetable beef soup, lettuce salad, bread sticks and beverage.

The cost is $9. The club will purchase pies for dessert. Call Pat at 233-4635 by Jan. 22 for reservations or more information.

Moose Lodge plans events

WASHBURN  The Moose Lodge, at 6636 La Porte Road, has several events planned.

Lasagna is on the menu for Jan. 22, with an all-you-can-eat fish and salad bar is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 24. The Dez Boys Band will play from 7 to 9 p.m.

A breakfast buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Hospital offers CPR training

WAVERLY  Waverly Health Center will offer a Heartsaver CPR and AED training from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Heartsaver CPR & AED is a classroom, video-based and instructor-led course that teaches CPR and AED use. It also includes how to relieve choking in an adult, child and infant.

Participants will receive a 2-year completion card from the American Heart Association.

Fee is $60. Pre-registration and payment is required at (319) 352-4939. You may download the registration form at waverlyhealthcenter.org/home/classes.

The class will be held in the Clinical Learning Lab at WHC.

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The restructuring of the governance system, the appointment of Western-educated young professionals to the leading positions, and more decisive fight against corruption in energy-rich Azerbaijan promise a quicker betterment of the internal socio-political situation and allows the country to overcome the challenges posed by volatile energy prices in the global market. These developments in the South Caucasian country have, however, some implications for the wider region in general, for its immediate neighborhood in particular.

Modern Diplomacy reports in its article External Implications of Domestic Reforms in Azerbaijan that Azerbaijans political system has gone through a remarkably stable period since 1993 when Heydar Aliyev was elected the President of the then just two-years old republic in gravely troubled times for the country amidst the war with Armenia and tensed domestic situation. In a short period of time, President Aliyev managed to reach ceasefire with Armenia, quell separatist movement in the south, sign important contracts with Western oil companies, and navigate the country through troubled geopolitical waters. There have been few changes to the political system established at that time as it, supported by lucrative revenues from oil and gas exports, provided necessary conditions to implement the overall priorities of the country. As an American expert aptly observed, There was simply enough money to keep almost everyone happy.

The latest political and economic challenges the country confronted due to new realities in the international relations, however, revealed some shortcomings of this system and necessitated comprehensive reforms. Important to note that, this process had started even before the start of sharp fluctuations in oil prices since 2014. The optimization of the public services at an unprecedent pace exemplified by the establishment of the Azerbaijani Service and Assessment (ASAN) in 2012 strictly reduced the Soviet-style bureaucratic procedures marred by unbridled corruption. These measures were back then lauded by many international observers primarily for eliminating the conditions that [were] conducive to corruption.

The existence of strong centralized government has allowed the authorities to initiate and implement such amendments with immediate effect at all levels of the political establishment. The past year of 2019 marked the zenith of these changes in Azerbaijan. The replacement of the old cadres, some of whom held their positions at the highest posts in the government since 1990s,with younger and mostly Western-educated people, the dissolution of the unpopular parliament on the ground of its failure to catch up with the reform process and calling for snap parliamentary elections were some of the changes made in 2019. In the course of this process, in December, for the first time in the history of post-Soviet Azerbaijan, a regional executive head was arrested on charges of corruption and theft committed during his service.

The reforms have been, however, not confined to the political branch of the government. Over the last few years, the country has made immense efforts to diversify economy and reduce the dependency on oil and gas reserves that still supply major segment of national revenues. The government targets a quick development of the so-called non-oil sector which primarily includes tourism, agriculture, national industry, transport, logistics and communications. President Ilham Aliyev repeatedly highlighted in the recent year that the reforms would be expanded, and they are inevitable and irreversible.

The provision of the favorable business environment and independent judicial system has been on the top of the agenda. The achievements reached have also reflected in the Economic Freedom report by the Heritage Foundation where Azerbaijans ranking progressed from 91stto 60th in 2019. According to the report, Azerbaijans overall score has increased, led by a dramatic rise in judicial effectiveness and higher scores for property rights and government integrity that offset declines in labor freedom and fiscal health.The new situation makes it possible for the country to recover from the economic shocks of 2015 when it went through devaluation twice in a year.

These developments in Azerbaijan have, however, some implications for the wider region in general, for the countrys immediate neighborhood in particular.

First and foremost, as the reforms promise that the country will maintain its leading role in the economic map of the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan will likely continue to have necessary financial resources to invest in large-scale transportation and economic projects. The new generation of technocrats, transparency in financial management, and fair judiciary are other factors that bode well for the future of Azerbaijans economy. This is highly important for the South Caucasus as most of the monumental projects in the region would have not been possible without the financial backing of Azerbaijan.

For example, the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which connects Azerbaijan with Georgia and Turkey and boosts the regions appeal as a hub on the transportation route between Europe and China, has been financed solely by the Azerbaijani side. Likewise, the ongoing construction of a new Baku International Sea Trade Port (Alat), which targets to be the biggest multi-purpose port in the Caspian Sea, with a potential capacity to handle 25 million tons of cargo per year, will be completed thanks to economic recovery of the country.

In the meantime, Baku continued to expand its relations in the neighborhood with major partners like Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine, embarking in 2019 on ambitious transportation and energy projects, starting from Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, and to launching TANAP gas pipeline on November 30, 2019, targeting the European market. These projects have a regional significance and are as hugely important for the economy of the participating countries from the region as for that of Azerbaijan.

The internal political and economic situation in Azerbaijan has also a very critical link with the regional security in the South Caucasus. The countrys multi-faceted relationship with its north-western neighbor, Georgia, has proved itself utmost important for the latter in the most troubled periods. Azerbaijan provided Georgia with crucial support in 2008 which helped its neighbor to overcome the challenges posed by sudden disruption of the trade with the countrys major partner Russia. Azerbaijan, with its oil and gas exports and investments, have often played an indispensable role for the Georgian economy. In 2019, Azerbaijanis ranked first in the number of foreigners visiting Georgia which provide an important contribution to its tourism revenues. The political stability and economic well-being in Azerbaijan aimed to be maintained by the recent reforms will boost the existing dynamics between the two countries which are vital for their national security in general.

The domestic reforms in Azerbaijan provides also a useful opportunity to revitalize the countrys relationship with its Western partners. The optimization of the public services, the rejuvenation of the government and the new political atmosphere built by the recent changes are all in line with the targets declared by the Eastern Partnership program of the EU and need to be supported. The new situation also promises a push for Azerbaijans relations with the United States as Svante Cornell, Director of the American Foreign Policy Councils Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, suggested in October 2019: The reform effort in Azerbaijan provides an opportunity for the U.S.-Azerbaijan political dialogue to be centered on positive cooperation, and thus to strengthen rather than weaken the bilateral strategic dialogue.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Moise will not seek to persecute his opponents...

Jovenel Moise said in an interview with Voice of America that he did not intend to direct by decree to persecute his opponents. Affirming that he was on the contrary going to seek the adhesion of the vital sectors of the country with a view to reaching a political agreement to create a Government of national unity which will be charged inter alia with the organization of the elections in order to fill in the as soon as possible the institutional vacuum of Parliament.



Towards the reconstruction of the Cathedral ?

On the sidelines of the commemoration of the January 12, 2010 earthquake, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Mgr. Max Leroy Mesidor is committed on behalf of the church to rebuild damaged material structures including the Cathedral of Port-au-Prince.



GrandAnse : 746 bandits arrested

Wednesday, January 15 at a press conference, Inspector Alex Legagneur, Spokesperson for the Departmental Direction of the Grand'Anse of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) informed that 746 suspected bandits had been arrested for the calendar year 2019, noting that some of them were members of gangs operating in Port-au-Prince. He said that the charges against the bandits included : theft, rape, sexual assault, murder, illegal possession of firearms and assault...



The impressive living area of Canaan

The 2020 satellite data reveal that the inhabited area of the Canaan area already exceeds by half the area of the municipalities of Port-au-Prince, Petion-Ville, Delmas combined. (additional slope and population density)



French Guiana : October passports ready

The Consulate of Haiti in French Guiana informs applicants that passports for the month of October 2019 are available at the Consulate. Please bring your receipts and old passports for pickup during office hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.



Dignite : New leader

On Wednesday Patrick Boisvert, the Director General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance installed Leslie Jean as the new Director of the Dignite transport company.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















No sooner had a new ceasefire been announced, regime and Russian began to conducts bombardments of towns and cities in Idleb writes Alsouria Net.

At least 10 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded in an air bombardment by Assads warplanes on residential districts in Idleb city on Wednesday, as a ceasefire went into effect in the province.

The Idleb Media Center reported that Assads warplanes struck residential districts in Idleb city with missiles, killing seven civilians and wounding dozens, while the Anadolu agency reported that the number of civilian victims had risen to 10.

Meanwhile, Russian and Assad regime warplanes intensified their bombardments of villages and towns in the southern and southeastern Idleb countryside on Wednesday after a truce and in light of the continuing violation of the ceasefire deal agreed upon between Turkey and Russia.

The Syrian Civil Defense manager in Idleb, Mustafa Hajj Youssef, told Alsouria Net that Maarat al-Numan in the southern Idleb countryside had seen an escalation by Russian warplanes since the morning, with Russian planes carrying out four strikes on the citys infrastructure with more than 60 projectiles.

Hajj Youssef added that the bombardment was still ongoing, with rescue teams working to reach the victims of the bombardment with no numbers yet for the number of civilian victims.

This came a day after a speech by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in which he said that, Turkey is determined to stop the Syrian regimes violations of the ceasefire if needed.

He continued: We have succeeded in implementing a new ceasefire in Idleb and we hope it will last.

The Idleb Media Center reported that Assads planes used barrel bombs to strike the towns of Kafar Roma, Hass, Maarzita, Beneen, and Montaf, as well as al-Talaata village and the city of Kafar Nubl south of Idleb, while it also struck Arihah, wounding civilians.

The escalation comes after a ceasefire went into effect, reached between Turkey and Russia on Jan. 9, 2020, and which began on Sunday amid continuing bombardments by Russia and Assads forces.

The Idleb safe zone

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that his country was holding talks with Russia to set up a safe zone inside Idleb province, which would be a shelter for displaced people, as he put it.

Akar made the remarks during a meeting held with media representative in the Turkish capital Ankara, where Reuters quoted him as saying, We are in talks with the Russians to establish a secure zone, where the people can spend the winter period.

He added that Ankaras efforts in Libya and Idleb aimed to create peace and stability and to stop the bloodshed through a political solution, according to Anadolu Agency, adding that Turkish soldiers would not withdraw from their observation points in Idleb, but rather would reinforce them.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey would take the necessary steps in Idleb if it was threatened. He said this during a speech he made on Wednesday during a forum titled, Turkish Foreign Policy in Light of the Prevailing Ambiguity at the Global Level.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.


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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) will fight the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections together.

Addressing a public rally here, Shah said: "I want to end all rumours by declaring openly here that the next assembly elections in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar."

The Bihar Assembly elections are due in October this year. The opposition parties -- RJD, Congress and RLSP -- among others have already launched their campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.

The Union Home Minister also slammed the opposition parties for opposing the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

"The opposition parties engineered anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) riots, which forced the BJP to hold rallies across the country to apprise the people of their nefarious designs," he said.

"I have come here to tell Muslim brothers to read the CAA. I have also come to tell Rahul Baba (Rahul Gandhi) and Lalu Prasad Yadav to not mislead the people. Mamata Didi and Kejriwal ji, you too do not mislead the people. The CAA has received the best response in Bihar," he added.

"CAA intends to help those who came to India after their women were raped in front of their eyes. Their properties were snatched away. Their places of worship were desecrated," said Shah.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mathematics and science Braille textbooks are expensive and require an enormous effort to produce -- until now. A team of researchers has developed a method for easily creating textbooks in Braille, with an initial focus on math textbooks. The new process is made possible by a new authoring system which serves as a "universal translator" for textbook formats, combined with enhancements to the standard method for putting mathematics in a Web page. Basing the new work on established systems will ensure that the production of Braille textbooks will become easy, inexpensive, and widespread.

"This project is about equity and equal access to knowledge," said Martha Siegel, a Professor Emerita from Towson University in Maryland. Siegel met a blind student who needed a statistics textbook for a required course. The book was ordered but took six months (and several thousand dollars) to prepare, causing the student significant delay in her studies. Siegel and Al Maneki, a retired NSA mathematician who serves as senior STEM advisor to the National Federation of the Blind and who is blind himself, decided to do something about it.

"Given the amazing technology available today, we thought it would be easy to piece together existing tools into an automated process," said Alexei Kolesnikov. Kolesnikov, a colleague of Siegel at Towson University, was recruited to the project in the Summer of 2018. Automating the process is the key, because currently Braille books are created by skilled people retyping from the printed version, which involves considerable time and cost. Converting the words is easy: Braille is just another alphabet. The hard part is conveying the structure of the book in a non-visual way, converting the mathematics formulas, and converting the graphs and diagrams.

The collaboration which solved the problem was formed in January, 2019, with the help of the American Institute of Mathematics, through its connections in the math research and math education communities.

"Mathematics teachers who have worked with visually impaired students understand the unique challenges they face," said Henry Warchall, Senior Adviser in the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation, which funds the American Institute of Mathematics. "By developing an automated way to create Braille mathematics textbooks, this project is making mathematics significantly more accessible, advancing NSF's goal of broadening participation in the nation's scientific enterprise."

There are three main problems to solve when producing a Braille version of a textbook. First is the overall structure. A typical textbook uses visual clues to indicate chapters, sections, captions, and other landmarks. In Braille all the letters are the same size and shape, so these structural elements are described with special symbols. The other key issues are accurately conveying complicated mathematics formulas, and providing a non-visual way to represent graphs and diagrams.

The first problem was solved by a system developed by team member Rob Beezer, a math professor at the University of Puget Sound in Washington. Beezer sees this work as a natural extension of a dream he has been pursuing for several years. "We have been developing a system for writing textbooks which automatically produces print versions as well as online, EPUB, Jupyter, and other formats. Our mantra is Write once, read anywhere." Beezer added Braille as an output format in his system, which is called PreTeXt. Approximately 100 books have been written in PreTeXt, all of which can now be converted to Braille.

Math formulas are represented using the Nemeth Braille Code, initially developed by the blind mathematician Abraham Nemeth in the 1950s. The Nemeth Braille in this project is produced by MathJax, a standard package for displaying math formulas on web pages. Team member Volker Sorge, of the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, noted, "We have made great progress in having MathJax produce accessible math content on the Web, so the conversion to Braille was a natural extension of that work." Sorge is a member of the MathJax consortium and the sole developer of Speech Rule Engine, the system that is at the core of the Nemeth translation and provides accessibility features in MathJax and other online tools.

"Some people have the mistaken notion that online versions and screen readers eliminate the need for Braille," commented project co-leader Al Maneki. Sighted learners need to spend time staring at formulas, looking back and forth and comparing different parts. In the same way, a Braille formula enables a person to touch and compare various pieces. Having the computer pronounce a formula for you is not adequate for a blind reader, any more than it would be adequate for a sighted reader.

It will be particularly useful for visually impaired students to have simultaneous access to both the printed Braille and an online version.

Graphs and diagrams remain a unique challenge for representing non-visually. Many of the usual tools of presenting information using color or thickness of a line, shading, etc., are not available in tactile graphics. The tips of our fingers have a much lower resolution than our eyes, so the size of the image has to be bigger (yet still fit on the page). The labels that are included in the picture have to be translated to Braille, and placed so that they do not interfere with the drawn lines. Diagrams that show three-dimensional shapes are particularly hard to "read" in a tactile format. Ongoing work will automate the process of converting images to tactile graphics.

This work is part of a growing effort to create high-quality free textbooks. Many of the textbooks authored with PreTeXt are available at no cost in highly interactive online versions, in addition to traditional PDF and printed versions. Having Braille as an additional format, produced automatically, will make these inexpensive textbooks also available to blind students.

The group has begun discussions with professional organizations to incorporate Braille output into the production system for their publications.

###

Details of this work will be announced during three talks on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the conference Joint Mathematics Meetings in Denver, Colorado.

Some details:

The structural components are handled by the PreTeXt authoring system (pretextbook.org). Rob Beezer, a math professor at the University of Puget Sound in Washington, is the inventor of PreTeXt and also developed the enhancements to PreTeXt which were required for this project.

The Braille math formulas are handled by MathJax (http://www.mathjax.org), a system originally designed for displaying math formulas on a web page. Volker Sorge, a Reader in Scientific Document Analysis in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham in the UK, is the lead developer for adding accessibility features to MathJax, including the recent enhancements for producing Nemeth Braille.

The production of tactile images is the most difficult problem faced in producing Braille textbooks. Akexei Kolesnikov, a math professor at Towson University in Maryland, is the lead developer for the image processing in this project. Ongoing work, including a workshop at the American Institute of Mathematics in August, 2020, will create new ways for describing images with the goal of automating the production of non-visual representations.

The official announcement of this work will be made during the following talks on Thursday January 16, 2020, at the Colorado Convention Center, room 506:

11:00am Transforming Math Documents with MathJax Version 3

by Volker Sorge

11:20am The PreTeXt-Nemeth Connection: Enabling Sighted and Blind People to Share the Mathematical Experience

by Al P. Maneki

11:40am Automated transcription of a mathematics textbook into Nemeth Braille

by Alexei Kolesnikov

Funding Information

This work was supported by National Science Foundation grants DUE-1821706 and DMS-1638535, and a grant from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, affiliated with The National Federation of the Blind. The Big Ten Academic Alliance supported the implementation of Nemeth in the Speech Rule Engine and its integration into MathJax.
The Income Tax Department has reportedly asked Enforcement Directorate to share details of its investigation against former ICICI Bank managing director Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar. The development comes less than a week after the financial probe agency attached assets worth Rs 78 crore belonging to the Kochhars.

On January 10, the ED had attached assets and shares belonging to Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar and companies controlled by him. As per book value, the total worth of the attached assets is estimated to be above Rs 78 crore. The attached assets include a flat in South Mumbai, land, cash and machinery. The ED suspects these assets to be proceeds of crime in the ICICI Bank-Videocon loan scam.

ALSO READ: ICICI Bank files civil suit to recover Rs 12 crore from Chanda Kochhar

Any new facts unearthed in the ED investigation will be used by the Income Tax Department as the starting point to reassess its case against the Kochhars, a tax official told The Economic Times. The tax department's probe focuses on two angles - either the South Mumbai flat attached by the ED was bought by Videocon with the money they were supposed to pay Kochhars, making it a benami transaction, or the property was sold at less than market rate with the balance being the bribe, the daily reported.

"The evidence gathered didn't indicate that it was a transaction fit under the Benami Act; the graft bit could be probed further by the CBI. However, now with the ED probe treating the house as proceed of crime, this could be revisited," the report quoted the official as saying.

ALSO READ: ED attaches assets worth Rs 78 crore, shares belonging to Chanda Kochhar

The ED, the tax department, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs are investigating allegations of irregularities in loans extended by ICICI Bank to Venugopal Dhoot-led Videocon Group when Chanda Kochhar was at the helm of the lender. The case against Chanda Kochhar alleges that loans to the tune of Rs 1,875 crore were extended to Videocon in 2017.

The allegations point out that companies controlled by Deepak Kochhar received kickbacks from Videocon in lieu of loans from ICICI Bank.

ALSO READ: Reserve Bank defends its nod for Chanda Kochhar's sacking from ICICI Bank
The new production of Alban Bergs Wozzeck at New Yorks Metropolitan Opera shows that the work deserves its secure place in the repertoire, almost a century after its premiere. The opera remains challenging and has lost none of its ability to shock. Its depiction of the impact of war and inequality on the lives of the poor is timelier than ever.

Berg, the Austrian composer who was the best-known pupil of Arnold Schoenberg, based his only completed opera on a work by the brilliant poet, playwright, scientist and socialist Georg Buchner, who was born in 1813 and died in 1837, not yet 24 years old. In addition to his dramas, Buchner co-authored, in the words of Georgi Plekhanov, a revolutionary call to the peasantry, the Hessian Courier, in 1834.

Wozzeck at the Metropolitan Opera

Buchners play Woyzeck, left unfinished when he died, was only discovered nearly four decades later, in 1875, when the title was rendered as Wozzeck, apparently because the playwrights handwriting was difficult to decipher. The work was completed and first produced in 1913 in Munich, and Berg saw it in Vienna a year later. The young composer was shaken, and immediately inspired to turn this story of a soldier driven insane by the conditions of his life into an opera.

Berg set to work, but was interrupted by the First World War, most of which he spent in the Austro-Hungarian Army after having been conscripted in 1915. He suffered a physical breakdown soon after his service began, and was transferred to the War Ministry in Vienna. Resuming systematic work on Wozzeck in 1917, his own experience had only sharpened his appreciation of the horrors of war that formed the background of the story. As he wrote to his wife in 1918, There is a little bit of me in his character, since I have been spending these war years just as dependent on people I hate, have been in chains, sick, captive, resigned, in fact, humiliated. The opera was finally completed in 1922, and first staged in Berlin in 1925.

The structure of the opera is remarkable in many respects. Six major characters are brought to life in only about 90 minutes. These include, in addition to Wozzeck and Marie (the mother of his child), Wozzecks fellow soldier Andres, the Captain, the Doctor, and the Drum-Major, who seduces Marie. The story is told in a fast-moving three acts comprising 15 scenes, without any interruption or intermission in this production. The scenes themselves are set off by brief orchestral interludes that effectively delineate both the characters and the action. The humanity of the central characters, Wozzeck and Marie, is powerfully communicated throughout.

Drawing partly from his own experience and adapting the Buchner play into his own libretto, Berg uses the first five scenes to introduce the characters. Wozzeck and the Captain appear first, the superior officer a disagreeable mixture of pedant and bully. When he taunts Wozzeck about his illegitimate child, the soldier responds humbly but powerfully, Wir arme Leut (We poor people). The poor cannot afford morality, he explains, in language that anticipates the famous materialist anthem, What Keeps Man Alive? from Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weills Threepenny Opera of only a few years later.

Later the scene shifts to Marie. The young woman is devoted to her baby, yet her later seduction by the Drum-Major is believable, as is her defiance when Wozzeck confronts her over her infidelity. Much of Maries music approaches tonality and even lyricism at several moments.

Wozzeck

The sinister Doctor is another character whose description owes something to Bergs own wartime experiences. He is paying the impoverished soldier, desperate for money, to submit to sinister medical experiments. Later the Captain and the Doctor combine to ridicule Wozzeck, taunting him about Maries infidelity, thus setting up the tragic finale, with the soldier stabbing the mother of his child to death and drowning himself soon afterwards.

The final two scenes in the second act, between Wozzecks confrontation with Marie over his suspicions of her infidelity and the scene in which he kills her, are especially effective in this production. In a tavern, to the accompaniment of a remarkable on-stage band, which includes a clarinet, accordion, fiddle and tuba and plays a raucous waltz, Wozzeck sees Marie and the drum-major. The next scene, in the barracks, witnesses a fight between the two men in which Wozzeck is thrown to the floor. The murder follows soon after.

Wozzeck and Lulu, the opera left unfinished after Bergs death from sepsis in 1935, share much in common, but there are also significant differences. In Wozzeck the listener is always aware of the social conditions behind the grim subject matter, and Wozzeck and Marie are treated with empathy. Lulu, while partly a commentary on capitalist decay, gives far greater emphasis to the psychological and sexual elements. Both works end bleakly, but Berg has become more pessimistic in the period of the Great Depression and above all the rise of Hitler. Both works use the kind of adaptation of atonal techniques, the use of certain tonal elements, the latent tonalities for which Berg became known, but Lulu, nearly four hours in length, is not nearly as effective.

Berg uses speech, Sprechstimme (a kind of intermediate between speech and singing) and singing, along with elements of tonality and atonality. The use of specific motifs associated with definite emotions and experiences in the plot, along with the more tonal orchestral interludes, helps provide a structural coherence to the score. Although most of the music is not tonal, it always serves the drama, effectively counterposing the orchestral and vocal elements, and using dissonance to illustrate the actual conditions portrayed. Above all, Berg is able to write expressively and to communicate emotion, more so than in most music associated with the twelve-tone technique, such as Schoenbergs opera Moses and Aron, for instance.

Since its premiere about 95 years ago, Wozzeck has rarely left the opera stage. Its early productions included Prague and, significantly, Leningrad in 1927, at a time when the Stalinist vise had not yet tightened its grip on avant-garde and experimental work. This was precisely the time when Shostakovich was at work on his 2nd and 3rd symphonies. The Nazis banned Bergs music, along with so much else, but in the post-World War II period Wozzeck appeared in London, Paris and New York. The current production is the third since its Met premiere in 1959, where it has been performed dozens of times over the last six decades.

Georg Buchner, drawing by Alexis Muston, 1835

The performances in the current Wozzeck production are all on a very high level, including the title role, sung by Swedish baritone Peter Mattei, and Marie, by South African soprano Elza van den Heever. Mattei is outstanding in communicating Wozzecks despair as well as his growing mental instability. Van den Heever excels in her brief scene with the drum-major, as well as in alternately expressing devotion and defiance when with Wozzeck, and in conveying tenderness and love for her child.

Other significant roles included Gerhard Siegel as the Captain and Christian Van Horn as the Doctor. Yannick Nezet-Seguin, now in his second season as music director at the Met, while he continues as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra as well, continues to impress.

The production as a whole exhibited some of the same problems as that of Lulu, also directed by the South African artist and animator William Kentridge. Kentridges use of drawings, animated videos and projections is by now becoming fairly well known at the Met in New York, following his direction of Shostakovichs The Nose in 2010 and Lulu in 2016. As indicated, Wozzeck is a compact and complex undertaking. Characters come and go, amidst a set evoking in general terms the horrific conditions of war facing both soldiers and civilians. In addition to the main roles there are also several non-singing actors who make appearances at regular intervals. The massive videos and other backgrounds too often convey an air of busyness rather than effectively serving the music and the action.

It is interesting to compare Wozzeck with Porgy and Bess , another 20th century opera brought back to the Met this year after a long absence. The operas were premiered within ten years of one another, and they have somewhat similar subject matter. They both examine relations between men and women under conditions of social and economic oppression, but of course they emerged under different circumstances.

Alban Berg around 1930 (PhotoMax Fenichel)

Bergs opera, though based on a nearly century-old play, was shaped by the devastation of the first world war. George Gershwin, the Brooklyn-born son of immigrant parents, based himself on a novel dating from 1925, set among an oppressed African-American community in Charleston, South Carolina. He composed his opera in an entirely different idiom, including elements of jazz, popular and Broadway tunes.

Despite the obvious differences in story and above all in musical language and style, both of these operas speak to the universal concerns of the working class of all races and backgrounds in the face of poverty and war.

This highlights the timeliness of the new production of Wozzeck. Anthony Tommasini, the music critic of the Times, does not often venture into social commentary in his reviews, but the second paragraph of his piece on Wozzeck deserves to be repeated:

The issues that drive this wrenching, profound opera are especially timely: the impact of economic inequality on struggling families; the looming threats of war and environmental destruction; the rigid stratificationalmost the militarizationof every element of society.

The Times is right for a change. Wozzeck is yet another reflection of the unfinished 20th century. The horrors that inspired Berg are finding contemporary expression all over the world.
LANSING, Michigan  A state legislator could face a sexual harassment investigation after he reportedly told a female reporter that a group of high school boys could have a lot of fun with her."

The Detroit Free Press reports Peter Lucido, a Republican state senator from Shelby Township, Michigan, made the comments on Tuesday to Allilson Donahue, 22, a reporter with the Michigan Advance. Donahue was standing next to Lucido, waiting for a chance to interview him as he spoke with students from De La Salle Collegiate, an all-boys Catholic high school.

Donahue, writing about the encounter in the Advance, says Lucido asked her, Youve heard of De La Salle, right? Donahue responded she had not heard of the school.

Its an all-boys school, Lucido said, according to Donahue. You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you.

Donahue reports the boys burst into laughter after the remark. She says she walked away, feeling objectified and humiliated.

Lucido did not dispute making the comments, but told the Free Press the comments were blown out of proportion and that he was not talking about anything sexual." However, he issued a statement Wednesday saying I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue.

It has not prevented Lucido from receiving intense criticism. According to mlive.com, State Senate leaders are calling for an investigation into the incident.

Sexual harassment has no place in the Michigan Senate," says a joint letter from several legislators to the Senate Business Office. "We take this allegation very seriously and trust that you will take appropriate action to solve this matter.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, who signed the letter, was critical of Lucidos statement after the incident, mlive.com reports.

His apology was basically saying, Im sorry you realize Im a jerk and Im a creep, Ananich said.
Islamic State-aligned jihadists have released five local aid workers abducted last month in violence-wracked northeastern Nigeria, security sources and one of those freed said Thursday.

The aid workers were seized along with other passengers in two separate incidents in December when fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) disguised as soldiers intercepted vehicles on highways outside the Borno state capital of Maiduguri.

ISWAP, which split from the Boko Haram jihadist group in 2016, has focused on targeting military installations and troops since mid-2018.

However there has recently been an increase in attacks on civilians blamed on ISWAP.

The decade-long jihadist conflict in northeast Nigeria has killed 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes.

The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting the formation of a regional military coalition to fight the Islamists.

A security source told AFP "the five aid workers were released... after days of mediated negotiations with ISWAP" on Wednesday.

The hostages are local staff of international humanitarian agencies, providing aid to thousands of people displaced by the violence in the region, the source said.

Asabe Musa, a hygiene specialist with ALIMA (Alliance for International Medical Action), a French NGO, is among the five freed hostages.

"We were released by our captors today (Wednesday). Two of us are from ALIMA, one each from Red Cross, Solidarity and IOM (International Office for Migration).

"We were first taken to the DSS headquarters before we were handed over to our various agencies," she told AFP, referring to Nigeria's domestic intelligence agency.

"We are all in good health. I and my colleagues are now at ALIMA office here in Maiduguri where we are staying for the night." The negotiations for the release were initiated by the DSS, the security source said.

It was not clear whether ransom was paid for the aid workers' release.

A sister of Asabe Musa told AFP her sibling spoke with their mother on the phone from the DSS offices after her release.

"My sister was allowed to call our mother and confirm her release along with four others," Vicky Musa told AFP.

Asabe Musa was kidnapped along with two others on December 22 on their way to Maiduguri for Christmas from the garrison town of Monguno, 135 kilometres (84 miles) away.

On December 4 ISWAP claimed the abduction of two Red Cross staff along with 12 other passengers on a separate highway outside Maiduguri.

ISWAP has increasingly been abducting motorists at checkpoints in Borno state, targeting security personnel, anti-jihadist militia as well as Christians.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a significant development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday (January 16) confirmed that India will extend an invitation to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

"As per the established practice and procedure within the SCO, all eight members of the SCO, as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," Kumar told media.

"It is now a public knowledge that India will be hosting the SCO council of heads of government meeting later this year. The meeting is held annually at the prime minister's level and it discusses the SCO's program and multilateral economic and trade co-operation," he added.

India will be hosting the SCO summit for the first time. Notably, the SCO is dominated by China and it has now become a significant grouping of emerging economies, including India. Founded in 2001, Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are the founding members of SCO.

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In 2005, India became part of the SCO as "observer" and it got full membership in 2017. It was the same year when Pakistan also joined as SCO member. India took over the presidency of the SCO summit at Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2019.

The MEA spokesperson also slammed China for helping Pakistan in trying to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying Beijing should keep in mind the global consensus over Kashmir issue and should not indulge in such activities in the future.

Kumar said that Islamabad has repeatedly sought help from China to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC, but it failed again to garner the support of global community over this matter. He added that China's attempt to help Pakistan failed on Wednesday (January 15) as other countries of the 15-member council understand that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.
Recently one of my pictures was trolled by right-wing people on social media. These responses display that their frameworks to look at the world is disrupted by a visibly queer body. An important lens to look at the world for them is through marriage, which becomes the foundational principle of assigning gendered personhood. The comments were brutally transphobic and queerphobic. Throughout, one thread of reference remained the same, 'Who will marry this and how?'

When this subcontinent is witnessing an authoritarian regime, what does it mean to be a queer of this land?

The violent response of Hindu fundamentalists to the 1996 movie Fire illustrated what might be the nature of Indian State, should it become a Hindu Rashtra. The release of the movie saw theatres being burned down, and statements made by prominent leaders terming the theme of the movie "alien to our culture."

In the present, this violence, under the banner of the State, takes the form of oppressive laws and bureaucratic directives. Take the increasing regulation of bodies that do not snugly fit into the parameters of the Rashtra. This is evident from the militarisation and months-long internet blockade of Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 to the violation of the right to self-determination of queer and trans bodies through the passing of Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019.

This year also witnessed the Supreme Court judgment on Babri Masjid demolition, which effectively gave legal nod to majoritarian conscience reshaping the land through acts of barbarity that the judgment itself recognised as illegal. Hundreds of Muslims who were killed in the subsequent riots after the demolition went unrecognised by the court, their deaths forgotten. This silence is reminiscent of similar pogrom in history where women  mostly in the West were burnt alive in the pretext of being witches. While the courts later concluded that black-magic never existed, nothing was said about thousands of women burned at the stake.

Recently, another stroke has been taken to Hinduise the state in the name of Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens. While there are seemingly orchestrated disagreements between the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Home Ministry regarding the relation of CAA to the NRC, we have one example of Assam where NRC has been implemented.

According to the final list released by the government of Assam, 19 lakh people were excluded, including at least 2,000 transgender people. These acts of the Nation-State demonstrate how the bodies that bewilder, and thus haunt, them are controlled and their rights curtailed.

Keeping aside the invocation of a narrow, constrictive imagery of culture  which in and of itself is fluid and ever-changing  that incident stands as evidence to the proclivities of the self-styled gatekeepers of the culture to viciously repress all that does not conform to their rigid worldview. What it means to live in a regime that is bent on remaking this country on the terms of their "tradition", thereby fashioning it into a Hindu Rashtra?

We, the haunting "others" have always been here, borders emerged, state authorities changed, yet we are still "indisciplined", surviving extermination campaigns meant to obliterate our identity, and so we will survive even these draconian acts, be it TGA or CAA.

This haunting is nothing new. The same people haunting State apparatus now were also haunting British colonial State. If we were once made criminals through The Criminal Tribes Act 1871, we are now subject to bureaucratic humiliation in hands of District Magistrate under Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act 2019. We have learned to fight, and to remain as perpetual ruptures in the patriarchal, caste-ridden norms, and authoritative bureaucracies, because no matter what has changed, a nation-state built on the grounds of exclusion has always failed us.

Recently one of my pictures was trolled by right-wing people on social media. The comments were brutally transphobic and queerphobic. Throughout, one thread of reference remained the same  "Who will marry this and how?" These responses display that their frameworks to look at the world is disrupted by a visibly queer body. An important lens to look at the world for them is through marriage, which becomes the foundational principle of assigning gendered personhood.

This incidentally also serves as a savior of the Brahmanical family order. Everyone wants to save the family while queers find family as their first systemic oppressor. Through our mere existence, we haunt these social systems  be it the institution of marriage, family, or militarised Nation-State, its bureaucracies, and its modernity.

This haunting, however, is also a promise of social change, of caste-class struggle, and a world built through more humane and sensitive constructions. The moment we choose to live a life of gender non-conformity, we not only question strict gender rules, we also create fissures in every social matrix that molds its grid to make us invisible through exclusion, threats, violence and legal actions. The subjectivities around gender non-conformity create ruptures into not only those legitimised ways of conforming, but also into non-conforming resistances that are still closely intertwined with the vocabulary of the "Normal", thereby constantly reminding us that every space we access brings a shock to that space.

The places of non-conforming may get used to it after an initial distress, where the early laugh may turn into a healthy conversation, but in the places of legitimized conforming, the range of responses remain limited to mocking, trolling and verbal/physical abuse.

Many of us who do not conform acutely understand that the possibilities offered by a life lived on the dictates of a medico-legal definition are very limited. It's limited because the language that helps us understand these systems are finite, ridden with scientific rationality that pathologised all that lies beyond its margins. The tasks for not-conforming individual is then to deny these limits that the assigned personhood put on them.

In denial of these limits, one denies the subject formation and the procedures used therein. The best example of such a construction is the debatable status of the personhood of an intersex infant. The terminology of Disorders of sex Development limits the understanding of the body to a correct alignment of hormonal, gonadal and genitals, distinct for a male and female body. Anything that is beyond this heterosexual body becomes a pathology. Anything that falls out of this constructed Normal is labored on to make it palatable and less haunting. Yet we know that bodies do not come in such simplistic binaries, their subjectivities cannot be contained in physical and social monoliths. Thus, a new language is needed to study identity as an interactive point of culture and individuality, and not simply as a series of representations at any given time.

Indian parliament trying to pass NRC (alongside CAA) and TG-Bill, which is a direct bureaucratic attack on an individual's personhood should make us rethink the construction of the Normal human aspect and Citizenship. This, then is the correct time to think about what queers should be demanding when they are born in these systems of family, of bordered lands, of state bureaucratic personhood.

Queers have struggled for long, the hour has come to queer all the struggles against every oppression and social system that limits our existence by curtailing our right to be, to live and to love. We reject all chambers, from filial to rehab centers to state detentions, and stand firm in this fight against CAA, NRC, and every action taken to make this country a Hindu Rashtra. This we will do with pleasure and with community, throughout paving ways for better social interactions.

The author, a queer activist, is a research scholar in the University of Delhi and is the member of Hasratein, a queer collective
Asserting that the frosty relationship has impacted tremendously, former Afghan president on Thursday said maintaining a balance in ties with the two neighbours has been difficult for his country.

Pakistan's impact on is a "lot greater" than any other country and Kabul must convey to Islamabad that close ties with New Delhi will not impact their relationship, Karzai said at a session at the Raisina Dialogue here.

"India is the greatest friend of India has been a tremendous contributor to Afghanistan, but the impact that Pakistan can make in Afghanistan, is a lot greater than any other country," the former Afghan president asserted.

He said the "unfortunate state of relationship" between India and Pakistan has impacted Afghanistan tremendously.

"We want to be the best friends with India and Afghans have proven to be the best friends with India, but we will tell Pakistan that our friendship with India is not going to stop us from being the best brothers and friends with Pakistan. How to convey this is a very difficult task, but we have to manage it," he said.

"We have two sentiments toward Pakistan -- when we became refugees in Pakistan after the Soviet invasion of Pakistan, Pakistani people received us with open arms....On the other hand we have serious complaints against the Pakistani government and their military institutions for their interference in Afghanistan, promotion to extremism, and all of that," Karzai said.

Talking about the peace process in his war-torn country, he said there is no other way for Afghanistan. It needs the peace process to be successful, he added.
OTTAWAAli Ehsassi never imagined his community in north Toronto would confront something as harrowing as the 2018 van attack that killed 10 people on Yonge Street.

Then last week happened.

The Iranian military, primed for war with Canadas closest ally, shot down a passenger jet leaving Tehran  a tragic mistake, it claimed, that killed 57 Canadians and dozens more who were en route to Pearson airport at the close of the holiday season.

Now Ehsassi, as Liberal MP for the riding of Willowdale, is on the front lines of the federal governments efforts to soothe the unspeakable grief and anger of the victims relatives and press for the answers they so desperately need.

And as a Canadian of Iranian background himself, Ehsassi knew several of the victims and said he is trying to cope with the aftermath of the incident just like everyone else.

One would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not know one of the victims, he told the Star by phone this week.

This has had a huge impact on countless people that I know, so its been very, very difficult.

Along with Mississauga Centre MP Omar Alghabra, Ehsassi and Majid Jowhari  the MP for Richmond Hill who said he moved to Canada from Iran 42 years ago  have been tasked with helping relatives of those killed in the plane crash navigate the aftermath and pass along their concerns to the federal government.

Both Ehsassi and Jowhari are part of sizable Iranian-Canadian communities that represent more than 10 per cent of their respective ridings. And both have spent the past nine days meeting with victims families, attending vigils for the dead, and arranging services like legal assistance and consular assistance for those left behind.

Last weekend, Ehsassi helped quickly organize a ceremony at the University of Toronto where politicians including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland came together with an estimated 4,000 people to mourn those killed in the plane crash.

Jowhari, meanwhile, said he has attended memorial ceremonies across Richmond Hill in recent days, estimating there are at least seven families in his riding who lost relatives in the crash. The dead include students from York Region and a newly-trained dentist who was in Iran to settle affairs before starting the next phase of his life in Canada. He has met parents who had to agree to their sons burial in Iran at risk of not being able to visit his grave, and knows a father who worked several jobs to pay for his sons school, only to lose his child as he travelled back to Canada after visiting his mother in Iran.

They cant make sense of this, they cant justify it, they cant explain it, they dont understand why it had to happen, Jowhari said.

Out of that sorrow, the MPs said families are urging the government to continue its efforts to press Iran to allow Canadian officials into the country to help repatriate the remains of victims whose families want them buried in Canada. There is also a strong desire for justice that includes compensation paid by the Iranian regime, Ehsassi said.

People are incredibly, incredibly grateful for all the love and support that they have received from all walks of Canadian life, Ehsassi said.

On the other hand, he added, there is a lot of anger aimed at the Iranian government as well.

On Thursday, Canadas foreign affairs minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne, met in London with counterparts from Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom  countries with citizens that died in the crash  to collectively press Iran to co-operate with the international community on a thorough, independent and transparent investigation of the crash. They also called for full and unhindered access for consular officials to help identify victims and provide services to their families from inside Iran, and that the wishes of the families regarding repatriation are respected in all cases.

First and foremost, they want a clear answer of what happened, Jowhari said of the families he has spoken to. They want transparency, they want accountability, they want the bodies back, and they want compensation.

In the meantime, the federal government is considering interim financial support for families as they wait for the results of the investigation and a clearer picture of who is responsible for the disaster, and whether Iran will agree to any form of compensation.

For Jowhari and Ehsassi, the efforts to support families have been all consuming, both for themselves and their political staff. But each of them said they will continue to press the concerns they are hearing to the federal government, and are joining calls on Iran to be accountable to the families of those killed by its missiles.

Not in my wildest dreams did I think this would be something that we had to deal with, Jowhari said.

Im lost for words.

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Cows tell each other how they feel through their moos, according to a new study.

The animals have individual vocal characteristics and change their pitch depending on their emotions, according to research by the University of Sydney.

Alexandra Green, the studys lead author, said: Cows are gregarious, social animals. In one sense it isnt surprising they assert their individual identity throughout their life.

This is the first time we have been able to analyse voice to have conclusive evidence of this trait.

The study found that cows use their voice to help them maintain contact with the herd and express excitement, arousal, engagement or distress.

Animals rescued during Australia fires Show all 25 1 /25 Animals rescued during Australia fires Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide AAP Image/Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter Pat Smith pouring water onto a possum's feet with burns from fires on the outskirts of the town of Tumbarumba in New South Wales Greenpeace Australia-Pacific/AFP Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Grey-headed Flying Fox bats prepared for a feeding at the Uralla, Australia, home of Jackie Maisey, a volunteer with Northern Tableands Wildlife Carers. The bats are swaddled in flannel wraps similar to those being made by thousands of crafters worldwide who are using their sewing, knitting and crocheting skills to make items for wildlife injured in the Australian brush fires Jackie Maisey/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires Sara Tilling takes care of a young injured Kangaroo which she and her partner Gary Henderson are nursing back to health in Cobargo EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan holds a baby Koala she just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Images Animals rescued during Australia fires Tracy Burgess holds a severely burnt brushtail possum Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Fire-impacted, orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joeys are seen at the property of WIRES Carers Kevin and Lorita Clapson in East Lynne, South of Sydney EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala receives water from a cyclist during a severe heatwave that hit the region, in Adelaide Instagram/BIKEBUG2019 via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned Flying-Fox is fed at the property of WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator, Janet Jones, in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan checks an injured Koala she had just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A wallabie eating a carrot dropped by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife services over the bushfire affected areas along the South Coast for wallabies NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services Animals rescued during Australia fires A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires Gary Henderson holds the young injured kangaroo he and his partner are nursing back to health EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala drinks water offered from a bottle by a firefighter during bushfires in Cudlee Creek, south Australia Oakbank Balhannah CFS via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid South Coast wombat coordinator Tony De La Fosse with two orphaned pouch-rescued Wombats at his property in Malua Bay EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Qantas, an orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey whose feet were burned in recent bushfires, is held by WIRES Carer Kevin Clapson at his property in East Lynne EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Various completed animal pouches for animals affected by Australia bushfires hang on clothing racks in Regents Park, Queensland Kim Simeon via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey hangs in a makeshift pouch at the property of WIRES EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A rescued koala injured in a bushfire in Kangaroo Island, South Australia Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator Janet Jones weighs a rescued Grey-Headed Flying-Fox at her home in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A weary kangaroo shelters on a patch of green grass surrounded by burnt bushland along the Princes Highway near in Milton Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Various animal wraps for bats affected by bushfires Simone Watts via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires A staff member moving a rescued koala to a temporary shelter at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney Taronga Zoo/AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire in Snowy Valley AFP via Getty Images

Talking about the animals she studied, Ms Green said: "They have all got very distinct voices. Even without looking at them in the herd, I can tell which one is making a noise just based on her voice."

She would record and analyse their calls, using the pitch to "assess how aroused or excited the animal is in a certain situation".

"It all relates back to their emotions and what they are feeling at the time," she said.

Previous research has found cattle mothers and offspring communicate through individuality in their lowing.

However, this new study has detailed how cows keep their individual moo throughout their lives, even when talking among themselves.

It found the animals studied would speak to each other during their sexually active period, while waiting for or denied food and when kept separate from the group.

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The University of Sydney research, which has been published in Scientific Reports, recorded and analysed 333 samples of cow vocalisations.

Alis research is truly inspired. It is like she is building a Google translate for cows, said Cameron Clark, an associate professor at the university.

Ms Green said she hoped her research would help farmers tune into the emotional state of their cattle, improving animal welfare.

A 2018 study found that animals communicate with each other in a similar way to humans.

Taking turns in conversations had previously been considered something that distinguished the human language from the way animals talk to each other  but this research found the characteristic exists throughout the animal kingdom.

Additional reporting by agencies
The number of pubs and bars in Northern Ireland has fallen by 35% over the last two decades, according to new figures.

The drop is particularly significant among small pubs - the number of bars employing 10 or fewer people - which fell from 1,000 in 2001 to 605 in 2019, according to the UK's statistics agency.

Bars employing between 10 and 24 people fell from 150 in 2001 to 115 last year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

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Hundreds of pubs here have called time on their businesses over the past few years as the industry faces up to unprecedented trading difficulties.

Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said the latest figures will come as no surprise.

"Our pubs are at the heart of many communities and the loss of so many is hugely devastating," he said.

"Despite being at the heart of communities, it is disappointing that the hospitality industry continues to operate in such a challenging environment and we certainly require immediate support from the Government."

In Belfast there are now around 3.5 pubs per 10,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 5.8 pubs.

There are 50 fewer pubs in Belfast than in 2001 and 2,000 less jobs in bars, a drop of 11%.

In Derry City and Strabane, there are around 30 fewer pubs in the area than a decade ago and currently around 800 employed, 20% fewer than in 2001.

In Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, there are 60 fewer pubs and currently 600 jobs in the industry.

Meanwhile, in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, there are now around 40 fewer pubs and 200 fewer jobs than in 2001.

Within Newry, Mourne and Down, the 500 jobs represents 44% less than in 2001, with 60 fewer pubs.

There are 10 fewer pubs in Lisburn and Castlereagh than in 2001 and currently 400 jobs, a decline of 20%.

In 2018 Ann Bain (69) and her husband Jim (76) put the Linfield Bar in Lisburn up for sale after more than 30 years.

The couple said the enormous financial pressures on the business prompted their decision to close the doors for good.

"Over the past few years, we had seen a terrible downturn in the trade," Mrs Bain said.

"We couldn't buy drink wholesale at the prices the supermarkets were selling it for so we were making no money," she added.

Mr Neill, meanwhile, claimed pubs are being held back by "outdated" licensing laws, while increasing bills and squeezed margins are also impacting.

He said: "We also have the highest business rates in the UK and the second highest hospitality VAT in Europe, which puts us at a disadvantage to the Republic of Ireland.

"This competitive disadvantage needs to be rectified to allow the hospitality sector to prosper.

"The hospitality industry is a key driver of the economy, contributing 1.2bn and sustaining 60,000 jobs.

"Without government support it is impossible to realise the economic potential which is possible to sustain and grow our industry."

Overall, the ONS said that the number of small pubs and bars (with fewer than 10 employees) increased by 85 across the UK last year.

The data shows a net increase for the first time in more than 15 years and the highest levels of real turnover since the end of the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008.
The word legend is bandied about far too freely and cheaply these days. But Tony Garnett, the English producer who died on Sunday at the age of 83, was the real deal.

He was a groundbreaker, a game-changer who altered the course of television drama forever. His legacy is enormous, his influence from the mid-1960s to the present day incalculable.

Maybe you dont recognise his name, because maybe youre not old enough to have been around when the Birmingham-born Garnett was doing his most powerful and provocative work for the BBC, which impacted viewers profoundly (including those of us in Ireland lucky enough to receive the UK channels), and on British society as a whole.

If you watched Jed Mercurios Line of Duty or Bodyguard, however, then you were watching something directly linked to Garnett.

It was he who gave Mercurio his big break by producing his 1994-96 drama series Cardiac Arrest. Mercurio was still working as a doctor at the time, and so, wrote the series under the name John MacUre to protect his identity.

Cardiac Arrest  which doctors, polled in the UK, voted the most

realistic medical drama ever made  was hugely controversial because of its unsparingly bleak, visceral, brutally funny depiction of the medical profession. It was typical of Garnett to be the one steering something so incendiary to the screen.

Hed been kicking over apple carts and shaking establishment foundations, both outside and inside the BBC, since the early 1960s, when he was a story editor on The Wednesday Play, the most important single-play strand in television history.

Under its banner, Garnett and director Ken Loach, with whom hed go on to form a long and glittering creative alliance, made Up the Junction, written by Nell Dunn, in 1965.

Using 16mm film and location shooting, rather than the usual videotape and studio sets, they delivered a social-realist hammer blow to the stuffy conventions of 60s TV drama.

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Up the Junction, which had the look of a documentary or news report (which is exactly what Garnett and Loach wanted to achieve) dealt with backstreet abortion  two years before pregnancy terminations were legalised in the UK.

It caused uproar, especially from the insufferable Clean Up TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse, and set Garnett on the first of many battles with his BBC bosses.

He developed a strategy of slipping things past the BBC bigwigs while they were on holiday.

The pairs next project, 1966s Cathy Come Home  written by Jeremy Sandford and starring Carol White as a young wife who, through no fault of her own, ends up homeless and, in a heart-wrenching final scene, sees her children dragged away by social services  had even more documentary-style immediacy, and an even greater public impact.

The government of the day was forced into tackling the previously ignored problem of homelessness, and the film prompted the creation of homelessness charity Crisis. Its widely regarded as the greatest British TV drama of the 20th century.

These two by themselves would have earned Garnett his elevated place in television history. But there was much more.

Other Garnett-Loach collaborations included David Mercers Wednesday Play entry Two Minds (1967), dealing with schizophrenia, and, for the cinema screen, the wonderful Kes (1969), based on Barry Hiness novel A Kestrel for a Knave.

Despite Garnetts close association with Loach and, later, with Mercurio, during his long career, he also forged powerful creative partnerships with other writers and directors, including Jim Allen, Mike Leigh, GF Newman, Roland Joffe, Leon Griffiths and Jack Gold.

In fact, many of them were his proteges.

In the 1990s, Garnett, through his company World Productions, produced several of that decades landmark series, including Between the Lines, This Life and Ultraviolet.

We may never see Garnetts like again, but his massive influence on drama will always be visible.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:13:39|Editor: xuxin

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LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Criminal courts in Britain will allow television cameras to broadcast parts of serious cases for the first time under new legislation laid before the House of Commons on Thursday.

National broadcasters, which have led a long campaign for courts to allow cameras, welcomed the move announced by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The first cases are likely to be shown within months, once the new rules are approved.

The new law will allow cameras to broadcast the sentencing remarks of High Court and Senior Circuit judges in some of the most high-profile courts across England and Wales, including Britain's most famous courthouse, the Old Bailey in London.

Currently, broadcasts are allowed in the Supreme Court and certain Court of Appeal cases. Extending this to the Crown Court means the public will be able to hear judges explain the reasons behind their sentences for the most serious offenses, said the MoJ.

Filming will be restricted to sentencing remarks only and no other court user, including victims, witnesses, jurors and court staff, will be filmed. Broadcasters will need to obtain permission from the judiciary in advance.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said that the British government, alongside the judiciary, "is committed to improving public understanding of our justice system and allowing cameras into the Crown Court will do just that."

"It will ensure our courts remain open and transparent and allow people to see justice being delivered to the most serious of offenders."

The new legislation follows a successful three-month pilot that allowed not-for-broadcast sentencing remarks to be filmed in eight Crown Courts and has been welcomed by British broadcasters ITN, Sky News and the BBC.

"This is a further step in helping the public to understand the constraints under which judges work and the complexities of many of the biggest criminal cases," Sky News head John Ryley said.

The full sentencing remarks of any case broadcast will also be hosted on a new website to which the public has access.

This move is part of the government's wider court reform and digitalization program, using technology and modern ways of working to increase access to justice for British people, added the MoJ.
Rae Bareli, Jan 16 : A man in Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for one of the most gruesome murders in recent times where he strangulated his 27-year-old pregnant wife, chopped the body into pieces, ground it, burnt and then dumped the remains on the outskirts of Rae Bareli district.

The murder took place on January 4, but it only came to light on Tuesday after the victim, Urmila's elder daughter, who witnessed the crime, reached her maternal grandmother's house and narrated the incident.

Acting on a complaint by the victim's family, the police arrested the accused Ravindra Kumar (35), and recovered the charred remains which have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Lucknow for DNA profiling.

"After a complaint by the woman's family, a team visited Ravindra's home and informed Deeh police. Cops tried to trace the woman but failed. On January 10, Urmila's sister Vidya Devi reached Deeh police station and lodged a report against Ravindra accusing him of killing her sister," Circle Officer (CO) Vineet Singh said Singh said that Kumar, dialed UP 112 on January 4 and informed the cops that Urmila was missing.

Urmila married Ravindra in 2011 and the couple have two daughters, aged seven and 11.

According to the police, Ravindra wanted a boy in the family and was suspecting that Urmila would deliver a baby girl again.

Ravindra's elder daughter said that her grandfather Karam Chandra and uncles Sanjeev and Brijesh were also involved in her mother's murder.

The SHO sent a team to nab the accused but he was found missing from the house.

"We roped in an officer from Childline and talked to the girl who narrated how her mother was subjected to brutality on January 4," the CO said.

Six teams were formed which arrested all the accused on Tuesday.

Kumar broke down during interrogation and confessed that following an argument, he strangulated his wife in a fit of rage and chopped the body with a sharp-edged weapon before grinding the pieces in a flour mill.

He said he burnt the remains, packed the ash in a gunny bag and dumped it in thickets 4-km away from his house.
India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for again trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council where it failed yet again to find any support, with New Delhi asserting that Islamabad needs to focus on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

China, Pakistans all-weather ally, stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under other matters during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

Indias Permenent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others.

We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today, Akbaruddin told PTI.

We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India, he said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, had described the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations to be low key. A top European diploamt said the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a domestic affair. Akbaruddin further said that Pakistans practice of using false pretenses to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India. Coming out of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And Im sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that.

Zhang later said China has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir). When asked if the meeting advanced anything, he said:  I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful.

The current move by China was the third such attempt since August when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J-Ks special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that Indias move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of Indias reorganisation of J-K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh. Indias decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to India in October for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held successful talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapura, signalling a recalibration of bilateral ties.
Not one bikie has been convicted in the past few years under Queensland's "tougher" consorting laws aimed at cracking down on gangs involved in drugs, guns, child exploitation and fraud.

Despite 389 official warnings for consorting, only three people were charged last financial year, the Queensland Public Interest Monitor revealed.

There have been no convictions under the Queensland government's consorting laws for the past two years. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Those people were still before the courts.

Since the Palaszczuk government's "stronger and tougher laws" came into effect in 2017, two people have been convicted of habitual consorting.
The BJP national leadership has decided to appoint Assembly Speaker Rajeev Bindal as the president of the state party unit, said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here on Thursday.

In an informal chat with the media after a farewell function for Bindal at the assembly library here, Thakur said the national leadership cleared Bindal's name as they though that he would strengthen the party in the state.

Bindal had resigned as the state assembly speaker on Thursday afternoon, a day ahead of the filing of nominations for the formal election to the Himachal BJP president's post.

Bindal put in his papers at 3.10 pm to Deputy Speaker Hans Raj, who immediately accepted his resignation.

He will file his papers for the election to the post of the state BJP chief at 2 pm on Friday.

Hans Raj said the new speaker would be elected on the first day of the next assembly session.

The chief minister, however, said it would be discussed and decided later whether a special session would be called to elect the new speaker.

Bindal's appointment will be formally announced on Saturday.

Bindal is considered close to BJP's working president Jagat Prakash Nadda.

When asked how will he maintain a balance in all BJP factions as he is considered close to Nadda, Bindal said he would reply to this question after his formal appointment as the state BJP chief on January 18.

Meanwhile, BJP state vice-president Ram Swaroop Sharma said the process of filing nominations for the president's post would start on January 17 and papers could be filed within a 24-hour period.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and BJP's national secretary Sunil Deodhar will come to the state as observers for the election, he added.

Addressing the farewell function at the assembly library, the CM hoped that Bindal would discharge his new responsibility in such a way that the BJP would again come to power in the state in 2022.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Bhardwaj and Deputy Speaker Hans Raj also recalled Bindal's work during his two-year tenure as the assembly speaker.

The five-time MLA, Bindal was elected as the Himacl speaker on January 10, 2018.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fans who first fell in love with Coco Gauff when she played Venus Williams in a captivating first-round match at Wimbledon last year will have the chance next week for a repeat viewing.

Gauff, the 15-year-old who became a sensation last summer with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Williams and a run to Wimbledon's fourth round, will begin her Australian Open with another match against the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

Gauff and Williams' match is sure to highlight the Australian Open's first round, the schedule for which has not yet been released. Main draw play will begin Monday morning (Sunday evening in the eastern United States).

Williams, 39, pulled out of this month's lead-up tournaments to the year's first major tournament with a hip injury.

The two Americans aren't the only stars in their quarter of the draw. Defending champion and No. 3 seed Naomi Osaka heads a jam-packed group that includes No. 8 seed Serena Williams, who is seeking a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title. Serena Williams begins her tournament against 90th-ranked Anastasia Potapova. There are two other seeded Americans further down the quarter in No. 24 Sloane Stephens and No. 14 Sofia Kenin.

Either Gauff or Venus Williams, should she advance to the third round, could meet Osaka there.

Caroline Wozniacki, a past champion in Melbourne and former world No. 1, also sits in this section of the draw. The Dane, who plans to retire after the Australian Open, will play American Kristi Ahn in the first round. Wozniacki, 29, revealed last year that she has rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause join pain and issues of mobility.

The other top seeds in the women's tournament are No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, last year's French Open champion, who will open her home Grand Slam against 120th-ranked Lesia Tsurenko. No. 2 seed Karolina Pliskova, who won last week's lead-up tournament in Brisbane, faces a juicy opening matchup against 39th-ranked Kristi Mladenovic, against whom she has a 2-2 record. Simona Halep, the No. 4 seed and last year's Wimbledon champion, faces a first-round match against American Jennifer Brady.

In the men's tournament, No. 1 seed Rafael Nadal heads perhaps the most exciting quarter of a more evenly balanced draw overall.

The Spaniard will face 72nd-ranked Hugo Dellien of Bolivia in the first round as he seeks his 20th Grand Slam title, a victory that would tie him with Roger Federer for the all-time men's singles record.

Nadal could face No. 23 seed Nick Kyrgios in what would be a flashy fourth round; the volatile Aussie has a 2-1 record against Nadal on hard courts. No. 10 seed Gael Monfils, No. 16 seed Karen Khachanov and No. 20 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime all populate Nadal's tough quarter. In the quarterfinals, Nadal could face No. 5 seed Dominic Thiem, the Austrian whom he has defeated in the French Open final each of the last two years.

The other top seeds are defending champion and No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic, who is seeking a record-extending eighth Australian Open title; No. 3 seed Roger Federer, who could win his 21st Grand Slam title; and No. 4 seed Daniil Medvedev, the lanky Russian who burst onto the scene with an incredible summer run last year and took Nadal to a dramatic five sets in the final of the U.S. Open.

Medvedev opens against Maryland native Frances Tiafoe, who had a Grand Slam career-best run to the quarterfinals in Melbourne last year.
The Japanese government plans to strengthen cooperation with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote the aircraft industry to meet an expected increase in demand in Asia.

Japan hopes to expand business opportunities for its small and midsize companies that have high technology for aircraft parts manufacturing.

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Malaysian International Trade and Industry Ministry will sign an agreement to promote cooperation in related industries on the sidelines of an air show to be held in Singapore in mid-February. The Japanese government has already reached similar agreements with the British and French governments as well as Boeing, but the upcoming deal with Malaysia will be the first such agreement in Asia.

Extremely high precision is required to manufacture aircraft parts, and the technological capabilities of Japanese companies are recognized worldwide. However, when it comes to growing further by expanding overseas, they are "hesitant because they don't know how to go about it," according to a senior ministry official.

Through the agreement, Japan and Malaysia aim to vitalize their industries by enhancing the supply chains so that Japanese companies can leverage their strength in precision processing and surface treatment by making components that will be transported to Malaysia to be assembled at low cost.

The two countries also plan not only to provide opportunities for companies from both countries to enhance mutual cooperation, but also to develop human resources by, for example, training Malaysian engineers at Japanese plants. They are also considering seeking financial support through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

According to the Japan Aircraft Development Corporation, the number of jetliners operating worldwide will total about 40,000 in 2038, nearly double the number in 2018.

The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, is expected to have a large share of the number as economic growth in the region will help expand the middle class and grow low-cost carriers.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Many airlines in Southeast Asia are government-affiliated, and those governments have tried to broaden their domestic industries by asking European and U.S. aircraft makers to produce some parts in their countries when signing deals to purchase their airplanes.

The governments of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore have been working with the private sector to develop domestic industries by, for example, offering tax incentives to attract foreign companies, developing industrial complexes and improving airport facilities.

Expectations for tie-ups with Japan are growing in Southeast Asia, because safety standards for aircraft parts are strict. "An excellent supply chain can be established when Japanese advanced technology is paired with Asia's cost-competitiveness," said an official at the Board of Investment of Thailand.

The Japanese government has set a target of expanding sales in the domestic aircraft industry to around 3 trillion yen in 2030 from 1.8 trillion yen in 2018. With international competition expected to intensify further in the future, the government hopes Japan can take advantage of growing demand by helping small and midsize Japanese companies become part of the supply chain in Southeast Asia.
The global dental burs market is poised to grow by USD 192 million during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. Request Free Sample Pages

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005283/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global dental burs market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 114-page research report with TOC on "Dental Burs Market Analysis Report by Product (Diamond and carbide dental burs, and Steel dental burs), by Geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and RoW), and Segment Forecasts, 2019 2023".

https://www.technavio.com/report/global-dental-burs-market-industry-analysis

The growing number of dental schools and dentists in developed countries along with the increase in the number of dental shows and conferences are factors anticipated to boost the growth of the market.

There has been an increase of over 15% in the number of dental schools in the US over the period 2004-2014, which is emerging as one of the critical reasons driving the demand for advanced dental equipment such as dental burs The number of dental practitioners in developed countries such as the US, France, Japan, and Germany has been increasing significantly as per the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, published in November 2018. The market share of dental burs in North America was the highest in 2018 and the region is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. In addition, the increase in dental visits arising from an growing incidences of dental conditions, are the major reasons for high growth of the dental burs market in this region.

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Major Five Dental Burs Market Companies:

Brasseler USA

Brasseler USA is headquartered in the US and operates the business under various segments such as Dental instruments and Medical instruments. The company offers Operative carbides and Crown Bridge Diamonds.

Danaher

Danaher is headquartered in the US and offers products through the following business units: Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Dental, and Environmental and Applied Solutions. The company offers KaVo Kerr Carbides, made with the unique plating technology, Kerr Rotary.

Dentsply Sirona

Dentsply Sirona is headquartered in the US and operates under various business segments, namely Technologies Equipment and Consumables. The company offers Midwest carbide and diamond burs, which are very convenient and exhibit efficient and consistent cutting performance.

MANI

MANI is headquartered in Japan and offers Dia-Burs. Dia-Burs are high-quality diamond burs which are important for performing laser measurement and cutting tests.

Prima Dental

Prima Dental is headquartered in the UK and offers Predator carbide bur. Predator carbide bur is stronger, sharper and more durable than other dental burs available in the market. It provides unparalleled concentricity.

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Dental Burs Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023)

Diamond and carbide dental burs

Steel dental burs

Dental Burs Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023)

Asia

Europe

North America

RoW

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Related Reports on Health Care include:

Dental Scalers Market Global Dental Scalers Market by product (powered dental scalers and handheld dental scalers) and geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW).

Dental Surgical Equipment Market Global Dental Surgical Equipment Market by product (dental systems and equipment, and dental lasers) and geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW).

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The Afghan Taliban has shown "willingness" to reduce violence in Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister has said, calling it a step toward a peace deal between the militant group and the United States.



Shah Mehmood Qureshi made the comments in a video statement on January 16, amid reports that the Taliban has proposed a brief cease-fire to the United States.



Over the past year, Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between U.S. negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar, where the militants have a political office.



But the talks have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the group to reduce violence, among other things.



Today, positive progress has been made. The Taliban has shown its willingness to reduce the violence, Qureshi said in his video statement, adding: I think it is a step forward to the agreement for peace."



He gave no further details.

Pakistans military establishment is widely believed to back the insurgency in Afghanistan, which Islamabad denies.



Also on January 16, AP and AFP quoted militants familiar with the negotiations as saying that the Taliban had given Khalilzad a document outlining its offer for a truce that would last between seven and 10 days.



The offer was said to have been handed to Khalilzad late on January 15 in Qatar.



It wasn't immediately clear whether the reported Taliban proposal would be enough to allow for the talks with the United States to restart, with the aim of eventually signing a peace deal and putting an end to the 18-year conflict in Afghanistan -- the longest U.S. war in history.



Besides pressing for a truce, Khalilzad has said a U.S.-Taliban deal would include the start of negotiations among Afghans on both sides of the conflict to hammer out a road map to a postwar Afghanistan.

The Taliban has so far refused to talk with the Afghan government, which they consider a puppet of foreign powers.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and AP
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that he has submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin so he can give the president room to make changes to the constitution.

In a statement carried by the state-backed TASS News Agency, Medvedev said his government should step down in the wake of Putins proposals to change the constitution. Putins speech and Medvedevs announcement were also carried via Russian television stations.

After those amendments are adoptedand it was said that this is likely to be done following discussionthere will be significant changes not only to a variety of constitution articles, but to the balance of power, namely to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of power, the prime minister said.

Medvedev noted that following Putins proposals, Medvedevs government should provide our countrys president with an opportunity to take all the necessary decisions in these conditions.

I believe it right for the government of the Russian Federation to step down in conformity with Article 117 of Russias Constitution, Medvedev said.

Without much detail, Putin thanked Medvedev and his government for their work, TASS reported.

For my part, I also want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work, I want to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved, he said, according to TASS. Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full, Putin said.

It came after Putin gave a televised speech in front of officials, where he suggested amending the countrys constitution to limit a future president to only two terms in office. Putin has served four terms and has said he wants to step down in 2024. According to The Guardian, Medvedev, after stepping down as prime minister, was appointed to a new position as deputy chairman of Russias Security Council.

Putin added in his speech that he wants to give the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, the power to choose Russias prime minister and other key positions.

Of course these are very serious changes to the political system, Putin said, before adding, It would increase the role and significance of the countrys parliament  of parliamentary parties, and the independence and responsibility of the prime minister.

Medvedev has served as Russias prime minister since 2012 and before that he spent four years as Russias president between 2008 and 2012.

Putins critics have accused him of wanting to remain in power after he steps down in 2024 and assume a beefed-up prime minister role.

From The Epoch Times
The meeting of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan with members of the My Step faction of the Council of Elders of Yerevan is over. Nikol Pashinyan left the municipality without answering journalists questions. There were also citizens who had gathered near the municipality to ask the Prime Minister their questions of concern, but the Prime Minister apologized and stated that he was in a hurry.

Mayor Hayk Marutyan told journalists that this was a working meeting during which they stated that such meetings can be held more often.

When asked what problems concerned the Prime Minister, Marutyan said they had mainly discussed the existing problems and marked the paths to solving them. We recorded the fact that the problems requiring urgent solutions had already been solved by the municipal authorities and that there are problems that the municipality and government need to solve together, he said.

Journalists also asked if the issue on construction permits was discussed, and in response, the mayor said the following: We couldnt address all sectors in two hours. The issue related to construction permits is an organizational issue. We have an unprecedented number of applications for construction permits. We have a specific policy, and based on that policy, all construction permits need to meet the norms.

Marutyan added that the illegally seized parks of the city will continue to be returned to citizens.
British troops are not happy about Prince Harry and Meghan Markles decision to leave the royal family. Some members of the British military are even calling for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to renounce their titles if they move to Canada following their shocking announcement on social media. While people in the U.K. are up in arms about their decision, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is already lining up deals to become financially independent.

Prince Harry | Ben Stansall  WPA Pool/Getty Images

British troops disgusted with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

James Glancy, who used to be a captain in the Royal Marines, commended Harry for serving two tours in Afghanistan. Although he called Prince Harrys charitable work brilliant, Glancy believes Harry should quit his post as the Royal Marines Captain General.

His behavior in the last year is not becoming of somebody that holds these important positions, Glancy shared. Now Ive spoken to other Royal Marines, and other people in the military, and theyre very upset if not disgusted at the disrespect to the Queen by not discussing this.

Queen Elizabeth II broke her silence on the news in a statement released Monday. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family, she said https://t.co/PILbN45y2B  TIME (@TIME) January 13, 2020

Glancys statement references earlier reports that Prince Harry and Meghan did not tell Queen Elizabeth about their plans ahead of time. The palace was reportedly blindsided by the move, leaving the royals scrambling to put the pieces back together.

According to Page Six, Glancy added that he will no longer be toasting Harry if he follows through with his plan to leave the inner circle of the royal family.

Taking to Instagram, Prince Harry and Meghan recently announced that they want to step down from being senior members of the royal family. They also want to become financially independent and split their time between the U.K. and Canada.

How do British troops feel about Prince Harrys move to Canada?

Although Glancy was very opinionated about Prince Harry and Meghans decision, he noted that they should be allowed to move to Canada and make a life for themselves.

But if they follow through with their plan, Glancy believes they should be required to give up their titles and all of the privileges that come with being members of the royal family.

You dont sit as captain general, or in any other position, and make millions of pounds because that opportunity is not available to a soldier, to a marine, who is on [$25,000] a year, Glancy stated.

Turning the discussion to Meghan, Glancy admitted that he understands why everyone is mad at her for wanting to privatize the monarchy. At the end of the day, Glancy believes that the move is entirely unacceptable.

There are still a lot of logistics to work out in relocating Prince Harry and Meghan to Canada. Not only will they have to purchase a home, but they will also need to provide security around the clock  an expensive undertaking without the backing of the crown.

Meghan Markle making deals

In light of the couples decision to become financially independent, Meghan has been working behind the scenes to land new gigs. It hasnt even been a week since they made the announcement, yet Meghan is reportedly in talks with major fashion brands about partnering up.

An inside source claims that Givenchy is at the top of Meghans list, and the former Suits star could land a deal worth millions.

Meghan is very connected in the fashion industry and there are a lot of major labels who would like to partner with her on projects, the insider dished. There have already been active discussions with Givenchy.

Prince Harry appears to tout Meghan Markle's voiceover skills to Disney boss Bob Iger https://t.co/7JNArHFpEJ pic.twitter.com/14OONVfNCB  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 13, 2020

The source believes that Meghan will merge the new deal with her charitable organization, Sussex Royal, which she and Prince Harry launched last year. They are expected to continue working with the organization and will likely set up a second base in North America.

As royal watchers will recall, Meghan and Harry filed for a trademark of their company last year that encompassed over 100 different areas, including magazines, clothing, and stationery.

Inside Meghan Markles plan to make money

The news of Meghan partnering with fashion brands is not a huge shocker. The Duchess of Sussex has become somewhat of a fashion icon since she joined the royal family, and things she wears in public typically go out of stock within the hour.

That said, Meghan was not allowed to accept fashion gifts from companies or discuss her connections in public. The royals even asked one of Meghans dearest jewelry designers to stop posting photos of her wearing her items on social media.

Despite the restrictions, Meghan partnered with a company called Smart Works a few months ago to launch a collection of clothing for women. Meghan collaborated with her good friend, Misha Nonoo, for the line.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not commented on the backlash they have received over their shocking announcement. Meghan recently flew back to Canada while Prince Harry is reportedly still holding meetings with Queen Elizabeth about their exit.
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) Specialist, Somalia

Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Country: Somalia

City: Mogadishu, Somalia

Office: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Mogadishu

Closing date: Monday, 27 January 2020

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2000074

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) Specialist

Job Posting: 13/Jan/2020

Closure Date: 27/Jan/2020, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : FRSOM

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level : N/A

Primary Location: Somalia

Duration : 3 months

Post Number : N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Settings

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR for Somalia and the direct supervision of the Emergency Coordinator, the Village Savings and Loan specialist will be responsible for designing FAO Somalia work on village savings and loans schemes for vulnerable rural populations. S/he will contribute to define and operationalize FAOs approach on VSLA; designing training materials, building capacity of FAOs implementing partners in saving schemes and conveying more knowledge and skills that will help partners train FAO beneficiaries to initiate and manage businesses effectively.

Reporting Lines

The VSLA expert reports directly to the emergency coordinator.

Technical Focus

He/She will support design and implementation of FAO Somalia scheme on savings and loans. The specialist will provide technical guidance including designing of training materials for implementing partners, train the implementing partners, design monitoring and evaluation material to assess impact, and assist implementing partners in trainings of beneficiaries in accessible locations in Somalia in the inception phase of the scheme.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Design training materials (on VSLA) to train FAO implementing partners in Somalia adopting methodologies suitable for adult learning and using a mix of facilitation skills and tools suitable for the purpose of the training
Intrigo: Death of an Author, the first of three movies directed by Daniel Alfredson based on mysterious tales by the Swedish author Hakan Nesser, has an intricate plot that reaches for numerous emotional resonances. It starts off small: A middle-aged translator and would-be writer (Benno Furmann) visits a much older, revered author (Ben Kingsley) on a private island. There the younger man reads a tale, soon to be revealed as autobiographical, which is reenacted onscreen.

In that story, a man contrives the accidental death of his adulterous wife. His feelings of guilt are complicated when, years later, he recognizes her cough on a radio recording of a classical concert. This leads him to the town of Maardam  the fictional setting of all the stories in Nessers trilogy  where he also undertakes a translation of a final opus by a writer whos committed suicide.
Almost one week on from the attempted robbery at Baxter's Centra, Mohill no one has been charged with an offence. Files for three of the five suspects have been sent to the DPP.

Gardai disrupted criminals from the midlands who intended to steal an ATM from Baxter's Centra at approx 4.37am on Wednesday, January 8.

Also read: Two female gardai recovering well after patrol car rammed during foiled Mohill ATM robbery

The five males stole two cars in Oldcastle, Co Meath and a jeep in Drumlish, Co Longford en route to Mohill. Gardai intercepted the males and the Garda patrol car was rammed by the stolen jeep.



Five suspects made good their escape in a Mercedes car. Approximately 1 km out the Lough Rynn road, Mohill, the vehicle crashed. One suspect was trapped in the car and removed to Sligo University Hospital with serious leg injuries. The remaining four occupants escaped from the scene.

Gardai, as part of a follow-up cordon and check point operation, stopped a car at 9.30am approximately on the outskirts of Mohill and arrested 3 suspects.

All three were subsequently detained and questioned at Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station and released without charge pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The occupant of the car has since been released from hospital.

The two injured Gardai are currently off duty arising from injuries received.

Gardai are appealing for any information regarding any suspicious activity in the days or weeks preceding the incident near the Centra Supermarket in Mohill. Carrick-on-Shannon Garda station can be contacted on 071-9650510 and the Garda Confidential line is 18000-666-111.

Gardai would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for all the valuable assistance they have provided over the course of the investigation.
Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - Amadou Damaro Camara, member of the governing board of the ruling Rally for Guinean People (RPG), said here Thursday the main Guinean opposition political party should have undertaken negotiations with the government to register its candidates for the 16 Februarys parliamentary election
Newport Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2020 -- Cotier Properties Group is a renowned real estate firm that has a special focus on the coastal California real estate industry. The company aims at providing investors and individuals alike with the support they need to purchase, sell, or rent properties in California. Through its platform, the company is able to provide clients with the latest listings in California, which allows one to choose the property that best fits their living or investing requirements. Cotier Property Group further carries extensive research as it pertains to the listings on its site, making them a reliable partner for all real estate requirements.



Speaking about how they make a difference for their clients, the company's spokesperson commented, "The real estate industry, in particular, is a broad segment, making it hard to navigate through without the help of a professional. Not only is it an intricate world, but it is a segment that's marred with all sorts of scum and shady deals if one isn't careful enough. That said, at Cotier Properties Group, we seek to make your experience in the real estate realm an enjoyable and pleasant one. Having been in the real estate segment for some time now, we understand the dos and don'ts of the industry, and it is this knowledge that we provide you with. We'll help you choose the right property, and you can be sure that everything's transparent when you work with us."



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Contact Details



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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 15:09:45|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- An expert has called for a bushfire demarcation line to be established in South Australia to identify high-risk areas not suitable for human habitation.

Sukhbir Sandhu, an expert in sustainability from the University of South Australia (UniSA), recently said Australia should establish a "fire-line" similar to SA's existing Goyder Line of rainfall, which maps areas unsuitable for planting crops.

About 10 million hectares of land have been burned, more than 2,000 homes destroyed and at least 28 people have lost their lives in Australia's ongoing bushfire crisis.

Sandhu said that the devastation has been so immense that governments at all levels must identify strategies to fire-proof communities for the future before they start to re-build.

"The frequency and intensity of bushfires in Australia have changed dramatically over the past decade - our fire season is longer, the fires are more brutal, and the fallout is extensive," she said in a media release.

"Accordingly, Australia's responses to the fires must change too.

"The current bushfires have destroyed the livelihoods of far too many people to be remedied by standard recovery and rebuilding strategies. And, as fires continue to burn into residential areas, governments must consider something more ground-breaking in recovery.

"It's time for policymakers to take a strong stand where it is safe for communities to rebuild, and a fire demarcation line could help achieve this."

She said that the line could be drawn using Country Fire Service (CFS) aerial footage, satellite imagery and models used by insurance companies that identify areas most at risk from fires.

Under Sandhu's proposal areas adjacent to the demarcation line would be subject to compulsory bushfire-resistant construction guidelines.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who boasts about his willingness to take on the big fights, announced Wednesday that he is running for a second term.

My guiding principles havent changed: As the peoples AG, Ill take on anyone who infringes on the rights or well-being of the people of our commonwealth, without fear or favor, he wrote on his campaign website. Our attorney general must be an advocate who will uphold the rule of law, especially when institutions are exploiting their power at the expense of Pennsylvanians  and thats exactly how Ill continue to serve in this role.

In the three years since he took office, the Montgomery County Democrat has seen his profile rise through:

His release of a landmark grand jury report accusing senior Catholic Church officials of systematically covering up the sexual abuse of children at the hands of more than 300 priests in Pennsylvania garnered attention around the globe.

His decision to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for practices that led to the opioid crisis grabbed headlines.

And his determination to take on President Donald Trump when it came to his policy of forced separation of immigrant children from their parents, his violation of the environmental standards and his attempt to deny women access to free contraception.

Shapiro is the first candidate to announce his intention to run for the Democratic nomination for state attorney general. Pittsburgh lawyer Heather Heidelbaugh announced her candidacy in November to campaign for the Republican nomination, saying she intends to use the office as a destination and not a stepping stone.

While there has been speculation among Harrisburg insiders that Shapiro will run for governor in 2022, Shapiro stopped by the Reading Eagle the day before he announced he would seek a second term to stress that he remains focused on his current position.

Shapiro spoke Tuesday about his dedication to rebuilding the office he holds now, tackling the opioid crisis, getting criminals off the streets, standing up for consumers and fighting those who undermine the rights of Pennsylvanians.

I want to keep doing my job because I really love it, the 46-year-old said during the interview. We are incredibly busy delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania. We are taking on the big fights and, more importantly, we have a proven track record of winning those fights.

Heres a look at some of the issues the attorney general discussed:

Fighting for survivors

Shapiro applauded the hundreds of survivors who came forward to share the pain they endured with a statewide investigative grand jury that spent two years uncovering the abuse of children by more than 300 Catholic priests and a systematic cover-up spanning decades by senior church leaders at the highest levels.

And he applauded lawmakers for passing legislation this fall that addressed three of the four recommendations outlined in the report calling for significant changes to laws governing sex abuse.

Shapiro said the changes that were made will fundamentally change the way Pennsylvania protects its most vulnerable population. He pointed out that under current laws, his office was only able to prosecute two priests named in the report. Had the new laws been in place at the time, he said they would have probably been able to put 100 priests behind bars.

But he continues to push for legislation to suspend state law to reopen a window for people sexually abused as children to sue those responsible. That legislation has repeatedly stalled in the Senate  with opponents claiming that the provision is unconstitutional and would open a floodgate to lawsuits over acts that occurred decades ago.

We are not finished, he said. Victims deserve the ability to face their abusers.

Shapiro said that at the request of Senate leadership he provided a full legal analysis as to why a statutory window is constitutional. He pointed out that there has never been a suggestion legally that his analysis is wrong.

Instead, he said, Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati has been doing the bidding of the Catholic Church and insurance companies who want to stop survivors from having their day in court.

Defending the process

Shapiro said the changes made in response to the grand jury report about the abuse in the Catholic Church proves just how valuable those reports are as a tool for justice in Pennsylvania.

But not everyone agrees.

In 2017, the state Supreme Court asked a seven-member Investigating Grand Jury Task Force to determine if reforms were needed in the grand jury process. One of the recommendations to emerge from that investigation  which divided the task force  was that grand jury reports should be abolished based on the concern that the practice of naming individuals in the reports strips the accused of due process.

Shapiro argued that grand jury reports shine a light on powerful institutions. He explained that reports must root out corruption, have specific legislative remedies to stop corruption and give anyone named in the report an opportunity to respond before publication.

We have used it very sparingly, he said, adding that other notable reports have brought transparency to public corruption taking place in Harrisburg and exposed systemic issues within the states Medicaid program.

Taking on Trump

Shapiro said he is proud that he has taken on the policies handed down by Trump by filing 25 lawsuits against the administration since both men took office. And he was quick to point out that he has won every case that has worked its way through the court system.

I have colleagues that have sued this administration 100 times, he said. I do not go to court every time I disagree with this president. If that were the case I would have gone to court hundreds of times at this point.

He highlighted two specific cases he believes help explain when he chooses to fight:

In June of 2018, Shapiro challenged the Trump Administrations rule to allow employers to cut birth control coverage from health insurance plans.

He argued that the rule violated the Affordable Care Act, which requires insurance companies to cover preventive health care services including free contraception. He said the illegal action would mean that 2.5 million Pennsylvania women and their families would have to pay more for basic health care.

Whether you agree or disagree with the Affordable Care Act it is the law of the land and the president wrote an executive order that violated that law, he said.

In February, Shapiro decided Pennsylvania would not join at least 15 other states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administrations emergency declaration to divert federal defense dollars to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico.

He said that since none of those dollars was being diverted from projects in Pennsylvania, he felt he had no legal standing to go to court.

Some people gave me a little bit of grief for not suing the president over this, he said. But Im the chief legal officer of Pennsylvania. I have to have standing to go to court. The president didnt take a dollar away from a project here.
Water pollution remains a top-flight issue across the Midwest. The U.S. and China finally play nice on trade, potentially easing economic burdens across Flyover states. And legal weed sales break $10 million in Michigan.

Check-in

Old habits die hard: Michigan officials told a legislative committee they plan to be more aggressive with polluters in the state following the recent leak of toxic green ooze onto a highway, MLives Paula Gardner reports. Probably not coincidentally, the owner of the closed Electro-Plating Services factory where the leak originated is already in federal prison for illegally storing hazardous waste.

Something fishy: Wisconsin officials are warning the public to not eat fish from Lake Monona in the state after tests of the fish came back positive for PFAS, the Wisconsin State Journals Chris Hubbuch reports. Its another case of the forever chemicals being found in Wisconsin waterways as the list of contaminated sites continues to grow rapidly.

China Grove: The U.S. and China signed a preliminary trade agreement that would ease Republican President Donald Trumps trade war, the Wall Street Journals Bob Davis and Lingling Wei report. Included in the deal are promises from China to increase purchases of U.S.-manufactured goods by more than $77 billion and agricultural goods by $32 billion over the next two years. That could provide some serious relief to farmers, whove taken a beating after China closed the corn and soybean market, the Des Moines Registers Donnelle Eller writes (hard paywall).

The big bad wolf: A ton of reasons have been given for the rapid decline in Wisconsins dairy industry, from tariffs to changes in drinking trends. State Sen. Tom Tiffany, a Republican running for former Rep. Sean Duffys open congressional seat, easily has my favorite, though. Tiffany said federal regulation of wolves has directly led to a decline in the dairy industry. Wolves, Tiffany said, are attacking livestock, which is contributing to farms closing. PolitiFact Wisconsin rated the claim Pants on Fire  deemed an untrue and ridiculous claim.

Greenbacks: Pot shops in Michigan have sold $10 million worth of product in the six weeks since the states recreational program started, the Detroit Free Press Kathleen Gray reports. That translates to a little more than $1.6 million in taxes collected by the state.

By the numbers: Wisconsin voters are still split on whether they support impeaching Trump in the latest Marquette University Law School Poll, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Bill Glauber reports. In the Democratic primary, voters said they preferred former Vice President Joe Biden to the other candidates at 23%. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was next at 19%. In head-to-head 2020 matchups between Trump and hypothetical Democratic nominees, the results were all within the margin of error.

News to me: Nexstar Media is launching a nightly three-hour newscast on Chicago-based WGN America to compete with the other cable news bigwigs, the Chicago Tribunes Robert Channick reports. Dallas-based Nexstar Media Group, which bought WGN America and its parent company  Tribune Media  last year, said the broadcast would be straight news featuring reporters from across their local affiliates instead of trying to directly compete for partisan viewers from Fox News or MSNBC.

Arrivals/Departures

Former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg was in Newton, Tama, Cedar Falls and Mason City, Iowa, on Wednesday, per the campaign.Buttigieg will be in Algona, Emmetsburg, Arnolds Park, Orange City and Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday, per the campaign.

Former Vice President Joe Biden will be in Sioux City and Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Friday, per the campaign.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will be in Newton and Ankeny, Iowa, on Friday, per the campaign.

Former Rep. John Delaney of Maryland will be in Carroll, Templeton and Ankeny, Iowa, on Friday, per the campaign.

President Donald Trump will hold a re-election rally in Des Moines on Jan. 30, per the Des Moines Register.

Bob Vollmer, Indianas oldest state employee at 102 years old, is retiring, per the Associated Press.

The Ohio Legislature is pivoting to video, per cleveland.com.

This Is Your Captain Speaking

No.

-Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, to WTTW-TV on whether he would partake in some edibles after signing the bill that legalized recreational marijuana on Jan. 1. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton was one of the first customers to buy edible gummies in the state.

Enjoying The Flyover? Be sure and subscribe here.

Email Seth at SRichardson@cleveland.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SethARichardson.
Syracuse, NY -- Nearly everyone involved in the case of a son who murdered his mom -- a beloved Syracuse teaching assistant -- believes he wasnt in his right mind at the time.

For nearly a year now, prosecutors and defense lawyers have been working with the family to obtain an insanity plea for Darrien Howard, who stabbed his mother, Valerie Crowder, to death in February 2019 inside her Near West Side home.

But two doctors are required to evaluate Howard -- one for the defense and one for the prosecution. And the prosecutors hired psychiatrist, Dr. George Annas, of Upstate Medical University, hasnt come to any conclusions so far.

Prosecutor Michael Whalen filled in a judge Thursday on the doctors interview with the defendant. And while nothing was said on the record, its clear that Annas hasnt yet signaled what hell decide.

County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty has appeared willing to accept an insanity plea, too. But without an answer from Annas, the judge scheduled a firm trial date.

Howard wound face up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of murder after trial, absent an insanity designation.

If an insanity plea goes through, Howard would be sent to a secure mental hospital for an indefinite period of time. He needs help, not prison, lawyers and the family agree.

To prevent actual criminals from gaming the system, an insanity plea puts someones release in the hands of doctors, not judges. That means Howard could spend the rest of his life confined, if he doesnt progress in treatment. On the other hand, he could get out in a matter of years if he convinces doctors he can be trusted in society. (Thats what happened in the extraordinary case of a man who killed his toddler son, believing he was possessed by the devil.)

If Annas doesnt find Howard to be insane, there will be a murder trial in which, its expected, both sides may try to convince a jury that Howard is insane. The jury could send him to a hospital.

Howards guilt is not in question. He initially fled to the Southern Tier before turning around to face what hed done. Hes had no problem admitting his guilt to authorities.

Crowder suffered stab wounds to her back, collarbone, hands, arms, arm pit and face. Howard had succumbed to voices in his head, the same ones hes been fighting most of his life, lawyers have said.

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
U.S. President Donald Trump violated the country's spending law last year when he temporarily withheld $391 million in congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine while at the same pressing Kyiv to launch investigations to benefit himself politically, a government watchdog agency concluded Thursday in a decision that is at the heart of the impeachment case against the U.S. leader.

Trump released the assistance that Ukraine wanted to help fight pro-Russian separatists in the eastern part of the country in September after a 55-day delay without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy opening an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden, one of Trump's top 2020 Democratic challengers, and his son Hunter Biden's lucrative work for a Ukrainian natural gas company.

But after an investigation, the Government Accountability Office ruled that "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law." It said that the Trump-controlled U.S. budget agency blocked release of the money "for a policy reason," which is not allowable under U.S. law.

The ruling by the GAO came less than two hours before the formal start of Trump's Senate trial on two articles of impeachment, that Trump abused the office of the presidency by trying to get Zelenskiy to open the Biden investigations while withholding the military aid and then obstructing congressional efforts to investigate Trump's Ukraine-related actions.

With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Trump remains all but certain to be acquitted and remain in office since conviction on either of the impeachment articles and Trump's ouster requires a two-thirds majority vote. Some Republicans have criticized Trump's bid for the Biden investigations, but no Republican has called his conviction and removal from office less than a year before he faces voters again in the November national election as he tries to win a second term in the White House.

Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson, left, and House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving pass through Statuary Hall at the Capitol to deliver the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to Senate, Jan. 15, 2020.

But some Democrats quickly latched on to the GAO report as more evidence supporting Trump's alleged abuse of power.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, told CNN, "This will definitely be part of the trial. It establishes that the president violated U.S. law. The president abused his power by this illegal action."



Senate trial

Seven lawmakers from the House of Representatives, called managers of the case against Trump, formally presented the articles of impeachment at mid-day presentation in the Capitol. House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff read the charges against the country's 45th president in what is only the third Senate impeachment trial in the two and a half centuries of U.S. history.

Later, Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court will be sworn in to preside over Trump's trial, and he in turn will swear in all 100 members of the Senate to act as jurors to decide Trump's fate.

With the preliminaries out of the war, the impeachment trial is expected to start in earnest next Tuesday.

White House officials are predicting a short trial of no more than two weeks and Trump's quick acquittal. But the proceeding could extend much longer if Democrats can persuade at least four Republican senators to vote with them to call new witnesses who did not testify during the weeks of investigations carried out by the Democrat-controlled House.



Witnesses

FILE - White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney talks with US President Donald after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at Winfield House, Dec. 3, 2019, in London.

Democrats want to question former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney about their knowledge of Trump's actions pressing Ukraine for the Biden investigations, while some Republican lawmakers say that if that happens they want to subpoena either or both of the Bidens, as well as the still-unidentified government whistleblower who first disclosed Trump's July 25 overture to Zelenskiy to "do us a favor" by investigating the Bidens.

Trump's release of a rough transcript of his conversation with the Ukrainian leader showed that the basic facts of the whistleblower's complaint against Trump -- that he was seeking an investigation of a political rival  proved to be accurate, despite Trump's claims to the contrary.

As the impeachment drama has unfolded in Washington, Trump has almost daily ridiculed the Democrats' efforts targeting him, calling the investigation unfair and a hoax. But as the House lawmakers prosecuting the case against him at the U.S. Capitol arrived in the Senate, Trump was silent on Twitter about the case.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the final step Thursday after the reading of the allegations against Trump and the swearing in of the senators as jurors will be to notify the White House and "summon the president to answer the articles and send his counsel."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center, flanked by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., left, and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks during a news conference, Jan. 15, 2020.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment at a ceremony Wednesday, moving the process forward after delaying for about a month as House Democrats tried to get Senate leaders to agree to allow testimony from new witnesses during the trial.

McConnell has resisted calling witnesses, saying that decision would come later in the trial.

As Pelosi announced the impeachment managers at a morning news conference, Trump tweeted the impeachment was another Con job by the Do Nothing Democrats.

White House ready



A senior administration official told reporters the White House is ready for the trial "because the facts overwhelmingly show that the president did nothing wrong."

Copy

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Trump "looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated."

This is the third time in the countrys 244-year history a U.S. president has been impeached and targeted for removal from office.

Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were both impeached by the House but acquitted in Senate trials. A fourth president, Richard Nixon, resigned in 1974 in the face of certain impeachment in the Watergate political corruption scandal.
CORVALLIS POLICE

Theft and drugs  11:24 a.m. Tuesday, 1000 NE Circle Blvd. An officer was dispatched for reports of a man who had stolen more than $1,000 worth of tools from the Home Depot and then fled on foot across the HP Inc. campus, going from building to building. When the suspect was caught, he reportedly told police he had swallowed bags of methamphetamine and heroin to avoid charges. Orion Allen Clemons, 27, of Springfield, was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, where he was cited on charges of first-degree theft, second-degree criminal trespass and evidence tampering. He was also cited on a warrant out of Lane County for failure to appear in court on a heroin possession charge.

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF

Identity theft  2:16 p.m. Saturday, 32800 block Fern Road, Philomath. A woman reported that someone had stolen her purse and used her debit card to rent a hotel room in Newport and charge more than $800 worth of goods online. Jennifer Nicole Grimm, 34, of Philomath was cited on charges of first-degree theft and identity theft in the Benton County Jail, where she was being held in connection with the theft of a U-Haul van.

Stolen trash can  9 a.m. Monday, 25500 block Llewellyn Road, Corvallis. A woman reported someone had stolen her trash cart. The waste hauling company said it would cost $75 to replace the cart.

Police pursuit  3:33 p.m. Monday, Highway 20, Corvallis. A deputy spotted a stolen 1998 Dodge Ram truck driving east on Highway 20 near Garland Nursery in Corvallis. The driver attempted to flee and hit a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, then crashed into a ditch. The driver was taken into custody as he attempted to run from the scene on foot. Cody Lee Busch, 34, of Newport was arrested on charges of unlawful use of a vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver, reckless driving and attempt to elude a police officer.

Burglary  7 p.m. Tuesday, 5500 block SW Plymouth Drive, Corvallis. A resident reported that someone had broken into his home and stolen cash and computer equipment. The value of the loss was estimated at $3,300.

LINN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

From Tuesday afternoon

Theft  Jared Nicholas Bilyeu, 26, of Sweet Home, was charged with first-degree theft. The crime allegedly occurred on Nov. 8 and Bilyeu allegedly sold jewelry worth $1,000 or more than belonged to another person. The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department.

From Wednesday afternoon

Meth dealing  Jordan Tyler Gabrielli, 27, of Albany, was charged with delivery and possession of methamphetamine. The crimes allegedly occurred on Dec. 24. In a separate case, Gabrielli was charged with felon in possession of a restricted weapon and possession of methamphetamine. Those crimes allegedly occurred on Jan. 4. The APD investigated both cases.

Burglary  Kori Ann Vert, 55, was charged with second-degree burglary, harassment, second-degree disorderly conduct and attempted second-degree criminal mischief. The burglary allegedly occurred at the Starbucks at 940 Pacific Blvd. SE in Albany, and the case was investigated by the APD.

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Citys chief executive tells members of Legislative Council that one country, two systems still possible beyond 2047.

Hong Kongs leader faced off with a hostile Legislative Council on Thursday, fending off sharp criticism from pro-democracy and pro-Beijing members, while defending police from allegations of brutality against protesters.

In her first question-and-answer session of 2020, Chief Executive Carrie Lam also said Hong Kongs one country, two systems could continue beyond the 2047 deadline as long as the citys loyalty to Beijing was upheld.

Only if we insist implementing one country, two systems principle and practice it continuously and fully  then I think there will be enough grounds for one country, two systems to move ahead smoothly and there would be no change after 2047, Lam said in her remarks.

We have to uphold the principle of One Country, only by doing this, can one country, two systems be moving forward smoothly.

She repeatedly defended the police response to the seven-month long protest in the city, saying there was no such thing as police brutality, and that protesters were smearing Hong Kongs security force.





Lam said the police were simply enforcing the law, and only responding to the violence of protesters.

Pay cut for Lam

Alvin Yeung, a member of the council and Civic Party leader, however, rejected Lams explanation telling her: You are the laughing stock of the world. Do you know what shame is?

Yeung held up a sign reading Shame, before voluntarily leaving the legislative chamber.

Lam sat sternly as several pro-democracy members expressed their frustration at her handing of the protests.

Roy Kwong, another legislative member, asked Lam when she was going to order the creation of an independent commission to investigate the alleged rights abuses committed by police and called for her resignation.

When are you going to pack up and leave? When are you going to step down?

Several Legislative Council members were evicted from the chamber on Thursday for shouting at Lam [Isaac Lawrence/AFP]

The council meeting was repeatedly disrupted, as members shouted at Lam, before being they were evicted from the chamber. Claudia Mo was heard shouting at Lam: Bloody liar, before walking out.

Lam further infuriated council members when she said that young protesters lack knowledge of Hong Kongs Basic Law.

Even pro-Beijing legislator, Eunice Yung, told Lam that she bore the biggest responsibility for the turmoil in the city, adding that no official had been held accountable for the unrest.

Yung also asked when Lam and other cabinet officials would take the lead and accept a pay cut.

Lam said she needed time to consider Yungs proposal.

Hong Kong has been racked by often violent anti-government protests since June, although they have recently diminished in scale.

Some 6,000 people have been arrested, with 1,000 charged, many of them young protesters and student activists.

Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise that it would maintain its own capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.
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The Perspective

Atlanta, Georgia

January 16, 2020



Trumps order to kill General Soleimani is one of the most reckless acts taken by a president, who once again has put his personal political interest above the nations security. Certainly, Soleimani deserved to meet his bitter fate. He was behind the killing of hundreds of American soldiers in Iraq while threatening and acting against American allies. However, killing him without considering the potentially dire regional repercussions and without a strategy, under the guise of national security concerns, is hard to fathom.

Republican members of Congress who praised the assassination of General Soleimani seem to be utterly blinded by their desire to see him eliminated. What will happen next, they seem to have no clue. Trump, who is fighting for his political life, appeared to have cared less about the horrifying consequences as long as he distracts public attention from his political woes. He made the decision to assassinate Soleimani seven months ago, but he gave the order now to serve his own self-interest, especially in this election year where he desperately needs a victory while awaiting an impeachment trial in the Senate.

During the Senate briefing on Iran led by Secretaries of State and Defense Pompeo and Esper, and CIA Director Haspel, they produced no evidence that there was an imminent danger of an attack on four American embassies orchestrated by Soleimani, as Trump has claimed. In fact, Esper said openly in a January 12 interview that he saw no evidence.

Republican Senator Mike Lee labeled it as probably the worst briefing I have seen, at least on a military issueWhat I found so distressing about the briefing is one of the messages we received from the briefers was, Do not debate, do not discuss the issue of the appropriateness of further military intervention against Iran, and that if you do You will be emboldening Iran. Now, having failed to produce evidence of imminent danger, the Trump administration claims that the killing of Soleimani was part of a long-term deterrence strategy.

The assassination itself has certainly emboldened Irans resolve to continue its nefarious activities throughout the region, but even then, the measure Trump has taken to presumably make the US more secure has in fact done the complete opposite.

It has created new mounting problems and multiple crises. Trump dangerously escalated the conflict with Iran; severely compromised the US geostrategic interest in the Middle East; intensified the Iranian threat against our allies, especially Israel; led Iran to double down in its support of terrorist and Jihadist groups; badly wounded the US relations with its European allies; deemed the US untrustworthy by friends and foes; and pushed Iran to annul much of the nuclear deal, all while impressively advancing its anti-ballistic missile technology.

And contrary to Trumps claim that he made the right decision for the sake of American security, 55 percent of voters in a USA Today survey released on January 9th said he made the US less safe. And now we are still at the brink of war.

Although Iran has admitted to being behind the attack on the Asad airbase in Iraq, it initiated the attack to save face in the eyes of its public and demonstrate its possession of precision missiles and willingness to stand up to the US. This retaliation was expected, but since Iran wants to avoid an all-out war, it was strategic and carefully calculated to inflict the fewest American casualties, if any, to prevent a vicious cycle of retaliatory attacks that could get out of control and lead to war.

This, however, does not suggest that Iran will stop its clandestine proxy operationsemploying its well-trained militia in Iraq, Yemen, and Syria to execute new attacks on American and allies targets in the region while maintaining deniability. Similarly, the clergy can also pressure hawks in and outside the government to avoid any provocative acts against the US. Iran is patient and will carefully weigh its gains and losses before it takes the next step.

Following Irans attack on the Asad base, Trump has also shown restraint because he too wants to prevent an all-out war, knowing that even though the US can win it handily, it will be the costliest victory in blood and treasure and certainly in political capital.

The whole mess began when Trump withdrew from the Iran deal. What did Trump think he could accomplish? Withdrawing from the deal without having any substitute, without consultation with the European signatories, and with re-imposing sanctions, especially when Iran was in full compliance with all the deals provisions, is dangerously recklessundermining our national security interests and jeopardizing the security of our allies in the region. The Iran deal was not perfect, but the idea was to build on it, gradually normalize relations with Iran, and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons altogether as it works to become a constructive member of the community of nations.

To resolve the crisis with Iran, the US must demonstrate a clear understanding of the Iranian mindset. Iran is a proud nation with a long and continuing rich history; it has huge natural and human resources, is the leader of the Shiite world, occupies one of the most geostrategic locations in the world, and wants to be respected. The Iranians are not compulsive; they think strategically and are patient, consistent, and determined.

The revocation of the Iran deal simply reaffirms Irans distrust of the US, from the time the CIA toppled the Mosaddeq government in 1953 to the continuing sanctions, adversarial attitude, and the open call for regime change.

Both Khamenei and Trump have their own domestic pressure to contend with and want to avoid war. The Iranian public is becoming increasingly restive. They are back in streets demanding immediate economic relief. Conversely, Trump calculated that further escalation of violent conflict with Iran will erode rather than enhance his political prospects, and would make defeat in November all but certain.

West European countries are extremely sensitive to any major escalation of violence, as it would lead to mounting casualties and destruction on all sides. Iran can resort to a wide range of hostile measures, including disrupting oil supplies from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, by mining the Straits of Hormuz through which 21 million barrels per day (21% of global oil consumption) pass, resulting in a massive economic dislocation in the Middle East and Europe in particular.

The pause in hostilities offers a golden opportunity to begin a new process of mitigation. Germany, France, and Britain have already engaged the Iranians in an effort to ease the tension between Iran and the US and create conditions conducive to direct US-Iran negotiations. By now, Trump must realize that Iran cannot be bullied and the only way to prevent it from pursuing nuclear weapons is through dialogue.

Regardless of how flawed Trump views the Iran deal, it still provides the foundation for a new agreement, as many of its original provisions remain valid and can be built on it. Other conflicting issues between the two sides, especially Irans subversive activities, should be negotiated on a separate track.

In some ways, both Iran and the US need to lick their wounds and begin a new chapter, however long and arduous it may be, because war is not and will never be an option.




Prohibitory orders were imposed as a precautionary measure in Doda district on Thursday in view of the burial of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Haroon Abbas Wani, who was killed in a gunbattle with security forces, officials said.

The burial of the terrorist in underway in his native place in Furqaan Abad Ghat area of Doda.

"We have imposed restrictions under section 144 CrPC as a precautionary measure in Doda", Deputy Commissioner, Doda, Dr Sagar D Doifode told PTI.

The burial is underway and the situation is peaceful, he said.

Security forces on Wednesday gunned down Wani, who was allegedly behind the 2018 double murder of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet.

According to Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh, Wani was also behind the 2019 murders of RSS leader Chanderkant Sharma and his personal security officer.

Wani came from a well-educated family.

An MBA graduate from Katra University, Wani used to work at a private company which he quit when he joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

According to his relatives, he was a brilliant student.

A photo of Wani holding an AK-47 rifle had gone viral on social media in September 2018 when he joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Heavy snow is forecast to develop late Friday night into early Saturday morning, with Midland County expected to get from 4 to 8 inches of snow when the storm wraps up.

"It's going to be a wet heavy snow due to temperatures being close to 30 degrees so there's going to be a lot of liquid in the snow," said Dave Kook, a meteorologist with National Weather Service in Pontiac.
Senate Democrats Vow to Force Vote on Pentagon Funds Transfers for Border Wall

Sputnik News

19:05 15.01.2020

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Senate Democrats said in a statement on Wednesday that they will fight President Donald Trump's plans to divert funds from the Defense Department's budget to build a wall on the border with Mexico by forcing a vote to terminate the president's national emergency declaration that makes such transfers possible.

"We... will force yet another vote to terminate the President's sham national emergency declaration and return these much-needed military construction funds back to our military," the statement said.

Democrats pointed out in the statement that Trump is intending to rob the Defense Department of the much-needed funds in order to boost his own ego to build a border wall that he initially promised Mexico would pay for.

Building a border wall

is an insult to the sacrifices made by US service members and the Senate Democrats strongly oppose this action, the statement said.

On Monday, US media reported that the Trump administration is preparing to divert $7.2 billion in Defence Department funding for border wall construction. The funding would be used to construct 885 miles of new fencing by spring 2022, the report said.

 Sputnik

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The National Industrial Court has ordered the Nigerian Army to reinstate another senior officer, Thomas Arigbe, after three such judgements since the military authorities illegally dismissed several officers in 2016.

The judge, Paul Bassi of the Lagos division of the industrial court, handed the judgement on Thursday.

Mr Bassi held that the compulsory retirement of Mr Arigbe, a Lieutenant Colonel, was wrongful, unconstitutional, null and void for breach of fair hearing.

Mr. Arigbe, like several others, was never queried nor indicted by the army before he was arbitrarily forced out of service.

The judge ordered the army to reinstate the officer and pay him all his entitlements up to the date of reinstatement. He also awarded a N300 thousand cost against the army.

Before Thursdays judgement in Mr Arigbes case, the industrial court had previously asked the army to reinstate three other affected officers.

Last year, Nwokoro Ijeoma, a Major General, and Danladi Hassan, a Colonel, separately won their cases against the army. On Tuesday, the court also ordered the army to reinstate a third officer, Abdulfatai Mohammed, a Lieutenant Colonel.

The army is yet to comply with any of the previous judgements.

Arbitrary dismissal

Mr Arigbe was one of the 38 officers dismissed by the army in June 2016. The mass sack affected nine major generals, 11 brigadier generals, seven colonels and 11 lieutenant colonels.

In the June 9, 2016, letters, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, to the affected officers, their compulsory retirement was hinged on provisions of Paragraph 09.02c (4) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised).

The referenced section  09.02c (4)  of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised), shows the officers were laid off on disciplinary grounds i.e. serious offence(s).

Emphasizing service exigencies and that the military must remain apolitical and professional at all times, Sani Usman, spokesperson for the army then, released a statement, disclosing what could have constituted the serious offences which warranted the dismissal of the 38 officers.

It should be recalled that not too long ago some officers were investigated for being partisan during the 2015 general elections, Mr Usman said. Similarly, the investigation by the Presidential Committee investigating Defence Contracts revealed a lot. Some officers have already been arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, investigations by PREMIUM TIMES, involving review of service rules and interviews with officials with direct knowledge of the matter, showed the army violated own laws by dismissing majority of the officers.

Contrary to the claim by the army, our investigations showed that only a few of the affected officers were queried, tried and indicted.

Others had their careers abruptly cut short for reasons that smacked of high-level arbitrariness, pettiness, witch-hunting and partisanship by authorities of the army.

While officers cleared by either arms procurement panel or election panel were retired, others who were not questioned at all were also sent away.

Mr Arigbe was one such officers neither queried nor indicted for any offence before being forced out of service.

The Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers whose paragraph 09.02c (4) was relied upon to remove the officers, originates from the Armed Forces Act.

The section cited by the army provides that an officer may be compulsorily retired on disciplinary grounds i.e. serious offence(s) without defining what constitutes serious offences.

But the principal law  the Armed Forces Act  establishes all actions that constitute offences in the military.

The Act prescribes steps to be taken in punishing offences, and a review shows no section empowers the Army Council to arbitrarily punish or compulsorily retire officers for any offence.

In fact, the Army Council, in Section 11(a-f) of the Act, has no power to retire any officer on disciplinary ground without compliance with the steps prescribed by law.

Appeals to the commander-in-chief

The judgement on Tuesday capped off nearly four years of efforts by Mr Arigbe and other illegally sacked officers to get justice, including repeated appeals for redress to Mr Buhari as the law provides.

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Paragraph 09.02(e) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers, 2012 (revised)  provides that any officer compulsorily retired or dismissed can appeal to the president through the Chief of Defence Staff within 30 days.

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Our investigation revealed that 22 of the affected officers exploited this window, and had their petitions conveyed to the president by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, via a July 2016 letter referenced CDS/6/1/A.

After that joint appeal, one of them, Mr Mohammed, who won his case on Tuesday, had four times written the presidency seeking justice and once in September 2018 challenged Mr Buhari to prove his integrity.

Mr President, you have put out a reputation of being a man of justice, dignity and integrity but you are yet to prove it to all Nigerians in the case of these 38 innocent Army officers, wrote Mr Mohammed through his lawyer Abdul Muhammed. In the past two years, grave injustice has been meted to (them), and in spite of repeated passionate letter(s) of redress to you as their Commander-in-Chief, you have been curiously silent.

Mr Buhari has never responded, nor acknowledged any of the illegally dismissed officers petitions to him.

One of the affected officers, Ojebo Baba-Ochankpa, died while waiting for justice in January 2017.

Mr Arigbe told PREMIUM TIMES by phone on Thursday that he expected te army council to act with due process and comply with the judgement of the court.

The army has not respected the previous judgements.
It was a lengthy criminal investigation involving the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement and the most sophisticated counter-terrorism techniques at their disposal.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was a lengthy criminal investigation involving the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement and the most sophisticated counter-terrorism techniques at their disposal.

The target was disgraced Canadian military reservist Patrik Mathews, who vanished from his Beausejour home last summer after being identified by an undercover Free Press investigation as a recruiter for a violent neo-Nazi paramilitary group.

Homegrown hate: Coverage of a neo-Nazi recruiter in Winnipeg Click to Expand Posted: 11:56 AM Sep. 13, 2019 Read Ryan Thorpe's story on infiltrating a neo-Nazi paramilitary group, and the Free Press' follow-up coverage. Read Full Story

On Thursday, Mathews resurfaced, this time in handcuffs, when he and two others were arrested by the FBI. Theyre alleged to have stockpiled more than 1,650 rounds of ammunition and manufactured a fully-functioning assault rifle.

They were caught after the FBI tapped into encrypted neo-Nazi chatrooms and targeted the men with video and personal surveillance, as well as recorded phone calls and accessed cellular location data.

The arrests in Maryland come on the eve of a potentially explosive pro-gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., where the governor declared a state of emergency to stop the protest from becoming a repeat of the bloody Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville in 2017.

According to American law enforcement, Mathews and his co-accused were planning to head to the Jan. 20 rally, where out-of-state militias and hate groups intend to converge.

Thursday's developments help solve the mystery of a how the Winnipeg-based neo-Nazi managed to flee the country, evade arrest, and become the subject of international headlines.

Dave Fitz of the FBI's Baltimore office says Patrik Mathews was one of three men taken into custody this morning. (RCMP photo)

Court documents show the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms tracked Mathews movements since he disappeared from his Beausejour home in late-August after being outed as a neo-Nazi recruiter and illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada border.

The affidavit from an FBI special agent used to secure arrest warrants for Mathews and the two Maryland men  Brian Lemley, 33, a former cavalry soldier in the United States Army, and William Bilbrough, 19  indicates the trio were targeted with sophisticated law enforcement techniques.

The FBI tapped into encrypted chatrooms where members of The Base  the group Mathews was a recruiter for discussed "recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organizations military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices."

RCMP statement The RCMP is aware of the arrest of Patrik Mathews today by the FBI. We work closely with our international partners and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement agencies around the world. The RCMP does not comment on investigations being conducted by other countries and therefore we have no further comment. click to read more The RCMP is aware of the arrest of Patrik Mathews today by the FBI. We work closely with our international partners and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement agencies around the world. The RCMP does not comment on investigations being conducted by other countries and therefore we have no further comment. Federal Defence Minister Harjit Sajjans statement I am aware that the FBI arrested the individual in question. I am proud of the work done by both Canadian and American authorities on this matter. As I have said before, we will not tolerate racism and discrimination in the Canadian Armed Forces. We will continue to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces is an open and welcome modern military. --- With files from Dylan Robertson Close

After the Free Press's investigation, Mathews was dismissed from his duties as a master corporal combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserves and the RCMP raided his home and seized his firearms.

Soon after, he disappeared. The Mounties formally declared him missing Aug. 23.

The FBI now says Mathews fled to the U.S. days earlier. On Aug. 30, Lemley and Bilbrough drove roughly 965 kilometres from Maryland to Michigan to pick Mathews up and provide him safe harbour among The Bases white supremacist network, according to the affidavit.

By Nov. 3, Mathews and Lemley were holed up in a hotel room in Elkton, Maryland, near where Bilbrough lived. The following day, Lemley and Mathews drove to Delaware, where Lemley rented an apartment for them. The pair has lived there since.

The FBI tapped into encrypted chatrooms where members of The Base  the group Mathews was a recruiter for discussed "recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organizations military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices."

During December, Lemley and Mathews purchased firearms parts and successfully built a functioning assault rifle, the FBI said in the affidavit.

By Dec. 21, the three men were reunited at the Delaware apartment where they attempted to manufacture DMT a powerful hallucinogenic drug and Schedule 1 Controlled Substance while discussing The Bases activities and membership, according to the FBI.

On Jan. 2, Lemley took the assault rifle to a gun range in Maryland where an FBI agent observed him firing the gun and heard "what appeared to be more than one bullet being fired at a time," the affidavit states.

When Lemley returned to the apartment, hes said to have told Mathews the assault rifle "would have to be cached, though, because thats an ATF f---king nightmare." He added: "Oh oops, it looks like I accidentally made a machine gun."

The Virginia state Capitol building is surrounded by fencing, Thursday, in Richmond, Va., in preparation for Monday's rally by gun rights advocates. (Dean Hoffmeyer / Richmond Times-Dispatch)

According to the FBI, Lemley told Mathews: "Go ahead and take the lower (receiver) off, give it to me. Im gonna stow it until next week, just in case the ATF shows up tomorrow." Mathews responded: "Um, if they show up here, we got other problems."

On Jan. 5, Lemley and Mathews returned to the Maryland gun range where they practised target shooting with the assault rifle. Six days later, they reportedly picked up 1,500 rounds of 5.56 mm and 6.5 mm ammunition and plate carriers, which are used to support body armour.

The three men are alleged to have discussed traveling to Monday's gun rights protest in Richmond, where Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced a state of emergency.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, centre, declared a temporary emergency Wednesday, banning all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square ahead of a massive rally planned next week over gun rights. (Steve Helber / Associated Press files)

Northam, a Democrat, made the decision to ban all weapons from the State Capitol grounds due to "threats of armed confrontation and assault" from out-of-state militia and hate groups.

An annual event called "Lobby Day"  where lobby groups meet with state legislators to pitch proposals  is slated for Monday in Virginia. This year, the Democratic Party has taken over a majority in the state house and is seeking to push through stricter gun control measures. Thousands of protesters are expected to arrive in Richmond to demonstrate against the proposed changes.

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Mathews has been charged with one count of "transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony offense" and one count of "being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition."

The investigation by Winnipeg Free Press reporter Ryan Thorpe in August revealed Mathews' association with the secretive neo-Nazi group. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files)

If convicted of both charges and ordered to serve consecutive, maximum sentences, he could spend up to 20 years in U.S. federal prison.

Bilbrough faces two criminal charges related to harbouring and transporting an illegal alien. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Lemley has been charged with five offences and faces up to 40 years in prison.

The defendants were expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland Thursday afternoon.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 08:02 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3224b89e 1 Editorial #Editorial,disaster,environment,environmental-damage,environmental-issues,bushfire,flood,Jakarta-flood,climate-change,climate-crisis,Australia-Indonesia,bilateral-cooperation,bilateral-relation,diplomacy,diplomatic-missions,diplomatic-relations,disaster-mitigation Free

The horrific scenes of bushfires Down Under, experts warn, may well continue to recur; as will floods of the sort that struck Greater Jakarta, Banten and West Java over the New Year. Thousands have been displaced by both disasters, although comparatively more victims in Indonesia can return home.

Though we fervently hope we are not looking at the new normal of weather trends in our region, the simultaneous Australian bushfires and the massive floods at home highlight a hitherto little-regarded aspect of Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations: the climate.

Researchers have not reached a 100 percent consensus on whether climate change is to blame for the disasters; but humans surely share responsibility for the lack of flood prevention and bushfires  the latter of which saw millions of animals and plants, many of them unique to Australias Wallacea biodiversity sphere, reportedly killed.

Apart from extending condolences to all those who have lost family members, their homes and livelihoods, working together on better mitigation of disasters would be much more productive than blaming governments.

Under the program called development and partnership with Indonesia, the Australian Embassy in Indonesia states that Australia and Indonesia are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land conversion. This includes helping to address the drivers of forest and land fires through better land-management practices, boosting investment in clean energy, climate smart agriculture, and green growth initiatives.

Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations are more often marked by uproar such as in the trial of Australian nationals for smuggling or trafficking drugs and the execution of two members of a drug ring known as the Bali Nine in 2015. Meanwhile, cooperation programs like the Bali Process, which was established in 2002 to facilitate discussion and information sharing about, among other issues, people smuggling, human trafficking and transnational crime, and appropriate responses to these matters, have received less publicity despite their significance as a bridge between the two neighbors.

Cooperation, however, should find more ground to grow simply because Indonesia and Australia are destined to live side by side.

Mother Nature reminds us that neighbors also need to work together in climate-disaster mitigation. Forest and peatland fires, regarded as a major contributor to carbon emissions, have put Indonesia at risk of failing to fulfill its commitment under the Paris Agreement to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent against a business as usual projection by 2024.

The bushfires and forest fires should present Australia and Indonesia with an opportune moment to consider climate issues at the top of their cooperation agenda. For one, climate change is expected to lead to more disasters including in Indonesia in the future if mitigation efforts are neglected, to the detriment of Indonesia-Australia economic relations.

As parties to the Paris Agreement, Australia and Indonesia have a lot of areas of climate change-mitigation cooperation to choose from. As the scholar Arjuna Dibley succinctly puts it, climate collaboration between them will support the stability of a more normal bilateral relationship.
In court Wednesday, Assistant States Attorney Bryan Roslund acknowledged that the value of the equipment was relatively small but said that Johnson had violated the publics trust  and in doing so harmed the countless other officers out there doing their jobs correctly.
NEW DELHI: In a major development in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor on Thursday rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts in the case, and forwarded it to the Home Ministry for further action.

According to reports, Mukesh's mercy plea was first rejected by the Delhi government, which forwarded the same to the Lieutenant Governor recommending ''rejection''. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal accepted the recommendation of the Delhi Government and forwarded the file to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

This came a day after the Delhi High Court refused to stay death warrants after the state government said that it "can't hang convicts on January 22."

While refusing to set aside the death warrant issued for the hanging of four Nirbhaya gangrape-murder convicts, the high court said that convict Mukesh Singh could approach the trial court, which issued the death warrant.

The HC, however, also said that it found nothing wrong in the death warrants issued by Delhi's Patiala House court for the hanging of four convicts on January 22 at 7 am.

Live TV

Mukesh's advocate Rebecca John withdrew Mukesh's plea and said that they will now approach the trial court with information on recent developments in this case.

Importantly, the Delhi government had on Wednesday informed the High Court that it can't hang the four convicts on January 22 because one of the convicts, Mukesh, has filed a mercy plea.

The four convicts - Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Kumar (32), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) - are to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail.

A Delhi court had issued their death warrants on January 7.
F ormer Love Island contestant Ollie Williams has denied suggestions that he was involved in "trophy hunting" after photos emerged of him posing beside dead animals.

After choosing to leave the ITV2 show after just three days, Williams has strenuously shut down speculation that he shot any of the animals shown in the pictures.

He said in a statement: Having left the Love Island house I have become aware of the press stories circulating in the UK. I would like to make a number of comments on the various claims and accusations.

I had no knowledge of the stories until I had left the Love Island villa and all cast members are unaware of any news stories while they are on the programme.

Williams said he has never been involved in trophy hunting / ITV

My reasons for leaving Love Island are as communicated on the show.

I did not shoot any of the animals shown in the photographs nor have I ever shot as a trophy hunter.

He added: I did volunteer to take part in the conservation and anti-poaching programme in Mozambique, a part of which involves old or sick animals being culled. I was there as an observer.

The Cornish Sporting Agency was set up in 2017 and has never traded.

Williams was previously coupled up with Paige Turley / ITV

I feel very passionately about conservation and will continue to support sustainable conservation causes around the globe. These benefit the natural world and the animals which live within it, even if certain elements appear controversial when viewed out of context.

Love Island 2020: Series 6 - In pictures 1 /126 Love Island 2020: Series 6 - In pictures ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Siannise ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Paige plays the couple challenge. ITV Connagh and Mike chat. ITV ITV Sophie interrupts Connagh, Mike and Nas' chat. ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Twins Jess and Eve on their double date ITV Leanne and Mike chat after his date ITV ITV Rex Features ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV Love Island contestants were flabbergasted as it was revealed XX's favourite sex position was the butter churner ITV2 Eve and Jess Gale ITV Laura Whitmore ITV Leanne Amaning and Mike Boateng ITV The girls around around the fire pit ITV Shaughna enters the villa ITV Paige and Ollie ITV Sophie ITV Shaughna and Callum ITV Siannise and Nas ITV Sophie and Connor ITV ITV Leanne enters the villa ITV ITV ITV ITV

As I am no longer in Love Island, I will comment no further on this issue.

In scenes broadcast during Wednesday (January 15) night's episode, Williams told his fellow Love Island contestants that he had realised he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend.

Williams left the villa earlier this week / ITV

A spokesperson for the show has since shut down speculation that Williams was aware of press reports discussing the images, telling the Sun: "Ollie made the decision to leave off his own back and explained his reasons for doing so in his quote.

"He was not made aware whilst he was in the villa of any press stories running around him but as with all Islanders, since leaving the villa he has now been briefed as to what has been written and said about him as part of our duty of care.

"We will be supporting Ollie as he leaves the villa.
[January 16, 2020] VoIP.ms Launches Free Porting Across U.S. & Canada

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2020 /CNW/ -- VoIP.ms, a state-of-the-art Montreal-based VoIP Provider, announced today the launch of Free Porting across U.S. & Canada for Local & Toll-free DIDs*. Effective today, residential and business users wishing to switch operators while keeping their old phone number can have their number transferred free of charge; in addition to this, portability transition is shorter and easier than before. "We pride ourselves to be a fully Contract-Free, Pay-as-You-Go and Bring Your Own Device provider," commented David Rouleau, Chief Operating Officer at VoIP.ms, "but it just made sense to seal the deal with free porting. Since the company creation back in 2007, VoIP.ms has always been advocating to offer a hassle-free solution to its customers." VoIP.ms keeps growing with significant product development in the past months. The company has launched various features to remain universally recognized as the most feature-rich VoIP provider, namely: Automaic Top-Up

Referral Program

T.38 Faxing

Audio Conferencing

Call Encryption

Extra Security Features (incl. TOTP, 2FA, etc.)

 just to name a few.



https://voip.ms/en/free-porting. About VoIP.ms

Founded in 2007, VoIP.ms is a Canadian voice over internet protocol (VoIP) bring-your-own-device provider headquartered in Montreal, Canada with over 75,000 happily satisfied customers. VoIP.ms provides a vast range of standard telephony features, as well as enhanced communication features to simplify both business and residential communications such as local, DID numbers in 60+ countries. It also offers termination (outgoing calls) in over 125 countries across the globe, toll-free numbers, and services such as E911, SMS, virtual fax and virtual PRIs. For more information on VoIP.ms, please visit https://voip.ms Media Contact Daniela Brito

Marketing Manager

1-855-606-1475

[email protected] Related Images voip-ms-logo.png

VoIP.ms logo

VoIP.ms Montreal based VoIP provider SOURCE VoIP.ms

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Proposed Bill Would Require Every Kentucky School Safety Officer to Carry a Gun

An updated version of a Kentucky bipartisan school safety law would require every school resource officer to carry a gun.

State Sen. Max Wise, a Republican, introduced Senate Bill 8, which would amend The School Safety and Resiliency Act of 2019 to require that all school resource officers in Kentucky carry firearms.

The Act, passed in response to the 2018 shooting at Marshall County High School that left two teenagers dead and 16 others injured, calls for a series of measures to enforce school safety, including one that requires every school have at least one school resource officer. However, the act does not specify whether those officers must be armed.

Under Senate Bill 8, however, the primary job function of a school resource officer is defined as someone who works with youth in school settings and is armed with a gun. This means every Kentucky schools resource officer would be required to carry a firearm, if the bill is approved as is.

Wise, who also chairs the Senate Education Committee, told the Louisville Courier-Journal he was frustrated that members of Jefferson County Schools, the states largest district, were still debating whether guns should be allowed on campus at all.

The inability of their school board to make some decision, has been very frustrating, Wise said. Being the largest school system, that needs to be addressed. He added that he has received calls from teachers asking him for a legislation that would essentially bypass any school board decisions to make armed school safety officers mandatory.

The proposed bill would also put one or more resource officers on every school campus where there are one or more buildings, instead of one resource officer per school as required originally.

Among other changes, the bill introduced on Jan. 10 also specifies a goal to have at least one school counselor in each public school and at least one counselor or other mental health services provider for every 250 students. It also specifies that police officers employed as school resource officers should be commissioned for four years, as long as they meet all the requirements for those positions.

Kentucky is known for being one of the most gun owner-friendly states in the country. Senate Bill 150, which was signed into law in March 2019 and took effect in June that year, allows gun owners in Kentucky to carry concealed weapons without a permit. It also removes the six-hour gun-safety training course, background check, and $60 application fee that the state previously required.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 18:30:16|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with visiting Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with visiting Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza here Thursday.

Wang said facts have proved that the "Monroe Doctrine" has long been outdated, sanctions and pressure are unpopular and there is no way out to impose external solutions.

"China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity and safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests," Wang said.

China stands ready to work with the international community, in line with the basic norms of international relations, to continue to promote peace and talks and to play a constructive role in pushing the Venezuelan issue into an inclusive political settlement as soon as possible, he added.

Arreaza said Venezuela attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China, strengthen communication and coordination, adhere to multilateralism, oppose power politics and push the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A 29-year-old man from Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, presently working with a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Ludhiana is in a state of shock following an Income Tax department notice, asking him to pay Rs 3.49 crore penalty for alleged transactions worth Rs 132 crores done via a current account in a private bank in 2011-2012.

The man identified as Ravi Gupta presently works as assistant manager with the BPO in Ludhiana and received a notice from IT Department last month, asking him to explain transactions worth Rs 132 crore made in 2011-2012 through a current account opened in 2011 at the Axis Bank Malad-Mumbai branch using his PAN card and photograph. The concerned current account was opened in the name of a firm Tiya Traders in 2011.

Ive never visited Mumbai or Surat (the firm is said to be registered in Surat) and the Axis Bank opened the account without complete KYC documents. The bank didnt even check the details and the permanent address. At the time when the concerned account was opened in Mumbai, I was working in Indore and merely drawing Rs 6,000 monthly salary. So how I could have opened an account in Mumbai and indulged in transactions worth Rs 132 crores. Ive been asked by the IT Department in Gwalior to deposit the penalty by January 17, 2020, Gupta told journalists in Gwalior.

Importantly, Gupta has received multiple notices in this connection from the IT Department since March 2019. After I came to know about it through multiple notices sent the IT Department notices, I enquired from the Axis Bank about the concerned current account details and came to know that the account was opened in 2011 on the address Dhan Mansion Gazdar Street C Ward SS Road Mumbai, which is just a few meters away from the offices of the companies run by Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi, who are accused in the multi-crore PNB scam.

The account opened using my PAN card was used by the Surat-based firm to carry out the Rs 132 crore transactions in 2011-12 and later the bogus account was closed.

Gupta told The New Indian Express that since last several months, Ive tried to seek help in the matter from the IT Department, RBI, CBI, ED, besides the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh police. All Ive received a response from cops is that I should report the matter in Bhind, Gwalior, Indore, Ludhiana or Mumbai. I recently mailed entire matter to MP DGP, besides reporting it on the portal of Maharashtra Police and MP Police.

According to Gupta he recently received an intimation from MP police, that his matter will be taken care by Gwalior Crime Branch.

However, the Gwalior Crime Branch inspector in-charge Damodar Gupta, while confirming having received details about the matter from the MP Police portal on Tuesday, said the matter doesnt pertain to Gwalior. Weve told him (Gupta) to report the matter where he lives or else raise it with the concerned IT Department officials, the Gwalior Crime Branch inspector in-charge said.
Alcohol was a suspected factor in 39.5% of highway deaths in 2019, down slightly from 40.1% in 2018 but significantly higher than the 32.8% in 2017.

The alcohol issue is a very difficult nut to crack in this state, Butler said. Alcohol is ingrained in almost every sort of function that happens in Montana. The small-town taverns are often the center of community interaction. Its really a cultural shift that has to occur.

We and others in the state have done a lot of educating and messaging on the importance of driving sober. The numbers bear out that theres still plenty of work that has to be done.

While alcohol was suspected to be involved in 73 deaths in 2019, drugs were suspected in 61  one of every three. That was down from 66 the previous year, but still higher than the 55 in 2017.

Two MHP categories reflected substantial rises in the 2019 highway toll.

Out-of-state vehicles were involved in 51 fatalities, up from 37 the year before. Commercial vehicle crashes killed 23 people compared to 14 in 2018.

Butler didnt have the data at hand but said he sees both increases as upshots of higher truck and tourist travel in the state.
WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Anthony Brindisi is urging the U.S. Department of Defense to invest in quantum computing research at Rome Laboratory.

Brindisi says the local teams are at the forefront of that research, and we "need to keep it that way to keep adversaries like China at bay."

Photo courtesy of The Griffiss Institute at griffissinstitute.org Photo courtesy of The Griffiss Institute at griffissinstitute.org

Brindisi serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and on Wednesday he addressed witnesses during a hearing on the DoDs role in competing with China.

I am particularly concerned about DoD keeping pace with China in terms of our investments in information technologiesspecifically Quantum sciences, said Brindisi. It has been fairly well documented that information warfare is a core strength of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and in recent years, China has aggressively invested and increased the pace of its Quantum research.

Experts say once fully developed, quantum computers could perform at speeds millions of times faster than today's most advanced machines.
Grindr, OkCupid, Tinder, Qibla Finder and MyDays X are among 10 apps feeding user data  such as ethnicity, location, gender and age  to digital ad companies, nonprofit Norwegian Consumer Council found in a report released on Tuesday.

Why it matters: These dating, prayer guidance and menstrual cycle or fertility tracking apps collect information from some of the most intimate parts of users' lives. The council argues that sharing this data violates a European data protection law that went into effect last year.

What they found: OkCupid sent user data about sexual desires, drug and alcohol use, and political views to analytics company Braze, as well as users' ethnicity and GPS coordinates.

Tinder shared users' GPS location and "target gender"  or data on sexual orientation. Facebook and Salesforce got information to track users across different services through advertising IDs, which don't necessarily attach names to data.

 or data on sexual orientation. Facebook and Salesforce got information to track users across different services through advertising IDs, which don't necessarily attach names to data. Grindr, an LGBTQ dating site, shared users' location to AT&T's AppNexus, Twitter's MoPub, OpenX, AdColony and others.

to AT&T's AppNexus, Twitter's MoPub, OpenX, AdColony and others. MyDays, a period tracker and fertility app, provided users' IP addresses, GPS location and WiFi access point information.

Flashback: Grindr changed its policy of sharing users' HIV status with its third-party vendors last year after initially defending its position.

Our thought bubble, via Axios' Ina Fried: Theres a fundamental disconnect between the amount of information one would normally share with an online service and the information needed to find a compatible mate.

What they're saying: "I think most American, most people, don't realize how much data your phone is generating about you and your life every single day," John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security at the Justice Department, told NBC News. NBC analyzed four popular dating apps, including Grindr and Tinder, to see what information is collected.

The Match Group, which owns Tinder and OkCupid, said in a statement that it only shares information in line with the California Consumer Privacy Act and the GDPR, and doesn't commercialize users' data. Match Group's products were not named in NCC companion complaints filed with the Norwegian Data Protection Authority.

which owns Tinder and OkCupid, said in a statement that it only shares information in line with the California Consumer Privacy Act and the GDPR, and doesn't commercialize users' data. Match Group's products were not named in NCC companion complaints filed with the Norwegian Data Protection Authority. Grindr did not respond to request for comment. The company told the New York Times in a statement on Tuesday that it had not received a copy of the report and could not comment on its content.

What's next: The council's formal complaints against Grindr, Twitter's ad platform and AT&T's AppNexus could mean fines  like the $57 million penalty slapped on Google in 2018 over telling users how their data is collected.

Go deeper: Location data is ground zero in privacy wars

Editor's note: This piece has been updated with a Match Group statement that its products were not named in NCC companion complaints.
TWO men have admitted burgling a town centre charity shop and supermarket on the same night.

Anthony Jalam (32), of Mount Street, Thornhill, and Adam Clayton (29), of no fixed abode, both pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday.

The men burgled Barnardos in Wellgate overnight on December 15, stealing a charity box, childrens clothing and toys.

The pair also targeted Polish supermarket Food Plus in All Saints Square, stealing bottles of spirits costing 175.

They were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Monday.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said 40 babies were born at the just-concluded Gangasagar Mela which, she said, was visited by nearly 55 lakh people.

There has not been a single untoward incident at the fair held on Sagar Island at the confluence of river Hooghly and the Bay of Bengal, Banerjee said.

"Nearly 55 lakh people visited Gangasagar Mela till date from January 10," the chief minister said adding that the state government holds the annual fair on its own, without any contribution from the Centre.

She said 40,375 pilgrims, who came from outside the state, were given free medical treatment.

"It is very nice to know that 40 babies were born at the Gangasagar Mela," she said.

Banerjee said all the visitors to the fair were insured of a maximum sum of Rs 5 lakh for the period between January 10 and 16.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington on Dec. 18, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Trump Impeachment Trial Threatens to Upend Democratic Primary

Four senators forced to stay in Washington six days per week

Four Democratic senators seeking their partys nomination are facing a new tribulation: How to schedule their campaigns around the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, which started Thursday.

I would rather be in Iowa today. Theres a caucus there in two-and-a-half weeks. Id rather be in New Hampshire and Nevada and so forth. But I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job and Im here to do my job, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) told The Hill after the senators were sworn in on Thursday.

The Iowa caucuses are slated for Feb. 3, and the New Hampshire primary is eight days later.

Other than Sanders, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are required by the Constitution to sit in their seats without any electronic devices during the trial. They will also have to work six days per week in Washington, allowing for only Sundays off.

That means candidates such as Vice President Joe Biden, a frontrunner in several polls, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Andrew Yang will be able to take advantage of being the only candidates on the ground.

Presiding officer Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in members of the Senate for the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 16, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)

Klobuchar, who has been trying to emerge from the single digits in polling, said that we really dont have a choice.

I have a constitutional duty, but I can do two things at once, she told CNN in October. There [are] many ways to reach out to people.

Warren made a similar statement to reporters last year, saying that its part of her Constitutional duty. In recent weeks, her campaign has lulled and she has dropped to third place and is behind Sanders and Biden in several polls.

There are some things that are more important than politics, and if we have an impeachment proceeding going on, I will be there, Warren told reporters in New Hampshire. Impeachment is something I take very seriously. I take no joy in this. But this is about a constitutional oath that every single member of the Senate took touphold the Constitution of the United States, she added.

Bennet, who hasnt had favorable poll numbers throughout his campaign, offered the bluntest response among the crop of Democratic candidates.

I think it is going to be disruptive, he told Meet the Press on Jan. 12. And theres nothing I can do about it. So I choose not to worry about it. We have, all of us, a constitutional responsibility that we have to fulfill, here. And I take my oath seriously. And I will. And in the meantime, Im spending every single second I can in New Hampshire, trying to fulfill my commitment to hold an additional 50 town halls here.

But a Sanders campaign adviser, Jeff Weaver, said that Sanders has a unique advantage over the other candidates: A private jet.

Theyre not going to be meeting at night [for the trial], so we can obviously fly from D.C. to states and hold events in the evening and fly back, you know, so he can be back in the morning to do his work in the Senate, Sanders campaign adviser Jeff Weaver told NBC News in early January. Hes an energetic candidate, Weaver added. He has a very vigorous schedule, and, you know, he can do that.

For now, its not clear how long the Senate impeachment trial will last. In the late 1990s, the Senate took five weeks to acquit former President Bill Clinton.
Terror groups based in Pakistan are a source of instability for the whole region and all options are on the table if Islamabad fails to deliver on its commitments to crack down on terrorism and its financing, the UKs special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan said on Thursday.

Gareth Bayley, who is also director for South Asia and Afghanistan in the UK foreign office, said in an interview that an insistence on a ceasefire, instead of a reduction in violence, in the Afghan peace process would give power to the spoiler.

Post-Brexit UK, he said, is looking towards India as a number one partner for trade and investment and a strategic ally for ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The UK will take all steps to address Brexit-related anxieties of the more than 800 Indian companies that use Britain as a base for operations across the European Union (EU), he said.

[Terror] groups operating out of Pakistan are a source of instability for both the government of Pakistan and to the region, and it is vital that Pakistan works to combat terrorism and extremism, Bayley said, adding the UK is backing Pakistan to do the right thing.

He noted that the UK and the US had co-nominated the grey listing of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2018, and the Paris-based multilateral watchdog had set more than 20 commitments for Islamabad, some of which have been achieved and many more need to be done.

Bayley said Pakistan needs to make a step change to ensure stability in the region and all options are on the table if this doesnt happen by the time of the FATFs next plenary meeting in Paris in February.

In Afghanistan, an initial reduction in violence could lead to a ceasefire as part of the negotiation process, he said. If you make an end to violence the prerequisite for moving forward on peace negotiations, then you give the power to the spoiler and by doing that you set back your own ambition, he added.

The talks between the US and the Taliban will lead to a sidebar arrangement and the focus should be on intra-Afghan negotiations, he said.

The UK will looks to natural friends and partners such as India, which will be a number one partner, once it leaves the EU at the end of this month, and a frictionless trading and investment relationship will be a focus area for the British government, he said.

India is the third largest investor in the UK and Indian firms have created 100,000 jobs, and Britian will ensure that the anxieties of these companies do not materialise, he said.

The UK believes the two sides can work together to secure the Indian Ocean region, with the British Indian Ocean Territory at the heart of these efforts, Bayley said. Besides joint military exercises, India and the UK can cooperate on maritime domain awareness, illegal fishing, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and security of sea lanes of communication, he added.

Bayley said the UKs maintains the position that India and Pakistan should bilaterally resolve the Kashmir issue while respecting the wishes of the Kashmiris. However, he called for British diplomats to be allowed into Kashmir to assess the ground situation.

We have seen Prime Minister [Narendra] Modis commitments to a prospersous and successful future for Jammu and Kashmir. It is important...that the government of India be able to demonstrate what it is doing in that regard and therefore being able to see what is happening there is an evidently sensible requirement, he said.

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A mother has revealed that her family can't get rid of a 'haunted' Elsa doll that keeps showing up on their property after they tried throwing it out on two different occasions.

Emily Madonia, a violinist from Houston, Texas, shared her plight in a series of Facebook messages, explaining her daughter Aurelia was about a year old when she was given the toy from the animated Disney film Frozen in 2013.

'When you press its necklace it sings "Let It Go" in English or Spanish,' she wrote in her first post from December. 'We noticed over the past couple years that it starts singing on its own. Even when it's on the "off" switch.'

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Creepy: Emily Madonia, a violinist from Houston, Texas, has revealed her family can't get rid of a 'haunted' Elsa doll that has been thrown out twice and returned home each time

Not a joke: The mom stressed that the doll was tied up in a garbage bag and put in their trash can outside both times but still came back

The mom said they decided to throw it away last month because it seemed to be short-circuiting. She stressed that her husband, Mat, threw it in a bag filled with other garbage and put it in their trash can outside.

'Fast-forward a week and we are looking for something. We open up a big wooden bench in the living room and THERE IS THE DOLL on top of a bunch of blankets and stuff,' she wrote. 'Mat started yelling and I ran in. He definitely had thrown it away.

'There is no way the kids would have taken it out of the garbage,' she noted, 'but we asked them about it anyway and they were completely confused.

'So after Mat and I argued about who was going to have to touch it to get rid of it, he finally got it in a garbage bag and tied it tight and took it back out to the garbage outside, underneath a bunch of other garbage. I don't know what I think about this except...nope.'

Most would assume that would be the end of the creepy story, but the doll returned for a second time, according to Emily.

Yikes: Emily said the doll will sing on its own in Spanish, even when it's supposedly off

'We were weirded out and tightly wrapped it in its own garbage bag and put that garbage bag INSIDE another garbage bag filled with other garbage and put it in the bottom of our garbage can underneath a bunch of other bags of garbage and wheeled it to the curb and it was collected on garbage day,' she reiterated in her second post from January 9. 'Great, right?

'We went out of town, forgot about it,' she explained. 'Today Aurelia says, "Mom, I saw the Elsa doll again in the backyard." HELP US GET RID OF THIS HAUNTED DOLL.'

As part of the post, she shared a snapshot of the Else doll creepily propped up against the side of their home.

After the post went viral, Emily said she has been receiving messages from people who want to buy the doll, paranormal investigators, and even the Travel Channel.

She went on to answer people's questions, insisting that this is not a 'hoax' or something that was done by her husband or children.

Freaked out; In her first post, she explained what happened and said her husband, Mat, had thrown out the doll for a second time

'Either the doll is haunted or some crazy psychopath has dug the doll out of the garbage (that was already taken away) and broken into my house/property multiple times,' she said. 'I am going to go with the haunted thing.'

Emily noted that she knows it's the same doll and not an impostor because her daughter colored on it with her markers in 'very specific places.'

'I have never mentioned where those places are online though because I dont want anyone to get any ideas,' she explained.

She also addressed why she didn't just burn the doll, as many people suggested in the comments of her posts.

'Because it does no good,' she wrote. 'If there is something in the doll, it will come out. You cant destroy whats inside. Honestly I dont know if any of this junk is true. But I wanted the doll off my property ASAP. I was tired of it coming back and hiding in weird places.'

Say what? Emily returned to Facebook a few weeks later to say the doll returned for a second time, insisting it was collected on garbage day

Hard to tell: 'Either the doll is haunted or some crazy psychopath has dug the doll out of the garbage,' she wrote in one of her posts

As for those who have messaged her to say the doll is supposed to be bilingual, Emily agreed that made sense, but the doll only spoke and sang in English when they first got her  no matter how they moved the buttons.

'Two years later she kept doing the same thing, but sometimes in Spanish,' she said. 'Recently she only spoke Spanish, regardless of the button position. Even when it was turned off.'

Emily ended up mailing the doll to her online running buddy Chris Hogan, who lives 1,500 miles away from her and offered to take the seemingly haunted toy off her hands.

'The last thing she did when I put her in the box to mail her to my friend was laugh for 30 seconds straight,' she wrote. 'She has NEVER done that before.'

She admitted that she was so paranoid that she asked him to check for the marker to make sure it's the right doll.

Precautions: Emily mailed the doll to her online friend Chris Hogan, who lives 1,500 miles away from her. He taped the doll to the brush guard on his Jeep for safekeeping

Moving on: The mom promised her newfound fans that Chris would tweet if the doll does something weird, but unless it ends up at her home again, she has washed her hands of it

Chris explained on Twitter that he was happy to have the doll move into his home because he is a 'skeptic that doesn't believe in ghosts or magic.'

'I just offered to take the doll because it makes the story funny that she mailed the doll 1,500 miles to get rid of it,' he said.

However, whether it was for Emily's benefit or his, he duct-taped the doll to the brush guard on his Jeep to ensure she stays put.

The mom promised her newfound fans that Chris would tweet if the doll does something weird, but unless it ends up at her home again, she has washed her hands of it.

'In the end, Im just a mom and a violinist and a wife and a normal person who doesnt want to be forever known as "the haunted doll lady,"' she wrote. 'I am fascinated by the unknown though and this whole experience has been pretty entertaining. But I am extremely happy the doll is not here anymore and I hope to God it stays that way.'
A recap of developments today:

The U.S. House delivered two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate.

Seven House members will prosecute the case against Trump.

Still not decided: Whether the Senate calls new witnesses.

The bulk of the trial will be broadcast on television. But the Senate can shut out public and press at certain points.

Four Democratic senators who are running for president will have to set aside some campaign activities.

The president's team expects acquittal after a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks.

Meanwhile, evidence continues to surface: Documents suggest possible surveillance of former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch before she was ousted by the Trump administration.

The House delivered two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate in a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol for only the third such trial in American history. Trump complained anew of a "hoax," even as new details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine.

The event moves the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate, where the president's team is mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal.

As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sets the rules for the trial, Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding, and senators are under pressure with the emerging new evidence to call more witnesses for testimony.

The seven-member prosecution team will be led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings.

Ahead of Wednesday's session, the House released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch.

Trump's trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and it comes against the backdrop of a politically divided nation in an election year.

McConnell faces competing pressures from his party for more witnesses, from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear testimony and conservatives mounting Trump's defense.

McConnell prefers to model Trump's trial partly on the process used for Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999. It, too, contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses.

McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices.

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chattanooga-based Tranco Global announced the launch of its own customs brokerage operation.

Brad Kemp, President of Tranco Global, said about the new service offered. "Most transportation professionals don't understand the importance of a good Customs House Broker (CHB). A CHB is like a CPA for importers. Licensed by the US Federal Government, the CHB arranges the customs clearance while calculating the appropriate duties and taxes for an import."

Kemp went on to add, "with the volatile nature of recent tariff policy, Tranco has been able to assist importers in saving hundreds of thousands of dollars through client consultation. When working with tax rules, the law is the law, however, everything from proper classification to country of origin can have a dramatic impact on the applicable duty rates."

"Originally, we used the services of a dedicated third party to provide Customs House Broker (CHB) services. Over the past 12 months we've improved our service by hiring two experienced, licensed customs brokers and a third associate that recently passed the CHB exam. We now have the knowledge and experience to provide the best solution for a customer's international logistics needs."

Tranco founder Bruce Trantham said about the expansion, "the addition of in-house customs brokerage further underscores Tranco's commitment to providing a one-stop-shop for a customer's logistics needs. By combining international transportation with our trucking and warehouse operations, few companies can provide such a comprehensive logistics solution."

Tranco Global is a sister company of Tranco Logistics. The combined companies have over 350 employees, 500 units of rolling stock, and 2 million square feet of warehouse space. Headquartered in Chattanooga Tennessee and celebrating 25 years of service, the Tranco brand was founded in 1995 by twin brothers Bruce and Byron Trantham.

For more information, visit www.trancoglobal.com or www.tranconational.com

Contact: Steve Chisum

Corporate Communications

(423) 803 - 4700

SOURCE Tranco Global

Related Links

http://www.trancoglobal.com


[January 16, 2020] Leap Secures Funding to Expand Marketplace for Grid Flexibility with Series A Led by Union Square Ventures

Leap, provider of a universal distributed energy marketplace, today announced a new capital raise totaling $8.2 million from a combination of equity and debt. The Series A funding round was led by Union Square Ventures. Leap represents Union Square's first investment in the energy sector. Silicon Valley Bank funded the debt portion of the capital raise. "The world needs more devices and applications that manage energy intelligently, and those devices and apps need Leap's API to interface with energy markets," said Nick Grossman, partner at Union Square Ventures. "USV has a long history of investing in online networks, marketplaces, and API platforms, and we believe there is a massive need and opportunity to bring these approaches to bear in the energy sector. We are proud to partner with Leap to bring programmability and flexibility to the grid." The Series A incorporates support from additional participants, including follow-on funding from existing investors Congruent Ventures, National Grid Partners, Powerhouse Ventures, Elemental Excelerator, and FJ Labs. The new funds, which bring Leap's total capital raised to approximately $11 million, will be used to enhance and expand operations in new markets and industries, and help grow the team in the United States and the Netherlands. This places Leapin a stronger position to expand the reach of its distributed energy exchange, and also offer new products and services to partners in existing markets.



"We're thrilled to have Union Square as the lead investor in our new round," said Thomas Folker, Leap's co-founder and CEO. "USV is one of the most highly regarded early-stage investors in tech, with an impressive track record of identifying how networks and marketplaces can disrupt entire industries. The electrical grid is undergoing a massive transformation to a grid run on renewable energy. USV's confidence in Leap speaks volumes to how our marketplace can accelerate this transformation by bringing untapped flexible demand from many thousands of end-customers to help balance the grid." Leap's marketplace enables cloud-connected sources of load to participate in wholesale energy markets, earning revenue by helping to balance the grid. In 2019, Leap announced a partnership with Google (News - Alert) Nest to allow its residential smart thermostat customers to contribute demand response services to the grid for the first time. Connected devices across Northern California can provide flexible power to enhance the resiliency of the grid and increase capacity to integrate additional renewable energy. Leap was also selected as one of 17 companies in the eighth cohort of clean technology-focused Elemental Excelerator.

About Leap Leap enables real-time automated trading on energy markets. Leap's marketplace for grid flexibility grants energy resources including battery energy storage, electric vehicles, and HVAC systems access to global demand response programs, wholesale markets, and real-time pricing through a single API. Leap's open, hardware-agnostic platform turns the operators of energy resources of any size and type into autonomous smart energy traders, providing revenue to participants while unlocking the benefits of a truly resilient and transactive grid. Leap is a privately held company with offices in San Francisco and the Netherlands. About Union Square Ventures Union Square Ventures is an early-stage, thesis-driven venture capital firm based in New York City, managing $1.5B across nine funds. Known for early investments in social platforms like Twitter, marketplaces like Etsy, API platforms like Twilio (News - Alert), and breakout infrastructure like Coinbase, USV invests in software-defined businesses that can reshape important markets. http://usv.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005190/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 01:50:20|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Organ donation in Germany is still only permitted with explicit consent by the donor, the German Bundestag decided on Thursday.

Minister of Health Jens Spahn had been seeking to list all Germans as organ donors if no objection is filed by them, but the draft law from the ministry failed to receive the necessary majority in the Bundestag, the federal parliament.

Prior to the vote, Spahn stressed that everyone was a potential organ recipient and therefore he wanted to reform the current practice of voluntary registration for organ donation. "It is an imposition, but one that saves human lives."

Instead of a fundamental reform, the Bundestag accepted the proposal by the Green Party. In the future, German citizens would receive information as a reminder to opt in at least every ten years and organ donors would be listed in a new online register.

According to the agreed draft, doctors in Germany should also play a greater role in providing regular information about organ donation. If necessary, doctors should inform patients about organ donations every two years.

Before the final discussion and vote by the Bundestag, Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association, stressed that Spahn's draft would "send a strong signal of social solidarity."

Spahn's suggestion for automatic registration would "make people responsible about their decision for or against organ donation," said Reinhardt. "For patients on the waiting list, this makes all the difference."

The German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO) announced earlier this week that more than 9,000 people in the country were registered and waiting to receive an organ transplant. At the same time, the number of people who had donated organs to other patients after their death fell slightly last year to 932.

In order to increase the number of citizens registering as potential organ donors, the government has been financing advertising campaigns in print, billboards and on television for years.

The latest representative survey conducted by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) found that only 36 percent of Germans had an organ donor card, although 84 percent said they were "rather positive" about becoming an organ donor.
A retired doctor who was part of the Extinction Rebellion protests at the Houses of Parliament says he has mixed feelings about not being prosecuted following his arrest.

Dr Paul Shepherd, 66, was one of the demonstrators who lay down outside Westminster Palace over the summer.

He likened his breaking of the law to smashing a window in the event of a house fire.

The former GP from Lanchester, County Durham, was detained in October for his protesting alongside hundreds of others.

Paul Shepherd likened his breaking of the law to smashing a window in the event of a house fire / Family handout/PA Wire

He was held for 30 hours because he refused to confirm his name and had no identifying documents.

Dr Shepherd had denied a public order offence and was due to stand trial on Monday but before Christmas he heard from his solicitor that the trial was being discontinued.

Extinction Rebellion London Protests: October 2019 - In pictures 1 /192 Extinction Rebellion London Protests: October 2019 - In pictures An Extinction Rebellion protester who has scaled the scaffolding surrounding Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London PA An Extinction Rebellion protester who has scaled the scaffolding surrounding Big Ben PA An Extinction Rebellion protester who has scaled the scaffolding surrounding Big Ben PA A climate activist dressed as Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures after climbing scaffolding AFP via Getty Images An Extinction Rebellion climate change activist is seen on the scaffolding of the Big Ben tower REUTERS An Extinction Rebellion climate change activist is seen on the scaffolding of the Big Ben tower REUTERS An Extinction Rebellion climate change activist is seen on the scaffolding of the Big Ben tower REUTERS Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Jeremy Selwyn Police attempt to remove a protester that is sat on top of a bamboo structure built to block the road at Oxford Circus PA Police escort protesters on Whitehall in London during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters read mock-up newspapers in Oxford Circus, London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Steve Coogan during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest in Whitehall, London PA Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Jeremy Selwyn A protesters is removed by police at Oxford Circus, London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest. PA A protesters is removed by police at Oxford Circus, London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Jeremy Selwyn British designer Vivienne Westwood, gestures with West Papua activist Benny Wenda (2nd left) and her son activist and businessman Joe Corre (right) during a protest action to highlight the exploitation of the West Papua rainforest and the continued presence of BP, outside the headquarters of BP in London AFP via Getty Images Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Nick Roberts-Moore Extinction Rebellion protests at Oxford Circus Nick Roberts-Moore Extinction Rebellion protests at Shadwell Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion at Canning Town ITV News Extinction Rebellion at Canning Town ITV News Extinction Rebellion protests at Shadwell Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion at Canning Town PA Extinction Rebellion at Canning Town PA Extinction Rebellion protests at Shadwell Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protests at Shadwell Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protests at Shadwell Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protests continue in Whitehall Nigel Howard Extinction Rebellion protests continue in Whitehall Nigel Howard XR activists in Trafalgar Square Jon Slack Demonstrators, including mothers and babies, take part in a protest organised by Extinction Rebellion, outside of the doors of the Google offices in London Reuters Extinction Rebellion on Embankment Jeremy Selwyn Co-founder of the Extinction Rebellion group, Gail Bradbrook, speaks as she kneels atop the doorway into the Department of Transport, during an Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Jeremy Selwyn A police officer tries to remove a woman after she attached herself with an adhesive to the building of Department of Transport, during an Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Trafalgar Square is cleared Jeremy Selwyn Police officers lead away a protester as they clear Trafalgar Square Nigel Howard Police order climate protesters to leave Trafalgar Square on Monday night Nigel Howard Activists protest outside of the Bank of England (L) during the eighth day of demonstrations by the climate change action group Extinction Rebellion, in London AFP via Getty Images A protester lies on the ground after she glued herself to revolving door of Baclays Bank during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in Canary Wharf, LondoN Reuters Activists hold placards as they protest outside the the Bank of England (L) and Royal Exchange, during the eighth day of demonstrations by the climate change action group Extinction Rebellion, in London AFP via Getty Images Reuters Rabbi Jeffrey Newman kneels on the street during Extinction Rebellion protest, before his arrest, in London via Reuters Protesters 'eat money' as a form of demonstration outside the BlackRock headquarters in Throgmorton Avenue in London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters sit outside the BlackRock office during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in the City of London Reuters A protester is carried away by police as others block the road in front of the Bank of England in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters chant slogans at they block the road during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration at Bank, in the City of London Reuters Protesters blocking the road outside Mansion House in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters block the road in front of the Bank of England in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters block the road in front of the Bank of England in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters block the road in front of the Bank of England in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protest PA Protesters block the road in front of the Bank of England in the City of London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protes PA Police watch protestors at a 'Disabled Rebels' demonstration organised by Extinction Rebellion outside New Scotland Yard in London Reuters "The Red Brigade" activists attend an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in London Reuters Police at the scene as Animal Rebellion activists protest at Billingsgate Fish Market in Poplar, London PA Extinction Rebellion protesters outside BBC HQ Broadcasting House Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP Police officers monitor the protesters blocking the entrance to the BBC in London, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest PA Extinction Rebellion at London City Airport Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion protest, Whitehall Nigel Howard Police carry away a climate activist at a protest action at the BBC offices AFP via Getty Images Police officers stand next to protesters as they block the entrance of the BBC Headquarters during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in London Reuters Protesters block the entrance of the BBC Headquarters during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in London Reuters Protesters hold a placard outside the BBC Headquarters during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in London Reuters Extinction Rebellion at London City Airport Jeremy Selwyn Activists stage a 'Hong Kong style' blockage of the exit from the Docklands Light Railway to City Airport, London PA Extinction Rebellion at London City Airport Jeremy Selwyn A protester, who Extinction Rebellion says is former Paralympic athlete James Brown, lies on top of a British Airways plane at London City Airpor Reuters Extinction Rebellion protesters dressed as airport marshalls block the road during a demonstration, near London City Airpor Reuters Police officers arrest an activist at London City Airport during the fourth day of demonstrations by the climate change action group Extinction Rebellion, AFP via Getty Images Extinction Rebellion at Trafalgar Square Jeremy Selwyn Police detain a man Nigel Howard Extinction Rebellion protest, Whitehall Nigel Howard A Police line guards Parliament Square Nigel Howard Police confiscate 'Hay' at Parliament Square Nigel Howard Police meet protester dressed as Kangaroos at Parliament Square Nigel Howard Extinction Rebellion protests continue here outside the Supreme Court. Nigel Howard Police start to remove two protestors locked together at Bird Cage Walk Nigel Howard Police surround protesters on top of a wooden structure on Birdcage Walk during the third day of an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminste PA Stanley Johnson, father of Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, joins protesters in Trafalgar Square PA Police attempt to separate a pair of protesters who have glued themselves to each other adjacent to the Women of World War Two memorial on Whitehall, during the third day of an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster, London PA Police arrest a protester who had been glued to others in a circle PA Britain's Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove holds an Extinction Rebellion leaflet as he walks into the back of Downing Street during a demonstration in London Reuters Police on Birdcage Walk as they attempt to remove a wooden structure during the third day of an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster, London PA Tents at the Extinction Rebellion camp on Marsham Street, Westminster, London PA Jeremy Selwyn PA Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a 'feed-in' protest Jeremy Selwyn Activists waving flags emblazoned with the Extinction Rebellion logo descend on Whitehall on Tuesday night Nigel Howard AP PA Jeremy Selwyn AP Jeremy Selwyn Lord Andrew Fraser confronts protesters Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion at Smithfield Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion at Smithfield Jeremy Selwyn Extinction Rebellion via Reuters Benedict Cumberbatch joins XR protesters in Trafalgar Square Protesters block off road opposite the Home Office Nigel Howard Protesters gather at Lambeth Bridge Nigel Howard A dancer entertains crowds in Marsham Street Nigel Howard Protesters in Horseferry Road opposite the Home Office Nigel Howard Police hold a protester during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) demonstration in Westminster PA A man wearing a gas mask stand on top of a car as other demonstrators block Trafalgar Square AP The group will occupy the road outside if they are unable to take the arrivals and departures lounge. Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn A man dressed as Santa Claus holds a banner during the Extinction Rebellion protest at Westminster Bridge in Londo Reuters Protesters with placards on Parliament Street, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster PA People distribute free food at Westminster Bridge during the Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Artists perform at Westminster Bridge during the Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Protesters climb the monuments at the Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Trafalgar Square PA A climate change activist from the group Extinction Rebellion wearing a gas mask stands on top of a car demonstrating in Trafalgar Square AFP via Getty Images Protesters set up tents in a camp during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster, London PA Protesters camped out at the back of Downing Street during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster PA A protester sits beneath a 'Love' banner during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster PA Protesters block the road during an Extinction Rebellion protest in outside the gates of Downing Street PA Protesters with placards on Westminster Bridge, during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster PA The driver of hearse, who has attached himself to the steering wheel using a bicycle lock, as his vehicle is used to block the road at the junction of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square PA Police officers detain an activist at Lambeth Bridge during the Extinction rebellion protest in London Reuters Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Activists block Lambeth Bridge during the Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Protesters who are chained to a vehicle block Victoria Street during an Extinction Rebellion protest in Westminste PA Police speak to a protester during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) demonstration in Westminster, London PA Jeremy Selwyn A police officer searches an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protester in Westminster UK Jeremy Selwyn Protesters and police on Whitehall during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest in Westminster, London UK An activist holds a flag with the extinction symbol at Lambeth Bridge during the Extinction Rebellion protest in London Reuters Police remove demonstrators who chained themselves to a trailer with a mock Trident missile John Dunne Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Police remove an Extinction Rebellion protester from Trafalgar Square in central London PA Jeremy Selwyn

He was told that the polices use of certain powers during the protest has been deemed unlawful.

The father-of-three, whose wife, Sonny, was also protesting when he was arrested, said: I had mixed feelings about it.

Its less hassle and cheaper and I dont have to worry about going down to court, but, against that, I didnt get my chance to read my statement.

He would have told the court: I think that breaking the law is justified in the current crisis, in the same way it is justified to break a window in the case of a house fire.

I will be unable to look my grandchildren in the eye if, in 20 years time when possible hurricanes, floods and sea level rises transform our world, they ask What did you do in the war on climate change?
H.R.H. Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies had seen Shen Yun in Paris and was thrilled to find it again at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy, on Jan. 10, 2020. (NTD Television)

NAPLES, ItalyH.R.H. Princess Beatrice Marie Caroline Louise Francoise of Bourbon-Two Sicilies understands the importance of history and legacy. As Grand Chancellor of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and part of the Napoleon Imperial House of France by marriage, Princess Beatrice has a special place in her heart for history and tradition.

As such, when she heard Shen Yun Performing Arts would be gracing the stage of the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy, she was thrilled to see it again after having already been acquainted with the New York-based classical Chinese dance company in Paris.

Im very happy to find it here in this wonderful place that is the San Carlo Theatre, which for me is the most beautiful theater in the world, she said during a performance on Jan 10, 2020. Here too there is a lot of history, here too there are many things that are the history of traditions and the history of a country.

Seeing Shen Yun was an uplifting experience, she explained.

Wonderful! The colors, the ease of dancing, a wonderful thing, she said.

There is a fantastic energy! she added. You can see that they want to pass on a message and this message is very important.

For the princess, it was a message of the values and traditions of a 5,000-year-old heritage that was once nearly lost. Traditional Chinese culture is a divinely inspired one, rife with values and virtues like loyalty, kindness, and integrity in its stories and histories.

The values and history of a country I think is important for young people too, the princess added. Young people need to know history and have all these things, to know them and to be able to practice them.

The messages are very important, I would say, Princess Beatrice said. The program notes that the artists themselves have taken a page from ancient China and live their lives by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

I think they believe it and want it to pass on to you, and you can see their energy, Princess Beatrice said.

Joy and Harmony

Also in the audience that night was Angioletta de Goyzueta, president of the association Friends of San Carlo Theatre.

This show is graceful, beautiful because it makes you really feel like youre flying and looking into the sky, de Goyzueta said, describing the way the Shen Yun dancers used their flowing costumes as props, sending brilliant fabrics flying and fluttering into the air.

It really is of an extraordinary beauty; very, very beautiful, de Goyzueta said.

Angioletta de Goyzueta found in Shen Yun a sense of elevation that resonated deeply.

I have to say I [relate] a lot, because what it wants to transmit is this elevation towards Heaven and towards the Cosmos, and therefore I share [this idea] a lot because I am one who love very much this discourse of the beyond, and it seems to me that this show speaks about what is not only the here and there, but the Heavens and therefore it is very much, through all these movements, brings up very close to this cosmic dimension, de Goyzueta said.

The ancient Chinese believed in harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind. Through some 20 vignettes, Shen Yun performs classical Chinese dance pieces including stories from ancient myths and legendslike that of the Creator coming to establish 5,000 years of civilizationas well as glimpses into specific dynasties and ethnicities.

This sense of harmony moved de Goyzuetas keen sense of aesthetics and spirit.

It is an extraordinary harmony, because beauty is basically harmony, and they convey this beautiful harmony, so thank you very much for bringing us this show because it was really a joy to see it and participate, de Goyzueta said, adding gratitude for the artists.

Shen Yun Performing Arts curtain call at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy, on Jan. 10, 2020. (NTD Television)

With reporting by NTD Television.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006.
By Deauwand Myers





Democracies are messy. And though they are the best show in town, the world's remaining authoritarian governments must be smiling a bit in the new year.



Impeached President Donald Trump recently saw fit to assassinate the highest-ranking Iranian military official via a drone strike over Iraq. To be sure, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, like most in Iran's military and political elite, was a ruthless tactician.



Through his proxies, Soleimani (basically an amalgam of an elite forces/intelligence general and commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) saw to the deaths of hundreds of American service members and the civilians who supported them. But because he acted under the auspices of a sovereign state, American and European powers didn't eliminate him because of the turmoil such an action would incur.



But being his usual undisciplined and uneducated self, Trump ordered the drone strike anyway, damn the fallout. Now, Iran has officially pulled out of the nuclear deal that kept its nuclear program in check, Iraq seeks the expulsion of American troops in the country, global oil prices have gone up, the whole region is on high alert, and the inevitable retaliation of the Iranian regime, most probably via proxies, will keep American installations and interests all around the world at risk of a lethal, asymmetric attack for an indeterminate amount of time.



We aren't a month into 2020 and WWIII is a distinct possibility. To be sure, the American body politic isn't the only democracy suffering from making bad electoral decisions.



Australia is reeling from deadly, widespread wildfires wracking the country for weeks now, and into the foreseeable future. Australians voted in a conservative government (the Liberal Party) that fetishizes fossil fuels and extractive industries as a whole; which in the short-term, makes economic sense, insofar as Australia hasn't had a recession in decades because of good fiscal policy and the rich natural resources it has, like coal, minerals, and precious stones.



The problem is that Australia, particularly for its population size, is one of the worst polluters on the planet, not only because of the environmental damage attendant to extractive industries, but the fossil fuels they export to neighboring countries like Korea and Japan.



Prime Minister Scott Morrison isn't a climate change denier per se, like Trump, but his government is so pro-fossil fuels, and has no serious policy to combat climate change, that's a distinction without a difference.



Wild weather, longer droughts, hotter, drier summers, more wildfires, massive hurricanes, and water shortages are all the predictable outcomes of not seriously dealing with humanity's continued addiction to burning coal, oil, and natural gas, not to mention the havoc pollution visits on the natural environment.



Now, lots of Australians are furious with the government's slow response to the fires and its lack of a cohesive green strategy. Yet, they knew that before they voted in the conservative government in the first place.



Korea has had its own period of buyer's remorse. With great fanfare, Korea elected Park Geun-hye, the daughter of the late long-term dictator President Park Chung-hee, as president in 2012.



There were lots of warning signs that she would be less democratic than her predecessors, and more inclined to an insular, monarchical style of running the government, not least of which was her pedigree. For decades following the assignation of both her parents, Park was an apologist for the brutal regime of her father.



During her tenure, Park made blacklists of artists and writers unsympathetic to her government, effectively excluding them from government grants and scholarship awards. She even had her administration write an American newspaper asking them to not criticize her policies.



Worse, she wasn't a good administrator, barely present during the Sewol disaster and allowing her cult-like friend access to classified documents and using the power of her office for graft, mainly to enrich the said friend. This bit of scandal directly led to Park's impeachment, removal, and subsequent imprisonment. Again, there were plenty of signs this kind of thing was bound to happen in her administration.



Speaking of impeachment, let's return to Trump. Conservatives, some of my friends, are just aghast at the conduct of Trump, as if Republicans and the conservative movement haven't been a white supremacist death cult for decades.



From Reagan calling African diplomats "monkeys" to then-president and anti-Semite Nixon, to Reagan talking about "states' rights" in Philadelphia, Mississippi, the site of the gruesome murders of three civil rights workers in the 1960s, to Lee Atwater, adviser to Reagan and Bush senior, admitting Republican and conservative policies were meant to hurt black people, Trump is a distillation of white racist angst with an unpolished veneer. There's nothing new here, except the presentation, and the fact that Trump is so nakedly venal and mendacious.



Elections have consequences, and voters everywhere should be mindful of this when they cast their ballots.





Deauwand Myers (deauwand@hotmail.com) holds a master's degree in English literature and literary theory, and is an English professor outside Seoul.


"This year, we are angrier than ever!"

Womens March Rome will celebrate its fourth anniversary on Saturday 18 January in Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon, from 11.00-13.00.

Organisers say they will be standing in solidarity for the promotion and protection of human rights and women's rights, stating: "For the past three years, Womens March has happened across the world. Millions of people have stood up against the hateful rise of fascism and nationalism, and have stood for the rights of those who are most vulnerable. This year, along with hundreds of other sister marches around the world, once again, we wish to bring attention to the progressive values that we hope to defend."

For full details of the event see Facebook page. Photo Il Post.
Specialists from Canada visited the crash site of the Ukraine's plane in Tehran, they plan to participate in the decryption of black boxes, Interfax reported.

The Canadian delegation includes two experts from the transportation security council.

Experts will begin to study the wreckage of the liner on Thursday.

According to Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, the Iranian authorities have not yet granted Canadians access to black boxes.

The Ukrainian Boeing crashed shortly after leaving Tehran's airport on January 8, leaving all 176 people on board killed. Later, the Iranian military said that the plane was mistakenly shot down by the country's air defense systems.
TWIN FALLS  A security guard might rely on a muscular physique, an intimidating voice or carrying a weapon to do their job well.

But one security officer at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center says his most important asset isnt his physical strength. Its his ability to talk.

That was the whole goal of law enforcement, Ben Hammer said. Learn to talk to people so nothing bad happens.

Its one of many things that differ from perceptions, hospital security guards say. The security team plays a vital, behind-the-scenes role that keeps the hospital functioning.

I dont think people understand what we really do and how often we do it, Hammer said. I respond all night long to things that people dont even know about.

Hammer has been with St. Lukes for two years, working the night shift, often making rounds in the emergency room to check on patients and staff.

We do a lot around here that is behind-the-scenes that most people just dont see, Hammer said.

Behind the Scenes This story is the first in a series by photographer Pat Sutphin looking behind the scenes at professions in the Magic Valley.

Hammer assists doctors and nurses with whatever problems they have, whether that be an unruly patient or a visitor that needs someone to talk to. When vendors come to the hospital, the security team checks their credentials to ensure they are who they say they are. If a patient needs to be moved by helicopter, security assists in delivering the patient to the helicopter and directing traffic in the process.

We respond to everything, Hammer said. Were kind of the jacks-of-all-trades around here.

If a police officer brings in someone whos been arrested, Hammer, a former Twin Falls police officer, works with the officers as liaisons between law enforcement and the hospital. With his experience, Hammer understands how the process works and is able to help assist to ensure staff, patients and officers are all taken care of appropriately.

Administrative Supervisor Diane Nelson said many of the members of the security staff have some sort of law enforcement background, but not all of them. Other members include former parole officers, Bureau of Land Management employees, Idaho Fish and Game officers and even a former fire chief.

What is great with all these diverse backgrounds is they bring in perceptions of situations and people that we as clinicians dont always have, Nelson said. When you have that many people with that many diverse backgrounds, thats what makes us so successful.

Hammer said the most important part of his job is de-escalating situations. When people are upset, it is often because they feel no one is listening or theyve had past experiences that are negatively shaping their perceptions of the current issue, he said.

By talking to people, giving them the time of day and working to understand the problem, Hammer is able to build relationships and create a rapport for the next time they come to the hospital.

Most people get upset because they just want to be heard, he said. They want someone to understand what theyre going through.

If a patient is in a state of delirium, either because of a mental health problem or addiction issues, they dont always respond to the health care staff. The security team can help calm those patients down without physical intervention.

Sometimes a patient will bond with someone and be able to communicate with them, and its not always clinical staff, said Nelson, a longtime emergency department nurse who helps oversee nurses around the hospital. Sometimes they look at us as the enemy.

Without the security team, Hammer believes it would be a lot harder for the hospital to function. His position takes a weight off of the nursing and clinical staff that they really cant handle when focusing on patient care.

We fill a very special role that I think a lot of people appreciate, he said.

Nelson said shes comfortable working with aggressive or violent people because she knows the security team is there. With their help, she is able to safely manage a person while maintaining their dignity.

It used to be that we would constantly restrain people, Nelson said. If you were acting out physically, were going to restrain you, were going to hold you down.

This physical approach often escalated problems further. With the help of the security team, Nelson has learned how engaging with these patients verbally can often resolve problems before they get to a point where physical restraint is needed for the safety of the staff and the patient.

Without security, we would have a much higher incidence of violence against health care workers, she said.

There are panic buttons for staff members throughout the hospital in case a situation requires assistance from the security team.

Hammer encourages all staff members to press the buttons if they feel uncomfortable at all during an encounter. By cultivating relationships with many of his coworkers, staff feels confident in calling Hammer when they need to.

Theres nothing worse than someone feeling unsafe and feeling uncomfortable with calling the people that can help, Hammer said.

Because of the security teams willingness to help, Nelson knows she can rely on them for any issue that arrives. When a patient came into the emergency room and quickly went downhill, security sat with the husband so the staff could focus all of their attention on the patient.

In other facilities, I wouldnt be able to ask a security team to do that, Nelson said. With these guys, we dont even have to ask. Its second nature for them to look at a situation and decide where they need to go to help us out.

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Protesters gathered in the Senate Thursday to urge Republicans to call witnesses in the impeachment trial and for Mitch McConnell to recuse himself from the proceedings.

A few hundred demonstrators flooded Hart and Russell Senate buildings the week the articles of impeachment were transferred from the House to the upper chamber.

A few individuals with different letters on their black shirts spelling out 'RECUSE' stood in a line outside of McConnell's office while others flooded his Senate office, claiming he should not be able to participate in the impeachment trial.

Other protesters flanked moderate Republicans' offices, including Utah Senator Mitt Romney, insisting they support calling witnesses in the Senate.

Demonstrators flooded Senate office buildings this week to protest Donald Trump and urge the Senate to remove him from office as the Republican majority chambers prepares for the impeachment trial, which will begin next week

This protester, Kathi Cohen, targeted moderate Republican Mitt Romney's office after the senator said he would likely vote to hear from witnesses in the trial, which would prolong the proceedings and go against most Republican's preference

Others flooded Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office, demanding he recuse himself from the trial

Some protesters wearing anti-Trump shirts were arrested by Capitol Police

Demonstrators wielded a banner in Hart Senate Office Building in protests Thursday. It read: 'TRUMP IS GUILTY'

Romney, who has publicly sparred with Donald Trump, told reporters on Capitol Hill Monday that 'barring some sort of surprise,' he plans to vote in favor of having witnesses testify in the hearing.

This means only one other Republican would have to cross the party line to foil the majority's plan to hold a speedy trial that would ultimately end in the president's acquittal.

Initially, McConnell signed on to a proposal that would dismiss impeachment right away, but McConnell, along with moderate Republican Susan Collins said they would not vote for the resolution  immediately killing any prospect of it passing.

Romney, Susan Collins and Rand Paul have all said they would likely vote to hear from witnesses, especially if they hear more compelling reasons to go that route after hearing opening arguments.

Demonstrators spent all week in the Senate side of the Capitol  some standing in the lobby holding sheets with messages like 'REMOVE TRUMP' or 'TRUMP IS GUILTY.'

Other protesters were arrested by Capitol Police while wearing black shirts that read in white lettering: 'WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED' and 'TRUMP LIES ALL THE TIME.'

The protesters targeted the Republican-controlled Senate as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a meeting with her caucus Tuesday and announced immediately following the articles of impeachment would transmitted to the upper chamber Wednesday.

The speaker held a signing ceremony Wednesday evening after she announced the seven Democrats who would act as managers in Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate.

The managers then processed the articles through the Capitol to the Senate side of the building where they were handed over Republicans.

McConnell announced Wednesday that impeachment proceedings in the Senate would commence Tuesday  the day after Congress observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Thursday afternoon the two articles  abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  were read to the 100 senators by lead impeachment manager and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff on the Senate floor.

A few hours later Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts was sworn in by Senator Chuck Grassley, who serves as the President pro tempore of the United States Senate.

Roberts, who will preside over the impeachment trial, then swore in all 100 senators.
She recently confirmed her budding romance with American billionaire Donald DJ Friese.

And Lizzie Cundy looked completely loved up as she posed with her beau, 47, while at the press night for Luzia by Cirque du Soleil in London on Wednesday.

The presenter, 51, flaunted her sensational figure in a skin-tight black dress which boasted sparkling gems down the front and long sleeves.

Loved up: Lizzie Cundy, 51, cosied up to her beau American billionaire Donald DJ Friese, 47, as they attended the press night for Luzia by Cirque du Soleil in London on Wednesday

Lizzie also rocked a pair of over-the-knee black leather boots with her dazzling gown which had a silver buckle on the side.

The beauty wore her caramel tresses down and wavy for the night out, letting her locks cascade over her shoulders.

Adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble, Lizzie donned a pretty gold bracelet and large shining ring for the event.

Her date, DJ, also dressed up for the occasion and looked dapper in a suit and black shirt which he left open at the top.

Wow: The presenter looked sensational in a black dress which had silver gems on the front

The billionaire ensured he was perfectly groomed with his hair slicked back for the night and could not stop smiling as he arrived at the venue with Lizzie.

Lizzie confirmed her blossoming romance with DJ while appearing on the Jeremy Vine show back in Decemeber.

She admitted that while she's 'having fun' with Brandi Glanville's ex she wants to 'play it cool' as 'it's early days' between the pair, following a 'tough' break-up from businessman Jeremy Gordeno, 53.

Work it: Lizzie added a pair of over the knee black leather boots to her stylish ensemble

Lizzie blushed as she was teased about her relationship by her fellow panellists - host Jeremy, journalist Angela Epstein, and Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner.

The media personality - who was first spotted with the hunk in late November - enthused: 'Well I have someone who is rather interested in me, so we'll see what happens.

When asked about whether he boasts a 'solid' physique, a shy Lizzie nodded before sharing more details about her new partner.

The This Morning star explained: 'It's early days. You have to play it cool. They are new beginnings, fresh start, it's going to be a great year... it's all fun.'

All smiles: The brunette beauty appeared to be in good spirits as she arrived at the Royal Albert Hall arm in arm with her beau

Dapper: DJ looked suave on Wednesday in a suit and black shirt which he left unbuttoned at the top

Lizzie and DJ's trip to the theatre comes after she was left terrified when she started to go blind after having filler injected into her eye sockets.

She said she opted to have the Harley Street procedure after her ex Jeremy Gordeno developed a close friendship with his former fiancee's daughter, 21.

Admitting she was ridden by fear at the side effects, the media personality told MailOnline: 'I have never been so frightened as to think I could nearly have lost my eyesight by not doing my research and just wanting to look and feel better!'

Style: Lizzie draped a black jacket over her sparkling dress as she walked to the venue with DJ

New romance: Lizzie and DJ were first seen together back in November when she went to LA

Lizzie had the procedure in a bid to get rid of her eye bags after a friend had the same procedure and looked great and she too, wanted a quick fix.

The model said that within minutes, she knew that something was awry. She said her eyes puffed up and as time went by, her vision started to go blurry.

Luckily Lizzie was able to enlist an experienced eye doctor who was able to save her sight, but she wants others to think twice before having similar procedures.

'I'd never been so frightened in my life!': Lizzie recently claimed she went BLIND after having filler injected into her eyes as she battled to look young after her lover was caught with girl, 21

Detailing her recovery, Lizzie told MailOnline: 'As soon as he put the dissolving solution in, I could see it all disappearing and literally my eyesight came slowly back within minutes.

'I am a very lucky girl and would warn others to think twice before having any filler as it actually travels and I nearly lost my eyesight!'

The TV star also admitted she feared she wouldn't be able to see her two sons, Josh and James, again.
Reuters

Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet senior conservative lawmakers on Thursday to resolve a dispute in her own party over whether to bar China's Huawei from the country's 5G network rollout, party sources said.

Merkel's conservatives are divided on whether to support a proposal by their Social Democrat junior coalition partners that, if approved, would effectively shut out the Chinese technology giant from the network.

Handelsblatt business daily was first to report on Wednesday the planned meeting between Merkel and senior conservative lawmakers.

Merkel's right-left government, under pressure from the United States to bar Huawei, wants to toughen up technical certification and scrutiny of telecoms equipment suppliers, without excluding any specific country or vendor.

Social Democrat (SPD) lawmakers last year backed an internal proposal that stipulates that vendors from countries without "constitutional supervision" must be excluded.

The SPD maintains it wants to reach a common position with Merkel's CDU/CSU conservative group, which is divided on the issue.

Conservative hawks opposed to rules favoured by the chancellor that would keep the door open to Huawei are eager to go ahead with the SPD's strict standards.

Moderates eager to avoid a showdown with Merkel suggested that the stringent security criteria should apply to the core network only.

German operators are all customers of Huawei and have warned that banning the Chinese vendor would add years of delays and billions of dollars in costs to launching 5G networks.

The United States says gear provided by Huawei, the leading telecoms equipment vendor with a global market share of 28 percent, contains "back doors" that would enable China to spy on other countries.

Shenzhen-based Huawei has denied allegations by the Trump administration, which imposed export controls on Huawei in May, hobbling its smartphone business and raising questions over whether the Chinese company can maintain its market lead.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that issues related to Huawei were not part of the economic dialogue with China and that those issues will be negotiated separately.
YOTA Summer Camp Croatia 2020

Chair of the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group, Lisa Leenders PA2LS, reports the 10th edition of Youngsters On The Air will be held in Croatia, in the city of Karlovac not far from the capital Zagreb.



HRS (Croatian Amature Radio Association) will be hosting the event, which will take place in the summer of 2020.



In this YOTA Camp we will be continuing with our train-the-trainer (TTT) program, which will be the main theme of the week. Participants will be working on the future of amateur radio and will be involved in workshops where they gain skills to start similar amateur radio youth events when they are back home. With this we are aiming to create a snowball effect, there will be more and more YOTA events all over the world. This also allows other youngsters and newcomers to enjoy amateur radio.



TTT will not be the only topic of the event, there will be time to enjoy amateur radio as well, kit-building or visiting the capital and Croatian coast line. We will be enjoying Croatia and get the opportunity to see a part of the beautiful country. Since there are many nationalities visiting the event, there will also be cultural elements within the program of the event. One of them will be the intercultural evening, where all participants bring foods and drinks from their home country.



Previous events have shown that all participants are having an unforgettable week, where many new friendships are started. To obtain a better understanding of such an event you are encouraged to have a look at the gallery and video clips from previous YOTA camps at

www.ham-yota.com



Participants

Each IARU R1 member society is invited to take part with a team, of maximum 4 persons. The final team size will be dependent on the number of total applications. A team consist of a team leader and team members. We request member societies to select motivated youngsters with an organisational and hands-on mindset. This request requires a commitment from member societies to support these youngsters when they return home after the event.



Team leader

 Age 18-30 years, since we are highly focussing on a train-the-trainer program, it is preferred to select a youth coordinator or person who is eager to organize amateur radio youth events.

A person that already attended to a previous YOTA Camp is preferable.



Team member

 Age 15-25 years

 Have not been on previous YOTA summer camps

If a member society has a valid reason to select a participant who has been to a previous YOTA event, the IARU R1 Youth WG needs to be aware of this and will make the final decision.

All participants, including team leaders, are required to take part in the entire program.



When: 8 to 15 August 2020



Location: city of Karlovac, 56km from the capital Zagreb



Fees: 25 per participant

All other costs (accommodation, food, activities) are covered.

Teams will be picked up at the airport/railway station and transported to the venue, or shall come to the venue with their own transportation.



After the event

It is expected from all participants to take after the event actively part in the TTT program of IARU R1 and that they submit their youth programs and plans. This will be shared as well on the TTT website. All participating teams are committing to write an article about the event for the magazine and/or website of their member society.



Should your member society be interested to participate, please respond by filling in the form (https://forms.gle/2KLBmT8xqF3V24Cd6) before 16th of February 2020. Remember, there is a limit of 80 participants. Make sure that you apply in time. We will announce the participating countries, including number of team members, shortly after the deadline date.



IARU Region 1 https://iaru-r1.org/
Two of Ghosns three key lawyers said they had resigned after the former Nissan chairman absconded to Lebanon.

Japanese lawyers representing Carlos Ghosn, including lead lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, have resigned following the former Nissan chiefs flight to Lebanon from Japan, where he had been fighting financial misconduct charges.

In an emailed statement on Thursday, Hironaka said everyone involved in the case at his practice had resigned. A spokeswoman at his firm declined to give a reason.

A second lawyer in Ghosns three-person legal team, Takashi Takano, also quit on Thursday, according to a member of the staff at his office.

The person who answered the phone at the office of third lawyer Hiroshi Kawatsu said she didnt know if he still represented the former automotive executive, Reuters reported.

Ghosn, who fled from Tokyo last month, told Reuters in an interview in Beirut on Wednesday that he was happy to remain in Lebanon for the rest of his life and claimed he was treated with brutality during his detention and bail in Japan. His wife Carole, who was present at the interview, said she was done with Japan.

Japan has issued international wanted notices for the couple, which means the two will live in Lebanon as fugitives and could be arrested if they leave. Japans Justice Minister Masako Mori has described Ghosns criticism of her countrys judicial system as absolutely intolerable.

Hironaka, who earlier expressed disappointment at his clients decision to abscond, had said he would quit once his client had settled his account.

Hired by Ghosn in February, the 74-year-old lawyer is known for his combative style. He has been called the Razor after winning a number of high-profile cases, including the acquittal of a senior legislator on financial misconduct charges and the exoneration of a bureaucrat jailed for four months on corruption charges fabricated by prosecutors.

Ghosn hired the new Japanese team in February after firing his first defence team led by Motonari Otsuru, an ex-prosecutor. He was represented in the US by the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Separately, the court decided on Thursday to try former Nissan executive Greg Kelly in Ghosns absence, Kyodo News reported. That effectively leaves the American at the centre of the criminal case and a proxy for Ghosns innocence or guilt in the first set of charges against him.

The two were arrested on the same day; Kelly remains in Japan to face charges that allege he helped understate Ghosns compensation by tens of millions of dollars.

It was not clear whether Nissan, which has also been charged for being involved in under-reporting Ghosns income, will be prosecuted. Japanese prosecutors have continued to push the case domestically, issuing an arrest warrant for Ghosns wife Carole earlier this month.

Ghosn, arrested in November 2018, had been free on bail as he awaited a trial that was scheduled to start this year, but made a dramatic escape last month and fled to Lebanon. He has denied all of the charges, saying they were part of a conspiracy to prevent further integration between Nissan and Renault SA.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:53:04|Editor: ZX

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HARARE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China will continue deepening bilateral relations with Zimbabwe as the two countries celebrate four decades of diplomatic relations, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun said on Thursday.

Speaking at a reception held in Harare to mark the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Guo expressed optimism that four decades of diplomatic relations between the two sides will lay the foundation for an even more brilliant future.

"The year 2020 is a milestone in the history of Zimbabwe and in our bilateral relations; as Zimbabwe celebrates its 40 years of independence, its diplomatic relationship with China will also mark its 40th anniversary. This is not a historical coincidence, but a testament to our special bond which was made official on the very same day of Zimbabwe's independence," he said.

He said both sides should continue supporting one another in order to tackle common challenges and to embrace a brighter future.

"Looking ahead, we must further upgrade our practical cooperation to boost our economic ties so that they match our high-level political trust. Today, both the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road initiative are two major platforms for us to deepen cooperation."

He said in the process of striving for national independence and safeguarding national sovereignty, China has always given firm support to Zimbabwe.

"Forty years of history of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations offer us valuable experience," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Chief Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Lovemore Mazemo expressed gratitude to the Chinese for their unwavering support to Zimbabwe's developmental needs.

He said the two sides should continue deepening political mutual trust and enhance their level of cooperation.
ECU students returned to campus for the spring semester on Jan. 13. | Photo: Cliff Hollis

ECUs cupola shines during a winter day at ECU. | Photo: Rhett Butler

Online graduate programs at East Carolina University have been recognized among the nation's best in a new ranking by U.S. News & World Report.ECU's master's programs in business, criminal justice, education and nursing received high marks in U.S. News' 2020 Best Online Programs released on Jan. 14.said Dr. B. Grant Hayes, acting provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. ECU's criminal justice graduate program placed the highest in North Carolina at 16th out of 83 schools ranked nationally. This spring, 66 online students are enrolled in the Master of Science in criminal justice program in ECU's Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. Another four students are pursuing a graduate certificate in criminal justice education.Up one spot from last year, the data show a steady improvement in ECU's national impact, said Dr. Bill Bloss, professor and department chair. Programs that are ranked higher are among the top tier doctoral granting programs in the criminal justice field, he said.Bloss said. ECU's College of Nursing online graduate programs were tied with five other schools at 17th out of 173 programs ranked, up from 27th last year. ECU had 379 students enrolled in its online master's nursing programs during the 2018-19 academic year.U.S. News also ranked ECU's online graduate programs in nursing in the top 10 in several specialty areas: fifth for nursing education (tied with three other programs); ninth for veterans; and 10th for nursing administration/leadership (tied with one other program). The specialty area rankings are based on responses to peer assessment surveys.said Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing. The College of Education's online graduate programs tied with five other schools at 42nd out of 298 programs ranked. A total of 374 students were enrolled during the 2018-19 academic year.U.S. News also recognized a specialty area - curriculum and instruction - in the ECU College of Education, ranking it 20th and tied with four other programs.said Dr. Art Rouse, acting dean of the College of Education.ECU's online Master of Business Administration program in the College of Business placed 102nd out of 285 schools ranked in the nationwide listing. This year, 752 students enrolled in ECU's MBA program. Of those, 686 are online only, 63 students are completing both online and face to face coursework, and three are taking classes on campus.said Paul Russell, director of graduate programs in the College of Business.A longtime leader in distance education in North Carolina, ECU offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs that can be found at ECU Online U.S. News assessed more than 1,600 online programs. Only accredited institutions whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated on a combination of areas including student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, peer reputation and admissions selectivity. U.S. News said its methodology was updated this year to give credit to schools that provide online help with course registration, admissions counseling and building a resume.The complete listing can be viewed at https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education
Over 10,000 Pakistani nationals are jailed in different countries, nearly half of them convicted on criminal charges, the country's foreign office said on Thursday.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan was fully aware of its responsibilities and was making effort to get the Pakistani prisoners released.

"Around half the number are convicted on criminal charges that range from an entire gamut of criminal activities, including violations of immigration law, among others," she said.

"Our embassies are consistently engaged with local governments to facilitate our prisoners," she said, adding that in the last few years, embassies held over 13,000 consular access meetings in various countries to assist Pakistani prisoners.

As a result of these efforts, in the last one year alone over 4,637 prisoners have been released, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Farooqui said Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum was on the cards and details would be shared in due course of time.

The WEF 2020 is scheduled to be held in the Swiss city of Davos from January 21 to 24.

She said Pakistan was expecting US senior official Alice Wells to visit Islamabad but refused to provide the dates.

"We expect to have discussions in foreign office and other ministries as well on various bilateral issues that are presently on agenda," she said.

She said US Afghan Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was also expected to visit to Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Officials of five countries meet in UK to demand compensation for victims families from Tehran and a thorough probe.

Five countries whose citizens died when Iran shot down an airliner in error last week said Tehran should pay compensation to families of the victims, and warned that the world is watching for its response.

Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom said on Thursday that Iran should hold a thorough, independent and transparent international investigation open to grieving nations in a statement issued after a meeting of officials in London.

The airliner was struck by a missile on January 8 shortly after it left Tehran en route to Kyiv.

Iran admitted on Saturday that it had shot down a Ukraine International Airlines plane mistakenly, after initially denying it had a role in the incident.

All 176 people aboard were killed, including 57 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens, as well as Iranians.

The five countries asked Iran to conduct the process of identifying victims with dignity and transparency while respecting the wishes of families regarding repatriation.

The eyes of the international community are on Iran today. I think that Iran has a choice, and the world is watching, Canadian foreign minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters.

The bodies of all the Ukrainians who died in the crash have been identified and will be transported back to Ukraine on January 19, the interior ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne (left) speaks during a news conference, standing next to (left to right) Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman, British MP Andrew Murrison, Ukraines Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Swedens Foreign Minister Ann Linde after a meeting of the International Coordination and Response Group for the families of the victims of the flight that crashed in Iran, at the High Commission of Canada in London [Henry Nicholls/Reuters]

The countries said they welcomed Irans engagement to date.

Most of those on Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 were Iranians or dual citizens, many of them students returning to their studies abroad or families on their way home after seeing relatives in Iran.

Many of the victims were academics, researchers and students linked to 19 Canadian universities.

The downing of the plane came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over the January 3 killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the assassination of Soleimani, which US President Donald Trump had ordered.

US allies have avoided blaming Trumps administration, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the crash victims would be alive today if tensions had not escalated in the region.

If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families. This is something that happens when you have conflict and the war. Innocents bear the brunt of it, Trudeau told Global News Television this week.
You would have to have a heart of stone not to empathise in some small way with the plight of Meghan and Harry.

They may live in gilded palaces and wear fabulous designer clothes, but on another more basic level they are just a couple of newlyweds, hopelessly in love with one another, and now, with a gorgeous baby to boot, doing their best to navigate the trials of early parenthood while dealing with the complexities of family life.

Sounds like the daily challenge facing plenty of ordinary couples, which is why it's easy to relate to on one level.

No one ever made the mistake of believing that family life, for all its many benefits, is guaranteed plain sailing.

And while most of us don't have to deal with the details of these tribulations being headline news, arguably that is the price the Sussexes pay for the aforementioned palaces and clothes. There are worse situations to find yourself in.

Where Meghan and Harry appear slightly less sympathy-worthy is in their ruthlessly modern reaction to their predicament. They have said they are stepping back from front-line royal duties and claim they want to be financially independent while maintaining many of the trappings of their privileged existence.

From now on they will only deal with a hand-picked circle of journalists and media who, presumably, will say only nice things about them.

Should we be surprised? Social media has nurtured a generation of young(ish) people who believe it is their divine right to control the narrative at all times, because they have grown so used to being their own editors.

On Instagram, they publish pictures in which they look gorgeous, while deleting the ones where they look a bit cross-eyed. They post photos of the appetising avocado toast they are having for breakfast, but no one sees the empty tube of Pringles demolished while watching 'Love Island' last night.

Holiday snaps are curated into a series of sun-dappled idylls - footprints left on golden beaches, beautifully dressed children playing happily in the sand, romantic balcony sunsets.

Of course, there are no photos of the blazing row at the airport when someone forgot the passports, or the epic tantrum at the restaurant when the tired toddler wanted chips instead of mashed potato.

This relentlessly careful curating of your personal narrative, which has become second nature for a whole generation, has transformed celebrity culture. Once upon a time, stars who wanted to plug their latest film or book had to endure the ignominy of being interviewed by an actual journalist.

These days, celebs just interview one another, and glossy magazines are forced to print whatever self-serving rubbish they spout about charity work and wellness trends in exchange for having a famous face on the cover.

It has even transformed politics - one of Boris Johnson's first moves on becoming UK prime minister was declaring a weekly self-hosted press conference, at which he would answer questions he had chosen himself.

And now it is transforming the British monarchy, one of the most conservative institutions on the planet. Meghan and Harry are not stepping back because they want less publicity, but more. With their carefully crafted website and hints of exciting upcoming ventures, they have signalled their intent to continue a life lived in the public eye. The difference this time is that they want that fame to be all on their own terms.

They envisage a future in which they can be lauded for their tireless activism and environmental campaigning, without having their carbon footprint questioned after another flight by private jet. Or where Meghan can campaign for worthy causes - just yesterday she appeared at a women's refuge in Canada - without being troubled by press tittle-tattle about making family members cry during her wedding preparations or annoying aides with demanding early morning phone calls.

Harry and Meghan want what most of us secretly want: to be surrounded by people who agree with us, who only say nice things about us, who loudly appreciate our good points and turn a blind eye to our failings.

But the thing about curating your own personal narrative is that it can only get you so far. You might be able to control what you are quoted as saying in your pre-approved media, but you can't prevent people reading those quotes and concluding that you are an awful gobshite anyway.

Similarly, you have no way of controlling wayward friends or family members who have their own view of events and are happy to share that view with the world - just yesterday it emerged that Meghan's father may take the stand in her case against a UK tabloid, a prospect which must fill her with horror.

Ironically, their bid to break from their roles has only ignited a new wave of criticism, even from previously friendly quarters. On social media, the couple could just press 'block'. In real life, it might not be so simple.
A package of proposed changes to the citys Ethics Code is moving forward, but questions remain about whether one of the changes requires voter approval.

The idea behind the proposals brought by District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino and District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia is to give those investigating ethics complaints more independence from City Council members, the mayor and city staffers.

Right now, City Council and the mayor appoint members to the citys 11-member Ethics Review Board, which looks into allegations of violations of city campaign finance rules and lobbying regulations by elected officials, members of city boards and commissions and those seeking office.

Not only are we choosing the referees, but were also, in many cases, getting to veto their balls and strikes calls, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at Wednesdays City Council Governance Committee meeting. Thats not a system that makes any sense.

On ExpressNews.com: Judge, Ethics Board dismiss allegations against San Antonio councilwoman

Trevino and Garcia want a separate nine-member committee  made up of representatives picked by organizations including the League of Women Voters, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Bar Association  to screen candidates to serve on the ethics board before council members and the mayor approve them.

But making that change could require an amendment to the city charter, City Attorney Andy Segovia said Wednesday.

The charter lays out City Councils authority to appoint members of the ethics board. State law says the charter can only be amended by voters in a charter-amendment election. Once an election is held, the city cant hold another for two years.

Nirenberg had sought changes to how the Ethics Review Board should be composed, whether it should be an autonomous body and whether the city should hire an independent ethics czar, when he named a commission to review possible changes to the charter in 2018.

But those efforts were derailed when three charter amendments backed by the firefighters union were put on the ballot in November 2018. As a result, the earliest San Antonio voters could vote to make changes to the charter again is May 2021. Two of the charter amendments on the 2018 ballot were approved.

On ExpressNews.com: Ethics panel sidestep proposal to give City Council members, businesses bidding on city contracts more time to talk

Whether the city would have to amend the charter depends on how much authority council wants to give this nine-member panel, Segovia said.

There may be some gray area there where we can implement some of this without requiring a city charter change, Segovia said.

Trevino argued that City Council members and the mayor would still retain the authority to choose Ethics Review Board members  so a charter amendment would be unnecessary.

The Governance Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to send the proposed rules package to the Ethics Review Board.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio councilman wants to double campaign contribution limits for council, mayoral races

The proposal introduced last month also calls for the city to hire an independent ethics czar to probe complaints against elected officials and political candidates, a move long sought by council members and Nirenberg.

That official would, in theory, be less beholden to council members and the city attorney.

The ethics czar would run a newly formed office to investigate potential violations of city campaign finance rules and lobbying regulations. The office would also provide ethics training for elected officials and city employees.

Right now, a compliance auditor picked by the ethics board and approved by the city auditor investigates ethics complaints, collects evidence presented to the ethics board and recommends whether to accept or reject complaints, among other duties.

Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio city government and politics. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA), held a series of Information & Registration sessions from January 49, 2020 at the various Community Help Desks.



Participants at the sessions had the distinct opportunity to engage in discussions with the Honourable Minister of VSA, Mrs. Pamela Gordon-Carty.



In her remarks, the Minister addressed the multi challenges that many families are still facing, as result of the 2017 hurricanes. As such, she made use of this platform, a community-based approach, to gather relevant information and to also engage in discussions with community members, as it pertains to how far they are with the repair of their homes and to inquire about other relevant social challenges that residents are faced with and to what extent they are coping with such.



In addition, the Minister expressed her desire to see a reduction in the unemployment total, as it pertains to particularly skill workers.



A practical approach is envisioned, as local contractors are encouraged, when and where possible, to make use of skilled persons from within their own communities when a fair opportunity is granted to them in participating in the rebuilding process.



A total of 38 potential clients and nine contractors have registered, thus, far to participate in the program. Interested persons are hereby informed to register as soon as possible, at your nearest Community Help Desk, as the registration process will be halted upcoming Friday January 17, 2020.



The social and technical assessment will then resume right after the closing of the registration process and then the actual implementation of the home repair will follow.



Collaboration with other organizations will continue being sought on various level, as is the case now with NRPB and Red Cross, in order to reach a wider cross section of the community in the quest of assisting families and individuals in the ongoing recovery process.



This home repair program is financed by the Government of St. Maarten, namely the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (VSA), and executed by the department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs.
Last September, Boris Johnson gave his cabinet an outline of his political philosophy. Unlike some of his colleagues dilations on their vision for Britain, Mr Johnsons was succinct. He was, he vouchsafed to his top team, basically a Brexity Hezza. It is turning out to be an accurate description.

The Brexity adjective is easy to understand  and it is becoming increasingly apparent how Brexity the government is. Mr Johnson believes, quite simply, that the only point to Brexit is if Britain can design its own rules and laws to suit itself and gain a global competitive advantage, and that harmonising or aligning them with the EU is counterproductive. Thus, we are headed for a more difficult, harder Brexit than seemed possible in the referendum of 2016. It will entail quite a radical and painful restructuring of the economy when, or if, it transpires. Yet it will be tempered  in places  by the kind of state intervention the EU frowns on under its state aid rules.

The Hezza bit refers to Michael Heseltine. In the 1970s to the 1990s he was, like Mr Johnson today, the darling of the party grassroots. Since then, Lord Heseltines brand of conservatism has drifted so far away from the contemporary party that he was sacked as an adviser to the government by Theresa May, and later had the Tory whip withdrawn  all over differences about Brexit.
If you're looking for a side that's not fried, you won't find one.

Another thing you won't find is alcohol, and it's unclear how a place like this can afford the high rent on State Street without at least serving beer. White said that none of the Conrad's location serve alcohol since the focus is on the food.

When Burgrito's closed, its owner didn't blame the Monroe Street reconstruction project that started the same week the restaurant opened. It closed, he said with a laugh, due to "lack of sales."

Conrad's is closer to students, which will help. White said the goal is to stay open until 3 a.m., but he's been closing at 10 p.m. because of staffing issues. He said East Lansing has had the same problem the past few years.

Meanwhile, White said Conrad's has seen a great response from students. It also found support from the community over winter break. "The foot traffic is awesome around here," he said. "It just always seems busy."

White said the owners and investors chose Madison for their new location because some of them are UW graduates.
English French

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Sugar Inc. (RSI) will be holding a conference call to discuss their 2020 first quarter results on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at 17:30 (Eastern Time).



The conference call will be chaired by Mr. John Holliday, Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Manon Lacroix, Chief Financial Officer.

If you wish to participate, please dial 1-877-223-4471 . A recording of the conference call will be accessible shortly after the conference, by dialing 1-800-585-8367, access code 1585343#. This recording will be available until February 18, 2020.

For further information

Manon Lacroix

Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Tel.: (514) 940-4350

www.lanticrogers.com
DEAR ABBY: When I was a junior in high school, I sustained a neck injury (at school) that damaged my spinal cord. I recovered mostly from that, but I have residual weakness in my right side and severe neck pain. I was able to work until, at 57, I had to go on disability. Because of that, my financial situation is difficult, increasingly so now that my wife will be retiring.

At the time of my injury, my parents didn't sue the school, although clearly the school was responsible. I was too young and certainly in no shape to address the situation.

A lawyer approached my parents at the time, and my physician stated my injuries would limit my long-term work abilities and drastically affect my life. My parents were aware that I would have limited work years, thus affecting my financial situation. I feel anger toward them because of their inaction regarding my injury and not suing the school.

I see them once or twice a week, and I'm wondering if I should bring this up to them now. They're in their mid-80s but are quite lively and take care of themselves. It consumes my thoughts each time I visit them, but I've said nothing. Do you think I should bring this up to them? -- INJURED IN TENNESSEE

DEAR INJURED: Yes, I do. You deserve to know why they were so apathetic in taking care of your welfare -- and they should be made aware of the impact it has had on your life. It may be too late to sue the school for what happened to you, but at least you will have some answers.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: I am suffering from postpartum depression while trying to reconcile with my husband, "Derek." He had several emotional affairs during my recent pregnancy, as well as after I gave birth.

His parents attacked me about the postpartum. I was hospitalized for a week because of it, but they said it was an act. Recently, his mom texted him saying he should use my mental illness as grounds to divorce me. I texted her, asking her to stop attacking me that way. She responded, calling me a devil, saying she's always hated me. Now she's turning his entire family against me, spreading vicious lies. She even accused me of trying to sleep with my father-in-law, which Derek knows is ridiculous.

I have asked Derek to address the situation, but what else can I do? I'm no longer comfortable around his parents or sending my children to be around them. I don't want Derek to be in an awkward position, but it's not fair for me to be attacked with malicious lies because of her jealousy -- especially 12 years in. Please help. -- DISRESPECTED IN ILLINOIS

DEAR DISRESPECTED: You may be suffering from postpartum, but your mother-in-law appears to have more problems than you do. I don't envy you for being her target, or your husband for having to buffer you.

It might be helpful if the two of you consult a licensed mental health provider to figure out how to deal with her, if that's possible. And Derek should waste no time letting the rest of the family know that none of what his mother is saying is true.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

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Researchers think it was one of the first animals to spend time on land

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Scientists studying fossils collected 35 years ago have identified them as the oldest-known scorpion species, a prehistoric animal from about 437 million years ago. The researchers found that the animal likely had the capacity to breathe in both ancient oceans and on land.

The discovery provides new information about how animals transitioned from living in the sea to living entirely on land: The scorpion's respiratory and circulatory systems are almost identical to those of our modern-day scorpions -- which spend their lives exclusively on land -- and operate similarly to those of a horseshoe crab, which lives mostly in the water, but which is capable of forays onto land for short periods of time.

The researchers named the new scorpion Parioscorpio venator. The genus name means "progenitor scorpion," and the species name means "hunter." They outlined their findings in a study published today in the journal Scientific Reports.

"We're looking at the oldest known scorpion -- the oldest known member of the arachnid lineage, which has been one of the most successful land-going creatures in all of Earth history," said Loren Babcock, an author of the study and a professor of earth sciences at The Ohio State University.

"And beyond that, what is of even greater significance is that we've identified a mechanism by which animals made that critical transition from a marine habitat to a terrestrial habitat. It provides a model for other kinds of animals that have made that transition including, potentially, vertebrate animals. It's a groundbreaking discovery."

The "hunter scorpion" fossils were unearthed in 1985 from a site in Wisconsin that was once a small pool at the base of an island cliff face. They had remained unstudied in a museum at the University of Wisconsin for more than 30 years when one of Babcock's doctoral students, Andrew Wendruff -- now an adjunct professor at Otterbein University in Westerville -- decided to examine the fossils in detail.

Wendruff and Babcock knew almost immediately that the fossils were scorpions. But, initially, they were not sure how close these fossils were to the roots of arachnid evolutionary history. The earliest known scorpion to that point had been found in Scotland and dated to about 434 million years ago. Scorpions, paleontologists knew, were one of the first animals to live on land full-time.

The Wisconsin fossils, the researchers ultimately determined, are between 1 million and 3 million years older than the fossil from Scotland. They figured out how old this scorpion was from other fossils in the same formation. Those fossils came from creatures that scientists think lived between 436.5 and 437.5 million years ago, during the early part of the Silurian period, the third period in the Paleozoic era.

"People often think we use carbon dating to determine the age of fossils, but that doesn't work for something this old," Wendruff said. "But we date things with ash beds -- and when we don't have volcanic ash beds, we use these microfossils and correlate the years when those creatures were on Earth. It's a little bit of comparative dating."

The Wisconsin fossils -- from a formation that contains fossils known as the Waukesha Biota -- show features typical of a scorpion, but detailed analysis showed some characteristics that were not previously known in any scorpion, such as additional body segments and a short "tail" region, all of which shed light on the ancestry of this group.

Wendruff examined the fossils under a microscope, and took detailed, high-resolution photographs of the fossils from different angles. Bits of the animal's internal organs, preserved in the rock, began to emerge. He identified the appendages, a chamber where the animal would have stored its venom, and -- most importantly -- the remains of its respiratory and circulatory systems.

This scorpion is about 2.5 centimeters long -- about the same size as many scorpions in the world today. And, Babcock said, it shows a crucial evolutionary link between the way ancient ancestors of scorpions respired under water, and the way modern-day scorpions breathe on land. Internally, the respiratory-circulatory system has a structure just like that found in today's scorpions.

"The inner workings of the respiratory-circulatory system in this animal are, shape-wise, identical to those of the arachnids and scorpions that breathe air exclusively," Babcock said. "But it also is incredibly similar to what we recognize in marine arthropods like horseshoe crabs. So, it looks like this scorpion, this lineage, must have been pre-adapted to life on land, meaning they had the morphologic capability to make that transition, even before they first stepped onto land."

Paleontologists have for years debated how animals moved from sea to land. Some fossils show walking traces in the sand that may be as old as 560 million years, but these traces may have been made in prehistoric surf -- meaning it is difficult to know whether animals were living on land or darting out from their homes in the ancient ocean.

But with these prehistoric scorpions, Wendruff said, there was little doubt that they could survive on land because of the similarities to modern-day scorpions in the respiratory and circulatory systems.

###

Contacts: Loren Babcock, babcock.5@osu.edu; 614-315-6431

Andrew Wendruff, wendruff1@otterbein.edu

Written by: Laura Arenschield, arenschield.2@osu.edu
This award shows that In Cloud Solutions are a team you can trust to deliver excellent service.

UK digital business software specialist In Cloud Solutions are celebrating after being honoured with a top award by global technology computer software giant SAP.

The company was awarded first prize at SAPs Excellence Awards for bringing in more new business than any other partner.

Managing Director Bob Atkinson, who received the award at a ceremony in Barcelona said,

I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and SAP for supporting us as we grow.

This award shows that In Cloud Solutions are a team you can trust to deliver excellent service. We only sell the solution SAP Business ByDesign https://www.incloudsolutions.co.uk/sap-business-bydesign/how-business-bydesign-can-help-you/  so this award is a big thumbs up for the product  revealing what a huge appetite there is out there for a cloud-based mid-market business solution of this calibre.

In Cloud Solutions were selected based on new customer wins in 2019 with cloud solutions in General Business.

In Cloud Solutions is a Platinum partner of SAP

Title of event: SAP EMEA North: Partner Excellence Awards.

Location of event: Barcelona

Editorial Notes:

In Cloud Solutions.

Founded in 2012 - In Cloud Solutions is a fast-growing software company based in Hare Hatch just outside Reading UK and London. Founded by Caroline Atkinson and Liz Matraves from their kitchen table, they now have over 30 employees and are UK experts in the cloud ERP business software solution SAP Business ByDesign.

ERP  Enterprise Resource Planning is business process management software that uses a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back-office functions (eg finances, CRM, HR). It is increasingly popular because it allows companies to automate regular processes in for example accounting and can be linked to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to make business more efficient.

SAP  German company SAP is the global market leader in enterprise application software, helping companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 77% of the world's transaction revenue touches an SAP system.

SAP Partners are companies in their own right that are entitled to sell SAP products as a result of being rigorously certified and monitored by SAP. Partners excellence ranges from silver to gold and platinum.
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA)  About 30 people were killed while 100 were kidnapped after gunmen on Tuesday opened fire on commuters along the Kaduna-Zaria Highway in northwest Nigeria
We recently spoke to some 500 high school students, teachers and administrators at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in the Bronx. As the senior rabbis of two major Reform synagogues with which dozens of Fieldston families are affiliated, we presented the Jewish communitys perspectives on the surge in anti-Semitic incidents in our area and throughout the country. We clarified that while we do not claim to represent all Jews, our views do fall within mainstream Jewish opinion.

We shared statistics from the New York City police and the F.B.I. about the pervasiveness of attacks against Jews. We also addressed the controversy that had erupted in the aftermath of Fieldstons November assembly, in which a guest speaker equated Israelis with Nazis and asserted that Israelis are an example of victims becoming the perpetrators. Several hours after we spoke last week, Fieldston fired a teacher who had posted tweets demonizing Zionism. Students reported that while we were speaking, the teacher flipped a middle finger at one of us.

We are deeply worried about the effect that hatred of Israel has on students. We emphasized in our remarks that for centuries, anti-Semitism emerged from both the right and the left of the political spectrum. We described what far-right anti-Semitism looks like, but, since we are liberal rabbis, we spent most of our time discussing anti-Semitism among the left. Its especially important for us to speak against hate in our own camp. We stated emphatically that criticism of Israel is not necessarily anti-Semitic. To the contrary: it is often helpful and motivated by sound principles.

But to accuse Holocaust survivors of inflicting Nazi-like violence on others, as the guest speaker at Fieldston had, is morally grotesque. It whitewashes the Nazis crimes and who they really were to accuse Jews of the very things that were done to them in an effort to defame the Jewish state.
1. Managing Speed

Financial institutions are faced with a crucial question every day: How do you deal with the faster movement of money and make sure you accurately detect financial crime without inhibiting the customer experience?

From initiating transactions to settling them, everything is happening more quickly. Throughout that process, the primary line of defense depends on using more advanced detection techniques as a way of mitigating risk so financial institutions can find that which is legitimately suspicious rather than just getting a false positive.

Let's say someone sends some money to South Korea for the first time. On the surface, that's clearly fraud. But using more advanced inference techniques, it can show that, given a particular data set, it's actually a legitimate transaction.

But there's another dimension to consider when striking that balance between security and experience. Some people are more cavalier about how they make purchases and send money, so there's also an element of empowering consumers to accept the level of risk that is commensurate with their risk profile. It's about giving them control, particularly corporate customers.

Corporate attacks are becoming more common. But a corporate customer might care about an unusual transaction that's only above a certain threshold. A small business might want an alert for an unusual $5,000 transaction, while a larger company might want to be notified only if it's above $20,000. Customer-centric monitoring, therefore, is critical.

Expect continued adoption of a risk-based approach to monitoring based on the risk profile of the person or organization.

2. Detecting Account Takeovers and Synthetic Identities

The coming year will bring a continued increase in improvised identities, whether stolen or fabricated, used to establish relationships with financial institutions.

Why? Because the nature of the digital transformation in financial services is that more personal information is accessible to criminals, whether through major data breaches or attacks on individual accounts.

Once criminals establish fraudulent relationships with financial institutions, there's a full menu of financial crime possibilities. For example, a fraudster could take out a loan and not pay it back, make a small deposit and take advantage of overdraft services, or establish a mortgage.

How do financial institutions safeguard against those attacks? The first step is using as much information as possible to try to understand identity. Financial institutions regularly access a person's sovereign information, such as a Social Security number. But the search for relevant data also can extend to self-sovereign information, which is identifying information tied to a person's digital devices.

Combining that breadth of information with a deeper commitment to data analytics and machine learning can give financial institutions a powerful defense.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 17:52:10|Editor: xuxin

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TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here Thursday that the U.S. sanctions against Iran have made the Iranian nation even "stronger," according to official IRNA news agency.

Despite "U.S. plots and pressures," it was the Iranian nation "who dared to shower missiles on one of the U.S. important military bases in the region," Rouhani said in reference to Iran's missile strike on the U.S. base in Iraq in retaliation for its senior military general assassination by the United States earlier this month.

Iran's resistance and responses to the U.S. threats have made the Americans to step back, Rouhani was quoted as saying.

"It has been proven to the world and to the Americans that their plan to exert maximum sanction pressures Iran was a miscalculation," he said, adding that they had vowed to bring the Iranians to their knees in three months.

However, their plots made the Iranians "stronger and more solid," he noted.

The U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of Iranian 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018 and imposed old and new sanctions against Tehran, seeking to press Iran for a new deal.

In response, Iran gave up all practical commitments to the deal and said it would not negotiate for a U.S.-wanted deal.
The reliance of private enterprises, business households and individuals on bank credit has brought both positive and negative effects.

Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Le Minh Hung said at a meeting between the Prime Minister and enterprises on December 23, 2019 that the banking sector has provided VND8,000 trillion to the economy, of which VND4,000 trillion, or 53 percent, had gone to enterprises.





Of this amount, only 5 percent went to state-owned enterprises, while private enterprises had 43 percent, and business households and individuals had 45.7 percent.



According to Nguyen Tri Hieu, a respected banking expert, personal loan means consumer loan. In previous years, commercial banks considered the loans to fund house purchase and repair as consumer loan, while they classified loans to real estate firms in a separate item.

The reliance of private enterprises, business households and individuals on bank credit has brought both positive and negative effects.

Since 2019, both loans have been taken into account as real estate loan. This type of loan accounts for 20 percent of total outstanding loans.

Hieu said the proportion of 53 percent of total credit provided to enterprises is reasonable.



Is 45.7 percent of capital reserved for business households and individuals is a high figure? Hieu said the figure would not be high if capital is provided to serve production and business projects, and serve individuals plans to buy or repair houses. Meanwhile, this will be high if the borrowed money is just used for consumption.



The banking expert was surprised about the news that the outstanding loans to state-owned enterprises just accounted for less than 5 percent of total outstanding loans.



5 percent is too small, while state-owned enterprises account for a large proportion of the economy. The enterprises need huge capital for production and business and they make big contribution to the state budge,t Hieu commented.



An analyst also said that the 5 percent of outstanding loans provided to state-owned enterprises is incredibly low.



He said the small proportion of 5 percent doesnt deserve an important role of the enterprises in the national economy. At present, enterprises are still the pillar of the economy.



Admitting that he cannot explain the figure, the analyst said it is necessary to reconsider the report, stressing that public investment projects, especially infrastructure, implemented by state owned enterprises, consume big capital.



In case the figure reported by SBV is accurate, according to Hieu, there are both positive and negative effects.



Regarding the positive effect, this shows significant improvement in private enterprises capability to access official credit.



However, this also shows that private enterprises and business households have been relying too heavily on bank loans.



The reliance shows many latent risks for the economy, Hieu said. The economy will suffer if enterprises and business households have problems."

M. Ha

Brokerages hope for more capital in VN stock market Vietnams stock market is expected to lure more foreign capital in 2020, according to brokerages.
Irans foreign minister has criticised the United Kingdom, France and Germany, signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal, for yielding to Donald Trump, calling the US president a high school bully".

Mohammed Javid Zarif posted on Twitter a screenshot of a Washington Post report that revealed the Trump administration had secretly threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on European cars if the three European countries (known as the E3) did not formally accuse Iran of breaking the deal.

Days later they did so, triggering the agreements dispute resolution mechanism, but European officials indicated that they had already been planning this step.

The pact, known as the JCPOA, was agreed in 2015 between Tehran and world powers including the E3. It offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear work.

Mr Trump controversially withdrew from the deal in 2018, re-imposing US sanctions as part of a maximum pressure strategy and saying he wanted a tougher deal.

Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Show all 23 1 /23 Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University - People hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises Online videos purported to show that Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University AFP correspondents said hundreds of students had gathered early in the evening to pay respects to those killed in the air disaster ISNA/AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University A protester confronts an Iranian police officer AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gathe AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians light candles for victims EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran People burn British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy, in Tehran. Hundreds of Iranian hardliners gathered for a protest against Britain, a day after the UK ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained after attending a a vigil for the victims of Ukraine passenger jet EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protestBritish embassy protest in Tehran Chanting "Death to Britain", up to 200 protesters rallied outside the mission a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran AFP via Getty Images Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protesters chant slogans while holding up posters of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. AP

Iran responded by scaling back its compliance with terms of the pact and this month announced it would ditch all limits on uranium enrichment, although maintained it wanted to keep the deal in place.

In response Britain, France and Germany triggered the accord's dispute mechanism this week. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it could be time for a "Trump deal" to replace the pact, while Paris said broad talks were needed.

Mr Zarif tweeted Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs, with a screenshot of the Washington Post article.

It won't work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully? he added.

Two European diplomats confirmed to Reuters that Washington had threatened tariffs against Europe but maintained leaders of the three European states had already decided to trigger the mechanism before that.

Another diplomat said Washington risked "discrediting the Europeans, but then Trump doesnt really care about that," adding a US threat to impose tariffs on the Europeans would send a message to Iran that only Washington mattered.

The European Union said on Thursday its top diplomat, Joseph Borrell, held "frank" talks with Mr Zarif on the side-lines of a conference in New Delhi.

Triggering the dispute mechanism could see the re-imposition of UN sanctions and sound the end of the accord.

If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead. But do not assume moral/legal ground," Mr Zarif wrote adding in block capitals  YOU DON'T HAVE IT.

Irans President Hassan Rouhani doubled down on Tehrans threat to keep enriching its uranium on Thursday saying there are no limits.

In a speech before the heads of banks, President Rouhani said the nuclear programme is in a "better situation" than it was before the nuclear agreement with world powers.

However, it has only moderately increased its nuclear activity.

In recent months it has boosted its enrichment of uranium to 4.5 per cent  higher than the 3.67 per cent limit set by the agreement but far from the 20 per cent enrichment it was engaged in before the deal. Uranium must be enriched to 90 per cent to be used in a nuclear weapon.

The three European countries have spent months trying to salvage the team but have not found a way of navigating increased US sanctions.

The nuclear row has been at the heart of a dangerous standoff between Iran and the US, which nearly spiralled into war earlier this month after Washington killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike on Baghdad.

 Effigy of UK ambassador to Iran set on fire in Tehran

While on high alert for a counter attack, Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian civilian airliner, triggering days of anti-government protests at home. Anger at the state has continued at victims' funerals.

On Thursday mourners shouted "Death to the dictator," as they buried two victims of the plane disaster in the city of Sanandaj according to videos posted online.

Agencies contributed to this report
Now is the time to start thinking about hunter education -- not next fall.

If youre planning to hunt out of state, check if you may need certification. If you have a child, friend or relative who will need a hunter education certificate in order to purchase a North Dakota hunting license in 2020, now is the time to make sure that gets taken care of.

In North Dakota, hunter education classes are taught by several hundred volunteer instructors, a great group always looking for new members (yes, that's a hint). These instructors offer most classes during the winter and into spring.

Hunter education certification is required for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1961, to buy a hunting license in North Dakota. The exceptions are landowners hunting only on their own land, youth who will not reach age 12 before the 2020 hunting seasons, and anyone 12 and older who is eligible for an apprentice hunting license for one year.

Youth younger than 12 may still hunt with their parents or other adults. There is no minimum age for hunting small game in North Dakota, but students need to reach age 11 before they can take the hunter education class.

Enrolling yourself or a youth is easy. All it takes is a trip to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov.

The website has information on when and where classes are offered. Instructors in many smaller towns will hold only one course each year, so if you or someone you know will need hunter education, check out the details now to make sure you don't miss out.

Once you've found the best fit for the class, you also can sign up online and check the status of the course.

The goal is to put safe and educated hunters into the field. No exceptions. In fact, one of the more common questions is generated by people looking for an age or occupation exemption from the law. Current and former military personnel, police officers and adults often inquire whether their status qualifies for any exemption. The answer is a no. The law is straightforward.

It's clear that North Dakota's hunter education laws are working. Mandatory hunter education classes began in 1979. Since then, more than 200,000 people have taken the course.

Another statistic that stands out is class participation. About 30% are adults, and 34% are women. Hunter education is for hunters of any and all ages.

Those who suggest they know all about gun safety through previous training or experience also will find the comprehensive course includes wildlife management concepts, biology, and the ethical and moral aspects of becoming a well-rounded hunter.

Plain and simple, hunter education is making the outdoors a safer venue for all. The thousands of safe hunters across the prairie would not want to jeopardize those statistics, and there is a degree of comfort in knowing that most hunters in the field have been through the curriculum meeting standards from the International Hunter Education Association.

Doug Leier is a biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

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An airstrike explosion is seen Syria in a file photo. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Airstrikes Reported in Northern Syria, 18 Dead: Activist Group

Airstrikes in northern Syrias Idlib Province have killed at least 18 people on Wednesday, according to an activist group.

The shelling on the area caused the civil defense center in Idlib in Bzabor village of Jabal al-Zawiyah, as it was targeted by regimes warplanes, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The group claimed that Russian warplanes carried out 51 airstrikes, and Syrian warplanes conducted at least 73 airstrikes numerous places in Idlib. And for their part, the [Syrian] regime ground forces fired 530 rocket and artillery shells on Idlib countryside, the organization wrote.

State-run media did not confirm the airstrikes but wrote that tens of civilians have exited terrorist-controlled areas in countryside Idlib and Aleppo.

The Syrian Civil Defense, or White Helmets, wrote that some 21 innocent people have lost their lives today, and 82 others have been injured, as a result of the regime and Russian strikes in Idlib, Ariha market, and other areas.

The number of dead will climb as many are critically injured, it wrote on social media.

The group added that ten airstrikes, as well as 26 Syrian regime shelling incidents, were recorded in Maarat al-Numan as well as the towns of Dadikh, Khan al-Subl, Maasaran, and Hartamiya in Idlib. The Russian air strikes have shattered two days of relative calm that gave people a small relief from daily raids, Mohamad Rashid, an activist, told Reuters on Tuesday.

The White Helmets also wrote that one of its members was among the dead.

The Russian Defense Ministry didnt respond to a request for comment.

In recent months, Syrias President Bashar al-Assad has directed his forces to attack the northwestern province, which is the last major opposition bastion in the country, with the help of Russian air support.

United Nations officials said this month the Syrian humanitarian crisis had worsened with at least 300,000 civilians on the run in Idlib, Reuters reported.

The new offensive comes as Syrian air defense systems were triggered on Tuesday following an aerial strike on a military base in Homs, Syrian state media said. According to the state-run SANA agency, Army air defenses confronted aggression on T4 airport in Homs eastern countryside.

State media added there were reports that say the aggression was perpetrated by drones and missiles and some of them were downed. State-run news outlet blamed Israel for the incident. The army air defenses immediately intercepted the hostile missiles and shot down a number of them, meanwhile, 4 missiles reached the targeted area and the damages were limited to materials, a military source said via the state news outlet.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said he looks forward to renewing China's "pauk-phaw" (fraternal) ties with Myanmar in a signed articled published Thursday on Myanmese newspapers.

Xi said it gives him great pleasure to pay a state visit to Myanmar on Friday and Saturday at the invitation of Myanmar's President U Win Myint, and he looks forward to renewing pauk-phaw ties with Myanmar and discussing the future cooperation between the two countries during the visit, according to the article titled "Writing a New Chapter in Our Millennia-Old Pauk-Phaw Friendship."

In the article, the Chinese president recalled the long history of exchanges and friendship between the two countries.

"Our relationship has been marked by mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual support. It has become a prime example of equality, win-win cooperation and common development between countries of different sizes," Xi said.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 70 years ago, China and Myanmar have further cemented political mutual trust, expanded bilateral practical cooperation and strengthened people-to-people bonds, Xi said.

"As we mark the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, it is important that we carry forward our traditional friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so that we will bring China-Myanmar relations into a new era," Xi said.

To reach the goal, Xi put forward four proposals to promote bilateral ties and cooperation in various areas.

Firstly, he proposed that the two countries draw a new blueprint for bilateral ties by strengthening strategic communication. "It is important that we continue to show strong mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests," Xi said.

"China supports Myanmar in advancing the peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue. The two sides may work together to ensure peace and stability along our border," Xi added.

The second is to bring new impetus to the two sides' mutually beneficial cooperation by deepening trade and economic exchanges.

"Efforts need to be made to promote the three pillars of the CMEC (the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor), namely the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City," Xi said.

The third is to add new substance to the "pauk-phaw" friendship by scaling up exchanges and mutual learning.

"To celebrate the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, the two sides will host a string of events to expand exchanges and cooperation on education, religion, media, movies and TV programs," Xi said.

The Chinese president also proposed that the two sides make new progress in regional peace and stability by enhancing coordination and cooperation.

"Confronted by rising unilateralism and protectionism, our two countries need to strengthen coordination and collaboration in the multilateral fora," Xi said.

"In China and Myanmar, people have similar sayings to the effect that more exchanges will bring families and friends closer together. In this 70th anniversary year, China-Myanmar relations stand at a new starting point. Let us work hand in hand to build an even closer China-Myanmar community with a shared future and write a new chapter for our millennia-old pauk-phaw friendship," he added.
[January 16, 2020] Leading Multifamily Brokerage Team Joins Marcus & Millichap's Institutional Property Advisors Division

Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), announced today that investment sales brokers Shelton Granade, Luke Wickham and Justin Basquill have joined the firm in Orlando, Florida. Previously with CBRE, these industry professionals come to IPA with an exceptional track record of client service and extensive network of investor relationships. "The addition of this outstanding team is another step forward in our growth plan for IPA throughout North America," said Jeffery Daniels, senior vice president and national director, IPA Multifamily. "Our ability to attract one of the most successful multifamily sales teams in the country is a testament to IPA's success in creating an entrepreneurial, collaborative culture focused on client service and goal attainment." Granade joins IPA as an executive managing director. Wickham and Basquill join IPA as senior managing director and first vice president, respectivly. As a team, the transaction experience of these investment specialists encompasses over $10 billion in sales, including some of the most high-profile multifamily assets in North and Central Florida.



"IPA's collaborative, data-driven approach will help us continue to deliver superior results for our clients," commented Granade. "We look forward to the opportunity to further build the IPA brand on the East Coast and fully leverage the Marcus & Millichap network and leadership team. We understand that with IPA we can grow a preeminent service platform." "The addition of Shelton, Luke, and Justin is also a great win for our clients in Central Florida," said Justin West, vice president and regional manager in Orlando. "I am very pleased to welcome the team to our Orlando office and excited about our continued growth."

About Institutional Property Advisors (IPA) With a network of senior-level investment advisors located throughout the United States and Canada, Institutional Property Advisors (IPA) is qualified to meet the needs of institutional and major private investors. IPA's combination of real estate investment and capital markets expertise, industry-leading technology, superior support services and acclaimed research offer customized solutions for the acquisition and disposition of institutional properties and portfolios. www.institutionalpropertyadvisors.com. About Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) With nearly 2,000 investment sales and financing professionals located throughout the United States and Canada, Marcus & Millichap is a leading specialist in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services. Founded in 1971, the firm closed 9,472 transactions in 2018 with a value of approximately $46.4 billion. Marcus & Millichap has perfected a powerful system for marketing properties that combines investment specialization, local market expertise, the industry's most comprehensive research, state-of-the-art technology, and relationships with the largest pool of qualified investors. To learn more, please visit: www.MarcusMillichap.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005254/en/

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Appointment

16 January 2020

BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company, has appointed Estelle Mapp director of sales and marketing for Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa, a Gemstone Collection property located in Vero Beach, Florida. Chad Olson, Benchmark's general manager at the resort, made the announcement.

Estelle Mapp brings nearly 15 years of professional hotel sales experience to her new role at Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa. She has previously served in the role of director of sales and marketing for the Tideline Ocean Resort and Spa of Palm Beach, Florida, and the Hyatt Place of Charlotte, North Carolina. Earlier Ms. Mapp was director of national accounts for Starwood Hotel and Resorts' W New Orleans, W French Quarter, Westin Riverside and Sheraton New Orleans. She most recently worked with Coldwell Banker Paradise of Vero Beach.

Ms. Mapp is a graduate of the College of Charleston, located in Charleston, South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. She resides in Vero Beach.
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A 19-year-old man was killed Wednesday night in a shooting in the Gulfton area, according to Houston police.

The shooting was reported in the 5600 block of Chimney Rock. The man was pronounced dead on the scene.
And on Wednesday, it fell to Mr. Nadler, who earned his law degree by attending evening courses while serving in the New York State Assembly, to oversee Wednesdays debate on the resolution that formally approved the impeachment managers, allowing the articles of impeachment to be sent to the Senate. Behind him sat Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Schiff and the other managers: Mr. Jeffries, Representatives Val B. Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado, Zoe Lofgren of California and Sylvia R. Garcia of Texas.

Ms. Lofgren is the sole House Democrat to have participated in the past three presidential impeachment processes, having worked as a committee aide during the proceedings against Richard M. Nixon and served on the Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of Bill Clinton. And while Ms. Demings does not have a formal background as a lawyer, she was the first woman to be police chief of Orlando, Fla., and sits on both the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, giving her a prominent perch to participate in the impeachment inquiry.

The two freshmen lawmakers named to the group, Ms. Garcia and Mr. Crow, both bring critical perspectives for the arguments to remove Mr. Trump. Ms. Garcia, one of the first two Latina women to represent Texas in Congress, was a former judge, while Mr. Crow, a former Army ranger and litigator, is considered an authority on national security matters, which are at the heart of the Democratic argument for Mr. Trumps removal.

And Mr. Schiff, a former federal prosecutor in Los Angeles who secured the conviction against the F.B.I. agent, won his seat by defeating James E. Rogan, a Republican who had served as an impeachment manager in the 1999 Clinton trial. In a quirk of history, Mr. Rogans predecessor had also worked on an impeachment inquiry, into the Watergate break-in that led to Nixons resignation.

Ms. Pelosi began conducting individual meetings with lawmakers this month to gauge their interest in the role of manager, according to a person familiar with the meetings but not authorized to discuss them publicly. She called most of the group on Tuesday to inform them of their selection, and then met with the full group privately Wednesday morning.

This is all about protecting the Constitution, Ms. Demings told reporters as she left the news conference. Ive taken four oaths in my lifetime  two as a law enforcement officer and two here  and I take them very, very seriously.
The Centre may scrap the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, which was introduced in Budget 2019, to attract foreign investment. The government has approach tax advisors for the same and may remove LTCG tax entirely or only on listed equities, The Economic Times reported.

Definition of long-term may also be amended from one to two years, with the government wanting to differentiate between a strategic investor and short-term investor, sources told the paper.

On its introduction in Budget 2019, the 10 percent LTCG tax was met with immense criticism. Scrapping it would bring Indias tax on equity investments in line with global standards, as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2019.

The development comes as collections from the tax were nowhere near the expected Rs 40,000 crore per annum expected by the government, while investor forums have pointed out that most developed markets, which compete with India for capital, do not tax LTCG, the sources added.

Many foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) also reached out to the government to consider removing the tax, and sources told ET that these FPIs would likely keep away from divestment plans due to LTCG and other tax-related issues.

Sameer Gupta, Tax Markets Leader at EY India, told the paper that even reverting to the earlier position of long-term capital gains exemption will incentivise long-term investors as they mostly stay invested for more than 12 months.

Experts have also raised the issue of disparity between the holding periods for assets such as listed equity, real estate and gold.

Notably, the Centre is scrambling to manage Rs 8.07 lakh crore fiscal deficit (till November 2019), which is 13 percent above the year target, data from the Controller General of Accounts showed.
Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion has put out calls for new 'rebels' ahead of its 'mass action' protest at Parliament next month.

The organisation's Southeast Queensland chapter issued a call-out for 'affinity groups' consisting of 'like-minded' people to participate in a demonstration during the first day of Senate sittings on February 4.

'We're disrupting the reopening of parliament with nonviolent direct action. While there will be a mass action, we encourage you to plan your own actions on this day as wellor in the days leading up to it,' the group said on Thursday.

'Don't ask your government for a liveable futuredemand it with direct action.'

Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion has put out calls for new 'rebels' ahead of its 'mass action' protest at Parliament next month. Pictured: Protesters at Sydney's climate change rally last week

Climate protester Izzy Raj-Steppings (centre) is seen during a 'Sack ScoMo!' climate change rally in Sydney. Already a seasoned protester, she is a member of Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists have been largely present in the recent wave of protests demanding action on climate change around the world.

About 30,000 people gathered in Sydney's CBD last Friday to take part in a protest against the government's lack of action on the issue amid the bushfire crisis.

The march, which began at the city's Town Hall, was organised by Extinction Rebellion and student groups.

XR demonstrations were also held in Berlin, London, South Africa and other cities around the world.

The movement, which originated in the UK in 2018, aims to 'mobilise 3.5% of the population to achieve system change,' according to its mission statement.

Although it advocates change through 'non-violent strategy and tactics', protests have resulted in mass arrests.

Last week, England's Counter Terror Police listed it as an extremist ideology, deeming it a threat to national security alongside the likes of neo-Nazi terrorism and Islamic extremism.

Activists of Extinction Rebellion sing and perform a die-in at a book store in Berlin, in December

Hundreds of activists from Extinction Rebellion stage a protest outside the Australian Embassy in London in January 10

Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters camp in tents around the Monument to the Women of World War II on Whitehall in October 2019

The listing, which has reportedly since been retracted, was included in a 12-page guide to help 'safeguard young people and adults from ideological extremism'.

What is the Extinction Rebellion? Extinction Rebellion is an environmental activist group that originated in the UK in 2018. The organisation has since spread into a global movement with branches in Australia, the US, South Africa and Germany, and other countries. The group's mission is to 'mobilise 3.5% of the population to achieve system change' through 'non-violent strategy and tactics'. Members sometimes stage protests clad in red robes and white face paint. 'Die-ins' are also a common form of protest. England's Counter Terror Police listed Extinction Rebellion as extremist ideology in January. The listing has reportedly since been retracted. Advertisement

The group subsequently defended their activism and branded the move a 'terrorism slur'.

A report produced by advocacy group Human Rights Watch this week also found Australia's national security laws may have been used to target journalists and whistleblowers, including protesters.

The report points to the government's cases against multiple whistleblowers and journalists, as well as bail conditions placed on climate change protesters, including former Greens senator Scott Ludlam.

In October, arrested protesters - including Mr Ludlam - were banned from returning to the Sydney CBD and associating with other members of Extinction Rebellion.

The bail conditions were overturned after a legal challenge.

Last month, Extinction Rebellion activists were seen on the steps of the Sydney Opera House to stage protests clad in red robes with their faces painted white.
Former Persimmon boss Jeff Fairburn will give some of his 82m bonus to charity, it has emerged

Former Persimmon boss Jeff Fairburn has set up a US-style fund to give money to charity, it has emerged.

In 2018, amid an outcry over his 82million bonus from the housebuilder, the 53-year-old pledged to give away a substantial portion of his windfall.

But Fairburn has faced questions over the promise, after the Charity Commission said nothing had been registered in his name.

Yesterday he revealed he is using a so-called donor advised fund, a type of philanthropic fund common in the US, whose activities can be kept private.

They also allow donors to claim certain tax reliefs.
Liu He, China's vice premier, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump, right, listens during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

China's other suppliers of agricultural commodities will not be impacted by the Sino-U.S. trade deal since buying will be based on market principles, Vice Premier Liu He said, according to a report from state-owned CCTV on Thursday.

Liu was speaking on Wednesday at a press briefing after signing the phase one trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement includes a pledge by China to buy an additional at least $12.5 billion worth of agricultural goods in 2020, and at least $19.5 billion more than the 2017 level of $24 billion in 2021.

Chinese companies will import U.S. agricultural goods according to consumers' need, and demand and supply in the market, Liu told the reporters, according to state-owned CCTV.

"The China market is a very important part of the international market now. It is not that like any country can export as many products (to China) as they want. Rather you need to show the competitiveness of the product," he said.

Liu's comments underscore the uncertainty that remains about the deal and how China will implement the uptick in U.S. imports after an 18-month trade dispute that caused Chinese agricultural buyers to shift their supply chains.

To reach the purchase target, China will need to increase its buying by intervening in the agricultural products market without upsetting its current trade partners, said a China-based grains trader with an international trading firm who is not allowed to speak to the media.

"The government will intervene to some extent, like asking state firms to buy or providing some quotas," but China is basically letting all nations compete and offer better-priced products, the trader said.

Under the deal, Beijing did not reduce or remove additional tariffs on U.S. farm products introduced in retaliation to U.S. tariffs.

Competition between U.S. and Brazilian soybean supplies will be a focus as there are concerns China could cancel some Brazilian imports to bolster its U.S. purchases.

China buys about 80% of Brazil's soybean exports.

U.S. soybean imports are expected to be 35 million tonnes in 2020 as it has already bought soybeans from Brazil for the year, Li Qiang, chief analyst with Shanghai-based consultancy JC Intelligence said.

China uses soybeans to crush into cooking oil and soymeal for animal feed. Demand has declined as the African swine fever disease has decimated its pig herd.

"China will probably get some tariff exemptions for pork and soybeans going forward," INTL FCStone Senior Asia Commodity Analyst Darin Friedrichs said in a note to clients. However, he believes the phase 1 agriculture purchases are difficult to achieve.

Other analysts believe China can implement the pledge. "If some U.S. products do not have an advantage in price or do not have enough output, there are many other U.S. agriculture products available that China can increase imports of, like meats, and ethanol," Li from JCI said.
[January 16, 2020] STACK INFRASTRUCTURE's Strategic Growth Continues with New Development in Silicon Valley

STACK INFRASTRUCTURE ("STACK" or the "Company"), the data center company built from the ground up to address the technology infrastructure needs of rapidly scaling enterprises and hyperscale businesses, today announced plans to expand its data center campus in Silicon Valley. STACK has deep roots and a history of market leadership in Silicon Valley, and the project has been named an Economic Development priority by both PG&E (News - Alert) and the State of California. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005154/en/ STACK INFRASTRUCTURE's Silicon Valley Data Center Campus (Photo: Business Wire) STACK's Silicon Valley development is the fourth expansion project to take place since the Company's launch in 2019. The Silicon Valley development follows several projects announced by STACK in 2019, which support the Company's commitment to building capacity in key markets to support its clients' evolving growth trajectories: October 2019: STACK announced its expansion into a new market, New Albany, Ohio, via the acquisition of a purpose-built, Tier III data center. STACK's New Albany campus includes development land that has the potential to add an additional 32MW of capacity

STACK announced its expansion into a new market, New Albany, Ohio, via the acquisition of a purpose-built, Tier III data center. STACK's New Albany campus includes development land that has the potential to add an additional 32MW of capacity September 2019: STACK announced plans for a 60+MW expansion of its Portland data center campus, currently under development

STACK announced plans for a 60+MW expansion of its Portland data center campus, currently under development June 2019: STACK announced plans for a 20+MW, multi-story data center adjacent to its existing facility in Chicago, also currently under development



STACK intends to break ground on a new building within its existing Silicon Valley data center campus. The planned 32MW, 240,000-square-foot data center will be adjacent to STACK's existing San Jose facility. As with the rest of the campus, the new building is expected to be served through PG&E's Direct Access (News - Alert) program, which enables STACK to procure energy from renewable sources on behalf of its clients, effectively reducing their energy costs. This data center addition acknowledges Silicon Valley's standing as one of the largest and most critical data center markets in the world, due to its proximity to leading technology and cloud companies. "As home to a number of the world's leading technology companies, Silicon Valley is undoubtedly one of the most compelling markets in the world for data center investment," said Brian Cox (News - Alert), Chief Executive Officer of STACK. "We consider our ability to deliver cost-efficient, renewable energy to be extremely important in this market where our clients are seeking strategic proximity. We're confident that our newest development will help our clients fulfill critical business requirements in a world-class facility."

STACK is committed to being the data center industry leader in building and delivering flexible critical infrastructure solutions that meet and support the complex requirements of enterprise and hyperscale deployments. The Company's offerings include hyperscale campuses and build-to-suit data centers ("HYPER STACK"), immediately available wholesale colocation and private data suites ("READY STACK"), and powered shell options ("POWER STACK"). For more information about STACK, please visit: www.stackinfra.com. About STACK INFRASTRUCTURE STACK is a leading data center company built from the ground up to address the full stack of its clients' critical infrastructure needs, today and into the future. The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of wholesale colocation, build-to-suit, and powered shell solutions in seven markets: Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Ashburn, Virginia; New Albany, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; and Silicon Valley, California. With unparalleled existing and flexible expansion capacity in the leading availability zones, STACK provides the scale and geographic reach that rapidly growing enterprises and hyperscale companies need. For more information, please visit www.stackinfra.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005154/en/

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On Feb. 8, during Black History Month, the Lucas Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will present two South LA screenings: a matinee of The Wiz, and a screening of Spike Lees Do the Right Thing. The Lee film will be followed by a conversation with Jacqueline Stewart, the University of Chicago professor and recently appointed host of Turner Classic Movies Silent Sunday Nights" series. Lucas Museum film curator Ryan Linkof will moderate.
Photo: University Hair Care/Yelp

Looking to try the best hair salons in town?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable hair salons in Berkeley, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fulfill your urges.

1. Pro Beauty Salon

Photo: kanak g./Yelp

Topping the list is Pro Beauty Salon. Located at 2195 Bancroft Way (between Shattuck Avenue and Fulton Street.), the hair salon and waxing spot is the highest-rated affordable business of its kind in Berkeley, boasting four stars out of 106 reviews on Yelp.

We looked there to learn more about Pro Beauty Salon.

"Founded by Berkeley entrepreneur Ben Yu, who always wanted a better haircutting experience," per the history section of its Yelp profile. "He decided to create an environment that is fun, efficient, clean and gives the customer an amazing hair cut. After 7 years under development, Zip Clips opened in May 2014."

Concerning signature items, "Specializes in cutting hair!" it notes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties. "Our innovative system and high tech environment to cut, clean and efficiently manage a unique customer experience!"

2. Vika Beauty Salon

Photo: tessa s./Yelp

Vika Beauty Salon, located at 2442 Sacramento St. (between Channing and Dwight ways), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable hair salon 4.5 stars out of 201 reviews.

The site has lots more information on Vika Beauty Salon.

"Virginia Perez established Vika in 2008, after a number of years as a stylist in Berkeley salons," the business notes in the history section of its Yelp profile.

Concerning signature items, "Vika Beauty Salon provides state of the art hair styling, coloring, cuts and all types of hair care," it notes on Yelp in the section about specialties.

3. Lhasa Hair Salon

Photo: jo w./Yelp

Over in Downtown Berkeley, check out Lhasa Hair Salon, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 148 reviews on Yelp. Stop by the hair salon by heading over to 2035 University Ave. (between Milvia Street and Shattuck Avenue).

Story continues

Yelper Fhjcg N., who reviewed Lhasa Hair Salon on Dec. 10 wrote, "I've been here four or more times. It's my go-to. I'm mostly satisfied with their work. Their place is clean, they are nice and skilled."

Yelper Pearly T. wrote, "Went to Lhasa Hair Salon for the first time yesterday and had a great experience."

4. University Hair Care

Photo: university hair care/Yelp

And then there's University Hair Care, a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 96 reviews. Stop by 1444 University Ave. (between Sacramento and Acton streets) to hit up the next time you're looking to achieve a cut on a budget.

We turned there for an overview of University Hair Care.

"Beauty salon, We do colors, highlights and haircuts for men, women and children," per the history section of the business's Yelp profile.

Interested so far?

"We are a full-service salon located in Berkeley for almost 20 years, specializing in haircuts and hair colors," the business explains in the bio section of its Yelp profile.

Regarding signature items, "At University Hair Care, we offer an array of hairstyling services for men, women, and children," it writes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:20:14|Editor: zh

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Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2020 shows Bryde's whales in waters off Weizhou Island in Beibu Gulf, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Researchers have captured underwater video of Bryde's whales for the first time in south China's Beibu Gulf. Chen Mo, associate researcher of Guangxi Academy of Sciences and a member of the research team, said on Wednesday that the video is of great significance to the comprehensive understanding of the marine mammal's living habits, especially the study of its behavior. Bryde's whale, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical waters, is regarded as a very mysterious species of cetaceans, with a body length of 10 to 12 meters and a weight of up to 15 tonnes. (Photo by Xie Weiliang/Xinhua)
In a first, 50 divyang school students from across the country will attend Prime Minister Narendra Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha programme on January 20, officials said on Thursday. During the session, which will be held at Talkatora Stadium in the national capital, Modi will interact with students and teachers on beating exam stress. This will be the third edition of the programme.

For the first time, there will be 50 divyang students from different parts of the country who will attend the programme and get a chance to interact with the Prime Minister, said RC Meena, Joint Secretary, HRD Ministry.

The specially-abled children have been selected through a painting competition on the theme of dealing with exam stress. The best paintings will also be displayed at the venue, he added.

A total of 2,000 students and teachers will attend the programme, out of which 1,050 students have been selected through an essay competition. The students who will get to ask questions to the prime minister have been shortlisted on the basis of essays submitted by them on five subjects -- Gratitude is Great, Your Future Depends on Your Aspirations, Examining Exams, Our Duties, Your Take and Balance is Beneficial, Meena said.

Last year, we had received around 1.4 lakh entries from students and this time we have received around 2.6 lakh entries, he added.

Modi took 10 questions in the 2018 edition and 16 in last years session.

This years programme was earlier slated to be held on January 16 but was rescheduled due to festivals across the country.
Pakistan merged large swathes of the restive Pashtun homeland into northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province nearly 18 months ago. The move aimed to grant millions of inhabitants rights and development after military operations restored peace in a region partly controlled by the Taliban and Al-Qaeda for more than a decade.

But few are happy with the pace of reforms in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), which once served as a main theater for the global war on terrorism. Amid crackdowns on dissent, the impoverished region is caught in limbo waiting for its former draconian governance regime to be replaced.

People are really disappointed, Ghulam Qadir Khan Daur, an author and former bureaucrat, told RFE/RLs Gandhara website. They want to know whether we are still governed by the old system because they do not see the new [governance] system working.

The previous system kept FATAs seven districts under British colonial law, which denied an estimated 6 million residents basic human rights enshrined in the constitution. The arrangement also gave bureaucrats unaccountable powers to implement collective punishment of entire clans for the crimes of an individual or anything happening in their territories.

Faced with unprecedented protests by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a civil rights movement originating in FATA, and in an effort to preserve what it viewed as security gains, Pakistans powerful military pushed to merge FATA into the adjacent province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May 2018. The amendment sanctioning the move was adopted during the last week of the five-year term of the government and popularly elected National Assembly, or lower house of the parliament.

Former lawmaker Afrasiab Khattak argues that move has resulted in lackluster administrative, judicial, security, and economic reforms because they lacked any real ownership. It was largely conceived as an administrative move with no clear ownership and roadmap for implementing the reforms, he noted.

Daur agrees, saying that while the merger had far-reaching national and regional ramifications, its implementation is far from ideal.

Everything is being implemented at a snails pace, he said. Establishing courts and a judicial system is moving slowly. Incorporating the local Levies into the police is also sluggish.

Currently, most criminal and civil courts for the seven districts are established in their respective bordering districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prosecution is preliminary or non-existent. The inclusion of an estimated 30,000 Levies and Khasadars, tribal police, into the regular police force is an uphill task. Members of the former are protesting for wages and benefits on par with the police in the rest of the country. They lack training and infrastructure to undertake policing, which is still performed by the army and paramilitary troops in large parts of FATA.

A cursory look at government spending reveals the regions difficulties. In 2018, Islamabad promised to spend nearly $10 billion on development schemes over a decade. But lawmakers say less than 10 percent of the $540 million Islamabad earmarked for former FATAs development was spent during the fiscal year of 2019-20.

The facts on the ground suggest nothing has happened there, lawmaker Mufti Abdul Shakoor told Radio Mashaal. There is no monitoring [of spending], and we lawmakers have no role. You wont see a school or college built in FATA.

Shakoors Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (JUI), an Islamist political party, opposed FATAs merger into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. JUI, some independent candidates, and other opposition groups protested alleged rigging in Julys provincial parliamentary election that gave FATA 21 seats in the 146-member regional assembly.

But such political attempts failed. Frequent protests across FATA speak to public disappointment. In Miran Shah, the administrative headquarters of North Waziristan tribal district, hundreds of shop owners have protested for over a month demanding compensation for properties that were demolished in Zarb-e Azab.

The last large-scale military operation in FATA aimed to push out the Taliban and allied militants. But it displaced more than 1 million civilians and obliterated Miran Shah and Mir Ali, the regions two major towns. Across FATA, tens of thousands of civilians were killed and millions displaced by terrorist attacks and military hostilities since 2003.

But Pakistani officials mostly see foreign conspiracy in protests across the region, which arches along its western border with Afghanistan. Since 2017, Islamabad has fenced its nearly 2,500-kilometer border with Afghanistan. The 19th-century Durand Line splits dozens of Pashtun tribes into the two countries. Successive Afghan governments have not recognized the Durand Line as an international border.

We have to work with the people to thwart conspiracies of external elements, Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly said this week. It is essential the people of the merged areas be taken onboard regarding development projects and efforts being made to solve their problems.

Iqbal Afridi, a lawmaker of Khans ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf Party (PTI), says their 17-month-old administration has spent considerable time on the merger.

You need time to ensure a development scheme is feasible, he told Radio Mashaal. Our current funds will fall short, and we will be able to deliver within the remaining six months of the year, he added, citing bureaucratic processes and leadership visits as proof of their commitment.

But Mohsin Dawar, a PTM lawmaker who represents North Waziristan in the National Assembly, sees the byzantine power struggle between the civil and military bureaucracy as the main challenge.

The civil bureaucracy used to enjoy enormous powers in the region, which prompts them to prevent the new system from becoming operational, he said. Under the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR), the previous governance regime, a civilian bureaucrat called the political agent served as a de-facto ruler with administrative, judicial, and fiscal powers.

The military, on the other hand, has a huge presence in the area and is also involved in the development and local economy, he said. The Frontier Works Organization, a military engineering organization, leads development and infrastructure projects and holds mining leases.

Dawar says such military stakes make the anemic civilian administration in Islamabad cautious. The civilian government doesnt want to take any steps without the express approval of the military, he said.

Since its emergence in February 2018, the PTM has campaigned for an end to illegal killings, forced disappearances, and harassment by security forces. But its criticism of the militarys conduct in FATA and other Pashtun regions has attracted harsh rebuttals. Dawar spent nearly four months in prison last year after security forces killed PTM protesters near a check post in North Waziristan.

Islamabad, however, rejects such criticism. After assuming office in August 2018, Pakistans civilian government has maintained it is on the same page as the military. Top military leaders have consistently claimed to have cleared FATA of terrorists and to be committed to stabilizing the region.

The brave tribes of [former] FATA have achieved peace and stability after a lot of hardships and sacrifices, military spokesman Asif Ghafoor said in April 2018. Restoration of normal life after kinetic operation is part of the clear-hold-build-transfer strategy.

Elizabeth Threlkeld, deputy director for South Asia at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, also says FATAs integration is slow. However, she argues that successful implementation will require long-term government focus and coordination between civilian agencies and the military.

Without continued top-down and bottom-up pressure from the center and from grassroots supporters in former FATA, implementation is likely to remain slow despite high local expectations, she noted.

Threlkeld, a former U.S. diplomat, observed FATA closely while posted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas capital, Peshawar, in the years leading up to its merger. She says incomplete integration could trigger renewed instability at a time when the United States is eyeing an exit from neighboring Afghanistan based on a possible deal with the Taliban.

Any increase in conflict around a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is likely to put additional pressure on Pakistan's newly merged districts, she noted. Were we to see a new influx of refugees from Afghanistan, for example, the governance challenge in former FATA would be enormous at a time when political and judicial systems are already in flux, risking the spread of destabilizing insecurity.

The seeds of such instability, however, abound in former FATA. Military operations from 2008 to 2014 decimated the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Its remnants, splinters, and allies still threaten the region. Their presence is manifested in periodic attacks, targeted assassinations, and night letters. In some cases, pro-government militant factions have transformed into surrendered Taliban or peace committees.

A new war in Afghanistan or major governance failures in former FATA will likely open new avenues for battle-hardened insurgents.

Years of suffering, however, have transformed FATA. A large PTM gathering in Bannu, a city in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that borders North Waziristan, on January 12 underscored its strong appeal because of its campaigning for grievances rooted in former FATAs past conflicts.

A major letdown in integrating FATA through reforms and development appears to be fueling new grievances.
www.greenwichlibrary.org

Greenwich native Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker, will discuss his new book, Antisocial, with Greenwich Time editor Tom Mellana, in Greenwich Librarys Flinn Gallery on Friday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Antisocial reveals how the boundaries between technology, media and politics have been erased, resulting in a deeply broken informational landscape. Marantz shows how alienated young people are led down the rabbit hole of online radicalization and how fringe ideas spread.
Love Island's Iain Stirling thinks contestant Connor Durman's reaction to partner Sophie Piper getting excited over new boys was an example of 'toxic masculinity'.

The show's voice over, 31, told Capital Breakfast host Roman Kemp that Connor was talking to Sophie 'through gritted veneers' and said that it isn't a nice trait to have.

Iain also admitted during the chat on Thursday that it is 'really lovely' working with his long-term girlfriend Laura Whitmore, 34, who is the new host of the programme.

Opinion: Love Island's Iain Stirling thinks contestant Connor Durman's reaction to partner Sophie Piper getting excited over new boys was an example of 'toxic masculinity'

When quizzed on Connor's behaviour, which caught the attention of viewers who compared him to You villain Joe Goldberg, Iain said 'gets upset very quickly'.

Iain said: 'He was talking to Sophie last night through gritted veneers. I think theres a little bit of sort-of toxic masculinity going on there a bit, man, its not a nice trait...

'And its a trait that a lot of men demonstrate and its a thing that a lot of men need to work on.'

Love Island fans jokingly compared Connor to Joe Goldberg as he branded Sophie 'disrespectful' during Wednesday's episode.

Fuming: The show's voice over, 31, told Capital Breakfast host Roman Kemp that Connor was talking to Sophie 'through gritted veneers' and said that it isn't a nice trait to have

Sweet! Iain also admitted during the chat on Thursday that it is 'really lovely' working with his long-term girlfriend Laura Whitmore, 34, who is the new host of the programme

Sophie, 21, cheered as she heard hunky new bombshells Connagh and Finley were joining the villa - with seething coffee bean salesman Connor, 25, branding her actions 'muggy'.

However fans took to Twitter to claim Connor was being 'controlling' and exhibited 'control freak psycho vibes' after the pair's spat - which came one day after they enjoyed a steamy kiss in bed.

In contrast, Iain admitted that he is 'loving' watching Nas Majeed in the villa, as he joked: 'He makes my 16-year-old self feel good about my inability to talk to women.'

Not happy: When quizzed on Connor's behaviour, which caught the attention of viewers who compared him to You villain Joe Goldberg, Iain said 'gets upset very quickly'

Iain said: 'He was talking to Sophie last night through gritted veneers. I think theres a little bit of sort-of toxic masculinity going on there a bit, man, its not a nice trait...'

'It was! He was trying to be flirtatious and his interpretation of flirtatious is to laugh like a maniac and touch someones arm every three seconds.'

Iain also touched on working with girlfriend Laura, who was drafted in to present the first winter edition of the show following Caroline Flack's decision to step down.

He said: 'Its very lovely. She is currently in London at the minute and Im in South Africa but shell be coming back out at some point no doubt and Im looking forward to it. I miss her.'

Iain added that Laura has been doing a 'fantastic' job so far.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: When Captain Tania Shergill led all-men contingents during the majestic Army Day parade on Wednesday, the woman officer knew she was blazing a new trail in the armed forces.

Twenty-six-year-old Gill of the Corps of Signals, the fourth generation to serve the Army, became the first woman Parade Adjutant in the history of the Army Day function.

Wearing a khaki uniform and holding a ceremonial sword, when she marched down in front of an august audience at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, she literally stood tall.

"It was a feeling of great pride, a sense of accomplishment and worthiness, and pure blessing," an ecstatic Gill told PTI after the grand event.

A graduate of the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, she comes from a family where "Army tales and anecdotes" were part of dinner table talks and morning walks and joining the armed forces came "very naturally" to her.

"I had applied while I was in the final year of my engineering course and later got selected. After my training at OTA, I got commissioned into the Corps of Signals in 2017. When the selection was on for the Parade Adjutant, I knew that if I would get selected, I would be the first woman to do that job in the parade's history," she said.

Hoshiarpur-born Gill, who holds a B.Tech. in electronics and telecommunications from Nagpur University, said her great-grandfather had taken part in World War I.

"He (great-grandfather) was part of the Sikh Regiment. My maternal grandfather also belonged to the same regiment, while my paternal grandfather belonged to the 14th Armoured Regiment (Scinde Horse) and my father served in the artillery regiment. Army life runs in the family," a proud Gill said.

The Punjab-born did her schooling in multiple cities and counts photography, travelling and music among her hobbies.

The Army showcased its military might and some of its state-of-the-art assets during the majestic parade, with artillery gun systems Dhanush and K9-Vajra taking part in it for the first time, officials said.

The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Lt Gen K M Cariappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.

Capt Gill led all-men contingents during the parade, drawing praise from senior officers and loud cheers from the audience, which included members of the diplomatic corps.

Battle scenes, from aerial manoeuvres to infantry attacks were simulated during the function with the three services chiefs and the Chief of the Defence Staff in attendance.

"These 'battle inoculations', as we call it, fill us with a great sense of thrill and pumps up energy," she said.

Last year, woman officer Bhavana Kasturi, then a lieutenant, had for the first time led an all-male Army Service Corps (ASC) contingent during the Republic Day parade.

Asked what message she had to give to young women who are chasing their dreams, Gill said, "When we don the uniform, we are just officers, gender is immaterial, all that matters is merit."

"And girls and women chasing their dreams should just believe in themselves. It doesn't matter if some people think they are any less than boys and men. I would tell them just focus on your goals and pursue the goals with passion," she said.
NASA photo of the eruption of Klyuchevsky volcano on 30 September, 1994, the volcano's largest explosion in 40 years. The large

Background:

Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. Kliuchevskoi rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred at Kliuchevskoi during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.

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Source: Klyuchevsky information by the GVP (Smithsonian Institution)
Mathematics and science Braille textbooks are expensive and require an enormous effort to produce -- until now. A team of researchers has developed a method for easily creating textbooks in Braille, with an initial focus on math textbooks. The new process is made possible by a new authoring system which serves as a "universal translator" for textbook formats, combined with enhancements to the standard method for putting mathematics in a Web page. Basing the new work on established systems will ensure that the production of Braille textbooks will become easy, inexpensive, and widespread.

"This project is about equity and equal access to knowledge," said Martha Siegel, a Professor Emerita from Towson University in Maryland. Siegel met a blind student who needed a statistics textbook for a required course. The book was ordered but took six months (and several thousand dollars) to prepare, causing the student significant delay in her studies. Siegel and Al Maneki, a retired NSA mathematician who serves as senior STEM advisor to the National Federation of the Blind and who is blind himself, decided to do something about it.

"Given the amazing technology available today, we thought it would be easy to piece together existing tools into an automated process," said Alexei Kolesnikov. Kolesnikov, a colleague of Siegel at Towson University, was recruited to the project in the Summer of 2018. Automating the process is the key, because currently Braille books are created by skilled people retyping from the printed version, which involves considerable time and cost. Converting the words is easy: Braille is just another alphabet. The hard part is conveying the structure of the book in a non-visual way, converting the mathematics formulas, and converting the graphs and diagrams.

The collaboration which solved the problem was formed in January, 2019, with the help of the American Institute of Mathematics, through its connections in the math research and math education communities.

"Mathematics teachers who have worked with visually impaired students understand the unique challenges they face," said Henry Warchall, Senior Adviser in the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation, which funds the American Institute of Mathematics. "By developing an automated way to create Braille mathematics textbooks, this project is making mathematics significantly more accessible, advancing NSF's goal of broadening participation in the nation's scientific enterprise."

There are three main problems to solve when producing a Braille version of a textbook. First is the overall structure. A typical textbook uses visual clues to indicate chapters, sections, captions, and other landmarks. In Braille all the letters are the same size and shape, so these structural elements are described with special symbols. The other key issues are accurately conveying complicated mathematics formulas, and providing a non-visual way to represent graphs and diagrams.

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The first problem was solved by a system developed by team member Rob Beezer, a math professor at the University of Puget Sound in Washington. Beezer sees this work as a natural extension of a dream he has been pursuing for several years. "We have been developing a system for writing textbooks which automatically produces print versions as well as online, EPUB, Jupyter, and other formats. Our mantra is Write once, read anywhere." Beezer added Braille as an output format in his system, which is called PreTeXt. Approximately 100 books have been written in PreTeXt, all of which can now be converted to Braille.

Math formulas are represented using the Nemeth Braille Code, initially developed by the blind mathematician Abraham Nemeth in the 1950s. The Nemeth Braille in this project is produced by MathJax, a standard package for displaying math formulas on web pages. Team member Volker Sorge, of the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, noted, "We have made great progress in having MathJax produce accessible math content on the Web, so the conversion to Braille was a natural extension of that work." Sorge is a member of the MathJax consortium and the sole developer of Speech Rule Engine, the system that is at the core of the Nemeth translation and provides accessibility features in MathJax and other online tools.

"Some people have the mistaken notion that online versions and screen readers eliminate the need for Braille," commented project co-leader Al Maneki. Sighted learners need to spend time staring at formulas, looking back and forth and comparing different parts. In the same way, a Braille formula enables a person to touch and compare various pieces. Having the computer pronounce a formula for you is not adequate for a blind reader, any more than it would be adequate for a sighted reader.

It will be particularly useful for visually impaired students to have simultaneous access to both the printed Braille and an online version.

Graphs and diagrams remain a unique challenge for representing non-visually. Many of the usual tools of presenting information using color or thickness of a line, shading, etc., are not available in tactile graphics. The tips of our fingers have a much lower resolution than our eyes, so the size of the image has to be bigger (yet still fit on the page). The labels that are included in the picture have to be translated to Braille, and placed so that they do not interfere with the drawn lines. Diagrams that show three-dimensional shapes are particularly hard to "read" in a tactile format. Ongoing work will automate the process of converting images to tactile graphics.

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This work is part of a growing effort to create high-quality free textbooks. Many of the textbooks authored with PreTeXt are available at no cost in highly interactive online versions, in addition to traditional PDF and printed versions. Having Braille as an additional format, produced automatically, will make these inexpensive textbooks also available to blind students.

The group has begun discussions with professional organizations to incorporate Braille output into the production system for their publications.

Details of this work will be announced during three talks on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the conference Joint Mathematics Meetings in Denver, Colorado.

Further information:

The structural components are handled by the PreTeXt authoring system. Rob Beezer, a math professor at the University of Puget Sound in Washington, is the inventor of PreTeXt and also developed the enhancements to PreTeXt which were required for this project.

The Braille math formulas are handled by MathJax, a system originally designed for displaying math formulas on a web page. Volker Sorge, a Reader in Scientific Document Analysis in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham in the UK, is the lead developer for adding accessibility features to MathJax, including the recent enhancements for producing Nemeth Braille.

The production of tactile images is the most difficult problem faced in producing Braille textbooks. Akexei Kolesnikov, a math professor at Towson University in Maryland, is the lead developer for the image processing in this project. Ongoing work, including a workshop at the American Institute of Mathematics in August, 2020, will create new ways for describing images with the goal of automating the production of non-visual representations.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday announced he would take paternity leave, as he aims to become a role model for the country's working fathers.

Koizumi, son of charismatic former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi and seen as a future leader himself, said he would take about two weeks of leave over three months following the birth of his first child this month.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been trying to encourage more men to take paternity leave, and for businesses to allow a better work-life balance, as part of his "Womenomics" programme of bolstering women's employment.

But change has been slow. Some other lawmakers initially criticised Koizumi's interest in taking parental leave, saying he should prioritise his duty to the public.

Koizumi said he decided to set an example for other men, but had struggled as he weighed his responsibilities as a minister against those of a father.

"Data shows that 80 percent of men, upon joining the work force, say they'd like to take paternity leave, but only 6 percent of them actually go through with it," he said in a speech, which was also posted on his website.

"I now understand the reason for this gap... So many other men are facing this same conflict, of wanting to take leave but being unable to do so."

Japan's parental leave policies are among the world's most generous, providing men and women with partially paid leave of up to a year, or longer if there is no public child care. Policies are even more accommodating for government workers.

But just 6 percent of eligible fathers take child care leave, and most of them for less than a week, according to government data.

That is double the 3 percent rate of a few years ago, but far short of the 13 percent target set by the government for 2020.

"At a time when they're calling for work-life balance, his taking childcare leave is a way of raising awareness. I think he can be given credit for that," said Tomoaki Iwai, a political science professor at Nihon University.

Story continues

The telegenic Koizumi, popularly referred to as Shinjiro to distinguish him from his father, was appointed to the high-profile post in September. This was shortly after grabbing headlines with news that he was marrying Christel Takigawa, a French-Japanese television personality.

He has said Japan should eventually get rid of nuclear reactors, but he has also called for a low-carbon future, although he has yet to propose specific policies on how Japan should wean itself from its dependency on coal.

(Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Additional reporting by Ami Miyazaki; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, was drafting trial rules that would not guarantee a vote to do so, rankling some conservatives but potentially sparing moderates a politically risky move. And in another bow to centrists who have insisted on it, Mr. McConnell was planning to allow votes on whether to call witnesses after opening arguments from both sides and questions by senators.

Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said Thursday that she would be inclined to vote in favor of new testimony at that point.

While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful, she said in a statement. It is likely that I would support a motion to call witnesses at that point in the trial, just as I did in 1999.

The issue will be hotly debated when the trial resumes Tuesday, and the Senate is scheduled to vote on the rules for the proceeding.

Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, said he would immediately call for a vote to subpoena witnesses and documents that could provide new information about Mr. Trumps actions. Democrats have said the new evidence from Mr. Parnas proves that the Senate should press for documents that the administration refused to provide during the House investigation.

The evidence provided by Mr. Parnas adds significant detail to the public record about how the pressure campaign played out and new political peril for Mr. Trump as his lawyers seek to exonerate him. On Wednesday, Mr. Parnas told The New York Times that he believed the president knew about the efforts to dig up dirt on his political rivals.

Representative Val B. Demings, Democrat of Florida and one of the seven impeachment managers, tweeted Thursday that the assertions by Mr. Parnas confirmed that Mr. Giuliani and others were working on the presidents orders.
IMAGE: Mediapersons near the the newly constructed residential house of J-K police officer Davinder Singh at Indra Nagar in Srinagar, on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Union home ministry has asked the National Investigation Agency to initiate the process of probing the case of suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police deputy superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two terrorists to Jammu last weekend, officials said on Thursday.

The formal notification of handing over the case to the NIA is expected to be issued by the ministry soon, an official privy to the development said.

Necessary formalities are being completed in Jammu as well as in Delhi before the probe agency takes over the case.

The NIA has been credited with breaking the nexus between stone pelters and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Some NIA members, posted in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were present during the preliminary questioning of Singh and three others -- Naveed Babu, a self-styled district commander of banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, his associate Atif Ahmed and a lawyer, Irfan Ahmad Mir, who has been named as an active overground worker for terror groups by police.

The officials said all records would be handed over to the NIA after the case is registered by the agency.

Singh, who was arrested along with the three other people on Saturday, had ferried Babu to Jammu last year and facilitated his return to Shopian after 'rest and recuperation'.

He is believed to have taken Rs 12 lakh for 'smuggling' the two terrorists to Chandigarh and arrange for their accommodation for a couple of months, the officials said.

Mir, who was driving the vehicle when he along with the others were caught by the police from a national highway in Kulgam district, may become a prize catch for the NIA as it is alleged that he was carrying orders from Pakistan.

He had visited the neighbouring country five times on an Indian passport.

*****

J-K govt orders immediate transfer of Srinagar, Jammu airports to CISF

Airports in Srinagar and Jammu are to be 'immediately' brought under the security cover of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in view of the arrest of Davinder Singh, a Jammu and Kashmir government order has said.

The two sensitive airports are to be 'handed over' to the CISF by January 31, the order of the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department to the Director General of Police (DGP) said.

'This issue (CISF security at Srinagar and Jammu airports) has acquired immediacy in view of the recent developments relating to the arrest of Davinder Singh, DSP airport security, for trying to assist militants to travel to other parts of the country,' the order issued on Wednesday said.

The two airports are guarded by the Central Reserve Police Force and the J-K Police at present.

The Union government had last year decided that the CISF will be handed over security of these two airports along with the one in Leh in view of their sensitive and strategic location and the threats it faced related to possible terrorist and hijack attempts.

CISF is the national civil aviation security force and at present it guards 61 airports including the ones at Delhi and Mumbai.

PTI had on January 13 reported that the Union home ministry sanctioned about 800 personnel to the CISF in order to take over security duties at the three airports of the newly created Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

As per the original plan, the CISF was to take over Jammu airport by next month and the Srinagar and Leh airports after the spell of severe cold ends.

However, officials said, keeping in mind the arrest of the DSP and his alleged links, the latest order has been issued which also directs the J-K Police to make arrangements for accommodation, transport and other logistical requirements of the armed contingent of the CISF on a quick basis.

Once inducted at the most-sensitive Srinagar airport, the CISF will secure access control at both city and air side (tarmac area) while the CRPF will be responsible for securing the outer periphery.

At the Jammu airport, the peripheral security duties will be rendered by the J-K Police.

An assortment of surveillance and security gadgets like CCTVs, observation monitors, hand-held metal detectors, bullet-proof patrol vehicles and bomb detection and disposal equipment are also being provided by the airport operator, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), to the CISF.

The Union government sometime back made it clear that CISF will be the only civil airports guarding force and all such facilities in the country will be gradually brought under its command to bolster aviation security and tighten anti-terror and anti-hijack protocols.
Scottish born 80s pop star Sheena Easton will be heading to the New York State Fair this summer to perform a free concert.

Easton will perform on the Chevy Court stage at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2. This is the first concert announced for the 2020 New York State Fair.

Easton is known for hits such as Modern Girl, 9 to 5, Weve Got Tonight with Kenny Rogers, and Sugar Walls." She won a Grammy award for Best New Artist in 1981 and has sold over 20 million records worldwide. She was last in Upstate New York at the Turning Stone Casino in Oct. 2019.

The 2020 New York State Fair runs from Aug. 26 to Sept. 7.

Read more

Winter Fair returning to New York State Fairgrounds in 2020

A decade of change: Walk down NYS Fair memory lane of the last 10 years

NYS Fair, Erie County Fair make list of top fairs in the country

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
Dog walker Louise Lawford faces prosecution after several pets went missing.

A professional dog walker accused of losing several pets in her care will face prosecution for animal welfare offences, it has emerged.

Louise Lawford, 49, had been looking after the pooches  who have since been dubbed the Tamworth Five  for three owners when she claimed they suddenly bolted off after being spooked by a gunshot.

The dogs disappeared while being walked in Hopwas Woods, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, on 23 June last year.

Hundreds of people joined a search to track down Pablo, Maggie, Charlie, Ralph and Jack but they were never found.

Ralph (left) and Charlie (right) were left in Louise Lawford's care while owner April Lock went to Spain. (SWNS)

Dog owner Becky Parsons lost Pablo the pug and Maggie the Jack Russell (pictured). (SWNS)

Suspicious owners said they contacted police after Lawford disappeared and stopped taking their calls.

Two women have since claimed they were told that their pets had been found dead.

Police launched a search for the businesswoman but said following an investigation that there was insufficient evidence to charge her with theft.

Read more from Yahoo News UK:

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However, it has now emerged that Lawford will be hauled before a court after Birmingham City Council accused of her of a string of animal welfare offences.

Lawford, who ran Pawford Paws in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, will appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 23 January.

She is accused of nine animal welfare offences, including five counts of undertaking group walks without ensuring each dog had been vaccinated, allowing dogs off the lead without written consent and failing to contact the owners or dog warden immediately when dogs were lost.

Becky Parsons (left) and April Lock (right) both lost pets. (SWNS)

She also faces three counts of breaching conditions of the licence to operate a business providing home boarding for dogs and a charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment for a skin infection for a dog.

The city council also confirmed that Lawford, of Erdington, Birmingham, had her dog boarding licence revoked on June 28.

Story continues

Dog owner Becky Parsons, 39, of Erdington, Birmingham, described the loss of Pablo the pug and Maggie the Jack Russell as her "worst nightmare".

Pablo the pug (left), and with Maggie the Jack Russell (right). (SWNS)

She said at the time: "I had given my dogs over to Louise to look after while I was on holiday.

"As soon as I got back I looked myself and I couldn't find them. My heart is broken.

"The dogs have died. I'm in bits. Maggie and Pablo were my best friends. My heart just sunk when I found out.

Another owner, April Lock, 28, of Streetly, West Midlands, left dogs Charlie and Ralph in Lawford's care while she went to Spain.

Police visit Louise Lawford's house in Birmingham. (SWNS)

Speaking at the time of their disappearance, she said: "I was told the same tale as Becky that they had run off after a loud bang in the woods but I don't believe that.

"I have no clue where my dogs have gone, just that they were supposedly last seen in Hopwas Woods. It makes no sense.

Lock and two other pet owners whose dogs disappeared on the same day have been crowdfunding to take civil action against Lawford.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched in 2011, Choice FS has developed a software solution that allows banks and credit unions to meet customers where they are: savers can use it to create customized deposit accounts, dynamically and automatically based on their personalized needs.

The acquisition will make the first real innovation to the U.S. deposits market in generations broadly accessible to banks across the country. Raisin will license Choice FS' original software to American banks, enabling the banks to create uniquely flexible deposits and offer those products directly to their own customers.

Raisin has originated over 18 billion for more than 225,000 customers in 31 European countries, delivering the retail funding to 88 partner banks since its inception in 2013. Raisin was named to Europe's top 5 fintechs by the renowned FinTech50 awards and is backed by prestigious European and American investors such as Goldman Sachs, PayPal Ventures, Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, Orange Digital Ventures and Ribbit Capital.

Raisin U.S. CEO, Paul Knodel, commented: "Joining forces with Choice FS lets Raisin begin offering cutting-edge services to banks and customers before we even launch our U.S. platform. As a leading innovator in the deposits space, Raisin sees Choice FS as a perfect fit for our mission in the U.S. deposits market. The enthusiastic market feedback we have already received affirms how ripe the savings space is for just this type of personalization."

Choice FS' CEO, Daniel Smith, commented: "Joining the Raisin family for us means greatly strengthening our ability to scale and connect our software to the sector that needs it most."



Regarding Equiteq's role in the transaction, Mr. Smith added: "The Equiteq team demonstrated a clear understanding of our industry, as well as an appreciation of the value proposition we bring to financial institutions. These capabilities were fundamental in allowing us to correctly position Choice FS in the market. Their guidance with the M&A process was key to enabling us to achieve the desired result and ultimately reach an agreement with the perfect partner that we are very excited to be moving forward with."

Daniel Siller, Managing Director at Equiteq, commented: "The acquisition of Choice FS provides Raisin with a fantastic product to enter the U.S. market. It is a win for depositors who will have access to more simple and lucrative deposit options, banks will benefit through the lowering of their cost of funding and deposit maturity extensions. Raisin gains a fantastic team through this acquisition that will see their firm launch successfully in the U.S. We wish the Choice FS team and the whole Raisin family great success."

About Equiteq (www.equiteq.com)

Equiteq is the knowledge economy M&A specialist, advising owners of knowledge-intensive businesses around the world from offices in London, Paris, New York, Boston, Singapore, and Sydney. Equiteq helps owners best achieve their value and exit objectives through accelerating equity growth and ultimately realizing that value in a trade or private equity sale.

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(Newser)  Update: Two military veteransAmerican Brian Mark Lemley and Canadian Patrik Jordan Mathewshave each been sentenced to nine years in prison on gun charges with a "terrorist enhancement." The men were arrested before a pro-gun rally in Virginia last year, the BBC reports. Both are members of a neo-Nazi group called "The Base," which translates to "al-Qaeda" in Arabic. A hidden camera installed at a Delaware apartment recorded the men talking about their hopes for a "civil war." US District Judge Theodore Chuang said Lemley and Mathews' discussions of destroying rail lines, poisoning water supplies, and breaking Dylann Roof out of prison captured the "virulence" of their desire to kill people and bring down the government, the AP reports. Our original story from Jan. 16, 2020, follows:

story continues below

FBI agents on Thursday arrested a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who are linked to a violent white supremacist group and were believed to be heading to a pro-gun rally next week in Virginias capital, the AP reports. The three men are members of The Base and were arrested on federal charges in a criminal complaint unsealed in Maryland, according to a Justice Department news release. Tuesdays complaint charges Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews, 27, and Brian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, of Elkton, Maryland, with transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony.

William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, of Denton, Maryland, is charged with transporting and harboring aliens. Mathews illegally crossed the US border near Minnesota in August, according to court papers. Lemley and Bilbrough then drove from Maryland to Michigan to pick up Mathews before the three headed to Maryland in late August, investigators said. The three men were believed to be planning to attend the pro-gun rally planned for Monday in Richmond, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Wednesday declared a state of emergency and banned all types of weapons from the gun rally, citing reports that armed militia groups were planning to attend. The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gunowners of America filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking an injunction specifically against the ban on firearms. In encrypted chat rooms, members of The Base have discussed committing acts of violence against blacks and Jews, ways to make improvised explosive devices, their military-style training camps and their desire to create a white "ethno-state," according to an FBI agent's affidavit. (More on the arrests here and the weapons ban here.)
1001 Bissonnet; mfah.org

Leonardo: The Works

Emphasis is placed on Leonardo da Vinci's unparalleled drawings and paintings and his universe, especially his life and his time. Several masterpieces will be explored in detail by the experts. 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Just 6.5

The police are after a drug lord named Naser Khakzad, but when they finally manage to catch him, he tries whatever he can think of to escape and save his family. Part of the Houston Iranian Film Festival. 7 p.m. Friday

Where Is the Friends House?

An Iranian schoolboy scours a neighboring village for a classmate's home to return an important notebook. Part of the Houston Iranian Film Festival. 6 p.m. Saturday

Untimely

In a watchtower on the border of Iran and Pakistan, soldier Hamin is angrily ruminating about why he was denied permission to attend his sisters wedding back home. Hamin reviews the past years and the things happened to him and his sister since their childhood. Part of the Houston Iranian Film Festival. 8 p.m. Saturday

Orange Days

When Aban, the only woman contractor in the orange fields of northern Iran beats out the male competition for a big job, the operation seems to get off to a rocky start. But Aban won't let go without a fight. Part of the Houston Iranian Film Festival. 5 p.m. Sunday

Amarcord

Fellinis classic that is a series of comedic and nostalgic vignettes set in a 1930s Italian coastal town. 1 p.m. Monday

RICE CINEMA

6100 Main; cinema.rice.edu

Satantango

Bela Tarrs nearly eight-hour Hungarian film about residents of a collapsing collective farm who see their plans collapse when they discover that a former co-worker who they thought was dead, is coming back to the village. 6:30 p.m. Friday

RIVER OAKS THEATRE

2009 W. Gray; landmarktheatres.com

The Host

A monster emerges from Seoul's Han River and begins attacking people. One victim's loving family does what it can to rescue her from its clutches. Midnight Friday and Saturday

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA

2707 Commercial Center, Katy; drafthouse.com/houston

Lawrence of Arabia

The story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks. Noon Saturday

Xanadu

A struggling artist living in Los Angeles meets a girl who may hold the key to his happiness. 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Pan's Labyrinth

Guillermo del Toros 2006 film set in Falangist Spain of 1944 where the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world. 3:30 p.m. Sunday

Dirty Dancing

Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle. 7:15 p.m. Sunday

ASIA SOCIETY

1370 Southmore; asiasociety.org/texas

And Life Goes On

A director and his son return to a region damaged by the Guilan earthquake, hoping to find the children who appeared in his film a few years earlier. Part of the Houston Iranian Film Festival. 2 p.m. Sunday

UNIVERISTY OF HOUSTON

4800 Calhoun; transformhouston.org/mlk_day_of_service_suppressed

Suppressed, the Fight to Vote

Film recounts efforts to prevent people of color from casting their vote in the 2018 election in Georgia and touches on efforts to suppress the vote of people of color in other states, including Texas. 6 p.m. Monday

ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER

1101 Milford; iccchouston.com

When Mom is Away

An always present mother decides to leave for ten days, leaving the three children with a father who was practically absent until then. 7 p.m. Wednesday

DISCOVERY GREEN

1500 McKinney; discoverygreen.com

Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Agartala/New Delhi, Jan 16 : Home Minister Amit Shah will meet in New Delhi on Friday leaders of tribal-based parties of north-eastern states, including the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ally the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The IPFT, which resumed anti-CAA stir after a month, continued its sit-in at Khumulwng, headquarters of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), for the 11th day on Thursday.

In Shillong, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said he would lead a delegation of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) to meet Shah and urge him to promulgate the inner line permit (ILP) in remaining areas of the state.

The Meghalaya Assembly on December 19 unanimously adopted a resolution, requesting the Centre to promulgate the ILP. The resolution and the state gazette notification have been communicated to the Centre.

"We are in Delhi for the past few days, but are yet to meet the Home Minister due to his prior engagements outside Delhi. The meeting will be on Friday," JMACAB leader and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) General Secretary Jagadhish Debbarma told IANS over phone from Delhi.

A four-member IPFT delegation, led by party chief Narendra Chandra Debbarma and General Secretary Mevar Kumar Jamatia left Agartala on Thursday to attend the meeting. Debbarma is Revenue and Fisheries Minister and Jamatia the Tribal Welfare and Forest Minister in Tripura.

The IPFT and the JMACAB and other tribal-based parties in Tripura have been demanding that the state be kept out of the CAA's ambit. Earlier on December 12, all the tribal-based Tripura parties had a meeting with the Union Home Minister.

The IPFT has been demanding since 2009 creation of a separate state for tribals by upgrading the TTAADC and inclusion of Kokborok, a tribal language, in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.

The TTAADC has jurisdiction over two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sqkm area, home to over 12,16,000 people, 90 per cent of whom are tribals.

"At December 12 meeting, Shah said he would look into our issues after Christmas, or would hold another meeting with us. But nothing has happened," the IPFT chief said.

Before leaving for Delhi, Debbarma said despite the CAA and border management measures, including fencing, infiltration continue unabated. "The influx from Bangladesh has put a burden on our resources, demography and economy. It would further aggravate the joblessness," he said.

The Tripura Rajya Upajati Ganamukti Parishad (TRUGP), tribal front of the CPI-M, has been demanding that N-E states be kept out the CAA's purview.
If you love to take advantage of the music offerings near you, this weekend offers several great reasons to leave the house.

From The Samy Jo Trio to Paul Oakenfold, read on for a local music to-do list to fill your calendar this week.
The Union home ministry has asked the NIA to initiate the process of probing the case of suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police deputy superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two militants to Jammu last weekend, officials said

New Delhi: The Union home ministry has asked the NIA to initiate the process of probing the case of suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police deputy superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two militants to Jammu last weekend, officials said on Thursday.

The formal notification of handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to be issued by the ministry soon, an official privy to the development said.

Necessary formalities are being completed in Jammu as well as in Delhi before the probe agency takes over the case. The NIA has been credited with breaking the nexus between stone pelters and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Some NIA members, posted in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were present during the preliminary questioning of Singh and three others  Naveed Babu, a self-styled district commander of banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, his associate Atif Ahmed and a lawyer, Irfan Ahmad Mir, who has been named as an active overground worker for terror groups by police.

The officials said all records would be handed over to the NIA after the case is registered by the agency.

Singh, who was arrested along with the three other people on Saturday, had ferried Babu to Jammu last year and facilitated his return to Shopian after "rest and recuperation".

He is believed to have taken Rs 12 lakh for "smuggling" the two militants to Chandigarh and arrange for their accommodation for a couple of months, the officials said.

Mir, who was driving the vehicle when he along with the others were caught by the police from a national highway in Kulgam district, may become a prize catch for the NIA as it is alleged that he was carrying orders from Pakistan.

He had visited the neighbouring country five times on an Indian passport.
It's been a brilliant year for touring shows, with the best of the West End embarking on round-the-country productions, as well as the revival of some old favourites. Here were the shows you flocked to see the most around the UK.

10. 9 to 5 the Musical

Amber Davies in 9 to 5 the Musical

 Pamela Raith

Following its rip-roaring success in the West End, Dolly Parton's musical has simultaneously toured the UK with a cast including Louise Redknapp and Amber Davies. The show  based on the 1980 film of the same name  has been so successful that it's hitting the road again from May 2020! Tour resumes from 29 May





9. Motown: The Musical

Karis Anderson (Diana Ross) and Edward Baruwa (Berry Gordy) in Motown the Musical

 Tritam Kenton

After closing in London at the beginning of the year, the funky show about the rise of the hit record label (and its stars) has been travelling up and down the country to great acclaim. Featuring 66 songs including "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "I Heard it Through the Grapevine", this show had you all dancing in the aisles! Tour ended





8. The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

 Paul Coltas

You've all been saying "Hello!" to the band of Mormons as they travelled "Two by Two" up and down the country to theatres near you. This award-winning satirical show has been pleasing audiences with its pastiches of musical songs and witty jokes  we gave the tour four stars, calling it "unapologetically sensationalist". Currently touring until November 2020





7. Les Miserables

Les Miserables

 Matthew Murphy

While the West End has seen an all-star concert edition of Boublil and Schonberg's musical, across the country you've been hearing the people sing in a production that is now playing at the Sondheim Theatre (replacing the original staging). The musical even saw Ian McKellen pop in for a cameo when the tour stopped in Newcastle. Currently touring until November 2020





6. Priscilla Queen of the Desert  The Musical

Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical

 Darren Bell

The smash hit returned in 2019 with more glitter than ever before! The iconic musical based on the Oscar-winning film features songs such as "Downtown", "Boogie Wonderland", and "Go West". The show also stars Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden. Currently touring until May 2020





5. The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard

 Paul Coltas

Fresh from roles in Chess and Chicago, Alexandra Burke reprised her role as Rachel Marron in the new tour of the hit musical  and you all snapped up tickets to see the "Queen of the Night" in action. Based on the film of the same name, the show features back-to-back Whitney Houston hits, including one of the greatest of all time: "I Will Always Love You". Currently touring until February 2020





4. We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You

 Jonah Persson

There's been a renewed sense of Queen mania over the last year, thanks in part to the release of the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. So when a new tour of the Queen jukebox musical was announced, you all went "Radio Gaga" for tickets! The tour is rushing "Headlong" across the country this year so you have plenty of time to catch it. Currently touring until July 2020





3. Disney's The Lion King

The Lion King

 Disney

2019 was a sensational year for The Lion King. The show celebrated 20 fantastic years in London's West End as well as a new-look film featuring Beyonce. On its UK tour, the musical has been selling out theatres in Bristol and Edinburgh, proving that this classic show is as popular as ever. Currently touring until January 2021





2. Heathers the Musical

Heathers the Musical



It's no surprise that this musical is in our top ten  as soon as we reported the rumour that it would be touring the UK at last year's WhatsOnStage Awards, you've all been excited for its return. With a set of dates and a full cast yet to be announced, we have a feeling you'll be booking even more tickets, so get your scrunchies and croquet mallets at the ready! Tour begins May 2020





1. The King and I

The King and I

 Matthew Murphy

The show that receives the crowning glory as our top-selling tour of 2019 is Rodgers Hammerstein's classic musical, which has been touring the UK extensively following a successful West End production in 2018. Don't worry, there are plenty of chances to get to know the show as it whistles a happy tune while touring until May. Currently touring until May 2020
Johnson 1) He vows to cut NHS waiting times

Boris Johnson made his most explicit promise to reduce NHS waiting times yesterday, as doctors warned him not to change hospital targets to hide worsening problems. The prime minister acknowledged that patients faced unacceptable delays but said his government would get those waiting lists down. Health chiefs have warned that it will be a struggle to cut waiting times significantly, given staffing and funding that experts say may not be enough to keep up with the demands of an ageing population. However, Mr Johnson did not promise to meet present targets after Matt Hancock, the health secretary, earlier hinted that the government would back NHS England in abolishing the four-hour maximum wait in A&E.  The Times

Hancock signals that A&E targets could be scrapped  The Guardian

Tax relief planned to help retain NHS high-earners  The Times

Premier will get on with solving the social care crisis  The Sun

>Yesterday: Video: WATCH: Corbyn challenges the Prime Ministers plan for social care

Johnson 2) Clash with Trump over Huawei

The PM clashed with Donald Trump on Iran and Huawei yesterday. Boris Johnson first took the US president to task for walking away from the Iran nuclear deal without offering an alternative. He insisted: If were going to get rid of it, lets replace it with a Trump deal. President Trump is a great dealmaker, by his own account and many others. Boris then chided the US for its attack on No10s plan to ban Huawei only from core elements of the countrys 5G network. Senior US officials called any cooperation with the Chinese giant nothing short of madness on Monday as they handed over to ministers new intelligence on the potential of hacking and cyber attacks by the Chinese state.  The Sun

US warns that trade deal could be at risk over UKs Iran stance  The Guardian

President backs Premiers call to rip up nuclear deal  The Sun

>Today: Garvan Walshes column: The shooting down of a civilian flight does Irans rulers more harm than the assassination of Soleimani

>Yesterday: Ben Robacks column: Can Johnson pull off a triumph  and bridge the gap between Trump and the EU on Iran?

Johnson 3) Change the record, Prime Minister tells the SNP

Boris Johnson has urged the SNP to change the record on demanding another independence referendum as a Tory minister argued there should not be another vote for up to 50 years. Challenged over his rejection of Nicola Sturgeons request for referendum powers, the Prime Minister told the Commons the SNP was the real denier of democracy by refusing to respect the result of the 2014 vote. He said that Alex Salmond and his protegee Ms Sturgeon had pledged it was a once-in-a-generation event and accused the SNP of being obsessed with breaking up the UK, at the expense of Scotlands schoolchildren. His intervention at Prime Ministers Questions came the day after he wrote to her refusing her demand she be handed the power to call further independence referendums until she won one.  Daily Telegraph

Hell have to back massive investment to hold back the tartan tide  Martin Kettle, The Guardian

Johnson 4) Apprenticeship rules to be ripped up

Boris Johnson has vowed to rip up apprenticeship rules to help poor white kids climb the ladder of opportunity. The Prime Minister pledged to do more to help children from poorer backgrounds, and to kick start a revolution in the way people are trained. His comments come after he was urged to reform the apprenticeship levy by Tory MP Robert Halfon. The Levy is is a UK tax on employers which is then used to fund apprenticeship training. It requires companies paying more than 3million a year set aside 0.5 per cent of their payroll for training. However, critics say employers arent doing enough with the cash, with less than 10 per cent of it being spent in the first year of the levy.  The Sun

>Yesterday: Rob Halfon MPs column: Only the paranoid survive  especially in the world of Conservative politics

Johnson 5) Courts are not for politics by other means

Boris Johnson is to accelerate moves to limit the powers of campaign groups and individuals to challenge ministers in the courts. The prime minister claimed yesterday that judicial reviews  legal challenges to government decisions  were being used to conduct politics by another means. The decision to speed up the change puts him on a collision course with the judiciary, which insists that judicial reviews are a vital check on executive abuse. It was as a result of a judicial review that Mr Johnsons prorogation of parliament was ruled to have been illegal in September last year. The Conservative election manifesto served notice that judicial reviews would be included in a wider constitutional reform.  The Times

Clampdown on judicial review  Daily Mail

He signals that Northern Ireland veterans will be protected  The Sun

Comment:

Johnson must rescue us from technocratic tyrants  Allister Heath, Daily Telegraph

Johnson 6) Sweeping review of Police and Crime Commissioners planned

Boris Johnson plans a sweeping review of elected police and crime commissioners as he tackles the scourge of violent crime. The PM is to lead a taskforce to cut the head off the snake of gangs and win back the Tories reputation on law and order, it has emerged. And Sun columnist James Forsyth reveals details of Mr Johnsons briefing to cabinet colleagues. After telling them he would chair the Cobra-style committee  with Home Secretary Priti Patel as his deputy  the PM added he would be on the look-out for any policies which might have been influenced by lefty criminologists. And he warned all 41 commissioners he would review their role  just four months before they were due to face elections.  The Sun

>Today: Greg Hands MP in Local Government: Crime will be the central issue in this years election for Mayor of London

>Yesterday: Neil Shastri-Hurst in Comment: How Johnson can defeat the knife crime epidemic

Francois pledges 1,000 to Big Ben fundraiser

Earlier this week, Boris Johnson made a plea for public donations to fund the cost of temporarily re-activating the bell for Brexit night, inviting volunteers to bung a bob for a Big Ben bong. Tory MP Mark Francois, who tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling for Big Ben to chime on Brexit night, yesterday predicted the cash would be raised within days. Mr Francois, who has personally pledged 1,000 to the fund, said: I think we will get it within 48 hours. Mr Francois told ITVs Good Morning Britain: It seems to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Commons patently daft that we have got the most iconic clock in the world  literally, its a world heritage site  that that should stay silent on this occasion.  Daily Express

Farage barred from setting off fireworks on Brexit day  Daily Telegraph

but he wins bid for a singalong  The Times

Liberal Democrat peer compares Brexit Britain to Nazi Germany  The Sun

Comment:

The miserabilists must not get their way  Leo McKinstry, The Sun

>Today: Profiles: Mark Spencer  the power behind the reshuffle and the man who disciplined the Brexit rebels

Cummings: hes done Brexit, now he wants to transform politics

On January 31, Britain will formally leave the EU  although the challenge of agreeing a trade deal with the bloc will be just beginning. Cummings, who gave Britain Brexit, is leaving the tricky details of delivering it to others. The 48-year-old is moving on to a new agenda, in which he hopes to remake the civil service, put money into Britains left-behind regions and turn the country into a leading centre for science, putting it at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, robotics and climate change. This month, he published a blog post that went viral, inviting weirdos and misfits to join him at the heart of government. Those who see him in Number 10 meetings with Johnson detect no deference towards the prime minister.  FT

Merkel warns EU that UK exit is a wake-up call  FT

Robbins, Mays chief negotiator, is knighted  The Sun

30m no-deal Brexit scheme dismantled on roads to Dover  The Guardian

The Telegraph picks up ConHomes story about CCHQ moving out of London

The Conservative partys headquarters could move to a new location in the north or the Midlands following Boris Johnsons electoral win in Labours former heartlands. One senior Tory source told the Daily Telegraph the party has to recognise its centre of gravity is now about 200 miles north from its London office. The source said currently campaign managers had to make an eight hour round trip from northern seats in order to be able to attend meetings in CCHQ. The idea would be to set up a strong regional operation in the north but keep a base that was still in reach of MPs and the Houses of Parliament Yesterday a Downing Street source asked ConservativeHome, the website, to canvas activists views on a possible new location.  Daily Telegraph

Tories deny plans to quit London  The Times

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: Exclusive. No 10 says CCHQ will move out of Matthew Parker Street  and into the Midlands or North. It wants your ideas about a venue.

HS2 supporters fear Johnson might scrap part of the project

Supporters of HS2 are growing increasingly anxious that Boris Johnson is prepared to scrap part of the high-speed railway project or overhaul it in a bid to redirect the money towards other transport in the north of England. Local government leaders from the north and Midlands are privately concerned there has been a change of tone from No 10 since Christmas, causing nervousness that the government could scale back the scheme. One pro-HS2 source with knowledge of Downing Streets thinking said the future of the project, first announced in 2009, was hanging in the balance since the election campaign. Johnsons transport adviser, Andrew Gilligan, is known to be against HS2, and Dominic Cummings, his chief adviser, is also not keen, having described it last year as a white elephant.  The Guardian

Flybe bailout shows the Prime Ministers resolve on the regions  FT

Comment:

Even on the Governments own logic, there is little justification for it  Ross Clark, Daily Telegraph

Editorial:

Misguided rescue sets a damaging precedent  FT

Police chiefs blame Mays legacy for missing alerts

Theresa May has been blamed by chief constables for botched police reforms that led to tens of thousands of alerts on foreign criminals being kept from their home countries. She is accused of starving the crucial police national computer (PNC) of money against advice from forces when she was home secretary, and instead pushing ahead with an ambitious and costly super-database to replace it that is now years behind schedule and millions of pounds over budget. Her decision is said to have led to serious problems developing with the creaking PNC  including its failure to send details of 75,000 foreign nationals convicted in the UK to their home countries, in a scandal revealed by the Guardian this week.  The Guardian

Helen Whately: Why were cracking down on credit cards in online gambling

Separate research by the Gambling Commission shows that 22% of those using credit cards to gamble are problem gamblers, with a further 45% at some risk of experiencing harm. The risk from credit cards can also be increased by high credit limits and people chasing losses to cover credit card fees. That is why we were resolute in our election manifesto that the government will play our part in tackling problem gambling and helping protect the most vulnerable. And it is why we are acting decisively this week, with the announcement of a ban on gambling using credit cards across Britain from April. The ban will apply to all online and offline gambling products, apart from lotteries where payments are made face to face, and often as part of a wider shop in supermarkets and newsagents.  Daily Telegraph

Labour Leadership: Poll suggests Long-Bailey is narrowly ahead

The pro-Corbyn candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey looks set to become the next Labour leader, according to a major new poll published on Wednesday evening. Despite Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, emerging from the first stage of the contest with a commanding lead among MPs, Ms Long-Bailey has come out on top in a survey of 3,835 party members. The poll, conducted by Survation on behalf of the LabourList website, found that the shadow business secretary received 42 percent of votes, compared with 37 percent for Sir Keir. Based on Labours leadership rules, which is based on an alternative vote system, Ms Long-Bailey still remains ahead on second preference votes with 51 percent, two points ahead of her closest rival.  Daily Telegraph

Hard-left protege takes shock lead  Daily Mail

Outrage at Momentums leading ballot urging members to endorse her  Daily Express

Corbyn allies urge Northern working class voters to join party  Daily Telegraph

as Nandy impresses commentators with Neil interview

Here she was, telling the Labour Party that theyve been getting it wrong for 15 years. That huge changes are required. And that, she must know, is not what Labour Party members want. They categorically do not want a bright, articulate, honest and tenacious young woman. They do not want someone who can listen to tough questions from the toughest interviewer around and calmly reply with tough answers. What they want, even now, is Jeremy Corbyn. Its absolutely no use having a leader that can go on TV and give a good account of themselves, defend their position and set out a complex argument.  Tom Peck, The Independent

She takes aim at the Remain campaign  The Times

and says referendum debate became false culture war  The Guardian

More:

Vaz returns weeks after standing down in drug shame  The Times

Police investigate claims that activist was assaulted at event  Daily Mail

and Starmer sets out socialist vision

Keir Starmer has set out his vision for what he describes as a moral socialism focused on combating inequality and injustice, promising also to put the climate emergency at the centre of all policies if he becomes Labour leader. Writing in the Guardian, Starmer, currently seen as the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, said Labour should focus on becoming electable, but also use parliament to oppose Boris Johnson, calling him a prime minister with no conviction or principles. Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, is among five candidates through to the second stage of the contest after gaining nominations from 88 Labour MPs or MEPs, close to three times the number of the next most-popular candidate, Rebecca Long-Bailey.  The Guardian

Labour can win again if we make the moral case for socialism  Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Guardian

Northern Irish parties reject Johnsons inadequate cash offer

Northern Irelands newly restored government has rejected as woefully inadequate a 2bn funding pledge from Britain, saying it was an act of bad faith that makes the revival of power-sharing at Stormont much more difficult. The blunt response from the devolved executive came after Boris Johnsons government said it had set aside an additional 1bn for the region on top of the 1bn it would already expect to receive under the Barnett spending formula, which allocates UK funding between England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. I cannot and will not accept this and will be taking this up with the British government, said Conor Murphy of Sinn Fein, the regions new finance minister.  FT

News in Brief:
G roup biographies are having something of a moment, and Virginia Woolf seems to feature in many of them. In her first book, Francesca Wade has taken the unusual step of not examining Woolf in the context of family, lovers or other members of the Bloomsbury Group, but positioning her alongside other radical women thinkers who lived in Bloomsburys Mecklenburgh Square between the wars.

This area of London has been historically praised for its serenity, not least by Isabella in Jane Austens Emma, who comments: Our part of London is very superior to most others! You must not confound us with London in general, my dear sir. The neighbourhood of Brunswick Square is very different from almost all the rest. We are so very airy!

Of the five women featured, Woolf overshadows them all, and Wade tactfully places the chapter devoted to her last, possibly to avoid a sense of anti-climax. The poet Hilda Doolittle, who was nicknamed HD by her early boyfriend Ezra Pound, is first. Wade movingly shows what a triumph she ultimately made of a life blighted by a stillbirth and a nervous breakdown.

D H Lawrence, when criticising her poetry, had told her to kick over your tiresome house of life. As Wade reflects, towards the end of her life, HD considered her long and satisfying career, her happy relationships and many friends, her four grandchildren and the success of her final novel.

This is my House of Life, HD wrote, but it is not tiresome.

Bestselling crime novelist Dorothy L Sayers comes next. Her biography is perhaps the most intriguing, from her creative approach to satisfying her materialistic urges by giving her star character Lord Peter Wimsey the riches she desired (When I had no money to pay my bus fare I presented him with a Daimler double-six), to the concealment of her pregnancy and the birth of her son (not only from her employers but from her loving parents as well). Many of the women who appear as bit-part players in the text display astonishing selflessness. Beatrice White, the wife of the man whom Sayers became pregnant by. Conscious that Sayers wanted the baby to be a secret, White arranged for her to give birth in her own hometown of Southbourne attended by Whites brother, a doctor. Sayers then gave the baby to her cousin Ivy, who made a living from fostering children.

Wades next subject, scholar Jane Harrison, a respected Russophile, fails to enchant in spite of her quirkiness (she became devoted to her teddy bear), followed by Eileen Power, the intrepid world historian who crossed the Khyber Pass disguised as a man and held raucous kitchen dances.

Materialistic urges: Dorothy L Sayers gave her star character a Daimler / PA

And there is Woolf, whom  against the odds  Wade manages to say something fresh about, rescuing her from those who view her life and work through the prism of her suicide. Wades version is a powerful corrective to the cliche of Woolf as a gloomy woman of letters. She rousingly evokes her joy at street sauntering and square haunting.

Ultimately, even if Wades subjects do not all captivate in equal measure, she conveys her sense of exhilaration at the autonomy they each fight for on almost every page.
Former Home and Away star Todd Lasance married his fiancee Jordan Wilcox on Saturday.

Footage from the ceremony, filmed by Lemon Tree Film House, shows off the lavish yet intimate venue and the stunning reception area, as well as the heartwarming moment the actor first sees his bride for the first time.

The ceremony and reception took place at the historic Wallalong House, in the Hunter Valley, north of Sydney.

Wedded bliss! Todd Lasance married his longtime partner Jordan Wilcox at the historic Wallalong House, in the Hunter Valley on Saturday (the married couple pictured with their daughter Charlie Rose)

The American beauty did her own make-up for the big day and wore a stunning fishtail gown that hugged her figure.

Todd donned a linen suit with a crisp white shirt and pink bow tie, while the couple's three-year-old daughter Charlie Rose looked adorable as the flower girl in her white dress.

The actor was visibly emotional and teared up as his beautiful bride walked down the stairs of the historic home with her father and to her husband-to-be.

They exchanged vows outdoors under the lush trees with views looking out the stunning countryside.

Cute: The couple's three-year-old daughter Charlie Rose looked adorable as the flower girl in her white dress

Elegant: The beautiful bride wore a stunning fishtail gown that hugged her figure. She walked down the stairs of the historic home with her father

After saying 'I do' the couple, along their daughter, beamed as they walked together back up the aisle as man and wife, cheered on by their close friends and family.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a selection of delicious hors d'oeuvre and champagne to celebrate the union.

This was followed by the reception which was set under a beautifully decorated marquee with fairy lights and a chandelier.

This is it! The American beauty looked radiant as she walked arm-in-arm with her emotional father

Emotional: The actor appeared to tear up at the sight of his beautiful bride

Here come Mr and Mrs Lasance! The ceremony was followed by the reception which was set under a beautifully decorated marquee

Instagram photos from guests at the event showed immaculately laid oak tables and chairs, with plenty of space to the side for dancing, and tucking into desserts.

The newlyweds wedding cake appeared to be made of layers of donuts with a single cake on top.

They also took to the dance floor for their first dance.

Sweet: The newlyweds wedding cake appeared to be made of layers of donuts with a single cake on top

First dance: The venue was decorated with fairy lights and a chandelier for a romantic touch. Later, guests gathered around the couple who took to the dance floor for their first dance

Showing off! During the celebrations, Todd ripped open his shirt to reveal his washboard abs before crawling to Jordan to remove her garter for the traditional garter toss

Wedding tradition: Video from the evening shows Todd using his teeth to remove the garter to toss it out to an awaiting crowd of bachelors

During the celebrations, Todd ripped open his shirt to reveal his washboard abs before crawling to Jordan to remove her garter for the traditional garter toss.

Later in the evening guests took to the dance floor and danced the night away.

Celebrity guests also spotted in the video show Todd's former Home And Away co-stars Rebecca Breeds and Lincoln Younes.

The couple announced their engagement in January 2019.

Dancing the night away! Later in the evening guests took to the dance floor and danced the night away. Celebrity guests also spotted in the video show Todd's former Home And Away co-stars Rebecca Breeds

Reunion on the dance floor! Rebecca shared the dance floor with former Home And Away co-star Lincoln Younes

'I am officially the luckiest man on this planet. Yesterday I asked the woman of my dreams to be my wife,' wrote Todd to Instagram.

'I still don't know how I was lucky enough to find someone so loving, selfless, gentle, compassionate, inspiring, funny, and the most incredible mother to our little girl I could ever have dreamed of. It was perfect. She is perfect.'

Todd, who is now based in America, met Jordan, who is from Georgia, in 2015.

The actor is best known for playing Aden Jefferies on Home and Away from 2005 to 2010, as well as his role as Julian in The Vampire Diaries in 2016.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The latest Democratic debate didnt have any viral moments like wine caves or that little girl was me from previous debates. The most talked-about moment came immediately afterwards.

As the candidates where saying their goodbyes Tuesday night, Sen. Elizabeth Warren walked over to Sen. Bernie Sanders, who extended his hand. But instead of shaking it, Warren initiated what appeared to turn into a tense exchange between the two. As businessman Tom Steyer approached them, awkwardly, Sanders ended the discussion by thowing his hands up and walking away.

Elizabeth Warren accused Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar on stage after Tuesday's debate. Here's the tense moment. https://t.co/cL3ppFmtxw pic.twitter.com/F5wFMmy8FX  CNN (@CNN) January 16, 2020

After a day of speculation of what exactly was said, CNN released the audio late Wednesday. It confirmed the conversation was indeed tense and about that dinner the two senators had in 2018 during which Warren said Sanders told her a woman couldnt win in 2020. Sanders has repeatedly denied ever saying that.

Warren: I think you called me a liar on national TV."

Sanders: What?

Warren: I think you called me a liar on national TV.

Sanders: You know, lets not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion."

Warren: Anytime.

Sanders: You called me a liar. You told me-- alright, lets not do it right now.

Steyer: I dont want to get in the middle of it, I just want to say hi Bernie.

Sanders: Yeah good, okay.

Steyer: It was a treat to see you.

Bernie Sanders denied having once told Elizabeth Warren that a woman couldn't be elected president.



Watch their exchange at the #DemDebate https://t.co/T70NHSuivx pic.twitter.com/iMst1WeLOZ  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 15, 2020

That now infamous 2018 dinner came up earlier during the debate when CNN moderator Abby Phillip asked Sanders about what he allegedly said.

Well, as a matter of fact, I didnt say it, Sanders replied. Anybody knows me knows that its incomprehensible that I would think that a woman cannot be president of the United States.

Sanders added, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million votes. How could anybody in a million years not believe that a woman could become president of the United States?

Phillip, who received some criticism for the framing of her question, then turned to Warren and asked what she thought when Sanders told her a woman couldnt win.

I disagreed. Bernie is my friend, and I am not here to try to fight with Bernie. But, look, this question about whether or not a woman can be president has been raised, and its time for us to attack it head-on," she said. "And I think the best way to talk about who can win is by looking at peoples winning record. So, can a woman beat Donald Trump? Look at the men on this stage. Collectively, they have lost 10 elections.

The only people on this stage who have won every single election that theyve been in are the women, Warren said.

The escalating beef between the partys two leading progressives spilled over to their supporters on Twitter, where the hashtags #WarrenIsASnake and #NeverBernie became trending topics for much of the day.

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Fifth Ward

Regarding Fifth Ward project a balancing act, (A1, Jan. 12): Turning an abandoned structure like St. Elizabeths hospital into an apartment complex is a good thing. There are two choices to improve the area: Either turn the structure into usable space, or bulldoze it down and put it to another use.

From the article, somebody is trying to turn it into usable space. The old saying you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear is totally false. Oh, yes you can, and somebody is taking the bull by the horns and trying to turn it into usable space instead of an eyesore. The housing is so needed for the poor.

Driving around Houston, there are many abandoned motels that could be used for the same purpose instead of just going to ruin. How about those properties? It would be much easier to turn those into housing because each room already has a bathroom, whereas St. Elizabeths doesnt. It wouldnt cost near as much to renovate an old motel, and parking is ample for the tenants. Rooms would be small, but a couple of people could live there without any problems.

The only thing one has to be careful of is that once completed, they dont turn into projects after a few years. The owner/landlord would have to have a backbone to make sure that doesnt happen.

Lillian Shaver, Sugar Land

Refugees

Regarding Abbott fails moral test on refugees in Texas, (A10, Dec 15): I cant believe I voted for Gov. Greg Abbott, much less that he is a practicing Catholic! He should listen to Pope Francis speak about immigrants worldwide. Even Mayor Sylvester Turner quoted scripture to Abbott. Exodus 22:21: Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner.

To which, I would add Hebrews 13:2, ESV: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Just makes my heart broken that Abbott could do this unilaterally when four of the major cities in Texas want to take in immigrants! I thank God every day for my immigrant grandparents who came here, worked hard, and allowed me to pursue the American Dream. Have you forgotten where you came from, Gov. Abbott?

Victoria Swenson, Pasadena

Bloomberg

Regarding Weighing Bloomberg, perceived media bias, (A3, Dec. 15): About a month ago, an editorial was written that the Chronicle was not going to publish political columns originated by Bloomberg News. The article written by Jennifer Diouby of Bloomberg news in Sundays edition may be in the business section of the paper, but it was definitely slanted negatively against the president. So much for the Chronicle saying they are not going to publish articles from Bloomberg on the presidential campaign.

Charles Keever, League City

Editors note: From the newsroom, Executive Editor Stephen Riley says in this case the byline slipped by the editors. This is certainly one that we should have avoided, given the direct line to the presidents policies in relation to gas prices and the presidential campaign. I live in hope that it wont happen again.
Displaced Bru tribals from Mizoram, who have been living as refugees in Tripura since 1997, will now permanently settle in Tripura, according to an agreement signed between the Union government, the state governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives in the national Capital on Thursday.

The deal was signed by representatives of Bru and the Tripura and Mizoram governments in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at North Block. More than 30,000 displaced Bru tribals from Mizoram have been living as refugees in Tripura since 1997.

Under the agreement, Bru tribals will now live in Tripura permanently, Shah said.

The Bru tribals have been staying in Tripura in different relief camps after they escaped from Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes between Bru and Mizo communities.

In July 2018, an agreement signed for repatriation of the Bru tribals to Mizoram did not take shape as a majority of the community members refused to go back to Mizoram. So far, only 328 families have returned and settled in Mizoram.

A 23-year-old problem, which has been lingering for so long, has reached its logical conclusion. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have been solving one after another complicated problem, Shah said.

According to the agreement, 4 lakh will be given to each Bru family in a fixed deposit account, 5,000 per month for two years, a plot of land in Tripura and ration for two years. For all such assistance, the central government will provide 600 crore.

The Bru people, who have been living in sub-human conditions in different camps, can now live in their own homes permanently. They will enjoy equal rights of any Indian living in Tripura with voting rights. They will now live honourably, Shah said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma besides Tripura royal scion Pradyot Deb Barman were present at the event.

Sarma, who played a crucial role in hammering out a solution between the Bru people and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram, said the conflict resolution exercise has been going on in the Northeastern region and Thursdays agreement was a part of it.

Zoramthanga said with this agreement, a long-drawn problem had come to an end.
A Chinese specialist has unearthed the names of 318 victims of Unit 731, a Japanese squad that performed grisly human experiments including vivisection of people deliberately infected with deadly diseases in occupied China during World War II. The butchers kept methodical records of their atrocities that reveal the names, ages and place of birth of the victims, who include four Koreans.

Jin Chengmin, an expert on Unit 731 from the Harbin Academy of Social Sciences, discovered the details in Japanese military documents kept at Central Archives and the archives of Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, Chinese media reported Tuesday.

The four Koreans were Lee Gi-su, 28, from Shinheung, North Hamgyeong Province, Han Seong-jin, 30, from Gyeongseong, North Hamgyeong Province, Kim Seong-seo from Gilju, North Hamgyeong Province and Ko Chang-nyul, 42, from Hoeyang, Gangwon Province. When and where they were arrested was also noted. Chinese media published a photo of Lee Gi-su alongside the original instructions by a Japanese military policeman.

The Heilongjiang Province news site Northeast.cn said the documents Jin obtained, dispatched with the signature of the commander of military police with Japans Kwantung Army, were marked "special transfer" and "top secret." Jin said "special transfer" was code for the use of human subjects in germ warfare experiments.

In total 1,463 individuals were sent to Unit 731 by Kwantung Army military police, mostly Chinese, Korean, Soviet and Mongolian underground agents, soldiers with the Chinese Communist Eighth Route Army or anti-Japanese fighters. Northeast.cn said after Kwantung Army MPs arrested them, they were categorized as "highly anti-Japanese individuals," "likely repeat offenders" and "useless individuals" and deported to Unit 731 as subjects for experiments. Jin said Unit 731's human experiments were based on Special Transfer Order No. 58 of Jan. 26, 1938 by Kwantung Army Command and was the Japanese military's most closely guarded secret.
Rendering of a sustainable home inside Toyota's upcoming

One of the most exciting categories to be covered at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is that of smart cities. While the fairs other exhibits focus more on specific aspects of electronic and AI innovation, the Smart City sector addresses different ways to bring aging infrastructures up to par by repurposing the old concurrent with incorporating new technologies into the renovations.

These were just a few of this years most interesting developments in the field:

Toyota Woven City

Near Mount Fuji, Japan, Toyota is constructing a smart city. Their project, scheduled to launch in 2021, will transform a former factory into an actual town where families will live, work, and research mobility options and advancements. The 175-acre locale designed by Bjarke Ingels BIG company will focus on converging transportation options, housing alternatives, a conglomerate of smart power sources, water distribution technologies, and research that benefits the communitys sustenance and growth.

A large park at the center of the

BIG previously designed Two World Trade Center and Googles latest headquarters, so this undertaking fits well on their resume of projects. Their transportation scheme for the Woven City is three-fold. One road is dedicated entirely to self-driving vehicles, another to scooters and bikes, and for pedestrians, the firm plans to construct a large park chock-full of walking paths. All three options come together in the center of town. The goal is for residents to use one or more of these every day to get around.

The houses in the Woven City will predictably be constructed from sustainable wood and be powered by photovoltaic tiles. A subterranean level of the city will also house hydrogen cells to store power and a water filtration system. Another underground system will deliver supplies to residents via conveyor belts  or even a mass of little androids.

Power to the People

Story continues

For a futuristic city to flourish, the people who live there need to thrive as strongly as the emerging infrastructure. Many exhibits in this years CES Smart City category concentrated on taking care of the inhabitants.

Vayyar, headquartered in Israel, presented a sensor-based system called Walabot that monitors the movement of people inside their homes. Raviv Melamed, the companys CEO, explained in an interview that the idea is to have something that the person doesnt need to wear, so it just sits over there monitoring the house  we have a 3D imaging sensor that can look at you without actually having your picture so basically we can track people if they go around the house if they fall down, if they sit, if they lie down in bed sleeping. We can monitor day-to-day kind of living and tell you things about yourself or alert someone if you fall. Walabot also detects children left in hot cars and alerts parents and caregivers through an accompanying mobile app.

Walabot, a movement-monitoring health-bot from Vayyar.

Addison Care, developed by Electronic Caregiver, is a voice-controlled 24-hour virtual caregiver. CEO Anthony Dohrmann says that she is a 3D virtual smart health home virtual caregiver [that] manages behavioral health, chronic disease, supports caregivers, and even takes care of child patients. So she can through that visual sensor verify youre taking medications, see how youre feeling, look for signs of distress, or if youre doubled over in pain. She can see if your fall risk increases. She can see how youre adjusting to a prosthetic or a new rehab exercise. She can even demo a rehab exercise, verify youre doing it with that visual sensor, monitor your progress as you improve, and keep providers informed.

Platform House HED-Net, the latest innovation from Sekisui House, uses contactless sensors to improve health, wellness, and happiness in homes. The system can detect strokes and heart movements. Company President Yoshihiro Nakai clarifies: Lets think of a bedroom because what we use for sensing is contact-less, it is not under a mattress, not like a watch or a pad put onto the [chest]. Instead, we install a sensor recessed onto [the] ceiling. By monitoring vital data such as heart rate, perspiration rate, and blood pressure and using our proprietary algorithm, we [can] detect the onset of acute diseases.

Again, this is just a sampling of all the fantastic smart city fantastic innovations on the horizon. CES 2021 is sure to introduce even more spellbinding advancements to help make mankind as happy and healthy as possible, so be sure to stay tuned!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

Media play an important role in holding free and democratic elections all over the world, Head of the Council of Europe (CoE) Baku Office Zoltan Hernyes said at an information session on media coverage of elections, Trend reports.

Zoltan Hernyes noted that CoE has provided member countries with recommendations on the election coverage.

They are mainly related to the role of the media, Hernyes said, adding that necessary conditions must be created for free work of the media.

The head of CoE Baku Office noted that both public and private media outlets should be involved in the coverage of the electoral process and the media should actively highlight this process at all stages.

Zoltan Hernyes stressed that ensuring gender equality during the election period is one of the important issues.

Gender equality has always been the subject of debate, he noted, once again stressing that its provision is of great importance.

The head of the CoE Baku Office expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani side, including the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan, the Central Election Commission, the Press Council and other structures for cooperation with CoE during the election campaign.

The early parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan on Feb. 9.
The threat of the Philippines' Taal volcano unleashing a potentially catastrophic eruption remains high, authorities warned Thursday, saying it was showing dangerous signs despite a "lull" in spewing ash. Scores of earthquakes rattle the region daily and large fissures are opening up in the ground, which means the magma that would fuel a major eruption is still flowing beneath. Authorities are struggling to keep evacuees, some 50,000 of whom fled to shelters after Taal burst to life Sunday, away from the danger zone around the volcano. People are trying to get back to homes they left in a hurry to get a change of clothes, feed livestock and pets and check on properties damaged by the fissures or covered with a thick layer of ash. "Please allow us to observe the lull period for now. We are studying what that means," Maria Antonia Bornas, a scientist from the Philippines' seismology agency told reporters. "A long lull could be just a break from volcanic activity," she said. "The danger remains." Authorities have warned since Sunday that the volcano, which sits south of Manila and is one of the country's most active, could let loose a powerful eruption in "hours or days". Taal's last eruption was in 1977, but it has a long history of activity. In 1965 an eruption at the volcano, which is a popular tourist attraction set in a picturesque lake, killed some 200 people. The country's most powerful explosion in recent years was the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, about 100 kilometres northwest of Manila, which killed more than 800 people.
First, Queen Elizabeth agreed to let Prince Harry and Meghan Markle split their time between the U.K. and Canada. And, now Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is sharing what he really thinks about the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs potential move to North America.

The Canadian politician, 48, recently sat down for an interview with BBCs Global News, where he discussed Prince Harry and Markles decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.

Theres still a lot of decisions to be taken by the royal familyby the Sussexes themselvesas to what level of engagement they choose to have, he said.

Now that the queen is allowing the royal couple to establish a partial life in Canada, Trudeau confirmed that he supports their decision. We are obviously supportive of their reflections but have responsibilities in that, as well, he added.

When asked if Canadian taxpayer dollars will go toward the royal couples transition, Trudeau admitted that its still up in the air. This is part of the reflection that needs to be had, and there are discussions going on, he continued. Were not entirely sure what the final decisions will be, where the dispositions areand those are decisions for them. I think most Canadians are very supportive of having royals being here. But how that looks and what kind of costs are involved, theres still lots of discussion.

Hey, if theres a chance well spot Markle in the wild, you wont see us complaining.

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A crowdfunding campaign has raised over $100,000 for four Brazilian brothers who lost both their parents after a tragic accident in Western Australia.

Eduardo Rodrigues, 41, and wife Danielle, 37 were killed when their four-wheel drive flipped at 100km/hour on the Forrest Highway at Binningup at Margaret river on Saturday.

Their kids Rafael, three months, Anthony, three, and Andre, six, survived the crash with bad injuries.

A fourth child - Joao Miguel, 15, was not involved in the crash.

Eduardo Rodrigues, 41, and his wife Danielle, 37, were killed when their car rolled on a highway

The three children Rafael, three months, Anthony, three, and Andre, six, survived the crash with bad injuries

Since the accidentthe community has come together to support the newly-orphaned children through a crowdfunding campaign online.

A Gofundme page set up on Monday had already raised more than $103,000 by Thursday afternoon.

More than 2300 people have donated to the cause- which is aiming to help pay for the parents' funeral and help the family get back on their feet.

Donations are coming in from across Australia, and around the world - including their home country Brazil.

'Speechless at this heartbreaking tragedy. All my love and positive vibes go to their children and family,' one donor wrote.

'Lord I pray that You help this family going through this difficult time. Bless these children! Amen!' another wrote.

Coles has also donated $500 in vouchers to pay for baby formula, nappies and other essentials.

The children remain in a stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital.

Perth's Brazilian community is holding a tribute to the lost parents at the Scarborough Markets on Thursday night.

The community will come together to share a moment's silence and pray together to mourn the tragic loss.

Friends of the family described the moments leading up the crash.

Mariana Queiroz told 7NEWS she was travelling in front of the family when she witnessed the accident in her rear-view mirror.

'I remember my husband yelling 'please Mariana, it's them,' but I couldn't think much,' she said.

'And when I saw through the mirror, I saw the car rolling over, I don't know how many times but it was a lot.'

The children's grandparents were also in the four-wheel drive when it crashed outside Perth, on Sunday.

Mauro Rodrigues, 70, and his wife Eunice sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Mauro said he and Eunice want to raise the boys in Australia.

Mauro Rodrigues, 70, and his wife Eunice inside the silver seven-seater Nissan Pathfinder while visiting from Brazil when it flipped and killed their son's family

'My son and my daughter-in-law, it was their wish to have their kids here and raise their kids here, so hopefully we can get through this,' Mauro told 9 News through a translator (pictured)

'My son and my daughter-in-law, it was their wish to have their kids here and raise their kids here, so hopefully we can get through this,' he told 9 News through a translator.

He also thanked the Australian community for its support.

'In 70 years of my life I gave up believing in people, now I can believe again. I trust in humanity that we can help each other,' he said.

'Everything now is about the kids, I want their kids to be here with good people which I now believe that they will.'

The couple were driving back from a day trip to Margaret River when they veered off the road. Pictured: the site of the crash

The couple were driving back from a day trip to Margaret River when they veered off the road.

Western Australian police told Daily Mail Australia Ms Rodrigues was sitting in the rear passenger seat when she died.

Mr and Mr Rodrigues moved to Perth from Brazil ten years ago.

The couple were driving back from a day trip to Margaret River when they veered off the highway
15/01/2020 An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar & European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting between the 2 at Government Buildings, Dublin. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

EUROPEAN Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen praised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for his "leadership" in the Brexit process.

The remarks - from such a senior EU figure on the first full day of the election campaign may raise the hackles of opposition politicians here.

But Ms Von Der Leyen was also careful to praise the "unity of everybody here in Ireland" and the work of other politicians for the success Brexit process.

Mr Varadkar has made his role in brokering a Brexit deal with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson one of the key pillars of his campaign for re-election.

He has claimed that you don't change team when it's "half-time" in Brexit and Fine Gael has poured scorn on Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin's potential alternative line-up in talks.

Ms Von Der Leyen was asked about Mr Varadkar's claim and said it is a "golden rule" in the EU not to comment on such matters.

Ms Von Der Leyen is a former minister in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government. Ms Merkel's party is allied to Fine Gael in Europe.

Earlier the Commission President did thank Mr Varadkar for his contribution to the Brexit process.

She said the Withdrawal Agreement brings "legal certainty" and avoids a hard border in Ireland.

Ms Von Der Leyen added that EU negotiator Michel Barnier told her: "it would not have been possible to reach this agreement, without the very hard work, the patience, and the unity of everybody here in Ireland."

She included the Irish government, politicians in the parliament and the civil service in this and said that without the "whole country coming together this would not have been possible."

She added: "Therefore Leo thank you a lot for your leadership and the cooperation that was excellent.

"And I think we see now the results... are excellent too."

Ms Von Der Leyen arrived at Government Buildings to the noise of protesting beef farmers outside.

In his comments Mr Varadkar noted the importance of the next phase of Brexit including the trade talks.

He said that whatever problems the Irish beef industry faces at the moment "they'll be much worse" if farmers don't have access to the British market in 2021.
Michael Avenatti Trying to Hide Assets Before Arrest: Prosecutors

Attorney Michael Avenatti was attempting to hide assets while out on bail, prompting his arrest, prosecutors said.

Avenatti was arrested in California court on Jan. 14 after government prosecutors asked a judge to approve a warrant for his arrest.

Julian Andre, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California wrote in an unsealed document that Avenatti was defrauding his creditors, concealing his assets, and fraudulently transferring his property to others.

Court documents were initially sealed because of concerns that if the defendant knew of the motion and related documents, prior to an arrest or being brought to answer before this Court, there would be nothing to stop defendant from immediately hiding any remaining assets or making arrangements for others to do so, he wrote.

U.S. District Judge James Selna issued a warrant for Avenattis arrest and later revoked his bail, agreeing that it looked like Avenatti broke federal and state laws by hiding $1 million he received in legal fees in April from an ex-wife and other creditors after being arrested in March.

According to court documents, Avenatti used the money to pay rent on a luxury apartment in California, pay legal bills, and buy a Mercedes-Benz worth $50,000.

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti walks out of a New York court house after pleading not guilty Tuesday in federal court, New York, on May 28, 2019. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Everything he does is to keep the money in his own pockets and not pay the people who have court-ordered judgments against him, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Sagel told the judge at the hearing, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Avenattis lawyer, H. Dean Stewart, said at a hearing on Wednesday that Avenatti did try to keep the $1 million from his creditors but claimed everything he did was legal. Avenatti is trying to pay off multiple debts and can pay them off in any order, he said.

Selna concluded that Avenatti would be a danger to the public if he remained free on bail because of the likelihood he would keep committing crimes.

I believe that the danger to the community is real and palpable, Selna said.

In a letter published in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, U.S. attorneys told U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe that Avenatti was the subject of an arrest warrant because of potential violations of the conditions of pretrial release.

Avenatti is facing multiple charges. He was accused with attempting to extort more than $20 million from Nike, a case he was supposed to appear in a New York court for this week. The trial was postponed on Wednesday so the defense counsel could get an opportunity to speak with Avenatti, the New York Times reported. The trial should start no later than Jan. 27.

The arrest has created enormous disruption and unless parties coordinate effectively, I really have no idea when this trial is going to be tried, Gardephe said during a telephone conference. I am asking people to be practical here given the hand we have been dealtwhich is a bad one.

Avenatti was also indicted on 36 counts of theft, bank fraud, tax evasion, and perjury. Avenatti was also charged with defrauding Stormy Daniels, the woman who accused President Donald Trump of paying her off.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, who is currently visiting India on Tuesday spoke to Republic TV and said that Hungary aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of nationalism. Szijjarto is scheduled to meet PM Modi on Wednesday and his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar on Thursday. The Hungarian Foreign Minister also remarked that Hungary respects politicians who are patriotic and we look at patriotism as not something that is dangerous.

Peter Szijjarto further said, "Actually we respect PM Modi very much because we respect politicians who are patriotic and we look at patriotism as not something that is dangerous. You know, liberals, international media, tend to pose something bad and dangerous. We think totally in the other direction."

'We respect PM Modi a lot'

"Patriotism is good because of we patriots, we respect each other. We respect President Trump a lot when he says America first because what else should he say? These are all so hypocritical and politically correct statements. We respect Prime Minister Modi a lot. Hopefully, we the foreign ministers joining the rising dialogue will be received by him, that's going to be a great honour," he added.

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Furthermore, he added, "We have also discovered these similar kinds of approaches to major dialogue between the economies but we have to put into consideration that India is a superpower and we are a small European country. So the dimensions are different but still, the direction of the approach is pretty similar."

Szijjarto also reflected upon the term 'Nationalist' and how it is being misused. He said, "Expression of a nationalist is being misused. What nationalism means is to like your nation and put it first. That's why we are careful as well because you know we are living in a world where media has a strong impact. But we always respect those ideas, those persons, those elect governments who consider their nation as number one because what else should they consider number one, right?"

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New research by Fabrizio Perretti and Alessandro Piazza in the Strategic Management Journal finds that when community activists reach their goals, they galvanize; when they fail, mobilization does not fade away, but spills over to other industries

According to received wisdom, local activism against the establishment of industrial plants follows a cycle, with its highest intensity a short time after mobilization. If a firm stands, activism is destined to fade away. New research published in the Strategic Management Journal suggests us to think it again.

Fabrizio Perretti (Bocconi's Department of Management and Technology) and Alessandro Piazza (Jesse H. Jones School of Business) analyze the American anti-nuclear movement between 1960 and 1995 and find that the strategic decisions made by a firm affect both the evolution of activism in its own sector and the emergence of mobilization in other industries.

As expected, when activists are successful in preventing the establishment of a nuclear plant, there is an upsurge in similar protests in neighboring communities. Such a victory showcases activism as a viable opportunity for social change and activists remain mobilized to push further towards more ambitious goals. This dynamic is exemplified by the very first episode of protest against a nuclear power plant at Bodega Bay, California. In 1964 plans for the plant were canceled and, partly due to this success, a nationwide movement opposing nuclear power was soon born.

A protracted cycle of protest starting in 1976 could not, instead, prevent the construction of a nuclear power plant in Seabrook, New Hampshire, which was concluded in 1986. Despite their failure in achieving their goal, however, the Seabrook protests connected and inspired people around the country, establishing a dominant model of large-scale direct-action organization for groups championing different issues, including the AIDS activist group ACT UP.

Firms decisions can be considered critical events in a protracted conflict that not only determine local mobilization outcomes, but can also have boundary spanning effects, says Prof. Perretti. Furthermore, the idea that mobilization is more effective at its very onset proves wrong: all the conflicts about new plants go on for years, if not decades and activism effectiveness doesn't tend to wane over time.

###

Alessandro Piazza, Fabrizio Perretti, Firm Behavior and the Evolution of Activism: Strategic Decisions and the Emergence of Protest in U.S. Communities, in Strategic Management Journal, first published 26 November 2019, doi: 10.1002/smj.3116.
Amazon has cast four Australian actors in the new Lord Of The Rings TV series.

Among them, teens Markella Kavenagh and Tyroe Muhafidin.

The adaptation, which will be set before Fellowship of the Ring, will be 14-year-old Tyroe's first major series.

Australian teens Markella Kavenagh and Tyroe Muhafidin are the two youngest series regulars cast in the upcoming Lord of the Rings Amazon series. Pictured Elijah Wood

Getting a great start: The adaptation, which will follow the period after the Fellowship of the Ring, will be 14-year-old Tyroe Muhafidin's (pictured) first major series

The Australian-Indonesian actor has previously appeared in a number of short films, including Two Sands and the online series Caravan.

Meanwhile, Markella Kavenagh was nominated for the AACTA Subscription Television Award For Best New Talent in 2018.

The rising star made her screen debut in the Stan Original series Romper Stomper, opposite Sophie Lowe and David Wenham, going on to appear in Foxtel's re-imagining of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Rising star: Markella Kavenagh (pictured) was nominated for the AACTA Subscription Television Award For Best New Talent in 2018

Her film credits include Stan Original film True History of the Kelly Gang, the coming-of-age feature My First Summer and fellow Australian Phoebe Tonkin's short film Furlough.

Markella also nabbed a recurring role as Daisy Hart in another Stan Original series The Gloaming.

Two other Australian actors have also been announced to star in the project - Charlie Vickers-Willis and Tom Budge.

Local talent: Geelong-raised Charlie Vickers-Willis (pictured) appeared in Netflix's Medici: Masters of Florence opposite Sean Bean

Charlie has appeared in Netflix's Medici: Masters of Florence opposite Sean Bean and played a key role in the Australian feature film Palm Beach.

Meanwhile, Tom has two decades worth of experience to his name, with television credits including Neighbours, East of Everything, Stan Original series Bloom and Around The Twist.

Set in Middle Earth, the television adaptation will explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien's celebrated series.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], Jan 16 (ANI): BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose on Thursday said that January 23, which is the birth anniversary of Indian nationalist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, should be observed as 'Patriots Day', or 'Desh Prem Diwas'.



Chandra Kumar Bose, who is a descendant of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, said that the battle for India's freedom started with the Sepoy Uprising in 1857 and the final assault against British imperialism was carried out by Azad Hind Fauj.

"Many revolutionaries sacrificed their lives by going through the gallows. However, the final onslaught on British imperialism was the battle of Azad Hind Fauj under the leadership of Netaji. The subsequent Indian National Army (INA) trials held at Red Fort in 1946 destroyed the alliance of British Forces and the British High Command, due to which they relinquished India," he said.

He said there has been a long demand for January 23 to be declared Patriots Day or 'Desh Prem Diwas' in memory of Netaji, who was addressed as 'Patriot of Patriots' by Mahatma Gandhi.

"As we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Gandhi, it would be befitting that we celebrate January 23, 2020, as Patriots Day. We have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it must be done and we are absolutely sure that the NDA government would allow it," he said.

Bose said the Prime Minister has been giving honour to heroes who have been neglected over the years. (ANI)


Impeachment Trial of Trump Formally Starts as Senators Are Sworn In

The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump began in the Senate on Jan. 16 with a reading of the House-passed articles of impeachment and a swearing-in of 100 senators in front of Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

After 2 p.m. Eastern time, Roberts placed his hand on the Bible and was sworn in by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R.-Iowa), the Senates president pro tempore. He then called on all 100 senators to stand to be sworn in.

The senators took an oath before the trial. Roberts asked them, Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of President Donald John Trump, president of United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?

We do, the senators replied.

Senators were then called to the Senate clerks desk to sign their names in an oath book.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) elaborated on the next steps the upper chamber will take. He gave the House until Jan. 18, and the White House until Jan. 20 to provide trial briefs outlining their arguments. The House will have a rebuttal on the following day, and the Senate trial will resume on Jan. 21.

The House voted to transmit the two articles of impeachment on Jan. 15, and seven House managers named by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) carried the articles to the upper chamber later that day.

Pelosi named two House chairmen who led the impeachment inquiry as prosecutors for the Senate trial: Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who led the probe, and Judiciary Chair Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), whose committee approved the impeachment articles. Other managers in the trial will include Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Val Demings (D-Fla.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Jason Crow (D-Colo.).

During the swearing-in, Schiff read out the two articles of impeachment on the Senate floor, saying a president can be removed from office for committing treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors. Trump solicited the government of Ukraine to publicly announce investigations to bolster his chances at reelection, Schiff alleged, saying that Trump also withheld aid to Kyiv as a condition.

House managers, led by Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff (2nd R) and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jerry Nadler (R) walk to the Senate to deliver the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

This moment will mark only the third time in U.S. history that a president will face the prospect of being convicted and removed from office by the Senate. But in this case, it is highly unlikely, as removal requires a 67-vote supermajority, meaning that about 20 Republicans would have to break with their party and join the Democratic minority.

After the articles were read aloud by Schiff, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham wrote on Twitter that Democrats manufactured the articles of impeachment, which she described as a sham. They are trying to stop [Trump] from his continued success on behalf of the United States, she said.

Ahead of the trial, a White House spokesperson told reporters in a phone call that the Trump administration doesnt believe the Senate trial will last longer than two weeks or will call any witnesses.

It is extraordinarily unlikely that we would be going beyond two weeks. We think that the case is overwhelming for the president and the Senate is not going to have any need to be taking that amount of time, the senior official said.

It still isnt clear if any witnesses will testify. McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have grappled over whether the Senate trial should include witnesses or subpoenaed documents.

Among those Schumer wants to call to testify are former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, who left the administration last year, and current White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

Some Republicans, however, have said they would like to call up Republican-favored witnesses, including Hunter Biden, son of former Vice President Joe Biden. He had sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company that was at the center of the impeachment inquiry.
(Natural News) A Michigan man facing charges for possessing child pornography defended himself by claiming he identifies as an eight-year-old girl and therefore should have his rights protected under the First Amendment.

(Article by Adan Salazar republished from Infowars.com)

Police found child pornography at the Grand Rapids home of Joseph Gobrick, 45, back in 2018 after he was arrested when a missing 17-year-old Ohio girl turned up at his house.

Gobricks collection reportedly contained over 50 pornographic images of everything from infants to 5-year-olds, and police were able to identify at least eight victims who were sexually assaulted.

Last week at a sentencing trial, Gobrick continued to defend his actions by mounting an unusual defense.

Ive always been an 8-year-old girl, Gobrick told a judge. And even my drawings and fantasies, I am always an 8-year-old girl.

Whenever we did this, there are adults having sex with me in an online forum as an eight-year-old, he stated.

Gobrick also attempted to draw comparisons between how he was being treated and the oppression of Jews in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Under the law, Auschwitz was legal, Gobrick said. What youre doing here is wrong, just as Auschwitz was.

He also tried to claim many of the images were protected by the First Amendment because they were animated or illustrations, and said he would never have sex with a child because it was unsafe.

I would no sooner have sex with a child than you would with a rattlesnake, Gobrick told Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Denenfeld. Its just not safe.

Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Helmer argued Gobrick was a danger to the public, and pointed to his comments and perverted drawings as proof.

Even during the trial, the defendant continued to draw, talking about raping babies in the Kent County Jail and making other statements about how this is his constitutional right to continue to do so, Helmer said.

This wasnt Gobricks only bizarre legal move  at a bench trial in November, Gobrick had rejected his court-appointed attorney to represent himself.

Ultimately, Judge Denenfeld found Gobrick guilty on 3 counts of child sex crimes and sentenced him to between 10 and 20 years behind bars.

The reality is Mr. Gobrick not just engaged in misconduct, but he obviously doesnt think that child sexually abusive material is wrong, the judge stated, adding, This isnt just virtual stuff; this is also real people that are being harmed,

Gobricks criminal history also includes a 2001 New York conviction for sexual abuse.

Read more at: Infowars.com
A King for the ages

Tributes to the transformative life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The birth date of civil rights hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is being celebrated all across America on January 15, and The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta has been leading the charge in protecting and uplifting the life and legacy of the larger-than-life figure who led the Civil Rights Movement for just under 13 years.

Dr. King began his crusade for peace in late December, and worked tirelessly until his life was cut short by an assassins bullet on April 4, 1968. He would have been 91-years-old.

Confirmed racist, James Earl Ray was convicted of the shooting. However, on December 8, 1999, a jury in a civil lawsuit, brought by the King family, reached a unanimous verdict that Dr. King was assassinated as a result of a high-level conspiracy.

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Dr. King, at 39, transcended the flesh, despite being gunned down on April 4, 1968, on the historic Lorraine Motels balcony in Memphis, Tennessee in advance of a strike to support sanitation workers. For decades, throughout today, many young and old, of various faith traditions and backgrounds, not just from the same Christian faith, continued his work and legacy for nonviolent change, noted civil rights leaders and peace advocates.

Dr. King tackled issues the same problems in the 1950s and 60s that are prevalent today: racism, poverty, and militarism, stated Pastor William Smart, Jr., president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California. When we look at that today, we see were right back where we started, where we never got out of it, said Smart.

An outline of some Dr. Kings most important achievements compiled by The King Center include:

 In 1955, he was recruited to serve as spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a campaign by the African-American population of Montgomery, Alabama to force integration of the citys bus lines. After 381 days of nearly universal participation by citizens of the Black community, many of whom had to walk miles to work each day as a result, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in transportation was unconstitutional.

 In 1957, Dr. King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization designed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. He would serve as head of the SCLC until his assassination in 1968, a period during which he would emerge as the most important social leader of the modern American civil rights movement.

 In 1963, he led a coalition of numerous civil rights groups in a nonviolent campaign aimed at Birmingham, Alabama, which at the time was described as the most segregated city in America. The subsequent brutality of the citys police, illustrated most vividly by television images of young Blacks being assaulted by dogs and water hoses, led to a national outrage resulting in a push for unprecedented civil rights legislation. It was during this campaign that Dr. King drafted the Letter from a Birmingham Jail, the manifesto of Dr. Kings philosophy and tactics, which is today required-reading in universities worldwide.

 Later in 1963, Dr. King was one of the driving forces behind the March for Jobs and Freedom, more commonly known as the March on Washington, which drew over a quarter-million people to the national mall. It was at this march that Dr. King delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech, which cemented his status as a social change leader and helped inspire the nation to act on civil rights. Dr. King was later named Time magazines Man of the Year.

 In 1964, at 35-years-old, Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech in Oslo is thought by many to be among the most powerful remarks ever delivered at the event, climaxing at one point with the oft-quoted phrase I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.

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 Also, in 1964, partly due to the March on Washington, Congress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act, essentially eliminating legalized racial segregation in the United States. The legislation made it illegal to discriminate against Blacks or other minorities in hiring, public accommodations, education or transportation, areas which at the time were still very segregated in many places.

 The next year, 1965, Congress went on to pass the Voting Rights Act, which was an equally-important set of laws that eliminated the remaining barriers to voting for African-Americans, who in some locales had been almost completely disenfranchised. This legislation resulted directly from the Selma to Montgomery, AL March for Voting Rights lead by Dr. King.

 Between 1965 and 1968, Dr. King shifted his focus toward economic justice  which he highlighted by leading several campaigns in

Chicago, Illinois  and international peace  which he championed by speaking out strongly against the Vietnam War. His work in these years culminated in the Poor Peoples Campaign, which was a broad effort to assemble a multiracial coalition of impoverished Americans, who would advocate for economic change.

The Poor Peoples Campaign was developed so that they could address the nature of poverty through police work, through direct action, and through nonviolence, and he was bringing them to Washington to make a statement, because that was where the issues were, Smart said.

Many of the vestiges, or visible signs of the same problems fought against by Dr. King are hunger, homelessness, and poor health conditions, which predominate the majority of the African Americans attempts to rise, said Smart.

Here in Skid Row, we say homelessness is a racial justice issue. Forty percent of the homeless population of the nation is Black, while being only 12 or 13 percent of the population, said Pastor Stephe Cue Jn-Marie, an activist and founder of The Row, which is The Church Without Walls on Skid Row. He said Blacks in Los Angeles are nine percent of the population, but 40 percent of the homeless population, he said. And in Skid Row, Blacks make up about 70 percent of the population, depending on whos asked.

Obviously, Dr. King was ahead of his time as it relates to the Poor Peoples Campaign. We know that we spend more money on the military than we do on feeding the poor  Weve got money to kill people, but we dont have money to feed people, he added.
Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP

The Ukrainian government has opened an investigation into the possible illegal surveillance of Marie Yovanovitch when she was the US ambassador to Kyiv, following the publication of messages about her between two associates of Donald Trumps personal lawyer.

The Ukrainian interior ministry issued a statement on Thursday saying that its position was not to interfere in US domestic affairs, but that press reports of messages contain a possible violation of the law of Ukraine and the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat on the territory of the foreign country.

The statement said Ukrainian authorities had initiated criminal proceedings and asked the US for cooperation.

In accordance with the international legal mechanisms, the minister of internal affairs of Ukraine, Arsen Avakov, suggested that the US side to take part in the investigation, the statement said.

Neither the US state department nor the justice department responded to a request for comment.

Related: Unravelling Rudolph Giulianis labyrinthine ties to Ukraine

The state department has yet to make any statement on the possibility that Yovanovitch had been put under surveillance, after WhatsApp messages were released on Tuesday by the House intelligence committee between Trump donor Robert Hyde and Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born Florida businessmen.

Both men had ties to Rudy Giuliani, Trumps attorney and adviser, who the president had assigned to take the lead in persuading the Ukrainian government to open an investigation into his political rival former vice-president Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

In an interview on Wednesday night, Parnas, a 47 year-old Republican donor who has been charged for campaign finance violations, told MSNBC that Trump knew exactly what was going on in the pressure campaign on Kyiv.

Yovanovitch was viewed as an obstacle by Giuliani because she did not allow the embassy to become involved in the trawl for damaging material on the Bidens. She was also viewed as an enemy by former Ukrainian prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko, who had offered to help find compromising information in return for favours from Washington.

Story continues

During the campaign, Parnas received messages from Hyde appearing to describe surveillance of Yovanovitch, who referred to as a bitch.

Hyde allegedly texted to Parnas: Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Her computer is off.

Hyde said Yovanovitch was under heavy security and that we have a person inside.

In his MSNBC interview, Parnas said Hyde was drunk all of the time and a weird character.

He was either drunk or making himself bigger [more important] than he was. I didnt take him seriously, Parnas said.

Hyde distanced himself from Parnas, calling him a dweeb and said he was only joking around after a few drinks by sending colourful texts. The texts, however, were sent over the course of an entire week.

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Hyde had been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital last May, following an incident at Trumps Doral resort outside Miami.

Hyde is reported to have told the police that he had been set up and that a hit man was out to get him and he also spoke about emails he sent that may have placed his life in jeopardy. According to the report, he believed that painters and landscape workers were trying to harm him and that the Secret Service was watching him.

Yovanovitchs lawyer, Lawrence Robbins, issued a statement after the publication of the texts, and called for an inquiry.

Needless to say, the notion that American citizens and others were monitoring Ambassador Yovanovitchs movements for unknown purposes is disturbing, Robbins said. We trust that the appropriate authorities will conduct an investigation to determine what happened.

Robbins did not immediately reply to a query on whether Ukrainian authorities had been in touch about their investigation.

In a separate request, Ukraine appealed to the FBI for help in another investigation of a suspected cyber-attack by Russian military hackers on Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, which hired Hunter Biden as a board member.

The pressure by the Trump camp on the Ukrainian government was aimed in part at looking for damaging information about the younger Bidens role as a Burisma board member.
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Lobatan ooo! What is this now!!Canadas biggest newspaper has warned Meghan Markle and Prince Harry that they are not welcome to live there as a halfway house.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week they plan to quit the royal family and split their time between Britain and North America in a move which has sent shock waves through the monarchy.

And with Harry likely to fly back to be with his wife and son Archie on Vancouver Island before the end of the week, the Globe and Mail has dealt them a sucker punch.

The scathing column, said Canada is not open to anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.



While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted over Christmas the pair were always welcome as they spent the festive period in Vancouver, the newspaper has said the governments response should be a simple and succinct: No.

The Globe and Mail went on to describe the Sussexes plans to move as vague and evolving and not something that Canada can allow.

But this countrys unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in our constitutional system, means that a royal resident  the prince is sixth in the line of succession  is not something that Canada can allow. It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo, the article said.

And while the piece admitted Canadians like their own monarchy, with visits tending to produce outpourings of public enthusiasm no royals should set up a home on the premises.

Instead, they prefer members of the Canadian firm to kept at arms length and reign from a distance, adding: Close to our hearts, far from our hearths.

Princes are not shipped over here when no useful duties can be found for them on the other side of the Atlantic, it continued.

Canada welcomes people of all faiths, nationalities and races, but if youre a senior member of our Royal Family, this country cannot become your home.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Former State DGP T P Senkumar sparked a row on Thursday by asking a senior journalist to leave a press conference addressed by him, prompting the Kerala Union of Working Journalists to seek an apology from the ex-IPS officer.

The journalist, later in the evening, filed a complaint against Senkumar, Subhash Vasu, an office bearer of the Sree Narayana Dharama Paripalana Yogam, and other unidentified persons for attempting to assault him and throw him out of the press meet.

The SNDP is a powerful outfit of the backward Ezhava community in Kerala.

"We strongly condemn the attitude of the former DGP and his companions. The journalist, who is already under medical treatment, was working despite his bad health.

We pledge all our support to the journalist and seek strong action againstSenkumar. He must also tender an apology," the KUWJ said in a release.

Senkumar and Vasu had called the press meet to expose alleged corruption by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogamchief Vellappally Natesan.

However, when the journalist, Kadavil Rasheed, asked Senkumar why he had not investigated Vellappally during his tenure as state DGP, Senkumar became agitated and asked for the scribe's name.

"Tell me your name first...Are you a journalist? Leave this place. I am addressing journalists here," Senkumar was seen telling the scribe.

The former DGP also asked Rasheed ifhe was drunk.

"Are you drunk? You are behaving like that," Senkumar said.

Suddenly some people, suspected to be Senkumar's supporters who were inside the press conference hall,went up to Rasheed and asked him to move out of the room and started pushing him.

However, things cooled down when other journalists intervened and protested against this behaviour.

Recently, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said he regretted appointing Senkumar as DGP during the tenure of the previous Congress-UDF government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on January 16 said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Raut's controversial statements on the former prime minister were taken out of context.

Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, on January 15 set-off a political storm with his remarks that Gandhi had met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

As the Congress, part of the ruling coalition, took strong objection to the controversial comments, calling them "ill-informed", Raut on Thursday withdrew the remarks.

Speaking to reporters here, Aaditya Thackeray said workers of his party Shiv Sena will never make any unpleasant remark against the former prime minister.

Sanjay Rauts statement was taken out of context. With the kind of respect late Balasaheb Thackeray had for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, I do not think there will be any unpleasant remark from Sena workers," Aaditya Thackeray said.

"Kareem Lalaji was a Pathan leader. What he became later is unknown to me. It was Rautjis observation about a meeting, but the issue is over now, he said, seeking to put an end of the controversy after Raut withdrew the remarks.

Before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Lala in his capacity as a representative of the Pathan community.

Asked whether Rauts often controversial remarks are putting the Shiv Sena in trouble, Aaditya Thackeray sought to defend his senior party colleague, saying, All his comments are issue-specific.

The Shiv Sena-led government in the state is being supported by the Congress and the NCP, whose leaders are also part of the Council of Ministers.
When a Maine state senator introduced a bill last year to require all police officers to wear body cameras, she expected some discussion.

But the response that Democratic state Sen. Susan Deschambault got was stronger than she anticipated. Several groups, including police chiefs and municipal and county commissioners, opposed it, citing concerns about cost and questioning the necessity of requiring every officer to wear one. And the American Civil Liberties Union asked for the bill to be amended, saying that requiring the cameras without more study was premature.

The legislature delayed action and instead formed a working group to study the issue -- and that was fine with Deschambault.

If were going to have it, she said in a recent interview, lets do it right.

Maines cautious approach reflects a growing awareness, backed by several new studies, that body cameras dont necessarily have a huge effect on police officers behavior or how residents view the police.

Daniel Lawrence, a researcher at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., who has studied the cameras, said more departments are realizing that just purchasing them isnt enough. The way I see body-worn camera use being emphasized in the future is really having more of an emphasis on not just deploying and having officers wear body-worn cameras, but a closer examination of how they use those cameras, Lawrence said.

Among other factors, Lawrence said, the effectiveness of the cameras depends on when officers are required to turn them on, whether they must review the video before they write incident reports, and whether videos are released to people involved in an incident or to the public. A camera alone, he said, isnt going to drastically change how police operate.

The push for police body cameras began about five years ago after several high-profile police shootings, including the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The rise of video sharing on social media added to the momentum, and in 2015 the Obama administration handed out more than $23 million in federal grants to help agencies of all sizes purchase them.

By 2016, nearly half of U.S. law enforcement agencies had body-worn cameras, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics survey. In the same survey, about a third of sheriffs offices and local police departments that didnt have cameras said they were likely to consider acquiring them within the year.

Were at the point now where its just expected. Community members expect that officers will have the cameras on them, Lawrence said.

In addition to Maine, lawmakers in Illinois, Mississippi and North Carolina last year considered making body cameras a requirement for most police, the most proposals in one year since 2015, according to a Stateline analysis.

Changing behavior?

But some recent studies question whether the devices are doing what theyve been touted to do.

Although both officers and the public generally support body-worn cameras, or BWCs, the impacts may have been overestimated, according to a study published in March by George Mason Universitys Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy. The study, which looked at 70 other body-worn camera studies published through June 2018, found the cameras have not had statistically significant effects on most measures of officer and citizen behavior or citizens views of police.

The authors noted that studies have found mixed results on body cameras leading to reductions in use of force by police -- one of the primary reasons supporters pushed for the cameras. Five studies and experiments showed that officers wearing cameras used force less often than officers not wearing cameras, but eight others showed no statistically significant difference in use of force.

The George Mason study also described an unanticipated result of the cameras: Officers increasingly value them as a tool for evidence collection and protection.

Officers and citizens both seem to believe that BWCs can protect them from each other, the study said.

Another research article released last year came to similar conclusions.

The article, published in the South Dakota Law Review, said that although some studies have shown reductions in use of force and citizen complaints, it is unclear whether the results are worth the cost.

David Erickson, who co-authored the South Dakota Law Review study and is a retired police sergeant from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, said government officials are right to be concerned about cost but should be more concerned about setting good policies.

If we can get that mindset changed, Erickson said of setting policies, I think the cameras become more useful.

Lawrence shared some of his findings last year at a Washington, D.C., city council roundtable on the D.C. police department's body-worn camera program.

The program began with 400 cameras in 2014 and grew to 2,800 cameras two years later. At the time, it was the largest deployment of body cameras in the country, said Charles Allen, the councilmember who chairs the public safety committee.

Instead of engendering the type of transparency and trust that we would want this program to have, it has had the complete opposite effect, Allen said after four hours of hearing mostly criticisms of the program.

The main concern was the publics restricted access to video. A person in a video can view the footage at a police station. Others may file open records requests, but the department can withhold or redact video being used for an investigation.

Within a week of the hearing, the council made a change: an emergency resolution to allow close relatives of a person killed by police to access footage of the incident.

Getting it right

In addition to Maine, lawmakers in at least three other states (Louisiana, Maryland and Massachusetts) proposed task forces last year to study body cameras. An Indiana lawmaker started off the 2020 session with a proposal requiring police to set policies for cameras. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., require law enforcement to have written policies to use or receive funding for body-worn cameras, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

South Dakota state Sen. Reynold Nesiba, a Democrat, plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming session to start a conversation about regulating cameras. While Nesiba doesnt anticipate the state funding a camera program, he sees the use of cameras growing and wants to get standards in place, he said in an interview.

The bill includes a requirement for all agencies using cameras to develop a policy on areas including training, discipline, reporting and maintenance.

We have to figure out a balance between state-mandated rules and local jurisdictions, Nesiba said.

Applicants for federal body-camera grants must include policies with their applications, according to Justice Department spokeswoman Tannyr Watkins. The program awarded $73 million to more than 400 agencies from 2015 to 2019.

The National Institute of Justice and the FBI have published general guidelines on body-worn cameras. So has the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which supports body-worn cameras generally but takes the stance that each agency knows how to craft policy best for its community, according to Julie Parker, spokeswoman for the association.

Cost concerns

In many places, the cost of body cameras remains the primary concern.

In Kansas, for example, a 2018 bill that would have made body cameras a requirement for most law enforcement officers died in a Senate committee.

State Sen. Rick Wilborn, the Republican chairman of the committee, said in an interview that, like most states, Kansas has a few larger cities but lots of small municipalities with small budgets. We try to be understanding, especially with smaller counties, Wilborn said. You cant mandate something thats onerous to the point of breaking a budget.

About 80% of large departments with 500 or more full-time officers had body cameras in 2016, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In comparison, only about 31% of small police departments with part-time officers did.

Among police agencies that did not have the cameras, the primary reason given was cost, including video storage/disposal, hardware costs and ongoing maintenance, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Cost was on the mind of a chief of a 20-person police department in Salem, Illinois, last year when a city council member asked him to research body-worn cameras.

We have a good public trust here. We dont have accusations of police misconduct, said Chief Sean Reynolds in an interview.

But he wanted his officers to be able to capture high-profile incidents. Reynolds sought quotes from a retailer, Viridian Weapon Technologies, which estimated that it would cost $5,000 to use and store data from one body camera for five years.

The company provided another option: gun-mounted cameras, which would automatically activate when the weapon was pulled and cost about $800 for five years.

Reynolds chose the second option.

We wanted something that was cost effective and left no room for error, he said.

Last year Illinois state Rep. Justin Slaughter, a Democrat, introduced a bill to make body-worn cameras a requirement. The bill is still in committee, and Slaughter did not respond to requests for comment.

If the state mandated cameras, Reynolds said he would find a way to comply, but the cost would be difficult for small agencies like his.

Some states dont require cameras but have set aside money for departments that want to purchase them. New Jersey allocated $1 million for cameras in its 2019 budget. New Mexico included $3.1 million for cameras for state police in its 2019 budget, even after a study group led by the attorney generals office was reticent to recommend the program.

A requirement in two states

Only two states, Nevada and South Carolina, require all law enforcement agencies to use the cameras. Both states have faced challenges in reaching universal compliance.

In Nevada, former Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval signed measures to mandate body cameras for the state highway patrol in 2015 and all law enforcement agencies in 2017. To help cover the cost, the law allowed county governments to increase 9-1-1 surcharges on phone bills.

But Nevadas use of 9-1-1 fees was criticized in a December report from the Federal Communications Commission. The fees are supposed to be used for 9-1-1 related services, according to the commission.

Law enforcement agencies in Nevada were given a deadline of July 2018 to start using body- worn cameras, but some departments didnt get the equipment until nearly a year later. The law didnt include a penalty for not getting cameras, and its possible that some departments still dont have them, according to a spokeswoman for the states public safety department.

In South Carolina, then-Gov. Nikki Haley, a Republican, signed a law to make body cameras a requirement for police in 2015. But the devices arent everywhere in the state yet.

The law had a caveat: The cameras would be required when the state fully funded the programs.

Since 2016, the state has divvied up $13.4 million to 164 law enforcement agencies, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. There are 180 agencies in the state, according to Scott Slatton, a lobbyist for the South Carolina Municipal Association.

We supported the idea of body-worn cameras and understood how important they were, Slatton said.

The association pushed for state funding as part of the law and is pushing for more state money to help departments buy body cameras and pay for data storage, he said.

One of the good outcomes of the law, he said, is that it requires agencies that apply for state money to set policies for using cameras.

This article was first posted to Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Mumbai, Jan 16 (UNI) Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relation Peter Szijjarto expressed the need for a direct air connectivity between Budapest and Mumbai.

His assertion came during his interaction with the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan here on Wednesday.

Hungary, a member of the European Union, has emerged as an attractive destination for the shooting of Indian films.
The BJP and the Jana Sena will wage a legal battle, if required, to ensure Amaravati is retained as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, the parties said on Thursday.

The combine, however, is ready for the relocation of the state High Court in Kurnool.

"But Kurnool can't be called any capital as such. There has to be only one capital," Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan remarked.

State BJP president Kanna Lakshmi Narayana said they have been requesting for long that the High Court should be located in Kurnool, capital city of erstwhile Andhra state from 1953 to 1956.

"We made that promise even in our election manifesto," the BJP leader pointed out at a joint press meet where the BJP-Jana Sena alliance was formally announced on Thursday evening.

The two parties, however, asserted that shifting of the state capital was not possible.

"We will fight it out by all means and not allow the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government to carry out its plan. We will fight it legally, if required," they said.

Kalyan recalled that he expressed doubts over development of Amaravati way back in 2015 and wondered if 33,000 acres of land was required.

"My fears are coming true noW," he said, but added they would not sit silent over this.

The BJP-Sena leaders asserted that they would take to the streets to prevent relocation of the state capital.

Referring to the Chief Minister's plan to have "three capitals" for the state, the opposition leaders said there could be nothing like that.

"Talking of three capitals is only hoodwinking people. You can't have three capitals. Even if the High Court is located in a different place, it cannot be called a capital," they pointed out.

Kalyan, who revived his friendship with the BJP after over three years, said some sections were creating misgivings over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

"It is wrong to say the citizenship of Muslims of India will be cancelled. It's false.

The Act is clearly intended to extend citizenship to Hindus and other minorities who are facing persecution in neighbouring countries," he said.

Indian Muslims need not have any apprehensions over the CAA, the Jana Sena chief added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A snowstorm in north and central New Mexico on Thursday forced early closures of state offices, national monuments and several schools.

The city of Albuquerque and all APS schools will be operating on a two-hour delay on Friday due to anticipated freezing road conditions. Mayor Tim Keller tweeted Thursday night that nonessential services will be on a weather delay with offices opening at 10 a.m.

Albuquerque reached the mid-50s Wednesday, but temperatures plummeted by more than 25 degrees the next morning, and snow began falling.

Many state agency offices in Santa Fe closed before noon and sent employees home as the snow piled up.

Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument also closed early. Bandelier staff said in a news release that the closure may remain in effect Friday, depending on the weather. Valles Caldera will delay opening until 11 a.m. Friday.

Bernalillo County canceled a Friday groundbreaking event on the championship field for the Mesa del Sol Regional Sports Complex.

Rio Rancho Public Schools closed all schools at noon and canceled after-school activities.

Snow and poor road conditions prompted early closure of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College Rio Rancho campuses, and Santa Fe Public Schools canceled all after-school athletics and club activities Thursday.

The main UNM campus in Albuquerque announced a campus closure at 3:30 p.m. At least half an inch of snow was reported in parts of the Albuquerque area.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. Friday for Albuquerque and Santa Fe. But high temperatures in Albuquerque will steadily climb into the high 40s by the weekend.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the northern mountains and the Sandia and Manzano mountains until 5 p.m. Friday. The Sandias could receive as much as 5 inches of snow from the storm.

The state Department of Transportation has advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during winter weather. Travel conditions are available at nmroads.com.
Police patrols at a family friendly water park have been beefed up after violent confrontations between 60 teens and officers spiralled out of control.

Officers were called to the Island Aqua Park water park at Hillarys Boat Marina in Perth's north on Monday following reports of a large group of teens were intimidating and abusing members of the public and allegedly pushing children off inflatable slides.

Shocked onlookers, including young children watched in horror as the teens allegedly attacked, spat at and pelted glass bottles at police in chaotic scenes.

The first officers to the scene were forced to call for back-up after being outnumbered

'My brother ended up ringing Triple Zero to try and get more police there because we were actually quite frightened for the police,' one witness told Mornings on 6PR.

Outnumbered by youths, it took an hour for police to bring the incident under control and were forced to use pepper spray on several teens who resisted arrest.

Seven teens were arrested and issued with juvenile cautions which ranged from obstructing police to stealing and disorderly conduct.

Police defended their use of pepper spray on the teens and said they had no other choice.

'When two officers are confronted with a group of unruly youths, it becomes quite scary,' Senior Sergeant Mark Stoneman told reporters.

'By no means did we overreact.'

The teens allegedly attacked, spat at and pelted glass bottles at police in chaotic scenes

The incident shocked police minister Michelle Roberts.

'Where are the parents? Where is the parental responsibility here. When kids are on school holidays, they need to know where their kids are and what they're doing,' she said.

'Police moved in, they declared it an out of control gathering and taken appropriate action, but it's something that shouldn't happen in the first place.

'It's something that parents of those children need to take some responsibility for.'

Western Australia Police have since surrounded the precinct with foot and mounted patrols 'deter future incidents and ensure public safety' following reports the youths vowed to return.

The beefed up presence also includes riot police and security officers.

Police were forced to use pepper spray on some of the unruly teens who resisted arrest

Island Aqua Park has welcomed the increased safety patrols in a video posted on the venue's Facebook page to ensure family friendly activities such as theirs can continue.

'What that is really showing us is that we have their full support because it is ridiculous that a nice family water park like us should be intimidated by youths trying to get their kicks by intimating the public and it's just really not fair to spoil it for everyone else,' manager Samantha Crawford said.

She added the water park has enjoyed one of its busiest days of the summer since Monday's incident.

Island Aqua Park manages one of the biggest parks in the UK and returned to Australia this summer to set up at Hillary's Boat Harbour.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed Monday's incident and have photos or footage.
He split from partner Irina Shayk in June last year.

And Bradley Cooper, 45, appears to be enjoying the single life, with the A Star Is Born hunk seen flirting up a storm at the AFI luncheon in Beverly Hills earlier this month.

The apparent object of his desire was newly minted Bond girl Ana de Armas, 31, based on pictures of the event obtained by DailyMail.com.

Fancy free: Bradley Cooper, 45, appears to be enjoying the single life, with the A Star Is Born hunk seen flirting up a storm with Ana de Armas, 31, at the AFI luncheon in Beverly Hills earlier this month

The star of The Hangover appeared to be thoroughly charming Ana during the conversation, with the No Time To Die actress laughing at his every joke.

'Bradley made a beeline for Ana and they chatted away for quite a while in the hotel lobby. They werent at all keen to rush off,' an insider shared with RadarOnline of the encounter.

The pair are actually former co-stars, having both appeared in the 2016 film War Dogs.

The Cuban beauty has been married previously, having wed Spanish actor Marc Clotet in 2011, until their divorce in 2013.

Smooth operator: The star of The Hangover appeared to be thoroughly charming Ana during the conversation, with the No Time To Die actress laughing at his every joke

M.O.: 'Bradley made a beeline for Ana and they chatted away for quite a while in the hotel lobby. They werent at all keen to rush off,' an insider shared with RadarOnline

Lovely: The Cuban beauty has been married previously, having wed Spanish actor Marc Clotet in 2011, until their divorce in 2013. Seen here solo this month

Bradley and his ex Irina began dating in 2015, until calling it quits back in June, having since shared equal custody of their daughter Lea de Seine, two.

Shortly after the split, a source told People: 'Bradley was emotionally absent during the long time filming A Star Is Born. They tried to save the relationship but it had changed.'

It was followed with rumors of an onset romance that sparked between Cooper and co-star Lady Gaga, 33.

When asked if they hooked up, she recently told Oprah Winfrey: 'We did a really good job at fooling everyone. We created that.'
Far Rockaway, NY, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National car donation nonprofit Kars4Kids is extending the holiday gifting season for the Far Rockaway community by distributing warm winter sweaters, coats, and jackets on January 20, Martin Luther King Day, to children and adults in the community. The winter wear distribution, to warm and benefit hundreds of residents of all ages, is in conjunction with the Child Center of New York and will be held in three of the Child Centers Cornerstone locations.

Its normal for people to settle back into routine as the excitement of the holidays dies down, but were still looking out for those children who dont have proper gear for the coldest months of the year, says Wendy Kirwan, director of communications at Kars4Kids. We strongly believe that every child deserves to be warm in winter.

A national Jewish nonprofit with a suite of year-round educational and mentoring programs, Kars4Kids annual charity distributions are one aspect of its broader mission to develop children into productive members of their communities.

"As a service provider in the Far Rockaway area for over 10 years, we have noticed that some of our participants and their families struggle with meeting the basic needs in providing warm clothing during the winter months. In most cases, families have to sacrifice in order to provide for the children. Many of our families live in public housing and often struggle with housing issues, it would be a blessing to provide them with these articles of clothing to brighten up this post-holiday season, says Brian Davis, who serves as site director of the Beach 41st Cornerstone Community Center.

All Long Island area residents are welcome to attend the distribution, which will be held from 12-4pm on January 20, 2020 at three locations:

Redfern Cornerstone Community Center1544 Hassock StreetFar Rockaway, NY 11691



Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center57-10 Beach Channel DriveArverne, NY 11692



Beach 41rst Community Center426 Beach 40th StreetFar Rockaway, NY 11691(exact time and date may vary)



All items will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Kars4Kids is a nationally recognized Jewish 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that gives back to the community through a variety of education, youth development, family outreach and faith-based programs. The charitys iconic and innovative donation programs raise funds for its many year-round programs for children and families.
Cormac OKeeffe and Juno McEnroe

Garda bosses have described the murder and dismemberment of a 17-year-old boy as savage, shocking and unacceptable.

DNA tests confirmed that remains, believed to be limbs, found on the streets of a north Dublin suburb on Monday night, as are those of Keane Mulready-Woods, from Drogheda, Co Louth.

They suspect that remains, thought to be a head, found in a burning car in Dublins north inner city early on Wednesday belong to the deceased, but are awaiting DNA results.

Gardai are investigating links with the vicious Drogheda feud, which has now claimed three lives since last August, with the murder of a child marking an escalation in violence.

A search is continuing at a house in Rathmullen Park in the town amid signs of blood and efforts at a clean-up.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan, divisional officer in Louth, said the warring factions in Drogheda were intent on inflicting maximum damage on each other.

He said these groups were interested in controlling certain parts of society through cocaine. They want to enhance their own lifestyle through drugs and intimidation. However, he added: We are not going to allow that to happen.

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said:

An Garda Siochana is determined to bring those behind this shocking crime to justice. In recent years, An Garda Siochana has made significant progress in tackling organised crime through arrests leading to convictions and major seizures of guns, drugs and cash. This focus will continue.

As always, the help and support of communities is vital to this.

Speaking before the identity was confirmed, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: Its something thats really shocking. Its grotesque. Its gruesome, its macabre.

At last nights press conference, Chief Supt Mangan said: This is a brutal and savage attack on a child and is completely unacceptable in any normal democratic society.

It is important to remember that Keane was a child, a young boy, trying to find his way in life, he has now lost his life and his family have lost their loved son and brother.

Gardai had earlier informed the boys family in Drogheda about the devastating news.

The boys sister had made an appeal on social media on Monday for information about her brother, last seen around 6pm on Sunday.

A threat had been made to abduct, kill, and dismember him in the week before then.

Chief Supt Mangan said that a very extensive investigation was being conducted, that into the murder.He said

tests were continuing on the house in Rathmullen but they could not say if that was where the juvenile was murdered.

He said there had already been an unacceptable level of violence in Drogheda and that this act was certainly an escalation of violence.

Asked why someone would inflict such extreme violence on a child,

He said there were a number of lines of inquiry they were investigating, but had not yet come down on one definite line.

Its an absolutely horrific murder of a child, he said.

The deceased had been recently convicted of intimidating a mother of a teenager who owed a drug debt to one of the feuding gangs. He had smashed windows in the house, before throwing a petrol bomb into it.

Garda sources said there were suspicions he may have been running with both of the feuding gangs and that one of them acted for this reason.

He may also have been targeted because he was linked, or related to, one of the gangs and was seen as an easy target by the other.

Detectives are also investigating if he was murdered in revenge for the shooting dead of gang figure, Richie Carberry, originally from Coolock, last November.
Asha Devi, the mother of 2012 gang-rape victim on Thursday expressed her disappointment over the recent development in the execution of four rape convicts and requested the President to dismiss their mercy petition and ensure their hanging on January 22.

"I was shocked to hear that Mukesh has approached for a stay. I have been fighting for seven years now but nobody gave me an answer. When the death warrant was announced, they were given 14 days time to appeal for mercy petition. Instead, they approached the Supreme Court to put a stay on death warrant which was dismissed," Devi told ANI.

"They later took it to the High Court and the court said that the convicts are trying to delay the case. I will keep supporting the cause and victims. I request the President to dismiss their mercy petition and they should be hanged on January 22", she added.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has rejected the mercy plea of Mukesh, one of the convicts in the case. The mercy plea was then forwarded to Lieutenant Governor, who has now sent it to Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

He approached the High Court on Tuesday seeking to set aside the trial court's order issuing death warrant.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea by Nirbhaya case convict Mukesh Kumar, seeking to set aside the trial court order which issued the death warrant.

Delhi High Court asked convict Mukesh's counsel to approach the trial court and apprise the court of the pending mercy plea.

In its order, the Delhi High Court stated, "Having heard counsel for the parties, this court is of the view that there is no error in the order dated January 7, 2020, as till the date the impugned order was passed, the petitioner had neither filed a curative nor a mercy petition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to Maltas Prime Minister Robert Abela on his election, the Armenian PMs Office told Armenpress.

In the letter, the Armenian PM said: I warmly congratulate you on your election as Prime Minister of Malta. I wish you new success in your responsible mission aimed at the prosperity and welfare of the Republic of Malta.

Armenia attaches great importance to further strengthening and deepening of friendly ties with Malta in various areas. I am confident that under your tenure the bilateral partnership agenda will be supplemented with new programs and initiatives with joint efforts for the benefit of our peoples.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
As China readies itself for the upcoming Chinese New Year, global merchants have noticed the benefits.

Statistics indicated that on Jan. 6, the first day of a Chinese New Year-themed shopping festival held by Tmall, Australian wine producer Penfolds sold 300,000 bottles of wine, up by 1,400 percent. This amount of wine could fill glasses for 2.8 million people during the Spring Festival.

Pitayas are ready to be shipped to China in an orchard in Vietnam. (File photo)

Famous brands such as Gucci, Adidas and Pandora have launched special editions products to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Lego also issued Spring Festival sets featuring the traditional Chinese lion dance and temple fair.

On Jan. 6 alone, a total of nearly 3,000 high-end facial massagers made by Japanese brand Yaman were sold on Tmall, and products of this kind saw a sales growth of 120 percent from last year.

"The continuous expanding middle-income group, as well as the marginal prosperity of the low- and middle-income group, have placed China in a critical moment of consumption upgrading," said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

"Especially when China's per capita GDP hits $10,000, the number of middle-income earners will keep increasing, further accelerating the trend of consumption upgrading," he added.

In Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi province, a Spring Festival shopping fair has kicked off, in which over 5,000 products in 13 categories from some 40 countries and regions in Europe and Central Asia are on display. German milk, Kazakh flour, Russian chocolate and French wine were all exported to the city through China-Europe freight trains.

Statistics from the Ministry of Commerce indicated that in the first 11 months of 2019, the trade volume between China and other Belt and Road countries hit $1.2 trillion, up 4.8 percent year-on-year. A total of 7,469 China-Europe freight trains were launched, increasing 33 percent from the previous year, reaching 55 cities in 18 countries.

On Jan. 1, China implemented new provisional import tax rates that are lower than the most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates for over 850 commodities.

The tariff on imported frozen pork dropped from 12 percent to 8 percent, and tariffs on frozen flounder, cod and menhaden also decreased from 7 percent to 2 percent.

According to Vietnamese media, pitaya exports accounted for 32 percent of Vietnam's total export of vegetables and fruits, and 80 percent of the exported volume went to China.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not participating in Central government's upcoming meeting on Population Register (NPR) and said she should understand her constitutional duties.

"Mamata Banerjee is the chief minister of West Bengal and not the leader of the entire country. At least she should understand her constitutional duties," Naqvi said.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said she will not participate in the Central government's upcoming meeting on NPR which is scheduled for January 17 in the capital.

On being asked about JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh comment on the government where she said somewhere the government started from Kashmir that our Constitution is snatched from us, the leader said: "Student movement is a good thing but it should not be made into an anarchist movement."

After the Congress questioned the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, the minister said, "This is the same Congress party that used to cry at the death of Osama bin Laden. Congress party always supports terrorist leaders and their activities. They are the voice of Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The historic impeachment trial of Donald Trump opened Thursday in the US Senate, as lawmakers took a solemn oath to be "impartial" in deciding whether to force the 45th US president from office. For just the third time in American history, the hushed Senate chamber was transformed into a court of impeachment, presided over by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who administered the oath to senators. When Roberts, clad in a black robe, asked if they swore to deliver "impartial justice" according to the US Constitution, the 99 lawmakers present -- one was absent -- responded in unison, with right hands raised: "I do." Earlier in the day, in a deeply symbolic moment, the two articles of impeachment -- charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress -- were read out on the Senate floor. "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye," Senate Sergeant of Arms Michael Stenger said, commanding senators to "keep silent, on pain of imprisonment." Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who will serve as lead prosecutor for the trial, read the charges accusing Trump of "high crimes and misdemeanors." Trump has ridiculed the impeachment process for months, and he responded to the opening of the trial by once more branding it a "hoax." "I think it should go very quickly," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "It's totally partisan," he said. "I've got to go through a hoax, a phony hoax put out by the Democrats so they can try and win an election." The Democratic-controlled House, voting along party lines, impeached Trump on December 18. But Trump's acquittal is widely expected in the Republican-dominated Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required to convict and remove a president. After the swearing in, the Senate adjourned until 1:00 pm (1800 GMT) Tuesday. One senator -- Republican James Inhofe -- was absent due to a family medical emergency but said he would be sworn in "with no delay" on Tuesday. - 'Senate's time is at hand' - Trump is accused of abuse of power for withholding military aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting for the country's president in exchange for an investigation into his potential presidential election rival Democrat Joe Biden. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office concluded in a report released Thursday that the White House had violated federal law by putting a hold on the congressionally approved funds for Ukraine. "Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," the congressional watchdog said. The second article of impeachment relates to Trump's refusal to provide witnesses and documents to House impeachment investigators in defiance of congressional subpoenas. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been extremely critical of Trump's impeachment by the House, and Democrats have accused him of planning to oversee a "sham" trial. The top Republican has said he would coordinate Trump's Senate defense with the White House. "The House's hour is over," McConnell said. "The Senate's time is at hand." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump had given the House no option. "It is a sad day for America," Pelosi told reporters. "We were given no choice." Trump's actions undermined national security, were a violation of his oath of office and "jeopardized the integrity of our elections," she said. For weeks, Pelosi delayed delivering the articles as she pressured McConnell to agree to subpoena witnesses and documents -- but McConnell has refused to commit. A Trump administration official told reporters they expect the trial to last no longer than two weeks, suggesting McConnell could use his 53-47 Republican majority to stifle calls for witnesses and quickly take the charges to a vote. Before the prosecution begins laying out its case against the president next week, senators will vote Tuesday on the contours of the trial's opening phase. McConnell and aides huddled privately Thursday as they worked on the resolution. Democrats say they will oppose it because it makes no guarantee that witnesses will be called, or new evidence admitted. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested Republicans are being cowed into lockstep with Trump and seek a speedy end to the trial. All senators felt "the weight of history" on their shoulders as Roberts, 64, swore them in, said Democrat Schumer, who implored his Republican colleagues to vote for fair rules that allowed witnesses. "Each of us, every one of us, Democrat and Republican, will face a choice about whether to begin this trial in the search of the truth, or in service of the president's desire to cover it up," Schumer told reporters. One Republican, Senator Susan Collins, signalled she would "likely" support a motion to call witnesses. "While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful," Collins said in a statement.
SALT LAKE CITY - An HIV-awareness campaign featuring condom wrappers with cheeky slogans that put a sexy spin on state pride met a quick end in Utah as the governor ordered the health department to stop distributing them.

Utah Gov. Gary Herberts intervention came hours after the designs became public on Wednesday. Herbert, a Republican, he understands the importance of educating residents about HIV prevention, but he does not approve of using sexual innuendo as part of a taxpayer-funded campaign.

The prophylactics were labeled with phrases like The Greatest Sex on Earth, a spin on the famous license-plate ski slogan The Greatest Snow on Earth.

About 100,000 of the condoms were to be handed out for free through the Utah AIDS Foundation, local health departments and University of Utah clinics. Community activists also planned to place them at bars, social clubs and motels. The campaign was created with federal funds.

Were really trying to have fun with it, get people talking, Erin Fratto, a health program specialist at the Utah Department of Health, said before the governors order. Were pushing the envelope.

After the governor weighed in, though, the health department apologized for the offensive packaging, said the campaign had not gone through the necessary approval channels and authorities regretted the lewd nature of the branding.

Wyoming and Alaska have also done similar campaigns in recent years.
Low growth, rising population, drought and floods have combined to worsen food insecurity in the region.

A record 45 million people in Southern Africa, mostly women and children, face severe food insecurity caused by drought, flooding, and economic disarray, the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday.

This hunger crisis is on a scale weve not seen before and the evidence shows its going to get worse, said Lola Castro, WFP regional director for Southern Africa, in a statement.

Food insecurity defined by the US Department of Agriculture is the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active and healthy life.

The UN agency warned it secured only $205m of the $489m it requires, saying families across the region were already skipping meals, taking children out of school, selling off precious assets, and falling into debt to stave off agricultural losses.

With temperatures rising at twice the global average and most of its food produced by subsistence farmers entirely dependent on increasingly unreliable rains, Southern Africa has had just one normal growing season in the last five years, WFP said.

Low growth, rising population, drought and floods have combined to worsen food insecurity in the region.

If we dont receive the necessary funding, well have no choice but to assist fewer of those most in need, and with less, Castro said.

Women and children suffer

The worst-hit countries by the drought were Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Nearly half of Zimbabwes 15 million people live in a state of chronic food insecurity, according to UN figures.

Wildlife has also suffered, with more than 200 elephants having starved to death in Zimbabwe in just three months last year.

Twenty-percent of the population in drought-stricken Lesotho and about 10 percent of Namibians are also suffering from food insecurity.





In October, Zambias Red Cross flagged that drought had left an estimated 2.3 million people facing severe food insecurity.

Zambia was long known as the regions breadbasket, but recurring drought has cut water reserves at the hydroelectric dam of Kariba, the main source of energy.

Across the region, women and children are bearing the brunt of the lack of food.

Grappling with hunger

Meanwhile, experts forecast more hot-and-dry weather in the coming months, auguring another poor harvest.

The situation could decline further as the dry season may last longer than usual, affecting the annual cereal harvest in April.

The WFP plans to provide lean-season assistance to 8.3 million people in areas grappling with crisis levels of hunger.

It called on the international community to accelerate both emergency assistance to millions of desperately hungry people in Southern Africa, and long-term investment to enable the regions vulnerable to withstand the worsening impacts of climate change.

In response to the crisis, the European Commission on Thursday said it is mobilising a humanitarian aid package of $25.4m to support emergency food needs and vulnerable people in eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
We reported the likelihood of delays to the Brazilian 5G auction earlier this week. Now a government official has confirmed that interference issues are at least part of the reason for the delays.

Earlier estimates for the auction of 5G spectrum, planned for March, were of an auction late this year or early next year. While it is not clear whether the auction can still take place around this time, press reports have quoted Marcos Pontes, the minister of science, technology, innovation and communications, as saying that the actual introduction of 5G mobile technology in Brazil may not occur until late 2021 or early 2022.

He explained that the 5G auction has been postponed due to interference issues with the 3.5GHz band, which is currently used to support satellite TV services. Pontes was quoted as saying that the authorities need a strategy in place before proceeding, in order to mitigate any issues.

This will come as a disappointment to many players who may have gained hope from the results of tests conducted late last year showing that 5G services are possible in the 3.5GHz band without disrupting satellite TV signals in the C band.

If and when it happens, the auction and consequent rollout, involving the 700MHz, 2.3GHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz frequency bands, will no doubt be a massive undertaking involving vast sums of money, but the risk of lost revenue for all potential players due to delay is significantly enhanced after this announcement.
U.S. Indicts Five Suspects For Smuggling U.S.Goods To Pakistan's Nuclear Program

By RFE/RL January 15, 2020

A federal court has indicted five men suspected of operating an international network of front companies to purchase goods in the United States for Pakistan's nuclear and other weapons programs in violation of two legislative acts designed to protect U.S. national security, the U.S. Justice Department said in a news release.

The indictment, unsealed on January 15, says the "defendants smuggled U.S.-origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan's weapons programs," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.

Accused of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act are: Muhammad Kamran Wali (Kamran), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (Ahsan), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (Haji), 82, both of Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (Khan) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (Waheed), 52, of Britain.

All are associated with the front company Business World in Pakistan and the group allegedly procured "38 separate exports" from 29 U.S.-based companies through an international web of firms that concealed the true destination of the goods in Pakistan, according to the indictment.

However, a multiagency law enforcement investigation established that the goods went to two Pakistani organizations whose activities "are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests: the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)."

AERO was added to the Commerce Department's entity list in 2014 after the U.S. government found that it had "used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan's cruise missile and strategic UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] programs."

Arrest warrants for the five suspects are pending and none of them have been apprehended.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-indicts-five-suspects- for-smuggling-u-s-goods-to-pakistan-s- nuclear-program/30379621.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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China's 6th military medical expert team heads for Ethiopia

PLA Daily

Source: China Military Online

Editor: Huang Panyue

2020-01-15 17:10:34

By Luo Yang

CHONGQING, Jan. 15 -- Nine members of the 6th Chinese military medical expert team to Ethiopia left Chongqing for Addis Ababa, capital of eastern Africa's Ethiopia for a one-year military medical assistance mission on Jan. 13, 2020.

Chinese military medical experts have been implementing medical assistance tasks to Ethiopia for six years. This year marks the first time for the elite military doctors from multiple hospitals to jointly carry out the mission.

The nine team members come from five military hospitals, covering seven medical departments including neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, cardiovascular medicine and critical care medicine.

They will conduct clinical treatment, personnel training and technical assistance mainly at the General Hospital of Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) upon arrival.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three shots-fired incidents in as many days remain under investigation by the NYPD, a spokeswoman told the Advance on Wednesday.

The spree began on Saturday, Jan. 11, when a 21-year-old man walked into Richmond University Medical Center with a bullet wound to the lower back at around 4:33 p.m.

Police said the 21-year-old told officers he was having a verbal dispute with an unknown suspect on Union Avenue, near Forest Court in Mariners Harbor, before the individual fired multiple rounds in his direction.

No arrests have been made in the case, and there is currently no suspect description, according to police.

NYPD officers responded to a report of shots fired in Stapleton Sunday night. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

The next day, bullets were fired outside of the Stapleton Houses just after 10 p.m., striking a car, the sidewalk and a security gate outside the apartment buildings.

Officers responded to the vicinity of 210 Broad Street, cordoning off a section of the street, and found discarded shell casings on the sidewalk and bullet holes in a Honda vehicle and roll-down security gate at 203 Broad St.

Police were seen looking through the Honda just before 11 p.m. on Sunday. No injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made in the case, the investigation continues and a description is unavailable for the suspect, police said.

NYPD officers cordoned off a dead-end street in New Brighton Monday night. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

Less than 24 hours later, officers converged on a dead-end street in New Brighton Monday night after shots were fired by an unknown individual.

Multiple police vehicles and an NYPD Emergency Service Unit cordoned off a section of road on the 100 block of Harvard Avenue, near Skyline Park, at around 7 p.m on Monday.

An NYPD spokesman said that shots were fired by an unknown perpetrator before the person fled in a black sedan.

No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made, according to police.

Police did not respond to a question concerning a possible relation between the shooting incidents.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

Trend:

More houses should be built this year for martyr families and those disabled in the Karabakh war, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting on the results of 2019, Trend reports.

In connection with the self-employment program, the World Bank was invited to join it on our initiative, the Azerbaijani president noted. Of course, the main goal here is not in using the funds of the World Bank, although this is also important. The key goal is to use their experience because the World Bank has implemented similar programs in many countries and has extensive experience in this area. Therefore, we attach great importance to the agreement to be signed. I am sure that after the agreement is signed with the World Bank, a new framework for cooperation in this area will be determined.

The 70-percent increase of targeted social assistance is a very serious growth, and you have already noted that it covers 72,000 families, Ilham Aliyev said.

The main question here, of course, is justice, the Azerbaijani president added. This help should benefit the families that really need it, the families that are in a difficult financial situation. More houses should be built this year for martyr families and those disabled in the Karabakh war. I gave you an instruction on this issue.

Whereas 934 apartments were provided last year, I think that 1,500 apartments should be provided this year, said Ilham Aliyev. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy should give relevant instructions on this issue. Thus, if we achieve this, and I am sure we will, only 2,000 families will remain in line. We will provide them with houses in the coming years.

I believe that our economic indicators are positive now, especially in the non-oil industry where growth amounted to 14 percent, the Azerbaijani president noted. Agriculture grew by almost 7 percent. Let the Minister of Economy report on forecasts of economic development for this year. The investment program was approved last month and should be implemented without delay. Our non-oil exports grew by 14 percent. This is a large growth. However, there are objective reasons that to some extent impede the growth of non-oil exports. The first of these is population growth. In other words, we consume more domestically.

The second factor is the increase in the number of tourists, Ilham Aliyev said.

Whereas if less than 2 million people came here five years ago, now there are more than 3 million visitors, the Azerbaijani president added. Of course, domestic consumption and domestic demand are growing. Therefore, a long-term strategy for non-oil exports should be developed. Moreover, it should be linked to existing markets and work should be carried out to access promising markets. In general, we now know that the population increases by at least 100,000 people every year.

Viewing this as a long-term forecast, we should also determine the volume of domestic demand because if we dont increase production, non-oil production, then our non-oil exports will not only not increase, but even decrease in the future, said Ilham Aliyev. Therefore, issues of stimulating the processing industry are on the agenda here. So the Ministry of Economy should work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture because our main non-oil exports consist of agricultural produce. The state investment program has already been approved, and its main goal is to ensure economic growth. But at the same time, the state currently acts as the main investor. But we want the private sector to be the main investor in the non-oil sector.

The development of small and medium-sized business is also a priority, the Azerbaijani president noted.

We are well aware that the bulk of the gross domestic product in developed countries is provided by small and medium-sized enterprises, Ilham Aliyev said. In Azerbaijan, we are taking first steps in this direction, and support for small and medium-sized businesses should be at the highest level.
Hoping to shrink its faculty ranks to bring it into better alignment with a decreased student enrollment, the 14 state universities will offer an incentive to retirement-eligible professors to encourage them to consider calling it quits this year.

The incentive, which was approved by the State System of Higher Educations governing board on Thursday, comes in the form of enhanced sick leave payout benefit to regular full-time faculty who agree to retire on or before Aug. 14. Instead of receiving payout for a maximum of 50 unused sick days upon retirement as their labor contract requires, the incentive increases that to a maximum payout of 125 days.

But there is a condition.

To make it cost effective, at least 200 faculty members have to agree to retire. If that number is not reached, those who indicated interest in accepting the offer can rescind their decision provided they do so by April 10.

Brian Mbuu, assistant vice chancellor for labor relations, told the board he was confident that threshold can be met or exceeded.

Two hundred was chosen because it reflects a goal that is higher than what we annually see in terms of retirements, said system spokesman David Pidgeon. The number often comes in at about 120 or 130, and as high as 175.

The success of this incentive offer will be known soon. Faculty have to decide by March 2.

This is the second retirement incentive in a year the system has offered to try to whittle down the size of its faculty to achieve savings for the system that is facing financial pressures and an enrollment that has declined by more than 20 percent over the past decade to under 96,000 students. The system is deep in the midst of transforming itself to make its universities financially sustainable given those challenges while keeping the educational program relevant to the commonwealths workforce needs.

The first incentive introduced last spring as a three-year pilot offers a phased retirement program allows faculty to ratchet down their workload in increments of between 50 and 99 percent. Salary is reduced on a prorated manner based on their workload but health benefits remain as if they were still a full-time employee. In its first year, this incentive resulted in 36 employees  less than 4% of the more than 900 retirement-eligible faculty  taking advantage of the offer.

If any of those 36 decide to accelerate their retirement date to this year, system officials said they would be eligible for the enhanced sick leave payout.

As of Wednesday, Pidgeon said 76 faculty members had indicated a willingness to participate in the leave payout incentive program.

System officials emphasized prior to approving of the side letter to the faculty contract to establish the retirement incentive program, how critical it is for it to be successful.

Chancellor Dan Greenstein told the board he was sorry that this step needs to be taken and with such urgency but bringing expenditures in line with revenues is now a matter of existential importance for some of its universities and for the system as a whole.

This is going to test us, he said.

Board Chairwoman Cynthia Shapira called the retirement incentive a piece in the larger puzzle of what its going to take to move us forward.

System board member Sam Smith said, I think its something that we need to encourage and hopefully therell be people willing to move on. Its going to be important for us to get those employee and the student ratios in line.

As of 2018, the systemwide student-faculty ratio including both undergraduate and graduate students was 18 to 1. It ranged from a low of 11 to 1 at Mansfield to a high of 21 to 1 at Slippery Rock.

This graphic shows the number of full-time equivalent undergraduate and graduate students per faculty member at each of the 14 State System universities for the years 2014 to 2018.

Ken Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, said there is some skepticism amongst the faculty as to whether the offer is rich enough to convince at least 200  or about a fifth of retirement-eligible employees  to end their employment. After all, it is not near the one-time, lump sum payment of 100 percent of an employees annual base salary that Penn State offered in 2017 to incentivize its faculty to retire, which Mash acknowledged was not economically possible for the system to replicate.

Many of my colleagues are severely doubtful we will get close to 200, Mash said. "I am not quite that negative on it. I think theres an outside chance. But retirement decisions are complicated. Its a very personal decision. It doesnt just amount to money.

If the incentive fails to draw at least 200 retirements, he said faculty fear that layoffs could be in the offing. He said system officials did not come out and say that upfront but I know its out there.

Pidgeon declined to say whether that is the next step that would be taken if this latest incentive program flops.

It wouldnt be appropriate for me to engage in speculation but what I can say is this incentive program is consistent with our effort to align costs with revenues," he said. "Thats central to system redesign and is consistent with being a good government agency. And its to provide another meaningful retirement incentive for employees who have worked hard and given so much to their students and universities. Well continue to look creatively at our costs, top to bottom, so that the State System lives up to our mandate, which is to provide high-quality education to students at an affordable price.

The faculty affected by this incentive offer work at Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.

*This story has been updated to include information on the student-faculty ratio at the universities.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.

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Contraceptive knowledge, access, and use are influenced by the socio-economic and cultural environment, as are feelings and attitudes about contraception. According to data from Statista.com, Pakistan has the highest proportion of people who believe that the use of contraception is morally unacceptable. Most of the nations in the top ten list of countries that have an unfavorable view of contraception with regard to morality are from the African continent. Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, and Senegal are listed among the nations with the highest moral opposition to contraception. In Nigeria and Ghana, more than half of each population regarded the use of contraception as morally unacceptable.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, 65% of the population was found to have a moral opposition to the use of contraception. Only 12% of the population found contraception use to be morally acceptable, while 7% of the population stated that it was not a moral issue. Pakistan has one of the fastest-growing populations in Asia. Women in the country often have to bear in mind stereotypes and influence from religion when considering womens health and family planning. According to a government survey, the country gets nearly 4 million babies each year, most of them are born into poverty. Clerics tell the Muslim majority in the religiously conservative nation that the Quran instructs women to have as many children as possible. The mullahs also regard the use of contraception as haram or a sin. Low literacy rate, especially among women, has also been blamed for the prevalent view on contraception.

Nigeria

About 54% of the Nigerian population considers the use of contraception to be morally unacceptable. Nigeria is currently the most populous country in Africa. The country has a population of over 200 million people, which is expected to double by the year 2050. The country is expected to become the third most populous country in the world after India and China in 2100. The modern contraceptive prevalence rate in the country is very low (9.8%). Only 17% of the population regards contraception as morally acceptable, while 13% of the population believes that it is not a moral issue. Religion is a fundamental component of the socio-cultural fabric of most communities in the country. Religious leaders, therefore, have the power to inhibit or facilitate the adoption of contraception. Sexual education in the country is sparse and often non-existent, which complicates family planning efforts. In most communities, talking about sex before marriage is taboo, while the use of contraception is believed to encourage promiscuity.

Ghana

In Ghana, only 35% of the population believes that the use of contraception is morally acceptable. The majority of the population (52%) is morally opposed to the use of contraception, while 7% of the population does not believe that it is a moral issue. Although the use of contraception has increased significantly over the years, various groups still have a low contraceptive prevalence rate. Data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 1993 showed that there were variations in the use of contraception among various religious groups in the country. The groups differed with regard to the level of education, place of residence, occupational background, age at marriage, and region of residence. Religion is at the center of the Ghanaian social structure. Christianity is the largest religion in the country, with 43% of the population professing the faith. Other significant religions are Traditionalists (38%), and Islam (12%). Most experts believe that variations in contraception use are related to socio-economic and demographic factors. Greater investment in womens education and empowerment has been suggested as the best solution to address opposition to contraception.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, 40% of the population is morally opposed to the use of contraception. Only 21% of the population views it as morally acceptable, while 23% of the population does not consider contraception as a moral issue. The contraceptive prevalence rate in the country has been steady on the rise in the last few decades, with an estimated 34% of women practicing modern contraception in 2014. Studies have found a significant association between ethnicity and contraceptive prevalence, with 92% of Malay women being less likely to use modern contraception compared to non-Malay women. Experts have suggested that spousal communication on family planning could encourage family planning. Family planning education should also target both men and women. Ethnic disparities should also be taken into consideration.

Tunisia

Tunisia is a forerunner when it comes to family planning. The country has, however, been experiencing a slowdown in the use of contraception compared to other North African countries. Data from the Pew Research Centre has also indicated that 39% of the population believes that the use of contraception is morally unacceptable. About 21% viewed contraception as acceptable, while 17% of the population did not regard contraception as a moral issue. The government has been working to improve the use of contraception in the country. The country has about 800 Family Planning Centres and mobile clinics in remote areas.

Uganda

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2011, more than four in every ten births are unplanned. The high levels of unintended pregnancies and unplanned births in the country have been attributed to the non-use of contraceptives. The survey also found that the use of modern contraception increased significantly among married women (from 18% in 2000 to 26% in 2011). In 2014, about 51% of Ugandans viewed the use of contraceptives as morally acceptable, while 38% viewed contraceptives as morally unacceptable. Six percent of the population did not view contraception as a moral issue. The statistics reveal that a significant number of Ugandans are open to the use of contraception. The country, however, has a high unmet need for modern contraception. In 2011, about 43% of sexually active unmarried women and 34% of married women had an unmet need for contraception. The unmet need was higher among the less educated and poor women living in rural areas.

Kenya

In Kenya, 47% of the population believes that the use of contraception is morally acceptable, while 11% of the population does not think it is a moral issue. About 33% of Kenyans are, however, morally opposed to the use of contraception. The country has made commendable efforts to encourage the use of contraception. Recently, the country reached a Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) of 59% beating its CPR target of 58% by 2020. The target was exceeded despite declining donor funding. The country is now looking to increase the CPR target to 66% by 2030.

Philippines

Only 29% of the population in the Philippines is morally opposed to contraception. About 60% of the population considers contraception to be morally acceptable, while 9% does not consider contraception to be a moral issue. The use of modern contraception has increased significantly over the years. Despite the successes, several challenges remain. Every one in four pregnancies is unintended, and 610,000 abortions are carried out each year, indicating missed opportunities in family planning.

Senegal

In 2014, about 28% of the population in Senegal was morally opposed to contraception. Over half of the population, however, believed that it is morally acceptable to use contraceptives. The use of contraception has increased significantly since the government implemented policy changes on the provision of family planning services in 1990. Recently, the government also managed to tackle contraception shortages in public facilities.

Encouraging The Use Of Contraception

Unintended pregnancies can have serious adverse effects on the health of women and children. According to the World Health Organization, there are 210 million pregnancies each year. Estimates show that a third of those pregnancies are unintended. A significant number of those pregnancies end in miscarriages, induced abortions, and stillbirth. Governments, therefore, have to safeguard the health of women and children by encouraging the use of contraception. The government needs to create public awareness on the importance of contraception and encourage religious leaders to support such efforts. More investment is also required for the empowerment of women in society.
Prior to joining Seniorlink, Chisholm brings 12 years in regional and national sales experience. She most recently served as National Account Executive for Land's End Business and has previously held several executive-level sales positions at UniFirst Corporation.

Her most challenging job to date has been that of family caregiver  a role that provided a first-hand experience of the time, energy and commitment required for families caring for their loved ones at home. This role also inspired her pursuit of a career with Seniorlink, where Chisholm could leverage her sales expertise at an organization dedicated to supporting family caregivers. As a regional account manager for Seniorlink's Caregiver Homes program, Chisholm will be able to support family caregivers in Indiana and advocate for the important work they do, day in and day out.

"We're excited to have Meagan join our Account Management team in Indiana," said Kelli Tungate, Vice President, Central Region. "Her experience as a sales executive paired with her deep passion to help and support families immersed in their own caregiving experience, makes her a wonderful addition to our team."

Caregiver Homes is an intensive, in-home care program that connects family caregivers with a dedicated team of trained clinicians, HIPAA-secure technology, and a daily stipend  all to ensure that their loved ones can receive care in the comfort of their home. It is the first home- and community-based service in the nation to receive the National Committee for Quality Assurance's (NCQA) highest level of Accreditation for Case Management and is the only NCQA-approved provider for case management in all six states where the company operates today.

"I look forward to serving families in Indiana and supporting family caregivers committed to caring for their loved ones at home," said Chisholm. "It is an honor to be part of the Caregiver Homes team and help ensure that Hoosier families receive the support they need, and the recognition they deserve."

More information about Caregiver Homes can be found at https://info.seniorlink.com/in and more information about Seniorlink can be found at www.seniorlink.com.

About Seniorlink

Seniorlink is a tech-enabled health services company focused on keeping care in the home, where family caregivers play a pivotal role. Our solutions combine collaboration technology through our proprietary app, Vela, evidence-based clinical protocols, and the human touch of dedicated care teams working in partnership with family caregivers. Seniorlink's solutions lead to improved outcomes, cost savings, and improved consumer engagement and satisfaction for health plans and providers. For more information, please visit www.seniorlink.com.

SOURCE Seniorlink, Inc.

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Lisa Nandy began her set-piece interview with the BBCs Andrew Neil almost at the precise moment a party poll estimated her popularity among the membership to have reached the dizzying heights of 7 per cent, placing her fourth out of the five available candidates.

Not a great start, but by the time the interview was finished that figure can only have been lower. And for that, she only has herself to blame.

Here she was, telling the Labour Party that theyve been getting it wrong for 15 years. That huge changes are required. And that, she must know, is not what Labour Party members want.

They categorically do not want a bright, articulate, honest and tenacious young woman. They do not want someone who can listen to tough questions from the toughest interviewer around and calmly reply with tough answers.

What they want, even now, is Jeremy Corbyn. Its absolutely no use having a leader that can go on TV and give a good account of themselves, defend their position and set out a complex argument. Because if they do that, how are they then meant to blame everything on the biased BBC, the lying MSM, the Blairites, the Rothschilds, the Zionists, the sunshine, the moonlight, the boogie, El Nino and Laura Kuenssberg?

It was, in short, like watching some politics on the telly that was like politics on the telly is meant to be. Like listening to somebody with something to say, who is capable of actual independent thought.

On several occasions, Neil thought he had her on the ropes. Why had Nandy voted against Theresa Mays deal if Boris Johnsons was worse; why had her position changed? Except that it hadnt.

You asked a question, you said you wanted detail, and Im about to give you some detail, she told him, before quietly explaining how he was, in fact, in the wrong.

There was some interesting toing and froing over her claims to want to devolve education policy to local authorities  but what would she then do if said local authorities wanted to bring back selective education? A knotty question, that.

To which Nandy replied that she was in favour of empowering local authorities, but not if they then used that power to disempower people, which is what selective education does to those who miss out on it.

A knotty answer, in other words. Actual, proper discussion.

What level of income tax would she set?

Well, she didnt have a direct answer, not a number, but she wanted to look at other ways of taxing beyond the way we do it now. Taxing polluters, taxing wealth, taxing unearned income.

For the first time in a long time, here was a serious person, running for a serious job, in what was once a serious party, not entirely out of her depth, not contriving to lower the occasion to meet her own towering inadequacies.

But, of course, the party doesnt want that. The poll shows Rebecca Long Bailey/Long-Bailey  who it is absolutely no exaggeration to say does not know how to spell her own name  narrowly ahead over Keir Starmer, on 51 per cent once second preferences count.

And what has she got going for her? The same as the last guy, in that she is completely unsuited to the job. Blissfully unaware, just like he was, of her own vast limitations. Fundamentally useless, and thats what they want. More of the same. More people to blame. More elections to lose, in the right and proper way.
"Dolittle"; Cast: Robert Downey Jr. Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Buckley, Harry Collett, Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holand ; Direction: Stephen Gaghan; Rating: ** & 1/2 (two and half stars)Director Stephen Gaghan's "Dolittle" is a fantastical adventure based on the eponymous central character of a series of children's books by Hugh Lofting.

Doctor Dolittle (Downey) is a physician who shuns human patients in favour of animals, with whom he can speak in their language. He later becomes a naturalist, using his abilities to speak with animals to better understand nature and the history of the world. Impressed with his work the Queen of England (Jessie Buckley) gives him a manor in the countryside, which he uses to house all sorts of animals from far and wide.

Over the years, the good doctor falls in love with Lily (Kasia Smutnaik), an adventurous explorer, and together they have adventures around the world. But when Lily attempts to cross the ocean all alone, she perishes in a storm.

Dolittle retreats from the world and squirrels away in his British countryside manor. His lush, palatial estate soon falls into disrepair, overgrown with vines and greenery that provide a protective layer to shut out human company.

The narrative propels into high gear after the eccentric Dolittle's life of solitude is interrupted by Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), a young man compelled to become an apprentice, and Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado), the Queen's daughter, who lands up at the doctor's place to request him to attend to the Queen who is presumably on her deathbed.

A reluctant Dolittle agrees to attend to the Queen after realising that his stakes are high. He undertakes a treacherous journey along with Tommy Stubbins and his coterie of animals, to fetch the antidote that will save the Queen.

During his journey he fends off a rogues' gallery of good-for-nothings, including the devious palace doctor Dr, Blair Mudfly (Michael Sheen), the crooked Lord Thomas Badgley (Jim Broadbent) and the conniving King Rassouli (Antonio Banderas) who happens to be Lily's father.

The performances are noteworthy and enticing, including those who have lent their voices for the animated characters. They pump life into their characters with gusto.

On the production and technical front, the outcome is flawless. The frames are visually bright and colourful. Also, the film boasts of fine and cute collection of computer generated creatures that deliver heartening messages about psychological trauma, and yet it tests your patience with overly complicated noisy scenarios caused by Craig Alperts' edits. Sometimes the cuts are ruthlessly abrupt and at times many dialogues and momentous situations are drowned by Danny Elfman's overbearing score.

Overall, the problem with "Dolittle" is its story. The plot is elaborately formulaic, repetitive and predictable. There is no novelty factor in the gimmicks or in the period, set-up.

-IANS troy/vnc
A Delhi court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a man, who, according to the police, had allegedly instigated a crowd to pelt stones at cops during a protest against the amended citizenship law in east Delhi's Seemapuri.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra granted the relief to Haji Tahir, a social worker, on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety of like amount and asked him to join the investigation as and when required by the police.

The court further directed him to not indulge in any activity that may disturb public peace.

During the hearing, the investigating officer told the court Tahir allegedly instigated the crowd at Seemapuri to pelt stones at the police on December 20 during a protest against the amended citizenship law on December 20.

The police said they visited his house twice but found it locked. They said they had also obtained non-bailable warrants against him.

When the court asked if there was any evidence to substantiate the allegations, the police said they do not have any CCTV footage or video clip to show that Tahir instigated the crowd.

Advocates Zakir Raza and Abdul Gaffar, appearing for Tahir, told the court that he has been falsely implicated and he went to the spot along with the Station House Officer (SHO) and offered roses to the police officials.

The counsel submitted a video clip which showed that Tahir was giving roses to the police officials and the SHO was appreciating him for the gesture.

Tahir is a social worker and earlier DCP North-East had issued a commendation card for him which was submitted to the court, Raza told the court.

The police had said in the case FIR that despite telling him repeatedly not to hold protest against the citizenship law, Tahir had lead a protest march of around 1000-1500 protestors at Seemapuri on December 20.

The competent authority had not given permission for the march and despite warnings to call off the protest, they continued to raise slogans against the citizenship law, the FIR has alleged.

The police told the crowd that it was an unlawful assembly and asked them to disperse, the FIR said.

It further alleged that when the police tried to stop them from marching forward, the protestors started pelting stones targeting them and a public bus which was passing from there.

Several police officials were injured and the Additional DCP of Shahdara district had to fire in the air to control the violent crowd, the FIR claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] Anesthesia Business Consultants to Exhibit at the ASA's PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Conference 2020

Anesthesia Business Consultants (ABC), a leading provider in billing and practice management for the anesthesia and pain management specialty, is pleased to announce it will be attending PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2020 hosted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). The ASA's conference on practice management is being held January 17-19 at the Paris Las Vegas Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Per the ASA, PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2020 is where leaders in anesthesia practice operations will share insights, discuss common challenges and solutions, and help you stay at the forefront of anesthesia practice management. ABC will be joined at their booth by affiliate companies Medac and Plexus Technology Group (Plexus TG). As leaders in anesthesia billing and practice management, the ABC and Medac team captures your claims, manages your practice, and provides the unparalleled information you need to manage your practice. Plexus TG's Anesthesia Touch AIMS system streamlines the capture of real-time anesthesia data, enabling anesthesia providers to deliver safe, effective care to patients. Tony Mira, ABC president and CEO, states, "The combination of ABC and Medac's billing and practice management strength, along with the prowess of Plexus TG's Anesthesia Touch, makes this team a winning combination for anesthesia providers. Together we can achieve more." You can find ABC at Booth #317 at the Paris Las Vegas Casino Resort. About Anesthesia Business Consultants



Anesthesia Business Consultants (ABC), established in 1979, is the nation's largest billing and practice management company dedicated to the complex and intricate specialty of anesthesia and pain management. ABC's quality reporting program for all clients is able to ensure compliance with MACRA and can be extended to cover any quality initiatives requested by payers or the facility. Our registry allows participation and successful compliance with the MIPS measures, ensures providers are protected from payment adjustments and offers bonuses for successful reporting. Join the 10,000,000+ patients and 7,000+ anesthesia clinicians already reporting their performance through the MiraMed certified registry program. The heart of our perioperative suite of products is ABC's proprietary practice management software F1RSTAnesthesia. F1RSTClient, the premier client portal, allows clients secure and seamless access to ABC's applications. F1RSTAnalytics, our powerful suite of dashboards and reports, provides "Insight at Your Fingertips," offering real-time data prowess and providing the data to aid in operating your anesthesia practice as an effective clinical organization and successful business. Our solutions provide accurate, prompt and complete billing and revenue cycle management. Our exclusive focus improves your cash flow and profitability. Visit ABC at: www.anesthesiallc.com.

About Medac Medac is one of the nation's largest anesthesia revenue cycle management companies, dedicated exclusively to anesthesia and pain management. Medac's services are designed to assist clients with the business management functions associated with the delivery of anesthesia services-in particular, the billing and collection functions-thereby permitting providers and facilities to focus on providing quality medical services to their patients. Medac's quality and results-oriented commitment to clients provide the most comprehensive and personalized service possible while optimizing reimbursement. For more information, please visit www.medac.com. About Plexus Technology Group, LLC Plexus Technology Group, a subsidiary of MiraMed Global Services, is a leading provider of anesthesia information management and medication management systems. Anesthesia Touch is a full-featured AIMS for both Windows and iOS platforms that supports concurrent charting and streaming physiologic data. It is easy to use, improves processes, enhances patient safety, provides comprehensive anesthesia documentation and is certified as a full EHR for meaningful use. For more information, visit www.plexustg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005526/en/

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Senescent cells undergo an irreversible and permanent arrest of cell division and are hallmarks of both the aging process and multiple chronic diseases. Senescent cells - and more importantly the factors they secrete, known collectively as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) - are widely accepted as drivers of aging and multiple age-related diseases.

A new study publishing on January 16 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology from Drs. Nathan Basisty, Judith Campisi, Birgit Schilling (Buck Institute for Research on Aging) and colleagues extensively profiles the SASP in human cells. They show that a core secreted protein "signature" of senescent cells is enriched with aging biomarkers found in human plasma.

The study utilizes a comprehensive and unbiased technique called mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatics to develop secreted protein signatures of senescent cells. The researchers' results show that the SASP is about ten-fold more complex than is currently appreciated, allowing them to propose new signatures of senescent cells - both 'core' signatures shared across all senescent cells and signatures that identify specific subsets of senescent cells.

Mouse studies have demonstrated that the targeted removal of senescent cells has beneficial effects on cardiac, vascular, metabolic, neurological, renal, pulmonary and musculoskeletal functions. Therefore, the selective elimination of senescent cells or inhibition of the SASP that they secrete are promising therapeutic approaches to treat age-related diseases in humans. Development of drugs that eliminate senescent cells, known as senolytics, or drugs that inhibit the SASP, known as senomorphics, requires molecular markers to assess the abundance of senescent cells. However, there are currently no simple reliable secreted biomarkers to measure the senescent cell burden in humans.

"We hope that these biomarker signatures will help us measure the burden of senescent cells in human biofluids, such as plasma, to aid the translation of senescence-targeted therapies into the clinic," says Dr Basisty. "We believe that the proteins secreted by senescent cells will also be important biomarkers for aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases marked by the presence of senescent cells."

Along with this study, the researchers launched the SASP Atlas, a curated database of proteins secreted by senescent cells. This resource can be used by others in the research community to identify proteins originating from senescent cells in their own research.

###

Peer-reviewed; Experimental Study; Cells

In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Biology: https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000599

Citation: Basisty N, Kale A, Jeon OH, Kuehnemann C, Payne T, Rao C, et al. (2020) A proteomic atlas of senescence-associated secretomes for aging biomarker development. PLoS Biol 18(1): e3000599. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000599

Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (BS is supported by U01 AG060906-02, Principal Investigator: Schilling; JC is supported by P01AG017242 and R01AG051729, Principal Investigator: Campisi) and a National Institutes of Health Shared Instrumentation Grant (BS is supported by 1S10 OD016281, Buck Institute). NB and OHJ were supported by postdoctoral fellowships from the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research. AK was supported by the SENS Foundation. VS was supported by the University of Washington, Seattle Proteomics Resource (UWPR95794). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: I have read the journal's policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: JC is a founder and shareholder of Unity Biotechnology, which develops senolytic drugs. All other authors have declared no competing interests.
IndusInd Bank top traded contract for third day.

The Nifty January 2020 were at 12,370.25, a premium of 14 points compared with the Nifty's closing of 12,356.25 in the cash market.

In the cash market, the Nifty 50 index rose 12.95 points or 0.09% to 12,356.25.

Turnover on the National Stock Exchange's & options (F&O) segment was Rs 32.27 lakh crore compared with Rs 13.81 lakh crore reported in the previous session. A rise in turnover was on the back of weekly index options expiry.

The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, rose 0.1% to 14.1350.

On the options front, the Nifty option chain for 30 January 2020 expiry showed maximum call open interest (OI) of 30.37 lakh contracts at the 12,500 strike price. Maximum put OI of 42.03 lakh contracts was seen at 12,000 strike price.

The option chain indicates that Nifty will hover between 12,000 and 12,500 in the January 2020 series.

Yes Bank (up 0.88%) was banned from trading in NSE's F&O segment after the security crossed 95% of market wide position limit.

IndusInd Bank, SBI and Reliance Industries were the top traded individual stock futures contracts in F&O segment of NSE for January expiry.

IndusInd Bank January 2020 futures were at 1,390.30, compared with spot closing price of 1383.80. SBI January 2020 futures were at 324.60, compared with spot closing price of 323.10. Reliance Industries January 2020 futures were at 1,542.25, compared with spot closing price of 1538.70.

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Tore Bempasciuto, from Ferndale in Perth

An Australian tradesman accused of punching a taxi driver in Bali faces a criminal trial after the alleged victim refused to accept compensation.

Tore Bempasciuto, from Ferndale in Perth, allegedly punched Saiful Nurokhim at a taxi rank outside the LXXY Bar in Kuta at 4.15am on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old mechanical fitter is said to have run away before hiding in a minimart where he was arrested.

Bempasciuto's legal team has offered the driver money to drop the case so he can be freed from jail.

But Mr Nurokhim has not accepted and has returned to his home village of Banguwangi to discuss the offer with his family, according to 7News.

It means Bempasciuto, whose mother Patricia has flown to Bali to help him, will remain behind bars at least until next week.

His Lawyer Daniar Trisasongko said there is a chance the driver will accept the offer for an undisclosed amount.

'He will discuss and think with the family,' he said.

Mr Nurokhim told 7News he would forgive Bempasciuto but has not decided on taking the settlement yet.

'As Allah's creature, we should forgive each other. We can forgive other people. However, about other things, we will see later,' he said.

On the night of the alleged attack, Bempasciuto was partying at Bounty nightclub when he lost his iPhone 11, he told officers.

He apparently thought the taxi driver looked like someone who was following him.

According to a police report, he headbutted the taxi driver and snatched his Samsung phone.

Tore Bempasciuto allegedly punched Saiful Nurokhim (pictured) at a taxi rank outside the LXXY Bar in Kuta at 4.15am

The taxi driver gave chase before a scuffle allegedly broke out.

The police report, seen by 7News, says: 'The victim tried to chase the perpetrator who grabbed his mobile phone.

'However the perpetrator doesn't give the mobile phone back.

'He suddenly, it is alleged, hit the victim's mouth and eye, causing the victim to fall down onto the pedestrian strip.'

Bempasciuto then allegedly ran away, fearing the taxi driver's friends would retaliate, before he was detained.

Mr Nurokhim was allegedly left with a bloody nose and mouth and pain at the back of his head from hitting the ground.
MANZINI - Wild accusations continue to be thrown from all angles as unions try to prove that the alleged police brutality was indeed experienced during workers demonstrations.

In fact, Ncobile Simelane, a teacher at Masundvwini High School, whose leg was fractured during TUCOSWAs protest action which was held in Manzini in September 2018, alleged that she was pushed from the back by police officers and assaulted with batons while groaning in pain on the pavement. TUCOSWA is the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland. The educator made this submission yesterday when the investigation committee, which is probing the alleged police brutality on protestors during demonstrations, conducted an inspection in loco in Manzini where the teacher was injured.

Bathroom

She submitted that it was around 1pm and the protest action was over when she decided to go to the bathroom at King Somhlolo Park with two of her colleagues. Thereafter, she said they spotted some police officers whom they knew and went to chat with them at the park. Out of the blue, she alleged that they heard some whistles from the Bhunu Mall direction and armed police officers who were standing near a vehicle from the Operational Support Service Unit (OSSU) by Manzini Post Office, ran towards the mall. As some of them ran past the park, they were saying; sesidziniwe ngulabantfu laba (we are tired of these people), she submitted.

Leaving

Soon thereafter, she alleged the police officers whom they were talking to also ran towards the same direction and they walked towards the road with the aim of leaving town. However, she alleged that as they approached the road, they heard gunshot sounds from the Manzini Post Office direction and they were left with no choice but to run towards the Bhunu Mall direction. As we ran, my colleagues outpaced me. As I continued to run for cover, police started assaulting me on the back using batons and I jumped to the pavement. As I run along the pavement, they pushed me and I fell to the ground, the teacher alleged. She also submitted that while she was groaning in pain on the pavement as her leg got fractured, every police officer who ran past her, allegedly assaulted her on the body and thighs with batons.

According to the teacher, she was allegedly rescued by a senior officer who stopped and asked her why she was lying on the pavement and she told him that she was injured. She said the senior officer then called other officers and instructed them to assist her to get into an ambulance, which rushed her to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital. The teacher started delivering her testimony from King Somhlolo Park to the pavement which is opposite Nedbank where she was injured. After her testimony, the Chairman of investigation committee, Manzini Principal Magistrate David Khumalo, asked both parties if they had queries about Simelanes submissions and both of them said they had nothing to question.
GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told the Guatemalan government that a caravan of migrants heading towards the United States from Honduras would not be allowed to enter Mexico, new Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said on Wednesday. 'Today in the conversation with foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard we asked about that caravan,' Giammattei said after meeting the Mexican minister

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told the Guatemalan government that a caravan of migrants heading towards the United States from Honduras would not be allowed to enter Mexico, new Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said on Wednesday.

"Today in the conversation with foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard we asked about that caravan," Giammattei said after meeting the Mexican minister. "The Mexican government told us that they won't let it pass ... that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing," he added.

Mexico's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Giammattei's remarks.

(Reporting by Sofia Menchu; Editing by Dave Graham)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
January 24, 1923 - January 6, 2020

Born Constance Lorraine Rude in Minneapolis, MN on January 24, 1923, Lorraine Thompson was the daughter of J.O. and Amy Brekke Rude. She died peacefully at Mountain View Manor in Petersburg, Alaska on January 6, 2020.

After earning his degree, Doc Rude moved his young family to Ketchikan to practice

medicine, however, when his Norwegian language skills were discovered he was asked to move to Petersburg in 1928 and did.

Doc Rude and Amy took their four kids on many adventures aboard their Chriscraft,

driving as far away as Telegraph Creek, and Lorraine developed a deep appreciation for all that nature had to offer. After a childhood spent exploring the forests and waterways surrounding her Petersburg home, she returned to Minnesota to earn her biology degree at St. Olaf College. After graduation she came home to Petersburg to teach during the war years.

At the end of World War II Lorraine's childhood sweetheart, Tommy Thompson, returned from serving in the Aleutians and the two were married on September 10, 1945. Five years later Harold was born and Lorraine dedicated herself to motherhood. She went on to have Mark, Amy Jo, Grechen and Thomas. Lorraine was the consummate mother, a member of the PTA, and always up for a picnic, an outing to ice skate, hike or pick berries.

Raised in the Lutheran Church, Lorraine continued to be a very active member of both the Petersburg and Sitka Lutheran Churches. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and

singing in the choir, baked countless pies and oversaw many a youth group activity.

Her husband Tom was busy working at Petersburg Cold Storage and later PFI, so during the summer months Lorraine packed provisions into backpacks, put the kids in waders and headed out for weeks at a time to their small cabin on the south side of Blind Slough. Her niece Kay Cisney (Bennett) spent many summers helping her beloved Aunt

Lorraine to care for her younger cousins. Lolo passed her love of the natural world on to her children and never lost the thrill of seeing a beautiful sunset, a soaring eagle, birds and flowers, rocks and shells.

In 1981 Tom and Lorraine moved to Sitka to run Sitka Sound Seafoods as a family business. Lorraine manned the front desk with clippers at the ready for fishermen who needed a haircut. It was a wonderful era full of hard work and lots of fun making the fleet feel a part of the family.

After retiring, they enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Tom passed away preparing his boat for an outing in November of 1997 and Lorraine stayed on in Sitka surrounded by family until her move back to Petersburg to The Mountain View Manor in October 2011, where sons Tommy and Harold visited her every day.

Lorraine is survived by her sister Audrey Gilbert of Annapolis, MD, her five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Daniel and Jessica Stockel and son Cameron; Kaari and Greg Berry and sons Hudson and Mason; Brooke and Tim Chartier and daughter Loraine; Kirsten Stockel, Ky Stockel, Anna Thompson, Soren Thompson, and Kate Thompson.

Lorraine was treasured all of her life for her strength, her open heart, her quick wit, and her genuine kindness. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held later in the spring.
Trump on Lev Parnas: I Dont Know Him

President Donald Trump said he doesnt know Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani who has been charged with making illegal donations to politicians.

I dont know him. I dont know Parnas, other than I guess I had pictures taken, which I do with thousands of people, Trump said at the White House on Thursday. I dont know him at all. I can only tell you that this thing is a big hoax. This is the current hoax. Weve gone through the Russian witch hunt, weve gone through a lot of them.

I dont even know who this man is, other than I guess he attended fundraisers. Im in a room, I take thousands and thousands of pictures with people all the time, Trump added. I never had a conversation that I remember with him. I dont know him. Perhaps hes a fine man, perhaps not.

Trump also said he wasnt aware of a letter penned by Giuliani written to Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky. He praised Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, as the greatest crime fighter.

It was very important to Rudy that I be a great president and thats alright with me, he said.

Giuliani has said he wasnt aware of any wrongdoing committed by Parnas and another associate, Igor Fruman.

Parnas has made a series of allegations against Trump this week and submitted evidence to House Democrats they say bolsters the case to remove Trump from office.

Parnas has said Trump was aware of an alleged scheme by Giuliani to pressure Zelensky into announcing an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden in exchange for Trump releasing security assistance to Ukraine. Parnas claimed in TV appearances this week that Vice President Mike Pence, Attorney General William Barr, and former national security adviser John Bolton were aware of what was happening, a claim vociferously denied by Pences spokesman and the Department of Justice.

President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office announcing guidance on constitutional prayer in public schools in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has coffee with Ukrainian-American businessman Lev Parnas at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Sept. 20, 2019. (Aram Roston/File Photo/Reuters)

Earlier Thursday, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters outside the White House that Parnas is desperate after having been indicted.

I would caution people, its always [that] if theyre against Donald Trump, theyre credible, theyre legitimate. It doesnt matter if theyve been indicted, if theyre about to be indicted, Well put them on TV, well quote them, well give them accolades, attention,' she said.

I would just caution against that, because being against Donald Trump doesnt mean you are honest or trustworthy.

Democrats, though, have said the evidence Parnas submitted to the House in compliance with a subpoena that he and Fruman were served in October 2019, some of which was released publicly this week, could play a role in the Senate impeachment trial against Trump. Text messages and handwritten notes allegedly bolstered Democrats case that Trump sought a quid pro quo with Ukraine, or a deal that would see Ukraine open a probe into former Vice President Joe Biden and Bidens son Hunter Biden for military aid from the United States to Ukraine.

If my colleagues had any doubt about the case for witnesses and documents in a Senate trial, the stunning revelations this week should put those to rest, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told lawmakers from the Senate floor.

We have new information about a plot by the presidents attorney and his associates to oust an American ambassador and potentially with the knowledge and consent of the president, pressure Ukrainian President Zelensky to announce an investigation of one of the presidents political rivals, he added, before referring to a probe opened by Ukraine based on one of Parnass allegations.

The effort to remove Ambassador Yovanovitch by Lev Parnas and Mr. Giuliani is now the subject of an official probe by the government of Ukraine. My friends, this information is not extraneousits central to the charges against the president.

Speaking at her weekly press conference on Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that Parnas would be a credible witness.

Hed be a credible witness if what he is testifying to relates to the issue at hand, the presidents behavior, she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India does not meet conflict with brute force but with power of dialogue. Addressing the gathering at IIM Kozhikodes conclave Globalising Indian Thought, PM Modi said the Indian way of life offers a ray of hope in a world which is today torn because of mindless hate, violence, and terrorism.

PM Modi unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda in front of the MDC Complex of Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode via video conferencing on Thursday. While addressing the gathering at IIM, he said compassion, harmony, justice, service and openness are the central pillars of the Indian way of life.

Referring to the nations vast diversity, the Prime Minister said that Indian civilisation has prospered because it had opened its doors to the world. He said in India one can find peace and harmony among its people.

Citing Mahatma Gandhis contribution to Indias fight for independence, PM Modi said that people around the world gained strength from Gandhian ideals. PM Modi also said that India was at the forefront when it came to ensuring women have equal rights. He said that the makers of the Constitution ensured women had voting rights from the day India had become a republic even when several western countries had lagged behind when it came to granting universal suffrage to women.

PM Modi said innovation comes naturally to India because Indians have a zeal for innovation and there is respect for different opinions . He said that the Indian way of life and school of thought has the potential to solve the toughest of challenges that todays world is facing.
Raleigh, NC, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RegEd, the leading provider of compliance technology to insurance companies, broker-dealers and banks, today announced that CIO Review and Banking CIO Outlook, prominent publications for information technology executives, have selected RegEd as one of the 20 Most Promising Compliance Technology Providers and one of the Top 10 Risk and Compliance Solution Providers for 2019.

CIO Review and Banking CIO Outlook produce an annual list of providers that are at the forefront of providing compliance and risk solutions to the financial services industry. The goal of the awards is to spotlight companies with a proven track record in effectively delivering compliance solutions, while enabling decision makers in financial institutions to stay well-informed on industry trends through research and evaluation of the vendor marketplace.

RegEd CEO & Founder John M. Schobel said, RegEd provides solutions that propel operational efficiency, enabling firms to cost-effectively comply across core compliance functions. He continued, RegEd is honored to receive these awards and to be recognized as a leader in our market. And were grateful to CIO Review and Banking CIO Outlook for enabling industry participants to make informed, evidence-based decisions when choosing the technology that is so integral to their business.

To learn more about RegEd and its industry-leading compliance platform, visit RegEd.com.

About RegEd

RegEd is the market-leading provider of RegTech enterprise solutions with relationships with more than 200 enterprise clients, including 80% of the top 25 financial services firms.

Established in 2000 by former regulators, the company is recognized for continuous regulatory technology innovation with solutions hallmarked by workflow-directed processes, data integration, regulatory intelligence, automated validations, business process automation and compliance dashboards. The aggregate drives the highest levels of operational efficiency and enables our clients to cost-effectively comply with regulations and continuously mitigate risk.

Trusted by the nations top financial services firms, RegEds proven, holistic approach to RegTech meets firms where they are on the compliance and risk management continuum, scaling as their needs evolve and amplifying the value proposition delivered to clients.
A high-level panel appointed by the New York City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio intends to propose a bailout for thousands of taxi drivers trapped in exploitative loans that could cost as much as $500 million, several panel members said this week.

The panel, which has been meeting regularly since last summer, wants a new public-private partnership to essentially absorb much of the debt that the drivers took on in recent years in order to buy medallions, the city-issued permits that let them own cabs. Many of the medallions were sold at artificially inflated prices by industry leaders who brought about one of the biggest speculative loan bubbles since the American financial crisis.

The drivers, nearly all of whom are immigrants, were channeled into reckless loans totaling billions of dollars, leaving many bankrupt and struggling to survive.

The proposal would call for the partnership to buy medallion loans at discounted prices and ease the burden on borrowers by forgiving much of the debt and lowering interest payments, panel members said.
The Nigerian government has solicited partnership with the United States of America to improve food production and sufficiency in the West African country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, said the partnership through the United States Agency and International Development (USAID) is towards achieving food sufficiency and job creation.

The minister said this when the USAID delegation led by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday.

Mr Nanono noted that the need for a stronger partnership between the US and Nigeria in the agricultural sector for food sufficiency and food security.

The first priority is to feed ourselves, produce more and create jobs which will, in turn, reduce the huge burden of unemployment, the statement said.

According to the statement, there is an on-going four-year strategic programme in the agricultural sector such as the introduction of mechanized farming to align the country with international best practices.

This, it stated, is expected to enhance self-reliance and boost food production in the country.

Mr Nanono stressed that the mechanization of the agricultural sector would encourage the use of technology for the benefit of the people.

He added that it would promote global best packaging of agricultural products and branding of the products towards ensuring global market penetration.

The minister also pointed out the need for capacity building which he said was very critical in the sector and also expressed confidence in the huge market and potentials available in the country.

In her remarks, Ms Leonard said West Africa is home to many of the worlds fastest-growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle class consumer base.

Co-investment in Nigeria will focus primarily on key value chains in the agricultural sector including maize, rice, cowpea, soybean and aquaculture, the statement quoted the ambassador to have said.
Attorney General William Barr watches as inmates work in a computer class during a tour of a federal prison in Edgefield, S.C., on July 8, 2019. (John Bazemore/AP Photo)

Department of Justice Revises How Inmate Risk is Assessed for Fairer Process: Report

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 15 announced it would be introducing a new system to assess whether an inmate is likely to re-offend after being released from prison, a move it says would make the process fairer, more effective, and transparent.

Attorney General William Barr described the updated system as another milestone in implementing the First Step Act, as it would help assess inmates and identify programs they may need to help reduce the risk of recidivism.

The First Step Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2018 and won broad bipartisan support in Congress. It aims to reduce the sentences of low-level offenders and bolster programs to help reduce high rates of recidivism.

Nearly all the 175,269 inmates in federal custody have been assessed by the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), however the DOJ says it now plans to re-screen them under the new guidelines in an attempt to reduce potential bias and more accurately measure an inmates change behind bars.

In a release on its website, the DOJ states the inmates will be be assigned to participate in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and productive activities based on an initial needs assessment conducted by the BOP.

Under the First Step Act, inmates who participate and complete the assigned programs and activities may be placed in pre-release custody or have a 12-month sentence reduction, according to the DOJ. A list of the available programs will be published on the BOPs website, it states.

Although all the inmates will be re-screened, officials do not expect to see major changes in the risk levels of inmates. Nonetheless, officials believe the change is an important step to ensure a fairer and more transparent process.

President Donald Trump has promoted the assessments as part of a rare bipartisan effort to address concerns that too many Americans were imprisoned for nonviolent crimes as a result of the drug war. The law gives judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders, eases mandatory minimum sentences, and encourages inmates to participate in programs designed to reduce their risk of re-offending, with credits that can be used to gain an earlier release.

Prior to the system update, inmates were screened using an assessment tool released July last year, known as the Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Need (PATTERN), which aimed to measure the risk of recidivism of inmates.

The updated measures include added psychology treatment programs, and the removal of the age of first arrest, conviction, and voluntary surrender. The assessment will also no longer look at whether an inmate participated in education or drug treatment programs.

Beginning today, inmates will have even greater incentive to participate in evidence-based programs that prepare them for productive lives after incarceration. This is what Congress intended with this bipartisan bill, Barr said in a statement.

The First Step Act is an important reform to our criminal justice system, and the Department of Justice is committed to implementing the act fully and fairly, he added.

More than 2,400 federal inmates have won court approval for reduced prison sentences under the First Step Act, the DOJ said on Wednesday.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Their mission was secret, and its location even more so.

As blazing wildfires scorched Australia, helicopters dove inside a gorge in the sandstone plateau. Deeper below, hundreds of feet past the looming cliffs, a team of specialists jumped out of the choppers to a site known only to a handful of people.

Their objective was simple: to save the trees.

In what Australian officials called "an unprecedented environmental protection mission," firefighters were deployed in recent weeks into a remote sliver of rain forest, about 125 miles northwest of Sydney, to preserve wild Wollemi pines - a prehistoric species that was once believed to be extinct and is now considered one of the earth's few living connections to the times of dinosaurs.

"With less than 200 left, we knew we needed to do everything we could to save them," Matt Kean, environment minister for the province of New South Wales, said in a statement.

The scene of the government operation - which remained a secret until it was announced this week - was like a military operation. Water-bomber planes and air tankers encircled the area inside Wollemi National Park, spreading flame retardant. On the ground, firefighters tapped a river to moisten the soil and slow the approach of a potential fire.

Getting into the gorge, a mere crack between two cliffs, was a challenge, said Cris Brack, a professor at Australian National University. The operation posed a physical danger too. As they have raged across flammable eucalyptus forest, Australia's wildfires have picked off bark and lit it aflame, meaning that in the worst of cases, fire could have fallen directly on top of the firefighters.

The risk was worth it, Kean said, to save a cluster of the pines: alternately described as "dinosaur trees," time-traveling clones, and the Sydney Opera House of the natural world.

"We have this amazing plant that has effectively traveled through time and survived millions of years," Matthew Brookhouse, a senior lecturer at ANU, told The Washington Post. "That would not just be a loss for Australia. That's a loss for the entire world."

Contrary to its name, the Wollemi pine is not really a pine tree at all. It's a type of conifer that resembles little else in the Southern Hemisphere, with spindly branches that shoot straight out of its trunk and bubbly brown bark that looks like it's been covered in Rice Krispies. At its highest, the trunk can reach 130 feet.

Most plant species have genes that vary from one plant to another, but the Wollemi pine is distinct because each is identical genetically to all the others, including those that stood during the time of dinosaurs.

The stand in Wollemi National Park, Brookhouse said, is like a cluster of 200 identical siblings that have transcended time.

Steve McLoughlin, an Australian curator and professor at the Swedish Royal Museum of Natural History, told The Post that there used to be many more. The Wollemia nobilis was common across Australia about 60 million years ago. But as the continent dried out while drifting north, about 30 million year later, the trees started to disappear.

The trees were so sparse that for much of recent history, scientists long believed the "dinosaur tree" was extinct, living on only in the fossil record.

In 1994 they learned otherwise when a forest ranger was hiking through the Blue Mountains of New South Wales on his day off and noticed the unfamiliar plant, the only living kind in its genus.

Even after that discovery over two decades ago, there are just three tiny groves of the "dinosaur tree." Scientists and government officials have kept the location of the stand a secret to avoid contamination.

How the trees got to that exact spot is a bit of a mystery. They've withstood extreme weather before, and some scientists say that they live in their deep, moist ravine only because that's where they have been able to resist past fires.

But this fire is unusually hot and has spread farther than ever before, Brookhouse said. Within the bounds of Wollemi National Park, the Gospers Mountain fire has spread to about 1.24 million acres, about 10 percent of the total area scorched by brush fires in Australia this season.

The Wollemi pines, saved in part by the firefighters and in part by the arrival of rain recently, could lead to new discoveries about the rare rainforest environment and the unique soil in which the trees have thrived.
Brooklyn indie rockers Pom Pom Squad have shared their take on FKA twigs powerful comeback single Cellophane, the bands first new release since putting out their Ow EP last year. Frontwoman Mia Berrin and company put a unique spin on one of Pastes top 2019 tracks, coloring within its poignantly subdued lines until they dontPom Pom Squad replace the originals stark piano with crashing cymbals and waves of distorted guitar, imbuing Cellophane with an explosive catharsis, as if refusing to accept the feelings of inadequacy and anxiety at its heart. Theyre waiting / and hoping / Im not enough, sings Berrin, her voice taut with emotion, defying her doubters.

Says Berrin of the cover:

I know Im not alone in saying that Cellophane was one of my absolute favorite songs of last year  Ive been a fan of twigs since I was in high school and heard Hide off of EP1. She was one of the first artists that made me seen as a woman of color occupying an alternative space, and I could immediately hear myself in the sweeping ebbs and flows of this song.

Pom Pom SquadBerrin, bassist Mari Ale Figeman, drummer Shelby Keller and guitarist Alex Mercuriare touring North America alongside Wisconsin rockers Disq this spring, beginning with an April 4 Chicago show and sticking closely to the East Coast before wrapping their run with an April 12 Washington, D.C., stop. But first, theyll play San Franciscos Noise Pop Festival alongside Rosie Tucker, as well as SXSW in Austin.

Listen to Pom Pom Squads Cellophane cover and see the bands tour dates below.

Pom Pom Squad Tour Dates:

February

26  San Francisco, Calif. @ Noise Pop Festival w/ Rosie Tucker

March

13-22  Austin, Texas @ SXSW

April

04  Chicago, Ill. @ Schubas Tavern w/ Disq

06  Detroit, Mich. @ PJs Lager House w/ Disq

07  Toronto, Ont. @ The Drake w/ Disq

09  Boston, Mass. @ Great Scott w/ Disq

10  New York, N.Y. @ Rough Trade w/ Disq

11  Philadelphia, Pa. @ Boot & Saddle w/ Disq

12  Washington, D.C. @ Songbyrd w/ Disq
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TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX-V:ERE.UN, ERES) is pleased to announce that the trustees of ERES have declared the January 2020 monthly cash distribution of 0.00875 per Unit and Class B LP Unit (the January Distribution), being equivalent to 0.105 per Unit annualized. The distribution will be payable to holders of the Units and Class B LP Units (the Unitholders) of record on January 31, 2020, with payment on February 18, 2020.



The Euro-denominated distribution will be paid in Canadian dollars based on the exchange rate on the date of payment (estimated C$0.01270 per Unit and Class B LP Unit). Registered Unitholders will be provided with an option to elect to receive such distribution in Euros rather than Canadian dollars. If no such election is made, registered Unitholders will be paid the distribution in Canadian dollars based on the above exchange rate mechanism. Beneficial Unitholders will not have an option to elect to receive the distribution in Euros. The final cash distribution in respect of December 2019 was C$0.01270 per Unit and Class B LP Unit.

To encourage participation and reward our loyal Unitholders, investors registered in our Distribution Reinvestment Plan will continue to receive an additional amount equal to 5% of their distributions paid in the form of additional Units.

ERES intends to continue to make regular monthly distributions, subject to the discretion of the ERES board of trustees. ERES continues to target an AFFO payout ratio in the range of 80% to 90%. ERES Limited Partnership will make corresponding cash distributions to holders of Class B LP Units.

About ERES

ERES is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. ERESs Units are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ERE.UN. ERES is Canadas only European-focused multi-residential REIT, with a current initial focus on investing in high-quality multi-residential real estate properties in the Netherlands. ERES owns a portfolio of 131 multi-residential properties, comprised of 5,632 suites and ancillary retail space located in the Netherlands, and owns two office properties in Germany and one office property in Belgium.

Story continues

ERESs registered and principal business office is located at 11 Church Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1W1.

For more information, please visit our website at www.eresreit.com.

For further information

ERES ERES Mr. Phillip Burns Mr. Scott Cryer Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer 416.354.0167 416.861.5771 p.burns@eresreit.com s.cryer@eresreit.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


Thunderstorms and rain across parts of bushfire-devastated eastern Australia brought some relief to the harried people and firefighters but posed a new challenge of flash floods.

The raging Australian bushfires, one of the worst in its history, burned over 10 million hectares of land, destroyed over 2,000 homes and pushed many species towards extinction, apart from claiming the lives of 28 people.

The air quality in Melbourne deteriorated to the "worst in the world" on Tuesday due to the smoke from the massive bushfires.

While 16 fires are still burning across Australia's Victoria state, thunderstorms on Wednesday night brought some relief from the dense smoke haze.

In the state of New South Wales, where many of the worst fires have burnt, there were "good falls" on some blazes early Thursday, the local meteorology bureau reported.

"Relief is here for a number of firefighters working across NSW," the state's Rural Fire Service said. Change in cooler weather conditions that hit the state came with new warnings for flash flooding and dumping hailstones.

The rain is offering some relief for fire crews battling blazes, but there are concerns the wet weather could cause landslides, flash flooding and contaminate water, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

Cool, wet conditions are good news for firefighters, who have been battling hundreds of blazes across the state since September, it said.

A huge volume of rain from Wednesday has caused a sinkhole in Melbourne's north-west.

A Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) spokeswoman said 44 mm of rain hit Avalon suburb in just 30 minutes last night in a "one-in-100 year event".

The fire grounds were vulnerable to erosion, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Kevin Parkin was quoted as saying by The Age.

"The concern with thunderstorms is that they concentrate the rain to a very short period of time," he said.

Parkin said the rain and storm activity would move to the state's north-east on Thursday but there was a chance the trough could morph into a low-pressure system later in the week, bringing more rainfall.

Meanwhile, train lines were suspended on Wednesday and the storms forced flight diversion for Melbourne to Adelaide and Sydney and were forced to turn back and land in Canberra.

"A total of 130 flights were cancelled on Wednesday and overnight and extra flights were scheduled for Thursday to help stranded travellers," a spokesperson for the Melbourne Airport said.

Ambulance Victoria on Wednesday said that it received more than 100 calls during the morning from people with breathing problems.

Most of the suburban areas of Melbourne received rain of up to 15-30 mm but some fire-affected parts of Victoria including Orbost and Mallacoota received less than 5 mm.

Authorities warned that such condition of heavy rain could cause land erosion and mudslides in firegrounds, harming firefighting efforts.

"Any thunderstorm with heavy rain in fire-affected areas has the potential to cause significant runoffs which picks up and ash and soil," Bureau of Meteorology's senior forecaster Rod Dickson said.

"Because there's no vegetation to soak up rainfall it can cause problems for landslides and producing debris across roads, or washing ash and debris into waterways," he added.

Dickson said the rainfall was unlikely to have any significant impact on containing fires.

About 150 millimetres of rain is needed to extinguish the blazes, according to authorities.
In an interview on Parapolitika 90.1 radio, with journalist Panagiotis Tzenos, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis discussed the Berlin Conference, Aikaterini Sakellaropoulous candidacy and Greeces migration dialogue with the Visegrad countries.



Regarding the Berlin Conference, the Alternate Minister underscored that our country was absent from all of the processes concerning the Libya crisis in previous years, stressing that the only time we were invited was to the Palermo conference, which was hosted by the Italian side, attended by over 30 countries, and essentially produced no result. We believe we would clearly have a constructive role to play in this whole process, and that is why we are continuing to press for our inclusion in the next stage.



Mr. Varvitsiotis, who is on an official visit to Poland, highlighted that, since July, Greece has launched the migration dialogue with the Visegrad countries. Since July, Greece did not maintain open channels of communication with the Visegrad countries, due to the disagreements we had over our perception of the issues. From July till now, I can say that we have been in ongoing contact, especially with those with whom we disagree, he noted, adding that we believe that, through this dialogue, we are mitigating these disagreements to find a middle way, whether this concerns funding mechanisms, such as the EU budget, or our very real and pressing problem with migration and the management of migration flows in the Aegean.



In closing, Mr. Varvitsiotis commented that we need alliances and dialogue in the face of these challenges. But this doesnt mean we arent shaping conditions to make ourselves strong and capable of dealing with any challenge.
A pinch in the leg, a squeal and a trickle of tears. One baby after another in Malawi is getting the first and only vaccine against malaria, one of history's deadliest and most stubborn of diseases.

The southern African nation is rolling out the shots in an unusual pilot programme along with Kenya and Ghana. Unlike established vaccines that offer near-complete protection, this new one is only about 40% effective.

But experts say it's worth a try as progress against stalls: Resistance to treatment is growing and the global drop in cases has leveled off.

With the vaccine, the hope is to help small children through the most dangerous period of their lives. Spread by mosquito bites, kills more than 400,000 people every year, two-thirds of them under 5 and most in Africa.

Seven-month-old Charity Nangware received a shot on a rainy December day at a health clinic in the town of Migowi. She watched curiously as the needle slid into her thigh, then twisted up her face with a howl.

I'm very excited about this, said her mother, Esther Gonjani, who herself gets malaria's aches, chills and fever at least once a year and loses a week of field work when one of her children is ill.

They explained it wasn't perfect, but I feel secure it will relieve the pain. There is little escaping -- malungo in the local Chichewa language -- especially during the five-month rainy season.

Stagnant puddles, where mosquitoes breed, surround the homes of brick and thatch and line the dirt roads through tea plantations or fields of maize and sugar cane.

In the village of Tomali, the nearest health clinic is a two-hour bike ride away. The longer it takes to get care, the more dangerous malaria can be. Teams from the clinic offer basic medical care during visits once or twice a month, bringing the malaria shot and other vaccines in portable coolers.

Treating malaria takes up a good portion of their time during the rainy season, according to Daisy Chikonde, a local health worker. If this vaccine works, it will reduce the burden, she said.

Resident Doriga Ephrem proudly said her 5-month-old daughter, Grace, didn't cry when she got the malaria shot.

When she heard about the vaccine, Ephrem said her first thought was protection is here.

Health workers explained, however, that the vaccine is not meant to replace antimalarial drugs or the insecticide-treated bed net she unfolds every night as the sun sets and mosquitoes rise from the shadows.

We even take our evening meals inside the net to avoid mosquitoes," she said.

It took three decades of research to develop the new vaccine, which works against the most common and deadly of the five parasite species that cause malaria. The parasite's complex life cycle is a huge challenge. It changes forms in different stages of infection and is far harder to target than germs.

We don't have any vaccines against parasites in routine use. This is uncharted territory, said Ashley Birkett, who directs PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, a nonprofit that helped drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline develop the shot, brand-named Mosquirix.

The bite of an infected mosquito sends immature parasites called sporozoites into the bloodstream. If they reach the liver, they'll mature and multiply before spewing back into the blood to cause malaria's debilitating symptoms. At that point, treatment requires medicines that kill the parasites.
ATLANTA - Georgias parole board on Thursday spared the life of a prisoner just hours ahead of his scheduled execution, commuting his sentence to life without the possibility of parole.

Jimmy Fletcher Meders, 58, had been scheduled to receive a lethal injection at 7 p.m. Thursday at the state prison in Jackson. But the State Board of Pardons and Paroles released its decision granting him clemency around 1 p.m.

Meders is only the sixth Georgia death row inmate to have a sentence commuted by the parole board since 2002. The last to have a sentence commuted was Tommy Lee Waldrip, who was spared execution on July 9, 2014.

Meders attorney Mike Admirand, with the Southern Center for Human Rights, said in emailed statement that they are deeply grateful for the boards decision.

The boards critically important role in showing mercy in these rare circumstances cannot be overstated, Admirand wrote. By taking this action, this parole board has made real the intent of the jury to sentence Jimmy to life without parole, and not death.

Meders was convicted of murder and sentenced to die for the October 1987 killing of convenience store clerk Don Anderson in coastal Glynn County.

The parole board, which is the only authority in Georgia that can commute a death sentence, held a closed-door clemency hearing for Meders on Wednesday. According to the commutation order, the board considered Meders lack of a criminal record prior to Andersons killing, the fact that he had only one minor infraction during 30 years on death row, the jurys desire during deliberations to impose a life without parole sentence and the support for clemency from the jurors who are still living.

Meders spent the afternoon of Oct. 13, 1987, drinking alcohol with three men: Randy Harris, Bill Arnold and Greg Creel. After leaving Harris and driving around for hours, Meders, Creel and Arnold ended up at a convenience store about 2:30 the next morning.

While they were there, Anderson was fatally shot in the chest and head, and more than $30 was taken from the cash register, according to authorities.

Meders testified at his trial that all three men went inside, and that Arnold shot Anderson and told Meders to grab the cash. Arnold and Creel both testified that only Creel and Meders entered the store, and Meders shot the clerk and took the money.

Harris, who wasnt at the store, testified that Meders confessed to him afterward that he had blowed a mans head off over $38.

Meders was the only one charged in the robbery and killing.

Meders was sentenced to death in 1989, four years before a change in the law that allowed a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for capital cases. In the clemency application submitted to the parole board, his lawyers argued that it was clear that the jury wanted that option.

The application cited a note the jurors sent to the judge after 20 minutes of deliberations: If the Jury recommends that the accused be sentence to life imprisonment, can the Jury recommend that the sentence be carried out without Parole??

Meders lawyers also gathered sworn statements from the six jurors who are still alive and able to remember the deliberations. They all said they would have chosen life without parole if it had been an option and supported clemency for Meders.

Additionally, an analysis by Meders attorneys of Georgia cases for which the death penalty was sought between 2008 and 2018 shows that in cases like his, with a single victim and few aggravating factors, juries dont choose the death penalty today and prosecutors rarely seek it in such cases.
The government wants to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility by one year from the current 14 to 13.

Currently juvenile offenders between 10 and 14 are only taken into care or let off with a slap on the wrist.

The Education Ministry on Wednesday announced a set of tougher measures aimed to stem rising school violence.

Under the new measures, even first-time violent offenders could be arrested for investigation and prosecuted in a bid to separate them quickly from their victims.

The plan reflects public concerns that juvenile crime is getting more violent. But there is opposition to the idea because lowering the minimum age would not help reduce juvenile delinquency.

In 2018, the National Human Rights Commission expressed its opposition to the Justice Ministry, saying the proportion of juvenile offenders under 14 has remained steady at a mere 0.1 to 0.5 percent of all juvenile crimes over the past decade.
The United States has indicted five men for illegally exporting US-origin goods to two Pakistani government agencies that are on Americas list of sanctioned entities for their ties to the countrys nuclear weapons programme, exposing, once again, Pakistans thriving nuclear black-market.

The five men named in the indictment that was unsealed in a US court on Wednesday are residents of Pakistan, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and remain at large with outstanding warrants for their arrest, the US department of justice said. The indictments were handed out by a grand jury in October 2019.

The defendants smuggled US origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to US national security for their ties to Pakistans weapons programs, said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers in a statement.

ALSO WATCH | Its clear that terror groups are operating from Pakistan: UK diplomat

Their alleged actions also posed a threat to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region, said Jason Molina, the lead homeland security investigator, in a reference to the nuclear arms between India and Pakistan, the only two nuclear-armed countries in South Asia.

Using a front company, Business World, based in Rawalpindi, where the Pakistani military is headquartered, the indicted men are alleged to have supplied 38 shipments of these goods between September 2018 and October 2019 to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the top regulatory body, and the Advanced Engineering and Research Organization (AERO), both of whom have been on the USs list of sanctioned entities since 1998 (for Pakistans nuclear tests carried out in response to Indias Pokhran II tests) and 2014 respectively.

The United States prohibits the export of certain goods to foreign entities it has declared as potentially dangerous for its national security without permission, a licence, which is invariably denied to them.

This indictment is yet another instance of Pakistans continued efforts to clandestinely and illegally build its nuclear programme, and sell to others in what has been called a nuclear black-market, in defiance of international laws and rules as it also seeks the membership of international bodies that seek to prevent this illegal trade, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), to keep up with India, which has a globally acknowledged impeccable record on non-proliferation.

In 2018, the United States had added seven Pakistani organizations to its export list of sanctioned entities, which was first reported by Hindustan Times.

The indicted men are Muhammad Kamran Wali of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh of Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed of the United Kingdom.
A proposed warehouse development that has caused controversy in Warren County meets all zoning and regulatory requirements, according to the developers engineer.

The White Township Planning Board continued a hearing Tuesday for Jaindl Land Co.s proposed 800,000-square-foot, high-cube warehouse on the corner of Foul Rift and South Foul Rift roads.

The property is in the township's low-density industrial zoning district, where warehouses are permitted by right.

The planning board continued the hearing without a decision.

Jaindl engineer Michael Finelli testified Tuesday that the structure proposed on 95 acres of the 585-acre property is designed to meet all local, county and state requirements.

What we have applied for is a 100% fully compliant plan in every sense, Finelli said.

The developer has applied for a letter of interpretation on wetlands that may be on the property, from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, according to Finelli.

A western section of the property near the Delaware River lies in a flood hazard zone, but the development will not extend into that area and, therefore, does not require a special permit, Finelli said.

Some residents, including members of Citizens for Sustainable Development, have urged the planning board revise the township's zoning districts. The White Township Committee ultimately would have to approve any amendments.

Last week, the board asked its engineer to develop an amendment to the townships master plan that would change areas of the low-density industrial zone into residential districts. However, high-cube warehouses, like the one proposed by Jaindl, would be allowed under certain conditions.

The planners plan to hold a special meeting on the proposed zoning amendments in February.

Several local residents who spoke at Tuesday's hearing said the proposed amendments do not go far enough to prevent development of current farmland.

Citizens for Sustainable Development's vice president, Tom Bodolsky, asked the planning board to consider amending parts of the township as an agricultural advancement zone. The new designation would require the land use to remain agricultural with conditional uses that relate to or advance agriculture, he said.

We recognize it will take foresight and, yes, courage on the part of the planning board, Bodolsky said.

White Township resident Rich Daniels said development and warehouses will have a negative impact on the rural area.

We are a rural community, Daniels said. This is a farm. It is not a global trading complex.

John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday, January 15, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2020. Zarif arrived in India on Wednesday morning for a three-day visit. Reports stated that Iran's PM met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval earlier in the day.

His visit comes at a time when there are heavy tensions between the US and Iran.

Zarif addresses at conclave

Addressing the Raisina Dialogue 2020, the Iranian Prime Minister targeted the US over the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani earlier this month. He said, "The US looks at things from their perspective, not from the perspective of this region. The killing of Qassem Soleimani shows ignorance and arrogance. 430 Indian cities saw protests against the killing of Soleimani."

Read: Anyone showing mirror to Modi govt labelled anti-national: Cong on Nadella's remarks

According to him, US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and the Islamic State (ISIS) are "celebrating" the death of the Chief of Quds Force. On the other hand, India and UK have urged Iran for de-escalation.

Read: Trump-Iran escalation claims Manchester United's Qatar camp; Ole and co. cancel plans

Tensions between Iran and the US

The tensions between Iran and the US escalated after the US on January 3, hit Baghdad International Airport, following which deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and Iran's Quds forces chief Qassem Soleimani were killed.

After the killing, Iran threatened the US of "harsh retaliation." Soon, two airstrikes were reported near the US Embassy in Baghdads Green Zone. After the second attack at the Green Zone, Donald Trump threatened to strike 52 Iranian sites in the Islamic Republic if any Americans were harmed.

Read: Iranian Minister Javad Zarif: 'Iran believes in diplomacy, but won't negotiate with US'

Earlier on Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hit back at Trump and reminded him of the Iran Air flight 655 incident where 290 passengers lost their lives. However, soon on Wednesday, the Al-Assad and Ebril airbases in Iraq that house the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets.

Read: PM Modi shares vibrant pictures of 'Uttarayan' celebrations at Statue of Unity
Syed Akbaruddin Twitter page

New York/IBNS: Pakistan's attempt to raise the Jammu and Kashmir issue at the United Nations failed once again on Wednesday, media reports said.

Pakistan's efforts to raise Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Security Council through China crumbled once again on Wednesday as most members of the top world body said it was not the place to discuss the issue, sources told NDTV on Thursday.

"Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it, has run its course today," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told NDTV.

He also tweeted: "Today @UN ...our flag is flying high. Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends."

Today @UN...our flag is flying high.



Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends... YY pic.twitter.com/X0jJgassn2  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

The meeting was called after, Pakistan's all-weather friend China pushed for it. A similar meeting was held in August after the government scrapped Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories.

But, that meeting failed to draw an adverse reaction from the participating UNSC members- France, Russia, the US and the UK, except China which had called it.

Another meeting, which was scheduled for December, did not take place.

So far, the four countries have maintained that scrapping of Article 370 is India's internal matter.

Except China, the four members of the UNSC have also supported India's stand that the disputes between India and Pakistan are the bilateral issues of the two nations.
Former F1 driver and respected pundit Martin Brundle thinks it is time for Claire Williams to step down at the struggling British team.

On Wednesday, Williams was in Tel Aviv, where Roy Nissany - an almost completely unknown driver but with key backing in Israel - was announced as a Friday and test driver for 2020.

"Today we can see the support he has in Israel," team boss Claire Williams, the daughter of team founder Sir Frank Williams, said.

"It is incredible how many people from different regions came to this presentation."

Many, however, are fearing for the future of the formerly great team, with key figures warning that the debacle of 2019 could actually get worse this year.

"At Williams, we thought it couldn't get any worse than the previous year (2018), so you can never say that it can't get any worse," said Robert Kubica, whose sponsor PKN Orlen joined him in defecting to Alfa Romeo.

And Rob Smedley, a former senior engineer at Williams, told Reuters: "Having been around the block a few times in motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular, the reality is it can get worse than this."

At the very least, Williams seems to be having a smoother winter this time around, as it also emerged on Wednesday that the 2020 car has passed the mandatory crash tests.

"The main goal is to prepare the car for the start of the pre-season tests, or even earlier. I am completely sure that we will succeed in doing this," Claire Williams said.

"First of all we have already completed all of the crash tests, and this time on the first try, not like last year when that was really a problem.

"A year ago, we were thinking more about how to pass the crash tests than about the speed of the car. Now everything is different," she added.

Nonetheless, former F1 driver and now highly experienced and respected British pundit Martin Brundle has some advice for the struggling British team.

"I'm not (in charge), and you don't know what you don't know," he told Motor Sport Magazine.

"But I would ask Claire to move upstairs into a more presidential role and get in somebody like Andreas Seidl and give them full autonomy. F1 success is all about tomorrow, not yesterday," Brundle said.
(jckonline.com) - At the recent Dubai Diamond Conference panel on lab-grown diamonds, William Shor, managing partner of Caspian VC, one of the companies backing Diamond Foundry, made a startling suggestion. My colleagues would welcome the opportunity to co-market with [natural] diamond producers, he said. On one level, Shors suggestion makes no sense. His colleague, Diamond Foundry chief executive officer Martin Roscheisen, just wrote a magazine piece that accuses diamond miners of price collusion. (He provides no real evidence for this claim.) Doesnt look like hes ready for co-marketing. On another level, Shors suggestion makes all the sense in the world. Why cant the two sectors work together? Neither sector is going away. They both have money. They both need customers. A large number of companies currently sell both, including, of course, De Beers.
This was somewhat of an inevitable outcome, and I think most people were already expecting this to happen at some point. All the efforts from all the browser vendors over the past years has been to restrict cookies and user tracking in ever-increasing degree. Whether its browser companies or regulators, new changes in data privacy are downscaling third-party cookie tracking and collection, said Tanzil Bukhari, Managing Director, EMEA, DoubleVerify. [This will] shift the industry from user-level targeting  which will become harder and harder as user tracking gets locked down by browsers  towards contextual targeting. Rather than showing you a Nike ad because you were shopping for shoes two hours ago, youll get a Nike ad because youre reading about the Olympics. Contextual targeting is a return to traditional online ad campaigns, where reaching a consumer meant showing up on the right article or piece of content. With that said, modern contextual targeting is more data-driven and bleeding edge. It incorporates new technologies like AI and semantic science to ensure ads run on the right website and the right page, targeting the right audience. In a way, its very similar to brand suitability and brand safety targeting.

Googles announcement that theyre looking at doing away with third party cookies shouldnt come as a surprise to brands or marketers, but their time-frame might. Thats because the company has been pushing consumer privacy and a privacy sandbox for a while now. But, until the week, the privacy sandbox didnt have a time frame. The announcement that they could be doing away with third party cookies within two years may put a different spin on their initiatives going forward.

The real question is whether Googles actions will speak louder than its words, namely all good actors being given equal opportunity to leverage this tech similarly without undue advantage given to Google in the process, said Adam Solomon, CMO, Lotame. As an independent data solutions provider, we want to work with everyone, and we do work with everyone. As long as Google is committed to open collaboration, were more than happy to participate and help our marketer, brand, and agency clients navigate this path. Over the last 13 years, weve had a front row seat to and participated in seismic changes to how data is collected, connected, and permissioned across devices and platforms. Weve adjusted at every turn and enabled new data-driven capabilities on behalf of our clients. This situation is no different.

It also raises the question of fairness and the ability for all brands  no matter the size  to have an even, digital, playing field. But, if done right, some say Googles move could provide that even playing field.

There have been a lot of misguided attempts at privacy reform.A This could be good for both Google and the industry at large.A If Google is able to create the right standards and get other browsers on board with their initiative and to follow suit, Google could cement itself as the source of truth and the standard for identity solutions while potentially increasing CPMs for publishers in other browsers. Furthermore, the (two year) timeframe is something that was greatly needed by everyone in the industry  weve all been left guessing with an open-ended timeline, up until this point. We all now have the same timeframe to work against to put our heads together and determine how to implement an efficient solution, said Kurt Donnell, President, Freestar. Overall, this initiative seems to strike a good balance between providing a level of targeting that advertisers need while giving consumers the heightened degree of privacy that they are pushing for albeit with Google seeing significant potential upside.
Watch live: TOPEKA, Kan. -- Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will give her second State of the State address at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. FOX4 Capitol Bureau Reporter Korinne Griffith said Kelly will likely make a point to discuss her compromise proposal on expanding Medicaid with Senator Jim Denning.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:21:48|Editor: xuxin

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JUBA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- South African Deputy President David Mabuza on Thursday suggested that the contentious issue of the number of states by South Sudan's warring parties be subjected to arbitration after proposed additional period is over.

Mabuza, who has been mediating between the government and the main opposition group the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in opposition (SPLM-IO) over the unresolved number of states issue, said they have proposed an additional 90 days for the parties to agree to reach conclusion on the number of states.

"On the resolution on the number of states, the parties have different views. We now can say that we are zoning down to a view which we still need to round up. We have presented the view to the president (Salva Kiir), we have presented the view to Riek Machar, we need to present this view to all the remaining parties," Mabuza told journalists in Juba after meeting President Kiir alongside other African envoys.

"The view seeks to say we (parties) all agree that we are going to form the government of national unity but we are going to subject the question of the number of states to arbitration, a mechanism that is going to take 90 days which is the proposal on the table. Ninety days that will go into the government of national unity," said Mabuza.

"This is what we are proposing and our feeling is that the government does not have a problem with the proposal and we are now taking this proposal to all the other parties," he added.

President Kiir in 2015 decreed the increment in the number of states to the current 32 states.

The SPLM-IO under Machar has proposed reverting to at least 23 states but the government is adamant.

"It's important to note that all the parties into the (peace) agreement have agreed to the formation of the government of national unity come day of the 22nd of February or even before that date," said Mabuza.

The government in early December last year, mooted plan of holding referendum vote to determine the still contentious issue of the number of states and their boundaries.

Tut Kew Gatluak, Presidential security advisor on Wednesday disclosed that Kiir and Machar agreed to continue with further consultations on the number of states, adding that the two leaders hope to eventually break the deadlock on the issue.

Gatluak also said that they will go ahead with the formation of the government to meet the February deadline, while they continue to discuss pending issues on the security arrangements.

The parties failed to form the transitional unity government in May last year and requested six months extension of the pre-transitional period to resolve outstanding issues which include security arrangements and the number of states.

However, they again failed to meet the Nov. 12 deadline they promised before agreeing to another 100 days extension of the pre-transitional period which expires in February.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Democrats in the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to formally send impeachment articles to the U.S. Senate nearly a month after voting to impeach President Donald Trump, Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio said hes willing to help Trumps defense if requested by the White House.

Jordan, who vigorously defended Trump before the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees, said hes willing to help Trumps defense in any way I can, but whether hes asked to do so is totally up to the White House" and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. He said he hasnt heard whether hell be asked to assist.

"Thats up to them, he said.

Jordan confirmed in an interview with cleveland.com that he discussed the impeachment matter with the White House counsels office but he declined to reveal more details.

I will help in any way I can because the facts and the truth are on the Presidents side, said Jordan, adding that the Democrats picked to handle the Senate case were pretty much what we expected.

Only one Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives - Minnesotas Colin Peterson - joined all the bodys Republicans in voting against the measure that transferred to the Senate Trumps prosecution for asking Ukraine to investigate a political rivals son. All of Ohios Democrats supported it.

The measure also appointed seven Democratic House members to try the case in the Senate: Californias Adam Schiff and Zoe Lofgren, New Yorks Jerry Nadler and Hakeem Jeffries, Floridas Val Demings, Colorados Jason Crow, and Texan Sylvia Garcia.

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham responded to the vote by issuing a statement that said Trump has done nothing wrong.

He looks forward to having the due process rights in the Senate that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats denied to him, and expects to be fully exonerated, said Grishams statement

A senior administration official who answered reporters questions about the impeachment matter on Wednesday would not discuss particular people that might be part of Trumps team, saying it would be announced at an appropriate point.

The official predicted the trial would last around two weeks, and the Senate would not require much deliberative time, saying the case against Trump is flimsy. If House Democrats are permitted to call witnesses during the Senate trial, he said the White House might call its own witnesses.

The facts are simple, the facts are on the presidents side, and House Democrats dont have any credible evidence to show wrongdoing, the official said.

The impeachment case revolves around the propriety of Trumps request that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky investigate Vice President Joe Bidens sons involvement in a Ukrainian company while Trump withheld badly needed aid to the country. Democrats say that amounted to inviting foreign interference in the 2020 election and abusing presidential power.

What is at stake here is the Constitution of the United States, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters on Wednesday. This is what an impeachment is about. The President violated his oath of office, undermined our national security, jeopardized the integrity of our elections, tried to use the appropriations process as his private ATM machine to grant or withhold funds in order to advance his personal and political advantage. That is what the Senators should be looking into.

Pelosi said she picked a strong team of litigators prosecute our very strong case," and that she delayed sending impeachment articles to the Senate because Democrats wanted to see what the process there would be. Since that time, she said more incriminating evidence has emerged, including new Pentagon emails that raised concern about Trumps hold on the aide to Ukraine, and reports that the Russian government hacked the Ukrainian gas company that employed Bidens son, Burisma.

Time has given us the ability to show the American people the necessity of a fair trial, to expose the degree to which McConnell is working hand in hand with the subject of the impeachment, the President, to essentially turn what should be a trial into a sham, said Schiff. And that time has been, I think, very effective in not only bringing new evidence to light and the evidence was already overwhelming, but also forcing senators to go on record. Do they want a fair trial? One thats fair to the president, but also fair to the American people, or are they going to participate in a coverup?

Jordan, and other Republicans, said they believed Pelosi delayed sending the case to the Senate because their case is weak.

This process has been unfair from the get-go, said Jordan. And now Democrats in the Senate are saying we want to call more Democrat witnesses, not Republican witnesses. .... I assume she thought it was helpful to their ridiculous case.

All weve learned since voting on the articles in December, is that House Democrats have no faith in their own case and that they want to exert their power in the Senate, added a statement from Rep. Warren Davidson of Troy.

Todays vote, nearly a month after the original impeachment, is an admission that their efforts to impose a biased partisan impeachment process on the Senate failed, said a statement from Holmes County GOP Rep. Bob Gibbs. "Congressional Democrats could not be more out of touch. While President Trump is killing terrorists and signing trade deals, they push forward with their obsession to overturn the 2016 election.

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House approves trade agreement with Canada and Mexico over opposition from Ohio Reps. Fudge and Kaptur
Director of Dumb And Dumber Bobby Farrelly was arrested for DUI in Ketchum, Idaho after refusing to take a field sobriety test.

The 61-year-old filmmaker was pulled over by police at 2AM after he was seen driving without taillights and failing to use a turn signal according to legal documents obtained by TMZ on Thursday.

Farrelly told law enforcement that the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander he was behind-the-wheel of was a rental and that he could not figure out how to turn on the taillights.

Sad: Director Bobby Farrelly (seen on set of Dumb And Dumber To alongside - pictured from left to right - Jeff Daniels, Peter Farrelly, and Jim Carrey) was arrested for DUI in Ketchum, Idaho after refusing to take a field sobriety test according to TMZ on Thursday

According to the publication, the filmmaker admitted that he had left a bar but denied having anything to drink.

However the officer claims to have smelled alcohol on Farrelly and that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy as his speech was slurred.

He was then asked to get out of the car to perform a field sobriety test but he refused which got him arrested on the spot.

Dynamic duio: Bobby is one half of the Farrelly Brothers duo along with his older brother Peter, 63, as they are seen together on set of 2014's Dumb and Dumber To

Law enforcement took him in for a misdemeanor DUI and later released him after posting $2K bond.

This would be his first DUI offense.

Bobby is one half of the Farrelly Brothers duo along with his older brother Peter, 63, as he has directed several classic comedy films including Dumb And Dumber and There's Something About Mary.

Ouch: Bobby directed 1998 classic comedy There's Something About Mary starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz

He was also at the helm of Kingpin, Shallow Hal, Me, Myself, And Irene, Stuck On You, The Three Stooges, Fever Pitch, and 2014 sequel Dumb And Dumber To.

He last worked as executive producer on season 2 of brother Peter's comedy series Loudermilk starring Ron Livingston in 2018.

Peter has broken off on his own and has enjoyed plenty of success as he won the Best Picture Oscar last year for Green Book.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:08:29|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Foreign and water ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agreed to meet in Washington on Jan. 28-29 to reach "a final agreement," aimed at paving the way for the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on their shared Nile river, Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

"More consultations among legal and technical experts from the three countries with representatives of the U.S. and the World Bank will be carried before the final meeting in Washington," Ahmad Hafez, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said.

The foreign ministers and water resources officials of the three countries reached a preliminary deal on Wednesday after three days of meetings in Washington with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and World Bank President David Malpass, he added.

They also met with the U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

"The ministers agree that there is a shared responsibility of the three countries in managing drought and prolonged drought," a joint statement late Wednesday said.

The GERD that has been constructed since 2011 on the Blue Nile in the northern Ethiopia highlands is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity and become Africa's largest hydropower dam upon completion.

However, Egyptian officials are concerned that filing the reservoir behind the dam too quickly could significantly reduce the amount of Nile water available to Egypt.

Ethiopia wants to fill the reservoir whose total capacity is 74 billion cubic meters in five to six years, while Egypt seeks to prolong the period to avoid the negative effects of water shortage, which is a main point of their talks.

"The ministers recognize the significant regional benefits that can result from concluding an agreement with respect to trans-boundary cooperation, regional development and economic integration," the joint statement added.

It added that the filling will take place during the wet season, generally from July to August, and will continue in September based on certain conditions.

They agreed that an effective coordination mechanism and provisions for the settlement of disputes will be established.
WASHINGTON - A federal judge on Thursday postponed the sentencing of former Trump administration national security adviser Michael Flynn, two days after Flynn moved to withdraw his guilty plea.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan did not immediately rule on Flynns request. Instead, in a brief written order, the judge asked for additional court filings on the matter over the next month.

He rescheduled the sentencing hearing, which had been set for Jan. 28, to Feb. 27.

In his bid to withdraw his plea, Flynn said the Justice Department had reneged on its deal with him by recommending that he be sentenced to up to 6 months in prison for lying to the FBI.

Prosecutors had earlier supported a sentence of probation for Flynn, who pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his interactions with the then-Russia ambassador to the United States.

But they changed that position after Flynn hired a new team of attorneys who have taken a sharply adversarial position to the federal investigation into Flynn and into ties between Russia and the 2016 campaign.
Set to open 31st Arkansas location on Jan. 17

Located at 804 E. 8th St., inside a newly renovated Exxon, the new Pizza Inn Express features a drive-thru window and dine-in seating. Danville's new Pizza Inn Express is owned and operated by Franchisee David Blackmon, president of Blackmon Oil. Blackmon owns and operates three other Pizza Inn Express locations throughout west Arkansas.

"We are excited to bring Pizza Inn to the Danville community," Blackmon said. "Our location will serve specialty pizzas such as Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza and BBQ Chicken Pizza. We can feed families and travelers alike with fresh pizzas, sandwiches, wings and made-to-order appetizers. The Danville location will make fresh dough continuously throughout the day in order to make the best crust possible. Guests will likely smell our fresh dough when they enter our store. Our customers expect great tasting food served in a clean and hospitable environment, which is exactly what everyone can expect with our newest Pizza Inn Express."

Blackmon is also committed to active community involvement. His team will give annual $500 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance 'STEM' Grants to Danville High School and Two Rivers School. They also support the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home in Monticello.

"David is one of our top performing franchisees, and we are thrilled to have him open his fourth location with us," said Douglas Kwong, VP of Marketing of RAVE Restaurant Group. "He is a great operator and he's very active in the community. I have no doubt that, like his other three locations, this Pizza Inn Express will experience great success."

The Danville Pizza Inn Express will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16)  Contractual and job order workers in government will receive a one-time gratuity pay for their services in 2019.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Administrative Order No. 20 on January 10 which grants a maximum gratuity pay of 3,000 for informal workers in government.

READ: Office of the President employees to receive 60,000 Christmas bonus

Covered by the benefit are temporary or contract-based workers hired by national government agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned or controlled corporations, and local water districts.

The last time job order and contractual workers receved gratuity pay was in 2016. Duterte said the one-time benefit is a "well-deserved recognition of their hard work."

Job order and contractual workers are not entitled to mid-year, year-end and performance bonuses as well as other benefits given to plantilla or regular government employees. Instead, their monthly salaries are indexed on the pay grade of comparable regular positions plus a premium not exceeding 20 percent. These workers have no employer-employee relationship with the state.

READ: 7.4-billion yearend bonus for PNP personnel released

Only workers who have rendered services with "satisfactory" performance for at least four months in 2019 would be entitled to the 3,000 maximum gratuity pay.

Those who rendered at least three months of satisfactory performance will get as much as 2,000, while those who served for at least two months are entitled to 1,500. Workers who were hired for less than two months last year will be receiving 1,000.

The gratuity pay would be charged from the allotments of agencies or state programs covering maintenance and other operating expenses. Should they lack funds, the President said agencies may request for additional money from the Department of Budget and Management to be taken from agency savings.

Duterte encouraged local government units to hand out gratuity pay to their own job order and contractual workers, to be funded by local government funds.
Memory of Martinez

Re: From officer, trace evidence of how to live, by Cary Clack, Sunday:

Mr. Clack, what a wonderful way of framing Detective Cliff Martinezs lifes work.

Your commentary is an excellent reflection as to how we should all view the impact we have on others. I like to use the ripple effect to signify how our actions can have an effect on so many others, but Ive never seen the idea you used.

I will add this to my talks with young students, and attribute it to you and in memory of Detective Martinezs life.

Harold Maldonado

On ExpressNews.com: From officer, trace evidence of how to live

Finally, off to Senate

Finally, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has transmitted to the U.S. Senate the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The Senate is expected to promptly render a verdict in favor of the president.

Nothing new here. The reason being the gaggle of House Democrat Never Trumpers and the speaker herself relying on a carefully crafted fake report full of Schiff.

Mike Gonzales, Houston

To catch a litterer

Re: Mix of debris now out of river, Metro, Sunday:

After I packed my wife and two cats into our car for the 1,600-mile drive from Hampton, Va., to San Antonio, my depleted nerves received a boost when we drove across the state line and saw the Dont Mess with Texas anti-litter campaign signs. It gave me reassurance that we made the right move.

The story on the San Antonio River inadvertently highlighted the fact that too many people do not concern themselves with their local resources, and also the sad truth that local authorities are limited in their efforts to curb this trend.

With so many people at the River Walk and the presence of security cameras, how are these litterbugs not caught?

Steve Goetsch
U NDER-fire Pearson today lost the hotly tipped successor to departing boss John Fallon after second-in-command Coram Williams decided to step down from the publisher.

Chief financial officer Williams, 45, was viewed by many as next in line to the throne, having spent 17 years at the publisher. He had been finance chief at Pearson subsidiary Penguin before being made number two for the whole group in 2015.

Williams will leave later in the year to join a unnamed European firm, and be replaced by his deputy Sally Johnson after a smooth and orderly transition.

Investors were dismayed, sending the shares crashing 10% to 555p and threatening its position in the FTSE 100.

Williams decision comes just a month after Fallon announced that he will be retiring this year.

Fallon said: The appointment of Sally is the result of Corams successful efforts to build a strong finance function while helping to lead the groups overall transformation, transition to digital and path to a strong financial position.

Nicholas Hyett, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Williams departure was a blow as he had a deep understanding of the business. He said: Williams was a strong candidate for Fallons job. He was not just a numbers man. Fallon and him definitely had a bit of a double act going on.

The process to find a new chief executive is being looked after by recruitment firm Russell Reynolds. After todays news an external candidate is favourite to take over the top job.

The wranglings at the top of the publishing giant come as Pearson said profits for 2019 would come in at just 590 million, at the very bottom end of expectations.

For 2020 the publisher expects more declines, predicting profit of between 500 million and 580 million.

Pearson has been hurt by the next generation of students who have stopped buying physical textbooks and instead shop online. In its biggest market, the US, revenue fell 12% last year.

Fallons and Williams leadership has been plagued with profit warnings as the company tries to make the painful transition to a digital player.
Shortly before he died Wednesday night of cancer, District Judge Ray Olivarri fulfilled one last personal commitment: He joined his daughter, Lauren, at her high school graduation.

He was very much a family man, and he wanted to hang on until she graduated. He was declining so fast, the hospital and Incarnate Word High School arranged to have her graduate in his hospital room, said Mick Aguilera, 62, a longtime friend and colleague.

I was there with about 50 others. They had music, and all the pomp and circumstance. It was really nice. When it was over, he told Lauren, Good. Youre doing good, Aguilera said.

And then Olivarri, 64, was taken home, even as the graduation reception party was unfolding in a University Hospital conference room.

He died several hours later, succumbing to a disease he had battled for several years.

A judge who served at the county and district court levels, Olivarri was remembered Thursday for his fairness on the bench, his commitment to justice and his sympathy for some defendants who committed non-violent crimes.

Judge Olivarri will be remembered as an unwavering champion of justice, proponent of specialty courts and advocate for restorative justice. He will be sorely missed, District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.

Ana Amici, the general administrative counsel for the countys criminal courts who once was a staff attorney for Olivarri, said he was well-beloved by all our staffs and the other judges.

He was a very warm, compassionate judge, one of those special, special people. Everyone is taking it really hard, Amici said.

Olivarri is survived by his wife, Brenda Olivarri; two children, Lauren and Jeffrey Olivarri; and a grandson Jeffrey Olivarri Jr.

Born in San Antonio, Ray Olivarri graduated from Burbank High School and later became a county probation officer. He also served on the city zoning commission.

After getting a law degree at Texas Southern University in Houston, he went into solo practice as a criminal defense lawyer.

He was first elected to the bench in 2006, when he became judge for County Court at Law No. 6. He served four years before losing an election.

In 2012, he was elected to a four-year term in 399th state District Court but served only one term, losing to Frank Castro, a political unknown with a famous name.

He was elected to the 144th state District Court in 2018 and served nearly a year before illness forced him to step down.

Amici said Olivarri donned the black robes until he was no longer physically able to hear cases.

He was adamant that coming to work made him feel better. He wanted to be there and do his job. Its just been a matter of weeks since he stopped coming, she said.

Gov. Gregg Abbott will appoint a replacement for the open judicial post.

District Judge Ron Rangel knew Olivarri as a friend, a colleague and a fishing partner.

They also shared another bond: both Olivarri and Rangels wife, Patsy Rangel, were diagnosed with cancer at the same time.

She passed away about a year ago, and he was very concerned for me. He had cancer, and he was worried about me, said Rangel, who recalled Olivarris wild sense of humor. Up until the absolute end, he made me laugh every time I talked to him. Just crazy off-the-wall stuff, regardless of how sick he was.

Rangel said the longer Olivarri passed judgment on others, the more he became sensitive to their vulnerability and humanity.

We had a lot of conversations about the need for him to have sympathy for people who had committed nonviolent crimes, like people with drug addiction. Hed say, Ron I just sent some people to prison and I shouldnt have. Its possible I should have tried to help them, Rangel said.

Defense lawyer Robert Maurer, who represented numerous clients in Olivarris court, recalled him fondly.

He was very kind-hearted, great to be with as far as lawyers were concerned. He was fair to people on both sides, he said.

Aguilera was a partner of Olivarris whenever he was not sitting on the bench. He also regularly represented defendants in his old friends court, but said he never got any special favors.

My clients got no breaks. And if any prosecutor complained that they did, I never heard about it, Aguilera said.

Ray had guidelines and he followed them. If you got a third DWI, you were going to rehab. If you got a fourth, you were going to prison. I could never get him to change it for me. Id argue, but it was no dice, he said.

This is how he did things. He didnt waver for anyone. If it was outside the standards he had set, he didnt do it, It didnt matter who the attorney was.

John MacCormack is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | JMacCormack@express-news.net | Twitter: @JohnMacCormack
Pakistan's self-exiled former dictator Pervez Musharraf on Thursday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of a special court that had handed him death sentence on charges of high treason.

The special court in Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to the 74-year-old retired general, now based in Dubai, after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

On Monday, Musharraf's trial in the high treason case was declared as "unconstitutional" by the Lahore High Court (LHC), leading to the annulment of the death sentence against the ex-Pakistan Army chief.

In a huge reprieve for Musharraf, the LHC declared that the formation of the special court was "unconstitutional" and that the treason case against the former president was not prepared in accordance with the law.

Barrister Salman Safdar, the counsel for Musharraf, submitted the 90-page petition challenging the special court verdict in the top court. In the petition, the former president urged the Supreme Court to declare the special court ruling null and void.

"Any other remedy that the honourable court deems fit and proper may also be granted," the appeal said.

The petition stated that Musharraf's absence at the hearing of the special court was not intentional and he was unable to appear before it as he was suffering ill health, the Express Tribune reported.

It further stated that the special court had accepted Musharraf's ailment but convicted the former president in absentia.

Musharraf, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, left Pakistan for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

Dr Muhammad Amjad, Musharraf's close aide and the ex-chairperson of his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party, has said that the former president was rapidly becoming weaker due to an unknown disease, which is why he was unable to return to Pakistan to face the treason case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Profits at Blackrock, the worlds largest asset manager, shot up 40 per cent to 1billion in a year which saw assets under management climb 1.1trillion.

The investment titan now manages 5.7trillion for savers and pension funds around the world.

Investors piled 327.3billion more into Blackrocks funds than they pulled out over the course of 2019  a record result for the firm, and more than three times as much as in 2018.

BlackRock, which looks after $7trillion of clients' money, will exit investments that present 'high sustainability-related risk'

This far exceeded the inflows of its nearest rival Vanguard, which pulled in 203billion.

The other 782.5billion increase in Blackrocks assets came from rising markets and strong investment performance.

The firm has managed to cash in on the growing popularity of passive funds among investors, which simply track an index and are often cheaper than actively managed alternatives.

In 2019, customers piled 134billion into Blackrocks iShares range of index-tracking funds.

Active funds, which tend to charge higher fees, still managed to pull in 84billion of investors money.
Retired priest Paul Burak, 73, was accused of fleeing the scene of a deadly hit and run

A retired priest who was accused of fleeing the scene of a deadly hit and run in which a teacher was killed has had the DUI charges against him dropped.

Paul Burak, 73, had been charged in December with aggravated DUI causing death and aggravated DUI causing bodily harm following the incident in which another woman was also injured.

But the charges have since been dropped following a 'thorough review' of the case against Burak, Cook County prosecutors told the Chicago Tribune.

'We did not seek an indictment for the offense of aggravated DUI as the evidence and facts were insufficient to support that charge,' the statement read.

But Burak still faces charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving injury and two counts of causing an accident involving injury or death, prosecutors said.

If convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, Burak could receive between four and 15 years in prison.

In relation to the DUI charge, 'The state's attorney didn't feel there was enough evidence there, and that's probably the case,' Orland Park police Chief Timothy McCarthy told the Chicago Sun-Times.

'He went into custody more than 24 hours later, so field sobriety tests weren't valid.'

During an initial bail hearing, prosecutors were told how Burak explained to police how he blacked out after taking medication for his Parkinsons disease after having a Manhattan and a glass of wine at the holiday party.

Burak, retired in 2018 after serving as the pastor at St. Michael Parish for nearly a decade.

The incident occured following the parish Christmas party in Orland Park, Illinois on December 4, 2019. His alleged victims had also been celebrating at the same party.

Margaret 'Rone' Leja, 61, a technology teacher at Orland Park Catholic school, was pronounced dead at hospital. Third grade teacher Elizabeth Kosteck, 54, who was also hit was hospitalized overnight.

Cook County prosecutors said Burak, of Palos Heights, told guests that he was able to drive after they showed concern.

Court documents also show he admitted drinking a Manhattan and a glass of wine before 'blacking out' and thought the two women were the curb.

The hit and run happened outside Square Celt Ale House & Grill, an Irish pub. Both Leja and Kosteck were hit as they walked to their cars after leaving the party, WGN reports.

After reversing out of his parking spot in his gold Buick Regal Assistant State's Attorney James Murphy said Burak, a priest since 1972, hit a parked car and then hit the two women.

Margaret 'Rone' Leja, 61, left, a teacher at Orland Park Catholic school, was pronounced dead at hospital. Third grade teacher Elizabeth Kosteck, 54, right, was hospitalized overnight

Paul Burak, 73, was charged last month with aggravated DUI causing death and aggravated DUI causing bodily harm but the charges were all dropped following a 'thorough review'

Burak is said to have sped up after hitting the women, The Chicago Tribune reports.

Murphy said: 'He remembers that he heard a noise, like someone's chassis out of the car, as if you went over a curb and hit the curb with the bottom of your car.

'He never thought it was a person. He said he did stop after he felt he hit something. He said he then gunned the car.'

A witness is said to have told Burak, who has no criminal history, to go back to the scene.

Once the returned, he knocked the bumper of a car while attempting a three-point turn but is not said to have told police he hit the women, records show.

A St. Michael's priest then drove Burak home and there was no suggestion, at that time, that he had been involved in the fatal incident.

But security footage is said to have captured the entire incident on tape.

Burak's defense attorney said his client has Parkinson's disease and glaucoma. Tim Grace said: 'He is devastated by what happened that day.'

The hit and run happened outside Square Celt Ale House & Grill, an Irish pub, pictured. Both Leja and Kosteck were hit as they walked to their cars

The Chicago Archdiocese said in a statement: 'As a community we continue to grieve the loss of Ms. Leja and the injury to Mrs. Kosteck.

'We again offer our heartfelt condolences, support and sympathy to their families and are keeping them and all affected by this tragedy in our prayers.'

Cook County Judge Arthur Wesley Willis said: 'This is a horrible event for everyone involved. I do believe he is devastated. The family is devastated as well.'






PARIS  Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said on Thursday there was a "real desire" within the top ranks of both companies for its alliance with Nissan to succeed, dismissing suggestions the partnership was on the rocks.

Turmoil within the Franco-Japanese alliance, long dogged by internal rivalries, deepened following the November 2018 arrest in Tokyo of its architect and long-time boss Carlos Ghosn on charges of financial crimes, which he denies.

Attempts to restore calm were dealt a fresh blow by Ghosn's dramatic flight from Japanese justice and a series of no-holds-barred allegations he has made from his refuge in Lebanon, including that he was the victim of a plot to oust him and that the alliance is now a "masquerade".

Nissan has vigorously rejected Ghosn's stance, while both the Japanese firm and Renault have tried to rubbish suggestions their two decades old partnership is falling apart.

"We have a board overseeing the alliance which is made up of people who are all extremely in favor of the alliance," Renault Chairman Senard told a briefing with reporters.

"There is a common desire to associate our strategic plans and a real desire to make this alliance a success," he added, dismissing a report that Nissan was examining scenarios for a possible future outside of the alliance as "fake news."

The 66-year-old declined to comment on anything related to Ghosn, adding: "I only think about the future."

Renault shares were down 2% by 1123 GMT, underperfoming the broader auto sector which was down on news that Washington has threatened to impose tariffs on European car imports due to Europe's stance on Iran.

Renault's French rival and Peugeot maker PSA Group also gave a flavor of some industry headwinds, reporting a 10% fall in its global sales last year as Chinese demand tanked.

Renault is due to publish its 2019 global sales on Friday.

JOINT PROJECTS

Story continues

Analysts see Renault-Nissan's cost-saving alliance as vital to both companies as the car industry battles a slowdown and huge investments in cleaner vehicles and automated driving, particularly as rivals PSA and Fiat Chrysler are merging to help meet these challenges.

Renault held ultimately unsuccessful talks to combine with Fiat Chrysler last year, which Ghosn described at a Beirut news conference as a huge missed opportunity.

Senard, who chairs the alliance's operating board, said on Thursday that once the partnership has been rebooted, other firms might potentially want to join.

The executive, who used to run tyre maker Michelin, has become the de facto senior figure in Renault and Nissan's alliance, though without Ghosn's commander-in-chief aura, which had helped hold it together.

While that is partly deliberate  both parties are keen to avoid another strongman situation and created a four-member operating board to oversee the alliance  Senard will now have to show he can push through new joint projects.

He declined to give details of these beyond saying potential cost savings could be substantial, and that the alliance's board would meet soon to decide on its industrial plan.

The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30, a source close to Renault said.

The firms are meanwhile finalizing a management revamp, with Renault close to appointing a new CEO after ousting Ghosn-ally Thierry Bollore in October. A new CEO started at Nissan in December.

Luca de Meo, who recently stepped down as the head of Volkswagen's Seat brand, is seen as the frontrunner for the Renault job, although a non-compete clause in his contract is proving a problem, sources have said.

Interim CEO Clotilde Delbos is also in the frame.

Senard said shaking up the shareholder structure in the alliance was not a priority for either side.

Renault, which is part-owned by the French state, has 43% of Nissan, while the Japanese firm has 15% of the French carmaker, with no voting rights attached  a structure that has caused friction.

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The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced new residency rules governing support service workers hired by Emirati families, in implementation of the executive regulations of the Law on Support Service Workers issued by the UAE Cabinet, a Wam news agency report said.

Khalil Khoury, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Assistant Labour Affairs, stated that the new standards are based on studies on the cost of living and salaries of individuals and families that meet their basic needs, as well as their ability to fulfil their legal obligations and the rights of domestic workers, such as providing a decent working environment and appropriate healthcare.

Khoury said regulations specify a monthly income of Dh25,000 or more for a family, which can include the salaries of all employed family members and any allowances, such as housing allowance, as a condition of acceptance.

Khoury also pointed out that the regulations take into account patients with accredited medical coverage that require the presence of a worker to care for them and take care of their affairs, provided that relevant family members' or individuals have an income of over Dh15,000 per month.

He added that the "Tadbeer services centres'' provide families who do not meet the criteria with alternatives, which are two packages that guarantee qualified workers at a lower cost. The first package provides a worker registered with the centre to work for a contractual period, but they are not allowed to live in the employer's residence. The second package provides a registered worker to work on an hourly, daily or weekly basis.

The regulations also stipulate that workers contracts can be extended for two years, and the ministry obliges recruitment agencies who recruit workers or hire them temporarily to follow the law. If service centres or agencies are not up to standard, they must refund the full cost of recruitment or part of it to the employer, according to the remaining period of the employment contract, the report said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 16:21:56|Editor: xuxin

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VIENTIANE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers' Cooperative (CPC) based in Pakxong district, southern Laos' Champasak province, is aiming to export 64-65 containers of processed coffee beans worth 5 million U.S. dollars in 2020.

This is a slight increase on last year's export target of 63 containers worth over 4.8 million U.S. dollars.

The CPC has signed a deal with the Cafe Ma Company in Switzerland, the main distributor of Lao-grown organic coffee beans to major buyers in France, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the United States and Canada.

Local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday quoted President of the Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers' Cooperative, Bounthong Thepkaysone, said on Wednesday that seven containers of coffee beans will be shipped by the end of January, valued at 500,000 U.S. dollars.

"When we look at the quantity of coffee beans for export, it is quite small. But we actually consider quality first because most of our products are grown organically by our members, who comprise 1,032 families in three districts and three provinces," he said.

Coffee growers in 48 villages are members of the CPC. They live in Pakxong district in Champasak province, some 484 km south of Lao capital Vientiane, Laongam district in Salavan province, some 670 km southeast of the capital Vientiane, and Thataeng district in Sekong province, some 530 km southeast of Lao capital Vientiane.

The CPC was established in 2007 to improve conditions for Lao coffee growers and help eradicate poverty in the area. Thirteen years later the members of the group have better incomes, better health, and contribute to social development, said the report.

In 2018, Laos' biggest export crop was bananas, worth 209 million U.S. dollars, accounting for 30 percent of all agricultural exports. This was followed by 70 million U.S. dollars worth of coffee exports and 24 million U.S. dollars worth of dried cassava, according to a recent report from Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Most of the coffee grown in Laos is of the Arabica and Robusta varieties. Since 2015, Lao coffee exports (unit tons of green beans) increased from 28,320 tons in 2017 to 31,495 tons in 2018.

According to reports, the total area given over to coffee plantations was 95,400 hectares in 2018, with the total yield recorded at 154,135 tons, compared to 77,540 tons in 2015. Most of this area is on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak province, where climatic conditions are most favorable.
A soldier who grew up near Chicago died during a free-fall parachute training exercise in Arizona, according to military officials. Master Sgt. Nathan Goodman, 36, is the third service member from the Chicago area who has died in the last two weeks.
(TNS)  A state agency that regulates public utilities in New Mexico was hacked by an outside source, Public Regulation Commission chief of staff Jason Montoya and the Governors Office said Tuesday.Montoya said the commissions preliminary findings indicate the source might have been a foreign country, although Nora Meyers Sackett, a spokeswoman for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, said there is not yet any confirmation about who or what entity hacked into the PRCs website, which has been down since Thursday.The cyberbreach is under investigation by the New Mexico Department of Information Technology and a third-party contractor called RiskSense. Montoya said the commission believes the hack could be related to a cyberattack.Its unclear whether any confidential information was leaked.Sackett said the Department of Information Technology was immediately notified of the hack by the PRC and immediately began to quarantine it, address it and investigate it.The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also was alerted, she said.The state Economic Development Departments website also was down for a short time Tuesday morning but came back online. A department spokesman said there was a problem with the website server that was resolved.Sackett said the website was down due to routine server maintenance. It was unrelated to the PRC hack, she said.Earlier this year, a data breach at Presbyterian Healthcare Services allowed unauthorized access to the of personal information of more than 180,000 patients and health plan members.The May data breach allowed hackers access to names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and other information.The New Mexico Attorney Generals Office secured $2.3 million of a $175 million portion of a settlement stemming from a 2017 Equifax data breach that impacted more than 860,000 state residents.Nationwide, millions of people had their personal information exposed after the Equifax leak.The Attorney Generals Office has asked lawmakers this year for about $500,000 to create a new cybercrime and counterterrorism unit that would help law enforcement agencies across the state pinpoint threats.In November, Attorney General Hector Balderas told a panel of lawmakers the states domestic terrorism and cybercrime laws are woefully outdated and need to be rewritten to give prosecutors and investigators more tools to deal with threats from mass shooters and protect against cyberattacks.
London, Jan 16 : Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has heaped praise on Queen's late lead vocalist Freddie Mercury for winning over the crowd at Live Aid with a simple "trick".

Rock band Queen's performance at Live Aid in 1985 has often been hailed as one of the greatest gigs seen at Wembley Stadium.

While the 2018 film "Bohemian Rhapsody" pointed at the band secretly turning up the volume levels before going on stage, what was done in reality has been hailed as "genius" by Grohl, reports mirror.co.uk.

Image Source: IANS News

Queen began with the legendary song "Bohemian rhapsody" before turning to the crowd to bring them on board.

Speaking via FreddieMercuryClub, Grohl revealed the technique that Freddie used and explained how it ultimately helped him be "vocal ready" for the rest of their set.

Grohl said: "Every band should study Queen at Live Aid. If you really feel like that barrier is gone, you become Freddie Mercury.

"I consider him the greatest frontman of all time." "Like, it's funny? You'd imagine that Freddie was more than human, but... you know how he controlled Wembley Stadium at Live Aid in 1985?" Grohl continued: "He stood up there and did his vocal warm-ups with the audience. Something that intimate, where they realise, 'Oh yeah, he's just a f***ing dude'."The warm-up that Grohl was alluding to were the call-backs with the crowd between songs, which got them involved and gave Freddie the chance to get his voice fine tuned.

Image Source: IANS News

Guitarist Brian May also paid tribute to his Queen bandmate, saying: "Freddie was our secret weapon. He was able to reach out to everybody in that stadium effortlessly, and I think it was really his night."

-- Syndicated from IANS
Why Aid is Not Enough to Save Assyrians in Iraq

Patriarch Louis Sako of the Chaldean Catholic Church took the unprecedented move of cancelling Christmas celebrations in Iraq, following the violence unleashed upon regime protesters in Baghdad and elsewhere that left hundreds dead. "Morally and spiritually," Cardinal Sako told Associated Press, "we cannot celebrate in such an atmosphere of tension ... It's not normal to celebrate our joy and happiness while others are dying." Not even as Christians were targeted in Baghdad in the years following the 2003 invasion, or in response to ISIS, did Sako take such a step.

The protests, which began in October, represent a non-sectarian, popular yearning to overhaul the disastrous political system in Iraq. But they have been met with a brutal response the militias and security forces protecting that system. Writer Max J Joseph argues that "fear and uncertainty surrounding the risky situation on the ground led to the [Christmas] cancellations ... Many people believe it's too dangerous to be out in the streets and this fear is amplified among minorities."

Genocidal violence and untrammelled land and property theft mean that the pre-2003 war population of more than a million Christians in Iraq -- the vast majority of whom are ethnic Assyrians -- is now down to fewer than 200,000.

The question of Christianity's survival in Iraq is inseparable from political realities. ISIS persecution in 2014, which was classified by the Obama administration as genocide, resulted in the exodus of some 200,000 Christian Assyrians from their historic heartland in the Nineveh Plain. Rates of return are only significant in the villages guarded by the Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU), a local security force made up of Christian Assyrians from the various villages and denominations of the Plain. The NPU was an official partner in the Iraqi, American and international operation against ISIS, yet its long-term status remains unclear.

The project to turn the Nineveh Plain into a province, providing a measure of security and self-administration, was gaining political favour just before ISIS attacked. But Iraqi and international policy continues to enforce the pre-ISIS status quo in the Plain, including its partial occupation by the same Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Peshmerga forces that summarily abandoned Assyrians and Yazidis to ISIS in the summer of 2014.

Certain aspects of America's USAID policy towards Christians have lately become more attuned to local needs. The Shlama Foundation, an aid organisation established to link the Chaldean Catholic Assyrian diaspora in America with their ancestral villages in northern Iraq, has received its first official US grant of a million dollars for a solar project. But without Iraqi and international commitment to security in the Nineveh Plain -- which represents the final opportunity for a concentrated Assyrian presence anywhere in the region -- aid can only have a limited impact. As Ranna Abro, a Shlama board member, put it to me: "We have been rebuilding every day after ISIS because we truly believe in our existence and a better future. But how long can we can keep our belief strong when our safety is threatened daily? No other rights can exist without the right to self-defence."

Assyrians are under existential threat, as is their heritage -- crucial to the history of the region and of Christianity itself. The coming period is likely to mark a final stage of decline, but the character of the protests -- and the courage of the protesters, Christian Assyrians among them -- is being greeted with hopeful encouragement.

"We might be witnessing a turning point for the country, and it is essential that Assyrians have a meaningful role in shaping a future Iraq in order to survive," Reine Hanna, director of the US-based Assyrian Policy Institute, told me. "Whether Iraqi authorities will recognise the magnitude of this moment for the Assyrian population remains to be seen."
What Was Said

Nobody has ever seen anything like it. This is the biggest deal there is anywhere in the world by far and that is good. We are doing another big one next week. But this is the biggest deal anybody has ever seen.

 President Trump, at the signing of the initial trade deal with China on Wednesday

False. When the United States reached a preliminary trade agreement with Mexico in 2018, President Trump inaccurately lauded it as the maybe the largest trade deal ever made. He used a similar description while signing the initial trade agreement with China on Wednesday. It was also not true.

Under this agreement, China committed to purchasing an additional $200 billion worth of American goods and services within two years and to stop forcing American companies to hand over valuable intellectual property to Chinese firms. The deal also leaves in place tariffs on almost two-thirds of American imports from China, and more than half of Chinese imports from the United States. Critics also faulted the deal for failing to address issues like Chinas subsidies to its state-owned enterprises.

Mr. Trump has characterized the agreement as the first phase in ongoing negotiations, so the size and breadth of the final product remains to be seen. But for now, the China deal is smaller than even the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. Trade between the United States and its two neighbors totaled $1.4 trillion in 2018, compared with $737 billion between the United States and China.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium look like loved-up newlyweds in a photo released to mark their 20th wedding anniversary.

Philippe, 59, is seen smiling with his arm around his wife, 46, as she leans in towards him and looks up at the camera.

The photo, which also features their adorable dog, appears to have been taken in the grounds of a royal residence.

Thoughtful: Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium look like loved-up newlyweds in a photo released to mark their 20th wedding anniversary. The photo, pictured top, was sent alongside a note in French (also pictured) that thanks supporters for their 'kind messages'

The couple are both casually dressed in complimentary autumnal colours.

Mathilde is seen wearing a camel-coloured rollneck jumper with a burnt orange blazer, while her husband looks stylish in a black jumper underneath a brown plaid jacket.

The image was shared to thank royal supporters for their well-wishes on the couple's milestone platinum anniversary last year.

Philippe, then Crown Prince of Belgium, tied the knot with Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz in a civil ceremony at Brussels Town Hall and a religious ceremony at the city's Cathedral of Saint Michel and Saint Gudule in December 1999. Pictured, on the balcony of the town hall

The photo was sent alongside a note in French that reads: 'Their royal highnesses the King and Queen received the nice message you were so kind to send them for their 20th wedding anniversary. The King and the Queen send their warmest thanks.'

Both the photo and the card were shared by a number of Instagram fan accounts including katsroyalletters.

Philippe, then Crown Prince of Belgium, tied the knot with Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz in a civil ceremony at Brussels Town Hall and a religious ceremony at the city's Cathedral of Saint Michel and Saint Gudule in December 1999.

Building a life together: Philippe and Mathilde have four children: Princess Elisabeth, 18, Prince Gabriel, 16, Prince Emmanuel, 14, and Princess Eleonore, 11. Pictured, in October last year

The couple cut a handsome figure on the day, with Philippe wearing military uniform and Mathilde donning an elegant cream dress with a dramatic jacket.

Philippe and Mathilde went onto have four children: Princess Elisabeth, 18, Prince Gabriel, 16, Prince Emmanuel, 14, and Princess Eleonore, 11.

Princess Elisabeth officially became to the heir to the Belgian throne on her 18th birthday last year.
Burma Myanmar Court Set to Issue Warrant for US Man Who Failed to Attend Court in Cannabis Case

John Fredric Todoroki and Ko Shane Latt arrive for a court hearing on Tuesday. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

MANDALAY  Myingyan District Court in Mandalay Region is planning to issue an arrest warrant for a US citizen who went missing amid charges that he operated a marijuana plantation.

John Fredric Todoroki, 63, was arrested in April 2019 along with two residents who are working for III M Global Nutraceutical Company at the Myotha industrial park in Myingyan for allegedly growing marijuana.

He was granted bail in July as he was suffering from respiratory and lung problems. The bail was set at 300 million kyats (US$203,000).

After he was granted bail, in November the lawyers requested the Mandalay Regional Court review the case and drop the charges as the company had official approval from the Mandalay regional government to grow industrial hemp and the seeds had been legally imported.

The regional court returned the case to the Myingyan court in December for hearings to continue.

The courts spokeswoman said on Tuesday that Todoroki failed to attend court.

He has failed to present to the court. If he fails to attend the session on Jan. 27, the court will issue an arrest warrant and keep the bail money, said Daw Tin Than.

The bail is due to be paid by Todorokis friend, U Khin Maung Win, who signed the assurance at the court.

The defendants lawyers said they had lost contact with their client and did not know where he was. They said they had contacted the US Embassy in their attempts to locate Todoroki.

We lost contact with him in November. Now we are trying every possible way, said the lawyer U Thein Than Oo.

Todoroki was arrested with Ko Shane Latt, 37, and Ma Shunlae Myat Noe, 23, on April 24, and a Facebook post at the time alleged that they were cannabis growers.

About 24 hectares were used for the plantation, leased from Mandalay Myotha Industrial Development Public Co. Ltd (MMID) by III M Global Nutraceutical Company.

After their arrest, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said it was responsible for the III M Global Nutraceutical plantation.

The CCDAC announced that more than 300,000 marijuana plants, 380 kg of marijuana seeds, formic acid, acetone, acetonitrile solution, methanol and 271 kg of dried cannabis were seized.

The military-controlled Ministry of Home Affairs announced on the same day that investigators found hemp-like plants and chemicals. It said the plantation was believed to have been planted for medical use to treat cancer.

The US Embassy in Yangon was not available for comment on Thursday.
Since state legislators are part-time, it is not uncommon for a bill to be introduced that will benefit one or some of them in their other hats.

Members may forgive even a blatant conflict of interest in a colleague, perhaps reasoning they may one day require similar indulgence.

But there is a limit and Sherman Mack, of Albany, exceeded it by a country mile, which may help explain why he failed to get elected speaker of the House, after appearing a shoo-in as the favorite son of the dominant GOP. If so, we must congratulate the political class on possessing high ethical standards or at least recognizing the wisdom of appearing to possess high ethical standards.

Mack did not merely vote on a bill that was good for his own pocketbook; he was its sole author. He used the power of the legislature to refashion the judicial branch to the obvious benefit of his alter ego, Sherman Mack, small-town lawyer. The bill itself was a perfectly sensible one, and brought a new level of efficiency to the court system in Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. It probably served the cause of justice too, except in the many cases where it meant that the secret to a favorable verdict was to hire Mack and his law firm.

Legal scholars say that there is a case for tightening up Louisiana's Code of Judicial Conduct, but no ethical injunction is vague enough to countenance the blatant favoritism alleged against Judge Jeff Oglesbee toward his old pal Mack.

Domestic cases used to be shared among all the district court judges in Mack's neck of the woods, but, by 2013, the need for a specialist division was obvious, and Mack's bill creating one, starting at the beginning of 2015, passed without a single dissent in either the House or Senate.

But that wasn't the end of Mack's plan to reshape the courts. Oglesbee, after working for 10 years in Mack's law firm, decided to run for one of the new seats, and was immediately a formidable candidate, thanks to the endorsement of his local legislator. Mack and associates also kicked in about 20 percent of Oglesbee's campaign expenses. Even the food at Oglesbee's fundraisers was a gift from Mack, so it would be unnatural if Oglesbee did not feel he owed him a favor.

Courthouse regulars do not for one moment accuse Oglesbee of ingratitude. They do, however, fault him for returning Mack's favors by tipping the scales of justice in favor of his clients. Attempts to have Oglesbee recused on account of his blatant conflict have been rejected by his colleagues, who evidently have trouble imagining that the time will ever come when judicial impartiality might reasonably be questioned.

That is the standard for recusal in Louisiana, and some might think it had been met when, after Oglesbee was elected, Mack's website continued to display his photograph.

In Oglesbee's first year on the bench, Mack appeared before him 62 times just in the Tangipahoa section; records in Livingston are harder to access. In neither division, however, was Oglesbee inclined to reveal in open court what good pals he and Mack were.

Judges are allowed to hear cases in which their former law partners represent one side, even though it would hardly be unreasonable to question their impartiality in such circumstances. But it is well established that litigants must be informed about such entanglements. Was Oglesbee appropriately forthcoming? Silly question.

Attorneys specializing in divorce and child custody cases will warn would-be clients that the deck is stacked against them if Mack is representing the other side in Oglesbee's court. One aggrieved father said five attorneys each refused to take his case because Mack was representing his ex-wife. Another father in a similar position said that Norma Beedle, who runs a law firm called Fighting for Fathers' Rights, echoing what others have said not for attribution, told him, You can't win.

When a reporter inquired, Beedle said, I cannot confirm that conversation happened. We all know that, if it hadn't happened, she would have said so. And if nobody had said anything, we might have suffered the embarrassment of Mack in the speaker's hat

Email James Gill at Gill1407@bellsouth.net.
CHICAGO (AP)  St. Louiss elected top prosecutor says the city, its police union and others violated a Civil War-era law by allegedly engaging in a racist conspiracy to force her from office and prevent her from reforming racist practices.

In a lawsuit filed Monday, Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner said the defendants violated the the Civil Rights Act of 1871, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act. Gardner is black; the named defendants are white.

Here is a closer look at the law:

WHAT IS THE KU KLUX KLAN ACT?

The act was signed by President Ulysses S. Grant in April 1871 to help enforce the 14th Amendment, which had been ratified three years earlier.

Although the amendment defined citizenship and guaranteed due process and equal protection of the law to all, including freed slaves, vigilante groups including the Ku Klux Klan continued to threaten blacks and their white allies, undermining Reconstruction efforts.

The act was one of a series of actions designed to eliminate violence and protect the civil and political rights of 4 million freed slaves.

The U.S. Supreme Court has since said the act can be invoked in civil lawsuits against public officials, but not private citizens, said Jack Beermann, a Boston University law professor.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The KKK Act originally authorized the president to intervene in former Confederate states where civil and political rights were being violated. It also allowed people to sue for monetary damages if their constitutional rights had been violated by someone acting under state authority.

Today, it is invoked frequently in lawsuits involving police brutality or voting act violations, though its rarely called the Ku Klux Klan Act, Beermann said. He said Gardners claim also is unusual because it involves a public official suing other public officials.

HAS THE ACT BEEN INVOKED IN OTHER HIGH-PROFILE CASES?

The act was cited in a 2017 lawsuit against the white supremacists who organized a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that turned violent.

Lawyers for 10 people who experienced violence at the massive rally of white supremacists and counter-protesters say conversations among organizers that included what kinds of weapons to carry was a conspiracy to commit violence against racial minorities. Beermann said that argument could be difficult to win because it involves only private individuals.

To win a case alleging a conspiracy, he said, the plaintiff must show that public officials were involved in a racially motivated conspiracy to deprive someone of their constitutional rights.

Racial motivation could include trying to stop reform of racist institutions, Beermann said.

In St. Louis, Gardners lawsuit cited racist Facebook posts by St. Louis police officers, which led to the firing of two veteran officers. The suit also says the police union went out of its way to support white officers accused of violence and excessive force against blacks, including posting bond for an officer who was charged with murder. The union said it considered the lawsuit frivolous and without merit.
A Hanoi court on Wednesday sentenced three men to five to six years in jail for trafficking tiger carcasses from Laos.

Seven tiger carcasses that police found in a car inside a parking garage in Hanoi, July 23, 2019. Photo courtesy of Hanoi police.

Nguyen Huu Hue, 52, identified as the kingpin of the gang, got six years while Phan Van Vui, 34, and Ho Anh Tu, 28, got five years each.

They were arrested in July last year after seven frozen carcasses were discovered in a car in the parking lot of a building on Xuan Thuy Street in the capital's Cau Giay District.

The indictment said Hue would go to Laos to buy tiger carcasses, freeze them and transport them to Vietnam. Each would weigh up to 300 kilograms.

He was the director of a local services and commerce company, and used his business as a front for trafficking and trading tigers and other endangered and rare animals for many years, and investigators said his underlings would always take the fall if his activities came to the notice of law enforcement.

Vietnam's conservation NGO Education for Nature-Vietnam said the imprisonment shows the Vietnamese government is earnest about tackling wildlife trafficking.

Tiger bones are used in Vietnam to make traditional medicines to treat bone- and joint-related ailments. The animals' meat, skin and claws are also used.

Vietnam is one of only 13 countries with tigers left in the wild. But populations are plunging though in 2010 the 13 countries pledged to double tiger numbers by 2022.

Tigers remain critically endangered in Vietnam, with only five left in the wild in 2016, down from 30 in 2011, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The European Commission accused Vladimir Putin of "distorting historical facts" as it backed Poland in a heated war of words with Russia over the causes of World War II.

Warsaw was left incensed last month when Mr Putin appeared to suggest Poland bore some responsibility for the start of the war.

Most Poles saw the comments as an attempt to absolve his country of any guilt over the start of the war, despite the Soviet Union colluding with Adolf Hitler's Germany to wipe Poland from the map of Europe in 1939.

"The European Commission fully rejects any false claims and attempts to distort the history of the Second World War, or paint the victims, like Poland, as perpetrators," said EC vice-president Vera Jourova in an address to the European Parliament.

"The commission will not tolerate these attacks on Poland and stands in full solidarity with Poland and the Polish people."

She added that "the distortion of historical fact is a threat to our democratic societies and must be challenged whenever possible".

Her support will be welcomed in Poland where many feel Russia is increasing its attempts to portray their country as an instigator of the war while whitewashing Joseph Stalin's alliance with Hitler, and the deaths of thousands of Poles at the hands of the Soviet Union.

Earlier this month Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish prime minister, launched a furious attack on Mr Putin, accusing him of "lying repeatedly". ( Daily Telegraph, London)
Zoe Kazan had an eloquent response Wednesday to a question confronting her late grandfather Elia Kazan's testimony during the McCarthy era weighed against the issues broached by her new HBO mini-series The Plot Against America.

The actress, 36, appeared on a panel in Los Angeles alongside her collaborators on the forthcoming mini-series, including executive producer David Simon and co-stars Morgan Spector, Winona Ryder, Anthony Boyle and John Turturro.

The show, which is based on Philip Roth's 2004 novel, casts an alternate historical timeline in which Charles Lindbergh beat Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election, paving the way toward a fascist future.

The latest: Zoe Kazan, 36, had an eloquent response Wednesday to a question confronting her late grandfather Elia Kazan's testimony during the McCarthy era weighed against the issues broached by her new HBO series The Plot Against America

When the Los Angeles native was asked about her family's 'history during this period' - Elia in 1952 named eight peers to the House Un-American Activities Committee - she said, according to Deadline, 'Do you want to be more specific?'

The reporter responded, 'Your grandfather, I don't want to bring up hard times for you, I'm sorry.'

An emotional Kazan replied, 'You're not bringing up hard times for me, you're bringing up hard times for our country.'

She made reference to her grandfather's 1955 adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden and how the story of Cain and Abel and the phrase 'Thou mayest' are recurring themes adding, 'Thou mayest triumph over sin, but its in the hands of the next generation, that its a choice.'

Stylish: Elia wore a wooly top with and lavender bottoms with matching heels

Group outing: The actress, 36, appeared on a panel in Los Angeles alongside her collaborators of the forthcoming mini-series, including (L-R) executive producer David Simon and co-stars Morgan Spector, Winona Ryder, Anthony Boyle and John Turturro

Thoughtful: Elia made reference to her grandfather's 1955 adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden in her response

Zoe declining to get into specifics out of respect to relatives, but made clear it's something she's intensely familiar with.

'I have not wanted to weigh in my family's political history,' Zoe said, 'particularly because of the other people it involved in my family who have prized their privacy over a public life.'

She added: 'So, I'm not going into it, but I have thought a lot about how the history of our country affected my family's history and what it meant for my grandfather as an immigrant to this country to have his American-ness tested and the choice that he made from that.'

Thumbs up: Simon commended Zoe's detailed response to the personal question

Invested: Zoe said that 'it was a profound experience working on this personally, politically and artistically'

Zoe said she's 'thought a lot about [her] own choices' and 'the way [she] choose to live [her] life.

'I think, "Thou mayest choose a different life,"' she said. 'And I think the reason why Steinbeck put that in his book about the foundation of the West is that it's also about America choosing to recognize who they have been - Cain did kill his brother - but also recognize that they may choose a different future for themselves.'

She said: 'Those were things on my mind as I worked on this. It was a profound experience working on this personally, politically and artistically, and I think that's all I have to say about that.'

Simon commended Zoe's detailed response to the personal question, saying, 'I've been coming to TCA for about a decade and that was best answer to a question.

'That was so cool. It had linguistics, it had film history.'

The Plot Against America is set to begin airing on HBO March 16.
She's been busy filming her new MMA fighting film, Bruised.

And Halle Berry took a break from the hard hits for a well-deserved casual lunch date with friends on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old was spotted around Los Angeles having an animated conversation following her meal.

Scroll down for video

Natural beauty: Halle Berry showcased her gorgeous makeup free complexion while out with friends for lunch on Wednesday in Los Angeles

Halle kept things casual in a black sweater with rainbow stripes on the side.

She teamed the look with a pair of matching black tights that had the same colorful LGBTQ supportive stripes on one leg.

The actress completed her look with a pair of platform sneakers to add to her 5ft5 stature.

LGBTQ supporter: Halle kept things casual in a black sweater with rainbow stripes on the side

Lots to say: The 53-year-old was spotted around Los Angeles having an animated conversation following her meal

Halle's hair was in braids and styled back into a slicked back bun with no strands around her face.

The Catwoman beauty appeared to be makeup free and kept a low profile with a pair of shades over her eyes.

Halle's appearance comes after her new film, which she's also directing, was put on hiatus recently after she sustained an injury.

According to reports, the issue was 'nothing serious' and filming has since resumed.

In the film, Berry plays Jackie Justice, a disgraced MMA fighter searching to redeem herself both as a competitor as well as a mother.

Small setback: Halle's appearance comes after her new film, which she's also directing, was put on hiatus recently after she sustained an injury

Working hard: Halle is set to play Jackie Justice, a disgraced MMA fighter searching to redeem herself both as a competitor as well as a mother

The upcoming film is also set to star Adan Canto, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Shamier Anderson.

Halle is also a mother in real life to, Nahla Ariela Aubry, 11, and Maceo Robert Martinez, six.

She welcomed Nahla in 2008 with her ex partner, model, Gabriel Aubry. They began dating in 2005 after meeting on a photoshoot.

The star went on to date French actor, Olivier Martinez in 2010 and welcomed their son in 2013. They split after two years of marriage in 2015.
For an agriculture-based country like India, our joys, fun and celebrations revolve around harvest festivals. The whole nation comes together in celebrating the end of the harvest season and the cold, harsh winters.

In Assam, Magh Bihu is celebrated with much fervour. It is marked with prayers to the gods, making of traditional dishes and get-togethers.

Significance of Magh Bihu

 The word bihu is believed to have originated from the term bishu which means to ask for peace.

 It is also known as Bhogali Bihu. The word Bhog means eating and this is what the festival stands for, eating with the community.

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When is Bihu celebrated

 The Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the month of pooh in the Assamese calendar.

 The celebrations continue in the month of Magha, which is between the English months of January and February.

 Eating and enjoyment goes on for about a week.

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How is Bihu celebrated

 On the eve of Bihu, also known as Uruka, young people, mostly men, go to the fields and build makeshift huts, known as Bhelaghar. These huts are prepared using bamboo, leaves and thatch.

 A Meji or bonfire is also an integral part of Magh Bihu. A bonfire is lit early in the morning of Bihu and prayers are offered to the gods.

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 During the night of Uruka, people prepare food and spend the night singing and dancing around the Meji.

 The main Magh Bihu is celebrated the next day. On this day, people take bath early in the morning and burn down the Meji.

 The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games like tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting. Cock fight, egg fights are also held.

 Rice cakes form the highlight of the festival and are distributed among everyone. Other delicacies include various variants of rice cakes. These are called til (sesame) pitha, narikol (coconut) pitha, tekeli pitha, ghila pitha and sunga pitha.

 Sweets made of coconut called Laru are also made. Laddoo are also made of sesame, coconut and murmura or puffed rice.

(At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase.)

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ANIP) said it has received approval of the company's abbreviated new drug application from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Potassium Citrate Extended-Release Tablets USP, 10 mEq and 15 mEq. The current annual U.S. market for this product is approximately $75 million, according to IQVIA. The company plans to launch the drug in the first quarter of this year. Potassium Citrate Extended-Release Tablets USP are indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis of any etiology, and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones. 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.
Authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan have announced the death of a 69-year-old man from a coronavirus that causes pneumonia, bringing the total number of fatalities to two after 41 cases were confirmed in the city.



The Wuhan municipal health commission said in a statement issued late on that the man, identified only by his surname Xiong, had died in the early hours of Jan. 15 in Wuhan's Jinyintan Hospital after being admitted with severe myocarditis, abnormal renal function and multiple organ failure.



The latest fatality came after Japan confirmed it had one patient infected with what the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling the novel coronavirus (nCoV) China, which the U.N. agency says is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen that killed hundreds of people in 2002-2003.



Japan's health ministry said the man was hospitalized on Jan. 10, four days after his return to Japan from China, having reported traveling to Wuhan.



Tests on the patient, who was discharged from hospital on , confirmed he was infected with the new virus.



"This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement.



Multiple cases of nCoV have also been reported in Hong Kong and one in Thailand.



While the virus was initially traced to a now-shuttered wholesale seafood market in Wuhan, there are concerns that it may be jumping from person to person, possibly within families.



The WHO is warning hospitals to prepare for the possibility of limited human-to-human transmission of nCoV.



"Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care center," the U.N. health agency said in an FAQ on its website.



Person-to-person transmission

The WHO is also warning hospitals to apply standard precautions to prevent person-to-person transmission "at all times."



Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of WHO's emerging diseases unit, told a news conference in Geneva on Jan. 14 that human-to-human transmission can't be ruled out.



"From the information that we have it is possible that there is limited human-to-human transmission, potentially among families, but it is very clear right now that we have no sustained human to-human transmission," Van Kerkhove said.



She said the WHO is preparing for a wider outbreak, although that is by no means certain.



"It is still early days, we don't have a clear clinical picture," she said.



Japan's health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita said thorough checks had been carried out on those who had been in close contact with the patient.



"At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home.



According to local media reports, the patient is a Chinese national in his 30s living in Kanagawa, just southwest of Tokyo.



Meanwhile, authorities in Hong Kong updated their advice to medics to report cases involving people with severe respiratory symptoms and fever who had traveled to Wuhan or had close contact with a confirmed nCoV case, or visited any hospital in mainland China.



A one-year-old baby girl and a 34-year-old woman were recently hospitalized in Hong Kong after traveling to Wuhan and presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms, but were later found to have contracted a seasonal flu virus, the Hospital Authority said in a statement.



Wuhan pneumonia

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection has reported a total of 78 suspected cases of Wuhan pneumonia, with six patients remaining in isolation wards in Hong Kong hospitals.



"There have been no confirmed cases of new coronavirus infections in public hospitals," the statement said.



It said passengers arriving from Wuhan would continue to be checked for elevated body temperatures at ports, airports and railway terminals, and high-speed trains and aircraft would be subjected to additional cleaning and disinfection.



The democratic island of Taiwan has yet to report any cases of nCoV, but has sent a team of health experts to Wuhan to monitor the situation.



Health expert Hung Min-nan said concerns that human-to-human transmission is already taking place are legitimate.



"It may be difficult to rule out the possibility of human-to-human transmission within families," Hung said. "We always had our suspicions, but we are much more confident now that human-to human transmission is occurring."



He said 13 confirmed cases had no link to the seafood market that China said was the source of the virus.



"Some of the sources of infection are unknown," Hung said.



Hwang Li-min, director of the Children's Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, said there are fears that the virus could spread as hundreds of millions of people take to trains, planes and automobiles to travel home for Lunar New Year on Jan. 24.



"Wuhan is a very large city, and it's unclear whether every hospital in Wuhan has started looking into this," Hwang said. "Wuhan is a super metropolis with very dense connections with other major cities, and we don't yet know if anyone [infected with the virus] has already traveled to other cities."



"We are now watching what China does very carefully, and we are making our own preparations," he said.



Reported by Hwang Chun-mei and Jia Ao for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Does the common stereotype for "organized crime" hold up for organizations of hackers? Research from Michigan State University is one of the first to identify common attributes of cybercrime networks, revealing how these groups function and work together to cause an estimated $445-600 billion of harm globally per year.

"It's not the 'Tony Soprano mob boss type' who's ordering cybercrime against financial institutions," said Thomas Holt, MSU professor of criminal justice and co-author of the study. "Certainly, there are different nation states and groups engaging in cybercrime, but the ones causing the most damage are loose groups of individuals who come together to do one thing, do it really well - and even for a period of time - then disappear."

In cases like New York City's "Five Families," organized crime networks have historic validity, and are documented and traceable. In the online space, however, it's a very difficult trail to follow, Holt said.

"We found that these cybercriminals work in organizations, but those organizations differ depending on the offense," Holt said. "They may have relationships with each other, but they're not multi-year, multi-generation, sophisticated groups that you associate with other organized crime networks."

Holt explained that organized cybercrime networks are made up of hackers coming together because of functional skills that allow them to collaborate to commit the specific crime. So, if someone has specific expertise in password encryption and another can code in a specific programming language, they work together because they can be more effective - and cause greater disruption - together than alone.

"Many of these criminals connected online, at least initially, in order to communicate to find one another," Holt said. "In some of the bigger cases that we had, there's a core group of actors who know one another really well, who then develop an ancillary network of people who they can use for money muling or for converting the information that they obtained into actual cash."

Holt and lead author E. R. Leukfeldt, researcher at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, reviewed 18 cases from the Netherlands in which individuals were prosecuted for cases related to phishing. Data came directly from police files and was gathered through wire and IP taps, undercover policing, observation and house searches.

Beyond accessing credit cards and banking information, Holt and Leukfeldt found that cybercriminals also worked together to create fake documents so they could obtain money from banks under fraudulent identities.

The research, published in International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, also debunks common misconceptions that sophisticated organized criminal networks - such as the Russian mafia - are the ones creating cybercrime.

Looking ahead as law enforcement around the world takes steps to crack down on these hackers, Holt hopes his findings will help guide them in the right direction.

"As things move to the dark web and use cryptocurrencies and other avenues for payment, hacker behaviors change and become harder to fully identify, it's going to become harder to understand some of these relational networks," Holt said. "We hope to see better relationships between law enforcement and academia, better information sharing, and sourcing so we can better understand actor behaviors."

###

(Note for media: Please include a link to the original paper in online coverage: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0306624X19895886)
The budget mobile phone operator GoMo has raised its fee for new customers to 13 per month.

The low-cost operation, which is part of Eir and uses Eir's mobile network, says that its new sign-up offer will last until the end of February, when it might raise its prices again for those who join up after that.

Eir says that it has reached its GoMo customer target of 100,000 people based on the 10 offer, having launched the service last October.

The GoMo package includes 80GB of data, among the highest on the Irish market. It also includes all calls and texts and 10GB of roaming data within the EU.

However, the service cannot be bought or accessed via physical shops, including Eir stores. This means that customer service is primarily reserved for online channels. Some GoMo customers have experienced difficulties in switching numbers from other operators.

A spokesman for the company put this down to high demand and teething problems, saying that the issues had mostly been resolved.

Despite being a different brand with a stand-alone billing system, GoMo is a division of Eir instead of being set up as a 'virtual operator' in regulatory terms.

This means that GoMo's customer numbers are likely to be reported as part of the group's overall figures, making verification of the 100,000 figure a little less straightforward.

Eir has promised that any customers who signed up to the initial 10 monthly tariff will get to stay on that rate "for life".

The firm has not said when, or if, GoMo will benefit from Eir Mobile's 5G network.

Last month, Ireland's telecoms regulator, ComReg, issued a warning to the budget mobile operator after receiving "a large number" of customer calls about the service.

ComReg said that the service had frustrated unsatisfied customers by not including a phone number for complaints and customer service.

This was against ComReg's rules, the watchdog said.

GoMo's 80GB is more than Three's 'all you can eat' limit of 60GB, which costs from 30 per month. It is the same data limit as pricier Eir Mobile services.

However, the new virtual operator will have no stores, nor will it be supported by Eir's current customer service.

It will all be managed separately online, with little or no phone support.

Eir says that there are no restrictions on using the service as a cut-price broadband hotspot. However, after the 80GB monthly data limit is reached, the data speeds will slow down.

There is also a one-off 10 connection charge when purchasing a GoMo Sim card.

The service promises average top speeds on 4G of 10Mbs, although Eir says there is no difference between speeds on Eir and GoMo. Recently, Ireland's telecoms regulator released test results showing an average speed of 26Mbs on Eir's 4G network, ahead of Three (21Mbs) but behind Vodafone (32Mbs).
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is committed to filling prescriptions, providing pharmacy services and providing other assistance in Puerto Rico following the trio of catastrophic earthquakes recorded this past week. The company is providing pharmacy services to members of La Administracion de Seguros de Salud de Puerto Rico (ASES) to ensure the residents of Puerto Rico have expanded access to their medications during this time of need.

"As we continue to see the aftereffects of the earthquakes that continue to ravage Puerto Rico and surrounding islands, CVS Health is committed to providing critical care and services to its residents," said Brian Bosnic, Division Vice President, CVS Health. "CVS Pharmacy has been proactively reaching out to pharmacy patients via text message and email to alert them to our offerings during this time and as the situation unfolds."

CVS Pharmacy and CVS Caremark, CVS Health's pharmacy benefit management business, have activated a process that allows pharmacists in any of the 25 stores on the island to provide one-time emergency refills of a 10-day supply of medication for plan members. Patients taking specialty medications who are impacted in the areas affected by the earthquakes will be offered alternate delivery arrangements, including the use of courier services. On-site storage and refrigeration of specialty medications is also being offered to members without power to prevent spoilage.

In addition, CVS Health has partnered with the Hispanic Federation and donated $100,000 in product to residents and first responders, including personal care items such as diapers, baby wipes, sunscreen, toothbrushes and bug repellent, as well as clean-up products such as gloves, trash bags, face masks. Further, the CVS Pharmacy located in Ponce, the closest CVS location to most damaged area, will be distributing 42 pallets of free bottled water this Saturday, January 18, 2020, beginning at 10:00 AM ET. Residents can receive one case of water on a first-come-first-serve basis. Water will be distributed at the CVS Pharmacy located at 2511 Ponce Bypass, Ponce, Puerto Rico from 10:00 AM ET until 5:00 PM ET or while supplies last.

"We're deeply grateful to CVS for their generosity and the speed in which they moved to help us provide food, care and comfort to our people in Puerto Rico, said Frankie Miranda, President of Hispanic Federation. "Thanks to their commitment and caring, we have provided help and hope to those in greatest need.

To find a CVS Pharmacy near you, visit the store locator at http://www.cvs.com/.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is the nation's premier health innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Whether in one of its pharmacies or through its health services and plans, CVS Health is pioneering a bold new approach to total health by making quality care more affordable, accessible, simple and seamless. CVS Health is community-based and locally focused, engaging consumers with the care they need when and where they need it. The Company has approximately 9,900 retail locations, approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 102 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year and expanding specialty pharmacy services. CVS Health also serves an estimated 38 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including rapidly expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company believes its innovative health care model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com .

Press Contact

Stephanie Cunha

CVS Pharmacy

P: 401-209-0755

E: [email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health

Related Links

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This week, Representative Eric Swalwell taunted Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy as Kiev-in McCarthy. It was reported that Nancy Pelosi has recently told Senate colleagues that she believes Mitch McConnell might be an active traitor to his country. According to CNNs account of a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats, Pelosi laid into McConnell, saying, as shes said before, that he is acting like a rogue Senate leader. She mused that sometimes she wonders whether McConnell has Russian connections, the sources said.

And in the Democratic debate, Pete Buttigieg tried to walk an odd line, simultaneously criticizing Trump for being too close to Vladimir Putin, while also criticizing his administrations inability to find a way to work with Russia on matters of common interest. Despite this presidents coziness with Vladimir Putin, we actually seem to be further away from being able to work with Russia on things like the renewal of START, he said.

It was Buttigiegs comment that was the funniest of them all, showing that at least some Democrats are aware that there is reality itself, in which Republicans are their normal domestic political opponent, but that they must also condescend to a weird partisan fantasy in which Republicans are somehow controlled by Vladimir Putin.

The reality is that Russian and American relations are terrible under Trump. While there has been a relatively orderly process of communication about military movements in Syria, as Russia and the United States sponsor different actors in that civil war, Americas relationship with Russia seems to be at an all-time low since the end of the Cold War.

In August 2017, Russia and the United States engaged in mutual expulsion of some diplomatic personnel. And after an apparent poisoning attack in the United Kingdom in 2018, the Trump administration expelled another round of Russian personnel from the United States. Also in 2018, the United States engaged in a four-hour battle in Syria that killed hundreds of Russian mercenaries. Some security experts even worried that the lack of diplomatic communication between the two nuclear powers put the world in danger.

Story continues

In November 2017, Andrew Higgins reported in the New York Times that Putins political opponents in Russia were getting tired of what they see as Americas Russia fever. Why? Because

it reinforces a narrative put forth tirelessly by the state-controlled Russian news media. On television, in newspapers and on websites, Mr. Putin is portrayed as an ever-victorious master strategist who has led Russia  an economic, military and demographic weakling compared with the United States  from triumph to triumph on the world stage.

Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny called the Democrats investigations into Russian interference not just a disgrace but a collective eclipse of the mind. Fear-mongering and conspiracy theories have consequences.

Trump has occasionally expressed interest in seeing Russia brought back in to make the G-7 into a G-8, but theres been no substantial improvement in relations. Sanctions still hammer the Russian economy.

For years, Democrats tried to brag that they were the reality-based community, the ones who didnt let partisan or imperial fantasies interfere with their political judgment. But now its as if certain news networks and politicians are caught in a feedback loop and think they have been dropped into an episode of Showtimes Homeland or a revival of 24.

There are other countries, such as Ukraine, in which Russian interests do get considered and in which domestic actors have entanglements with business and political interests that favor the Kremlin, or at least a faction within Russia. The parliaments of these countries are rife with accusations of dual loyalties or foreign subornation. These are sad countries in many ways, given an unlucky set of geographic and political conditions. The United States is unlike them in every way.

We know that some of these actors know better. Nancy Pelosi, from happy experience, knows that Democrats can win elections by focusing on bread-and-butter issues with their constituents. Thats how she won Democrats a majority in Congress. So the question remains: Why is there this subset of wine-mom Democrats, Morning Joe addicts, and their couriers who prefer to believe this conspiracy theory about Putin?

Perhaps madness has its own attractions. Maybe Americans have grown tired of being a world power and instead prefer the exciting low-level conspiracy theories that pass for news in Italy, Greece, or the sites of other has-been empires.

More from National Review
Cannabis companies are doubling down on their freedom to operate efforts and considering future enforcement prospects because of the number of new patents being filed at the Canadian and US patent offices, many of which are too broad, obvious or hard to find.

In-house counsel from five marijuana-focused businesses tell Managing IP there has been a patent rush over the past year because of the cannabis industrys growth. Market analytics company Prohibition Partners estimated that the legal cannabis market would grow to $4.3 billion by 2024.

Sources say that this projected growth is not surprising considering the expanded R&D efforts across the industry related to both medicinal and recreational cannabis product development.

The problem is that the historic illegality of cannabis and consequent lack of available prior art to examiners has allowed companies and law firms to register absurdly broad, obvious or non-novel claims. There are at least 30 USPTO applications for cannabis in the use of sleep, for example.

The fact that cannabis is still a federally illegal substance in the US also means some companies have hesitated to refer to it in their applications. As a result, companies often have a hard time identifying relevant prior art when they search with cannabis-related terminology.

We do a significant amount of patentability and freedom to operate searches in comparison to other companies in similar industries because of the number of copycat products on the market, says Christelle Gedeon, chief legal officer at medical cannabis manufacturer Aphria in Ontario, Canada, where recreational cannabis use has been legal since 2018.

We also closely track our own R&D to allow for more effective searches that help us stay on side, and are careful whenever we go into new jurisdictions because of the number of local players in the market.

Har Grover, CEO at biopharmaceutical firm Scientus Pharma in Ontario, adds that prior art searches are similarly cumbersome for his company because of the amount of bad literature out there.

What makes the cannabis industry different from lots of others is the smoke and mirrors involved in the fact that it is only eight or so years old and has quickly become a juggernaut in Canada and the US.

It has become clear that cannabis is here to stay in the recreational and medical spaces, and those taking advantage of that momentum who are trying to get rich quickly by claiming ownership of things that have been around for a long time are causing problem for companies.

Emily Tupy, senior counsel at cannabis product maker Cresco Labs in Chicago, tells Managing IP that she cannot speak about the USPTOs cannabis patent review process, but says it is important to carefully consider the claims being made in patents and that they are sufficiently reviewed and embedded into the application.

Head of IP at Aurora Cannabis in Canada, Michael Sharp, adds that the main challenge for his firm is not just identifying the overly broad patents but the ones that are flying under the radar.

There are cannabis-related applications out there that never mention the word cannabis or marijuana, he says. It is clear that the historical illicit nature of the subject matter has compelled many to avoid mentioning it, even though their applications apply to processes and products that are clearly cannabis related, such as new methods of herb processing.

But some sources say they are much more concerned with the applications that are likely to be published in the next 18 months or so than they are with what has already been made publicly available by the patent offices.

Phillip Shaer, chief legal officer at the Canopy Growth Corporation in Ottawa, says: The already-issued patents dont give me much pause. Its the stuff that will be published in the next year and a half that FTO searches wont bring up that I worry about.

Theres not much out there that makes me think we might be infringing on something. In any case, you dont necessarily stop what youre doing when you find something during FTO, especially if there is a chance of taking a licence at some point in time.

Growing enforcement

The other crucial matter for in-house counsel in the cannabis industry is looking ahead to matters of enforcement.

Litigation is unlikely to become common among industry players for some time. As Shaer at Canopy Growth points out, cannabis patents are unlikely to be enforced until they are at least 10 years old, and because the legal cannabis industry is so new, there are very few relevant patents registered that are close to that age.

The relative infancy of the legal cannabis industry means that the market dynamics are also not sufficiently mature to justify the expense of litigation.

It is a bit early to be enforcing, given that cannabis is not federally legal in the US and that it is one of the biggest markets for legal products, says Shaer. We are focusing on where we spend our money on filings because we only have a limited budget. It could be on vape pens or extraction formulations  but we have to choose.

Grover at Scientus Pharma agrees that the market is too immature for enforcement, adding that there are only a handful of countries where cannabis has been legalised and commercialised and only 20 to 30 companies worldwide that are generating more than $50 million in revenue.

He says that litigation is all but certain to become common for cannabis products, given the money involved and that the first patent infringement case, UCANN v Pure Hemp Collective, has already been considered in the US.

But the first swathe of infringement matters is probably two to five years away, he adds.

Gedeon at Aphria says she and her company are certainly keeping a close eye on the enforcement landscape because it is likely to become a big deal within the next few years.

Cannabis is quickly becoming a booming industry, and businesses have been swift to react to the growth of related patent applications in the US and Canada. Enforcement will be the next big challenge, particularly as increased acceptance of marijuana is making it safer to litigate on infringement matters in the US.

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A family's Christmas Day ended in tragedy when their grandfather dropped dead as they sat down for dinner.

Grandfather-of-seven Antonio Fiorellino and his family were eating their Christmas meal at an Italian restaurant when he keeled over and passed away.

The 84-year-old's son Gino Fiorellino first thought his dad was choking on his lamb chop at the restaurant, in Kingston, south west London.

Pictured: Gino Fiorellino with his father Antonio Fiorellino at lunch on Christmas Day shortly before he died

Gino Fiorellino is pictured with his family on Christmas Day shortly before tragedy struck and he dropped dead

Gino, who has now lost three family members in as many months, said: 'I was sitting literally opposite him, less than two feet away.

'He had a little choke and then was just staring at me or, as my wife put it, staring through me.

'Next thing my niece tried to get behind him to do the Heimlich manoeuvre, then a man at the next table got my Dad on the floor and started chest compressions.'

Gino, 51, gave mouth-to-mouth to his dad as the stranger pumped his heart in front of shocked Christmas diners.

Antonio's daughter Sandra dialled 999 quickly and a team of paramedics arrived within 15 minutes to try and revive Antonio at the Al Forno restaurant.

Dad-of-three Antonio migrated to the UK from Italy as a young man searching work and initially picked fruit on farms in Greater London.

Pictured: The restaurant at which the 84-year-old died in front of his family in the tragic incident

Gino, of Kingston, added: 'The paramedics were very good. They gave him lots of adrenaline injections and tried to restart his heart with the machine.

'There were a lot of them and they tried to resuscitate him for about half an hour, they did everything they could.'

Paramedics took Antonio to hospital where medics confirmed he had passed away. The results of an autopsy have not yet been released, but Gino suspects his dad died of a cardiac arrest.

Gino said: 'You don't believe it's ever going to happen to you. There's no way I thought he was going to die. It was such a sad situation him dying in front of us but he knew he was loved and he knew we were there. Apart from the initial choking, he didn't struggle at all.'

Gino, whose disability means he cannot work, described how supportive his dad had been during his life - especially after he lost his right leg to an infection after it was broken.

He added: 'If it wasn't for him, there's now way I would be here. He always made sure I had a roof over my head after I lost my leg. He supported me with accommodation and benefits after we had problems with the council.'

Gino, whose wife Michelle is from the Philippines, said he is struggling after losing three family members in just three months.

His cousin died from blood poisoning after she cut herself on holiday and his sister-in-law died of kidney complications in the Philippines, leaving her three-year-old son orphaned.

He added: 'I spent 16,000 on hospital bills to try and keep my sister-in-law alive. Her dying wish was that my wife would look after her son.

'But because of child trafficking problems it is a nightmare to adopt a child in the Philippines. I just don't know what to do.'
A wrongful death lawsuit filed Monday says the sheriff has cultivated a culture of aggression among his deputies that condones depraved behavior and the use of force against people who are mentally disabled. Too few deputies are trained to interact with people dealing with mental health problems. And, as a result, deputies antagonize suspects, create dangerous situations and then use force unnecessarily.

Filed in state District Court on Monday, the suit alleges the July fatal shooting of 28-year-old Elisha Lucero by Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies exemplifies these and other failures within the agency.

This family is so devastated, and really the purpose of this litigation is to try to make our community safer for those families who have someone who is suffering from a mental health disability, said attorney Shannon Kennedy, who filed the suit on behalf of Luceros estate. What are they supposed to do? Do not call BCSO.

In a statement, a spokesman for BCSO said the office remains committed to protecting our children, families and businesses; however it would be inappropriate to comment on any pending litigation.

Lucero, 4-foot-11, was half-naked when she ran into a South Valley street and was fatally shot.

The deputies shot and killed Ms. Lucero when she posed no threat of deadly force, the suit says.

BCSO has said that Lucero had a kitchen knife, and a knife was tagged into evidence; however, the lawsuit asserts she was unarmed.

According to the suit, Lucero underwent surgery in June 2018 to remove a brain tumor. After that, Kennedy said, she had seizures and occasionally suffered symptoms of psychosis.

In June, Lucero called for help and asked to be taken to a hospital. A deputy and a social worker took her for an emergency mental health evaluation.

A month later, on July 21, deputies were called to the home when Lucero hit her uncle. Her family told BCSO that she was unarmed and suffered psychosis. They asked deputies to remove her from her RV because they were worried about her odd and aggressive behavior.

One deputy said he saw Lucero in the RV with a large stick, another said he saw her filming deputies with her cellphone while holding a pair of scissors. At some point, Lucero ran out of the RV and into the street. The lawsuit says one deputy described hearing a Taser, followed by Luceros screams and, finally, a gunshot.

Three deputies opened fire.

As she lay dying, no deputy rendered emergency medical care, the lawsuit alleges.

The plaintiff asks the court to award compensatory damages.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened on Thursday the Sharm El-Sheikh Arab heritage festival, also known as the "international camel racing festival, in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, the Egyptian presidency said.

El-Sisi and bin Zayed also visited the exhibit of handmade Bedouin artworks organised as part of the festival, according to the Egyptian presidency.

The festival aims to preserve the Bedouin traditions in Egypt and utilise them as a touristic attraction.

According to Al-Ahram Arabic website, the race was held in Sharm El-Sheikh's camel racing track, which covers 941 feddans and cost EGP 100 million. The track can host 500 spectators.

On Wednesday, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince attended the Qader 2020 drills at Bernice military base, the largest naval air base in the Middle East.

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PITTSBURGH, Jan. 16, 2020 - Twice as many people as previously believed are dying of sepsis worldwide, according to an analysis published today in The Lancet and announced at the Critical Care Reviews annual meeting in Belfast. Among them are a disproportionately high number of children in poor areas.

Led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington schools of medicine, the study revealed 48.9 million global cases of sepsis in 2017 and 11 million deaths, representing 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. Sepsis occurs when a person's organs cease to function properly as the result of an out-of-control immune response to infection. Even if sepsis doesn't kill its victims, it can create lifelong disabilities in survivors.

The large majority of sepsis cases -- 85% in 2017 -- occurred in low- or middle-income countries. The highest burden was found in sub-Saharan Africa, the South Pacific islands near Australia, and South, East and Southeast Asia. Sepsis incidence was higher among females than males. By age, the incidence of sepsis peaks in early childhood, with more than 40% of all cases occurring in children under 5.

"I've worked in rural Uganda, and sepsis is what we saw every single day. Watching a baby die of a disease that could have been prevented with basic public health measures really sticks with you," said lead author Kristina E. Rudd, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor in Pitt's Department of Critical Care Medicine. "I want to contribute to solving this tragedy, so I participate in research on sepsis. However, how can we know if we're making progress if we don't even know the size of the problem? If you look at any top 10 list of deaths globally, sepsis is not listed because it hasn't been counted."

For their analysis, Rudd and colleagues leveraged the Global Burden of Disease Study, a comprehensive epidemiological analysis coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The GBD 2017 Study currently reports on 282 primary causes of death not including sepsis, which is considered an intermediate cause of death. A primary cause of death is the underlying condition (e.g. cancer), which leads to the intermediate cause (sepsis) that ultimately results in death.

Previous global estimates for sepsis were limited as they relied upon hospital databases from a select group of middle- and high-income countries. The previous estimates overlooked the substantial burden of sepsis that occurs outside of the hospital, especially in low-income countries. Today's study findings are unprecedented as they represent mortality both in and out of the hospital.

"We are alarmed to find sepsis deaths are much higher than previously estimated, especially as the condition is both preventable and treatable," said senior author Mohsen Naghavi, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of health metrics sciences at IHME at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "We need renewed focus on sepsis prevention among newborns and on tackling antimicrobial resistance, an important driver of the condition."

The study authors analyzed annual sepsis incidence and mortality trends from 1990 through 2017 and found rates are improving. In 1990, there were an estimated 60.2 million sepsis cases and 15.7 million deaths; by 2017, incidence had dropped by 19% to 48.9 million cases and deaths by 30% to 11.0 million.

The most common underlying cause of sepsis-related death in both 1990 and 2017 was lower respiratory infection.

"So what is the solution? Well, to start with it's basic public health infrastructure. Vaccines, making sure everyone has access to a toilet and clean drinking water, adequate nutrition for children and maternal health care would address a lot of these cases," said Rudd, who also is a UPMC critical care physician. "But sepsis is still a problem here in the U.S., where it is the No. 1 killer of hospital patients. Everyone can reduce their odds of developing it by getting the flu shot, and the pneumonia vaccine when appropriate. Beyond that, we need to do a better job preventing hospital-acquired infections and chronic diseases, like diabetes, that make people more susceptible to infections.

"Finally, for people in high-income countries who want to help reduce the rates of sepsis in low-income areas, we need to support research into treatments and advocate to our elected officials for the importance of supporting sepsis prevention and control efforts in low-income communities," Rudd said.

###

Additional authors on this research are Sarah Charlotte Johnson, M.Sc., Kareha M. Agesa, B.A., Katya Anne Shackelford, B.A., Derrick Tsoi, B.S., Danny V. Colombara, Ph.D., all of the IHME; Daniel Rhodes Kievlan, M.D., Christopher W. Seymour, M.D., Derek C. Angus, M.D., all of Pitt; Niranjan Kissoon, M.D., of the University of British Columbia; Simon Finfer, M.D., of the University of New South Wales; Carolin Fleischmann-Struzek, M.D., of Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany; Kevin S. Ikuta, M.D., Simon I. Hay, F.Med.Sci., Rafael Lozano, M.D., and Christopher J.L. Murray, D.Phil., all of the IHME and University of Washington; Flavia R. Machado, Ph.D., of the Federal University of Sao Paulo; Konrad K. Reinhart, M.D., of Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Charite University Medical Center Berlin, both in Germany; Kathryn Rowan, Ph.D., of the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, both in the U.K.; R. Scott Watson, M.D., of the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital; T. Eoin West, M.D., of the University of Washington; Fatima Marinho, M.D., of the University of Sao Paulo; and Alan D. Lopez, Ph.D., of the IHME and the University of Melbourne in Australia.

This research was funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (grants T32HL007287, T32HL007820, R35GM119519), Pitt, the British Columbia Children's Hospital Foundation, the Wellcome Trust and the Fleming Fund.

To read this release online or share it, visit https://www.upmc.com/media/news/011620-rudd-global-sepsis [when embargo lifts].

About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support.

Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu.

About the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent global health research organization at the University of Washington School of Medicine that provides rigorous and comparable measurement of the world's most important health problems and evaluates the strategies used to address them. IHME is committed to transparency and makes this information widely available so that policymakers have the evidence they need to make informed decisions on allocating resources to improve population health. For more information about IHME, see http://www.healthdata.org.

About the Global Burden of Disease study

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is the largest and most comprehensive effort to quantify health loss across places and over time. It draws on the work of more than 4,300 collaborators from 146 countries and territories. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine coordinates the study. The GBD 2017 study was published in November 2018 and includes more than 38 billion estimates of 359 diseases and injuries and 84 risk factors in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. For more information about the GBD Study, see http://www.healthdata.org/gbd.

http://www.upmc.com/media

Contact: Allison Hydzik, Pitt and UPMC

Office: 412-647-9975

Mobile: 412-559-2431

E-mail: HydzikAM@upmc.edu

Contact: Kelly Bienhoff, UW and IHME

Office: 206-897-2884

Mobile: 913-302-3817

E-mail: kbien@uw.edu
China will boost spending on US products in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world's two largest economies on Wednesday, defusing an 18-month row but leaving numerous thorny issues unresolved. Beijing and Washington touted the "Phase 1" agreement as a step forward after months of stop-start talks, and investors greeted the news with relief. Even so, there was scepticism the US-China trade relationship was now firmly on the mend. The deal fails to address structural economic issues that led to the trade ...
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 02:17:22|Editor: ZX

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MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation Thursday with President of the European Council Charles Michel to exchange views on pressing international issues, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The parties examined in detail the Libyan crisis, including in the context of preparations for the international conference on Libya scheduled for Dec. 19 in Berlin, the statement said.

While discussing the situation around Iran, Putin and Michel reaffirmed the importance of continuing to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, it said.

The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China, plus Germany) and the European Union. Tehran had agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear weapons program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions.

Since its unilateral exit from the deal in 2018, Washington has been mounting pressure on Tehran through a series of sanctions. Iran has maintained a tough stance and scaled back its nuclear commitments in response.

On Tuesday, France, Britain and Germany announced that they had triggered the JCPOA dispute mechanism with the hope to preserve the deal and bring Iran back into full compliance with its commitments.

The Russian Foreign Ministry later on Tuesday called this step "profoundly disappointing and of serious concern" and warned that it could lead to a new escalation of the situation around the JCPOA and would make it impossible for the nuclear deal to be returned to the initially coordinated framework.

Putin and Michel also discussed the issue of settlement in the southeast of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the parties to fully and unconditionally implement the decisions on the intra-Ukrainian conflict agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France, the statement said.
The global ear syringe market is expected to grow by USD 9.24 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 4% during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the benefits of ear syringing. Furthermore, increasing adoption of disposable supplies will positively impact the ear syringe market during the forecast period. Request a free sample report

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200115005044/en/

Technavio announced its latest market research report titled global ear syringe market 2020-2024. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 134-page report with TOC on "Ear Syringe Market Research Report by Type (Bulb-type ear syringe and Tubular-type ear syringe), Geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024".

Ear Syringe Market Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020-2024)

Bulb-type ear syringe

Tubular-type ear syringe

The bulb-type ear syringe segment is expected to grow faster than the overall market during 2020-2024. Bulb-type ear syringe can be used without the need to make an appointment with a general practitioner or nurse. It can be re-used and is also economic. Bulb ear syringes provide a safe way of removing the earwax. These syringes can be purchased easily from a pharmacy or online and can be used in the comfort of the user's home. In addition, bulb-type ear syringes are widely available compared to tubular-type ear syringes. Therefore, this segment is expected to contribute the highest revenue share to the global ear syringe market over the forecast period.

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Ear Syringe Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020-2024)

Asia

Europe

North America

ROW

North America will be the largest geographical segment of the global eat syringe market through 2020-2024. The increasing number of visits by patients for cerumen removal and the rising geriatric population are contributing to the growth of the ear syringe market in North America. Moreover, the presence of several established key vendors in the US, namely BD, Medline Industries, and Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, among others, aid in the easy availability of ear syringes to meet the increasing demand for ear syringing procedures in North America.

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Major Five Ear Syringe Companies:

Amsino International Inc.

Amsino International Inc. operates the businesses under various segments such as sterile water and saline; AMSafe medication delivery systems; AMSure enteral feeding systems; AMSure respiratory therapy systems; AMSure surgical and nursing systems; AMSure urological care; and RECEPTAL waste fluid management systems. The company offers AMSure Ear Ulcer syringes.

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

Becton, Dickinson and Co. operates the business under three segments, which include BD medical, BD life sciences, and BD interventional. The company's key offering includes Ear/Ulcer Syringes. These are bulb ear syringes, which are available in both disposable and reusable designs. The flat bottom allows the syringe to be positioned upwards, without tipping.

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has business operations under various segments, namely bathroom safety, beds, mobility, patient room, personal care, respiratory, sleep, therapeutic support surfaces, and others. The product offered by the company is Model 177 Irrigation Syringe.

Entermed BV

Entermed BV operates the business under two segments, which include ENT outpatient clinic and ENT products. The company's key offering includes the Enthermo ear syringe. It is a compact ear syringe that is adjustable at four temperatures. It can be built into ENT treatment units.

GF Health Products, Inc.

GF Health Products, Inc. operates the businesses under the following segments: medical, surgical and physician, respiratory, therapeutic support surfaces, mobility, patient lifts, wheelchairs, personal care, bathroom safety, beds, and others. The company's key offerings in the ear syringe market include Chrome Plated Ear Syringe and Ear Syringe, which are bulb ear syringes and are available in 1/2/3 oz. sizes.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

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With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Sales growth and increased EBIT Margin 1 anticipated over outlook period

anticipated over outlook period Forecast free cash flow 2 of approximately $5.5 billion in 2020-2022 period

of approximately $5.5 billion in 2020-2022 period Higher EBIT Margin expected in 2020

AURORA, Ontario, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today announced its financial outlook for 2020 and 2022.

Our outlook to 2022 anticipates continued growth in total sales and improvement in our EBIT Margin, both as compared to 2019 despite our expectation of relatively stable light vehicle production levels in North America and Europe during this same time period. Improvement in EBIT Margin is expected across each of our operating segments. We anticipate cumulative free cash flow of approximately $5.5 billion over the 2020-2022 period, reflecting continued strong earnings and disciplined capital spending.

For 2020, as compared to 2019, our sales are expected to be negatively impacted by foreign currency translation, reflecting the stronger U.S. dollar, the disposition of our Fluid Pressure & Controls business in 2019, net of acquisitions, and lower expected light vehicle production in Europe. Our outlook anticipates a higher EBIT Margin in 2020 reflecting, among other factors, lower spending on ADAS and autonomy, and continued operational improvements at a number of facilities.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08f0f417-2529-4bb4-96af-468bdb8d5559

1Earnings Before Interest and Taxes ("EBIT") is defined as Net Income attributable to Magna before income attributable to non-controlling interests, income taxes, and interest expense, net. EBIT Margin is the ratio of EBIT to Total Sales.

2Free cash flow represents Cash from Operating Activities plus proceeds from normal course dispositions of fixed and other assets minus capital spending and investments in other assets.

OUTLOOK





2020 2022 Light Vehicle Production (Units)

North America

Europe

16.3 million

20.8 million

16.3 million

21.6 million Segment Sales

Body Exteriors & Structures

Power & Vision

Seating Systems

Complete Vehicles

$16.0 - $16.8 billion

$10.7 - $11.3 billion

$5.7 - $6.1 billion

$6.0 - $6.4 billion

















$17.5 - $18.5 billion

$11.5 - $12.3 billion

$6.3 - $6.8 billion

$5.7 - $6.4 billion Total Sales $38.0 - $40.0 billion $40.5 - $43.5 billion EBIT Margin3 6.7% - 7.0% 7.6% - 8.0% Equity Income (included in EBIT) $130 - $175 million $175 - $230 million Interest Expense Approximately $85 million Tax Rate Approximately 24.5% Net Income Attributable to Magna $1.8 - $2.0 billion Capital Spending Approximately $1.7 billion

3Earnings Before Interest and Taxes ("EBIT") is defined as Net Income attributable to Magna before income attributable to non-controlling interests, income taxes, and interest expense, net. EBIT Margin is the ratio of EBIT to Total Sales.

In this outlook we have assumed no material acquisitions or divestitures. In addition, we have assumed that foreign exchange rates for the most common currencies in which we conduct business relative to our U.S. dollar reporting currency will approximate year end 2019 rates.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a9de362-9ba4-4895-a70c-22bdc0330d20

OUR LEADERSHIP

Our Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Swamy Kotagiri as President of Magna, reporting to Don Walker, Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Mr. Kotagiri will work with Mr. Walker on driving Magna's overall strategy including strengthening the alignment between our customer strategy, R&D initiatives and new mobility activities.

Mr. Kotagiri will continue to oversee our Power & Vision segment as well as our corporate research and development programs and related investments.

The Board is also pleased to announce that The Honourable V. Peter Harder, P.C., has rejoined the Board, following the end of his service as the Government Representative in the Senate of Canada. Mr. Harder previously served on the Board between 2012 and 2016 and brings a wealth of experience in public policy and international trade, as well as a deep understanding of Chinese political and economic matters.

OTHER MATTERS

After almost two years of collaboration, Magna and Lyft have decided to evolve how we work together. Moving forward, we are concluding our partnership to co-develop self-driving technology. We expect to continue to collaborate in several areas related to autonomous developments, including aspects of hardware development and potential joint opportunities in software and hardware manufacturing.

Certain of the forward-looking financial measures above are provided on a Non-GAAP basis. We do not provide a reconciliation of such forward-looking measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To do so would be potentially misleading and not practical given the difficulty of projecting items that are not reflective of on-going operations in any future period. The magnitude of these items, however, may be significant.

We will hold a conference call for interested analysts and shareholders to review the details of our outlook on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. ET. The conference call will be chaired by Don Walker, Chief Executive Officer. The number to use for this call from North America is 1-800-920-3395. International callers should use 1-416-981-9005. Please call in at least 10 minutes prior to the call start time. We will also webcast the conference call at www.magna.com . The slide presentation accompanying the conference call will be available on our website Thursday morning prior to the call.

TAGS

2020 outlook, sales growth, free cash flow

INVESTOR CONTACT

Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations

louis.tonelli@magna.com , 905.726.7035

MEDIA CONTACT

Tracy Fuerst, Vice-President, Corporate Communications & PR

tracy.fuerst@magna.com, 248.631.5396

WEBCAST CONTACT

Nancy Hansford, Executive Assistant, Investor Relations

nancy.h ansford@magna.com , 905.726.7108

OUR BUSINESS4

We are a mobility technology company. We have over 166,000 entrepreneurial-minded employees 346 manufacturing operations and 92 product development, engineering and sales centres in 28 countries. We have complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, electronics, mechatronics, mirrors, lighting and roof systems. Magna also has electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

4Manufacturing operations, product development, engineering and sales centres and employee figures include certain equity-accounted operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We disclose "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") to provide information about management's current expectations and plans. Such forward-looking statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding our future plans, objectives or economic performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, and other statements that are not recitations of historical fact. We use words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "plan", "aim", "forecast", "outlook", "project", "estimate", "target" and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, 2020-2022 outlook period statements related to:



Expected sales growth, EBIT margin growth and forecast EBIT margin improvement

Cumulative free cash flow expectations

Underlying assumptions regarding relative foreign currency rate Forecasts of light vehicle production in North America and Europe

Expected Total sales, based on such light vehicle production, including expected split by segment

Anticipated growth drivers of our business EBIT margin

Equity income

Net interest expense

Tax rate

Net income

Capital spending; and

Future returns of capital to our shareholders, including through dividends or share repurchases

Our forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

While we believe we have a reasonable basis for making such forward-looking statements, they are not a guarantee of future performance or outcomes. Whether actual results and developments conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and the effects of which can be difficult to predict, including, without limitation:

Risks Related to the Automotive Industry

economic cyclicality

regional production volume declines

intense competition

trade disputes / tariffs Customer and Supplier Related Risks

concentration of sales with six customers

shifts in market shares among vehicles or vehicle segments

shifts in "take rates" for products we sell

quarterly sales fluctuations

potential loss of any material purchase orders

a deterioration in the financial condition of our supply base

OEM consolidation Manufacturing Operational Risks product and new facility launch risks

operational underperformance

restructuring costs

impairment charges

labour disruptions

supply disruptions

climate change risks

attraction / retention of skilled labour IT Security Risk

IT/Cybersecurity breach Pricing Risks

pricing risks between time of quote and start of production

price concessions

commodity costs

declines in scrap steel prices Warranty / Recall Risks

costs to repair or replacement of defective products, including due to a recall

warranty or recall costs that exceed warranty provisions or insurance coverage limits Acquisition Risks

inherent merger and acquisition risks

acquisition integration risks Other Business Risks

risks related to conducting business through joint ventures

our ability to consistently develop and commercialize innovative products or processes

our changing business risk profile as a result of increased investment in electrification and autonomous driving, including: higher R&D and engineering costs, and challenges in quoting for profitable returns on products for which we may not have significant quoting experience

risks of conducting business in foreign markets

fluctuations in relative currency values

tax risks

reduced financial flexibility as a result of economic shock

changes in credit ratings assigned to us Legal, Regulatory and Other Risks antitrust risk

legal claims and/or regulatory actions against us

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A 12-year-old girl was found alive by rescue officials on Wednesday after being buried under snow for 18 hours in an avalanche in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) that engulfed her family house.

Samina Bibi recalled screaming and shouting for help as she lay trapped in a room under the snow, according to Al Jazeera.

I thought I would die there, she said from a hospital bed in Muzaffarabad, where dozens of injured, including her, were receiving treatment after being airlifted out of the avalanche area.

A combination of heavy snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures since Sunday left at least 76 people dead in the region. The worst affected area was Neelum Valley, where the 21 bodies were retrieved, said Ahmad Raza Qadri, a minister for disaster management.

Meanwhile, Saminas mother, Shahnaz Bibi, who lost a son and another daughter, the rescue was nothing short of a miracle. After being pulled out of the snow earlier, Shahnaz said she and her brother, Irshad Ahmad, had given up hope of finding Samina alive.

Samina said she could not sleep while she waited to be rescued. Her leg was fractured and blood was oozing from her mouth.

We didnt hear a rumble, Shahnaz said, recalling the moments before the avalanche buried the three-floor house where she and her family were sheltering with others from the village. At least 18 of them died.

Samina and her family were huddled around a fire when the avalanche hit. It happened in the blink of an eye, Shahnaz said.

Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority said the total number of deaths in snow-hit areas across the country over the past couple of days was now 100.

More heavy snowfall is expected in the region from Friday.

In neighbouring Afghanistan, the situation was returning to normal on Wednesday, following days-long heavy snowfall, rains and flash floods that killed 39 people and damaged about 300 homes since Sunday.
The BJP on Thursday cited a SIT report to accuse the Congress of protecting those involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying it never showed interest in providing justice to the victims and its leaders even "justified" the violence against the community.

BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice S N Dhingra has brought to fore the truth and said what happened in 1984 was not just riots but the "worst kind of genocide" against Sikhs.

The Modi government, he asserted, stands for giving justice to Sikhs and has already told court that it will act on the SIT's recommendations.

Javadekar said Congress leaders like the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and more recently, Sam Pitroda "justified" the violence with their comments.

A Congress leader named as accused by victims has become chief minister, he said in an apparent reference to Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath.

However, Kamal Nath has always denied his involvement and had received a clean chit in investigations carried out earlier.

The SIT report shows that the hands of the Congress are with "murderers", the BJP leader said, noting that it points out that one FIR was registered to probe over 500 cases of arson and violence in places like Sultanpur, leading to delay in probe and acquittal of accused.

"The Congress never took any interest in the probe. In fact, it did exact opposite and protected accused," he said, adding that over 3000 Sikhs were burned alive in a matter of days in the national capital following the assassination of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Virgil Abloh made headlines last week by predicting the end of streetwear, the trend he has ridden to the top of the fashion tree. His Off-White Paris men's fashion week show Wednesday lived up to his prophecy -- the least street that the American designer has produced for his ultra-hip label whose clothes are snapped up by rappers and copied by kids. The hyperactive architect-artist, who also designs Louis Vuitton's menswear, turned out perhaps his most sombre and beautifully tailored collection, led off with decidedly adult chocolate-brown and gun-metal grey double breasted suits. The style wunderkind -- who was forced to curb his manic globe-trotting schedule in September for health reasons -- marked his return to the fashion circuit with a comparatively muted and poetic show that seemed to channel his new seriousness. As a hat tip to mortality -- or perhaps a comment on his own condition -- the invitation for the show featured an ironic mock-gothic painting of a teenage girl fighting off a skeleton, a packet of pills marked "Anything" falling from her jeans. - New Air Jordan 5s - And rather than rush out to greet his army of fans at the end of the show, Abloh cultivated mystery by lingered brooding in the dark with his models in a little curtained-off room in the centre of the stage. The 39-year-old designer, who tends to put trainers with everything, sent out several of his models in shoes -- granted sometimes in different colours. He did, however, give a sneak preview of the new Off-White x Air Jordan 5s he has created for Nike, hidden under long billowing trousers. The show opened with a bravura tap-dancing display by American hoofer Cartier Williams, who wore an Off-White T-shirt with the legend, "I Support Young Black Businesses". A master of little style details that often go viral, Abloh's latest wheeze is little fabric stubs on the cuff of his jackets cut in the same Swiss cheese-like motif as the objects he created for his art and furniture show that opened in a Paris gallery the night before. "I have been trying to make work that responds to my generation, and it feels like I am getting into a space where that is translating," he told a melee of reporters afterwards. Abloh, whose parents come from Ghana, created something of minor fashion storm last week by telling Dazed magazine that streetwear's days may be numbered. - Belgian brass and decadence - "I would definitely say it is gonna die," he said. "It's time will be up... how many more T-shirts can we own, how many more hoodies, how many mores sneakers?" he asked. But he later clarified his comments, predicting fashion will veer toward vintage. "I think we're gonna hit this really awesome state of expressing your knowledge and personal style with vintage... I think that fashion is gonna go away from buying a boxfresh something. It'll be like, 'Hey I'm gonna go into my archive.'" Despite Abloh's razzmatazz, it was the rising Belgian Glenn Martens who came come up with the day's most surprising and decadent show. The Y/Project designer immersed fashionistas in a pool of red balloons up to their waists while his models strode around them to the strains of a Flemish carnival brass band. In grim times it was important for fashion to be fun, he insisted. "It's a celebration," Martens told AFP and "every single piece should be fun". "What we doing is very superficial. My mother's a nurse, she's doing way more important things in her life. We're talking about making clothes that are not even always meant for survival, it's really more for personal happiness and expression and I think we should not forget that." His compatriot Walter Van Beirendonck took a diametrically opposing view in his show, "War", whose title "reflects what we are living in today" he told AFP with the planet threatened by unthinking consumption. His spikey creations were like armour against an increasingly hostile environment and carried slogans like "Care", "Save Planet Earth", "Stop buying fast fashion" and "Ban banality". "I've always included (slogans) in my work, but I think today" it's even more important than ever to do these kind of statements, so it's a little bit of an overdose this time," he added.
What happened

The stock of Owens & Minor (NYSE:OMI) closed the day 11.4% higher on Thursday, buoyed by an announcement that the global healthcare solutions company will be selling its Movianto European logistics business to France's EHDH holding company, and applying the proceeds to paying down its debt.

So what

CEO Ed Pesicka explained the sale as being motivated by a desire to "focus on and invest in our differentiated products, services, and U.S. distribution businesses," implying that Movianto is not really core to this business. It may also not be very profitable. Although Owens & Minor has since changed how it reports its numbers, in the period from 2013 to 2015 at least, S&P Global Market Intelligence data showed its international operations generating little to no profit.

Now what

So now that business is going away, and closing of the divestiture is expected to be complete sometime in the first half of this year. As for how much money it will get for Movianto, and how much progress the company might therefore make in chipping away at its $1.87 billion debt load, Owens & Minor didn't say. Financial details of the sale were not disclosed.
Three nongovernmental organizations are urging Azerbaijan to lift a travel ban against investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova and allow her to travel to Britain to give evidence in the trial of a journalist who is being sued for defamation by an Azerbaijani lawmaker.



Ismayilova was sentenced in 2015 to 7  years in prison on what human rights groups called trumped-up charges. She was conditionally released in 2016 but is still subject to a travel ban.



In a joint statement on January 15, Index on Censorship, Reporters Without Borders U.K., and Transparency International U.K. said lawyers will be seeking permission for Ismayilova to travel to London, where the case against Romanian journalist Paul Radu is set to start next week.



Daniel Bruce, chief executive of Transparency International UK, said that preventing Ismayilova from giving evidence in Radus trial was a clear attempt to bully and silence those who dare expose the truth.



Radu is a co-founder and executive director of investigative reporting group OCCRP, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.



He is being sued for defamation by Azerbaijani member of parliament Cavansir Feyziyev over two articles about money-laundering out of Azerbaijan.



As OCCRPs lead reporter in Azerbaijan, Ismayilova is a key witness in the case.



Azerbaijan is unjustly and unfairly preventing the reporter from traveling to punish her and stifle the spread of her reporting, said Index on Censorships Chief Executive Jodie Ginsberg.



Rebecca Vincent, U.K. bureau director for Reporters Without Borders, called the travel ban one of many examples of the Azerbaijani authorities long-standing persecution of Khadija Ismayilova for her courageous investigative reporting.



Dozens of other journalists and activists are currently subjected to such measures in Azerbaijan, Vincent added.



The three NGOs urged the British government to join their call for Ismayilova to be released from her travel ban and be allowed to provide evidence in this important libel case against Radu.
Transnational organized crime is dissolving borders and disrupting the institutions essential to peace and prosperity. It is urgent that the Western Hemispheres heavyweights, Brazil and the United States, launch a regional alliance to confront global criminal networks and regimes that profit from disorder.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro can demonstrate his clout by convincing U.S. President Donald Trump that its good politics to defend values and institutions from transnational organized crime and bandit states. Just as an alliance was forged to counter the Soviet threat, todays leaders must confront foes that are attacking democracy, the rule of law, honest commerce, and even social harmony.

Where the problem started

The seeds of this crisis were sown 20 years ago, when populist leaders in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador torpedoed an anti-drug alliance advanced by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his Andean counterparts. To counter U.S. efforts, the Venezuelan caudillo Hugo Chavez built corrupt financial institutions and criminal networks. Supported by Cuban advisers, Russian opportunists, and Chinese financiers, Chavez converted Venezuela into a narcostate that destabilizes every country around it.

This is not a battle between right and left, but between right and wrong. Transnational organized crime, with $2.2 trillion in annual revenue worldwide, is optimizing the supply chain of illicit goods to the North American market. It exploits regional currencies, banks, businesses, infrastructure, and communications networks.

For example, several governments in the Americas have wrestled with violent protests recently. Although this unrest is rooted in domestic grievances, theres no doubt that subversive countries and groups with vast resources stand to benefit from a breakdown in political and social order. A community in the Americas committed to democracy with accountability and to equality of opportunity is far less likely to fall victim to the kind of violence and disruption that has done so much damage in recent months.

The time is right for responsible states to rebuild such a community. In Bolivia, Evo Morales -- the coca growers boss who became president in 1998 -- resigned last November after he was caught trying to steal a fourth term of dubious constitutionality. In Ecuador, President Lenin Moreno broke with his predecessor, who closed a U.S. antidrug facility in 2007 after allegedly receiving campaign funding from narcoguerrillas. Early last year, Moreno joined most countries in the region in rejecting the dictatorship in Venezuela, which responded by backing a violent uprising against him. Colombian president Ivan Duque is working to reverse the steep growth in coca production caused by his predecessors lenient policies. Duque also is adopting a hard line against guerrillas who are openly abetted by Venezuelas narco-regime.

Brazil and the United States should stand behind law-and-order leaders and reinforce likeminded policies. An alliance advanced by a Latin American powerhouse would be well positioned to press the unorthodox and irascible president of Mexico and the untested leaders in Central America to pull their weight against global gangsters.

A new alliance could challenge neighbors to adopt best practices for dismantling criminal networks: finding, freezing, and seizing vast illegal fortunes while securing borders against gangsters and guns. Among the most trustworthy partners, the alliance could sponsor intelligence-sharing and law-enforcement operations across borders.

The effective defense of security and stability is more critical today to jumpstarting growth and creating jobs than are foreign aid or new trade accords. Perhaps the most urgent mission of this new alliance would be to rally willing governments to defeat Nicolas Maduros deadly narco-regime and facilitate broad and deep change in Venezuela.

However, this alliance shouldnt be about law and order alone. Brazil and the United States can use this partnership to promote strong leaders at the Inter-American Development Bank and the Organization of American States who will advance democratic capitalism as the key to unlocking the regions massive potential by defeating corruption and collectivism.

An alliance of free people in the Americas could never be neutral when it comes to the influence of Beijing. In recent decades, China bankrolled a rapacious dictatorship in Venezuela and helped Iran evade UN sanctions. A community of free nations could reject Beijings anticompetitive practices for capturing concessions and infrastructure projects. It could also favor secure architecture for 5G technology in the hemisphere.

This Brasilia-Washington initiative makes good sense. The two largest economies in the Americas have the most to gain from every government pulling its own weight to defend democracy, the rule of law, and the free market -- at home and on their doorstep.

The author was U.S. Ambassador to the OAS and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs from 2001-05. He is a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and his firm Vision Americas LLC represents U.S. and foreign clients. The views expressed are the author's own.
Radisson Hotel Group has announced its 15th hotel in Istanbul with the signing of Radisson Hotel Apartments Delta Istanbul Esenyurt.



Active in several important cities in Turkey, the hotel apartment project will be located in one of the most rapidly growing areas of Istanbul. The new Radisson Hotel Apartments Delta Istanbul Esenyurt plays a key role in the hotel groups growth in the Turkish market.



Elie Younes, executive vice president & chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group said: Radisson Blu continues to be the largest upper upscale brand in Istanbul and the Radisson brand leverages on that network. This is our 15th hotel in Istanbul. With Radisson Hotel Apartments Delta Istanbul Esenyurt we have reinforced our investments in Turkey and increased our portfolio to around 30 hotels in operation and under development in the country. We thank our partners for their trust in our people and look forward to a joint successful journey.



The Esenyurt county is the preferred district of Istanbul with its modern structures and vibrant population. The city is also home to a range of companies and offers plenty of office space.



Radisson Hotel Apartments Delta Istanbul Esenyurtis expected to open in the third quarter of 2022, making it the groups third Radisson branded property and Radisson Hotel Groups 15th hotel in Istanbul. The hotel apartments will be the perfect place for business travellers and leisure guests seeking the best possible hotel experience in Istanbul.



The project will be spanning an area more than 27,000-sq-m and will be serving 240 hotel apartments. Radisson Hotel Apartments Delta Istanbul Esenyurt Turkey will also offer meeting rooms, lounge areas, ballrooms, and an all-day dining restaurant.



The property will be the first internationally branded upscale hotel in the area that strengthens the brand awareness of the Radisson Hotel Group.



Leisure travellers can enjoy the nearby attractions such as Aqua Club Dolphin (5km), Buyukcekmece Grand Aqua Marine (8km), Istanbul Aquarium (12km).



The contractor of the project Delta Real Estates owner Seyithan Izsiz said: We are delighted to be partnering with a global brand such as Radisson Hotel Group and to be able to contribute to Turkish tourism. It is exciting to be investing in a flourishing area like Esenyurt. We look forward to a long relationship with Radisson Hotel Group and to developing more projects together." - TradeArabia News Service
I was pressing on her and calling her name so she wont close her eyes, Lara previously told the Tribune. She was looking at me, and I was calling her name. She was holding my hand for three minutes and then she let me go. I have kids  I would go crazy if something happened to my kids.
MOSCOW  President Vladimir Putin engineered a surprise shakeup of Russias leadership Wednesday, proposing changes to the constitution that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024.

Hours after he made the proposals, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned and Putin named the little-known head of Russias tax service to replace him.

Putin kept his longtime ally Medvedev in the Kremlins leadership structure by appointing him to the newly created post of deputy head of the presidential Security Council. But the duties and influence of that position are unclear.

The shakeup sent shock waves through Russias political elites who were left pondering what Putins intentions were and speculating about future Cabinet appointments.

Putins proposed constitutional reforms, announced in a state of the nation address, indicated he was working to carve out a new governing position for himself after his term ends, although the suggested changes dont immediately specify what path he will take to stay in charge.

Putin, a 67-year-old former KGB operative who has led Russia for more than 20 years, often keeps his intentions secret until the very last moment.

Alexei Navalny, the most prominent Russian opposition leader, tweeted that Putins speech clearly signaled his desire to continue calling the shots even after his presidential term ends.

The only goal of Putin and his regime is to stay in charge for life, having the entire country as his personal asset and seizing its riches for himself and his friends, Navalny said.

Said independent analyst Masha Lipman: The goal is for the system to remain stable and for Putin to retain his grip on power and to remain what he has been throughout these 20 years  the most important politician in the country, the ultimate decision-maker, the uncontested unchallenged leader of no alternative.

The Kremlin said Tax Service chief Mikhail Mishustin was nominated to replace Medvedev, who has been prime minister for nearly eight years. Approval by the Duma on Thursday is virtually certain.

Mishustin has no political experience, indicating he will dutifully carry out the Kremlins wishes as head of the Cabinet.

Putin has been in power longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin, who led from 1924 until his death in 1953. Under the current law, Putin must step down in 2024 after his term ends.

Vladimir Isachenkov is an Associated Press writer.
While six Democratic candidates were debating, Michael Bloomberg was trolling.

The campaign Twitter account for Bloomberg  who did not qualify for Tuesday night's debate  posted dozens of humorous, sometimes surreal tweets as a form of counterprogramming.

"We promised to tweet stuff. We promised fun stuff. We promised the best stuff. Here we go," the Team Bloomberg account tweeted before the debate began.

As the other candidates sparred onstage in Des Moines, Iowa, the Bloomberg account posted memes, jokes and a series of comical "#BloombergFacts," often poking fun at the candidate himself. For example: "Mike can telepathically communicate with dolphins.

Test your political knowledge:SPOT THE MEATBALL THAT LOOKS LIKE MIKE. pic.twitter.com/CkzdgwpzdI

 Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) January 15, 2020

Your opinion is important to us!Which novelty veto stamp should Mike use as president? pic.twitter.com/uRjraM0FW9

 Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) January 15, 2020

The billionaire businessman and former New York City mayor is self-funding his campaign, which prevents him from reaching the donor threshold to qualify for the debates. Bloomberg told CBS News in December that he believes the debates don't "really matter" and the public is not focused on them.

Tuesday's debate is the last Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses, but Bloomberg's strategy is to overlook the early races in Iowa and New Hampshire and focus on the delegate-rich contests in later states.

Rep. Annie Kuster endorses Pete Buttigieg for president

ACLU files lawsuit to halt Trump policy of sending asylum-seekers to Guatemala

Shawarma food truck named Yelp's top place to eat
Clinton impeachment manager Bill McCollom Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

For better or worse, seven Democratic members of Congress are about to become famous. After being appointed on Wednesday as the impeachment managers by Nancy Pelosi to prosecute the case against Donald Trump in the Senate, they will have less than a week to prepare for trial and then argue their case before a global television audience in a courtroom unlike any other, with the highest possible stakes.

Judge James Rogan, an impeachment manager in the Clinton investigation, recalled to New York what went through his mind as he stood up to give the opening statement then. Im trying this case. The president of the United States is my defendant. The chief justice of the Supreme Court is my trial court judge. One hundred senators are my jury, and this is on live television with maybe billion people watching and, if in the next 30 days or so, I say anything stupid my grandkids are going to be watching it on the History Channel, Rogan said.

However, the chief justice isnt quite a judge and 100 senators are something more than a jury. As former Clinton impeachment manager Bill McCollum pointed out, the Senate is made up of very sophisticated people certainly [aware of] what happened in the House  as opposed to a standard jury, where they dont come in with any knowledge. Instead, the senators can vote on the rules and change them at will. Rogan compared it to a criminal case in which jurors could overturn objections from a judge at will.

The other difference is that the nominal jury may not be the key audience in the trial. The jury in a presidential impeachment is theoretically the Senate, but practically speaking, it is the American people speaking through the polls, said Rogan.

When he was managing the case, the former California Republican said, he was very mindful when the robotic camera swung my way every time I opened my mouth that was where the jury was, not the 100 senators.

Clinton impeachment manager James Rogan. Photo: Tim Sloan/AFP via Getty Images

However, not all his managers from the Clinton trial agreed with that approach. McCollum argued, While you may be appealing to public, at the same time, youre talking to senators and thats who you should be focused on. In an impeachment trial, where 51 senators are needed to clear procedural rulings but 67 are needed to convict, managers will need to find a certain balance in which audience they try to persuade.

Of the seven managers picked by Pelosi to handle the case in the Senate  all of whom are elected members of the House  two of the seven are familiar from impeachment hearings: Adam Schiff of California, the chair of the Intelligence Committee, and Jerry Nadler of New Yorks tenth district and chair of the Judiciary Committee. The other five are comparatively less well known: Hakeem Jefferies, the fifth-ranking Democrat in House leadership; Californias Zoe Lofgren is a veteran of the Clinton impeachment also served as a staffer during Watergate; Val Demings is the former chief of police in Orlando; and Sylvia Garcia and Jason Crow, of Texas and Colorado, respectively, are both freshmen.

The current crew. Sylvia Garcia, second from the left, told Intelligencer: I didnt seek to be a manager. Photo: Michael Brochstein/Echoes Wire/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Maryland representative Dutch Ruppersberger praised Pelosi for picking a very competent and very diverse group. A former prosecutor himself, he noted the importance having Schiff, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, in a leadership position because he knows how to try cases and knows to cross examine.

The selection process for the managers was very different than the one used for the Clinton impeachment. Then, it was in the hands of Henry Hyde, the chair of the Judiciary Committee at the time, who selected 13 members to lead the prosecution in the Senate. His criteria, according to Rogan, involved not just picking those he wanted to manage the case but almost everyone on his committee who asked. The only person Hyde turned down was then-Representative Elton Gallegly of California, because he had not gone to law school. If Elton had gone to law school, we would have had 14 managers, Rogan said.

The challenge for the group is how to prepare for the trial with a weeks notice. Garcia told reporters that she only found out she would be named an impeachment manager the day before. The first-term Democrat from Texas told New York that she received the news with some mixed emotion, kind of like sad and somber. This is an impeachment of a president of the United States, Garcia said. I didnt come here to impeach a president. I didnt seek to be a manager.

She joins a team that has to prepare for a full trial in a courtroom that isnt a courtroom. They have to prepare to cross-examine witnesses without any assurances that they will be able to call witnesses, and try to bring up evidence in a trial that isnt governed by the federal rules of evidence. And, of course, they may get live feedback from the defendant on Twitter.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a 60-day notice to a talk show aired on channel ARY News for "willful attempt to debase and demean a state institution by dragging it unnecessarily in a debate" on Wednesday.

Sharing the notice to Kashif Abbasi's show 'Off The Record' on Twitter, the regulator said that it has banned the programme for 60 days.

According to the notice, the airing of such content on Tuesday violated the PERMA code of conduct adding that the host of the show Kashif Abbasi was quite unprofessional who actually did not intervene or stop the unethical act performed by one of the panellist, Federal Minister Faisal Vawda during a live show.

Vawda, the Federal Minister for Water Resources came on the talk show to represent his party, the ruling Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). In the middle of the show, the minister took out an army boot he had apparently brought along with him and placed it on the table.

According to Pakistan media reports, Vawda, while responding to a question on Nawaz Sharif's health, said, "shameless people stoop to any level."

"You [the PML-N] should have given it respect earlier like we have been doing. You are talking against them (armed forces' personnel) even when they embraced martyrdom. Today, when it comes to their loot and plunder Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif should hold this [the boot] and tell the people that we will respect the boot and do everything," the minister added.

Since then, Vawda has been continuously ridiculed and the Abbasi is being blamed for allowing the minister to bring the boot on the set.

The notice further pointed out that the host of the show took the entire incident "casually" and kept cherishing it.

The regulatory body also banned Abbasi from also hosting any show or from appearing on 'ARY News' channel or participate as a guest/expert/analyst in any other television channel.

"In case of non-compliance by ARY News, the authority shall proceed under PEMRA laws which may result in suspension/revocation of satellite TV channel conferred t M/s. ARY Communication Pvt Ltd.," the notice said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Wajahat Habibullah, author of My Kashmir: The Dying of the Light, and former administrator in the Valley, talks about the turbulent 1989-90 period and what led to the Pandit exodus. Edited excerpts:

Please give us the background of the events of 1989-90

Before the 1980s, Kashmir was a model of peaceful coexistence. Kashmiri Pandits had 25% to 30% government jobs in the system. Successive PMs of India were Pandits. They were not just Pandits but they identified themselves very closely with Kashmir, particularly Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The disturbances started when the communal-political angle had started developing in the 80s. The insurgency erupted and Pakistan, which has never been a friend of ours, incited and encouraged the separatist movement. This is when the relationship between the Pandits and rest of the communities began to crack.

What happened suddenly that an exodus started?

Two major events in 1984 changed the whole situation  one was Operation Bluestar in Punjab. This was the time when insurgency erupted. Second, you (Centre) had sacked a duly elected government of Farooq Abdullah and imposed Presidents Rule, which triggered a political instability. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), which came into being as a consequence of the Indira-Sheikh accord, developed a support base within the Valley. Because of political instability on one hand and the rise of separatists on the other, Kashmiri Pandits began to become targets. Since Pandits were in big jobs in the government, a narrative was created (by separatists and JKLF) that See, they get everything done through Pandits and Muslims are not wanted here.

You were posted in Anantnag in 1990. What did you see?

I was posted back in February 1990 and was special commissioner in Anantnag. There was no administration at all. It must have appeared to the Pakistanis -- and this I am presuming based on what I was hearing at that time -- that insurgency had been a success. And all this was happening because of political mishandling. To address that, you needed to have a popular government. Instead, you tried to address it through Presidents Rule.

Before all this, Pakistan always had an agenda of having accession of J&Ks with it but this political instability gave it an opportunity to create a conflict between local Hindus and Muslims. And the most vulnerable section of the Hindu community in Kashmir was Pandits.

Do you think then governor Jagmohan failed to assess the situation?

Yes, he couldnt (assess). Now, I was also part of his administration when the exodus took place. Administration didnt send Pandits out but what it must be blamed for its failure to not resist it. When a small community is feeling threatened, you (as governor) should have given Pandits a sense of security. He was asked to make appeal to Muslims to stop their neighbours (Pandits) from leaving through a televised address but he didnt agree to the suggestion. Instead he announced setting up of refugee camps within the Valley for anyone who felt insecure. In my view that precipitated the exodus.

How can Kashmiri Pandits again be part of the same ecosystem in Kashmir?

The way to ask Pandits to come back is to ask them to start investing in the Valley. They are well placed. They will be happy to invest. And same goes for Kashmiri Muslims who left the country and run huge businesses. Ask them to invest here and only thing government has to do is give them facilities. In case of Pandits, if they invest, government can even consider giving some special concession. There can be special norms like employment of local communities in different sectors. For example, people from outside should be asked to invest in the Valley and give employment to locals, including Pandits. If one has to go there just for their old house, I dont think anyone is going to do that.

What stops the government from doing all this?

People (bureaucrats, government officials) working in Kashmir are all very capable, but unfortunately, I think it is only the political compulsion that stops them. You have to have the confidence of the people. With widespread disaffection that exists there, you (the system) have to go out to the people rather than them approaching you.
Mother of foetus dumped in front of Rawai house found, now recovering in hospital

PHUKET: The mother of an eight-month-old foetus found dumped in front of a house in Rawai yesterday (Jan 15) is in hospital recovering, with doctors also attending to her mental and emotional well-being, police have confirmed.

deathpolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 16 January 2020, 02:55PM

Officers at the scene recover the foetus from in front of the house in Rawai. Photo: Chalong Police

The woman, 30 years old, is recovering at Vachira Phuket Hospital, Capt Jarat Lempan of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News.

She is in good physical health, but she is depressed, he said.

Doctors are making sure her mental and emotional well-being are being looked after, he added.

Police tracked down the woman after the foetus, of an unborn female, was found at about 6am yesterday (Jan 15).

Local resident Jaruwan Changlek found the foetus, wrapped in cloth and placed inside a black shoulder bag that was inside a pink plastic bag. The pink bag had been left near the front of her house off Soi Sammakee in Rawais Saiyuan area.

Ms Jaruwan informed Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, who in turn informed Chalong Police.

Officers arrived and inspected the scene, and rescue workers took the foetus to Chalong Hospital for further examination, Capt Jarat said.

The woman explained that it was an unplanned pregnancy. After she became pregnant her boyfriend rejected her and his family shunned her, Capt Jarat explained.

Depressed and no longer wanting to give birth, she took medication to terminate the pregnancy, he added.

The woman also explained that the father of the unborn child is one of Ms Jaruwans sons, Capt Jarat explained.

We have yet to decide whether any charges will be pressed against the mother, he said.
courtesy nmlegis.gov

This year, the New Mexico Legislature begins a 30-day session that commences on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Given the short schedulethe states governing legislative body meets in 30-day sessions on even years, 60-day sessions on odd yearsthis years convocation focuses on economics and education.

That isnt to say other bills being submitted wont get their due. A comprehensive package aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis is in the works. Its passage was named as a legislative priority last year by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and heroic measures are currently being taken to assure that the bill reaches the governors desk.

Among these priorities, the governor also announced her budget recommendations on Jan. 6. Meanwhile, as of this reporters deadline, a number of bills have been prefiled in the New Mexico House. Heres a look at whats happening at the Merry Roundhouse as the days before the second session of New Mexicos 54th Legislature count down.

The Budget

Two weeks before the Legislature was due to begin their annual confab, Governor Lujan Grisham outlined her budgetary hopes and dreams. Using a windfall profit from sustained oil and gas production in the state as a model for more spending, the Governors budget proposal calls for increases in several areas.

And although income from such sources is expected to outpace spending from the states general fund by a whopping $800 million this coming fiscal year (FY 2021), the Democratic leadership has taken a cautious tack on continued reliance on the volatilebut still sustainedincome generated by digging for dinosaur juice in the Southeastern and Northwest parts of The Land of Enchantment.

Said recommendations call for using 75 percent of that money from black gold, while maintaining the remaining 25 percent as a cash reserve designed to prevent economic trouble if and when those precious petro-dollars lose value. Under the proposal, general fund spending would rise to about $7.68 billion in FY 2021thats an 8.4 percent increase over last years spending.

Of course, education is at the top of the list. Lujan Grishams wish list includes the following nuggets.

 A 4 percent raise for teachers, a 3 percent raise for employees of the state of New Mexico and a 2 percent increase in pay for employees of public colleges and universities.

 The proposed increase in general fund spending also includes a $74 million rise to sustain and expand the early childhood education initiatives that were part of Lujan Grishams election platform.

 A separate, $320 million trust fund, using investment earnings, would be created to ensure the programs sustainability.

 The budget proposal also calls for paying the tuition of some 55,000 New Mexico college students. This years bill for that expenditure would cost New Mexicans about $35 million if approved by the legislature.

Lujan Grishams budget also includes $164 million in funding to hire more New Mexico State Police officers and increase public safety in the state. Sixty new state cops would be added to the roster under the governors money plan for 2020. In addition, the governor will seek about $40 million in funding to support local economic development and $28.7 million to fund a new behavioral health network in New Mexico aimed at addressing substance abuse disorders. And $25 million would be spent on providing more comprehensive health care services to senior citizens in The Land of Enchantment.

The Bills

Meanwhile over in the House and Senate chambers of the notoriously named New Mexico Roundhouseits where things like recreational cannabis measures just go round and round, que no?several legislators have pre-filed legislation ahead of the Jan. 21 start date. More than 230 pieces of legislation have been pre-filed. Here is some of what we know so far. These are the measures that caught our eye in a year thats all about spending that glorious oil money in a productive and progressive fashion.

 HB52, sponsored by State Representative Patricia Roybal Cabellero (D) would provide for multicultural programming at the states flagship university, UNM. The measure would provide $225,000 each to sustain Africana Studies, Chicano Studies and Native American studies courses and curriculums.

 SB25 is all about outreach and services to homeless veterans in the state of New Mexico. Sponsored by State Senator Bill Tallman (D), the bill would appropriate $300,000 from the general fund to help reduce homelessness among those New Mexico citizens who have served in the armed forces.

 SB78, sponsored by Albuquerque Democratic Senator Liz Stefanics, aims to curb Latino youth suicide by using $50,000 from the general fund to finance prevention programs through the Department of Health.

 SB80, the community solar act sponsored by state Senator William P. Soules (D), would establish a community of state solar facilities and provide the state public regulation commission with oversight and rule making abilities for such. The bill would also establish a community solar energy assistance fund to help low-income New Mexicans make the switch to sun power.

 HB46 would make changes to the state educational retirement fund. Sponsored by Democratic State Representative Tomas Salazar, the legislation would not call for an increase in contributions by state employees who are part of the pension system.

 HB35, sponsored by William R. Rehm, a Republican member of New Mexicos House of Representatives, calls for an increase in penalties for those who use a firearm in the commission of a crime by three years. This added jail time would not be eligible to be suspended or deferred by the judge that said alleged criminal might face.

 SB27, a Republican-sponsored bill, provides the legal groundwork necessary to have the governorat her discretiondetail members of the New Mexico State Police to certain municipalities to bring about proper law enforcement in the state, to handle disturbances or to investigate certain law violations.

 HB16 is another attempt to pass the paid medical and family leave act. This year the bill is sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler, a Democrat. The measure would create a medical and family leave trust fund, establish parameters for time contributions for employees and provide funding of the program through the New Mexico Workforce Development Department.

Interested readers can read about all 231 pre-filed bits of legislation for the 2020 New Mexico Legislature, from memorials and resolutions to bills, at legiscan.com.

News Editors Note: The print version of this article contained a production error in the headline and a reporting error with regards to HB46. Both have been corrected and Weekly Alibi regrets these errors.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Whitney Houston and The Notorious B.I.G. will be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2020 inductees, the institution announced Wednesday.

The Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails and T. Rex are also among the 2020 inductees.

Whitney Houston was on the peak of her popularity from the mid 80s to the late 90s, becoming one of the world's best-selling artists. She died in 2012 at the age of 48.

The Notorious B.I.G.  otherwise known as Biggie Smalls, or Christopher George Latore Wallace  ruled the East Coast school of rap during in the 90s. Wallace was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997  six months after the death of Tupac Shakur. Both murders remain unsolved.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
She has 158 million followers on Instagram.

And Kylie Jenner turned up the heat on Wednesday as she slipped into a black bikini top while packing for a luxurious getaway.

The make-up mogul, 22, put on a very busty display as she showcased her ample cleavage in the sultry video.

Sizzling: Kylie Jenner turned up the heat on Instagram on Wednesday as she slipped into a black bikini top while packing for a luxurious getaway

Kylie pouted and preened herself in the clip as she panned the camera down to her bust before zooming into her face.

The television personality layered a pink cherry filter atop of the video and captioned it: 'packing'.

While it is unknown where Kylie is set to jet off to, fans can be assured it will be some sort of luxury holiday as the star tried on the bikini.

Racy: The make-up mogul, 22, put on a very busty display as she showcased her ample cleavage in the sultry video

Posing up a storm: Kylie pouted and preened herself in the clip as she panned the camera down to her bust before zooming into her face

Living the life: While it is unknown where Kylie is set to jet off to, fans can be assured it will be some sort of luxury holiday

Holiday time: The television personality layered a pink cherry filter atop of the video and captioned it: 'packing'

Last year, the Keeping Up With The Kardashian's star hired a $250 million superyacht for her 22nd birthday tour around the Mediterranean.

Kylie and her daughter Stormi appeared to be heading to her niece Chicago West's birthday.

The reality star shared the quick clip of herself showing off her cleavage before getting ready for the party.

The Kardashian/Jenners later shared snaps from Chicago's Disney-themed birthday bash, where the second youngster sported a Minnie Mouse face paint.

The Disney-themed bash was filled with pastel blue and pink colours as the little ones got their faces painted and even had a little art station.

The party was laden with sweet treats, including a Disney cake and smaller cakes, cookies and macaroons surrounding the main attraction.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The leaders of an organization representing minority members of Clevelands fire department said a lawsuit filed over recent promotions by white lieutenants comes off as an insult to everything the organization has fought for over the past few decades.

Tyree Thompson, the president of the Vanguards of Cleveland, said in an interview that the lawsuit filed in December and now in federal court was just another in a long line of instances involving the city and the lack of diversity among the more than 700 firefighters.

Acting like this doesnt have racial overtones is disingenuous to me, Thompson said of the lawsuit.

Its also the latest in a decades-long spate of lawsuits from white and minority firefighters over the makeup of the department and which firefighters gets promoted. The lawsuits provided documentation of longstanding racial tension in the majority-white department.

The Vanguards represents black, Hispanic and female members of the department. The departments firefighters, which serve a majority-black city, are 76 percent white male, according to Vanguards Vice President Myran Jackson.

The organization filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that said city officials discriminated against black, Hispanic and female candidates up for employment, as well as firefighters up for promotions over several years.

The EEOC sent a letter to the city in November that said its investigators found the city had discriminated. The city denies the allegations.

The lieutenants lawsuit is the other side of the coin. It says officials discriminated against 24 white lieutenants because a smaller percentage of eligible white candidates were promoted to captains than their black counterparts.

Sixty-six lieutenants completed the exam. Of those, 14 were black and 49 were white, according to the lawsuit. The city in February 2018 established a ranked list of 52 people that passed exam and were eligible for promotion before the list expires on Feb. 2 of this year.

The city will have promoted 22 lieutenants to captain by the time the list expires, the lawsuit says. Of those, 13 were white, eight were black and one was an unknown race. That meant 57 percent of the black candidates who completed the exam were promoted, while 26 percent of the white candidates who completed the exam were promoted, the suit says. Because of those percentages, the lawsuit says the city violated the four-fifths rule," which says that the selection rate for a certain group must be 80 percent or higher than the group with the highest selection rate.

Thompson and Jackson did not dispute those numbers. However, they said the lawsuit does not appear to take umbrage with a test given the same year for promotions to lieutenant, which they characterized as very similar to the one given for captain. Nor did white firefighters sue over the results over the previous two exams.

Theres an issue now because there are black candidates scoring well, Thompson said.

Stuart Torch, an attorney for the white lieutenants, wrote in an email that his clients want the same thing as the Vanguards: a fair and discrimination-free promotions process. Other tests the city gave have no bearing on whether the 2017 test discriminated against the white lieutenants, as each exam must be evaluated on its own, he said.

No one in our group of plaintiffs is racist, or has any racist motivation in pursuing this lawsuit," Torch wrote. We just want the opportunity to demonstrate that the Citys 2017 Fire Captains exam had a discriminatory impact against Caucasian candidates."

Jackson said the best way for the lieutenants to prove they want the same thing as the Vanguards is to support the EEOC case.

Indeed, issues surrounding discrimination in the fire department, for both white and minority candidates, have played out over multiple lawsuits for more than 40 years on issues such as hiring, promotions and discipline.

In 1973, minority residents in Cleveland sued the city for not being hired as firefighters and said officials discriminated during the hiring process. At the time, black residents accounted for 40 percent of the citys population, though only 4 percent of Clevelands firefighters were black.

The city entered into a consent decree with the residents in 1977 to address the discrimination and hire more minority candidates.

In 2000, the group Cleveland Firefighters for Fair Hiring Practices sued to challenge the consent decree, though U.S. District Judge John Manos imposed new guidelines and said one out of three candidates the department hires must be a minority.

By 2013, after appeals and more litigation, another federal judge, Donald Nugent, ended the consent decree.

Battalion Chief Frank Szabo, a former president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 93 who was active with Cleveland Firefighters for Fair Hiring Practices, said that he found it troubling and ... somewhat hypocritical that one group of plaintiffs should feel free to explore their federal civil rights and not another group." Szabo, who remains a union official, made clear he only spoke for himself.

But Thompson said such lawsuits filed by white firefighters tend to create problems with minority firefighters, including anger and animosity.

It may not rear its head right away, but it will come out, Thompson said.

Read more:

White Cleveland Fire lieutenants say city discriminated against them when issuing promotions

Cleveland accused of discriminating against black, Hispanic and female candidates in hiring for fire department
What You Need to Know About Putin-Proposed Candidate for Russian Prime Minister's Office

Sputnik News

21:01 15.01.2020

The resignation of the Russian government was announced on 15 January, following President Vladimir Putin's speech to the Federal Assembly.

After Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced the resignation of his government, President Vladimir Putin proposed a candidate who may soon become the new head of Russia's government  Mikhail Mishustin.

With Mishustin agreeing to Putin's proposal, his candidacy is expected to be discussed by the Russian parliament on 16 January.

Born in 1966 in Moscow, Mishustin began his government career in 1998 with Russia's Federal Tax Service (known back then as the State Taxes Service), the same agency he currently leads.

Mishustin was then appointed the head of the Federal Real Estate Land Registry Agency (Rosnedvizhimost) in 2004 and then in 2006, he assumed the office of the head of the Federal Agency for Special Economic Zones Management.

In 2008, Mishustin resigned from government service and spent the next two years working as president of UFG Asset Management in asset management and private equity.

He subsequently returned to public service in 2010 as the head of the Federal Tax Service.

Under his leadership, the agency has sought to help make its interactions with taxpayers more comfortable for the latter, with Mishustin vowing to continue improving digital services and to fight corruption.

Having completed his Ph.D. in Economics in 1992, Mishustin has since penned three papers on the subject of tax management.

The resignation of the Russian government was announced on 15 January, following President Vladimir Putin's speech to the Federal Assembly.

During his address, Putin proposed a number of "fundamental changes" to Russia's Constitution, such as increasing parliament's powers to appoint members of the government, including the prime minister, who, until now, was appointed directly by the president.

A Sputnik

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Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 30 Master's in Human Services Degree Programs for 2020. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 151 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.

The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 151 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 30 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university.

Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Human Services Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-human-services-degree-programs/.

2020 Master's in Human Services Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order):

Albertus Magnus College

Amridge University

Ashford University

Bellevue University

California State University, Northridge

Capella University

Concordia University, Chicago

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Liberty University

Lubbock Christian University

Northeastern University

Nova Southeastern University

Post University

Regent University

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Southeastern University

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

St. Joseph's College of New York

University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

University of Northwestern

University of Oklahoma

Wake Forest University

Wilmington University

About Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/.
by Melynda Fuller , January 16, 2020

Visitors and residents of California have a new resource to pick up travel guides, features, profiles and photo essays.

The new site, called California.com, was created by One Planet CEO Payam Zamani, a BahaI refugee who arrived in California in 1988. The site was incubated by the tech firm.

There are more than 400 articles published on the site, covering an array of stories, from San Franciscos female skateboarding crews to guides for Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Point Reyes.

While there are several wonderful visitor sites and city-specific publications doing great work, we didnt see any publication or website combining all that we do, stated Zamani.

The domain California.com was acquired for an undisclosed amount, but said to be in the mid-seven-figures. It was part of a package deal that included nine other sites, including CaliforniaSex.com, CaliforniaGirls.com and Californication.com. One Planet plans to transform them into educational sites focused on topics such as gender equality, human trafficking and unity.

advertisement advertisement

California.com has gained traction across social media since its launch, notably attracting more than 140,000 followers on Instagram and 1 million+ followers on Facebook.

The site will further expand its visibility as a sponsor, in partnership with One Planet, at this years Skid Row Carnival of Love in L.A. At the event, California.com will provide free community haircuts from celebrity barber Nasir Sobhani The Streets Barber. The event takes place January 25.

One Planet owns Buyerlink, Contractors.com and Quite Remarkable; it donates up to 20% of its annual profits to charitable causes.
To bong or not to bong? The question exercising Britons as they face their last few days of EU membership is not about trade or sovereignty but whether Big Ben should ring out for Brexit.

The world famous bell in parliament's Elizabeth Tower has been largely silent since August 2017 while undergoing repairs, but some Brexit supporters want it to sound on exit day on January 31.

The House of Commons authorities rejected the idea after being told it could cost up to 500,000 pounds (585,000 euros, $653,000), which Speaker Lindsay Hoyle noted was about "50,000 pounds a bong".

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson, an enthusiastic Brexiteer with an eye for a populist campaign, kept the idea alive by suggesting the public chip in through some kind of crowdfunding drive.

Downing Street was careful not to commit the government to making a contribution, but donors to Johnson's Conservative party suggested they would help.

Several newspapers backed the idea, including the Daily Express, which declared in a front-page headline that "Big Ben Must Bong for Brexit".

Alas, Downing Street pulled the plug on Thursday by revealing that parliamentary authorities in fact were not allowed to crowdfund the money.

"There may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations," a spokesman told reporters.

Arch eurosceptic populist Nigel Farage, a leading campaigner for Brexit in the 2016 EU referendum, accused the government of being "embarrassed by Brexit and not proud of it".

Pro-Brexit MP Mark Francois, from Johnson's Conservative party, said it was "inconceivable" that the most iconic clock in the world was not used to mark such a moment.

In the eurosceptic media, there has been speculation of a plot by anti-Brexit "Remainers" to inflate the estimated costs of Big Ben's bongs.

There have also been questions about why the bell has broken its silence for Remembrance Sunday and New Year's Eve but not for Brexit.

Some Brexit supporters despaired at the campaign, however, which drew widespread mockery online.

A parody of the Express frontpage went viral, questioning that with a climate emergency and thousands of people sleeping rough in Britain, "you want to spend half a million pounds to ring a bell?" Most ministers have perhaps wisely kept out of it, with Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay saying he "would not dare" comment.

Downing Street says it is planning events to mark Britain's exit from the EU, which it called a "significant moment in our history".

But privately officials acknowledge the dangers of any triumphalism over an issue that continues to divide the country.

"This is not going to be a moment of celebration for many people across the UK," Scottish National Party lawmaker Patrick Grady warned in parliament.

"Perhaps we should be asking the government: if they do want to hear the bell chime, for whom will the bell toll?"



Bell ringing has a long history in Britain, with celebrations across the country marked by a peal of bells, and deaths registered with a funeral toll.

Eurosceptic group Leave.EU has called for bells of local churches to ring out on February 1 "to celebrate Britain's new-found independence".

But clergy up and down the land said it struck the wrong note and the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, a representative body of campanologists, poured cold water on the idea.

"There are historical moments for which bells have been rung -- end of world wars, for example," said spokeswoman Vicki Chapman.

"However the Central Council, as a principle, does not endorse bell ringing for political reasons.

"Individual towers have discretion to ring for such occasions but is on a case by case basis and typically needs permission from the incumbent." Another idea is now taking shape.

Farage is planning a huge rally in Parliament Square on Brexit day, and one leading commentator suggested everyone brings along their own bells to ring.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Representative image

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised Rs 1,450.8 crore in donations through electoral bonds in financial year 2018-19, according to analysis by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This was out of the total Rs 2,410 crore is raised in FY19.

Its key rival, the Indian National Congress raised a total of Rs 918 crore via donations. Of this, Rs 383.2 crore came via electoral bonds.

Electoral bonds are a debt instrument that can be purchased from select branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) and donated to political parties.

The report suggests that out of the six national political parties  only BJP, Congress and Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress declared receiving an income from contribution through electoral bonds, a total of Rs 1,931.43 crore during FY19.

The Trinamool Congress received donations through electoral bonds worth Rs 97.2 crore. The party declared a total income of Rs 192.6 crore.

During the same period, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) declared a total income of Rs 100.9 crore and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Rs 69.7 crore.

The report suggests that BJPs income jumped from Rs 1,027.3 crore in FY18 to Rs 2,410 crore. Congress income also jumped from Rs 199.1 crore to Rs 918 crore.

Sources of income

BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and CPI declared receiving their highest income from donations/contributions in FY19. The saffron party declared voluntary contributions of Rs 2,354 crore  thats about 97.6 percent of its total income.

BSP and CPI(M) received highest income from bank interests (about Rs 38.8 crore), and through fee and subscription (around Rs 39.6 crore), respectively.

Also read: Data Story | Over 20% donations to national parties unaccounted for between FY13-18

Key expenditures

BJPs maximum expenditure during FY19 was towards election campaigns. It amounted to Rs 792.3 crore. Administrative costs (Rs 178.3 crore) were the second largest expense.

Congress also largely spent on election expenditure (around Rs 308.9 crore), followed by general expenditure of Rs 125.8 crore.
For longtime readers of this column space, you may expect me to vehemently disagree with this bill. Well, I dont. I have no problem with posting In God We Trust in any or every classroom, public or charter. The phrase is our national motto, and its been emblazoned on U.S. currency since the Civil War, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
Trial set for June 1

A Green River man charged for first degree murder in the death of a five-year-old boy plead not guilty to the charge Friday afternoon.

Christopher James Nielsen, 26, made the plea during an arraignment in District Court Judge Suzannah Robinsons court. If convicted, he could face either life in prison or the death penalty.

As of press time, the Sweetwater County Attorneys Office has not decided if it will seek the death penalty in the case. The office has to decide if the death penalty will be sought by Feb. 10.

During the hearing, Nielsens $1 million cash or surety bond was unchan...
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 19:27 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3226f990 1 SE Asia #Indonesia,Indonesia,Vietnam,#Vietnam,fisheries,#fisheries,Natuna,#Natuna Free

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has encouraged Vietnam to increase its imports of Indonesian seafood and has invited the country to invest in several Indonesian fisheries, including Natuna where foreign poachers often operate.

Retno was in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday for a short stopover before joining the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Thursday in the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Retno met Nguyen Thi Thu Sac, general director of Hai Nam Company Limited, a fish company based in Ho Chi Minh City, on Wednesday.

Last year, the company imported about US$2.5 million of seafood from Indonesia. The company exports seafood to the United States, Japan, Europe and Taiwan.

"In addition to increasing imports of Indonesian fisheries products, Indonesia also hopes Hai Nam Co. Ltd. can invest in a joint venture with an Indonesian company to build a fish processing factory in Indonesia, Retno said on Thursday.

Retno also invited company executives to visit Indonesia to see the potential of fisheries in several regions including in Natuna, where illegal fishing by Chinese and Vietnamese vessels has been rampant.

According to Retno, Jakarta will continue to encourage Vietnamese investment in Indonesia and will support Indonesia's outbound investment in Vietnam.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Retno also met with Traveloka Vietnam country market manager Huynh May Thy. Traveloka is an Indonesian airline ticketing and hotel booking unicorn that has expanded its business to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

In the meeting, Retno said she would continue to encourage the opening of direct flights by Indonesian airlines to connect the two countries after Vietnamese companies launched nonstop flights to Indonesia last year.

"I have and will continue to communicate with the Vietnamese foreign minister to facilitate the issuance of permits to open direct routes for Indonesian airlines," Retno said.

Last year, two Vietnamese airlines  national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and low-cost carrier Vietjet Air  began operating direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bali, according to previous reports.

Indonesia helped facilitate the two direct flights, which according to the Foreign Ministry have contributed to the 20 percent increase in Indonesian tourists traveling to Vietnam and the 21 percent increase in Vietnamese tourists traveling to Indonesia.

Traveloka, according to Retnos office, said the limited choice of direct flights made airfares expensive. But the company appeared optimistic about Retnos push, saying that direct flights by Indonesian airlines would improve air connectivity and the flow of tourists. (dis)
- Vice President Leni Robredo shared a video of her packing relief goods for the Taal Volcano eruption victims

- She mentioned that the goods included mattresses, blankets, toiletries, bottled water, and biscuits

- The Vice President said that all the goods were from private citizens who gave the donations to her office

- Towards the end of the video, the Vice President pointed at the mocha label and laughed

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Vice President Leni Robredo has shared a video of her packing relief goods for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.

KAMI learned that Robredo showed the kinds of goods her office received from private citizens.

In a report by the ABS-CBN News, the donations included blankets, mattresses, toiletries, biscuits, and bottled water.

"Andito po tayo ngayon nagre-repack ng goods. Ito pong goods na nakikita niyo dito sa paligid, lahat ito ay donated by private citizens," Robredo said.

"Tiningnan natin ang mga kailangan do'n. Pinost natin sa Facebook. In 1 day, dumagsa dito ang mga donation," she added.

Robredo went to Batangas on Tuesday to assess the situation of the victims and delivered some goods.

Before the video ends, Robredo pointed on a box with a mocha label on it.

Kumpleto! she quipped.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Robredo called out Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) deputy executive Mocha Uson for allegedly spreading fake news.

Uson claimed that Robredo only did the relief efforts to take photos and that she only donated 5 pieces of pandesal and bottled water. However, Robredo denied these claims.

Leni Robredo is the current Vice President of the Philippines and the second woman to ever assume the post. She is the widow of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

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Lebanon's security forces were holding at least 100 anti-government protesters Thursday, lawyers told AFP, after two nights of demonstrations that turned violent in Beirut.

An unprecedented nationwide movement of protests demanding an end to endemic corruption and the wholesale removal of Lebanon's political elite broke out nearly three months ago.

With little change in sight, protesters also angered by a financial crisis they blame on Lebanon's oligarchs resumed their rallies with renewed determination Tuesday after a holiday lull.

Protesters vandalised several banks on the central Hamra street on Tuesday evening and hurled rocks at anti-riot police, who responded with volleys of tear gas canisters.

Gathered in front of the Central Bank again on Wednesday, the protesters then moved to a police station where some of their comrades had been detained the previous night, leading to clashes that left dozens lightly wounded.

According to documents put together by a committee of lawyers defending the protesters and seen by AFP, a total of 101 protesters are currently being detained over the violence.

"The total number of people arrested now tops 100, it's madness," said Nizar Saghieh, who heads the Legal Agenda non-government organisation.

A fresh demonstration is planned on Thursday to demand he release of those held.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned under pressure from the street less than two weeks into the wave of protests but a new government has still not been formed.

After a long search for a suitable candidate, former education minister and university professor Hassan Diab was nominated and tasked with picking a new cabinet.

Protesters have demanded a government of technocrats excluding the household names that have symbolised Lebanon's sectarian-based politics for generations.

Government formation talks have proved tough however and despite pressure from Lebanon's foreign partners and donors, Diab has yet to announce his government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lettuce implicated in all the three outbreaks was traced back to 10 fields run by a single grower in the lower Salinas Valley. Water, soil and compost samples taken at the fields so far have come back negative for all three outbreak strains, and the investigation by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California health and agriculture authorities continues.
Matthew Morris, president of Stewart Information Services Corp. and its former chief executive, has stepped down nearly three months after the company's new CEO announced a 100-day plan to review the company's business lines.

Morris, who will continue to serve on Stewart's board, will continue to advise Chief Executive Fred Eppinger over the next six months, the Houston-based title and real estate services company announced Wednesday afternoon.
After suspended Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh was arrested along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday asked government to answer - "who is Davinder Singh, what is his connection to Hizbul and other Jammu and Kashmir terrorists".

"For how long has he (Davinder Singh) been acting as a conduit for Jammu and Kashmir terrorists as also may be another terror factory. Was not Singh connected to the 2001 and what is his connection, if at all, to the 2001 Parliament attack?" Surjewala asked the Central government.

"What is Singh's connection to Pulwama attack where over 42 jawans lost their life..... where Singh was Deputy SP. He admitted that he was bringing two terrorists and one conduit in his car to Delhi, which police and government now say in lieu of Rs 12 lakh. I find the story preposterous and I find this explanation as hogwash," he said.

He alleged that there is a larger conspiracy, asking at whose orders was Singh acting and bringing terrorists to Delhi.

"Are there any people who are in echelons of power who are involved with him? Is there is a larger conspiracy, is he the only a small pawn or a carrier in the larger conspiracy that is unleashed," he asked.

The Congress leader said that these are all questions that the Home Minister and the Prime Minister need to answer for Singh cannot be a "standalone carrier carrying terrorists to Delhi" for the possible attack on the January 26 function. "So, what is this conspiracy is what the nation wants to know," he said.

Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General on Wednesday met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to an investigation of a case related to Singh.The investigation of the case has been handed over to NIA, sources claimed.The sources further said that a team headed by IG level officer will go to Jammu and Kashmir for the investigation soon.The probe team will investigate Davinder's link with the terrorists.The NIA will also register a case after seeking details from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the source further added.Jammu and Kashmir police intercepted a vehicle on Sunday and arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists while they were travelling together.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
I feel like Im just going to print a sign  I dont know whether Im going to have it on my back or on my chest  saying there will be a time in the process where we will have an opportunity to make a determination as to what further information we need, whether it is from Hunter Biden or Ambassador Bolton or Lisa Murkowski, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). So until that point in time, Im not thinking about each individual witness.
LOS ANGELES  Viking Cruises, best known for its high-end European river cruises, will start sailing in the Great Lakes in 2022, offering several itineraries that crisscross the freshwater bodies of water.

Absent from those itineraries: any stops in Cleveland or the Ohio shore of Lake Erie.

Viking executives announced the expansion Wednesday night in Los Angeles, where the company is based. A spokesperson declined to explain why Cleveland was left off the inaugural list.

William Friedman, president and CEO of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, said he was disappointed Cleveland wasnt chosen as a stop on Vikings new itineraries, but believes the city will continue to grow as a cruise port.

This is a big announcement, from a very well established, global cruise line, he said. These companies tend to look at what the competition is doing. The rest of the industry will take notice. Well get our fair share down the road, Im sure of that.

The company will sail its new 378-passenger Viking Octantis ship in the Great Lakes, starting in April 2022. Itineraries include:

* Undiscovered Great Lakes, an eight-day cruise from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Milwaukee, with stops in Duluth, the Apostle Islands, Soo Locks, Mackinac Island and more.

* Great Lakes Explorer, also an eight-day cruise, from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, with three days exploring Georgian Bay, plus stops in Mackinac Island and the Soo Locks.

* Niagara and the Great Lakes, an eight-day cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee, with stops at the Welland Canal and Niagara Falls, Point Pelee on the Ontario side of Lake Erie, Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island and Traverse City, Michigan.

Theres also a 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary, which travels from New York City to Toronto.

These are not budget voyages. Prices start at about $6,700 for an eight-day trip.

According to Friedman, Viking representatives initially visited Cleveland and considered adding it to its new itineraries.

Friedman speculated that scheduling and logistics may have contributed more to Vikings decision than anything related to Cleveland itself  perhaps the need to travel a greater distance from Niagara Falls and the Welland Canal.

Im sure there will be revisions to their itineraries, and while its disappointing to not be in their first itinerary for 2022, I am optimistic well see their ships in the future, Friedman said.

Vikings expansion into the Great Lakes comes during a time of substantial growth in Great Lakes cruising. In Cleveland alone, the number of cruise passengers disembarking for daylong tours of the city has tripled in recent years. Last year, the Port of Cleveland welcomed 4,542 cruise passengers to the city; in 2020, that number could grow to 6,500, according to Friedman.

Much of the traffic in the Great Lakes comes from two 202-passenger ships with Victory Cruise Lines, which sail all summer. Both Victory ships stop in Cleveland, which is one of the lines most popular ports of call, according to the company. Visitors can tour the Rock Hall or the Cleveland Museum of Art, or explore the city on their own.

Friedman said Vikings entrance into the market should draw even more interest to the Great Lakes as a cruising destination.

If Viking fills up these ships, which I think theyre going to, that will cause a lot of cruise lines to look at this market, he said. These cruise ships are running out of places to go  theyre looking for growth.

Travel + Leisure magazine last month named the Great Lakes, and Great Lakes cruising, as one of its 50 best places to travel in 2020.

Viking will use its new Octantis ship, currently under construction in Europe, on its new sailings. In addition to cruising in the Great Lakes, Octantis also will sail to Antarctica. A sister ship, the Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing in the Arctic and to Antarctica.

Viking describes these new expedition ships as small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said the Viking Octantis was purposely designed narrow enough to fit through the Welland Canal that connects lakes Ontario and Erie.

I think the Great Lakes has been underserved by expedition ships, said Hagen, adding: Should the Great Lakes be as popular as we expect, they will become permanent itineraries.

Jorn Henriksen, director of Expedition Operations for Viking, said that the two six-passenger yellow submarines (Hagen is a Beatles fan) carried on Viking Octanis will be used for exploring on the Great Lakes. Where, he said, depended on government approval. He said he expects to be able to use them on the Canadian side of the lakes.

Other key features of the ships include:

* The Laboratory, a research facility that will host an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists. Viking is also partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Cambridges Scott Polar Research Institute on these new cruises.

* The Hangar, an enclosed, in-ship marina which will permit the launch of small excursion boats, shielded from wind and waves.

* Staterooms equipped with a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts to an open-air viewing platform. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories, ranging from 222 square feet to 1,223 square feet.

Also on board: three small swimming pools, a spa and fitness center, numerous restaurants, lounges and on-shore and on-board activities.

Viking started in 1997 as Viking River Cruises, with four small ships based in Russia, and has expanded rapidly throughout Europe and beyond. In 2015, the company added ocean cruises to its portfolio.

Viking is the largest small ship cruise line in the world, with a current fleet of 79 river and ocean cruise ships, and numerous new ships on order. The new cruises are bookable now.

Editors note: David G. Molyneaux, editor of TheTravelMavens.com, contributed to this story.

Read more:

Cruising the Great Lakes: More ships, more passengers, more stops in Cleveland

Port of Cleveland plans improvements to accommodate increasing number of cruise ships, passengers

Rendering of a junior suite aboard the new Viking Octantis and Polaris ships.
Canada still needs to approve the deal before it can replace the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement.

The United States Senate on Thursday approved a revamp of the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that includes tougher rules on labour and automotive content but leaves $1.2 trillion in annual US-MexicoCanada trade flows largely unchanged.

The legislation for the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed on an 89-10 bipartisan vote. The measure will now go to President Donald Trump for him to sign into law.

The US House of Representatives, where Democrats hold the majority, passed the legislation on December 19 after insisting on changes to improve enforcement of new labour rights.

Canada still needs to approve the trade deal before it can take effect and replace the quarter-century-old NAFTA, which Trump has blamed for the loss of thousands of US factory jobs to lower-wage Mexico.

Canadas parliament does not return to session until January 27, so the scheduling of a vote there remains unclear. But the USMCA is expected to see little resistance in Canada, as Conservatives have said they would back the deal negotiated earlier by Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal-dominated government.

Today the Senate will send this landmark agreement to the presidents desk. A big bipartisan win, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in Senate floor remarks.

The vote comes a day after Trump signed a phase one trade deal with China, and shortly before the Senate formally began the impeachment trial of Trump on charges that he abused his power.
Amit Shah seeks peoples support to CAA; reiterates Nitish to lead NDA in upcoming Bihar polls

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Vaishali, Jan 16: BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday made an impassioned plea for the support of people of Bihar to measures taken by Narendra Modi government like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He also sought to dispel "rumours" of discord within the NDA in the state, asserting that assembly polls in Bihar will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally of the saffron party in this north Bihar district, Shah slammed the opposition for misleading minorities about the Act and engineering violence that had erupted in the aftermath. Underscoring that the law provided for granting citizenship and not snatching it away from anybody, he said the party was organizing rallies across the country with a view to busting the misinformation campaign.

Shah sought support to the Modi governments measures like CAA as also abrogation of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. "I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition (with Kumars JD(U).

The elections will be contested under Nitish Kumar's leadership, he declared.

Nationwide NRC needless: Nitish Kumar reiterates points to Modi's clarification

"Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart. But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era.

"The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar respectively", the BJP chief said. Shah had earlier stated in a couple of TV interviews that the chief minister (Nitish Kumar) will lead the NDA charge in the assembly polls this year.

This was, however, the first occasion for him to make a pronouncement to the effect on the soil of Bihar. Those who shouted anti-India slogans at JNU a few years ago were sent to jail by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but (Arvind) Kejriwal has refused to initiate prosecution, Shah said taking a swipe at the Delhi Chief Minister.
Smart Cities Already Exist

A smart city is a framework, predominantly composed of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), to develop, deploy and promote sustainable development practices to address growing urbanisation challenges.

A big part of this ICT framework is essentially an intelligent network of connected objects and machines that transmit data using wireless technology and the cloud.

Cloud-based IoT applications receive, analyse and manage data in real-time to help municipalities, enterprises, and citizens make better decisions that improve quality of life.

Examples of Smart city technologies and programs have been implemented in Singapore, India, Dubai, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Stockholm, Copenhagen, San Francisco and New York. For instance, London has long ranked near the top of the list in roundups of smart cities in the world. It began to take early action in using technology to help tackle congestion and make parking simpler.

One of the tech hubs of the world, London fares well regarding broadband availability. More recently, city planners announced a plan to implement information technology to curb congestion. San Francisco is one of the first cities in North America to adopt smart city technology and the recent tech boom has made SF the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley.

In fact, spending on smart cities currently stands around 81billion. However, in the not too distant future we will live in cities that are totally connected to the Internet, with entire infrastructures dependent on remaining connected. But, while it may be possible to maintain smart connectivity, there will always be the cyber risks to take into account, too.

Cyber criminals will look to exploit the vulnerabilities smart cities possess and with entire populations, government departments and huge businesses the potential victims, the stakes are now much higher, as are the financial rewards.

This means that large office blocks and public sector buildings, motorways and road networks could all be brought to a standstill by cyber criminals asking for ransoms.

The Issue With Smart Cities Is Cyber Security

Cyber security will have to extend far past personal, or internal corporate networks, to encompass far ranging technological protection for vast city networks, achieved through extensive testing and research and development. Cyber security experts will certainly have their work cut out to devise software solutions that protect potentially millions of people at once, as well as countless networks all connected to one another.

Currently, many devices operate together in homes, offices and public spaces yet there is no one cyber security standard that these devices must function to, or be tested against, before being available for public use.

Without a security standard for connected infrastructure, we are feeling our way into the future while at the same time enabling huge capabilities, which is surely a recipe for disaster. This must be addressed as soon as possible.



We are increasingly dealing with connected versions of devices that have existed for a long time, and as a consequence, digital security is not very often incorporated into their designs. For example, take CCTV cameras. Designed at a time before these cyber security risks were even imaginable, their models and serial numbers are still printed on the side of the camera. These may seem like basic flaws, but it is where we are currently at.

This basic information would allow a hacker to purchase another unit to find a vulnerability within the product line, and explore how to access the cameras data, and how to alter it, or even take control of all the other CCTV cameras of the same model. Governments have to establish and promote cyber security regulations, including how security is designed and maintained in connected devices that will circulate throughout buildings, from smart lighting to networked door systems.

For organisationgiven the task of implementing smart technology in residential, commercial and public spaces, plans on how to do so will have to be part of the design and planning stage, including how human operators securely implement and maintain these smart spaces.It is integral that all connected aspects of smart cities are operating at the exact same standards, that have all undergone extensive planning and designing.

More Awareness & Training

It is not just the networks and devices that will need extensive reviewing to ensure they are more secure than ever, but people working and living alongside them every day will most definitely need more awareness too. This is because more and more data will forever be shared, and the value of it is only going to rocket.

Individual error and falling foul to phishing attacks which trick people into clicking harmful links or inadvertently installing dangerous software, is still a major problem our society faces. Phishing attacks remains the most successful tactic for cyber criminals.

In 2019 around 65,000 small businesses were the subject of cyber-attacks in the UK. Many of these attacks were successful because of a lack of employee knowledge and practice.

It is the responsibility of governments and cyber security firms to ensure that awareness and knowledge is spread on how to defend against cyber criminals, particularly as nearly every aspect of our lives now involves being online or using connected devices.

What Else Can Be Done?

As well as spreading awareness and introducing government quality control standards for all devices and networks, it is imperative that regular updates and patches for all devices are automatically available, as this will help iron out any potential windows of entry for hackers.

Currently IOT products and devices do not receive automatic updates and can be used to bring down entire networks once breached. This just shows, once again, how integral it is for industry standards to be introduced and enforced. So, while it remains an attractive and futuristic concept to have truly smart cities and mind-blowing technology at our fingertips, there are many steps to be taken to ensure that it is safe to step into that advanced world.

Cybercriminals will be enjoying the prospect of the disruption and financial gain that smart cities offer them and governments and regulators must take action to to make sure that networks smart city infrastructure will depend upon are safe and secure.

Gemalto: IoTNow: IotWorldToday: Information-Age:

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By Laman Ismayilova

Considered the most popular opera of all time, Georges Bizet's " Carmen" will once again delight opera lovers.

The opera will be presented to the audience at the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater on January 25.

People's Artist of Azerbaijan Fidan Hajiyeva will play a fiery gypsy Carmen.

She will share the same stage with the leading soloists of the Opera and Ballet Theater Ali Asgarov, Gulnaz Ismayilova, honored artists Farid Aliyev, Ilaha Efendiyeva, Jahangir Gurbanov, Tural Aghasiyev, Aliakhmad Ibrahimov as well as Nina Makarova. The opera will be conducted by Honored Artist Eyyub Guliyev.

"Carmen" is an opera in four acts by French composer Georges Bizet, based on a novella of the same title by Prosper Merimee. The opera is written in the genre of opera comique. "Carmen" has since become one of the best-loved operas, performed in the classical canon.

Carmen was a gypsy girl who worked in a cigar factory. An army officer, Don Jose, was called to the factory because a fight broke out. He arrested Carmen because she hit another woman. However, he became enchanted with the exotic Carmen, and let her escape.

Don Jose deserted the army and followed Carmen into the mountains. But the beautiful gypsy soon tired of the steadfast Don Jose, and she fell in love with Escamillo, a dashing bullfighter. Devastated, Don Jose confronted Carmen outside the bullring. As the crowd cheered Escamillo in the background, Don Jose stabbed Carmen to death.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
New Delhi, Jan 17 : Amid the uncertainty over the date of execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, all the four criminals facing death-row have been shifted to Tihar prison complex's jail number 3 where their hanging would take place, officials said.

The Tihar administration, busy with preparation for the execution of the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Kumar Singh, Mukesh Kumar Singh and Pawan Gupta, locked them up on Thursday in the same jail -- for the first time.

The convicts, however, are in different cells even in the same jail, and not together.

According to the Tihar Jail Directorate sources, "Since they would be taken to the execution chamber at the same time, extreme vigilance and peace will be exercised so that the four convicts can't create any trouble." Since the four criminals are set to be hanged together -- for the first time -- in the execution chamber, the presence of jail officers and staffers, would be more.

Also, the crowd is expected to be more than usual on the day of execution.

(Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan can be contacted at sanjeev.c@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Huawei Asks U.K. Developers to Help Build App Ecosystem Amid Android Ban

By Ding Yi / Jan 16, 2020 01:11 PM / World

Huawei has enjoined British developers to participate in the construction of its own app ecosystem as part of the embattled Chinese tech firms global efforts to mitigate the effects of its U.S. trade blacklisting.

The Trump administration added Huawei to its so-called Entity List in May, forcing U.S. tech giant Google to block the Chinese company from receiving updates to the licensed version of its Android operating system that runs on many Huawei devices. The move effectively stops Huawei from running Google-developed apps on its smartphones.

That has prompted the Chinese company to court developers worldwide capable of building a replacement system. At a developers conference held Wednesday in London, Huawei unveiled a 20 million ($26 million) incentive plan to encourage British and Irish developers to integrate their apps into Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), an alternative to Google Mobile Services, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The company said it had launched 24 kits to help developers create apps for Huawei App Gallery, its equivalent to Google Play Store, broadcaster CGTN reported. In return, app developers will be given direct access to Huaweis newest hardware and artificial intelligence technologies and earn 85% of the revenue generated from apps. Currently, Huawei takes a 30% revenue cut from most developers.

The incentive plan comes three weeks after the Economic Times, an Indian newspaper, reported that Huawei is encouraging developers in the South Asian nation to integrate their apps into HMS under a dedicated $1 billion global fund.

Contact reporter Ding Yi (yiding@caixin.com)

Related: Huawei to Launch Alternative to Google Mobile in India Amid Tensions With U.S.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohamad Khan on Thursday hit out at the Pinarayi Vijayan government saying it should have taken him into confidence before challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA in the Supreme Court.

Courtesy demanded prior permission should have taken from the constitutional head of the state. I came to know about this from newspapers. If not the approval, they could have at least informed me. This is breach of protocol and courtesy, he said, adding that everyone has right to move the highest court but the state should have at least apprised him about it.

I am not saying what they did is wrong. They have every right to do so. But they must have kept me in the loop. Being the constitutional head they should have informed me about this, he lamented. Khan has taken a consistent position on the CAA and even said the state will not be affected in any way and protest in this regard was a futile exercise.

No one, including me, is above the law of the land. I dont know how the state assembly can question the law passed by Parliament. It is binding on everyone to respect the rule of law. I am not a rubber stamp, he said.

Expressing his displeasure earlier, the Governor had denied the nod for an ordinance to delimit the local bodies ahead of civic elections. He had reportedly told the Local Self Government Minister A C Moideen that if the state government can convene a special session to pass a resolution against the Centre, it can explore the same route to pass the ordinance also.

The Governor had also openly criticised the resolution passed by the state assembly against CAA last month saying it was unconstitutional and had no legal validity. The assembly had passed a resolution on December 31 urging the Union government to withdraw the act immediately. Kerala is the first state to pass a resolution and first to move the apex court against the CAA. In the suit in the state government said the CAA violated the basic principles of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.

Though the Chief Minister is yet to react, the CPI(M) has criticised the Governor. The relationship between the state and the Centre is not that of a master and servant. It is based on the federal polity and Constitution. The Governor cant be the sole agent of the Centre like this, said Politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai.
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Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020

The Election Organization Ethics Council (DKPP) grilled suspended General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan on Wednesday over his alleged ethics violation in a bribery case.

The council is to determine Wahyus fate regarding his position in the elections body, possibly finding him in violation of ethical standards and dishonorably discharging him as a KPU commissioner.

Wahyu was arrested last week by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for allegedly asking for Rp 900 million (US$65,948) in bribes in exchange of his approval for Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Harun Masiku to fill the seat of a deceased politician, Nazarudin Kiemas, in the House of Representatives.

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Doctors have warned women not to put tobacco in their vaginas - after 'misleading' claims it can boost sex drive.

Medical professionals have debunked theories behind the new trend, which is popular in Africa, saying the substance has no effect on libido.

Instead, they have highlighted the health-related issues 'vaginal tobacco' can cause - including infertility, scarring and in some instances, the vaginal opening to 'close up'.

This can increase the risk of cancer, stillbirth and can also result in difficulties with menstrual cycles.

The practice initiated from the belief that tobacco power can 'shrink genitals, increase sexual pleasure and raises the odds of getting pregnant,' The Sun has reported.

A new trend has seen women putting tobacco in their vaginas in a bid to increase their sexual pleasure. Pictured, stock image

The tobacco is created from the roots of the 'tangora' tree or native plants, such as 'kankouran mano' or 'koundinding.'

In Senegal, in Africa, the trend is so popular, that sachets are sold for as little as 13p - but doctors are keen to put an end to any suggestion of a link between the substance and libido.

Gynaecologist Dr Abdoulaye Diop told how vaginal tobacco only gives women the feeling their genitals are decreasing in size, as chemicals result in vaginal muscles retracting - but it is not actually the reality.

'This feeling is transient and misleading, because the vaginal mucosa that is attacked will eventually develop changes that are the gateway to cancer,' he said, speaking to the publication.

Professor Pascal Foumane went on to explain how the tobacco powder can cause ulcers which will eventually scar, shrink the vagina, before making it 'close up.'

He added it even has the potential to make the usual flow of menstruation 'impossible.'

Doctors have slammed claims of a link between 'vaginal tobacco' and an increase in sexual pleasure as 'misleading.' Pictured, stock image

Meanwhile, women who have tried and tested the trend have claimed to feel sensations of burning and at worst, have been left unconscious.

Neyba, 50, from Senegal, revealed she was recommended the product by her aunt after she told her of her troubles in getting pregnant.

'After using it I was able to have a child. Even the doctors were surprise,' she explained.

'I feel heartache and unbearable pain every time I apply the product. But once the effect has passed, I feel really good.'



And Gnima Ndiaye, a reproductive health coordinator in Senegal, recalled how she once saw a 36-year-old woman with stage three cervical cancer.

Just months later, she treated a 25-year-old with vaginal lesions and who started bleeding when she came into contact with a speculum.

Gnima told that in both instances, the women admitted to using tobacco.
A political scandal erupted in Belize over the case of Levon Termendzhyan, who is accused in the US of participating in a fraudulent scheme.

Levon Termendzhyan, known as Lev Aslan Dermen, is being investigated for fraud and accused of a fraudulent adventure that brought him more than $ 500 million. During the investigation, one of the accused, former partner of Derman, Jacob Kingston, testified that from 2012 to 2016, Leo sent 25 thousand dollars a month to an unnamed Minister of Government of Belize.

The news of bribes to a government official appeared in the front pages of the Belize press. It turned out that he is a citizen of the United States and Belize. Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke at a press conference, noting that he personally asked each minister if he had a deal with an Armenian, and received a negative response. Barrow promised that the minister or official would resign if it turned out that he had received bribes.

The opposition, in turn, accuses the prime minister of knowing about bribes and calls for stopping corruption.
European countries have also been under pressure from the Trump administration not to use the services of Chinese tech giant Huawei as it rolls out its 5G networks on the continent. U.S. officials have said the Chinese government could tap into Huawei equipment installed overseas to spy on the West or disrupt infrastructure. The company has denied the allegations.
T he proposal, disclosed today by the Evening Standard, to remove police protection from Prince Andrew on the grounds that he is no longer performing royal duties, is a sensible reflection of both his altered role and the demands on the public purse that such security entails.

Put simply, it is right that while those royals whose official activities project them into the spotlight should be protected in case they become targets for terrorists or others, those who abandon these tasks should generally be left to look after themselves, as other ordinary citizens do.

Its true, of course, that Prince Andrew can never escape his royal profile and the potential for attention that this brings, but if hes concerned then he remains a wealthy man who should be able to pay for his own security detail.

Thats what celebrities do and theres no reason why peripheral members of the royal family, which is what Andrew has become, shouldnt do the same if its needed.

Its part of what a slimmed-down monarchy should be about  controlling not just the number of those representing the nation, but also controlling the costs, which in the case of royal protection run into many millions of pounds simply for the flight and hotel bills that the relevant specialist officers incur as they travel the world doing their job.

The overall bill is much higher when the bodyguards training, salaries and equipment are taken into account and its right to ensure they are assigned carefully.

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, who must approve the removal of Andrews protection, should therefore do so.

A more difficult decision looms too over what royal protection the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should retain once they switch to the new role they desire.

Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is understood, as we reported yesterday, to have indicated that his country will foot the bill for their protection in their proposed new North American base, but that still leaves the question of what happens when the couple are here, or engaged on other overseas travel?

On this, the same principles should apply: if theyre performing royal duties then they are entitled to protection, but if not then they should pay for it themselves as part of the financial independence they seek.

The royal security bill is worth paying when a job is being done, but neither Harry nor Andrew is entitled to step back from duty and expect taxpayer-funded protection to continue.

Cutting school exclusion

Southwark council is to hold a special conference on how best to keep children in school in recognition of the damage that exclusion can inflict on a pupils future.

Its a welcome step that follows the launch this year of the Evening Standards campaign against school exclusions and will involve listening to teachers, educational support groups, and other experts about the problem.

The focus will be on treating the young people involved as vulnerable children who need help rather than blunt sanctions.

Lets hope it produces positive results and that other London councils, some of which have far higher rates of exclusion than Southwark, adopt a similarly enlightened approach.

As our campaign has shown, ejecting pupils too often leads them into worse trouble outside.

Southwark is right, and all schools must try hard to avoid this.

Women in the frame

Nearly 30 paintings by the Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi are to go on show at the National Gallery in a new exhibition by a painter described by the curator as a 17th-century feminist and an inspirational figure.

Its great shes getting recognition, but there are other female artists whose work deserves similar shows.

Wed like those to follow, but for now, we hope many art lovers attend this one.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:
(CNN)  Anti-government protesters took to the streets of Iran Saturday after Tehran admitted that it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing 176 people.

Thousands gathered outside the gates of Amir Kabir University, near the former US embassy in Tehran, to denounce the plane crash the government blamed on human error and "US adventurism."

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed Wednesday after takeoff from Tehran's airport. The crash came hours after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi military bases housing US troops in retaliation for a drone strike at Baghdad airport that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

In video posted on social media, protesters chanted for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down and for those responsible for downing the plane to be prosecuted. "Death to the dictator," some chanted.

In one video, demonstrators chanted, "Khamenei have shame. Leave the country."

A mass vigil commemorating the victims of the doomed flight escalated into an angry demonstration following the government admission, according to Iran's semiofficial FARS News Agency. University graduates migrating to Canada were among those who perished in the crash.

FARS reported that Iranian police dispersed students who entered and blocked main roads.

Their anger was fueled in large part by the nation's armed forces claim that it targeted the passenger plane unintentionally. It attributed the crash to radar activity and fear of US action.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families," President Hassan Rouhani said.

After the missile operation in Iraq, US military flights around Iranian borders increased and Iranian military officials reported seeing aerial targets coming toward strategic centers, according to a statement by Iranian armed forces headquarters.

"The aircraft came close to a sensitive IRGC military center at an altitude and flight condition that resembled hostile targeting. Under these circumstances, the aircraft was unintentionally hit, which unfortunately resulted in death of the many Iranian and foreign nationals," the statement reads.

The victims include 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals.

"Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted.

The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force said he had requested all commercial flights in Iran be grounded until tensions cooled off.

But the Armed Forces and government and aviation authorities chose not to do so, Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh said at a news conference.

Hajizadeh said the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by an air defense operator.

The operator was unable to contact the central air defense command to confirm it. He had 10 seconds to choose between shooting it down or not, Hajizadeh said.

Hajizadeh accepted responsibility, saying that once it became clear what had happened, he thought: "I wish I was dead."

Those responsible will be prosecuted

The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's office said in a statement it was now investigating the incident as a possible case of "willful killing and aircraft destruction."

The downing of the plane was being handled as a case of "violation of traffic safety rules" and "operation of air transport resulting in death" but prosecutors said Iran's admission changed the scope to "liability for the willful killing of two or more people and the destruction of the aircraft," the statement said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Iran's admission a "step in the right direction" via Twitter.

"I insist on immediately completing identification of the bodies and their return to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote after a call with Rouhani.

"The perpetrators must be held accountable. We look forward to further legal and technical cooperation," added Zelensky, who had earlier made a call for Iran to pay compensation.

Rouhani apologized to the Ukrainian people and promised to hold those responsible "accountable," according to the readout of the conversation.

"The head of the Islamic Republic of Iran fully acknowledges that the tragedy was due to the erroneous actions of the military of this state, " according to the readout.

Rouhani in a statement released by his office earlier Saturday echoed those sentiments.

"Further investigation is needed to identify all the causes and roots of this tragedy and prosecute the perpetrators of this unforgivable mistake and inform the honorable people of Iran and the families of the victims about it," Rouhani said.

"It is also necessary to adopt the required arrangements and measures to address the weaknesses of the country's defense systems to make sure such a disaster is never repeated," he added.

Iran concedes the 'big lie' is true

Iran had previously denied US claims that the country had struck down the plane accidentally.

A US official familiar with the intelligence said the aircraft was downed by two Russian-made SA-15 surface-to-air missiles. The US saw Iranian radar signals lock onto the jetliner before it was shot down.

"No one will assume responsibility for such a big lie once it is known that the claim had been fraudulent," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said in a statement earlier Friday, according to state-run Press TV.

Iranian authorities are in possession of the two flight data recorders, also known as black boxes, which Ukrainian investigators got access to Friday. They have yet to start examining the information, but have said it included communications between the pilot and Tehran flight control.

The Canadian government was waiting for Iran to issue 10 visas to give its representatives access to the accident site, Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said late Friday.

Two members of Canada's Transportation Safety Board and 10 Global Affairs officials were waiting in Ankara, Turkey, for the documents.

Three visas were issued for members of Canada's Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.

The SRDT is a unit of specialized officials deployed to work with Canada's embassies and consulates abroad in providing critical services to Canadians during emergencies, according to the Canadian government. They were expected to arrive in Tehran on Saturday.

Rouhani told Trudeau he was committed "to collaborate, to give closure to the victims, deescalate tensions in the region and continue this dialogue," the Canadian Prime Minister said.

"What Iran has admitted to is very serious," Trudeau said. "Canada will not rest until we get the accountability, justice, and closure that the families deserve."

Trudeau said "conflict and tension" between the US and Iran "contributed" to the downing of flight PS 752.

World leaders from Germany to the United Kingdom and the United States condemned Iran.

US President Donald Trump tweeted that his administration will continue to stand with the "brave, long-suffering people of Iran."

"We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage," Trump tweeted.

Death of general escalates tension

Tensions escalated last week after Trump ordered a precision strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

Soleimani was plotting "imminent and sinister attacks" on Americans, Trump said, adding that the action was taken to stop a war.

The Pentagon blamed Soleimani and his Quds Force for attacks on coalition bases in Iraq in recent months, including the December 27 strike that killed an American contractor and Iraqi personnel. He was also blamed for the US Embassy attack in Baghdad on December 31. The Pentagon said in addition to the hundreds killed in his time as a commander, thousands more were wounded.

Strained relations between the US and Iran have complicated the investigation. US government investigators, for example, cannot fly into Tehran and meet with government officials without a license. That prohibition is due to longstanding sanctions rather than the most recent events, according to two US officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Friday that Trump was authorizing yet more sanctions on Iran.

This story was first published on CNN.com. "Iranian protesters take to streets after Tehran admits Ukrainian plane was unintentionally shot down."
Look, it will be an advantage if people understand that we are not taking anyone or anything for granted. Thats the reason why I spend the time I do here in conversations like this and in conversations like this in South Carolina and New Hampshire as well, he said.
Director of the Institute of Political Studies Sergei Markov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, told about the factors that could affect the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev's Cabinet and the nomination of Mikhail Mishustin as a candidate for the post of Prime Minister.

First of all, he pointed out that Medvedev's Cabinet couldn't cope with the tasks assigned to it - ensuring economic growth rates above the world average. "The financial and economic bloc of this Cabinet had no ambitions to implement such a program, saying that the growth may reach 1-2%, and maybe someday - 3%," the political scientist said.



"But Russia needs the economic growth of 4-5% a year to gradually catch up with the EU countries and keep up with China, India and other countries with high rates of economic growth. Moreover, this government has thwarted the implementation of national projects," Markov noted.

"In addition, there may have been some kind of agreement between Putin and Medvedev about 8 years in the government," the director of the Institute of Political Studies suggested.



Therefore, it becomes clear why the president chose Mikhail Mishustin. "Mishustin was appointed with the clear goal of implementing national projects. Economic growth should also be stimulated. Mikhail Mishustin is known as a manager who has been successful in digitalization. Therefore, it can be expected that the digitalization of government and state power will be developed, which can only be welcomed," Sergey Markov concluded.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:31:13|Editor: yan

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ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The implementation of a Saudi-brokered deal in the southern Yemen continued Thursday with the withdrawal of the government forces and the military units of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

A military committee of the Saudi-led Arab coalition continued to collect all the medium and heavy weapons from the forces of the two warring sides.

Last year, Saudi Arabia succeeded in convincing the two warring Yemeni sides to participate in reconciliation talks that ended up with a power-sharing deal signed on Nov. 5 in an attempt to end the conflict over the country's southern part.

The deal stipulated that all government forces and the STC's military units would be united and merged under the country's ministries of interior and defense under supervision of the Saudi coalition.

It also suggested forming a technocrat government comprising a maximum of 24 ministers.

The Saudi-brokered deal came after several rounds of intense armed confrontations between the two sides over the control of Aden and the neighboring southern provinces.

On Jan. 9, representatives of the two warring sides signed a new agreement on mutual troop withdrawal in compliance with the Riyadh deal provisions.

The new deal specified a deadline of 20 days, starting from Jan. 11, to withdraw all the STC's military units and government forces stationed in southern regions, including the provinces of Abyan and Shabwa.

On Wednesday, the STC forces in Abyan province started pulling out and heading to the country's Red Sea coast areas to fight the Houthi rebels there.

The government forces that had been mobilized for the purpose of capturing the country's southern provinces were also sent back to the northern province of Marib.

Nabil Mashushi, commander of the 3rd military brigade of the STC, confirmed to Xinhua that the redeployment of the forces began with direct supervision from Saudi military officials.

Mashushi, who was leading the STC forces in Abyan, said that "around two military brigades of the STC completed the withdrawal plan and left Abyan province according to the instructions from their leadership."

He said that forces of the government that were positioned near Abyan also began withdrawing into their previous sites in Marib.

Another source of the Yemeni government confirmed to Xinhua that their army units received instructions from the country's defense ministry to withdraw from the southern provinces.

"The Saudi-led coalition is trying to achieve stability in the southern provinces by preventing military conflicts there and focusing on the main battle against the Houthis," the sources said.

The Saudi-brokered deal excluded the Iranian-backed Houthis who are still controlling the capital Sanaa and other northern provinces of the war-torn Arab country.

The impoverished Arab country has been locked in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi rebels overran much of the country and seized all northern areas including Sanaa.
The second-largest diamond ever discovered  thought to be worth around 38million  is to be turned into Louis Vuitton jewellery.

London-listed mining company Lucara uncovered the 1,758-carat rough diamond in an open-pit mine in Botswana last April.

It was named Sewelo, which means 'rare find' in the local Setswana language.

But instead of being snapped up by one of the market's usual buyers, such as De Beers or Graff, the giant stone will go to fashion house Louis Vuitton, better known for its handbags and shoes.

Louis Vuitton say the stone's 'full potential' will only be revealed after it has been polished.

The 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond will be used to create a collection of fine jewellery

Marcel Pruwer, former president of the Antwerp Diamond Exchange, said: 'There are less than ten people in the world who would know what to do with a stone like that or how to cut it, and be able to put the money on the table to buy it.'

He believes the Sewelo stone could be worth around 38million, although it is still in rough form so its quality is not yet known.

The stone took the title of second-largest in history, replacing the previous holder of that position - a 1,111-carat diamond, called Lesedi La Rona, that was found in the same Botswana mine. That diamond went on to sell for $53 million to luxury jeweler Graff Diamonds in 2017.

The only larger diamond ever found was the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond (right), unearthed in 1905 in South Africa. It was eventually cut into smaller stones with two of the high-quality diamonds - one of 530.4 carats and one 317.4 - both now part of the British crown jewels (left)

The only larger diamond ever found was the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, unearthed in 1905 in South Africa. It was eventually cut into smaller stones with two of the high-quality diamonds - one of 530.4 carats and one 317.4 - both now part of the British crown jewels.

The move by Louis Vuitton, whose jewellery has been modelled by Game Of Thrones star Sophie Turner, is a further sign of its parent company's efforts to dominate the luxury goods market.

Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of Louis Vuitton's owner LVMH, bagged iconic US jeweller Tiffany in a 12billion deal last year.

Louis Vuitton jewellery has been modelled by Game Of Thrones star Sophie Turner

Michael Burke, chairman and chief executive of Louis Vuitton, said jewellery was the 'biggest potential we have right now' and was 'one of the highest-growth categories'.

Louis Vuitton, founded in Paris in 1854, has form in the jewellery market. Designer Marc Jacobs created the brand's first piece, a $20,000 charm bracelet featuring diamond-studded planes, in 2001.

When the time comes for Louis Vuitton to cut up and polish the enormous Sewelo stone, it could also sell the diamonds to a number of other LVMH brands.

It also owns Bulgari, historic French jeweller Chaumet and more modern brand Fred.
A suspect in the deaths of a prospecting couple in remote Western Australia has denied deliberately misleading police during the search and told an inquest the last time he saw them they were chasing their dog.

The WA Coroner's Court is probing the death of Raymond Kehlet, 47, who was found down an abandoned mineshaft 1.8km from his campsite near Sandstone, and the suspected death of his missing wife Jennie, 49, in March 2015.

The inquest is examining the case of Raymond and Jennie Kehlet who vanished while prospecting near the town of Sandstone, more than 700 kilometres north-east of Perth, in March 2015. Credit:9 News Perth

The couple's friend and colleague Graham Milne, who the court heard was a suspect in their deaths but never charged, has been forced to give evidence despite concerns he could incriminate himself.

Mr Milne testified the last time he saw Mr Kehlet he was on a quad bike chasing after his dog Ella on the morning of March 21.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC in Beijing, Jan 13, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's top anti-graft watchdog will step up supervision in areas related to people's livelihoods this year, especially poverty reduction tasks, to ensure victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, defeating serious poverty, according to an official communique.

The top disciplinary body adopted the new emphasis on Wednesday, vowing to achieve a high standard of intra-Party and State supervision to boost the country's governance system.

The communique was adopted during the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which was held in Beijing from Monday to Wednesday.

President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addressed the session on Monday. He stressed strengthening inspections and supervision of the exercise of power and demanded strict governance of the Party.

He also emphasized upholding and improving Party and State supervisory systems and said the effort would ensure that the Party line and policies are faithfully followed. This will provide a strong guarantee for a more prosperous society and the fight against poverty, he said.

The three-day session considered that 2020 is a particularly important yearthe final year for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the last year of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

"Strict" governance of the Party must be maintained for a long time, the communique said, describing a system under which officials "don't dare to, are unable to and have no desire to commit acts of corruption". That must be advanced as a whole, it said.

Disciplinary inspection and supervisory organs at all levels should focus on addressing prominent problems that have aroused strong public concern and help promote the fight against poverty, it said.

More inspections will scrutinize performance in poverty alleviation work, the continuity and stability of poverty relief policies and the work to come after anti-poverty goals have been achieved, the communique said.

Officials who fake poverty alleviation data, embezzle public property or make use of their position to gain benefits for their relatives and friends, should be held accountable and punished severely, the communique added.

Attendees agreed. Feng Zhili, the top disciplinary inspection official in Yunnan province, said scrutiny of the performance of Party committees and governments at all levels in poverty alleviation should be enhanced, with a focus on the problem of ignoring the Party's political disciplinary rules.

Disciplinary departments should carry out their supervision responsibility, and those who fail to fulfill it should be held accountable when violations occur, he said.

Wang Lishan, the top disciplinary inspection official in Hubei province, said, "To effectively address the practice of bureaucratism and formalism in the fight against poverty, we must mobilize the public to supervise the work because they see clearly and have deep feelings about such issues."

Xia Hongmin, the top disciplinary inspection official in Guizhou province, said discipline inspection efforts will be made in areas that are directly related to people's well-being, including education, medical care and employment to increase residents' sense of happiness.

The session also concluded that accurate investigations should be carried out to discover and punish officials who provide protection for criminal gangs and otherwise solve problems in ways that harm people's interests, the communique said.

Deepening reforms in the disciplinary inspection and supervisory systems through building a qualified team of discipline inspectors who are loyal, upright and have a high sense of responsibility was also listed as a goal in the communique.
Acting Foreign Minister Gent Cakaj issued a statement on social media, where he identified the diplomats in as Mohammad Ali Arzpeima Nemati and Seyed Ahmad Hosseini Alast.

Albanian TV station Top Channel reported that these two had direct ties to the former Quds Supreme Commander, General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by the USA on January 3.

Cakaj said: The two representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been asked to depart immediately from the territory of the Republic of Albania.

Irans official Mehr news agency that keeps strong ties to the countrys Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), wrote that Albanias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked two Iranian diplomats, to leave the country on vague reasons. The agency added that Since long ago, Albania has been the host country to the MEK.

But who were these two diplomats?

Mohammad-Ali Arzpeyma Nemati, an MOIS officer sent to Albania in 2018 to reinforce the MOIS station in the country along with Mostapha Roodaki, his predecessor who was expelled a little more than a years ago from Albania.

Arzpeyma worked in Tehran in the Presidential system as an MOIS agent and was sent to Albania in December 2018.

Roodaki was expelled from Albania in December 2018 following a foiled terrorist attack planned by the MOIS and the IRGC Quds force against a MEK gathering. Arzpeyma took over his sinister job and continued with his plans against the MEK.

Ahmad Hosseini Alast is an agent of the regimes Islamic Culture and Communications Organization (ICCO).

The ICCO is nominally tied to the regimes Ministry of Culture and Guidance. However, in reality, it is directly connected to the Supreme Leaders office and operates specifically on the basis of Khameneis orders and the decisions adopted by the Supreme Policy Council.

According to its charter, the main goals and duties of this organization consist of exporting fundamentalism, recruitment, espionage, and export of terrorism abroad, as well as activities against the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and the Iranian Resistance.

Hosseini Alast was the regimes cultural attache in the latters embassy in Bulgaria for four years, and then desk officer for Eastern Europe and Germany in the ICCO for eleven years. He was transferred to Albania in 2016 as a cultural attache. During visits to Iran, he was frequently briefed by IRGCs Quds force on the MEK.

When in Bulgaria, Hosseini had recruited 18 local citizens and sent them to the city of Qom in Iran to study religious courses and becoming mullahs.

In October 2019, Albanian authorities disclosed information about a terrorist cell-directed from Tehran to carry a terrorist attack against the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in Albania.

According to the statement released by the Director of State Police, Ardi Veliu, A terrorist network led by the Iranian regime has been discovered in Albania. The target of the network was to carry out attacks on the Iranian opposition movement (MEK).

An active terrorist cell of the Iranian Quds Forces External Operations Unit was discovered by Albanian Security Institutions. It was run by a Quds Force operative that directs, from Tehran, operations in Albania and elsewhere in Central and Western Europe. Among other things, he initiated and implemented a foiled attack in March 2018 against the MEK.

The Iranian ambassador, as well as the embassys head of intelligence, were dismissed from Albania following the foiled attempt.

Also on Wednesday, Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a coalition of Iranian opposition groups with the MEK as its biggest member, issued a statement about the expulsion of the Iranian diplomats.

She described the expulsion as a courageous and admirable step in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the Albanian people and Iranian refugees, before encouraging other countries to follow Albanias lead.

Rajavi explained that Iranian embassies have become hotbeds for spying and terrorism, noting that most diplomats are either members of the Intelligence Ministry (MOIS) or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or have been trained as terrorists and spies and serve the two agencies.

She said: As the people of Iran have taken to the streets these days, calling for the overthrow of the clerical regime, the need for the adoption of a decisive policy against the regimes terrorism and closing down of their embassies has become ever greater.

On January 8, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reeling from the nationwide uprising that erupted in November, lashed out at the MEK and insulted Albania. He was strongly rebuked by Albanian President Ilir Meta, who called the regimes missile attacks on US bases in Iraq provocative and dangerous and said Iran must respect international agreements, international laws, and its obligations.

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If Russia's goal in meddling in U.S. elections has been to undermine trust in the democratic process, it has already won  and the U.S. isn't even starting to take the sort of steps that might reverse that outcome.

Why it matters: Free, fair, and trusted elections are the cornerstone of the U.S.'s claim to moral authority. We're only beginning to fathom how badly Vladimir Putin has wounded the American system.

The big picture: While the U.S. government and industry has focused on defending against cybersecurity threats to election processes and voting machines, Russia has exploited our political divisions  and a U.S. president uninterested in stopping it  to sow doubt in American fundamentals.

In the 2016 election, Russian information operations, modeled on previous interference in nations like Ukraine and the Baltic states, hacked the Democratic candidate's campaign and relied on professional manipulators, gullible Americans and bots to spread propaganda.

The operations, and Russia's responsibility for them, have been widely confirmed by U.S. intelligence and exhaustively documented by the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee and the Mueller investigation.

"The goal was to mess with us, so that no matter who becomes president, the United States is harder to govern, and that over the long run, democracy becomes harder to sustain," media scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan told NPR.

There were many calls for a 9/11-style response to the 2016 attack, but President Trump has viewed efforts to investigate and defend against Russia's threat as direct challenges to the legitimacy of his own election win.

After 2016, Democrats argued that Putin succeeded in helping Trump to the White House. Republicans argued in turn that Democrats who continued to talk about Russian interference were themselves helping Putin by undermining trust in elections.

The winner all around? Putin. Whether the Russian operations actually swayed votes doesn't matter. That Americans are fighting over the question does.

What they're saying: A C-SPAN/Ipsos survey last October found that barely half of Americans believe the 2020 elections would be conducted openly and fairly.

It's not all Putin's fault. The reasons for the distrust go beyond Russia's interference:

Many Democrats feel that manipulative redistricting and the Electoral College dilute the impact of their votes, particularly those of urban and minority voters.

The last two times Republicans took the White House from Democrats, in 2016 and 2000, they did so while losing the popular vote.

Republicans, meanwhile, have long argued that Democrats frequently engage in voter fraud, though actual evidence of such crimes remains slim to nonexistent.

What's next: It may be too late to try to protect trust in U.S. elections and time to start thinking about rebuilding it from the ground up.

That might be an impossible project for a Trump administration that has shown little interest in it  and that large parts of the electorate blame for the problem.

It would be a tough undertaking, too, for a potential new Democratic administration in 2021, which would inevitably be blamed by unhappy Trump voters for a range of misbehavior, real or imagined.

The bottom line: Russia set off an information bomb in 2016 that cannot be un-exploded. Putin's master strategy has been effective, and it's extremely difficult to counter.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 05:40:39|Editor: ZD

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People experience HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro 5G smartphone in Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, on Jan. 16, 2020. Chinese technology and smartphone giant Huawei on Thursday launched the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro 5G, a new-generation 5G smartphone, in Kuwait. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese technology and smartphone giant Huawei on Thursday launched the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro 5G, a new-generation 5G smartphone, in Kuwait.

A large crowd of consumers and fans attended the launching ceremony held at a Huawei store inside the Avenues Mall in the Farwaniya Governorate, the largest shopping mall in Kuwait.

At the ceremony, Muhammad Awais Sheikh, marketing director of Huawei Consumer Business Group in Kuwait, said that HUAWEI Mate30 Pro 5G is the first dual mode phone with a Kirin 990 5G chipset.

Moreover, consumers can experience videography like never before with the world's first 40MP super-sensing cine camera, he said, adding that the smartphone has a 4500 mAh battery that can last up to two days of usage.

The Kuwaitis were amazed by the performance of the new Huawei smartphone and the effectiveness of its camera.

Maha Al-Saeed, a well-known Kuwaiti blogger, described the phone as wonderful. "The specifications are excellent and the performance is great," she said.

Al-Saeed expressed admiration for the accuracy of the camera and the effectiveness of the battery.

"Huawei is also characterized by the efficiency of the charger and its speed," she added.

As for Rana Kafran, a local resident, the four cameras in the smartphone surprised her, in addition to the feature of artificial intelligence that enhances privacy.

"The colors are great, the camera is sharp clear, and I think Huawei is working to enhance its store, and this will stimulate the launch of applications compatible with it," she said.

HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro 5G will be available in Kuwait as of Jan. 23.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court seeking its directive to the Central government not to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).

The PIL filed by a lawyer said the CAA grants favourable treatment to a class of illegal migrants who were Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan while excluding Muslims from these countries in an allegedly hostile manner.

The petitioner alleged that the impugned Act and the notifications are discriminatory and directed against the Muslims on the basis of their religion and place of birth.

A division bench, comprising Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly, before which the PIL came up for hearing on Thursday posted the matter to next week.

The judges then directed the Central government to produce before them any verdict the Supreme Court has pronounced on the pleas challenging the CAA.

Counsel for the government informed the High Court that 60 pleas challenging the CAA have been filed in the apex court.

The High Court observed that even if the matter is admitted for hearing, it would be subjected to the Supreme Court order in the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Oprah Winfrey has revealed why she never married her partner, despite them being together for more than 30 years.

In an essay published in O Magazine, the media mogul opened up about her relationship with Stedman Graham, who proposed in 1993.

The 65-year-old said that there is a good reason the couple never tied the knot, admitting that she had doubts shortly after they got engaged.

I realised I didnt actually want a marriage, Winfrey wrote.

I wanted to be asked. I wanted to know he felt I was worthy of being his missus, but I didnt want the sacrifices, the compromises, the day-in-day-out commitment required to make a marriage work. My life with the show was my priority, and we both knew it.

Royal couples with their newborns Show all 9 1 /9 Royal couples with their newborns Royal couples with their newborns On 11 July 2013, Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed their first-born child, Prince George Alexander Louis, weighing 8lbs 6oz. Just like Charles and Diana, the couple introduced the baby to the world outside the Lindo Wing the next day. Prince George was swaddled in a white G.H. Hurt & Son soft wool baby shawl, continuing the royal family's 70-year tradition. For her first photo as a new mother, Katie wore a blue polka dot dress by Jenny Packham with a pair of nude wedges. Getty Images Royal couples with their newborns The world gained a new Princess after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her second child, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, on 2 May 2015 at the Lindo Wing, weighing 8lbs 3oz. The baby royal made her public debut just 10 hours after her birth in the same shawl that was worn by Prince George. The newborn also wore a knitted a cap designed by Spanish brand Irulea. For her second appearance at the Lindo Wing after giving birth, Kate chose a pastel yellow and white floral print dress by British designer Jenny Packham, who also created her first post-pregnancy dress for her appearance following Prince Georges birth two years prior. Getty Images Royal couples with their newborns On 23 April 2018, Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed royal baby number three, Prince Louis Arthur Charles. The newborn weighed 8lbs oz making him the heaviest Cambridge baby. As the weather in London was cold and windy the next day, the new prince was introduced to the world wearing a knit cap by Spanish brand Irulea like his sister, Charlotte, and the same G.H. Hurt & Son baby shawl. Kate opted for another Jenny Packham dress, this time in red and white - a look many speculated was a tribute to Diana's ensemble in 1984 following the birth of Prince Harry. Earlier that day, Prince George and Princess Charlotte met their new sibling for the first time. George was still wearing his Thomass Battersea school uniform, while Princess Charlotte wore a blue dress, cardigan, and black Mary Janes. Getty Images Royal couples with their newborns On 8 August 1988, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew welcomed their new baby daughter Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary at the Portland Hospital. The Duchess of York, who wore a navy floral print midi dress for the family's first outing, swaddled the baby in a white blanket. Rex Features Royal couples with their newborns Two years later, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew had another child, Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena. Born on 23 March 1990, Eugenie was introduced to the world covered by a cosy white blanket to shield her from the frosty temperatures. Sarah opted for a baby-pink, black and white pencil skirt suit with oversized buttons. Rex Features Royal couples with their newborns On 21 June 1982, Princess Diana and Prince Charles welcomed their first-born son, William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Diana gave birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, London at 9:03pm. The next day, Diana and Charles introduced William, who was swaddled in a white lace shawl designed by from G. H. Hurt & Son, to the world. Diana wore a polka dot green midi dress that featured a bow neckline detail and sensible red flats. Rex Features Royal couples with their newborns Prince Harry - Henry Charles Albert David - was also born at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital on 15 September 1984. The newborn was presented to the world in a blanket designed by the same company, G. H. Hurt & Son, the following day. Princess Diana wore a red and white ensemble, including a dress with a long scarlet jacket by Jan van Velden and contrasting collar. The newborn was visited by his older brother, William, who wore red shorts and white embroidered shirt. PA Royal couples with their newborns Princess Anne was the first member of the royal family to give birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's hospital, with the birth of her son Peter Phillips in 1977, weighing 7lbs 9oz. The child made his appearance to the world in the arms of a nurse, who emerged from the wing with a group of her colleagues behind the princess before the royals were driven home. Rex Features Royal couples with their newborns In 1982, Princess Anne gave birth to her second child, Zara Phillips, at the Lindo Wing, weighing 8lbs 1oz. This time, the royal carried the newborn baby to the car herself. Rex Features

The chat show host went on to explain that both she and Graham believe that if they had got married they would not still be together.

Instead, Winfrey attributes the longevity of their relationship to Graham having an identity beyond being Oprah's man, as well as the fact that they relish seeing the other fulfil and manifest their destiny and purpose.

Anyone whos ever met him is always amazed by what a genuine gentleman he is, Winfrey wrote.

Hes so positive. Wants the best for me and everyone he knows. Hes appropriately named because hes steady as a mountain. Even-tempered, accountable, trustworthy, patient.

The author went on to reveal that she defines her relationship with Stedman as a spiritual partnership, citing spiritual teacher Gary Zukav's definition of the term, which is a partnership between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth.

Recommended Marriage Star Laura Dern got personal about divorce

This isnt the first time Winfrey has spoken about her decision to not marry or have children.

Last year, the philanthropist explained that much of the reason she decided against expanding her family was because she witnessed the depth of responsibility and sacrifice that is actually required to be a mother during her years on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

I realised, Whoa, Im talking to a lot of messed-up people, and they are messed up because they had mothers and fathers who were not aware of how serious that job is,' Winfrey told People magazine.

I dont have the ability to compartmentalise the way I see other women do. It is why, throughout my years, I have had the highest regard for women who choose to be at home [with] their kids, because I dont know how you do that all day long.

Nobody gives women the credit they deserve.

Winfrey added that she has no regrets about her decision, adding that she has filled that maternal fold with charitable work.

I also believe that part of the reason why I dont have regrets is because I got to fulfil it in the way that was best for me: the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, she says.

Those girls fill that maternal fold that I perhaps would have had. In fact, they overfill  Im overflowed with maternal."
The much-hyped visit of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was eventful on Wednesday with the CEO getting a roaring welcome from his colleagues and MSME players present at the auditorium in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, followed by his announcement of $1 billion investment in small and medium businesses in India.



Although everything was not hunky dory, as traders across the country staged protests as scheduled against his visit under the aegis of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Few traders along with the CAIT leadership even reached the venue.



As Amazon India head Amit Agarwal called upon Bezos for an on-stage chat during the first day of Amazon 'Smbhav' programme, several people, including his Amazon colleagues and MSME players present in the auditorium, welcomed him with roars and loud claps.



The presence of Bezos at the event on Wednesday was a hard-kept secret by the company. However, the information or rather apprehensions were in the air that the world's richest person would make an appearance at the event.



Speaking to Agarwal, he spoke about his experiments in life and how he dared to start his own venture of online selling and delivering books.



He said that people should take challenges and should not be afraid of failures. "When you're trying to figure out something new, maybe that nobody in the world has ever done before. That is high-quality failure because when you're experimenting, you don't know if it's going to work. You have to organise to be able to experiment and you have to have a culture that supports failure," he said.



"Amazon is the best place to fail," Bezos added.



He further said that, along with Agarwal, he had failed in their two-decade long journey together and added that such failures may end up with a new innovation.



The Amazon CEO made a major announcement during the interaction, saying that the company would invest $1 billion in digitising small and medium businesses (SMBs) on its platform in the country.



Bezos also announced that the e-commerce major, through its global footprint, will help SMBs export products worth $10 billion by 2025.



"We're committed to being a long-term partner of India. And actions speak louder than words," said Bezos.



"Over the next five years, Amazon will invest an incremental $1 billion to digitise micro and small businesses in cities, towns and villages across India, helping them reach more customers than ever before. This initiative will use Amazon's global footprint to create $10 billion in India exports by 2025," he said.



Under the initiative, Amazon would establish 'Digital Haats' in 100 cities and villages to help businesses integrate into the digital economy. 'Digital Haats' would be in local neighbourhoods and available to MSMEs irrespective of their association with Amazon, a company statement said.



Bezos said the rationale behind the support is that business with SMBs in the country is doing well. "Because its working, and when its working, you should double down on it," he said.



On the prospects of the Indian market and entrepreneurs, Bezos said that 21st century will be the century of India.



"I predict that 21st century is going to be the Indian century," he said, adding that apart from the dynamism, India is a democracy which is a major characteristic of the country.



He also observed that in terms of alliances, the 21st century would be about bilateral relations between the US and India.



The Amazon CEO's India visit comes at a crucial time as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday ordered an enquiry into the business practices of e-commerce majors Amazon and Flipkart.



Meanwhile, traders staged protests against his visit across over 300 cities under the aegis of CAIT. CAIT has been protesting for the past few months against what it calls "deep" discounts offered by the e-commerce platforms.



According to CAIT, more than five lakh traders were present at the the country-wide protests.



CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal compared Amazon to the colonialism of the East India Company.



"We are not afraid of competition. But, companies like Amazon and Flipkart are selling products below there market rates because of which samll traders are losing out on business," he said, adding that the e-commerce players have taken away 40 per cent of the business of offline retailers.



"Jeff Bezos Go Back, Amazon Go Back" slogans were raised by traders at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Few traders, including Khandelwal and the CAIT leadership, also landed up near the venue of Amazon Smbhav, though after Bezos had left the venue.



However, no major demonstration was held there as they left after speaking to a few reporters.



Bezos will head to Mumbai on Thursday where he is likely to meet top Indian businessmen and Bollywood celebrities.
[January 16, 2020] Continuity Wraps Up a Strong 2019 with a Strategic Acquisition, the Launch of a New Product and Multiple New Client Signings

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Continuity, a leader in the development and deployment of compliance change management (CMS) and enterprise risk management (ERM) solutions for regulated financial institutions announced a very strong end to 2019. From September through December, the company executed the acquisition of TraceRisk (now Continuitys RiskAdvisor), launched the RegAdvisor State module and signed numerous new clients as well as long-term client renewals. Many of which have expanded their Continuity product portfolio with the addition of RiskAdvisor and RegAdvisor State.

We could not be more pleased with the immediate growth and expansion born out of the acquisition of TraceRisk, now branded as RiskAdvisor, stated Mike Nicastro, Continuitys Chief Executive Officer. Nicastro continued, In what amounted to a twelve-week period over multiple holidays, the Continuity team signed eight RiskAdvisor contracts. The breadth and immediacy of the impact of the transaction has far exceeded our expectations. In September, as a response to the evolution of regulatory oversight becoming more state focused than ever before, Continuity launched the RegAdvisor State module. In discussing the launch, Continuity Chief Revenue Officer, David Bagley stated, the State module was the right tool and the right time. Both sales and customer acceptance took off like a shot. As of year-end, the majority of all client renewals and new sales included the State module in their portfolio of Continuity product.



Continuity also saw continued growth in its flagship compliance change management suite, which includes RegAdvisor Pro and RegControls, with the signings of multiple new clients. In addition to the many new logos added to the client roster, Continuity continued to strengthen its partnership with existing clients. For example, New Dimensions FCU recently contracted to use the new RiskAdvisor product in addition to other Continuity products in the suite. Catherine Davis, EVP of New Dimensions FCU stated, We are very comfortable with the Continuity platform. We doubled in size after a merger and were able to onboard our new staff without losing any functionality. Continuity also helps us communicate regulatory changes to our staff in a timely matter. Were looking forward to the new RiskAdvisor product launch to improve our management of risk assessments and internal controls.

Mr. Nicastro concluded, We are very pleased and excited about the continued growth and evolution of Continuity. There are no plans to slow down in 2020. Expect to see both aggressive organic growth and additional acquisitions as we continue the journey. About Continuity

New Haven, Connecticut-based Continuity is a provider of regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions that automate compliance and risk management for banks, credit unions, mortgage companies and fintech firms. By combining regulatory expertise and cloud technology, Continuity provides a proven way to reduce regulatory burden and mitigate risk at a fraction of the cost. Continuity serves hundreds of institutions across the United States and its territories. Continuitys risk and compliance product set includes RiskAdvisor, RegAdvisor Pro, RegAdvisor State, RegControls, ControlsBuilder, Policy and Procedure Management and Vendor Management.

About New Dimensions FCU

New Dimensions FCU began in 1956 and was known then as Notre Dame Waterville Federal Credit Union. Our mission was simple  to provide excellent financial services to members of Notre Dame Church in Waterville. Our charter was comprised of members of the parish of Notre Dame Church and on August 27, 1956, we began operating out of a corridor at the Notre Dame School on Water Street from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. NDFCU has spent over 60 years working to develop individual relationships with our members. These special relationships enable us to offer creative solutions and products that are not only relevant but uniquely geared to each persons financial needs. We are humbled every day by the loyalty and opportunity given by our members to furnish the financial strategies and products that enhance their lifestyles. For more information visit: newdimensionsfcu.com Press Contact: Cara Parsons, 203-672-9846, [email protected]

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FARGO  President Donald Trumps signing Wednesday, Jan. 15, of the Phase One trade agreement with China will benefit North Dakota soybean farmers, said Nancy Johnson, the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association's executive director.

Trump and China Vice Premier Liu He signed the agreement Jan. 15 at the White House. The agreement includes ramping up purchases of agricultural products from the United States. Under the agreement, China has agreed to buy $40 billion to $50 billion worth of agricultural commodities.

"Our growers are very pleased Phase One has been signed," Johnson said.

China was a major importer of U.S. soybeans before a trade war between the two counties escalated. The North Dakota Soybean Growers Association hopes that the signing of the agreement is a sign that the trade war is de-escalating, according to Johnson.

"Thats been a big export destination," Johnson said.

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U.S. soybean exports to China fell from $14.2 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018, according to the North Dakota Farmers Union. Meanwhile, total U.S. agricultural exports to China declined from $21.4 billion to $9.2 billion during that time period, NDFU reported.

During the past year, swine fever also has been rampant in China, and agricultural marketing experts have said that also has contributed to the decline in soybean exports.

The North Dakota Soybean Growers Association hopes that the agreement is a sign the trade war is de-escalating, Johnson said.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the Phase One trade deal.

"Until vessels carrying U.S. agricultural products are landing in Chinese ports, Im going to be holding my breath a bit," Watne said in a prepared statement, noting that China bought 800,000 tons of soybeans from Brazil last week. Enforcement of the Phase One agreement will be key to its success, and the U.S. will need to mend fences with other countries so they can assist in holding Chinas "feet to the fire," he said.

Minnesota state Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, said the agreement is key to the recovery of soybean export sales lost during the trade war.

"This is really important that there has been an agreement made. Its been devastating for our soybeans," said Kiel , a farmer and member of the Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Committee.

Kiel was on hand for the Wednesday signing at the White House, along with Minnesota state Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, vice chair of the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee, and Sen. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, chair of the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee.

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Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., called the signing of the agreement "very important to our farmers and ranchers."

"Weve repeatedly made the case to the administration about the importance of securing ag purchases as part of any agreement with China because we need to recapture the Chinese market for crops like soybeans, as well as expand it for products like beef," Hoeven said in a prepared statement.

The Phase One Agreement, which commits China to purchasing a total of $2 billion worth of American products during the next two years and also pledges to stop intellectual property and currency manipulation is a major victory for the U.S. and North Dakota, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.
The World Future Energy Summits Water Exhibition and Forum in Abu Dhabi is looks to the future of GCC water security, with new technologies at the forefront.

The GCC states have long been pioneers in using technology to provide fresh water in a desert environment, with desalination supplying much of the regions drinking water. At the World Future Energy Summit, the Water Exhibition & Forum is showing where the next innovations will be found  including extracting water from air.

Atmospheric water generators from US-based company Drinkable Air Technologies are among the cutting-edge devices to see at the expo, using ambient humidity to create pure, fresh drinking water from the air we breathe.

Other exhibition products on show include water purification systems, piping, and technologies that help reduce water loss and improve the efficiency of water distribution infrastructure  along with the latest, more sustainable desalination systems.

Water is a precious commodity, and the technologies showcased at the Water Expo & Forum can help provide solutions to water management challenges in the region, said Grant Tuchten, Group Event Director, World Future Energy Summit. The event helps provide opportunities for key technology providers, government stakeholders, developers and experts to network, share knowledge and do business together.

The Water Exhibition & Forum is hosted in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, which is the government agency that safely collects, treats, disposes, and recycles wastewater from residential and commercial customers.

Leading decision makers participating include Engineer Fatima Al-Foora Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water and Future Energy Affairs, Ministry of Energy & Industry, UAE  who addressed the forum on UAE water security priorities as part of its Day 2 programme on Tuesday.

In total, the Water Exhibition & Forum brings together hundreds of water and wastewater manufacturers and suppliers, public and private sector business and technology innovators, and global thought leaders to showcase the latest solutions and exchange best practices in water and wastewater sustainability. Prominent exhibitors include Andritz Group, among Austrias leading firms for specialised industry plant, equipment, and services; BMC Gulf LLC, a Dubai-based engineering firm; Hepworth, a Dubai-based manufacturer and marketer of integrated piping systems; and Turan Makina, a Turkey-headquartered multi-national manufacturer of plastic piping systems.

Alongside the exhibition, the forum programme features industry discussions on topics including efficient water management, GCC water security priorities, mitigating natural and unnatural threats to water security, water in the digital age, desalination, agricultural water innovations, maximising water reuse, water aid, scaling up new water resources, and KPIs and funding.

The World Future Energy Summit, hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global platform for accelerating the worlds sustainable development, is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from January 13 to 16. - TradeArabia News Service
The violence witnessed within Jamia Millia Islamia, AMU and JNU stirred up a movement seeking safety within campuses all over the country, serving as a reminder of the strength of politics, but also showing the administrative heads of the affected institutions in a grim light

The violence witnessed at Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) stirred up a movement seeking safety within campuses all over the country  serving as a reminder of the strength of politics, but also showing the administrative heads of the affected institutions in a grim light.

The JNU hostel fee hike row, which came for the first time in 40 years, was supported by those citing maintenance and non-payment of salaries to staff as a reason, while those against the move cited the economic background and demographic of students that enrol in the college and the governments failure to grant the educational institutes an increased budget allocation. Apart from the protests and clashes witnessed at JNU, what reportedly struck the wrong chord was vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumars lack of availability for a dialogue or discussions with JNU Students Union and JNU Teachers Association.

He (the VC) is never available in the campus; he doesnt want to meet the students. No interaction has been held with us. What is wrong if we seek clarification on a sudden rise in room rent and other charges? How will the students who come from the EWS category pay? asked Aishe Ghosh, JNUSU president, who was grievously injured during the 5 January attack within the campus. A letter was also written to President Ram Nath Kovind blaming Jagadesh Kumar for rejecting every effort made to find a solution to the crisis at the university.

Amid growing pressure seeking the vice-chancellors removal and the HRD ministrys refusal to do so, Jagadesh Kumar broke his silence on Tuesday. He blamed students and teachers for derailing peace on the campus. He had also said in December last year that he was manhandled by students, less than a month after the varsity saw the first wave of protests against the fee hike. Students stormed into the administrative building in November, refusing to leave till until the matter at hand was discussed. Orders were later passed to disallow any protest within 100 metres of the administrative building and to give additional security to the vice-chancellor. A meeting held between Jagadesh Kumar and 18 hostel presidents turned out to be an inconclusive one.

Jagadesh Kumars tenure has been fraught with controversies  from the 2016 sedition row to the hunger strike against the online entrance exam system in March last year to a protest trapping HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' inside the convocation auditorium. He has also been accused by the JNUTA and JNUSU of making appointments that were in violation of seniority and rotation. Twelve of 14 such appointees were made hostel wardens, proctor and chief proctor.

At other campuses that saw protests against the amended Citizenship Act, especially AMU, security remains beefed up. Vice-chancellor Tariq Mansoor wrote an "urgent" letter to the district police chief expressing apprehensions of threat to his life by "anti-social and lumpen elements" and demanded appropriate security for himself. Washing his hands off the police atrocities within the campus on 15 December, he said that he is not competent to discuss the contentious Act, even as the teachers association demanded that he take steps to ensure false charges against students are withdrawn. However, a statement that would give some comfort to students injured in the clashes came too late. A month later, on Wednesday, Mansoor, who admitted that police were allowed to enter the campus, but not hostels, to ensure peace, said an FIR will be filed against the cops.

AMU teachers, students and non-teaching staff, on the other hand, issued a letter expelling Mansoor and registrar S Abdul Hamid soon after the restoration of internet services last month, adding that the university administration will be boycotted till the two resign and leave the campus.

Meanwhile, Jamia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar had to be forced to come out of her residence when students surrounded it this week, demanding a FIR be filed in connection with the 15 December clashes. The students demand to postpone examinations till normalcy is restored was accepted, even though no complaints were filed. Delhi University too has been witnessing protests by professors and ad-hoc teachers for over a month. Braving harsh winters, protesters, alleging vice-chancellor Yogesh Tyagi has shut his gates to them, have stationed themselves outside his office and are demanding the absorption and promotion of the ad-hoc teachers.

Torn between protests and protocol was Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice-chancellor, where protests were staged against the appointment on Professor Firoz Khan in the Sanskrit department. Even as protesters refused to relent despite assurances that the appointment was in accordance with the BHU Act and central UGC guidelines, the stir only calmed down after the professor switched faculties.

BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and others were confined for six hours in a building of the Visva Bharati University in West Bengal last week as hundreds of Left-leaning students staged a sit-in outside accusing the politician of promoting hatred among communities. The vice-chancellor allegedly went on with the programme even as the students pleaded that programme would hurt the basic motto of the university which promotes neutrality. The two could finally leave the central university campus at Bolpur in Birbhum district after the students withdrew the sit-in at around 10 pm. Dasgupta had been invited to deliver a lecture on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Jadavpur University vice-chancellor Suranjan Das and West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar were shown black flags at the varsity in December after the varsitys decision to defer the 24 December special convocation ceremony was declared invalid. A similar protest was held the previous day, when 300 students gheraod Das and said they will not take their degrees if he attends the ceremony.

Amid protests, a worrying increase of police presence is being seen on campuses. Last year, on the demand of the vice-chancellor of Vishva Bharati, the Central government permanently deployed the Central Industrial Security Force on the campus. In the same year, CRPF was called on the JNU campus to deal with the students agitation. A demand to deploy paramilitary forces at BHU was made in 2017.

The lack of involvement of a section of students and teachers in decisions like fee hike or blatant disregard of their opinions, as in the case of Dhankar at JU, might be the reason behind the crises engulfing campuses. Having ranked in the list of top institutions often and having a coveted posse of alumni, JNU, Jamia and DU are cases in point when it comes to the importance of dialogue over academic and political differences within campuses. As the heads of the institution, vice-chancellors must be instrumental in ensuring every voice is heard.
tech2 News Staff

Oppo is ready to release its first smartphone for the year  Oppo F15. The company has been heavily advertising the smartphone's launch, which is scheduled for today, ie, 16 January. The launch will kick off at 12 pm.

Oppo F15 launch: How to watch the livestream

Oppo will be launching the Oppo F15 through a webcast on YouTube. You will also be able to watch the livestream on Oppo's official Facebook page.

The webcast link for YouTube is embedded below for your convenience.

In case you have a busy day ahead and do not want to miss the launch, you can click on the 'Play' icon on the video below. You will see a Set Reminder prompt on the bottom left, tap on that to receive a notification a few minutes before the webcast is live.

We will also be running a live blog with all the updates from the event.

Oppo F15 launch: What to expect

From what we know so far, Oppo F15 will be available exclusively on Amazon India. That was made clear when Amazon put up a dedicated landing page for the Oppo F15 on its website.

The landing page also reveals a bunch of specifications of the Oppo F15. Amazon has teased that the smartphone will come with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, 48 MP quad-camera setup, in-display fingerprint sensor, VOOC flash charge 3.0.

Oppo has also teased the smartphone to be sleek with a 7.9 mm thickness. The device weighs 172 g.

Additionally, a teaser on Twitter by Oppo also reveals that the Oppo F15 will be fuelled by a 4,000 mAh battery.

Looking at the specifications, we can expect the Oppo F15 to be priced between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.
Meghan Markle's bid for UK citizenship could be scuppered by her and Prince Harry spending large amounts of time in Canada, immigration lawyers have warned the royals.

The Duchess of Sussex started the process of obtaining a British passport after marrying Harry in May, 2018, but there are rules over how much time she must spend in the UK.

While waiting to be granted indefinite leave to remain  which normally takes five years  lawyers usually advise that clients spend most of their time in the country, that means more than six months.

Philip Trott, an immigration lawyer and partner with Bates Wells, told The Times Meghan can apply when not in the country, 'there is no harm in being out, as long as you spend most of your time here,' he said.

The Duchess of Sussex started the process of obtaining a British passport after marrying Harry in May, 2018 (pictured: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception on October 2, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa)

He added: 'The advice we normally give to clients is that most of your time means six months and one day every year.'

On Monday, the Queen confirmed that Meghan and Harry would have a 'period of transition' and spend time between the UK and Canada.

The extraordinary summit at Sandringham with Princes Harry, Charles and William came after the Sussexes announced they wanted to lead independent lives.

It prompted Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to tweet: 'You're among friends, and always welcome here.'

But on this side of the Atlantic, when she applies for naturalisation Meghan must pass a further test which says in the last three years she shouldn't have spent more than 270 out of the country.

Taking the Sussexes phrase literally that they will 'balance our time' between the Britain and Canada, this would add up to 540 days over a three year period.

Meghan and Harry's push for a move prompted Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to tweet: 'You're among friends, and always welcome here'

However, Mr Trott told The Times that there is a 'general discretion' to allow for absences exceeding the 270 days.

He believes it would probably be waived in this case.

A spokeswoman for the duchess told the paper: 'There is no change in the fact that she is pursuing the path to British citizenship.'
Guy Fieri, the spiky tipped host of Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, has been spotted at several Portland restaurants. The 51-year-old Fieri also took in a Portland Trail Blazer game during his visit.

Shawn Levy, the author, Portland Timbers superfan and former film critic for The Oregonian, posted a shot of Fieris signature red Camaro parked outside of what looks like Chins Kitchen, the noted Hollywood neighborhood Northern Chinese restaurant.

Ate lunch on TV today and chose my outfit veeeerrry carefully.... #rctid pic.twitter.com/T2yWHxiIhG  Shawn Levy (@shawnlevy) January 13, 2020

The Portland Trail Blazers confirmed the presence of the noted Golden State Warriors fan with a post retweeted by the king of backwards sunglasses himself.

 in ! pic.twitter.com/v8VSTE3moF  Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 14, 2020

The gumshoes at Eater PDX, already walking the Fieri beat, made hay out of an enigmatic post from Northeast 28th Avenue torta shop Guero, sniffing out a Fieri visit there as well.

Ottos Sausage Kitchen, which is currently closed for a winter break, posted photos of Fieri dropping by. (Ottos, the Woodstock neighborhoods great German deli and hot dog spot, previously appeared on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in Season 6.)

Look who came to Ottos today! Thanks Guy and crew! You are all amazing Posted by Otto's Sausage Kitchen on Tuesday, January 14, 2020

And several people posted evidence that Seasons & Regions, a Southwest Portland seafood restaurant that is neither a diner, drive-in nor dive, had also been given the Triple D seal of approval -- a stencil of Fieris mug stamped on the wall.

Maybe hell find time for lunch with Nicolas Cage while hes in town.

-- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
HOUSTON -- (Jan. 16, 2020) -- In a new study, U.S. and Austrian physicists have observed quantum entanglement among "billions of billions" of flowing electrons in a quantum critical material.

The research, which appears this week in Science, examined the electronic and magnetic behavior of a "strange metal" compound of ytterbium, rhodium and silicon as it both neared and passed through a critical transition at the boundary between two well-studied quantum phases.

The study at Rice University and Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) provides the strongest direct evidence to date of entanglement's role in bringing about quantum criticality, said study co-author Qimiao Si of Rice.

"When we think about quantum entanglement, we think about small things," Si said. "We don't associate it with macroscopic objects. But at a quantum critical point, things are so collective that we have this chance to see the effects of entanglement, even in a metallic film that contains billions of billions of quantum mechanical objects."

Si, a theoretical physicist and director of the Rice Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM), has spent more than two decades studying what happens when materials like strange metals and high-temperature superconductors change quantum phases. Better understanding such materials could open the door to new technologies in computing, communications and more.

The international team overcame several challenges to get the result. TU Wien researchers developed a highly complex materials synthesis technique to produce ultrapure films containing one part ytterbium for every two parts rhodium and silicon (YbRh2Si2). At absolute zero temperature, the material undergoes a transition from one quantum phase that forms a magnetic order to another that does not.

At Rice, study co-lead author Xinwei Li, then a graduate student in the lab of co-author and RCQM member Junichiro Kono, performed terahertz spectroscopy experiments on the films at temperatures as low as 1.4 Kelvin. The terahertz measurements revealed the optical conductivity of the YbRh2Si2 films as they were cooled to a quantum critical point that marked the transition from one quantum phase to another.

"With strange metals, there is an unusual connection between electrical resistance and temperature," said corresponding author Silke Buhler-Paschen of TU Wien's Institute for Solid State Physics. "In contrast to simple metals such as copper or gold, this does not seem to be due to the thermal movement of the atoms, but to quantum fluctuations at the absolute zero temperature."

To measure optical conductivity, Li shined coherent electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz frequency range on top of the films and analyzed the amount of terahertz rays that passed through as a function of frequency and temperature. The experiments revealed "frequency over temperature scaling," a telltale sign of quantum criticality, the authors said.

Kono, an engineer and physicist in Rice's Brown School of Engineering, said the measurements were painstaking for Li, who's now a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology. For example, only a fraction of the terahertz radiation shined onto the sample passed through to the detector, and the important measurement was how much that fraction rose or fell at different temperatures.

"Less than 0.1% of the total terahertz radiation was transmitted, and the signal, which was the variation of conductivity as a function of frequency, was a further few percent of that," Kono said. "It took many hours to take reliable data at each temperature to average over many, many measurements, and it was necessary to take data at many, many temperatures to prove the existence of scaling.

"Xinwei was very, very patient and persistent," Kono said. "In addition, he carefully processed the huge amounts of data he collected to unfold the scaling law, which was really fascinating to me."

Making the films was even more challenging. To grow them thin enough to pass terahertz rays, the TU Wien team developed a unique molecular beam epitaxy system and an elaborate growth procedure. Ytterbium, rhodium and silicon were simultaneously evaporated from separate sources in the exact 1-2-2 ratio. Because of the high energy needed to evaporate rhodium and silicon, the system required a custom-made ultrahigh vacuum chamber with two electron-beam evaporators.

"Our wild card was finding the perfect substrate: germanium," said TU Wien graduate student Lukas Prochaska, a study co-lead author. The germanium was transparent to terahertz, and had "certain atomic distances (that were) practically identical to those between the ytterbium atoms in YbRh2Si2, which explains the excellent quality of the films," he said.

Si recalled discussing the experiment with Buhler-Paschen more than 15 years ago when they were exploring the means to test a new class of quantum critical point. The hallmark of the quantum critical point that they were advancing with co-workers is that the quantum entanglement between spins and charges is critical.

"At a magnetic quantum critical point, conventional wisdom dictates that only the spin sector will be critical," he said. "But if the charge and spin sectors are quantum-entangled, the charge sector will end up being critical as well."

At the time, the technology was not available to test the hypothesis, but by 2016, the situation had changed. TU Wien could grow the films, Rice had recently installed a powerful microscope that could scan them for defects, and Kono had the terahertz spectrometer to measure optical conductivity. During Buhler-Paschen's sabbatical visit to Rice that year, she, Si, Kono and Rice microscopy expert Emilie Ringe received support to pursue the project via an Interdisciplinary Excellence Award from Rice's newly established Creative Ventures program.

"Conceptually, it was really a dream experiment," Si said. "Probe the charge sector at the magnetic quantum critical point to see whether it's critical, whether it has dynamical scaling. If you don't see anything that's collective, that's scaling, the critical point has to belong to some textbook type of description. But, if you see something singular, which in fact we did, then it is very direct and new evidence for the quantum entanglement nature of quantum criticality."

Si said all the efforts that went into the study were well worth it, because the findings have far-reaching implications.

"Quantum entanglement is the basis for storage and processing of quantum information," Si said. "At the same time, quantum criticality is believed to drive high-temperature superconductivity. So our findings suggest that the same underlying physics -- quantum criticality -- can lead to a platform for both quantum information and high-temperature superconductivity. When one contemplates that possibility, one cannot help but marvel at the wonder of nature."

Si is the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor in Rice's Department of Physics and Astronomy. Kono is a professor in Rice's departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, and Materials Science and NanoEngineering and the director of Rice's Applied Physics Graduate Program. Ringe is now at the University of Cambridge.

Additional co-authors include Maxwell Andrews, Maximilian Bonta, Werner Schrenk, Andreas Limbeck and Gottfried Strasser, all of the TU Wien; Hermann Detz, formerly of TU Wien and currently at Brno University; Elisabeth Bianco, formerly of Rice and currently at Cornell University; Sadegh Yazdi, formerly of Rice and currently at the University of Colorado Boulder; and co-lead author Donald MacFarland, formerly of TU Wien and currently at the University at Buffalo.

The research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC-227378), the Army Research Office (W911NF-14-1-0496, W911NF-17-1-0259, W911NF-14-1-0525), the Austrian Science Fund (FWF-W1243, P29279-N27, P29296-N27), the European Union's Horizon 2020 program (824109-EMP), the National Science Foundation (DMR-1720595, DMR-1920740, PHY-1607611), the Robert A. Welch Foundation (C-1411), Los Alamos National Laboratory and Rice University.

RCQM leverages global partnerships and the strengths of more than 20 Rice research groups to address questions related to quantum materials. RCQM is supported by Rice's offices of the provost and the vice provost for research, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, the Brown School of Engineering, the Smalley-Curl Institute and the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Materials Science and NanoEngineering.

###

Links and resources:

The DOI of the Science paper is: 10.1126/science.aag1595

A copy of the paper is available at:

https://science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi/10.1126/science.aag1595

High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/01/0117_ENTANGLED-jkqs12-lg.jpg

CAPTION: Junichiro Kono (left) and Qimiao Si in Kono's Rice University laboratory in December 2019. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/01/0117_ENTANGLED-xljk-lg.jpg

CAPTION: Former Rice University graduate student Xinwei Li (left) and Professor Junichiro Kono in 2016 with the terahertz spectrometer Li used to measure quantum entanglement in YbRh2Si2. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/01/0117_ENTANGLED-xllab-lg.jpg

CAPTION: Former Rice University graduate student Xinwei Li in 2016 with the terahertz spectrometer he later used to measure entanglement in the conduction electrons flowing through a "strange metal" compound of ytterbium, rhodium and silicon. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/01/0117_ENTANGLED-sbp-lg.jpg

CAPTION: Physicist Silke Buhler-Paschen of the Vienna University of Technology (Photo by Luisa Puiu/TU Wien)

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 4 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Adria Ballester offers free conversations in downtown Barcelona. Pablo Gomez Moreno de Redrojo

Raquel Frohlinger, a 26-year-old from New York, was passing through Barcelona on a recent day when she stopped to chat with a complete stranger under one of the Catalan capitals landmarks, the Arc de Triomf.

She told the stranger what she was doing in the city and what she does for a living back in the United States. In return, she received advice on what to visit in Barcelona, plus a couple of anecdotes about what its like to grow up here. After a while, Frohlinger got up and went on her way, leaving behind two chairs and a sign in large letters that read: Free conversations!

The person that Frohlinger talked to is Adria Ballester, creator of the Free Conversations Movement, which invites people in the city to stop for a while and chat about anything they like. Ballester acts alone, but he calls his initiative a movement because he wants to include those who engage with him and who sometimes post their impressions on social media.

In Frohlingers opinion, the experience was very special because it gave her the chance to listen to someone and exchange impressions. This is exactly what 26-year-old Adria Ballester, a computer equipment salesman, was intending. The idea is just to have someone there that you can talk to freely for a while, he says.

The idea came about three years ago when Ballester was having a bad day and took a walk through the city to see if he could clear his head. He walked beyond the Tibidabo hill, in the natural park of Collserola in the west side of the city. All of a sudden, a stranger whom he has never heard from again greeted him and engaged him in a casual conversation. The encounter immediately lifted Ballesters mood.

In fact, the impact was so great that he decided take the experience and turn it into a movement. He grabbed two folding chairs and carried them from his neighborhood of San Andreu to the Cathedral, where he set them down along with a sign offering conversation in Spanish, English or Catalan. The initiative flopped: some passers-by believed he was there to sell them something. In fact, it still happens to him.

So he did a rethink and used social media to promote his project. A specific day, usually Saturday or Sunday, and a location, generally under the Arc de Triomf, are now advertised ahead of time. Im there for six hours, although sometimes it turns into eight, he says.

He now has accounts on Facebook and Instagram (where he has over 7,500 followers) and posts photos of himself and his chat buddies, reflections on the day, and even illustrations.

But passers-by never cease to express surprise at his initiative. Some give him a sideways glance; others try to snap him secretly with their phones; yet others stand near him and talk about him in Spanish, as if he didnt understand. It seems incredible that something so simple attracts so much attention, says Ballester, whose girlfriend Benedikta does some of the illustrations that are later posted on social media.

The worst thing though is not the stares, but being moved along, he adds, convinced that what he is doing is a form of activism. The Mossos [regional police] come and tell me to move on, so I almost always do it here, at the Arc de Triomf, where they are less strict.

Losing the art of conversation

There are a variety of types who stop to chat, but Ballester says that they are mainly under 30, like Raquel Frohlinger, the New Yorker, or the Italians Eleonora, Chiara, Julia, Francesca and Irene, who are between 20 and 24.

We have lost [the art of] conversation, say two of them, who are psychology students. And talking is what life is all about.

Ballester says that when a small crowd gathers, the conversation can be lively but is more likely to be brief. Deeper conversations are best had on a one-to-one basis; he once talked for four hours solid with one person, and the activity as a whole has brought him new friends. You hear good, positive stories and really tough ones too, he says. A lot of people will tell you about some tricky episode in their life, maybe heartbreak or a job loss or a sudden change they have had to deal with.

He says there was a 25-year-old man who had climbed Everest and a 70-year-old Lithuanian woman who talked about the years she spent in a Russian concentration camp. Theres a bit of everything, he says. Even stories of abuse and rape, awful things. And its complicated, because Im not a psychologist.

But whatever the topic, Ballester tries to make sure the conversation remains positive. For example, he doesnt like it when people take him to be religious and start discussing the possibility of an otherwordly being. Or when people insist on talking politics. I generally start with open questions, but in some cases I stop asking anything to try to keep it brief, he admits.

Someone approaches; a 21-year-old who is curious to find out what Ballester is about. This is strange in a good way, he concludes while adding that he considers it important to expand the space  for conversation because while the internet is supposed to have done this, in reality, it is reducing it.

Ballester agrees there is a lack of direct contact between people nowadays, but he also appreciates how social media has helped his initiative get off the ground. People know where I will be and so they come back. Or discussions are generated and that can lead to collaborations, he says, referring to several people who have helped each other thanks to his online presence.

In the future, he aims to publish a manifesto and would like to see his initiative picked up in other cities: as far as he knows, he is still the only street conversationalist around. That, in turn, would lead to a webpage for the movement and the space to expound on his ideas. I really like philosophy and communication, he says. I feel a certain amount of pressure to write stories about what Im being told. But I dont want to make it more important. I prefer it to stay the way it is. 

English version by Heather Galloway.
Union minister Prakash Javadekar has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government for delay in the hanging of four convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.

The Delhi gang rape case accused have not been hanged so far because of the irresponsibility of the AAP government. There is a process of giving notice to the accused sentenced to death by the Tihar so that they can take legal action. This was not done for 2.5 years, said Javadekar.

This delay is complicity of the Delhi government, he added.

Also Watch: Delhi govt asks Centre to reject 2012 gangrape convicts mercy plea

Now the hanging cannot happens on January 22. If they had been given a notice as per the rule soon after the death sentence was announced in 2017, the accused would have been hanged by now. AAP government is responsible for the delay in justice, said the Union minister.

The Delhi government said on Wednesday that the four convicts - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will not be executed on January 22 as a mercy petition has been filed with the President.

Citing prison rules, the state government said they are duty bound to wait for convicts mercy plea to be decided for executing the death warrant.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday dismissed the curative petitions filed by two of the four convicts in the gang-rape and murder case - Mukesh and Vinay Sharma - challenging the May 2017 judgment of the court that had upheld their conviction and death sentence.

Immediately after the rejection of the curative petition, Mukesh filed his mercy plea before the President. He also moved the Delhi High Court challenging the decision of issuance of the death warrant by the additional sessions judge, stating that his mercy petition was pending before the President.

The plea filed through advocate Vrinda Grover also sought that her client be given a minimum of 14 days notice if the mercy petition is rejected so as to prepare for his departure from the world.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday that the Delhi government has recommended rejecting the mercy petition. Sisodia said the government had worked at lightning speed to make sure there was no delay by the city government.

The four convicts in the case - Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Singh - were scheduled to be executed at 7 am on January 22 in the Tihar jail premises.
trump soleimani

Leah Millis/Reuters; Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Iran says it will pursue war-crimes charges against President Donald Trump at the International Criminal Court in the Hague over this month's assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

A legal expert told Insider that Iran would have a good chance of winning any case at the ICC.

The US has defended the killing by saying that Soleimani posed an "imminent" threat to the US.

Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial Executions, tweeted that the bar for justifying lethal action in such circumstances is extremely high and requires a threat level that the US has so far failed to identify.

A NATO military attache in the Middle East told Insider that the case against the US is "shockingly strong."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Iran will pursue war-crimes charges against President Donald Trump at the International Criminal Court in the Hague over the January 3 assassination of its top commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, outside Baghdad's international airport, according to Gholam Hossein Esmaeili, the spokesman for Iran's top judicial authorities.

"We intend to file lawsuits in the Islamic Republic, Iraq and The Hague Court [International Court of Justice] against the military and government of America and against Trump," Esmaeili said at a Tuesday press conference.

"There is no doubt that the US military has done a terrorist act assassinating Guards Commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani and Second-in-Command of Iraq Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis ... and Trump has confessed doing the crime."

iran missile soleimani

Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Since the killing, Iran's leadership has vowed political, military, and legal revenge for what they call an unlawful killing of one of their greatest military heroes.

Soleimani was well known throughout the Middle East for his diplomatic and military acumen.

Story continues

The US faces a PR embarrassment if the case gets to trial  because Iran could win

Iran's response to the assassination so far has, however, been complicated by the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner last week.

While the US is not a signatory to the international court  US presidents have long contended the venue could be used by America's enemies in cases like this to pressure its foreign policy  it still faces a public-relations burden if the case goes to trial.

This is because according to at least one internationally recognized expert, Iran could win.

Shortly after Soleimani's death, Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial Executions, tweeted that the bar for lethal action by a nation claiming self-defense  as the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed  is extremely high and requires an imminent threat that the US has so far failed to identify.

"The targeted killings of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al Muhandi most likely violate international law [including] human rights law," she wrote. "Lawful justifications for such killings are very narrowly defined and it is hard to imagine how any of these can apply to these killings."

An attack needs to be imminent to justify such a killing, and this one may not meet the standard

In another tweet, Callamard explicitly broke down how the Trump administration's claims that Soleimani posed an imminent and ongoing threat to US interests failed to reach the bar set by international law.

The White House statement "mentions that it aimed at 'deterring future Iranian attack plans,'" she wrote. "This however is very vague. Future is not the same as imminent which is the time based test required under international law."

This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. The Pentagon said Thursday that the U.S. military has killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of President Donald Trump. (Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office via AP)

Associated Press

A NATO military attache based in the region told Business Insider that while the case has yet to be formally filed, it could pose significant problems for the US and its NATO partners, should the court rule against the Trump administration.

'The case against the Americans is shockingly strong'

"Keeping distance between the Americans and Europe is most of Iran's broader plan right now."

"If this case happens  I suspect there are some reasons Iran might not want to take this mess to an international court for their own reasons  but if it does go forward, the case against the Americans is shockingly strong," the official, who asked not to be named, said.

"On the face of it, the killing of Soleimani for reasons specifically cited by Trump is probably illegal. Do the Americans have a stronger case then they're showing us?

"I would assume so, but there's little chance of them participating in a Hague trial, so all the evidence will be what Iran delivers along with public statements."

"And these statements will not look good in a courtroom," the official added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The quality of education that you give your child determines the career path they will follow, and eventually, the quality of life they will lead. There is no better gift to a child that can take the place of a good education, shelter, love, and harmony. Light International School (LIS) will offer your child the best education there is in Kenya and internationally.

Image: lis.sc.ke

Source: UGC

Schools are cropping everywhere, and parents are always on the lookout for an institution that will not only give their children an excellent education but also be their home. With the new curriculum now advocating for a whole-rounded approach to education, it is paramount that you take your child to a school that embodies competence-based learning.

Light Academy Nairobi is one of the institutions where you will not go wrong. They are more than ready to welcome you and attend to your child in the most professional way possible.

Light International School location

Light International School is located in the serene Karen area, off Langata road in Nairobi. The environment is nothing short of amazing when it comes to quality education and learning for kids.

The unique co-educational day and boarding school stands in a sizeable amount of land that provides enough room for both learning and other co-curricular activities for holistic education. It is one of the international schools in Nairobi that offers an international curriculum from kindergarten to A-level.

Image: lis.sc.ke

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: KCPE 2019-2020: List of top schools per county

Light International School fees

Like every other school, LIS fee is in Kenya shillings and billed in three bits of August, December, and April. However, year 11-13 students are charged bi-annually in August and December. The cost of school fees is inclusive of all the amenities, including books. The fee is payable at the beginning of every term, and a 1.25%/month surcharge is levied on the balance.

A discount of 5% is given on tuition for all payments covering a whole year of academia. Day scholars students must pay an additional lunch fee. However, boarding fees cover all meals, including lunch. Here is the fee breakdown:

Admission Fee: Ksh. 25,000 non-refundable

Ksh. 25,000 non-refundable Caution fee : Ksh. 40,000 refundable

: Ksh. 40,000 refundable Boarding caution fee: Ksh. 20,000 refundable

Ksh. 20,000 refundable Application fee: Ksh. 5,000

Image: lis.sc.ke

Source: UGC

Here is the term fee for year 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11 and 12-13:

Year 7-8: Ksh. 260,000

Ksh. 260,000 Year 9-10: Ksh. 275,000

Ksh. 275,000 Year 11: Ksh. 412,500

Ksh. 412,500 Year 12-13: Ksh. 480,000

Contacts

Physical location: Karen Nairobi Kenya

Karen Nairobi Kenya Light International School address: P.O. BOX 1799-00502

P.O. BOX 1799-00502 Light International School Mombasa branch: Off Green Wood Drive

Off Green Wood Drive Phone number 1 : 0701 442 299

: 0701 442 299 Phone number 2: 0703 200 002

Light International School is a unique environment for your kids learning. It offers a myriad of learning solutions for kids in kindergarten to A-level. With their quality of services and attention to detail, they promise to give your child the best education in Kenya as well as internationally.

READ ALSO: KCSE 2019 top schools per county

Source: TUKO.co.ke
KYODO NEWS - Jan 16, 2020 - 18:24 | World, All

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Thursday attributed continuing unrest in the territory to "misunderstanding" over Hong Kong's semiautonomous status beyond 2047.

While fielding questions at a legislature session, Lam said, "As long as we stick to the 'one country, two systems' principle, thoroughly understand and implement it, 'one country, two systems' will continue on a stable path and no changes will come after 2047."

Hong Kong, the former British colony which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, was promised a "high degree of autonomy" under the "one country, two systems" framework for at least 50 years. Whether the special status will continue beyond 2047 remains unclear.

"Do not ruin the principle by misunderstanding 'one country, two systems' and the Basic Law," she said, addressing protesters.

She said that education particularly of young people will be strengthened to deepen their understanding of 'one country, two systems,' of the concept of nation and the development opportunities under the system.

Anti-government demonstrations have gripped Hong Kong since June last year, originally over an unpopular bill that sought to facilitate extraditions to the mainland.

Despite the complete withdrawal of the bill in October, the protests have continued, with the protesters' demands having grown to include an independent inquiry into police's use of force, a pardon for all the arrested and greater democracy.

To the disappointment of legislators demanding solutions to the unrest, Lam rejected accusations of police brutality and blamed violent protesters for the use of force.

Since the mass protests began, more than 7,000 protesters have been arrested, and of them 1,092 have been prosecuted, police chief Chris Tang revealed Thursday.

Related coverage:

Hong Kong police foil bomb plot ahead of mass protest at weekend

Newly re-elected Tsai signs Taiwan's anti-infiltration bill into law

Hong Kong's Lam says new welfare relief not aimed at pacifying unrest
U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte of Maryland has temporarily halted President Donald Trumps executive order requiring governors and local officials nationwide to give consent before refugees can be resettled within their jurisdiction.

His Jan. 15 ruling says the order amounts to giving such officials veto power to determine whether refugees will be received in their midst and that this flies in the face of clear Congressional intent in regards to existing law around refugee resettlement.

His ruling also says a potentially insuperable barrier looms which, he writes, is, The power to admit or exclude non-citizens is exclusively federal in nature."

Messitte adds the order appears to be unlawful and one that may also fairly be characterized as arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.

Among the concerns he cites is to what extent State and Local Governments decisions to exclude refugees be based on bias or other prohibited discriminatory considerations.

Messitte handed down his ruling in a lawsuit challenging the order brought by three national refugee resettlement agencies that contract with the U.S. State Department.

One of the agencies, HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) partners with Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts which has for decades resettled refugees in Springfield and surrounding municipalities.

In December, Mayor Domenic Sarno said he would not give consent for refugees to continue to be resettled in Springfield, saying the city has done its fair share on the issue, even though the City Council voted unanimously in favor of resettlement, and Governor Charlie Baker is among some 42 governors who have given their consent to date.

It is likely that the government will appeal the decision.
Just two weeks before the renewal of a group life insurance cover, a mid-size infrastructure firm decided against buying a cover for the employees. The annual premium of Rs 7,500 per employee for the Rs 50 lakh crore was turning out to be an additional cost for the 500 member organisation.

The rising cost pressures amidst a slowdown-like situation in the economy has led to a drop in sales of group life insurance covers. Used as a retention tool among companies in India since the country does not have social security programmes, group life is now being seen as an excess expense.

"Business has been weak and we have not been able to meet sales target. At this juncture, having a group life insurance is not feasible," said the head of employee benefits at the firm quoted above.

While some firms have decided to not buy this cover, others are reserving it for senior management.

A direct impact of this has been seen in the sale of group insurance schemes by the life insurance companies. IRDAI data showed that there was a 29 percent drop in the number of lives covered under group schemes in December 2019 compared to a year ago.

Insurance sector officials said that this was due to the dual impact of a drop in loan disbursements as well as corporates going slower on cover purchase.

Home loan customers are one of the biggest sources of group insurance schemes. Whenever a individual buys a home loan, life insurance comes attached in the form of group credit life cover. This is equal to the loan amount and pays the loan amount in case the insured person dies before the tenure.

However, with tightening liquidity conditions and slowdown, purchase of home loans is also seeing a slump. When home loans sales drop, the allied purchase of insurance is also impacted.

Among the insurers, Life Insurance Corporation of India saw a 46 percent year-on-year drop in the number of lives covered under the group schemes in the April to December 2019 period.

For the corporate customers as well, there has been a rise in premium cost for insurance products by 10-20 percent over the past two years. This has made mid-sized and smaller companies reconsider their decision to buy group life products for the entire organisation.

Insurers said that manufacturing firms and FMCG companies are now buying covers on a group platform only for employees above a certain pay-scale. Earlier, the group life cover was offered to all employees.
RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Thursday produced before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi, in connection with a fodder scam case.

Yadav, who was undergoing medical treatment at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), was taken to the CBI court amid heavy security arrangements.

Speaking to the media, Yadav's advocate Prabhat Kumar said: "Today's hearing is about the case of Section 313 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which is registered against Yadav. In such a case, the judge and the accused communicate directly, and the presence of the accused in the court is mandatory."

Kumar further stated that the hearing was held with regard to a case of alleged fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 139 crore from the Doranda treasury in Ranchi.

"The tenure of other cases was short, up to 6 months or a year. However, this case lasted from 1990 to 1995, which is a long tenure," he said.

Kumar also said that according to a charge sheet filed in 2002, a total of 180 accused were named. After over years, the number of accused has reduced to 111.

"Almost everyone has been booked under Section 313 of CrPC. It may take 2-2.5 months before the final judgement is pronounced," said Kumar.

The former Bihar Chief Minister was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment last year under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the fodder scam case.

He was also slapped with a fine of Rs 60 lakh in the case.

The case also pertains to the fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.5 crore from the Dumka treasury by Animal Husbandry Department officials between 1991 and 1996 when Yadav was the undivided state's chief minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Varanasi, Jan 16 (IANS) It was a pleasant surprise for boatman Ashok Sahni on Thursday when a group of Congress leaders arrived at his doorstep with a message from party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi had travelled on Ashok's boat during her visit to Varanasi on January 10 and Ashok had invited her for his daughter's wedding later this month.
Australian tourism campaigns promoting bushfire-affected areas have been pulled from airwaves overseas as the Morrison Government works on a plan to repair the damage to the nation's reputation abroad.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Tourism Australia has temporarily stopped promoting parts of the country, after it was also revealed the $15 million Matesong campaign in the UK fronted by Australian singer Kylie Minogue was put on hold.

Once the jewel in the crown of Australia's luxury lodge portfolio, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is now a burnt shell.

But the government is planning to roll out new campaigns promoting bushfire-affected areas once the crisis is over.

Areas unaffected by the bushfires are still being advertised overseas including tropical north Queensland, and Cottesloe, Rottnest Island and Cable Beach in Western Australia, as well as the nation's major cities.
Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency, saying authorities had identified credible threats around the event.

The governor of the US state of Virginia, Ralph Northam, has declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned all guns and weapons from the area around the Capitol in Richmond before a major gun-rights demonstration set for next week.

Northam, who is leading the push for stronger gun laws in his state, said he wants to avoid a repeat of the violence that erupted at a 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, when a march by white nationalists erupted and led to the death of a counterprotester, 32-year-old Heather Heyer.

Law enforcement intelligence analysts have identified credible threats of violence surrounding the event, along with white nationalist rhetoric and plans by out-of-state militia groups to attend, the governors office said in a statement on Wednesday.

Gun-rights advocates, including militia groups and ultraconservative activists, are planning a Lobby Day rally on Monday, seeking to block gun control legislation backed by Northam, a Democrat, and the Democratic-controlled state legislature in both the General Assembly and Senate.

The state of emergency will continue until Tuesday at 5pm (22:00 GMT).





Last week, Virginia legislators approved a new gun policy prohibiting firearms inside the Capitol and a nearby office building, but did not extend the ban to Capitol Square, the public space outside that includes monuments to prominent Virginians and the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial.

The governor saw credible threats of potential violence after a series of provocative online postings from out-of-state pro-gun and militia groups that plan to attend, one official told The Associated Press news agency.

On official, speaking to the news agency, cited a posting that included a photo of an AR-15 and said there are great sight angles from certain buildings near Capitol Square.

Virginia law enforcement officials have been criticised for their planning and response to the 2017 Charlottesville rally.

Northams declaration will also ban items like helmets and shields, items that some white nationalists carried in Charlottesville.
The father of the victim of the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder said that the four convicts will not be able to escape the gallows, despite all the legal tactics they may employ

New Delhi: The father of the 23-year-old paramedic student, who was raped and brutally assaulted by six men in the national capital in December 2012, on Thursday said the convicts will not be able to escape the gallows, despite all the legal tactics they may employ.

After the gruesome incident, the paramedic student was flown to Singapore for treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Her father's remarks came after a Delhi court directed the Tihar Jail authorities on Thursday to file a proper report by Friday on the status of the scheduled execution of four convicts in the Jyoti Singh gangrape-and-murder case.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora passed the directions after the jail authorities said they had written to the Delhi government on the issue of the scheduled execution on 22 January in view of the pending mercy plea of one of the convicts.

The court was hearing a plea moved by one of the four death-row convicts in the case, Mukesh Kumar Singh, seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition was pending with the president.

Jyoti's father said the court will decide on the future course of action on Friday.

"We have not lost hope. There is no law for the victim's family but there are legal remedies available to the convicts, which is why the problems are arising," he said.

However, he said they had not lost hope and their fight for justice will continue.

"Justice is not far and their hanging is not far. They should prepare themselves for the hanging. They might delay it, but it will happen," he added.
Mario's Italian Lemonade | Photo: Michelle T./Yelp

Visiting University Village - Little Italy, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Chicago neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Mexican spot to a Vietnamese restaurant.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in University Village - Little Italy, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Mario's Italian Lemonade

Photo: Daniel N./Yelp

Topping the list is Mario's Italian Lemonade, a spot to score shaved ice and desserts. Located at 1068 W. Taylor St. (between Aberdeen and Carpenter streets), it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 572 reviews on Yelp.

The business specializes in lemonade prepared with fresh squeezed lemons. Flavors include blue raspberry, cantaloupe, chocolate, coconut and more.

2. Chilango Mexican Street Food

Photo: Sanjana U./Yelp

Next up is Mexican spot Chilango Mexican Street Food, situated at 1437 W. Taylor St. (between Laflin and Bishop streets). With 4.5 stars out of 499 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.

The restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine from tacos and empanadas to burritos and guacamole. On the menu, look for the chicken tortilla soup or the taco salad with a choice of protein.

3. Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches

Photo: Tim M./Yelp

Vietnamese spot Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches, which offers sandwiches and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 719 W. Maxwell St. (between Union Avenue and Halsted Street), 4.5 stars out of 456 reviews.

The cafe specializes in banh mi sandwiches and offers a variety of Vietnamese cuisine. On the menu, look for the honey grilled pork with honey lemon grass sauce or the curry chicken rice bowl with jasmine rice.

4. Khaosan and Taylor

Photo: Nolan F./Yelp

Khaosan and Taylor, a Thai spot that offers salads and more, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 125 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1104 W. Taylor St. (between May and Aberdeen streets) to see for yourself.

The Thai restaurant serves salads, soups, curry dishes and more. On the menu, look for the deep-fried catfish with eggplant and green beans or the marinated pork skewers with sweet and sour tamarind sauce.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday named two House chairmen who led President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry as prosecutors for Trump's Senate trial.

Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who led the probe, and Judiciary Chair Rep. Jerrold Nadler, whose committee approved the impeachment articles, as among the managers of the prosecution.

Today is an important day, said Pelosi, flanked by the team. This is about the Constitution of the United States.

Schiff and Nadler will lead the seven member team that includes a diverse selection of lawmakers, particularly those with courtroom experience.

They include Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.

During Pelosi's press conference, Trump tweeted that impeachment is another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats. All of this work was supposed to be done by the House, not the Senate!

Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House last month on charges of abuse of power over his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden as Trump withheld aid from the country. He was also charged with obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

The House is set to vote later in the day to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial on whether the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress are grounds for his removal. The managers will walk then walk the articles across the Capitol to the Senate.

Trump's trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and it comes against the backdrop of a politically divided nation and an election year.

New details of Trump's efforts on Ukraine emerged late Tuesday, increasing pressure on senators to call witnesses in the trial, a step that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been reluctant to take.

House investigators announced they were turning over a trove of new records of phone calls, text messages and other information from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the information shows Trump's effort to coerce Ukraine into helping the Presidents reelection campaign." He said this and other new testimony must be included in the Senate trial.

The Senate is expected to transform into an impeachment court as early as Thursday, although significant proceedings wouldn't begin until next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The Constitution calls for the chief justice to preside over senators, who serve as jurors, to swear an oath to deliver "impartial justice.''

McConnell, who is negotiating rules for the trial proceedings, said all 53 GOP senators are on board with his plan to start the session and consider the issue of witnesses later.

Senate Republicans also signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump, as Trump himself has suggested. McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that.

There is little or no sentiment in the Republican conference for a motion to dismiss," McConnell said Tuesday. Our members feel we have an obligation to listen to the arguments."

A mounting number of senators say they want to ensure the ground rules include the possibility of calling new witnesses.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for witness votes.

Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.

Democrats have been pushing Republicans, who have a slim Senate majority, to consider new testimony, arguing that fresh information has emerged during Pelosi's monthlong delay in transmitting the charges.

Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, and are all but certain to acquit Trump. It takes just 51 votes during the impeachment trial to approve rules or call witnesses. Just four GOP senators could form a majority with Democrats to insist on new testimony. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.

At Tuesday's private GOP lunch, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky warned that if witnesses are allowed, defense witnesses could also be called. He and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, Burisma, while his father was vice president.

McConnell is drafting an organizing resolution that will outline the steps ahead. Approving it will be among their first votes of the trial, likely next Tuesday.

He prefers to model Trump's trial partly on the process used for then-President Bill Clinton's trial in 1999. It, too, contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses.

McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices. At the same time, he wants to give those same senators ample room to show voters they are listening to demands for a fair trial.

Most Republicans now appear willing to go along with McConnell's plan to start the trial first then consider witnesses later, rather than upfront, as Democrats want.

Even if senators are able to vote to call new witnesses, it is not at all clear there would be majorities to subpoena Bolton or the others.

-

Associated Press writers Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
Footage of a man pasting a swastika on a subway station elevator was released today by the New York Police Department, leading Gov. Andrew Cuomo to condemn the 'scourge of anti-Semitism' amid rising attacks on Jews.

The clip taken from a security camera at 96 Street Station shows the man fashioning the Nazi symbol using subway advisory leaflets on New Year's Eve at 6.20am in the morning.

Police are seeking information about the vandal in relation to 'an aggravated harassment incident', according to Fox5.

On 5 January, protesters took to the streets of New York to demonstrate against rising anti-Semitism in the city.

According to a report from Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, anti-Semitism in America's three largest cities, including New York, is set to hit an all-time high this year.

The most recent incident involved the invasion of a rabbi's home, in which he and his guests were attacked with a machete during the Jewish Hannukah festival.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement: 'I'm disgusted by the report of an individual posting a swastika made out of flyers in a subway station in Manhattan recently.'

Cuomo added that New York State Police's Hate Crimes Task Force will offer to help the NYPD to investigate the incident.

'Anti-Semitism is a scourge afflicting this nation and it must be stamped out. New York is a place of diversity and acceptancenot hateand we will continue to stand united in condemning these vile acts.'

Police are looking for information leading to the arrest of this man, who was filmed on a security camera at 96 Street Station in Manhattan plastering a swastika to the front of an elevator on New Year's Eve

The unidentified man used subway leaflets to fashion the Nazi hate symbol

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was 'disgusted' by the news and had offered the help of the New York State Police's Hate Crimes Task Force in the investigation

The anti-Semitic vandalism comes weeks after Grafton Thomas, 37, allegedly stormed the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, a prominent Hasidic Jewish leader in an ultra-Orthodox community of Monsey, New York, and attacked guests gathered there for Hannukah celebrations.

Last week he was charged with five counts of attempting to kill victims based on their religion and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon.

Thomas allegedly took out a machete and started stabbing and slashing people in the home packed with dozens of congregants.

New York City has been gripped by an inrease in anti-Semitic attacks over recent months

The indictment charges Grafton Thomas (pictured) with five counts each of attempting to kill victims based on their religion and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon

The five victims suffered serious injuries - including a severed finger, slash wounds and deep lacerations.

One of the men wounded in the machete attack remains in serious condition. His family has said he may have permanent brain damage.

The most gravely injured is reported to be a 72-year-old man who suffered machete blows to his head, leaving him partially paralyzed, comatose and breathing on a respirator.
Washington has compromised in its demands that South Korea should pay billions of dollars towards US troop presence and it was Seoul's turn to reciprocate, the American ambassador said Thursday.

The two allies are in a security alliance and Washington stations 28,500 troops in South Korea to defend it from the nuclear-armed North, which invaded in 1950.

They are a key part of US forces' deployment in Asia, but the Trump administration has been insisting Seoul pay more towards their costs.

The initial US demand was around USD 5 billion a year -- a more than fivefold increase on the roughly USD 900 million paid in 2019 -- provoking consternation in Seoul.

The latest round of negotiations concluded without an agreement in Washington on Wednesday.

US negotiators had "adjusted our position, our top line number", said Ambassador Harry Harris.

"We are now waiting for the Korean side to do the same."



"South Korea as an equal partner in the preservation of peace on the peninsula, and its position as the 12th largest economy in the entire world, can and should do more."



Time was "of the essence", he told reporters in a group interview at his residence in the centre of Seoul.

Around 10,000 South Koreans working for United States Forces Korea (USFK) are paid from funds from last year's deal and when they run out, they will have to be put on furlough, he said.

"That notice is going to go out soon."



Other US allies would face similar demands from Washington in the future, added Harris, a former Navy admiral and commander of US Pacific Command.

"Korea just happens to be the first country whose SMA expires," he said. "Japan is next. And then we go around from there.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UN Urges Support for Multi-Million Dollar Appeal for Refugees in Sudan

By Lisa Schlein January 15, 2020

The U.N. refugee agency is appealing for $447 million to provide essential aid for more than 900,000 refugees in Sudan and for nearly one-quarter of a million Sudanese hosting them.

The U.N. refugee agency is teaming up with more than 30 other partners to provide the refugees with shelter, health, education and other crucial aid for survival. The vast majority of refugees are from South Sudan. But the agency says resources also are needed for refugees from nine other countries who have fled violence and persecution.

In the meantime, UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch says Sudan continues to receive new refugees, putting more pressure on diminishing resources.

"In Darfur, an ongoing influx of refugees from Central African Republic into remote parts of Sudan and Central Darfur states has seen the number of refugees swell from just over 5,000 to nearly 17,000 in the three months since September 2019," Baloch said.

All this is occurring at a time when Sudan is going through an historical political transition. In April, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir was ousted after nearly 30 years in power. The UNHCR reports transitional authorities are struggling to achieve peace and stability, while mired in a severe economic crisis and faced with an internally displaced population of 1.8 million.

Balloch tells VOA refugees in Sudan are scattered over 130 locations across the country's 18 states, some in very remote areas.

"They live side-by-side among their hostsSudanese have been sharing resources with the refugees," Baloch said. "We need to keep our continued support with the refugees that are in Sudan, but also their hosts who also live on scarce resources."

UNHCR operations in Sudan tend to be greatly underfunded. Last year's appeal for $269 million received only 32 percent of that amount. The agency is appealing to the international community to be more generous this year and provide the money needed to aid an ever-growing number of destitute people.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 16, 2020 19:50 726 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322706e4 1 Business wechat-pay,bank-indonesia,QRIS,e-wallet,digital-payment,BI Free

Bank Indonesia (BI) has officially granted China-based e-wallet heavyweight WeChat Pay a permit to operate in the country.

BI deputy governor Sugeng said the central bank granted the permit on Jan. 1.

WeChat Pay is now legal [in the country], he said on Saturday as quoted by kompas.com via Kontan.

Regulators agreed to grant the permit after WeChat Pay formed a partnership with private Bank CIMB Niaga. The bank will serve as an acquirer in charge of processing each transaction made through the foreign e-wallet platform.

WeChat Pays arrival to the countrys burgeoning cashless ecosystem coincided with the implementation of BIs Quick Response Indonesia Standard (QRIS) code, a nationwide standard QR payment system. This will allow Indonesian customers to use WeChat Pay at merchants that support QRIS.

[WeChat Pay] is already connected with QRIS, Sugeng said.

Prior to receiving BIs official permit, WeChat Pay had been operating illegally in the country as the e-wallet was the go-to cashless payment system for a number of Chinese visitors.

Alipay  another China-based e-wallet backed by technology giant Alibaba  has yet to be granted an operational permit from BI.

No development on that front, Sugeng said. (rfa)
Private sector lender Karnataka Bank on Thursday reported a 12 per cent decline in its net profit at Rs 123.14 crore for the third quarter ending December 31, 2019 on account of rise in bad loans.

The Mangalore-headquartered bank had reported a net profit of Rs 140.41 crore in the year-ago period, the bank said in regulatory filing.

However, the total income of the bank rose to Rs 2,023.68 crore from Rs 1,815.79 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

The gross non-performing asset (NPA) of the bank rose to 4.99 per cent of assets from 4.45 per cent in the year-ago period.

Similarly, the net NPA too increased to 3.75 per cent from 3 per cent during September-December 2018.

As a result, provisions (other than tax) and contingencies rose to Rs 314.70 crore from Rs 208.99 crore in the third quarter of the previous fiscal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
16.01.2020 LISTEN

"Oro se ni wo, ka le m'eni to fe ni."

- Yoruba Aphorism

Translation: "Be afflicted and know those who love you."

"Ka rin gere, ka f'ese ko, ka w'eni ti o se 'ni pele."

- Yoruba Aphorism

Translation: "You know your true friends in time of trial."

Time is a very powerful element in nature. Time derobes and robes. It disarms and arms. It convicts and acquits. Time exculpates and exonerates. Time vindicates and rehabilitates. It corroborates and extenuates. With time, assumptions are confirmed or thrown to the curb as baseless and vacuous. Time is never oblivious. Neither is it ever stagnant. It is ever conscious. It never sleeps.

In Nature, there are legion of variables. These variables are centripetal to the definitive characteristic of Nature. But there are very few tools of Nature. Among the few tools is Providence which some would understand or characterize as a sort of Divine Intervention. Providence intervenes at auspicious times, to salve, save, salvage or sink, sag or submerge.

The awesomeness of the ways of Providence is why it is viewed as Divine Intervention by many. It is why it is viewed with amazement by not a few. This is because at the intervention of Providence, all doubts are erased. All prevarications are vacated. All caviling are cramned. All carping are cramped. The rain would be gone, completely. And the people would be able to see very clearly, crystally. Translucently.

As to the true identity of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), with every passing second, every passing minute, hour, days, weeks, months and years, we are finding out who he is and what he is about. With the manifestation of every important event in the trajectory of the Yoruba Nation, we are finding out what he is about.

The Yoruba Nation in every hour if its need had found Bola Ahmed Tinubu wanting. It has found him absent. The Yoruba Nation is earnestly searching for him in its hour of acridity. BAT has had several opportunities. He has had several chances of rebirth. He has missed them all and has continued to miss them.

When the Yoruba were murdered in Ile-Ife, Bola Tinubu was nowhere to be found to defend the Yoruba people. He was nowhere to be found in the defence of the people he claims to lead. The rest of Yoruba sons, who escaped being murdered by the prowling Fulani territorial adventurists were rounded up and taken to Abuja to be tried, Tinubu had no courage to stand up for them. He could not be found.

When the Fulani went on rampage at Ketu in Lagos, burning and murdering the Yoruba owners of the land, the self-acclaimed "Asiwaju" could not be found. He could not stand up for the Yoruba victims of usurpers of the Oodua land. He was silent deafeningly. He was not willing to offend his Fulani masters to whom he has sold the Yoruba Race, the Yoruba Nation. The Yoruba people who have offered him support when he needed it.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been found wanting when Yoruba farms were being invaded, when our investments were being destroyed by Fulani herdsmen, when our sons and daughters were being murdered on their farms. Tinubu has repeatedly refused to stand up for Yoruba sons and daughters, when they were being kidnapped, killed and extorted.

Not a word on record has he said unequivocally on record, in support of the Yoruba sons and daughters across the aisle. He was silent when Chief Olu Falae was kidnapped and his farm invaded. He was silent when Chief Falae's guard was kidnapped and killed. When the daughter of Afenifere leader was murdered, Tinubu's way of commiserating was asking, "Where are the cows?"

Now, Amotekun has become an issue, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is nowhere to be found again. The self-acclaimed "Asiwaju" has become an absentee one. At every turn when he is expected to stand up for the Yoruba people, the Yoruba Nation, the Yoruba sons and daughters, Tinubu has always been found wanting.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu at every turn, at every opportunity, at every chance he gets or he has gotten, he has had no qualms, he has had no problems, throwing under the bus, the Yoruba Nation to please his Fulani masters. To Tinubu, it does not matter how many Yoruba sons and daughters are murdered or maimed. It doesn't matter to him how much of the Oodua land is appropriated by the Fulani aggressors and neo-colonialists.

To Bola Ahmed Tinubu, anything, everyone and everything is expendable. It does not matter how much gnashing of teeth is going on the streets of the Yoruba Nation. It does not matter to him how much tears is being shed by the Yoruba sons and daughters. It does not matter to him, how much suffering, agony and misery is inflicted on every corner and cranny of Yoruba Nation, on Oodua land by his Fulani masters, as long as he is protected and his ambition is on course, he is perfectly alright.

The question now remains, how many sons and daughters of Oodua have to lose their lives for Tinubu's ambition to be realised? How much more blood have to flow for his Fulani masters to be happy to be able to guarantee him the Presidency, if ever they would? How many more have to die needless deaths? How much more land do we have to give up? How much more have to be kidnapped and killed? How much more of have to be maimed and deprived? Obviously, "Ti iku ile o ba pa ni, t'ode o le pa ni."

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has to understand that it was never enough to get himself the title of "Asiwaju." (thank God, it was the "Asiwaju of Eko Island" and not the "Asiwaju of the Yoruba Nation" as many of his paid sentries have always wanted to portray him). Was the purpose of his title to lead whoever follows him to the Golgotha to be slaughtered? Was that the purpose and or the objective?

The creation, launching and the continued subsistence of Amotekun Project is an act of Providence. It is an act of Providence incubated by Nature to identify the true enemies of the Yoruba Nation. The role of Nature here is the affirmation of its very first Law - self-preservation. In this trajectory, the ever conscious TIME has vindicated the characterization of Tinubu's politics as mercantilist and not beneficial to and or in the interest of the Yoruba Nation.

Thus if you did not hear anything from Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this matter of Amotekun, you now know why. But never the less, we must still ask this question:- AMOTEKUN: Where is Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it.

-John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1960
Programme to focus on who is driving change in telecom, digital infrastructure and cloud services

LONDON, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMT Finance, the specialist business information provider, is pleased to announce the agenda for TMT M&A Forum Europe 2020, the leading event for senior dealmakers assessing new investment and M&A opportunities in telecoms and digital infrastructure.



The conference, which takes place in London on May 14th 2020, will evaluate the next merger, acquisition, investment and financing opportunities for telecom, digital infrastructure and cloud services leaders.

TMT M&A Forum Europe 2020 will host 25 key panels and sessions, including:

TMT Leadership Panel - Building communications companies fit for the next decade of connectivity and disruption

- Building communications companies fit for the next decade of connectivity and disruption Enterprise Cloud and Internet Infrastructure Panel - How hyperscalers are shifting market dynamics

- How hyperscalers are shifting market dynamics Digital Infrastructure Panel - Investing in infrastructure convergence for 5G and beyond

- Investing in infrastructure convergence for 5G and beyond TMT M&A Panel - What is driving the next wave of transactions in European TMT?

- What is driving the next wave of transactions in European TMT? Fibre Leadership Panel - Assessing the race to full fibre coverage and investment

The program will also take an in-depth look into Telecom M&A Strategies, The Impact of 5G, Edge Computing and IOT, Data Centres and Managed Services Business Models, Mobile Towers M&A and Financing TMT M&A, through a new stream of interactive breakout sessions, for delegates to exchange their views, point out observations and raise questions in a more dynamic environment.

For the full agenda please visit tmtfinance.com/merger/agenda

"The 2020 TMT M&A Forum for Europe will define the next wave of industry transforming deals and investment strategies for telecoms and digital infrastructure operators, cloud service providers, investors, investment bankers and advisers for the next decade," said Dominic Lowndes, Founder and CEO of TMT Finance. "From expert discussion on the latest TMT M&A strategies as well as new drivers for private equity and infrastructure investors to valuation and financing options, and how technology is creating new opportunities and business models, delegates will leave the Forum with a perspective that both captures the current challenges, provides resolution and anticipates future trends that are vital to their success."

TMT M&A Forum Europe 2020 brings together 350 senior executives active in TMT Investment and M&A including Corporate, Private Equity and Telecom Industry Investors, Investment Bankers, M&A Advisers and C-Level executives across the TMT sector.

A limited number of Super Early Bird Tickets are available until January 24 2020. To register your ticket, please visit tmtfinance.com/merger

For more information about TMT Forum M&A Europe2020 please visit tmtfinance.com/merger or contact enquiries@tmtfinance.com for speaker and sponsor opportunities.

About TMT Finance

TMT Finance launched in 2009 to connect and inform senior executives pursuing M&A, investment, financing and advisory opportunities in the telecom, media and tech sector globally. Since then, TMT Finance has established 5 weekly news titles with a series of leading annual executive only events gathering financial-decision makers across the world.
Shen Yun gave 14 performances in seven different cities on Saturday, Jan. 11, and audiences are saying the performance provides a deeper personal experience than just witnessing a beautiful display.

Its transcendent, just transcending. Its mind body spirit, everything, says former Broadway actress Tami Damiano from San Jose, California.

The aura, what it sort of gives you, the sort of overall emotion, exclaims Mike Jones, an executive board member at the GFM Institute of Education, after seeing the performance in Woking, U.K.

Anchor Wakaka Sekine described her experience as, I got chills all over my body, moved to tears. after seeing Shen Yun in Tokyo, Japan.

It was very, very powerful, said Lee Ellis. Ellis is an award-winning author, and a retired United States Air Force Colonel. After watching the Shen Yun performance in Atlanta, Georgia, he said the show Causes you to think about who you are, what your purpose is, and how do we deal with life on this earth.

While most performing arts groups that stick to traditional techniques struggle to survive in the modern age, Shen Yun continues to grow. This year, Shen Yun has expanded from six to seven dance companies that travel simultaneously around the world.

Shen Yun is on a mission to revive the traditional values that were once the core of ancient Chinese culture and share this with the rest of the world.

Theres something about this culture that resonates, I think deeply in people all over the world because its the same values, shares emcee Leeshai Lemish. Its the same foundational ideathese principles that were depicting on stagewhen people see the show, they reconnect with it.

Ancient Chinese culture placed emphasis on divine and virtue. For thousands of years, classical Chinese dance was used to express those values.

The values and history of a country I think are important for young people too, said Princess Beatrice Marie Caroline Louise Francoise of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

She saw Shen Yun for the second time in Naples, Italy. The first time she saw Shen Yun was in France.

Young people must know history and have all these things, know them and be able to also practice them, Princess Beatrice added.

Tami Damiano went on to share, I thought that was a really beautiful mission that the situation the mind-body, spiritual mission, part of it that seems to have maybe been kind of squelched over the years that they were wanting to bring that back. I think thats very important. Its a crazy world we live in and, you know, I think we all need to remember that, at the heart at heart, were all the same. You know, that to keep your culture is so important because you dont want to lose that part of what makes each culture unique
ROCKLAND, Mass., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Sales Co. Inc. announced a $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, fixed-price contract award by Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk VA. Noble was chosen from five competitive solicitations submitted. Under this contract, Noble will operate two commercial retail stores at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane, Indiana. These Noble Storefronts will provide onsite bench stock, automated forecasting, demand planning, inventory management, supplier onboarding, and customer service to authorized purchasers within the Naval Facilities Command Public Works Department. Noble will also maintain a customized e-commerce website for customers on base.

Tom Noble, CEO, issued a statement; " We are honored to be awarded this contract and humbled by the trust that the Navy has extended to us. Noble's combination of world-class people, global supply chain, and cutting-edge technology will allow us to assist NSA Crane with cutting costs and increasing productivity."

The contract includes a five-year base period with an option to extend services for six months. All work will be performed in Crane, Indiana. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00189-20-D-0009).

Noble provides supply chain management, logistics, mission support, and technology/e-commerce solutions for the U.S. military, federal, state, and local governments. Our global footprint includes operation centers, distribution centers, and consolidation points positioned to expedite delivery and enhance product availability. A distributor of 11,000 manufacturers, Noble stocks over one million items in warehouses throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. Noble reduces the cost of readiness while maintaining the ability to respond to today's challenges rapidly. Visit us at https://www.noble.com/

Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) is the U.S. Navy's global supply and logistics enterprise, providing the Navy, Marine Corps, Joint and Allied Forces with supplies and logistics services needed to support their mission. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk is the U.S. Navy's largest Fleet Logistics Center, providing supply and logistics support on the Norfolk waterfront and 37 additional installations across 13 states. NSA Crane is the third-largest U.S. Navy base geographically. It is a modern leader in diverse and technical products aimed at meeting the needs of today's warfighter. Noble Storefronts support NAVSUP's mission at each of our Naval base locations. Our Storefront Programs reduce government-owned inventories and the cost of readiness.

Learn more https://www.noble.com/mission-support

Media Contact: Cela Libeskind, [email protected]

SOURCE Noble Supply & Logistics

Related Links

www.noble.com


In the meantime, the phone number at the outlet store will switch to Tofflers (414-915-5650) and customers are encouraged to email him at toffler1@gmail.com. Toffler also said there will be special closing sales as the end date approaches. He doesnt know if there will ever be another outlet store, but hopes that the company may find room for one someday.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2020) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (the "Company" or "Benz"), today announces the termination of the non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") announced on November 18, 2019, due to an abatement of interest, Company's current share structure, and share price.

Benz also announces that it will be exhibiting at the 2020 Cambridge House International, Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.

The Cambridge House Investment Conference is to take place Sunday, January 19, and Monday, January 20, 8:30am to 5:30pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The Company would like to cordially invite you to visit us at booth 913 to discuss Benz's current activities at the Eastmain gold mine and future strategy for growth.

About Benz Mining Inc.

Benz Mining Corp. brings together a veteran team of engineers, geologists and finance professionals with a focused strategy to acquire and develop mineral projects with an emphasis on safe, low risk jurisdictions favorable to mining development. Benz is earning a 100% interest in the former producing high grade Eastmain gold mine project in Quebec.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benz Mining Corp.

Miloje Vicentijevic, President and Chief Executive Officer

For more information please contact Benz Mining Corp.

Telephone: 604.617.1239

Email: info@benzmining.com

Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may 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, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains regulatory approval. 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, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than 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 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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Cattle breeders under the auspices of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore have warned Southwest governors to withdraw their support for Western Nigeria Security outfit, Operation Amotekun.

Since the launch of the security outfit in the South West, mixed reactions have trailed it, with some groups expressing support, while others called for its halt.

The group, in an interview with PUNCH, expressed that the support of Southwest Governors for Operation Amotekun may hurt the Southwests chances of getting the Presidency in 2023.

Also Read: Seyi Makinde Says AGF Lacks Power To Declare Amotekun Illegal

The group also expressed its disappointment in the South-West academic community for supporting the outfit.
As digital disruption continues to weigh heavy on future job security, Southeast Asian airline AirAsia has teamed up Google to launch a new tech academy to reskill employees.

The first of its kind "AirAsia Google Cloud Academy" will be managed by AirAsia's venture arm, RedBeat Ventures, and will offer courses including digital marketing, software engineering and tech infrastructure design  all of which will be accredited by the Silicon Valley tech giant.

Google Cloud's Southeast Asia regional director Tim Synan said in a statement to CNBC Make It that the deal would enable participants to better understand its technology.

"Together we're working to upskill AirAsia AllStars with relevant expertise in Google Cloud technologies and build deep technical knowledge and Cloud expertise including Kubernetes, smart analytics, Cloud AI and more," he said.

AirAsia has partnered with Google since 2018, when it struck a deal to integrate Google Cloud's machine learning capabilities to improve its digital capabilities.

AirAsia did not immediately confirm further details on the training facility. AirAsia's head office is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The airline's group president, Aireen Omar, told the Nikkei Asian Review the academy will initially open to current employees next month, before being extended to the public by year end.

She said that the launch is part of the budget carrier's long-term strategy to prepare workers for the shifting jobs landscape.

"More jobs might become redundant in the next three years, so we are giving our employees the opportunities to reskill to suit the digital economy," Omar told Nikkei.

The launch of a tech academy is the latest move by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes to diversify his business for the digital age.

Last year, the airline announced that it would begin selling flights from more than 100 rival carriers as part of Fernandes' ambition to become the "Amazon of travel."

Elsewhere, RedBeat Ventures has acquired a string of non-airline businesses, including online ticketing site RedTix, payments platform BigPay and cargo and parcel firms RedCargo and RedBox Logistics, to bolster the company's revenue streams.

In December, AirAsia announced the launch of its first restaurant selling airline food. Fernandes said at the time that he hoped Santan and T&Co's Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia outlet  which serves meals from RM15 ($3.60)  would be the first in a line of AirAsia restaurants, with a Times Square location dubbed the "dream."

Don't miss: This 32-year-old tech start-up founder wants would-be entrepreneurs to know 2 things

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EL CINCHADO, Guatemala  Guatemalan police accompanied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swept up the majority of a group of some 300 migrants Thursday, loaded them on buses and took them back to the Honduran border, effectively dashing their plans to travel together in a caravan with hopes of reaching the United States.

Near another border point, a different group of about 600 rested at a shelter after crossing the frontier earlier in the day and encountering no resistance from police. Other, smaller groups were traveling highways elsewhere in unorganized dribs and drabs in a movement involving several thousand people but far different in nature from previous caravans.

Praying and singing songs, the group of 300 migrants  adults, teens and young children  had set out from a shelter in Entre Rios under rainy skies before dawn and walked about six hours before stopping in the town of Morales to eat and rest. There they were challenged by police who asked for their entry documents, and nearly all had crossed into Guatemala irregularly and didnt have such documentation.

The migrants were put on three gray buses and told they had to go back to register properly at a border station under rules governing freedom of travel in the Central American border agreement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

There was no violence in the encounter, though some wept and begged to be allowed to continue, while police gave them no choice but to go back. Red Cross workers gave several migrants anti-inflammatory medicine for wounds on their feet.

Guatemalan police who declined to be identified by name said the United States paid for the buses. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala did not immediately confirm that.

The action effectively dissolved what had been the largest and most cohesive group that left the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Wednesday in response to a call for the first migrant caravan in many months. Guatemalas tactics mirrored those employed last year by Mexico to discourage and break up caravans on its territory following intense pressure from Washington.

Many of those swept up Thursday were expected to give up and return to Honduras, even as scattered groups continued to walk and hitchhike through a tropical region of southeastern Guatemala.

Sonia Perez D. is an Associated Press writer.
Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan will be invited to India to attend the annual meeting of the council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Indian foreign ministry said on Thursday.

As per the established practice and procedure within Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , all eight members of SCO as well as 4 observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting, foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told a weekly news briefing on Thursday.

India is hosting the meeting of the council of heads of government of the SCO for the first time.

ALSO WATCH | Lesson for China, Pak: Indias message after failed bid to raise J&K at UNSC

The SCO, a China-dominated grouping, was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Officials have said it would be for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to decide if he accepts the invitation and travels to India or sends a representative. There have also been instances of the foreign ministers of countries attending the SCO heads of government meetings in the past.

India had been an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in June 2017.
Encana Corp. won investors approval to relocate to the U.S. and change its name to Ovintiv, a plan that has dented morale in Canadas beleaguered energy industry.

Around 90 per cent of the shares were voted by holders in favour of the plan, Encana said in a statement Tuesday after a special meeting in Calgary. The company produces oil and natural gas in both Canada and the U.S.

Encana can now push ahead with a plan that has added to the gloom surrounding Canadas oil industry, which is suffering from a lack of pipeline space that has weighed on prices and prevented producers from increasing output. The dismal environment has prompted foreign companies to sell more than $30 billion (U.S.) of Canadian energy assets in the past three years.

Losing Encana carries an even sharper sting because it was one of Canadas marquee companies, born out of the countrys 19th-century railway boom, and the can in its name was a nod toward its country of origin.

The company, which is moving its head office to Denver from Calgary, said relocating to the U.S. will allow it to access larger pools of investment capital, including U.S. index funds and passively managed accounts.

Montreal-based Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc., Encanas fourth-largest shareholder, blasted the plan in November, saying the move was highly discriminatory because it forces investors holding the shares in Canadian-focused funds to sell the stock at a time when the price is particularly weak. The company holds around 4 per cent of Encanas shares.

Roughly 71 per cent of Encanas shareholders are in the U.S., and 20 per cent are in Canada, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Around 90 million Encana shares in the S&P/TSX index and 30 million in the MSCI Canada may be put up for sale as a result of the move to the U.S., according to Randy Ollenberger, an analyst at Bank of Montreal.

The company may be added to the S&P MidCap 400 Index, generating demand for 90 million or more of the companys shares, he said. Encana has around 1.3 billion shares outstanding, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

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FILE PHOTO: A guard stands outside Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell's first gas station in Mexico City

BEIJING/GUANGZHOU (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell <RDSa.L> signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) to build its first commercial-scale polycarbonate production plant in the southern Chinese city of Huizhou.

Polycarbonate is a transparent and impact-resistant polymer, widely used to make vehicle headlights and LED spotlights.

"(Huizhou city government) is in touch with Shell and CNOOC for detailed investment and production plans," said Liu Ji, mayor of Huizhou, on the sideline of a conference in Guangzhou on Thursday.

The production capacity of the polycarbonate plant is planned to be 260,000 tonnes per annum, Shell said in an email on Friday.

The MoU follows an agreement reached by the two energy giants in October 2018 that aims to build more production equipment at their jointly-owned petrochemical complex in Huizhou.

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Corp (CSPC) has ethylene production capacity of 2.2 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, Shell has started constructing a polycarbonate development unit at its Jurong Island chemicals plant in Singapore as an interim step, the company said in a statement on Monday.

"(...)We have an advantaged route to production and are looking at investment in a number of commercial-scale units to serve the growing number of polycarbonate customers," Thomas Casparie, Executive Vice President of Shell's global chemicals business, said in the statement.

The Huizhou mayor also said the city was in talks to introduce a fine chemical project with a "world-leading" company into the city, without giving more details.

(Reporting by Muyu Xu in BEIJING and David Kirton in GUANGZHOU; Editing by Alex Richardson)
The New York State Sheriffs Association is touting a new tool that it says can help deter crime and help police identify criminals using synthetic forensic marking technology.

The tool is a spray from a company called SelectaDNA that leaves a trail of molecules, made up of the same building blocks in DNA, on a suspects skin and clothes at a crime scene. If a suspect is brought in by police, the chemicals in the mist can be matched to the scene. The spray is only visible under a special UV frequency light and can stay on skin and clothes for weeks after a crime occurred, officials said.

The spray has been in use in other countries for years and is being used is some larger cities across the United States. Stores that have installed signs letting customers know the technology is in the store have seen a decrease in property crimes by over 40 percent, said Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting, acting chairman of the executive committee for the New York State Sheriffs Association, at a news conference on Thursday.

The sheriffs association hopes to help spread the technology and help train police departments in how it can assist them through a new program, the Crime Suppression Initiative.

Technology such as SelectaDNA enhances our ability to prevent more crime and aids the outcome of criminal investigations, especially those involving violent crime and theft, Cutting said.

Truman Jewelers in Albany recently installed the system, becoming the first in Upstate New York to use it, said owner Paul Crabbe.

While we dont have significant crime issues, we want to keep it that way, he said. Its a great peace of mind.

The water-based spray leaves behind a unique code that is assigned to a specific location, according to Tony Maltese, the executive vice president of CSI Protect, the technology's North American distributor. Each code is unique, like DNA, and is designed to replicate the form of human DNA. That means that if police arrest someone with that spray on their clothes or skin, they can tie that person to the scene of a crime. The markers act essentially like a dye pack that banks put in cash, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

If police recover clothing or are able to stop a suspect that has the spray on them, they then send the sample back to a lab, which will tell them what location the spray came from.

The system can be installed and activated in a number of ways, including through a panic button, video monitoring and sensors. The technology is also available for home security use through markers that property owners can use to mark valuables.

"This is new, but it's not really different," said Albany County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Lee Borman. "This is just another tool in the tool chest."
BARKHAMSTED  Old New Hartford Road from W. West Hill Road to Battistoni Drive will be closed today for approximately 6 - 8 hours beginning at 4 p.m.

The road is closed to repair a telephone pole.
ZURICH (Reuters) - Zurich's airport operator Flughafen Zuerich <FHZN.S> would consider taking on investors to fund international projects, its chief financial officer was quoted as saying by Swiss newspaper Handelszeitung on Wednesday.

Flughafen Zuerich won a 40-year concession in November for the new airport in Jewar, India, near Delhi, and already operates airports in Chile and Brazil. The Swiss company is also seeking a role in operating a new Nepalese airport.

"I can imagine taking on an investor in the medium- to long-term," its CFO Lukas Brosi told the newspaper.

"Over the long haul we want to keep the majority ownership and management control of our international engagements. Still, we don't have to always have a 100% stake," he added.

Brosi said international investors approached Flughafen Zuerich, which is about 38% owned by the canton and city of Zurich, about partnering on the Indian airport.

"From my point of view, however, any engagement from third-party investors would probably come on a portfolio level rather than individual projects," he told the newspaper.

(Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar was holding talks in Athens on Friday, just two days ahead of a peace conference in Berlin which he and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj are expected to attend. His visit comes as world powers step up efforts for a lasting ceasefire, nine months since an assault on Tripoli by Haftar's forces sparked fighting that has killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displaced tens of thousands. An interim truce that came into force on Sunday has mostly held, despite accusations of violations from Haftar's forces and the rival Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). Haftar walked away from ceasefire talks in Moscow on Monday, but German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited his eastern Libya stronghold of Benghazi on Thursday to persuade him to join the Berlin conference. He flew to Athens on a surprise visit on Thursday, with Greece seeking to build ties with Haftar after the GNA signed a maritime and military cooperation deal with Turkey in November. Athens is vehemently opposed to the contentious Turkish deal with Libya, which claims much of the Mediterranean for energy exploration, conflicting with rival claims by Greece and Cyprus. Haftar met Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias after his arrival on Thursday and they were holding further talks on Friday. He is also set to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Greece is seeking to take part in the Berlin talks but has yet to be invited. Haftar agreed in principle Thursday to go to Berlin after Sarraj signalled he would be present, Germany's Maas said, adding that he had agreed to abide by the current ceasefire. He "wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it," he tweeted, calling it "the best chance in a long time" for peace. But Sarraj, whose GNA did sign up to a permanent truce deal in Moscow, cast doubt over Haftar's intentions after he refused to also sign. Haftar "has chosen not to sign the agreement and asked for a delay", he said, calling that "an attempt to undermine the Berlin conference before it starts". The oil-rich North African state has been in turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and multiple foreign powers have become embroiled. The GNA is backed by Turkey and Qatar, while Haftar, who backs a rival administration in Libya's east, has the support of neighbouring Egypt as well as Russia and the United Arab Emirates. - External interference - The United Nations said the Berlin talks aim to end foreign interference and division over Libya. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will take part and voice support for truce efforts, the State Department said Thursday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Wednesday for firm support for the peace talks and asked for a halt in the fighting. In a report to the Security Council he urged all parties to "engage constructively towards that end, including within the Berlin process". Guterres also warned against "external interference", saying it would "deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a clear international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis". The conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace, Guterres said. Turkish troops have been deployed to support the GNA, while Russia, despite its denials, is suspected of supporting Haftar with weapons, money and mercenaries. Some 11 countries and several international organisations are set to attend along with the Libyan parties. The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants, many embarking on rickety boats towards Italy. Nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return to the war-ravaged country since January 1, mostly ending up in detention, the UN's International Organization for Migration said Tuesday. burs/txw/wdb
How clean does clean energy need to be?

Critics of proposed changes to Minnesota's Clean Energy First bill say the legislation contains some dirty tricks.

Members of the Minnesota Senate Committee on Utilities Finance and Policy hosted a public forum to discuss the bill Wednesday night at the Heintz Center at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, author of the bill, presented an overview of the legislation.

"This bill can move Minnesota forward to a clean energy future," he said.

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One major change focuses on defining clean energy as coming from carbon-free energy sources, which includes nuclear power and municipal waste-fueled plants and repeals a decades-old moratorium on nuclear power plants.

Senjem noted that under state definition, waste-fired plants are considered renewable energy.

Representatives of utility companies applauded the provision, saying it gives them flexibility as they transition away from coal and gas-fired power plants.

Critics said Wednesday this doesn't provide for transitioning to clean energy.

Rick Morris, of the North Star chapter of the Sierra Club, said the provisions in the Senate bill take clean energy efforts backwards with those carbon-free definitions and a loophole that would allow utilities to build gas or coal plants outside the state and sell the electricity in Minnesota.

"This is clean energy first in name only," Morris said. "It is a coal and gas forever bill."

Morris said waste-fueled plants add to carbon emissions. Other comments echoed the sentiment.

"To call garbage-burning clean energy is absurd," said Alan Muller, a Red Wing resident.

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Tony Hill, Olmsted County environmental resources director, defended the county's waste-fuel plant. The facility provides electricity to county and city facilities and helps the county manage solid waste, Hill said. The plant allows the county to divert 99 percent of municipal waste from landfills, he added.

Olmsted County produces about 1 million pounds of waste per day, Hill and Olmsted County Commissioner Ken Brown told the panel.

"I would ask detractors, would you rather we put it in the ground?" Brown asked.

Rob Dunnett, a waste energy consultant, said methane from unprocessed waste would have a more detrimental effect on the environment than the carbon produced by waste-fuel facilities.

Morris asked the senators to look at a version of the bill passed by the Minnesota House last year.

Also included in the bill are provisions for assistance for communities that would experience closure of coal, gas or nuclear plants.

Sean Dowse, mayor of Red Wing, said the Prairie Island nuclear plant, the largest in the state, provides about half of the city's tax base and said retirement of the plant would affect every aspect of the city.

"We recognize we may have a little more time than some other communities," he said.

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Dowse also urged them to fund the state's energy transition grant program that provides relief to communities with closing plants.

Sen. David Osmek, R-Mound, Chairman of the energy committee, called the bill "reasonable" and pragmatic," adding that the energy sector has already been moving toward renewable energy generation.

Sen. Erik Simonson, DFL-Duluth, ranking minority member of the committee, noted Minnesotas three largest investor-owned utilities have already surpassed state renewable energy goals.

Osmek said at the conclusion of the hearing that he hopes to have an energy bill on the Senate floor for vote by the end of February.
Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on Thursday moved the country's Supreme Court against a special court verdict -- which had handed death sentence to him in a high treason case last year, Dawn reported.

In a 90-page criminal appeal, Musharraf named three respondents- special court, the state and the federation through interior ministry secretary.

Musharraf, who has been living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai since 2016, has called for the order of the special court to be set aside.

This comes days after the Lahore High Court (LHC) declared the formation of a special court in the case as "unconstitutional", local media reported.

A three-member full bench of the LHC, comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir, also ruled that the treason case against the former president was not prepared in accordance with the law, Dawn reported.

The special court had heard the treason case against Musharraf and handed him death sentence on December 17, last year, after finding him guilty of treason.

Following this, a set of petitions was filed by Musharraf in the LHC, asking the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional for violating Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution.

The applications filed by Musharraf had been returned by LHC on December 27, last year due to the unavailability of the full bench during the winter vacation. These were filed again on January 8 by a legal panel comprising Khwaja Ahmad Tariq Rahim and Azhar Siddique.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A three-year-old girl has gone missing in the most remote area of the Western Australian outback.

Police are conducting a frantic land and air search after the toddler went missing from Noreena Downs Station, a 368,000-hectare pastoral property in Nullagine.

A pastoral lease, it sits around 135km south of Marble Bar in the Pilbara region, which has been devastated by floods from Tropical Cyclone Blake.

Officials said the girl was last seen around 2.30pm on Wednesday, and was potentially with her Jack Russell terrier.

Officers combed through bushland (pictured) to find the toddler, who has been missing for more than 24 hours

She was wearing a light green top and pink dress.

Three helicopters and seven horses are being used to hunt for the girl, said West Australian Police.

Eight specialist SES rescue members have joined nine police officers in the search, as well as seven horses and three helicopters

The area covers some of the most remote cattle land in the state, leading police to call it a 'very concerning' situation.

The family-run station in the East Pilbara region has been running since 1983, and like much of Western Australia has suffered intense rain this week.

Newman, 150km north of the station, recorded 143mm of rain in just 24 hours last Wednesday.

Newman, 150km away, suffered intense flooding during recent rainfall (pictured) that has made conditions difficult in the area

It caused flooding and road closures.

WA Police Acting Commissioner Col Blanch told ABC: 'It's a very challenging environment up there. There's floods all around that area.

'I know the family must be going through a terrible time whilst this search is ongoing, but I can assure the community that we're throwing everything we have at it.'
HISD FFA students give update on upcoming livestock show

Representatives from Humble ISDs FFA district-wide program attended the Rotary Club of Humble meeting recently to discuss the upcoming Humble Rodeo Livestock Show.

It is time to go the livestock show. We are excited for this event and we appreciate all of the hard work that our students have put in  it was truly an amazing effort, said Roger Brown, deputy superintendent of Humble ISD.

Several ranking members of FFA from across Humble ISD discussed this years upcoming events.

The livestock show will be Jan. 21-24, and this show is an integral part of what we do at FFA. Through this livestock program, students learn many real-world lessons such as leadership and responsibility, said Peyton Archie, president of the Atascocita High School FFA chapter. The events will take place at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy.

The Humble ISD FFA chapters have accomplished great things throughout this school year. Officers representing Humble ISD competed across all of our chapters in leadership development events  two teams advanced to the state contest, representing the top teams across the state, said Reagan DeSpain, secretary of the Kingwood High School chapter.

The show begins the 21st  our rabbit, lamb and goat exhibitions begin at 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, our poultry and swine exhibits will go on display starting at 8 a.m. On that same day, at 2 p.m., our student show begins. All of our FFA members have worked incredibly hard during the school year and we would love to see you all there, said Andrea Meneses, president of the Humble High School chapter. If interested in a specific exhibit, be sure to see the schedule of events at humbleisd.net/Page/71636 in order to plan a trip accordingly.

Humble ISDs FFA program honors all members of the district with its livestock show  especially the disadvantaged ones.

Our district has an amazing tradition during the livestock show  Special Kids Day. Every year, we give the special needs children in our district the chance to experience a real livestock show. We have schools from around the district come to meet the animals, play games and enjoy the show. The smiles on the childrens faces are what the show is all about  as FFA members, part of our motto is service  serving these children is something our chapters are proud to be a part of, said Abbey Rodee, president of the Summer Creek High School chapter.

Each year, our livestock show is dedicated to an outstanding member of our community. This year, our show is dedicated to Phoenix Oil for their support and dedication to our chapters. There will be a live auction Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Civic Center. In order to make auction, ones animal must place in the top 10 of their specific species, which shows the hard work that each student put into their project, said Madison Jones, president of the Kingwood Park High School chapter. The selection process as referred to by Jones takes place within the FFA program; students select animals based on a lottery system and then raise them for a period of four months before facing judges that test for quality. The winning animals are then sent to the livestock show to be auctioned off.

For more information, visit humblerodeo.com/events.
Ukraine also asked the Iranian side to provide it with access to things that might serve as evidence in criminal proceedings

PS 752 plane crash in Tehran Reuters

The Ukrainian side sent a request for international legal assistance to Iran with a request to gain access to the black boxes of the downed plane of Ukraines International Airlines in Tehran, but has not yet received a response. This was announced by Ukraine's Prosecutor Generals Office representative Polina Chyzh, as Interfax-Ukraine reports.

According to the representative of the General Prosecutors Office, information was received that the Iranian side allegedly did not transfer the "black boxes" to Ukraine, in the morning of January 14, as agreed earlier.

This information can neither be confirmed nor disproved now because we are contacting the representatives of Iran. They are now saying that their expert, as promised, will not arrive today, January 15, but this issue is being resolved. Therefore, we had yesterday a decision was made and a second request for legal assistance to Iran was prepared with a request to provide us with access to the "black boxes" and to decide on the possibility of their decryption by our experts. The answer has not yet been received," she said

Chyzh noted that in this request, the Ukrainian side also asks the Iranian side to provide it with access to things that may be evidence in criminal proceedings, for example, aircraft parts, seats and the like.

As we reported earlier, Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 8,3 thousand dollars to each of the families of those who died in the Boeing 737 crash in Tehran.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2020) - Jaxon Mining Inc. (TSXV: JAX) (FSE: OU31) (OTC: JXMNF) ("Jaxon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has directly acquired or optioned nine new mineral claims to extend its Hazelton property in the Skeena Arch to approximately 463 km2 (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Jaxon's Hazelton property map in the Skeena Arch area, near Smithers, B.C.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/51531_eed2aca41470cb4c_001full.jpg

The new claims, 1072506, 1064626, 1073962, 1073724, 1073617, 1073617, 1073727, 1073728 and 1073729, spanning approximately 40.75 km2, have been consolidated with the Company's existing land holdings.

Areas of Interest (AOI)

The Company has identified three areas of geologic interest, in addition to the area encompassing the Red Springs porphyry system (Figure 1).

AOI #1: The Company's flagship project, the Red Springs copper porphyry and gold-bearing tourmaline breccia project. With 15 claims, Red Springs spans approximately 248.1 km2 and involves a large porphyry system containing three Cu porphyry targets, one > 1 km2 high grade Au-bearing tourmaline breccia zone/pipe with Co, Cu and Bi credits and two high grade polymetallic sulfide vein type mineralization. For more information on the Red Springs Project, visit www.jaxonmining.com.

AOI #2: The Blunt Mountain polymetallic project, 12 claims, spans approximately 70.62 km2. Blunt Mountain is documented as a silver-lead-zinc vein or fracture-controlled mineralization hosted in Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Bowser Lake Group rocks. The clastic sediments of the Bowser Lake Group are intruded by a monzonitic to dioritic pluton of the Late Cretaceous Bulkley Intrusions. Well-developed northeast-trending sheeted joints which are mineralized by amphibole-quartz-magnetite-apatite-sulphide veins over a strike length of four kilometres and one kilometer wide, more than 12 showings have been discovered (Figure 2). Best chip sample results to date report 4.05 g/t Au over 1.2m from the Ridge Vein and 5.62 g/t Au over 1.6m from the Old Post Vein. Six diamond shallow drill holes (262 metres) were completed on the showings. Although core recovery was very poor, one hole yielded 2.4 g/t Au and 829 g/t Ag across 30 centimetres (Hole 86-1, Assessment Report 16273).

A molybdenite occurrence is also reported near an unnamed creek below the western slopes of Blunt Mountain. The showing is hosted in quartz monzonite of the Late Cretaceous Bulkley Intrusions (Map 69-1).



Figure 2: A 4 km long and 1 km wide mineralization corridor at the Blunt Mountain Polymetallic Project area

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/51531_eed2aca41470cb4c_002full.jpg

AOI #3: Max VMS project, 7 claims, spans 92.56 km2. The Max displays characteristics of the nearby Equity Silver Mine (once Canada's most profitable silver mine) including similar age rock, shallow marine setting and possible remobilization of precious metal rich mineralization. Polymetallic sulphides with variable presence of sulphosalts were found in rhyolite and tuffs, monzonite and in marine sediments such as argillite and arenite. Variable quantities of semi-massive to massive stratiform-bedding parallel sulphides, cross cutting veins and fractures have been found in all lithologies. It is a large multiple-phase overprinting of polymetallic sulphide-sulphosalt mineralization and long-lived shallow-marine volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system in the portion of the volcanic-sedimentary Rocky Ridge sequence. More than 19 historical showings have been discovered in the Max project area (Figure 3). 11 discrete intervals of high-grade silver (over 100 g/t Ag) were intercepted in seven of the 12 holes drilled in 2017. These intercepts occur as antimony-rich silver sulphosalts in polymetallic veins, feeder breccias and stratiform beds, returning grades from 103 g/t to 1,206 g/t Ag, up to 11.1% Zn and up to 2.07 g/t Au. For more information on the Max Project, visit www.jaxonmining.com.



Figure 3: Location map of historical showings at the Max project area

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

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AOI #4: Netalzul Mountain Cu-Mo-W-Ag-Au polymetallic and porphyry project, 13 claims, spans 59.12 km2. A newly consolidated project area which includes five previously acquired or optioned claims, five newly optioned claims and three newly acquired claims. It is mainly comprised of the Daisy (093M 016) and Ellen (093M 123) occurrences.

The Daisy occurrence is hosted in the contact area of a granodioritic to quartz monzonitic plug of the Late Cretaceous Bulkley Intrusions. Sample NATMR006 is described as occurring in a fracture-controlled shear zone in granodiorite with assay results greater than 1% Cu, greater than 1% Pb, greater than 100 g/t Ag and 2.26 g/t Au (Assessment Report 32043).

The Ellen occurrence is a Polymetallic veins Ag-Pb-Zn+/-Au mineralization. A 1 metre wide quartz vein cutting granodiorite with assay results of 1.0 g/t Au and 340.5 g/t Ag (Assessment Report 15186). Grab samples assay up to 2614.7 g/t Ag and 3.15 g/t Au (Assessment Report 15186).

Mineralization found at AOI #4 identify as polymetallic sulfide/quartz vein type Ag-Pb-Zn (Au) and porphyry type Mo mineralization. Sulfide veins contain pyrite, galena and tetrahedrite occurring in hornfelsed sediments and granodiorite and quartz veins contain sphalerite, galena, pyrite and chalcopyrite. The veins observed mostly occur in hornfels siltstone and granodiorite. The porphyry type Mo mineralization is hosted in the contact area of a granodioritic to quartz monzonitic plug of the Late Cretaceous Bulkley Intrusions. This porphyry type Mo mineralization occurs as disseminated and films of molybdenite in quartz veins in granodiorite. A west to east corridor trends along the contact zone of granodiorite intrusion and sedimentary rocks, where the historical air magnetic survey defines a transition zone between the magnetic high and magnetic low (Figure 4). Similar mineralization and magnetic features have been discovered at the Big Onion copper porphyry deposit 26 km southeast of Smithers, B.C.



Figure 4: Netalzul Mountain project area interpretation plan

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Mr. John King Burns, CEO and Chairman of the Board commented, "These acquisitions were influenced by economics and the geological information developed through systematic exploration our team has conducted. With these additions, we now hold a largely contiguous land position. The delineation of the four separate AOIs allows us to now act as both explorationist and prospect generator. Each AOI will be offered as a joint venture to our partners for further exploration and development. The Company has taken a whole earth modeling approach and is completing a property wide conceptual geological model involving all validated historical and current geological data as it becomes available. We are fortunate to have a team of highly qualified geologists, skilled in a variety of specializations. Our team will be further augmented in the Spring of 2020 by the addition of a number of world-renowned consulting geologists as well as the exceptional team of geoscientists at MDRU. Together, this team will be designing a number of geologically informed drill targets to test our porphyry model at Red Springs during the 2020 work season."

Roundup 2020

Jaxon will be exhibiting with HEG & Associates Exploration Services at booth 424 at the Roundup in Vancouver, January 20 to 23.

Qualified Person

Yingting (Tony) Guo, P.Geo., President and Chief Geologist for Jaxon Mining Inc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and prepared the scientific and technical information and verified the data supporting such scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Jaxon Mining Inc.

Jaxon is a precious and base metals exploration company with a regional focus on Western Canada. The Company is currently focused on advancing its Red Springs Project in north-central British Columbia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JAXON MINING INC.

"John King Burns"

John King Burns, Chairman

For more information please contact:

Investor Relations

Kaye Wynn Consulting

T: 604-558-2630

TF: 1-888-280-8128

E: info@kayewynn.com

Freeform Communications

T: 604-243-0499

E: enquiries@freeform.com

Corporate

T: 604-398-5394

E: info@jaxonmining.com

www.jaxonmining.com

This news release may contain forward-looking information, which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames, or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither 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.

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In the air hostess Geetika Sharma suicide case, Special CBI Court on Thursday fixed the next date of hearing for February 12 and 13. The matter is heard by Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar.

Former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda was arrested in 2012 on charges of rape and suicide after a Delhi court put him on trial in Geetika Sharma's case. Geetika Sharma worked in Gopal Kanda's aviation company and had accused him of harassment in her suicide note.

The Court has examined a number of witnesses, including the investigative officer, employees of Kanda's office and his close aides.

On the last date of hearing, the court had summoned to Additional DCP, Rajeev Ranjan who has written the original letter to the nodal officer regarding the detail of a mobile number and its call record to trace the connection between the deceased and the accused persons. However, Ranjan could not appear today.

It was further informed by the Investigative officer that Ranjan has shifted and presently staying in Chennai.

The Investigative officer also moved an application stating that the original letter written to the Nodal Officer to ascertain call detail has been kept in the original police file and same would be taken up on record.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Picking a favorite bagel on National Bagel Day is bound to get any New York City mayor into trouble with some portion of his 8 million constituents, who are bound to have differing hard-held opinions.

But Bill de Blasio, following a failed presidential campaign, managed to cause a particularly unusual uproar.

In a Twitter post on Wednesday, Mr. de Blasio declared his love for a bagel that fits his political persona: the Bagel Hole bakery in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which serves a chewy and celebrated variety in the leafy neighborhood where the mayor raised his family.

Then he crossed into treacherous territory for bagel aficionados: He said his go-to bagel was whole wheat with extra cream cheese. Toasted.
American economic sanctions and successful efforts to block Iranian oil smuggling continue to cripple the economy. GDP shrank about 4.2 percent in the last year and is expected to shrink 7.2 percent in the coming year. Reserves of foreign currency, needed to pay for imports, are down to $73 billion, a third less than two years ago. The unemployment rate is headed for 20 percent and more Iranians are finding themselves with a lower standard of living. Meanwhile, more videos appear showing the families of the ruling clerics and senior IRGC officers enjoying affluent lifestyles, often while vacationing outside Iran. Because of the recent Iranian missile attacks on American bases in Iraq the U.S. has imposed more economic sanctions, further reducing economic activity in Iran.

Government Sponsored Terror

The government is caught between foreign pressure to halt the use of terrorism inside and outside the country and internal protests against government mismanagement and brutality inside Iran. Being forced to admit that Iranian forces shot down a Ukrainian airliner on the 8th was a major embarrassment and triggered more anti-government protests. Officially the government blamed the Americans, who were no longer suffering Iranian attacks in silence. The government also had a growing internal dispute between radicals, led by the IRGC, who wanted more use of terrorism and other violence, opposed by more moderate members of the religious leadership the IRGC was created to protect. This dispute was nothing new, but it has been getting worse over the past few years. One senior IRGC general, Qassem Soleimani, was a major proponent of more terror, both inside and outside Iran. While many of the religious leaders who ruled Iran opposed Soleimani and the other radical IRGC generals for demanding more violence, the clerics also needed the IRGC to protect the government from growing public protests and anger at the decades of corruption and misrule. The IRGC does not appear to be a direct threat to the government (as in a coup) but they do remain a source of radicalism the government cannot ignore. The IRGC has responded to current protests with gunfire and arrests of those who took videos of the missiles striking the Ukrainian 737. Iranian families of the victims have been warned to keep their grief private or else.

The death of Soleimani was a relief as he was the most powerful, and influential of the IRGC radicals. Now the IRGC radicals, especially Quds Force commanders, fear more personal attacks on them by the Americans. The government has always resisted the more radical ideas by the IRGC, like carrying out major terror attacks in the United States. The religious leaders, or at least most of them, know this would lead to war with the Americans, a war that would do great damage to Iran and probably mean the end of the religious dictatorship. The IRGC radicals are less impressed by such logical thinking and believe in miracles. Its the growing influence of the radicals that that makes so many other nations strongly opposed to Iran getting nukes. The IRGC is a large organization and has plenty of replacements for leaders killed by the Americans or Israelis, but many of those replacements are more radical and less competent than Soleimani. That means less effective but more obvious IRGC terrorism. That, in turn, generates more opposition to the IRGC within Iran. The least harmful (for Iran) way out of this mess is a popular uprising that produces a new, democratic, government. There is no assurance that will happen, with or without a lot of bloody resistance from the IRGC.

The IRGC is not accustomed to a lot of resistance and setbacks, which is has been encountering more frequently over the last few years. While the loss of Soleimani got a lot of media attention, more mundane problems cause a lot more damage. Chief among these is the growing economic crisis that caused major cuts in the IRGC budget. This reduced financial support to IRGC mercenaries and clients like Hezbollah, Yemen Shia rebels, Gaza Islamic terrorists and the mercenary army recruited for Syria. Most of these groups had their budgets cut by fifty percent or more. This has caused major problems for Hezbollah while also curbing pro-Iran operations in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and even Afghanistan. Added to all that was the IRGC controlled air defense system found to be responsible for shooting down the Ukrainian airliner. That aircraft was operating under instructions it had received from Iranian air traffic control, an operation not controlled by the IRGC and apparently not cooperating with the IRGC controlled air defense system over who can direct commercial air traffic where. This accident outraged a lot of Iranians because most of the passengers were Iranians with dual-citizenship, usually with a Western country that gives Iranians asylum. To most Iranians, the IRGC could have just as easily shot down an Iranian airliner. The death of Soleimani and the lost airliner created a tipping point in Iran. For over a decade public opinion has been gradually turning against the IRGC. Yet every time the IRGC employed their usual brutality, often fatal, against open dissent more people realized that their real enemy was not America or Israel but the IRGC and the corrupt religious dictatorship the IRGC kept in power. The degree and extent of popular hatred of the IRGC in Iran came as a shock to many westerners who had gone along with the Iranian propaganda about widespread support for the government and the IRGC.

Self-Inflicted

This current crisis in Iran began in late 2019 as the Quds Force ordered a growing number of attacks on Americans in Iraq. That included a Quds orchestrated mob attack on the American embassy in an effort to take it over. That, in turn, led to the January 2nd death of Qassem Soleimani by American missiles. The Americans considered Soleimani the Iranian most responsible for years of attacks on the Americans and the deaths of hundreds of American troops and thousands of Iraqis, Syrians, Lebanese and so on. Attacking the embassy brought back memories of the 1979 Iranian seizure of the U.S. embassy in Iran. This was a major violation of international law and custom. With that act, Iran went outlaw and most Iranians are now in favor of going legit. The IRGC is not and is killing or terrorizing Iranians who disagree.

While the current popular unrest in Iraq is mainly about corruption, there is also an anti-Iran undertone. The Iranians have taken advantage of the many corrupt government officials in Iraq and are often not very discreet about it. This is possible because of the pro-Iran militias that Soleimani created after the 2003 Anglo-American operation that ousted the Saddam Hussein government. Most Iraqis feared and hated Iran but because of a common religion (Shia Islam) there were a small percentage of Iraqis who supported Iran.

Those post-2003 militias were suppressed in 2008 by the new elected Iraqi government, a setback Soleimani never forgot. In 2014 Soleimani had another opportunity to rebuild those pro-Iran militias in order to halt the ISIL offensive that had quickly taken control of over a third of Iraq. Those militias were soon attacking those in Iraq who did not agree with Iran becoming a powerful political and military force inside Iraq. That meant the Shia militias Soleimani created also attacked Iraqi Sunni Arabs, Kurds and Shia that openly opposed Iranian control. Foreigners were also targets, especially Americans. When the Iranian religious dictatorship established itself in the 1980s it needed a formidable, but distant, threat to blame all of Irans problems on. America was the ideal official enemy. They were a true global superpower but they were far away. Unlike historical Iranian enemies like Romans, Turks, Byzantines and Mongols, the Americans were unlikely to invade and devastate Iran.

At the time it was popular in the Middle East to hate America, mainly because the U.S. supported Israel, the most successful democracy in the region. Since the 1980s official Iranian policy is to hate America, and each year there are several days on which it is mandatory to get out in the streets shouting Death To America. Soon Israel was added. Most of the time this Death to America was mainly political theater. It was more than that because from the 1980s on there were a growing number of covert Iranian attacks that killed Americans. These attacks were rarely carried out by Iranians but rather by other Moslems, usually Arabs, who were recruited, trained and equipped by the IRGC, to make these attacks. Inspired by this, Soleimani joined the IRGC soon after it was formed in 1979.

Soleimani joined the IRGC shortly before Iraq unexpectedly attacked in an effort to seize some Iranian oil fields while Iran was distracted by the chaos of the recent revolution. For a guy in his 20s, Soleimani played an important role in the Iraq war and was rapidly promoted because he got things done. Soon Soleimani was a division commander while still in his 20s. The Iran-Iraq war ended in 1988 with a stalemate. Iran considered this a defeat and veterans like the warlike Soleimani never lost their dismay over that defeat and hatred of the Iraqi Arabs who inflicted it. The Americans were blamed but it was Sunni Arab money that made it possible for Iraq to win. Billions were provided to buy all the weapons and popular support to resist the Iranian counteroffensive. Most Iraqi troops were Shia Arabs and all that Sunni Arab cash aid enabled Sunni Arab Saddam Hussein to buy enough Iraqi Shia Arab support to win the war. Soleimani knew what really went on here and developed an intense hatred of Sunni Arabs, especially those in Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula.

The Quds Force was also created during the 1980s, as a special operations and intelligence collecting unit within the IRGC. By the 1990s Soleimani was spending more of his time with Quds and in the late 1990s he became its commander. This meant he reported directly to the senior clerics who ruled Iran. Soleimani proved very effective at organizing non-Iranian groups to attack American or Israeli targets overseas. Eventually, there were some Quds operatives identified as behind these attacks and soon Soleimanis name became well known to Israeli and Western intelligence agencies. Soleimani tried to stay out of the news, as heads of covert operations agencies tend to do, but he was increasingly identified by the foreign press as the chief of the Iranian dirty tricks department in 2017 the Iranian government decided to run with that and openly declared Soleimani a national hero. Soleimani let this go to his head and was soon boasting that he was untouchable as far as foreign enemies were concerned. At the same time, Soleimani was increasingly hated in Iran and Iraq. Soleimani was in charge of dealing with internal dissent in both countries and was soon recognized as responsible for killing thousands of Iranian and Iraqi opponents of the Iranian government. There was some public rejoicing after Soleimanis death in Iraq but not, at first, in Iran, where such celebrations had to be held covertly. Soleimani may be dead but the homicidal enforcers he commanded are still around and they are angry about the American blowing their boss to pieces. This fear soon so dissipated and Iranians openly celebrated the death of Soleimani and called for the elimination of the IRGC.

Meanwhile Iranian Quds advisors rely on corrupt Iraqi officials to survive and thrive. For this reason, one thing the Iraqi protestors and the government could agree on was how important it was to retain American troops in Iraq. This would discourage Iran from trying to take over the government by force. Iran already has a lot of influence in the Iraqi government. For example, at the end of October 2019 Soleimani flew to Baghdad and presided over a meeting of senior Iraqi officials on how to deal with the growing anti-government violence. Soleimani was there to show Iraqi officials how Iran had suppressed similar mass protests back home.

Soleimani did not reveal any details to the media. That would have been interesting because the situation in Iran is quite different. For example, Iraq is a democracy while Iran is a religious dictatorship pretending to be a democracy. Moreover, Iran has a royal guard force in the IRGC. While Quds specializes in disrupting or controlling foreign governments, most of the IRGC personnel exist to prevent the Iranian armed forces or the Iranian people from overthrowing the religious dictatorship. Iraq is a democracy and there is nothing similar to the IRGC. If there were such a force it would be very unpopular because it would remind many Iraqi Shia of the Saddam Hussein era Republican Guard. This was a carefully recruited and well-paid force of Sunni Arab troops whose primary job was to keep the majority (80 percent who are not Sunni Arab) from taking control. Quds has been trying to create an Iraqi IRGC in the form of pro-Iran PMF (Popular Mobilization Force) militias. That has backfired as many Iraqis in the Iran-backed PMF brigades have changed their minds about supporting Iran. A growing number of Iraqis are convinced that most of the protestors killed were murdered by Iranians or pro-Iranian PMF members. Time and again the killings are carried out either by snipers (which Quds is a big fan of) or groups of uniformed masked gunmen firing on protestors. PMF members wear military uniforms; the masks and killing demonstrators are a Quds thing.

Soleimani had offered the same advice in both Lebanon and Iraq; if persuasion or threats dont work, anonymously open fire and keep shooting, especially at known or suspected leaders, until the unrest subsides. That often works in a police state, which Iran is, but not so much in democracies, which Iraq and Lebanon are. You can see why Iran opposes true democracy. Technically Iran is a democracy but there is a group of senior clerics who can veto anything the Iranian parliament tries to do and even blocks unsuitable Iranians seeking to run for office.

In late 2017 Soleimani was proclaimed (via Iranian TV) the best Iranian armed forces commander during 2017. Soleimani has been repeatedly praised as responsible for victories in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Soleimani was portrayed as some sort of master of mayhem and an ideal Iranian hero. The United States and many other nations considered him an international terrorist. To that end, the head of the CIA recently (before the missile attack) warned that Soleimani and his Quds Force associates would be held personally responsible if Iran-backed forces in Iraq or Syria attacked American troops. Soleimani ignored the warning but the Americans acted this time which led to the open shift in Iranian public opinion against Soleimani and the IRGC.

Iranian leaders already miss Soleimani, who was their most effective covert warrior against all enemies foreign and domestic. The fact that Soleimani played a major rule in crushing (for the moment) the public demonstrations against the Iranian government has not been forgotten. The protestors are still around and are now encouraged to hit the streets again, earlier than they normally would. Iranian leaders are threatening reprisals against America but they also know that Soleimani was their most effective commander for carrying out such missions. Soleimanis deft touch is especially needed now that the IRGC and Quds are widely considered as international terrorist organizations and first on the list of the usual suspects. The Iranians now realize that the Americans are as deadly as the Israelis in paying these blood debts. The Americans have already openly declared that any Iranian attacks against Americans would get a quick and deadly response. No one is off-limits. With Soleimani gone the senior clerics who rule (or misrule) in Iran have to consider that further violence could get very personal for them. The Americans are relentless and patient. They got bin Laden, al Baghdadi, Soleimani and dozens of less senior terrorist leaders. Soleimani was considered a key component of the IRGC effort to protect their bosses from attack. The loss of Soleimani puts the Iranian leadership in a very bad position and most people in the Middle East are enjoying that.

Payback Fail

The January 8 Iranian missile attack on American bases in Iraq backfired in a big way. The two targets, at al Asad and Irbil, suffered little damage and no Americans were killed. For Iranian leaders seeking vengeance, the missile attack not only failed but failed in such a way that made Iran, and its leaders, even weaker than before.

Twelve missiles were aimed at the al Asad airbase, which is on the Euphrates River some 200 kilometers west of Baghdad in Anbar province. Al Asad airbase is where over a thousand American and NATO troops have been stationed since 2015. The other target was a base outside Irbil, the capital of autonomous Kurdish northern Iraq. Four of the sixteen missiles failed and the ones that did land near their targets did not kill anyone. There were two reasons for this. First, the Iranian missiles were not very reliable or accurate. This is not surprising because the Iranian weapons development efforts over the last few decades have emphasized propaganda over performance. This has long been standard for Iranian developed weapons and there are numerous examples of how the more high-tech their weapons are the less reliable they are. This is easy to hide when it comes to ballistic missiles since Iran rarely test fires these missiles in a way that their accuracy can be verified. The few times their ballistic missiles have been used in combat they have not performed well.

Slower moving UAVs, using GPS flight control are another matter because that is a reliable commercial tech. There is no such commercial tech for ballistic missile guidance systems and the Iranians show no evidence of having found a solution for this. The 16 missiles fired did appear to be aimed to kill. The two bases targeted were in isolated areas. If you missed the base you were likely to hit an uninhabited area.

Iran did not want to kill any Iraqis, especially not any Shia Iraqis. That was unlikely because al Asad is in a Sunni Arab majority area and Irbil is a largely Kurdish area. While no one was killed, there were some Iraqis wounded.

For the Iranians this was disappointing. Iranian leaders had vowed to get blood for blood over the death of Quds Force commander Soleimani, their most effective terrorism expert. Instead, they got embarrassed. The Iranian state-controlled media insisted there were dead Americans but Iranians know that the Americans cannot hide troop deaths and eventually the truth will spread in Iran via the Internet and cell phone. Soon the Iranians officially declared their revenge attacks over, especially if the Americans did not kill any more Iranian leaders. The Americans refused to do that, pointing out that Quds in Iraq was still orchestrating rocket and mortar attacks on American bases and ambushes of American troops traveling outside those bases. Iraqi PMF militias carried out these attacks because they support Iran or just need the extra cash Iran provides for those who do this dangerous work. It is no secret that the Americans shoot back and have had a lot of success in hunting down and killing those who attack their bases.

Meanwhile, Iranians were now openly asking why their missiles did not work and why the government couldnt prevent Israeli agents from killing Iranian nuclear scientists or making off with a truckload of embarrassing secret documents from a secret facility in Tehran. Their leaders had preached for decades that the Iranian missile program, into which so much money had gone, was a deterrent to anyone who threatened Iran. But now there were indications that this was all a lie. There was another reason for the missiles not killing anyone and that was the amount of warning the Americans had of the attack. Not just the kind of warning possible using a high-tech early warning system that issues an alert as the missiles are leaving the ground and not yet indicating where they are headed. In this case, the Americans appeared to receive their warning before the missiles were launched. All the personnel on those two bases were in their bomb shelters before the missiles hit. Some of the missiles did hit a few base facilities, like part of a runway and a few buildings. Looking at the pattern of the missiles strikes it is obvious the bases were the target but that the missiles were not accurate enough to hit much. Even with that inaccuracy one or two missiles fired at al Asad should have killed some Americans, unless they were already in their fortified bomb shelters. This is more embarrassment for Iranian leaders, who must now deal with the possibility that Americans had an agent in Iran with access to details of the retaliation plans. Or maybe it was a hack, or a leak in Iraq, where Iran apparently advised their Iraqi Shia allies to keep their people away from al Asad and Irbil.

The missile strike did not reassure Iranian leaders angry over the death of Soleimani but caused them more embarrassment and stress. This came at a bad time, as the attacks were supposed to coincide with the burial of Soleimani. That was delayed a day because of poor crowd control at the funeral, where dozens of mourners died when there was a stampede. This was embarrassing because most of the people who turned out to commemorate the death of Soleimani were coerced. Soleimani was not popular with most Iranians because he had long been the guy Iranian leaders called on to suppress widespread protests. This brutality used to be called on once or twice a decade. But now the constant demonstrations since late 2017 have had to be repressed, with great brutality, several times.

Iranians and Iraqis are now questioning just how effective the Iranian military is. The Iranians have historically used a lot of subterfuge and illusion in support of their military operations but now it appears subterfuge and illusion is a larger component of Iranian military power than anyone previously understood.

Israel

Israel believes Iran is moving short-range (under 1,000 kilometers) ballistic missiles into Iraq and concealing them in areas where pro-Iran militias are dominant. These would be used in the event of a war with Israel, along with rockets and missiles already in Lebanon and Gaza. This could cause problems with Iraq, especially since a retired IRGC general casually admitted, in a recent media interview, that Iran controlled the many rockets and missiles stored in southern Lebanon for potential use against Israel. An official denial was issued because Iran has always denied having direct control over Hezbollah, the Shia militia that has controlled southern Lebanon for decades. It is no secret that Iran controls Hezbollah but officially that is not the case.

Iranbacked Shia rebels in Yemen recently threatened to use their Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles against Israel. These rebels took credit for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities. Iran supported this claim but the physical evidence clearly showed that the attack came from Iran, and inside Iran, it is taken for granted that this was an Iranian, not a Yemeni rebel attack. The Yemeni rebels are not enthusiastic about getting credit for any direct attack on Israel because of the Israeli reputation for retribution.

Yemen

The Shia rebels are talking aggressively, apparently at the urging of their Iranian backers. The reality is that the rebels are in trouble and it is getting worse. They are running short of cash and have been unsuccessful in solving that problem. Their Iranian Quds Force advisers urge them to plunder their occupied territories more thoroughly. But that has long-term effects the Shia tribes would rather avoid. Years of civil war have created active opposition to the rebels in their home province of Saada up on the Saudi border. The Saudis have long supported the Sunni tribes up there and for the last few years that has included weapons and other military aid. The Sunni tribes are not eager to escalate the fighting because Shia retaliation is up close and personal for the families of Sunni tribesmen. So the violence tends to be low key with no one taking credit for many attacks. The Shia rebels are short of manpower and dont want to try and crush the troublesome northern Sunni tribes because that would require more manpower on a permanent basis as an occupation force. The rebels dont want to publicize these tribal warfare woes, but they are not a secret and they are getting worse.

Since Iranian UAVs attacked Saudi oil facilities in September 2019, the Saudis have sought to negotiate some kind of long-term ceasefire in Yemen. Since they are dealing with Iran they are wary of how such an agreement is worded and implemented. This is because Iranian support has enabled the Shia rebels to survive four years of Arab coalition efforts to defeat them and end the Shia rebellion. UN pressure to make peace ignored the fact that restoring Shia autonomy (lost in the 1960s) in the north would make it possible for Iran to continue supplying the Shia tribes with weapons that can be used to attack Saudi Arabia or, according to Israeli leaders, Israel. The rebels still control a hundred kilometers of Red Sea coast and are now using that to threaten all shipping passing by headed for Saudi, Egyptian, Jordanian and Israeli ports as well as the Suez Canal. Traffic going south is headed for the Gulf of Aden and anywhere in the world. The Saudis do not trust Iran and will not accept Iranian weapons and advisors on their southwestern border as well as the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea commercial traffic moves over a billion dollars worth of raw materials and finished goods each month. This traffic is of vital economic importance to the Arab Gulf states, Israel, Egypt and Jordan. With access to the Red Sea coast, Iran can threaten all of it and let the Shia rebels take the credit (and blame).

The Shia rebels currently provide Iran with access to the Saudi border, which is unacceptable for the Saudis as the Iranians are openly calling for the overthrow of the Saudi government, and Iran taking over as the protector of the two Most Holy Islamic cities of Mecca and Medina. The Saudis suddenly feel more sympathy for Israel and the years of Iran-financed violence on Israels southern border where Gaza-based Hamas exists mainly to try and destroy Israel.

January 15, 2020: The three European countries (Britain, France and Germany) that turned against the U.S. in 2017 by refusing to leave the 2015 treaty and again impose sanctions on Iran are now trying to get Iran to cooperate. Since 2017 the three countries have been important allies of Iran as long as Iran adhered to the 2015 treaty by not resuming its nuclear weapons program. Iran, outraged at the current battles with the United States, recently said was resuming nuclear research. This makes the European nations look foolish for believing they could negotiate with Iran. The Americans insisted that Iran could not be trusted and that proved more accurate than the European assessment. Not all Iranians agree with the decision to resume nuclear research. While most Iranians are ok with Iran having nukes, many are not willing to pay the economic and diplomatic price their government is willing to pay to resume nuclear weapons work. The Europeans believe the religious dictatorship in Iran can survive the current popular protests. Many of Irans neighbors are less optimistic, mainly because they have better access to the public mood in Iran. At the moment most Iranians are very upset with their government.

January 14, 2020: The government said it had arrested several people believed responsible for shooting down the Ukrainian airliner. No details were given about those arrested except that there would be trials eventually. A special court and investigation would be created and most of the proceedings would be public. Iran is accepting responsibility but blaming the United States for creating the situation. Iran continues to deny it has anything to do with the murders and terror attacks the Quds Force has been carrying out for decades.

In Syria, Israeli airstrikes again hit the T4 airbase in Homs province, killing at least three pro-Iran soldiers and destroying a lot of structures and equipment. This airbase, i n central Syria near Palmyra has been hit by Israeli airstrikes several times in 2019 and many more times in earlier years. The T4 airbase is the largest in Syria. This is where Iran moved its UAV operations in 2018 after its original UAV base in Syria was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Russia later revealed that its electronic jammers, which were supposed to disrupt the guidance systems of missiles attacking Syrian bases failed to do so during the 2018 T-4 attack. Details were not given, only that the Russian jammers were interfered with by external forces. Russia is embarrassed by the apparent ineffectiveness of its air defenses when used against Israeli airstrikes. The Israelis dont rub it in and generally respond with no comment when asked about it.

In Iraq, two rockets hit the Camp Taji, a joint Iraqi-American military base outside Baghdad. The rockets caused no injuries and it was believed Iran backed PMF militiamen were responsible.

January 13, 2020: Video from an Iranian university shows (in an above shot from a nearby building) how two large flags (American and Israeli) painted on pavement for students to insultingly walk over, was now being avoided by students. The video showed the few Iranians who dared to walk on the flags were being visibly jeered and criticized by nearby students. In the past, the release of a video like this would bring prompt, and often fatal, retaliation. Not this time, or at least not yet. The IRGC now has to take into account the amount of resistance they could encounter if they entered the campus to administer punishment. Students have become more effective at resisting these raids.

The IRGC denied that they had fired on protestors recently. Then the videos began to appear showing the IRGC aiming and firing their rifles at protestors. Cell phone cameras have become the most effective weapon against the government and the IRGC.

January 12, 2020: The government admitted that Iranian air defense forces, controlled by the IRGC, had shot down the Ukrainian 737 airliner on January 8th. At first, the government insisted it was an accident but soon became uncooperative about the accident investigation. They did let in Ukrainian investigators but refused to release the black box to anyone. The Ukrainian investigators quickly realized the 737 had been shot down by a missile, which very obviously struck right beneath the cockpit. This killed the pilots and explained why there was no distress call from the pilots. The Ukrainians also found fragments of the missile but did not tell the Iranians, which at the point might get them expelled from the country. Meanwhile, the Americans had satellite video showing the airliner exploding after the missile hit, as well as evidence of two air defense missiles being launched nearby at the same time. The U.S. quietly passed that video on to Canada, Ukraine and several other countries and used the informal diplomatic link to Iran (via Switzerland) to let the Iranians know the video existed and was real. At about the same time, Ukraine let Iran know that its accident investigators had transmitted back to Ukraine photos of the wreckage proving that the 737 was shot down by a Russian Tor missile, which Iran was known to use. Given all the proof that was available outside of Iran, the Iranians announced that the airliner was indeed shot down by Iranian air defense missiles. At that point confessing to what actually happened became the best move, but the Iranians also blamed the Americans for defending themselves against Iranian terrorism and killing their senior terrorism commander Soleimani.

January 11, 2020: Across the border in southern Iraq (Karbala), a senior Iran-backed PMF commander was shot dead, along with several associates by several unidentified gunmen. Such killings are more and more common in Iraq.

January 10, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), there was another Israeli airstrike against Iranian weapons being stored near the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. There were eight deaths, all of them pro-Iran militiamen.

January 8, 2020: Iran launched 16 short-range ballistic missiles, from three locations in Iran, at two bases used by American troops in Iraq. The attack took place before dawn. Later in the day, actually after midnight, two more small rockets were fired into the Green Zone, the well-protected area where foreign embassies and key government offices are located. One rocket landed about a hundred meters from the American embassy and the embassy was apparently the target. These rockets are unguided and there is lots of open space in the Green Zone. This 10 square kilometer (four square mile) sanctuary in downtown Iraq was long a sanctuary for Americans and senior Iraqis. Most Baghdad residents wanted the Green Zone and the way it disrupted major traffic patterns, eliminated after the Americans left. But rich and powerful Iraqis wanted to live in the Green Zone, as protection from criminals and terrorists, both of whom murder, kidnap and rob the rich. So the Green Zone lives on, under Iraqi management. Since 2010 there have been occasional rockets or mortar shells fired into the Green Zone. It is a large target, with a lot of open space, so there are rarely casualties. This rocket was fired from an area controlled by an Iran-backed militia. Iran officially condemned the rocket attack although it was later announced that fragments of the rocket had been collected and it was Iranian made and commonly used by groups Iran supports throughout the region. Thats a proxy war. Thus the Kataeb Hezbollah and other pro-Iran PMF militias have not finished with their efforts to kill Americans to avenge their patron Soleimani. The confession set off another round of public protests in Iran against their religious dictatorship. The government has tried to portray Soleimani as a populist hero but this new round of protests, because the government attempt to lie about the airliner loss, was not popular with most Iranians either and many of those Iranians had celebrated the demise of Soleimani and now there were a lot of digital photos and videos of those celebrations that had gotten out of the country. Soleimani had been in charge of suppressing anti-government protests and was openly enthusiastic about doing it violently, killing as many protestors as required to quiet things down for a while.

January 7, 2020: In the southeast (Kerman) the funeral of Quds leader Soleimani was held and attracted a large crowd. This was no accident as the IRGC encouraged many Iranians to attend what became the largest funeral seen in Iran since 1979 revolution leader Ayatollah Khomeini died 31 years ago. The IRGC and local police were not able to handle such large crowds and there were several waves of panic one of which caused a stampeded that left at least 50 dead and nearly 200 injured.

January 5, 2020: The U.S. announced that its forces in Iraq would temporarily shift from supporting the fight against ISIL remnants active in Iraq to reinforcing the security of bases where American troops live. This will continue until the current Iran threat is over. Iraqi anti-ISIL operations continued with the next one taking place in the north on the 9th. The Iraqi efforts will be less frequent and effective without American participation, especially air support.

In Baghdad, pro-Iran members of parliament have held a meeting to see if they could pass a law ordering American troops out of Iraq. Kurdish and Sunni Arab MPs refused to attend as did many Shia Arab MPs. Parliament did pass a nonbinding resolution calling on the government to expel all foreign troops from Iraq. The resolution was non-binding and the temporary (until a permanent one can be agreed on) prime minister does not have the authority to approve such an expel foreign troops law. Moreover, the resolution had no timetable for the expulsion of much in the way of details at all. All this resolution did was let Iran know that some of its Iraqi allies were still active.

January 4, 2020: One way to measure the effectiveness of governments and the societies they represent is the Human Development Index the UN has compiled for 29 years. The index ranks all the world nations in terms of how well they do in terms of life expectancy, education and income. In 2019 Iran was 65th out of 189 nations. The rank of 0ther nations puts this into perspective; United States is at 15 (tied with Britain), Russia at 49, China 89, Israel 22 (tied with South Korea), Saudi Arabia 36, Iran 65, India 129, Pakistan 152, Bangladesh 135, Afghanistan 170, Venezuela 96, Colombia 79, Mexico 76. Egypt 116, Lebanon 93, Syria 154 and Jordan 103. The top ten nations are Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, Iceland, Sweden, Singapore and Netherlands. The bottom ten are Mozambique at 180th place (there are a lot of ties) followed by Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Burundi, South Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic and in last place, Niger.

January 2, 2020: American UAVs used missiles to kill Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the long-time commander of the IRGC Quds Force. Also killed were nine Iraqi and Iranian associates of Soleimani. This included the head of the Iraqi Kataeb Hezbollah which is trying to emulate the older Lebanese Hezbollah. It was later revealed that American intelligence believed Soleimani had ordered preparations for major attacks on American targets.

It was later revealed that at the same time Soleimani was killed the Americans attempted and failed, to carry out a similar attack on Abdul Reza Shahlai, the senior Quds officer in Yemen. Iranians support for the Shia rebels has been keeping the Yemeni civil war going. Shahlai has long been a known terrorist planner for Quds and currently has a $15 million reward offered, by the U.S., for information on where he that leads to his capture or death.

January 1, 2020: Iran and Kataeb Hezbollah warned Americans in Iraqi that they were not welcome and not safe as long as they remained in Iraq. The Americans already know this and that Kataeb Hezbollah is an Iranian creation.

December 31, 2019: In Baghdad, pro-Iranian demonstrators bullied their way past Iraqi security and into the normally very safe Green Zone and smashed their way through the gates of the American embassy compound. The Americans complained to the Iraqis about the lack of security provided by Iraqi troops and police protecting the Green Zone. Iraqi government officials admitted the obvious, the demonstrators were unarmed Pro-Iran Kataeb Hezbollah PMF militiamen. With no assurance of help from the Iraqi government the U.S. quickly flew in a hundred more marines and ordered them to open fire if the PMF men attempted to take the embassy itself. There would be more reinforcements as needed and air support. The Iraqi government was told about this as well and warned to back off unless they were willing to defend the embassy. At that point, the PMF men inside the compound were ordered to withdraw.

December 29, 2019: The U.S. carried out five airstrikes against Iraqi Kataeb Hezbollah bases in Iraq and Syria, leaving at least 25 dead.

December 28, 2019: In Afghanistan, the growing popular unrest in neighboring Iran had reduced Iranian support for some tribal and Taliban factions in western Afghanistan. That support (with guns, money and sanctuaries) has been going on for decades. Actually this has been a factor in local (western Afghanistan) politics for centuries. That is why one of the national languages of Afghanistan is Dari, a variant of Farsi (or Persian, the main language in Iran). Currently, Iran is broke and there is growing popular unrest against the religious dictatorship that has run the country since the 1980s. While the supplies of cash and weapons have largely disappeared some Taliban factions can still maintain bases in eastern Iran and have access to local medical facilities and markets.

December 26, 2019: Yemeni Shia rebel leaders met with the Iranian foreign minister in Oman to discuss the future of Iranian support for the Shia rebels. Iran continues to suffer economically from sanctions and has had to cut support for overseas operations (in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and Yemen). While Gaza and Yemen are relatively low-cost for Iran Yemen is considered particularly important because it puts an Iranian ally on the Saudi border and able to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE whenever Iran needs it. Right now the radicals (IRGC leaders) in Iran are pushing for more violence against Gulf Arabs and American forces in Iraq. Attacks on Israel are much more difficult so IRGC wants to concentrate on the Americans and Arab states that oppose Iran. A growing number of Shia rebel leaders are reluctant to go along with what Quds Force is demanding. Being on the Saudi border makes the Shia rebel home province vulnerable to Saudi attack and a growing number of Saudis support a major escalation involving more air and ground attacks on Shia rebels just across the border.

December 24, 2019: The current Iranian popular unrest, triggered in mid-November by the government cuts to fuel subsidies, has largely been suppressed but at a cost of about 1,500 dead. About 30 percent of the dead were women or teenagers. The dead include security personnel but that rarely accounts for more than ten or twenty percent of the fatalities. The IRGC handles suppression of public protests and the use of lethal force is a favorite IRGC tactic that has led to more and more deaths over the last few years. The IRGC was always brutal when dealing with protests but fatalities among protestors were much less common a decade ago.

December 13, 2019: Senior American and Israeli military leaders met in the United States to work out details of their combined efforts against Iran.

December 10, 2019: Commercial satellite photos clearly show Iran building tunnels in eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) near the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. This border crossing is vital for the Iran-to-Mediterranean land route. This road is essential to supporting any Iranian military expansion in Syria and Lebanon. The new tunnels are apparently large enough for trucks to drive into, for refuge from airstrikes as well as for getting across the border unseen. Israel has bombed this area many times and continues doing so. Because of that Iran is constructing the tunnels to better conceal the cargo trucked in from Iran and moved into Syria via this crossing. The tunnels are near the new military base Iran is building on the Syrian side of the border. The base is nearly complete despite several Israeli airstrikes. Once the base is completed the Israeli airstrikes will intensify in an effort to obliterate the base. Probably the same for the tunnels. Israel has had to deal with cross-border tunnels before, on its Lebanon and Gaza borders.

December 9, 2019: Russian and Iranian media claim that on December 6th Russian jet fighters, operating from the Russian airbase in northwest Syria, intercepted Israeli warplanes that appeared to be on their way to attack the T-4 airbase, and forced the Israelis to turn back. There was no comment from the Israelis.

December 7, 2019: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), there was another Israeli airstrike against Iranian weapons being stored near the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. There were four or five deaths, all of them pro-Iran militiamen.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Laminating Adhesives market worldwide is projected to grow by US$1.4 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 6.6%. Solvent-borne, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 6.7%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$1.7 Billion by the year 2025, Solvent-borne will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798972/?utm_source=PRN

- Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 5.6% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$48.1 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$41.1 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Solvent-borne will reach a market size of US$79.4 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 9.8% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$374.6 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.



- Competitors identified in this market include, among others, 3M Company; Arkema Group; Ashland, Inc.; Beijing Comens New Materials Co., Ltd.; Bond Tech Industries; Coim S.p.A (Coim Group); DIC Corporation; DowDuPont, Inc.; Flint Group; Franklin International, Inc.; Fujifilm Corporation; GREBE Holding GmbH; H.B. Fuller Company; Henkel AG & Co. KGaA; Huber Group; Intertronics; L.D. Davis; Master Bond, Inc.; Paramelt BV; RLA Polymers NZ Ltd; Sapici S.p.A.; Toyochem Co., Ltd.; Toyo-Morton, Ltd.; Uflex Ltd.; Vimasco Corporation; WEICON GmbH & Co. KG







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798972/?utm_source=PRN



I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Global Competitor Market Shares

Laminating Adhesives Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide

(in %): 2019 & 2025

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 1: Laminating Adhesives Global Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 2: Laminating Adhesives Global Retrospective Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 3: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift across Key

Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 4: Flexible Packaging (Application) Worldwide Latent

Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 5: Flexible Packaging (Application) Global Historic

Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 6: Flexible Packaging (Application) Distribution of

Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 7: Industrial (Application) Sales Estimates and Forecasts

in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2018 through

2025

Table 8: Industrial (Application) Analysis of Historic Sales in

US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2009 to 2017

Table 9: Industrial (Application) Global Market Share

Distribution by Region/Country for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 10: Automotive (Application) Global Opportunity

Assessment in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 11: Automotive (Application) Historic Sales Analysis in

US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 12: Automotive (Application) Percentage Share Breakdown

of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 13: Other Applications (Application) Worldwide Sales in

US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 14: Other Applications (Application) Historic Demand

Patterns in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 15: Other Applications (Application) Market Share Shift

across Key Geographies: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 16: Solvent-borne (Type) World Market by Region/Country

in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 17: Solvent-borne (Type) Historic Market Analysis by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 18: Solvent-borne (Type) Market Share Breakdown of

Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 19: Solventless (Type) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide

in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 20: Solventless (Type) Historic Market Perspective by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 21: Solventless (Type) Market Sales Breakdown by

Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 22: Water-borne (Type) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide

in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 23: Water-borne (Type) Region Wise Breakdown of Global

Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 24: Water-borne (Type) Market Share Distribution in

Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 25: Other Types (Type) World Market Estimates and

Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 26: Other Types (Type) Market Historic Review by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 27: Other Types (Type) Market Share Breakdown by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025



III. MARKET ANALYSIS



GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS

UNITED STATES

Market Facts & Figures

US Laminating Adhesives Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019 &

2025

Table 28: United States Laminating Adhesives Latent Demand

Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 29: Laminating Adhesives Historic Demand Patterns in the

United States by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 30: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown in the

United States by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 31: United States Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates

and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 32: Laminating Adhesives Market in the United States by

Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 33: United States Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CANADA

Table 34: Canadian Laminating Adhesives Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 35: Laminating Adhesives Market in Canada: Summarization

of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for

2009-2017

Table 36: Canadian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 37: Canadian Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 38: Canadian Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Review

by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 39: Laminating Adhesives Market in Canada: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

JAPAN

Table 40: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Laminating Adhesives in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to

2025

Table 41: Japanese Laminating Adhesives Market in US$ Million

by Application: 2009-2017

Table 42: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift in Japan by

Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 43: Japanese Market for Laminating Adhesives: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 44: Laminating Adhesives Market in Japan: Historic Sales

Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2009-2017

Table 45: Japanese Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CHINA

Table 46: Chinese Demand for Laminating Adhesives in US$

Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 47: Laminating Adhesives Market Review in China in US$

Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 48: Chinese Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 49: Chinese Laminating Adhesives Market Growth Prospects

in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 50: Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Analysis in

China in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 51: Chinese Laminating Adhesives Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

EUROPE

Market Facts & Figures

European Laminating Adhesives Market: Competitor Market Share

Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025

Table 52: European Laminating Adhesives Market Demand Scenario

in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 53: Laminating Adhesives Market in Europe: A Historic

Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 54: European Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 55: European Laminating Adhesives Addressable Market

Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 56: Laminating Adhesives Market in Europe: Summarization

of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period

2009-2017

Table 57: European Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 58: European Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 59: Laminating Adhesives Market in Europe in US$ Million

by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 60: European Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

FRANCE

Table 61: Laminating Adhesives Quantitative Demand Analysis in

France in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 62: French Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Review in

US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 63: French Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis: A

17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 64: Laminating Adhesives Market in France by Type:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 65: French Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Scenario

in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 66: French Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis by

Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

GERMANY

Table 67: Laminating Adhesives Market in Germany: Annual Sales

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 68: German Laminating Adhesives Market in Retrospect in

US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 69: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

Germany by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 70: Laminating Adhesives Market in Germany: Recent Past,

Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 71: German Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Analysis

in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 72: German Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown by

Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ITALY

Table 73: Italian Demand for Laminating Adhesives in US$

Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 74: Laminating Adhesives Market Review in Italy in US$

Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 75: Italian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 76: Italian Laminating Adhesives Market Growth Prospects

in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 77: Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Analysis in

Italy in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 78: Italian Laminating Adhesives Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

UNITED KINGDOM

Table 79: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Laminating Adhesives in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to

2025

Table 80: United Kingdom Laminating Adhesives Market in US$

Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 81: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift in the United

Kingdom by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 82: United Kingdom Market for Laminating Adhesives:

Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 83: Laminating Adhesives Market in the United Kingdom:

Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2009-2017

Table 84: United Kingdom Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SPAIN

Table 85: Spanish Laminating Adhesives Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 86: Laminating Adhesives Market in Spain: Summarization

of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for

2009-2017

Table 87: Spanish Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis by

Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 88: Spanish Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 89: Spanish Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Review

by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 90: Laminating Adhesives Market in Spain: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

RUSSIA

Table 91: Russian Laminating Adhesives Latent Demand Forecasts

in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 92: Laminating Adhesives Historic Demand Patterns in

Russia by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 93: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown in Russia

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 94: Russian Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 95: Laminating Adhesives Market in Russia by Type: A

Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 96: Russian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF EUROPE

Table 97: Rest of Europe Laminating Adhesives Addressable

Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 98: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Europe:

Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application

for the Period 2009-2017

Table 99: Rest of Europe Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 100: Rest of Europe Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 101: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Europe in US$

Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 102: Rest of Europe Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 103: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 104: Laminating Adhesives Market in Asia-Pacific:

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country for

the Period 2009-2017

Table 105: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 106: Laminating Adhesives Quantitative Demand Analysis in

Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 107: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 108: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 109: Laminating Adhesives Market in Asia-Pacific by Type:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 110: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 111: Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

AUSTRALIA

Table 112: Laminating Adhesives Market in Australia: Annual

Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 113: Australian Laminating Adhesives Market in Retrospect

in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 114: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

Australia by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 115: Laminating Adhesives Market in Australia: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 116: Australian Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 117: Australian Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

INDIA

Table 118: Indian Laminating Adhesives Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 119: Laminating Adhesives Market in India: Summarization

of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for

2009-2017

Table 120: Indian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis by

Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 121: Indian Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 122: Indian Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Review

by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 123: Laminating Adhesives Market in India: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

SOUTH KOREA

Table 124: Laminating Adhesives Market in South Korea: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Application

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 125: South Korean Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 126: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

South Korea by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 127: Laminating Adhesives Market in South Korea: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 128: South Korean Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 129: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

South Korea by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 130: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts

for Laminating Adhesives in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to

2025

Table 131: Rest of Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market in

US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 132: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift in Rest of

Asia-Pacific by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 133: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Laminating

Adhesives: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 134: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Asia-Pacific:

Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2009-2017

Table 135: Rest of Asia-Pacific Laminating Adhesives Market

Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

LATIN AMERICA

Table 136: Latin American Laminating Adhesives Market Trends by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018-2025

Table 137: Laminating Adhesives Market in Latin America in US$

Million by Region/Country: A Historic Perspective for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 138: Latin American Laminating Adhesives Market

Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 139: Latin American Demand for Laminating Adhesives in

US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 140: Laminating Adhesives Market Review in Latin America

in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 141: Latin American Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 142: Latin American Laminating Adhesives Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 143: Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Analysis in

Latin America in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 144: Latin American Laminating Adhesives Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

ARGENTINA

Table 145: Argentinean Laminating Adhesives Addressable Market

Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 146: Laminating Adhesives Market in Argentina:

Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application

for the Period 2009-2017

Table 147: Argentinean Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 148: Argentinean Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 149: Laminating Adhesives Market in Argentina in US$

Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 150: Argentinean Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

BRAZIL

Table 151: Laminating Adhesives Quantitative Demand Analysis in

Brazil in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 152: Brazilian Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 153: Brazilian Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 154: Laminating Adhesives Market in Brazil by Type:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 155: Brazilian Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 156: Brazilian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

MEXICO

Table 157: Laminating Adhesives Market in Mexico: Annual Sales

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 158: Mexican Laminating Adhesives Market in Retrospect in

US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 159: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

Mexico by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 160: Laminating Adhesives Market in Mexico: Recent Past,

Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 161: Mexican Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 162: Mexican Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF LATIN AMERICA

Table 163: Rest of Latin America Laminating Adhesives Latent

Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 164: Laminating Adhesives Historic Demand Patterns in

Rest of Latin America by Application in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 165: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown in Rest

of Latin America by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 166: Rest of Latin America Laminating Adhesives Market

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 167: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Latin America

by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 168: Rest of Latin America Laminating Adhesives Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

MIDDLE EAST

Table 169: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country:

2018-2025

Table 170: Laminating Adhesives Market in the Middle East by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 171: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 172: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market

Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application:

2018 to 2025

Table 173: Laminating Adhesives Market in the Middle East:

Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by

Application for 2009-2017

Table 174: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 175: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 176: The Middle East Laminating Adhesives Historic Market

by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 177: Laminating Adhesives Market in the Middle East:

Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

IRAN

Table 178: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Laminating Adhesives in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to

2025

Table 179: Iranian Laminating Adhesives Market in US$ Million

by Application: 2009-2017

Table 180: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Shift in Iran by

Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 181: Iranian Market for Laminating Adhesives: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 182: Laminating Adhesives Market in Iran: Historic Sales

Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2009-2017

Table 183: Iranian Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ISRAEL

Table 184: Israeli Laminating Adhesives Addressable Market

Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025

Table 185: Laminating Adhesives Market in Israel: Summarization

of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period

2009-2017

Table 186: Israeli Laminating Adhesives Market Share Analysis

by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 187: Israeli Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 188: Laminating Adhesives Market in Israel in US$ Million

by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 189: Israeli Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SAUDI ARABIA

Table 190: Saudi Arabian Demand for Laminating Adhesives in US$

Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 191: Laminating Adhesives Market Review in Saudi Arabia

in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 192: Saudi Arabian Laminating Adhesives Market Share

Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 193: Saudi Arabian Laminating Adhesives Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025m

Table 194: Laminating Adhesives Historic Market Analysis in

Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 195: Saudi Arabian Laminating Adhesives Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Table 196: Laminating Adhesives Market in the United Arab

Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 197: United Arab Emirates Laminating Adhesives Historic

Market Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 198: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

United Arab Emirates by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 199: Laminating Adhesives Market in the United Arab

Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 200: United Arab Emirates Laminating Adhesives Historic

Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 201: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

United Arab Emirates by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF MIDDLE EAST

Table 202: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Middle East:

Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 203: Rest of Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market in

Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 204: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Distribution in

Rest of Middle East by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 205: Laminating Adhesives Market in Rest of Middle East:

Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 206: Rest of Middle East Laminating Adhesives Historic

Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 207: Rest of Middle East Laminating Adhesives Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

AFRICA

Table 208: African Laminating Adhesives Latent Demand Forecasts

in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 209: Laminating Adhesives Historic Demand Patterns in

Africa by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 210: Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown in

Africa by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 211: African Laminating Adhesives Market Estimates and

Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 212: Laminating Adhesives Market in Africa by Type: A

Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 213: African Laminating Adhesives Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025



IV. COMPETITION



3M COMPANY

ARKEMA GROUP

ASHLAND

BEIJING COMENS NEW MATERIALS

BOND TECH INDUSTRIES

COIM S.P.A ( COIM GROUP)

DIC CORPORATION

DOWDUPONT

FUJIFILM CORPORATION

FLINT GROUP

FRANKLIN INTERNATIONAL

GREBE HOLDING GMBH

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

HENKEL AG & CO., KGAA

HUBER GROUP

INTERTRONICS

L.D. DAVIS

MASTER BOND

PARAMELT BV

RLA POLYMERS NZ

SAPICI S.P.A.

TOYO-MORTON

TOYOCHEM

UFLEX

VIMASCO CORPORATION

WEICON GMBH & CO. KG



V. CURATED RESEARCH

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There is no other continent that has contributed so much foreign investments to world development at the time of Peace and Wars than the African Continent. Instead of returns in dividends and economic progress, Africa regresses into penury. Africans spurred economic development, businesses, riches, nurtured Trans-Atlantic trade and fought World Wars abroad for free; more than any other continent on Earth.

Nevertheless, African contributions in Foreign Investments and Peace to the outside world has hardly been appreciated outside academic literatures. If anything, it has been derided for giving so much and keep on giving, not only in blood and sweat but in free labor, gold, diamond, uranium cobalt and lately in money laundering. It is a continent that gave everything it had and kept on giving while driving itself into states of Poverty.

If one goes by their definition of foreign Investment taught in most prestigious Western and Eastern school of Economics, there is this reverse sociopolitical school of thought that they are the one pouring riches and humanitarian free labor into Africa! They package it so well, even many Africans believe that they are the receivers of Foreign Investments and Aids. Indeed, Africans keep on begging for more. They are obliged!

Unfortunately, most Africans have been conditioned to believe no foreign Investment flow from Africa into Europe, America and Asia; only in the opposite direction. They want Africans to believe that after all they did, like the Marshall Plan for Europe after World Wars, Africans are impervious to progress and development. Many Africans are habituated into a trance of being indifferent to progress. Sadly, some Africans bought it and sell it to their fellow Africans and younger generation.

In other words, nobody could be so generous and welcoming as the American Indians and not be subjugated, for their foolishness. Only naive people welcome those whose intention is to exploit every living soul out of you. Then, ask why you were so stupid after the fact. It is one thing to be trusting and accommodating, which is humanity in Africans but quite another to relegate useful lessons to history in view of today's economic realities. Even some Africans are against reparation. For what, they ask.

If Africans gained nothing from foreign Investments into other continents, what do they have to gain from money laundering and fervent worship of foreign currencies that used to be backed by gold from Africa (Gold Coast) as promissory notes? They turn around to print payment vouchers that can only be used to purchase glittering foreign goods and services in their stores. The same pretty printed papers they generate as they wish while devaluing African currencies against theirs.

So, how much of your currencies can you print as they devalue it for themselves to buy more? They devalue currency and watch Foreign Reserve like a hawk for the best place to invest. Some Africans cannot see the link, so they also campaign for Devaluation because they believe it will spur growth in African countries from those buying more. The more they buy, by their postulation, the more Africans that are employed. No, our young folks bolt out of the country to sell themselves cheap in order to escape poverty.

Some Africans are following classic economic principle that has no relevance to those whose only contribution their exploiters want, are raw materials and what are allocated to them to grow in return for finished goods outside our sphere of influence. It basically means Africa is used as farm of production or plantation to feed their economies.

There were some questions and answers between Stokely Carmichael and university students years ago at a foreign university, that came to mind. A student claimed his ancestors were originally from the West Indies, not Africa. Stokely, a Trinidadian by birth asked him where they were before West Indies and he claimed they were on the Sea. In that case, Stokely answered, that they were seamen or came from the sea!

Stokely educated him that the West Indies were meant to be sugarcane plantations to feed the machineries in Europe and America, not countries. Stokely could have added African countries too, as private properties of African Trading Companies created by European private businesses until the English and French Armies took over to enforce the massacre of recalcitrant Africans resisting memberships as their "Protectorates".

These stubborn Africans were Ashanti, Ijebu, Benin, Sokoto, Zulu etc. Indeed, African soldiers were used against one another. Jaja of Opobo, one of the rebels that cut off the British middlemen and started trading with Europeans directly had his own standing Army. Unfortunately, his Army and those of the Hausa were used to subdue the Ashanti that rejected British Protectorate.

The same tactics were used to subdue him to control his influence and power on direct trade with Europe. Similarly, they subdued the Ijebu, Benin, Sokoto and went further South to subdue the Zulu. Their British and French Governments came to the rescue of their Private Companies operating around the Niger and Southern Africa communities in order to control and regain commerce. You call that foreign Investment into Africa, eh?

African Armies across Africa called HYPERLINK "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVwommsCFw0" Senegalese, Hausa, Congo or Moroccan Tirailleurs contributed their blood for Peace during World War I and II to liberate France and Britain. We saw how poor Senegalese soldiers that protested against crumbs in pension after France liberation in World Wars were massacred by French soldiers to stifle their rights.

Even Britain was until recently deporting old soldiers that fought to liberate them back to the Caribbean until it hit the newspapers in 2019. Their Black liberators that had lived in Britain without giving them the proper papers they deserved. They could not get the benefits they were due, as their fellow soldiers that served in the same World Wars!

Their Black Plantations have nothing to do with creating countries but creating business centers and commercial influence that would feed Europe, America and now Asia. This is how they have been operating since then and now. What they call Foreign Investment is the total control of trade and commerce where they take the lion-share of African natural and human resources. Nothing has changed.

Instead of begging for foreign Investment, Africans must learn how to keep their Investments at home. Stop exchanging mirrors for gold!
Local Architect Appointed As Massachusetts Licensing Adviser to National Council

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Kerry Bartini, the principal architect at Berkshire Design, was appointed to be the American Institute of Architects' Massachusetts licensing adviser to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards on Jan. 10.



In her new role, Bartini, who has been a licensing adviser since 2016, will continue to work directly with architectural licensing candidates, but will have more direct contact with AIA branches, firms and schools across the commonwealth, as well as the licensing board. Licensing advisers work with NCARB and are part of a community that helps foster licensing and certification.



"The path to licensure can sometimes be daunting, challenging and overwhelming. Licensing advisors serve to help candidates navigate the path to becoming a licensed architect through education, experience and examination, followed by licensure and certification," Bartini said. "I am extremely excited to continue this work in a new capacity."



Founded in 1919, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit corporation comprising the legally constituted architectural registration boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as its members.
MOGADISHU  The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has completed an induction course into the mission for 22 AMISOM Police Officers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda as part of a mandatory training to help them understand Somali culture and operating environment.

The seven-day course also acquainted the officers with the AMISOM mandate, concept of operations, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) awareness, gender awareness and code of conduct.

Speaking to the newly deployed officers at the closing ceremony of the course in Mogadishu on Monday, AMISOM Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Augustine Kailie thanked the inductees for their patience and discipline during the course. He urged them to respect the laws of the country and be sensitive to the Somali culture.

You have to be kind and friendly with the Somali Police and understand their situation, Commissioner Magnus told the officers.

Its not easy for a country to be at war and expect all things to be rosy. So you have to communicate with them, encourage them and tell them that in the future, they will also be on peacekeeping missions in other countries.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isatu Kargbo, from Sierra Leone said the induction course was timely and beneficial.

We are ready to work, that is why we are here to help bring peace together with my colleagues from other countries. We will impart knowledge that is being given to us to our counterparts from the Somali Police Force, she noted.

On his part, Superintendent of Police (SP) Stephen Yeje of Nigeria noted that the induction course has broadened his knowledge about Somalia and he will be better placed to execute his mentoring and advising duties.

We see the Somali Police Force as partners. They will lead and we will give them support. We are here to help restore order in regards to peace and security and the SPF will be in the forefront while we give them support, Stephen said.

The officers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda replaced another group of Individual Police Officers (IPOs) who recently returned home after completing a years tour of duty in Somalia.

2020 is a crucial year for Somalia and the deployment of these officers will boost the number of IPOs at both federal and regional levels.

Related
In 2019, the mighty German economy, the economic powerhouse of the European Union, grew a mere 0.6 percent. Thats right. It grew just over half a percent. In 2018, Germany grew 1.5 percent. This is not a lot, but it was better than 2019.

The German economy is Europes largest. Hence, when it goes wrong, things go wrong elsewhere in the EU. As reported in the Wall Street Journal:

Germanys weakness is bad news for Europe, and not just because of its size, accounting for about a fifth of the EUs total gross domestic product. German manufacturers are also tightly integrated in the continent, particularly Central and Eastern Europe, where German-owned plants and suppliers to German companies account for a large share of jobs. The slump in Germanys auto industry, for instance, has already affected neighboring countries that produce parts or finished vehicles for its leading brands, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Figures released Wednesday by the European Unions statistics agency showed that while German industrial output in November was 4% down on a year earlier, Czech output was down 3.1%, and Slovak output down 4.4%. By contrast, France, whose car industry operates independently of Germanys, output rose 1.2%. Germany is also the largest export market for Italy, the blocs weakest large member. In the first 10 months of last year, Italys exports to the country grew by just 0.2% compared to the same period a year earlier versus Italys 2.7% increase in total foreign sales of goods. Italys exports to France, its second largest foreign market, were up 2.2%.

The other problem is that growth forecasts for Germany are pessimistic. Indeed, the same article notes that Germany could be looking at a decade of economic underperformance. This is not good news for Europe, especially given that it will have to shoulder much more of the costs of the EU now that Brexit is full steam ahead.

Could Germany become, as it was in the late 1990s, the Sick Man of Europe? Stay tuned.
Its Bernie Sanders versus Joe Biden. Or Biden versus Elizabeth Warren. Or Sanders versus Warren, when she isnt busy brutalizing Pete Buttigieg.

Nearing the end of a presidential primary marked by its lack of acrimony, the four-candidate pileup in Iowa is forcing campaigns to alter their terms of engagement in pursuit of even incremental advantages.

The reluctance to brawl is now a vestige of the past. In its place is a spray of bullets in every direction.

In a traditional campaign, said Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004, You get to be the frontrunner, then everybody else makes sure you get taken down.

The difference this year, he said, is that everybodys the frontrunner.

The rancor has resulted in a new round of hand-wringing by Democrats fearful of weakening the party ahead of the general election  and by progressives fearful of weakening their standing against more moderate Democrats in the primary.

Citing their alarm over the recent sniping between the Sanders and Warren presidential campaigns, the liberal grassroots group Democracy for America implored the two to work together and stop attacking each other  unlikely, as a new rift opened over a CNN report that Sanders had told Warren privately in 2018 that he did not believe a woman could win the presidency in 2020.

After Sanders campaign disputed the account, Warren appeared to confirm it, saying in a prepared statement that Sanders disagreed with her belief that a woman could win.

Progressives will win in 2020, but only if we don't let the corporate wing or Trump divide us, Democracy for America said Monday in a tweet.

On the eve of the last debate before the Iowa caucuses, similar concerns were evident on more centrist ground as well. William Owen, a Democratic National Committee member from Tennessee who has endorsed Biden, said Monday that he is greatly worried about party unity after the primary campaign.

Story continues

I think the candidates should concentrate and focus their attention on the real problem, and thats Donald Trump, he said, not criticize each other.

Yet Democrats are notoriously worrisome  about the quality of their candidates, about fundraising, about the electoral strength of Trump. And bellicosity is not unusual in the final stretch of a campaign.

In fact, it was not the skirmishing itself, but the scattershot nature of the hostilities, that marked a new turn in the race. Defined until recently by an infrequent series of one-on-one confrontations, the contest is now becoming a melee.

Three weeks before the states caucuses, four Democrats are running within 5 percentage points of one another in Iowa, according to the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom/CNN survey. Behind them, a whole swath of candidates is polling below the states viability threshold  each with supporters to offer the frontrunners on caucus day.

Sen. Cory Bookers departure from the race on Monday opened another small well of support to remaining contenders. In addition, ideological lanes that once seemed likely to define much of the primarys conflict remain blurred, expanding every candidates pool of potential targets.

Were in a stage where people are in a civilized world say that theyre highlighting contrast, which is a polite way of saying attacking the stuffing out of each other, said Philippe Reines, a longtime Hillary Clinton confidant.

The new, multidirectional quality of the campaign came into focus in recent days. First, Sanders intensified his criticisms of Biden, chastising him for his 2002 vote for the war in Iraq and on issues of Social Security and bankruptcy protections. The Sanders campaign believes it can draw some older, working-class voters from the former vice presidents ranks of supporters.

Then, over the weekend, POLITICO reported on a script that Sanders campaign produced for volunteers confronting supporters not only of Biden, but also Warren and Buttigieg. Warren supporters, according to the script, could be told she is the candidate of highly-educated, more affluent people who are going to show up and vote Democratic no matter what and that she's bringing no new bases into the Democratic Party. Sanders campaign went after Buttigieg for his lack of support among black voters and young people.

On Sunday, Warren shot back, saying she was disappointed that Sanders was sending his volunteers out to trash me. But in a jab at Sanders last presidential campaign, she warned the party could not abide a repeat of the impact of the factionalism in 2016."

Left unsaid was Warrens own willingness to criticize her competitors. Just last month, she lit into Buttigieg for a fundraiser that was held in a wine cave full of crystals and served $900 a bottle wine, touching off the wine cave cycle of the campaign.

The back-and-forth-and-back again delighted Republicans, including inside the White House, where Trump suggested in a tweet on Monday that Sanders was criticizing Warren because everybody knows her campaign is dead and want her potential voters.

With Warren very angry at Bernie, he teased, Do I see a feud brewing?

The aggressions and mini-aggressions are poised to gain new air on Tuesday night, when the candidates debate in Des Moines. But there is risk in attacking too sharply. Kamala Harris and Julian Castro, who have both dropped out of the race, did not enjoy sustained bumps after issuing withering critiques of their rivals in past debates.

Intraparty attacks, said Gary Hart, the former Colorado senator and two-time presidential candidate, are never productive and only provide fodder to the other side.

Sen. Gary Hart (left) and frontrunner Walter Mondale debate in New Hampshire in January 1984.

People are tired of this, Hart said in an email, adding that he regretted criticisms of former Vice President Walter Mondale in the Democratic primary in 1984, when Mondale went on to lose in a 49-state landslide. But it seems to be what the new generation of strategists promote by way of justifying their high retainers. Tearing the opponent down rarely if ever adds followers to oneself.

In the 2004 campaign, a feud between Dean and Dick Gephardt was credited in part with John Kerrys surge to a surprise victory in Iowa. Dean said Monday that when you have a multicandidate race and people are ripping each other apart, then it hurts the ripper and the rip-ee.

Still, he said, this year, The honest truth is, I think the candidates have been pretty gentle with each other.

For a late-stage campaign, Dean said, This is standard.






By Lee Kyung-min



The employment situation for middle-aged breadwinners is deteriorating as people in their 40s kept losing their jobs in December 2019, despite a "recovery" in the overall job market, data showed Wednesday.



Statistics Korea reported that the country added 516,000 jobs in December, the highest number since August 2014 when the economy added 670,000.



The number of jobs in all other age groups increased in December but those in their 40s, mostly family breadwinners, saw 128,000 jobs disappear.



The loss was offset by the 479,000 jobs added for those in their 60s and older, followed by 94,000 for 50-somethings, and 69,000 for young people aged between 15 and 29, but a mere 2,000 for the 30-somethings.



The Ministry of Economy and Finance said the job market is showing gradual yet firm signs of recovery, but experts refuted such optimism saying that only part-time or poor quality jobs are being created for those aged over 60.



Sung Tae-yoon, an economist at Yonsei University, said the job market is hardly on a recovery track.



"What the government is eager to call jobs are merely a couple of hours of time-killing activities at best. Most of the added jobs are held by those aged over 60 and the quality of the jobs is indisputably awful."



Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said that the government will unveil a comprehensive plan for jobless people in their 40s in March at the earliest.



He said that the government was considering offering temporary living expenses, job training and help in opening new businesses.



"The government will focus on helping the recovery trend continue this year," Hong said, shortly after the statistics agency released the data.



On a yearly basis, 162,000 jobs were lost among the 40-somethings, the fifth consecutive year of decline and the largest fall in employment in 18 years since 1991.



By industry, 15,000 jobs disappeared in the manufacturing sector, the backbone of the economy, while 94,000 jobs were lost in the wholesale and retail sectors, the traditional job producers supporting the country's middle class.



Some 30,000 jobs were lost in the financial and insurance industries for those in their 40s, following what is believed to be layoffs of contract workers whose work involved landing new customers or subscribers for new products.



Construction lost 28,000 jobs amid an industry-wide slowdown, while information and telecommunications lost 27,000 jobs.



Healthcare and social services added 178,000 jobs, thanks mostly to government job creation initiatives.



On an annual basis, the economy added 301,000 jobs in 2019, compared to a year earlier.



In total, the manufacturing sector lost 81,000 jobs last year, the largest setback since 2013 when the statistics agency began compiling related data, due to flagging exports brought on by global uncertainties.



Backed by the government's financial support, healthcare and social services added 160,000 jobs.



The employment rate for those aged 15 and over stood at 60.9 percent, the highest since 1997, while that for those aged between 15 and 64 was 66.8 percent, the highest since 1989 when the authorities began compiling the appropriate data.




With plans to expand its food pantry this year, the Pearland Neighborhood Center will no longer be forced to turn away food donations. That means leadership there will be able to feed more people and make better use of volunteers who donate time to the area non-profit.

This expansion is going to give us an additional 1,500 square feet of desperately needed space, said Debbie Rubestello, the centers executive director. The best part is Im going to be able to serve more families and have larger volunteer groups.

Pearland City Council recently voted to allocate $123,000 to the center, 2335 N. Texas Ave., which has been an important part of the community since 1987. The city owns the building and is funding the expansion.

Rubestello said construction is set to start the end of January and could last nine months or longer.

Im hoping were finished by next Christmas, she said.

City Manager Clay Pearson credited the organization for its work in Pearland, including hosting food and clothing drives, providing assistance with rent and utility bills, offering free medical services and providing meals to senior adults.

Other center services Pearson mentioned include making referrals to other nonprofits and welfare organizations and collecting and distributing gifts to children at Christmastime. The center also acts as the only disaster relief center in northern Brazoria County.

Pearland Neighborhood Center What: A nonprofit organization providing community services to those in need including utility and rent assistance, a food pantry and disaster relief. Where: 2335 N. Texas Ave., Pearland Hours: Lobby: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Food pantry: 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Contact: 281-485-1987, info@pnctexas.com See More Collapse

Their good works have led them to run out of space, Pearson said.

City Councilman Luke Orlando agreed. They fill a critical gap in services in our community.

In 2018, the Pearland Neighborhood Center fielded approximately 12,000 calls for service and information referrals.

We hear from people who might be homeless, or they need help with transport, Rubestello said. We dont stop until we find help. If someone calls and Im out of funds, then we call around until we find the funds.

I usually have about 20 volunteers that come in every month, but during the holidays its more like 100-140 volunteers, Rubestello said.

Anyone needing more information about how the center, including how to volunteer or make a donation can visit the website at www.p nctexas.com or call 281-485-1987.
Armenian ex-MP Manvel Grigoryan is in critical condition, his attorney Arsen Mkrtchyan told Armenian News - NEWS.am.

According to him, if it is possible to regulate the heart rate, then they can assume that the critical stage has passed. Otherwise, cardiac arrest is possible.

As reported earlier, the court ruled to commute the pre-trial measure for Armenian ex-MP Manvel Grigoryan with a signature.

Manvel Grigoryan has reportedly been in intensive care for two days. According to lawyers, his condition is serious and he is breathing through an artificial respiration device.

Manvel Grigoryan is charged with illegally keeping weapons and ammunition, embezzlement of property worth more than AMD 101,000,000, evasion of taxes worth more than AMD 1,000,000,000, squander of more than AMD 1,000,000,000 from state funds and organizing plunder of property costing AMD 37,000,000 through extortion.
Additional reporting by Greg Murphy

A picture of an elderly woman eating her dinner off a windowsill in Dublin has been viewed hundreds of times online.

Volunteer group The Homeless Street Cafe posted the image on Facebook saying it is heartbreaking that these are her 'golden years.'

It said the elderly woman eats her meal from a plastic bowl every week and the issue of homelessness is beyond a crisis.

Meanwhile, a homeless man

Read More:

It happened on Tuesday afternoon on the Grand Canal at Wilton Terrace when the tent was removed using an industrial vehicle.

Gardai at Pearse Street are investigating.
The big picture: According to a 2018 United Nations scientific report, we'll have to do more than reduce carbon emissions in order to prevent a dangerous rise in global temperature in the near future. Microsoft is the first big tech company that has pledged to not only become carbon neutral, but also invest in direct air capture technologies that help suck carbon out of the atmosphere.

About a month ago, top tech CEOs signed a joint letter urging the United States to stay in the Paris Agreement and help combat climate change. Now, Microsoft has announced it wants to become "carbon negative" by 2030, which is essentially a promise to fund emerging methods that suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

This is a first among big tech companies, and it doesn't stop there. Microsoft says that by 2050 it wants to "remove from the environment all the carbon the company has emitted either directly or by electrical consumption since it was founded in 1975."

The Redmond company says it started efforts to become "carbon neutral" in 2012, through a combination of purchasing renewable energy and carbon offsets, as well as charging its business divisions an internal fee commensurate with the level of their emissions. By 2025, Microsoft will source all of its power from renewables, and will put together a fund to undo its damage to the climate.

To that end, the company has committed to a plan to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by pouring $1 billion into making the current emerging technologies cheaper and more scalable. This also opens up the possibility for others to use these as a service in the future in order to reduce their own carbon footprint.

This year, Microsoft expects it will emit 16 million metric tons of carbon, 100,000 of which are direct emissions from vehicles, 4 million from the electricity it uses to run its operations, and 12 million from indirect emissions that come from say, manufacturing its Surface line of products.

Other tech giants are also planning to reduce their carbon footprint, with Google employees demanding a climate action plan to become neutral by 2030. Meanwhile Amazon's Jeff Bezos is an outspoken CEO that's calling for a less ambitious deadline of 2040 that all companies can adhere to.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- National architecture and engineering firm HED is starting the new year with promotion announcements, naming two new principals within the firm:

Dennis Julian, PE, ATD, DCEP  Mission Critical / Data Center Specialist in Boston

Marshall O'Keefe  Corporate Technology Leader in Los Angeles

These promotions, as well as elevations of several employees to Associate Principal and Associate mark the close of a strong year for the firm. In 2019, HED added over 70 new staff and two new metro locations in Boston and Dallas through mergers with Puchlik Design Associates (PDA) and Integrated Design Group (ID Group), expanding the firm's reach within all sectors.

"The promotion of these individuals reflects the continued growth of our firm," says HED CEO Peter Devereaux, FAIA. "As we continue to evolve as an organization, increasing in both size and offerings, the responsibility of these individuals has grown to match, and has been integral to the success of our mission of Advancing the World of our clients and communities. Their commitment to building powerful client relationships, delivering innovative work, and creating positive impact has been, and continues to be, indispensable to our success as a firm."

Dennis Julian, PE, ATD, DCEP | Principal  Mission Critical / Data Center Specialist in Boston

Dennis is an electrical engineer and MEPFP subject matter expert with over thirty years of focused depth of knowledge in data center design. Dennis has worked with many hyperscale, wholesale, colocation and enterprise clients across the country. An original contributor to the ANSI/BICSI-002 Standard for Data Center Design and Implementation best practices, Dennis continues to contribute during the regular update cycles. His expertise leads HED's growing mission critical and data center teams, adding technical sophistication to the firm's integrated design methodology to deliver superior results in data center design.

Marshall O'Keefe | Principal  Corporate Technology Leader in Los Angeles

Marshall is an experienced technology leader with a twenty-year history of working in the AEC industry. Skilled in operations management, change management, software development, and lean process development, Marshall leads HED's IT group, provides strategic technical leadership to all facets of the firm, and has been instrumental in its continued growth.

About HED

HED seeks creative solutions that have a positive impact for its clients, the community, and the world. HED has earned a reputation for excellence in all facets of the designed and built environment, including architecture, consulting, engineering, and planning services. The firm of over 470 staff serves clients in a broad range of markets from eight U.S. offices (Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento). See how HED advances your world at www.hed.design.

Media Contact:

Emily Havelka, [email protected], (248)-233-0098

SOURCE HED

Related Links

hed.design


Its been more than three years, but a family says it still hasnt shaken the memory of a Saturday in the South Loop that was supposed to be filled with routine errands, but ended with the assault of their daughter by a stranger in the bathroom of a deli.
Phrame

16.01.2020 LISTEN

DARKUMAN BASED hardcore rapper Phrame, says he is very disappointed in Sawutuoms best rapper and one of Ghanas king of bars AMG Medikal for doing a bad job on his recent single dubbed, EL Chapo.

According to Phrame, he has a single dubbed, EL Chapo which was released two months ago and hearing his colleague doing the same title of the song, he said, Listening to Medikals version of EL Chapo, I feel my version is better than his

He added that I was expecting him to teach me a lesson with his version but mine will score better marks than his. He disappointed me as a young rapper who takes inspiration from him because he happens to be the best rapper and I respect him but I feel he could have done better than what he did.

Phrame has been in the music scene for quite a long time and has released his debut album dubbed Brenya and released couple of singles which include; letter to Sister Derby, El Chapo and other singles.

Listen to the two versions
MEXICO CITY  Hundreds of Hondurans, many with hopes of reaching the United States, streamed toward the Guatemalan border on Wednesday in the kind of migrant caravan that, in 2018 and 2019, angered President Trump and posed a direct challenge to governments throughout the region.

Traveling by foot and hitchhiking, the vanguard of the new caravan set off from the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula earlier in the week, with others following throughout the day on Wednesday, local media and migrants advocates reported.

The migrants met some resistance at the Guatemalan border when Honduran police fired tear gas to repel a group seeking to cross. A spokesman for the Honduran security ministry said the group had tried to leave the country without clearing the proper migration controls, Reuters reported.

President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala, who was sworn into office this week, said Wednesday that his government would honor Central American migration agreements that permitted Hondurans to enter Guatemala as long as they had proper identification.
The assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a Jan. 3 drone strike carried out by the United States sent shock waves throughout the region. Those who argued that Tehran would take its time to retaliate proved wrong. On the night of Jan. 8, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on Iraqi bases housing US forces. Several struck the Ain al-Assad base west of Baghdad. Several others landed in an open field near an air base in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Nobody was killed.

The attack was seen, however, as a clear message from Tehran about the potential punishment Iraqis would face if they pursue their relations with the United States. Baghdads immediate reaction already had been to ask US forces to leave. Iraqs caretaker prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, joined the chorus of Shiite Iraqis saying it was time for the Americans to depart. Meanwhile, Iraqs Kurds see US forces as protection as much against the Islamic State as they do against Baghdad and Iran and other potential foes.

The Kurds are in a bind as they face pressure from Tehran and Washington to pick sides. But while Baghdad has played lip service to Iran, the central government is just as loathe as the Kurds to get caught in the middle.

Abdul Mahdi was in Erbil last week to enlist Kurdish support for his tottering government, which has been hit by a wave of massive street protests followed by the deaths of Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraqs Popular Mobilization Units who was also targeted in the drone attack. Abdul Mahdi met with Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), who took the lead role in recent negotiations with Baghdad to resolve a long-running dispute over sharing revenues from oil and the Iraqi budget. Barzani has also been invited to Washington and Tehran.

Al-Monitor sat down with him today at his office in the sprawling Barzani family compound atop a mountain outside Erbil known as Sari Rash to discuss the impact of Soleimanis death and other regional developments affecting the Iraqi Kurds.

The following is the transcript of the interview, lightly edited for clarity.

Al-Monitor: It's been a pretty explosive start to the new year with the killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US drone strike. How has this event affected the balance of power in Iraq in general and in Iraqi Kurdistan in particular? The Iraqi parliament has called on the government to kick out US troops from Iraq. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi asked the US to formulate a mechanism for their withdrawal. What happens if US troops do leave and then Washington asks the KRG to redeploy here?

Barzani: This event triggered a flood of emotions in Iraq and the United States. The initial reaction and response from all sides was informed by these emotions. And that includes the reaction of the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi prime minister. By the same token, the response from Washington to the effect that US troops will remain in Iraq regardless of what the parliament or government has to say and the like was also in my view articulated in the heat of the moment. The priority all around should be for emotions to be set aside and for reason to prevail. We now need to contain the situation, to bring it under control.

Our view is that the decision taken by the Iraqi parliament was not a good one and the Kurds and the Sunnis did not take part in that decision. Moreover, it set a bad precedent. The decision was taken by the Shia bloc without consulting either of the key components of this country, the Kurds or the Sunni [Arabs]. It was a very critical step that was taken without seeking consensus and as such violates the spirit of the Iraqi Constitution. This is not good for Iraq, either now or for the future.

Al-Monitor: Why did you abstain from the vote?

Barzani: The question that first needs to be addressed is the following: Why are US troops here to begin with? They are here upon the invitation in 2014 of the Iraqi government and in consultation with the United Nations Security Council when the Islamic State was on the outskirts of Baghdad. The second: Does the current situation in Iraq justify the withdrawal of US and coalition forces given their mission, which is to help defeat the Islamic State? As far as we, the KRG, is concerned the answer is plainly No. All the intelligence indicates that the Islamic State has regrouped itself and that they are carrying out attacks against Iraqi targets on a daily basis. Hence, it's as much in the interest of Iraqi Kurdistan as it is for the whole of Iraq that US forces remain for the time being.

Al-Monitor: But it seems the government in Baghdad is under immense pressure from Iran to get the American forces out. At the same time President [Donald] Trump is pushing the Europeans to scotch the nuclear deal with Iran. So things could escalate again and where does that leave the KRG?

Barzani: During Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdis visit here a few days ago, the impression we got was that he was looking to resolve this issue through dialogue rather than confrontation. The idea would be to come up with a new formula, reconfiguration if you will, for the future presence of US and coalition forces in Iraq.

Al-Monitor: Meaning they would stay?

Barzani: Yes. We strongly believe the presence of US and coalition forces is a must for all of Iraq.

Al-Monitor: And the Iraqi prime minister agrees with that?

Barzani: Yes. He is concerned by the situation, obviously, but he is a pragmatic man and he is looking to reformulate, redefine the future presence of these forces in Iraq. I dont think relations between Iraq and the United States should be legislated via the media. This is unhelpful.

Al-Monitor: But the Iraqi prime minister himself made it clear early on that he believed US forces should leave. Do you think he was acting under pressure from Iran?

Barzani: I think as the prime minister of Iraq he is entitled to his grievances and the fact that such a major operation was conducted on Iraqi soil near the airport without his knowledge was bound to trigger a negative reaction from Baghdad.

Al-Monitor: Are you saying that neither he nor any member of the Iraqi government, or the KRG had prior knowledge of this operation?

Barzani: That is what I am saying. No knowledge. No cooperation. I dont think so. What is best now is for a serious engagement and dialogue between Iraq and the United States on the future format for US deployment. It should be low profile. No hand grenades lobbed via the media.

Al-Monitor: But clearly Iran will be pulling Baghdad in the opposite direction. What is your assessment of Irans retaliatory missile attack on the Americans, which also targeted Erbil? Was there a message there for the Iraqi Kurds as well?

Barzani: The Iraqi leadership has to hold the interests, the security and the stability of the country, of the Iraqi people, above all else. The launching of the missiles was a very clear message to everybody that Iran has the will and the capacity to strike inside any part of Iraq.

Al-Monitor: But we also heard some diplomatic shots fired with the Iranian consul general in Erbil complaining that the KRG response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani was inadequate. They obviously have their expectations from you but then so do the Americans. They were unhappy with the statement you put out following the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. You must be feeling pretty squeezed.

Barzani: In Kurdistan we do not wish Iraq to become a battleground where Iran and the United States settle their scores. Iraqs relations with the United States are very important. But Iran is our longstanding neighbor. Since assuming office Prime Minister Mahdi has set out to avoid being dragged into the conflict between Iran and the United States.

Al-Monitor: But he has.

Barzani: Yes.

Al-Monitor: Are you scared of Iran?

Barzani: No, we are not scared of Iran, but we respect Iran.

Al-Monitor: When Vice President Mike Pence came here in November, he conveyed an invitation to you from President Trump for a meeting at the White House. My understanding was that you were expecting to travel to Washington either in December or January. What happened? Has the invitation somehow become contingent on you taking sides with Washington against Tehran? Are there strings attached?

Barzani: No. There is a standing invitation but no date has been fixed yet. The invitation was extended before any of this happened [the Soleimani killing as well as Abdul Mahdis Nov. 29 resignation]. The United States sees [us] as part of Iraq and they deal with us as such.

Al-Monitor: True, but there was a lot of speculation that the reason you were invited was to calm congressional fury over Trumps decision to pull US troops out of the path of Turkish forces when they attacked the Syrian Kurds in October. They wanted to invite the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] commander Mazlum Kobane but Turkey pushed back so fiercely, you emerged as a consensus figure.

Barzani: Well, everybody looks out for their own interests. Their [US] interests might have called for that and we have our own interests.

Al-Monitor: So, will you be seeing President Trump in Davos?

Barzani: I have to ask my foreign minister. It's not clear if he [Trump] is even coming to Davos but I will be seeing Vice President Pence in Davos.

Al-Monitor: Would you say the aftermath of Qasem Soleimanis death has forced Washington to reevaluate its relations with the KRG and elevated your importance as a strategic partner?

Barzani: The KRG with its legal and constitutional status has its own singular importance within the Iraqi equation. But as things currently stand the US policy on Iraq is a united Iraq, a one Iraq policy.

Al-Monitor: Is that your policy as well?

Barzani: Yes.

Al-Monitor: OK. But do you see yourself as a potential mediator between Washington and Baghdad?

Barzani: Sure. We do and we will fulfill our role in that respect. And our view is that it's really in Iraqs interests that we do so and that relations between Washington and Baghdad remain stable.

Al-Monitor: How about mediating between Washington and Tehran?

Barzani: We are prepared to do our utmost within our humble means to contribute to stability and peace in this region.

Al-Monitor: Are you going to Tehran any time soon?

Barzani: I have a standing invitation. But no date has been set yet.

Al-Monitor: Moving on to Russias role in this region. President Putin is extraordinarily active, in Syria, now in Libya. What role is there for Russia in Iraq?

Barzani: It's clear that Russia has an important role in this region. We see it in Syria, in Libya. And it has has good relations with Iraq.

Al-Monitor: And?

Barzani: Thats it.

Al-Monitor: The last time we met, back in March last year, you said the SDF should make a deal with the Syrian regime as soon as possible. The SDF has been talking to the Syrian government but the Syrian government is showing absolutely no signs of wanting to give the Kurds anything in terms of political rights, a political status with constitutional guarantees. What is your advice to them now?

Barzani: It's still the same.

Al-Monitor: So they should agree to full capitulation?

Barzani: As a matter of principle we believe that the question of the Kurds in Syria should be resolved within the boundaries of Syria. And yes, of course I believe the regime in Damascus should be more forthcoming than it is now. The Kurds of Syria are part of Syria. Unfortunately, the Baath mentality is a block. The Russians can make a difference, however. When I met [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov a while back, I specifically asked him to help advance a deal between the Kurds and the regime. I believe that President Putin should put more effort into this.

Al-Monitor: But at the same time we see the Russians engaged with the Turks in ways that have been working in direct opposition to Kurdish interests in Syria.

Barzani: Our advice in the past, present and in the future is for the Syrian Kurds to find a way to reach an agreement with the regime. I also told them repeatedly to cut their ties with the PKK [Kurdistan Workers Party] in Qandil.

Al-Monitor: But is that even possible?

Barzani: I always said they did everything to provoke Turkey. Putting up PKK flags and huge portraits of [imprisoned PKK leader] Abdullah Ocalan immediately on the Turkish border.

Al-Monitor: But before Oct. 9, when Turkey launched its invasion in northeast Syria, the SDF was making many concessions to Turkey, agreeing to joint Turkish-US patrols and pulling back forces from the border. That hardly qualifies as provoking. Quite the opposite.

Barzani: Well, it was probably too late by then. We had been telling them for years to disassociate themselves from the PKK and try to understand Turkeys concerns so as to avert this result we have today.

Al-Monitor: What does cutting links with Qandil actually mean? Many of these people currently running the Syrian Kurdish administration were part of that movement and view Ocalan as their symbolic leader.

Barzani: It's a well-established fact that they were taking all their orders from the PKK.

Al-Monitor: Are they still?

Barzani: Yes, but to a lesser extent. In any case, what they need to do is to convince Turkey and the international community that they are not part of the PKKs broader agenda. And if this proves impossible I see little chance of the situation getting any better.

Al-Monitor: So, what of your own relations with Turkey? How have they been affected by recent events?

Barzani: Our relations with Turkey have always been important. Our relations with Turkey are good. The KRG prime minister [Masrour Barzani] had a very good meeting with [Turkish] President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan. We will continue on this path.

Al-Monitor: But you said you dont want Iraq to be a battleground for the United States and Iran. But Iraqi Kurdistan is already a battleground for Turkey and the PKK. Any hope for a resumption of the peace process between Turkey and its Kurds?

Barzani: We cant allow Iraqi Kurdistan to become a launching pad for attacks against any of our neighbors. In the final analysis this problem in Turkey has to be resolved through peaceful means. Whenever I meet with Turkish officials I remind them of this, that this problem needs to be solved through dialogue, not military means. This is in the interest of both sides.

Al-Monitor: And that means talking to the PKK and to Ocalan?

Barzani: Yes, to the PKK, to Ocalan.

Al-Monitor: But the Turkish government and President Erdogan seem to not have any interest in resuming dialogue with the PKK or Ocalan. Quite the opposite. Do you see a role for the imprisoned pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party [HDP] former co-chair Selahattin Demirtas in helping resume peace talks?

Barzani: I definitely do and I definitely believe that he should be freed from prison and allowed to play this role. He should be free.

Al-Monitor: Quite a few Syrian and Turkish Kurds seem to believe that the Iraqi Kurdish leadership fails to fully grasp that if the autonomy project in Rojava or Syrian Kurdistan fails, that Iraqi Kurdistan will in their words be next. That Turkey and Iran will go after Iraqi Kurdistan next and destroy your autonomy. And that their fierce reaction to the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum was an unequivocal portent of this. Do you agree with this take?

Barzani: It's a bit of an apples and oranges situation. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has a legal, constitutional status within Iraq. Within Iraq and internationally this is a recognized fact. Therefore in this regard it makes no sense to draw parallels between Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava. For us in Iraqi Kurdistan, whenever we sense an opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Rojava and fellow Kurds elsewhere resolve their problems peacefully within the countries they live in, we are always happy to do so. I would also like to take this opportunity to hail my brothers and sisters in Rojava for their great sacrifices on the front line in the war against the Islamic state, for their bravery and their dedication. The high number of casualties they took was not just to defend themselves and Syria but to defend humanity and for that we owe them big thanks.

Al-Monitor: Do you, therefore, believe, as the SDF does, that they should be rewarded and recognized for their deeds and that the Kurds in Syria deserve to be accorded a formal status as full and equal partners in a new Syria?

Barzani: Definitely. Of course they should be. There should be constitutional protection of their rights all within the framework of a united Syria. They should be equal citizens and to be able to express themselves freely as Kurds.

Al-Monitor: Before the Soleimani affair you had aired confidence about reaching a deal with Baghdad on the budget, revenue sharing, oil, etc. Has it all been upended by the prime ministers resignation plus Soleimanis death? Are you concerned that Iran may pressure Baghdad to stop paying salaries to the KRG once again by way of increasing pressure on you?

Barzani: After long discussions and many journeys to Baghdad we had indeed reached an agreement. We had almost concluded the deal towards the end of September. We were supposed to hand over 250,000 barrels of oil to SOMO [Iraqs national oil company] at [export terminals in Turkeys Mediterranean port of] Ceyhan. They would market it and the revenue would go to the Iraqi treasury from which the KRG would get its share.

Al-Monitor: So what would happen to Turkeys share?

Barzani: They have nothing to do with it. So what would happen basically is that we have to pay transit fees to the Turkish side and this is Iraqi oil, no matter where it's extracted. The remaining 200,000 barrels are ours and that covers payment to the oil companies for their services and some of our debts to them. But this deal is now in limbo and this uncertainty is obviously not good. That said, as you mentioned, since March of last year, a portion of public workers salaries has been paid by the central government in Baghdad on a regular basis. Around 55%. We are talking about $380 million a month. Thats it. It doesn't cover all the salaries. Our total outlay for government workers salaries, social security is $700 million a month; 1.2 million people receive government salaries, of which 700,000 are directly employed by the government, the peshmerga, civil servants, etc. As for your question about Iranian pressure, I dont think Iran will interfere because we are all Iraqis. The arrangement that was struck was a national one that was reached after a lot of discussions.

Al-Monitor: How do you rate the performance of the new [KRG] prime minister and his Cabinet? And he is your paternal cousin, so perhaps you may not be too impartial, but try.

Barzani: If you look at the performance of the previous government we were often in crisis management mode, with the budget dispute with Baghdad, then the Islamic State. A lot good was achieved in the past 10 years but mistakes were made as well. The new government has gotten off on a sounder footing with a better relationship with Baghdad and the territorial defeat of the Islamic State. It has vigorously embraced the reform process and implementing reforms and is trying to do better. And I think the prime minister is doing a good job. He has struck a good balance in the Cabinet. Honestly, he is doing a good job.

Al-Monitor: But there is still no oil minister.

Barzani: We will have one soon. Dont worry.

Al-Monitor: Who?

Barzani: I honestly dont know but for now the prime minister is doubling up as oil minister.

Al-Monitor: Final question. One of the big challenges often mentioned by your party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, is the lack of leadership in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan [PUK] with whom you share power. Who is in charge of the PUK?

Barzani: They just had a party congress and it was a successful one despite all the speculation. They have set up a committee to solve all their internal issues. Until now it remains unclear who will actually head the party.

Al-Monitor: Who?

Barzani: I think [Iraqi President] Barham [Salih].
The attorneys for Ghislaine Maxwell and Virginia Giuffre appeared today to hash out a time frame with the court as it weighs unsealing more documents naming high-profile individuals connected to Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking ring.

The documents are part of Giuffres 2015 defamation suit against Maxwell, Epsteins alleged madam and one-time girlfriend. Epstein, who was facing sex-trafficking charges, hung himself in his Manhattan jail cell in August.

Giuffre has long claimed that Maxwell recruited her into Epsteins sex-trafficking ring where she was passed on to other high-profile men including Prince Andrew. The British royal has denied the claims.

Maxwell, who also denies the allegations, publicly denounced Giuffre as a liar, leading her to file a civil lawsuit.

The conference was held at 10am in Manhattan Federal Court before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska and involved attorneys for Maxwell, Giuffre and John Does 1 and 2.

Neither Giuffre nor Maxwell appeared at the hearing and when asked about Maxwell's whereabouts the plaintiffs lawyers admitted they still have no idea where she is hiding. Recent reports claim she is being hidden from the FBI in a series of safe houses.

Ghislaine Maxwell was last seen in this photo taken in Los Angeles last August after DailyMail.com revealed she had been living quietly in a secluded mansion in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Neither Maxwell nor Giuffre appeared at the hearing today and when asked about Maxwell's whereabouts the plaintiffs lawyers admitted they still have no idea where she is

Epstein's shocking suicide comes just 24 hours after court documents from Virginia Roberts Giuffre (pictured) were unsealed. The documents are part of Giuffres 2015 defamation suit against Maxwell

Sigrid S. McCawley, the lawyer for Virginia Giuffre leaves Manhattan Federal after a hearing to release document concerning the Jeffery Epstein case

Judge Preska today urged the lawyers to streamline the review of documents and suggested that the motions be grouped into batches of five, meaning they would be released on a rolling basis.

The judge also asked for a plan on how non-parties, whose names are in the documents, would be notified and given the chance to respond.

The Judge said that Maxwell had written to the court on December 5, 2019, citing various reasons for maintaining sealed materials with privacy being a key concern.

Maxwells attorney, Laura Menninger, said that some of the non-parties are in positions of means with counsel but noted that some live out of the country or in remote places without counsel and so would need a fair chance to file their objections via letter, to which Judge Preska agreed.

The non-parties are to be notified in two weeks, Judge Preska said. Once the non-parties respond, Maxwell and Giuffres legal teams will be able to file their oppositions.

Sigrid McCawley, attorney for Giuffre, raised the issue that the next document dump of material would be reflect badly on her client as Maxwell is not objecting to any items that could be negative to Virginia.

Preska said that she no reason for documents to be withheld to which there is no countervailing interest and said they should be released ASAP.

Following the court hearing, Menninger ignored a question on the whereabouts of Ghislaine Maxwell.

Virginia Roberts says this photograph shows her with Prince Andrew at Ghislaine Maxwell's flat (she is pictured in the background) in west London in early 2001

Outside court, Giuffres attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said: 'Virginia is very pleased that Judge Preska has embarked on this process to start finally releasing these documents that are critical to the public to be able to access the information.

'It's always been Virginia's goal to uncover the severity of the sexual trafficking scheme, and yesterdays filing in the U.S. Virgin islands notes again that this was going on all over the world for many years with a young females ranging as young as 11 and into young adulthood.

'Her mission has been to expose that sex trafficking scheme and the work that we're doing here is an effort to make sure that that does not remain under seal anymore.

'We're hopeful that the documents are going to be released expeditiously.'

McCawley addressed the fact that Maxwell had not objected to documents being unsealed which are 'negative' to Virginia.

'In this process, we want it to be fair and equal and Virginia was always willing to have this be an open process, but she wanted it to be open on both sides.

'In other words, that all documents in the case would be revealed, not just piecemeal documents that Maxwell wanted to be released.'

There is no set date on when the next document dump will be, other than in the near future.

McCawley said the next step was that the non-parties would be notified in two weeks and get a two-week period to file an objection if they so want.

The Judge will be reviewing those, assessing what she is allowing Maxwell to do which is set forth countervailing interests.

McCawley said that that 'might be where the battle lies' because Maxwell has set forth an extensive list of reasons why these documents should not be released.

We will argue against that, she added.

When asked by DailyMail.com if she had any information on Maxwells whereabouts, McCawley shook her head and said: I dont know.

A girl who it is claimed is Virginia Roberts (circled) aged 17 at supermodel Naomi Campbell's 31st birthday party in St Tropez in 2001

Alongside pictures of a girl appearing to be Virginian Roberts, she tweeted alleging members of Jeffrey Epstein's social circle knew she was being abused

The British socialite vanished from public life around 2016. In August, DailyMail.com revealed that she had been living quietly in a secluded mansion in Manchester-by-the-Sea, close to Boston, with tech CEO Scott Borgerson.

On Monday, Preska ruled that a cache of previously unreleased documents relating to Epstein would not be released as part of the defamation dispute, saying that the documents were not judicial and therefore did not have the presumption of public access, according to lawandcrime.com.

The Judge had allowed the release of more than 2,000 previously sealed documents in August.

Jeffrey Epstein's former 'sex slave' has shared photos of her standing next to Naomi Campbell and Ghislaine Maxwell in a tweet that claims: 'You watched me be abused'.

Virginia Roberts alleges she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times at the homes of his late friend Epstein, who she says trafficked her while she was underage over the course of years of abuse.

The 36-year-old tweeted a message today to the paedophile billionaire's social circle, alleging guests saw her at parties aged 17 and did not intervene to help.

Roberts, who now goes by her married name of Giuffre, wrote: 'You saw me at your parties, you saw me in Epstein's homes, you saw me on the plane, you saw me get my haircut, you saw me on the streets, you watched me be abused. You saw me! #Awareness #Justice #GhislaineMaxwell #JeffreyEpstein #NaomiCampbell #PrinceAndrew.'

Roberts appeared to be pictured beside supermodel Naomi Campbell at her 31st birthday party in St Tropez, France, in 2001.

Epstein is pictured with his associate and one-time girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell in 2005. Roberts alleged Maxwell was involved in trafficking girls for Epstein

Representatives for Campbell denied she was close friends with Epstein and told the Sun the disgraced financier was only invited to her birthday party by her then boyfriend, Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.

There is no evidence Campbell or her guests knew of Epstein's crimes or who Roberts was when she allegedly attended the event.

In the pictures from Campbell's party, a girl Roberts says was her can be seen wearing the same style white top and multicoloured trousers she wore in an infamous photo with Prince Andrew - said have been taken at Maxwell's west London flat in 2001.

The Duke of York claims the image may have been photoshopped to show his fingers placed on the teenager's waist.

The images linked to Roberts' tweet also appear to show Roberts standing near Ghislaine Maxwell, who Roberts claims procured young women for Epstein.

Epstein was found hanged in his Manhattan jail cell last August awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

He previously received an 18-month prison sentence in Florida in 2008 on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Despite the conviction, Prince Andrew continued to associate with Epstein and was pictured staying with him at his mansion in Manhattan in 2010.

Roberts sued Epstein in 2015 and claims she had sex with Prince Andrew three times, including once in London when she was 17, once in New York and another time at Epstein's private Caribbean island of Little St James.

Prince Andrew has 'emphatically' denied any relationship with the mother-of-three, who now lives in Cairns in Australia, 'in any form' and that he does not recall the 2001 pictured being taken.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight the Duke of York claimed he does not remember meeting Roberts.

He said he was at a Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey, the night he is accused of going to Tramp nightclub with the then-teenager.
The view that he referred to is the official position of India, which says that under the 1972 Simla Agreement, disputes between the neighbours have to be dealt with bilaterally and has opposed any outside involvement.

"One hears that many countries are of the view that this is a matter of concern, but should be discussed and resolved bilaterally," he said at a news conference here on Wednesday.

China brought up the Kashmir issue at a Council consultation on Wednesday but other members said it was a bilateral issue that it should not take up, diplomatic sources with knowledge of the proceedings said.

The meeting ended even without a statement.

Qureshi asserted he fact that the Kashmir situation has been discussed in the Council for the second time in five months, "is a clear indication that the Security Council is cognisant that the issue is on the agenda fo the Security Council and the impression that India tries to give that this is an internal matter is not accepted".

The Council held a consultation on Kashmir last August and at that meeting also Council members did not want to get involved in a bilateral issue.

He repeated Pakistan's offer to engage with India to deal with outstanding issues and said that India had rebuffed its overtures.

India has made an end to crossborder terrorism a condition for negotiations and improving relations.

Qureshi immediately took a swipe at India, saying: "People are seeing a shift that is taking place from a secular India to a Hindu Rashtra, Hindutva philosophy that is being imposed as opposed to the views and vision of the founding fathers."

He also made a mention of the country-wide protests in India against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens and said that they were getting a global airing because there wasn't a clampdown on international media as there was in Kashmir.

Qureshi said he met Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appraise him about the situation in the region.

He said that Guterres expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir and mentioned a long meeting he had had on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka in June.

A terse UN statement about the meeting said they "exchanged views on developments in the region", and "the Secretary-General reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia through political dialogue, diplomatic solutions and respect for human rights".

Qureshi, who had met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in Tehran on Sunday and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on Monday in Riyadh, said he will be meeting Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Friday.

He said the US-Iran confrontation was deescalating and that Pakistan was trying to promote peace in the region through the contacts.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)
Dmitry Anatoliyevich Medvedev

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that the entire government resigned. Medvedev said this during a meeting of cabinet members with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 15 January 2020.

At the same time, Putin proposed introducing the post of deputy chairman of the Security Council and appointing Medvedev to it. Dmitry Anatolyevich has always dealt with these issues. And from the point of view of increasing our defense capability and security, I consider it possible and asked him to do so in the future to deal with issues of this particular property, this category of issues, the Russian leader emphasized. Medvedev will deal with issues of improving defense and security. According to Putin, Medvedev has all the necessary experience as president and prime minister.

Medvedev noted that during his message to the Federal Assembly, Putin outlined not only priorities for work for the coming year, but also a number of serious changes that need to be made to the country's Constitution. These changes, when they are adopted, they will introduce significant changes not only in a number of articles of the Constitution, but also in general in the balance of power, said the Prime Minister.

Medvedev noted that in this context it is obvious that the Russian government should provide the president with the opportunity to take all the necessary decisions. And in these conditions, I believe that it was right that, in accordance with Article 117 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation in the current composition resigned, the head of the Cabinet noted.

Vladimir Putin expressed "satisfaction with the results that have been achieved" by this composition of the government. Not everything, of course, worked out, but everything never works out in full, the president said. He also asked ministers to carry out their duties until the formation of a new government.

On 07 May 2008, Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russia's new President. A technocrat and political appointee, Medvedev had never held elective office before 2008. Who is Medvedev? According to Russia Today, he is an "intelligent technocrat". Other observers said Medvedev was softer and more democratic than other potential candidates, and therefore Russia's relations with the West, above all the United States, could significantly improve with him as president. But experts warned Medvedev might clash with the so called siloviki, an influential grouping of secret service officials within the Kremlin.

Dmitry Anatoliyevich Medvedev (Medvedev is derived from the Russian for 'bear'), was born in Leningrad on 14 September 1965, the only child of Anatoly Afanasiyevich Medvedev, a professor at the Leningrad Technological Institute and, Yulia Veniyaminovna Shaposhnikova, a teacher at the Hertzen Leningrad Pedagogical Institute.

It is widely reported that as a teen he became interested in western music especially Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple.

Medvedev graduated from secondary school in 1982, from which he enrolled in the law faculty of Leningrad State University (LGU) within the Department of Civil Law. During his time at the University he was active in the local Komsomol. In the mid-1980s, he took part in a Soviet youth project constructing housing in Leningrad. In 1987 he graduated from the University.

Medvedev appeared not to have Putin's ambition or "hard" edge, possibly because he has less to prove. Whereas Putin grew up in a working class family living in a communal apartment, Medvedev's roots are in St. Petersburg's academic community. His father taught at the Leningrad Technological Institute and his mother worked as a philologist at the Herzen Pedagogical Institute. Putin learned judo to fight neighborhood toughs; Medvedev lifted weights and focused his energies on Western "heavy metal" music, then considered "subversive." (He maintains an impressive collection of Deep Purple albums and attended a concert by the band's aging rockers with fellow Deputy Premier Sergey Ivanov.) Medvedev also succeeded in winning the hand of Svetlana, the girl his contemporaries considered "the prettiest in the school." The two were married in 1989 and they have a son Ilya, who was born in 1995.

Unlike Putin, for whom higher learning appears a means to an end, Medvedev could easily have forged an academic career if he hadn't been pulled into the orbit of his professor of civil law, Anatoliy Sobchak, who headed the local city council. Medvedev earned an advanced degree in law in 1990 from Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) State University, where he served as a law professor from 1990-1999. Former students publicly praised him as a "super intellectual" and a "strict but fair" instructor. During Medvedev's tenure as professor, he authored several chapters of the faculty's definitive textbook "Civil Law," which has sold 1.5 million copies in over 6 printings since 1995 and is used across the country.

Medvedev never had a "Soviet" career nor did he participate in the "wild capitalism" of the late Gorbachev era, when the young reformers and oligarchs of the Yeltsin years cut their teeth on Komsomol business projects or trading ventures. Instead, his early adulthood experiences were those of the post-Soviet depression and the dislocations that accompanied it. Because of his excellent ties to powerful players -- first to St. Petersburg mayor Sobchak and then to Sochak's deputy, Putin -- Medvedev was lucky to avoid much of the suffering that affected the rest of his generation. However, his experiences likely have shaped his commitment to resolving social issues, and may explain his determination to see through Putin's National Projects. Medvedev traveled widely in Russia on legal business in the 1990's and understood first-hand how difficult it was during that period for people to make ends meet, especially in the regions.

Like Putin, Medvedev is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, which strongly supported his bid for the presidency, and had referred to Medvedev as a "believer." He was baptized in 1988 and had close ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. In March 2007 a government commission headed by Medvedev approved the Principle of Church Property Restitution, which called for the return of land, assets and property taken from the church after the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Svetlana Linnik and Medvedev were married in 1989. They have a son, Ilia, who was born in 1999.

In 1989, Medvedev took part in Anatoly Sobchak's St. Petersburg mayoral campaign. He soon started working for Anatoly Sobchak's mayoral team. Sobchak's first deputy Vladamir Putin, selected Medvedev to be the city's legal expert. Putin and Medvedev became friends and continued to work together there until 1996. During Medvedev's time in St. Petersburg, he worked on many other professional and business ventures.

He said in an Interview with magazine Itogi published on 16 April 2007, "Like any normal person, I felt unease inside when the Soviet Union ceased to exist. It was hard to understand, an unpleasant feeling. I still remember the moment: I went on a business trip to Germany. I left from the Soviet Union but returned to a different country. It came as a great shock for me. As a lawyer, I looked at the situation differently to others and realised that just renaming the state would not be the end of it. Fortunately, though it found itself on the knife's edge, Russia managed to avoid collapse and full-scale civil war."

He was a lawyer for the insurance company Rus in 1992. That same year he created the company, Fintsel which later founded Ilim Pulp Enterprises. Medvedev owned a 50 percent stake in Fintsel and a 20 percent stake in Ilim Pulp Enterprises. He was also a lecturer at LGU and a legal consultant for Promstroibank. Medvedev worked as Ilim's legal director from 1994 to 1999.

From 1993-1999, Medvedev entered the business world in St. Petersburg, co-founding the Sibtrust and Baltflot Consulting company. In 1994, he was appointed Director of the board for a subsidiary of Ilim Pulp, Russia's largest paper and corrugated manufacturer, and served as the legal adviser to the parent company. According to press reports, when he found out that his partners were taking unscrupulous actions with the company, Medvedev left Ilim. Soon after his departure, the state started an investigation of the company.

Having impressed then Leningrad city council head Sobchak as a student, in 1990 he became an adviser to the Mayor's Committee for Foreign Relations, where he made the acquaintance with Putin that would change his life. The two became close colleagues, with Medvedev serving as Putin's personal lawyer.

When Putin was appointed Premier in 1999, Medvedev followed him to Moscow. In November 1999, Putin, Russia's Prime Minister (PM), appointed Medvedev to be his Deputy Chief of the Government Apparatus. Several months after that Medvedev became Deputy Chief the Presidential Administration. On 5 January 2000, Medvedev headed Putin's campaign for the presidency. Despite his inexperience, Putin selected Medvedev to run his 2000 presidential campaign and, from all indications, was pleased with his work.

In June 2000, Medvedev became Gazprom's chairman of the board of directors, where he participated in creating Gazprom's policies for the "near abroad," (the Russian term for all the former Soviet republics that gained independance in 1991) resulting in higher gas tariffs for Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia. Under his direction Gazprom started buying news agencies such as NTV, Ekho Moskvy radio, City-FM, and "Izvestia." They were tweaked to be more government friendly. Medvedev worked as a deputy for Aleksandr Voloshin the previous head of the presidential administration. In 2004, Medvedev became the head of the presidential administration. In 2005 Medvedev became Putin's First Deputy PM responsible programs involving long-term state investment in education, health care, housing, and agriculture.

When Putin fired Presidential Administration (PA) Head Aleksandr Voloshin in 2003, Medvedev was elevated to fill the vacancy. Medvedev had proved himself a disciplined, non-stop work machine, who liked to get to the bottom of technical issues. At the same time, he gained the reputation as a petty, jealous, and sometimes unscrupulous player in the rough-and-tumble world of Kremlin politics.

In 2005, Putin appointed Medvedev First Deputy Premier in a move that many saw as a first step in preparing Medvedev for the Presidency. Commentators note he has "trimmed down," changed his haberdasher, and has "learned how to tie a tie properly." Others point to a marked improvement in his oratory, citing a strong speech given at the Davos summit earlier this year. He has consistently delivered on those tasks requested of him, working within the system to achieve his goals. For example, Medvedev played a key role in ensuring that Part IV of the Civil Code was amended to allow the conclusion of a bilateral WTO agreement to go forward. At the same time, he expressed frustration at what he claimed were the ever-shifting goalposts related to Jackson-Vanik graduation, and criticized the US for politicizing WTO accession.

The lynch-pin of Medvedev's tenure as Deputy Premier was his responsibility for overseeing the National Projects in healthcare, housing, education and agriculture, which was allocated more than $13 billion in funding in 2006-2007 (though how much has been spent is an open question). While incremental steps have been made, among them higher salaries for public sector workers, improved delivery of medical services and increasing internet connectivity of schools, overall progress has been disappointing. Acknowledging as much, Medvedev told the Secretary on October 14 that he had not fully understood the magnitude of these problems, nor the difficulty of getting federal bureaucrats and regional leaders to tackle them effectively. The priority projects elevated Medvedev's public profile, and much of the air time he received in 2007 were ribbon-cutting ceremonies related to these projects.

Medvedev's record as chairman of the Gazprom board of directors (from 2000-2001 and from 2002-2007) is less clear. Nobody in the investment community met with him. Medvedev had little to do with the day-to-day management of Gazprom, which is run by the Management Committee, headed by Aleksey Miller. Instead, Medvedev primarily provided political support and oversight of the company. Medvedev didn't have much to do with the business end" of the company. Whatever role he had played, Medvedev's lengthy tenure at Gazprom's helm suggested that Putin was pleased with his work there.

Medvedev's skills in inter-clan rivalries had also improved. Medvedev was allied with the "invalids" of the siloviki -- those organs like Viktor Cherkesev's Federal Drug Control Agency and Viktor Zolotov's Presidential Protective Service -- in the increasing tense maneuvering among the Kremlin elite. Medvedev may have directed the publication of the "Shvartsman interview" (in which hitherto unknown Russian businessman Oleg Shvartsman alleged that he was involved a scheme with PA head Igor Sechin to re-privatize assets) in the Gazprom-controlled Kommersant newspaper as a shot across the bow of Medvedev's siloviki rivals. The article had done real damage; although Shvartsman only reconfirmed what everyone believed about corruption and politically motivated re-privatization, public attention to the sordid details was embarrassing.

Many in Moscow saw a victory for the liberal camp in Putin's blessing of Medvedev as presidential candidate, considering the appointment of a "real" successor as a rebuff to the Sechin camp's promotion of a "third term" for Putin as the only way to protect their influence.

One clear lacuna in Medvedev's political resume was his lack of involvement in or even commentary on foreign policy. Medvedev generally refused to get involved in those issues, which he viewed as an unwelcome distraction from the National Projects. Lacking firm evidence, analysts tended to assume that his "liberal" approach to domestic issues signals a tendency toward improved relations with the West. Many seized upon Medvedev's speech at the Davos economic forum last January and his comments to the international media afterward as a rejection of the more isolationist "sovereign democracy" promoted by PA ideologue Vladislav Surkov.

When asked, Medvedev then said that he sought for Russia a democracy without "unnecessary additional definitions" built on the principles of a market economy, the rule of law, and the accountability of the authorities." No matter how "liberal" Medvedev's views might be, there was little reason to anticipate that his diplomacy will differ significantly from that of his mentor, especially during the initial start of his potential presidency.

There was little reason to expect a Medvedev presidency to follow a very different trajectory that that of the current regime. Despite the remarkable differences between the two men, Medvedev's "bureaucratic liberalism" echoed that of Putin's first administration. There was little evidence to suggest that Medvedev's ideas about democracy varied far from Putin's.

According to the 1993 Russian Constitution a President can only serve two consecutive terms, though a president can serve more than two terms. In the fall of 2007 Putin made it clear that he would not attempt to amend the Constitution and seek a third consecutive term as as President of Russia. Along with Medvedev, Putin could have supported either First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov or Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov for the position.

Ivanov shared a KGB background with Putin. Ivanov's November 2005 appointment as Deputy Prime Minister made him second in line to the presidency, after Dmitry Medvedev. His February 2007 promotion, giving him a position equal to that of Medvedev while removing him from the much criticized and tarnished Defense Ministry, was seen as increasing the chance that Ivanov would become Putin's successor.

The other contender, Viktor Zubkov, had been the head of the Federal Financial Monitoring Committee since March 2004, which had been set up to counter money laundering. On 12 September 2007, Vladimir Putin put forward Zubkov as candidate to replace outgoing Mikhail Fradkov as prime minister of Russia. Zubkov, who had previously stayed well out of the limelight, was suddenly catapulted into the rank of one of the favorites to become the next president of Russia.

In a news conference at the Kremlin on 10 December 2007, Putin sat at a table with Medvedev, United Russia party leader Boris Gryzlov, A Just Russia leader Sergei Mironov, the leader of the Civil Force Party and the Agrarian Party. Gryzlov said he offered his support for Medvedev and Putin assented. "I fully support this candidacy," he said. The next day, Medvedev said, if elected, he would ask Putin to serve as his prime minister.

It seems that Medvedev was picked above the other two possible candidates because Putin wanted to maintain the current political system where he had successfully kept the government stable through allowing various alliances of bureaucrats, security services members, and business people, who all competed for power.

Despite his prominence as First Deputy Premier, Gazprom Board Chair, and earlier as Head of the Presidential Administration, Medvedev remained only somewhat less an enigma than his mentor Putin was when the latter was picked as Yeltsin's successor eight years ago. In the near unanimous approval of Putin's anointing him as candidate for President, no one seriously questioned Medvedev's character or suitability for the top Kremlin seat. Conventional wisdom presented a capable conscientious manager, able to deliver on what he promises. However, like Putin in 1999, Medvedev had lived largely in the bureaucratic shadow of others, serving as the perennial deputy or assistant, generally to "big brother" Putin. His announcement on 10 December 2007 that he planned to ask Putin to serve as Premier suggested he was already preparing (at least initially) for a "back-seat" role as the third President of Russia.

Medvedev's reputation for being liberal also helped him to get picked because a hard-liner might have hurt the Russian economy and standing in the world by scarring off potential Western allies and consumers. This reasoning also contributed to Putin's decision not to amend the Constitution to allow himself to run again. There were definite divisions between Russia and the West, but they shared very important common interests and worries such as the slowing of the global economy, which had become frighteningly evident in 2007. There were also the matters of international terrorism and preventing weapon's proliferation. Backing a liberal member of the Cabinet showed a nervous West that Putin was willing to keep talking and that he did not want a complete alienation of the two sides.

As of 7 May 2008, Medvedev was the President of Russia. It was the first time he had held an elected position and was a member of no political parties. Politically, Medvedev created alliances with various divisions within the Duma. Primarily he was an ally of Putin and some members of Putin's United Russia party, which controlled and absolute majority in the Duma as of the elections in December of 2007. As of June 2008 Putin was the PM of Russia.

Given their strong long and successful history together it was not a surprise that Putin became PM and would probably be a strong force in Medvedev's government. Putin's influence over the Medvedev's cabinet was impressive given that 16 of Medvedev's 24 cabinet positions were filled by politicians who were also in the cabinet of Putin. Medvedev and Putin shared an extremely strong relationship. In the company of his confidantes, Putin commented "Dima has never let me down."

Constitutionally the more powerful of the two positions was the Presidency, but Vladamir Putin had put into place several measures to prevent Medvedev from limiting his power. Should Medvedev attempt to remove Putin from power he would have to have to receive consent from the Duma, which was currently controlled by the United Russia party which since May 2008, and was chaired by Putin. Therefore a change in PM would be highly unlikely unless that party were to loose control of the Duma. Medvedev also needed the Duma to support him and therefore needed to keep Putin appeased. Medvedev was also thought to feel obliged to let Putin run with more power than a normal PM would have.

Medvedev's popularity rating, was approximately 10 percent before he had received Putin's backing and ended up winning the election with 70 percent of the vote mainly because of Putin's backing. As PM Putin would have control over the economy, and how and to whom the government's money would go. Putin's increased power could be seen from his the 11 deputies that he had in comparison to the 5 that the previous PM Viktor Zubkov had had. Analysts believed that the first year of Medvedev's presidency would be heavily influenced by Putin, and as time went on there would be less and less intervention by the Putin.

Along with his position as the PM, Putin also became the chairman of the United Russia Party. Putin attended the December 2007 parliamentary elections amd also an April 2008 convention of the United Russia Party and accepted the parties chairmanship. United Russia members then voted unanimously to allow the President to hold a position, which had just been created. Party members then voted in a unanimous show of hands to a rule change that created the new position of chairman and allowing it to be held by an individual who was not a member of the United Russia Party. A second unanimous vote elected Putin to the newly created position.

Medvedev also made allies with various liberals within the government. He had good relations with the oligarchs, many of them who were referred to as "syreviki" as they have gained wealth and power through their export of raw materials. In his home city of In St. Petersburg, Medvedev has close relations with various with parliamentarians and business people.

At the time he was elected President, Medvedev had yet to create strong relationships with the "siloviki" as a whole, though, he did have ties with various individuals of this group. The "siloviki" were those who originally made their way into politics through the security or military services. Media outlets suggested that Medvedev was motivated by solidarity with those who have organizational biographies similar to his, rather than to any specific national interests.

Dmitriy Medvedev was viewed as being more liberal than his predecessor. Some thought that the liberal impressions given by Medvedev early in 2008 were a ruse in attempt to comfort western leaders fearful of Putin-esque president. Medvedev's views were unknown although he had discussed issues such as reforms to the judicial system, protecting independent media, fighting corruption, and increasing the respect of private property, equal access to healthcare, education, other social support, and increasing the middle-class. As president it was thought that he would attempt to better Russia's transport, industrial, and social infrastructures, as he did in his collegiate years at LGU. In the Putin cabinet he supported the partnership between businesses and state.

Given past experiences with Gazprom, as of mid-2008 it was predicted that Medvedev would help the company with domestic price issues, tax issues and will probably show favor to them in government contracts. Concerning foreign policy issues, it was thought that Medvedev desires closer relationships with Europe and the United States. He was expected to attempt to turn Russia into an energy superpower. It was expected that he would continue Putin's stance on the proposed US missile defense plan in Eastern Europe, the introduction of former Soviet states into NATO and an independent Kosovo.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was widely expected to return to the job for a third term after President Dmitry Medvedev in September 2011 agreed to step aside, in a job swap with Putin. The Putin-Medvedev job swap plan was unveiled 24 September 2011 at a congress of Russias ruling United Party. The congress immediately rubber stamped it. On March 2, in his talk with journalists, Putin confirmed his intention to nominate Dmitry Medveded for the PM post, so he could continue the work he had started while heading the country. And on 04 March 2012 Vladimir Putin claimed victory in Russias presidential election, and Medvedev soon returned to his old job as Prime Minister.

At the beginning of Medvedevs work as Prime Minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a difficult task for the government. He signed eleven decrees on strategic development goals and then closely monitored their implementation on key indicators. In 2018, these goals were updated in a new May decree, which laid the foundation for new national projects.

But, perhaps, the period 2014-2015 became the most difficult for Medvedev and his cabinet. After the reunification of Crimea with Russia, a number of Western countries initiated sanctions against the Russian economy, which in fact froze investments and some joint projects, business relations, and the supply of certain goods and services. The government has developed a response, in particular by restricting the import of certain categories of products from Western countries.

A challenge for the government was the fall in oil prices in the fall of 2014. Compared to the summer, it decreased by half - to about $ 60 per barrel, although the 2015 budget was drawn up based on the projected oil price of $ 93 per barrel. This provoked a dramatic depreciation of the ruble, which ended on December 16, 2014 with an anti-record of 80 rubles per dollar, 100 rubles per euro. The government and the Central Bank had to urgently develop measures to stabilize the situation. The banking key rate was almost doubled to 17%, and the government agreed with large exporters on the need for rhythmic currency transactions. A further depreciation was stopped.

During Medvedevs premiership, a qualitative breakthrough was made in terms of creating a comfortable business climate. If in 2012 Russia was at the 112th position of the Doing Business World Bank rating, then by the end of 2019 it was possible to rise to 29th place. The government has been actively working not only to improve administrative procedures, but also on the very conditions for business. The territories of accelerated development were created throughout the country, the mechanism of a special investment contract was launched, the Far Eastern Hectare program was being implemented, etc.

However, measures that were not at all popular had to be taken. In the social sphere, the most resonant discussions centered around raising the retirement age from 55 to 60 years for women and from 60 to 65 years for men with a transitional period to 2023, during which the retirement age will increase annually by 12 months. This, according to Medvedev himself, has become one of the most difficult for all the time of his work. Nobody wanted to make this decision, it is absolutely understandable, but it had to be made so that our economy could develop, and therefore, people lived in normal conditions, he said.

During Medvedevs premiership, the government has undergone personnel adjustments more than once. Some officials left "of their own free will", in particular, Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov or Minister of Regional Development Oleg Govorun, others were dismissed "due to loss of confidence" and even ended up in the dock, like the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev or the Minister open government Mikhail Abyzov. The composition of the ministries also changed. As necessary, some structures were abolished, as happened with the Ministry of Regional Development and the Ministry of Crimea. In the latest composition, the Medvedev government was formed on May 18, 2018. It left 10 deputy prime ministers, including one first deputy prime minister, and 22 ministers.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Medvedev withstood the blow and was able to create the ground for further socio-economic transformations in the country. Over the years of work at the head of the government, he developed his own style. Every Monday, the prime minister gathered deputies for a meeting and dealt with operational issues with them. In addition, he tried to make the work of his office as open as possible: weekly government meetings were broadcast live, and deputy prime ministers regularly reported to reporters on the results of these meetings.

Dmitry Medvedev officially changed his position. On 15 January 2020, the president accepted his resignation as prime minister, and appointed 54-year-old Medvedev to the newly created post of deputy head of the Russian Security Council. Medvedev became the absolute record holder in modern Russian history for the duration of his work at the head of the cabinet - more than seven years and eight months (2,808 days from the moment he was approved for the post of Prime Minister on May 8, 2012). This period turned out to be very turbulent: the government had to deal with the task of modernizing the economy under unprecedented pressure from the countries of the West, which, after the return of Crimea to Russia in 2014, launched a large-scale sanctions campaign.





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TALISAY, Philippines  Its the second-most active volcano in the Philippines, a designated permanent danger zone long declared off-limits to human settlements. Yet to more than 5,000 people the Taal volcano is home.

A lush island dotted with dozens of craters in the middle of a shimmering lake, the volcano roared into action Sunday with a mighty eruption that shot rocks, ash and steam miles into the sky just hours after the inhabitants of its four villages fled on a flotilla of boats. A man who defied official warnings about the ongoing eruption to sneak back to the island to check on his pigs, says there is complete devastation.

Almost everything was destroyed, Christian Morales said, adding that he was able to get his bearings only after seeing the cross of a mud-encrusted Catholic church where he used to hear Mass. If anybody defied orders and stayed behind, he would have been killed without a doubt.

So far no one has been reported killed in the eruption, but the disaster is spotlighting the long-standing dilemma of how the government can move settlements away from danger zones threatened by volcanoes, landslides, floods and typhoons in one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries.

Sometimes, as is the case with Taal, the settlements are in violation of laws that have not been enforced.

He said his agency has repeatedly warned against living on the island, which it has declared a permanent danger zone where people are forbidden from setting up homes. The area was also in the 1960s declared a government-protected area and later a national park, meaning it should be off-limits to permanent settlers.

That has never been enforced, however, and Taals destructive explosions have proven deadly in the past, including a 1965 eruption that killed more than 200 people and ravaged the islands villages.

Nevertheless, poverty, a lack of land and desperation have driven people over the years to the island despite the danger, said Gerry Natanauan, mayor of Talisay who has jurisdiction over two of the four island villages.

It may be difficult to declare the island a no-mans-land because like in the past, when that was attempted, it was hard to stop people because when they go hungry, they will always find a way, Natanauan said.

Another driving factor keeping people on Taal is tourism.

The picturesque island and surrounding region, which sit in Batangas province only 40 miles south of Manila and are known for their idyllic views, pine trees and cooler climate, have become a major draw for those seeking a quick escape from the the pollution-choked capital.

Many of those living on Taal have found work in the industry.

Aaron Favila and Jim Gomez are Associated Press writers.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, has harped on the importance of science and engineering to nation-building, stressing that soon Nigeria would join the league of countries in space exploration.

He stressed that the strength of the economy of any nation was dependent on its scientific and technological advancement.

Mr Onu stated this in a keynote address delivered at the 2020 National Convention of the Izzi Old Students Association held at the Faculty of Education, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Ishieke campus.

The minister said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had repositioned and strengthened the science and technological sector to play a leading role in the current efforts to diversify the countrys economy.

Mr Onu who highlighted advantages of science, technology and engineering urged teachers and school administrators to encourage younger generation of students to embrace science, engineering and technology.

It is sad that the students after rendering the schools anthem started mentioning the professions that they will like to pursue, but not even one mentioned engineering.

The principals and teachers should bring people who can enlighten the students on the importance of engineering to nation-building.

It will be very sad if in this school we dont have young people aspiring to be engineers because in Nigeria we have plans to send people to the space.

Yes, we have that plan; dont ever think it cannot be done, it may take 20 years, 30 years, but we have that plan and I will be very happy to see somebody from this school to go into space and you cannot do it without science and engineering.

There are so many resources we have in our state and in our country and one problem we have faced is that we have always allowed our economy to depend entirely on commodities.

First, we started with agricultural products and later with petroleum products; crude oil and natural gas without adding anything.

We have seen that because we dont control prices of crude oil in the international market and whenever there is a sharp drop in prices, it adversely affects our national economy and we enter into recession.

All recessions that we have gotten into arose from this; and we have seen countries including South Korea that we were far better off in the 1960s, today their gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is many times what we used to have.

All the mobile phones we are using they come from South Korea, there is no area of technology that they are not involved in.

We have also seen what has happened to China, Japan and Singapore, whether small or large, so, you cannot really grow the economy without emphasising science and engineering, Mr Onu said.

Mr Onu urged old students of the institution who have excelled in different fields of endeavour to look back and see how they could help the school regain its past glory.

He said: This school should be celebrated. I am happy that we have all assembled today to celebrate this great school.

The old boys have a very important role to play in nation-building; this they can do through strengthening their alma mater, improving the quality of teaching and standard of infrastructure as well as providing mentioning and guidance to young students.

READ ALSO:

Old students as role models have become stars that show the light for young students to find their way; they help the younger ones to dream dreams and help them to have visions of what they want to be.

The minister called for establishment of scholarship scheme to enable poor students of the institution to pursue their academic dreams.

He said education especially when it encouraged innovation and creativity remained the key to unlocking great potential of any nation.

He urged the association to remain focused, not to relent or to fail, adding that every effort should be made to ensure that the association continued to play its role for the good of the students, the state and the nation.

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Mr Onu donated 10 sets of laboratory kits, two sets of desktop computers, 10 sets of laptop computers and 12 text books written by the minister in different areas of study.

(NAN)
The air quality has been so bad in the Canberra that Qantas handed out face masks to passengers during landing.

WA Senator Sue Lines told Daily Mail Australia she was on a flight into the capital on Sunday when the cabin crew began handing out masks in business class.

Flight attendants told passengers smoke would enter the cabin on the descent and during touch down.

PICTURED: WA Senator Sue Lines was on a flight into Canberra on Sunday when the cabin crew began giving out the face masks

PICTURED: A man cleans the forecourt of Parliament House surrounded by smoke haze early morning in Canberra, Australia, 05 January 2020

The Labor party member posted an image of the face mask to Twitter after the flight, asking, 'is this the new normal?'

Senator Lines described her initial reaction as shock, and then annoyance.

'I was really surprised and she said to me- you will need this mask because the cabin often fills with smoke as we descend into Canberra,' she said.

'It was kind of the day that Scott Morrison said 'this the new normal' and I think in my Tweet I said is this Morrison's new normal?'

'Never mind any mitigation on climate change, let's just give people face masks and then when we got face masks at the conference I just thought the same thing,' she said.

'It's a reality check that this is how people have been living for months and this is not okay,' she said.

WA Senator Sue Lines (pictured) was on a flight into Canberra on Sunday when the cabin crew began giving out the face masks to business class customers

An Australia police officer wears a protection mask while guarding in front of the flag mast on the Parliament House in Canberra on January 2

She said the flight attendants were not wearing them on the descent, perhaps because the conditions weren't as bad as anticipated on landing.

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At the federal government hosted Asia Pacific conference the P2 face masks were also handed to attendees with instructions on how to use them.

A Qantas spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australia the company had provided cabin crew with the face masks.

'Face masks were provided to our crew who were operating into Canberra when the airport and surrounding areas were affected by smoke haze as a result of bushfires, the spokesperson said.

'This looks like a one-off case. We have not been providing customers with masks and they are not needed in flight,' they added.

Canberra has been enduring weeks of hazy conditions, experiencing the worst air quality in the world on multiple days.

The city has endured at least seven times as many days of hazardous air quality in the past months than it has in the past seven years.

On New Year's Day the air quality index spiked to 5185 in the Monash area, more than 25 times above the hazardous level.
The nine meetings offer an interesting window into Shafi Armar's efforts to try and group together what after all were excitable keyboard warriors into an actual terror group, capable of handling weapons, organising recruits, cooking homegrown explosives, selecting safe training areas, safe houses and finally, committing strikes against Indian targets.

A revealing excerpt from Kabir Taneja's The ISIS Peril: The World's Most Feared Terror Group and Its Shadow on South Asia.



Junood-ul-Khilafa-e-Hind (JKH) was nothing; it registered nowhere, and made no dent in anyone's imagination as a feared homegrown terror group from India.

The rise of the so-called Islamic State was indeed much like a fable of the promised land.

Despite the fact that the geography that the insurgency retained was short-lived, its impact on the landscape of South Asia was sporadic yet present.

JKH was Shafi Armar's attempt to organise a group that would align itself with the so-called Islamic State, not online, but physically.

He tried to orchestrate like-minded people from around the country to try and develop a group capable of conducting attacks in India.

However, for Armar, the problem was not the lack of people showing inclination towards ISIS but the shifts that were taking place in the caliphate itself.

Despite being at a peak then, 2015 onwards, ISIS was heavily involved in battles with a kaleidoscope of entities ranging from the US-led Western coalition, Russia, the Syrian army, the Kurdish forces, al-Qaeda, and other jihadist groups, etc.

By 2016, ISIS had started to be challenged in its stronghold enclaves and had started to lose its grip in parts of towns and cities it called its own.

This led to more difficulties for foreign fighters to travel to Syria to join the caliphate, forcing online recruiters such as Armar to try and convince potential recruits to not travel to Syria, but conduct operations in the name of the caliphate in their home territories.

This was not necessarily the news many potential recruits wanted to hear, as they wanted to make this migration, or hijrah, similar to the one made by the Prophet and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib (later renamed Medina by the Prophet).

The fact that this journey became difficult and was advised against by ISIS handlers themselves had an adverse effect on potential recruits -- who were more interested in living in this 'ideal' Islamic ecosystem and be one of the celebrated foot soldiers -- often leaving them frustrated and leading to a decline in motivation to join ISIS.

However, Shafi Armar did succeed to a certain extent in trying to orchestrate some level of cohesion amidst all those on Indian social media platforms looking to join ISIS.

JKH did exist, as an entity on a very crude and simple level.

Its members from similar geographies did get together and physically meet each other to discuss what next steps can be taken.

In 2015, a man named Mohamed Naser from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, was arrested by law enforcement agencies as part of an online surveillance programme to look at signs of radicalisation in the name of ISIS.

Prior to Naser as well, there had been cases of arrests for pro-ISIS activities in various parts of the country.

However, the interrogations conducted in Naser's case revealed data which showcased a more organised attempt by micro-groups of pro-ISIS operatives.

In this case, investigations showed that the groups were working at the behest of Shafi Armar.

Naser's footprints opened a Pandora's box, with details of meetings being held in multiple cities across the country between people who wanted to get together and discuss the ideology of the Islamic State.

These meetings took place in different places including Lucknow and Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru and Tumakuru in Karnataka, Hyderabad and Vikarabad in Telangana, and Pune in Maharashtra.

In all, this grouping had organised nine meetings for themselves to demarcate various jobs and duties.

The people involved were all in their 20s and 30s.

The involvement of Armar in this attempted organisation of recruits was by most accounts deep and detailed.

He seemed to have kept a close eye on all the plans being discussed, and gave authoritative directions on what to do and how to go about it.

The nine meetings offer an interesting window into Armar's efforts to try and group together what after all were excitable keyboard warriors into an actual terror group, capable of handling weapons, organising recruits, cooking homegrown explosives, selecting safe training areas, safe houses and finally, committing strikes against Indian targets.

August 2015 was the month when JKH started some movement.

The first meeting was held in the same month, with Armar's blessings, at the Devarayanadurga state forest near Tumakuru in Karnataka, a sparcely populated piece of land littered with forests and shrub areas.

This was also Armar's home state.

One Syed Mujahid (also known as Abu Saad), then a 32-year-old small-time businessman from Tumakuru; Mohammad Abdul Ahad, a 48-year-old resident of Bengaluru; Mohammad Afzal, a 33 year old also from Bengaluru, along with one more person whose identity remains unknown, attended this first conference.

The agenda was to discuss the ideology of ISIS amongst them, what they wanted to achieve, what drew them towards the group and arrangements of finances for JKH.

The second meeting for JKH was held in Deoband in Uttar Pradesh.

This is significant in light of the fact that Deoband is home to the revivalist Sunni Islam movement and the often controversial Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary.

The movement was founded in the late 19th century British India as a result of a crackdown against Mughal emperors by the British forces, and by association, Muslims in cities like Delhi were also targeted.

The crackdown meant that the British took over religious sites, forcing scholars to move to other places to preserve their way of religious life, away from the revisionist and occupationist British empire.

Deoband, an already thriving centre of Islamic thought and preaching, came up as one of the main alternatives and extended-neighbour to what was to become the erstwhile capital of the Mughals, Delhi.

The Darul Uloom seminary in its contemporary history has come into controversies over the Deobandi school's effects on extremist activities observed in parts of South Asia.

Clerics, graduates, and members of both past and present emerging from the Deoband seminary are often observed to have ties with groups such as Taliban in Afghanistan, and other smaller groups involved in terrorism in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The people attending the meet were, once again, found online.

Going forward, these meetings took place in no particular design, with the third one happening in Karnataka again, in the Tumakuru Hills region, but this time the agenda was significantly different.

It was Syed Mujahid once again who was taking the initiative, and leading the group towards the next step, that of assessing the physical fitness of the potential cadres, similar to a boot camp, most likely inspired by the plethora of video footage from both ISIS and al-Qaeda propaganda videos showing similar camps in remote geographies where mujahids train in warfare and physical preparedness.

The fourth meeting took place in Bengaluru, the nerve centre of India's great story of economic rise, giving its diverse population a common purpose of development and political stability.

It took place in the house of one Suhail Ahmad, a then 22-year-old stone-polishing worker from Bengaluru's Mysore Road area.

This meet was again mostly to discuss potential increase in recruitment and furthering the cause of khilafat.

The fifth meeting as well, the very day after the previous one in October 2015, was held at the home of Ahmad itself.

Here, moving forward from the day before, some members were assigned more specific roles to move towards a more organised structure -- the insistent pressure on the narrative that the meets were largely designed to create structure.

By a general assessment of the trend of why and how meetings were held up to this point, and the arguments being presented in various charge sheets, one can assume an increased pressure from Armar himself to find a person who could potentially take responsibility on the ground to rally the development of JKH.

The sixth meeting, as per accounts, perhaps showcases why Armar would have been pushing for a more structural development of the organisation, as initial cracks within the groups and mismanagement started to show, also highlighting the general inadequateness of talent in the people that Armar was trying to handle remotely, mostly via the Internet.

This meet was held in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the second meet in the state after Deoband.

The Lucknow gathering was organised by one Mohammed Aleem, a then 23-year-old resident of Indiranagar, Lucknow.

It took place at Aleem's uncle's house and was attended by one Mohammed Nafees Khan from Hyderabad, Mudabbir Shaikh and Mohammed Hussain Khan from Mumbai, Rizwan Ahmed, and two others.

Mohammad Azhar Khan, from Madhya Pradesh, arrived at this meet with two other unknown people who were willing to join ISIS and JKH.

The group turned away the two unknowns and did not allow them to participate.

The final meet, in this particular series, was held in Pune, Maharashtra, two months later in December.

This meet saw Abu Anas from Jaipur, Nafees Khan and three other people, along with one of their wives also in attendance.

Curiously, one of the main points of discussion here was the development of a personalised JKH app for communications between recruits and members of the intended group.

Nafees, responsible for money, also was tasked to collect materials to try and make IEDs to be used in terror strikes.

During this trip to Hyderabad, Nafees also visited the Narsapur forest area carrying a pipe bomb, a crude IED he had made at home.

The trip to the forest was to find a suitable and empty space to actually test it out without raising alarm.

However, thanks to India's robust population of more than 1.3 billion citizens, Nafees was unable to find a suitable location and the intended test did not happen.

Nafees abandoned his immediate plan to test the IED, and boarded a train, leaving Hyderabad behind and headed towards West Bengal, where he met another unknown person in Durgapur, about 170 km north of the capital Kolkata, and then onwards to Burdwan where he met one Ashik Ahmmed.

Nafees handed over a smartphone to Ahmmed with the necessary apps so that he could communicate safely with them and others.

Armar had told Nafees precisely what he had to do on this trip, and that was, to scout for weapons.

During one of the conversations in the region, initiated with people that Ahmmed knew, someone said that they knew a mason who lived near the border with Bangladesh, a popular gunrunning area, who could get some weapons.

The mason informed Nafees and Ahmmed that weapons were not a problem, and if they wanted, he could get them guns such as the AK-47 rifle as well, a weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents and states alike.

Knowing that weapons would be available for purchase in the region, Nafees announced that he intended to build a base camp in the area for future activities.

Excerpted with permission from Penguin India
The top court by its October 24, 2019 verdict had directed the cash-strapped TSPs to pay up Rs 90,000 crorearound 3 per cent of AGR as spectrum charges and 8 per cent as licence fees.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea by telecom service providers (TSPs) to reconsider its own 2019 verdict directing them to pay Rs 92,000 crores in past dues arising from sharing of Adjusted Gross Revenue.

The TSPs who sought reconsideration of the order to pay Rs 92,000 crores included Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and many now-defunct telecom firms.

The court in its October 24, 2019 order had directed the service providers to pay Rs 92.000 crores to the government. Dismissing the plea, a bench of Justices Arun Mishra, S. Abdul Nazeer and M.R. Shah. Having perused the review petitions and connected papers with meticulous care, we do not find any justifiable reason to entertain the review petitions. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed.

Consequently, it also rejected the plea for an open court hearing of the review petitions.

Bharti Airtel said it was disappointed with the Supreme Courts decision and it would evaluate filing another petition.

The industry continues to face severe financial stress and the outcome could further erode the viability of the sector as a whole, Bharti said in a statement.

The internet service providers (ISPs) supported the TSPs and exhorted the government to step in immediately to review the definition AGR for the survival of the telecom sector.

It is going to be a disaster for the telecom industry. Dismissal of review petition will lead to a duopoly situation, which is not good for consumers. Small ISPs will not be able to survive unless government steps in to review AGR definition," Internet Service Providers Association of India president Rajesh Chharia said.

Analysts were also worried about the development. We wonder how weaker operators like Vodafone Idea will make this payment, and not that Bharti Airtel is getting any respite as the amount has to be paid up, said Gaurang Shah, vice president at Geojit Financial Services Ltd. It isnt easy to raise tariffs and retain customers. It remains to be seen how companies now respond to this decision because the court has twice spelled it out for them.

For two decades, the TSPs had challenged the way authorities calculated their AGR, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fees. But in October, the court upheld the governments method while rejecting the companies plea to exclude revenue from non-telecommunications businesses.

The top court by its October 24, 2019 verdict had directed the cash-strapped TSPs to pay up Rs 90,000 crorearound 3 per cent of AGR as spectrum charges and 8 per cent as licence fees.

The court had said that except for termination fee and roaming charges, all revenues coming to telecom service provider would be counted in AGR.
J ames Bond bosses have dropped the biggest hint yet that the next actor to play 007 will not be white, but squashed rumours Daniel Craig's successor would be a woman.

No Time To Die will be Craigs last outing as the M16 spy, and rumours have been swirling that the person to take over the role may not be male.

Speculation that Bond could be a woman was fuelled after actress Lashana Lynch was confirmed to be playing a female 00 agent after Craig's Bond left active service.

But Barbara Broccoli, producer of the iconic series, has now said: he can be of any colour, but he is male.

Who could be the next 007 James Bond? - In pictures 1 /21 Who could be the next 007 James Bond? - In pictures Tom Hardy 20th Century Fox Rege-Jean Page Dave Benet James Norton Rex Luke Evans Agent Publicity Idris Elba BBC Henry Cavill PA Lashana Lynch MGM Tom Hiddleston BBC Sam Heughan PA Jack Lowden Dave Benett Aidan Turner Mammoth Screen Chris Hemsworth AP Henry Golding AP Jamie Bell AP Richard Madden BBC Cillian Murphy BBC

The producers move to say Bond could be of any colour is the strongest hint yet that the next 007 will not be a white man. Idris Elba has often been mentioned as a successor to Craig, along with Last Christmas star Henry Golding.

Confirming the role would not be played by a female, Broccoli told Variety magazine that there should instead be a focus on creating strong new characters for women.

"I'm not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it, she added.

"I think women are far more interesting than that.

No Time To Die is the 25th film in the iconic series and is set to be released in UK cinemas on April 2.

Alongside Craig, it will also star Lynch and Ana de Armas, with Lea Seydoux and Ben Whishaw set to reprise their roles.
[January 16, 2020] MAXIMUS to Hire 950 in Jacksonville for 2020 Census MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it will hire seasonal employees to help support the 2020 Census. In Jacksonville, Florida, MAXIMUS plans to hire more than 950 employees for its contact center work over the next several months. Every ten years, the U.S. Federal Government conducts a full census of every person in the country. The census results control the number of Representatives in the U.S. Congress apportioned to each state. Population counts also factor heavily into assigning billions of dollars in federal spending to state and city governments. "There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that goes into producing the U.S. Census. Our customer service representatives will have an opportunity to be involved in helping the public with this historic endeavor," said Tom Romeo, President and General Manager, MAXIMUS Federal. "We are seeking customer service representatives who will answer phone calls from all over the country as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's work. We are proud to play an integral role in this process and our recruitment efforts in Jacksonville are vital to the success of this project." Across the country, MAXIMUS will b hiring more than 8,000 limited service contact center employees to assist in this work. In Jacksonville, MAXIMUS is offering a competitive hourly wage of $15.08 for each of the 950 employees hired. Additionally, we are looking for bilingual candidates who are proficient in English and Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.

Seasonal employees will have a variety of shifts available to meet their lifestyle and family needs. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to be trained as a world-class expert in customer service and could receive bonuses for referrals. Those interested in applying to work for MAXIMUS as part of the 2020 Census can apply here at maximus.com/census. About MAXIMUS Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005427/en/

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Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.), seen here during a Senate committee hearing, was one of Congress' most outspoken critics of the new U.S-Mexico-Canada trade deal advanced by President Donald Trump. Read more

WASHINGTON  Its nothing new for Pennsylvanias two U.S. senators to split on a major initiative advanced by President Donald Trump.

But Thursday brought a twist.

Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, voted in favor of Trumps much-hyped trade deal with Mexico and Canada (dubbed USMCA), while Sen. Pat Toomey was the only Republican to oppose it.

The measure passed, 89-10.

Toomey, who has put free trade and lower taxes at the center of his public career, has been an often lonely critic of the new agreement, which he argues will increase costs for U.S. consumers and businesses and increase uncertainty by imposing an expiration date on the new pact.

While most lawmakers in both parties supported the agreement, Toomey, on this issue, has railed against the plan for months in news conferences, Senate hearings, newspaper columns, and television appearances.

For the first time in American history, were enacting a trade agreement that restricts free trade and reduces economic growth, Toomey said in a statement. He said this deal would reduce trade between the U.S. and Mexico, and cited an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that USMCA tariffs (which are taxes) would rise by $3 billion.

This means higher prices  particularly on automobiles  for American consumers, Toomey said. Outside of a few necessary modernizations and modest market access improvements for Pennsylvanias dairy farmers, USMCA is a step backwards and I could not support its passage.

Casey, meanwhile, a critic of nearly all of Trumps policies, has sided with him on trade, offering support for a deal that the president, and many Democrats, argue will shield U.S. workers from unfair foreign competition. The new pact alters the existing North America Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which Trump has bashed as unfair to U.S. workers.

Even while backing one of Trumps most highly touted initiatives, Casey singled out parts of the deal that were pushed by Democratic leaders, who urged changes to Trumps initial agreement.

The new NAFTA represents progress from the status quo, Casey said in a statement. The initial version negotiated by the Trump Administration was a corporate trade deal and completely unacceptable. Democrats in Congress made substantial improvements in enforcement and other areas, like allowing workers to bring cases against firms that violate their rights. It is only because of the Democratic improvements that I am able to support this agreement.

The vote was a rare role reversal for Pennsylvanias senators. Toomey has voted with Trump close to 90% of the time, while Casey has sided with the president on around 30% of Senate votes, according to an analysis by the data-focused website FiveThirtyEight.

Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) voted against the deal, while Sens. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), Tom Carper (D., Del.), and Chris Coons (D., Del.) supported it.

Most of the nine Democrats who opposed the deal did so over concerns that it failed to address climate change.

Republican leaders hailed the deal as a win for American businesses, arguing that it would expand vital export markets and boost the economy.

The House overwhelmingly voted in favor of the trade deal in December, with nearly every lawmaker from the Philadelphia region supporting it, except Rep. Donald Norcross (D., N.J.) of Camden County, a former labor leader. He was one of 41 nay votes against 385 votes in favor.

The Senate vote Thursday morning was the last major piece of legislation before the Senate begins the Trump impeachment trial. That debate is likely to see Toomey and Casey return to their familiar positions.
Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar has agreed to abide by a ceasefire and said he was ready to participate in an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, Germany's foreign minister said.

"General Haftar has made clear: He wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it. He has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire," said Heiko Maas after talks in Benghazi, according to a tweet posted by the German foreign ministry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Women who hold managerial roles face more sexual harassment than other female employees, which can result in them being labelled "trouble makers", a new study has found.

A report by Stockholm University's Swedish Institute for Social Research, which looked at working conditions in the US, Sweden and Japan, found women in leadership positions experienced between 30 and 100 per cent more sexual harassment than other women in the workplace.

Researchers said they were surprised by the findings and had expected to find higher levels of sexual misconduct for female employees "with less power.

Johanna Rickne, Professor of Economics at the Swedish Institute for Social Research, said: Instead we found the contrary. When you think about it, there are logical explanations: a supervisor is exposed to new groups of potential perpetrators.

She can be harassed both from her subordinates and from higher-level management within the company. More harassment from these two groups is also what we saw when we asked the women who had harassed them.

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

Researchers found women in senior job roles are forced to endure more sexual misconduct when those staff working below them predominantly consist of men.

Olle Folke, associate professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, said: Sexual harassment means that womens career advancement comes at a higher cost than mens, especially in male-dominated industries and firms.

Additional survey data from the United States and Japan showed that harassment of supervisors was not only more common than for employees, but was also followed by more negative professional and social consequences. This included getting a reputation of being a trouble maker and missing out on promotions or training.

Researchers at the Swedish Institute for Social Research and American and Japanese academics analysed the responses from three surveys to assess the frequency of sexual harassment across different levels of the workplace structure.

Women were asked about sexual harassment and probed about their perpetrators  as well as being questioned about their own responses to the misconduct and the social and professional ramifications of their ill-treatment.

The results were consistent in the US, Japan, and Sweden despite each country having varying levels of gender equality in the workplace and gender patterns.
I did not want the morning to come where I will remove this bonnet and my wrap, and be met with more hair in the sink and an image in the mirror of a person who increasingly felt like a stranger to me, Ms. Pressley said.

On the day last month when Ms. Pressley was to cast a vote to impeach President Trump, she realized she was completely bald. She wore a wig on the House floor because she felt she had to be present regardless of her hair loss, she said.

I felt naked, exposed, vulnerable, Ms. Pressley said. She also felt that she was participating in cultural betrayal, she said, because of all the young girls who looked up to her as a congresswoman who wore braids.

I felt like I owed those little girls an explanation, she said.

Toward the end of the video, the representative removes her wig and reveals a smooth scalp. After the video was released, her colleagues rallied in support on Twitter.

Could you imagine losing all your hair on the eve of an enormously public day? And then turning that intensely intimate ordeal to make space for others? Ayanna, you are a living blessing, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, wrote on Twitter.

Proud to count her as a friend, glad so many in the next generation have her as a role model, former Senator John Kerry wrote.

I am making peace with having alopecia, Ms. Pressley said in the video. Im making progress every day.
Berlin: Police have raided homes and offices in Belgium and Germany in a case involving three people suspected of spying for China, German prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The Reichstag in Berlin. Credit:Michele Mossop

Der Spiegel magazine, which first reported the raids, said one of the three suspects was a German national who until 2017 had worked as a senior diplomat for the European Union's foreign service, including multiple stints as a EU ambassador.

The case is the first in recent years involving concrete allegations of spying by China against Germany and the EU. It comes amid growing concern across Europe and the broader West at China's ramping up of its worldwide spying activity as it builds political influence to match its economic weight.

Germany and other European countries are under pressure from Washington to exclude Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei from tenders to build fifth generation mobile telephone networks.
During the last few years, cybercriminals have invested a lot in methods to bypass anti-fraud systems, because now it's not enough just to steal the login, password and PII - they now need a digital fingerprint to bypass anti-fraud systems in order to extract money from the bank. To safeguard financial institutions from cyber threats, the forecast to potential cyber threats in the year 2020 are

Attacks against Libra and TON/Gram

The successful launch of cryptocurrencies such as Libra and Gram might lead to the worldwide spread of this type of asset, which naturally will attract the attention of criminals. Given the serious surge in cybercriminal activity during the rapid growth of Bitcoin and altcoins in 2018, we predict that a similar situation will most likely unfold around Gram and Libra. Large players in this market should be especially careful, as there are a number of APT groups, such as WildNeutron and Lazarus, whose interests include crypto assets. They are very likely to exploit these developments.

Reselling bank access

During 2019, we witnessed cases where groups who specialize in targeted attacks on financial institutions appeared in the victims' networks after intrusions by other groups that specialize in selling rdp/vnc access, such as FXMSP and TA505. These facts are also confirmed by underground forums and chat monitoring.

In 2020, we expect an increase in the activity of groups specializing in the sale of network access in the African and Asian regions, as well as in Eastern Europe. Their prime targets are small banks, as well as financial organizations recently bought by big players who are rebuilding their cybersecurity system in accordance with the standards of their parent companies.

Ransomware attacks against banks

This forecast logically follows from the previous one. As mentioned above, small financial institutions often become victims of opportunistic cybercriminals. If these criminals cannot resell access, or even if it becomes less likely that they will be able to withdraw money, then the most logical monetisation of such access is ransomware. Banks are among those organisations that are more likely to pay a ransom than accept the loss of data, so we expect the number of such targeted ransomware attacks to continue to rise in 2020.

Another ransomware attack vector against small and medium financial institutions will be a "pay-per-install" scheme. Traditional botnets will eventually turn into increasingly popular delivery mechanisms against those financial institutions.

2020: the return of custom tooling

Measures taken by antivirus products to effectively detect open source tools used for pen testing purposes, and the adoption of the latest cyberdefense technologies, will push cybercrime actors to return to custom tooling in 2020 and also invest in new Trojans and exploits.

Global expansion of mobile banking Trojans: result of leaked source

Our research and monitoring of underground forums suggests that the source code of some popular mobile banking Trojans was leaked into the public domain. Given the popularity of such Trojans, we expect a repeat of the situation when the source code of ZeuS and SpyEye Trojans were leaked: the number of attempts to attack users will increase at times, and the geography of attacks will expand to almost every country in the world.

Investment apps on the rise: new target for criminals

Mobile investment apps are becoming more popular among users around the globe. This trend won't go unnoticed by cybercriminals in 2020. Given the popularity of some fintech companies and exchanges (for both real and virtual money), cybercriminals will realize that not all of them are prepared to deal with massive cyberattacks, as some apps still lack basic protection for customer accounts, and do not offer two-factor authentication or certificate pinning to protect app communication. Several governments are deregulating this area and new players are appearing every day, becoming popular very quickly. In fact, we have already seen attempts by cybercriminals to substitute the interfaces of these apps with their own malicious versions.

Magecarting 3.0: even more attacker groups and cloud apps to become prime targets

Over the past couple of years, JS skimming has gained immense popularity among attackers. Unfortunately, cybercriminals now have a huge attack surface that consists of vulnerable e-commerce websites and extremely cheap JS skimmer tools available for sale on various forums, starting at $200. At the moment we are able to distinguish at least 10 different actors involved in these types of attacks and we believe that their number will continue to grow during the next year. The most dangerous attacks will be on companies that provide services such as e-commerce as a service, which will lead to the compromise of thousands of companies.

Political instability leading to the spread of cybercrime in specific regions

Some countries are experiencing political and social upheaval, resulting in masses of people seeking refugee status in other countries. These waves of immigration include all sorts of people, including cybercriminals. This phenomenon will result in the spread of geographically localized attacks in countries that have not previously been affected by them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan considers the cooperation with Russia very effective, the minister told reporters today in Yerevan asked whether the change of the Russian government can affect the relations with Armenia.

The Armenian-Russian relations have a very firm base and quite a rich agenda. Our actions in this rich agenda and all formats are very effective and active, and we continue working, he said.

On January 15 the Russian government announced its resignation.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
A woman walks past the new CCTV tower amid heavy smog in Beijing on Dec. 8, 2015. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijing Comes Up With New Tactics to Influence Global Media: Report

For years, China has pushed its narratives and propaganda through media outside of its borders. Since 2017, these Chinese influence campaigns have been accelerated with new tactics, according to a just-released report by the U.S.-based nonprofit Freedom House.

Journalists, news consumers, and advertisers in countries ranging from Sweden to Russia, South Africa, the United States, and Australia are encountering intimidation or censorship of political content that the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] considers undesirable, stated Sarah Cook, Freedom Houses senior research analyst and author of the report, in a press release.

In a phone interview with The Epoch Times, Cook explained that Beijing has three goals behind their influence campaigns: promoting a positive image of China and the CCP; promoting Chinas openness to economic engagement, especially Chinese investment in other countries; and suppressing viewpoints and coverage of topics that is critical of the CCP.

Positive Image

Cook added that Beijing added a new goal in 2017: presenting China as a model for political-economic development for developing countries.

Beijings messaging, while intentionally portraying China in a positive light, omits the objective negative dimensions of Chinas authoritarian political system and rapid economic development, according to the report.

Examples of such omission include egregious human rights violations against ethnic and religious minorities, and the dark side of Chinas foreign engagement, such as corrupt deal-making and the opaque accumulation of public debt, according to the report.

Beijing has been accused of putting developing countries in a debt trap, after these countries join Chinas massive investment initiative of One Belt, One Road (OBOR, also known as Belt and Road). Rolled out in 2013, it aims to build up trade routes linking China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Chinese Tactics

Cook told The Epoch Times that Beijing has resorted to covert, corrupt, and coercive tactics in pushing forward its narrative abroad.

One example that illustrated the covert element of Chinese media influence: Chinese state media often used misleading taglines. For example, the Chinese Communist Partys official mouthpiece Peoples Daily has the tagline of the biggest newspaper in China on its Facebook page.

China Global Television Network (CGTN), the overseas arm of Chinas state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), has the tagline of Chinas preeminent 24-hour news channel on its Facebook page.

Cook explained that people who dont know much about China may not necessarily know that these are CCP mouthpieces.

In Western countries, the regime is spending millions to insert its propaganda into mainstream media outlets, Cook said. China Daily, overseen by the CCPs Publicity Department, the agency in charge of disseminating propaganda, has partnerships with many Western newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post in the United States. These publications have published supplements in print or online written by the English-language state-run newspaper.

Federal filings by China Daily show the outlets annual spending has increased tenfold during the last decade to more than $10 million in the past few years, Cook noted, adding that a lot of that [expenditure] is actually paying mainstream American media to carry that content.

In addition, Chinas state-run media [are] injecting disinformation into global social media platforms, Cook stated. The reported identified disinformation efforts during the most recent presidential election in Taiwan that were traced back to China, including Facebook groups supporting a pro-Beijing candidate that were run by China-based users, as well as efforts on Twitter to undermine pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

China is also active in the digital television broadcasting sector, with investments throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For instance, Chinese telecom giant ZTE signed a deal with state-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) to expand the latters digital services in 2017.

Searching for the keyword Taiwan on PTVs website reveals no coverage on the most recent Taiwan elections, nor Taiwans local elections in 2018. It did, however, report on Taiwans 2016 election, when Tsai Ing-wen won her first term in office, but that was before the ZTE deal.

Searching Taiwan in Urdu, one of the languages spoken in Pakistan, does reveal stories on Tsais recent re-election victory.

A search of the keyword Xinjiang revealed only seven articles, none of them about Chinas imprisonment of Uyghur Muslims there.

The third tactic, coercion, manifests through the bullying of journalists, such as in Russia and Sweden.

According to the report, the Chinese embassy in Sweden issued at least 52 statements targeting specific journalists and news outlets, criticizing their coverage while peppering them with insults and threats, between January 2018 to February 2019.

The report also pointed to the case of an arson attack against the Hong Kong edition of The Epoch Times printing press on Nov. 22 last year. The attack is widely believed to be an effort by the CCP to silence The Epoch Times, which has reported extensively on the protests in Hong Kong and the CCPs human rights abuses.

These [Chinese] activities really undermine fundamental aspects of democratic governance, transparency, the rule of law, and fair competition, Cook stated.

Cook warned that as a form of censorship, the Chinese regime has also displaced independent media with its state-run media, as evident by a case in Papua New Guinea in 2018.

According to media reports, Chinese officials prevented local and international journalists from covering Chinese leader Xi Jinpings meeting with eight regional leaders in the South Pacific island nation that year. These officials then told the reporters that they should use Xinhuas (state-run news agency) reporting or CCTVs video as the basis for their coverage.

Pushing Back

Cook said countries could do more to push back against the regimes aggressive influence campaign, including imposing penalties on Chinese diplomats and tightening broadcast regulations.

When Chinese diplomats and security agents overstep their bounds and attempt to interfere with media reporting in other countries, the host government should vigorously protest, the report said, recommending that such officials could be expelled or barred re-entering the country.

The United States should also properly enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by requiring more Chinese state-run outlets and overseas Chinese-language media to register, Cook said.

FARA requires organizations and individuals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they seek to influence U.S. officials or American public opinion on behalf of foreign governments. As part of registration requirements, organizations and individuals must disclose their annual budget and expenditures.

Currently, only CGTN and China Daily are registered, and while state-run news agency Xinhua was ordered to register by the DOJ, it has not yet done so.

Cook said there is also a plethora of privately-owned Chinese-language media in the United States that are clearly pro-Beijing, which require more scrutiny and consideration about whether they should register under FARA.

Media investors and governments should also support independent Chinese-language media outlets, such as through funding and training.

Governments should proactively engage with such outlets, providing interviews and exploring other potential partnerships, while resisting pressure from Chinese diplomats to marginalize them, the report said.
India will invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other leaders for the annual meeting of council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization later this year, officials said.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said all eight member countries, four observers and dialogue partners of the grouping will be invited for the meeting.

"The meeting is held annually at the prime minister's level and it discusses the SCO's programme and multilateral economic and trade cooperation," he said at a media briefing.

"As per the established practice and procedure within SCO, all 8 members of SCO, as well as 4 observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited to attend the meeting," Kumar said when asked whether Pakistan Prime Minister Khan will be sent an invitation to the meeting.

When asked specifically whether Khan will be invited, another official said, "Yes".

For the first time, India will host the annual meeting of the council of heads of government of the SCO, the bloc's Secretary General Vladimir Norov said on Monday.

The government's announcement on inviting Pakistan to the mega event came in the midst of frayed ties between the two countries over India's withdrawal of special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

India and Pakistan became full members of the China-dominated grouping in 2017.

Usually, the heads of government meeting of the SCO are represented by foreign ministers while a number of countries send their prime ministers also.

India has always been represented by the external affairs minister in the heads of government meeting while the SCO heads of state summit is attended by the prime minister.

Kumar said the event will be preceded by a number of meetings in India including one of the SCO ministers of economic activities.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan became its members in 2017.
A shiny, brand new car immediately loses value as soon as it leaves the showroom.

However, vintage cars are in a different league in terms of their rarity and monetary worth and can prove a highly valuable investment for shrewd collectors.

The Alfa Romeo Spider, circa 1975 Credit:

Vintage car collector Giovanni Patane first became interested in 1970s cars after being driven in his uncles red Alfa Romeo Berlina as a child.

Those experiences stay with you, particularly when youre driven from the country to the city along what was then a two-lane highway, he says.
More details are coming to light about an alleged domestic dispute between Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and baby mama Jen Harley, who he was granted a protective order against after she allegedly assaulted him on Saturday night.

During part of the attack, the Jersey Shore star's on-off girlfriend tries to use an eyeliner pencil to try and gouge out an eye.

In a photo taken after the incident and obtained by TMZ, the Jersey Shore star is seen with bruises below his eye and on his cheek.

An eye for an eye: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro secured a temporary restraining order against baby mama Jen Harley after she reportedly attacked him with an eyeliner. Above he's seen with bruising under his eye and on his cheek in a photo taken shortly after the alleged altercation

Things between the couple got nasty when 32-year-old Harley allegedly showed up to Ortiz-Magro's Las Vegas house while he was sleeping on Saturday evening around 6pm.

Ortiz-Magro told police that he'd been in a photo shoot earlier in the day and went to his home to sleep. Hours later Harley woke him in a rampage claiming he'd cheated on her.

According to sources Harley blew up after finding an eyeliner in the trash which she claimed belonged to another woman. She hit him in the face and also tried to poke Ortiz-Magro in the eye with the makeup item.

Jen has now been ordered to stay 100 yards away from her ex.

Tense: Things between the couple got nasty when 32-year-old Harley allegedly showed up to Ortiz-Magro's Las Vegas house while he was sleeping on Saturday evening around 6pm. She's seen in 2018 above

Hurt: According to sources Harley blew up after finding an eyeliner in the trash which she claimed belonged to another woman. She hit him in the face and also tried to poke Ortiz-Magro in the eye with the makeup item

The temporary restraining order Ortiz-Magro obtained remains intact until February 25, according to lawyers for the MTV personality, Scott Leemon and Leonard Levine.

'Regrettably, on Saturday night, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was, again, the victim of a domestic violence incident at the hands of Jennifer Harley,' Leemon told the outlet. 'At that time, Ms. Harley entered his home while he was sleeping and started viciously assaulting him.'

Harley was not at Ortiz-Magro's home when police arrived, and investigators continue to probe the incident.

Harley's lawyer Lisa Bloom disputed Ronnie's account, also claiming they have yet to receive the order.

'We have not received any restraining order against her, and if Jenn does get served with one, we will oppose it,' lawyer Lisa Bloom, who began representing Harley last month, told TMZ Wednesday. 'Jenn just wants to raise her baby in peace.'

Troubled timeline: It's a disconcerting start to 2020 for Harley and Ortiz-Magro, shares one-year-old daughter Ariana. The pair were snapped in October of 2019 in LA

It's a disconcerting start to 2020 for Harley and Ortiz-Magro, shares one-year-old daughter Ariana.

The on-again, off-again couple have been embroiled in legal problems amid a series of violent episodes between the pair in the last few years.

Bloom noted said that 'contact that Ronnie Ortiz had with Jen Harley recently was in violation of the restraining order in effect against him,' which came after a an October incident in Los Angeles in which Ortiz-Magro was arrested and charged with domestic violence and other infractions. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.

They began 2019 on a bitter note after Ortiz-Magro told authorities he was hit in the face by an ashtray Harley lobbed at him at a New Year's Eve bash in Las Vegas.
Bega MP Andrew Constance is pleading for cash donations and government payments to flow more quickly to devastated bushfire communities which he says are facing a humanitarian crisis.

Mr Constance, who nearly lost his South Coast home in the New Year's Eve firestorm, said homeless families could not start rebuilding their lives until they had much-needed cash in their pockets.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says bushfire victims need immediate financial aid. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The NSW Transport Minister said bushfire victims welcomed the millions of dollars in donations as well as the government payments but they were starting to get desperate.

"There has been incredible generosity from people around Australia and so much has been given to charities and welfare agencies but people on the ground need that cash now," Mr Constance said.
Nita Kanwar, who migrated to Jodhpur from Sindh in Pakistan nearly a decade back, chasing her dream of a good and a marriage partner, is now all set to test the electoral waters.

The 36-year-old, who became an Indian citizen only last Sepetember, is contesting for the post of the sarpanch from Natwara gram panchayat in Rajasthan's Tonk district.

The elections are on Friday.

Her candidature comes in the backdrop of the row over the the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The amendment makes it easier to get citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who entered India before 2015 following religious persecution in three neighbouring countries.

"I know only this that CAA is good for those who want a better and life in India," Nita Kanwar said.

She said she is a Sodha Rajput whose members "cannot marry within their own caste".

That is one reason for many members of the community to migrate to India, mostly Jodhpur.

"I had migrated in 2001 for college and later on found a perfect match," Kanwar said.

She said she had to fight for three years to receive Indian citizenship and it was last September when the Tonk district administration handed over the papers.

"Now, I am contesting for sarpanch from Natwara, a general seat reserved for women candidates. I will work for promoting gender equality, women empowerment and development of villages," she said.

Nita Kanwar migrated in 2001 and got her BA degree from Sophia College in Ajmer in 2005 and married Punya Pratap Karan in 2011.

She had migrated with her sister Anjana Sodha, who is also married and settled in Jodhpur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saying that liquidity is a major area of concern, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Anantha Padmanaban said the government should take steps to ensure that banks lend to jewellers.

Mumbai: Ahead of the Budget, gems and jewellery industry has sought reduction in import duty on gold to 6 percent and on cut and polished diamonds to 2.5 percent to revive the sector.

"The high duty of 12.5 percent on gold coupled with the goods and services tax has made buying jewellery very costly, affecting consumer demand. After the Budget last year, we have met the finance minister several times and we are positive that the government will look into the industry plight and reduce the customs duty to 6 percent," All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Anantha Padmanaban said.

Saying that liquidity is a major area of concern, he said, the government should take steps to ensure that banks lend to jewellers.

"Banks are staying away from lending to jewellers due to recent incidents of fraud and bankruptcy in the sector. This is affecting manufacturing and many units (are) closing down and (resulting in) layoffs," he added.

The GJC, in a presentation, urged the government to waive off bank commission on the use of credit card or reduce it to 0.20 percent from 1-1.5 percent, thus ensuring a boost to 'Digital India' and gems and jewellery industry.

It also sought relief from Capital Gain Tax, which is keeping customers away from buying jewellery.

"We urge the government that in case jewellery sold is reinvested in new jewellery, exemption from Capital Gain as per Section 54F of the Income Tax Act 1961 should be extended to the gems and jewellery industry. This will help the industry to move towards organised and compliant business practices," Padmanaban added.

World Gold Council Managing Director, India, Somasundaram PR said that last year's import duty hike on gold from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent needs to be reversed.

"Increase in taxes has impeded efforts to make gold an asset class particularly at a time when gold prices have risen globally. The thriving grey market has diluted efforts to reduce cash transactions and penalises organised and compliant players," he added.

The employment potential of the vast, predominantly-handcrafted jewellery industry needs to be augmented through a long term gold policy intervention.

"The gold industry should be encouraged to operate transparently and come out of the shadows of a parallel economy, with appropriate infrastructure and standards, underpinned by robust gold spot exchange, bullion banking, innovation and responsible business practices," he added.

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) sought reduction in import duty on cut and polished diamonds to 2.5 percent from 7.5 percent and amendment in taxation provisions to allow sale of rough diamonds in Special Notified Zone in Mumbai.

The exporter's body, in its presentation to the government, also urged for introduction of job work policy for gems and jewellery sector.

Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here
Sugar is more addictive than you might think. [Photo: Getty]

Eating sugar can have addictive effects similar to Class A drugs, according to new research.

Researchers from Aarhus University, Denmark, conducted a study, published in Scientific Reports, to examine what happens in the brains of pigs who drink sugary water.

They carried out a series of experiments on seven pigs who were given two litres of sugary water a day over a 12-day period.

READ MORE: How much sugar is in your favourite 'healthy' drink?

The scientists looked at images of the pigs brains at the beginning of the experiment; after one day; and after the final day 12 of the experiment.

"After just 12 days of sugar intake, we could see major changes in the brain's dopamine and opioid systems.

In fact, the opioid system, which is that part of the brain's chemistry that is associated with well-being and pleasure, was already activated after the very first intake," said Michael Winterdahl, Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and one of the main authors of the work.

These effects mirrored the effect drugs have on the brain  activating the brains reward system, and releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and opiods, Winterdahl explained.

These feel-good effects, which include enjoyment, happiness and well-being, are not limited to artificial stimuli such as drugs and sugar  we also receive them from natural stimuli, such as social interaction.

Foods high in sucrose [the scientific term for simple sugar] influence brain reward circuitry in ways similar to those observed when addictive drugs are consumed, read the study conclusion.

READ MORE: Tesco 1 honey is 'bulked out with sugar' leading to concerns over health claims

Explaining the dangers of this, Winterdahl expressed concern that such artificial stimuli could provide a bigger or better dopamine rush compared to natural stimuli  meaning we are likely to become hooked on the artificial alternative.

He added: "If sugar can change the brain's reward system after only twelve days, as we saw in the case of the pigs, you can imagine that natural stimuli such as learning or social interaction are pushed into the background and replaced by sugar and/or other 'artificial' stimuli.

Story continues

We're all looking for the rush from dopamine, and if something gives us a better or bigger kick, then that's what we choose.

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I abhor violence against women and girls. Period.

Thats why, as parliamentary poet laureate, in November 2017, I posted to my website a poem-chant, For the Murdered and the Missing.

Utterly shocked, then, was I to learn, in September that an email associate, namely, Stephen Kummerfield-Brown, had murdered Pamela George, a Saskatchewan mother of two, in the fall of 1995. Then known as Stephen Kummerfield, he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced in 1997 to six and a half years in prison.

(Those who say I should have known or should have asked about Kummerfield-Browns homicide need to exercise logic: When Kummerfield-Brown committed his crime, I was teaching at Duke University in Durham, N.C., a position I held from 1994 to 1999.)

Kummerfield-Brown approached me to edit his poetry in February 2005. I agreed; I saw his talent. In 14 years, we met twice more. Email was our association.

Once confronted with Kummerfield-Browns heinous deed, I immediately announced our estrangement. He had slain an Indigenous woman, and I am part Indigenous  a card-carrying Afro-Metis of the Eastern Woodland Metis Nation Nova Scotia.

Still, I wanted to ponder, how should one treat artists who are also evildoers?

Asked to deliver the Woodrow Lloyd Lecture at the University of Regina, slated for Jan. 23, Id hoped to assess Saskatchewan poets  white and Indigenous  and their engagement with, or evasion of, the grave social injustice of harming Indigenous women and girls.

Would I have quoted Kummerfield-Brown? Maybe: To argue that crimes like his reflect an intelligentsia hostile to Indigenous peoples. Id planned to put the justice system on trial.

However, some University of Regina-connected folks, fearing that Id praise Kummerfield-Brown, campaigned to kill my lecture. I got badgered  over eight weeks  to pledge that Id never repeat a word hed written.

I offered assurances that  once I got down to researching and writing  Id respect all communities.

Undeterred by that promise, someone slipped the CBCs Bonnie Allen my unlisted phone number and she called me on Dec. 23 to insist I tell her whether Id reference Kummerfield-Brown.

To my ears, Allen was trying to hijack a lecture I hadnt even begun to research. I felt my charter-protected Fundamental Freedoms, namely, freedom of conscience and freedom of opinion, were being exposed to censure and censorship, before Id had a chance to speak. In my opinion, a journalists conjecture pre-judged my lecture.

Thus, on Jan. 2, the CBC published a piece I believe presented me as a callous academic, apt to glorify a murderer, by reciting his poetry, to diminish the gravity of his brutal homicide and so dishonour his victim.

Witnessing the news machines Orwellian character assassination, plus the anguish of the Indigenous community over persistent injustice, then the frenzied, social-media snarling, I nixed the Regina lecture  and apologized to Pamela Georges family.

(Yet, it was the University of Reginas seeming use of academic freedom to cover its original failure to consult Indigenous communities that served to foster bad faith and bad blood.)

Still, some deem me anti-Indigenous. Well, theyve not read my work. Heres my actual record:

1. In a 2005 talk at the University of Alberta, I called on Indigenous peoples to move to Saskatchewan (which then had the highest Indigenous birth-rate) so that, within a generation, theyd be the majority, and could exercise self-government by winning demographics-based, democratic, electoral control of the provincial government.

2. In a 2006 lecture in Calgary, I said that one per cent of all property taxes collected in Canada should go to Indigenous peoples.

3. In three essays published in 2018 and 2019, I called for Indigeneity to become the centre of all Constitutional authority in Canada.

4. Id meant to propose, on Jan. 23, that all Canadian, resource-extraction-based corporations come under Indigenous management  as should all Crown lands.

But Ive cancelled my lecture and Ive broken completely with Kummerfield-Brown.

My take-away?

No civil liberties without human rights, but no human rights without civil liberties.

We dont get justice for Indigenous people by silencing discussions of injustice.
Nearly one million seabirds died in one year during an unprecedented mass die-off caused by a huge area of unusually warm water known as the blob, according to scientists.

More than 60,000 dead common murres, a fish-eating species, were found severely emaciated on beaches from central California north towards Alaska between May 2015 and April 2016.

Researchers from the University of Washington and the US Geological Survey have said they believe a long-lasting period of warmer water temperatures off the Pacific coast contributed to the deaths by unexpectedly reducing the food supply in the area.

Scientists have said the total number of deaths is likely to have been close to one million, because only a fraction of the dead birds would have washed up on shore and only a fraction of those would have been found in areas people could access.

The mass die-off is a red-flag warning for the damaging effect ocean warming can have on marine life, according to the author of a study on the deaths.

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

John Piatt, lead author of the study and a research biologist at the US Geological Surveys Alaska Science Centre, said the magnitude and scale of the die-off is without precedent.

It was astonishing and alarming, and a red-flag warning about the tremendous impact sustained ocean warming can have on the marine ecosystem, Mr Piatt said.

Recommended Ocean heatwaves were made over 50 times more likely by climate change

The warming began towards the end of 2013 and intensified during the summer of 2015 with the arrival of a powerful example of a weather phenomenon known as El Nino.

This heatwave led to the creation of a 1,000-mile stretch of ocean, referred to as the blob, where sea temperatures were warmed by 3 to 6C.

A number of other species, such as sea lions, tufted puffins and baleen whales, were badly affected by the increased temperatures and also suffered less severe mass die-offs.

The warming caused a huge drop in the production of microscopic algae, which feeds a range of animals, and led to an increase in harmful algae along the US west coast.

Mr Piatt added that the die-off was likely compounded by warmer temperatures increasing the metabolism of predatory fish in the area and increasing competition in the food chain.

Julia Parrish, the studys second author and a University of Washington professor, said the findings show how a warmer ocean is a very different environment and a very different coastal ecosystem for species.

Seabirds, as highly visible members of that system, are bellwethers of that change, she added.

The research teams findings have been published in the journal Plos One.
A Portland, Oregon, U.S. Bank employee said she was fired after giving $20 of her own money to a customer who was broke and stranded at a gas station on Christmas Eve.

The man she helped called her firing ridiculous.

I was a customer of U.S. Bank, I needed help, and she went above and beyond, said Marc Eugenio of Clackamas. I felt so bad. She was the only one helping me.

On Dec. 23, Emily James, a senior banker at a U.S. Bank call center in Portland, said she spent more than an hour trying to help Eugenio, a bank customer whose paycheck from a new job had been placed on hold. The hold meant he couldnt access the funds  just over $1,000  and was essentially broke before Christmas.

She told Eugenio to visit his Clackamas bank branch in the morning  Christmas Eve  and ask a bank manager to verify the funds from the issuing bank. Eugenio went to his bank and got his boss to verify his employment, but the branch manager was on vacation, and the bank was closing early for the holiday. There was no one, he was told, who could lift the hold.

(The woman at the bank) said, My hands are tied, I cant do anything,  he said.

When Eugenio left the bank, he said workers locked the doors behind him.

Frustrated, he again called the U.S. Bank 800 number to speak to the woman who had helped him the day before. He said he was calling from a gas station in Clackamas, unable to even fill his tank.

I said, I wish I had just $20 bucks to get home,  Eugenio recalled. And she said, Wait, hold on.

James handled calls from customers across the country and said it was rare to speak to anyone local. But in this case, Eugenio was just a few miles away.

On Christmas Eve? It seemed like a sign.

She told Eugenio to stay put and that shed be there within 30 minutes with some gas money.

I didnt want her to do it, he said. But Im not proud to the point that Im going to refuse help.

James said she got permission from her supervisor to drive out to the 76 gas station at Southeast 122nd Avenue and Sunnyside Road, about 14 miles from her office.

I handed him $20 in cash, said Merry Christmas and went right back to work, she said.

Eugenio said he thanked her and gave her a hug.

It was like, Wow, she really cares, he said. Most supervisors, maybe they would have tried, but nobody would have ever come out because I was stranded. She had a big heart. She believed what I was saying.

James finished the rest of her shift that day and again on Monday, Dec. 30.

But on New Years Eve, she said, the regional service manager was waiting for her when she arrived at work.

She said, Were sorry, we cannot keep your employment,' James said. The reason, James said, was because of her unauthorized interaction with a customer.

They were worried about my safety, James said. He could have kidnapped me or shot me. But I wouldnt have left or even tried to ask if that was OK if I thought that this person would hurt me.

The interaction with Eugenio happened in the middle of the day, at around 3:30 p.m., with other people around.

James said her supervisor, who gave her permission to deliver the money, was also fired, though The Oregonian/OregonLive was unable to independently confirm this.

When reached for this story, a spokeswoman with U.S. Bank said the company does not comment on employee matters.

James said shes never been disciplined on the job, and she provided The Oregonian/OregonLive with more than a dozen certificates, accolades and awards she received over the course of her two years of employment. One of them was a Silver Shield Award in 2018, which says, We do the right thing. Its what we believe. Its how we act. And its a core value youve recently brought to life through your work.

Another recognition, from April 2019, was for exemplifying the companys core value: We put people first.

I just dont understand why you wouldnt help someone if you had the ability to, James said. Its Christmas Eve, its already a rough time for people, and youre going to leave someone stranded? I couldnt in good conscience do that, knowing it was something I could fix, or at least get him home. Had I known then that I was going to be let go, I would have just removed the hold on the check, because that absolutely would have gotten me fired.

She laughed.

Hindsight is 20/20.

Eugenio said he eventually did get the check cleared but not until several days after Christmas. For his kids, ages 9 and 13, he had to leave IOUs under the tree.

It was one of the saddest Christmases, he said. Promissory notes for Christmas gifts. And I cant believe (James) lost her job over it. The only one who seemed to care was Emily, and she got fired for that.

James said her original motivation in sharing her story was to get her job back. Now, shes not so sure.

I dont think I would want to continue to work for someone who would do that, she said.

-- Samantha Swindler; sswindler@oregonian.com; @editorswindler
Repurpose Your Christmas Tree to Grow Food, and More!

With the Christmas season officially over, many of us will be disposing of our living Christmas trees. While most municipalities will repurpose your Christmas tree for you by chipping them into mulch; you may like to consider other options for extending the life of your tree. Wildlife habitat Evergreen trees
In 2004, TheGuardian.com reported a secret Pentagon warning about global warming: major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a Siberian climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world.

In 2008, Al Gore announced that the entire North polarized cap will disappear in five years.

In 2009, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon declared that [t]he world has less than 10 years to halt the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences for people and the planet.

All wrong.

Yet the supposedly authoritative statements of global warming doom continue. In a January 3, 2020 column titled Apocalypse becomes normal, Paul Krugman in his usual understated way told us that [o]n our current trajectory, Florida as a whole will eventually be swallowed by the sea and [m]uch of India will eventually become uninhabitable.

Krugman makes the same mistake as other false prophets of global warming doom. His and their predictions are works of science fiction because, contrary to scientific principles, they ignore the facts about global warmings actual impact.

The facts instead show that global warming is a non-problem that warrants no action.

First, the earths temperature has been rising at a microscopically slow pace. NASAs data set for global temperatures goes back to 1880 and shows that since that year, the earths temperature has risen by only 1.14 C. An increase of 1.14 C over 139 years translates to an average increase of only 0.008 C per year.

Second, a warmer earth saves lives. In 2015, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet reported that worldwide, cold kills over 17 times more people than heat. A group of 22 scientists examined over 74 million deaths in the United States, China, Brazil, and ten other countries in 1985-2012. They found that cold caused 7.29 percent of these deaths, while heat caused only 0.42 percent. And of these temperature-related deaths, moderately hot and cold temperatures caused 88.85 percent of the deaths, while extreme temperatures caused only 11.15 percent.

Third, while the earths temperature has risen, the number of natural disaster deaths has been sharply declining. In 2019, EMDAT, The International Disaster Database, reported that since the 1920s, the number of people killed annually by natural disasters has declined by over 80 percent. And this happened as the worlds population quadrupled from less than two billion to over seven and half billion.

Fourth, the global air pollution death rate has fallen by almost 50 percent since 1990. In 2019, University of Oxford economist Max Roser and researcher Hannah Ritchie reported in Our World in Data that since 1990 the number of deaths per 100,000 people have nearly halved.

Fifth, any impact on the economy is likely to be minimal. In 2019, the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that if the earths temperature rises by 0.01 C per year through 2100  25 percent faster than it actually has since 1880  total U.S. GDP in 2100 will be 1.88 percent lower in 2100 than it would otherwise be.

But the Congressional Budget Office in 2019 projected that in 2100, GDP per person will be about 180 percent higher (based on its projection of a 1.3 percent annual real long-term potential labor force productivity growth rate). So even if the reduction that NBER estimates pans out, GDP per person will still be about 178 percent higher.

NBER also made a more extreme projection: if the earths temperature rises by 0.04 C per year through 2100, five times the actual rate since 1880, total U.S. GDP will be 10.52 percent lower in 2100 than it would otherwise be. Sounds dramatic. Its not. This farfetched scenario leaves GDP per person about 170 percent higher.

In other words, per person income in 2100 will be almost triple todays level, regardless of global warming.

Finally, restricting carbon emissions to attempt to stop global warming is the wrong path  even the most severe restrictions will have almost zero impact on the earths temperature. Climatologist Patrick J. Michaels calculated that if the United States eliminated all carbon emissions  which would not only require Americans to give up fossil fuels, but also to stop breathing (to cease exhaling carbon dioxide)  it would only reduce global warming by a negligible 0.052 C by 2050.

Dont make the same mistake as Krugman and other false prophets of global warming doom. Check the facts. Global warming has not been harmful and presents no danger to future generations.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has approved the total ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait.

In a resolution dated January 15 and released Thursday, the agencys governing board said the government will stop the processing and deployment of all Filipino workersincluding household service, semi-skilled, skilled, and professional to the Gulf State.

The move came following the release of the local autopsy results on Jeanelyn Villavende, a Filipina domestic worker allegedly killed by her Kuwaiti employers in December.

POEA said the National Bureau of Investigations findings, which showed that the 26-year-old was sexually abused and brutally murdered, countered Kuwaiti officials inadequate autopsy reportwhich only highlighted Villavendes physical injuries.

Exempted from the ban, however, are skilled workers and professionals categorized as balik-manggagawa-- or employees who took time off for vacation and holidays.

No more issuance of overseas employment certificates

The latest ban would prohibit the government from issuing overseas employment certificates (OEC) to Filipino workers, Senate Labor Committee Chair Joel Villanueva clarified on Thursday.

Meaning to say, minsan kahit may contract na kayo sa recruitment agency at recruitment agency sa ibang bansa, wala yung OEC, hindi kayo makakatuloy, Villanueva told CNN Philippines The Source.

[Translation: Meaning to say, even if you have a contract with the local recruitment agency and the recruitment agency of other countries, if you dont have the OEC, you wont able to fly out.]

The lawmaker, however, said those who have already paid for the documents may ask for refund from POEA.

Ang good news, nakausap namin ang POEA, pwede niyong i-refund 'yan sa inyong recruitment agencies. At kung hindi kayo i-refund, i-reklamo niyo sa POEA, he added.

[Translation: The good news is, we talked to POEA. You can refund it from your recruitment agencies. If you dont get your refund, you can send a complaint to POEA.]

POEA earlier this month imposed only a partial deployment ban, which covered newly-hired household service workers.

READ: Admin case filed vs. recruiter of slain OFW in Kuwait

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III previously said the ban may be lifted if Kuwaiti courts take appropriate action on the Filipinas case.

Foreign authorities, however, have yet to confirm if the suspects Villavende's Kuwaiti employers have already been charged.
In yet another victory for India, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) thwarted China's attempt to rake up the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York, US. China on Wednesday had made a request to deliberate on the Kashmir issue under the agenda of 'Any Other Business Points', during UNSC`s closed-door meeting. However, no other UNSC member, barring China, commented on the meeting after it ended given that it was an informal consultation.

This comes almost five months after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 in August. It should be noted that this is China`s second attempt to get the Kashmir issue on the agenda for consultations at the UN.

Live TV

India`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin took to his Twitter handle to post a picture of the Indian flag fluttering among those of other countries at the United Nations headquarters. He tweeted, "Today at UN...our flag is flying high. Those that launched a "False Flag" effort got a stinging response from our many friends..."

Today @UN...our flag is flying high. Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends... pic.twitter.com/X0jJgassn2  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

"What we hoped happened today. Pakistan's false claims were exposed today in the UN. We are glad that many of our friends supported us and said this is a bilateral matter. Pakistan's process of telling lies to hide its imperfections is over today. We hope that Pakistan will learn something from today and will behave properly with India," said Akbaruddin.

He also said, "The outcome of the consultation is on expected lines. We are happy that neither the alarming scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by various representatives of Pakistan in UN fora were found to be credible. We are glad that it was pointed out by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India. Pakistan's practice of using false credences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course today."

#WATCH New York: Syed Akbaruddin, Indias Ambassador & Permanent Representative to United Nations speaks on China holding an informal closed-door consultation on Kashmir in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). pic.twitter.com/vWPBUlu4K5  ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020

According to news agency ANI, China`s ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, warned against further escalation between India and Pakistan`s over Kashmir and hoped that the Security Council meeting would encourage both countries to seek a solution through dialogue. He told reporters after the closed-door meeting that China remains "concerned about the situation on the ground" in Kashmir. "I`m sure the meeting will help both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and encourage them to approach each other and to have dialogue and to seek means to seek solutions through dialogue," Zhang told ANI.

Members of the UNSC speaking on condition of anonymity said that China wanted a review of the UN observer mission in Kashmir, ANI added. But an overwhelming number in the 15-member council urged for de-escalation of tension and said that the dispute is bilateral and should be resolved by India and Pakistan. However, it was thwarted by other members led by the United States and France. No other UNSC member, barring China, commented on the meeting after it ended given that it was an informal consultation.

Meanwhile, French diplomatic sources told ANI that their country`s position remains "unchanged" and the matter must be settled bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad. "France has noted the request of a UNSC member to raise Kashmir issue again in this body. France`s position is unchanged -- Kashmir issue must be settled bilaterally as we have stated on several occasions and will continue to reiterate to our partners on UNSC," sources told ANI.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Thursday that "increasing vote percentages in every general election is a testimony of people's increasing faith in Indian democracy".

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day 7th conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly here, Birla also stressed on the need of disruption-free proceedings of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies for more productivity.

"The vote percentage has gone up in each general election held after independence. This shows that people's faith in Indian democracy has increased. With it, the responsibility of our public representatives towards the people has also increased. It is their moral duty to fulfil the aspirations of people standing in the last queue," said Birla.

The two-day conference would discuss the reforms in the legislative businesses of the Assemblies.

Birla said while making laws the members should discuss it extensively and play an important role in it and added the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies should be made accountable and should play their role in winning people's confidence.

He said that Assemblies should keep monitoring the activities of the governments.

He urged the members to actively participate in committee meetings and share their viewpoint rising above party politics in public interest.

Birla said that there should be discussion and debate in the houses and an effort should be made by presiding officers that disruptions do not take place.

He said it was the responsibility of members to raise the standard of debate and maintain the traditions of the legislative.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Uttar Pradesh Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ram Govind Chaudhary, Speakers and Presiding Officers of state Assemblies also attended the conference.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel would address the concluding session.

The two-day conference will also discuss the capacity-building of legislators for scrutinizing budgetary proposals and enhancing the focus of legislators on legislative business.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will deliver the keynote address during the second Plenary.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is composed of over 180 branches formed in Legislatures of Commonwealth countries enjoying parliamentary democracy. All the CPA Branches are geographically grouped into nine Commonwealth Regions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On the other hand, even if you based your projections on the 2010 census  which was by all accounts a pretty good census, he said  California might still be on track to lose.

As far as we know, California, unlike, say, West Virginia, hasnt actually lost residents. The states still growing a little. Why are we on track to lose a seat?

Its a zero-sum game, Mr. McGhee said. So your state can grow  California has grown in population  but not grow enough compared to other states and lose out as a result.

It wasnt always this way, he said. For much of American history, seats were added without a limit.

So it was like, You get a seat, and you get a seat! Mr. McGhee said.

That Oprah-like approach continued until 1911, when the number was capped at 435. Still, California kept growing, which meant that the state continued to gain seats, even as others lost them.

But in 2011, the states 53 representatives stayed flat for the first time.

Mr. McGhee said that, relatively speaking, there most likely will be little reshuffling this time around, since population growth at the national level has slowed. But California is still likely at risk.

So, say the census goes perfectly and California still loses a seat. What happens then?

The census always takes place during years ending in zero. And redistricting, the process of deciding how to draw the boundaries of all legislative districts, happens the year after that  regardless of whether the number of seats has changed.
Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch arrives to testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 15, 2019. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

Ukraine Investigating Reports of Surveillance of Former US Ambassador Yovanovitch

Ukraines interior ministry announced it is opening a criminal investigation into the possible illegal surveillance of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who was a witness during the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

The Ministry of Interior Affairs wrote on Twitter that it is conducting the investigation in light of materials published by investigators of the House of Representatives in recent days about the possible illegal surveillance of Yovanovitch.

The ministry wrote in a statement that while Ukraine has an official position to not interfere in U.S. domestic affairs, the published records contain a possible violation of the legislation of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protects the rights of a diplomat in the territory of another country.

Our goal is to investigate whether there were any violations of Ukrainian and international laws, the statement said, adding that it will determine if the messages were just bravado and fake talk in an informal conversation between two U.S. citizens.

After analyzing these materials, the National Police of Ukraine upon their publication started criminal proceedings under part 2 of Art. 163 (Violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations, telegraph or other correspondence) and part 1 of Art. 182 (Unlawful collection, storage, use of confidential information about a person, violation of privacy) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The announcement came days after communications regarding Rudy Giulianis associate Lev Parnas were released. According to ABC News, which broke the story, Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde seemed to suggest to Parnas in messages that he had people following Yovanovitch.

In an interview with CBS News on Jan. 15, Giuliani denied having knowledge of any alleged efforts to track Yovanovitch. I have no idea about allegations of him tracking her, the former New York mayor told the broadcaster.

Parnas has claimed that he and Giuliani were attempting to get Yovanovitch removed from her position before she was recalled in 2019 by the White House.

Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off, Hyde allegedly wrote in one message to Parnas, reported Politico. He also wrote that shes next to the embassy and not in the embassy.

When Hyde was asked by Sinclairs Eric Bolling in an interview on Jan. 15 about whether he had eyes on Yovanovitch, he strongly denied the accusation.

Absolutely not, are you kidding me? Im a little landscaper from [expletive] Connecticut, he said.

That was just colorful, I thought we were playing. I didnt know he was so serious, Hyde said, referring to the messages that were released.

In November 2019, Democrats in the House had Yovanovitch testify during the impeachment inquiry into Trumps dealings with Ukraine and on whether the White House withheld millions of dollars in foreign aid to Kyiv for politically advantageous investigations, which Trump and Ukrainian officials have both denied.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Group CEO of Air Asia Tony Fernandes on January 20 in connection with a money laundering case. Not just Fernandes, ED has summoned Tharumalingam Kanagalingam (Group President) Air Asia and businessman Arun Bhatia, who was earlier holding substantial equity in AirAsia.

The summons also includes senior group executive S Ramadorai, Naresh Algan and Mittu Chandiliya (former AirAsia CEO). This virtually involves the entire senior management of the airline.

READ | Tatas Gaining Upper Hand In Decision-making At AirAsia India

Cases against AirAsia

The ED had earlier registered a PMLA (Prevention Of Money Laundering Act) case against AirAsia after CBI filed a corruption case. CBI had filed a case in June 2018 alleging that senior management of AirAsia entered into a criminal conspiracy with the government officials in 2012 to get FIPB clearance. The existing rule to have overseas operations then was 5/20  five years experience and 20 aircraft. The company didn't fulfill that requirement.

Consequently, a secret note was sent to the Cabinet in February 2014 to amend the rule followed by a supplementary note on 5th March 2014 but the Election Commission of India didn't approve because election dates were already announced.

It has been alleged by CBI that around Rs 12.18 crore was paid to a Singapore based shell company HNK Tradings. And a sham contract was signed with HNK.

Sources say, that ED is probing certain transactions that were made to a Singapore firm that allegedly did not provide any services. The CBI had earlier grilled Deepak Mahendra, the Chief Financial Officer of AirAsia in connection with the case. Tony Fernandes was also summoned by the CBI earlier but he did not respond to the summons sent by CBI.

READ | Delhi HC Dismisses ED Plea To Set Aside Bail Granted To Ratul Puri

AirAsia scandal

According to sources, the AirAsia scandal took place in 2013-2014. The carrier was given FIPB approval in 2013. Government officials were paid a bribe of over Rs 12 crore.

The FIR by CBI was filed under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code and section 13(2) read with 13 (1) d of Prevention of Corruption Act against Antony Francis Fernandes (Tony) Group Chief Executive Officer Air Asia Group (Malaysia), Tharumalingam Kanalingan (Bo Lingam) Air Asia Berhad Malaysia (sister company), Ramachandram Venkatraman (Director) Air Asia India Limited Bengaluru, Rajender Dubey M/S NHR Trading PT Limited, Singapore.

The FIR also includes Sunil Kapoor, Chairman, Total Food Services (catering for Asia Asia), Deepak Talwar, Principal and Founder - DTA Consultancy Pvt Limited, New Delhi, M/S Air Asia India Limited, M/S Air Asia Berhad (Malaysia), NHR Trading PT Limited, Singapore, other unknown private persons and unknown officials of civil aviation ministry and the then officials of FIPB (now defunct).

READ | PFI Under ED Scanner; Money Laundering Angle Probe 'close To Completion': Sources

READ | HUGE Setback For Chanda Kochhar: ED Attaches Rs 78 Cr Assets In Videocon Loan Case

(Picture Credit: PTI)
This weeks question was asked by a friend.

QUESTION: Why does a dog wag its tail?

ANSWER: Animals communicate with body language. The three important body parts they use for communication are through eye contact, ear position, and their tails.

For dogs, tail wagging serves the same function as a human smile, a nod of recognition, or anticipation. A dog will wag its tail for a person or for another dog, even a cat, a mouse or a horse. A dog seems not to wag its tail for any lifeless thing. Tail wagging, then, is a form of communication.

According to Dr. Stanley Coren, author of the book How to Speak Dog, a dogs tail was designed to assist in its balance. When a dog makes a quick turn, it throws its tail in the same direction that the body is turning, thus preventing the dog from spinning off course. Dr. Lisa Radosata, owner of Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, says, If you watch a dog take a tight turn at high speed, you will likely see him use his tail for stability.

Dogs also use their tail to walk along narrow surfaces. They swing the tail in the opposite direction to any tilt of the body to help maintain balance. A tight rope walker does the same thing by using a balance bar.

Tail wags are a frequent cause of misunderstanding between dog and humans. Dr. Radosata states, We should view tail wagging as a sign of a willingness to interact, not a signal of a particular mood or state. In other words, a tail wag means the dog is open to interaction, not that the dog is friendly. However, a wagging tail held high is often a signal of enthusiasm. Whereas a wagging tail held lower indicates a more timid or nervous dog. And a fast wag is good.

It can be a bit more complicated. It depends to which side the tail is wagging. If the tail is moving more strongly to the dogs right, then that dog is showing positive emotion, like excitement or interest. If its moving more to the left, its showing negative emotions, like anxiety, fear, or aggression. Why is that? For both dogs and humans, the left side of the brain deals with positive behavior while the right side deals with the negative. Each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, thus the dogs mood can be read. So goes the theory of tail wagging by Dr. Radosata.

Puppies do not wag their tail until they are about 30 days old. Before that time, about all they do is eat and sleep. There is no need to communicate. At about six or seven weeks, the puppies are socially interacting with one another. They play, fight, nip, jostle, chase and cuddle. They learn to use their tail to signal their intentions and to prevent conflicts. Tail wagging is a truce flag.

Later, puppies learn to wag their tail to beg for food. Tail wagging also serves the same function that the smile does for people. When a dog wags its tail in that familiar broad stroked side-to-side manner, it means the dog is happy and content.

Sometimes a puppy will chase its own tail. The puppy is just playing by itself, since there may not be anyone or another puppy to play with. The puppy probably doesnt yet realize that this tail is its own. They usually grow out of it.

There is also the theory that tail wagging, unlike barking, is a form of silent communication. When early dogs were hunting, a bark would scare the game away, but a tail wag served as a silent signal to other dogs that a meal was close at hand. Dogs probably didnt think this idea through. It was probably a matter of instinct. Source: How to Speak Dog by Dr. Stanley Coren and the website pets.ca.

Send questions and comments to: lscheckel@charter.net.

Larry Scheckel is a retired Tomah High School physics teacher.

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The Gavin and Stacey special received an incredible audience of 17 million viewers.

And Larry Lamb has revealed his delight at the success of the Christmas episode and admitted that he always knew the return of the BBC sitcom would be well-received.

The actor, 72, also admitted that his co-star and Hollywood chat show host James Corden was still a 'regular Joe' when he returned to film after years apart.

Happy! Larry Lamb has revealed his delight at the success of the Christmas episode and admitted that he always knew the return of the BBC sitcom would be well-received

Discussing the reaction to the show from fans, Larry told Lorraine on Thursday: 'I have to say, I told you so! I'm the eternal optimist, everything I'm in is going to be wonderful.

'I knew people were waiting for this, we're so much more in contact with people on social media. It can so easily go as wrong as it went right.

'I said, as far as I'm concerned this is the best ever - and it was!'

Larry also touched on the fact that the special has encouraged new viewers, who only watched the Christmas episode because other people in their household were.

A regular Joe! The actor, 72, also admitted that his co-star and Hollywood chat show host James Corden was still a 'regular Joe' when he returned to film after years apart

Discussing the longevity of the show, Larry said: 'It has been a real baby of the BBC, it's been well looked after. It's a family, that's all there is to it. From those first days where we sat around chatting together in the hotel.'

Larry also lauded his co-star James, who he admitted 'wears his fame well', after shooting to stardom in America following the end of Gavin in Stacey in 2010.

When quizzed on whether James now comes with airs and graces, Larry said: 'Quite the opposite, he's enough of a regular Joe, if he starts pulling strokes like that we'd be like - "come on!" He wears his fame well.'

Discussing the reaction to the show from fans, Larry told Lorraine on Thursday: 'I have to say, I told you so! I'm the eternal optimist, everything I'm in is going to be wonderful.

Wow! Larry chatted to Lorraine about the possibility of a Gavin and Stacey return

Since the Christmas Day episode ended with a Nessa down on one knee proposing to Smithy leaving a huge cliffhanger, fans have been vying for another episode.

Talking about the potential of another instalment, Larry said: 'That's the situation we're in, quite honestly, with 17 million people watching I don't think the BBC are going to leave that one hanging.

'Well I mean, the audience is there, they could put it out as a special or combine the two.'

BBC baby: Discussing the longevity of the show, Larry said: 'It has been a real baby of the BBC, it's been well looked after. It's a family, that's all there is to it. From those first days where we sat around chatting together in the hotel'

Larry also spoke about his family life and mentioned his son George, who has recently turned 40 and began an eco-project called Grow.

The EastEnders star said: 'I know I can't believe it, he's 40! He's become a real eco-warrior he's running this operation called grow, teaching kids where their food comes from.

'Their raising food and animals and learning all sorts of things. He's happier than he's ever been.'
Chinas use of international diplomacy to flout human rights represents the greatest threat to the global system for holding governments to account since its beginnings in the 20th century, experts in civil liberties have warned.

Beijings grip on the lives of ordinary Chinese citizens has continued to extend under President Xi Jinping  including the imprisonment of approximately a million Uighur Muslims in the north who now live under constant surveillance by Communist Party Officials, and the degradation of autonomy in Hong Kong that has led to almost a year of protest in the semi-autonomous region.

Now the Human Rights Watch has warned the totalitarian approach of the country is extending onto the global stage  with a carrot and stick diplomacy Beijing wields to stifle criticism from world governments that remain too preoccupied to challenge China, or too keen to access its markets to consider rebuking the nations ruling party.

At home, the Chinese Communist Party, worried that permitting political freedom would jeopardize its grasp on power, has constructed an Orwellian high-tech surveillance state and a sophisticated internet censorship system to monitor and suppress public criticism Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth said in the NGOs latest report on the state of global human rights.

Abroad, it uses its growing economic clout to silence critics and to carry out the most intense attack on the global system for enforcing human rights since that system began to emerge in the mid-20th century.

China destroying Uighur burial grounds Show all 6 1 /6 China destroying Uighur burial grounds China destroying Uighur burial grounds Teywizim cemetery in Hotan (before and after) China is destroying burial grounds where generations of Uighur families have been laid to rest, leaving behind human bones and broken tombs in what activists call an effort to eradicate the ethnic group's identity Earthrise/AFP/Getty China destroying Uighur burial grounds A cemetery in Xayar (before and after) Earthrise/AFP/Getty China destroying Uighur burial grounds A graveyard in Aksu (before and after) An image of a graveyard in Aksu in 2015, where Uighur poet Lutpulla Mutellip was buried and the same view in 2018 and then again in 2019 showing a new park called "Happiness Park" Earthrise/AFP/Getty China destroying Uighur burial grounds A cemetery in Xayar (before and after) Earthrise/AFP/Getty China destroying Uighur burial grounds Sulanim cemetery in Hotan (before and after) Earthrise/AFP/Getty China destroying Uighur burial grounds A cemetery in Xayar (before and after) Earthrise/AFP/Getty

Mr Roth had been due to unveil the scathing attack on Beijing - and the rest of the report on the state of global human rights - in Hong Kong, but was blocked at the city's airport earlier this week.

In response the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang lashed out at Mr Roths New York-based organisation, accusing Human Rights Watch of instigating anti-China activists to engage in radical violent crimes, and incite separatist activities hyping Hong Kong independence.

He went on to claim that the human rights consensus established in the wake of the holocaust and other horrors of World War Two was able to be degraded by China due to a perfect storm of Chinas power, a growing group of like-minded rulers, a void of leadership among those committed to defending civil liberties, and democracies willing to sell the rope that is strangling the system of rights that they purport to uphold.

He added To make matters worse, several countries that once often could have been counted on to defend human rights have been missing in action. US President Trump has been more interested in embracing friendly autocrats than defending the human rights standards that they flout.

The European Union, diverted by Brexit, obstructed by nationalist member states, and divided over migration, has found it difficult to adopt a strong common voice on human rights.

Even as people have taken to the streets for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, Bolivia, Russia, and Hong Kong in an impressive wave of global protests, democratic governments have often responded with lukewarm and selective support.

In response to the report Mr Geng said he had not read the document but that such publications routinely "turned a blind eye on facts and confused right and wrong with no objectivity at all."

He added the Chinese people had the final say on the state of human rights in the country, which he described as "in the best period of history."

A Hong Kong government spokesman said that "one country, two systems" has been "fully and successfully implemented," and that the local government is committed to safeguarding human rights and freedoms.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balmoral Resources Ltd.s (Balmoral or the Company) (TSX: BAR; OTCQX: BALMF) previously announced ground geophysical survey targeting the Area 51 gold system ( see News Release 19-27; Dec. 16, 2019 ) and related gold discoveries on its wholly-owned Fenelon Property in Quebec is continuing and on track to be completed later this month. Drill site permitting has already begun for those portions of the survey area completed to date, and drilling is anticipated to commence in February. The Fenelon Property forms part of the Companys district-scale Detour Gold Trend Project located in west-central Quebec.



We are very pleased with the early results from the extensive geophysical program being completed at Fenelon, and are in the process of permitting several additional drill sites targeting gold mineralization in Area 52, Area 51 West, and along the Ripley/Sunday Lake gold trends, said Darin Wagner, President and CEO of Balmoral. The positive results from our fall Area 52 and Ripley drill programs are aiding in the evaluation of the ongoing geophysical work and allowing us to move rapidly from receipt of survey results to targeting and drill permitting.

It is currently anticipated that a minimum 5,000 metre diamond drill program will be conducted on several targets throughout the surveyed area during the current winter season. The focus will be on targeting extensions of the Area 51 gold system and on high-grade gold targets along and proximal to the Sunday Lake deformation zone which also transects the property.

2019 Highlights

Between late October and the end of 2019 the Company closed two private placements for gross proceeds totaling approximately $8.05 million dollars, and received a Quebec Exploration Tax Credit of slightly over $1.0 million dollars, to enter 2020 in the strongest financial position it has been in since early 2017.

During 2019 new gold discoveries in Area 52, including the high-grade Ripley discovery, and the on-going growth of the Area 51 gold system provided exciting new paths to growth and discovery in the Grasset-Fenelon-Area 51 (GFA) camp which will remain a focal point in 2020. This success built on an inventory of drill-ready gold discoveries and targets throughout the Detour Gold Trend Project and new drill-ready nickel discoveries made earlier in the year at RUM, Gargoyle, and in the central portion of the Grasset Ultramafic Complex. As a result Balmoral ended 2019 as one of the strongest performing mining equities  year over year  on the TSX.

The pending completion of the acquisition of Detour Gold Corp. by fellow Canadian gold producer Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. promises to further highlight the potential of - and increase the activity level along - the Detour Gold Trend, where the Company remains the dominant land holder.

With funding in place, an improved share price, and the significantly increased level of activity in the region, Balmoral is well positioned as we enter 2020 to work toward repeating the success of 2019. In the near term, exciting discovery drill programs in the GFA area are set to get underway and as the year progresses the Company will be in a position to resume the expansion of the already substantial, shallow high-grade gold resource on the nearby Martiniere property  which was calculated at US $1,300 / ounce gold  and to advance a number of other gold discoveries and discovery opportunities it currently controls along the Detour Gold Trend.

Upcoming Conference Schedule

Balmoral will be exhibiting and presenting at both the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (January 19-20, 2020) and the AME Roundup (January 20-23, 2020) this coming week in Vancouver. You can find representatives of the Company at Booth 501 at the VRIC (Vancouver Convention Centre West) and Mr. Wagner will be given a brief corporate presentation at 11:20 am on the 19th in Workshop #6.

Balmoral was invited to display the drill core from its high-grade GUC Central nickel discovery in the Core Shack at the Roundup (Vancouver Convention Centre East) on January 22nd and 23rd. Mr. Michael Tucker, Exploration Manager for the Company, will give a technical presentation on the recent discoveries and exploration potential of the Grasset Ultramafic Complex in the Base Metal Exploration Session at 1:20 pm on January 22.

Qualified Person and Quality Control

Mr. Michael Tucker (P. Geo. B.C., Ont. and Temporary Permit, Que.), Exploration Manager for the Company, is the non-independent qualified person for the technical disclosure contained within this release. Mr. Tucker supervised the recent Area 52 drill program described herein and has worked on the Fenelon property since 2014. Mr. Tucker has reviewed and approved of the technical information contained within this release.

Balmoral has implemented a quality control program for all of its drill programs, to ensure best practice in the sampling and analysis of the drill core, which includes the insertion of blind blanks, duplicates and certified standards into sample stream. NQ sized drill core is saw cut with half of the drill core sampled at intervals based on geological criteria including lithology, visual mineralization and alteration. The remaining half of the core is stored on-site at the Companys Val dOr field office in Quebec. Drill core samples are transported in sealed bags to ALS Minerals Val dOr, Quebec analytical facilities. Gold analyses are obtained via industry standard fire assay with atomic absorption finish using 30 g aliquots. For samples returning greater than 5.00 g/t gold follow-up fire assay analysis with a gravimetric finish is completed. The Company has also requested that any samples returning greater than 10.00 g/t gold undergo screen metallic fire assay. Following receipt of assays, visual analysis of mineralized intercepts is conducted and additional analysis may be requested. ALS Minerals is ISO 9001:2008 certified and the Val dOr facilities are ISO 17025 certified for gold analysis.

About Balmoral Resources Ltd.  www.balmoralresources.com

Balmoral is a multi-award winning Canadian-focused exploration company actively exploring a portfolio of gold and base metal properties located within the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt. The Companys flagship, 1,000 km2 Detour Gold Trend Project hosts the resource-stage Bug and Martiniere West gold deposits and the Grasset nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE deposit. Employing a drill-focused exploration style in one of the worlds preeminent mining jurisdictions, Balmoral is following an established formula with a goal of maximizing shareholder value through the discovery and definition of high-grade, Canadian gold and base metal assets.

On behalf of the board of directors of

BALMORAL RESOURCES LTD.

Darin Wagner

President and CEO

For further information contact: John Foulkes, Vice-President, Corporate Development

Tel: +1 (604) 638-5815 / Toll Free: +1 (877) 838-3664

E-mail: jfoulkes@balmoralresources.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, duration and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the potential continuation of certain geological features, and the potentially discoveries of mineralization on the properties are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believes, may, could, expects, planned, appears to, potential, anticipates, intends, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, 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. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include those related to weather, equipment and staff availability; performance of third parties; timing of receipt of assay results from third party analytical facilities; risks related to the exploration stage of the Companys projects; market fluctuations in prices for securities of exploration stage companies and in commodity prices; and uncertainties about the availability of additional financing; risks related to the Companys ability to identify one or more economic deposits on the properties, and variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located on the properties; risks related to the Companys ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities on the properties; and risks related to the Companys ability to produce minerals from the properties successfully or profitably. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties.

This news release contains information with respect to adjacent or similar mineral properties in respect of which the Company has no interest or rights to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such properties, and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Companys properties.

This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.
Central bank move may signal probe of movements of money out of Lebanon as political and economic crisis accelerates.

Lebanons central bank has asked banks to review transfers of funds abroad by politicians and government employees between October 17 and December 31, when anti-government protests led banks to enforce informal capital controls that blocked such transfers.

The move appeared to be a step towards probing movements of money out of Lebanon by politicians and influential people after a long-brewing economic and political crisis accelerated in October with the onset of mass protests that swept the nation.

A January 9 circular from the banks anti-money-laundering unit asked banks to identify the source of funds deposited in overseas accounts and to report any suspicious activity involving such accounts.

The circular, seen by Reuters News Agency on Thursday, asked banks to comply by January 31.

The central bank did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

A separate circular dated January 14 from Lebanons banking control commission asked banks for the dates and sizes of transfers to Switzerland since October 17, without asking for the names of the customers who made the transfers.

It asked banks to provide the information within a week.

Lebanons economic crisis intensified last year as hard currency remittances from abroad slowed down, leading to a shortage of dollars needed to finance the states deficit and import needs. Seeking to prevent a massive outflow of money from the country  so-called capital flight  banks have been imposing tight controls on access to cash and transfers abroad since October.

Anger at the banks helped fuel violent protests in Beirut on Tuesday during which a number of banks were vandalised.

Central bank governor Riad Salameh, in an interview with Lebanese broadcaster MTV last week, said he had been asked to investigate transfers that took place after October 17.

After a meeting with Salameh on Wednesday, caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri said there was a campaign to uproot Salameh, who has been in his post since 1993, and that he was being unfairly blamed for Lebanons financial problems. Hariri added that Salameh had immunity and nobody can dismiss him.
Donald Trump and Lev Parnas, whom the president says he does not know. Photo: @josephabondy

Republicans have spent months distancing themselves from Lev Parnas, the indicted businessman who worked with Rudy Giuliani to carry out President Trumps scheme to pressure Ukraine to investigate his domestic political opponents.

I dont know those gentlemen, President Trump said last October after Parnas and his partner Igor Fruman were arrested as they attempted to flee the U.S. The claim quickly proved preposterous. Trump had personally met with Fruman and Parnas at least ten times, CNN reported, and many of those encounters were memorialized in photo form.

On MSNBC Wednesday, Parnas told Rachel Maddow that Trumps claims about not knowing him and Fruman are absurd. He knew exactly who we were. He knew exactly who I was especially because I interacted with him at a lot of events, Parnas said. On CNN Thursday, he added that if Trump continues denying their relationship, hell continue releasing new pictures of them together.

Trump is far from the only powerful Republican to have said cheese with Parnas, who has amassed an impressive collection of pictures with high-profile members of the Trump administration, the Trump family, and the GOP. Here is the public portion of that collection, showing Parnas with:

White House Adviser Kellyanne Conway

Mike Huckabee

Breaking: another never-before-seen picture of Mike Huckabee and Lev Parnas. Retweet to share and spread. pic.twitter.com/goYQZuiQjM  Daniel W. Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) January 12, 2020

White House Advisers Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump

New: We obtained a photo of Lev Parnas with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, indicating he met them at least once. https://t.co/gRtpZjJnRW pic.twitter.com/IEryg7Bzyv  Betsy Woodruff Swan (@woodruffbets) January 14, 2020

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy

Here is another photo of Lev Parnas with Kevin McCarthy pic.twitter.com/GL7tJwfMmR  Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) January 13, 2020

Obtained by @CourthouseNews, a never-before-published photo shows House Minority Leader McCarthy standing between two old donors - Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman - contradicting what he told me last week on Capitol Hill.



Investigation by me & @MMineiro_CNS: https://t.co/0SHsaWDp3i pic.twitter.com/U80IhIwyaJ  Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) January 15, 2020

Vice-President Mike Pence

Here is a photograph of Lev Parnas with Mike Pence and Kevin McCarthy pic.twitter.com/mtVDHxM4g3  Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) January 13, 2020

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci

The month after @TrumpDC event, PARNAS & GUCCIARDO took a group trip to Israel with @Scaramucci (& others).



Here they are at a holy site.



During the trip, Parnas & Fruman were "trying to rope people into their game, per Scaramucci.

via @jacobkornbluh https://t.co/6U4OINIoYt pic.twitter.com/eVSZKPMW9M  Kenneth P. Vogel (@kenvogel) November 7, 2019

Eric Trump

Eric Trump with Lev Parnas pic.twitter.com/G4L4aIRfFR  Trump Crisis (@RWTrollPatrol) January 15, 2020

President Donald Trump

Who are you going to believe about Igor Fruman and Lev Parnas?



Jay Sekulow, who says Trump has nothing to do with Rudy's henchmen?



Or your lyin eyes.#ThursdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/gKCfRimud9  Grant Stern (@grantstern) October 10, 2019

And here's Lev Parnas and Trump at the White House, also from here https://t.co/eGFV14xptI pic.twitter.com/3lVYLvMxRQ  Garance Franke-Ruta (@thegarance) October 10, 2019

Update: Trump and indicted Giuliani associate, Lev Parnas, photographed together in 2014. https://t.co/UaYi9yY7gy pic.twitter.com/KAoPWILpyY  Jim Roberts (@nycjim) October 12, 2019

Donald Trump Jr.

And here's a photo of Parnas with Trump Jr. at an inauguration event. https://t.co/RmFh225ige pic.twitter.com/VVRKzszFiJ  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 15, 2020

Don Jr., Tommy Hicks, Jr. , Parnas and Fruman in calmer times. pic.twitter.com/zCxuIDFi5N  Tim O'Brien (@TimOBrien) October 10, 2019

Parnas also posted a number of photos related to events and fundraisers for Gov. Ron DeSantis leading up to the midterms. A spokeswoman for Gov. DeSantis did not respond to a request for comment. https://t.co/oXcW96zdhb pic.twitter.com/sfVXzkTIIV  Shelby Holliday (@shelbyholliday) October 21, 2019

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise
Leading light: Penneys is a major name on the high street

Primark has reported higher revenues on the back of new store openings.

The high street fashion chain's growth helped drive revenues up at owner Associated British Foods (ABF), which saw group revenues rise 4pc over the 16-week period to January 4.

Primark saw its UK sales grow by 4pc as it benefited from new stores and expansions, while sales across the retailer were up 3pc.

The company hailed "good trading" over November and December, despite highlighting a "marginal decline" in like-for-like sales.

Meanwhile, ABF said Primark - which in Ireland operates as Penneys  saw sales in its Eurozone business jump 5.1pc higher on the back of "strong progress in France and Italy".

Primark said it heavily benefited from three store openings during the period, as well as site expansions.

It said it expects to open 18 new stores during the financial year as it continues its expansion programme.

Elsewhere, ABF was bolstered by its strengthening sugar business, which saw revenues increase 5pc after EU sugar prices remained higher than over the same period last year.

It said lower costs in sugar production also mean that there will be a material improvement in profits from the sugar arm, particularly in the second half.

ABF said grocery sales were level against the same period last year, although profit margins improved.

Increased popularity of herbal teas in the UK and US helped to improve revenues at its Twinings division, while efficiencies in the tea supply chain also helped to improve profits.

ABF said operating losses at its troubled Allied Bakeries business, which makes Kingsmill bread, were reduced after "progress from cost reduction" more than offset lower sales.
As impeachment again comes to dominate the national news, the twists in the story have been wild and unpredictable. But few could have foreseen a role for a mostly unknown congressional candidate from Connecticut who has already been denounced by his party over unrelated events.

A new batch of evidence was released Tuesday in advance of a Senate trial that is expected to begin next week to decide the fate of President Trump following his impeachment in the House of Representatives. While it remains exceedingly unlikely that two-thirds of the Senate would support Trumps removal, there is plenty that could happen as the proceedings get underway that could have a major impact. That impact could even extend to Connecticut politics.

Showing up in the new evidence was one Robert Hyde, who appears to have worked with Soviet-born businessman Lev Parnas to monitor the movements of Marie Yovanovitch, formerly U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. Yovanovitch, of Kent, played a key role in the impeachment hearings, and her removal from her position has led to questions about the presidents foreign policy decisions and whether he was putting his own interests above that of the nation.

What no one has yet explained is how Hyde came to be involved.

According to reporting last year by Hearst Connecticut Medias Emilie Munson, Hyde, who launched his campaign for the Fifth District congressional seat in August, has presented himself as a member of Trumps inner circle, and been seen in pictures alongside Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other prominent Republicans.

That alone would have made him a contender for his partys nomination this year, but a crude comment on Twitter about Sen. Kamala Harris, who recently dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary, led Connecticut Republicans to denounce Hyde and his candidacy, and refund money he had donated to the state party. Still, Hyde said he would stay in the race to take on first-term Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5.

This weeks news turned what had been a local political story into one of national interest. But there are many more questions than answers.

Hydes communications with Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, are disturbing, seemingly indicating a surveillance of the ambassador and including possible threats to her safety. For his part, Hyde said Tuesday he has never been to the Ukraine capital, and that the messages were just a joke that has been taken out of context.

That explanation makes as much sense as anything at the moment.

State Republicans have rightly distanced themselves from Hyde, and must continue to do so. Its a different story nationally, where the tens of thousands of dollars Hyde donated to Trump and other Republican causes granted him an audience with top-level officials, including at Trumps inauguration. His appearance in the newly released Ukraine documents only adds to the intrigue.

As the questions continue to mount, voters in the Fifth District and beyond need answers. And though they had pledged to stay out of the race until the August primary, state Republicans would do well to see that someone else wins the partys nomination.
"We are here today to cross a very important threshold in American history," Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the Democrat-controlled House, said before the body voted on Wednesday to send the chargesheet to the Republican-majority Senate for a trial that is certain to acquit him of the charges.

Trump faces the twin charges of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.

With the chagesheet handed over to the Senate on Wednesday, the third trial of a President in the nation's 243-year history will begin on January 21.

A senior administration official told reporters: "We're prepared. We have been ready and are ready to get things moving in the Senate because the facts overwhelmingly show that the President did nothing wrong."

The leader of Republican-controlled Senate, said: "This is a difficult time for our country -- but this is precisely the kind of time for which the (Constitution) framers created the Senate."

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial at which the Senators will act as jurors.

The seven prosecutors for the trial, who will represent the House, will face off a team of Trump lawyers for the defence.

A two-thirds majority will be required to convict Trump and remove him from office, but that is unlikely as Republicans hold a 53-seat majority in the 100-member body.

The two Presidents who were impeached and tried - Bill Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson in 1868, But they were both acquitted.

Undeterred by the prospect of acquittal, Pelosi spoke of the black mark impeachment leaves: "It is true, once someone is impeached it cannot be erased."

For four weeks Pelosi had held off sending the chargesheet - formally known as the Articles of Impeachment - as she and Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Party leader in the Senate, unsuccessfully tried to force Mitch McConnel, to accept their demands for calling witnesses and introducing new evidence.

Democrats hope that the trial would put the spotlight for about a month on what they consider Trump's misdeeds and erode his support in the November 3 presidential election.

The House voted the chargesheet on December 18, 2019 after nearly three months of the impeachment process that included secret testimonies from witnesses in an underground chamber, public hearings, a House debate and, finally a ballot mostly along party lines.

The prosecutors, formally known as managers,include Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff, who led the investigations, and Judicial Committee chair Jerry Nadler, whose panel framed the charges.

The charges against Trump stem from a request he made during a phone call last July to the newly-elected Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the dealings of the former Vice President Joe Biden and his son in that country.

Military aid to Ukraine worth about $400 million was also put on hold around the time the request was made.

Since Joe Biden is the front-runner for the Democratic Party nomination to run against Trumo, asking for an investigation against him and withholding aid amounted to abuse of power, the Democrats say.

His failure to give the House investigators documents they wanted and not allowing some witnesses to testify gave rise to the obstruction charge.

Hunter Biden, who was removed from the Navy amid drug allegations and had no energy business experience, was made a director of a Ukrainian gas company with a monthly payment of $83,000 and his father had a prosecutor looking into the firm removed.

His defenders say it was because the prosecutor was corrupt and not because of his son's position in the company.

Trump had said that he wanted a full trial with several witnesses called to testify, but changed his mind and called for a summary dismissal of the impeachment.

McConnel ruled it out saying that Senators wanted a trial because they felt they had an obligation to hear the case.

The trial is expected to run for four months.

After the chargesheet reached the Senate, McConnell asked the prosecutors to return at noon on Thursday to read out the charges.

Next Roberts will be sworn-in as the temporary Senate President for the trial.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)
The United States and China signed a partial trade agreement on Wednesday aimed at putting the brakes on an 18-month trade war between the world's two largest economies.

With provisions covering purchase commitments, financial market access, intellectual property protection and enforcement, the "phase one" deal was made final by US President Donald Trump and China's chief trade negotiator, Vice-Premier Liu He.

The incremental deal is designed to be the first in a series of agreements intended to end a trade conflict that has seen tariffs slapped on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of trade " rupturing supply chains, shaking markets, increasing consumer costs and contributing to a global growth slowdown.

"Today we take a momentous step, one that has never been taken before with China," Trump said before inking the agreement with Liu in the White House's East Room. The room was packed with business executives invited by the administration, as well as reporters, US lawmakers, Trump cabinet officials and members of the Chinese delegation.

Trump said he would be travelling to Beijing in the near future "to reciprocate" and meet with China's president, Xi Jinping.

After speaking briefly on the significance of the trade deal, Trump abandoned his teleprompter for a half-hour diversion, thanking various US officials, lawmakers and business leaders in the room, and airing well-worn grievances, including over his impending impeachment trial in the Senate.

The signing, which occurred over an hour into the proceedings, represented the first time since the trade dispute began in July 2018 that both sides have formalised any commitments. The two countries were close to an agreement in May 2019, but talks collapsed at the last minute amid Washington's accusations that Beijing had sought to backtrack on multiple major terms.

After months of renegotiation and further escalating tariffs, the US government announced in December that it had reached consensus with Beijing on the details of a new pact, though Trump administration officials were still waiting to see a Chinese translation of the 86-page document as late as Friday, according to White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.

Story continues

Included in the deal is a commitment from Beijing to buy around US$200 billion of American goods and services over two years.

China had promised to remove barriers to a long list of US exports, including beef, pork, poultry, seafood, dairy, rice, infant formula, animal feed and biotechnology, Trump said.

China is also understood to have committed to speed up its approval process for new agricultural biotech crops to an average of 24 months, from about five to seven years currently.

The 18-month trade war has taken a toll on America's farmers, an important segment of Trump's base. Photo: Getty Images alt=The 18-month trade war has taken a toll on America's farmers, an important segment of Trump's base. Photo: Getty Images

The deal will result in a suspension of a planned December tariff on about US$162 billion in Chinese goods and the halving of an existing 15 per cent duty on imports worth around US$110 billion.

China will not be lifting any of the retaliatory tariffs it has imposed on US$110 billion worth of American goods as part of the deal, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer said at a press briefing on Wednesday morning.

Beijing had pledged to roll out new rules and regulations preventing Chinese companies from forcing US businesses to share intellectual property in exchange for market access, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday morning ahead of the signing ceremony.

In return for Beijing's commitments, US negotiators agreed to reduce existing tariffs on some Chinese imports and cancel duties that were scheduled to take effect in December. Tariffs on some US$360 billion of goods entering the US will stay in place.

Pointing to a further concession by the US, the Treasury department announced on Monday that it no longer considered China a currency manipulator, a designation it had made in August amid unsuccessful talks in Shanghai and an escalation in tariffs.

Monday's move made for a considerably warmer welcome for Liu compared with his last visit to Washington. In October, just days before the vice-premier's arrival for talks with his American counterparts in the US capital, the Trump administration rolled out a suite of sanctions targeting the Chinese government over alleged human rights abuses against Muslim ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang.

"At times, there were setbacks in our trade talks," Liu said of the countries' discussions over the past two years.

But "relentless" efforts from both sides had led to the successful forging of the agreement, which China vowed to "strictly honour" alongside the US, he said.

As he had done at several previous meetings with Trump, Liu read aloud a letter to the US leader from Xi. Though largely laudatory in tone, the message appealed to the US government to treat Chinese companies "fairly" and support the "collaboration between enterprises, research institutes and [the] schools and colleges of the two countries".

Trump said that keeping the two "giant and powerful nations together in harmony" was important for the world, and said the deal would herald "an even greater world peace".

The US leader's hyperbole notwithstanding, Beijing has framed the contract's significance in more muted terms.

The partial trade pack is unlikely to pave the way for a consensus on thorny US-China structural issues, such as China's subsidies for state-owned enterprises, some experts say. Photo: AFP alt=The partial trade pack is unlikely to pave the way for a consensus on thorny US-China structural issues, such as China's subsidies for state-owned enterprises, some experts say. Photo: AFP

Breaking two months of silence, Taoran Notes, a social media account affiliated with the Chinese government, said in a post on Monday that the trade war was "not over yet", and that Wednesday's signing represented "just the first round of a game".

Trade experts, for their part, have expressed doubt that the incremental agreement will necessarily pave the way for a consensus on the thornier structural issues that remain, such as China's subsidies for state-owned enterprises.

"The phase-one deal is a step in the right direction, but it will do little to shake the widespread perception that trade uncertainty is the new norm," said Jon Cowley, senior international trade lawyer at Baker McKenzie in Hong Kong.

In a letter to Trump slamming the deal as "completely inadequate", the Alliance for American Manufacturing, an industry association, said on Monday that "nearly all the major structural issues [had been] left unresolved", among them industrial subsidies and overcapacity.

Euan Rellie, founder of BDA Partners, a New York-based, Asia-focused investment bank, disparaged the president's performance in the signing ceremony and the scarcity of breakthroughs in the pact as an example of Trump's penchant for "showmanship over substance".

"His base is just lapping it up," he said. "The reality is US farmers aren't better off after the phase one compared to the beginning of the trade war."

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said that Trump administration officials were waiting to see a Chinese translation of the 86-page agreement as late as Friday. Photo: Bloomberg alt=White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said that Trump administration officials were waiting to see a Chinese translation of the 86-page agreement as late as Friday. Photo: Bloomberg

However, Rellie said he felt relieved at the de-escalation in US-China tension. "At least what we have now is Trump is unlikely to impose more tariffs," he said. "I won't call it a win. I will call it an uneasy temporary peace. It's better than nothing."

Jeremie Waterman, the US Chamber of Commerce's vice-president for Greater China, said the deal "puts a floor under a relationship that, quite frankly, has been struggling".

The agreement will be connected to a strict enforcement mechanism under which any complaints will be adjudicated unilaterally within 90 days, administration officials have said. Complaints will be aired first at the working level and " should those discussions fail " will then be escalated through the deputy level and, ultimately, to the secretary level.

The mechanism lets the US enact punitive measures if complaints remain unresolved. Beijing had promised not to retaliate in such instances, Navarro said in an interview on NPR earlier this week.

Trump said last week that negotiations on a "phase-two" deal would begin immediately, but he added that he may decide to wait until "after the [US presidential] election" to make the second agreement final.

Speaking with CNBC on Wednesday ahead of the signing ceremony, Mnuchin said that further rollbacks of US tariffs would be part of the phase-two deal, adding that the agreement may be broken up into further incremental stages.

"Phase two may be 2A, 2B, 2C," he said. "We'll see."

Additional reporting by Finbarr Bermingham, Mark Magnier and POLITICO's Doug Palmer

Sign up now for our 50% early bird offer from SCMP Research: China AI Report. The all new SCMP China AI Report gives you exclusive first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments, and actionable and objective intelligence about China AI that you should be equipped with.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP have accused each other of causing delay in the hanging of Nirbhaya convicts.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, on Thursday, said the saffron party is solely responsible for the delay in the execution of the convicts in Nirbhaya case, after the saffron party accused the Delhi government of the same.

Speaking to the media, Singh said that the BJP should apologize for their negligence and for accusing the AAP of causing delay.

"BJP is directly responsible for delay in hanging of the culprits. Law and order is completely under the control of the BJP. We didn't take a moment to reject the mercy petition. BJP should apologize for the lies they're peddling," said Singh.

Singh's remark came after BJP leader and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar blamed Delhi government for the delay in the death penalty execution.

"The Nirbhaya convicts are not hanged because of the delay caused by the AAP government in Delhi. This shows AAP's soft corner for the criminals," Javadekar said.

Singh called Javadekar's statement "funny" and "irresponsible".

"Such statements also show insensitivity of the BJP and its leaders," Singh added.
The overwhelming majority of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) believed that the body was not the right forum to discuss Kashmir issue, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday.

"An effort was made by Pakistan through a member of UNSC to once again misuse the platform of UNSC. The overwhelming majority of UNSC was of the view that the UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and it should be discussed bilaterally between India and Pakistan," said Kumar during a weekly press briefing.

Kumar's remarks come a day after China and Pakistan managed to hold an informal closed-door consultation on Kashmir in the UNSC in New York more than five months after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 of the Constitution in August.

"The formal closed-door meeting, therefore, ended without any outcome," said Kumar.

He said that India, during the meeting, highlighted Pakistan's desperate measures to "peddle baseless allegations and present an alarming scenario."

"In our view, it was once again highlighted Pakistan desperate measures to peddle baseless allegations and present an alarming scenario it lacks any credibility," the spokesperson added.

The UNSC's closed-door meeting was called to discuss an issue relating to an African country. China made a request to deliberate on the Kashmir issue under the agenda of "Any Other Business Points."

No other UNSC member, barring China, commented on the meeting after it ended given that it was an informal consultation.

China's ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, warned against further escalation between India and Pakistan's over Kashmir and hoped that the Security Council meeting would encourage both the countries to seek a solution through dialogue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The two students accused of violence -- Achintya Bagdi and Sabir Ali -- have been sent to 10 days of police custody after the Wednesday night attack, even as an SFI leader alleged that the perpetrators were outsiders, owing loyalties to the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

Kolkata, Jan 16 (IANS) Two students, having allegiance to the Left students unions of Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal, were allegedly beaten up with rods, following which two arrests were made on Thursday.

"Students of VU have been attacked by ABVP goons from outside who also chased them to hospital where the injured students were taken. Teachers who stood in solidarity with the students were also targeted," said an SFI leader of VU.

The attackers were armed with sticks, rod and wickets.

The police cordoned off the hospital where the injured students were being treated.

However, SFI state Secretary Srijan Bhattacharya said the two accused were earlier with the TMCP, but recently joined the BJP.

"The attackers were saying why we had supported the strike on January 8, and why were we opposing the NRC-CAA and the policies of the BJP-RSS," said another Left students union leader.

But the political identity of the attackers remained complicated amidst reports that the two accused claimed they belonged to the Trinamool Chattra Parishad (TMCP).

The incident occurred around 11.30 p.m. on Wednesday while the Leftist students unions were carrying out a protest programme on the campus in Bolpur of Birbhum district.

The two injured students - Swapnil Mukherjee and Falguni Pan - were members of Left students groups. Mukherjee is still in hospital, while Pan has been released after initial treatment.

Bhattacharya clarified that neither of them were SFI members.

"But that doesn't matter. They both belong to Left students unions. In VU, all left students move together in campus politics. We will do everything to register a strong protest over the incident," Bhattacharya told IANS.

Meanwhile, VU authorities distanced themselves from the campus violence.

"It was a clash between two group ofA students. The Visva-Bharati is not involved in the incident in any way. There is no political colour to the incident," said a VU official.

"Our officials reached the spot as soon as they learnt about the incident and controlled the situation. We are looking into the matter," said the official.

The violence has taken place almost a week after BJP Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta, on a visit to VU to deliver a lecture on the new citizenship law CAA, was confined by CPI-M affiliated Students Federation of India activists for close to six hours inside a locked room of the varsity.

Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and other varsity officials were also confined at the Social Work department at Sreeniketan, a little distance away from the main campus at Santiniketan late into the night by the protesting students.

The university, founded by Nobel laureate polymath Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 has been on the boil over past few weeks over protest against the CAA.

The campus saw huge protests on Thursday as leftist students union members camped outside the Vice Chancellor's office demanding stringent action against the attackers and those behind them,

The Trinamool Congress condemned the attack on students.

"On behalf of all peace loving citizens, especially students, we strongly condemn the violent acts of students affiliated to BJP on hallowed portals of Visva Bharati, a central university campus," Trinamool Congress tweeted.

"We welcome swift action taken by police and appeal to the administration to continue action to book culprits."

ssp/vd
Following a wintry mix of rain and snow falling overnight, scattered precipitation will continue falling in Massachusetts Thursday morning, moving from west to east.

Roadways will be slick during the morning commute in areas where the road are untreated. Take it slow and allow extra time to get to your destination," the National Weather Service said. Precipitation will come to an end mid-to-late morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for across Massachusetts Thursday, cautioning of strong winds gusts expected to blow into the evening and overnight.

Northwest winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour are expected, with gusts reaching around 50 miles per hour. A wind advisory has been issued for all of Massachusetts, taking effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and remaining in effect until 1 a.m. Friday.

Wind gusts of 40 to 45 miles per hour are probable in Western Massachusetts. Speeds will range from 45 to 50 miles per hour for much of Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including Boston and Worcester. Communities near Gloucester and the tip of Cape Cod will see gusts reach 50 to 55 miles per hour.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result, the National Weather Service said.

Some school districts in Massachusetts have announced closings or delays for Thursday.

5 AM Radar: Scattered precipitation continuing. Should see things come to an end by mid to late this AM. Wintry mix is occurring in these areas of precipitation. Expect a slick commute in spots where roads have been untreated. #mawx #ctwx #riwx pic.twitter.com/nT9M39omM7  NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 16, 2020

Temperatures across the state will reach highs in the low 40s late Thursday morning but will drop overnight.

Wind chills below zero are possible overnight. In Eastern Massachusetts, wind chills are expected to drop to between 5 above zero to 5 below. Overnight in Worcester County, wind chills as low as 5 to 10 below zero are anticipated tonight, the National Weather Service said.

In Western Massachusetts, wind chills between 5 and 15 below are expected.

There is a risk for plowable snow over the weekend. Four to eight inches of snow expected across the interior of the Massachusetts. Communities on the coast may receive two to four inches, according to the National Weather Service. A heavy mix of rain and snow is also probable.
Following President Vladimir Putins annual address to the Federal Assembly on Jan. 15, the entire Russian Cabinet led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned. This included the two longest-serving ministers  Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu  both of whom played key roles in Russias foreign policy in the Middle East.

In his state of the nation address, Putin proposed a set of constitutional changes that should soon be voted on in a national referendum. The changes would limit future presidential tenure to two terms in office, tighten residency requirements for presidential candidates and empower the parliament to choose candidates for prime minister and the Cabinet. This essentially weakens the institution of the president but empowers those of the parliament and the State Council, or Gossovet. Now a consultative body, under the new structure the State Council would acquire a higher status and be part of the executive power.

All of the amendments Putin initiated seek not to consolidate his own powers when he will have to leave the presidential post in 2024 but rather to create mechanisms that would allow him to regulate disagreements with a future president, should they arise, said Tatiana Stanovaya, an expert with the Moscow Carnegie Center.

Others, however, said they thought Putin, 67, was seeking a means to extend his hold on power.

The top-level changes sent immediate shock waves throughout Moscow. It was long expected that Putin would come up with a transition model sometime in 2020, but few expected it to be this early in the year. The freshly appointed prime minister  Mikhail Mishustin  came as yet another shock to some and disappointment to others. Mishustin, who until recently served as Russias tax service chief, is little known to the general public; he has no political experience and never has been part of Putins inner circle.

Stanovaya, who is also a founder and head of R.Politik, a platform on the inner workings of Russian foreign and domestic politics, told Al-Monitor, Mishustin looks a lot like Mikhail Fradkov and Viktor Zubkov, the technocratic premiers [in Vladimir Putins presidency] of the early 2000s. Putins logic in cases like this has always been to wait until a few months before elections before revealing the name of his successor  remember the switch with Medvedev in 2012. Its very hard to imagine that a future president could take part in an electoral campaign after four years as prime minister  the risks would just be too great. It seems highly likely that Mishustin is just a technocratic placeholder.

In his speech, Putin emphasized that regardless of the changes, whoever is the president will remain commander in chief and retain control of all of the security agencies.

At this stage, the key unknowns in foreign policy are who might take over from Lavrov and Shoigu.

Lavrov, 69, has long been asking for a successor. Potential candidates said to be eyed for this role are three of his deputies: Sergey Ryabkov, 59, who has a big portfolio from relations with the United States, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran and arms control; Alexander Grushko, 64, a former envoy to NATO who is in charge of the European file; and Vladimir Titov, 61, who officially deals primarily with administrative issues but who is believed to have strong ties to the Russian security services.

We were told a while ago that Lavrovs departure is possible and may be expected in the spring, a source in the Foreign Ministry, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor.

The names of the three deputies are frequently thrown around, Denisovs is less so these days, the source added.

Andrey Denisov, 67, is Russia's ambassador to China. At some point shortly after Putins reelection in 2018, Denisov was eyed as a possible successor to Lavrov.

Another diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Lavrov may remain foreign minister. Lavrov has been in his position since March 2004. Ever since, governments resigned on a couple of occasions only to resume their performance with some fresh faces, but he would always be there. If we see this new government as transactional, he may as well stay. His style, his whole persona adds some special flavor to Russian diplomacy, so if he leaves itd be a loss, but after all its the president who is in charge of top foreign policy decisions, not the foreign minister, the source said.

Its even less certain at this point on how things may work out for the Defense Ministry, which has virtually hijacked a huge part of Russias Middle East agenda. But just like the prime minister, both the foreign and defense ministers can be technical and temporary  a lot depends on who the people are, how close they might be to Putin and whether they have powerful allies within the system.

Interestingly, shortly after the Cabinet resigned, Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov temporarily left office due to what he called his "temporary incapacitation." It has long been rumored that Kadyrov, who has played some critical roles in Russian policies across the Middle East, could take up a higher position.

Medvedev, who has been appointed deputy to the chairman of the Security Council, should not be entirely discarded. Putin chairs the council and his longtime ally Nikolay Patrushev is the secretary. Medvedev is virtually placed in between the two. Although this could be a rather awkward spot for him, Medvedev may find himself in an important position when it comes to foreign policy issues.

In April 2018, Al-Monitor reported on a big shake-up Moscow carried out involving the diplomatic corps working on the Middle East file. In September 2019, Putin appointed a commander for Syria and introduced some changes in military management. The policy patterns for the Middle East that have been seen since seem likely to stay for some time as what appears to be a gradual and soft transition process begins.
India on January 15 slammed Pakistan for trying to raise the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) again, where it failed yet again to find any support.

New Delhi also asserted that Islamabad needs to focus on hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India.

China, Pakistan's 'all-weather ally', stood alone in the Pakistani corner to get the Security Council to focus on the Kashmir issue.

The attempt failed as other member countries felt Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Earlier on January 15, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others".

Akbaruddin told news agency PTI: "We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today."

"We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India," Akbaruddin said.

A European source, heading into the Security Council meeting, told PTI that the discussions on Kashmir during the closed consultations were "low key."

A top European diplomat also said that the issue should be resolved bilaterally and it was a "domestic affair."

Akbaruddin further said that "Pakistan's practice of using false pretences to distract from addressing the malaise that afflicts it has run its course. We hope that Pakistan pays heed to the clear signals sent out here today and focusses on the hard tasks it has to address in order to ensure normal relations with India."

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said: "We had a meeting on Jammu and Kashmir. And I am sure you all know that Foreign Minister of Pakistan wrote letters to the Security Council asking the Security Council to pay attention to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The issue of India and Pakistan has always been on the agenda of the Security Council and today we have also seen some tensions, so the Security Council had a briefing and heard at the briefing from the Secretariat concerning the current situation on the ground. Members exchanged views on that," he added.

Zhang later said China "has stated our position very clearly. We remain concern about the situation on the ground (in Kashmir)."

When asked if the meeting advanced anything, Zhang said: "I am sure the meeting will be helping both parties to understand the risk of further escalation and will encourage them to approach to each other and to have dialogue and to seek means, to seek solutions through dialogue. I think that will be helpful".

Chinas current move was the third such attempt since August 2019 -- when the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the government, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories.

In August 2019, China pushed for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir after the government scrapped J&K's special status. However, the meeting did not yield desired results for China as the member-states maintained that India's move was an internal issue.

Last month, France, the US, the UK and Russia foiled an attempt by China to discuss Kashmir at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of J&K, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a Union Territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

India's decisions on Kashmir had also cast a shadow over Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in October for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notwithstanding the acrimony over the issue between the two countries, Modi and Xi held "successful" talks in the ancient coastal town of Mamallapuram, signalling a recalibration of bilateral ties.

(With inputs from PTI)
Anti-government protesters have clashed again with Iraqi security forces in Baghdad (Khalid Mohammed/AP)

Riot police fire tear gas while protesters set fires during clashes in Baghdad (Khalid Mohammed/AP)

Four anti-government protesters have been killed and 65 others injured amid ongoing clashes with Iraqi security forces near a strategic bridge in Baghdad.

The latest clashes came just hours after some of the most intense street violence seen in recent days, with 10 protesters killed and another 100 injured.

Security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to repel demonstrators in clashes that lasted well into the night on Thursday.

On Friday, two protesters were killed by tear gas and another was hit by live rounds fired by security forces on Rasheed Street. A fourth later died from injuries sustained earlier in the day.

The street is close to Ahrar Bridge, a flashpoint in recent days.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the highest Shia religious authority in Iraq, re-emphasised calls to political parties to pass electoral reform laws and respond to the protesters' demands.

Iraq's massive anti-government protest movement erupted on October 1 and quickly escalated into calls to sweep aside Iraq's sectarian system.

Protesters continue to occupy several Baghdad squares and parts of three bridges in a stand-off with security forces.
There are currently examples of Lithuanian companies being interested in investing in Donbas, Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Marius Janukonis has said.

He said this in Kramatorsk at a round table meeting "Reintegration of Donbas. A European Perspective," according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"In a few years, we see here [in the territory of Donbas controlled by Ukraine] better roads, we see better and other infrastructure. And it will help attract business, investment here. And I already have examples of Lithuanian companies who are still cautious but are already interested in the opportunities to work here," the ambassador said.

He noted that there are now many active people, businessmen and public organizations in Donbas, which have a very active position and a desire to work for the region. "All of these factors create stability. And we see it," Janukonis said.

He noted that in the Donbas territory controlled by Ukraine, it is necessary to create a contrast with the occupied part in order to make it an attractive territory for the people, and this is one of the main tasks for the authorities.

"The Baltic countries are not big donors. Poland is a little bigger one, but we also want to help the people who live here with concrete actions," Janukonis said.

op
Three-year-old Matilda Moule and her faithful Jack Russell terrier Polly are home safe after spending almost 24 hours missing in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

An extensive search for the girl culminated on Thursday afternoon when she was spotted by a helicopter 3.5km from her home at Noreena Downs Homestead.

The girl wandered off from her family's million-acre homestead, 70km from Nullagine, on Wednesday afternoon while taking her dog for a walk.

Three helicopters, nine police officers, eight SES personnel and seven horses were deployed to search for her, along with staff from the Noreena Downs station.

Three-year-old Matilda Moule and her faithful pet Jack Russell (left) terrier are home safe after almost 24 hours alone. The girl wandered off from her family's million-acre homestead on Wednesday afternoon and was reunited with her family (above) on Thursdday

Officers combed through bushland (pictured) to find the toddler, who was missing for more than 24 hours

Heavy rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Blake had made search conditions challenging and filled a number of creeks surrounding the property.

Police say Matilda was able to make her way through one of the creeks when the water subsided but the creek quickly rose again, trapping the girl and her dog.

The Pilbara community assisted with the search, including supplying riders for the horses, before Matilda was finally found with her faithful dog still by her side.

The light green top and pink dress that Matilda was last seen wearing was covered in mud when she was embraced by her parents Kate and Nathan on Thursday.

Pilbara district superintendent Kim Massam, who led the rescue operation, praised Molly the Jack Russell for staying by Matilda's side through the night.

'It's in the nature of pets to look after the people they loveThat little jack russell stayed by her side and gave her that moral support to get through a night and a day in that harsh climate,' he said, reported The Australian.

'That little dog will be the toast of the station tonight.'

He said the three-year-old girl had asked for a big glass of water after being rescued.

'She a young station girl  I'm sure she's a free spirit and her backyard is a million acres.'

'She's at home on a station with her mum and dad and her grandma,' he said. 'The story could not end any better than that.'

Bravery beyond her years: Little Matilda survived 24 hours in the harsh Outback alone with her dog (right) after wandering off from her family's million-acre homestead

Three helicopters, nine police officers, eight SES personnel and seven horses were deployed to search for her

The three-year-old went missing in an area that covers some of the most remote cattle land in the state, leading police to call it a 'very concerning' situation before her dramatic rescue.

The family station in the East Pilbara region has been running since 1983, and like much of Western Australia has suffered intense rain this week.

Newman, 150km north of the station, recorded 143mm of rain in just 24 hours last Wednesday.

It caused flooding and road closures.

WA Police Acting Commissioner Col Blanch told ABC: 'It's a very challenging environment up there. There's floods all around that area.

'I know the family must be going through a terrible time whilst this search is ongoing, but I can assure the community that we're throwing everything we have at it.'

The girl wandered off from her family's million-acre homestead, 70km from Nullagine in WA
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Malibu, CA, Jan 15, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Rockridge Resources Ltd. ( CVE:ROCK ) ( OTCMKTS:RRRLF ) ( FRA:RR0 ) ("Rockridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to mobilize and commence an exploration drill program at its Raney Gold Project located in Ontario, Canada (the "Project" or "Property") in February 2020. An exploration permit for the program was received late last year, providing for exploration activities including geophysical surveys and diamond drilling to be conducted over a 3-year period. Rockridge plans to finalize terms with its selected drill contractor within the next week and will then commence the process of mobilizing for the upcoming program.Additional information about Rockridge Resources and its project portfolio can be found on the Company's website at www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com. Rockridge currently has 33.9 million shares issued and outstanding.To view the interview, please visit:About Rockridge Resources Ltd

Rockridge Resources (CVE:ROCK) is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada and other mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's Raney Gold Project is a high-grade gold exploration project located in the same greenstone belt that hosts the world-class Timmins and Kirkland Lake lode gold mining camps. The Company's Knife Lake Project is in Saskatchewan, which is ranked as the #3 mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The project hosts the Knife Lake deposit, which is a VMS, near-surface copper-cobalt-gold-silver-zinc deposit open along strike and at depth. Rockridge's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

About The Ellis Martin Report

The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program.
Photography by PETER HVIZDAK /

New Milford residents can again test for radon in their homes for free.

It is offered by the New Milford Health Department in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The purpose is to encourage residents to test their homes for radon gas and to take corrective action when the radon level is found to be elevated.
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Hypocrisy in politics is typical, but every so often it reaches a new low. Such is the case with a recent political ad attacking dark moneys influence in politics, an ad funded by dark money. The group Future Majority did exactly that as part of their 2018 efforts to elect Democrats to Congress. Now groups like Future Majority are focused on denying President Trump reelection in 2020.

Democrats have no good response to the Presidents popularity and his accomplished record, so they turn to dark money funded smear campaigns to try and discredit him and his supporters. Politico reports one such dark money group Future Majority  is prepared to invest $60 million in swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan in 2020 to try and defeat the President.

Another dark money group is Arabella Advisors, orchestrators of many supposed grassroots campaigns on issues ranging from climate change to President Trumps Supreme Court nominees. But in reality, Arabella doesnt organize actual grassroots opposition to the Trump administration, it creates fake groups that pump out phony opposition through subsidiaries such as the Sixteen Thirty Fund.

One Arabella campaign focuses on President Trumps tax cuts. Liberals want to replace the Trump tax cuts with tax hikes to finance more spending. But repealing the Trump tax cuts would be disastrous to the economy as they allow working people to keep more of what they earn and they are incentivizing businesses to re-invest in America.

According to Edwin Feulenr, the founder of the Heritage Foundation, The tax cut contributed to the strong economy weve been enjoying, leading many businesses to hire more and more workers. The United States added more than 2.6 million new jobs in the year following the passage of the tax cut  nearly a 25 percent increase from the previous year.

Another area where dark money groups oppose the Trump administration is the battle over government regulation of business and industry. President Trump repealed many Obama era regulations and is working with Congress to simplify the regulatory system.

For example, liberal groups are fighting deregulation in the lending industry and are actively working to limit the efforts of people who are struggling with bad credit to get loans. They claim short term loans offered by payday lenders are predatory, and they continually press for artificial controls  rate caps  placed on this one segment of the lending industry  not large banks, credit unions, credit card companies, etc.

But when government regulators attempt to control one segment of a market or industry, the exact opposite of the desired goal usually occurs. The Taking away lending choices for consumers, without providing viable alternatives, serves no one. Those who take out payday loans understand the risks and need a short-term cash infusion.

Government meddling in free markets usually hurts consumers. The Employment Policies Institute analyzed Georgia and North Carolina after both states implemented a rate cap and found, When compared to other states, a November 2007 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings and the number of costly bounced checks both rose in North Carolina and Georgia.

Liberal dark money groups consistently support proposals expanding the scope of government while limiting consumer options. Arabella Advisors backing of the Affordable Care Act fits this pattern, as the ACA expanded the size of government while eliminating many private healthcare options.

Instead of admitting the ACA failed, these groups are proposing even more government interfering to try and fix problems they created. If candidates backed by these groups gain power, they will likely push for Medicare for All further expanding the role of government.

Medicare for All would eliminate private healthcare and force everyone into a one size fits all system that cannot meet the needs of the sick. Enacting Medicare for all would decrease the quality of care and increase patient costs.

What are Liberals so afraid of? Perhaps its the presidents record of lowering taxes, eliminating needless and costly government regulations, and working to find ways of lowering healthcare costs. Tax cuts, deregulation, and improving healthcare are three critical issues that will drive voters to the polls next year. If the President loses re-election, dark money Democrats will work tirelessly to roll back the Presidents accomplishments and return to the days of big government inefficiency and a flatlined economy.

The Presidents actions are boosting the stock market, raising consumer confidence and drawing fresh investment in American business and industry. That means millions of higher paying jobs for working class citizens and improvement of quality of life. As the election season advances into 2020, we must expose the liberal, dark money operations that threaten the progress of the Administrations last four years and jeopardize our revived free market system.
There is a high level of interest in the quality of the acquisition and the Company expects to know which group they will be working with by the end of January 2020.

Ethema Health Corporation (Ethema GRST or the Company), a provider of healthcare services, previously announced an LOI for the acquisition of a majority interest in an addiction treatment company. Efforts are underway to secure financing for the acquisition. Ethema is working with funders the Company is familiar with, having dealt with many over the last several years. There is a high level of interest in the quality of the acquisition and the Company expects to know which group they will be working with by the end of January 2020. Due diligence on the acquisition is on-going and the Company CEO will be doing site visits during the week of January 20, 2020.

The Company has agreed to vacate its existing West Palm Beach property by January 31, 2020. The Company is continuing to negotiate with a local Florida operation to be able to move its operations but has not yet reached any agreements. As reported earlier, the Company will move its principal office to a location nearby. These processes have begun and are expected to be completed very soon.

The termination of the operation in West Palm Beach will dramatically reduce the negative cash flow of the Company and allow it to focus on cleaning up the debt on the balance sheet as it works towards completing the acquisition. As part of these efforts to reduce debt, the Company is in talks with certain lenders and shareholders of the Company, around the possible sale of the Canadian subsidiary that owns the real estate of the Companys former operations in Canada. This could help reduce the majority of the debt in one step. The Company is looking for immediate solutions to paying off certain convertible debt, some of which has been converted to equity. The amount and extent of the equity conversions are uncertain and the Company is actively working on short-term replacement financing as a solution.

Additionally, the Company has identified other suitable acquisitions and will be able to add these once a suitable funder has been chosen.

There is a complete restructuring underway which we expect to stabilize the Company and get it prepared to take on new initiatives in the addiction treatment business. There has been a dramatic shift from the traditional treatment models, that has been driven by the insurance carriers. The changes are still not fully effected, but there are no indications that the addiction problem is getting any better. Addiction and mental health issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve and we will continue to be leaders in providing the best possible care and treatment in the addiction treatment field, said Shawn Leon CEO of the Company.

About Ethema Health Corporation

Ethema Health Corporation (OTCQB: GRST) operates in the behavioral healthcare space specifically in the treatment of substance use disorders.Ethema developed a unique style of treatment over the last eight years and has had much success with in-patient treatment for adults. Ethema will continue to develop world class programs and techniques for North America. For more information you can visit our website at http://ethemahealth.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

For information please contact:

Ethema Health Corporation

416-500-0020

shawn@ethemahealth.com
The awful downing of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, shot down by Iranian air defense shortly after take-off in Tehran and headed for Canada, has been a real blow for all Canadians and for the large Persian-Canadian community, with the majority of the dead being Persian-Canadians and young Iranians studying at Canadian universities. This has also caused enormous anger among the Iranian populace. Particularly galling because Iran has had a long-standing grievance against the US because of the American military downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in 1988 which was shot down by the the US navy while it was following its routine route over Iranian air space. The Iranian government had kept the memory of that tragedy alive and prominent, so every Iranian was very familiar with this horrible event, and to now have the Iranian military do almost the exact same thing is just intolerable. With all this in mind, today we will hear two of Iran's greatest musicians, Mohammed Reza Shajarian and Mohammad Reza Lotfi, in their most famous collaboration, a live recording from March 4th, 1981. The revolution was still very young then, and the new revolutionary government was pressing hard on the populace. That day in March, there were large demonstrations at the university in Tehran and clashes between revolutionaries and students. Many students and faculty were arrested, including Mr. Lotfi, who was the head of the school of music. He was detained for a few hours and was late arriving for the concert being held a the German Cultural Center--a concert to introduce Persian classical music to affiliates of the cultural center. Lotfi was distressed and angry and this carried into the performance. Shajarian had chosen a poem of Hafez, but due to the upheaval and agitated context that evening, it was clear that they "performed as though reciting thousands of years of frustrations and deprivations of a peace loving people". This show is dedicated to the 176 crew and passengers killed in flight PS752.

Improvised Pishdaramad

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Daramad

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Hejaz

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Zarbi-e Hejaz

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Kord-e Bayat

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Zarbi-e Kord-e Bayat, Foroud

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Dashtestani

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Khosro Shirin, Gabri

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Choupani

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Faraz

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Foroud

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records Bahar-e Delkash

Mohammad Reza Shajarian & Mohammad Reza Lotfi - The Abu-Ata Concert - Kereshmeh Records The Lamb

John Tavener/12 Ensemble - Death and the Maiden - Independent - Death and the Maiden - Decamping Path

Shahriyar Jamshidi - The Lullaby of a Nomad - Independent - The Lullaby of a Nomad - Honey Siren

Oliver Leith/12 Ensemble - Death and the Maiden - Independent - Death and the Maiden - Fljotavik

Sigur Ros/12 Ensemble - Death and the Maiden - Independent - Death and the Maiden - Festival

Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid - XL Recordings Time Stand Still

Rush - Hold Your Fire - Anthem - Hold Your Fire - The Spirit of Radio

Rush - Permanent Waves - Anthem - Permanent Waves -
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's proposed budget would limit tuition hikes at public universities to 2%, create new tax benefits for military members and solar projects, and pour more than required into public education, according to the detailed version of the budget released Wednesday.

It also leaves out any money to settle a long-standing lawsuit with Maryland's historically black colleges and universities. And despite the governor's emphasis on fighting violent crime in Baltimore, legislative budget analysts noted that funding dedicated to addressing violent crime statewide was "essentially level."

Overall, the immediate response to the $47.9 billion spending plan from Hogan, a Republican, was positive from both sides of the aisle, even as legislative analysts warned about a ballooning deficit in future years.

"We're, of course, happy to see no tax increases and no cuts to services," Senate Minority Whip Stephen Hershey, R-Kent, said Wednesday morning, not long after the governor briefed General Assembly leaders on his budget.

House Appropriations Chairwoman Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore City, said many of the priorities of her chamber and party - money for education in particular - appeared to be fully funded.

"I'm not going to be a complainer here," said McIntosh, a frequent Hogan critic. "At first blush, it looks good."

Hogan proposed tax rebates for first responders, military members and solar projects on public buildings that together would cost nearly $18 million in the fiscal year that starts in July and climb to $47 million annually four years later.

Legislative analysts who started to pore through the budget raised red flags about a "troubling" spending pattern in the plan, according to a summary of their findings provided to The Washington Post.

They said the governor's budget appears to spend $37 million more than it would take in and said it charts a financial course that would require dramatic budget cutting in the future.

Hogan's staff disputed whether his budget was balanced, but it agreed that Maryland faces a widening gap between revenue and expenses in the future.

Maryland is required to have a balanced budget each year. But analysts said Hogan's proposal would set in motion a scenario in which state spending exceeds its revenue by $709 million in the 2022 fiscal year. Over four years, planned spending would exceed revenue by $3.7 billion, a scenario that requires policymakers to trim programs by that much to balance the books.

That so-called "structural imbalance" comes as the General Assembly's leading Democrats are pushing an education overhaul that would require as much as $4 billion a year in additional state and local spending when fully implemented. Analysts warned that enacting those reforms without a way to pay for them would "exacerbate" the problem.

The projected imbalance also comes from a governor who campaigned on fiscal restraint and characterized his fiscal 2021 budget as "structurally balanced."

The mismatch between future spending and the resources to cover the tab has periodically bedeviled Maryland governors. Hogan's predecessor Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, also faced deficits that required widespread cuts, though the Great Recession dramatically worsened the problem.

Hogan spokesman Michael Ricci said the administration disagrees with analysts over how to account for major IT projects, a conflict that gives rise to most of the $37 million budget discrepancy. Ricci also blamed the legislature for passing spending requirements that hamstring the governor's ability to rein in future costs.

"It's good to hear that [the analysts' memo] shares our concern about these fiscal challenges, and we look forward to working with the General Assembly in a collaborative fashion to pass a final budget," Ricci said in an email.

In the meantime, analysts plan to pore over the budget to see how the governor managed to limit overall growth by 1% even though some high-dollar spending priorities increased by 4% or more.

"How that math works, I don't know yet," McIntosh said, suggesting analysts might uncover other budget cuts. "That money gets transferred from some place else."

She said, for example, that the entire state should be pleased that Hogan found $80 million to move forward with expanding the 125-year-old Howard Street Tunnel, a bottleneck that prevents double-stacked cargo containers from leaving the Port of Baltimore. However, the governor funded the project in part with $5 million that would have otherwise gone to repaving roads in the city.

"That means the potholes in front of my house won't get fixed," McIntosh said.

The budget now moves to her committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, which will review it before separately recommending revisions. The General Assembly can trim spending, but it cannot increase the budget without the governor's approval.
Georgia Set to Execute Man Convicted of Killing Store Clerk

ATLANTACorrections officials in Georgia are preparing to execute a man convicted of fatally shooting a convenience store clerk more than 30 years ago.

Jimmy Fletcher Meders, 58, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday evening at the state prison in Jackson. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to die for the October 1987 killing of Don Anderson in coastal Glynn County.

Mederss lawyers tried to get a court to order DNA testing on the gun used in the killing, saying that it could prove he wasnt the shooter and should have a new trial and sentencing. But a judge last week rejected that argument, saying there was overwhelming evidence in support of Mederss conviction.

His lawyers also filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of his sentence. They argued that sworn statements from every living trial juror able to remember the trial show they would have imposed a sentence of life without the possibility of parole if that had been an option at the time. They also argued that statewide sentencing data shows that juries no longer impose death sentences in cases like his. A county judge on Monday dismissed that petition.

Mederss attorneys have asked the Georgia Supreme Court to allow them to appeal both rulings.

Mederss attorneys also asked the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to spare his life by converting his sentence to life without the possibility of parole. The parole board is the only authority in Georgia that can commute a death sentence. The board held a closed-door clemency hearing Wednesday and was expected to announce its decision Thursday.

In the clemency application, Mederss attorneys again argued the jury would have chosen life without parole if possible and that a crime like his likely wouldnt be a death penalty case today.

They also noted he had no criminal history before Andersons shooting and had served his country in the National Guard for seven years.

Meders spent the afternoon of Oct. 13, 1987, drinking alcohol with three men: Randy Harris, Bill Arnold, and Greg Creel. After leaving Harris and driving around for hours, Meders, Creel, and Arnold ended up at a convenience store about 2:30 a.m. the next morning.

While they were there, Anderson was fatally shot in the chest and head, and more than $30 was taken from the cash register, according to authorities.

Meders testified at his trial that all three men went inside, and Arnold shot Anderson and told Meders to grab the cash. Arnold and Creel both testified that only Creel and Meders entered the store, and Meders shot the clerk and took the money.

Harris, who wasnt at the store, testified that Meders confessed to him afterward that he had blowed a mans head off over $38.

Meders was the only one charged in the robbery and killing.

Meders would be the first inmate executed in Georgia in 2020. The state executed three men in 2019.

Georgias execution protocol calls for a lethal injection of the sedative pentobarbital.

By Kate Brumback
WASHINGTON  More than a year after the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement was hashed out, a final version is on its way to President Donald Trump.

Louisiana U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy both joined bipartisan majority that supported the update to the North American Free Trade Agreement in an 89-10 vote.

All of the U.S. House members from Louisiana also voted in favor of the USMCA deal when it came up in that chamber last month.

Congress enters final stretch of 2019; here's what lawmakers could wrap up, leave on the table for 2020 WASHINGTON  Congress is heading into its final week of 2019 with a laundry list of tasks to try to complete before the holiday break.

U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade pact expected to be priority for Congress this fall but still faces hurdles WASHINGTON  Louisiana's critical agriculture, energy and petrochemicals industries would likely get a big boost if Congress finalizes a new U

The bipartisan-backed trade deal, which sat in limbo for several months as House Democratic leaders sought additional environmental and labor provisions, now heads to Trump for his signature, but it wont immediately go into effect. Canadas House of Commons still has to sign off on the agreement, which its expected to take up in the coming weeks.

Mexico approved it in December.

When finalized the deal is expected to boost Louisiana's critical agriculture, energy and petrochemicals industries.

This is a landmark win for every American farmer, manufacturer and energy worker who does business with Canada and Mexico," Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said. "This deal leads to billions of dollars of growth in Louisianas top industries, which will directly benefit the people of our state."

Mexico is the top country to receive goods exported from Louisiana each year. The state exported $9.22 billion in goods there in 2018 and $3.57 billion to Canada.

The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Louisiana ag producers will see increased market access for rice, cotton and grain, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said. Nationwide, we will see benefits to many other agricultural products including dairy and poultry.

The update to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement has been pitched as a way to strengthen the countries' global competitiveness together.

Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto signed the agreement in November 2018, but it had to go through the legislative process.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, repeatedly voiced concerns in recent months about what she saw as a business-friendly lack of enforcement in the measure.

"The Senate passed a USMCA that has been transformed by Democrats leadership for American workers, American patients and the environment," she said Thursday.

But the trade deals passage is also seen as a policy win for Trump just months ahead of the election and as the Democrat-led impeachment of him moves to a Senate trial.

Since the USMCA brings only tweaks to the North American trade framework, rather than the wholesale transformation promised by President Trump, the economic benefits to the U.S. will be limited and concentrated in a handful of industries, said Gustavo Flores-Macias, a government professor at Cornell University. However, the new agreement will give the president important political momentum toward November's election, since it allows him to claim credit for following through on his campaign promises and extracting better terms to advance U.S. interests abroad.

USMCA would continue tariff-free status for American farmers to Mexico and Canada that they have under NAFTA and is expected to increase opportunities through changes to poultry and milk tariffs.

It also would protect the petrochemical industry from new tariffs that could hurt demand for chemicals from the United States and threaten investments  a move that advocates say would protect jobs  and streamline the framework for energy trade across North America.

Among other provisions in the NAFTA update, USMCA would increase requirements for automobiles to qualify for zero tariffs from 62.5 percent of components manufactured in one of the three North America countries to 75 percent. It also would require in three years that at least 40 percent of automobile parts to be made by workers who make at least $16 an hour. Both are seen as wins for the auto industry and auto workers.
Following his global success with Please Like Me, Josh Thomas is back with a new comedy, Everythings Gonna Be Okay, produced for Freeform (US).

Presumably there was much freedom story-wise as to the world he would next explore, and Thomas has opted for accidental parent in this US based-tale. This time its also fictional terrain, rather than drawing upon direct family.

The story begins with Nicholas (Thomas) visiting his father (Christopher May) in the US and his two teen half-sisters, Genevieve (Maeve Press) and Matilda (Kayla Cromer) who is on the autism spectrum. But after his father dies suddenly, Nicholas agrees to undertake guardian duties and cancels plans to return to Australia.

However parenting, even as a cool 20-something, will not come easily, especially with Genevieve battling schoolyard mean girls and Matilda requiring extra attention as she enters adolescence.

At the same time Nicholsa is starting a new romance with Alex (Adam Faison) who is studying to become a dentist. The opening chapter emerges as a mix of awkward romance, grief and family struggles, in trademark Thomas style.

Director Rebecca Thomas (Stranger Things, Limetown) is well-positioned to transition the Thomas tone from Australia to the US, gently milking the comedy without ever abandoning his knack for social observation. There are a lot of touchstones similar to his ABC hit, from the musical flavour, to the modern definitions of family, to mental health and budding gay romance. Theres even a family dog (now a St. Bernard).

Thomas again surrounds himself with likeable characters and accomplished young performers. Maeve Press and newcomer Kayla Cromer are fine young additions to this tangled US-Australian family. Thomas himself is likely to draw parallels to his Please Like Me role, and there were moments I wondered if he was affecting an accent for US viewers. Non-believers, and they seem to number quite a few online, are unlikely to be swayed by the new material here.

Amid its moments of joy Everythings Gonna Be Okay is never far from growing pains, but its a Thomas-light touch in ways that Party of Five never attempted.

Spontaneity is also one of Thomas other strengths and theres early signs, such as a eulogy speech, this will lend itself well to such. I fully expect to be confronted when I least expect it, and having a smile wiped off my face by an uncomfortable character moment.

And Im okay with that too.

Everythings Gonna Be Okay begins today on Stan.
[January 16, 2020] First American Named One of the 2020 Best Workplaces in the San Francisco Bay Area

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a leading global provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions, announced today that Fortune and Great Place to Work named First American as one of the 2020 Best Workplaces in the San Francisco Bay Area. "Given the robust competition for talented people in the Bay Area, we're proud that Fortune and Great Place to Work have recognized our success in meeting our goal to be a premier employer. However, our people deserve the spotlight, as they play a critical role in shaping the workplace experience at First American," said Dennis Gilmore, CEO, First American Financial Corporation. "Their integrity, teamwork and commitment to their colleagues, customers and communities are what drives First American's reputation for leadership and innovation in the title insurance and settlement services industry." To prepare the 2020 Best Workplaces in the Bay Area list, Great Place to Work considered more than 33,000 employee surveys from companies across the San Francisco Bay Area, evaluating more than 60 elements of team members' experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Rankings are based on employees' feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. "Talented people in the Bay Area want to work for organizations where they can be part of something innovative and impactful," said Michael C. Bush,CEO of Great Place to Work. "Organizations like First American are attracting these candidates because of their great workplace culture, where employees feel like their job is meaningful and that they can maximize their human potential."



In 2019, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list and recognized as one of the 2019 Best Workplaces for Women and the 2019 Best Workplaces for Diversity, each for the fourth consecutive year. The company was also named one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance for the third consecutive year. The company's Canadian subsidiary, FCT, has been named by Great Place to Work to the "Best Workplaces in Canada - 1000+ Employees" list for five consecutive years (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019), and a 2018 Best Workplace in Canada for Millennials, as well as one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance.

The Best Workplaces in the Bay Area is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based on employee survey feedback. To see the complete list of the 2020 Best Workplaces in the Bay Area, click here. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $5.7 billion in 2018, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2019, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the fourth consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005638/en/

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Amit Shah further asked was there any new solution found during 50-60 years of Congress' rule to provide employment to the country's youth.

Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at the Congress and other Opposition parties for spreading negativity on jobs and economy fronts, saying those who did nothing in 60 years of their rule are now questioning the Modi government.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Ahmedabad, the minister said the government's target to make India a $5 trillion economy was achievable and the youth's inclination towards entrepreneurship may play a big role in achieving the objective.

Shah said the Congress could only manage to take the country's economy to a $2 trillion mark despite ruling for decades, but the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership took it to $3 trillion in just five years time.

'Taking a dig at the Congress, he said those who did nothing to steer the country's economy in 60 years were now questioning the present government.

He said the government is taking necessary steps to ensure that youth get the required skills and employment opportunities and are future ready.

On the Opposition being raising the issue of unemployment, he said there are some who view things through a negative prism.

"When they talk about unemployment, a question always comes to my mind, you have ruled this country for 50-60 years, what measures did you take," Shah asked referring to different Congress-led governments that were in power at the Centre since Independence.

He further asked was there any new solution found during 50-60 years of Congress' rule to provide employment to the country's youth. "Is it justifiable that "you (Congress) ruled for 50 years without doing anything new and now you are seeking answers from us", he said.

The senior BJP leader said that the government has been taking several initiatives to skill the youth, saying that the young population is a major strength of the country.

"Some may view this as a weakness, but I think 70 crore young population is a major strength," the minister said.

He said the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) will not only help skill India's youth but, will also make them job creators instead of job-seekers.

On this occasion, Industrialist Ratan Tata, whose group is partnering the government in setting up the institute, said many visionary initiatives were being taken up by the present regime.

"I only hope that if I was twenty years younger, I would have more actively participated in this landmark vision. This vision of skilling the youth of the country in market relevant skills is surely taking India forward while making mark on the global landscape," Tata said.

Union Minister for Skill Development Mahendra Nath Pandey said before Narendra Modi became prime minister, the country had seen politics of opportunism barring a small period of ruling under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Pandey also emphasised on skill development and said it ranged from areas from defence to artificial intelligence now.

The 20-acre Indian Institute of Skills is among the three institutes that the government is setting up. The government has chosen Kanpur, Mumbai and Gandhinagar to set up Indian Institutes of Skills.

The foundation stone for IIS, Kanpur was laid by Modi at NSTI, Kanpur in December, 2016. The foundation stone for the institute in Mumbai was laid in 2019.

The proposed institutes are to be modelled on Singapore's ITES. Shah laid the foundation stone of the IIS at Nasmed in Kalol tehsil of Gandhinagar through remote control at a ceremony at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

The IIS Gandhinagar and Mumbai are being set up in partnership with the Tata Education and Development Trust. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran were also present on this occasion.

Shah suggested linking of the Indian Institute of Skills, Gandhinagar with around 272 industrial training institutes in the state towards upgradation of ITIs, a suggestion which was accepted by Ratan Tata.
Get this newsletter in your inbox Monday-Friday by signing up at subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters.

Top stories for Thursday, Jan. 16

LC- The Oregonian

Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams, shown in 2012, filed notice Wednesday that he plans to run for the Portland City Council seat currently held by Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. Adams, a former city commissioner, was mayor from 2009 to 2012, a tenure marred by a sex scandal. Eudalys reaction: Surprise and disappointment. (Benjamin Brink/Oregonian file photo)

RADON PROTECTION: Ten U.S. senators increased public pressure on the Trump administration Wednesday to protect tenants in public housing from radioactive gas in response to a yearlong investigation by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Read the full Cancer Cloud investigation.

CAP AND TRADE: Oregon Senate Republican leader Herman Baertschiger said Wednesday that another walkout to deny Democrats a quorum on their climate change vote remains a possibility, and that he would prefer to see the policy referred to voters.

WINE TARIFF: Oregons wine industry is nervously waiting to see if the Trump Administration imposes a 100% tariff on European wines. Such a move could mean fewer choices and higher prices for retailers and consumers.

OPPORTUNITY ZONES: Oregon lawmakers will consider trimming a controversial capital gains tax break when they convene in Salem next month. At issue is whether the opportunity zone program, part of the 2017 tax overhaul, truly incentivizes redevelopment in blighted areas or is gravy for investors in projects that would happen even without the incentive.

DOUGLAS COUNTY: Douglas County commissioners took $43,000 in federal money meant for firefighting, wildfire planning and search and rescue efforts, and used it instead on perks such as first-class airfare, upscale resorts and pet travel, according to records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

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Snap of the day

Dave Killen/Staff

GOOD DOG: A moment from the 2019 Rose City Classic dog show, which is back at the Expo Center through Jan. 19. The show is one of our picks for things to do around Portland. (Dave Killen/Staff)

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On: The fastest growing sneaker company youve never heard of

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Is your home ready for its portrait? Architectural artist wants to honor Portlands legacy

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In the Portland area: Expect showers Thursday, with the snow level rising to 1,200 feet. High 38, low 33.

In the Columbia Gorge, a winter weather advisory continues through 4 p.m. Thursday. Drivers should be ready for snow and ice. Gusts of up to 60 mph are expected.

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Ask Amy: Older friends in morbid competition about loved ones deaths or just sharing?

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In 1920: Prohibition began in the United States as the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect, one year to the day after its ratification. (It was repealed by the 21st Amendment.).

In 1974: A massive landslide triggered by heavy rains and floodwaters killed 9 people in Canyonville, Oregon.

In 1991: The White House announced the start of Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. (Allied forces prevailed on Feb. 28, 1991.)

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New years greetings from Alice Springs, Australia!

John Crofton was in touch with the Leitrim Observer to tell us his 103-year-old mother, Anne, celebrated the new year at her home in Alice Springs with her family.

Anne looks forward to nothing better than receiving her weekly copy of the Leitrim Observer by post in Alice Springs. She has read the Observer every week since the late 1920s. Is she our oldest reader?

Read Also: 17 candidates now on the ballot paper

Anne Crofton was born on September 11, 1916 in Lisnagea, Kilnagross, the year of the Rising. She was the first of 8 children born to Peter and Margaret Cullen.

Two of her teachers in Lisduff (Drumsna) National School at the time were Master McGuinness and Miss Ffrench.

Her memory is excellent and she tells of the Black & Tans outside Drumsna and the coming of the first ever bus through the village.

Anne went to England from 1939 to 1950 and on returning to Ireland she got married in 1951 to Jim Crofton. After her husband retired they moved to Croghan, Co Roscommon where Anne resided until she moved to live with her son John in Alice Springs, Australia in 2004. John has been resident in Alice Springs since 1974. Her husband Jim had pre-deceased her in 1978.

She arrived at the beginning of summer 2004 when temperatures were regularly 40C, however, she has acclimatised and doesn't like the winters anymore.

According to John, his mother Anne is very happy in Australia but of course misses her friends who remain in Ireland, in particular in County Leitrim and also her old neighbours in the Boyle and Croghan areas.

Read Also: Special fundraiser set up to help Leitrim family after sudden passing of much loved father and partner
It sounds counterintuitive and counterlogical, but there is a possibility that if the current government of Iran is toppled, crude oil prices could drop to $40 a barrel. Thats according to the chairman of JBC Energy, Johannes Benigni, who told CNBC a regime change could return Iran to the negotiating table, implying that the U.S. administration could be happy enough with that to lift the sanctionsan act that would no doubt flood the market with Iranian oil.

But how likely is any of that?

Protests erupted in Iran last week after the government admitted the army had struck a Ukrainian plane by mistake. CNBC quoted some of the protesters as chanting, They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here, suggesting an anti-government movement is gathering momentum and it could eventually lead to a change in government.

Should this happen, according to JBCs Benigni, the new rulers of Iran might be better disposed towards Washington and agree to negotiate with the Trump administration. Yet some consider this view of opposition in Iran equalling pro-American feelings quite simplistic.

In an article for The Guardian, Reza Akbari from the UK-based Institute for War and Peace Reporting warned against such a black-and-white view of Iran. Iranians, he wrote, are perfectly capable of being both against their current rulers and the United States.

Iran is a diverse nation of more than 80 million people, Akbari wrote. It has an intricate bureaucracy and various centres of political power. The state and social forces seldom act in concert on any issue. People have strong political opinions and a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. No, not all of Iran was united in its grief for Suleimani, but not all of Iran is trying to topple the regime either. Related: Is Iran Preparing To Send Oil Back To $100?

In other words, even if a regime change does take place there is no certainty whatsoever that the new government would be any friendlier towards the United States than the current one, not least because of the history the two countries have had through a number of governments.

But lets say the rulers in Tehran change and they are indeed friendlier to the U.S. than the Rouhani government. That would mean negotiations, certainly, but whether these will result in a resumption of full-volume Iranian oil exports is a big open question. The reason is simple: the U.S. has no interest in Iran resuming its exports, not when it was largely U.S. oil that replaced the Iranian barrels lost to sanctions in South Korea and Japan, as well as India.

Now, these are three of the worlds largest oil importers and U.S. exports to them have been growing. In October 2019, for example, the latest data from the Energy Information Administration shows a daily export rate of 239,000 bpd to India, 395,000 bpd to South Korea, and 75,000 bpd to Japan. Thats more than 700,000 bpd taken together and even though none of these three are among the U.S. top clientsthese are Canada and the EUthey do account for a sizeable portion of exports. Losing much or all of it to cheaper Iranian crude is unlikely to be a scenario looked upon favourably in Washington.

So, it appears that a development that involves a regime change in Tehran with a government that wants to make unconditional peace with the United States, which would in return allow Iran to resume oil exports, is not among the most realistic scenarios out there. The downside risk for prices, therefore, is overwhelmingly hypothetical. Chances are that in the absence of such a seismic geopolitical shift, and as long as OPEC continues its production cuts, prices, as Benigni said, will remain range bound between $60 and $65 through 2020.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Dublin-Central Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan has announced she will not contest the General Election, thus ending her 11-year career as a TD.

In a video statement posted on her website, Ms O'Sullivan who succeeded the late Tony Gregory said it was a difficult decision to take.

After much thinking and talking, I have decided not to stand in this election. It was a difficult decision to make especially after whats been a very considerable and unprecedented legacy of almost 40 years of an Independent seat in Dublin Central  held by the late Tony Gregory for 27 years and by me for over 10 and a half years, she said.

In her statement, she said she worked hard in those years and in a respectful way to raise constituency issues, especially for the north inner city, and also raise national and international issues.

Those issues ranged over addiction, mental health, disability, community empowerment, housing, youth  services and education  great to see History restored for Junior Cert, she said.

Im sorry not to be here to complete my Sex Offenders Bill which would have made it difficult for those convicted of child sexual abuse in Ireland from being able to abuse children in countries where there is a sex trade involving children. And Im also sorry not being here to progress my planned legislation on Business and Human Rights due diligence, she said with some regret.

Data courtesy of The Irish Times

Ive been persistent on tax justice, especially corporate tax, persistent on Human Rights for those in the Developing World  communities, indigenous peoples who risk their lives campaigning for justice, accountability and exposing corruption. Ive supported our Development Aid, untied and poverty-focused, she said.

Ms O'Sullivan said that being part of Independents 4 Change group has been very positive.

We co-operated, collaborated also disagreed and voted differently from each other sometimes  real independence. I wish them well, she said.

Her decision to not contest the election significantly opens up the race in Dublin-Central as it has increased from a three-seater to a four seater with Social Democrats councillor Gary Gannon and Fianna Fail councillor Mary Fitzpatrick best placed to benefit from the gap.

This afternoon, Paschal Donhoe, the sitting Fine Gael TD for the area, paid a warm tribute to Ms O'Sullivan highlighting her commitment to public service and her warm personal manner.

He wished her well in her future endeavours.
Once upon a time, Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge was a memorable attraction that let children step inside their favorite storybooks.

It closed in 2005 but has been undergoing a renovation since 2018. That work is nearing completion and the theme park should begin welcoming guests by Memorial Day, said Michael Zachary Vander Ploeg, Jr., great grandson of the parks founder.

A BYOB restaurant -- Fables Restaurant and Marketplace at Fairy Tale Forest -- will do a soft opening in early March, he said.

The menu is undergoing its second review, he said, declining to name any specific dishes. Vander Ploeg did say the offerings will be seasonal, with special items for kids and those with dietary restrictions such as vegan and gluten free choices.

Were trying to be more vegetable-focused and a little healthier, he said, adding that they will have french fries.

New American cuisine will be served in a casual, fun, dine-in environment and an array of signature dishes will be available in a gourmet to-go area -- from classic ice creams and goodies to a healthy organic juice bar, according to Fairy Tale Forests website.

The refurbished walk-through, outdoor park will consist of many of the original attractions -- including the original cottages, near life-size houses depicting fairytales from Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. There will also be live entertainers and seasonal special events, Vander Ploeg said.

We will provide more information at the end of March regarding specific dates and pricing, he said.

Fairy Tale Forest opened in 1957 after being built by German immigrant, Paul Woehle Sr. It was based on European fairy tales such as Mother Goose, Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs, Peter Pumpkin, Hansel & Gretel, Pinocchio, Brier Rabbit, Gullivers Travels and American folk lore, according to the parks Facebook page.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 03:31:38|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Nov. 20, 2019 shows Huawei's exhibition booth during a press preview for the 2019 World 5G Convention in Beijing, capital of China.(Xinhua/Li Xin)

Huawei Mobile Services, the Chinese tech giant's dedicated mobile ecosystem, already has four million users in the UK alone.

LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech giant Huawei launched its investment plan and developer tools at the company's first ever UK and Ireland Huawei Developer Conference on Wednesday, with the aim to support local developers looking to work with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).

HMS is Huawei's dedicated mobile ecosystem. To mobile phone users, HMS brings them many essential features like Huawei ID, push notifications, payments and other services. Meanwhile, the integration of HMS will allow businesses to receive direct access to Huawei's hardware and artificial intelligence technology.

The 24 HMS core kits launched at the conference held in London is aimed at providing businesses and developers with access to open source developer kits so they could have an exceptional user experience when developing and then integrating their apps into the Huawei App Gallery, according to the company.

The company also announced an investment plan of 20 million pounds (around 26 million U.S. dollars) to help promote UK and Irish developers working with HMS and intending to join the Huawei App Gallery.

The investment is part of a wider global plan presented by Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei's Consumer Business Group, in Munich last September, which provides a total investment of three billion U.S. dollars.

"Ultimately, we envision an all-scenario intelligent consumer experience for the future of Huawei Mobile Services and will provide businesses and developers with the opportunity to reach new audiences, expand and monetize, as they prepare for the fully connected world," said Anson Zhang, managing director of Huawei UK's Consumer Business Group.

HMS already has four million users in the UK alone, according to figures provided by Huawei.
Two people allegedly caught feeding dingoes on Fraser Island in the past month are the first to be fined under tougher laws introduced to stop people approaching the protected animals, after a spate of attacks last year.

The first fine was issued after an observer gave park rangers footage showing a person luring and feeding a dingo in the Orchid Beach residential area of the island, which is also known as K'Gari.

A dingo walks on the beach on the ocean side of Fraser Island. Credit:Peter Rae

Another person was allegedly caught feeding one of the animals near the Waddy Point beachfront.

Both were issued on-the-spot fines of $2135, the minimum amount under the laws announced in April 2019, which can carry a maximum penalty of $10,676.
Vietnam will develop a seaport master plan for 2021-30, with an aim to enhance infrastructure connectivity, reduce logistics costs and promote marine economic development.

Hai Phong Port. Viet Nam is developing a seaport master plan for the 2021-30 period.  Photo enternews.vn

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung early this week approved the development of the seaport master plan, which is part of efforts to implement the strategy for the sustainable development of Viet Nams marine economy to 2030.

The plan would include solutions to improve the efficiency of investment in developing seaports in Viet Nam and ensure synchronous development between seaports and other transport infrastructure.

The seaport master plan must also help improve regional linkage to enhance investment efficiency and reduce logistics costs, Dung asked.

He also asked the plan to be made based on the current natural condition, resources and existing seaports, as well as forecast transportation demand with regard to climate change.

The impacts of science and technology on seaport development must also be taken into account.

Most importantly, seaport development planning must be based on the evaluation of the connectivity of seaports throughout the country, with seaports in other countries, with other transport infrastructure (road, railway, airport and in-land waterway system), with urban areas, economic zones, tourism zones, industrial zones and logistics centre.

Ensuring connectivity was of critical importance, Dung stressed.

Dung asked that the seaport development must take environmental protection into account.

Focus must be placed on developing seaports which played important roles in promoting the countrys socio-economic development.

Nguyen Van Binh, Head of the Party Central Committee's Economic Commission, recently said that Viet Nam did not need too many seaports. Instead, it was necessary to optimise the seaport system efficiency and improve connectivity with the transport system, he said.

Logistics costs in Viet Nam accounted for nearly 21 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product, according to statistics by the World Bank in early 2019.

According to the Viet Nam Marine Administration, Viet Nam now has 44 seaports.  VNS
Was the former United States Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch to Ukraine Being Stalked for a Possible Assassination?

By James DiGeorgia

In a shocking turn of events earlier today, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities announced that they opened an investigation into whether former U.S. ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was being surveilled by associates of Rudy Giuliani (Donald Trump) while she was in Kyiv last spring.

The new Ukrainian probe was launched in response to the release of documents by the U.S. House of Representatives release of documents, texts and tape recordings this past Tuesday that showed communications between Lev Parnas and President Trump donor and candidate for the 2020 GOP U.S. Senate Robert Hyde that discussed Yovanovitchs movement, location throughout Kyiv that open the possibility that she was a target for assassination.

In an interview last night, Rachel Maddow Lev Parnas denied any sinister nature regarding the messages and said he was humoring Hyde, whom he accused of being an alcoholic. However, if Parnas and Hyde were involved in an unexecuted plot to assassinate the former U.S. Ambassador, both could face conspiracy to commit murder.

During his interviews yesterday, Lev Parnas was not under oath. These and other revelations should immediately be investigated, beginning with the deposition of Lev Parnas under oath. Parnas should be considered as a primary witness to events during the impeachment trial of President Trump, which is about to get underway.

After all President Trumps demands to open an investigation into former Vice President and his son Hunter Biden, the announcement of an official investigation into Giuliani and his associates connected to President Trump is especially ironic.








The Perspective

Atlanta, Georgia

January 16, 2020



Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor is angry!



Not at the alleged homicide of 9-year old Linda Sherman which the Ministry of Justice has failed to conduct an autopsy. Or the discovery of Odell Sherman in the home of her (VP Taylors) cousin, Rev. Emmanuel Giddings.



Sherman later died at ELWA hospital and after much dilly-dallying, including a floppy, sloppy and shoddy handling of the investigation, the Liberia National Police said it was a freak accident and Rev. Giddings was absolved, although it was in his home the deceased was found.



Odell's mother would later take control of her body and buried her daughter with lingering questions abounding over closure and justice.



Neither is she that over a year since the discovery of the remains of 15-year old Vivian Wright in Gardinersville, much has not been done to stop the pussyfooting of the case, bring closure to her mother as well as laying her killers at the feet of Lady Judica.



But Vice-President Taylor is seething that her budgetary allotment in the 2019/2020 fiscal year has been slashed.



And as a consequence thereof, Vice-President Taylor, who pledged not to be a stagnant race car during the 2017 general and presidential elections, has refused to show up for the 2020 opening of the Liberian Legislature.



According to reports, attempts were made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bhofal Chambers and the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Albert Chie, to coax Madam Taylor into appearing, wear a fake smile for the camera in order to show unity, even though the public would still know it's cow dump: hard on the top and messy beneath.



The display of no show on the part of the Vice-President, which is an embarrassment to the government she serves, comes barely a week following lambasting from her political godson, Benjamin Sanvee, in a video on Facebook.



Its difficult to determine whether the outburst of Mr. Sanveee and barely a week later, the pouty countenance of his political godmother, were a highly calculated political move. However, it leaves much to be wondered where the patriotism of the Vice President liesherself, not the county.

It can be recalled that a few years back, Vice President Taylor, at a forum in the United States, remarked that the US$12k that members of the Liberian Legislature raked in monthly earnings were not enough to handle their daunting responsibilities, whatever that meant.



When the Vice president was vying from her current job on the ticket of the Coalition for Democratic Change, she was aware that there would be trying economic times fo the country.



As a Senator for well over a decade, Vice President Taylor sat in sessions where finance ministers were called in, and shortfalls in revenue collection were declared. More so, the budget was recast more than thrice in order for adjustments to be made.



And so rather than embarrass her colleagues at the Legislature, the Vice President, who's also the head of the Liberian Senate, could have overtly or covertly extended her tentacles of influence over her colleagues



Unlike then when the United Nations and a slew of western dominated NGOs were running ops fullscale with a promising outlook, the scales on our eyes have fallen and reality has hit home.



Now it's a time for the show of patriotism. Patriotism isn't only loving the country. It is showing up when salary is on time or allotments are delayed for political reasons or otherwise.




A Belfast dog that became an internet star has helped to raise more than 40,000 for animals affected by the Australian bushfires.

The owners of Harlso the Balancing Hound were moved by harrowing images of the damage caused by the wildfires raging in recent weeks.

Paul Lavery and Jennifer Scott had been contacted by followers of Harlso who are living Down Under.

They have been thrilled by the support so far.

All the money will go to a charity run by the family of the late Australian television personality and environmentalist Steve Irwin.

Paul explained: "We were contacted by some of Harlso's followers in Australia to see if we would be interested in trying to raise funds for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.

"They are dealing with immense devastation to wildlife and habitats Down Under and although we were reluctant to use Harlso to raise money in the past, we thought we would at least try to do something to help the situation.

"Initially we were apprehensive as none of the other 'animal' pages seemed to be doing anything like it and money can be tight in January, so we weren't sure people would get behind it.

"I had a chat with Jennifer and we decided we would have been happy to try to raise what we could, and once we set up the fundraiser through Harlso's Facebook page, the money quickly went up to over 1,000 in donations.

"Within 24 hours we'd gone past 10,000, and we simply weren't expecting that."

Harlso, a five-year-old dachshund, boasts thousands of fans around the world for his unique balancing acts, and last year he was a winner in the internet 'Oscars', picking up a Webby Award in the Best Social Animal category.

He even has his own 2020 calendar after picking up a cult following for his videos and photos uploaded on Facebook, Twitter and on his own website. Tapping into his worldwide appeal has helped the cause of wildlife in Australia.

"We had no idea the money being donated was going to keep on rising and rising," said Paul, with the total now standing at almost 41,000.

"It's amazing to see the power social media can have.

"All the money will be going directly to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, a charity run by the family of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

"It's going to take years for any sort of normality to return, and we're delighted Harlso has been able to contribute."

Paul said other popular animal sites across social media started sharing the fundraiser, causing donations to really start to increase. He added: "I don't really like the term 'social media influencer' and have never seen Harlso as one, but on this occasion it's lovely to see he has managed to influence people in a good way."

"People across the world seem to have bought into it, but it's the scale of what has been going on in Australia that has probably been the biggest motivation," he said. "It's sad to see so many animals suffer and if Harlso can help a few of them recover, that's great.

"We'll keep the fundraiser open until next Monday, and after that all donations will be going directly to where they're needed in Australia to help treat, care for and rehabilitate hundreds of thousands of animals affected by the bushfires."

A billion animals wiped out already

It is estimated that over one billion animals have perished as a result of the bush fires which have ravaged Australia over the past months.

Experts are also warning that the devastation will not end once the fires finally burn out.

Huge numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles and other species have already been killed  a figure that excludes fish, frogs, bats and insects.

On Monday the UK Government announced a $50m donation to help rescue and protect wildlife affected by the crisis. Environment groups also released a list of fauna species for which they hold immediate concerns.

The list is far from exhaustive, and animals that have survived still face death due to the destruction of their natural environment, which they rely on for food and shelter.

Around 244 species of mammals are found only in Australias unique habitat and more than 10 million hectares of land has been destroyed since November.

Some 25,000 koalas were killed when flames devastated Kangaroo Island in the state of South Australia, and temperatures in the country are not expected to reach a peak until next month.

Predators like foxes and cats will thrive, helped by easy pickings and room to move.
Chief Justice John Roberts. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP)

Chief Justice John Roberts is almost certainly going to avoid weighing in on whether President Trumps Senate impeachment trial should include testimony from witnesses, legal expert Jeffrey Rosen told Yahoo News.

I cant imagine him playing a really substantive role about whether or not to hear witnesses, said Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, in an interview on The Long Game, a Yahoo News podcast.

Rosen said he thinks Roberts will do anything possible to avoid weighing in on that.

The main thing he can do is show up and be neutral and nonpartisan and dignify the procedure, Rosen said.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., did float the possibility in November of seeking a legal opinion on compelling testimony from certain White House advisers to Trump who were blocked by the White House from giving it in the House investigation, through an appeal to Roberts during a Senate impeachment trial, rather than through the traditional legal process.

I think theres certainly merit to the idea that we may get a quicker ruling from a chief justice in a Senate trial, if it ever came to that, than we would get by going months and months on end litigating the matter. Theres no guarantee of that, but I think that its entirely possible, Schiff said on CNNs State of the Union on Nov. 24.

Rosen borrowed an analogy from CBS News Supreme Court correspondent Jan Crawford, who said Roberts is likely to preside over the Senate impeachment trial more like a traffic cop than an umpire. In other words, hell focus on making sure he knows the rules and procedures inside and out, and will rule on those kinds of questions, but will otherwise steer clear of ruling on substantive or political questions.

Roberts is required by Article 1, Section 3 of the Constitution to preside over a Senate impeachment trial. He will be a highly visible participant in a high-stakes political showdown that is likely to break down along purely partisan lines, much like the 1999 impeachment trial of then-President Bill Clinton.

Story continues

Under the Constitution he has to be there for it, but I think at every turn [Roberts] will look for ways to have as small a footprint as possible, Adam White, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told Yahoo News last fall. He is very, very wary of the courts being seen as being brought into a political process.

Chief Justice Roberts cares a lot about the institutional legitimacy of the judiciary, and theres no more dramatic constitutional test of that than presiding over an impeachment trial, Rosen said.

If Democrats press the point that Roberts is able to rule on allowing witnesses but is declining to do so, they could follow the lead of Schiff, who in the November CNN interview indicated that such a decision by the chief justice would amount to a partisan act.

It will mean that either Justice Roberts or the Supreme Court itself is not really a conservative justice or court, merely a partisan one, Schiff said.

However, its not even clear that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will have enough Republican votes to deny Democratic demands for witnesses. He would need a simple majority to do so, but there may be enough Republican senators who decide to support a motion for some witnesses. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., on Monday told CNN he is open to calling witnesses.

The question then would be, which witnesses? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has requested four witnesses who were blocked by the White House from testifying to House investigators: Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff; John Bolton, former national security adviser; Michael Duffey, Office of Management and Budget associate director for national security; and Robert Blair, senior adviser to the acting White House chief of staff.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has held on to the articles of impeachment since Dec. 18, is scheduled to meet with all House Democrats on Tuesday morning to discuss next steps. Whenever the House votes to send the articles to the Senate, that will initiate the impeachment trial process. It will be a three-to-four-day process to actually get to a trial, a spokesman for McConnell said.

Given that timeline, the earliest a trial could start would be at the end of this week or early next week.

Clintons impeachment trial lasted five weeks, but even if the Senate keeps Trumps trial to just two weeks, that will keep some of the leading Democratic presidential candidates who are also senators in Washington right until the last weekend before the Iowa caucuses, which will take place Monday, Feb. 3.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
For many Americans, filing taxes is a no-brainer. Failing to do so can cause them to miss out on valuable tax refunds or burden them with late fees and failure-to-file penalties.

But for Americans with low incomes or without any earned income at all, the decision to file is more complicated.

So should you file your taxes? Here are the income levels required to file taxes -- and advice from experts on the best action to take.

[See: 9 Red Flags That Could Trigger a Tax Audit.]

How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

Filers who earn taxable income of less than the standard deduction don't typically need to file a federal tax return. But if they earned income during the tax year and had taxes withheld from their paychecks, it's likely a good idea to run their information through a tax software program and see if they're due a refund.

Here are the basic standard deduction amounts for 2019:

Filing status Standard deduction for 2019 Single $12,200 Married filing jointly $24,400 Married filing separately $12,200 Qualifying widow or widower $24,400 Head of household $18,350

Also, there are additional 2019 standard deduction amounts for filers who are age 65 and older or blind. These are added to the basic standard deduction and can be doubled for those who are both blind and above the age threshold:

Filing status Additional 2019 standard deduction amount Single $1,650 Married filing jointly $1,300 Married filing separately $1,300 Qualifying widow or widower $1,300 Head of household $1,650

Remember that if you're not required to file taxes, you may still want to go through the process. "Even if your income falls below one of the standard deduction levels, if you are employed and your employer is withholding taxes, you're certainly entitled to get a refund for that," says David DuFault, attorney at Sodoma Law in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In fact, low-income filers may be eligible for valuable tax credits such as the earned income tax credit or child tax credit, which are refundable, meaning they can actually be worth more than you owe in taxes. Failing to claim these credits is like leaving money on the table.

Story continues

Additionally, low-income filers should be eligible to file their taxes for free through the IRS-partnered Free File Alliance, which offers free private-industry software to filers earning $69,000 or less in 2019 adjusted gross income. "At least run through the tax return, and then decide whether you need to file or not," says Mark Luscombe, Chicago-based principal tax analyst at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting.

[See: 15 Tax Questions -- Answered.]

Income Levels Required to File

You're not typically required to file taxes unless your income levels exceed the standard deduction amount. Again, it may be worth filing if you've had taxes withheld from a paycheck, you anticipate taking advantage of refundable tax credits or you expect a refund.

Here is the 2019 minimum gross income required to file taxes:

Single:

Younger than 65: $12,200

65 or older: $13,850

Married filing jointly:

Both spouses younger than 65: $24,400

Both spouses 65 or older: $27,000

One spouse 65 or older: $25,700

Married filing separately:

All ages: $12,200

Both spouses 65 or older: $14,800

One spouse 65 or older: $13,500

Head of household:

Younger than 65: $18,350

65 or older: $20,000

Qualifying widow or widower:

Younger than 65: $24,400

65 or older: $25,700

These amounts can be increased if you qualify for an additional standard deduction due to blindness.

Dependents. Knowing whether to file taxes as a dependent will depend on the amount and type of income you receive.

Dependents who have earned income, such as wages, may need to file if they earn more than the standard deduction amount of $12,200 for single filers including any relevant additions. A tax return may be required for dependent children under age 19 (or 24 if a full-time student) who rake in more than $1,100 in unearned income, such as interest and dividends, in 2019. Even more complicated, dependents under the age threshold who report both earned and unearned income can claim a standard deduction of $1,100 or earned income plus $350 (up to $12,200), whichever is greater.

College students. If you're questioning whether to file taxes as a college student, it requires some coordination with Mom and Dad. You'll first need to determine whether they are claiming you as a dependent. "It's good to clarify with your parents what their intentions are," Luscombe says.

If your parents aren't claiming you as a dependent, and you earned income from a part-time or on-campus job, filing a tax return may be wise or required, especially if you made more than the standard deduction. You may need to file if you earned more than $400 in self-employment income, Luscombe says.

Those who file may find they're owed a refund or can claim education-specific tax credits, such as the American opportunity tax credit, or AOTC, a credit their parents may earn too much to claim. The AOTC is worth $2,500 for the 2019 tax year. It's a refundable credit, which means if it brings your taxes owed to zero, you can have up to $1,000 refunded to you.

Retiree requirements to file taxes: The way your money is taxed in retirement will vary depending on your financial situation and the accounts from which you're withdrawing retirement funds.

For some retirees, it's entirely possible to arrange a situation in which their modest income from Social Security benefits and post-tax investment vehicles, such as a Roth IRA, cause them to owe nothing at tax time and they do not need to file a tax return.

Then again, other retirees may have taxes due on Social Security or investment withdrawals, depending on their income and investment vehicles. So it's worthwhile to run your financial data through a tax software program or by your tax preparer if you're questioning whether you need to file.

Remember: If you're age 65 or older, your standard deduction cutoff is a little higher than it is for other filers -- $13,850 for single filers and $27,000 for married filing jointly.

[Read: 10 Tax Write-Offs You Shouldn't Overlook.]

What Happens if I Don't File Taxes?

Neglecting to file taxes will have different implications depending on whether you owe taxes or are due a refund. If Uncle Sam owed you money, failing to file will cause you to abandon the money you could've collected. On the flip side, if you owed taxes, you could be required to pay failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and interest penalties on your overdue tax bill.

So it's important to understand whether you owe the IRS and walk through a tax return, even if you don't eventually need to file it. If you realize you neglected to file taxes when you should have in previous years, you can file back taxes. Those will allow you to claim refunds from up to three years prior and settle up on overdue tax bills going back even longer than three years.

Keep in mind, too, that your state may have its own rules surrounding filing taxes, so check to make sure you're not running afoul of any state laws if you decide not to file.





More From US News & World Report


Photo: CTV News

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.

The Supreme Court of Canada shut down British Columbia's move to regulate what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

B.C. was appealing to the country's highest court after the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled last May that the province couldn't impose any restrictions on the contents on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed.

"We are all of the view to dismiss the appeal for the unanimous reasons of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia," Chief Justice Richard Wagner said.

The decision was issued from the bench after several hours of hearings today in Ottawa.

It removes one of the remaining obstacles for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which seeks to twin an existing pipeline running between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.

The B.C. NDP government was elected in 2017 partly on a promise to oppose the expansion but the province had limited options because the Constitution gives the federal government jurisdiction over transportation projects that cross provincial borders.

That includes pipelines.

Still, B.C. argued it has jurisdiction to protect the environment in its borders and since that province would bear the brunt of any damage from a spill if the pipeline ruptured, it should get a say in what can flow through it.

In April 2018, it filed a reference case with the B.C. Court of Appeal asking it to rule on whether the province could change its environment laws so that it could require permits for any heavy oil that was to flow through new pipelines.

The B.C. Court of Appeal ruled in May 2019 that it could not, noting that would overstep the constitutional authority given to Ottawa. The court also noted while B.C. was trying to portray the legislation as a general change to its environment laws, it was clearly targeting the Trans Mountain expansion, since that was the only project to which the changes would apply.

The case was the catalyst that led to the federal government's decision to buy the existing pipeline in May 2018 for $4.5 billion. Kinder Morgan Canada said the political risk that the project would never get built was too much to bear and was planning to halt the expansion.

The federal Liberals argue the pipeline is needed to get more Canadian oil to foreign markets beyond the United States and bought the existing pipeline with a view to completing the expansion once the legal and political challenges were out of the way.

It intends to sell it back to the private sector after the expansion is complete.

Although construction on the pipeline is underway, there remain other barriers to its completion, including a legal challenge by Indigenous communities affected by the construction. They argue they were not properly consulted before Ottawa gave the project a green light.

ORIGINAL 1:04 p.m.

The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an attempt by British Columbia to assert authority over what can flow through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta.

The threat that B.C. would refuse permission for heavy oil to move through a pipeline to the Pacific coast is what prompted Kinder Morgan Canada to give up on the project and sell it to the federal government for $4.5 billion.

More Coming
Garda have arrested a man at Dublin Airport over the 2017 murder of Co Limerick pensioner Rose Hanrahan (Niall Carson/PA)

A man has extradited to Ireland on suspicion of the 2017 murder of Co Limerick pensioner Rose Hanrahan.

The 45-year-old Romanian national was arrested at Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon for questioning over the death of the 78-year-old.

He was extradited from the UK.

Ms Hanrahan died at her home on the New Road in Thomondgate, Co Limerick in December 2017.

The 45-year-old is due to appear before a special court in Limerick on Thursday evening.
Ankara allows access to website after Constitutional Court verdict against ban published in the Official Gazette.

Turkey has restored access to online encyclopedia Wikipedia after the official publication of a Constitutional Court ruling that the more than two-year block was a violation of freedom of expression.

The detailed version of the ruling published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday opened the way for an end to the ban put in place in April 2017.

Ankara has accused Wikipedia of being part of a smear campaign against the country, after the website refused to remove content that allegedly portrayed Turkey as supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group and other organisations.

Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organisation that hosts Wikipedia, had applied to Turkeys highest court to challenge the block.

Initially announcing its decision in December, the court said it had ruled that freedom of expression, which is under the protection of the 26th clause of the Constitution, had been violated.

Access to the website has been restored after the ruling, passed by a 10-to-six majority in the court, was conveyed to the telecommunications watchdog.

Many Turks found ways to circumvent the ban on Wikipedia and other blocked websites.

191226164029936

The independence of Turkeys judiciary has been hotly debated in recent years, with critics saying court rulings are influenced by politicians.

Rights groups and Turkeys Western allies have regularly criticised the erosion of free speech in the country, especially since a failed coup attempt in 2016 triggered a crackdown and purges in state institutions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling party deny the charges, saying the judiciary makes its decisions independently.

The government also says that the purges and detentions are in line with the rule of law and aim to remove coup supporters from state institutions and other parts of society.
Winning proposals will receive six grants of more than $2 million each along with two years of technical assistance from Enterprise to help turn the grantees' concepts into reality.

Transformative change in communities happens when the best ideas are paired with the right mix of resources and technical know-how, and the housing affordability breakthrough challenge allows us to do that six times over, said Melinda Pollack, senior vice president of national initiatives at Enterprise. This incredible commitment from Wells Fargo will elevate and scale promising new ideas that will create real change for the millions of families who lack access to quality affordable homes nationwide.

The deadline for the first-round submission of proposals is Feb. 19. Enterprise will then facilitate a review to pick up to 40 finalists for the second-round request for proposals. Only 15 finalists will join the challenge's third and final round, including participating in a pitch competition. Wells Fargo and Enterprise will name the final six grant recipients this summer.

"Together with Enterprise Community Partners, we will engage with creative innovators who have know-how, technical skill, imagination  and with catalytic investment  can transform housing affordability ideas into real action on the ground, said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation. With the housing affordability breakthrough challenge, we are bringing forward our financial resources combined with our business expertise to inspire vitally needed scalable and effective housing affordability solutions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Georgian citizen Georgi Ichukaidze, detained in connection with the incident at the Georgian-Azerbaijani border, has been officially charged with illegal carrying of firearms and ammunition as well as attempting to take a hostage, Trend reports citing Georgian media.

An incident occurred on Georgian- Azerbaijani border on Jan.14, which was suppressed as a result of operative measures taken by border guards of the two countries.

The employees of the Border Police of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs detained Georgian citizen Georgi Ichukaidze on the undefined section of Georgian-Azerbaijani land border for illegal purchase-keeping and carrying of firearm as well as for the attempt to take a hostage.

On January 14, 2020, Georgian citizen G.I. was in the border zone. Using the firearm and hand grenade, he forced Georgian border guard to start movement to the direction of the undefined section of the state border. During the incident detainee made several gunshots, said Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As a result of the operative and effective measures taken by the Border Police officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the situation was quickly resolved, reads the message.

The ministry said that investigation is in progress under the article 236, III and IV parts and article 144, II part, sub-paragraph H envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has already expressed gratitude towards Azerbaijani colleagues for the effective cooperation during the aforementioned incident.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
Hot mic audio has been released revealing Senator Elizabeth Warren's harsh rebuke to Senator Bernie Sander's after the first Democratic presidential primary debate of the year.

'I think you called me a liar on national TV,' Warren is heard saying, apparently referring to Sanders denial of her claim that he warned her in 2018 that no woman could beat Donald Trump.

'What?' Sanders is heard replying. Warren repeats: 'I think you called me a liar on national TV.'

As billionaire Tom Steyer awkwardly tries to disentangle himself from the confrontation, Sanders blasts back: 'You know, let's not do it right now...'

Elizabeth Warren refused to shake Bernie Sanders hand at the end of debate. Now audio has been released showing Warren accused Sanders of calling her a liar

'What?' Sanders is heard replying. Warren repeats: 'I think you called me a liar on national TV'

The confrontation had become the most hotly discussed moment of Tuesday's debate, after Warren apparently refused to shake Sanders' hand in a visibly testy exchange.

On Wednesday night, debate host CNN aired the audio as an 'exclusive scoop' on Anderson Cooper 360.

After the moment became the subject of speculation, CNN spent the entire day digging through audio files from various microphones at the event to come up with audio of the exchange.

Warren's confrontation with Sanders  as the rest of the Democratic field shook hands and smiled  followed sparring in the debate over reports that Sanders told Warren in a private 2018 meeting that a female candidate couldn't beat Trump.

As billionaire Tom Steyer (center) awkwardly tries to disentangle himself from the confrontation, Sanders blasts back: 'You know, let's not do it right now...'

The tense exchange sparked tremendous speculation about what they were saying

Warren confirmed the remark, while Sanders denied that he'd never told Warren a woman can't win.

'As a matter of fact, I didn't say that. And I don't want to waste a lot of time on this because this is what Donald Trump, maybe some of the media would want. Anybody who knows me knows it is incomprehensible that I would think that a woman could not be president of the United States,' the Vermont senator said in the debate.

'Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by three million votes. How could anybody in a million years think a woman could become president of the United States? And let me be very clear, if any of the women on this stage, or any of the men on this stage, win the nomination - I hope that's not the case, I hope it's me - but if they do, I will do everything in my power to ensure they are elected in order to defeat the most president in the history of our country,' he added to applause from the audience.

CNN's Abby Phillips, one of the debate moderators, asked again: 'Senator Sanders, I do want to be clear here, you're saying that you never told senator Warren that a woman could not win the election?'

'That is correct,' he responded.

But Phillip then turned to Warren and asked: 'Senator Warren, what did you think when Senator Sanders told you a woman could not win the election?'

The audience laughed at the question.

Sanders and Warren sparred several times during the Tuesday debate in Des Moines, Iowa

'I disagreed,' Warren replied. 'Bernie is my friend, and I am not here to try to fight with Bernie. But, look, this question about whether or not a woman can be president has been raised and it's time for us to attack it head-on.'

She then went on to attack the record of the men on stage  Sanders, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, and Tom Steyer  while praising her and Amy Klobuchar's record as political candidates.

'The best way to talk about who can win is by looking at people's winning record. So, can a woman beat Donald Trump? Look at the men on this stage. Collectively, they have lost ten elections. The only people on this stage who have won every single election that they've been in are the women. Amy and me,' she said.

'So true,' Klobuchar chimed in.

Warren continued: 'And the only person on this stage who has beaten an incumbent Republican anytime in the past 30 years is me. And here's what I know. The real danger that we face as Democrats is picking a candidate who can't pull our party together or someone who takes for granted big parts of the democratic constituency. We need a candidate who will excite all parts of the Democratic Party, bring everyone in, and give everyone a Democrat to believe in. That's my plan and that is why I'm going to win.'
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-16 15:31:41

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / Passion, dedication and commitment are the three values that make Arta Dawkins who she is. She's an award-winning real estate agent, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, who seems to have no ceiling.Dawkins' journey of success is one that spans the globe. Originally from Albania, it was in California where she first sunk her teeth in the real estate game within the American market. This international experience is one of the many things that make her the indomitable force she is today. It was twelve years ago that she made her move to Toronto where she'd take off and really make a name for herself, however it wasn't without setbacks and challenges.The learning curve is steep when it came to consumers in Toronto, but that didn't dishearten her at all. Instead she relied on her passion, dedication, commitment and wealth of knowledge, to push through and become one of the most well-known players in Toronto's real estate arena. Leading her to not only survive in Toronto's market, but also thrive. Going as far as winning the Remax Life Achievement award and entering the Remax Hall of Fame, Diamond Club, and Chairmans Club. (To name a few of her achievements)It's all her hard work and dedication that has established Dawkins as one of the best choices locally and internationally for high-end clients. Such as top-level executives, celebrities and developers, all the while providing the utmost discretion and dedication to her clientele. Furthermore supported by her values, knowledge, and negotiating skills that she uses with great sophistication and pose is why her diverse worldwide clientele holds her in such high regard.But it doesn't stop there, another great quality of Dawkins is her willingness to go the distance and beyond. She did not get to a fully operating business with top-notch and national brand recognition by just meeting the expectation, she surpassed it. The culture she has built within her team, is one where you MUST know the product inside and out, to market it in properly and get the top dollar. They do this by using direct marketing, by having individual profiles for each buyer/seller inquiry. Enabling her team to make precise and tactful matches with their client's lifestyle. They qualify consumers and are selective with who they work with. Once again one of the many keys to their success.If you're interested in having Dawkins' passion, dedication and commitment by your side you can find her on her website http://www.artahomes.com/ CONTACT:Avi GrondinVariance Marketing Inc.info@ variancemarketing.com (647) 709-5026SOURCE: Variance Marketing
Choi and Han served as senior analyst and analyst at the company, respectively, for about three years until Outcome placed them on leave in late 2017. They worked under Ashik Desai, who served as Outcomes executive vice president of business growth and analytics.
WASHINGTON  The Democrat-controlled House voted Thursday to overturn regulations introduced by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that critics said make it more difficult to get student loan forgiveness if a college suddenly closes.

The move to overturn DeVos' rules is unlikely to pass the GOP-controlled Senate. The White House suggested Trump is likely to veto the bill if it does.

So-called borrower defense rules, introduced by former President Barack Obama's administration, were meant to protect students from fraudulent institutions. Some colleges took students' federal loan money but failed to provide them with an education that would lead to employment to pay back their debt, Obama-era regulators said. Without loan forgiveness, students would be on the hook to pay back the money without the benefit of a degree.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos struck down Obama-era rules on college debt forgiveness.

DeVos struck down those rules last year. She said they made it too easy for students to seek loan forgiveness. Among her changes: Borrowers must apply for loan forgiveness if their institution closes suddenly. Before the change, students were automatically eligible. DeVos argued the changes would save the federal government $11 billion over the next decade.

The resolution to overturn DeVos' rule change was led by Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev.. It passed 231-180, with six Republicans supporting the effort. The dissenting votes were all Republican.

PASSED my resolution to overturn @BetsyDeVosED 2019 Borrower Defense Rule passes the House with bipartisan support!



Thank you to my colleagues. We reminded every American today that education is a national priority.  Rep. Susie Lee (@RepSusieLee) January 16, 2020

Angela Morabito, a spokeswoman for the Education Department, defended DeVos' rules, saying they hold nonprofit and private institutions alike accountable. She said students have a longer window to apply for forgiveness, although the department encourages schools to let students finish their programs.

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A White House statement said the effort to return to the Obama-era rules was partisan.

The previous administration instituted a regulatory regime designed to allow the Federal

Government and State attorneys general to pick winners and losers at considerable cost to taxpayers, the statement said.

The nation is trying to figure out what to do with a collective $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Democratic presidential hopefuls, both promised some form of student loan forgiveness for the nations borrowers.

Their plans are not tied to whether a students university operated fraudulently. Warren vowed to push her plan forward not through Congress but by directing the Department of Education to take action to discharge borrower debt.

DeVos has come under fire for the way her department handled the debt of students who attended the now-defunct Corinthian College. A California judge held the department in contempt for requiring loan payments from borrowers after the school closed.

The department's new method of forgiving loans for some students may mean only partial debt relief for many. The methodology relies on comparing affected students' salaries with the pay of those who graduated from similar programs. If their earnings are lower than the median, they are eligible for partial or total loan relief on a sliding scale.

Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which does not provide editorial input.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House Democrats overturn Betsy DeVos' rule on student loan forgiveness
Ramona Strugariu, Ivan Geshev

I expected clear answers and commitment from the man who is now Bulgarias chief public prosecutor and who was invited to the LIBE Committee to share from his experience in efficiently countering corruption and organised crime. His answers were vague, subjective and shameful. In Romania we never had a chief prosecutor general with allegations of involvement into high-level corruption himself or protection of corrupt politicians.

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Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2020 -- The report "Starter Culture Market by Microorganism (Bacteria, Yeasts, Molds), Application (Dairy & Dairy-based Products, Meat & Seafood), Composition (Multi-strain Mix, Single Strain, Multi-strain), Form, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets. The global starter culture market size is estimated to be at USD 964 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1,314 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.3%. Increasing awareness among manufacturers regarding the benefits of starter culture, growing application in cheese & other dairy products, and rising demand for fermented meat & dairy products are some of the main drivers for the growth of the starter culture industry. The global starter culture market size is estimated to be at USD 964 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1,314 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.3%. Increasing awareness among manufacturers regarding the benefits of starter culture, growing application in cheese & other dairy products, and rising demand for fermented meat & dairy products are some of the main drivers for the growth of the starter culture industry.



Download PDF brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=213083494



The multi-strain mixed segment is estimated to dominate the market with the largest share in 2019.



Based on the composition, the multi-strain mixed segment is estimated to account for the dominant market share in 2019. These cultures are the most commonly used ones because of their numerous benefits offer over single- and multi-strain cultures. Every individual strain in these cultures provide multiple functions and inhibit the growth of either a particular micro-organism or various micro-organisms.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Starter Culture Market"



107 - Tables

34 - Figures

157 - Pages



The freeze-dried form segment is projected to account for a larger share of the market by 2025.



The freeze-dried segment of starter cultures is projected to account for a larger share by 2025, as they offer multiple benefits over frozen cultures. Freeze-dried cultures do not require special handling methods while shipping them from one location to another. Additionally, once a culture is freeze-dried, there are no other risks of dealing with power failures or lack of liquid nitrogen supply for preservation. These factors are driving the growth of freeze-dried starter cultures.



Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=213083494



Europe is projected to account for the largest starter culture market share by 2025.



Europe is projected to account for the largest market share by 2025. The region has some of the leading manufacturers of starter cultures in this world. The combined output of the EU-28 countries in the global dairy industry contributes 44% to global dairy production. Also, the overall starter culture market in Europe is driven by the growing demand for fermented dairy-based products.



The report includes a study of the marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios, of the leading companies. It includes profiles of leading companies such as CHR Hansen (Denmark), DowDuPont (US), Sacco S.R.L (Italy), CSK Food Enrichment B.V. (Netherlands), THT S.A. (Belgium), Dalton Biotechnologies (Italy), Biochem S.R.L (Italy), Mediterranea Biotechnologie SRL (Italy), Royal DSM N.V (Netherlands), and LB Bulgaricum (Bulgaria).



About MarketsandMarkets

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.



MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledgestore" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.
Sir Keir Starmer refused to say whether he is politically closer to Tony Blair or Jeremy Corbyn today as he said Labour must learn lessons from its last four general election defeats and not just 2019.

The Labour leadership frontrunner is viewed as a moderate candidate in the race to replace Mr Corbyn.

But he would not be drawn on where he falls on the Labour political spectrum as he insisted he does not 'need somebody else's name or badge' to succeed.

Meanwhile, he said that some of his friends are Tories and that he judges people 'by what they say and who they are' rather than by their political affiliation.

He also vowed to rid Labour of its various warring factions to create a unified party capable of beating the Conservatives.

The comments from Sir Keir come after a poll suggested he is in second place in the race for the Labour top job with Corbynite candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey currently on course for a narrow victory.

Sir Keir Starmer, pictured in Manchester on January 11, has vowed to rid Labour of its warring factions if he becomes leader

Sir Keir was asked during a BBC interview where he would put himself on the party's political spectrum if Mr Blair was at one end and Mr Corbyn was at the other.

But he said: 'I want to lead a Labour Party that is trusted enough to bring about fundamental change.

'I don't need somebody else's name or badge in order to do that, and what we forget in all this is that all the leaders in the Labour Party, all the teams of leaders, they have to do it for the circumstances as they are.

'So, our job is to put forward that radical and relevant programme for the next decade and the decade after.'

Sir Keir stressed that one of the key tasks for the next Labour leader will be to unite the party which has been rocked by divisions and constant infighting since Mr Corbyn took charge in 2015.

The shadow Brexit secretary said: 'We need to unify the party and I think I can do that.

'We spent far too much time fighting ourselves and not fighting the Tories. Factions have been there in the Labour Party - they've got to go.'

Meanwhile, he insisted that in order to chart a path back to power the party needed to look beyond its devastating defeat last month and also examine its three previous failures at the ballot box.

He said: 'The other thing that we have to bear in mind is there are many reasons we just lost the election in 2019.

'But we've lost four. We've lost four elections in a row. And therefore, identifying a particular thing in this election isn't going to help.'

Sir Keir also rejected the tribal Labour loyalty of some of his more hardline colleagues as he said he does have friends who are Tories.

'Yes, of course I do,' he said. 'I have friends and colleagues I've done a lot of cross-party working [with].

Rebecca Long-Bailey, pictured in London on January 14, is the joint frontrunner along with Sir Keir in the race to replace Jeremy Corbyn

'On some issues there is a lot of cross party working, and rightly so. So I judge people by what they say and who they are, rather than which party they're in.'

A Survation survey of party members for the LabourList website published last night showed Sir Keir is in second place on 37 per cent, trailing Ms Long-Bailey on 42 per cent.

The numbers suggested Ms Long-Bailey would win the top job in the second round after second preference votes have been counted with 51 per cent of the vote to Sir Keir's 49 per cent.

The winner of the Labour leadership contest will be announced at a special event held on April 4.
Operatives from the Department State Security Services (DSS) and other agencies have rescued five aid workers from the captivity of notorious terrorists in North-Eastern Nigeria.

The operation, which took place Wednesday evening, included military and intelligence services.

The aid workers were abducted by the Islamic State West Africa Province, popularly known as ISWAP, on December 22, 2019 along Monguno-Maiduguri Road in Borno State.

Those rescued are: Jennifer Samuel UKUMBONG (Alliance for International Medical Action, (ALIMA); Asabe Cletus MUSA, Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA); Adamu Auwal OZESHI; Arthur Ibojekwe CHIMA ( Solidarity International) and George Danbaba MICHEAL (International Organisation for Migration, IOM).

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunaya, told PRNigeria that the aid workers were in good health and were being debriefed as appropriate.

In his reaction after the abduction, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity with the federal government and Nigerians.

A similar attack occurred at the Babbangida-Gashua-Damaturu axis when suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) Sunday attempted to infiltrate Damaturu, Yobe.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Stephane Dujarric, in New York, Guterres called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about reports that civilians have been executed, and others abducted, by an armed group in northern Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

The Secretary-General recalls that attacks by a party to an armed conflict that target civilians, aid workers, and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law.

Those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable.

International human rights law and international humanitarian law must be fully respected, and all civilians in Nigeria must be protected, the secretary-general said.
After MSNBC's Rachel Maddow aired her interview with Lev Parnas on Wednesday night, fellow host Lawrence O'Donnell told her it was an "extraordinary hour" of television. But "I think a lot of us, as we were watching, had one fundamental question: Why is he doing this?" he asked. "Why has he decided to basically turn on his friends in the conspiracy and talk about the conspiracy?" Parnas worked with Rudy Giuliani, President Trump's personal lawyer, to pressure Ukrainian officials to procure dirt on Joe Biden.

"What seemed to emerge today," Maddow said, "is that he really believes that the more he makes public about what he saw and what he knows and what he can document, the safer he is. He's, I think, worried that if the information he's got is only inside his own head or in his own, you know, electronic devices and things like that, that that's too easy  it's too easy to make that go away."

Maddow said there's probably an "implicit" but far-fetched hope that cooperating with investigators and sharing what he knows will help him in his federal criminal case, but "I will tell you, Lawrence, I was convinced until the moment I was sitting there talking to him that it was going to be canceled." She added that for her, the "headline" from the interview was his claim about Vice President Mike Pence's involvement in the Ukraine meddling.

Parnas also told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Wednesday that "of course" Pence was aware of what he and Giuliani were doing for Trump in Ukraine, and their mission "was all about 2020, to make sure he had another four years." Cooper asked if that's how Parnas "personally" saw the goal, and Parnas said "that was the way everybody viewed it. ... I mean, there was no other reason for doing it."

Parnas told Cooper he "loved" and "idolized" Trump up to the moment Trump publicly denied knowing him. "The truth is out now, thank God," he said. "I thought they were going to shut me up and make me look like the scapegoat and try to blame me for stuff I haven't done." Parnas volunteered to testify at Trump's impeachment trial and predicted that between him and former National Security Adviser John Bolton, they "could fill in all the dots."

Story continues

Senate Republicans aren't expected to allow witnesses at Trump's trial.

More stories from theweek.com

Ukraine gives Trump the corruption investigation he asked for

Is the media about to have a conniption fit over Bernie Sanders?

11 Americans were injured in Iran strike, suggesting a 'nearer miss than advertised'


BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Nivea maker Beiersdorf AG (BDRFY.PK, BDRFF.PK) reported Thursday that its fiscal 2019 sales grew 5.8 percent to 7.65 billion euros from last year's 7.23 billion euros. Group sales rose organically by 4.1 percent in 2019. Further, Beiersdorf confirmed guidance to generate a consolidated EBIT margin from ongoing operations of around 14.5 percent. In the year, the Consumer Business Segment sales grew 6.5 percent from last year to 6.27 billion euros. Organic sales growth was 4.8 percent. Organic growth was achieved in all regions. Key drivers of the sales growth were the brands NIVEA, Eucerin, and Aquaphor as well as La Prairie. tesa achieved sales of 1.38 billion euros, up 2.7 percent on a nominal basis, while organic sales edged up 0.8 percent in a challenging market environment. The company is slated to release its full-year results on March 3. Stefan De Loecker, Chairman of the Executive Board of Beiersdorf, said, 'Our achievements are the result of the consistent implementation of our C.A.R.E.+ strategy. Even though we expect headwinds in the 2020 financial year, we see good potential and opportunities which we will fully leverage with further investments. With C.A.R.E.+, we are on the right track and are looking forward to the fiscal year ahead with cautious optimism.' 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.
Kenya is this week marking the first anniversary of the January 15 DusitD2 Hotel Complex terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 21 people.

For one of the survivors, Mr Alex Kariuki, the memories of the attack carried out by fighters from Somalias al-Shabab armed group are still fresh. The 33-year-old was going about his work as a gym instructor when his 20-hour nightmare began.

Heres his survival story via SDE.

I had just reported for the afternoon shift at the DusitD2 gym, D-Fit, at 1.00pm after securing a 56-day reliever contract. My colleague was signing out after the morning shift, but was in no hurry to leave, and since there were no people to train at that hour, we lazed around the gym chatting. Nothing around us betrayed the tragedy about to befall us  it was a quiet, hot January afternoon in 2019.

Two hours later, at around 3:15pm, an ordeal that would turn out to be my closest shave with death yet unfolded, announcing its arrival with a deafening blast. It sounded like thunder to my ears. Then gunshots.

We were four in the gym-two hotel cleaners, the maintenance person and I. There was no need for a second warning, not with the burst of machine guns around us. We all scampered out of the gym to the nearest staircase, trooping down together.

On reaching the fourth floor, we realised that the attackers were a floor below us. We could hear gunshots all around us.

Not familiar with exits

From the staircase, we saw people scampering all over the hotel. I was pretty new at DusitD2, on a two-month reliever contract, and I was not familiar with the emergency exits. So, I made what would become the worst mistake of my life. I ran up the stairs, back to the safety of the one place I knew well, the gym.

I thought I could use the staff lift to escape to safety. But with gunshots all around me, the most logical thing was to climb up the ceiling. And thank God I am a fitness enthusiast. My muscles came to my aid here. I cant believe how fast I got up there. During the struggle, my phone fell out of my gym track. My left shoe also fell off. Parts of the ceiling caved in, but I held on to a rafter for dear life.

Barely, had I crawled in than one of the terrorists trudged in, the deafening burst of his machine gun announcing his arrival. By then I had crawled along the ceiling to the part right above the gym.

The gap between the roof and the ceiling was to become my hiding place for 20 hours, the thin ceiling my buffer from the terrorists machine gun.

All around me was piping, rafters, wiring, beams, and sheets of papers, the kind used to package construction material. And darkness.

I could hear the blood thirsty terrorist walking around the gym moving from one changing room to the next, his gun silent, for a moment.

Bullets Missed Me

Then he got to the point I made my climb up, just right outside the gym on a corridor. My phone and shoe could have made him suspect someone was hiding in the roof and he started spraying bullets from his machine gun. I was the target.

I cant explain how I came out of that place alive, but somehow, his bullets just missed me, yet he was shooting indiscriminately.

Then silence. A long deadly silence.

I could hear him walking around the changing rooms. In two instances, I heard him say a prayer.

I got tired of lying on my tummy, and I turned to lie on my back. The papers I was lying on crackled. Then I heard the gun being corked before bullets started flying again.

Instinctively, I sat up to avoid exposure. After a few minutes, the gunfire stopped. I think he had exhausted the magazine. But this time, the bullets had raptured the pipes, and water was gushing all over.

All this while, I was holding on the rafters, for around two hours. When my body could not hold any longer, I carefully lay down. After what seemed like eternity, I heard voices from the roof above. I could tell they were the police from the instructions being issued. They were walking all over the roof.

At this juncture, I wanted to shout for help. But again, my instincts got the better of me. My voice could either alert the terrorist that I was still alive, or the police could mistake me for a terrorist and shoot me.

Breaking of a door

So I decided to bid my time.

Below me, I could hear the terrorist shooting outside the building. Above me, the police officers, who I presumed were the Recce squad, were digging on the wall that formed part of the roof.

Then at the breaking of dawn, everything went silent. The digging above me stopped as did the pacing and shooting below. I fell into deep slumber before I was woken up by gunshots and people shouting in Arabic.

The Recce squad, had had enough, and the shooting became intense. All this while, I was keeping my cool, but shivering in fear.

At around 9am, I heard one of the guys above me say maliza hii kazi. (Finish the job)

Then the sound of gunfire, followed by the breaking of a door and an intense search.

I could tell where the voices were coming from, and I could feel the change of mood as the tone of the voices changed from desperate orders to those of friendly banter.

At this point I knew the worst was over. Again, my instincts took the better of me and I didnt shout for help for fear of being mistaken for a terrorist. After about 30 minutes of a thorough search, doors opening and equipment moving, there was silence.

I dont know why, but I was relieved by the silence. In my mind, I was going to stay put at the ceiling until evening when I was sure I could come out alive. So I made myself comfortable.

Called for Help in Vain

Then another group of people walked in. From their accent, I could tell they were foreigners.

I tried to call for help but my voice failed me. Eventually, I climbed down from the ceiling but by then, they were long gone.

I walked to the gym balcony, knowing that I could be mistaken for a terrorist. Below, I could see people, mostly heavily armed men. I did not want to risk my life, so I moved to the opposite side. There, I saw two men, but they got out of sight before I could raise my voice. I opted to go back to the balcony, my t-shirt in hand, to wave for help. Somebody saw me and asked me to identify myself. On my way down, I had to jump over the bullet riddled body of the terrorist who had terrorised me all night on the eight floor.

Outside, I was received by Independent Policing Oversight Authority officials, who recorded a brief statement. I remember meeting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, former Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Mungu anakupenda, (God loves you) Sonko told me.

Kenya Red Cross Society officials did a medical assessment of my body  my muscles were cramped up  and took me to Aga Khan Hospital for further check-up, where my family and friends picked me. Memories of that ordeal still linger in my mind, and any loud bang startles me. I was not supposed to be at DusitD2 that day, but I came out alive by the grace of God.

The hotel organised therapy sessions for survivors, but I stopped attending as they were eating into my work time. Since then, I have never heard from any government official or anyone from the hotel.

Life has to move on, albeit with a small scar on my left hand that will always be a reminder of my close shave with death.
The family of IRA murder victim Robert McCartney have cautiously welcomed the decision of Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to meet them.

Robert's sister Catherine said she hoped there would be "genuine engagement" by the Sinn Fein politician as the 15th anniversary of her brother's murder approaches.

The father-of-two was stabbed to death by IRA members outside Magennis's bar in Belfast on January 31, 2005. Ms Hargey was one of 70 people in the pub that night who said she saw nothing of the fight, which started inside before spilling outside and ending in murder.

The family also called on Ms Hargey to voluntarily go to police and make a statement. The Sinn Fein MLA said detectives had never asked her to do so.

Read More

The McCartneys first asked Ms Hargey to meet them when she became Belfast Lord Mayor in 2018. They repeated their request in Tuesday's Belfast Telegraph. Ms Hargey told the BBC yesterday that she would meet them.

Catherine McCartney said: "We cautiously welcome that. We hope it will be a genuine engagement and not just a box-ticking exercise by Sinn Fein.

"Our family has never been on an anti-Sinn Fein crusade. All we have ever wanted is justice for Robert. We asked to meet Deirdre two years ago and it's a positive that she's finally agreed."

Ms McCartney said that her family wanted all Sinn Fein members who were in the bar on the night of the murder to fully engage with the PSNI.

"We weren't happy with the first police investigation and we will be asking Sinn Fein to support us in our request that the police revisit the investigation," she said.

"We need witnesses to come forward. We need the Sinn Fein members present in Magennis's to engage directly with the police. It would be of symbolic importance for Deirdre Hargey to do that as a former mayor and now as an Executive minister."

Ms McCartney previously stressed that her brother's murder was not a historic case "where the people involved are dead and it's hard to obtain information".

She said: "Except for Jock Davison, everybody central to events that night is alive. Deirdre Hargey needs to voluntarily go to police and make and sign a statement. Robert was a member of Deirdre's local community who went for a drink in a bar and was murdered. We want to sit down with Deirdre and ask her what exactly she saw and didn't see that night - where she sat, if she saw Robert, if she saw Jock Davison."

Ms Hargey previously said she did everything possible to help the McCartneys secure justice.

"What happened to their brother Robert was wrong. It should not have happened," she said.

Meanwhile, the parents of IRA victim Paul Quinn have asked Sinn Fein Finance Minister Conor Murphy to withdraw his "disgraceful slur" against their murdered son.

The 21-year-old was beaten to death by an IRA gang wielding iron bars and nail-studded cudgels in a border barn in 2007. At the time of the murder, Mr Murphy said he had spoken to the IRA and was satisfied it was not involved. He linked the killing to a feud among criminals.
Popular dating services like Grindr, OkCupid and Tinder are spreading user information like dating choices and precise location to advertising and marketing companies in ways that may violate privacy laws, according to a new report that examined some of the worlds most downloaded Android apps.

Grindr, the worlds most popular gay dating app, transmitted user-tracking codes and the apps name to more than a dozen companies, essentially tagging individuals with their sexual orientation, according to the report, which was released Tuesday by the Norwegian Consumer Council, a government-funded non-profit organization in Oslo.

Grindr also sent a users location to multiple companies, which may then share that data with many other businesses, the report said. When The New York Times tested Grindrs Android app, it shared precise latitude and longitude information with five companies.

The researchers also reported that the OkCupid app sent a users ethnicity and answers to personal profile questions  like Have you used psychedelic drugs?"  to a firm that helps companies tailor marketing messages to users. The Times found that the OkCupid site had recently posted a list of more than 300 advertising and analytics partners with which it may share users information.

Any consumer with an average number of apps on their phone  anywhere between 40 and 80 apps  will have their data shared with hundreds or perhaps thousands of actors online, said Finn Myrstad, the digital policy director for the Norwegian Consumer Council, who oversaw the report.

The report, Out of Control: How Consumers Are Exploited by the Online Advertising Industry, adds to a growing body of research exposing a vast ecosystem of companies that freely track hundreds of millions of people and peddle their personal information. This surveillance system enables scores of businesses, whose names are unknown to many consumers, to quietly profile individuals, target them with ads and try to sway their behaviour.

The report appears just two weeks after California put into effect a broad new consumer privacy law. Among other things, the law requires many companies that trade consumers personal details for money or other compensation to allow people to easily stop the spread of their information.

In addition, regulators in the European Union are stepping up enforcement of their own data protection law, which prohibits companies from collecting personal information on religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex life and other sensitive subjects without a persons explicit consent.

The Norwegian group said filed complaints Tuesday asking regulators in Oslo to investigate Grindr and five ad tech companies for possible violations of the European data protection law. A coalition of consumer groups in the U.S. said it sent letters to American regulators, including the attorney general of California, urging them to investigate whether the companies practices violated federal and state laws.

In a statement, the Match Group, which owns OkCupid and Tinder, said it worked with outside companies to assist with providing services and shared only specific user data deemed necessary for those services. Match added that it complied with privacy laws and had strict contracts with vendors to ensure the security of users personal data.

In a statement, Grindr said it had not received a copy of the report and could not comment specifically on the content. Grindr added that it valued users privacy, had put safeguards in place to protect their personal information and described its data practices  and users privacy options  in its privacy policy.

The report examines how developers embed software from ad tech companies into their apps to track users app use and real-life locations, a common practice. To help developers place ads in their apps, ad tech companies may spread users information to advertisers, personalized marketing services, location data brokers and ad platforms.

The personal data that ad software extracts from apps is typically tied to a user-tracking code that is unique for each mobile device. Companies use the tracking codes to build rich profiles of people over time across multiple apps and sites. But even without their real names, individuals in such data sets may be identified and located in real life.

For the report, the Norwegian Consumer Council hired Mnemonic, a cybersecurity firm in Oslo, to examine how ad tech software extracted user data from 10 popular Android apps. The findings suggest that some companies treat intimate information, like gender preference or drug habits, no differently from more innocuous information, like favourite foods.

Among other things, the researchers found that Tinder sent a users gender and the gender the user was looking to date to two marketing firms.

The researchers did not test iPhone apps. Settings on both Android phones and iPhones enable users to limit ad tracking.

The groups findings illustrate how challenging it would be for even the most intrepid consumers to track and hinder the spread of their personal information.

Grindrs app, for instance, includes software from MoPub, Twitters ad service, which can collect the apps name and a users precise device location, the report said. MoPub in turn says it may share user data with more than 180 partner companies. One of those partners is an ad tech company owned by AT&T, which may share data with more than 1,000 third-party providers.

In a statement, Twitter said: We are currently investigating this issue to understand the sufficiency of Grindrs consent mechanism. In the meantime, we have disabled Grindrs MoPub account.

AT&T declined to comment.

The spread of users location and other sensitive information could present particular risks to people who use Grindr in countries, like Qatar and Pakistan, where consensual same-sex sexual acts are illegal.

This is not the first time that Grindr has faced criticism for spreading its users information. In 2018, another Norwegian non-profit group found that the app had been broadcasting users HIV status to two mobile app service companies. Grindr subsequently announced that it had stopped the practice.

The reports findings also raise questions about the extent to which businesses are complying with the new California privacy law. The law requires many companies that benefit from trading consumers personal details to prominently post a Do Not Sell My Data option, allowing people to stop the spread of their information.

But Grindrs stance challenges that idea. By agreeing to its policy, its site says, users are directing us to disclose their personal information and, therefore, Grindr does not sell your personal data.

Myrstad said many consumers were comfortable sharing their data with apps they trusted. But this study clearly shows that many apps abuse that trust, he said. Authorities need to enforce the rules we have, and if they are not good enough, we have to make better rules.
Why Do So Many Ignore Oregon Coast Wave Warnings? Answer is Uneasy Reality

Updated Periodically

By Andre' Hagestedt, Editor

(Portland, Oregon)  When the big waves come, so does a tsunami of viral videos of bad behavior and sheer disregard for safety. 2019's run of awful videos was gut wrenching and frustrating. Still, it started me thinking more about that behavior. While the most recent tragedy where two children were lost to waves was not a result of willful disregard (it was more likely a freak wave), there were an unbelievable array of storm vids showing a complete recklessness.

Yet every year, the media stories, bulletins from authorities and social media posts are clear and abundant: stay away from this or that situation and heed the warnings issued.

So why do people ignore the obvious? How and why do they put themselves (and others) in harm's way? That season's host of videos showing not just spectacular waves but people ignoring the clear dangers brings on these questions.

The Internet's first reaction is to go caustic and crusty: insults hurled (like the word idiot) at the victim are numerous and spiteful. It's a reaction that's not helpful. With those viral near-misses it's understandable, although not in the least constructive. Well, a little shaming may not be a bad idea, if it causes the next person to think twice.

As editor of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, you want to filter out the crummy and misleading info on your social media, but I admit I find it hard to delete even those harsher comments on this subject, including the ones that seem more at home on the Swearnet network. Perhaps they could help warn others in the future?

Yet what can we do  in the tourism biz and the media  to truly drill this message of stay away from the dangerous into visitors' heads? After decades of deaths and injuries due to heavy logs rolling onto people, the state of Oregon seemed to have made an impact on that issue with its high-profile campaigns. What will work with this issue?

All this is very complex, and no one-size-fits-all answer will be found. First, we need to get into that mindset of why they ignore warnings in the first place. We need to star there.

One of the most enraging examples was the video taken by Rock Your World rock shop in Lincoln City, that showed a host of people beyond the barriers the city had put up closing off the area. One of my crazier memories as a news writer 20 years ago for a Portland radio station was the access at Garibaldi that was clearly closed off, but a lot of people wandered in and a few cars parked there anyway. All the cars were inundated and ruined by a massive surge that actually floated the vehicles for a time.

Part of the issue is that some scoff at suggestions of beach safety, and they even argue back. The video above showing people walking in dangerous conditions at Oceanside has had some alarming responses. One person on Oregon Coast Beach Connection's Facebook page actually called it absurd. Another gentleman once argued with me over how that beach didn't look dangerous to him. I've had other similar reactions to other dangerous surf videos.

We need to somehow find out why they do this. It's a recipe for future disaster. Then we can work on changing their minds.

I did some asking around of Oregon coast residents to find out if others had similar experiences. Seaside Aquarium's Keith Chandler said when they hand out warning pamphlets about surf dangers people are thankful. That's not the norm, it seems.

Asking around the town of Yachats, where Thor's Well and its hazards have become a hot button issue, residents there told me they get ignored and even flipped off when they try to tell a visitor to stay off a dangerous stretch. Some reported the warnings working about a quarter of the time; most reported little to no impact.

Another reader of Oregon Coast Beach Connection admitted he didn't know about sneaker waves until he lived here for a few years. Originally from another country where the ocean is rather calm, these dangers hadn't crossed his mind.

Chandler and others chimed in with one similar sentiment: it's human nature to be curious about these things and sometimes think you're invincible.

Now we have a tiny sampliing of data, though admittedly largely anecdotal. Perhaps some coastal entity could conduct a survey about people's attitudes? Then we can talk about memorials, barriers and more education programs as solutions.

We can look to what Rockaway Beach had done: they created committees and even a beach education program to help cut down on visitor tragedies.

One thing is for sure: the messages are not sinking in, even with state residents. I watched our own articles get passed around on Facebook (which were essentially just warnings to stay off the beaches) and I could see people's sketchy reactions at times, with talk about going out there into dangerous places. I face-planted so many times my head hurt. I knew someone was getting hurt with this storm. I'm just surprised it's someone who was trying to obey the warnings.

In the end, simply calling people idiots for being idiotic isn't going to help. More education, more warning signs, etc., can't hurt, but it will wind up more like throwing darts at the problem. Someone out there with decent resources needs to find out why the warnings are getting ignored.

One thing that seemed to help with the information programs on rolling beach logs were testimonies from families this happened to. Perhaps some of the victims from recent years can come forward and tell their tales as well?

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees nearly 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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With plans to expand its food pantry this year, the Pearland Neighborhood Center will no longer be forced to turn away food donations. That means leadership there will be able to feed more people and make better use of volunteers who donate time to the area non-profit.

This expansion is going to give us an additional 1,500 square feet of desperately needed space, said Debbie Rubestello, the centers executive director. The best part is Im going to be able to serve more families and have larger volunteer groups.

Pearland City Council recently voted to allocate $123,000 to the center, 2335 N. Texas Ave., which has been an important part of the community since 1987. The city owns the building and is funding the expansion.

Rubestello said construction is set to start the end of January and could last nine months or longer.

Im hoping were finished by next Christmas, she said.

Pearland Neighborhood Center What: A nonprofit organization providing community services to those in need including utility and rent assistance, a food pantry and disaster relief. Where: 2335 N. Texas Ave., Pearland Hours: Lobby: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Food pantry: 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Contact: 281-485-1987, info@pnctexas.com See More Collapse

City Manager Clay Pearson credited the organization for its work in Pearland, including hosting food and clothing drives, providing assistance with rent and utility bills, offering free medical services and providing meals to senior adults.

Other center services Pearson mentioned include making referrals to other nonprofits and welfare organizations and collecting and distributing gifts to children at Christmastime. The center also acts as the only disaster relief center in northern Brazoria County.

Their good works have led them to run out of space, Pearson said.

City Councilman Luke Orlando agreed. They fill a critical gap in services in our community.

In 2018, the Pearland Neighborhood Center fielded approximately 12,000 calls for service and information referrals.

We hear from people who might be homeless, or they need help with transport, Rubestello said. We dont stop until we find help. If someone calls and Im out of funds, then we call around until we find the funds.

I usually have about 20 volunteers that come in every month, but during the holidays its more like 100-140 volunteers, Rubestello said.

Anyone needing more information about how the center, including how to volunteer or make a donation can visit the website at www.p nctexas.com or call 281-485-1987.
New Delhi, Jan 16 : A Delhi Court on Thursday directed the Tihar Jail authorities to submit a report regarding the pendency of the mercy petition of one of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora asked the jail authorities to submit a report under Section 840 of the Delhi Prison Rules stating the action taken regarding the mercy petition of convict Mukesh and regarding the postponement of the date of execution.

However, the judge refused to change the date of execution as of now.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had refused to interfere with the death warrant issued against the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

One of the convicts Mukesh moved the Patiala House Court and filed an application before it, appraising the court regarding the pendency of the mercy petition before the President of India.

By this application moved through his counsel Vrinda Grover, the petitioner had sought postponement of the execution date.

The application was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora who issued notice to Nirbhaya's parents and the state.

The 23-year-old victim was brutally gang raped and tortured on December 16, 2012, which later led to her death. All the six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar Jail.

Four of the convicts were sentenced to death by a trial court in September 2013, and the verdict was confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2017, which also dismissed their review petitions.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
An 'active' six-year-old girl's leukaemia was discovered after her mother took her to visit the doctor because 'she looked pale'.

Krystal Jones, 33, noticed over a few short days at the beginning of last month that her daughter Katelyn Thompson was gradually becoming paler and bruising easily.

Her mother's instinct urged her to get it checked out and the pair visited a doctor on December 5, in their hometown of Kempsey on the New South Wales mid-north coast.



The next day after school, step-dad Barry Jones, 32, picked up the kindergarten student and her brother to take her for a doctor-ordered blood test.

Katelyn Thompson, 6, was diagnosed with cancer on December 11 six days after her mother took her to the doctor because she looked 'pale'

But four hours later the family-of-six had their lives thrown upside down when the doctor called Krystal ordering Katelyn be taken to a hospital immediately.

'Krystal called out to me "Katelyn has cancer!"' Mr Jones told Daily Mail Australia.

'She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and started to cry. I held her and we were both crying in our front yard,'

'She was in shock and panicking. The doctor said you need to get her to Port Macquarie Base Hospital straight away.'

'I was just trying to hold it together for the boys and get us to there as quickly as I could.'

Katelyn was rushed to hospital for further testing and was flown down to John Hunter hospital in New Castle with her step-father the next day where she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by family members to raise money for Katelyn's special food which is fed through a Nasogastric tube

Rushing to be by her side, Mrs Jones packed Katelyn's brothers Laikyn, seven, and Wyatt, one, into the car to relocate to McDonald house, disbanding from her older daughter, Rhianna, 14, who was sent to stay with her dad.

On December 11, six days after the initial doctor's visit, the little girl began her full first round of chemotherapy -which made her so sick she would vomit every night.

She has since undergone two surgeries to check the cancer's progress and had many blood transfusions.

Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Katelyn's special food, Nutricia, and medication, which costs $500 a month and is not covered by medicare.



'She has been so brave. I can't imagine any other kid as brave she is,' Mr Jones said.

Katelyn pictured in hospital the day she arrived in John Hunter hospital in Newcastle before she was diagnosed

Laikyn, Barry, Wyatt, Katelyn, and Krystal (pictured left to right) have relocated to Ronald McDonald House, next to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle

'They gave her an operation where they put a needle in the spine which takes out fluid to check if she had cancer of the brain and then they had to drill into her hip to check the bone marrow.

'I get more scared than her when she is going in for them! She toughs it out.'

The family spent Christmas day by her side in the hospital, where they expect to spend the year while Katelyn receives intense rounds of chemotherapy

There is a 40 per cent chance she will need a bone marrow transplant and, even if the cancer is treated, another 40 per cent chance it will come back again within the next three years.

The sudden illness has left the family under extreme emotional and financial stress after the little savings they had were spent on their wedding in October and Christmas presents for the kids.

Mr Jones said Ronald McDonald Hospital was filled with Christmas decorations and kids were given presents (Katelyn pictured with Santa)

Katelyn was worried about losing her long blonde hair and afraid people would laugh at her but became

After being forced to drop their jobs and move on the spot, the couple are relying on government payments to pay for their rent back home and feed their family.

At the time of the diagnosis, the Joneses were surviving off Mrs Jones's cafe-worker income as Mr Jones, a former arborist, was the stay-at-home parent for Wyatt.

Although Katelyn has been incredibly brave, she does not like being left alone at night, leaving the parents taking turns to either spend a night at the hospital or looking after the boys in the unit.

Mr Jones said his 'happy, chatty' daughter was eager to go outside and play but has been place in an isolated room as her immune system is weak.

He said a special support team had explained to her that she was ill and her hair would fall out.

Mr and Mrs Jones spent the little savings they had, before Katelyn fell sick, on their October wedding and presents for the kids

At first she was self conscious that other kids would laugh at her, but she has now bounced-back and regained her confidence after meeting other sick kids at the hospital.

'She knows her blood is and sick and her bones are sick and not taking blood as they should.

'It's been pretty hard. We are being strong for Katelyn and the kids.

'We have our moments but we make sure it's not around her. On the way back [from Kempsey trips] sometimes we will cry.

'I have always been afraid of needles and hospitals but after this, I am becoming a blood and bone marrow donor.

'If it wasn't for people who donate, we wouldn't have Katelyn.'

Mr Jones said while the chemotherapy has done little to change Katelyn's happy, cheery and 'l'm the boss' attitude, it has made her feel tired and sick

WHAT IS ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA? Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

AML is characterised by an overproduction of immature white blood cells, called myeloblasts or leukaemic blasts

These cells crowd the bone marrow, preventing it from making normal blood cells. They can also spill out into the bloodstream and circulate around the body

Each year in Australia around 900 people are diagnosed with AML. Overall AML is rare disease, accounting for 0.8% of all cancers diagnosed, at a rate of 3.7 per 100,000 of population.

It can occur at any age but is more common in adults over the age of 60. Around 50 children (0-14 years) are diagnosed with AML in Australia each year. It occurs more frequently in males than females. Advertisement




New York, Jan 16 : US President Donald Trump shocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi by telling him that India did not share a border with China and it set back ties between the two countries, according to a book on the presidency.

"It's not like you've got China on your border," Trump told Modi, according to the book by two Washington Post reporters, who quoted an anonymous aide.

"After Trump bungles his India-China geography and seems to dismiss the threat China poses to India, for instance, the authors write that 'Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise,'" the newspaper wrote.

"Modi's expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation," Philip Rucker and Carol D. Leonnig claimed in their book, "A Very Stable Genius," according to the newspaper.

The Washington Post report on the book says that "some of the modest details in the book end up having larger consequences" while citing this episode with the claim that it affected India's ties with the US.

The newspaper owned by Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, said the incident showed "Trump bungles his India-China geography and seems to dismiss the threat China poses to India." An anonymous Trump aide quoted in the book "concludes Modi probably left that meeting and said, 'This is not a serious man. I cannot count on this man as a partner.'" The newspaper said that after the meeting, the aide told the authors, "The Indians took a step back in their diplomatic relations with the United States." However, this claim is not backed by facts.

India's diplomatic and strategic ties have continued to grow during the Trump presidency, with problems only in the area of trade.

One factor behind the deepening of ties is the potential that Trump sees in India as a strategic counterweight to China.

Modi and the US President appear to have developed close ties, with Trump accompanying him to the "Howdy Modi!" rally in Houston in September last year.

There Modi called Trump a friend and in a twist of his own election slogan, declared "Abki baar, Trump sarkar," (this time, a Trump government).
ALBANY  In 2014, Menands real estate attorney Laurie Anne Campito was suspended from practicing law because she failed to register and pay required fees.

She practiced law anyway.

On Thursday, that decision cost Campito her law license.

The region's Appellate Division disbarred Campito, finding she "continued her contemptuous conduct well after the date that she learned of her suspension" and "that her flagrant disregard of our order warrants a significant sanction."

Campito, 64, has continued to display a sign outside her office identifying her as an attorney and "conveying the impression that she is authorized to practice law," stated the decision handed down by Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry and Justices Christine Clark, Robert Mulvey, Sharon Aarons and Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald.

Their ruling said Campito has repeatedly referred to herself as an "attorney at law" in correspondence to courts, clients and colleagues.

Lawyers in New York state are required to pay a $375 attorney registration fee every two years within 30 days of their birthdays.

When Campito was suspended in 2014, she was among a long list of attorneys ordered to "desist and refrain from the practice of law in any form either as principal or as agent, clerk or employee of another," and not to appear as a lawyer or counselor-at-law "before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority or [giving] another any opinion as to the law or its application or any advice in relation thereto."

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The decision said the Appellate Division's Grievance Committee, which investigates complaints about lawyers, found "uncontroverted proof" Campito was "engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and improperly conveying the impression that she is currently an attorney in good standing."

The decision said Campito admitted she sent letters to Saratoga Springs City Court saying she would be representing a person in a traffic case. She also conducted legal research, gave an opinion to another lawyer about her work and "represented various clients in real estate transactions, both before and after learning that she was suspended," the decision said.

Campito confessed she "never advised the real estate broker, her clients or the other attorneys involved in the transactions that she was suspended," the decision said.

Reached Thursday, Campito told the Times Union she was unaware she was suspended. She said she learned she was suspended after attempting to represent the person in the Saratoga Springs matter. She said she would not challenge the ruling.
GMR Infrastructure on Thursday said it will sell 49 per cent stake instead of 44.44 per cent in its airport business to Tata Group subsidiary TRIL Urban Transport, as the group continues with efforts to trim its debt.

The diversified group has decided to increase the quantum of stake sale nearly 10 months after announcing the deal, which also received green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI)in October last year.

In a filing to the stock exchanges, GMR Infrastructure said it has decided to "increase the transaction size by agreeing to divest 49 per cent in GMR Airports Limited (vs previously agreed 44.44 per cent) to TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (part of TATA Group), an affiliate of GIC and SSG Capital Management... in one or more tranches".

The deal would be subject to regulatory approvals.

An amended and restated Shares Subscription and Purchase Agreement and Shareholders Agreement has been executed for the revised deal, according to the filing.

GMR Group operates airports in New Delhi and Hyderabad. It also has stakes in Mactan-Cebu airport in the Philippines and Crete aerodrome in Greece.

The transaction involves offloading stake in GMR Airports to TRIL Urban Transport Pvt Ltd, Valkyrie Investment and Solis Capital.

Valkyrie is an affiliate of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, while Solis is an investment vehicle of the SSG Group.

In October, the CCI cleared the proposed transaction subject to certain modifications.

According to the announcement made in March last year, the deal valued GMR Airports at over Rs 17,700 crore.

Post-deal, GMR Infrastructure and subsidiaries would hold around 54 per cent stake in the airport arm, the consortium of new investors would own close to 45 per cent and the remaining would be with an employees welfare trust, as per the announcement.

Shares of GMR Infrastructure closed marginally lower at Rs 23.85 on the BSE.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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KENMORE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2020 / ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media (OTCPK:RLTR) ReelTime VRs the Worlds #1 VR Travel Show "In Front of View" has released its latest episode "Baan Nom Maew" which takes place at the famous Baan Nom Maew resort in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.Baan Nom Maew is famous for being among the most beautiful backdrops for top photographers and supermodels. It has been featured in countless magazines and publications seen throughout the world and is a very exclusive boutique resort.Front Montgomery exclaimed: "We lived at the Baan Nom Maew resort while we shot the episode and it is absolutely breathtaking. Everywhere you turn there are vibrant colors and magnificent grounds that make you feel like you are walking in a fashion magazine fantasy shoot. It is no wonder that so many tremendous models and photographers have flocked to this very unique and special place. Not to mention how well we were treated by the owner who even took time to be in part of the episode." The episode can be viewed in any VR portal such as Oculus, Samsung Gear VR, Vive, littlstar, Facebook 360, YouTube, and others as well. www.infrontofview.com ReelTime VRs VR travel series "In Front of View" is also currently featured in TIME Magazine (Jan. 20, 2020 - Vol 195 No.1) in a full-page Virtual Reality Insider promotion. On the page, the headline "Inside the Worlds #1 VR Travel Show" identifying it as ReelTime VRs "In Front of View" which stars international superstar Front Montgomery and her daughter Leonie Montgomery appears. Leonie is shown holding a VR headset while on the set. An image of the page can be found at www.reeltime.com Time is an American weekly news magazine and news website published in New York City. TIME has the world's largest circulation for a weekly news magazine. The print edition has a readership of 26 million, 20 million of whom are based in the United States. The magazine is available in newsstands, by subscription, and online and can be subscribed to at www.time.com/magazine/ The full-length articles referenced in TIME and Virtually everything else VR/AR-related can be seen at www.virtualrealityinsider.com . Virtual Reality Insider has long been a leader in compiling the latest news and opportunities relating to the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality industry and its impact on consumers wide.The first season of In Front of View has been available online at YouTube, Veer, littlstar, Samsung VR, Facebook 360, Oculus, and Vimeo among others. The show has been viewed in over 40 countries on 6 continents and has won several VR awards in the travel category. In 2018-19, "In Front of Views," the second season was filmed by ReelTime VR in Yellowstone National Park and all across ThailandAbout ReelTime Rentals, Inc. d/b/a ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media: www.reeltime.com , is a publicly-traded company based in Seattle, WA (OTCPK:RLTR). ReelTime Media provides end to end production capabilities and discount media purchasing that is redefining how companies are evaluating and purchasing their TV, radio, print, and other new media. ReelTime is also is in the business of developing, producing and distributing Virtual Reality Content and technologies. We have an end to end production, editing, and distribution capabilities for internal and external projects. ReelTime currently produces three ongoing series for the Samsung Gear VR platform and distributes them over numerous VR delivery portals including Gear VR, Oculus, Veer VR, HTC Vive, YouTube 360, Facebook, and others. ReelTime Media also publishes the book "It Was Always Me Edward Edwards the most Prolific Serial Killer of all time", which has been the subject of a cover story on People Magazine, Rolling Stone, In Touch, and a six-part series on Paramount network, www.itwasalwaysme.com CONTACT:Barry Henthornceo@ reeltime.com SOURCE: ReelTime Rentals Inc
Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, proudly detailed the record-shattering contribution the states oil and gas industry made to state and local coffers: $16.4 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.

But amid the good news, he said last week in a media call discussing the associations annual report on the industrys economic impact, there are challenges ahead.

We know growth is not guaranteed, he said, The industry responds to marketplace demands. We know global demand will continue, but that growth wont be at as high a rate as weve seen; therefore, production wont grow as robustly as in the past.

RELATED: TXOGA: Royalty collections shatter records in 2019

Asked about the focus on climate change and an influx of new voters who support eliminating fossil fuels, Staples stressed that the energy industry is committed to addressing climate change and is taking steps to be as no-carbon or low-carbon as possible.

We believe all emissions contribute to climate change and, the industry is doing (its) part to reduce emissions, he said. We need to look at all sources -- every source of energy produced. The oil and gas industry has a responsibility to find solutions through innovation and technology to control emissions and responsibly produce energy.

We share a common goal of environmental progress and economic strength, Staples said. No matter how much you advocate for renewables, theres no replacement for how much good comes from oil and natural gas.

He said Texas is at risk if we dont have a real, factual conversation about climate change. Were committed to making progress, were committed to being leaders on the environment. Were champions of carbon sequestration. Companies have established leak detection and repair protocols that theyre sharing with other companies. Theyve invested in technologies.

OIL REPORT: Private equity adjusting to changing energy marketplace

Im proud of the Environmental Partnership (formed by the American Petroleum Institute) that now has 70 companies as members. We will see results from that partnership in terms of a reduced environmental footprint as we produce oil and natural gas responsibly, Staples said.

Flaring is another major issue facing the industry, and Staples said that as more natural gas pipelines are built and placed into service, the need for flaring will be reduced.

He told reporters that operators have formed a working group to explore more options to flaring.

We firmly believe flaring will decline significantly even as production grows, he said.
Pauline Hanson has explained why she is fighting against Queensland's bid to host the 2032 Olympics.

The One Nation senator, 65, believes it would be a waste of money which could be better spent on water infrastructure to alleviate drought in regional areas.

The bid for the 2032 Games is supported by Queensland's Labor Party and Liberal-National Party in the belief that it will attract tourists and boost the economy.

The One Nation senator, 65, believes it would be a waste of money which could be better spent on water infrastructure to alleviate drought in regional areas

But in a fired-up appearance on the Today Show this morning, Senator Hanson said 'we can't afford it because we can't even afford water for Queensland'.

The cost of the Olympics is unknown but Senator Hanson says it will be at least $8.9billion.

Poll Should Queensland bid for the 2032 Olympics? Yes No Undecided Should Queensland bid for the 2032 Olympics? Yes 27 votes

No 277 votes

Undecided 9 votes Now share your opinion





'Can we afford it? No we can't,' she said from Mount Isa.

'I've got townships such as Stanthorpe with no water. Now you can't tell me that we can afford to put on the Olympics.'

This month the Queensland government announced it will pay $800,000 a month to truck water into the Southern Downs where reserves are below 10 per cent.

Senator Hanson said she has called for greater investment in water infrastructure such as the Bradfield Scheme - a plan to shift water from the east to drought-stricken areas inland - but said the government 'won't even do a feasibility test.'

Apart from water, she also said the money could be better spent on healthcare, schools and roads.

Queensland's state debt is projected to hit $90.72 billion by 2022-23 - and Senator Hanson said the Olympics would only increase it.

The Olympic events would be held in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast - and Sen Hanson said it would not benefit regional areas.

A poll by Queensland newspaper the Courier-Mail found that 36 per cent of LNP voters and 24 per cent of Labor voters were against the bid.

Low water levels and dry land is seen at Storm King Dam near Stanthorpe, Queensland in October

Today host Karl Stefanovic (left) asked Sen Hanson if she was opposing the Olympics to win votes ahead of the state election in October, something she denied

Today host Karl Stefanovic asked Sen Hanson if she was opposing the Olympics to win votes ahead of the state election in October.

She replied: 'Karl, don't you think I've always been straight up with the people, regardless of whether there's votes in it?'

Queensland does not need a debt-ridden, feel-good, one-off sports party One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts

Earlier this month, Senator Hanson wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to urge him to remove the federal government's support for the bid.

She wrote: 'Australia's economy is still sluggish and the economy of Queensland is at its worst position in history so it is irresponsible to commit unknown funds, but probably in the billions, to a project like this at this time.

'The decision to chase the Olympics, despite having no firm idea about the costs, while there are many other worthwhile needs in this nation, could be regarded as irresponsible and misdirected leadership.'

One Nation's other senator, Malcolm Roberts, also supports the fight against holding the Olympics.

He told Daily Mail Australia: 'What Queensland needs more than ever is investment in productive infrastructure, not debt-ridden, feel-good, one-off sports party.

'Regional Queenslanders look around their communities and see poor health services, decreasing education outcomes for their children, a lack of water infrastructure and an inner city-centric government who only cares about its image.'
She's no stranger to a glamorous party look after rising to prominence on Love Island last year.

And Love Island star Amy Hart was proudly displaying her trim figure in a plunging red mini dress with sparkling embroidery as she exited the Gala performance of Luzia by Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday.

The reality star, 27, looked sensational in her party look as she exited the launch on the arm of her male pal Matt Caputo.

Gorgeous: Love Island star Amy Hart displayed her figure in a red mini dress as she exited the Gala performance of Luzia by Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday

Amy amped up the glamour in a gorgeous dress of a deep red hue, covered with sparkling embroidery.

The former air hostess teamed her look with a cute black faux fur cropped jacket and thin-strapped heels as she exited the party on the arm of her male companion.

Amy carried her essentials in a cute metallic clutch bag with a chunky chain strap as she stepped out on the arm of her dapper friend.

Looking good: The former air hostess looked sensational in a plunging red dress covered with sparkling embroidery

Happy: Amy was in high spirits as she exited the gala performance in the capital on the arm of a suave male pal

Amy was spotted leaving the gala performance, after joining a star-studded lineup of guests heading into the Royal Albert Hall earlier in the evening, including Myleene Klass and Ronan Keating.

The star recently offered her take on Love Island's newest lineup, after the new series kicked off on Sunday.

Following the news that Ollie Williams had quit after just three days in the villa, Amy said she 'feared for his life' after he faced backlash from viewers following accusations that he was a 'trophy hunter.'

Speaking to Cheltenham Betting Offers, Amy said: 'On the list of things you can't have done there's nothing in there about hobbies.

'I don't feel sorry for him, but I'm concerned about his life after the villa. Because there's not much coming back from that.'

Energetic: Amy finished her look with a cosy cropped faux fur jacket, thin-strapped heels and a matching clutch bag

Off they go! Amy was spotted entering and leaving the lavish gala performance with her male pal

The beauty, who left Love Island last year after her half-boyfriend Curtis Pritchard decided to be with Maura Higgins, said she doesn't think the public understand Ollie.

She said: 'They just think he's a posh boy. None of them know what's going on on the outside. I went to an event the other night and there was 200 people watching the show. When he came on the whole room erupted in boos.

'I know he says it's for conservation purposes and stuff, but I don't think that's going to wash with everyone.

'He won't be able to do club appearances and stuff for his own safety. He can't stand on stage in front of a thousand clubbers. He doesn't need money, but I think as well being a national hate figure isn't great.'
Ralph Earle II, an arms control expert who served during the Carter administration as lead U.S. negotiator at the SALT II talks with the Soviet Union and as director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, died Jan. 13 at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was 91.

The cause was complications from Parkinson's disease, said his son Ralph Earle III.

Earle's government service spanned three decades, beginning with his appointment in 1968 as a Pentagon aide for international security affairs. A decade later, President Jimmy Carter appointed him to succeed Paul Warnke as chief negotiator for the second round of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, known as SALT II. Earle, whose post accorded him ambassadorial rank, had previously acted as Warnke's deputy.

The SALT II agreement, which would have limited the number of nuclear warheads the two nations could maintain, ultimately broke down after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979.

Earle, whom The New York Times described as "an able administrator who has managed to steer clear of controversies," went on to lead the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency from 1980 until Carter was succeeded by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Having begun his career in legal practice, Earle worked with the Lawyers Alliance for Nuclear Arms Control, later the Lawyers Alliance for World Security, before returning to the arms control agency as deputy director in 1994. He retired in 1999.

Once asked if he felt burdened by his work in arms control, or by the potential consequences if diplomacy gave way to war, he remarked that "you think about it but can't dwell on it," according to The Times.

Ralph Earle II was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 26, 1928. His father, George Earle III, was a Democrat who served as Pennsylvania governor from 1935 to 1939.

Earle accompanied his father on diplomatic postings as U.S. minister to Austria in 1933 and 1934, during the run-up to World War II, and as U.S. minister to Bulgaria from 1940 until the country declared war on the United States in 1941.

Early that year, George Earle touched off what The Times described as a "cafe skirmish" in the Bulgarian capital by requesting that a band play "Tipperary," a British marching song from World War I. An enraged German officer silenced the Bulgarian band, which shifted to a German waltz. Bottles began flying through the air, sending guests scurrying under tables, and making news across the Atlantic.

The younger Earle received a bachelor's degree in history in 1950 from Harvard University, then served in the Army before completing studies at Harvard's law school in 1955.

He practiced law in Philadelphia with the firm now known as Morgan Lewis before joining the Defense Department. His assignments included advising the U.S. mission to NATO.

Earle was a Washington resident before settling in Florida last year. He belonged to the Metropolitan Club in the District of Columbia as well as several organizations of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.

His first marriage, to Eleanor Owens, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, the former Julie von Sternberg of Manasota Key, Florida; five children from his first marriage, Eleanor Earle Mascheroni of New York City, Ralph Earle III of Boston, Duncan Earle of Lusaka, Zambia, Amanda Earle Ciccarelli of Bloomington, Indiana, and Caroline Earle Walsh of Barrington, Rhode Island; a half sister; and nine grandchildren.
Vanessa Maria Graber, of Philly Boricuas, stands before the Wanamaker Building to demand the release of the $18 billion allocated for Puerto Rico by the office of Housing and Urban Development. Read more

About 25 demonstrators gathered in front of Philadelphias Housing and Urban Development offices Wednesday, mirroring protests in Washington, D.C., and New York City, to demand the remaining $10.3 billion in disaster relief aid Congress approved for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017.

On Tuesday, President Trump lifted a hold he had placed on $8.2 billion in aid, after a devastating 6.4-magnitude earthquake on the island, and nearly 16 months after an initial $1.5 billion was distributed.

Were demanding equal treatment from this administration as citizens of the United States of America, said Vanessa Maria Graber, a protester and member of Philly Boricuas.

Congress had designated funds to upgrade its infrastructure, including the electrical grids, and rebuilding homes, businesses and bridges. HUD has delayed the release of this aid, citing corruption and scandals in Puerto Rico as reason for the withholding.

On Wednesday, Puerto Ricans and allies in cities across the United States organized demonstrations outside of HUD offices.

Since the earthquake hit Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, the amount of damage has been estimated at $460 million, and the number of people displaced has risen from nearly 2,000 to 5,000.
Several dozen indigenous leaders and representatives of Amazon communities have gathered in the heart of the threatened rainforest to form an alliance against Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro's environmental policy and his threats to throw their homelands open to mining concerns. The main objective of the meeting is to present a united front against Bolsonaro's plans, which they say pose a threat to the Amazon and their way of life, as well as threaten open conflict over land rights. "I don't want anyone to die in front of me. I don't want everyone to kill each other, the white people against the indigenous," prominent Raoni chief Metuktire told the meeting, which began on Tuesday. "Bolsonaro says a lot of bad things about us. He doesn't attack only the indigenous, but he attacks us more than anyone," said the Raoni chief, his head adorned with an array of colorful feathers, his body smeared with black paint. Wearing a labret -- the ceremonial disc worn by warriors -- over his top lip, the 89-year old chief said he would personally travel to the capital Brasilia to present the meeting's conclusions to Brazil's Congress. "Over there, I'm going to ask Bolsonaro why he speaks so badly about the indigenous peoples," he said. He also highlighted the importance of "seeking political support" for the Amazon peoples in Europe. Last August, Metuktire had a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Biarritz, amid a raging international controversy over the Amazon wildfires, which environmentalists said were the result of Bolsonaro's policies. The far-right president strongly criticized the Raoni leader during his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York the following month. He warned that "the Raoni's monopoly of the Amazon is over." The meeting is being held deep in the rainforest in the village of Piaracu in Brazil's western Mato Grosso state. "We are living in a dramatic moment, almost a war situation," Sonia Guajajara, coordinator of the Association of Indigenous People of Brazil (APIB) told the meeting, which is scheduled to last until Friday. Indigenous tribesmen listen to Raoni chief Metuktire (out of frame) during a press conference in Piaracu village, near Sao Jose do Xingu, Mato Grosso state, Brazil Raoni chief Metuktire gestures during a press conference in Piaracu village in Mato Grasso state Raoni chief Metuktire -- seen here with a labret or ceremonial disc worn by warriors on their lower lip -- says he will ask Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro "why he speaks so badly of the indigenous peoples" An indigenous tribesman listens to Metuktire during a press conference in Piaracu village, near Sao Jose do Xingu in Brazi's Mato Grosso state
Online streaming major Netflix has announced four new India original films, due to be out soon. While one of these will be directed by Anurag Kashyap, another features the director in a lead role. After the success of Lust Stories and Ghost Stories, Netflix also announced another anthology of four films produced by Karan Johar.

Sharing the details on social media, the official handle of Netflix posted the following message: Its only January but this year already feels like a 20/20. Were pleased to announce 4 more Indian films coming your way.

One of the films is titled Choked and will be directed by Anurag Kashyap. It stars Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew in the lead role. I have found a home in Netflix and with every project, I do with them, I feel like Im able to push my creative boundaries a little more. Choked is unlike anything Ive done before, much like all my outings with Netflix, and is a story that, I believe will appeal to a varied audience, the director said in a statement.

Vikramaditya Motwane is helming the second film, AK vs AK, that will feature Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap in titular roles. The film will have a film director, desperately searching for his next hit, kidnapping the daughter of a well-known movie star.

Also read: Malang title song: Disha Patani sizzles in a bikini, falls in love with Aditya Roy Kapur in this Goa advertorial, watch

Netflix also announced an untitled anthology of four films produced by Karan Johar and Dharmatic, starring Shefali Shah, Manav Kaul, Nusrat Bharucha, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Jaideep Ahlawat .

Freedom will be directed by Dibakar Banerjee and has Naseeruddin Shah, Manisha Koirala, Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin, Divya Dutta, Zoya Husain, Shashank Arora, and Neeraj Kabi in its cast.

Meanwhile, comedian Vir Das will return to Netflix for his upcoming stand-up special, Vir Das: For India, premiering on 26 January. He has become one of six global talents to have three stand-up specials on the streaming service. The comedian has previously collaborated with Netflix on 2017s A Broad Understanding and 2018s Losing It.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
[January 15, 2020] CIRA is funding digital literacy, cybersecurity, and internet infrastructure projects through $1+ million fund This year's granting program is open to all Canadians, but preference will be given to internet-related projects that benefit students as well as rural, northern, and Indigenous communities

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is announcing the opening of its annual $1+ million Community Investment Program granting initiative for 2020. Beginning today, not-for-profits, charities, and researchers are invited to apply for funding that will improve the health and quality of Canada's internet. Applicants have until Feb. 25, 2020 at 2 p.m. EST to submit their application online. The Community Investment Program focuses on internet-related projects in Canada and awards grants of up to $100,000, including one grant of up to $250,000. To ensure support for digital projects in underserved areas and communities, this year's granting cycle will give preference to initiatives that benefit students and rural, northern and Indigenous communities. CIRA is looking for projects in these four areas: Infrastructure research or projects that improve internet speed, access, and costs.

research or projects that improve internet speed, access, and costs. Digital literacy tools, research, and training programs to develop digital skills.

tools, research, and training programs to develop digital skills. Cybersecurity projects or research that promote users' safety online.

projects or research that promote users' safety online. Community leadership initiatives including events or research that engage Canadians in domestic internet policy issues. Since 2014, CIRA's Community Investment Program grants have provided $6.7 million in funding for 151 projects across Canada. To learn more about the program, funding categories, and projects that CIRA has supported in the past, head tocira.ca/grants. Executive Quote

"Since 2014 we've funded more than 150 internet projects from coast to coast to coast. Now we're focusing in on some of Canada's hardest to reach places. We're especially looking for projects that benefit students as well as people in rural, northern and Indigenous communities who for too long have faced barriers to participating in Canada's digital economy. We hope our Community Investment Program grants can help teach our youth the digital skills they need to be safe online, and fill the gaps in education and internet access for people in under-served areas of Canada. --David Fowler, vice-president, marketing and communications Who can apply? Organizations recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities

Not-for-profit organizations; and,

Academics and researchers affiliated with a Canadian university or college. Applications for this round of funding will be accepted until 2 p.m. EST, February 25, 2020. Examples of past projects awarded funding CompuCorps' Indige-preneurs program provides digital literacy workshops for Indigenous women focused on building an online business.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council and University of Alberta researchers created resources to support citizen decision-making regarding broadband deployment in the Northwest Territories .

researchers created resources to support citizen decision-making regarding broadband deployment in the . SimpleCell is an infrastructure project that allows residents without high-speed internet to access it from their cell phones and mobile devices within the historical Francophone region of the Port au Port Peninsula in Newfoundland . About CIRA and the Community Investment Program

CIRA is best known for our role managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. While this remains our primary mandate, as a member-based not-for-profit ourselves, we have a much broader goal to strengthen Canada's internet. The Community Investment Program is one of our most valuable contributions toward this goal and funds projects in infrastructure, digital literacy, cybersecurity and community leadership. Every .CA domain name registered or renewed contributes to this program. To date, CIRA has supported 151 projects with over $6.7 million in contributions. SOURCE Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

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Two are freshmen  Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando, and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on a congressional staff during President Richard Nixon's impeachment  he resigned before the full House voted on the charges  and then being an elected lawmaker during Clinton's.
Shares of telecom firms Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea were trading higher in early trade, ahead of hearing over review petitions filed by telecom companies against Supreme Court's (SC) verdict on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. The hearing will be conducted in closed chambers of Supreme Court at 1:50 pm on Thursday. Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had called for an open court hearing.

Telecom companies, who have to pay pending AGR dues worth Rs 92,000 crore to the DoT by January 23, had sought urgent relief on SC's verdict earlier this month. With the payment deadline approaching, telecom players have expressed their inability to pay AGR dues.

Ahead of the verdict, shares of the two telecom majors were trading higher, with Vodafone Idea stock rising 2.67%, followed by 1.55% rise in share price of Bharti Airtel.

Bharti Airtel stock price rose to the intraday high of Rs 476.75, rising 1.9% with 1.74 lakh and 81.40 lakh shares trading on BSE and NSE.

Similarly, Vodafone Idea share price rose 5.16% intraday to Rs 6.31, with 158.79 lakh and 1404.35 lakh shares trading on both exchanges.

The review petitions will be heard 'in-chamber' by the same three-judge bench led by Justice Arun Mishra, which had delivered the October 24 order that backed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the case. The other two members on the bench are Justices AA Nazeer and MR Shah.

Share price of Bharti Airtel has risen 3.15% in one week, 12.45% in one month and 55% in a year. Contrary to this, Vodafone shares have fallen 1.5% in a week, 6.81% in 30 days and 72% during last one year.

AGR verdict: Supreme Court to hear telcos' review pleas today

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea seek urgent hearing of review petitions on pending AGR dues
KYIV, Ukraine - Police in Ukraine are investigating whether the U.S. ambassador came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before the Trump administration recalled her from Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities said Thursday.

The announcement came two days after Democratic lawmakers in the United States released documents and text messages that showed an associate of President Donald Trumps personal lawyer communicating with Rudy Giuliani about Ambassador Marie Yovanovitchs r emoval.

In announcing the investigation, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said the countrys police are not interfering in the internal political affairs of the United States by conducting the probe.

The ambassadors firing last spring was at the centre of the inquiry launched by House Democrats that led to the presidents impeachment. But it was the trove of newly released information from smartphones belonging to Giuliani associate Lev Parnas that prompted the Ukrainian police investigation.

In text messages to Parnas, Republican congressional candidate Robert F. Hyde gave updates on Yovanovitchs location and cellphone use. Hyde suggested in a tweet this week that the messages that made it sound like the ambassador was being watched were a joke.

Parnas has said Hydes texts shouldnt be taken seriously, but officials in Ukraine indicated they have a legal obligation to determine if the former ambassador was subject to surveillance by an unknown party.

The published messages contain facts of possible violations of Ukrainian law and of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which protect the rights of diplomats on the territory of another state, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The Interior Ministry said it has asked the FBI to provide relevant materials. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov also suggested that the U.S. side take part in the investigation, the statement said.

There was no immediate comment from the State Department  which one former diplomat assessed as extraordinary.

This has to be a first in American history, Nick Burns, who rose to become the third-ranking official at the State Department before his retirement, wrote on Twitter. A foreign government rushing to the defence of a senior U.S. career ambassador to defend her from people deputized by the President of the United States. And the Secretary of State refuses to say one word in her defence.

Democrats in the House of Representatives released the documents, text messages and photos from Parnas phones this week as they prepared to send articles of impeachment to the Senate for Trumps trial.

The communications included Hyde and Parnas exchanges about Yovanovitch.

Shes talked to three people. Her phone is off. Her computer is off, Hyde wrote in one message. He said the ambassador was under heavy security and we have a person inside.

Hyde texted: They are willing to help if we/you would like a price, and guess you can do anything in Ukraine with money ... is what I was told.

Parnas texted back: lol.

In another move touching on the Trump impeachment, Ukraine said it was opening an investigation into reports that Russian hackers gained access to computers of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Hunter Biden, the son of Trump opponent and former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden, was on the board of that company. The impeachment inquiry began with allegations that Trump had tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy into investigating Burisma by withholding promised military aid.

The FBI also has been invited to take part in the Burisma hacking investigation, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said.

___

Jim Heintz in Moscow and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this story.
Artificial intelligence may make it easier than ever to distort what is supposed to be a critical avenue of public feedback into another tool of manipulation, according to paper published this month in Technology Science.

In 2017, millions of comments addressing the end of net neutrality were uploaded to the Federal Communications Commission's comment site. Of the millions of comments submitted, the vast majority were generated using unsophisticated search and replace techniques, wherein the same base comment was repeatedly submitted with several key words changed each time, making it relatively simple for researchers to spot and separate them from the real, organic feedback.

Harvard College senior Michael Weiss, however, argued in his paper that emerging technology is now capable of developing "highly convincing natural language generation that ... makes it nearly impossible to distinguish whether online speech originated from a person or a computer program." Such speech, dubbed "deepfake text," demonstrates how federal agencies' reliance on online feedback for its rules and regulations has "become highly vulnerable to automated manipulation by motivated actors."

Out of the 22 million comments submitted during the net neutrality debate, 17 million (or about 77%) supported repealing the Obama-era rules. When researchers stripped out the likely fakes, only 800,000 authentic responses remained, and they told a dramatically different story. Researchers found the vast majority of the authentic comments supported net neutrality, as high as 99% in some cases.

Machine learning tools can generate nearly infinite variations of fake speech at scale. Using a natural language processing framework developed by OpenAI, a bot program and a proxy server, Weiss turned his attention to a public comment page on Medicaid.gov dealing with a proposed waiver for Idaho residents, where he generated more than a thousand "highly relevant" and unique 75-100 word comments.

Most of the comments opposed the waiver, but others were supportive or neutral, helping to make the illusion more realistic. They ranged from sentiments that residents would be buried in red tape and assertions that the new rules would not meaningfully improve employment among recipients to arguments that the waiver was immoral and would create a new costly government program. There were even comments from bots using their own fake family experiences make their case. Many used completely different writing styles, attitudes and insight.

In all, the fake text made up more than half of the 1,810 comments submitted for the proposal, after which Weiss voluntarily withdrew them. At a certain point the site began blocking comments from one of the IP addresses, but the others were able to continue their submissions undetected.

"This project shows that deepfake comments can be submitted to and accepted by a federal public comment website at scale and, once submitted, cannot be distinguished from other comments by human inspection," Weiss wrote.

The findings point to a potentially ominous future for how the federal government processes feedback from the public online. As Weiss pointed out, most federal agencies design their comment systems for convenience, with few if any protections in place to prevent spamming by bots.

An investigation by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee looking at 14 agencies' processes for submitting public comments found many of the same problems, and It's unclear what policymakers can do to address the problem.

Blocking of IP addresses can be evaded relatively easily, and the more aggressive an agency is, the more it risks doing the very thing it's fighting against: drowning out legitimate voices from citizens. Both the Senate investigation and Weiss recommended implementing CAPTCHA technologies, while other options like two-factor authentication could help, though they're far from foolproof.

Weiss argued that rather than a single permanent solution, it will likely be a long-term battle between technologies that detect and obfuscate such behavior. Still, it may be the best path with the least collateral blowback.

"One could imagine a smorgasbord of policy big sticks with threats and criminal penalties," Weiss wrote. "But society seems better off playing the technology cat-and-mouse game than risking draconian policies that may drive the ability to actually witness imbalances and fix them."

This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN.
Industry body SIAM on January 16 said it expects that Auto Expo-Motor Show 2020 will help reviving the sector, which has reported the worst-ever decline in volume in the previous year. Outlining the contours of the 6-day mega industry event, scheduled to be held in Greater Noida from February 7, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers ( SIAM) deputy director general Sugato Sen also said at this year's show as many as 65 various launches are expected as against 80 toll outs by the SIAM members during the 2018 show.

Besides, as many as 75 per cent of the passenger vehicle makers and 75 per cent of the commercial vehicle manufacturers are likely to participate in the mega industry event.

He also said that despite the Motor Show being hosted under "difficult circumstances", the footfall are expected to be the same as in the previous shows.

"The year 2020 will be generally negative in terms of volume. But we will be hoping the 2020 Motor show will be the launching pad for the revival of the industry," Sen said.

'Explore the World of Mobility' is the theme of the 15th edition of the show which is in line with the industry's vision and message of technology, capability - for a safer, cleaner, connected, bespoke and shared mobility for tomorrow, SIAM said.

"Despite facing severe business challenges this year at Auto Expo, the industry will get together and put the best efforts to give a new dimension and feel to the visitors, enabling them to Explore the World of Mobility.

"The 15th Edittion will be the auto show will be one of the cleanest & greenest expo ever with complete range of clean & green vehicles," Gurpratap Boparai, Chairman, SIAM Trade Fair Group and Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited said.

The show will also feature new emission technology products and vehicles with more stringent safety standards under one roof, SIAM said, adding the auto show will not just be a futuristic perspective of the Indian auto industry but will also showcase Indian automotive industry's preparedness to adopt the BSVI norms.

The new emission standards are set to come into force from April 1.

The Expo will witness many new entrants including startups who are participating and showcasing their products and technologies in green mobility.

The show will also see the participation of some of the non-automotive companies such as Reliance Jio, among others.
We must move beyond traditional notions of conservation if we hope to prevent widespread collapse of ecosystems, writes Linda Krueger.

THIS October, representatives of the 196 parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will gather in Kunming, China, to finalise a new Global Biodiversity Framework.

Like the 2015 Paris climate accord, this new agreement could mark a turning point in how we manage our relationship to nature.

But biodiversity advocates must learn an important lesson from climate activists.

Global climate action gained momentum only after it became clear that the issue was about more than the environment, and would require a transformation of transport, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and many industries.

Likewise, the rapid loss of biodiversity that we are witnessing is about much more than nature. The collapse of ecosystems will threaten the wellbeing and livelihoods of everyone on the planet.

Accordingly, the CBD must move beyond traditional notions of conservation to engage with all relevant sectors of the economy and civil society.

Since its creation following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the CBD has been largely successful in pushing countries to establish new protected areas, such that nearly 15% of global land areas are now under some sort of park designation (though the share of protected marine areas is much smaller).

But despite this relative success, biodiversity loss has continued, suggesting that the creation of nature refuges is necessary, but not sufficient.

To slow and halt the rapid decline of species and habitats, we must address how human societies manage land and seascapes and the resources that are being extracted from them.

As it stands, all of our economic incentives are geared toward encouraging activities that drive the loss of bio-diversity.

Agriculture, infrastructure, and urban areas are all rapidly expanding, as are extractive industries like forestry, mining, and fishing.

In addition to converting landscapes directly, these practices can disrupt natural habitats and degrade much larger areas, by creating access points for illegal hunting, logging, and other activities. Pollutants, runoff, as well as industrial and agricultural water usage, cause still more damage.

A mere 5% of the planets land surface remains unaltered by human activities  and that share is likely to shrink further unless we institute changes soon.

A 2015 study by scientists from The Nature Conservancy found that if current trends hold, the construction of roads and energy infrastructure (including renewables), together with mining and agriculture, threatens to double the conversion of remaining intact wild areas in South America, and to triple converted lands in Africa by 2050.

Responsibility for protecting the natural world has traditionally fallen to environment ministries, park managers, and conservationists, all of whom will be at the negotiating table this year.

But to be truly transformational, the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework must also involve finance, planning, transportation, energy, and agriculture officials, particularly those with the clout to effect change across entire economies.

Agriculture ministries are critical for maintaining natural habitats and protecting biodiversity corridors for pollinators and other wildlife.

To slow habitat conversion, governments can make agricultural subsidies conditional on environmental considerations, and require foreign agribusinesses to prove that imports are produced without converting natural habitats.

Similarly, energy generation, transportation, and infrastructure are all major drivers of biodiversity loss, requiring more robust planning and mitigation efforts by ministries far beyond those charged with conservation.

Whether by regulation or incentives, governments must do more to minimise the impact of these activities on nature.

And when avoidance is impossible, projects should be required to compensate for biodiversity loss by investing in the restoration of degraded or deforested lands. To that end, the new framework should establish guidelines for how specific sectors can improve over time.

ENSURING real accountability and transparency requires a clear agenda. But what, specifically, should countries be accountable for?

The Nature Conservancy has proposed a metric based on the net gain for nature, which would enable parties to show year-on-year improvements in the condition of natural habitats, and of biodiversity within production landscapes such as agricultural lands.

Admittedly, this kind of indicator is harder to measure than are more standard benchmarks such as protected acreage. But with new, low-cost spatial technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, the data needed to measure progress is now well within reach.

Ideally, we would assess the conditions of every habitat at a global scale, forming a detailed understanding of all ecosystems. And with these data sets, we could then monitor progress in habitats by country, ecoregion, or biome.

Saving nature is not a task for government alone; it must be a whole-of-society effort. Even with optimal legislation and enforcement, governments probably cannot eliminate all of the main drivers of biodiversity loss.

Support from business, local governments, indigenous communities, civil-society groups, and faith-based organisations will be essential.

A sector-based approach that supports net gains for nature can be a platform whereby all stakeholders will make voluntary commitments to our broader goals.

The international community has less than one year to negotiate a framework capable of transforming our relationship to nature.

If governments want the CBD meeting in Kunming to be a turning point, they will have to engage in the hard work of overhauling how we manage our land and sea resources through all stages of extraction, production, and consumption.

That can happen only if negotiators recognise that the Global Biodiversity Framework is not just a matter for environmentalists.

Linda Krueger is senior policy adviser at The Nature Conservancy.
The day the trailer of the film Shikara [on the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits] was released, a few of my Pandit friends gathered at my home. We watched the trailer together, after which there was complete silence in the room. I did not raise my gaze and look at them. The hoarfrost of our hearts was shaken up by a call I received from a journalist friend in Jammu whose family spent several years in a refugee camp through the 90s. He spoke in a hurry, as if he were running out of time, as if his survival depended on the testimony he was to share at that moment. Responding to a scene in the trailer where a group of Pandit refugees are seen running after a truckload of tomatoes, he said the scene was true; he said he had witnessed it time and again in the refugee camp: trucks coming with relief material such as rice, vegetables, or kerosene oil.

The friend had received a Crompton Greaves table fan as part of relief material in those days. His family has still kept it, though it stopped working years ago. We just cannot part with it, he said.

Most of us have kept such things. It has been 30 years since we were forced out of home in an Islamist euphoria in which many of our Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues got swayed.

We are tired now. We dont even come out on January 19, a day which we mark as the beginning of exodus from Kashmir Valley. We have gone silent about it and found other ways of dealing with the bitterness. But we have kept things. This is because so much untruth has been said about us that sometimes we need to make sure ourselves that the exodus happened, and that we became refugees in our country.

Like my friend, many of us have kept blankets that we got as relief in those days. I remember in 1990 standing in exile outside the home of a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary near my one-room dwelling in Jammu who was coordinating relief distribution in the area. I was 14.

At an age when I would have wanted to display a little machismo to impress girls in my school, I waited helplessly outside that mans house, trying to overcome my humiliation. I wanted to run away, but we barely had anything to sleep upon. Our landlady had given us two durries, but mother said they smelt of rat urine. So, we badly needed that blanket. I bit my cheek and entered. As soon as I got hold of it, I closed my eyes and ran. The blanket stayed with us for several years till my parents shifted to Delhi.

Sometimes our liberal friends complain that our story has been militarised. Some say that many of us have become bigots by supporting Narendra Modi and because a few Pandits keep trolling some prominent journalists and academicians on Twitter.

But give us some leeway. My people may unsparingly use the term Presstitute (including on me, sometimes), but they have not taken up the gun. We have not killed anyone; we have not burnt buses. We have not gone to any Muslim locality and taunted people with slogans that would remind them of, say, Babri Masjid demolition.

But spare a thought about what trauma is inflicted upon us. Our friends are going out in protest marches and shouting Azadi slogans till their voice goes hoarse. They say they want Azadi from communal politics, Azadi from so many other things they think ail India right now. They say it has nothing to do with the slogans in Kashmir. But, for a moment, step into our shoes. In 1990, thousands of people were shouting these slogans on the streets of Kashmir, from its mosques all over, while baying for the blood of the minority Hindus.

These slogans were reverberating when a Pandit womans appendix burst because the doctors in her district hospital in South Kashmir refused to operate upon her. Finally, after a lot of pleading, a Muslim doctor (whose kids were taught by one of ladys relatives) operated upon her secretly. The Azadi slogans were still on as she was put on a mattress in a truck shortly afterwards, to Jammu, where she received proper treatment. The ladys son, a boy then, became a lone wolf  not to ram trucks into innocent people, but to study medicine and become a doctor, who is now based in New Zealand.

In the last three decades we have known of so many elderly people, who, on their deathbeds, wished to just be taken home. We had a way of life, we had our Gods, our language, our festivals, our rituals. They are all vanishing in our collective memory. In exile, we put pictures of our symbolic celebration of rituals on Instagram, more as an assurance to ourselves than to others  assurance that we are a people who are still alive; that our ties with our homeland have not been severed.

We are not fools. We are not in whataboutery, pinning blame of our exodus on people who are young and want to fight a battle for their idea of India. We do not want to belittle the struggle of Shaheen Bagh. We dont want our story to be used to exact revenge on anyone. But at least show us a little empathy. Remember what demons come to revisit us when you shout those slogans.

After the Shikara trailer was out, a Pandit lady wrote on Facebook how her father was forced to join the Azadi procession in Srinagar in 1990 and had to flash a V sign to escape being singled out. Kashmiri blogger Vinayak Razdan shared a paper by a scholar that claimed Pandits were quite compatible with the separatist ideologies, and participated in anti-India marches.

It is this blatant whitewash that has given Kashmiri terrorists the image of Gandhians.

Remember, a killer called Farooq Dar alias Bitta Karate (from the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front) would roam around in downtown Srinagar with his pistol, searching for Batte Mushk (the smell of a Pandit), in order to find one and then kill him? Even then, Azadi slogans were running in the background. Show us a little empathy because, (Article) 370 or not, he has still not been tried for these murders.

The man who participated by coercion in the Azadi march that day in Srinagar is an invalid, today. He cannot even speak. His birthday is on February 7. Shikara releases on February 7. I hope that the man and all of us get some closure. I hope we never hear that slogan again.

Rahul Pandita is an author and the co-writer of Shikara: The untold story of Kashmiri Pandits
China-invested Letpadaung copper mine brings tangible benefits to Sagaing Region, Myanmar

Global Times

By Sun Guangyong (People's Daily) 16:00, January 15, 2020

Letpadaung copper mine project in Monywa, Sagaing Region of Myanmar, as one of the demonstration projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has brought tangible benefits to Sagaing Region.

Operated by China's Wanbao Mining Ltd. and with a predicted production life of around 30 years, the Letpadaung copper mine is so far one of the largest copper hydrometallurgy projects in Asia.

Attaching high importance to its social responsibility, the Chinese company has endeavored to carry out community assistance and development programmes in the locality of the copper mine, creating an economic ecosphere featuring organic integration with the Letpadaung copper mine as the core.

"The Letpadaung copper mine has realized win-win results for five parties, including Chinese companies and their Myanmar cooperative partners, as well as the government of Myanmar, adjacent communities of the project, and employees in the copper mine, who have gained long-term and stable revenues and earnings from the project," said U Tin Aye, former chairman of Myanmar's Union Election Commission (UEC).

The project is of profound significance for Myanmar's national economic development, and the improvement of people's living standards, U Tin Aye told People's Daily.

Various equipment used in the Letpadaung copper mine is purchased from around the globe, and the technological level and the mine's capacity for processing and management are all among the best in the world. In addition, the amount of taxes paid by the project is also among the highest in foreign-funded enterprises in Myanmar.

The Letpadaung copper mine has realized high-quality development through promoting improvement in quality and efficiency. In 2018, the mine's output of cathode copper had exceeded 100,000 tonnes for the first time since it was put into operation, and the cathode copper yield of the mine reached 120,000 tonnes in 2019.

"The technology applied by the Letpadaung copper mine is recognized as the most environmentally friendly technology of copper hydrometallurgy in the world. The project has gained environment control qualifications from international certification authorities for all relevant processes. It can stand any test," said an executive of the mine.

The quality of products produced in the Letpadaung copper mine has gained recognition from more and more countries as their understanding of the project increases with each passing day, stressed the executive.

In the mine lot, waste rocks are piled up neatly, and every slope is covered with trees, shrubs, and grass, which makes the slopes look like terraced fields if seen from a distance.

In order to maintain a good natural environment in the area, the Letpadaung copper mine project has carried out continued efforts to monitor such aspects in the project area and its surrounding communities as surface water, underground water, air, noise, and soil. New monitoring points are constantly added to the project with the improvement in the production facilities of the project.

According to executives of the project, the Letpadaung copper mine has invited international authoritative agencies in environmental assessment to formulate plans for environmental management and monitoring and reports on the environmental and social influence of the project.

The project has applied high international standards on environmental protection and strict environmental protection measures, endeavoring to reduce its impact on the environment, disclosed relevant executives of the project.

"Wanbao Mining Ltd. pays high attention to sustainable development. It has adhered to the principle of exploitation while reclamation, endeavoring to build a green mine. So far the company has reclaimed a total of 360,000 square meters of land, and the first batch of shrubs planted in the area have reached the height of a man," an executive at the mine lot told People's Daily.

At present, the number of Burmese employees in the project has exceeded 3,500, accounting for 90 percent of the total staff members in the project. The project has provided training in various professional skills for more than 8,000 people.

According to a Burmese assistant engineer in the project, his salary is far higher than the average pay level of the locality.

"My family is now building a new house, which costs about $40,000. All the money is from my salary. My friends all envy my opportunity to work in the Letpadaung copper mine. And the fellow students in my old school have asked me when the mine will start new recruitment and how can they be prepared for the jobs," said the assistant engineer.

In the evening, a room in the project area is usually brightly lit, with all the tables filled with employees learning Chinese. Meanwhile, a vocational school in the area, which covers an area of about 40,000 square meters, is gradually taking shape.

Wanbao Mining Ltd. plans to open an international vocational school to offer continued, professional, and systematic training in vocational skills for employees, so as to promote the development of vocational education in the locality of the project and provide intellectual and technological support for the economic and social development of the surrounding areas of the project.

Besides promoting economic development of Myanmar, the copper mine has also brought significant benefits to the local people of Myanmar since its completion.

Under the concept of "extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits", Wanbao Mining Ltd. has helped more than 30 villages near the mine embark on a path to prosperity.

In an effort to improve the living conditions of the people living in areas adjacent to the project, the Chinese company and its cooperative partners have established a specialized fund for the social development of the neighboring communities.

By the end of 2019, the project has accumulatively invested about $8 million in multiple fields, including repairing roads, supply of water, supply of electricity, education, medical care and health, significantly improving the infrastructure and people's living standards for the local communities.

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China helps Myanmar solve electricity shortage

Global Times

(People's Daily) 15:53, January 15, 2020

Chinese electricity companies have been working with local residents in Myanmar to help the latter tackle electricity shortages.

Of Myanmar's 10.88 million households, half have experienced electricity shortages and about 43,000 villages have yet to be connected to the national electricity network.

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi had said that to improve people's livelihood, the first thing to do is to develop the electricity industry.

To increase electricity supply and develop the electricity industry is the priority task of the Myanmar government, as well as the urgent need of the country to boost economy and improve people's well-being.

U Thaung Tun, Myanmar's Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, expressed that Myanmar is willing to accelerate implementation of cooperative projects with China in key fields such as electricity and transportation.

According to credible sources, currently about half of Myanmar is connected with electricity and the country is expected to achieve full electricity coverage by 2030.

With street lamps, the road connecting Mandalay, Naypyidaw and Yangon has become much busier than before.

"Myanmar's economy is constantly developing. To address electricity shortages, Chinese companies and their Burmese counterparts are conducting comprehensive cooperation in power source construction, power transmission and distribution, and electric technology," said Tan Shufu, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

To strengthen electricity cooperation is an important part of the co-construction of the Belt and Road between China and Myanmar, said U Win Khaing, Myanmar's Union Minister for Electricity and Energy.

Such cooperation is vital for the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), and will accelerate infrastructure connectivity of the whole region, the minister said, adding that Myanmar is willing to work with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the CMEC to further China-Myanmar electricity and energy cooperation, achieve win-win outcomes and push bilateral relations for new progress.

U Win Khaing recently attended the opening ceremony of the Shwebo transformer substation in Shwebo of Myanmar's northwestern Sagaing region. The 230 KV power transmission line and substation project was built by State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC). It could deliver electricity from northern Myanmar to the demand centers in the southern part of the country and satisfy industrial, commercial and residential demands.

The transmission capacity of the double-circuit transmission line between the state of Kachin and the 230 KV power transmission line and substation project could reach 640,000 kilowatts. Running nonstop with a full load in a year, the project could transmit 5.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity.

The project gives Sagaing economical and stable electricity supply and brings tangible benefits to local residents, said Chief Minister of Sagaing U Myint Naing.

Within two years, the number of hotels in Shwebo has exceeded 20. At night, the streets are illuminated and shops on both sides of the street are decorated in colorful lights, making the fruits displayed for sale more attractive.

"More and more people now like to take a walk, dine or go shopping at night, making the city livelier. Now, electricity outages and circuit breaker tripping are a thing of the past. With stable electricity supply, I haven't used the electricity generator for a long time," said a local resident.

Built in 2004, the Shwebo Industrial Zone is home to about 200 companies, such as rice processing companies and home appliance manufacturers.

According to the person in charge of the zone, the place was supported by a power transmission line and a substation project, but as the electricity network was aging and the power supply was insufficient, it had experienced frequent circuit breaker tripping and power outages. As companies complained a lot about this, it was difficult to attract more investment.

Now, with electricity shortage no longer a problem, more and more companies are planning to enter the industrial zone, he said.

The Thaketa gas-fired combined cycle power plant in Thaketa township, Yangon is also constructed and operated by a Chinese company.

Having the highest level of operational efficiency and being the most energy-efficient gas-fired power plant in Myanmar, the power produced by the plant accounts for 15 percent of local electricity consumption.

In November 2019, PowerChina Resources Limited, the overseas investment arm of POWERCHINA, signed an agreement with the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise to purchase electricity from the Kyaukpyu gas-fired power plant.

The Kyaukpyu gas-fired power plant, adopting gas-fired turbines and steam turbines, could generate one billion kilowatt hours of electricity upon completion. It will greatly improve power supply to the surrounding areas, give a boost to local economy, create employment, and support the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

Over the past three years, Myanmar's Ministry of Electricity and Energy has been increasing power supply at an annual rate of 12 percent, said U Win Khaing.

"A lot of Chinese electricity companies have come to Myanmar to make contribution to our electricity development. They are very welcomed by the Myanmar society and their power production and transmission projects have demonstrated the strength of Chinese companies in electricity infrastructure construction," said the minister.

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President Donald Trump finally got Ukraine to announce an investigation  though not the one he was hoping for.

On Thursday, Ukraine's Interior Ministry announced a criminal probe into alleged surveillance against then-US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch by people linked to Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The investigation provides a stark counterpoint to Trump's own attempt to coerce Ukraine's president to announce an investigation of his political rival, and what it reveals could deepen the controversy over Trump's actions beyond his impeachment trial.

First, the speed with which Ukraine opened this investigation shows that, given a valid basis, it would not hesitate to investigate potential criminal activity. The Interior Ministry moved just days after public disclosure of text messages between Lev Parnas, an associate of Giuliani's, and Robert Hyde, a GOP congressional candidate who claimed that he had tracked Yovanovitch.

By contrast, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky resisted Trump's demands last year for an announcement of an investigation into the Bidens. Zelensky was reluctant even though he had much to gain from complying with Trump's demand, including vital military aid to counter Russian aggression and, possibly, an official welcome at the White House.

This suggests that Trump's demand to investigate the Bidens wasn't based on facts or evidence but was an effort to gain an advantage in the 2020 election.

Second, Ukraine's Interior Ministry noted that it would be asking the FBI to help in its investigation. This is a reminder that there are formal channels that countries use and jurisdictional boundaries that they respect when undertaking investigations like this. Countries that have good faith concerns about wrongdoing will take the lead in investigating them, if possible, seeking support from other countries only when necessary.

Trump and his cronies did none of this. They circumvented formal channels, asking Zelensky to coordinate with Trump's personal lawyer instead of the government. Though the US had jurisdiction over the Bidens, Trump ignored extensive US corruption statutes and outsourced his concern for 'corruption' to another country rather than have his own attorney general investigate. This would make sense only if the interest wasn't a real investigation, but just the specter of one held over his political opponent. Trump denies that was his intent.

Finally, Ukraine's decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding Yovanovitch's security exposes, by comparison, Attorney General William Barr's willingness to turn a blind eye to Trump's actions in Ukraine. For example, the Office of Legal Counsel, under Barr's auspices, made the legal argument (later criticized by the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency) that justified not forwarding the whistleblower's initial complaint about Trump's request of Zelensky to Congress, as required by law.

The Justice Department's criminal division, also under Barr's authority, concluded that none of the conduct outlined in that complaint warranted further investigation. Barr has refused to recuse himself from legal issues relating to Ukraine, or to appoint a special counsel in his stead, even though Trump told President Zelensky on the phone to bring Barr into the loop. (Barr denies any involvement.)

(The State Department, for its part, appears to have been shamed into declaring an investigation led by its Bureau of Security, more than 24 hours after Ukraine's announcement.)

That Ukraine is investigating possible threats against an American diplomat more aggressively than the US Department of Justice makes Barr's silence even more deafening.

Trump, Barr, and the GOP may hope that the Senate trial  which right now appears poised to acquit him on partisan lines, without calling further witnesses  will put an end to this scandal. But with Ukraine investigating the alleged surveillance on Yovanovitch, neither Trump nor his GOP supporters have control over further evidence of Trump's Ukraine plot from emerging. Ukraine's investigation may, in fact, pick up where the Senate trial leaves off, and that should worry the President.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) said on Thursday it will continue to boycott the registration process for new semester and will request the teachers' body to take parallel classes.

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) said on Thursday it will continue to boycott the registration process for new semester and will request the teachers' body to take parallel classes.

The JNUSU said, it is planning to mount an immediate legal challenge to the Inter-Hall Administration manual seeking to stay its implementation which also has provision of fee hike.

"We request the student community therefore  especially those who have not registered  to continue to boycott the registration process in the light of such a move. Our unity at this juncture is very critical," the union said in a statement.

The classes of the next semester cannot happen unless the backlog of the previous semester is cleared, it said.

The JNUSU will coordinate with the JNU Teachers' Association to undertake parallel classes on various subjects immediately, it added.

The JNUSU will pursue all manner and means of struggle to ensure that the students facing proctorial enquiries and punitive actions are not victimised and their registration is completed on a priority basis, it said.

The JNUSU will intensify its movement for the removal of vice chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, it said, adding it will take up various programmes and campaigns in support of public education and against the violence that JNU has had to face.

The JNUSU has been boycotting academic activities for close to three months over hostel fee hike.

Earlier in the day, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) said the deadline to register for the next semester has been again extended, this time till 17 January following requests from several students.
It's not clear what brought Medessa Ragsdale to Houston's Northside neighborhood in the early hours of Dec. 21, but her 44-year life met a grisly end that morning.

Three terriers got loose from their nearby yard around 5:45 a.m. and attacked Ragsdale, leaving her dead in a ditch just off Arlington Street, officials said. Her body lay there for hours while investigators at the scene probed the attack.

I dont care who the person is, nobody deserves to not be able to walk the streets, said Martha Trevino, Ragsdales aunt. Thats just unheard of.

Another woman, 49, was attacked by the same dogs in the same neighborhood that morning, though she survived, having arrived at an area hospital in stable condition, according to Houston police. She and her relatives could not be reached for comment.

Ragsdale struggled for years with substance abuse and recently shuttled in and out of correctional facilities. But those who knew her remember a caring woman with a really good heart, someone whod care for a halfway house resident with health issues or do a new friend unsolicited favors. She had her own drummer, one friend said.

Ragsdale  blonde, blue-eyed, just 5 feet tall  had a 16-year-old daughter, who Trevino said has been in the care of her grandmother for some time. And now shes lost her mother, Trevino said of the girl.

The investigation into the attack is still underway. The Harris County District Attorneys office is assisting that inquiry, though no one has been charged to date.

Assistant Houston Police Chief Pete Lopez told news media at the scene on Dec. 21 that the dogs owner, one of two people to report the attacks, could face charges. He raised negligent manslaughter as a possible offense.

There are city ordinances that forbid owners from letting animals run at large, among other rules. A state law says someone can face felony charges if he or she fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person. A Lubbock man was indicted under that law in a similar case last year.

Opinion: Punish irresponsible owners when dogs attack

Police initially said pit bulls were responsible for the Houston attack and the dogs were later identified as Staffordshire Terriers, according to Lara Cottingham, chief sustainability officer for the citys Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department, which oversees animal control.

While the American Kennel Club says the two types of dogs are distinct, many consider the Staffordshire Terrier to fall under the umbrella term of pit bulls. The city doesnt conduct genetic testing to determine the breed, identifying them instead by sight. It doesnt usually use pit bull as a breed.

All three dogs were euthanized on the day of the attack. Though neighbors said the dogs were known to be dangerous, Cottingham said the city doesnt have any record of behavioral complaints. The dogs werent licensed as required, she said.

Animal control did receive a complaint in 2017 that the home was housing too many dogs, Cottingham said. The department subsequently issued citations for three unlicensed pitbulls, which are no longer at the house and are not the dogs involved in the attack. Those dogs belonged to his son, the homeowner said at the time, according to Cottingham.

Ragsdale, whose body was identified by the Harris County Institute for Forensic Sciences, was the last of 48 people to be killed by a dog in the United States last year, according DogsBite.Org, a blog that tracks such killings.

Seven of those deaths occurred in Texas, the second-highest tally in the country after California, according to the blogs count. That number includes Elaine Richman, also of Houston, who died last February as an apparent result of bites from her two Doberman Pinschers; along with Jimmy Grigg, of Santa Fe, Texas, who was attacked by dogs belonging to a family member.

Really good heart

Ragsdale grew up in the small town of Clute, near Lake Jackson, according to Trevino. She also spent time up in Daingerfield, in northeast Texas, where her fathers family lived.

Its been a couple years since Trevino last saw Ragsdale, but she described her niece as a bright person and a fiercely loyal family member who would go to bat for anyone she loved.

She could have had any job she wanted because she was smart, she was extremely smart, Trevino said. She was outgoing, she had a temper, she would defend herself in a heartbeat.

Ragsdale started to get in trouble in the later years of high school, Trevino said, and those troubles followed her for the rest of her life.

Her first run-in with police appeared to be in 1998, when she faced a disorderly conduct charge, according to Brazoria County court records. It was the first in a string of misdemeanor charges over the next few years there.

She got messed up with some really bad people, and it went downhill from there, Trevino said.

In 2005, she pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury, family violence, for an altercation with her cousin. She was given probation that was later revoked and ultimately spent 40 days in the county jail, according to court records.

That same year, she lost custody of her child.

Medessa never gave up trying to come home, said Trevino. She was always trying.

Every time she would get out, she would say, Well Im dry now, Im going to give it my best shot. Three, four months later, wed be back at the jail.

Last year, Ragsdale discussed those efforts in a post on Facebook.

I'm definitely behind in life but I'm still not throwing in the towel  because I know that all the steps I've taken backwards or down the wrong road may not have been the direction God planned ... but ahead of time He knew I would take them and He has continued to work in me and on me.

On HoustonChronicle.com: One woman killed, another injured in vicious dog attack

On one of her Facebook accounts, Ragsdale listed two life events: quitting all mind altering substances in 2011 and being baptized in 2012. St. Johns Downtown, a United Methodist Church, confirmed the baptism, but court records show she later returned to prison on drug charges.

Ragsdale continued to go in and out of prison in recent years, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She was last released on probation in September 2017, after serving about 13 months of a 3-year sentence for a Morris County burglary.

But her generous spirit never flagged. Karen Quick, who met Ragsdale at a halfway house in 2018, remembers being devastated when she couldnt get approval to leave the facility and visit with her son. Ragsdale left for a job interview, then went out of her way to track down Quicks son and pick up the gifts he had bought his mom and the food that he had prepared for her. Quick remembers doing laundry when Ragsdale surprised her with the items later that day.

I was so happy I cried, Quick told the Chronicle. My son was very impressed with her and liked her very much.

Quick also recalled Ragsdale caring for her halfway house bunkmate, who had surgery while they were there.

She was wonderful, she worked hard, she was honest, Quick said. She was just amazing. I loved her. She was doing really good, and then she just kind of lost it a little bit.

Her daughter was always on her mind, Quick said.

I think everything she ever did to try to do better, to work so hard, she had her on mind, Quick said.

When they parted ways a few months later, Quick said Ragsdale was trying to get back to Houston.

KPRC quoted an anonymous friend who said Ragsdale, on morning of the attack, was heading to someones house to retrieve a charging cell phone when the dogs attacked.

She meant a lot to me, said Quick. There was nothing I could do, but Im so sorry. I just cant imagine the suffering she must have gone through.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com

This article has been updated to clarify the breed of dog.
When Premier Daniel Andrews criticised the display of a swastika flag in a remote Victorian town as absolutely disgusting behaviour, he was voicing the deep and widely held beliefs of Australians generally.

Yet the state has no apparent powers to intervene. Not the police, nor the local government, nor any other authority. There simply are no laws restricting the flaunting of odious symbols such as the swastika.

A Nazi flag flying over a home in the Victorian town of Beulah.

In the past few decades, though, several European countries have banned displays of the swastika, which was notoriously usurped by the Nazi Party of Germany and came to signify all that was hateful, racist and tyrannical about its ideology.
Opposition leader Kem Sokha told VOA Khmer he would spend more time to explain to the court and prosecution his work as a human rights activist and politician, which he said they were characterizing as an attempt to start a revolution.

Kem Sokha spoke to VOA Khmer Thursday morning as he departed for the second day of his treason trial, which began on Wednesday. The opposition leader said he had only worked in his political and human rights careers to empower those who were fearful, uninformed, and hungry.

What I am doing is for democracy and human rights, he said outside his home in Tuol Kork. I am not sure if they understand it or not.

He said any activities he conducted in the political sphere were only linked to winning elections and were in no way a color revolution. The government has characterized Kem Sokhas work, going as far back as 1993, as a so-called color revolution to bring down the Hun Sen government.

I believe that if we do not do anything wrong then there will always be primarily justice in our hearts, he said, before getting into his car. That would be considered a success.

Kem Sokha also recounted that he questioned the court on his treason charge saying that the Criminal Code was enforced in 2010, but that his alleged crimes were, according to the court, dating back to 1993.

The court has resumed the trial hearing Thursday morning, where the judges will delve into Kem Sokha work from 2008 till he was arrested in 2017.
The pilot of the Delta Air Lines flight that dumped jet fuel on a Los Angeles area school failed to warn authorities or follow procedure before releasing the petrol, a transcript from the emergency shows.

The Tuesday incident resulted in more than 60 people being treated who were in the schoolyard and surrounding buildings, including at least 20 children. The Los Angeles Fire Department, which responded to the incident, has reported that none of the injuries were serious, and nobody was taken to the hospital.

Audio transcripts from the flight roughly 25 minute affair show the pilot initially radioed in to air traffic control at Los Angeles International Airport roughly five minutes into the flight to Shanghai, to report that he was having issues with the right engine of his jet.

But, when the controller asked whether he needed to return to the airport or to hold to burn fuel, the pilot then responded that he had "it back under control. He indicated from there that he would slow down and return to the airport.

When pressed by the air traffic controller  OK, so you dont need to hold to dump fuel or anything like that?  the pilot responded to signal he could handle it: Negative.

A Delta Air Lines jet at Los Angeles International Airport (Reuters)

Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Show all 6 1 /6 Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Boeing 737 aeroplanes are parked in the employee car park of Boeing's Seattle factory King 5 Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Seen above the car park is the full storage area for planes at Boeing's Seattle factory D. Permadi Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Six 737s are currently being stored in the car park as they have not been delivered from the factory due to the model being grounded following two major crashes Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Boeing has incurred first quarter losses of around $1 billion following the crashes and ensuing controversy King 5 Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures The company grounded their 737 model in March following their second deadly crash in months King 5 Boeing parks grounded 737 planes in employee car park: In pictures Seen above the car park is the full storage area for planes at Boeing's Seattle factory

The pilot ultimately did release the fuel, however, less than 20 minutes later while flying at about 2,300 feet above Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy, a community in Los Angeles County that the Los Angeles Times reports has been at the centre of environmental concerns and injustices for decades.

The decision to release fuel at such a low altitude and in a populated area runs against guidelines provided by federal regulators, which suggest discharges at higher elevation so that the fuel can dissipate before hitting the ground.

Typically, pilots try to dump fuel above 10,000 feet so the fuel can be atomized, and Boeing has said that an altitude of 5,000 or above will be enough for the fuel to dissipate. The Delta pilot dumped his fuel at around 2,300 feet.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines do allow for lower dumps of at least 2,000 feet above anything on the ground within five miles.

But dumping fuel itself is not unheard of in emergencies, even if pilots are told to fly to remote areas for the manoeuvre, including over open ocean. Under normal circumstances, pilots will notify air traffic control about their need to dump fuel because of emergency, and then be directed to an appropriate area for doing so.

In this emergency situation, the fuel-dumping procedure did not occur at an optimal altitude that would have allowed the fuel to atomize properly, the FAA said in a statement following the incident.

A Delta spokesperson said that the pilot needed to dump fuel over an urban area to reduce the planes weight before its return landing.
Jimmy Meders (pictured) has been granted clemency just six hours before his scheduled execution by lethal injection

A Georgia murderer scheduled for execution on Thursday was granted clemency just six hours before his death and will now serve life in jail without parole.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles made the ruling early Thursday afternoon that Jimmy Meders, 58, would not undergo execution by lethal injection at 7pm.

Meders was convicted in the 1987 slaying of Glynn County convenience store clerk Don Anderson during a robbery.

He is said to have shot Anderson in the chest before shooting him in the head and walking out with $38.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles made the decision after holding a closed-door clemency hearing on Wednesday.

The Board reportedly considered several factors including, Meders' lack of prior criminal record, the fact he only had one minor infraction during all 30 years on death row and the jury's wish during deliberations to impose a life without parole sentence.

They also considered the support from clemency from the jurors still living.

The clemency application stated that 'every single living juror' confirmed that would have been their verdict if given the option.

Pictured: The State Board of Pardons and Paroles released a press release stating that the decision came after a clemency hearing on Wednesday

Mike Admirand, Meders' attorney, with the Southern Center for Human Rights said they are 'deeply grateful.'

'The boards critically important role in showing mercy in these rare circumstances cannot be overstated,' he said.

'By taking this action, this parole board has made real the intent of the jury to sentence Jimmy to life without parole, and not death.'

Meders was set to be the 53rd prisoner put to death by lethal injection in Georgia and is now the sixth death row inmate to commuted by the parole board since 2002.

In the days leading up to the execution, Meders' lawyers urged board members to spare his life and asked the state Supreme Court to allow more time to hear their client's appeal.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that a Butts County judge dismissed a petition by Meder's legal team arguing that the death sentence violates both state and U.S. constitutions.

They asserted that in cases similar to Meders' -with few aggravating circumstances and one victim - juries away from the death sentence.

Attorney Michael Admirand added that prosecutors rarely seek the death penalty under those conditions.

In response, state lawyers said 'the execution of an unarmed man during the commission of an armed robbery', among Meders' crimes, qualifies within the parameters of a death penalty case.

Pictured: a Jiffy convenience store similar to the one where Meders killed Don Anderson

Meder's lawyers then appealed to the Supreme Court, writing: 'Because Petitioners execution is imminent, he seeks a stay of execution from this Court so that this Court can give adequate time and consideration to his claims.'

Meders claims that DNA tests on the murder weapon would clear him of any crime, but a judge ruled against the testing.

'Theres still overwhelming evidence of his guilt,' the judge said.

The murder of Anderson occurred on October 13, 1987, around 2.30am at a Jiffy convenience store.

Meders had been drinking alcohol with three men: Randy Harris, Bill Arnold and Greg Creel.

After leaving Harris and driving around for hours, Meders, Arnold and Creel arrived at the convenience store.

Meders (pictured) was arrested for fatally shooting a store clerk before stealing food stamps and $38 in cash from the register

When Anderson opened the cash register during an exchange, Meders fatally shot him before stealing $38 in cash and food stamps.

Creel, who accompanied Meders into the store, was heating up sausage biscuits in the microwave.

The two men ran out to their car, where Arnold was waiting behind the wheel,m and sped off.

Later, Harris would testify that Meders showed up to a Best Western where he was staying and confessed to the crime.

'I just blowed a mans head off over $38,' Meders' allegedly said, before sniffing the gun as if it had just been fired.

After Meders' arrest, authorities would find the murder weapon under his water bed and connected 'bait money' from the register to him.

Bait money is fake money kept in some stores to help catch robbers with a matching serial number.

However, Meders say he never shot anyone and that Arnold fired rounds at a truck owned by his and Creel's rival.

Arnold allegedly shot at a man who he recently got into a fight with and later fired a shot at a different truck owned by a family Creel was feuding with.

Despite never being introduced into the trial, there are police records showing that reports of the shootings had been made.

Meders' would be convicted in 1989 and spent three decades behind bars at a Georgia prison.
Nigerias anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, arraigned the immediate past chairperson of Kwara State Scholarship Board, Fatimah Yusuf, and two others who were allegedly involved in bursary fraud in the state.

In a statement signed by the EFCCs acting spokesperson, Tony Orilade, on Thursday, Ms Yusuf was arraigned alongside Fatai Lamidi and Stephen Ajewole before Justice Sikiru Oyinloye of the State High Court, Ilorin.

The EFCC said the trio were arraigned on a seven-count charge for their alleged involvement in bursary fraud in the state, to the tune of N50 million.

Mr Lamidi served as the executive secretary Kwara State Scholarship Board while Mr Stephen also served as the accountant, Kwara State Scholarship Board.

According to part of the charges, Ms Yusuf and her accomplices committed the crime between the months of November 2018 and May 2019 in Ilorin, the state capital.

The EFCC also said the accused fraudulently misappropriated the said sum meant for the payment of 2018 bursary awards to 10,000 students who are indigenes of Kwara State.

Court Session

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The prosecuting counsel, Blessing Akinsola, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial and for the defendants to be remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Centre.

The counsel to the defendants, Isau Ahmed, however, urged the judge to grant them bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Justice Oyinloye, however, admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties in like sum.

They must also submit their travel documents to the court.

He adjourned the matter until February 26, for the commencement of trial.
Arianespace flew a pair of communications satellites safely into space Thursday (Jan. 16) during its first launch of 2020.

The French company's Ariane 5 rocket spewed orange flames as it lifted off into a cloudy sky from the Guiana Space Center near Kourou, French Guiana, at 6:05 p.m. local time (4:05 p.m. EST or 2105 GMT).

On board the workhorse rocket were two satellites: Eutelsat Konnect for the European satellite operator Eutelsat, and GSAT-30 for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Both satellites were deployed to geosynchronous orbit at approximately 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometers) above Earth's surface about half an hour after liftoff.

Video: Ariane 5 rocket launches Eutelsat and Indian satellites

Related: In photos: Ariane 5 rocket lofts 2 satellites into orbit for Eutelsat, India

An Ariane 5 rocket lifts off from the Guiana Space Center near Kourou, French Guiana, carrying the Eutelsat Konnect and GSAT-30 communications satellites into orbit. (Image credit: Arianespace)

By this fall, Eutelsat's satellite is expected to offer broadband data and internet services at speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) for 40 countries in Africa and 15 countries in Europe. (It will be operational before that, but it will offer lower speeds of 75 Mbps in the meantime.)

"In Africa, Eutelsat Konnect also will, through the establishment of public Wi-Fi terminals, share Internet access between several users, marketed in the form of coupons that can be paid via mobile phone," Arianespace said in a statement. Eutelsat Konnect will join Eutelsat's fleet of nearly 40 telecommunications satellites that provide television, radio and internet services to customers around the world.

The upper composite of the Ariane 5 rocket  composed of Eutelsat Konnect, the SYLDA payload dispenser system and a protective payload fairing  is lowered over GSAT-30 in preparation for launch. (Image credit: Arianespace)

GSAT-30 will also provide various services, particularly for the Indian subcontinent. It is expected to provide applications such as Earth observations, telecommunications, educational broadcasts and navigation.

"By operating GSAT-30, ISRO will  once again  foster the use of space to help bridge the digital divide in the Indian subcontinent as part of its ambitious space program," Arianespace representatives said in the statement.

The satellite will be placed in a geostationary orbit, hovering above the same part of the globe at a longitude of 83 degrees East. It will be replacing the INSAT-4A satellite, which launched in 2005, and it is designed to be operational for at least 15 years.

Today's mission is the 107th successful Ariane 5 launch, coming as Arianespace celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2020. Arianespace's last launch of 2019 lofted the European Space Agency's Characterising Exoplanets Satellite, tasked with searching for alien worlds, along with four other satellites. It lifted off safely on Dec. 18 after a Soyuz rocket glitch delayed the first attempt.

Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
English French





SPINEWAY



2019: a year of restructuring

2019 revenue of 5M

2019 was a particularly active year for the SPINEWAY group as it redeployed its activities in previously covered areas, completely reorganized its teams and renewed half its Executive Committee at the end of 2019. Spineway also strengthened its financial position thanks to a financing agreement with Negma Group1 in order to ensure organic growth and finance new development projects. The Group thus generated total revenue of 5 015K for 2019.

Annual revenue 2018 2019* In thousands of euros 6 515 5 015

* Unaudited figures

Increasing growth of the new Mont Blanc MIS product line

Sales of premium products represented a greater share of total revenue at 35% (compared with 29% in 2018), reflecting Spineways strength on this market segment. Although it is not yet distributed throughout all the Groups territories, the Mont Blanc MIS (mini-invasive surgery) product lines 2019 sales were up 8% (outside the USA). This premium product line, recently approved in Japan, has high growth potential.

Spineway continues its R&D work in order to provide new implants and instruments that will expand applications for its Mont Blanc MIS products line (trauma, deformity). Likewise, promotional and training activities were carried out for the Mont-Blanc 3D+ product line during the financial year and should bear fruit in the short and medium terms.

Economic downturn in Latin America but a positive outlook for 2020

Despite its uncertain geopolitical climate, Latin America remains the Groups most dynamic area with revenue of 2.6M (compared with 3.4M in 2018). The 2019 financial year brought the consolidation of certain partnerships in Mexico following the strong mobilization of local teams (+14%) and in Brazil. Revenue should increase in these countries in 2020. Similarly, stabilization of the political situations in Peru and Chile should allow Spineway a return to growth in these countries where Spineway already has a history. In fact, Spineways regulatory affairs continue to be very active in this area as it is obtaining new registrations for its products so it can deploy the Mont-Blanc MIS product line throughout the continent.

Contrasting sales in Asia after a weak performance in China

Asia generated 705K in 2019 (compared with 1 283K including India in 2018) with improved customer loyalty in Southeast Asia and revenue in China of 145K compared with 506K in 2018. This drop in Chinese sales is due, in particular, to surplus inventory the previous year and delays in the granting of approvals for the Groups products by the Chinese administrative authorities.

In Japan, following approval of its Mont-Blanc MIS product line, the Group is currently in advanced discussions with distributors for the importing of its products. These should soon result in the signature of a partnership agreement for the territory.

Solid activity in Europe and active prospecting in the United States

Revenue from Europe increased 13% to reach 1 158K, its highest in the Groups history. This was achieved thanks to increased sales in France (+10%),as well as in Northern Europe.

The Middle-Est/Africa region generated 412K this year with efforts essentially focused on the Mont Blanc products.

Sales in the United States amounted to 148K, now only representing 3% of the 2019 revenue. Spineway suffered from the bankruptcy of its main distributor in 2018, the reorganization initiated by the new CEO and the referencing of products. The Group obtained a patent for the Mont-Blanc MIS product line, used for a technique that is increasingly being favored by spinal surgeons, and the US teams pursued their promotional efforts vis-a-vis US distributors and surgeons. Spineway, which invested in and undertook prospecting activities in 2019, should gradually return to growth on this high-potential territory.

Spineway continues to have a solid base for its activity in its existing territories and should be expediting the implementation of its new strategic plan in 2020 with, in particular, a new sales policy.

Next communication: 2019 annual results  28 April 2020

SPINEWAY IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PEA-PME (EQUITY SAVINGS PLANS FOR SMES)

Find out all about Spineway at www.spineway.com



This press release has been prepared in both English and French. In case of discrepancies, the French version shall prevail.

Spineway designs, manufactures and markets innovative implants and surgical instruments for treating severe disorders of the spinal column.

Spineway has an international network of over 50 independent distributors and 90% of its revenue comes from exports.

Spineway, which is eligible for investment through FCPIs (French unit trusts specializing in innovation), has received the OSEO Excellence award since 2011 and has won the Deloitte Fast 50 award (2011). Rhone Alpes INPI Patent Innovation award (2013)  INPI Talent award (2015).

ISIN: FR0011398874 - ALSPW

Contacts:









Spineway



Ligne aux actionnaires

Ouverte du mardi au jeudi (10h-12h)

0811 045 555



Eligible PEA / PME



ALSPW



Euronext



Growth Aelium



Relations investisseurs

Solene Kennis

spineway@aelium.fr







[1] See press release dated 18 October 2019

Attachment
A man has been arrested in Peru after trying to smuggle 20 live birds in his suitcase.

Belgian Hugo Conings was arrested at Jorge Chavez airport in Lima with the birds, of various Peruvian species.

He was trying to smuggle them to Madrid, according to Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor).

Mr Conings had gone through security and was about to board the plane  without arousing suspicion, says the agency  when authorities realised he had wild birds inside his cabin baggage.

Among the sensitive and delicate birds were two toucanets and 16 tanagers, brightly coloured birds that are endemic to the jungle of Peru and Bolivia.

Most unusual items left behind at an airport Show all 10 1 /10 Most unusual items left behind at an airport Most unusual items left behind at an airport A sprinkler Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A husband Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport An air conditioning unit Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A set of spanners Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A zimmer frame Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A blood sugar machine Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A rolling pin Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A glittery lantern Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A car warning triangle Getty Most unusual items left behind at an airport A toy drill Getty

One of the seized birds, a Sira tanager, is classed as almost threatened, according to the wildlife agency.

Mr Conings could face up to five years in jail for illegal wildlife trafficking.

The birds have been given to a local zoo for care.

Recommended 70 live finches stashed in hair rollers seized at JFK

Illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in Peru, says Serfor.

It follows the story of a man caught attempting to smuggle around 200 live scorpions out of Sri Lanka.

The Chinese national had packed the venomous arachnids into plastic boxes, but was stopped by customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport near the capital of Colombo before he boarded his Sri Lankan Airlines flight to Guangzhou.

Authorities suggested the man may have been planning to extract the scorpions venom to sell in China.
By Joseph Serna and Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times

KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia  Sam Mitchell balanced himself on a eucalyptus branch 30 feet above the ground as his meaty right fist clutched a koala, which wailed like a pig with breathing problems. The dark gray marsupial batted its 3-inch black claws in the air helplessly, and minutes later Mitchell crawled down. He and the animal were safely on the ground.

Across much of Australia, volunteers and professionals are fighting to contain widespread blazes, with many also taking risks to save wildlife being killed by the millions. Kangaroo Island, a popular tourist destination and wildlife park off Australias southeast coast, has been home to some of the worst damage to the nations biodiversity. Fires have overrun nearly half of the 1,700-square mile island, and rescuers including Mitchell have been going tree to tree, trying to save what they can.

Theres not much that isnt threatening koalas at the moment, said Mitchell, who has owned and run the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park the last seven years.

In terms of human fatalities, Australias blazes this year have been less severe than some previous bush fires, with roughly 27 people killed this season compared with 75 during the nations 1983 Ash Wednesday inferno. But the impact on wildlife this year has been far more devastating.

Scientists estimate that, so far in Australia, fires have killed from hundreds of millions to more than 1 billion native animals. The toll illustrates that, while humans can adapt somewhat to intensifying fires  through better emergency planning, more fire crews and home hardening  delicate ecosystems are far more vulnerable.

Most Australian landscapes are in tune with small-scale summer fires, but not the fires of the proportion and intensity that we are observing now, said Katja Hogendoorn, a professor at the University of Adelaides school of agriculture, food and wine.

These incomprehensibly large and devastating fires are caused by a combination of lower rainfall and higher temperatures, both consequences of climate change, and here to stay and worsen, unless drastic action is undertaken worldwide, she added. As the driest and hottest continent, Australia is at the forefront of this environmental disaster.

Accurate numbers on animal losses are hard to come by as the disaster continues to unfold, with some fire officials saying blazes will continue to burn into March. But already the damage to natural heritage has become clear. The endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart, a mouselike marsupial, relies on low-lying vegetation for protection from birds. That largely is gone, as is most of the home of the glossy black cockatoo. Much of the landscape is black and smoldering.

Were not sure if theyll be able to come back. It might be the breaking point for them, said Michaela Haska, the wildlife parks head keeper, speaking of the splashy colored cockatoos.

Two injured koalas wait for treatment at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park where volunteers and staff are working to save as many animals possible.Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via TNS

On Kangaroo Island, Mitchells 50-acre property is surrounded by burn scars but was miraculously untouched by the blazes, and skies that had been choked for days with smoke were clear on Monday. For weeks, the wildlife park has become a refuge for animals rescued by volunteers and passers-by.

The carcasses of animals litter the shoulders of the roads that run across the islands rugged landscape. Most are dead, and others are in such bad shape they uncharacteristically move toward humans, either unable to see or starved and disoriented.

At the park, theres a pop-up tent where crews tend to medical equipment including IV drip bags, bandages, gauze and saucers filled with iodine. Nearby are laundry baskets where koalas are nestled, their burned paws wrapped and bandaged.

The monster fire began when two small fires grew moderately out of lightning strikes on Dec. 20 and were on their way to being controlled when a third lightning strike on Dec. 30 created a seemingly unstoppable blaze. Within five days, it consumed about a third of the island and, according to Mitchell, about 80% of the koalas island habitat.

The fire has destroyed 65 homes on the island, some of them during a single night when winds carried embers over firefighters and overwhelmed their defenses.

A father and son trapped in their car were killed along a main highway and laid to rest this week. Firefighters on other fronts that night had to make difficult choices of which homes to save and which to abandon.

Emma Veritay, a volunteer, helps tend the wounds of koalas at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where a temporary medic tent has been set up to treat the animal bushfire victims.Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via TNS)

Some are calling the Australia fires an animal apocalypse, a preview of what could happen in California and other U.S. states as fires intensify and burn hotter, as they are expected to do under many climate change scenarios.

That prospect concerns many fire ecologists, who long preached that Western states have a long fire history, with flora and fauna adapted to survive  and even thrive after  seasonal fires.

We have a saying that pyro-diversity begets eco-diversity, said Dominick DellaSala, chief scientist with the Ashland-based Geos Institute, who has studied forest fire ecology extensively in the western United States.

But the recent super-hot fires in California, and the widespread wildlife deaths in Australia, have some scientists questioning if these unnaturally intense blazes pose a threat to the conventional wisdom, at least in Australia.

Derek Lee, principal scientist with the Wild Nature Institute and a researcher at Penn State University, said he is skeptical of the 1 billion animals killed in the fires, but he acknowledges that something in Australia is out of whack. Others say there is a long history of wildlife dying in fires the U.S. west, but the impact has gotten little attention until now.

Robert Fisher, a California-based supervisory scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey, said that wildlife often die in big blazes, but those losses are overshadowed, or not reported, because of the threat to the human population.

In the 2009 Station fire in Los Angeles, for instance, he said, I saw thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dead animals  deer, fish, turtles.

Fisher couldnt explain why theres been so little focus on the animal carnage in American fires. He speculated the cause has something to do with the past loss of iconic creatures in the United States, which no longer has the equivalent of koalas, emus and kangaroos.

We already wiped out the buffalo and grizzlies. Can you imagine if thousands of grizzlies were burned? People would be going crazy, he said.

-- Los Angeles Times via Tribune News Service
Montgomery County commissioners approved $3.5 million in mobility projects for The Woodlands during their meeting Tuesday.

Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack is moving forward with the widening of Lake Woodlands Drive from Six Pines Drive to Interstate 45. The court awarded the $1.3 million contract to Houston-based Main Lane Industries.

Additionally, the court awarded a second contract to Main Lane Industries for $2.4 million for the widening and signalization of the Woodlands Parkway and Robinson Road intersection.

Both projects are being funded by a $280 million road bond referendum approved by voters in November 2015.

Mobility and safety continue to be the main priority of this office, Noack said. We are excited to move forward with these two projects.

According to information from Noacks office, the Lake Woodlands project will take approximately nine months to complete.

The Woodlands Parkway at I-45 project improves the intersections of the I-45 frontage access at Woodlands Parkway and Robinson Road. The project also includes widening Robinson Road at Patsy Lane. The limits of the Robinson Road widening are approximately 350 feet west of Patsy Lane intersection to approximately 550 feet east of the intersection. This project will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Both projects are slated to begin in February or early March.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
Special forces commandoes descent from an Advanced Light Helicopter as they display their skills during the Army Day Parade at Cariappa Ground, in New Delhi. (Image: PTI)
A special court has sentenced 13 persons to life imprisonment in a 14-year-old triple murder case in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district.

Special judge Rakesh Mohan Pradhan awarded life sentence to the accused on Wednesday evening, a prosecution official said.

As many as 17 persons were named accused for the killings that took place on September 9, 2006, senior government advocate Shashikant Nagle said.

While two accused passed away during the trial, two others remain absconding, he added.

The accused armed with axes and swords attacked members of the Lohar family, who were heading towards Khapa Khateda village from Amla Bazar area, the advocate said.

Two victims were killed on the spot and another family member, who was grievously injured, died later at a hospital, he added.

Following the trial, the 13 accused were found guilty under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and were sentenced to life imprisonment, the advocate added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Gov. Gavin Newsom will be in Oakland Thursday to preview emergency actions to address homelessness in the state, his office said Wednesday.

Newsom will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. at 633 Hegenberger Road in Oakland as part of his statewide tour to get the homeless housed.

While in Oakland, Newsom aims to show off a state and local effort to deploy medical services, trailers and emergency tents to help the homeless. Newsom's tour began Monday in Grass Valley followed by stops in Riverside, Los Angeles and Fresno.

Officials with the governor's office said Newsom at the beginning of the year signed an executive order that aims to do something about the crisis in the state.

Part of the state response is the California Access to Housing and Services Fund, which has expedited the formation of a crisis response team and made state land assets available to address homelessness in California.

Newsom has proposed a new law that would force communities to house the homeless. That has garnered the support of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who is one of seven elected officials Newsom has asked to help him meet the challenge.

Schaaf along with other area elected officials including Assemblymember Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, state officials and service providers will join Newsom on the tour.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
President Vladimir Putin has proposed to tweak the Russian constitution to increase the powers of parliament and the Cabinet, a move that could herald his intention to shift into a new position to stay at the helm after his current term expires.

Speaking in his state of the nation address before top officials and politicians, Mr Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow politicians to name prime ministers and Cabinet members.

The right currently belongs to the president.

At the same time, Mr Putin argued that the president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers.

He said that the president should have the power to name top defence and security officials.

In 2024, the birth rate in Russia should reach 1.7 from of the current 1.5 #PresidentialAddress  President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 15, 2020

He said that constitutional changes must be put to a nationwide referendum.

Mr Putins current term expires in 2024, and Russias political elites have been abuzz with speculation about his future plans.

The 67-year-old Mr Putin has remained at the helm for more than 20 years, longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin.

He will have to step down after his term ends under the current law, which limits the president to two consecutive terms.

Observers speculated that he may stay in charge by shifting into the prime ministers seat after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority.

Other potential options include a merger with neighbouring Belarus and becoming the head of a new unified state, a prospect rejected by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Mr Putin focused his state of the nation address on the need to encourage population growth and create new incentives for economic growth.

Story continues

He said that the authorities need to do more to encourage new births and support young families.

Mr Putin emphasised that low incomes remain a key obstacle to population increase.

Russias population currently stands at about 147 million.

The Russian leader that the nation is currently facing the consequences of the post-Soviet economic meltdown that resulted in a steep drop in new births.
You also know this if you are a viewer of "The Crown," Netflix's ongoing dramatic series chronicling the risks and rewards of being on the throne and the lifetime balancing act that comes with being throne-adjacent. Now in its third season, the series from creator Peter Morgan focuses on the reign of England's Queen Elizabeth II (still on the throne at the age of 93) and the very long shadow her position casts over every member of her family tree. Including the modern-day apples who are doing their best to fall as far away from that old tree as possible.
China's Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) looks over to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (C) as they attend the China-EU Business Roundtable at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 16, 2018. (Ng Han Guan /AFP/Getty Images)

European Firms Call for Tougher EU Approach to China

BRUSSELSEuropean companies called on European Union policy-makers on Jan. 16 to toughen their approach to China to secure a level playing field for European businesses.

BusinessEurope, an organization grouping business federations from 35 countries, said China was the most restrictive of the EUs major trading partnerswith numerous barriers to investment, strict requirements for joint ventures and its procurement market closed to EU firms.

The EU must reconsider its modus operandi towards China and put more emphasis on reciprocity and conditionality, BusinessEurope said in a report addressed to the European Commission and EU governments.

It underlined the disparity in market access between Chinese and foreign firms, financing advantages for Chinese firms in strategic sectors, cheap land and energy, and Beijings support for some Chinese industries.

The EU is Chinas biggest trading partner, and China is the EUs second biggest. BusinessEurope urged the EU to speak with one voice on China and share knowledge on the country, and suggested making China policies their top priority.

There was no immediate comment on the report from China.

BusinessEurope head Marcus Beyrer told reporters that it was in Chinas interest to rebalance the relationship with Europe because a continuation would change the architecture of the global economy to the detriment of export-oriented China.

It was also a bad idea for China to fight trade wars on two fronts, Beyrer said, given Beijing was already in a trade conflict with the United States.

The United States and China signed an initial trade deal on Wednesday that will roll back some tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of U.S. products, defusing an 18-month row between the worlds two largest economies but leaving a number of sore spots unresolved.

Beijing and Washington touted the Phase 1 agreement as a step forward after months of start-and-stop talks, and investors greeted the news with relief. Even so, there was skepticism the U.S.-China trade relationship was now firmly on the mend.

By Jan Strupczewski
Rohingya refugees are seen aboard a vessel in the Andaman Sea before they are picked up by the Myanmar Navy in waters off southern Myanmar's Tanintharyi region, Dec. 15, 2019.

Local authorities at a refugee repatriation camp in western Myanmars Rakhine state have resettled 17 members of a group of 170 Rohingya boat people detained by the countrys navy last month, and are in the process of investigating the rest, officials said Thursday.

The boat people were discovered on Dec. 15 aboard a boat in the Andaman Sea as they were attempting to leave the country and have been transferred to the Nga Khu Ya repatriation center in Maungdaw township.

Among the group are 82 men, 68 women, 13 boys, and nine girls. Military officials believe they had run away from refugee camps in Bangladesh.

The 17 that were resettled reunited with their families in Darpaing and Thaechaung villages in Sittwe township with the cooperation of village heads, local officials said.

Authorities also determined that an additional 29 are from Maungdaw district.

The [boat people] are still under investigation, but we were able to identify that 29 of them are from Maungdaw district, said Soe Aung, an administrator for the district, in an interview with RFAs Myanmar Service.

According to UEHRD's plan, we have noted their personal data and will issue NVCs [National Verification Cards] to those who want them, he added.

The Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development (UEHRD) is a public-private partnership enterprise that promotes stability and economic development in Rakhine state. It was established by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in October 2017 in the aftermath of a brutal military-led crackdown on the Rohingya Muslims in the northern part of the state.



Myanmars National Verification Card scheme for identifying Rohingya is a process which human rights organizations say deprives members of the Muslim minority of basic human rights.

After [issuing the NVCs], we will send them to Hla Pho Khaung transit center in Maungdaw, and authorities will support them with some money while they are staying there, Soe Aung said.

If they have somewhere to go or have friends who want to receive them, we will let them go, Soe Aung said.

Language difficulties

The remaining 126 boat people are still being processed, with authorities citing language differences as the reason for delays.

Soe Aung said that many of the boat people are from Bangladesh, but investigators still do not know how many Bangladeshis are among the group.

Win Hlaing Oo, deputy director of the repatriation center, told RFA that investigators are attempting to determine whether the people actually resided in Rakhine state.

If so, we will issue them NVCs, he said. After that, the state government and General Administration Department will work on resettlement process for them.

Rohingya activist Thar Aye commended authorities for returning the boat people to their homes.

It is a good solution to send them back to their homes because they didnt commit any crimes, he said. But we also need to take action against the people who trafficked them so that there wont be another case like this in the future.

RFA could not reach Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, for comment.

The 172 boat people were picked up just days after Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's de facto leader, defended the country before the U.N.s top court in The Netherlands on genocide charges for the armys alleged expulsion of more than 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in 2017. The Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh where they now live in sprawling displacement camps.

Myanmar views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and systematically discriminates against them by denying them citizenship, freedom of movement, and access to jobs, health care, and education.

In recent years, thousands of Rohingya have fled or attempted to flee persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar on boats organized by human traffickers and bound for other Southeast Asian nations.

Reported by Nay Myo Htun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
With a whole month of festive cheer behind us, many of us will be feeling the effects - not just on our waistlines, but also in our nails.

Those who indulged in Shellac or gel polish over Christmas may well have found their talons are now dry, brittle and prone to breaking.

To make matters worse, you may not have got round to getting the hard-wearing polish properly removed at a salon, meaning you're now resorting to picking it off bit by bit.

But there are a few simple steps you can take to reset and revive your nails to their former glory.

Kirsten Hazell, 32, from Oxfordshire, founder of chic nail bar chain London Grace, has shared her top tips for boosting the health of your nails with FEMAIL - and one involves simply tapping the desk...

NEVER PICK OFF YOUR POLISH

With a whole month of festive cheer behind us, many of us will be feeling the effects - not just on our waistlines, but also in our nails. Pictured: stock image

'Whatever you do, do not pick off your gel or glitter polish,' Kirsten warned.

'When you do this you're also taking off the top layers of your natural nail, so it is really important to have it removed properly.

'There are plenty of kits available to do this at home - you can purchase one on Amazon, and we also sell an At Home Gel Removal Kit which includes foil wraps with cotton soak pads conveniently attached - the same products we use in store.'

If you're wearing glitter polish which can sometimes be resistant to rubbing with regular nail varnish remover, Kirsten advises soaking the nails in acetone.

'This will help the glitter polish to come off more easily,' she said.

Kirsten Hazell is founder of nail bar chain London Grace. She fell in love with the mani-pedi experience while living in New York

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

You may already be undergoing a January detox, and your nails will thank you for it.

If you've noticed they've become weaker and started to peel and split, it could be down to you not drinking enough water - or overindulging in alcohol or caffeine which can leave you dehydrated.

Kirsten explained: 'In the same way your skin reacts to overindulgence by looking dry, your nails become drier too, so drinking water is key.

'Strong, long and shiny nails with smooth skin around the edges are a sign the bed is healthy.'

TAP THEM TO GROW

Kirsten shared a clever trick for boosting nail growth that you can do at work or at home - though you might get a few funny looks.

'Tapping your nails on a table actually does encourage them to grow!' she said.

'The more blood flowing to the nails, the more they are stimulated to grow. This is another argument for regularly massaging in cuticle oil and hand lotion to encourage stimulation and growth.'

DON'T FORGET PRODUCTS

The cold weather causes a whole load of beauty problems, and your nails are not immune.

... OR YOUR GLOVES Kirsten also recommends investing in gloves in the winter months - both rubber and for the outdoors. 'They are the easiest way to protect your nails,' she said. 'Too much water and soap can dry the nails out. Water expands the nails which can cause cracking if you're wearing polish or gel - which is why we perform all our treatments dry.' Advertisement

'People probably most quickly notice it on their skin and hair, but your nails respond to the cold and dry weather too, which is why you'll find they are more likely to break and you're more likely to get hang nails and breakages,' Kirsten said.

'Cuticle oil and hand cream will not only be a little treat but will help strengthen your nails.'

Kirsten said if you're using a good hand lotion with high quality ingredients, then a 5p sized amount is perfect.

'During the winter this should be applied at least one to two times a day,' she said.

'A good trick is to keep one on your bedside table and treat yourself to a little pampering hand massage before you go to bed and in the morning when you wake up.'

Kirsten also recommends investing in gloves in the winter months - both rubber and for the outdoors - to protect your nails. Pictured: stock image

GIVE YOURSELF AN AT HOME MANICURE

If you're a bit strapped for cash after Christmas and can't afford a trip to the salon, you can give your nails a simple treatment at home.

Before you begin, wash your hands with lukewarm water and an anti-bacterial soap.

Make sure the hands are thoroughly dry and use a small amount of nail polish remover to cleanse each nail and remove excess oil before applying a base coat.

Use a file and nail buff to maintain length, shape and smoothness, while a cuticle pusher will help to keep the nail bed looking tidy.

REMEMBER: WEARING POLISH IS NOT BAD FOR YOUR NAILS Regular manicures can help to improve your general nail condition; Kirsten said having them every two to four weeks is fine. 'If you choose a 10-free polish and use a cuticle oil daily, then regularly having nail varnish is OK,' she added. 'Using a cuticle oil daily can help prolong your polish as it provides an extra barrier of protection and nourished nails are much less likely to break or chip. 'Bare nails also benefit from a few drops of cuticle oil to promote shiny, smooth and healthy-looking nails. 'There's a myth that your nails need to "breathe", but they actually get their nutrients from our bloodstream. 'However, we'd recommend alternating every now and then between polish and a treatment, such as our Renew + Revive, to hydrate and recondition.' Advertisement

'It's commonly thought that cutting your own cuticles is fine, but this is one thing that we would recommend going to a salon for,' Kirsten advised.

'While it's fine to push them back with a cuticle pusher at home - a great time to do this is after having a shower when they are slightly softer from the steam - but removing them needs to be done carefully.

'Your cuticles are part of your skin and so important for protecting your nails from bacteria and infections.'

She added: 'Whether you file or cut your nails depends on your length. If they're longer, cutting is much better as filing down too much can cause splitting.

'If it's just to take off a little length, then filing is better. To keep nails in tip top condition they should be filed on a weekly basis  but this will depend on your nail condition; if they're weak and breaking, it might need to be more regularly than if they are strong and longer.'

When it comes to filing, Kirsten recommended using your cuticle line as a guide for your natural shape.

'If using a professional quality file, you can lightly sweep back and forth until you're happy with the shape,' she said.

'Different shapes like squoval and almond are best to ask for in a salon as they are trickier to create at home.'

Kirsten's top tip is to knock the base of the polish bottle on your hand before using it to mix the fluid. Apply two thin coats of colour and then finish with a glossy topcoat.

'Making sure you have a good base coat, colour and topcoat will ensure that your manicure will last longer,' she said.
Right wing Hindu outfits Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have urged the Karnataka government to enforce traditional dress code in the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district.

In a memorandum submitted to the Muzrai temple authorities on Wednesday, the organisations demanded that the dress code followed in temples of other south Indian states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, should be implemented here also.

They also requested the Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary to implement the traditional dress code in all state-run temples.

Kukke temple executive officer M H Ravindra said the letter from the outfits has been forwarded to the Muzrai Department as the temple committee alone cannot enforce a dress code.

It is up to the government to take a decision on the matter, he said.

VHP division secretary Sharan Kumar said devotees wearing jeans, T-shirts and half pants were seen at the Kukke temple, which is not desirable.

Devotees should wear Hindu traditional dress or ethnic wear when they enter temples, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By PTI

KOLKATA: The CBI on Thursday said it has transferred from the city four officers, three of them deputy superintendents of police and one inspector, who were involved in the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams and Narada tapes scandal, from the city.

Those transferred are CBI deputy superintendent of police Ranjit Kumar, who was probing the Narada tapes scandal, DSP Tathagata Bardhan, involved in the Saradha ponzi scam probe and DSP Chojom Sherpa investigating the Rose Valley chit fund scam, a CBI spokesman said.

The fourth CBI officer to be transferred is Inspector Bratin Ghoshal, a former investigation officer probing the Rose Valley chit fund scam, sources said.

While Kumar and Bardhan were transferred to New Delhi, Sherpa was posted to Bhubaneshwar.

"This is a routine transfer and a part of the transfer policy," a CBI spokesman said.

One of the transferred officers told PTI, "This is a mass transfer. I do not know whether this is routine or not".

The central agency started the probe into the Saradha chit fund case in May, 2014, and the Rose Valley ponzi scam case at around the same time.

The investigation into the Narada sting, which showed persons resembling senior Trinamool Congress leaders and a police officer accepting money from representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours, began in March 2017.

Earlier this month, the central investigating agency shifted Deputy Inspector General Abhay Singh to the Economic Offences Wing in Delhi from the Special Crime Branch in Kolkata.

Superintendent of Police Partha Mukherjee whose unit Economic Offences IV, based in Kolkata, was probing chit fund cases, had been transferred to the headquarters as additional inspector general (policy) in New Delhi.
When Russia's entire government resigned on Wednesday, even long-term Kremlin observers were taken by surprise.

Earlier in the day, Vladimir Putin had announced his plan to push through reforms that would make his successor as president less powerful, by redistributing power in such a way that the Russian parliament and office of prime minister will have greater clout.

He thanked the resigning members of the government for their service, but said that 'not everything worked out.'

In the last two years, Putin's approval ratings have taken a dip, partly a result of unpopular pension reforms and a stagnating economy. 2019 was also riddled with street protests over municipal elections as Russia's fragmented opposition expressed discontent with what they see as a president and the ruling elite that have overstayed their power.

However, as the exact details of this mass resignation -- led by current prime minister and former president Dmitry Medvedev -- unfurled, it was clear that this was no protest at Putin's proposed reforms.

In his statement on the government's resignation, Medvedev indicated that it was doing so in order to make life easier for Putin.

He said that the president had 'outlined a number of fundamental changes to the constitution,' and that 'in this context, it's obvious that we, as the government ... should provide the president of our country with the opportunity to make all the decisions necessary for this.'

Those changes appear to be a redistribution of power, giving parliament the power to appoint a prime minister, who will then appoint a cabinet to be approved by parliament. In Putin's own words: 'In this case, the president will be obliged to appoint them; that is, he will not have the right to reject parliament-approved candidacies.'

The Russian constitution forbids Putin from standing for re-election as president in 2024. However, there is nothing stopping him from becoming prime minister, as he did in 2008, when he and Medvedev swapped roles for four years.

'My personal view is that this is a stitch-up between Putin and Medvedev,' said Valeriy Akimenko, a long-term Russia analyst currently working for the Conflict Studies Research Centre. 'Medvedev not an independent figure by any stretch of the imagination and made no waves against Putin during his time as president. As was the case in 2008, this looks like a mutual agreement between the two.'

Not all analysts believe it is inevitable that Putin will eventually install himself as prime minister. Oleg Ignatov at the Center For Current Policy, a Moscow-based think tank, points out that Putin also spoke about changing the constitutional role of Russia's State Council, an advisory body to the head of state.

'There are rumors that Putin could lead the new State Council rather than becoming the new Prime Minister,' Ignatov told CNN. 'If this happens, it's possible that his word will be the last word. He will not be interested in technical details, but everything will be under his control.'

Akimenko agreed that this sort of role could play in Putin's favor: 'The State Council's future role is currently undefined, but it could be an arbitrator, meaning that when there is a dispute, the State Council could have a final say.'

'However, I think Putin becoming prime minister is still far more likely.'

Whatever the outcome, a narrative of Putin consolidating his grip on power is already emerging. Alexi Navalny, Russia's most outspoken opposition leader, tweeted that 'remaining the sole leader for life, taking ownership of an entire country, and appropriating wealth to himself and his friends is the only goal of Putin and his regime.'

By taking steps to tighten his grip on power, Putin is also sending a message to the wider world. More Putin in Russia means more Putin on the international stage. And if the last few years have taught us anything, that means a Russia willing to go to extraordinary lengths to act as a direct rival for influence to the US-led world order -- and create more headaches for America and its allies.
Communities are on edge as the CAA rekindles rivalries between Bengali settlers and Bru refugees.

North Tripura, India  The dust had barely settled in Kanchanpur subdivision two weeks after clashes broke out there between Bru tribe members and Hindu Bengalis. As refugees in the northeastern state of Tripura, both communities have been on edge since India enacted a new citizenship law in December.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed by the government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), eases the path to naturalisation for religious minorities from the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014. It excludes Muslims.

The act sparked both celebration and outrage in this tiny frontier state. While firecrackers went off in the Bengali-dominated Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, the tribal-dominated hill districts erupted in protest.

Many of the areas Hindu Bengali residents fled  or are descendants of those who fled  what is now Bangladesh. The Bru tribe members have been living in refugee camps in Kanchanpur since 1997, when 37,000 escaped ethnic riots in the neighbouring state of Mizoram.



On December 10, communal clashes broke out in Kanchanpur between the Bru refugees and members of the Reang tribe, an indigenous community that is one of the scheduled tribes in Tripura and which shares a common lineage with the Bru, who were protesting against the CAA, and Hindu Bengalis who supported it. Protesters reportedly threw stones at traders in the marketplace and vandalised shops.

Several shops owned by members of the Bengali community in Ananda Bazaar were also attacked, after which at least 90 Bengali families took refuge in relief camps set up by the local administration nearby.

Members of the Bru and Reang tribal community set up their own market in Tuisama after they say Bengali-owned shops in Kanchanpur market and Ananda Bazaar imposed an economic blockade on them [Makepeace Sitlhou/Al Jazeera]

Opposition to the CAA

Kanchanpur falls under the administration of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTADC), which has been exempted from the purview of the new central law. However, the Tripura tribal groups, including the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), a political party in alliance with the ruling BJP, have demanded state-wide exemption from the Act.

Narendra Chandra Debbarma, a senior leader of the IPFT, explained why tribal groups did not believe that exempting tribal areas from the CAA would be sufficient.

If theres a sudden increase in the population of non-scheduled areas [those areas not under the administration of the TTADC], then it will have an impact on the distribution of natural resources in the entire state, including the tribal hill tracts, he told Al Jazeera.

On December 14, the commandant of the 13th battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) lodged a first information report (FIR) over the December 10 clashes. The report was filed against 27 people. A copy of it seen by Al Jazeera shows that of the accused, 14 are from the Reang and Bru community and 12 are Bengalis.

All the Bengalis named are from the opposition party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), said one member of the Reang community, who was also named in the police complaint and asked that his name not be used for security reasons.

Al Jazeera also spoke to Alindra Nath, one of the Bengalis named in the police complaint, who said that he is a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), but that he was not present at the scene of the clashes.

TSR Commandant Sanjoy Roy told Al Jazeera that he was on leave and had no information about the case.

Residents of the Naisingpara camp, one of the six Bru resettlement camps in Kanchanpur, insisted that nobody from the Bru refugee settlements was involved in the protests, despite their names appearing on the police complaint.

Achan Sa, the joint secretary of the Mizoram Bru Indigenous Democratic Movement, a body that represents the Bru refugees, said that members of the Bengali community had in October stopped them from carrying out peaceful protests against the central governments decision to cease ration supplies to the Bru refugees as part of its efforts to repatriate them to Mizoram.

When the central government stopped our rations last year, we were stopped from going to protest this and physically manhandled. The attack on the settlements in Ananda Bazaar were in retaliation , said Sa.

Members of the Nagarik Suraksha Mancha, a citizen protection committee formed by Bengalis, say Bengali shopkeepers in Kanchanpur market and Ananda Bazaar refused to sell to anyone, not only tribe members, for a few days in December in protest at the attacks on traders and shops during the anti-CAA protests [Makepeace Sitlhou/Al Jazeera]

A haven for refugees

Tripura, in Indias northeast, has been a popular haven for refugees since communal riots broke out in Bengal following its partition by the British in 1905.

Bordering Bangladesh on three sides, with Assam and Mizoram in the north, the state was once a princely kingdom of the Manikyas with several self-governing tribal communities as its subjects.

Before the kingdom, previously called Twipra, was annexed to the Indian union in 1949, the Manikya dynasty had already settled many Bengali Hindus, who largely helped with the running of the administration, and Muslims, who largely worked cultivating the plains, there.

Significant demographic shifts followed, however; first in 1941 following clashes between Muslims and Hindus in Dhaka, then in 1949 when the Queen Regent, Kanchan Prava Devi, resettled refugees who had fled communal disturbances between Hindu and Muslim Bengalis in what was then East Pakistan. She allocated 300 square miles (777 square kilometres or 192,000 acres) of land from the Tribal Reserved Areas in Kanchanpur to the Hindu refugees.

In 1941, members of tribes made up 50.09 percent of the population in Tripura. By 1951, that had fallen to 37.23 percent. In the same period, the percentage of the population who were non-tribe members (predominantly Bengalis) had risen from 49.91 percent to 62.77 percent.

The land that was allocated for the resettlement of the Hindu Bengali refugees in 1949 remained under the governance of the TTADC and the assembly seat for it is reserved for a candidate belonging to an indigenous tribal community.

Sushanta Baruah, a Bengali social worker in Kanchanpur, explained that upon seeing the violent reaction of members of the Bru community to the CAA, Bengalis quickly formed the Nagrik Suraksha Mancha (Citizen Protection Committee).

We are demanding that the Bru IDPs [internally displaced people] be repatriated to Mizoram, said Baruah.

Another key demand of the committee is for the land donated to the Bengalis be excluded from the jurisdiction of the TTADC and merged with a general assembly constituency.



Bru residents of the Naisingpara camp say that dispite living there for 23 years, they still have no basic healthcare facilities or primary schools for their children [Makepeace Sitlhou Makepeace/Al Jazeera]

Resettling Bru refugees

In 2009, an agreement was reached between the central government, the Mizoram government, the Tripura government and a Bru representative body called the Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Forum to repatriate Bru refugees to the Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts of Mizoram.

Since then, there have been nine phases of repatriation, but only 7,000 refugees have returned. Many others have refused, citing insecurity and poor living conditions in Mizoram, and have demanded that an autonomous district council be created for their community there.

Residents of the Naisingpara camp say that despite living in makeshift huts in the underdeveloped area near the border with Mizoram for the past 23 years, they still have no basic primary healthcare facilities or primary schools for their children.

Recently, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs asking to permanently settle not more than 400-500 [Bru] families in any single subdivision of the state, suggesting that those who wanted to stay in Tripura may be allowed to do so.

Bruno Msha, the general secretary of the Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Forum, believes that Bengalis were alarmed by this as they had always viewed the Bru refugees as temporary residents of Tripura.

Our people will increase the tribal strength to keep Kanchanpur within the TTADC, he said, adding: However, we are scared to stay here also. The Bengalis have been spreading rumours about us.

Old rivalries

Animosity with the Reang tribal community has existed ever since the arrival of the first set of Bengalis in Kanchanpur, where the Reangs were once the majority. Back in 1947, a now inactive armed group called the Tripura Tribal Sengkrak Force, composed mostly of young Reang, ran a violent campaign against Bengalis.

According to Baruah, tribe members and non-tribe members had been living in harmony in Kanchanpur until the arrival of the Bru refugees.

Communal riots did, however, break out between Bengalis and tribe members in 1980. About 450 people are thought to have been killed then, with more than 500 missing, 90 percent of whom were Bengalis, according to official figures. But Baruah said that Kanchanpur was untouched by the riots then, adding that not even a puppy had been affected.

This is all because of Pradyot Manikya Deb Burman [Kanchan Prava Devis grandson and the titular heir of the Manikya dynasty] who has been poisoning their [Bru refugees] minds from afar, said Bikas Das, a reporter with the local daily Chandan Patrika and a member of the Nagrik Suraksha Mancha. Now the situation here has become completely communal, which should not have happened.

The Naisingpara camp is an underdeveloped area near the border with Mizoram where Bru refugees have lived since fleeing clashes in their home state in 1997 [Makepeace Sitlhou/Al Jazeera]

Deb Burman told Al Jazeera that he is often accused  by both the ruling BJP and the states left-wing opposition  of inciting communal sentiments in the state, whenever he tries to raise the issues faced by tribal minorities.

Im not against Bengalis but illegal Bangladeshis becoming voters here, he explained. The Centre [central government] says the tribal areas are exempted but neither political representation nor jobs are determined by geographical area.

Barman left the opposition Indian National Congress party last year alleging it discouraged him from filing a petition before the Supreme Court of India to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC)  a register of Indian citizens, which when implemented in Assam in August excluded 1.9 million residents  in Tripura.

The CAA is a clear design of vote bank politics that not only the BJP but also other national parties are playing, said Deb Burman.

On January 11, he led an anti-CAA rally at Khumulwung, the headquarters of the TTADC. The Indian National Congress party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) did not attend that rally but have been hosting their own against the act.

Baruah says the recently concluded NRC exercise in Assam, which excluded many Bengali-speaking residents, has made Bengali settlers fearful.

We are third-generation residents but they are saying Bangladeshis like us should go back, he said.



In fact, many places that are now in Bangladesh were once a part of erstwhile Tripura, Baruah added. Why should we leave now?
Samsung is preparing to launch its Galaxy S20 series next month, but where theres a smartphone theres almost always a smartwatch. In Samsungs case, the Galaxy Watch Active wasnt exactly an original Galaxy Watch successor, but a new Samsung smartwatch spotted with a model number suggests Samsung is soon to remedy that.

Galaxy Watch 2 features model number SM-R840

The smartwatch comes with model number SM-R840, which squares it nicely with the first-generation Galaxy Watch Samsung announced on August 9, 2018. If you remember, the original Galaxy Watch was released in two sizes (46mm, 42mm) with model numbers SM-R805 and SM-R815, respectively. The Galaxy Watch Active had the model number SM-R500, so the new model number (SM-R840) is more in line with the original model than with the Active spinoff model. If you recall, Samsung made the Active smartwatch thinner and lighter than the original version. Samsung also removed the bezel from the first-generation Galaxy Watch Active but brought it back in the Watch Active 2 as a touch/digital bezel instead.

Will Samsung modify the physical rotating bezel for a digital one?

Theres no telling if Samsung will stick with the physical rotating bezel of the original Galaxy Watch or go with the new digital bezel, but Samsungs smart thinking will likely move the company to upgrade the physical bezel for its true second-generation successor.

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What that means is that the bezel isnt going anywhere but is getting an upgrade. Touch/digital bezels arent as intuitive as turning a doorknob to enter a room, the dial of old landline phones, the volume button on old radios, or the steering wheel of your car to drive it, but in this digital age of ease will prove convenient for consumers who arent as invested in the manual turning of things as were their non-smartphone era counterparts.

What are the chances that the Galaxy Watch 2 will run Wear OS?

One of the rumors surrounding the Galaxy Watch Active when it launched was that Samsung would abandon Tizen and return to Googles wearables platform (now Wear OS) for the devices operating system. Fortunately, Samsung didnt do that, bringing back one of the most battery-efficient and lightweight wearables platforms consumers have seen in the market to date.

Wear OS has had its share of defectors, Android OEMs who abandoned it because, to put it simply, Wear OS doesnt yield much profit.

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Samsung abandoned Wear OS back when it was formerly Android Wear because of its desire to stick out and not conform to the uniform experience of Android Wear and other Android OEMs. Tizen didnt have its greatest success in entry-level smartphones, but it found a home in wearables, smart TVs, and home automation.

With Samsungs success in its Tizen-powered smartwatches, there doesnt seem to be much incentive for Samsung to return to Googles platform. And yet, with Samsung, one can never tell how it will all turn out. Samsungs unpredictability factor can upset and excite buyers simultaneously.

Galaxy Watch 2 will likely see a Galaxy Note 20 or IFA 2020 Unveil

With Samsung working on the Galaxy Watch 2, per the credible source above, it appears as though theres very little information about the upcoming watch. The model number (SM-R840) and the battery size (330mAh) are all were given to go on. What this means is that its just too early in the prep cycle to know as much as well find out the closer we get to a 2020 unveil.

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What we can know with certainty is that Samsung wont release the device next month alongside the Galaxy S20. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 released last Fall, which means its only been out for a few months. Samsung has normally released its smartwatches at the end-of-the-year IFA conference in Berlin, Germany, and it doesnt seem unreasonable that Samsung wouldnt break with tradition. Samsung could always launch the device at its Galaxy Note 20 unveil as well, but at this point, a February 2020 unveil would be too soon.
The Epic Games Store has integrated OpenCritic reviews so that shoppers can see which titles come recommended by the review aggregator.

As highlighted by the Epic Games Stores director of publishing, Sergey Galyonkin, store pages will now show consumers how many critics recommenced any given title, displaying blurbs from select reviews alongside a percentage rating.

Galyonkin noted that the storefront will favor reviews from "high-notoriety publications" when possible in a bid to "maximize consumer confidence." For example, the store page for Control (shown below) places reviews from large publications like PC Gamer, GamesRadar, and Eurogamer front and center.

For those of you unfamiliar with how OpenCritic works, the aggregator doesnt average out review scores, but rather asks critics to state whether theyd recommend a game to general players when uploading their review metadata.

"For numeric reviews written by top critics, publications may elect to set their own threshold for what is and isn't recommended. For publications that have not made an election, the threshold is set to the publication's median review score. Reviews at or above this threshold are considered recommended," explains the OpenCritic FAQ.

"Non-numeric reviews written by top critics that have a clear verdict and verdict system are also included when recommended. For example, Eurogamer (Recommended, Essential), AngryCentaurGaming (Buy), and GameXplain (Liked-a-lot, Loved) have their reviews included in this metric.

"[Non-numeric] reviews written by publications such as Kotaku, TotalBiscuit, the Washington Post, or Rock Paper Shotgun are not included in any score calculations."

Epic founder and chief exec Tim Sweeney has previously promised to bring user reviews to the marketplace, but explained the system will be opt-in because review bombing and gaming-the-system is a real problem. Its unclear when, however, that system will be implemented.
The North and South Blocks, which symbolise the government authority since their inception in Lutyens' Delhi, are likely to reflect the history of India till 1857 and post the First War of Independence as the Centre has planned to convert the two heritage buildings into museums as part of its Central Vista redevelopment project.

An official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, the nodal agency for the ambitious project of the Modi government, said people would have access to the North and South Blocks once they are turned into museums.

At present, the South Block houses the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs, while the North Block has offices of Home Ministry and Finance Ministry.

The redevelopment of the Central Vista the nation's power corridor in Delhi envisages a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, a common Central Secretariat for ministries and the revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.

"According to the current plan, South Block will reflect the country's history till 1857 while North Block will show the history after 1857. These two historic buildings will be converted into grand museums. People will have easy access to them, which is currently a high-security zone," the official said.

However, a final decision on the plan is yet to be taken by the government.

Official said North and South Blocks symbolise the government authority since their inception and that is the main rationale behind these iconic buildings being converted into museums.

The common Central Secretariat will comprise 10 new office buildings.

There are 25,000 to 32,000 employees working in various ministries in different locations of the Lutyens' Delhi. The common Central Secretariat will accommodate more employees at one place.

According to an estimate, the government is paying Rs 1,000 crore as rent annually for its offices spread across the national capital. Nirman Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, vice-president's house, Udyog Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan are among those buildings in Lutyens' buildings, which are likely to be razed for the construction of a common Central Secretariat.

Under the project, there is also a plan to shift the prime minister's residence and office near the South Block, and the vice-president's new house will be in the vicinity of the North Block.

The new Parliament building will have a seating capacity of 900 to 1,200 MPs, and have modern facilities like computer screens on tables and comfortable seating space, and offices for Union ministers and MPs, as per the plan.

The triangular Parliament building is expected to be built by August 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The website of the Hadran group features a big picture of a female officer of the Israel Defense Forces poring over a Talmud tome. This is the entire Torah, the entire principle of all, said Rabbanit Michelle Farber Cohen, the co-founder of the group and the initiator of the Jan. 5 gathering to mark the completion of a cycle of Talmud study by women in the Jerusalem Convention Center. We are educating women to participate in and contribute to every field, including those that were once closed to us.

The Talmud was compiled after the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD. It is a collection of complex interpretations of the Torah and Jewish law, put together both in Babylon (Babylonian Talmud, compiled in what is now Iraq by about 500 AD) and in the Land of Israel (Jerusalem Talmud, completed about 200 years earlier).

The 37 tractates of the Babylonian Talmud are considered the foundation stone of halachic Jewish literature. About a century ago, in 1923, Rabbi Meir Shapira of Lublin instituted the Daf Yomi cycle, in which one page of the Talmud is studied daily across the Jewish world, completing a cycle every seven and a half years. Celebrations to mark the completion of the cycle are held around the world.

Until recently, only men participated in this tradition and celebrated the completion of the cycle. Men didnt want to share their exclusive authority with women. The study of the Talmud is empowering. It makes it possible to gain authority as a rabbi and a religious judge, among other things, Rachel Elior, a professor of Jewish thought and philosophy at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, told Al-Monitor.

Young Americans who immigrated to Israel in the 1970s pioneered women studying the Talmud and established Midreshet Bruriah, the womens equivalent to post-high school yeshivas for men. The midrasha  now called Midreshet Lindenbaum  was soon joined by top religious schools and liberal religious organizations such as Kolech, an organization of religious Jewish feminists. They instituted Talmud study for women in various forms. Their efforts eventually resulted in the ordination of Orthodox women as rabbis and halachic authorities, who now serve as a resource for questions on matters of religion.

Hadran was founded in 2018 by several Orthodox women who advocated making Talmud study accessible to women, with the goal of greater religious authority for women.

We aim to inspire Jewish womens interest in learning Talmud, providing them with unique, practical, women-taught resources to advance their learning at all levels and at their own pace, reads its website. We are living in a remarkable time in Jewish history, a time when women learning and teaching Torah at high levels is almost commonplace. Talmud, however, remains more in the purview of men. Hadrans goal is to change the paradigm, offering women at all levels of knowledge the tools they need to study Talmud, at their own pace and whatever way suits them  whether in a class, as part of a chavruta [study partnership], or on their own. In addition, by providing support in the voice of female teachers, Hadran hopes to provide role models that advance the status of women in the world of Talmud.

The Jan. 5 gathering in Jerusalem, attended by over 3,000 women, was a show of power and strength by religious women from almost every social sector, ranging from relatively liberal ultra-Orthodox women to women associated with the conservative movement. Some wore headscarves, while others walked around in jeans and t-shirts. The term feminism was conspicuously absent. On the contrary, the organizers wanted to send the message that Talmud study is not the result of a struggle but the natural continuation of a legacy of Torah study across Jewish history.

The opening video portrayed women studying the Talmud as continuing in the tradition of Bruriah, a 2nd century sage from the early Talmudic period who is often considered the first learned Jewish woman. Rabbanit Farber Cohen, the keynote speaker of the event, sketched out the historical progression as it affected her own life: We have three sets of Talmud in my home. The first belonged to my grandfather. In his day, it was obvious that only men study. My husband and I received the second set as a wedding gift, and we studied it together. The third set represents the future. It is the set of Talmud that we gave our daughter about a year ago. Today it is obvious that any woman can study Talmud. Women in our world have made major progress in academia and all other aspects of life. It is important that they also understand the intellectual depth of Torah study and Judaism.

Nevertheless, mainstream Orthodox Judaism still believes that Talmud study is the exclusive legacy of men. The director of religious education in the Ministry of Education did not provide any funding for the event in Jerusalem, though the department funds similar events for men.

Academies for young religious women were also present. Many of them advocate military service for women, even those the idea runs counter to the positions of more conservative rabbis. Rabbi Ohad Toharlev, chairman of the executive committee of the Forum of Midrashot, critiqued this conservatism at the gathering. This is a day that gives voice to the empowerment of women, both in Torah and in service to the country. The time has come to remove the internal guardsman from the study hall and grant access to anyone who wants to come and study Torah, he said.

What about the ultra-Orthodox community? Dozens of ultra-Orthodox women from the more liberal circles of the sector attended the event, indicating that change, though slow, is taking place even among the more traditional elements of Judaism.

On Jan. 6, one day after the womens event celebrating the completion of the cycle, ultra-Orthodox website Kikar Hashabat announced that its community will also host an event for women to celebrate the completion of the cycle. However, instead of celebrating womens study, it will celebrate their role in enabling their husbands to study.

The company organizing the event explained, For seven years, women made sure that their husbands would be able to read the daily page of Talmud day after day, and they did so calmly and without harassing them. That is why it is so important to gather the ultra-Orthodox women to thank them and to give them the strength to carry on with what they are doing well into the future.

Despite these and other advancements, ultra-Orthodox women still have a long way to go before they are widely supported in studying the Talmud.
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Sixty-six militants have surrendered to government security forces in two provinces, authorities said on Jan. 16.

In eastern Kunar province, 16 Islamic State (IS) fighters surrendered to Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Manogay district and handed over some amount of weapons earlier on Thursday, provincial governor Abdul Satar Mirzakwal told Xinhua.

On Monday, nine IS militants also surrendered to army personnel in Manogay district, he said.

About 50 Taliban militants laid down arms and give up fighting in Shahrak district of western Ghor province on Wednesday, the country's Ministry of Defense said earlier on Thursday.

"Fifty Taliban militants under the command of Abdul Qadir and Mullah Mustafa joined peace and national reconciliation process in Shahrak district, Ghor province. They also brought with them some amount of weapons," the ministry said in a statement.

More than 300 armed insurgents have laid down arms and surrendered to local authorities as government forces have geared up crackdowns on militants across the country since beginning January.

The militant groups haven't responded to the reports so far.
The prosecution had on Tuesday submitted two applications to prevent the man from resuming his studies in the United Kingdom and to lift the gag order on his identity. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  An undergraduate accused of taking explicit videos of 12 women had his application to leave the country revoked by a district court on Thursday (16 January).

However, District Judge Adam Nakhoda maintained the gag order on the 22-year-old man, despite the prosecutions attempt to have his identity revealed two days earlier.

The prosecution had on Tuesday submitted two applications to prevent the man from resuming his studies in the United Kingdom and to lift the gag order on his identity.

After considering the matter for two days, DJ Nakhoda said the new evidence revealed the accuseds intention to remain overseas and hence placed him as a high flight risk. He consequently revoked the application that he granted on 10 January that allowed the man to leave the jurisdiction from 13 January to 16 March.

The judge declined to lift the gag order as two of the accuseds victims had not given their consent to the risk of their identities being exposed.

The man, an undergraduate at a top British university, was charged with filming two women in toilets at Orchard Hotel and his condominium on 2 October last year. He was later handed more charges relating to taking upskirt videos of other women or filming them in the toilet.

Ten of his victims had supported the prosecution in its application to remove the gag order, stating that the man should not be allowed to hide behind it. Of the two remaining victims, one had reservations and the other, 16 years old, was not consulted at the request of her family.

The prosecution had submitted that it was sufficiently difficult to identity the specific victims, while the mans lawyer Kalidass Murugaiyan said it was up to the courts to decide on the gag order, not the victims.

In his decision, DJ Nakhoda said that the gag order was extended to cover the accused when he was charged as there was a chance the identity of the victims could be exposed based on the location and circumstances of the offences.

Story continues

This factor has not changed, said the judge.

I agree that the victims consent to the accuseds identity being disclosed does not amount to the victims waiving their rights to anonymity, it (is) a case of them accepting the risks that their identities may be exposed if the identity of the accused is made known.

However he declined to lift the gag order as the two remaining victims had not unequivocally agreed to the risk that their identities will become known.

Death in messages do not refer to physical death: Judge

Deputy Public Prosecutor Foo Shi Hao had sought to block the man from departing Singapore, submitting fresh evidence which ostensibly revealed his plans to seek asylum overseas. Evidence of this was presented in the form of text messages exchanged between the man and a close female friend, who also happened to be a victim.

In the messages, the man said that he might not return to Singapore and that it would mean certain metaphorical death to stay. Contesting the significance of the messages, Kalidass had said that the man was referring to committing suicide.

DJ Nakhoda, however, found that the man had not meant physical death but alluded to how his future would be adversely affected if he were to remain in Singapore. The accused person had also used the word asylum, which could only mean that he was contemplating staying out of Singapore to avoid the consequences of his case, said the judge.

While the man had expressed suicidal ideations in a conversation with another friend, the judge found that this was not the tone of the conversation with his female friend.

Related stories:

Undergrad accused of voyeurism: 10 alleged victims want his identity made public

Singaporean undergraduate charged with filming two women in toilet
Christopher Tolkien, a renowned Oxford don and the son of The Lord of the Rings creator JRR Tolkien, has died at the age of 95.

Literary figures paid tribute to the 'titan' who became a guardian of his father's posthumous works, editing texts including The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth.

Tolkien was John Ronald Reuel's youngest son and grew up listening to tales of Bilbo Baggins, helping to shape his father's characters with his criticism.

After serving with the RAF in South Africa during the war, Tolkien went up to Trinity College, Oxford, following in his father's footsteps to become a lecturer in Old and Middle English.

At the age of just 21, Tolkien was invited by his father to join the Inklings, a literary society which included C. S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams, Warren Lewis, Lord David Cecil, and Nevill Coghill.

Christopher Tolkien, a renowned Oxford don and the son of The Lord of the Rings creator JRR Tolkien, has died at the age of 95

Tolkien scholars have paid tribute to 'titan' Tolkien, he won Oxford University's Bodley Medal in 2016, for his 'outstanding contributions' to communications and literature

After his father's death in 1973, Tolkien became the steward of JRR's manuscripts and a keen cartographer of the magical world.

'As strange as it may seem, I grew up in the world he created,' Tolkien said in 2012, 'For me, the cities of The Silmarillion are more real than Babylon.'

Notable works Tolkien edited include The Children Of Hurin, and Beren And Luthien, which flesh out the complex world of elves and dwarves created by his father.

He also drew the original maps of Middle-earth which decorated the trilogy released in the 1950s following the success of the prequel, The Hobbit.

He is credited by Tolkien scholars as revealing a greater depth of his father's bold visions for a rich and complicated mythology for Middle-earth.

Glasgow University Tolkien scholar Dr Dimitra Fimi said: 'He gave us a window into Tolkien's creative process, and he provided scholarly commentary that enriched our understanding of Middle-earth. He was Middle-earth's cartographer and first scholar.'

For many the Peter Jackson film trilogy adaptation of the books is their only connection to the extraordinary body of work, but Christopher Tolkien held the blockbusters in utter contempt.

In a 2012 interview with Le Monde, Tolkien tore into the wildly popular movies, saying: 'They gutted the book, making an action film for 15 to 25-year-olds.'

English writer J. R. R. Tolkien in his study at Merton College, Oxford in December 1955. He was Merton's professor of English since 1945

Indeed, Tolkien had sued New Line Cinemas in 2008 for 133million over alleged failure of the Hollywood studio to pay royalties following the success of the films.

An undisclosed settlement was made which cleared the way for the more recent Hobbit movies.

Tonight Shaun Gunner, Chair of the Tolkien Society, said: 'All of us in the Tolkien Society will share in the sadness at the news of Christopher Tolkien's death, and we send our condolences to Baillie, Simon, Adam, Rachel and the whole Tolkien family at this difficult time.

'Christopher's commitment to his father's works have seen dozens of publications released, and his own work as an academic in Oxford demonstrates his ability and skill as a scholar.

Christopher Tolkien was critical of Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning The Lord Of The Rings film trilogy. Viggo Mortensen is pictured in The Lord Of The Rings - The Return Of The King, which came out in 2003

'Millions of people around the world will be forever grateful to Christopher for bringing us The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, The History of Middle-earth series and many others.'

J.R.R. Tolkien in 1967, he died in 1973

Charlie Redmayne, chief executive of HarperCollins UK which publishes much of JRR Tolkien's work, said: 'Christopher was a devoted curator of his father's work and the timeless and ongoing popularity of the world that JRR Tolkien created is a fitting testimony to the decades he spent bringing Middle-earth to generations of readers.

'The most charming of men, and a true gentleman, it was an honour and privilege to know and work with him and our thoughts are with his family at this time.'

Tolkien won Oxford University's Bodley Medal in 2016, for his 'outstanding contributions' to communications and literature.

In later life he lived with his second wife, Baillie Tolkien, in France. They had two children together Adam Reuel Tolkien and Rachel Clare Reuel Tolkien.

He had another son, the barrister-turned-author Simon Mario Reuel Tolkien, by his first marriage. He had disowned Simon in a fallout over the Hollywood movies but the pair later reconciled.
A Montreal teen faces four criminal charges after an international team of hackers unsuccessfully targeted a pair of Toronto cybersecurity experts in a $50-million cryptocurrency scam.

We can confirm that last year a hacker attempted steal crypto assets from our company and its employees, Don Tapscott said in an email. That attempt was unsuccessful. We cooperated with the police (and) have been impressed with their determination to bring those responsible to justice.

A Surete du Quebec police spokesperson said the case involves dozens of victims and investigators in Canada and the U.S. regarding a SIM swapping scheme.

While Don Tapscott and his son Alex said they fended off the attack, Lt. Hugo Fournier of the SQ in Montreal said thieves netted $50-million in the U.S. and another $300,000 in Canada.

Fournier said the SQ worked with Toronto police on the investigation, in which a Montreal teen was charged with four fraud-related crimes in the GTA.

Toronto police declined to comment on the case.

SIM swapping involves tricking a targets mobile carrier into transferring a wireless service over to a device in the criminals control. Fraudsters use it to gain access to a targets email, social media and financial accounts.

Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are decentralized, internet-based currencies which are not controlled by any central authority.

Most cryptocurrencies are based on a system called blockchain, which tallies and verifies transactions in an ever-growing online record.

The father-son team of Don and Alex Tapscott are the co-authors of Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World.

Don Tapscott said via email that businesses and individuals need to be vigilant with their cybersecurity.

This kind of criminal activity is far more prevalent than most companies and citizens are aware, and everyone should take heed to protect themselves as we have, Don Tapscott said.

The Ontario Provincial Police sent out an alert regarding the SIM swap scam in November, warning that fraudsters sometimes impersonate a target and lie that their phone has been lost or stolen.

Members of the public should keep personal information personal, the OPP statement continues, adding that this includes not publishing your date of birth on social media.

Members of the public also shouldnt answer phishing emails or text messages looking for you to confirm your password or update your account information, the OPP statement says.

Another tip from the OPP is that you should contact your service provider immediately if you lose mobile service on your device.

Samy Bensaci, 19, of Montreal, has been charged with four crimes in the Toronto area: fraudulently obtain computer service; fraud over $5,000; mischief/ deny access to computer data and personate with intent.

He was released on bail in December, on a $200,000 surety.

He has been placed under house arrest in Montreal and barred from using any online devices.

He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 31.

With files from Tristan Peloquin, La Presse.

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After criticism from ally Congress, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday withdrew his controversial remarks wherein he claimed that former prime minister Indira Gandhi met gangster Karim Lala in Mumbai.

However, before taking back his comments, Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Gandhi met Karim Lala in his capacity as representative of the Pathan community.

Later, after Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam hit out at Raut over his "ill-informed" remarks, the Sena leader withdrew it.

"If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image, or someone's feelings, I take it back," said Raut, whose party is part of the ruling alliance with the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra.

"In the past, I have taken her (Gandhi's) side and argued with people who tried to malign her image. In such cases, some Congress leaders had remained silent," the Rajya Sabha member said.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday, Raut claimed, "When (underworld don) Haji Mastan came to Mantralaya, the entire secretariat would come down to see him. Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)."



He also said that "they (underworld) used to decide who will be Mumbai's police commissioner and who will sit in Mantralaya".

Karim Lala was one of the three top underworld dons of Mumbai for over two decades, from the sixties to early eighties, the other two being Mastan Mirza alias Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Taking strong note of the remark, former Union minister Deora and Nirupam asked Raut to withdraw it.

Deora said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will "repent" if he continues a "false campaign" against Gandhi.

While defending his comments, Raut said he had never shied away from praising Indira Gandhi.

"Kareem Lala was leader of Pathan community, he led an organisation called 'Pakhtun-e-Hind'. It was in this capacity of the leader of Pathan community that he met several top leaders including Indira Gandhi. However, those who do not (know) the history of Mumbai, r twisting my statement," Raut said in a tweet.

"I have never shied away from praising Indira Gandhi as an iron lady who took decisions with iron fist. Surprisingly those who do not (know) history of Indiraji are shouting on top of the voice," he said in another tweet while tagging it to Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Rajeev Satav.

Latching onto the controversy, former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis sought an explanation from the Congress leadership over Raut's comments and wondered whether the Congress was "funded by Mumbai's underworld".

The BJP leader also questioned if (at that time) it was the beginning of "criminalisation of politics" in the state, and if the Congress "supported" those who attacked Mumbai.

Was the Congress in need of "muscle power" to win elections in those days? he asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Officers found the victim in the 1300 block of University Boulevard at about 6 p.m. after police were called to investigate a report of an unidentified male lying in the parking lot, officials said.
LONDON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Amagi , a global leader in cloud-based technology for TV and OTT broadcasters, today announced that Insight TV, the world's leading 4K UHD broadcaster, has transitioned its three newly launched OTT channels  Insight TV Lifestyle, InWonder, and InTrouble to Amagi cloud platform. All three channels are currently delivered to STIRR platform in the U.S., with InTrouble being delivered to the U.K., and Insight TV Lifestyle to Spain on Samsung TV Plus platform. Additionally, Insight TV Lifestyle is also delivered to the Oona TV platform in Indonesia.

Amagi deployed CLOUDPORT, its award-winning cloud playout platform, to create the linear OTT channels and distribute them to Free Ad Supported platforms/Connected TVs such as STIRR and Samsung TV Plus.

"Choosing Amagi as our back-end cloud technology provider has brought about a remarkable ease to our operations, reducing overall costs and effort," said Rian Bester, CEO, Insight TV. "Their solutions are already pre-integrated with STIRR, Samsung TV Plus and other leading platforms. This has made the transition to Amagi quick and hassle-free."

Hosted on a AWS public cloud infrastructure, Amagi CLOUDPORT packs in advanced features such as automated scheduling, dynamic graphics, live controls, 4K UHD playout, and 24x7 monitoring. It also has unmatched flexibility to support multiple distribution platforms, catering to their unique and individual requirements.

"Amagi is widely accepted by leading OTT platforms/devices across the world  both subscription-based and free ad-supported models. It makes Amagi a very attractive and obvious choice for content owners and digital networks to distribute their content to multiple platforms, across regions," said Srini, co-founder, Amagi. "We are excited to be the technology partner of Insight TV, and enable them to reach streaming audiences in their growth markets."

Amagi manages 250+ channels, with deployments in more than 40 countries. Amagi clients include Turner Broadcasting, Viceland, Discovery, IMG, MGM, Tastemade, PeopleTV, ShortsTV, PBS America, Viacom18, Quest TV, Zee TV, and more. Also, the company recently launched a state-of-the-art cloud MCR facility in New Delhi with a capability to monitor up to 1,000 channels .

For more information about Amagi and its cloud-based broadcast solutions, visit www.amagi.com .

About Amagi (www amagi.com):

Amagi is the world's leading cloud-managed broadcast services company. Amagi brings simplicity, advanced automation, and transparency to the entire broadcast operation, be it for traditional TV or next-gen multiscreen platforms. Amagi has deployments in over 40 countries, enabling TV networks to launch, operate, and monetize channels anywhere in the world. Amagi has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Singapore, New Delhi, Mumbai, and an innovation center in Bangalore.

About Insight TV:

Insight TV is a global content creator and TV channel. Specializing in adventurous content about trending communities told through global influencers, all of Insight TV's content is filmed in vivid 4K UHD HDR. Insight TV reaches millions of homes across the world, and can be viewed anywhere and on any device via insight.tv and is available in 44 different countries via linear channels.

www.insight.tv

Twitter / LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Amagi Contact:

Sanjay Kirimanjeshwar

Head of Global Marketing

Email: [email protected]

Insight TV Contact:

Charlotte Van Bochove

Global Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Amagi Media Labs Pvt. Ltd.
The construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline and the import of Turkmen gas remain an important part of the EUs energy security strategy, Charge d'affaires of the EU Delegation to Ashgabat Lubomir Frebort said. According to him, the EU-Turkmenistan summit will be held as part of the meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council in Baku in February.

The European Union fully supports Turkmenistans policy of diversifying its gas export markets. "The construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline and the import of Turkmen gas remain an important part of the EUs strategy in the field of energy security and diversification of gas import sources, and the new European Commission recently included it in the updated list of priority energy projects," Frebort said at the forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the importance of Turkmen neutrality in international cooperation. The upcoming meeting of the Advisory Council on the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku on February 28 provides an opportunity for a bilateral EU-Turkmenistan summit with the new EU Energy Commissioner to move this dialogue further, Frebort added.

In addition, he noted that the EU Special Representative for Central Asia proposed to hold a symposium in the first quarter of 2020 in Ashgabat to discuss particular actions for the implementation of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia, adopted in 2019. Frebort believes that Turkmenistan will benefit from active interaction with the EU through this regional strategy. "Besides the current bilateral cooperation projects, the new instrument of the European Commission for neighborhood, development and international cooperation, which has been allocated 93.1 billion euros, will allow the EU to offer new partnership opportunities to Turkmenistan from 2021," the charge d'affaires of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan added.

Last year, the discussion on the prospects for the construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline, which provides for the transportation of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Europe through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, was resumed. The discussion was prompted by a series of actions taken by representatives of the European Union to support this project.

Head of the club of political scientists 'South Caucasus' Ilgar Velizde told Vestnik Kavkaza that the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline project, connecting Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, has been discussed since the 1990s and aims to ensure export of Turkmen gas to the west. However, the situation has been stalled due for several reasons. "It is not enough for the European Commission or Ashgabat simply to wish to build the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. Although it is not technically difficult to built it. It only requires the construction of a three-hundred-kilometer pipeline between the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian. For example, the Nord Stream and Turkish Stream pipelines were built in more difficult environmental conditions. If these projects have been implemented, the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline is not difficult project. The question is, who will build the pipeline? Who will act as investor? It is often said that the project can be implemented at the expense of international financial organizations, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the Asian Development Bank. But so far this is not the case," Ilgar Velizade said.

The expert also noted that a consortium has not been created over many years, there is no data on the volume of gas supplied to Western markets, so it is not known which pipe diameter should be used. This is an important issue. But it's unclear at what price Turkmen gas will be supplied. The transit price is unknown either. And in general, no specific negotiations are underway.

It is assumed that the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline will be connected to the SGC system, which allocates certain, not large, volumes for external conditional suppliers - a maximum of 10 billion cubic meters of gas. The system is designed to pump Azerbaijani gas. If a decision is made on pumping Turkmen gas, then it will be necessary to talk about strengthening the capacity of the SGC. These are additional costs that the SGC consortium must bear.

"The fundamental question is that the Turkmen side has not yet conducted substantive negotiations with European buyers on the issue of delivering its gas to specific countries' markets. There were general statements following President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to Germany and a number of other European countries. But no information was yet available on competitive agreements," Velizade noted.

It is also worth considering the fact that in recent years there has not been a sharp increase in hydrocarbon production in the Caspian states. All data and forecasts suggest that we should not expect the appearance of additional gas volumes in Turkmenistan. Moreover, the situation with the loading of existing export pipelines pumping Turkmen gas is not so rosy.

The Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline exported 36 billion cubic meters of gas, with the pipe capacity of 55 billion cubic meters. Pipelines going to Iran were filled with maximum 8 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas per year, although they were designed for 20 billion cubic meters. However, Turkmenistan has no such opportunity for several years. The construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline has begun, which will also require additional gas volumes. It is not entirely clear what is left for the Trans-Caspian pipeline.

According to Velizade, the European Commission has repeatedly made statements about its intention to build the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. The current statement can be seen as a political factor for the implementation of this project. But if there is no real economy, then no political statements can accelerate its implementation.

According to Doctor of Political Sciences Sergei Zhiltsov, Azerbaijan politically supports the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline project, although Turkmen and Azerbaijani gas are competitors now. The TANAP pipeline will deliver natural gas produced from the Shah Deniz-2 offshore gas field in Azerbaijan. It is also important to take into account Ashgabats position that it plans to sell gas at the border, after which - that is, in a hypothetical Caspian pipe - the fuel becomes the property of the buyer.

"Despite the data on production and exports, a number of Caspian littoral countries and Western states maintain interest in the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline project. This is primarily due to the desire of the young Caspian littoral states to keep oil and gas companies interested in production projects. The difficulties that consortiums face when developing the Caspian fields, reduced their interest in the regions hydrocarbon resources. They are mostly considered promising reserves, the role of which may increase in the future. In addition, the Caspian countries are striving to take advantage of the geopolitical situation. The western sanctions against Russia, the continuity of the EU and U.S. energy policies aimed at laying pipelines bypassing Russia, reinforce the Caspian states' interest in using these factors in their own interests," Sergey Zhiltsov told Vestnik Kavkaza.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - A Texas inmate with a history of violence against women was executed Wednesday evening for fatally shooting his wife, who had feared she would never get out of her marriage alive.

John Gardner, 64, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the January 2005 slaying of Tammy Gardner. Prosecutors said the couple was getting divorced when Gardner broke into his wifes North Texas home and shot her in the head as she was sitting in bed. She died two days later at a hospital.

Asked by the warden if he had a final statement, Gardner, strapped to the death chamber gurney, turned his head and apologized several times to his wifes son, daughter and mother, who watched through a window a few feet away.

I would like to say sorry for your grief, he said. I hope what Im doing today will give you peace, joy, closure, whatever it takes to forgive. I am sorry. I know you cannot forgive me, but I hope one day you will.

After telling several friends watching through an adjacent window that he loved them, he apologized again, adding that he didnt want to talk a lot and would ask the warden to go forward with his punishment because I want to see the Lord Jesus so bad.

Shortly after the lethal dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital began, Gardner took three deep breaths and then began snoring. Within seconds, all movement stopped. He was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. CST, 16 minutes later.

Gardner became the first inmate put to death this year in Texas and the U.S. Seven other executions are scheduled in the next few months in Texas, the nations busiest capital punishment state. Last year, 22 inmates were executed in the U.S., with nine inmates being put to death in Texas, the most of any state.

His appellate attorneys had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, alleging his trial lawyers were ineffective, particularly for failing to present evidence Gardner suffered from abandonment rage, a condition Gardner claims causes men to kill their female companions with excessive force when faced with recent or imminent abandonment.

The Supreme Court denied the petition on Monday. Seth Kretzer, one of Gardners attorneys, said he was deeply saddened by the Supreme Courts decision. No other appeals were filed by his attorneys.

For those of us who are foot soldiers in the long war for conviction integrity, the struggle continues, the hope endures and the spirit never dies, Kretzer said.

Prosecutors at trial described the marriage between John and Tammy Gardner as short but violent. She was Gardners fifth wife. The couple married in 1999.

He was a classic abuser, said Curtis Howard, who was one of the prosecutors for the Collin County District Attorneys Office.

Friends and family of Tammy Gardner, 41, testified she lived in constant fear of John Gardner, who would hit and choke her and threaten her with a gun. Tammy Gardner had wanted to divorce her husband but told her boss at a wholesale horse-equipment company, I cant leave, he will kill me.

In December 2004, Tammy Gardner filed for divorce after borrowing money from her company to do so.

At work, she marked Feb. 7, 2005 on her calendar, the date her divorce would be final. She would go over to the calendar and say, Youre almost there. Youre almost there, according to trial testimony.

She was on pins and needles ... hypervigilant, looking out for him, said Howard, who is now an attorney for the Plano police department.

But sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight on Jan. 23, 2005, just 15 days before the divorce became final, John Gardner, who drove from Mississippi, broke into her home in Anna, Texas, located about 45 miles (72.42 kilometres) north of Dallas, and shot her in the head as she was sick in bed.

Despite being shot and unable to hear, Tammy Gardner called 911 and told a dispatcher her husband had shot her and he had left in a white pickup truck with Mississippi plates.

She was hospitalized but went into a coma and was taken off life support two days later.

In the petition before the Supreme Court, Lydia Brandt, one of Gardners attorneys, had argued that if evidence of abandonment rage would have been presented at trial, it would have humanized him thereby providing a basis for a sentence of less than death.

Howard said the theory would not have made a difference at trial because abandonment was not related to all of his many acts of violence, which included shooting his second wife, who was pregnant at the time and later died from resulting injuries, abducting his third wife at knifepoint and savagely beating his third wifes daughter.

Howard said in his career he prosecuted three death penalty cases and two of them were related to intimate partner violence.

This is one of those tragedies that we see in Texas all too often, he said.

___

Lozano reported from Houston.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
The OSCE monitoring held on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops near Terter district passed without incidents, according to the website of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry.



The monitoring was held under the mandate of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Personal Representative.



On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring was held by Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk, his field assistants Simon Tiller and Martin Schuster.



On the Azerbaijani side, occupied and controlled by the Armenian armed forces, the monitoring was carried out by the Personal Representative`s field assistants Ghenadie Petrica and Mihail Olaru.
In the first such disclosure, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Thursday said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised.

In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, Gen Rawat, delving into the situation in Kashmir, said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

"These people can still be isolated from radicalisation in a gradual way. But there are people who have been completely radicalised. These people need to be taken out separately, possibly taken to some de-radicalisation camps," he said.

"We have got de-radicalisation camps going on in our country," the Chief of Defence Staff said.

He said that Pakistan too has de-radicalisation camps.

"Let me tell you even Pakistan is doing the same. Pakistan also has de-radicalisation camps as they have understood that the terrorism that they have been sponsoring is actually hitting back at them," Gen Rawat said.

It is for the first time a top-ranking official publicly has talked about existence of de-radicalisation camps in India.

Gen Rawat said containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism, adding radicalised young people were involved in pelting security forces with stones in Kashmir.

Identifying radicalisation is a major challenge, he said, adding it can be countered with effective programme.

"You got to start looking at where the radicalisation is taking place. Who are the people involved in radicalising the people. It is happening in schools, universities, from religious places and sites, and then there are group of people who are spreading this," he said.

The former Army chief said it was important to isolate people who have been radicalised.

"You have to start isolating these people gradually and then start a counter radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised and to what degree.

"You have to segregate them... Then look at those who have been completely radicalised. First target them and then also start looking at the future, like what we have seen in Kashmir," he said.

On pelting of stones on security forces in Kashmir, Gen Rawat said the stones used were as lethal as pellet guns. "We have had casualties including death being caused because of stone pelting."



The former Army chief also claimed people in Kashmir suffered pellet wounds on their faces and eyes when they tried to pick up stones from the ground.

"The security forces were not aiming for the face. They aimed for the leg. But the face gets hurt when people tried to pick up stones from the ground," he said.

Gen Rawat said an impression is being created that Indian Army has been heavy-handed in Kashmir.

"Indian Army had to be heavy handed in the initial phases of the proxy war when it was launched in early 1990s. Thereafter we are not using such an approach," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Churchgoers are most likely to say they dont know whether their pastor is a Republican or a Democratand many preachers believe thats a good thing.

A new survey by the Pew Research Center finds that almost half (45%) of people who attend services at least a few times a year are unsure of their clergys partisan leanings. Over a quarter (27%) say their clergy are a mix of both parties, while 16 percent say they lean Republican and 11 percent say they lean Democrat.

The job of the pastor is to help churchgoers see that neither party has a corner on true Christianity, and neither party is working out the values of Christs kingdom in its fullness, said Bill Riedel, pastor of Redemption Hill Church in Washington, D.C.

Riedel told CT he was pleased to see that almost half of churchgoers do not know their pastors political leanings, but he would like that percentage to climb even higher. While pastors have a right to their political opinions, Riedel said, pastors should, like the Apostle Paul in Corinth, be willing to set aside their rights for the sake of the gospel.

To be a Christian doesnt mean you ascribe to a particular secular partisan ideology, he said. I dont think pastors should be fake about who they are either. Its an entire grid of how we think about politics that ought to be changed.

When politics does come up from the pulpit, a majority of those in the pews (62%) say they agree with their leaders. The political overlap is particularly strong among evangelical Protestants, three-quarters of whom (76%) say they agree with their pastors political opinions, the survey found.

Some Christians have spoken up for the right for pastors to endorse political candidates, and President Donald Trump often talks about repealing the Johnson Amendment to free churches to take a stand without losing their tax-exempt status.

But overall its an unpopular position; Pew found last fall that most Americans (63%) want churches and other houses of worship to stay out of political matters, and more than three out of four (76%) say they should not come out in favor of a political candidate. As CT reported, Protestants in the historically black churches and evangelical Protestants are the only major religious groups that favor church endorsements.

I deliberately avoid using language that is too precise, Brandon Washington, preaching pastor at The Embassy Church in Denver, told CT last year. Youll never see us endorsing a candidate or anything like that.

My decision to not make political statements or not align with a political party from the platform does not keep me from addressing matters that I believe have become politicized, including abortion and racism, Washington said.

While few Christians heard political endorsements from the pulpit back in 2016 (Pew found that just 1 percent of churchgoers said their pastors spoke favorably about Donald Trump during the campaign, compared with 6 percent who said they spoke favorably of Hillary Clinton), theres new momentum around political civility this election year.

Evangelical pastors must recognize that political diversity frequently is present within churches, said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. If civility across these differences is not actively fostered, it can hurt the mission of the church. This has already been evident as many young adults point to political differences as a reason they stop attending church.

Riedel thinks the problem in 2016 was that many pastors believed they could avoid politics and just preach the gospel. The more heated things got  people were unprepared to think about Christian unity across political spectrum, said the Redemption Hill pastor, whose congregation includes government staffers from both political parties. The past two years have shown us that partisan rhetoric falls short. Christianity has a lot to say to both sides of the aisle.
Food Fresh, Affordable and Just a Little Spicy: Jana Mon Serves up Myanmars Mon Cuisine in Yangon

Jana Mon restaurant serves authentic Mon cuisine at reasonable prices. / Htet Wai

Yangon has added another restaurant to its growing list of authentic ethnic eateries: This time its Mon cuisine being served up by a restaurant thats hidden away near the Shwedagon Pagoda. But dont worry, its listed on the Grab app and Google maps, making it easy to find.

The restaurant is not large but has comfortable seating. Located on Nandawoun Street in Bahan Township, youll recognize the entrance by the bamboo decor and small signboard. Its a cozy little space with a peaceful atmosphere.

Jana means food in the Mon language, so the place is aptly named.

We arrived there at around 11 a.m., just ahead of the lunch crowd, so it wasnt too busy yet. Restaurant staff could be heard chatting in Mon between themselves as they peeled onions.

A boy wearing a Mon longyia traditional garmenthanded us the simple, two-sided menu. Most dishes can be customized upon request, with a choice of meat (fish, pork, chicken or prawns) and small or large portions. We ordered a small portion of sapalin htoung (lemongrass patties) with chicken for 2,500 kyats (USD1.70), kyaw sone (vegetables fritters with Mon dipping sauce) for 2,000 kyats, Mon moat ti (Mon-style noodle soup) for 4,000 kyats, a small Mon home-style soup with prawns for 2,000 kyats, and the prawn roselle rice with fish lemongrass patties for 3,000 kyats.

All dishes are cooked to order, so the food takes a little while to arrive, but its well worth the wait. As we waited for ours, the restaurant started to fill up with guests, most of them foreigners.

Troubled by the lack of Mon cuisine in Yangonwhich is home to a number of eateries purveying other ethnic cuisines including Shan, Kachin and Chinowner Ma Shan Mu opened the restaurant in 2016 to address the problem.

I came here [to Yangon] to work and study. I was just a regular office employee at a construction company. I found out that Yangon didnt have an authentic Mon restaurant, even though we have our own style of food. We cooked Mon dishes at home and my mom is a great chef. I learned so many things from her, Ma Shan Mu said.

She added, Sometime we didnt want to cook at home, and we didnt know where to go for Mon cuisine. So, for Mon people like us, I opened Jana Mon. I chose this area because therere so many Mon people living around here.

Initially her target customers were her fellow Mon people, but the restaurant has grown popular among Myanmar people and foreigners alike during its first year thanks to its authentic dishes and friendly service.

After 30 or 45 minutes, our orders arrived one by one. Before they appeared, the fresh aroma arrived ahead of them, leaving our mouths watering.

Mon moat ti is similar to Burmese traditional moat hin khar, but cooked in a different style with alternative ingredients, giving it a distinct taste.

We use fish and put in a lot of banana stems, which are the main ingredient in the Mon style; we dont use chickpeas, she said.

The Mon moat ti serving was generous and sufficient for two; it came with vegetable fritters and fried fishcakes. The soup didnt smell too fishy, and was choc full of fish and banana steams. The flavor was light and fresh and the broth wasnt too oily. Its a tasty dish.

The chicken sapalin htoung is a fried dish and a bit dry; its a mix of pounded sapalin with chicken and came with its own sauce. It was absolutely delicious. This crispy dish is more like a starter, but Ma Shan Mu said, We eat it with rice, but sometimes as a lunchtime snack.

Another highlight was the kyaw sone. The vegetable fritters are deep fried but not oily, and the Mon-style sauce complements it perfectly. The dipping sauce is really the key to this dishthe homemade condiment includes pounded garlic, chickpeas and chili powder.

The Mon homemade soup with prawns was filled with seasonal vegetables. It had a sour taste, and was just spicy enough. The owner said the chefs go easy on the spice for Yangon diners.

An important ingredient in Mon cuisine is dried gandaria fruit, which is used in many dishes, Ma Shan Mu explained. We source it from Mon [State]. Mon-style homemade soup is easy to cook for us [Mon people]. We add many vegetables that are available near us and cook it with meat or prawns.

The prawn roselle rice with fish lemongrass patties is another sour dish. The rice is mixed with fried prawn and roselle leaves and served with the patties. Its slightly sour but really good.

All the food was amazing. The restaurant is clean, quiet and very affordable. The staff was friendly and the service attentive.

Mon cuisine is distinct from Myanmars other ethnic fare, mainly due to the freshness of its taste and its lack of oiliness. Jana Mons dishes have a genuine home-cooked appeal. Ma Shan Mu is planning to open a second branch on Kone Myint Yeik Thar Road in Yangons Mayangone Township.

Jana Mon makes for a great lunch spot, and for foodies this place is not to be missed. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted by her uncle while she was sleeping in his daughters bedroom says not knowing what happened to her haunts her every day.

The 25-year-old made her comments during a sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday following which the 60-year-old farmer was remanded in custody.

He has pleaded guilty to a single charge relating to an offence which occurred at his home in a rural village in West Limerick in the early hours of February 27, 2017.

Detective Garda Jerry OSullivan said the victim, who was pregnant at the time, had been visiting the house the evening before and had decided to stay overnight.

She went to bed at around 12.45am and shared a bed with a younger cousin who was already asleep.

The detective told Lily Buckley BL, instructed by state solicitor Aidan Judge, when the woman woke sometime during the night she realised she had moved position in the bed and that her leggings and knickers had been pulled down mid-thigh.

There were fluids on her clothing and she told gardai she could hear heavy breathing in the room and that she believed this was her uncle as he was the only male in the house.

After leaving the house the following morning, the woman confided in a relative and outlined her suspicions. She subsequently made a complaint to gardai that she believed she had been sexually assaulted.

The clothes she was wearing were examined and semen matching the DNA of the accused was found on her knickers, leggings and socks.

Judge Martina Baxter was told that following his arrest a number of months later, the defendant denied sexually assaulting the woman and adopted a no comment position throughout a number of interviews.

However, he pleaded guilty when the case came before Limerick Circuit Court last July.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she blames herself for what happened and that she is embarrassed to talk about what happened as she believes people will look at her differently.

I blame myself so much, mentally I beat myself up, she stated adding that she still suffers from panic attacks and has flashbacks.

Michael OHiggins SC, defending, said his client accepts what happened was nonconsensual and that it should not have happened.

There was a wrong done and it was done by him, he said.

A number of reports and testimonials were submitted to the court and Mr OHiggins said 10,000 was being put before the court by his client.

He asked the judge to note how his client has lost his standing in his local community and will carry the stigma of what he did for the rest of his natural life.

Judge Baxter said she was of the view that what happened was a grave assault and a gross breach of trust.

She adjourned the matter to February 5 requesting that a probation report be prepared in the meantime.
A new caravan of more than 1,000 migrants left the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Wednesday on its way to the United States. Following the example of the October 2018 caravan that grew to over 7,000 migrants and reached the US border, the workers and peasants organized the caravan for several months through social media and chat groups.

A smaller group of about 400 migrants left San Pedro Sula on Tuesday and had already crossed into Guatemala at the town of Corinto after breaking through a line of Guatemalan police who ordered them to get processed at the border station.

Given the intensified crackdown against migrants by the regional governments, the caravan speaks to the desperate social and economic life in Honduras and is expected to grow. In 2018, the caravan also began with only a few hundred migrants in Tegucigalpa, but was joined by thousands from across Central America and southern Mexico.

The UN reports that 42,710 Central American migrants arrived at Mexico between July and December 2019, a 70 percent drop compared to the first half of the year, which was marked by tens of thousands of migrants in caravans being intercepted in Mexico. Apprehensions by US border authorities declined from 114,000 in May to less than 33,000 in December.

These tendencies could be related to the fact that Mexico and the United States are implementing stricter migration policies as social and economic conditions in the Central American countries continued to deteriorate, wrote the UN Humanitarian Coordinator last week.

These conditions that Hondurans are escaping en masse are rooted in the century of US imperialist plunder and military rule, exacerbated dramatically after the 2009 military coup backed by the Obama administration.

Those seeking refuge from the resulting poverty and violence now face illegal US troop deployments across its southern border, the unconstitutional building of Trumps border wall, 21,000 Mexican soldiers tasked with rounding up migrants, US detention centers compared by specialists to torture facilities under whose custody at least seven children have died, and the destruction of asylum rights.

These measures, which the Trump administration seeks to use to mobilize its far-right base and assert increasingly dictatorial powers, have been continually played down or ignored by the Democratic Party, whose opposition to Trump has sought to circumvent any issues that could unleash mass social tensions in the United States.

On Tuesday, Diario Tiempo Digital interviewed the Conor Avila couple traveling in the new caravan with their three children. The family attended informational meetings about the recent US and Mexican policies and overall dangers, but, in the words of the father Francisco, originally from Nicaragua, What comes to our minds is that we must do whatever we can to feed our children. His wife, Darlen, completed her studies to become a school teacher in 2011 but never got a post.

There are killings daily and a lack of jobs, said another migrant. Two-thirds of the workforce are underemployed in Honduras, largely as low-paid informal laborers without access to health care or social security benefits.

Any resistance against these conditions is met brutally by the US-backed regime. A wave of mass protests erupted across the country between April and July against austerity and the privatization of health care and education. The military and police carried out several killings, disappearances and even the invasion by troops of the National Autonomous University of Honduras to shoot down students.

Washington informed the Honduran government of president Juan Orlando Hernandez that it will send immigration officials to Honduras to deal with the caravans. As recently as last Thursday, both governments finalized an agreement to allow the United States to carry out such a deployment and collect biometric data. This follows similar US deals already implemented in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Last year, the White House cut all foreign aid to the Northern TriangleGuatemala, Honduras and El Salvadorto demand such anti-migration agreements. Then, $143 million was delivered in security aid to implement the anti-immigrant measures.

Announcing the immigration deal in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa next to president Hernandez, the US acting Homeland Security secretary, Chad Wolf, promised working together to target the gangs and cartels that spread corruption, violence and fear in Honduras. Weapons and training, however, are being given to a regime that shoots down students, workers and peasants demanding better standards of living.

Moreover, several Honduran and Mexican drug traffickers have testified in US courts about handing millions of dollars to Hernandez, while US prosecutors describe in a document filed last August as part of the case against the presidents brother that $1.5 million donated by cartels were used in Hernandezs reelection campaign. These revelations also led to major roadblocks and marches, which were heavily repressed.

Acting Secretary Wolf specifically congratulated Hernandez for his efforts to improve public security, attracting more investments to Honduras.

However, it has been the Mexican security forces that have played the central role in Trumps anti-immigrant offensive. According to the Guatemalan Migration Institute, Mexico returned 66,660 Hondurans, 48,686 Guatemalans and 15,837 Salvadorans just along its land border with Guatemala during 2019. By comparison, Mexico granted asylum to 3,173 refugees in total between January and August last year.

Since January 2019, more than 40,000 asylum seekers who arrived at US ports of entry have been sent back to Mexico as part of the Remain in Mexico agreement between both countries. In many cases, refugees are sent to central or southern Mexico, hampering their ability to attend their scheduled hearings.

In its 2020 World Report released Monday, Human Rights Watch concludes that human rights violations committed by security forcesincluding torture, enforced disappearances, and abuses against migrantshave continued under the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. It adds: President Lopez Obrador created the National Guard, made up largely of military personnel, and ordered its deployment to control irregular immigration.

The report indicates that National Guard members have attempted to invade independent shelters, while those at government holding centers experience inhumane conditions, including extreme heat, bug infestations, lack of access to basic hygiene, limited medical services and poor food quality.

That the migrant caravans marching against the consequences of the highest levels of social inequality in the world coincided with an international resurgence of the class struggle internationally demonstrates how the crisis of capitalism is drawing workers into struggle across the world. On the other hand, the ruling classes are all moving toward dictatorship to defend their wealth, using anti-immigrant measures as preparation for mass repression.

As it broke through the police cordons in Guatemala and Mexico, the 2018 caravan appealed that migrants are not criminals, we are international workers! Today, workers across Guatemala, Mexico and the United States must mobilize to demand the safe passage of their class brothers and sisters from Honduras who face the same enemy: global capitalism and its outmoded nation-state system.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- It often takes a pack of volunteers to help a community become more sustainable and resilient, and thats what the BackPac app is aiming to do.

Created by a handful of graduate students at the University of Michigan, the mobile application encourages others  specifically their peers  to volunteer with nonprofits in the community.

Co-founder Maneel Grover said after learning that volunteer rates in Michigan were dropping, he and his team wanted to find a way to reach his own generation. When they started digging, they found three primary drivers of volunteering: Identification with a cause, technology and generational changes.

One of the things we found was that in our parents generation, they cared about the organization, said Grover, an MBA student at the Ross School of Business. In our generation, its much more important to identify the cause that people are wondering about so they wont just go to a random place.

The application is about as simple as it gets  sign up, enter your zip code and it will find nonprofit events in the area. It shows the event date, time and distance from the users location, as well as the minimum duration of the event and a short description of what needs to be done.

Once registered for the event, users can get an email and add the event to their calendar.

Rather than using previously created content, co-founder Caio Brandao said the app was built from scratch specifically for nonprofits and volunteers.

[Nonprofits] can reach a completely new segment of volunteers using the BackPac app, Brandao said. This is a convenient, no-cost and very effective solution that lets them focus on their responsibilities.

Co-founder Brenda Pak, an MBA student at the Ross School of Business, said she had previously done work with nonprofits and found "a lot of need and opportunities for people to do good.

She and another co-founder -- Guarav Dhir -- were looking for volunteer opportunities, but were overbooked, and some didnt have volunteers and were overwhelmed trying to find them.

Thats when the BackPac team assembled and created the app.

It was really an accumulation of those moments that brought the BackPac app to what it is today, Pak said. Weve spent endless hours speaking to coordinators, nonprofit staff, students and volunteers to figure out their frustrations and to help alleviate some of their pain points so people could spend time doing the work and less time figuring out the system.

Grover noticed that nonprofits websites were old and outdated, and for that reason, the app will continually add updates. The app has already been through a few iterations and the team is always looking for ways to improve.

Since launching in November 2019, BackPac has logged more than 300 downloads and over 225 volunteering hours so far. More than 10 nonprofit organizations use the app, and said they have been able to onboard almost every nonprofit they have spoken with. Nonprofits on the app include Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, Friends in Deed and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

So far, Grover said the co-founders have been funding the project themselves, but they have a third-party developer creating the app for them. In the future, the team is working to both gamify and democratize the app so volunteers can be even more selective about when and where they volunteer.

Gamification is a fun element, providing a healthy and measurable competition to volunteers, Brandao said. Democratization means giving individuals and groups a choice of volunteering opportunities they care about and relate to. We hope both of these can improve volunteering rates.

Pak added the team hopes to improve upon the technology, add nonprofits and expand across Michigan and Illinois by 2021.

To download the apps, visit the App store or Google Play store and search BackPac.
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AHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan.16

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

As part of the policy of repatriating illicitly acquired assets that were confiscated in Switzerland, the country will return some $1.3 million to Turkmenistan, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.

A tripartite agreement was signed between Switzerland, Turkmenistan and UNDP on 15 January 2020 in Bern. The funds will part-finance a UNDP project and be used to purchase anti-tuberculosis drugs.

In cooperating on this project Turkmenistan and the UNDP aim to deliver effective, high-quality healthcare, ensuring that the poorest sections of Turkmen society have access to health services they need.

The selected restitution mechanism is in line with Switzerland's strategy on freezing, confiscating and returning illicitly acquired assets of politically exposed persons (Asset Recovery).

The impetus to the relations between the two countries was given by the visit of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Switzerland in October 2012, following which a solid package of documents was signed.
Smith strikes Stormont deal but questions raised over trade, veterans, and cash

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister praised the huge progress signified by the return, after an absence of almost three years, of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

All five of the main Northern Irish parties have agreed to restore the Assembly and join the Executive  leaving just three MLAs to serve as the opposition. But less than a week on, cracks are already starting to appear in the facade of the New Decade, New Approach arrangement.

First, as I wrote earlier this week, the deal has troubling implications for other parts of the Governments strategy. The commitment to press ahead with legacy investigations has already sounded alarm bells amongst senior Tory MPs, including James Gray and Iain Duncan Smith, about the implications for Boris Johnsons commitment to protecting ex-servicemen who served in the Province from vexatious trials. Johnny Mercer, the Veterans Minister, has acknowledged that there will be a lot of questions, and the Prime Minister has this morning signalled that he will protect British troops, but it is difficult to see how that circle can be squared.

Likewise it isnt at all obvious that the Governments commitment to ensuring frictionless access to the mainland market for Northern Irish businesses can be reconciled with Johnsons stated determination to go for a low-alignment Brexit.

But he is also facing a backlash from the Northern Irish parties themselves  inevitably, over money. The Governments pledges to the Province, including Barnett consequentials, add up to 2 billion  much less than the 5 billion some are suggesting is the real cost of addressing Ulsters challenges and less than the parties claim they were promised.

Of course, having already gone back into the Assembly there isnt all that much said parties are likely able to do about it  and in the aftermath of the cash for ash scandal it is perfectly just for the Treasury to take a close interest in what is spent on Stormont.

Carlaw and Ballantyne compete for blue collar programme

The Scottish Conservative leadership race is underway, and both Jackson Carlaw and Michelle Ballantye are setting out their stalls for members.

I wrote last week about Carlaws bid to establish his credentials as the herald of a new, blue-collar conservatism. This has clearl struck a chord, as Ballantyne has this week penned an op-ed for the Scotsman in which she too promises such a revolution.

Meanwhile Carlaw, who has served as interim leader since Ruth Davidson stepped down and is the front-runner, has started putting meat on the bones of his pitch. In addition to stressing his experience, the Daily Record reports that his programme has shifted towards a heavier emphasis on devolved policy areas such as health, schools, universities, and broadband.

This is a welcome move. Whilst the Tories have revived their fortunes north of the border by rallying around the constitutional question, a more detailed programme not only demonstrates a seriousness about Government but would also leave the Party much better equipped to attack the Scottish Governments underwhelming record at the next Holyrood elections.

as Johnson and Jack hold firm against the Nationalists

Meanwhile in London the Government is holding to its tough line on a second referendum, with Johnson telling the Nationalists to change the record when asked about it in the Commons. Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, went even further, defining the Governments understanding of once in a generation as that there should not be another referendum whilst Nicola Sturgeon is First Minister  or even during her lifetime!

In return the SNP have accused ministers of abandoning the Smith Commission agreement, drawn up in the aftermath of the 2014 vote to make good on the constitutional retreat promised by David Cameron in his panicked Vow.
The one-person monologue, in which a performer narrates an elaborate story and often incarnates multiple characters, has the potential to be one of an actors showiest opportunities. See how they keep the audience spellbound! Marvel at their ability to shift between personas! And, seriously how do they remember all those lines?

Yet theres little in the way of awe or showmanship to be found at My Name is Lucy Barton, now playing on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and starring Laura Linney, playing the title character, a hospital bedridden woman recounting a five-day visit from her estranged mother.

The monologue, adapted by Rona Munro from Elizabeth Strouts 2016 novel, circles around familiar themes of family dysfunction and the sins parents commit unto their children. Information is deliberately withheld and/or cryptically elided  an effect that is presumably meant to create mystery, but mostly just feels annoying. The production, directed by Richard Eyre, soon turns drab and repetitive, with a workmanlike hospital room set (designed by by Bob Crowley) and uninspired video projections (by Luke Halls).

Linney tries her best, and shifts between the mother and daughter characters with an effortless grace  shes one of those performers who can become an entirely new person just by folding her arms. But you can never shake the feeling that this one-person show would probably have been more effective and interesting as a more traditional drama, with other actors and set changes and something to break up the tedium.

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 West 47th St., New York. Through Feb. 29. Tickets: online at www.telecharge.com

The Thin Place

For a vastly superior variation on the subject of estranged mothers and daughters, try to snag a ticket to Lucas Hnaths latest play The Thin Place, running until Jan. 26 at Playwrights Horizons off-Broadway. Hnath, whose star has ascended in recent years with works such as A Dolls House, Part 2, The Christians and Hilary and Clinton, starts with a sly, borderline-cutesy premise: A troubled young woman (the superb Emily Cass McDonnell) befriends a physic (Randy Danson), in hopes of finding out if her missing mother is dead  even though the psychic is the first to admit that she doesnt have any real powers.

Each time you think you know where The Thin Place is headed, the play  directed by Les Waters  twists off in a fascinating new direction, culminating in a sequence performed almost entirely in darkness, with ever shimmer of light and crackle of sound sending another jolt through the audience. What begins as a clever little ghost story becomes an expansive and challenging consideration of guilt, faith and the way we can never escape our families.

Hnath is a major talent. Theres a case to be made that this is his best play yet.

Playwrights Horizons, 416 West 42nd St., New York. Tickets: online at www.playwrightshorizons.org. Through January 26.
(Kitco News) - President Donald Trumps signing of an initial trade deal with China is a step in the right direction, said Kevin OLeary, chairman of OShares ETFs.

I think its a good first step and nothing else will happen until after the election, but at least its a step in the right direction and basically one of the largest purchase orders in U.S. history, OLeary told Kitco News.

OLearys comments come as the agreement was signed on Wednesday, in which China has promised to buy an additional $12.5 billion in American agricultural products in the first year, and then another $19.5 billion the following year.

The U.S. government has spent about $28 billion bailing out American farmers, who have been hit the most during the trade wars with China.

OLeary noted that while the U.S. is making progress in international trade, Canada has been shut out by notable partners such as China.

I keep going back to how shut out Canada is, how Trump played Trudeau like a puppet and Freeland like a puppet, he said, adding that they had no idea what they were doing when they arrested that Chinese daughter of a very important party leader.
GENEVA  In Syrias civil war, girls as young as 9 have been raped and forced into sexual slavery. Boys have been tortured, forced into military training and ordered to carry out killings in public. Children have been targeted by sniper fire and used as bargaining chips to extract ransoms.

Those gruesome facts have been the focus of a new report by U.N.-backed investigators into the Syrian war, which for the first time looks solely on the plight of the children caught up in the conflict.

The group, known as the Commission of Inquiry for Syria, has been scrutinizing and chronicling human rights violations since shortly after the conflict broke out in 2011. The investigators said in their report released Thursday that the abuse and violence against Syrian children goes well beyond just getting caught in the crossfire of warring sides.

After eight years of conflict, children in Syria have experienced unabated violations of their rights: they continue to be killed, maimed, injured and orphaned, bearing the brunt of violence perpetrated by warring parties, the report said.

It did not offer a casualty count among children  the commission stopped counting the victims years ago, citing its inability to verify the figures in a country where they have been blocked from entry.

The report did, however, say that 5 million children have been displaced internally and outside Syria, robbed of their childhood by violations from all sides.

Extremists from the Islamic State subjected girls as young as 9 to sexual slavery while boys were recruited to fight in areas run by al Qaeda-linked militants. Air strikes have devastated entire cities and towns.

Syrian President Bashar Assads government, which bears responsibility for respect of human rights on its territory under international law, ignored such commitments, the report said. It cited pro-government fighters as regularly targeting children using sniper fire and deploying cluster munitions, thermobaric bombs and chemical weapons, often against civilian objects such as schools and hospitals.

The report analyzed the period from September 2011 to October 2019 through more than 5,000 interviews with Syrian children, as well as witnesses, survivors, relatives, medical professionals, defectors and fighters.

There are concerns the report will  like many others in Syrias civil war, now in its ninth year  go unheeded and bring about few concrete results.

Jamey Keaten is an Associated Press writer.
President Akufo-Addo has sworn into office a new Deputy Commissioner for the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

Mercy Larbi, an experienced legal practitioner, was tasked to help tackle corruption, especially in the public sector.

After administering the Oath of Allegiance, the Official Oath and the Oath of Secrecy at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo said corruption had become the source of endless discussions in the public space and urged all those in positions of responsibility to work hard in the fight against the canker.

Since I came to office three years ago, I have taken the view that instead of talking so much about it, let us try and strengthen the accountability institutions of the state as a more effective way of responding to these issues of corruption, the President stressed.

On her part, Mercy Larbi, who used to be the Ashanti Regional Director of CHRAJ, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in her; she promised to discharge her duties diligently.

I pledge that I will endeavour at all times to uphold the high tenets of my office and work diligently to the best of my ability to achieve and accomplish the vision and mission of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, she assured the President.

CHRAJ exists to protect fundamental human rights and to ensure good governance for every person in Ghana.

It was given a broad mandate to achieve this mission by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and by its enabling Act, Act 456, in 1993.

CHRAJ's mandate is threefold, encompassing a National Human Rights Institution, an Ombudsman, an agency which ensures administrative justice and an anti-corruption agency for the public sector.

---Daily Guide
Captain Claus-Peter Reisch was acquitted of all charges laid against him in Malta last week. The trained vehicle mechanic from Landsberg am Lech, Germany has rescued hundreds of refugees from drowning in the mediterranean Sea.

The judge at the appeals court, Consuelo Scerri Herrera, took just five minutes to issue her ruling overturning the decision of a lower court. As she explicitly declared, the captain neither knowingly nor intentionally violated the regulations of the Maltese authorities.

Captain Reisch rescued over 450 refugees from damaged dinghies off the Libyan coast in June 2018 by taking them on board the Lifeline. The vessel belongs to the Dresden-based aid organisation Mission Lifeline, which is funded through donations. Reisch, his crew, and ultimately 235 refugees were forced to survive at sea for six days before they were given authorisation to enter Valletta harbour. Reisch was arrested upon arrival and the Lifeline was seized.

Claus-Peter Reisch (Source: Wikipedia)

Following long, drawn-out legal proceedings, a Maltese court imposed a 10,000 fine on Reisch on May 24, 2019. The ruling was justified with the claims that Reisch had failed to properly register his ship and sailed under a Dutch flag without authorisation. The captain published a fax of the ships papers on the internet, which show clearly that it was registered in the Netherlands.

With the full acquittal issued by the appeals court last week, the court threw out all charges. The seized ship will also be released. However, the Lifeline no longer fulfills the requirements to sail under a countrys flag. According to the organisations spokesperson, Axel Steier, Mission Lifeline is in the process of overhauling a vessel at a shipyard in northern Germany, Rise Above, which will begin operations in the spring.

The acquittal reveals the fact that the entire legal process was driven by political motives from the outset. The social democratic Labour Party government of Joseph Muscat was chiefly concerned with criminalising naval rescue operations and preventing refugees from reaching Malta.

Reisch was initially surprised by the positive outcome, which neither he nor Steier had expected. Wow, unbelievable, he tweeted. I won.

However, the ruling can be understood within the context of the current government crisis in the central Mediterranean county. The crisis developed due to the brutal murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Utilizing documents contained in the leaked Panama Papers, she revealed that the government was involved in serious corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and the trade in golden passports, which grant Maltese citizenship to any member of the super rich willing to pay enough money. Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb attack in October 2017.

The judiciary, which is heavily dominated by the government, systematically suppressed and delayed the investigation into the murder for two years. Businessman Jorgen Fenech, who collaborated closely with the government, was finally exposed as the man who ordered the killing and was arrested in November 2019. Fenech accused none other than businessman Keith Schambri, the chief of Muscats cabinet, as being the mastermind behind the murder. Schambri was subsequently arrested and forced to resign, but he was later released.

Protests involving thousands of people in Valletta have erupted repeatedly ever since, with calls being raised for Muscat to resign immediately. The official seat of government has repeatedly been besieged and stormed by protestors. Both the government and the judiciary confront substantial popular pressure. Prime Minister Muscat agreed to initiate a handover of power on January 12, with Robert Abela, the son of former president Goerge Abela, chosen by the Labour Party as the new leader.

Caruana Galizias family pointed out that Muscat tried to directly influence the investigation and criminal prosecution, and added that he should only continue to participate in the proceedings as a potential suspect.

The European Parliament even felt compelled to call for Muscats resignation in a resolution in December, noting that recent events on the island pose an acute danger to constitutionality, democracy and basic rights, including press freedom, the independence of the police and judiciary, and freedom of assembly.

Consuelo Scerri Herrera, the same judge who took just five minutes to acquit Reisch, recused herself in another appeals case the same day. She had been due to preside over a hearing into the corruption of three government ministers in relation to hospital privatisation. She recused herself by noting that her brother, Jose Herrera, was a cabinet minister and a colleague of the accused.

The judiciary is coming under fire from protestors in Valletta since November, and the same applies to the governments refugee policy. The judge evidently had no desire to preside over another politically explosive case under these conditions.

The acquittal in Malta can thus be seen as the result of the reawakening of a culture of protest, and as an indication of the coming revolutions in Europe and around the world.

However, Scerri Herreras ruling has done nothing to change the horrific conditions facing refugees in the Mediterranean. According to figures from the Missing Immigrants project run by the refugee aid organisation IOM, 1,317 refugees drowned in the Mediterranean during 2019. Forty-eight deaths were already counted in the first nine days of the new year, up sharply from 27 over the same period in 2019.

The European Union has transformed the Mediterranean into a mass watery grave, and the Labour Party government is by no means an innocent bystander in this. Prime Minister Muscat played an important role in EU refugee policy. He supported and signed all of the decisions taken. They mean that the EUs border security agency, Frontex, was significantly strengthen, while refugees were confined to military camps known as hot spots.

Neither Malta nor the EU have retreated from this inhumane and murderous policy. Valletta continues to prevent NGO ships from entering its waters.

The situation in Italy also remains the same following a change of government in August. Although the far-right Lega leader Matteo Salvini left the post of Interior Minister and was replaced by a more pro-EU government made up of the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party, the new coalition left Salvinis security decrees in place.

Reisch is thus by no means in the clear following his acquittal in Malta. He also faces the threat of a fine in Italy of 300,000. He is accused of violating the security decrees by rescuing 104 refugees with the ship Eleonore and transporting them to Pozzallo in Sicily. The Eleonore was also seized by the authorities. Reisch and his first officer not only face financially crippling fines due to the charge of assisting illegal immigration, but also 20 years in prison.
China on Wednesday tried once again to discuss 'the Kashmir issue' during a closed-door meeting that was held in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York, in another apparent attempt to peddle 'all-weather friend' Pakistan's narrative. However, India's neighbors failed to achieve their goals, with Russia and France upholding the Kashmir dispute as a bilateral one.

READ: Union Ministers To Visit Kashmir To Spread Awareness About Positive Impact Of Scrapping Art 370

China fails again

India, once again, criticised the efforts by Pakistan to raise Kashmir in the UNSC, where it failed to get any support. Earlier on Wednesday, China made the fresh pitch to raise the Kashmir issue under "other matters" during closed consultations in the Security Council Consultations Room.

Today @UN...our flag is flying high.



Those that launched a False Flag effort got a stinging response from our many friends...  pic.twitter.com/X0jJgassn2  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 15, 2020

READ: Estonia Extends Support To India's Candidature For UNSC's Non-permanent Membership

France, Germany, and Russia have all stated that Kashmir is India's internal issue and have, on multiple occasions refrained from invitations to intervene. They have gone on to state that any issue between India and Pakistan should be solved bilaterally through dialogue.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking to PTI said: "We once again saw an effort made by one member state of the UN, fail in plain view of all others. We are happy that neither alarmist scenario painted by the representatives of Pakistan nor any of the baseless allegations made repeatedly by representatives of Pakistan in the UN fora were found to be credible today. We are glad that the effort was viewed as a distraction and it was pointed by many friends that bilateral mechanisms are available to raise and address issues that Pakistan may have in its ties with India."

This was China's second attempt at the UN to raise Kashmir at UNSC, and it once again failed to start the dialogue which it would have hoped for. In other news related to UNSC, Estonia Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday where he conveyed his country's support for India's candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-22. Russia, meanwhile, has once again backed India for permanent UNSC membership.

READ: Ukraine At UNSC: It Is Now Upto Experts To Investigate The Cause Of Plane Crash

READ: Russia Dismisses China's Call To Discuss Kashmir In UNSC, Says It Is A 'bilateral Issue'
NEW CANAAN  Search warrants released in the Jennifer Dulos case have revealed her estranged husbands SUV was parked on a dead-end street behind her home and was later found to contain blood inside.

The information was contained in the more than 450 pages of search warrants unsealed Wednesday for the first time since the investigation began nearly eight months ago.

Fotis Dulos, 52, has been charged with murder, felony murder, kidnapping, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in connection with the May 24 incident.

His former girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, 45, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. His close friend and former attorney, Kent Mawhinney, 54, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and is being held in lieu of $2 million bond.

Fotis Dulos and Troconis are on house arrest and are being tracked by electronic monitoring after posting bond last week.

According to the search warrants, Fotis Dulos 2015 black Chevrolet Suburban was spotted on a residential security camera parked on Thurton Drive, a dead-end street about 600 feet southwest of Jennifer Dulos Welles Lane home.

Police took 19 swabs including one that was from a "bloodlike" stain and a WeatherTech floor liner that also had bloodlike stains from the SUV during a search, the search warrants said. There is no mention in arrest warrants whether the swabs or the stains were connected to the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos.

The video was among several pieces of footage police say they used in the investigation. Another key component, according to the search warrants, was cellphone data that was used to track the whereabouts of the people connected to the case.

According to the search warrants, Lauren Almeida, the nanny for the five Dulos children, received a text message from Jennifer Dulos at 7:57 a.m. May 24 as the mother was dropping off her children at school.

Police believe Fotis Dulos was already lying in wait for his wife to return to her Welles Lane home when she was last seen on a neighbors security camera at 8:05 a.m., according to previously released arrest warrants.
Questions remain over whether Equal Rights Amendment will ever be added to the Constitution if ratified by 38 states.

The US state of Virginia on Wednesday moved to the brink of becoming the crucial 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in what was seen as a momentous victory by womens rights advocates even though it is far from certain the measure will ever be added to the US Constitution.

The state House and Senate approved the proposed amendment with bipartisan support, well over a generation after Congress sent the ERA to the states for ratification in 1972. Each chamber now must pass the others resolution, but final passage is considered all but certain.

Amendments to the Constitution must be ratified by three-quarters of the states, or 38. But whether this one will go on to become the 28th Amendment may have to be decided in court because the deadline set by Congress for ratification of the ERA ran out in 1982 and because five states that approved it in the 1970s have since rescinded their support.

Still, the twin votes carried symbolic weight and showed how much once-solidly conservative Virginia, a place that defeated the ERA time and again, has changed.

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, a sponsor of the House ERA measure, told her colleagues they were taking the vote of a lifetime.

One hundred and sixty million women and girls across this country are waiting and will forever be changed by what happens in this body here today, she said.

ERA supporters had lined up hours in advance to get seats in the gallery. Among those who crowded in was Donna Granski, 73, who wore a purple, white and yellow sash covered in ERA buttons, some from her antique collection. Granksi said she was shocked when she moved to Virginia in the late 1970s and learned it hadnt ratified the ERA. She had been pushing for it ever since.

We feel like we are marching up to the peak of the mountain, she said.

Democratic delegate Hala Ayala wears buttons in support of the Equal Rights Amendment in Richmond, Virginia, US [Jonathan Drake/Reuters]

ERA advocates say it would enshrine equality for women in the Constitution, offering stronger protections in sex discrimination cases. They also argue the ERA would give Congress firmer ground to pass anti-discrimination laws.

Opponents warn it would erode common-sense protections for women, such as workplace accommodations during pregnancy. They also worry it could be used by abortion-rights supporters to quash abortion restrictions on the grounds they discriminate against women.

Virginia has undergone seismic political shifts in recent years because of increasing diversity and the growing activism and political power of women. Democrats retook control of the legislature in Novembers elections and made passing the ERA a top priority after Republicans blocked it for years.

The ERA had passed the Virginia Senate in previous years with bipartisan support but had never before made it to the House for a floor vote.

It passed there on a 59-41 vote presided over by Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, the first female House speaker in the chambers 400-year history. Spectators in the gallery erupted in the cheers as she announced the outcome. The Senate then passed it 28-12.

Republican Delegate Margaret Ransone, who voted against the ERA, emphasized the missed deadline and said: I wish I could say that this dedication and hard work has not all been for nothing.

Last week, the US Justice Department issued a legal memo contending that because the deadline has expired, it is too late for states to ratify the ERA now. The only option now for ERA supporters is to try to begin the ratification process all over again in Congress, according to the memo.

The National Archives, which certifies the ratification of constitutional amendments, said it will abide by that opinion unless otherwise directed by a final court order.

At least two lawsuits have already been filed, one of them brought last month by Alabama, Louisiana and South Dakota to block the amendment and another filed last week to clear a path for its adoption. In the meantime, congressional Democrats are working to pass a measure removing the deadline.

Former First Lady Betty Ford wearing a button expressing her support for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in Hollywood, Florida [File: Karl Schumacher/Courtesy Gerald R Ford Library/Handout via Reuters]

Among those disagreeing with the Justice Department opinion is Erwin Chemerinsky, a prominent constitutional law scholar and dean of the Berkeley School of Law. He said Congress can set a deadline and change one, too.

Douglas Johnson, senior policy adviser with the anti-abortion rights group National Right to Life, endorsed the Justice Department position and said that if the ERA were to be reintroduced, abortion opponents would probably seek to revise it to specify it could not be used to overturn state restrictions on abortion.

There is precedent for Congress to impose deadlines on the ratification process. But no deadline was set in the case of the 27th Amendment, which is aimed at restricting members of Congress from raising their own pay. It was ratified in 1992, or 203 years after it was submitted to Congress in 1789.
In an interaction with Adgully, Paolo Maraziti, Vice-President, Asia Pacific and Japan SaaS Business Development, Oracle, speaks about the developments in the data-led marketing space, the need for brands to create a more personalised engagement for consumers, data security, Cloud and much more. Excerpts:

Consumer expectations from brands have soared over the last few years and brands have been struggling to keep up with products, marketing and consumer experience. How can brands really catch up and go above and beyond to create customer delight?

I think it is going to be a little bit down set for India. According to statistics available, in India about 58 per cent of the population is online already, with more making the move towards online. Brands have the opportunity to capitalise on a series of data that the consumers leave trace of online. Brands can make use of this data to create a more personalised engagement for consumers. So, they are not speaking to a segment anymore, but to an individual. I think these offer huge opportunities for brands marketing specifically in India because of the huge population being online and start capturing the data. And there is a first mover advantage always that brands can capitalise on.

Therefore, you can have more personal interaction based on the fact that more and more people are online and are leaving a trace of their interest online. Thus, brands can have a one to one, more specific conversation with their consumers.

Everyone has a lot of data and data mining, yet gaining the right insight is still a challenge. How can brands with this technology gain the right insight that can be acted upon to create ROI?

At Oracle, we are working on a project called CX Unity that we launched last autumn. It is all about creating a connection across all the data lakes  or what we sometimes call data puddles  that you have.

Done in-house, we connect the typical customer data available, but also layer on top the interaction data, the data from our marketplace and time sensitive intelligence of what the consumer is doing.

With growing use of data, data security, trust and privacy have become very important. How can brands build a healthy relationship with their consumers to be able to proactively follow this data?

We have a movement all over the world about the sensitivity of private information. Having said that, we are seeing increasing hacker activity on databases. Hence, it has become very important for brands to secure their data. Thats why you need to look at solutions such as cloud; we have Oracle Cloud to protect data. At Oracle, we provide a level of security that very few organisations in the world can match. We are speaking specifically about defense and banks that require a very high level of security. If you want to focus on improving your brands performance, our strong advice is to source the security to somebody else, such as Oracle, who will be able to run the cloud.

With more and more companies undergoing digital transformation in their marketing function, what are some of the challenges and opportunities for brands here?

The opportunities are huge. We believe that brands guarantee an experience in their relationship with the customer above and beyond the transactional layer. As per our survey, about 20 per cent of the consumers are willing to pay more for a better experience, even in a price sensitive market like India. When you digitalise your brand, not only are you able to increase personalisation, but also provide a better customer experience.

Finally, what are some of the key trends that you foresee in 2020?

The year 2020 is definitely going to be an era of more and more digitalisation, more and more marketing happening online from a technology perspective, especially in India. We see a lot of companies now investing in customer data platform. For example, our CX Unity is at the cutting edge of the transformation, we also work with customers in India like Toyota, which is one of the adopters of the platform. With CX Unity we will be able to merge old signals and old customer data being resident in the company as well as automate signals coming from outside. For instance, our data acquisition layer (which we call data-as-a-service), which gives B2B customers the ability to detect, say, financial signals that are affecting their customer base and prioritise which customer to go after.

If you want to maximise the efficiency of your sales team, you will need to give some direction and prioritisation. Thus, I see more digital, more marketing and customer interaction on the digital channel and, therefore, the need for a customer data platform that gives you the real-time intelligence on your customer in order to prioritise and maximise your product in the market.
After four years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha is likely to see a new chief on Thursday with senior party officials working overtime to get a consensus candidate.

With BJP gaining the status of principal Opposition party in the state in the 2019 assembly poll, the post of state BJP chief has assumed significance. The post of the Odisha BJP president had fallen vacant after incumbent chief Basanta Panda was elected MP from Kalahandi during 2019 general elections.

Panda, 58, had taken over as party chief in January 2016.

Though former Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, deputy leader of Opposition Bishnu Sethi, former party MLA KV Singhdeo and state general secretary Prithwiraj Harichandan are in the race, party sources said state vice president Sameer Mohanty is tipped to be the new president.

Mohanty, 56, was a senior functionary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of RSS before he joined BJP. In 2009, he had unsuccessfully contested from Bhubaneswar-Ekamra assembly constituency on BJP ticket.

BJP leader and assistant returning officer Sudipta Roy said that filing of nomination papers will begin at 3 pm on Thursday. The verification of the nomination papers will be done by 5.30 pm and candidates can withdraw nomination papers by 7.30 pm. It has been decided to elect the state party president with consensus. But if there is more than one candidate for the post, the election will be held on January 17 in presence of the two central party observers, Narendra Singh Tomar and Rajiv Pratap Rudy, he said.

The party will also select 21 national council members from 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state who will cast their votes in the election of national president.
Ankara will launch two satellites in the next two years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

According to him, Turkey will launch Turksat 5A satellite in the third quarter of 2020, and the first indigenous telecommunication satellite Turksat 6A in 2021.

"With this project, Turkey will be one of 10 countries in the world that produces its own communication satellites," Erdogan said.



The Turksat 6A satellite was developed by the Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test [AIT] Center in Ankara, Daily Sabah reported.

Erdogan added that Turkey would reveal its National Space Program in 2020.
Princess Anne appeared in high spirits today as she was seen laughing and joking with staff while touring Northern Ireland's main high security prison.

The Princess Royal, 69, visited Davis House, at HMP Maghaberry in Lisburn, which opened recently after a 54 million revamp.

Maghaberry is the only high-security prison in Northern Ireland and operates as a remand prison for all adult male prisoners in the country.

Princess Anne appeared undeterred by the on-going furore surrounding Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle's, 38, decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family.

Princess Anne, 69, appeared in high spirits as she visited Northern Ireland's main high security prison HMP Maghaberry earlier today

The royal could be seen laughing and joking with prison staff during her visit, including Maghaberry Governor David Kennedy (left) and Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General, Ronnie Armour (right)

Princess Anne toured the newly-built Davis House with senior officials from the Prison Service.

The prison accommodates a range of sentenced prisoners, from those serving a life sentence to indeterminate and extended custody prisoners, separated prisoners, fine defaulters and civil prisoners.

Davis House is a 54 million facility which opened in October last year.

The royal was seen walking through gated doors before being given a tour of some of the prison's sleeping quarters.

The Princess Royal was given a tour of the newly renovated Davis House, which opened last year after a 54 million revamp

Director general Ronnie Armour said: 'It's a great privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness to Maghaberry and to have the opportunity to highlight how we are putting rehabilitation at the centre of everything we do and in particular how we support those who are vulnerable and have specific needs.

'It is fitting that Princess Anne visited Davis House, which is the largest capital build undertaken by the Prison Service in over 30 years.

'This investment demonstrates our commitment to build a safer community by supporting and challenging the people in our care to change.'

Princess Anne appeared in high spirits at the prison, and was seen sharing a joke with staff during the tour

The royal, who was named the hardest-working royal of 2018, has had a jam-packed week.

On Wednesday she had three engagements in London, including a visit at the Metropolitan Police Service Special Escort Group, a luncheon at the Royal Yachting Association, of which she is president, and a dinner at the Corporation of Trinity House hosted by the National Coastwatch Institution, of which she is royal patron.

She was in Aberdeen on Tuesday, where she was bestowed with an honorary degree at the University of Aberdeen.

The royal could be seen listening inquisitively as she visited the high security prison in Northern Ireland earlier today

The Princess Royal, who started undertaking public engagements at the age of 18, was being honoured in recognition of her extensive charity work, and received her degree from her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Earlier this week, an unprecedented summit took place at Sandringham House where the Queen, Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry convened to try to thrash out a solution to Megxit.

It led to Her Majesty releasing a historic and emotionally-charged statement regretting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell decision.

The Duchess of Cornwall (right) presented her sister-in-law Princess Anne (left) with an honorary degree at the University of Aberdeen earlier this week

The Princess Royal, who started undertaking public engagements at the age of 18, was honoured in recognition of her extensive charity work

The monarch said: 'Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family.

'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family.

'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.

The Queen (pictured attending church at Sandringham on Sunday), made clear her deep disappointment at Harry and Meghan's decision to quit in a statement released this week

The Queen's statement in full Monday evening after a day of showdown talks to decide the futures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives.

'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.

'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.'
Cars, money and jewellery have been seized in searches carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau in Kildare and Dublin today.

Three houses and two businesses were searched this morning, leading to the seizure of an Audi A6 and a BMW 5 series, along with 4,000 in cash.
Infuriated with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut's claim that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to meet underworld don Karim Lala, the Congress has demanded that the Shiv Sena leader should withdraw his statement.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that Raut's statement is "deplorable".

"#SanjayRaut linking Indira Gandhi with the underworld with a straight face is deplorable. How does he make such comments without doing saamna with the rich history of his own party?" he tweeted.

Party leader and former Mumbai unit chief Milind Deora called Raut's remark "ill-informed statement".

"Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on India's security. As former Congress Mumbai President, I demand that Sanjay Raut withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers," Deora tweeted.

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam warned Raut that he will have to repent if he propagates against Gandhi.

"It would be better if Mr Poet of Shiv Sena continues reciting light-hearted poetry of others to entertain Maharashtra. If he propagates against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he will have to repent. He should take back his statement against Indira," Nirupam tweeted.

Raut triggered controversy after he claimed that Indira Gandhi used to go and meet yesteryear don Karim Lala, who operated in smuggling, narcotics, gambling, forced property evictions and extortion rackets in Mumbai for over two decades.

"There was a time when Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, Sharad Shetty used to decide who would be Police Commissioner of Mumbai and who would sit in the 'Mantralaya'. Indira Gandhi used to go and meet Karim Lala. We have seen that underworld, now it's just 'chillar'," Raut had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Donald Trump "might" discuss the Russian hacking of a Ukrainian energy company  which is at the heart of his impeachment  with Vladimir Putin the next time the two leaders meet, according to White House advisor Kellyanne Conway.

A Ukrainian official said that it will seek the FBI's support in its investigation of the hack, reported by a US cybersecurity firm that says it discovered Russian military hackers attempted to steal emails from the energy company.

According to cybersecurity firm Area 1 Security, a Russian-backed effort targeting Burisma began in November. Russian hackers used a phishing campaign using web domains mimicking the company's websites, then sent emails to its employees inviting them to the websites where they were directed to enter their information.

Asked whether the president will discuss the reported hack with Russia, Ms Conway told reporters outside the White House "sure, maybe he will" but alleged that Burisma was involved in corruption, a defence used by Mr Trump's supporters to try to explain why he was withholding military aid to Ukraine until its president announced an investigation into the company.

Ms Conway accused Joe Biden's son Hunter, who sat on its board, of having "no talent and no energy experience" to parlay his experience in Ukraine with business elsewhere, and she accused the press of "cherry-picking what interests you most about Burisma" despite new evidence that explicitly links the president to pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

A government watchdog office says the administration illegally withheld military aid to Ukraine after it was approved by Congress, an allegation at the heart of the president's impeachment charge on abuse of power that will now face a trial in the Senate.

Ms Conway said: "The idea that you need the Ukraine's or really anybody else to beat Joe Biden is as foolish as us needing the Russians to help beat Hillary Clinton. Everything you need is right in front of you when they open their mouths and look at their records."

She also said Mr Trump "might" discuss Burisma while she was making an appearance on Fox News, during which she had struggled to say whether the president knew whether Lev Parnas, an associate of Mr Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani, was lying about testimony that links Mr Trump to the pressure on Ukraine.

An eight-page report from the Government Accountability Office says that "faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law".

Ms Conway said she had not seen the report but said "it's a good thing" that the military aid did end up getting to Ukraine.
STOCKHOLM, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hedin Group, one of the largest privately-owned automotive retailers in Europe, expands to Switzerland though the acquisition of SeeAll Group. In addition, Hedin confirms it has entered in exclusive negotiation with BMW Switzerland to further acquire the BMW-owned branch Zurich-Dielsdorf (Niederlassung).

SeeAll Group's two dealerships, Allmend Garage and Seeblick Garage, are Hedin's first in Switzerland, adding to the existing relationship with BMW in Norway and Sweden. The Swiss dealerships had a turnover of around 100 million Swiss franc in 2019. The acquisition expands Hedin's total representation to 123 dealerships across four countries.

Upon closing, SeeAll will become part of a wholly owned, newly established Swiss subsidiary of Anders Hedin Invest AB, folded into the Scandinavian BMW division, Hedin Automotive in Norway. Through the I.A. Hedin Bil AB subsidiary, Bavaria, Hedin Group is the largest dealer of BMW and MINI in Scandinavia. The Bavaria brand stands for quality and lives up to its vision of being surprisingly different and noticeably better.

"We are pleased to expand our dealership footprint to Switzerland and to increase our long-standing, strong partnership with BMW," said Stig Saeveland, chief executive officer of Hedin Automotive Norway.

Key Strategic Decision to Ensure Future Success

"The expansion to Switzerland is an important milestone in our company history. SeeAll reinforces our position in Europe, leveraging on our existing alliance with BMW to accelerate our international development in a fast-changing industry. Automotive retail is becoming increasingly competitive and is undergoing considerable technological and market driven changes. With this highly strategic acquisition we strengthen our position for the future," said Anders Hedin, Owner & CEO of Hedin Group.

"I am extremely proud of my team and what we have accomplished together. SeeAll is a sound company with great people. The time was ripe for our business to grow further to ensure our success in many years to come. We will continue our BMW operation in Zurich with a clear customer focus, but backed by the strength and support of an international automotive group," said Ruedi Woll, Owner & CEO of SeeAll Group.

"We want to welcome Hedin to Switzerland. As a significant partner for BMW in Scandinavia, Hedin, with its strong customer centric culture, has a proven ability and desire to take BMW in Zurich to the next level. The acquisition is fully in line with our dealership strategy," said Paul de Courtois, President & CEO BMW Group Switzerland.

Should the acquisition of BMW Niederlassung-Zurich-Dielsdorf be successful, the dealership will become a part of the Swiss Hedin Automotive subsidiary.

Anders Hedin Invest AB



CONTACT:

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TV and radio personality Vanessa Gyan says making an impact in the lives of mothers will forever be her ultimate goal.

This follows the success of the fifth edition of her maternal health awareness initiative dubbed 'The Post Pregnancy Boujie Express'.

The initiative, which is under her Sincerely Vee Foundation, was held on December 20, 2019 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra.

The programme hosted 200 expectant and postpartum mothers to a day filled with education, support, guidance and love.

Among key speakers at the event were actress Sonia Ibrahim, TV personality Roselyn Felli, CEO of Loaves & Fish Consulting Agency, Babette Van Aalst, Yasmin Sangari Botchway, CEO of Educom World Emmanuel Nyame, Asaa of GOWA and 'The Ask A Midwife' GH team and Access Bank.

From self-care, how to get back into the workforce to the importance of saving, speakers connected with patrons of the event, reassuring them they are not alone on the journey of motherhood.

They were also were thrilled to hear about the partnership between 'The Post Pregnancy Boujie Express', EduCom World and How To Be Global, in which children of single mothers would be granted educational scholarships.

No child should be left behind due to their family's financial status. Collaborating with EduCom World and How To Be Global is a dream come true as we support the younger generation in receiving the education they deserves, Vanessa said.

The event was catered for by April's Touch, and patrons went home with packages from Tree of Life, Molfix, Kare Products, Faytex Sanitary, Mongo Slade, AhabanGLF, Naaviq Company Limited, Cheers & Tiers and Kasapreko.

Thanks to the support of Medak General Supply, the maternity ward at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was gifted with 40-bed mats while premature diapers were donated to the NICU. Thanks to Ghandour Cosmetics, financially strapped mothers alongside their newborns were discharged, Vanessa disclosed.

I can't thank our sponsors enough for their endless support and my team for going above and beyond to make sure we continue to put smiles on the faces of Ghanaian mothers. Its all about the woman fully taking control of her life while learning how to balance motherhood, family life, career and self-care while also championing SDG Goals 3, 4, 6, & 9, she added.

---Daily Guide
Police have rescued an 11-year-old who was abducted by a man reportedly suffering from mental health issues shortly after she got off a school bus in Massachusetts, according to officials.

Charlotte Moccia got off the bus at about 1.30pm when she was allegedly forced into the car of 24-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, whose family said suffered from schizophrenia and paranoia.

She was screaming, Springfield police commissioner Cheryl Clapprood told a local news outlet, got in definitely unwillingly, and they left the area.

Officials were later alerted by motorists that the car was driving down the Massachusetts Turnpike on Wednesday evening after an Amber Alert was issued for the missing child.

Mr Rodriguez was stopped and removed from the car at gunpoint as the little girl was discovered sitting in the back seat. Officials said a knife was visible in the car when it was discovered near Brimfield, Massachusetts.

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

State Police Lieutenant Bob Ackerman described the 11-year-old as an amazing little girl in an interview with ABC News.

I cant believe how strong she was dealing with this, he added.

Recommended Five jailed after posing as police to kidnap and blackmail man

The young victim was found without any apparent injuries and reportedly taken to a local hospital for a precautionary evaluation.

Mr Rodriguez was meanwhile detained by authorities, officials said, though it remains unclear what specific charges he faces and whether he is still in police custody. Springfield police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

His family has since apologised for the incident in an interview with the local news site MassLive, noting Mr Rodriguezs mental health issues and saying they first heard about the abduction on the news.

We knew that sooner or later he was going to do something of this nature, said Henry Rodriguez, the father of the kidnapping suspect. But not something this crazy.

We feel really bad, you know, as parents. We have kids ourselves, he added. We feel relieved that the girl was found safe and sound. We were relieved that nothing happened to that little girl and that she is back with her family. We are grateful shes all right.
A Connecticut man has been charged with four counts of homicide and felony animal cruelty after confessing to killing his wife Megan, their three children, Alek, Tyler, and Zoe, and their family dog while staying in a rental home near Walt Disney World in Celebration, FL.

While conducting an unrelated investigation into his physical therapy businesses, deputies from the Osceola County Sheriffs Office went to Anthony Todts home to arrest him. When officers detained Todt, they found four bodies in his house.

Upon his arrest, Todt revealed he had ingested Benadryl and said he may potentially harm himself, so he was taken to the hospital and released on Wednesday. He is cooperating with the investigation, I can tell you that much, Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson said to The Daily Beast. Now, police are trying to piece together what happened between Todt and the four victims after he confessed.

Officials believe it is possible that Todt killed his family at the end of December  the timeline of events is still unknown and quite complicated. On December 29, a family relative contacted Florida police. No one had heard from any of them for two days and the relative requested that someone go and check on them. Deputies responded that day, but were unable to reach Todt or any of his family and reported no suspicious activity at his home.

Seeing as how no one had heard from them for about two weeks, the familys extended relatives formed a Facebook Group titled Looking for the Todt Family to piece together any information they could find. No missing person report was ever filed for the family, and it wasnt until January 9 when federal agents contacted the local Sheriffs office regarding a Connecticut investigation into Todt that law enforcement attempted to reach someone at his home, eventually finding him and the four bodies there.

Although law enforcement is still awaiting official confirmation of the identification of the bodies, given Todts confession, they are confident the bodies are those of Todts family.

Story continues

But, the driving force behind this discovery was actually the separate investigation into Todt. According to Connecticuts Office of the Attorney General, the investigation that somehow drove officers to his door involves a False Claims Act regarding Todt and his businesses. The act specifically targets fraudulent insurance claims made by medical providers.

According to Connecticut state records, Todts physical therapy license lapsed in September 2019. Court records across three states show that he had been facing mounting financial pressure. The records paint a picture of a financial situation that would have likely lead to personal and professional bankruptcy for Todt, who worked out of Connecticut during the week and traveled down to Florida to be with his family on weekends.

The family signed a one year lease in May 2019 for their Florida home, but missed a December payment of more than $4,000 and faced eviction. Between this, and Todds professional blunders, it seems that Todt owed nearly $6,300. Separate court records in New York show that he also owed more than $100,000 for his two New York-based businesses.

Now, family and friends are grieving the loss as detectives investigate the situation further. Its a tragedy and we are mourning the losses in our close-knit community, their neighbor Lori Leighton said to The Daily Beast.

We grieve along with the victims family and friends, along with the community for this tragic loss of innocent lives, said Gibson.

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Adams Moving Forward With Tobacco Cap



The Board of Health is continuing discussions on capping the number of tobacco sellers and is planning to hold a public hearing. ADAMS, Mass.  The Board of Health plans to move forward with capping tabaco permits in town even after some push back from a selectman.

The board members plan to hold a public hearing in the coming months to square away how they want the town's new regulation to look, however, Selectman James Bush aired his grievances with the proposed policy that he thought went too far.

"Personally I don't think this cap makes sense," Bush, liaison to the board, said last Wednesday. "If I want to start a business, you are telling me I can't sell cigarettes because someone does across the street. Cigarettes aren't illegal in this state they are far from it ... we are shooting ourselves in the foot."

Last year, the Board of Health agreed it wanted to go forward with limiting the number of establishments that sell tobacco but had yet to figure out the specifics. The board reached out to the city of Pittsfield that had undergone the same process years ago.

Currently there are 10 tobacco sellers in Adams. One of these is adult only.

The Board of Health members agreed with Bush that they did not want to totally squash the possibility of an incoming business so were working with a cap of 11 retail permits.

"If a new business comes in or a gas station that wants to sell more than fuel and they want to sell tobacco," member Peter Hoyt said. "Do we anticipate that? That is a concern of mine."

The choice was to tie the number to the town's population and through attrition, eventually get the number down to eight or nine. This would follow the one per 1,000 people metric Pittsfield adopted.

Buffer requirements have not yet been discussed, but the board members did talk about a 500-foot rule that would keep new establishments away from places where children congregate and other like businesses.

The board also considered separating adult use permits such as the existing vape shop and the incoming cigar lounge. Although they did not agree on that cap, member David Rhoades thought the number four seemed reasonable.

The board asked Bush what Adams looked like in the past and where potential sellers could locate.

Bush said there were a lot of convenience stores in Adams that sold tobacco that none of them could have existed with the 500-foot rule.

"It seemed like every other building here. There were probably six down that corridor if you start on Zylonite," he said. "There were a lot of variety stores in this town."

Bush felt the cap would lock a lot of potential businesses out of the downtown corridor where it is desperately needed. He said, in general, the policy does not make Adams look business friendly.

"Businesses are going to get a bad taste in their mouth about Adams and they are not going to want to come here," he said.

The board said its main concern was stabilizing tobacco sales and limiting access specifically to minors.

Bush did not think this would make a difference.

"I don't believe that for one minute. These young kids who are smoking, who are buying these cigarettes for them? The parents," he said. "If they have to walk 500 feet or 1,000 feet to buy cigarettes it will not make a difference. It's up to the parents to tell their kids they shouldn't be smoking. It's not up to the town of Adams to step into someone's house."

He added that it is not up to the town to enforce this and these sellers should be checking identification.

"It is plain and simple that is their job, it is not our job to check IDs," he said.

Rhoades argued that where there are more vendors there is more usage and member Laura Grandchamp agreed and said the closer they are to schools the more kids smoke.

"There are studies that show there is a clear association between proximity of cigarette selling to schools and the number of kids that smoke," she said.

The conversation stopped there and Rhoades said he would like to invite a representative from the Pittsfield Board of Health as well as James Wilusz of Tri-Town Health to the future public hearing. He said he would also like to invite vendors.

"The numbers are not hard core it is just what we have now," he said. "Let's get the experts in here."

In other business, Rhoades brought up concerns he had with the possible cigar lounge to open in the former Rascals on Summer Street.

"I am just looking for some clarity," he said.

Late last year, John and Tracy Sheerin, owners of Original Seed, met with the board requesting an extension of the permit process. A former code enforcement officer wrongly awarded the business their permit before they completed various state requirements causing some confusion in the process.

The board extended the permit process 90 days into March giving the Sheerins more time to wrap up the state permitting process.

Rhoades was not sure if Original Seed customers could bring their own cigars and felt the laws were a little vague.

Building Inspector Gerald Garner spoke up and said he thought the board was overstepping.

"That's neither here nor there, and what does that have to do with you?" he asked. "I think you have gone too far here. You can't micromanage him to death. Where does it say he can not allow people to bring their own cigars?"

Rhoades said his point of concern was the membership model Sheerin alluded to in his draft business plan presentation. Only those who lease a humidor locker in the lounge could bring in cigars from the outside. Other patrons could only smoke on the premise what they purchased from Original Seed.

Rhoades said he did not think Original Seed could become a membership organization. He asked if the Sheerins can charge a locker fee, how would this affect their revenue of which at least 51 percent must be from cigar sales.

"People may be able to bring their own cigars but if so it undermines his business model and could he recoup that through renting lockers," he said.

Garner said this seems to be more of a state issue that the board should not be concerned with.

"What has he done that has warranted that kind of criticism because when you get down to it, liquor stores are selling liquor. Do you know if a certain liquor store is going to sell to a minor?" he asked. "No you don't, that is not your job. If it happens then it is. This man is starting a business. You have nothing to do with regulating his excise tax and his sales tax."

Hoyt agreed and noted if the state finds an issue in the business model they will inform the board and they won't issue the permit.

Rhoades said he was trying to look out for the Sheerins and wanted them to be privy to an aspect of the law he thought was a bit ambiguous.
Oh Joon-sik, the father-in-law of Moon Joong-won, a jockey who committed a suicide last November, weeps as he marches toward Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Tuesday./ Yonhap





Activists says racing authority has too much power



By Kim Se-jeong







On Nov. 29, Moon Joong-won, a 40-year-old jockey working at the BusanGyeongnam horse racetrack, committed suicide. He was the seventh person from the same racetrack to kill themselves over the last decade. In his suicide note, Moon criticized the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) for abuse and corruption, and preventing him from becoming a trainer.







Ko Kwang-yong, a horse groom and former friend and colleague who is now an advocate for Moon, said the KRA's "excessive power" created an exploitative system which killed his friend. "The KRA's exploitation is pushing jockeys to death. We first need a sincere apology from the KRA," Ko said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.







As a jockey, Moon, a husband and father of two children, never earned enough to support his family. He knew star jockeys were earning hundreds of millions of won per year. But he wasn't one of them and so worked hard to get by.







Riding in and winning as many races as possible was critical to bringing more money home  there was no other pay for him  and he tried. Problems arose when he was injured and had to take time off. Moon's father said the family's finances worsened because of the injury as he had no financial support and had to pay for treatment out of his own pocket  jockeys are considered self-employed and have to pay for their own medical insurance.







Moon also didn't like his relationship with trainers he had signed riding contracts with. In the note, he explained this as abusive  he was sometimes ordered to do unacceptable things such as deliberately losing a race. He had to comply with these for fear of losing out on chances to ride.







In 2015, he decided he wanted to become a trainer, which would guarantee more stability, and successfully passed the test. However, he was unsuccessful in interviews to win stable space to train horses.







After observing less qualified applicants getting training areas, he realized something was wrong. "Some people advised me to buy lunch for KRA officials who were on the panel of interviewers," he wrote in the note. He was never given the space.







'KRA gets in Moon's way'






Making a bizarre statement on the economy of the country, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, has said he was in favour of inscribing the image of Goddess Lakshmi on banknotes which could "improve the condition of the Indian currency". Swamy was speaking to reporters on Tuesday night after addressing a lecture series titled 'Swami Vivekananda Vyakhyanmala' in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district.

READ: Dr. Subramanian Swamy requests PM Modi to rename Victoria Memorial as 'Rani Jhansi Smarak'

Responding to a question about the picture of Lord Ganesha printed on the Indonesian currency, Swamy said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can answer this question. I am in favour (of this). Lord Ganesha removes obstacles. I rather say that a picture of Goddess Lakshmi (on currency notes) may improve the condition of Indian currency. Nobody should feel bad about this."

READ: Subramanian Swamy slams 'Jinnah Wali Azadi morons'; Here's what he wants them to know

Swamy said there was nothing objectionable in CAA

"The Congress and Mahatma Gandhi had requested this (CAA). Manmohan Singh had also requested in Parliament in 2003. We did it. Now they are not accepting it saying that we did injustice to Pakistan's Muslims. What injustice was done? Pakistan's Muslims don't want to come, we can't force them," Swamy said.

Earlier, while delivering the lectures, Swamy said DNA of Muslims and Hindus is same like that of Brahmins and Dalits. Swamy claimed the BJP would soon introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which he said had been repeatedly directed by the supreme court in the past 70 years and by Article 44 of the Constitution. Expressing concerns over the rising population, Swamy said India would leave China behind by 2025 as the most populous nation.

(image from PTI)

READ: CAA protest good for BJP, Kejriwal will lose if they continue: Subramanian Swamy's claim
Prairie Village leaders want to ban plastic bags PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. - In an effort to be more environmentally conscience, two Prairie Village council members are proposing a ban on single-use plastic bags. The proposal would outright ban plastic bags and then charge stores 10 cents per bag for paper or reusable bags.

Look closely, the answer to all of life's problems are located in this "Perfect Village" enclave . . . Checkit:
A Christian school in Kentucky has reportedly expelled one of its students after administrators saw a photo of her posing with a rainbow-colored birthday cake.

The situation unfolded after Kimberly Alford shared a photo of her daughter, Kayla, celebrating her 15th birthday, WAVE-TV reported. Alford posted the photo, which shows Kayla smiling while wearing a rainbow-patterned sweatshirt and sitting in front of a similarly multicolored cake, to her Facebook page.

"She was happy. She looked beautiful," Alford told WAVE-TV. "Of course, as a mom, I took her picture blowing out her candles, and I posted that on my Facebook page."

Alford said the image, shared on Dec. 30, was later seen by administrators at Whitefield Academy, the private, Christian school where Kayla was a freshman. A week later, Alford allegedly received an email from Dr. Bruce Jacobson  Whitfield's head of school  telling her that Kayla had been expelled specifically due to the photo.

"The [school] administration has been made aware of a recent picture, posted on social media, which demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance contrary to that of Whitefield Academys beliefs," the letter, obtained by NBC News, said. "We made it clear that any further promotion, celebration, or any other actions and attitudes that are counter to Whitefields philosophy would not be tolerated. As a result, we regret to inform you that Kayla is being dismissed from the school immediately."

Rainbows have various meanings in popular culture, but the rainbow flag  also known as the Pride Flag has been a symbol of LGBTQ activism and support since the late '70s. Alford stated that her daughter is not gay, telling USA Today that she simply bought the cake for its assorted decorative colors.

However, she said in an interview with NBC News that Kayla had previously been put on probation at school for issues that "in a roundabout way" related to her "perceived sexuality." For example, Alford claims that a school counselor even gave Kayla the book "Gay Girl, Good God," whose author, Jackie Hill Perry, has stated that God stopped her from being gay.

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"I feel judged, she feels judged  it's just very devastating for us," Alford told WAVE-TV.

The school, meanwhile, has said that Kayla's expulsion had nothing to do with her perceived sexual identity, saying the 15-year-old was instead kicked out for "two years of continuous violations of our student code of conduct." That behavior reportedly includes cutting class and being caught with an e-cigarette.

"All the families of students know that they have expectations they need to [follow]," Jacobson told USA Today. "We always try to work with families over a period of time."

But Alford says that her daughter hasn't gotten in any trouble since October, when the school said it was putting her "on probation."

"She did nothing wrong," Alford told USA Today. 'There have been no disciplinary issues. There have been no academic issues. There has been nothing."

Alford also said that the family tried to appeal Kayla's expulsion, but were denied. Instead, her daughter started class at a public school last Friday, where Alford said the 15-year-old is still adjusting to her new environment.
Republicans are at a major disadvantage when it comes to asserting any influence over state politics. But as the second week of the 2020 state legislative session comes to an end, GOP lawmakers are seeing some glimmers of hope that they can remain relevant despite their minority status in both houses of the state Legislature. A progressive bail reform law and $6 billion budget deficit are offering new opportunities to attack the Democrats  and even when Republicans were confronted with a New Years Eve leadership scandal in the Assembly, they dealt with it quickly and decisively.

In many ways, recent events have positioned the minority party to double down on classic talking points. GOP lawmakers say the new criminal justice reforms show the Democrats are too soft on crime. A $6 billion budget deficit allows Republican lawmakers to claim they are the party of fiscal responsibility, without the burden of solving with the problem. Voting reforms are letting them take a swipe at immigrants through spurious claims by some Republicans of a Democratic-led effort to encourage voter fraud. And Assemblyman Brian Kolbs resignation as minority leader has even given Republicans a chance to show they are sticking by their long-running emphasis on individual responsibility. These arguments hold up to scrutiny to varying degrees, but they have helped the GOP gain some political traction before a 2020 election where Democrats are looking to increase their dominance over the state Legislature.

Its made many of us optimistic about gains this year, said one GOP legislative staffer. The pendulum is swinging back in our direction, slowly. Republicans still have a long way to go before they can think seriously about recapturing the state Senate  but they are in a much better political spot than just weeks ago.

The year began with a political embarrassment for Republicans when Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb allegedly drove a state-issued SUV into a ditch while under the influence of alcohol. But his prompt resignation from leadership before the legislative session began had a silver lining of sorts because it allowed Republicans to avoid the type of protracted fight that followed the arrest of Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in 2015. While the incident involving Kolb was embarrassing for Republicans, it underscored their claims that personal responsibility matters to them at a time when President Donald Trump undermines that argument at the national level.

To be sure, Democrats have huge advantages statewide with party registration and fundraising. Yes, there is a sense that the GOP has hit rock bottom in New York. Nine Republican state senators have announced in recent months that they will not return after 2020. But the hope is that bail reform in particular can help them regain political ground in November. There's no shortage of messages and ammunition that we have this year, said GOP consultant Jessica Proud. This bail reform has been an unmitigated disaster and it's only getting worse by the day and I think that's the type of issue that you can win elections on.

Both state Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan of Long Island and Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay have said in the past week that the state bail law  which officially went into effect on Jan. 1  will be at the heart of their political messaging this year. I want to be clear, we're going to hammer this every single day, Flanagan told reporters at the Capitol on Jan. 9. We're going to make the point that this is what the public cares about. Polling in the past year has shown that a majority of New Yorkers have supported the new bail laws, though that could change given the success of opponents in shaping the media narrative around it.

While some Republican lawmakers and their staffers have tried to score political points surrounding the bail policy changes, others insist they are not aiming to capitalize on tragedy. We want to protect New Yorkers and have been working with Democratic electeds, prosecutors and law enforcement officials in our efforts to repeal or amend these laws, said state Sen. Phil Boyle, a Long Island Republican. Even Mayor Bill de Blasio agrees with us.

Much of the media attention around the newly-enacted bail laws has focused on examples of people being hurt by criminal defendants who were released after allegedly committing offenses like assault and robbery. A fatal hit-and-run in Rockland County on Christmas Eve is a prime example. The car that killed 35-year-old Marie Osai was driven by an undocumented man who was reportedly afraid of legal consequences because he was driving without a license. He was released early on Christmas Day. Republicans soon joined efforts to highlight what happened.

A cousin of Osai, Sheila Harris of Rockland County, told City & State that she originally reached out to Democratic state Sens. David Carlucci and James Skoufis for help in understanding the new bail law a day after the suspect was released. A spokeswoman for Carlucci said that no record of a call from Harris could be found. A staffer for Skoufis did speak with her, though the staffer misunderstood at the time whether or not Harris was trying to schedule a meeting, according to a spokeswoman. A meeting between the senator and Harris is now scheduled.

Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt  who unsuccessfully ran against Skoufis for an Assembly seat in 2017  took up Harris cause as his own by the end of the week. An illegal alien, unlicensed to drive a car, struck and killed mother of three Rosie Osai on Christmas Eve, Schmitt said in a Jan. 27 press release. The governor and Democrats in the state Legislature who rammed these criminal justice changes through have allowed a confessed killer to walk free. Harris said at a Jan. 15 press conference with GOP members of the Assembly that the absence of the two Democratic state senators from Osais funeral was disappointing. Not one of them came to (her) funeral on Saturday to say I'm sorry, she said. Not one of them showed up at the rally to say, You know what? We need to reconsider this.

Though the suspect was not out on bail before the incident, Republicans focused on his alleged crime and his lack of legal status as evidence that under ideal circumstances he should be in jail pre-trial, though he is officially innocent until proven guilty. He lost that right, Harris said. That man lost that right to enjoy anything for the rest of his life. Why should he be the one to go home and celebrate Christmas?

The differences between supporters and opponents of cash bail come down to a fundamental philosophical difference. Opponents argue that the law puts more people at risk, while supporters say more people are able to keep their jobs and defend themselves against criminal charges while avoiding the trauma associated with incarceration. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins have argued that more time is needed to gauge the laws effectiveness  though Stewart-Cousins has signalled she is more willing to consider changes than Heastie. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James have said that some changes should be made, but both have declined to give specifics.

While the GOP has been playing offense on bail reform, Democrats have had to play defense on an issue that has divided the moderate and liberal wings of the party. Suburban state senators on Long Island and the Hudson Valley have argued that changes need to be made to the law, including designating more offenses as eligible for cash bail and granting judges more discretion to decide who should be released pretrial based on their dangerousness to the public. In the upcoming months, lawmakers may expand the types of offenses eligible for cash bail while increasing judicial discretion in deciding whether someone should be released pretrial, according to one Democratic senator. But New York City Democrats are sticking by the reforms that passed in the state budget at the beginning of April.

The upcoming state budget may or may not include changes to the bail laws, but it will have to address the budget deficit. Cuomo has signalled that he will balance the budget without raising taxes, though the details of his financial plan are not expected to be released until next week. Whether or not Democrats are able to avoid tax hikes  Heastie has argued that he would rather do that than cut services  Republicans are likely to pounce on their path forward. No matter how good the national economy is, New York is finding itself in a deficit, said Republican State Party Chairman Nick Langworthy. Other states are running up surpluses and we have a hole because we provide too much, we spend too much. The deficit also reinforces the overarching theme of the GOPs political message  that Democrats are prioritizing people who break the law at the expense of other New Yorkers.

According to Republicans, immigrant-friendly policies, like a new law that allows undocumented people to access state college tuition assistance, come at the expense of the needs of legal residents. Bail reform, they say, is letting criminals roam free at the expense of victims and public safety. Passage of legislation allowing for automatic voter registration is a trojan horse that will allow non-citizens to vote, according to Langworthy. People that break the law are being put first in all the priorities of the Democratic Party, he said. (Democrats are) going to pay a hellish price at the ballot box this November.

Democrats have offered counter arguments to these assertions. Bail reforms are balancing the playing field between rich people, who can afford bail, and poor people who cannot. College tuition for undocumented people is just one small part of a $175 billion state budget, while the deficit is largely due to an increase in Medicaid spending that has ballooned with the support of both parties. Automatic voter registration would not lead to mass voter fraud so easily, according to Democrats. Undocumented people tend to avoid law breaking because of their status, and government officials would have to examine any paperwork submitted to government agencies like the Department of Health before they would send peoples names to the Board of Elections to be registered to vote.

While the Republicans claim they are looking out for average New Yorkers, Democrats argue that their rivals are appealing to xenophobia and other darker impulses among some voters. Do they have a political strategy? asked state Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat. This sounds like a last gasp attempt at relevancy.

Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect the response of state Sen. James Skoufis' office to Sheila Harris.
BAGHDAD  In 2021, Iraqis will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Iraq. In light of the current major changes in Iraq, Iraqi Christians feel 2020 will be different. They welcomed the new year with a different spirit and unprecedented optimism.

Bartella is a town with a Syriac majority in the Ninevah Plain, east of Mosul, which has played a prominent role in the history of the Syriac Church. In front of the Mar Korkis Church, Christians have set up a Christmas tree, hung with photos of people killed in the recent protests. At the base of the tree are photos of the security forces members killed during operations to liberate Ninevah from the Islamic State (IS).

In the eyes of Iraqs Christians, the war against IS and the recent protests are two critical steps for regaining national identity. The war against IS united Iraqis of different religious affiliations, just as the protests have brought them closer.

Activist Jamil al-Jamil from Un Ponte Per, or A Bridge To, an Italian-based humanitarian organization, said the Christians who visited the Bartella Christmas tree to light candles and pray were like pilgrims visiting a symbol of a homeland that they will be born in 2020.

The optimist of the visitors seemed unprecedentedly high, not limited to encouraging the protests.

Assyrian blogger William Bnyameen, known as Khlapieel, called for changing the name of the Kurdistan region, as he believes the term carries a racist connotation. Kurdistan, he said, does not reflect the ethnic and religious diversity of the region. He said north Iraq region would be a more neutral designation.

Khlapieel feels Christians will welcome 2020 with more self-confidence and determination to achieve their demands, which would strengthen their presence in the Kurdistan region and the rest of Iraq. With the golden jubilee of the founding of the modern state of Iraq in 2021 approaching, the fate of Christians in the Middle East will be decided from Iraq," he said. "Either a struggle for our permanent and efficient presence or an exodus from the new Middle East without Christians.

Mona Yako, a professor of constitutional law at Salahaddin University, attributed Christian optimism to the changes they have been witnessed at the beginning of 2020, as they felt more tolerance in a diverse society.

From time to time, hate speeches and religious edicts emerged to shake societal peace," she said. "Fatwas were even issued forbidding holiday greetings at times. This made us feel alienated and ostracized. But the solidarity among youths of various religions in Tahrir Square rekindled hope in a national identity that can unite us despite our difference. The New Year celebrations and the Christmas tree in Tahrir Square prove that we are an integral part of the Iraqi people.

In turn, Louis Raphael I Sako, the Chaldean Catholic patriarch, gave a theological interpretation of the protests, describing them as stemming from liberation theology. He told Al-Monitor that the protesters, some of whom were killed and others wounded, are Christ-like in the sacrifices they are making for truth and justice. It is striking that the main denominator among the young protesters in Iraq and Lebanon is their belief in their land, their homeland, their legitimate rights and their future despite the deep-rooted structural corruption since 2003, he said.

Sako said the protests are peaceful and in the manner of Christ, who came to this world preaching nonviolence. He further cited the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who peacefully stood up to British colonialism in India, and Nelson Mandela, who fought apartheid in South Africa. This is exactly what the protesters of Iraq are doing," he said. "They are carrying the Iraqi flag and chanting, We sacrifice our soul and blood for you, Iraq.'"

Sako said the time has come to unite Iraqi Christians under one denomination, which is "the Christian component," rather than using the national designations of Chaldean, Assyrian or Syriac.

He called for establishing a single political grouping that includes all Christians. Iraq has undergone transformations since 2003 that provided opportunities that Christians failed to seize," he said. "Today, Christians are facing a great challenge to reinforce their presence and role, especially as the country heads toward early elections.

Sako urged Christian elites to make a self-assessment and assume responsibility for reuniting their ranks. Christians face fateful challenges, he said, most notably the shrinking Christian population due to emigration; the weak political representation, since the major political currents are taking up all the representation quota; the dispersion of the Chaldean, Syriac and Assyrian parties; the demographic change of their historical areas; and the legislation that is unfair to them and to others.

He added, It remains crucial to amend the constitution and the personal status laws. These are essential issues for the survival and historical perpetuation of the Christians in Iraq.

The importance of Sako's call is rooted in deep Christian fragmentation. Iraq is home to 14 different Christian sects, represented by 12 political parties. On top of this, there are five different armed Christian factions. This state of fragmentation remains a stumbling block to form unified Christian political views concerning the future of Iraqi Christians and their relationship to Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Furthermore, his call aims to bring all Christians under one umbrella to form a political alliance of all parties, instead of maintaining a divide between the Christian and national parties.

Sako stressed the need to promote and develop Christian relations with Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Yazidis and Mandaeans. It is necessary to reach an agreement with them on common constitutional concepts related to a fair civil state and the status of indigenous minorities in it, in a manner that preserves their rights, he said.

He expressed his support for a comprehensive meeting among the various representatives of these components to achieve a sense of nationalism and welcome the new year in a spirit of unity in diversity.
The Zacks Oil and Gas - US E&P industry consists of companies based in the United States focused on exploration and production (E&P) of oil and natural gas. These firms are engaged in finding hydrocarbon reservoirs, drilling oil and gas wells, and producing and selling these materials to be refined later into products such as gasoline.

Some of the prominent stocks in this industry are Apache Corporation (APA), Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (COG), Noble Energy Inc. (NBL), Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG) and Cimarex Energy Co. (XEC).

Lets take a look at the industrys three major themes:

Oil posted 34.5% rise last year - the biggest annual increase since 2016. In particular, WTI, the U.S. benchmark, jumped nearly 11% in December, aided in part by the agreement on a phase one trade deal between the United States and China. The development  coming after months of wrangling  was seen to prop up the oil demand outlook on the back of revival in global economic growth. The recent formal signing of the agreement is set to further strengthen the oil consumption levels as Beijing has pledged to purchase a massive $50 billion in American energy products over the next two years. Also boosting oil, the OPEC+ group is cutting output by as much as 500,000 barrels per day from Jan 1 for three months.

Meanwhile, no major commodity had a worse 2019 than natural gas. The fuel endured a torrid year, registering its worst annual decline since 2014. Prices tumbled more than 25% last year, falling to multi-year lows of around $2.1 per MMBtu in between, as buyers fled the market over growing worries about record output and concerns of an ongoing supply glut. With output from shale formations swamping the market, there is little room for prices to improve meaningfully from their current levels of around $2.2 per MMBtu. Operators in oil-dominated shale basins like the Permian, Eagle Ford and North Dakota are also struggling with significant natural gas flaring - a largely unwanted derivative that emerges alongside crude production in the region.

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Over the past few years, energy producers worked tirelessly to cut costs to a bare minimum and look for innovative ways to churn out more oil and gas. And they managed to do just that by improving drilling techniques and extracting favorable terms from the beleaguered service producers. Moreover, driven by operational efficiencies, most E&P operators have been able to reduce unit costs and live within their cash flows. All of these factors, together with production growth and capital discipline have resulted in healthy free cash flows. With cash generation expected to remain robust even at relatively low oil prices, there is strong potential for greater return of capital to shareholders through dividend growth and stock buybacks.

Zacks Industry Rank Paints a Rosy Pictures

The Zacks Oil and Gas - US E&P is a 61-stock group within the broader Zacks Oil - Energy sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #64, which places it in the top 25% of more than 250 Zacks industries.

The groups Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bullish near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Taking into consideration the positive near-term prospects of the industry, we will present a few stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio. But its worth taking a look at the industrys shareholder returns and current valuation first.

Industry Lags Sector & S&P 500

The Zacks Oil and Gas - US E&P industry has lagged the broader Zacks Oil - Energy Sector as well as the Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year.

The industry has declined 27.2% over this period compared to the S&P 500s gain of 23.6% and broader sectors decrease of 5.6%.

One-Year Price Performance

Industrys Current Valuation

Since oil and gas companies are debt-laden, it makes sense to value them based on the EV/EBITDA (Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization) ratio. This is because the valuation metric takes into account not just equity but also the level of debt. For capital-intensive companies, EV/EBITDA is a better valuation metric because it is not influenced by changing capital structures and ignores the effect of noncash expenses.

On the basis of the trailing 12-month enterprise value-to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, the industry is currently trading at 8.43X, lower than the S&P 500s 12.12X. It is, however, well above the sectors trailing-12-month EV/EBITDA of 5.06X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 17.27X, as low as 4.96X, with a median of 8.41X.

Trailing 12-Month Enterprise Value-to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

Bottom Line

The trade deal should help prop up the demand outlook for oil while OPECs deeper supply cuts are likely to push the market back into supply deficit. Moreover, the growth rate of U.S. shale oil production is set to slacken substantially in 2020 on reduced capital availability. Finally, greater financial discipline practiced by the energy companies have raised expectations that supply growth could slow down sooner than later.

With the abovementioned catalysts set to provide near-term upside, we are presenting four stock with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) that are well positioned to gain.

You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .

Concho Resources Inc. (CXO): Concho Resources focuses on growth through a combination of acquisitions and active drilling in the lucrative Permian Basin spread over west Texas and New Mexico.The Midland, TX-based company has an expected earnings growth of 47.4% for this year.

Price and Consensus: CXO

Devon Energy Corporation (DVN): This Oklahoma City-based upstream operators oil and gas operations are mainly concentrated in the onshore areas of North America, primarily in the United States. Devon Energy has an attractive expected earnings growth of 47.1% for this year.

Price and Consensus: DVN

EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG): EOG Resources operations are spread across the United States, China and Trinidad. Over 30 days, the Houston, TX-headquartered company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 increase 3.2%.

Price and Consensus: EOG

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (PXD): Pioneer Natural Resources is an independent oil and gas explorer with producing properties mainly in the Permian Basin. The Irving, TX-based company has an expected earnings growth of 15.3% for this year.

Price and Consensus: PXD

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TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has admitted the homeless crisis is totally unacceptable and brings shame on us all.

And he conceded efforts to tackle the issue are no where near reaching the point where I can say that we've turned the corner because we haven't yet.

It comes as the homelessness issue has dominated the first 48 hours of the election campaign.

There was an the case of a homeless man who was seriously injured as his tent was removed from a canal bank in Dublin by an industrial vehicle.

And there are reports today that a young homeless woman died tragically in emergency accommodation.

On the campaign trail in Longford, Mr Varadkar was asked if he is ashamed of Fine Gaels record on homelessness.

He said: I'm deeply saddened by the homeless crisis that we face as a country while insisting there are solutions and his government have been introducing them, including delivering 10,000 social housing units last year.

Pressed again on whether he is ashamed at Fine Gaels record he said: I think everyone feels shame at the housing crisis, not just me.

I think everyone does in society and I've often said that I believe homelessness is a stain on our society.

It is a reflection of one of the things that's going wrong in a country where most things are going right and I'm determined to continue the work that we've done already if I'm re-elected as Taoiseach.

He said there are 10,000 people in emergency accommodation at the moment and that's a staggering figure. It's totally unacceptable.

Mr Varadkar added: It brings shame on us all quite frankly.

But we actually need to do something about it and it is at least a little bit reassuring to me that rough sleeping is down and that shows that housing first is working and that there are fewer homeless families and fewer homeless children than there this time last year.

However, Mr Varadkar conceded: Its no where near reaching the point where I can say that we've turned the corner because we haven't yet.

That's why we need to continue to invest in homeless services and in social housing.

We've done that over the last couple of years. we can do it over the next five but only if we keep the economy strong, only if we mind the public finances and we're really the only party that can do that.
Director of GCAA reviews 2019, talks about future goals and plans for 2020

By Nika Gamtsemlidze

Georgian Civil Aviation Agency held a presentation on the results of 2019 and plans for 2020. The presentation was held at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and was attended by the Minister of Economy Natia Turnava and the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency, Levan Karanadze.As Karanadze noted during the presentation, Georgian Civil Aviation is first in the region in terms of international flight safety and security standards and the top ten countries in Europe.According to Levan Karanadze, by the end of 2019, 32 passenger airlines were present at the Georgian Civil Aviation market; 30 of them were foreign airlines.During the same period, there were flights from Georgia to 74 international destinations in 36 countries around the world, including 20 European countries, with an average of 340 weekly flights.The head of the Civil Aviation Agency also presented the positive dynamics of passenger transport by Georgian airports, which is increasing, and in 2019, despite stopping flights from Russia, Georgia's airports served more passengers than in 2018.According to Levan Karanadze, the growth was 3.5 percent. In 2019, the increase in passenger fare at Kutaisi International Airport was more than 41 percent and in Batumi - 4 percent.According to the director of the Civil Aviation Agency, the quality of flight safety and supervision has increased significantly. He said that in recent years, Georgia's compliance with the world's aviation safety oversight has improved significantly (from 32 percent to 88 percent).As Karanadze says, reforms in the Georgian civil aviation sector will continue, including that the agency plans to introduce noise requirements for foreign aircrafts at Georgian airports. The purpose of the rule is to minimize the noise generated by aircraft while operating at Georgian airports.It is also planned, according to the relevant European regulation, to obtain the certification of air traffic supervisors, which will ensure full compliance of Georgian certificates with EU standards. New requirements for supervisor qualifications and their working process will be established.As the Minister of Economy noted, the safety of national aviation represents one of the most important things for the development of Georgian economy, and in particular, tourism.Continuation of the international flight standards implementation will attract more successful international airlines to the Georgian air market, noted Turnava.Turnava noted that it is also important that the Civil Aviation Administration makes effective decisions to develop a network of small aviation and small airports in the country.Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) is the Legal Entity of Public Law under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, responsible for the safe and secure operation, technical regulation, continuous surveillance and oversight of Civil Aviation in country.The Agency was created on April 15, 2011 following the Law of Georgia On the Management and Regulation of Transport Field, as well as taking into account EC and ICAO recommendations, international standards and recommended practices in this sphere.GCAA is responsible for the monitoring and progress of Civil Aviation in Georgia, State administration and safety oversight in this sector, development of regulations and procedures, supervision over their fulfillment and provision of services related to the issues above.
Engineers are closely watching a dam in eastern Mississippi Wednesday over concerns that it could fail, as recent rains are posing flooding threats around the South and Midwest.

The Oktibbeha County Lake Dam, just northwest of Starkville, appeared in danger of failing Tuesday morning, officials said.

Luckily, it had stopped raining in the evening and no further signs of failure were seen, county emergency management director Kristen Campanella told CNN affiliate WCBI. But more rain is expected Wednesday afternoon, and officials will continue inspecting the dam, WCBI reported.

The dam has not failed yet, but a chance for failure still exists, the National Weather Service office in Jackson said Wednesday morning.

If the dam breaks, about 250 people would have to evacuate and more than 17,000 acres could be flooded, Campanella told The Dispatch newspaper of Starkville in September.

Campanella said that every time it rains, officials monitor the dam, which needs repairs that the county has not been able to secure funds for over the past several years.

Oktibbeha County District 3 Supervisor Marvell Howard told The Dispatch a project to fix the dam could cost up to $8 million.

Flooding Along the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers

Extensive rainfall has caused flooding around rivers in the South and Midwest, prompting flood warnings for more than 2 million people in states including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.

In Mississippi, up to 1 inch of more rain is possible from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning, raising the possibility of flash flooding especially north of Interstate 20, the National Weather Service in Jackson said.

Flash flooding remains a concern late today through tonight mainly for areas along and north of I-20. Up to 1 of rain is possible. Additional rainfall atop already very saturated soils could lead to localized flash flooding and exacerbate ongoing river flooding. pic.twitter.com/0hDSSH1i3N  NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) January 15, 2020

In Jackson, the swollen Pearl River overflowed into some city streets Tuesday.

Ankle-deep water flowed into a QuikStop convenience store off Jackson Street, video from CNN affiliate WAPT showed.

Once the dam gets full, it floods the whole store, I mean, literally. All in the back, the sewage comes up, city resident Kee-Kee Harris told WAPT.

Further west, the Mississippi River will likely flood over the next few days.

Significant flooding is happening or could happen along the river over the next five days in southern Missouri and Illinois, western Tennessee and northeastern Arkansas, western Louisiana and southern Mississippi, the National Weather Service said.

Flood warnings were in effect along the river Wednesday from Festus, Missouri, to Donaldsonville, Louisiana, a stretch of about 700 miles.

The-CNN-Wire

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It started with some trips to Bunnings and Jaycar for materials to build a prototype gut health tracker, and now a team of researchers are on a quest to commercialise a tool to translate tummy rumbles.

"There were a lot of wires sticking out [in the first prototype], but it was enough to get proof of principle," Noisy Guts chief executive Dr Josephine Muir recalled.

Dr Mary Webberley (left) and Dr Josephine Muir are commercialising the Noisy Guts technology.

Dr Muir will spend 2020 working towards Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval for the Noisy Guts belt, a technology which is the brain child of gastroenterologist and Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall.

Over the past few years, a team of researchers at the University of Western Australia, including Dr Muir and project manager Dr Mary Webberley, have found correlations between sounds from the gut and the presence of gut disorders.
SAN ANTONIO - A former Texas nurse suspected in the killing of dozens of children pleaded guilty Thursday in the 1981 death of an 11-month-old boy, receiving a life sentence that a prosecutor said should ensure she dies in prison.

Genene Jones, 69, was imprisoned in 1984 for killing one child and giving an overdose to another.

She had been set for release in 2018 under a mandatory release law that was in place when she was convicted. But prosecutors in 2017, citing new evidence, filed five new murder charges against her related to the deaths of children in the early 1980s.

With this plea, the odds are she will take her last breath in prison, prosecutor Catherine Babbitt said after the hearing in San Antonio.

Jones, who had been set for trial in February, was sentenced Thursday in the death of Joshua Sawyer, who investigators say overdosed on an anti-seizure drug. The other four cases were dismissed, prosecutors said.

Jones will be eligible for parole in 18 years, when shes about 87, Babbitt said.

Several family members gave victim impact statements at the hearing, including Joshuas mother, Connie Weeks.

I hope for you to live a long and miserable life behind bars. Goodbye, Weeks said to Jones.

Children died of unexplained seizures and other complications when Jones worked at a San Antonio hospital and clinic in Kerrville, about 55 miles (90 kilometres) northwest of San Antonio.

She was sentenced in 1984 to 99 years in prison in the killing of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan. Later that year, she was sentenced to 60 years in prison in the sickening of 4-week-old Rolando Santos, who recovered. Chelsea was given a fatal injection of a muscle relaxant and Rolando received a large injection of a blood thinner.

In 2017, she was charged in Joshuas death; the 1981 killing of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega; the 1981 killing of 8-month-old Richard Ricky Nelson; the 1982 killing of 4-month-old Patrick Zavala; and the 1981 killing of 3-month-old Paul Villarreal.

We trust our nurses  our nurses are specifically trained to provide comfort and medical care for their patients, Babbitt said after the hearing. And these patients were not only children, but they were often critically ill children. And for her to decide on her watch who lived and who died is nothing short of evil.

Prosecutors at Jones 1984 murder trial said she injected children with drugs at the Kerrville clinic to demonstrate the need for a pediatric intensive care unit at a nearby hospital. Other prosecutors theorized that her tactic was to take swift medical action and save some of her victims so she could appear to be a sort of miracle worker.

In 2017, then-Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said prosecutors dont really know her motivation.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

A swarm of special agents knocked on the door of the sprawling South Valley home where 23-year-old Angel Gurule lived with his parents, wife and several dogs.

It had been a little more than four years since a woman  on a Christmas Eve afternoon jog along a Bosque path  was thrown to the ground and violently raped by a stranger who tackled her from behind.

Gurule, who was charged with the rape Wednesday, apparently had no idea he was on investigators radar.

Let alone that his second cousin twice removed  a man in his 60s who lives in California and was curious about his heritage  would be the missing link that brought investigators to Gurules door Wednesday.

The two men had never met and likely did not know of each others existence.

Its a landmark case in the state, with the District Attorneys Office saying Thursday that this is likely the first one using forensic genetic genealogy in New Mexico.

The DAs investigators uploaded the suspects DNA into a commercial database similar to ancestry.com or 23andme.com that is used by members of the public to trace their roots, find relatives and build a family tree.

He wasnt even aware there was a police report in this matter, said Kyle Hartsock, the special agent in charge for the District Attorneys Office. He just hoped and wished and thought it had gone away. So it was a complete and utter surprise when we showed up at his door.  He was noticeably shocked.

At a news conference, Hartsock said Gurule still lives less than a half-mile from where the attack occurred. When he was interviewed, Hartsock said, he confessed to the crime and showed investigators where it was committed, even referencing some of the phrases the victim had told detectives she had said.

Gurule is charged with criminal sexual penetration and was booked into the county jail Wednesday night.

It was not clear who his attorney will be.

Its too early to comment on details in the case, Albuquerques district defender, Jeff Rein, wrote in a statement. But as with all cases, and especially this one with its reliance on a dragnet of DNA samples, we will look closely at what evidence the prosecutors are relying on.

Prosecutors have filed a motion asking for Gurule to be detained until trial.

New tactic

Gurules arrest comes a year and nine months after Northern California authorities said they used publicly available commercial genealogy sites to identify the man they say was the Golden State Killer  a suspect in more than a dozen homicides and 50 rapes across multiple counties.

Joseph James DeAngelo, a 74-year-old former police officer, was charged with 13 counts of murder and 13 counts of kidnapping for robbery.

The crimes had occurred in the 1970s and 80s and the case had languished for decades without any leads until investigators uploaded his DNA sample into a genealogy database website.

The arrest  and the forensic genetic genealogy technique investigators used  spurred many other law enforcement agencies across the country to try their hand at the same tactic.

Among them was the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office in Bernalillo County.

DA Raul Torrez said that when he heard about the Golden State Killer investigation he asked his Crime Strategies Unit to find a case of its own.

Unfortunately  and this is an all too common occurrence  we have offenders where we have a significant DNA sample that is recovered but no CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) hit, Torrez said. Up until a few years ago, law enforcement at that point oftentimes was at a dead end.  When we established the crime strategies unit here in the DAs Office, one of the commitments we made to the public and Legislature in securing funding for this new unit was we were going to try to develop new tools, new techniques and new capabilities.

Christmas Eve attack

The story begins four years and three weeks ago, in the early afternoon of Dec. 24, 2015, when a woman went for a jog on a drainage ditch along the Rio Grande south of Rio Bravo. She told investigators that as she was running she saw a young man sprint past her until she lost sight of him.

A short time later, on a familiar trail that follows the river, she saw him again. She said he was standing next to a tree and appeared to be on a phone call.

She felt hesitant to run past him since his stopping point was in a strange place, Hartsock wrote in an arrest warrant affidavit filed in Metropolitan Court. But as she was already so close, felt it would be confrontational to turn back to the main high trail she had just left. She ran past him but felt uneasy, and looked back at where he was standing.

Thats when she saw him sprint toward her before he tackled her to the ground, according to the affidavit.

The woman said she pleaded with him to stop, told him she was a mother of two young children and tried to scream as he sexually assaulted her. She said that after the attack he posed her body, and took a photograph of her naked body as she lay face down on the ground.

She said that to keep him calm afterward, she told him he could run in one direction and she would return on her run home. So that is what they did.

The woman, an artist, made a sketch of her attacker and went that night to the Rape Crisis Center for a sexual assault nurse examination.

Several months later, in March 2016, she agreed to meet with a detective from the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office Special Victims Unit.

Detective Nick Balistreri opened an investigation but did not turn up any leads.

The DNA collected for the rape kit did not match any samples in law enforcements CODIS database, and the case went cold..

The break came

In June, the case resurfaced as a good fit for the DAs Crime Strategies Unit to attempt a forensic genetic genealogy investigation.

It has to be an unsolved sex assault, or a homicide, one of the two, Hartsock said. Were not doing this on unsolved burglary cases.  There has to be a sufficient amount of DNA left over to test, and there was in this case.

The break in the investigation came in August when Gurules second cousin twice removed  on a hunt for his paternal grandfathers ancestry  uploaded his DNA into GEDmatch.com. The cousin lived in Southern California, had never been to New Mexico and did not know Gurule or even that he existed.

Hes in his 60s, his dads in his 80s, so he went and got his dad tested too, Hartsock said. That helped us eliminate some other family trees. Him and his dad were the two primary ones that really helped us really narrow it down.

Then, Hartsock said, they found an obituary for Gurules 2-year-old brother, who had been killed by their father, Ruben Duran, in a horrific case of child abuse in Artesia in 1996.

Gurule, whose name at the time was Angel Duran, was two months old. He was put into the foster care system and adopted by the Gurules in the South Valley.

Just three months before the Christmas Eve attack, Gurule was named as a suspect in the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, according to the affidavit. That victims bedsheets were collected and tagged into evidence, but they dont appear to have been tested. The affidavit doesnt say why he was a suspect or why the sheets werent tested.

Deputies were called to Gurules house the next day when he was reportedly making suicidal statements. But otherwise, except for a traffic ticket, Gurule appears to have not encountered law enforcement again.

Hartsock said that as agents narrowed in on Gurule, there were other clues that pointed to him as a suspect, including the sketch the victim had drawn, the fact that he lived near the site and that he had run cross country at Sandia High School. The victim remembered her attacker wearing red pants, and Sandias school colors are red, black and white.

In November, investigators found out Gurules wife was in the hospital and followed him there, collecting a discarded cup from an empty room after the couple checked out.

Earlier this month, investigators received a report that confirmed the DNA from the cup matched the DNA from the original rape kit, according to the affidavit.

They had enough to make their move.

This was a complicated investigation and will be a complicated prosecution, Torrez said. But I think its a real demonstration not only to our commitment to helping victims but also trying new ideas and new approaches.
CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Technomic hosted its January Planning Program meeting last week in Scottsdale, Ariz., with more than 300 foodservice manufacturers in attendance. The program's biannual meetings are built to assist suppliers with strategic planning, while providing networking opportunities with industry peers.

The January meeting kicked off with a session about cannabis-infused food and beverage with Mint Dispensary, followed by two days of presentations, including proprietary Technomic research and content from industry-leading speakers, including Tana Davila, chief marketing officer at P.F. Chang's; Jason Stanfield, director of international restaurant experience at Chick-fil-A; Tom Zatina, president at McLane Foodservice Distribution; and Mat Snapp, beverage director at Fox Restaurant Concepts.

"The content curated for the Planning Program meetings continues to push the envelope and inspire forward thinking with our clients," said Bernadette Noone, vice president of programs at Technomic. "Not only do we poll our members on topics of interest, but we also use our industry expertise and connections to deliver the most compelling speakers to our stage."

Key findings include:

Total foodservice industry sales grew 4.1% in 2019 and are forecasted to grow 3.8% in 2020

82% of independent operators would like suppliers to help with innovating new menu items

89% of multiconcept operators identify adult beverages as an area of investment for their company

This meeting is only open to members of Technomic's Foodservice Planning Program or Adult Beverage Planning Program, built for foodservice industry suppliers. In addition to two in-person meetings, membership includes custom studies and reports, newsletters and ongoing deliverables. For more information on the program, visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts:

Press inquiries and program details: Bernadette Noone, (312) 506-3853, [email protected]

Purchasing details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, [email protected]

About Technomic

Technomic, Inc., a Winsight company, was founded as a management consulting firm in 1966. Since then, Technomic's services have grown to encompass cloud-based B2B research tools, consumer and menu trend tracking, as well as other leading strategic research and analytic capabilities, to prioritize and size business opportunities. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants, retailers and multiple other business verticals aligned with the food industry that are looking to make informed decisions to support their business growth. Visit Technomic at www.technomic.com.

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Airport queues in Belfast could be slashed within years thanks to a new research project from Queens University.

Researchers have been awarded 1m to develop a ground-breaking solution using artificial intelligence that could make security scans ten times faster.

Project leader, Dr Okan Yurduseven (32) from the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), said his own frustration with long delays at Belfast International Airport and others inspired the work.

If you look at the existing systems in airports, you walk through a special booth and the mechanical scan rotates around you.

Read More

It takes several seconds just to be able to collect the data and process the image. If you consider a large volume of people doing this it can create a large backlog.

We have to make sure the scan is done properly so they dont miss any suspicious objects. So for big airports, the waiting time can be really heavy for this reason.

The hope is to develop a scan which is fully electronic, rather than manually operated, which processes data from the images in real-time.

Read More

This would reduce the scan time from around ten seconds to a tenth of a second, with machine learning allowing the system to improve its performance.

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Passengers would also be spared the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and belts.

Dr Yurduseven said the current systems in place were far from perfect in detecting dangerous objects.

An internal investigation by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) in the United States revealed undercover investigators were able to smuggle mock explosives or banned weapons through checkpoints in 95% of trials.

Giving the dangerous world were living in, something hit me about this, he said.

So what were proposing is a system that actually learns. This is something that can be used in any situation with large crowds, like big events at stadiums or train stations.

On his own airport headaches, he added: Every time I travel for some reason Im always chosen for additional inspection.

Its really frustrating because it takes a lot of time especially when youre in a rush to reach somewhere.

For many others, I speak to, false alarms are also such a big frustration. When were living in such a dangerous world with things like the Boston bombing or issues at airports, we have to do something about it.

Personal frustration, yes, but also whats happening around me has inspired the project.

Ive been to Belfast International airport many times. Its famous for having slow security but its a general issue pretty much across all of the UK.

Looking forward, its hoped a working prototype will be completed by the end of the research period in five years.

After that were going to work with the UK Home Office to implement the technology for trials at UK airports, wed also like to work with airports around the world.

If all goes according to plan, Dr Yurduseven said he hoped the technology will be in Belfast International Airport and others by 2030.

Dr Yurduseven is now seeking to recruit four PhD students and four post-doctoral research associates, with hopes of growing the team in the future.

The group will work on ground-breaking radar technology, image processing algorithms and deep learning schemes.

The 1m grant from the Leverhulme Trust is a first for Northern Ireland.

Established by soap tycoon William Hesketh Lever in 1925, the Trust is one of the largest all-subject research funders in the UK and currently donates 100m each year.
In 1999, Russia's president Boris Yeltsin appointed a competent, little-known security official named Vladimir Putin as acting prime minister, before steering him into the presidency. Here, Yeltsin thought, was a loyalist who would protect him and his family from prosecution but also safeguard Yeltsin's legacy - a Russia that could never return to communism.

On Wednesday, Putin nominated a competent, little-known tax official named Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister. But unlike Yeltsin, Putin will not relinquish control when his term expires in 2024 or risk what he sees as his legacy - a strong authoritarian state carving out a growing role on the global stage.

Mishustin, rubber stamped as prime minister by Russian lawmakers on Thursday, is seen by analysts as an obedient technocrat who will do what Putin tells him - and, if not, he will be blamed and likely replaced.

Like all unchallenged rulers - most notably China's Xi Jinping - Putin believes no one else can do the job as well as he.

To maintain his grip on power later, Putin has ironically tried to curb presidential powers before he steps down. The announcement Wednesday to shift some greater authority to parliament was no nod to democracy. Opposition candidates will remain shut out.

Putin saw the collapse of the Soviet Union as a colossal misstep, was dismayed by the messy chaos of the 1990s under Yeltsin and disdains the unpredictable inconvenience of democracy. Putin was dismayed whenhis one-time mentor and boss, then St. Petersburg mayor Anatoly Sobchak, was voted out of office in 1996, after being challenged in elections by a deputy. Criminal proceedings were launched against Sobchak in 1997, forcing him to flee to Paris.

After Yeltsin left office, frail and ill, he watched as Putin undermined the transition to democracy by scrapping the election of provincial governors in 2004. Yeltsin voiced a rare criticism of his successor, to no effect. Yeltsin was dead by the time Putin took a more substantial (technically legal) swipe at democracy by engineering a swap: First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev became president as Putin took the prime minister post while retaining his power behind the scenes. Medvedev then became prime minister when Putin returned to the presidency in 2012.

Putin speaks of Russia as a respected global power that has risen from its knees, conveying what he sees as his historic mission to rebuild Russian state power - and remain a force inglobalaffairs well into this decade, beyond the political lives of President Trump and other current Western leaders.

Part of the country's political DNA is its self-view as a "great power," an idea threatened during the years of post-Soviet collapse in the 1990s.

The Russian euphemism for Putin's creeping authoritarianism is "managed democracy."

- - -

Putin has been pondering his post-presidency influence for years.

He controls the siloviki, as the powerful political figures from Russia's security apparatus are known, and he has somewhat curbed Russia's oligarchs, whose interest is in stability and continuity. But a series of protests against Russian authoritarianism this past summer sharpened his dilemma and underscored the risk of popular discontent against his continuing in powerbeyond the end of his term.

One option was the creation of a new entity, a union of Russia and Belarus, with Putin becoming its president. But that idea crashed when the longtime Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, resisted and protests erupted in Belarus.

Reprising Putin's 2008 scheme - swapping places yet again with Dmitry Medvedev - was not going to work, because the latter was so unpopular. Medvedev resigned as prime minister on Wednesdayand was appointed Thursday as deputy head of Russia's Security Council.

In retaining control, Putin wants a veneer of credible legality to preserve his sense of legitimacy. He also knows that leaving power could not only see his mission unravel, but could leave him and his family vulnerable.

He does not want to be another Pierre Nkurunziza, the Burundian president who plunged his country into protests and chaos by insisting on a third term, dubiously claiming his first term didn't count because he was elected by the parliament, not voters. Nor does he see himself as another Xi, under an effective Communist Party dictatorship, ditching term limits in an intricately choreographed exercise in March 2018.

But the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan offered a model.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, president from 1990, resigned last year, making way for a loyal successor with trimmed powers. Nazarbayev retains significant control as head of the nation's powerful security council. Nazarbayev moved to reduce presidential powers two years before leaving the job.

According to analysts, Putin has left his options open on what role he will take when his presidential term expires. But he has signaled his determination to continue to wield power, especially on the significant matters of Russia's global role, security and foreign policy.

It tells the world that Russia is unlikely to relinquish Crimea in future, which Putin annexed from Ukraine in 2014, nor will Russia stop interfering in what it sees as its privileged sphere of interests in neighboring countries. It reduces the hopes for any shift to a more democratic, liberal system.

Brian Taylor, political science professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and author of "The Code on Putinism," said Putin's motive was to secure himself a powerful role post-2024 and to constrain the powers of his successor.

"Since Putin cannot remain as president after 2024 under the current rules, he needs to change the rules. This will potentially allow him to remain the dominant political actor even if he leaves the presidency," he said. "The way he is going about constitutional reform now seems, at least in part, designed to give everything the veneer of popular support and democratic legitimacy."

One check on Putin was the worry of backlash on the streets, Taylor said.

"If he simply tried to remove all limits and declare himself president for life, I think he would have faced some determined popular mobilization, although it's hard to know how large or widespread this might have been," said Taylor.

- - -

Speaking on U.S.-funded Nastoyashee Vremya TV, associated with Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, economist and Kremlin critic Sergey Aleksashenko said Putin's message to the political elite was: "I will stay, I will not go anywhere and I will rule for a long time."

"All these constitutional and legislative amendments are aimed at the intellectual elite, the political elite, Putin's inner circle, who received a clear signal that I'm not tired and I'm not leaving," said Aleksashenko, a former deputy finance minister under Yeltsin.

After 2024, Putin could wield influence as prime minister, or as head of a powerful body, the State Council, or head of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, according to analysts.

"President Putin wishes to retain control over decisions related to the Russian military, broader geostrategic issues and his economic assets but he does not want to govern Russia in perpetuity. His announcement allows some flexibility as to how he may do this, perhaps through chairing the State Council," said Heather Conley, director of the Europe Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

She noted that Putin's other announcement Wednesday of plans to increase social spending was designed to soften any public resistance to his plan.

"He will chaperone the transition after 2024," Dmitry Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. "But he will not be there indefinitely, if for nothing else then for physiological reasons."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 22:47:53|Editor: yan

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's first wholly foreign-owned insurance holding company, Allianz China Holding, opened in Shanghai on Thursday.

The insurance company, fully owned by Allianz Group, has 2.72 billion yuan (about 392 million U.S. dollars) in registered capital.

"Today's launch underlines the positive long-term cooperation between China and Germany, and positions us to play an even greater role in the fastest growing economy in the world," said Oliver Bater, chairman and CEO of Allianz Group, at the opening ceremony.

"This is an important moment for our business, both in Asia and globally," said Sergio Balbinot, chairman of Allianz China Holding.

The company's application for establishment was approved by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission in November 2019 as the country has taken a slew of measures to open up the insurance industry, including removing the foreign ownership cap on life insurers since Jan. 1.
WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Polo for Life presents the Monarch Fund, a recently established fund dedicated to families who desperately need help getting back on their financial feet after their child has completed cancer treatment. Motivated by the knowledge that approximately 50% of all families facing pediatric cancer will be forced to file bankruptcy, the Monarch Fund will directly assist and restore hope for families that have been financially crippled by a cancer diagnosis. All funds will go directly to families in need who are referred from our partnering organizations.

Polo for Life is extremely grateful for NASCAR driver Kurt Busch and his wife Ashley, U.S. Polo Assn. brand ambassador and founder of Monarch Reign, who have been instrumental in making this fund possible. In line with the monarch butterfly as a symbol of re-birth, the Monarch Fund will allow families to start fresh and regain financial equilibrium after battling almost insurmountable financial hardship caused by treating pediatric cancer.

"We started Monarch Reign with a purpose. A purpose to give back, to make our world a better place and help those in need," said Ashley and Kurt Busch in a joint statement. "We can't think of a better way to make a difference than the creation of the Monarch Fund. Alongside the Polo for Life Foundation it's our goal to give families the resiliency to rebuild after such a difficult time."

"The Monarch Fund is a gamechanger for Polo for Life," said co-founder and executive director Terrie Mooney. "With this fund, we will have a direct impact on pediatric cancer patients lives' by helping them and their families achieve financial stability. Polo for Life is very grateful for the generosity of the Busch family for supporting such a great cause."

Polo for Life

Polo for Life, Inc., founded by Terrie Mooney and Brandon Phillips, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to help support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Since 2014, Terrie and Brandon created Polo for a Purpose, a charity polo match and luncheon to benefit the local Palm Beach chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Brandon, a childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, is passionate about giving back to the community that supported him. To date, Polo for a Life has raised more than $1.2M to support LLS's efforts to find a cure for blood cancers. poloforlife.org

Monarch Reign

Monarch Reign is a luxury swim brand that draws inspiration from travel destinations, natural elements, and an array of eye-catching textures and colors. Monarch Reign focuses on creating a fit that is just right; feminine while being supportive and comfortable. The foundation for each design is the belief that swimwear should be as unique and beautiful as the women wearing them, and ready for wherever travel takes them.

Media Contact:

Kate Eagleton

McKenney Media

561-557-3970 ext. 104

[email protected]

SOURCE Polo for Life

Related Links

https://poloforlife.org


How this ISIS operative from Mangaluru lured her victims and converted them to Islam

Centre asks NIA to initiate process of probing case against arrested J&K DSP Davinder Singh

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Union Home Ministry has asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to initiate the process of probing the case of suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police Deputy Superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two militants to Jammu last weekend, officials said on Thursday.

The formal notification of handing over the case to the NIA is expected to be issued by the ministry soon, an official privy to the development said.

Necessary formalities are being completed in Jammu as well as in Delhi before the probe agency takes over the case. The NIA has been credited with breaking the nexus between stone-pelters and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Some NIA members, posted in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were present during the preliminary questioning of Singh and three others -- Naveed Babu, a self-styled district commander of banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, his associate Atif Ahmed and a lawyer, Irfan Ahmad Mir, who has been named as an active overground worker for terror groups by police.

The officials said all records would be handed over to the NIA after the case is registered by the agency.

A Jammu and Kashmir government order on Thursday also said that the sensitive airports of Srinagar and Jammu are to be "immediately" brought under the security cover of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in view of Singh's arrest.

Singh, who was arrested along with the three other people on Saturday, had ferried Babu to Jammu last year and facilitated his return to Shopian after "rest and recuperation". He is believed to have taken Rs 12 lakh for "smuggling" the two militants to Chandigarh and arrange for their accommodation for a couple of months, the officials said.

Mir, who was driving the vehicle when he along with the others were caught by the police from a national highway in Kulgam district, may become a prize catch for the NIA as it is alleged that he was carrying orders from Pakistan. He had visited the neighbouring country five times on an Indian passport.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 22:32 [IST]
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 14:10:38|Editor: Liu

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SHENYANG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Thanks to modern technology, Chinese researchers have solved the mystery of seven eye-shaped glass beads found in a tomb dating back to the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.)

Scientists from the institute of cultural relics and archaeology in northeast China's Liaoning Province have used technologies including X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to study the rare beads, which look like the compound eyes of a dragonfly.

The seven rare beads were discovered in a tomb dating back to the Warring States period in a village in the city of Huludao, Liaoning, in 2003. The largest bead measures 1.78 cm in external diameter.

Bai Yimeng, an associate researcher with the institute, said they can provide scientific evidence for the composition, age, origin and manufacturing craftsmanship of ancient glasses based on advanced technologies.

The analysis showed that the rare beads were imported from the West. They were made of two types of glass, one from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in the Late Bronze Age, while the other is from the coast of the eastern Mediterranean.

Bai said the discovery shows evidence of early economic and cultural exchange between China and the West.

The earliest known eye-shaped bead was made between 1,550 B.C. and 1,307 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The beads and manufacturing techniques emerged in China from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) and have been mostly discovered in royal tombs.
16.01.2020 LISTEN

Ghanaian Energy Company, Springfield Exploration and Production Limited's Afina well discovery in November has been named amongst the top ten most significant global hydrocarbon discoveries in 2019.

The list, compiled by IHS Markit, a United Kingdom based world class intelligence gathering organization with over 5000 analysts, data scientists, financial experts and industry specialists also positioned Springfield as one of five global oil companies that made discoveries in Deepwater and the only indigenous company on the continent to do so.

The other discovery in Africa was BP's Orca-1 in Mauritania. Springfield's Afina-1 well discovery in its West Cape Three Points Block 2 in November 2019, was considered very significant and more than doubled its proven oil reserves to 1.5 billion barrels and added 0.7tcf of gas to the existing discoveries.

The other major discoveries were by Exxon Mobil in Cyprus and Guyana, Repsol in Indonesia, Petrochina Tarim in China and CNOOCI in the United Kingdom.

The rest are PTTEP in Malaysia and Iranian Central Oil in Iran.

Commenting on the acknowledgement, Springfield Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Okyere posted on LinkedIn that 'while celebrating the past, we look forward to even greater achievements, knowing what lies ahead. And we do know that all of this is possible because we work together with an amazing team of dedicated and committed people; from regulator, partners, contractors, suppliers to our employees.'

Springfield is Operator of the West Cape Three Points Block 2 with 84% interest while Ghana's National Oil Company, GNPC and its Exploration Unit, EXPLORCO together hold the remaining 16% interest.
Riot police and protesters continued clashes in Beirut on Wednesday for the second night of violence. Riot police extensively used tear gas to disperse protesters, some of whom, threw canisters back towards police.

At least 35 people were injured, mostly from gas inhalation or rock throwing, according to the Red Cross. Ten were treated at the scene. For the second night in a row, some protesters smashed the windows of a private bank and destroyed a nearby ATM machine.

Elsewhere in Beirut, protesters resumed blocking roads and rallied outside the central bank by nightfall. Dozens were able to partially block three main roads and temporarily shut down a highway north of the city before the military reopened it.

In three months of protests, this was the first time the commercial centre of Beirut had become the scene of clashes. The area, which is also home to theatres and restaurants, was left deserted except for protesters, police, and smoke from the tear gas.
Hong Kong was found to be the priciest city in the world for luxury products and services, according to a report by private bank Julius Baer.

It is the most expensive place to hire a lawyer, due to being a financial center, with a simple will consultation setting someone back $1,050 on average.

Hong Kong also has among the highest price tags for property, cars, a business class flight, fine dining, a wedding banquet and beauty services.

However, Hong Kong puts no duties on jewelry, meaning it can be a relatively the cheap city to buy this high-end product, though a Cartier Love bracelet will still cost $42,228. It costs even more in Brazil's capital of Rio de Janeiro, at $54,852, as taxes on jewelry can be double the levies charged in North America and Europe.

Julius Baer surveyed the prices of 18 premium goods and services across 28 cities around the world for its first Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2020, released on Thursday.

Asia came out as the most expensive region overall, home to five of the costliest cities in the world  after Hong Kong, this included Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore and Taipei.

Property is particularly costly in the region, with six of the 10 most expensive cities located in Asia. Eight of the 10 most expensive places to buy a luxury car were in Asia, which the report attributed to high import taxes.

But the cheapest city for luxury goods, Mumbai, is also in Asia. High-end men's suits, wedding banquets and personal trainers are all cheapest in the Indian city. For instance, a wedding banquet for 400 people at a top hotel in Mumbai would cost an average of $21,754.

Having a bottoming residential property market also made the city more affordable for the rich. In fact, wealthy residents are able to buy property at around a tenth of the price of the most expensive city.

It is also found to be relatively good value to stay in high-end hotels, enjoy fine dining, buy whisky and to hire a lawyer in Mumbai.
The Boeing Company BA recently clinched a contract for delivering spare items to support Flight Control Surfaces utilized on F/A-18 aircraft. The deal has been awarded by Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, PA.

Valued at $14 million, the contract is expected to be completed by May 30, 2022. The agreement, to be executed in Missouri, will cater to Swiss Navy.

Rising Importance of Boeings F/A-18 Super Hornet

Boeings F/A-18 Super Hornet combat aircraft has emerged as the leading choice of weapon for militaries across the world. In fact, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Kuwait Air Force, apart from the U.S. Navy, operate these fighter aircraft in large numbers.

Furthermore, nations like Canada, Finland, Switzerland and Spain currently have Boeings Super Hornet in their arsenal.

What Favors Boeing?

Boeing, being one of the major players in the defense business, stands out among peers owing to its broadly diversified programs, strong order bookings and solid backlog. This enables the companys defense segment to post solid top-line performance. Evidently, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) segment witnessed 2% year-over-year increase in third-quarter 2019 revenues to $7.04 billion.

Moreover, the U.S. government approved the fiscal 2020 defense budget earlier this year, per which the Department of Defense would receive $718 billion, reflecting a 4.9% increase from the prior-year budget. The budget includes a spending plan of $57.7 billion on aircraft, reflecting a massive surge of 166% from the approved fiscal 2019 defense spending on aircraft. This should usher in more contracts for Boeings BDS segment, going ahead.

Looking Ahead

Per a Frost and Sullivan, the global combat aircraft market is expected to witness CAGR of 0.3% to $47.2 billion by 2026 from 2017. Such growth can be attributed to rise in global threats, geopolitical instabilities and increased spending on defense. These projections should continue to boost demand for Boeings fighter jets and other combat aircraft programs.

Story continues

Price Performance

Shares of the company have gained 5.2% in the past three months compared with the industrys growth of 2.2%.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A few better-ranked stocks in the same space are Northrop Grumman NOC, L3Harris Technologies Inc LHX and Leidos Holdings LDOS, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Northrop Grummans average four-quarter positive earnings surprise is 11.48%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has risen 3.8% to $20.38 in the past 90 days.

L3Harris Technologies four-quarter positive earnings surprise is 5.02%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has increased 7.5% to $9.99 in the past 90 days.

Leidos Holdings has average positive earnings surprise of 8.93% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has moved up 4.6% to $4.96 in the past 60 days.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:31:01|Editor: yan

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KAMPALA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The death toll at a building construction site that collapsed in the eastern Ugandan district of Jinja on Wednesday has increased to five, with 12 others rescued, a police spokesperson said on Thursday.

Diana Nandaula, Kiira regional police spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the five bodies that had so far been retrieved from the rubble had been taken to Jinja Referral Hospital mortuary for autopsy. The injured have also been admitted at the same hospital.

"We are trying to turn that rubble upside down to ascertain if there are still more people trapped," said Nandaula.

Building site collapse are common in Uganda. Many are blamed on poor workmanship.

On Jan. 9, at least six workers were killed and three others injured after a building under construction collapsed in Kansanga in the capital of Kampala.
BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMrush, the leading competitive intelligence and digital marketing SaaS platform trusted by more than 25% of Fortune 500 companies, today announces that it has closed 2019 on a high note with record user growth, successful rollout of new key products, important geographic expansion and key additions to its executive leadership team.

After successfully raising $40 million in funding from Greycroft, e.ventures, Siguler Guff and other investors at the end of 2018, SEMrush began 2019 in a strong position, focused on R&D and expansion initiatives to support the growth of its user base and gain traction in new markets.

KEY BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019

Rapid growth and high retention rates of our user base support stable revenue and profitability trends

In 2019, our user base grew by 43% year-on-year to over 4.5 million users.

As a result, SEMrush now works with more than 25% of Fortune 500 companies and seven of the top ten AdWords advertisers.

We expanded our reach into Asia by entering the Japanese, Chinese and South Korean markets. As we gain a foothold through local integration and partnerships, these countries have the potential to contribute meaningful growth to our user base.

by entering the Japanese, Chinese and South Korean markets. As we gain a foothold through local integration and partnerships, these countries have the potential to contribute meaningful growth to our user base. Our keyword database grew more than 80% year-on-year and now features over 17 billion keywords and over 22 trillion backlinks.

In October, we held the world's first 24-hour around-the-world conference Global Marketing Day, with 48 livestreamed sessions from Sydney , London , New York and San Francisco . The innovative event garnered over 55,000 participants from 175 countries and over 130 experts sharing their insights and opinion.

Exciting product rollouts attract new users and increase revenue and engagement from existing users

Sellerly is our new tool for increasing conversions of Amazon product pages by split testing the main elements that affect sales.

is our new tool for increasing conversions of Amazon product pages by split testing the main elements that affect sales. Market Explorer is an advanced tool to gain actionable insights for audience targeting and industry benchmarking.

is an advanced tool to gain actionable insights for audience targeting and industry benchmarking. Oppty is our promising new conversion tool for sales reps and business development to generate qualified leads based on target location and business type, as well as SEMrush's proprietary data about the client's current digital marketing situation.

is our promising new conversion tool for sales reps and business development to generate qualified leads based on target location and business type, as well as SEMrush's proprietary data about the client's current digital marketing situation. Content Marketplace is where SEMrush customers can connect with professional authors and copywriters to order custom-tailored and SEO-optimized content.

is where SEMrush customers can connect with professional authors and copywriters to order custom-tailored and SEO-optimized content. Log File Analyzer is our new technical SEO tool that analyzes access logs and presents a detailed report on how GoogleBot crawls a given website.

SEMrush executive leadership team expanded with several strategic appointments

In July 2019 , Evgeny Fetisov joined SEMrush as Chief Financial Officer. Evgeny brings a wealth of experience in finance and strategy from his previous roles as CFO at Luxoft and Moscow Exchange.

, joined SEMrush as Chief Financial Officer. Evgeny brings a wealth of experience in finance and strategy from his previous roles as CFO at Luxoft and Moscow Exchange. Maxim Roslyakov was appointed Senior Vice President of Marketing in September 2019 , bringing to the job over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and e-commerce.

Industry recognition across the globe

SEMrush won the award for Best Digital Tool or Software at the Interactive Marketing Awards 2019 in Florida .

. Best SEO Software Suite at USA Search Awards 2019 in Las Vegas .

Search Awards 2019 in . For the second time, SEMrush was recognized as the Best SEO Software Suite at the European Search Awards 2019.

At the MENA Search Awards ceremony in Dubai this September, SEMrush was awarded for Best Use of PR in a Search Campaign.

this September, SEMrush was awarded for Best Use of PR in a Search Campaign. SEMrush took the top awards for Best SEO Software Suite and Best Search Software Tool at the UK Search Awards 2019.

Oleg Shchegolev, CEO and co-founder of SEMrush commented:

"This has been another year of tremendous growth for both SEMrush and our users. The amount of online content is growing exponentially every year, but consumers' attention spans are not. This means the competition for eyeballs and traffic is intensifying by the minute and the cutting-edge tools that SEMrush offers are more relevant than ever.

"SEMrush's evolution from a must-have single product to an entire ecosystem of vital digital marketing tools became a reality in 2019 with the successful rollout of new products such as Sellerly, Market Explorer, Oppty, Marketplace and more. Additionally, we have listened to our customers and significantly expanded our traffic analytics functionality and local SEO integration. I could not be prouder of what our team has achieved in 2019 and the momentum we have going into 2020."

About SEMrush

SEMrush is a leading SaaS company providing a platform of end-to-end digital marketing and SEM solutions to over 4.5 million customers in more than 150 countries. SEMrush's platform and innovative digital marketing tools are trusted by leading brands, including Vodafone, Booking.com, eBay, HP, and BNP Paribas, as well as 25% of Fortune 500 companies. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Learn more about SEMrush by visiting:

www.semrush.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/semrush

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEMrush

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/semrush/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/semrush/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SEMrushHQ

SOURCE SEMrush
Apple is right to refuse Justice Department requests to unlock iPhones belonging to the suspect in a December Navy base shooting, Roger McNamee told CNBC on Thursday.

"If they create a backdoor for law enforcement, they're effectively creating a backdoor for everyone," including criminals, the online privacy activist said on "Squawk Alley." "It also means the government of China, the government of Russia, are going to have much easier abilities to penetrate phones and that raises the threat to every user of smartphones."

McNamee invested in Amazon in the 1990s and later co-founded private-equity firm Elevation Partners, which invested more than $200 million in Facebook a few years before the social network's 2012 initial public offering.

However, in recent years, he has increasingly spoken out about Facebook and warned about the perils of what he calls "surveillance capitalism," a problematic phenomenon he attributes to the rise of Big Tech.

Last year, McNamee published a book titled, "Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe." In 2018, he also helped launch the Center for Humane Technology, a nonprofit aimed at combating tech addiction.

While frequently dinging Facebook over its handling of user data, he's generally heralded Apple as a lodestar on issues of user privacy, and he's rejected claims that he is a "shill" for the company.

"Not everything at Apple is perfect," he told The New Yorker in a December profile. "But on the privacy thing Tim Cook is really walking the walk." Cook is CEO of Apple.

McNamee's warning about smartphone backdoors creating a slippery slope comes two days after President Donald Trump slammed Apple for refusing to help the FBI to unlock the iPhones of the suspected shooter at Naval Air Station Pensacola that left three Americans dead last month.

TRUMP TWEET

Earlier this week, Attorney General William Barr claimed the Cupertino, California-based company had not provided "substantive assistance" in unlocking the alleged shooter's two iPhones.

Apple responded by saying it had provided gigabytes of information to the authorities in connection to the Florida case. But it said it would stand its ground and not build a "backdoor" or specialized software to give law enforcement elevated access.

"We reject the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation. Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing," Apple said in its statement.

Apple was involved in a showdown with the FBI in 2016, when the Justice Department sued to gain access to a phone used by Syed Farook, who was responsible for the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead. The standoff ended when the FBI found an unidentified private vendor to crack the phone's security.

McNamee said the Justice Department's argument for Apple to unlock the devices of the suspected Pensacola shooter was "very weak," claiming there's little on the phones that law enforcement couldn't obtain through other means.

"We live in this time of surveillance capitalism. Everything you do on your phone touches the network in some way," he said.

"To the extent that they're trying to track who did this shooter meet, where was the shooter at any point of time ... all of that stuff exists out in the environment," he added. "It's easily accessible to law enforcement with a warrant."

While there may be some things such as photos on the phone that cannot be access any other way, "as a generalization, I think Apple's position on this is exactly correct," McNamee concluded.
A couple have been left heartbroken after burglars broke into their home and stole their two prized pedigree British bulldogs.

Amanda Lloyd and her boyfriend Jay Junior, 21, returned to their flat in the Quinton area of Birmingham to find raiders had snatched beloved pets Rocco and Remy.

Police are now hunting the burglars who also took an XBox in the raid between 12pm and 3pm on Tuesday, amid fears the pets may have been stolen to order.

Amanda Lloyd, of Quinton, Birmingham, pictured with her beloved dogs Rocco and Remy

Police are now hunting the burglars amid fears the pets may have been stolen to order

The couple have issued an appeal for the return of the dogs. Production engineer Mr Junior had been at his brother's 18th birthday party when the crime happened.

He said: 'The whole place was turned upside down. Personally I think I was targeted. I don't think they were just petty burglars, I think they came for the dogs.

'I'm a private person but I think the burglars or someone has seen me walking the dogs and going into the building. They're pedigree rare British bulldogs.

'Rocco is my boy, he'll be one at the end of this month and Remy is ten months old. They're both very distinctive dogs. If someone was driving down the road and saw the dogs they'd turn their head, you don't see many dogs like these about.

'It's partly their build but also their distinctive colours. Rocco is lilac and tan coloured. He's a big softie with big droopy brown eyes and tan eyebrows.

Rocco, who will be one year old this month, was described by owner Jay Junior as 'my boy'

'He loves everyone, he's a big dope. In a way I am glad they are very friendly but they will go with anyone. Anyone who comes into the flat they would have seen as a friend.

'He's chipped, they also stole his black harness. Rocco is very short  he only stands 14 inches tall - but is very stocky and weighs 27 kilograms.

'Remy is white, grey and black, she's merle camouflage, multi coloured. She's chipped too and had a canine camouflage harness. She has one blue eye. She had an operation on both eyes two weeks ago and is recovering from that.

'She was doing fine but she needs eye drops which the burglars didn't take. They also took the chip details for both dogs and their Kennel Club papers, basically all their pedigree paperwork.

'They had to search the flat for that paperwork, they obviously wanted it. They took the dogs' vaccination paperwork, so they have everything.'

Remy is white, grey and black. She is also chipped and had a canine camouflage harness

Miss Lloyd was at the gym at the time of the break-in. She said: 'I know they're perhaps just dogs to some people, but they were like our babies.

'We're absolutely devastated. Our families and friends are helping us try to raise awareness of what's happened. I put an appeal on Facebook and it's had more than 13,000 shares.

The couple, who live in Birmingham, have issued an appeal for the return of the dogs

'We don't feel the police have done anything much to help. It took them hours to come out and when they did they just looked round. They are not sending out forensics to the flat until today.

'They didn't give us much hope. We're appealing to the public to help spread the word about the dogs and contact us with any information, any sightings, anything that might help.

'We are not interested in knowing who took them, we just want the dogs back. They could be left at a vet's or someone could send an anonymous message about where they could be left. We just want them home safe and well.'

Close to tears, she added: 'I came home and was calling them and they didn't come out to see me and I didn't understand it. I couldn't believe they were gone.

'The dogs went everywhere with us. The back of our car is full of their stuff, we didn't like leaving them on their own when we didn't have to.

'We adore them. I'm terrified they could be shipped off to a breeding farm. We think the people who took them were professionals who knew what they wanted and the paperwork they needed.'

The couple are now hoping for a breakthrough in the case. Miss Lloyd said: 'We've spoken to all our neighbours but none had CCTV.

A West Midlands Police appeal on Twitter yesterday said: 'Have you seen these missing dogs?'

'We've been told of a sighting of one dog that looked like Remy being walked by a woman along Middle Leasow, Quinton, at about 4pm the day the dogs were taken.

'It didn't have a lead on. That's just a two minute walk from us. We're trying to find out more information.'

A West Midlands Police appeal said: 'Have you seen these missing dogs? They were stolen during a burglary in Quinton on January 14 sometime between 12 noon and 3pm.

'Their owners are understandably distraught and we need your help to find Remy and Rocco so we can reunite them. Remy needs medication which the thieves dont have.

'If you have any information about their whereabouts or have been offered these dogs for sale please get in touch via Live Chat or call 101. Crime reference number: 20BW/12166B/20.'
The fate of the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, a project to build an artificial deepwater port in western Georgia, has again been called into question after the countrys government cancelled its contract with the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC), a group of Georgian and international investors working on the infrastructure project. Emerging Europe reports in its article What now for Anaklia, Georgias largest infrastructure project, as blame game heats up? that according to the Georgian regional development and infrastructure ministry, the ADC failed to comply with raising 120 million US dollars in capital and submitting a 400 million US-dollar loan agreement with international banks, giving the Georgian government an unconditional right to cancel their contract.

On January 14, the Georgian government again ruled out that it would restore the terminated contract with the ADC. The consortium was also issued a fine of 115,000 US dollars for failing obligations by the deadline. Reacting to the infrastructure ministrys decision, ADC director Levan Akhvlediani announced that the consortium would file a lawsuit with the court of arbitration. There is practically no way out other than going to court, he stressed, questioning the governments motives.

The ADC has repeatedly sought to avoid a dispute not to cause further delay to the project, Salome Kelenjeridze, the consortiums deputy CEO tells Emerging Europe, noting that it now has no choice but to pursue its rights and the interests of its stakeholders using all legal remedies available. She says that the ADC will make a final attempt to resolve its dispute with the Georgian government amicably. However, if unsuccessful, it will subsequently have no choice but to pursue an international arbitration claim against the government.

The Georgian governments indifference toward the project is the biggest obstacle that we were facing on every stage of the project development, she continues, pointing to problems that occurred during negotiations with international financial institutions, investors and future partners. According to the ADC deputy CEO, it is evident that Georgias government, is not acting in the best interest of the project and hence in the best interest of Georgia.

Mamuka Khazaradze, the former chairman of the ADC supervisory board also promised to take the dispute to an international court, stressing that Georgian prime minister Giorgi Gakharia and Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgias most influential politician, were personally involved in disrupting the project. The government has misled the public, he said. However, later he also added that he wanted to avoid arbitration as it would harm the interests of the country.

Disputes between the consortium and the Georgian government intensified last year after Conti Group International, a major US investor, decided to pull out from the project. While both the current government of Mr Gakharia and that of his predecessor Mamuka Bakhtadze have came out in support of the project several times, the ADC last October accused the government of sabotage aimed at halting the project, when it failed to issue state guarantees for the 400 million US dollars loan the consortium needed to secure.

It is quite widespread that Mr Khazaradze () and his colleagues are trying to mislead the public when putting blame on the shoulders of the Georgian government, Ghia Abashidze, a Georgian political analyst tells Emerging Europe. According to him, it has been clear that the ADC could not fulfil its obligations since more than 40 amendments were made to the contract signed back in 2016 when the Consortium won a public procurement call of 2.5 billion US dollars to build the port.

Ms Kelenjeridze claims that only minimal concession were needed from the government to satisfy all parties, including IFIs that should have provided the Consortium with a loan agreement. While the Georgian government has done its part  including bringing in railway tracks to the port area, buying land and transferring them to the ADC, the Consortium failed to raise the necessary capital and deliver for seven times, Mr Abashidze stressed, noting that becoming a guarantor of the construction loans was not envisaged in the project contract.

The authorities had two options after termination  either transforming the port into the state enterprise or announcing a new tender. The latter has been decided, he said, dismissing narratives that the project would not be realised since the ruling Georgian Dream party even amended the countrys constitution to guarantee the future of the project. Regrettably, four years wasted, incomes delayed. Nevertheless, expectation in the government is that a new partner will be found soon, Mr Abashidze concluded. Georgia needs this port, so we will search for a new partner, who will be able to implement this project quickly and get the results that our country needs, said Georgian vice PM and infrastructure minister Maia Tskitishvili on January 9, adding that they need a financially stronger investor.

The Anaklia project was launched as a joint US-Georgian venture to create a new, deepwater sea port on the Black Sea. The current members of the Consortium are Georgias TBC Holding, SSA Marine from the US, British investment group Wondernet Express and G-Star Ltd from Bulgaria.

The first phase of the port was set to be fully operational by December 2020 with a handling capacity of up to 10,000 vessels. The construction is the largest infrastructure investment in Georgian history. Observers say that the Consortiums leave could direct attention from China to finish the project.
RICHMOND, Va. - For a moment, Steven Andersson was the lone man at an after-party filled with white suffragist dresses, chardonnay and satin Equal Rights Amendment sashes. And an unlikely man, too: a graying, 55-year-old Republican lawyer in a dark suit, the very personification of the patriarchy.

But Andersson, a former state lawmaker in Illinois, looked totally comfortable among all the giddy women celebrating Virginia's passage of the ERA.

"This is easy," he told me.

Really? Guys who look like Andersson have been blocking this thing for decades.

Those men (and some women) say it will give women unfettered access to public funding for abortions. They say that it will destroy businesses if women must be paid the same as men. They say women and men will have to share bathrooms, locker rooms, hospital rooms.

Baloney, all of it, is what Andersson tells opponents.

"This is easy," he said to me again as we were jostled at the raucous and jubilant party celebrating Virginia officially becoming the 38th state to ratify the amendment.

"This is the right side of history," he said. And men will be OK. In fact, there are ways it will benefit men, he said.

Andersson is one of the guys who gets it.

I sat in the Virginia Senate gallery Wednesday amid scores of women who've been in this fight for years. There were the gray-haired women who picketed in 1972, when Congress first voted on it. They brought their granddaughters, in braids and cute dresses. Gen-X women who were astounded when they learned that the ERA had never passed were there. Millennials with awesome "Legalize Equality" hoodies cheered and whooped. A woman in a straw hat and full suffragist dress flew in Tuesday night from Minnesota to be in Virginia on this historic day.

And in the middle of all those selfies and hugs and emotions sat two men, in their dark suits, briefcases on their laps, waiting for their unrelated agenda item that day. Statler and Waldorf in the statehouse.

"Legalize what?" one said to the other as he tried to read one of the sashes. "Legalize marijuana?" They both chuckled.

"They want equality? They have equality. I don't know what else they want," one told the other as he began to unfurl examples of his female family members who were allowed to "go wherever they want for school."

"It's symbolic, I guess," the other said. They chuckled again.

It's exactly what I heard the Richmond talk-radio guys conclude as I drove in that day.

Andersson would shut those guys up if they spent five minutes with him.

He is the ERA whisperer, flying across the country - "Utah, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, Virginia, well, Virginia three times" - to convince men, usually fellow Republicans, that the Equal Rights Amendment is good for the country and not bad for men.

It's not about his daughter or his wife, as many men who support women's equality tend to say.

Andersson says it's about human rights.

His missions don't usually work when he meets with a pack of men, he said.

"One-on-one works best," he said.

This amendment - introduced in 1923 and finally ratified on a gray Wednesday this week in 2020 - is supposed to make it loud and clear in the U.S. Constitution that discrimination based on sex is not OK in our country.

That's it.

Andersson was a state legislator in the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018 when he crossed party lines to vote for the ERA in that state.

"Boy, did I get blowback," said Andersson, who has since left the legislature and now works with the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

In Illinois, the fight was all about abortion - that was the big boogeyman opponents used to try to defeat the amendment.

"Now I'm pro-life," Andersson said. "But if a woman has a legitimate threat to her life or health and the treatment is medically necessary, that treatment must be covered."

But really, "there is no court that has suggested that elective abortions must be publicly funded," he said. "It wasn't so much about abortions here in Virginia."

But he did hear folks, in the state that houses the Pentagon, talk about a mandatory draft for women.

"I have a daughter and a son. I love them equally," he said. But one child shouldn't have to register for the draft while the other one doesn't.

Maybe, if there's the possibility that daughters, girlfriends and wives are eligible, the possibility of a draft will be harder.

Or what about paternity leave for men?

Or child custody cases?

"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg liked those cases where sex discrimination meant that men were discriminated against," Andersson said. "Those will be impacted, too."

Yes, Ginsburg began her groundbreaking crusade smashing laws across the land that allowed for sex discrimination with cases advocating for men - such as one challenging different drinking ages for men in Oklahoma (it was 18 for women, 21 for men), or the case of a widower who couldn't get his wife's Social Security benefits because it was assumed he made more than her and didn't need them (he didn't, he did.)

But let's be real. A society built on a foundation of inequity is immoral and undemocratic. American women still earn less than men. (We see that hold true for young, childless women, too, so don't give me that "women took time off to have kids" routine.) We struggle to have final say over our bodies. And the legacy of generations of men in power makes equity constantly elusive.

Despite this historic move in Virginia, the fight for the ERA isn't over.

Virginia provided the 38 states needed to ratify the amendment before it can be added to the Constitution, but that was supposed to happen by a deadline - 1982 - that Congress imposed way back when.

There will be no shortage of legal efforts to prove that the deadline is bogus. Maybe enough women will come into power soon and they won't have to wait for men to help make it a reality.

But in the meantime, history can be made by guys like Andersson who refuse to see equality as red or blue, conservative or liberal, men or women.

It's simply the right thing to do. And yes, it's that easy.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The ruling My Step faction of the Armenian Parliament invited Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan for a meeting, the FM told reporters.

These are regular meetings, this time I was invited by My Step faction for a meeting, and I accepted it with pleasure. Our discussion topics are quite broad, they all relate to Armenias national security issues in terms of the foreign sector, as well as to our activities in the foreign field, the minister said.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Griffin said he will contact the mayors of Michigan City and Gary, who werent at the NIRPC meeting, to see if they want to participate.
A woman born with two wombs who feared she would never have children has given birth to her 'miracle' son.

Nicola Guinness, 26, has tried to conceive ever since turning 18  but has suffered six heartbreaking miscarriages in her quest for children.

Doctors spotted her unusual anatomy at the age of 15  a wall of skin separated her womb, cervix and vagina in two.

Ms Guinness was told it would be difficult for her to start a family because of claims a baby won't get enough oxygen if it attaches to the band of skin.

The beauty therapist begged the NHS for surgery to remove the band of tissue but claims they initially refused because it was too risky.

Ms Guinness, from Brentwood, Essex, finally found a specialist at Ipswich Hospital who offered her the life-changing operation in October 2018.

Just eight months later, Ms Guinness and her partner, Anthony Latta, 31, discovered they were expecting.

And now the couple have welcomed their son Reggie to the world, after he was born on January 10, weighing 5lbs 11oz.

Nicola Guinness, 26, welcomed her 'miracle baby' Reggie after suffering six miscarriages because she has two wombs. The two are pictured after he was born

Ms Guinness and her partner, Anthony Latta, 31, fell pregnant within eight months after a life-changing operation Ms Guinness begged the NHS to perform

Ms Guinness said: 'I never gave up on my dream of becoming a mum and I'm so glad I kept fighting to get the surgery.' Pictured, an ultrasound image of Reggie

Speaking of Reggie, Ms Guinness said: 'He's absolutely perfect, I can't stop looking at him because I can't believe he's really here after all these years of wanting a baby.

'Even when he cries I feel excited because I know I get to go and cuddle him and make him feel better.

'Words can't explain how much it means to me to have him here with me, he's everything I've ever wanted, he's my little miracle.

'The fear of feeling like I might never be able to have my own baby is so far away from me now.

'I never gave up on my dream of becoming a mum and I'm so glad I kept fighting to get the surgery, because if I hadn't I might never have got him.'

From her first period, Ms Guinness realised she was different, noticing that she would still bleed despite using tampons.

This was because she would place the tampon in one vagina, but blood was still escaping from the second uterus and vagina.

She claims she was initially misdiagnosed with a condition called uterus didelphys, also known as a 'double uterus'.

The condition occurs when the tubes that create a uterus in a female foetus don't completely join. Instead, each develop into a separate structure.

A double uterus may have one cervix - the neck of the womb - into one vagina, or there may be two cervixes and vaginas.

Ms Guinness said: 'Words can't explain how much it means to me to have him here with me'

Women with a septate uterus are at increased risk of miscarriage. Ms Guinness tried desperately to have a baby despite knowing her anatomy was unusual. Pictured, the couple after having a gender reveal party and finding out they were having a boy

The couple 'couldn't wait' to meet Reggie and didn't mind he was a month early

Armed with what she thought was the answer, Ms Guinness said: '[It] meant that I might have trouble conceiving but that I would be able to carry a baby once I got pregnant.

'They advised me to start trying early.' But after years of unsuccessful attempts to have a baby, Ms Guinness was sent for more investigative tests in 2017.

She said: 'I was having test after test, but it wasn't until two years ago that I got a letter from my doctors saying I actually had complete uterus septum and that I would never be able to carry a baby.'

Complete uterus septum, which would appear very similar to uterus didelphys on a scan, is a deformity which also occurs during foetal development before birth.

It is thought to affect between three and 15 per cent of women who have reproductive problems.

Usually there are no clear symptoms, however Ms Guinness said she was able to feel the band of tissue at the opening of her vagina.

Women with a septate uterus are at increased risk of miscarriage but it is not clear why.

One theory is the band of skin cannot provide proper support or oxygen needed for an embryo to grow, if it attached to it.

Ms Guinness claims doctors at Addenbrooke's Hospital refused to remove the wall of skin in her womb because there was a risk the op could make her infertile

A surgeon removed the septum, which is pictured centre, in October 2018

WHAT IS A SEPTATE UTERUS? Septate uterus is one of the most common abnormalities affecting the womb and is associated with the poorest reproductive outcomes. Women often experience recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm labour or infertility. It occurs during foetal development when a membrane called the septum divides the uterus in the middle. The band of tissue may be thick or thin, partial or complete. Its not completely clear why women are at more risk of miscarriage if they have this condition. One theory is that the septum cannot provide the proper support needed for a healthy pregnancy as oxygen is not provided in sufficient amounts. The condition can be treated with surgery, which significantly improves the chance of a baby. Sometimes a septate uterus is misdiagnosed as a bicornuate uterus - one that is heart shaped - or uterus didelphys. Also known as a 'double uterus', it occurs when the tubes that create a uterus in a female foetus don't completely join, instead, each develop into a separate structure. The prevalence of septate uterus is not clear, but is thought to be the cause of up to 15 per cent of reproductive problems. Advertisement

Devastated by the news at the age of 24, Ms Guinness began searching for new answers over what could be done to remove the wall of skin.

After discovering that a simple two-hour keyhole surgery could remove that part of the septum, Ms Guinness asked doctors at Addenbrooke's Hospital if they would perform the operation.

But she claims they refused because there was a risk the op could make her infertile.

Ms Guinness, who had been trying for a baby with partner of two-and-a-half years Mr Latta, a power linesman, even asked her sister Leanne, 29, to be her surrogate.

But then, her cousin, a midwife from Ipswich, found a doctor at her NHS trust who specialised in the condition.

Ms Guinness said: 'I still hadn't given up, my sister agreed to be my surrogate and I would have gone through with it if my cousin hadn't managed to find a surgeon to help me.

'Fighting for the operation was the worst time of my life, because I knew that something could be done but doctors weren't prepared to help me.'

Ms Guinness now has one womb but still has a wall separating her cervix and vagina. Because of this, it was planned for Reggie to be born via C-section.

When Ms Guinness became pregnant, she feared she was having another miscarriage when she experienced pain and some blood from her vagina.

'But when we went to the hospital they did my bloods and told me the baby was still fine and it was just blood from the other half of my cervix and vagina,' she said.

With no further issues during the pregnancy, Reggie was born four weeks early by emergency C-section at 9.30am on Friday. It is not clear why he was born early.

Ms Guinness said: 'Reggie had been scheduled for a C-section in February but I knew he was going to come early and I don't mind because I was so desperate to meet him.'

A Cambridge University Hospitals spokesperson said: 'We strive to give the very best treatment and guidance to patients, but if someone has a complaint it is important that they contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) as soon as possible, which will investigate it thoroughly and in accordance with our protocols.'
16.01.2020 LISTEN

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it is ready to partake in discussions with the Electoral Commission (EC) and the opposition parties over issues bordering on the new voters register.

The EC's Eminent Advisory Committee has asked the various political parties to meet the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to address concerns raised over the new register.

A total of eight opposition parties including the main opposition National Democratic Congress, are currently against the move and have vowed to use any means possible to have the EC abort the plan.

Calling themselves the Inter-Party Resistance Against New Voter Register, they even embarked on a massive demonstration in Tamale last Saturday with an assurance to stage such exercise in Kumasi and Accra in the coming days.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, the Director of Elections for the NPP, Evans Nimako welcomed the call for a meeting with IPAC, pledging to always play their part in supporting President Akufo-Addo.

So yes they [the NDC] have their position but their position is not the law. This hypocrisy of the NDC cannot be contained. For us as NPP, we'll keep on organising our party in a manner that will make it solid enough to support the Presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo. So they can do as many demonstrations as they want. We will honour any invitation by the EC to IPAC meetings. They had even told us way back in 2015 that if we have any concern we should come to IPAC and raise the issue, he said.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has welcomed the decision by the ECs Advisory Committee to meet IPAC over the new voters' register.

Also speaking on Eyewitness News, General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, stated that even though they have not been officially notified with details of the meeting, they welcome the call since it has been long overdue.

The content is very reconciliatory. This is all that we have been urging all along because we think that these matters should not have come this far if the Electoral Commission had listened to us from the beginning. And we believe we have a strong case so it is in our interest that as many Ghanaians from whatever walk of life will like to listen, and they will be convinced so we welcome that call.

The call for a meeting

The Electoral Commission's (EC) Eminent Advisory Committee had earlier served notice to the various political parties to meet the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to iron out concerns raised over the new register while calling for calm amongst them.

This decision came after a meeting between officials of the EC and the Committee, over issues surrounding the decision to procure a new Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS) and compile a new voters register ahead of the 2020 polls.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that the Electoral Commission and the Eminent Advisory Committee will meet with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to have further deliberations on the matter, a statement signed by Emile Short, the Chairman of the Committee indicated.

citinewsroom
Partners with HappyOrNot Ltd. to demonstrate mass scalable thin form factor feedback collection system concepts for omni-channel retail

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2020) - Ynvisible Interactive Inc. (TSXV: YNV) (OTCQB: YNVYF) (FSE: 1XNA) was invited to pitch at the New York Retail Innovation Week's (NYRIW) Demo Day held today in Manhattan, New York City. The Company showcased applications of its ultra low-power, thin form factor interactive printed graphics solutions and presented two of its developing partnerships in the retail sector.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4685/51553_figure.jpg

NYRIW is produced by PSFK, an American retail research and strategy think-tank and media company that provides trends reports, innovation newsletters, consulting and workshops and on-demand research. The NYRIW Demo Day, allows start-ups and solutions providers in the retail and customer experience (CX) sectors to provide pitch presentations to the audience that mostly consists of executives from brands, retailers, agencies, tech firms, investors and the press.

"NYRIW is a festival of pioneers that are driving tomorrow's customer experiences with ideas and innovation, a celebration with the best in retail. One of the big themes at Demo Day is exploring the creative industry of reinvention and Ynvisible does just that." states Piers Fawks, CEO of PSFK.

At the NYIW Demo Day Event Ynvisible presented the communication and consumer engagement power of interactive printed graphics in different areas of retail. For the concept demonstrations Ynvisible partnered with HappyOrNot Ltd., the global leader in instant customer and employee satisfaction reporting systems with innovative HappyOrNot feedback smileys. HappyOrNot's systems are currently in use in 117 countries by over 3000 organizations, including many retail shops and restaurants. It's completely wireless, "press of a Smiley" feedback collection solution helps capture maximum feedback from shoppers with its exceptional ease of use and approachability.

The two companies collaborated to showcase the potential of Ynvisible's electrochromic (EC) display technology as an interactive, ultra low-power, mass producible visual indicator and feedback collection interface to HappyOrNot's real-time customer and employee satisfaction feedback terminals.

"HappyOrNot is the uncontested global leader in helping organizations succeed leveraging in-experience real-time feedback management platform. HappyOrNot continues to innovate with different feedback device form factors and we are eager to see how we could increase the velocity of feedback collection with this new approach. We have 1.5B feedbacks already in our benchmark database which enables our customers to drive their CX and operational efficiency in real time. This printed electronics approach could open up major new avenues to deploy sensors collecting in-experience feedback" Sami Hero, COO of HappyOrNot.

"Ynvisible is excited to work with such a globally active, innovative and rapidly growing solution provider as HappyOrNot. We see enormous potential in utilizing printed and flexible electronics - including our proprietary ultra low-power EC technology - to expand HappyOrNot's highly successful customer feedback system to an even greater number of locations, throughout different channels of retail and product usage." said Jani-Mikael Kuusisto, CEO of Ynvisible.

Furthermore, at the show Ynvisible announced its on-going client partnership with a new innovative start-up company, Tagenea. The innovative Spanish seed stage technology company is planning and designing new types of labelling and signage solutions for retail applications. Tagenea is combining Ynvisible's electrochromic (EC) display technology to Tagenea's novel product concepts expected to be available for piloting later this year.

Tagenea has been endorsed through various public support, including the prestigious NEOTEC program by CDTI, the European SmartEES initiativ. In addition, Tagenea has been chosen as the Best Business idea 2018 by Fomento de San Sebastian , and is housed in the incubator of BIC Gipuzkoa.

About HappyOrNot

HappyOrNot is the global leader in instant customer and employee satisfaction reporting. Its innovative feedback collecting smileys and intelligent data analytics reporting service help clients to improve their customer experience, relationships, and employee engagement. For more information, visit www.happy-or-not.com

About Tagenea

TAGENEA is a newly created Company (nov. 2018) born with the objective of developing and marketing the next generation of digital labels for the retail sector.

The ultimate strategic objective of the project is to drive the digital transformation of the traditional commerce providing tools to bring the online buying experience to the physical store.

For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/tagenea/ and/or our coming soon website on: www.tagenea.com

About NYRIW Demo Day

Offers a business intelligence platform to help brands, retailers and their partners identify and leverage innovation opportunities through a mix of trends reports, immersive events, insight-rich newsletters, custom services and on-demand research. For more information, visit https://www.psfk.com/

About Ynvisible Interactive Inc.

Ynvisible develops and brings to market interactive printed graphics solutions based on electrochromics (EC). The company's growing set of proprietary ink sets and design tools and processes are used to design and produce displays that are low power, lightweight, thin, flexible, transparent, and robust. Smart products incorporating Ynvisible's EC displays provide an ideal and easy to adopt "face to the IoT". For more information, visit ynvisible.com or email ir@ynvisible.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 Ynvisible Interactive Inc. 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 Ynvisible Interactive Inc. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Ynvisible Interactive Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

###

For further information, please contact:



Elyssia Patterson

Investor Relations

+1 778-683-4324

ir@ynvisible.com



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51553
The Committee of Unions in Tertiary Institutions (CUTI), an association of teachers in Kwara, has countered claims by Abdulfatah Ahmed, ex-governor of the state about not owing salary arrears.

Ahmed had said recently that civil servants in the state were fully paid before he left office.

However, Imam Abdulkadir, chairman of CUTI, in a statement dismissed the former governors claim.

He said, The attention of Committee of Unions in Tertiary Institutions ( CUTI) has been drawn to the claim by former Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed through his media aide that the immediate past administration was up to date in payment of state civil servants salary before he left office particularly the state owned Tertiary Institutions. 

Read Also: I Paid All Civil Servants In Full Before I Left Office: Ex-Kwara Gov

To this end, the Unions wish to reiterate that the claims by the former Governor Ahmed through his aide Dr. Muhideen Akorede was false and misleading.

The state-owned tertiary institutions were owed seven months salaries to the tune of seven hundred and fifty million naira. Equally, the policy of the immediate past administration to commercialise education in the state impacted negatively on both the staff and students of the institutions.

It would be recalled that failure of the immediate past administration to pay salaries of the state Colleges of Education and CAILS led to the industrial action embarked upon by the institutions three months to the expiration of the Governor Ahmeds administration.

Despite the industrial disharmony between the Unions and the then government, the said 7 months subventions and accreditation funds were not released to the Colleges until Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq assumed office.

It is noteworthy to say that Governor Abdulrazaq, as at September, 2019, completed the payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed the Colleges by the immediate past administration,  the statement read.

Similarly, Governor Abdulrazaq has presently released accreditation funds to all the state owned tertiary institutions. It is equal of note to state that His Excellency has also absorbed staffers of Demonstration schools of the Colleges who are owed 37 month salaries by the immediate past administration in the state.

The general public should consider the claim by the former Governor as not only misleading but false.
Terming Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's comment about Indira Gandhi meeting gangster Karim Lala as "wrong", Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat on Thursday said such remarks will not be tolerated, and conveyed their disappointment to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The state revenue minister cautioned all leaders, including Raut, against making remarks criticising great leaders.

"It, indeed, was a wrong statement and we will not tolerate such a statement. Nobody should make such a statement. Raut should also not make such a statement which criticises great men," Thorat told reporters here.

"We are disappointed with the statement. We have spoken to the chief minister on the issue," he added.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday, Raut claimed that "Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)."



On Thursday, Raut withdrew his comment saying, "If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image, or someone's feelings, I take it back."



In a series of tweets, Thorat credited Indira Gandhi for breaking the back of underworld and tightening noose around gangsters like Karim Lala, Haji Mastan, Yusuf Patel and others.

Earlier in the day, Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam asked Raut to withdraw his "ill-informed" remarks.

Former Union minister Deora said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no more.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Nirupam said Raut will "repent" if he continues a "false campaign" against Gandhi.

Latching onto Raut's claim, BJP leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis wondered whether the Congress was "funded by Mumbai's underworld".

Hitting back at Fadnavis, Thorat said Maharashtra has seen pictures of Fadnavis meeting a notorious goon at 'Varsha' (CM's official bungalow in Mumbai) while the latter was the chief minister.

"Fadnavis who protected a goon like Munna Yadav by appointing him on corporation should not talk about criminalisation in politics," Thorat said in a tweet.

"Leader of the Opposition Devendra Fadnavis also should give up his habit of making a mountain of a mole. He should not try to insult Bharatratna late Indiraji Gandhi to make up for loss of face the BJP suffered for insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said.

The BJP came under attack from the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in Maharashtra over a book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Shivaji Maharaj.

The book is written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Trump administration has canceled three classified briefings scheduled for lawmakers on the situation with Iran - a move that comes after officials faced criticism for their lack of candor in their last round of briefings.

And the cancellation comes as Senate Democrats claim to have enough support to to pass a war powers resolution aimed at restricting Donald Trump's military action against Iran.

The State Department cancelled two briefings that were scheduled for Wednesday, Senate and House aides told CNN. The Pentagon called off a Thursday classified briefing for the House Armed Services Committee, citing scheduling issues.

A classified briefing by administration staff for lawmakers was canceled; lawmakers were critical of last week's briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper

Lawmakers are raising more questions about Trump's justification for killing Iranian General Qassem Soleiman

The cancellations come as several lawmakers are still questioning the president's justification for killing Iranian General Qassem Soleiman, which resulted in Iran taking retaliatory measures, including an airstrike at U.S. targets in Iraq.

A Wednesday briefing was going to focus on security threats to American diplomatic outposts but the topic was changed to embassy security at the request of congressional staff.

President Trump said Soleimani was plotting attacks on four U.S. embassies and that was one of the reasons he ordered him killed.

'Staff are furious,' a House aide told Politico. 'This briefing is required by law every month, and today's was the most important we've had scheduled in a long time. The State Department has given us no explanation whatsoever.'

An aide told CNN the request of topic change was made January 7 and that the law monthly briefings for national security committees in both chambers on threats to embassies.

'This has not been rescheduled. We don't know why it was canceled,' the aide said. 'Staff is pissed.'

'They understood that this was a reasonable request,' the person said.

The briefings were to be conducted by administration staffers and not the principles - unlike last week's briefings by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other Cabinet officials, which even had some Republicans critical of the lack of information shared with Congress.

Brian Hook, the State Department's Special Representative for Iran, David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and Marik String, an official in the State Department's Office of Legal Advisor were expected to lead one of the briefings.

The cancellations follow the release of House documents showing a series of messages between Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde and former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, appearing to track Marie Yovanovitch, the then-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

The messages has raised many questions and Yovanovitch's lawyer has called for an investigation.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have announced they have enough votes - including Republicans - to pass a war powers resolution, perhaps as early as next week, to restrict Trump's military action in Iran.

Lawmakers came out of last week's administration briefing critical of a lack of candor by Trump administration officials

'We now have the 51 votes that we need for the version that's the bipartisan version,' said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who introduced the measure, on Tuesday.

Kaine named four Republican senators -- Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Todd Young and Susan Collins -- who he said will join the 47 Democrats voting for the measure.

The measure is privileged, meaning Republicans who oppose it would not be able to block a vote.

But a vote on it could bump up against Trump's impeachment trial, which begins on Tuesday.

Should it pass the Senate it would serve as a congressional rebuke of the president.

The House passed its own war powers resolution last week.
As federal Conservatives begin their search for a new leader  to be chosen at a convention in June  they are faced once again by the most fundamental of all political quandaries.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/1/2020 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As federal Conservatives begin their search for a new leader  to be chosen at a convention in June  they are faced once again by the most fundamental of all political quandaries.

Should a political party choose a leader who will embrace and reflect the sensibilities of the electorate, or find someone to influence and remake the electorate in the image of the party?

It's a critically important question for Conservatives who find themselves searching for a new champion, someone who can pry the levers of power away from Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a politician who is as profoundly flawed as he is fortunate.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer (left) was not able to leverage missteps and baggage weighing down the election campaign of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press files)

In last fall's election, Trudeau managed to snatch minority victory from the jaws of what seemed to be almost certain defeat.

Just consider the baggage he carried into the campaign: multiple ethics transgressions, a cabinet civil war over the SNC-Lavalin affair, and the outrageous and offensive images where he donned brown or blackface makeup. Add in healthy doses of arrogance and hubris, and you have a political leader ripe for the picking.

Should a political party choose a leader who will embrace and reflect the sensibilities of the electorate, or find someone to influence and remake the electorate in the image of the party?

At first blush, voters responded: the Liberal share of the popular vote fell, as did its seat total; the Tories received more votes than any other party.

But when the smoke cleared, Trudeau and the Liberals were triumphant. How?

Names in the mix The Conservative leadership race has begun and the deadline to register as a candidate and meet the first round of requirements is Feb. 27. The party has three declared candidates; 10 others are considering bids. click to read more The Conservative leadership race has begun and the deadline to register as a candidate and meet the first round of requirements is Feb. 27. The party has three declared candidates: Marilyn Gladu: Conservative MP for Ontario riding of Sarnia-Lambton. Peter MacKay: former Progressive Conservative leader, Conservative cabinet minister and longtime MP from Nova Scotia, who now lives in Toronto. Aron Seal: former director of policy for two Conservative cabinet ministers. Others, in alphabetical order, who are considering bids: Rona Ambrose: former interim leader of the Conservative party and MP from an Edmonton-area riding. Jean Charest: former Liberal premier of Quebec, Progressive Conservative party leader and federal cabinet minister. Michael Chong: former Conservative cabinet minister, current MP for Ontario riding of Wellington-Halton Hills. Ran in the 2017 race. Gerard Deltell: current Conservative MP for the Quebec riding of Louis-Saint-Laurent and former provincial MNA. Richard Decarie: political aide under former Conservative leader Stephen Harper while in opposition, helped run Harper's Quebec operations. Michelle Rempel Garner: Conservative MP for the riding of Calgary Nose Hill. Vincent Guzzo: movie-theatre mogul from Quebec who also stars in the reality-TV program "Dragons' Den." Rudy Husny: longtime Quebec operative for the Conservative party, and businessman. Erin O'Toole: former Conservative cabinet minister and current MP from the Toronto-area riding of Durham. Ran in the 2017 race. Pierre Poilievre: former Conservative cabinet minister and current MP from the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton. -The Canadian Press Close

The Liberals benefitted from a Conservative party with a scrambled brand. Soon-to-be-outgoing leader Andrew Scheer was thought to be the second coming of Stephen Harper, one who could suppress his social conservative sensibilities long enough to win an election.

Although Scheer did try to walk the Harper tightrope, he was neither as clever nor as accomplished a retail politician to pull it off.

In other words, a politician who does not attend Pride parades to visibly support the LGBTTQ+ community, and steers closer to the label "climate change denier" than any other legitimate party leader, is going to find it difficult to build a national base of support. Add in a few missteps (errors of omission about his citizenship and professional status) and you've got a leader unlikely to serve as first minister.

Who should Tories turn to as their next great hope? That's a question that is forcing hardcore conservatives to perform some awkward ideological contortions.

Who should Tories turn to as their next great hope? That's a question that is forcing hardcore conservatives to perform some awkward ideological contortions.

Former Tory MP and cabinet minister Peter MacKay, who left politics in 2015, announced Wednesday he will seek the leadership. MacKay is the classic Red Tory centrist, a politician who will likely try to take the party back to the Progressive Conservative pedigree of the past.

Peter MacKay is the classic Red Tory centrist, a politician who will likely try to take the party back to the Progressive Conservative pedigree of the past. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press files)

That has some Tories fretting aloud about electing a leader too close to the centre of the country's political spectrum.

Some, such as Kory Teneycke, Harper's former chief of staff and one of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's campaign managers, believe this leadership race is an opportunity to move the federal party further to the right. Teneycke recently told the Hill Times an individual such as Pierre Poilievre, an Ontario MP with a genuine social conservative pedigree, has an excellent chance of winning the leadership because he probably the "most conservative" of the potential candidates.

These sentiments have been echoed by other social conservatives, including the Campaign Life Coalition, which believes it was exploited by Scheer in 2017 to win the leadership, only to see him abandon issues (abortion and same-sex marriage) once he won.

For Campaign Life, and in the eyes of other social conservative party members, the leadership is an opportunity to remake the Conservative party to embrace issues on the far-right edge of the political debate.

Some believe an individual such as Ontario's Pierre Poilievre has an excellent chance of winning the leadership because he is probably the "most conservative" of the potential candidates. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press)

The problem is true conservative hawks like Teneycke and Campaign Life cannot look beyond the leadership race. If they did, they would see electing "more conservative" may not be a winning strategy.

This is where we return to the fundamental political quandary. Social conservatives are not wrong to seek a leader that will champion their causes; they clearly want a party that will work diligently to move public opinion in their favour, rather than pandering to it.

Of course, social conservatives could form their own party, but the colossal flameout of the People's Party of Canada won't encourage many people to go that route. No, these folks want a leader at the helm of an established party and brand, who can soft-peddle issues until they are in power.

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Although there is nothing wrong with trying to move the public closer to the party's point of view, it does ignore the reality of politics in this country.

Although there is nothing wrong with trying to move the public closer to the party's point of view, it does ignore the reality of politics in this country.

A social conservative may be able to sweep huge tracts of Western Canada, but as Scheer found out, they will be significantly hampered east of Manitoba. That may be seen as unfair to the militants that keep the social conservative fires burning within the Conservative party, but it's a practical reality.

Social conservatives may have the will and resources to determine the next Tory leader, but in doing so, they won't be doing the party any favours.

The problem for the Tories is many social conservatives either don't care, or can't be bothered to consider, the only likely outcome of getting what they want: an eternity in opposition.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
Rochas Okorocha, ex-governor of Imo state, says he has no problem with being probed by the new administration of Hope Uzodinma.

Uzodinma had ordered that the financial status of the state from May 2010 be sent to him by the accountant-general of the state within four days.

While giving his inaugural speech on Wednesday, Uzodinma also ordered all the permanent secretaries of all the ministries in the state to forward to him the status of all the contracts awarded, while halting the payment for all ongoing contracts.

Read Also: Uzodinma Orders Probe Of Ihedioha, Okorocha, Ohakim

He said, My government shall be anchored on reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery. Every Imo person shall have a say in my government. 

My doors are wide open. I forgive those who conspired to rob me of my hard-earned mandate. Let us work hard to make Imo the pride of Nigeria.

I hereby direct the Accountant General of the State to within four days forward to me the comprehensive financial status of the State from May 2010 till date.

I also direct the Permanent Secretaries of all the Ministries to within the same period forward the status of the contracts awarded within the time frame. Payment of all ongoing contracts is hereby stopped.

However, reacting to the order to prove him and two other former governors, Ikedi Ohakim (2007-2011) and Emeka Ihedioha (May 2019-Jan 2020), Okorocha, in a tweet on Thursday, said he has no problem with being probed.

He tweeted: Let me reiterate that I have nothing against being probed. What I did not agree with was the attempt to misuse power to harass and intimidate me or any of my supporters.
AUBURN  Auburn Enlarged City School District Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo has received a five-year contract extension that includes a yearly pay increase.

The Auburn board of education approved the extension at a meeting Tuesday night. Pirozzolo's new contract agreement began Wednesday and ends Jan. 14, 2025. He is set to receive a 2.9% salary increase each year. His annual base pay for this fiscal year was $171,458.

Pirozzolo was first appointed to the superintendent role in August 2015 after serving as the interim superintendent since that June. Previously, he was an assistant superintendent in the district for several years.

All board members voted in favor of the new deal except for Ian Phillips. After the meeting, Phillips said he preferred for the contract to conclude at the end of a school year rather than in January.

"It seems like a more appropriate time; it's when most superintendent's contracts end," he said.

Grinning ear-to-ear after the meeting, Pirozzolo discussed how he loves being in Auburn.

"Knowing that I've got longevity here, I pour my heart and soul into my job and I love what I do," he said. "There's never a day that I wake up that I'm not excited to go to work, so I'm very thankful for the support of the board and the staff and the community."

In other news

 A consulting contract with a former Auburn administrator was extended.

Leela George, who had formerly served as the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, was appointed an independent contractor for curriculum in July 2019. That contract ran until Dec. 31, at a rate of $150 per hour. Every board member except Phillips voted for the extension of the agreement between the district and George.

After Tuesday's meeting, Pirozzolo said the district may be nearing the end of the search for Martin's permanent replacement. A candidate is set to meet with him, assistant superintendent for personnel and operations Jeff Evener, assistant superintendent for student services Camille Johnson and business official Lisa Green Thursday morning. If that is successful, Pirozzolo said, an emergency school board meeting will be set for 6 p.m. Friday at the Harriet Tubman Administration Building to vote on a new hire.

Pirozzolo said George will be with the district for a transitional period, so if the candidate is offered and accepts the job, they will be able to reach out to George.

 A former Auburn elementary school principal is serving as the interim leader for one of the schools.

The board approved Mickie Cuevas-Post, who had previously been the Owasco principal for years before she retired, as the interim principal for Genesee Elementary School Tuesday. Costello, who was appointed as the principal of Genesee in August 2019, said in a January 2020 Genesee newsletter she will be out of school for most of the month due to "some health issues." Cuevas-Post started Jan. 6, and she will be paid $400 a day, according to the agenda for Tuesday's meeting.

Pirozzolo said after the meeting that Costello is "still in contact with all of us" but the district doesn't know how long she will be out.

"We all miss her and we want her back and we want her ready to go and completely healthy," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

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A Wellsford dairy farmer threatened with a $120,000 fine for selling raw milk has curtailed operations in the wake of a government crackdown.

Last month, Guy Bakewell, of Bakewell Creamery, received a notice from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) that his business would be fined $100,000 and himself personally $20,000 if he did not register as a raw milk supplier and comply with government regulations.

Following the notice, Mr Bakewell immediately applied for and secured registration, but he insists complying with government regulations will not only hurt his business, it will also compromise the safety of his raw milk supply.

When Mr Bakewell began selling raw milk about two years ago, he registered as a raw milk supplier, but he, along with other milk suppliers, ultimately decided against registration because of the restrictions it imposed.

In particular, Mr Bakewell objected to the ban on selling raw milk from a refrigerated truck at farmers markets and the inability to deliver milk to central, refrigerated pick-up points.

Registered raw milk suppliers are permitted to deliver raw milk door-to-door, but Mr Bakewell insists this is far less safe.

If the homeowner is absent when the milk is delivered, then the supplier faces the dilemma of leaving the milk on the front porch, where there may be no opportunity to keep the milk chilled.

Moreover, the ban on centralised pick up points limits the ability of raw milk suppliers to grow their business and reach many more customers with their product.

To get around the legal requirements, raw milk sellers have been forming limited partnerships whereby consumers own a share in a milk supply business, meaning that they are technically no longer purchasing milk  they are drinking their own milk from their own animals.

The Raw Drinking Milk Producers of New Zealand has received legal advice that the limited partnerships are legitimate, but this has never been tested in court.

Last month, MPI compliance staff executed search warrants on raw milk suppliers in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Nelson and Southland following a year-long operation in a bid to gather evidence of regulatory breaches.

Among the farms raided was one run by the secretary of the Raw Drinking Milk Producers of New Zealand, Pip Martin.

Ms Martin says six or seven MPI officers armed with a search warrant went through her cow shed and bottling room, then came into the farms office, confiscating computers and cell phones and removing limited partnership records and financial information in large plastic bags. The officers even searched through the trash for incriminating documents.

Mr Bakewell says farmers feel like they are being treated like meth dealers.

But MPIs manager of food compliance, Melinda Sando, says farmers operating outside the regulatory framework are putting consumer health at risk.

Raw unpasteurised milk is a risky product as it hasnt been heat treated to remove illness causing bacteria including E. coli, listeria and campylobacter, she says.

But Mr Bakewell says this view overlooks the fact that some exposure to bacteria is a good thing  helping build a persons resistance to it.

Consumer choice has got to come into it at some point. People have got to be able to say I want this product because I know it is a good product, and I want to be exposed to some bacteria because I know it is going to build my immunity, he says.

In a Mahurangi Matters story in 2018, Mr Bakewell highlighted the advantages of raw milk including its better flavour, higher nutritional value and reported benefits to those suffering allergies and eczema.
The president also reported that the Ukrainian side has defined the list of three extra areas for the disengagement of forces

On January 15, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the situation in Donbas with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the phone talk as the Presidents Office reported.

Zelensky thanked Angela Merkel for active participation in the holding of the Normandy Summit on December 9 and the support of Ukraine in the peace settlement of the conflict in the east.

The president noted that due to the negotiations in Paris, it was possible to reach the agreements on the return of the part of detained Ukrainians.

"Unfortunately, we could not release everyone, but we returned 76 people. And we are very grateful for your participation in this process, Volodymyr Zelensky said. He underlined that the work on the formation of other lists for the prisoner swap takes place.

Besides, he expressed concern that the agreements on the provision of the ceasefire regime in Donbas are not fulfilled completely.

According to the head of the state, the Ukrainian side will work actively on the promotion of the extra measures for a complete and comprehensive ceasefire during the next consultations of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on January 16.

Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian side has defined the list of three extra areas for the disengagement of forces.

It is very important for us that these are humanitarian areas. This is important for people, he underlined.

Moreover, the president expressed concern that the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross are not allowed to visit prisoners in the uncontrolled territories.

As we reported earlier, on December 29, Ukraine and representatives of the militant-held Donbas exchanged prisoners; these are political prisoners, POWs, and civilians, some of which were not even convicted. The venue was the Mayorske checkpoint in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine passed 127 people to the non-controlled territory, and the Russian mercenaries passed 76 people to Ukraine; 12 of these were military servicemen. Another 14 people refused to be exchanged.
Bit of a break from politics. And yes I can, because I said so. Musician,Winnie Nwagi, is circling back on the well-tread debate over whether big women who put on shorts, or dress insensitively, is befitting of them. I know nothing about Nwagi's history but her voice in the interview shared on facebook, recently, by Hon.Nambooze, suggests strongly that she has always had a problem with men mocking her body one way or the other. And, therefore, she doesnt want other women to suffer the same fate as her. Her humble background, I guess, prepared her to deal with the pressure of a big career. Years of struggle freed her from the debilitating fear of failure. Winnie reckons that a lot of big women are demonised by a section of society into wearing clothes they dont want due to their body shapes. In the interview, she also says that she is proud of being curvy and wants to join film acting. All I know is that People who want to show off their physique though don't wear baggy clothes - male nor female.

Personally, Im an advocate of women dressing decently whether they are Muslims or not. Theres no need for a woman to show their thighs in public,as Winnie sometimes does, in the warm temperatures of Uganda. Covering up has a lot of benefits but, most importantly, it saves ladies from Manaroma(skin cancer). According to religion of Islam woman should only display her face and palms of hands in front of foreigner men (indoor and outdoor) and more than that is prohibited. In the 50-60s woman here in the northeast England, used to wear headscarves not for religious reasons to cover their curlers and I see the Queen still wears a one.

I've noticed a lot of younger-looking girls (teenagers maybe), posting pictures on Facebook wearing short shorts. Wonder if that is a style right now in Uganda.

And the guys, especially the elites, are wearing shorts that reach their ankles. That was a style attributed to old men with varicose veins in the 1960s in USA, but there's no accounting for taste. Overall, lets encourage more decency, less criticism and tolerance of others dressed in a way that isn't your style.
Imagine a human sitting by the proverbial campfire about 15,000 years ago with a few young puppies. This would have been early in the dog domestication saga, so the human may have been considering what the pups were good for. Food? Fur? Noble companion?

So lets suppose the human tossed a stick. Several puppies ignored it, but one waddled off at a puppy trot to chase it, and at the humans urging, brought it right back. Hmm, the human thought, no stew pot for you.

This is a purely imaginary scene. Scientists have not discovered a new cave painting of the very first game of fetch. But Christina Hansen Wheat and Hans Temrin, biologists at Stockholm University, have found something almost as intriguing. They observed eight-week-old wolf puppies retrieve a thrown ball at the urging of a stranger, without any training.

Only three of 13 pups, over several years of testing, played fetch. And they were far from perfect. So its not as if this is a hidden talent of all wolves. But the researchers say that if the ability to engage with people this way is present in some wolves, it seems likely that it was present in the ancient wolves, now extinct, that were the ancestors of dogs, rather than evolving from new mutations during domestication.
No one will be untouched by a warming planet, scientists say

On Wednesday, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their annual report on global temperatures and climate conditions  2019 was the second warmest year on record, and the past decade was the warmest ever.

These types of temperature milestones are the norm now; every month it seems another record is set, and every year we reach another global warming milestone.

In fact, the hottest years on record have all occurred since 2005, according to the report.

Tracey Nearmy/Reuters

But scientists say rising heat is about more than just numbers; behind those statistics are consequences for people, their livelihoods and our delicate ecosystems.

Climate change is costing cities as they try to adapt and mitigate. Farmers are facing increasing challenges, which can lead to consumers paying more for food. Extreme weather disasters are on the rise in Canada and costing insurance companies, leading to higher premiums. People are dying in heat waves which are set to become more frequent as the planet warms; and hurricanes are stalling, meaning more people are in danger for longer periods of time.

"In my line of work, we do track the numbers and we do try to quantify the behaviour of the climate system, but ultimately what really matters is where it intersects and impacts with the people we love and the things we do," said Deke Arndt, chief of the global monitoring branch of NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

In our normal, day-to-day lives, the effects of a warming planet may not be so evident to most Canadians. But to some, it's all too real.

The most dramatic changes are found in the north. The region is warming almost three times faster than the planet as a whole, resulting in record-low sea ice levels in the Arctic and melting permafrost.

These occurrences have consequences. They're taking a toll on ecosystems  and on the people who have called the cold, icy area home for centuries.

Story continues

Inuit are losing their homes. They are losing their way of life. They are falling through the rapidly thinning ice while hunting. The warming is also affecting the mental health of people who had cherished longer winters and persistent cold.

To people who have long relied on the consistency of the cold north, the change is all too real.

From farms to our pocket books

Farmers are also particularly vulnerable to climate change.

"Some people who work in weather-sensitive sectors such as agriculture  are seeing [climate change] on an annual basis, and they're seeing [it] through greater extremes, and they're also seeing it in the greater variability, the wild swings," said Dave Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Phillips' annual list of Canada's top ten weather stories cited the terrible farming season in the Prairies in 2019. The weather went from dry before the planting season even began for many, to too wet from June to August, followed by an early snowfall at the start of harvest time in September. This meant a lot of crops remained unharvested.

John Guelly, chair of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, said the 2019 growing season was "the harvest from hell."

Guelly, who has been a farmer for the past 30 years just northwest of Edmonton, plants canola, wheat and barley, with 1,000 acres of crops.

"In our particular region, where I farm, it's actually been the fourth really lousy harvest season we've had in a row," he said. "It's definitely taking its toll on people."

But not all the challenges have been the same. In 2018, smoke from the B.C. fires reduced sunlight, for example. And with climate change forecast to create drier conditions in some regions, this may be a sign of things to come.

"If you'd asked a farmer before Christmas what they wanted for Christmas, it was 'Can the growing season be normal next year?'" Guelly said. " What's normal anymore? We're not sure."

Global impacts

The fires raging in Australia are just a recent example of the challenges a continuously warming Earth will present. To date, 28 people have died, including two firemen, and millions of animals are thought to have perished.

Then there are hurricanes. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian sat almost immovable above Abaco Island in the Bahamas for more almost 24 hours, killing at least 70 people.

Heat waves killed an estimated 1,500 people in France in 2019. The good news is this is far below the 2003 heat wave that killed an estimated 30,000 across Europe, with 14,000 in France alone.

And here at home, a heat wave killed 66 people in Montreal in 2018.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), an international humanitarian medical organization, believes places like South Asia and the Pacific region, the Middle East, the Sahelian Belt, and Southern Africa are particularly at risk.

Ariel Fournier/CBC

Carol Devine, a humanitarian advisor at MSF focusing on human health and climate change, said she's concerned about what the future holds.

"Vulnerable people tend to become more vulnerable, and climate change exacerbates health issues," she said.

"Climate-sensitive diseases  that concerns us," said added. "All these pieces interconnect somehow: climate-sensitive diseases, water and food insecurity, malnutrition related to drought or micronutrients or salinity coming into crops."

She's seen certain diseases move into areas that hadn't faced them before, leaving some local doctors unable to adequately treat patients.

"There are already so many vulnerabilities, so what's to come?" she said.

While not all weather events are a result of climate change, climate change can exacerbate them. It upsets a delicately balanced Earth system.

And scientists are getting better at teasing out weather from the changing climate, improving attribution.

But, without curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the future contains a lot of upheaval and big impacts on people's lives.

"No area will be immune from it," Phillips said.
The Supreme Court has dismissed review petitions by various telecom companies challenging the top court's judgement in the Adjusted Gross Revenue case. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty hit their all-time highs today amid higher global markets after US and China inked a deal that will roll back some tariffs imposed during their trade war. The offline and the online world is converging, when it comes to e-commerce. While companies that started off as online-only have launched physical stores, brick and mortar retailers are increasingly exploring e-tailing options. Read for more top stories from the world of business and economy:

1. Blow to Airtel, Vodafone Idea as SC dismisses review plea in AGR case

Telecom companies, which are looking at a payout of Rs 93,000 crore, had sought relief earlier this month; now they have to pay pending dues to the DoT by January 23.

2. Fiscal deficit understated, not less than 4.66% in FY19, says Subhash Garg

Garg says it will be more convincing if the fiscal deficit goal is defined to include all budgetary and off-budgetary liabilities, which currently are around 4.5 per cent of GDP.

3. Sensex hits 42,000 for first time, Nifty logs record high of 12,389: 10 things to know

Sensex hit a record peak of 42,059 and Nifty logged a fresh record of 12,389 in early trade today. Sun Pharma, Nestle India, HUL, Kotak Bank, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Auto and Bharti Airtel were the top Sensex gainers.

4. IRCTC share price hits Rs 1,000 mark for first time ahead of India's second private train launch

IRCTC share price rose up to 2.02% to Rs 1,005 compared to the previous close of Rs 985.50 in afternoon trade today.

5. Here's Kishore Biyani's advice to start-ups on how to position brand

At Amazon's event for small businesses, SMBhav, in New Delhi, Kishore Biyani offered the audience some valuable perspective.
Begging forgiveness and apologizing for the grief he caused, on Wednesday night John Gardner became the countrys first execution of 2020.

I am sorry, he said, while strapped to the gurney in Huntsville. I know you cannot forgive me but I hope one day you will.

He thanked his friends and added, I want to see the Lord Jesus so bad. I hope you all understand.

Sentenced to die for killing his wife Tammy, the Mississippi man already had a history of shooting and terrorizing women long before2006 when he arrived on death row. For 14 years afterward, he launched a string of appeals. But as he waited to be put to death, he grew old and fell into ill health. By the time the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected his final claim, the 64-year-old had one leg and was in a wheelchair.

While I was deeply saddened to see that the Supreme Court denied review in Mr. Gardners case, I just went this weekend to see the new movie with Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy, said Houston-based attorney Seth Kretzer. Like me, Bryan Stevenson lost a case for a capital client who was then executed - but like this movie teaches, for those of us who are foot soldiers in the Long War for conviction integrity, the struggle continues, the hope endures, and the spirit never dies.

Long before the murder that landed him on death row, Gardner led a life blanketed in violence. As a young boy, he was raised by a Baptist preacher father who would sometimes interrupt church services to beat him with a belt, according to his sister.

When he got older, Gardner joined the Army, where a psychiatrist once noted that he had an inadequate, immature and sociopathic personality.

He shot one of his wives while she was pregnant, leaving the 18-year-old paralyzed and ultimately killing her and the unborn child. The outburst netted him an aggravated assault conviction and an 8-year prison sentence in Mississippi.

While he was still in prison, he struck up a new relationship - but soon after his release he turned menacing, threatening his new lover and her children.

By late 2004, Gardner had gotten married yet again and was living with Tammy in Texas. At trial, prosecutors described their relationship as a relatively short, but violent marriage in which he had dominated, threatened and physically abused her.

I cant leave, she told her boss. He will kill me.

Despite her fears, in December 2004 she borrowed money to file for divorce and a few weeks later she met with her companys vice president to seek help disappearing.

After the meeting, Tammy returned home - and two minutes before midnight she called 911, telling the dispatcher her husband had shot her in the head and that she couldnt hear anything because of the ringing in her ears.

When the sheriffs showed up, they found Gardners white truck sitting in a near by ditch two or three miles from Tammys house. No one answered the door, so authorities kicked it down and found Tammy in bed, bleeding badly from a head wound.

She died two days later.

Gardner later turned himself in, but said he didnt have an answer when detectives asked him what happened to his wife.

When the case got to trial, Gardners attorneys did not put on any evidence during the guilt-or-innocence phase. Prosecutors said that hed killed Tammy in an act of retaliation relating to the divorce, and that hed broken into her home before killing her. Either scenario would make the killing a capital murder instead of simply a murder.

During the punishment phase, the court heard about his violent past - but they didnt hear about the theory of abandonment rage, a condition that could cause men to lash out against female companions. Years later, Gardners appeals team argued that his trial lawyers should have brought up the idea. During the guilt-innocence phase, it could have helped negate the burglary and retaliation claims that made it a capital crime, they said. During the guilt-innocence phase, it could have persuaded a jury to sentence him to life instead of death.

But the courts never sided with the condemned prisoner and on Wednesday evening at 6:36 p.m. he died in Huntsville.

There are seven other Texas executions on the calendar so far for 2020.

This story is published in collaboration with The Marshall Project , a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters , or follow The Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter .
Khalifa Haftar was expecting the Kremlin red carpet. Instead he was cooped up in a Russian Foreign Ministry reception building hoping for an audience with Vladimir Putin. In the end, the Libyan military commander lost patience and stormed out. Hours later, he left Moscow in his Dassault Falcon corporate jet bound for the Jordanian capital, Amman.

When the Russian president invited Libya's rival leaders to sign a truce on Monday, it would appear he hadn't factored in the legendary stubbornness of the 76-year-old Haftar. What's more, that he felt emboldened to snub Putin is testament to how unpredictable Libya's civil war has become.

The flash of temper, however, is only the latest confounding twist before a planned Libyan peace conference in Berlin on Sunday. Just last week, an attempt by former colonial power Italy to broker an encounter between Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of the United Nations-backed Libyan government, ended with the latter canceling last minute and flying home.

Nothing is playing out as planned, or is what it seems.

Haftar, who is based in eastern Libya, started the latest war in April with an offensive on the capital, Tripoli, to topple Sarraj. He's now the one throwing up obstacles after his rivals, pressured by their patron Turkey, signed a cease-fire agreement in Moscow. Haftar said he'd sleep on it, but before the entirety of the slight to Putin became apparent, he was already gone.

"This won't be forgotten by Putin," said Kirill Semyonov, a Libya expert at the Kremlin-founded Russian International Affairs Council. "Haftar practically ran away when he was expected to sign the document. This showed a lack of respect to his hosts and is a blow to Russia's reputation."

The backdrop to all this is Russia and Turkey's aggressive push into Syria. Relatively minor actors when the Arab protests erupted a decade ago, Moscow and Ankara are staging a dramatic shift in influence in the region. With the U.S. and Western Europe retreat, they have become key players in a game of geopolitical chess in which they are by turns allies and foes. The prize of a peace deal could also include the revival of billions of dollars in contracts that were abandoned in the chaos after Moammar Gadhafi's overthrow in 2011.

The setback for the Kremlin came less than a week after Putin moved to take the upper hand in ending the conflict, together with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Russian officials say they remain cautiously optimistic that Haftar will come back to the table.

The two powers, though, have found themselves stymied by the myriad conflicting interests in Libya, just like Italy, France and other would-be peacemakers.

Western and Arab diplomats who worked on Libya for years said they weren't surprised. Haftar launched his battle for Tripoli during a visit by the .U.N secretary general and just before scheduled peace talks. The question is whether Putin and Erdogan allow him to get away with it.

Haftar started his offensive with the backing of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, who saw him as irksome ally but the best bet for a strong leader in the tumultuous North African oil state. It evolved into a proxy war with Russia sending mercenaries to fight for Haftar and Turkey supporting Sarraj's Tripoli-based government.

It would only be a matter of time before Putin and Erdogan made a deal to carve out their interests - much as they've done in Syria - then strong-arm their clients into a truce, a Russian official told Bloomberg early this year.

That moment came on Jan. 8. After Turkey threatened to step up its backing for Tripoli with a major military deployment, Putin and Erdogan met in Istanbul and called for a ceasefire 72 hours later.

Neither side had bothered beforehand to consult the Libyans, Egypt, the U.A.E, or U.N., which had been working on a ceasefire since April, officials familiar with the talks told Bloomberg.

A senior official in the Tripoli-based government hastily boarded a flight to Istanbul to try and understand what had just happened, two officials said. Putin then reached out to the leaders of Egypt and the U.A.E, which backs Haftar with its airpower, by phone.

Egypt and UAE were not on board with the deal, which they believed gave Turkey too many concessions, an official said.

A Turkish official with knowledge of the Moscow meeting said a ceasefire could enable Turkey and Russia to cooperate in the exploration of oil and gas. It would also protect a maritime agreement Turkey extracted from the Tripoli-based government in return for military assistance, the person said. That deal is disputed by Greece and other European countries who fear Turkish and Russian encroachment into Mediterranean waters.

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In all of this, the U.S. appears to have been outmaneuvered by Russia in yet another Middle East conflict.

Washington had been sending mixed messages to both sides until hundreds of Russian mercenaries arrived in September to the frontlines to support Haftar. Weeks later they or Libyans manning a missile defense system shot down a U.S drone, whose wreckage has yet to be retrieved. The U.S. then began pushing Haftar for a cease-fire and hoping for a peace deal that would squeeze out Russia, several officials with knowledge of their meetings told Bloomberg.

That Haftar balked in Moscow was down to plans for a Turkish and Russian mission to enforce the truce and a clause in the document that might require him to pull back from areas he controls on the outskirts of Tripoli, a person in Moscow with knowledge of the talks said. Russia overestimated its ability to influence the Libyan military leader, the person said.

Publicly, Russian officials have put on a brave face. "Unfortunately, the final document wasn't signed by all parties," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in India on Wednesday. "But we never pretended that the talks in Moscow were to be a final meeting that would have resolved all issues without exception," he said, noting that the session helped lay the groundwork for the talks in Berlin.

Erdogan, who has obtained parliamentary approval for a large-scale military intervention, responded to Haftar's walk-out by threatening to teach him a "lesson." One Turkish official wasn't ruling out the use of Turkey's F-16 jets.

The Russian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, isn't giving up just yet. It said Haftar needs more time and suggested it expected him to respond positively ahead of the peace summit scheduled in Berlin, where even more surprises could await.

- - -

Bloomberg's Caroline Alexander, Henry Meyer and Zainab Fattah contributed to this report.
A firewall breach containing ransomware last Thursday has forced the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to shut down its web servers, the agency said Wednesday.

It is going to be some ransomware that has compromised a server, said Jason Montoya, PRC chief of staff.

As a result, the PRC website is down and the agencys electronic filing system is offline, forcing people to switch from digital to paper filings, PRC spokesman Deswood Tome said.

You either have to mail it or hand walk it over here, Tome said, referencing the third floor of the PERA building at 1120 Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe.

The state Department of Information Technology, the lead agency in the hacking investigation, is working to get to the bottom of the security breach, Tome said. He said theyre hopeful the assessment will detail how and who launched the cyber attack.

Hackers were able to access the PRC website by breaching the firewall of old state servers, Tome said. But he added that exactly who conducted the cyber attack is still unknown.

FBI spokesman Frank Fischer said his agency is looking into it.

The Governors Office said the breach was contained.

It was immediately quarantined and is under investigation  it didnt spread to anything that the PRC works with, said Nora Sackett, a spokeswoman for the Governors office.

Tome said no sensitive or confidential data was compromised.

As soon as the breach was detected Thursday evening, PRC servers were immediately shut down, he said.

The PRC is responsible for regulating utilities, telecommunication companies, insurance companies, common and contract carriers as well as transmission and pipeline companies. The PRC is also responsible for the state fire marshal and the Firefighters Training Academy.

The Firefighters Training Academy website is also inaccessible.

Despite the PRC servers shutting down, the New Mexico Gas Co. isnt worried about the security breach, said Tim Korte, the utility companys communications manager.

We dont believe information or data related to New Mexico Gas Co. operations or customers is at risk because our IT system is not tied to the PRC or the state of New Mexico IT system, Korte said.

Attorney General Hector Balderas said he wants a special unit to aid New Mexicos law enforcement in investigations like this.

Antiquated approaches no longer work with evolving cybercriminals, Balderas said.
A Helena man convicted in the double homicide of a Helena Valley couple in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison Friday in Lewis and Clark Coun
Iranian FM Zarif Berates European Countries For Being Bullied By Trump

01/16/20

Source: Radio Farda

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday blasted France, Germany and Britain for triggering the dispute mechanism of their nuclear agreement with Iran (JCPOA). In a tweet on Thursday Zarif said the E3 which consists of France, Germany and Britain "sold out remnants of JCPOA to avoid new Trump Tariffs".

"It won't work my friends. You only wet his appetite. Remember your high school bully? If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead. But DO NOT assume high moral/legal ground. YOU DON'T HAVE IT," Zarif wrote in his tweet.

The Iranian foreign minister also posted a screenshot of a Washington Post article published on Wednesday that claimed Trump had secretly threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European cars if they did not surrender to his position on Iran.

Appeasement confirmed.



E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs.



It won't work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully?



If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead. But DO NOT assume high moral/legal ground.



YOU DON'T HAVE IT. pic.twitter.com/tePZhN2E4X  Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 16, 2020

According to the article the threat was made days before Germany, France and Britain, collectively known as E3, formally accused Iran of breaching the 2015 nuclear deal formally known as the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The article claims that the Trump officials had warned that the United States would impose a 25% tariff on European automobiles if the E3 refused to initiate a dispute mechanism in JCPOA which the United State unilaterally withdrew from in 2018.

Related News by Guardian:

Germany confirms Trump made trade threat to Europe over Iran policy

Earlier on Thursday in a meeting with the EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Dehli Zarif criticized the E3 for triggering the dispute mechanism and said the E3 needed to "correct their behavior" towards Tehran and regarding the nuclear deal.

An EU press release issued after the meeting  said Zarif and Borrell had discussed the latest developments around the JCPOA "in a frank dialogue" and that the EU foreign policy chief had underlined the continued interest of the EU "to preserve the agreement, which is now more important than ever, in light of the dangerous escalations in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Dwayne Johnsons Father Rocky, Former Pro Wrestler, Dies at 75

The father of actor Dwayne Johnson, former professional wrestler Rocky Johnson, died at age 75, according to the WWE.

WWE is saddened to learn that Rocky Soul Man Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles), a WWE Hall of Famer, former World Tag Team Champion, and father of Dwayne The Rock Johnson, has passed away at age 75, the organization said on Wednesday. It added: WWE extends its condolences to Johnsons family, friends and fans.

The statement noted that Johnson, whose career started in the 1960s, ended up joining the WWE in 1983 before he retired in 1991.

The physically imposing and wildly charismatic Johnson had several memorable rivalries with the likes of Greg The Hammer Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis, read the organizations statement. He found his greatest success when he teamed up with Tony Atlas as The Soul Patrol. The two men became the first African-American World Tag Team Champions in WWE history when they defeated The Wild Samoans on Dec. 10, 1983.

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson has passed away. https://t.co/9uxrICJKxb  WWE (@WWE) January 15, 2020

Johnson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Soul Man retired from the ring in 1991, but his imprint continued to be felt on WWE for years to come, the WWE said. Post-retirement, Johnson had a hand in training his son, Dwayne The Rock Johnson.

Dwayne Johnson hasnt issued a comment after his fathers reported death.

Dwayne Johnson attends the Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle UK premiere held at Vue West End on Dec. 7, 2017 in London, England. (Jeff Spicer/Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

On Fathers Day in June, he posted a tribute to this father: Little boys by nature, look up to and idolize their old man. They want to be just like em, do whatever they do and are always looking for their approval. Funny thing is the day I stopped looking for that approval was the day I understood what it meant to be man and more importantly, a father. That shift lifted me to a new level of gratitude for the tough love he always gave.

Years later as a man and father of three girls, I know that tough love, is a helluva lot better than no love at all, he added. Ill take it. Its made me who I am today.

Other details, including his cause of death, were not provided in the statement.

Johnson is survived by three children: Dwayne, son Curtis, and daughter Wanda.
The Top of the Hub, the restaurant at the very top of the Prudential Tower in Boston, and the Skywalk Observatory are both closing in April, according to the Boston Globe.

The closures are the result of the decision of Boston Properties Inc., owners of The Prudential Tower, not to provide a new lease for the venues despite several years of discussion, Select Restaurants, Inc. said in a statement on Wednesday, according to the Globe.

The Skywalk Observatory, also operated by Select Restaurants, Inc., provided a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding Greater Boston. The two operations are set to close on April 18.

Bryan Koop, executive vice president of Boston Properties, told the Globe that the company is planning an exciting new design for an observatory atop the tower meant to provide a world-class visitor experience.

We thank the community in advance for their patience during the construction process and look forward to sharing plans for this exciting new experience, Koop said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:34:13|Editor: ZX

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (from L to R) attend a press conference in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Jan. 16, 2020. The prime ministers of the so-called Visegrad Group (V4) of states plus the chancellor of Austria convened here on Thursday under the Czech presidency of the V4 group to discuss migration, energy and other issues. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)

PRAGUE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The prime ministers of the so-called Visegrad Group (V4) of states plus the chancellor of Austria convened here on Thursday under the Czech presidency of the V4 group to discuss migration, energy and other issues.

"The reform of the migration system must be based on the consent of all states," Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said after the meeting. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz echoed Babis by saying that the European Union (EU) should protect its external borders not only from undocumented migrants but also smugglers.

The leaders talked about the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027) and agreed that less money should be spent by the member states on the EU's administration. Babis suggested that the EU could spend less money on security since most of its members are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

On energy, the leaders had differing views. They criticized the development funds allocated to their countries for the purpose of eliminating coal because the associated terms do not allow beneficiaries to use the funds to develop nuclear energy capabilities. "We would see it as a totally wrong way," Babis said. Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shared these sentiments.

However, Chancellor Kurz disagreed, telling reporters that his government sees renewable energy as the way forward. "It is important for Austria that the fund does not support nuclear energy but renewable sources," he said.

"We respect Austria's position, but every country's right to an energy mix should also be respected," said Pellegrini.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that his country's position was determined by the fact that Poland was still heavily dependent on coal. "Our partners in Europe understand that we need to take a longer and more complicated path toward climate neutrality. It will take longer and will require more resources," he said.

Other topics broached included compliance with EU rules, including the rule of law, trade balance, and further interdependence among the V4 group members. Prime Minister Babis also brought up North Macedonia's accession to the EU, which he considers a major issue.
BERLIN  Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Premier Li Keqiang of China settled into the back seat of a driverless Volkswagen van, fastened their seatbelts and went for a spin around a disused airport landing strip in central Berlin.

There is nothing like seeing in practice whats possible, Ms. Merkel beamed when they returned.

That was July 2018, when economic cooperation between the two countries looked limitless  combining Germanys powerful auto industry and Chinas technology giant, Huawei.

Eighteen months later, Germany is embroiled in a tortured debate over whether to allow Huawei to help build its 5G next generation mobile network. But with German automakers, including Audi and Daimler, already working closely with Huawei, it may be China who sits in the drivers seat.

Whatever Germany decides will shape its relations with China for years and reverberate across the Continent. It will send a powerful political signal on how united, or fractured, Europe will be in the digital age of rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
A man was wounded in a stabbing Thursday afternoon in northwestern Warren County, and police had a man in custody in connection with the incident.

No one else was sought in the stabbing reported about 2:15 p.m. at a home in the 500 block of Route 94 in Knowlton Township, according to New Jersey State Police.

The victim was stabbed with a small knife and was expected to survive, police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Flynn told lehighvalleylive.com. He was taken by ambulance to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.

Troopers were continuing to investigate the incident and there was no immediate word on any charges the man in custody might face. Police were not immediately identifying either man.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Vaishali (Bihar) [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) will fight the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections together.



Addressing a public rally here, Shah said: "I want to end all rumours by declaring openly here that the next assembly elections in Bihar will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar."

The Bihar Assembly elections are due in October this year. The opposition parties -- RJD, Congress and RLSP -- among others have already launched their campaign to defeat the ruling JDU-BJP alliance.

The Union Home Minister also slammed the opposition parties for opposing the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

"The opposition parties engineered anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) riots, which forced the BJP to hold rallies across the country to apprise the people of their nefarious designs," he said.

"I have come here to tell Muslim brothers to read the CAA. I have also come to tell Rahul Baba (Rahul Gandhi) and Lalu Prasad Yadav to not mislead the people. Mamata Didi and Kejriwal ji, you too do not mislead the people. The CAA has received the best response in Bihar," he added.

"CAA intends to help those who came to India after their women were raped in front of their eyes. Their properties were snatched away. Their places of worship were desecrated," said Shah.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. (ANI)


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Chicago.

18 sex offenders fighting to keep their home near playground

Pedophiles in Chicago are fighting to stay in a group home near McCarty Park.

Read the full story on New York Daily News.

Chicago may ban Styrofoam containers at restaurants

Disposable utensils and other plastic items could also be banned.

Read the full story on Eater Chicago.

30 dont-miss spots to try during Chicago Restaurant Week

The 13th annual Chicago Restaurant Week begins Jan. 24. Phil Vettel picks the restaurants you shouldn't miss.

Read the full story on Chicago Tribune.

Police honor citizens who helped after girl was shot while trick-or-treating on Halloween

Those honored included two women who helped tend to the girl right after she was shot and a nearby business owner who provided surveillance footage to police.

Read the full story on Chicago Tribune.

Nexstar to launch national prime-time newscast on cable network out of Chicago as alternative to Fox and CNN

Nexstar announced Wednesday it will launch a nightly three-hour newscast on cable channel WGN America beginning this summer.

Read the full story on Chicago Tribune.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
As with any sudden turn in world geopolitics, the true purpose and full implications of Washingtons criminal assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Suleimani are emerging only with the passage of time.

The Trump administrations claims that the assassination was in response to an imminent threat to American lives have been exposed as blatant lies. Suleimanis murder was months in the planning and long advocated by key figures in the US military-foreign policy establishment, including CIA head Gina Haspel, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton.

The killing of the military leader, who was widely viewed as second only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in Irans power structure, constitutes a dramatic escalation of the Trump administrations campaign of maximum pressure on Iran. This campaign combines unrelenting diplomatic and military pressure with devastating economic sanctionsthat are themselves tantamount to an act of warcyber-warfare and other special ops.

In this photo released by the official website of the Office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. (Office of the Iranian Presidency via AP)

It is aimed at turning Iran and bringing to powerwhether through the reconfiguration or outright overthrow of Irans Shia clergy-led bourgeois nationalist regimea government in Tehran, akin to the Shahs bloody quarter-century-long dictatorship, that will be at American imperialisms beck and call.

Iran has long been viewed by US imperialist strategists as central to its drive to secure hegemony over all Eurasia. This is because of its vast oil wealth and its geo-strategic position, near the convergence of three continents and straddling the Middle East and Central Asia, the worlds two most important oil exporting regions.

In diplomatic terms, the US drive to force Iran into neo-colonial subjugation is expressed in Trump and Pompeos demand that Tehran negotiate a replacement to the flawed Iran nuclear deala Trump deal that would severely limit Irans military, roll back its influence across the Middle East, and permanently bar it from a civil nuclear program.

Washingtons maximum pressure campaign against Iran is predicated on the credible threat of all-out war, and is intimately bound up with its preparations for strategic conflict with Russia and China. It could rapidly cascade into a catastrophic war with Iran that would engulf the entire Mideast and draw in the other great powers.

But it is animated by the calculation that a grand bargain more favorable to US imperialism can be extorted from the crisis-ridden and deeply divided Iranian bourgeoisie, under conditions where it is facing not only ever-escalating external pressure, but also massive social opposition, above all from the working class.

The Iranian regime was shaken by an explosion of popular anger against austerity and social inequality at the beginning of 2018. Last November, when massive gas price hikes sparked demonstrations in more than 100 cities, some of them violent, the Iranian government again responded with brutal repression, reportedly killing scores of protesters.

The assassination of Suleimani was itself clearly targeted at more than just threatening and destabilizing the Islamic Republic. It was aimed at shifting the internal dynamics of the Iranian regime. It removed the military leader responsible for overseeing Irans attempts to counteract US pressure through a network of foreign militia groups, most of them based on Shia populism. Suleimani, moreover, was a leader, as the subsequent mass demonstrations protesting his murder and the US war threats attested, who had a broad base of popular support.

Given the manner in which Suleimani died, including his evident lack of security, it is legitimate to ask whether factional opponents within the Iranian state facilitated his murder.

What is incontrovertible is that in the wake of his assassination and the tumultuous events it precipitated, the factional warfare has intensified, culminating in last weeks inadvertent downing of a Ukrainian International Airlines plane by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard missile, its cover-up, and the outbreak of student demonstrations denouncing government negligence and repression.

Yesterday, President Hassan Rouhani, who spearheaded the push for the rapprochement with the European imperialist powers and Washington that resulted in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, denounced the military for failing to apologize for the downing of the passenger jet. He also criticized the recent decision of the Guardian Council to exclude many sitting parliamentarians from standing in the coming elections. He called for national reconciliationa slogan long raised by supporters of the Greens, a movement based in dissident sections of the bourgeoisie and upper-middle class, which, with imperialist backing, disputed the outcome of the 2009 presidential election.

Meanwhile, on a visit to New Delhi in which he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian Foreign Minister Javed Zarif declared that the Indian government, a key US ally, could play an important role in de-escalating tensions in the Gulf.

A major element in the Trump administrations drive to leverage the crisis of the Iranian regime and the longstanding cleavages within it has been the effort to cajole the European imperialist powers Germany, France and Britaininto joining Washington in repudiating the Iran nuclear accord.

On Tuesday, the so-called E-3 took a giant step in this direction by initiating the accords disputes resolution mechanism, thereby placing themselves on a fast track to join Washington in imposing and policing the sanctions that are strangling Irans economy.

It is Washington that trashed the nuclear accord and is pursuing maximum aggression against Iran. Through its dominance of the world financial system, it has successfully shut down the worlds trade with Iran, thereby making the quid pro quo underlying the nuclear accordthe removal of sanctions in exchange for the dismantling of much of Irans civil nuclear programnull and void.

Yet, in what could only be music to Trump and Pompeos ears, France, Germany and Britain are blaming Iran for violating the agreement, cynically citing Tehrans attempts to gain leverage by exceeding various JCPOA stipulations and accusing it of seeking nuclear weapons.

The European imperialist powers have been rattled by provocative and unilateral US actions that cut across their interests. Suleimanis assassination was just the latest rude shock.

Britain and the EU powers fear Washingtons ever-escalating aggression against Iran will spark an all-out war that will redound against their own imperialist interests, even if it doesnt immediately draw in Russia and China. A war would send oil prices soaring, roil the European economy, spark another massive refugee crisis and further radicalize a growing working class counter-offensive.

No doubt Pompeo and others have told the Europeans that if they want to restrain Trump, avert a major conflagration and retain influence in the Middle East, they must rally behind Washington and its maximum pressure campaign.

To these dubious incentives, the Trump administration added a trade war threat, according to a report published yesterday by the Washington Post under the title, Days before Europeans warned Iran of nuclear deal violations, Trump secretly threatened to impose 25 percent tariff on European autos if they didnt.

That said, as in the case of Washington, a key factor in the Europeans calculations is the character of Irans bourgeois regime and its manifest crisis.

The European imperialist powers have clearly been emboldened by the Iranian regimes response to Suleimanis assassination, which was limited to missile strikes of which the Pentagon was given advance warning and which resulted in no casualties, and by its ham-fisted attempt to cover up its responsibility for the downing of Ukraine Air Flight 752.

For all its anti-American bluster, the Iranian regime is a bourgeois national regime. In so far as it has come into conflict with Washington, it has always been from the standpoint of increasing its own possibilities for exploiting the working class and boosting its regional influence.

The growing opposition from the working class impels Iran to intensify what has been a decades-long attempt to effect a rapprochement with every US administration, dating back at least to that of George H.W. Bush.

If it can, the Islamic Republics elite, or sections of it, will strike a deal with imperialism at the expense of the masses. Even before Rouhani came to power in 2014 on a program that coupled overtures toward Washington and Europe with further privatizations, subsidy cuts and other anti-working class measures, the Iranian regime was involved in behind-the-scenes talks with the Obama administration on removing the sanctions.

Similar talks could happen in the future or even be underway though back channels now. Trump has shown in his dealings with North Korea that he is capable of pursuing such a two-track policy.

As for the so-called Iranian hardliners, they are no less hostile to the working class than their factional opponents, as evidenced by the implementation of neo-liberal reform measures by every Iranian government since the late 1980s, and their readiness to unite with their factional opponents to suppress any challenge from below.

Ultimately, the hardliners supported the nuclear deal and the pursuit of closer relations with the US and the EU. Even more importantly, their strategy for opposing Washington--based on seeking close military-strategic ties with Russia and China and the use of Shia populism and religious sectarianism to rally support across the Middle East--is a blind alley that risks plunging the region and the world into a conflagration.

The only viable strategy for opposing the US and European imperialist powers predations against Iran is one based on the growing worldwide upsurge of the working class against austerity, social inequality and war, and the fight to arm it with a revolutionary socialist program and leadership.

Workers and youth in Iran must counterpose to the capitalist Islamic Republic the struggle for a Socialist Workers Republic that would fight to unite the masses throughout the Middle East, across all religious sectarian and ethnic lines, against imperialism and all the venal bourgeois regimes.

In North America, Europe and around the world, the watchword of the working class must be Hands off Iran! Opposition to all sanctions, intrigues, threats and war preparations against Iran is a vital element in the building of a global, working class-led movement against imperialist war and the crisis-ridden capitalist system that is its source.
Ambassador Armen Baibourtian, Consul General of Armenia, met with Hon. Zhang Ping, Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China in Los Angeles, MassisPost reports.

Ambassador Baibourtian presented activities of the Consulate General in the past year, including high level visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to California, as well as some plans for 2020. Ambassador Baibourtian outlined the opportunities for cooperation of the two Consulates Generals through joint business, cultural, and academic functions.

They discussed the prospect of organizing Armenia-China business symposium in Los Angeles with participation of Armenian and Chinese businessmen.

Consul General Zhang Ping welcomed the initiative of Ambassador Baibourtian and suggested to involve Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles which includes more than seven hundred Chinese companies. He also proposed to enhance bilateral cooperation in Southern California through planning and implementing joint cultural and academic activities.

Both sides expressed willingness to forge a partnership between two diplomatic missions. Counselor Varazdat Pahlavuni also took part in the meeting.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday reaffirmed his country's "unshakeable" political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people, according to a statement issued by his office.

Khan made the remarks during a high-level meeting which was attended by Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, PM's Special Assistant Dr. Moeed Yousaf, spy agency ISI chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior military and civilian officials.

The meeting reviewed all aspects of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the statement said, adding that the participants condemned the lockdown and the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.

"It was underlined that the RSS-inspired BJP government's 'Hindutva' mindset...was responsible for creating a perilous situation for regional peace and stability," it said.

The participants welcomed the UNSC meeting on Kashmir on Wednesday and noted that it "reflected the international community's recognition of the seriousness of the situation", the statement said.

China's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council on Pakistan's behalf failed on wednesday, with an overwhelming majority of the 15-member body expressing the view that it was not the right forum to discuss the bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
O ne person dies every three seconds from sepsis, making it a "bigger killer than cancer", a global study suggests.

Researchers of the condition, also known as blood poisoning, have said they are "alarmed" at the high death rates, and say sepsis now accounts for almost a fifth of global deaths.

The University of Washington's Global Burden Of Disease Report (GBDR) on sepsis estimates there were 48.9 million cases in 2017, and 11 million deaths, across 195 countries and territories.

This equates to just under a fifth (19.7%) of all global deaths that year.

It is more than double the number of deaths worldwide than previously estimated, a global study suggests.

The most recent global estimate, in 2016, was of 19.4 million cases and 5.3 million deaths, based on data on adults in hospitals in seven high-income countries.

These were the US, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Despite the high figures, the research shows cases of sepsis and deaths have been falling overall over the last 30 years.

The researchers estimated there were 602 million cases of sepsis in 1990, almost a fifth (18.8%) higher than their 2017 estimate.

In the new study, published in The Lancet, half of all cases occurred in children and adolescents, particularly in low or low-middle income countries.

Some 15 per cent of the cases occurred in high-income countries such as the UK, which was not included in the 10 countries with the lowest death and incident rates.

Experts warn the number of deaths could rise if new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance are not found quickly. / PA Archive/PA Images

Experts warn the number of deaths could rise if new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance are not found quickly.

The authors write: We have produced global sepsis estimates that are more than double previous calculations, with 11 million sepsis deaths and 48.9 million incident sepsis cases in 2017.

We have shown a global trend of decreasing sepsis burden but, importantly, substantial differences between regions remain, in total number of sepsis deaths, age distribution of sepsis deaths, and case fatality.

These differences by location are alarming and deserve urgent attention from the global health, research, and policy communities.

Sepsis, which is hard to spot, occurs when the body responds poorly to a bacterial infection and attacks its own tissue and organs.

Symptoms include a high or abnormally low temperature, fast heart rate and rapid breathing.

Deterioration can be rapid, and if it is not detected early, can lead to multi-organ system failure and death.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington schools of medicine, looked at hospital records and data obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases.

The UK was ranked 132 out of the 195 countries listed by their estimated death rates from highest to lowest, with an estimated 71.8 deaths per 100,000 people.

But the country performed far worse globally (45th) when it came to total number of estimated deaths in 2017  which the researchers put at 47,860.

They estimated there were 245,783 cases of sepsis in the UK that year.

The researchers acknowledge their estimates may be conservative, due to reliance on death certificates which may not explicitly list sepsis as a contributing factor.

Previous research by PA has shown the number of admissions in England at a higher figure  with 350,344 recorded hospital admissions for sepsis in 2017/18.

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said the study cements sepsis as one of our biggest healthcare entities that we need to deal with, claiming one in five lives around the world.

He said: There were 195 countries studied, 10 had data good enough to study in depth and the UK wasnt among them  we would reinforce the call for better use of data, better understanding of the condition.

Its shocking that in a country with the most established national healthcare service in the planet, we cant get our act in order to give good data to studies such as these.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: Sepsis can be life threatening and good progress is being made on improving awareness, diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome.

While the number of people diagnosed with severe infections and identified as at risk of sepsis in England has increased, mortality rates are falling.

The 10 countries with the highest death rates were all in Africa, with the Central African Republic leading the survey.
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An MI6 informant who beat millionaire author Allan Chappelow to death has lost his bid to overturn the murder conviction after claiming the 'secret' trial breached his human rights.

Wang Yam's appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that his 2009 trial was unfair was dismissed after seven justices deliberated in December.

In the judgment, published online on Thursday, the judges unanimously agreed there had been 'no violation' of Yam's right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

An MI6 informant who beat millionaire author Allan Chappelow to death has lost his bid to overturn the murder conviction after claiming the 'secret' trial breached his human rights

The penniless conman, who had been posing as a multi-millionaire, was arrested after the 86-year-old's body was found hidden under a 4ft pile of papers

They also ruled the UK did not fail to comply with its obligations under Article 34 of the Convention by not disclosing to the ECHR the evidence that was heard behind closed doors at the Old Bailey.

Yam was found guilty in January 2009 of killing Mr Chappelow to plunder his wealth and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

The penniless conman, who had been posing as a multi-millionaire, was arrested after the 86-year-old's body was found hidden under a 4ft pile of papers.

The court heard Yam spent a month cloning Mr Chappelow's identity using documents from the house but attempts to get cash failed when his Chinese accent alerted bank staff.

Yam was found guilty at the Old Bailey in 2009 of killing Mr Chappelow to plunder his wealth

Metropolitan Police of the entrance to the house of murdered author Allan Chappelow, in Hampstead

The author, an expert on playwright George Bernard Shaw, found success in the 1960s, but had become reclusive in recent years.

At the start of Yam's trial, the judge ordered that part of his defence evidence be heard in camera - in secret - 'in the interests of national security and to protect the identity of a witness or other person'.

The defence unsuccessfully appealed against that order.

Yam had denied murder and a jury failed to reach a verdict at this first trial but he was convicted at a second trial.

Metropolitan Police of the entrance to the house of murdered author Allan Chappelow, in Hampstead (left). Yam was found guilty at the Old Bailey in 2009 of killing Mr Chappelow to plunder his wealth (right)

The ECHR judgment marks the latest in a string of appeals by the UK national against the trial judge's order and the decision to prohibit the evidence heard in camera to be disclosed to the European court.

The ECHR judges ruled his claim was admissible but noted the arguments had already been considered by the Court of Appeal in the UK.

The judgment said: 'In conclusion, the Court is satisfied that the request to hold part of the applicant's trial in camera was subject to a thorough and independent review at national level.

'The applicant participated fully throughout the review procedures and the justification for holding part of the trial in camera was examined in detail on several occasions.

'The order itself was limited in scope and none of the prosecution evidence or the evidence supporting the request for an in camera hearing was withheld from the applicant.

'The applicant was able to have cross-examined all prosecution witnesses.

'There is nothing to suggest that the order resulted in any unfairness to the applicant during the trial proceedings.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 05:54:52|Editor: ZD

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow, Russia, Jan. 15, 2020. The Russian government resigned Wednesday, Russian news agencies reported, quoting Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The decision was announced after President Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly. (RIA Novosti via Xinhua)

MOSCOW, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced the resignation of his government, the Kremlin press service said Wednesday.

The decision was announced after President Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly.

The annual address, which sets the goals and tasks for the country, becomes the guideline for the government and the parliament to follow.

Putin outlined a series of fundamental changes in his address, Medvedev said.

"In this context, it's obvious that we, as the government of the Russian Federation, should provide the president of our country with the opportunity to make all decisions necessary for this," he added.

Putin asked the government to keep fulfilling its duties until the new cabinet is formed, the Kremlin said.

The president floated the idea of expanding the powers of the Federal Assembly in the formation of the government and other bodies.

Putin proposed to appoint Medvedev as a deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, while he will chair the organ.

Later, the president named Federal Tax Service chief Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's new prime minister, according to the Kremlin.

"Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with the head of the Federal Tax Service, Mikhail Mishustin, during which he invited him to take the post of prime minister," it said in a statement.

"With the consent, he submitted the candidacy of M. Mishustin for consideration by the State Duma," it added.

The State Duma said in a statement that on Jan. 16, a plenary meeting will consider the candidacy for the post of head of government.

"On Thursday, before the plenary meeting, consultations will also be held between candidate for the post of prime minister Mikhail Mishustin and factions of the State Duma," said the statement.

Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian State Duma or the lower house of the parliament, said that Mishustin is able to solve the tasks set by the president.

"He is distinguished by such qualities as openness, dynamism, and knowledge of the regions," Volodin said on Wednesday night following an emergency session of the Council of the State Duma attended by Mishustin.

"For my part, I want to emphasize that this person is a professional in the field of finance, tax legislation, and a person who knows the regions well. He is competent for the job," he added.
During a royal visit by the Yaa-Na to the President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House today, the president reiterated that a year on after the enskinment of a new Yaa-Na, everything is working for the good of Dagbon.

Akufo-Addo praised the Yaa-Na for proving to be a man of experience and dignity who has discharged his duties with distinction so far.

Addressing the gathering, the President stated that policies and programmes being implemented by the government will guarantee greater days ahead for Dagbon under the new Yaa-Na.

With Government determined to exploit and add value to the iron ore deposits at Sheini, to finish the second phase of the Tamale Airport project, to construct the Tamale Interchange, the first of its kind in the northern sector of the country, to see to the imminent completion of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, to upgrade the Yendi Government Hospital to a befitting status, to promote the sustainable development of agriculture in the area, and, soon, to commence the Yendi Water Project, it is evident that great days lie ahead for Dagbon under the stewardship of Yaa-Na Mahama Abukari II, he added.

President Akufo-Addo, however, noted that fruits these developments can only be appreciated by the people of Dagbon if the peace being enjoyed there is nurtured and maintained.

If chieftaincy disputes are not allowed to become a part of the fabric of the great state of Dagbon nor of any part of our country. Development can never take place in an atmosphere of chaos and confusion, he said.

The President further acknowledged Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri, Naa Bohugu Abdulai MahamiSheriga, and the Overlord of Gonja, the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa for finding a permanent solution to the crisis in Dagbon, to aid the process of enskinning Ya-Na.

He thanked the Committee of Eminent Chiefs for not giving up on the people of Dagbon, even when, at times, the situation seemed hopeless, adding that their display of tenacity, statesmanship and patriotism is worthy of emulation by all, and I am certain that posterity will continue to applaud their efforts.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to do everything in his power, so long as he is President, to assist the Yaa-Na to administer Dagbon in an atmosphere of peace, serenity and tranquility.

You deserve the support of all well-meaning Dagombas, and, indeed, all Ghanaians, for your efforts to rebuild this ancient kingdom, he added.

---MyJoyOnline
Amanda Brinkman brings a track record of business development success to the Anser Innovation Board of Directors. Amanda has amassed an extremely impressive marketing, public relations, and business development track record that will allow her to provide critical guidance to Anser Innovation as we move toward the commercialization of the Omcare Home Health Hub in 2020.

Anser Innovation and Omcare announced today that Amanda Brinkman has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Brinkman is currently Chief Brand Officer at Deluxe Corporation and creator, producer, and host of the hit series on HULU Small Business Revolution  Main Street.

Omcare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anser Innovation, is a Minnesota-based health technology company that aims to extend the reach of caregivers and improve medication adherence and outcomes through its Omcare Home Health Hub, which gives caregivers of all types  from physicians and pharmacists to home care providers or family members  the ability to see and speak to elderly or disabled dependents and confirm compliance with medication treatment plans from anywhere. The easy-to-use Omcare system is designed to facilitate remote monitoring and interaction via visual confirmation of a patients actions, which supports telehealth and virtual care services, and gives family members greater peace of mind.

Amanda has amassed an extremely impressive marketing, public relations, and business development track record that will allow her to provide critical guidance to Anser Innovation as we move toward the commercialization of the Omcare Home Health Hub in 2020, said Lisa Lavin, Founder and CEO of Anser Innovation and its family of companies. In addition to her critical marketing acumen, boundless energy, and creative mindset, Amandas personal credo of doing well by doing good is a perfect fit with our core values and brand aspirations.

Brinkmans accolades and achievements include a feature in Minnesota Business The Next Generation of Minnesota Business Titans; being named to the magazines Power 50, which recognizes the most influential leaders in the business community; and a cover feature in Twin Cities Business Magazine. She has held executive-level positions at Allianz and UnitedHealth Group. In addition to leading internal creative agencies and business strategy at these top corporations, Brinkman has demonstrated her creative expertise through her work at cutting-edge creative firms, Fallon and McCann Minneapolis.

Brinkman is a board member for the Ordway Performing Arts Center, the Childrens Theatre Company, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) and the Womens Business Development Center Chicago. She has also served on the boards for Childrens Cancer Research Fund, Make-A-Wish, and The Salvation Army. She passionately volunteers for an array of causes, including the Special Olympics, Feed My Starving Children, People Serving People, the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, the Jeremiah Program, and more. Brinkman is also a member of the Minnesota Womens Economic Roundtable.

I believe in brands that move beyond brand purpose and take real brand action, making a difference in the lives of their customers, said Brinkman. Omcare provides just that by extending the reach of caregivers and empowering independence. This is a life-changing technology and I am thrilled to help raise awareness for this revolutionary approach.

Omcare earned its third patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (U.S. Patent No. 10,347,377) for the companys web-enabled, audiovisual, medication-dispensing telemedicine system for the home in 2019. The device made its official debut at the Leading Age Annual Conference and Expo late last year, where it earned nods from industry media as an emerging technology in the caregiving space. Omcare was also recently named among the 20 Hottest Flyover Tech Companies by The New York Observer, based on insights from a panel of healthcare and business experts at the 38th Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. To learn more, visit http://www.omcare.com.

###

For more information:

Barbara Tabor, APR / (651) 450-1342 / barbara@taborpr.com

About Omcare

Omcare is a health technology company aspiring to extend the reach of the caregiver, increase medication adherence, and to improve treatment outcomes by harnessing the power of remote care. We aim to achieve this through our proprietary interactive technologies - promising right pill, right time, right person. By partnering with pharmacies, payers, providers, and family caregivers, our vision is to help people live healthier, more vibrant, independent lives. Learn more at http://www.omcare.com. Follow on Twitter (@Omcare_Health), Facebook, Instagram, and on LinkedIn.


A medical marijuana facility in Phillipsburg is closer to reality.

The New Jersey Department of Health on Thursday announced it has approved a Morris County marijuana-growing operation for TerrAscend, which will provide marijuana for the companys eventual treatment center in Warren County.

TerrAscend owns The Apothecarium, a posh dispensary chain with storefronts in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and anticipates the Phillipsburg location will open in 2020s second quarter. It will be the first Apothecarium on the East Coast.

There is still work to be done before completion. The Apothecarium will be in the former Phillipsburg Trust Co. building at 55 S. Main St. but still requires completed drawings from the architect and final approval from the town, said David Cassidy, the general manager of TerrAscends New Jersey growing operation.

"We'll get the right type of design in there that will bring a great experience to that part of town, Cassidy told lehighvalleylive.com.

There are seven dispensaries in New Jersey. Patients who live in Warren County must currently drive an hour or more to fill their medical marijuana prescriptions.

Permits for Phillipsburg's Apothecarium dispensary will be issued after the state can inspect and test TerrAscend's Morris County growing operation.Photo courtesy The Apothecarium

TerrAscend had anticipated opening the Phillipsburg dispensary by the end of 2019 but was delayed by regional leadership changes within the company and the lengthy approvals process. It now is planned to be the first of three in the state for TerrAscend.

The company was among six applications out of nearly 150 that the state health department allowed to proceed in 2018. The original proposal had the marijuana-cultivation facility also located in Phillipsburg, but it was too close to a school and moved to the Morris County township of Boonton.

Following the states clearance to start growing, TerrAscend said the 16-acre Boonton facility, still under construction, will begin cultivation immediately. The health department says a permit for the dispensary will be issued after the cultivation site has been inspected and its product tested in state labs.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
New York, Jan 8 - The momentum on ocean protection and restoration has rapidly accelerated particularly since the 2017 Ocean Conference. However, a number of the SDG 14- Life Below Water targets still lag behind. Between overfishing, pollution, habitat loss and the multiple impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems, the ocean has never faced such a diverse range of threats.

UNDP launches a new call to action Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) to accelerate progress on SDG 14 targets. The OIC seeks innovations that are transferable, replicable and scalable. The Challenge grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.

Recognizing the increasing urgency of tackling ocean pollution, particularly from plastics and nutrients, the first of several planned OICs focuses on SDG 14.1- Reduce Marine Pollution.

At a time when the worlds oceans and seas face unprecedented pressures, UNDPs new Ocean Innovation Challenge will shine a light on innovative, entrepreneurial and creative approaches that can advance ocean and coastal restoration and protection, says Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

Supporting the blue economy in this way can help us achieve SDG 14 while spurring economic development and helping to reduce poverty and inequality.

From fisheries to aquaculture to industrial agriculture, the 'business as usual' scenario will not deliver the kinds of transformational change needed to move towards truly sustainable ocean use.

With four of SDG14s ten targets maturing in 2020, we have a critical year ahead for the well-being of the Ocean. Thus the UN Ocean Conference, to be held 2-6 June 2020 in Lisbon, will have special importance in supporting the implementation of SDG14, says Peter Thomson, UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy on Oceans.

To achieve SDG14, we must break new ground with innovative technologies, policies, regulations and financial instruments. In this regard, the new UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge is a most welcome addition to the growing number of ocean incubators and accelerators.

For interested parties to take part in the Ocean Innovation Challenge:

 The innovations to be submitted can include technological as well as cutting edge policy, regulatory, financial, economic or other actions that address either sea-based or land-based sectors.

 Initial concepts can be submitted by public or private entities, including governments, private companies (including start-ups), NGO/CSO, United Nations entities, academic institutions, and intergovernmental organizations.

 The Challenge must be implemented in and benefit stakeholders in developing countries, but may be submitted by developing or developed country proponents.

For more information and to submit a preliminary concept, see the Ocean Innovation Challenge website at www.oceaninnovationchallenge.org .

About UNDP

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.undp.org.
If you appreciate owls and reside in Houston, Winona or Fillmore counties, youll have the opportunity to enjoy the International Owl Center for free Saturday and Sunday.

While the annual Minnesota Neighbor Weekend was started in 2015 in response to lower numbers of visitors during the winter, when tourism falls off, there is much more to the opportunity than simply raising attendance.

We also want to make sure that the local people have a special excuse to come and visit, because local people, wherever you are, tend not to do the things that are in their area. They go elsewhere, unless their relatives are visiting, Karla Bloem, executive director at the International Owl Center, said.

She said it also helps eliminate cost barriers that might be in place for locals who want to visit the center.

The weekend will include live owl programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are often quite popular.

Bloem said these programs might end up with standing room only, so she recommends arriving early.

The programs are based on who is in the audience, Bloem said. She said that if the audience is a mix of ages, the program often chosen focuses on how to identify different types of owls.

The audience will be able to enjoy listening to different owl sounds and what characteristics the creatures have, learning what matches each type of owl. There will be opportunities for visitors to practice owl calls also.

The visitors will be able to test their skills after the program with a short quiz.

Live owls Ruby the Great Horned Owl, Uhu the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Piper the American Barn Owl and JR the Eastern Screech-Owl are included in the programs.

Away from the programs, attendees will have access to many different resources to learn about owls more in depth. They can enjoy seeing owl artwork, touchable wings and tails, eggs, skulls and more.

Most people really, really enjoy coming because you cant just get up in the morning and say, Well, Im going to go out and see some owls today n the wild. I mean, very, very, very few people ever are in a situation where they can do that, Bloem said.

Theyre so secretive that you just really dont get to experience them much otherwise. So, having an owl center where you can come and see four live animals is pretty amazing for people, she said.

Bloem said that many visitors enjoy learning about owls because they are intriguing, as they can often be heard but rarely ever clearly seen in the wild.

There is an importance to learning about them, though, beyond simply an interest.

Theyre very important environmentally, Bloem said. She said they are top predators, which means they eat rodents and keep their populations under control.

One of our goals is so that everybody knows what owls they have in their backyard, she said.

She also said she hopes the center can help people learn how to and want to help owls.

While visiting the center, people can also take a moment to tour Houston and see 12 owl sculptures. Baristas Coffee House in Houston is decorated with owls, also.

Visitors should bring a form of identification, such as a drivers license or student ID, to prove that they live or go to school in these counties.

People who do not live in these counties are more than welcome to visit this weekend, but will be required to pay the normal admission fees of $7 for adults and $4 for children between ages 4 and 17.

The annual Wisconsin Neighbor Weekend is set for Feb. 15 and 16. People who live in La Crosse, Trempealeau and Vernon counties will have free admission into the International Owl Center.

For more information about the International Owl Center, visit www.internationalowlcenter.org.

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Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) will move to a Delhi court seeking direction to police to register an FIR in connection with 15 December, 2019 violence in the university. The application will be filed under Section 156(3) of CrPC in court

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) will move to a Delhi court seeking direction to police to register an FIR in connection with 15 December, 2019 violence in the university. The application will be filed under Section 156(3) of CrPC in court.

A JMI official on Wednesday said that the application will be filed within this week probably. "It had been decided in Executive Council of JMI that the university will move court seeking direction to police to register FIR on 15 December 2019 police action on students in the library," JMI said in a statement.

Ahmad Azeem, PRO-Media Coordinator of JMI also said that the new examination date sheet will be declared by Controller of Examination in consultation with all the Deans were among other decisions taken in Executive Council meeting of JMI held today.

He also said that already, several steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of students inside the campus. Steps will be taken further if required.

On Monday, Jamia Millia Islamia University Vice-Chancellor Najma Akhtar had said that Delhi Police entered the varsity campus on 15 December without permission and the process of filing an FIR against them will begin on Tuesday.

Akhtar's remark came after hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Akhtar's office, demanding an FIR against the police in connection with the violence that unleashed on campus last month. The protesting students also demanded that the university reschedule examinations and ensure the safety of its students.

The students barged into the office after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the Vice-Chancellor. They are staging a sit-in outside the office, asking the VC to interact with them over the issue.

On 15 December the Delhi Police had thrown teargas shells inside the campus. The action followed a day of protests where some protesters, Jamia has maintained these were outsiders and not students, set buses and vehicles on fire in some parts of South Delhi.

Following this, Akhtar had demanded a high-level inquiry against police entry into campus and the crackdown on students a day earlier. She said the university would also file an FIR against "unidentified police personnel" for the "violence and vandalism".
Abdulfatah Ahmed, former governor of Kwara, says he paid all civil servants in the state were fully before he left office.

The former governor was reacting to the allegation that his administration owed lecturers of colleges of education seven-month salary arrears.

In a statement issued by Wahab Oba, his press secretary, he said the institutions management was responsible for workers salary under an arrangement the government had with them.

Read Also: It Is True, I Sold Off Kwara Properties: Former Governor Ahmed

The statement reads thus, Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed maintains that salaries of state civil servants .i.e. those engaged by the Civil service Commission were fully paid up to his exit from office.  the statement read.

 However, owing to fluctuations in federal allocations and blockage of state government account by the EFCC, payment of subvention to revenue-generating MDAs such as tertiary institutions was in arrears.

Under budgeted arrangements with the affected institutions, however, the management was responsible for the salaries of staff. The institutions monthly subvention from the government was intended to support their administration, and not necessarily for salaries.

Kwara State University and Kwara Polytechnic, for example, stepped up creative effort to enhance their IGR to meet obligations. The truth is that hundred per cent funding of tertiary institutions by the government is no longer feasible.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Huawei Technologies Co. has become very much the U.S.s whipping boy in the battle to nip Chinas technological ascendancy in the bud. President Donald Trumps administration has slapped sanctions and curbs on the Shenzhen-based company and lobbied allies to do the same. Last month growing resistance against Huawei among lawmakers in Germanys governing coalition sparked threats of retaliation from the Chinese ambassador.

But whats happening next door in the Netherlands has higher stakes for China.

There, Beijings envoy this week said there will be negative consequences if the Dutch continue to block the export of a single piece of high-tech manufacturing equipment made by ASML Holding NV. According to Reuters, the U.S. has exerted pressure to prevent the sale to a Chinese firm. But its not just any machine. Its a $150 million state-of-the-art apparatus that could ensure Moores Law  which says that processing power doubles every 18 months  continues apace, and the microchips powering our smartphones, computers and networks get ever smaller.

Like with Huawei, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited intelligence concerns, though Reuters didnt specify what they are. The Hague subsequently rescinded an export license it had previously granted for the machine.

Any individual nation state cutting Huawei, the worlds largest networking business, out of the supply chain for its 5G networks will of course be a blow to the Chinese firm. But the impact on China as a whole will be limited. Beijing will still be able to build its own next-generation telecommunication networks, and losing a few exports will have a minor effect on the economy as a whole. Huaweis sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa totaled $31 billion in 2018.

A ban on buying machines from ASML is potentially far more significant, because it will hinder Chinas ambitious goals to strengthen its super high-tech manufacturing industry.

Story continues

As far as tech giants go, ASML doesnt have the global brand cachet of an Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. or Amazon.com Inc. Thats partly because its products are two steps removed from the electronic devices that reside in consumers pockets, on their desktops or in their living rooms: ASML builds the machines that make the semiconductors that go into their devices. But its one of Europes biggest three technology companies, and its top customers include chipmakers Intel Corp., Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which is known as TSMC and makes chips for Apple and Huawei alike.

The Dutch firm stands out from rivals Nikon Corp. and Canon Inc. because its alone in having mastered an approach known as extreme ultraviolet lithography, which is needed for the manufacture of the next generation of chips. Lithography is the process by which circuit patterns are etched onto silicon wafers, and the EUV process will allow the printing of circuits that are more than 10 times smaller than the current standard.

QuicktakeHow Chinese Technology Grew to Rival Silicon Valley

So you can see why China would be particularly interested in using ASMLs equipment. Although the country is a hub of electronics manufacturing, much of that is simply assembling iPhones, laptops, smart speakers and the like. The underlying tech is often imported, including some $200 billion-worth of semiconductors each year.

Beijing wants to reduce that dependence on imports by investing $150 billion over a decade in an effort to take the lead in technology design and manufacturing. Access to machines made by ASML will be essential to achieving that. By the end of next year, as much as half of TSMCs revenue will depend at least partly on some EUV processes, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi. That could be $18 billion worth of chips. TSMC said on Thursday that its deployment of EUV machines was on schedule, advancing at a similar rate to earlier technologies, as it reported earnings that exceeded analyst expectations.

While it could take a decade and more than one EUV machine for Chinese firms such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. to rival that, that is clearly the long-term goal. (SMIC is reportedly the company that placed the order at the heart of the current spat.)

Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad reported last year that ASML was the target of theft by a rival with ties to the Chinese state, though the company later said that any suggestion that we were somehow victim of a national conspiracy is wrong. Chief Executive Officer Peter Wennink surely doesnt want to lose Chinas business: Its ASMLs fastest-growing market.

What makes the Dutch move so remarkable is that the U.S. can only unilaterally block sales abroad if components or R&D contributions originating domestically exceed 25% for the relevant product. Here, it seems to have succeeded in leaning on the Dutch government to prevent the sale even though, according to press reports, ASMLs extreme ultraviolet lithography machine doesnt meet that test. An even greater risk would be that other important suppliers of underlying technology follow suit, whether under U.S. duress or not.

(Adds TSMC comment on latest technology in fourth-to-last paragraph.)

--With assistance from Tim Culpan.

To contact the author of this story: Alex Webb at awebb25@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Melissa Pozsgay at mpozsgay@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Alex Webb is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Europe's technology, media and communications industries. He previously covered Apple and other technology companies for Bloomberg News in San Francisco.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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The inspector generals office did not identify the investigator in its summary report released Thursday, but sources familiar with the case identified him as Kelvin Lett, who was an $88,044-a-year public records officer for the Police Department when he was fired in November. He is fighting his firing. Lett had earlier been dismissed from his job as an investigator with IPRA in 2017.
Ramu R By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There has been a drastic decline in traffic violations such as riding without wearing helmets, driving without fastening seat belts and drunken driving in the district in recent times. According to the statistics available with the Motor Vehicles Department, although it had registered as many as 26,199 cases in December 2018, the number came down to 3,129 in December 2019.

Similarly, the number of cases registered for driving without fastening seatbelts has nose-dived to 538 from 7,912 during the same period. Drunken driving (1,381 in December 2019 and 3,688 in December 2018) and rash driving (286 in December 2019 and 342 in December 2018) are the other offences which saw a drastic decline during this period.

According to a road safety official, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act that came into effect from September 1, 2019, which saw an increase in the fines for traffic offences is one of the main reasons for the drop in the cases registered. The pillion rider helmet rule that came into force from December 1, 2019, also helped in making a difference.

About 50 per cent of pillion riders in the city wear helmets now. We are hoping that the number of two-wheeler accident fatalities will come down significantly with helmet mandatory for pillion riders, said Bijumon K, regional transport officer (Enforcement).

Other than road engineering defects, the presence of large potholes reason for the two-wheeler accidents as pointed out by the RTO.

Around 219 two-wheeler accidents including 133 in rural areas and 86 in the city had occurred in December 2019. Wearing poor quality helmets and failing to tighten the chin strap of the helmets were some of the other reasons identified for deaths and injuries in accidents. As the number of accidents in rural areas of the city is increasing, the MVD officials plan to increase surveillance in the area.
The article originally ran in AVN Men magazine. Click here to see the digital edition. Brock is one of the trophy boys at the 2020 GayVN Awards; he is also nominated for Best Duo Scene and is vying for a fan-voted award. In a candid interview, the newcomer opens up about dark days, recovery and shattering stigmas.

The first experience Brock Banks ever had with porn was watching a stash he found in his dads bedroom.

There was this scene with like a secretary coming into an office, and the guy playing the role of her boss was Julian Rios. Hes just so hotand after that, I obsessed with him a little bit and watched a lot of his porn. To this day, I still watch a lot of his porn. And I started watching gay porn, but I didnt have any icons in gay pornlike one specific guy who I as obsessed with. It was more about the type of porn I was watching; I didnt like anything with too much of a script, too much talking. It was more like the dirtier stuff. Ive always been obsessed with Timtales, but it was also all the angleseverything was perfect, just so hot.

When he initially toyed with the idea of entering the industry, Banks was just going to do clip contentuntil a legend got into his ear.

I had a lot of friends who were doing OnlyFans. They were making all this money. I wouldnt say I was struggling, but I definitely wanted to make more money apart from my day-to-day joband one of my really good friends is Boomer Banks, so I talked to him, Brock shares. I asked him how to start an OnlyFans page, and he was kind of like, Well, if youre gonna do porn, you might as well just do porn. And I was like, But I dont wanna like be out there like that.

They went back and forth, and Brock relented.

That night, I was talking to him about what my name was gonna be, and we kind of decided I would become one of his porn babies  theres three officially right now. We chatted about that, and that kind of gave me a really great boost at the beginning, because I had a really good following. So I had kind of decided I was only going to do OnlyFans, and then the following day, he posted a picture of me on Twitter. I guess he got a few phone calls from a few different studios asking about me, and he was like, Are you sure you dont wanna do porn? People are very interested, youll do very well. And I was kind of like, Okay, whatever. Fine, Brock laughs.

I think my skepticism was always that my family would find out, people would be judging me, and then I got to a place in my life where I just dont care about those things anymore. So it was kind of an easy decision  I just went for it. One aunt that I toldshes a lesbianshes my cheerleader. But other than that, I told no one. I wouldnt feel any differently if they found out, but I feel like, why cause someone more harm than you need to? Im fine with what Im doing, and its not going to change whether they know or not. So, Id rather them just not know.

The two Banks were soon paired together at Men.com for Brocks first-ever shoot, which debuted on September 1.

I was definitely a little bit nervous because I had never done it beforeand also because it was Boomer, and he was kind of like a big brother to me. So having sex was a little weird because we already have an established relationship that has nothing to do with sex, and I dont really see him in that way. It was weird, but one I got out of my head about it, I was like, Just have fun. And it was really easy. And that just set me up for an easier work environment.

Since then, Banks has been paired with more amazing talent, including Ty Mitchell, Mateo Vice and Nico Leon at CockyBoys; and he got a coveted post in NakedSwords anticipated Scared Stiff sequel.

Ive met a bunch of really good people. So far, one of my favorite scenes was with Ty. We had a lot of fun together. I also had a blast shooting Scared Stiff 2  it was so much fun. We were put up in this house in Vegas for the shoot, and it was like being in a Real World house, but with porn stars. We just had a lot of fun. That was really early into me doing anything, and I was like, Oh my God, have I arrived?! They put me in this major movie, and my scene in that movie was crazy. It was so awesome. I just watched it yesterday, and I usually dont watch my scenes. I feel like Im not going to like something about my body or something. And that scene in particular was shot so weird, like going up and down the steps, (Link Parker is) on all fours and Im following him from the back and hes acting like he was possessed.

That gave him a thirst for more story-based porn, which he hopes to continue this yearone of many missions he has.

Scripted stuff is actually fun to do  Im trying to jump into that. I didnt like watching that as a kid, but actually doing it is hot. I watched this whole move from beginning to end; it was funny and it was very hot. Im just going to try and work more. I want to get out there a bit more. Ive also kind of noticed a little stigma recently with guys who are undetectable and kind of how we get treated. I had an experience recently with a studio that wasnt the best, and so Im trying to work on that. I want to push the boundaries a bit and see if we can prevent that from happening, but I dont know where to begin. So thats what Ive been working on now.

Part of the problem, Banks says, is that a lot of gay-content studios have straight people behind the scenes who are not educated enough on the issues.

They dont really know much about PrEP or being undetectable or what HIV is. Studios need to be more educated about it. I know theres other people who have been having the same problem, but Ive been noticing it more and more recently. And I think its because now, a lot of the studios are going fully bareback, whereas before they were using condoms and didnt think they had to worry about itpeople didnt need to get tested for the scene. So now that theyre going bareback, guys that are undetectable are having issues because they refuse to shoot a guy whos undetectable with a guy whos negative. Theyll only shoot you together if youre both the same status. So I dont really know  Ive just recently experienced it and it pissed me off, so I guess a little bit of anger fuels someone to make a change.

Even in our society besides porn, thats happening. People are uneducated and dont know what undetectable means, they dont know what PrEP does, so education is key. We need to actually step up and talk about it, because I think people are still nervous. Theres still a stigma, and models are afraid of getting turned down. But its being talked about more and more; I just think its harder to talk about it in the sex industry, because at the end of the day, you tell someone, Oh, someone has HIV, thats a no-brainer, theyre not understating what undetectable means. It just starts with a conversation, and eventually it turns into something bigger.

Its one of many passions that has fueled Banks in his life away from the camera.

Before I got into doing porn, I was a hairstylist. Im still a hairstylist, Im just doing less hair and more porn. Thats how I ended up (in Los Angeles). Ive been doing hair for six years. I eventually want to open my own salon, thats my goalmake as much money doing porn as I possibly can and open up my own business. Ill probably keep doing porn anyways. I just want to be in an artistic place; I do that all the time and it makes me happy, Banks says. My day to day involves some sort of art, whether its photography or doing hair, drawing. Im also a gym rat; I go to the gym twice a day. Ive also been sober for five-and-a half years, so usually, I have an AA meeting as wellthats kind of my life right now.

He's also adjusting to life in his new city, which he moved to last fall.

Im still getting used to L.A. guys. I went from being in New York and having a full-time jobalso doing porn, also creating OnlyFans content, and also going to AA meetings and meeting up with friendsand I moved to L.A. not knowing anyone and having no full-time job, just making OnlyFans content and doing porn. So Ive had to really chill out a little bit. It hasnt been easy, he says.

I think people here, its a very different vibe, obviously. Its not easy to make actual friends here; its easier to make like a bunch of party friends and people to go out with, like go out to dinnerbut since everything is such a far distance away, its harder to actually meet up with your friend when you want to; everyone has to drive. Whereas in New York, you could just hop on a train and be where you need to be in like 15 minutes.

The oldest of eight siblings that are about 12 years apart (It all falls on me!), Banks and his family grew up in split households as his parents separated and had their own children. He grew up in Florida, where his struggles with addiction began.

I started working in nightlife in Miami when I was about 20, and because I was at the bar, I always got offered drugs and alcoholand it was always free. So thats where my drinking kind of started. And then when I moved to New York at like 24 years old, I got introduced to meth. It was just very casual to meI went to one hookups house and he offered me meth, and obviously it wasnt like, Do you want some meth? It was just like, Do you want a bump? And I was like, Sure. I had done plenty of coke before, so it wasnt a big deal.

And I just remember being up for like five days and just going from one apartment to the next, hooking up with random peopleand it actually felt awesome. I was like, This is amazing. I didnt know what this was, but it was so good, and I had awesome sex with hot guys. So I feel like the next two years chased that one moment. I kept getting high on tina so I could feel that same momentthe hot guys and a lot of sex. And it just got really dark really fast. I ended up being homeless for like a year and a half, and I had no money, no job, no friends. I ended up going into rehab in Florida, and I got sober. That was five years and eight months ago.

After successfully getting himself back on track, Banks has made it his mission to help others facing the same struggles.

I want to help people in the program get sober, help try to get people into rehab, because its just really sad to see where your life can go when youre hooked on a drug or drinking. Its funny, because when I started doing porn, a bunch of my friends were like, Be careful! The porn industry is full of drugs! And to be honest with you, I havent experienced that at all. I havent experienced anyone being high on set or anything like that yet, so Im pretty lucky. I feel like if I go out to a circuit party, Id run into more drugs than I will doing porn, he says.

So its been awesome. The good thing is that I come from a place of sincerity, and Im not bullshitting anyone ever. So being in the porn world has been pretty easy because Im pretty straightforward about things. Im not trying to people-please, and Im pretty professional. If I was not sober and doing porn, I dont know what that would look like. Theres a bunch of guys that I have noticed that have issues, and instead of pointing it out to them, I was like, Heres my number if you ever need to talk. And especially around those guys, Im always like, Yeah, Im sober; yeah, I did meth. I talk about it a little bit more. I try to help people as much as possible; if there was any way I could create a group for these guys, it would be awesome. When I go to an AA meeting here in L.A., theres usually always one other porn star there, so its pretty common. Ive met a lot of sober porn stars; you just never know. A lot of people always assume things about people that arent correct.

Banks notes that the path to rehab is different for everyone, and that his AA experience is a lifelong commitment.

And thats not a bad thing. I think when you say something like, Oh, Ill be doing this for the rest of my life, it makes people scared to think about it. Ive found a community of people who get me, and have a place where when Im going through some really shitty days or having a crazy experience, I have somewhere to go to talk about itand thats something I feel the world could benefit from. I think if there were meetings that people would go to, like support groups in general, it would really help. So Ill probably go forever, he says. When youre done working the steps in AA, your goal is to find other people to help through the steps. Once you become a sponsor, you just kind of sponsor people for the rest of your life.
A boy was caught on camera falling from a climbing wall and landing flat on his back before walking away as if nothing had happened.

The footage is thought to have been be recorded at an indoor activity center in Illinois as part of a live television broadcast.

In the video, a gentleman is stood in the foreground speaking directly to the camera.

The footage is thought to have been be recorded at an indoor activity center in Illinois as part of a live television broadcast as a gentleman stands in the foreground speaking directly to the camera

But a boy wearing blue shorts and a black t-shirt suddenly drops into shot behind him.

He can be seen flailing his arms and legs frantically before hitting the ground and coming to a sudden stop.

He appears to have fallen from a height of more than 15 feet but quickly jumps back up.

The young boy then starts to stride away with a smile on his face as if nothing has happened.

But a boy wearing blue shorts and a black t-shirt suddenly drops into shot behind him. He can be seen flailing his arms and legs frantically before hitting the ground and coming to a sudden stop

He appears to have fallen from a height of more than 15 feet but quickly jumps back up. The young boy then starts to stride away with a smile on his face as if nothing has happened

Others who are standing around in the busy gymnasium also do not seem to bat an eyelid.

Someone offers out their hand from the right-hand side of the screen but the boy shakes his head and continues to walk away.

The video ends shortly after.
In line with its commitment to strengthen the UAEs global relationships and showcase the UAE model, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) participated in the Asian Financial Forum, which was held from January 13 to 14 in Hong Kong.

The ministry participated in the forum to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing in the financial sector.

Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, headed the ministrys UAE delegation, which also included Majid Ali Omran, a consultant at the Ministry of Finance.

He met the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance in Hong Kong to discuss opportunities and financial challenges witnessed by the world and the region, as well as to find solutions for economic growth. He also emphasised the ministrys keenness to participate in international forums and meetings, particularly the Asian Financial Forum.

Commenting on the participation, he pointed out that the Asian Financial Forum is an important platform to assess vital global economic issues, as well as to deliberate the challenges to achieving sustainable social and economic development. The conference brings together experts and specialists from various sectors for discussions and knowledge sharing in order to reach a consensus on financial and investment systems to achieve economic sustainability and stability for countries around the world.

The Asian Financial Forum is considered one of the most important events in this sector globally, and witnesses participation from some of the most influential leaders from the global financial and business community discussing developments and trends in the Asian markets.

As part of the forum, the ministry representatives attended several discussions, sessions and meetings that tackled the issue of sustainability. Additionally, they held meetings with various other officials participating in the forum.

Among the important sessions held during the Asian Financial Forum were the Plenary Session on Redefining Growth: Innovation  Breakthrough  Inclusiveness, a panel discussion on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) a session titled Unleashing FinTech Innovations: Virtual Banking and Trade Finance, and a panel on Hong Kongs Changing Role as an Investment Gateway: New Trend, New Generation and New Strategy.

The Ministry of Finance has recently signed an agreement to encourage mutual investments between the UAE and Hong Kong. The value of the total foreign trade with Hong Kong in 2018 amounted to $9.765 billion, of which $3.473 billion were imports, $539.3 million accounted for non-oil exports, and $5.753 billion for re-exports.-- Tradearabia News Service
Fairfax County EDA, Virginia Israel Advisory Board to Host Israeli Defense Manufacturing Delegation on Feb. 3

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) will co-host an Israeli defense manufacturing delegation at a conference on February 3, 2020. The event will take place at FCEDA headquarters, 8300 Boone Boulevard, first floor conference center, Tysons, Virginia.

The conference, Israel-Virginia Technology Innovation and Collaboration, will focus on the latest trends in the U.S. and in Israel in defense, aerospace, homeland security, border and infrastructure protection, and marine and land tactical surveillance. In addition, there will be an opportunity for one-on-one meetings to explore partnerships between Israeli and Virginia companies.

At the invitation of Governor Ralph Northam, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defense (SIBAT), is bringing a delegation of 17 Israeli companies to visit Virginia to explore collaboration and investments in the local economy. The delegation will be comprised of Israeli company representatives with advanced technologies and manufacturing capabilities in areas such as avionics, autonomous systems, naval technologies and public safety.







"This event will provide an outstanding opportunity for attendees and Virginia companies to hear presentations by Israeli defense manufacturing company executives and explore partnerships with them," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the FCEDA.

Click here to register for the event.

The Israeli companies that will be in attendance include AccuBeat, A.D.L., Astronautics, BLER Systems, CityShob, Colugo, DSIT Solutions, ELBIT Systems, General Robotics, IAI, MAGAM Safety, Magna, Rafael, RT LTA Systems, SHILAT Optronics and Windward.

The FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, the FCEDA maintains business investment offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

The FCEDA is a member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, which promotes and markets Northern Virginia outside the region. Other members of NOVA EDA are the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005752/en/
The Delhi High Court on Thursday said there should be "strict compliance" of the AAP government's circulars on maintaining safety-and-security standards in the schools of the national capital and directed that action be taken against the institutions that were violating the same.

The direction came from a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar, while disposing of a PIL initiated by it on its own after receiving a letter from an advocate for improving the conditions in the schools of the national capital and for framing guidelines to make them accountable for children's safety.

The bench said the Delhi government had already issued several circulars and taken the requisite steps for maintaining safety-and-security standards in schools and therefore, there was no reason for the court to continue monitoring the case.

Delhi government's additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose told the bench that circulars were issued, asking the schools to carry out a police verification of the support staff, counselling and sensitisation of all staff, installation of CCTV cameras on the premises and providing separate washrooms for female students.

Taking note of the submission, the bench said only the implementation of the circulars, in letter and spirit, by the schools was required to be ensured.

It directed that "there shall be strict compliance of the circulars by the schools in accordance with law".

The court further said if there was any violation of the circulars by any school, then action be taken against it in accordance with law.

Prior to passing of the order, advocate Ashok Agarwal, who was appointed as an "amicus curiae" (friend of the court) by the court to assist it, told the bench that while the Delhi government was taking steps and issuing circulars, they were not being complied with by the schools, especially the unrecognised and municipal schools.

In a report submitted before the court earlier, Agarwal had said he visited six schools in the national capital and found out that they were overcrowded, lacked proper infrastructure, were not completely disabled-friendly, the toilets were in bad shape and drinking water was not properly available.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over the past several months, Loudoun County parents have lodged more than 60 complaints in emails, at School Board meetings and through a program that allows adults to request the review and removal of books, Doolittle said. Many objections have come from parents affiliated with Parent and Child Loudoun, an advocacy group that urged families to object after Loudoun schools introduced more than 80 LGBTQ-themed books through a diverse classroom libraries initiative this past fall.
File photo of DSP Davinder Singh, who was arrested along with two terrorists, whom he was allegedly ferrying in a car in Kashmir Valley. (Image: PTI)

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has "forfeited" the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh, who has been arrested for helping terrorists travel out of JK, an official order said.

It said the suspended officer's act amounted to disloyalty and brought the force into disrepute.

According to the order, Singh was awarded Jammu and Kashmir's highest police award in 2018.

Police arrested Singh at Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Baba and Altaf, besides a lawyer who was operating as an overground worker for terror outfits.

"Consequent upon the arrest of Mr. Davinder Singh on January 11 while trying to assist terrorist to travel outside J&K and recovery of arms and ammunition which amounts to disloyalty and conduct that has brought the force into disrepute, the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry, is hereby forfeited," said the government order, signed by Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary (Home).

On Tuesday, police said searches were carried out at Singh's residence here, next to the Army's XV corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, where he had sheltered Naveed, Altaf and a new joinee in the banned terror outfit.

Two pistols, an AK rifle and a large quantity of ammunition were seized from his residence, they had said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh, who was nabbed for harbouring terrorists, and asked who was providing the officer protection and why.

He also sought to know Singh's role in the Pulwama attack and how many terrorists he helped, demanding that the officer be tried by a fast-track court and given the harshest punishment for treason against India.

'DySP Davindar Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with Indian blood on their hands at his home and was caught ferrying them to Delhi,' the Congress leader tweeted.

'He must be tried by a fast track court within 6 months and if guilty, given the harshest possible sentence for treason against India,' Gandhi said on Twitter.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and said it raises disturbing questions critical to India's national security.

'It seems rather odd that he not only evaded detection but was entrusted with extremely sensitive duties like escorting foreign envoys to J&K under the prevailing circumstances.

'Whose orders was he working under? A full investigation must be made. Helping terrorists plan attacks on India is treason,' Priyanka Gandhi said on Twitter.

Rahul Gandhi attached a picture along with his tweet that dubbed Davinder Singh a terrorist and raised several questions.

'Government silent on terrorist DSP Davinder Singh. Why are PM, HM and NSA silent on Davinder Singh. What was Davinder Singh's role in Pulwama attack. How many other terrorists has he helped. Who was protecting him and why,' Rahul asked in the photo attached to his tweet.

He also used the hashtag 'TerroristDavindarCoverUp' along with it.

The Congress has already said that there is a larger conspiracy behind the arrest of Davinder Singh and sought to know his links with the Pulwama attack and has demanded an independent probe.
People in China can acquire antibiotics from retail pharmacies without a prescription, even though dispensing the medicine without a prescription isnt allowed by regulations, a new study found.

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health problem, with about 500,000 people with suspected bacterial infections across 22 countries in 2018, the World Health Organization reports. The most commonly reported resistant bacterial strains include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.

In the study, published in the journal Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, the researchers wanted to determine the prevalence of pharmacies in the three regions in China that dispense or sell antibiotics without a prescription.

Image Credit: Nokwalai / Shutterstock

The team performed a survey in 13 provinces in the country, utilizing a Simulated Patient method. Between July and September 2017, about 40 medical students pretended to be real patients, going to pharmacies complaining of upper respiratory tract symptoms. The students dont have actual symptoms and they dont have prescriptions for medicines.

The students tracked the pharmacies they visited, taking note of the location, whether the pharmacy is independent or part of a chain, and the distance of the pharmacy from a hospital. Further, the students also noted their experiences, for instance, the symptoms they described, if they asked for antibiotics or specific ones and if they were offered antibiotics.

The researchers revealed that from 1,106 pharmacies involved in the study, patients can get antibiotics without prescriptions in a staggering 925 (83.6 percent) cases. Also, about 25.2 percent or 279 pharmacies dispensed antibiotics even if the patient described only mild symptoms, while 576 or 52.1 percent sold antibiotics when specifically asked for them, and 6.3 percent or 70 pharmacies dispensed a specific type of antibiotics that were requested by the patients, such as cephalosporins or penicillin.

In the 181 pharmacies which didnt dispense antibiotics, 10.2 percent said that a prescription is needed, and 5.2 percent said the antibiotics were not indicated, and 0.5 percent had no antibiotics in stock. The study also unveiled that the same scenario happened in urban or rural locations, or either independent ones or those belonging to chains or companies. Yet, the researchers found that its easier to get the medicines in pharmacies more than 2 kilometers away from a hospital.

Following strong leadership by the Chinese government, antimicrobial Stewardship has improved in hospitals in China over the past 10 years, but little is known about access to antibiotics in retail pharmacies. We document the ease of access to antibiotics in pharmacies without prescriptions. Care needs to be taken to enforce the regulations around these sales, as part of wider stewardship efforts to control AMR, Therese Hesketh, from Zhejiang University and University College London (UCL), a study author, said.

The results of the study show that only a little progress has been made to attain the countrys goal to regulate dispense of antibiotics and obtaining antibiotics only with prescriptions by 2020 in all provinces in China. The countrys goal was based on the comprehensive plan to stem antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which was announced at the G20 summit in China in 2016.

Further, pharmacists need further training in explaining to customers why antibiotics are not given or dispensed without a prescription. The public also needs education and awareness about antibiotic misuse and its possible consequences.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when microorganisms develop the ability to fight and defeat the drugs designed to kill them. It is a growing global health threat and in the United States alone, it causes more than 2 million infections and about 23,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Antibiotic misuse can lead to the development of superbugs, which are pathogens that are resistant to all known antibiotics. When bacteria become resistant, they may cause severe infections that are harder to treat, which can lead to higher medical costs, increased mortality or death, and prolonged hospital stays.
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(CNN)  Lev Parnas, the Soviet-born businessman whose work in Ukraine with President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani stands at the center of the impeachment inquiry, implicated the President Wednesday in an interview with CNN in which he said that their efforts were "all about 2020" and not about working in the interest of the United States.

"That was the way everyone viewed it," Parnas told CNN's Anderson Cooper, disputing Trump's claim that the push to unearth damaging information about his political rival, Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, stemmed from concerns about corruption in Ukraine.

"That was the most important thing," Parnas said, "for him to stay on for four years and keep the fight going. I mean, there was no other reason for doing it."

Parnas said that convincing the Urkrainians to announce an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter was his goal. He said that at Guiliani's direction, he delivered quid pro quo offers to Ukrainian leaders in which he offered access to or the support of the Trump administration in return for announcing such an investigation. Parnas also described his relationship with Giuliani, saying the two talked every day and claiming that he was the first person the President's personal attorney would brief after leaving the White House or speaking to Trump.

When asked how he had the authority to make offers of support from the administration, which included Vice President Mike Pence attending Volodymyr Zelensky's inauguration, Parnas said that's what he "was told to do" by "Rudy Giuliani."

RELATED: READ: Documents from Giuliani associate Lev Parnas released by House impeachment investigators

Since Parnas's indictment in October by New York federal prosecutors on campaign finance charges alongside another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, Parnas has publicly broken with Trump and Giuliani, distancing himself through the steady release of information damaging to the President. That was a sharp turn from Parnas' previous devotion to Trump.

"I loved him," Parnas said.

"I mean, when the FBI came to my house to raid, my wife felt embarrassed because they said I had a shrine to him. I had pictures all over. I idolized him. I thought he was the savior," he recalled, later adding that his 5-year-old son voted for Trump in school.

Parnas has been urging Congress to allow him to testify as part of the impeachment inquiry, and on Wednesday he said the Senate would be wise to call him as a witness. He added that he and former national security adviser John Bolton "could fit in all the dots, I think, because I was on the ground there, and he was over here."

When Trump denied any association with Parnas following the indictment, Parnas turned on him.

"The truth is out now, thank God," he said. "I thought they were going to shut me up and make me look like the scapegoat and try to blame me for stuff I haven't done," he said.

Of Trump, he asserted: "He's lying."

Parnas described two occasions on which he delivered messages to Ukrainians that amounted to quid pro quos, demanding the announcement of an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter Biden in exchange for benefits from the White House.

The first, he recalled, was during an early 2019 meeting with then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, in which Poroshenko was told that if he announced an inquiry regarding the Bidens and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma  where Hunter Biden was a board member  "Trump would either invite him to the White House or make a statement for him, but basically would start supporting him for president."

The second occurred after Poroshenko's successor, Zelensky, won the election. The White House knew attendance by the Trump administration at Zelensky's inauguration would be valuable, and in a meeting with a Zelensky aide, Parnas conveyed a message.

"I told them, very strict and stern, that several things: A. That he needed  Zelensky needed to immediately make an announcement literally that night or within the next 24 hours that they were opening an investigation on Biden," Parnas recalled. He also told the aide that the Ukrainians needed to "get rid of certain individuals that are enemies of the president in his administration."

Asked if the conversation touched on the military aid the US was due to provide to Ukraine, Parnas said: "Yeah, if they didn't make the announcement, basically, there would be no relationship."

He continued, referencing the possibility of Pence attending Zelensky's upcoming inauguration: "It was no specific military, there was no aid that would be assisted. There was going to be no inauguration, Pence wouldn't be at the inauguration. And there would be no visit to the White House. They would basically have no communication."

Asked if Pence knew what Giuliani and his associates were up to, Parnas said he wasn't sure if the vice president knew "everything we were doing." Pressed on whether Pence was aware of a quid pro quo, Parnas replied: "Everybody that was close to Trump knew this was a thorn in the side and this was a serious situation."

As several witnesses who testified in the House impeachment inquiry attested, the goal of the effort by Trump and Giuliani regarding a Biden investigation was merely to prompt the announcement of an inquiry, not necessarily to achieve a probe itself. Parnas confirmed that was the case, saying: "That's because nobody trusted them even to do an investigation."

This story was dirst published on CNN.com, "Giuliani associate implicates Trump in Ukraine scheme."
The search party for missing ministers Simon Harris and Eoghan Murphy can be called off, Leo Varadkar has assured us, as they are not missing.

Fine Gael spent much of today discussing how Fianna Fails Junior B team arent to be trusted. But theres been neither hide nor hair of a few of their own senior pros over the campaign thus far. Not to worry, theyre just in the recuperation tank.

Asked whether Eoghan Murphy and Simon Harris have been sent down to the minors the Taoiseach replied: theyre very much part of the A team and youll be seeing them during the campaign I can guarantee you that. Hannibal will be relieved.

Takeaway 2:

Sinn Fein councillor and MMA fighter Paddy Holohan who had to clarify his remarks over wanting a family man to lead the country and not Leo Varadkar, who is gay man with no children.

Holohan was forced to later take to Twitter to apologise and to insist his comments were misinterpreted.

I would like to take a minute to address comments that were made on my podcast. Firstly, I would like to apologise as my comments may have offended people, as I of course did not intend to do so. My comments may have been misinterpreted and not in any way meant the way they have been portrayed. A careless own goal.

Takeaway 3:

As if Fine Gael didn't have enough problems, there were ructions this week in Cork South-West.

Fine Gael party leadership had to intervene to quell a bubbling row over candidate selection in Cork South-West.

In December, Cllr Karen Coakley, a Skibbereen native, was added to the ticket, however, this prompted outrage from some members in the Clonakilty branch of Fine Gael, who had backed Noel O'Donovan.

Frustration boiled over in recent weeks. A petition on the matter was signed by more than 500 members and was presented at a party meeting earlier this week.

The row escalated to the point that Ms Coakley said she felt she had been "bullied" in an attempt to make her withdraw her name. We watch this one with interest.

Well Said:

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan abandons his bonkers dream to restore wild wolves into Ireland.

Ryan said he regrets raising the issue before Christmas and the controversy it attracted. He said he thinks the science behind the desire is valid but his comments distracted from his point about reestablishing native forestry.

Good Day/Bad Day:

Good Day:

Top marks go to retiring Minister Finian McGrath who represented the Government at the Aras an Uachtarain during the visit of Greek President His Excellency Prokopis Pavlopoulos. For his meeting with the President, McGrath cheekily donned the scarf of his local GAA team St Vincents, whose colours are blue and white, the same as the Greek national colours.

The President, sources say, was bowled over with the gesture and thanked a smiling McGrath profusely.

Bad Day:

Poor Paschal Donohoe and Heather Humphreys held a press briefing on new flexible working hours failed to attract much attention. Just three committed hacks, two from the one paper, showed up and were vastly outnumbered by politicians and party handlers. A sign of things to come?

Data courtesy of The Irish Times
(Alliance News) - Finsbury Food Group PLC on Thursday said it is trading in line with expectations, with first-half sales rising year-on-year, as the baker's UK unit offset declines elsewhere.

In the six months to December 28, Finsbury Food's sales rose by 4.7% from a year before to GBP159.4 million.

In its UK Bakery division, sales grew by 5.8% year-on-year during the first half, but in its Overseas division, they declined by 3.5%.

Finsbury Food said: "Notwithstanding the group's continued momentum, management are cognisant of the difficult trading environment and wider macro-economic uncertainty, and remain focused on innovation, efficiency and investment.

"The group is trading in line with market expectations for the full year."

The company will announce its interim results on February 24.

In its UK segment, Finsbury Food has licensing agreements with Walt Disney Co, to produce themed cakes, and the Thorntons chocolate brand, operated by Italian Nutella and Ferrero Rocher-owner Ferrero SpA.

Additonally, Finsbury owns the Johnstone's Just Desserts cake supplier business, which it rescued from administration in 2015.

Internationally, Finsbury Food has a presence in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Finsbury shares were 1.1% lower at 97.90 pence each in London on Thursday morning.

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Some in the Trump administration appear to be smitten by royal nostalgia - just not the Megxit kind.

On Wednesday, the State Department's Twitter feed released a short video extolling Iran's "rich history of human rights from the time of Cyrus up until the 1979 revolution." However, experts on Iran say that's glossing over some major problems: mainly, the U.S.- and British-backed reign of the Pahlavi dynasty, which before its ouster in 1979 was both a force for social and economic development and of well-documented political repression.

"We're all aware of the Islamic Republic's terrible human rights record," said Holly Dagres, a nonresident Iran analyst with the Atlantic Council, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. "But the Trump administration wants to demonize the Iranian government every way possible, even if it means whitewashing the human rights record of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi."

So who were Iran's monarchs and what's the once-royal family up to now?

- - -

The Pahlavi family reigned over Iran from 1925 to 1979. Founding father Reza Shah Pahlavi was born Reza Khan and came from a humble background. He soon rose up the ranks from soldier to military leader to oust the last ruler of the Qajar dynasty, which consolidated power in the late 1780s. Reza Shah held court until 1941, when a British and Russian invasion forced him to abdicate. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, took over.

The younger Pahlavi wasn't as beloved or as confident a ruler as his father. But then the tides turned, at least for a bit, in his favor. In 1953, the United States and Britain were confronted with a problem: Iranian nationalist leader Mohammad Mossadegh had been elected prime minister and was pushing to nationalize Iran's oil industry, in which the two Western powers were heavily invested. In the political upheaval, the shah fled. So the CIA and M16, loath to lose access to Iran's markets, orchestrated a coup to oust Mossadegh and return the shah. Iran's ruler was now back, and determined to hold onto power.

Mohammad Reza's reign had advantages for many Iranians, like rapid economic growth, urban development, a modernizing education system and social advancements for women. It also had its disadvantages, mainly a politically repressive state backed by the feared SAVAK intelligence agency. Political prisoners were routinely jailed and tortured, among other abuses.

"Comparatively, Iran was in a much better place in the 1970s than it is today," said Roham Alvandi, an associate professor of international history at the London School of Economics and Political Science. "At the same time, there is a reason there was a popular revolution against the shah. The monarchy was facing a crisis of legitimacy because of the political repression of the shah's regime."

Indeed, after months of revolutionary unrest, in January 1979, Mohammad Reza left Iran. Soon after, it became the Islamic Republic.

At the time, neither the shah nor Iran's new leaders were interested in human rights, Alvandi said.

"Looking back on the 1970s from today, we tend to forget how out of fashion liberalism was in Iranian politics," he said. "Neither the shah nor his leftist or Islamist opponents believed in liberal democracy, but they understood the value of instrumentalizing human rights as a political weapon."

- - -

No one in the Pahlavi family has returned to Iran since they left.

A cancer-stricken Mohammad Reza Shah died in 1980 and is buried in Egypt. He had five children overall: One daughter with his first wife, and four children with his third wife, Farah, who lives in France. Alvandi said the family's financial status and sources are murky: They probably retained some money when they left Iran, but it's unclear how much, and their lifestyle doesn't appear overly lavish.

Two of the shah's children died as adults, one reportedly from suicide and another from a drug overdose. The now-former crown prince, 59-year-old Reza Pahlavi, is based in Maryland.

Farah Pahlavi is remembered fondly by some Iranians, who saw her as a supporter of Iranian culture and arts and a moderating force within the isolated monarchy, Alvandi said. For similar reasons, she's also detested by some monarchists, who blame her for her husband's decision to not crack down harder on revolutionary forces when he had the chance.

The former queen occasionally takes part in flattering documentaries and interviews. And when tensions with Iran and the United States rise, as they have in recent weeks, the surviving former crown prince starts making the rounds in Washington, D.C. In recent days, Pahlavi's been seen speaking on Fox News and to the neoconservative Hudson Institute think tank, where he's expressed support for Trump's "maximum pressure" approach to Iran and advocated for regime change.

"My compatriots understand that this regime cannot be reformed and must be removed," the AFP reported him saying at the Hudson Institute on Wednesday.

- - -

Many Iranians still resent the Pahlavis for their repressive and unequal rule, while others, particularity older ones in the diaspora, are angry at how Iran's developed and nostalgic for the past, Dagres said. Even so, she added, Iranians as a whole aren't waiting for the Pahlavi dynasty's return.

"When you lose everything and have to flee Iran and start over in a new country where you don't speak the language and understand the cultural norms, it's only natural for an Iranian to be angry and bitter about the outcome of the 1979 revolution and to have nostalgia for the past," she said. "But that doesn't mean pre-1979 history should be whitewashed just because we don't like the clerics in Tehran and what they've done to Iran."

One factor shaping public opinion on the Pahlavis within Iran is Manoto, a satellite channel run by Iranian exiles in London. The station airs pro-Pahlavi shows and documentaries that portray only the positive parts of this history, like the freedom of night clubs and women wearing whatever they wanted.

For those "shown a rosy picture of the past with no mention of the human rights violations and poverty that played a role in fomenting the 1979 revolution, it's only natural that these young Iranians would have certain leanings in favor of the past," Dagres said.

There's no accurate polling regarding the Pahlavi family's popularity in Iran today. But analysts said that, despite the occasional chants in favor of the shah at anti-government protests, the former crown prince has no political prospects within Iran.

Reza Pahlavi "matters in the context of the U.S.," Alvandi said. "I don't think he matters that much in the context of Iran. The political future of Iran is going to be decided in Iran. It's not going to be decided in California."
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With Trumps impeachment trial in the Senate looming, even his go-to of sticking it to immigrants when hes having a bad day proves elusive.

Next to trying to benefit his personal fortune and bullying foreign governments into helping him win election, Trumps biggest obsession is with finding as many ways as possible to abuse immigrants who are also people of color.

During the past three years you just knew that if something went wrong for Donald Trump, hed take it out on immigrants, be it in the form of rolling out another barbaric policy designed by Stephen Miller or by smearing immigrants with lies as bad as or worse than the ones he tells about Democrats.

Fortunately, Trumps second biggest obsession was dealt more blows in the courts.

A recent ruling took effect last week and it has the potential to be transformative. Immigration Court took the step of granting immigrants due process. It means the government can no longer hold immigrants in custody for indefinite periods of time. Also, it could open up other rights and protections for immigrants, whether they are in court or in custody.

The Massachusetts chapter of the ACLU, representing immigrants in the class action case, described the ruling by a Boston court.

The ruling holds that class members in New England are entitled to bond hearings at which the government bears the burden of justifying an immigrants detention, and at which the immigration court must consider someones ability to pay when setting a bond amount.

Even though Trumps administration wishes to forget the fact that immigrants are human beings, the courts continue to remember they are  as reflected in the due process ruling and in another ruling that struck down Trumps Executive Order that empowers states to decide if they wish to allow refugees to live in their state.

The ruling, in no uncertain terms, reminds the Trump administration of our obligations under the 1967 Refugee Protocol, which is codified in our Refugee Act of 1980.

These are, without question, positive developments. Im thankful to the courts for ruling within the law and the lawyers who do the work of representing people who truly are forgotten when politics, economics or life in general get challenging. Im not talking about the poor babies who whine about being forgotten when any government resource goes to someone else, or when policy benefits someone else. Im talking about people who continue to live in subhuman conditions  every day. Im talking about children who are traumatized, who get sick because of these subhuman conditions and who too often die while in our custody.

Even with the positive news of the aforementioned rulings and proof positive that 99% of asylum seekers attend their court hearings  thus debunking yet another of Trumps anti-immigrant lies  life for immigrants remains harsh and sometimes in actual jeopardy.

Asylum seekers who make it to America are sent to Mexico, allegedly to await their proceedings. If that was the real reason, the Trump administration would not deport people who won their cases.

And the fact that this is happening tells us that this never was about upholding the law or about, as Trump expresses histrionically, about having borders. Coupled with the horrendous conditions at detention facilities, it becomes undeniably clear that cruelty is the point. It is more than just a hashtag on Twitter.

A recent article ties illnesses directly to the food immigrants are fed while in custody.

Doctors treating migrants after their release from Border Patrol custody say that a disproportionate number of their patients feel ill after eating the food the federal agency gives them  namely, a certain packaged burrito.

Dr. Timothy Dormer said at least one member of every family released by border control is ill as a result of eating the burrito. The problem is not with the food as such, but rather with not heating the burritos sufficiently. Burritos are simply distributed while still frozen and must be allowed to thaw out on their own before they can be eaten.

With the frequency of illnesses, as documented by doctors, its far from unreasonable to expect food be adequately prepared. And, according to the reporting, the facilities have long been aware of the problem since at least 2015.

When considered with the totality of Millers barbaric policies regarding the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented immigrants, its difficult to ignore the possibility that the absence of food preparation is intentional.

Democrats continue to inquire about the deaths of migrants in our custody and Trump officials continue to dodge and weave. We remember Elijah Cummings chastising Trump officials who tried to justify putting children in cages.

On the fact that the inspector general has taken a year to investigate the deaths of Jakelin Maquin and Felipe Alonzo, Representative Xochitl Torres Small observed:

Even more concerning, the OIG limited its investigation scope to only determine whether there was malfeasance by personnel and did not consider whether CBPs policies and procedures are adequate to prevent migrant child deaths, Torres Small said. As Ive said from the beginning, the reason for these investigations is not to punish people, its to keep this from happening again. Its to make sure that we have the protocols in place in case were faced with this challenge again.

Its possible to have borders without putting kids in cages until they die from the unsanitary conditions. Countries do have borders while honoring rulings that determine an asylum seeker has a legitimate claim on which to remain in the country.

And while we may wish to look away, we mustnt, because this is wrong. No human should be treated this way. The fact is, history tells us that abuse always starts with immigrants, but tyrants never end their abuse with immigrants.

It has happened all over the world and for decades. And a word to Mr. Miller, this presidents authority will be challenged, especially when it violates the spirit and intent of our laws. Thankfully, the courts know their highest authority is the law  not Donald Trump.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 16, 2020

The ad industry is asking Google to reconsider its plan to configure the Chrome browser to block cookies set by ad-tech companies and other third parties.

The move, set to take effect by 2022, could choke off the economic oxygen from advertising that startups and emerging companies need to survive, the Association of National Advertisers and American Association of Advertising Agencies said in a statement issued Thursday.

They are urging Google to publicly and quickly commit to not imposing this moratorium on third party cookies until effective and meaningful alternatives are available.

The groups are responding to Google's announcement that Chrome plans to automatically prevent ad networks and other third parties from setting cookies.

The company said it will take steps to prevent digital fingerprinting -- a controversial tracking technique that involves identifying users based on their devices' operating systems, IP addresses, browser versions, installed fonts and plug-ins, and other data.

advertisement advertisement

The ad organizations stated they are deeply disappointed that Google would unilaterally declare such a major change without prior careful consultation across the digital and advertising industries.

They add that they plan to work with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that there are effective and competitive alternatives available prior to Googles planned change fully taking effect.

Google isn't the only browser developer to take steps to limit tracking by ad-tech companies.

Mozilla's newest version of Firefox aims to prevent digital fingerprinting by blocking third-party requests to companies that are believed to use the technology. Firefox also now automatically blocks cookies set by third parties.

Apple's Safari browser has long blocked third-party tracking cookies by default. That company also deletes some first-party cookies -- meaning cookies set by web sites that consumers intentionally visit -- in order to prevent companies from circumventing the ban on tracking.

Safari also aims to automatically restrict device fingerprinting.

The ad industry has historically opposed moves by browser developers to prevent tracking.

Back in 2013, when Mozilla first floated a plan to block third-party cookies, the ANA characterized the proposal as dangerous and highly disturbing," adding it would be "extraordinarily counterproductive for consumers and business."

Ad groups similarly blasted Apple in 2018 for rolling out Safari privacy settings that aim to defeat device fingerprinting and other forms of tracking.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Mystery shrouds the death of an unidentified woman whose body was found from a pit dug for a cellar at KPHB on Monday. Based on the clothes of the victim and her physical features, police suspect that she is an educated woman working for a private company and in her mid-20s.

The KPHB police recovered the body from a pit near KPHB road no 1 on Monday and sent it for postmortem. Inquiries revealed that the victim, whom the police assume is unmarried, was wearing leggings, a top and a jacket. The body was found in a highly decomposed condition and as it was in the water, it was in a swollen condition, due to which the face was beyond recognition. During the post-mortem, the experts too could not find any traces of alcohol in the victims body. Though the police suspect that the woman could have committed suicide, are also probing into all other angles.
A bottle of nascetta is photographed at Alimentari, the new wine bar-restaurant above DiBruno's Rittenhouse store on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Read more

The U.S.-Europe trade wars are about to hit a beloved target: wine. In retaliation for heavy European subsidies to an aviation company, the Trump administration has raised tariffs on European goods. By the end of this month, that could escalate to a 100% tax on European wines, along with spirits, food products, and clothing.

The proposal has created fear for many in the American beverage and hospitality industry who worry having to double their prices will scare off consumers and ultimately kill jobs. However, defenders of the tariffs say the move is protecting U.S. industry from being taken advantage of by European government.

The Inquirer turned to a local restaurant owner and a Trump campaign adviser to answer: Will the new tariffs hurt or help Pennsylvania businesses?

Harm: These tariffs punish American businesses for unfair European policy.

You might wonder why Im writing against the administrations proposed tariffs on wine produced in the EU since, as the owner of Jet Wine Bar and a professional archaeologist who has worked mostly in the Middle East, I am a champion of wines from non-EU countries like Georgia, Turkey, and Lebanon, and a cheerleader for the local, Pennsylvania market. Wont these tariffs help those other markets?

Not necessarily, but that is irrelevant. I am opposed in principle to these draconian sanctions whose detrimental impact will be felt across the industry as a whole.

Im not opposed to tariffs in general. They are a legitimate tool sovereign nations can use to protect the interests of their own goods, services, producers, and manufacturers. I own three restaurants in Philadelphia and see merit in certain government rules and regulations that, when uniformly and properly applied, may help small businesses function and, hopefully, thrive. However, there are always questions around the fairness and efficacy of such protection in practice. In this case, the problems are apparent.

One glaring issue is that the recipients of these punitive measures are far removed from the aircraft-manufacturing industry, which spurred the tariffs in the first place. An international court verified that unfair actions were taken to benefit Airbus by that companys component governments (France, Germany, Spain, and England). Those initial tariffs, though taken against the consumer and wine industry rather than the aircraft or industrial manufacturing spheres, were taken in stride by wine producers and importers as a consequence of international trade.

But the new tariffs are more widespread, affecting the food and wine industry across the EU. Those punished remain tangential to the actions being denounced. These tariffs are also far more severe. Initial tariffs were 25% on only some wine products from targeted countries. Now, however, the tariffs would quadruple to 100% and apply to all wine products from EU-member countries. In addition, French champagne is targeted with a 100% tariff as retaliation for unilateral taxation of digital services by the EU on U.S. corporations with significant global reach.

This leads to another problem. Tariffs and other such sanctions are often characterized as punishment against a depersonalized group or criminalized cartel. This other is generally not a known for whom the public offers sympathy. The focus on foreign wine and foods seems an overt appeal to populism over the conspicuous consumption of a faceless elite.

The proposed sanctions are so onerous that they threaten to impact far more people than the foreign other they are meant to punish. They will not protect the domestic economy, nor do they even pretend to do so. They aim to punish state-sponsored policy that unfairly benefited Airbus, yet are directed at an entirely different segment of the economy: wine producers, whose operation is far more decentralized, far more familial, and quite human in scale.

These tariffs fall short of foreign-government targets, and instead cast a wide net hurting U.S. businesses and consumers. Jill Weber

Choice in wines will be diminished for American consumers as EU wines become too expensive to import and stock. American businesses will be hurt by these punitive sanctions as the import and distribution system of wine products will be disrupted. In Pennsylvania especially, wine does not flow directly between producer and consumer. Distributors are responsible for the movement of wine from all countries, including the U.S. Diminished markets for import and distribution spells a loss of jobs in the industry. As retaliatory measures, the tariffs fall short of foreign-government targets, and instead cast a wide net hurting U.S. businesses and consumers.

Jill Weber is a professional archaeologist and owner of Philly restaurants Jet Wine Bar, Rex 1516, and Cafe Ynez.

Help: The EU needs to see the U.S. will push back against unfair trade.

If the Trump administration imposes tariffs on European wines, Pennsylvania workers will benefit in the long run. Wine importers and connoisseurs might complain, but President Trumps refusal to let other countries take advantage of American workers is about much more than just wine.

Its important to remember that trade between the United States and the European Union exceeded $1.3 trillion in 2018, and the U.S. ran a massive trade deficit of over $100 billion with our EU trading partners. That imbalance isnt the result of natural market forces, but rather the anticompetitive practices of European governments.

This isnt the first time President Trump has had to impose retaliatory tariffs on Europe. Last year, the World Trade Organization ruled that French airplane manufacturer Airbus received unfair government subsidies for years, and permitted the U.S. to impose $7.5 billion of retaliatory tariffs against the EU to recoup our losses.

Meanwhile, European governments treat American companies like cash cows. David Urban

The EU also places 10% duties on American cars, while we only tax European cars at a 2.5% rate. That disparity has frozen American car companies out of the European market, while giving European manufacturers relatively free access to American consumers. Nonetheless, President Trump has held off on slapping 25% counter-tariffs on European automobiles, which he had threatened to do in order to force the EU to negotiate fair trade terms.

Meanwhile, European governments treat American companies like cash cows. Frances digital tax, designed to punish American tech companies like Facebook and Google for offering their services to European consumers, is precisely the reason President Trump is considering a $2.5 billion counter-tariff.

Although much has been made of the anticipated impact on wine sellers, savvy merchants are stocking up in anticipation of the tariffs taking effect, and more than two-thirds of firms expect growth over the next six months per an analysis from the federal government.

 READ MORE: Dont tax toys in the misguided tariff war | Opinion

Free trade is great when its genuinely free and fair for everyone. The status quo, however, lets other countries profit unfairly at the expense of American workers and businesses.

Tariffs are a tool that the U.S. can use to restore balance to our trade relations. President Trumps counter-tariffs against China, for instance, recently produced a historic Phase One trade agreement that resolves several long-standing disputes between the worlds two largest economies  and commits China to purchasing $200 billion worth of U.S. exports over two years.

Even while tariffs are in effect, they often produce immediate benefits for the economy. Just look at U.S. Steels billion dollar investment in Pennsylvanias Mon Valley Works plant, made possible by President Trumps tariffs on foreign steel manufacturers who engaged in predatory practices such as dumping. That investment doesnt just mean more jobs for steelworkers and construction workers, but also more business for local entrepreneurs.

President Trump has demonstrated tact and forbearance in his negotiations with Americas trading partners around the world. His counter-tariffs have forced even the most stubborn protectionists to make concessions, and now the mere threat of tariffs is often enough to get a deal done.

This is about more than just wine; its about the long-term health of every aspect of Pennsylvanias  and the entire countrys  economy. Besides, theres plenty of excellent wine produced right here in the USA.

David Urban is a commentator for CNN. He served as senior adviser on the 2016 Trump campaign and is a member of the 2020 Trump Advisory Committee.
The FBI visited on Thursday the home of Connecticut congressional candidate Robert Hyde, who was named recently in the latest evidence submitted by Democrats in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Agents arrived at Hydes Avon home, which also serves as both his campaign and landscaping company office, CNN reported.

Hyde, first interviewed by Hearst Connecticut Media back in November, was reportedly surveilling former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, according to transcripts of text messages released by congressional Democrats.

If you want her out, they need to make contact with security forces, Hyde wrote to Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas on March 26, 2019.

They are willing to help if we/you would like a price, Hyde wrote. Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money... what I was told.

According to CNN the FBI and Manhattan prosecutors are examining Hyde in connection to that surveillance. Ukraine also said it was looking into those claims.

The home on Pheasant Lane near the Farmington River in Weatogue  where CNN reported FBI agents visited Thursday  is a $420,000, five-bedroom raised ranch with warnings of a dog, and a Hummer sitting next to a late-1950s Cadillac.

Reporters for CNN, who were present when the FBI showed up at Hydes home, said agents had no comment on Hydes whereabouts.
Two persons were arrested for allegedly killing a woman in east Delhi when she resisted a robbery attempt, police said on Thursday.

The accused have been identified as Mohammad Mazhar (27) and his brother-in-law Mohammad Kamrul (24), police said, adding that both are residents of Bawana.

According to police, the incident took place around four months ago outside the Shani Temple in Patparganj area of east Delhi.

"Police arrested both the accused persons from a house in northeast Delhi's New Usmanpur area," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Gaurav Sharma said.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the woman was seated in a car outside the temple when the duo approached her and tried to snatch her gold chain. When she resisted, they shot her in the head, he said.

The accused were involved in several other cases of snatching and vehicle thefts in the national capital, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 16, 2020] Morrison Cohen Announces Steven M. Cooperman and Y. David Scharf as Firm's New Chairs and Co-Managing Partners

Morrison Cohen LLP is pleased to announce that Steven M. Cooperman and Y. David Scharf have become the firm's new chairs and co-managing partners, effective today. Cooperman, a partner in the firm's corporate department, and Scharf, a partner in the business litigation department, were elected by the firm's partnership in September to lead the firm. They succeed David A. Scherl, who becomes chairman emeritus and of counsel after serving as the firm's chairman and managing partner for more than 17 years.



"We are excited about this new chapter in Morrison Cohen's history and about the opportunities for leading the firm to continued growth in this new decade and beyond," Scharf said. "We are honored to lead the firm during this important time." Cooperman added: "David Scherl built a strong foundation during his tenure that will enable us to continue to provide excellent client service, attract top-notch talent, and usher Morrison Cohen into a strong and prosperous future."

About Morrison Cohen LLP Morrison Cohen LLP is one of New York's leading full-service, midsize commercial law firms with a diverse client base of companies and individuals conducting business in many industries in the United States and abroad. The firm was named to Vault's 2020 "15 Best Midsize Law Firms in New York." Morrison Cohen provides a full array of highly sophisticated corporate, capital markets, business litigation, real estate, restructuring and governance, compensation, benefits, labor and employment, technology and intellectual property, and other commercial, transactional, and individual client legal services. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200116005231/en/

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A company that claimed to represent Qatar's huge sovereign wealth fund may have been struck off at the time it allegedly duped a Nigerian oil firm, it has emerged.

Seawave Invest, which calls itself an 'independent consultancy firm' specialising in Africa, received a consultancy fee from petroleum company Lekoil in return for a $184million (142million) loan agreement from the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA).

But Lekoil said on Monday that the Bahamian-registered firm had deceived it after the QIA said no such loan exists.

Seawave Invest received a consultancy fee from petroleum company Lekoil in return for a $184million (142million) loan agreement from the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA)

Now, the PA news agency reports that Seawave Invest might have had its business licence revoked before the deal was announced on January 2 this year.

Lekoil says it paid a $600,000 consultancy fee 'in good faith' to Seawave to introduce members of the QIA, in the hopes of receiving a large loan.

However, in a stock exchange announcement this week, it claimed the 'loan agreement...seems to have been entered into by the company [Lekoil] with individuals who have constructed a complex facade in order to masquerade as representatives of the QIA.'

The Nigerian oil firm's trading on AIM was briefly suspended this week and was 73 per cent down when it resumed trading the following day.

It has now appointed former British Foreign Office minister Mark Simmonds and non-executive director Tony Hawkins to investigate the loan agreement and try and retrieve the consultancy money that was paid out.

It added: 'The company will be contacting the relevant authorities across a number of jurisdictions without delay, with regard to what appears to be an attempt to defraud Lekoil.'

Corporate database website Open Corporates says the firm was struck off between December 9 and January 13.

Seawave describes itself on its website as 'an independent consultancy firm specializing in cross-border transactions with a focus on exclusively on Africa.'

They state their mission is to 'give high quality, fast and reliable financial advice to our clients while always putting their best interest first.'

A glance at the website brings up a number of suspicious features though. Seawave claims to be based in the Bahamas, despite its contacts page giving a PO Box in Accra, Ghana as its address. This address is written below a Google map of a location that's home to a Nassau-based law firm.

No paradise: Seawave was registered in the Bahamas (above), but gives a PO Box in Accra, Ghana as its address on its website

That firm Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher is linked at least 2,100 companies, according to leaked documents seen by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

On its website, the company offers to provide a registered office and registered agent, and set customers up with corporate secretaries and nominee shareholders.

A 'Message from the Board' on Seawave's website is signed off by the chief executive, though their name is not displayed. Nor are any staff members' names listed on the website.

The word projects is misspelled as 'porjects' in one instance, grammatical errors are common and no specific details of any work undertaken by the company are given.

Seawave released a statement written by 'The Management' on its website yesterday, saying it would not comment on the transaction, but 'welcomes Lekoil's investigation and will remain available to the best of its abilities to assist with same.'

The Bahamas is a well-known offshore tax haven where residents pay no tax on personal income or capital gains. The UK Treasury added the country to its money laundering watchlist in 2018.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD plans to roll out its Staten Island pilot program, where police do not respond to crashes that only involve property damage, to the rest of the city, a department spokeswoman said.

The program, which began in March of 2018, was a success," the department spokeswoman claimed, adding that response times for priority jobs decreased on the borough during the programs implementation.

The next step for the program  which is still in effect  is awaiting approval before it can be put into place throughout the other four boroughs, according to the spokeswoman.

While the NYPD lauded the effects of the pilot, others are not as keen on its results.

A source with knowledge of the towing industry, who wished not to be named to avoid losing further towing jobs, said that towing companies are losing business like crazy because of the program.

New York City utilizes a Directed Accident Response Program" (DARP) in instances where vehicles sustain damage in crashes. The DARP program constitutes that private towing companies be summoned to the scene by responding NYPD officers to remove damaged vehicles.

However, the NYPDs pilot program has caused a decrease in DARP calls, the towing source said.

Instead of calling police, some motorists are taking it into their own hands and driving mangled cars with issues like leaking fluid and deployed airbags, which would have previously caused a tow to be initiated, away from the scene after exchanging information  cutting towing companies out of the picture.

Now you got all crashed cars on the side roads," the source said.

The program is also affecting insurance agencies. One agent with over 20 years of experience, whose company did not permit agents to speak to the media regarding the program, said that a lack of a police report causes conflicting statements to be the only matter of record in crashes.

This is what prohibits the company from settling the case quicker, the source said.

In addition, the insurance source said that motorists could provide false or suspended information in the event of a minor crash  something that responding officers would be able to verify if they responded.

This (program) is not a good thing, the source said.

The Advance previously reported that drivers are responsible for exchanging insurance information and filing a report with the state Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the incident, according to the Twitter feeds of NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island and the 120th Precinct.

There is currently no timetable when the program will be rolled out to the rest of the city.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 23:51:04|Editor: yan

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MINSK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Belarus is eyeing more financial and technical assistance from the European Union (EU), the country's Prime Minister Sergei Rumas told Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins on Thursday here.

Minsk is interested in making greater use of the potential of the Eastern Partnership, a joint initiative involving the EU, its member states and six eastern European partners, including Belarus, for the development of the Belarusian economy, the prime minister said.

Rumas expressed gratitude to Latvia for its constructive position in helping make Belarus a full-scale partner of the EU.

He thanked Karins for his support of the Belarusian efforts to remove obstacles to investment and conduct more cooperation with countries within the EU.

Belarus is a very important neighbor of Latvia, Karins said, adding that Latvia is pleased to see an independent, stable and prosperous Belarus.

He also said Latvia is interested in relations between Belarus and the EU, especially within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, as well as in creating positive relations between Belarus and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The 2019 column I most wish I could take back was about Boeing. In May, two months after the second deadly 737 Max crash, I compared Boeings current troubles to other times when Boeing had stumbled badly, including 2013, when the new 787  which had come to market four years behind schedule had a problem with its lithium ion batteries, which burst into flames several times. The Federal Aviation Administration even grounded the plane temporarily.

Airplanes are fiendishly complex, and new planes almost always have kinks that need to be worked out (though, admittedly, those kinks dont usually include fatalities). In any case, my working assumption was that the company had always overcome its problems and would do so again. Boeings history strongly suggests that it will recover from this fiasco and do so quickly, I wrote. It will emerge stronger than ever. Ouch.

Within a matter of months, I could see that I was wrong and that Boeing was not the same company I had followed two decades earlier. In October, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenberg testified before Congress. He was awful. He kept saying that safety was part of Boeings DNA, yet the evidence angry legislators confronted him with  internal emails, for the most part  suggested just the opposite: that safety was no longer high on Boeings list of priorities. What was ascendant was maximizing shareholder value, with catastrophic consequences.

The company cut corners to get the plane on the market quickly. It used the least expensive suppliers regardless of how inexperienced they were. Its manual contained only one sentence about the system that was the root cause of the crashes. Worst of all, it persuaded the F.A.A.  and its airline customers  that pilots didnt need flight simulator training to fly the 737 Max.

The release of a devastating batch of internal Boeing emails late last week  showing engineers rushing to get a plane to market despite knowing it had serious problems  only reinforced the notion that Boeings culture had been compromised. A company that had long been run by engineers for engineers was now a company run by corporate bureaucrats whose primary goal was to please Wall Street. Thats the underlying story those emails tell.

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Which begs the question: How did this happen?

In the Atlantic not long ago, business writer Jerry Useem suggests an answer. He marks May 2001 as the beginning of Boeings cultural decline; that month, top executives announced that they were moving the companys headquarters to Chicago. More than 30,000 engineers would remain in Seattle, mind you. But the top 500 executives would move 2,000 miles away.

When the headquarters is located in proximity to a principal business  as ours was in Seattle  the corporate center is inevitably drawn into day-to-day business operations, CEO Phil Condit said at the time. How he could view removing the top brass from the day-to-day business operations as a net positive is beyond comprehension. But he did. Useem wrote: The present 737 Max disaster can be traced back  to the moment Boeings leadership decided to divorce itself from the firms own culture.

Condit was ousted in 2003 (in part because he had a series of affairs with female employees) and was succeeded by Harry Stonecipher. Stonecipher, who had been CEO of McDonnell Douglas when it merged with Boeing in 1997, had spent the bulk of his career at General Electric, including seven years under Jack Welch. As Ive noted before, Welchs stated goal was to make GE the worlds most valuable company, which meant focusing first and foremost on finding ways to increase the companys share price. As his underlings took over other companies, they brought that mindset with them.

Stonecipher was no exception. At Boeing, he gained a reputation as a ruthless cost-cutter and expressed pride in the way he was blowing up the companys engineering mindset. (When people say I changed the culture of Boeing, that was the intent, so that its run like a business rather than a great engineering firm, he once said.) Wall Street loved it; the stock price rose fourfold.

When Stonecipher was fired in 2005 (also for having an affair with a subordinate), the board passed over the obvious internal candidate, Alan Mulally, the head of the commercial airplane division and Boeings last great engineering executive, and brought in another Jack Welch protege, James McNerney. So now Boeing had a CEO who knew nothing about how to manufacture an airplane. And this lack of engineering know-how was compounded when McNerney named Scott Carson to succeed Mulally, who left in 2006 to become CEO of Ford Motor Co. True, Carson was a Boeing lifer, but he was a salesman, not an engineer.

In 2007, McNerney inaugurated a series of stock buyback plans, which lifted the stock price; it repurchased $6 billion worth of shares in 2014 alone. The CEO and other top executives received tens of millions of dollars worth of stock options and stock grants. Dividends were doubled. The stock bottomed out at $30 a share in the aftermath of the financial crisis, but by the time McNerney stepped down, it was approaching $150 a share.

Meanwhile, Boeing was putting the screws to its unions, eliminating their pensions and moving some production to a nonunion facility in South Carolina. Richard Aboulafia, the well-known aviation consultant, thinks this was a critical mistake  and another example of how little McNerney understood about the business of building airplanes.

Aviation is not like other industries, he wrote in Forbes after McNerney announced his retirement. There are certainly cost pressures, but this is a capital-intensive business with very high barriers to entry. Labor costs just dont matter as much compared to other industries.

Aboulafia concluded: An experienced and motivated workforce, therefore, is the most important asset a company has. McNerney failed to recognize this important fact, and the company has suffered as a result.

In that same essay, Aboulafia noted that the incoming CEO, Muilenberg, was an aviation engineer, and though he had spent his career on the defense side of the company, there was hope that he could reverse some of McNerneys emphasis on the stock price. But it wasnt to be. Instead, he ratcheted up the companys stock buybacks, retiring 200 million shares  a quarter of the companys stock  at cost of $43 billion.

How could Boeing afford to do that? As Jonathan Ford pointed out last August in the Financial Times, it was precisely because it was saving so much money on the 737 Max. Instead of starting from scratch and building a new plane, it simply bolted new fuel-efficient engines onto a tweaked existing airframe. Ford concluded: Boeing was able to redirect some of those savings to repurchase stock instead.

By the time Boeing decided to cobble together the 737 Max, its engineering culture was completely broken. Heres how Aboulafia described it to Useem in the Atlantic:

It was the ability to comfortably interact with an engineer who in turn feels comfortable telling you their reservations, versus calling a manager [more than] 1,500 miles away who you know has a reputation for wanting to take your pension away. Its a very different dynamic. As a recipe for disempowering engineers in particular, you couldnt come up with a better format.

You can see that disempowerment  and its consequences  in the recently released emails. Instead of bringing their fears and complaints to superiors, the engineers grouse to themselves about the problems they see with the plane. They are bitter about managements unwillingness to slow things down, to build the plane properly, to take the care thats required to prevent tragedy from striking.

There is one email in particular(1) from an unidentified Boeing engineer that I cant get out of my head. It was written in June 2018, about a year after the company had begun shipping the 737 Max to customers:

Everyone has it in their head that meeting schedule is most important because thats what Leadership pressures and messages. All the messages are about meeting schedule, not delivering quality .

We put ourselves in this position by picking the lowest cost supplier and signing up to impossible schedules. Why did the lowest ranking and most unproven supplier receive the contract? Solely based on bottom dollar. Supplier management drives all these decisions  yet we cant even keep one person doing the same job in SM for more than 6 months to a year. They dont know this business and those that do dont have the appropriate level of input .

I dont know how to fix these things  its systemic. Its culture. Its the fact that we have a senior leadership team that understand very little about the business and yet are driving us to certain objectives. Its lots of individual groups that arent working closely and being accountable . Sometimes you have to let things fail big so that everyone can identify a problem  maybe thats what needs to happen instead of continuing to just scrape by.

Of course thats exactly what happened: the 737 Max failed big  at a cost of 346 lives. Shareholder value has caused much harm in the three decades since it became the core value of American capitalism: diabetics who cant afford insulin; students ripped off by for-profit universities; patients gouged by hospital chains; and so much else. But none worse than this.

(Corrects the given name of aviation consultant Richard Aboulafia in the 13th paragraph.)

(1) The email in question can be found on page 24 of this document.

To contact the author of this story: Joe Nocera at jnocera3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Daniel Niemi at dniemi1@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Joe Nocera is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering business. He has written business columns for Esquire, GQ and the New York Times, and is the former editorial director of Fortune. His latest project is the Bloomberg-Wondery podcast "The Shrink Next Door."

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Turkey is beginning to send troops into Libya in support of the internationally recognised government in Tripoli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, days before a summit in Berlin which will address the Libyan conflict.

Last week, Turkey and Russia urged Libyas warring parties to declare a ceasefire. However, despite talks in Moscow aimed at halting Khalifa Haftars months-long campaign to seize the Libyan capital, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement when Haftar failed to sign a binding truce on Monday.

Turkey, which backs Fayez al-Serrajs Government of National Accord (GNA), has previously said that it sent a training and cooperation team which is now active in Libya.

On Thursday, Erdogan said Turkey was starting the deployment of its troops to Libya and that it would use all its diplomatic and military means to ensure stability to its south.

In order for the legitimate government in Libya to remain standing and for stability to be established, we are now sending our soldiers to this country, Erdogan told an event in Ankara.

Erdogan warned on Tuesday that Turkey will not refrain from teaching a lesson to Haftars eastern Libyan forces if their attacks against the GNA continue. The talks in Moscow were the latest attempt to stabilise Libya, which has been beset by turmoil since Muammer Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

On Sunday, Germany will host a summit on Libya involving the rival camps, their main foreign backers and representatives from the United Nations, the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, Turkey and Italy. Haftar and Serraj have also been invited, but it is unclear if they will attend.

Turkey and Libya signed two agreements in November, one on military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan said on Thursday that Turkey will quickly start granting licenses for exploration and drilling in the region.

In the areas that remain between Turkey and Libya, it is now legally impossible for there to be exploration and drilling activities or a pipeline without the approval of both sides, he said.

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After these licensing efforts, our Oruc Reis seismic exploration ship will begin its seismic research operations in the region, he added.

Greece, Cyprus and other regional actors have opposed this accord, calling it illegal. Turkey has rejected the accusations.

(REUTERS)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:18:11|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The just-signed China-U.S. phase-one economic and trade agreement has met the expectations of the international community, and will inspire confidence in the world economy and bring stability to global investment and trade, experts and officials have said.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said she sincerely congratulates China and the United States on the signing of the agreement, which injects stability into the two countries and the world economy.

It is beneficial not only to the economies of the two countries, but also to the world economy, she added.

China and the United States formally signed their phase-one economic and trade agreement in Washington on Wednesday, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump inking the papers at the White House.

The agreement ranges from expanding bilateral trade in such sectors as agricultural products, manufactured goods, energy, and service, further broadening market access, to enhancing the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights.

The two sides also agree to establish a bilateral mechanism for two-way assessment and dispute settlement, and the United States has pledged to cancel some of its additional tariffs on Chinese products, marking a policy change from hiking to cutting additional tariffs.

The signing of the deal, a hard-won phased outcome for the U.S.-initiated trade tensions with China, is a positive first step for resolving the economic and trade issues between the world's top two economies.

"Everybody is welcoming the trade deal. I think it's important that we try and understand the trade deal first, and then we are made aware of what phase two is," Peter Tuchman, an experienced trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, told Xinhua.

"The formality of it all clearly gives some confidence that this is a real deal," he said.

"It's probably the most realistic approach" to solve the issues step by step, given the complexity of the U.S.-China trade tensions, Nicholas Lardy, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua.

Bob Huff, a retired California State Senator and State Senate Republican Leader Emeritus, told Xinhua that the agreement will benefit the two countries who are both heavily dependent on trade.

The part of the deal on better protection of IP rights has positive implications for both nations, as China showed its will and capability to be a more dynamic and innovation-led economy, Huff added.

"U.S. business confidence can improve" with the implementation of the agreement, Stephen Gallagher, chief U.S. economist at the French multinational investment bank Societe Generale, told Xinhua.
A Class 8 student was allegedly raped in Rajasthan's Braran district by a youth who is on the run after committing the crime, police said here on Thursday.

The incident took place on Wednesday and the youth belonged to the 13-year-old victim's village falling under the Anta police station, they said.

The minor, along with her family members, complained to police on Wednesday night.

Police have recorded the minor's statement after her medical examination was conducted on Thursday morning.

Anta police station SHO said the girl was returning home from the market on Wednesday when the youth, identified as Kuldeep Meena, took her to a nearby isolated cattle yard and raped her.

On hearing her screams, her brother reached the spot and managed to rescue the minor, the police officer said, adding that the accused succeeded to flee.

Police have registered a complaint under Section 376 of the IPC and the POCSO Act, the SHO said. Efforts are on to nab the accused, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Invoking the specter of Charlottesville in a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Governor Ralph "Blackface" Northam declared a temporary state of emergency ahead of Monday's proSecond Amendment Lobby Day rally in Richmond. The emergency order will be in effect from Friday evening until January 21, the day after tens of thousands of 2A-supporters are expected to arrive on the grounds of the capitol building.

In his speech, Northam ratcheted up the tension between law-abiding Virginians and gun-control zealots.



YouTube screen grab.

The governor claims he has received, "credible intelligence from law enforcement agencies" that out-of-state militia groups, white nationalists, and hate groups will arrive in Richmond to "intimidate and cause harm."

"State intelligence analysts," he says, have been perusing the dark web and mainstream channels, both online and offline, and are seeing rhetoric similar to that used by "violent groups and white nationalists" before the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally in 2017. Northam told a reporter during the Q&A that he doesn't "want a repeat of what happened in Charlottesville."

From YouTube:

Northam's fear-mongering continued, ominously suggesting that non-essential employees should not report to work on Monday. "If you don't need to be in Richmond on Monday...please consider staying home," he said. Standing behind Northam was Richmond's Democrat mayor, Levar Stoney, one of Terry McAuliffe's former employees, who now presides over a city where black-on-black shootings occur on a daily basis. To add fuel to the fire the Democrats themselves are igniting, Stoney told the press that "violations of the law will not be tolerated. I repeat: violations of the law will not be tolerated."

Whose law, Mr. Stoney?

Northam's emergency order prohibits the carrying of all firearms, along with "bats, sticks," and weapons of any nature on capitol grounds until Tuesday. The governor contends that the "threat of armed militia groups storming our capital" makes it necessary to impose a state of emergency.

Later, the governor who has dishonored Virginia by wearing blackface, advocating killing full-term babies, and tyrannically denying citizens their constitutional right to bear arms warned gun rights rally-goers not to "dishonor" their state. He called on the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), the organizer of Monday's rally, to disavow and discourage violence. This, after the governor stated that the VCDL had "unleashed something much larger" than it is able to control. Northam's incendiary scare tactics and "white supremacist" reference portraying law-abiding citizens as evildoers may unleash his Bloomberg/Soros-funded leftists to show up on Monday  just as in Charlottesville.

The VCDL and other gun rights groups have done nothing but preach peace before and during their annual assembly. The Lobby Day rally has been going on peacefully for many years. The increased numbers predicted for Monday have resulted from the multiple unconstitutional gun control laws being brought before both Democrat-controlled state houses. Northam has made no secret of his desire to infringe on Virginians' Second Amendment rights. Declaring a "state of emergency" and illegally denying citizens the right to carry on public grounds while corralling thousands of tax-paying unarmed gun rightssupporters inside makeshift fencing at Capitol Square is what tyranny looks like. Incredibly, law enforcement officials from the Virginia State Police, Richmond City Police, and Capitol Police also appeared at the conference, swearing their allegiance to Northam, not the U.S. Constitution.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, Deborah Adams Kearnaghan, mother of two young men, gained her wings.

Deborah was born on November 4, 1964, in Norfolk, Va., to Hugh and Druscilla Adams.

She received her degree in accounting from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1986. She was an accountant and human resource manager at TVA for over 28 years. She had two sons, Jackson and Weston, both of Chattanooga.

Her greatest passions were being a mother and traveling. She visited forty-seven of the fifty states and four continents. Her favorite trip was to Paris, France with her Gal Pals. She treasured her many adventures with her high school friends, The Parns. Deborah enjoyed cheering on her Tennessee Volunteers at sporting events with dear friends from TVA. Deborah loved monograms, Dolly Parton, the Braves, cross-stitching, her dogs, and being with her friends and family.

Deborah was a strong and courageous woman who battled breast cancer for many years. She never let this stop her from living life to the fullest and touching every persons heart she met.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Hugh and Druscilla and her niece Casey. She is survived by her brother Mark, sister Donna, sons Jackson (Hannah) and Weston, and her fur babies Bentley, Cooper, and Nash.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. Receiving of friends will begin at 11 a.m., followed by celebration of life service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Americas Adopt-a-Soldier, as Deborah adopted many soldiers in her lifetime.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Deborah with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
MARSEILLE, France, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The roadshow of the third China International Import Expo (CIIE), held on January 14 in Marseille, France, attracted nearly 120 participants from government agencies, economic and trade institutions as well as enterprises of the country. French luxuries giant Kering and winery Maison Bouey from Bordeaux signed contracts to attend the third CIIE at the meeting, becoming the first French exhibitors of the Expo.

The Ministry of Commerce of China is closely cooperating with its French counterpart to promote the common understanding of both countries' leaders and drive bilateral economic and trade cooperation toward a new high, said Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Bingnan. It is a significant move for the Chinese government to hold CIIE to give firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. CIIE has become a "fast channel" to enter Chinese market for global enterprises. Wang hoped more French enterprises to attend the third CIIE to explore Chinese market with their featured quality products, technologies and services, share Chinese economic development opportunities and infuse greater impetus into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France.

Marseille's vice mayor Didier Parakian expected to strengthen cooperation with China in port logistics, digital economy as well as other fields, and encouraged local enterprises to participate in the Expo.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, a total of 77 French enterprises attended the 2nd CIIE with a gross exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, and achieved an intended turnover of $2.4 billion, 56 percent higher than that in the previous session.

Contact:Ms. Nie Qingxin

Tel.:+86-21-59760717/ +86-21-59761076

Email: ciie2020@ciie.org

Website: http://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciieonline

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ciieonline

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077996/CIIE.jpg

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The mother of Baby P, who died after months of abuse, will remain behind bars after losing an appeal against a Parole Board decision not to release her.

Tracey Connelly, 38, was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter at their home in Tottenham, north London, on August 3, 2007.

Known publicly as Baby P, he had suffered more than 50 injuries  despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over eight months.

Connelly admitted the offence and was handed a sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) with a minimum term of five years.

She was let out on licence in 2013 but was recalled to prison in 2015 for breaching her parole conditions by 'developing intimate personal relationships' online and inciting another resident at her accommodation to engage in 'inappropriate sexualised behaviour'.

The Parole Board considered her case for a third time in November last year, following previous reviews in 2015 and 2017, and refused to either release her or move her to an open prison.

Baby P's mother Tracey Connelly has had a third bid for freedom rejected by the parole board

Peter, known as Baby P (pictured), was tortured to death in 2007 by Connelly's lover Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen

The evidence before the panel was that, despite being advised to keep a 'low profile' when released on licence, she had dyed her hair pink within a few weeks of being freed.

She also visited a beautician for false fingernails, which attracted media publicity, and was told for a second time to behave appropriately.

However, within two weeks of that advice, she had her tongue pierced  which she said she had done 'on impulse'.

Psychological assessments of her concluded that she had 'a tendency to indulge in attention-seeking behaviour which was closely associated with a strong sense of entitlement'.

Announcing its decision in December, the review panel rejected a plan for release proposed by Connelly's probation officer, concluding it was 'not robust enough' to manage her in the community.

Connelly challenged the decision and asked for it to be reconsidered on the grounds it was irrational and unfair.

Connelly, 35, watched porn in a drunken haze as her 17-month-old son Peter, known as Baby P, was tortured to death in 2007 by her lover Steven Barker (left) and his brother Jason Owen (right)

Her solicitor argued the panel was wrong to find the plan for her release was not certain enough, as it could not be more certain until after she was freed.

It was also argued that the panel made an error when it concluded that, given the likelihood of publicity, her decision to visit the beautician showed a 'lack of insight' into the potential risks to her and her place of residence.

However, rejecting her challenge, Parole Board member James Orrell said the panel was entitled to reach the conclusions it did.

In a written decision published on Thursday, he said panel's main concern was Connelly's 'chronic and highly sophisticated capacity to deceive and mislead professionals' and that she had only recently become more honest and open  an improvement which would need to be tested before she could be released again.

He also said the panel was entitled to find the plan for her release was 'largely undeveloped' and to rely on that as a significant factor in its decision not to free her.

It is not yet known when Connelly will next be eligible for a review of her case.

She was jailed with her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen, who were convicted at trial of the same offence.

A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the toddler's life if they had acted properly on the warning signs.
BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday made an impassioned plea for the support of people of Bihar to measures taken by Narendra Modi government like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He also sought to dispel rumours of discord within the NDA in the state, asserting that assembly polls in Bihar will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally of the saffron party in this north Bihar district, Shah slammed the opposition for misleading minorities about the Act and engineering violence that had erupted in the aftermath.

Underscoring that the law provided for granting citizenship and not snatching it away from anybody, he said the party was organizing rallies across the country with a view to busting the misinformation campaign.

Shah sought support to the Modi governments measures like CAA as also abrogation of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

I want to dispel all rumours about our coalition (with Kumars JD(U)). The elections will be contested under Nitish Kumars leadership, he declared.

Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo), who is in jail in corruption cases, may go on dreaming that our coalition will come apart.

But he should know that the NDA has led Bihar out of his lantern age (an allusion to RJDs poll symbol) to the LED era.

The country and the state shall progress under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar respectively, the BJP chief said.

Shah had earlier stated in a couple of TV interviews that the chief minister (Nitish Kumar) will lead the NDA charge in the assembly polls this year.

This was, however, the first occasion for him to make a pronouncement to the effect on the soil of Bihar.

Those who shouted anti-India slogans at JNU a few years ago were sent to jail by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but (Arvind) Kejriwal has refused to initiate prosecution, Shah said taking a swipe at the Delhi Chief Minister.
A MAN has been arrested by gardai investigating the murder of pensioner Rose Hanrahan in Limerick city more than two years ago.

The 45-year-old suspect who is from Eastern Europe was arrested at Dublin Airport at around 4pm this Thursday after he was extradited from the United Kingdom where he was detained late last year on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

The male appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on January 2, where his extradition was ordered.

The man is currently being transferred to a garda station in Limerick where it's expected he will be charged with the murder of the pensioner before being brought before Limerick District Court.

Rose Hanrahan, a 78-year-old widowed pensioner, was brutally murdered at her home on New Road, Thomondgate in the northside of Limerick city on December 14, 2017.

Read also: Friends and family of Rose Hanrahan sing a beautiful rendition of Silent Night to honour the late Limerick woman

This is the first arrest in the major investigation which is being led by gardai attached to Mayorstone garda station.

Investigating gardai and the Family Liaison Officers have informed the family of today's developments.
Vietnams recently-installed infectious disease surveillance system detected two visitors from Wuhan, China, that were showing signs of fever upon their arrival at Da Nang Airport yesterday through a remote body temperature scanner.

At the event

The visitors were put into isolation and closely monitored, while samples were taken to the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute for testing in a bid to determine the causative agent of the disease.

During a meeting of the Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of Dangerous and Emerging Diseases held on January 15, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen noted that the Ministry of Health has compiled a list of individuals that came into close contact with the two patients in order to strictly monitor their health situation.

The Ministry of Health also sent representatives to work alongside the Da Nang Steering Committee on Epidemic Prevention and Control in a bid to strengthen prevention activities and combat the spread of the disease.

Despite the country yet to record any cases of the disease, there remains a high risk that the disease could spread throughout the nation as Vietnam has had a lot of trade exchanges and tourism activities with China.

Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to organise missions aimed at carrying out prevention work in localities that share large border areas with China throughout January and February.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen speaks at the event

Simultaneously, the Ministry has instructed localities to be proactive and take drastic measures in an attempt to prevent the spread of any potential disease, in addition to dealing with any detected cases in a timely manner.

In order to be proactive in preventing severe pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus in Wuhan, the Ministry of Health recommends that residents limit their direct contact with people infected with acute respiratory infections.

Citizens are being advised to wear a medical mask and keep a distance when coming into contact with infected patients, wash their hands with soap, and gargle antiseptic water to prevent cases of severe pneumonia occurring. VOV

Vietnam responds to Chinas pneumonia outbreak The Vietnam Public Health Emergency Operation Centre said it was developing response plans and preparing for worst-case scenarios following an outbreak of pneumonia in China.
YEREVAN.  A criminal case has been launched against activist Narek Malyan of Armenia.

Today, he and his friends came to the Yerevan Arabkir Administrative District Investigation Department with cake and firecrackers.

"I kindly invite everyone to the entrance of the Arabkir Investigation Department to celebrate together my 100th anniversary visit to law enforcement," he wrote, in particular, on Facebook earlier. "In the program: cake, champagne, balloons, firecrackers, songs, dances, of course, high spirits, and a bouquet to my new investigator."

And he told reporters outside the investigative department: The Soros [members] are trying to prosecute me with various fake and false allegations, but none of these many fake, false complaints are being processed."

Malyan added that he has accepted the challenge of the Soros members.
State-owned MSTC on Thursday said it has inked agreement with Engineers India Ltd for disposal of scrap material and machineries through its auction website.

"Engineers India Ltd has appointed MSTC Ltd as the selling agent as per the terms of selling agency agreement entered by both the parties on January 15, 2020 for disposal of movable/immovable items and all surplus condemned /scrap/obsolete material and secondary arising (ferrous and non- ferrous) as well as equipment, plant, machineries, properties, precious metals and misc articles etc through MSTC's auction website," the state-owned trading company said in a BSE filing.

The agreement will remain valid till either party terminates the agreement by giving advance notice of three months to the other party, the PSU said.

MSTC Ltd is under the administrative control of the steel ministry. The Centre has 64.75 per cent stake in the company.

It is engaged in providing e-commerce related services across diversified industry segment offering e-auction/e-sale, e-procurement services and development of customised software/solutions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Today, The Home Depot Foundation announced a commitment of up to $250,000 in response to the continued earthquake activity rattling Puerto Rico.

The Home Depot Foundation is working alongside its national nonprofit partners including American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, Team Rubicon and All Hands and Hearts to assess need, distribute emergency supplies and meals and provide individual care. Emergency supplies include water, tarps, mosquito nets, first aid kits, generators and more.

"Our hearts go out to our associates, customers and communities affected by the ongoing earthquake activity in Puerto Rico," said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "We have been engaged in long-term recovery efforts in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017 and will continue to work closely with our nonprofit partners to provide relief for communities impacted by the earthquakes."

The Homer Fund, Home Depot's employee assistance program, has been actively processing grants for affected associates in Puerto Rico. In 2019, The Homer Fund granted more than $1 million to associates in need following a disaster.

About The Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $330 million in veteran causes and improved more than 46,000 veteran homes and facilities in 4,500 cities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025.

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation, visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook + Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.

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SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

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www.homedepot.com


The France-Artsakh Friendship Circle has issued a statement on the 30th anniversary of the pogroms in Baku.

The statement particularly reads as follows: Independence is the only guarantee for the right of the people of Artsakh to life.

Thirty years after the Armenian pogroms in Baku, Azerbaijan continues to apply anti-Armenian racism as a priority of its state policy.

The France-Artsakh Friendship Circle joins all Armenians of the world and the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the pogroms in Baku.

On that day, under the instruction of the leadership of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan, hundreds of Armenians became victims of the massacres organized in the capital of Azerbaijan, and according to official sources, 90 were killed and 700 were injured. Azerbaijan perpetrated these massacres in response to the peaceful and democratic demand of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Circle recalls that the pogroms in Sumgiat, Kirovabad and Baku were the prelude to the large-scale armed attack of the Azerbaijani authorities aimed at extirpating the entire Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh. The war that Azerbaijan imposed and that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh won in 1994, incited the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to declare independence in order to avoid annihilation. The Circle also recalls that, on several occasions, the dictatorial president of Azerbaijan has characterized all Armenians of the world as enemies of Azerbaijan and that this durable and informed course of Azerbaijans policy is the main hindrance to the establishment of ultimate peace in the South Caucasus.

The France-Artsakh Friendship Circle calls on the OSCE Minsk Group to take into consideration the political realities in the South Caucasus and ensure the return of the Republic of Artsakh to the negotiating table, in accordance with the provisions of the ceasefire agreement signed in 1994.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday will release five more leaders of different political parties, more than months after the abrogation of Article 370. These leaders include Salman Sagar of National Conference (NC), Altaf Kaloo, Mukhtar Bhat, Nizamuddin Bhat of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Showkat Ganai.

The phase-wise release of leaders has been going on in the last few weeks. More leaders will be released soon.

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Meanwhile, Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah will he shifted to a government location adjacent to his official residence. Abdullah is expected to be shifted from Hari Niwas to a bungalow at Gupkar near his residence because of harsh winter. It may be recalled that the National Conference leader was taken into preventive custody on August 4 just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre also decided to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - on August 5, 2019. Sources said that the bungalow where Omar Abdullah will be shifted is being readied as he still a Special Services Group (SSG) protectee.

The news of shifting of Omar Abdullah comes on a day when the Centre has announced that a group of 36 Union ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this week in order to make people aware of the positive impact of Centre's decision to scrap Article 370. The Union ministers will also inform people about the steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre for the welfare of the people of the region after the abrogation of Article 370.

Sources said that the date for the visit of Union ministers would be finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on January 17. It is learnt that Railways Minister Piyush Goyal may visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 19.

Anurag Thakur, Giriraj Singh, Prahlad Joshi, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Renuka Singh, Jitendra Singh and Kiren Rijiju are among the other ministers who will visit different districts during their visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
A New Haven man with a long criminal history faces up to 40 years in prison for credit card fraud and identity theft offenses, according to federal authorities.

Steven A. Finkler, 55, of New Haven, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport and faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of up to 40 years in prison, according to a release from the office of Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Finkler also has used the name Andrew Finkler and other aliases and anyone who believes they have been victimized by the scheme, or by Finkler, is encouraged to call the U.S. Secret Service at 203-865-2449, Durham noted in the release.

Finkler stole credit cards from two of his employers customers in August 2017 and used the cards to make more than 40 fraudulent charges in Connecticut and New York, according to the release, which cites court documents and statements made in court. The charges included Finklers purchase of jewelry for his girlfriend, Apple products and electronic devices, and other high-end consumer and retail goods for either himself or his friends, the release said, noting the total loss to victims was $20,892.75.

Then, in September 2018, Finkler, using another individuals identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut and used the same stolen identity to create accounts with mobile device payment applications, the release said.

Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym, federal authorities said in the release. Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made approximately $144,000 in fictitious charges to bank accounts that he created and controlled. He then returned the credit cards to the victims wallets before the victims returned to the locker room. At least 49 individuals were victimized through this scheme.

Finkler pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud (credit card fraud), one count of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, federal authorities said. His sentencing is scheduled for April 1. Finkler has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $145,682.08, the release said.

Finkler, who has been detained since his arrest on Aug. 15, 2019, has a criminal history that spans 35 years and includes numerous convictions, including five federal convictions stemming from various fraud schemes, federal authorities said in the release.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Donovan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the agreement to permanently settle Bru-Reang refugees in Tripura, saying it will "greatly help" them.

He also said the Bru-Reang refugees will benefit from numerous development schemes.

"A special day indeed," he wrote on Twitter.

He said his government is committed to the development of the Northeast and its citizens.

"Today's agreement will greatly help the Bru-Reang refugees. They will also benefit from numerous development schemes," he said.

Seeking to put an end to the 23-year-old Bru-Reang refugee crisis, a quadripartite agreement was signed among the Centre, state governments of Tripura andMizoram and Bru-Reang representatives on Thursday to facilitate permanent settlement of Bru refugees in Tripura.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend

Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan considered a candidate's statement in connection with the parliamentary elections, Trend reports with reference to CEC.

Rauf Abbasov, whose candidacy was not registered by the Khatai constituency No. 35, appealed to CEC.

In his statement, Abbasov noted that the district election commission (DEC) turned down his candidacy without any grounds. During the investigation, the CEC expert group found that the decision of the DEC did not really indicate the reasons for the refusal.

Thus, CEC overturned the decision of the DEC to reject Rauf Abbasov's registration as a candidate for the parliament.

The CEC members proposed to take the activities of constituency No. 35 under special control.

Early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled to be held on Feb. 9, 2020.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Islamabad, Jan 16 : The death toll due to the extreme cold weather conditions in Pakistan has increased to 109 on Thursday, after 15 people, including five soldiers, were killed by avalanches in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), authorities said.

While 74 deaths were reported from PoK's Neelum Valley, the worst affected due to heavy snow, the other victims hailed from Balochistan, Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan, reports Dawn news.

PoK authorities have said that the toll could increase as some areas in the Neelum Valley were still inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, while weather officials forecast another spell of snowfall beginning on Friday.

The five soldiers were killed after being hit by an avalanche in Astore district, Gilgit-Baltistan.

According a press release issued by the authorities on Wednesday, Gilgit-Baltistan disaster management authority and district administrations have started clearing roads and rehabilitating telecommunication, electricity and other basic infrastructures across the region.

The Gilgit-Rawalpindi section of the Karakorum Highway has been fully restored, while the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) cleared road at four points by removing debris in Patton, Matta Banda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tatta Pani in Diamer.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, where he received a briefing from the PoK Chief Secretary regarding the damages incurred due to the heavy snowfall, avalanches, landslides and other rain-related incidents in the region as well as the relief efforts undertaken.

He also visited the injured people in hospitals.

Rain-related incidents have also led to the closure of major roads and highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PoK and Balochistan.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:40:14|Editor: yan

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RIYADH, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Thursday met with visiting French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss bilateral ties and regional affairs.

The two sides reviewed the bilateral ties and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the various fields, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and discussed a host of regional and international issues of mutual interest, it added.

No further details were revealed by the report.

The French top diplomat's visit came amid escalating tensions in the region as Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch rival, launched a missile attack last week on the U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander.
Ranchi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday recorded his statement in an ongoing fodder scam case in a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad was earlier brought from the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science to the court for his appearance.

His statement was recorded in connection with the fodder scam case related to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 139 crore from the Doranda treasury in Ranchi.

Statements of 107 of the 111 accused have been recorded so far in this case, hearing on which is going on in the court of Special CBI judge S.K. Shashi.

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"Judgment in the case is likely to come in three months," Lalu Prasad`s lawyer Prabhat Kumar told reporters.

The former Bihar Chief Minister is accused in six fodder scam cases. Of the five cases in Jharkhand, he has been convicted in four. A trial in the fifth case is underway in the Special CBI Court in Ranchi.

Lalu Prasad was convicted in the first fodder scam case on September 30, 2013. He was awarded five years in jail related to fraudulent withdrawals from the Chaibasa treasury.

He was convicted in December 2017 in the second case which pertained to fraudulent withdrawals from the Deoghar treasury. He was convicted in two more cases in January 2018 and awarded up to 14 years in jail.
www.NAELA.org In addition to serving as experts on how to plan with trusts under the SECURE Act, NAELA worked to obtain changes in the final bill to ensure that trusts for people with disabilities could retain the stretch

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) recognizes the impact that the new Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act will have on estate plans, especially those that involve leaving funds to people with disabilities. The SECURE Act brings major changes to retirement tax policy, particularly the rules that limit stretch IRAs. The "stretch" allowed an inheritor to take money out of a retirement account over their lifetime. The SECURE Act requires most, but not all individuals, to take the money out in 10 years. Yet, many estate plans do not leave retirement accounts outright to inheritors, but in a trust for their benefit. NAELA members understand how these changes will impact trusts, including supplemental needs trusts for people with disabilities and trusts for minor children.

In addition to serving as experts on how to plan with trusts under the SECURE Act, NAELA worked to obtain changes in the final bill to ensure that trusts for people with disabilities could retain the stretch, said NAELA President-Elect Wendy Cappelletto, Esq., CAP.

Families should review their estate plans in light of these changes. NAELA member attorneys are well-equipped to assist with your estate planning and retirement needs. Find a NAELA member attorney in your area.

About NAELA

Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. Upon joining, NAELA member attorneys agree to adhere to the NAELA Aspirational Standards. Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations, and others. The mission of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is to educate, inspire, serve, and provide community to attorneys with practices in elder and special needs law. NAELA currently has members across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit NAELA.org.
HE was a huge part of the musical fabric of Limerick.

The words of John Doyle paying tribute to his friend of 30 years, popular drummer Harry Hockedy, who passed away following a short illness this week.

Keyes Park man Harry, who was aged in his late 70s, was a stalwart of both the St Johns Brass and Reed Band, as well as the Downtown Dixieland Band, with John saying everyone in Limericks musical fraternity would have known him.

At his funeral Mass in the Holy Family Church, Southill, this Tuesday, members of the Downtown Dixieland Band, which he helped found in 2007 with John, played a few tunes in his memory.

John, who was also a conductor to Harry in the St Johns Brass and Reed Band, said: You ask anyone involved in music in Limerick, theyd know who Harry was. He packed a lot into his life. He would be well-known in musical circles across Limerick.

John described Harry as being very knowledgeable, infuriating at times, and a bit of a rogue really.

He had a rounded knowledge of lots of things. He was extremely well versed in lots of topics. But above everything else, and Im sure friend or foe would say this, he was an excellent musician.

Speaking on how they founded the Downtown Dixieland Band, John said: Harry jumped at the idea, he was delighted.

Harry was our drummer, I played clarinet, Jose Benson played trombone, he sadly has died since. My son Martin was the trumpet player. There was Tom Cronin, who played the banjo. We had a man called Noel McCormack, who played bass, and we had Anthony my brother on saxophone, he said. The whole idea was to meet once a week and play dixieland jazz. We set ourselves the target to play in Boston. We launched the band over there, and have been going ever since.

John recalled how Harry was really keen to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of band men and band women.

When we finished a gig, or started a gig, somebody would be up asking Harry about the drums. Harry would gladly launch into an explanation, forgetting the fact we were due to start or go home, and he had a full kit of drums to take down!

But, he added, Harry could tell if a youngster was not particularly interested, saying if he sensed this, he would drop them like a hot potato.

Harry was married to Ita, who died last year.

This, John said, really took its toll on him.

But he was a real showman when he was behind the drums. Hell be sorely missed. We are going to miss him terribly, and our main thoughts go out to his six children and the rest of his family.

He is deeply regretted by his sons Alan, Johnny and Derek, as well as daughters Jennifer, Deirdre and Marion.

He is survived by 10 grandchilden, and one great-grandchild, as well as brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, all other relatives and a large circle of friends.

Harrys funeral took place in his home parish of Southill this week.

May he rest in peace.


Shepherds Bush Intercepts Multiple Broad Gold Zones

Canberra, Jan 16, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) is pleased to provide the latest exploration results from the 18 RC holes drilled at the Shepherd's Bush prospect located at the Mt Ida South project during December 2019 with significant intercepts shown in Table 1*.The Company completed an 11-hole RC drilling program in July 2019 for a total of 1140 metres at the Shepherds Bush prospect, validating historical holes drilled by La Mancha Resources with results of the drill program announced to the market on 6th August 2019.As a follow up to the July 2019 Shepherds Bush program Alt completed a further 18-hole RC, 1960 metre, RC drill program at the prospect in December 2019. This additional drilling infilled and extended, south, the previous drilling (Figure 2*). The significant results from both the July and December RC programs are shown in Table 1* with holes SBRC001 through SBRC011 having previously been reported in August 2019. The total number of metres drilled to date is 3,100. The location of all RC holes drilled at the Shepherds Bush prospect can be seen in Figure 2*. Figures 3-5* are cross sections showing the geology along with gold intercepts, the section locations are included below on Figure 2*.Gold mineralization at Shepherds Bush appears structurally controlled striking north-east with a moderate dip to the south-east. Recent drilling has confirmed the majority of gold mineralisation at Shepherds Bush is associated with banded shale and chert beds with minor BIF. The shale and chert units in the oxide display multiphase veining and brecciation and variable amounts of carbonate and chlorite alteration with little sulphides contained in these units. Bands of massive to semi massive sulphides have been intercepted further downhole. Surface outcrop appears as an iron rich gossan and together with the chert forms the dominant topographic feature in the area. The zones of massive to semi massive sulphide mineralisation are dominantly pyrite, pyrrhotite with minor chalcopyrite and sphalerite and is hosted below at least two shale/chert horizons.The results from the two RC programs indicate Shepherds Bush has the potential to develop as a bulk tonnage low-grade gold deposit. The Company will model the results and expects to deliver a maiden inferred resource for Shepherds Bush in Q1 2020 and will continue to expand the drilling programs in 2020.Shepherds Bush is along strike to the south of Tim's Find deposit as seen in Figure 6*. The prospect area sits on the east side of a significant fold, likely the eastern limb of the regionally significant Kurrajong Anticline and current interpretation of the project scale geological mapping and existing magnetic survey data indicate complex faulting and folding sequences at Shepherds Bush (Figure 7*). The interpreted anticline axis, southwest of the Shepherd's Bush drill area is seen as a prospective target area, as shown on Figure 6*.Mt Ida South - Regional GeologyThe Mt Ida South Project area hosts the Tim's Find, Shepherds Bush and the Spotted Dog prospect areas and is located approximately 90 kilometres west of Leonora. The exploration target is gold mineralisation associated with subsidiary structures adjacent to the Ballard and Mt Ida Shears within the Kurrajong Anticline. The Mt Ida South Project is located within the Mt Ida Greenstone Belt on the Kurrajong anticline directly south of the Copperfield granite (Figure 8*).Mineral ResourceIn May 2019 Alt announced its updated gold and silver JORC 2012 estimates of the Mineral Resource at the Mt Ida Gold Project made by two independent geological consulting services. The Mineral Resource totals 6.8Mt at 1.9g/t gold for 406,000oz of contained gold and 3.78Moz of silver (5.57Mt at 21.1g/t silver).Resource UpgradesDuring the December quarter Alt completed additional resource drilling at the Tim's Find, VB North and Shepherds Bush project areas with all assayed results now received and the resource geologist is currently finalising the block models and the resource upgrades which will be delivered in Q1 2020 as planned.*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd

Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.
Met Eireann has issued four separate wind warnings for eight counties.

The status yellow warnings are in place for Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.

Gusts of up to 110 kilometres per hour are expected, and there is also a risk of coastal flooding.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said the strong winds will impact different parts of the country throughout the day.

He said: "Through the early morning and on into the early afternoon we're likely to see the strongest winds along the south coast and up along the west coast.

"However, it's not until the late morning and through much of the afternoon and evening that we'll see the strongest of those winds transfering over to parts up and down the east coast and up into parts of Northern Ireland as well."
Parnas asserted he was the one "on the ground" doing Trump and Giuliani's work, "and that's the secret that they're trying to keep."

Indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, a central figure in the White House's alleged Ukraine pressure campaign, said President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" despite his repeated denials of wrongdoing.

Read alsoU.S. House releases correspondence between Giuliani's ally and Ukraine's Avakov, Lutsenko and Bakanov (Video)

"He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the President," Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday night, according to CNN.

"I have no intent, I have no reason, to speak to any of these officials," he said.

Parnas asserted he was the one "on the ground" doing Trump and Giuliani's work, "and that's the secret that they're trying to keep."

"Why would President Zelensky's inner circle, or Minister Avakov, or all these people, or President Poroshenko, meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me," he said.

The comments, which represent Parnas' most forceful implication of Trump yet, come against the backdrop of an approaching Senate impeachment trial after the House on Wednesday formally presented two articles of impeachment to the chamber.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 00:36:13|Editor: huaxia

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NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar and China are good neighbors sharing a long border line, and the two sides will develop their relations through stronger cooperation, Myanmar's top lawmaker has said.

Speaker of the Union Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives U T Khun Myat made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Myanmar.

"I am happy to know that Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Myanmar President U Win Myint," he said, adding that the Union Parliament welcomes Xi's visit.

"The visit of the Chinese president has a significant meaning. It shows to the world that Myanmar has good neighbors and partners," he noted.

The legislatures of the two countries have maintained close communication and exchanges since Myanmar's Union Parliament was established in 2011, said the speaker.

"Chinese lawmaking experts came to share knowledge and experience with us," he said. "We also came to visit China at the invitation of our Chinese counterparts."

"Myanmar and China have shared a long border line, and had a good relationship in history," he said.

Xi's visit will strengthen Myanmar-China relations, which "will further develop with more and more cooperation," the speaker said.
The supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, is always up to something unusual. Now, astronomers have spotted strange new objects close by  and they aren't quite sure what they are.

Using 13 years worth of data from the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, astronomers were able to identify a new class of objects extremely close to the black hole, Sagittarius A*. According to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the six objects, named G1 through G6, appear to be interacting with the black hole.

"These objects look like gas and behave like stars," co-author Andrea Ghez said in a statement.

Some astronomers believe the elongated blobs are gas clouds, several times the mass of the Earth. Others think they seem more like small stars covered in dust, since they are able to closely orbit the black hole's edge without being completely destroyed by its pull.

Typically, the objects appear compact, but as they near the black hole during their orbits  which can last from 170 to 1,600 years  they stretch out.

The objects' behaviors are confusing: It's not clear if they're gas or stars. But the study's authors now believe they may be an unusual hybrid of both.

Image shows orbits of the G objects at the center of our galaxy, with the supermassive black hole indicated with a white cross. Stars, gas and dust are in the background. / Credit: Anna Ciurlo, Tuan Do/UCLA Galactic Center Group

2005: The mystery begins

The first two G objects were found in 2005 and 2012 by Ghez's research group. After G2 closely approached the black hole in 2014, scientists believed it was likely two stars that had merged into a much larger star, covered in "unusually thick" gas and dust.

"It went from being a pretty innocuous object when it was far from the black hole to one that was really stretched out and distorted at its closest approach and lost its outer shell, and now it's getting more compact again," Ghez said.

While the outer shell was dramatically stretched, the inner dust was not, indicating the presence of a stellar object inside G2, lead author Anna Ciurlo said. Sagittarius A* should have ripped G2 to shreds, but instead the object just passed right by it, prompting scientists to reconsider its classification.

Story continues

"G2 survived and continues happily on its orbit; a gas cloud would not do that," Ghez said in 2014.

Now, the team has discovered G3, G4, G5 and G6. The new objects have completely different orbits than the first two, but they prove they aren't as rare as once believed, creating an entirely new class of cosmic phenomena.

Artist's impression of G objects, with the reddish centers, orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. The black hole is represented as a dark sphere inside a white ring (above the middle of the rendering). / Credit: Jack Ciurlo

"One of the things that has gotten everyone excited about the G objects is that the stuff that gets pulled off of them by tidal forces as they sweep by the central black hole must inevitably fall into the black hole," said co-author Mark Morris, UCLA professor of physics and astronomy. "When that happens, it might be able to produce an impressive fireworks show since the material eaten by the black hole will heat up and emit copious radiation before it disappears across the event horizon."

After studying the objects' shapes, orbits and interactions with Sagittarius A*, the astronomers believe each G object could be a pair of binary stars, meaning they revolve around each other. Ghez believes they merged over the course of more than 1 million years thanks to the strong gravitational force of the supermassive black hole.

The objects are helping to explain how galaxies and black holes all over the universe evolve. Ghez said star mergers may actually be much more common than originally thought.

"It's possible that many of the stars we've been watching and not understanding may be the end product of mergers that are calm now," she said. "We are learning how galaxies and black holes evolve. The way binary stars interact with each other and with the black hole is very different from how single stars interact with other single stars and with the black hole."

According to the team, there may be even more unusual objects in this new class, but more analysis is needed. Ghez said this research could explain the chaos that is happening in the majority of galaxies.

"The Earth is in the suburbs compared to the center of the galaxy, which is some 26,000 light-years away," she said. "The center of our galaxy has a density of stars 1 billion times higher than our part of the galaxy. The gravitational pull is so much stronger. The magnetic fields are more extreme. The center of the galaxy is where extreme astrophysics occurs  the X-sports of astrophysics."

Two American students convicted of killing an Italian police officer

Emmanuel Acho wants kids to have a "true dialogue" on race

Hungary's Prime Minister Orban tightens grip with university legislation
BASEL, Switzerland and NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined forces with Last Mile Health and Living Goods to increase access to community-based primary healthcare for nearly 1.7 million people in up to six African countries, as part of their shared commitment to accelerate universal health coverage. The Health Worker Training Initiative is a three-year investment, generously matched by The Audacious Project, and totals USD $18 million.

Harnessing the synergy of cross-industry collaboration is key to advancing universal health coverage. Living Goods and Last Mile Health have pioneered the community health worker model and are continually exploring novel approaches to training and retaining community health workers. By teaming up with Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, precious resources and acumen can be maximized. All are united by the belief that community health workers play a catalytic role, and all share a commitment towards advancing universal health coverage.

Leveraging the unique expertise of each organization will drive tech innovation and deepen impact. In addition to financial contributions, industry partners will contribute disease-specific expertise and experience in the discovery and development of new tools, which will supplement the community health worker models pioneered by Last Mile Health and Living Goods, in partnership with government.

Investing in community health workers produces some of the best returns in health. Community health workers can yield a 10:1 return on investment, due to a healthier population, increased employment, and lower odds of health crises. In addition, community health workers can help primary healthcare systems serve the majority of a population's health needs, which means community health workers are one of the most efficient and effective ways to achieve universal health coverage. This partnership is a response to the growing call to action globally to advance universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.

"Focused investment in community health workers can accelerate progress to make universal health coverage a reality," said Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly and president of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations. "Public-private collaboration is critical to help governments lower barriers to quality care and innovative medicines that save and improve people's lives."

"Community health workers are the critical frontline to sustainably impact the health of communities in resource poor settings," said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. "Novartis is committed to strengthening healthcare systems and is proud to be part of this coalition to use digital technologies to reimagine the future of community health delivery."

The three-year investment will cover three areas:

Supporting the training and deployment of 2,500 digitally-enabled community health workers, reaching nearly 1.7 million people by 2022. Community health workers will be trained and deployed in Liberia , Kenya , Uganda , Malawi and up to two additional countries.

, , , and up to two additional countries. Supporting Last Mile Health's Community Health Academy, which is an open source, digital learning platform for community health workers and health systems leaders used worldwide. Training curricula for community health workers initially focuses on diarrheal diseases, family planning, malaria and pneumonia, with further modules expected to address non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Contributing expertise and personnel to Living Goods' new Kenya Performance Lab to develop mobile-based tech innovations that will improve community health worker productivity, strengthen supply chains and better identify obstacles to coverage. The Lab will leverage the knowledge and assets of partners in areas including data science, behavior change, performance management, analytics and technical health expertise. Innovations would be introduced in Kenya and then scaled to other countries within the broader initiative.

Together, these pieces of the investment aim to scale up access to life-saving primary healthcare while building stronger, tech-enabled community health programs for the future.

"Well-trained community health workers play an integral role in providing quality care in low-resource settings," said Andrin Oswald, Co-chair of the CEO Roundtable Executive Council and Director of Life Sciences Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "The Gates Foundation is committed to working with partners across sectors to achieve universal health coverage, which is necessary to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing the burden of diseases that disproportionately affect pregnant women and young children. We thank the companies involved in this initiative for their efforts to increase data-driven solutions to train and deploy effective community health workers."

"This partnership will play a critical role in helping to scale and empower the world's most promising health resourcecommunity health workersso that they can thrive and effectively save lives," said Dr. Jane Aceng, Uganda's Minister of Health. "Ensuring community health workers have the right training, digital technology, medical equipment and supervision is critical for ensuring they can help transform health outcomes, no matter where people live."

Each of the six investors will contribute USD $1.5 million total over the next three years. This funding will be matched by the Audacious Project through an existing USD $50 million matching commitment to scale community health workers in Africa, resulting in an USD $18 million total investment.

This investment will also support the sustainability of community health worker programs. Living Goods and Last Mile Health partner with governments to deploy digitally-empowered community health workers. Not only will this partnership support community health workers to reach more patients, but the curricula and tools developed through the investment will support improved community health worker performance for years to come.

"We are inspired that healthcare companies are taking collective action to strengthen community health systems in the public sector across sub-Saharan Africa to advance universal health coverage," said Liz Jarman, CEO of Living Goods, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, CEO of Last Mile Health. "This partnership is much more than a financial commitment; it joins a growing movement of philanthropists, companies, and governments that have committed to scale digitally-empowered community health workers and build stronger primary healthcare systems across Africa to ultimately save more lives."

To learn more about the community health movement and efforts to advance universal health coverage in partnership with governments, watch this video produced by Freethink.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all peopleespecially those with the fewest resourceshave access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Contact: [email protected]

About GSK

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

Contact: [email protected]

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities, and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based health care company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.

Contact: [email protected]

About Last Mile Health

Last Mile Health partners with governments to design, scale, strengthen, and sustain high-quality community health systems, which empower teams of community and frontline health workers to bring life-saving primary healthcare to the world's most remote communities. To learn more, visit lastmilehealth.org.

Contact: [email protected]

About Lilly

Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom.

Contact: [email protected]

About Living Goods

Living Goods is a nonprofit that saves lives at scale by supporting digitally empowered community health workers who deliver care on call  making it easy for families in need to get the care they need. Beginning its operations in Uganda in 2007 and expanding into Kenya in 2015, Living Goods works with governments and partners to ensure community health workers have access to the digital technology, medical treatments, supervision and compensation to cost-effectively deliver high quality, impactful health services. At the end of 2019, Living Goods was supporting more than 10,000 CHWs to deliver care to more than 7 million people. Learn more at www.livinggoods.org.

Contact: [email protected]

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.

Contact: [email protected]

About Pfizer Inc.: Breakthroughs that change patients' lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Novartis

Related Links

http://www.novartis.com


New Delhi :

Union Minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar has blamed Aam Admi Party-led Delhi governments negligence for the delay in the hanging of the Nirbhaya gangrape convict. The BJP leader questioned the Delhi government for not giving notice to convicts for 2.5 years after the Supreme Court rejected their mercy plea. The hanging of the convicts in 2012 Delhi gang-rape case is now delayed because of Delhi govt's negligence. AAP is responsible for the delay in justice. Why did Delhi govt not give notice to the convicts for filing mercy plea in the last 2.5 years? Prakash Javadekar asked.

The senior BJP leader told reporters that had the AAP government given notices to all convicts within a week of the Supreme Court order, they would have been hanged by now and the nation would have got justice.

Meanwhile, the mercy plea of Mukesh Kumar Singh, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, was rejected by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday.

The development comes a day after the Arvind Kejriwal government sent a recommendation of rejection of the mercy plea to the LG. Acting on that, Baijal rejected the mercy plea, News Nation has learnt that Baijals recommendation has already been sent to the Union Home Ministry. Sources in the government say that the Amit Shah-led ministry will send the recommendation on mercy plea to President Ram Nath Kovind today itself.

What Delhi High Court had said

Mukesh Singh had approached a Delhi court seeking postponement of the date of his execution on the ground that his mercy petition is pending with the President of India. The court will hear the matter at 2 pm on Thursday. The Delhi High Court Wednesday declined to entertain Singhs plea against the death warrant issued by a trial court and gave him the liberty to challenge it in the sessions court.

The plea was mentioned before Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora who has issued notice to the state and parents of the Nirbhaya for Thursday. The court asked the counsel for Mukesh to supply an advance copy of the plea to the prosecutor. Mukesh's counsel moved the trial court immediately after the Delhi High Court declined to entertain his plea to set aside the January 7 order issuing his death warrant and asked them to approach the lower court.

No relief from Supreme Court

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court dismissed the curative petitions filed by two Nirbhaya convicts. Two convicts  Mukesh Singh and Vinay Kumar Sharma  had filed the curative pleas after a Delhi court issued death warrants against them. A curative petition is the last legal remedy available to a convict apart from mercy plea. A five-judge bench of Justices NV Ramana, Arun Mishra, RF Nariman, R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan was hearing the curative pleas.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The IBM logo is seen at a trade show in in Las Vegas, Nevada on Jan. 8, 2019. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Supreme Court Revives Employees Suit Against IBM Retirement Plan

WASHINGTONThe Supreme Court threw out a lower courts decision and so revived a lawsuit by IBM employees who had invested in company stock. They argued they should be able to sue managers of the companys retirement fund in stock-drop litigation for not disclosing that the companys microelectronics business was overvalued.

The issue in the case, cited as Retirement Plans Committee of IBM v. Jander, is whether the fund managers can be held liable under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for not promptly disclosing problems in the microchip-making division that caused the price of company stock to fall 7 percent. IBM is short for International Business Machines Corp., of Armonk, New York.

The Trump administration argued Nov. 6, 2019, that ERISA doesnt generally compel corporate insiders to offer disclosures in excess of what securities laws mandate. Many companies across the nation offer their employees 401(k) programs that are governed by ERISA.

The Supreme Court issued a brief unsigned opinion Jan. 14. Justices Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch filed separate concurring opinions.

The decision remands the case to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals for reconsideration.

The retirement plans committee argued that there is no duty under ERISA for managers of an employee stock ownership plan to take action based on inside information. The high court noted the Trump administration argued a duty to divulge such information would run afoul of the goals of the complex insider trading and corporate disclosure requirements imposed by the federal securities laws.

The Second Circuit did not address these arguments, and, for that reason, neither shall we, the Supreme Court stated as it returned the case to the appeals court to provide it an opportunity to decide whether to entertain these arguments in the first instance.

The Supreme Court previously dealt with these issues in Fifth Third Bancorp v. Dudenhoeffer, a 2014 ruling that spelled out what plaintiffs have to include in their ERISA-based stock-drop lawsuits. Following that decision, most courts have tossed stock-drop lawsuits against corporate defendants such as JPMorgan Chase, Whole Foods, and Citigroup.

In the Jander case, retirement plan participants claimed in 2013 that the IBM division was losing money even though the company set its value at $2 billion. IBM offloaded the foundering outfit in 2014, leading to a large write-down and a $12.95 one-day drop in its stock price.

Kagan wrote in her concurrence that, under ERISA, retirement plan managers sometimes are required to take action based on inside corporate information.

Fifth Third Bancorp v. Dudenhoeffer recognizes that a fiduciary can have no obligation to take actions violating the securities laws or conflicting with their requirements or objectives, Kagan wrote.

At the same time, the decision explains that when an action does not so conflict, it might fall within an [employee stock ownership plan] fiduciarys dutyeven if the securities laws do not require it.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined in Kagans concurring opinion.

In his concurring opinion, Gorsuch wrote that the Supreme Court didnt rule that a lawsuit may proceed anytime a plaintiff is able to conjure a hypothetical helpful action that wouldve been consistent with the securities laws.

Gorsuch wrote that the Second Circuit should examine the securities law issue because if it isnt addressed immediately on remand, it will only prove unavoidable later.

The Jander case was one of three dealing with ERISA on the Supreme Courts docket for the current term, which began in October 2019.

In Thole v. U.S. Bank, heard Jan. 13, a lawyer for defined benefit plan participants said his clients should be allowed to sue plan administrators for fiduciary breaches even though the retirement plan is financially healthy and participants have not lost money.

In Intel Corporation Investment Policy Committee v. Sulyma, justices seemed unreceptive to arguments Dec. 4, 2019, that a six-year limitation for plan participants to sue over mishandling investments should be halved if participants had actual knowledge of the misbehavior complained of sooner.
The need for urgent investment in Britain's electricity network to cope with the rise in popularity of plug-in vehicles has been highlighted once more in a new report.

With pure-electric passenger car registrations rising by 144 per cent in 2019 and due to soar in the coming years, the Electric Vehicle Energy Task Force claims the national grid will crumble under increased demand for power.

It warned ministers who commissioned the report that without a 'smart charging' infrastructure in place, there is a real risk of blackouts across the country in the future - similar to those that left 1million Britons without power in August.

Demand on the grid: Experts have warned the government that the electricity network needs urgent upgrades in order to cope with the rising number of electric cars entering the market

The report, Energising Our Electric Vehicle Transition, was produced for the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

It warned: 'The infrastructure spending required to prepare the UK electricity networks for the electric vehicle transition is likely to run to tens of billions of pounds.'

However, it added: '...the Taskforce believes this cost can be significantly reduced if the right decisions are made and the transition is effectively coordinated between government and key energy, infrastructure and transport industry stakeholders.

'A prior study put this figure at between 2.7billion and 6.5billion.'

For the electricity network to cope with the increasing volume of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles charging from the grid, the task force recommended that a 'smart' approach is integrated into the system.

This would mean an infrastructure and power network that utilises periods of weak demand and better manages times of high use.

Among the recommendations made by the group, experts said there must be a greater emphasis on power storage to support the grid as part of a wider investment.

The report added: 'The electricity produced by generators, or supplied from storage devices, must exactly balance the demand for electricity on a second-by-second basis.

'This is generally referred to as maintaining system stability. If this balance is not maintained the system can fail.'

One million people were left without power during blackouts last August, caused when generators went down simultaneously due to imbalance in the electricity network

Last August nearly a million people lost electricity supply after generators went down at the same time due to an imbalance in the electricity network.

'In a future with smart EV chargers, the chargers could react to imbalances of this kind and reduce demand automatically,' the report explains.

'This could be a valuable protection to the system as non-critical load would be reduced, therefore minimising disruption to other system users.'

Further recommendations to minsters included:

 Ensuring that EV drivers, electricity consumers and the energy system benefit from the integration of EVs and the energy system.

 Providing financial incentives to EV drivers to ensure that the potential energy storage capacity of millions of electric vehicles is used to reduce peak demand.

 Prioritising greater standardisation across the charging network to ensure it works resiliently, efficiently and securely with the electricity system.

 Establishing an independent body to promote the benefits of smart charging through a major publicity campaign to ensure EV drivers are confident and well informed.

 Extending the principle of open data in the energy system to include EV charge points and EVs to allow more effective smart charging of EVs.

 Co-ordinating energy and transport planning to ensure we have the right infrastructure in the right place.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it is expecting 23 new battery-powered car models to hit UK showrooms this year

Just 1.6% of all new cars sold last year were electric. That might not sound much but it was a 144% rise compared to 2018

With plug-in vehicles growing in popularity, the strain on the grid will continue to intensify as motorists move away from traditional cars with internal combustion engines, especially diesels.

Currently, pure-electric models make up just a 1.6 per cent of the 2.3million new vehicles registered in 2019.

Some 37,850 battery electric cars were bought by Britons last year, on top of the 34,734 hybrids that can be plugged into the grid.

According to exclusive data given to This is Money, Birmingham saw the biggest rise in electric vehicle uptake, with ownership increasing by 527 per cent in the first 9 months of last year.

Governments are being tasked to encourage the uptake of low emission vehicles in efforts to improve air quality across Europe and fight climate change.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it expects 23 new battery-powered car models to hit UK showrooms this year.

It has also called for government help to ensure drivers can made the transition from vehicles that are refueled at the pump to those that can be topped up at the socket.

Mike Hawes, chief executive at the motor industry body, said: 'We urgently need more supportive policies: investment in infrastructure; broader measures to encourage uptake of the latest, low and zero emission cars; and long term purchase incentives to put the UK at the forefront of this technological shift.'

He added: 'Industry is playing its part with a raft of exciting new models in 2020 and compelling offers but consumers will only respond if economic confidence is strong and the technology affordable.'
Ned Nwoko intends to fight out malaria in Nigeria and Africa. In continuation of his fight against malaria, a summit would be held in South Africa, and his youngest wife and her mother went ahead of him for the summit.

In these photos, the actress and her mom, Rita Daniels are seen being welcomed to Cape Town as they pose for the camera. More photos below



Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
A four-day hearing has been set in June for a three-judge panel to hear evidence about whether Aubrey Trail should end up on death row for the killing of a 24-year-old Lincoln woman.

Saline County District Judge Vicky Johnson issued an order Wednesday afternoon scheduling his aggravation and mitigation hearing to start June 23 in Wilber.

Trail opted for a panel of three judges to consider evidence to decide whether prosecutors can prove an aggravating factor necessary for capital punishment after a Saline County jury last summer quickly convicted him of first-degree murder for the killing of Sydney Loofe.

He since has challenged the appointment of one of the judges, Johnson County District Judge Julie D. Smith, because she was general counsel for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services prior to being named a judge.

A hearing is set on that motion next week.

Earlier this month, one of Trail's attorneys, Ben Murray, filed a motion asking Smith to recuse herself because of her work on the execution protocols while working for Corrections.
AP

Rudy Giuliani claimed he was working with Donald Trumps consent when he and a now-indicted associate were pushing for Ukraines president to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, newly-released evidence suggests.

The documents, which the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees released approximately a day after receiving them from Mr Giulianis associate Lev Parnas, include a letter purportedly from Mr Giuliani to Volodymyr Zelensky, then Ukraines president-elect, and a handwritten note which reads: Get Zalensky [sic] to announce that the Biden case will be investigated.

The note, written on stationery from the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Vienna, Austria, also mentions that the author should start [communicating] with [Zelensky].

According to House investigators, an attorney for Mr Parnas confirmed the note was written by his client, a Florida-based businessman who was born in the former Soviet Union in what is now Ukraine.

After he was arrested for campaign finance violations in October, his then attorney, John Dowd, said in a statement to Congress that Mr Parnas and business partner Igor Fruman had been assisting Mr Giuliani in his work on Mr Trumps behalf.

Mr Dowd previously represented Mr Trump during the investigation conducted by former FBI Director Robert Mueller. While legal ethics rules would ordinarily have prevent him from representing Mr Parnas, an email to Mr Dowd from current Trump attorney Jay Sekulow (which was included in the tranche released by House investigators) dated 2 October states that Mr Trump consents to allowing your representation of Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman.

Mr Trump would deny even knowing Mr Parnas just eight days later when federal agents arrested him and his business partner at Washingtons Dulles International Airport as the pair prepared to leave the country on one-way tickets to Vienna.

The letter, dated 10 May 2019, is printed on stationery belonging to Mr Giulani and undermines the defence offered by Trump allies who say the president was using him as a back channel to advance legitimate foreign policy interests.

Story continues

It says: I am private counsel to President Donald J. Trump. Just to be precise, I represent him as a private citizen, not as President of the United States.

The message added that such an arrangement was not unusual in American law because the duties and privileges of a President and a private citizen are not the same.

It went on to request Mr Zelensky meet in [his] capacity as personal counsel to President Trump and with his knowledge and consent on 13 or 14 May 2019, when he had planned to be in Kyiv as part of his push to have Ukrainian authorities open an investigation into Mr Biden.

Were not meddling in an election, were meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do, Mr Giuliani told the New York Times on 9 May, the day before the letter was set to be delivered to Mr Zelensky.

He later cancelled the trip amid criticism that he was helping the president enlist foreign help in his re-election campaign.

In a joint statement, House Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Intelligence and Oversight Committee Chairs Eliot Engel, Jerrold Nadler, Adam Schiff and Carolyn Maloney said the newly released documents demonstrate that there is more evidence relevant to the presidents scheme that has been concealed by the president himself.

All of this new evidence confirms what we already know  the President and his associates pressured Ukrainian officials to announce investigations that would benefit the president politically, they wrote, adding that there cannot be a full and fair trial in the Senate without the documents that President Trump is refusing to provide to Congress.
The Department of Education is rowing back on a plan to transport pupils on a 20km daily round trip to another Dublin school while they wait for their own to be built.

Griffeen Community College, in Lucan - already in its third year of temporary accommodation - was told this week that, from September, pupils would be bussed to another location 10km away.

Permanent

The decision caused outrage within the college community, and the parents' council held a meeting last night, to which local politicians were invited.

Since opening in 2017, Griffeen CC has occupied a number of classrooms on the floor of another local school, Kishoge Community College, whose own numbers are filling up.

While a permanent home is some way off, the 140-pupil Griffeen CC was expecting to move to stand-alone temporary accommodation in September, on the site of the nearby Carline Learning Centre.

But on Tuesday school co- patron Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) told principal Rachel McGrath of a change of plan.

In a letter to parents, Ms McGrath said the Department of Education had decided that the school would be accommodated in the 600-pupil Kingswood Community College in Tallaght, 9-10km away.

She was told the bussing to Kingswood would continue for 12-24 months, depending on the time needed to acquire a permanent site and build a new school.

Describing the news as "very disappointing", she said it represented a "significant U-turn in the department's planning".

But a spokesperson for Education Minister Joe McHugh said that the department would "re-evaluate options to accommodate the school in September and remained open for discussions with DDLETB, local school management and principals".
Albuquerque police have launched a homicide investigation after a man and a dog were found shot to death at an apartment complex at 700 Eubank SE early Thursday morning.

Sgt. Tanner Tixier, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said officers in the departments Foothills Area Command discovered the body when they responded to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival they entered the apartment and located a male who appeared to be deceased from a gunshot wound to the upper body, said Gilbert Gallegos, another APD spokesman. Officers also located a deceased canine that had suffered a gunshot wound.

Gallegos said the apartment complex has been canvassed and search warrants were being drafted to process the scene and collect evidence.

There was a large police presence at the Manzano Mesa apartments, located near Kirtland Air Force Base, as authorities investigated the slaying.

At this time, there is not any suspect information, Tixier said in an email. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Police have not released the name or age of the person killed.

This is APDs third homicide investigation of the year.
Its rare that a 100-plus year old house located in a neighborhood that has seen plenty of bad times remains as unscathed as Kym Ricketts-Morris and Eric Morris home in resurgent Beacon Hill.

Built in 1910, the home was never abandoned, never vandalized and never sectioned into apartments. Instead it was for the most part well taken care of by a succession of owners who appreciated and protected its architectural integrity  save for the occasional shag carpet.

And as the homes latest custodians, the couple hopes to continue that tradition.

The fact that the house is still here 110 years later is amazing, said Morris, who is retired from the Army and is now a social worker with the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless. And we do feel the responsibility to try to ensure that that continues, no matter how long we live here.

When the couple moved to San Antonio two years ago, they initially thought they wanted to live in King William, but quickly discovered homes there were out of their price range.

So we started looking around, and when we drove up to this one we said, Thats our house,  said Ricketts-Morris, a master sergeant and Army combat medic at Joint Base San Antonio.

The five-bedroom, 2 -bathroom house has two stories with porches on both floors and a handsome gabled roof.

On ExpressNews.com: 1927 Alta Vista home gets modern addition in San Antonio

Its super comfortable and warm and welcoming, Ricketts-Morris explained as their youngest son, 6-year-old Luke, buzzed about. We do a lot of entertaining, and the house is nicely set up for that.

Theres still a lot about the house that remains a mystery, however.

They suspect, for example, that it was a kit house, sold by mail order and shipped by railroad to San Antonio for assembly.

Weve been in some other homes in the neighborhood, and they also have things like this, said Ricketts-Morris, gesturing to the built-in serving buffet in the dining room thats topped with a gorgeous stained glass window. The stained glass has different patterns, but apparently this was a popular option in these kit houses.

Other details they believe are original to the house  or that have been there so long they might as well be  include the Mission-style front and side doors, the wooden beams in the dining and living room ceilings, the wood flooring both upstairs and down and the pocket door between the foyer and the living room.

Sometimes it seems like the only thing not original is the plumbing and wiring, Morris said with a grin.

One of the previous owners, real estate broker Marcos Zertuche, lived there with his wife Lulu from 1995 to 2000. They did most of the restoration work, including removing plywood from the walls to expose the shiplap underneath before plastering over it. They also replaced the plumbing and made the updated the kitchen by adding modern appliances such as a dishwasher.

On ExpressNews.com: Monte Vista Home Tour features homes of Trinity University

The downstairs floors were covered by this red shag carpet, he said. When we pulled it up, there was this beautiful oak flooring underneath. Upstairs it was long-leaf pine. It was all still in very good shape, so all we had to do was refinish it.

Today the home is mostly furnished with many of the French and German antiques the couple collected during their postings in Europe.

We found a lot of it in old barns and in estate sales, Ricketts-Morris said. Actually, it looks better here than it did in our European home, which was much more modern.

The dining room table, for example, came from Spain where it had been in a home that had been vacant for 15 years. The bench seats look like small church pews, with intricate carvings along the top rails and seats that lift up for storage.

Upstairs theres a hand-painted dresser they found in a barn in Germany that they bought for about 50 euros ($55) that was insured for 10,000 euros (more than $11,000).

We dont know when it was made, Morris said, but you can tell it was pre-industrial because the only metal is the hinges. There arent any nails or screws, so the wood was assembled like a jigsaw puzzle.

Often in an old home like this, the treasures are hidden by later additions installed by previous owners. When fixing a roof leak, for example,the ceiling tiles were removed.

On ExpressNews.com: Moticello Park home went from overgrown to over the moon

What was revealed was the original ceiling made of wooden boards decorated with thumb and palm prints left by the workers who installed it back when William Howard Taft was president. Theyve since decided to keep the ceiling uncovered, hand prints and all.

Kitchens and baths in old homes are rarely original  few modern-day homeowners have the patience to use the same appliances and fixtures their grandmothers did  and the West Mulberry home is no exception. One of the previous owners, redid the upstairs bathroom, but decades ago, it seems, adding a pedestal sink and pink-and-white tile floor.

Its got more of a 1950s feel instead of a 1910 feel, said Ricketts-Morris, who did her best to make the room a bit more historically accurate by adding an ornately decorated wood fireplace mantle they found on the side of a road when they lived in Washington, D.C.

And when they learned that the previous owners had sold an historically accurate stove that had been in the kitchen, replacing it with a modern appliance, they found an old Hot Point model with a similar look to replace it.

Its doesnt work, so instead they use the inside of the oven to store their alcohol and mixers.

If not hot historically accurate, at least its efficient.

Richard A. Marini is a features writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 20:32:33|Editor: zh

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Despite the chilly weather, workers on China's third-largest island, Chongming Island, are busy installing equipment for a large flower project with an investment of over 220 million yuan (about 32 million U.S. dollars).

"The automatic seedling system will be ready before the Chinese Lunar New Year and the whole production line is expected to be operational in April," said Jiang Wu, technical director of Shanghai Yuanyi Seedling Co., Ltd. -- the operator of the project.

Mainly supported by Dutch technology, the project also uses equipment and technology from Italy, Denmark and Japan.

Fabio Camisa, project manager of the Italian equipment manufacturer Da Ros, expected the production site in Chongming to be a "showcase" for his company. "We earn good market share globally. We hope the project in Chongming can further increase our exposure in the Chinese market," said Camisa.

Sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Chongming Island's traditional economic engine was fishing, as well as rice and citrus planting.

As the country shifts toward a greener pattern of development, the island, an important part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, echoed the national call and found new wealth in flowers.

The island has developed over 10,000 hectares of land for the plantation industry over the past two years, aiming to build itself into a "flower island."

The total cultivated area of flowers and plants is expected to reach over 6,600 hectares by 2021 when the island will hold the 10th China Flower Expo -- a national event in the floral industry established in 1987. By then, the annual sales of flowers and plants of the island are projected to exceed 1 billion yuan.

Many flower companies have already been lured to invest in Chongming by its sound natural environment. They, in return, attach equal importance to preserve local ecology.

"We recycle the rain and river water to irrigate the plants and use environmentally friendly materials in production and delivery, making sure it's a virtuous circle," said Jiang.

Aiming at forging a "world-level ecological island," Chongming has taken a slew of measures to enhance environmental protection.

According to a development plan, all sewage in rural areas should be recycled on the island by 2020, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture is strictly limited.

In addition to Chongming's advantaged natural resources, Shanghai's role as a major flower trading center also makes Chongming shine.

Chongming is only about 45 km from downtown Shanghai and is connected with Shanghai and nearby Jiangsu Province by bridges and tunnels. It can also conveniently reach out to East Asian countries by air and sea.

According to the China Flower Association, China is now the world's biggest flower producer and a major flower consumer and trader.

A number of international players are therefore speeding up their footprints in the country. On Chongming Island alone, about 10 foreign-funded projects are under discussion or construction.

W.F. Leenen, a famous floriculture company in the Netherlands, and Cathay Tulip Association are partnering with Chongming for possible collaboration.

Gerard Lentjes, chairman of Dutch leading flower breeding company Armada, said the company has a "deep interest" in building a Dutch floriculture research and development center on Chongming.

"Armada is willing to cooperate with Chongming in areas such as flower breeding and patent protection to tailor flower seedlings suitable for the Chinese market," said Lentjes.
Thousands of volunteer firefighters will miss out on Scott Morrison's plan to pay them $6,000 compensation because of the fine print.

The scheme pays firefighters up to $300 a day in wages they lose by taking days off work to battle the bushfire crisis, many for weeks on end.

But fine print attached to the plan means few of the more than 100,000 volunteers will actually be compensated.

Workers employed by big businesses, volunteering in support roles, unable to prove financial losses, or on a list of other exclusions won't get a cent.

That will leave a huge chunk of them thousands of dollars out of pocket as they forgo wages to keep Australian homes from burning to the ground.

Scott Morrison's offer to pay volunteer firefighters $6,000 for battling fires raging across the country was well-received - but few will be able to claim it

Australia's unprecedented bushfire crisis means firefighters are away from their jobs for weeks at a time instead of the few days a year the system was designed for

Queensland, NSW, and South Australia have signed on to the scheme, though Victoria and Western Australia are yet to do so.

The unprecedented bushfire crisis means firefighters are away from their jobs for weeks at a time instead of the few days a year the system was designed for.

To make up for their lost wages, firefighters can claim up to $300 a day until they hit the $6,000 limit during this bushfire season.

The payments are tax free so the $300 is calculated to cover the firefighter's usual take home pay, not their gross weekly earnings.

Firefighters have to prove they actually lost income as a result of volunteering, so any time on a fire front on days off or outside normal working hours isn't included.

Firefighters have to prove they actually lost income as a result of volunteering, so any time on a fire front on days off or outside normal working hours isn't included

That means if a worker went to their brigade after work and spent all night fighting fires, then showed up the next day at 11am, they could only claim two hours.

Compensation only kicks in after 10 days of firefighting, with the $300 only counted for the 11th day spent away from work.

Firefighter compo scheme fine print Only actual lost wages and time out of ordinary work hours can be claimed First 10 days off aren't compensated - losing average worker $2,465 Staff at companies bigger than $50 million a year get nothing Only front line firefighters eligible, support volunteers excluded Drought-stricken farmers may not qualify as their income is gone Can't claim anything until all your annual leave is used up Advertisement

That means the average Australian worker would have to lose $2,465 before the government would start helping them out.

Retirees and the unemployed are also ineligible as they have no wages to lose while being on the fire front.

This would likely even stop former Prime Minister Tony Abbott from claiming payments as he lost his seat at the election in May.

Workers using annual leave days to fight fires also can't claim anything as they are still being paid that day - even though it would ruin family holiday plans.

Millions of Australian workers will be cut off if they work for a company with annual revenue of more than $50 million a year.

This would leave firefighters from bankers to checkout workers with nothing, even if they are some of the lowest paid staff in the country.

The exemption exists because it's assumed big companies can afford to support their workers with extra time off to battle bushfires.

Mr Morrison has encouraged businesses to accommodate their employees, and some have, but they are under no obligation to do so.

Millions of Australian workers will be cut off if they work for a company with annual revenue of more than $50 million a year

Scott Morrison (pictured) has announced volunteer firefighters battling deadly bushfires will be able to claim up to $6,000 in compensation

Self employed people can claim the compensation, but must prove their business suffered financial loss as a result of them not being around.

Drought-stricken farmers who are making little or no income due to crop failures or livestock that starved to death would therefore not qualify.

Finally, volunteers can only claim for time spent in front line roles actually 'holding a hose' with the flames in their face.

Therefore those in support roles like catering, logistics, and administration will get nothing, despite how critical to firefighting operations they are.

Brigades have previously told Daily Mail Australia their personnel officers volunteer 60 to 80 hours a week organising crews during the crisis.
Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (R) and Maj. Gen. John K. Love, U.S. representative to the NATO Military Committee (L), attend the NATO meetings in Brussels, Belgium, on Jan. 15, 2020. (NATO Photo)

Top US Military General Says NATO Cant Afford to Become Complacent: Report

U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley, the U.S. militarys top uniformed official, said that nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could not afford to become complacent about its efforts to maintain peace, according to a Department of Defense report.

Milley, who is the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the remarks during a break in his first meeting of the NATO Military Committeethe highest military council in the alliancein Brussels, Belgium on Jan. 14. The committee meets three times a year and involves the chiefs of defense from all 29 nations of the alliance discussing how to defend against threats to worldwide peace and security.

This alliance is important, Milley said. Its important to Europe, its important in the United States, and we should not become complacent about it. And things like defense spending and working together and interoperability and maintaining commitments to each other is important for preventing a great power war and in order to maintain peace and stability.

The intergovernmental military alliance recently announced that it has temporarily suspended its training operations in Iraq to ensure the safety of its personnel, amid tensions in the Middle East after Qassem Soleimanis death on Jan. 2. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently agreed with President Donald Trump that it could contribute more to regional stability and fight against international terrorism in the Middle East.

In the context of recent events in the Middle East, Milley said that he saw support from his counterparts at the meeting for NATO to be more involved in the region. He spoke about the importance of the Military Committee to provide ballistic missile defense support, given that there are NATO-allied troops at these various camps [in the Middle East] that just took Iranian ballistic missiles.

Right now, the NATO mission in Iraq is somewhere around 500 guys, Milley said. Its a noncombat train, advise, assist role  building [Iraqi] capacity to secure themselves. The United States still thinks, and NATO still thinks thats a valid mission and will continue that mission. We have no intention of not continuing that mission.

In the fight against international terrorism, NATO currently conducts training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. NATO scaled up its training and advising efforts in Iraq at the Iraqi governments request after ISIS was largely stamped out of the country in late 2017.

NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) was later established in October 2018, after three years of war against ISIS. NMI is a non-combat train-and-advise and capacity-building mission that seeks to strengthen Iraqi security forces and Iraqi military training institutions so that Iraqi forces can independently prevent the return of the ISIS terrorist group and help to stabilize the country. NMI includes up to several hundred trainers, advisers, and support staff from the 29 allied nations as well as non-NATO partners such as Australia, Sweden, and Finland.

Milley pointed out that NATO was put in place at the end of World War II to prevent another great power war and maintain peace. However, he noted that it appears that Russia wants to divide and weaken NATO.

That would be to their advantage, he said. Its to the disadvantage of Europe and the United States if NATO would just collapse and fall apart.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, who is also the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said that the alliance is directly confronting Russias hybrid warfare efforts by deploying a counter-hybrid warfare support team to NATO ally Montenegro to deter hybrid challenges.
A day after kicking up controversy by claiming that the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had met Karim Lala, a Pathan leader with links to the underworld, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut withdrew his statement following strong objections from Congress leaders.

In the hours that preceded the retraction, a political storm stirred as Congress slammed Raut, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress over the statement, seeking clarification on links with the underworld.

Rauts other remark, asking former MP Udayanraje Bhosale to show proof that he was a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also evoked criticism from Bhosale as well as the BJP. There were protests in Satara and some other areas.

Raut, who is the editor of Sena mouthpiece Saamana and a Rajya Sabha MP, on Thursday morning sought to clarify his comments.

He said they were twisted by those unaware of Mumbais history as he meant that the former PM met gangster Karim Lala in his capacity as a representative of the Pathan community.

Raut in an interview to a Marathi newspaper in Pune on Wednesday said: There was a time when Chhota Shakeel, Dawood Ibrahim, Sharad Shetty used to decide who would be police commissioner of Mumbai and who would sit in Mantralaya. Indira Gandhi had gone to meet Karim Lala in south Mumbai.

The statement by Raut stirred a political controversy with Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam slamming Raut.

Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said that curtains have been drawn on the row as Raut has withdrawn the statement. He, however, said that such derogatory statements will not be tolerated and that Raut should be cautious while making any such statements.

Thorat said, Raut should be careful while making any such statement in the future. We would not tolerate any such derogatory statement about our national leaders. Indiraji was a tall leader who had taken strict action against criminals in Mumbai and at the national level. Thorat added, Not only Karim Lala, but Indiraji ensured that dons like Haji Mastan and Yusuf Patel were put behind the bars.

Another Congress leader and revenue minister Ashok Chavan said, We are willing to pay any price, but wont tolerate insult of our national leaders.

Deora had tweeted: Indiraji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security. As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers, he tweeted.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Raut retracted his statement. On many occasions when Indiraji was criticised, many Congress leaders have remained silent. On those occasions, I have come forward and advocated. If someone thinks that Indirajis image has been dented by what I said, or if someones sentiments were hurt, I withdraw my statement, he said.

Former chief minister and leader of Opposition in legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis raised questions referring to the row over alleged Indira Gandhi-Karim Lala meetings. Fadnavis said, Why Indira Gandhi used to come to Mumbai? Did Congress use underworld support and funding to win elections? Did Congress use muscle power in elections? If underworld played a key role in deciding the police commissioner of Mumbai and power centre at Mantralaya, does it not mean the criminalisation of politics began during the Indira rule? he said.

He questioned why Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were silent. He asked the Congress to clarify about the allegations and speak up if the Congress shielded the underworld dons who attacked Mumbai.

Following Rauts withdrawal of comments, Thorat said the controversy should be over now.

Another controversy was kick-started by Raut, which has led to protests in parts of western Maharashtra. Protesting against Rauts comments questioning UdayanRaje Bhosales family lineage, Satara, which is Bhosales constituency, observed a bandh on Thursday. Shiv Prathisthan, an outfit led by controversial right- wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, has called for a bandh in Sangli on Friday. .

Amid controversy over the book Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi which was authored by a BJP functionary Jai Bhagwan Goyal, Bhosale on Tuesday said, Every time, the descendent should be asked [when any controversy erupts]. When Shiv Sena was christened, when the word Shiv was used, did you come and ask the descendants? When asked about Bhosales comments, Raut retorted in the same interview to a Marathi daily: He should bring proof that he is the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. BJP, in an attempt to get even with the Sena on the book controversy, attacked Raut. BJPs Ram Kadam filed a police complaint in Ghatkopar and demanded Rauts arrest. Kadam also staged a protest against Raut in Mumbai for questioning the lineage of Bhosale.
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is heading to Europe and then Latin America this weekend, leaving Washington ahead of the Senate trial for President Donald Trump on impeachment charges, the State Department said Thursday.

Pompeo will leave on Saturday to attend an international conference in Germany on the conflict in Libya the next day that is being co-hosted by the United Nations. The meeting aims to bring together many of the countries that have interests in Libyas ongoing civil war, and hopes are high that the warring parties will hold to a cease-fire.

From Berlin, Pompeo will re-cross the Atlantic Ocean to visit Colombia, Costa Rica and Jamaica before returning to Washington after a stop in Florida, where he will deliver a speech on the Trump administrations foreign policy objectives.

In Bogota, Pompeo will meet with Colombian President Ivan Duque and attend a regional counterterrorism meeting. In San Jose, he will see Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado and visit a law enforcement facility. In Kingston, he will meet Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness along with other Caribbean leaders.

Pompeo will return to Washington on Jan. 23.
Dr. Daniel Schultz, a professor emeritus at Cayuga Community College in Auburn, New York who has been honored with the prestigious Chancellors Award for Excellence in both teaching and scholarship, has completed his new book Tarnished Hero: a fascinating and scholarly work utilizing a myriad of primary sources to shed light on the life of a man who worked tirelessly to achieve material success in his adopted country and help achieve independence for Ireland.

Dr. Schultz writes, James Mark Sullivan was part of the post-famine Irish immigration to the United States in the late 19th century. Overcoming family misfortune, he moved from newsboy to journalist to Yale-educated lawyer. Relocating to New York City, his association with Tammany Hall involved him in the "Crime of the Century" Becker-Rosenthal murder case, a role not previously explored. Sullivan's involvement won him a patronage appointment as ambassador to Santo Domingo. Scandals about graft and corruption forced his resignation. However, another factor which contributed to his dismissal, unexplained until now, was his effort at subversion of his government's policy of neutrality, which was connected to his ties to Irish nationalism. He later established the first indigenous Irish film company with a pronounced Nationalist agenda, making several films that are now classics of the silent film era. Following the death of his wife and son during the influenza epidemic of 1918, he returned to the United States. Failing to revive his legal career, he removed to Florida, dying in relative obscurity.

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Dr. Daniel Schultzs illuminating book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish history and the impact of Irish immigrants both in America and in their native land.

Readers who wish to experience this compelling work can purchase Tarnished Hero at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
NEW DELHI : Amazon hasn't done India any big favours by investing $1 billion in the country, its trade minister said on Thursday, laying bare the tensions with the US online retail giant during a visit by its CEO Jeff Bezos.

Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart are facing mounting criticism from India's brick-and-mortar retailers, which accuse the US giants of violating Indian law by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers. The companies deny the allegations.

"They may have put in a billion dollars but then if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year then they jolly well have to finance that billion dollars," Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal told a security conference in New Delhi.

"So it's not as if they are doing a great favour to India when they invest a billion dollars."

Bezos, who is currently in India, said on Wednesday Amazon would invest $1 billion to bring small businesses online in the country, seen as part of the company's efforts to dispel criticism.

Ahead of Bezos' visit, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launched a probe into Amazon and Flipkart to look at allegations of deep discounts and whether the companies discriminate against small sellers.

Goyal said the allegations were "an area of concern for every Indian".

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The government is also planning to cut imports of oil and steel products from Turkey.

New Delhi: India is planning to cut some imports from Turkey and widen curbs on palm oil from Malaysia to oil, gas and other products, government officials said, targeting the two Muslim-majority countries for their criticism of Indias policy towards Kashmir.

India, the worlds biggest buyer of edible oils, has already effectively stopped importing palm oil from Malaysia by asking Indian importers to look elsewhere.

New Delhi is now planning to restrict buying of petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia, the two government officials, who did not wish to be identified, told Reuters.

The government is also planning to cut imports of oil and steel products from Turkey, one of the officials said.

Our government has not taken kindly the comments of Malaysia and Turkey and we will restrict trade from both the countries, one of the officials said.

The Commerce Ministry did not reply to an email seeking comment.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in whole by India and Pakistan and ruled in part by both.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said recently Hindu-majority India was invading and occupying the country of Jammu and Kashmir and Turkeys Tayyip Erdogan had said Kashmiris are virtually under blockade.

The Indian government withdrew the autonomy of Kashmir last year to tighten its grip on the region, shutting down internet access and detaining activists and politicians. Indias Supreme Court last week ruled an indefinite shutdown of the internet in Kashmir was illegal.

Tension between India and Malaysia, the worlds second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, further escalated after 94-year-old Mahathir criticised Indias new citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.

Turkey, meanwhile, has sided with Pakistan on issues such as its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which oversees the export of goods that can be used for nuclear weapons manufacturing.

Turkey is also against the blacklisting of Pakistan by the world financial watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to curb its alleged financing of terror, something India has been lobbying for hard.

Indian trade data indicates that overall imports from both Malaysia and Turkey had already taken a hit last year.

Malaysia to raise concerns with India

Malaysia will use diplomatic channels as it moves to resolve concerns over palm oil exports after India imposed some curbs last week, a minister said on Thursday.

This year, we foresee more challenges in some of our major markets, Teresa Kok, the Southeast Asian nations primary industries minister, told an industry conference.

A key concern was Indias imposition of restrictions on RBD palm oil, she added, referring to refined palm oil.

Despite these developments, the ministry will continuously engage these markets, including through diplomatic channels, to seek amicable solutions to restore market confidence and further strengthen existing and potential markets.

Malaysia aims to boost palm oil use for biodiesel to 1.3 million tonnes a year through the B20 and B7 programmes for the transport and industrial sectors, she added.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2020 -- High Purity Alumina Market: Key Highlights



The high purity alumina market was valued at ~ US$ 1.1 Bn in 2017, and is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR of ~15% during the forecast period.Expansion of the high purity alumina market is primarily driven by its rising demand from manufacturers of LEDs, lithium-ion batteries, and related products. The demand for LED products has increased significantly in developing economies such as China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, due to increasing regulations pertaining to the use of incandescent bulbs.



HPA is used in the coating of lithium-ion battery separators, found in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The rising use of sapphire glass by smartphone manufacturers is adding to demand for HPA.

Key Drivers of High Purity Alumina Market



Currently, LED bulbs reduce electricity consumption by 85% as compared to incandescent light bulbs, and by 40% as compared to fluorescent lights. With developments in technology, LEDs are expected to save electricity by 90% and 50% as compared to incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent lights, respectively, by 2020.

LEDs last 50 times longer than incandescent lights, and three to seven times longer than fluorescents. In addition, LED bulbs provide superior light quality than compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).



Production costs of LEDs and related products have declined over the recent past. Furthermore, this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Thus, steady rise in the demand for LEDs and the corresponding increase in LED production are expected to drive the HPA market during the forecast period.



Despite their energy efficiency, LEDs have been used exclusively in electronic devices (screens for cell phones, computers, and TVs). Technological advances have progressively reduced manufacturing costs. Coupled with a regulatory focus on energy efficiency, these reductions are opening up new opportunities for LEDs to enter the lighting sector. With a further decline in production costs expected and rise in environmental concerns, LED lighting is expected to be a lucrative area for the HPA market in the coming years.



Asia Pacific a Prominent High Purity Alumina Market



In terms of revenue, Asia Pacific constituted a significant share of the high purity alumina market in 2017. Expansion in automotive and LED lighting industries is estimated to provide lucrative opportunities to the HPA market during the forecast period.



North America recorded significant sales of high purity alumina in 2017. This is primarily due to the rise in research activities in higher grades of high purity alumina by various leading companies in the region. Additionally, increase in the number of stringent regulations on carbon and dust emission is compelling manufacturers to opt for high purity alumina-based coatings with high hardness and wear resistance, typically in lithium-batteries separators.



The high purity alumina market in Europe is expected to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period. The rising demand for energy-efficient LEDs and increasing mergers and capacity expansion activities among LED manufacturers in Germany, the U.K., and France are expected to drive HPA sales during the forecast period.



Request A Sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12665



Share of Prominent HPA Market Players



The high purity alumina market is dominated by a few major players, which generates intense competition. Key producers of high purity alumina depict a medium to low level of forward integration. This provides a distinct competitive advantage to market leaders in the HPA market. The entry of several small- to medium-scale manufacturers has intensified the competition in the high purity alumina market.



Companies such as Hebei Heng Bo New Material Technology Co. Ltd., Zibo Xinfumeng Chemicals Co., Ltd., and Xuan Chen Jing Rui New Material Co., Ltd. are leading manufacturers in the HPA market in China. Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Nippon Light Metal Co. Ltd., and HMR Co. Ltd. have a wide presence in Japan and South Korea. Baikowski SAS and Sasol Ltd. are the major players operating in high purity alumina market in the U.S. and Canada. Polar Sapphire Ltd. has widespread operations across Canada.
A prominent newspaper in Canada published an article that says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allowed to visit Canada. However, they cannot stay in the country because the monarchy law states that "neither rules nor resides."

Apparently, it violates the law since the country has the governor-general, the provincial lieutenant-governors, who are considered the closest as it comes to Canada having a resident royalty -- but "they're not royalty."

British-ruled countries should not have a resident royalty on their ground, but instead should stay at arms length and should stay that way, according to the editorial.

Prince Harry and Meghan are considered senior royals, and should they remain that way, Canada simply cannot allow them to reside there.

According to The Globe and Mail, it is not about breaking up with Queen Elizabeth II but rather maintaining Canada's unique and highly successful monarchy.

"In response to the sudden announcement of a vague and evolving plan for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, the Trudeau government's response should be simple and succinct: NO."

It stomps on Canada's identity, the article notes.

Canadians reportedly like the monarchy, the Queen and other royal family members visit, which tend to produce outpours of public enthusiasm. However, the article said that "while people who embody the Crown pay visits from time to time, they don't set up a home on the premises."

The editorial stated that a member of the royal family living in Canada does not accord with the long-standing nature of the relationship between Canada and Britain, as well as Canada and the Crown.

If they were "plain old Harry and Meghan from Sussex," they would be welcome; however, the publication said that because of the gentle but fundamental place in the constitutional system, a royal resident is not something that Canada can allow because it breaks an undeclared constitutional taboo.

Prince Harry and Meghan's plan to move to Canada mucks up the country's long history of breaking away from the British political system.

And while Canada was borrowed from Britain, the country is not Britain, and it will never be, says The Globe and Mail.

The editorial blasts, "Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal."

The Globe and Mail newspaper is regarded as Canada's "newspaper of record." It is published in five major cities.

The editorial comes a week after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals in an announcement.

The couple plans to live between the U.K. and North Amerca together with their eight-month-old son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Globe and Mail is not the only one who is thrilled about "Megxit."

On Monday, Queen Elizabeth II released a statement about the Sussexes after their two-and-a-half-hour Sandringham meeting which was attended by Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Philip. The 93-year-old monarch said that while the royal family "would have preferred" for the two Sussexes keep their senior palace duties, she remains "entirely supportive" to the couple.

In a statement published on Twitter, the entire royal family "respect and understand" their wish to live a more "independent life" and become "financially independent."
In 2014, Jackie Lynn Stevens faced a big decision.

An Instagram image showed a horse with the message: To buy or not to buy? He is so perfect in every way, everything I am looking for. But am I ready to jump back into this very expensive, time consuming hobby?

The answer, a recent grand jury indictment suggests, was yes.

For the next few years, the Instagram account was filled with photos of horses, horse shows, custom saddles, clothing including Western-style boots, a high-end truck and horse trailer and a boat. The account -- now private -- is under Stevens name and includes her picture.

The 51-year-old Damascus bookkeeper faces dozens of accusations of felony financial crimes, including aggravated theft and forgery connected with her alleged embezzlement of more than a half-million dollars from a local nursery business over a four-year period.

The 51-year-old Damascus bookkeeper turned herself in to the Clackamas County Jail last week and faces dozens of accusations of felony financial crimes, including aggravated theft and forgery connected with her alleged embezzlement of more than $500,000 from a local nursery over four years beginning in 2015.

Stevens allegedly stole from Jaycee Newman Inc., a specimen tree nursery brokerage company based in Boring. One of the owners, Deborah Newman, reported her suspicions to police in January 2019.

Newman said Stevens was referred to her by a mutual friend who is also an accountant. Stevens company was called Accurate Bookkeeping Solutions.

Newman said she knew of the Stevens family from its community ties. There was no reason for us not to trust her, Newman said. Everyone knew her. It was pretty devastating.

Newman said the business was having issues but couldnt determine why. It was just a conversation that didnt match up with what I was looking at, she said. I did more investigating and thats how I discovered it.

Clackamas County sheriffs officials said the agency spent months looking into the allegations and discovered Stevens allegedly wrote hundreds of company checks to herself without permission, forging the owners signature. Stevens then covered up the transactions using her access to the companys financial records, authorities said.

She has not been judged yet in a court of law, said her defense lawyer, Mark Cogan. She is presumed innocent and we will do our utmost to present whatever circumstances may exist to put this in the proper light.

The Instagram account is a showcase of expensive travel and purchases in recent years, including trips to Palm Springs, California, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic. She appears in multiple photos with horses and at horse shows.

An April 2015 post features a sign that says: Big dreams, nice horses & expensive taste.

A warrant was issued on Dec. 19 for Stevens arrest; she walked into the Sheriffs Office on Jan. 9 to surrender, according to a probable cause affidavit. She was booked into the jail and released.

Jaycee Newman Inc. so far recovered only $27,862.31 of the money, authorities said.

Newman said her business is on far better footing now that the stop is in the drain. The business was established in 1996 and employs about a dozen people.

It was a huge financial hit and we were having problems and thank God, our employees stuck with us throughout all of it, she said.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

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LANSING, MI -- Michigan State Police are questioning breathalyzer results in 52 drunken driving cases amid an ongoing probe focused on incomplete and potentially fraudulent maintenance records.

The cases so far involve eight of that states 203 breathalyzer machines, known as Datamasters, and span back to December 2018, state police said Thursday, Jan. 18. Testing issues have resulted in the dismissals of seven operating-while-intoxicated cases, including six in Detroit from October and one in Montcalm County last August.

At least two employees of Intoximeters, the St. Louis-based company contracted for $1.26 million a year to perform 120-day maintenance, calibration and certification of breathalyzers, failed to document tests, allowed machines that failed testing to remain in use and in some cases certified machines they never examined, state police said.

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In Detroit, a jail breathalyzer failed testing Oct. 10 but wasnt taken out of service for three days.

In Montcalm County, Intoximeters employees never documented an Aug. 23 breathalyzer certification in the Montcalm County Jail state police said. Consequently, drunken driving charges arising from a state police arrest later that day were eventually dismissed.

State police on Jan. 2 identified fabricated test results for a breathalyzer at Alpena County Sheriffs Department; and on Jan. 13, fabricated test results were found in connection with machines at Beverly Hills, Pittsfield Township and Tecumseh police departments.

State police didnt reveal the nature of the issues with machines at the Van Buren County Sheriffs Department or the Niles Police Department.

Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper provided an update on the investigation to the state Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Thursday.

State police placed all of the states breathalyzer machines out of service Jan. 13 and advised police statewide collect blood for evidence in drunken driving cases. As of Thursday, 37 breathalyzers had been examined, certified and returned to service after inspections conducted by state police employees.

It may take a month to get all of the machines calibrated and back online, Gasper said.

Gasper said state police opened a criminal investigation into possible forgery by Intoximeter employees and may seek to recoup costs associated with the investigation.

He cited laziness or carelessness as the motivation.

It appears Intoximeter employees cut and paste results from passing machines onto results from machines that were never properly examined, the director said.

If we can prove criminal acts occurred, we will pursue criminal charges against those responsible, Gasper told the Senate committee. I have spoken to the attorney general, who has pledged the full support of her office on both the criminal and civil fronts."
Back in 2006 I was on my first visit to Lesotho to learn more about the work of Prince Harrys new charity, Sentebale.

Sitting at the side of a dusty field on which a new school for Aids orphans was being built thanks to the charity, frantically tapping out my story on my laptop, I became aware of someone looking over my shoulder.

It was Harry.

Just wanted to see what you were saying about me, he said with a cheeky grin. I always want to know what people are saying about me.

Although I slapped his hand away and told him not to be so bloody nosy, he hunkered down next to me, both of us exhausted after our flights and covered with dirt.

Back in 2006 I was on my first visit to Lesotho to learn more about the work of Prince Harrys new charity, Sentebale (pictured together)

We chatted for a while about ourselves, why he was so determined to use his fame to continue his mothers work in breaking the stigma around the issue of HIV and Aids  and how much, no offence personally, he said, he hated the spotlight.

I will never break the confidences that members of the Royal Family have occasionally shared with me, and I certainly would not want to overstate the level of day-to-day interaction between members of the media, such as myself, enjoy with them.

But I do feel that such incidents offer us insights into the sorry state of affairs we have witnessed in recent days.

I will never break the confidences that members of the Royal Family have occasionally shared with me

Harry has never worn the mantle of royalty easily. Hes always just wanted to be one of the boys (albeit just one with deeper pockets and more houses than most).

Several times during our travels around the world since that Lesotho interlude  Nepal, New York, the U.S. and other African countries to name but a few  he has spoken to me about how he would just like to walk away from it all.

Until he settled down with Meghan, his biggest wish was to go off and live in Africa.

I would love to just go and work as a tour guide, you know? Just go off into the bush and be me, he would say.

Wouldnt we all, Id shoot back.

But you had to have sympathy with him, regardless.

How would any of us feel having their life not only mapped out in front of them, but largely played out on a stage for public consumption?

That cant be easy  and I would often tell him that I wouldnt swap my humdrum London life for his, ever, which would prompt a wry smile.

And yet it could also be intensely irritating listening to a young man given every privilege in life, a young man who would never have the pressure of working for a living as the rest of us do, never have the worry of job security and a mortgage hanging over our heads, talk about his lot in this way.

It was clear that his idea of just wanting to be normal wasnt anywhere near the same normality the rest of us experience.

It was wanting to live his very privileged life without the irritation of public and, particularly, Press scrutiny.

On the issue of the Press, it has been interesting to see, in recent days, a procession of so-called experts and pundits parade across the screen pontificating about a man they have never met (unlike the Daily Mails stable of royal writers, I should stress).

Many have lamented how sorry they are to see the back of the easy-going Harry they all know and love, reminiscing fondly of how he would happily accommodate journalists on trips, buy us drinks and share a few moments of bonhomie.

All of which was true, but never be fooled for a second that he enjoyed it  or even wanted to be there. Rightly, his put-upon media advisers considered this all part of his training as a senior royal, but it was clear to everyone concerned that it was an uphill battle.

All too often he would grill me about what I, or another member of the media, had written about him. His honesty was welcome and refreshing, interlaced with snippets of intelligence about his family, girlfriends, love for the military  and everything in between. But he would also talk about the supermarket magazines he picked up, voraciously devouring every article about his love life, riddled as they were with falsehoods.

In recent years he had even taken to scouring online articles and the comments underneath.

If its being said about me, then I want to know it, he would say, pretending to hold a notebook and pen. One day I would really love to have my own newspaper column so I can write the truth and tell people what I think.

It wasnt a healthy way, in my opinion, to approach the admittedly intense public interest in him. And I told him so.

Well, social media has offered Harry the chance to have his own column now, albeit one that largely offers sanitised propaganda with little independent insight into who he (and now Meghan) are and what drives them.

His honesty was welcome and refreshing, interlaced with snippets of intelligence about his family, girlfriends, love for the military  and everything in between

Harry has never been blessed with intellectual intelligence  and I mean that in the nicest possible way  but he has an emotional intelligence that few in the Royal Family can match.

Working with him first hand, I never ceased to marvel at his instinctive ability to connect with people, a beacon for those  like him, I would venture  who had a piece missing, or who just needed a hug.

In Nepal in 2016 we visited a hospital for children with horrific burns, many as a result of falling into open cooking fires in camps for people displaced by a recent, devastating earthquake. I pride myself on being a professional, but I would challenge anyone to witness, as we did, a little girl screaming in pain, swathed in bandages after suffering 80 per cent burns over her little body, and remain unaffected.

I found it particularly difficult as, unbeknown to Harry  or so I thought  I had spent the past 12 months in and out of hospital with my own son who was suffering from an unknown condition.

I wont lie, tears began streaming down my face.

Nevertheless, I carried on observing Harrys intuitive empathy, knowing exactly what to do and what to say, and interviewing the brilliant, passionate and dedicated nursing staff afterwards.

Later that night my phone rang as I was about to leave my hotel for the airport.

Hi, its me, the voice on the end of the phone said.

Who? I replied distracted, throwing my clothes into the suitcase. Um, Harry.

Sorry, who?

Oh, that one.

He told me he had watched me that afternoon, clearly upset, but getting on with my job.

You were so incredibly professional, I dont know how you do it as a mother. I find it difficult enough, let alone as a parent, he said.

Then he told me that one of his protection officers, with whom I had been chatting about our respective families earlier, had told him about my little boy and how I was leaving the trip a day early to get back in time for yet another hospital appointment.

I have to go into a reception but I just wanted to say how amazing I thought you were today given everything you are going through and say Im thinking of you, he said.

Needless to say, I was deeply touched.

Four months later he met his future wife. And the truth is, we have barely exchanged a word since.

Are the two events connected? Who knows, but, of course, I suspect yes.

When I congratulated him on the happy news that he and Meghan were expecting their first baby while covering the tour of Australia in 2018, he just scowled.

But I do firmly believe that while Meghan is the catalyst for recent events, Harry was perfectly capable of walking away from the Royal Family on his own. What we all love about Harry is his honesty, his mercurial nature, his Peter Pan-ness.

He wears his heart on his sleeve and as a journalist I genuinely appreciate that, even though I have been on the receiving end of his sharp tongue more than once as a result.

In 15 years on the royal beat, Ive watched him grow from boy to man. Ive grown with him, too. Weve both become parents and found ourselves dealing with the life-changing and sometimes challenging primeval emotions that brings.

I still wouldnt swap my suburban life for his. And I understand his desire to protect his wife and young son more than he can ever realise.

But understand, Harry, that sometimes your best friends in life are the ones who are willing to tell you when you are wrong.

Whatever the consequences might be.

Families are complicated. Who am I to give advice? But recent events do make me think back to a chance meeting more than a decade ago in a nightclub when your brother said protectively of you: Give him a break, hes just a young guy in love. Its probably just as relevant today.

William was looking out for you then. Can things be really so different now? Is it really wise to divorce yourself so acrimoniously from the only family that will ever truly understand the pressures you are under?

If you honestly think it is better for you and your family to take a step back, then do so  but dont cut yourself off completely.
Model Gigi Hadid made news earlier this week when she was spotted leaving a Manhattan courthouse after being called as a potential juror for the Harvey Weinstein trial.

But now it has been confirmed that Hadid was dismissed from the proceedings.

The 24-year-old supermodel made it through the first day when she reportedly said she would be an impartial juror.

She added that she does know Salma Hayek, one of Weinstein's accusers. Hayek alleges Weinstein sexually harassed her and threatened to kill her - accusations Weinstein denies.

AP

But the defendant's legal team also claim Hadid is close friends with fellow model Cara Delevingne, who is one of the more than 100 women who has accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

On Thursday, 62 potential jurors were released, including Hadid, who previously studied criminal psychology. Initially, 608 people were selected as potential jurors in the case but many said they could not be fair and impartial in their ruling.

REUTERS

Another potential juror tweeted about the proceedings and was called out by Judge James Burke for his behavior. The unnamed man now faces a fine and up to 30 days in jail - it is illegal to discuss court proceedings about an ongoing case.

AFP via Getty Images

The potential jurors who made it through the first series of questions will now undergo individual questions as part of the voir dire process.